pugwash news
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Issue 1 Wednesday 03.10.07 upsu.net/news
Portsmouth’s official student newspaper
Union President demands free education as student debt interest doubles Ben Norman, Student Activities & Development Officer
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Inside... your 02 Incoming: guide to the month ahead Fayre: 03 Freshers’ your essential guide Lovin’ 04 Fun Criminals, Paul Oakenfold + an
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encouraged to buy now and pay later – should the Government be encouraging us all to get into so much debt before we even start in life?”
Oktoberfest at the Union this month. Equality finds its voice at the Union Malibu Soundclash special Meeting Justin Timberlake + Stereophonics reviewed Meet your Sabb officers Sport: Portsmouth Uni to become hockey centre of excellence + full AU clubs guide
Without ceremony or hype, the Student Loans Company - the main source of financial support for over 2.6 million students - doubled the interest rate on student loans, pushing the average annual interest on student loans over the £1,000 mark. President of the Student's Union Elle Gray brought the injustice of the student loan system’s increase, from 2.4 percent to 4.8 percent, to the attention of new students during the Union's freshers’ welcoming speech. Superficially, this change may look like an increase of little significance; however this is just the latest in series of developments affecting student’s loans. As Gray states, this means that interest rates on some loans are now over £1,000 per annum and rising. Student debt is currently estimated to be running at just over £14.6 billion. Student debt is of course not a new development, but this recent addition to the financial woe means that as of this year a student leaving university can expect to take over £20,000 of debt along with their shiny new degree. In a speech which detailed the financial plight of students and the struggle being fought by the Students’ Union for free education. Miss Gray spelt out the implications of fees and a profit seeking Student loan Company: “We are being
Continued on page 2
Lux repaint: the Union’s main room has undergone a colour change over the summer. Page 4
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Facebook: Union Hugs, debates, Freshers’ Fayre, Daleks, and Halls go online and 101 more things...
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Welcome to the first ever issue of the Pugwash News & Purple Wednesdays fortnightly newspaper. The paper’s remit is to cover student-orientated and student-led news in and around the University of Portsmouth, and right across the world. Thanks for reading, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have something you think the students of Portsmouth should hear, whether or not you’re a student yourself - get in touch via www.upsu.net/newsdesk!
The Union has its own Facebook group, with over 1,100 members chatting about everything from events to lectures, good hair days to pyjamas. Join the group to find out the latest news from the Union, chat with other students, and ask the entertainments team your questions. More info: www.upsu.net/facebook If you’re living in halls of residence this year, join up to the halls Facebook groups to chat with your neighbours - more info at
Pugwash News & Purple Wednesdays is the Union’s student newspaper. If you have something to shout about, from burning issues to match reports, comment to features, or you want to photograph, design or help lay the paper up, get in touch!
Alex Harries, Media Officer & Ed-in-chief Email: mediaofficer@upsu.net
Want to help the Union promote itself on Facebook? mediaofficer@upsu.net
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... supporters argue that the abolition of up-front fees should encourage more young people to apply. The reality of course is very different.
On paper, from the detached view of the politician, top-up fees must have looked like a simple idea; each university is given the freedom to charge extra tuition fees, meaning that each institution will be able to vary the fee they charge and be able to pocket the cash. This way, the Government claims, over-subscribed and popular universities can charge more, while institutions that may be struggling can charge less to attract more students. Sycophantic supporters argue that the abolition of up-front fees should encourage more young people to apply. The reality of course is very different. With fervent privatisation of universities in full swing, our institutions of education have become little more than profit mak-
www.upsu.net/hallsfacebook
10 12 Posers! Cheerleaders Catherine, Helen & Gemma with Sports Officer Darby in our Uni hoodies. Available from the Union Copy Shop for £20 www.upsu.net/copyshop
The fun-loving Hug society are gearing up for a warm and fuzzy year, with theme nights planned including Vikings, Heroes, Bananas in Pyjamas. Find them at the Freshers’ Fayre on Wed 3rd and Thu 4th October and sign up. More info at www.upsu.net/p/2192 The Feminism society are going toe-to-toe with the Conservative Future society in a debate over feminism’s place in the 20th Century. The debate is open to all and will take place in the Union at 5pm on Monday 8th October. They will also be at Freshers’ Fayre, so head down for a chat to find out more, or see www.upsu.net/p/2214 Freshers’ Fayre 2007 kicks off on
Calling all students!
Wednesday 3rd October in Ravelin Park, just behind the Union. With over 160 stalls with everything from free pizza to cinemas, cheerleading to mountain biking, and feminism to Fair Trade, the Freshers’ Fayre is one thing you definitely shouldn’t miss this week. See our feature on page 2 for more information. Dr Who eat your heart out: the library’s stand at Freshers’ Fayre is going to be guarded by a Dalek, apparently. The random-but-fun 101 Things society have been on the blag and are offering a free goodie bag to the first 50 people to sign up to their society at the Freshers’ Fayre. Find out more at www.upsu.net/p/2212
More info: www.upsu.net/p/2166
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Inbox
What’s happening at the Union?
www.upsu.net/diary
Top up fees Continued from page 1
ing organisations, run like a business not a place of learning. Potential students from a working class background are being dissuaded from achieving their academic potential due to the increase in debt whilst middle class students whose means tested loan fails to hit the mark required for LEA aid are forced to take part-time work, greatly affecting their chances of reaching top grades. It is this ball and chain of debt which has led a government think tank to label students the I.P.O.D generation: Insecure, Pressurised, Over-taxed and debt ridden. Attitudes to this problem are perfectly epitomised by experts on the BBC advice website who claim “if students are not fussy about which university they go to, or even which course they might take, then there are opportunities to shop around for cut-price deals”. Shop around for cut price deals? Students must be free to find the best university they can academically reach, not the one they can best afford. These experts have reduced education to an exercise in bargainbin shopping. With the introduction of fees and the continued privatisation of education, students are being reduced to consumers of education. Dan Ashley, Press officer for the National Union of Students, claims that this free market of education can only have a negative impact for working class students: “essentially students from wealthy backgrounds will be able to pick and choose what universities and courses they opt for, whilst others will be left with little choice.” When it comes to education there should be two constant, universal truths: Education is for benefit of education, not the benefit of production. Education is about the ability to learn, not the ability to pay. Many supporters of top-up fees argue that the Government has a finite amount of money which therefore obliges students to make a contribution to their education. This argument fails to take wider context into consideration. As Elle Gray
asks, “how can the Government afford £2.8 million per day on the occupation of Iraq, but not fund fees and fair access to education?” When looking at the wider context it is clear the Government has its priorities wrong: the occupation of Iraq is continuing to cost both lives and money. American economics report, The Baker Report, estimates that the coalition will have spent over one trillion dollars since the invasion in March 2003. This year also witnessed the parliamentary vote to spend £35 billion renewing the ageing Trident Missile system. There is simply no need for such antiquated Cold War thinking. It would be a dark day for British democracy if an elected Prime Minister would ever be capable of consigning millions to nuclear hell. There is an alternative, and it is straight forward: if the unnecessary capability to wage nuclear war is scrapped, that £35bn can go to not only wiping out the current student debt, but can also create a state sponsored education system that provides free education from the nursery to university. This is not simply an idealistic dream, but a proven alternative. The Scandinavian welfare states have such a system in place, indeed it costs the Norwegian government 5.9m Euros a year to maintain such a system. Surely this is the only viable solution to a government pledged to “education, education, education”? The privatisation of education threatens everything the Union stands for, everything that education is supposed to represent, and is an issue about which the Students’ Union refuses to stay silent. President Elle Gray concluded by announcing that the Union would be launching a new Free Education campaign, building upon the top-up fees protests of last year The campaign will include discussion and debate between the students and leading thinkers, as well as local MPs and the University Vice Chancellor, John Craven. It is time that those who wish to shackle students for their own profit are held to account. Have your say: upsu.net/p/2216
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Produced Fortnightly by the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union. (UPSU). Printed by Quotemeprint www.quotemeprint.com, 0845 130 0667. Printed on 50% recycled paper. Pugwash News & Purple Wednesdays bears no allegiance to any political party and discriminates against no-one.
Thanks for this issue go to: Clara Heard; Matthew Grant; Laura Callan; Jacob Leverett; Tiffany Lee; Harriet Sutherland-Kay; Sarah Blatchford; Pete Williams; Cheerleaders Catherine, Helen and Gemma; Simon “Darby” Leach, Ben “workaholic” Norman; Elle Gray; Andrew Machin; Kat Katherine King; Emma-the-Scout; Nick Leach; Gina Birch; and Maz Elsahhar. Also to everyone who has contributed to the discussions around the creation of this paper, to every member of staff at the Students’ Union, and anyone we’ve forgotten thankyou!
To get in touch with the Pugwash News & Purple Wednesdays team, please visit www.upsu.net/newsdesk, e-mail us at newsdesk@upsu.net, call us via the Union’s Media & Publications Officer at 023 9284 3657, or visit us at The Student Centre, Portsmouth Students’ Union, Cambridge Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2EF.
Every member of the University is entitled to an NUS card, with a choice of either the NUS Democracy card which entitles students to membership of the Union and the National Union of Students, and the NUS Extra card, which offers the a great range of local, national and international discounts and is also an ISIC card recognised the world over. NUS cards entitle holders to participate in all student activities, including sports clubs and societies at the Union. Benefits of the NUS Extra card include discounts at McDonalds,
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News
Freshers’ Fayre 2007: a crash-course introduction to University life Who’s at the fayre?
Ben Norman
Once a year a horde of students descend on Ravelin Park, pockets bulging with the first instalment of their student loan. This is the day when Football players and forensic biologists stand side by side, where a small forest’s-worth of paper is used for propaganda, and where the scrum at the free pizza stand more then equals any pitch side heroics the rugby team may achieve throughout the year. This magical day is of course Fresher’s fair, and this year it takes place on the 3rd and 4th of October. Fresher's Fayre is your first opportunity to get involved in all the Union has to offer, including diverse societies including the 101 things society, the Rock Soc, People and Planet and the Hindu society to name but a few. The Union is also proud of the sporting achievements of its clubs which range from ultimate Frisbee, extreme sports, football, rugby and hockey. Overall there are 41 clubs and 56 societies which include over eight thousand students, making them the most representative body, not only in the Union, but in the entire university. Fresher's Fayre is also the first chance to get involved in the wider opportunities the Union has to offer. Such as V.I.P, Volunteering in Portsmouth the Union's key link between the University and the local community. V.I.P offers students the opportunity to take part in projects ranging from coordinating pirates days for local disabled children, visiting a local residential home or playing a vital part in saving local environmental projects. There is a R.A.G (Raising and Giving) stand, the charitable arm of the Union which last year raised thousands for good causes with projects as diverse as R.A.G jail and a hitch-hike to Amsterdam. There is also S.T.A.N.D,
The fayre is held in Ravelin Park, behind the Union Image (c) Google the Union's new Student training and new development programme which aims to give students tangible and transferable skills in fields such as Media training, campaigning, and society management to make Portsmouth's students stand out from the two hundred and fifty thousand students who graduate across the country each year. Of course Fresher's Fayre isn't just about parting with your barelyearned cash. Students are an opportunistic and resourceful breed, so for many it is the free stash of corporate goodies that make the event. Like a victorious barbarian horde students will be seen retreating, arms fully loaded with pot noodles, pizza slices and free samples of Pantene, all of which are destined to lurk at the back of the kitchen cabinet until that cold December day, when the student loan has disappeared into the ether and desperate times call for desperate dinner measures. Contrary to the name Fresher’s Fayre isn't all about Freshers. Weather beaten second years skulk the park with veteran third years,
battle hardened from past fairs. Like connoisseurs they browse slightly more carefully then their first year comrades. If you’re one of these students the fair is the place for you to sign up to the club you always meant to join or to sheepishly restate your allegiance to the society whose meetings you started to miss or, just as likely for you to get some more free Pizza. This year we have a range of new societies for you to join including Forensic Biology, Geography, Latin Dancing, Unsigned talent, a wine tasting society and the EU student’s society. These new societies are perfect examples of what clubs and societies mean to the Union. They represent who you are; they represent your interests and your talents. Ultimately they are the Union and Fresher's Fayre is your chance to join them. Freshers’ Fayre is held on Wednesday 3rd October and Thursday 4th October in Ravelin Park, from 10am to 4pm..
1-2: the Union 3: STAND 4: VIP society 5: RAG society 6: Course Reps 7: Dance club 8: Juggling society 9: Athletics club 10: Ken's Kebabs 11: Geography society 12: American Football 14: Women's Hockey 15: Men's Hockey 16: Razor's Edge 17: Garbos 18: Dolland + Aitchison 19: Ahuhl Bayt society 20-21: Basketball club 22: Wine Tasting society 23: Boxing club 25-26: Cricket club 27: Law society 28: Wilkinsons 29: Barclays Bank 30: Power Kiting club 31: Wakeboard club 32: Vue cinemas 33: Lacrosse club 34: Animé society 35: Int'l Fellowship of Christian Students 36: Netball club 37: Golf club 39: Surf club 40-41: Rugby Union club 42: Sky Diving club 43: Amnesty International 44: Fairtrade 45: People and Planet society 46: Socialist Students society 47: Sex Sense 48: Virgin 49: Mountain Bike club 51: University Equality department 52: Canoe club 53: Salsa society 54: Riding club 55: Polo club 56: International Office 57: Cartridge World 58: Halls Executive Committee 59: Chaplaincy 60: Pugwash society 61: Pure FM society 62: Union trading (UPEL) 63: The Jobshop 64: The Samaritans 66: PUD club 67: Photographic & Film society 68: Paintball society 69: Feminist society 70: PASS 71: Elements 72: Hindu society 73: Fencing club 74: First Group 75: Respect society 76: Mountaineering club 77: Endsleigh 78: Breakdance club 79: Sci-fi society 80: Role Play & Wargaming society 81: Afro-Caribbean society 82: Lloyds TSB 83: Moss Bros 84: Women's football club 85: Men's football club 86: NHS Blood & Transport 87: Rock society
88: Hug society 89: Playfootball.net 90: Go Karting club 91: Poker society 92: Labour society 93: Volleyball club 94: Wushu 95: Portsmouth Centre For Enterprise 96: Ten Pin Bowling club 97: Karate club 98: Portsmouth Mind 99: Christian Union society 100: Octopush club 101: CCUSA/Moss Bros 102: Hair at the Terrace 103: Portsmouth Snooker Club 104-105: Ski & Snowboard club 106: Pool club 107: Southampton University Air Squad 108: Waterpolo club 109: Swimming club 110: Taekwondo club 111: Catholic society 112: Hampshire Constabulary 113: LGBT society 114: 101 Things society 116: Trampolining & Gymnastics club 117: Conservative Future society 118: Cheerleading club 119: STA 120: School Of Rock society 121-125: Bar 127: The Big Choice 128-129: Music society 130: Offshore Sailing club 131: The Kings Theatre 132: Treds 133: Domino's Pizza 134: Rowing club 135: Motorbike club 136: Sub Aqua club 137: Wind Surfing club 138: Ultimate Frisbee club 139: Sport and Rec 140: Intramural sports 141: Uni-Miss 143-145: Purple Door 146: MIG 147: Soton Uni Royal Navy Unit 148: Table Tennis club 149: Arab society 150: Badminton club 151: O2 152: Jitsu club 154: HMV 155: Frewen Library 156: Softball club 157: Consumer Direct SE 158: Unsigned Talent society 159: Maths Cafe 160: SWSS 161: Roller Hockey club 162: Islamic society 163: Squash club 165: Forensic Biology society 166: Money Doctors 167: Creative Writing society Outside the tents: Sailing club, Haribo, Gemini ice creams, Neptunes Revenge, PC Ideals, Pyramid Posters, Soton Uni OTC, Soton Uni Air Squad, Drum and Bass society, Power FM Outside the Union: New Music society, Haslemere Cycles
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Paul Oakenfold to headline Drink Safe campaign Orange Fridays, Oct 12th targets troublemakers International DJ superstar and record producer Paul Oakenfold is headlining the second Friday night of our Freshers' Fortnight events with a DJ set at Orange Fridays in the Union. "Oakie" will be playing the main room at the Union. Advance tickets will cost £6, or £8 on the door, and free to holders of the Union's £20 Freshers' Pass, available from the Union. Paul Oakenfold is a record producer and one of the best-known, and most expensive Trance DJs worldwide. His career spans back to the early 1990s, with a residency at Cream among his many career achievements to date. Chelsea F.C. fan Paul's recent musical productions include remixing the theme tune to the forthcoming Transformers movie, and he has several classic dance anthems to his name, including Southern Sun and Grace's "Not Over Yet". He has also mixed a number of
The Social:Life team at the Union
well-known compilations, including Fantazia's House Collection, Creamfields, and a number of Global Underground compilations. Paul's remix of N*E*R*D's "Lapdance" in 2001 helped to bring his musical talents into the mainstream from his trance-orientated roots, with later projects including work with Nelly Furtado, Ice Cube and Tricky.
Operation Drink Safe is a year long initiative to provide a safe environment in the city’s licensed areas. In partnership with the Students’ Union, Hampshire Constabulary will be targeting the Guildhall Walk area, including The Union, The Registry, Liquid and Envy and all Guildhall Walk pubs and clubs. ‘How much is Too Much?’ posters are appearing in venues, as the campaign aims to further reduce alcohol- and binge drinking-related crimes to provide a safe and enjoy-
able environment in which to enjoy your night out. Offenders face on the spot fines and exclusion orders, the orders having the power to ban an offender from all pubs and clubs in the area, including The Union, for up to two years. For more information on the campaign, the Students’ Union’s involvement in this campaign, and how to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable night out, visit the Union website. More info: www.upsu.net/sociallife
Photo: Ski & Snowboard Club
www.upsu.net/p/2125
Fun Lovin’ Criminals at the Get your money’s-worth Union, Thursday Oct 4th at Freshers’ Fayre
Legendary New Yorkers The Fun Loving Criminals are taking a break from their UK tour to play in Lux on Thursday 4th October. The former chart-storming threesome, best known for their "Scooby Snacks" chart-breaker, play a mixture of hip-hop, rock, blues and jazz-
influenced styles, and have been touring the UK since October 2006. On the night, the band will play a live 2 hour PA and DJ set, playing some of their favourite tunes. Tickets £3 from the Union. www.upsu.net/p/2176
Extreme Sports Night at the Union with Urban Dub
The University's Student Finance Centre will be offering money-saving advice and running their Pigs Win Prizes competition at the Freshers' Fayre on the 3rd and 4th October at the Students' Union. You can pick up literature, sign up to Money Doctors workshops and speak to their teams of experienced staff to get general finance advice and information. Enter the Pigs Win Prizes competition by guessing the name of the Student Finance Centre pig and the number of sweets he contains to win him and his contents. The SFC are also asking students to contribute their top money-saving tips which will be published on their website during the Autumn term. The Student Finance Centre team are available all year for all your student funding enquiries. You don't need an appointment - just drop in to the Centre on the second floor of the Nuffield Centre. The team can also help you with funding concerns, budgeting guidance and information on additional support funds.
Photo: Hamish Williams, Flickr The Student Finance Centre is a confidential, non-judgmental service for all undergraduate and postgraduate students. Find out more and visit them online: www.port.ac.uk/moneydoctors
Lux gets a Got lick of purple protection?
Crazy competition
Your advert here...
To tackle Lux's "white box" atmosphere, the Union have re-painted its largest venue in a deep purple. The re-paint comes in response to feedback from customers, in consultation with the Union's Sabbatical Officers and University Directorate. The lower half of Lux has been painted in shades of purple, keeping the ceiling space white for visual impact from the venue's lighting rig.
Before shelling out on an insurance policy to cover your possessions while you’re at University, check with your parents to see if their home insurance policy covers you at Uni. Cornhill Direct offer £3,000 of University cover on their home insurance, so check with the ‘rents before you shell out. If you do need cover, shop around for the best deal.
Haka Tours, in association with STA Travel, is running a nationwide search for “Britain’s Craziest Student” via YouTube during the first semester of the academic year! Up for grabs is two all expenses paid 16 day adventure tours of New Zealand including flights and a selection of activities worth in excess of £3,200. Rules and small print apply of course - more info online.
See the photos and have your say: www.upsu.net/p/2169
How much have you paid? www.upsu.net/p/2217
Find out more online: www.tinyurl.com/2p8vr4
Pugwash News & Purple Wednesdays is welcoming advertising enquiries for its newest and broadest-reaching student publication. PN & PWs is published fortnightly across campus, with 3,000 copies being delivered to students’ halls of residence, in University buildings, and to local businesses. For more information on advertising rates, please contact the Union’s Media Sales Coordinator, Ms Pier Powell, at www.upsu.net/advertising
The Ski and Snowboard club has teamed up with the other extreme sports clubs to bring members a night of chilled out live music and DJs at the Union. There's even a chance to win a space on their trip to Val Thorens in December, worth over £269! On the night, Lux nightclub will start with music from local bands, and finishing with a two-hour set from Urban Dub. There will also be performances by the Dance and Breakdance clubs. Over in CO2 bar, DJs will be playing rock and alternative music from 9am to 2pm. Join Ski & Snowboard, and many other clubs including the Surf, Wakeboard and Windsurf clubs in their first social of the year, for just £2. Students and their bona-fide guests only - more information at www.upsu.net/doorpolicy.
Electives: earn course credits while having fun
Find out how your interests, hobbies or part-time work can get you credits towards your degree with the University's electives programme, with 10 or 20 credit units on offer to all undergraduates. The Electives Programme is part of the University's Set UP for Life (SUP4L) initiative which aims to provide you with the opportunity to improve and develop your skills over 3 years of study, make you more 'employable' and set you up for the future. Electives are University-wide units that can usually be taken alongside the option choices on offer within your course of study, and can - for example - offer credits in return for doing volunteer work, or for being a part of a club or society at University. Find out more online: www.tinyurl.com/23j2dq
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Even more news...
Pure FM invade Freshers’ Fayre
Black History Month sees student diversity grow
technical support (for all those techies out there that want some hands on experience). Thanks to the dedication of a lot of very talented students, Pure FM produces the sort of content which appeals to every student, no matter what their tastes in music may be, and everyone who is a member is always proud to be a part of it. Next time you decide to sit at your computer and do some work, or chill with your mates, go to www.purefm.com and listen to the stars of tomorrow!
Gina Birch Station Manager
The only radio station run by and for the students of Portsmouth, Pure FM, will be running the main stage at this year’s Freshers’ Fayre on the 3rd and 4th October, with their trademark eclectic sound ranging from chart to drum and bass, as well as interviews and guest performers on stage. Pure FM was first launched in 1994 as a student radio station with the potential to broadcast to more than 60,000 16 to 30 year-olds in Portsmouth. 10 years on and Pure FM is still going strong. Thanks to wondrous inventions such as the Internet, we now have the potential to broadcast to billions! Apart from that, not a lot has changed around here, same name and the same principles. The main one being that we are a radio station run by students, for students. Pure FM has had a makeover this summer, so expect a new look and a new sound for the 2007/2008 academic year! Pure FM is the first step on the
ladder to success for a lot of people wishing to make it big in the radio industry. Pure FM is the perfect environment for students to hone their abilities. Not only can students present shows but they can get involved in production (creating jingle packages), music (liasing with record companies and reviewing gigs and albums), marketing (coming up with new and creative ways of promoting the station) and website and
Be a superhero: save a life
Ethics, Equality and Diversity get their own voice at the Union
Students arriving at the University of Portsmouth for the first time this term are being given the chance to be a superhero and help save lives. The UK Transplant Superhero roadshow comes to town on Wednesday 3 October, one of 14 stops it is making at freshers’ fairs around the country. Students will have the opportunity to show their support for organ donation by heroically signing up to help save a life after their death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR). The comic book themed roadshow aims to build on the success of last year’s events when more than 4,000 first-year students joined the register This year the roadshow team hopes to encourage even more students to sign up to the ODR as they explain how donating organs can save and transform people’s lives. But the numbers of people waiting for an organ transplant continue to rise across the country and there are now 7,406 people on the waiting list, including 167 aged under 18, and 89 from Portsmouth. Almost 1,800 of those on the national transplant list are black or Asian and yet people from these communities account for fewer than 2% of deceased donors. The roadshows will be aiming to encourage more black and Asian students to join the register. More than 7,000 people in the UK are waiting for an organ transplant.
Would you like the chance to represent the students of Portsmouth? The election of the Union's Ethics, Equality and Diversity committee members is taking place on Wednesday 10th October at the Union, and all students are welcome to run for elections. The Ethics, Equality and Diversity Committee has been set up to hear any issues or concerns facing the represented members, report them to Union Council, and to act on them. Members of the EED Committee will be offered the opportunity to attend the NUS National Conference of their representative area. It is a dynamic and diverse committee with exciting opportunities to make real changes for students and the wider world. Students can also use their experience on this committee to gain course credits under the "SetUP 4 Life" Electives Programme. To run for election: the EED Committee will be elected at 3pm,
Find out more online: uktransplant.org.uk
Find out more and get involved: www.tinyurl.com/2by7a2
Want up at become Union’s
to join Pure FM? Sign Freshers’ Fayre and a part of one of the biggest societies!
Pure dates for your diaries: Wed 3rd Oct 11am - 4pm: Freshers’ Fayre, Ravelin Park Wed 3rd Oct 9pm - 1am: Purple Wednesdays at the Union Thu 4th Oct 11am - 4pm: Freshers’ Fayre, Ravelin Park Sun 14th Oct (TBC): Oktoberfest at the Union More info: www.purefm.com
Wednesday 10th October in Lux at The Union. All students are encouraged to attend and cast their vote, as this committee will have an integral role in the direction of the Students' Union this year. The positions available are: International Students' rep, EU Students' rep, Black Students' rep, Women’s rep, Environmental rep, Welfare rep, LGBT rep, Disabled Students' rep, Mature Students' rep, and a Postgraduate rep. If you would like to put yourself forward for one of the positions, please submit a 300 word manifesto, stating why you would be right for the position, to Elle Gray, President of the Students’ Union, by 5pm Tuesday 9th October. Please submit one electronic copy and one paper copy, plus a passport sized photograph. The electronic copy can be on disk, CD, USB drive, or e-mailed to president@upsu.net. More info: www.upsu.net/eed
Uni water goes ethical Official water of Live8 and Make Poverty History, “One Water” has been adopted by the University and is now on sale across campus. The University aims to sell 75,000 bottles of the celebrity-endorsed water to pay for a children’s roundabout which pumps water from boreholes. The roundabouts pump fresh water Image: Onewater.org.uk
Ben Norman, Student Activities & Development Officer
This October marks Black History Month, a month which exists to highlight and celebrate Black contributors to British society and the contribution black students make to the Union. This year will also witness the commemoration of the two hundred year anniversary of the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade. Many may wonder why this month should be celebrated or question its significance to the Students’ Union. The answer is straight forward; this celebration perfectly epitomises not only the aims of the Students’ Union, but its entire reason for existing. Black history is all too often a hidden history, one which is written out of mainstream British history. More accurately, it was never written at all. For most schools, the history of the United Kingdom is a strictly allwhite affair, whilst history programs and museums prefer to focus on continuous glorification of the Second World War. The Historic Dockyard Museum in Portsmouth is a perfect example of this. Whilst the new “Chasing Freedom” gallery celebrates British naval involvement in the abolition of the Atlantic Slave Trade, the museum conveniently forgets the Royal Navy’s role in creating and maintaining this abominable trade in human flesh and suffering. The exhibit also brushes aside any mention of the continuation of slavery across the British Empire, particularly India, Burma or the Far East, lest the elderly middle class sensibilities of the tourists are upset. The point is that the black community has of course always been at the forefront of human development, but too often these accomplishments have been ignored. Filling in these blank pages does a number of things: it helps to illustrate the positive contribution black people have made to society as a whole. Clearly that’s good for everyone to understand, but it also helps build confidence in the black community and provides positive role models for black students. Raising awareness of black history also combats myths about the black community in the UK, for instance the myth that “they only started arriving after the Second World War”. Such inaccuracies and generalisations are bread and butter to those who spew far-right wing rhetoric. Black people have of course contributed to all aspects of British society for centuries; one example would be the National Health Service, where a high percentage of members of the workforce, from consultant surgeons to nurses, come from black communities. For Portsmouth Student’s Union, Black History Month is an awareness raising exercise – one that helps to
destroy the arguments of the British National Party BNP and their misguided sympathisers. Black History Month is a valuable step in enabling us all to benefit from our multi-cultural society. It is a time to reflect on the achievements and remember the good and the great who have challenged the norms and struggled to make the world a better place. If we want an inclusive society, then we need an inclusive history. Awareness of all our histories breaks down barriers and leads to co-operation on all sides and progress for all. Celebrating the achievement and contribution of black communities in the UK comes from the idea of Dr Carter Godwin Woodson, an activist for black civil rights. He recognised that “those who have no record of what their forefathers have accomplished lose the inspiration for change that comes with the teaching of history.” If we are to leave legacies like those of our predecessors, then we must be active and involved to make that change. Whilst we may commemorate the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade it is important that students not only stop to acknowledge and celebrate the past, but also understand that the problems of the world have are not yet consigned to the history books. Today, thousands of migrants fleeing persecution, torture and war are trafficked into the country to survive in conditions akin to slavery. Human trafficking also results in thousands of women, predominantly from Eastern Europe, being forced into sex slavery. These are the battles that must be fought before we can proclaim victory and truly celebrate the abolition of slavery. The NUS Black Students’ Campaign is working with Portsmouth Students’ Union to address issues of under-representation, to tackle racism, and inequalities in education. As part of this wider agenda, Black History Month is an excellent means of engaging black students on campus and raising awareness of the issues that affect them. One key way of achieving these aims is the establishment of the equality, ethics and diversity committee which consists of eight elected representatives including a black students’ representative, and an international students’ representative. It is the aim of this committee to ensure the voice of all students are heard and acted upon at the highest levels of Union democracy. The Student’s Union is proud of the multi-cultural students it represents and the contribution black students make to its success. This celebration of Black History Month plays a key part in making this Union, your Union. More info: www.upsu.net/eed
Get represented: meet your Sabbs
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Wednesday 3rd October 2007
Feature
Soundclash of the titans at Orange Fridays: Malibu Soundclash returns on Oct 19th!
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The Malibu Soundclash pits the best guitar riffs, vocal talents and festival anthems of the indie genre against its diametric opposite, hip hop and RnB
Alex Harries, UPSU Media Officer Photos: Alex Harries / Making Waves
Odd pairings. History is full of them - Cher and Gene Simmons; Austin Powers and Felicity Shagwell; cider, lager and blackcurrant... Now we have another odd couple to add to the mix: Malibu Soundclash. It's fair to say that pitting indie music up against hip-hop and RnB sounds like a pretty strange thing to do, so it's not until you witness firsthand a room full of a thousand students cheering on a DJ playing Kanye West back-to-back with The Killers that you begin to think that Malibu might have hit on something big here. Coming to the Union's Orange Fridays night on Friday 19th October, Malibu's night of eclectic anthems and floor-shaking flavas mixes the best and freshest tracks from the record boxes of two DJs, West Side Soundsystem's Rob Breezy and East Side Soundsystem's DJ Dub. Unlike pretty much any other event you'll go to this year, the Malibu Soundclash pits the best guitar riffs, vocal talents and festival anthems of the indie genre against its diametric opposite, hip hop and RnB, in a head-to-head on-stage DJ and MC battle. The Soundclash format has roots going back to the old-skool dance halls of Jamaica, where MCs and DJs would play back-to-back to try and win the loudest response from the crowd. Until now though, Jamaica hasn't seen the Malibu take on soundclashes, in the form of the indie twist that makes these nights go off. The Malibu Soundclash tour of Students' Unions across the country is entering its second year, with last year's event proving to be a roaring success. This year, Malibu have raised the bar again, with even more focus on the music. This year also sees two MCs on stage to get the banter going, with one on each "side" - MC Serocee with DJ Dub on the East Side, and Kosher with Rob Breezy on the West Side of proceedings. This year also sees the launch of the Malibu and Cranberry cocktail, which will be served by speciallytrained bar staff on the night. In the name of quality reporting, your intrepid reporter spent a considerable amount of time testing this cocktail, and can confirm it's definitely worth a try...! There will also be loads of goodies and special offers during the night, including free music give-aways. Will it be East Side or West Side crowned the king of Malibu Soundclash 2007? Make sure you support your side! Find out more about the event, meet the DJs and MCs, and even get some cheeky Malibu cocktail recipes from the Soundclash website. www.malibusoundclash.com
Malibu and The Union would like to remind you drink responsibly. For more information about the Union's DrinkSafe campaign, please see www.upsu.net/sociallife
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Wednesday 3rd October 2007
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Caught in the act... Random highlights from the last 12 months:
From top-left to bottom right: DJing at Societies’ Carnival; Elections 2007: Toto on the campaigns trail; Wednesday night fuel; Fergie at Flat Rate Fridays; another Societies’ Carnival DJ; Elections 2007 (again): Fran on the campaign trail; Ministry of Sound in Lux; nurses at Flirt! (possibly not real nurses though...); DJ Mark in formal dress for a beach party; Oktoberfest 2006: stage games, and Vicky; Annual NUS Conference 2007 in Blackpool; Lux repainted.
Think you can do better? Send your pics to newsdesk@upsu.net
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Wednesday 3rd October 2007
Features
Beyond the pizza box Clara Heard recommends a couple of quick-and-easy recipes for us students without Gordon Ramsay’s cooking skills or kitchen...
1/4 tbsp mustard 1/2 tbsp beer Worcester sauce (a splash) Milk
Let’s face it. Most of us students aren’t exactly Michelin-starred chefs and we don’t have a dream kitchen all to ourselves. But we still have to eat! As young home-leavers, trying to manage on a loan, we all know the difficulty of cooking nourishing meals that are both wholesome and cheap. So, if you’re broke, ravenous and out of beans, give these recipes a shot:
How: 1: Toast the bread under the grill, 2: Butter the toast, using half the butter, and keep hot, 3: Melt the rest of the butter in a small saucepan, 4: Remove from the heat and add the grated cheese, beer, a little salt and pepper, a splash of Worcester sauce, and the mustard, 5: Stir in enough milk to make a stiff paste, 6: Spread the paste on the toast and grill under a medium heat until golden brown.
Welsh Rarebit Serves 2 Let’s not mess about. As a student you’ll want something scrumptious yet speedy. Welsh rarebit is perfect for when you want something a little more than just cheese on toast. Ingredients: 2 slices of toast 1 tablespoon (tbsp) butter or margarine 50g grated cheddar cheese Salt and pepper
Pasta carbonara Serves 1 How would a collection of student recipes be complete without pasta carbonara? It’s simple, delicious, and uses up all the odds and ends in the fridge. Ingredients: 100g pasta (fresh pasta cooks fastest)
Union Council: putting you in charge of your Union The Student's Union is, as the name would suggest, a Union of Students, a democratic institution run for the students by the Students. As such it is integral that students take an active part in guiding the Union, not only in its day to day running but on key policy issues which determine its future. Union council is the key institution which assures this. Operating like a student parliament, Union council is comprised of the six sabbatical officers and the elected heads of the many executives and democratic bodies in the Union. The council meets on the first Thursday of each month in order to fulfill its two main tasks, to hold the elected sabbatical officer to account and to discuss and vote on key issues affecting the student body. Whilst elected students are entitled to hold a position and vote, any student may raise a motion at Union council, which if passed will become part of the Union's constitution. This empowers every student with the opportunity to stand up, to be counted and to make the Union theirs. Whilst Union council is the pinnacle of Union democracy there are a variety of forums where students can get directly involved in the running of their Union. The two largest forums are the Societies and Athletic Union councils. At Society Council all committee members from our fifty six societies convene to discuss all matters concerning the three thousand students they represent. The issues, causes
and concerns raised at society’s council are in turn reported to Union council through the Society Exec chairman and the student activities and development sabbatical officer, both of whom are in attendance. This forum is held six times a year with a different subject being raised each time for society committees to debate and vote upon. One example is the election of the new Equality, Ethics and Diversity committee which will take place at the first council meeting of the year, the 10th October. Portsmouth is a multi-cultural city, and we are proud to be the Union of a multi-cultural University. The EED committee aims to reflect the diversity of the 19,000 students who call this Union theirs by representing as many backgrounds as possible, ensuring every student’s voice is not only heard, but acted upon. The Athletic Union Council is the sports clubs version of this forum, an opportunity for the committees of the Union's forty one sports clubs to convene with the AU executive and lobby the sports officer on all issues which effect sports at the University. The sports officer and the chair of the AU exec will in turn lobby Union council on all matters raised at this forum. The Union celebrates democracy. It is our very reason for being as it makes this Union, your Union, More info: www.upsu.net/unioncouncil
Freshers’ survival guide Pasta twists with tuna, lemon and parsley Fiona Beckett beyondbakedbeans.com
Photo: “Spery” on Flickr 1 tablespoon (tbsp) olive oil Slice of ham, or a couple of bacon rashers 1 beaten egg 1 tbsp grated cheddar cheese Black pepper How: Cook the pasta and drain into a sieve. Rinse and dry the saucepan, then heat the oil, Chop the ham or bacon into small pieces and fry gently for 3-4 minutes, Add the cooked pasta and stir well, then add the beaten egg and the grated cheese, Stir everything together thoroughly so that it all mixes together, The egg will cook whilst you are doing this and the cheese will melt the ingredients should stick together, Turn the pasta out onto a warm plate and sprinkle with plenty of black pepper.
Courgette bake Serves 1 This courgette bake is a great way to impress your vegetarian friends... Ingredients: 2 courgettes, cut into 1 1/2 inch slices, 1 tablespoon (tbsp) oil, 1 spring onion, finely chopped, 1 clove of garlic, peeled and crushed, 2 or 3 sliced tomatoes, 4 tbsp grated cheddar cheese, Salt and pepper. How: 1: Set oven at 350°F/180°C, or gas mark 4, 2: Heat the oil in a frying pan and gently fry the sliced courgettes, onion and garlic for 10 minutes, 3: Add the tomatoes and cook for a further 5 minutes, 4: Season with salt and pepper, 5: Smear an ovenproof dish with butter and spoon half the courgette mixture into it, 6: Sprinkle with half the cheese, 7: Add the remaining courgettes and top with cheese, 8: Bake in the oven for 45 minutes.
Random cat of the week Got one of your own? Send it to newsdesk@upsu.net
Serves 1, with leftovers for a salad (see below). Time: 15-20 minutes Cost: Under £1 a portion Ingredients: 150-200g pasta twists or bows (farfalle), Half a bunch (4-5) spring onions or a leek, 2-3 tbsp olive oil, 185g can of tuna, drained, Grated rind and juice of half a lemon, ideally organic*, A handful of fresh parsley (about 20g) finely chopped, Salt and pepper. How: Bring a kettle of water to the boil, pour into a saucepan and bring back to boiling point. Add a little salt, add the pasta, stir and cook for slightly less than the time recommended on the pack. Trim the roots and tops of the leaves off the spring onions (unless pre-prepared). Cut them in half or quarters lengthways depending on how thick they are then cut across into 4 or 5 pieces to give fine, short shreds. (Or trim, finely slice and wash the leek). Heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil in a small pan, add the onion or leek and cook gently for a minute or two until softened. Add the drained tuna, lemon rind and parsley, stir and leave over a low heat. When the pasta is cooked spoon 3-4 tbsp of the pasta cooking water into the sauce and drain the rest. Return the pasta to the saucepan, tip in the tuna sauce and toss well together. Serve half the pasta adding a little extra olive oil, pepper and possibly salt to taste (though the tuna may be quite salty). Cool the remainder, cover with cling film and refrigerate. Salad: ideally, bring the leftover pasta to room temperature about an hour before you want to eat. You can eat it just as it is or stir in a tablespoon of mayo mixed with a tablespoon of plain yoghurt Top tips... Organic lemons are unwaxed which makes them more suitable for grating but sometimes you can only buy them in packs of 4 which can be expensive. It’s easiest to grate the rind you need from the whole lemon then cut it to squeeze it rather than cut it in half first.
Matthew Grant recommends a few things to help you get through your first year at Uni
So you’ve finally arrived, moved into your halls of residence or house and met your new housemates for the first time. Here are a few helpful tips on how to survive your first week as a Portsmouth University student. First things first: start knocking on your neighbours’ doors straightaway and say hello. Finding out people’s names, where they’re from and what they’re studying are good conversation starters! Explore your new home with your new-found friends - there’s plenty to see and do in Pompey, from Gunwharf Quays, to the common in Southsea and the beach. Money money money: for many, at some point during university you will encounter some money issues. As well as being bailed out by your lovely parents there’s a few things you can do to save those all important pennies. Make sure to open a student bank account if you haven’t already done so; there’s loads out there, all offering different freebies and offers to entice students. Register for your NUS card at www.upsu.net/registration and collect it before that inevitable shopping trip when that student loan tops up your bank balance; you’ll save yourself a fortune. Don’t forget also those discount cards from your favourite bars and clubs as well, ones to look out for include a survival card from Walkabout or Jongleurs for £5, and a Yellow Card from The Registry. When it comes to food shopping make sure to look out for bargains like buy one get one free offers and discount sections, and try and buy own brand food where possible - can you really tell the difference between Tesco’s own and Heinz baked beans anyway?! Social Life: discover the Pompey nightlife - Liquid, Tiger Tiger, Jongleurs, Route 66, Walkabout, and of course The Union are just a few of the popular destinations for students. Get yourself along to the Union for plenty of Fresher’s Fortnight fun and try your first pint of Snakey B. Make sure to register with a doctor. Speaking from personal experience, expect to be a victim of ‘Freshers Flu’ The University doctors’ surgery is located in the Nuffield Centre on St Michaels Road opposite the Union. Dates to definitely pencil in your diaries are the Freshers’ Fayre on the 3rd and 4th October. for tons of freebies and to join a club or society. If you see yourself as the next Wayne Rooney then the Union’s football team may be of some interest, or if you just feel like spreading the love head for the Hug Society! Remember this is the start of the best three years (or maybe more!) of your life - Enjoy! Tell us your tips: newsdesk@upsu.net
Pugwash news
Wednesday 3rd October 2007
Features / Reviews
On the blag... Journalism student Laura Callan recounts the highlight of her summer work experience
After my first year at university studying journalism, I thought it’d be a good idea to get some work experience under my belt, and managed to bag myself a month at a leading women’s fashion magazine, which was a huge deal. It was very glamorous, but quite slow to start, with little journalistic experience and much more making calls and sorting through clothes. It soon developed though, into an invaluable insight into magazine and fashion journalism. The most priceless and precious of all these experiences, however, came not from the office, but from my own ultimate blag into a fashion launch party. When leafing through a pile of invitations on my desk, one jumped straight at me: “Justin Timberlake, Trace Ayala and Harvey Nichols invite you to a cocktail party to celebrate the launch of William Rast.” I’d been a fan of Justin for longer than I care to mention, and straightaway called the PR company, and using a bit of poetic license, got my name on the list of 100 people invited to attend. I was both excited and petrified; preparing myself for every possible situation that could go wrong, defiant that it would all go fantastically. I arrived feeling nervous but confident, and did my best to blend in, enjoying a glimpse into the glitzy life of fashion and showbiz, with various models and socialites strutting around for the photographers. The mood completely changed when Justin finally arrived; I was amazed at how surreal the situation was: there was Justin Timberlake, standing a few feet away from me, in a completely equal situation. For the most part I stood chatting to people near his reserved area, but I soon heard that people from fashion magazines were being allowed through to talk to him about the range. I suddenly realised the great opportunity; there was no way I could miss out on this. I spoke to the PR women forming his people barrier, who kept telling me I’d get a chance later in the evening.
Lazy students? Jacob Leverett
The reputation of British degrees are under threat: British students are the least hard working in Europe, according to a paper written by the Higher Education Policy Institute, claiming students studying at British universities work, on average, 25.5 – 26 hours per week. This is compared to the top of the table, Portugal, where students, on average, work 41 hours a week.
Not fully believing them, I spoke to one of Justin’s ‘team’, and as soon as I mentioned the publication I was from she whisked me through to the VIP area. I felt completely unprepared, but there I was standing in front of Justin himself, and best friend Trace Ayala who co-designed the range. I was introduced to them both, then, trying to act completely cool and unflustered, I launched straight into questions about the clothing range. Q: What were your influences in designing the range? Justin: Well it’s mainly based around denim. We wanted to create very classic clothing, and classic denim. Our influences are Elvis and Sinatra, so we just think, if they were our age now, what would they wear? Q: William Rast is described as defining American fashion, how well do you think it will do here in the UK? Trace: Well we’re hopeful! Justin: Yeah we’re definitely hoping it will do really well here. Q: Do you have any plans for the future with the range?” (More excited response) Trace: Yeah we’ve got loads! Justin: Yeah we have lots of future plans for the range. We’re just starting now, we want to expand to suits, formalwear, everything, so we have a full range
Comment
Reviews: The Maccabees, Stereophonics and Babyshambles Tiffany Lee kicks off our reviews section with a look at what’s good, and what’s not, in indie...
The Maccabees “Toothpaste Kisses” Tipped to be one of the best new British bands by NME magazine, this genre dodging Brighton based group have shattered the mould of indiepop music with this unexpected final track on their debut album ‘Colour it in’. Taking inspiration from the classic sound of thirties black and white star-dusted romance, this inspired song will enchant your imagination and have you pushing your Razorlight cd off the edge of the table. Carried by the sweet twinkle of mandolins, the thick resiny quality of singer Orlando Weeks sensitive vocals succeed in representing the heartache and turmoil of teenage attraction in such an old fashioned way it is again new. Although this song is quite obviously an experiment and, quite rightfully, not intended to be a classic. It is insightful approach to recycling an old sound but it doesn’t seem strong enough to hold its own as a single. But with the second album stampeding through the pipelines, you can guarantee that the Maccabee’s will deliver a sound a cut above many disposable British bands.
I started to ask them more, but they couldn’t hear me very well over the blaring music, and so the PR women made it clear my time with them was up, and so I said with a smile: “It looks like I’m getting kicked out, it was lovely to meet you both.” shook their hands and strutted off. (To text everyone I knew!) As soon as it was over it felt as if it hadn’t happened. I can’t believe I wasn’t shaking with nervousness and stumbling over my words. I’d kept my composure and held a full conversation with them, and they were engaged in what I was saying, their attention fully on me, even if it was only for those brief few minutes. I am still amazed and immensely grateful that my first major interview was with such a huge and widely admired star. I don’t think any blag will ever top this.
Stereophonics “Pull the pin”
The report also shows a significant difference between courses and the gender of the students. According to the report, women on average spend an a two hours a week on private study when compared to their male classmates. The difference between courses can also be significant. In the UK, communication-based degree students have less private study, working for about 19.4 hours, whereas veterinary and medical and dentistry students do the most hoursat 37 and 35.5 respectively. It seem researchers are forcing students and employers alike to question the value of a UK degree.
British courses are shorter and less intensive than their European counterparts and, in a period of international recruitment, will British students saddled by increasing debt be able to find the jobs they require? A spokesman for University UK warned not to read too much into this report, saying that the amount of studying does not directly equate to the quality of learning. He also questioned the validity of the evidence due to the small sample size and pointed out that all students questioned were in their first year. Despite these comments it still seems that when it comes to a degree, time truly does tell.
The title of this latest album from the somewhat fading ’phonics promises an explosive and all guns blazing deliverance from the trio. The cover displaying two pairs of glossy, electric lips chewing on the pin of a grenade suggests the Stereophonics are daring to be dangerous and delving into the controversy of statement-making music, perhaps as Green Day have done, and left easy rock to rest in the nineties. Nope. Musically, this album does not seem to have evolved since the disappointing previous album ‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’. It is a delight, however to hear that the band have returned to a much rawer sound and the technically enhanced ‘studio sounds’ of the previous seem to have been written off, perhaps as teething
problems with the adjustment to new drummer Xavier Weyer. Although, when the pathetic tinny side of front man Kelly Jones’ voice surfaces the songs become extremely samey. The high points of the album come with the heavier songs such as ‘Pass the Buck’ and ‘I Could Lose ya’, the only collaborative song writing from the whole band. When Kelly really lets rip with his thousand-fags-a-day textured voice is where the album really impresses and, dare I say it, at times he achieves an almost Cobain quality in his vocals. The singles released from the album do little for Stereophonics dated reputation and inability to hook new fans. ‘Bank Holiday Monday’ (available on download only) is completely forgettable and ‘It Means Nothing’ is a cardboard approach to a love song from a band hardly concerned with being heartfelt. In fact, the entire album appears to be rushed, maybe due to Kelly’s tight schedule due to the release of his failing solo debut album. Overall, it seems that the Stereophonics trio were a winning formula at the start, but with a sell by date much sooner than most bands. On the breakfast table of modern music, they’d be the curdled milk, where the front man has sucked up all the dairy goodness and formed a bigheaded blob. Maybe if Kelly took off his egotistic shades sometime, he just might just notice the mould and finally chuck it away.
Babyshambles “Delivery” This widely anticipated single from the upcoming album ‘Shotters’ Nation’ is an unashamed tale from the ‘heart of the misery’ of underestimated front man and songwriter, whose name escapes me. As with any song from this band the lyrics are gritty and honest and drowned in the mumbled vocals of the man who effortlessly flies the flag for British grime and distain. The composition is far cleaner and less chaotic than any track from their previous album ‘Down in Albion’. With this song, Babyshambles have managed to set the dial between originality and sell-out with outstanding precision, and for that reason become commercially accessible while still maintaining their dignity. The pounding synchronisation of guitar and drums illustrates the bands dangerously seductive attitude that throws punches at the flocking critics with every beat of the music. In addition, ‘you skins and mods’ references a time when music was a statement of the soul, which summarises the impact of this song. This track is powerful and extremely exciting to listen to and could be the one that unites the stubborn devotees and doubters alike. But at the end of the day, this band is musical marmite. Rub it on your toast or spit it out: it’s up to you. Want to voice your opinion on music? Get in touch! newsdesk@upsu.net
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Chel-sea You Later, José! Maz Elsahhar questions Chelsea’s thinking over José Mourinho’s departure from the club
José Mourinho has left Chelsea. I believe that this is a crushing blow to the club, and Chelsea have made a huge mistake. The Chelsea website said “Early this morning we announced that Chelsea and José Mourinho had agreed to part company by mutual consent. The key phrase here is that there was mutual agreement. José did not resign and he was not sacked.” Chelsea fans believe, however, that this may not be the case, and there are arguments for this theory. If he wasn't sacked, why did he receive £25 million, when he only had 3 years left on his contract? The additional £9 million; severance pay? Whatever the circumstances under which he left, the whole fiasco was quite obviously something to do with his disliking of former AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko, who happens to be good friends with Roman Abramovich, the club's owner. The thing is, José knew that Shevchenko couldn't cut it in the Premiership. He knew that spending nearly £31 million on him was a waste of money. But he certainly couldn't say that to the man that pays his wages, could he? Or could he..? Mourinho handled the situation the only way he knew how. By causing controversy. He had only picked Shevchenko once this season so far, which went unnoticed, until the disgruntled star went to the papers and publicly asked José why he wasn't starting for Chelsea. This got Roman's attention, and he quite possibly may have asked José why he wasn't picking him for the starting 11. So Mourinho promptly picks him for the next game (in the Champions League vs. Rosenborg) to avoid any quarrels. After all, if I was paid £5.4 million a year to do a job, I'd do as I was told as well..! Chelsea were 1-0 down to a team they should have, in all honesty, been giving a right kicking. Coming close to a rare home defeat, Chelsea broke down the left with Florent Malouda (a good summer signing from Lyon). He puts in an amazing cross onto the head of one Andriy Shevchenko, and lo and behold, the ball is in the back of the net, for his 4th Champions League goal for Chelsea (15th ever for the club, surely making each goal he's scored the most expensive ever, at just over £500,000 a pop in transfer fees alone). Two days later, and Chelsea reveal that Mourinho, who won 6 trophies with the club, has left by mutual consent. Quoth the club: “He will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge, whether as the guest of Chelsea or as the manager of another club, and he will be given the reception and respect his position in our history deserves”. Will he want to return after the way he was treated? No way, José..!
Pugwash news
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Wednesday 3rd October 2007
Features
A huge Pompey welcome from the Union!
(Most of) the Union’s staff and sabb team: (back-left to front-right) Sue Griffin (Copy Shop supervisor), Karen Wilson (finance assistant), Cherelyn Cuthbert (finance assistant), Tracey Anderson (financial controller), Dave Craig (legend), Sharon Hill (receptionista), Mike Cooter (comms manager), Simon “Darby” Leach (sports officer), Graeme Hope (sports safety coordinator), Rena Ellis (chief exec), Joanna Dewen (chief exec’s secretary & IOW native), Steve Baker (membership services manager), Christine McCann (Job Shop supervisor), Sarah Hesni (student activities coordinator), (front row) Alex Harries (media & publications officer), Andrew Machin (student support officer), Kat King (student support officer), Ben Norman (student activities & development officer), Elle Gray (president). Not in the pic but still in the team: Pier Powell (media sales coordinator) Photo Alex H / Paul
Sabb corner
Elle Gray
Ben Norman
Andy Machin
Kat King
President
Student Activities & Development Officer
Education & Representation Officer
Student Support Officer
Just to make sure you know the Union’s elected officers - who represent all students at Portsmouth - are working hard for you, they’ve all got a column in the paper to let you know what they’ve been up to, and what they’re doing for you.
Hello everyone, and welcome to the start of a new year at Portsmouth! You’ve picked a fantastic place, this is one of the best Student Unions in the country and it belongs to every single one of you. The reason why this Union is so good is the people that contribute to it. The Union is the only place where you can shape the future direction, by getting involved in our amazing Sports, Societies, Cultural events, RAG (Raising and Giving to charities), Media and Volunteering. All these activities are run by students, giving you great experience and the satisfaction of knowing you are part of something big. The major downside to University now is the fact we are all in so much debt. I graduated last year after a 5 year course, and I now have over £21,500 worth of student debt. And that was under the old system of £1,000 a year fees. Something you should know….. The Student Loans Company recently doubled the interest rate on our loans from 2.4% to 4.8% without telling anyone. They certainly didn’t tell me that the interest on my loan would now be over £1,000 a year and rising. Look out for the fees debate this year – we have a chance to change things. But on a happier note, I hope you have a wicked time here – Portsmouth is a great city, make sure you grab your new mates and go for a walk down the length of the seafront soon! I look forward to meeting you all at some point. If you need help with anything, or want to be more involved please get in touch. The Union’s mission is to promote, defend and extend the rights of students – and we need your help to do it.
The new term is yet to get underway, but there have already been many essential changes to the way your Union is run, providing new opportunities for students to be the change they wish to see. In my manifesto I promised to increase participation, champion democracy, celebrate diversity and promote direct action. It is integral that you, as students and as the electorate hold me and the rest of the sabbatical team to account. The Ethics, Equality and Diversity committee will act as the final reform of Union council, ensuring that your Union is now, finally, fully democratic. The newspaper that you are reading at this very moment will ensure wider participation and greater opportunities for student development; consider these projects as two examples of promises kept. As for my role, I have re-launched VIP as an entirely student run and student led organisation to promote democracy. I have also launched S.T.A.N.D, student training and new development to increase participation and student development. I am also working towards creating alcohol free nights to ensure that the Union is a welcoming place to all. It is especially important to me that international students feel that this Union is their Union. I have also continued to nurture the growth of societies, and this year I am proud to welcome a number of new societies into the Union. Your time in University is about opportunities. Here you have opportunities to become the person you want to be As your elected sabbatical team it is our task to provide those opportunities, taking them is a task that falls to you.
Hi guys! I’m your Education & Representation officer for this coming year after managing to beat R.O.N in the elections last year! For my first article I was told that I could either write something about myself or something about what I’ve been doing over the summer for the job, but as I’ve got limited space I won’t be able to fit in all the things I’ve done over the summer to make your courses and university better for you. So instead here goes: I play Rugby for the university and have been a captain for 2 years now as well as tour secretary. I enjoy long walks along the beach, sunsets and picnics, well not quite. I like nothing more than socialising in the waterhole on a Wednesday night and having one of two beverages. My biggest achievement to date was playing Roger Federer at junior Wimbledon whilst my biggest failure is not reaching 10 pieces of pizza at the Pizza Hut buffet last week. I’m really looking forward to this year as I have set myself several challenges in my job and look forward to attempting to reach them. See you around the union, I’ll be the one propping up the bar, Andy ‘Jaffa’ Machin
Hey everyone, welcome back….. and hello to all the new Freshers! My name’s Kat and I’m your Student Support officer for the next year (you lucky people hehe!). My job includes campaigns, R.A.G (Raising and Giving for charities) and general welfare, so if you have any problems or would just like some advice pop in to see me at any time. Our office is in the Student Centre at the Union (so just a short walk from the bar!). My first campaign this year is called Use it. Keep it. Love it! and its aim is to get more of you guys participating in Students’ Union activities and using the facilities and services that we have to offer, we’d also love you to put on some of your own events, so if you have any ideas just let me know! The first R.A.G meeting this year is on Monday 8th October at 1pm in the union, sign up at Freshers Fayre and come along to find out all the great events we’ll be doing, hopefully see you there!
president@upsu.net
sado@upsu.net
edandrepofficer@upsu.net
There are six Sabbs - or Sabbatical Officers - at the Union, and they will all be writing here from time to time throughout the year. You can find out more about each of the Sabbs, including what their roles cover and how you can speak to them, on the UPSU website... www.upsu.net/sabbs
PS...
Course Representative training begins on the 15th October. If you want the chance to make your course even better and work directly with your course leaders at the University, check out www.upsu.net/coursereps for all the information.
Andy: (wo)man eater... studentsupportofficer@upsu.net
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Purple Wednesdays Wednesday 3rd October 2007
Sports news
A Sports Officer’s Welcome Continued from page 12
conditioning for five select clubs that will have to apply for it and show how much they want it! (I’ll keep you posted on the successful applicants.) Relations with the Sport and Recreation department are improving, and this Summer we arranged a direct partnership in the running of the intra-mural programme, resulting in the possibility of an extra 2,000 people playing sport, which is absolutely amazing! Both ideas are simple but the effect will be massive; a perfect example of what making links can achieve. The Royal Navy is another possible partnership that could help the AU, it is my aim to hopefully secure facility usage at the Navy grounds to aid the swell in numbers. We cannot at the moment cater for all our clubs, and in many cases clubs only get to train once or even have to train at an external venue due to the lack of university facilities. Club development is an issue that that has been neglected over the last few years. While we’re are not about elitism, 6 years ago we were ranked the 19th best University in the country; now we are 47th - a huge drop! It is not because we have got worse or had a drop in standard - it is because other Universities have realised sport is great for their profile and is an amazing tool to attract students.
There are simple changes that can make all the difference. My job is not to focus on the rankings, it is participation, but people always want to associate themselves with success and a natural knock on effect will always be an increase in people playing sport. On top of this I represent clubs who want to do well - the AU contains clubs that are competing in the highest regional leagues, and we even have one in the premiership (go on the badminton!) all of which I imagine want to get promoted and play against the very best in the country - that is the nature of sport. However, club development isn’t just the performance side of things it involves participation and retention, as well as the charity and community work. My view is that as long as you focus on the participation and ensure the AU maintains and increases its diversity, there’s no harm in helping clubs to achieve higher standards. I will be asking clubs for their input on an AU development plan that focuses on where we are now, where we want to be, and how we are going to get there. I want the AU to take ownership of its own direction and have more of an input into what goes on. We are a strong and proud AU, and I see no reason why we cannot go from strength to strength and show people what we are all about. I hope that everyone else involved is excited as I am; we honestly have the potential to achieve great things, so lets do it! I wish you all a very successful and enjoyable year, any queries please do not hesitate to come in and have a chat. Much love, Darby x
Why should you join a sports club? Simon “Darby” Leach UPSU Sports Officer
Whether you are a returning student or a fresher there is no better way to enhance your student experience. As head of the AU I am extremely proud of the fact that we have some 50 sports clubs that cater for approximately 4000 students. Sport teams provide you with an instant friendship base and the social life that accompanies it is second to none. Sport at University is also heavily subsidised, so you won’t have to pay loads of your student loan to take part at any level. I implore all readers to take a mosey on down to fresher’s fair and sign up; I promise you will not regret it! Never played sport before? Doesn’t matter - we have teams to cater for all levels, from expert to beginner. The range of sports offered is amazingly diverse, they range from your mainstream sports such as football, rugby and netball to sports such as octopush and ultimate Frisbee. All AU clubs are student-led and student-run, and they offer a unique opportunity to become a committee
member which looks great on the old C.V. but also teaches you valuable life skills. The health benefits are obvious, I am not usually one for clichés but ‘a healthy body means a healthy mind’ is quite apt, playing sport or even being an associate member can relieve the stress and pressure that university life can bring. Don’t want to play competitive sport? No worries, here at Portsmouth we have an intra-mural programme which is basically organised inter university leagues, it provides you with the means to enter teams across a range of different sports, with your new course or house mates and simply play for fun. It is open and accessible to everybody regardless of standard. All sports clubs are affiliated to their relevant governing body and we have a huge representation within BUSA which is the British Universities Sports Association. The majority of team action takes place on Wednesday afternoons with Wednesday nights being the highlight of all social activity at the Student Union; many teams also play in local leagues at the weekend. Portsmouth has a proud tradition within sport, I can not emphasise the amount your life will change when you join a sports club, remember the friends you make are for life as well as your degree! More info: www.upsu.net/au
Athletic Union Sports Clubs 2007 American football Athletics Badminton Basketball Boxing Canoe Cheerleading Cricket (both sexes) Dance Fencing Football (both sexes) Golf Hockey (both sexes) Jitsu Karate Lacrosse Moutainbike Mountaineering Netball Octopush Offshore sailing Paintball Polo PUD Riding Roller hockey Rowing Rugby union (both sexes) Sailing Ski and snowboard Skydiving Softball Squash Sub aqua Surf Swimming Table tennis Taekwondo Tennis Ten pin bowling Tramp and gymnastics Ultimate Frisbee Volley ball Wakeboard Waterpolo Windsurfing Wushu
Find out more about each of these clubs by coming along to our Freshers’ Fayre on the 3rd and 4th October in Ravelin Park (next to the Union) - check out our feature on page 3 for more information, or visit the AU website: Darby meets boxer Amir Khan
The University of Portsmouth Sub-Aqua Club: artistic photo UPSAC
www.upsu.net/au
Boxing
Featured club
Sport development
It’s a knock out!
Meet the Sub-Aqua club!
Get funding to represent your Uni
Continued from page 12
Words by the Sub Aqua Club
tos/autographs ... he had time for anyone and everyone.” The boxing was such a huge success that Paul King, ABA Chief Exec, has attended a meeting to make Portsmouth an Olympic training camp for 2012. With the success of our own student boxing club, the potential for the sport across the city is huge. A big shout out must go to our boxing Guys as well: they were there all week volunteering just for the love of the sport. The Next Amir Khan fight is on the 6th of October: watch it!
Who are we? Non-BUSA club of the year 2006; UPSAC scuba club, a branch of The BSAC!! All other qualifications welcome! What do we do? BSAC diving focuses on UK diving throughout the year, not just for training but lots of fun too!! Trips run locally most weekends and larger trips to Cornwall, Swanage, Oban and many others including Lanzarote and Cyprus last year. When we’re not diving we are socialising.
Where are we? Training lectures for those who need it on Tuesdays 7pm St. Michael’s Building, then to the pub after from 8pm onwards. The Eldon Arms (Middle Street), off the main road next to the front of Trafalgar halls. Out most weekends, you can find out where we are on our hotline: 02392 361 869 For more information... Visit our website www.upsac.com or check us out on Facebook by searching for “upsac”! Want a feature? Get in touch! sportsofficer@upsu.net
Do you take part in any of the sports listed above, or the sports below, at a competitive level? Would you like the chance to get funding to represent the University of Portsmouth? If so, we want you to get in touch with us! In addition to the sports clubs listed above, we may also be able to help you with funding for the following activities: archery, diving, orienteering, clay pigeon shooting, modern biathlon, rifle, snooker, and triathlon. To find out more, contact the Sports Officer - Simon Leach - at sportsofficer@upsu.net, or call him on 023 9284 3663.
PURPLE WEDNESDAYS
I have the proud honour of announcing that The University of Portsmouth, in partnership with the universities in Southampton, have been successful in their bid to become a National centre of excellence for England Hockey. The process has taken almost a year but all efforts have been rewarded. After getting through three selection phases and a site visit, to our surprise we came in the top three bids and will start recruiting the cream of English talent as early as next October. The other successful bids were the Loughborough & Nottingham consortium, and the Bath & Bristol consortium. Anybody that knows their University sport will know that Bath
Drink Safe
and Loughborough are the two finest institutions in the country, and to be associated with them is absolutely amazing! Unsuccessful universities included 3rd best in the country, Birmingham, the Oxford & Reading consortium, and Manchester - the largest University in the country. Perhaps more excited than most was our Hockey club president, Adam White: “the successful bid will not only enhance the standard of hockey within the University but also within the local area”. It goes without saying that he was extremely excited about the hockey club becoming one of the best in the country almost overnight. It is the biggest sporting news the University has ever had - may it not be the last! www.upsu.net/p/2219
Club info
More info: www.upsu.net/sociallife
Any questions? 023 9284 3646
Issue 1 Wednesday 03.10.07 upsu.net/news
Simon “Darby” Leach UPSU Sports Officer
Farewell to a legend From everyone at the Union...
The Union’s much-loved Student Activities Coordinator, Sarah Hesni, is leaving the Union at the end of the first week of term. Sarah Hesni has worked for the Students’ Union for 13 years, mainly working with sports clubs sorting out their transport, fixtures and general day to day affairs. Anybody that knows Sarah will know that she is one of the most kind hearted, selfless ladies you will ever have the privilege to meet. In her time at Portsmouth, she has been the backbone of all AU activity and I hope you sportos will send her your best and wish her luck. Her replacement will be Wayne Gardner - this is an exciting time for the AU, and I wish him all the best in filling Sarah’s very little shoes! Sarah will be sorely missed - we love you Sarah!
My one main aim this year is to increase the profile of sport across campus...”
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Simon “Darby” Leach
My name is Simon ‘Darby’ Leach and I am your Sports Officer for the upcoming year. As Sports Officer it is my job to get as many people as possible playing sport and that the Athletic Union runs as well as it can do. We have such a proud sporting tradition at Portsmouth but it is my opinion that things have gone a little stale over recent years. I would like to shake it up a bit, get the clubs excited and achieve our full potential. Potential does not mean winning everything, it involves all aspects of the AU including participation as well as performance, and it also involves charity work as well as getting involved within the local community. My one main aim this year is to increase the profile of Sport across campus, by doing this, participation levels will rise and the people that make decisions will have no choice but to sit up and take note of what we sportos are made of. As an AU we struggle to champion the great things that we do such as the charity work and community events; we actually, at times, play a part in our own downfall by not doing so. This has to change - by raising our profile so many more doors become open to us. Since I started this job I have formed links with the Sports Science department which has resulted in free sports testing for select sports clubs during pre-season week, and have also secured free strength and
Send your good-byes to Sarah: www.upsu.net/p/2218
Continued on page 11
Boxing
Write for PWs
It’s a knock out! Cash office & finance office hours Need to deposit or withdraw from your club or society’s account? Cash office: 11:00-16:00, M-F Finance office: 09:00-16:30, M-F Membership Forms and Paying in Forms can be collected from the Cash Office or Finance Office. A & B account reports can be printed from the Finance Office Only. Paying Out Forms can be collected from the Cash Office or Finance Office. Please note that the forms have to be authorised before reimbursement. Please allow 48 hours for cheques to be raised.
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A Sports Officer’s Welcome
Portsmouth Uni awarded status as centre of excellence Simon “Darby” Leach UPSU Sports Officer
FR
The start of September saw the European Schoolboy Boxing Championships come to Portsmouth. The week long event was held in partnership with your very own Students’ Union, The Royal Navy and the Amateur boxing association. The show was a huge success with boxers from over 12 European countries participating. Bouts took place at HMS Nelson, and Lux was used as a training venue. The aim of the championships was to engage the local community and to raise the profile of sport across the region. Rising star and Commonwealth
PWs needs your club news! Champion Amir Khan attended the press launch and engaging the local children was at the forefront of his thoughts. Sports officer Simon Leach was fortunate enough to chat with him and says he came away a little star struck! “As a rising superstar and a national icon, you would expect a little bit of arrogance but what I found was a sincere, genuine guy who cares about what he believes in. The day was spent doing photo shoots and general publicity stuff but the times where random children came up to him for phoContinued on page 11
... and features, and photos, and socials, and anything else you want to tell us about your club! It’s easy to get a mention in PWs - just e-mail everything to newsdesk@upsu.net, visit www.upsu.net/newsdesk, or come in to the Sabb Office at the Union and have a chat with us any time!