pugwash news Extreme Success Night The incredible success of this night is mainly down to weeks of hard work by the club's hyperactive committee and thanks are due for that work, as the results were well worth it. The night also showed a great deal of unity between clubs with representatives of more than 16 clubs joining together to enjoy a thoroughly successful night.
EE
Issue 2 Wednesday 17.10.07 upsu.net/news
Portsmouth’s official student newspaper
The Extreme Sports Night hosted by the ski and snowboard club at the Union was a resounding success, with over 800 students turning out for the event. The night played host to bands, DJs and stage shows from the Union’s own break-dance and dance clubs, and the dance floor remained packed right through to the 2am finish.
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Freshers’ Fayre 2007: the Union’s biggest and busiest yet, with thousands of students visiting and over 150 clubs and societies on show. Above: UoP Sport & Recreation department perform to the crowd Photos: Tom Worman/AH
Inside...
up at the 02 coming Union + sudoku Alton Towers 04 win tickets 06 club posters 08 features: orwell’s google amy 09 reviews: winehouse, jack penate + more,
The night was supported by not only the ski and snowboard club but a multitude of others, including skydiving, sailing, surfing, and mountain biking clubs. Highlights of the night included the DJs and MCs on stage, and the array of live music. The success continued with three snowboards and a pair of skis all being given away in prize draws. Somehow though, the free place on a trip to Val Thorens went unclaimed, so the club are still looking for a way to give this prize away - keep your eyes open!
See the photos: tinyurl.com/2wxked
Above: Extreme Sports Night organiser Pete Williams and friend pose with a giant lollipop stick, while above, right: Paul Oakenfold plays to a packed Orange Fridays
Health
Accommodation
Freshers’ 2007
Democracy
Calling all students!
University issues meningitis warning
Lock it or lose it as student crime rises
Freshers’ Ball 2007: bhangra meets glam
Halls Exec Council elections 18th Oct
Want to write for your newspaper?
CheckUP, the University’s health advisory service, is reminding all new and returning students to make sure they have been vaccinated against meningitis. They also recommend that students ensure they also have measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations. For more information, visit the University’s health pages, where a complete list of doctors and dentists can be found. Alternatively, students can visit the Nuffield Centre, opposite the Union, for more information and advice.
Crime figures released by Hampshire Police have once again shown a rise in thefts and burglaries from student properties, with a recent statement issued by the constabulary claiming one in three students is the victim of crime, prompting the force to issue a warning to Portsmouth students to make sure their possessions are securely locked up and insured against theft. More information, including information on how to report a crime - vital if you need to make an insurance claim - is available online.
Do you fancy spending some of the University’s money to help make your halls of residence a better place to live? Each halls of residence has a Halls Exec Council, or HEC, made up of students elected by halls residents to help improve halls life, with a budget to spend on improvements. In the past, these have included everything from security peep-holes to social events and even a PlayStation! If you’re interested, the elections are on Thursday, so hurry up and get in touch to find out more!
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!
More info: www.port.ac.uk/health
Full details: www.upsu.net/p/2251
A Scissor Sisters tribute act and a rock covers band in one room, a Bhangra night in another with DJ Nash, and a thirty-piece big band in a third room... It can only be the Union’s Freshers’ Ball 2007, taking place this Saturday 20th October at the Union. This year’s line-up is one of the most eclectic ever seen, with a huge range of musical styles to suit everyone’s tastes, and the Union’s team has gone all out to make it an extraspecial night, with a smoothie bar, plus Pimms and cocktails on the terrace. Get your tickets now from Union reception for only £15 each.
An element of competition has also begun to spread with fellow clubs wanting to arrange their own nights. However, the Extreme Sports Night of 2007 will be the benchmark all those that follow will be compared to. Clubs and societies interested in holding an event at the Union should come and speak to the sports officer Simon Leach, or the student activities officer Ben Norman, in the Sabb Office at the Union.
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More info: karen.murphy@port.ac.uk
plus the pure fm playlist comes to pugwash news purple wednesdays: boxing victory, au chair feature, busa award for union staff member, branding the au, fixtures and results
More info: www.upsu.net/p/2166
Pugwash news
2
Inbox
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Timewasting...
What’s happening at the Union?
www.upsu.net/diary
Sudoku
... because there wasn’t anything better to put on this page at 4am in the morning before we’re supposed to send the paper off to be printed!
Easy: 2
7 7
9
3
1
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3 2
6
5
1 8
2 4
3
7
2
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7 6
9 4
9
1
1
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7
Definitely not easy: 7
9
9
5
8
7
8 4
3 6
4 6
3
1
5 2
2 2
8 2
6
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9
9
3 4
Don’t forget...
Pugwash news & Purple Wednesdays
“Small print”
Contributors
Contacting us
Get your NUS card at the Union to get the most out of your Union membership
Produced fortnightly by the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union. (UPSU). Printed by Quotemeprint www.quotemeprint.com, 0845 130 0667, and now printed on 100% recycled paper - Swampy, rejoice! Pugwash News & Purple Wednesdays bears no allegiance to any political party and discriminates against no-one.
Thanks for this issue go to: Jacob “slave-in-chief” Leverett, Hannah “I’m gonna stitch you up” Perkins, Ben Norman, Andrew Machin, Clara Heard, Simon Leach, Tiffany Lee, Pure FM, Brian Fichardo, the UPSU Dance Club, Jon Goddard, Ewan Eyre, Tom Worman, Polo Club’s Lauren (giggidy), and anyone else we’ve forgotten.
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.
Mini-editorial: thanks for all the help and contributions this week keep them coming. Extra-special thanks to Hannah Perkins for keeping me on my toes during proofreading...
Errors & omissions: while we take every care to verify our content, we may occasionally make mistakes. Please contact us using the details above to report any inaccuracies or mistakes.
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,
Oops: apologies to Union photographer chap Tom Worman of Southern Designs, whose photos we stole and used without accreditation in the first issue. Sorry!
Amazon.com, Dominos, Subway, Ticketmaster, JJB, Superdrug, Matalan, Moss Bros, Virgin, BT, Endsleigh, Topman, STA Travel, NME, French Connection, and many more. More info: www.upsu.net/registration
Pugwash news
Wednesday 17th October 2007
3
News UPSU JobShop:
Recruitment fair Wed 17th Oct Looking for a part-time job, or some volunteering experience? The Union JobShop is holding a recruitment fair in the Union for all students today, with companies attending to discuss their Employment and Volunteering opportunities. More info: www.upsu.net/jobshop
New to UPSU:
Amnesty society The Union's newest society has been created. The Amnesty Society, a part of the Amnesty organisation,works to protect human rights world wide. The first meeting was held this week, with further meetings planned throughout the coming year. Amnesty's aim is to reach a point where all individuals enjoy their universal human rights using research and action to end violations of these rights. For more information on the Amnesty Society, contact the Activities and Development Officer, Ben Norman, on 023 9284 3659 or
Only 1 in 4 landlords have signed up to the tenancy deposit scheme:
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figures show that the majority of landlords are still unwilling to act fairly or professionally Adam Sampson, Shelter: page 4
studentsupportofficer@upsu.net
Facebookwatch:
Giant telco seeks uni for giant gig via giant website... Telecoms giant O2 has unveiled a novel spin on advertising, creating the Facebook group “The battle for the UK’s favourite university” to find the best UK university. Students across the country are being asked to join the group - the more students in the group from a University, the more points the Uni gets. The prize for the favourite Uni is a huge endof-term party, paid for by O2. We all know Portsmouth Uni is the best in the UK for too many reasons to list, so join up to the group by November 11st and show your support (and make sure you’re in the Uni. Portsmouth network to make your vote count!). More info: tinyurl.com/ys23vg
Democracy
Student hacks
Club news
On at the Union
Find your voice: register to vote
National Student wants your words
Do a little dance, raise a bit of cash...
Malibu Soundclash lands this Friday
Are you smarter than a 10-year-old?
Gordon Brown may not be offering up the chance to vote him in or out of Number 10 just yet, but the electoral commission and the NUS are urging students to register to vote to make sure they can have their say. The commission claims in a recent press release that up to one in five students have not registered to vote. “Politics affects every aspect of your life” says Electoral Campaigns head Nina Ziaullah. “Unless you register to vote, you won’t be able to make you voice heard on the issues that matter to you”.
Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a writer? The National Student newspaper is looking for writers and reporters. With 100,000 copies a month country-wide, the paper reaches students all over the country. To get involved, simply contact their editor on 01522 521 521 or However, if you're more interested in being a part of Portsmouth’s newest and best student newspaper, come and write for Pugwash News! E-mail: mediaofficer@upsu.net or drop us a line: 023 9284 3657.
The sporto dance-off is back, so it’s time to get your club or society involved! Get adopted by two dance club members to choreograph a short and easy routine (comedy encouraged!) for select club members. Then on the 5th December at PWs, with the help of a little Dutch courage, get up on stage and shake it whilst competing against the other clubs to see who will be the best. Entry is only £1 per person, so you have no excuse not to get involved. To sign up, join them on Facebook. Let the banter begin!
Just in case you missed our feature last issue, the Malibu Soundclash, featuring the best anthems of the summer’s festivals head-to-head with the dirtiest hip-hop and RnB flavas, will be invading the Union this Orange Friday, October 19th. DJs Rob Breezy and DJ Dub will be battling it out on stage to win the loudest crowd reactions, with MCs Kosher and Serocee working the crowd, and the Malibu team on hand giving out loads of free gifts and free music downloads throughout the night. Don’t miss it!
What is the past-tense form of the word “drink”? This is just one of the many questions that will be luring the students of Portsmouth into redfaced embarrassment at the Union on Sunday 21st October, as Sky’s “Are You Smarter Than A Ten Yearold” quiz drops in to the Union. First prize on the night will be a Sky box with a year’s subscription to the service, so maybe it’s best if you don’t enter if you’re worried you may never leave the sofa again during your degree... p.s. The answer is “drank”.
More info: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
* Other student newspapers are available...
Join up online: tinyurl.com/yvfygh
More info: www.upsu.net/sociallife
More info: www.upsu.net/sociallife
editor@national-student.co.uk
Pugwash news
4
Wednesday 17th October 2007
News
News What’s snippets this?
Win a pair of tickets to Alton Towers’ extreme nights
Earn ten degree credits for saying what you see
One in four landlords still avoiding deposit protection scheme
Obscure odds-and-ends we’ve found out this fortnight...* Everybody in the world is fascinated by the Uni’s study on breasts,, apparently - tinyurl.com/2h8vcb for proof. // We’re told that Audition, a computer game where you make an on-screen character dance using your arrow keys, has more users than MySpace and has been a huge hit in Korea. More info: www.goaudition.co.uk. // The Union’s Student Activities Officer Ben Norman is technically a refugee of his native Guernsey. Or Jersey - we can’t remember which... // Newspapers take a LONG time to put together. Next week, we’ll be trialling the favourite trick of the coursework-shy student: bigger text. // Some organism with a silly name, in a pond somewhere, has gone 80 million years without sex (if you can think of a punchline to this, let us know...). More info: tinyurl.com/2cz6ml // Mulletwatch reports that mullets still aren’t back in fashion. Shame... // The free pizza given out at Freshers’ Fayre can’t be stockpiled until Christmas. It just doesn’t work... // You can spell Bhangra with or without the ‘h’. // ... but there’s no “I” in “team”. What-everr... // Free Maoam is much more popular than free giant drumsticks, according to our completely non-scientific survey involving a tub of each in the Sabb office. // Is the plural of sudoku, “sudoku” or “sudokus”? // No-one spotted the words “lust money” hidden in a photo in issue 1... // Woohoo! Fraggy is back in the building (after claiming he’d never come back). // Next issue: hell hath no fury like a woman scorned: true or false? * Or they’re completely fabricated to fill some space. One or the other...
Alton Towers is closing its season with a bang. Adrenaline Week, running between the 5th and 11th of November, is designed to add a new twist to your favourite exhilarating rides - the early winter darkness (well, Winter has to be good for something...). Don't bother with the kiddie rides: try out the drop of Oblivion or the incredible acceleration of Rita in the dark. In celebration of adrenaline week and the final end to the summer, Alton Towers are offering Pugwash News readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the theme park during Adrenaline Week. We have one pair of tickets to give away, but you're going have to do some work to win them! Your mission: take a copy of Pugwash News, take a camera, take a friend. We want a picture of you with your Pugwash News in the strangest, most obscure place. Once you've got it, send it in to us here at Pugwash News before Friday 26th October and the most obscure, weird and just down right odd gets the tickets. E-mail your photo, name, contact details a brief description of how and why you got the photo to newsdesk@upsu.net before the cutoff date, and we will select the weirdest, most obscure photo we’re sent!
Tom Lewis University Equality & Diversity Unit
Despite being launched more than six months ago, the National Landlords Association has released figures which show that three out of four landlords still have not signed up to the scheme, which provides an independent arbitrator to fairly resolve tenancy deposit disputes. The NUS website claims that, in the last year, more than 75% of tenants who had money witheld by landlords felt their money was witheld unfairly. Housing charity Shelter has urged students to insist on their landlords protecting students’ deposits using the tenancy deposit protection scheme, which costs nothing to sign up to. Students can find a detailed guide to their rights as tenants on the Shelter website, at shelter.org.uk/knowyourrights. “Whilst the TDP has provided thousands of tenants with peace of mind that their cash is protected, the NLA figures show that the majority of landlords are still unwilling to act fairly or professionally.” said Adam Sampson of Shelter in an interview with the NUS. “Shelter is urging all students to be aware of their rights and insist on their landlords protecting deposits in a TDP scheme.” With an estimated 1.25 million students living in private sector rented accommodation, over £250 million in deposits is estimated to be at risk of unfair treatment. The scheme’s introduction six months ago was hailed as a breakthrough for tenants and landlords alike, with widespread reports predicting the majority of deposits would soon be protected. No clear answers have been offered to explain why so many landlords have failed to sign up to the scheme.
Find out on page 7...
Small print: please don't endanger yourself or others to get your photo there's no point winning tickets to Alton Towers if you're stuck in a plaster cast from head-to-foot...! Also, we’d like to print the best photos we're sent, so please don't send us photos of naked bodies or Dirty Sanchez-style stunts. Tickets also available online @ £14.
Fancy getting ten credits towards your course AND helping yourself to some tasty CV-boosting experience this year? The University is running a project called Equality Impact Assessment and they need the likes of you to be part of it. In a nutshell, the project aims to check that the University’s policies don’t adversely affect any particular group and that, if possible, they actually enhance equality of opportunity. A rather grand aim you may think, but with your help it’s an achievable one. Whether being a mature student gives you a different perspective on student life, or as a carer you’d like a bit of help. Whatever you can offer and even being the average British undergraduate is a totally valid standpoint – we’d like to hear from you. All it takes is for you to commit yourself to undertake at least four two-hour sessions per year. Eight hours a year: hardly a lot, is it? Especially with the warm glow and good karma you’ll get from having been a part of something truly worthwhile. Oh, and of course there’s those ten course credits check the website (link below) or chat to your lecturers for more info on those. So if you fancy making your CV stand out from the crowd, the possibility of getting credits towards your course, and helping make your University a better place there’s really only one choice. You know what to do. For further information contact the Impact Assessment Co-ordinator, Tom Lewis on tom.lewis@port.ac.uk.
More info: www.altontowers.com
More info: tinyurl.com/2268t2
Society spotlight
Random world
Student Law society
Liars caught out going backwards in £136,000 University study
For our first society spotlight, the student law society tell us what they’re planning this year, and what “mooting” is. The society isn't just for law students, but those with an interest in law as well. The society also covers areas such as human rights, politics and current affairs. "We are organising trips to the Houses of Parliament as well as the Royal Courts of Justice to see the goings on of the Court of Appeal one of the highest courts in the country. People will also be able to see the inside of the Houses of Parliament and how MP’S make decision. We are also arranging trips to the local
law courts and hopefully to Kingston Prison! "We are also setting up several debates: the first two will be on the topics of human rights and the EU constitution. "Our main focus this academic year is on mock trials and mooting." According to the Oxford University press, Mooting is “the oral presentation of a legal issue or problem. It is perhaps the closest experience that a student can have whilst at university to appearing in court”. "Mooting is beneficial not only to law students wishing to practice as
barristers and solicitors, but also to those people who wish to improve their public speaking skills and confidence. "Mock trials, on the other hand, usually include witnesses, barristers and judges and are less formal and less likely to be based on complex points of law. "We are having our first social on the 16th of October at Tiger Tiger anyone is free to join us. "Most importantly, we need your views on what you want us to do!" To get in touch, contact: studentactivitiesofficer@upsu.net
Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have apparently found that liars are much more likely to make mistakes when telling a fabricated story backwards. Working on the assumption that it takes more effort to make up a story than to recount from memory, 255 test subjects were interviewed by 290 police officers, with some instructed to lie and others instructed to tell the truth. Interviews were conducted using traditional police interview methods, and in cases where the subject was lying, police detected more liars from their mistakes made when telling a story
backwards than when the police officers used standard police interview methods. The “reverse order tactic”, also known as a “cognitive load interview”, is expected to provide a new weapon in the fight against serial criminals adept in dodging traditional police interview tricks. Techniques for analysing body language were also criticised: study researcher Professor Aldert Vrij noted that officers using traditional techniques to identify liars were “significantly worse” at spotting frauds than officers using the reverse order tactic.
Pugwash news
Wednesday 17th October 2007
5
News
Student depression highest at start of academic year Jacob Leverett
The stigma surrounding depression, and simply feeling depressed, can make it almost impossible for sufferers to seek help when they need it. In addition to the University's counselling services, there are a number of websites available offering advice and support. Students Against Depression is one of these websites, providing help and guidance for students suffering from all forms of depression as well as providing information for friends of students who are concerned about their friends' welfare. Here, a Portsmouth student writes about their experiences during their first weeks of university: “Was it really a year ago? Was I one of those scared bleary eyed penniless freshers wandering around with no idea what was going on or who anyone was? Contrary to what I thought at the time I wasn't alone. It’s generally accepted that the period after the initial buzz of freshers fortnight is one of the most depressing and lonely. You're feeling lost in a sea of faces, lecturers are telling you that their job isn't to cuddle you and it all seems too much. “Well there are a number of ways in which I sought help. The first was possibly the worst, the second better and the third has me back in a happy world. The thing I thought would answer all my problems would be to drink more, go out more and party more. “Oh my God how wrong was I: now I just had additional problems, no money, work deadlines looming and a cracking headache. I decided to turn to one of my tutors as he was a nice guy. He had said that he was there to help, and as my depression was now affecting my work he took the time for a coffee and a cosy chat in his office despite being three times busier than I
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...the period after the initial buzz of freshers fortnight is one of the most depressing and lonely... was! “Up until this point I had always shied away from asking to talk about stuff with people because it just never seemed right; I'd just go to the pub with my mates and bitch about school, girls and getting my ass kicked at football. So my tutor was telling me to go and make an appointment to see a counsellor - errrrrr not likely! “Firstly I tried a support website which seemed less invasive, and a little bit of fun. The site, studentdepression.org, has just been relaunched and shows people ways to help themselves, as well as guiding people through ways to help someone they are worried about. “The website made me realise that I really wanted to speak to someone who could understand me and take the time to listen. I was surprised to realise how many people were there to help - I hadn't realised that the University has its own counsellors and chaplains, people with whom I could talk through my problems, and realise that things are a little stressful, a little daunting but with the right attitude and a little help from the right people, everything can get better.” For more advice online, visit w w w. s t u d e n t d e p re s s i o n . o rg . Alternatively, you can book a counsellor in confidence on 023 9284 3157 or free from your halls on 3157. The University's Chaplaincy team are also available, and can be contacted on 023 3284 3030. Finally, for 24 hour help and advice, the Samaritans are available on 08457 909090.
Mini review
Random is good
Win this book!
“A Lifetime of Secrets” Author: Frank Warren Review: Jacob Leverett
“A Lifetime of Secrets” is a strange forum for a collection of secrets. People from throughout the world send Frank Warren secrets scrawled upon a postcard, which are then compiled into his web-site or this, his fourth book. The secrets include the bizarre, the scandalous and tragedies, all of which make for an addictive if not voyeuristic book. There is something about reading anonymous confessions that feels like being accepted into this secret world, a form of therapy also arises - hunting throughout
the book to find a confession similar to the one burning away inside each and everyone of us. These confessions of infidelity, past events or burning desires turn each of these simple cards into a poignant reminder of the world being a collection of individuals all holding a small secret. A Lifetime of Secrets is available now from all good bookshops, and probably quite a few not-so-good ones, too. If you don’t blag our copy (see right), grab yours from Amazon: tinyurl.com/2wyafl More: postsecret.blogspot.com
Like the sound of the book, but too broke after Freshers’ Fortnight to afford it? We’ve got one slightly-thumbed review copy of A Lifetime Of Secrets to give away to the first person who wants it. To be in with a chance of blagging our copy, all you need to do is e-mail the News Desk at newsdesk@upsu.net with “A Lifetime Of Secrets” in the subject line (so we know what you’re on about) and your contact telephone number (in case we can’t be bothered to type out an e-mail - yes, we’re really that lazy at Pugwash towers... ;o).
Random cat of the week...
WHO: The UPSU Bike Club WHEN: Rides every Wednesday and Sunday WHAT: Cross-country, trials, downhill, free-ride and BMX ridepompey.co.uk
Image (c) Tom Worman, Southern Designs
WHO: The UPSU Trampolining & Gymnastics Club WHAT: Trampolining and gymnastics, obviously! upsu.net/clubs/trampandgym
Pugwash news
8
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Features and comment
Googling Orwell Ben Norman asks whether search giants’ censorship policies are a sign of the world’s descent into something we may have read about before...
According to the adverts recently run by AOL, ’Orwell was wrong’. The internet has apparently ushered in an epoch where free speech is unrestricted like never before. Its global nature leaves governments powerless against it. We are told that at last ’The power is in the hands of the people’, so lets all calm down, soothe our fears and whilst we’re at it purchase AOL’s new software (RRP $19.99, available in all good computer shops, and some rubbish ones.) Simultaneously with these adverts , Microsoft’s bi-spectacled billionaire boss Bill Gates stated that in his eyes Orwell’s dystopic vision ’didn’t come true, and I don't believe it will’, which is comforting coming from a man who last year had a net worth of $50 Billion dollars — more than the GNP of Chilli or Egypt and twice that of Guatemala. To say that Orwell was completely wrong and that 40 years after his death we’ve managed to create a society free of Orwellian terror is an exercise which at best is wishful thinking, At worst, it’s apathy induced naivety. To say that the internet is a safe haven for free speech and liberated from state interference is to forget the recent restrictions that China placed on Google searches, where typing the word ‘democracy’ can result in a oneway ticket to prison. An example of this is the case of “political subversive” Kong Youping who was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in 2003 for posting articles on the Internet calling for a reassessment of the 1989 pro-democracy movement.
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How can a company whose self proclaimed motto is “don’t be evil” actively cooperate with such a regime?
The Chinese government have been attempting to block and monitor internet users with varied success and how has Google responded to this? Did they cry out in the name of free speech? Did they use their great tool of communication to bypass the government and reach the people? No. Instead Google offered to create a new site, Google.cn which would be self regulating and thus pandered to a government which has been denounced by Amnesty International as being one of the worst human rights offenders. If any proof of the deplorable, wanton disregard for human right is needed look no further then a BBC report from April this year which claimed that prisoners were being selected for execution so that their organs could be harvested to sell for transplants. How can a company whose self proclaimed motto is “don’t be evil” actively cooperate with such a regime? The answer quite simply is profit. When Google was first found-
ed by .com entrepreneurs Sergey Brin and Larry Page in 1998 it was a small operation which attempted to lay claim to the internet’s moral high ground. Today however Google is a multinational company which is valued on Wall Street at over $100bn, and generates annual profits of $2bn. In order to compete with internet arch-rivals Yahoo who have no such moral scruples, securing the Chinese market is a necessity and to do it Google seem willing to sell any of their moral pretences. Google spokesman Andrew McLaughlin stated that creating Google.cn is “the best thing for the principles we’re trying to uphold” and that the company was attempting to provide a “Meaningful disclosure” for Chinese users. The only disclosure that Google is providing for the internet users not only in China but across the globe is that the company is willing to place profits before principles. Human rights violations in China have been well documented and campaigned against by groups such as Amnesty for decades however it must be realised it is not only the far flung foreign governments which will use the internet in such a Machiavellian way. The same is true in the United States the home of AOL and Bill Gates who publicly rejoice at the freedom they claim the internet has bestowed upon the world. However it is in the United States where vast government owned computers sift though millions of e-mails searching for phrase which will result in some spotty teenager from Wyoming getting a knock on the
door from the FBI. In 2003 John Mclean received a visit from the FBI Joint Terrorist task force for asking questions about the structure of Chesapeake Bay Bridge, questions which the FBI believed were of danger to national security. The sinister side of this incident is brought to light when it is realised that John Mclean is in fact 12 years old and was researching a school project. Not only was the Mclean household searched and computers analysed but the FBI also thought it wise to search the school which had the audacity to give out projects which threaten national security. It could be argued that China and the USA are unique cases. Chinese human rights violations are nothing new and the USA remains in the grip of post 9/11 paranoia. It must be remembered however that the Internet is global and any dangers it poses to users in America or China could also be posed closer to home. We may not have reached a big brother state just yet, but are we on cruising down the information super highway towards it? It would be wise not to heed optimistic claims that Orwell was wrong, It stands to reason that internet provider AOL and Microsoft Chief Gates are never going to throw their hands up in the air in dismay and regret shouting ‘look what we’ve created’, they’re far too busy profiting from it. Ben Norman is always available for chats about the evil of large corporations... ben.norman@upsu.net
Getting your money’s worth Clara Heard recommends a few ways of keeping the remains of your student loan going until the Christmas cash arrives from the relatives...
It’s that time of year again. Fresher’s week is over and hundreds of you are already well into your student loans. Feeling a little guilty are we? Well, here are a few tips to help make your remaining pennies stretch that little bit further. Rent is likely to be the biggest dent to your budget, and if you’re living in halls it’s unlikely that you will be able to negotiate. However, there are a few things that can be done to keep down the costs. Make your own lunch, entertain at home and use price comparison sites such as moneysupermarket.com to find the cheapest providers of gas, electricity and entertainment packages. Purchases such as books are unavoidable and regardless of your course, you are sure to find there are some books you really have to buy. The average book list can add up to around £150 a year if bought new, so it’s worth hunting around for some bargains. Recent graduates are a particularly good source, as is Blackwells, the university book shop, which houses a selection of second hand books from a wide range of courses. Most student-rented accommodation is furnished, however it doesn’t mean that the landlords provide everything a student needs. Items
such as desks, chairs or wardrobes can take a huge chunk out of your student budget so stick to the cheap and cheerful IKEA. However, if you like your items with a bit of character, take a visit to a second-hand furniture shop (many of which can be found around the Southsea area). After a quick clean and a cover thrown over them, they can look as good as new - with the added bonus that you didn’t have to assemble them yourself! Commuters and members of the off-campus Langstone Student Village will know that lectures are more than just a short walk away. When the free bus does not run at weekends, trips into the city can get pretty expensive. Cycling is by far the cheapest (and fastest) way to get around the city as there are plenty of flat cycle routes. Alternatively, there is public transport and like most things, this works out cheaper if brought in weekly or monthly bus passes, rather than daily tickets. When you’re really scraping the barrel, clean out your sofa and take random coins to change-converting machines like Coinstar (often found in supermarkets). This is a convenient way to obtain some money off your shopping.
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The average book list can cost up to £150 a year if bought new, so it’s worth hunting around for some bargains...
Staying busy distracts us from feeling the need to spend. Getting involved with a society, playing sport or getting a part-time job means you’re less likely to steer towards boredom expenses such as snack food or DVD rentals. It’s also good to remember that extra-curricular activities could someday help you obtain a higher-paying job – another step towards achieving financial stability! Students are prime targets for burglars, with one in every three ending up a victim of crime each year. A four-bed student house often contains four times the loot, with TV’s, laptops, games consoles and MP3 Players. You don’t want to be paying for new gear, so it’s worth getting contents insurance for your expensive belongings and backing up all your work on a hard drive. Some of you may be covered by your parents' existing policy, but it is definitely worth checking the small print. And finally, visit supermarkets at the end of the day for marked-down fresh food, NEVER shop an empty stomach, and always ask for a student discount. For more help and information from the University, visit www.port.ac.uk/moneydoctors Clara Heard
Pugwash news
Wednesday 17th October 2007
9
Reviews .. in association with
Music ‘Valerie’ Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse (Single) Rating: * * Tiffany Lee
Mark Ronson returns with this adaptation of Zuton’s 2006 hit, this time with Amy Winehouse as his selling point. Having experimented very little with the track, if you like the original don’t feel in any rush to check out this version. The synthesised drum beat is extremely overused and dull and the pace seems far beyond Amy’s comfort zone. As a result Amy’s involvement seems to mock her conscious endeavour to place herself on the popular music spectrum by avoiding this kind of conformity. To me it seems like so far Mark Ronson’s quest to become auteur is a little too comparable to Hugh Grant’s film history; each product being mildly entertaining, marginally different to the last and made far more interesting with the addition of the star. On Amy’s part however, this is a respectable cover as her mesmerising talent, intentionally ignoring all tabloid fuss, never disappoints. Although after the release of the Radio One’s Live Lounge album that exhausted the idea of unexpected covers, I don’t think I’ll be excited by another cover until Slipknot tackle Leonia Lewis’ ‘A Moment like This’.
‘Dark on Fire’ Turin Brakes (Album) Rating: * * * * Tiffany Lee
Quite simply, this album is stunning. The emotive texture in the vocals by both band members Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian are beautiful and completely captivating. If the passionate slur of Ray LaMontagne (who shares producer Ethan Jones) and David Gray lights your candles then you will be an instant fan. At first glance, the majority of songs on this album do seem similar but as NME magazine boldly stated when they emerged back in 2001 with their debut album ‘The Optimist LP’ (nominated for the Mercury Prize) “give them the devotion they deserve”. Every song is a heart melting masterpiece; carefully hand crafted by a band with so much experience they can seduce the spotlight away from any up and coming group that have half as much talent and twice as many marketing strategies, with delicate ease. Although though it’s not all twinkles and tears. ‘Stalker’, the first single to be released off this record is an example of how the band has adapted their sound for the constantly evolving demands of popular music. This single is dark and truly haunting and perhaps a snippet of social commentary as it reminds us of the age of surveillance in which we live in. This album will leave you wondering where you were for the last seven years of their career.
Pure FM’s playlist
‘Can’t Get Along Without You’ Hard-Fi (Single) Rating: * Tiffany Lee
With this second release off their latest album ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ Hard-Fi are pumping out another bouncy, rock-pop tune as dependably samey as the dress up themes at the union. With the vocals sounding like they might be far more at home on the Shrek soundtrack than a popular, fast-selling album, front man Richard Archer tries extremely hard to bring attitude and flare to the band by spitting out these lyrics about picking fights and sleeping rough. But at the most, it’s comical and you can’t possibly take him seriously with the light hearted “woo-woo” that follows. This song is further evidence that the band really don’t have anything interesting to say, a point proved in the debut album ‘Stars of CCTV’ that was one off candy to our ears with songs about cash machines and, hardly a ground breaking idea for a song, ‘Living for the Weekend’. All ego aside, it’s probably best to discard this track as easy listening from a band that will float around for a while, but you can bet good money that we won’t be wearing their faded t-shirts in thirty years time.
‘No More Running Away’ Air Traffic (Single) Rating: * * * Tiffany Lee
Being another soft and wimpy act from Bournemouth, it’s a far too easy to liken this band, and their single, to southern neighbours Athlete and Keane. But with the clapping drums and inventive lyrics of this track, Air Traffic have defiantly achieved a sound far more bearable than most of the forgettable background buzz of similar bands. Defiantly worth a second glance.
‘No Conversation’ Boy Kill Boy (Single) Rating: * * Tiffany Lee
‘No Conversation’ is the first single from the bands upcoming album ‘Stars and the Sea’. Following their hit album ‘Civilian’ that saw the band rocking out of the East London indie scene and onto our shelves in 2006, they have now hit the inevitable task of breaking out of their own shadow. Although from a band that you can usually rely on for providing the token ‘hands in the air’ chorus, this song doesn’t quite live up to its high expectations. The vocals are lacking that distinct energy so well achieved in previous hits such as their intoxicating single ‘Suzie’ that had you chanting the chorus well into the morning-after. Unfortunately, the guitar riffs are also lacking the creativity of previous tracks and the sound of the eighties synthesisers becomes extremely repetitive. Fans will defi-
Jack Penate: heading for the mainstream? Picture: Andy Donohoe antly appreciate this single on the back of this bands reputable discography, but without knowledge of that, this track will probably be one of those moments that encourage you to go to the bar and get another drink.
‘He Said He Loved Me’ Reverend and the Makers (single)
Rating: * * * Tiffany Lee
This follow up to their debut hit ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World’ Reverend and the Makers have hit back with another funky and charismatic hit, co-written by arctic monkey, Alex Turner. Washed in venomous cockney chanting, this track is screaming with attitude and electro flavour; a definite club classic for this upcoming season. But careful because it’s going to become overplayed and irritating… very soon.
‘Machines’ Biffy Clyro (Single) Rating: * * Tiffany Lee
With this final track on their first commercially successful album ‘Puzzle’, Biffy are offering fans an insight into the sensitive side of their Scottish souls. Although, the hype that surrounded this band breaking out onto mainstream airwaves doesn’t seem as applicable to this song. It’s a strange choice for a single considering their much heavier reputation in their pre-groupie days and sits, with much content, somewhere between breath-taking and boring.
Events Hadouken! On Friday the 5th of October the Pyramids centre played host to the ever popular Hadouken, a band who formed in the summer of 2006 and have rapidly accumulated a loyal fan base. Being a leisure centre the Pyramids does not have great acoustics which sometimes means that performances can lack the intimacy that smaller venues possess. However, Hadouken over came this possible obstacle to a good show instantly by opening with "the bounce" which was the ideal way to
begin their energetic set with. Although the Hadouken are yet to release an album, the relatively youthful crowd knew the words to most of the bands songs and sang along to future album tracks causing some lively dancing in the centre of the hall, much to the pleasure and surprise of lead singer James, who commented that that kind of thing didnët usually happen at their gigs. Hadouken closed their relatively short set by performing their debut single "that boy that girl", and although there was no encore, the track was a fitting end to the gig as it summed up the overall sarcasm and wit which the band exude.
Jack Penate Ewan Eyre
The last time I saw Jack Penate, I was stood in the middle of a packed out tent at Reading Festival, and despite him having lost his voice, my only reaction afterwards was amazement as to how interesting and fun he is to watch. He brings across that feeling of something new and fresh. My perception of him was only enhanced when he came to Portsmouth. With his voice in full flow there is no other current performer that can boast such a distinctive style. The way he moves around the stage with his trademark dance whilst launching out to the crowd some of the most catchy, feel-good songs around is something rarely seen amongst some of today’s solo artists. It is just plain to see that he is enjoying every second of being on stage and his charisma clearly rubs off onto everyone watching. His music really does seem so new and individual, whereas in reality it is just another collection of indie-pop songs. It is just the way he performs them that makes Jack Penate who he is. There are clear signals that he will soon enough be as mainstream as they come. The rows and rows of screaming girls in the Pyramids centre did something to suggest that not everyone was there to admire his music, but to admire him. Seeing as his album is out this week, I’m sure this will now be the case at the majority of his performances, with observers now able to sing along to the catchy tunes, rather than just screaming. Overall, Jack Penate is well worth going to watch, and I for one will be buying the album. Anyone with any interest in music would be able to appreciate his talent. Is it just a matter of time before everyone is doing that dance of his?
Every week Pure FM gives you the newest and hottest music and to let you know what's in, a fancy new playlists has been made. The A-list features tracks that your Uni life would not be the same without, while the B-list is a little bit more low key. The C-list is full of diverse and underground artists who are starting to make their mark on the music industry. Finally, Track of the Week is the song that has grabbed Pure FM's attention and so this lovely radio station tries their hardest to let it get you too. For changes in the Chart and Playlist updates check out www.purefm.com
On the A-list... Baby Shambles - Delivery Biffy Clyro - Machines Booty Love – Don’t Mess With My Man Foo Fighters – The Pretender Just Jack – No Time Kate Nash – Mouthwash Mutya Buena – Just A Little Bit Orson – Ain't No Party Robyn - Handle Me Scouting for Girls – She’s So Lovely The Enemy – You’re Not Alone The Fray – All At Once The Hives - Tick Tick Boom Boom The Hossiers – Goodbye Mr. A Travis – My Eyes Will.i.am – I Got It From My Mama
On the B-List...
Arcade Fire – Intervention Artic Monkeys – Fluorescent Adolescent Keane - Night Sky Kelly Rowland – Like This Linkin Park – Bleed It Out Mark Ronson (ft. Bob Dylan) – Most Likely You will Go Your Way…. Stereophonics – Bank Holiday Monday Terra Noimi – Not Sorry The Chemical Brothers – the Salmon Dance The Coral – Jacqueline The Maccabees – Toothpaste Kisses The Wombats – Lets Listen To Joy Division
On the C-list...
Amy Macdonald – L.A. Ash – End of The World Avril Lavigne – Hot Bobby ft Timberland – Anonymous Cherry Ghost – 4A.M Damien Rice – Dogs Gallows – In The Belly Of A Shark Ian Brown – Illegal Attacks LCD Sound System – Someone Great Micheal Grey – Somewhere Beyond Ne-Yo – Because of You Stephen Fretwell - Scar The Bravery - Time Wont Let Me Go
Track Of The Week:
The Parlotones - Dragonflies and Astronauts Listen online: www.purefm.com
Pugwash news
10
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Yeah, very funny... Freshers’ Fayre: take one media officer, add several metres of gaffer tape, a camera, and a light sprinkling of evil gits... (Revenge is already being planned...) See the full set online: tinyurl.com/yq55by
Sabb corner
Annual gaffer-taping of the MAPO: Graeme Hope, Darby, Gamel Oki, Andrew Machin, Fraggy, and Jacob Leverett. And me...
Andrew Machin
Simon Leach
Alex Harries
Education & Representation Officer
Sports Officer
Media Officer and Gaffer Tape Expert
Right, so now that you’ve all settled into University life, realised that you only have to go to 6 hours lectures to go to a week and have suddenly become the biggest Jeremy Kyle and Neighbours fan going, it is time to decide if you want to make a difference. Course Rep training started this Monday (15th) and seems to be going really well. The re-structure appears to have done wonders for course reps, with higher numbers of students being trained than ever before! Several new Course Rep positions have been created this year and if you choose to stand for them will make you stand out as a student who cares and also look brilliant on a C.V. The first Course Rep Executive Meeting, where these positions will be elected will take place on the 1st November, in Function Room 2 in the Union at 4pm. So if you want to make a difference this year, stand for one of these prestigious positions and show what you can do.
Onwards and upwards! Well what a week. Probably one of the most hectic all sports clubs will ever have, so much to do, lots of organising, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, the buzz of excitement is obvious right across the AU. One of the main aims for this year is to make people sit up and take note of how amazing we sportos are and it’s working - people not involved with sport are commenting on the positive atmosphere and the professionalism being shown by all clubs. Fresher’s fair was a huge success, luckily the weather helped an amazing amount, the atmosphere was electric and all clubs were on top form giving it all the gab they could muster to entice new members. As a sports officer my main aim is to get more people playing sport. Trough the attitude of all clubs we have a record amount of people joining the AU. Sports such as netball, rugby and hockey amongst others are showing all time high membership rates, absolutely amazing! As a result the intra-mural programme has to be further enhanced. Also loving the banter, socially the clubs have been out in force and it’s nice to see that everyone is getting on. I have encouraged the clubs to show more togetherness - lets keep the inter club banter but lets keep it friendly, as long as the support is there when needed long may it continue. I have been impressed with all the clubs; if this continues I have no doubt this will be our most successful year to date. Please keep it up: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; we have so much potential here at Pompey, lets show them what we are made of!
edandrepofficer@upsu.net
sportsofficer@upsu.net
Right, well it looks like I’ve got a little bit of extra space here this week, thanks to some poor editorial-related-planning on my part, so I’m going to ramble on a bit about what I’ve been up to. To be honest, you might as well turn over the page and look at the colourful photos on the back much more interesting than me... ;o) I’ve been in office as a Sabb for about ten weeks now, and in that time a lot has changed at the Onion: office moves, new toys, a new publication, and loads more students involved already than ever before. I also think I may have nearly given nervous breakdowns to several longsuffering members of Union staff (sorry!). The last two weeks for me have been dominated by the first issue of the newspaper and the Freshers’ Fayre. I couldn’t have imagined just how much work would be required to produce Pugwash News when we agreed to create it, and that’s without having to write the content myself! I’m really pleased with the results so far though, and now I’m looking forward to getting a solid team of students to take charge of the paper’s development for the next 12 months. Right now, I’m writing this at 8am on Monday morning after two solid days of laying up the paper with the help of a couple of dedicated souls this issue of the newspaper has to be at the printer’s in less than two hours, and I haven’t been to bed yet, so apologies for the many mistakes, errors and space fillers in the paper. Tonight is the First Big Meeting for Pugwash, with anyone and everyone who’s interested in writing, designing, photographing, reporting, or laying-up the newspaper and magazine invited to attend. I’ve got a list of around 300 people
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. 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
spread across my address book and our two Facebook media groups, so I’m hoping and praying that loads of people are going to turn up tonight, and a great editorial team will be elected for the paper and magazine for the coming year. Once the team is elected and I figure out how newspapers are supposed to work, we’re going to need as much content from every student as possible, from news and reviews, match reports and sporto tests, to feature ideas, more reviews, and anything and everything else that might interest students. We’ve had shed-loads of content submitted for the first two issues of the paper, despite the first issue being created outside term-time, and things are showing no signs of slowing down yet so I’m confident this year is going to be a record-breaker for Portsmouth student media. At least, I hope it will be! If you’re even vaguely interested in contributing a few words or a few hours to Pugwash this year, drop me a line and tell me what interests you - my e-mail address is at the bottom of this column. Away from print, a thankyou should also go to Pure FM’s committee, who have also been working their socks off throughout the last few weeks with a re-brand and a presence at loads of Freshers’ Fortnight events including the Freshers’ Fayre - well done! The last few weeks have been really hard work, but really good fun, and I wouldn’t change most of it for the world (apart from the Freshers’ Flu...). The Freshers’ Ball, this Saturday, should be a very random end to the freshers weeks, and I’m definitely looking forward to it see you there! mediaofficer@upsu.net
11
Purple Wednesdays Wednesday 17th October 2007
Sports news
Branding the AU
Roller Hockey old boys thrashed 125 by young guns
Profile: AU Chair
Continued from page 12
institution. Sport runs differently at Pompey: the AU is entirely run through the Union, where other institutions run sport through the actual University. This tends to bring us a little more success through higher funding, but by working in partnership with our University and relevant external bodies we can achieve the same that other universities do but in a different way, making Pompey a success story. At the first AU council, after agreeing to go down the branding route, suggestions included the Portsmouth Tridents and Portsmouth Lanterns. The AU exec will be working on ideas to bring forward at the next council meeting - if you have any thoughts, send them in. Generic kit is something that goes hand in hand with the branding; the best way to raise the profile of sport is get everybody in the same kit. I know clubs want to maintain their individuality, but this can still be achieved by having the name of your club on the kit which everybody can see. Generic kit also has a financial implication: if we put out a tender with all the pieces of kit we require and find one supplier to do all, the cost is driven right down. This works very well at the two Leeds Universities: they have a deal with Kukri, in which they receive free playing kit every season in return for social kit orders. Kukri also provides general AU kit, which Leeds sell in the same way we sell the University of Portsmouth hoodies. This will provide quite a substantial income which then can be invested back into the AU. I have said before that the AU has become a little stale and has settled for things running smoothly rather than being dynamic and embracing change. What are we scared of? The things I am proposing work very well at other Universities, so let's embrace the change and put Pompey back on the map where it belongs.
On Saturday 6th October, UoP Roller Hockey hosted their annual 'Old Boys' game against graduated players. The game and following drinkup was a great success.
Name: Elaina (Sheila) Sperring Club: Hockey
Fixtures & results
Athletic Union Sports Clubs 2007
Fixtures at home, 17th October
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
Badminton Men's 2nds v. Sussex Uni 1st at home in St Paul's Sports Hall, 2:00 PM, Badminton Women's 1sts v. Middlesex Uni at home at St Paul's Sports Hall BUSA 2:00 PM, Basketball women's 1sts Queen Mary at home at Nuffield sports hall 4:00 PM, Football men's 1sts Essex at home at Langstone campus 2:00 PM, Football men's 4ths Kingston 2nd at home at Langstone campus 2:00 PM, Football men's 5ths Brighton Uni at home at Langstone campus 2:00 PM, Hockey men's 1sts Brighton Uni at home at Langstone Astro 1:00 PM, Hockey men's 3rds Portsmouth 2nd at home at Langstone Astro 2:30 PM, Hockey men's 4ths St Georges Hospital 2nd at home at Langstone Astro 4:00 PM, Netball 2nds Kingston 1st at home at Langstone Campus 2:00 PM, Netball 3rds Bucks Chilterns 1st at home at Langstone Campus 3:30 PM, Netball 4ths St Mary's 3rd at home at Langstone Campus 3:30 PM, Netball 5ths London Southbank Uni 2nd at home at Langstone Campus 2:00 PM, Rugby men's 1sts Middlesex Uni at home at Langstone Campus 2:00 PM, Rugby men's 3rds Imperial 2nd at home at Portsmouth Rugby Club 2:00 PM, Rugby women's 1sts Brighton Uni at home at Langstone campus 2:00 PM, Squash men's 1sts Surrey University at home at Nuffield Squash Courts 2:00 PM, Squash men's 2nds Royall Holloway at home at Nuffield Squash Courts 2:00 PM, Table-tennis men's 1sts Reading Uni at home at John Pounds Centre 2:00 PM, Tennis men's 1sts London Metropolitan 2nd at home at Tennis Dome 1:00 PM, Volleyball men's 1sts Chichester University at home at Nuffield Sports Hall 8:00 PM, Volleyball women's 1sts Reading Uni at home at Nuffield Sports Hall 6:00 PM
Join the debate: www.upsu.net/p/2253
Although my chosen subject of Geography should be my first priority at uni, the world of AU sport has this year completely taken over my life. After working hard over the summer to re-establish women’s hockey, I found myself still wanting to give more to the AU. This is my main reason for wanting the role of AU chair. This year I think we will all see the AU move dramatically forward in every aspect and it is going to be my privilege to be at the forefront of this. Already this year we have seen a dramatic increase in participation within most of the AU sports clubs and this is an excellent stepping stone to base the foundations for an excellent year. This year we want to focus on bringing the AU clubs closer together and in order to do so we want to start thinking about branding the whole AU. Ideas are underway and we will have more to tell very soon, very exciting. As AU chair it is my duty to ensure the AU is run as democratically and fair as possible as it is student run and is student led, this year is about giving the AU clubs more ownership of its direction, its your AU, you should have a say on what happens. Thank you to everyone who attended the first AU council meeting on Thursday, keep the attendance up and this will ensure that all clubs are involved with everything we do this year. Lots of love, Elaina x x x
Separated at birth
Missing things...
Shock news: Sabbatical Officer’s bit-part in the movies...
Why no Sporto Test Show your support Get funding to or On The Spot? represent your Uni
What can we say - there seems to be some similarity between our sports officer and someone in the movies. Judge for yourselves (and send yours in to newsdesk@upsu.net!)
... because no-one’s been in touch asking to do one! Purple Wednesdays is still the sporto’s newsletter, except it’s a newspaper, but we still want to hear from sports clubs (and societies!) who’d like to see one of their members exposed on these pages for all to see (but no nakedness - Darby’s mum reads this paper...). To organise a Sporto Test or On The Spot, get in touch with the Sports Officer and he’ll do all the hard work for you...!
The 'Old Boys', consisting of a large number of the players that brought Portsmouth Uni four consecutive national championships, took an early 5-1 lead, but showed their age as the young guns rallied back to a 12-5 win!
With impressive performances from player and coach Louie Bailey, returning scoring machine and Dean Gaffney-impersonator Laurie Hodge, and 1st year goalie Elliot Staker, the current team exhibited the qualities of a team capable of a return to greatness this season.
Left: Simon “Darby” Leach - right: Falcor from The Never Ending Story...
E-mail: sportsofficer@upsu.net Telephone: 023 9284 3663
Results
Rugby 1’s 13 - 15 Royal Free Medics 1’s. Rugby 2’s 10 - 12 Royal Holloway 2’s. Badminton 2’s 8 – 0 Surrey 2’s Well done the badders, commiserations for rugby, two very close games unlucky in both.
Athletic Union
Fancy watching a bit of sport on your afternoon off? Come and support your Pompey sportos and see what all the excitement is all about. Its the opening day of the season and Langstone particularly will be packed with 12 fixtures. It is like this most weeks so jump on the University free bus and have a good afternoon. Darby’s tip of the week is for men’s hockey 1's to thump Brighton and for the men’s rugby 1's to have a good close game against Middlesex. Netball girls should also do well with football not letting us down. Women’s squash and basketball also look tasty. See you there.
For more information about these clubs and to join up, visit the Athletic Union website (link below) or pop into the Sabb office in the Union and speak to the Sports Officer, Simon “Darby” Leach. www.upsu.net/au sportsofficer@upsu.net
Sport development
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.
FR
PURPLE WEDNESDAYS
Issue 2 Wednesday 17.10.07 upsu.net/news
Branding the AU to raise the profile of sport
Boxing battle to win first bout of 2007 season Dave Hickey University of Portsmouth Boxing Club
EE
Round 2 The second round began with Marks opponent coming forward with three and four punch combinations forcing Mark to back away, costing him a valuable three or four points over the round. This was not a good round for Mark and returned to his corner slightly disheartened. Round 3 The tension was unbelievable; noone in the crowd knew what was coming next as the seconds slowly ticked down, and the bell rang. Immediately the long shots were raining down again, but everything changed as all of a sudden Mark's long right hand landed and was followed with a damaging left hook, them another, then another: he was taking damage, sacrificing point for point as the fight went down to the wire, but he was landing those punches. The crowd picked up as the final seconds came and neither boxer would back down, roaring with appreciation for both their home favorite and Mark Adams. Both boxers were gaving it everything, and the crowd knew it. No-one knew who was going to win in such a close contest while waiting for the results from the judges, so as the MC declared Mark the winner, the crowd erupted in appreciation while Mark smiled knowing he had just won his first ever boxing match.
Simon “Darby” Leach UPSU Sports Officer
University Boxing Club welterweight Mark "adamantium" Adams triumphs against the Belgrave Amateur boxing club in his first match of the season. The atmosphere was electric and Mark was prepared, but the crowd were against him. Whilst entering the main hall the crowd booed Portsmouth’s team and then cheered on their own local boxer favorite. Not that it mattered: Mark was feeding off the crowd, laughing and staying focused on the task ahead. Stepping through the ropes he caught sight of the opposition: four inches taller with a serious reach advantage, and knew this was going to be hard night. Round 1 As soon as the bell sounded both boxers tried to control centre ring, forcing a stand off as the two went toe-to-toe and shot-for-shot from the first seconds. Mark came out on top with the harder punches giving him ring control. Landing lightning fast combinations, Mark forced his opponent to start using his obvious reach advantage. Soon the punches were raining down from a distance and the fight changed again, the home favorite was pushing him back and movement was of the essence as Mark went on the defensive, ducking, weaving and moving as he broke inside to steal some points.
Want more info on the boxing team? uniboxingcoach@hotmail.co.uk
Olympics
Coaching
BUSA
Sports science
Write for PWs
Sports Officer on Podium for 2012
UP for Sport to hold coaching day
Sports coordinator wins BUSA award
Sports science support for clubs
PWs needs your club news!
UPSU Sports Officer Simon “Darby” Leach this week announced his involvement in the 2012 Olympics, outlining his part in the Student Action Group of an organisation called 'Podium' . Podium are the Further and Higher Education Unit for the 2012 games and are responsible for maximising the benefits of the games on all elements of student sport. Darby expressed his excitement about being selected for this role, saying he is “looking forward to the opportunity to promote the University of Portsmouth on a national level”.
The Uni's UP for Sport department is holding an induction day for anyone interested in coaching this year, with reps for paid and unpaid coaching placements at the event for you to meet. The day will also include workshops run by coaching professionals to give you some new ideas. Camps International will also be present, running a presentation about their plan to organise a trip to Kenya to develop sport in some of the country's most deprived areas for a month during summer 2008. For more information, e-mail charlotte.doyle@port.ac.uk or on Facebook at tinyurl.com/36ztpx.
Graeme Hope, The Union’s Sport Development and Safety Co-ordinator, was over the summer awarded the title of BUSA Administrator of the Year. The award, presented by TV personality and President of BUSA John Inverdale, is a first for Portsmouth. Graeme, whose role not only requires him to ensure the safety of all university sports but also to act as a link between the University and the Union on matters relating to sport, was chosen from over 150 competitors to be honoured with this prestigious title. "It's quite an honour to be told you’re the best" said a very happy Graeme.
We have a thriving sports science department at Pompey, but until recently no one had created a link between them and the AU! After one meeting, we now have free sports science testing, and strength & conditioning for 12 lucky teams: men’s hockey, women’s hockey, boxing, netball, lacrosse, men’s football, women’s football, cheerleading, men’s rugby, American football, swimming and rowing. Such was the interest by sports science that all 12 clubs that applied for it were successful - thank you sports science, particularly Nick Ball. Simon “Darby” Leach
... 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!
Freshers’ Fayre: (clockwise from top) Polo club girls, karate club (we think...?), boxing club’s Mark Adams, magic levitating pole-dancer, and swim team’s drinking problem... Pics: Tom Worman/UK
At Presidents' day, all clubs agreed that raising the profile of sport across the campus and city was in their best interests. By raising the profile of sport, reputations are enhanced and people want to get involved, therefore participation rates are increased and it makes us look more professional. All of this makes for a better and stronger AU with a greater opportunity for further investment and partnerships. All clubs can play their part: got any news? Send it in, and lets get it published. By looking professional and organised, people will naturally take notice, which enhances our profile.
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...the best way to raise the profile of sport is get everybody in the same kit
Throughout the summer I have visited many universities, observing how they run sport. I noticed that many institutions brand their AU, and this proves to be very successful. Bath have ‘Team Bath’, Soton have ‘Sport Southampton’, and Brighton are known as the ‘Brighton Panthers’, and their branding covers everybody involved with sport at the Continued on page 11