Western Eye 11.13 — Issue 03
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UWE’S STUDENT VOICE
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INSIDE ISSUE 03 WESTERNEYE UWE’s Student Voice
SCIENCE & TECH
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFE
FEATURE ARTICLE
BRISTOL’S BACKBONE
Mars Awaits Across the Ocean of Void
Mercury Prize The Unexpected Winner
World Cup Brazil Why it will be a good thing
Local stories The unsung heroes
Continues on pages 10 & 11
Continues on page 12
Continues on pages 16 & 17
Continues on pages 24 & 25
Bower Ashton students arrested for vandalism
Urban art or criminal damage? GEORGE GILL
news@westerneye.net
uwe students “disappointed” some members of Bristol’s Bedminster community this month after spraying graffiti on a Grade II listed building. The incident occurred in a South Bristol suburb and the wall belonged to the community swimming pool. Three students were involved, all of whom were
where do you draw the line between Banksy and criminal damage? in their late teens. They are students of Art at uwe’s Bower Ashton campus. The ‘wannabeBanksys’ were handed police
cautions by Avon and Somerset police for their misdemeanour. Upon investigation, the WesternEye found local residents’ were divided on the topic of artistic graffiti (or, ‘urban art’?). One local resident spoke of “disappointment and frustration” in general with the younger community in Bedminster. Another, was keen to highlight Bristol’s connection with the urban art scene, questioning: “where do you draw the line between Banksy and criminal damage?” The police have clarified where they draw the line; referring the students to local, dedicated graffiti walls. PC Nigel Ingram reinforced: The swimming pool is a Grade II listed building and it would cost the council £10,000 to clean just one wall of the building of graffiti, as special products need to be used to protect it.
Rather than using the boards which have been put up in the park for the sole purpose of people expressing their creativity, these lads have climbed over iron railings to deface a listed building. It is clearly illegal and will not be tolerated. Nonetheless, Bristol remains famous for its urban, artistic culture. Bristol’s ‘aerosol boom’ began in the late 1980s and grew tremendously in the 90s along with the rise of Bristol’s underground music scene; and, of course, Banksy himself. Other popular Bristol-based graffiti artists include Nick Walker, Inkie, Sickboy, Cheo and Lokey. Nick Walker is often accredited with bringing stencil graffiti to Bristol in the 1980s and, hence, having a big influence on Banksy. See No Evil was a popular
summer event in Bristol in 2011 and 2012. It featured a collection of famous graffiti artists who collaborated in spraying Nelson Street in a week-long event that ends in a huge party. The event, which had previously attracted over 50,000 people from all over Europe, was cancelled this year due to organisers’ concerns over a lack of wall
space due to redevelopments. On the See No Evil Facebook page, they promise: we only want to do bigger and better. With this in mind we have already turned our attentions to 2014.
IAN D THE TYPHOON FGR4 MANUFACTURED BY BAE SYSTEMS
It costs a bomb
How UK-taxpayers fund the exportation of arms to questionable regimes… GEORGE GILL
news@westerneye.net
EMMA BROWN BEDMINSTER SWIMMING POOL
in the aftermath of uwe’s alleged ‘arms fair,’ officially known as Defence Procurement Research Technology Exportability conference, on the 20th November 2013, George Gill takes closer look into the history and practices of the industry… See WesternEye.net for more details about the event itself.
Defence technology is one of the few manufacturing industries in which Britain still leads the way. David Cameron, keen to promote export-led growth, has travelled around the world promoting British business interests. Critics accuse him of putting profit before people as Britain exports arms to countries that use them to oppress their people. Continued on page 4
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Western Eye 11.13 – Issue 03
NEWS
NEWS — UWE FACULTY AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
Message from the Editor MEET THE WESTERNEYE TEAM
KAYTIE MCFADDEN
editor@westerneye.net
“it has been a very interesting year so far. Between reporting on UWE’s ethical practices, which takes up a large part of this issue’s News section, to working hard in an attempt to put legislation in place which will ensure that WesternEye can become the truly independent news source which uwe students deserve; the last few months have been eye-opening and we’ve all gained an abundance of experience and knowledge! As university work becomes more intense, it is natural that our editorial team changes somewhat, and on behalf of the whole team I would like to thank Lauren Moore and Jill Alger, our outgoing Comment Editor and Arts and Fashion Editor respectively, for all of their incredibly hard work so far throughout the year. We are very excited to announce that this issue welcomes the return of Westworld, our Art, Design and Fashion section which can be found on the reverse of the paper! We would love to hear your feedback on it, and want you to be involved. One of our objectives this year is to become more environmentally friendly. We are doing this by both reducing the amount of pages in the paper – focusing upon quality rather than quantity; and reducing our print run to prevent having papers left over at the end of the month. By taking these measures we have been able to publish more regularly (monthly as opposed to bi-monthly) and still saving approximately 500,000 pages of paper in comparison to last year! We’re concentrating a lot more upon online content, so be sure
to keep an eye on the website www.westerneye.net as stories are updated daily. Our columnists have proved to be a huge hit, with a different column published each day discussing a variety of issues
from food to lifestyle, to the satirical ramblings of our very own Assistant Finance manager. Make sure you like us on facebook.com/ westerneye.uwe and follow us on twitter @westerneye
We want to hear your opinions so get in touch!” Contact any of the team via email or pop up to the office at 5F6 where biscuits and coffee are available!
Any UWE student, past or present is welcome to be as involved as you like, so come along and make your mark on your university!
Graphic Designers Esther Akinola Emma Brown James Barrett design@westerneye.net
GINNY FAULKNER WESTERNEYE TEAM RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS AT THE FRESHERS FAIR
Editor Kaytie McFadden editor@westerneye.net
News Editor Ollie Hicks news@westerneye.net
Science and Technology Assistant Antony Poveda assistantscitech@westerneye.net
Sports Editor George Beard sports@westerneye.net
Online Editor Ginny Faulkner online.editor@westerneye.net
News Assistant Nicole Pilcher newsassistant@westerneye.net
Music and Entertainment Editor Jayde Smyth music@westerneye.net
Sports Assistant Tom Williams assistantsport@westerneye.net
Assistant Editor Jacob Morris assistanteditor@westerneye.net
Comment Editor Janeeth Devgun janeeth.comment@westerneye.net
Music and Entertainment Assistant Sophie Seddon assistantmusic@westerneye.net
Westworld Editor Dulcie Horn/Jill Alger westworld@westerneye.net
Section Coordinator George Gill sectioncoordinator@westerneye.net
Comment Editor Michelle Abbasipour michelle.comment@westerneye.net
Lifestyle Editor Olivia Garner lifestyle@westerneye.net
Westworld Assistant Chaneen Salako westworldassistant@westerneye.net
Online Assistant Matthew Fletcher onlineassistant@westerneye.net
Science and Technology Editor James Riley scitech@westerneye.net
Lifestyle Assistant Poppy Clark lifestyle@westerneye.net
Chief Graphic Designer Matthew Woodman design@westerneye.net
Finance Manager Dan Kitchin finance@westerneye.net Finance Assistant George Lewis assistantfinance@westerneye.net Marketing Manager Lauren Conen marketing@westerneye.net
Western Eye 11.13 — Issue 03
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NEWS
Update from the Presidents of the Students’ Union Since being in office the elected members of the Students’ Union have been working on a range of projects in order to make the future brighter for the student experience! Here is a brief update from each of our elected members. CHRIS WHITE
Vice President — Sports and Health
so far this year, I spent loads of time working with the budgets, in order to reduce the cost of joining sports clubs. So far we have seen over 2,900 students sign up for either social or competitive sports, compared to just over 2,500 last year. Plans for feel good February is well underway. We are looking to include some water sport activities, this will be a really fun way to get more people involved in the campaign and all water sports will be disability friendly. We will still be doing loads of classes and active competition but are also putting a massive focus on healthy eating, and working with Tom to ensure health and wellbeing are being reviewed with in the campaign. Sexual Health, Advice & Guidance week is fast approaching, and we will be making it really fun and exciting. There will be information talks as well as providing students with all the information on services in the local area. The week begins on Monday 25th November. Varsity is already underway! HANNAH KHAN
Vice President — Societies and Communications
i am currently looking at setting up a system by which a student from the committee of each academic society may sit on departmental committee to feedback to the heads of department and student reps on the activities and achievements of your society. This is a key way of keeping the academics in particular aware of how academic societies are enhancing the student experience for students studying their courses. Aim: have society representatives instated by the next committee dates in December. The removal of the passport earlier on in the year has made the joining process for societies much clearer and more financially accessible. Smaller societies in particular have benefitted from not having the passport in the way. I am now in the process of collecting feedback on other reasons that prevent students from being involved in student-led activities and engaging with nus research and resources in this area. I have submitted a motion proposing
more changes to be implemented as a result of this. At my first Sustainability Board we secured £40,000 of funding from uwe for the Students’ Union to recruit a Green Leader Co-Ordinator and to fund student campaigns and projects in Sustainability. The purpose of this role will be to co-ordinate student participation in sustainability campaigns and projects at the University. MEGAN EDMUNDS
Vice President — Education
so at the moment we’re all really looking forward to our AGM which is held on Frenchay Campus on the 21st November. There are some exciting motions being put forward that we are really looking forward to seeing presented and brought to life by speakers. Some motions this year that could lead to a whole new way, in which we will represent the student body, so do come along and have your vote! Everyone has the chance to voice their opinion at agm and if you think you would be great at representing the voice of students it is even more important you attend – perhaps a motion will grab your attention and you will want to second it (or argue against it!). I am continuing to work with various departments across the university. Some of the most recent projects include updating
BlackBoard. At the moment the Students’ Union is only located under a tab called uwe Services, which we weren’t happy about! We’re different from uwe and we want you, the students, to come to us as a first point of call with feedback on your university experience as we’re here to better your experience as a student. With the BlackBoard team I have designed a new layout for Blackboard which will have a separate Students’ Union tab with a subheading ‘Student Reps’. The ‘Student Reps’ tab will then hopefully link to a forum that students can interact with their student rep and each other within. This should hopefully help ensure all the feedback, both negative and positive, is taken seriously and listened to by the University. THOMAS RENHARD
Vice President — Community and Welfare
it has been a busy period on the Welfare front since the last Board of Trustees meeting in July. Our Networks have increased by approximately 34.8% from 23 to 31 over the summer period with two more looking likely to be setup over the next couple of weeks. This is double the number of Networks setup last year. So far the most successful of the new Networks has been the Postgraduate Network with 33
members with more work being done to encourage student in others and more. Networks membership has already increased to 1010 members (as of 10/10/13) compared with 550 members last year representing an approximate 83.6% increase in membership. This can largely be put down to the removal of the fee to join thanks to the funding allocated in the summer which has encouraged engagement and removed one of the biggest barriers to participation: joining fees. Looking towards Christmas I will be focussing more on the accommodation aspects of my manifesto by continuing to develop Halls Reps, research around student deposits and the development of a resource for accommodation campaigns, a proposal for a University of Bristol and Local Community partners through my role as Chair of the Student Community Partnership Group, a role seeking to improve student/resident relations and celebrate the contribution of students, our Unions and our Universities to this great city. Working with the vp Sports, we will be putting together a Sexual Health, Advice and Guidance Week (shag Week) to promote better Sexual Health and raise awareness of safe practices, availability of services in the local community as well as ensuring the campaign is diverse in its
UWE STUDENTS’ UNION THE SU PRESIDENTS: (L–R) HANNAH KHAN, CHRIS WHITE, CHARLIE ROPER, MEGAN EDMUNDS & TOM
support for different groups of students at our university. CHARLIE ROPER
President of the Students Union
over the past months I have been running a Hidden Course Cost Campaign which has been calling uwe to be fully transparent in how much you pay on top of your degree and to absorb essential costs within the tuition fee. So far, the campaign has been a huge success with students detailing how much they are required to spend on additional resources for their chosen course via the Students’ Union website and through talking to me on my campus tour with my big piggy bank. The results show that on average, you are paying £1149.39 on top of the tuition fee. The total costs accumulated through visiting all campuses and online entry came to a massive £403418.71 worth of hidden costs. It is so important you do jot have to worry financially whilst you study so the next steps for me will be to lobby the university to commit to full transparency making these costs visible to new students wishing to study here. I have been editing, writing and amending a paper for the Vice Chancellor’s Executive outlining what costs are being identified and what recommendations I have. This paper goes in for December.
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It costs a bomb
How uk-taxpayers fund the exportation of arms to questionable regimes… Continued from page 1
Britain’s arms interests date back to the 19th century. In 1854, industrialist William Armstrong won a British government contract to export weapons around the world. Until this point, the major imperial powers had self-sufficiency in arms production and, until this time, had little interest in supplying other nations over which they ruled. In the 21st
billion in arms exports in 21 months leading up to the humanitarian disaster. An mp select committee, the Commons’ Committee on Arms Export Controls, admitted Britain’s arms sales to Libya constituted a “dirty secret” of which ministers successively “misjudged the risk.” Subsequently, the uk “vigorously backpedalled,” and revoked 156
The end of the cold war has brought about a substantial reduction in the production of arms; yet it remains a huge industry, still. century, however, it is the United States who is the key player in defence manufacturing; spending more than the rest of the world combined, its defence bill in 2011 came to $711 billion. Post-ww2 and post-Cold War, the 20th century witnessed an unprecedented rise in the demand for arms. Security of the state became of utmost importance in a world struggling for stability. Many states understood security as a national issue and sought to be militarily stronger than their neighbours. The end of the cold war has brought about a substantial reduction in the production of arms; yet it remains a huge industry, still. Campaigns against the arms trade have typically focused on the legality of the sale of arms to a variety of countries that are likely to use them against their own people. Libya, a recent ‘high-profile’ case, was dramatically armed in the build-up to its civil conflict. British ministers approved £2.3
Western Eye 11.13 – Issue 03
NEWS
the Libyan intelligence services. The attack, which happened on Paris-bound jet, took place over Niger and resulted in the death of all 170 passengers. Bush then signed the Libyan Claims Resolution Act 2008, which invalidated the compensation awarded to the victims. Controversy also surrounds UK taxpayers’ involvement in the arms industry. uk Export Finance (ukef), previously known as Export Credits Guarantee Department, is an independent government department responsible to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills. The practice, which predominantly supports the arms industry, underwrites contracts with overseas buyers who may fail to pay or who make payments late. According to Campaign Against the Arms Trade (caat), the questionable practice heightened in 2006-07, when 42% of all export credits were for military contracts. That entire 42% was for a BAE contract for arms sales to Saudi
Underwriting fell 2008-09, when ukef military underwriting constituted just 1%. However, backing for further military contracts soared again in 2012/13; with export credit guarantees including £2 billion worth of cover for bae Eurofighter Typhoons to a dictatorship regime in Oman. caat have also highlighted previous sovereign debt acquired through the ukef scheme for projects with Mubarak’s Eygpt, Galtieri’s Argentina and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. David Cameron is currently looking to increase demand in the UK economy with exportled growth. Arms exportation is a key part of this. He recently described uk exports to the Gulf as “entirely legitimate.” In 2012, on a three-day tour in the Middle East to promote bae Eurofighter Typhoons to the United Arab Emirates (uae), Cameron rebuffed critics unhappy with Britain’s involvement in arms exportation, saying discussions with uae and Saudi Arabia showed “respect and friendship.” Amnesty International demands that any contract in the Middle East must come with “watertight guarantees” that they will not be used to commit human rights violations. Amnesty International uk’s head of policy and government
licenses to the Middle Eastern region after the Arab Spring. It was, of course, too late. Thousands of peaceful protesters were brutalised by their governments using weapons built by British companies. The uk, under Blair, developed warmer diplomatic relations with Colonel Gaddafi, long after the Lockerbie bombing. The media, at the time, questioned whether the release of the Lockerbie bomber was a condition of a £400 million arms Cameron rebuffed critics unhappy with deal with the Libyan govern- Britain’s involvement in arms exportation, ment; something which Blair saying discussions with uae and Saudi vehemently denies. Details surrounding the Arabia showed “respect and friendship.” Blair-Gaddafi relationship have raised eyebrows for years now. Revelations have continued to Arabia. bae systems, the largest affairs Allan Hogarth, highlights unfold recently. An email obtained company to exhibit at uwe’s alleged concerns regarding the enforceby the Sunday Telegraph in August ‘arms fair’, have also been the centre ment of this, stating, “Saudi revealed that Blair approached of legal cases for corruption and Arabia has been the recipient George W Bush, to intervene in a subsequently have been fined for of record-breaking arms deals us court case. The court initially illegal practices. The company’s involving the uk, yet these have awarded £1 billion of compen- practices have been described by been highly secretive and there’s sation to the relatives of seven judges and magistrates as “aston- been little or no follow-up over Americans killed in the attack by ishing” and “sophisticated”. how the weaponry was used.”
Board of Trustees report UWE STUDENTS’ UNION
news@westerneye.net
the board of trustees contains five elected officer trustees and two student trustees, whose role is to ensure that all decisions are made with the best interests of students at heart and that uwesu is serving its members to the best of its ability. The Board also has up to five external independent trustees, these are voluntary positions filled by people who have knowledge and experience in one or some areas. One of our student trustees awaits ratification by this agm, since Chris Nicholls has stepped down from the Board.
Strategic Plan
The Board are currently preparing to implement and support our new 2013-2017 strategic plan. This is made up of three main aims, these are: representing your voice, giving you opportunity and building your communities. This plan will give us a strong and clear path to lead uwe Students’ Union forward in order to make a difference to your life here. New Students’ Union Building
It’s important that you have a space to engage with opportunity outside of your degree. This is why the Board are working to make sure the new Students’ Union building is the best it can
be. We have agreed to contribute finances to the new building to support the development. Diversifying the Board
A small group are currently working on recruiting two new external trustees. Not only does this give knowledge and skill to the Board, but it fills every position to make it full. We aim to diversify the Board in order to obtain a wide range of opinion and stimulate enough scrutiny of the Union’s activity. Other Notable Decisions
The Board have also; © Appointed the Returning Officer for uwesu Elections, © Reviewed and agreed uwesu accounts
© Reviewed uwesu’s Risk Management documents © Agreed uwesu’s pension provider for auto enrolment We will continue to work hard with these priorities. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is on the 12th December 2013. Board of Trustees Ratification of the Student Trustees. Anthony Harding – Bio Medical Science A sub-committee of the Board of Trustees advertised the vacant student trustee position and interviewed 4 candidates. Their recommendation to the full Board of Trustees was to appoint Anthony Harding, this was accepted at the June 2013 meeting.
UWE Students’ Union annual accounts Accounts from 2012/13 UWE STUDENTS’ UNION
news@westerneye.net
the union has made a surplus this year of £135,960, against a budgeted surplus of £25,100. It should be noted that £73,254 of that surplus has been generated by the clubs, societies and networks and will be spent by them in the next year or two. The principal funding sources are the Block Grant from the University of £840,800, the surplus generated from the Union’s trading activities and the income raised by the individual clubs, societies and networks. There was a reduction of £44,300 (5.0%) in the Block Grant, also the trading surplus, pre overhead charges decreased by 17% to £201,678. This year we continued to generate significant income of £93,115 from the Sports & Societies Fees and the charge for members playing in busc competitions. The overall result was an increase in income from that area of £24,922. Added to which were increases in income generated by the individual clubs, societies and networks of £114,084. On the expenditure side there was an increase in expenditure of £151,214. The non-trading staffing costs have increased by £59,694 (5.6%) and non-staff expenditure by £91,520 (9.8%). However it should be noted that overall the non-trading expenditure was underspent on the budget by £5,688. Capital expenditure was kept to a minimum in the expectation that the Union would be moving into a new building. The overall expenditure was £41,851 with the only major cost being £18,687 spent on the refurbishment of the bar at the St. Matthias campus. The Union is building up a capital reserve and the cash to go with it in the expectation that when the Union has a new building it will be necessary to invest in that building. The present level of funding is sufficient to support the charity’s activities and the trustees consider the financial position of the Union to be good. The Union has set a target for 2013/14 of a surplus of £6,300, pre the contribution from the nursery and movement on the club, society and network withdrawals and we are confident of achieving that budget. The final report and accounts are available on the web at: WWW.UWESU.ORG/UNION/ FINANCIAL-REPORTS
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Western Eye 11.13 — Issue 03
Grow a mo: hair to get men chatting about their health CHARLOTTE SEXAUER
news@westerneye.net
movember is back, and with it the stubbles, sweat and tears of more than a million men worldwide growing a moustache raising awareness and fundraising for men’s health. Now a global movement, Movember started in Australia in 2003 when two mates decided to bring the moustache, or Mo, back. Inspired by a friend’s mum who was fundraising for breast cancer, they decided to charge others to take part in the challenge, which quickly became a successful fundraising tool. In the uk last year, more
than 363,000 people took part in Movember, raising almost £27 million. Here, the charity’s partnerships with Prostate Cancer uk and the Institute of Cancer Research (icr) helps fund research and develop support programs for men living with prostate cancer and their families. The uwe Students’ Union is supporting the movement with its own Mo-growing fundraising team and collection tins on the bar. Charlie Roper, su President highlighted the importance for all to get involved: The Students’ Union think that Movember is a great way to raise money for a very good cause, and
an excellent opportunity which is really easy for students and staff to get involved with! Beyond the funds, it’s also awareness and education Movember is concerned with. Growing a new moustache sparks conversations on topics men aren’t always openly talking about. Gary Walker is taking part in Movember for the second time and said it’s a fun way to get chatting to people: I work in an office with around 200 people, and commute to work every day. Growing the moustache and showing you’re not afraid to look silly or laugh at yourself breaks down barriers. I’ve had lots
ROB MCPHILLIPS MOVEMBER
of conversations with people on the train and at work as a result of Movember. If just a few of those conversations result in us talking about male-specific cancers, of which awareness and funding is far, far lower than other forms of cancer, then my 30 days of looking like Geoff from Biker Grove will have been worth it… Girls have been getting involved too, with the Mo Sistas
Bonfire night VERITY ROGERS
news@westerneye.net
everyone knows that Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, is to celebrate (or to commiserate?) the prevention of the Gunpowder Plot. However, the exact details have been blurred over time with questions being raised about validity of the presented story. The death of Elizabeth I in 1603 had raised English Catholics’ hopes that they would be treated better by her successor, James I. When this did not happen, a group of men started to plot. Guy Fawkes was not the only one who conspired to blow up Parliament. The leader of the plotters was Robert Catesby,
and there were 12 other plotters. Thomas Wintour, Jack Wright and Thomas Percy were the first recruited. And later Guy Fawkes, Robert Wintour, Christopher Wright, Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, Francis Tresham and Everard Digby joined. The familiar story is that they hid 36 barrels of gunpowder under parliament, but there are questions about the feasibility of this. Several of the conspirators were already known to the government as traitors and their movements were watched. How exactly were they able to get hold of such a large amount of explosives and place them under parliament without anyone noticing?
RUSSEL N10 FIREWORKS OVER THE LONDON SKYLINE
The key to the plot’s discovery has also come under scrutiny. On October 26th 1605, Lord Monteagle supposedly received a letter from a plotter having doubts, warning him to stay away from parliament on November 5th. However, none of the plotters admitted to writing the letter, although having written it may have been enough to avoid
execution. The letter also failed to give specific details that would lead to the plot being discovered. There is also the suggestion that the plot was used to justify continuing anti-Catholic repression. Nevertheless, on November 5th, Guy Fawkes was discovered under the Houses of Parliament with the gun powder and arrested.
showing support to their moustache-growing friends, and encouraging discussion and helping fundraising. In 2012, campaigns were run in 21 countries and raised over £92 million, but Movember is only the first step: the conversation shouldn’t stop when the Mos get shaven in December. For more information on Movember and men’s health, go to: WWW.UK.MOVEMBER.COM
Four of the other conspirators were killed before being captured, but eight were tried and sentenced to death for treason. So, why over 400 years later do we all stand outside in the cold and light bonfires, burn a ‘Guy’, and set off fireworks? On the night that the plot was stopped, bonfires were set to celebrate the safety of the King. And to ensure that it was remembered, an Act of Parliament was passed appointing November 5th as a day of thanksgiving. Although the act only remained in force until 1859, Bonfire Night had already become ingrained as tradition. Even now the reigning monarch only enters parliament once a year for the “State Opening of Parliament”, and before they do, the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars under Westminster for any present day plotters.
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Western Eye 11.13 – Issue 03
COMMENT — OPINION AND TOPICAL DEBATE
Femen; ‘soldiers of feminism’ or attention grabbing opportunists? Ukrainian led Femen propose new age for Feminism with British expansion JANEETH DEVGUN
comment@westerneye.net
controversial feminist group Femen have grabbed headlines once more in the past month with a radical topless demonstration in support of a campaign to allow women in Saudi Arabia to drive cars. Stripping off their clothes and chanting slogans outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Berlin, the ‘sextremists’, as the organisation likes to call their members, caused quite a disturbance in their efforts to show support and solitude for an earlier demonstration in the week by Saudi Arabian women who openly drove cars throughout the streets in protest of the ban. This topless protest is becoming quite a regular feature of Femen’s tactics to combat patriarchy. On the official website, the organisation describes itself as ‘fighting patriarchy in its three manifestations – the sexual exploitation of women, dictatorship and religion’. The organisation has protested at various events; the Nina Ricci Fashion show, St Peter’s Square and Quebec’s National Assembly, to name just a few. However, the
trademark of the group is becoming not of their successful action plan to combat various issues regarding women’s rights, but rather their inability to protest with their clothes on, and without vivacious messages daubed across their body. Is this attention grabbing and media savvy? Yes. It is effective in initiating government policy change? Unlikely. The organisation, which boasts that it aims to ‘break the patriarchal system with our breasts’ is slowly becoming recognised for being more of a joke than for political action. Their shock tactics
FEMEN JAVIERRLDN
are often seen as undermining what they are trying to achieve and ‘topless action’ has faced criticism from other feminist groups. It has however, brought campaigning for women’s rights to the front of media attention, but it is difficult to pinpoint whether this is because of their innovative nudist tactics or if they are succeeding in their goal of destroying the sexist view of women’s bodies. For me, it is unfortunate that the message Femen are trying to put across gets lost in their vibrant media display as many of the results of their protests are
quite heart-breaking. Influential member Shevchenko, having been consistently harassed by tourists for sex, joined the organisation to fight against objectifying the female body. However, there have been many reports of beatings and sexual harassment of Femen campaigners. In Belarus in 2011, the group stated that three Femen Activists were blindfolded, taken to a forest, doused with oil and made to strip. They were then threatened with being set on fire, and a knife was used to cut their hair. The right to protest is a natural feature of democracy, and no matter what tactics the organisation uses, surely they should not be treated in such revolting a manner. Another big hit to public confidence in Femen has been the discovery that the organisation was masterminded by a man, Viktor Svyatski. The organisation maintains that although he was the founder of the organisation, he was not the creator of their topless strategy, but this has faced scepticism from many media outlets. Alongside this, it has not gone unnoticed that many Femen activists embody beauty norms more familiar in porn and pop stardom. They preach women’s independence, yet can
be criticised for not being sensitive to the ‘modesty’ values of Muslim feminists. The majority of them are tall, blonde, slim and extremely good looking. I cannot help but feel that alongside excluding Muslim feminists, they also exclude other Feminists that are unlike them. And now the ‘sextremist’ organisation is expanding to British soil, aiming to make it the 11th country with an active Femen base. Shevchenko has recently issued a statement saying ‘The streets of London will be occupied by our naked bodies painted with our political demands and our colourful flower crowns. Feminism is coming back on the street.’ Personally, I doubt that Femen will be as successful in Britain as it has been in other countries. British women are traditionally viewed as being reserved, and many I know are reluctant to go topless even on a sunbed - let alone in front of the Houses of Parliament. I agree that sometimes the most successful campaigns are the most radical, but when it can undermine the severity of the issue that you are standing for, I think maybe; it should be toned down a notch.
The public life of private information
Discussing the ever increasing revelations about the power national governments hold in the name of ‘security’ NATHANIEL BROWN
comment@westerneye.net
imagine if you will, a person who does not appear on any friends list on Facebook; whom you have not ‘accepted as a friend’ or ‘allowed access to your information’ but who saves every photo, every status, poke and tag that you add. This is akin to the way in which intelligence agencies such as the National Security Agency (nsa) or the uk’s own Government Communications Headquarters (gchq) collect data. They unscrupulously save mass quantities of personal data under the guise of ‘security’ measures. Both children and adults have been told to be wary of how we act on the internet, but unfortunately in this day and age, wariness may not be enough.
Recently it has emerged that the aforementioned agencies have engaged in intercepting data from huge online companies such as Google, Yahoo, Skype, Apple and Microsoft. Those sites, which are often perceived as the safest and strongest around, are the main targets for espionage activity. Espionage is defined in its simplest form as the ‘organised theft of information’. Therefore when the nsa taps into fibre optic cables and intercepts data being sent to and from computers; they are committing espionage. This isn’t small-time spying like James Bond might do; every day gchq saves 21 petabytes of information – 1 petabyte is roughly equivalent to 13 years of hd video. The scale at which information is being collected is astounding.
We know that what we post the mark regarding an acceptable online is, to some degree, avail- invasion of privacy. able to all internet users. The We are reaching a point at issues arise over how government which we need to re-assess how agencies are collecting and using far governments can intrude this information. Most surveil- into the private lives of citizens. lance activity is legitimised by Currently, security agencies security. Government agencies have almost unhindered access claim that they gather informa- to information at a global scale. tion to protect citizens from both However, a recent online poll by internal and external threats. Angus Reid suggests that only The scale of data collection 7% of the British public support however, seems disproportion- information being used as the ate to the threat of terrorism; government pleases. More pertifurthermore, it stretches a lot nently, only 33% agreed that wider than immediate suspects. governments should be allowed For example, many diplomats to collect data ‘strictly for secuhave been targeted – does the rity/anti-terrorism purposes’. USA regard Angela Merkel, the The majority of people in the German Chancellor as a terrorist? aforementioned poll view Edward Does saving a copy of the photos Snowden ‘as a hero’ (60%). He from a party constitute an act of has taken a vital role in declaring national security? It is difficult to how agencies share data, infildraw the line but many agree that trate ‘secure’ systems, engage in we are presently overstepping ‘backdoor’ access with software
NSA LOGO
companies and work towards breaking all levels of encryption. We have to ask the question here; do our governments work for us or against us? In this case it would seem the latter. The winds of change are in the air; only time will tell if these agencies will be one day held to account, or whether they are allowed to roam free of public will.
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COMMENT
Western Eye 11.13 — Issue 03
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Again
the shopping, cooking, hoovering of pine-needles and peeling of spuds on Christmas Day with this constant pained look on her face. This continues until she cracks a diplomatic smile as she is praised for her Christmas turkey like a child who has just painted a picture of the nativity. Yet, this wasn’t what angered me the most. It is when she finally sits down at the end of the day with a glass of wine and is met with the question: ‘What’s for tea?’ from her totally incompetent husband. Oh, all hail the household-slave! Nonetheless, It can be argued that not all Christmas adverts are that bad. The two minute long John Lewis advert consisting of M&S BELIEVE IN MAGIC & SPARKLE ‘Watership Down’ style cartoon animals with Lily Allen singing Keane’s ’Somewhere Only We Know’ is rather pleasant. The song choice isn’t particularly imaginative or interesting; however, I suppose we should be thankful that we aren’t bombarded with cheery Christmas songs just yet. All in all, John Lewis Christmas JOHN LEWIS THE BEAR AND THE HARE ads tend to be more tasteful, charming and thankfully don’t And of course, Christmas harass you to buy a bag that your is prime time for those good sister probably won’t even like. old family-role stereotypes to As a nation, I don’t believe we come out. According to most are naturally Scrooges; we love a supermarkets, mums spend the good old knees-up and a mince pie. whole of the Christmas season Nonetheless, as years have gone slaving over a stove or shop- by, I think the advertising indusping for more turkey while the try has slowly but surely crumpled husband sits back and watches our spirits. Unfortunately, it rubbish TV. Last year’s Asda doesn’t stop; we still have those advert is a depressing example; January sale ads on Christmas Day the mum appears to be doing all to look forward to…
Battle of the Christmas ads commences, even earlier than last year TESS HENDERSON
comment@westerneye.net
so it’s that time of year again. We are already being bombarded with Christmas ads and pretty much 99% of our cynical British population dread it (the other 1% most likely listen to ‘I wish it could be Christmas every day’…every day). Perhaps this
cynicism is for a good reason. As the first term races to a close we still have work, deadlines and other pressures and the last thing we want to think about it what the hell we’re getting our mum for Christmas. It seems that as the years have rolled by, Christmas adverts have not only come earlier, but have evolved into something far
JENSTARZYNSKI FESTIVE SPIRIT
more flamboyant and Hollywoodesque. For example, this year’s Marks and Spencer’s advert is two and a half minutes long. It shows Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley as our protagonist delving through a fairytale land in which she takes on the roles of Alice in Wonderland, Jasmine from Aladdin and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. They even let Helena Bonham Carter in on the act as the Wizard (which frankly, I loved). Nonetheless, it definitely felt like forced advertisement as ‘Alice’ fell through the supposed ‘rabbit hole’ in nothing but sexy lingerie. Alongside this, the ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea-Party’ consisted of various purses and bags with ‘love me’ labels on them. Of course companies have to do what they can to advertise their products, I’m not disagreeing with that. I loved the bag that Rosie stole from the tea party and I really wanted those red heels that she wore as Dorothy. Nonetheless, these Christmas adverts only wipe away any magic left in the seasonal holiday. By the time Christmas comes, we’re exasperated.
A quick fix for the stresses involved with dementia? Unfortunately with no cure currently available, how do we help those suffering in the here and now? SOPHIE EVANS
comment@westerneye.net
last month saw uwe host the Bristol Research into Alzheimer’s and Care of the Elderly (brace) charity Dementia Debate. The event, chaired by Dr Jonathan Dimbleby and involving a varied panel including Dr Myra Conway, Associate Professor in Neuroscience and Dementia at uwe, was in the style of bbc Radio 4’s Any Questions? and was particularly topical given that Mental Health Awareness week at uwe was due to run the following week. Unlike many debates on dementia, brace aimed in this event to explore some of the questions less frequently asked. One of the most interesting questions brought up was: should we be doing more to make our environment easier to navigate for those
with dementia? And if so, what would this involve? Dementia, a neurodegenerative disease frequently assumed by many to be a natural part of ageing, is in fact pathological - meaning that the brain tissue wastes away and the functions carried out by the different areas of tissue are not preserved. It is no wonder that those unfortunate enough to carry the disease may undergo dramatic personality changes or forget how to make a cup of tea, given that current research indicates that neurotoxic proteins, such as ß-amyloid and tau tangles, destroy brain tissue irreversibly. There is no cure on the horizon for dementia, and many of the currently available treatments are only effective if started at the very beginning of symptom appearance. Though there are promising treatments
at different stages of clinical trials, this does not help those with the disease to deal with their vastly changing lives at the present. Positive Ageing Associates, a consultancy which concentrates on promoting positive approaches to ageing, suggest an answer to this almost rhetorical question. Mindfulness. A cure rapidly spreading through different areas of healthcare and also throughout society in general and one that has been seen to be successful in the treatment of other mental health conditions such as depression and eating disorders. Mindfulness can be applied to the stress that is encountered in day-to-day lifestyles. It assists in achieving calm and control over emotions. Mindfulness simply involves focusing on one aspect of life at a time; for example on your breathing or on walking or
K. KENDALL DEMENTIA
colouring, in order to calm the cacophony of thoughts that we tend to have at any one time. This is no easy feat! Those who persist and master the skill are then able to prevent the spiralling of stress and low mood that may accompany a particularly bad day, such as not being able to remember one’s way to the shops as a result of Alzheimer’s disease, or no longer being able to drive a car. Although this would not be the obvious answer to making our communities ‘dementia-friendly’, it may be even more important than the current methods of illustrating text with symbols. This research by Positive Ageing
Associates could be a huge leap in the current treatment of dementia; although it does not prevent the progression of the disease, it has the potential to maximise quality of life of the thousands of people diagnosed each year. In all of its applications mindfulness introduces the possibility to find some light in a dark place, and its use in the care of those with dementia is a long awaited step forward. Bemindful.co.uk offers the opportunity to test your stress levels and see what mindfulness can do for you; the webcast of the brace Dementia Debate is available on their website for those that missed out on tickets to the event.
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COMMENT
Western Eye 11.13 – Issue 03
The day I auditioned for Star Wars WILL ANDERSON
comment@westerneye.net
“i auditioned for the lead in a Star Wars film”. This is what I will be telling my children at least, I thought on an incredibly cold morning in Bristol when I was trying to convince myself that it would all be worth it in the end. Days before I had heard that Disney would be holding open auditions for the leads in the new Star Wars film and I was excited. I’ve been a Star Wars fan all my life; I fondly recall when I was younger and how my Dad and I would spend nights in watching the original trilogy. Despite my dislike of the prequels I’m looking forward to the new films. After all, how much worse can Star Wars get? I was planning to go down to the Arnolfini on Sunday, the second day of the auditions, at around 9 when I get a phone call from my friend Zack. “Will we have to go down at around 4 in the morning tomorrow if we want to be seen, people were getting turned away at 10 today”. My immediate thought was that no Jedi mind trick could convince me to go down that early, but when he told me he would be
WWW.MIRROR.CO.UK FANS SHELTER UNDER UMBRELLAS AS THEY WAIT FOR AUDITIONS
going regardless, I couldn’t let handsome man aged 19-23”) and him go down on his own so we Steph, a costume designer at found ourselves queuing at 4:30 the Bristol Old Vic who was the only one smart enough to bring in the morning. In the queue Zack and I made a blanket (auditioning for the friends with Lloyd. He was an “street-smart and strong girl in original trilogy fan like myself her late teens”). The five of us passed the doing a pgce in Swansea, “I keep seeing some of my students hours by talking about films and here” he confessed. Ben was an guessing what would happen at aspiring actor from Falmouth the audition, our spirits gradand matched the description ually getting damper. Efforts Disney put out best (“An athletic, by some in the queue to start
singing were quashed almost the picture?” (My Partner Alice) immediately. Fortunately at “Why are you here?” (I like Star around 8 o’ clock someone Wars). In total it lasted around emerged from the Arnolfini 45 seconds before I was told they and announced they would be would be in touch, same for letting people in at 9 not 11 as Zack and everyone else I spoke planned. At around 10:30 I audi- to. Later I found out people were tioned. I strode up to one of the told if they had a call back on the 5 people sitting behind desks, day but I wasn’t disheartened, handed over my hastily prepared me and one of my best friends headshot and I was asked a few had auditioned for the lead in a questions. “Had I acted before?” Star Wars film and watched the (no), “Who is that with you in (single) sun come up.
Western Eye 10.13 — Issue 02
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SCICENCE AND TECHNOLOGY — UWE FACULTY AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
The Forecast For Gaming: Cloudy Joy to the world! The next generation of consoles is upon us and, as usual, they promise to be both the future of entertainment and the enemy of productivity. Perhaps this time, though, their days are numbered. JULIAN VALLANCE scitech@westerneye.net
November heralds the next round of the console wars and a fight to the death to occupy the ‘most wanted’ slot at the top of gamers’ Christmas list. Xbox One is unleashed on Friday 22nd November and Playstation 4 following on 29th. In the UK the Xbox One takes the title of the more expensive console with a heavy weight price of £429, while the PS4 comes in at a lighter £349. The Xbox One includes Kinect 2 , however, gamers will have to dig deep for a PS4 camera which is released as a
separate accessory at £44. Sony and Microsoft have been fighting hard to gain the public’s affection, trading blows in a war of words that has seen Microsoft struggling to keep up amidst a publicity campaign which has seen some dramatic U-turns in marketing strategy. When first announced, Xbox One created a whirlwind of internet fury by demanding that gamers have a constant online connection and would not be able to play second hand games. In June this year, Don Mattrick, the ex-President of Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, announced that an internet connection
wouldn’t be required and that Xbox One would support second hand ‘trade in’ games. Mattrick left Microsoft shortly after the announcement after his notorious comment that if gamers didn’t like the new console they could play on the eight year old Xbox 360 console instead. The release of Call of Duty: Ghosts sparked a new controversy around the graphical capability of Xbox One. Mark Rubin, Executive Producer at Infinity Ward, the company behind Ghosts, confirmed on Twitter that the PS4 version would run at a native graphical resolution of 1080p, while the Xbox One will
Kessler Versus Gravity: Revenge of the Space Junk
High above the Earth, the rubbish from a hundred space missions is floating around and around in serene peace. Or is it? ALEX HALE
scitech@westerneye.net
Kessler Syndrome is the big bad guy in the recently released 3D sci-fi movie extravaganza Gravity. As Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) finds out to her peril, this syndrome is actually a space agency’s worst nightmare that could mean the end of all current and future space missions. This is not a Hollywood-created fictional catastrophe, and it may already be happening. Imagine the space around the earth; it’s filled with man-made objects. Since humans started
going to space half a century ago, we have sent up more than 2,500 satellites and filled the rest of the area with a veritable smorgasbord of space junk like nose-cones, rocket bodies, hatch covers and other odds and ends. The US Strategic Command is tracking more than 13,000 pieces of space junk larger than 10cm and has suggested that there could be more than a million bits of debris larger than a marble. This may not sound too bad but when the average speed of objects in low earth orbit (closer than 1,200 miles to earth) is about 20,000mph, a hunk of metal 10cm across could
punch a fairly substantial hole in just about anything. Near misses and minor damage are a fairly regular occurrence for the space going communities of the world; NASA reports a few near misses to their satellites every year. So what would happen if a satellite were to be hit by a particularly large piece of debris? Or worse, two defunct and uncontrolled satellites were to collide? This would create a huge cloud of debris that could endanger many others. A domino effect could spread throughout low earth orbit, destroying anything in its path and creating an impassable
run it at a lower 720p resolution. Microsoft’s Phil Spencer defended the Xbox One by saying that users “play the games not the resolution.” Despite a troubled marketing build up to launch, the Xbox One still has a few aces up its sleeve. Forza 5, a highly respected racing franchise title, and Ryse: Son of Rome, an action adventure game,are Xbox One exclusives and showcasing impressive nextgen graphical capabilities. Next year will also herald the next instalment of Microsoft’s historically successful gaming franchise. Both the PS4 and Xbox One will come with built in Blu-ray Players and are being marketed as all-in-one entertainment systems. Currently, with a launch just weeks away it is too close to call who will win this epic battle of the console titans and, as with previous consoles, it may well will be the games themselves that decide the victor. With all this talk of Microsoft versus Sony you may be asking where Nintendo is in all of this? Unfortunately, its current Wii U console is struggling to win the affection of the gaming community, who have their eyes firmly set on next-gen gaming power. Without Blu-ray to entice TV and film audiences, Nintendo will continue to struggle to find an audience for their flagship console. Respected game analyst Shun Tanaka commented that the Wii U was ‘Not as good as
we had originally expected.’ Whoever wins, both Sony and Microsoft are all too aware of challenges from other heavyweights in the gaming arena. Smart phones have seen huge gains in graphical and interface capabilities that have drawn on an audience outside the hardcore gaming realm. Smart phone users can download games for a fraction of the price of console titles and play on the move. Along with smart phones, the increase in internet speeds has seen Cloud-based gaming enter the ring. Cloud gaming gives users direct and on-demand streaming of games onto a variety of devices. This allows gaming on a level where the graphical powers of PC and consoles are unimpeded and in essence will mean even faster leaps in graphical magic. Like with so much technology, the gaming world is a fast moving and evolving creature with many exciting capabilities. Sony, Xbox and Nintendo are not the only players on the field anymore as cloud gaming won’t be tied down to a console, and smart phones offer accessibility to all. The consumer is spectating on a gladiatorial battle that will offer them a diversity never seen before in the industry, and where they make the killer decision. Now it is not a question of ‘who’ will reign victorious in the gaming world but ‘what’.
cloud of hyper-speed bullets surrounding the earth. Satellites that would be affected include spy satellites, weather systems, space stations and some communications satellites (the majority of communication satellites usually hang out at around 22,000 miles from earth so, unlike in the film, they wouldn’t be at risk. Don’t panic, your Facebook selfies are safe). The debris would all burn up in the atmosphere eventually, but that could take a hundred years, and you can forget about leaving Earth for the moon or Mars in that time. Surely, though, this is just a worst case scenario? Well NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler, who proposed the theory in 1978, has said that “the cascade process can be more accurately thought of as continuous and as already started, where each collision or explosion in orbit slowly results in an increase in the frequency of future collisions.” Even astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, whose jokey criticisms of Gravity’s science are well publicised, agrees that “The film #Gravity depicts a scenario of catastrophic satellite destruction that can actually happen.” It’s all well and good attempting to predict these apocalyptic events, but what’s being done about it? In Gravity, the whole thing is set off by the Russians blowing up one of their
disused satellites (don’t worry, I haven’t ruined the film for you, this happens in the first five minutes) and this is a technique that was tried briefly in the real world. Of course, it caused fears that what the film illustrates so well would actually happen. The best way to deal with the big bits, like old satellites, would be to send a rocket up there to tow them to a safe area, whether that be back to Earth or out into deeper space where they can’t hurt anything. Other methods suggested include using disintegrating lasers, recycling the junk into new satellites or using the elegantly named CleanSpace One project to grapple the pieces together into a big ball and pull them back to earth. So Gravity may not depict Kessler Syndrome perfectly, and the keen eyed physics students amongst you may notice a few other minor errors. In the end, though, the film is fiction and these are all in service to the story. In reality, an astronaut’s day doesn’t make great spectator sport and you can’t blame the director for throwing in a few scientific discrepancies to get your heart racing. It certainly works: shot through with a core of hard science, Gravity defines heart racing, spectacle cinema.
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Western Eye 10.13 – Issue 02
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE UNIVERSE IS LARGE. EXPLORING MARS
Mars Awaits Across The Void
Humans are explorers, we have always been explorers, and the next ocean to be crossed is the empty expanse of space.
MARS - 15 ASHLEY DALE
JAMES RILEY
scietech@westerneye.net
The Universe is large, very large. And it is sad that we seldom take the time to gaze up into the night sky and think about those tiny specks of light. We rarely lift our eyes above the horizontal and stare into the seemingly infinite distance which expands above us. Most of those specks in that vast dark stretch are unreachable for now, and perhaps forever, but some of those luminescent islands are far closer, and far more reachable, than we appreciate. Throughout human history,
when humans reached the geographical limits imposed by nature we developed technology which would carry us further than our bodies ever could. We reached the river and we developed the raft, we reached the sea and we developed the boat, we reached the ocean and we developed the ship. Now, a new ocean stretches before us, made not of water but of void, and we must develop a craft to take us to the distant shores of a true ‘New World’. Mars, known as the ‘Red Planet’, is one of those specks which we can see from Earth. Not only can we see that planet, but
we have sent spacecraft there over twenty times in the last fifty years. Not all these missions were landing missions, some just orbited the planet, but over twenty times in our recent history we have flown a manmade vessel to another world. The vessel was manmade, but no man or woman attended. No human eyes have ever directly seen the landscape of another planet; no human feet have ever stood upon alien ground. Technologically, we can clearly reach our closest planetary neighbour, so why have we not visited? Ashley Dale, based at the
University of Bristol, is one person who has experienced the kind of conditions which people who travel to Mars may encounter. The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) is a research initiative which aims to develop the knowledge which we need to allow humans to survive on Mars’ surface. Imagine waiting 10 minutes in a simulated airlock, then stepping out of the MDRS onto the red Utah desert, being unable to see any signs of life apart from your crew members, all of whom are dressed in prototype space suites. Dale and the other five members
spent two weeks researching, experimenting and living as if they were a crew on Mars. Not only did they carry out various geological and biological experiments, they also tested prospective Martian foods, Dale remarked: “I never realised how much I could miss chewing.” “Being cooped up with five other people who were all passionate about the same things that I am passionate about was amazing … but being that close can take its toll. There is no real sense of privacy. The module is 10m in diameter, and if you aren’t in eye shot of somebody you are
Western Eye 10.13 — Issue 02
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
MARS - 6 ASHLEY DALE
certainly in ear shot,” he told the WesternEye. “I think the biggest unknown with going to Mars is the psychological aspect. I didn’t really pay too much attention to it when I first got involved. I was thinking: we need to transform the atmosphere and produce enough food, but that’s just technicalities, we can work that all out. With psychology, how people will react, we really don’t know that much.” In the last two weeks of January next year, Dale will be returning to the desert to head a new mission, this time as the crew Commander. This isn’t just a chance to have a nice two-week holiday in the American sun, during the mission the crew will be trial running a 2-meter tall Canadian Space Agency rover and a solar-powered drone, built to fly in the thin Martian atmosphere. At the start of this year Dale sent requests to UK universities asking for participation, not just for crew members but also for potential research projects to conduct during the mission. “I wanted to get the UK involved in MDRS,” explains Dale. “The other big European countries are involved, but the UK just doesn’t seem to be interested.” The space industry is vastly important and people must understand the impact that space technology has had on our daily lives. The Apollo missions gave us wireless headsets, flame-resistant clothing, memory foam, dialysis machines, Mylar insulation, freeze-dried foods and scratch resistant lenses; not forgetting the developments in the microprocessor and integrated circuit technology, helping to usher in a
new age of civilisation. It wasn’t just the direct impact of the Apollo technology which was important; it was how it changed the attitudes of the USA, and the world as a whole. “The impact the Apollo program had on the kids of the US was incred ible,” says Dale. “The number of students going into science and technology based subjects doubled.” On the 5th November, the Indian Space Research Organisation sent their first mission to Mars. The Mars Orbiter Mission, affectionately abbreviated to MOM, has sparked a fierce debate about whether India should be spending so much money on space exploration when they have crippling domestic issues. But Ashley Dale doesn’t think the program is a negative thing at all: “I think it’s excellent that India has started sending missions to Mars. They really are going to inspire a generation of youngsters – millions of kids! And don’t forget, a lot of the time, when you spend money up there you really do learn a lot and you reap the benefits of that, down here! Our government needs to follow suit, when you look at our budget, compared to military spending, space is non-existent” “The technology on board the Indian mission is pretty interesting. The piece I’m most excited about is the methane detector. Because we know there is seasonal methane release methane on Mars, and we know methane is either produce by life, or by geological processes. So to map this phenomenon more specifically will provide us with further clues as to whether this
phenomenon is produced by life on Mars,” explained Dale. Finding life on another world, one that is adjacent to our own, would infinitely expand our expectations and predictions about the rarity of life in the universe. Can you put a price on the answer to the question: are we alone? “If we found life there and we confirmed it developed independently of life on earth then it begs the question, does life follow the same path everywhere? Is RNA and DNA based life the norm, or is this just one thread in the vast tapestry of what life could be?” Dale told the WesternEye.
MARS - 2 ASHLEY DALE
Space exploration is not just important, it is essential. The cultural and technological advancement that follows developments in space technology has shaped the era in which we now live. The technology for a manned mission to Mars is here, we have it now, what we don’t have is the political will to go. Why did we go to the moon? We went because of the Cold War. America and Russia wanted to show each other, in a spectacularly ostentatious politico-erotic way, who had the biggest stick. Now that we don’t have that political standoff, and the situation is slightly more relaxed, we
have no political will for a manned mission to Mars. But it should not be a venture undertaken due to the whim of a ruling class, it is a venture undertaken for humanity. Life cannot grow indefinitely on a finite world. To explore and to expand is to live; to stop and to settle is to stagnate and die. It is pathetic, to think that at this point in the development of our species –a species which has thrived and depended upon exploration throughout history— we are not taking the next logical step; we are not crossing the next vast ocean which expands before us.
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Western Eye 10.13 – Issue 02
MU S I C A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT — THE LATEST ON CURRENT MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT SOPHIE SEDDON
assistantmusic@westerneye.net
Last year’s Mercury Prize shortlist was criticised for being to obscure Aside from Ben Howard and Plan B, the majority of the nominees were outside the public’s usual artists, and was suggested that the Barclaycard Mercury Prize was a little pretentious. Last year’s winners Alt-J were seen by many critics as a predictable move to further ostracize the Mercury’s from mainstream awards such as the BRITs. The Mercury Prize is traditionally won by unlikely artists who are more diverse and a little different from mainstream acts.
dewy vocal tones are beautiful; his words linger over the demented electro beats while piano riffs pulsate in the background as though the ground is shaking in aftershock. The ad hoc spontaneity demonstrates the warped genre that Blake has created for himself. His music doesn’t fit into any boundaries, it is one all its own. A true dark horse, of course, this year’s winner was always destined to be him. The titular track, ‘Overgrown’, lures you into an uncomfortable slumber. Its gentle tapping of a drumbeat patters like rain on the window, his vocals seducing you to close your eyes, lulling you into a dreamlike reverie that you
which is interrupted by the steady clap of hands and suddenly throws you into a vocal-led track. As he pleads ‘I’ll wait, so show me why you’re strong, ignore everybody else, we’re alone now…’ you feel his steady persona crack, and yet maintains a reassuring presence to his listener. ‘Voyeur’ and ‘Our Love Comes Back’ are intensely heart-wrenching; the classical piano training of his younger years draws all your attention while he throws in random electronic outbursts to add a spacey dimension to an otherwise unusual record. Throughout the entire album, he is murmuring to you. Like someone whispering while you’re
James Blake: Unexpected winner of the Mercury Prize Sophie Seddon reviews the winner of this year’s most wanted music prize, and what this says about the current position of the Mercury Prize’s reputation.
HENRY LAURISCH MERCURY PRIZE JAMES BLAKE. MELT FESTIVAL
This year’s Mercury shortlist was no exception; it further demonstrated the award’s ability to create controversy no matter what. Those competing for the top prize included Arctic Monkeys to Rudimental and Disclosure to David Bowie among others. In a complete turnaround from last year many critics were claiming that it was now too safe. This year’s winner, 25-year-old James Blake, a previous nominee in 2011, showed why the award is still prestigious and highly sought. Amongst a shortlist of Radio Two top picks, mixed in with club anthems every weekend, the Mercury went to the one man who least expected it. However, if you have had the pleasure of listening to ‘Overgrown’, you’ll agree it was incredibly well deserved. His soft,
cannot be awoken from. ‘Life Round Here’ is a delightful treat with its repetitive beat pounding to his monotone vocals, which naturally balances itself to the sway of the body as the pulse of the rhythm reaches your ear, making movement automatic. It’s subtle, which would make you think twice about it being considered ‘catchy’. But that’s what it is. Demented, tortured, and yet beautiful. Take A Fall For Me’ is completely different yet again, breaking from the form of the rest of the album, with its heavy, slow bass and a deep vocal performance from RZA, and Blake’s classical piano almost non-existent. ‘Retrograde’ makes the album. Its lyrics are simply stunning, while the use of the piano dominates the track. His slow hum again leaves you feeling lethargic,
half asleep. It’s bizarre, and difficult to understand, and yet so ridiculously alluring. A hard listen, and yet you cannot resist the soft classic edge of his voice and piano with the sketchy electronica. It is simply breathtaking. Blake is not trying to be different; it is a reflection of him, how he feels, and what he wants out of his music. In effect, his artistry is what won him this award. It disproves that the Mercury is losing respect as the Man Booker or Turner Prize of the music world. Would there be room for Blake at the BRITs among the Jessie J’s, One D’s (and no doubt the Jake Buggs or Laura Mvulas)? Probably not. To read the rest of this review, go online to www.westerneye. net/musicandentertainment
The National Theatre hits 50 Natasha McGregor looks back upon 50 years of laughs, drama, music and writing genius. NATASHA MCGREGOR
musuc@westerneye.net
This year the National Theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since its beginning in 1963, it has produced a mass array of theatre productions, from Shakespeare to Stoppard and musicals to political dramas. It is known for pushing the boundaries of theatre, both in terms of content, genre and staging, and is a pioneer for new playwrights. The National Theatre has done its fair share of the classics. National Theatre at 50 was recently broadcast live on BBC2 in London; the evening began with the opening scene of Hamlet, the first play put on by the National Theatre in the ‘60s. A live archive recording of Richard Hampton speaking the first line from that first performance was played through the theatre, before the scene was enacted live by actors including Adrian Lester and Sir Derek Jacobi. As well as classics, the National Theatre has produced a number of adaptations, such as The Mysteries, a musical experience adapted from medieval mystery plays. The National Theatre prides itself on making classical theatre more accessible to modern audiences Breaking theatrical boundaries is what the National Theatre is all about. The Mysteries was performed without a stage, instead the actors mingled with the audience, dancing and singing with them and truly immersing them in the theatrical experience. More recently they have collaborated with South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company to produce War Horse, an adaptation of the book by Michael Morpurgo. They are also not afraid of trying something new. Their first world premiere took place in 1964. The Royal Hunt of the Sun by Peter Shaffer marked the beginning of their promotion of new material and new playwrights. Since then they have encouraged new writing and have been responsible for the discovery of such plays as Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Angels in America (Tony Kushner). Stoppard’s play came from the Edinburgh Fringe while Angels in America had never been performed before. Excerpts from both pieces were performed
at the 50th anniversary performance by Benedict Cumberbatch and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern respectively), Dominic Cooper (Lewis Ironside) and Andrew Scott (Prior Walter). As well as creating original work the National Theatre is responsible for several new genres of drama. In 1969, with the creation of Peter Nichols’ The National Health, ‘state of the nation’ dramas were invented. Some years later, in 2003, David Hare experimented with public records and eyewitness accounts and wrote Stuff Happens, a response to the invasion of Iraq and the relationship between Tony Blair and George Bush. Many musicals have also been produced, an example of which, Guys and Dolls, was performed by Clive Rowe and the company on the evening. From its origins to this day the National Theatre has been about making theatre accessible and promoting opportunities for writers and practitioners to experiment. In 2009, the National Theatre Live was launched, and since then has broadcast 27 shows to an estimated two million people. Events streamed include Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee-Miller, Hamlet with Rory Kinnear, and Macbeth starring Kenneth Brannagh. These broadcasts are responsible for exposing an entire new audience to the theatre and classical texts that might never otherwise have an opportunity to experience. To cinematize these productions is to take them out of the theatre which, although it could be construed as a loss to the theatre, will also bring more people to it by showing them the kind of innovations that are being created on stage. The National Theatre ultimately sums up its own goals on their website: learning, young people, families, communities and outreach. These policies are what shape every production and performance they bring us. I for one hope the National Theatre are around for another 50 years, and long may they discover the great hidden playwrights and bring them to light for the rest of the world to enjoy.
Western Eye 10.13 — Issue 02
13
MU S I C A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Thor 2: The Dark World
Music editor Jayde Smyth reviews the latest edition to the Marvel movie adaptations. JAYDE SMITH
music@westerneye.net
Released: 30 October 2013 Certificate: PG -13 Director: Alan Taylor Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman. Running Time: 112 min.
A sequel that bests the original. It’s a rare occurrence in today’s cinema but Thor 2: The Dark World has not only managed to surpass its predecessor in all areas but it is also, in my opinion, one of the best Marvel films produced, following closely behind Iron Man 3 and The Avengers. Spoilers ahead! The basic plot of the film goes a little like this: before light entered the Nine Realms, a race of Dark Elves used to rule
in darkness. Enter an incredibly creepy Christopher Eccleston as Dark Elvin Leader Malekith, who essentially looks like a pale, more evil and less attractive version of Legolas. We are introduced to the classic Marvel movie’s coveted object, which in this case happens to be something called the Aether that Malekith plans to use to plummet the universe back into darkness. After the first brilliantly dramatic fight scene between the Asgardians and the Elves, Thor’s grandfather orders the Aether to be hidden where nobody can find it. Three guesses where that is. The movie picks up where The Avengers left off, where the god of mischief Loki [Hiddleston] is sentenced to live out the rest of his days in a cell block while Thor [Hemsworth] attempts to restore peace to the realms. Seven minutes in and the second fight scene has already commenced and
THOR MARVEL STUDIOS PROMOTIONAL PHOTO
Thor has swung his hammer, but would you expect anything less in a superhero film? During a pointless but fantastic shirtless scene featuring Hemsworth, it’s clear that Thor misses his love back on Earth, Jane Foster [Portman], who in turn misses him as well. After a surprising discovery, the two cross paths again. It wasn’t quite the romantic reunion either was expecting as Jane repeatedly slaps Thor. After discovering Jane is unwell, Thor whisks (and by whisks I mean beams her up in a lightening force-field) her away to Asgard. Things begin to
go sour quickly, and after a truly heart-breaking death, Thor and Loki work together in order to get revenge and save the universe from Malekith. There’s something to be said about female empowerment in this film, as the female leads are simply amazing. Portman’s character takes no prisoners as not only does she slap her demi-god boyfriend, but she also assaults his demi-god half-brother. She’s intelligent, strong, and looks like a warrior princess in her Asgardian attire. Marvel are truly refreshing when it comes to creating
romantic interests who are more than that; they stand on their own as memorable characters and Jane Foster is no exception. Rene Russo’s Fregga is everything you want from an Asgardian queen; powerful, fearless and witty. It’s easy to see where Loki gets his witty retorts from. To read the rest of this review, go online to www.westerneye. net/musicandentertainment
Panic! At The Disco: Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!
Fourth LP from Vegas’ emo jesters brings the grand appeal but leaves behind the trademark oddities COLE UNDERWOOD
music@westerneye.net
Panic! At The Disco is a band that was never afraid to inject a little whimsy into their music. Their fourth studio LP Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! is no exception as it gets its name from one of the most whimsical of novels, Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. P!ATD is a band with a tale of misfortune behind it. After losing half of their number – along with resident songwriter Ryan Ross , remaining members vocalist/ guitarist Brendan Urie and drummer Spencer Smith returned rejuvenated and with a new vision for their band. However, Beatles’ inspired Pretty Odd and back-to-basics Vices and Virtues failed to live up to the reputation
of their debut album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. This is largely regarded as their best by fans and critics alike and marked a raucous arrival into the world of rock that catapulted the group to stardom. This time around Urie is left to his own devices as the sole remaining member of the band’s original line-up, with drummer Smith taking time off to face down his serious alcohol and prescription medication addictions. This puts their new album in a strange and difficult position. So here’s the good news: “Urie has never sounded better, his vocals lending power and range to each and every song” and none more so than on opening track ‘This is Gospel’. It kicks off the record in great fashion and is easily the best track, a sure-fire P!ATD classic, mixing their trademark carnivalesque
sounding brand of pop-punk with a powerful sing-along chorus. Second track ‘Miss Jackson’, with a rare guest appearance from vocalist LULU, continues this trend. But here’s the bad news: sadly things are mostly downhill from here. Tracks like ‘Girl That You Love’ and ‘Boys/Girls/Girls’ sound un-exciting and at times even dated. There is little diversity among songs here, something that was present on Vices and Virtues for example, with its heart rending acoustic tracks to mix things up. Very little whimsy or experimentation is to be found here, with the exception of ‘Collar Full’ which at its weakest is a very well written pop song and strongest is one of the bands best (and for me demanded repeat listening). As well as closing track ‘The End of All Things’ which brings
the record to a beautiful melancholy closure. The first and last two tracks seem to bookend the record in some much needed quality, but for the most part its rinse and repeat. It is very apparent that Urie is sorely lacking his ex-band members. It is hard to describe why, but it possesses a subtle aspect to its sound which can only be described as emptiness. Perhaps this absence is a lack of ideas, or perhaps because Urie’s musical aspirations overreach his song writing capabilities. But more likely it is simply a lack of creative collaborators to shake a disapproving head at Urie and tell him “no”. Fall Out Boy vocalist Patrick Stump’s solo effort Soul Punk from two years ago had the same aspect to it, a simple space where there should be something more. This was not Stump’s fault,
just as it is not Urie’s, but it is a factor that – aware of it or not – has affected their music. Too Weird… is not a bad album by any means, and to its credit is also quite soothing (it’s great to listen to whilst trying to fall asleep!), but it is also quite average. A 2013 P!ATD seems to have accepted that their emo-reign is long over, and the record is a long way from that scene. Gone are the self-depreciating lyrics, long angular fringes, and even longer song titles. This is very much Urie’s show, and he is pretty much a one-man band. It is unclear where the band stands to go from here, but hopefully Smith will return to see them reach greater heights. With their upcoming UK tour, they are sure to remind fans on this side of the Atlantic just how fun their eccentric carnival can be.
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Western Eye 10.13 – Issue 02
SPORTS
SPORTS — THE LATEST ON UWE AND WORLD SPORTS UWE’S NEW STADIUM PROJECT COULD BE DELAYED
UWE Stadium project could be delayed A legal challenge against the sale of the Memorial Stadium could delay the building of the new Bristol Rovers’ stadium at UWE ALEX STOREY
sports@westerneye.net
The UWE stadium project has been dealt a blow by the news of a legal challenge against the sale of the current Bristol Rovers stadium in Horfield. The Memorial stadium sale had been principally agreed with supermarket chain Sainsbury’s purchasing the land. However, a judicial review application into the sale of the stadium could potentially threaten the sale and cause a delay to the new stadium due to be built on UWE’s Frenchay campus. TRASH is the name of the company set up as a vehicle to launch a judicial review against the sale of the Horfield site to the supermarket giant. One of the directors of the company is the leader of the Green Party in Bristol, Daniella Radice and she has recently written a letter to the Bristol Post detailing her reasons for being part of the legal challenge. Writing in the Bristol Post,
season. This timescale looks set to be adjusted as the legal challenge could prove a lengthy process. With the stadium taking 62 weeks to build, it seems unlikely that the stadium could be completed within the time frame previously agreed. The complications of the judicial review could even cause the stadium project to be scrapped entirely.Bristol Rovers chairman Nick Higgs believes that the main concern for the club is the delay rather than the potential cancellation of the UWE Stadium. “This is an unfortunate delay situation, caused by the judicial review application, but we still have time on our side. “The sole concern for us is any potential delay in starting work on the new stadium not for the cancellation of the project.” At Bristol Rovers’ home game on Saturday October 27, Bristol MP Charlotte Leslie called on Bristol Rovers supporters to sign a petition against the TRASH judicial review. The petition has so far
The sole concern for us is any potential delay in starting work on the new stadium, not for the cancellation of the project. Daniella said, “You should not believe everything you read in the papers, I am not anti-football. I would like to see a new stadium built for Rovers at UWE, but at a cost we can all afford.” She went on to say that the supermarket would take away over £7 million in business from Gloucester Road shops as well as causing traffic congestion in an already busy part of the city. After contacting Ms Radice, she reiterated her desire to see the UWE Stadium project come to fruition, but not on the current terms. The news of a legal challenge will cause some concern for both Bristol Rovers and UWE as they hoped the stadium would be ready for the start of the 2015/16
gained over 4,000 signatures and Ms Leslie believes that it is time that Bristol Rovers supporters were heard in their bid to secure a new stadium. Any potential judicial review could eventually cost Bristol City Council £100,000 in legal fees. A Bristol City Council spokesman said: “We are aware that someone is potentially seeking to challenge the legitimacy of our Development Control Committee decision in relation to the Memorial Ground site. “Of course we will vigorously defend any such challenge, and are confident in our position, but will not give a running commentary on these matters.” When contacted, UWE said that they could not comment
UWE STADIUM UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND 2012
on the matter as the sale of the Horfield site is not something that they are involved in. However, they did echo the sentiments of Bristol Rovers by stating that they do not expect any complications in the building of the stadium. There have been some concerns at the plight of the Bristol Rovers team on the pitch and that if they lost their league status, the stadium would not be a viable option. However, Nick Higgs poured cold water on these claims and said that the project is not reliant on Rovers remaining a league club. The new stadium is due to seat
over 21,000 fans and is expected to be built at a cost of £40 million. Funding for the project is to be mainly sourced from the sale of the Memorial Stadium site as well as a financial contribution from Bristol Rovers and from private companies. Plans for the stadium include the building of a gym which be available for public use as well as crèche facilities, all of which will be available at a discounted rate for local residents. Because of the link with the university, the stadium will have a dual educational purpose and will house a media centre, create a partnership with physiotherapy
students and give UWE sports teams access to the stadium for Varsity matches and training. The judicial review application is still being considered and it is not clear when the outcome of the process will be made public.
USA earn historic first Rugby League World Cup win against Cook Islands.
USA’s first ever world cup try scored by Bureta Faraimo TOM WILLIAMS
sports@westerneye.net
But the 30th of October saw almost complete gridlock around the Memorial Stadium as the USA made their Rugby League World Cup debut against the Cook Islands in a thrilling clash. Both teams were aiming to get their individual campaigns off to as good a start as possible with a strong win and the hope that this win would be the perfect start for them to reach the quarter finals of the competition. After the singing of Jerusalem and the National Anthems of two
teams the crowd were treated to a traditional Cook Islands Haka which only continued to fire up the players and the crowd more. The first half saw both teams playing some excellent rugby with some very well worked tries being scored which resulted in the score at halftime being 10-10. The USA made history as Bureta Faraimo scored the USA’s first ever World Cup try. The second half was as equally fought with the score being 20-20 with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. But the USA managed to score two final tries to bring the final score to 32-20, winning their first ever World Cup encounter. The
USA’s Junior Paulo walked away with Man of the Match honours after an impressive display both defensively and on the attack. The general atmosphere throughout the match was fantastic and the crowd of 7,247 spectators, who were mostly neutrals, got behind both teams and showed their support for a sport that isn’t the most well known in this part of the country. It was an excellent showcase for the game with many people leaving as newly converted Rugby League fans and everyone in attendance having enjoyed an excellent sporting spectacle.
Western Eye 10.13 — Issue 02
15
SPORTS
Sports: Fixtures List SPORTS MEN
WOMEN DATE
BADMINTON
UWE V SOUTHAMPTON 13/11/13
UWE V SOUTHAMPTON
11/12/13
UWE V CARDIFF
04/12/13
FUTSAL UWE V EXETER 08/12/13 HOCKEY UWE VS BATH 04/12/13 LACROSSE UWE V SOUTHAMPTON RUGBY LEAGUE
UWE V BATH
RUBGY UNION
UWE VS BRISTOL
UWE 1ST V UWE 2ND
04/12/13
04/12/13 04/12/13
UWE VS SWANSEA 11/12/13 SQUASH
UWE V SOUTHAMPTOM
TENNIS UWE 1ST V UWE 2ND
04/12/13
04/12/13
VOLLEYBALL UWE V EXETER 04/12/13 WATER POLO UWE V GLOUCESTERSHIRE UWE V EXETER
UWE MEN’S RUGBY UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND 2012
11/12/13
11/12/13
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Western Eye 11.13 – Issue 03
WORLD CUP BRAZIL
The Good, The Bad and quite possibly, The Ugly With the World Cup on the horizon, a debate has taken the football world by the scruff of its neck. The three articles on this spread will display the arguments for and against the event in order to help you answer the question – will it all be worth it?
Why the World Cup in Brazil will be a GOOD thing The World Cup is coming to Brazil. This will not only be a spectacle for football fans across the globe, but Brazil will see some great benefits from hosting the world’s biggest sporting event. WHERE THE WORLD CUP FINAL WILL BE HELD ESTADIO DO MARACANA
GEORGE GILL
sectioncoordinator@westerneye.net
Brazil, the most successful nation in the history of the game, are the f irst South American to host the world cup since Argentina in 1978, and it will be the f irst time they have ever hosted the tournament, remarkable given their World Cup pedigree. After achieving what was to be a winning bid for the World Cup in 2007, and then securing the Olympics in 2016, Brazil has been busy in creating the necessary infrastructure to host an eff icient and atmospheric tournament. Investment in infrastructure, which primarily means transport, will see roads, trains and other forms of public transport improve signif icantly and will see citizens of Brazil benef it in the long-term. Many jobs will be created for the World Cup and the Olympics, with current estimates at 3.6 million new employment opportunities. Businesses will also benef it. A recent report by Bloomberg pointed out that foreign investors are prof iting from publicly-traded companies connected to some infrastructure projects for the World Cup, particularly the building of stadiums. One particular construction company, which supplies concrete and scaffolding, has seen its stock price triple since 2010. Foreign Direct Investment will bring much growth to Brazil from
abroad. Brazil, one of the world’s leading emerging economies, will cement its place on the global stage if it successfully hosts the global tournaments. The tourism industry will increase dramatically as Brazil will be the focus of the world until the Olympics conclude in the summer of 2016. Brazilian culture will be projected the world over, as the Samba and carnival atmosphere will be infectious to all who watch. Recognised and important leaders in the sporting world agree that the tournament will bring a strong degree of prosperity and happiness to Brazil for both the World Cup and the Olympics. Jack Rogge, the current President of the International Olympic Committee gives reasons for why the tournament will be a success: “Public investments are for the long term,” Rogge said on a teleconference. “Public investments are not for the short term. It’s not for the two weeks of the Olympic Games or the month of the FIFA World Cup. “The investments are for generations to come — be it the metro, be it the bus line, be it improvements of the airport, be it improvement of the harbour. This will serve (the) community for a very long time.” Sepp Blatter, the Head of FIFA, agrees with Rogge’s views that the World Cup will bring prosperity to the people of Brazil: “In football,
the whole country gets the legacy,” he told the O Globo newspaper. “Football involves the whole country. The country improves airports, hotels, highways, telecommunications, and sustainability programs.” Blatter continued:
I can understand that people are unhappy. But football is here to unite people. Football is here to build bridges, to generate excitement, to bring hope. Brazil asked to host the World Cup. We didn’t force it on them. It’s obvious that stadiums need to be built but that isn’t the only thing in a World Cup: there are highways, hotels, airports and a lot of other items that remain as a legacy
An argument could be made that it will be cost too much money and the benef its will not outweigh the money spent to stage both the World Cup and the Olympics. Lessons
can be learned however from previous tournaments that were heavily invested in. The over-budgeted and complicated f inancing of the London Olympics in 2012 was for the most part completely justif ied, given the overwhelming success of the event. Not too many people are regretting hosting the Olympics, whereas many were sceptical of hosting it before the great event began.
A further argument that is often cited is that the event may only be benef icial for Brazilian national morale if they have a successful tournament. Of course, the pressure will be on, but they are the bookies favourite so they should certainly reach the semi-f inals and have a strong chance of winning the whole thing altogether. READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE AT WESTERNEYE.NET
Facts and Details about the World Cup
Current Favourites (SkyBet) Estádio do Maracanã: 12th June – 13th July BELGIUM 14/1
ARGENTINA 11/2
ENGLAND 22/1
BRAZIL 100/30
SPAIN 11/2
GERMANY 5/1
Western Eye 11.13 — Issue 03
17
WORLD CUP BRAZIL
Why the Brazil World Cup will almost certainly be BAD for Brazil The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is set to be overshadowed by crippling debts, government overspend and huge economic disparity. in football’s prosperity. In Fortaleza, a £150 million stadium has been constructed whilst 130,000 of its citizens live in extreme poverty. With the expenditure
Over 1.25 million Rio de Janeiro citizens live in the slums on the hillsides of the city, overlooking the recently redeveloped Maracana stadium, built to the tune of £320 million. BRAZIL WORLD CUP PROTEST OF SUMMER 2014 ESTADIO DO MARACANA
Over 1 million Brazilians took to the streets during the Confederations cup GEORGE GILL
sectioncoordinator@westerneye.net
When the World Cup was awarded to Brazil in 2007, there was unbridled joy across a nation steeped in a rich football history. For FIFA, it is a PR opportunity like no other - taking football to where many believe its heart lies. For the worldwide football community, it is a chance to play on the biggest stage in a country that has the sport at the very core of its foundations. For spectators, the atmosphere will be a special one with global TV audiences around the world set to bask in the sun-soaked samba party of 2014. Since the awarding of the tournament in 2008, the costs of building stadiums, infrastructure and security have spiralled out of control, with the costs of building stadiums alone tripling in this time. Over £600 million has been put aside for security with £9 billion being spent on improving the infrastructure such as airports, roads and hotels. One of the many government commissioned studies into the economic impact of the World Cup showed that the Brazilian economy would be boosted to tune of between
£50 billion and £85 billion over a ten year period starting in 2010. There have been many critics of these studies however, criticising them for being politically motivated and questioning the validity of the claims that the World Cup could have such an impact on tourism. Jumping forward to South Africa in 2010, the organisers did not disclose the corresponding f igures in the aftermath of the tournament, despite previously stating that they expect to make £4 billion from tourism. With the Brazil tournament only a matter of months away, it is no surprise that many citizens are apprehensive when seeing these astronomical expenditure f igures. It is even more striking when the billion dollar f igures being discussed are set in stark contrast with the crippling poverty of Brazil’s infamous favelas. Whilst the organising committee will try to conceal the favelas by shining the spotlight on the multi-million dollar stadiums, only those blinded by the shimmer of FIFA’s golden showpiece could fail to sit up and question how the poorest Brazilians can suffer whilst the rich few revel
f igures being widely discussed in the media, it is unsurprising that there was such resentment towards the government in a country where over 20% of its citizens live below the poverty line. In the aftermath of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, there was much discussion about the amount of money spent by the organising committee on stadiums which went unused once the FIFA circus had moved out of town. The cost of the Brazil stadia is nearly three times that of South Africa and there are major concerns at the prospect
of several ‘white elephants’ being left across Brazil. In the sparsely-populated cities of Manaus and Cuiaba, there are no f irst division teams and therefore no club who could viably take over the stadium at the conclusion of the tournament. Despite this, the Brazilian government have committed over £150 million in each city to build brand new stadiums. It seems that the government have decided that the potential losses they may make on the spiralling costs of stadium construction and organising costs will be offset by the increase in tourism over a ten year period as well as the prestige that being the World Cup hosts brings with it. The answer is no. It is
But will the organising commitee turn a profit when the accounts are filed after the final ball has kicked? hugely unlikely that Brazil will feel any long-lasting benef it to hosting the biggest football tournament in the world. The real winners will be
FIFA who are likely to pocket over £2 billion by selling television rights, and £1 billion from advertising and marketing revenue. Whilst the common perception would be that all the money will be helping to line the pockets of Sepp Blatter and his team of fat-cats, in fact there will be many good causes who will feel the benef it of the swelling of the FIFA kitty. Whilst £1 billion of the revenue will be put towards the costs of hosting the tournament, another 70% of FIFA’s income will go towards community projects, particularly in Africa where football initiatives for low-income children are in place. It is a bitter pill for many Brazilians to swallow that so much is being spent on the tournament, and very little long term benef it is going to be felt especially with charitable funds not going back into their system. It will be the citizens who will be left to foot the bill. Whilst the eyes of the world will be f ixed upon Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium at the climax of the World Cup, it would be worth averting your gaze towards the Rio hillside where in the shadow of Rio’s famous ‘Christ the Redeemer’ statue will be one million Brazilians too poor to afford food and water.
ONE OF THE MANY FAVELA’S IN BRAZIL JUSTIN KNABB
Shanty towns will be hidden away during the World Cup
READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE WESTERNEYE.NET
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Western Eye 11.13 – Issue 03
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE — WESTERN EYE’S ADVENT CALENDAR
25 days of fun before Christmas! If you’re a Scrooge then do not read on. I do warn you though, Christmas is the best thing ever and you are uncool.
ERICA TOMS
lifestyle@westerneye.net
AT
If you’re a Scrooge then do not read on. I do warn you though, Christmas is the best thing ever and you are uncool. Most of these activities are on every day (or some every weekend) in December, so make the most of Bristol this Christmas, before you head home. It’s probably a good idea to re-arrange this calendar. Sunday 1st: Start your Christmas shopping early. Being a student is not a valid excuse. There are many stores that offer generous student discount in Cabot Circus, such as Topshop/ Topman and House of Fraser! Also, Bristol is home to the UK’s longest street of independent shops:
Gloucester Road. Park Street also houses many boutiques, and the Victorian Clifton Arcade in Clifton Village has some of the city’s most unique shops. Monday 2nd: Knackered from yesterday’s shopping? Have a well-deserved break or if you’re truly dedicated, go Carol singing at your own risk… Tuesday 3rd: Starbucks “12 days of Christmas” promotion reaches its 3rd day: a FREE mince-pie when you buy any festive drink. Check out the offers of the other 12 days; including 50% of Christmas tumblers- perfect for uni or as gifts. I suggest you visit on these 12 days, not that I’m biased or anything… s t a r b u c k s . c o . u k /
promo/12-days-of-christmas Wednesday 4th: Decorate! I know we’re broke students, but you can f ind cheap decorations in supermarkets and cheap high-street stores, or even make some yourself... Thursday 5th: If you’re artsy and want to get involved for a good cause, make some Christmas cards! info.uwe.ac.uk/events/ event.aspx?id=15172 Friday 6th: It’s the last ever Christmas Last Orders at St. Matts before the July 2014 closure! Not one to miss. The bar crawl continues to Glenside until 11, then on to Frenchay. p i n v e n t s . c o m / event/179622372241576/ t h e - l a s t - e v e r- c h r i s t m a s - l a s t orders-at-st-matts Saturday 7th: For three days only (today, the 14th and the 21st) City Sightseeing Bristol are hosting the “Twilight and Illuminations Tour”; which is the open top bus tour, but at night! For those that love Christmas lights, hop on and take this evening tour. They even give you blankets and hot drinks which may be warmer than student housing. citysightseeingbristol. co.uk/public-trips/tickets.php Sunday 8th: Go Panto this Christmas! Cinderella is on at the Bristol Hippodrome, with cast members such as Louis Spence and Suzanne Shaw.
With matinee and evening performances most days, there will be time for everyone. Brilliant excuse to avoid any end of term coursework deadlines… atgtickets.com/shows/ cinderella/ bristol-hippodrome Monday 9th: Have a Christmas dinner. Organise it with your flat-mates and either head to a pub or nominate the best cook. Don’t forget the crackers and music. studentbeans.com/ s t u d e n t - m o n e y / a / how-to-cook-the-perfectchristmas-dinner2098.html Tuesday 10th: You might want to start planning your New Year’s Eve around now. Check out club websites and this link if you’re in Bristol. headfirstbristol.co.uk/ whats-on/new-years-eve Wednesday 11th: The f inal 2013 UWE’ Off icial Sports Night at Mbargos (Revolution continues until next week): u w e s u . o r g / e n t s / event/2405/ Thursday 12th: You can have today off Christmas celebrations (last night was a big one). Watch some of the best Christmas f ilms (see link) and chill out on the 12th day of Christmas. t o t a l f i l m . c o m / fe a t u re s / 5 0 best-christmas-movies If you’re a Scrooge then do not read on. I do warn you though, Christmas is the best
thing ever and you are uncool. Most of these activities are on every day (or some every weekend) in December, so make the most of Bristol this Christmas, before you head home. It’s probably a good idea to re-arrange this calendar. Sunday 1st: Start your Christmas shopping early. Being a student is not a valid excuse. There are many stores that offer generous student discount in Cabot Circus, such as Topshop/ Topman and House of Fraser! Also, Bristol is home to the UK’s longest street of independent shops: Gloucester Road. Park Street also houses many boutiques, and the Victorian Clifton Arcade in Clifton Village has some of the city’s most unique shops. Monday 2nd: Knackered from yesterday’s shopping? Have a well-deserved break or if you’re truly dedicated, go Carol singing at your own risk… Tuesday 3rd: Starbucks “12 days of Christmas” promotion reaches its 3rd day: a FREE mince-pie when you buy any festive drink. Check out the offers of the other 12 days; including 50% of Christmas tumblers- perfect for uni or as gifts. I suggest you visit on these 12 days, not that I’m biased or anything… READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE WESTERNEYE.NET
How to make a freeze-able and microwaveable Spaghetti Bolognese As students we receive an abundance of “Top 10 Helpful Hints” lists that are aimed at helping us make the most of our time SYNNE VANGEN
lifestyle@westerneye.net
PHOTOGRAPH BY SYNNE VANGEN
Often the best tips are gained just by asking around how people do things, I’m sure people f ind it odd when I ask what their normal Tuesday dinner is and how they make it, a prerogative of being keen on food and hopelessly nosy, but what I f ind is that people mainly keep it simple, very, very simple. Most students don’t dedicate a lot of time to cooking but not because they don’t want to. Mainly because they
don’t necessarily know where to start, having come from home cooked dinners without guidance on how they were made or simply just microwave meals. Whilst I ask around, what most people have for dinner is Spaghetti Bolognese. But not the good stuff, I’m talking half price Dolomio out of a jar with browned mince. Nothing wrong with that on a lazy Tuesday, but by investing in an ice cube tray and an evening of cooking a big batch of sauce – you’ll have sauce ready at the click of a microwave button. Here’s my proposition.
Bolognese sauces have become drenched in tomatoes, where in my opinion they should be creamy sauces that wrap into the mince – not overpower it by tasting like acidtripped tomato stew. READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE WESTERNEYE.NET
Western Eye 11.13 — Issue 03
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LIFESTYLE
All about ‘The Ring of Fire’
‘King’s cup’, ‘Circle of Death’ and most commonly known as ‘Ring of Fire’, is (from experience) one of the most popular drinking games amongst students and other party-goers alike.
RING OF FIRE PHOTO BY WEIGLEN
ERICA TOMS
lifestyle@westerneye.net
Since pubs and clubs in reaction to the recession have increased drinks prices, the importance of hosting ‘pres’ or pre-drinking sessions has become the done thing. In fact, organising whose place to pre-drink at goes without saying when planning a night out. It allows us to buy cheap spirits, wine and beer in order to avoid high prices in pubs , clubs and bars and save our precious funds. Student loans
these days are also wasted on expensive taxis and the allimportant chips and kebab on the way home. Drinking games tend to originate from card games, which have been developed over the years and have been passed down from student to student and one of the best games ‘Ring of Fire’ itself causes some controversy with its rules. The majority of the student experience entails three years of being skint; so relying on (in the most unfortunate situations) Tesco’s value vodka and 18p lemonade is a life
saver when on a night out with housemates or attending a society social. This means that students spend longer predrinking so that they go out later and make it to the early hours of the morning, without spending too much money. Though the f inancial situation may have been the initial cause of this trend there are other perks. Having a large group of friends or people you don’t know well participating in such drinking games provides a real laugh and an opportunity to make new friends. Listening to loud music that people help themselves to on the chosen laptop, chatting and getting ready is sometimes the best part of the night. People from different parts of the country and different university’s all have their own versions. The game itself can be confusing when trying to play it when everyone thinks each card means something different. So here they are, from the off icial www.ringoff irerules. com website, are what seem to be the off icial rules on how to play. Get your deck of cards (without the jokers) spread them out face down in a ring around the King glass (a pint glass), go round in a circle of
at least 3 people and take it in turn to pick a card and watch the game unfold. It may also add some extra laughs to invest in comedic packs of cards. © Ace - Waterfall: Start with the card chooser, all must start drinking at the same time and mustn’t finish till the person next to them has. Somewhat like a Mexican wave of drinking.. © 2- ‘You’ The person picking up the card can choose someone else to drink. © 3- ‘Me’ The person picking up the card must drink. © 4- ‘Whores’ All girls must drink. © 5- ‘Thumb Master’: When the person selecting the card puts their thumb on top of the table everyone must follow and the last person to do so must drink. © 6- ‘Dicks’ All guys must drink. © 7- ‘Heaven’ Every time the person who chose the card points up into the air everyone must follow, last person to do so must drink. © 8- ‘Mate’ The person who selected the card must pick a ‘mate’. The chosen mate must drink every time this person drinks throughout the rest of the game. © 9- ‘Rhyme’ Do this
mini-game round in the circle. The person who picked the card says a word and then go round and each take it in turns to say a rhyming word. Get it wrong, repeat a word or get stuck for 5 seconds and you must be the one to drink. © 10- ‘Categories/ word association’ Same as with the ‘rhyme’ game but the person with the card must select a category eg- cars, bands ect.. each word MUST relate to the category. This is left to the discretion of the rest of the group, but if someone gets it wrong or hesitates too long, drink. © Jack- ‘Make up a rule’ Break it, or anyone else breaks it, drink. (Personal favourites include: no pointing and the ban of using each other’s names.) © Queen- ‘Question Master’ If the card chooser asks a question to anyone in the group and someone answers them they have to drink. © King- ‘Pour!’ the variety of drinks make for the better torture for the person who gets the last king who must then drink the mixed cup of drinks in the middle of the ring.
Moustaches throughout history and ‘Movember’ Movember is well and truly upon us. NATASHA MCGREGOR lifestyle@westerneye.net
For those of you who are still not completely certain what Movember is all about but are wondering about the swift increase in male facial hair; it’s a chance for men to raise money for testicular cancer by growing humorous beards and moustaches. And trust me, it can get absolutely absurd in some cases - the f irst time I met my boyfriend’s brother he was sporting a Hulk Hoganesque horseshoe monstrosity. Unfortunately I couldn’t comment on it because I was trying to make a good f irst impression. Thankfully I now know him well enough now to mock him for it, and we’re all very grateful it was only around for a month.
Whilst facial hair is on our list of hot topics, I thought I would take this chance to chart the rise and fall of the ‘tache in our history. It hasn’t always been about jokes and raising cash for charity. The moustache has a variety of meanings and connotations too.
‘imperial’ style moustaches, not too large but requiring a decent amount of styling and grooming to achieve the look. They had special ‘moustache soup spoons’ manufactured to save embarrassing dinner time blunders. The politicial moustache
A symbol of class During the Victorian and Edwardian eras the style and standard of your facial hair was a symbol of your status. The working class had their big bushy beards (easy to maintain and convenient for keeping your face warm warmer in the winter). The more upper class you got, the more elaborate and time consuming your facial stylings became. For example, military off icers sported their ‘handlebars’ and
PHOTOGRAPH BY DRAKE GOODMAN
Sadly in the f irst half of the twentieth century the moustache was adopted by the power hungry, an association that has stuck around somewhat until now. Dictators such as Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini are now as easily recognised by their moustaches as by their faces, such is the power of the well-groomed ‘tache. These styles still to this day cannot be worn without judgement, and much care must be taken when shaving to avoid accidentally sporting a ‘Hitler’.
The 80’s - need I say more The ‘80s introduced the masses to Magnum PI, Lionel Ritchie, Freddie Mercury and many more who sported their own unique facial stylings. Some would describe them as an acquired and dated taste. I know that looking back they look like bad Halloween costumes (and who hasn’t worn at least one of these styles on a night out) but back then they were worn by the coolest guys around. My own father had his own version of the Magnum PI, which thankfully is no longer around. It was a good time for the moustache, where it enjoyed good press and good publicity on both the small and the silver screen.
READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE WESTERNEYE.NET
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LIFESTYLE
Western Eye 11.13 – Issue 03
Cabot Circus Cardiac Arrest 2013 #goodbyestudentloan!!
The Cabot Circus Student Lock In proved to be a complete sell-out on Monday 14th October
PHOTOGRAPH BY FANPOP
vintage or of the indie crowd, I think it is fair to say none of lifestyle@westerneye.net us were disappointed by the night’s events. The student Happy hour (or perhaps I sell out flavors trended largely should say crazy hour) ran from on multiple pairs of Converse, 6-9pm and what seem like the Vans and Uggs as well as entirety of Bristol’s student Superdry prep-wear, shiny population flocked into Cabot leggings and skater skirts. Circus for the UK’s biggest It was easily done wasting shopping night of the year for 45 minutes queuing outside a ‘relaxing’ and student loan- the doors to beloved brands, depleting evening of retail however freebies and goodie therapy. bags def initely eased the pain While 6pm seems only too and impatience to break into early for a ‘lock-in’, students my student loan. traded their SU and favorite The most popularly Monday night antics in for the swamped stores appeared to Cabot Circus shopping centre, be those of Shuh, Topshop with Dubstep blaring from and American Apparel, of Vodka Revs who were camped whom offered not only great out in Urban Outf itters, discounts but goody bags and rounds of free vodka shots, and freebies that accompanied increased security as students this shopper’s paradise. To packed out the shop floor name but a few Cabot craving instead of the dance floor. treats this included, glasses The urgency not to miss out of champagne for the f irst 50 on the generously extended customers in Swarovski; 50% student discounts promised Off the total bill in Zizi’s with students one night only of up a special student menu for to as much as 50% off in some the night; free joining and big high street names such as starting training packs at The Urban Outf itters, Topshop, Gym; free screening of The H&M and even the unlikely Haunting in Connecticut 2 at up market kudos of Harvey the Showcase Cinema; 20% Nichols attracted snake lines double discounts in the fashof skint students. I don’t think ion capitals of New Look and I just speak for myself when I Republic and free vodka shots, reiterate how worth the queu- smoothies and DJs battles. ing on a cold and wet Monday It almost seems that the night was for the Brizzle swag timing of the Student Lock our NUS cards bought us. In was not accidental at the There was something for beginning of the new term. everyone in the young wave Whether you are fresher or of consumerism, whether your a senior you are drawn back style was more preppy, glam, into the city you have probably GEMMA DAVIS
been missing over the summer at home. Therefore, the saviour and liberator of either Student Finance or the bank of mum and dad, only serve to fuel our appetites to spoil ourselves in retail therapy. Especially because for most of us 20%, when we are used to the standard 10% discount, seems like a very good deal not to be missed especially when we are looking for money saving offers. However, whether we can really afford this big self indulgent retail spree seems beside the point; the fact that there are so many ‘discounts’ makes you dangerously tempted to spend more! So perhaps just one small word of advice for future reference, as tempting as it might be, try not to break the bank! If you were unlucky and missed this year’s Student Lock In, it will without a doubt return back next year around the same time and you can keep up to date on Twitter by using #studentlockin #bristol or Facebook. Be sure to save the date, and make sure you don’t miss out on what has been called ‘the biggest student event of the year!’ Let’s just hope we have all got enough dosh left to treat ourselves amidst looming deadlines to a bratwurst and baileys hot chocolate at the Bristol and Bath Christmas Markets this month… not to mention the horizon inescapable Christmas shopping!
Western Eye 11.13 — Issue 03
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COMMUNITY & WELFARE REPORT
TOM RENHARD — VICE PRESIDENT A DETAILED UPDATE ON THE WORK SO FAR
Vice-President Community and Welfare Report
A detailed update on the work of Tom Renhard, your VP Community and Welfare over the year so far. TOM RENHARD
vpcommwelfare@uwe.ac.uk
It has been a busy period on the Welfare front over the summer and a very exciting time to be a Network! We have eleven new Networks setup that are in varying stages of development which is more than double the number of Networks setup last year. So far the most successful of the new Networks has been the Postgraduate Network with 42 members with more work being done to encourage student engagement in others. I am very excited to have been able to announce over the summer that Networks are now free to join which has seen membership in nearly every network rapidly increase. As way of compensating for lost income of members joining a pot of money for £3,000 has been secured that will be allocated on or around November 1st 2013 based on number of members in your Network. An additional increase in the main funding pot of £2,000 has also been secured to support greater Network activity throughout the year. Other things I have been involved in since being off ice:
the Networks stalls at the Freshers’ Fair as they were the best yet! All of you I managed to get around to speak to seemed to be enjoying yourselves and talking to lots of students, which is what the day is all about. I have been working closely with Campaigns and Communities Co-ordinator over the summer to ensure it was as good as it could be for all of you and look forward to gathering more feedback at the meeting.
Network Development
Over the last few weeks I have attended a number of Welcome Events for different Networks which have been extremely enjoyable and I want to congratulate each and every Network that has held one, whether I was able to attend or not as feedback has been extremely positive! Please send in your photos and some info about the events that were ran so we can upload them to the website and really shout about what the Networks are up to this year!
This year I am really keen to increase the prof ile of the Networks on campus and support the fantastic work you all do. As part of trying to better support Networks and based on feedback we have removed the training day that has existed for the previous two years and have instead been doing development meetings which has given us the chance to see how we can support your Network throughout the year! We have received largely positive feedback and would welcome any further thoughts you have on it. Let us know if you would like more of these to
I was very impressed with
Mental Health Campaigning
Over the summer I took part in a Time To Change (TTC) Village Event at the Harbour Festival to challenge Mental Health stigma and discrimination that is still very prevalent in today’s Society. I ensured the Union and the University became fully involved, with the Volunteering opportunity going out to over 17,000 people on Jobshop as well Accommodation as the staff of UWE. It was Looking towards the end hugely successful with over of this term I will be turning 1,300 ‘conversations’ taking my attention on the issue of place over the course of the accommodation which affects weekend. a huge range of students across We also ran a Mental the university and I am really Health Awareness week which keen to push for some changes has engaged with hundreds which include better provi- of students so far through sion and holding landlords to conversations, making inforaccount more fully. Over the mation available, selling cakes, summer we released a short giving out apples and inviting brief ing on what Landlords students to get involved in our must do with your deposit “What makes you happy” activ(http://www.uwesu.org/news/ ities (leaf on a tree/ boards/ a r t i c l e / u w e s u / Yo u r-Te n a n c y - interviews) to promote posiDeposit-Protection/). Please tive Mental Health and the let me know your feedback on importance of good wellbeing. other issues you would like me If your Network would like to at this year alongside a Rate support with campaigning on Your Landlord Campaign that any issue then please let me is planned for next term. know so I can get fully behind it and help to make it happen.
Welcome Events
Freshers’
help ensure that your Network achieves its full potential.
Community
As part of the work I am doing this year I am looking to strengthen the community side of my remit and as part of that increase and better support Networks being able to get involved in the local communities in and around our campuses. Please get in touch for support with community based projects this year! Keep up all the good work and get in touch with me for anything you need support with throughout the year and to let me know of all the fantastic things you are doing!
PHOTOGRAPH BY UWE STUDENT UNION
@VPCOMMWELFARE VPCOMMWELFARE@UWE.AC.UK FACEBOOK.COM/VPCOMMUNITYANDWELFARE
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Western Eye 10.13 – Issue 03
s o . co.uk n i m o d
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Western Eye 10.13 — Issue 03
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Western Eye 10.13 – Issue 02
B R I S T O L’ S B A C K B O N E
BRISTOL’S BACKBONE
INTRODUCTION.
Bristol’s Backbone ‘There’s an army of people behind the inhibition-free parties, carnivals, sounds, market stalls, 24/7 shops and brothels. As well as all of the city’s iconic musicians and artists whose voices can be heard more readily, there are the other people, who are an essential part of Bristol’s culture – and they have more to contribute. Who are the people putting the Blackthorn in the pubs, protecting the streets, adjusting the music, and putting graffiti on Bristol’s walls? It’s time to hear from the voices which keep this city ticking over and think about those who make it what it is. Those who have so much to say, but do not usually have the platform to do so. It’s time to hear from Bristol’s Backbone.’ come about because of problems in society anyway. Joe says he would be happy for his child to consume drugs at an appropriate age as long as they had been properly educated about the consequences and proper usage. Joe says he would be happy for his child to consume drugs at an appropriate age as long as they had been properly educated about the consequences and proper usage. Joe believes the legal drug classes have no scientific basis and are made by people
ANNA-MAY RICHARDS
editor@westerneye.net
joe lansdown, sold his first ten-bag of weed aged twelve. He believes he carries out good business practice; never cutting or under-weighing his merchandise, and testing it himself before selling onto others. “One time when I first started selling weed, me and my mate we sold some girl an 1/8th of weed, cooking herbs and crushed fish food. It was such a joke.. I mean it literally stank of fish but she still bought it. That was funny... we even shared a small joint with her out MARCIN WICHARY of it. Fucking weird... don’t smoke fish food is my advice.” At the can make £400 in a night withmoment Joe is only a small time out ‘having to push it much’. He street dealer, selling weed and claims it’s possible to make a occasionally a bit of MD and pills. grand ‘if you push it right at a big At one point he was involved in a night’. Dealing means Joe has to ring that imported ketamine from be available at all sorts of hours, Pakistan and put MDMA directly though he won’t go anywhere from source onto the streets of unless he feels it’s worth his time, Bristol. “It was just taking over and is only happy for very familiar my life. It was a full time 24 hour people to come to his home. job and it started cracking up Initially Joe didn’t think other parts of my life.” It wasn’t about the consequences drugs until he was sixteen that he faced had on the lives of people he was the real consequences of selling selling to. “I made a judgement drugs. A deal gone awry resulted that it wasn’t as bad as people say... in him being threatened with a Once I had that in my head I had knife after school. “It was then I no worries selling it to people.” realised that being a dealer meant Now 24, he has a more conscienyou couldn’t just ride along well tious view, though he strongly laid back. From then on I knew believes people are ultimately always to pay upfront every time. responsible for their own actions. There’s no way I’m getting in “There have been a couple times anyone’s pocket. It’s not a good I’ve thought ‘that guy shouldn’t be place to be.” Since then he’s been buying drugs’, and.. I haven’t sold robbed multiple times and found to them. An old girlfriend made himself paranoid to the point me buy some M-CAT back off where he won’t return to his own this one guy whose gurn stressed house through fear of finding her out too much. It’s sad when the police there. He tells me how someone dies, but if you’re foolish it’s best to work with other deal- to eat four pills then do a load of ers, to keep to your own turf and other shit and O.D, it’s your own out of trouble. His dealing is kept fault really. The saddest ones are from most of his family, but at the people who’ve got fucked and like same time they don’t question his fallen into the river... you’d think sources of income. your friends would be keeping Joe usually heads out an eye out a bit more. It’s all risk to clubs to sell his gear where he though. I’ve been in some bad
situations with drugs. I ended up trying heroin once even though I knew I didn’t really want to. It was a serious experience. I’ve never felt anything like it. It was incredible. But not worth it. After, I found I was always thinking about it and got really low. I had to start myself again psychologically and sold a lot of things I owned and kind of cleared out my material world. I have never tried it since.” In 2011, Joe was selling cocaine and became dangerously close to being addicted. After ending up in hospital he realised he had to stop. He feels his personality isn’t of an addictive nature but is aware that the solution is not so simple for others. That said, he tells me: “I will always smoke weed. Always. I absolutely love it.” In the case of addicts, Joe believes society should only help those who want help themselves I think that the NHS should deal with it and we should pay for the NHS with taxes. The NHS is the best thing about the UK. I don’t see what would be so bad in the country putting some of their money towards sorting out the majority of the proper drug problems. Even if taxes stay the same, don’t spend like £3billion on an aircraft carrier; spend it on people who end up with these problems that
MARCIN WICHARY
scared of what they don’t understand. I don’t think drug use is bad. I think drug misuse or abuse is bad, but the problems aren’t necessarily the drugs themselves. Probably, there’s something else that’s causing an issue. I think drugs should be legalised. If you treat drug problems as a medical, rather than criminal problem, you’d sort a lot more stuff out. I’m all about quality not profit so if you could just buy well nice drugs from the pharmacy or wherever I’d do that and make money some other way Despite the existence of Avon and
Somerset’s ‘Atrium’ drug squad, Joe doesn’t feel any hostility towards the police. “I understand the police are there to help society and make it safe and I think that’s good obviously, but they’re fighting a losing battle. They should focus their efforts on more important things than some of the drug stuff they respond to Joe functions in the informal economy because he was introduced to it at a young age and because personal circumstances have kept certain opportunities away from his reach. He recognises the UK functions on capitalist values, but as he finds the most important things to him are not of monetary value, and he believes people are worth more than their job, he finds it difficult to comment on the coalition governments unemployment reduction tactics. Joe also works part time as cleaner and in hospitality industries. He hopes to go to college and study graphics. “I only exist in my universe, that I am sure of. I guess that means something like ‘live your life as your only life’. Take whatever meaning from this you want”.
Western Eye 10.13 — Issue 02
ANNA-MAY RICHARDS Editor@westerneye.net
The air smells of jerk chicken, sun-cream, and beer. It’s impossible to walk even near any of these streets without being tickled by the glitter and the beats that make up this celebration. People dance in the streets, and open their doors to share the space in their gardens, to watch the masquerade, to sell drinks, food, knick knacks, music, to charge 50p for use of their toilet. It’s July 6th 2013. After failing to secure sufficient funding, in 2012
B R I S T O L’ S B A C K B O N E St Paul’s Carnival has been nothing of any monetary value” running since 1967, initially to 22 year old Hannah Bowland tells promote integration between me. From March to July she was Asian, European and Afro- a part of the team, after applying Caribbean communities but has for an internship recommended since developed in a celebration to her by friends in the St Paul’s of African Caribbean culture. It community. is now run as a not-for-profit Hannah left school at the age organisation that educates the of fourteen and found herself in community throughout the year Bristol two years later, away from and organises cultural events in her home town of Pembroke. She the week leading up to Carnival. doesn’t believe the formal state The board of committee meet education system is capable of regularly throughout the year and adequately supporting or educatare part of the small team that ing all individuals simultaneously. makes St Paul’s Carnival happen. “There’s a really good image on the These guys include Marti Burgess internet of a variety of animals, who’s a big part of Lakota; Bristol’s and it says ‘the one who can jump
Hannah Bowland: Administrator at St Paul’s Carnival 2013
The streets are alive. Grosvenor Road, St Agnes Park, Portland Square; St Paul’s Carnival.
Carnival was cancelled. Its return landmark venue that continues marked one of Bristol’s most to make a massive contribution memorable events of the year, to the underground music scene. with almost a hundred thousand “It’s incredible the fact that they people in attendance on a swel- all do that for free, obviously tering summer’s day. they get something out of it, but
the highest wins’, and they’ve got like a cat and an elephant- the elephant can’t jump! And he’s guna be much wiser than the cat maybe, um and I think it’s the same for children in the schools,
25 you can’t just put us all in the Carnival, Hannah still managed same bracket and try and teach to get a look in at some of the us all in the same way it’s just not workshops in the children’s area going to work... Steiner schools located at St Agnes Park. As well are quite a good solution but they as children and families, Carnival are maybe too far in the extreme... draws an eclectic crowd who because they’re not so academ- dance deep into the night. In May 2012, Bristol voted in ically trained.” It is clear that Hannah has learnt a lot from life favour of having a democratically without school: she articulates elected mayor, and in November her thoughts through a voice that of the same year voted in George speaks with composure and a face Ferguson. Hannah voted with the majority for the former, believing with wisdom. 2013 was the first year that saw such a person would be beneficial St Paul’s Carnival organised as to Bristol’s communities but she a charity and a business. As sole did not vote for George Ferguson. administrator, Hannah was an “If you have an independent then integral part of the reorganisa- they’re guna have they’re own tion. “I had the manager asking agenda, and it seems that’s what me where everything was every George Ferguson has done, I think time he needed to get to some- he is doing a good job, might be thing, but I created like a sheet, able to be done better, but I I a piece of paper now so he can couldn’t do it.” In the time that Hannah has carry on now without me.” To fill up the 20 slots that Carnival are lived in Bristol, she has seen the responsible for on the main stage Stokes Croft area change and on Grosvenor Road, Hannah develop. Bohemian shops and bars sorted through over 200 applica- have moved in, rent prices have tions. “We had two really great risen; many critics claim gentrifipeople come in and volunteer; cation has taken place. “It’s been Jason Sweetpea [MC name] and cleaned up amazingly well, the Sofia Ahmed [to help choose the graffiti work seems much more acts]. She also took on much of uniformed... as if there’s a much the masquerade managers’ role to better system to it, and I don’t support the hired manager, who know whether that’s a good thing had little experience of carnivals or not, I guess it’s stopping more emerging artists get out there.” In or Bristol. Around noon on the day of the lead up to the criminalisation Carnival, I recommend you go to of squatting in August 2012, many pavements of Ashley Road, City of Bristol’s squats faced eviction. Road, Brigstoke Road and wait. One incident remains prominent There, you’ll find a hum starts in the city’s collective mind. At to fill your ears, one separate the same time that iconic squat from the sound-systems, tradi- ‘Telepathic Heights’ was set for tional to Caribbean carnivals, and eviction, an unwanted ‘Tesco crowd chatters you can already Express’ moved in across the road. hear. This one is different. This Although the anti-Tesco protestone is laced with whistles and ers and the Telepathic Heights chants, patterned with drums, residents claim to be two separate and inches nearer with every groups, over 160 police and dogs beat. Finally you’re faced with in riot gear initiated a raid on the feathers, gold, routines, speakers, building - which at the time had singing, and children. The comes four occupants - in the defence to an end and you’re left with the of Tesco. The events led to what choice between following on the became known as the ‘Tesco Riots’. end dancing to the drum trills Hannah knew some of the people or squeezing through the crowd, living in the squat opposite the cutting through an alley to see if new Tesco Express. “They used you can catch it from the begin- the squat as a scapegoat and actuning – you’re sure to have missed ally, there weren’t petrol bombs thrown from the squat before something. Carnival receives funding from hand. [as claimed] When all of Bristol city council and the arts that was happening.... the biggest council, who ask they pay close and most expensive police station attention to the environmen- in the UK had just been built in tal impact of St Paul’s Carnival. West Bromwich, and that was as Previously, electric powered golf a result of Tesco donating [£7m] buggies were used to carry the to them so therefore a really big sound systems that accompany Tesco could be built. You can have the masquerade. Using electric people of power, who don’t necespower reduced the carbon emis- sarily have a good moral basis.” I ask Hannah if she has a sions but transporting the buggies on trucks from London counter mantra she lives by? “Just shut up acted the reduction. So, Hannah and smile! Smiling is very impororganised for bicycles to create tant, the best way to get a person vehicles like rickshaws to solve to smile is to smile at them. I the problem. “I had to find them think smile and your whole world [bikes] from all different places... smiles with you.” two from this person, one from To make a donation to St Paul’s this person, I had to donate my bike... and then some of the guys Carnival text CARN45 £1 (or more) who were working in the same to 70070 Squatters Action for Secure office block as us helped us out and donated a lot of their time Homes: http://www.squashcamto create these sound systems!” paign.org/ Despite working 8am to 8pm at
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Western Eye 10.13 – Issue 02
SPORTS
PUZZLE PAGE — THE WESTERN EYE QUIZ AND PUZZLES
Puzzle Page Quiz
Sudoku
Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.68)
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1. What is the name of the official national anthem of the USA?
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2 8. Paraguay has borders with Brazil, Bolivia and which other country?
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Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Mon Nov 11 14:59:58 2013 GMT. Enjoy!
10. What is the national currency of Egypt?
Wordsearch Frenchay
Red
Stmatthias
Bolland
Bowerashton
Westerneye
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