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Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
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UWE’S STUDENT VOICE
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INSIDE ISSUE 04 WESTERNEYE UWE’s Student Voice
COMMENT
SCIENCE & TECH
FEATURE ARTICLE
SPORT
Discussing paedophilia Crime or disease
2014 lookahead Through a glass, expensively
Guantánamo Bay 12 years on
Homosexuality in sport Issues of homophobia
Continues on page 7
Continues on page 13
Continues on pages 16 & 17
Continues on page 22
EDITOR’S MESSAGE. WESTERNEYE AGM ELECTIONS.
Want my job? this month has been hectic, need of graphic designers, proof especially with the Christmas readers, contributors, and of break. We’ve released some very course section editors and assisinteresting and controversial arti- tants for: News, Comment, Music Entertainment, Science cles this month, both online and and and Technology, Sports and within this print issue. Most importantly this month, Westworld. Section Editors are we are offering you all the oppor- responsible for coming up with tunity to take over our roles for ideas for articles for the print issue, emailing contributors to the next academic year! During February, we’re going organise who will write what, and to be holding our WesternEye ensuring that they get their artiagm (Annual General Meeting) for cles in on time. Assistant Section all of our members, at which we Editors must support their will be electing our replacement Section Editors in this role, and Editors. I cannot put into words also gather content for online. how much of an honour it has been to hold the post of Editor of The Editor A successful candidate for the the WesternEye, I only wish that I Editor role will need to have good could continue for another year! Make no mistake, this is a communication skills, as a close relationship with the challenging role. It is other editors, advisors, time consuming and No experience is graphic designers, stressful at times, but necessary, only columnists, contribit is also more rewardpassion and utors, the university ing than anything else dedication and the Students’ I’ve ever done. Before Union (especially being elected to the the five elected su team last year, I had only ever written one article for Presidents) is essential. You must be able to organise the WesternEye — no experience is necessary, only passion and people, keep to deadlines (and ensure other people do too!) and dedication. There are many different make important decisions about vacancies, the four main of which the content of the newspaper. are: Editor, Assistant Editor, These decisions will be difficult Online Editor and Assistant to make, and at times you will Online Editor. We will also be in face pressure from all sides about Editor Kaytie McFadden editor@westerneye.net
Science & Tech Editor James Riley scitech@westerneye.net
Online Editor Ginny Faulkner online.editor@westerneye.net
Science & Tech Assistant Antony Poveda assistantscitech@westerneye.net
Assistant Editor George Gill assistanteditor@westerneye.net
Music & Entertainment Editor Jayde Smyth music@westerneye.net
News Editor Ollie Hicks news@westerneye.net
Music & Entertainment Assistant Sophie Seddon assistantmusic@westerneye.net
Comment Editor Janeeth Devgun janeeth.comment@westerneye.net
Lifestyle Editor Olivia Garner lifestyle@westerneye.net
up to date, communicating with section editors about articles for online. They work very closely with the Editor in helping to make important editorial decisions. An ideal candidate would have experience of using wordpress, and good knowledge of social media tools and of course — good knowledge of grammar and spelling, as they will be responsible for the proofing of online articles.
articles. It is very important that you make the decision which you believe to be best for the future A Touch of Hollywood of the newspaper and the public in Bristoland interest. The WesternEye exists The Assistant Online Editor The Assistant Online Editor is mysterious 8ft tall white letters to serve uwe Students, providing them with a source of news in charge of columnists, ensuring have appeared in the Avon Gorge, about both the University, the that their columns are submitted south of the Clifton Suspension on time, and uploaded bridge, spelling out the word Students’ Union, and to the website. Other ‘Bristoland’ in the style of the the wider Bristol area. Our independence duties include assist- Hollywood sign. Our independence is our greatest asset, and is our greatest asset, ing the Online Editor it must be protected at it must be protected in general website at all times maintenance, and £83 million financial all times. promoting both the cuts for Bristol The Assistant Editor website and the indielected mayor, A successful Assistant Editor vidual articles using various social bristol’s George Ferguson has proposed must coordinate and liaise with media. a new budget for Bristol City section editors in order to ensure that all of their content for the We have a lovely office which is Council to be voted on by councilprint issue is submitted in a timely always stocked up with tea and lors on February 18th. It involves manner, and help them with any coffee (sometimes even biscuits!) £83million of cuts over the next issues. They manage communi- so drop us an email and we can three years, including the overcations between the editor and arrange a time for you to come turning of the ‘no-evictions’ section editors, ensuring that up the office (Room 5F6 above policy which had formerly been information regarding deadlines Escape and Red bars on Frenchay proposed by the Labour party and meetings are passed on to all campus) for a chat, or ask any and agreed by a majority of local Bristol councillors. involved. They also organise and questions you have via email. The policy would have meant manage a team of proofreaders Contact details for each to come along for proofreading member of the Editorial that people affected by either sessions, where the articles for Committee are featured on thi benefits cuts or the ‘bedroom tax’ print are spelling and grammar page. Regardless of whether or would be protected from eviction. checked before being sent to our not you have experience in jour- The budget has already undergraphic design team. nalism, everyone is welcome to gone review after its details were get involved, no question is silly, first announced, through negotiaThe Online Editor and we’ll be here every step of the tion with the political parties and consulation with the public, and Our Online Editor ensures way to support you. some of Bristol’s public services that the WesternEye website is have been saved, including museums, parks, community transport, public toilets, and moving Sports Editor Finance Assistant towards becoming a Living Wage George Beard George Lewis employer. The budget needs a sports@westerneye.net assistantfinance@westerneye.net simple majority of 50% plus one to be passed. Sports Assistant Marketing Manager George Ferguson became Tom Williams Lauren Conen Bristol’s first elected Mayor in assistantsport@westerneye.net marketing@westerneye.net November 2012, after Bristol voted ‘Yes’ to the referendum on Westworld Editor Head Graphic Designer the matter in May of the same Dulcie Horn Matt D Woodman year. Ferguson had in the past westworld@westerneye.net design@westerneye.net been a Liberal councillor in the Bristol City Council, and was part Westworld Assistant Graphic Designers of the Liberal Democrat party Chaneen Salako Esther Akinola until he resigned his membership westworldassistant@westerneye.net Emma Brown shortly prior to his announceJames Barrett ment of his intention to stand as Finance Manager design@westerneye.net an independent candidate in the Dan Kitchin Mayoral election. finance@westerneye.net
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Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
NEWS
Sexual Health, Awareness and Guidance Week DATE
TIME
LOCATION
EVENT
DETAILS
Sunday 9th February
20.00
Escape Bar
Quiz Night
Sexual Health themed quiz
Monday 10th February
9.00 – 11.00
Escape Bar (outside)
Pop Quiz on Sexual Health
Bucket and ball selection
14.30 – 15.30
Escape Bar
Health Centre Focus Group
Services at Health Centre
20.00
Escape Bar
Comedy Night
—
Tuesday 11th February
17.00 – late
Escape Bar/Red Bar/St.Matt’s
Lock In — School Disco
—
Wednesday 12th February
15.00 – 17.00
Revolution
LGBTea
LGBT Sexual Health Services
20.00 – 23.00
St.Matt’s SU
St.Matt’s Quiz
Sexual Health themed quiz
22.00 – late
Revolution
Societies/Networks Night
—
22.00 – late
Mbargo
Traffic Light Party
—
Thursday 13th February
18.00
Frenchay Campus
Consent Talk
—
Friday 14th February
20.00
City Centre
Sports Fundraiser
—
19.30
St.Matt’s Campus
Valentines Event
Valentine themed event
anyone can run for election! It’s an awesome experience and a great opportunity to develop your leadership and communication skills. There are many benefits that come with becoming a Students Elected Officer or President; you will be involved with working with uwe on decisions that affect students, you will gain essential communication, leadership and team-working skills. It also looks great for future employment prospects. President of the Students’ Union
The role of the President will require you to act as the figurehead of uwe Students’ Union, which will involve coordinating, supporting and ensuring that the elected officers, the Executive, fulfil their responsibilities. The President will also act as the primary contact for the University, the National Union of Students and Media, a student member of the Board of Governors and co-chair of the student Governor Forum. Each year the President will attend the National Union of Students Annual Conference as delegate leader, and together with the General Manager, implement the strategic plan for the Union. Vice President of Education
The role of Vice President of Education will require you to provide support to the Student Rep Department, Forum Chairs and contribute to the ongoing developments of Student Rep Training. To develop union policy relating to the academic experiences of students and coordinate the Quality Assurance Agency’s Student Written Submissions on behalf of the student body.
ANNUAL ELECTIONS 2014. YOUR VOTE.
UWE Students’ Union Elections In exactly one month time UWE Students’ Union nominations will open for the annual elections to vote for the students that you think should be elected for the Students’ Union fulltime Presidents and part-time officers Furthermore, this role will require you to work in the Representation and Community Team and represent the learner voice through the University’s Academic Structures. Every year the role of vp Education is to act as secretary to the Student Union’s Annual General Meeting and be responsible for policy and resulting action in the Union. Vice President Community & Welfare
The role of Vice President Community & Welfare will require you to lead and support community and welfare campaigns and develop, support and promote student communities and networks within the university. Furthermore, this role will require you to develop, support
and promote the Halls Reps system and work in the Representation and Community Team with Vice President of Education. Vice President Societies & Comms.
The role of Vice President Societies and Communication will require you to develop, support and promote over 40 different student societies within the university, including developing the annual training plan, developing policy relating to the non-academic experiences of university students. Included in this role is the responsibility of developing the communication strategic plan for the Union, comprising of supporting student focussed communication methods and
news@westerneye.net
Communication, teamwork and leadership skills are essential for future employment
tools in collaboration with the Students’ Union media centre. Vice President Societies and Communication will work in the Sports and Activities Team and Media Centre with Vice President Sport and Health. Vice President Sport & Health
The role of Vice President Sports and Health will require you to act as the primary contact for matters relating to student led sports at uwe. The role includes the responsibility to support and represent students active within student led sports, including leading the formation of annual Sports Development Plans and represent uwe students through bucs (British Universities and College Sport). Vice President Sports and Health will also develop union policy relating to the student sporting experience of students and oversee the annual Varsity programme. This role will be positioned working in the Sports and Activities Team with Vice President Societies and Communications. Each of the Vice Presidents will have a part-time Officer position available to any student wishing to gain valuable experience in teamwork, project management and communication skills. When nominations close, a candidate’s brief will be held where candidates will be informed about the next steps, campaigning and campaign rules. With 16 positions available, 5 paid full-time and 11 part-time voluntary positions, the nominations open at 12:00 on Thursday 6th February 2014.
Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
NEWS
The Only Way is Wessex? Charlie Roper, President said: “I’ve heard and received lots of feedback on buses, and I’m january will see the start listening. I believe working in of a ‘The Only Way is Wessex?’ partnership with Steve West will campaign, a joint consultation ensure we can provide evidence run by uwe Students’ Union’s based on your voice to influence President, Charlie Roper, and and lobby the transport operators uwe’s Vice Chancellor, Steve West. to deliver a service that prioritises After the “shear the needs of all of amount of feedback Wessex buses are uwe’s students.” related to buses” that not only expensive The campaign is the Students’ Union but often late and set to pick up speed has had in regards to completely unreliable on the 21st January Wessex Red being an — with the launch of unreliable method BARNEY REEVES a feedback hub for of transport to get to Y3 POLITICS STUDENT you to input what uwe, it is important to you think of the bus address it. This consultation will service. Additionally there are allow the Students’ Union and opportunities for all students to uwe to listen to you through the get involved in the campaign. use of surveys, user groups and student committees. The feedTO GET ON BOARD back will be used effectively to SUPRESIDENT@UWE.AC.UK pressure change to the service. OLLIE HICKS
news@westerneye.net
CHARLIE ROPER AND STEVE WEST KOD NGUYEN ©
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Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
COMMENT
COMMENT — OPINION AND TOPICAL DEBATE HIGHER EDUCATION. THE VALUE OF DIALOGUE AND PEER DISCOURSE.
The courage to speak. The courage to listen. LIANNE BARNARD
comment@westerneye.net
i’m sure many of you have been in this situation. A lecture theatre or small seminar room, it’s late afternoon, the artificial light and the grey dusk from outside is making your eyes heavy with tiredness and you’re watching the second hand twitch relentlessly. The lecturer is trying with all his might to seek some kind of response, asking questions, any questions to try and engage. He asks a terrifyingly obvious question, that harks back to your years of A levels, you look around the room and everyone has remained ignorant to the most simplest of queries. Even with your shock you remain silent and bury your gaze in something completely out of the view of the lecturer’s searching eyes. You doodle biro flowers in the corner of your notebook, you wonder why you bothered, and long for the early finish that even the lecturer is willing. As you read that horrifying image you might have tried to think that wasn’t you, or you’d never experienced that, but the truth is that you most likely have,. You’ve more than likely been that individual who knows the answer time and time again or has a response but remains silent like a naughty child. The truth is you probably all are, after two years at university I can safely say, I have come across less than five examples
of individuals that aren’t. It’s a baffling problem, that has no explanation in my view. What I find worrying is the whole understanding that university should be built on has changed. University isn’t something you attend on a compulsory basis, it isn’t something you have to sit through and endure like the drudgery of your school days. It’s a personal choice that should not only be undertaken because of ambitions in a particular career but a staunch interest in your field of study. University is about broadening the way you think, understanding the way you think, indulging in
Lianne Barnard states that students should take a more participatory role in collective learning University is about broadening the way you think, immersing yourself in education and establishing a dialogue with peers
comfortable speaking in front of large groups but I find it difficult to believe that a lecture theatre of thirty plus students, who have the ability to attend university in the first instance, have difficulty in small seminar groups. Some may read this and find it an irritant. Some may greet it with the same animosity that they greet the individual that they and their course mates mock because they seek in a small way to develop themselves through debating in seminars and asking questions in lectures. But hopefully some may see this as food for thought, and go into their next lecture with an open mind and open vocal cords. Rather this than damning the girl who sits at the front apathetically nodding at the lecture. Take your university career into your own hands and see it for all its value.
the luxury of immersing yourself class debate with the lecturer. in your chosen subject and being This is a worrying reality, and able to listen and speak with like even though remarks and back minded peers. I feel particularly, biting don’t stop me, personally, nowadays ,the normalisation of from what I feel is development, undertaking a degree and attend- students who are less confident ing university, has bred university in public speaking may find this alumni that are not aware of the completely debilitating. extreme luck they have to be Of course not everyone is there in the first place. Apart from the current third year the entire uwe student CAMPUS INCIDENT RAISES SECURITY CONCERNS body is paying the higher level of tuition fees, fees which hundreds of students, including students at our own institution, rebutted in protests which lasted weeks. Why then do students seeks to waste this massive extortion by half engaging in their studies? Why do we sit in lectures and seminars day after day, aware of the incident which occurred visibly at all times and be willing the massive financial and personal last summer on Frenchay Campus to be challenged when they’re not strain university life puts on all does raise concern around how wearing their identity tag. We will also be reviewing the of us, and not grasp the time we we best maintain safety and secuhave to broaden our minds and rity measures. We are a seat of use of cctv on Campus and the capabilities through discussion learning that wants to encourage levels of security and policing to inclusivity and connection with enhance safety. and debate? Whilst acknowledging for What makes this issue worse our local community and citizens. This incident requires us as a some this may appear intrusive, is the animosity students have towards others on their course university community to be vigi- I believe this to be an appropriwho do intend to involve them- lant and alert to the possibility ate response given the concerns selves vocally in seminars and of inappropriate behaviours and raised by the WesternEye. University Security are preslectures. I have spoken to count- actions on Campus from those less people who damn the more who have no business to be on ent on Frenchay, Glenside, Bower vocal of their peers for the fact Campus. We need to support one Ashton and St Matthias campuses another to be confident to chal- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they speak in any capacity. I have personal experiences, lenge or bring to the attention of every day of the year. They can being someone who wishes to security services concerns about be contacted any time on 0117 32 get my money’s worth out of the anything we think is suspicious or 86404 — please save this number to your mobile so that you are thousands of pounds I am invest- ‘not quite right’ on Campus. To help us do that we would like able to contact Security when and ing in education. I have heard peers openly voicing their disgust to encourage all staff and students if you need to. at my involvement in a friendly to wear their university identity tag
A message from the Vice Chancellor
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Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
As high profile cases of paedophilia dominate the national media with increasing fervour writer Sophie Evans asks: Why the issue is synonymous with crime rather than health conditions?
We need to talk about paedophilia. DISEASE
SOPHIE EVANS
comment@westerneye.net
in december 2013, former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins was sentenced to 35 years in prison for a variety of child sex offences; including the possession of child sex abuse images and shockingly the attempted rape of a baby. Alongside him, the mothers of the children he abused were sentenced to 14 and 17 years for their involvement in the abuse. Child sex abuse, much present in the media with Watkins’ conviction and the fallout from the Operation Yewtree investigation, is rightly widely revulsed. These crimes caused public outcry, unsurprisingly, and a crime of this horrific nature indisputably deserves to be punished. However, given that the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases includes paedophilia (‘a sexual preference for children, boys or girls or both, usually of pre-pubertal or early pubertal age’) as a disorder of sexual preference, are we doing enough to treat paedophilia as a disease? The individuals involved undoubtedly deserved to be punished for their crimes and to have their reputations damaged as a result of the harm they caused to children, young people and their families. The widely publicised nature of these cases has brought paedophilia into conversation more often, however, and it is time we considered how we treat paedophiles before they commit crimes (if they do, as a proportion do not ever commit physical child abuse). What would you do if a friend approached you, feeling wretched and disgusted, asking for your help because they have found themselves attracted to children? Would you shun them and recommend them to the police as a future arrest, or would you offer to support them in finding help? The majority of people would likely choose the latter option. Current treatment for paedophiles is minimal in the United Kingdom. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is ‘the only uk-wide
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COMMENT
child protection charity dedicated solely to reducing the risk of children being sexually abused’. They work with victims and adult male and female child abusers, as well as young people with inappropriate sexual behaviours and the families of all of these. They provide support through different media, from the ‘Stop it Now’! confidential helpline which offers advice about which steps to take, to educational services for paedophiles and health professionals alike. Circles uk, a charity which aims to reduce sexual offending, creates circles of volunteers in the community which support the ‘core member’ (the offender) in recognising and dealing with their own urges to assist in the control of their behaviour. In Canada, this approach saw a 70% reduction in reoffending, which is significant
CRIME
as criminals before they have even committed a crime. Polemically, Tom O’Carroll, the former director of the Paedophile Information Exchange, adamantly believes that not all paedophilic relationships are inherently harmful. Stating that ‘if there’s no bullying, no coercion, no abuse of power, if the child enters into the relationship voluntarily … the evidence shows there need be no harm’. Others have even called for paedophilia to be an accepted sexual preference in society, as homosexuality has been accepted from a previously condemned sexual identity. Obviously, this is not a widely held view, given that a child cannot be considered to have the ability to make an informed decision regarding consensual sex, and an intimate homosexual relationship is one consisting of two
JIMMY SAVILE MAXIMILIAN SCHÖNHERR ©
considering the large percentage of recidivism in paedophiles. The only previous technique seen to have a similarly widespread preventive effect was surgical castration in the 1950s which halved reoffending rates. There is only one centre, the Portman Clinic in London, which offers treatment for paedophilia on the nhs. If the, admittedly changeable, pathological definition and treatment plan in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual is to be honoured; we must be willing to treat paedophiles as people who need help, rather than simply
consenting adults (or two young people no more than 5 years apart in age). Admittedly, there is no absolute evidence confirming that non-abusive paedophilic relationships are harmful to the child, but this could be due to a lack of research into the area. The widespread public awareness of and discussions about the recent child abuse scandals ought to be put to more use than just condemnation of the crimes committed; it also needs to be put into strategic discussions for how to prevent this abuse occurring in the first place.
JANEETH DEVGUN
janeeth.comment@westerneye.net
in a sane person’s mind, there is no doubt that paedophilia is a shocking and disgusting sexual preference. It is a notion that preys on the vulnerable and the weak, and those who have no real ability to defend themselves. The thought of any individual looking at a child in a sexual manner, whether pre-pubertal or not, is repulsive and the majority of cultures advocate capital punishment for those who act on being sexually attracted to children. It is clear that adults, both male and female, that hold this partiality suffer from an obvious psychological problem, but I am of the opinion that this is not enough of justification for the actions they commit. Some recent figures from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre show that there has been a steep rise in paedophilia-related arrests – up from 83 arrests in 2006/2007 to 513 in 2010/2011. Sexual child predators are dangerous, manipulative and meticulous and it is worrying how many new cases have been brought to the forefront of public attention, particularly involving prominent male celebrities such as Jimmy Saville and Ian Watkins. It is true that the Oxford English Dictionary simply defines a paedophile as ‘a person who is sexually attracted to children’ and that there is no mention of a crime having been committed. Contradicting this, the legal definitions of paedophilia in the uk are more stringent; defining paedophilia as a sexual relationship between an ‘adult’ (over the age of 18) and a ‘child’ (under the age of 16). This speaks of paedophilia as an action, through a sexual relationship where the minor is exploited. I would strongly argue against the statement made by Tom O’Carroll where he adamantly believes that not all paedophilic relationships are harmful. In any relationship where consent is not given by one side, there is no evidence that someone has not been manipulated in the process.
In July 2010, Harvard Health Publications said ‘Paedophilia is a sexual orientation and unlikely to change. Treatment aims to enable someone to resist acting on their sexual urges’. Research studies have shown that a large proportion of paedophiles do not offend, and are in fact tormented by their disturbing thoughts. Perhaps it is these people that would benefit most from treatment rather than those who have already committed the most horrific of crimes. There is one place in Britain, the Portman Clinic in London, which is a highly specialist forensic psychiatry clinic which provides treatment for sexual compulsions on the nhs. This raises another question; should this treatment be free? Alongside this, the recent call by some Canadian psychologists to call paedophilia a sexual orientation just like heterosexuality and homosexuality is a step too far. Through using the same tactics used by ‘gay’ rights activists, paedophiles have begun to seek a similar status stating that their desire for children is no different than heterosexual or homosexual desires. The difference between the two though, is the issue of consent. Whilst an adult heterosexual or homosexual can offer consent to sexual activity, a child cannot consent and as a result will always be an innocent victim. Homosexuality became accepted in society through the recognition that the social stigma attached to it for generations could be eliminated. Treatment was not used because the battle for social acceptance has been won. Sex with children will never become accepted, and as a result its perpetrators will have to be treated where possible, as well as being restrained if they commit or attempt to commit offences. It is important that we do acknowledge the health perspective on paedophilia as has been outlined in the article by Sophie Evans, but it is also imperative to remember that when action is taken upon this sexual preference, it is inexcusable.
Janeeth Devgun argues that any form of paedophilia is damaging and inherently immoral Without consent how can there be definitive evidence for a lack of manipulation?
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Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
COMMENT
COMMENT — UWE FACULTY AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
Is This Really The End Of The Recession
This recession has been the longest since the Great Depression. I ask; do you perceive it to be over? NATHANIEL BROWN
comment@westerneye.net
I write following a week f illed with announcements from the Government that, in summary, the recession is over. Much of their PR is now in terms of ‘how much we are recovering by’ rather than ‘who is losing out’. What this achieves is the illusion that we are economically safe. Many companies, economists and politicians believe it is important to present the economy in a positive fashion for public
morale. This is supposed to benef it us, its citizens, as it encourages both investment and spending. Through following this logic it is therefore in the government’s interest to ask companies, banks and the private sector how it can assist them. Thus we arrive at the situation we currently utilise in the UK; lobbyists and unelected persons deciding on the shape and presentation of laws. Our representatives appear more like spokespeople for powerful economic powers. Now I turn to the terms
of debate and spin regarding this situation. Even taking on these terms is a potentially unwise thing to do. By talking in such a way seems to give legitimacy to their manner. So far ‘The End of Recession’ has only survived through spurious media reporting. You can f ind out for yourselves the real facts and decide on an individual opinion. An example: ‘Net employment is up by 0.1%’; a positive fact for the government and its economic tactics. On the ground, in the real world so to speak, many have
Why Is The Uk So Incompetent At Dealing With extreme weather? comment@westerneye.net
After the stormiest December that has ever been recorded, thousands of homes in the South of England were flooded, evacuated or left without power over the Christmas and New Year period. Usually known as the ‘season to be jolly’, many UK citizens in Kent and the South East were told by their power companies that they should postpone their Christmas Day festivities
as a result of power supplies being affected by dangerous weather conditions. Unfortunately, this havoc was not a onetime occurrence with further stormy weather being predicted throughout the whole month. At the beginning of January, both the UK Met Off ice and the UK Environment Agency warned of high tides, rain, 90MPH gale force winds, issued 21 severe flood warnings (‘danger to life’) and for the f irst time in history, Bristol City Council initiated the use of
funded by drugs which can cause more harm than good. Yet we as a culture are not yet at the point where we can sensibly address issues and resolve them. We are the internet generation. We don’t need to be told. We are standing on the brink of a great opportunity. From this recession we can achieve accession – the power to decide rests with us. We can communicate instantly with whomever we want, yet too often we are closed into our student lets. More and more we recognise problems with our society, and now it’s time to f ix them. I implore those of you reading this to take a measure of responsibility; look after your friends, recognise issues like drug addiction and depression early. Take care of and help your fellow humans – we are not born greedy or evil. We have to look at different ways of going about actions as people; we can do it. Together we have to listen to and be open to new ways of thinking. And I’m not some Russell Brand or Noam Chomsky f igure. I’m just an unemployed student.
conditions, and for justif ica- effects of the severe weather tion for the government’s lack with transport links and of action in dealing with the flights all being ground by the aftermath. One victim from ‘polar vortex’. However, the US Yardley, Kent reported being Government, and in particular ‘abandoned by the local coun- state governments have been cil’ and being ‘left to fend for far more proactive in dealing ourselves’. Although under- with the crisis. Bill de Blasio, standably this was throughout the new mayor of New York the Christmas period, more City has been seen shovelling than a few days notice of the pavements, and all major roads possibility of these condi- in the city have been kept clear tions so families could have throughout this icy freeze. In made other plans would not Illinois, the Governor has actihave been too much to ask. vated National Guard troops It is shocking that during the to help local authorities clear season of loving and giving the highways. so many UK citizens were The USA has been labelled left without local or national as ‘the most extreme weather government help throughout state in the world’ with weather this diff icult time. Statistics conditions ranging from hurrishow that the UK government canes and extreme wind to icy had up to a month’s warning cold and wind chills. However, that these floods were going to it appears that no matter what hit at some point, so why was nature throws at the country, there such a lack of prepara- the States are always prepared tion and action taken? to take it on the chin. Yes, the an emergency flood barrier to On the other side of the effects of natural disasters are protect the city. The possibil- Atlantic, the United States horrifying and many citizens ity of a strong tidal surge from is continually suffering with suffer from the effects, but the River Avon led to sections extreme temperatures. At the it appears that governments; of the barrier being installed beginning of January all 50 both state and federal try to do in Hotwells, which success- states were reported as having all they can to help and warn fully prevented the floods temperatures below freezing those who may be affected. affecting homes in this area. at some point, with even the It is of my opinion that as However, unlike the success Polar Bear at Chicago Zoo the effects of climate change story of Bristol, the 300,000 f inding the conditions too and global warming begin UK homes that suffered black- extreme to deal with. “It’s to show, these so called ‘UK outs on Christmas Day did not unprecedented, but it is Storms’ are going to become not feel quite so lucky. Prime unusual,” a spokesman for the more frequent. Minister David Cameron was US National Weather Service To read the rest of this heckled by flood victims for said. According to off icial review, go online to www. not doing enough to protect f igures as of 08/01/14, around westerneye.net/comment those affected by the weather 187 million people have felt the
As UK storms cause damage to power and energy lines, how is it possible that the diverse US is far more successful in dealing with horrific weather conditions? JANEETH DEVGUN
lost long-term employment and the safety of a pension. Thousands of UK citizens have been forced into less attractive jobs and have taken pay cuts to make ends meet. If a portion of the workforce is pushed down a rung on the ladder to a worse paid and less secure job this would still appear as a boom in ‘net employment’. Furthermore it hides the fact that youth unemployment is rising to unprecedented levels. ‘Youth unemployment’ is a sanitised term for the reality. Many young people face leaving school or university unemployed – and in a world where farming, building and copyrights are heavily controlled there are few avenues for our future. Sadly it is presently the case that the number of young people deciding to end their lives is also rising. The increase in cases of anxiety, depression and malaise in the youth is deeply troubling. For the medical industry it is a boom though; they prof it massively from prescriptions. Personally, this is not something I can stand by and watch. This system is unhealthy if it celebrates a situation where prof it and recovery are in part
Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
COMMENT
09
10
Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
LIFESTYLE
Don’t Try This In January An argument against resolutions and New Year rituals ERICA TOMS
lifestyle@westerneye.net
FEELING like you’ve walked into a bus? Revision does this to many students. Combined with the pressure to kick-start the New Year as a completely different person (there is nothing wrong with the sofa-life) students are a target for the dreaded ‘January blues’. This January, there are five things to avoid as a student: 1. New Year Resolutions: In theory, it’s satisfying to aim high and chip away at your own faults. However, the process of identifying these and reinforcing them daily is likely to determine failure. Instead, write a ‘to-do’ list of 5-10 things you have been
avoiding that is relevant to future goals. I.e. New Year’s Resolution: Lose weight, to-do list: 15 minutes a day running Or New Year’s Resolution: Get a first in all assignments. To-do list: Book appointment with tutor/ plan x amount of library days By contemplating what you can do to get what you want, as opposed to dreaming of the final goal, you are far more likely to succeed. 2. Booking a holiday: What a fantastic idea; planning two weeks in the sun to distract you from the harsh British winter. Is it bold to suggest waiting until April? According to Shawn Achor, author of Before Happiness, only 10% of happiness comes from future events; 90% is based on
DON’T TRY THIS IN JAN SIMON SEES
your current mindset. Living for the countdown is tedious, and could leave you disappointed. Focus on your current workload alongside daily activities you enjoy. By living ‘in the now’, you will appreciate it more when it comes to booking that holiday. 3. January Sales: Worst. Idea. Ever. If you have to do it, approach with caution; bring a certain amount of cash (not credit card), or list of items you genuinely need. The post-Christmas temptation to procrastinate from revision is the sales and it’s dangerous. Not only is the risk of being elbowed and pushed incredibly high due to overcrowding, but buying the items in the
sale are normally the wrong size or for the wrong season. Remember, spring is approaching: plan that shopping list instead, and enter the shops in February/ March with a clear conscience. 4. Joining a gym: Exercise is literally one of the best things for you, but joining a gym in January is a cliché for a reason. If you didn’t exercise regularly in 2013, it’s best to start 2014 lightly. Try 15 minutes of cardiovascular activity a day. Glamour magazine confirms that this amount of exercise has the equivalent impact of taking anti-depressants. What are you waiting for? Gym-membership is pricey,
and although there are plenty of January ‘deals’, you may end up wasting your money if you don’t go. Instead, wait until you have built up an exercise regime you are committed to before you join the gym. 5. ‘Dry’ January: This one needs little explanation. Denying yourself any alcohol at all post-exams is not advised, and likely to lead to excessive drinking in February. Drinking in moderation is for the best. With this in mind, once exams are over and it’s warm enough to ditch the coat, some of these ideas could be attempted. Two weeks in Bali then?
than the 5 rules about eating apples and stressing yourself out with work! (That doesn’t mean you can’t eat some fruit and be a model student sometimes!) However, if this doesn’t take your fancy and you still think your list of resolutions will be better for you, I suggest that you target them one at a time. Make a list of ways to tackle the New Year in a manageable and sensible way. For example if you want to spend less: write a menu for your weekly meals and only buy the food when you visit the supermarket. Once you have mastered
this you’ll have enough money to pay for that gym membership you have always wanted, and once you’ve got into the rhythm of exercise you might f ind your food intake becomes healthier as you can see the end goal. It makes sense to do it slowly; you’ve got a whole year ahead of you after all. So there we are, my two main tips on making the ‘new you’ happier, more sensible and perhaps even more able to stick to your resolutions. Don’t worry if you f ind it diff icult, it’s only around 350 days until you can do all these again! Good luck!
New Year, New You? Not Realistically New Year Means new you? I’m not so convinced VICTORIA MERCER lifestyle@westerneye.net
New Year means New You? I’m not so convinced. How many of us write a list of unreasonable, generic and slightly boring resolutions that we probably won’t stick to every year? 1. Lose weight. 2. Eat healthy food. 3. Join the gym. 4. Don’t leave work until the
last minute. 5. Spend less.
If your list looks like the one shown above, I can guarantee that you will give up by the end of January (at the latest!). So how about trying something new this year, perhaps a new you doesn’t have to be a dress size smaller or have muscles’ the size of Popeye. Perhaps a new you could just be the old you but a little bit better. I have already seen suggestions popping up for doing something called “100 days happy” on many social media
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU ALAN CLEAVER
sites this year. It is where you take a photo or write a note about one thing a day that has made you smile, laugh, or generally lift your mood. Then at the end, you collect all the notes and pictures and reflect on what a great time you have had. Not only is this a more reasonable aim but it also won’t take up a lot of time, nor will it cost you £25 a month in a wasted gym membership that you’ll be wishing you could cance by February! So give it a go, be happy, have fun and keep smiling – it will probably make your life much better
Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
Cupid Comes To Bristol
Tired of the traditional Valentine’s Day activities? Bristol has some more unusual options you might want to explore this year! DULCIE HORN
lifestyle@westerneye.net
IT SEEMS that there are a lot of people hating on Valentine’s Day these days. A common argument is that the annual celebration is pointless, filled with mindless commercialism. Some would go as far as to say it is a marketing invention contrived by Clinton’s cards. It is downright depressing for singletons so this year I decided to think more out of the box. Yes I do agree that the true meaning of Valentine’s Day can sometimes be lost in the onslaught of fancy restaurants trying to flog you a meal deal and gift shops bursting with overpriced rubbish... but there
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LIFESTYLE
are other options! Valentine’s Day is about spending time, not money, with the people you love. Whether that’s your boyfriend, your girlfriend or just your mates; Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate romance and have fun! There is a large variety of nights out in Bristol on Valentine’s this year that won’t break the bank and there are still many to be announced. There is absolutely no excuse to not go out and have a bit of a dance with your loved ones, as this year Valentine’s Day falls on Friday! Not to sound remotely like Rebecca Black. However if you would like a relaxing evening listening to some talented young songstresses over drinks and nibbles, there’s a lot of choice. Multi-instrumentalist
Laura J Martin will be playing jazz infused folk music at Cafe Kino (http://www.cafe-kino.com). Lily and Madeleine are an American duo who have come all the way from Arizona, America to play their homespun mix of folk and pop at The Birdcage (http://www. birdcagebristol.com). Finally, super talented seventeen year old Hareighblu will be singing contemporary jazz blues at The Canteen which, as always, will be free! (http://www.canteenbristol. co.uk). However If you like your music a bit louder and your venues with less chairs, we’ve got options for you. American rapper, Pharoahe Monch, will be playing at The Fleece and there’s even a special couple’s deal for the tickets
(http://www.thefleece.co.uk). Bristol party people Happy Daze are teaming up with Fizzy Forest and Monkey Dance to bring us the Mayan Mashup on the 14th at Lakota. The best in techno, ragga jungle, drum n bass and everything in-between; “a proper Valentine’s mashup” (http://www. lakota.co.uk/). For another all-out fancy dress event on the 15th, Jam Jar events present ‘ Hallows Lonely Hearts Club’. It is going to be headlined by “ethio-trad, folkhop” band Honeyfeet and it will take place at the All Hallows Hall, a beautiful old church turned venue in Easton. (https://www.facebook. com/events/402685146500780/)
SUNSET BRANDON HILL JESSICA JOHNSON
For those of you who are feeling even more adventurous, BUMP rollerdisco is having a Valentine’s event at The Trinity Center; with DJs, a bar and most importantly rollerskating (http://www.bumpclub.co.uk). If you’ve managed to spend most of that loan already, fret not, some of the most romantic activities are free. If you want to do something without spending a penny, why not take a night-time walk to the Clifton Suspension Bridge or Brandon Hill (pictured) to watch the sunset? Or sunrise... depending on whether you ended up going out that night!
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BRUCE HILL
lifestyle@westerneye.net
This is a common dilemma in the f ilm industry art departments and certainly not unique to our industry. With labour being one of the biggest costs on a producers’ spreadsheet, getting a job in the art department is like f inding a needle in a haystack. I work in high-end commercials with set budgets between 5K and 50K on average and I probably do two or three jobs a month. A designers’ forte is crewing up at very short notice with a small and specialised team who often use their connections to get a set together in the most eff icient way achievable. Each and everyone within the team know when to delegate and more importantly what responsibility they carry. Inf iltrating this close knit team of freelancers
has a lot to play. That’s the bad news! The situation is often different with feature f ilms, where larger crews are involved over a greater timescale, therefore, a little more time to risk cheaper less experienced crewmembers. The problem is, there are statistically fewer f ilms than commercials being made and also those who can afford it, are only taken onto the low/no budget or short f ilms. I don’t believe this dilemma will ever be resolved so we have to work with the situation and be prepared to sacrif ice to enable us to work in the industry we love. My advice to a graduate would be prepared for a frustrating few years establishing oneself by taking on some freebie short f ilms (for the CV), but be very selective with regards to who you are working with by making sure the key crew are experienced
car, live near London, can lift, control a scalpel knife without cutting myself and sweep a floor clean”. The fact that one may have done a few months training in Photoshop is often not the top of my priorities because, more than likely, that part of the job is being taken care of by the more experienced members within the team, it’s not because they can do it better, but because they know the standard required and the reason it needs doing. However, make the most of learning the complex software while at uni for your later job acquisitions, as it will come in useful later in your career. I would also advise anyone to optimise their CV and gather outside opinions from friends and family prior to publicising it. On many occasions I just wish I could have re-written my cover letter just after sending it (so sleep on it rather than send in haste) and
No Jobs Without Experience
Western Eye Online has had the pleasure of talking with author and production designer Bruce Hill who offers his insight on how to get ahead in the creative industry. can lead to misunderstandings and can be intimidating for the unwary, as there is no contingency or time to correct errors. In short, each treats the situation as possibly their last ever job. Like most designers, I receive numerous requests from prospective assistants wishing to join the team and the chances of landing them a job is often quite remote, regardless of their ability. I sympathise with their position. On the rare occasion a new assistant is employed, they are frequently given just the most menial tasks so as to reduce risk of failure. Putting this in context: A period glass ashtray badly wrapped or labeled and returned to the wrong prop house can often cost more than the daily rate of a new crew-member and, more importantly, we may never be able to hire from that hire company again, it’s often not worth employing them in the f irst place. A director employs a designer to work on his or her job because of track record and reliability in producing up to a particular standard, no more, no less and to produce these goods in a very tight timescale. One’s character and work ethic also
Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
LIFESTYLE
f ilm-makers. A good DOP and never, never make a spelling director combination generally mistake. secures a professional result Finally, luck and timing is and you can use a copy of that another key factor, you may f ilm in the future job hunt, just contact at the right time whether paid or not, even just and land a job in an instant, for the CV. Find the work you so create as many moments admire (not just feature f ilms) of ‘luck’ you possibly can by and source the designer (a circulating yourself around link to their website should be busy people. online), but don’t aim too high. Consider roles with ancilThese guys often do freebies as lary companies connected to well and will keep your details the industry, there are many, for future use. Researching the like SFX companies, prop trade publications and doing a houses, model-makers, graphic web search (The Knowledge, suppliers, lighting companies, Shots, Campaign, Kays) can or even f ilm studios (who f ind these designers. A small often run a skeleton staff compliment on the jobs he or between shoots). Here you get she did that you admire can to meet others in the industry only help in your cover letter who have connections. If you and jog the memory of the can impress them, a job may designer reading many. They soon come your way. Have a will be privileged that you ‘can do’ attitude and ask what have spent the time to source next to do when your task is them. The big benef it for you completed. Remember also, is networking with a working whenever a job is landed, there crew, word spreads fast if you are many others willing to take leave a good impression. your place right behind you. If Your CV: I personally read all not, some designers’ I know CV’s sent to me, but must admit may stub out their ash on you to disregarding the occasional rather than the period glass pushy e-mails demanding my ashtray! attention and reply. It’s not Bruce Hill is a Production the ones with the classic “In Designer. More informaa few years I would like to be tion can be found at: www. a director” that grab my inter- createascene.co.uk est, but more like the “Have
Food Waste Solutions
Wasted food costs a fortune and is very bad for the environment Create meals from leftover food
SHANE JORDAN
Think about what meals you can make from leftover food.
lifestyle@westerneye.net
old waste are being thrown away every year. This is because we often buy too much or store it in the wrong place. Also we don’t realise when food should be thrown away and how to dispose of it properly. It’s easily done, so people shouldn’t feel bad about doing this. All it takes are some simple steps and these things can be resolved. Shane Jordan is a Waste Management Practitioner and
specialises in creating unique recipes out of leftover food. Shane’s new project involves working with universities to reduce food waste by doing workshops, helping with events and supporting students in residential halls. Shane says, “Knowing how to store food can make food last longer and save you money, which is always a good thing. Also knowing how to dispose of food can save the university money and keep your kitchen smelling fresher”. Waste prevention tips: Have a shopping list
Write what you need down on a piece of paper, this way you don’t buy what you already have. Use food Tupperware
clips/begs
and
Both of these help to keep food fresh. Separate food general waste
waste
from
Use your caddie bin, which should be a little brown miniature bin in your kitchen. Once it is filled, it can go into the big brown bin outside. This way your food is stored in a safe place where animals can’t get to it. If you leave your black bag outside may experience the dreaded feeling of coming out of your house and seeing all your food in the street. Cats, foxes and rats like our food too.
What does ‘Best before’ mean on my food?
This means the food tastes or looks at its best ‘before’ this date. The food is fine to eat, this is just based on appearance. The only exception is eggs, which shouldn’t be eaten after this date because salmonella could start to multiply after this date. How about ‘Display until’?
‘Display until’ and ‘sell by’ is only needed for staff members and is used so they know when to
take a product off the shelf. What about ‘Use by’?
This literally means use the product by the date indicated. You can eat it on the exact day, but not over for your own safety. “This recipe is a great example of how to make use of any leftover ingredients (for example, leftover cooked vegetables, or raw ingredients like onion, cucumber and tomato) that you have to make a quick and easy light snack.” Serves: 2-4 Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 280g/10 oz gram flour 2 tbsp vegetable oil 200ml/7 fl oz water 2tbsp curry powder 100g/3 1/2 oz mixed vegetables, finely chopped, eg courgette and tomato Method: 1. Stir the flour and curry powder in a large mixign bowl. Gradually add the water and mix with a handblender or whisk to form a smooth batter. 2. Mix in the onions and the vegetables. 3. Heat the oil in a frying pan and spoon in one ladle of the batter. 4. Fry on one side for a minute or two, then cook the other side by flipping with a spatula. 5. Serve when pancakes are lightly browned.
Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
13
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SCICENCE AND TECHNOLOGY — UWE FACULTY AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
scitech@westerneye.net
WesternEye SciTech team have been asking Siri to f ind out....
Twenty-thirteen was a vintage year for headline science and technology. We had meteors exploding over Russia, Nobel Prizes awarded to British physicists, a man-made object, Voyager, leaving our solar system for the f irst time, and a skeleton found under a car park in Leicester turned
Growing up, did you think that the kid wearing glasses was the lamest nerd in class? Thanks to cool nerds, or even Tinie Tempah, that is no longer be the case, and Google Glass may be the f inal word in geek chic. The wearable heads up display, which has been spotted in cheesy informercials on Youtube over the last 12
ANTONY POVEDA
Technology
of ‘augmented reality’ it could easily create layers of information and images over the world around you, which can then be viewed by other users, for example in city wide games. More formally, it has already been tested for use in live surgical procedures, streaming video to allow distant surgeons to assist with the operation. Outside of the digital we can expect Google, and traditional manufacturers like Nissan, to
2014: Through a Glass, Expensively
GOOGLE SELF-DRIVING STEVE JUVERSTON
of an exciting future where all our life decisions will become a simple matter of swiping left (Nope) or right (Like). But what other thrilling experiences does 2014 have in store for us? And how much, if anything, can really be predicted in the world of science? The
Medicine
As the UK has become a progressive world leader in reproductive science it is only f itting that we are likely to see the f irst conception of a human being using DNA from 3 different people on our shores. The technique has been developed to stop the passing on of genetic disorders that affect the so called ‘power stations’ of every human cell, the mitomonths, will most likely go on press ahead with self-driving chondria. These tiny energy commercial sale at some point cars after successful trials over generators are built from their this year. There is no word yet the last few years, racking up own DNA, separate from the on an exact UK release date but 500,000 miles of safe driving. rest of the cell’s genetic code, plans are surely afoot after it Legislation is already being put and inherited solely from the was reported that Google have into place for their use in parts mother. Because of this, an been in talks with the govern- of the US and the UK govern- embryo’s faulty mitochonment to reassure them that ment declared in December it drial DNA can be replaced wearing the headset whilst wanted to make the country with properly functioning driving is safe. Just hope that ‘a world centre for driver-less code from another woman’s egg, without affecting any other part of its development. Successful trials in monkeys took place last year and the government will vote on whether to give the go-ahead with humans this summer. This research has caused a bit of a stir in the media about ‘3-parent babies’, but as the embryo will have only 0.1% of the donor’s DNA, cooing relatives are unlikely to comment on how a newborn has ‘Sheryl’s mitochondrial matrix!’. The benef its of the therapy, which takes place during IVF, will outweigh potential bioethical concerns. For example, have you ever tried to read the instruction booklet for Call of Duty, but f ind an important page has been printed in that mystery videogame menu language ‘Suomi’? The worst that might happen is it takes you f ive minutes to learn how to ‘crouch’. Why are you reading the instruction booklet these days anyway? Well, imagine a situation where that had real consequences for your everyday life, like seizures and your own Glass will cost less cars’. Following that lead, this dementia. Hopefully, this year, than the current $1,500 it takes year ‘The world centre for we will be able to take a page for a demo pair. roundabouts’, Milton Keynes, from a friend’s booklet, glue Effectively a screen over is to test the use of driver- it into place, and help people the top of everyday life, Glass less pod vehicles on the city’s enjoy the game of life a bit could have many creative pavements. Watch this space easier. applications outside of making (between the pavement and Space boring videos of your daily the road). Aside from headline grabroutine. Using the principle A personal prediction (or bing reality TV shows/manned
Bosons are so last year. What’s next for Science and Technology? out to be Richard III. Less positively, climate change has now gone from something we could halt to something we must manage, and the white rhino off icially became extinct. For students, 2013 also became the year that smartphones and tablets really took over PCs, offering us glimpses
maybe more of a hope) for this year is that we get to see the f irst practical wearable power cells become available, allowing you to power your phones, Glass, whatever, through solar power or the energy you produce yourself each time you make a movement. This would end our irritating dependence on scarce sockets and breakable chargers. Ultimately it should pave the way for syncable, embedded computers in any of our clothes, never mind in your horn-rimmed specs.
mars mission selection processes, this year will see the rise of private commercial space flight like never before. In early January, SpaceX of California successfully launched a second commercial satellite into high earth orbit using its Falcon delivery vehicle. With another launch scheduled for February, and NASA becoming more conf ident in its reliability, private sector space technology may f inally start to fulf il its promise. SpaceX is leading the f ield for cheaper ways into space and has nearly f ifty launches lined up for the future. The company is also in the process of adapting its reusable Dragon module to hold seven crew members for trips to the International Space Station. Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic will also be taking off in 2014, albeit not for another galaxy, but to a suborbital altitude of 110 kilometres above the Earth. From this height, celebrities and non-famous rich people will achieve weightlessness for nearly f ive minutes. Although a relatively small step into the void, every advance helps to realise the dream of spaceflight for the masses. Other companies are close behind and this modern space race has been likened to the early days of the Internet where new ideas and creative organisations will compete, succeed and fail, all the while pushing the sector forwards. China and India, two relative newcomers to the international space stage, are hoping to prove their credibility by successfully completing unmanned missions to the Moon and Mars respectively. Yutu, the Chinese rover, is already moving across the poetically named Sinus Iridum, ‘the Sea of Rainbows’. As the f irst lunar rover in over 40 years, we can expect new data on the minerals present on the moon to be sent back to Earth over its 3 month life span, while the lander it detached from will stay operational all year. India’s own Chandrayaan mission will start to orbit the red planet in late 2014 to analyse its atmosphere, surface composition and search for traces of methane, a potential sign of life. Both countries are aiming to rapidly expand their space programs, and this year is just the start. To read the rest of this review, go online to www.westerneye. net/scienceandtechnology
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SPORTS
Asimov’s Astounding Assertions
“What will the World’s Fair of 2014 be like? I don’t know, but I can guess.”
future, and today’s technologies which helped realise these prescient predictions. JAMES RILEY scietech@westerneye.net “Robots will neither be common nor very good in 2014, Could you predict the but they will be in existence [ future? In the wake of the 1964 . . . ] In fact, the I.B.M. buildWorld’s Fair, Isaac Asimov, ing at the 2014 World’s Fair prolif ic sci-f i writer, made may have, as one of its prime some startlingly predictions exhibits, a robot housemaid.” about life in 2014. Published Robotics has snowballed in in The New York Times on the last decade, but the disciAugust 16, 1964, Asimov’s pline is still in its infancy. article “Visit to the World’s What’s really interesting here Fair of 2014” gives us real is the housemaid that Asimov pause for thought about our speaks of. One such example life in the Information Age. would be the Roomba autonThis wasn’t Nostradamus- omous robot vacuum cleaner, esque fortune-telling, but the sold by iRobotics, which thoughts of a man that under- detects dirty spots of floor, stood technology and science, actively avoids falling down and the way in which it was the stairs and avoids obstaadvancing. Let’s explore some cles. However, today there excerpts from his scarily accu- are more novel robots, like rate speculations about the TOPIO, made by TOSY, which LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ISAAC ASIMOV
(/who?) played ping pong at the Tokyo International Robot Exhibition in 2009. “General Electric at the 2014 World’s Fair will be showing 3-D movies of its “Robot of the Future,” [ . . . ] (There will be a three-hour wait in line to see the f ilm, for some things never change.)” This one is scary. Not only did Asimov predict 3D cinema becoming commonplace (the original 3D f ilm technology being patented in the 1890s), but by a strange act of fate it happens that General Electric bought the controlling stake of Universal Studios in 2004. Universal being the company responsible for the last f ilm in The Cornetto Trilogy, The World’s End, depicting ‘robots’ taking over the world, available in 3D. Of course, the f ilm came out last year, and the invaders weren’t really robots (according to themselves), but it’s still a remarkable prediction. “As for television, wall screens will have replaced the ordinary set; but transparent cubes will be making their appearance in which three-dimensional viewing will be possible.” This two-fold prediction is an extension on the last. The wall screens Asimov speaks of are common in developed nations with newer variants of screen, such as LCD, taking over the clumpy cathode ray tube displays of the past. Many of these new variants are available with 3D technology. “Communications will become sight-sound and you will see as well as hear the person you telephone. The screen can be used not only to see the people you call but also for studying documents and photographs and reading passages from books.” The emergence of Skype and FaceTime have revolutionised the way in which we communicate, but the end of this statement is really quite startling. I’m sat in a coffee shop, using a tablet computer screen to read Asimov’s 50-year-old passages of predictions about me sitting here in 2014 using a screen to read passages; and simultaneously writing a document about the predictions, on the same screen which I am studying the documents containing the predictions which Asimov
Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04 made. The very act of writing “mock-turkey” and “pseuthis article is one of validating dosteak” will be served. It Asimov’s claim. Baffling. won’t be bad at all (if you can “Much effort will be put dig up those premium prices), into the designing of vehicles but there will be considerable with “Robot-brains”*vehicles psychological resistance to that can be set for particular such an innovation.” destinations and that will then A trip to any high street proceed there without inter- health store will conf irm the ference by the slow reflexes of use of algae as a food product, a human driver.” though it is not yet an internaThe Google driverless car tional dietary staple. As for the project is doing just that. “pseudosteak”, products such Using sophisticated laser as fungi based Quorn and other radar technology, the car’s meat replacements have been software creates a detailed 3D around for years, with much map of its environment. Many denigration from meat eaters. other companies have created Last year, however, brought road-worthy driverless cars. In us the World’s f irst lab-grown 2010, a European Union backed burger; and Asimov was right initiative took four proto- about the price, with the patty type electronic autonomous coming in at £215,000. Would vans 8000 Miles, from Italy to you like supersize? China, proving this technology “The world of A.D. 2014 is close to commercialisation. will have few routine jobs “Gadgetry will continue to that cannot be done better relieve mankind of tedious by some machine than by any jobs. Kitchen units will be human being. Mankind will devised that will prepare therefore have become largely automeals, [ . . . ] Complete a race of machine tenders. [ . lunches and dinners, with . . ] Mankind will suffer badly the food semiprepared, will from the disease of boredom, be stored in the freezer until a disease spreading more ready for processing.” widely each year and growing Microwave ready meals in intensity. This will have and frozen pizza: who’d have serious mental, emotional and thought the future would taste sociological consequences, so bland? He didn’t, however, and I dare say that psychiatry predict the obesity epidemics will be far and away the most that these would contribute to. important medical specialty in “In 2014, there is every likeli- 2014.” hood that the world population Asimov foreshadows our will be 6,500,000,000.” seemingly inevitable path Asimov underestimated the towards unskilled labour here, size of the population (only(?) and to mentally unstimulatby around 600 million), but ing work. He would probably he did foresee the potentially be right about the psychiatry disastrous effects of this expo- part as well, if it wasn’t for nential rise. the overwhelming abundance “There are only two general of cat videos on the interways of preventing [civi- net (which was one thing he lisation’s collapse due to did fail to predict). But on a overpopulation]: (1) raise the more serious note, the f ield death rate; (2) lower the birth of psychiatry is en route for a rate. Undoubtedly, the world great leap forward, and larger of A>D. 2014 will have agreed public dependence, with more on the latter method. Indeed, and more people being diagthe increasing use of mechan- nosed with mental health ical devices to replace failing issues each year. hearts and kidneys, and repair Asimov leaves us with a stiffening arteries and break- salient warning about nuclear ing nerves will have cut the warfare, a warning that still death rate still further and applies today. Let’s hope that have lifted the life expectancy today’s predictions of the next in some parts of the world to 50 years are allowed to be age 85.” realised just as Asimov’s were, The end of last year brought without the threat of total about an easing of China’s annihilation. one-child policy. A policy “The New York World’s Fair originally implemented to of 1964 is dedicated to “Peace curb a population explosion. Through Understanding.” Asimov does correctly predict Its glimpses of the world of the great leaps forward that tomorrow rule out thermonumedicine has taken, furthering clear warfare. And why not? life expectancy in some places, If a thermonuclear war takes such as Monaco, to almost 90 place, the future will not be years old. worth discussing. So let the “Ordinary agriculture will missiles slumber eternally on keep up with great diff iculty their pads and let us observe and there will be “farms” what may come in the nonatoturning to the more eff icient mized world of the future.” micro-organisms. Processed yeast and algae products will be available in a variety of flavors. The 2014 fair will feature an Algae Bar at which
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Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
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Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
G U A N TÁ N A M O B AY
COMMENT — OPINIONS & DEBATES
Guantánamo Bay 12 Years On KAYTIE MCFADDEN
Editor@westerneye.net
January 11th marked the 12th anniversary of the detention centre based within the US Naval base on the island of Cuba, but unlike most anniversaries it was certainly not a time for joyous frivolities and celebration. Guantánamo Bay ‘detainment and interrogation facility’ represents what many would agree to be the worst violations of human rights by a democratic state in recent history. The United States of America, the great democracy, who fought against British colonial rule in order to gain their freedom and created a democracy, a free state, where citizens have the vote and human rights and civil liberties. The very same United States which stands for FREEDOM for the majority of its citizens, committing such awful atrocities on their own doorstep. The fact that this facility is still open 5 years after the inauguration of President Obama, who promised to close the Guantánamo bay facility as one of his manifesto pledges, is a travesty in itself. In order to understand the complications which have been preventing the efforts to close Gitmo, one must understand the circumstances of its origins. George W. Bush started using the naval base to house suspected members of Al-Qaeda shortly after declaring his ‘War on Terror’. Before sending people there, he f irst ensured (through consultations with his legal advisors) that it was outside the legal jurisdiction of the US, and declared that inmates would not be covered by the Geneva Convention. The Geneva Convention states the treaties and protocols for both international law and the humanitarian treatment of the victims of war. It is apparent that George W. Bush believed believes? that suspected terrorists do not deserve human rights. Upon arrival at Guantánamo Bay, detainees are have been
reportedly told by US military intelligence off icers: There have been many reports of inmates detained within the facility being
You are in a place where there is no law – we are the law abused in many ways: fullstop During November 2002, an FBI agent reported that a detainee had been in solitary conf inement for three months, with his cell perpetually flooded with light. By the end of November, the detainee was hearing voices, speaking to invisible people and spending hours crouched in the corner of his cell underneath a sheet. Although three months sounds like a ridiculously long period of time, in fact there have been Guantánamo prisoners who have been held in solitary conf inement for over a year, and one inmate, Othman Abdulraheem Mohammad, lived under florescent lights 24 hours a day for three years. This is pure psychological torture, and according to the CIA’s KUBARK manual: Essentially, the CIA encour-
Such techniques are able to induce regression, psychic disintegration, and feelings of helplessness that lower prisoners’ defences, goals which are consistent with the manipulation of the torture victim age psychological torture as a method of lowering a suspect’s defences with the aim of extracting information. On one occasion, Donald Rumsfeld, who was the Secretary of Defence at the time, gave his approval to keeping a detainee sleep deprived for 50 days, during which time the prisoner was allowed to
sleep for no more than four hours per day, between 7am and 11am. There have also been reports of flashing strobe lights on for hours at a time and extremely loud music or white noise being played through six speakers arranged close to the detainee’s head for approximately 12 hours, whilst he was shackled to the floor by his hands and feet. Sami Al-Laithi was an Arabic and English teacher at Kabul University. The following is an account of his physical torture in Guantánamo Bay as published by the Centre for Constitutional Rights in their 2006 report on the treatment of prisoners at Guantánamo Bay: ‘Mr Al-Laithi is not, and never has been, an Islamic extremist... He opposed the Taliban, because he believes in democracy, freedom, and open elections... Though a healthy man when taken into U.S. Custody, Mr Al-Laithi is now conf ined to a wheelchair with two broken vertebrae. He attributed his current inf irmity to severe beatings that he received soon after arriving at GTMO. “Once they stomped my back,” Al-Laithi wrote [in an aff idavit f iled recently with the district court], “an MP [military police] threw me on the floor, and they lifted me up and slammed me back down. A doctor said I have two broken vertebrae and I risk being paralyzed if the spinal cord is injured more.’ So,
psychological
torture
ART MAKES ME SMILE GUANTANAMO PROTESTER
and physical torture so far. There are also widely documented reports of waterboarding, rape and sexual abuse including smearing men with fake menstrual blood, religious humiliation and interference with religious practices, the withholding of medical care and the giving of unnecessary medical care such as the amputation of limbs. Being detained within Guantánamo Bay and being subjected to this sort of treatment, it is no wonder that in the f irst year and a half of its opening, eighteen individuals attempted suicide a total of 28 times. In 2003, there were 350 ‘acts of self-harm’ including 120 attempted suicides by hanging. In August 2003, 23 prisoners attempted a mass suicide. Since the mass suicide, attempted suicide
attempts have become even
more frequent. The behaviour of the guards at Guantánamo Bay is obviously out of control – but seen as acceptable to them, so approved by someone higher up than them surely?! This is illustrated below: ‘The force used by the IRF [the specially trained ‘Immediate Reaction Force’mainly in charge of the torture] is illustrated by an injury sustained by an American soldier who was ordered to act as a prisoner in a “training” exercise. Because the guards believed they were restraining an actual prisoner, not a U.S. soldier, they used the force regularly used against prisoners, slamming the soldier’s head into the
Guantánamo: The facts Opened : 11th Jan 02
An estimated 17 to 22 minors were detained
AKA: Gitmo or GTMO
Since Jan 02, 779 men have been brought to Guantanamo Bay’s detention camps
Campaign : closeguantanamo. org/
23 detainees participated in an attempt at mass-suicide in Aug 03
The yearly cost for one Guantanamo prisoner is about $800,000.
Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
floor and grinding his temple into the steel. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and now has epilepsy, with up to 12 seizures a day. The U.S. military reports that the video of this episode is “missing”.’ So what must one do to be taken to Guantánamo Bay? Well, you must be classed as an ‘enemy combatant’. Named after Paul Wolfowitz, the Deputy Secretary of Defence between 2001-5, the Wolfowitz def inition of an enemy combatant is very vague:
Bay since its opening in 2002, only two have faced trial so far. There are currently 171 prisoners remaining, a large proportion of whom have been cleared for release, but are being prevented due to bureaucratic procedures. Shaker Aamer is one such detainee. He is a British man who has never been charged with a crime, and yet has been conf ined in Guantánamo Bay since 2002. He was declared as innocent and cleared for release in 2007, and again by Obama’s administration
an individual who was part of or supporting Taliban or al Qaeda forces, or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the U.S. or its -coalition partners. This includes any person who has committed a belligerent act or has directly supported hostilities in aid of enemy armed forces Under this def inition, it is surprisingly easy to be categorised as an enemy combatant, in fact, Before a federal judge, the U.S. government conceded that, under the Wolfowitz def inition, a “little old lady in Switzerland” could be held as an enemy combatant if she – unknowingly – donated funds to a charity that funnelled the money to Al Qaeda. Of course, it is not so easy to get out as it is to get in, regardless of innocence or guilt. Although 750-800 men have been detained in Guantánamo
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G U A N TÁ N A M O B AY
in 2009 but due to political squabbling in the US, he is still being held there, whilst accepted as innocent, in that hell-hole. Many believe that Shaker is being held in an attempt to keep control over what he says about the treatment of prisoners there. He has fought hard throughout his detainment for fairer treatment of inmates and has witnessed many atrocities whilst in GTMO. According to a former Guantanámo detainee “He was always forward, he would
translate for people, he’d f ight for them, and if he had any problems in the block he’d shout at the guards... until he would get you your rights. And that’s why he’s still in prison... because he’s very outspoken, a very intelligent person, somebody who would f ight for somebody else’s rights.” He is outwardly critical of the acts of the U.S government – in an article published by the Guardian which Shaker dictated to his lawyer, he said of the Americans: “when they kill a small child with a drone missile in Pakistan, or when they lock people up without trial in Guantánamo Bay. These actions are very unwise, too. They anger people who might before have been reasonable, so that more of them turn to extremism. They feed terrorism, just as once the denial of legal rights to those suspected of being Irish terrorists drew disaffected people to the IRA banner.” His lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith said that as Shaker is so eloquent and outspoken about the atrocities committed within Guantánamo bay he is viewed as a threat by the US, as he is an individual who can very eloquently criticise the nightmares which happened there. Obama declared that he would close the prison within one year of reaching off ice. As he was inaugurated into the off ice of the President in January 2009, Guantánamo
Of the 550 [detainees] that we have, I would say most of them, the majority of them, will either be released or transferred to their own countries . . . Most of these guys weren’t fighting. They were running.” – Brigadier General Martin Lucenti
Bay should have been closed down two years ago. His plan was initially that it would close on 22nd January 2010, and ordered that the prisoner’s f iles should be examined in order to decide whether they should go on trial or not. However, there were no comprehensive f iles, and so compiling the evidence would be time consuming. Work then started on accumulating the evidence necessary to trial detainees. The Final Report released internally on January 22nd, 2010 by the Guantánamo Review Task Force (but only publically released May 28th 10) recommended the release of 126 detainees to their home state, 36 to be prosecuted in court, either federal or military, and 48 to be held indef initely under the laws of war, although bear in mind that they weren’t originally detained in accordance with the laws of war or treated in accordance with them. However, on Jan 7th 2011 Obama signed a bill (the Defence Authorisation Bill) which prevents the transfer of Guantánamo detainees, and therefore prevents the closure of the prison. Obama’s further move of adding his signature and approval to the ‘National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2012’ on December 31st 2011 extends and prolongs the ban on the transfer of prisoners, it also makes it practically impossible to transfer the 88 men who have been cleared for release to their home countries. Wikileaks released documentation from Guantánamo Bay dating between 2002 and 08. Here are two case studies of imprisoned men being
tortured so severely that they gave unreliable information: Abd al-Hakim Bukhari (ISN [Internment Serial Number] 493), a Saudi imprisoned by al-Qaeda as a spy, who was liberated by US forces from a Taliban jail before being sent, inexplicably, to Guantánamo (along with four other men liberated from the jail) is regarded in the f iles as a member of al-Qaeda, and a trustworthy witness. Abd al-Rahim Janko (ISN 489), a Syrian Kurd, tortured by al-Qaeda as a spy and then imprisoned by the Taliban along with Abd al-Hakim Bukhari, above, is also used as a witness, even though he was mentally unstable. As his assessment in June 2008 stated, “Detainee is on a list of high-risk detainees from a health perspective … He has several chronic medical problems. He has a psychiatric history of substance abuse, depression, borderline personality disorder, and prior suicide attempt for which he is followed by behavioural health for treatment.” Guantánamo Bay is an abomination of a place – the total disregard and abuse of basic human rights is a disgrace. A disgrace to Bush for initiating it, Obama for failing to shut it down, the individual guards for taking part in such cruel and degrading treatment of prisoners; and also a disgrace to us. For us allowing this facility to exist, for not using our voices to shout about how wrong this is, for forgetting about the 158 poor individuals who are still living in such awful conditions.
Guantánamo: The facts In 2013, 103 detainees went on a hunger strike as protest. Fortyone were force-fed through tubes running into their noses down to their stomachs.
British citizen Shaker Aamer is still being held seven years after being declared innocent
In Jun 07, presidential candidate Barack Obama promised, “We’re going to close Guantanamo.”
In 03, there were 350 reported incidents of ‘self-harm’ by prisoners. 120 of these were attempts by prisoners to hang themselves.
9 men have died in the prison camp and the Department of Defense says six were suicides
Pentagon files released by Wikileaks state that at least 150 prisoners were completely innocent Afghanis and Pakistanis.
Released detainees claimed that waterboarding, sexual humiliation, and forced drugging were used on prisoners
As of Jan 2013, 14, Guantanamo Bay’s detention camp remains open with 158detainees.
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MU S I C A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
The top 5 albums of 2013
Phil Mansell looks back on 2013, and gives the Western Eye his top picks
KENNY SUN THE ARTIC MONKEYS
PHIL MANSELL
music@westerneye.net
1/ Arctic Monkeys – ‘AM’
AM is an obvious choice for album of the year. It is a record made by a band at the height of their powers, showcasing the full spectrum of their musical repertoire. A perfect blend of all of their previous records, AM journeys between Sabbath-esque riffs on ‘Arabella’, heartfelt crooning on ‘I Wanna Be Yours’, and hip-hop beats in ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’. Album opener ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ is possibly the single of the year, and stands at the pinnacle of a truly outstanding collection of songs. AM is also a natural progression from 2011’s Suck it and See, showing an increasing level of maturity without ever losing the sense of fun that pervaded their early records. Case in point is the glam-stomp of ‘Snap Out of It’ which, if done badly could have been disastrous. It wasn’t. Arctic Monkeys were the def ining band of the 2000s. They could be the def ining band of this decade, too.
2/ Kanye West – Yeezus
In 2013, the most divisive and enigmatic character in music today returned with his sixth record, Yeezus. It is an album which once again solidif ies Kanye West as the undoubted king of hip-hop (or as he’d prefer to be called, ‘a God’). Due to its wide array of production talents, the album has an eclectic range; from the Daft Punk produced spiky electro of ‘On Sight’ to the
‘aTENTtion’, apparently influ- ‘Y.A.L.A’ and ‘Bring the Noize’ by no means a perfect album enced by Wikileaks’ Julian are sonically light-years ahead but revels in its imperfections, Assange) the passion which of the competition. Whilst a carefree attitude which M.I.A imparts on this work praise must be given to those is largely absent in modern ensures that it stands alone in charge of production of the music. ‘Bloodsports’ is one of in both its message and its album (such as Switch and the the best songs of the year, its 2 sound. The lyrics are witty Partysquad), it is upon their and a half minute length repreand sarcastic as ever, referenc- beats that M.I.A leaves her sentative of the album as a ing Drake and the SuperBowl indelible mark. whole; short, sweet and heavy. incident and ‘Come Walk With The f irst half of the album is Me’ is as close to a love song absolutely relentless, with no as M.I.A has yet come. The respite from huge, crunching 5/ Drenge – Drenge album truly comes into its riffs. Hopefully this album is a own when M.I.A sidelines the sign of things to come. Drenge, politics of the album in favour along with other new bands of beats. Parts of ‘Warriors’ The self-titled album from such as Savages (whose debut sounds like the song Rihanna grunge two-piece Drenge is ‘Silence Yourself ’ follows a has been trying to make for one of the most exciting debut similar vein to Drenge), could 808s and Heartbreaks sound- the past 2 or 3 years, whilst albums in recent memory. It is be the future for British rock ing ‘Guilt Trip’. The album is music. really def ined by two songs – ‘New Slaves’ and the ‘Blood on the Leaves’. On the former, West is at his controversial, visceral best, taking aim at corporations and the prisonindustrial complex of modern America. It also features one Two years after THAT fake death, Benedict of the best verses of recent Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman returned years. ‘Blood on the Leaves’, a six minute epic, juxtaposes to delight us once more with the return of the dense beats of TNGHT the BBC’s Sherlock. But how has it become so with Nina Simone’s rendition popular? of ‘Strange Fruit’. Love him or hate him, in Yeezus Kanye BY CHAY1288 SHERLOCK HOLMES West has created the f inest to play the average Joe in all and moving tribute to his hip-hop record of 2013. of his starring roles makes us friend, which suggested SOPHIE SEDDON assistantmusic@westerneye.net love him that little bit more. that even Sherlock can pack MAYBE it’s the array of an emotional punch when When I visited a close stunning co-stars? Their odd required. Of course there was 3/ Arcade Fire – Reflektor friend in Devon for a week in traits and loveable charac- a murder case to be solved my f irst year at UWE, I took teristics make the characters (wouldn’t be much of a detecArthur Conan Doyle’s The seem like people we would tive story if not). ‘Reflektor’ is another fantas- Hound of the Baskervilles as know. Louise Brealey and The New Year’s Day tic album from a truly fantastic my reading material. I abso- Amanda Abbington are the opener ‘The Empty Hearse’ band. The album is a slight lutely loved the book, and it most outstanding support intrigued fans with THREE departure from their previ- certainly kept you on your cast. Abbington, playing Mary potential possibilities of how ous releases, with a distinct toes. However, I didn’t pick it Morstan, Watson’s future wife Sherlock faked his ‘demise’. dance feel. However, it is still up to read because I’m half an and Freeman’s real life wife, is The near kiss between Holmes a quintessentially Arcade Fire English Lit student, but rather fabulous. She’s chatty, char- and the monstrously bizarre album. It is also the sound because I’d fallen in love with ismatic, witty, a heroine with Moriarty was a clear nod to of a band at the peak of their Benedict Cumberbatch’s enig- bite who’s incredibly like- those who’ve followed the powers, entirely unconcerned matic and strangely likeable able from the word go. All the tale from series one, with fan with how they are def ined or oddball of a Sherlock, tamed female characters are strong, f iction rife on the internet. viewed. It shows a band that by the ever-reliable and kind powerful women who are It was also fabulous to see whilst lyrically still asking Martin Freeman’s John Watson. ambitious, loyal and feisty. John Watson losing his rag weighty questions, have devel- Not even Robert Downey Jr. They have capabilities. Ok, at Sherlock and punch him, oped to a stage where they can could defeat the tall, dark maybe not Irene Adler’s near rather than faint. The slidseemingly expand their musi- and handsome Englishman beheading, but mostly. ing motions of the scenes as cal repertoire at will, whilst who was previously known But is it the clever writing Watson went in for physical remaining true to their own for his role as the rapist in style, sharp and clever, which assault time after time was original style. It’s also an album Atonement… maybe a socio- attracts us most? The pace of funny, and taken well by his which could drive the band on path was the next logical step? the series has to be quick, with counterpart. A true delight to headline Glastonbury 2014, BUT! What has made this only three episodes to harbour was an intoxicated Holmes and to win another Grammy. version of Conan Doyle’s a lead story arc. This allows for staggering around a flat for If either of these predictions intensely bizarre anti-hero so tension, plenty of plot twist- a client and vomiting on the come true, then remember popular in its third series? ers, plenty of action for us to carpet, getting arrested for it, where you read it f irst. Maybe it’s because follow, and a host of interest- and having to be bailed out of Cumberbatch is serious man ing characters to entertain our jail by Lestrade. candy. Those laser blue eyes, interests further. Seeing Sherlock off his high smoldering stare, the luscious, The episode ‘The Sign of horse is something this series 4/ M.I.A. – Matangi thick, crazy black locks, or Three’ proved this. Though has thrived on, proving that THAT Belstaff coat. Or maybe Sherlock demonstrates a lack when the time calls, Sherlock it is Martin Freeman’s Dr. of humanity and understand- Holmes is just human after all. Whilst the more overtly John Watson, and his amazing ing towards love or marriage, political songs on this album ability to f ind poetry in the his best man’s speech was tearREAD THE REST OF THESE ARTICLES AT are not entirely successful ( average man. Freeman’s ability jerking. An unconventional WESTERNEYE.NET/BRISTOLSBACKBONE
“It was very superficial, my dear Watson, I assure you”
Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
MU S I C A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T
14 Films to watch in 2014
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BY WARNER BROS THE HOBBIT DESOLATION OF SMAUG
Orange Wednesday, 02 two for Tuesday or film Friday! JAYDE SMYTH
music@westerneye.net
When your loan’s run out, and you can’t afford a night at Thekla, the cinema seems like the best option when you’re sitting in feeling sorry for yourself. So here’s the top 14 f ilms to spend your spare change on this year. 14 – Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. The f ilm autobiography of the late Nelson Mandela released earlier this month and directed by Justin Chadwick. It’s received pretty good reviews from both critics and audiences alike. A touching tribute to a truly inspirational man. 13 – Robocop. Starring Gary Oldman and Joel Kinnaman, this action thriller sees Alex Murphy undergo a transformation to part-man part-robot in the year 2028 after being critically injured in the line of duty. If guns and robots are your thing, this f ilm will be perfect. 12 – 12 Years a Slave. This
Music and entertainment editor Jayde Smyth predicts this year’s biggest blockbusters f ilm is a must see if you believe the reviews from critics across the country. Steve McQueen directs this heartbreaking f ilm which stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup who is captured and enslaved in 1800s. Def initely worth breaking the bank to go see this one after it’s early January release.
09 – The Book Thief. Book lovers rejoice! Sophie Nelisse and Geoffrey Rush star in the adaptation of an international best- selling novel of the same name. Released on 31 January, the novel follows the life of spirited Liesel who becomes obsessed with reading whilst living with her foster family during WWII.
11 – The InBetweeners Movie 2. Our favourite awkward foursome comes back for their second lads holiday where they embark on an adventure down under this time around (pun intended?). Not much information has been released yet, but it’s guaranteed to have the cinema in stitches.
08 – Malef icent. Angelina Jolie stars as Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ antagonist Malef icent. It’s understandable that most people are weary about the quality of this f ilm as the adaptations of some of Disney’s best loved f ilms haven’t been massively successful. However, I am excited to see Jolie step into these dark shoes this summer
10 – Noah. A Biblical adaptation of Noah’s journey, Russell Crows stars in this apocalyptic American epic. This f ilm also sees the return of on-screen partnership of Emma Watson and Logan Lerman after The Perks of Being a Wallflower. A great alternative to typical blockbusters.
07 – The Fault in Our Stars. Another best-selling book takes to the screen this year with the adaptation of John Green’s young adult novel. The story follows two young lovers with terminal illnesses. Honestly, get your tissues at the ready, you will need them.
06 – X-Men – Days of Future Past. Marvel are going a bit nuts this year, as they are releasing f ilm after f ilm. However, the X-Men franchise is getting better with each f ilm. Starring Patrick Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence, James McVoy, Ian McKellan and of course Hugh Jackman, comic book fans will be lining up at the end of May. 05 – Godzilla. It seems to be a trend this year to remake old classics, however the trailer for this f ilm looks intense. I’m sure modern CGI will make this dinosaur f ilm more terrifying that cheesy. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars this May. 04 – The Wolf of Wall Street. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this critically acclaimed adaptation on the life of Jordan Belfort. It’s received fantastic reviews in the states, perhaps this is Leo’s chance at an Oscar at last? 03 – The Amazing Spiderman 2. The trailer for this Marvel sequel is truly amazing. Best loved superhero Peter Parker/Spiderman
returns to face his f iercest foes yet. Set to be action packed, real life fan boy Andrew Garf ield looks to be having a ball in this tight red and blue spandex suit. 02 – The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. The f irst part of the last book in the sensational trilogy and Jennifer Lawrence has already captured the hearts of every viewer as the rebel leader Katniss Everdeen. The war has begun after the explosive ending of Catching Fire and the f ilms just keep improving. It’s a long way off the release date, but it’s certainly going to be worth the wait. 01 – The Hobbit: There and Back Again. If you’ve seen the Desolation of Smaug, does it really come as surprise that the f inal instalment of the trilogy is this student newspapers must see f ilm of the year? Martin Freeman stars for the last time as lovable Bilbo Baggins on his adventure away from the Shire. December is too far away for this fantastic concluding f ilm.
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Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
McBusted
What do you get when you combine Busted and McFly? Cheese-pop heaven! OFFICAL LOGO MCBUSTED
PHOEBE FROST
music@westerneye.net
Earlier this month, teenage girls’ screams could be heard all over the UK when two of our favourite boybands announced that they were coming one for one giant unforgettable tour. Busted and McFly are forming; McBusted. As I’m sure all 18+ girls will agree, Busted bring back memories of walls covered in posters, f irst concerts, crushes and cheesy pop albums. From 2002 – 2005, Busted dominated the music charts, scoring 8 top-ten singles and 4 number ones. Although their f irst selftitled album barely scraped the
top 30, their second album ‘A Present for Everyone’ reached number 1 in 2003, selling over 1 million copies. When the band split in January 2005, it broke the hearts of young girls all over the UK. Charlie Simpson and James Bourne went on the form ‘Fightstar’ and ‘Son of Dork’ separately and Matt Willis enjoyed a brief solo career, but apart from that, we haven’t heard much of our favourite skater lads. When Busted split, McFly were there to pick us up and are still making catching, cheesy but amazing pop to this day; celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. Forming back in 2003, the band have enjoyed similar success to Busted,
their f irst album ‘Room on the They then recently announced Third floor’ debuted at number they would be headlining 1 back in 2004, being certif ied Hyde Park next year supported as double platinum. The band by ultimate 90s boy band has also won countless awards, ‘Backstreet Boys.’ including a BRIT in 2005 for Some could ask, is there Best Pop Act. really a place for them. With So why is the new tour boy bands such as Lawson and such a big deal? Is it really Union J dominating the charts the bringing back of all of our and One Direction basically childhood memories or just dominating the world, the PR done well? The tickets for McBusted tour could be seen the McBusted tour sold out in as a bit old fashioned; even if minutes of being released on McFly are still releasing singles 18th November, starting at a now. You’ve got to rememsmall price of £35. Fans now ber, even if boy bands such as face paying triple or even more Take That have been fortunate than that for secondary tickets, enough to have an amazing some being priced at a jaw- comeback, the McBusted boys dropping £250. This is mad are now in their late-20’s; when you think that, beloved making them a lot older then or not, we haven’t actually bands such as One Direction. heard anything from Busted in Will they really target the 10 years, and the music scene notoriously faithful teenage has moved on a lot since then. girl bracket whose loyalties lie
with today’s bands? But maybe that’s not what they want. I would have loved to have got a ticket for the McBusted tour but, as an unorganised student, I don’t have the funds or the ability to realise they were even on sale. Part of me was a little devastated when my flatmate told me he had secured his ticket for next year. I think this is who the bands are targeting their reunion at, older teenagers and people in their early twenties who remember going mad for them all those years ago and danced and screamed to their songs at their primary school disco. I’m not ashamed to admit that I, still to this day, know all of Busted song’s off by heart and I can’t wait to watch videos of their tour next year.
Mallory Knox the Power Out
@ The Fleece 22-11-13 MATT BRYAN
music@westerneye.net
This sell out night must be one of the most anticipated Bristol gigs of the year, with people beginning to queue hours before the venue even opened. Snaking down both sides of the building the tension outside was already beginning to build an hour before the doors were to open. As people began to slowly dribble in the f irst band, Crooks, kicked off the night with an eruption of sound. A very atmospheric and passionate band, which certainly welcomed everyone to the venue. Next up, Blitz Kids steered the music back into a more pop/rock direction. With very catchy riffs and an uplifting feel good vibe they began to slowly warm up the quite cold and rigid crowd. Probably still defrosting from queuing outside for so long. Playing songs from their
new album due to be released with the crowd with a free in January, their smartly writ- flow of energy between them. SAM COCKMAN MALLORY KNOX THE POWER OUT ten and beguiling lyrics seemed Going on a rollercoaster of to unfortunately wash over pace with the next three songs Oceans, the crowd was at an was stronger than ever. the crowd, which was clearly Mallory superbly went through all time high. But, just as they Winning the sympathy of the conserving their energy for the heavy and popular track of got to the pinnacle point at the crowd, their second attempt the much anticipated Mallory beggars into the relaxed song start of the song, the power at the song Oceans was even Knox. 1949. A move that worked cut out leaving the crowd in more effective. The time had come. Mallory wonders with the crowd, with dismay as people began rushFlying into the next song, Knox f inally made it onto people reaching out to touch ing about to f ix the issue. suitably named, Resuscitate, stage. There was a cascade of the band members Mallory Dave on drums quickly everything started coming noise from the crowd, which continued to play superbly. took to action entertaining back to life, full sound and was soon met by their f irst The third song of the roll- the crowd with a drum only light systems back online. track, Hello. With a beauti- ercoaster was the heavier track version of We Will Rock You by They really had resuscitated ful snare roll this aptly named Wolves. Which is a catchy and Queen. It seemed he inspired to a new level. If anything, track worked perfectly as their brilliantly developed song. I the crowd, who took lead to the power cut had done them introduction. Already people couldn’t believe how close it sing their own rendition of favours with the audience. were singing a long, this was a was to the recorded version, if Lion King’s Hakuna Matata. great start. anything it was better! In the With the crowd screaming People of this sell out gig By the second song, Wake smooth breakdown the crowd’s at every new development, were extremely privileged. Up, the atmosphere was becom- enjoyment cracked a gleaming things slowly started to begin Mikey had asked them “Do ing more and more electric. smile from lead singer Mikey. working again. Eventually the you want to hear a brand new People were really starting to At the end of the track he band had enough power to song?” The reply was obvious. wake up, jumping up and down told the crowd how important start the song again, without a Yet to be named this big strong, and screaming along with the Bristol was for him, and how it PA system but with a dedica- anthemic and new song was chorus. Mallory’s great start “feels good to be back.” tion from Mikey. greatly received by the crowd. was only building. It will surely do well when it Playing a track from their Flowing into the next song, Kicking back in the band releases. recently released deluxe edition of their Signals album, Maps, you could really see the This song goes out to the guy who f*cked up the electric. Who ever you are, I will find passion and synergy of the you and write you a strongly worded letter! band. They were so in tune
Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04 Paul Walker has tragically died at the age of 40, along with his friend Roger Rodas, 38, ironically in the passenger seat of Rodas’ Porsche when attending a charity fundraiser in Los Angeles, at approximately 3:30pm. The car is said to have hit a lamppost, and then a tree, while being engulfed in flames. The charity, Reach Out Worldwide, was his own organisation, and the event (a car show of all things) was due to be in aid for the recent Philippines disaster, in which thousands have lost their lives and even more have been left homeless and with no food or clean water to live. This is one of the many charitable causes that Paul Walker contributed to over his shortlived life. Within hours, his friends, family, co-stars, colleagues and fans had flocked to social networking sites to proclaim their devastation at Walker’s sudden death, including fellow Fast and the Furious friends Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster and rapper Ludacris. Friend Antonio Holmes told The Guardian of the attempts to save the pair, with many people surrounding the crash trying to extinguish the f ire. But despite these attempts, the two casualties were proclaimed when medical assistance arrived at the scene. Walker’s acting career began young at the age of two, with his mother Cheryl, a fashion model, taking him to advertisement auditions. His career didn’t really see success until 1996, when his career sparked in TV with roles in shows such as The Young and the Restless, and in Touched by an Angel. It was in the 1998 f ilm Meet the Deedles that his transition into f ilm began. He played other supporting roles in f ilms such as She’s All That and Varsity Blues. But, it was his turn in the thriller The Skulls (2000) that changed his career. It was this performance that brought him to the attention of the producers of Universal’s biggest series of f ilms to date. It is for the last 12 years that Walker has been best known to the public as a member of the criminal gang of speed junkies, who illegally street race and go on heists for cash, that has been put into six adrenalin-fuelled f ilms- The Fast and the Furious. Playing Brian O’Conner, he was the good cop gone bad with some serious attitude problems: going undercover to catch criminals while indulging in his love for fast cars. Walker’s boyish charm no doubt swayed female interest into the saga. But is the fast-paced nature of the f ilms, the stunts and the bad ass characters that instantly makes you see how Walker
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In Remembrance of Paul Walker Paul Walker, known for his roles in the film franchise The Fast and the Furious, has died. Sophie Seddon looks back on his life through his work on screen, charitable activities and personal relations. SOPHIE SEDDON music@westerneye.net
help others, and give something back to the people. To actually develop an organisation and see these situations in the flesh are something that made Walker stand out from his peers: he was, literally, a man of action. He didn’t just dream of doing these things, he went out and did them for himself. From the stunts in the Fast and the Furious, to tagging Great Whites, and helping people dying of starvation, Paul Walker was not one to stand on the sidelines. He was a father, who developed a charity to give something back to the world, to raise awareness, and work with conservation charities to increase this. Peter Bradshaw for the Guardian put it simply: the Fast and the Furious ‘…def iantly celebrated the ethos of live fast, die young... Walker’s awful fate shows that in the real world, accidents can happen.’ Paul Walker’s death will hopefully show the world that no matter how cool the races in the f ilms look, how fast they’re going or how many girls the guys get- life is precious, and can be so easily taken away. I hope we take lessons from this, and see some sort of value in life. Walker gave a lot to others, and it is a great waste of man to be lost in such a horrif ic way. He is survived by his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow. Also in remembrance of his friend Roger Rodas, who was his f inancial assistant since 2007, and helped him build Reach Out Worldwide. He must not be forgotten.
BY HUFFPOST.COM PAUL WALKER
went from small-time actor to cult status in virtually no time. There’s something empowering about the six movies: you feel like punching air whenever he drives over someone, in mid-air, over a bridge. The f ilms have only grown in popularity, and for an audience who have grown up with him, Walker’s presence will be a great loss to the franchise.
out on top. Without him, there are many concerns now for the seventh installment of the Fast and Furious f ilms. Outside of the franchise, his last f ilms are due to be Hours, a drama about Hurricane Katrina, and Brick Mansions, where he again plays an undercover cop. But it was his activities outside of acting that truly def ine who Paul Walker really
exceptional contributions to charity. Walker had his own humanitarian aid organisation, Reach Out Worldwide, which he formed after going out in January 2010 to assist relief operations in Haiti. Since then, the organisation, all non-prof it, has responded and assisted in helping those affected in eight different natural disasters, such as the
Paul Walker: September 12th 1973November 30th 2013 After all, he was the soul of these f ilms. He has featured in all but one of them, Tokyo Drift, which didn’t have any of the original characters in it (minus a brief cameo by Vin Diesel near the end). Walker was an appealing lead, almost always punching above his weight, and yet always coming
was. Passionate about marine biology, he participated in a documentary for National Geographic, Expedition Great White, where he assisted in tagging seven Great White Sharks so that their habits, such as birthing and mating could be monitored. But he was also known for his
Chilean Earthquake and the Indonesian tsunami, both in 2010, and of course, the recent disaster in the Philippines. It is a cultural norm for celebrities to donate money while still remaining comfortably back at home. It is quite another thing for one of them to go over as part of a team to
Top films: The Fast and the Furious
2 Fast 2 Furious
Fast & Furious
Fast Five
Fast & Furious 6
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Western Eye 02.14 – Issue 04
SPORT
Homosexuality in sport: how much of a problem is it? On December 2nd 2013 British Olympic Diving Bronze medallist Tom Daley released a video on his YouTube page stating that he was “in a relationship with a man” and thus social media went crazy with people voicing their opinions on Daley’s video. For the most part (on my twitter feed at least) people seemed to be happy for Daley and there were many messaged support. But in amongst these messages there were many posts saying “Why should it matter? Let him get on with his life.” This got me thinking, why does it matter to people? And more importantly why is it such a big deal when a sports person comes out as gay? NICK J WEBB TOM DALEY
TO M WILLIAMS
music@westerneye.net
On December 2nd 2013 British Olympic Diving Bronze medallist Tom Daley released a video on his YouTube page stating that he was “in a relationship with a man” and thus social media went crazy with people voicing their opinions on Daley’s video. For the most part (on my twitter feed at least) people seemed to be happy for Daley and there were many messaged support. But in amongst these messages
is former tennis player Billie Jean King, but in King’s it was not voluntary. In an interview with The Huff ington Post Live she talked about how hard it can be to still be playing a sport and have to deal with coming. After the diff iculties of coming out to your family, Billie Jean King said you want acceptance from teammates and opposing players, this is perhaps why it is so diff icult for LGBT players in any sport, team or individual to publicly come out. She talked about NBA player Jason Collins coming out as the f irst openly gay man
of homosexuality in sport is still very much taboo and was sometimes not easy to live with. Hitzlsperger makes an incredibly valid point that there is still a long way to go, especially when one considers the number of top prof ile sports leagues that do not have an openly gay professional. One major sporting organisation that does not have any openly gay athletes is the National Football League (NFL) in the USA, but they have had more than their fair share of issues surrounding homosexuality within the sport. Most notably an unnamed player
Why should it matter? Let him get on with his life.” This got me thinking, why does it matter to people? And more importantly why is it such a big deal when a sports person comes out as gay? there were many posts saying Homophobia in sport is nothing new. In all sports many players will endure homophobic chants whilst playing and having to deal with abuse off the f ield. English footballer John Fashanu committed suicide eight years after becoming the f irst openly gay footballer in England, after he was accused of sexually assaulting a seventeen year old male and was involved in many cases of homophobia. Thankfully, in this far more open and free speaking world we live in, name any sport and chances are there will be at least one openly LGBT person competing at the highest level they can do, with more and more sportspeople coming out. In fact a few days after I wrote my initial version of this article, former Aston Villa player and German international Thomas Hitzlsperger revealed that he is gay. One of the f irst and most high prof ile LGBT sportswomen to ever come out
to play professionally in any sport in America, with many players waiting until retirement to come out. Collins was able to come out completely of his own accord after having already played professionally for twelve years upon coming out in April of last year this achieved the same effect those who chose to wait until retirement, as he was an established name who had played for multiple teams and was well known, so most people would not bat an eye lid at this. The same can be said about Thomas Hitzlsperger, who upon coming out has become the most high-prof ile footballer to come out, stating his reasons for doing so were because he wanted to He did say that the issue
was on the verge of coming out and being the f irst openly gay player to play for an NFL team. The player, who upon coming out was an unsigned player, came out to a mixture of friends who were former and current players as well as people who had links to various NFL teams. They then contacted a few teams to see if they would in interested and comfortable having an openly gay player on their team. Most teams said they were not interested as they had no need for him as they had plenty of players in his position. Whilst his may be true, one can’t help but think that part of the reason he was not signed was due to not want to have to deal with the fall out of having an openly gay NFL player. However, one
move the discussion about homosexuality among professional sportspeople forwards
team said yes and that they had no problems with having an open gay man playing on their team. The player signed in late March to early April and the team planned on making an off icial announcement in June. There were rumours on the internet that a player was on the verge of coming out and just as people were ready for this announcement to happen, it didn’t. Why? Well there are a few theories ranging from the team and/or player changing their minds to some league off icials believing the NFL isn’t ready for an openly gay player. As bad as it sounds, maybe many sporting leagues around the world aren’t ready for an openly gay player and an overall attitude change needs to happen f irst in order for players to feel comfortable coming out. Again, going back to the NFL there have been players who have been affected in some ways purely from stating their opinions on gay sports people or even gay rights more generally. Baltimore Ravens player Brendon Ayanbadejo has openly talked about how he feels that should one player come out, many more would follow suit. Ayanbadejo’s actions led to Maryland state delegate Emmett C. Burns writing to the owner of the team requesting that his players shouldn’t be expressing these opinions so publicly. This then led to former Minnesota Vikings punter, an open advocate of gay rights to write an open letter to Burns in which he openly voices his disgust at Burns’ (as Kluwe calls it)
vitriolic hatred and
Vikings at the end of the 2012-13 season, and on 2nd of January he posted an article on deadspin.com explaining how he feels his actions as an activist for marriage equality and his letter played a large part in him being let go by the team. Kluwe accused his former coach Mike Priefer of purposely using homophobic slurs around Kluwe upon hearing of his support of gay marriage in Minnesota and essentially assuring he was let go from the team, despite Kluwe serving his role of the team incredibly well posting some excellent statistics in line with his career averages. He also calls his former head coach Leslie Frazier and General Manager Rick Speilman “cowards” for allowing Preifer to have Kluwe f ired from the team for his actions. If someone who is not gay has lost their job because of their open advocacy of gay rights, then how would a gay player be treated? There needs to be an attitude shift not just in the NFL but across much of the sporting world. Nowhere is does this shift need to occur more quickly than in the Sochi Winter Olympic games in Russia this year. Russia has several antigay laws in place and whilst President Vladimir Putin has said that gay athletes will be welcome to attend the games, there have been no guarantees made by anyone that they will be safe whilst there. This has led to the likes of Stephen Fry and Pussy Riot calling for all athletes regardless of their sexual orientation to boycott the games in protest for Russia’s attitude towards homosexuals.
bigotry READ THE REST OF THESE ARTICLES AT
Kluwe was let go by the
WESTERNEYE.NET
Western Eye 02.14 — Issue 04
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SPORT
Is it time for the January transfer window to shut for good?
KONG NIFFE ANDY CAROL
As football opens its doors for the January sales, is it time for a transfer system rethink or is it simply too important to ditch? ALEX STOREY
Sports@westerneye.net
As the clock ticks down to Midnight on the 31st December, the majority of people across the country are getting ready to celebrate the new year. However, the majority of football managers are wishing the clocks would simply stop. Calls from agents, pressure from owners and a neverending slew of questions from the rumour-fuelled media - it is perhaps the most stressful time of the season and for some managers it can be the most important too. Teams pushing for the title have to strengthen to avoid falling behind their competitors, whilst those struggling at the bottom are forced to use scatter-gun tactics in a desperate attempt to halt a slide into the abyss.
It is almost universally acknowledged that buying players in January is a bad idea, yet managers are left with little choice - they simply cannot afford to be left behind, despite the countless number of overpriced flops that litter the record books of Premier League clubs. We don’t have to look too far to see examples of January madness. On the f inal day of the 2011 winter window, Fernando Torres switched the red of Liverpool for the blue of Chelsea for a staggering £50 million. In a knee-jerk response, Liverpool hit the panic button and splashed £35 million on 22 year-old Andy Carroll. Three years later and Torres remains a much maligned f igure at Stamford Bridge, with many Blues fans left hugely disappointed at the impact the
Spaniard has made in his f irst three years. That is nothing compared to the dramatic and very public fall from grace that Carroll has suffered. A disastrous 18 months following his headspinning move to Merseyside and he was farmed out to West Ham on loan, followed by an undignif ied £15 million exit to the Hammers in June 2013. Although these are the two most high prof ile examples of January gambles gone wrong, they are not isolated. Listen to any manager’s news conference during the window and they will all say the same thing - you cannot f ind value in January. If that’s the case, why was £120 million spent last winter and why on that incredible deadline day in 2011 was £110 million spent in a barmy 24 hour period taking the total for
January 2011 to £225 million? There’s a growing school of thought, propagated mainly by Premier League managers, that the January window should be scrapped with all transfers having to be completed before the season. However, the chances of that happening any time soon seem remote at best. The intrigue and excitement surrounding the month leading up to deadline day is simply too lucrative to the media and consequently the clubs involved for it to be changed. January 31st has become one of the most eagerly anticipated days in football fans’ calendars and coverage of deadline day is increasing at an unbelievable rate. Where football fans previously made one of their twice-annually pilgrimage to Sky Sports News on deadline day, supporters can now use
news providers ranging from the BBC to TalkSPORT to get their f ix. A visit to social media on the f inal day of the window and you’ll f ind it is awash with breaking news, rumour and counter rumour as well as supporters from all clubs expressing their delight, anguish and uncontrollable excitement at the day’s developments. In a world where football is becoming more and more detached from the supporters, it is the excitement of deadline day which must be preserved, for the sake of the supporters. As managers will protest, the day and the month leading up to it are madness, but it’s our madness and we love it.
UWE Riding Society A run-down of UWe’s equestrian team and how to get involved UWE THE RIDING COMMITTEE
GEORGE BEARD
Sports@westerneye.net
Despite possessing many stars such as Olympians Charlotte Dujardin and William Fox-Pitt, riding is a sport that is often overlooked for those wishing to take up something new. Given the success that Team GB had in the Olympic Games, winning 3 gold medals, riding has become a popular sport within UWE with a current membership of 58. Participation Off icer for UWE riding, Becky Read, feel
that equestrian has something to offer everyone: “Riding is a unique sport with disciplines requiring different skills. From Eventing, which is a bit like motorcross or rallying, to Dressage, which requires the most detailed partnership between horse and rider, to Show Jumping, where attention to detail is shown at its ultimate.” Unlike other sports, riders compete individually within a team. Like other university sports however, there is a BUCS League as well as
a Friendly League, both of which compete against other universities. Both competition leagues are made up by a combination of dressage and showjumping, with scores given for both disciplines. UWE is fortunate to have a high standard of facilities. Members of UWE Riding are able to have access to training at the Summerhouse Equestrian Centre in Gloucester along with the Hartpury College Campus, with a variety of horses that tailor to any ability. When asked what 3 words can best describe equestrian,
Becky replied: “Fun, Fulf illing and Challenging.” Riding certainly seems to be a sport which does not necessarily have the recognition it deserves, with a rich history and tradition throughout the British Isles. However, whether you compete at an advanced level or you just want to go along for fun, the socials are not something to be missed. From fancy dress, to meals out, socials can be a blast. Indeed, the society have organised UWE Riding’s f irst ever Race Day, having a trip to Cheltenham
Racecourse to attend the Festival Trials. More trips have also been planned, including the Badminton Horse Trials and the Hartpury Dressage Festival. So, if you’re looking to take up something new in 2014, why not try UWE Riding, fun and exercise guaranteed.
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