York Vision 206

NOMINATED: GUARDIAN STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR 2009

TUESDAY May 11th, 2010

ISSUE 206

vision@yusu.org

york monopoly vision style

- Scene -

COLLEGE CUP kicks off

- lifestyle -

- sport -

WWW.YORKVISION.CO.UK

The man, the legend, the tour guide... its brendan!

VISION EXCLUSIVE: CANTOR IN MAD MONEY SCANDAL

VICE-CHANCELLOR'S £135K EXPENSES

SHOCKER THE VC N A H T I N U E H T M O RE FR INED B > VC SCROUNGES MO M O C C B B F O L A R E CTOR GEN E IR D D N A D R O F X O OF IVERSITY N U E H T T S O C N IO S N D PE > SALARY, PERKS AN 3 YEARS LY N O IN K 0 0 8 £ R E V O NTS E D U T S S E V A E L N IO T > VISION INVESTIGA R CANTOR'S O F L IL B E H T G IN T O E FO WONDERING: ARE W LASVISH LIFESTYLE? - FULL STORY PAGES 4 & 5 -

PLUS: SALVATION TAKES OVER TRUSDAY - BUT WILL IT LAST? PAGE 3

2NEWS

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

YORK STUDENTS TO BATTLE IT OUT FOR BEAUTY CROWN

BY NICOLA CHAPMAN

YOUR WEEK QUOTE OF THE WEEK “This website is slightly creepy, it reminds me most of secondary school kids perving on classmates and teachers."

- Obviously Ben Humphrys won't be utilising Fitfinder.co.uk

GOOD WEEK GOOD WEEK

salvation

It's your time to shine - but for how long?

BAD WEEK

doors on campus

They just don't know whether they are opening or closing.

Bloody hard life.

the number cruncher 2600

Amount of miles across Europe a student plans to cycle this summer

3334.74

Pounds a greedy landlord charged INNOCENT students in petty legal battle

29k

How much old Cantor spent on plane tickets in ONE year.

Join the debate online!

Your constant source for everything York: www.yorkvision.co.uk Contact us: vision@yusu.org Cover picture ofBrian Cantor from Wikipedia user Benyon3

TWO YORK UNIVERSITY students have been short-listed in the popular Miss York 2010 pageant, Vision can reveal.

Rachel Wareing, 20, and Laura Nero, 18, will both be taking part in the final on the 30th May at the Royal York Hotel.

Speaking exclusively to Vision, Rachel urged fellow students to vote, encouraging students to “remove the stigma that York is an 'ugly' University and have a beauty queen as one of the students!”

The winner of the regional heat will then go on to compete with the best from around the country for the coveted Miss England title. If successful here, the victor will then take part in the famous Miss World contest, competing with other national pageant queens from around the

student at the university, first got involved with the Miss London pageant in 2009. She said: “I really enjoyed getting involved last year and I'd like to promote the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.”

“Last year I managed to raise the most money for charity in the Miss London semi-final and I'd like to carry on promoting beauty with a purpose.”

The winner of Miss York 2010 will receive a TV training course, an evening dress worth £200, a photo shoot and portfolio worth £500 and a day at Champneys.

Last year's winner, Helen Lawal, was a student at the HullYork Medical School.

globe.

Rachel, who is originally from Preston, also commented that: “If a Lancashire girl could

take the Yorkshire crown it could truly put an end to the War of the Roses!”

Laura, a first year politics

To support the girls, text 16Rachel for Rachel or 12Laura for Laura, to 84205. Voting is open now, and will close at 6pm on the 30th of May.

Photos from Facebook

HIT OR MISS (YORK)

ON YOUR BIKE!

BY TOM MCDERMOTT A STUDENT from the University of York is set to cycle 2600 miles across Europe this summer in order to raise money for charity.

Langwith College’s Philip Charlesworth is planning the mammoth bike ride for this summer and is looking to raise £2600, one pound for every mile he cycles. The proceeds will go to the British Legion. Philip, a first year Biology student,

initially wished to complete the bike ride as a personal challenge but his military family background compelled him to turn the ride into “something worthwhile”.

Speaking to Vision, Philip said that despite the fact that he stays in good shape, the bike ride would still be quite a challenge. “I’m not a cyclist at all,” he said, “boxing and swimming are my main sports”.

Choosing to embark on the ride without a support team or

even a riding partner, Philip can do nothing but cross his fingers and hope everything goes well.

I don’t have anything as a back up apart from my phone,” said Philip, although he added that thanks to his dad’s military connections he does know “quite a few people dotted around the place” who will be there just in case of emergencies.

The student has received a positive reception from everybody he’s shared his plans with, including York Cycle Works

who generously loaned Philip a bike on which to do the ride.“I need to hope I don’t lose it or crash it or something awful like that” he joked.

Finally Philip revealed that whilst he is doing the bike ride for charity he is also planning to make the most of his rest days: “I’ll be having about one rest day a week or so – I’m hoping to tie it into when I’m on the beach!”

Guardian Student Newspaper of the Year 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007 Tuesday May 11th, 2010 Editors: Paddy Harte Tom McDermott

Deputy News: Kate O'Loughlin Paul Virides

Deputy Features: Fran Salino Josie Cridland

Deputy Editors: Nicola Chapman Jack Knight

Comment Editors: Megan Graham Jack Stanley

Lifestyle Editors: Merryn Hockaday Katy Roberts

Scene Editor: David Elliot

Deputy Comment: James Masters Jamie Riley

Deputy Lifestyle: Zoe Pinder Maddy Potts

Features Editors: Chris Craddock Laura Cress

Style Editors: Emma Blake Sarah Woods

News Editors: Daniel Goddard Milana Knezevic

Deputy Style: Helen O'Brien Helen Turnbull Sports Editors: Stephen Holcroft Josh Mangham Deputy Sports Jon Cook Photo Editor: Marcus Roby

Webmaster: Edward Hartwell Goose Web Editors: Andy Nichols Jim Norton Managing Editors: Angus Hill Kate O'Loughlin Scene editorial listed in pullout

Opinions expressed in York Vision are not necessarily those of the Editors, Senior Editorial Team, membership or advertisers. Every effort is made to ensure all articles are as factually correct as possible at the time of going to press, given the information available.

Copyright Vision Newspapers, 2010.

Printed by Yorkshire Web

NEWS

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

3

TRUSDAYS ARE OVER AS OFFICIAL STUDENT NIGHT MOVES TO CLUB SALVATION TONIGHT

'S LVATION A S M O R HOT F SCREENS OMO VIDEO PR RUSHED

NO SALVATION FOR TRU

BY DANIEL GODDARD AND MILANA KNEZEVIC THE UNIVERSITY of York’s official Tuesday night has been moved to Club Salvation, following the sale of Tru nightclub by Luminar Leisure. The new night, only open to York students, launches tonight (Tuesday week 3) with £3 entry and a 4.30am closing time.

The story was broken online by Vision last Tuesday, an hour after talks with YUSU and Club Salvation concluded.

Although a financial agreement exists between YUSU and Luminar with

regards to promotion and exclusivity of certain nights, Democracy and Services officer, Lewis Bretts, told Vision the union was not going to legally pursue the matter. Supposedly, the sale of the club did not conform to a breach of contract.

It is at present not clear why Luminar sold Tru or whom they sold it to.

Vision has attempted to contact Luminar on several occasions, but the company has not responded to our queries.

Opinions are split on the suitability of the new location. Attempts were made to make Salvation the "The Official Night of York Sport" at the start of

YORK NUS REPS WALK OUT IN PROTEST OF MOTION

BY MILANA KNEZEVIC

FURORE SURROUNDED the recent NUS International Student Conference, as a contentious motion relating to EU students was passed.

The aim of the proposal was to redefine the label “international student” to no longer include EU students. The main reasons cited for the alteration was that students from the within the EU pay different fees to other international students and other visa rules apply to them.

The motion reads that “higher education should also consider EU as home students” and that “NUS should provide a different platform for resolving issues related to EU students.” This effectively means that EU students are no longer covered by the international students’ campaign.

A large portion of the conference, including York delegates Welfare Officer Ben Humphrys, ISA Chair Daria Pawlowska and Welfare Officer-elect Laura Bo, walked out at this. A petition against the motion, fronted by NUS International Officer-elect Christina Zhang,

was also signed by most of those who chose to walk out.

This comes after reported problems of organisation in what Humphrys has called an otherwise successful conference. The delegates did not receive the motion papers until minutes before they were about to vote, giving them little time to familiarise themselves with the issues.

There was also confusion as to who exactly wrote the international students committee report for the past year, and the elections for a committee and a full time officer went over the planned schedule.

This lack of organisation might leave loopholes in the passing of the motion, and Humphrys is currently communicating with the NUS over possibilities to make the motion null and void based on this.

the Autumn term in 2008. Yet even with the offer of a free drink on entry, the vast majority of sports clubs still went to Ziggy’s and within a month the night was cancelled.

The advertising of the night got off to a bad start before the weekend when a promo video made the rookie error, common with many local takeaways, of misspelling many of the colleges. It would seem that the imaginary “Vanbough” and “Goodrick” colleges will also be welcome. The video has since been removed.

There is also confusion as to what precisely is happening at Tru in the

coming weeks. A Facebook group dubbed “Don’t Believe The Hype” has emerged, encouraging students to keep coming to Tru on Tuesday nights, stating that “the bandwagon rolls on!” The Gallery nightclub, which is still owned

by Luminar Leisure, have been telling revellers to still go to Tru on a Tuesday, despite the fact the club is now closed Monday to Wenesday.

The closure also affected York St John’s official Wednesday night, which was also held at Tru. It is not known whether they have found a replacement.

WITNESS THE FITNESS

BY PADDY HARTE A BRAND new website, “thefitfinder. co.uk” has been launched in York. The website’s slogan is “witness the fitness” and the facility allows the user to both “add a fitty”, and “find a fitty” that they have seen in a certain university area.

For example, when Vision searched for a candidate in the London School of Economics Library, we found this “fitty” on the website: “Female, Black hair. Sexy girl: wanna see how hung my parliament is?”

The website is the invention of UCL Computer Sciences student, Rich Martell and has spread like wild-fire since its inception last month. Martell explained that he first got the idea from his friends claiming that, “When we’re revising in the library we all text each other when we see an attractive girl. That planted the idea in my head for a website.”

Although the York section of the site was launched just last weekend, a number of “fittys” have already been added, one post reads: “Main Library (Silent room) Female, Blonde hair...Gorgeous green eyes - she totally gave me sex eyes”.

A second year PPE student, Tom Ibbetson, told Vision: “I think it’s going to be a massive hit, it’ll be really good to sift through when I’m bored in the library, or frustrated by revision”.

YUSU Welfare Officer, Ben Humphrys, however has a somewhat different opinion, venting, “This website is bizarre and...if I’m honest, slightly creepy, it reminds me most of secondary school kids perving on classmates/teachers.”

On a more serious tone however, Humphrys added that, “If anyone does feel harassed by being the target of one too many tweeter’s wet dream they should get in touch and we’ll look into it.”

DO NOT USE THIS PAGE SCROLL DOWN

P

4NEWS

YORK VISION Tuesday May 11th, 2010

VISION EXCLUSIVE:

student press

We read them... ...so you don't have to

Brian Cantor has cost OUR university over £800,000 in three years to finance HIS lavish lifestyle. YOUR tuition fees pay for first class round the world tickets, five star hotels and even the £1.20 for the parking metre. In light of widespread university funding cuts, Vision is telling greedy Cantor, enough is enough.

No Thanks, Yanks!

THE UNIVERSITY of East Anglia’s American Society has found itself at the centre of a political furore after having their US flag confiscated by local police.

The newly formed society went on their first social happily waving their flag only to come a cropper when a local bobby stopped their merriment and asked “What’s with the flag then?” In the ensuing argument the plod took away the flag saying “it could cause offence to people”.

University of Piss-tol THERE ARE red faces all round at the BBC after the corporation was forced to apologise to Bristol University students for portraying them as binge drinkers, reports Epigram.

One student in particular, who was the focus of the report, took exception to her portrayal. The student's supervisor complained "She certainly was not drunk, and has complained to the BBC...an official apology has been given and the footage has been withdrawn from the website."

This comes after media reports five years ago of a binge drinking culture at the university.

Pants Man! CONFUSION REIGNED at at an Oxford Uni College Ball when a gatecrasher gained entrance without trousers or one shoe, Cherwell reports.

The reveller gained access by crawling along the bed of a shallow river, losing clothing in the process. He told the newspaper "noone seemed to care that I had no trousers."

The College's security for the event, which included a floodlit watchtower, appear to have missed the mass of gatecrashers who managed to avoid the cost of a £90 ticket.

Jack Knight

Photo: Daniel Gilks

Swanning Around!

CAMBRIDGE ROWERS have appealed to the Queen to remove a vicious swan from the river Cam, reports the Cambridge Tab. The swan has been reeking havoc on the river attacking rowers, punters and motorised pleasure boats.

"Mr ASBO" has even succeeded in capsizing a canoe and biting the end off a rowing eight's oar.

The President of the Cambridge Rowing Association has appealed to her majesty to remove the offending bird saying "The swan situation is most serious and someone is going to be badly injured."

Dr Perrins, Her Majesty's Swan Warden, is resisting such efforts.

BY DANIEL GODDARD THE UNIVERSITY of York’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, has claimed nearly £135,000 in expenses in the last three financial years in figures obtained by Vision. This represents a startling 50% increase in the amount he claimed in the three years beforehand, where the Vice-Chancellor had already claimed £90,000.

Travel expenses have made up the bulk of these expenses. In the last two years alone, Cantor managed to claim £57,590 in plane tickets, a marked increase from 2006/07 where only £12,252 was reimbursed.

Professor Cantor refused to comment on his expenses. In a statement from the university, the amounts have been justified on the grounds that York is an international institution and

that travelling all over the world is the nature of the job.“[T]he Vice-Chancellor lead[s] an organisation with a £225m income, educating 12,000 students and employing 3,000 staff with all the demands that entails. York has a hard-earned reputation as one of the world’s leading universities, which in turn brings significant benefits to our students. International travel is a necessary part of maintaining and developing that global standing.”

However, in the last financial year, the £50,542 claimed by the Vice-Chancellor dwarves other top public sector workers. Mark Thompson, the Director-General of the BBC, a corporation with an income of £4.6 billion, claimed just £15,919 in the last nine months gone. In fact Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, Professor Andrew Hamilton, managed to get by on only £26,957 in the same time

period as Cantor; yet Hamilton is in charge of a higher-ranking university with an income in excess of £676 million and with a massive student population of 20,330.

Cantor’s expenses data was received after Vision filed a Freedom of Information request to the university demanding a “Full breakdown of all expenses, both paid for directly and those reimbursed by the university, of all staff at the University of York with the word "Chancellor" in their title ... for the last three financial years available.”

Cantor’s claims from the University also paled the other top members of staff. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and the six ProVice-Chancellors claimed, all together, £92,225 over three years, compared to £134,857 for the ViceChancellor alone.

York University uses a travel management company located

near campus called NYS Corporate, to arrange a large amount of their air and train travel, as well as to book accommodation for staff. We presented our findings to a former lecturer at the university who regularly used the service. She stated: “The fact that the travel costs are so high doesn’t surprise me in the least bit. There was no incentive to book things cheaply. I would often buy train tickets the day before a journey, knowing I would be fully reimbursed. Plane tickets would often cost an astronomical amount when they were booked soon to the departure date.”

As part of this investigation Vision filed the same request to several other universities. Unfortunately York failed, unlike these other universities, to list specific claims, and are deferring their full response for at least another month.

UNIVERSITY'S OPEN DOOR

BY PAUL VIRIDES

A NUMBER of broken doors left unlocked at on-campus residences have sparked frustration and concern among students.

Blocks in Derwent, Goodricke, James and Vanbrugh colleges have all experienced malfunctioning doors that have not locked or closed properly. Some consistently unlock themselves due to security flaws putting students's security at risk.

Rebecca O’Dwyer, a

resident of Goodricke College said that she “feel[s] that [her] safety has been jeopardised. It’s ridiculous that this has been going on for so long.”

The main problem surfaced in Goodricke at the beginning of this term, following the Duke of York’s visit to officially open the college. The doors, which are automatic and operate through use of a key card held against a security pad, have either been opening themselves or not fully closing.

Doors to individual

flats within these blocks have also unlocked themselves. Due to the nature of the layout of the buildings, this gives full access to kitchens to anyone without a key.

This has been a particular problem for one particular eight person house at Goodricke, in which the front door, the only access point to the house, remained broken throughout the Autumn Term and parts of Spring Term. Due to a technical problem, the door would not automatically lock

when shut.

Though reportedly fixed, it continued to break even after the problem was brought to the attention of university staff.

One member of the house told Vision that “it is unacceptable that the doors were consistently broken and that our security was compromised.”

Electronic doors at new Vanbrugh residences and new James residences colleges have also suffered similar problems of doors not closing fully or unlocking themselves. Vi-

sion has received reports of one Derwent block that is accessible without an entrance code.

“Students have got a right to swift repairs when something goes wrong with accommodation - especially if it leads to a security risk,” says YUSU Welfare Officer, Ben Humphrys.

“We're currently lobbying the university to put the reporting systems online so we can easily pull the university up when responses are slow.”

However, Humphrys

5

NEWS

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

VC'S EXPENSES REVEALED I n o n e y e a r, o u r V C s p e n t £ 2 9 K s p e n t o n p l a n e

I n o n e y e a r, o u r

tickets. This money could buy you a return

VC spent £12.8K

f l i g h t t o S i n g a p o r e , E V E R Y W E E K f o r a y e a r.

on train tickets.

This works out to be the equivalent of a return train

Photo: Flickr

Photo: Andy Beecroft

journey to London, EVERY FOUR D AY S .

How much does the VC earn?

STRAPPED FOR CASH

POLICY

occur and is reported it is addressed by University staff or by the contractors who fitted the doors as appropriate.”

BY TOM MCDERMOTT

Photo: Troy Thomas

stresses that the York campus is very safe both relative to the surrounding area and other universities.

“Residential theft and assault went down on both 2008 and 2009 figures, and are both generally at very low levels. There really is no reason to fear crime on campus.”

The University commented that “there is no fundamental problem with the automated doors in Goodricke College or a risk to the security of students. If a problem does

MUCH TO the dissappointment of Hes East residents, it was revealed over Easter that the latest attempts to secure a cash point for the isolated Goodricke College were unsuccessful.

Despite the efforts of Goodricke JCRC’s Campaigns Reps, Jamie Fisher and Andreas Gabrielsen, plans to install a much needed ATM on the new

campus fell through after it emerged that clauses and requirements in the supply company’s contract were unacceptable to the university.

Jon Greenwood, the university’s Director of Commercial Services, told Vision: “I haven’t had specific dealings with the company that Goodricke identified but my own research has found that private cash point providers look for a footfall of 5000 people, want

site exclusivity for 5 years and of course charge for withdrawals.”

However these stipulations were deemed unreasonable and, to the disappointment of the JCRC, the installation did not go ahead.

Tim Ellis, Goodricke Chair, maintained that the affair had not been futile.

“I was very impressed with the efforts of the Campaigns Officers; it was disappointing that it didn’t

come through.” Adding: “hopefully this has put more pressure on the uni to sort out the cash point situation” When asked by Vision, Jon Greenwood confirmed that plans to get an ATM were indeed being taken forward. “I am speaking to HSBC, Barclay’s, Nationwide and others to get a free-to-use machine from a recognised high street provider.”

6 NEWS

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

MISSING POSTAL BALLOTS COULD SPARK LEGAL CHALLENGE TO YORK OUTER RESULT

YORK OUTER TURNS BLUE

BY MILANA KNEZEVIC

DESPITE REPORTS of missing postal ballots, Conservative Julian Sturdy last Thursday became the local MP for York Outer, the constituency the university belongs to.

After the temporary closure of the Leeman Road sorting office following a chemical scare, hundreds of voters who applied for postal ballots did not receive them in time to cast their vote. A printing problem has also been linked to the blunder.

It has been reported that the mistake could potentially open the results up to legal challenges. The York returning officer, however, has since stated that as some 80% of the issued ballots were returned, "suggests that the postal ballots have reached those who applied for them”.

As 17,000 postal ballots were issued, the difference of 3,688 votes between Sturdy and runner up, Liberal Democrat Madeleine Kirk, could not have been closed by the missing ballots.

Craig Martin, York Liberal Democrat Chair stated that "We're upset that the forms went missing. There was an 80% rate of returns

which the returning officer says is a healthy amount.

We all agree it was an accident and fully support the council's decision on these matters" "Not all of the postal votes went missing. We don't think it's a significant amount," said York Tories Chair Felix Bungay.

The new Tory MP has identified his three main issues as the protection of the Green Belt, dealing with challenges in local infrastructure and meeting concerns facing the NHS. In as interview with Vision earlier this year, Sturdy also stated that he “cares about the student body” and that “politicians must be careful about legislation that might damage the accessibility of university to young people today.” Additionally, he branded the new restrictions on student housing a “delicate issue”.

“Obviously I am very happy that Julian won in York Outer.

We thought it would be much closer given the polls reporting a surge in the levels of Lib Dem support, but in the end this failed to materialise,” says Bungay.

“Julian will be a

great local MP and I'm sure he'll be a strong voice for students and the local people of York Outer.”

Ex-YUSU president and Labour candidate James Alexander finished third in York Outer with 9,108 votes, while UKIP’s Judith Morris and BNP’s Cathy Smurthwaithe received 1,100 and 956 votes respectively.

Labour Club Chair Cat Wayland commented that “we’re delighted that we won York Central. Outer was always going to be a difficult seat but we’re proud of James’s campaign. He did a magnificent job.”

BY MILANA KNEZEVIC CURRENT YORK STUDENT Alan Belmore and York graduate Tom Scott were both unsuccessful in their bids to become MPs. Belmore, a first-year from Vanbrugh College, lost the Hemsworth seat to Labour’s John Trickett. He was also beat by Conservative Ann Myles, but with a respectable 5,667 votes, he still triumphed over UKIP Ian Womersley and BNP’s Ian Kitchen.

“I am very pleased with the result. It is a shame that our current political system creates safe seats such as these and jobs for life for the MP.” Ex-YUSU President Mad Cap’n Tom Scott, who ran as an independent, finished last in the Cities of London and Westmin-

ster, with 84 votes. Conservative Mark Field predictably won, in what has traditionally been a safe Tory seat.

Scott however, does not seem too distraught by the outcome, commenting on his blog that “I not be givin' a damn. Why? Because in the last couple o' weeks, I be havin' a grand time. I be makin' thousands o' people smile.

I be tourin' London wi' a toy duck on me head. An' I be havin one hell of a story t' tell.”

Furthermore, he states that Mad Cap’n Tom will be stepping out of the limelight for some time. “I be droppin' th' pirate accent, hangin' up me tricorn hat, an' givin' Brian th' Duck some much needed rest.”

VOLUNTEERING PROJECT GIVEN THE GO AHEAD

BY PADDY HARTE

BECAUSE THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

THE UNIVERSITY Trustee Board, last week, unanimously approved the continuation of the YUSU ran “Kids’ Camp”, after an overhaul of the project was presented to a board on Thursday night by student activities officer, Rhianna Kinchin.

Kinchin’s complete overhaul included a new “framework set by national standards”, a greater emphasis on the personal development of kids’ camp volunteers, and a “safer environment” which bans all alcohol on sight. The resounding 30 page overhaul was unanimously passed following a detailed presentation by Kinchin.

Although Kids’ Camp had its beginnings over 40 years ago, in recent history the scheme has had been at the centre of several embarrassing and controversial incidents.

In 2002 there was a nail biting minibus accident in which a vehicle, according to a YUSU document, “tipped off a cliff ” – although nobody was injured. Additionally in 2008, a damaging letter was received from a child’s social worker accusing an individual of entering a child's room in the night (although the child later denied this claim).

After each of these incidents, the trustee board continued to approve the running of Kids’ camp with little reform; one PhD student, who wished to remain anonymous, told Vision that this was due to a “weak trustee board that was much bigger and had greater politically bias than what the trustee board seems to be today”.

More recently in 2009, Kids’ Camp was at the centre of yet another incident in which the children were deemed by one ex-volunteer as “out of control”.

An email that Vision obtained, from the owner of the accommodation to YUSU confirms this, stating: “I very much regret that owing to the poor behaviour and lack of control of the children during both weeks during August I am not able to accept further bookings from you”.

This seems to have been the final straw for the current, much stronger trustee board, and a new proposal encompassing all necessary procedures and processes was deemed absolutely necessary.

Following Kinchin’s successful proposal, she commented: “I have dedicated many hours of work over the past months…transforming concerns raised

by YUSU's trustees, local professionals and the Kids' Camp Working Group of volunteers into a practical, safe and exciting solution for running Kids' Camp”.

When we quizzed Kinchin on why she felt her proposal would last so much longer than previous proposals, she told us that, her proposal was significant in that it “will control the risks of running a residential camp for kids that the Trustee Board have been concerned about.”.

Kinchin further added that, “Local professionals in safeguarding children have been involved in working towards these big changes, and the Trustee Board is now confident that Kids' Camp has been thoroughly reviewed and reconstructed.”

Summer Kid’s camp 2010 will therefore take place from the 23rd - 28th August (1st Week) and 28th August - 1st September (2nd Week).

Contact YUSU for more details on how to get involved.

YORK VISION

NEWS

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

STUDENTS' TWO YEAR LEGAL BATTLE WITH LANDLORD FINALLY COMES TO AN END

EX-STUDENTS IN LEGAL NIGHTMARE

BY TOM MCDERMOTT A GROUP of ex-York students recently breathed a sigh of relief as a two year long legal battle with an ex-landlord finally came to an end.

The students, a group of six girls, have asked to remain anonymous for fear of once again incurring the wrath of the landlord. They described their experiences to Vision as “a living nightmare”.

When the girls moved into the house which they had found on the university housing list in a popular student area, they had no idea of the predicament in which they would eventually find themselves.

The students’ problems started from as soon as they moved in. They noted that the house was in “a state of disrepair and had not been redecorated at all.” However although they noticed these things they did not think to take photographs for evidence; something they would go on to bitterly regret.

“We were very naive looking back. If we’d taken photos when moving in and out the whole drama could have been avoided.”

However, like most students, the possibility that they were about to be ripped off did not even enter the minds of the girls.

“When he took most of our deposits we were shocked,” said one of the girls.

“We’d always had quite a good relationship with him; we’d even had him over to one of our parties.”

However the girls conceded that there had been signs that something may have been wrong.

“He had always been quite hit and miss when responding to problems, for example it took him a month to fix the toilet seat when it fell off, and he took ages to sort out the constant smell of gas in one of the back bedrooms.”

When the landlord refused to give a written list of all the reasons he had not returned their deposits, it became clear that there would be no reasoning with him and the girls, with the help of legal aid, took him to small claims court.

Upon hearing that he was being taken to court, the landlord came back out in force, making nearly £3,500 worth of claims in a counter-suit.

These included attempting to charge £800 for a mirror which he himself had broken whilst drunk at their party, £320 for a washing machine which had broken down during their tenancy and £150 for stained mattresses despite the fact that everyone in the house had used a mattress protector.

A stressful, two year legal battle en-

YORK STUDENT RECORDS CHARITY SINGLE

LYRICALLY SHARPE

ok

A FIRST YEAR student has released a charity EP in support of Childreach International, Vision can reveal.

Jon Sharpe, an Economics student and resident of Goodricke College has written, produced and recorded the five-track album himself, and is selling it for £5.

Speaking to Vision, Sharpe said: “I saw the advert (for Childreach) and it’s then that you realise that we’ve been lucky in this country, and I wanted to give something back.”

His music, a selfdescribed pop and R’n’B blend, has already been publicised on MySpace, though he says the idea for the EP only surfaced this year.

“I’ve been playing piano and singing for as long as I can remember, but I stopped lessons when I was 14. I started writing at 17, and at that point started recording stuff at home.”

He cites Michael Jackson, Ne-Yo and Timbaland as well as other parts of the

American music industry as his main inspirations.

When asked about his future ambitions for music, Sharpe said: “at the moment it’s a hobby, but I do want to focus on my degree. We’ll see how it goes.” He does not rule out the possibility of partaking in Open Mic nights and other similar events.

The Sharpe family seems not to have a great deal of musical history, though Sharpe claims his talent comes from his mother, and “definitely not from my dad.”

His cousin is a session musician, playing for artists as notable as Tina Turner.

Other songs that Sharpe has written include love songs and a tribute to Haiti, “Other Side”. He wrote it shortly after the disaster in Haiti.

“I’m always looking for inspiration,” he says, “love songs can get a bit boring.”

Photo: Facebo

BY PAUL VIRIDES

*You can contact Jon on js815 to buy the single, and preview his music at www. myspace.com/jonsharpemusic*.

sued in which the landlord had the court adjourned twice and submitted reams and reams of irrelevant evidence including business cards and unrelated hospital appointment records.

The girls told Vision: “As we had to come from all over the country he attempted to prolong it and prolong it in the hope that we’d give up.”

“It was incredibly petty – it was only a few hundred pounds – it meant nothing to him as he’s got houses all over town.”

“We incurred loads of court costs but it was worth it in the end as he had to pay us.”

Eventually the ruling went against the landlord and the girls received their deposits back in full as well as compensation awarded by the court. After further complaints from the girls the landlord was also struck off the University Housing list.

The girls offer this advice for all students in order to avoid a similar situation: “Always ask for an inventory – to avoid being charged for things that are already broken – and always keep it professional with your landlords; get every visit properly recorded.”

Though they thought the matter was finally behind them the landlord has recently applied for the opportunity to appeal the judgement.

CHARGED: HOW THE STUDENTS WERE CONNED £800 for a mirror that HE had broken whilst DRUNK £320 for a washing machine that had broken DURING tenancy £150 for stained mattresses which were covered THROUGHOUT tenancy with PROTECTORS

ALL OF THIS RESULTED IN A STRESSFUL TWO YEAR LEGAL BATTLE WITH THE GREEDY LANDLORD, FORCING STUDENTS' TO PAYING HEFTY COURT COSTS

Writer? Editor? Photographer? IT Expert?

ELECTIONS DATE: Friday, week 3 TIME: 17.15 LOCATION: L/047 ALL POSITIONS OPEN - NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED

7

8 COMMENT

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

>Comment THE VOICE OF JACK

A BRAVE NEW

FINDING THE OPINION ON THE ELECTION

STANLEY

Vision Says...

F

or Brian Cantor to be claiming such high expenses out of the accounts of our university is simply unacceptable.

At a time when money is tight these extra thousands could have helped fund bursaries, buoyed up student welfare systems or simply been spent on increasing often sparse contact hours.

For our Vice-Chancellor to be claiming more than his counterpart in Oxford, a university which is one of the richest and most prestigious in the world, just shows that something must be wrong in the system.

Vision has found that many of these costs could have been avoided with a little bit of careful planning. We can only hope that the university will conduct a thorough review.

Thumbs up to...

T

hanks to the Trustee Board and the efforts of Rhianna Kinchen, Vision is pleased that the future of Kids Camp is no longer in jeopardy.

The project is beneficial to both York students and children in our community. It has been running for over 40 years and it's survival is vital to the continuation of good relations with the residents in our surrounding area.

York students get so much out of living here in York that it is good to see us giving something back.

Thumbs down to...

D

odgy Landlords are a students worst nightmare.

Our sympathies go out to anybody who is unfairly taken advantage of by a landlord looking to make a quick buck.

Students should remember that they too have rights and to take every precaution necessary to ensure that they are not taken for a ride.

Keeping your relationship with your landlord professional has mutual benefits for all.

Simple steps, such as requesting an inventory and taking photos when you first move in, are all it takes to avoid a world of trouble.

I

n the words of David Walliams, "what a kerfuffle." How else can I describe it?

We're stuck with a Hung Parliament; it's an interesting result to say the least. I spent much of Friday watching BBC news and the confusion of the 'experts' was startling. (As was David Dimbleby's tireless performance).

The hesitancy that they all exercised when trying to predict the days after May 6th became comical after a few hours.

It was also very revealing. This is something of an enigma in British politics. I spoke to a politics student here who casually laughed and declared that much of his study had been based on why a Hung Parliament would never happen in Britain; only to be confronted by this. I sympathise with the experts however, this hasn't happened for over a quarter of a century. At this moment in time who knows what could happen. Clearly this isn't an unprecedented event; but it's new, it's exciting and it...well...it could mean change... but things could stay the same. If there's one thing I've discovered this week it's that noone knows what's going on.

In an effort to be informed I began asking questions. What began as the inquisitions of a disillusioned first time voter became something which felt more significant.

I asked questions of everybody I could find; taxi drivers, students, family members. I've spent time walking around campus, around York; stopping people walking in the street and asking them for their thoughts and feelings. No longer trying to be clued in about the politics, I became far more interested in how people felt about this outcome or just the possibility of it before the election.

On the whole, those I spoke to didn't seem

SCOTT BRYAN

F

or most of us, there is no worse fear than not having any relationship, nor achieving that many thrills at university. Although the student stereotype is sexy-time at a drop of a hat. Realistically, there is still the great stigma of actually approaching someone. Most of these other opportunities are during a Friday or Saturday night.

That point when downing a bottle of vodka and mounting them unexpectedly like an elephant seems like the best plan of action.

A new website will hopefully change that stigma altogether. Called Fitfinder, its tagline ‘Witness the Fitness’, encourages you ‘tweet’ anonymously about the person you find attractive but for whatever reason you don’t feel confident enough to chat up. So say you are in ‘The Courtyard’, waiting an eternity for a bowl

unduly concerned. There was, however, an underlying tone of negativity. The potential impact this result may have on the country clearly has people interested, indeed most described it as 'bad'. Yet the biggest issue was how the parties would react to this outcome.

Many reluctantly referred to horse trading. Some doubted the integrity of the politicians to be able to work together. Most people I spoke to before the election claimed that it was 'accessible', it was 'interesting'. I believe people felt more informed about the big three. Many attributed this to the introduction of the televised debates. Some went further by saying the extensive media coverage had at most forced them to take an interest. Those who claimed to be indifferent may have been lazily nonchalant; yet they weren't uninformed. Still despite their increased knowledge of British politics, the trust that so many politicians said they were working for, still clearly isn't there. I can't help but feel that this outcome will only compound the gap between the political class and the public.

Yet how do we deal with this issue of a Hung Parliament? As I write I'm listening to BBC news - there's a crowd of people gathered outside the Lib Dem offices. They're crying out for change - the Guardian estimates that there are upwards of 2000 people gathered in London on this march. They chant 'What do we want? Fair votes! When do we want them? NOW!' Despite my personal bias I can't help but deny that the Conservatives got the most votes; David Cameron should be Prime Minister. People I've spoken to since May 6th seem to believe this is fair. Like it or not the Conservatives were about two million votes more popular than the others. Very few have

a vehement disagreement with the Conservatives being in power despite this result.

The most polarising, and indeed confusing issue of this mess is the idea of a coalition. On principle, it doesn't seem to make sense. How could the Tories and Liberal Democrats ever work together? Everybody I spoke to is just as confused as me, most talk about their ideal coalition or what they wish would happen; only to turn their heads downwards and sigh. 'But it probably won't.' Again the lack of trust the public have in the capability of their leaders is still present in their daily thinking.

Despite the immense significance given to the election, I can't help but feel that it all seems slightly irrelevant. Throughout my discussions before polling day the words of my Grandfather have stuck with me the most. He's always had a good grasp of politics and every time we talked about the election he reminded me of this. 'In five months none of it will matter.' He's got a point, in the grand scheme of things the promises of the past month will slowly get lost as we face more pressing issues. Our leaders face a door-die situation at the moment. If they work together to the benefit of the majority they can begin to earn back some trust. If they bicker amongst themselves they only alienate the public more.

The key word in this election was 'change' yet this was the type that no politician wanted. Their stuck with it now, and so are we. Indeed change is needed now more than ever. Yet no-one seems to know how it will be achieved. Still if there's one thing I know for sure at the moment, I don't envy Nick Clegg.

FIT FINDER - A FORCE FOR GOOD? "MALE, BLONDE HAIR, WONDERING ABOUT WEBSITE."

of chips. If you see someone you quite like but you would never approach, you head to the website, state whether it is a girl or a boy, followed by what hair they have and then a tweet detailing something about them. The hope is that either the person who is the ‘fitty’ will notice that

You can imagine the lechery such an exploit typifies? they've been ‘fitted’ (if that’s a word) and try to find you out, or that other people know who you are on about, and comment about their ‘fitness’.

Now you can imagine the lech-

ery that such an exploit typifies.

Looking at Bath’s feed you think you are walking across stalker city. ‘Female, Brunette hair. Little Welsh girl... been following her for a couple of days. she smells really really good’ is probably a welfare issue. ‘Female, Brunette hair. hair with a gentle hint of honey blonde. sunday, ill be there. silent area. i need to have SEX! come FIND me!’ probably needs to get the police involved.

But actually, if you read between the ones that need to have a restraining order, you actually find a few sweet messages.

‘Male, Black hair. Thin cuttie, bit indie, bit geeky, got that cheeky chappy look, kinda hot.’ was seen in the Open Zone library area last Saturday night. I don’t know how but if I was recipient of the feed ‘Female, Brunette hair. Looked proper gorgeous as she wolfed down her chips’ I would somehow feel relatively complimented.

JOIN THE DEBATE AT WWW.YORKVISION.CO.UK

Finally it can seem relatively normal to banter about someone else without having to apply a baritone voice, scratch your privates, act laddish and be like 'PHOWAR. I’d give her one!'. No longer do you have the awful step of getting your mate to introduce you, making it seem as if you are either Jesus or a slimy toad.

This is then followed by several awkward minutes when you’re just scared, you just say ‘hullo’ and talk about the library refurbishment or the price of a Prawn Maris Rose sandwich.

The only embarrassment that will be caused is writing publicly on a wall about where they are and how fit they are, and acting all nice about it. And trust me out of all of the experiences the single can face, writing 140 characters is the least of my worries.

Win!

COMMENT

YORK VISION Tuesday May 11th, 2010

9

ANGRY STUDENTS LOOK ON AS YORK'S NIGHT CLUBS ARE RUNNING OUT OF STEAM

IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT NEWS THAT TRUSDAYS ARE NO MORE, WE ASK...

ARE YOU CONCERNED FOR THE FUTURE OF TUESDAY NIGHTS? ANGUS HILL

I

n the small world of being a student it seems that there are some things you just can't say. That when you begin to open your mouth to say them you think twice but then decide to go ahead anyway. And then inevitably everybody around you annihilates you for saying something that doesn't quite fit in with conventional opinion.

Like when you mention that you're thinking about voting for the Tories, or you might actually cook something other than a bowl of pasta for dinner. It appears that saying you actually quite like Tru fits into this category remarkably well. "What? You're actually looking forward to going to Tru tonight?" seems to be the standard response to anybody looking vaguely excited about a Tuesday night. To actually enjoy a night out in one of York's clubs, let alone Tru, seems like something to be ashamed of.

It might not be massive inside, you may have to queue for an hour because you spent too long in Rumours, and yes, they may play the same cheesy pop as everywhere else in York, but atleast Tru has a little bit of class. You don't have to wait quite as long to get a drink as in

YES Gallery, and at least it's just marginally more civilised than Ziggys.

For me Tru just isn't as chavvy as Salvation will undoubtedly turn out to be. I've never walked past York's new Tuesday night venue without seeing hundreds of yobs standing around outside in their hoodies and sparkling white trainers. Even on a student night I bet that these locals will find a way to get in.

So yes, admittedly Tru may have a special place in my heart (just last week I won a bottle of champagne there in a dancing competition), but it's about more than that. Unlike anywhere else in York, Tru has a bit of style, and a hint of sophistication. And unlike some of York's other clubs at least it's not full of massive queues just to get a drink, or leering girls confronting you the minute you walk in, or a décor that is closer to resembling a drug den than a nightclub.

So while you might think its fashionable to moan and grumble about Tru being just another miserable attempt at a nightclub, I can guarantee that after a few weeks at Salvation, York students will be literally begging to go back to Tru.

NO I

have a confession to make. It's not something that I'm proud of, and I'm sure a lot of you will dislike me for it. My confession is this. When I heard that Trusdays were getting axed, I didn’t scream in anguish. I didn’t fall to the ground weeping, or try to convince myself that it was all just an awful dream. I was actually, secretly, a little bit pleased.

The truth is that Tru just doesn’t appeal to me half as much as the other clubs in York. It has none of the scale of Gallery, the atmosphere of Ziggy’s or the variety of The Duchess. I’ve had good nights out in Tru, of course. Then again, I’ve also had a good night out in BPM, so that’s not really saying a lot.

I was pleased at the thought of Trusdays ending because of the anticipation of what might crop up in its place. Imagine… a brand spanking new student night, all shiny and exciting, albeit with a slightly less catchy name. (You try coming up with a pun involving a day of the week and the word salvation…it is beyond impossible.)

Clubs in York are already so limited – we haven’t got anything like the options other student cities have. The selection in larger cities like Newcastle and Manchester is taken for granted by their students, and I can’t help thinking that the prospect of a

MEGAN GRAHAM new student night would inject a bit more life into our weekly routine.

Even if the reality does fall short of my expectations, so what? We’ll all still head to Salvation every Tuesday, and we’ll eventually learn to love it. Maybe we can even overlook its air of chavviness, in the same way that we overlook the funny smell downstairs in Gallery, or Ziggy’s toilets.

The move to Salvation can be more than just a change of venue though. It’s an opportunity to discover new bars that routes to Tru overlooked and a chance to direct the music played there away from the bland and the cheesy. A fledgling student night needs to give students what they want in order to be popular, and our requests for older or less mainstream music are far more likely to be listened to. The closure of Tru has handed us a unique opportunity, in that we can shape the new student night into what we want it to be, and use our influence to create something exciting, current and different in the York clubbing scene. In the battle for York’s credibility and against the armies of Cheesy Pop Soc, this new student night could be our Salvation.

WANT TO RESPOND? EMAIL VISION@YUSU.ORG

10 COMMENT JAIME RILEY

YORK VISION

BOLD BRITISH CYNICISM

I

t’s difficult to talk about the BBC without

feeling slightly emotional. Growing up in the 90s, 15:30 was pivotal in my daily routine. I’d get in from school, kick off my newly scuffed shoes, steal the remote control and plonk myself in front of the voyage of discovery and escapism that was CBBC. I remember pretending that I had Harmony’s magical 50p from The Queen’s Nose and the immense feeling of disappointment when a series of The Demon Headmaster ended on the ultimate cliffhanger, only to be resumed “in the Autumn” or something equally as vague.

And who can forget Blue Peter – me and my best friend even held a “Bring and Buy Sale” hoping that our £30 would help us to top the light-up ‘totaliser’ and send Katy Hill into exhiliration.

Childhood memories aside, numerous claims have been made recently about the future of the BBC. Since the ‘Talent’ salaries scandal and The Jonathan Ross incident, a large number of Brits have begun to question the need for a public broadcasting service, when so many other channels are readily available. It’s now deemed crucial; something must be done to save, destroy or change the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Since we all pay our licence fees (or scrounge from iPlayer an hour later), we seem to feel entitled to criticise the beeb’s spending. Many critique that the BBC is spending far too much on far too little. The corporation has been accused of being blasé with its budget and has come under fire for ‘wast-

Defending our national treasure

MERRYN

ing license payers’ money’ on unnecessary expenditure.

Furthermore, many feel the BBC is ‘dumbing-down’, based on ‘yoof ’ portrayal in EastEnders and progressively less interesting Saturday night talent shows. It is, however, important to remember that the corporation has a duty to be fair and representative, and though those with an air of pretense refuse to enjoy “Over the Rainbow”

PRETENSION: IT'S PREPOSTEROUS!

The BBC is far more than just television and radio or “E20”, the average citizen may enjoy relaxing in front of the television, witnessing dark horses become heroes in such shows.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I’ve noticed that we are all guilty of forgetting that there is far more to the BBC than just television and radio , for example just imagine how much effort and how many people it takes to actually make a single programme!

After Mark Thompson (Director General) announced cuts to BBC 6 Music, social networking campaigns ensued and many celebrities, including David Bowie, Edith Bowman and Elbow's Guy Garvey spoke out against Thompson's

decision, saying it would be a great shame "for new artists to lose 6 Music".

Some claimed it was a PR scandal, others claimed it was fair, and others said that it was plain stupid; but whatever your opinion, the scale of the protests really demonstrated the amount of public backing that the corporation is lucky to receive. 17,000 people joined a Facebook group in protest against the cuts, alongside 8,000 others who would prefer to see the removal of Chris Moyles in order pay for the service. From this, it's easy to see that most people regard the corporation highly, and consider it a national treasure that needs to be preserved.

The BBC’s award-winning news service and comprehensive coverage of international, national and regional affairs is something not to be sniffed at. It’s a highly complex organisation, and the largest of its kind in the world. It boasts windows for an enormous amount of opportunities, yet we as the public often only reflect on the TV and radio programmes we see.

We forget the education services, BBC World and the enormous positive impact on our country’s economy. Looking at the beeb this way, it’s hard to see why certain political parties view the corporation with such negativity. As advertising revenue increasingly struggles and iPlayer takes over, it’s clear to see that the BBC is on its way up.

I don't want to question the public's right to criticise. I just wish they'd consider how valuable the BBC is before they question it.

Vision asks: Is it time for the lecture to modernise?

JAMES MASTERS

L

ectures. Sometimes I wonder, what’s the point? The monotone drones wash over you as the warmth of the theatre lulls you into a state of open-eyed blankness. Your biro, acquiring a mind of its own, gracefully scribbles across the page of your unnecessarily expensive notebook. Your stomach rumbles and you spend the next hour contemplating the captivating contents of the nearest vending machine.

I opt for a good old Mars Bar. I find them tasty, fulfilling and moreish.

Lectures at York are far more reminiscent of Revels; some are good, some are bad and some are just disappointing. It’s during these particularly substandard fifty minutes, that I wonder whether lectures have a place in our modern university system. Tools such as the ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ are present at many institutions across the country, and some are even experimenting with online lectures that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.. ‘au revoir’ 9.15s. As more and more of our technology becomes 'on-demand', is there any real need for the traditional teaching technique?

The word ‘lecture’ stems from the Latin term, ‘lectus’, which literally means ‘to read’. Before the printing press, this was the means by which uni-

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

LECTUREVOLUTION versity courses were taught. Lecturer's read from a text whilst the audience would make notes. The books he used were expensive, error ridden affairs; written (and miswritten) painstakingly by monks from inaccurate versions of a lost original. Then in 1440, a German chap called Gutenberg popped onto the scene with his printing press and became

Lectures need a shake up to captivate their jaded audiences the catalyst of the educational revolution. His press made the mass production of standardised books possible and suddenly everyone in the room could have the same text – why would you need some bloke reading it out to you?

Thus the lecture has had to evolve, especially in the humanities, to being an expression of ideas and key themes. But this new form has clear problems; the History department jokes that “infor-

mation passes from the notebook of the lecturer to that of the student without passing through the minds of either”. We all know that feeling when you leave the theatre and wonder what on earth’s been going on for the last hour, only to look at your notes and find a pointless cartoon.

However the lecture provides a social dimension. Especially to subjects that are too entrenched in the monotonous solitary confinement of individual study.

It’s an opportunity for some, rather overzealous students to get out of the library, which, as French scientist Alexis Carrel mused, “separates us from reality like a fog”. Online lectures would only serve to reduce the social time with ones academic peers even further; this is not progress.

That said, lectures do need a shakeup to captivate their jaded audiences.

PowerPoint presentations are only the start of a revolution that should embrace the use of video and music mixed within the regular rhetoric.

I don’t fancy Revels today. I want a Willy Wonka’s Factory of a lecture.

Enjoyable, varied, captivating. A lecture should inspire you. A lecture should leave you wanting to learn more. A lecture should not be the time for a cheeky nap.

HOCKADAY

I

often find myself simply amazed at the amount of ridiculously pretentious students at the University of York. I look around campus in a state of disbelief, watching students who believe they stand at an elevated position above the rest of society. I know that I personally do not adhere to this ‘better than the rest’ ideology, despite the fact that I have been known to get caught up in the University ‘bubble’.

I don't think it is really fair to loathe people just because they don't earn well.

Ostentatious attitudes, ironically, come to the fore in the student media. A recent article in Nouse written about budget-airlines exemplifies the kind of attitude I have mentioned, describing Ryanair passengers as: “loathsome members of society that one only finds themselves ill-fated enough to meet at such a location [as a Ryanair departure gate]”.

So who are these “loathsome members of society”? Those who can’t afford to make exactly the same journey with a comparatively more expensive airline? I don’t think it is really fair to loathe people just because they don’t earn much, or are students.

To suggest that people who travel cheaply are the types to be incompetent parents is also quite a startlingly unsubstantiated statement.

Clearly, the author had terribly misinformed preconceptions of those who he considered to be below him.

Before I came to University I thought it would be the kind of place where egalitarianism would prevail; a diverse group of young people looking to open their minds to different ideas and values. Even The Times say that York is unusual. It has a large intake of international and state sector school students. But there is disdainful attitude which seems to override this and predominate. Often, the majority of the student body are very close-minded and are unable to accept the need to appreciate people from all walks of life.

It shouldn’t be a case of ‘us’ and ‘them’. Just because we are students and perhaps academically more able than others, it doesn’t mean that we are at liberty to create some imaginary divide. This pompous attitude only serves to enhance the pejorative image, of the archetypal hedonistic, tax-dodging student. We don’t really have a right to be so arrogant, as the majority of us haven’t really contributed any financial wealth to our country as of yet. The less I hear and read about students being part of some imaginary upper-strata the better; sometimes it makes me feel quite nauseous and a little ashamed to be tarred with the same brush as this arrogant cliché of York students!

SATIRE

YORK VISION Tuesday May 11th, 2010

11

THE SKETCH

CASH4ASH INTRODUCING THE ASH CLOUD BENEFIT CD. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO HELP PEOPLE INCONVENIENCED BY THE VOLCANO!

Ash

Burn Baby burn

Village PEOPLE In the Navy

Van halen eruption

Queen

Another Flight Bites the Dust

The Animals

We Gotta Get Out of This Place

Oasis

Half the World Away

The Proclaimers "WE MUST HELP THE PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES ARE BEING RUINED BY THIS HIDEOUS ASH CLOUD...AND CAPITALISE ON IT FOR PROFIT, IMMEDIATELY" - Simon Cowell Useless, Rude & Rich Records

500 miles

Donna Summer Hot Stuff

Jerry Lee Lewis

Great Balls of Fire

STARRING SUSAN BOYLE: WHY DOES IT ALWAYS ERUPT ON ME? CALL : 1800 MONEY NOW!!!!

12 FEATURES

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

>Features

FUTILE FUTURE

A

Chris Craddock looks at the troubled times ahead for graduating students, and how much degrees count for

s many York students enter the final stages of their respective degrees, what are their prospects in the harsh realities of the real world? With a lack of jobs, will they be able to find work in fields that they have studied for? According to the Higher Education Careers Service Unit (HECSU) many will struggle to get a job in the first six months after they leave university. Furthermore we now face the most competitive job market in more than a decade.

In the brutal light of day it is difficult to see that students will be able to continue down the path they have

POLITICS

When people hear the mention of a political degree, the mind automatically jumps to visions of the next generation of sleazy, money grabbing liars who will attempt to run the country further into the ground.

That or they'll provide the backbone of the constantly vilified civil service and the data does not defy this stereotype.

After university, 36% work in graduate jobs and 22% remain

furthering their degree. The stereotypical comments about politics' students going onto run the country may not be too wide of the mark then. Compared to other degrees, the 29% who get nongraduate jobs after studying politics is quite a small figure.

Students of the English language are often assumed to become some form of writer whether it is an author, critic or reporter. It is the sensible path for those who take the greatest of joy in either reading, writing or especially correcting the spelling mistakes of others. Nothing brings more pleasure to those who dedicate themselves to this country's language than making sure everyone is acutely aware when they have dared to make the slightest of er-

SO SHOULD WE BE WORRIED?

studied for and many will have to accept work elsewhere.

Yet, I don't think it's that simple, after all - figures speak far louder than words!

One of the most important issues facing those students at the end of their degree is simply doing well. The difference between a first and 2:1 could be the decisive factor in breaking into the work of their choice.

The statistics show that grade differences are indeed telling. Only 4.4% of students who achieve a first are likely to be unemployed after university, while the figure is 11.3% for those who leave with a third.

PHYSICS

Aside from trying to form black holes by chucking particles at each other, the job market for a physicist is usually thought to be quite narrow and even more competitive than those in which a BA student would contend in.

Having said this, at university these guys experience similar hours t o

ENGLISH rors.

The national figures show that 31% of English graduates managed to get into a graduate job. While another 23% choose to continue their studies, meaning that over half of all English students go onto remain in the subject area that they initially embarked upon when they began university. Yet, 31% do enter non-graduates jobs. This is nearly 10%

Though these stats, figures and all various forms of data can be confusing, complex and soul crushing they should not be seen as the end of the world. For those who push at their degree, the rewards are there to be reaped. Furthermore,

someone in a regular job, which should make them better perspective employees compared to their BA rivals.

The figures reflect this assumption - 28% enter graduate jobs, which may appear to be low compared to the aforementioned degrees; but when one takes into consideration that just 17% end up with non-graduate jobs, the degree really doesn't sound that bad!

Although this is major factor in how many students prioritise their time, it is sometimes quite misleading.

More and more companies are increasingly concerned with experience as a significant element in graduate employability. This experience is usually up to the student to find via internships or other means. However, without a solid degree this experience won't always win over perspective employers.

HISTORY

The future of a History student is vague and disturbingly unplanned. The career that seems most likely is that of one doomed to the life of continued academia either as a professor or lecture. If worse comes to worse the prospect of becoming the history

teacher that inspired them is a not so distant possibility. In contrast, they could follow the path of history presenters such as York's latest celebrity vistor, Dan Snow, and become an expert on the History Channel.

History out of the three degrees has the lowest percentage of students going into graduate jobs at just 28%. Additonally, history has the highest percentage of graduates moving into non-graduate jobs at a staggering 32%. I must admit however, that this is slightly counter-balanced

by History having the highest amount of continued studies at a strong 26% .

WRITING, DIRECTING AND PERFORMANCE

higher than the average of all other degrees.

the careers outside graduate jobs may actually be more appealing to students than graduate jobs. With this in mind, almost two thirds of these graduates are finding some form of stable employment and those who do not find the right

This degree is where the next Mel Gibson is surely going to come from! Failing this, most will enter the business at some level. There is clearly a wide range for performing outlets from stage to screen and tonnes of unseen jobs, so finding some sort of work in this industry can't be that hard.

This is certainly true when contrast-

ed with the other degrees, as 40% of these graduates go onto find work in graduate jobs. However, it is a risky degree as only 9% remain to continue their study!

jobs straight away will eventually get to where they want to go. These statistics also fail to take into account those who choose to leave the country or embark or a postuni gap year!

YORK VISION

FEATURES

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

13

WORLD WIDE WORK Francesca Salino investigates reasons for travelling abroad in search of work foreign country without friends or family can be isolating and lonely and, lets face it, flights back home may be very expensive.

Another issue is that U.K graduates on average study shorter degrees and graduate younger, often with not much work experience. Aditionally, there is red tape that needs to be considered, such as visas and work permits, all of which will determine how long you will be allowed to stay and work in the country.

I spoke to one third year Educational student to discover her reasons for wanting to teach in South America or Europe: ‘I really like the idea of travel. For me it’s not affected by what I’ve heard about the current graduate job situation, it’s just that for a long time I’ve wanted to work outside the U.K, to experience a different culture and lifestyle. So despite all the media coverage, I think students

leaving university this year should look abroad for work because it interests them, not because of the fear of not getting a decent graduate job. Although I can understand that being quite a big factor in any decisions they make’.

As seen from the statistics there is a situation that means graduates face the possibility of not securing the graduate job they were in after the time they previously thought. However, these figures must be read with caution as there are so many possibilities for university graduates that don’t include going straight into the job market, including a master’s degree, gap year and the decision of a quarter of graduates (survey by Career Journal) to postpone the start of their careers entirely, so working abroad is just one of the many options available.

I must add that most of the current graduate employment statistics only reveal student employment levels after about a year or two of leaving university, not leaving sufficient time for graduates to break into the professional world, so the picture may not be as simple as it looks.

students leaving this year should look abroad for work because it interests them

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he government has advised graduates of this and the past year to consider working abroad, one of the reasons being the lack of opportunity for employment within the U.K. This combined with nearly six in ten graduates over the past two years not working in professions related to their degree (taken from a survey conducted by the CIPD), makes working abroad look like an appealing idea.

With more than one third of British graduates considering moving abroad, what should be considered before taking the plunge? Universities minister David Lammy told the BBC ‘It is right to say that we live in a global market place, opportunities abroad can add to your skills and sometimes your language skills’.

Working abroad can certainly broaden a graduate’s horizons, not only is it a new and exciting experience but it also looks impressive on a C.V as it shows intuition and determination.

All of these being appealing qualities to future employers whether in the U.K or another country.

Apart from all the positives of working abroad there are also other aspects to consider; one of the prime concerns being the language barrier, unless you speak the language well this is definitely a main consideration. The ability to overcome a language barrier is impressive but being alone in a

Vision gets the latest SCOOP on how students can track down their Fairtrade goods

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n a small student house just off George Street lies the headquarters of the York Student Food Cooperative, a fast expanding group of likeminded students determined to offer cheap, wholesome, fair-trade and organic food to the ever-more discriminating student market.

Having worked in a fair-trade shop myself, and often despairing of the choices available to me at the local shops near to my house, the student cooperative, 'SCOOP' for short, sounded like a fantastic alternative.

However, after attending their weekly meeting last night, the doubts that had gathered in my head over the potential for the economic viability of a cooperative run part time by students, were shattered by the drive and professionalism of the group. After a warm welcome and an introduction to the members responsible for the running of the cooperative, I was sat in their living room with tea and cake facing a blackboard painted on the wall. I was astonished by the breadth of issues raised at the meeting, from discussing arrangements for an up-coming fair to raise funds and publicity to the group, to their plans for training for all members of the cooperative who take responsibility for the accounting and managing of their stocks.

The cooperative places regular bulk orders with the trading co-op Lembas, based in Sheffield, and are thus able to offer ethically sourced food at competitive prices to the student population. Upon arrival, dry stock is then sold in kilogram or 100g scoops to members of the cooperative who arrive at George Street at set times to browse their stock. Looking into their stock cupboard, the variety and cheapness of the food on offer surprised me; as someone used to paying inflated prices for organic or fairtrade food, the cost of organic staples such as flour (70p

per kilogram) or cocoa powder (83p per 100g) came as a pleasant shock. What’s more, every Thursday SCOOP offers a delivery service of Goosemoor organic vegetable boxes from a local farm; boxes start from £3 and the group assured me the box scheme was fantastic value, each box holding up to 5kg of delicious fruit or vegetables.

The amount of support SCOOP has already attracted was astounding; set up just before Christmas, the group already has around 30 fully paid-up members, and has received offers of financial aid from various groups, for example the Green Action Food Cooperative, in order to expand their not-forprofit enterprise. Yet more importantly for the cooperative, the university has shown it also sees a future and economic viability to the group. Although the group is not yet ratified by YUSU, following very favourable student feedback to a questionnaire carried out

by SCOOP on campus, the group is currently in talks with vice-chancellor Jane Grenville about possible future collaboration between the cooperative and the university to offer the group a shop on campus premises, with Commercial services feeding back that the idea is “laudable”.

The cooperative, however, do state that their purpose “is not about entering into competition with businesses on campus, but rather believe their project is about pro-

viding students with a viable and creative alternative”, with a focus on education and an appreciation of food and cooking. Furthermore, the university will arguably benefit from a partnership with the cooperative; support for the provision of the ethical and environmentally friendly goods offered by SCOOP could add a much needed boost to the university’s actions following their 10:10 pledge. The results of discussion over this fantastic opportunity for the co-op and students alike are hoped to be revealed soon, and with Jane Grenville adding the weight of her support to their case, SCOOP could well be trading within the boundaries of the university in the near future.

In order to buy from SCOOP, anyone wishing to join the group must first pay a membership fee of £5, fully refundable when a member chooses to leave; however, the cooperative offers a trial shop to anyone wishing to find out more about the shop without any commitment. The group will be at Vanbrugh stalls on Wednesday 12th May, and anyone wishing to find out more information is urged to wander down and talk to the members.

Alternatively, anyone wishing to join the cooperative or to receive any more information can email yorkstudentcoop@gmail.com.

Josie Cridland

14 FEATURES

YORK VISION

A PAIN IN THE ASH

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

Vision's Nicola Chapman shares her holiday diary of aeroplane agony DAY SEVEN

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on’t get me wrong, I love a good holiday. Sea, sun and sangrias – what’s not to like? But how does the prospect of getting stranded abroad with exams looming sound to you? Not appealing? Tell me about it.

Let me set the scene. Ok, so I wasn’t sleeping next to a bin in a shed of an airport or bussing it through the Congo to get home. I was in a rather lavish 4 and a half (the half is important) hotel in the oldies’ favourite ‘Playa Blanca’, Lanzarote.

I’d never been there before, but when my Dad asked if I wanted a free holiday I jumped at the chance. We hadn’t had a full family holiday since I was 15, so this was going to be interesting.

It was only a week, 7 days and 6 nights. A relatively stress free time to relax after a hard term and before an even harder term to come.The weather was fantastic and the food was..well..lovely and special all at the same time. They had theme nightsthemes varying from ‘Spanish’ to ‘Special Buffet’. It was that, believe me. The week went by quite quickly, and on the last night I felt a touch of sadness. It had been one of the best holidays I’d ever been on. Not only because it was free and pretty damn lush (I’m fickle) but because it was just what we all needed.

Our coach was due to pick us up at 2pm from the hotel, so we packed up our stuff, bought last minute crap for friends and family at home (I got my best friend a sugar watermelon – I think that gives you some idea of what I was dealing with ). My sister and I were, for the first time that holiday, ready before our parents for breakfast.

I’ll put on the TV, that’s a plan. I never normally put the telly on when I’m away and I don’t want to know news. It’s a Chapman trait. The only exception was when my Mam told my Dad that Robin Cook had died when we were in Italy that I remember the rule ever being broken. However on this holiday I’d become addicted to the Disney channel. My life has changed irrevocably thanks to Zack and Cody: All Aboard.

I flicked through and stumbled upon Sky News. It’s the last day, I thought, better get to grips with what’s happening in good old Blighty.

"BREAKING NEWS: ALL UK AIRPORTS CLOSING AFTER 12:00 DUE TO ICELANDIC VOLCANIC ASH", was running along the bottom of the TV in lurid yellow.

A collective ‘WHAAAT’ from my sister and I. We watched the little amount we could before we were summoned for breakfast. Horror is all that can describe the feeling in the room. It must be a sick joke, of course it is. Sky News is pulling a very late April Fool’s Day joke on us. Ha ha Kate Burley. Very good. That’s a funny idea.

Now can we please have the real news?

We went for breakfast and didn’t think much about it. Nobody was causing a fuss over the pancakes or having one over the omelettes. The news had mentioned that it was going to be the main London, Birmingham and Manchester airports that would be mostly affected. We were going to Newcastle. Home and dry!

How very, very wrong I was. The whole 'I do not need to talk to other Brits on this holiday’ outlook went out the window with my hope for any kind of salvation at that point. So when a solitary man approached us, we jumped at the chance to quiz him.

Wise Oak told us that, in fact, ALL UK airports were closed and that he had booked himself and his wife in for ANOTHER week in the hotel. That’s a bit dramatic mate, I thought, it’s not going to be that bad.

Our holiday company booked us in for the night. I had a mixture of anger and happiness at the prospect of not being able to get back home. We were meant to leave on the day that Eyjafjallajökull erupted. We were going to be in for the long haul (airport themed pun unintended).

DAY EIGHT The next day my Mam had befriended an all-female family from Huddersfield who we named ‘Doom Crew’, because they were. One girl needed to get home on as she had an ALevel exam the next Wednesday.

“Oh you’ll get home for that, of course you will” we all trilled in unison. To be honest, at that point we had complete faith that we would be home that day, warming our hands on an open fire whilst eating fish and chips, and watching Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.

Our (slightly) dishevelled holiday rep and accomplice turned up. All those travelling to Newcastle, Leeds/Bradford and East Midlands were booked onto a ‘ massive Jumbo Jet’ (his words, not mine) and were flying into Glasgow, leaving 5am on Saturday morning. Relief was all, I felt. Then dread at the thought of a pretty hideous coach trip to come.

DAY FORTY

At 4am the next morning we got a call saying that the flight had been cancelled and we were to check at reception at 11 for a further update. This was to become a horrible pattern, as every day until we were able to leave we were stood around a dilapidated pin board in (now pushing 9 days) old shorts.

Hysteria was beginning to set in amongst the ranks. Our rep, who had now crossed the line from dishevelled to smelly mouse man, turned up. We were to be booked in for ‘the foreseeable future’.

Nobody wanted to hear that. I began to panic then, knowing exactly where my revision notes were at home and the dust they must be accumulating.

The Doom Crew (including my mother – founding member) were full of it. If you could imagine a walking Daily Mail, that’s what they were, a la Russell Howard.

“What next? We’ll have to make colonies on the beach and change our names to something a bit more Spanish” We went back to our rooms/homes and put on the life blood: Sky News.

Eamon Holmes had just asked a Volcanologist whether they could put an atom bomb in the volcano to stop it erupting.

It was a long while before my head raised from my hands.

DAY TWO HUNDRED Tuesday came round and I knew it was a long shot that I’d get home anytime soon.

My parents and my sister had taken the week off work as had many at the hotel. Wise Oak was right. We would be here another week.

That day, the reps began to crumble. After the standard response (cue cockney) ‘I DAAAARNNT KNOOOOOWER’ from the dippy fool of an accomplice, guests fought back. So much so, even, that she believed we were turning against her. Oh happy day.

What little sanity I had left was quickly dashed that night after watching the hotel entertainment. It can only be described as a giant golden condom lady playing the flute to ‘Lord of the Dance’.

The drama was then intensified when we found out that the pregnant lady from down the hall’s cut off time for flying was Thursday, and if she passed it she would have to find other means of getting home. However, Kay Burley had announced that the Navy were on their way, so my spirits were lifted for about half an hour, until I found out that they were only taking people across the Channel. We weren’t even close to mainland Europe.

The Doom Crew decided to fight. They booked flights to Madrid and then a car up to Calais. It would be cruel (but true) to say that they didn’t even get out of the hotel boundaries, so when we saw them that night we knew that their plans had been scuppered.

DAY FIVE THOUSAND AND THIRTY ONE

Thursday came around. One exact week since this whole hideous mess began, two weeks that I’d left the milk open in the fridge. We heard on the frenzied grapevine that some flights had left during the night to Scotland and Ireland. So when a notice was put on the nail scratched (not really, but I’m quite surprised it wasn’t) notice board that we were flying that afternoon at 4 I wailed with relief. Finally, homeward bound.

We were first onto the coach. Our last parting drama was that we’d accidently left smelly mouse man rep at the hotel so he had to get a taxi round the resort until he found the bus. Whoops. It probably won’t surprise you to know that he’s now handed in his notice.

And the rest was history. There was a raucous round of applause when we touched down at Newcastle, and a collective shiver by us all when the plane door opened. I had four days until my open exam started, and one week until my closed exam. I got back to York that weekend and regaled my housemates with stories of abandonment and horror. I hadn’t realised how bad it had actually been for some. People had spent thousands trying to get their families back by land or sea. Some were even kept under house arrest because their visas had run out and they were stuck in that country with no hope.

So my tale is not extravagant as some could be, but even though I was lucky, it is something I would never like to go through again. Especially witnessing a prancing human-condom playing a flute.

YORK VISION

FEATURES

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

A LOAD OF UTTER BULL?

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Isaac Simon asks: "Is Bullfighting an Art Form or a Blood Sport?"

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ullfighting takes place throughout the Hispanic world, at its peak takes place every day, in the early evening.

Whether Mexico or Madrid, the bullfight consists of three matadors killing two bulls each, lasting approximately twenty minutes per bull. The rings vary in size; a diameter of around 60 – 70 metres is common. Resembling a sports stadium, there are different priced seats; on offer are sol, sombre and sol y sombre. The cheapest seats are in the sun: sol. The sun faces you for most of the fight and thus keeps you warm - despite it being evening. Sombre, the most expensive, are those in the shade and is where the president of the bullring sits. To put it in perspective, seats here are sometimes more expensive than most of the seats for Real Madrid. Those in the sol y sombre will experience the fading sun and cool shade.

The bulls are prepared for fighting in the ring. They are extremely dangerous and over 500 kilos. At the age of three they are considered for the ring. Usually the bulls are black with upward horns; however other colourations, such as brown and white, are seen.

The corrida is a ritualised event, with three

distinct stages, signalled by the sound of a trumpet. The paseillo, a prologue, is an extra stage whereby all the participants parade before every evening. The procession begins with the three matadors, behind whom are the cuadrillas (the men who support the matador). The mounted picadors in their elaborate jackets and wide, 'slightly comical beaver hats' enter next.

Their feet, shins and horses encased in steel armour. The parade concludes when all the above salute the President, rather like gladiators would have to the Emperor.

The toril gate, charmingly known as the Gate of Fear, opens. It is a warm, autumnal evening in Malaga, and I am observing my first bullfight. The bull darts out of the darkness and bucks its way about the ring.

All the noise and music of beforehand has ceased, there is an airless moment as the audience and toreros assess the animal. It looks muscular, frenzied and annoyed. It charges, kicking up dust and ramming its horns into the wooden barriers at the edge of the ring; the corrida has begun.

After some mandatory passes with the cape, the signal from the presidents white handkerchief heralds the first act of the corrida proper – Suerte de Varas, Act of the Spears. Two picadors with large spears enter, trotting within marked lines towards the edge of the ring. The idea is for the picador to encourage a charge and, whilst doing so, catch the bull behind the morrillo, its head tossing muscle. The spear contains a cross piece, thus not penetrating deeply. Aficionados see this stage “to be a matter of courteous injury”, as its aim is to cause the bull ‘slight’ injury, leaving it relatively mobile for the further acts. The bull charges, seen as a massive test of courage, across the ring and tussles with the horses, and tries to overturn them; the bull’s blood flows from its neck.

In the Suerte de Banderillas, three pairs of foot length darts are driven into the bulls back. Here three banderilleros, one after each other, run bravely towards the bull and once close enough sink two

SAVE THE BEAST “The most appalling kind of cruelty is that which is perpetuated in the name of mere entertainment.” - Pamela Anderson "What is the pleasure in seeing an animal speared to death?

Bullfighting needs to stop - it’s so cruel." - Ricky Gervais

colourful sticks with a barbed point, into the bull’s morrilo. This act is not always completed successfully and injuries and deaths have occurred. On one occasion that evening, one dart successfully penetrated whilst the other flew in the air, the banderillero scrambled to the edge of the ring and the bull nonchalantly dismissed him.

Now for the climax of the bullfight.

Not taller that 5 foot 8, dressed in a tight intricate tunic and skin-tight bottoms, the matador takes centre stage with his red cape, the muleta, and plays the bull. The matador aims to get the bulls horns as close to his body as possible by his passes, showing valour which the crowd appreciate. The band is playing, the spectators are lively and the matador salutes the crowd, turning his back on the beast; definately the climax of the evening. At the end of this bout the bull can manage no more.

It stands panting, tongue out, and head down, with its blood reflecting the light of the sun; now for the ultimate move. The matador stares at the bull from a few feet, sword in his left and muleta in his right, stillness. With speed he shakes the muleta, drawing the bull head down towards him and plunges the sword through a gap in the shoulder blade, piercing the heart.

Failure to fulfil the ritual obligations properly, results in mass whistling and booing from the crowd.

To them, a kill which takes more than one attempt is barely acceptable; as is an over enthusiastic picador.

The crowd expect fluency and style, based on artistic impression and command. A matador who has performed

GOT BEEF? W

ith this deadly and gruesome contest between man and beast receiving world wide condemnation , the Catalan parliament are finally considering banning it. This would be the first mainland region in Spain to do so, and many feel that it would lead to the end of such a barbaric tradition.

Celebrities such as Ricky Gervais and traditionalists such as the President of the Catalan Bullfighting Federation have entered the debate with strong opinions prevailing on each side.

A campaign for bullfighting has sparked the debate once more, with the campaign group, Prou! gathering over 180,000 signatures, more than three times the number required by law.

Bullfighting has been a proud tradition in the region for centuries, and whilst its popularity is considered to have declined over the past few decades, it is questionable whether anything substantial will ever be done to stop what some have seen as an unnecessary bloodsport.

poorly may find himself being hit with cushions as he leaves the ring. One who has performed skilfully and bravely, as a reward, gets the ears of the bull, and if exceptional the tail also. He circles the ring to the applause of the crowd, roses and handkerchiefs are thrown in his direction as a sign of respect. If the bull has given a spirited performance the public may implore for a vuelta, whereby the crowd applaud the dead bull as it is pulled once around the ring. On occasions a bull’s life is spared due to its ‘outstanding’ behaviour; returning to the ranch to live out his days, never to return to the ring.

KILL THE BEAST "The bullfight is a portrayal of life as it is, from life to death.

All the activists see the blood, they don't see the art. The fight is the struggle between man and beast, transformed into art."

Paco March, bullfighting correspondent

"As a torero you have a deep connection with the bulls. That’s exactly what most people don’t want to understand." Eduardo Dávila Miura, bullfighter

Chris Craddock

16 FEATURES

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

WHO'S GOT YELLOW FEVER? Laura Cress investigates the highs and lows that surrounded the

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n the confusion and uncertainty felt after Thursday's dramatic (but not altogether surprising) outcome of a hung Parliament, it's easy to forget that beforehand there seemed to be a genuine possibility of change. Change was a word that was bandied about a lot in this election, from Cameron changing his

make up to "extra airbrushed", to Brown wanting a great deal of change in his party, starting with Sue. However, whilst inevitably the propaganda machine continued to churn out the same old catch phrases and slogans, there did seem to be one party that had the potential to actually, possibly, maybe offer it - the Liberal Democrats. Cleggmania hit the nation, and whilst it might just have been another storm in a teacup, it was difficult not to get carried away

with the hype. And for a while, it really did look like he could make it. However, Thursday triumphantly popped the Cleggmania balloon, deflating The Guardian as it went along. For less than two weeks however, change became something more than a buzzword - it became a slightly more subtle buzzword that acted like an actual possibilty. Was it all just ridiculous media hype?

Did Clegg ever have a hope? With the election campaign fortnight

SNAKES & LADDERS - THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF THE CLEGG CAMPAIGN 43

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His great great aunt was a Russian aristocrat who had an affair with H.G.Wells.

At boarding school his 'fag' was documentary-maker Louis Theroux.

Clegg speaks English, French, Dutch, Spanish and German.

Dossier left in back of a taxi, saying he needs to act more like Cameron

youtube sensation

7 FANTASTIC FACTS ABOUT CLEVER CLEGGS He was featured on the front page of a Munich newspaper , aged 16, when he and a friend set fire to a professor's collection of rare cacti.

The Guardian fully back Clegg 28

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seeming already like a long time ago, it's difficult to tell, but needless to say, Clegg will be remembered from this election, even if it is as "the tall one who isn't the other two".

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He counts Helen Bonham-Carter and Sam Mendes among his friends.

He admitted in a GQ interview that he has had sex with "no more than He used to be a member of the Conservative Association while attending Cambridge.

@

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YORK VISION

Features

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

17

"DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT, HOWEVER ALARMING IT MIGHT BE." Illustrator, writer, and cartoonist for newspapers ranging from The Guardian to The NME, Steven Appleby allows Vision to take a glimpse into his creative and often surreal world.

Do you consider yourself to be an artist or a cartoonist?

That’s something that I’ve always kind of puzzled over really, I quite like cartoonist because it sounds sort of unpretentious.

As a cartoonist I’m not that into making gags, I prefer trying to say something about life...but I suppose that is quite pretentious!

Do you think that cartoons still have to carry a message or meaning?

I like them to personally, I like there to be a level of truth or some information about the world.

Is this something you’ve always wanted to do? How did you start getting recognised?

I always had an urge to make and create things, build things even when I was a kid. I suppose I accidentally stumbled into being a cartoonist because I always used to write and draw illustrations for other people, so it was kind of perfect for me really, as illustrating children’s books wouldn’t have allowed me to cover the subjects that I have done. I always liked artists that created their own world and I think that’s what I’ve tried to do, but reinvent the world into a more wonderful place.

You have been described as: “doing disconnection so well”.

Is there an intention to bring a kind of disconnected feel to your work or is it something that just comes naturally?

I think it all just comes naturally and I think it’s really important to do what comes naturally.

When I or anybody tries to artificially lean their work in a certain way it becomes less good.

Do you think pieces of work should be about the artists themselves ?

I personally think that work, whether cartoons, art, whatever, should come from your own obsessions rather than an attempt to do something that might sell.

Obviously it’s great if it is going to be successful, but then the people who are really successful often do what they love. As for disconnectedness, I do kind of think that we are all islands and we can never know what another person really thinks or is, so I suppose it makes sense to make art that little bit personal.

How do you know when you have finished with one world and can move on to another?

Are there still times when you think of extra things that could be added to that world?

Oh definitely yes I do! The most obvious examples of things that I’ve done are Captain Star which was originally in NME and then the Observer and then became a TV series. It was only one series with 13 episodes but it could have been ten series. Once the characters live in their world and come to life, then really they can have as many experiences as you like. The other that comes to mind is Small Birds Singing which had about eight years in The Times and which my cousin is now making animated films of, so that’s continued even though it had finished its course in The Times. Both of those things finished because the publisher or the television company didn’t want any more rather than I just wanted to stop. It does make you move on though, which is good.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by writers, for example Philip K. Dick, themes that went through his work that I indentified with, were things like that nothing is what it seems to be, for example androids that appear to be human and that kind of uncertainty. I do find that to be true, nothing is what it seems to be and when somebody says something that isn’t always necessarily what they think.

Additionally, I like people

1984 - Captain Star Comic Strip first appears in The NME 1985-present - Steven becomes a regular contributor to newspapers such as The Guardian and The Times

Alan Mercel-Sanca, www.alanmercelsanca.com

like Charles Adams the cartoonist who invented a whole world with the Adams family. Things with a dark side appeal to me, especially the idea that everybody has their secrets and a strange darkness somewhere.

If there was a step by step guide on to how to draw like Steven Appleby, what would it say?

Don’t worry about whether it looks wrong or right, it’s all about whether it conveys the idea.

You mentioned 'Small Birds Singing'. In this, why did you decide to choose the medium of plastesine, rather than something more modern such as CGI? I think the medium was perfect for it and still is. My cousin and I used to make marionettes when we were kids and do marionette shows so stop motion animation is kind of an evolution of that. We do use CGI a bit for effects but there’s a kind of old

fashionedness to a lot of my stuff which I guess is because it’s routed in childhood and I find that most of my inspiration to some extent comes from when I was a kid and what I was interested in then. Captain Star was about spaceships, but in a kind of retro, 50s sort of way, and then Small Bird Singing is like a Evelyn Waugh country house world twisted about, as well as having my obsessions with getting older and dying and all sorts of things.

1991 - Appleby's artwork appears on Pizies album cover Trompe le Monde 1997 - Captain Star becomes an animated television series 2001 - BBC Radio 4 airs first series of Steven Applebys Normal Life 2006 - Appleby stages a musical play, "Crocs in Frocks" in London 2007 - Cartoon Small Birds Singing becomes an animated cartoon series on the internet.

If you weren’t painting or drawing cartoons, what would you like to be doing?

I find it very hard to imagine doing something that isn’t creating things in some way. I’d like to be doing more paintings, I’m working on an installation at the moment. I’d like to do more writing, so I guess if I wasn’t currently drawing, I would probably be writing a novel.

What was the decision behind bringing out your previous series of books?

Well I’ve always loved books.

They’re a lovely kind of object, they are a complete unit, they have a certain number of pages, so they’re a complete thing, which I like. I’m proud of some and not so proud of others.

Is there a reason that you’re not so proud of others?

Going back to what we were say-

ing earlier, they wasn't enough of me in them. Sometimes they have themes that the publisher suggested, which is unfortunate because one must balance having enough money to pay the mortgage and creating something very personal! You’ve probably already discovered this wierd kind of a-symmetry at university!

What's next for you?

I’ve had a couple of years where I’ve not been very well, so I’m just getting started on things again. Basically I want to carry on making work more edgy and uncompromising work. I think it’s really important as we get older not to mellow out. I want to remember that it’s better to follow your intuition and do what feels right, however alarming it might be!

Laura Cress

18 LIFESTYLE

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

>Lifestyle

GO TO JAIL. GO DIRECTLY TO JAIL. DO NOT PASS GO. DO NOT COLLECT £200.

Inspired by real plans, Maddy Potts and Katy Roberts bring you an exclusive York Monopoly board!

Why wear real clothes when you can wear expensive pyjamas?

Coming soon!

We could not be more excited for the new store coming to Foss Islands in Autumn!

31 CASTLEGATE

JACK WILLS

TK MAXX

CEDAR COURT GRAND HOTEL

Accommodation Fees

B YO AN UR K E RR Ye ev a FA OR er h, VO IN ha like UR pp th en at s.

WHIPMAWHOPMA GATE

BETTY'S

LUXURY ICE CREAM CO.

Brand new store to open on Coney Street in October. Cut price designer goods?

Yes please!

TANG HALL

DEEP

Cheap vintage

Adult Shop

Don't let the sign fool you. Utter filth.

OUSE RIVER CRUISE

ZIGGYS No such square for tax dodging students

Need we say more?

If you want to pay £8 for a cup of tea..

YORK TRAIN STATION

York's shortest street apparently takes its

Beautiful parlour, name from a dogamazing ice whipping contest... cream!

resist diving into the eclectic vintage stores we discovered for a good rummage. With this new found knowledge we constructed our very own York Monopoly board, from the dives of Old Kent Road to the luxury of Mayfair. Think of it as your very own exclusive Little Black Book of York.

Next time you're in town, pop along to The Luxury Ice Cream Company of Swinegate, browse through the second-hand titles in Fossgate Book Shop, or sip a latte at La Place Verte in a Gatehouse on the riverside by Clifford's Tower.

Don't forget: you get a free go if you roll a double!

EFES Where else for the ellusive Old Kent Road spot than this greasy student favourite??

York's very first 5* hotel is opening in May! We hear you get a personal butler...

GIFTAG CHOCOLATE

CYCLE LANES

PURPLE HAZE

Family owned, home-made treats.

on w e ve riz ha p ty u nd au ..

Yo co be st. se a nte ave de in o h a t c t m ?

Bu ou den ers y tu nn S tu S

Vintage fashion, with hand-altered quirks.

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t the end of March, YorkVision brought you the exciting news that a new, York-themed edition of Monopoly will be available to buy in the shops at the end of the year! Christmas list anyone...? Hasbro have even asked for the opinions of locals on how each spot should be filled. So with this in mind, we at Vision Lifestyle headed out on to the streets of our fine city, to hunt out the hidden gems, the newest treasures and the not-to-be-missed venues. As intrepid explorers we were sustained with free samples of chocolate, fudge and ice cream (it's a hard job, this reporting...) and could hardly

WAITROSE

OSCARS

Peckish while strolling through Swinegate? Pop into Oscars!

Exceptional food tucked away next to Clifford's Tower.

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FOSSGATE BOOK SHOP

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Fleet Street, home of the British newspaper, is given over to our very own office!

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LA PLACE VERTE

If you haven't given this place a go yet, find it on Colliergate for bargains.

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Ever wondered how you'd look as a Viking?

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Tranquil Belgian coffee shop on the riverbank.

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DON'T AGREE WITH OUR CHOICES? HAVE YOUR SAY ON YORKVISION.CO.UK

YORK VISION

A WALK IN THE PARK! Tuesday May 11th, 2010

Emma Burbidge explores the cheapest, easiest way to a fitter you...

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alking really is the best exercise around! It's a standard student tradition to eat too much, drink too much, and not have enough time or motivation to get fit. The last thing you want to do after a 'hard' day of reading is to go to the gym...unless that's just me. What you really want to do is curl up in front of the TV, or maybe go to the pub with friends, but exercise? No. So how can one get fit in York?

Well, the gym is always an option. But gym membership doesn't come cheap and it all adds up.

Would you pay a lot of money to put yourself through hours of agony and exhaustion on exercise machines, staring at TVs blaring out stick thin celebrities, while being ogled by nearly anorexic girls or insanely muscular guys? No thanks. Been there, done that, and don't like the whole scene. For the vast expense, it is not worth the sweat and toil.

I suppose I could go for a run; at least this has the advantage of not costing anything. But then you still have to put yourself through sweat and exhaustion.

Heaven forbid you should bump into somebody you know, and they see you sweating into your horrible jogging clothes.

That leaves you with one far more satisfying alternative. One that does not involve bundles of sweat, wet hair, or a dent in your overdraft. It's simple and anyone can do it: go for a walk.

You may not realise it, but walking is

the best exercise of all. It's good for the Many holiday companies offer body, the muscles, the heart. Sustained walking holidays, both abroad and in walking of thirty to sixty minutes a England, where people have the opporday, five days a week, with the correct tunity to admire the change of scenwalking posture can not only make you ery, whilst getting their holiday fix feel better about yourself, but also has from the tourist excursions thrown in. various overall health It's an activity that allows benefits. It reduces for freedom from constraint the chances of canof the rules which often govcer, type 2 diabetes, ern sport, and which make I'm Gonna Be heart disease, anxiyou feel as if you're trainThe Proclaimers ety and depression. ing to be an Olympian!

I Walk the Earth And for this reason, If you get tired of doing King Biscuit Time authorities such your usual walk from your as Walk England house to campus, you can Walk Like An Eqyptian and the Walking take some tours along the the Way to Health river or around Heslington, Initiative are sendmaybe even do a walk along ing thousands the walls. You may discover of volunteers a side of York you have out into local never seen before. communities For those who to encourage want to get away people to walk as from the 'hustle and a leisure activity. bustle' of the city, the So for many students, particularly Outdoor Society offers walks at £6 for those living off campus, exercising re- members or £8 for non-members. Much ally does cost nothing. You may also cheaper than a gym membership, and find you are already doing the neces- offering a friendly sociable experience, ofsary amount to keep fit, and that per- ten with a pub lunch thrown in! For more haps a walk during the exam period is information on the Outdoor Society visit just the break you need to calm down their website at www.outdoorsoc.co.uk, and keep those brain cells working. or search for them on good ol' Facebook.

Walking can also be a sociable leiSo remember that, whether sure activity, in which you can amble pressed for time, looking for comalong aimlessly with friends or walk pany, or strapped for cash walking briskly with an iPod (see our walk- really is the best exercise around! ing playlist above for inspiration).

TV GOES GLOBAL

Mika Bhatia explains how television transcends cultural boundaries...

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he X-Factor is going to America.

You’ve probably already heard come 2011, the British phenomenon will make its way to the land of baseball, Uncle Sam, and Barack Obama. Late last year, TV personality Simon Cowell announced that he would be leaving ‘American Idol’ to launch ‘X-Factor’ in the US, given its massive popularity in the UK. This isn’t the first such instance: for years America has been adopting British shows and adapting them for American TV. (Think ‘Idol’, ‘America’s Got Talent’, and ‘Dancing with the Stars’, known in the UK as ‘Pop Idol’, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, respectively.) In fact, these shows have gone on to become some of America’s most highly rated and bankable. The US isn’t the only country doing the borrowing though; the ‘Idol’ series, for instance, has been adapted for 42 territories, including Australia, Singapore, and France.

Then there are programmes like ‘Glee’, which in contrast to ‘Idol’ have been aired throughout the world in their original state and without alteration. Though an American show, the programme’s popularity is evident here; Channel 4 shows it every Monday

to

strong

ratings, stores are stocked with the show’s music CDs, and the occasional person can even be seen walking around campus donning their ‘Proud to be a Gleek’ shirt.

It has become apparent that whether British or American, Asian or African, neither ethnicity nor country of residence matters: a Gleek is a Gleek.

It is shows like these that bring fans together and bridge the cultural gap between countries.

Despite political or economic tension between two nations, the increasingly global nature of TV acts as a unifying force between peoples who might have little else in common.

There are two key features that contribute to this globalisation of television.

The first is the Internet, which facilitates global communication. With the

help of social media websites and blogging, it becomes feasible for a TV show to go global as excited fans across the world can discuss their views online. The Internet additionally allows for the easy distribution of programming.

Secondly, the advent of reality programming encourages the globalisation of TV. In contrast to scripted shows, reality television can be easily adapted to another country’s mores and customs. To illustrate, we can again look at ‘X-Factor’: upon its introduction to the US, the general format of the show will be preserved, but American judges, American contestants, and an American host will make the show presentable to Americans. As long as reality TV thrives, broadcasting companies will continue to take advantage of the relative simplicity and low cost of adapting such shows for new audiences around the world.

As a result, we see and will continue to see shows making a universal splash, creating some common ground between otherwise diverse societies.

According to 19th century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Perhaps if Longfellow were around today, he might consider TV too.

LIFESTYLE

19

HOT BBQ's, it is finally time to get outside and party alfresco.

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e Exactly on l month unti the World Cup g starts - brin and on the beer banter!

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20 LIFESTYLE

Andy's Polish Adventure

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Andrew Nichols takes a break from God's own county...

hen your holiday has been hijacked by two of the world biggest news stories simultaneously you know everything isn’t going according to plan. During the Easter holiday, I embarked on a ‘21st Century stag do’, my friend was having a kid, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Two nights away in Krakow: cheap alcohol, lively nightlife and celebrating my friend becoming a proper adult. The perfect escape from exam stress.

A few days before we arrived, the Polish president, his wife and 94 other civil and military leaders died in a plane crash.

The alcohol was still cheap but the nightlife was far from lively, the country was in an official state of mourning and the Poles were in no mood for partying. The enormity of the situation dawned on us as we spoke to the few Poles who were out; the disaster was referred to as a ‘catastrophe’ by many and others were close to tears when the elephant in every room was hit upon.

The trip was not going quite as well as we had planned, it had been an experience, but on the day we were due to leave, none of us were that upset that the experience was coming to an end. However, a certain Icelandic volcano had other plans.

Our flight home, along with every flight into Britain, was cancelled, and there were none for the foreseeable future. I began to panic about the disruption the delay would have on my revision, but hearing my father-to-be friend call his expectant (and thus hormonal) girlfriend to tell her he might miss the birth made it almost seem worth it.

We initially settled in for a long stay, but on the orders of said frantic girlfriend, we started checking ways of getting back. Taxi’s, hire cars, trains were all considered and rejected, before another of my friend’s Eastern Europeans origin came to the rescue. The Bradford Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Club were operating a rescue coach to bring home stranded visitors. We booked ourselves on the coach, it wasn’t leaving for 3 days, so in the mean time we had no choice but to wait it out.

We would now be in Krakow for the state funeral of the President and his wife; what’s more our hostel was on the path of the official path of the funeral procession. As workers erected banners and barriers in preparation for the funeral, we went out to enjoy another night in a mourning city.

It got to midnight, and we had managed to find a candlelit bar that was one of the only open bars in Krakow, we even found some English girls who were also trapped due to the flight cancellations. Everything was going well until it reached midnight and, like Cinderella, the magic began to wear off. For the entire day of the President’s funeral Krakow was a dry city. As we ordered 6 pots of cinnamon tea and slices of black forest gateau, the girls seemed progressively less interested in the chat they had previously seemed to be loving. I still don’t know why.

The next morning, nursing our cinnamon tea hangovers, we woke to find the street outside our hostel packed with mourners and a note telling us that we would not be able to leave the hostel until the evening due to the funeral. Although this meant we were stuck without food or drink for ten hours the sight of the funeral procession and thousands of mourners spontaneously break into the national anthem as the coffin of their fallen President went by was a memory that will stick with me for a long time.

Two days later we embarked on our 40-hour coach trip home. I was sat next to a Polish man who had very loud machine gun fire as his mobile phone ring tone. He had a surprising number of friends. I had some very disturbing dreams.

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th, 2010

A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR Jack Knight and friends stumble around the pubs of York...

With over 300 pubs in York is it time to abandon Tru, Gallery and Ziggys for the more traditional joints of the city?

The intrepid residents of Alcuin G Block set out to discover...

1. The Bay Horse (Marygate) Ok, I have to admit, this wasn't the best start. We ended up on the other side of town, in a pub that resembled something usually tacked onto a Travelodge and when we walked in everyone stared at us in a slightly eerie way. All your normal beers, but only a few real ales, the decor was bland and uninviting and the people looked like extras from Heartbeat. Not awful, but certainly not York's finest!

2. The Minster Inn (Marygate) This is more like it! This pub does feel slightly more like someone's home, but that's its charm. To the right, a great range of proper ales. To the left, a living room pub area which feels like it has been lifted from one of the upbeat scenes from Billy Elliot. It even comes equipped with victorian games and an outside toilet! Just don't do what one of my friends did and say that you don't really like Yorkshire. This is frowned upon!

*I might as well admit at this point my abilities as a critic were getting hazy as my reviewer's antennae were becoming slightly confused by the numerous pints I had been drinking. (We really shouldn't have gone to The Courtyard and the Derry beforehand)!

3. The Bootham Tavern (Bootham) I am not that good at directions. I did have a route planned for this pub crawl, but this is where it started to go off kilter when we just wandered in here. Not the worst place to stumble into though. Perfectly nice atmosphere, quite cheap drinks and a decent selection of beers on tap. However, it's nothing that special. And when in York (land of the pubs) I demand something special. We valiantly marched on to...

4. The Exhibition (Bootham) If you want the British version of Cheers this would be it. Locals, fire in the corner, square bar and Ted Danson. (I may have made one of those up). A few good ales and a happy chappy barman made this pub seem welcoming and traditional.

5. The Hole in the Wall (High Petergate)* From what I can remember this pub feels like your typical York watering hole. Real stone walls, beams on the ceiling and friendly staff. But there is a horrible pattern occuring here. With only a few exceptions most York pubs have "a few good ales". For a city dubbed the city of the pub with over 300 bars to its name, is it really good enough to only have 2 or 3 Yorkshire ales on tap?

6. Three Legged Mare (High Petergate) A modern and airy pub with a wider than usual selection of beers on tap and a good atmosphere, this pub has managed to abandon the slightly cliched Ye Olde Pubbe decor, but kept the drinking house atmoshpere. The only worrying thing was the multiple men in tweed roaming around.

STUdent stunners GET THE LOOK: Top: Ralph Lauren Jeans: Topman Flip-Flops: Next

GET THE LOOK: Sunglasses: Purple Haze Top: H&M Jacket: Topshop Jeans: Topshop

Ryan Johnston

Flip-Flops: Topshop

Victoria Coathup

YORK VISION

LIFESTYLE

Tuesday May 11th , 2010

21

THE WAGS OF WESTMINSTER Zoe Pinder rates the politicians' pieces and reveals whose punching well above their weight...

"Behind every great man, there's a great woman"a phrase which appears consistently true these days especially when looking at the famous married couples that adorn the pages of the tabloids; from Colleen and Wayne to Beyonce and Jay-Z. We now have a new Prime Minister which means a new first lady whose job it will be to uphold a bit of sophistication while their husband's spend their time arguing away and attempt to cover up/ deal with expenses scandals.

In the political world election fever has seen an increased interest towards the WAGs of Westminster, all three of the main party leaders' wives public persona has been subjected to as much scrutiny as their other halves.

So, they are not the kind of WAGs we're used to; they're not perma-tanned or peroxide blonde and they're not gripping onto their husbands by the acrylic nail for financial security. They are all married to men who have the potential to be the prime minister by the time Vision goes to press, yet all three women are independent and successful in their own right.

Each one has played a role in their husbands' attempts to get into number 10.

Only just last week, Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah appeared on the GMTV sofa with breakfast favourite Lorraine Kelly. He appeared awkward admitting that the blunder wouldn't have happened "if Sarah had of been there".

Clearly she is a pillar of support for her husband and appears more comfortable in the public eye than her husband. she was charming and perfectly poised, clearly trying her best to limit the damage of Gordo's recent 'bigot' blip. Sarah Brown has been seen by some as the best thing to have come out of labour's election campaign as she appears naturally warm

and friendly, (albeit slightly disalusioned descirbing ol' gordo as "breathtaking" in a recent interview.

I shudder to think which bit of Gordon she is referring to..). Babe Brown alludes qualities which have, at times, been a struggle for her spouse.

As well as her image as the supportive wife, she is also an educated woman having completed a degree in psychology at the University of Bristol. Mrs Brown then went on to establish her own public relations firm known as 'Hobsbawm Macaulay' responsible for organising labour events.

She has been accredited with smartening up Gordon's image so the gruff Scot now has the confidence to wear pink ties on TV and does that creepy smile less. Her best friend is J K Rowling and Sarah has over a million members following her on twitter showing the interest surrounding Gordon's misses.

The situation is very much the same in the blue corner, with Samantha Cameron taking five weeks sabbatical to assist with her husband's election campaign.

She is expecting his child in September and by allowing Dave to impregnate her has sealed Cameron's image as the family man of politics. Her multi-million pound success as the creative director of the luxury stationary company Smythson of Bond street has come about without the help of her husband. She was making millions before David was even on the political radar. Previous to her success with the brand, she undertook a fine art degree at the University of West England where she became friends with Cameron's sister who introduced Sam to the old etonian.

The revival of the company has been accredited with Samantha's creative flare which has seen the creation of stylish (although extortionately priced) pieces since she joined in 1996 as a fresh faced 25 year old. Self-designed 'Nancy' handbag has become a celebrity favourite adorning the arms of the likes of Cat Dealey. Mrs Cameron has herself been spotted on the front row of Burberry fashion shows but maintains some normality which we can relate to by wearing a combination of high street (she had a Marks and Sparks dress taylor fitted) and designer.

The company trades in stores in New York and Beverly Hills' meaning that Sam Cam had already established her own special relationship with America before her husband could even dream of reaching number 10.

Nick Clegg's misses is feisty Spaniard Miriam Gonzalez Durantez who studied law at university and met Clegg when the couple were both at the college of Europe.

She now celebrates success as the head of international trade law. Rather than being at the forefront of Clegg's campaign, she has taken more of a back seat role describing all the attention given to the WAGs of Westminster as being "a bit frivolous". She is too busy as a high flying international lawyer to take part in all the election campaign malarkey.

However, even she has been forced to admit that she enjoys the media calling her "clever and sexy"which is a hell of a lot nicer than most things the papers ever said about Cherie Blair.

FORGIVE ME FASHION, FOR I HAVE SINNED Siobhan Ward-Farrell discusses Roman Fakery...

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aked. That is the only way to described how I felt as I wandered through Rome without a label. Never in my life have I wished so much for my Miss Selfridge jacket to be Missoni or for my Dorothy Perkins sunglasses to be Dior. The saying, "When in Rome..." could not be truer. When surrounded by Roman women with exquisite bags, shoes, and sunglasses, I yearned for nothing more than to make like a Roman and join the parade of designer finery that filled those cobbled streets.

On our final day, after a busy morning of site seeing, culminating in a visit to Trinita dei Monti, I found myself in the single most fabulous shopping street in all of Rome; Via Condotti. Like a child in a panetteria, I pressed my nose against the windows of Valentino, YSL, Cavalli, Celine, Gucci, the lot! I stood, practically salivating at the sight of a chic cream and black Celine bag, while my Father attempted to draw my attention to the interesting and highly practical way in which the edging stones of the pavement slotted together. Needless to say, his educational words were not met with coherent conversation. With each step we had taken along this road I had become more and more detached from reality, and ever more deeply engrossed in a fantasy world of glossy beauty and unparalleled luxury. Soon, my desperation to partake in the designer dream had grown to unbearable levels. I found myself pondering the unthinkable; a fake. Would it really be that awful? I wondered. Would anyone even care?

After all, the fakes had already been made. If I didn't buy one, some other tourist would. Besides, it was hardly likely that Louis Vuiton would ever be seeing any of my money anyway. He wasn't interested in my petty cash. Even my entire summer instalment of student loan was unlikely to stretch to m u c h along the Via Condotti. I knew this, so did the men and women who ran the fashion houses behind these stores.

No one was losing out; not really.

In fact, the street seller who was lucky enough to tempt me to part with my spending money stood to gain and so did I. It would be a positive and favourable transaction. As the afternoon wore on, more market stalls were passed, and my case for fakery built even further. From the dark and distant debris of my memory; an argument I had once read, in a book I had half read, began to surface. Based on the topic of economic development, the argument put forward by economist Ha-Joon Chang, described the way in which copying could be essential to development and could even help rectify social injustices. For a short while at least, this confirmed my feelings, reassured me that a fake might actually be okay. Justifiable. Beneficial. An essential part of the tourism trade. However, somehow, I have found myself home again and much to my surprise, I am still "labeless". There are no new

goodies in my wardrobe, of either the real or fake variety. Why exactly this is, I shall attempt to explain.

Fear.

More specifically, fear of the Roman guards at airport security. I had heard that they seize fake handbags from silly little tourists. Apparently, they rip, chop and tear fakes into tiny pieces before your very eyes; and all the while, a queue of fellow travellers stand behind you, passing judgement, murmuring disapprovingly about your obvious disobedience. Fear of being the scarlet faced law breaker and experiencing acute embarrassment, from which I doubt one can ever truly recover, definitely played a major role in my decision to step away from the street sellers.

Furthermore, fakery is not the self contained bubble I assumed it to be.

It turns out that far more players than just dear Louis V and I would have been involved. As I leafed through Elle magazine in the Hotel lobby, I discovered, to my amazement, that the fashion industry is the second largest employer in the UK, after the financial sector. In the face of Global recession stealing designs and sales from so many people seemed pretty unpalatable. My last reason is purely selfish. I love fashion too much. I do not want to pretend. Skanky plastic, dodgy designs and a small badge which reads "CUCCI" simply will not do. I want the real thing.

It may take me years; but I am willing to work for it, wait for it and pay for it.

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YORK VISION

LIFESTYLE

Tuesday May 11th 2010

>Style

SUMMER TRIO

Sarah Woods gives us 3 steps to Summer wardrobe bliss.

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inally, it’s that time of year when Summer is approaching. It’s getting that little bit warmer, staying light later, and hopefully we won't see as many downpours of rain. A change in season equals a change of wardrobe! Well, almost… As students we’re not all privileged with a never-ending supply of cash to purchase a completely new set of outfits and accessories. I’m here to help you transform your wardrobe for Summer 2010 with only three items!

not have you looking like you're still dressed for Winter.

Go for a cropped, patterned or coloured denim jacket for a modern twist on a classic. There’s plenty around on the high street, check out New Look and Topshop that have lots on offer and nothing's too pricey!

1

Denim Jacket. This is a vital piece of clothing for Summer 2010. In the UK we’re not blessed with the best weather; although we might get the odd sunny day we still get many chilly ones. A denim jacket will give you the perfect level of warmth during those not-so summery days yet

Peach Cropped Denim Jacket £40 Topshop

2

Sandals. Yes, that’s sandals not flip-flops! The gladiator sandal is still very much in vogue this year as it was last. Invest in one good pair of gladiator sandals this summer. Try going for some that are suitable for both day and night – a few gems or a bold colour means that you can wear them during the sunny days yet dress up for nights out. River Island has a fantastic range, as do Office and Faith. Remember, if they’re extraordinarily cheap they might not last

Blue Flower

through the Summer Print Ray-Ban and you could find yourself spending more on multiple pairs Wayfarers of cheap sandals than you would if you £165 Sunglass had spent that little bit extra on a more Hut substantial pair.

3

Sunglasses. Of course, no matter if we have no sun whatsoever, sunglasses are an essential summer item. They give you an instantly cool look, but with so many styles which pair do you choose? Go for a retro look with classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers, but don’t despair if your funds don’t stretch as far as a designer pair - you can find lots of imitation Wayfarers on the high street. It’s Gold Metallic Sandals essential that your shades suit your face shape so trying on lots £35 Faith of different frames and styles is a must! If the Wayfarers don’t quite suit you, try an oversized, round frame or aviator style; go for a bold colour frame to make you stand out!

THE RETURN FAKE ME AWAY OF THE CLOG W Helen O'Brien tries out the best tanners.

Siobhan Ward-Farrell gives us the lowdown on the clogs comeback.

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hen I think of clogs, I recoil in horror; images of Dutch milkmaid's and Morris dancers spring to mind - I doubt this reaction is uncommon. This season, however, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Kurt Geiger have done the unthinkable and taken on the clog! Now, even I seem to have been persuaded to suspend my disgust, and find myself considering slipping into a pair of clogs this summer.

It is tempting to think that pondering clogs signals little more than a break with sanity; induced by late nights and the stresses of life. But I doubt you need reminding that, once upon a time, jumpsuits, leggings and daytime maxi-dresses were met with similar distain. But, what exactly is it about clogs that now make them so covetable?

For me, it is their incredible wooden b a s e s that make them irresistible. Not only does the promise of height excite me; they simply look enormously fun to wear.

Looking back at me from the foot of the runway, they shout, "I will make you feel better about life." And, when I consider their claim, I am inclined

to believe. Brilliantly summery; beautifully crafted and wonderfully different; what's not to like? In fact, there is something quite scrumptious about the combination of bolshie materials and softer elements. Chunky wood, with metal studs and thick leather, all in pastel shades and decorated with a sprinkling of jewels and flowers from Chanel, or extraordinary fluff from Louis Vuitton.

Disappointingly, the clogs that most of us buy will not have been born in the mind of a fashion giant.

Nor will they have been spotted on the feet of Alexa Chung, or the Olsen twins.

However, high street favorites like Topshop, Zara, Aldo and Office still offer stunning summer clogs at more sensible prices.

They say Prima Sling Clogs everything comes back into £80 Topshop fashion eventually, but I doubt anyone was holding their breath for the return of the "milkmaid look".

ith almost an entire week of mild weather, British summertime is officially upon us, and whilst that may mean barbecues, Pimms and long evenings, it also means that we can no longer hide our milk bottle legs under the obligatory autumn/winter uniform of tights. In preparation for the upcoming weeks of playsuits and hotpants, we’ve tested the best methods for getting that perfect tan without a holiday.

Fake Bake (£19.80)

The initial application colour was alarmingly reminiscent of a terrifying Donatella Versace-David Dickinson combo and it did take some time to apply to make sure the colour was even. However, on the plus side the smell was actually surprisingly pleasant. Unfortunately the colour does transfer when it’s developing so may tan your bed sheets as well as your skin. Once washed off in the morning, however, the end result is a natural, professional and even finish. If you can afford to, splash out on this self tan.

Garnier Summer Body (£4.99)

Due to this product being found amongst the moisturisers as opposed to fake tan products, it is easy to get overconfident and slather it all over.

Be warned, if you do this major streaking will ensue. On the plus side, the minimal amount of actual tanning product at least

meant that the streaks weren’t too noticeable. Another advantage of this lotion is that it really does soften and moisturise your skin, unlike hours of sunbathing. A definite benefit of moisturising tanners is that that you can control your level of tan allowing people to assume you have developed a natural colour, but they’re no good for when you need a quick fix before that big night out.

Rimmel Sunshimmer (£5.99)

If you need to look like you’ve had a week on the beach in approximately 15 minutes then this product is perfect. The colour is pretty natural provided you buy the right shade for your skin tone and it can be applied quickly. One major downside is a complete lack of water resistance, though this obviously means it’s easy to remove, it also means that foam, rain and sweat can strike at any time and ruin your enviable natural glow. For a quick fix it’s cheap and effective but I wouldn’t recommend it for day to day use.

Sunbeds

To investigate this, I spoke to a friend who (in preparation for a holiday) visited a sunbed for 5 minutes a day, 3 days a week. She already had beautiful olive skin and took to the tanning very well. She ended up with a lovely tan, however, for those of us who have a fairer complexion it can be very easy to burn. Sun burn is not a good look and it's very dangerous.

So, is it really worth the risk? I think I'll stick to tan out of a bottle!

YORK VISION

LIFESTYLE

Tuesday May 11th 2010

>Style

23

SHE WEARS THE TROUSERS

Helen Turnbull talks of how girl power is back in vogue this season.

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n the home, the work-place, your local pub; you name the environment, the consensus remains; your male counterpart always holds the upper-hand and why?

Well, in a nutshell it tracks back to the traditionalist ideals of eras previous; the stay-athome mother who takes care of domestic duties while the father is out fulfilling his rightful responsibility as the bread-winner. Today though, the roles of males and females are increasingly reversing with the emancipation of women.

The fashion industry has followed suit so why not contradict the stereotypes with a good old bit of power dressing this season.

Introduce yourself to the harem trouser; yes, despite the longevity of the drop crotch pant never looking particularly healthy, they were all over the runways for this coming spring and now it rint P y Ditz looks like the high street r se have taken a particular Trou S SO A fancy to the unconven0 £3 tional pant. Topshop’s spring collection comes up trumps and presents a palette of neutrals for a real timeless, versatile investment. Pair with a fitted top or crop to create a small-over-big silhouette.

Play up the masculine tones with girly accessories such as a hair band or a cutesy locket. This will add a hint of tomboy chic whilst sustaining femininity.

The high-waisted trouser is still very much in style. Stay safe with something fitted or go bold with a dramatic coat.

ASOS’s range is a mustsee; Team with a crispwhite shirt and statement platforms; youthful and minimalist m e are H modern chic, k c a Zip B haki it creates the K , s r se perfect girl p Trou o opsh about the £30 T town look.

Casual can be done too; a revival of a statement childhood piece, the dungaree Beige L ace Up makes a comeback this season: B ack Tr arguably a new take on the ousers boyfriend jean; as a wave of £30 utility reaches the fashion Miss S elfridg shores. A real ‘love or hate’ e item, they do have fashion charm beyond toddler domain

especially when worn with a semi-sheer blouse or pretty camisole and neutral heels.

The statement print trousers, with patterns that could have been made from vintage wallpaper are the real contestants for style leader status this spring. A teaser for younger girls and feminine enough for the new 20ish girl take a look at ASOS for a satisfying fix; team these ditsy print trousers with bold jewellery for a sophisticated evening look.

With so many options, there is no excuse to not conform to this trend; there really is something for everyone. Prove that women really do wear the trousers and bring back girl power this spring.

Vision Loves...

PacMa Belt n £10 Truffle Shuffle com .

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24 SPORT

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th 2010

>Sport

LANCASTER PIP YORK AGAIN IN DARTS FINAL

Photo: Marcus Roby

after their defeat at Roses just the week before.

The day started well for York thanks to several, great performances from many players who managed to get in some early wins against Durham. After the third singles match, York were in touching distance of the final with the score 6-1 to York, but it wasn’t until four games later when Ewan “Big Mac” MacDonald came from 100 points behind, to hit the double first, making the score 7-4 and guaranteeing York a place in the final.

The rest of the match was then played out for pride, with Durham looking to prove that they weren’t actually pushovers, and after two more exciting matches, one of which saw a record 148 checkout by Ze Zhou, the final score came to 8-5 to York.

Meanwhile, Lancaster made their way into the final without too much of a problem. After they saw off JMU with three games to spare, the stage was set for another epic clash between the white and red roses in the final.

It looked as though an early win may be on the cards for Lancaster after they went 5-3 up, taking victory from many of York’s usually exceptionally strong players, including Adam “Tons of Fun” Samuel, who was noticeably very disappointed with his match’s outcome. However, York weren’t going to take this lying down, and, following top quality performances by Ze Zhou, Zoe Paine and Danny Diamond, York took the lead, making the score 6-5.

York now only needed one more victory to take home the trophy. Their pool of players however was drying up, and they were running out of trump cards. Unsurprisingly, Lancaster put on their strongest player next, known in

Photos by Siobhan Crittendon

BY TOM MCDERMOTT

LUCKY LANCASTER EDGED out York's darts team in a tense final on Saturday, doing so for the second time in little over a week and bringing back painful, pint-filled memories for York's players in the process.

York University played host to the final of the University Darts Cup for the first time ever this weekend and, as was expected, the finals were certainly an event to remember.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, three of the eight teams scheduled to play in the competition had to drop out.

This lead to the need for a preliminary play off between John Moore University, (Liverpool) and King’s College, (London) who were the unlucky teams drawn out of the hat.

Having breezed through the previous qualifying stages, York’s darts team had the right to be optimistic, and many of the players were looking to regain some pride

the darts community as “Bob”, and he managed to level the scores, taking it to 6-6.

The pressure was now on for both Rich Diamond of York, and Nick O’Malley of Lancaster, and in a match fitting of a national final, the whole tournament came down to one final leg. Unfortunately, for the home side, Lancaster were just quicker to the double and O’Malley managed to check out with a double four and seal the victory.

So, for the second time in two weeks, Lancaster managed to tear victory out of York’s grasp. Despite this, players and fans alike can take solace in the fact that this tournament really did show off the quality in York’s darts club, especially from players such as Alex Harrison and Andy Myhill, in what was definitely a far tighter contest than Roses was.

SPORT SPOTLIGHT

UNIVERSITY OF YORK CANOE CLUB

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF CANOE CLUB ADRENALINE-JUNKIE WIL BEVAN...

YOU KNOW YOU'VE become a member of the Canoe Club when you start to love rain.

Other clubs run away and wait till its dry. For the Canoe Club however, rain exists to fill up the rivers that are there to be paddled. Some sports clubs stop after their seasons finish; the Canoe Club paddles all year round. In the autumn and spring terms, full rivers in the north are hunted for, whilst in the summer, surfing is served up alongside an invasion of the Alps. With the Canoe Club, things rarely slow down.

It's 10am on a Sunday, and as a new recruit, I'm standing next to a wide, fast flowing river in a wetsuit with as many jumpers and thermals crammed under it as possible. On top is a Cag to keep me dry, a spray deck to seal me into my kayak, a buoyancy aid and, finally, the helmet that will protect my

Photo by Will Cusworth

head. The murky brown water swirls past, calm but powerful. The only reminder of what's to come is the faint roar of first feature in the distance, a long wave train.

As I'm thinking about the strong river we are about to run, my mind wanders back to Friday evening. Relaxing in a warm pool, practicing our training procedures, it seems a world away from where I stand now.

The captain’s shout of "Briefing!" snaps me out of this pleasant daydream. As we gather round, the Club Safety Officer fills us in on the river's features and splits us into groups based on different paddling abilities: freshers, intermediates and the safety trained. His last words stay with me: “Remember just to paddle, paddle, paddle”. I'm really hoping I won't have to swim. Swimming means being pegged with swim points, and that means paying for rescue beers.

I get into the kayak and onto the water, paddling around timidly, at first-a bit too timidly. I’ll need to paddle a lot stronger than this to make any impression on the river. Following my intermediate buddy Will, who's carving out the line to follow through the swirling water, we head to the noise. “Follow me!” Will shouts. I'm gripped with an abrupt anticipation, but it's too late to change my mind now. I paddle hard over the crest of the first wave, and, as I slide down into the trough, freez-

Photo by Daniel Richter ing water gushes up into my face. Momentarily blinded, I’m starting to shiver violently from the cold. Paddling even harder now, the adrenaline is starting to pulse through me as I break over the next three waves.

Then Will disappears. The waves are too tall for me to see him, obscuring my view. I paddle on determinedly, but as I approach the last wave I realise I'm heading towards it at a funny angle, and losing speed. As I reach the crest, daylight and relative warmth is suddenly replaced with bone chillingly cold, dark water.

I’ve capsized. I try to roll the kayak, but it doesn't work. I realise I have to pull my

deck as I don't have enough air left to try and roll again. I reach the surface to hear the shouts of people checking if I'm alright. I quickly grab the safety rope that’s been thrown to me, and along with my boat I’m pulled to the side of the river. My heart thumping, and still buzzing on an adrenaline high, I empty my boat and get ready to continue.

Despite the shock and the Arctic cold, I’m left with a fierce desire for more. Luckily on the next features, my kayaking highs don't come with swims attached. With the day’s paddling over, we head to Wetherspoons, a favourite Canoe Club haunt.

On my way there, I realise I'm exhausted, but also that I’ve had an unbelievable day with the Canoe Club.

As a member of the Canoe Club, your weekdays are filled with daydreams about the trip above and more. Don't fear that's it!

On Wednesdays you can attend the Club's social and, over a pint or more, discuss your wild river experiences as you jump from bar to bar. Newcomers, of any ability, are always welcome. Talk to us on the forum at www.YUCC.org.uk, or email Canoe@ yusu.org for information. We have loads of kit and boats to be borrowed. We normally paddle on Fridays and Sundays, and socialise on a Wednesday. Weekend trips have been to the Lakes and Scotland, and potentially to Wales this term. Over the summer we head to the Alps.

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th 2010

SPORT

VAMOS NADAL

25

VISION'S STEPHEN HOLCROFT TALKS RIVALRY AHEAD OF RAFA'S FRENCH OPEN COMEBACK...

WITH SUMMER JUST around the corner and the climate everywhere apart from York slowly getting warmer, it's time for the tennis world to turn its attention from the indoor to the outdoor events, from hard court to clay court, from Melbourne to Paris.

Roland Garros marks the 2nd Grand Slam of the year, and Roger Federer's first ever defence of the one title that evaded him for so long. Remarkably, the event sees bookmakers having the audacity to rate Federer's grip on the French Open crown as rather precarious.

Rafael Nadal will return as the bookmakers' favourite, along with his scintillating, predator-like instincts, as he aims to reinforce his status as the ‘’Cing of Clay.’’ At the tender age of 23, his record on the red surface is unsurpassed.

Despite being hampered by knee injuries over the past eighteen months, the Spaniard is beginning to rediscover the form that makes him so feared, especially in his home surface that is the clay court. His court coverage and speed are second to none, and, allied to a neversay-die spirit and one of the best defensive games ever seen in tennis, give him a great advantage.

The signs are ominous. He is killing off his rivals more consistently than last year, patiently waiting for opponents to succumb to his play as he works them about with his lethal forehand. Perhaps the first ''real'' signs are there that Rafa is returning to the form that saw him prevail over Federer at Wimbledon in 2008.

It appears the ''FedExpress'' will have to dig as deep as he can in his tennis armoury if he wants to stop Nadal on clay. A recent article claimed that Federer was so good because he had a "rock mentality" similar to that of Pete Sampras. Nothing fazes this man with nerves of steel and the cool, calm exterior to match.

Whilst Federer may not quite be the domineering ''Swiss Maestro'' presence of years gone by, with notable losses in the Rome and Estorils events, he still has that admirable tendency to turn on the style in adversity, and in the big tournaments. His record number of consecutive grand slam semi-final appearances attests to this. And he continues to maintain the desire to cement a stronghold on the status he ultimately craves for – the greatest of them all.

Aside all eyes drifting towards a Rafa-Roger showdown, the much- improved form of Nadal's Davis Cup compatriot, Fernando Verdasco, shouldn't be underestimated. Whilst losing a final to Nadal on the red surface is no great shame, Verdasco has since triumphed to the Barcelona title over Nadal's French Open nemesis, Robin Soderling. Current

world number 2, Novak Djokovic should also be given a mention having reached the semi-finals of the Grandslam in 2007 and 2008, but recent form suggests otherwise. The Serbian has just the one solitary title since the New Year, and was recently ousted from the Rome Masters by Verdasco.

Elsewhere, as the attention turns to Andy Murray, so does the depiction of a mentally jaded man unable to persevere from the tears of Australia. He has lacked energy in his play, and has failed to capitalise on his usual, effective serving. Clay is Murray's weakest surface, and he exceeded expectations last year in reaching the quarter finals. It is hard to see Murray going beyond that stage this year. Given the number of early exits Murray has had in tournaments this year, he should have the energy and resistance in the tank to go the full five set distance, having played few matches in recent months.

Meanwhile,whilst the performances of Murray will continue to attract media attention, so will the advances of a certain Latvain who happens to sport the Scot's pop-up disastrous hairstyle of the past.

World ranked at number 35, Ernests Gulbis is finally beginning to satisfy his tag as "the next big thing". Having defeated Federer recently, and having given Nadal a scare, Gulbis is certainly one to watch out for-even if journalists continue to misspell his name.

Photos: Flickr

PLAYING FABIO - WHO'S ON THE PLANE?

BY STEPHEN HOLCROFT AS THE FOCUS of the footballing agenda turns from the marathon drama of the Premiership title to the increasing anticipation of the World Cup finals, it's virtually time for Fabio Capello to hand 23 English men their prized tickets to South Africa.

Today, the Italian will be forced to submit his provisional 30 man squad to FIFA, which will be narrowed down to his final choice of 23 on June 1st. After a gruelling season of domestic football it's now a question of whether the players have impressed Capello enough to merit a place.

GOALKEEPERS It appears the main headache in Capello's first team selection is the lack of quality goalkeepers at his disposal. Joe Hart is the only English goalkeeper to be playing regularly for one of the Premiership's top ten clubs, and even he was deemed surplus to requirements at Man City. It was no real surprise to see him as top dog in the country this season, as he really has been a rock. Still, I believe that, although he is prone to the occasional calamitous blunder, the vastly experienced David James should get the nod ahead of Hart and Robert Green.

DEFENDERS Many selectors are committed to having 8 defenders, but I've gone for 7. The Italian's first choice rearguard is fairly clear, but whether personnel such as Rio Ferdinand will be able to stay injury-free isn't so clearcut. Michael Dawson has matured greatly over the past year, and is a big factor in Tottenham's success to reach fourth place. The same applies to Ledley King, and had it not been for his inability to play two games in a week, he would be an obvious selection. Instead, it's uncertain. Meanwhile, despite still

sporting his schoolboy - like moustache 15 years on, Gary Neville has began to role back the years this season, and therefore should be included. Oh, and there's the rumour Capello might end Carragher's international exile.

That, however, is unlikely.

MIDFIELDERS This was probably the most challenging of the four positions to select, primarily because only a few midfielders have produced their customary excellent performances. Although 2009/2010 wasn't his most fluent season, Steven Gerrard still is an automatic selection.

James Milner has played terrifically for Aston Villa this season, and his uniqueness provides further energy and versatility to the midfield. The trio of Aaron Lennon, Joe Cole and Theo Walcott have had restricted playing time, but offer devastating sums of pace along the flanks. Gareth Barry's fitness has recently been thrown into doubt, however he should-just about-board the plane. But, perhaps the luckiest member of the squad is Michael Carrick, who has produced a series of lacklustre performances for his club. Comparatively Scott Parker, always so impressive, has been the main driving force in West Ham's battle for survival FORWARDS Personally, were the starting eleven based on domestic form, then I'd probably start Darren Bent ahead of Peter Crouch, alongside Wayne Rooney. Unfortunately its not, and whereas ''Crouchy'' has consistently proven himself on the international scene, Bent hasn't really had the opportunity, so I'd give the big man the nod. His height, like Emily Heskey's physical presence, will give the Three Lions the so called 'extra dimension'. Nevertheless, Bent and Jermain Defoe are fantastic assets to have if England are in need of a goal.

DAVID JAMES

GLEN JOHNSON

RIO FERDINAND

FRANK LAMPARD

JOHN TERRY

GARETH BARRY

AARON LENNON

WAYNE ROONEY

ASHLEY COLE

STEVEN GERRARD

PETER CROUCH SUBSTITUTES

GOALKEEPERS: JOE HART, ROBERT GREEN DEFENDERS: JOLEON LESCOTT, GARY NEVILLE, MICHAEL DAWSON MIDFIELDERS: THEO WALCOTT, JAMES MILNER, JOE COLE, MICHAEL CARRICK FORWARDS: JERMAIN DEFOE, DARREN BENT, EMILE HESKEY

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26 SPORT

ASFAHANI: "GET RID OF EXAMS DURING ROSES"

BY JOSH MANGHAM

SAM ASFAHANI has said this week that he make next year's Roses an exam-free period.

The York Sports President-Elect revealed in an interview with Vision that he is in talks with the Lancaster AU over arranging a Roses weekend next year in which neither Lancaster nor York University would be undergoing exam periods.

Traditionally, Roses has been held over the first bank holiday weekend of May, forcing students from the visiting university to balance Roses matches with hectic exam timetables.

York lost this year's Roses tournament, held at Lancaster, by a score of 157.5-105.5 after many of York's sports teams lost players to exams held over that weekend.

This caused figures such as Football Club President Greg Gardner to complain about having to "cobble together" half-strength teams, and despite a spirited showing by York's visiting players, Lancaster rarely looked troubled after taking an early lead in the scores.

Asfahani claims that the only reason Roses has clashed with exams in the past is because "there's simply been no effort" on the parts of both sports unions to change tradition. Ever the optimist, Sam says: "There's no point in not trying."

Asfahani has found an ally in York's recent Roses nemesis Sue Wynes, the Lancaster Sports President, who agrees that an exam-free Roses schedule is the "only way forward", whilst revealing that she has already been in talks with York's current Sports President, Emily Scott, over the matter. She goes on to claim: "I don't see any other option except moving the weekend entirely. Obviously it will take an in depth discussion to find a suitable solution, but something drastic is needed."

Getting rid of exams during Roses is not the only plan Sam Asfahani has for next year's tournament though. With support often poor for the Friday of Roses weekends, ambitious Asfahani is planning to move one of the Cup's biggest events, the rugby 1sts match, to Friday evening.

He's not stopping there though, disclosing to Vision that he has also been in touch with the York City Knights over the possibility of using the rugby league club's Huntington Stadium as a venue for the fixture.

"I think it would be great to have a match like this played out under the floodlights on Friday evening, something that would draw more crowds and make Friday as important and wellsupported a day as Saturday and Sunday."

Photo by Marcus Roby

YORK VISION

Tuesday May 11th 2010

COLLEGE CUP BY MARK LUND

THE SHOWPIECE EVENT of the sporting calendar is here: the pièce de résistance of university football, the battle for superiority, the struggle to avoid mediocrity and to achieve immortality. COLLEGE CUP. For those of you unfamiliar with the College Cup, it is an event that unites the crème-de-la-crème of university players with the enthusiastic minnows of college football. Twenty teams battle over eight weeks for the bragging rights we all crave, that we desire more than

MARK LUND, HALIFAX 1STS' TALISMANIC CAPTAIN,

ten minutes with Jessica Alba, for the undeniable claim that we are the greatest.

Last year, Alcuin achieved that goal.

They efficiently dispatched every team in their path, a team of individuals effortlessly working in unison. Even though they beat my beloved Halifax, they were a dream to behold. Captain Miles McDermott will hope to emulate that success, possibly using Cox in midfield in the group stages, whilst Delaney’s return could also prove pivotal to their hopes. Unbeaten in almost two years, Alcuin are prepared for any would-be challengers to take their glorious crown. There isn’t a shortage of pretenders waiting in the wings…

FAVOURITES Halifax, arguably the pre-tournament favourites, with handsome Lund at the helm, will unleash a wealth of talent this year. Their team boasts an abun-

dance of University Firsts players, and many University Seconds, all with the individual quality to beat anyone. With McKellow and the Brennans the pick of the bunch, and the all-encompassing Beadlemania still in full swing, the individual talent in this team is truly sublime. However, as most of the University players have not played for Halifax in the first two terms, this is a new team needing time to gel. How long this process takes will determine if they win this competition. Anything else will be considered a failure.

Derwent will stake their claim with traditional Derwent-esque arrogance under Matthew Hallam. The winners of the second term’s football, they have a powerful, disciplined team, with a few flair players thrown in to create a Chelsea-like image. Solid at the back, especially with Gardener thrown into the mix, their attacking threat comes from a powerful running midfield, with Barney likely to be the danger man. The early group stage encounter with Alcuin is mouth-watering, but may have little significance in who emerges victorious at the end, as both those teams will expect to comfortably reach the semi-finals.

DARK HORSES Goodricke and James Firsts are the dark horses, although outside of their own ranks there would be few educated punters having a flutter, as both sides have weaknesses the Big Three would be expected to exploit. Despite a few excellent players, particularly at the back, Goodricke lack full squad quality. Although defensively they will be difficult to break down, finding goals will be a struggle for Goodricke. Boring football late on in the competition is likely to be their main way of achieving a shock cup win.

James are wholly inconsistent, although despite the fantasy football values they possess some of the Univer-

YORK VISION

SPORT

Tuesday May 11th 2010

THE

2010 PREVIEW

,INTRODUCES YOU TO THIS TERM'S SHOWPIECE FOOTBALL EVENT sity’s finest, not least the First captain himself. Cloudy and Johnson are a class apart in central midfield, although rumours of Johnson playing further up the pitch are likely to come to fruition during the tournament. John Carroll is likely to bag numerous goals from the back, and is therefore my non-Halifax fantasy football tip.

Vanbrugh will progress through the groups. A solid outfit with three dangerous players going forward, they will probably not achieve last year’s dizzying heights. Prince is not a natural goal scorer, although alongside Stanier and Taylor they could stun Halifax in the groups and are prime candidates to cause an early upset. However, if they lose any of these three, they could well face an upset at their own expense.

Langwith have grown this year, with a good team spirit successfully masking the glaring weaknesses in their team over the first few terms. Expect them however to be found out with the dangerous Seconds teams in their group.

Starkey cannot score all the goals they will need, whilst Condron is massively overrated.

UPSETS

All football photos by Siobhan Crittendon

Wentworth could surprise a few with a big, strong team. Potent Green up top wreaked havoc in Roses, and despite strong Alcuin and Derwent Seconds teams in their group, I would expect them to progress to the quarters, though no further.

The Second teams in the competition are generally the ones hoping to cause an upset, and as always there are a few on the cards, with the weaker First teams likely to be those at threat. Derwent Seconds, having obliterated all challengers in last term’s league, will fancy their chances against Wentworth, although Halifax Seconds are my impartial tip for removing the Langwith Firsts. With numerous Firsts-quality players stepping

down to the Seconds, Halifax have a midfield bristling with real quality, and Langwith will need their iconic Bruce to drag their sorry carcasses through to the next round. Other than an even more unlikely upset, the Seconds will be aiming for plate success. The Plate is the consolation competition from College Cup, where the third and fourth placed teams make up a different knock-out

tournament after the group stage.

The third teams will generally be hoping to defend stoutly and sneak a draw to progress to the plate on goal difference.

They will also be desperate to avoid a soul-destroying battering against the Firsts, the Big Three being the teams all thirds were hoping to avoid.

College Cup is back.

THIS WEEK'S FIXTURES Tues 11th – Group B 2pm Halifax Firsts vs. Goodricke Thirds 3pm Langwith Seconds vs. James Seconds Thurs 13th – Group C 12pm Vanbrugh Seconds vs. Vanbrugh Thirds 1pm Alcuin Firsts vs. Derwent Firsts Fri 14th – Group D 2pm Goodricke Seconds vs. Derwent Thirds 3pm James Firsts vs. Halifax Seconds

GROUP A

GROUP C

Goodricke 1sts

Alcuin 1sts

Wentworth 1sts

Derwent 1sts

Derwent 2nds

Vanbrugh 2nds

Alcuin 2nds

Wentworth 2nds

James 3rds

Vanbrugh 3rds

GROUP B

GROUP D

Vanbrugh 1sts

James 1sts

Halifax 1sts

Langwith 1sts

James 2nds

Goodricke 2nds

Langwith 2nds

Halifax 2nds

Goodricke 3rds

Derwent 3rds

27

TIPSTER

COLLEGE CUP SPECIAL

SURE THING

HALIFAX TO REACH THE FINAL THE COLLEGE CUP: the most unpredictable competition on campus. Nothing goes to plan, the players never read from the script, and at least one big team will exit earlier than expected. To predict anything in this tournament is a risk to anyone’s credibility. Having said that, I expect the Halifax College 1sts to reach the final. With players like Connor Brennan, Tom Ragan and Joe Brennan it’s clear that goals are never going to be a problem. When coupled with the rock solid defence, kept in line by the inimitable captain Mark Lund, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to look past the boys in white.

I’m going to stop just short of predicting that they’ll win the whole thing, (strange things happen in finals) but after seeing The ‘Fax dismantle Lancaster’s Fylde College, its very clear to me that Lund’s men are the ones to beat.

TIPSTER'S ODDS:

3/1

LONG SHOT BRUCE STARKEY TO GET GOLDEN BOOT NO ONE IS expecting anything of Langwith, the perennial underdogs. As the smallest college, it’s unsurprising that they fail to keep up with the bigger teams, but they don’t do themselves any favours by starting games with less than 11 men. Luckily for Langwith, one man turns up to lead the line. Bruce Starkey: the team’s captain, leading scorer, play-maker, engine, master tactician and just about everything else.

To be quite frank, I can’t see the Langwith College 1sts managing to get much further than the first knockout round, but in that time they have the chance to bag a couple of goals. Of course there won’t be any prizes for guessing who, specifically, will be knocking them into the net!

TIPSTER'S ODDS:

20 / 1

ABSOLUTE MADNESS CUP TO FINISH WITHOUT ANY PENALTY SHOOTOUTS THE PENALTY SHOOTOUT is as inevitable as the final whistle. For all the excitement of the College Cup, it would be ridiculous to think that every game will be settled in a mere 90 minutes. And it’s for the best: the penalty shoot-out separates the men from the boys.

Last year, Vanbrugh with nerves of steel, managed to sneak their way to the final on the back of penalty shoot-outs.

As Tipster, I think I can guarantee at least one penalty shoot-out, whether it’s at the climax of 4-4 thriller between Derwent and Goodricke or following a drier-than-dust Vanbrugh v James bore draw.

TIPSTER'S ODDS:

100 / 1

Tuesday May 11th 2010

Issue 206

POST ROSES REACTION

P26 YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR ALL UNI SPORT

P24

ALL THE ACTION FROM SATURDAY'S UNI DARTS CUP FINAL

P25

FIELD OF DREAMS: COLLEGE CUP RETURNS TO THE 'TURF

> GLORY, GOALS AND HEARTBREAK S AM TE P CU E EG LL CO 'S K R YO R FO ED PROMIS > TEAMS POISED FOR DRAMATIC CONFRONTATIONS > "WE'RE THE FAVOURITES" SAYS HALIFAX CAPTAIN, MARK LUND

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: VISION START THE COUNTDOWN TO SOUTH AFRICA

BY STEPHEN HOLCROFT AND JOSH MANGHAM THE COLLEGE CUP officially got underway on the JLD Sports pitches yesterday, ahead of a grueling five weeks which will eventually establish which of the 2 teams on show are the University of York's most prized eleven.

A tournament which will inevitably bring its share of passion, crowds, sun, quality and entertainment is set to be the main sporting focus for the remaining summer term.

The Halifax 1sts team possesses a range of talent, including captain Mark Lund and star

striker Conor Brennan, who's heavily touted for the top gong. And with a series of highly successful performances in the college leagues this season, it is easy to see why.

Derwent and Alcuin 1sts are also regarded as prime contenders for the Cup, and alongside Halifax make up the 'Big Three', whilst the dark horse colleges of Langwith and Wentworth will be attempting to prove they are more than just making up the numbers.

Goodricke have proved over previous months they're a decent side, whilst Vanbrugh and James should also be held in the same re-

gard.

From the defensive rearguard of Greg Gardner to the midfield creativity of Jack Beadle, all the way to the attacking prowess of Dan Cox, the College Cup talent is plentiful.

What more so, how will the 1sts cope with the added pressure of finishing above the 2nds, with the latter vying to prove themselves on this big stage?

FULL PREVIEW:Page 26 & 27

VISION SPORT: YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR ALL UNI SPORT