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COMMENT MUSIC FILM TV BOOKS COMMENT
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ARTS SCIENCE LIFESTYLE
Should we test on animals?
SPORTS
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
ARTS
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Why Tracy Emin deserves respect
FILM
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Interview with Hattie Morahan
BOOKS
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Remembering books from our childhood
Starbucks referendum makes splash with YES result
Full story on page 2
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News
Roxy Mason, Editor Andrea Pavón-Guinea, Deputy Editor Nisa Khan, Deputy Editor
Editorial Democracy: Tortoise beats Hare The results of the Starbucks referendum may have come as a surprise to some. What had seemed like a no-brainer of a result was turned on its head as it was announced on Friday the 25th of October that students had voted a “Yes” to having the coffee brand supplied on campus. So what went wrong for the Against side? It appears that the surprise victory is a mirror of many classic voting scenarios; it all seems to be going swimmingly for one side, so no one thinks they need any extra help, or in this case, votes. In the first issue of The Rabbit for 2013-14, we reported that the referendum had made the national news, and as of going to press, it seemed that a greater majority were firmly in camp no. Not only was this side greater in visible number, they were indubitably more vocal, more noticeable, and had a far greater presence in social media and on campus. But they still lost out when it came down to the crunch. It seems as though slow and steady won the race, as Starbucks will now be supplied on campus. Was it merely the aforementioned that stopped people voting? There will always be those who planned to vote but didn’t, or thought it wouldn’t make a difference. As for myself, I was against the change in supplier initially, and still was when I cast my vote. The loss of having a Starbucks on campus outweighs any potential gain; in five years time no-one will care about having a vaguely different tasting coffee brand, but it is likely that the chain will have a mass presence across the student market, a place I feel it has no place. I believe that as a company Starbucks has demonstrated their own skewed economic morality, and in an age of recession of which Universities are currently a prime target of fund slashing and fee spiking, is it not somewhat ironic to embrace their corporate presence in our outlets? The very fact that the Students’ Union held a referendum is a clear sign that they recognised the potential change was controversial. And it sparked some hot debate, for a while at least. In the end though, democracy both favours the individual and the majority, and to keep it simple, what’s done is done. But it was done so fairly, through an official and organised voting system, which is all one is entitled to in the world of student politics.
Eleanor Brimelow, Editor of The Rabbit
STUDENT
Results are in on Starbucks Referendum Students Vote YES on Starbuck referemdum held on between the 23rd and 25th of October. Following mixed feedback after announcing the idea of introducing Starbucks as a supplier on campus, the Students’ Union decided to put it to a vote. Concerns had been voiced over the ethical standards of Starbucks and therefore the vote would be a chance for students to show how they felt about the SU bar using the company as their coffee supplier. The week began with the SU hosting a Big Coffee Debate on the evening of the 21st so students could become more informed on the arguments of the opposing views. Votes were then cast over three days, from 10am on the 23rd to 4pm on the 25th of October, with students being able to vote in Square 3 or online. Results were then announced in the SU bar an hour after polls closed, with For getting 1195 votes, Against getting 1128 and a remaining 79 abstentions. These results
were perhaps surprising to some after the Against campaign appeared to have more supporters following the debate at the start of the week. Furthermore, there is some argument that because the results were so close, with only a 2.8% difference between the two sides, they are not representative of student opinion. This is further supported by the fact that less than 22% of students registered with the University voted. The vote over having Starbucks on campus has also sparked complaints over a Costa machine which was recently installed in Square 3. However, the Costa machine was installed by the University, not the SU and therefore is beyond SU control. Many students wait to hear how the SU will act following these close results. Roxy Mason
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
Student opinion:
Funding boost for arts and humanities research at the University of Essex
Alex James, Biological Sciences “The issue is as follows-Should a University (the higher education sector is having funding slashed everywhere) support a company that contributes to that by tax avoidance? Starbucks directly harms students and the higher education sector, so they shouldn’t profit from them.”
Rhys Stevenson, Business Management “I think that students who voted yes may come to regret it when they look at the prices of the products sold by Starbucks; furthermore it will take away the cultural identity of our already-established food and drinks outlets.”
STUDENT
Free Speech campaigner attacks University Censorship The recent ban on the sale of The Sun and The Star in The University of Essex outlets caused ongoing debate, and now, a free speech campaigner has hit back at what they perceive as a regressive attitude to the freedom of choice. Greg Lukianoff, president of free-speech campaign group FIRE, has likened the actions of British Student Unions to those of “Victorian censors.” Following the decision of several student unions to stop selling The Sun newspaper on campus and the banning of Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines at various Universities, Lukianoff said in online political magazine Spiked this week: “What is ironic about the various bans issued by UK student unions is that I know that they think of themselves as very forward-thinking, very progressive, very much in keeping with a new age of sensitivity and compassion. “But they are echoing, in rationale and substance, the thinking of the old Victorian censors both in the UK and the United
NEWS
States in the nineteenth century.” In the past several months, twenty Universities have stopped selling The Sun on their campuses, in correspondence with the “https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/ david-dinsmore-take-the-bare-boobs-outof-the-sun-nomorepage3” No More Page 3 campaign. In addition to The University of Essex, other Universities who have partaken in the ban are The London School of Economics, The University of East Anglia, and The University of Manchester. The University of Edinburgh was the first to ban Blurred Lines as part of a larger policy to “End Rape Culture and Lad Banter on Campus.” , and was swiftly followed by Nottingham, Leeds, Birmingham and others. Essex’s Students’ Union placed a temporary ban on the single for its annual Fresher’s Week. Recently, Durham University made headlines after students voted against the banning of the controversial song from their union buildings.
Eleanor Brimelow
Students applying for arts and humanities doctorates at the University of Essex and six other partner institutions across the South East will share in a £17m funding award announced by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) today (Tuesday 15 October 2013). The funding is being awarded to CHASE (Consortium for Humanities and the Arts South-East England) – a partnership of seven institutions (The Courtauld Institute of Art, Goldsmiths, University of London, the Open University, and the Universities of East Anglia, Essex, Kent and Sussex) formed to promote excellence in research, postgraduate research training and knowledge exchange in the arts and humanities. The successful CHASE bid, coordinated by the University of Sussex, was one of 18 successful bids out of 30 shortlisted to be awarded funding from the AHRC. More than 230 students across the seven institutions stand to benefit from the award, over five years. The funding will cover fees, maintenance and professional development opportunities, including the enhancement of media skills and placements overseas or with prestigious arts organisations. The £17million award will fund doctoral students who apply successfully to the members of the CHASE consortium. Applications will be considered jointly by the partner universities via four panels. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis. The funding opportunity will be advertised to prospective students on partnership university web sites and on the CHASE web site in November 2013.
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STUDENT
Scholarship Students Honoured at Reception On the 23rd of October the University of Essex held an Undergraduate Scholars’ Reception at Wivenhoe House hotel, with more than 100 students attending. The event was a chance to celebrate the achievements of students who received a scholarship to the University, to encourage networking and also give a chance to thank donors for their contributions and support. Close to 300 undergraduate students from all over the world received the scholarship based on outstanding academic achievement and all of these were invited to the recep-
tion. It was also attended by many members of senior staff including the Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Wright and Registrar Bryn Morris. The aim of the scholarship programme is to ensure that everyone who qualifies is able to enjoy the benefits of an education at Essex, regardless of their financial circumstances. The programme includes Academic Excellence Scholarships, Bellerbys Scholarships, the ViceChancellor’s International Scholarship, Wellcome Trust Scholarships and Wivenhoe Bursaries. Roxy Mason
Latin America Week at Essex The University will be hosting a whole week of events in November dedicated to Chile. These events include screenings, panel discussions and a series of talks by leading human rights activists. As the struggle for social equality continues, the Chilean economy is growing with a capable future, developing further from its painful past. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the overthrown government of Salvador Allende, led by General Augusto Pinochet. According to official figures, more than 3,000 Chileans were killed under the Pinochet regime as thousands of others suffered through the likes of torture, detention, and exile. One of the leading immunologists at the School of
Biological Sciences was a victim of the Pinochet regime and he said, “This week of events is being held because of the international recognition for its work on human rights. The international reaction to human rights abuses in Chile saved thousands from being killed by the Pinochet regime including me, but the country is still dealing with the legacy from those years of terror.” The former Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet, who received an honorary doctorate from the University in 2008, supports this particular week of events and is the current frontrunner in the opinion polls as leader of the New Majority Coalition in Chile. Nisa Khan
Outstanding Award goes to Essex Professor The International Association for the Study of Organized Crime (IASOC) has awarded Dick Hobbs, a professor at the University of Essex, the Outstanding Publication Award for his book Lush Life: Constructing Organized Crime in the UK. Hobbs is a Professor of Sociology and Director of the Centre for Criminology at the University. In his book he outlines the history of British organized crime by using case studies and interviews. The President of the IASOC; Dr Klaus von Lampe has said “The 2013 award is given to Dick Hobbs’
Lush Life because it was found that this book strikes a nice balance of intellectual analysis whilst simultaneously putting a face on the kinds of organized criminals who exist outside of mafia-type associations”. Founded in 1984, the ISAOC has become a global organization and the Outstanding Publication Award recognizes outstanding scholarship in the area of organized crime.
Nisa Khan
Advice for students on accessing mental health services The Guardian recently reported a 33% rise in the number of UK University students accessing mental health services since 2008. The University of Essex declared an increase of around 15% over the same period. It is possible that part of the reason for this increase is the fact that Universities are now far more aware of mental health issues and are actually offering more support to students. Here at Essex, the Wellbeing Service on campus offers a drop-in arrangement as well as a structured ap-
pointment system. Students can approach the service with a wide range of problems, from depression and anxiety to issues around relationships or bereavement and worries about their workload. The SU also offers confidential help and advice on many issues. If you are feeling low, don’t feel embarrassed about asking for help, as there is much help available. The first thing to do is to talk to someone; the services mentioned here will make sure you find the right help as soon as possible.
Ruth Raymer
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INTERNATIONAL
Refugees Dying on Europe’s Doorstep Eye witness accounts describing the events taking place just off the coast of Italy on October 3rd 2013 are positively disturbing – more than 300 people drowned in the Mediterranean Sea near the Italian island Lampedusa. Rescue teams succeeded in saving 155 passengers who had come from North African countries and other conflict stricken regions, such as Liberia, Somalia and Eritrea, to name a few. Reportedly, their boat had capsized after passengers started a fire to attract attention because the ship’s engine had difficulties not far off the coast. However, the flames got out of hand when the fuel stored on board caught on fire, which eventually caused the ship to sink. The passengers, consisting of men, women and children, paid a high price for their chance to reach Europe; some reports estimate the price for one ticket to be around £625, which amounts to the entire life savings of many of the victims. The boat was carrying around 500 individuals, suggesting that refugee trafficking is a lucrative business for the people operating it.
The political reactions to the catastrophe have been rhetorically sympathetic, but no fundamental change in policy has been instigated. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stated that she felt shocked and horrified by the reports and that she acknowledges the necessity for immediate relief. However, she has signalled that she has faith in the recently instated “Task Force” that is entrusted with the challenge of coordinating the relief assistance and strengthening the cooperation with the border management agency Frontex. Merkel also pointed out that Germany receives more asylum applications than Italy or any other Southern countries. And yet, under “Dublin II”, European Law states that the country which a refugee/asylum seeker enters first will be the one responsible for his or her case. This means that those refugees arriving in Italy, Malta or Greece, who eventually
make it to Germany, which is the declared destination for many, can be deported back to the country they initially arrived at. This rule serves Germany well, since it is virtually impossible for refugees to reach Germany without entering another member of the European Union first. Some have suggested a quota system for the distribution of refugees to provide some relief to the Southern European countries, but this proposition does not have a majority in the European Commission and is therefore unlikely to be passed. In the meantime, thousands of refugees are waiting at the gates of Europe while the realisation dawns on them that the paradise they came to seek, may just be out of reach for them. Lilo Roesch
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Comment
Jake Stones, Editor Philippa Dobson, Deputy Editor
Editorial On the 17th of October our University opened up discussion on the matter of animal testing. A debate was held, hosted by the Debating Society, and invited various students from different societies to speak in favour or against animal testing. This led me to wonder how many students of The University of Essex were aware of the debate; hence I felt we should discuss it further in the Comment section, bringing awareness to the various arguments and opinions of you, the students.
Animal testing is wrong. Take the Vacanti mouse that had an ear grown on its back; it was genetically altered to have no hair and a stronger immune system, and its life’s purpose was to be experimented on. His life would be bound to the laboratory, to be tested on, in pain and misery. Though researchers grew an ear on the mouse for research purposes to create organs for people, this ear contained no human tissue and mainly consisted of wire mesh under the mouse’s skin. Now, how has this experiment been proven to help humans? Nothing further was developed. Humans still get organs they need from donors, not lab grown ones. Why not use human volunteers for these experiments if they are to be beneficial to humans? Animals are different to humans. There are drugs animals can’t tolerate which humans can and vice versa. Some argue animals are less intelligent, that they don’t know what’s really going on. So would you allow an experiment to happen on a brain-damaged human being? Because that person wouldn’t really know what’s going on when parts of their brain aren’t functioning. There’s also the harsh experimenting on the Harlem Beagle dogs. Dogs need just as much care as a baby, they need feeding, love and affection. A pup learns to go to the toilet outside, it learns tricks and develops a routine.
Richard Hume
All life is important
Bertie Vidgen
Who cares?
Animal testing A dog bred and brought up in a cage would surely learn when the experimenter is going to hurt him. Dogs feel emotions, those dogs are ill-treated, scared and will spend their whole life in torture. What major breakthroughs have come from these experiments? None. All life is important; experiments in medical research shouldn’t be done to any animals where there are alternative methods like cell cultures and willing human volunteers. Animals can’t speak out for themselves, so it is up to humans to do so.
This industrial-scale cruelty forms the objective backdrop of our understanding. It is the sort of violence that Slavoj Zizek argues is rendered invisible as it is ‘necessary for the smooth functioning of the system’. Against this we can only see the subjective instances of animal cruelty; the sort that results in heartstring-pulling images of deformed and scared looking ex-test subjects circulated by Peta. We should reject the easy moralising of the animal testing debate, the constructed guilt that can be quickly paid away at Lush or the Bodyshop (at least for the privileged middle classes), and look at the broader system of animal cruelty. In the binary ‘yes’/‘no’ debate that we have been presented with, we should take the third option: ‘who cares?’
The Body Shop is famous and highly praised for its long-held stance against animal testing. Much like Lush it is a perfect example of today’s ethical-consumercapitalism. Just by buying the right bottle of shampoo you too can be part of the solution! This remarkably effective way of selling feeds off the immediate moral repulsion experienced by pretty much all of us made aware of animal testing – just think of your childhood rabbit getting a disfiguring rash because some mean old scientist wants to test a new type of Botox. So yes, animal testing is pretty nasty. But there is an underlying falsity to our outrage when we are confronted with it. For though we are willing to oppose agent-driven instances of animal cruelty, such as testing or abusive treatment of pets, we are oddly quiet about the systemic violence inflicted on animals reared for food. Arbitrary distinction categorising some animals as pets and others as livestock effectively immunises us to the incredible pain suffered each year by the 900 million animals that are reared, and slaughtered for food. As Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has so brilliantly publicised, you really shouldn’t be able to buy a whole chicken for a fiver. We all know this, yet still we buy the chicken.
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
Hippies, please pay attention I never quite understood the arguments against animal testing. I mean, we are the dominant species on the planet aren’t we? So our top priorities are the wellbeing of our own kind, not some weaker, pathetic species. Ok, I understand that people care about the conditions that animals are kept in during these tests, but when the outcome is usually a medical breakthrough, then don’t people realise that it’s a small sacrifice to make for a better life for future generations? Just look at the amount of times where animal testing has led to medical breakthroughs. For example where Parkinson’s is concerned, deep brain stimulation (which is the most effective treatment) was originally tested on monkeys. Also it cured the monkeys of Parkinson’s, so animal testing actually helps the animals too! It cures diseases such as hepatitis, rubella, mumps, diphtheria and polio. All were tested on animals first benefiting both us and other creatures. Yes I’m sure
you are thinking that if animal testing is so good, then why did we have that thalidomide disaster in the 1960s? Well let’s allow for some scientific literature that the Pro-Test, a UK based pro animal testing group cites: “thalidomide did initially pass safety tests in animals but this was because the proper tests were not performed: thalidomide was not tested on pregnant animals. If a thorough battery of tests had been performed in animals, the teratogenic effects would have been caught. Thalidomide was never approved for sale in the USA because the Food and Drug Administration felt that not enough testing had been carried out. After its withdrawal from the market, thalidomide was tested on pregnant animals and found to induce birth defects.” So, you can clearly see that if the animals were tested properly then those horrible repercussions would never have happened. When will all these hippies learn that animal testing is completely necessary?
George Osborne
Even a Rabbit has feelings Rabbits have feelings too. Inside that adorable fluffy casing, there exists a feeling being. And that being doesn’t like it when you squirt shampoo in its face. I do not see the need for animal testing, certainly in cosmetic cases. Surely, and I am no scientist, if you haven’t put anything unusually bad in a new batch of hair mousse then it will not be any worse than any other hair product. Right? And as for spraying it in the eyes of small defenceless creatures, that is just not what it is for. When I buy myself some shampoo, the most involved I get in the process is opening and smelling it. I never buy it on its ‘this won’t hurt too bad when I get it in my eyes’ scale. I’m not a moron. I know that shampoo goes on my head,
not in my eyes, up my nose or anywhere else. In fact, I have an extensive knowledge of all the uses for shampoo: hair washing. When my sister buys her mascara, I doubt very much that she worries about whether it suits a guinea pig. She’s not a guinea pig. What works for them probably wouldn’t work for her. Of course, medical testing is different… but not that different. Medicine is to alleviate our illnesses. Why do animals have to suffer to make us feel better? They’ve got their own problems to worry about. Like myxomatosis or fleas. So don’t test on animals. That is cruel. Eat them instead. They’re delicious.
Ed Gove
COMMENT
Judge a man’s heart by his treatment of Animals In ethical discussions there remains a large amount of focus over something known as the ‘fact value’ distinction. Essentially this argument highlights what is doesn’t relate to what ought to be done. With translation to animal testing, and my veganism, I have seen that although humans are dominant (fact….sadly, I feel there needs to be a much more moral and considerate race to be in charge of Earth), this doesn’t mean we need to impose our disgustingly aggressive and totalitarian ways upon the rest of the earthlings we share this fantastic planet with. Animal testing for illness and medication: keep fit and healthy. Don’t take it out on billions of creatures every year just because you’ve ruined your immune system. I can maybe see the need for testing when we were working in the dark ages of science, however most viral testing is done on a microbiological level anyway. We can gather all the information we need through a microscope, not from the cat, dog, bat, bird, bunny, or mouse. I feel that technology is good enough for us to no longer need to test on animals, so stop being lazy and take control of your health. As for you people who love to look lovely, believe it or not, I do too, and I do it with products that weren’t tested on animals. Lush and The Body Shop, holy hell they have some good smelling, guilt free products. Some may argue that the price is too much. And this is true, their products are expensive, however, they last! I’ve had a deodorant stick that has lasted me two and a half months now, and I still have a quarter of the damn thing left. Further, if we all adopted the rational view point of not buying products that have been rubbed into the eyes of puppies, then the prices would go down, that’s simple economics. I end on a quote from Immanuel Kant “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals”. If we use this opinion, the heart of the human race as a whole is something I personally never want to see, for it is a dark and evil place. All we can do to fix it is to open our eyes and become conscious of these beautiful beings of sentience that are all around us, who don’t disturb us, and who allow us to live as freely as we want. I feel all they would ask for in return is to be left to their own devices, to be allowed to look after their young and to avoid pain. Can we do this?
Jake Stones
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FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
Arts Controversial Artists Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin are two artists that are famously known for their controversial artwork that create huge debate amongst thousands. Although the two artists create great controversy, I personally think that they are both brave and fantastic in their own ways. As an artist of whom is no fan of Emin’s, I have to give her great credit for the confidence and braveness she has to have shown art work that not only has links to her personal life but links to horrific events from her past. However, the works of Damien Hirst are controversial for different reasons and although these may be backed up by simply by critic’s personal opinions, it is hard to agree when it comes to his piece In and Out of Love. This piece consisted of two installations in which he intended to create a comparison between his art and the intriguing elements of life and death and the beauty involved in the two.
Jennifer Draper
ART
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Jennifer Draper, Editor Amy Bater, Deputy Editor
Damien Hirst Damien Hirst is recorded as being the wealthiest artist alive in the 21st Century and is worth roughly £215,000,000 according to the Sunday Times 2010 rich list. The artist has a reputation for attracting a great deal of attention due to the controversial nature of his art. In the 1990s, Hirst became famous for his work featuring dead animals, including a shark, a sheep and a cow, which had been preserved and sometimes dissected. Hirst is widely popular for his three piece set of sculptures Away From the Flock art work that he intended to capture the beauty of life in death. Including his great involvement in the art world for his controversy, Hirst was also known for his controversial statements made about the 9/11 attacks stating “they’ve achieved something which nobody would have thought possible.” A statement he later apologised for.
Amy Bater
Tracey Emin Tracey Emin is an artist known for creating great controversy in her artwork. Emin has gained a vast amount of media attention for the past few decades for her outlandish and seemingly bizarre behaviour. Emin for example, has a piece titled, Everyone I Have Ever Slept With and as the name suggests, it is a tent filled with many names. The Tent is however on closer inspection not only of people she has had sexual interaction with but also people the artist has simply shared a bed with. Another of Emin’s work, My Bed is a piece that is covered with items such as used condoms, tampons and dirty underwear. Though the art is an expression of herself, it has caused a lot of controversy for many as Emin makes her personal business open to the wider public, a part of our lives much of us would keep behind closed doors. For this, I respect her.
Amy Bater
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Music Arctic Monkeys, Earls Court London Taking place at Earls Court as part of a tour promoting their new album AM, Arctic Monkeys played the first of two London shows. Before the Sheffield natives took to the stage, we were treated to support in the form of upcoming Irish band, The Strypes. Their Mod inspired sound worked perfectly as an opener, and kept us dancing to the sounds of ‘Blue Collar Jane’ and ‘Hometown Girls’ from their debut album Snapshot. Finally, the Arctic’s took to the stage. As the stage lit up with a purple haze, a gigantic ‘AM’ gave off a warm yellow glow over the frenzied crowd below and the meaningless interlude began to take the shape of the now familiar drum beat of Do I Wanna Know. They stormed through an epic set, demolishing the crowd with old time favourites Brianstorm, Dancing Shoes, Teddy Picker, Pretty Visitors and of course I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor. Naturally the band included a plethora of new songs such as Arabella, Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High, and One For the Road. Finishing their main set with a beautiful rendition of I Wanna Be Yours, a glittering mirage of confetti cascaded over us adoring fans. After a very brief respite, they triumphantly returned and jazzed the crowd up with Snap Out of It (complete with a now flashing ‘AM’ rig to match the new, more upbeat tempo), before moving into an ultimate crowd-pleaser with a semi acoustic version of Mardy Bum. Eventually the show came to an end by the boys slaying the crowd with the almighty R U Mine, introduced by Alex Turner teasingly asking the crowd if we were, in fact his. It was a truly impressive show, and the crowd was on fire, lapping up everything the group threw at us. As this was the first show, it was arguably the ‘warm up’ and so I can’t even imagine how magnificent the Saturday show must have been. Alex Turner is on his way to becoming one of the great frontmen of our generation, and he captured the utmost attention of everyone inside Earls Court. If you like live music, be sure to add Arctic Monkeys to your musical bucket list.
Lucinda Andrews
Deborah Findlater, Editor Dragos Ion, Deputy Editor FEATURE
Lou Reed: A Life on the Wild Side On 27th October 2013, an indubitably influential figure in music passed away aged 71. Both in The Velvet Underground and as a solo artist, Lou Reed has written some of the most memorable pop songs of the 20th century. Lou Reed’s career seemed to be marked by a fascination of the avant-garde and sound innovation alongside a love for pop music in its simplest, most primitive form. It could seem paradoxical, but may perhaps be the unique power of Reed’s work. His love for doo-wop went hand in hand with his love for noise experimentation - from acknowledged pop classics of The Velvet Underground and Nico to infamous commercial failure Metal Machine Music – in essence an hour of feedback and white noise. Experimenting with drones, his collaboration with John Cale gave birth to the first lo-fi rock album, foreshadowing genres like dream pop and shoegaze as well as variants of electronic music. In the 70s he became a prominent figure in glam rock, with 1972’s Transformer, produced by David Bowie. Reed’s pop may have come in different wrappings, but fundamentally explored the same simplistic beauty, rarely exceeding four chords.
The Velvet Underground was named after a 1963 book addressing sexual deviation, mirroring the content of Reed’s lyrical world (amongst other things) which notoriously explored issues surrounding sexuality and drugs. The lyrical depth of Reed’s work, never pretentious or overstated, served as a darker counterpoint to the swinging flower power pop of the 1960s. Reed would break with conformity, perhaps most famously through songs like Heroin detailing drug use and abuse through both form and content, unlike anyone had done before. Lou Reed was a true innovator who broke the expectations of his audience. From recent years’ free jazz experimentation, to his collaborative work with Metallica on the 2011 album Lulu, which was his final full-length studio album. However this unpredictable, unconventional and non-conformist attitude to his art was part of Reed’s authenticity, in a diverse body of work that has influenced glam, punk, pop, electronic, alternative and rock. Here stands an artist whose death is mourned by the entire music business.
Line Skien
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
MUSIC
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As the winner of the prestigious Mercury Music Prize was announced last week, The Rabbit Music decided to host our own Mercury’s. Here are our writers on their albums of the year and their choice of British artists to keep an eye on.
Albums Jon Hopkins Immunity
London Grammar If You Wait
This is Hopkins’ second nomination for the Mercury Prize, but unlike Diamond Mine (2011) and other collaborative works with artists such as Brian Eno and Coldplay, this is where Hopkins tells us a relatable story and triumphs. Immunity tells the epic story of what the London-based producer considers a “ridiculous night”. For it is an album to be enjoyed best from beginning to end. The first four tracks are deep bass bliss which abruptly ends with Abandon Window’s delicate piano with ambient undertones. The change of pace from upbeat to quiet-stillness resembles that of postparty moment. This is the happy remembrance of a good time which is no longer your present but is now part of your history. Hopkins invites you to make Immunity part of your life soundtrack; it certainly is part of mine.
What is rare about this album is that it flows perfectly; almost every track could be a single and there is not one ‘filler track’ – every song earns its’ place. Album opener Hey Now details what it is like to go through a tough break-up and combines Reid’s atmospheric vocals with band mate Dan Rothman’s melancholic guitar, giving the track a haunting feel.
Gisselle Giron
Jordan Carroll
Metal and Dust is a track that divides the masses with its quirky structure and techno feel, a rare up-tempo moment unlike anything else on the album. The track-listing is second to none, really bringing the album to life. Whilst Reid’s vocals are the main attraction, Rothman’s guitar skills and jack-of-all-trades Dot Major give the album the depth that it has. If You Wait is a strong debut, firstly setting the band up for a lengthy career and showing that they are the ‘Best of British.’
Artists Eastern Front
FKA twigs
Eastern Front are a ‘War Torn Black Metal’ band hailing from Ipswich. The quintet has amassed a huge following since their inception in 2006 with numerous achievements such as their debut album Blood on Snow via Candlelight Records and also playing the Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock 2012. Furthermore they are set to tour the UK in November and are going to release their ‘as-of-yet’ untitled second album next year. These guys are a rarity, as not many British Black Metal bands sing about the Eastern Front, let alone WWII.
Combining striking visuals with understated production, FKA twigs (formerly known as Twigs) are causing a quiet storm. The Gloucestershire born vocalist moved to London to attend dance school but dropped out after a couple of weeks, deciding she wanted to focus on music. Last year saw the release of her stunning debut, EP1, on respected independent label Young Turks which was followed by EP2 this September. Both releases toy with intimate aspects of female sexuality not only in content but through FKA twigs’ almost whispering vocals and experimental instrumentation courtesy of Venezuelan producer Arca.
Rhys Stevenson
Deborah Findlater
Gig Previews Colchester
Norwich
London
Roska and Dismantle
Scouting For Girls
The Weeknd
Coded brings Bristol club night Wonka-Vision to Colchester, launching in style with two UK bass heavyweights. Renowned party starters, Digital Soundboy’s Dismantle and Rinse FM DJ Roska take to the decks for a massive night.
If you are looking for an enjoyable way to spend your Sunday evening, indie pop stalwarts Scouting for Girls are bringing their Greatest Hits tour to East Anglia.
Supported by Sub Zero favourite Zane Lowe and exciting up-and-coming L.A. songstress Banks, The Weeknd will signal the end of his stunning and critically acclaimed The Fall tour with his biggest UK show to date.
Tribal Underground, Saturday 9th November, Tickets from £8 http://www.tribalnightclub.co.uk
Deborah Findlater
UEA LCR, Sunday 10th November, Tickets from £22.50 http://www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk
Dragos Ion
The O2, 26th November. Tickets from £30. www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Luke Peedell
14 Charis Lynch, Editor Katie Clark, Deputy Editor
Film
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Hattie Morahan “This year has been exciting, rewarding and changing. A Doll’s House has genuinely changed things for me. Playing Nora has now become so familiar, each rehearsal period we’ve come back to has been like getting back in to an old coat and it’s like ‘oh yes I remember this’. She’s a really interesting character and I really enjoy her contradictions and the strange journey she goes on. The play is so multi layered and so rich that it it’s just a really lovely opportunity” Hattie Morahan has had an exciting year, since our last interview she has won the Evening Standard Award for Best Actress a Critics Circle Award as well as an Olivier Nomination, all due to her performance as Nora in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House¸ which had two successful runs at the Young Vic and is now playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End and is set to be performed in New York. I meet her in her dressing room, which is scattered with copies of Ibsen, she is dressed in jeans, a striped top and her hair is tied up. I wonder what her awards mean to her and if they
have helped her career; “That’s never been the goal of what one does, it’s quite daunting to take on a part which is known and people have opinions about, it’s reassuring to know that the consensus was I didn’t screw it up,” she laughs “I don’t consider it to be totally objective, I’m aware that it’s a part that draws attention to itself and it’s a part that has history. I think the Critics Circle I was particularly proud of, as these are people who really know their stuff and have been in the game for many years” she smiles. The English Touring Company recently revealed a nationwide search to find the Nation’s favourite play written in the English language, I ask what her favourite play would be, “Oh gosh I’d say Shakespeare, As You Like It” Morahan is also set to appear as one of the main cast in the second series of The Bletchley Circle, I asked a little bit about the show and her role in it, “There’s a group of women who worked at Bletchley Park during the War, they signed the official secrets act so all of their
work helping the government break codes means they can’t tell anyone. It’s now 1950s austerity Britain; there aren’t opportunities for bright women to find something that’s rewarding to their capabilities. So they start solving crimes, in the true tradition of ITV Dramas.” I play a character called Alice, who has secrets in her past she’s in prison and we don’t know what it is and then she later becomes one of the group, she’s very logical, and sort of a geek” she laughs. “I really love playing her” Clearly it’s been a successful year for Morahan, coupled with television appearances, leading an award winning show in the West End, she also has time to pursue projects on the side and she recently did a reading at the National Portrait Gallery of the memoirs of artist Laura Knight whom she portrayed in A Summer in February “there’s been this lovely exhibition there and there was this fortuitous coming to together of passions where I was really pleased to read her memoirs”
Naomi Jeffreys, Jeffreys, Deputy Deputy Editor Editor Naomi
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
FILM
Colchester Film Festival: An inspirational showcase of first-class cinematography Dedicated to identifying and exhibiting some of the finest global filmmakers and cinematographers; this year’s Colchester Film Festival exceeded expectation. From the 18th-20th of October, diverse audiences flocked to university-accredited ‘Firstsite’ for an exhibition of some of the best international films. Impressive and well organised, the extraordinary festival displayed a total of fifty short films for over two hundred and fifty ticket holders. Sponsored by professionals, Colchester Film Festival 2013 packed entertainment, talent and versatility into one exceptional weekend.
hon’, viewers sat down to six hours of the best rated short films from around the world. An outstanding illustration of visual art, genres ranged from foreign drama to comedy, from horror and sci-fi to romance. Storylines included a toe amputated by a forest trap, a euthanasia clinic that went to hilarious lengths for more clients, and a petrol station owner that had his beer continuously taken by an endearing animated bug.
the beautiful, chilling set and the icy humanity of twisted robot ABE came together to create a film that was both horrific and strangely touching.
The annual festival did very well: the success of the weekend can be attributed to its unique appeal, community involvement and an animated audience. The quality of visuals was amazing – organisers put together a fantastic reel that did not disappoint. Amongst other gifted individuals; the festival introduced Hollywood newcomer Rob McClellan - a digital effects artist who was shortlisted for the festival’s famous forty eight hour challenge last year.
The five shortlisted entries for the forty eighthour challenge were revealed at the award’s ceremony: unique locations and distinctive ideas were all conceived and shot in just two days. The ‘Best Film’ award went to the strikingly designed drama The Voorman Problem; and ‘Best Cinematography’ to romance short Voice Over. As students and lovers of film, for us, the best element of this year’s festival was its stunning showcase of international cinema. Our chosen ‘Best Film’, although it fell short of awards, was Rob McClellan’s short ABE, set to be an MGM motion picture next year. Intricacy of camerawork,
Stylish and refined, a filmmaker’s work can be alluded to as nothing short of a work of art: every short film was brilliantly edited, fast-paced and unveiled an extensive variety of special effects. It is fair to say that the festival as a whole was an impressive multicultural mix of talent, expertise and visual art: if you didn’t attend this year, next year is not to be missed.
Structurally, film screenings were held chiefly on the Saturday, watched back to back. In the style of the American forty eight-hour ‘Butt-numbat-
Colchester Film Festival distinguished itself from the norm with its Sunday masterclasses. Giving upcoming filmmakers a chance to learn from industry professionals, eager youngsters asked their idols questions about editing, software and money matters.
Emily Townsend
DVD RELEASES
We have compiled reviews on four big hit DVDs which are due for release in the next fortnight. If you want to increase your movie night collection then give them a read to see which motion pictures are hot and which are not.
The Great Gatsby (11th November)
The Internship (11th November)
Monsters University (11th November)
Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger! (18th November)
The once youthful dreamer Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) reflects on his recent and distressing past in this novel adaptation. But piecing the puzzle together is one unique aspect of this story, especially when every event relates back to mysterious billionaire Jay Gatsby (Leonardo Di’Caprio). Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling framework is especially fantastical in this romantic melodrama.
You know what to expect when you put Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in the same camera shot. The pair play two middle-aged, redundant salesmen who decide it’s time to join the young, trendy and nerdy ranks of the digital age in order to find work. Although it received mixed reviews, the humour is certainly never lacking.
This summer, Pixar reunited us with the loveable Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley. We were charmed with their debut in 2001, but now, at university, they return with crushing disappointment, leaving me fearful for the state Toy Story 4 could end up in. It’s not bad, just unremarkable, but for Pixar that could be a problem.
David Tennant steps in to fill the shoes of Martin Freeman in this sequel. However, an even bigger challenge is set to the new teacher: he is given the task of organising an aired Sing a Song for Christmas competition. Although not as likeable as the original, it’s the first festive film release to kick start the Christmas cheer.
Katie Clark
Katie Clark
Andy Caley
Katie Clark
★★★
★★★
★★
★★
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TV
Kirsten Alexander, Editor
NEW SERIES
Ambassadors Modern day comedy godfathers David Mitchell and Robert Webb are back on our screens this autumn for a three-part BBC comedy/drama Ambassadors, in which the pair play British diplomats in fictional country Tazbekistan. The comedy duo are so well known and loved for their iconic characters in Peep Show, and, because of the success of the show, it’s quite difficult to watch anything with Mitchell and Webb in without constantly comparing them to Jez and Mark in your head. However, Ambassadors is a great TV show in its own right, so no more mentions of Peep Show. Back to Tazbekistan, where human rights are questionable, the ibex is sacred and where it’s impossible to find raisins to make an Eccles cake. The first of three hour-long episodes begins with Mitchell’s character, Keith Davis, on a hunting
trip with the Tazbek president in a bid to get him to buy several very expensive helicopters from Britain. Of course, the hunting trip is not as straightforward as hoped, and Davis accidentally ends up killing an ibex (essentially a deer with big horns) and having one-too-many vodkas. Meanwhile, Neil Tilly (Webb) is busy trying to free a human rights activist that could potentially jeopardise Davis’ helicopter deal with the Prez. The show itself is good. Not incredible, neither un-missable nor hilariously funny, but still not a bad show at all. If you’re expecting laugh-aminute jokes, you’re in the wrong place. Not to say that the show isn’t funny, because there are indeed some clever moments, but it’s intertwined with more ‘serious’ and dramatic storylines that explore politics and foreign affairs as well as vodka-fuelled hunting trips.
It’s great to see the duo back together and their onscreen chemistry is still very much alive. Although they’ve taken a risk with a theme that hasn’t extensively been explored on television, it’s somewhat refreshing to see a change in the television schedule amongst the period dramas, ‘structured reality’ programs and terrible soaps that plague the channels. Mitchell and Webb are not afraid to take a risk and come up trumps again with an intriguing show that demonstrates their versatility as actors and impressive ability to learn Russian in a short space of time. Thankfully, there are no meercats in sight.
Kirsten Alexander
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
: r e n r o C Comedy t a e M h s Fre Anyone who felt alienated during their first few months of University (which let’s be honest, was all of us!) can instantly relate to this University-com starring Jack Whitehall and Joe Thomas. The show follows six Freshers who end up living in a shared house, consequently distancing themselves from the University social hub. Fresh Meat delves into the heart of the bewildering experience that is University, from those awkward initial conversations to the regrettable drunken hook-ups. The adventures of these unlikely friends are essential viewing for any student, and you can guarantee you’ll find something to relate to.
N: TV Turn O g Mans) The Wnraovenrage guy with a dmuunp--
is turne Sam is a e a whose life ies to sav dane job tr e gwhen h in n v w o o -l d n e fu sid hen a W . rs fe a li e h ilman woman’s thetic ma a g -p in y e tl se h , ig ins in yet-sl ation he jo rprises, actu si ’s m a S of of su stiny. Full it as his de . y d ome tion and c
Sehrish Khan
TV Turn Atlantis
Amy Horsfield
Sleepy Hollow Sleepy Hollow is a new fantasy series that is a modern take on the Legend of Sleepy Hollow story. The action takes place in the small town, which is hiding a dark past and even darker secrets. The show merges the natural and the supernatural realms: demons and demonic possession, conspiracies, messengers of the Apocalypse, witchcraft and more. The main characters merge seamlessly with the story: Ichabod Crane is a charming, intelligent U.S. soldier who died during the Revolutionary War but finds himself awoken in present times. His resurrection awakens the Headless Horseman, due to their blood mixing when they died. Lt. Abbie Mills, initially a reluctant police officer, comes to accept the new reality as her past is being unearthed. Each episode offers plenty of suspense and a new glimpse of the bigger picture guaranteeing to keep you on the edge of your seat every week.
Catalin Voinea
TV
OFF:
In BBCs n ew mode rn-meets drama, J -mythic ason lan ds in an world afte ancie r getting lo st at sea. H nt cepts his fate as the e acsaviour o tis and m f Atlanust save m an distress (s urprise, su y damsels in rprise). In ibly predic credtable and painfully dramatic, melothis is so mething watching I regret .
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Books
Jasmine Crellin, Editor Jessica Houlihan, Deputy Editor
From the Mundane to the Magical As a third year English Literature student, I’m sad to say that the word ‘reading’ is one of the quickest ways to send me into an enormous panic. With connotations of deadlines and secondary reading, there comes a point where most students will find themselves saying “I’ve got so much reading to do”, “I should really do some reading” or by the time you’ve given up on becoming the next Stephen Fry, “Just Sparknote it”. But wasn’t there a time when reading was less of an arduous quest for relevant essay points, and more of a pastime where the imagination could run wild? It is difficult to imagine a time when the fact of reading itself, regardless of whether it was post or pre Enlightenment literature, would have merited praise enough from our primary school teachers. Moreover, there would have been no point in “Sparknoting” The Faraway Tree or Stig of the Dump, or attempting to transpose the magic of Beatrix Potter to Wikipedia! In this issue, we revisit the anthropomorphic friends and the terrifying witches of our infancy. Hence, let us climb aboard the giant peach of our earlier literary exploits, and sail for the forgotten kingdom of our literary childhoods.
Jasmine Crellin
B REVOOK IEW S
Kensuke’s Kingdom Heart-warming, thought provoking and with a powerful commentary on humanity, Kensuke’s Kingdom is a rare breed of children’s book. The story follows Michael, a boy who is thrown overboard his parents’ yacht in a storm and becomes marooned on a seemingly uninhabited desert island. After being left food and water he soon realises he is being kept alive by Kensuke, a lonesome, old Japanese man also stranded, and with a tragic past. Through introducing a diverse use of metaphors as well as the narrative techniques of journal entries and firstperson narrative, Michael Morpurgo crafts a deep and engaging story
which challenges the younger reader. Kensuke’s Kingdom is layered with multiple themes including loyalty, war, loss, honour and humanity’s relationship with nature. However Morpurgo avoids preaching morals and stays within the lines of not being too simple or overly complex. The reader is left to make sense of the tragedy of Kensuke’s past. One is not spoon-fed what to think or feel. The characters are realistic and are easy to care for and become attached to. This story is captivating, timeless and hard to forget, and it even has orangutans.
George McIntosh
A Walk Down Memory Lane This summer my mum enforced on me the torturous task of clearing out all the boxes I had ‘stored’ in the loft. However, after several odious hours sifting through old school reports and musty teddy bears I discovered a treasure trove- my Roald Dahl collection.
brilliantly terrifying Miss Trunchball and Grand High Witch, all Dahl’s characters are timeless and unforgettable. Yet more importantly, it is the darkness that is so integral to Dahl’s work which makes him so unique. Despite the fantasy and escapism of his stories, many of his young protagonists have known real tragedy and neglect. In this sense, Dahl’s books do not patronise or pacify their young readers and it is ultimately this which they remain the most receptive to.
To my mind, Roald Dahl continues to reign supreme in the world of children’s literature. His stories have influenced, and indeed, continue to influence generations of young readers. Long before we earnestly awaited our Hogwart’s acceptance letters, Dahl left us yearning for golden tickets and magic powers to punish tyrannical teachers. In terms of characterisation, Dahl is untouchable. From the fantastically eccentric Willy Wonka and BFG, to the
Roald Dahl’s prolific influence, in my view, cannot be overstated. He brought us Oompa Loompas, Snozzcumbers, Whizpoppers and giant flying peaches, and for that we shall be eternally grateful.
Jessica Houlihan
A Series of Unfortunate Events Quite unlike any other childhood novel, Lemony Snicket’s immensely popular books, A Series of Unfortunate Events provided the perfect antidote to the stereotypical children’s fairytale. The series was not written to illustrate a perfect little world where everything turns out fine. Instead, Snicket creates a mysterious series that follows three children left to survive on their own after being orphaned. Throughout the thirteen books, we see the antagonist, Count Olaf, try numerous ways to get his hands on the Baudelaire fortune, but he is outwitted every time, by the three protagonists, Violet, Klaus and Sunny, who each have their own special skill. I personally wanted to
be Violet Baudelaire, who could invent absolutely any object using everyday household materials. Snicket’s novels are also a great way for children to learn new and interesting words, with the definitions embedded within the story. Even the use of the pseudonym makes the series more interesting (who would really be intrigued by the author’s real name, Daniel Handler?) And finally, who could forget Snicket’s gems of advice littered throughout the book? I leave you with this one: “Well-read people are less likely to be evil.”
Lizzie Fuhr
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
BOOKS
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The Elephant In the Room This week we celebrate the 80th birthday of A. A Milne’s much loved character, Babar the Elephant. First published in 1931, and enjoyed by children and adult’s ever since, Babar has been one of many elephants and other talking animals who have graced the pages of children’s literature. However, from the Grimm’s fairy tales to Julia Donaldson’s Red House nominated character “Super Worm”, anthropomorphic animals have always played a significant part in children’s books. From Elmer the Elephant to Dr Seuss’
Peter Rabbit Originally composed as a letter to her former governess’ ill son, Noel Moore, in order to cheer him up, Beatrix Potter’s tales of the adorably anthropomorphic Peter Rabbit and his sisters Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail abound with all the rural charm and fantasy of the Lake District in which they were written. Following Potter’s success with publishing the beautifully illustrated children’s tales, Peter Rabbit evolved practically overnight from the idiosyncratic bunny that was brought into existence to hearten the sickbed of a small child, to the mass merchandising tool that earned Potter an
unconventionally substantial income for a woman of the Victorian era. As children, we delighted in Peter Rabbit’s foiling of the tyrannical Mr MacGregory; as students, we can appreciate him as a genius brand of marketing. As a talented artist, non-didactic and imaginative storyteller, and a canny businesswoman. Beatrix Potter has ensured that the legacy of herself and her adventurous little rabbit will continue to last.
Jasmine Crelllin
Horton, elephants have always been a favourite of children’s fiction. At the risk of over analysing our trunked grey friends, perhaps part of the appeal of the elephant to the child is its’ almost mythical capacity for memory – the idea that one could never forget is a charming one that speaks especially to all, the too swift disappearance of childhood and the memories made throughout.
Jasmine Crelllin
The Witches Like many growing up in the 1990’s, I was captivated by the stories of Roald Dahl. Few of us can claim never to have heard of Matilda or The BFG. Amongst these tales, one remains to be memorable: The Witches tells the story of a seven-year-old boy who stays with his Grandmother after his parents are tragically killed. Through her storytelling, he becomes enthralled by witches, who, though they appear as women, are really ‘demons in human shape’. Witches not only suffer the physical disturbances of baldness, claws and toeless feet but, like their fairytale foremothers; they also despise children,
transforming
them
into
vermin.
Hence, when, after intruding on England’s annual Witch convention, he is transformed into a mouse, he and his Grandmother must devise a scheme to destroy the world’s witches. The Witches has been criticized for being grotesque and violent, and therefore inappropriate for children. However, it can also be argued that it is precisely this tone of macabre delight, which makes Dahl’s work so thoroughly enjoyable, whilst leaving many in youth sleeping with the lights on.
Sadie Kate Lummis
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FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
Science
SCIENCE SCIENCE
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Ben Gregson, Editor Emily Pearlman, Deputy Editor
Link between literature and empathy Do you like to read the likes of Charles Dickens, Jane Austen or George Orwell? Do you enjoy reading ‘classics’ or critically acclaimed novels? If the answer is ‘yes’ then you are more likely to empathise with others compared with those who read popular fiction or non-fiction.
Telepathic communication becomes reality Telepathic communication and control has long been a trope of science fiction. But what if the science of the real world could one day provide humans with the ability to control another’s movements with their mind? Not to be shown up by the successful experiments at Duke University and Harvard, which both demonstrated different degrees of brain-to-brain communication with rats, researchers at the University of Washington believe they have performed the first noninvasive human-to-human brain interface. In demonstration, researcher Rajesh Rao was shown a simple video game and imagined pressing the ‘fire’ button. By using magnetic stimulation, electrical brain recordings and the power of the internet, he was able to send his brain signals to colleague Andrea Stocco, who could not see the computer screen and wore noise-cancelling headphones. The received signals caused Stocco’s hand to move unconsciously to press the ‘fire’ key in accordance with Rao’s thoughts. You may be forgiven for being cautious of this development, but the researchers have reassured journalists that it is currently impossible for this technology to control anyone against their will. This research could eventually be used in life-saving situations such as surgery and help those who are severely disabled to communicate their needs directly.
Emily Pearlman
In a recent study, some people were asked to read the likes of best-selling author Danielle Steel or Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, whilst others were asked to read extracts of work by the likes of Anton Chekhov, Don DeLillo or Téa Obreht. Two psychologists used the Theory of Mind test, which incorporates various techniques such as reading the mind in the eyes (RMET), the diagnostic analysis of non-verbal accuracy test (DANV), the
positive affect negative affect scale (PANAS) and the Yoni test (this is a new and validated experiment).These techniques were then used to measure how closely people could identify emotions in others. The people who had read literary fiction scored much higher than those who had read popular fiction or non-fiction. This could be because some authors write in such a way that allows the reader to put themselves in their characters shoes, compared to popular fiction which is read purely for entertainment. However, although we now know what works to read in order to empathise more, there is no telling what works actually count as literary fiction!
Gina Dedman
The Science of Stress Stress is a natural reaction to environmental stimulus: the basic principle is to increase alertness of a situation in order to react quickly. During stress, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus causes the release of adrenaline and cortisol into the blood stream. These hormones increase the heart rate and start the breakdown of sugars into energy. These two effects cause a fight or flight response in order to give the best chance of survival. In modern day society however, not everything can solved via this response, leading to large build ups of these hormones.
STUDENT SCIENCE
the work over a few days, doing a little bit at a time. This will make you more reassured and will also improve the quality of your work. By avoiding stressful stimulus and distracting yourself with recreational activities the brain is tricked into a more relaxed state, resulting in better output overall. Finally the best advice is to be assertive and not let stressful situations build up; general anxiety of a situation exacerbates the effects. Learn to cut potentially stressful situations down before they develop and you’ll live a much happier and healthier life.
Studies have also shown a repression of the immune system during peak levels of stress, resulting in impaired immunity. Learning to control stress is therefore an important skill during university and beyond. The leading cause of stress in university is important deadlines, leaving a deadline to the last minute both increases the period of stress and escalates hormone levels. Ideally spread
Luke Coomber
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Lifestyle Hidden gems of England Discovering charming little towns that are perfect for a day visit. When it comes to travelling, England has many opportunities that you can choose from. Naturally, places like London and famous landmarks, Oxford and Cambridge, the ancient site of Stonehenge in the south and Hadrian`s Wall to the north, come to mind first. Nevertheless, England has so much more to offer, with lots of interesting and captivating destinations to the East and the West. Walton-on-the-Naze is a small seaside town that offers sandy beaches and seafront gardens. It is also home to the second largest pier in England. The pier represents the main attraction and is renowned for its vibrancy, fairground rides, bowling alley and captivating view of the Channel Sea, courtesy of the promenade. The beach huts stand out due to their number and broad palette of vibrant colours. The inner city is filled with small, narrow streets with coffee shops, fishmongers and B and B`s. Because of its natural collection of marshes, cliffs and beaches is a geologist`s dream come true. Clacton-on-Sea is similar in many regards to Walton-on-the-Naze: a small seaside town brought to life during the summertime, encompassing the largest pleasure pier in the United Kingdom. The family fun rides, fish and chips shops, 10-pin bowling, the Aquarium life centre and the American diner spoil visitors. The West Cliff Theatre is
praised because of its uniqueness, comedy and specialty acts, dancing and magic shows. With tourism catered for all ages, yearly entertainment ranging from surfing to hiking and enticing local cuisine, the West Country has always been a tourist favourite destination. Cornwall is the home of the Cornish pastries and Scrumpy. With friendly and warm locals and mesmerizing landscapes and scenery that inspired the famous novelist Daphne du Maurier, it is a lovely place to visit. The tourism is very well developed and the area is renowned for its quaint villages. One of the villages is St. German`s. It is located on the River Tiddy and famous for its huge Norman church. Newquay is a resort packed with some of the best golden sandy beaches in Europe attracting numerous surfers from all over the world. There are many places to visit in Devon from the idealist Barbican Harbour to the rolling hills and vast moors of Dartmoor. Plymouth’s Barbican is part of Britain’s maritime heritage and is the site from which Sir Francis Drake sailed; where the Pilgrim Fathers departed to settle into the New World (the Mayflower Steps) and where Britons danced in defiance of Hitler’s Luftwaffe.
Catalin Voinea
Claudia Degli Alessandrini, Editor Luiza Sandru, Deputy Editor
A day trip to Stratford-uponAvon A guide to places you cannot miss when you are visiting Shakespeare’s town. Stratford-upon-Avon is mostly known for being the birthplace of Shakespeare, but it has so much more to offer. This July, my friends and I decided to go on vacation and visit a few places. Stratford-upon-Avon was one of them, and we had a lovely day trip in this charming town. Just from walking around the town centre all the memories from past visits were coming back, if a little bit vague because I was a child back then. There are several things worth doing there, besides the obvious one: Shakespeare’s Birthplace. For instance, The Butterfly Farm is of good value and you can get a student discount there, so in the end it comes to around £5 for a visit. You can walk through the humid, rainforest-like rooms with butterflies freely flying around, and if they like you enough then they might even land on you! Another attraction- my favourite – is the River Avon. I would highly recommend hiring a boat for a while; it works out cheap once you split the cost you can either go on a speedboat, which would be best if you are in a group. If you are on a romantic day out, then you can always opt for the paddleboat. The speedboat is extremely fun, though the controls can be a little tricky – particularly when reversing (which I learned the hard way after embarrassing myself by backing into a wall, conking the engine out, so one of the staff had to come out and restart it – still, it added to the amusement!). Alternatively, if you do not fancy taking control of a boat at all, then there are the tour boats, which take you round and give you a guided commentary. If you have been trying to think of a place to go to in the UK for a day out but are not sure where, then I would highly recommend Stratford-uponAvon. You can do as much or as little as you like and you will still have a great day out. It is also proof that you do not have to spend too much to enjoy it, either! Admittedly, it is a bit further out from Colchester, but if you happen to decide to explore up that way it is certainly worth it.
Luci Rafferty
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
LIFESTYLE
West VS. Orient A European’s experiences in China and India As students of a social studies oriented University, we often come across comparative studies of various countries, whether politically speaking, sociologically, historically, etc. However, going to the Oriental world to live is a different holistic experience, often under-summarized as ‘culture-shocking’. There are certain fascinating contrasts with the western world that come from the aftermath of living or traveling abroad that you would not have noticed beforehand, and that we often tend to overlook or misinterpret as foreigners. This is a compare and contrast story of China and India, my home countries for several years.
CHINA
INDIA
My first contact with the oriental world began at the age of five, when my family moved to Beijing, China for five years. The first contrast I personally experienced was culinary; I was raised in an Italian family where cheese, pasta, milk, bread and lasagna were the main elements my taste buds were used to , and experienced a gastronomic makeover when milk left my diet, bread as a foundational element was substituted for rice, and garlic was served for breakfast. It was only after several garlic- scented- elevator- trips that I came to the realization that Chinese people’s predisposition to this food is due to its bacteria killing agents. Half a garlic each morning, half a year without the stomach bug. Formula for life. Now, all I can think of is the next Chinese meal I will be having for dinner. Chinese food has truly pierced my heart, cupid style.
India is not exactly round the corner. It was 2007 when my family left for Delhi, staying until 2009. The main contrast I noticed, amongst many, was social.
My family moved to china in 1995 and at that time, believe me, you could hardly find Pasta in any supermarkets, which was difficult for our Italian origins. I still recall my mother packing olive oil all the way from Italy, as all real Italians would. We often went out for dinner to really take in the culture of our new home, and the chopsticks were my worst nightmare. I would always ask the restaurant staff for a western fork, knife and spoon and felt like the world’s biggest fool. Some restaurants back then would have none of these, so I would simply‘stake the chicken’ like TV- series actors would a vampire in the heart. The rest is up to you to figure out the plural strategies of a western girl immersed into a different culinary culture. Master those chopsticks before you leave for China is my tip. Eating with Chinese people is a fascinating cultural highlight. Hot tea substitutes our unhealthy Soda pints, and the effects of having a warm drink with meals is beyond incredible. Still now, I prefer to drink warm water over cold, as it helps with digestion and brings overall well-being by purifying mind and body. Moreover, Italian families try to raise their children by soliciting them to finish everything on their plates, down to the last briciola- the Italian word for crumb. Good news, none of us could finish all that delicious food and nobody would tell you off, because Chinese people frequently leave a bit of their food behind. It is a grand mistake to think Chinese people waste food as they have historically been greater victims of famine than us westerners; Chinese people simply do not consume all the food and drink based on Confucianism teachings, by which an ‘equilibrium’ is expressed by always leaving a bit behind. Overall, I love Chinese culinary culture as much as the Italian, and am continuously amazed by the endless breadth of cultural insights you can get from a Chinese meal. An initially culinary shocker turned into a lifestyle: I cannot wait for more to come by sharing a meal with some Chinese friends.
First off, Delhi was always packed. Getting to a place that would take you 20 minutes in Europe, took us an hour and a half due to intense traffic. The roads were covered with every animal and mechanical means of transport possible: the sacred cow, elephants, rickshaws, motorbikes and lorries all together. I was impressed by the patience of Indians as they attempted to reach their workplace in the morning under 40 degree weather, stuck in traffic. Driving to school in the mornings also highlighted a very noticeable difference between the western worlds: garbage, homeless people and wild dogs. One could rightfully think that homeless people do not deserve this life; however, the caste system still exists amongst the Indian conception, to explain people’s social status; both interesting and understandingly debatable. Areas with majestic villas were in the proximity of slums and barren land. Each villa has a so-called servant’s quarter, which is just adjacent to the house. At first, this bewildered me. I could not understand the ordinariness of wealthy Indian family’s need to have house-workers, so uncommon to western families nowadays. As cliché and blunt as this may sound, locals do not see an unconceivable concept of a servant’s quarter as damaging, considering you provide a home to a family that would otherwise be jobless and homeless. My experience of India was that of a welcoming and surprising place with people full of affection, altruism and outstanding intelligence. It would be imprecise to see its social system purely on the negative side, although clearly some wrongs should be addressed by positively contributing through volunteering and awareness. The warmth, capacities, and fatalism of the common people is impressive and to be venerated. There is so much one can learn from the Orient, ranging from alternative medicine to their respect of nature and spiritual equilibrium. I cannot wait to go back to the places that have been my home, for more surprising inputs that are not so obvious.
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Florida, the land of sunshine Information and tips about visiting one of The USA’s most popular states. Florida is known as the sunshine state because of its tropical and hot climate. It is one of the most popular places for a holiday in the United States, with Spanish, English and Italian influences all around it. Everyone, especially families, will go there for the Walt Disney World in Orlando. Boasting a wide variety of theme parks including The Magic Kingdom (fantasy and all the classic Disney stories), Epcot (technology and culture), Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood studios (experience what it is like to be on the set of classic films), it has something that suits every tastes. Epcot is arguably the most impressive of the parks; boasting a fantastic firework display with the use of waterworks and strobe lights. If you are into thrill seeking, venture onto Test Track at Epcot and the Tower of Terror at Hollywood studios. If you are not into Disney, there are plenty of attractions across this state. Cape Canaveral is a must see. Home to one of NASA’s bases, the Kennedy Space Centre, visitors can go behind the scenes and discover how space exploration emerged in the USA. In addition, you can find out how one of the countries most recognised space shuttle platforms, Challenger, succumbed destruction after the devastating disaster. Ex-
perience a step back in space history at the Kennedy Space Centre, but be sure to also watch out for alligators in the nearby surrounding waterways and ditches. Speaking of alligators, head south to the Everglades National Park, where you can hop onto an airboat and speed along the vast open waterways of this swampland. Be sure to watch out for the alligators, as these beasts are iconic in Florida. Your trip will also take you to Everglades City where you can sink your teeth into some alligator meat (try it - it is nice). Finally yet importantly, be sure to take a trip to the local Miccosukee and other Native American tribal areas where various outlets have unique goods sold such as dream catchers weaved and made by natives. Food wise, you are spoilt for choice. Head to a plethora of restaurants and cafes dotted across the Floridian lands: Denny’s, the clock house, Wendy’s, and be sure to keep an eye out for the unique places such as O’Neill’s Irish pub in Naples. If you do go there, be sure to go down 5th avenue as this street does have some rather hip and up-market shops. If shopping is in your scope, be sure to head to the Coastland centre as this mall will have as
much America in it as your traditional American brunch (be prepared to have an empty stomach). If you fancy a trip off the mainland, do head south to the Quay West islands, an archipelago that claims its own identity (it has its own flag), but be sure to visit outside of hurricane season as the causeway will shut when a storm is approaching. If you fancy moving about the state, then take a peruse at these top ten places you should visit: Miami, Tampa Bay, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Dade City, Daytona Beach (home to the world famous Daytona 500 NASCAR speedway tournament), Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tallahassee and Kissimmee. If you want to study in Florida, the top five best Universities to consider are The University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida International University, Florida State University and the University of Central Florida.
Rhys Stevenson
Give Away Your Holidays A student volunteering experience in Uganda. I had been on holiday to Kampala, Uganda earlier on in the year and it was nice. Just nice. It did not have the golden sandy beaches of Bojo, Ghana or the grandeur of Victoria Island, Nigeria. It was simple, so I was in no hurry to get back. However, as I approached my final year, I thought it would be helpful to do some volunteering and give back to the international community I have been enjoying so much during my trips. I returned to Uganda and learnt why it is known as the “Pearl of Africa”. I was immediately out of my comfort zone when we travelled straight from the airport to the town of Jinja. No capital city to entertain me. We arrived at our hotel where we were debriefed on everything planned for the week. At that point, I was completely overwhelmed. I felt like there was so much to do, not enough time to do it and that I was the wrong person to do it. How could I possibly convince the hundreds of people that I encountered, that my week with them would definitely add to their lives? Yet by the end of my trip, everything turned out to be different.
The team I worked with was amazing. We were a group of seven young people, between the ages of 19 and 33 with very little in common. Nonetheless, we bonded so fiercely within those seven days because we were working under one common goal. Under the leadership of Kidcare International’s Director, we wanted to influence as many lives as we possibly could. All the effort and stress that went into fundraising was definitely worth it, as we were able to guarantee children could eat a meal at their 8-hour school day; have a shelter to protect villagers from rainforest storms when their mud huts could not; provide children with a home with loving parents, and provide access to basic education to as many children as possible. These are the things I can honestly say I have accomplished in just one week! All of the above could be done with a monthly direct debit; instead, I was able to build long lasting relationships by physically reaching out. I experienced love and joy where I least expected it. Many of the people with nothing mate-
rial to show appreciation were so glad to say “thank you” to a person rather than an organisation. The warm Ugandan people are the Pearl of Africa. It seems like a “must” for us students to go on a holiday with our mates at some point in those years we spend together. However, today I challenge you to consider giving away your holiday to others: people who do not know you but who will welcome you warmly. It is not always easy, you will not be chilling with cocktails, but you will be changing lives, so it without a doubt worth the challenge. The little things you do in this world may seem insignificant but if we all were to do them, it would make such a difference
Akua. A. Boateng
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER | ISSUE 147
LIFESTYLE
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Sports
The Rabbit Sports Hello and welcome to another edition of The Rabbit’s Sports Section. As you’ve seen (heard, felt, been blown away by), there was a recent storm over the London/Essex region which has affected many aspects of the county. One of which, inevitably, is sport. We still have a lot of coverage however some events were called off and others rescheduled. Hopefully we’ll be storm free for any of the events advertised in this issue! On a positive note, the past two weeks marked the beginning of the BUC’s leagues. The Rabbit Sports Section is keen to encourage students to get involved with sports journalism this year and by getting involved, you can gain experience that will be an invaluable weapon you can use when you eventually venture out into the competitive journalism market. .If you have a passion for sports, or a sport in particular, please don’t hesitate to message me on my e-mail address, cgrahaa@essex.ac.uk. All applicants are welcome and each will be given a fair chance to show they have the qualities we need here at The Rabbit! Thanks and I hope to be working with you very soon! Carl Graham
Carl Graham, Editor
A Chance to Make Your Mark in Essex University History As some of you may well be aware, next year marks the University’s fiftieth anniversary. To mark this special occasion, the sports centre is throwing an event to mark 60 years of sporting achievement. This is a great opportunity for all sports societies and teams to be a part of the history of our University. All you need is a picture (either old, new or both) of your team or social, then bring it to the Sports Centre so it can be placed on the ‘Sporting Wall of Fame’. Make sure you don’t miss out on your opportunity to give your team a place in Essex University history by being on the wall!
FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER | ISSUE 146
SPORTS
Racing the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit It’s a wet Saturday morning in August, standard British weather. I’ve got myself soaked travelling here, weaving my way through North London traffic in heavy rain. The journey itself gives you a tingle of excitement. You see other brightly-coloured, lycra clad figures pull out from side roads on their bikes – you can tell by the team strip they are not commuters. We’re all headed the same way, Hillingdon Cycle Circuit. Cycle Circuits are all over London and provide the staple for most “road racing cyclists” the crit race, closed circuit. Hillingdon, like most of these tracks, is a purpose built tarmac track, in a country park, complete with chicanes and hairpins, purely for cycle racing. Many of the greats have raced here at some point in their careers, Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins to name a couple. It’s a pretty cool community; you’re no longer the “eccentric” in tight lycra sports wear. We set off after the Juniors, the cat fours, new racing license holders. You start a cat four, and then based on your results you get points. More points = move up a cat, higher cat = bigger races. We roll up to the start line, it’s raining, so there are only about 25-30 riders are in the field as opposed to the usual fifty. We all chatter our teeth as the Commissaire tells us to take it easy round the corners; don’t shout at the newbies much, etc. I regret wearing my skinsuit as
I’m now freezing. Despite the downpour, I know I’ll be unzipping the front in about 10 minute’s time. The Commissaire sets us off. I start pushing the pace fairly early. I’m feeling pretty good today, I’m rocking the personalised Essex Blades Skinsuit, and less riders in the field means it’s easier to get a top ten placing – in theory. I suddenly hear a squealing of brakes and see a back wheel skid out of line for a little bit before gaining composure. I decide in weather like this, I don’t particularly want to be in the middle. Brake noise is one of the most fearful moments when racing, especially when its accompanied by “WOAH WOAH” and lots of expletives. At the lower cat end of racing, it frequently means hitting the deck and getting some road rash. The only scarier thing is when you hear the scraping of carbon fibre bike along tarmac and you know you could very well be in the pile up you’re hearing close by. We race for an hour on the track normally –45minutes and 5 laps. It comes to the 2nd lap to go and then the pace really ramps up – 25mph if not more. In a sprint, especially in the final few kilometres, it’s a fight to keep your position near the front. If you’re not far enough up, there’s no way you’ll be able to contest the sprint at the end. Going round the final corner at around 26mph, I feel the guys thigh next to me just brushing
my shoulder. I dread to think how the pros feel when they’re doing it around 35-40mph in the tour. In the final straight we’re in one single pace line. The guy whose wheel I’m following decides to pull out from the pace line early. I don’t realise I’m not in the line until some sod’s stolen my gap. With nothing left to lose, I burst into my sprint, probably about 50m earlier than I planned, dodging through the gaps of riders that have blown because of the pace. I manage to get 7th place. More points on the licence. Good day’s racing.
Matthew Bond, Cycling Club President
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Sports
Women’s Netball: 1st Team
BUCS League Results Men’s Football: 1st Team
Men’s Football: 2nd Team
Women’s Netball: 2nd Team
30.10.2013
30.10.2013
UoE
UoE
19 – 39
21 - 47
Men’s Rugby: 1st Team
Men’s Rugby: 2nd Team
14.09.2013
07.09.2013
30.10.2013
30.10.2013
UEFC v. West Bergholt
UEFC v. Holland on Sea Reserves
UERFC v. UCL
UERFC v. Canterbury
29 – 17
17 – 26
2-0 5-3
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