Courier 1404

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Monday 17 February 2020 Issue 1403 Free

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The independent voice of Newcastle students

Est 1948

UCU causes controversy with ReCap tweet Rebecca Johnson Head of Sport Newcastle UCU has advised their members on Twitter to consider removing past teaching materials from Blackboard whilst they go out on industrial action.

A tweet from the Newcastle UCU Twitter page states: “Hearing that some schools/programmes plan on running ReCaps/PowerPoints from previous years for students who miss out on teaching in the upcoming strikes.

Whose intellectual property? Members might consider going into previous Blackboard sites and removing teaching material.”

Following on from this, Newcastle UCU posted a thread of tweets outlining the University’s ReCap policy. The tweets read: “Further to this- the University’s own ReCap poli-

cy states: The University strongly encourages all staff to record lectures wherever possible but confirms that performance rights are retained by staff and therefore staff choose: Whether their teaching sessions are recorded, whether to edit their recordings, when to make recordings available to students, when recordings are deleted.

UCU advised members to consider removing past teaching materials from Blackboard

“So an email reminding everyone of these

rights is surely needed if some units are preparing for strike action by going through previous year’s BB sites to see what can be offered.”

The story was first broken by the Tab, who stated that, “Newcastle UCU’s Twitter have directed lecturers to delete old recorded lectures from Blackboard during the strike period, so that students are unable to catch up with content.”

The Courier spoke to Newcastle University UCU Equalities Officer and English Literature lecturer Stacy Gillis, who provided some clarification on the series of tweets made by Newcastle UCU. She said that, “no one is taking down material from current modules, as far as I know.

“What Newcastle University UCU is saying is that if the University chooses to take mate-

rial from previous years, that isn’t currently available at the moment to current students, and post it on current Blackboard sites, then that contravenes the University’s own ReCap policy?

“No one is suggesting at all that material from current modules be removed, in fact, as many people I know are adding material to sites to give students extra material to cover anything that might be missed, even though they are not required to do this.”

A third-year Journalism student said in response to this that “the UCU’s response to this does now clear the air somewhat to the early animosity felt by students.

“However, this clarification should never have been required if the tweets had been shared with a clear message.”

Further to this, Newcastle University’s

UCU Twitter page posted a response clarifying their previous set of tweets. They say: “Concern among some students that we are advocating removing *ALL* teaching material from Blackboard. Not at all!

“Rather we have pointed out that it would contravene the University’s own ReCap policy to use recorded lectures from previous years as a replacement for lectures missed as a result of industrial action. The University’s OWN policy, not ours.

“At no point has anyone advocated removing current teaching material.”

A spokesman for Newcastle University said, “ReCap is valuable tool to support the personal learning journey of our students and is a much-valued resource.

“For the benefit of our students, and in accordance with our ReCap Policy, we strongly encourage all colleagues to record lectures and make them available to their students but confirm that performance rights are retained by colleagues.”

The strikes are planned to take place on Thursday and Friday this week, with action increasing for the next three weeks up until March 13, which has been met with a mixed reaction by Newcastle University students.

One third-year History student, said, “What is the point of endless emails promising that they’re [university staff] doing everything they can to mitigate the impact on students?

For the majority of us our degrees aren’t a joke or three extra years to put off adult responsibilities - they matter for our future and we’ve worked hard for them.

“Being affected by strikes three times during my university career - and having dissertation supervisors striking next week - is quite frankly spitting on that hard work. This isn’t compulsory education, we’re paying for the “privilege” of their time, and in any other industry or circumstance we would already have been refunded.”

“In any other industry or circumstance we would already have been refunded”

Image: @NewcastleUniUCU via Twitter

Third-year Geography students, whose dissertations are due during the strikes, also voiced their concerns about the strikes. One student said that “losing the support of dissertation supervisors at such a critical time puts all geographers at a huge disadvantage.”

Another Geographer stated: “I feel like our year group have been the victims of all the strikes, missing something like ten weeks of lectures now since first year. It’s a joke that we’re paying for this service and that this is supposed to equip us for skills for life.”

Further to this, another Geographer added that “it will affect all our other deadlines afterwards if they do give us an extension on the dissertation as well, affecting other modules.”

In addition to this reaction to the strikes, Law student Emily Johnson has set up a petition demanding compensation. Coverage of this can be read on page three.

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thecourier Editor: Grace Dean

Deputy Editor: Molly Greeves The Courier, NUSU, King’s Walk, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QB Tel: 0191 239 3940 Email: editor.union@ncl.ac.uk

Current Affairs Culture News 3

courier.news@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Aimee Seddon, Carl Smith Valdez, Em Richardson, Emma McLaren & Sophie Wilson

Comment 8

courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Aastha Malik, Joe Molander & Kelly Corcoran

Life & Style

Life & Style Editor: Nimra Rafique

Lifestyle 11

Culture Editors: Charlotte Boulton & Ella Williams

Music 22

c2.music@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Dom Lee, Jagoda Waszkowiak & Joe Smith

Television 24

c2.tv@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Amy Brown & Sophie Hicks

Film 26

c2.film@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Elisabetta Pulcini, Gretchen, Joe Holloran, Lucy Lillystone & Steven Ross

c2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Catherine Entwistle, Cecilia Adamou, Holly Margerrison & Jess Herbert

Arts 28

c2.fashion@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Kajal Patel, Phoebe Eyles & Shamara Mohsin

courier.gaming@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Alex Darbyshire, George Boatfield, James Troughton & Shawn Khoo

Fashion 14 Beauty 17

courier.beauty@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Ellie James & Rashida Campbell-Allen

Travel 18

c2.arts@­ncl.ac.uk Editors: Caitlin Rawlings, Charlotte Slinger & Lauren Sneath

Gaming 30

Science 32

c2.science@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Eleanor Gratton, Patrick Harland & Seshadhri Subramanian

courier.travel@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Amy Harris, Beth Robson & Meggie Williams

Puzzles 35

editor.union@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Amanda Goh & Cayla Viner

Sport 36

Food 21

Online Editor Tom Hardwick Social Media Managers Alicja Dryer, Holly Agar and Rose Hinds

editor.union@ncl.ac.uk Editor: Emma Dawson

Head of Sport: Rebecca Johnson courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Rory Ewart, Stan Gilyead, Toby Bryant & Tom Moorcroft

The Courier is printed by: Trinity Mirror Printing, Barton Road, Middlesbrough, TS2 1UT The design, text, photographs and graphics are copyright of the Courier and its individual contributors. No parts of this newspaper may be reproduced without the prior permission of the Editor. Any views expressed in this newspaper’s opinion pieces are those of the individual writing, and not of the Courier, the Students’ Union or Newcastle University.

Get involved in student media

Established in 1948, the Courier is the weekly student newspaper of the Students’ Union at Newcastle University produced by students, for students.

Any Newcastle University student can write for the Courier and it’s never too late to get involved as a writer, illustrator or photographer.

We hold our drop-in writers’ meetings on Wednesdays during termtime in the Planning Room of the SU from 1:30pm to 2pm, so come along to find out a bit more about us. Our next meetings are on Wednesday 19 and 26 February. Unable to attend? All our leftover articles get posted in our Facebook groups; simply search ‘the Courier 2019/20’ and the name of the section you’re interested in.

For more information, visit thecourieronline.co.uk, or email editor.union@ncl. ac.uk or the relevant section email listed above.

Our next print edition will be available on campus on Monday 24 February.

Monday 17 February 2020

Musings from the editor

Last week for Comment’s Roast of the Week, someone had the audacity to roast “lunch”.

The midday-meal-hater is a regular contributor to this esteemed publication and, while their articles are normally of the uttermost highest quality, I for one was personally not only disappointed but also incredibly distressed to have someone essentially rip this delicious meal to shreds.

All meals are great, yes, but lunch is just excellent. What else can motivate me through a long morning at work? The writer discussed their dislike for “squashed sandwiches” and “cold leftovers” - it sounds to me like this angry individual just needs to learn to make a decent packed lunch. It not only serves an essential function, but also provides a delicious interlude to the monotony of daytime tasks.

Maybe they meant to discuss roast lunches.

That’s the only solution I can think of.

Newfess of the week

Love really wasn’t in the air on campus this Valentine’s Day, as Newfess users took to the platform to express their relationship issues.

Rather than asking friends for advice, some troubled lovers took to anonymous posting to get opinions on their very unique relationship dilemmas. Surely romance isn’t dead?

Highlights of the ailing and woe-begone posts published on 14 February include:

NSR Show of the Week

THE STAND-UP LOW-DOWN

Mon 5-6pm The Stand-Up Low-Down takes a forensic look at the world of stand-up comedy, because everyone knows jokes are funnier when you explain them. Instead of music, 5-10 minute excerpts of stand-up are played, with a different guest and theme each week: observational, character, alternative, you name it. In discussing comedy in its myriad forms, and picking apart the guests’ views on what is and isn’t funny, the show has already touched on ideas of art, inclusivity and authenticity. Told you it was funny. Hosted by Joe Molander – who performed stand-up for seven years – listen in to hear what radio sounds like without music or a decent host.

From the archives Grace Dean looks through the archives to trace Newcastle’s campus history

EIGHT YEARS AGO

Mascot missing

Students were sickened to discover the loss of Team Newcastle mascot Rory Lion.

The Newcastle icon was abducted from the Students’ Union and replaced with a note reading: “We have Rory, give us the cup if u want 2 c him again”, made of letters cut out from newspapers. Though at first the absence was explained as a practical joke made by one of the sabbatical officers, a thorough interrogation cleared them of any suspicion.

In the run up to Stan Calvert, the former varsity between Newcastle and Northumbria, concerned staff and students searched avidly for Rory, with appeals launched on Facebook and Twitter. A character profile described Mr Lion as follows: “Standing at approximately six-foot tall, Rory has a mane of longer ginger hair, large eyes, sharp teeth, whiskers and a tail. It is also thought he has a strong dislike for parrots and fondness of steak”.

Rory had been a common fixture at Gateshead Stadium during the Stan Calvert Cup, and was looking forward to celebrating his fifth birthday at the time of his disappearance.

During the 2009 Cup, however, he became a controversial campus character after rugby tackling and taking out a streaker during the Men’s Rugby Union fixture against the Poly.

18 YEARS AGO

No laptop? You’re out

Students of 2001 feared that they could soon be required to buy their own laptops – or miss being kicked out of university. This followed the example of Warwick University, which

had just announced plans to make laptops compulsory for all students by 2003. Newcastle higher-ups “refused to rule [this] out” as a possibility here, despite student representatives at both Newcastle and the NUS fearing that this would create yet another barrier to higher education access to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

32 YEARS AGO

Tampon troubles

A letter written “on behalf of all female students” was sent to the Courier expressing annoyance that the Union’s tampon machines were being replaced with condom machines.

The student said that “fair enough, the availability of condoms is useful, but is it actually necessary to replace Tampax machines with them? After all sex is optional, periods are not. Not only is it extremely inconvenient if not embarrassing when ‘caught short’ but totally insulting that condom machines have priority to Tampax machines in the ladies’ toilets. Isn’t it time that the University showed respect and consideration to its female members?”

41 YEARS AGO

Union set alight

The so-called Winter of Discontent spread across Britain, which saw widespread strikes by public sector trade unions demanding pay rises during what was the coldest winter since 1963. On campus, piles of rubbish had been began to build up by the back entrance of the Students’ Union as refuse collectors also went on

strike. What initially was merely an eyesight to campus’ façade soon become a grave danger, however, as the piles of rubbish went up in flames. Students drinking in the Union assisted staff members in extinguishing the fire, including directing a fire hose from a higher window. The fire brigade ultimately put the fire out, but the rear of the building, which has since become Venue, was blackened, with several nearby windows cracking under the heat. Although no cause of the fire was ascertained, it was rumoured that the fire was started intentionally in light of numerous recent arson attempts in the building.

44 YEARS AGO

Pissed or pissing?

The behaviour of a Sheffield University football team almost caused Union staff to strike.

Arriving at Newcastle, the team wreaked havoc in the Union building, including throwing a pint glass full of urine at the Ladies’ Cloakroom Attendant. Although they didn’t manage to hit their desired target, one girl slipped on the yellow liquid and “her clothes were soaked through”. The Vice-President of the Union, who was Duty Officer that night, was punched in the face and had a pint of beer poured over his head, while one of the porters was threatened with a broken glass and spat on. It seems that no one was spared the chaos; one member of the Sheffield team was also found “urinating over the Bun Room balcony onto some of his friends in the bar below. He ran away but a few minutes later another was seen exposing himself in full view of the barmaids in the Lower Bun Room”.

Newcastle Student Radio (NSR) is our award-winning radio station run by students, for students. On air since 1997, NSR runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week with shows ranging from music to comedy, politics, sport and news. We have a wide range of opportunities to learn the tricks of the radio trade, from hosting your own show to event organisation and live punditry, and you don’t need any experience to get involved. For more information visit the NSR Facebook page and listen live at thisisnsr.co.uk.

NUTV is our high-action, fast-paced television branch. Founded in 2007, NUTV produces both on-demand and live broadcasts, covering current affairs, entertainment, music and sports, allowing students to experience the world of TV production. Whether you want to present on camera, direct and produce from behind the scenes, flex your editing muscles, or write and develop ideas, check out NUTV. For more information, email nutv.union@ncl.ac.uk.

Rory’s kidnapping made the cover of the Courier Image: The Courier archive

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Monday 17 February 2020

@TheCourier_News courier.news@ncl.ac.uk thecourieronline.co.uk/news News Editors Aimee Seddon, Carl Smith Valdez, Em Richardson, Emma McLaren & Sophie Wilson

Vice-Chancellor takes questions at Council Rebecca Johnson Head of Sport

The first Student Council of the year took place last Thursday, with the Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, Chris Day, answering questions.

NUSU circulated an email to all students in mid-January asking them to submit their questions to Day before Council. Sat alongside him were NUSU President Katie Smyth and Welfare and Equality Officer Sara Elkhawad. This was done in relation to a new policy review group being set up by the University, which Day, Smyth and Elkhawad will be sitting on.

The Vice-Chancellor opened with a statement explaining why he had come to Council. He stated that there were questions about how sexual harassment cases should be dealt with and explained why the student disciplinary review group has been put together and that this session of Council was an opportunity for him to hear the student voice.

Sexual harassment and assault have been a key talking point at Newcastle University following the news and handling of a stalking scandal reported in November last year.

The main theme was the University’s disciplinary policies

The main theme of the evening was how the University would be dealing with sexual assault and harassment cases in the future.

Day stated that this new group focused on procedures centered on the reporting party, recruitment and training for the panel and sharing information with the police. He also explained that university staff have specific sexual awareness training and that all staff undergo inductions, which are currently not mandatory but Day suggested that there could be moves to make these sessions compulsory.

One question put forward to the panel

asked if it was possible for a zero-tolerance sexual harassment policy to be looked into.

Day stressed that all incidents were taken seriously and then proceeded to state hypothetically that if a student were convicted in a criminal court, they could be automatically expelled from the University without the consultation of a disciplinary panel. He went on to say that he is unaware of any other university that has this “very strict policy” in place. However, in other circumstances, the disciplinary panel would be involved. Smyth commented saying that NUSU needs to look into this further themselves. Elkhawad also added that currently NUSU operates on the NUS’s policy, despite not being a part of this body anymore, and explained that an internal policy review group has been set up to look into this matter further.

Day was also keen to emphasise how Newcastle University had been working closely with Warwick University to work on these issues raised. Warwick was embroiled in a scandal where students who were members of a group chat shared sexually explicit and

offensive messages, resulting in campus bans for three members.

In response to a question asking why students cannot appeal the outcome of a disciplinary panel, the Vice-Chancellor said that it is not in Newcastle’s procedures. The University has been working with Warwick, which has changed theirs so someone can find out what has happened if they “need to know”. However, Newcastle is currently unable to do this.

One of the other topics that came up was about the adequacy of the induction lectures given to first-year students in their first week at Newcastle University. In a response to a question about how the University would discourage sexual misconduct and sexism, Smyth said that there needs to be a serious look at first-year inductions. Day followed on from this by saying that the police inductions given in this week were suggested to not be sufficient. Elkhawad said that content produced in these lectures needed to be looked at, saying that in some lectures she attended, some people found the information given on consent funny.

Many students felt disappointed with the session, feeling that the refusal to take questions from the floor prevented those who attended Council from finding out what they really wanted to know. Some attendees also thought that Day’s answers were overprepared, using buzzwords to avoid addressing actual issues.

An anonymous Newcastle University student told the Courier: “Chris Day’s visit to Council felt very performative to me. The actual information that was shared could have been put in an email; many of us sat in the audience felt that we were being talked at instead of being part of the conversation as there were no questions taken from the floor.

“While sexual harassment and assault are very important topics, it was disappointing that the UCU action was not addressed. It’s a huge issue for us students and I feel that if members were allowed to ask anything at all then it would have been brought up.

“While some great points were made, the whole thing came across as pretty disingenuous.”

Students petition for strike compensation

Eight days of strikes affected students at 60 UK universities Image: NUTV

Molly Greeves Deputy Editor A petition has been made demanding that Newcastle University provide compensation for all students affected by the UCU (University and College Union) strike action.

It was recently announced that there would be a further 14 days of strikes across February and March across 74 universities.

Following on from November, the dispute over pensions, equality, casualisation and workloads have led to further action.

Over 200,000 students across the country are set to be affected, many of whom are demanding compensation for missed teaching time. York, Leicester, Sheffield Hallam and now Newcastle are among the institutions where students are petitioning for refunds.

A petition created by Emily Johnson, a Law student at Newcastle was created four days ago with a target of 1000 signatures. It states: “Students pay upwards of £9000 a year [for] a service that is not sufficiently being provided. The University as a service provider has the duty to meet fundamental expectations of its customers i.e. the students.

Thousands of students have lost hours of teaching and suffered increased distress and inconvenience. It is not acceptable that students are being used as a bargaining chip when our education is at the forefront of the impact.”

Over 2200 students have signed the petition

Over 2200 students have currently signed

the petition.

Among the reasons for signing, some students expressed a disagreement with the strikes, whereas others referenced the high price of tuition as their main source of annoyance.

The Courier asked Johnson about her motivations for creating the petition. She stated: “The petition was created as a way of allowing students to come together to demand industrial action and its affects on students to be taken seriously. The dispute between the UCU and the Universities has gone on for too long and too much teaching time has been and will be lost, especially at

crucial stages of the academic year.

“It seems as though strike action is achieving very little, which is no surprise when it is the students who are suffering the most.

Universities are a business. The only way strike action will be taken seriously is if they are forced to financially compensate all students who are taking the direct hit.

“There is no wonder that the dispute between universities and the UCU has spanned across three years – the entire time I have been at the University. Industrial action needs to have an impact on University senior management rather than just the student body. “

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Monday 17 February 2020

Alumnus flies Silver Spitfire around world Dominic Lee Music Editor

A Newcastle University alumnus has recently completed an around the world flight in a Spitfire.

Former civil engineering student, Matt Jones, and his fellow pilot, Steve Brooks, completed the flight in four months. The pair took off from Goodwood, West Sussex, on 5 August and returned on 5 December.

Their journey spanned 22 countries over 4 continents, amounting to 27,000 miles across the world. Upon the return of the famous World War 2 aircraft, the pilots were guided in by the RAF’s famous aerobatics squadronthe Red Arrows.

Their journey spanned 22 countries over four continents, amounting to 27,000 miles

The alumnus flew the Spitfire over four continents Image: Newcastle University website, Christopher Busch

NU students rally against coronaracism on campus Em Richardson News Editor On 11 February, Newcastle University’s Stand Up To Racism Society held a rally on campus in response to recent allegations of racist behaviour towards Asian students.

Racist behaviour has occurred in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak

Coronavirus related racism has become a problem on campus over the last month Image: Em Richardson

The behaviour occurred in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, which began in China. The incidents, which are alleged to have been perpetrated by both Newcastle students and members of the general public, included a student leaving the Robinson Library when a Chinese student appeared, and other East Asian students being spat on.

The rally was intended to raise awareness of, and discourage, such behaviour. It occurred in front of the Arches, and featured appearances by numerous guest speakers.

Students’ Union Welfare and Equality Officer Sara Elkhawad was amongst those in attendance. When asked to comment on the significance of the rally, she said: "Hopefully events like this will spark solidarity [with East Asian students] but also really bring people together to call out racism. We’re hoping for more of these events to happen on a regular basis, not just when incidents happen, but just as and when we’d like to stand up against events like Coronavirus racism."

Ciaran Wakefield, President of Newcastle University’s Stand Up To Racism Society, expressed similar sentiments. Asked how he felt about allegations that students

at Newcastle University were amongst those who had perpetrated racist offences against East Asian students, particularly on online forums associated with the University, he stated: "It’s always disappointing when that happens, because we have such a diverse community here, and I know the university makes a special effort to breed inclusivity, but of course when you’re hiding behind a screen it’s very easy [to insult others], so that’s why we’ve come out here, to show that isn’t acceptable. By having a rally… we cut through a lot of that racism."

When further asked what students at Newcastle can do to ensure they are not ‘part of the problem’, or spreading racist beliefs, Wakefield said ‘I would always recommend doing some research yourself… look online, fact-check… I’d recommend staying off Facebook. I’d also go and talk to the community.

"These communities might seem culturally different… but if you make the effort, you can find out so much by just asking people [about their experiences]. There’s also a series of societies that want you to come and learn about their cultures. There are so many places that we can go to find out more about these communities that are supposedly different from us."

"Hopefully events like this will spark solidarity with people of colour"

Sara Elkhawad, NUSU's Welfare and Equality Officer

To find out more about Stand Up To Racism, and future events they plan to hold, visit ‘Newcastle University Stand Up To Racism’ on Facebook.

Speaking in a recent interview with The Sun, Jones said: "The highlight for me was the flight from Jordan to Egypt. The colour of the sea and desert were amazing."

The Spitfire in question that completed the feat was from around 1943 and was meticulously checked before each flight to make sure the old plane could still fly.

However, one modernization that was made was a distinctive silver paint finish, ensuring the Spitfire would catch eyes on its journey around the world.

Jones also told The Sun: ‘We didn’t want it to look like a military plane but also wanted to show off the beauty of it, which the silver really achieves’.

The aircraft’s distinctive colour also gave the project its name- Silver Spitfire: the longest flight. The project’s website allowed interested users to track the Spitfire’s progress as they traversed the globe and investigate the record breaking aircraft.

The history making duo also received a good luck message from Prince Harry, who himself has flying experience with Apache helicopters in the Army.

The trip was also a special one for former Newcastle student Jones, as his wife gave birth to his son Arthur.

Upon returning home Jones told the press: "After such a whirlwind of a trip, it feels quite surreal to be back at Goodwood with our mission accomplished."

The Spitfire was originally developed as a fighter jet for use in aerial combat during World War 2. The famous design was originally conceptualized by Stoke-on-Trent engineer Reginald Mitchell.

According to figures only around 200 Spitfires still exist from the original 21,500 built at Castle Bromwich in the 1940’s. The Silver Spitfire is one of only around 50 capable of still flying.

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news Ella Eyre to perform at NUSU Seven student artists shortlisted for award

Monday 17 February 2020

Alex Downing

On Thursday 28 May 2020, singer songwriter Ella Eyre will be performing at the Venue in Newcastle University's Students' Union, with tickets costing only £22.

Gabriela Wieckowska

Seven Newcastle University students are shortlisted for the Gillian Dickinson North East Young Sculptor award.

The Gillian Dickinson Trust partnered with Cheeseburn Sculpture to organise the fifth edition of the award. The award aims to encourage young artists studying, working or born in the North East to explore their creative potential.

Ella has won two MOBO awards and the 2014 Bit Award for British Single of the Year

British singer Ella Eyre has risen to prominence in music through reaching no.4 with her debut album, Feline, in 2015, and winning the 2014 Brit Award for British Single of the Year for her collaboration with Rudimental on their single 'Waiting All Night' (2013).

Eyre is also well known for her collaborations with DJ Fresh, which created 'Gravity' (2015), and Sigala in 'Came Here for Love' (2017) and 'Just Got Paid' (2018). Eyre has also been the recipient of two MOBO awards, for Best Newcomer and Best Female Artist respectively.

This tour comes in the wake of her new single 'New Me', which was released in January 2020, and is the 25 years old singer's first tour since 2015. This is not the first time Eyre has performed at NUSU; she was also welcomed

Ella Eyre performing in Birmingham Image: @ellaeyre

in October 2014.

The tour runs from the 29th May to the 3rd June, and Ella will also be performing in Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, London and Bristol.

A spokesperson, speaking to the Birmingham Mail in 2014, said: "With her magnificent mane of leonine hair, ferocious power-

house soul vocal and impressively energetic live show, Ella Eyre has become an unstoppable force within British music."

This event is presented by SJM Concerts and will see Eyre perform alongside a support act, with doors opening at 7pm. Tickets are available now through ticket web.

"We support artists to meet the new demands of the arts"

Matthew Jarratt, Cheeseburn Curator

Out of eleven contestants, Angharad Creissen, Brandon Saunders, Maximilane Ley, Will Copley, Jed Buttress, Jenny McNamara and Taya Franco are the shortlisted Newcastle University artists for the award.

Shortlisted artists are given £300 to develop and propose an idea for the art installation. The winner will be awarded £6,500 to further develop their ideas into an exhi-

bition that will be displayed at Cheeseburn Sculpture in 2021. The winning artist will also receive support and mentoring from Matthew Jarratt, the current curator and Artist Mentor at Cheeseburn.

According to Jarratt: “It is the first time these artists have had a budget to work with and an outdoor site to consider.

"We’re happy to be able to support young artists to develop their creative skills to meet the challenges of making sculpture in the environment.”

Joanna Riddel, the founder of Cheeseburn Sculpture said:” [the award] is a chance to celebrate the talent that is being nurtured in the North East.”

Among previous winners of the Young Sculptor Award is a recent Newcastle University graduate Peter Hamner. He won the award in 2017 for his installation titled Plato’s Lair. Clare Townley, another graduate won in 2018 with her plastic sculptures that resembled vines and garlands.

The Cheeseburn Sculpture visitors will be able to view the proposals of the shortlisted artists from 23 to 25 May, and will commence on 30 to 31 May. Visitors willl also be able to vote for their favourite proposal. The event will feature Talking Point, a group of critical discussions by artists, academics and visitors reflecting the exhibited artworks.

Alumni rowing way to success Grace Piercy A team of rowers, including Newcastle alumnus Jamie Douglas-Hamilton, have broken 5 world records, rowing from Chile to Antarctica, crossing the Drake Passage.

The team was made up of 6 individuals from 4 countries. They dubbed themselves the “Impossible Row” team, because they were told many times that what they were working towards “could never be done”, due to the reputation that the Drake Passage has very rough conditions. Over 12 days, the team covered 655.2 nautical miles (1213.4 km), with them rowing 76.5 nautical miles (141.6 km) on their best day.

From 13 December 2019 to Christmas Day, the “Impossible Row” team faced freezing conditions and terrible storms, with some waves even getting to 40 feet high. They rowed for 24 hours a day, rowing in teams of three for 90-minute shifts. Even with the off-putting conditions, the team only dropped the anchor due to rough water five times.

Drake Passage is considered the world's most treacherous part of the ocean

Newcastle University students came out in force for the rally Image: Em Richardson

Upon finishing, the team received five Guinness World Records. These were: the first row across the Drake Passage; the first row on the Southern Ocean; the first to row to the Antarctic continent; the southernmost start of a rowing expedition and the southernmost latitude reached by a rowing vessel.

Drake Passage is considered the world’s most treacherous piece of water and ‘the most

dreaded part of the ocean’. The team are not new to setting world records, however, with Jamie Douglas-Hamilton and Colin O’Brady and Fiann Paul having set multiple other records, including rowing from Australia to Africa, walking Antarctica unaided, and holding the most World Records in one sport (33 records), respectively. The rest of the team are champion rowers, Andrew Towne and John Peterson, and ultra-endurance swimmer Cameron Bellamy.

The team was dubbed "Impossible Row" because they were working at something that could not be done

Newcastle University alumnus, Jamie Douglas-Hamilton set two other world records in 2014 by rowing 8000 km across the Indian Ocean, this expedition brings his record total to 7. Douglas-Hamilton’s history with rowing taught him the necessity to be well hydrated during his expeditions. During his journey across the Indian Ocean, he and the rest of the team realised that their water did a better job at hydrating them and giving them essential minerals if they mixed it with some seawater.

Douglas-Hamilton consequently founded Actiph Water, the UK’s first high pH alkaline water, inspired by Japanese ‘waterfall water’, which more effectively hydrates high performing athletes. He won Great British Entrepreneur of the year for Scotland and Northern Ireland at the Royal Bank of Scotland Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2018.

The “Impossible Row” teams expedition from Chile to Antarctica was recorded by Discovery, airing as a 90 minute documentary on the Discovery Channel.

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news 6

Monday 17 February 2020

Newcastle Council ranked #1 LGBT employer Lilla Marshall The Newcastle City Council has become the first ever local authority to be awarded the #1 spot on Stonewall's list of the top 100 LGBT employers.

The accolade comes after years of climbing up the rankings, and being the highest ranking local authority for three years - featuring at #5 in 2019, #9 in 2018 and #38 in 2017.

A report in September 2019 reported that 31% of LGBT employees have felt uncomfortable at work and 24% have said they have experienced bullying. Non-binary individuals were also shown to be the gender identity with the greatest risk of anxiety in the workplace (40%).

Stonewall, a U.K. based LGBT+ charity, have described the achievement by saying, "Newcastle City Council, have worked to ensure that their practices are LGBT inclusive for all staff, at all stages of their employment."

"They’ve also utilised LGBT community events, such as Prides, to reach out to LGBT talent and encourage them to apply for roles within the council."

31% of LGBT employees have felt uncomfortable at work and 24% have experienced bullying

Upon being told of the accolade, councillor and deputy leader of the Newcastle City Council Joyce McCarty said, "This is really an award for everybody in our city who shows

us every day that we are all equal and that our great city accepts everyone."

The council ran many events throughout the year, which played a role in boosting their ranking. These events included the marking of Bi Visibility Day and the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. A candle lit vigil took place outside of the civic centre as part of Transgender Remembrance Day.

"Newcastle City Council have worked to ensure that their practices are LGBT inclusive"

Stonewall Charity

Sanjay Sood-Smith, the executive director for Stonewall has described the importance of the list, "We spend most of our lives at work, so getting workplace inclusion right makes a huge difference in the lives of so many LGBT people."

"Every year, our list of the Top 100 employers show us who’s leading the way when it comes to creating a work environment where LGBT people can thrive and be themselves in the UK. " Newcastle City Council, also, appeared on the unordered list of the top trans employers from Stonewall. It featured alongside Bury Council, Cardiff University and the Welsh Government.

14 universities featured on the list of 100 top LGBT employees, but Newcastle University was not one of them. Cardiff University and the University of Sheffield were the best ranking universities at #10 and #11, respectively.

Stonewall praises the Council for its community events Image: Grace Dean

NU helps save Hadrian's Wall Cannabis worth £1m seized in Gateshead Em Richardson News Editor

Recent raids in Gateshead saw police seize cannabis worth £1 million, and weighing a quarter of a ton.

Police raided addresses across the area, including five homes in the Dunston and Swalwell areas of Gateshead.

In total, over 3000 cannabis plants and £3,000 cash was seized by Northumbria Police.

1,680 of the plants were seized from a single industrial unit, where four men were also found. They were arrested, along with two other alleged accomplices.

Later, police carried out additional raids on homes in Newcastle city centre, which ulti-

The University does a lot to help preserve Hadrian's Wall Image: Wikipedia

Harriet Middlewood Archaeologists at Newcastle University are celebrating the success of the first year project aiming to protect, preserve and interpret the remains of Hadrian’s Wall.

The Hadrian’s Wall Community Archeology Project (WallCAP) was launched in 2019.

The project relies on trained community volunteers to preserve an iconic North East landmark and the largest Roman Archaeological feature in Britain. The ancient wall, built to defend England from the people of Scotland during the Roman times, is one of the only 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK. One of the most recent projects involved a team of 50 local volunteers and Newcastle

University archaeology students who carried out excavation work at Corbridge Roman Town.

Hadrian's Walk is one of the UK's 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The local volunteer team uncovered a Roman street surface, possible building remains and many fragments of Roman pottery, which will be used to get a better understanding of life in the area about 2000 years ago.

The project’s manager and Newcastle University archaeology lecturer, Dr. Rob Collins, said: “January 24 marks the birthday of Emperor Hadrian so it seems fitting that we cel-

ebrate this by applauding the excellent work of the WallCAP volunteers. Thanks to their efforts, we are gaining a much better understanding of the Wall and are in a much better position to ensure its survival.

Together, we can conserve a vital part of our heritage and ensure that it can be enjoyed by future generations of local communities and visitors for many more years to come.”

The three-year project has lots of exciting activities planned for 2020 and 2021. If anyone is interested in volunteering for the WallCAP project, they can register at wallcap@ncl. ac.uk.

There will be a Hadrian’s Wall networking event on 22 February where individuals can discover more about future projects across the site and meet people from organisations involved.

Many people believe that marijuana should be legal in the UK Image: Pixabay

mately lead to four additional arrests.

Police suspect the drugs were being sold as part of a large-scale operation, with potential links to modern day slavery and people trafficking organisations.

Over 3000 cannabis plants were seized by Northumbria Police

The men and women who were arrested are aged between 20 and 40 years old, and are from Vietnam, Poland and Lithuania.

They have currently been released under investigation.

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Monday 17 February 2020

Deputy Editor: Molly Greeves @courier_latest courier.news@ncl.ac.uk courier.comment@ncl.ac.uik

7

campus comment

Chris Day sends email addressing coronaracism Georgia Corbett Recently, our Vice-Chancellor made an important statement on racism and xenophobia increasing on campus due to the baited media around the coronavirus. He talked about how discrimination has no place on our campus, and he chose the quote ‘viruses don’t discriminate. And neither do we’.

When discrimination comes from the top, there is silence

I think as a campus most of us would want to agree with this statement but looking at the representation and treatment of minorities, on a staff and student level, across campus, I don’t think this statement holds true. I don’t want to rip apart anyone’s attempt to do the right thing and stand up in the face of discrimination, but what I do want to do, is point out that when the discrimination comes from the top, there is silence. It is not hard to call out those you have a position of power over, what is really a credit to character is your ability to call out your equals and superiors, even when it is a risk. The Courier took such a risk running the articles about the stalking incident on campus, but other than that the Uni fell silent, ‘a review’ was promised but no changes made. No apologies for the damage, and the fear both the stalker’s victim, and other survivors on this campus feel as a result of decisions made.

This is also the second time this year that strikes have been announced, and according to the UCU website part of the reason why is that women, black and minority ethnic staff are discriminated against in their wages and opportunities for promotion and research. This is backed up

by evidence from gov.uk that says men make up 63% of the highest paid staff at our University and women make 20p to every £1 a man makes in relation to bonuses.

I am glad our Vice Chancellor took the time to write out a statement calling for us all to treat each other better, and that as a campus we are against discrimination.

However, I want us to expect that and more. I want our University to prioritise the safety of victims over their perpetrators; I want our University to stand up, including our VC as our Universities main representative, in the face of all discrimination even when it isn’t easy to do so.

Emily Hawksley A few weeks ago, Chris Day, the Vice Chancellor of Newcastle University issued and email to the university’s staff and students about the coronavirus and the discrimination some students have faced as a result. In the email, Mr Day urged the university community to take a minute to consider the impact that the current situation is having on those who have travelled back from China and that it is important that we come together to show them support.

There have been shocking incidents including one where two students were “spat at” in the street after the coronavirus outbreak.

I hope the University does everything in its power to help the affected students

The fact that racism and xenophobia is taking place as a result of the current outbreak

of the coronavirus is very serious and the University should do everything in its power to make sure that this kind of behaviour does not go on. However, the distribution of this email brings in the question as to whether the university is genuinely concerned about the welfare of its students, or this is another attempt on the part of Mr Day to assuage the university’s increasingly precarious reputation.

In the past, there have been incidents where Mr Day seemed more concerned about maintaining Newcastle University’s reputation rather than the welfare of its students. One of these was when a male student was admitted back into the university onto a postgraduate course after he stalked his ex-girlfriend Amy. After finding this out, Amy sent an email to Mr Day demanding an explanation. When he replied to the email, he appeared to show more concern for the reputation of the university rather than her own

safety and ability to enjoy university life. Since then, Mr Day has apologised for the impression he gave that he was not taking the matter seriously, but it does make one wonder where his priorities truly lie.

So, the issuing of this email raises the questions about whether Mr Day and the University is interested in making the lives of the students better or is the reputation of the University really all that matters to them? It is horrible that some students are receiving abuse because of the outbreak of the coronavirus, a situation which is completely out of their control, and we would all hope that the university is true to its word when they say that they will do everything in its power to help the students who are affected.

Image: Newcastle University

Are the humanities being undervalued?

Rebecca Johnson discusses the closure of Sunderland University's history, politics and modern languages department

Rebecca Johnson

Last month, Sunderland University announced plans to close its history, politics and modern languages department after a limited number of students applied for each.

Sunderland Uni has announced plans to close its history, politics and languages departments

The history course received 14 applicants, history and politics had 15 students apply, whilst no one signed up

Image: Wikimedia Commons, Needpics,

for any modern languages.

This decision comes as Sunderland starts to shift to more “career-focused” course to offer potential applicants. John Mowbray, the Chairman of the university’s board of governors, stated that, “While recognising the value of the subjects the university is withdrawing from, the board of governors agreed that they do not fit with the curriculum principles of being career-focused and professions-facing.”

Speaking as a history student, I interpret Sunderland University’s Image: statement as quite insulting to historians, implying that history, as well as politics and modern languages, do not offer any “career-focused” opportunities. Sunderland runs the risk of isolating potential applicants who may not be able to get the grades to study at other institutions, or from applicants who live in Sunderland, and are unable to move further away to study, from studying history, politics or modern languages. Furthermore, this decision seems to have been based on one poor set of application results.

To an extent, it’s understandable why Sunderland have done this. It’s important to offer “career-focused” options, such as the university’s new medicine course, especially in a more deprived

area of the country. However, completely scrapping history, politics and modern languages is ostracizing a sector of applicants. These are incredibly important subjects, now more than ever. As well as being interesting, history allows one to explore the past and enables a student to gain a better understanding of the present. Not only that, but history equips a student with so many skills that can be applied to so many jobs. This is something that I’ve found incredibly beneficial in my history degree, and Wikipedia, Pixabay something that potential employers look for in the sector of work I wish to pursue.

This implies that the humanities aren't important

where and pick up the skills that these degrees offer. Sunderland may want to introduce more “career-focused paths”, but this statement implies that these degrees aren’t as important as the courses they want to offer, which is quite demeaning.

Got an opinion on any of our stories this week? Email m.greeves@ncl.ac.uk and let us know your thoughts.

If you want to write for Campus Comment next week come along to our writers' meetings at 1.30pm on Wednesday in the Planning Room or send us an email.

Humanities are incredibly important, now more than ever

Completely scrapping history, politics and modern languages seems like a rash decision from Sunderland University. It ostracizes potential applicants from a city with high deprivation rates and it ostracises those who may not have good enough grades to go else-

Image: Flickr, Piqsels

comment Spreading more than just a virus? the courier

Monday 17 February 2020

@courier_latest courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk thecourieronline.co.uk/comment Comment Editors Aastha Malik, Joe Molander & Kelly Corcoran

Patrick Young discusses the arrival of discriminatory attitudes towards East-Asians in light of the Coronavirus outbreak

Many East-Asian people may have never even visited China, let alone Wuhan, where the outbreak started

The evident racial attitudes targeting people of EastAsian heritage, inferring a “go back to where you came from” attitude, makes the lives and experiences of EastAsian British appear invalidated, reducing them to what they are perceived as being, immigrants. This is particularly unjust and ignorant considering that some may have lived in the UK for multiple generations. But even if they are immigrants, or have come to the UK to study as many do, we should be accepting, supportive, and embracing of this community, particularly at a time of such difficulty.

Instead, despite this disaster potentially being from a country that is not even associated to their heritage the East-Asian community are being maliciously targeted for a disaster that is out of their control.

This racism and Sinophobia needs to stop. Yes, the Coronavirus is worrying, but the government and NHS has published ways in which the virus can be prevented, and the threat to British lives is still low. Rather than leav-

ing them to feel isolated and alienated, we must bridge the divide and work to create an environment where these vulnerable students feel accepted, not shunning them due to their nationality.

Threat to British lives is still low

Britain really needs to open its mind, we should embrace other cultures, instead of actively trying to remove certain groups from our country because of a disease that poses little risk to our lives. Our country is built on the backs of cross-cultural exchange and we must not let our fear of a little foreign virus blind us from the significance and celebration of this.

To do so would make Britain a place that I, for one, would hate to live, devoid of any vibrancy, or life (other than the local Wetherspoons of course). It is this crosscultural exchange that makes Britain interesting, and alive. If we decide to give in to these racists and the spreading Sinophobia, we are losing not only the culture that British-Asians bring with them, but their minds too, their creativity and ingenuity. What we must remember is that if any of the groups and communities that exist in our nation were to be removed or lost due to rac- ist feelings, sparked or brought to light by diseases or other causes, Britain could become like a jigsaw puzzle with a missing vital piece; incomplete and incredibly disappointing.

De-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reform

Image: Pixabay

L

ate 2019 saw an outbreak of Coronavirus in China; the disease spreading globally shortly after and following through into the first few months of the new decade.

This disease, however, has highlighted not only gaps in our disease prevention systems but has also shone a light on apparent systemic racism and prejudice prevalent in the UK. Since the outbreak of the disease in Wuhan, people around the world have been living in fear of a virus that may not impact their lives in the slightest. Parallel to the disease this fear has grown and spread, taking root in people’s minds and instilling more than just an anxiety for their wellbeing, but has sparked a prejudice and hate towards those of East-Asian heritage.

Blaming a disease on an entire demographic of people is unfair, immoral, and blatantly problematic. Many East-Asian people may have never even visited China, let alone Wuhan where the outbreak started; East-Asia also encompassing Mongolia, Japan, and Korea which are diverse countries in their own rights.

In light of the stabbing in Streatham, London, Lorcan Flahive considers how we should change how prisons operate in the UK

O

n Sunday 2 February, 20 year-old Suddesh Amman was shot dead by London Metropolitan Police on Streatham High Road after having stabbed two people. He was released from jail only 10 days prior.

The incident has re-opened a debate surrounding the purpose of prison sentences, and the success of both rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programmes within UK jails.

Naturally, there is no clean-cut, sugar-free, guaranteed way to achieve either of these objectives. Further, this article will adopt the position that the purpose of prison is to facilitate both punishment and genuine character reform.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: The Telegraph on YouTube

Image: Wikimedia Commons

It is intensely difficult to undo a terrorist mindset

It is an intensely difficult thing to undo the mindset which leads to either crime or terrorism, and there are often various external factors stemming from socioeconomic background which draw them towards such a lifestyle. Lack of economic opportunity, for example, is a common reason for crime. Eric Allison notes that “more than half of all adults leaving prison are reconvicted within a year of discharge” and that “two-thirds of those had failed to find work on release”. Therefore, the solution must necessarily provide genuine future prospects for offenders if they are expected to successfully integrate back

into society upon release. This assumes that the served prison term has provided punishment suited to the crime.

Without (legal) future prospects – in the example of theft or gang-related selling – one should not be surprised to see a return to illegal alternatives. In 2019, former director general of the Prison Service Sir Martin Narey argued that “Indecent, unsafe prisons allow no [self-growth] and further damage those who have to survive there”. Thus, punishment devoid of attempts to reform character does not go very far.

The issue of de-radicalisation is a far trickier subject.

Following the 2019 London Bridge terror attack, Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted the “grim reality” was that “some people can’t be rehabilitated in prison”. However, this does not mean that attempts to de-radicalise should be given up altogether: the Canadian Mubin Shaikh, who said of himself that he was “bit by the Jihadi bug”, advocates for the success of de-radicalisation programmes.

He describes being taken “verse-by-verse” through the Qur’an and being shown exactly how the quotes which so-called ‘Islamic fundamentalists’ were appropriating to encourage terrorist activity. He was shown exactly how they were being taken out of context, which aided his rejection of the ideology. This is mirrored by the UK’s own top de-radicalisation programme, ‘the Healthy Identity Intervention’ (HII) scheme. Though Christopher Dean – who runs the programme – admits there is “no cure” for radicalisation, the ability to dissuade and detach individuals from such hateful ideologies surely inspires some hope.

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comment

Monday 17 February 2020

How transparent are the Democrats?

SOAPBOX

Stephen Irving discusses the party's disastrous Iowa caucuses

3

February marked the launch of the Democratic primary season with the Iowa caucuses, and the contest has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The results were scheduled to begin coming in on 3 February, but a malfunction in the vote counting app meant they were still being filtered days after the caucus took place.

The app, named IowaReporterApp and designed by the company Shadow Inc., was revealed to have previously found clients in Democratic presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden. This revelation – coupled with the discrepancies in how the delegates were allocated in the complex caucus system – has cast aspersions on the transparency of the DNC. The Biden and Buttigieg campaigns are said to have paid $1 225 and $42 500 respectively to Shadow Inc. for political technology services. It raises an important question: how closely can an electoral candidate be tied to those organising the election? When does a conflict of interest arise? What is more galling in this whole debacle is that the lack of transparency became even more apparent when the organisation behind Shadow Inc. – Acronym – was investigated.

The company’s CEO and founder, Tara McGowan, worked as the digital advertising director for Priorities USA, a Super PAC affiliated with Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Such careless, corrupt cronyism among members of the DNC feeds directly into Trump’s “drain the swamp” narrative, which is especially worrying

AN ESSEX GIRL IN NEWCASTLE

when his approval ratings are already over 40%.

The rancid cherry on the cake in this gross disregard for transparency is McGowan’s husband. It has been revealed in light of this farce that McGowan’s husband is a senior adviser to Buttigieg. How this does not impugn the very integrity of the entire primary process is difficult to comprehend. It is beyond the comprehension of anyone with a modicum of respect for a transparent, accountable democracy.

In the age of Trump’s “drain the swamp”, the DNC cannot allow this disrespect to voters to continue if it hopes not to be expelled from the White House for another term.

W

hen packing my suitcase to make the 300 mile move from Essex to Newcastle, I was sure to bring all 30 pairs of heels I owned, alongside every brand of fake tan under the Sun. To my horror, I arrived to a world of clubbing in Vans and every other girl in flared trousers. Sobbing to my girls over FaceTime, I couldn’t believe this was my new life. From the land of hair rollers to ragged Air Force Ones, I felt frustrated that the girls didn’t doll up to the nines in Oh Polly attire just for a night out to Market Shaker – for once I was the odd one out. Although the Toon has taught me that lashes really aren’t a priority when you’re three trebles down in Soho, maybe these Northerners do have more fun. However, I refuse to hang up the heels just yet.

TOAST OF THE WEEK Image: Gage Skidmore on Flickr (Biden and Buttigieg) and LinkedIn (Shadow Inc. logo)

To leave differences in the past or to remain upset?

Our writers discuss the implications of Brexit for the pubic, and whether it's time to move on

Patrick Young

B

rexit has finally been done. Boris’ entire election campaign was done-and-dusted in just over a month, so now what?

I was not a fan of the idea of Brexit, but, in the wake of it finally being finished after four years, it is about time, that we, as a nation came together, to focus on more pressing issues facing us, and the rest of the world.

Climate change is still happening, the ice caps are still melting, and we, are still trying to develop solutions to this problem, surely now that politicians are not arguing over whether we must live the EU or not, we can actually do something about this threat to our very existence.

be able to come together to create a solution to this, that is beneficial for all.

Homelessness is not a partisan issue. People are not a partisan issue. Irreversible climate change is not a partisan issue. Now, more than ever, all the people on this tiny island need to work together, lest we sink beneath the waves. All because we’d rather fight than cooperate.

Maud Webster

I

t was meant to be the 29 March 2019. Then the 31 October 2019. Now, the 31 January 2020 has been and gone and here we are – two general elections and two delayed exits later – finally heading towards a post-Brexit Britain.

You might be a remainer, or a

It is about time that we, as a nation, came together to focus on more pressing issues facing the rest of the world

It will take more than just the Green Party to accomplish this feat, we need the whole of parliament, to work together, instead of just saying that they are working on something. We need hard evidence, and we need it now.

We, the people, have the right to ask our politicians, to work towards the greater good,

and put aside their political allegiances to do so. After all, they did that for Brexit, why can’t they do that for other, more important issues.

If climate change is something that they are unwilling to compromise on, then they surely should be able to deal with homelessness in Britain. Surely, no politician would feel the need to debate this issue, as, after all, it is occurring in every major city, and is increasingly spreading into smaller towns throughout the country. Politicians should

Ruby Story Dartford

Image: Wikimedia Commons

leaver, or neither, or have flirted with both sides of the debate over the past few years. Some may argue we should put our differences aside, and work together to create a more “prosperous” Britain. However, whilst we are now legally on our transition out of the EU, I think it’s not yet time to put aside our differences and accept this noble (!), new (!) Britain and drag another contentious issue out of the political scrapyard.

Leavers argue that our move out of the EU will help regain control over immigration, will remove the EU interference in UK law-making, and will stop the UK sending over far too much precious money to Brussels.

(An ironic belief considering the esti-

mated £200,000,000,000 lost in economic growth thanks to Brexit, which happens to be almost as much as we’ve paid to the EU budget since our membership in 1973. But I guess that’s besides the point now.)

Remainers argue that stepping away from the EU will leave us struggling economically and would undermine workers’ rights and environmental protections. Many also wanted to retain their feelings of strong attachment to the EU.

I think putting aside our differences will mean losing some of the values which are so vital in a secure and fruitful society

These seem like pretty massive differences to just put aside for the ‘sake of unity’, to me.

It appears Brexit is now properly in action, and there’s little to be done to reverse that.

Some remain-aligned journalists, politicians, and members of the public are contending that surely we just should hope and pray that Brexit proves successful, for the sake of the country.

Other remainers, angrily posting “we’re moving to FRANCE, f**k brexit !!!!!!!” on Facebook back in 2016, are simply trying to jump ship and move to the continent. It’s unclear though how many have followed through with this plan…

It might depend on if you’re an optimist or pessimist, and how hardcore a remainer or leaver you are. But I think putting aside our differences will mean losing some of the EU values – values of human rights, acceptance, democracy and equality – which many remainers are so keen to cherish; values which are so vital in a secure and fruitful society.

If you'd like to write for Comment or have an idea for an article, come to the writers' meeting on Wednesday, 1.30pm-2.00pm in the Planning Room

HUMANITIES STUDENTS

O

Tom Leach

h, the people who study the humanities… the butt of jokes told by unwashed STEMlords, by overdressed business students with overinflated egos, considered prime wasters of time and money.

When will these people learn that there’s more to life than making money for some other person or corporation that doesn’t even know or care that they exist?

It might rustle some jimmies, but humanities students are important students in our universities.

What has the businessperson or manufacturer contributed to culture? And then the artist, the writer, the philosopher?

Be though it may that humanities students are essentially paying £9k a year to say they can read, there’s a nobility in it. The utmost respect is garnered by throwing away that sort of money in pursuit of passion and knowledge, rather than profit and new ways to exploit the world and our fellow man.

This is all tongue in cheek mind – at least the parts directed at STEM-lords. I guess non-stick frying pans were a pretty useful invention.

ROAST OF THE WEEK

YOUR MUM JOKES

L

Muslim Taseer

isten up, and listen close. This is important.

Your mother wears combat boots. Prove me wrong. Your mother is so horrifying looking, according to recent studies, apparitions of her corporal form in the dreams of sentient beings are the leading cause of cult-related mass suicides. Sheesh.

Hell, your mother is so goddamn large, the probability of her occupying any arbitrary point in space is 1. Huge. She’s got has so much mass, she dilates time.

Your mother’s so fat, that she occupies infinite space; having no definable perimeter, and her centre point is at all space through the universe. In fact, your mother’s weight gain accounts for all observable red shift. That can’t be healthy. She’s a wombat.

Your mother’s size is going to pose an actual health risk to not only herself but also the people around her. It’s concerning. Get that woman under control, before it’s too late.

life&style

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the courier

Monday 17 February 2020

c2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.uk @Courier_Life thecourieronline.co.uk/lifestyle Life & Style Editor Nimra Rafique Lifestyle Editors Catherine Entwistle, Cecilia Adamou, Holly Margerrison & Jess Herbert

Blind Date Kindly sponsored by Ernest

meets

Maddy Raine

MA History

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I asked my friend and she said: “ditsy, giggly, intelligent, very sweet, absolutely beautiful, and just basically a dream. Easily confused though.”

What is your usual type?

My usual type is someone mature with a great sense of humour. My celebrity crush would have to be Ian Somerholder.

Why did you decide to sign up for blind date?

I decided to sign up for the blind date as I know Grace Dean and she’s been mentioning it for a while now and wanted to see what all the hype was about.

How did you feel before the date, and how did you prepare for it?

I felt quite nervous before the date because I’ve never done anything like it before and didn’t know what to expect.

What was your first impression of Ed? He greeted me with a hug which was very gentlemanly of him.

What did you talk about?

We talked about a lot of different things like family, uni and our background. I was interested to find out about his life working on a farm.

Speaking of that - if Ed were a farm animal, which one would he be and why?

He would have to be a sheep; he’s a classic sports boy.

What was the highlight of your date?

Getting a free drink - because who doesn’t love that?

Did you fancy him?

Ed was a lovely guy but we are two very different people so I didn’t feel as though there was any chemistry between us.

I had a random text from him at 2am the night of the date Will you see him again?

Although the date went alright we didn’t have a lot in common so I don’t think we’ll be seeing each other again.

Have you heard from him since the date at all?

I had a random text from him at 2am the night of the date asking if I was awake, but apart from that no.

Ed Hall Third year Politics

So Ed, tell me a little about yourself.

I’m in third year studying Politics, I play quite a bit of football, I’m from Staffordshire…there’s not much else really.

What is your usual type?

Small, blonde, someone I get on with, someone who doesn’t cheat on me.

My usual type is someone who doesn’t cheat on me Have you ever been on a blind date before, and why did you choose to sign up with the Courier?

No, I had never been on a blind date before. All my friends agreed to sign up with me…it turned out I was the only one who signed up and they didn’t.

How were you feeling before the date and how did you prepare yourself for it?

I had a game of five-a-side football, and then I had a very quick change around, nailed a few G&Ts before I went, and went along. A bit of Dutch courage!

What did you talk about?

There was quite a lot of small talk – we talked a bit about where we’re from, what we like doing, a bit of skiing.

How would you describe her in three words?

Bubbly, pretty…sensible?

If she were a type of sweet, what she be and why?

A Crème Egg. She’s quite small, and lovely and soft on the inside.

And what did you make of Ernest as your date location?

It’s quite a cool place. I had never been there before. It was definitely a good place for a first date.

Do you think you’ll see Maddy again?

Probably not.

Have you been in contact at all since your date?

No, I don’t think so.

No late night messages?

I don’t…I don’t think that was meant for her. It’s because she was the most recent person on my texts.

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life & style lifestyle

Monday 17 February 2020

Kicking up a Storm-i Charity SolidariTee c

Isabel Ellis takes us into the world of Stormi’s second birthday

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he highlight of the social calendar, the ray of sun amongst winter gloom, the most highly anticipated event of the new decade: Stormi Webster’s 2nd birthday.

On 1February 2020, cosmetics mogul and self-made billionaire Kylie Jenner celebrated her daughter’s birthday with an extravagant Stormi-themed party. In recreation of Stormi’s first birthday party last year, which was aptly named ‘Stormiworld’ in homage to ex-beau Travis Scott’s latest album ‘Astroworld’, Jenner spent an estimated $100,000 on the second round, cleverly tagged ‘2 is better than 1’. Boasting a star-studded guest list, a room dedicated to Stormiworld merchandise, and topped with the full crew of Trolls, the adored celebrity mother is known for her understated outlook on life, as this carnival-esque party perfectly demonstrates. But how much is too much?

In memorial to ‘Astroworld’, event-goers were met with a 30ft inflatable of Stormi’s head, and perhaps if the annual fest is upheld it will one day be life-sized…

The question however, is whether this is a lot more sinister than it may first appear? The destructive psychological implications are neverending.

I can’t imagine anything worse than having to walk through my own head as a twoyear-old. In photos later posted on Jen ner’s Instagram of the evening, Stormi looks bewildered and alarmed at the sight of the giant head and gaping mouth.

But, following in the footsteps of the infamous KardashianJenner selfobsessed reputation, Stormi unsurprisingly seemed later to light up at being the spectacle of her birthday extravaganza.

The obvious problem with this absurd ritual, as I’m sure we can all agree, is the genuine necessity of it while our world currently faces several monumentally pressing issues which could do with the aid of a casual $100k.

The Kardashian-Jenner clan are no stranger to criticism over their spending choices and have historically been attacked for their notable lacking in financial support to issues such as climate change.

Although Kylie must be praised for her million-dollar donation to the Australian bush fires in late 2019, it is highly questionable that this generosity negates the definitively ludicrous spending on her daughter’s second birthday.

Of course, Kylie ‘Billionaire’ Jenner doesn’t feel the weight of splashing a cool million and can comfortably afford to live the best of both worlds, a prospect us mere mortals can’t begin to fathom.

But think of the progress climate change, medicinal research, or human and animal protection charities could’ve and should’ve been able to make with a contribution of that size. Was it really money well spent, or money well wasted?

It’s hard to ignore that the bash wasn’t excessive, but it does come to question if another parent had Jenner’s financial advances, they wouldn’t do the same.

Kylie Jenner donning a pink sparkly jumpsuit through the day, doesn’t really do anything in half measures, so it was really no surprise that she managed to plan such an extravagant (and/or excessive) bash once again.

Well… what’s $100k anyway?

Izzy Fanshawe tells us about the great work this charity does to he

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his academic year, 16 Newcastle University students have volunteered to form a new representative team for the charity, SolidariTee. The campaign was founded by Tiara Sahar Ataii, in Cambridge, in 2017, after she had volunteered as a translator and interpreter for NGOs in Greece. Tiara realised that the best way to support and fight the refugee cause is through legal aid; and that due to today’s consumer culture, if something can be offered in return for people’s money, then more funds can be raised, and more impact made.

Thus, SolidariTee with its ‘Solidarity’ and t-shirt combined pun was born. SolidariTee reps sell t-shirts in exchange for donations that become legal aid grants for NGOs supporting the ongoing refugee cause.

At the end of each year, SolidariTee decides which NGOs to donate to, depending on the total of money raised. For 2018-19 it was Mobile Info Team and Fenix.

Check them out with a quick google.

Some vital context: In 2015, the world saw the largest refugee crisis since WWII, yet five years on it’s 2020, and refugees are still stuck in purgatory-like camps (if they are “lucky”) waiting, sometimes for years, to have their asylum interview.

The unfortunate longevity of the crisis has taken its toll on aid and fundraising

Nowhere was prepared for the volume of refugees that came to Europe, and somehow this is still the case. The unfortunate longevity of the crisis has taken its toll on aid and fundraising as well as refugees. There’s been a slump in motivation and funds that needs turning around.

With its enthusiastic student-led teams and target audience, SolidariTee is working to modify this, to ensure attorneys and volunteers can get to refugees and successfully help them through the asylum process. This is where your money goes. All we need is t-shirt buyers and/or donations!

As of 2019, SolidariTee has over 40 teams working across the globe with 700 + students mobilised towards

Image: Instagram @MindyWeiss

Bye, 1920s , welcome to the 2020s Cora Herbert compares the roaring 20s to her expectations for the 2020s W

hen we think of the 1920s, we all picture short-haired, featherwearing flappers, scandalous movies gracing the silver screen and Gatsbyesque parties. But before we embark on what is sure to be a year of 20s-themed parties, what do we actually know about the famous decade, and how does it stack up with today? We can only hope our 20s are as iconic as our 20th century counterpart.

Image: Instagram: @labelle_illustrations

Undoubtedly, the 1920s were huge for film, beginning the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’, famed for the forward thinking of the industry both in terms of technology and attitudes.

Film-goers saw the introduction of sound to the pictures with the Jazz Singer in 1927, leading to the rise of the aptly-named ‘talkies’. But more than this technological revelation, censorship laws were loosening their grip on the industry and more raunchy films began hitting the screens, allowing society to be more embracing of sexuality and femininity.

The 2020s will see a greater expansion of inclusivity and progressive thinking

Similar to its partner 100 years previously, the 2020s will no doubt see a greater expansion of inclusivity and progressive thinking, with strong female leads continuing to wave the flag for feminism.

Films scheduled for release this year, including Black Widow ad Wonder Woman 1984 will break the barriers of the ‘traditional’ masculine superheroes.

Just as 1920s did, future years are set to positively redefine perceptions of women.

The 1920s were also a decade of iconic fashion – skirts became shorter and the notion of seeing a calf in public was no longer a cause of mass-hysteria. The ladies of the 20s – the unforgettable ‘flapper’ - expressed their femininity through their fashion, making daring and revealing choices.

This is quiet the contrast to today, with equally progressive moves in fashion, but heading in a very different di-

Image: Alec Boyd

and promoting the campaign.

Importantly, SolidariTee knows not only to promote such a necessary cause, but also to ensure their t-shirts are planet friendly.

SolidariTee ensure their t-shirts are planet friendly

In order to respect and support people, we must too respect the earth on which we all live. So, all the t-

Just a Pe

Lauren Haslam decide

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rection. n 5 FebStandards and expectations ruary, the have moved on and women Adverno longer have to ‘show tising Standards some skin’ to be considered Agency (ASA) in sexy – even in the past 10 the UK came to years we’ve seen a change the decision to ban in this attitude which is a YouTube advert set to continue movfor Pretty Little Thing, ing into the new an online clothes retailer, decade. deeming it to be “highly We’ve gone full sexualised” following a circle as the midseries of complaints length skirts which from the public first took the scene claiming it “objecin the 1920s are back at tified women”.

Image: Instagram @GrowMija the height of fashion in the This comes after 2020s. a series of advertiseAnd finally, who can forget the ments from other 1920s outrageous reputation as the decade online retailers, such of decadence – partying from dusk until dawn as Boohoo, Missguidwas norm for our well-to-do ancestors. ed, and Nobody’s Child But it turns out you can have too much of a good were also prevented from thing. As partying reached new extremes the ‘Night-Club being shown to audiences due Bill’ of 1925 was introduced, aiming to calm the everto similar complaints. growing nightlife sweeping British cities.

The Pretty Little Thing adverDrinking, gambling and ‘general immorality’ were tisement shows a series of clips of among the culprits being targeted by the Bill, which were models posing wearing bright and deemed unacceptable by the authorities. revealing clothing in a “seductive But even the government recognised they were going manner”. against the grain of youth-culture, claiming to try to avoid Although it may be apt to suggest ‘kill-joy’ legislation and not dampen the spirits of the emthe advert sexualises women, we powered young population. should also ask ourselves what the actual The comparison to today needs no explanation. A Friissue is? The women featured in the advert (presumably) day night on Bigg Market is all the evidence you need fully consented to dress in that manner and have it pubto see that some things, be it 1920s or 2020s, will never licised – the outcry surely ignores these women’s choice change. to be “objectified”, both for the advert but also in their

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lifestyle life & style

Monday 17 February 2020

comes to Newcastle Sleeping beauty

elp with the refugee crisis and how you can get involved on campus Image: Instagram: @teesofsolidarity

Rachel Lee persuades us to ditch Netflix and say yes to sleep

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eing at University, we all know the huge role that sleep has in our lives, whether you have just woken up after a 15-hour nap or you can’t remember the last time you were in your bed.

You sleep better when you are colder. Being too hot overnight can lead to headaches, restlessness, fever and nightmares. Body temperature throughout the day gradually decreases to prepare for bed.

Although leaving the window open at uni might lead to no sleep at all from the noise, it’s a good idea to make sure the heating is turned off overnight and you haven’t got a million blankets on top of you.

Having a hot shower before bed actually decreases your overall body temperature

For the same reason, it is better to exercise in the morning than at night, as it is hard to cool and calm down after a gym session just before bed.

shirts are WRAP & OEKO-TEX certified. They’re also super soft and comfy to wear.

T-shirts sell at only £10 with £8.41 of that being solely charitable profit. This is because the campaign is run entirely by voluntary students from their bedrooms, meaning there are very few overhead costs. Plus, students are experts at cost-cutting.

So, rather than spending £10 on too many snacks in the SU Co-op, or on trebs you’ve forgotten about the morning after, or on that Pret lunch break… make £10 go so much further for a change.

When you think about it, it’s really not very much and a bargain for a fresh t-shirt too.

The charity’s official tag line reads: SolidariTee is the

largest student-led charity fighting for change in the refugee crisis. We raise awareness of the crisis and offer grants to individuals and NGOs working in this field.

For more information visit their website full of myth busting facts and reasons to donate at: solidaritee.org.uk Last but not least…keep your eyes peeled on social media for events happening this semester in aid of SolidariTee. On 28 February we are teaming up with Kitchen Sync at WorldHQ for a “nortie night of tunes” so please join!

Details can be found on Facebook.

To support the cause by donating/buying a t-shirt, please contact Izzy Fanshawe (NCL Head Rep) at: i.fanshawe@newcastle.ac.uk who can refer sales to her team.

Or, if you recognise people in this article’s photo, just contact them directly. Spread love guys and use your privilege to stay informed on your world.

etty Little Thing?

des if the Pretty Little Thing advert was rightfully banned careers.

In addition, we cannot ignore that although the outfits seen in the advert are altogether particularly loud and outrageous, many women do choose to dress in this manner for nights out and events.

Pretty Little Thing claim the advert was not intended to “cause serious offence or be seen as irresponsible”, which I agree was their genuine intention.

I do not see it as a “celebration of all shapes and sizes”

The advert is unlikely to offend its actual audience – young women. As a young woman myself, I must attest that the advert does in no way offend me, although I do not see it as a “celebration of all shapes and sizes”.

It has become too easy in advertising to claim “diversity” when depicting models who differ ever so slightly from the norm – if Pretty Little Thing want to celebrate difference then they need to look further afield.

The company also must be held responsible for their promotion of a certain “Instagram” standard of beauty, and their role in fast fashion, which harms the women and children who sew their clothes for lower than minimum wage.

Instead of criticising the retailer for “over-sexualisation”, if we must reprimand it should be for the ways they actually hurt women.

But why are we so offended by women’s bodies? Looking through the ASA’s website there is no example of an advertisement banned for sexualising men, although we do see this pushed upon us constantly with advertising for men’s underwear such as Calvin Harris’s Emporio Armarni campaign.

These adverts are often celebrated and fawned over in the media, published in fashion magazines and pasted onto billboards across the country – with no recorded complaints.

The men in these advertisements show considerably more skin than the women in the “banned” advertisements, with some (such as the model for Nobody’s Child) comparatively conservative. It is obvious that women, and brands advertising to women, receive an incredibly different and overwhelmingly more negative response from both the public and ASA.

A key part of modern feminism is choice – by banning the advert we ignore women’s choice

A key part of modern feminism is choice – by banning the advert we ignore women’s choice. We ignore the choice of the women depicted in the advertisement, the choice of the women shooting the advertisement, the choice of women viewing the advertisement, and even the choice of women buying and wearing the clothes depicted. The ASA must do better.

Image: Instagram @alice_charlotte_

Having a hot shower before bed actually decreases your overall body temperature and is a good way of making you feel more tired.

There is also a danger of oversleeping which if continuous can lead to constant tiredness and weakened immune system.

Often, the idea is that the more sleep you got the night

Turn on a lamp or fairylights until you go to sleep

before the better you should feel, and people are confused and worried that they are still tired despite getting 11 hours sleep the night before.

Surprisingly, 8-9 hours is all you need to feel the best in the morning. This is taken from Matthew Walker’s book Why We Sleep, which also talks about the idea of pulling all-nighters in order to revise for an exam or practice for something you have on the next day.

A lot of ‘deep sleep’ in the night occurs only an hour or so after we go to bed and is less likely to occur at all the later in the night you go to sleep.

This deep sleep helps with physical recovery and aspects of memory, learning and, most crucially, leads to feeling refreshed.

The deep sleep lost in staying up late can be more harmful to your memory of facts and revision notes than if you were to revise less and go to sleep earlier.

Not only this but your hand-eye coordination, social responses and ability to reason all decrease considerably with less than 8 hours of sleep.

Melatonin is produced by your body throughout the day, making sure you are tired by the time you usually sleep. This coincides with darkness and night time, making our bodies anticipate sleep.

Everyone has heard that phones and laptops are probably the worst contributors to a bad night’s sleep, because the light and activity acts as fake daylight.

It is unlikely to not use your phone late at night, but you can use blue light filter and low brightness to minimise the effects.

While you are on your phone try not to make it the only source of brightness in the room, and instead turn on a small lamp or fairy lights until you go to sleep, otherwise it is like shining a small torch in your face just before you want to sleep, which in any other scenario would be bizarre.

Of course exceptions will be made for nights out and big events, as it would be unrealistic to suggest going to sleep by 10pm every night, waking up at the same time and not sleeping for more than nine hours ever.

But even if you follow this article once in a while, it will bring short and long term benefits that are much needed in university life.

There is so much more that can be said about sleep and I can’t recommend enough both Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep and Dr Chatterjee’s Four Pillar Plan audiobooks.

A good sleep schedule will bring short and long-term benefits

They are really eye opening to misconceptions and the simple everyday things that we can do to help ourselves, and are the source of the main ideas from this article.

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life & style fashion

c2.fashion@ncl.ac.uk Fashion Editors Kajal Patel, Phoebe Eyles & Shamara Mohsin

the courier

Monday 17 February 2020

Suit yourself: are suits too predictable?

Fashion Editor Phoebe Eyles discusses how men's formal wear should move away from the classic suit to be more exciting

Image: Instagram: @gucci

W

hen it comes to award shows and red carpet event fashion, the women are more often than not praised and scrutinised for their eye catching numbers. Fashion for women has often been more bold, experimental and daring, giving journalists and viewers more to take in. However, men such as Billy Porter are really changing the game for men to be more bold at star studded events and move away from wearing a simple suit.

dress of men seen before this time, which shows how men's fashion has fluctuated and our current society has conditioned us to see a suit as a sign of power and masculinity. Going into the new decade, men should use the choice they have to experiment with colour and styles for formal events as a true sign of power.

Porter's outfits are iconic, yet not so achievable for the general public. However, there are other celebrities that are paving the way for more experimental men's fashion. For example, Harry Styles' Met Gala 2019 look featured a flowing, mesh detailed top which demonstrates how men can easily pull off softer pieces for formal wear, instead of a traditional shirt. Styles has also worn bold pieces for photoshoots and performances. Similarly Shawn Mendes wore a suit embellished at the seams to the 2019 Met Gala, and the added detail showed the flair of

Porter, famous for winning a Tony award for his portrayal of Lola in Kinky Boots back in 2013, has been providing us with iconic red carpet fashion for years. His recent look at the 92nd Academy Awards was created

by English designer Giles Deacon and featured a golden, feathered torso and a printed full length skirt. His 2020 Grammy's look featured a motorised hat, whilst his outfit at the 2019 Met Gala resembled an Egyptian sun God. Porter's fearless experimentation with fashion is something which should be celebrated, and more men should follow suit (pun intended).

The modern lounge suit was first seen in the 19th century but it is thought to have found its inspiration from King Charles II 's love of a simple classic style of dress for society events.

This marked a change from the extravagant

Image: svgsilh.com

Men's fashion has fluctuated

It makes perfect sense that men should be able to experiment

Saint Laurent.

In a society where we are striving towards

equality between men and women, as well as the blurring between masculinity and femininity, it makes perfect sense that men should be able to experiment with styles, garments and silhouettes in the same way that women have done for centuries. Fashion is a form of art and women do not always have to be the muse.

This is an exciting time in our society where men can feel comfortable with changing up their look, so whilst wearing a full skirt and gold bodice may be a lot to take in for your end of year ball, trying out a suit with exceptional details could be a good place to start.

Image: Instagram: @themetgalaofficial

To watch or not to watch? Next in Fashion Fashion Editor Shamara Mohsin gives us her thoughts on the new Netflix series surrounding the future of the fashion world

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eady to be inspired? Latest Netflix watch Next In Fashion landed on our screens earlier this month with little to no attention surrounding it. But when you're adjacent to big-budget dramas and comedies it's no surprise, and yet the competition-style series got fashion fans everywhere chattering.

Staring fashion royalty, Alexa Chung, and Queer Eyes very own Tan France as its presenters/judges, the pair were accompanied by equally notable guests, all stars in the fashion industry, throughout each episode, and so it's easy to see what first drew viewers eyes.

Not to mention the simple concept; a bunch of not so new to the game fashion designers compete for a chance to win £250,000 and a spot on online luxury brand Net-APorter's site. The stakes were high for many of these long time designers who were put to the test when teamed up with other designers to create fashion that was expected to blow the judges away. Each episode knocks out a designing pair until the remaining six are left to battle out solo for the big prize.

when designing underwear showcased the necessity for more inclusive body types both on-screen and off-screen in the fashion industry.

The contestants were culturally diverse

Featuring contestants who were already so very familiar with the world of fashion meant their craftsmanship was refined and often seamless, but when one of your contestants dressed Beyonce last month and Post Malone last week you start to wonder about those trying to get their first step up in the industry who could really have used this show to get there name out there. The show was objectively a second chance for its contestants, to stop hiding behind the big brands they had previously worked for, and make it big themselves by showing their talent as

solo artists, and for the most part, they did just that with one lucky winner £250,000 richer and a platform to start from.

At its root, Next In Fashion is a contemporary game show for the fashion lovers of the world

At its root, Next In Fashion is a contemporary game show for the fashion lovers of the world. It's a perfect replacement for your Project Runway fix, and while it may not be the best binge watch, it certainly entertains, and may even inspire the fashion designer in you. While its nothing new it’s trying hard to be nothing old either as it searches for the Next In Fashion.

Arguably the best qualities of the entire program are its strays from the already seen

Instagram: @Nextinfashion

Arguably the best qualities of the entire program are its strays from the already seen. Logically trying something new makes sense; they are looking for Next In Fashion, however, what is often different in reality TV doesn’t always mean better. Pairing people together to design garments works and doesn’t, people clash on stylistic visions but-sometimes-also manage to create clothing they singularly could never have imagined. Notably, some have an unfair advantage as many of the pairings had known each other for years while others had only just met.

The contestants were culturally diverse which meant when personal style was implemented the art created was an expression of their own lives in a way I don't think has been down before. Occasionally interests clashed when attempting to convey two large personalities, and understandably results aren't always great but the attempt showcased the necessity for more diversity on our screens.

Similarly, the use of plus-sized models during an episode

Instagram: @Nextinfashion

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fashion life & style

Monday 17 February 2020

Jean Paul Gaultier bows out

Brand spotlight:

Catherine Entwistle pays tribute to designer Jean Paul Gaultier who is leaving fashion

JPG has revealed that Madonna's cone-shaped bra was designed for his teddy bear

With a fashion career that has spanned the last half-century, Jean Paul Gaultier is a household name. The legendary French provocateur was renowned for his often outrageous and daring looks, through which he pioneered body positive thinking and opened up the stage to the freaks and the outsiders.

Nana the teddy goes to show that he was challenging gender stereotypes and conventional ideas of beauty from

the get go. He once advertised for “atypical” models, adding, “The facially disfigured should not refrain from applying,” which set him a cut above the rest when it came to inclusivity and recognition of the outcasts.

He has always taken a keen interest in sustainability when it comes to his work and has always been big on recycling materials saying “There are too many clothes and too many that are never worn. Don’t throw them away, recycle them”. His message could not be clearer in 2020, a time when we all need to revaluate our fashion habits and shop smarter.

Since 1982, Gaultier has paid homage to the daring Parisian woman in his designs. He defines every aspect of her identity by acknowledging the independent, the punk-rock, the rebellious and the couture all at once. However, his work was not limited to female designs, as he often blurred the lines between the feminine and masculine.

La Marinière, which was inspired by his childhood wardrobe, embodies Parisian chic with the iconic Breton stripe. The simplicity of the design makes it a timeless classic for both men and women. He pushed boundaries much further with La Jupe Pour Homme (The Man Skirt). Since 1985 he made skirts cool for men, by styling wide leg trousers with a wrapover panel at the front, which gave the illusion of a skirt. And of course, his most iconic, the Corset Conique (The Conical Bustier). The infamous conical bra was designed as a concept of woman as an ‘object of

power’ as it reasserts the hyper-femininity derided by the first wave of feminism in the 70s.

Many will wonder what he will do next. Aged 67, his undying impish spirit will prevent him from sitting around twiddling his thumbs. He made clear that the Gaultier perfume range and high-end couture business will

live on, and stated that he has a “new concept,” which he will tells us about later.

Perhaps he’ll turn his creativity back towards his “Eurotrash” days, where he was a presenter on the late-night 90s show. Or maybe he has no intention of putting down his scissors after all.

I suppose we’ll have to watch this space and await his next creative venture.

Sustainability at the BAFTAs Ellie Pidgeon shares her personal views on the BAFTAs' attempts to push sustainable fashion

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he BAFTAs are back and trying something new with guests walking the runway in old and new clothing after being encouraged to re-wear outfits in an attempt to be more sustainable. I was lucky enough to experience the efforts to improve our climate action first hand after winning front row seats to the awards red carpet.

Whilst the action itself won’t have made a huge imprint on our nation's climate footprint, it produced great publicity and reiterated the need for more sustainable choices.

To be honest, the direct action of re-wearing outfits for an awards show is not extremely sustainable but the notion forced conversations about climate change.

Just the day after the BAFTAs' Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain criticised the idea suggesting that it was merely a superficial action. However, it did encourage further debate about climate change and ensure that it was the focal point in the next day news.

My personal favourite dress of the night was Gillian Anderson’s classic black dress. Paired with a contrasting silver necklace, the ensemble created a perfectly elegant outfit. I also adored Olivia Colman’s dress – a sheer black gown embroidered with bright coloured flowers. The later also wore lab-grown diamond earrings rather than mined diamonds. Similarly, Daisy Ridley also chose to wear a stunning green gown that had been made using sustainably sustained fabrics.

Instagram: @JPGaultierOfficial

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he fashion prodigy that is Jean Paul Gaultier has hung up his measuring tape and said goodbye to fashion.

After a highly successful half century of designing, creating and showing, the man who gave Madonna her conical breasts has bowed out of the fashion world.

He always said that the conical bra would end up on his tombstone, so fittingly, his final show started with a procession of models dressed in black, carrying a black coffin with two conical breasts sticking out of it.

JPG has revealed that the cone-shaped bra wasn’t originally designed for Madonna, but for his teddy bear Nana. Defying gender stereotypes long before it became fashionable, he asked for a doll so that he could dress it up. When his disapproving parents bought him a teddy instead, he declared it as female and dressed it up anyway.

That must have been the world’s most stylish teddy bear.

Nike

Nike is a brand we nearly all have in our wardrobe; whether it’s a pair of Airmax or just a hoodie, the brand is synonymous with the youth of today.

Not only with our generation but also those before us, which has allowed Nike to become a timeless brand that continues to grow.

Nike is best known as an American multinational corporation that endeavours to make sportswear, equipment and almost everything else sport! As the worlds largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, it has come a long way from its founding in January 1964 where it started out as ‘Blue Ribbon Sports’ until the name change of 1971.

‘Nike’ was named after the Greek Goddess of Victory which is an inspiration and a reflection of the brands strive forward to combine the world of fashion and sport.

The brand became highly recognised in the US during the 1980s with American teens going crazy for the tracksuits, baseball caps, Jordan’s and air force ones- which all still remain popular now. These iconic items have created a vintage ambience within the fashion world and people can’t get enough of these old school items.

By the 1990s and 2000s, the brand exploded in Europe and has continued to keep its loyal customers across the globe, as well as gaining many new ones.

One part of Nike’s message is that ‘If you have a body you are an athlete.’ This fundamental statement is the reason why we should be loving this brand.

One part of Nike’s message is that ‘If you have a body you are an athlete’

A brand with such a high profile and influence on a global scale showing itself as inclusive is a massive positive factor. They do not disregard any body type or individual, they continue to encourage activity and make it something that everyone is involved with.

Nike is helping to create a positive community within the world of sport, as we can expect they will continue to do for many years to come.

Charley Moran

Piers Morgan suggested that attendees being encouraged to re-wear outfits was merely a superficial action

Image: @bafta on Instagram

All three of guests were extremely nice when I had the pleasure of meeting them. However, the only guest to re-wear a dress she had previously worn before was the Duchess of Cambridge who re-wore her Alexander McQueen dress that she had previously worn whilst on tour in 2012.

The dress code was also matched with a reused red carpet and a plant-based menu. Again, these act as symbols to promote sustainability and encourage discussion rather than actually combat climate change. However, the use of private jets by many of the guests massively undermine the award show’s central message.

Whilst many of the guests still docked outfits from recent lines, the notion still encouraged debate and forced climate change to the forefront of news stories. Therefore, I believe that it should still be encouraged at other award shows in order to ensure that sustainability is always present in the mainstream media. As many of the dresses were on loan in order to be more sustainable it still ensured that the red carpet was extremely fashion-forward.

Image: @kensingtonroyal on Instagram

Image: @nikesportswearn on Instagram

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17

beauty life & style Oscars' beauty looks: Less is more...right?

Jess Herbert gives her opinion on this years' rather simplistic Oscar red carpet looks O

Monday 17 February 2020 courier.beauty@ncl.ac.uk Beauty Editors Rashida Campbell-Allen & Ellie James

Written in the Stars: AQUARIUS

What beauty items are you currently using? Do you feel attracted to a particular colour at the moment?

The grey days of January often leave us feeling down in the dumps and as though we’re stuck on a neverending treadmill of gloom after the festive period. At times like this it’s great to have things to give you a little boost.

My first go-to beauty product is the MAC Give Me Sun bronzer. I have used this bronzer for as long as I can remember now, and it is the perfect shade for giving you that tanned glow that we often crave in the winter. Of course this product is great in the summer too, as it enhances and compliments a natural tan perfectly. The clue is in the name – the lack of vitamin D that is often a consequence of winter can be easily remedied with this blusher. Ok, it may not give you actual vitamin D, but it certainly gives the illusion of having just come back from a week in the sun!

My second favourite product at the moment is the NARS Taj Mahal blusher. This blusher would probably put a lot of people off buying it if you hadn’t tried it on your skin first. It’s very peachy, almost orange but has the most beautiful golden shimmer through it. When applied to the apples of your cheeks, the colour is a lot subtler but really wakes up your face and gives you a perfect radiance. Paired together, these products look great and the warm, orangey tones really brighten up the dullest of days.

Body care/self-care methods you’re trying this month: DRINK MORE WATER: WATER: I am terrible at not drinking enough water, but the benefits to your health and skin are so important. I have been using a 1L water bottle that I carry with me everywhere, which has not only reduced my use of single-use plastic but and this really made me drink more water. It has made my skin clearer and made me feel generally a lot better.

GET MORE SLEEP: Sleep is something that we all need more of. I am guilty of not going to bed when I’m tired, and instead watching Netflix or scrolling through Instagram. But no one can argue against the importance of having a good night’s sleep and how much more refreshed and ready for the day you feel when you’re well rested, so aim to limit screens an hour before going to sleep and try reading a book instead.

MOISTURISE: This is something we should do every day but it can often be difficult to remember sometimes.

It is especially important in the winter months, as although your skin is covered up a lot more, it dries out a lot more in low temperatures. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, just lather in on before you go to bed and you’ll wake up feeling like a smooth goddess.

Current skin care routine:I have been using Dermalogica products for over four years and I absolutely love them. They can be pricey, but they also have a Clear Start range aimed at 18-24 year olds, which is cheaper. This is the range I use daily, which includes breakout clearing foaming wash (morning and night use), oil clearing matte moisturizer spf15 (day time use), skin soothing hydrating lotion (night time use), and breakout clearing all over toner. All of these products not only feel amazing on your skin but smell amazing too.

When in need of some spot zapping magic, I turn to their breakout clearing booster (day and night time use), which you can apply directly to the blemish or put a thin layer of all over the face.

Blackheads can often be a problem for a lot of people and harsh facial scrubs don’t always have the desired effect.

Dermalogica have invented a blackhead clearing fizz mask (which does exactly what it says on the tin). You apply a layer to any area of a damp face and leave for five minutes, in which time it will have fizzed up leaving you with a lovely mask of bubbles. You simply wash off with clear water and you are left with a glowing blackhead free face.

Two products I also use from time to time that are not in the Clear Start range are the daily microfoliant (a rice based powder that activates upon contact with water, leaving the skin perfectly polished) and the precleanse oil (a beautiful smelling oil which turns to a milk on contact with water). I use the precleanse oil before cleansing and it ensures you get rid of all the dirt, grease and unwanted stubborn makeup that you may miss with cleansing alone. The daily microfolliant is a gentle exfoliant and it’s great to use when you feel you need that extra scrub.

Catherine Entwistle

n 9 February the 92nd Academy Awards were held in the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

However, this year at the Oscars, beauty seemed to take a backseat to fashion. Bold outfits were paired with simple contours and a sprinkling of red lips to ensure the focus was not on the actors’ faces.

Even experimental icons like Billy Porter failed to match their subversive outfits to their makeup, which felt anticlimactic compared to the beauty whirlwind of the Grammys, only a fortnight before.

Instagram: @simplysaoirseronan Despite the initial disappointment towards the underwhelming looks, there were many examples of elegant execution. Natalie Portman and Mindy Kaling presented nude lips, soft blusher and their hair tucked daintily behind their ears, making it difficult to identify that they were wearing any makeup at all. However despite their airbrushed skin, their looks felt unoriginal and unexciting. Someone who played more with ‘no m a k e u p’

Stars: pngguru.com

Instagram: @mindykaling

makeup was Saoirse Ronan; the actress opted for a lilac shadow on her lid, developing into a deeper purple in the crease, and encased with a delicate winged liner to accentuate her piercing blue eyes. She debuted a quaintly cut micro-fringe, exposing her full and fluffy brows. Finally the understated look was balanced by indulgent diamond pendant earrings that added an element of extravagance above the shoulders.

The lack of experimentation was a little uninspiring

Brighter lips disrupted what would have otherwise been wholly natural looks, as demonstrated by Margot Robbie and Rebel Wilson, but no one modelled this quite as well as Janelle Monae, who wore a lip colour that toed the line between red and coral, forming the focal striking point of her minimalistic makeup. A gentle highlight Image: reddit - u/thecelebsadmirer t h e elevated her cheekbones, but the most endearing part of perfect her look were her whimsical doll-like lashes, curled and balance between wispy, dominating any photos of her side profile. Her messy and intricate. Her grown out roots added another eyes were completed with a flick of silver liner, adding element of originality and contributed to the current a hidden sparkle to the deceptively simple trend that hair doesn’t have to be freshly dyed to look. be photogenic.

Hair had a slightly more exciting Despite the beautiful execution at role, as the updo reigned over the Academy Awards, the lack the red carpet. Sandra Oh of experimentation was a little secured her voluminous uninspiring. Beautiful hair and curls into glossy buns outfits successfully diverted the across her head, attention from barely there creating a style that makeup, but it would have been resembled a crown. more satisfying to see makeup Zazie Beetz pinned complimenting the colours and her hair into a half up styles in the fashion, rather than half down style, letting becoming a blank canvas to be the curls sit liberated ruled by the clothes. The celebrities over her smokey eyes with the best looks demonstrated to further frame her how natural doesn’t necessarily have chiselled cheekbones. to be synonymous with predictable, Lastly, Florence Pugh’s but sadly this won’t be remembered as a plaited topknot materialised Instagram: @fxxd_xx particularly interesting night for beauty. as a reinvention of the classic bun,

Beauty Laid Bare: BBC3 new series exposing the industry

Beauty Editor Rashida Campbell-Allen shares some home truths on the cosmetic industry and its hidden lies

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ery rarely do we stop and think about where our favourite foundation comes from, where that fancy packaging ends up once we are finished, how ethical the products are and who the real winners and losers are in the e ver- ex p an d i ng , multi-billion beauty industry.

This is where BBC Three’s 3-part series Beauty Laid Bare comes along to tell us some home truths everyone needs to hear. The series follows a group of 4 twentysomethings as they travel across the United States from LA to the fields of Mexico investigating different aspects of the cosmetic world.

The series begins with their arrival in LA in their Hollywood villa with each sharing their personal relationship and experience with makeup. From one using makeup to give them confidence and identity to one who completely disagrees with the concept of wearing it altogether, definitely makes for an interesting and balanced watch.

In a time when society is apparently becoming more “eco-friendly” and conscientious about the world around us and how our everyday lives impact the environment, I, as well as the show is skeptical about how much the cosmetic industry glosses over the realities and seems to be more focused on making profit rather than making change One shocking statistic that really resonated with me emerged when they Instagram: @sophierosebrampton

visited a waste site and it was reported that only 9% of “recycled” materials are actually recyclable. That means a tragic 91% simply returns to landfills and is not reused.

This really highlighted how much we are misled by a simple ‘logo’ but no actual information or its meaning is given to us. Did you know that small plastic bottles/ materials actually can not be recycled due to their size?

Because I didn’t.

The show even took us to the world of cosmetic treatments in which a strange encounter with a wellknown cosmetic surgeon Dr Alexander Rivkin, showed off some state of the art technology which could score your skin’s quality, predict its future and recommend what treatment would be best to prevent any deteriotiations. Essentially he was trying to encourage the notion prevention is better than cure.

However in an age when the number of people in their 20s in the US getting Botox has increased by 28%, his recommendations only rang loud alarm bells and spoke to the pressure of social media and keeping up appearances.

Modern culture puts so much pressure and attention on image that the beauty industry arguably exploits and makes its money from this widespread cultural insecurity and often feeds and amplifies issues such as body dysmorphia, self-esteem and confidence. Indeed make-up has the ability to empower and transform individuals yet as with many indulgent things, it must be done responsibly and in moderation.

Following the show, it made me realise how much of our own research we ought to do to really be able to make a difference (e.g. encouraging refillable cosmetics and providing those who source ingredients like Candalilla wax with protection and fair pay) and to stop feeding into these multi-million businesses that make every effort to avert our attention from the gritty truth to instead bright, beautiful and bold colours that tempt our pockets.

18

life & style travel

courier.travel@ncl.ac.uk Travel Editors: Amy Harris, Meggie Williams and Beth Robson

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Monday 17 February 2020

Meet Suzhou: the Venice of the East Jichao Bai shares her recommendations for visiting her hometown of Suzhou, China: a city of rivers, gardens and good food

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hen people talk about traveling to China, Beijing or Shanghai jump to mind immediately. Well, whilst Beijing is a must visit, be it for the abundance of historical sites and its status as the capital of China, it is not all China has to offer. Let me introduce you to my hometown of Suzhou...

If one would like to differ from the simple straight and narrow path of discovering my country, Suzhou is a lovely city which is a twenty minute train away from Shanghai, and offers a beautiful contrast to the aforementioned plain narrative common to tourism in China. The city, founded in 514BC (therefore with over 2500 years of history), has an abundant display of historical sites. Theres the iconic ancient classic garden architecture, displayed in over 60 classical gardens in the city, which are in turn now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Theres also the ancient Watertown, a series of canals and waterworks on a gorgeous backdrop of Jiangsu's stunning natural scenery; perfect for a romantic day, and where Suzhou gets its reputation as being the 'Venice of the East'. Or there is also the opportunity to experience the local silk production; an insight into one of the oldest Chinese traditions not from a major tourist attraction, but from where the best silk in China is crafted. All of this on a backdrop at the heart of Wu culture, having it's own vibe and particular cuisine, which I would invite you to enjoy. With notable dishes

Images: Jicaho Bai

such as Suzhou noodles (a vegan friendly option), and Three Whites, this is the perfect opportunity to discover a side to China few travellers do.

How could they have made such stunning views in such a confined place?

Now I know that the above seems like a lot to keep track of in a journey to one of the biggest countries on Earth, with an abundance of culture visible at every corner, however even if time was an issue for my fellow adventurer, a 2-3 day stop would largely suffice to be captivated by the views, smells, and colours of this enchanted place.

Firstly, to start your itinerary of the City of Gardens and immerse yourself in Wu culture, one cannot pass up a visit to the Museum of Suzhou! The museum, was designed by the famous architect Leoh Ming Pei (one of the winners of the Pritzker Prize and designer of the Louvre) to be the perfect combination of traditional and modern architecture; allowing one to experience and marvel at various kinds of ancient Chinese artwork, ranging from calligraphies, silk products, to handmade crafts stretch-

ing from the Song to Qing dynasties. There is no shortcut quite like this into an understanding of the Wu culture present in Suzhou in only two or three hours.

Upon leaving the museum, you'll inevitably come across one of the many ancient gardens, creating a cityscape of gardens the likes of which is indescribable. You can see them at every corner, giving the city it's namesake, the City of Gardens. Amid all of the gardens on display I’d like to give particular attention to one of the most fascinating ones — the Lingering Garden. In this magnificent place, you will have the opportunity to listen to Pingtan, an original musical performance art from Suzhou, and the next cornerstone in the particular Wu culture from this region. Pingtan is an ancient performing art of storytelling and ballad singing in the Suzhou dialect, sung in an environment complimenting the traditional style of this art form, and surrounded by more than 400 years of unchanged plant-life. The artificial hill, surrounded by flowers and walkways along the lakeside, through which one could access the temples and pagodas situated just in the centre of the small lake, might astonish you. "How could they have made such stunning views in such a confined space?" From here, you truly begin to appreciate the appeal for artists of all creeds, be they ancient poets or painters; a multitude of poems and Chinese brush paintings originate from this area of Suzhou.

During the evening, there isn't a better choice than going for a walk on the Ping Jiang historical district road: Seven-Mile Shantang. While measuring seven traditional Chinese li, this three-mile stretch, from the Changmen Gate to the Tiger Hill Pagoda, offers a variety of wonders and amusements, from Chinese pastries to romantic boat trips. You can't give this a miss, as it truly brings to mind the term "Venice of the East". If you're looking for a less historical and cultural attraction, the modern part of Suzhou, the industrial park, is equally deserving of a mention. Its modern views, harkening to a Singaporean influence, and watershows are equally as visible from the top of the Gate of the Orient, the biggest shopping centre in China, as they are from the river waterfront.

This short route offers wonders such as Chinese pastries and romantic boat trips

When considering visiting China, Shanghai and Beijing jump to mind. However the Wu culture of gardens, good food and tradition should make my home town of Suzhou a high-ranking contender for your next trip!

Serenity and peace: a day trip to Lindisfarne Travel editor Beth Robson shares her recommendations for what to see and do when visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

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ff the coast of Northumberland, lies the beautiful island of Lindisfarne. Rich in history, the small Island has a lot to offer to those wanting to learn more about my home-region of the North East. Whether it be trying some of the best fish dishes and centuries old mead recipes, or taking in the gorgeous surroundings and views - Lindisfarne has something for all of us!

I visited Lindisfarne back in April 2019 with my partner and his family who are from Manchester, and knew little about the wider region outside of Newcastle and Sunderland. Keen to impress them, Lindisfarne seemed like the perfect destination to introduce them to the history of the North East. Throughout our day trip to the lovely Island, we tried various local foods and drinks, and were able to soak up the Islands views and plethora of exciting historical attractions.

Speaking of food, I'm not a seafood eater; I don't even eat fish fingers! However, if you're travelling along the

Image: Beth Robson

Northumberland coast, it's really a must that you try some of the famous seafood it has to offer. For our lunch we decided to stop at The Ship Inn; a wonderfully quaint, maritime-themed pub and B&B at the heart of the Island.

It was there that I tried the most amazing fresh, battered haddock! Still to this day, no haddock has come close in flavour or tenderness, so it's an absolute must-try if you're planning on visiting the Island. Another great thing about The Ship Inn was it's outdoor beer garden, where we happily ate our food out in the beaming sun, with three very greedy dogs at our feet (one of three caught in action pictured left, I couldn't resist!).

The monks who once occupied the Island had to make a living in order to keep-up their monastery - this is where Lindisfarne's famous mead comes in! Distilled with honey and a variety of herbs, this delicious fortified wine is a treat to the tastebuds. You can sample some of the many flavours at St. Aidans Winery, and try other Lindisfarne curated drinks such as their cream liqueur (absolutely

delicious - cannot recommend more!). If you're perhaps looking for something less alcoholic and more artisan, Pilgrims Coffee House do amazing freshly roasted coffee and coffee beans to take back home as gifts to yourself or loved ones. Normally, I struggle to find nice-tasting decaf coffee, but Pilgrims decaf blend takes the cake! Smooth and rich, if you're a coffee fan you're bound to enjoy this scrumptious treat. Being such a warm day, it was only right to have some ice cream too. Pilgrims Fudge Kitchen and Gelateria had some of the nicest gelato, at really great prices and a wonderful range of flavours to suit everyone's tastes.

My final recommendations for when visiting the Island is to visit Lindisfarne Castle, and Priory. Even if you're not a history buff, or interested in the birth-place of British Christianity (which can be enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike!), simply the views from atop the castle make visiting the Island worth every penny. Photos do not do the views here any justice - you just need to see

it yourself. Take this time to unwind; the sound of the sea crashing below you, and the sights of endless ocean are enough to make anyone understand why the monks all those years ago chose Lindisfarne as their home.

Photos do not do the views here any justice - you just need to see it yourself

I adore Lindisfarne, and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. Do make sure to visit the Island just once whilst you're in Newcastle as it's such a beautiful and calming retreat. If you do chose to visit, make sure to watch out for the crossing times as you don't want to get stranded on the Island (no matter how beautiful and serene it is!).

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19

travel life & style

Monday 17 February 2020

Backpacking made simple Being busy in Budapest Josh Blackburn's must-have essentials when backpacking

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eing much cheaper than your standard holiday, backpacking facilitates seeing much more of the world for a fraction of the price. So, you’re planning your next trip… what should you pack?

Here are my essentials to make the most out of your backpacking adventure!

Water bottle Although backpacking provides the adventure of a lifetime, allowing you to see corners of the world you never thought existed, it can also be pretty tiring – ensure that you stay hydrated for maximum travel gratification, whilst protecting the natural beauty that you are exploring, one bottle at a time.

Travel toilet paper Until you have visited pockets of the world such as the magnificent South East Asia or the wilderness of the Amazon, you will never be able to appreciate the value of toilet roll and the satisfaction that hygiene brings. The efficiency of travel toilet paper means that without the cardboard cylinder, there is additional room in your backpack for your favourite souvenirs (or clothes!).

Power bank Imagine you are alone and lost in a capital city, unable to converse in the native language, without Google Translate or Google Maps because your phone is out of

charge…immunise yourself against this potential situation by always carrying a portable charger!

Headlamp

For those impromptu night-time adventures.

Disposable camera Gone are the days of worrying whether your digital camera has enough battery to last you all of the natural splendour that that day has to bring. Vintage disposables have many benefits, not only are spontaneous snaps a great social activity, they also allow you to reflect on your travels, when you return suffering from travel blues.

Padlock If you happen to be staying in hostels, nothing shouts security more than a padlock (even if it’s flimsy and pathetic, it’ll do the job of deterring intruders!).

Ear plugs A definite must-have for long-term travellers. After a while, the novelty of hostel noises will most definitely wear off. Indulge in the luxury of two little bits of foam to protect yourself from rustling bags, snoring, or even intimate grunts!

Meg Blount shares all the best spots when visiting Budapest

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he bustling city of Budapest is an ideal destination for both a short city break and a more relaxing holiday, offering a multitude of activities which attract millions of tourists every year. The fabulous architecture of Buda and Pest combine the two halves of the city together, despite the geographical separation of the Danube river, creating a sensational metropolis that everyone should be encouraged to explore.

The historic highlights of Budapest are evident within the impressive architecture, showing the regal past of the Hungarians and the pride taken to build aesthetically pleasing homes. Luckily, the prices in Budapest to enter these historic buildings and churches are relatively cheap and are, without a doubt, worth paying in order to marvel at the skilful engineering. The Fisherman’s Bastion is an impressive viewing terrace that offers panoramic views of the city and boasts turrets and spires, almost resembling a castle from a fairy-tale; this monument is free to wander around on the lower levels accompanied with great views, but at a small charge access is granted to the highest platforms, ultimately possessing a slightly better look out onto Budapest.

It commemorates those who sacrificed themselves for Hungary's independence

Image: mohamed hassan from Pixabay

Furthermore, a plethora of religious buildings are accessible to the public, including the largest synagogue in Europe: Dohány Street Synagogue and the largest church in Budapest: St Stephen’s Basilica. Both are must see spectacles of the city and should be visited and appreciated, especially as the cathedral contains the mummified right hand of the patron King St Stephen – a rare, slightly disturbing, artefact. In order to add further history into the exploration of the city, visit the Danube promenade to find the collection of metal shoes placed on the banks of the river to honour the Jews killed during World War II or climb uphill to the Liberty Statue, which commemorates those who sacrificed themselves for the independence of Hungary. Albeit, the Hungarian Parliament Building may be the most remarkable structure situated in Budapest; the beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture on the outside is complimented by the gorgeous interior, establishing a magnificent building and becoming a definite priority

to get a tour – highly recommended to discover some of the secrets of the parliament…

There are many other recreational activities available that may suit those less interested in the history of the city and wanting more immersive experiences. Budapest is famous for its vast array of spa baths and is in fact home to the largest medicinal bath in Europe, Széchenyi; this bath house consists of 15 indoor baths, 3 outdoor baths and 10 sauna and steam rooms, providing perfect facilities for a pamper, especially if you treat yourself to a massage as well. On a slightly smaller scale, the Gellért Spa offers a similar relaxing experience only with fewer baths, but therefore it is less crowded. Plus, Gellért has the addition of a wave pool, adding a bit more variety to those hours spent unwinding.

After such a relaxing day, food is definitely a priority and Budapest offers a large range of cafes and restaurants with classic traditional food. The Grand Market Hall is definitely a great place to get food and to discover local delicacies at a more affordable price. The Market is also the perfect place to buy souvenirs or gifts for those at home unfortunately unable to enjoy the wonders of Budapest. For more upmarket dining experiences, book a river cruise along the Danube that includes a candle lit meal, as you slowly make your way downriver, admiring the beautiful scenery of the city in both Buda and Pest and enjoying the romantic ambience of the night. Alternatively, splash the cash at the New York Café, considered the most beautiful café in the world with its Italian Renaissance style, the queue for a table is worth the wait as the hot chocolates are heavenly, tasting like pure melted chocolate; however, a small cup is recommended as it is incredibly sweet and filling. If alcoholic drinks are desired instead, the ruin bars are the place to go – run down buildings have been transformed into quirky, upbeat bars unlike any other in the city. The original bar, Szimpla Kert, allows you to enjoy a beverage whilst lounging in an empty bath or you can explore the various rooms that all have a slightly different edge but are undeniably cool and unique – great photo opportunities.

Budapest is a versatile city that can be visited at any time of the year. In Winter, dainty Christmas markets are set up all around the city selling beautiful, handmade gifts and traditional food. The lake in the City Park is also turned into a gigantic ice rink, adding to the merriment and providing a fun activity for all those in Budapest. In contrast, summertime brings gorgeous weather perfect for festivals, including the most famous music and cultural festival Sziget: an intense week of activities and performances, an unforgettable experience for all.

Image: Jorge Franganillo from Flickr

Image: mohamed mohamed mahmoud hassan from Needpix

Well, I’ll be DAMned: the new Eurostar route

Ruby Story Dartford reports on the new London to Amsterdam Eurostar route, which is set to start this coming April 2020

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urostar has launched the first direct route taking passengers between London and Amsterdam in just under four hours. Two years after the original London to Amsterdam journey was first established, travellers are now able to make the non-stop journey between the cities with one way tickets beginning at £35.

Whilst tickets can be purchased from February, the service will officially open at the end of April. Initially there will be two services running from Amsterdam to London a day during the week and one on the weekend. Eurostar aims to eventually increase this to three daily services and then four. Passengers should arrive at their destination in approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes. With returning fares are priced from as little as £70, the new service is expected to be of popular demand.

Although Eurostar previously had three direct trains, carrying 570,000 passengers since April 2018 between London and Amsterdam, the journey had never been as straightforward. The existing route meant that passengers heading towards London were forced to change trains for passport checks in Brussels, taking the journey time

to over 5 hours. However, an agreement between both the UK and Dutch Government has allowed for the new commercial route to finally launch, taking passengers from Amsterdam Centraal to London St Pancras.

Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport stated, ‘’the days of passengers being forced to decamp from the train at Brussels to file through passport control will soon be over, as we look forward to direct, return, high speed services to Amsterdam and beyond.’’ The direct route will also stop at Rotterdam, with a direct route from Rotterdam to London launching from 18th May 2020.

Whilst it is still considerably cheaper to fly, the high speed train competes against air travel boasting that their service is more eco-friendly with Eurostar encouraging passengers to choose low-carbon travel by train over flight. The Channel Tunnel Service has stated that the Co2 from the commute between the UK and Dutch capitals is 80 per cent lower than that of plane. Furthermore,

for every departing service in 2020, the operator will plant a tree in either Britain, France, Belgium or The Netherlands in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly. Is high speed rail the future of travel

across mainland Europe?

Image: Andre Pronk from Flickr

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21

food life & style

Monday 17 February 2020

Food Editors: Cayla Viner & Amanda Goh

Film-food combos for your next movie night Tired of popcorn for movie night? Elisabetta Pulcini pairs famous movies and food together Him ordering a whole pizza for himself and gorging on ice cream when the family ‘disappears’ will make you wish your family disappeared when you were a kid. Since, tragically, we can’t relive our childhoods, the next best thing i s to marathon Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York while in bed, alone, with a massive pizza and diabetes-inducing sundae.

Marie Antoniette (2006)– macarons

This energetic take on the historical figure of Marie Antoniette is all about excess. From the food, to the alcohol, everything is colourful, sweet and tempting. Therefore, if you want to truly experience this Sofia Coppola classic, get yourself a massive tray of macarons, and enjoy the show.

Spirited Away (2001) – Japanese food

Image: unsplash Chad Montano

Chocolat (2000) – chocolate

If you’re planning to watch Chocolat, you absolutely will need a selection of chocolate to nibble on, for chocolate is more than just a treat. In this film, it represents lust, joy and community. It reawakens the soul of a dormant village, with its rich tones and luxurious blends.

Nothing will ever look more enticing that some dark chocolate, accompanied by a tiny hint of chili pepper.

Home Alone (1990) – pizza and ice-cream sundae

Nothing represents the epitome of American childhood like greasy pizza and an overly charged sundae. And dammit does Home Alone make it look delicious. From one of the first scenes, where Kevin is first deprived of his cheese pizza by his annoying family, we suffer with him.

Whoever says that animated food is not tempting clearly has never seen a Studio Ghibli film. While all of them famously feature comforting plates of food, Spirited Away is probably the most appealing.

From the onigiri (rice balls) to the classic sushi, to the lesser known ikameshi (rice-stuffed squid simmered in soy sauce), this movie has an inviting representation of Japanese cuisine which, though hand-drawn, will make you crave it more than any chef show out there.

fully decorated box and accompanied by hot chocolate served from a jewel encrusted cup, I think it’s safe to say, we all would have betrayed our siblings for that.

Goodfellas (1990) – pasta

Never has garlic looked so mouthwatering as in the Goodfellas cooking scene. The attention to detail, by slicing it veil-thin, and how it liquifyies in the pan with just a little oil.

If that wasn’t enough, the description of the tomato sauce, enriched by all types of meats is sure to have you crave pasta like never before, whether made by a gangster or not.

Dishonorable mention – Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983)

And now, if all these movies have made you sad to go back to depressing univer- sity food, just watch Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. I will just say that the eating scene with Mr. Creosote will instantly kill any crave for food you ever had.

The Chronicles of Narnia (2005) – Turkish delight

Listen, I don’t even like Turkish delight. Yet The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe makes it look like the only desirable food to comfort you in the dead of winter. Enclosed in a beauti-

Image: Youtube UpNow Social

Dish of the week: one-pot chicken

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ith 2020 now in full swing and the summer months fast approaching, eating healthily is super important.

However, many healthy meals can get expensive as they often require masses of ingredients that are hard to find in the local Tesco or Aldi and as students this becomes a real issue! This recipe has always been a family favourite and is now a favourite amongst my friends with it being so cheap and fool-proof for those who aren’t the greatest of chefs! All you need is one big pan and a fairly large casserole dish (so it is easy on the washing up!) and then these affordable ingredients.

This recipe serves four. I often like to freeze what I don’t eat for another day which is more economical and saves waste. To save the pennies, I buy my vegetables and meat like the kale, onions, garlic and chicken in this recipe from Grainger Market as you get much better value for money than the supermarkets.

Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs (or breasts/ legs if preferred) 1 chorizo, sliced 1 400g tin of chickpeas, drained 1 onion, sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 can of chopped tomatoes 200ml chicken stock Handful of kale, thickly chopped Sprinkle of thyme (not essential but definitely worth it) Steps: 1. Preheat oven to 200C/ 180C Fan 2. Fry the onion, garlic and chorizo slices in a little oil in the pan until the onion is soft 3. Add the chicken and fry until sealed 4. Add everything else! (Chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, kale, thyme and season with salt and pepper) 5. Stir together and then transfer into a casserole dish (if the pan you're using can’t go in the oven) 6. Cover with foil and place into the oven for 20 minutes 7. Remove the foil and cook for a further 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

I believe that any recipe with chorizo in it will be delicious and this is no exception! The dish is so easy and cheap, an essential for any student’s menu.

Isobel Coombs

To kefir or to kombucha?

Eat your way to a more Cayla Viner discusses two of the latest health drinks trends Y sustainable planet W ou have all probably seen the name Kombucha and Kefir floating around, whether they be in food articles, health books or are that unidentifiable item on the restaurant menu. So what are these weird health crazes?

Kombucha

Kombucha is an acidic, fermented tea-based drink consisting of sugar, bacteria and yeast. The symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast is called a SCOBY which ferments in the sugar solution. It is not a new phenomenon and has in fact been a popular drink in China for over 2000 years.

I decided to really experience the drink I needed to try it. The kombucha brand I chose was by Equinox and out of flavour preference, I chose raspberry and elderflower.

I was pleasantly surprised by the drink; it was lightly sparkling which I love and tasted like a summery cordial.

There was perhaps more sugar than the original kombucha blend in order to appeal to more customers, so I wouldn’t make a habit of drinking regular shop-bought brands, however with the drink only costing me £1.50 from Waitrose and tasting quite good, I can see why it is so popular.

The main reason it has now become a major product in the world of healthy consumerism is due to its many alleged benefits. Some of these include: - Can kill unwanted bacteria - May reduce heart disease risk by protecting LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation - May help manage type 2 diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels - May help protect against cancer - High in antioxidants such as polyphenols - Probiotic bacteria is produced through the fermentation While these are all suggested benefits that have been said about kombucha, there is only small samples of evidence that support each of these claims. Therefore it would not be wise to take these alleged benefits as fact.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk-based drink which originates from parts of Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia. The name is derived from the Turkish word keyif, meaning

“feeling good” after eating.

Kefir is nutrient-dense, with plenty of protein, B vitamins, potassium, and calcium. Calcium helps to build strong bones, protein builds strong muscles, and potassium is essential for heart health.

The probiotics are the strongest health benefit that kefir has to offer. According to the ‘Mayo Clinic’, probiotics can help to: - improve the healthy bacteria ratio in the gastrointestinal tract’s environment - treat or prevent diarrhoea, especially following antibiotic treatment - treat irritable bowel syndrome, or relieve symptoms - reduce or prevent gastrointestinal infections, or increase recovery from them - prevent and treat vaginal infections - prevent and treat urinary tract infections While kefir has plenty of great health benefits, it also has some side effects. This includes constipation and abdominal cramping. These side effects are most common when you first start taking kefir.

Just like kombucha, I wanted to make my own mind up about the kefir drink, so I bought the organic flavour from a brand called Biotiful Dairy.

In terms of the taste, the milky drink was quite sour and was thicker than I expected but I slowly started to get used to the flavour and texture In my opinion I don’t think I would make it a regular buy but it was an affordable product – like the kombucha it costed £1.50 for 250ml at Waitrose.

Verdict

Overall, I don’t know if I am fully convinced about either health drinks, however I don’t think I will rule them out completely; they often work as great additions to cocktails and smoothies which would hide their rather prominent flavours.

ith the recent media focus centring on the climate crisis that is sweeping the globe, the importance of sustainable eating has become a matter of urgency and something that is being increasingly adopted by individuals throughout the UK. The rapid rise of veganism over the past year is a response to the increased awareness surrounding sustainability and is a popular method in which to incorporate this into our everyday lives. Companies and manufacturers are also contributing by eliminating single-use plastics and implementing recyclable, and increasingly biodegradable, packaging.

The most recently developed means of sustainable eating stems from the role that packaging has on products purchased. Products encased in plastic are more likely to be rejected by customers than those packaged in cardboard. Brought into force by the European Parliament, all single use plastics will be banned by 2021. The elimination of detrimental, and often ons m m o C unnecessary, packaging imedia ik W : Image immediately paves the way for a more sustainable way of living. Choosing to buy products encased in biodegradable (such as the new shopping bags introduced by Co-Op) or cardboard packaging greatly aids in this fight for sustainable consumption and ultimately living.

Another increasingly popular way to introduce sustain-

able eating into our lives is to reduce our consumption of meat products. According to Shrink that Footprint, meat consumers produce 3.3 tons of CO2e compared to vegans who only produce 1.5 tons. Whilst a vegan lifestyle is not for everyone, reducing your meat consumption even by an eighth already evokes greater impact. Adapting your diet to focus on more plant-based products not only aids in the protection of our planet, but also has numerous health benefits that are not always imminently clear.

European Parliament legislation bans all single-use plastics from 2021

An often-neglected means to shop by modern society is buying locally farmed produce. Food markets are certainly not as popular as they used to be with the rise of supermarket chains dominating the streets of Britain today.

Choosing to buy your produce locally not only cuts down carbon emissions from the transport of products globally, but also aids local and family-owned businesses in the face of powerful and dominating supermarket chains.

Most market stalls pride themselves in offering delicious and locally sourced goods that generally have no packaging at all. Buying loose fruit and vegetables from market stalls like those in Grainger Market or those lining Northumberland Street kills two birds with one stone.

Whilst sustainable living from the outset can certainly appear daunting and sometimes overwhelming, it is something that is crucial to the protection of our planet.

Cutting down your meat consumption and avoiding the purchase of heavy packaged goods already sets you in stead for a more sustainable lifestyle. Even just adopting a couple of these methods in day-to-day life helps with the greater good.

Madeleine Raine

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culture music Courier Classics Britdictions: who’s taking home a trophy?

Queen Elena Corcobado gives her predictions for one the most prestigious awards show in British music A Night at the Opera T A Monday 17 February 2020

c2.music@ncl.ac.uk Music Editors Dom Lee, Jagoda Waszkowiak & Joe Smith

lot of the time, popular music can seem overrated. However, every now and then, that special album comes along that’s entirely worthy of all the praise. For me, this will always be Queen’s A Night at the Opera.

Of course, most people associate this album with ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, which is, undeniably, Queen’s most famous song. It’s a great song too, full of memorable lyrics and epic guitar solos. Yet, I don’t think it should be the main reason this album is still so loved, 45 years after its initial release. It’s true that it’s a great tune, but let’s not discard the rest of the album.

From ‘You’re my Best Friend’ (my personal favourite), to Love of my Life, to God Save the Queen, this is an album that encompasses every emotion, from joy, to sadness, to all-out hyper-active craziness. Whatever mood you’re in, this is an album with a song that fits (even if the lyrics don’t always make sense!). Several of the songs became hits in their own right and I think it’s time that we remember this album, and indeed Queen in general, for more than just the one song.

Em Richardson

Soundgarden Superunknown

he 40th annual BRIT Awards returns on the 18th of February in London’s O2 Arena to celebrate the music industry’s favourite artists.

This year, the format has been slightly adapted, with 10 categories and longer performances. Performances by Lizzo, Harry Styles, Stormzy, Mabel and Lewis Capaldi have been confirmed, and here is a prediction of who will be awarded with some of the most prestigious music trophies.

Harry Styles’ debut album has helped deconstruct his boyband image

Dave, Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi, Michael Kiwanuka and Stormzy form the category of Male Solo Artist.

Despite Lewis Capaldi’s and Stormzy’s commercial success, Harry Styles might be chosen as the winner. His breakthrough after One Direction’s breakup as a solo artist with his debut album Harry Styles already helped deconstruct his previous boyband image. With his 2019 album Fine Line and his eccentric persona, he has further established his artistic identity as a songwriter and

rock star.

Up for Female Solo Artist there are breakthrough musicians Freya Ridings, Mahalia, Mabel, FKA Twigs and Charli XCX. Charli’s outstanding success is a force to be reckoned with, however, FKA Twigs holds her ground with her newest album Magdalene.

It might be Stormzy’s time to shine with his Heavy Is The Head album

The critically acclaimed record is phenomenally written and produced, and FKA Twigs’ beautiful and expressive voice and physical artistry completes it to create a masterpiece.

For the Best Group category, there is tough competition. Bastille, Coldplay, Bring Me The Horizon, D-Block Eu-

rope and Foals all fight for the award this year. Although I love Coldplay and their new back-to-the-old-days Everyday Life record, Foals produced with Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1 and Part 2 two of the greatest albums of the year. Their contemporary and anthemic nature might earn them a BRIT award.

For Song of the Year, Lewis Capaldi’s ‘Someone You Loved’ has not only has incredible commercial success with outstanding radio play, but it has also won our hearts.

For one of the most prestigious categories of the awards, the Mastercard Album of the Year, it might be Stormzy’s time to shine, with his Heavy Is The Head album.

It was not difficult to think about who to award for Best New Artist: Sam Fender, who has produced an exceptional, heavily personal and emotive debut album with Hypersonic Missiles. For Best International Female and Male Artists, Billie Eilish 2019’s accomplishments and success stand out despite of the greatness of the rest of the nominees (being Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, Lana del Rey and Lizzo); and I could not choose other than Tyler the Creator, with his beautiful IGOR.

E

very now and then the rock pool needs a dash of chlorine. By the late 70s progressive rock had become an pretentious wasteland of keyboards and wizards, so punk came along to return rock to its most pure form. By the mid-80s the punk rock had burnt itself out and in its place came New Wave and the abomination that was ‘Hair Metal’.

Thankfully in the university town of Seattle on the north Pacific coast of America a bunch of anger kids raised on punk and old school metal were preparing to blow the music world apart. This new genre - a combination of punk aesthetics, metal guitar tones and alt-rock melodies - was given the appropriate name of Grunge.

Superunknown would go down in history alongside Nirvana’s Nevermind (1991), Pearl Jam’s Ten (1991) & Alice In Chain’s Dirt (1992) as one of the select few albums to stand the rigors of time and still stand up today as a classic not just of the Grunge era, but of the entire history of rock music.

First up is perhaps the bands signature tune, or at least, the one that most rock fans would have come across on countless 90s playlists; the apocalyptic ‘Black Hole Sun’.

One of the most conventionally structured songs on the album, ‘Black Hole Sun’ is lead singer Chris Cornell’s attempt to put into words his views on the nature of society, the birth and destruction of the universe and his own melancholy. However, this is not a self-pitying number nor a cry for help like some of his Grunge counterparts.

Next up is ‘My Wave’. This ode to living life to the fullest and letting others do as they please – so long of course as it does not negatively effect others. Featuring bouncing rifts from Cornell and Kim Thayil, this song showcases the bands more radio friendly hard rock side, sounding something more akin to the work of contemporaries Pearl Jam. The song can perhaps be summed up by the repeated line of “Save it just keep it off my wave“.

Lastly is the seminal track ‘The Day I Tried To Live’. It was well known before his tragic suicide in May 2017 that the singer suffered from bouts of severe depression throughout his life. While there are many songs in the Soundgarden back-catalouge that cover this subject it is this track that best exemplifies Cornell’s rare ability to portray his ennui in a way that connects with the listener. Drummer Matt Cameron and bass player Ben Shepherd are at their best on this track, with the deeper tones reflecting the melancholy nature of the lyrics. It is a dark song full of the sadness of resignation of the self, rather than anger and nihilism towards the whole world that was common place among the other Grunge acts of the time.

Joe Holloran

Instagram @stormzy

Lars Crommelinck Photography

Instagram @fkatwigs

Christopher Johnson on Flickr

Circles by Mac Miller: his last album and his legacy

Ben Travis looks at Mac Miller’s final album Circles, and discusses the legacy Mac leaves behind

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hate post-humous albums. Well, until now.

They always felt unnatural. Released, in theory, without an artist’s permission, post-humous albums tend to transmit a mix of greed from both the undetected capitalism of the music industry, and an unrivalled clinginess of music stans. Once an artist dies, that’s it, we have the legacy they created and that’s all we get.

Mac Millers Circles was released on the January 17th 2020, roughly 16 months after his death from an accidental overdose. Announced by Miller’s family, they stated how Circles was a well-developed companion to Mac’s prior album Swimming. Swimming in Circles. Both albums had been solely produced by himself and Jon Brion. Brion finished the project and, with the blessing of the family, Circles was released.

The album is comprised of twelve, all of which delve into Mac’s big-picture perspectives on life. Mac speaks about the neverending trials and tribulations of life on songs such as ‘Complicated’.

He tells us to take things “one day at a time” in the song ‘Circles’. He covers Arthurs Lee’s 1972 ballad ‘Everybody’s Gotta Loose’, a vessel for Miller to discuss the fluctuation of success and happiness.

Astonishing genre-bending capabilities aren’t anything

new to Miller. Jazz infelt like Mac’s forte. witness his approach creating less of a hipmore of a singer/ lective. Waltz infu-

fluenced hip-hop In Circles, we to other genres, hop album and songwriter colsion in ‘That’s

On Me’ shows Millers ability to consistently diversify his range. Barbershop Quartets guide us through ‘Blue World’ as well.

Image: YoutubeMac Miller

Astonishing genrebending capabilities aren’t new to Miller

Miller’s voice paired with just a guitar, ‘Surf’ reminds us why Mac Miller transcends the label ‘rapper’ and instead has become an unceasing artist, soaring even when stripp i n g back to minimalist production.

Knowing that Miller’s family felt it was a “process with no right answer” but that Malcolm would have “wanted the world to see it”, felt reassuring. I can’t help but wonder how I would have listened to Circles if it wasn’t for Miller’s untimely death. Sometimes harrowing, but always beautiful, Circles the goodbye we all needed.

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Monday 17 February 2020

The importance of the independents Finlay Holden reflects on independent venues in the North East

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he chances are that, if you’re reading this, you probably love live music concerts.

Nothing beats singing/screaming along to your favourite artists performing a song that you’ve played over and over in your bedroom for months. If you’re seeing gigs here in Newcastle, the big artists may be headlining the Utilita Arena or o2 Academy – huge venues with brand sponsorship that keeps them running, packing you into the building like sardines. These places often look exactly the same as their counterparts in any other city.

However, if you’re supporting smaller, touring artists or local performers putting on more intimate shows, you’ll be attending the less well-established hubs of music, which are independent venues. These are so important to the culture of the music scene because, without them, it would be impossible for any artist to make a start; no one immediately jumps to selling out arena shows without a bit of graft beforehand. They also provide an entirely different experience for fans, bringing together a close-knit community of performers and fans in a unique setting.

Whether it be the indie grandiose of Riverside, or the grunge appeal of Think Tank, there are venues all over every city that provide a more special experience than being crammed into a room full of thousands of people. It’s great fun to explore these spaces when attending a show, getting a feel for the style of specific areas rather than the generic-postered walls of a branded building. The North East has too many of these to name, giving aspiring musicians the chance to perform in front of audiences for what may be the first time, and allowing fans to not just watch the show from a distance, but be truly thrust into the centre of it, getting face-to-face with some undiscovered talent.

If you support these smaller businesses by catching a band, grabbing a t-shirt and meeting some bands, you will not only be paving the way for future stars to rise through the live circuit, but you’re also guaranteed to find some hidden gems along the way. (Also, you won’t be charged £75 per ticket, which is always a plus.)

@culture_courier thecourieronline.co.uk/music

Blossoms Foolish Loving Spaces

music culture

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Algiers There Is No Year

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tockport heroes Blossoms return to the forefront with their third full-length effort, Foolish Loving Spaces. If you vibe with their previous releases, there’s no doubt you’ll love this one as it adapts their classic 80s-synth-pop sound to 10 new glittering indie bangers.

The first three tracks are definitely the stand-outs with insanely catchy choruses implementing unusual instrumental combinations to underlay the dream-like vocals.

The theme of love stories is undeniable in not only the records lyrics but even its song titles. ‘If You Think This Is Real Life’ discusses a failed relationship, the wildly successful single ‘Your Girlfriend’ explores a protagonist falling for his mate’s titular partner, and ‘The Keeper’ is a classic declaration of love. While the production values certainly give a quality polish to the end product, the acoustic versions of every track available on the deluxe version show that the song-writing can flourish even when this is stripped back.

The band are also capable of slowing things down with the calm ‘My Vacant Days’ and ‘Falling For Someone’, which continue the appealing melodies and harmonies through to the end. ‘Like Gravity’, which births the LP’s title, is a more interesting experiment in sound with a long run-time and instrumental breakdown sections, proving the band doesn’t always rest on their laurels. Songwriter Tom has actually described that he found writing about love to be more of a challenge, as it’s hard to make things interesting when you’re mainly focusing on the positives.

Overall, this album is bound to irritate some with its blatant focus on somewhat cheesy commentary on love and not straying too far from the bands previous tone, but as usual, it is hard not to get swept up in the straightforwardly enjoyable soundscape that Blossoms create and I’m sure these anthemic hooks will join tracks such as ‘Charlemagne’ in their legendary live sets that comfortably sit among the best of the UK’s indie headliners.

tlanta’s Algiers, variously described as “gospel-punk” and a combo of post-punk & soul, introduces their new album as evidence of a mutation: “traversing unprecedented ground”.

Given the band’s past hits, The Underside of Power (2017) and their self-titled debut (2015) - alongside a smattering of Eps and singles- whether this mutation is benign is key when considering There Is No Year.

The transformation could be called a refinement- or focusing- of their sound, coupled with a decisive introspective turn. The shift is grounded in an internal shift within lead vocalist Franklin James Fisher: the lyrics of the album are exclusively drawn from his “Misophonia” -the hatred of sound- a poem summarised as a product of a period of profound anxiety and lack.

The effect is an album of peaks and troughs: moments of soaring revolutionary Messianism coupled with certain tracks that verge on uninspired. (Though even the uninspired are enjoyable). In the former category you can count the titular opening track, alongside ‘Dispossession,’ ‘Chaka’, ‘Nothing Bloomed’ and the closing ‘Void’. These tracks are those where the calls to action (“freedom is coming soon”, “you can’t hide away”, “it is coming around (it’s opportunity)”, etc…) are matched instrumentally by explosions of chaos within the tracks.

The refinement of Algiers’ sound that occurs on this record, whilst producing the group’s most accessible material yet, tends towards a playing-it-safe: a homogenizing. The rupture & eruption that defined preceding records gets smoothed over in this process.

‘Repeating Night’ is the choice example of this, pairing Fisher’s poetry with a passable beat- the power of the former diminished by the monotony of the latter.

‘Unoccupied’ likewise disappoints, but it’s fair to say that there are no dismal tracks on the album- just unfortunate lapses into repetition and monotony. The message of revolutionary hope persists, untainted.

Finlay Holden

Humphrey Jordan

Image: Dom Lee

A chat with Venue headliners New Rules KING NUN! Grace Lazzaro interviews the promising new band ahead of their Newcastle show in Venue O WIN TWO TICKETS FOR

n Friday, February 7, I had the immense honour of interviewing up- and- coming pop band New Rules. This trio is comprised of Ireland native Ryan Meaney, and Londoners Nathan Lambert and Alec McGarry. Fairly new to the music industryas they only became a band last April - these three talents have quickly risen in the ranks of the pop genre.

From touring with Little Mix to headlining a tour of their own, this is definitely a band to look out for.

What do you feel is the best song you have ever released and why?

Alec: I think we all agree that ‘Fix Somebody’ is definitely up there as it has taken off the best out of all of our songs. It’s been getting a lot of airplay in Mexico and the Philippines recently and in America as well. Radio Disney had picked up on it over in the States. Also, we just feel as one of our songs, it probably means the most to us so I think that we all agree that ‘Fix Somebody’ is our favourite one.

And then kind of piggybacking off of that, do you have a favourite song to perform and why?

Ryan: I think our favourite one to perform is ‘Happy Ever After You’. As you can imagine by listening to it, it’s got a lot of energy so when we perform live it’s fun to see the crowd jumping up and down and getting loudit’s great.

Putting aside all the labels of the music industry and whatnot, how would you personally describe the music you produce?

Alec: So a friend of ours once described it as tribal mayhem and we are still figuring out whether we agree with that.

Nathan: I agree with that. I think it’s fair enough.

Alec: Alright so maybe we agree with that. It’s kind of a mashup of a lot of different influences. We all come from backgrounds of loving bands like Kings of Leon and other kinds of pop bands and rock bands. But also mashing together some more kind of pop artists so we are really big fans of Julia Michaels and we love John Mayer as well who is not exactly pop but is still a big influence.

Nathan: I mean with all of our music, our goal is to make music that is full of energy and makes people feel stuff

so all of our music we tend to write ends up sounding quite happy when actually the context of the song is quite sad. But the goal of any song for us is to just to make someone feel something.

Ryan: When we write songs we do have a vision about how they would sound in a live setting because performing live is such a big part of our band. We toured a lot even in a short time so that’s a big part for us when we are writing a song. We like to think can this bring to a live setting and how good can it make people feel in a room.

Alec: I think another thing is we are a playing band; we all play our own instruments in a whole band setup so I think that when we write a record it’s keeping it in a pop world but also it being able to translate really well live like what Ryan was saying into a “full band experience”.

What else goes into your creative process when writing a song?

Ryan: It’s different every time. We have written all of our songs and we love to write but it can start from an idea on guitar or it’s a song title or a lyric idea. And it could take a long time or it could take a short time depending on how it is going. But yeah. We just love writing together and we’ve been doing it ever since the band started.

Nathan: Yeah, literally every song is different every time.

If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?

Ryan: I like to think I would have been a professional footballer. Although I probably just would have ended up being one of those guys in the pub who says he would have become a professional footballer.

Nathan: I mean he still does that.

Ryan: It’s a knee injury Nathan: What about you Alec?

Alec: I’d probably be in university to be honest, studying something that would be mind- blowingly boring.

Nathan: To be honest, I always wanted to be a songwriter, so if I hadn’t been in

a band I would probably have proceeded writing for the people. But honestly, being in a band was always a dream for all of us ever since we were very young so to actually do this has been incredible.

What is it like to perform in other countries where English is not their first language? Is there a language barrier?

Alec: We went to Mexico recently, and we all kind of speak a level of Spanish so that worked. But we like to translate some songs of ours into the languages of the countries we are in or learn a native song that’s quite big in their country. So when we were in the Philippines, we learned this popular song over there that’s in their language, and we performed that at the two gigs we played, and it’s just good because the fans really make the effort to communicate with us so if we can reciprocate that then it goes down really well especially in a live show setting.

Ryan: And also it’s amazing to see them singing all of our songs. They know every word to all of our songs, and it’s not their first language so that is quite amazing to see.

We’ve got two tickets available for King Nun’s headline show at Think Tank on Friday 21 February.

King Nun is a four-piece band from south-west London who have shared a stage with Black Flag, Pale Waves and Foo Fighters. They released their long-awaited debut album in late 2019 and have received high praise for both their singles and their live performances.

To be in with the chance of winning the tickets, all you need to do is DM us the answer to the following question to our Twitter account @thecourieronline.

What was the name of King Nun’s first album?

A: Garbage B: Mass C: Niandra LaDes and Usually Just a T-Shirt

Instagram: @king_nun

/The CourierMusic Image: Instagram @newrules

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culture TV Image: openclipart

Actresses Corner

Sandra Oh

(Grey's Anatomy, Killing Eve)

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ow, I am a die-hard Grey’s Anatomy fan – being one of the loyal fans to have watched from the start to its current season – but one of the biggest losses the show saw (and there have been a lot of losses) was the departure of Cristina Yang aka Sandra Oh. Every scene she was in put her in the spotlight; her ‘go-getting’ attitude led to some amazingly sarcastic one liners where she refused to let any social situation or person filter her ability to do and say exactly what she feels. Beyond her almost robotic work ethic, we see her beautifully strong friendship with Meredith Grey and the few times she lets her guard down is enough for audiences to completely fall in love.

Her character was a truly special part of the enormous Grey’s cast – ultimately earning the Korean-Canadian actress five Emmy nominations – so when she left the series in 2014, I was just hoping Oh would one day make a comeback. What I did not expect was for her return to be on none other than the BBC, alongside Jodie Comer, in the thrilling and ironically addictive series, Killing Eve.

the courier

Monday 17 February 2020

c2.tv@ncl.ac.uk TV Editors Amy Brown, Sophie Hicks and Kate Dunkerton

Netflix's crown jewel too risky for the royals?

Lucy Lillystone discusses the somewhat abrupt ending of Netflix's period drama The Crown

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etflix’s royal series following Queen Elizabeth II and her family through history has just recently come back with a season 3 and yet, despite the success of the show, it has been confirmed that the show will end after season 5. As they say, all good things must come to an end…however, that hasn’t stopped me from feeling devastated and a little bit angry. It’s not like there’s a shortage of plot!? Or brilliant actresses like Olivia Colman out there willing to portray her royal highness.

This news comes with a bit of a shock after the announcement that the upcoming seasons will feature much anticipated Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister and actress Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in the final season. Showrunner Peter Morgan also spoke of how “at the outset, I had imagined The Crown running for six seasons.” But after working on season five, “it became clear that this is the perfect time and place to stop.” Originally, the show was going to follow Queen Elizabeth from age 29 to, presumably, the current day meaning six decades and six seasons which is most likely why the news caught many fans off-guard.

Season four will start around 1977 and will follow through until the beginnings of the 90s with the final series most likely going to cover the fire at Windsor Castle, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York’s divorce, Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s divorce and the death of Diana. With the announcement, fans have predicted the show will thus end with the death of Diana, avoiding the conspiracy surrounding her death.

The cancellation is a means of avoiding the portrayal of the royals

The revelation also means that The Crown will not cover the current royal family drama surrounding Megxit (the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle) as fans of the show had hoped. Some had even suggested Meghan Markle playing herself which would be quite funny in itself. This, alongside the recent scandal surrounding the news of Prince Andrew and his relationship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, perhaps the cancellation is a means of avoiding the portrayal of the royal family in a light Queen Elizabeth II wishes to avoid.

That’s not stopped the show before though with the recent episode on the disaster at Aberfan in which we see the delayed reaction of the

Queen toward visiting Aberfan and offering her condolences and the cruel treatment of Her Royal Highness toward Prince Charles in sending him to Wales.

What is quite ironic, however, is that in the previous season, we saw Queen Elizabeth destroy tapes from when the BBC followed the royal family round, capturing the day to day life of the royals because of how the Queen was portrayed. Perhaps, this is why the show has been cancelled so soon due to the paranoia of showing such scandalous content that Her Royal Highness will not approve of. This theory comes from the support The Crown has received in the past from the royal family themselves.

Re

Rub

In the past The Crown has received support from the royal family themselves

So, whether The Crown has been cancelled too soon or whether it is for the better, we’ll soon see but I for one am excited to see the portrayal of Margaret Thatcher and the journey of Queen Elizabeth II and her family in these two final seasons. Maybe in the future, someone else will come along and visit the chapters of the royal’s history The Crown dares not to touch upon. You never know.

She became the first Asian actress to win two Golden Globes

Her new character, Eve Polastri, portrays a bored MI5 operative who soon becomes obsessed with tracking down a rather quirky international assassin (Comer).

The two character bounce off each other in the most extraordinary way as both want the other dead yet through their infatuation towards one another, they seem to form a strange ‘would-be-lovers’ connection that cannot quite be explained. I do not think that audiences would be so invested if it wasn’t for the tremendous acting of Oh who carries her half of the cat-andmouse duo with endless emotion and intrigue.

Killing Eve diverts away from the unconscious assumption that men must be at the centre, as the focus is on two very powerful leads. It is refreshing to see a female character show both immense intelligence and grit without the need for a male character to save the day.

Furthermore Sandra Oh became the first actress of Asian descent to win two Golden Globes; this will hopefully be a positive step towards more diversity in television. Oh epitomises the constant progression of female actresses who are making big names across our screens with their unforgettable performances and I am rooting for Oh and anyone who follows all the way.

Cayla Viner

Image: IMDb

Image: IMDb

Images

REVIEW: The Stranger O

n 30 January, Netflix launched its new mystery-thriller miniseries called The Stranger which is directed by Daniel O’Hara and written by Danny Brocklehurst. The show is based upon a novel of the same title by Harlan Coben.

The first episode starts with Adam Price, who is approached by a stranger in a bar. This stranger tells him a life-altering secret which has a domino effect on his marriage, his family and his friendships. Simultaneously, the episode follows through with a group of teenagers dancing around a fire under a full moon and a naked boy running through the woods.

However, slowly the show reveals that this stranger is central to the chaos erupting in the lives of various other characters, with all of their secrets now entangled with each other. There is more to the motive of blackmailing these people for a sum of money in exchange for keeping the secret intact, and it is personal. But if only it all were that simple!

The show has a good casting with Richard Armitage (The Hobbit, Berlin Station) in the role of Adam Price, who terrifically ties the narrative together in his challenging journey to keep his family safe. Shaun Dooley (The Witcher, Eden Lake) plays the Price family’s neighbour Doug Tripp, who comes and goes in the episodes, but his place in the narrative is not as breezy as his appearance.

Siobhan Finneran (Downton Abbey, Happy Valley) does justice to the emotionally and professionally taxing character of Detective Griffin, who is as strong as one could imagine a woman to be.

The mystery-thriller genre is a rather tricky one because all of the details have to be almost ‘exact’. The slightest bits of content and curation can make it or break it.

The show deals with too many plot points at once and introduces them well, so the mystery part of it keeps its charm. However, it fails to maintain the thrill by taking up too much on its plate. All of the mini narratives make it hard to keep up and therefore, leads to a loss of interest in the show.

Not every plot justifies its place in the narrative

By the end however, the show brings together all of the mini plots and ties them together to one or rather two people. With such a great casting, the show had a brilliant scope of utilizing the story better in terms of screenplay. However, not every plot justifies its place in the narrative whole of the show and could have been avoided to make space to discuss less with more clarity.

Watch The Stranger on Netflix Arnojya Shree

Images: YouTube

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Monday 17 February 2020

@culture_courier thecourieronline.co.uk/TV

epresenting trauma in modern TV

by Osborne assesses how PTSD and trauma are dealt with in three Netflix Original series

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rauma is one of those taboo subjects that is either skipped over, or completely misrepresented in television.

However in the past three years, we have seen an influx of more realistic portrayals of how people deal with trauma in everyday life. In television, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder have commonly been portrayed as over dramatic. Coincidentally, this article focuses on three Netflix original shows: Anne with an E, Spinning Out, and Sex Education.

Anne with an E, based on the 1908 novel by L. M. Montgomery, focuses on how 11 year old orphan Anne Shirley adjusts to her new life with the Cuthberts, after being thrown between the orphanage and working as a servant for local families. In the novel, we never see the orphanage, or Anne’s flashbacks to it. Instead, we are introduced to Anne’s overactive imagination and love of reading, and left to infer the reason behind this escapism. The series however, delves into Anne’s head and the thoughts that plague her mind, behind her sunny smiles and stories. These flashbacks to scenes of the grey, dimly lit orphanage are heavy in season one, demonstrating how even after escaping an abusive situation, people still face the repercussions of their maltreatment far into their life.

In season two, the flashbacks become less regular, but are still there. However, in season three, we see the memories rush back for Anne as she revisits the orphanage where she spent most of her childhood.

We see how small, seemingly insignificant things, such as stirring tea, or the word “freak” can trigger a flashback.

AWAE also explores how these flashbacks don’t just affect the individual and their thoughts, but their behaviour, especially towards those closest to them. We see this in Anne’s character, but also in Ka’kwet, a Mi’kmaw

s: IMDb

girl who Anne befriends. Ka’kwet is sent to an Indian residential school, through little choice of her own or her parents. Even including this storyline itself is a positive of the show, as this dark piece of Canadian history is often completely avoided in media. Furthermore, we see how after Ka’kwet’s escape from the ‘school’, she doesn’t escape the trauma. She lashes out at her parents, and demonstrates how she has internalised the racism of the institution after it has been drilled into her. The lasting effects are detrimental, and despite her escape, she is forced back, and, controversially, the series is cancelled before we can see the resolve to her storyline.

Spinning Out shows how trauma can stem from anything

Abuse is not the only cause for trauma though, and we see this in Netflix’s Spinning Out. Kaya Scodelario (Skins) plays Kat Barker, a figure skater whose dreams of the Olympics are shattered when she suffers a severe head injury after falling during a competition. Spinning Out is positive in the way it demonstrates how trauma can stem from anything, and also how it can affect someone with a pre-existing mental health issue, in Kat’s case, bipolar disorder.

The injury and trauma that follows break Kat’s chances at the Olympics, triggering her to stop taking care of herself and her wellbeing, including stopping taking her medication. However, after the first few episodes, and the last episode, Kat’s flashbacks are rarely seen. Of course, trauma can manifest itself in ways other than flashbacks, but it is definitely shelved while the focus shifts to her relationship with her boyfriend, Justin. Furthermore, her recovery from her injury, in terms of being prepared to jump again seemed suspiciously fast, taking only an argument with Justin and a montage for Kat to regain her confidence, despite almost dying the last time she jumped.

It reminds us that sometimes just being there makes all the difference in the healing process

Possibly one of the best representations of trauma we have seen in recent television is the storyline of Aimee in season 2 of Sex Education. Aimee experiences sexual assault on the bus to school, and the series follows her as

she comes to terms with her experience.

Unlike Kat’s story, we see episode by episode the effect that the assault has on Aimee’s daily life. It hinders her from being intimate with her boyfriend, open with her friends, and most importantly, getting on the bus. All these things are realistic for people who deal with trauma, and this portrayal of how inconspicuous trauma can be in other people. One of the most poignant moments of Sex Education is the scene on the bus, where Aimee’s friends and classmates join her on her journey to school, reminding her that “it’s just a stupid bus”. This scene reminds the audience how important support from other people is in dealing with trauma, and that sometimes just being there with someone makes all the difference in their healing process.

Despite the progressive representation of trauma within these shows however, there is still one glaring issue. Apart from Ka’kwet, who’s storyline is not even finished, all characters mentioned who deal with trauma are white, straight women. This problematic nature needs to be addressed as it sets a standard that only this group of people can be affected by trauma. Of course, this is not the case, as trauma and the situations that cause it can happen to anybody. However, we need to see this on television more, as representation is the most important thing.

Image: Youtube

TV culture

Bojack Horseman Do we yay or neigh the finale?

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here can’t have been many harder pitches in the entertainment industry than Bojack Horseman. A cerebral and deadpan animation series about a talking horse, who happens to be the former star of a hit comedy. Washed up, alcoholic and nihilistic as only an anthropomorphic horse can be, on paper it reads as too wacky to function.

But as the hit show finishes after six seasons, it cannot be denied that Bojack Horseman will leave a gaping void in the overflowing, rush hour tube-like world of modern television. The second part of the final series aired 31st January, making the series the only countdown many Britons could joyously anticipate. The season’s final act does not disappoint.

Having seemingly achieved the long-awaited happiness that he had pursued for so long it seemed as if Bojack had become content, working as an acting teacher at Wesleyan. Unfortunately, the past wouldn’t leave Bojack behind. A depressingly inevitable, yet dishearteningly justifiable downward spiral of media and public outings are the sad ramifications of supplying alcohol to high schoolers and his entirely dysfunctional history with former co-star Sarah Lynn.

The dichotomy of silliness and severity, tongue twisters and existentialism has enabled Bojack to profoundly navigate issues such as abortion, anxiety, sexual assault and depression whilst remaining incandescently original and hilarious. But what was the point of it all?

Bojack was about how you can be happy when you're ultimately unhappy

Not only is this uncertainty a central theme to the series but also a poignant question to ask of a show that covered so much ground. The point of Bojack is best summed up in the season finale, in which Bojack sitting on a rooftop with Diane, says “Life’s a bitch, then you die”. After a pause Diane responds, “Life’s a bitch, then you keep living”.

Inevitably many fans posed potential endings to the show. But to do so is to misunderstand the point. Despite the fame, cross-species relationships and pertinent animation, Bojack was in essence about how you can be happy when you’re fundamentally unhappy. This horse is no hero, in fact laid bare he’s shameful. However, his inner struggle remains unnervingly relatable.

We end not knowing if he will or can be happy. But that’s not the point. Although it won’t be easy for Bojack, he will at least try.

Jamie Armstrong

After 57 years, Doctor Who has a diversity breakthrough

George Bell discusses representation in Doctor Who with the reintroduction of a fan favourite, and the first female black Doctor

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n a time where Hollywood seems to be stuck in the past as far as awards go (Oscars cough cough), it is television that is spearheading representation for all with shows like Netflix’s Sex Education and The Good Place. And with recent shocking events in Doctor Who’s latest episodes, it’s safe to say this long-running show is able to keep up and has a very interesting future. Spoilers for season 12 of Doctor Who! First airing in 1963 and spanning over 851 episodes making it one of the longest-running shows on the BBC, Doctor Who is a staple of British culture. The way this show has managed to keep going was changing the main character through regenerations which breathed new life into the show.

So far there have been 13 incarnations of the Doctor, 14 if you include John Hurt, with actors like David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi taking on the role more recently. However, it wasn’t until mid-2017 until we got our look at the 13th Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to take on the role; a true milestone for the show.

Doctor Who's runtime has been dominated by white faces

Now we are well into a second season with Jodie at the helm and has been well-received showing that gender doesn’t matter when casting someone as brilliant as The

Doctor. But show writer Chris Chibnall blew is a very important moment for the show as she is the everything out of the water with surprisfirst black woman, and person of colour to take on that ing reveals is one of his latest episodes, role. And personally I think she crushed 'Fugitive of the Judoon'. it. The show has definitely set up Not only did it mark the reher, and Captain Jack Harkness turn of fan favourite, and gay to return in later episodes and icon, Captain Jack Harkness many fans will wait with anplayed by John Barrowman ticipations to figure out how Jo’s from the Tennant era of Doctor relates to Jodie’s as far the show, but also the as timelines go. incredible reveal of the Another great example of first black woman to representation in the show play The Doctor. came in the latest season’s The episode centres two-part premiere around a new with the reveal of character, Ruth, the next incarplayed by Jo nation of one Martin from of the Doctor’s Holby City most iconic and appeared villains: The in Fleabag Master. Forwith Jodie’s mally played Doctor trying

by Michelle to figure out Gomez (The who she is. It Mistress or isn’t until later Missy) and in the episode John Simm, it’s revealed the role has that Ruth is been passed to actually the Sacha Dhawan, Doctor. This Iron Fist, the first Images: YouTube, Wikimedia Commons

British actor of Indian descent to get the role. Despite only appearing in two episodes so far, Sacha’s performance was brilliant and one of my favourites. It is clear that Chibnall intends for the character to return with the

Hollywood will soon see the future is inclusive for all

overarching storyline seemingly centring around the Master’s actions.

For most of Doctor Who’s runtime its been dominated by white faces and while that may have worked in the past, now that we are in 2020 inclusion for all is so important. And Doctor Who, the show about space and time, is making sure to make space for these actors and giving them the time to show why anyone with the talent can play the role and, in some cases, exceed previous performances.

Hopefully, Hollywood will soon see that the future is inclusive for all, like what TV is doing. Perhaps other iconic British characters, like James Bond get recast in similar ways. Please all I want is Idris Elba to play 007.

And if you haven’t yet given Jodie Whittaker’s run as the doctor a check, please do as it’s a great watch and it will show the BBC that what they doing is working.

Watch Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer

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culture film

c2.film@ncl.ac.uk Film Editors: Elisabetta Pulcini, Joe Holloran, Lucy Lillystone & Steven Ross

the courier

Monday 17 February 2020

Ones to watch in 2020 Netflix reigns supreme a George Bell shares with us which films to look forward to this year

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019 was a fantastic year for film, and now we’ve past the month where most movies go to die, January, we can look forward to yet another great year of movies. This year has already given us, in the UK, several brilliant films like 1917, Parasite, and Uncut Gems, and here is what else is to come.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching why not take your significant other to see a highly anticipated romance, Sonic the Hedgehog. This is a film that has definitely gone through a lot of controversies, specifically at the design of the titular character, but the studio actually listened to the public outcry and went back and vastly improved the design. This deserves your watch for that alone as hopefully convince studios in the future to listen to their audiences.

It also marks the return of Jim Carrey to the big screen the main villain Dr. Robotnik, 4 years since his last film role in Dark Crimes (2016) Speaking of long hiatuses, 2020 should also give us the horror x-men spin-off The New Mutants. While it may not look promising with numerous delays and rewrites it will certainly be interesting to see how they try to blend horror and superheroes similar to James Gunn’s Brightburn (2019).

Horror doesn’t just end there with like The Quiet Place II and Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It also set to release in 2020. Both are sequels to highly successful films, both critically and at the box office, so are sure to be extremely popular. The Quiet Place II has Emily Blunt set to return as along with Cillian Murphy in a new role.

Meanwhile, Conjuring 3 will continue the paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson.

In April we will get the final outing from Daniel Craig as the 007, James Bond with No Time to Die. Since 2006 Craig has been the face of the franchise so it’ll be weird to no longer see him in, his role which arguably skyrocketed him into stardom. So, it’s sure to be a big movie for that alone and hopefully will make up for the lackluster Spectre (2015). This will also star Rami Malek

as the apparent main villain and see the return of Christoph Waltz as Ernst Stavro.

2020 will also be the anticipated return from certain high-profile directors like Christopher Nolan, Edgar Wright, Denis Villeneuve, and Wes Anderson with movies that are finally set to come into fruition. Nolan’s last film was 2017s Dunkirk and his next film is set to be Tenet which very little is known about but thanks to Nolan’s stellar film history and an all-star cast including John David Washington and Robert Patterson it is certain to be fantastic. Edgar Wright has given us some fantastic movies like Hot Fuzz (2007) and most recently Baby Driver (2017) so his next film outing, Last Night in Soho, is sure to be something to look out for. This is set to be quite different from his previous work with it being a psychological horror, so it’s interesting what Edgar Wright will do, especially being more tailored towards comedy pieces.

Denis Villeneuve is probably less well known but has given us films like Blade Runner 2048, Arrival, Prisoners and Sicaro so definitely has the talent behind him. His latest film is going to be Dune, based on the book by Frank Herbert, and will star Timothee Chalamet in the main role that’s basically Star Wars meets Game of Thrones.

Timothee Chalamet is also set to star in another film, The French Dispatch, written and directed by Wes Anderson whose reputation proceeds him also so should be another film to look out for.

So that’s some of the movies coming out this year that I am personally looking forward to and it has the potential to be a really great year for film.

Oh, and there are several thousand superhero movies coming out.

Image: IMDB

Indie Spotlight: Eraserhead

Tom Leach discusses David Lynch's 1977 hit indie film Eraserhead

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irector David Lynch is the feral wizard-king of the weird, and nowhere more strange than in Eraserhead.

Though perhaps more well known for his oddball detective-soap-meets-the-supernatural, Twin Peaks, or his dark neo-noir, Blue Velvet, it is his first feature length work, Eraserhead, that most clearly displays Lynch’s idiosyncratic style and masterful grasp of the weirder sides of life.

Where Lynch excels is in his analysis of the dark underbelly of suburban life

Eraserhead sets its scene in a shadowy, barren industrial wasteland, sound-tracked by both Lynch’s groaning, mechanic soundscapes, and the eerie organ music of Fats Waller. Loose though it is, the plot follows Henry Spencer (Jack Nance), as he deals with having to raise his deformed alien baby. The film is rife with Lynch’s signature dream sequences, leading to a disorienting story that seems to go nowhere. Nance’s anxious and frightened performance as Henry compounds the grim, intense atmosphere.

Where Lynch excels, perhaps more obviously in his more accessible later works, is his analysis of the dark underbelly of suburban life. Twin Peaks shows how

the murder of a popular high school student shakes the core of a small town; Blue Velvet is very much along the same lines. Eraserhead is more subtle, but scenes such as Henry’s meeting with Mary X’s parents twist and distort aspects of daily life that we consider normal. If you enjoy Lynch’s films and television, but haven’t seen Eraserhead, it’s important to watch it in order to understand how his work has developed of the years.

Where Eraserhead excels is in its striking aesthetics; it is filmed in black and white, intensifying the decaying, almost post-apocalyptic world. The sound design is just as important in creating the unsettling atmosphere, with the gross burping of the ‘baby’ contrasting with the electric shocks and dings of the factories. The music – when it can be called that – is offkey and out of tune, the Lady in The Radiator’s ‘In Heaven (Everything Is Fine)’ an odd composition both familiar and unplaceable in any sort of genre.

Lynch has since referenced Eraserhead-esque aesthetics in his work, notably in the more surreal episodes of Twin Peaks: The Return, and in his recent short What Did Jack Do? However, only in Eraserhead is this form of Lynchian art film so purely distilled.

Image: IMDB

Harriet Metcalfe asks if the tide is changing for streamed films after

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mazon Prime and Disney+ step aside, Netflix reigns over this awards season.

Cinema has never been cheap. £6 for a ticket (average Cineworld student ticket for a 2D film) and by the time you’ve bought snacks it can be upwards of a tenner just to see one film. Perhaps that’s why streaming giants like Netflix have become so popular with students; a basic subscription there costs about the same price as a cinema ticket per month and opens up a whole range of studio films, TV shows, documentaries, as well as Netflix originals. It’s no wonder then, that this year has seen them snatch up a grand total of 24 Oscar nominations, making them the most nominated Studio Company of the 92nd Academy Awards.

So what was nominated?

Martin Scorsese’s lengthy film about old white men, The Irishmen, picked up 10 nomina-

tions, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Noah Baumbach’s heart-breaking Marriage Story sees 6 recognition (including Laura Dern for Actress in a supporting role), and (my personal favorite out of the three features) The Two Popes has 3 nominations (including Best Adapted Screenplay). Two documentary features on Netflix, American Factory and The Edge of Democracy are up for awards each, as well as the documentary short, Life Overtakes Me. Whilst nominated French film I Lost My Body shows the diversity of content on the platform, Klaus might prove to be the start of their original features rivalry against Disney+, especially with its release scheduled in the UK this March.

As always, there is a disappointing number of films not nominated. Uncut Gems received a more-than-expected 92% by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s disregard by the Academy even lead to one Esquire article being titled 'How Did Uncut Gems Get Asolutely No Oscar Nominations? '.

Dolemite Is My Name is another Netflix original that seems to have gone unnoticed this awards season, despite an even higher rating than Uncut Gems of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest Netflix omission for me personally was the documentary feature Knock Down The House, which followed four women on their journey to Congress. Despite making it into the top fifteen films in the Documentary Feature category (from 159 titles), it unfortunately didn’t make the final ten.

Whilst the Academy are lagging to make strides in the diversity of nominees, the fact that Netflix have scored the most nominations this year has to be a bit of a kick in the teeth for Steven Spielberg, who last year commented that Netflix shouldn’t be eligible for Oscars, and only compete

Image: Pixabay

The controversial clas

Amy Brown comments on the significance of films that were cont

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ovies that have ever been deemed controversial are normally attempting to push some kind of boundary, whether that be social, political, creative or otherwise.

Of course, sometimes it’s just because directors want to see what they can get away with. Some films are stamped controversial because the explicit nature is just there for show, or rather to shock. Shock factor has often been seen as a lazy tactic in film. There is something to be said, though, about movies that came out and were deemed too controversial at the time. A lot of these films are now universally loved today for the lines that they crossed. So it begs the question, is time the main factor in whether a film is truly good?

Stanley Kubrick is immediately on the mind when discussing controversial content. The Shining (1980), adapted from the Stephen King novel, was originally criticised for its slow pacing and explicit portrayals of vio-

lence. It was also slammed for its deviations from the book, even by Stephen King himself. A critic at Variety even said: “Kubrick has teamed with jumpy Jack Nicholson to destroy all that was so terrifying about Stephen King's bestseller." It was the only one of Kubrick’s films to receive no attention from the Oscars or Golden Globes. It took until the late 90s and into the 2000s for The Shining to be more positively regarded. It now stands out for paving the way for the modern horror genre and appears on many lists of the best horror movies in history. A film

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27

Monday 17 February 2020

@Courier_Film thecourieronline.co.uk/film

at the Oscars

Birds of Prey (12)

Dolittle (PG)

film culture Parasite (15)

er this year's nominations landslide

for Emmy awards. An Amblin spokesperson said he felt “strongly about the difference between streaming and the theatrical situation”. And as much as I love Spielberg’s work – I think he’s wrong. Yes, this year has definitely proved that changes need to be made to clarify a films’ eligibility for the Oscars (how long does it need to be in theaters, how much a studio can spend on advertising, etc), but cinema is for everyone. I’d like to think these 24 nominations is the Academy’s acknowledgement of that, even if they’re not particularly diverse.

So watch Netflix to your hearts content, because there is good content on there, and, unlike major studios, they spend a lot of money taking risks. But don’t forget the cinema. Because in an age where streaming makes it easier to isolate ourselves and watch films alone – some of the best cinematic experiences start when you’re part of the audience.

Image: IMDB

Image: IMDB

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e can talk and walk with the animals as we well know, but how does this 2020 reincarnation of the classic tale bring a fresh light to the man who speaks to animals?

There was unfortunately nothing that could redeem this film’s butchery of the story. From the awful CGI to the inconsistent Welsh accent by Robert Downey Junior (Iron Man) who led as Dolittle. Our erratic narrator of Polly the parrot (Emma Thompson) invites us into the story of Dolittle who lives as a recluse with only his animal friends all of whom have their own flaws. The Queen is poisoned and Dolittle and his animal friends are forced out of their comfort zone and onto a quest to find the antidote to the poison, at which point the story then lurches into a chaotic adventure.

The film is stuffed with jokes that don't land and incomplete characters

The film’s desperate attempt to be whimsical (while backed by some costly design) falls flat, responsibility for this lies solely with the director (Stephan Gagham) trying too hard. The film is stuffed with jokes that don’t land and incomplete characters making for a confusing audience experience. There is so much lacking it is a difficult film to enjoy.

While it seems like the perfect role for Downey Junior, the eccentricity of Dolittle is diluted so much, making for a bland performance. The root of this may be the difficulty in reacting with the animals that aren’t there.

Dolittle was dull and difficult to watch, a real let down.

The lasting impression of this film is that of looking at a child’s collage; you know they’ve tried hard and you’ll stick it on the fridge despite knowing in your heart that it’s nothing special.

Image: IMDb

Katerina Vasilaki

Image: IMDB

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irds of Prey (2020) stars Margot Robbie, reprising her role as Harley Quinn from 2016’s Suicide Squad as she deals with her break-up with The Joker. Naturally, Quinn’s recent loss of immunity in the underworld doesn’t bode well, getting caught in a conflict with crime boss Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), as well as a complicated matter with pick-pocket Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco).

Birds of Prey immediately defies expectations of another comic book romp, trading end-of-the-world level stakes for a comically violent and well-contained affair. Told entirely from Quinn’s perspective, Prey takes a straight-forward narrative and presents it in a wonderfully chaotic and anachronistic style. Unfortunately, this also means that we don’t get to spend much time with other characters, leaving stragglers such as Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) and Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) a bit thin.

Cathy Yan proves herself to be a talented director in her first studio outing, making strong decisions all the way through. What stood out in particular was the production design of Roman Sionis’ nightclub. The Black Mask – the name of the nightclub, as well as Sionis’ alter ego – is beautifully realised with “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil” props and statues. The centrepiece of the club in particular – a black statue of hands on either side of the stage with eyes in between the fingers – is both chilling and hypnotic to look at.

Birds of Prey distinguishes itself from others in its genre through inventive action sequences, of which there are many, expertly choreographed and overseen by John Wick’s Chad Stahelski. The action more than justifies the film’s occasional use of hyper-violence, which is akin to that of a Quentin Tarantino film.

Overall, Birds of Prey’s campy style of vibrancy, brutal violence and innovative fight sequences are sure to please audiences in general and delight those with this particular niche. Though it doesn’t deny the events, Prey is a fresh start from Suicide Squad and lives up to the expectations that the latter set but couldn’t achieve.

Peter Lennon

ssics that stood the test of time

troversial when they came out, but throughout the years have become universally loved classics that was originally criticised for not being scary enough, is now widely perceived as one of the most terrifying in its genre. It is popular enough now to beg an adaptation of the sequel Doctor Sleep (2019) which just hit our screens recently with great critical reception, even from King himself. The Shining is a great example of a movie that needed time to be understood, even if I still see its flaws.

Kubrick’s 1971 adaptation of Anthony Burgess’ novel A Clockwork Orange is also an example of this idea, although to a lesser degree than The Shining. This dystopian movie, riddled with explicit violence and assault was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture in the year it was released. Despite its immediate positive critical response, it was still banned in certain locations, and even spurred copycat violence in the UK. As a result, for almost three decades, it was very hard to see A Clockwork Orange because of its censorship. It took until 1999, the year of Kubrick’s death, for it to be re-released. This movie is considered a cult classic now and even though it was widely loved from the beginning, it still took time for it to be accepted. Despite its controversy, it is commended for being thought-provoking and pushing artistic boundaries.

A final example is the musical feature film The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). This movie was an unapolo-

getic expression of sexuality and gender, a gem in the counterculture of the 70s. It was a brilliant mix of genres with an equally brilliant soundtrack. Critics originally slammed the film, and of course the explicit portrayal of fluid sexuality and gender identity had it being interrogated by many. Today, it is considered a landmark in queer cinema, even if it’s representation isn’t perfect to our modern audience. It still marked a change in the way that boundaries could be crossed.

Rocky Horror still has a cult following now, 45 years after it’s original release. It has been remade, performed on stages and sung for decades and has certainly earned its place

as a classic. It suggests a thought of whether people who watched Rocky Horror back in the day believed it would one day be so beloved. Arguably, time was the main contributor to this weird and wonderful musical leaving its cultural mark So maybe time really is the true teller in whether a film is good. Does it have the longevity to earn its title as a classic? Maybe it is something we can continue to bear in mind, next time a new movie is slammed by critics for one reason or another. It might be stuck on the bedroom walls of the next generation of movie fans.

Only time will tell.

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uring the 2020 award season, classicism seems to have become a new favourite genre and Parasite is one of the best films to talk about it.

The film, directed by Bong Joon-ho, which stars Kang Ho-Song (The Host, Snowpiercer) as Ki-taek has been in talks ever since its Cannes premier last year. Much like a parasite itself; it is an infiltrating and bewitching nightmare which threatens to assume a livid reality. The dark comedic take upon capitalistic sentiments with thrilling sense of mystery is beyond sensational.

The film becomes a site of collision between the rich, the poor and the poorer

The film becomes a site of collision between the rich, the poor and the poorer; where the circumstances lead to evil rather than people. On physical terms, the landscape involved in the narrative with flooded never-ending stairs, semi-basements, a house out of Architectural Digest, the quiet uphill neighbourhood all become characters in themselves. Especially the house of the Park family which reveals its hidden secrets much like the personality of the characters. This is world of uncertainty and inevitability where “no plan” is the best plan because nothing and no one is as they seem.

Living in a semi-basement apartment where the Kim family is scarcely getting by, Ki-woo is visited by Minhuyk one day, who is moving abroad for his studies. He asks Ki-woo to take his place as an English tutor to Park family’s daughter Da-hye. Ki-woo then becomes Kevin and introduces his sister as Jessica to Yeon-kyo, who is looking for an art teacher for her son, Da-song. Soon after, Mr. Park’s driver is suspected of being a drug-using pervert and the housemaid, a tuberculosis patient. With everything working out as smoothly as “the money which irons the creases”, Da-song reveals that the new employees ‘smell’ the same.

The screenplay is elegant and clean, with brilliance unfolding in the cinematography

The screenplay is elegant and clean, with brilliance unfolding in the cinematography and directorial style.

From the design of the house to the movement of the characters and the camera, every frame adds a new set of meaning to the narrative. The satirical approach to a revolting socio-economic reality promises to make you laugh and sulk at once, but also gasp at the haunting genius of Bong Joon-ho.

Image: IMDB

Eve Ducker

/NewcastleCourierFilm Images: IMDB

@Culture_Courier

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the courier

culture arts Getting cosy and creative: Newcastle's best date spots The Toon may have great spots for a night out and conventional dates - but Rachel Makinson offers some artsy alternatives V c2.arts@ncl.ac.uk Arts Editors Caitlin Rawlings, Charlotte Slinger & Lauren Sneath

alentine’s Day may be over, but Newcastle promises a romantic offering which lasts all year round. If you’re more into candlemaking than candlelit dinners – or if you’d rather paint sunsets than watch them - then feast your eyes is a small handful of artsy, alternative ideas for how to get cosy and creative in Newcastle.

Star and Shadow Cinema

Star and Shadow is a small, independent cinema on Warwick Street, run entirely by a group of volunteers. After their film screenings - which showcase the work of independent, nonmainstream artists- the Star

and Shadow hold Q&As to create a dialogue, in their words, "as opposed to buying your ticket, sitting or standing in the dark and then heading home". They also stage regular events, including gigs, craft sessions, and even DJ events. This February 14th, they screened Extra Ordinary – this definitely isn’t your classic Valentine’s romance film, but a fantasy/horror film about a woman with supernatural abilities who must save a possessed girl. So, if you and your date are up for an alternative, enlightening evening of culture, give the Star and Shadow a try.

Alphabetti Theatre

Based on St James Boulevard, just a short walk from the city centre, a trip to the Alphabetti Theatre always makes for a great evening. They create, produce and programme new and exciting work from upcoming artists, from music events, to poetry events, to the performing arts and comedy evenings. There’s always something different going on, and many of the performances are “Pay What You Feel”, making the theatre super accessible for everyone, which is admirably one of Alphabetti’s key priorities. An ever more forward-thinking and intensely ‘woke’ venue, their offering includes A 21st Century Comedy Night That Passes The Bechdel Test, with a synopsis advising the audience to expect fun, friendship and the unexpected (plus cake).

Laing Art Gallery

Instagram: @blindface & @barkingdogsband

Monday 17 February 2020

If you love visual art, the Laing Art Gallery, located on New Bridge Street, is without a doubt a great place to visit. The gallery was founded back in 1901, by Alexander Laing, and today is home to an internationally momentous collection of art, including pieces

by Henry Moore, Paul Noble, John Martin, Paul Gaugin and Burne-Jones. Isabella and the Pot of Basil, a pre-Raphaelite masterpiece

Instagram: @alphabetti_theatre

by William Holman-Hunt, is also displayed in the gallery. Regular exhibitions are hosted by the Laing Gallery, of historic art as well as modern and contemporary. This month, you can explore The Enchanted Interior exhibition, as well as view The Crystal Gaze

by Ursula Mayer, a film which forms part of The Enchanted Interior. The film can be viewed for free, but

to explore the full exhibition, you must purchase tickets in the gallery’s shop, which also sells lovely handmade and unique gifts.

Newcastle is an unexpected gem of a city in many ways, and its romantic aspects are no exception. Sure, we have restaurants, beaches and crazy gold – but why not get romantic on a more artistic level?

Missing Valentine's Day already? Read some romance!

Katerina Vasilaki rounds up the five best romance novels, new releases and classics, to beat those post-Valentine's Day blues I f you're a hopeless romantic, the thrill of Valentine's Day comes and goes all too soon. If you want to keep that fuzzy feeling going as long as you can, these romance novels are a must to bury yourself into. Choosing only five books was quite difficult, so to narrow down the options I had, in this list the books included haven't been adapted into films. I mean… almost everyone knows about To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before - and rightly so, since it truly is an amazing read however, I want to show some love to books that aren't as widely known.

Another note; in my mind, all of those books are number one, and I truly believe that whichever you pick out of the five, your heart will be both grateful and hurt. Really, this article should be titled, 'Top 5 Romantic Reads, or more accurately, 5 reasons I am permanently unavailable for real people'.

5. A Court of Mist and Fury

by Sarah J. Maas (2016)

Maybe this is cheating in more ways than one, but I couldn't help but put this book on the list. A Court of Mist and Fury is the second book of the A Court Of Thornes and Roses series, and technically it falls under the category of fantasy. Those two are the only reasons this novel is on number five instead of number one.

Essentially, it is my favorite romance of all time, but because it is the second book, Image: amazon.co.uk I am not go-

ing to mention the plot, in case you don't like spoilers. You must know that the first book is brilliant and romantic enough itself, however, in the second book, you'll be destroyed for all future relationships. Rhys can and will break your heart into pieces.

4. Persuasion by Jane Austen (1818)

Of course, putting a classic novel in this list is inevitable, and when talking about romance, Jane Austen is one of the first names that come to mind. To my mind, this is her most beautiful and nostalgic story. Pride and Prejudice is amazing, but Persuasion has this nuanced understanding of human nature, and Image: goodreads.com Au s t e n ' s writing is simultaneously deep, witty, and funny all at the same time.

While all of Austen's novels are generally comic, Persuasion has often been described as "autumnal" and that word suits it perfectly. There's a bittersweetness to the story that you just don't get in Austen's other works and you should definitely give it a chance.

3. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (2019)

This book... It has a special place in my heart.

It is funny, sexy, engaging, and heartbreaking.

Christina Lauren has done it again with a book that will fulfill your post-Valentine's blues. It is a light read, dealing mostly with themes like fam-

ily, luck, faith and love, but that doesn't mean a mindless read; The Unhoneymooners will leave your heart feeling happy and content. Generally, I am a big fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope (and now that I look at my list, all of the books has that kind of element), and this book excels it!

2. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)

Red, White & Royal Blue was a sure-fire choice for this list as it is the romance book that makes your whole body grin. Being a debut novel, I was a bit hesitant, but having read this, I must say I am truly excited about everything else Casey McQuiston comes out with.

What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales? And if that question does not have you intrigued, I genuinely do not know what will.

1. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata (2018)

It's physically painful writing about this book, because I adore it so much my heart contracts in ways I didn't know were possible. Rhys (pick number 5) is my book soulmate, but Ivan...he is a boyfriend, a partner, and a friend. I loved how this book represented love in various forms, like platonic love, romantic love (wink), but also the strong bonds families have.

This is such a slow burning romance (another theme I love in Image: goodreads.com this genre) and

it builds so naturally and gradually that it truly feels like you're falling in love in real-time alongside them. I must say that if you enjoy this book, Kulti, another novel by Zapata, would also be a good option for you.

Please do visit Goodreads for more information in regards to the plots, and I hope those books keep your sentimental imagination flowing.

Image: amazon.co.uk

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Monday 17 February 2020

@culture_courier thecourieronline.co.uk/arts

I do believe in the Book Fairies

Sophie Wilson tells us about the book fairies, a group of people who hide free books in public

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n international association, the Book Fairies March 2017. She has said that she is “blown are an organisation where people who have away by the amount of people who are willing finished a good book leave it for someone to give up their books for someone else. The else to find in the community. An official book fairy excitement we get, and book fairies around the sticker is stuck on it, which reads “Take this book, world get, when they find a great hiding spot- and read it and leave it for the next person to enjoy”, and even better, when someone finds one of their books, is hard to beat.” it is then hidden after being dressed in a ribbon.

The organisation is open to everyone: anyone can be a book fairy. It is available in 100 countries worldwide, A green ribbon and there is already an army of over 10,000 book fairaround a book is the ies. Their website tells that this amount of book fairies is an attempt to reinforce the idea that “there are real signal you should fairies in the world”, and because of this there is goodness in society. look out for In March 2020, the organization will reach its third birthday, and it has already recruited famous celebriIf you are wanting to get involved then look out for ties like Emma Watson. She has hidden books around NYC and in Paris, and she even extended her range books everywhere that you go. The books can be hidden on the London tube, on Paris sidewalks or on to Australia. She sucNew York City memorials. But they can also cessfully hid over 1000 be hidden in Newcastle city centre, who feminist books knows? A green ribbon around a book is for Internathe signal that you are looking out for. tional WomBut what if you want to become en’s Day. She, more involved? If you want to alongside all be a book fairy then you need the other to gather some books, order fairies, have stickers from the Book Fairies to hide their website and start hiding books. book without Be sure to share pictures of your being seen, but hidden, or found, book on social make it visible media, and the cycle of the Book enough for the Fairies can be carried on. If you next person to are extremely dedicated, then there spot. is even the chance to become the ‘ofThe ‘Book Fairy ficial’ Book Fairy of your country. This in Chief’ is Cordis someone who is responsible for the elia Oxley. maintaining and creating of each counShe set up try’s Book Fairy social media. the oride Every September 18th, there is now a w d rl o ganizasw ie bookfair Hide a Book Day. Next year, ensure that tion in stagram @ Images: In you take part as the Goodreads website have now teamed up with this organisation. It is a growing organisation that has the possibility to ensure much happiness in many book reader’s lives, so get involved.

arts culture Poem Box

There was a time I walked the path of night.

No sun, no moon, no candle to provide the light.

I stumbled through my dreams to find a way, But deep down knew I’ve long since gone astray.

– But one day, after I have given up all hope, I saw the light perched up as I observed a slope.

An uphill battle I dared to walk to, And fought my way up all the while through.

– I thought I’d find a better life at summit, I threw my all to find a way to climb it.

Alas, the time it took me to crawl up halfway, The light has shimmered and dissolved away.

– Yet I still felt the warmth of what ignited, I still reached out and tried again to find it, I prayed the fire from within was just enough To strike again and light the loving spark.

– But dawn has not come once again, It did not break through on the hill or on the plain.

And I was left to stand in freezing cold,

Images: Instagram @emmawatson and Instagram @bookfairiesworldwide

And stumble through with no more light to hold.

Jade Aruzhan Sagynay

Newcastle's art galleries: everything new in 2020 Iona Lowe gives us a round up of the exhibitions which have taken over Newcastle's art galleries as spring rolls around again

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lthough we may have already surpassed the new year (and broken many a New Years resolution), semester two is now upon us, and with all these new beginnings brings new exhibitions to fill the much needed spaces between lectures and library time.

As we experience a rise in feminist politics in society today, it is no wonder that art galleries throughout the town have tailored their exhibitions closely to this theme, as they focus on the female in art.

The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is no exception with an exhibition that opened in late November and spreads through to April that focuses on an American artist Judy Chicago. The exhibition shows a range of Chicago’s art work, from installations to tapestry to paintings, all on the theme of childbirth and the female anatomy.

Starting with a large tapestry Chicago was one of the first influencers of the feminist movement and the exhibition is the first time her work has been exhibited in the UK. The exhibition moves around the room, starting with a cubist style tapestry, and moving around, perhaps the

most interesting placed at the

component of her work is end of the exhibition.

A whole wall filled with smaller watercolour and hand drawn artwork, all depicting and expressing human emotion.

The exhibition is defi-

nitely worth a visit, and is excellently tailored to the student wallet, what with all floors and exhibitions being free, the only card machine in sight is nicely tucked away in the coffee and gift shop!

The Laing Art Gallery seems to have also picked up on the feminist trend, with one of their exhibitions exploring the confinement and objectification of women throughout history. The exhibition features a number famous artists, some woman, all painted in the 19th century.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

art, with their being a inclusion of many renaissance style biblical undertones, perhaps a less political exhibition than the Chicago at the BALTIC! All the exhibitions have placed a particular emphasis on the depictions of women throughout literature as well as women artists, very on trend with the gender politics at the moment are definitely worth a days activity, often without having to break the bank.

The exhibition shows a range of Chicago's art work, from installations to tapestry to paintings

A common theme in many of the photos, particularly those of Edward Burne Jones depict woman as confined within rooms, often unconscious, showing the entrapment of woman during this period.

The exhibition also shows work by Evelyn De Morgan, a pre-Raphaelite inspired artist who features in the galleries second new exhibition ‘William and Evelyn De Morgan: 'Two of the Rarest Spirits of the Age’ focusing on the art work produced by the husband and wife, who were keen supporters of the Suffragette movement as well as being interested in spiritualist themes.

Less centred on the trendy feminist theme, the exhibition offers a more traditional style of

Image: Geograph

@Culture_Courier @thecourieronline

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30

culture gaming

courier.gaming@ncl.ac.uk Gaming Editors Alex Darbyshire, George Boatfield, James Troughton & Shawn Khoo

Review Journey to the Savage Planet

This might be Typhoon Studios first release, but Stacey Henley remains critical of this shooter

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hile only a short spacefaring adventure, Journey to the Savage Planet (JTTSP), is unlikely to leave you wanting more.

It’s a first-person shooter, although you’ll be slapping enemies aside just as often as you fire at them. Brightly coloured and fairly expansive, the game has all the right ingredients, but the ratios are all off and the whole mixture is undercooked.

JTTSP has a hugely satirical tone, but what it's satirising is anyone's guess

The premise of the game is simple enough; you’re a coloniser seeking out a new world for humanity, tasked with surveying the planet. Though the game doesn’t fall into the racist tropes the words ‘coloniser’ and ‘savage’ might throw up, it also doesn’t go anywhere near enough to justify using them.

Journey to the Savage Planet has a hugely satirical tone, but just what it’s satirising is anyone’s guess. A vague dig at capitalism, perhaps, although considering you must kill everything you come across and strip away natural resources for personal gain, it adheres to capitalism far more than it mocks it. Journey to the Savage Planet is about as anti-capitalist as a bottle of Coca-Cola waving a Pride flag.

The gameplay itself is nothing more than average.

Traversal is occasionally pretty fun, although the grapple system is unreliable and lacks the fluidity of Marvel’s Spider-Man, Bioshock: Infinite or even Sunset Overdrive.

Great visuals and imaginative creatures work in its favour, but it's nothing too new

The third example there became a cult hit, famous for not being famous, but Journey to the Savage Planet will scarcely be remembered at all. The tasks it doles out turn repetitive rather quickly, while the lack of a proper map in a game like this, where you literally play as a cartographer, is astounding. Great visuals and imaginative creatures work in its favour, but there’s nothing too new, all things considered.

The slight semblance of a story comes from the fact that the planet has an intricately designed tower, suggesting there is in fact intelligent life on the planet.

Once you find that life though, there’s no attempt at communication or understanding: you just have to try and kill it.

For a game with ‘Journey’ in the title, there’s a distinct lack of progress, storytelling or focus.

That final boss is Teratomo, a warty, bloblike creature, and one of very few actual bosses in the game. The battle

Image: YouTube (PlayStation)

has a very dated, ‘90s platformer feel to it, only without the rose-tinted nostalgia. It’s one of the few moments of real challenge and feels completely at odds with the feel of the rest of the game.

JTTSP is a game which never stops talking but has nothing to say

Overall, Journey to the Savage Planet is a fun way to spend a few hours, and you have to give the game credit that it never asks you to invest much more time.

However, with its troublesome title, weak satire and incessant AI assistant, this is a game which never stops talking but has nothing to say.

Monday 17 February 2020

Full Steam ahead: record figures for Valve's storefront

Following the site's recordbreaking statistic, Wojciech Bigosinski looks outward to the competition against Valve

V

alve had an important day on 2 February 2020 as their Steam platform surpassed its previous record for concurrent users, only just over two years ago on 14 January 2018. According to SteamDB, 18,801,944 users were logged in at the moment that the new record was set, compared with 18,537,490 online during the same period in 2018. Out of those users, almost 6 million were playing a game.

This likely came as a big relief for Valve, as the competition from the Epic Games Store, which has now passed 100 million total users, continues to get more heated. The Epic Games Store also reported that Fortnite alone had a peak concurrent user base of 8.3 million, which bodes well for a competitive market.

According to the Road to VR survey, VR users number 1.3 million

It can also be noted that, according to the Road to VR survey, the number of VR users over the last year had risen from 767 thousand to 1.3 million. With so many VR killer-apps such as Superhot and Moss on the market, and Half Life: Alyx on the way, this growth is hardly surprising.

The first and second most played games both belong to Valve's own productions

So what are the most played games currently? The first and the second place both belong to Valve’s own productions: DOTA 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Battle Royale sensation PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds occupies the number three spot, while the fourth serves as home to Houser creation Grand Theft Auto V. The top five is rounded off by Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six: Siege.

Rocket League gives AbleGamers a boost

Alex Gervas reports on the breakthroughs made by the Xbox Freedom Wing Adapter and the ways it assists disabled gamers

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bleGamers’ COO, Steve Spohn, together with Bill Binko, founder of AT Makers, have developed a new adaptive controller for wheelchair users.

Inspired by the game Rocket League, Spohn pitched the idea of using the already existing Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) from 2018 to create a new device. This adapter would allow gamers with disabilities to connect their wheelchair joystick and use it as a controller.

Spohn said: “I didn’t want to control my wheelchair with an XAC; I wanted my wheelchair to control my Xbox with or without the XAC. We talked about how the process of reversing the boards would be and the collaboration was born.”

AbleGamers expect the FWA to be compatible with all wheelchairs and related devices

The Freedom Wing Adapter (FWA) uses a 9-pin-port that feeds the information sent from the wheelchair’s joystick to the Xbox through the XAC. However, the use of this adapter is not limited to the Xbox.

Spohn and Binko expect the FWA to be compatible with all wheelchairs and devices. For now, the available version can be used for the Xbox One, Windows 10 PCs and Google Stadia. Some users are even adapting it for the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, developers expect to

release a do-it-yourself manual, as announced on Twitter.

AbleGamers will be giving away the adapters through a grant programme

Presently, the Freedom Wing Adapter is not compatible with all powered wheelchairs, though developers defend that this is still a work-in-progress.

“The idea is for anyone to be able to play any game for an affordable price,” Spohn explained: “We wanted to give it away and let the world make the part that they need for as little money as possible.”

While AbleGamers will be giving away the adapters through a grant programme, the FWA can be made for a total price ranging between $30 and $40.

The Freedom Wing Adapter is expected to signify a fresh start for further accessibility and marks another step in continued work towards a less ableist gaming industry.

Image: Twitter (Bryce Johnson)

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Monday 17 February 2020

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@Courier_Gaming thecourieronline.co.uk/gaming

gaming culture

The Rockstar Bulletin Dan Houser to leave company £80 million claimed in tax relief

Muslim Taseer details the Rockstar co-founder's departure Lex Firth sheds light on the tax dodging of this gaming giant

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an Houser, one of the two Houser brothers that have led Rockstar Studios since its founding, is set to depart from the company on 11 March 2020.

Houser was the creative force behind the studio and was head writer for many of its games, including the most recent release by the studio, Red Dead Redemption II, a massive, sprawling open-world game, praised for its deep characterisation and moving story.

The Houser brothers founded the company alongside Terry Donovan and Jamie King over 20 years ago in 1998, and the studio has Images: Wikimedia & Twitter (Kotaku)

since released some of the most critically acclaimed video games ever. 2013’s Grand Theft Auto V is known to be one of the most profitable entertainment products of all time, while 2018’s Red Dead Redemption II received favourable reviews by many.

In a statement to investors on Tuesday, Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two stated that Houser, who was the creative vice president at the studio, would leave Rockstar on 11 March after taking an “extended break”, which began in spring last year. Houser’s brother Sam will stay on as company president.

This news comes at a time when rumours of the sixth installment in the GTA franchise are circulating, although there is no concrete news about what this means for GTA VI. In 2018 Rockstar was criticized for its “crunch culture” after it was revealed that, close to the release of Red Dead Redemption II, the core writing team was expected to work 100-hour workweeks.

Houser leaving Rockstar might hint at rough waters ahead. Could this mean that the open worlds crafted by Rockstar have peaked? Whether or not Rockstar will be capable of furthering the open-world genre that they’re so famous for, one thing we can be sure of is that this signals the end of an era for the controversial studio.

G

rand Theft Auto developer Rockstar Games has responded to a report showing that they claimed £37.6 million in tax relief in the 2018/19 fiscal year.

Analysis by watchdog TaxWatch shows that the developer’s tax claim accounted for 37% of all claims made by the UK video games industry for that year, taking the total since the introduction of the Video Games Tax Relief scheme in 2014 to £80 million. Rockstar’s tax relief accounts for a quarter of all of the relief claimed from the British government, despite only publishing two games that qualify. A total of 1,110 claims have been made by the wider industry so far.

Rockstar accounts for a quarter of all of the the relief claimed from the British Government

In order to qualify for the tax relief, the games being developed must be registered as “culturally British”; 2018’s Red Dead Redemption II is one such game. As studios are able to make interim claims before a game is completed,

it is believed that the bulk of the tax relief claims relate to the next instalment of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, the previous instalment – 2013’s Grand Theft Auto V – which cost $291 million to develop and market, adjusted for inflation. It had generated around $6 billion by April 2018, making it one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.

$6B

The total revenue generated by Rockstar's GTA V as of April 2018

In response, Rockstar said in a statement to VG247 that the relief program has “directly resulted in Rockstar Games significantly increasing its investment in the UK, creating well over 1,000 highly skilled and long-term jobs” across the country.

They add that the boost to the British video games industry “not only significantly contributes to the economy, and to UK tax receipts, but also helps solidify the UK’s position at the forefront of video game development well into the future.”

In a report last year, ThinkTank found that Rockstar had paid no corporation tax in the last ten years, labelling it “corporate welfare scrounging at its very worst”.

Warcraft III Turning over a new leaf for Animal Crossing faces horde Jack Wallace-Hunter looks to the horizon as Nintendo's escapist icon approaches our shores C of gamers Patrick Young explores the huge backlash against this remake of a Blizzard classic

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he long-awaited re-release of Warcraft III has left many fans of the franchise disheartened.

Warcraft III: Reforged was released on 29 January 2020, after the release was pushed back from 31 December 2019. As such, many fans, myself included, believed that this meant Blizzard would ensure that this game would be worthy of the legacy of the original Warcraft III. This was evidently not the case, with many fans complaining about the subpar graphics, the lack of a quality storyline and a host of bugs that have caused player enjoyment to dwindle. This begs the question: what exactly did this pushed back release date do for customers?

Customers have complained that the game is clearly unfinished, remarking how the colours and textures among buildings of the same class are different, and how there is no added content past the “30 gigabytes of skins”.

This has rightfully caused outrage amongst customers, with many demanding that Blizzard offer a form of compensation to all those who paid out for an essentially broken game.

Did Blizzard knowingly release a faulty game? No one can truly say, but what can be said is that Blizzard is infamous for paying little attention to the demands of fans in the past. Since its merger with Activision, this problem may have worsened. Their focus might have further shifted from their fans and their enjoyment to money, and how to make more of it. This may be why they released Warcraft III: Reforged before all the bugs were removed from the game. Had they done this, perhaps the game would have been seen more favourably by reviewers, casual players, and long-term fans alike. Yet, in their haste, Activision Blizzard has likely squandered the potential of this remake, possibly condemning it to a future tainted with lacklustre reviews.

ash out the bells and pitch up those tents: the next instalment of the Animal Crossing franchise is on the ‘horizon’! Fans are rejoicing after a six-year gap as Animal Crossing New Horizons is set to be released on 20 March 2020.

In this upcoming chapter, players are whisked from the busy city to the quiet shores of island living, accompanied by none other than business tanuki Tom Nook. So buckle up, grab a fruit of your choice and dive into what Nook Inc. has in store.

The console has adopted a refreshing pastel colour scheme

As a way of commemorating the main release of the game, Nintendo is launching a special edition Nintendo

Switch console. The dock and joy-cons have shed their dark matte finish in favour of a refreshing pastel blue, green and cream whilst displaying Mr Nook with associates Timmy and Tommy on a tropical island. Alongside this, the console itself exhibits a heart-warming pattern on the back with little icons of snowmen, lighthouses and a message in a bottle.

Pre-orders for the console have sold out from most retailers

and leaks trying to find new details on the game. One leak suggests that there will be in-game purchases and, although the leak cannot be verified until the launch, some fans believe that this could hint at further DLC, akin to Pokémon Sword and Shield. With the introduction of paths, pole-vaults and crafting, however, fans can safely assume that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will keep the charm and tranquillity of its previous versions, all while bringing a breath of fresh island air to a beloved franchise.

However, fans have been left devastated, as pre-orders for the special edition console have sold out from most major retailers. But for those lucky buyers, these preorders are set to ship on 13 March, a week before the game lands.

With the launch imminent, fans are scouring trailers

@culture_courier @thecourieronline

Images: YouTube (Nintendo) & IGDB

32

culture science

c2.science@ncl.ac.uk Science Editors Eleanor Gratton, Patrick Harland & Seshadhri Subramanian

the courier

Monday 17 February 2020

UK sacks UN climate conference president

Lily Holbrook reports on the UK prime minister's decision to fire the president of the climate conference being held in Glasgow

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he UK has sacked its UN climate conference president nine months ahead of the climate summit in Glasgow that she had been appointed to lead.

Former ‘remainer’ in the Brexit debate, Claire O’Neill (formerly Perry) was dismissed from her role as president, but the motives for her sacking remain unclear. In the December elections O’Neill stepped down as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Cabinet to focus on her new role, yet when questioned about why she was dismissed and when she will be replaced, Boris Johnson could give no answer.

O'Neill also revealed in an interview that Boris Johnson 'didn't really get' the climate

O’Neill’s track record includes persuading the Cabinet to host the 2020 UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, and publishing a clean growth strategy.

However, her stint in parliament as a government minister was not without controversy, most notably surrounding allegations of bullying other parliament members and swearing at civil servants. There have also been mixed reports concerning her performance in the role, with concern over her relationship with senior UK and UN officials and misleading portrayal of the UK’s COP 26 strategy.

In response, O’Neill firmly refuted such al-

legations in an open letter to the PM, going on to say that her dismissal is distracting from the real issue of climate change.

Following her dismissal, O’Neill also revealed in a radio interview that Boris Johnson’s confessed that he ‘didn’t really get’ the climate emergency. When probed further by the Radio 4 host, she went on to say that others around him who do.

Despite her expertise on climate change, O’Neill herself admits that her desire for action and movement is not well-received by those wanting an incremental approach to the climate crisis. This lack of diplomacy

calls into question her suitability for the role, an arguably crucial asset for successful negotiations with UN member states.

So, who will replace her? Rumoured candidates for O’Neill’s job included former Prime Minister David Cameron and former Secretary of State William Hague, both of whom reportedly rejected Johnson’s offer. Despite declining the position, Cameron says the conference is ‘absolutely vital’, highlighting the need for someone with political authority to lead the negotiations.

This notion is backed up by Mohamed Adow, director of climate and

Images: Wikimedia Commons and Pixabay

energy group Power Shift Africa, expressing his concern that ‘It was always going to be a challenge to have a president who had no formal role in Government.’

2035

The year the UK aims to end all petrol and diesel car sales

The matter will now be handled by the government department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

After the chaos surrounding the 2019 conference in Madrid, O’Neill was keen to make a clear roadmap of action in the lead up to Glasgow.

But with the president now sacked, in addition to no climate meetings planned by Johnson and little indication of how the UK aims to achieve its detailed goals, the success of the November conference looks uncertain.

Perhaps a glimmer of hope comes from the government’s strategic collaboration with Sir David Attenborough, with plans to phase out coal power by 2024 and end the sale of petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2035.

From his speeches, it would appear that Boris Johnson is aware that climate action is key. ‘We know as a country, as a society, as a planet, as a species, we must now act.’

But whether or not this is acted upon is another story.

Urging Johnson to act on his words and reverse his current failure of global vision and leadership, O’Neill ended her letter with a quote: ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish’.

If sincere, O’Neill and Johnson’s messages are the same…leaving the real question blindingly obvious. Why can’t we all work together and focus on the real issue at hand?

US approves first treatment for peanut allergies in children

Maud Webster discusses the ground-breaking new treatment that could tackle a problem affecting countless numbers of kids

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ast week, a new drug called Palforzia was approved by the FDA [Food & Drug Administration], with the intention to help children who suffer peanut allergies. Whilst it won’t remove the allergies completely, it will reduce the impacts of unintentional exposure.

A 21% increase of childhood peanut allergy sufferers between 2010 and 2017 was found by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Consequently, this results in a figure of nearly 2.5% of US children with this allergy, leading to a huge amount of young people susceptible to the life threatening reaction of anaphylaxis.

It’s been found that peanut allergies are the most common cause of food-induced anaphylaxis, a medical emergency which results in constriction of airways, swelling of the throat and a severe drop in blood pressure, amongst other consequences. Whilst antihistamines and epinephrine (in EpiPens etc) are available to treat this reaction, it can be fatal if the situation is not dealt with promptly.

21%

The percentage increase of childhood cases of peanut allergy sufferers between 2010 to 2017

Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research commented: “Peanut allergy affects approximately 1 million children in the U.S. and only 1 out of 5 of these children will outgrow their allergy. Because there is no cure, allergic individuals must strictly avoid exposure to prevent severe and potentially life-threatening reactions.”

“Even with strict avoidance, inadvertent exposures can and do occur. When used in conjunction with peanut avoidance, Palforzia provides an FDA-approved treatment option to help reduce the risk of these allergic reactions in children with peanut allergy.”

A course of Palforzia will provide the patient with escalating doses of purified peanut powder, before reaching a “daily maintenance dose”. This takes six months and works to slowly allow the child’s immune system to adapt to the milder physical effects of peanuts, to hopefully increase their tolerance to the nut.

The most recent clinical trial left 67.2% of participants

[aged 4 – 17] able to cope with approximately the amount should be done under medical supervision. of peanut protein found in two peanuts. However, only 4% So far, the drug has not been authorised of those who didn’t receive Palforzia found the same result. for patients in the UK, but this is a potential development we should see in the years to come. It’s likely that It allows their this breakthrough will encourage immune system to research into the control of other common childhood allergies, inslowly increase its cluding allergies to milk, eggs, tolerance to the soy and wheat.

Unfortunately, when tested on adults, Palforzia didn’t seem to have as much of a beneficial effect. It will also not be administered to those with uncontrolled asthma, due to the discovered side effects of the product.

Another concern is that with the drug containing small amounts of peanut protein, it can still trigger anaphylaxis.

Consequently, as users start taking larger doses, i t

Image: Pixabay

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Monday 17 February 2020

@culture_courier thecourieronline.co.uk/science

science culture

Seeing the sun in stellar detail Patrycja Ubysz and Patrick Harland brighten our day with these new insights into the Sun

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he Sun is not simply a uniform sphere of exploding gases. There are a range of other features, from solar winds and to storms affecting a magnetic field of about 150 million kilometres distant Earth.

The parts of the sun we can observe in the range of visible light is called the photosphere, a 100 km thick layer just under the atmosphere of the Sun. The photo released in January, taken by the most powerful telescope, shows clearly a granulated structure of the photosphere. However, what else can we find with this new machine?

In 2013, the largest solar telescope started to rise on the Hawaiian summit Haleakala, despite protests of the local community. Haleakala means “house of the sun” and is a sacred place for many Hawaiians. Regardless of the moral judgement of the situation, the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope was eventually built and launched. The test images were published in January 2020.

Distinctive with its impeccable resolution of 25 km, compared to 300 km in a standard solar telescope, this allows us to see small features of the Sun in a great detail.

Reaching this resolution is partially a result of using a mirror 4 meters in diameter, twice as big as previous sun telescopes.

Consequently, exposures are shorter and therefore achieving capture of shorter-living features. Such power, however, comes at its cost. The apparatus needs a

powerful cooling system to manage the energy gained from the Sun.

Perhaps scientists will discover a new phenomena no one expected to see

DKIST can help seeing and understanding the role and genesis of cosmic magnetic fields, including changes in the behaviour of plasma. Perhaps scientists will discover a new phenomena no one expected to see and potentially begin to answer questions about solar-terrestrial interactions.

This is going to work well in cohesion with the Solar Orbiter (SolO) a joint EU and US probe which is intended to take images of the sun from a point closer than has been done before. The aim of SolO is to be able to better predict space weather, with the intention of better preparing for solar storms that have the potential to damage satellites and power grids causing major disruption in affected areas. Due to the proximity to the sun a variety of protective measures are required, including a large titanium shield and a covering made of baked animal bones.

The unique flight path of the SolO satellite will allow for images and data on the pole’s of the sun to be collected. This will allow for a far better insight for researchers into the way in which the sun acts and the impacts that can have on all of us.

Image: Flickr

Does language affect dementia?

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Creative interpretation of the right side of the brain Image: Flickr

new study on patients with dementia, conducted by the University of California, has discovered that the disease affects patients differently depending on the language they speak.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a number of progressively declining conditions affecting the brain, including Alzheimer’s Disease. All forms of dementia damage neurones in the brain, meaning its communication with the rest of the body is ineffective and resulting in cognitive function and memory impairment. Dementia sufferers can also suffer from aphasia, a difficulty with the production and comprehension of speech.

The study in question compared English speakers with Italian speakers, and assessed how dementia had affected their language skills. MRI scans of the participants’ brains revealed similar levels of cognitive activity, despite the eventual differences in results of the study.

It was found that English speakers tended to speak less than usual when suffering from dementia, and to have difficulty pronouncing words. This condition is known as Broca’s Aphasia, and is shown by a language production deficit.

Italian speakers, in comparison, tended to pronounce words more accurately, but had difficulty producing grammatical sentences. This is closer to the condition known as Wernicke’s Aphasia, which causes sufferers to have difficulty with language comprehension.

Their utterances are pronounced correctly, but are often inappropriate for the context of a conversation.

Researchers who conducted the study conclud-

ed that these issues could be caused by the differing complexity of the languages’ phonology. English has many complex consonant clusters (sounds in which several consonants are grouped together, i.e. at the start of ‘blister’), which are said to be difficult for dementia sufferers to produce accurately. Italian is said to be comparatively easier to pronounce, due to its simpler phonology. However, Italian’s grammatical rules are more complex than English, meaning dementia sufferers find it difficult to produce a grammatical sentence. The differences in the languages’ phonological and grammatical properties most likely stems from the fact English is a Germanic language, whilst Italian is a Romance language.

Should the UK use its wealth to improve global health?

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n a recent email discussing the Coronavirus, the Vice Chancellor of Newcastle University quoted Professor Brian Schmidt, Vice-Chancellor and President of the Australian National University, who said “viruses don’t discriminate”. I disagree with this.

Viruses don't discriminate

Viruses do discriminate, against the poor. Even on a national scale, poor people are more likely to be hospitalised for viruses such as the flu. This can be for a multitude of reasons, such as not being able to take the time off work to go to the doctor until the disease is serious.

On an international scale, poorer countries suffer from the effects of pandemics to a much greater extent.

Remember the Ebola virus? Do you remember how many people in the UK had Ebola and died? The media acted like it was something to be very concerned about, yet only one person in the UK ever had the virus and they survived. Meanwhile, nearly 5000 people died because of Ebola in Liberia.

The 2013-2016 Ebola outbreak in numbers 1 The number of UK citizens who contracted Ebola 0 The number of UK citizens who died from Ebola 10,675 The number of Ebola cases in Liberia 4,809 The number of Ebola deaths in Liberia Public health practices are the main determinant of how well a country deals with an epidemic. Seeing the UK’s response to the few Coronavirus cases that have sprung up should do a good job of reassuring people that the UK is one of the most prepared countries globally for dealing with disease outbreaks. In comparison, countries with a smaller economy or a much larger population might struggle to reach the same quality.

Of course, China is the second biggest economy in the world and Hubei is economically above the average of the Chinese mainland. The main responsibility for the extent China is suffering could be on the Chinese government, who have been accused of attempting to cover-up the outbreak, until it got too big to ignore.

Government incompetency can render the levels of spending useless.

The big question of the hour is how much should we do to help poorer countries?

I’d argue it’s our moral responsibility to do whatever we can to help our fellow humans, whether that be through payment of foreign aid, pooling of resources and helping countries that have been ravaged by disease to get back on their feet. There’s plenty of evidence that suggests we can make a big difference to lives.

Sceptics argue, however, that foreign aid rarely helps and often just lines the pocket of corrupt governments.

Lilla Marshall

English's many complex consonant clusters are hard for dementia sufferers to pronounce

Currently, the scientific community tends to assume dementia-induced Aphasia affects all patients in the same way as it affects English patients, since the majority of studies are conducted on English speakers. This means that if someone does not show symptoms that match the behaviour of a typical English-speaking patient, they might not be diagnosed with dementia. Yet, the findings of this study suggest that, if the patient in question is not a native English speaker, they might actually have the disease after all.

In the future, scientists hope to build on this research by comparing an even more diverse array of dementia sufferers speaking different native languages with English speakers, including patients who speak Arabic. They also want to determine whether the level of education a patient has attained affects how quickly Aphasia takes hold.

Em Richardson

Image: Pxhere

puzzles 35

the courier

Monday 17 February 2020 Puzzles Editor Emma Dawson Solutions will be revealed in next week’s issue, available on campus from 24 February

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The first person to find Editor-in-Chief Grace Dean with a completed copy of the crossword wins a mysterious prize from our puzzles drawer

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1. Kansas City - , winners of Super Bowl LIV (6) 4. Period before Christmas in the Christian church (6) 7. Organisation responsible for maintaining international peace (1,1) 8. Nocturnal bird (3) 10. Author of Angels and Demons and the Da Vinci Code (3,5) 13. Biggest political party in Scotland (1,1,1) 15. Second largest city in Wales (7) 17. American sitcom that first aired in 1994 (7) 20. World’s largest and most populous continent (4) 22. Type of mollusc that produces pearls (7) 23. Darkest colour (5)

1. Chemical commonly used in swimming pools (8) 2. Folkloric creature with pointed ears (3) 3. Watermelon -, Harry Styles song (5) 5. Reject a decision or proposal made by a lawmaking body (4) 6. Girl group who sang No Scrubs (1,1,1) 9. Layered pasta dish (7) 11. Girl Guiding group, for girls aged between 7 and 10 (8) 12. The first man (4) 14. - Thai, rice noodle dish (3) 16. Member of a religious community of women (3) 18. Early 20th century art movement (4) 19. Fifth sign of the zodiac (3) 21. Biblical ship (3)

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sport

Monday 17 February 2020

Fury v Wilder II - will Deontay deliver a devasta

Euan Morris breaks down each fighter’s powers in the upcoming heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder

After their controversial draw in December 2018, Tyson Fury rematches Deontay Wilder next weekend at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, for the WBC and the vacant Ring Magazine title. The rematch is renowned as the biggest heavyweight fight since Lennox Lewis fought Evander Holyfield in 1999.

In the build-up to the first fight, Fury had two comeback fights against Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta, under new and relatively inexperienced trainer Ben Davison. The primary focus was on Fury, who is regarded as the lineal heavyweight champion, cutting the weight that he had put on in the aftermath of the historical night in Dusseldorf.

Fury defeated long reigning champion and ‘hall-of-famer’ Wladimir Klitschko. Conversely, Wilder faced his toughest test in the first Luis Ortiz fight, an undefeated Cuban who was regarded as the bogeyman of the heavyweights at the time, and was avoided by many in the division. Wilder was arguably saved by the bell after being rocked late in the seventh round. On the verge of being stopped, Wilder recovered and went on to drop Ortiz twice, with the referee waving the fight off.

The first Ortiz fight was deemed as Wilder’s acid test, which he passed, but not with flying covers

In the first fight, Fury established an early lead on the scorecards, as he controlled his range well and imposed his awkward style,

which Wilder had real difficulty adjusting to.

Fury grew in confidence and started to land some eye-catching combinations, as Wilder struggled to land anything of any substance.

However, as demonstrated in the Luis Ortiz fight, Fury had to be perfect as any mistake could prove to be fatal against Wilder, who is undoubtedly the most powerful puncher in the heavyweight division.

The Barclays Centre erupted as Wilder started blowing kisses to his wife in the crowd as Fury looked out

There was also the question of whether Fury would have the stamina to go 12 rounds, as he hadn’t gone 12 rounds since the Klitschko victory in November 2015. In the latter stages of the ninth round, Wilder finally found a breakthrough and caught Fury with a right hand, who consequently took a knee. However, an unfazed Fury saw out the rest of the round and didn’t show any signs that he was hurt. Fury started the 10th round strongly, who used his jab effectively and stuck to the game-plan. Time was of the essence for Wilder, who was still a mile behind on the scorecards even after the 10-8 round as Fury was still oozing with confidence. In the final round, Wilder landed a devastating right hand followed by a left hook, which sent Fury crashing to the canvas. The Barclays centre erupted as Wilder, convinced that the fight was over, started blowing kisses

to his wife in the crowd, as Fury, head against the canvas, looked down and out. The referee was still counting as everyone in the Barclays Centre was convinced that the fight was over, apart from one man; Tyson Fury.

Miraculously, Fury got up and managed to beat the count. Some described it as a phoenix rising from the ashes. Others described it as the Undertaker rising from the canvas.

Everyone in the arena couldn’t believe what they were seeing, whilst Wilder looked perplexed as his celebrations abruptly came to an end. Once again, Fury found a way to recover convincingly and went on to win the rest of the round, hurting Wilder and taunting him with his notorious gloves behind the back showboating. Ben Davison looked on in horror. When the final bell rang, Fury celebrated and climbed onto the top of the ropes, whilst Wilder looked on in anticipation. The judges’ scorecards were announced, which were scored 115-111 for Wilder, 114-112 for Fury and 113-113, resulting in a split decision draw, much to both fighters dismay. The historic twelfth round won the Ring Magazine Round of the Year 2018 award.

£80 million

The amount of money within the multi-fight deal Fury has with Top Rank in February 2019

After the first fight, Fury signed a lucrative £80m multi-fight deal with Top Rank in February 2019. He has also fought Tom Schwarz and Otto Wallin. Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder arguably faced much stiffer competition in Dominic Breazeale, and especially in

The fight takes place on 22 February Image: Wikimedia Commons

GB robbed by ‘ridiculous’ rule Elena Shapiro There are plenty of ridiculous rules. In North Carolina, for example, it is illegal for a bingo game to last over five hours. Or, here in the UK, there is a rule that prevents you from entering the Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armour.

Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch called the rule “ridiculous”

Team GB felt they had been robbed Image: Instagram @englandhockey

In the Hockey Pro League, an annual competition between the top nine teams in the world, if a game is called off before the 4th quarter, regardless of the score, double points are awarded to the team who were victorious in the previous encounter, as GB women discovered in their recent outing against Australia.

The match was called off at half time due to a lighting storm. At this point, Great Britain had completely dominated the game and were leading 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Anna Toman in the 17th minute. She had converted from a penalty corner in the Sidney Olympic Park. Nevertheless, at half time, when the rain and lightning was deemed too severe for the match to continue safely, it was Australia who were gifted the win.

Australia beat GB in the game the week before, with a 60th minute winner from Grace Stewart and consequently were awarded the points when the game was not allowed to continue. This is in accordance with the International Hockey Federation rules which state that a score cannot stand unless the 4th quarter has been reached and the Pro League rules that state, if a game is called off, the points go to the team who won last when both teams met. The latter was agreed to unanimously by all teams in the Pro League and GB Hockey agreed that, “it fully respects the decision”.

On the other hand, some GB players did not seem quite as comfortable with the fairness of the situation. Goalkeeper, Maddie Hinch, called the rule “ridiculous”, writing that the outcome was determined by “obscene T&Cs” on her Twitter account. Whilst most of the replies criticised the rule, many were asking the same question. Why was it agreed to by all teams in the first place?

Team GB now sit in 5th place whilst Team Australia are 3 places above in 2nd. 4 points separate the sides, the same amount of points that are awarded per win in the league. In other words, should GB have beaten Australia in the abandoned game, the current positions would be reversed and GB, the current Olympic champions, would be much closer to the top spot.

The competition resumes on 28 April when GB take on current leaders the Netherlands.

Let’s hope for better weather... or better rules.

Netherlands Australia Argentina Belgium Great Britain New Zealand Germany China United States

12 9 6 6 5 5 0 0 0

Chiefs comple

Seshadhri Subramanian rev

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Monday 17 February 2020

ating knockout? Or will Fury be a fighting fiend?

r. Who will win? Will Fury last the distance, or knock Wilder down early on? All this, and much more, is explored in today’s article a rematch with Luis Ortiz.

After an eye-catching stoppage in an uncompetitive and complete mismatch against Tom Schwarz, Fury battled through and laboured to a unanimous decision victory against Otto Wallin, showing heart, grit and determination. Fury suffered a horrific cut to the eye in the third round which required 47 stiches. Meanwhile, Wilder produced yet another highlight reel knockout in the first round against mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale. After comfortably winning every round, Luis Ortiz was on the receiving end of a devastating right hand from Wilder in the 11th round, who added yet another brutal knockout to his collection.

A key adjustment will be to close the range and be more aggressive

In preparation for the rematch, Tyson Fury has appointed Javan “SugarHill” Robinson as his new head trainer, as Fury was in search for a technical trainer with more experience.

SugarHill is the nephew of the late hall-offame trainer Emmanuel Steward, and Fury had previously worked with Emmanuel Steward and SugarHill back in 2010. Fury has stated to the media that he is training to knock Wilder out and leave it out of the hands of the judges.

A key difference though in the rematch is that Wilder knows what he’s coming up against, after going twelve rounds against Fury. Wilder will be able to make slight ad-

Fury was floored by Wilder in the last clash Image: YouTube: Top Rank Boxing

justments in the rematch.

In the first fight, Fury was able to evade Wilder’s right hand due to Wilder throwing the shot too early and being out of range. Not only does Wilder need to be more calculated with his attacks, but he also needs to avoid loading up on the right hand. Wilder making these subtle changes will be pivotal to the course of the fight.

Popular boxing twitter-feed, ‘The Boxing Feed’, released a detailed perspective on the upcoming fight. They listed the various strengths of each boxer.

These tweets are available in the following column, alongside other boxing news and resources: Many have suggested that the first fight was Wilder’s best chance to beat Fury, who is now in much better shape, and has a more technical trainer. However, a key issue for Fury is the cut sustained from the Wallin

fight. Due to the nature and severity of the cut, Wilder may target the right eye and try to reopen the cut.

Wilder Fury 2 will determine who the heavyweight kingpin is and, based on the first fight, fans can expect a spectacle.

Boxing is a sport which, in it’s evolution, has always been a game of skill. Despite the facade it presents as purely based on strength, boxers in the modern game have adopted cunning, the ability to read opposing boxers and, most of all, a boxing mind.

Fury and Wilder are two of the more dominant boxers in the sport. Most, if not all, British boxing fans will relish in his comeback against Wilder last time they met.

However, Wilder is a big name from across the pond, catching the eyes of many boxing fans and, above all, posing a real threat to Fury in this upcoming match.

ete a historic comeback to clinch their second Super Bowl

views this year’s Super Bowl, as Kansas City Chiefs completed a dramatic comeback to win their first Super Bowl in fifty years Kansas City Chiefs

San Francisco 49ers

31 20

An incredible fourth quarter comeback led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Damien Williams helped the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV in Miami, Florida.

Mahomes started the game out very tentatively despite an early rushing touchdown and looked second best to his opposite number Jimmy Garoppolo for most of the night.

Touchdowns for the 49ers from Kyle Juszczyk and running back Raheem Mostert put them up in a comfortable position to win their sixth Super Bowl even as Mahomes struggled – throwing back to back interceptions on two consecutive drives.

21

Kansas City chiefs celebrate their first Superbowl in 50 years Image: Instagram @chiefs

The number of points the Chiefs scored unanswered in the fourth quarter to complete their comeback

However, in the fourth quarter the Chiefs defence came up big to stop the San Francisco offence and last year’s league MVP Mahomes turned up even bigger to turn the game on its head. Not new to being down in the fourth quarter this season, the Chiefs quarterback led his side to a comeback on the biggest stage.

Down 20-10, Mahomes evaded a tackle and launched a 44-yard bomb downfield to find Tyreek Hill and start the ball rolling at third and 15 on their own 35-yard line. That turned into a touchdown for Travis Kelce – after another huge throw on third down from Mahomes – to cut the deficit to three.

On the next drive after the 49ers failed to score, Mahomes found Williams for a score which had to be reviewed, but was given to put the Chiefs ahead. The final nail in the cof-

fin was delivered when a Jimmy Garoppolo pass was intercepted by Kendall Fuller and the Chiefs were able to run out the clock to win their first Super Bowl in fifty years.

After the game, Mahomes was effusive in his praise for the team, saying “We never lost faith.

Everybody on this team, no one had their head down and we found a way to win in the end ” For 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan this was deja-vu in a sense as he was the offensive co-ordinator for the Atlanta Falcons when they famously blew a 28-3 lead against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 51.

“It was a tough loss and it hurts everybody in that room,” said Shanahan. “We had opportunities to win and came up short.

They were better than us, we can deal with that but we’re obviously disappointed.”

The Super Bowl was not only full of fireworks during the game but also at halftime as Latin superstars Jennifer Lopez and Shakira put on a spectacle in what is essentially the biggest concert of the year. Rattling through 20 hit songs in 15 minutes, the show was a much bigger hit than last year’s Maroon 5 performance. The game was also notable for the number of celebrities in attendance includ-

Mahomes becomes the youngest player to have won both the MVP and the Super Bowl

ing David Beckham, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Hart, Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Marcus Rashford.

With this Super Bowl win, Patrick Mahomes becomes the youngest player to have won both the MVP and the Super Bowl – having done both within the first three seasons in the league. Chiefs coach Andy Reid won his first Super Bowl at the age of 61, after being in the league for two decades and seeing many of his sides come to the playoffs only to go back home disappointed.

In the end, a week that began with the passing of American sporting legend in Kobe Bryant, may have ended with the crowning of another in Patrick Mahomes.

Hero of the hour Patrick Mahomes celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy Image: Instagram @chiefs

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38

sport THIS GIRL CAN: Meet Yonder Surf School Transfer s Monday 17 February 2020

Holly Mawdsley on This Girl Can’s surfing sessions and the school inspiring a new wave of female surfers in the city In 1990 women accounted for an estimated three to five percent of the surfing population, and a decade later this rose to ten to fifteen percent.

Now, there are more women surfing than ever. The surfing world is championing gender equality, with the World Surfing League being the first US-based global sporting league to offer equal pay to male and female competitors.

the character. It’s about finding your own style, going with it and surfing for yourself.”

Yonder has fostered and nurtured a community of “Sisters of the North Sea,” as Sally herself puts it, so who better to partner up with for a campaign that has female empowerment at its very core?

Eve Brady, a student at Newcastle Univer-

sity, had her first surf lesson during This Girl Can week and she too joined Yonder’s sisterhood. Eve says: “Surfing with Yonder was an incredible experience, Sally made us all feel comfortable and confident straight away and my surfing improved dramatically! I couldn’t stop smiling and felt so inspired when the lesson was

over.”

This girl certainly did! Yonder surf school has created a cosmos of girl-power, which encapsulates every value of This Girl Can, so we invite you to become a sister (or brother) of the North Sea too.

With just 11 gameweeks left before the Premier League season concludes on Sunday 17th May, you’d be forgiven for thinking the fantasy football season is all but over.

Well, you’d be wrong. There’s plenty to play for and The Courier Sport is on hand to walk you through everything you need to know.

The story so far...

Surfing is also making its Olympic debut at Tokyo

Surfing is also making its Olympic debut in the Tokyo summer games, with the key aspiration of achieving 50 percent female participation.

Taking a slice out of this thriving sport is Newcastle University’s This Girl Can week.

The Student Union subsidised two beginner lessons from £25 to £5 to enable female students to get a taste of the salty action, potentially producing competitors for the Olympic games…

“It’s about finding your own style, going with it and surfing for yourself”

Sally McGee, founder of Newcastle surfing school

In the midst of this global movement is Yonder, a women’s-only surf school run in Tynemouth.

Sally McGee, founder of the school, ran our This Girl Can sessions, as she works to burgeon the female surf scene in the North East. Her manifesto states: “It’s about empowerment and encouragement and celebrating the imperfections and

Sports Editor Toby Bryant is on ha

Surf’s up at Tynemouth for This Girl Can week Image: @ s.arajean, Sarah Henderson Photos, @surfyonder, www.surfyonder. com

As Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool run rampant in the top flight, it’s the men in red who have led the fantasy football world too. Mo Salah leads the way for points in the game with a handsome 165*, before even kicking a ball against Norwich last weekend. Fellow midfield maestro Sadio Mané isn’t too far behind, continuing to offer a better value than the Egyptian too. The pick of the season, however, comes from the Kopites’ back line as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s two goals, 12 assists and 10 clean sheets have marked him out as an essential.

Away from the Merseyside leaders, Kevin De Bruyne has remained consistent despite manic Pep Guardiola rotation, Marcus Rashford has emerged as a silver lining in a stormy Ole Gunnar Solsjaer reign and Wolves’ Raul Jimenez has continued to prove himself a deadly talisman. Leicester’s Jamie Vary has blown hot and cold, with 14 goals in 11 gameweeks making jaws drop, before going seven without netting. Sheffield United’s Dean Henderson has been making non-stop saves between the sticks and Everton’s Richarlison has proved critics wrong with nine goals and five assists this term. Add Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson and you’ve got the Dream Team of 2019/20 as it stands.

For fantasy football managers languishing behind in their mini-leagues, there is still chance for a last-ditch comeback. But who are the players to be buying?

Owning all three possible Liverpool players is a no-brainer – Salah and AlexanderArnold both essential. Picking from another defender, Mané or striker Roberto Firmino is the only thinking to do on that front.

What the future holds...

There are a few twists in the fantasy football tale left to bear in mind too. Gameweek 28

Triumphunt trip to BUCS Boxing for Team Newcastle

Nesta Baxter reports as Newcastle University’s boxers head to Wolverhampton in the search of BUCS points, find out how the athletes got on...

Nesta Baxter at the University of Wolverhampton

Over the weekend of the 31st of January to the 2nd of February, Newcastle University was represented by five boxers from NU Boxing Club at the BUCS University Boxing Championships, held at the University of Wolverhampton.

Millie Avis, Nesta Baxter, Michael Fearn (BUCS Champion 2019), Roland Pascual and Luke Wharton all represented Newcastle in their respective weight classes after training hard and watching their diets over Christmas.

Millie Avis won gold in the Female 60-64kg 0-5 bouts category after beating opponents from Oxford University, University of Nottingham and Oxford Brooks University.

Amazingly, Millie fought 3 opponents but didn’t even fight for a total of 6 full rounds to beat all 3, finishing two of her fights before the final bell.

Nesta Baxter won gold in the Female 57-60kg 6-10 bouts category after beating a strong opponent from the University of Cambridge which went all the way to decision.

Micheal Fearn won silver in the Male category after a tough final against an opponent from Imperial College, London.

BUCS is an intense 3 day elimination tournament and all of our fighters had to make weight each day until they lost or medalled, whichever came first.

Day 1 -

Millie Avis won against last years BUCS Champion by an unanimous decision putting her through to the Semi Finals.

Luke Wharton won by a split decision in a tough fight against a good opponent from Edinburgh University and showed a lot of heart but was unable to continue to box due to a deep cut to the face.

Roland Pascual fought a very strong and tough opponent but after giving his all, it was his opponent who progressed to the Semi Finals.

Day 2, Semi-Final Millie Avis won by a RSC in the second round against a tough opponent from the University of Nottingham, showing growing confidence and good power.

an experienced fighter from Cambridge University. It was a very hard fight and went all the way but it was Nesta who won on decision becoming the club’s second BUCS Champion of the day, adding another gold next to her Box Cup medal from last year.

Michael Fearn then fought in the final against a very good opponent who was much taller. Nonetheless, Michael put on a brilliant performance, giving it everything but unfortunately it was a silver this year for him.

Newcastle University Boxing Club would

like to say a big thank you over the weekend to all of the club for the amazing support and to Matthew Morgan and Lee Rogan for the coaching over the weekend.

Millie Avis overcame her nerves and came out strong to become BUCS Champion

Day 3, Finals The final day of BUCS Championships saw Newcastle University Boxing Club leaving with two Golds and a Silver.

Millie Avis first fought in the final against a strong fighter from Oxford Brooks but overcame her nerves and came out strong to win

by RSC in the first round, becoming BUCS Champion 2020.

Nesta Baxter then fought in the final against

Newcastle Uni’s boxing team reigns victorious Image: Newcastle University Boxing Team

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Monday 17 February 2020

season ‘tis upon us for fantasy gaffers

hand with the section’s fantasy football league goings on, as well as a few choice tips to climb up your very own mini-leagues sees all of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Sheffield United without fixtures, so plan ahead to avoid wasting points re-jigging your team last minute.

More blank and double gameweeks are in the offing too. There’s a lot to understand but all of those teams without matches in Gameweek 28 will enjoy a double gameweek.

On top of those, the FA Cup fixtures in early March will cause havoc in Gameweek 31 with blanks galore… and consequential double gameweeks.

What does it all mean? For those managers who are yet to use their Triple Captain chip, there’s plenty of good opportunities to do so, with a potential triple Manchester City gameweek perhaps the pick of the lot. Other chips including the Free Hit and Wildcard, if played well, could be season changers too.

If you’ve got points to make up and are in need of some points others may not have, it’s important to shop the game’s lower owned players. How about considering the following?

Matt Doherty DEF, Wolves, 6.1, 4.1%

BADMINTON

M1 v Lancaster 1sts M3 v Sunderland 2nds

6-2 WALKOVER NCL W2 v Sheffield Hallam 1sts 3-5

BASKETBALL

57-65

W1 v Durham 2nds

132-106

FOOTBALL

M1 v Leeds Beckett 1sts

2-0

1sts v Glasgow 1sts

4-2

GOLF

HOCKEY

Fantasy managers are allowed to make a transfer per week Image: Instagram @ premierleague

invest elsewhere?

Redmond has a goal and assist in his last two, causing problems for oposition on the flank. With an in-form Danny Ings in front of him, the Englishman could benefit even more.

Gabriel Martinelli FWD, Aresenal, 4.6, 4.3% Whether or not Gabriel Martinelli becomes a viable option depends on his ability to work alongside the returning Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.

Netting two goals in the last three weeks will help the promising striker’s cause. There is a blank Gameweek 28 to contest with, but the forward’s easy upcoming fixtures could outweigh that problem. Plus, at only 4.6, there are few cheaper options to free up money to bolster elsewhere.

The Courier league...

For all 31 players in The Courier Sport Section league, it’s still a tight affair at the top. At the time of writing, Corin Wright leads the way, four points ahead of Sports Editor Toby Bryant, Anna Woodberry sitting in third just 28 points behind. Fourth placed Sam Hansen has climbed the rankings in recent weeks, perhaps a dark horse to take the fantasy football crown?

Out of the rest of The Courier Sport team, Rory Ewart in 9th place, Tom Moorcroft in 11th and Stanley Gilyead in 13th battle it out in mid-table.

Languishing at the bottom, Rebecca Johnson hovers just five places from bottom place, which is occupied by Mohamed Khalid despite some strong recent showings. *All statistics correct as of 13/02/2020.

The Courier Sport Section Fantasy League Top 10

Most people would’ve accepted their fate.

Graeme Dott isn’t most people

The game started off close, with Dott grabbing a frame after losing the opener. Robertson, in an act of tenacity, ended up 5-2 up, obtaining a 127 break on the way. As the two broke up after the first session, the score was

5-3 to Robertson, and as the second session began, and Dott won the opener, the pressure was back on for the Australian.

However, he gritted his teeth, focused and didn’t let his nerves get the better of him, eventually making it 9-5. This meant he was one frame away from winning the tournament.

The pocket rocket set off in a scrappy encounter with Robertson, and the following few frames saw various snookers,

LACROSSE

1

Corin Wright

Pts 1492

1sts v Leeds Beckett 1sts

RUGBY

2

Toby Bryant

1488

Anna Woodberry

1460

4

Sam Hansen

1440

RUGBY LEAGUE

5

Nathan C-S

1392

2nds v Manchester 1sts

6

Amirul Haqim

1374

7

Shona Haston

1367

8

Matthew Hall

1345

9

Rory Ewart

1337 1328

a few flukes and, most importantly, quality entertainment for the crowd. When the match ended up 9-8, with Dott hoping to force Robertson into a decider, he lapsed in judgment, allowing Robertson to clinch the frame and, overall, the title of 2020 World Snooker Grand Prix Champion.

It’s another trophy for his cabinet, another string to his bow, and he’s now one step closer from cementing himself in the annals of snooker history.

50-44

M1 v Durham 2nds 38-25 M3 v York St John 1sts 47-0 M5 v Hull 2nds WALKOVER NCL W1 v York 1sts 62-22

3

10 Dheeraj T

19-0 14-3

NETBALL

Tom Moorcroft talks us through the Australian’s Grand Prix run, from terribly tough frames to chaotic clean sweeps All in all, over the course of the tournament, Roberston went unscathed in terms of competition. In his opening match, against season 28th Michael Holt, he was off to a rocky start however, ending the game 4-3.

This nervy start, for most players, would’ve been reflected in their follow up match.

However, Robertson managed to nab a 4-0 win against stiff competitor Mark Williams.

Williams had been suffering from gout, and despite medication did seem to be a bit off, but the motivation he received from the game ensured that Robertson looked strong going into the quarter finals.

The gentleman Joe Perry held his cool and maturity against Robertson, finding himself stuck to his seat as Robertson went on to win 5-1. Kyren Wilson, coming off the back of a relatively successful Masters run in January, fell to Robertson in the semi finals, losing by 6 frames to 4. After a long run, Robertson had managed to make his way to the final, which was held on Sunday 9th of February.

M1 v Sheffield 1sts 0-2 W1 v Durham 2nds 2-2 W2 v Manchester 1sts 2-4 W3 v Sheffield 2nds 0-2 W4 v Bradford 1sts WALKOVER NCL M1 Sheffield 1sts M2 v Sheffield 2nds

Neil Robertson steals Snooker Grand Prix Koalas. Spiders. Being hot. Just three of the things that Australia is well known for.

Our neighbours from down under often boast with their warm weather and sunny beaches, but in the UK, there are some things which see even the greatest Australia has to offer coming over to the wet and windy island.

One of these things is the World Grand Prix, one of the many terrific tournaments offered within the conventional snooker season. This year’s event, held at the notorious Centaur in Cheltenham, was the eleventh ranking event of the season, and attracted all the talent from the top 32 players in the world. These include the typical figureheads of the sport, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump, alongside the lesser known players of Kurt Maflin and Scott Donaldson.

For those of you not so snooker inclined, or just confused at my references to Australia at the beginning of this article, I was referring to the world number 2 Neil Robertson. If you couldn’t tell from the large image of him on the page, spoiler alert: he won the tournament. The 38 year old from Melbourne took the tournament by storm, looking on from his previous disaster in the Masters losing 6-5 to Steven Maguire.

He managed to nab the highest break of the tournament, a 142 which he achieved in the final, alongside the £100,000 prize winnings. He truly brought the ‘Thunder from Down Under’, ironic given the poor weather which the UK saw after his win.

So we know who won, but why don’t we take a look at just how he managed to do so.

M3 v Durham 3rds

FENCING

Three to watch Setting managers back 6.1, Wolves’ Matt Doherty is a big investment for a defender - perhaps why less than 5% of players have found the funds.

However, the attack-minded full-back could prove gold in coming weeks. Currently unaffected by fixture changes, meetings with the far-from-prolific Nrowich and Brighton in the near future look golden. Plus, with four goals and seven assists already this term, there’s potential for returns at both ends.

Nathan Redmond MID, Southampton, 6.2, 1.2% A resurgent Southampton over the past few months have turned from relegation candidates into top-half competitors. That’s in no large part thanks to Danny Ings up front, who almost 30% of managers have already got in.

However, with a tasty run of fixtures including home clashes with Aston Villa and Newcastle, as well as trips to West Ham and Norwich before the end of March, why not

BUCS RESULTS

26-10

SQUASH

M2 v Manchester 2nds

4-1

TABLE TENNIS

M2 v Durham 3rds M3 v York 2nds

17-0 10-7

M1 v Durham 3rds M2 v Durham 5ths W1 v Durham 4ths W2 v Sheffield 1sts

6-0 12-0 4-2 1-5

M1 v Sheffield 1sts

WALKOVER SHEFF

TENNIS

ULTIMATE

VOLLEYBALL

W1 v Leeds 1sts W2 v York 1sts

WATERPOLO

M2 v Sheffield Hallam 2nds

3-0 1-3 4-13

ROY KEANE’S QUOTE CORNER I’m back, the gaffer has let me return after a two month suspension, that’s nothing really. I’ve had far longer suspensions. Anyway, here’s this week’s quote to get you through the week: “I’ve seen George Foreman shadow box and the shadow won.” -Muhammed Ali

SURF FORECAST

Neil Robertson wondering if he left the oven on Image: Wikimedia Commons

Tynemouth Longsands Storm Ciara has now departed, and left behind some amazing surf, probably. Look, the nights are (eventually) getting longer and with that comes opportunity to go down and surf with you bbf (best board-friend) down at Tynemouth. I can’t promise clean surf, but there is arguably the best fish and chips restaurants nearby if the surfing doesn’t come to fruit.

sport the courier

Monday 17 February 2020 Issue 1403 Free

@Courier_Sport courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk thecourieronline.co.uk/sport Head of Sport Rebecca Johnson Sport Editors Rory Ewart, Stan Gilyead, Toby Bryant & Tom Moorcroft

Women’s Frisbee fly to ultimate victory at the indoor nationals

Inside Sport today >>>

Fury vs Wilder We preview the rematch between the Gypsy King and the Bronze Bomber Page 36-7

Fantasy PL Toby Bryant provides all the gossip on the Courier fantasy football league Page 38-9

The team travelled to Glasgow to compete Image: Newcastle Ultimate Frisbee

Jo Murnane recounts Ultimate Frisbee’s jaunt north of the border to the UK Indoor Championships

Jo Murnane in Glasgow

After an unbeaten performance at Women’s Indoor Regionals back in November, there were high expectations for our women’s first team ahead of Indoor Nationals.

With the rapid growth of Ultimate Frisbee over recent years, 36 teams from across the UK travelled to Glasgow for the Championships to battle it out for the title.

Led by Kate Gibson, the team put in a dominant performance against Oxford Brookes in their first match of the weekend, resulting in an 11-0 victory. The following pool games, against Exeter and Glasgow, both began more evenly matched.

Ellie Stone’s pace was too much for the Edinburgh women, matched with perfect Emily Atkinson throws

However, the excellent depth of the Newcastle squad and their relentless defence saw Newcastle pull ahead again, winning the

games 9-3 and 8-3 respectively. Newcastle were then able to top their pool in style with a 12-0 defeat over Nottingham, who struggled to find cohesion against the experienced side.

12

The impressive amount of points scored against Nottingham

Following the pool games, the competition was due to get tougher. A cross-over game ended Saturday’s matches. Edinburgh had performed well in their pool, and with experienced, athletic players on their side the Newcastle women knew they would have to step up a gear.

Ellie Stone’s pace was too much for the Edinburgh women, and matched with perfectly placed throws from Emily Atkinson the team continued to an 11-3 victory to seal their place in the top 8 and set up a quarterfinal against Scottish regional champions and the highly rated St Andrews.

As Storm Ciara blew a gale early Sunday morning, Gibson led the team through their paces before the quarter-final match.

A win was essential. Both teams brought intensity to the game. However, Newcastle’s

experience shone through again with slick offensive plays and varied defensive strategies to shut down the offensive tactics of St Andrews. Rio Hamilton and Abbie Grainge worked tirelessly in defence, with Yasmin Gill and club president Amy Constantine capitalising quickly on errors from the opposition. Quarter-final victory, 11-3.

After defeating the Scottish champions, the women faced the winners of East regional qualifiers, UCL. A quick, experienced team, also undefeated so far, this proved to be the toughest match of the championships. The London team pulled ahead in the beginning of the match as they forced errors from the Newcastle women. A time-out call from Gibson allowed the team to settle and re-focus.

After finishing 6-6 at full time, the game went to a final point decider

The ensuing twenty minutes were high intensity, well fought and an excellent display of skill on both sides. As a self-managed sport, there were high pressure decisions at critical points in the game. 6-6 at full time,

a final point would be played. Newcastle in possession, against a strong UCL defensive line. Quick movement from Gibson and clinical timing from Constantine saw our side score the winning point.

After the semi-final heroics, a final against fellow northerners Leeds lay ahead

In the wake of an emotional semi-final, where both teams left everything on the pitch, the final against fellow Northerners Leeds lay ahead. They brought energy and pace to the game, but Newcastle were able to shut down their attacking plays and capitalise on the mistakes. Moving to a quick lead, they were then able to maintain this intensity to the end, winning 9-6 and claiming the title of University Women’s Indoor Champions 2020.

The season for this club is far from over.

With the outdoors championships approaching, the women will be aiming to maintain their undefeated run and work hard to earn another title.

Surf’s up Holly Mawdsley reports on the Yonder Surf School Page 38