Issue 4 – 2011/2012 (Wessex Scene)

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Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

Southampton University’s Student Magazine www.wessexscene.co.uk

WINTER Gifts

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Food

New Year’s

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Plus: Gameshows, Atheism, Naked Calendar, Online Dating, Erasmus, Ice Hockey & More.

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

B

ecause this issue is chock-full of wintery topics I’m going to make an effort not to wear them out in this editorial. So here’s a list of words and phrases I’ve banned myself from using: Editor

Mike Fisher

- Ice - Gloves - Turkey - Presents - New Year’s - Snow Sports - The Coca Cola ad - Lapland

editor@soton.ac.uk

Graphic Designer

Aaron Bali

design@wessexscene.co.uk

Image Editor

Nicola Manuel

image@wessexscene.co.uk

Features

Nile Davies & Charlotte Harwood

features@wessexscene.co.uk

Opinions

Samuel Gilonis & Fouad Al-Noor opinions@wessexscene.co.uk

Politics

If those have whet your appetite then I’m sure you’ll find plenty to enjoy in here. If not, you’ll have to settle for the tasteful nudity on page 3 which is the closest we’re ever planning on getting to The Sun.

Oh, and if you’re the sort that likes a good religious debate then you’re about to be spoilt something silly.

All in all, we’ve got plenty to tuck into over your turkey dinner.

Damn.

Richard Windsor & Luke Goodger

politics@wessexscene.co.uk

Mike Fisher, Editor

Winchester

Emily Cotton

winchester@wessexscene.co.uk

International

Maja Hultman

international@wessexscene.co.uk

Lifestyle

Jo Fisher & Yara Silva

lifestyle@wessexscene.co.uk

Science & Environment

Alex Williams

science@wessexscene.co.uk

Travel

April Foot

travel@wessexscene.co.uk

Sport

Will Handley & Ellie Sellwood sport@wessexscene.co.uk

News

Emma Chappell & Ashleigh Cowie

news@wessexscene.co.uk

Involvement and Publicity Officer

Ciarán McManus

publicity@wessescene.co.uk

Pause Editor

Becci Ford

pause@wessexscene.co.uk

Online Manager

Sam Whitehall

online-manager@wessexscene. co.uk

Sub-Editors

Amber Choudry Editor-in-Chief

Joseph McLoughlin vpcomms@susu.org

Illustration: Thomas Fummo

A 21 YEAR-OLD MAN FELL FROM A SECOND FLOOR WINDOW ABOVE JESTERS STUDENT ENROLLMENT FOR SOUTHAMPTON’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL CAMPUS OPENED IN NOVEMBER. STUDENTS CAN NOW STUDY MECHANICAL ENGINEERING IN ISKANDAR, MALAYSIA THE RISIBLE TENURE OF SILVIO BERLUSCONI FINALLY ENDED WITH HIS RESIGNATION FROM ITALIAN GOVERNMENT CHANCELLOR GEORGE OSBORNE HAS PUMPED BILLIONS INTO SCHEMES TO BOOST THE FLAGGING ECONOMY

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

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Merry Christmas from SUSU Media!

The RAG 2012 calendar is now available at boxoffice.susu.org They’re £6 and will be ready to pick up before Christmas.

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

Christ or Cult? In Search of the Christian Science Movement Nick Mould

Having walked past it many times, Southampton’s First Church of Christ, Scientist on The Avenue was a curiosity to me. What exactly is its relation to science? Does its name imply that Christ was a scientist? I decided to find out more.

Often confused with Scientology and the similarly named Christians in Science organisation, Christian Science is a widespread movement, practised in 43 countries with 108 churches in the UK, Southampton’s standing there since 1952.

Originating in 1870s Massachusetts, USA with humble beginnings, in recent times there has been controversy over Christian Science’s attitudes towards conventional medication, particularly with regard to children raised in the religion.

Its founder Mary Baker Eddy is credited with writing the religion’s central text Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.

Eddy believed that through intense study of the Bible, she was able to cure her illnesses through prayer, and set about instructing other Christians to how they could achieve this.

Yet critics point to the published testimonials of instances where both physical and emotional problems have been ‘healed’ as relying mainly on anecdotal evidence.

However, as I discovered on

my trip to the church, followers aren’t expected to rely solely on prayer with regards to illnesses.

Although spiritual healing is preferable to the use of medicines, prescription antibiotics by a doctor are permissible.

and ‘metaphysical’, words used to describe the church by its very own members.

Where the main difference lies is in the usage of Mary Baker Eddy’s book and how the services are delivered by a committee of members from the church rather than a vicar.

One of their pamphlets defines it as ‘realising the dependability and repeatability of Jesus’ teachings and healings’, explained by a Bible passage in which Jesus states ‘whoever has faith in me will be able to do what I do’ (John 14:12).

The church’s usage of the term ‘science’ is not meant to relate to its meaning as the study of the laws of the mate“If you Indeed, services are understand rial universe. Instead not dissimilar to it is used in a broader good, there is sense, as by it they those seen in other no evil.” churches. Attendees mean the organisation sing hymns, recite the of knowledge gained from Lord’s Prayer and listen to particular evidence, in this readings from the Bible. case the Bible’s accounts of Jesus.

The lessons are the same as every other practising institution, which are of such topics as ‘Are sin, disease and death real?’ and ‘Probation after death’. No special services take place on Easter or Christmas.

The organisation’s reading rooms, with Southampton’s located in front of the church, are where members can go and study these lessons at different times of the week.

The community that attends the church is small, the modest congregation accounted for by ‘temptations’ drawing away potential members of the flock.

This problem is seemingly reinforced with the fact that the concepts of Christian Science are, to many outside of it, ‘radical’

By this it is meant that Jesus’s miraculous healing powers are readily available to anyone who has faith through prayer and knowledge of their spiritual existence.

As all matter is said to exist spiritually rather than physically, evil and sin are simply illusions, only existing through false belief.

Church member Rosemary Dash explained to me: ‘If you understand good, which is God, then there is no evil”,

On 12th December, members of Southampton’s Christian Science Church will be joining the University’s Atheist Society for an event.

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

The Joys of the Christmas Jumper

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Amy Sandys It’s simple. I just love a good Christmas jumper. But quite frankly, who doesn’t? After undertaking thorough and detailed research in Southampton’s City Centre...as well as a rather large amount of shopping...I can conclude that, despite the rubbish weather and increased chance of catching hypothermia, winter is definitely the best season for clothing. Try telling that to my bank balance though.

Christmas jumpers are amazing, purely because there are just no limits, for both the males and females amongst us. A quick glance around such high end stores as Primark, H&M, or even the noticeably more expensive Topshop (£50 for a beaded vest, really?) informs me that the sparkly, patterned, sometimes fluffy Crimbo jumper is definitely all the range. Some of my personal favourites included the bright red Father Christmas/ Reindeer/Snowman slogan jumpers from Primark, as well as the massive variety of knitted scarves and bobble hats the majority of the student population in Southampton seemed to be wearing. One of the observations I found pretty amusing was how other stores go for the ‘Christmassy yet stylish’ vibe. If anyone has seen the Jack Wills catalogue then you’ll know what I mean. Unfortunately we can’t all frolic about in £120 Arran sweaters with our beautiful model boyfriends in (fake) snow, but we can dream...

On the contrary, I’m of the opinion that if you’re going to

buy a festive jumper, you may as well go the whole hog, as it were, and generally make an idiot out of yourself. Who cares about the embarrassment!? Given enough sherry on Christmas day and frankly you won’t care.

One of the other key features of a Christmas jumper is how they make you feel. I myself am guilty of mass-jumper purchasing. I could have stopped at one, but instead I bought three. ‘Three jumpers? But you’re a poor student!’ I hear you cry. But they’re so overly wearable, I just couldn’t resist, and by wearing them, I really can’t help but to dream about mince pies and mulled wine.

Admittedly my jumpers are devoid of huge red reindeers or comedy Christmas puddings. I’ve gone for the kind of Christmas jumper where I can casually pretend that IT IS NOT a Christmas jumper after Boxing Day/before December 1st and still get away with wearing it

well into April. My two newly acquired over-sized, sparkly, woolly jumpers are the best things to fall asleep in during a Geomorphology lecture, and the gold short sleeved top doubles up as both an ideal thing to wear on Christmas day. You may say I’m contradicting myself by not going for the typical Christmas slogan, but I hasten to add that it is an ideal item of clothing to wear to Sobar as the evenings become rather chillier.

All in all, the Christmas jumper is just one of the many wonderful things about Christmas.

They’re versatile, warm, festive, and go with just about anything... and when we’re all stuffing our faces with turkey (or nut roast, for the vegetarians amongst us), we can breathe out without anybody noticing the difference.

Merry Christmas!

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

The 11 Presents you will get this Christmas Andy Haywood What with the billions of gifts being bought, wrapped and given each year, there are bound to be some errors.

“The one with the label on”

Like that awkward moment when you find out that Santa’s elves do not hammer blocks of wood into toys, Xboxes and clothes. In fact, shops such as Tesco and Boots do. Even worse is the price tag!

This is the cause of that feeling of pain when you realise that your aunt had no intention of spending much money on you at all. And then there’s that friend who arrogantly parades his wealth. Guilt trips fly around left, right and centre all because of that stupid label!

“The impersonal one”

Lights are on the tree, ‘Driving home for Christmas’ is on the radio again and the Coca-Cola advert is on! The season of good cheer has returned... and this can mean only one thing: presents.

As terribly selfish and materialistic as it may be, a major part of everyone’s Christmas is gift giving. Spreading joy and giving thanks to our nearest and dearest.

It is all about putting a smile on everyone’s faces. The child within is awoken as you see all those unwrapped presents with your name. You shake and feel all those boxes, trying to guess what they contain, filled with anticipation.

Here is my gift to you: a list of the presents you will get this year - whether you want them or not is another thing!

You’ve known about Christmas for months now, haven’t you? It’s happened once every a year since you were born.

“The last minute one”

Often the result of a secret Santa, this gift was clearly the first thing picked up.

There is no thought and no sentiment. Typically, it is already prepared and found under a big sign saying “Perfect gifts for him/her.” I know we aren’t best buddies, but surely there is more to me than a Lynx Africa toiletry set.

Adverts and shops have been instilling its existence into you since August. Yet you still couldn’t be bothered to go shopping until yesterday?

Why? Honestly, did you really think you would find even a satisfactory gift in Tesco Metro at the last possible minute? The even better ones are those that have been randomly selected from their bedroom floor and wrapped up.

Worse is the dramatic story about how that gift is perfect for you, “Don’t you remember that time we went to that place and you said that thing and it was the funniest thing ever? Well that’s why I got this tin of beans for you.” Seriously? I’d have preferred the money.

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Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

“The hand-medown one”

“The Christmas one”

“The chocolate one”

Blatantly a present they received and did not want. What better way is there to give a present and get rid of some junk at the same time? Obviously, you’ve always wanted a box of cognac chocolates which is past its sellby date - of 1972.

Christmas stuff is great! You’re feeling festive, singing the songs and even wearing novelty socks.

So naturally when you get given that pair of Rudolph slippers you’re full of joy and Christmassy spirit and all that.

Chocolate coins, advent calendars, indulgent chocolate desserts, selection boxes, classic tins, chocolate oranges, chocolate baubles, chocolate cookies, chocolate bars, chocolate mints, chocolatethemed dinner games...

“The ‘you don’t really know me’ one”

Do you remember that distant relative who always sends you a birthday card two months too late? The one who still thinks you’re a girl or a child or maybe now going into your thirties? You don’t even remember meeting them but apparently they know you. In reality they have no idea who you are, and if they keep giving you gifts like this you’re going to start wondering as well.

“The toiletry one”

You don’t think you have body odour problems, and yet every Christmas haul suggests otherwise.

But what do you do when New Year’s has rolled round and the tree is being taken down? You can’t walk through town in your Santa gloves in August unless you want to be branded a hipster.

And it doesn’t just stop at clothes.

Pens, mugs and even DVDs are pointless when the theme is Christmas. No wonder the season starts earlier and earlier each year. You need to make use of that snowman jumper!

“The offensive joke one”

You love gag gifts but this one might be crossing the line.

Everyone around feels the tension as you try to laugh it off.

But it’s written on everyone’s face that it just isn’t funny. The jester who gave it to you is laughing their head off and you nervously join in, but deep down, in the bottom of your heart, a little part of you is dying.

“The home-made one” Sometimes this is the most thoughtful and wonderful gift, filled with personality and at the same time shows the amount of effort they put in. However, it can go severely wrong and you could end up with a hastily made, extremely cheesy or frankly just plain horrendously made thing.

There is a large difference between a beautifully made scarf and an Art Attack inspired mess of glue and googly eyes. If all else fails there is always the mix tape.

THE ONE!

It’s not all doom and disappointment! If you have been good and if you wish really, really hard, maybe Santa will make your wish come true! A whole year of battling to stay off the naughty list will pay off as you enjoy the gift you wanted most…until you get bored of it. Whatever you get this year just remember ‘it’s the thought that counts’. Apparently.

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

What makes Christmas?

Bethan Philpott takes a look at the best things about the festive period...

1. The Coca Cola advertcomes on TV

3. Even more reasons for procrastination appear...

5. Eating chocolate for breakfast becomes normal

Santa delivering coke in a big red truck? Yes please! The first sign for many people that the ‘season to be jolly’ is coming round again.

Whether its decorating your flat with tinsel and paper chains, organising your trips to the ice rink at Bargate, cooking a flat Christmas dinner, Christmas shopping in West Quay and the Christmas market, or browsing the internet for gift ideas, there seem to be a lot more opportunities for procrastination once it hits December.

Opening a door to a piece of chocolate every morning certainly makes those 9am lectures just that little bit easier to deal with.

2.. You can’t find a birthday card anywhere

All the shops that used to have such a wide variety of cards are now reduced to ‘Season’s greetings’ ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’ and finding a card for anything else becomes a hard task.

4. Christmas songs are everywhere

“Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?” We certainly do now.

The same few songs on our airwaves will infuriate many well ahead of Christmas.

6. You turn into a child at the sight of the smallest snowfall The chance to build a snowman, have snowball fights with rival blocks in your halls and the possibility of missing lectures is definitely way too much excitement to handle in one go.

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

What’s wrong with a SUSU night out?

Jack Kanani reflects on the lack of students attending SUSU-run events.

As new and excited students flocked to the University of Southampton two months ago, their eager anticipation lay in the hands of their very own student union, which caters for approximately 25,000 students. However a growing trend is emerging with more and more students migrating from the planned venues at the University’s Union club The Cube which hosts events such as Glamourpuss and ‘Twisted’ in order to attend local bars and clubs like Sobar and Jesters.

The change in student preference may be influenced by the lack of communication and relation between students and SUSU. One student said: “The union doesn’t do anything. All the events are tame and boring.

If they brought in some decent names and made the drink prices lower it might be an option. However when they do make a decent night, it gets totally packed!”

Because freshers are put together into halls of residence (if not allocated into privately rented accommodation) they often don’t make many acquaintances outside of the field of students they live with and people on their course. This can prove to have a detrimental effect on the reception of student venues as, if a group of students don’t feel like attending, then it can influence other unsure students to attend a different venue that is regarded to be preferable.

Once local events catch the freshers’ attention there is little the Union can do. Influences and appeals from older students recommending places and deals like ‘50p a pint’ and ‘£1.50 for a triple vodka mixer’ prove too

good to pass up. By now, most first-year students have settled into a social routine and seldom do they break their habits.

As the end of the first semester comes to a close, students are beginning to realise the financial constraints of student life and so begin to tighten their belts and as such the union has spelt its own demise as these nights are anything but cheap. A standard night costs the students an average of £20 and one student said: “Drinks are expensive so what is the point of going to a union night when we can just stay on the bus a little longer and go to Portswood where the drinks are cheaper and entry prices are pretty much the same.”

SUSU generates approximately £7m a year and with tuition fees to rise for next year’s students, a change will need to be imminent in order for the union and the university to prove value for money to their students, other-

wise they are in danger of losing more than just money; they could lose their reputation: “Jaguar Skills was poorly run!

The night didn’t happen for two separate occasions which in turn lost them confidence and their reputation with the freshers.”

Student-run events have the potential to be cheaper, better organised, and catered towards what the students of Southampton want; not orientated around what SUSU thinks is best. Possibly nothing will ever compare to 50p pints at Jesters on a Monday and £1.50 triples at Sobar on a Tuesday, but with a bit of effort, better promotions and more expenditure by the University, perhaps we can change the current trend and utilise the Union in one of the best ways possible.

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

Where is the Atheist Society?

What is the point in a society of sceptics that questions nothing?

Samuel Gilonis

One of the many rewards of being

a non-believer is that it is almost by definition unnecessary to show up somewhere once a week to have your own opinions recited back to you and to be made to regularly profess them yourself to assure both you and your comrades that you are all still behind the same flag.

As such I find difficulty in imagining why one would volunteer to waste their time joining a society of people who, again by definition, have nothing in common but rather have declared themselves to have the absence of a belief in common.

Even so, there is certainly a need for organised secularism. After all, religious lobby groups already dominate US politics and in the UK the only religious pressure group of consequence is the Christian Institute which regularly campaigns for the bullying of homosexuals, gamblers and those who use contraception (without realising that this gives all independent parties a very clear picture of how they would secretly like to be spending their Friday nights) with only the malnourished British Humanist Society in opposition. So if we are to have members of our esteemed university rallying under the banner of a non-belief then we should surely expect them to be locked in combat with the darker forces of religion which, even in Southampton, are not difficult to stumble upon.

Recently the Students’ Union departed from all recognisable precedents to censor the Wessex Scene in order to prevent the publication of cartoons of the prophet Muhammad in protest against the use of violence in order to subdue the French satirical weekly, Charlie Hebdo. I should probably confess that the article was written by myself, although a similar article was written by David Mendoza-Wolfson that was subsequently censored after my article

had been published on the independent Southampton student journalism site, The Soton Tab, despite the fact that the stated reason for the original suppression was the ‘inability to mitigate the possibility of risk’.

To the Union’s credit there has been discussions of a debate on the issue later in the year which will be coverd in advance by the Wessex Scene but even if we accept the unions stated reason (which I do not), after my publishing of the cartoons in Southampton solicited absolutely no reaction – what reason did the Wessex Scene or the Student Union have to further demonstrate their cowardice? In my capacity as Opinion Editor of the Wessex Scene I had to contact the Atheist society three times before invoking a response which eventually came back weeks after the article had been blocked.

We happen to be situated in one of the most religiously conservative cities in the United Kingdom.

In Portswood I am approximately a five minute walk from a Christian Science church and reading room, a Mosque, a Sikh temple and St. Andrew’s United Reformed Church. If I felt like faith healing I could attend one of the bi-monthly services at the Highfield House Hotel or presumably any service at the Christian Science church. For fanaticism we are spoilt for choice in Southampton (as Mark Twain said, ‘any mummery will do’). We also have one of the most conservative Christian Unions in the country; SUCU not only insists ‘We believe the Bible to be entirely true and relevant to all people throughout history’ but also, ‘The Lord Jesus Christ will return in person, to judge everyone, to execute God’s just condemnation on those who have not repented and to receive the redeemed to eternal glory’! Why is it that the allegedly sceptical society in Southampton has not raised a single challenge against the predominant Christian organisation of our univer-

sity adopting such extreme beliefs?

The Atheist Society’s motto reads, ‘blasphemy is a victimless crime’ and yet they raise no objection whatsoever to either this incongruous tuft of Christian Right or our Student Union’s cringing capitulation, not to violence but to the possibility of a threat of violence from the Muslims of Southampton. Nor was there any comment on the appearance of the dewy eyed and bullshit bespattered huckster, Moazzam Begg, when he addressed the Islamic Society to tell them about his time building schools for girls with the Taliban.

Having met with the president of the Atheist Society, Dan Palmer, it is evident that the society, though small, is dedicated and involved enough to be meeting regularly with Mormons, Scientologists and Christian Scientists and yet until they get over their solipsism and actually comment on these issues they are going to have to accept the charge of being a voiceless, impotent and boring organisation.

Got an opinion to share?

Contact the section on opinion@wessexscene.co.uk All opinions in this section are personal and do not reflect those of the Wessex Scene.

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

Eat Your Heart Out

A Guide to Christmas Dinner of hot oil, toss them in a little flour, grated parmesan, salt and pepper.

Alternatively, just partly boil them and roast with some fresh rosemary and honey for a sweet and gooey texture.

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me... three helpful friends...

Rope in some helpers. On the day you’ll need all hands on deck, else you’ll find yourself on a sinking ship. If you have a lot of people coming, ask friends to bring a dish, like a big cauliflower cheese. It will help ease the strain on your oven.

The pressure’s on you and the standards are set, to make them a dinner they’ll never forget. So make a good plan and to ASDA you go, stay calm and enjoy it and on with the show!

The key to stuffing everyone like a turkey is to maximise the veg-to-meat ratio.

Christmas is a time for excess and indulgence. Making a decent Christmas dinner on a student budget is a task worth putting some thought into. I took on this daunting challenge in first year to cook for 20 friends in my hall’s kitchen. So I know a thing or two about character-building and cooking-related breakdowns. The key is planning. Let me take you through my twelve ‘Days of Christmas’ tips to create a perfect Xmas dinner on a student budget.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me... A plan to keep the day drama-free...

Plan your menu carefully before hand. Don’t leave it until you are wandering around the supermarket. Plan quantities and formulate a budget. It’s like revising before an exam a revision timetable always helps. You’ll find things a lot less stressful.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me... Two-forone deals...

Try and make some smart choices when you are shopping- the ingredients can really rack up so look for deals on ready-made mince pies, old bread for stuffing and deals on veggies.

The key to stuffing everyone like a turkey is to maximise the vegto-meat ratio. Giving them lots of cheap, well-cooked and well-seasoned veggies can save you buying a bigger bird. For example, value parsnips can be jazzed up to guarantee you have no leftovers.

Try part-boiling them, and before putting them onto a baking tray

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... four budget birds...

Even though turkey is the Christmas staple, when it’s surrounded with trimmings and smothered in tasty gravy, you ain’t gonna care if it’s a corn-fed Waitrose turkey,or an ASDA 2-4-1 chicken. My advice is to go for chicken, as it’s generally cheaper and just as tasty. Ideally, buy your meat from a market, the prices are lower and the standards are often higher.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... five hob rings!

Trying to boil all your veggies and get them ready at the same time is

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

a difficult task, even for a seasoned cook. Boil your vegetables early in the day, until they are about 80% cooked. Straight afterwards put them in big bowls of water with lots of ice. This will stop them cooking and they can sit there for hours without spoiling, until they are ready to be revived. All you have to do is re-heat them with the meat.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... a table that needs laying...

There’s no point going to all this effort without trying to create a good ambience. Hang some decorations, buy some value crackers and make all your friends wear the silly paper hats. If your budget is really tight steal some holly from a bush and make some paper snowflakes.

Add some carols and you’ve got yourself a party!

Christmas is a time for excess and indulgence On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me... all the lovely trimmings...

Instead of paying for trimming like pigs in blankets, save some cash and make your own. Value bacon and cheap-as-chips chipolatas will be even nicer hand-wrapped. For stuffing, you could save stale bread in the run up to your meal, rub it gently to make breadcrumbs, add herbs and a big knob of butter and voila! Not a pack of Paxo in sight, and pennies still in your pocket.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... make your sprouts appealing...

Sprouts are staple leftovers, always included on the menu and rarely appreciated. But they are an awesome little vegetable. Part-boil the sprouts, then add them to a pan containing some friend bacon lardons and even a few chopped nuts (walnuts or pine nuts work well) for a delicious side.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... cranberry gravy bubbling...

Gravy is the rope that will hold your raft together. Make it seem

gourmet by adding some value cranberry sauce, and a little red or mulled wine for a lip-smacking reaction.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... maris pipers’ piping...

Your roasties are a key element to the meal, so get them right or else!

Maris piper potatoes are great for roasting, and don’t need much help to taste amazing. Part-boil them and add them to a pre-heated baking tray of olive oil, sprinkle salt over them and cook for about half an hour on a high heat.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me... eleven students dancing...

Why not turn your Christmas dinner into a Christmas party?

With the mulled wine flowing and the carols blazing, you’ll soon be on your feet wailing ‘O come all ye FAAAIIITHHFUL!’ On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... twelve tummies rumbling...

The meal is cooked, the guests in good cheer, so sit and relax because Christmas is here!

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Mulled Wine Ingredients 1 bottle red wine 60g sugar 1 cinnamon stick grated nutmeg 1 orange, halved 1 dried bay leaf

Preparation 1) Pour the wine in a saucepan and add the orange, sugar, bayleaf and the spices.

2) Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved.

3)Taste to see if you want the wine sweeter, and if so add more sugar accordingly.

4) Strain into heatproof glasses and serve immediately.

Words by Leah Ferris. Images by Sarah Boxall.

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

Male Student, 24, Would Like To Meet.....

The world of Online Dating isn’t just a place for lonely single women, and can be perfect at this time of year, as Simon Boyce discovers.

It must have happened to everyone: you go for a drink with a friend to meet their new partner and eventually the conversation comes around to you asking how they met. They have a quick smile at each other and your friend responds “online, actually.”

Looking for romance online is steadily becoming the new pornography. It’s incredibly common but people are reluctant to mention their habit in front of friends, or their mum. Should it be embarrassing though? The

burning question in my head was whether it was a sleazy world of casual hook-ups or if it was more dominated by genuinely lonely people looking for true love? There was only one way to find out.

It must be said, for the benefit of anyone I spoke to or met up with, that I got involved for genuine reasons and not for the purposes of researching an article. I was at the time going through a protracted break-up and a friend recommended giving it a go.

Once you have the hang of how it all works (and there is a steep learning curve) it becomes a highly addictive game on which I have become hooked. Basically the system

“Looking for romance online is steadily becoming the new pornography”

Graphics: Lily Rossiter: Graphic Arts

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

for heterosexuals is that men send out messages to the women they find attractive and the women reply to those that come from men they find attractive and don’t just say “hi” or come with a photo of his genitals attached. The latter is, according to the girls I know, depressingly common.

I wrote and rewrote my profile page with all the effort I never put into my UCAS application; I sent out carefully written messages to every attractive and literate person on the site within a thirty mile radius; I boasted about my reply rate to friends who used the same site. It was obvious I had lost sight of what the point of it all was and reduced it to a numbers game. But love (or even sex) isn’t a competitive sport.

Meeting people was the next step after I was bored with the online flirting. I was chat-

ting to someone on Skype and it suddenly seemed pointless, why sit there talking over the webcam when we could go and grab a coffee right now?

“I was addicted to

the thrill of a message from someone interesting or a date with someone sexy.”

I threw myself into it with such enthusiasm, I was probably keeping the city’s restaurants in business for the last year. Honestly, it was the most fun I’d had in a long time, after years of doing the serious, long term thing. Once again though I had lost sight of the reason I was there, like a fresher that hadn’t been to a lecture in months but was on first name terms with the

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Hobbit bouncers. I quit doing the online thing and put the plan of meeting someone on hold for the time being while I dealt with other things in my life.

Online dating was to me like a powerful drug. I was addicted to the thrill of a message from someone interesting or a date with someone sexy.

Along the way I met other addicts, people who didn’t feel right without a packed diary of dates and people whose loneliness had become the central issue in their world.

One thing I found remarkable was their honesty. Only once did I meet someone to discover they had used an older photo of themself to try and look more attractive.

Everyone was very happy to discuss who they were, what they wanted, where they were going with their lives.

Whether they were after their fantasy one true love or just someone with whom to kill an hour, I’d be proud to say I had met them. Just maybe not where.

“Only once did I meet someone to discover they had used an older photo of themself to try and look more attractive.”

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

Science & Religion

Atheist Sam Whitehall, theist Ridwan Barbhuiyan and agnostic Alex Williams discuss the battle between science and religion.

Round 1 “What are religion and scitrue, example) frequenting ence? The definitions I will go our past, clearly indicating by are a little more abstract that we have not found a harthan the conventional unmonious way to live with one derstanding; that science is and another (and with our concerned with the systemnatural environment, too). atic and logical deduction of truth from a situation, be it Enter religion. As a society, how the universe came to be, our morals are continuously or where we, humans, come in flux, it seems; what may from, whereas the remit of have been considered taboo, religion is the morality of a or even forbidden, long ago situation, what is “right” (and, in some cases, not and what is “wrong”, so long ago!) is now an intrinsically acceptable and vice “Religion subjective matter. versa. and science Going on these are compatible, two definitions, Religion, in all its it could be arvaried flavours, but it isn’t gued that religion attempts to consimple.” and science are front this by estabtwo sides of the lishing doctrines and same coin (that coin becreeds to live by in order ing knowledge), as opposed to prevent mankind from deto the mutually exclusive, stroying itself (though there arch-rivals they are so often is no doubt that religion has portrayed as. been an influencing factor, or even the root cause, of some The last few millennia have of our crimes). proven that mankind is capable of carrying out science, I would say that Religion and with incredible advanceScience are compatible, but ments in our understanding it’s not just a simple case of of the universe occurring sticking a particular religion frequently throughout our together with science and history. Sadly, however, we accepting the complimenhave by no means been a tary overlaps they may have peaceful race, with massacres whilst turning a blind eye to (an extreme, but regrettably conflicting statements (which

occurs on both sides).

Instead, it’s important that we ask continuously question, for ourselves, everything, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually, and whatever possibilities remain, no matter how ‘strange’ they may be, must be truth (to poorly paraphrase Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).

For me, my beliefs, both religiously and scientifically, are not only well-fitted, but complimentary, supporting the progression of each other; so I can confidently say that the two bodies are compatible, but of course this is an inherently subjective topic.”

- Ridawn Barbhuiyan.

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene Many say science and religion are looking at different aspects of the universe; science determines what the universe is and why things are how they are, while religion understands “the big picture”.

Round 2 especially if (in the case of religion) it probably is.

Firstly, many of the claims contradict those of other religions or even their own, so they cannot logically be all true.

Religious texts, however, make claims about what the Secondly, a large number of universe is. For Biblical verses are hugely example: “a divergent with modern “Extrapersonal God scientific opinion‚ is it ordinary exists” - this legitimately possible to claims require being a scienargue that the Earth is extraordinary tific hypothflat and stationary, as esis that can claimed in the Bible? evidence.” be validated or falsified with exFinally, any scientific claim perimental evidence. requires evidence, and as It is unscientific to accept said by the great physicist anything as absolutely true Carl Sagan‚ “Extraordinary ‚ one must always be openclaims require extraordinary minded enough to accept evidence”. Many religious that something may be false, claims are becoming increas-

Round 3

Agnosticism isn’t apathy.

We’ve all experienced at least one head-tilting, transcendent moment in our lives, whatever our views or circumstances. And these usually take us closer to science or religion. But we also experience small human moments that never lead us to laboratories or churches.

Like humour, our subtleties slough attempted answers and deconstruction. They are noticed only in the small

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of the eye; in the nerdiness of logic; in the kitchness of fundamentalism; in the pathos of great conversation.

Our lives are one-off and phenomenological and bizarre.

They will never be answered by explanation.

-Alex Williams.

ingly burdensome as they diverge ever further from the mainstream scientific view (which evolves as more evidence comes to light).

Why is this important?

Widespread encouragement not to critically analyse available evidence is dangerous for society. More concretely, religious dogma has perpetuated dangerous falsehoods.

Whether through anti-vaccination societies that claim saving lives is “against the will of God”, or Pope Benedict XVI claiming that condoms are ineffective at preventing HIV transmission, religious bias and authority have no place in dictating the truth or falsity of scientific claims.

- Sam Whitehall.

By Marcello Gibezzi

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No Jobs, No future?

The recession has hit the whole nation hard in terms of unemployment. But the atonishing rise in jobless 16 to 24-year-olds has been been even more remarkable since 2008. Even prior to the recession in 2004 one in eight youg people was unemployed, however this shot up since 2008 with the rate doubling each year.

The number of jobless young people has reached the one million mark.

Shocking figures were recently published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which revealed that the number of jobless young people reached the one million mark, with the number currently standing at 1.02 million. It has become apparent that in the last three months alone, unemployment has risen by 67,000, making it the worst record since 1992.

What makes it so difficult for students to get jobs?

The current economic downturn which firms are facing means that they are making huge losses in terms of revenue. They therefore need to make cuts which often means making employees redundant combined with discouraging further employment. Despite the fact that students are often cheaper, they often produce

WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

less value to a company due to their lack of experience and the resulting low productivity levels. This also makes young people more vulnerable to being ‘laid off’ because it is easier for firms, particularly as the redundancy pay for older employees is much more costly than simply turning away a younger employee. Therefore in a recession, the ratio of younger unemployed people to older jobless people rises.

However, and perhaps more importantly, what does this mean in terms of future graduate jobs?

It has become clear that since 1997, there has been a huge rise in numbers going to university with the figures growing from 1.8 million to 2.5 million. With this increase, it means that there will be more graduates who cannot get jobs as they continue to swamp the ever-diminishing job market.

Consequently, graduates have been taking jobs in desperation, ones which they feel “they are over qualified to do”.

With huge demand for even the most basic jobs, it leaves many graduates having to take whatever they can get their hands on.

But according to Proffessor Van Reenan of LSE, these ‘doom and gloom’ figures might be short lived. The new skills students develop during their degrees will give them some protection in terms of their wages and unemployment levels. Therefore a student with a degree is in a much better position than one without. This is further sup-

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

ported by the belief that those without a degree, appear to be “locked out of the job market for good”.

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Graduates have been taking jobs which they feel “they are over qualified to do”

It is clearly going to be a tough few years in the job market, as Britain attempts to pull itself out of the recession. However, it appears that if young graduates simply ‘stick it out’ they will eventually reap the benefits, as their qualifications will secure them decent wages in the future.

Helen Van Riel & Luke Goodger

OPINION: The one million mark.

Has our generation has been let down by our politicians?

It sounds like the standard student rant to say we are treated badly by the tyrants of the elder generation. But it is true. The politics of the last few decades has left a generation of hopeless, penniless and most dangerously, angry young adults who are calling for little more than the right to work for a decent, honest wage. Without sounding like a communist or one of those misguided ‘occupiers’ - who have emerged as being the disorganised rabble that they are - we must, in our fair country of peaceful change, redirect policy towards a new era of job creation.

Forget the Youth Training Schemes of the 80’s and the faux internships and unpaid work experiences of today, it is just jobs that are needed. With 40% or more of our generation in University, there is a lack of skilled labour and a surplus of low quality degrees. We have been promised an era of great wealth and luxury but are getting austerity and poor housing. What went wrong?

Rampant and unchecked immigration has depleted the jobs market with many new jobs going to foreign workers while Britons, work shy as we apparently are, need sanctions to bring us back into line.

Those who are unemployed for the long-term should be denied benefits until they contribute to national insurance while those who contribute to society must be helped along the road to easier lives with subsides and a reinforcement of the welfare state- which MUST be denied to slackers and criminals.

Cameron and his coalition have introduced £1billion worth of new schemes which will help youth into work. Where will this lead us?

Luke Goodger

Agree? Disagree? Send us your opinion at politics@wessexscene.co.uk

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

A Winter Wonder-Lap-land Alexander Green

If you love tinsel, presents and everything Christmassy, where better to visit than the ‘official home of Santa Claus’, otherwise known as Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland. Living in Finland, I have been lucky enough to visit this area, and I can confirm that it offers the perfect setting for Christmas; it’s cold, snowy and the Finnish landscape of unspoilt forests where elk and reindeer bob in and out of view is breathtaking.

There is a Santa Claus Village which is definitely worth a visit; I was expecting tacky but it’s actually quite magical. Skiing is also an option, although Finland is fairly flat with cross-country skiing being the chosen sport. Not only that, but being past the Artic Circle, you can if you’re lucky see the incredible, once-in-alifetime view of the Northern Lights. The beautiful natural colours and lights given off are a truly mesmerising sight.

You might, however, just spend your trip trying out all the different kinds of transport; I got pulled along by some crazed reindeer, tried some mushing (sled dogs), screamed on a 60mph snowmobile and got stuck in a snow drift!

Husky dogs, guaranteed snow and the Northern Lights; Lapland

Joy To Th

A Look At T Season Aroun

really is a Winter Wonderland.

A Ukrainian Celebration Julian Conway

I spent last Christmas in Ukraine where the legacy of the ‘opium of the masses’ doctrine lives on and Christmas time, for most people, is a completely nonreligious affair. In fact, for many in the former Soviet Bloc, Lily Rossiter: Christmas is not ob- Illustration served at all; instead the merriment surrounds solely New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For the religious minority, Christmas is celebrated in line with the Orthodox Russian Church’s tradition, on January 7th.

Owing to the absence of Christmas, New Year’s Eve in this region is when the family will come together, exchange gifts, watch an old sentimental Soviet-era film and eat a traditional New Year meal (in Ukraine this is a chicken salad called ‘Olivier’).

Nevertheless, although this is considered family time, you won’t fail to notice some serious drinking going on. But then, you have to wonder, how else would they get through those painfully cold winters?

New Year’s Eve in Brazil Yara Silva

A few years ago I spent New Year’s Eve in Brazil with family. New Year’s Eve marks the beginning of the summer, and is considered the most important day of the year in Brazilian culture. As it is very warm, everyone heads to the beaches where they have big parties with lots of loud music and food. It is tradition to wear white on New Year’s Eve, as it is supposed to bring good luck and symbolise peace.

After the fireworks which happen at midnight, there is a tradition to jump over seven waves, so everyone heads into the sea.

This is also thought to bring good luck, and once you have jumped over seven waves you have to eat seven pomegranate seeds. People also throw flowers into the sea and light candles on the sand, as an offering to Iemanja, the Goddess of the sea in the Candonble religion, which was founded by Afro-Brazilian slaves. It was an experience unlike any other.

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

he World

The Festive nd the Globe

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Iceland: The Perfect Christmas Destination Imogen Carr

It was -10 degrees celsius, and I was standing outside, shivering in my bikini. I Robin Celebi: Motion Graphics hadn’t gone insane - I was about to bathe in the famous geyser pools of the Blue Lagoon.

Imagine Narnia with hot tubs, and you’ve got the Blue Lagoon - a geothermal spa situated near Keflavik Airport, Iceland. Bathing in steaming pools amongst the falling snow at Christmas time was a truly surreal experience.

We stayed in the Hilton, Reykjavik, which was close to the city centre and decorated with upside-down Christmas trees. Each night, one of the 13 Yule Lads would leave a treat in our hotel room. From Icelandic folklore, the Yule Lads, or jólasveinarnir, are the country’s equivalent of Father Christmas. Instead of one fat bloke, however, they get 13 friendly trolls!

Forget Christmas Day - the 23rd of December is a big deal in Iceland. Known as Thorlaksmessa, the day is celebrated with a vast variety of activities. Party with the locals drinking jolaglogg (mulled wine), take part in some last-minute present buying and sample the traditional putrefied skate... if you’re brave enough!

With all the festivities, it’s no wonder the country was voted CNN Travel’s top Christmas destination in 2010.

An Upside Down Christmas Tom Durham

Living in England, Christmas is sitting by the fire and family gatherings around the evergreen tree. Australia offers something altogether opposite. On Christmas day I awoke cramped and somewhat clammy in the top bunk of the campervan, my family somehow cramped in the other ingenious crevices within. Blazing sunshine, the sound of lapping waves and the slight odour of a mobile toilet were there to greet me on the Lily Rossiter: Illustration strangest and most memorable Christmas I have ever experienced.

After a quick dip in the campsite pool, and after failing to shotgun one of the many ‘barbies’, we were fated to use the only cooking device we had, and one resisted so vehemently in our household: the microwave oven. After learning of the difficulty of cooking jacket potatoes in that machine, we tucked into our meal around our own deliberately miniature, wooden and foldaway Christmas tree. The day’s conclusion had us lounging in cool, blue, sea water, surrounded by warming sunshine.

New Year’s Eve holds the event of the year in the Sydney calendar: the Sydney Harbour fireworks. The views from the Royal Opera House across to the Harbour Bridge, with the flashes of fireworks dominating the landscape, are awe-inspiring and incredible to behold as the world counts down to the New Year.

Australia’s seasonal celebration is special. Sun, sea and astounding sights fill this most precious of holidays.

Fireworks by Jacob Coy: Graphic Arts

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Surprisingly few students know about Erasmus which is quite astounding since almost all students of languages are obliged to spend a year abroad.

The Erasmus scheme, setup between several EU universities, allows students to study abroad for a semester or a whole year.

Going abroad on Erasmus is easy since the universities sort out fees and often organise accommodation as well.

Most courses at the University of Southampton offer Erasmus or an exchange to a university outside the UK. For example, a geography student can go to Germany and Economics students have the chance to spend some time in Brazil.

Many of these exchanges will be to universities where classes are taught in English. However, if you want to perfect a foreign language which you have previously studied, there are usually

opportunities for that. The options available vary from department to department, and it is therefore vital to get in touch with the person responsible for exchanges at your School to find out exactly where you can go.

Unfortunately, not every single course offers Erasmus. For

example, a physicist can only go abroad if they are doing the MPhys course and are one of the best students in their year. Amy, an environmental scientist wishing to go abroad, says that her department used to organise an exchange with the University of Toronto but that the Canadian university dropped

WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

out owing to the recession.

Why can’t everyone go on Erasmus? One of the Erasmus officers explains that “the answer varies with departments - for example Medicine and Biological Sciences find it impossible to fit in an Erasmus exchange due to their very full teaching programme.” Exchanges are organised by individual departments, not the Erasmus office. Another rea-

son is that they ‘may find it difficult to convert marks into their degree results in Southampton.’ If this is the only barrier preventing students from spending time abroad, then surely it would be well worth making a little more effort in order to give students more global educational opportunities during their time at university.

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

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in the queue - she might turn out to be your best friend.

Travel!

Go out and discover! Take advantage of the place you are living in and make time to do all the typical touristy stuff.

Explore the surrounding area.

You might never be in such a convenient position again.

Make the most of it!

More is Less

It might sound odd, but don’t overbook in terms of visitors - you don’t want to spend your whole time hosting. Do, however, pester your nearest and dearest to get Skype.

This godly invention makes everything so much easier.

Don’t worry

Picture: Amy Harwood, Graphic Arts Text: Florence Hodesdon Are you starting a new life abroad after Christmas? Panicking about how to survive?

Don’t sweat blood on your own - here’s how to breeze through your Erasmus year.

Prioritise your luggage

It sounds difficult and almost impossible, but take a step back and rationalise your choices. Versatile clothing and well-packed hand luggage are key - forget that wall-hanging and cake tin!

A top tip is to bring photos - they can brighten up any dull room.

When find yourself telling that story about your flatmate throwing up over the bouncer in Jesters, your new flatmates

can put a name to that face.

Get socialising

There are an inconceivable number of Facebook groups dedicated to the sole purpose of helping you making friends!

Universities will often organise various meetings within the first few weeks and it is of paramount importance that you attend these. Arriving not knowing anyone is typical but you will end up leaving with a handful of amazing friends. Moreover, regardless of your proficiency in languages, join a course. It is an easy way to meet people. Be fearless. This might never happen again, so talk to that person

Everybody’s in the same boat.

It is completely natural to be a bit nervous, so if you hate it at the beginning, do not

Don’t sweat blood on your own - here’s how to breeze through your Erasmus year

panic, you are not alone. Be realistic about the challenge you are taking up. Take a take deep breath and remember that everything takes time.

Join societies and really throw yourself in at the deep end. Enjoy this fleeting moment in your life.

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

Image by Piero Regnante

Matt Rose

Our first Winchestarian is graduate Matt Rose, who has turned playing game shows into more than just a hobby. In the beginning, it was all about the money.

Faced with a saturated job market and a degree in English Literature overlooked by all but the most bohemian of employers, graduated life looked to be an impoverished one. So much so that I had to resort to the capricious process that offers money to every average Joe, regardless of work experience or academia.

It began so innocently. A moment of spontaneous, whimsical folly that had me apply for BBC’s ‘Pointless’, a show which rewards seductively niche general knowledge with quite handsome cash prizes. I could do with the money, as well as a Facebook profile picture of me alongside host Alexander Armstrong, so I couldn’t see the harm of applying.

That was nearly 3 months ago now, and I have since applied for over 100 game shows. I’ve attended the ‘Total Wipeout’ audition in a gymnasium dressed as a monkey. I wowed the producers of a Sky TV talent show by throwing burning marshmallows into the air and catching them with my mouth. I’ve had politician Ann Widdecombe publically mock my knowledge of Russian theorists during a pilot for a new ITV production.

Of the many applications and auditions, so far only 3 shows have graciously allowed me onto their sets in an attempt at winning some

much-needed cash. annual event which whittles down The first took me to Glasgow to those who will make it to the face the ‘Eggheads’, which comprise televised series. I made a spicy of the most intelligent 5 members pumpkin risotto for judges Gregg of the Universe. Usually facing Wallace and John Torode, whilst them are formidable quiz teams, struggling with one considerable however not actually expecting to disadvantage.. get on, I’d had to bundle together I can’t cook! a motley assortment of whatever friends were available on the day. My culinary skills only just capable Surprisingly, we did rather well, of dishing up a bowl of beans. keeping the Eggheads on the Mercifully we were each provided ropes as they faltered at their last a sous-chef to assist us. In my question. We were then asked case, “assist” translated to “do where Prince William and Kate everything”, and I awkwardly stood Middleton were married, and in an by tentatively prodding onions unpatriotic moment I’d like to say with a spatula whilst my helper brought about by nerves, we got it practically cooked the entire dish. wrong, saying St.Paul’s Cathedral, My food was judged as “nice”, but and hence missing out on £20,000. sadly not prize-winning.

So tickled were the Eggheads by our demise at such an easy So, I am yet to win, and the game question, they were shaking with show bug still niggles. I should laughter as we lost, something host probably start looking for serious Dermot Murnaghan said “had never happened in the show’s I’d seldom history”. employment, but in this climate it watched the show It got worse. Having does earnestly before, whilst my somehow bluffed middle-aged opponent seem like a phone audition I bending hadn’t missed an found myself next in the broad-waves episode since she Manchester, facing down of television was 5 a live audience in addition shows is easier to the 2 million expected TV than getting a job, viewers on ‘Countdown’. To put this and whilst boasting a big daunting task in perspective – I’d money prize, just as rewarding. seldom watched the show before, Hopefully one day I’ll get lucky, whilst my middle-aged opponent hit the right spin of the wheel and hadn’t missed an episode since she finally win one of these accursed was 5. Predictably, I was immolated shows.

(9 letters) at her hands, overall leaving Manchester with my tail Next month, auditions for Big resolutely between my legs.

Brother open..

Most ridiculous of all though took place in London where, before a 500-strong crowd, I had to prepare a meal for ‘Masterchef Live’, an

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

Rosie Brown

“As a child of the internet age, I have grown up with limitless resources, the opportunity to see things that generations before me have only dreamt of. But how much of what we see is real, and how much actually has just been dreamt up?”

This quote from third year Fine Art student Rosie Brown’s artist statement reflects her interest in the representation of reality through images. For example, most images we see on a daily basis have been manipulated, modified, to make them more appealing to our critical eyes; teeth whitened, waists shrunk, colours enhanced.

Rosie’s statement continues: “Images of fantastical worlds, filled with impossibly beautiful things turn out to be just that: impossible. The growing use of digital technology has fuelled my scepticism about the images I see online. I no longer approach a stunning landscape with the admiration it deserves; instead, I am wondering whether that tree was always quite that perfect, whether

the sky was really that blue.”.

This scepticism is common, with nearly all the images we see nowadays having been doctored, it is almost impossible to know when we are looking at a true representation of reality; this makes it harder to ‘believe’ and trust in images, but is this trust essential? Should we just enjoy the ‘perfect’ images we see whilst remembering they are impossible, the sky never that blue, skin that clear or eyes so bright?

As Rosie’s statement focusses in, she no longer continues to examine the digital world of image manipulation but begins to explore analogue photography and the manipulation of film images. Analogue photography, as the predecessor to ‘the digital age’ is believed to be more honest, as it is harder to modify film based photos without leaving marks.

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photographs of occurrences in dreams, where anything can and does happen, yet a seamless analogue photo collage of a dream would be trusted more than a digital one. This exploitation of the process has enabled Rosie to create images that could be real, that appear real, yet are not real.

Are images of our true reality boring? Do we want to see more, see what we know to be impossible? Does it create positivity or negativity? Our ideals are changing because of photo manipulation; our perceptions of beauty, our aspirations, our realities: should it continue?

This is what interests Rosie, leading her to try out film photo modification to see if she can create images that show impossible realities that are trusted and believed by the viewer; for example

Lee-Tze Leong How did you feel the day after graduation?

After graduation, I felt relieved that I had passed my degree, no longer had to pay tuition fees or rent my own place, and my parents could feed me again (which is always good!).

Did you have any work/internships lined up?

Yes! Actually, I am going to an interview of sorts tomorrow for an internship. Other than that, waiting on a couple of leads for freelance contracts.

How was it searching for jobs?

Looking for a job is a job in itself!

There are a lot of offers on, but

finding them and then fighting for them are another matter. I’ve found the Internet to be my main source of job research.

Do you have a job/have you had a job? (If so, how did you get it?)

I am freelancing design for someone in London, but I’m allowed to work from home. I got it through a friend. Who you know is very important!

What advice would you give to a worried third year GA WSA student?

Work really hard on your portfolio in the direction you want to go in.

Your degree certificate is important, but only up to a

certain point. Still, try your best to get a 2:1 or higher. Also, go out and get as much experience as possible. Nowadays, employers won’t give you the time of day without experience.

Don’t fret, there are jobs out there!

The important things to focus on seem to be: know what you want to do, try to identify what kind of job you want, work hard and talk to everyone; you never know who might be able to give you a job. It is also important to try to create and maintain a strong web presence to get your name and work out there.

Words by Graham Read

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011

Winter Sports Special Melissa Brandner Age: 21

a lot better than at the BUDS and I won the competition!

So you went from jumping in at the deep end and not qualifying to winning a major competition in a matter of months.

What have you been doing since February?

In the summer I competed in a non-university event called the Interviewed by Ellie Sellwood Southern Freestyle Series, which was a lot of fun. I met loads of girls which was great because Melissa, who studies Marine Bi- Did you learn how to freestyle up until then I hadn’t really ology here at Southampton Uni- in France? met many girls at competitions. versity, very recently came 2nd No, it wasn’t until I got to Uni that There seems to be a lot more this in the BUSC (British Universities I learnt freestyle. I started last year though.

Then I competed Snowsports Council) BUDS (Dry September, but I don’t have much in BUDS a couple of weekends Slope) freestyle snowboarding of a fear of things so I kind ago where I came second: competition. Fresh from her re- of chucked myself in a huge improvement cent success, The Scene caught at the deep end. from last year! up with her on campus.

‘Everyone When did you was lined up So, how long have you been first compete? at the top of the We’re coming into snowboarding for?

I competed at the slope, fighting to winter now, so what do you have to I started when I was 13 but it BUDS competihave a go’ look forward to over wasn’t really until I took a gap tion, at the Unithe coming months? year that I began to take it up versity Nationals in I have the SUSSC (Southproperly.

Edinburgh last year. This is held on a dry ski slope but the ampton University Ski and SnowWhere did you go on your gap format of the competition was a board Club) trip to Mayrhofen, year? bit weird. Everyone was lined up Austria coming up in the next few I went to France, to the ski resort, at the top of the slope, fighting weeks, which I’m really looking Les Arcs, and worked as a chalet to have a go and I only had one forward to. Then I have a training girl which was a lot of fun. Up un- run, which meant that there was trip to Les Arcs with the Univertil that point I hadn’t been snow- a lot of pressure - unfortunately I sity Team and then I’m going Heli Skiing (off-trail, downhill skiing boarding for a while so it was didn’t qualify. accessed by a helicopter as opgreat to be able to do so much of it. I lived with a group of people How did you find your next posed to a ski lift) in Alaska with my dad. This is my 21st Birthday who had been snowboarding for competition? ages so I learnt a lot from them.

My next competition was the present from my family, so I’m reEnglish Snowglobe in February., ally excited.

How long were you in France This is essentially a jam session There are not many people for? and competitors can have as who ask to go Heli Skiing for I was a chalet girl for 5 months, many runs as they want, there their 21st birthday! I hope you that is a lot of snowboarding! was a really relaxed atmosphere, have a brilliant time, what do

Issue 4, 2011 | WessexScene

you have to look forward to in terms of competitions?

There are a couple of indoor competitions coming up over the next few months, and I’m currently looking for funding so I can compete in a big competition in the Alps at Easter. I haven’t competed on real snow yet so this would be a fantastic opportunity for me.

Tell us about your best snowboarding experience?

It was probably last year when it snowed in Southampton and we snowboarded down the hills at Glen Eyre then had a snow party in the street and got pulled along on snowboards by cars. But I also had a great experience when I was living in Les Arcs, we went on a hike and then made the first tracks in the snow, with a lot of powder, it was amazing.

What are your plans for after Uni? I’m not sure if I’m good enough to compete at a higher level but I’m not so fussed about competing – I just love snowboarding, so whatever happens I will always snowboard.

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Sporting Spotlight: SUSSC

Considering the noticeable lack of mountains and alpine forests in Southampton, you’d be forgiven if you weren’t aware that the Southampton University Ski and Snowboard Club is one of the most active clubs in the AU.

It currently has a membership of approximately six hundred students and was voted the Athletic Union Team of the Year 2010/11 at the most recent AU Ball. SUSSC’s has also proven to be extremely successful at a number of national student competitions with the club being named 2010/11 champions in the BUSC Main Event Ski Dual Slalom, Kings London and Southern League, Kings National Finals Ski Dual Slalom and in the Kings National Collegiates’ Ski Dual Slalom.

Whilst offering a platform for talented and enthusiastic snowriders is evidently important to the club, SUSSCs also organizes trips for members of all ability.

This December the club is heading up to Mayrhofen, Austria for their annual Christmas trip. The six day excursion which returns on Christmas Eve is likely to be an unforgettable experience for all those that make the journey.

For those who feel one week a year simply isn’t enough, the club run weekly trips to Calshot activity centre, and monthly trips to the snowdomes at Milton Keynes and Hemel Hempstead. If you’re kicking yourself for missing out on the Christmas trip, all is not lost, as the club are set return to the Alps this Easter.

How to get involved:

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•Visit SUSSC online at www. sussc.com •Check out their ‘like’ page on facebook.

•Find the club in the stags every Tuesday and Thursday between 12-2pm.

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Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is one of those rare sports that everyone has heard of, yet knows little about. For our neighbours across the Atlantic however, ice hockey is a household sport that people regularly watch, with the NHL (national hockey league) much like our own premier league for football. From clips around the internet, the occasional news story and word of mouth, most British people would assume that the sport is primarily about fighting!

Whilst fighting is a traditional part of the sport, it is by no means the definition of it.

Professional hockey players are among the most talented athletes in the world, requiring incredible stamina, endurance, strength, tactical awareness and skill to play.

Unlike football or rugby, players have to learn two completely different skills in order to play: skating and hockey. Professional hockey players are all incredible skaters, effortlessly moving up to speeds of 30MPH on the ice in any direction they please.

Ice hockey in Britain, however, is not completely unheard of. There is in fact a solid following, with two professional leagues (Elite ice hockey league and English premier ice hockey league) and three amateur leagues (English National Hockey League,

Scottish National league and the British University Ice Hockey Association (BUIHA).

The university team, the Southampton Spitfires, play in the British University Ice Hockey Association, with a division one team and a division three team. The ice hockey society has around 50 members; with 13 playing for the A-team in division one, 21 playing for the B-team in division three and around 15 development players.

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and a lot of fun too, keeping everyone involved fit and active.

With any luck, the A-team will continue on their dominance of division one and the B-team will secure first place in division three nationals this season.

If you would like to play ice hockey or watch any matches, make sure you get in contact with us. Despite the nature of the game, we are all very nice people (really) and will be more than happy to get you on your feet. Or skates in this case!

In the BUIHA, the A team are national champions, thrashing the Manchester Metros 11-1 HOW TO GET IN CONTACT: in the playoff finals in an incredible performance whilst Facebook: the B team are comfortably http://www.facebook.com/ in the middle of the division groups/2210538428/ three rankings, winning just over half of their games. http://southamptonspitfires.

co.uk/ Recently, the B-team took on Cardiff in a friendly Professional which resulted hockey players in an 11-4 are among the victory. At the most talented moment, the athletes in the B-team is the world strongest it’s ever been, with freshers from Russia and Canada with years of experience behind them joining the team. It’s not just talented veterans who can make the team though!

Over 15 freshers who joined at the start of the year had never skated before. The sport is extremely quick to pick up

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SEE ALSO The Wessex Scene also works in collaboration with other Union media outlets such as SUSUtv and Surge Radio.

Whether you are an enthusiatic sports writer or a member of club looking to tell us a story, get hold of us at: sport@wessexscene.ac.uk

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WessexScene | Issue 4, 2011