Issue 150

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 BOOKS

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NEWS

ARTS SCIENCE LIFESTYLE

Milk It moves home

SPORTS

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

MUSIC

14

The Best of 2014

SCIENCE

21

Interview with Felix Baumgartner

LIFESTYLE

23

Keeping the flat clean

SU Rebrand Puts Students In Control

Full story on page 2

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News Editorial Unless you have been living under a rock for the past two weeks you will have undoubtedly noticed the significant changes that have taken shape within the University of Essex Student’s Union. Relaunching themselves with a family branding, with the concept based around the idea that everyone is a member of the Students’ Union and that University is akin to second home, the SU is undertaking a journey towards becoming the world’s most student centred organisation.

There have been a number of concrete changes, such as the refurbishment of the SU bar to resemble a lounge, the Bakery is now known as The Kitchen, and the campus shop has become the store. Read on to find out more about the further changes to these venues, and other developments within the SU. Beyond these developments is the idea of a greater sense of democracy between within the Student’s Union, whereby the ease of vocalizing one’s concerns and ideas for improvements is far greater than it has ever been before. The welcoming of feedback, including that of the recent changes, is perhaps the biggest milestone the SU are working towards. In keeping with this idea that every student deserves a voice, The Rabbit, as it has strived to throughout the previous year, will continue to present the views of the collective student body, and give a platform for different opinions which are representative of a plethora of backgrounds.

The opportunity for everyone to have their say is an extremely positive step that the SU is taking in making all of its members feel welcome and united. It goes without saying that everyone should be granted the chance to say what they think in a contained and respectful way, and the anonymity of the notice pads on campus are a supportive device in enabling students to express their opinions without scrutiny.

The Rabbit would therefore like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and best wishes in getting everything you want out of your time at Essex.

Eleanor Brimelow Editor of The Rabbit

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

A Brand New SU The year 2014 brings a whole new look to the University of Essex’s Student’s Union.

An entire rebranded image means a fresh start not only for the campus’ appearance but also for students who were previously unaware of the power they have within their SU. Leading on from the home concept, areas such as the SU reception and SU Bar are now fitted with home furniture décor, with the SU Bar being newly wallpapered to create a homely atmosphere for students. ‘The Kitchen’ formerly known as The Bakery, now has the look and feel of an actual kitchen, complete with cooking utensils used as menus on the walls, and a number of shelves crowded with mugs where students can design their own and add them to the collection for display.

The SU shop’s new title ‘The Store’ has made changes and will continue to do so as it faces a completely new refit ready to open after Easter.

Now students have a wider range of products to choose from as they are stocked from the Spar, there are also comment cards available in The Store for students to suggest any products for sale that are not currently available, as well as any other changes or feedback.

This new makeover is a very exciting step for the Student Union and has enthused a lot of support from students and staff. Here are just a few thoughts on the latest restyling from those who run the SU, The Sabbs: Nisa Khan

Sarah Smith, VP for Student Activities ‘It is a really exciting time to be part of this SU! Not only have our venues changed, but also so have our staff.

Every member of staff has taken on the mission statement and keeps the 4 promises in the back of their mind constantly. Everyone is truly working for the students.’

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX

Becky Newbury, VP of Services and Communication ‘By being on a mission to be the world’s most student centred organization, we can focus on what really matters to you. This means you can literally shape your life here around what you want to get out of your university experience. I feel that for students who aren’t typically involved in the democratic structure of the union, this change has made it so much more accessible to have your voice heard and make a difference. This means that we can benefit all students with something as little effort as dropping a coin into a vote box on the way out of The Store. Watch this space, more changes will be coming!’

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

Changes in the SU Everything has changed at Essex since the Students’ Union has started a journey to become the world’s most student - centred organisation.

The SU is no longer a traditional institution that tries to make every student enjoy their time at Essex through sports clubs, societies and nights out. It is now more: it is a family.

This means that people will not just leave their families and their home to attend university and make friends, they will also be part of a new family, an unconventional family made up by 11,000 sisters and brothers that have come from the four corners of the globe.

As the English novelist Jane Howard put it: “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one”. And having one means you will never be poor again because, as it is commonly known, it does not matter how poor a

man is; because if he has family, he is rich.

The richness comes from the fact that everyone is now part of a family that promises you a kickass membership, from raising the bar quality to fighting injustice. A family that promises to help everyone to get an amazing degree and job, cheering you on as you walk into exams and picking you up afterwards if it goes wrong. A family that promises to shape everything around you, around your passions, your personality and your needs. And, lastly, a family that promises to benefit everyone, no matter your age, gender, nationality, faith, sexuality, year of study or size.

These new family and home concepts were represented in square 3, where there was a pop-up house with four rooms symbol-

ising above-mentioned the promises and where people also had the opportunity to take a family picture in the family portrait studio. Lastly, SU President Rebecca Fisher explained to the Rabbit what the meaning is behind these family and home concepts: “We found that for many students Essex is their home away from home and the thing that makes it special is that feeling of family and belonging. We really wanted to capture this within the re-launch and rebrand which is why we have developed the concept of family and home within the Students’ Union. We are working extremely hard to deliver the promises we have set out and are committed to unconditionally supporting our members in the same way you would support members of your own family.”

Andrea Pavon-Guinea

NEWS

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4

Photos from SU relaunch week

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STUDENT

Milk It Moves Home The end of last term brought with it the news that the popular regular Monday club night, Milk It, will now take place in the SU Bar instead of in Sub Zero.

Milk It was originally in Level 2, before its transformation into Level Up, and was then moved into Sub Zero and now to the SU Bar. The reason for the move has been cited as being due to falling attendance over the last year, meaning that the night is no longer sustainable, even if it had remained in Level 2.

The move to the SU Bar will mean that entry will always be free and the SU has stated that it will still have the same music and cheap drinks. There are hopes that having it in a smaller venue will improve the atmosphere, although many students remain convinced that the night will not be as good in the SU Bar. The first Milk It of the term will remain in Sub Zero so it will be from the second week that the effects of the move become evident.

Emily Townsend ‘I’d say it’s a shame, as Milk It is a good night to chill out after a horrible Monday, and moving it from a club setting to the bar may reduce people and make it less popular. However, it was better in Level 2 than it was in Sub Zero.’

Emma Freeman ‘I think that it is very sad that the creation of Level Up has had such an effect on Milk It. Milk It in Sub Zero has had low numbers because Sub Zero cannot provide the atmosphere needed for Milk It. Milk It in the SU Bar will be difficult as the SU Bar is not a venue for a night out, with armchairs and sofas as the main focus of seating this year, and a small dance floor not overly suitable for the Macarena, I foresee problems.’

Dom Whittall

Jack Fryer

‘I preferred it in Level 2 - it was the perfect venue for it! I haven’t been to it in the SU yet, but I doubt it will be as good.’

‘I had some great times at Milk It but I look forward to the change and hope for the best.’

Roxy Mason

INTERNATIONAL

Protests in the Ukraine continue to escalate Ukraine has been in the news lately, peaceful protests have recently escalted in to something much more violent. Why is this happening? How did it all start?

On 21st November 2013, the Ukraine announced that it would not sign a deal aimed at stregthening ties with the EU. On the 30th November, riot police detain dozens of anti-government protestors in a violent crackdown with Kiev. On the 17th December Russia agreed to buy $15 billion of Ukranian goverment bonds and slash the price of gas as it sells across the country Since then, the riots have been continuing, on the 22nd January 2014, two protestors die from bullet wounds during clashes with police in Kiev. These are the first fatalaties since the anti-government protests in November.

The BBC has reported that the atmosphere in Kiev still remains extremely tense. With reports of barricades burning, billowing black smoke from piles of tyres, that now mark the boundary line between protestors and riot police.

In an event which has shaken a country and its people, Sergey Lavrov, a russian diplomat, the Foreign Minister of Russia, has commented to the BBC that “this is simply indecent”.

The protests are still ongoing.

Naomi Jeffreys, Deputy Editor

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Comment

SU Re-launch The SU’s re-launch is pleasing to the eye; it looks clean cut and is better than the previous black and green Student Union. However, it would seem at this point that it is largely an aesthetic change rather than a genuine physical improvement. Sub Zero is looking marginally different than it did 3-4 years ago, Frangos and Level Up need equipment and the Advice Centre’s organisation resembles a school fair.

There seems to be a lot needed before ‘the family’ gain a new painting on the walls. Secondly, the new mission statement, to be the most student focused Student Union in the world is arguably pointless.

What is student focused? Does this mean we no longer care about the rankings of students unions, which actually quantifies the SU’s efforts unlike this new approach?

I can see the SU is aiming to be more inclusive and cater to individuals but they have achieved the opposite by making the students of the University of Essex a collective. This hasn’t included highlighting student’s achievements and individuality in what I have seen so far.

The SU spends a lot of time publicising the Sabbatical Officers into celebrity like statuses. I appreciate their importance and the need for public contact information, therefore the SU needs to publicise instead of constantly using them as models, bosses and underage CEOs. However, this is another regime that is not ‘student-focused’.

A Student

Jake Stones, Editor Philippa Dobson, Deputy Editor

Let’s Get Conscious The thirteenth year of this millennia was surprisingly lucky for me. I got a new job, and then I got a promotion.

I also got another job, which pays very good money and gets me into situations such as getting drunk with Rudimental. Aside from jobs I met some amazing people, people whom I shall love until I die. I also started writing, and I feel that I have begun to overcome my dyslexia to the point where one may say that I am an interesting read. I know this because I’ve begun writing personally in my free time, and it’s been received really well.

I felt that 2013 led me to being very happy with my life, but I’m not yet satisfied. There are millions of people all over the world who need our help, “and I’m going to give it to them” (Joker quote for those that know it). I managed to spend a couple days and one night at a homeless shelter over the Christmas period and what I saw shall be with me forever. I saw people who had been completely

deserted. Christmas day began for me at midnight standing with another volunteer named Steve.

He was incredible. At around 60ish years old, (I never asked so to remain polite) he was telling me about his life and his retirement.

He wished to start something new before thinking about the end.

Truly, this was a man whom we should all aspire to be like. Steve and I spent the early hours of Christmas day helping those who had nothing in the world. We didn’t ask for thanks and we still don’t. Yet what we do ask for is that people wake up and see that there is still work to be done.

2013 was good, but there is a lot of happiness and care that needs to be spread in 2014. Become conscious!

Realise the importance of others as well as yourself and be kind to them. If that can be achieved 2014 will be a momentous year.

Jake Stones

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 145

My Plans for 2014 2014 is an important year for me, mainly because I’ll be half way through my undergraduate degree, which means I have little time to waste to try out all the fantastic opportunities available here at Essex. There are many things on my to-do list such as joining the gym, eating more healthily and finishing this screenplay I’ve been writing on and off since last year. A lot of these changes come from personal reasons, after a year and a half of waiting I finally got to see a short film I wrote and directed when I was 18, but looking back on it (with a year and a half of film studies experience) I know I can do much better.

I’m unfortunately the type of person who has many of life’s regrets hanging round their neck like the albatross in Rime of the Ancient Mariner. I regret little things such as not buying a Slipknot tour

t-shirt back in 2011 (I search for it on eBay often but it is often never in my size), to bigger ordeals such as not trying hard enough to mend broken friendships. Perhaps making a better film would release one albatross from my neck.

One of the most common New Year’s Resolutions is to get fit. Getting healthily is something I’ve wanted to do for years but could never muster the courage to do, but this year I am determined to give it a go. Writing this made me wonder: why we are so obsessed with New Year’s Resolutions? Is it to make us feel better and give us a goal to strive for in the year ahead, or just to make us think we aren’t so lazy? Statistics show that only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s Resolution, but if I will be in that 8% or not will have to be seen. Happy New Year!

Jack Fryer

Adventures in Brussels To welcome in the New Year my family, boyfriend and I drove to Brussels to spend time with some of my family. At border control the authorities felt that our car including three sleepy teenagers and two parents seemed an obvious vehicle for a drugs smuggling scheme (which obviously it wasn’t!) When we got to Brussels the feeling of being in a different place for New Year was one that I liked.

Brussels was beautiful with a gorgeous square called Grande Place which seemed to form the main attraction of the whole city. We reached the square by tram, which we nearly missed and all had to run for. My Mum is not one for running whilst carrying a case, which subsequently my boyfriend, Ben, carried all the way for her. Obvious tourists! After the tram journey we used the tube, which seemed full of performers cleverly using their children to tempt people to give them money… it didn’t work, particularly as all they did was wave a tambourine about! When we had dealt

with the crazy and busy Belgian public transport systems we finally got to the hotel where we were all staying for New Year’s Eve. Ben, my sister and I all headed for the gym in an attempt to start our ‘New Year – new me’ regime early. This was not useful because afterwards we were off to visit as many chocolate shops as possible and ate many, many free samples… delicious!

We spent New Year’s Eve at the Hard Rock Café before taking a ride on a Ferris Wheel. However, I had a bit of a fright when a man attempted to run off with my phone but luckily he failed. We saw him the next day lying in a gutter; he must have had a brilliant night! To welcome in the New Year we all went back to the hotel and enjoyed fireworks and a free bar, so I didn’t wake up feeling too fresh for the beginning of 2014. My transition from 2013 to 2014 was hardly seamless, but life never is!

Kate Whybrew

COMMENT

Get rid of University Those who oppose…

You’re probably thinking that the above statement is pathetic and stupid… blah blah blah. University improves your mind; it enlightens you and gives you an experience that can define you as a person…blah blah blah. You need university to educate the young so they can create a better future… blah blah blah yawn yawn yawn.

Why I am right…

Envy. That is the simple answer to why university should disappear. Since I have graduated I have nothing but envy for all those who still remain. I also envy those who are yet to go to university. If I was more intelligent I would have changed my course in my second year and failed it. This would have resulted in me gaining two extra years of uni rather than three, and spent more of my life in a place where everything was simple. University gives you at least three years of complete fun where everything is straight forward. I don’t need to tell you all the facts about it because you are already there experiencing it first-hand. It’s the people who have left that really understand what university was like in comparison to their life now. University creates a false world. Uni is so simple, fun and easy, that it should be a privilege that should come after years of hard work. And no, A-Levels and school are not hard work; they were years of getting to hang out with your friends every day and being constantly spoon-fed. The next best thing is retirement, which does not come until 67 if you’re lucky, and even when it does come, it would still not be the same as being young and at university.

Get rid…

University is a false place that gives you an easy life for a limited amount of time. If it did not exist in the first place then people would know no different. University is a sham, and people should be offered different ways to get educated.

Why I am doing this now…

2013 I was a student. 2014 I am not. Done.

Shaun Quilter

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FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

Arts

ART

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Jennifer Draper, Editor Amy Bater, Deputy Editor

Cultural Celebrations Around The World Ireland - St Patrick’s Day St Patrick’s Day is one that we all know about, the famous drinking day of the Irish culture. However, alcohol surprisingly is not the intention of the day; instead it is one of spiritual renewal. This day is celebrated on the 17th March as this is the day that it is believed that Saint Patrick died on in 460 A.D. St Patrick’s Day is associated with everything green and gold and the Irish lucky shamrock and it is, obviously, celebrated with everything green. Celebrations include all sorts of activities that you could expect on a day such as this, with parades of green, kids’ activities, and large ranges of Irish food and drink.

Not only is this day to excuse a large intake of alcohol, it is also a religious day, where many join together at mass to celebrate.

Once mass is over, people join together in celebration with dancing, drinking and feasting on the traditional Irish meal consisting of a simple mixture of rashers and cabbage. This is a time where the Irish come together in celebration, and not only do these celebrations happen in Ireland itself but all across the world since the Irish traditions have spread. St Patrick’s Day is one that I myself love as it is a day to celebrate how happy that I am to be Irish.

Jennifer Draper

Canada - Canada Day When I was sixteen my family moved to British Columbia, Canada, where we lived for two years. To say it is a beautiful country is an understatement, anyone who has been there or lived there will tell you the landscape puts England to shame and the people are so friendly and (there’s no other way to put it)- nice. It came to the summer term of high school when I learned that Canada had a day simply called, Canada Day. This is a day that the country celebrates the Constitution Act that united three colonies into one country within the British Empire.

The actual day is the 1st of July but because school finished before then we celebrated early. It was a huge event; classes finished in the morning and the whole school went outside in the sunshine to participate in activities and arts to celebrate Canada. During the day of July 1st as well, there are so many festivities.

Canada is such a patriotic country, therefore most of the city came out in their red and white clothes with maple leaves painted on their faces to celebrate altogether. Canadians pride themselves on their art and culture; you only have to walk around the city of Vancouver to see this. The city is full of sculptures and pieces of art on the streets. It is accessible, which makes it beautiful. It was such a fun and enjoyable experience for me as someone who comes from outside that culture. One day I hope to go back and celebrate Canada Day once again!

Amy Bater

Mexico - Day of the Dead Days of cultural celebrations are often days where people come together; days such as these also include Mexico’s ‘Day of the dead’. This celebration is an intriguing one for me as it does not appear to be your usual happy celebration when you hear the name, but it is in Mexico and it is a special day to honour the dead.

Not only do people throughout Mexico celebrate this day, but also people from different cultures all around the world as they find the idea of the day so appealing. The ‘Day of the dead’ celebrations grow year by year as more people hear about it.

Although the name of the celebration at first glance does not sound at all appealing, it is. It is one that is so joyful as people remember those that they have loved and lost over the year and celebrate in remembrance for these people. One form of celebration on this day is to clean and decorate the graveyards of those that they have lost over the year, with things such as flowers, candles, and photographs. Alongside this, music is played and parades are put together in celebration of the day.

Even after hearing about the ‘Day of the dead’ even I find it so interesting as the idea of being able to celebrate with your passed loved ones is an amazing concept. It is believed that on this day, the deceased returns to their former homes to celebrate with their loved ones. Although this may seem strange to some, it is a lovely way to celebrate the lives of the deceased.

Jennifer Draper

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Music

Deborah Findlater, Editor Dragos Ion, Deputy Editor

Gig Previews Colchester Sub Focus Sub Focus is the latest big name to grace Sub Zero on a Saturday night. Responsible for such hits as ‘Turn Back Time’ and ‘Endorphins,’ the frequent festival headliner knows how to put on a show.

Coffee House Sessions - Ellie Rose

Sub Zero, Saturday 1st February. Tickets - £8-£10 http://www.essexstudent. com/ents/

Recently London girl Ellie Rose took to the stage as part of University tour, Coffee House Sessions. We caught up with her for a chat before her performance.

few quirky lyrics in there.

How did you come to put together your EP Speedbump Memory Foam?

A lot of people can write and record lots but really struggle when it comes to live shows which makes a tour like this a great experience. So far I’ve played Bournemouth and after this show I’m at Greenwich so it’s really intense! There’s a lot of driving but luckily I’m the passenger.

I worked with Frankmusik and we did a couple of tracks together then I had two more acoustic tracks to go on it.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Who are your main musical influences?

Do you enjoy making videos?

Kate Bush, Adam Ant, Marina & the Diamonds, they’re all quite theatrical!

How did you get into the music industry?

By accident! I’ve been playing pubs since I was 11 and I got picked up by amazing publishers, who just happened to see me perform.

What are some of your favourite gig venues?

I love The Bedford in Balham; the place is bursting with talent. Paolo Nutini and Ed Sheeran both had their first gigs there. Proud Camden as well.

How would you describe your music?

I think it’s sometimes a bit weird, I have a

The whole video for Speedbump was done by my little sister. She found a clip of me from when I was younger and decided it had to go in. I do like making videos and there’s a lot of colour in this one.

What are your plans for 2014?

I’m going to release another EP in January and play as many festivals as possible in the summer. Festival season is a lot of fun although I don’t really like camping. Last year I played secret garden party which was really cool- it had a nudist area!

Coffee House Sessions take place every other Wednesday at 1pm in the SU Bar. Speedbump Memory Foam is out now.

Deborah Findlater

Norwich Young Fathers Edinburgh trio Young Fathers draw from their West African roots and a variety of genres, creating something truly unique. Expect to hear material from their EP’s, Tape One and Tape Two. Norwich Arts Centre, Saturday 8th February. Tickets - £7 http://www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/events/young-fathers---nac--08-02-14-.aspx

London J Dilla Changed My Life Promoters The Doctor’s Orders put on a night dedicated to the influential producer. Featuring a host of DJ talent as well Dilla’s mother and brother, all proceeds from ticket donations go to the J-Dilla foundation and Lupus UK. Scala, Sunday 2nd February.

Tickets – From £6 http://www.scala-london. co.uk

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

MUSIC

The Rabbit Music looks back at a great year

Best Singles

Top Moments

Arctic Monkeys – One for the Road

2013 was an amazing year in music; new artists appeared overnight and climbed the charts whilst the most famous ones made their comeback. Let’s go back and look at some of the most important musical events that shaped 2013.

The year started with Justin Timberlake releasing Suit & Tie; his first single in six years and since he had time to record tons of tracks, he released not one but two amazing albums. He was shortly followed by Robin Thicke with the controversial Blurred Lines. After topping the charts in numerous countries, Thicke managed somehow to have his song banned in Universities across the UK. We’ve been up so many nights to Get Lucky just because the legendary duo Daft Punk created the ideal anthem to make the planet dance. Passenger and his touching song Let Her Go came as the perfect remedy for the broken-hearted-it’s probably the best ballad of 2013. The amazing duo from Seattle, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, proved that one can release an independent album, climb to the top of the charts and garner millions of views on YouTube.

Lady Gaga came back with a highly anticipated album, Artpop. Although it didn’t perform as well as expected, Applause and Do What U Want still had significant airtime.

Then Miley Cyrus came in like a Wrecking Ball- no more Hannah Montana kids. She managed to be more controversial than Gaga herself, from singing about drugs to twerking shamelessly at the VMAs, to licking a hammer whilst singing about heartache.

The end of 2013 was definitely marked by Beyonce’s totally unexpected album. Her highly acclaimed fifth LP broke records and reinvented how to release music.

Thousands of words could be written about 2013. All that’s left to say is WOW.

Dragos Ion

Best New Artists Lorde

Crash Mansion

Last year music offered some great surprises in regards to new artists, one of them was the amazingly talented Lorde.

Although only 16 years old, the New Zealander hit the music charts like a grown up. Her first single “Royals” rapidly shifted from an unknown song on Spotify to a number one hit single in several countries and it doesn’t stop there. Due to her highly acclaimed debut album “Pure Heroine” she is now nominated for no more than 4 Grammys. All things considered, Lorde is certainly one of the best new artists of 2013. Hopefully this year she will continue to be just as awesome and to supply us with more quality music.

Hailing from Southend, Crash Mansion are hard rock quintet signed to Transcend Music (Malefice, Sacred Mother Tongue, etc). Currently the band are preparing to play at the Oxford O2 Academy on the 14th February. As far as newness is concerned, these lads have been on the circuit for a bit before picking up speed.

Their achievements to date include playing at Download Festival and the video for their track ‘Money’. Therefore it will be interesting to see what 2014 will enable the lads to do and what they plan to do.

Watch this space.

Dragos Ion

Rhys Stevenson

Everything about this song is a testament to their decades of musicality, from the medium paced yet absorbing beat Matt Helders lays on the drums to Alex Turner’s charmingly sung lyrics. One For The Road is excellently produced, with a strong structure and a perfectly timed chorus; the track is among James Ford’s best work. Alex Turner rhetorically questions whether there is a mutual arousal in the relationship, “I’ve been wondering whether later when you tell everybody to go, Will you pour me one for the road?” This idea of the other half in a relationship being distant or arcane is a prominent theme throughout the album AM, with songs such as Do I Wanna Know? and R U Mine?

Charles Fideli

Kingdom feat. Kelela – Bank Head The title track from the L.A. producer’s EP Vertical XL caused an immediate stir courtesy of sublime vocals from newcomer Kelela, who went on to have a fantastic year with the release of her debut mixtape Cut 4 Me. Whilst understated and restrained, ‘Bank Head’ still manages to pack a punch with Kingdom’s expansive production which Kelela effortlessly floats over. For concocting a slice of futuristic R&B that is both accessible and innovative, the pair are more than worthy of recognition.

Deborah Findlater

Haim - The Wire Californian sister trio Haim were one of 2013’s major buzz bands, and the top-20 single The Wire is a highlight from their vastly acclaimed debut Days Are Gone. Tasty guitar embellishments and 80s-style synth strings flesh out a song universally lovable to those young and old. While the song may not cover new ground lyrically, charismatic flourishes in their vocal deliveries help separate it from other songs about dumping partners. Husky, understated singing and catchy sing-a-long yelps make this bluesy rock ‘n’ roll frolic the best Fleetwood Mac song that wasn’t written by Fleetwood Mac.

Alex Driscoll

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14

Film

Charis Lynch, Editor Katie Clark, Deputy Editor

The New Year has begun and Essex students are beginning to settle into their second term and their new study routines. But all work and no play never makes a happy student. The Rabbit Film Section has compiled a list of film events taking place this term for you to get yourselves involved with. All of the events are wallet friendly, since we all appreciate the after effects of the expensive festive season!

UoE Film Society Events: The University of Essex Film society has a huge variety of events taking place throughout this term. The film screenings are definitely worth attending and with only a five pounds membership fee, you can attend an unlimited number of showings, so you know you’re definitely grabbing a good deal!

Screenings are at 7pm every Tuesday and Thursday this term and will be shown in LTB9. The Truman Show, Howl’s Moving Castle and Rush are just three great films being screened this term, and, it highlights what a superb variety of films the society provides its members, as well as how the team strive to connect to all film fans.

Essex students will also have the opportunity to see the film society’s panda mascot take part in a charity run to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. You will see the panda (aka Ben Thomas; Publicity Officer) start the run from Colchester Castle and finish at Essex University. Ben will be running on Sunday 26th of January, so be sure to attend to show your support.

The finish line will also have a special, mystery screening to conclude the event. Donations can be sent to Ben using this website: http://www.justgiving. com/PabloRun. Any spare change you might have will be gratefully received, ultimately helping the world beat cancer once and for all.

The Film Society are also currently organising a visit to the IMAX in Ipswich, it is set to take place during early February. Members and non-members are welcome to attend and there will be a vote on which film shall be booked.

More information will be provided by the team on their Facebook page, as well as updates on other upcoming events: https://www.facebook.com/EssexUniFilmSociety Contact: Aiden Mills (President): amillsd@essex.ac.uk Ben Thomas (Publicity Officer): bjthom@essex.ac.uk Essex Film Society: essexfilmsoc@gmail.com

Charis Lynch

Be in with a chance to win merchandise from the upcoming film, That Awkward Moment in cinemas January 29th.

Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan and Miles Teller star in the R-rated comedy about three best friends who find themselves where we have all been—at that confusing moment in every dating relationship when you have to decide: “So…Where is this going?”

Written and directed by Tom Gormican, That Awkward Moment is about the vulnerability and embarrassment of navigating modernday relationships, uniquely told from the point of view of three guys.

Head to our section Facebook page and have a look at our competition post. All you have to do is watch a trailer and share your thoughts.

Those who leave the best comments will be contacted to receive their merchandise bundle. www.facebook.com/therabbitfilm1

Charis Lynch

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

Holocaust Memorial Week Monday 27th of January will be a day to reflect on the millions of people the world lost during the Holocaust. In remembrance, the University of Essex will be hosting a number of events the week beforehand to help the public reflect and remember those who suffered.

A set of four free screenings will be shown in the LTB from the 25th-31st January, including the 2013 documentary Ruins and Hitler: A Film From Germany, which uses real footage taken during World War II. All four screenings

are informative, gripping and truly moving, letting audiences observe and experience what life was like for holocaust victims. Booking in advance is strongly advised. Be sure to pick up a leaflet from The Lakeside Theatre to see which films are on, what dates they are set to be screened and in which room they shall be shown.

For bookings and information contact: Telephone: 01206 872807 Email: events@essex.ac.uk

Charis Lynch

FILM

BAFTA 2014

Everyone’s a Winner With Odeon, anyone can be a winner with the ongoing BAFTA nominations. There are five free tickets up for grabs for those who submit their BAFTA votes. All you have to do is go to “http:// www.odeon.co.uk/bafta-awards-2014/” or www.odeon.co.uk/ bafta-awards-2014/, choose your favourite nominations, enter your full name and email address and click submit. With that, you’re in for a chance of winning a free film screening courtesy of Odeon.

The first person to correctly predict the results of the BAFTA’s will also be in for a chance to win ten free Odeon cinema tickets.

Entries are accepted up until the 16th February, so make sure you select your winners before then.

All terms and conditions are on the website.

Katie Clarke

GOLDEN GLOBES

After the awards have been handed out, we’re anticipating great things from the cinema this month. Here are the winners that should be worthy of us parting with our cash for at the cinema.

American Hustle

12 Years a Slave

The Wolf of Wall Street

Picking up three awards, including Best Comedy or Musical, and with a cast of Hollywood’s finest it’s definitely one to catch before it leaves the big screen.

Chiwetel Ejiofor gives another great performance in this story of one man’s struggle for freedom. Though he missed out on an Oscar of his very own, the film still received the award for Best Drama.

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in Scorsese’s latest film, and from the trailers it looks great.

DiCaprio looks to take on the role full pelt and was rewarded with the prize for Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy or Musical.

Released 20/12/2013

Released 10/01/2014

Released 17/01/2014

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16

TV

Kirsten Alexander, Editor

How to Waste your Life in 2014 Let’s face it, you’re probably not going to stick to those unrealistic New Year’s Resolutions; lose weight, call your gran more often. But here’s one we suggest you stick to: watch more TV. Already, we’ve got the new season of Sherlock which began this month, following up on last season’s cliff hanger. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman continue their impressive chemistry alongside co-star and writer Mark Gatiss, who you can also catch in the next season of Game of Thrones (don’t worry, we’ll get to that). Co-writer Steven Moffat also continues his work on Doctor Who, with this year’s Doctor being played by Peter Capaldi. Capaldi will also be starring in BBC’s long awaited Three Musketeers adaptation, The Musketeers, with BBC also airing Fleming this month (a biopic of the titular Bond

author), the beeb is seemingly monopolising quality drama in early 2014.

Certain overseas offerings will need a damn-good reason to be missed, with the captivating Game of Thrones back on screens this April, bringing with it a wealth of new characters for you to forget the names of. While incredibly stylish period pieces Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire both enter their final seasons this year. Mad Men will be dividing its closing season into two (leaving us with twice the whisky swilling, chain smoking glamour to enjoy), similar to Breaking Bad; (which is getting a spin-off this year: Better Call Saul.) Watch out for that.

Expect more superhero shenanigans following the relative successes of last year’s Arrow and

Agents of SHIELD., with The Flash and Gotham Central both beginning this year, as well as apocalyptic thrills with zombies (the new season of The Walking Dead), the rapture (Damon Lindelof’s new project, The Leftovers) and parasitic-vampire-plagues (Guillermo Del-Toro’s The Strain).

So much choice, so many amazing shows. 2014 is shaping up to be just swell. Just a word of caution: wait until essays are in, exams are over and you’ve got an entire summer to binge-watch to your hearts content. Just so you can’t blame us for your incredible procrastination techniques.

Roman A.J. Wilson

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

TV

Community

Dan Harmon, I se

e your value now.

Hannibal Sir Anthony Hopkins’ iconic and chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lector has certainly left its mark, so it’s understandable that many would be cautious of the small-screen adaptation. Luckily, the show was a huge success and I’m waiting eagerly for series two of Hannibal.

The show’s success though is not due to the clever writing, brilliant cinematography or its ability to disturb the viewer, the key is its cast. Laurence Fishburne plays Jack Crawford, the commanding presence as the head of the FBI. Hugh Dancy excels in the lead role as psychologically disturbed FBI profiler Will Graham.

But the real highlight of the show is Mads Mikkelsen’s Hannibal Lector. He doesn’t mimic Hopkins’ portrayal, he instead creates his own Lector in one of the best performances seen in recent TV history. Don’t miss this master class in psychological thrillers.

Jack Fryer

Game of Thrones Truth be told, I am a late convert to the Game of Thrones fan base. Khal Drogo won me over and even though he is long gone, I cannot help but feel incredibly excited for the fourth series, which premieres 6th April. Certainly the Red Wedding left us all reeling, so what can we expect from the upcoming series? Showrunner David Benioff has hinted at even more action-packed episodes.

My guess? White Walkers, Daenerys making a play for the Iron Throne, Tyrion being forced to become a daddy and even more shots of Jon Snow looking forlornly over the Wall. April can’t come soon enough.

Cristina Otelea

Harmon, creator of Community, NB C’s critically-acclaimed college comedy, was rem oved from his po after three series. st The executives be hind this decision soon came to regret it; ratin gs fell for series and critics called four for a return of th e “missing ingred ent”. It seemed th iat Harmon was Community’s so and it couldn’t be ul done right withou t him.

After much plea ding by fans - ev en cast members the creator has re turned to save hi s show. Harmon not only faces th e challenges of re storing the ratin and generally co gs, vering last series’ tracks, but must also cope with th e loss of two lea ding cast members (Chevy Chas e left after a fall out, whilst Dona Glover will only ld feature in half of the episodes du other commitm e to ents).

It will take somet hing special. Fortu nately for Community, that’s ex actly what Harm on brings.

Andrew Smith

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18

Books Editorial “Lad’s Lit”? The Metonymic Nature of “Chick-Lit” In this issue, we return to the genre that is commonly known as “chick-lit”, or, as former University of Essex student, Angela Clarke, less reductively puts it: “commercial women’s fiction”. In our featured interview with the author that Now magazine described as a “glitzy outsider”, Clarke discusses the potentially negative connotations of the name of the genre “chick lit”, and its metonymic tendency to act as a by-word for “feminine” literature: excluding the “men’s magazines” sections at the shady end of WH Smith, there isn’t an equivalent male counterpart to chick lit - there is no “lad’s lit”.

Jasmine Crellin, Editor Jessica Houlihan, Deputy Editor

The Bride Stripped Bare For anyone left disappointed, or frankly disgusted, by the writing of the Fifty Shades trilogy, The Bride Stripped Bare, a 2003 novel

by Nikki Gemmel, provides an apt alternative. Written in the form of a diary, the story tells of a young wife who has disappeared after an adulterous relationship with a mysterious man from her library group. The language of the text is beautifully expressive in exploring the depths of the female intellect and the author speaks frankly

In the worlds of Simone de Beauvoir, “Man is defined as a human being and a woman as female.” - No one would assume that the male gender can be encapsulated in one genre of fiction, so perhaps we should extend the same courtesy to commercial fiction.

about love and sex as the protagonist chronicles her relationships present and past; no “Mummy porn” found here! This gritty and liberating portrayal of a twentyfirst century love affair by far trumps the exploits of the annoyingly passive Ana Steele and her sadistic Mr Grey, one of the few reasons it went on to become a bestseller in the year of its release.

Sadie Lummis

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow

Jasmine Crellin

B REVOOK IEW S

Fans of Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic franchise will warm instantly to Claudia Carroll’s tale of wishfulfilment and risk-taking. Bored and unsatisfied with her life in “the Sticks”, when young housewife Annie Cole is offered the acting job opportunity of a lifetime, she decides to take it, leaving her workaholic husband and their rural existence behind to pursue her dreams of stardom in New York.

es, Annie begins to wonder if the strain of a long-distance relationship is really worth it. On an impulse, they decide to take a “gapyear” on their marriage, giving Annie the chance to live out the single-girl lifestyle she’s always dreamt of. There’s only one condition: in a year’s time, they have to meet at the Rockerfeller café to reunite, or go their separate ways: this time, permanently.

There, she finds herself drawn increasingly towards her driven but callous director, Jack Gordon, the complete antithesis to her caring husband, Dan. As Dan and Annie find their relationship disintegrating into a series of missed calls and answering machine messag-

Through Carroll’s stream-of-consciousness style writing, it’s impossible not to become engaged in this wittily funny, surprising romantic story of second chances, and modern relationships.

Jasmine Crellin

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

BOOKS

19

Interview With Author, journalist and Essex Graduate Angela Clarke Firstly, what was it that first inspired you to become a writer and how did you get started?

Like most writers I started off as an avid reader, a habit I found doesn’t ever leave you. I wrote stories at school, kept my hand in with a writing group at university, and really got going when I landed my first column in a London newspaper in my early twenties. In between I drank a lot of wine in pubs, which I find helps me with ideas and contacts.

Can you tell us a bit more about your book Confessions of a Fashionista? What is it about and how did it come to be?

Confessions of a Fashionista is a humorous memoir, and tells the story of the ten years I spent working in and around the fashion industry (I was an agent producing photoshoots and catwalk shows).

It charts how I got into the industry, got myself into a mess, and got myself back out again - the good, the bad and the Botox. Confessions started as a column for the Daily Mail online recounting funny anecdotes from the fashion industry, including the fashionistas who sniffed cake rather than eat it, and the client who insisted their dog had its own business class seat on airplanes. That damn dog had a far better life than most people I know. From there, as I grew as a writer - gaining an agent, and a publisher - the column grew into a book.

What new projects are you currently working on?

I still write a column and the odd journalism feature, but the majority of my time is spent on my next book. It will be fiction. Satire, hopefully. Fingers crossed. Oh god...

Can you tell us about your experience as a student studying at Essex?

I studied English and European Literature at the

University, lived in Isaac Rebow in the first year, and in Wivenhoe for my second and third year. And I have been all the way over the top in the lift in the library. It’s shaky. Very shaky. The university makes a brief cameo in my memoir. It deserves a lot of the credit for getting me where I am now.

On your website, you have written an article on the publishing industry and the long-standing literary snobbery against genre fiction. What are your views and have you experienced these kinds of attitudes in regards to your own work?

I’ve published a book with a pink stiletto on the cover - of course I’ve experienced literary snobbery!

Those who have a disdainful regard for genre fiction (and vice versa) need to get over themselves.

Writers love books. We all want people to read. Who cares that there are as many different types of readers as there are different types of books? Let’s just be happy people are reading. I for one read a huge range of texts, from classics, through prizewinning literary fiction, through non-fiction, to commercial fiction. It’s all words. It’s all magnificent escapism.

It’s all good.

In one of our recent issues, The Rabbit Books discussed the ‘chick-lit’ genre. Some female readers suggested that such books often provide a twodimensional and potentially negative portrayal of women. As a self-proclaimed fashionista and feminist, how would you respond to this?

Examples of two-dimensional characters and potentially negative portrayals of both sexes can be found throughout all genres. I take more of an issue with the term ‘chick-lit’, which I think is loaded with negative connotations. I recognise the publishing industry needs distinct genres in order to market and reach the right audiences, so if I were to classify books in this way I’d use the less assonant but more neutral ‘women’s commercial fiction’. What is

damaging to female writers/readers is the limited and reductive way in which women’s commercial fiction is often viewed. It’s almost a nonsensical grouping as so many writers of differing styles are lumped together, on the minimal basis they have a female protagonist and deal with what is described as ‘women’s issues’. Far from just the stereotypes of wisecracking heroines pursuing shoes and men, women’s commercial fiction is full of writers exploring issues such as rape, abortion, miscarriage, infidelity, and loss of a loved one. Almost, one might argue, human issues, rather than just women’s ones.

If people still sneer that women’s commercial fiction is little more than fluffy frippery (and really, what’s so bad with that anyway?)

I suggest they sit down and try and write one. And then try and sell it. Don’t mistakenly assume that an easy read is an easy write. In terms of feminism, we have no right to tell women what they should or shouldn’t read, any more than we have a right to tell them what they should or shouldn’t wear. It is their body and their mind to do what they wish with. If they want to read a funny love story, and/or a stylistically challenging literary tome it’s no one else’s business.

And finally, what advice would you give to any of our readers that are looking to pursue a career in writing?

Build an audience. Increasingly excellent writing and a strong concept are not enough. Publishers want to know what else you can bring to the table: journalism connections, blog audiences, twitter followers. It all helps. And keep reading. Always keep reading.

Jessica Houlihan

00

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

Science Felix, given that you’re now possibly the most famous Austrian of modern times, are you hoping that someone will want to follow in your footsteps in the future?

Well, while maybe that’s exaggerating my fame, I realise that the jump put me in the public eye, and I do hope others will follow in my footsteps – but not only by setting aerospace records. Records are made to be broken and I’m sure somebody will set out to break my altitude and speed records one day. If they can do it with a safe program – and especially if they can provide scientific data like we did with Red Bull Stratos, and like Joe Kittinger’s jump did in 1960, that’s what progression is all about. But besides that, I think Red Bull Stratos reminded people what can be achieved when you have a clear vision and a dedicated team that rises above challenges. If we’ve inspired people to follow their own dreams and passions, even in very different fields, that’s a legacy we can be proud of.

As the world was watching your stratospheric jump, how were you feeling at the time of the jump? Nervous? Excited? What was it like to see the world from nearly 39,000 meters in the sky?

I was all business. This was a flight test program in a dangerous environment, so it was important to stay focused on what I needed to do.

For example, I had to go through a checklist of more than forty items just to get out of the capsule and prepare to jump! But of course when I was standing on the capsule step, I did try to inhale the moment and appreciate it. The view was incredible. Below me, I could see the curve of the earth, but above the sky was black. Completely black, I’d never seen black sky before. It was beautiful and humbling at the same time.

What was the worst part of your experience, both in preparation and the skydive itself?

I don’t really tend to think in terms of “worst” experiences. In a flight test program like this one, you learn important lessons even from the setbacks. But I can tell you that waiting was sometimes hard – whether that was waiting for the capsule to be re-assessed after it took a hard test landing or waiting for the necessary weather conditions. In the weeks and days leading up to the jump, I sometimes felt a little bit like a

21

Ben Gregson, Editor Emily Pearlman, Deputy Editor

One small step for mankind, one giant leap for Austria On the 14th October 2012, Felix Baumgartner ascended in a pressurised pod to 24 miles above the earth’s surface. He then fell at a speed of 843.6 miles per hour 1.25 times the speed of sound thus breaking the sound barrier. We were lucky enough to get an interview from this amazing individual.

SCIENCE SCIENCE

Rhys Stevenson

tiger in a cage – I was eager to get on with things after five long years of training and preparation.

If you could pass on any advice to someone who also wants to become a BASE jumper, what would you say?

Find an excellent teacher who has lots of experience, and pay attention to everything that teacher tells you. BASE jumping is a demanding sport, and mistakes can have consequences – so learn from the experience of others.

How were you welcomed in your home town and of course Vienna?

The welcome back to Austria was amazing! It felt so good to be home, and people – not just my friends and family, but also people I’d never met before were so enthusiastic. Many of the members of the mission team joined me in Salzburg for a homecoming celebration and broadcast, which made it extra special. I was very happy to show them around.

What will you be focusing on now? Taking time out with your family or preparing for another challenge?

While I love to hang out with my family and friends, I’ve been on the road a lot in the twelve months since the jump. My next focus, however, is another dream I’ve had since childhood. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve wanted to be a skydiver and fly helicopters. Now that the Red Bull Stratos mission is finished, I’m going to be spending more time on that other passion: helicopters. Even before my jump, I had my private helicopter pilot’s license in Austria and the United States, as well as my commercial European license, and I’ve already done some piloting work. In the future I’d like to put my skills into public service – like piloting mountain rescues or flights to put out wildfires.

Finally are there any hello’s, thank you’s, greetings you wish to issue to people you know and worked with?

If I started, I wouldn’t know where to stop! So many people have helped me achieve my dreams, and my thanks to them are very personal. Instead, let me thank all the people I haven’t worked with, but who have supported me in other ways: people who followed the mission web stream, or who sent me words of encouragement, or who let me know that Red Bull Stratos was meaningful to them or to their kids. Everyone has their own goals and challenges in life, and when people have been generous enough to share their messages of support with me, it’s meant a lot. My thanks and best wishes to all!

22

Lifestyle

Claudia Degli Alessandrini, Editor Luiza Sandru, Deputy Editor

Rate Mash Website Invades Your Privacy Another case of a website acting against your will and knowledge. University of Essex student testifies a friend’s case.

Advice to keep you on top of the game How to… Be on top of the game at University.

We all know university is hard; definitely more than some of us have expected when it comes to workload. University life encompasses a social life and a plethora of different activities where managing your time can become overwhelming, even without having a part-time job!

The Rabbit Lifestyle provides you with three simple tips that will make your life here a little bit easier: So, here we go:

Learn how to prioritize.

You came to university with the significant purpose to obtain a degree, so you can make yourself as employable as it gets. Make your studies your number one priority. After that, take your time to rank what is most important for you: Is it your social life, your friends or going out? Learn that about yourself and plan accordingly to your wishes. You sometimes have to accept the fact that you do not have enough time to do everything you want to.

Keep yourself organized.

The best way possible to do this is to either buy a planner or write everything that you need to do on your phone’s calendar. With so many opportunities around you, you might overcommit in seeing too many friends or going to societies’ meetings. I know it is hard to decline when your invite you out for a couple of drinks or when you see that your favorite society holds an amazing event. Make sure you prioritize according to imminent necessity. If you have a deadline the next day and only halfway through your essay, it is wiser to stay in.

Plan ahead.

With most of the deadlines being set up right at the beginning of the term or even the academic year, you should try to do your assignment as early as you can. You definitely have a lot more time left for yourself afterwards. Avoid leaving the entire essay writing for the night before: being stressed makes you lose focus, and therefore spend more time panicking than actually writing.

Luiza Sandru

A website is now using student Facebook profile pictures (yes that could be you or me) without their consent. The website, Rate Mash, is supposedly set up to give its members “access to the coolest clubs and parties in town”, “discounts to the coolest parties” and “find people that think you’re hot”.

What they do not tell you is that your ‘friends’ can upload your picture without your consent and their members can then vote on just how hot you are. However, the website promises: “If someone thinks you’re hot and you agree, we’ll match you up”. Which is nice of them.

Founder of the website, 20 year old, Michael Healy explains, “people get invited by their friends but they are welcome to remove themselves at any time.” But students who, surprisingly, do not want to be rated by complete strangers all over the country, have not found this process as simple as Healy suggests.

A student of the University of Essex spend months sending email after email trying to have her picture removed from the site. Yet, it was only after she threatened to get the police involved that the photo was finally removed.

The NUS have condemned Rate Mash as a “gross invasion of privacy” and it has been referred to as “a stalker’s dream”. Rate Mash describes itself as a “buzzing community with members within universities mostly in the UK and around the world who like to go out, party and enjoy themselves’’. The idea of Rate Mash is to make it “easier to meet new people in universities and to make going out cheaper, more fun and seamless.”

Discovering your photo has not only been uploaded without your consent but also subject to a rating of “hotness” is no one’s definition of “fun” (even if you do rate in the top 50).

Jordan Milne

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

LIFESTYLE

23

Cleaning Up After Yourself

A sign of Respect and Education How to keep you room / flat clean to ensure you reflect the standards of a university student.

Studying at university often implies a sharp decline in parental nagging on the matter of cleanliness, with living proof of the quote, ‘‘When the cat is away, the mice will play’’. Unfortunately, whether you live on campus or otherwise, taking care of the hygienic aspect of your room/ home is imperative for a decent living standard and may prove particularly overwhelming and bothersome. If you do not clean, the mice- the real ones- will throw a party in your kitchen, by invitation only. The Rabbit Lifestyle provides you with a guide on how to keep your room and other home areas sanitary, ensuring a nag-less 2014 agenda, happy cleaners and flat mates. Cleaning after yourself in your community- whether defined by family or other university students- is also a sign of respect.

Tips for a clean room: Cleanliness relies on the precondition of orderliness. Messinessthe kind where you can barely see the surface of anything- enhances dirt because one cannot access what is underneath all that clutter and clear away underlying filth. Make sure your room surfaces- desk, shelves, floor, and night table are clear from unidentifiable objects by storing them in boxes or by rearranging your drawers for better spatial distribution. Assign a place to each category: Books on shelves, toothbrush in the bathroom, etc.

Give an extra touch of colour and atmosphere to your room with decorations, lights, posters, and the like. Studies show that tidy rooms are a sign of a ‘tidy mind’ so a clean atmosphere will help you study.

Clean your floor and surfaces: Master of the Obvious says nothing makes your room smell fresh and look clean like actually cleaning it. Vacuuming with beloved Henry (if you live on campus you are well acquainted with Henry; otherwise, any vacuum will do) removes crumbs and dust, refreshing the atmosphere. Wash your bedsheets regularly and change your towels because they too take on the dust. Pound Land has a plethora of cleaning products that are cheap and just as effective, to ensure your surfaces are nice and squeaky.

• Use any air freshener for an extra pleasant atmosphere but remember: Air Fresheners are just perfumes. They will not eliminate odours caused by dirty surfaces/ objects, so forget the myth.

• Open your windows for a fresh air change every morning and evening before sleeping.

• Keep plates and pans in the kitchen where they belong.

Tips to clean common areas: Bathroom/ kitchen/ flat: Bathroom: If you live in an ensuite room, you have the bathroom burden as well. Cleaners visiting your bathroom once a month cannot, even by miracle, ensure the hygiene required from a bathroom.

• Wash your sink with a spray/ cleaning cream by using a sponge to scrub and use a different sponge for the toilet surfaces.

• Spray your mirror with an alcoholic based product and use newspaper to remove product spray (Read the Rabbit before using it for this purpose).

• Use bleach based toilet cleaner and scrub with appropriate toilet brush. Bleach kills the hard-core bacteria.

Kitchen: Whether off campus or on, the kitchen is a playground for germs, so it is essential that it is being kept clean by us students.

• Do the washing right after cooking: This will ironically save you time by avoiding arm-breaking scrubbing when the plates run out, and help your cleaners do their job efficiently and easily. This also avoids ‘litigations’ with flat mates who rightfully wish to use their plates sitting in your filth.

• Clean spillages as they occur: this avoids bad odours when switching on the hob. Remember: kitchen bacteria harmful to your health can grow and divide every twenty minutes on filthy plates and surfaces. These include Salmonella, Listeria, E-coli, which are rather unpleasant to encounter.

• Change the bin bag when it approaches fullness instead of waiting for divine intervention: food or other wastes on the floor resemble the streets of the developing world where children starve to death and have no other choice, so be considerate.

• Open a window after/ while cooking. Swipe your fridge every now and then.

• Check if your milk or whatever has run out, as it tends to smell and swell.

• Avoid sink clogs by clearing out food accumulation timely.

• Throw out your trash after pre-drinks.

• Do not wait for others to do something you can do yourself, it only takes 5 seconds of your life!

Claudi degli Alessandrini

Note 1. If you live

off-campus, a cleaning rotation is essential. Focus on bathroom, kitchen, and living room weekly.

Sundays are ideal for forced-cleaning and long-term happy flat mate relationships.

Note 2. Recycling

is respecting nature, which we are already destroying.

Note 3. Keep your

house clean and allow only for wear and tear, if you want your deposit back.

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New Year’s Eve is a Blast A student was willing to share a different New Year’s Eve experience while bartending.

This New Year’s Eve I ate and drank the best I ever have at a New Year’s Eve party, and it was whilst getting paid double-time for a comfortable bartending job at my local. Granted, it took hours of preparation but when the party was in full swing, the New Year’s Eve cheer we -and the musicians- created was merit enough for our diligence.

friends-old and new alike- offered me drinks throughout the night. These drinks were stashed aside for the staff after-party where we gave 2013 a fitting sendoff and kicked off 2014 with a memorable night. Next year, I would like to be doing something different but whatever I do, the bar has been set high! (Excuse the pun). Happy New Year!

The talented kitchen staff cooked the gourmet food; they organized a buffet that we were encouraged to pick at throughout the night. While the front of house team, including myself, where in charge of setting up the floor and organizing the beverages.

Working locally had its benefits; namely, that

Charles Fideli

When Cupid Shoots Arrows Overseas How to… Survive Long- Distance relationships.

Relationships can be tough as it is. More often than not, couples end up missing their significant other even if they are living nearby. As much as this may be the consequence of overreaction, the salient point is that we always want to spend the right amount of time with our partner. What happens, then, to those who are separated by considerable distance? Here are some useful tips to cope with this situation, as I have been dating girlfriends from Norway, Finland and The Faroe Islands. It can get tough and expensive. The best way to survive such a relationship is to commence asserting trust and communication as the highest priority through Skyping, phone calls, emailing or social media.

lucky you- be sure to make it lengthy, as the odd thirty-minute jaunt is not enough. Remember, you have not seen them for ages so make sure you set at least two hours aside for communication and be considerate of the other person’s need to hear from you.

Moreover, you may want opt for the classic route and endeavor in sending letters to one another, giving a more personal feeling. Skype them on your own; the last thing they want is a group of you talking because firstly it is rude and secondly this impedes you the possibility to say the things you want to.

Send the occasional gift; remember, you are in another country and so sending gifts from here will be like sending love home from home. Try relying on the Royal Mail postal rules on sending certain items; also check if airlines and your home customs accept the items too. As Danish comedian and musician, Victor Borge, once said, “Laughter is the closest distance between two people”.

Unless you speak another language- in which case

Along with that comes trust, which binds you together. If you truly love someone, you would use trust to communicate and thus the two are interlinked. Do not go off and date other girls or boys because cheating is love’s ugly cousin. Try to organize a time for them to come over: set aside a number of days for them to come and visit or even spend a holiday with them at the end of term.

Rhys Stevenson

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

LIFESTYLE

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Sports A Note from the Editor: Thank you for reading another edition of The Rabbit Sports Section. Last term we spent a lot of time trying to recruit new writers. Our mission is to get as many university sports clubs covered as possible. I’m happy to say we’ve got a lot more writers this term and more sports will be covered to keep everyone up to date with as much as possible.

From everyone in the Rabbits Sports Section, we hope you had a fantastic holiday, and make sure you keep reading!

“I enjoy being able to learn more about the game through playing it.”

Carl Graham, Editor

Sports Club Interview American Football This week, we spoke to William Target, who plays for the University of Essex American Football team.

American Football is obviously not a native sport to us here in Britain, but has actually been rising in popularity quite rapidly over the past few years. To see why people are being attracted to this sport more and more, I wanted to speak to someone who not only played for the team, but has a love of the sport beforehand anyway: How were you introduced to American football? And had you any prior experience of playing?

My dad got into the game when Channel 4 first started showing highlights in the 80’s. He played for a few years, for the Basildon Chiefs, including a national final (which they lost). After he stopped playing, he still followed the game and would record the Superbowl every year. In 2002 he was watching the Superbowl recorded from the previous night and me and my brother watched it with him. Been a fan ever since.

As a non-native sport to England, how popular do you feel American football is, and why?

American Football is growing in popularity in this country. The NFL is acknowledging this by having regular season games being played here since 2007. This year (2013) for the first time there were two games at Wembley, and next year there will be three. I’ve been to four of the Wembley games myself and they are great experiences. 95% of tickets for these games have been bought by Brits which shows its popularity. The fans over here are very knowledgeable and very committed, as we often stay up to stupid hours to watch games live.

What are the best things about being part of the society? What are you looking forward to most this year?

I enjoy being able to learn more about the game through playing it. It’s been able to give me a greater appreciation when watching the NFL, as I understand the tactics of the game more. It’s good to be able to talk to other guys on the team about the game and learn with them. I’m looking forward to every game, and, of course watching the Superbowl in the SU bar with all the boys.

How is American football played?

In American football, the team in possession of the ball has four attempts (or downs) to advance the ball ten yards. If they succeed, they get a fresh set of downs, and if they don’t make the ten yards, the other team takes possession of the ball. That’s it in extremely basic terms, but it helps to watch the game and have it explained as it goes along.

Lastly, who can get involved and how?

Anyone can get involved, all you have to do is contact someone on the team or show up to one of our practice sessions, which happen on Tuesdays on the field from 6:40, and on Thursday’s on the AstroTurf. We’ll get you sorted out with kit (helmet and pads) and then you can play.

Carl Graham

FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY | ISSUE 150

SPORTS

MATCH UPDATES

Essex Lacrosse Women’s Remarkable Win Following Essex’s defeat against Kingston, they were determined to prove themselves with a win against Hertfordshire 1st team. After starting slow with the first quarter not seeing many goals from Essex, who were only just winning with a score of 3-2, the rest of the match Essex were hitting hard.

Scoring rapidly increased in the 2rd quarter, with attack players continuously striking. Anna Maria Lewry, Charlotte Palmer, Julie Sjohaug scored, even the defence player Jodie Goldsmith was able to contribute, but primarily the scores came from Captain Nikoline Torlei and centre player Jess Miller.

This ended the match with Essex achieving a staggering win of 16-4. Woman of the match was awarded to fresher Charlotte Palmer for scoring her first goal, but goalie Kat Ward was also commemorated for her efforts having never played as goalie before.

Fiona Watkinson

Essex Lacrosse Men’s Agonisingly Close Match The development of the Essex Lacrosse Men’s team over the last few months has been outstanding, which was seen in their latest close match against Imperial’s 1st team. It started bleak for Essex, the first half was predominately dominated by Imperial, who were scoring from unsettled play and cutters to the goal crease.

It appeared that all hopes of winning the match was lost for Essex until the second half. Essex had come back fighting with attack players Will Plom scoring 6 and Oliver Watkins 1, they were now equalised with Imperial. With only fifty seconds to go Vice Captain Joe Holdsworth made a good attempt to score another after Imperial’s increase of one, but it missed by one inch, which finished the game with a score of 8-7 to Imperial.

Even though Essex lost, the improvements they have made give encouraging prospects for their next match.

Fiona Watkinson

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Sports The Just Play schedule for this term is out!

If you are looking to fit in some exercise in between your studies but don’t have the time to fully commit to a team sport, make sure to check out Just Play. On the right you can see a schedule of what is taking place during this term and what sports you can get involved in as well as what level each event is aimed at. With the growing variety of sports available there should be something for everyone. University is probably the best time in your life to get involved in a new sport that can turn into a rewarding hobby for the rest of your life.

So don’t be afraid to take the leap and just play!

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