Courier 1407 by The Courier Online

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Lifestyle Scotland makes more moves to tackle period poverty Page 12

NUSU elections Read our coverage of the election debates and candidates’ manifestos Centre pullout

NUSU ELECTIONS 2020

Monday 16 March 2020 Issue 1407 Free

TV Was the Drag Race double premiere a double whammy? Page 36

Coronavirus causes campus chaos The independent voice of Newcastle students

• Durham & Northumbria have suspended all classroom-based teaching this week Em Richardson, Rebecca Johnson & Grace Dean

Despite growing fears about the spread of COVID-19, Newcastle University currently intends to remain open despite other UK universities, including Durham and Northumbria, temporarily suspending inclassroom teaching. The decision has been made to cancel public events, such as the upcoming Insights public lectures. The University has furthermore decided that emails will be sent to students at 4pm each weekday to update them on developments to reflect the mercurial nature of Public Health England’s advice. As of 9am on Friday 13 March, Newcastle has five confirmed cases of COVID-19 out of a population of over 300,000. The University is not currently planning on altering its ReCap policy, meaning that students who chose not to attend lectures, labs and seminars that are not normally recorded using ReCap will still be unable to access recordings online. Addressing fears that exams or lectures might eventually need to be cancelled, a statement from the University said: “Currently, the plan is to deliver teaching and exams as scheduled. However, we are also making contingency plans to minimise the academic impact of a coronavirus outbreak. “We have established a COVID-19 Academic Group who are developing plans to deliver our classes and lectures remotely if the situation escalates. We are also working hard to develop multiple contingencies for the examinations themselves.” The University has, however, clarified that congregation ceremonies are currently set to continue as normal, and that “it is not in a position to refund tuition fees”. All non-essential international travel on University business has been advised against, with staff being urged to consider alternative arrangements such as video conferencing. Previously, a statement issued by the University had warned that students leaving the country may encounter “issues with re-entry into the UK which could then affect [their] university studies”. This is likely to be of particular concern for international students, who may wish to return home for Easter. Asked if the University had contacted international students privately, one Italian student said: “we weren’t given any specific guidance on returning to our home countries. We got the email everybody got, where they just referred us to government advice on the topic”. Italy currently has over 15,000 cases of COVID-19 that have led to the country being in lock-down, with all shops apart from pharmacies and supermarkets closed until 25 March. Universities, schools, gyms, museums and night-clubs have also been closed. When faced with concerns over whether

Est 1948

• Newcastle remains open but mitigation plans are being developed

some international students’ academic performances will suffer, the University reiterated that they are discouraging any staff or students from leaving the country. However, they also added: “We understand this is an uncertain and worrying time for everyone and any student who feels they need to return home will not be penalised”. The University has recalled students studying in Italy and China back to England and have advised students in other countries to return home if their university has closed or has moved to online teaching. One student who was undertaking a year abroad in China claimed that the University booked her flights back to the UK in late January when the government warned against unnecessary travel to China. The student stated: “the University got me flights to Manchester but I had to get the train from there to Newcastle. I had already effectively been in quarantine in China, so my main worry was that I might catch some-

thing on three flights it took to return home. I wore masks all the way home, but the University didn’t give me any advice on that - that was just what was mandated in China. I then put myself in quarantine, but again, that’s just because in China it was well known as it had a 14 day incubation period already.” “They only last week told us that they’ve decided we’re definitely not going back out to China to complete our year abroad. “Unfortunately they’re only going to offer us 64 hours of teaching across four weeks to replace the entire second semester, which is nowhere near enough for us to get to where we need for final year. “I think because they have to find and pay for accommodation for most of us in Newcastle they’re cutting it [teaching] down to the bear minimum and it’s basically down to us to take care of our own education.” One student who has recently returned from Italy described the last couple of weeks as, “the most mentally and emotionally

• All non-essential international travel on University business advised against

draining experience” of her life. Universities who have suspended classroom-based teaching include Aberdeen, Durham, Northumbria, King’s College London, Sheffield, Robert Gordon, Glasgow Caledonian, West of Scotland, Loughborough, London School of Economics and Lancaster. At the University of Aberdeen, library opening times have been reduced so that it can be thoroughly cleaned each night. Written exams are also being put on hold, with hard copies of assignments no longer being required either. Universities in the Republic of Ireland have suspended all on-site teaching, with University College Cork announcing a full campuswide shut-down until March 30, with its Erasmus students having also been recalled. Cases of the virus have been confirmed among students and staff at the Universities of Sheffield, Bristol and Oxford, which has reported six cases among students and which has consequently told all British undergradu-

ate students to return home “unless they have a compelling reason to stay”. Details of the closures at Sunderland and Durham can be read on page four and five. After Gateshead confirmed its first case last Friday, a social club in Pelaw announced it would be closing for a week for deep cleaning after a staff member showed symptoms. The Co-op in the Union has limited purchases of hand sanitiser, antibacterial soap, tissues and toilet roll to a maximum of any three items per customer in response to “exceedingly high demand”. Addressing concerns about shortages, the University has “an adequate quantity of supplies to provide all washrooms with soap. Additional hand sanitisers are being provided in PC clusters, on entrance to buildings and in areas of high footfall. Cleaning staff are being re-directed from lower-priority tasks to cleaning washrooms to increase the frequency of service.” All information is correct at the time of going to print at 11:30pm on 13 March.

Student groups have been protesting against coronavirusrelated racism on campus Image: Minqi Zhao

the courier

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

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

Fashion 14

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

Food 16

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

Beauty 17

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

Travel 18

courier.travel@ncl.ac.uk Editors: Amy Harris, Beth Robson & Meggie Williams Online Editor Tom Hardwick Social Media Managers Alicja Dryer, Holly Agar and Rose Hinds

Culture Editors: Charlotte Boulton & Ella Williams

Music 34

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

Television 36

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

Film 38

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

Arts 40

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

Gaming 42

courier.gaming@ncl.ac.uk

Editors: Alex Darbyshire, Shawn Khoo, George Boatfield & James Troughton

Science 44

Monday 16 March 2020

Musings from the editor DARBYSHIRE’S DO’S

James Blunt absolutely does not deserve the stick he gets. I am, perhaps unsurprisingly, a massive James Blunt fan. I grew up listening to my mum playing Jimmie in the kitchen, which I am sure will resonate with many of you. She would sing along, I would sing along, and we’d have a ball. For me, that ball never ended. Back to Bedlam is without a doubt his best known album, featuring bangers like “You’re Beautiful” and “Wisemen”, but the excellent tunes never stopped coming; “1973” and “Bonfire Heart” are just a drop in the option of the many examples of this. Why, then, do people tell me off for constantly playing him in the office? James Blunt is a fantastic musician with the catchiest of songs. He may not be cool, but he doesn’t try to be. He’s aware of his reputation, and he capitalises on it by mocking it. Just look at his Twitter to witness his sharp wit.

Tuesdays 11am-12pm Reel Talk with Carl keeps it real and immerses listeners in the exciting world of cinema. Reel Talk prides itself for its informative and entertaining episodes. Each episode delves deep into themes, characters and astounding film trivia while also discussing the latest news in film and includes highly anticipated pun-tastic one-liners. Carl invites fascinating guests to discuss theories and predictions and each episode is enriched with music, witty discussions and thought-provoking analysis. Sit back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable movie-going experience live at nsrlive.co.uk.

20 YEARS AGO

Deadly darts cock-up

The Courier reported that a “lad had a lucky escape as his tackle becomes a balls-eye!” Student Hugo Hills, described by the Courier as “cocky”, narrowly escaped death (or, at least, genital injury) when he accidentally “plunged a dart into his thigh and narrowly missed both an artery and his vital organs”. The incident occurred when Hills was tripped up by a housemate during a game of darts, who tried in “vein” to remove the dart – despite Hills screaming at him to go away. Describing the traumatic incident, Hills said: “It really fucking hurt – I’ve never been in so much agony. Everyone thought I was joking at first – but then I pulled my trousers down and revealed the extent of the damage. It’s a good job my cock was hanging to the left, otherwise the accidental could have been a good deal more gruesome.” If the dart had gone in an inch to the left then it would have penetrated his femoral artery, leaving him in serious trouble. His housemate said: “It was horrific – Hugo’s legs aren’t the prettiest sight at the best of times. I felt quite ill”. These legs can be pictured left. Despite the ordeal, Hills ended up winning their marathon darts challenge. That same week, students at Cardiff University had to remove an “I love porn” banner from their Union because it wasn’t in Welsh. The “20ft whopper” promoting a club night contravened the Union’s bilingual policy.

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

Sport 48

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

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.

DO: Communicate! I am terrible when it comes to blood tests, but I made sure this was something the nurses knew about and they were lovely about it. DON’T: Work yourself up too much. This one is easier said than done. The main thing to remember is that while the experience may be pretty horrid, the chances are you will be getting clarification about a worrying health concern. It’s over faster than you think. DO: Bring distractions! This was the greatest help for me. Bring a book, a Nintendo Switch, even just some headphones. Anything to distract you from the rather unpleasant experience. As someone who would normally lose consciousness altogether, I remained pretty lucid throughout, thanks to some fairly simple sensory distraction.

Grace Dean takes a gander at some of the highlights of Newcastle’s campus history

Puzzles 47

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.

AND DON’TS

This week: Blood test etiquette

From the archives

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

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 meeting is not until Wednesday 29 April. 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.

NSR Show of the Week

67 YEARS AGO

Hypnotists on campus

The Courier reported on the prevalence of hypnosis across campus in 1953. Third-year Dental student Arthur Wise was among the student hypnotists, and in front of an audience in a church hall he hypnotised colleague

Alan Dunlop and persuaded him “that for the next 24 hours he would find cigarettesmoking very distasteful”. Though the student had previously been a heavy smoker, it was reported that the hypnosis was successful. The photo below shows Dunlop, who weighed 17 stone, with hypnotist Arthur sat on his chest.

27 YEARS AGO

Studying on Sundays

Students have the 1993 cohort to thank for long Sundays in the library as it was announced that, due to student demand, the Robinson Library would begin opening on Sundays from May 1993 onwards. The everpoetic Courier reported that “panic-stricken finalists in the past have often pleaded for the peace and solitude of the library in their last, desperate days of revision”. While the Library’s Sunday opening hours would be limited to just 11am to 4:30pm, a range of exciting services would still be available to eager studiers such as the photocopiers, CDROM databases and computer workstations, although the Issue and Enquiry desks would unfortunately be unstaffed. The Courier concluded that “God may have decreed rest for the Sabbath, but there is no rest for the finalist”, as illustrated by the above cartoon.

NINE YEARS AGO

Honorary degrees blasted The University attracted criticism after it was revealed that it had spent £14,656 between 2008 and 2011 granting honorary degrees. These included degrees given to a government advisor, a playwright, and Geordie football legend Alan Shearer. This figure was almost three times the amount spent by Northumbria University over the same period. Most of the money was spent on providing catering after the ceremonies, but it was £961 was spent funding floral arrangements. In 2010, only three honorary degrees were awarded by the University, but these same to a total cost of £5591, including £329 for flowers and £4762 on catering. It was reported that additional guests were treated to a champagne reception and a three-course meal.

news 3

the courier

Monday 16 March 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

NUSU campaign supports domestic violence survivors Ellie Pidgeon

This week, Newcastle University Student University is leading conversations about domestic abuse in their campaign “Black & Blue: Believe me now?” The campaign aims to place survivors at the centre of the conversation, providing real insight into what goes on behind closed doors. This is

an extremely topical campaign, that educates on the signs of domestic abuse. The campaign is split into two sections – Workshops and Showcasing. The workshops are taking place on 9 and 11 March, and encourage the creative exploration of survivors stories. The focus of these workshops is placed on the survivors and their experiences and stories. There is time for discussion between survivors , creating a support network. There is also the opportunity to attend show-

cases that further education on abuse, harassment and violence. An anonymous student stated: “The intersectionality of this campaign is extremely important- domestic abuse does not discriminate, and it affects people of all genders and sexualities. Not only is it open to survivors of sexual and domestic abuse on campus, but it is also open to people who have experienced these issues at any point throughout their lives.”

Asked to comment on the significance of the campaign encouraging men to share their experiences, as well as women, Comment Editor Joe Molander said: “Although domestic abuse is primarily an issue that affects women, the male victims who do exist find it difficult to come forward. It’s a cliche, and one that’s difficult to understand without lived experience, but men are told from birth to be tough, or at the least, stoic. You can’t expect men to internalise that and then magi-

The Black & Blue campaign aims to begin conversations regarding domestic abuse Image: NUSU

Feminist Soc hosts inaugural festival Rae Farren

On Sunday 8 March, International Women’s Day, Newcastle University Feminist Society (Femsoc) hosted the inaugural Newcastle University Feminism Festival at the Students’ Union. The sold-out event welcomed speakers Flo Perry, Fope Olaleye and Iqra Choudhry, as well as an ‘Ask a Feminist’ panel discussion. Femsoc president Sian Dickie began the day by explaining the society’s ethos, and giving an overview of its activities this academic year. The first talk was from Iqra Choudhry, a Newcastle alumna who is currently based in Manchester, and runs the ‘Brown Girls Do It’ podcast. Choudhry spoke about her journey to becoming a feminist, giving an account of the various struggles she has faced throughout her life. She particularly focused on the intersections of being a queer, working-class, Muslim woman of colour, and how she has encountered multiple forms of oppression as a result of her identity. A panel discussion titled ‘Ask a Feminist’, followed Choudhry. The panel comprised Eleasha Forster, Beth Lawrence, Victoria Osho, Sian Dickie, Harriot Sloane and Alice Fish. They covered issues such as the prevalence of fatphobia, the use of language and terminology, and combatting transphobia and TERF (‘trans-exclusionary radical feminist’) ideology. They also discussed their feminist heroes. The panel’s overall conclusion was that feminism requires collectivity and mutual support across its intersections, as well as an effort to humanise the groups most alienated in wider society. The second speaker was Fope Olaleye, Newcastle graduate and former NUSU LGBT Officer. Their talk, titled ‘Decolonis-

ing Feminism’, challenged attendees to consider the impacts of colonialism on women and queer people of colour. Olaleye used examples of trans and nonbinary gender identities in non-European cultures to demonstrate how the gender binary has been forced on the Global South by colonialism. They also explained how the notion of androgyny is often framed around thin, white, masculine-presenting people, and why that is a particular problem for queer people of colour.

Topics included sex, decolonisation and intersectionality

The final speaker of the day, Flo Perry, gave a talk titled ‘How to Have Feminist Sex’. Perry, a freelance writer and illustrator with 53,000 Instagram followers, spoke candidly about sex positivity, dating, rejection, and virginity. She unpacked the problems with society’s perception of virginity, using the witty analogy of eating a chocolate croissant to explain why we should not expect sex to be perfect every time. After the event, Dickie said “we wanted to put on the conference to raise the voices of feminists who we believe are important to the current wave of feminism. The topics covered such as decolonisation, intersectionality, feminist sex, are all conversations that we need to be learning from, particularly our members who may be new to the movement.” She added that organising it “was really tough and it took a long time to put together but in the end it was worth it because the day was really successful. People left inspired and motivated and that was all I really wanted people to feel.”

cally come forward and say ‘this thing that you’ve told me all my life makes me weak? Yeah, it happened to me’”.

There is time for discussion, creating support networks

As Marginalised Genders Officer, and campaign leader, Eleasha Forster highlighted that this is a “student safety campaign focusing on raising awareness around the hidden nature of abuse, harassment and violence.” She went on to say that “this is a very personal subject matter as I, along with so many Newcastle University students, am a survivor of domestic abuse, rape, and childhood sexual abuse but was not believed because I had no physical markings. This campaign uses art to empower survivors to own their narratives and reclaim power back fro our perpetrators. “I have worked so hard to put together online resources and advice and support for anyone affected by these issues and set up survivor workshops transforming our stories into art”. In this campaign, art is used as a vehicle to facilitate the shared discussion of experiences of abuse, harassment and violence. If you cannot attend the workshops, please note that you can drop any artwork you have produced independently behind Reception in the NUSU, up until the first week back from Easter break.

Student Council passes motion on removing assessment bunching Emma McLaren News Editor Student Council was held on Thursday 12 March. Two motions were proposed, both of which passed. Attendees first discussed the coronavirus outbreak following the Prime Minister’s speech earlier in the day. Representatives of the University had confirmed that there were currently no plans to suspend teaching. However, Stephen Dawes, Chair of Council, advised students to stay at home if they have any symptoms. A debate commenced on the issue that two thirds of council members voted that Student Council was not transparent enough in a recent survey, with the speaker questioning how this could be improved. Responses focused on improving student attendance to Student Council to ensure that students are fully aware of the kind of motions that are

Two thirds of survey respondents thought that Council is not transparent enough Image: NUTV

discussed at Council. The sabbatical officers understood these concerns but ensured that they were attempting to improve engagement through emails and social media posts.

Only two motions were proposed

This quickly moved onto a debate on whether transparent voting records should be made available to ensure that Council is completely transparent, and students know what the sabbatical officers are voting for. There was a mixed response to this idea, with Welfare and Equality Officer Sara Elkhawad arguing that when representing such large numbers of the student body it can be difficult to vote in a way that will please everybody. It was suggested that releasing voting records may increase scrutiny and impact the mental health of sabbatical officers.

A motion was also proposed to disband the Volunteering Executive Committee on the basis that it duplicates a lot of other executive committees in the university. The motion was passed with very little debate. A second motion to stop assessment bunching caused more debate. It was suggested that there should be no more than two assessment deadlines per week, and that there should be no assessment deadlines 14 days before the dissertation or final project deadline. Some members opposed this, stating that these bunched deadlines improved student’s time management skills. Many argued, though, that these kinds of deadlines put extra pressure on student’s mental health, and that this motion considers students who may be carers or have work commitments that deny them the privilege of managing their time in this way. The motion passed overwhelmingly.

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news

Monday 16 March 2020

BP event cancelled on campus Elisabetta Pulcini Film Editor

A BP sponsored event at Newcastle University has been moved off campus following pressure from People and Planet Newcastle. The climate action event, hosted by Tortoise Media, is set to take place on Thursday 12th March, but will now be held at Horticulture. Tortoise Media’s sponsors include BP, who People and Planet called “a global leader in fossil fuel production.” This comes following Newcastle University’s commitment to full divestment from fossil fuels, which was announced in November 2019.

"BP does not fit alongside NUSU's ethical investment morals"

Katie Smyth, NUSU President

The event, known as a ThinkIn, is titled ‘Whose job is to fight climate change- activists, voters or the people they elect?’, with Tortoise media being a journalistic organisation. Special guests will include Julian Rob-

inson, an Extinction Rebellion Activist; Jo Alexander, a Charted Geologist and Purpose Engagement Manger for BP; and Alex Lockwood, professor of Journalism at the University of Sunderland, and author of The Pig in Thin Air, which is about the relationship between animal agriculture and climate change. People and Planet Newcastle began a change.org petition on the 5th March, which at the moment of publication, had 100 signatures. In the petition, People and Planet wrote: “Instead of providing space for debate around meaningful action to tackle climate breakdown, Newcastle University has allowed BP a platform to appropriate climate justice discourse and greenwash its own ecocidal practices which are a fundamental driver of the crisis.” “We call on Newcastle University to cancel this event immediately, and decline to offer fossil fuel companies any more platforms on campus, in line with its declaration of a climate emergency and full divestment from fossil fuel companies.” Only a day after the petition was posted, the University decided to cancel hosting the event, with People and Planet Newcastle thanking the NUSU President for her involvement. Katie Smyth, NUSU President, tweeted: “NUSU proudly divested from fossil fuels

People & Pllanet is one of the largest student campaign organisation for human rights and environment. Image: @peopleandplanetbristol

in July 2019 and tirelessly support climate action. Therefore, we will no longer be hosting Tortoise Media, supported by BP, as this doesn’t fit alongside our ethical investment morals. Continued thanks to @nclpeo-

NUSU launches Green Pledges Elsa Tarring

Newcastle University Students' Union recently launched its 'Green Pledges'. The pledges cover three main areas; paper, power and plastic, with NUSU promising to adapt its behaviour surrounding these three aspects in order to make the Union more sustainable.

NUSU has pledged to reduce the amount of paper printed by staff by 25% by the end of 2021

Under the category of paper, NUSU has pledged to reduce the amount of paper

printed by staff by 25% by the end of 2021. They then to push this down even further, reducing it by 100% by the end of 2023, making all resources used by staff and services ‘fully digital’. These changes are part of an attempt to reduce the Union’s carbon footprint, since paper production is the third most energyintensive of all manufacturing industries. Alongside this, to reduce power usage, it promises to replace all lights in Union buildings with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). LEDs both last longer than ordinary filament bulbs and waste only 5% of their energy through heat, according to UK Energy Lighting, compared with the 95% of wasted energy caused by using fluorescent lights. While there are currently food waste bins in most university buildings, NUSU also aims to implement them everywhere around the Union by the end of this year. According to the World Economic Forum, there are currently 150 million tonnes

of plastic floating in the ocean, the largest quantity of this being single-use plastic. As reported by the UN Environment, the most common single-use plastics are cigarette butts, plastic bottles and food wrappers. In order to reduce the university’s usage of single-use plastic, the Students’ Union has announced that it will communicate with the university’s third-party partners to discuss ways of reducing the amount used. As well as their pledges, NUSU has created

The Union will increase the use of LED bulbs throughout its building

a space for students to submit their own suggestions of how the university can become more sustainable. Anyone can present their pledge ideas on the NUSU website.

NUSU has launched a new climate campaign Image: NASA

pleplanet for their work!”. This was since retweeted by the official Newcastle University Twitter account. Newcastle is labelled a ‘First-Class University’ according to People & Planet’s sustainabil-

ity ranking, where it currently places 12th out of 154 Universities. People & Planet describe themselves as “the largest student campaigning organization in the country campaigning to alleviate world poverty, defend human

COVID-19: Durh suspend all cam

As cases across the North East continue to rise, the Couri

Kaitlyn Maracle

Northumbria University sent an email to all students on Thursday evening, stating that from Monday 16th March, “all classroom based teaching and learning activity will be replaced by online delivery”, in light of growing COVID-19 concerns up and down the country. It appears that laboratories and workshops will remain open, with all other teaching moved online via Blackboard From the email sent out, it appears that laboratories and workshops will remain open, with all other teaching moved online via Blackboard. However, specific plans for different faculties haven’t been confirmed. The email also noted that staff understand that there may be implications on students’ final year projects and other assignments and exams, and said that “our emergency regulations will support the changes needed”. Many have praised the decision. This comes mere moments after an email sent by Chris Day (Vice Chancellor) to all Newcastle University students, maintaining that while the university remains open for business, there is a possibility we could be seeing the same approach in the coming days. Many other universities across the world have been adopting a similar approach, including our close neighbours at Durham University, with all their teaching also being moved online. If this was replicated at Newcastle, it could potentially mean another week of disruption, right after the current series of strikes have ended. It appears that many striking staff have been voicing concerns on Twitter, over the potential sudden increase in workload, as moving content online could prove to be difficult.

These closures have made NU students concerned that our lectures could be cancelled Images: Wikimedia Commons

the courier

news

Monday 16 March 2020

Students organise night of live music and networking Sophie Wilson News Editor

Music students put on an evening of music and networking for musicians Image: David Card

ham and Northumbria mpus-based teaching

rier reports on the recent suspension of lectures at two of our closest universities Grace Dean Editor

All classroom-based teaching at Durham University will be cancelled next week following the continued outbreak of the Coronavirus. The University will remain open but staff have been requested to change the delivery and format of all teaching next week. This means that all class-room based lessons will be cancelled, and alternative methods of teaching such as online learning will be used instead.

798

cases of the coronavrius in the UK currently

Students have been told that if they want to leave Durham tomorrow after their last class tomorrow (Friday 13), they can continue to participate in classes remotely. The University will then break up for the Easter holidays on Friday 20 March, and it is unclear what will happen after this.

The University will remain open but staff have been requested to use online learning

The Library and university college accommodation, however, will remain open for the foreseeable future. Colleagues have been advised to explore remote working options so that they can continue to work from home. Some students have been taken by surprise as the University is yet to announce any confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Despite this, the first case of coronavirus was confirmed

in Darlington on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases in the North East to 12 at the time of writing. This week the University has also advised students on placement in Italy to return home, and has announced that large-scale conferences and events should be cancelled.

King's College London, Manchester Met And all ROI universities have suspended teaching

On its website, Durham University stated: “Colleagues who are at most risk from the coronavirus will be asked to work from home wherever possible and will be enabled to do so.” King’s College London has emailed students alerting them that all exams scheduled for the summer will be changed to alternative methods of assessment, Manchester Metropolitan University has told students that faceto-face teaching will not resume after Easter break, and all universities, schools and colleges in Ireland were shut down this morning for the remainder of the month.

The most common symptoms of the Coronavirus are a continuous cough and/or a high temperature. The government have advised that anyone with symptoms, however mild, self-isolate for seven days. For more information contact NHS 111.

A night of live music, local businesses and networking took place at the Globe on Tuesday night. Organised by students from Newcastle University, the night took place as part of their module work for this year. Starting off with the act AFOSS Brightly, the night began with music that was a mixture of contemporary traditional music with aesthetic electronica. It included live looping and DJing, and his music has been described as being a “multi-instrumental journey” which explores “emotional expression in modern music”. Following this act was the Thomas Dixon Quartet, and then No Fox finished the night. Consisting of musicians from Newcastle University itself, No Fox is a quintet that blends jazz, funk, afro and fusion to “create a sound that is influenced by both contemporary and classic jazz”, as their Facebook says. Pippa Morgan, a music student, along with David Card and Jaz Smith, both combined honours student, collaborated to make the night happen. Pippa tells us that the evening was all about “’bridging the gap between the young musicians and local music businesses, giving opportunities for anyone who wants to dive into the industry”. It was an opportunity for aspiring musicians to see “what opportunities are available to them”, and “giv-

ing a platform for supporting up and coming bands in Newcastle”. This was achieved through inviting guest speakers to talk between the acts. With all proceeds going to charity, the event was raising money for Music Minds Matter (Help Musicians UK). This is a charity which helps those facing mental health problems within the music industry. It offers an emergency line for anyone who needs to talk about their welfare, relationships, physical health, employment and financial strains, whether these are related to their music or not. It has offered support since 1921, and as their website states, they aim to “create a sustainable future for all musicians and the industry”. They are working “in partnership to transform the music industry through advocacy, campaigning, programmes and targeted investment for all those within it.” One of their largest achievements to date is commissioning the University of Westminster and MusicTank to undertake the largest known study into mental health and the music industry, and so the money raised from this event will help in all of these places. David Card said that it took a lot of effort to organise, but that he is "so glad that it turned out as well as it did". The event showcased some of the work that Newcastle students are constantly undertaking as part of their degree. The night was a success and saw the Globe packed with both students and musicians from other walks of life.

Newcastle to lead £38m digital health project Professor Fai Ng is leading research in the medical science field Image: Newcastle University

Alex Walker Newcastle University is to lead a new €42 million digital health project, which will focus on research into neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. The Identify Digital Endpoints to Assess FAtigue, Sleep and acTivities of daily living (IDEA-FAST) is a project funded by the European Union and the European pharmaceutical industry. This comes under the Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking programme. The project has been established with the goal of researching medical conditions such as ‘Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren's syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease’, according to the statement released by the Newcastle University Press Office.

IDEA-FAST has 46 members from 14 European countries

IDEA-FAST has 46 members from 14 different European countries, including

academic and non-profit institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. Their specific goal is to ease the care of people suffering with neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. With fatigue and sleep disturbances seriously impacting their quality of life, the programme is based on harnessing the advancement of wearable and portable digital technology. IDEA-FAST is to be led by Fai Ng, Professor of Rheumatology at Newcastle’s Faculty of Medical Sciences. Professor Ng said that "project will transform how we conduct clinical trials and further consolidate our world-leading reputation in translational research in long-term conditions." “The final ambitious goal of IDEA-FAST is to provide more objective, sensitive, reliable and ecological measures of the severity and impact of symptoms in real-world settings. Such digital endpoints will eventually improve the efficiency of clinical trials, ultimately reducing the time and cost to bringing new therapies to patients.” The project will work with, and seek advice from, the European Medicines Agency, to help determine what ‘digital endpoints’ the project will establish. The data privacy of patients taking part in the project have been assured, and will be protected at all stages of the project.

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news 6

Monday 16 March 2020

Professor appointed by health research body Lucy Adams Newcastle Professor of Gastroenterology Dr Colin Rees has been appointed to the National Institute for Health Research’s College of Senior Investigators for his pioneering projects in the area of bowel cancer research. The NIHR are the UK’s leading funder of health and care research and appointed 28 new Senior Investigators for 3-5 year terms in February 2020, after an open competition in which the appointees were selected by a committee chaired by Professor Marion Walker.

COLO-SPEED works with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Image: @STSFTrust on Twitter

Alumnus releases first of Sci-Fi trilogy Grace Lazzaro Newcastle University alumnus Chris Angus has recently had his science fiction novel, Overstrike, published by Elsewhen Press. Currently the novel is available on major e-book platforms, including Amazon. The print edition will be released in 3 weeks.

The novel is available on many major e-book platforms

As an author, Angus plays on the darker side of the future and the science fiction genre, as well as playing on the idea of magical realism. This book not only deals with the realistic complexities of family, but also with the more mythical problems that would weigh down on said family when plagued with confounding powers and a sinister fate. This novel is a complex and twisted story. Here is a short synopsis: Overstrike takes place over the span of four generations of

a family haunted by the prospect of an approaching alternate reality where their child has been erased from history. The trilogy follows this family who discover they hold the ability to manipulate reality, which puts Overstrike’s main character, Matt, at risk of his child, being the one erased. Matt, his father, and grandfather thus attempt to use their abilities to discover who is trying to erase his child from history. As previously stated, Angus attended Newcastle University for his PhD in Computing in 1998. Because of this, current- and past- Newcastle Uni students may find some familiar locations in this novel such as Blackwell’s Bookstore and other various locations around the city centre.

Newcastle students may recognise familiar locations, including Blackwell's Bookstore

The NIHR is the leading UK funder of health and care research

Senior Investigators, who upon appointment receive £20,000 towards their own research, are appointed on the basis of their “internationally excellent research, its quality and volume, its relevance to patients and the

public, and its impact on improvements in healthcare and public health”. Dr Colin Rees is the founder of COLO-SPEED, a research project working with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation and funded by the Bobby Robson Foundation, that aims to allow for earlier diagnoses of bowel cancer.

Dr Rees founded COLO-SPEED, which works with local NHS foundations

Forty-four people in the UK die of bowel cancer every day. The North East is the region with the highest incidents of bowel cancer in men, and above average for women, yet has the lowest survival rates nationally for the disease. The project that Dr Rees has established works with 5000 patients at 17 units across the North East, to optimise detection rates in what Guts Charity calls a “world-leading model for prevention and early diagnosis research.” COLO-SPEED works with New-

The North East has the highest incidents of bowel cancer in men, but the lowest survival rates nationally

Rees states that “the project findings have the potential to change clinical practice in terms of colonoscopy referral, yielding significant benefits for patients (as those who are low-risk may avoid unnecessary procedures) and the NHS (which is currently struggling to meet demand for endoscopy).” In response to the recognition of his achievements by the NIHR, Rees says “I look forward to helping to train and develop researchers and to providing research evidence that will contribute to our population becoming healthier.”

Cornish’s mining art exhibition extended

Overstrike is the first novel of the Fixpoint Trilogy, and currently holds a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.

Exhibition of Norman Cornish's mining art has been extended Image: Newcastle University Press Office

Joe Molander The Bowes Museum have extended their exhibition on Norman Cornish to last until May this year. The exhibition, entitled Norman Cornish: The Definitive Exhibition, was scheduled to end in February, having begun in mid-November last year to coincide with what would have been Cornish’s 100th birthday.

Chris Angus graduated in 1998 Image: Newcastle University Press Office

castle University’s Open Lab in a stratification project to analyse patient data accumulated from the research.

The exhibition was supposed to end in February, but will now go on until May

Cornish was part of a lesser known branch of British art known as mining art. Mostly produced by those who were miners them-

selves, the style of painting is meant to celebrate those who worked underground and the communities that sprang up around them.

Cornish was part of a lesser known branch of British art known as mining art

The influence of mining on Cornish’s work is obvious in his use of stark, earthy colours, but what is more surprising is the lack of actual depictions of mining. Instead, he opts to depict miners’ lives and villages: paintings of pubs, houses and local walking routes are all populated with people. Some are busy and bustling, while others feature only one or two. The one thing in common is the idea that places are made by the people who live

in them. The Bowes Museum is a suitable setting for Cornish’s work, as both share a home in County Durham, and is full of praise for Cornish. On their website, they describe his penchant for providing “an immediate and accessible social documentary of a bygone era”. Cornish was granted an honorary Master of Arts from Newcastle University in 1974. His accolades grew in 2012, when he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sunderland University.

Cornish was granted an honorary Master of Arts from Newcastle University in 1974

The exhibition boasts over sixty of Cornish’s drawings, pastels, charcoals and paintings, and runs until 17 May.

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campus comment International Happiness Day Monday 16 March 2020

Edited by: Nimra Rafique @courier_latest courier.news@ncl.ac.uk courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk

Joel Mott on Unsplash

Amanda Jones on Unsplash

Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash

Our writers share what happiness means to them...

appiness: a mindset of complete satisfaction with my own actions. That is how I define happiness. I am most happy when I know I have done my best. Whether that has been a fully day working in the library, or helping a friend in need, I am happy when I am proud of myself and satisfied with what I have achieved. Happiness is one of the most important emotions to me, it fuels my day. I am the most productive when I am happy; I am a significantly better person to be around when I am happy; and I like to think make others happy when I am happy. I am happy when I know that others I care about are happy and when I see those who I love succeed in what they like to do. Happiness is expressed for me in many forms, a smile or a hug, or an article written for The Courier, sat at my desk after a successful days work. Happiness gives me motivation, my own happiness and the happiness of others! Meg Howe

’m a firm believer that life is about balance. That’s not to say that your life should be complete entropy. Think of life as a bag of fruit pastilles (other assorted sweets are available). There’s a reason the packets with only blackcurrant and strawberry sell much fewer than their more mixed counterparts. Only having your favourites is great- but the happiness you get from eating them lessens throughout. You need the green or yellow pastilles, whichever you don’t like, to make the ones that you do feel special. That’s my understanding of happiness. It might be a little stoic, but I believe that we do need some troughs in our lives so the peaks feel worth it. We don’t have long on this earth, and we have even less time to enjoy everything while we’re still able. Hell- we don’t even have that long at university. I do my best to accept that every day- to understand the hard, slow days. They make me savour the days filled with friends. Hunting for ghosts where we shouldn’t be, ranting about politics in the early hours, sitting down and really sharing with a friend. That’s happiness to me, and it’s a privilege that I get to enjoy so much of it. I can’t stress enough that I’m incredibly lucky to be in the position I am, especially mentally. Not every bad day can be solved with a promise that tomorrow will be better and I don’t want to give that impression. If you’re really struggling, there are professionals who can help you more than any article in a paper. Alex Darbyshire

Em Richardson discusses the controversy behind R.O.N during University student elections

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

ing the R.O.N option, we prevent this attitude from spilling over into university politics. Despite this, some would still argue that actually using R.O.N is too drastic an option, but I’m inclined to argue otherwise. Ultimately, any student at Newcastle has the right to run in the elections, just as any student has the right to vote R.O.N. Often, the nature of a role means it attracts candidates with a certain political belief, meaning all of the candidates running are likely to hold similar views. If a voter doesn’t agree with these views, they ought to be able to request that alternative candidates are allowed to run. Moreover, certain roles have only one candidate running. If a voter genuinely believes that this isn’t the right person for the job, then they shouldn’t feel forced to vote for them just because no-one else volunteered to take the role. Personally, there are some categories in the upcoming elections where I genuinely disagree with all of the main candidates’ views. With this in mind, I’m more than happy to vote R.O.N. Hopefully, if enough people follow suit, new candidates might be encouraged to run, in response to the student body calling for change.

he best part about International Happiness Day, that it’s individual and it’s about celebrating the things that put a smile on your face. And if there’s one thing that Anastasia Vityukova on Unsplash puts a smile on my mug, it’s the lethal combination of Dickson’s pie, mash and gravy. Dickson’s pie has long been something me and my family have enjoyed. A firm family favourite, my relatives have worked in the local business and eaten a lot of their produce. Coming to university, I was keen to keep to my roots and I told all my mates about Dickson’s and their wonderful pies. This led to one of my pals, Sophie, taking a keen interest in regional food, and so started pie night. Initially this started out as a “taste testing” opportunity for her, we ate the steak, corned beef and mince pie with a different assortment of potatoes and vegetables combined with gravy on top every couple of weeks in first year. We then took the pies to our Christmas party, where everyone shared them, and good festive fun was had. Since then, Sophie and I have held pie night once a month and Dickson’s pies have featured at every one of my university Christmas parties. Image: Pixabay Food is one of the things that really brings people together, and whilst pie, mash and lots of gravy certainly brings me an awful lot of joy, it’s also a fantastic way to keep in contact and catch-up with friends. That’s truly what International Happiness Day is about, finding something that puts a smile on your face and makes you feel warm inside (literally in the case of the pie). Rebecca Johnson or a long time, I didn’t know how to be happy. I spent a lot of my time feeling isolated because I thought I was the only person who didn’t laugh, smile and flourish. During my first year of university, I found out that this was due to untreated depression and a degree of trauma. I first learnt to be happy when I was explaining to a therapist why things upset me, and realised that it was a lot less overwhelming as soon as I gave credit to the things that bothered me. Being happy to me means accepting that things make me sad. From there, I can adapt my mood to give credit to the things that make me happy. Now, I know how to call things by their right name and how I feel is tangibly linked to what is happening. I can do things that make me happy. The people around me can say things and behave in certain ways that make me feel happy. I can change the situation I’m in to one that is happy, and I’ve finally managed to do that. I’m happy, and I’m proud that I’ve made that happen. Jennifer Mills

Right and R.O.N s I’m sure you’re aware, every ballot cast in the upcoming Students Union elections will feature the controversial R.O.N option, in addition to the eligible candidates’ names. This option, which stands for ‘Re-Open Nominations’ is intended for use by those who feel that none of the presented candidates are electable. On the one hand, it’s easy to dismiss this option as irrelevant. After all, government elections in this country have no such optionyou either choose one of the proffered candidates, or protest by either refusing to vote at all, or spoil- ing your ballot. However, I’d argue that this has led many people to simply vote for ‘the candidate I hate the least’. By includ-

Image: Pixabay

appiness is a concept usually centred on feelings of full positivity and cheer. However, life does not go as intended all the time. When negativity permeates, it is always criticised or perceived with disappointment. Majority of inspirational quotes, self-help books and influencers reinforces an obsession with being happy. It emphasises how life experiences should always be optimistic. Life with all positivity conceals other emotions. It can heighten a society fearful of disclosing their identities and problems. This can have dire consequences, as individuals might pretend everything is naturally perfect all the time. Such issues cannot simply be erased or swept aside. Everyone faces challenges. Zoning out provoked emotions is unhealthy, and it does not work. No matter how we try, inconveniences strikes in our minds. It is undoubtedly better to trudge on intense emotions, regardless of how painful they are instead of thinking that everything is fine. Happiness roots from strength, passion and love to continue when life feels like an impossible struggle. It really is okay not to be happy all the time. Without bad moments, it would be impossible to appreciate the little moments. Traditional discourse on happiness needs rethinking to add the ebb and flow of emotions in life. Carl Smith Valdez

Coronavirus closures?

Should UK universities close down due to the coronavirus outbreak? Phoebe Eyles shares her thoughts

oronavirus has become a global pandemic. As cases rise above 200 in the UK, many of us are panicking over the virus. Some schools across the country have closed due to cases of Covid-19 as well as quarantining pupils who have returned from Northern Italy over half term. With such drastic measures taking place, this begs the question if universities should be closing due to coronavirus? Universities throughout the country have had suspected coronavirus cases, but there have been no confirmed cases at Newcastle. York was the first university in the UK to confirm one of it's students had coronavirus and the university remained open as authori-

ties tried to get in contact with those who had close contact with the individual infected. This would seem to suggest even if Newcastle had a confirmed case, there would be no need to shut down the whole university. Closing the institution would further induce panic among students - whilst there is still a good supply of toilet paper in Jesmond supermarkets, I fear closing university due to coronavirus could change that... It cannot be ignored that cases in the UK are still rising considerably and many schools with and without cases have closed. However, compared to university, schools are much more susceptible to the spread of diseases. In secondary schools well over 1,000 pupils and

Image credits:

paper image: Andrej Lišakov on Unsplash blue paper: Copper and Wild on Unsplash quote: @lilaintheskyjewelry on Instagram illustration/doodles: @brushandbarley on Instagram

all the teachers are confined to a small group of buildings from 9am until 4pm each day. For many students at university it's impressive to have 100% attendance for nine hours each week. With university campuses being large and often spread across a city, there is significantly less close contact across the entire student population than there would be at a school. Currently there has not been a concentrated outbreak in any university city across the UK. If there was, it would be sensible for universities to close if the city was experiencing a high number of cases. Nonetheless, at present I do not see a reason for universities to close as a precaution.

comment

the courier

Monday 16 March 2020

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

Victoria Osho discusses the signficance of the recent sexualisation of the 17-year-old activist Image: Anthony Quintano on Flickr

ery recently, a sexually explicit cartoon surfaced of Greta Thunberg in Alberta, Canada, originally thought to be from an oil company based there due to their logo, though the company has denied this. With the surfacing of such cartoons, one must begin to question how we have we gotten to this point with the young activist, and how can it be stopped? Greta Thunberg is a seventeen-year-old climate change activist who has been protesting to force the government and relevant officials to actively reduce carbon emissions and implement bills in place to aid that, plus so much more. However, she has not at all been well received by the media, constantly facing backlash and criticism depicting her as an incompetent child with no real ideas of how science actually works. Despite all this, a sexually explicit cartoon is an all-time low. But even so, it is barely surprising. Firstly, it shows how women/ girls of any kind are so grossly sexualised in the media, to the point where their Image: achievements are made meaningless in Wikipedia the face of their perceived sexuality. This cartoon tries to reduce Thunberg to nothing short of a sexual object with no control over her sexualisation, and thus

aiming to dim or shun her intellect. And, Like Greta Thunberg herself said, “they’re getting des-

Women and girls of any kind are so grossly sexualised in the media

perate.” They simply cannot find anything else to downplay this girl. They have tried her age. They have tried her gender. They have tried her disability. Now, they are trying her perceived sexuality to taunt and bully her into silence. I am glad to see that it, of course, did not work. While unfortunately we cannot completely stop these vile and disgusting things from happening in the future, we can actively play our part by continuing to share Thunberg’s journey and make her voice reverberate globally. As they try to belittle and tear Thunberg down, we will show the antagonists that we support her and her cause. No longer will women be silenced and no longer will Thunberg be silenced.

Civil service stranglehold?

Faye Navesey on Priti Patel bullying allegations

his government has had its fair share of disturb- 2019 enables them to disregard ing moments that show that it is far from nor- political norms, and to act commal. The most recent of which was the resigna- pletely free from scrutiny. The relation of Sir Phillip Rutnam due to the atmosphere of tionship between the government and bullying in the home office. The reports from former civil service is supposed to be one of staff are alarming with some saying home secretary co-operation, working together Priti Patel would humiliate civil servants and create a for the good of the country, but toxic environment to work in which raises an impor- this government seems to tant question, is it just an accepted part of politics that expect complete capitugovernment officials are allowed to bully out members lation. This is danof the civil service? gerous and should The civil service is an important part of government not be allowed that must remain politically independent and free of to continue. Downing street interference. This is vital to ensure that the decisions made are those that are the best for the country. So when ministers like Priti Patel make it difficult for civil servants to do their job effectively, we all suffer as a result. Particularly those in the Home Office who deal with such important issues; the resignation of people like Sir Phillip Rutman therefore having the potential to be detrimental to national security. It also sets a danImage: Gage Skidmore gerous precedent, if Priti Patel is allowed to bully on Flickr civil servants out of office, then what is to stop every other minister doing the same? This threatens to seriously undermine the integrity of the civil service with a profoundly damaging effect. The fact that Boris Johnson has refused to even address this issue shows a serious issue with the government, inferring that they believe that the majority that they received in

FAKE FANATICS Ruby Story Dartford

rom St Moriz to Fake Bake, there is no doubt that fake tan is fantastic. Who wouldn’t want to look like a bronzed goddess all the time? The addition has reached extremes with a whole shelf dedicated to looking like an Oompa Loompa. The weekly

Thursday night ritual, the patchy orange hands, stained bed sheets and patchy elbows are all worth it to be sunkissed all year round. That biscuit scent that engulfs the room after lathering yourself in several layers is undefeated. Although at times, I look more like a Dorito than an actual person. Love it or loathe it, the glow is here to stay.

outhbend mayor Pete Buttigieg has dropped out of the democrat race, with Elizabeth Warren also absolving since. Bidens exile into semi-obscurity and a budding dissatisfaction with the ages of the frontrunners briefly allowed experimental candidates such as Andrew Yang and Pete Buttiegieg to take the stage, while overtly ‘political’ candidates like Kamala Harris, who’s illustrious legal career does not match a particular desire for ‘qualified’, were among the earliest to drop out. Bernie and Biden’s battleplans each play to different consequences of Trump’s presidency. Bernie, the only democrat candidate to effective-

We take a look at the two D and whether or not t Trump at the elect

egs are becoming tangled in the race for the Democratic nominee, as ‘Super Tuesday’ ushers in a surprise comeback for candidate Joe Biden. After winning only 4/14 States on Tuesday March 3rd, it feels time to re-assess the reality of the ‘Sanders campaign’ and consider whether the United States of America is ready to endorse such a divisive figure. A prime issue for Bernie Sanders is dealing with the American nervousness surrounding his declared position as a ‘Democratic Socialist’. Recent history has proved a continued scepticism of anything which may be misconstrued as (or genuinely be) socialist. The backlash faced by President Barack Obama for the passage of 2010’s ‘Affordable Care Act’ (or ‘ObamaCare’) which aimed to reform Health Insurance within the US captures this conflict. The attempts of socially progressive Presidents to extend Federal power and legislate perceived ‘moral obligations’ seem to always rub uncomfortably against the socially conservative population’s suspicion of a strong central government. To his credit, Sanders has changed his rhetorical strategy to re-define the US’ economic principles. Descriptions of the ‘Land of Opportunity’ and the Constitutional promise of ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness’ seem to justify its place as a free-market economy (within which government intervention should be limited). However, for 20th February’s Democratic debate Bernie drew in-

ly distance himself from Obama (which in the context of American politics, constitutes not having him gas you up on campaign ads), promises to double down on Obama’s healthcare efforts, ostracising him from right-wing identity voters.

Bernie has a polarising crossover with parts of Trump's support base

However, Bernie has a polarising crossover with Trump voters, with 15% of his 2016 midwestern primary voters not only abandoning their party, but voting for Trump. Middle America has a surprising affinity for Bernie, like Trump, he has constant momentum behind him, his name affiliated with an image of a reformed politics as opposed to a shiny career or a spiritual predecessor.

THE END OF TIMES

A F P TH

Do the De stand a c bro ad

The toxic motives behind the Thunberg cartoon

B E O WE

Tom Leach

X E E K

schatology, or the part of theology to do with the end of the world and the final judgement of humanity, is always the most exciting bit of religion. More concerning however is when the supposed signs of the end times line up with the state of the world we

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comment

Monday 16 March 2020

The voting for NUSU student elections open at midday today, and close at midday on Thursday 19 March. Manifestos for all

candidates are available on the NUSU website, and livestreams from the debates can be found on the NUTV YouTube channel.

emocrats chance?

Democratic frontrunners, they can beat Donald tion this November

stead from the words of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which suggested America already practiced ‘socialism for the very rich’ and ‘rugged individualism for the poor’. By associating the politically loaded term with corporate tax cuts, rather than the red-flagged waving and manifesto flogging threats to ‘Americanism’ of 1940s/50s, Sanders makes the idea of Democratic Socialism more palatable for the sceptics, The question persists though. Is this enough? Sanders’ promise of Universal healthcare, though playing catch-up with the endlessly referenced examples of Sweden, Norway, or Finland, is perhaps radically a few steps too far beyond the already controversial ObamaCare. As nuanced as Sanders’ explanation of Democratic Socialism may be, the crass Twitter-fingers of Trump which may just as easily throw the word ‘SOCIALIST’ out may reduce the opportunity for genuine dialogue, and for Sanders to get his point across to both the Republican and Democratic bases if he does indeed win the nomination. Perhaps the moderate and sensible air of Biden may serve as an antidote to Trump’s populism, but first he needs to shake off his ‘Sleepy Joe’ tag and up the charisma if he is to compete for media attention if he instead becomes the nominee.

Social media and political discourse Two writers on whether the age of digital discussion has toxified the way we talk to each other I t’s fair to say that over the last decade or so, public opinion has never been so vocal. Not so much through the use of actual vocal chords, as through typing out four hundred characters on a keyboard. Twitter, Facebook and even Instagram have changed the way politics is shaped in many countries across the world. With millions of people having access to social media, it’s only natural that society and its discussion of politics – on any scale – took centre stage. Elections, campaigns, policies, debates: nothing was off the table. Some might argue that this has given rise to clutter, trolls and so on and so forth. I’m not saying these aren’t legitimate arguments: I’m just saying that the benefits of it far outweigh the negatives. Social media promotes debate and discussion, essential principles that govern any democracy and are key to maintaining a system of checks and balances from the people’s side. It gives people a way of communicating their concerns, disappointments and expectations to those who can do something about them. This does not necessarily result

Image: Gage Skidmore on Flickr

Lorcan Flahive

Like Trump, he is firmly anti establishment and a political outsider. His electoral hopes therefore rely on two things, his access to new voters, which his successes in California would paint favourably, and his conversion or theft of the “silent majority”.

Neither Sanders nor Biden have appealed to black voters in the way Obama or Clinton did

Biden, a definitely centrist candidate, may hope to destabilise voting patterns along pre-Trump lines. He posits that upon Trump’s election, republicans will recognise him as an “aberration”, return to the centre, and given his political credence and a lack of credible opponent, vote for him instead.

live in. Hinduism’s Kali Yuga (translated roughly as ‘the age of strife and discord’) makes some striking predictions: The weather and climate will degrade (Extinction Rebellion, anyone?); The powerful will dominate the poor people – this has been going on for a while now; people will begin to migrate to countries where wheat is the staple food source (the increased migration into Europe?). There are lists and lists in every religion of what constitutes signs of The End. I’m not here to say if they’re true or not. It’s fun to speculate about that, although not fun to live through the apocalypse.

in action but at least the conversation is something that thing. can be started; in earlier times, it was tough to get that going. Continuing on the theme of access, it Sesha Subramanian also serves as a medium to bring problems in one country to the wider attention of peoImage: Wikimedia ple across the globe. I can sit in a somewhat Commons clean house in England and disagree with a law passed back in my home country in real time. It has also brought together people with common causes and similar agendas. Greta Thunberg would have found it a lot harder to gain almost immediate traction with the general public if she had been forced to do it in the fifties. Social media has helped champion worthy causes by bringing those who share that cause together. Politicians benefit from social media too. It has allowed them to gauge what the public wants more accurately and has allowed for them to engage on a more one-to-one basis than was previously possible. It allows them to keep tabs on how they are doing, what Image: they are getting right and, equally, what Gage Skidmore on Flickr they are doing wrong. Social media has not just enabled or encouraged political discussion, it has amplified and even, to a degree, personalised it. This nyone – regardless something else is at work. can only be of age or political Namely, the removal of the social etiquette seen in facea good leaning – can agree to-face discussion makes debate considerably less polite. that political discussion has mor- The social consequences that come with improper disphed into something unprecedent- cussion or bigotry when they occur in-person are not edly toxic. Social media has trans- present online. That social media carries no real reperformed debate into a contest of cussions can be seen in Trump: he can personally attack who can receive the most likes someone or celebrate missile strikes that kill innocents. In and comments, regardless fact, he has done it so much that we treat it as the norm, of facts or bigotry. This which speaks to a wider problem. If the President of the could be attributed United States can tweet things like this, with no need to to the anonymity engage in debate to justify it, what’s stopping anyone else? that social meUntil relatively recently, if you wanted to broadcast an dia provides, opinion, you had to use a more established media outlet. but it’s To an extent, this served as a filter for prejudice and lies, l i k el y as it incorporated debate and fact-checking to ensure the reputation of the outlet. The ‘filter’ is now absent: anyone can post anything as long as they have a computer. Social media has welcomed radical opinions with open arms: it has helped hate groups find camaraderie and present their discourse as popular fact, aided by likes and fake news. Platforms pledge that hate has no place with them, yet have still failed to resolve this. This is on top of issues like botting, which continue to skew debates online in an act of political sabotage. Thus seen, social media is inherently undemocratic, and a danger to the political discourse integral to western society.

His victories in North Carolina, referred to as the key to the south, and other swing states like Pensyllvania illustrate a promising picture. Another establishment candidate like Biden, coupled with Biden’s success, could strengthen Trumps grip on the midwest. Furthermore, neither have appealed to black voters in the way Obama or Clinton did, and the two have yet to seize the goldmine of Trump inadequacies on a level of electoral success.

Ewan Helliwell

Jude Mockridge

X WE O B HE

T P F A O

SROOAST

ENGLISH CUISINE Muslim Taseer English people. You’d think after colonizing 90 percent of the world for spices, Anglos would actually use them. English Cuisine is an absolute sodding disgrace. Beans on toast? Cold Sandwiches? Curry chips? Absolute dogshite. Anglos have taken cuisine from all over the world

and bastardized it to suit their pallette. Not to mention the sodding sauces. Brown sauce? What the hell is brown sauce? It tastes like literal gunk! No goddamn flavour. English Mustard. Some sodding soldier got mustard gassed in world war 1 and decided it tasted good and that he should make a condiment out of it. It hurts to eat! What is wrong with this country? Somebody get me deported so I can get some real sodding food. Anglos eat like the Germans are still flying overhead. PS. If you’re wondering about the rampant use of the word “sodding” in this article, it’s standing in for a much better ruder word

life&style

the courier

Monday 16 March 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 Editor Holly Mawdsley

Blind Date Kindly Sponsored by Tyneside Bar Café

Emil Delvaux

meets

3rd Year Computer Science

Tell us about yourself. I make a joke out of everything, I’m easy-going, I have an optimistic view of life and I enjoy going to the gym.

What’s your ideal type? Physically, I like someone on the shorter side, but personality wise, someone who can match my humour and someone who doesn’t take things too seriously. What were your first impressions of Sophie? I thought she was very well-dressed. I didn’t know how seriously to take it, but she put a lot of effort in and looked nice. Was Sophie your usual type? Not really, there wasn’t a physical attraction there and we didn’t have that much to talk about, we had different taste in music and live different lives really. Did you have anything in common? I’m from France and she is studying French and has worked there, so there was that and we both play video games. Did you speak French on your date? No, I didn’t want to put her on the spot, and I also didn’t want her French to be better than mine, haha.

There was awkward silences, but we spoke about how that was normal Did anything go badly on your date? There was awkward silences, but we spoke about how that was normal. Did you speak about anything interesting? We spoke about social norms and how guys feel the pressure to drink beer, when I personally think beer tastes like piss, and she agreed which was cool. If Sophie was a drink, what drink would she be? Gin and tonic, because she was classy but not in a posh or arrogant way.

Have you spoken since? Not going to lie, I tried to find her on Facebook but I couldn’t because she has a generic name. Will you see each other again? Probably not, there was just no spark.

Sophie Harrison

2nd Year Languages

How long have you been single and why do you think you are single? My last relationship ended in summer and I have been single since then. At the moment I’m enjoying spending time investing in myself, my studies and my hobbies but I would like to be in a relationship again sometime in the future. Describe yourself in three words. This probably sounds like a personal statement but I would say that I’m a hardworking, determined and understanding person.

We were waiting to meet in different parts of the bar for 20 minutes Were you nervous for the date? I was nervous at first because we were waiting in different parts of the bar and didn’t find each other for 20 minutes. The idea of having my time wasted and money needless spent on a Metro ticket wasn’t a fun one. What were your first impressions of Emil? My first impression of Emil was good though it was slightly awkward at the beginning of the date. He was tall and quite muscular which is always a plus. What did you talk about? We spoke about our degrees, our families and our hobbies. He’s half French and I’m studying French so we had some common ground to draw on. What went well and what went badly? I wouldn’t say that we clicked right away or anything cheesy like that but I had a really nice evening chatting to someone I wouldn’t have met otherwise. What are your opinions on Emil? Emil was very easy to get along with and kind. I admire his dedication to his fitness regime and personality wise he was very considerate. I felt really comfortable spending my evening with him. How long did you spend together? We spent about three hours together but it honestly didn’t feel that long. Will you see each other again? I don’t think I’ll meet him again for a second date because he’s busy with final year stuff and I’m busy preparing for my year abroad. The timing doesn’t really feel right.

the courier

life & style

Monday 16 March 2020

Scotland’s sanitary success Jessie Gong discusses Scotland’s move to tackle period poverty by making tampons free

he Scottish Parliament has approved a bill, at an estimated cost of £24.1m a year, to make sanitary pads and tampons freely available to all women of all ages, which makes Scotland the first country to do so. The legislation of this plan was approved last month to make free tampons and sanitary pads available at designated public places such as community centres, youth clubs and pharmacies. Free sanitary products are also increasingly being offered at UK universities, and have been available from Newcastle University since September 2019. Free menstrual products are already available to students in high schools, colleges and universities in Scotland. The bill was first proposed in 2017 by Labour’s Monica Lennon in a bid to tackle period poverty, who said she was thrilled at its support across Scotland, including from “individuals who have had their own lived experience of period poverty and know what it is like not to have access to products

In England and Wales, free sanitary products are now available in all schools

pupils do not miss out on lessons due to their period. Anika George, founder of the FreePeriods campaign group, said: “As a grassroots, student-led movement, Free Periods has been fighting for every single child in this country to be able to go to school without worrying about their next pad or tampon.” In 2018, women from low-income homes across Scotland were offered free sanitary products. After a successful trial in Aberdeen, which was funded by the Scottish Government and saw the distribution of free products to more than 1000 women, the scheme was rolled out to low-income households nationally. Tampons are currently taxed at 5% in Britain as dictated by European Union rules that class sanitary products as “luxury” products. The EU has, e: ag Im

g sta In

ram

when they need them.” This is a behaviour against stigma and poverty of menstrual period.; a 2018 poll shows that over 25 per cent of women in the UK have missed work or school because they could not afford menstrual products. In England

rio

:@ n.s

Image: Instagram @ ohmyperiod

Years of austerity and rising homelessness have pushed some women to shoplift

and Wales, free sanitary products are now available in all primary and secondary schools. The move will ensure

tem ys

Oops! Hadid it again

however, pledged to remove all taxes on sanitaryproducts by 2022. About £62m collected in taxes on sales of sanitary products in Britain has been diverted to women’s charities from 2015 to 2019, the Minister for Civil Society, Mimi Davies. The provision of free products is furthermore hoped to combat the culture of silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, which can pose physical, sexual and mental health risks for young women; Nearly half of girls age 14 to 21 in Britain are embarrassed by their periods, the research found. In January, women’s groups criticised supermarkets for putting up anti-shoplifting messages across sanitary product shelves, warning that such campaign stigmatize women who cannot afford the products. “Years of austerity and rising homelessness have pushed many women into a situation where their only options are to shoplift for these basic essentials or to go without,” said Mandu Reid, the Leader of the Women’s Equality Party.

Image: Instagram @ katja.perez

With Gigi and Zayn back together, Beauty Editor Ellie James decides when to say no and when to give love another go

igi Hadid and Zayn Malik back together... AGAIN? I feel like a frustrated parent with these two, and can’t help but wish they’d call it quits whilst also being one of the many silently rooting for them to make it last a full year at least once. The thing is, the media and the public are constantly ripping them apart for their yo-yo of a relationship, but we can hardly talk can we? Relationships in the 21st century are probably at their most complicated and confusing than ever before. There’s about a million different stages you have to navigate like some sort of game show similar to childhood favourite; CBBC’s Raven - except Cupid is the host and sometimes no one even wins, right? And on the off chance you actually manage to pass each level and make it official, it can often come to exactly the same game as what GiGi and Zayn play. Question is, should you be trying to get onto the next level if you keep failing the one you’re on each time you decide to give it another shot?

Think of it as a spring clean for your heart

Image: @zayn.malik on Instagram

All jokes aside, we all know it can be hard to give in and admit defeat when you’re actually in the situation. But there are plenty of signs that show trying one more time just isn’t on the cards for you. I’m no relationship expert, you can ask my friends that. However, I do know that if you are only going back to your ex because they’re familiar and it’s the easier choice between the thought of that long (as hell) process of getting to know someone new, then it’s a sign you really need to get out of that comfort zone hun. What’s more, you probably only feel comfortable because you’re constantly replaying the old happy memories from the beginning of the relationship in your mind before things started to fall apart. You want the truth? You’re in love with those memories and the person who is no longer in existence. And if this ex is one you’ve gone back to over and over for a year or more, then that version of them is very unlikely to ex-

ist - and the version of you when you first met probably doesn’t either. Let that ghost of a couple go and the relationship will stop haunting you, trust me. The same applies for those of us sticking around and finding the same problems just keep on falling out on top of us after we’ve squeezed them into that broken closet of a relationship. Inevitably, cramming all the issues you and your partner share or hate about each other back into that tight space will eventually burst open and suffocate you all over again. Unless you both make the effort to change. How about you clear it out and give yourself space to breathe again? Think of it as a spring clean for your heart. Ok, maybe not every relationship won’t get past the level it’s stuck on. Some of us just have no choice but to let it go for a fourth or fifth time because the timing is off. Timing. Is. Everything. And I will preach that till I die. If there are circumstances that keep you apart - long distance, mental health/health issues, emotional distractions etc - then sometimes it’s kinder to let the relationship go for a while so that it doesn’t destroy the both of you in the process.

Sometimes it’s best to love at a distance

The thing is, if it IS meant to be then it will, but don’t exhaust this saying if the whole thing is completely ruining you both. Give it up, if you aren’t reaching BOSS level at this point, you probably never will. I know you love them and you always will to some degree, but sometimes it’s best to love at a distance. It’s better to give yourself more self-love and get back on to the new road that is waiting for you rather than going back over those same worn out tracks that lead to nowhere. Zayn and GiGi, this ones for you.

the courier

lifestyle life & style

Monday 16 March 2020

ASMR? Laughter is the best medicine More A Beauty Editor Rashida Campbell-Allen discusses with us the importance of having a giggle more often than not they are free sessions, but the very concept of putting a price on laughter lessons is a middle class ideology that is somewhat ridiculous.

The idea of putting a price on laughter is a middle-class ideology

Unfortunately, such capitalisation is a reflection on the otherwise, melancholy and laughter-less society we live in, so much so that people actually feel the need to pay to access a space in which they can escape their daily plights and teach themselves to laugh more easily.

Image: Instagram @sinemerkas

aughter is no joke when it comes to health and well-being. It is probably one of the most naturally cathartic things we can do as humans. It is proven to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormone levels, trigger the release of endorphins, burn calories, produce a real sense of general well-being, improve immunity...I could go on. Often in times of stress, adversity or when things seem beyond our control, an easy thing to do is laugh. Now although anyone can laugh, labelling it a therapy has led to a question of authenticity and accessibility. Arguably within the last decade, laughter therapy has become more and more of a legitimate health practice, however it only becomes a middle class privilege when a price tag is placed on it under the guise of “therapy” or “yoga”. Laughter therapy is a growing industry with more and more people signing up for it. According to the Independent, “The UK’s Laughter Network ... has more than tripled in membership since it was launched nine years ago.” By capitalising on laughter, is not only exclusionary to other classes that can’t afford the sessions, but more significantly it perhaps speaks a bit more to why and who the people are that are making such an investment. Laughter yoga sessions can be free, but can also cost a pretty penny, starting around £10 per hour. I would be reluctant to say it is entirely a middle class privilege because

Five free ways to find reasons for laughter:

Make it a daily goal Ensure at the end of every day, you can recall a moment when you laughed. Immerse yourself in a portal of memes and GIFs or watch a funny television show or film etc. Surround yourself with friends or funny people Laughter is incredibly contagious. Try to spend more time with people that have hilarious and good vibes. If you always surround yourself with people who are negative vibes, inevitably they will bring down your general energy and give less reasons to laugh. Talk to people Talking is just as therapeutic as laughter in my opinion, and often talking through certain situations with other people can help to turn a negative into a positive or help to see the brighter and lighter side of things. Sometimes we need an objective voice to help us get some perspective and laugh in the face of adversity.

Laughter is incredibly contagious. Try to spend more time with people with good vibes

Enjoy being in the moment Have a games night with your favourite people or watch a comedy classic. It is so easy to get bound up in our heads and distract ourselves in our thoughts instead of enjoying ourselves. Take a moment to bring yourself back to reality. Pick up on what is going on around you. Immerse yourself in the present conversations and pick up on people’s positive energies.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

Cora Herbert shares tips on how to ditch the exercise class anxiety for a better workout time

am a certified gymaphobe – the thought of entering a gym class to be greeted by a swarm of longlegged, lycra-clad ladies makes me start hyperventilating. But, the proven solution for any phobia is aversion therapy, to face your fears head on. So, if you’re like me and in need of cure… get your kit on because we’re heading to the gym! Here are my top tips on how to get over gym anxiety:

Go with a friend

This first tip may seem obvious but is a great place to start – take a friend with you. A friend in need is a friend indeed, and if you’re in need of a killer glute work out, grab your pal and get squatting. They say time flies when you’re having fun, so plan your next catch-up at the gym and you’ll be done in no-time. Not to mention, taking a friend with you is a guaranteed confidence boost and will give you the moral support and confidence you need to get the most out of your session.

Stand at the front

session. Many people’s biggest fear is being caught out as the ‘newbie’ in the gym. But fear not,

SMR videos are meant to trigger in its viewers an Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or a pleasant tingling from scalp to neck. For something so harmless, it’s received its fair share of mockery, stigma and even – as this article will go on to discuss – government censorship. This isn’t the only thing people get wrong about ASMR content. Most misconceptions come from a basic lack of understanding, and to some extent, this is understandable. Though ASMR is nothing new, the content that has sprung up around it has only become popular recently. Media coverage tends to be sparse unless it’s reporting on an area of controversy, like potential risk to younger creators’ welfare. Paired with a lack of academic research, it’s easy to see why people struggle to properly get to grips with it. The main misconception is that it’s solely audio. While whispering or microphone-tapping is what put ASMR content on the cultural map, several triggers of ASMR are physical. Nail painting, haircuts and back massages have all been found to stimulate the response thanks to the personal attention they provide. In fact, one of the few research papers on ASMR that does exist puts personal attention as the second most popular trigger, beaten only by whispering. For many, it’s enough to see videos of personal attention be acted out by a performer (some of whom prefer the far superior title of ‘ASMRtist’) who acts straight to camera, as if the viewer is the one receiving the attention. Next on the list is that it’s exclusively sexual. While the examples used above help to dispel that myth, it’s worth exploring in more detail. Although a dedicated erotic faction does exist within the community, creating what its members call ‘ASMRotica’, creators insist that the genre has more to it than that. In fact, research from Swansea University suggests people are seventeen times more likely to use ASMR content to fall asleep than to find sexual pleasure. The research clearly hasn’t reached everyone: in 2018, China’s anti-pornography office banned all ASMR videos, citing a desire to “protect minors from harmful content”. Finally, there exists the misconception that it’s almost entirely women who produce ASMR content. Though they certainly seem like the face of the brand, several content producers are men. Talking to the Courier, ASMR content producer PhocoenaASMR said that “the people that make ASMR are as diverse as the triggers. From Lovecraftian roleplays to whispered read-throughs of the Shrek script, trust me, there’s some brilliantly creative people out there”. Joe Molander

there is a simple solution: ask. The staff at the gym have tons of experience which they’re more than happy to share, in fact they’re paid to help you out! If you’re not sure how to use a certain piece equipment, get over your worry by being shown the correct way. Failing that, ask a friend or even watch a video beforehand. Either way, get yourself in the know about the gym and it will be a fear-free experience.

Have a positive mind-set I know it’s tempting to hide at the back of the class – out of sight out of mind, right? But there are perks to being at the front: you’ll get the best view of the instructor so will get more out of the class and you can’t see anyone behind you so can forget about the crowd. Also, even through you’re at the front, guarantee no one will actually be looking at you. Everyone’s focusing on the task at hand, and although you might feel centre stage, everyone has their own work out to worry about.

Keep it the know

Images: Instagram: @yamamoto.youkosan

Gain some knowledge in order to calm your nerves and get the best out of your

Finally, remember that being a confident gym-goer is a state of mind. Keep in mind that you’re just as entitled to use the gym as anyone else, so don’t let yourself be intimidated by your fellow exercise enthusiasts. Everyone was nervous starting out at the gym and understands how daunting it can be. Also, hard as it is to believe... no one is looking at you - they’ve got their own work out to be cracking on with. It’s not about how fast you can run, or how much you can lift, it’s about having a positive state of mind and enjoying the physical challenge. So lift, row, cycle, run and squat like nobody’s watching because, well, nobody is.

Image: pixabay

life & style fashion

APC clothing

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

telier de Production et de Creation (also known as APC) is a Parisian fashion label started in 1987 by Jean Touitou. The brand has a strong focus on quality and makes pieces which can last a lifetime. The only problem is that with quality comes a pricetag that I can’t really afford. However, I’ve been following APC for a while now and appreciate their looks. The brands pieces are classic French style. Understated but not boring. Key pieces from their men’s collections include their shirting, jackets and knitwear. Their vertical striped shirts are definitely a highlight. Women’s collections also have very strong dress offerings alongside tops. However, what most people will associate APC with is their denim, which is beautifully crafted from Japanese denim with attention to detail. From skinny light washes to straight leg selvedge the brand have you sorted. This high quality denim doesn’t just feature on their jeans but also their jackets and bags which could easily complement any outfit. The tote bag from the APC x Carhartt collab is definitely a grail of mine at the minute. If its collaborations you’re after then how do Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Brain Dead and Carhartt sound? These are just some of the names that the Parisian brand have worked with. Their Kanye collab has some of the most sought after jeans ever created and the recent Brain Dead and Carhartt collabs were easily some of the best in fashion over the past year or so. The brain dead graphic t-shirts perfectly blend streetwear and more classic menswear for a truly unique item. Nonetheless, the true measure of any great French brand is their striped t-shirt. By this measure APC have passed the test. Their striped t-shirts are some of the best and a staple of any wardrobe. Easy to style but not exactly easy on the pocket. If anyone reading the Courier happens to come into a bit of money in the next few weeks and fancys getting themselves some new clothes you couldn’t go wrong with a bit of APC. Dominic Lee

the courier

Monday 16 March 2020

Coronavir

Grace Dean discusses the current im

Brand review: TCA

he global outbreak of a disease is associated with wide-ranging consequences affecting every aspect of society. Healthcare will be strained, food supplies may be rationed, and towns could be quarantined, but something that doesn’t instantly spring to mind is the fashion industry. However, the global spread of the Coronavirus has proved that, in our interdependent globalised world, a virus has the potential to affect every aspect of our culture and economy. Most visible, perhaps, is the effects of the Coronavirus on large gatherings; schools in Italy have been shut, Chinese new year celebrations were called off in many cities, and the Tokyo summer Olympics are even under threat. In the fashion world, the wave of international fashion weeks is being curbed by the spread of the disease. During Paris Fashion Week, for instance, the quintessential air kiss has seen a decline and has instead been replaced by a brief upper-arm squeeze – a way of avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact, if one if wearing a top with sleeves, and more informal than a handshake. It’s hard to ignore the sudden influx of face masks, and fashion shows are no different. The Maison Margiela show in Paris saw violet tulle masks on the catwalk, while the Marine Serre show presented glittery balaclava-like masks equivalents. Audience members have even been offered masks to wear during some of the shows, such as Dries Van Noten and Paco Rabanne. And the fashion industry has once again shown that anything can be glammed up with a bit of colour, as the Airinum Urban Air Mask 2.0, sported by Gwyneth Paltrow, has sold out worldwide in onyx black, pearl pink and quartz grey despite its hefty price tag of £54. Guidance on the amount of protection provided by face masks are, however, limited, and some labels have instead completely chosen to cancel their Paris shows out of fear of the virus spreading at such public gatherings. French label Agnès and five Chinese brands have

Royal fashio

Fashion Editor Shamara Mohsin reviews the London-based online sportswear brand TCA.fit Em Richardson considers the impa Instagram: @tca.fit

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

owadays we seek out sportswear for fitness, leisure as well as part of our general day to day wear, and therefore, its important its comfortable, long-lasting and adaptable to our activities. With this in mind, it’s often difficult to find items that fit all these requirements with a price tag as a student you can afford, however this week I had the opportunity to try out TCA.fit, a London born online sportswear brand that I hoped could be the one to solve my activewear needs. TCA.fit pride themselves on their creation of clothing that promises to support you in your goals and help you achieve them. The brand creates items for the runner, the boxer, the trainer and many other sports wearers; you can choose your clothing through their activities option or by item type, meaning it anticipates the athlete and the amateur gym-goer. The website is easy to navigate and showcases the brand’s wide variety of activewear, from sports bras to hoodies as well as compression-wear and more. I first tried the brands Air Tanks, intended to be form fitting to produce an attractive silhouette without moulding to your skin, the comfortable fit didn’t leave me self-conscious but managed to make me feel confident without clinging to my shape but rather enhancing it. My biggest fear was that the sizing would be constricting over my chest- as is the problem with having a larger bust than waist-however the tank, which I bought in the size I wear most of my regular sportswear in, fit seamlessly over my chest and synched in slightly above my hip. TCA.fits’ tanks are thin, purposely done to keep you cool during your workouts and to avoid weighing you down when you’re getting particularly sweaty, Instagram: @tca.fit the thin material, partially see-through,

while did not bother me may make it less adaptable to everyday wear for those wanting to lounge in the range. As an avid collector of sports leggings, I tested out TCA. fits’ Supreme 7/8 Leggings with high expectations. They were undoubtedly the cheapest activewear leggings I’ve tried but felt as expensive as my usual purchases. Just like the tanks, these leggings left me feeling comfortable and confident, their form-fitting style creating a seamless look. I’m often between sizes for these items and decided to size up which I would recommend for those with larger hips to ensure an easier fit. I worried they would begin to dig in after a considerable amount of time however I wore the leggings for over 11 hours one day and felt as comfortable in them as when I started the day. They exceeded my every expectation from the high range of mobility they offered me to the attractive fit they left me with, as well as their overall comfort level I will most definitely purchase these again. While both the leggings and tank were available in a variety of colours I chose the pink claret colour, which resembled a deep red, in the Leggings and the Air Tank in the colour Anthracite, which appeared black when worn to match. These particular items contrasted well together and were a pairing I would happily wear again however with the array of options available online in the range I’m inclined to try more- especially their TCA tech pack which includes matching tanks/sports bras and leggings sets. Overall, I found TCA.fit a welcome surprise. Their clothing felt well-made and the perfect addition to my sportswear collection, with prices ranging from £18 to £40 they’re ideal for the pocket pinching student, and with a graduate as their founder, they understand the hardships of a student bank account and even have a student discount option. For those that are no longer students, the brand offers 15% off first-time buyers and 365 day returns to make sure you love their clothing as much as they do. TCA.fit’s awareness of the pro and amateur athlete means they have something for everyone in clothing you can feel confident in- both by the means of style and performance. The brand surpassed my every expectation and I can happily say met all of my sportswear requirements.

s someone who is, admittedly, not a royalist, I’ve never really understood the obsession with the clothes worn by female royals. However, I think there are several reasons some women do seem determined to imitate their favourite royal women. It would be easy to say that the majority of women simply love the ‘princess’ fantasy, and want to echo the looks of these real-life Cinderellas. Yet, we need to remember that ‘ordinary’ women aren’t buying the designer ball gowns these women wear to state dinners. They’re actually buying the clothes they wear for their ‘everyday’ engagements.

Image: @hellomag

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fashion life & style

Monday 16 March 2020 Life & Style Editor: Nimra Rafique

rus corrupts fashion

mpact of COVID-19 to fashion and what we can expect for the future cancelled their Paris shows, alongside a karaoke party hosted by Net-a-Porter and a party at the Ritz for the New York brand LoveShackFancy.

ing its $100 billion-plus fashion industry increasingly threatened. Burberry has closed a third of its 64 Chinese stores, and those that do remain open have reduced hours because shopper numbers in the country have fallen by 80%. Chinese consumers The outbreak of the Coronavirus has led to falls not only in consumption but also in production; China is the constitute around s biggest clothing manufacturer, producing over a 40% of consumers for world’ third of all textiles, but many factories have now closed luxury fashion houses and international trade has been limited, including the transit of fashion products. This could lead to a drop in supply for many high street retailers, leading some experts Following the dramatic rise in cases in northern Italy, to speculate whether companies may pull their produchowever, the Milan fashion week was hit much harder tion in China altogether. Outside of China, Armani has by fears of the virus. Giorgio Armani cancelled temporarily closed its offices and plants in northern invitations to his catwalk show with less than 24 Italy, and many clothes shops in China remain shut. hours’ notice, choosing to host the event in the GAP closed five of its store in the country back same venue but without an audience and instead in January, H&M and Adidas have seen many encouraging guests to live-stream the show branch closures, and roughly half of all Uniqlo from their hotels, and Mr Armani even bowed stores in China have been shut. at the end to an audience of empty seats. This Even journalists are being affectmonth’s fashion weeks in Beijing, Shanghai, ed; Hearst Magaznes, which Seoul and Tokyo have been cancelled, covers Cosmopolitan, Marie and endeavours are being made to proClaire and Good Houseduce online alternatives. Many shows keeping among others, in the US and elsewhere are also behas advised its fashion ing cancelled or postponed. writers in Italy to The devastation the fashion inwork from home. dustry has faced hasn’t been just The effects of limited to fashion shows, however; the Coronavirus Chinese consumers constitute around are permeating 40% of consumers for luxury fashion every aspect of houses, and many big brands have seen the fashion intheir sales fall. The outbreak’s cost to the dustry, and while worldwide luxury industry in 2020 could be cases of the disease $43bn in sales, according to research by The continue to climb the Bernstein and Boston Consulting Group, future of the fashion inInstagram: @naomi and the spread of the disease in Italy is leavdustry remains certain.

Instagram: @billieeilish

on imitation Five ways to style: white shirt

act of the royals on the fashion world Women everywhere seem to be rushing out to buy the £50 Gap trousers worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, or the £55 Marks & Spencer dress once worn by the Duchess of Sussex. Once a high-street brand has been touched by the royals, it instantly becomes more marketable, with pieces worn by the duchesses often selling out in minutes. When worn by a ‘real-life princess’, a brand becomes just that little bit more glamorous, in the eyes of their many fans. I think another reason women are so keen to imitate royals’ style, even more so than other female celebrities, is the attitude this country shows toward our royal family. Female royals are often presented as the ultimate example of grace and femininity. In the case of the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex, the fact they are ‘commoners’ who married into the royal family means the press also delights in portraying them as ‘rags-to-riches’ success stories, regardless of the fact both women came from affluent backstories. Within the royal family, roles often seem to be assigned based on gender. Aside from in the case of the Queen herself, women often seem to take a ‘secondary role’. Their husbands often seem to tackle the meatier patronages, while the Duchesses themselves take on the more stereotypically feminine engagements, from releasing charity cookbooks to visiting maternity wards. Again, I believe this adds to the view that these women are the epitome of femininity, and makes some women aspire to imitate their style. Finally, which royal’s style someone chooses to imitate might say something about their personality. For those who wish to appear conservative and traditional, there is the ever-conservative Duchess of Cambridge. For those with a rebellious streak, there is the Duchess of Sussex, criticised by the British Press to the extent that she has now, controversially, opted to resign from her role as a senior royal.

m: @meghanmarkle_official

Kajal Patel shares some sure-fire ways to style a white shirt

he white shirt; a holy grail in the world of fashion, the staple to your wardrobe, and an essential to pack no matter where you jet-set too. It is undoubtedly one of the most versatile pieces you could own – whether you choose to style it up or down, there’s a myriad of ways to do so. With that being said, if you’re stumped for ideas, here’s a little inspo-list I’ve put together for you!

Tie over a slip dress

This combines an essential with a well-known trend in fashion. The slip dress. Take your favourite slip on and tie your unbuttoned white shirt over the top of it to create the cutest date-night look. Throw on a pair of mules, and you have an outfit that’ll get the heads turning – not to mention, it’s hella Instagram worthy!

Pair with a neutral toned suit Need something a little more proper? Maybe you’ve got a work do or a classy night out with the girls? Then this ones for you. It’s no secret that the suit has been an essential this year. We’ve seen this season host an array of colours, from neon pink suits down to simple black – but I would recommend pairing it with a neutral sand toned set. Gorgeous.

Layer under your favourite chunky knit It’s not summer just yet, so style your white shirt under your favourite chunky knit sweater to keep you safe from the chills! Chuck it with a pair of tights or jeans, and another wardrobe essential – a pair of black chunky boots. And don’t forget the accessories, they’ll instantly liven this look up.

Leather it up Faux leather jackets, leather-look leggings, leather shorts

– whatever it is, leather is one material that never fails the white shirt. My favourite way to style this? Layer the white shirt over a cute bralette and pair it with dark grey jeans, boots and – of course – the holy grail leather jacket.

Denim baby

Okay the last one is a classic. Get your denim mom jeans out and pair this white shirt with them for a casual yet stylish look. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with this look - dress it up with heels and jewellery for a night out, or dress it down by unbuttoning a few and popping on your favourite pair of comfy trainers. No matter what way you decide to style it, just don't forget to accessorise! Either way, I hope this has given you some sort of inspiration to take away with you.

Images: @lissyroddyy on Instagram

life & style food

the courier

Monday 16 March 2020

Are we eating too much salt?

Food Editors: Cayla Viner & Amanda Goh

Elisabetta Pulcini on our salt intake and if we have been consuming too much of it

alt. Tasty, delicious salt. This condiment is the cornerstone for many beginners in the kitchen, and the addiction of many junk food enthusiasts. However, given the health dangers associated with its elevated consumption, should we be considering healthier alternatives?

Salt retains water in the system, which in turn leads to high pressure in the blood

The NHS recommends a maximum consumption of one teaspoon (6g) of salt a day. On average however, people in the UK eat 8.1g a day, surpassing the recommended limit by over a third. Substantially, salt raises blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart diseases and strokes. This is because salt retains water in the system, which in turn leads to higher pressure in the blood. According to the WHO managing salt intake by sticking to the recommended amount is as important as quitting smoking, in terms of reducing risks of heart diseases. Therefore, with heart diseases being the second most common cause of death in the UK, after dementia, awareness in salt consumption becomes essential. It might be hard to identify our daily consump-

tion of salt, because it is found in our food in two main forms: table salt or sodium. Calculating the amount of salt from sodium can be tedious: 1g of sodium per 100g is 2.5 grams of salt per 100g. However, given how common colour coded labels have become, it is easier than ever to detect which foods are higher in salt. Without having to count each gram, common sense should take over: eat less and more sparingly of the high sodium foods, and more of the lower sodium ones. As good as crisps taste, they are probably not the best option for someone looking to manage their blood pressure. Most of the salt consumed is likely to come from junk food, and not from added condiment like table salt: according to the Independent, “one in four British people can only cook three recipes”, meaning that either people always eat the same meals, or most of them buy ready-made meals. That being said, we should not aim to completely eliminate salt from our diet. Rather, to drastically reduce its use. This may result difficult at first: being used to foods high in salt, anything else will taste bland. However, this is not going to be a long lasting condition: as reported by the BBC, “nutritionist Fiona Hunter says it takes around four weeks to reset your taste for salt”. Therefore, a 4-weeks low sodium diet might be helpful in terms of learning to live without less salt. Instead, a much better solution

could be to substitute salt with spices and herbs. Adding things like rosemary, basil or chilli instead of salt to your recipes is granted to not only improve blood pressure, but to also to make the process of cooking much more interesting and creative. A pinch of salt helps bring out the flavour, but it cannot substitute it when it’s not there in the first place. However, beware of food myths. Though it may look like adding salt to your pasta water will ruin attempts at a low sodium life, it should be remembered that only 3% of the salt added in the water is actually absorbed by the pasta. So please, as a protector of proper pasta preparation, salt your water.

videos in these books, the branding remains in more than just the imagery – each recipe is accompanied by a Spotify QR code to provide the soundtrack to the cooking, adopting a similar vibe to that of the videos. But I’ve got a confession to make: I have very recently strayed from the cooking guidance of MOB. They currently offer no dessert recipes, and I was in dire need of some brownies – I’m sure you can understand. With that said, their recent hiring of a new chef promises to bring along sweeter options.

et it never be said the Courier doesn’t benefit the ticks this particular box, with a range of offerings, includcommunity. This is your official public service ing pastas and soups. announcement that Mother’s Day is on Sunday It might be that your mum has accepted Newcastle’s 22 March, and you’ve forgotten again. status as a drinking city, and wants to try it out for herIt’s very likely that this article will gain more and more self. For that, you’ll never run out of options. Highlights traffic up to – and, depressingly, including – the day. To are The Hancock – whose lovely menu lends it a certain avoid being written out of the will, then, here are the best versatility – and – if she’s content to be around mostly stuplaces to take your mum to celebrate everything she’s dents – the Holy Hobo. done for you. A good place for food is always Quilliam’s, or as it’s now Maybe your mum has known, the Teahouse. I have very fond memories of seeing all sorts of people – friends, dates and family – there. accepted Newcastle’s The menu is delicious, and – more to the point – cheap, status as a drinking but – even more to the point – not so cheap that your mum thinks she made a mistake raising you. There’s also city, and wants to try plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and an atmosit out for herself phere that manages to balance being classy against being hipster. Students and parents alike feel catered to, and everyone’s happy. Wherever you go – and brace yourself, because this is If you’re more in the mood for eating amidst culture, the sappy bit – what matters the most is you there’s the Tyneside Cinema. Everyone’s walked make time for her. The pictures you drew past the café attached to the three-screen indie your mum when you were five were favourite, but fewer people know about the terrible, but she cherished them. café upstairs. Surrounded by vintage film Well, she said she did. What she posters and people enjoying each other’s actually did was say she was company, there’s a relaxed going to cherish them, give atmosphere that helps them a week’s limelight facilitate a proper on the fridge, and then catch-up. Simithrow them away. The larly culturallypoint is that she appreminded spots ciated them, at least for include the a bit. It’s a cliché, but bar at Northsome things get to be ern Stage; if clichéd because peoyou’re near ple say they say them that area, The a lot, because they’re Grand also true. Ready? Here it sells a mean comes: it’s the thought vegan sausage that counts. As long as roll and soup of the you don’t take her to day. Swans, you’ll be in There are also more her good books expensive places to for another go. Miller & Carter is the year. natural go-to, but there’s also a lesser known Italian restaurant off Grey Street called Pani’s Café. As I a vegetarian (I know, I know, but mage: Silviar ita on I’m a left-wing politics students: it’s Pixab ay a requirement), it can be difficult to find places that cater properly to dietary (or, in my case, attention seeking) needs. Pani’s

Image: Andrijana Bozic Unsplash

Where to take your Mum this Mother's Day MOB Kitchen Review Joe Molander on places to take your mum this Mother's Day George Boatfield reviews MOB Kitchen's newest books

t began with celebrity chefs on TV, but the alwaysavailable nature of online cooking guides is almost spelling out the end for traditional cookbooks. And yet, for MOB Kitchen, one of the most vibrant creators of online recipes, their greatest success perhaps lies in their recent expansion into more traditional formats. Presented under the idea of “Feed 4 or more for under £10”, MOB Kitchen and MOB Veggie are the newest books from a company that normally works via video, but this is a natural extension of how they have built an audience so far. I’ve been part of the so-called ‘MOB’ for the better part of a year. This is just a fancy way of saying that I follow their social media pages, but this community-building banner is all collectively part of MOB’s speciality: their branding. It paves the way for interactions on social media – namely Facebook and Instagram – that have ensured their platform for video recipes is strong. The videos draw in users with slick production, as each recipe is presented in under a minute via a timelapse of sorts. This compliments the frequent rate at which they put out these fantastic recipes. If I’m struggling for a dish idea, lo and behold, there’ll be one waiting for me as I scroll through my Facebook news feed. Similarly, their frequent Instagram stories keep their followers in the loop about behind the scenes goings-on and sneak peeks into upcoming recipes. This almost spells the end of the cookbook, much as online recipes generally seem to have done, but MOB doesn’t leave any stone unturned. And while they do forgo their signature

Image: @MOBKitchen on Instagram

Each recipe is accompanied by a Spotify QR code

With that said, their vegetarian and vegan options are excellent, and I’ve ended up making a few of them as I work my way through the cookbooks. It’s always handy when you’re wanting to rustle something up for vegetarian friends and there’s a whole tome of recipes waiting to be looked through. A highlight of the vegetarian range came in the form of brunch tacos. Tangy radishes pickled in red wine vinegar compliment the feta eggs nicely, and the black beans, onion and guacamole work well to diffuse the powerful flavours with a milder affair. Now, they’re bringing out more physical media with their student hack sheet, which is available via student unions (including NUSU) to be printed at home. This contains pre-made shopping lists that will get you everything you need for a week’s shop for under £20. The recipes included in the hack sheet work with the ingredients on this shopping list, and other cooking tips guide students as they begin to cook away from home. While MOB hasn’t accompanied me with my cooking ventures all through my time at university, it’s certainly helping me now. If you’re struggling to find a reliable source of cooking advice and recipe ideas, MOB Kitchen might be worth a look, regardless of which medium you might see them in.

the courier

7 nifty nail care tips

Instagram: @opi

1.) Use your nails less! Although it’s a given, the more you use your nails as tools, the more stress you put on them and the weaker they’ll become as a in turn, resulting in breakage and splitting. Instead try and use the pads of your fingers to complete everyday tasks such as opening a can of pop and resist the urge to peel the price tags off new purchases with your nails. 2.) Cuticle oil Cuticle oil is a holy grail when it comes to nail care! Cuticle oil is best known for its moisturising abilities but regularly massaging it into your cuticles also stimulates blood flow under your nail and the surrounding areas. This enhances the growth process of new cells which subsequently aids the growth of long and strong nails. Plus, it is available from most drugstores averaging around £3-£7 so there’s no excuse not to give your nails a little bit of TLC today! 3.) Stay hydrated D r i n k i ng enough water is essential for your nail health. Dehydration can cause your nails to become weak and brittle, therefore

rom a bold pair to a wispy set for daytime attire, lashes have definitely become a staple piece in every girls make up bag. Whether they’re for a night out or a bit of day time glam, lashes can be sure to add some sparkle to any look. Whilst many are quick to label them

making sure you drink about 2 litres of water a day is essential in order to have a healthy set of nails as well as maintaining a healthy body and mind. 4.) Vitamins and minerals Much like the rest of your body, nails and cuticles require inner nourishment from vitamins and minerals. Key vitamins for nails include vitamin B2, biotin and vitamin A, which can all be found in foods like bananas, certain dairy products, eggs and pretty much any vegetable. However, if for some reason you can’t eat these foods, I’d recommend taking a daily multivitamin supplement to ensure you are getting the vitamins you need to revitalize your nails. 5.) Minimize exposure to water Overexposure to water can (ironically) dry your nails out, causing them to become weak and brittle. Even though it’s impossible to keep your nails totally dry 100% of the time, there are ways you can minimize exposure to water such as wearing gloves when washing the dishes and by taking shorter baths or showers. 6.) Avoid certain products Avoiding products that dry your nails can greatly improve your nail health. For instance, only use hand sanitizer when it is necessary (which unfortunately feels essential amidst the coronavirus outbreak) as it dries your nails out. Also avoid certain shampoos used for oily hair as they are designed to strip the moisture out of keratin, which is what both nails and hair are made from. 7.) STOP BITING! Biting your nails does not allow them to grow properly. Whether you bite your nails out of stress or just pure habit, there are always ways to stop such by distracting your mouth and hands (e.g. Chewing gum) or wearing gloves. There are also special polishes designed to deter nail biting, through an awful taste, that are available online and at many drugstores.

tacky, these fiddly falsies have saved my beauty routine.

False lashes are extremely addictive, and many invest in lash extensions permanently

Not being blessed with the luxury of naturally wispy lashes, falsies have transformed my make-up looks and reshaped my face over the last few years. Whilst admittedly, in recent years, I’ve looked more like a drag queen than myself! However, practice makes perfect and I’ve finally nailed the art of choosing the best pair to fit my face, often opting for the brand Ardell Wispy. So what is the reason for this falsie frenzy? Eyelashes have risen in popularity over recent years, gone are the days when they were just an evening accessory, as they have been hailed an everyday essential with the market expected to reach £1.5b in just 5 years alone. The success of these must haves could arguably be down to the growth in the blogging world with many famous faces such as Saffron Barker and Emily Canham regularly sporting the falsie look across YouTube. The rise in the ‘selfie’ within social media apps such as Instagram can also play a crucial role in the lash industry, and with more pressure than ever to capture the perfect snap, lashes are deemed to grab attention a mile off. There is no doubt that false lashes are extremely addictive, with many choosing to invest in lash extensions permanently. This is no longer a trend, but a lifestyle.

With lashes ranging from bold to wispy, there is the perfect pair for any occasion, and best of all they are reusable, with many being animal cruelty free. Even after consistently scaring myself senseless when mistaking them for spiders legs, I refuse to return to the life of mascara. The addiction to them is so extreme that there is not often a day when my natural lashes appear to the outside world. From losing them midway through a night out to finding random strips placed all over my bedroom floor, they are definitely worth the hassle, sure to transform any make up look from a two to a solid ten. Although this addiction comes at a costly price, spending at least £5 for a set at a time only for them to ping off half way through the night. Alongside this, the constant supply of lash glue is never-ending. Four years after my first eyelash experience, I still have multiple meltdowns and second thoughts over going out when they simply refuse to stick to my face. Yet as many girls know, beauty is pain, and there is no joy like sticking on a fresh pair of lashes before a night out. Love them or loathe them, this is certainly one beauty trend that I and many others won’t be ditching any time soon.

llbeauty Instagram @arde

Guide Beauty and accessibility

Eugenia Lo tells us about the need for a more ergonomic, inclusive beauty industry

ately, the beauty industry is becoming more inclusive for people with disabilities and there are already a handful of disability-friendly beauty brands available in the market. The recent launch of Guide Beauty took a further step in making the industry more accessible, and they are kick-starting by debuting three products: a gel eyeliner duo, a mascara and an eyebrow gel, aiming to make the application of makeup an enjoyable process for users. This revolutionary brand was created by makeup artist and beauty educator Terri Bryant. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 5 years ago, which is a nervous system disorder resulting in tremors and loss of balance. These symptoms clearly had a direct impact on Bryant’s career, since she might be unable to put on makeup due to her shaky hands. Bryant did feel frustrated in the beginning when she first received her diagnosis, but then she began to rethink how makeup tools can be made ergonomically and that’s how she created her brand, Guide Beauty. The brand offers a fresh approach to makeup, by introducing three innovative products to the market. The most featured product must be the Guide Beauty Eyeliner Duo ($50, at Guide Beauty) with the set containing a waterproof potted gel eyeliner and 2 replacement precision tip applicators. The tip applicator

is called GUIDE WAND and it really caught my attention as it is so different from other eyeliner tools. It has a bendy plastic hook which provides greater stability for users who have shaky hands, and is suitable for people who are less confident in applying a perfect eyeliner. There are also video tutorials and photo illustrations on their website so everyone can follow the steps to create different eyeliner looks.

It provides greater stability for users with shaky hands

The other product: Lash Wrap ($26, at Guide Beauty) features a comfortable-grip applicator that steadies your hand, making it easy to control and hold. To use the Lash Wrap, simply place the GUIDE RING between your index and ring fingers to steady the applicator then simply swipe the mascara onto lashes to build up a

desirable volume and length. Lastly, Brow Moment ($26, at Guide Beauty) is a 3 in 1 brow gel that fills, shapes and sets your brows without the need to touch up throughout the day. It comes with a choice shades for different hair tones so you can choose the one that fits you the most, giving your brows a neater and more finished appearance. Guide Beauty is not just a makeup brand, but also recreating the idea of how makeup tools should work to satisfy most of the users including those who have disabilities. More importantly, all of their products are vegan certified and cruelty-free, which is far more ethical for everyone. Since the brand is still starting up, I am looking forward to see their expansion of makeup tools, such as brushes and lip products and how they will bring something exciting to the beauty industry very soon. Instagram@guidebeautycosmetics

A falsie frenzy: is it worth lashing out?

Are false eyelashes a passing trend or a lifestyle? Ruby Story Dartford gives us her opinion

Amelia Thorpe gives us some guidance and debunks some myths on healthy nails f you’ve ever had gel or acrylic nails you’ve been there; sat in the operating chair at the nail technicians, staring down at your (once beautiful) now paper thin and lifeless scratchers, wondering if a few weeks of having ‘girl hands again’ was even worth the bitter disappointment your own fingernails now provide. Of course, it sucks being in that situation but there are many ways at hand (pun intended) to reverse the damage gels and acrylics inflict on your nails so you can say ‘bye-bye’ to your brittle nails once and for all. So, here are some small, but insanely effective, lifestyle and habit changes, as well as tips, that can help salvage, strengthen and lengthen your nails.

beauty life & style

Instagram: @ardellbeauty

Pixabay - FotoshopTofs

Monday 16 March 2020 courier.beauty@ncl.ac.uk Beauty Editors Rashida Campbell-Allen & Ellie James

life & style travel

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

the courier

Monday 16 March 2020

A trip to Scotland's capital

Madeleine Raine takes us across the boarder as she tells us why you should take a trip up to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh

t’s that time of year again. The hype of winter break is over and we are in our second semester of the academic year, yet summer still seems a lifetime away. We’re all starting to get a little restless and wondering when and where our next holiday will be. That is why Edinburgh is the perfect destination for any student. Beautiful throughout all four seasons, this popular city is just a short train journey from Newcastle. Whether you are wanting a weekend trip or a longer stay, this historic city is the place to be!

The late 19th century saw an increase in railroads with faster and safer transport

Edinburgh at Christmas time is one of the most beautiful and festive cities. Adorned with Christmas lights and festive music this is the perfect destination for a weekend break. The most iconic feature of this historic city is its Christmas markets. Nestled in the heart of East Princes Street Gardens, this is a must see for everyone. Stalls upon stalls of handcrafted gifts and ornaments excite interests from all around the globe, adding a special touch to this unique city. Not only do independent artists flock to these markets to share and discover new ideas, but also food vendors from around the country. French, Asian and Italian cuisine are just a few to name that line the Edinburgh Christmas markets. Tantalise your

taste buds with a traditional French crepe or experience an exotic noodle dish at the Korean stall, it’s up to you, but Edinburgh certainly goes above and beyond in their food choices. Despite its magical feel at Christmas time, Edinburgh is certainly not a city confined by the seasons with a definite increase in popularity during the summer months. Visitors from all around the globe flock to this historic city particularly in June and July to explore this Scottish gem. An area known to have been inhabited since 8500 BC, Edinburgh is a city that has since grown in size and favour. Its ancestry and heritage pronounce it a prime historical destination for any avid traveller, therefore it is no surprise that Edinburgh is home to hundreds of walk-

ing tours every day. With J.K. Rowling writing the Harry Potter series at The Elephant House in Scotland, it is not surprising that Edinburgh hosts a variety of Harry Potter tours across the old town. If fantastical fiction novels are not your cup of tea then fear not for Edinburgh also hosts numerous ghostly tours on an evening both throughout the city as well as in the vaults below. A city steeped in history, both of these tours are highly popular amongst visitors and is something that most remember for a lifetime. If you are wanting a cheaper alternative to this glorious city, then you can take the more scenic tour because Edinburgh, despite its urban centre, has a large expanse of green land and lush spaces. The main attraction for those visiting Edinburgh is Arthur’s Seat. An extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat is situated just a short walk east of the city itself. This hill is a fairly easy climb making it a highly popular destination for ramblers and more keen climbers. Although not as popular in the winter months, spring and summer host thousands of visitors every week. One of the first images that spring to mind when we mention Scotland is its abundance of castles, with Edinburgh baring no difference. Edinburgh Castle is the most famous castle due to its prime position on the top of the castle rock, with its role throughout history serving as both a fortress and home. This is not the only castle that Edinburgh has pride in beholding however. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is just one of the many extravagant landmarks that add to the magnificence of this city and promote its rich ancestry. Edinburgh is a popular destination for all which has increased over recent years. It is home to countless museums, galleries and historic landmarks that boast its rich history. Split into the old and new town, this city has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are an historic fanatic or just enjoy a casual trip away then Edinburgh is the place for you. Come winter, summer, autumn or spring, this city has something for every season. With it only being an hour and a half’s train ride from Newcastle itself it is the perfect destination for all.

Image: Walkerssk from Pixabay

A Sunday morning in the North East Isobel Coombs gives her recommendation on how to spend a Sunday mornings, and make the most of the beautiful region

unday: the day for nursing hangovers, indulging on pub grub and going on fresh country walks. To make the most of your final day of respite before Monday comes around once again, here’s a few ideas in and around Newcastle to give yourself the ultimate relaxing Sunday.

The Leas This picturesque spot is the perfect route to blow away those Saturday night cobwebs. About a 45 minute drive towards the coast from Newcastle, this National Trust owned area is the perfect location for a Sunday walk with stunning views of the famous Souter Lighthouse and South Tyneside’s beautiful coast. The walk paths vary from just 1 mile to 4.5 miles and are pretty flat so a great spot for a leisurely stroll.

The Bridge Tavern If you’re after a proper Sunday roast and a lazy boozy afternoon, The Bridge Tavern is your spot. Located right next to the iconic Tyne Bridge, you are just minutes away from the centre of town but still have the beautiful surroundings of the Quayside to enjoy over their great selection of real ale or a large glass of wine! They serve their delicious and locally sourced food until 7pm on a Sunday offering a range of hearty meals as well as their renowned roasts.

Durham Spend your Sunday wandering the pretty streets of Durham, a beautiful city steeped in history just a 30 minute drive from Newcastle or a 10 minute train ride away. If

you’re wanting to explore the history of Durham and its culture, walk up to the stunning Durham Castle on the University campus and take a look around, perhaps even take a guided tour. You can easily spend the day or even just the afternoon rambling around the city stumbling across cafés, eateries and shops amongst the scenic streets.

Druridge Bay Whether it be a warm summer day or a crisp wintery one, Druridge Bay’s never fails to provide a great day. It is just less than an hour drive from Newcastle but has enough things to do to keep you busy all day so it is worth the journey. As if the 7 mile stretch of beach isn’t enough, tucked behind the dunes are stunning nature reserves with a lake and a country park- the perfect picnic spot. The lake, Lake Ladyburn, is a hub for water sports so you

can try your hand at canoeing, sailing and even windsurfing! There is a nearby town and visitor centre right on site too to wander around and grab a bite to eat.

Bamburgh Castle One of the largest inhabited fortresses in the country, Bamburgh Castle is most certainly worth the hour drive from Newcastle. Take a look around the castle once home to Henry VII and numerous other monarchs since then and explore the history that lies between the walls. Keep you eyes on the Castle’s website as there are often events and tours taking place that would make your experience even better. When living in Northumberland, visiting Bamburgh is undoubtedly something to add to your todo list. Image: Ray Bilcliff from pexels.com

travel life & style

Monday 16 March 2020

Dark Tourist

ld or ew th in

There are numerous tourist shows that explore the culture around the world from Asian rituals to African traditions, but if you are one who is interested in the darker side and history of a country than the Netflix show, the Dark Tourist is one you’ll really enjoy. Unlike most travel shows, where they follow historical locations and explore museums and temples the locations that are explored in this show are associated with death and tragedy. David Farrier, a journalist, experiences hikes through a haunted forest, radiation in Japan to visits a nuclear lake. This docu-series isn’t one to watch for some light-hearted entertainment.

wa tch in tra ve l

here are quite a few wellknown travel shows that have blessed our screens over the years, from an Idiot Abroad to Cruising with Jane McDonald. And now thanks to Netflix we have more travel shows to bingewatch and inspire our travel bucket lists. So, here are my personal favourite travel shows for you to binge-watch this Easter.

Shay Mitchell

perspective of the people themselves, Shay adds a bit more fun, exciting and her own personal twist as she incorporates her own creativity with various photoshoots at each location throughout India, all of which are documented in the video. We learn so much, about India, it’s people and Shay’s personality, from this 19 minute video, so instead of just creating a beautiful montage, this video shares an exciting, touching and informative story. Nimra Rafique

I can’t write this article and not mention Shay Mitchell; although she’s most notable for being an actress, Shay also has a YouTube channel where she likes to capture and share Image: Shay Mitchell from Instagram her passion for travelling. She is known for being an avid traveller, and even started her own company based on creating travel luggage. One of my favourite travel videos of hers is defiantly her trip to India, I’ve watched it countless times. Her video have a way of capturing the country and its people amazingly, and creates a whole narrative, almost like a short movie or documentary. My favourite Jack Morris & part of the video is Lauren Bullen when we hear a beautiful message from I’m sure you have heard a local about life, of @gypsea_lust and as he shares seen her travel photos his wisdom. I Image: doyoutravel from Instagram all over Instagram. love the way If there’s one person the video alwho is the queen of lows the local travel and providing the people of India most amazing content to to share their culture, from the make us all feel envi- meaning behind the colours ous, it’s her. She also they wear to the way they expanded her use folk-songs and balcontent onto lads to preserve hisher partners tory. As well as YouTuber making sure to encapsulates the country from the

ch at ow tt ha W

This couple travel the world together and capture it so beautifully. I stumbled across their YouTube channel whilst researching about Cappadocia, Turkey, a

channel, Jack Morris, where the two document their travel adventure on video. Their videos tend to be more cinematic and professional, normally being a short montage of amazing shots, from the beauty of Cuba to the wonders of Bali (where they now call home). One thing I love about their travel videos is that they capture the depth of each place very well as they share footage of locals, so it’s not just about the location itself but the community that inhabits it. It gives the viewer a more authentic and unique perspective.

sh ar ew ha t to

Haylsa & Kyle

destination amongst the top on my bucket list. Their travel videos strike the perfect balance between cinematographic clips of the breathtaking scenery and a personal touch as they talk to the camera in a vlog style, about their experience, including recommendations, challenges they faced and helpful advice for those looking to travel to the same places. It’s often said that pictures and videos sometimes cannot do justice to a place as beautiful as the ones Haylsa and Kyle travel to, however I would arImage: haylsa from Instagram gue that they do it very well. When watching their videos I feel as if I’ve been transported there, tagging along on the adventures with them. I think this is greatly to do with their use of camera angles, from drone shots showing amazing birds-eye views of beach’s along the Amalfi Coast of Italy, to flying amongst the clouds in a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. In contrast to these big picture shots, they also capture the small details of each destination, as they explore the streets and discover hidden gems.

Ni m ra Ra fiq ue an dA m yH ar ris

’m definitely guilty of living vicariously through other people on social media, especially when it comes to travel, I mean it’s hard not to. With influencers and celebrities jetting off to a tropical paradise or bustling city, it’s hard not to get caught up in the countless amount of travel content. YouTube is probably the best platform to truly immerse yourself in a trip of a lifetime, even if it is only virtual.

l ve tra of

Yorkshire Airport will address your intrigue. A six-part series, the programme shows the daily routines and travel stories as told by employees at Leeds Bradford Aiport. Jack Whitehall Filmed over the summer of 2018 the Travels show tells the experiences of baggage workImage: Netflix from YouTube With His Father ers Brooks and Jimmu, security supervisor Connor, Nathan the duty manager, Chloe the passenger services If you are wanting comedy then Jack Whitehall Travels agent and airside operations manager Jamie. Highlightwith His Father is the show to pick. With a perfect mix of ing their experience in this regional airport. Available to culture and laughter, this show will have you in hysterics. watch on ITV Hub. With three seasons now on Netflix, they are an easy watch with around 1-6 episodes each season. In the first season, Heathrow: Britain's Busiest Airport Jack and his father explore Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and experience full moon parties, traditional temInterested in how the busiest airport in Britain funcples, elephant polo match to puppet shows, delving tions on a daily basis and how they deal into elements of Asian culture and then travel to with the mass volume of people flying America in the third season to experience in and out of the country? Heaththe vibrant and fun-filled metropolis row: Britain’s Busiest Airport is that is Vegas. an ITV documentary series following 75,000 workers The Hairy Biker's around the terminal dealing Asian Adventure with wild animals, missing Joanna Lumley's Transpassengers, drones, flight Siberian Adventure If you are a foodie and travel endelays and luggage sparkthusiast then you’ll love The Hairy ing concerns. Currently on Joanna Lumley has done a few travel docBikers’ Asian Adventure. David their fifth season the camera umentaries now, with her Silk Road AdvenMyers and Si King go from Hong captures the real Heathrow, ture series becoming very popular, a four-part Kong to Thailand, then to Japan and showing the roles of the air- series where she travelled from Venice to the finish off the series in South Korea. port’s emergency border of China exploring cities and taking the hisImage: Hairy Bikers from Amazon Experiencing traditional Asian cooking services, Bortoric Silk Road. Discussing both the history of the techniques and demonstrating how to cook der Force ofroute and meeting merchants, sampling different popular and traditional foods such as Korean fried ficials, flight crew foods and staying in small remote villages. Lumchicken, Bangkok street food, traditional Thai school din- and checking staff. You’ll see ley also has a Trans-Siberian Adventure series, ners and experience a manga cafe in Japan. The six-part how airline staff deal with where she goes from Hong Kong to Moscow series can be found on BBC Food when they are made unsettled passengers at in a 6400 -mile journey. Joanna travels by railavailable. check-in and how the aniway, crossing seven time zones and experiencmal handlers deal with wild ing the infamous bullet train. Meeting people Yorkshire Airport and exotic animals coming from three different continents, embracing the in from Arrivals. Originally traditions, politics, history and the communities If you enjoy behind-the-scenes type docu-series and are aired on ITV, you can now they are a part of. Image: ITV from YouTube interested in the background workings you don't see at catch the show on ITV Hub. Amy Harris the airport waiting for your flight, then shows like the

Image: Wikixomons (YouTube, Netflix, ITV, Prime Video logos)

the courier

NUSU ELECTIONS 2020

AIMEE SEDDON

My name’s Aimee Seddon and I would love to be your new Editor of the Courier! I’m a third year English Literature student, and currently a News Editor for the Courier. Before being sub-editor, I was a regular contributor, across multiple sections, and won Article of the Year in 2019’s Media Awards. My aims for the Courier involve improving engagement across campus; I want student media to play a greater part in all students’ lives. My main manifesto points are: 1. Distribution in halls- increasing readership and awareness in first year students will foster it across all years. 2. Play NSR in appropriate cafes around campus- this will also increase student awareness and listeners. 3. Include coupons in the Courier- providing more incentive for students to pick up the paper, and to give back to our readers! 4. Improved socials with writers- socials were rare this year with little turnout. We should encourage relationships and make the editorial team more approachable. I have the practical skills and experience to lead a team of journalists; and as a confident, energetic person, you can trust me to bring everyone together and to strive to make the Courier the best it’s been yet!

MOLLY GREEVES

Hi, I’m Molly. I would love the opportunity to be your next Editor of the Courier. I’m the current Deputy Editor who oversees all sections of the paper and helps the current Editor make sure things run smoothly. I’m on my third year of involvement with the paper and it holds a big chunk of my cold dead heart. A vote for me is a vote for: ACCOUNTABILITY. A Head of Investigations conducting journalism that holds the University accountable, a reduction in the environmental impact of the paper INVOLVEMENT. A team of illustrators and photographers to incorporate students’ artistic talents while making the paper even more beautiful, a team of social media managers to improve the Courier brand and allow students to build their CVs, socials for writers to connect with one another EMPLOYABILITY. More talks from professional journalists, workshops on freelancing/ CV writing/ building a portfolio COLLABORATION. Deputy Editor overseeing collaborations with NUTV and NSR, embedding video clips into news articles, more flagship radio shows like Hot Off the Press and Culture Shock FUN. More puzzles and better puzzles prizes, personal essays in lifestyle, a Courier Comic and advice column

ELLA WILLIAMS

After 3 years of involvement with the Courier, I’ve pinpointed a few key areas ideas I’d like to focus on, and I’d really appreciate the opportunity to bring these into fruition: 1. RELEVANCE: dedicated Relationships section. Blind Date to have more emphasis in own section, rather than within Lifestyle, Agony Aunt, Campus Crush 2. ENGAGEMENT: more week-to-week connection. Bigger puzzle selection with recognition for the for the first correct solutions, section for critiques & opinions about previous articles from readers 3. DISTRIBUTION. Bring paper into student halls, keeping track of where newspapers are going & how many takenreducing waste! 4. SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE. Multiple social media managers to ensure a consistent social media presence, online polls, quizzes etc. with results published in following issue 5. DISTINGUISHED CURRENT AFFAIRS VS. CULTURE SECTIONS. Pull-out magazine-style area for unity & creativity across Culture & Lifestyle sections 6. APPRECIATING STUDENT TALENT. More feedback for writers: writer & article of the week, workshops, guest speakers, encouraging other forms of involvement: illustrations, photography, poetry

REBECCA JOHNSON

Hi, I’m Rebecca Johnson, I’m currently Head of Sport for the Courier and co-host of ‘From the Sidelines’ on NSR. I’m running to be your next Editor of the Courier, here are the key points of my manifesto: A bigger online presence for the Courier: reintroducing online editors for our Current Affairs, Culture, Life and Style and Sport sections. Online editors would be responsible for overseeing that articles put online are aesthetically pleasing and scheduling articles for social media. Increased collaboration between branches of student media: getting all branches of student media, the Courier, NSR and NUTV, to collaborate, generate student interest and increase content output. Improved marketing for student media: improving Courier marketing by ensuring all distribution bins are branded. Furthermore, during Fresher’s Week, distributing one leaflet containing the details of the Courier, NSR, NUTV and to encourage Schools to promote us. More investigative journalism: encouraging everyone involved with the Courier, NSR and NUTV to hold the university to account and produce stories that make students want to engage with student media. Additionally, to introduce a “developing story” page on our website for breaking news stories. Improve distribution, more sport coverage, more space for societies

JOE HOLLORAN

Hello, my name is Joe Holloran & I know I am the right person to be the next Editor of the Courier! I am currently studying a MA in Media & Journalism & I have served as a Film Sub-editor at the Courier for the last two years. I have been involved with the Courier for four years! have written for sections ranging all the way from News to Sport and as of today have over 100 articles published in the paper. My time at the paper alongside my academic media studies has allowed me to develop professional level technical skills & given me the experience needed to be your next editor. Here are my plans to revolutionize student media at Newcastle University! 1.) Expansion of NUTV & creation of a weekly online programme - The Courier Show 2.) New international news & your stories pages so all voices can be heard. 3.) Creation of a societies page. 4.) Live coverage of sporting & other society events. 5.) Professional level training in media & journalism skills open to all students.

RORY EWART Hi, I’m Rory, 3rd year Journalism student and 2nd year Sport Editor, and I want to be your next Editor of the Courier. Simply put, I want student media’s voice heard. Voting Rory would: BUILDING ON PRESENCE. Re-locating WRITERS’ MEETINGS to a more accessible area of campus, SOCIALS – more for Editors and Writers alike, SUGGESTION BOXES to be added around campus, introducing a MARKETING MANAGER, offering SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING for each section, creating RAPPORTS with each SPORTS CLUB from the start of the year. STUDENT MEDIA AS ONE. An ANNUAL WINTER EVENT for student media, increased COLLABORATION of music events, growing coverage of STUDENT-LED events, WELLBEING trained members of NUTV, NSR and the Courier, A DIGITAL MARKETING GRANT for each branch of student media. NUTV AND NSR. ADDITIONAL STORAGE space for NUTV, LOGGING SYSTEM for ALL NSR equipment, aim for INDIVIDUAL TABLE SPACE at Freshers’ /Refreshers’ Fair, SABBs training on WHAT STUDENT MEDIA IS and what it has to offer. THE FUTURE. FEASIBILITY STUDY into the creation of a mobile application for the Courier.

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RACHEL HART

#DoItWithHart 1. AN EQUAL PLAYING FIELD. Ensure equal training opportunities for professional development, establish a NUSU Postgraduate Hardship Bursary, celebrate the diversity of the postgrad community by working with Liberation Officers to develop postgrad-specific campaigns for marginalised groups 2. AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION. Establish a Postgrad Committee to hold the Postgraduate Officer accountable and make sure NUSU represents you, empower the Postgrad Committee to rewrite any university postgrad policy, expand support offered by NUSU, to include issues currently falling in the postgrad 'grey area' 3. WELFARE THAT WORKS. Lobby to create meaningful welfare and mental health provision specific to postgrads, construct workload expectations to combat stress, establish ‘Postgraduate Rights’ ensuring a minimum standard we can depend upon 4. INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY. Build 'PG Tips' into an informal monthly coffee mornings where postgrads share experiences, plan social activities and relax Revamp the digital postgrad community, host 'Postgrad Week' with postgrad-specific workshops, development opportunities, and meaningful welfare support 5. [YOUR IDEA HERE]: This manifesto is about building communities and shifting power back to us. This starts now. I don’t know everything about the postgrad experience, so let’s reshape this manifesto so it works for you. What do you want your next Postgrad Officer to do?

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I am Jibran Javaid from School of Engineering; you can just call me ‘Jay’. I have been affiliated with Newcastle university for past 4 years and this year, I’m motivated to nominate myself to be your next Postgrad officer because going to Uni was a lot more fun back in undergrad but now in postgrad, it’s not. And I want to change that. Postgrad Inclusivity Most of the SU and society events are organised based on UG curriculum, I, being your PG officer will make sure that it changes. Careers and employability Familiar with the term overqualification, well actually there are employers out there who are more keen to hire postgrads than undergrads and I, being you PG officer will make sure to bridge the gap between you and them. Experience You started with a fun filled freshers’ week but how about starting a new tradition of Grand Farewell before you finish here. With your vote and your support, I will start this tradition. PG SOS Being a PG student, sometimes you just can’t help but to feel stressed, anxious or restless. I will work with all the concerned bodies to ensure better support for PG students.

ROBIN KAUR

My name is Robin Kaur and I want to be your next EDUCATION OFFICER 2020-2021. I aim to be Your Voice so that your educational needs are listened to, valued and met. I believe that all students should have the access to the tools which can benefit the quality of education that they are paying for at this university. My experience at Newcastle University includes Course Representative (3 years); President of the Marine Science Society (2 years); Marine Science Ambassador (2 years); Lead Ambassador for Women in Ocean Sciences (2 years); Welfare Officer (1 year). No student should feel under-valued and I will represent you during your time at this university. My Goals: - Be Your Voice. Ensure your voice is heard and listened to. - Be Your Support. Ensure your educational needs and access are met at university. - Improve your education. You deserve the highest quality of education. My Aims: · Collaboration with services at King’s Gate. · Ensure your thoughts, queries and suggestions for improvement of your degree are valued. · Increase the involvement between students and staff. · Regular engagement with students and the directors of the degree programmes. · Work closely with the committee members

SIAN DICKIE

I’m Sian Dickie, Sociology MA student and current Commuting Students’ Officer. Studying my undergraduate and postgraduate degree here, I feel I have the understanding to make the educational experience at Newcastle a positive and inclusive one. If elected, I will work to accomplish: RECAP FOR ALL - To make our educational experience more inclusive, I would make RECAP compulsory to use for all teaching staff and have the software implemented in every teaching space. WEEK OFF AFTER EXAMS - The January exam period can be stressful and there isn't much time to recover before lectures start again. I propose an introduction of a week off for students after the last day of exams to allow people to prepare for semester 2. PEC REFORM - PEC regulations ask for intrusive evidence for extenuating circumstances. As people usually require PECs during a distressing time, I will argue that the University should not ask for these details and should trust students’ requests. REPURPOSING AND PROMOTION OF STUDY SPACES - I’m proposing a new way of utilising study spaces already available and promoting new spaces by allowing teaching staff to upload onto the University app when their teaching spaces are free to use.

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MARK DRYBROUGH

Education, Health and Social Care are areas of concern for most people living in both Britain and the World. Our Union and University are pioneers in these fields and already organise great student volunteer projects. As Postgraduate Officer my priority will be to give a higher profile to projects and mobilise more resources for student run projects that link the University to the community more strongly I believe the skills students have are needed and promise to prioritise a campaign to gain more University support and involvement in projects for more effective education, health and social care interventions locally and internationally. I believe student organised projects could be turned into longterm projects through a programme of social entreprise support and a series of workshops throughout the year that assist students to found sustainable projects. I believe students can collaborate to bring solutions to the most pressing needs in education, health and social care. This endeavour will promote diversity policies and create sustained equality.

JIBRAN JAVAID

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CHARLOTTE PAIGE BOULTON

I’m Charlotte Paige Boulton and I want to be your next Postgraduate Officer! I’m a MA Sociology student and studied BA Media at Newcastle. Last term, I organised 20 events for Postgraduate Welcome Activities as a NUSU intern, which sparked my interest in representing postgraduate students, and I want to take my ideas further in this role. WELFARE: Review wellbeing procedures for all PGs with goals of creating welfare drop-in sessions and implementing more mental health and wellbeing workshops, expand mental health and wellbeing training for supervisors across more faculties ACADEMIC: Collaborate with the university to provide academic and careers skills workshops, rework the module assessment framework for PGTs to ensure fairness, review PEC guidance and absence policy for postgraduates, work with the Education Officer to improve awareness of postgraduate study spaces, creating a comprehensive guide to campus study areas SOCIAL: Improve Welcome Activities and PG Refreshers to offer more events, more PG-inclusive Freshers with timetable-friendly activities, incentivise clubs and societies to cater for PGs and offer discounted membership for students starting courses in January INDUCTIONS: Provide an online early induction system with advice on postgraduate life at Newcastle

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I would be perfect for the role of Activities Officer as I have been heavily involved with societies and volunteering throughout all my three years of Uni. I have worked collaboratively with this year’s AO to run stalls at events like sustainability week. I have run stalls for charities during Get Involved week and held events on campus as part of my presidential role in the Oxfam Society. As an example of this, I have even secured an international exhibition, supporting the rights of refugees, to be held here on our campus in the near future. If I was voted in, I would look to increase the employability of students by focusing on more accessible ways to learn new skills. I would make it easier and inclusive for students to get involved with the local community and volunteering within it by setting up taster sessions and encouraging initiatives run by student ambassadors. I would also do more to encourage student participation in the NCL+ award, which is recognised by employers and quite easy to achieve. In this role, I would be interested in hearing what events students want from the SU and facilitating them to run them alongside myself.

ELLI BROWN SOCIETY SPECIFIC PLEDGES Fresher’s Fair Fund: I will introduce the allocation of a Fresher’s Fair Fund prior to the initial grant to give all societies an equal opportunity to make their stall informative and eye-catching. Departmental Societies Helping Implement Green Pledges: I will ensure that the creation of a Student Climate Committee comes to fruition, and oversee its progress. I will encourage departmental societies to sit on the committee to use their connection between University and Union to continue the implementation of the F.U.C.C. Green Pledges. Committee Handover Consistency: I will guarantee that a consistent committee handover system is in place, so that all societies have a smooth transition between old and new committee. Improve Drugs Safety and Awareness: I will add drugs awareness into Welfare Officer training so that society members can be kept safe and informed. I will distribute drug purity test kits to Welfare Officers, who can offer these to society members. NUSU PLEDGE: Install Ecosia on all NUSU Computers: I will aim to install the sustainable search engine Ecosia on all computers in the Student’s Union Building to help work towards NUSU’s net-zero policy.

HANNAH FINNEY I’m Hannah Finney and I want to be your next Activities Officer! I’ve been involved with NUSU throughout my time at university, having sat on the committee of RAG as Publicity Officer and Secretary, and organising Freshers’ Week 2019. I understand what must be done to improve society life for members and committees, and think that I am the right person to implement the necessary changes. I believe that I would be a great Activities Officer, as I am keen to enhance the extra-curricular experience at Newcastle. TRAINING: compulsory first aid training, including mental health training, for Welfare Officers (or another committee member in their absence) ENGAGEMENT: mixers throughout the year for committees, to encourage inter-society collaboration, regular coffee mornings with me to answer any questions and solve any issues, more engagement and involvement with the Helix Site, to bring activities to students who aren’t on main campus regularly, work with the University to make more rooms/buildings available for societies to use ADVERTISEMENT FOR SOCIETIES: increase of awareness of promotion opportunities for societies within NUSU and the University, hold several showcases for societies to attract new members

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ALEXANDRA VIPOND

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ALICE GALATOLA

GEORGIA CORBETT

Making our Campus Safe for Everyone Hi, I’m Alice and I’m running to be your Welfare and Equality Officer. I’m a fourth year psychology student with years of experience volunteering in mental health. I’ve spent two years on society committees and have organised many successful campaigns. Everyone deserves to feel protected and represented. No one should feel unsafe in their own campus. Here’s how I’ll make this happen SEXUAL CONSENT AWARENESS: consent campaigns, additional training for society committee members, identifying dangerous situations and power imbalance issues. MENTAL HEALTH AND INVISIBLE DISABILITIES: mindfulness sessions to help improve mental health, promote understanding of mental health and invisible disabilities, assist people going through Student Wellbeing. DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS: distribute drug testing kits and information on drug safety, raise awareness of problems surrounding alcohol and encourage sober socials, access to drugs and alcohol counselling. LGBT+ CAMPAIGN: work with the university to make the campus a safer place for the LGBT+ community, strong focus on combating transphobia, raising awareness of asexuality. STUDENTS ON A BUDGET: distribute information on funding available from the university for students in financial hardship, help with planning a budget, food bank advice

WHY ME? Disability Officer 19/20, It Happens Here President 18/19, 19/20, co-founded a national network called #NotOnMyCampusUK, co-ran I Need Your Knickers -Because I have spent three years of my degree campaigning for change and supporting students across different communities, I am hugely passionate about what I do and would love to bring that to the whole campus. WHAT I WOULD AIM FOR: Work to ensure affordable living options, addiction support and advice sessions, international Film and Food festival, shorter term gym memberships, introduce a Wellness Fair, ‘Well-Fair’ to showcase support in the University and externally, introduce more Quiet Rooms, interactive campus map with information about accessibility, nursing spaces, quiet rooms and gender-neutral bathrooms, ensure all personal tutors have welfare training, introduce British Sign Language classes, new inductions with information about sexual violence, hate crime and reporting information, get counsellors for LGBTQ+ and male survivors and counsellors that specialise in disordered eating and trauma, push for changes to disciplinary procedures and will advocate for victims, implement sanitary bins across campus in all bathrooms, introduce an Estranged Students officer and a Care Leavers officer

NADIA AHMED I’m Nadia Ahmed, a third year English Literature student and I’m the perfect candidate for this position! Through my time at Newcastle University I have been actively involved in raising awareness and money for minority groups, a fight I am particularly passionate about as a queer woman of color. As social sec for the Newcastle Northern Angels I coordinated a fundraiser for ‘Mermaids UK’. I chose this charity as trans equality and mental health is a fight everyone should be passionate about. In summer 2019 I travelled to Nepal to volunteer on a Women’s Empowerment project in Pokhara. I ran a global fundraiser there and we raised over £700 and this was vital for the continued success of the women we taught. The changes I will make to improve equality and welfare are: Put on regular activist hours every week where people can discuss any current problems faced and then we can collectively create change Have a visibility month where we invite members of minority groups to the SU for talks Increase the number of gender-neutral toilets Lobby the university to decrease the wait time for mental health services at the university and not limit the amount someone can access the counselling resources

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BENTHE TANGHE

My name is Benthe Tanghe and I want to be your new Athletic Union Officer. I play for the 1s Women’s Football team and the 1s Women’s Futsal team, while pursuing my Masters in International Relations. BETTER TOGETHER. I strive to: foster inter-club connections and communication as I believe we can learn from each other's knowledge and experiences, make team Newcastle a more united team in a supportive, integrated environment, make team Newcastle and intramural sports more inclusive and more accessible, continue the work of former AU officers to push for lower costs, proceed with the Inclusive Sport Week while aiming for future avenues of improvement MENTAL HEALTH. I strive to: create more awareness for the underexposed stress and workload that comes with being a student-athlete, create access to life-skills coaching focusing on balancing personal, academic and athletic demands, organise more training for committee in how to recognise mental health problems to guide their members to the help they need COACHING. I strive to: provide funding and support to get coaching courses for interested club members, which will not only help their club improve but provide future coaching opportunities

JACK BAINES

CHRIS BAKER

MAKING SURE CLUBS GET THE FUNDING THEY NEED: By restructuring the grant allocations, I hope to ensure that all clubs get the money they need to provide the best experience to their members, create a larger surplus to allow clubs to apply for funding for specific projects, ensure newly founded clubs are properly supported RAISE AWARENESS OF NON-BUCS SPORT: provide a weekly round-up of non-BUCS results in weekly emails, work with the Courier to introduce a monthly club in focus section for non-BUCS sports, help to facilitate a reintroduction of Stan Calvert varsity LOBBY FOR NEW PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR THE SPORTS CENTRE: work with the sports centre to introduce new payment options to make sport more affordable and encourage participation, introduce a pay as you go option to enable students to try new sports without requiring gym membership or specially organised events BETTER SUPPORT COMMITTEES: run weekly drop-in sessions to provide support to committee members, help clubs better plan for the future PROVIDE CLUB MEMBERS WITH QUALIFICATIONS: facilitate club members gaining coaching and refereeing qualifications to ensure members get recognition for their hard work

Archery Club Records Officer 19/20 VISIBILITY Revamp online resources and provide a more balanced way of advertising our clubs to students at key points during the year beyond Freshers Week, in order to allow smaller clubs to grow more easily, whilst not detracting from our larger clubs. Give advertising priority to clubs that are immediately accessible at quieter points in the year, to encourage students to participate beyond freshers/refreshers events. MORE ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT Attempt to negotiate and integrate a travel discount with Stagecoach for students when joining a sports club (for an additional fee), following a similar line as Northumbria to make clubs with facilities off-campus more easily accessible. TRANSPARENCY Create a weekly email that keeps our AU members in the loop more as to what is going on, beyond BUCS results and fixtures. Make it accessible and suitable for executives to distribute to members of their club. WELFARE Promotion of welfare services, both generally, and to welfare officers within clubs, for them to pass on as needed. Increase specificity, to ensure people can get the help they need as quickly as possible, and to increase welfare officers’ capabilities when it comes to signposting.

EM WALSH

Surf Club Vice President (2019-20), Secretary (2018-19) AU Executive Committee (2019-2020) SUPPORT FOR CLUBS: redistribution of finances to clubs and improving the current distribution system to provide more support to struggling clubs, support for travel and locationbased facilities that currently impact member/club costs or participation rates, provide a feedback system where clubs can have more input into the AU and actions made SPORT ON CAMPUS: introduce a news feed with details of all events and games to increase spectator participation, enhance promotion on campus of events, matches, and wins – celebrating athlete success and spreading awareness WELFARE: improve training and facilities for welfare officers to ensure a standard is being met with fulfilment of the role; introduce an easy access route to anonymous outreach services for all members of clubs, introduce a feedback service for club welfare officers to assess the position and support requirements ENCOURAGING CASUAL SPORT: extend current event weeks throughout the year, introducing campus-based inclusivity events to increase accessible participation and promote healthy lifestyles, introduce sports events to increase awareness and support for mental health, expand the availability and support of the participation bursary

KATY MATTHEWS

NETBALL PRESIDENT 2019/20 PERFORMANCE SPORT More S&C provision for performance sport, promote big home fixtures to bring in big crowds PARTICIPATION SPORT Work with the University to ensure Wednesday afternoons are available for all to participate in sport, improve experience of playing intra mural sport, work closely with Give it a Go to provide more taster sessions HEALTH AND WELLBEING By working with Nutritional Sciences School provide nutrition advice to all student athletes, continue the revamp of Welfare Officer training to ensure its effectiveness, utilising the increased facility space available to us, provide regular casual disability sports sessions IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY Campaign for the option to pay sports centre memberships on a monthly basis, online booking system available for students for the sports centre SPORTING EVENTS AU day – all teams get involved in a day of different sports at Cochrane Park for example tag rugby, tug-of-war and bench ball as a competitive inter club competition to fill the gap left by Stan Calvert!

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DOROTHY CHIRWA Hi, I’m Dorothy and I’m running to be your SU President. I am a third year History student and current President of the History Society. I think that I would be a good president as I am focused on making the lives of students at university easier and more enjoyable so they can make the most of their time here. If elected: I would want a stronger focus on student wellbeing with shorter waiting times for mental heath services, expansion of the uni food bank, printing credit transfers and cheaper graduations. I would also aim to increase transparency from the uni so we know where our money goes, what happens in strike meetings and how the university deals with discrimination on campus. I would also want to make us a more sustainable campus as while we are currently the second most sustainable university in the world, there’s always more we could do in this climate emergency. The SU is all about the students and so if elected, I promise to always advocate for all students to ensure that your university experience is the best it can be.

FINLAY HOLDEN I’m Fin, a third-year Computer Science with a wealth of extracurricular experience that makes me ideal for the role of President. Welfare Officer, Social Secretary and President of Newcastle University Parachute Club. Student Ambassador and Peer Mentor for the School of Computer Science. Completed Ncl+, Ncl+ Advanced Award in Career Preparation, currently working towards Ncl+ Advanced Award in Leadership (CMI Certified). Writer for The Courier music section and Spotlight Music UK. Through my involvement with NUSU, I have found a huge range of beneficial events and activities that I feel are not fully appreciated by the student body, and this would be the main thing I want to change during my time on the sabbatical team. WHAT DO I WANT TO DO? Expand campus representation of NUSU. Provide support for committees of clubs/societies. Develop the Student Wellbeing service. Mature positive communication between students and local residents. Improve Peer Mentor systems WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE FOR ME? It is clear that NUSU can change your time at university from just obtaining a degree into a culturally enriching journey that is both an enjoyable and prepares you for your future. If elected, I will push for these changes to ensure NUSU provides a great experience for every student on campus. Vote Fin #1 for President.

KOLADE ABOLARINWA I believe I’m best suited for the role of NUSU president because of what I can offer the community. Making my way to the top of the school to being head boy in secondary school was the initial spark for my interest in leadership roles. I acted as a role model for my peers and always looked for ways to make the school a better place. I was a sports ambassador and later head ambassador which enabled me to be a support mechanism to those who needed it. I believe I carry all the necessary values to fit this role, people who work with me believe I’m organised, happy to help and approachable which is highlighted by the great relationships I possess with Newcastle University students and by being kind to all staff members in addition to being the course rep for my degree. By being a music artist, I enjoy seeing my music bring people together and believe that the role as president is the ideal stepping stone for me as I can utilise the opportunity by making the community a better place and do my best to ensure a fun, safe and importantly studious environment for my peers.

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ANDREW COLLINS

BEN CAMPBELL

Hello, I’m Andrew (he/him) a first-year law student and full time homosexual. Hoping to be elected as your next LGBT+ Officer

Hi! My name is Ben Campbell and I’m running for LGBT+ Officer 2020/21. I have worked as Treasurer in 18/19 and Secretary in 19/20 for the LGBTQ+ Society, and therefore I have experience with representing the LGBTQ+ community and organising events that allow us a safe space. Working in the LGBTQ+ Society, I understand the importance of representation, and I am committed to making sure each member feels fully represented. The main points of my manifesto are: 1. Work closely and collaborating alongside other Liberation Officers to ensure intersectionality in our campaigns and representation of all students on campus. 2. Host the Trans Awareness Week and LGBT+ Awareness week campaigns, working with the Welfare and Equality Officer and other Liberation Officers. 3. Promote a safe and inclusive space on campus, allowing people to contact me about issues they have faced regarding being LGBTQ+. I understand I am not representative of all, and working in the society, I know the importance of feedback, and so would host focus groups, asking what people want out of their SU. I believe my experience and passion for the LGBTQ+ community will serve me well in the role so please vote for me!

My Pledges are as followed: Form a new complaint service to solely deal with LGBT+ discrimination Increase training for councillors to deal with the needs of the trans community Push for HIV tests to be available at university run testing events Promote PrEP and good sexual health practice LGBT+ education in induction week to promote the university values of tolerance Set up an LGBT+ forum at the end of every term with LGBT+ staff and students Push for gender neutral toilets in the centre of campus Increase LGBT+ awareness around campus LGBT Fashion Show fundraising for charity Contact B9063730@newcastle.ac.uk for any further ‘Queeries’

DEWI ROBERTS Hello, I'm Dewi! I believe that LGBT equality is important for everyone at Newcastle. I want to be the defining voice of the LGBT+ community, including our Allies, and create an inclusive environment for all students regardless of sexuality and gender identity, through educating the wider student body on these issues. If elected as your LGBTQ+ officer I will: 1. Work with the SU to ensure that decisions are made with the LGBT community in mind. 2. Lobby for the creation of more gender neutral toilets. 3. Challenge the University's process on how a student identifies themselves as transgender or non-binary. 4. Address the increasing rise of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. 5. Support the LGBTQ+ Society. 6. Liaise with the It Happens Here Newcastle Society to tackle the issue of domestic violence and sexual violence. 7. Work to promote sexual health, mental well being and resilience. 8. Run a number of fundraising campaigns focusing on charities and trusts that contribute to the LGBTQ+ community

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LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+ LGBT+

ELIAS AL DAHAN

SOHUM PANDYA

My vision for all minority groups across our university is more than just representation and support. I have an ambition to INTEGRATE our multi-ethnic and diverse campus. It’s about more than just protection against discrimination, it’s about celebrating our contribution to the community, university and peers. It’s about bringing together students from all backgrounds, beliefs and ethnicities to discuss the mutual concerns, challenges and achievements of minorities at Newcastle. I want to deliver that partnership amongst minority groups so that we can learn from each other and promote a common cause worthy of recognition. I would predominantly do this via various societies to help organise events and campaigns that promote unity and cooperation. We must remind everyone (including each other) that we’re proud to champion the values of BAME groups alongside our British values - I believe this ambition would effectively tackle discriminatory behaviour and enable an enriching collaboration between minority groups. Support me to get that ambition done. My aims include: Cross-Society Meetings, Community Support Volunteering - celebrating our diverse ethnic occasions together, campaigning against rising discrimination, tackling fake news about minorities.

Hi, my name is Sohum and I am running to be your next BAME officer. I am the president of Hindu and Sikh society and have been instrumental in running the ‘This HAS to Happen’ campaign with the SU, and Newcastle’s biggest colour festival (Holi-2020). Working with SU departments and societies throughout the year has given me insight into how the SU is run and bringing about real change. • Having sat on the racial equality forum this year I aim to expand it by incorporating a wider range of societies, different faiths and backgrounds. • Running more racial awareness campaigns for ethnic minorities to celebrate more beautiful and diverse cultures that are currently underrepresented. (including cultural food/info stalls) • Discussion events whereby PoC can share their experiences and views and how these coincide with others beliefs; educating students with limited experience of other cultures at university. • Working with liberation societies by communicating with executive committees, discussing relevant issues and increasing inclusivity via promoting intersectionality; for instance, tackling sexism and homophobia alongside racism amongst vulnerable groups. I believe that my passion and experience would work well within the SU communicating and representing your needs and celebrating underrepresented cultures.

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WHY CHOOSE ME? I’m currently a second year Civil Engineering student from just north of Newcastle, giving me valuable insight into the context of the area and the services available to BAME students. BAME rep for It Happens Here society 19/20. General committee for RAG 19/20. Ran the “Black Girls Matter” campaign in collaboration with Durham university’s “It’s Not Okay” society focussing on highlighting and discussing issues around sexual violence and equality for BAME women. Specialist training from the Angelou centre regarding in BAME women’s harassment and abuse. WHAT I WOULD AIM TO ACHIEVE IF I WERE SUCCESSFUL: To work closely with the student union, societies and clubs to improve representation and nurture an inclusive and welcoming culture on campus. Setting up a BAME working group to bring together students from all racial and cultural backgrounds to ensure all voices are adequately heard and represented. Following on last years successful “Black History Month” campaign, working to continue this on into 2020 for a new year of students to enjoy.

LEWIS TELFORD

Hello, I'm Lewis Telford and I hope to be your next Commuting Students' Officer. Having commuted into Newcastle for nearly 4 years now, I am eager to ensure that the interests of students who travel into university each day are heard loud and clear. If elected I pledge to: Work to provide a secure 24-hour access storage space for commuting students on the campus. Lobby the university to work alongside other universities in the area to reduce the costs of public transport for students. These costs negatively impact all students who use public transport and are a major reason why commuting students are less likely to get involved in societies. Push for public transport to be available later at night, so that students enjoying the fantastic night life of Newcastle need not worry about catching the last bus, metro or train. Pressure the university to move to online only hand-in for assessments as physical hand-ins are outdated and provide an unnecessary stress for students who may have to travel for hours simply to submit an assessment which takes a few minutes. Make freshers more inclusive for students living at home who don’t have the opportunity of meeting people in halls.

METRO KEIRAN Free taxis for anyone on a walk of shame. Prevent leaves coming into our Metro system by building a wall around the track, because walls work. Leaves cause delays, bad delays, worst of delays. Like that friendly Italian man once said, Metro Kieran will make the trains run on time! Nobody trains makes trains run as good as Metro Kieran. Trains will arrive before you even want them, every 12 minutes even. Metro Kieran having seen the calamity of HS2, will propose HS4, extending the Metro to the other side of Jesmond, Leazes and Sandyford but not Heaton, you can walk. New metro station in the Medical School so medics needn’t cross campus mixing with non-medics. Named Martin Luther King Jr., who (HAVEN'T YOU HEARD) was awarded an honorary degree here. Aim to ensure that this comes under budget at £7Bn, until it goes over budget and that number changes. Discounted Metro tickets for those with club stamps encouraging attendance. Later ‘Party Train’ metros from Jesmond, with Flares’ dancefloor Petition for a Robbo microwave, though it’s impossible He estimates this to take three days, then will abolish his position. Metro Kieran - Because we are all Metro People

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BETH LAWRENCE

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ADE OKUNLOLA

As a Londoner of Nigerian descent, all I’ve known is the vibrancy of different cultures. Home is like a mini Lagos and the various streets of London are clustered melting pots of different foods, languages and music that I only noticed I was so accustomed to when I came to Newcastle. This positive exposure along with few but memorable negative experiences have made me very aware and sensitive to the difficulties we unfortunately face as minorities. Such experiences however have provided me with the desire to work to provide us all with diversity, equality and opportunities to learn about each other’s culture My aims as BAME Officer are to: 1. Work with the Welfare and Equality Officer to organise culturally-enriching events throughout the year but especially at times like Chinese New Year and Black History Month 2. Be a supportive outlet to BAME students experiencing specific issues and liaise with the University to provide a safe and more inclusive environment 3. Liaise with the different societies to ensure they are as inclusive as possible and accessible to BAME students I hope to accomplish these and much more as BAME officer!

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KATE BENNETTO As somebody who suffers with a neurological disorder exacerbated by anxiety, I understand the reality of how important it is to feel fully supported in your studies. My symptoms wouldn’t always manifest in a physical form which meant that the severity of my condition wasn’t taken seriously, leaving me feeling hurt and embarrassed to speak up about my issues. I wish to end the stigma surrounding symptoms that can’t be seen as it had a detrimental effect on my final A-level results. I aim to: -Acquire mobility aids for students to borrow in emergency situations, and provisions students need. -Arrange meetings to discuss elements of university life students may find hard or tips to improve these. -Create an information list of charities/ organisations designed to allow students to seek further help whenever needed. (Physically and mentally) -Organise awareness days for the community to show its true diversity and the importance of mental health. I have experience in this area not only for myself but as a personal carer and love my job. I wish to fulfil this role so nobody ever feels ashamed or embarrassed about asking for anything they need to improve mental and physical health.

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As a Laudian Anglican Christian, I understand how important spirituality and religious practise is to the well-being of students, including myself. As Faith and Belief Officer, I would aim to create and strengthen a harmonious, meditative and contemplative campus environment that would be inclusive to all faiths and would build social solidarity. I also will try my upmost to combat religious prejudices through the Union, such as antisemitism, that have sadly become more common in recent years. I will arrange meetings with those from various faiths from across campus and gather their consensus on the improvements that could be made to better the experience of religious students at Newcastle University, and work with the Students Union to make sure they are implemented. I will promote and campaign for more opportunities and experiences for different religious groups on campus and make sure that resources are made more accessible to them. I will protect and defend the right of all different faiths to practise their religion on campus, and most importantly ensure they are treated with respect and dignity by the University community.

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WILLIAM HAYES

The priority for my campaign as Chair of Scrutiny will be to ensure adequate reforms of the process of scrutiny & increasing accountability. This will be in the form of: Voting Records for Sabbatical and Part Time Officers. Reviewing the current scrutiny process. Working more closely with Sabbatical Officers in order to increase the flawed democratic processes of the Student's Union.

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JAMIE HAMPTON

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Upon my election as chair I will: • Strive to remain the calm voice of impartial reason and fairness towards all members of the council. • Represent the student council at Freshers fair. I think it is important that new students have the chance to meet and talk before their time at university begins. • Raise awareness about council on social media. Attendance of council is poor, and the general student populace is apathetic to it. The lack of backing from social media may be the cause. • Introduce an attendance register. This might not be primary school anymore, but it’s still important that your representatives turn up. I propose a register be kept of attendance of elected councillors. • Improve accessibility to the council. Currently, the council provides little previsions for those who suffer from disabilities. I feel as though this can be righted through making the council more accessible to our disabled students. • Conduct frequent surveys of the council. Despite what NewFess would say, I am not the fountain of all knowledge and solutions. But sometimes, the best answers to our problems come from the most obvious (and yet overlooked) place… the people.

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CHRISTOPHER WINTER

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CHAIR OF SCRUTINY CHAIR OF SCRUTINY CHAIR OF SCRUTINY CHAIR OF

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PARENTS, CARERS OR GUARDIANS PARENTS, CARERS OR GUARDIANS PARENTS, CARERS

HARRIET STANWAY-GORDON Hi guys! I'm Harriet and I am a PhD student in Medicinal Chemistry, as well as being the mother of a 5 (almost 6) year old. I had my daughter during my undergraduate degree, and since then have gone on to study a Masters, and now a PhD ,alongside being a parent. As such, I feel that I have an understanding and appreciation of the issues that parents and carers can face at all stages of their academic career. If I were to be successfully elected, my aims are as follows: - Work with external providers to establish an affordable source of childcare for students outside of term-time - Maintain and promote the presence of established communities for parents and carers within the university - Hold regular focus groups with current student parents and carers to identify areas where they feel extra support or assistance is required - Work alongside the university to incorporate more child-friendly work-spaces on campus, for parents who may be struggling with childcare - Ensure that timetabling and working-hours are inclusive to all, and not detrimental to those with caring duties

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Gender. It forms an integral part of our identity. Identity is what makes us unique – it’s how we contribute diversely. As a woman, my identity journey has been challenging so I know that this exploration is crucial. What does it mean to be a woman and what does gender itself mean? As your Marginalised Genders’ Officers, I'll seek these changes to encourage equity across our campus: Gender Identity Workshops- I think gender identity is the most important aspect of identity, so enabling students who previously haven’t had the opportunity to understand what this means to them will empower students to be who they truly are. A Learning Environment Free of Discrimination- Following the stalking scandals and sexism on campus the last year, it’s important to campaign to help students understand that all genders experience university differently, facing discrimination they may not anticipate or witness. Space for Marginalised Genders to Feel Free of Judgement/HarassmentWhether this can be implemented as a constant available room for marginalised genders or even just a weekly coffee where no marginalisation will occur, it is important for people who feel unable to be themselves to have somewhere those pressures are alleviated.

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JENNIFER MILLS

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HUSSNAIN SHAHID

ALI ZUHAD

Home cooked food and family cannot be provided on campus; but a unique, new and bold experience can be created on campus. I am currently enrolled in Stage-2 Civil Engineering originally from Lahore, Pakistan. Being an International Student myself, I will ensure that International Students from around the world relish university life to the fullest.

I am a 1st Year BA (Hons) Business Management student at Newcastle University Business School (NUBS), Student Voice Committee (SVC) member as a Course representative and current Campaigns Rep at Newcastle University Students Union (NUSU).

(JOB SHARE) OUR AIMS: •Promote equality & diversity on campus. •Ensure that the interests of International students are adequately represented. •Represent International Student’s voice to University. •Speed up the process of issuance of CAS Letter of International Students. •Improve the level of transparency between International Students & the Students Union. •Assure Language barrier does not hinder students from socials. •Persuading University societies to integrate with International Students as much as possible. •Increasing scholarships and bursaries opportunities regardless of nationalities.

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SABBATICAL OFFICER

Last week, NSR, NUTV and the Courier held a series of debates for the seven sabba attend, and the debates saw a variety of questions posed to the candidates based on

The debates were live-streamed on both NSR and NUTV. To see footage from the d

POSTGRADUATE OFFICER

Moderator: James Barker

On Monday night, a debate was held between the candidates for Postgraduate officer. Candidates are Charlotte Paige Boulton, Chaudhry Jibran, Mark George Drybrough and Rachel Hart. Charlotte and Mark were not able to attend the debate, but sent in some responses. Chaudry was late but offered profuse apologies. Due to Chaudry’s late arrival, Rachel began the debate defining some of her goals as Postgraduate Officer. She acknowledged that there was currently a poor engagement between postgraduates and the Students' Union, but that she wanted to change this by talking to postgraduates about their needs in order to represent them. Rachel referred to a ‘grey area’ occupied by postgraduate research students, between staff and students, implying that there needed to be greater acknowledgement of PGRs' teaching responsibilities. Charlotte’s opening statement focused on how she wants to be a visible point of contact for postgraduate students, making sure that she represents both mature and international students. She claimed that she also wants to work with societies to ensure that social events are available for postgraduates. Mark’s statement brought to attention how important it is to engage with students on social media, and how this is something he would pay attention to as Postgraduate Officer. Next up was Chaudry, who focused on how stressful life as a postgraduate student could be, and how he hoped to combat this by making the university experience more fun. The candidates were next asked about the strikes, and how they would respond to them as Postgraduate officer. Chaudry acknowledged the impact strikes may have on post graduates. Rachel announced her full support of the strikes, noting the gender pay gap, but emphasised that PGRs are striking from paid work. Mark thought that despite strikes affecting the availability of staff, they are necessary to protect future academics. Charlotte’s response also pledged support of the strikes but emphasised that she would make sure that all postgraduate’s opinions on the matter were heard. She emphasised working to resolve the disputes to make sure postgraduate researchers are fairly paid and treated. Mental health was another issue raised on the night. Rachel emphasised how mental health services should not be about occasional wellbeing days, but the reform of a system that students currently only come to when on the point of drop out. Chaudry emphasised the importance of activities to combat stress for postgraduates, such as interschool sports events. A response sent in by Charlotte noted that she would expand mental health training for all supervisors and hold bi-weekly drop-in sessions focused on mental wellbeing. The debate finished with closing statements. In his closing statement, Chaudry emphasised how he wants to make the postgraduate experience more fun as a final university experience. Charlotte apologised for her absence, and pushed that she believes she will be able to quickly fulfil her pledges. Rachel emphasised her passion for the role, and how she wants to improve post graduate engagement with the union. Mark’s statement noted his goal to improve health, social care and education interventions. Emma McLaren

WELFARE & EQUALITY OFFICER

Moderator: Rachel Hatherley

While Georgia Corbett and Alice Galatola were both present in person at the debate, Nadia Ahmed did not attend, and was thus represented by an empty podium. Corbett’s introductory statement focussed on how her work with a variety of societies makes her suitable for the role, whilst Galatola highlighted her contribution to raising awareness of issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly asexual and trans people. Ahmed’s opening statement was read out by the moderator, and emphasised her strong commitment to promoting gender equality. Throughout the debate, Galatola stressed her commitment to encouraging the creation of more sober socials, and offering support for students suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol. If elected, she plans to offer more funding to societies who organise a certain quota of alcohol-free socials each year. She expressed concern that socials tend to revolve around a culture of excessive alcohol consumption. In turn, she claims this leads to a “pulling” culture, where sexual consent can be disregarded. She wants to educate freshers on the true meaning of consent, and hold the University accountable for how it deals with cases of sexual misconduct. Other proposed policies include allowing students struggling with addiction to submit PECs. Corbett touched a wide variety of issues, ranging from sexual consent to improving facilities for disabled students. She wants to use empty rooms on campus as “Quiet Rooms”, safe spaces for students dealing with issues like anxiety. She also offered some comments on disabled students’ participation in university sport, suggesting high entry fees for sports clubs deter some disabled students from participating on the grounds that they might be unable to commit to participating for the whole year due to changing health circumstances. When quizzed on her manifesto, she maintained that Personal Tutors should receive welfare training, and that she disagrees with the University’s calls for tutors to step back from the “welfare support” aspect of their roles. Comments written by Ahmed were read to the audience. She stated her desire to run campaigns aimed at students from different minority backgrounds to ensure they feel included on campus. Em Richardson

EDITOR OF THE COURIER

Moderator: Alex Gervas

The debate began with the discussion of ideas about readership of the newspaper within university. Aimee called for a weekly column that showcased what societies have achieved that week, saying that it is “unfair” that we are not promoting their work. Rory then stated that it was our “duty” to make people “aware of what is going on in our university”, and that we need to “realise that we are living in a world where less people are picking up a newspaper.” He suggested that a feasibly study be undertaken regarding an app for the newspaper. Molly disagreed with this idea, saying that an app would not be beneficial, and that we need to look at how to raise more awareness for student media rather than increasing the amount of engagement that students already interested in it have. Becca’s focus on increasing readership centred on bringing more sports teams into engagement with the paper. She declared that once they are interested in the paper, they will begin reading other sections, and that this would create more of a “community” within the university. The debate then moved on to ideas about how to improve the content of the newspaper. Ella proposed a pull-out for the paper that would feature elements of the culture section. It would allow students to have more “creative freedom” and make the paper “more cohesive” rather than alienating the culture section. Joe’s manifesto also talked of adding a “Your Voice” page, which allows the voices of marginalised people at university to be heard. He claimed that he has noticed that the paper focuses predominantly on white, British voices and that we need to be more inclusive. When a member of the audience questioned the candidates about how they are incorporating both NUTV and NSR into their vision for the future of Newcastle’s student media, he said that only Rory had consulted with them to ask what the other branches wanted. He said, “how can they know what we want when we do not have a clue what we do?” Molly began this discussion by saying that she was “always willing to listen to NSR and NUTV”, and that her main focus would be on listening to their ideas and then driving through change. Ella talked about how she wanted the website to engage more NUTV and NSR, so that it was the work of all three rather than just the newspaper, and Joe called for a flagship show that would combine all three sections of media. Talking about their engagement with events, Becca then called for each society event to be covered by the other forms of media, and Aimee called for more explicit promotion of each element of social media, as “students are lazy” and need these forms of media to be more actively encouraged in their lives. Finishing this discussion, Rory claimed that they were evidently “three separate entities, each with their own identity” but that he, “of course”, wanted cross collaboration between them. Sophie Wilson

R ELECTION DEBATES

atical officer positions. Everyone was welcome to n both their manifestos and their past experience.

debate, visit NUTV on YouTube.

PRESIDENT

Moderator: Tom Stone

The turnout for this year's President debates matched the much lower number of candidates. Of the three candidates running, only two, Dorothy Chirwa and Kolade Abolarinwa, made it to the event. Fin Holden could not attend the debates due to prior travel arrangements. He did, however, submit written responses prior to the evening. Holden's statement stressed his past involvement with the Students' Union through his experience as President of Parachute Club, as well as his plethora of awards, and even his writings for our very own publication. Abolarinwa's concise statement stressed his creative drive and abilities as a leader. Chirwa stressed her experience as President of History Society and her previous involvement with the SU. One of the main issues raised in the debate was that of transparency with the University and the Students' Union, mainly aimed at Chirwa's manifesto points. Chirwa's main concern for transparency from the University was that of the recent UCU industrial action, stressing that a more streamlined line of communication would benefit students. Abolarinwa framed his answer in terms of product placement, and placing more information where students are likely to find it, such as on the University app, citing Transport for London as a model to follow. Discrimination was also raised as an issue, which did not feature on Abolarinwa's manifesto at all. When pressed on this, he pushed more effective punishments and events that would encourage positivity on campus. Alex Darbyshire

EDUCATION OFFICER

Moderator: Patrick Harland

The Education Officer is responsible for enhancing the academic experiences of undergraduate and postgraduate students. They also oversee the Student Council with the Chair of Council. The debates began with opening statements, which identified the main points from the manifesto of the candidates. Sian Dickie highlighted making RECAP compulsory in every teaching space to increase accessibility, and proposed giving students a week off after semester one exams. She also discussed reforming the PEC system to stop regulators from asking intrusive evidence. Robin Kaur situated her manifesto from her experience as a mature student. She stated: “The student life is totally different from what is out there.” She mentioned the PEC system and the lack of clarity on how it operates, having been a course representative for Marine Biology for three years. An issue raised on the debate was the Coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the quality of education. Both candidates emphasised using online tools to continue delivering education if the university was to close for a long time period. Dickie related back to her point of ‘RECAP for All’ and making coursework available online. She also suggested reparations such as free graduations to compensate for student fees. Kaur recommended online seminars through Skype, which can be recorded live by lecturers remotely at home. Another debated point was about the ongoing UCU strike and its implications for next year. Dickie emphasised the lack of consideration on student-teachers on campus. She highlighted: “We tend to forget of PhD Students who are on casual hours. We think of lecturers as older, but they are not. They are sometimes the people around you.” Kaur proposed giving resources such as emails and letters to bring understanding to reasons for the strikes and how students can support lecturers. Carl Smith Valdez

ACTIVITIES OFFICER

Moderator: Haaris Qureshi

Discussions of the activities store cupboard, the day-to-day running of societies and disciplinary measures dominated the debate between Hannah Finney, Elli Brown and Alexandra Vipond. The debate began with Hannah stressing how communication was integral to her manifests. She stated that the role of this officer is to showcase societies and she would be open to all members of societies for help throughout the year. Elli then stated how she wanted to stress how societies should be “safe and sustainable”. Alex concluded the opening statements by stressing how important the idea of societies being a stepping stone to employability is, and how employability should be incorporated into societies without the students “even having to think about it”. The long-term issues associated with the activity cupboard was a dominant part of this debate. Elli stressed the importance of departmental societies utilising space within their schools, using pre-existing contacts within their subject department. She also proposed a complete clear out of the cupboard and a restarting of the organisation. Hannah then argued that this problem cannot be resolved in a year, and there would have to be “gradual change”. Alex proposed the idea of a strike system and sanctioning to ensure societies stick to procedures laid out. In terms of the day-to-day running of societies, Alex really pushed for the idea that she would create a support system for more societies to fundraise their own money. She said that she wanted to be the point of contact for the activities, but also that we need to come up with new ways for society to gain the funds that they need to complete the vision that they have for their societies. Elli proposed a dedicated fresher’s fair grant and also a formal handover document that would allow the transition between society committees to run more smoothly. She stressed that societies are there for people to have fun and we need to maintain this. Hannah campaigned for including Give it a Go within the Earn Your Stars award, therefore making the recognition that society members receive more cohesive. Regarding disciplinary measures and welfare, Alex suggested that office hours are given so that members of the SU can go and talk to the Activites Officer about their queries and their concerns. Hannah backed this and then added that coffee mornings would allow her to be open to members on a regular and informal basis. When asked about this situation, Elli then pushed for more understanding of the legal requirements of societies so that stress is taken off committee members. She thinks that discussion within training should be pivotal. Sophie Wilson

ATHLETIC UNION OFFICER

Moderator: Holly Mawdsley

The candidates were Chris Baker, current President of Korfball; Benthe Tanghe, 1st team player for Women’s Football and Women’s Futsal, and publicity officer of the former; Em Walsh, Vice President of Surf Club; Jack Baines, Records Officer of the Archery club; and Katy Matthews, President of Netball. Chris started his opening statement with his desire to ensure all clubs have equal opportunities by restructuring the grant system, introducing monthly Sports Centre payment plans, and increasing awareness of non-BUCS successes. Benthe’s main manifesto points involved improving inter-club connections, mental health, and coaching. Next, Em mentioned her desire to ensure all clubs feel involved with the AU, and to make sports more accessible to all students. Jack’s main points were to increase accessibility and visibility, especially for smaller clubs; to increase transparency of the AU Officer role; to implement affordable travel system for training off campus, and to increase the support Welfare Officers can give. Finally, Katy’s three main aims were to improve intra-mural sports; work with performance sports to improve strength and conditioning, provide nutrition advice and improve promotion of fixtures to attract bigger crowds; and find a Stan Calvert replacement. The first topic of debate was awareness, Chris wanting to improve the current weekly email system by increasing transparency and reporting more on non-BUCS activity. Both Katy and Em stressed the importance of advertisement, either through social media officers or general advertisements around university respectively. Bentha explained that she did not mention increasing awareness in her manifesto due to its difficulty; knowing how hard previous AU officers, Joe and Maggie, had tried, she did not want to make any promises. In terms of inclusivity, Em wanted to extend inclusivity week across the year, and host more postgraduate specific events; both she and Katy also talked about increasing publicity of Give It a Go. Benthe emphasised her support of inclusivity, whilst also being wary of not wanted to make false promises. Chris drew attention to the cost challenges that students face, particularly involving Sports Centre membership, whilst Jack recognised it was important to note that the level of inclusivity varied across clubs. Both Em and Jack also discussed the importance of casual involvement in sports. Welfare was also a major point of discussion, with Katy advocating the use of regular surveys and a reiteration of welfare training at Refreshers. Jack aims to increase the specificity of welfare provision, reducing the steps it takes before a student can receive the correct care. Benthe wishes all committee members to receive welfare training, and for University lecturers to have improved knowledge of sport-playing students, explaining early lecture departures. Chris also highlighted the importance of mental health, whilst Em wanted to provide Welfare Officers with greater recognition. In terms of funding, Chris wanted to reconstruct the funding system, believing that money can seem to be ‘wasted’ at times, he noted the disparity between clubs with big surpluses compared to those struggling to fund the required equipment. Em shared many of Chris’s views on this subject, having both been on the AU Executive Committee together. Related to finance, Jack explained his desire to help students pay for sport transport, hoping to offer a similar provision as Northumbria University, where students can travel for free with Stagecoach. Aimee Seddon

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culture music

Monday 16 March 2020

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

Dave criticised for speaking the truth

Hope Lynes discusses Dave's BRIT's performance and the public's reaction

Image: Instagram @santandave

ave’s performance at the Brits in February adapted lyrics of his song to use music and his live opportunity to speak his mind. After a political period dominated with Brexit, Dave brings the focus of attention back to his opinion on issues that are important to him. He addressed the current PM being a ‘real racist’, how Meghan is presented in the media for being mixed-race (‘how the news treats Kate versus how they treated Meghan’), about the justice system (‘we want rehabilitation… all we need is unity, equal opportuntities’), the Grenfell disaster from a few years ago (‘Grenfell victims still need accomodation’) and how ‘we still need support for the Windrush generation’, ‘reparations for the time our people spent on plantations’. Immediately after the performance was broadcast all I saw on twitter was mostly support for the rapper, ‘Dave’, and ‘Grenfell’ were trending, and the issues which he brought up seemed to get attention back in the public eye. According to the Independent on the other hand, it was much more divided with many

calling it ‘iconic and important’ but others saying that the BRITS should be ashamed’. One account even said ‘I hope @BorisJohnson sues you and the other race baiters. You are creating a hate filled atmosphere where our young think it’s okay to call the U.K. PM a racist. It’s not only outrageous it’s pathetic!!’. The negative reception seems to think in calling out Boris Johnson and these issues it is causing more divide and hatred, but Dave has done this for a reason, and ultimately I believe the reception could show something about the political climate that Dave is describing. Dave’s opinion was extremely left wing, and is reminiscent of when Stormzy used his performance a few years ago to get attention for Grenfell, but this time with an accusation towards the prime minister directly alongside the rest of the politically charged content in the new final verse.

Ofcom have receive 257 complaints about Dave’s performance

According to The Independent, Ofcom have receive 257 complaints about Dave’s performance, with the complaints labelling it as ‘racist’, mostly due to the accusation towards Boris Johnson, which to some degree, sadly, removes the attention and importance given to the other issues such as Grenfell accommodation and the Windrush generation. The conservative home secretary called Dave’s lyrics a ‘generalisation’ and ‘highly inappropriate nonsense’. In response to this, Dave resurfaced some of Boris Johnson’s old comments about African People, such as back to a 2002 CNN column written by him under the title ‘Africa is a mess, but we can’t blame colonialism.’ Complaining that something is racist when it’s addressing potential racism is somewhat ironic. Making a sweeping statement that Boris Johnson is a ‘real racist’ was sure to stir debate as it has no evidence backed behind it, but I think placing the lyric amongst other

lyrics about issues close to him backs up the point to some degree, or at least proves that Dave is trying to considering his short space of time to say something other than the lyrics of his song. The Guardian says the comment ‘attacks’ Johnson, and also references how Tyler, the Creator also used his platform at the Brits to share his mind on the conservative government, dedicating it to “someone who I hold dear to my heart, who made it so I couldn’t come to this country five years ago, and I hope she’s at home pissed off: thank you, Theresa May.”, after he was banned for his music apparently ‘fostering hatred’. All in all, Dave did make the comment about Boris Johnson being a ‘real racist’, but the Ofcom complainers dominating the press now takes away everything else he was trying to say which says something about the relationship between music and politics.

Album Anatomies: Caribou - Suddenly

Chance Raine dissects the latest album from Caribou, taking a deeper look at the production, the lyrics and the overall album

inger, song writer and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Snaith produces his fifth commercial album under the name Caribou. The album is compact with 12 songs and 43 minutes in length. Unlike previous albums, there are hip-hop inspired songs besides his typical indietronica style making for a more versatile album though they sadly come together in a rather bland way. The opening song ‘Sister’ is certainly rather unsettling giving an almost alien vibe as Daniel sings in a fragile, boyish way over howling synthesizing layers. The lyrics suggest the topic for the album that being family, change and love all together being a suitable opening. ‘You and I’ is livelier with a crisp drumbeat, Snaith’s danceable style showing. The vocals again are rather fragile though suits the theme of the music to an extent. There is use of sampling between verses giving an interesting twist to the song also skillfully applied without disrupting the flow of the song. ‘Sunny’s Time’ further makes use of sampling of piano and vocals used over synthesizers. The vocals used in this song are almost rapped and rather bold and abrupt certainly shattering the smooth opening piano sample. There’s a clash of ideas in this track which dwindle which is unfortunate as I feel with more time these ideas could be explored to a greater extent. ‘New Jade’ once again draws on hip-hop ideas with sample vocals and a lively drumbeat. Snaith’s voice however is underImage: publicdomainimages

whelming and almost monotonous in comparison to the sample vocals as well as the sparkly synthesizer arpeggios.

The texture slowly thickens with more use of percussion and synthesizers until fading

‘Home’ in my opinion is one of the favourable tracks on the album with another lively drumbeat, groovy guitar samples and a soulful vocal sample ‘Baby I’m home, I’m home, I’m home’. Snaith’s voice is lonely to reasonable effect though similarly to the previous songs mentioned I found that they were overshadowed by samples used. Snaith returns to his comfort zone with ‘Lime’, a house-funk fusion song with jazzy guitar passages and embellishments incorporated. Despite being his comfort zone however, I feel this song sounds over- processed as if Snaith has attempted to force samples together that just do not work. Towards the end of the song it is abruptly thrown off-course into deep and lowvolume vocal chanting. This is certainly one of the weaker songs on the album and is difficult to understand and listen to. ‘Never Come Back’ contrasts with the previous song returning to a dance theme with another lively drumbeat besides soft vocals and piano. The texture slowly thickens with more use of percussion and synthesizers until fading out. A rather baffling ‘Filtered Grand Piano’ emerges after this song. Just 53 seconds in length I question the purpose on the tune as it does not contrib-

ute anything. ‘Like I Loved You’ is typical of Snaith’s indietronica style displaying sadness the lyrics referring to a past lover and whether their current lover amounts to them. The music itself is uneventful with a dry beat all this amounting to a simple, direct song. ‘Magpie’ is perhaps Beatles inspired (referring to ‘Blackbird’) and the vocals do resemble some of their work. Snaith’s intermit voice is backed by synthesizers and is suitable to the mood of the song and unlike on previous songs on the album is not overshadowed or at least contrasted with stronger voices on sample vocals. Despite having little development, ‘Ravi’ has a strong, danceable beat with good chord progressions. It certainly does the dance style justice and finishes with an elated ending. I would label this a feelgood song which is perhaps due to the lack of Snaith’s naturally somber vocals.

The ending is anticlimactic, a descending scale The last song on the album ‘Cloud Song’ despite having interesting ideas merged together, it does drag out at 6 minutes 51 seconds, not enough going on to give that time justice. The ending is anticlimactic, a descending scale being used. Overall, the album brings together some interesting ideas that are often not executed appropriately. Furthermore, the melodies and songs themselves are rather forgettable and Snaith’s voice is overshadowed by samples and often conflicts with the music. I would give this and album a 6 out of 10.

Image: insta @cariboumusic, wikicommons nattfodd

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Monday 16 March 2020

@culture_courier thecourieronline.co.uk/music

music culture

COVID-19 causes concert chaos

James Troughton discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the music industry and touring artists

ith the coronavirus rapidly spreading, numerous musicians have canceled their upcoming tours and festivals. The entertainment industry as a whole is taking a profound impact as a side-effect of this growing virus, with The Outer Worlds and the new James Bond film being delayed, whilst in music, numerous gigs have been shut down. It’s entirely understandable, given the volatile nature of the virus, with it rapidly spreading across the world; in England, there have been two confirmed deaths, and the number of those infected has risen dramatically to over 100. With so many cases, such as the two baggage handlers at Heathrow carrying COVID-19, it makes sense as to why musicians would want to stop major gatherings of people. For the first time in its 34-year history, the US media festival SXSW has been canceled. It is an annual event that is

hosted in Texas, and a plethora of different mediums take center stage, from film to TV to music. On top of this, rapper Stormzy has cancelled their appearances in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, China, and South Korea, although they did say that they will be back after issuing a statement on Twitter where they said, “Due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the coronavirus, I’m regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the tour.” Mariah Carey is another star who has cancelled appearances, although their reasoning was due to “international travel restrictions” which have reportedly pushed a concert in Hawaii from March 10 to November. K-Pop stars BTS were originally set to give a performance in Seoul in April, but this has been postponed indefinitely amidst the South Korean government’s new policies that are restraining events with large numbers of people gathering.

Making a statement: musical assertions

usician Bad Bunny recently performed a live rendition of his single ‘Ignorantes’ on the Jimmy Fallon show, clips from which are known to draw millions on streams on YouTube and other online platforms. Near the end of the performance, the performer removes his jacket to reveal a t-shirt with the text “Mataron a Alexa, no a un hombre con falda”, which translates to “They killed Alexa, not a man in a skirt.” This is a political statement regarding the transgender woman who was recently murdered in Puerto Rico, and the misgender-

This is a political statement regarding the transgender woman recently murdered in Puerto Rico ing in the initial reports, that gives an indication of the larger transphobia that exists in the country. This raises the question: should artists use their platform to address current issues? And how have they famously gone about doing so? I thought I’d start with a classic example, with John Lennon and Yoko Ono using the publicity from their constant press hounding to promote world peace through two week-long ‘bed-ins’, where the couple would simply talk to members of the media from the comfort of bedrooms in high-standard hotels. This simple protest worked in some respects, being iconic and culturally significant by bringing pacifism into regular discussion, but ultimately was pretty non-specific. In the 1990s, Rage Against The Machine chose to rebel against the censorship of music with violent, sexual or drug-related themes by using their 15-minute slot at Lollapalooza music festival to not play a single note, but instead stand on stage stark naked, with only amp feedback to hear, and PMRC written on their chests. This referred to the Parents Music Resource Centre, who were pushing the censorship. Fans were upset, and a light was certainly shone on the issue. An issue that has come to light in recent years is that artists often struggle to stop politicians that they disagree with from using their music at ral-

lies and conferences. For example, Pharell Williams’ lawyer sent Donald Trump a cease-and-desist letter to try and stop him from playing ‘Happy’ at his rallier, arguing that implies a false endorsement. Due to licensing contracts, there’s not much that artists can legally do, but it doesn’t stop them from speaking up against it. Adele, Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones have also made their views clear through attempts at legal action. All artists should be free express their standpoint on any issue, political or not, just like everyone else is – their fame doesn’t mean they should censor themselves, but

it also doesn’t mean they should hold their values above everyone else’s. As I have described, musicians tend to protest in peaceful ways that still aim to shock people and gain attention; as long as no one is being hurt, why shouldn’t musicians spread their truth? Finlay Holden

Image: Pharell Williams: Pirelli

US singer Avril Lavigne also shut down one of her shows in Zurich on March 13, as she said, “I am so sad to announce that we are unable to tour to the Asian markets due to the continuous outbreak of the coronavirus. [We] are completely bummed out.” Slipknot, a heavy-metal band, were set to continue their Knotfest festival that they began in 2012, but they have cancelled their appearances in Asia “in light of global health concerns.” Green Day, who were touring to promote their new album, have shut down their concert appearances in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Taipei, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan, which were set to take place in March. New Order, Mabel, Foals, The National, The Pixies and Sam Fender are also amongst the many musicians to shut down their tours, particularly in Asian markets, due to to the coronavirus, and so it’s safe to say that COVID-19 is causing major disruptions in the music world.

Newman for Eurovision J

ames Newman has been announced as the UK’s Eurovision entry for 2020, following the footsteps of his brother into the music industry. The BBC have named Newman the best entry that we have had in years, and he will be singing a song titled “My Last Breath”, a song intended to capture the audience. Newman said that his song is short and direct, and that it is a “mid-tempo banger”. The singer states that he intentionally created a “woah-oh” hook to “create an anthemic post-chorus that makes everyone feel involved”. He is excited to hear “20,000 people in the arena” all singing this simultaneously, he tells. The contestant was chosen slightly differently this year following last years competition. Previously, the UK chose Michael Rice who sang Bigger than Us. But when the UK received a tragic eleven points, the BBC scrapped the public’s inclusion into the selection process. A company w a s drafted instead to choose, and so Newman was born as our 2020 contestant. The contest is commencing for the 65th time this year, and will take place in Rotterdam in May. There are concerns arising that Eurovision is now, all about politics now. There have been several academic studies into this, the BBC say, and it has been proven that countries do vote for their neighbours and allies, but that the winner needs “pan-continental support to rise above the pack”, hence leaving boring songs in the last places. Having already been successful as a songwriter, having written chart topping tunes for huge names like Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris, Rudimental and Olly Murs surely he'll be the right guy for the job.With all these famous people involved in his musical career, it is hoped that he will be more successful than last years act. It cannot be too hard to beat last place, can it? Sophie Wilson

Lil Baby My Turn

il Baby is making his way in the rap world, and My Turn embodies his way of telling us that he’s about to step up his game. It’s a statement that he’s watched the legends of the genre and he’s about to show us exactly what he’s got. If you want a mix of chilled out vibes yet beats that you’ll find yourself wanting to move to, then you’ve well and truly been delivered. But the mix is a questionable one – it switches things up so we don’t find each song slides into the next, yet it feels like a rollercoaster when you settle on a calmer beat and then find yourself thrust into a quicker one. Choosing a favourite from twenty songs proves more difficult than expected on this album. ‘Catch The Sun’ caught my attention for it’s more emotional lyrics. I’m a sucker for songs with meaning, and Lil Baby has managed to hit the nail on the head here. As a rapper who came up into the industry after getting in with the wrong crowds from an early age, this song refers to his rising above, personal wins and losses and his softer side for his girl. I felt myself feeling Lil Baby’s sigh of relief through this song, and it’s at a sweet spot in the album that lets you take a second to pause. Maybe for others it’s a less likely favourite, but I think we really take seat in his mind with this one. But the next song, ‘Consistent’, brings you back in the room, the beat is brought back and wakes you up. You get the sense he did this purposefully, making us see that he takes those moments to reflect, but it’s back to making moves without getting too strung up on the past. The only thing I have to say here though, is the album is anything but consistent, and this contrast between Catch The Sun and Consistent demonstrates it unfortunately well. It’s fair to say Lil Baby is proving he is taking his turn, but maybe he’s pushing it too far with a twenty song album that offer a cocktail of beats that have left my brain a ‘lil’ fuzzy by time I reached its end. Ellie James

Christine and the Queens La Vita Nuova

éloïse Letissier or simply Chris, of Christine and the Queens has released La Vita Nuova, an ambitious new project she describes as being “vulnerable and personal”. She has said that the process of recording the music and accompanying short film was “cathartic”. It clocks in at just under 22 minutes with six songs – two of which are French and English versions of the same song, I Disappear Into Your Arms). To get an idea of the Chris’ selfdescribed “Freakpop” genre, I listened back to some of the older material, including songs from 2018’s critcally acclaimed album, Chris. Teaming up with Ash Workman, who also co-produced the 2014 debut album Chaleur Humaine, the new EP is more ambitious sonically, harking back to 80s pop music. Chris sings fluidly between her native French to English and even flirts with Italian, on the tremendous title track, featuring Caroline Polachek. A nod to the origin of the EP’s title, Dante’s 13th century love poetry of the same name. Chris explores the theme of love throughout, but flips Dante’s traditional courtly love on its head and delves deep into struggles such as depression, heartbreak and freedom.

Chris explores the theme of love throughout, but flips Dante’s traditional courtly love on its head

For the full experience of the new EP, I would recommend watching the short accompanying film. Set in Paris’ Palais Garnier, the story follows Chris as the troubled member of a dance troupe, dancing on the rooftop of the Opera House. The character is pursued throughout by the “Fauna”, a devil-like creature, and the following clips descend through the Opera House to the grand Thriller-esque finale in the basement. Having never listened to Christine and the Queens before, I was blown away by the music on this EP. Overall, a fantastic creative piece of art that has left me excited for the next Christine and the Queens’ next release. Phil Etchells

culture TV

the courier

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

International television: Korean dramas With Korean entertainment at its peak, Nimra Rafique delves into her top TV show picks

still can’t believe that I used to binge watch 5 seasons of a TV series, each having approximately 23 episodes, and now I struggle to finish even just 1 season. That’s the beauty of (almost) all Korean dramas, they usually only last 1-2 seasons, with about 16 episodes in each. With the likes of Parasite, which won an impressive 4 Oscars this year, to boy group BTS, who have countless achievements and international success, there’s no doubt that the Korean entertainment industry is at its peak, and K-dramas are no exception. Entertainment has become increasingly more diverse, and international shows/films are beginning to become more commonly acknowledged and appreciated, especially with them being more available and easily accessible at our fingertips through streaming sites such as Netflix. This is the case for K-dramas; I have seen the increase in awareness and discussion of K-dramas on social media, from influencers to regular users, and Netflix has started releasing a wider variety to the site, from classics to new releases. It important to appreciate and admire works from other countries and cultures. I find it impressive that a show or film in a language I don’t know can have such an impact on me, that’s what makes it so brilliant, that the messages articulated in international shows and films transcend language and cultural barriers. I will share two of many K-dramas that have captured me with their thought provoking message, characters and overall story. Hello, My Twenties! (Age of Youth): I believe that well-developed characters that you can connect with is one of the most important parts of a TV show, and the main reason why I love Hello, My Twenties! (also known as Age of Youth) The 2-season series revolves around a group of 5 university students living together in a Seoul share house, the only thing in common being their address. Despite their different personalities, they bond and support one another, through all the good and

the bad, and we as viewers almost feel as if we are part of the friendship group as we watch everything unfold on screen. I love that the show has all-female leads, and takes a fresh perspective to the typical K-drama romance cliches. Each character faces their own struggles and has their own distinct narrative, all of which are interesting and conveyed very well, yet they come together naturally as the characters connect and their friendship grows.

There's a balance between comedy and tragedy in K-dramas

Season 2 (my favourite of the two) takes their friendship even deeper, as the story explores more complex and darker ideas, perfectly balanced out with humour. For example, one of the main characters, Song Ji-Won (my favourite), embodies exactly what I mean about the balance between comedy and tragedy. Her bubbly personality adds lightheartedness and humour, however, the darkness of her past which she must face in this season makes the show raw and real. It is this sincerity and authenticity that makes the story so compelling and touching. SKY Castle: this show received a lot of critical acclaim and media attention, which was how I initially heard of it. From the very first episode I was hooked, so much happens and I was left with so many questions. I found myself continuously clicking onto the next episode into the early hours of the morning. The show takes a satirical route when looking at the South Korean education system, as it revolves around wealthy families living in the luxurious Sky Castle commuImages: IMDb

HBO cast Gossip Girl reboot

James Troughton on the casting news of the Gossip Girl revival

n July 2019, Deadline revealed that HBO had ordered a 10-episode spin-off of Gossip Girl for their streaming service, but it has just been revealed as to who will be stepping into the shoes of Manhattan’s finest. Kristen Bell, who was the narrator in the original show, is returning to lend her voice to the project, but the rest are newcomers, rather than returning old faces. On March 2, Deadline reported that Revenge’s Emily Alyn Lind has been cast as the lead role, Audrey, who was described as having “been in a long term relationship, beginning to wonder what more could be out there.” Deadline also confirmed that HBO has cast The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’s Whitney Peak, Pretty Little Liars’ Eli Brown, Lethal Weapon’s Johnathan Fernandez and Peter Pan Live!’s Jason Gotay, although the roles that these stars will be playing has yet to be revealed. The spin-off may cover new ground, but Deadline claim that the show will follow a “similar character dynamic” as Peak, Brown, and Lind is set to lead, whilst Fernandez and Gotay star as “members of the core ensemble.” Whilst some reports indicate that the show is a ‘reboot’, executive producer Joshua Safran claimed that it is more like the “Marvel universe” in that “it’s not a continuation

or a sequel. It truly just is looking at a different angle. The universe still exists. The characters talk about Serena, Blair, Chuck, Dan.”

The spin-off could have a crossover with its beloved past

He said that the original actors could return at any time should they so desire and that he would actually love for them to do so, and so the door is absolutely open, meaning that the spin-off could crossover with its beloved past. On top of this, the spin-off is set to be more diverse, as Safran claimed, “There was not a lot of representation the first time around on the show. I was the only gay writer I think the entire time I was there. So, this time around the leads are nonwhite. There’s a lot of queer content on this show.” It seems as though Gossip Girl will be leaping into the modern day with an updated roster and a passionate mind at the helm, so it should be in safe hands.

nity. These privileged parents will do anything to get their kids into one of the top universities, even at the expense of someone’s life. The show is dark, full of emotion and twists. The ending, although is not the happy conclusion I wanted for some characters, clearly represents the cruel reality the show is criticising. It is definitely deserving of all the attention and high ratings it got.

Silence of the Lambs TV s

ans of Hannibal rejoice as we are soon getting another spin-off show for the iconic Silence of the Lambs (1991). This time, rather than following our favourite cannibal in all his faba bean escapades, the show will follow FBI special agent, Clarice Starling. Set to release by CBS, details about the show are currently few and far between. We know that it’s called Clarice and a script for a pilot has been made, with hopes to make a full show out of it. Obviously, CBS is not available in the UK but previous shows like The Big Bang Theory and Star Trek: Discovery became available here on Channel 4 and Netflix so hopefully Clarice will follow suit. But who will star in the show? How will it explore the character of Clarice? When will it be set? There are loads of questions to be answered but unfortunately little information to help answer them. So, time to put on our speculation caps as to what will happen. Clarice is such a complex and intriguing character so hopefully nothing is off limits. In the original 1991 film Silence of the Lambs, Clarice Starling was played brilliantly by the amazing Jodie Foster. She didn’t reprise the

Background: pikrepo Image: IMDb

The good, the bad and the u Elisabetta Pulcini discusses whether tropes in television can actual I n what is being referred to as the Golden Age of television, stereotypes are being broken down with every new show. Despite this, some false narratives persist, even in those shows who admirably attempt to subvert them.

Bisexual and pansexual people being overly sexualised The misrepresentation of LGBTQ+ people is a sadly common feature of TV. With a recent increase of relevant LGBTQ+ characters in the media, some new stereotypes are sadly inevitable. One of these concerns bisexual and pansexual people, two of the most stigmatised groups in the community. From claims of confusion to it being ‘just a phase’, their sexuality is constantly belittled and misunderstood, sometimes even within the very same community that claims to embrace them. This, sadly, is reflected in TV, with such characters being portrayed as either overly sexualised or with unusually high sex drives, bordering on addiction. An older example of this is Todd from Scrubs, who’s defining character trait has always been that of the pervert, until he was revealed bi in the series finale.

Their coming out is not sensationalised or sexualised in any way

ple, portraying abortion as traumatic perpetrates the idea that women should feel guilty about taking ownership of their own bodies. Maeve’s abortion in Sex Education seeks to combat this stereotype, not much in the episode itself, but by Maeve continuing to live her life unaffected in the rest of the season.

56.8%

The percentage of women who had abortions aged 20-29

However, TV seems to over-represent teenage abortions, while under-representing more mature women doing the same. This is unjustified by statistics: in fact, in 2014 in the US, women aged 20–29 accounted for 56.8 of abortions while “adolescents aged 15–19 accounted for just 12% of all abortions.” This might be because of our continued belief that a ‘good excuse’ is needed for a women to get an abortion, and that her simply not wanting a child is not enough. As long as a woman is wealthy, married and educated, why wouldn’t she want a child,

A more recent example of this surprisingly comes from Big Mouth, one of the most progressive shows out there: the portrayal of sex-addict Jay as the only main bisexual character perpetrates this harmful narrative. Nonetheless, numerous shows are addressing this stereotype head on. Most notably, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, with Darryl and Valencia, and Sex Education with Ola. In both these cases, them being bi or pan does not inform their personality, nor is their coming out sensationalized or sexualised without motivation. “Bein’ bi does not imply that you're a player or a slut” might be common sense to other, but it’s still tragically ignored by most.

Needing a ‘good reason’ for having an abortion Images: needpix.com

Monday 16 March 2020

There is no doubt that abortion storylines, when done correctly, can be extremely important. For exam-

Images:

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Monday 16 March 2020

@culture_courier thecourieronline.co.uk/TV

sequel: what do we know?

role for the 2001 sequel Hannibal, with Julianne Moore taking over. It was announced that Rebecca Breeds (Pretty Little Liars, The Originals) will be the newest Clarice for the CBS show. It could be interesting if the show follows a more veteran Clarice, dealing with her past dealings with Hannibal and Buffalo Bill while also taking on new cases. And hopefully we will get a few references (or even a cameo) from the cannibal himself, be it, Sir Antony Hopkins or Mads Mikkelsen. We can’t talk about this new show without mentioning the fantastic Hannibal show starring Mads Mikkelsen. Acting as a prequel to the original movie, the show was well received and helped develop the character into more than just a psychopath. Hopefully, the Clarice show will be able to do the same by building on what the universe has already created with further exploration of this character. The show was announced back in January so unfortunately, it looks like we won’t get to watch it until 2021 at the earliest. Despite the lack of details, I am looking forward to it. For now, the rumour mill is open for business and be sure to keep an eye out for more details on Clarice.

George Bell

TV culture

The best TV tunes and themes

Em Richardson talks her favourite music in TV, and whether it makes or breaks a show

’m here to argue that a good soundtrack does indeed ‘make’ a show, with several examples proving my point? Imagine Game of Thrones without that iconic intro setting the tone, or Stranger Things without its delightful array of 1980s synth setting the scene. Read on to find several examples of shows that just wouldn’t be the same without their iconic soundtracks. Blackadder: If you didn’t start humming the theme tune as soon as you read that, we can’t be friends. Seriously though, I remain fully convinced that this show’s hilarious, and insanely catchy theme accounts for at least part of the reason it remains such an iconic example of

The narrative perfectly echoes the story that's being told by the song

British comedy. Breaking Bad: The creators of this show definitely used music to set the scene, and often employed a delicious sense of irony in their song choices (look no further than the use of the song ‘Baby Blue’ during Walter White’s final scenes). Jesse Pinkman’s appearances were always accompanied by rap or R&B, which suited both the character’s aesthetic, and his loud, chaotic behaviour. However, I think my favourite use of music in the show was the inclusion of Squeeze’s ‘Up the Junction’. It plays in the background as Walt, Skylar and their family are enjoying a relaxed family background. Later, the occasion is ruined when Hank finally realises that

Walt is really Heisenberg, the infamous drug-dealer he has spent years chasing. This narrative perfectly echoes the story told by the song- it starts by describing an idyllic scene of domestic bliss, but ends with the protagonist alone, having fallen out with his entire family. (And yes, in case you’re wondering, I have watched this show far too many times!) Peaky Blinders: Anyone who’s seen this show will know it has an insanely catchy theme-tune. In fact, music is used extremely well throughout the series. I love the way lively, modern music is juxtaposed against the background of 1920’s Birmingham. Some might argue that this detracts from the period setting, but I think it really helps the excitement build. Many of the gang fights just wouldn’t have the same, tense atmosphere if they played out with the relaxed music that was genuinely heard during the 1920s as their backdrop. Sherlock: This is another show with an excellent theme-

Cassettes: Publicdomainpictures.net

Logos: IMDb

the catchy piece really captures the essence of Sherlock and John’s chaotic existence, as they run around London solving crimes. Once the show actually starts, the viewer’s attention is captured with a series of catchy tunes, which are often used jarringly, during sad moments. In particular, I’m thinking of the use of ‘December 1963 (Oh What a Night), as a dejected Sherlock leaves his best friend’s wedding early. Stranger Things: The creators of this show work their absolute hardest to maintain the authenticity of the 1980s America setting, from ‘Vote Reagan’ signs to loud shirts. This is supported by their choice of soundtrack. Whenever a dramatic event happens, it is accompanied by dramatic, instrumental synth music. This serves to both build tension, and remind the audience of the show’s time period. When actual songs are used, the creators are sure to choose from a selection of 1980s classics. They are often deliberately cliché, choosing ‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police to accompany romantic scenes at the school dance, in order to create a sense of nostalgia for the songs that provided the soundtrack to 1980s’ teens lives. Game of Thrones: This was an epic series, with an equally epic theme tune. The dramatic piece set the perfect tone for the series, as did the other instrumentals used throughout the show. From soaring battle pieces to the twinkling background music used during emotional moments, the soundtrack was always on point. For me, a piece of music will never strike as much terror as the opening bars of 'The Rains of Castamere' did during 'The Red Wedding'… So, if I still haven’t convinced you that a soundtrack makes or breaks a show, try and imagine some of the moments mentioned above without music.

ugly: stereotypes and tropes Drag Race season 12 Ru-Cap lly become harmful to the audience in their strive for representation Was it a drag? Ruby Osborne reviews the premiering episodes I right? While Sex Education showed an older woman in the clinic with Maeve, Paula Proctor’s abortion storyline in Crazy Ex Girlfriend is the perfect example of how a TV show can address this harmful stereotype. In the show, Paula already has two sons, is in a strong marriage, and has a stable job. Despite her struggles to get into law school, there is no apparent reason why she should not have the baby. Except that she doesn’t want to. And that should be enough.

Model minorities and ‘perfect’ women As great as it is to see BAME and women being represented as highly intelligent and capable, it almost seems like sometimes their exceptional capabilities are used to justify their presence in the show. Rarely do we get a women or minorities being allowed to be just average or, dare I say, mediocre. When it comes to ethnicity, the idea of the model minority is particularly damaging. Writing for the Guardian, Masako Fukui spoke about her experience: “As a child migrant,

or generation Japanese-Australian, my parents drilled it into me as I was growing up that I was “an unofficial Japanese ambassador” to Australia, that my behaviour would influence how Australians feel about all Japanese” Do I even need to list all the characters in television that reinforce this narrative? Fine, God-awful Big Bang Theory takes the cake, with its only BAME character being so awkward as to not even being able to talk to women. She continues: “Many Asian-Australians […] are itching to be a little reckless, to break free from the narrow definitions that frame Asian-ness in today’s multicultural Australia.”

Shouldn't we see more 'normal' characters as minorities on TV?

If we look to television for validation, shouldn’t we be seeing more ‘normal’ characters as minorities? As with all the stereotypes in this article, we are seeing some shows willing to break the mold. In particular, Josh Chan from Crazy Ex Girlfriend and Jason Mendoza from The Good Place are both allowed to fill the role that is generally assigned to the white guy: that of a carefree, low-skilled yet incredibly confident dude.

Women are always represented as exceptionally talented

The pressure to be perfect is something deeply felt by women too. As explained by Reshma Saujani: “we are raising our girls to be perfect, and we are raising our boys to be brave”. This is harmful, because “women have been socialized to aspire to perfection, and they are overly cautious”. While the lovable screw up guy is often a character, the same cannot be said for girls, who are constantly needing to be represented as exceptionally talented. I am not going to complain about all the empowering characters we see on television, but I do believe we should be celebrating the average woman, as much as we celebrate the average man. A great character that does this is Eleanor Shellstrop from The Good Place, who leads the show as a mediocre person who is willing to be better.

IMDb

Background: Publicdomainpictures.net

nspired by the success of Season 6, RuPaul’s Drag Race brought out the old favourite of a double first episode, splitting the cast into two halves to be introduced over two weeks. Not only does this give the season a longer run time, but it’s beneficial from the audience’s point of view too, as we get to know the cast so much better. The producers also took a leaf out of season 7’s book with the spring and fall fashion show mini-challenge. Although nothing can ever compare to Violet Chachki’s iconic two-in-one fall plaid jumpsuit, Gigi Goode’s spring biker and fall BDSM jockey looks came close, which earned her a place in the top two of her episode, competing against Widow Von’du. As another callback, there was no lip sync for your life, but instead, one for your legacy, inspired by All Stars. Let’s hope that one doesn’t stay for the

Episode two ended with an unoriginal tulle runway

entire season. Episode 2 had the exact same layout as episode 1, which may have been fairer, but wasn’t necessarily the most interesting for viewers. This was especially due to the episode 2 queens being significantly less interesting than the episode 1 girls (with the exception of Jan), and their song having much less energy. Maybe Aiden Zhane’s uncanny similarity to Sex Education’s Asa Butterfield also threw me off. Episode 2 ended with an unoriginal tulle runway that saw Jaida Essence Hall and Sherry Pie in the top two. Thankfully, Jaida’s incredible talent saw her rise above Sherry’s immature comedic take on Robyn’s seminal classic ‘Call Your Girlfriend’, to take home the $5000 tip.

Despite the controversy regarding accusations against Sherry Pie catfishing men, she hasn’t been edited out of the season, even though she will not be appearing in the live finale, having been disqualified. Knowing her character makes her difficult to watch, and I can’t wait to see Lee Dawson’s RuCaps in which she will be forcibly removed. In terms of predictions, I think season 12’s cast is impressive with its seriously talented queens, and it’s difficult to judge, especially compared to recent, slightly disappointing seasons. However, I’m keeping an eye on my fashion favourites Gigi and Nicky, and I also believe Jan’s intense ambition makes her a front runner.

Image: @thegigigoode on Instagram

culture film Director's Chair Image: OpenClipart-Vectors at needpix.com

Chosen Director: Martin Scorsese Age / Nationality: 77/ American Years Active: 1963 – present. Number of Feature Films: 26 Genre(s): Crime / Drama / Epic / Thriller Chosen Films: Raging Bull (1980) / Goodfellas (1990) / The Departed (2006)

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

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Monday 16 March 2020

Hitchcock: a legacy of a legendary direct

For the 60th anniversary of Psycho, Eve Ducker discusses some of Hitchcock's best work from T

n the 60th anniversary of Psycho one of contributing films to gaining Sir Alfred Hitchcock his name ‘Master of suspense’ we celebrate the man and his impact on modern cinema. Creating what is now seen as its own subgen-

re (Hitchcockian), there is no doubt of the undeniable changes that the 53 films of Hitchcock’s had on what we see in our cinemas today. From the plot twists to voyeuristic themes it is these and many more things that make Hitchcock’s films so distinctive. His half a century career began with the short film The Great Day a now lost film which kick-started his cinematic reign in 1920. His career only skyrocketed from here making him the director of his time. It was his unique directorial style that made him the trail blazing icon we still reference today. This was characterised by use of camera movement that mimicked a character’s gaze,

truly immersing you in the world of the film. Along with innovative editing and shots that maximised fear and a deep anxiety that settled in the stomachs of his audience. It is too simple to boil down his films to a few cinematic tools, however these were the defining motifs that appeared time and time again making him a household name. Not only do these appear repeatedly they also are enduring in modern cinema with many films now just mimicking the tools that Hitch-

Martin Scorsese started out as a filmmaker in college, making short films while he was at the Tisch School of Arts. It was during this timeframe he began work on his first feature film Who’s That Knocking at My Door (1967) which would become the first of over two dozen amazing feature films made by Scorsese.

Raging Bull (1980) After spending the 70s cementing his visual style, making friends with multiple accomplished director and establishing himself as one with Mean Streets (1974) and Taxi Driver (1976) amongst others, and developing a cocaine addiction, Scorsese was pulled out of the hole he was in By Robert De Niro and set himself into making Raging Bull, a biopic of Boxer Jake LaMotta. He put absolutely everything he had into the film and it’s now widely regarded as his masterpiece.

Goodfellas (1990) 10 years later in 1990, Scorsese came out with Goodfellas, which was considered his comeback to full form after a decade of mixed results. There’s not a lot you can say about Goodfellas that hasn’t been said already. It’s widely regarded as one of the greatest gangster films ever and brought the genre to new heights. Scorsese came out with Casino five years later, which was another classic mob movie. The latter half of the decade saw him confuse some of his fanbase with movies that seemed to be departures from his usual subject matter.

Just witches and mothers? Em Richardson discusses film's ageism against actresses I

The Departed (2006) After the success of Gangs of New York in 2002, one of Scorsese’s biggest yet ventures, he teamed up with Di Caprio again and made The Departed, a film following an undercover officer adapted from Infernal Affairs, a police drama from Hong Kong. The Departed was a massive success and earned Scorsese his first ever Academy Award for direction, after multiple nominations. Scorsese hasn’t slowed down since and shows no sign of stopping, and has steadily been making hits since The Departed. 2021 will see him bring together his two most frequent collaborators, De Niro and Di Caprio for Killers of The Flower Moon.

Image: IMDB

Muslim Taseer

Image: IMDB

t’s long been claimed, most famously by Meryl Streep, that actresses’ careers seem to take a sharp decline once they reach the age of 40. It’s also been suggested that women over a certain age tend to be typecast. They are no longer suitable for the leading role or romantic interest, and are confined to play stereo-typically ‘unattractive’ roles, like homely mothers, or villains. Men, in contrast, seem only to become more appealing to Hollywood’s top producers and directors as they age. Look no further than Brad Pitt - at 56 years old, he just won his first ever acting Oscar, for a role in a Quentin Tarantino film, in which he played the attractive, muscly hero. Now, no-one is saying that women over 40 don’t win major awards. In fact, the winners of both Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress at this years Oscars were both aged over 50. However, we need to consider the roles for which they earned these accolades. Renee Zellweger, aged 50, won Best Actress for portraying Judy Garland. Zellweger portrayed Garland at the end of her life, when her physical and mental health had been damaged by years of excessive drinking and an addiction to prescription drugs. Laura Dern won Best Supporting Actress for portraying a divorce lawyer. Scarlett Johansson, aged 35, was given the job of playing the beautiful woman Dern’s character represented. As you might have noticed, there seems to be a theme here. Whilst Pitt is allowed to portray a man in his physical prime, women of a similar age seem confined to roles that are not considered conventionally attractive. The different treatment afforded to male and female actors becomes even more apparent when one consid-

ers the age of the characters they are asked to play. Aged 29, Angelina Jolie was famously asked to portray the mother of Colin Farrell… aged 28. As a woman pushing 30, Jolie was already being encouraged to portray more ‘mature’ characters. Farrell, on the other hand, was still deemed young enough to play a leading role. Similarly, an 18-year old Keira Knightley portrays a newly-wed in Love Actually (2003), suggesting she was already being asked to play the part of someone several years older. Her costar Thomas Brodie-Sangster was just five years younger when he portrayed a ten-year-old school boy. Finally, Natalie Portman went from being asked to portray a teenage mother in 2000, to portraying a woman of around 30 just five years later. Over the course of an actress’s career, one can note how the ages of her characters seem to increase

Of course, some women do seem to defy this gloomy stereotype

disproportionately, when compared to her actual age. Of course, some women do seem to defy this gloomy stereotype. Julianne Moore, for instance, seems to have played characters of a similar age for several years. Yet, it’s worth noting that she didn’t achieve widespread success until after the age of 30, meaning she never portrayed the stereotypical ‘young starlet’ in the first place. Another actress who breaks this stereotype is Emma Watson, of Harry Potter fame. At 21, she was cast to play a 17-year old schoolgirl in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012). However, as seen with Moore, there is a catch. Watson was originally cast as Hermione Granger, Harry Potter’s fresh-faced best friend. So, when she is asked to play a young girl, she isn’t defying ageism; she is being type-cast, as she has been throughout her career. If you’re not convinced that ageism is a persistent problem in Hollywood, with female actresses’ casting options limited the moment they are no longer considered young enough to be conventionally attractive, I urge you to do a simple Google search. Type ‘Hollywood actors, and you are met with images of men as old as 70. Replace ‘actors’ with ‘actresses’, and only half will be over the age of 40, let alone in their sixties or seventies.

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Monday 16 March 2020

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tor who shaped Hollywood

Military Wives (12A)

filmculture Fantasy Island

The Great Day to Rear Windows and his wider influence on film cock invented. Some of the films you may know that do this are: Shutter Island (yes even the great Scorsese is inspired by Hitchcock). Or maybe Femme Fatale a film which plays on the same Voyeuristic qualities that Hitchcock was also obsessed by. It’s not just within the cinematic world that Hitchcock is referenced; it’s by us too. Tell me you’ve never screeched and re-enacted that infamous shower scene from Psycho? Exactly. There are some cinematic moments we don’t forget whether we’ve seen the film or not. Psycho is not however the only famous film

These enduring ideas are used in films today all around the world

that gained Hitchcock his acclaim. Throughout his career Hitchcock gained 5 Oscar nominations for Best Director, one of these for Rear Window. A wheelchair bound photographer uses his equipment to spy on his neighbours and as he increasingly gets concerned about one of them is a murderer, the tale accelerates and ties itself into tighter knots. The manipulation of the audience to greater fears is exploited in this film particularly and it’s a skill that hasn’t quite been seen in the same way since Hitchcock. The pioneering director not only popularised visual motifs in cinema but also plot devices such as a ‘MacGuffin’ which were objects/device essential to the story, but otherwise irrelevant in life. This is seen in The Lord of the Rings (the ring) and Titanic (the necklace). These enduring ideas are used in films today all around the world including the first foreign language film to win Best Picture: Parasite, a gripping thriller saturated with Hitchcockian influence. He has left a legacy to last an epoch and as Psycho runs up to its anniversary I only wish the man himself were here to see his lasting impact on the cinema we watch today. As we applaud the achievements he made it’s crucial to remember what he held dear in cinema. Next time you sit down to watch a film, truly watch it and take in every scene, image and word; for all you know the ideas you’re watching now may well have been taken from Hitchcock himself.

All Images: IMDB

Image: IMDB

t’s not a comedy, because it’s not funny. It’s not a tearjerker, because it doesn’t make you cry. It’s not a drama, because nothing really happens. It makes you ask just one question – What is this film? The plot, such as it is, is very simple. A group of women that live in the Catterick Garrison form a choir when their husbands leave for a military tour in Afghanistan. They’re led by Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient) as Kate and Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe) as Lisa, who coincidentally are also the only people that make you feel something in this film. Kate is dealing with some past traumatic events, while Lisa struggles to connect with her teenage daughter, played by India Amarteifio. It feels like the film was made from a recipe, but someone forgot to add any spices. The actors don't seem invested in their emotions at all, so why should you be? It is so predictable; you are always three steps ahead of what’s on the screen. I can point to one scene that I enjoyed a lot, where Lisa and Kate let everything out, screaming at each other in the middle of the street. That’s it. There seems to be no depth to the characters either and it doesn't help that you have no idea who their husbands are. They talk about them, they supposedly care about them but someone forgot to make the audience care. You just can’t connect with the wives at any level, because you keep thinking about this weird, empty place they live in. None of them have anything to do, whereas Lisa’s daughter is getting drunk with friends, that might as well be imaginary. While their day to day life remains elusive, the jokes are very much “in your face”, which isn’t great. Anna Marczynska

Coronavirus catalyses cinema calamity As the global health pandemic spreads, Peter Lennon examines the effect on film releases W ith over 100,000 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, many sectors of life are slowly, but surely, being affected. Following the closure of cinemas in China and other contained areas of the globe, specifically Italy, film studios are beginning to get cold feet with the release of their new films. This has come to pass with MetroGoldwyn-Mayer (MGM) delaying the release of the hotly anticipated James Bond flick – No Time to Die (2020) – by seven months. Originally scheduled for an April 2020 release, star Daniel Craig’s franchise finale will now be hitting theatres on 12th November 2020 in the United Kingdom, and on 25th November internationally. The move was made in an attempt to curb the financial withdraw that the film may have experienced due to a combination of government intervention in the operation of cinemas, as well as a general fear and hesitation of mainstream audiences gathering in public spaces. The Hollywood Reporter has already estimated a loss of $30-50 million over the advertising that has already been purchase. However, their predicted global loss “would have exceeded $300 million had the film stayed in its April slot.” MGM and Universal have had to ensure the maximisation of profits – not just out of good business sense – but out of fear of losing the Eon-produced James Bond series, which has served the film studio as a sturdy tentpole franchise since its conception. While No Time to Die has been the only film to delay its release this year due to the coronavirus (as of this writing), other studios may begin to feel the pressure of the growing global epidemic. Disney in particular has a large stake in the success of upcoming live-action remake Mulan (2020). The newest addition to the live-action remake catalogue, Mulan has already been infected by an air of controversy, with the hiring of a white director (Niki Caro) for a film based on Chinese folklore (The Ballad of Mu-

lan) and titular star Liu Yifei reshaping an image that supported the Hong Kong police during the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests. Despite this, the film has consistently maintained mainstream interest on social platforms YouTube and Twitter. At the moment, Mulan is currently projected to open with an $80-90 million haul in its opening weekend in North America, which would make it the biggest opening of 2020 thus far. That being said, contemporary female-led action film Birds of Prey (2020) and Disney’s The Call of the Wild opened below their respective box office projections, both of

which are set to lose money with The Call of the Wild already being labelled the biggest flop of 2020. Mulan’s North American projections can therefore be assumed to be ambitious. Even if it the film does achieves these projections it would have a steep hill to climb in order to break-even, already boasting a $200 million production budget and an intense marketing campaign that is likely to cost almost as much. If North America fails to deliver, the Chinese market, which the film was co-produced and designed for, will be unable to salvage the crash as it has done for other action-flicks this past decade. Mulan has already been delayed in most regions of China. If Disney blinks and delays Mulan, there would

be a lot of potential for a grander domino-effect. For instance, Black Widow (2020) could be pushed out of its May release, which could delay The Eternals (2020) November release. Though, No Time to Die’s new November release could already be playing havoc with Marvel’s The Eternals. Of course, there is always the chance that the film industry will proceed smoothly, but only time will tell if the coronavirus lets it.

Images: IMDB

lumhouse Productions which has delivered perfected masterpieces such as Get Out, Ma, The Purge, Insidious, Split, Paranormal Activity and Whiplash over the years has recently released Fantasy Island, directed by Jeff Wadlow. Contrary to its title, the trailer promises a spine-chilling mystery tale of a dream island gone wrong which the film, unfortunately, fails to deliver.

With a voyeuristic Hitchcockian flavour, Fantasy Island digs deep

Lacking the much-needed imaginative drive central to a mystery narrative, the island of the film becomes anything but a fantasy. Blumhouse films usually feature a modern horror theme, which plays on the familiar contemporary suburban setting and turns it into a nightmare, such as racial tension, capitalism and mental health. With a voyeuristic Hitchcockian flavour, Fantasy Island digs deep at contemporary tropes such as teen-trauma revenge, relationships, millionaires and lost childhood dreams, and twists it all into a bloodied mess. Melanie, JD, Brax, Gwen and Patrick land onto a private lush island owned by Mr. Roarke, after having won a contest. These people were previously asked to write about the fantasies they had wished would come true which Mr. Roarke promises to fulfil. Hoping to just have some good fun, these contestants soon realize that the vibrant colours of their fantasies are a façade and the continuation of their real lives depend upon seeing the consequences of their desire to its end.

The acting is rather mediocre, with the exception of Michael Peña

Fantasy Island starts off high with its postmodern nightmare which builds the tension by playing upon the obliviousness of its characters but never takes off due to its tedious narrative. The film presents the island itself as an omnipotent entity but omits important details which leave a significant vacant space ultimately birthing confusion. The hyped anticipation is never followed through which ultimately ties everything together with a very deficient ending. The acting is rather mediocre, with the exception of Michael Peña (AntMan, Narcos: Mexico) who might not be at his best but still keeps his humorous charm intact. Arnojya Shree

Images: IMDB

culture arts

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

the courier

Monday 16 March 2020

Is it okay for comedy to cause offence?

Lydia Eavers discusses the fine line between satire and disrespect in contemporary comedy, and the complexity of censorship

efore I begin, I would like to preface this piece by saying that, as a white, ablebodied and cisgender person, I have privilege that will have inevitably influenced my perspective on this topic, and I apologise if any of my views are ignorant – what would this article be for if not for us all to discuss how to be more respectful? The subject of “offensiveness” is more prevalent than ever these days, with just as many people arguing that we need to consider how our words portray and affect groups as those who believe making jokes about sensitive issues is one way of tackling them, or that these jokes are simply an Image: pxfuel.com

exercise of freedom of speech. Indeed, I believe the word “censor” is pretty loaded, and that enforcing censorship is a slippery slope in any society, as it is, in some ways, a restriction of freedom of speech. However, as a clever misc. internet user once put it, freedom of speech does not make one exempt from the consequences of their actions, and people still need to take responsibility for their words if they do hurt people. Offensive comedy can cover a whole host of sins, from dark humour to satire. I myself enjoy an occasional game of Cards Against Humanity (what university student doesn’t?) however, as YouTuber Lindsay Ellis outlined in her video essay Mel Brooks, The Producers and the Ethics of Satire about N@zis, there is a fine line between a risqué bit of satire and (un)intentionally disrespecting an entire religion. The key question which forms that line is simply who are we laughing at? If a joke is directed at an oppressive group who did a bad thing, it’s probably good satire. If the joke is directed by a member of the powerful group against a less powerful one that society oppresses, it isn’t. For me, I view jokes against marginalised groups from a more privileged comedian as a sort of kicking-them-while-they’re-down scenario. Members of that group are already at a disadvantage in society, so why add salt to the wound by making jokes about them? And this is only the tip of the social iceberg, given the potential for bad satire to be used as a justification for hate groups to discriminate against the marginalised punchlines of this “comedy”. Creating a joke that only some people will find funny and others find hurtful isolates the latter group, and perpetuates the idea that there is a group who make up the “norm” and will enjoy an offensive joke, and all those whose culture or lifestyle makes up the punchline fall outside of it. Is this really what we want in a

There is the potential for bad satire to be used as a justification for hate groups to discriminate against the marginalised

globalised world already rife with political divisions and social inequalities? Surely, comedy should be the refuge

where we can spread a little happiness in this virus-ridden, bomb-wielding world. That’s what laughing is for, after all. We have a right as individuals to respect others, and if someone is really, truly offended by something that a comedian has said, that means the comedian has in some way hurt them, and why should we want to do that? Ever since childhood, we have been taught that “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” and why should comedy be the exception to this rule? If you can’t think of anything nice to say, don’t crack out a hurtful joke – it’s not big, it’s not clever, and it is definitely not funny.

Image: army.mil

Avenging sexual violence through art

Sesha Subramanian dissects artistic precursors to #METOO

nless you are well versed with Italian art during the late Renaissance period, Artemisia Gentileschi is someone whose name you've likely never heard of. In an era when women were actively denied equal opportunity, she became the first female member of the Accademia Di Arte del Designo. She was born Artemisia Gentileschi Lomi in Rome on July 8, 1593, the eldest child of the Tuscan painter Orazio Gentileschi and Prudenzia di Ottaviano Montoni. From an early age she showed more interest in art than her brothers - working in her father's workshop. And later on, she developed into a brilliant artist in her own right painting in the dramatic style of Caravaggio. However, for long periods of time, her achievements as an artist were overshadowed by her rape as a young woman and the subsequent trial of the rapist. As a young woman, Artemisia found herself being tutored by Agostino Tassi - for whom her father was working on a job. During this tutelage, she was raped by the Italian painter. Things came to a head when Tassi later reneged on his promise of marriage. That is when the Gentileschi family decided to press for a trial - which took seven months to convict Tassi of rape (among other things). Her art is a reflection of her views on women and often feature women either equal to men or as the main protagonist according to art critic Roberto Longhi (1916). These include her works of Jael and Sisera, Judith and her Maidservant, and Esther. In terms of characteristics, her characters were often not what would in those days be considered feminine. They were often personalities who were courageous, brave and fearless - not afraid to go against what were societal norms. Her art with regard to biblical characters is also worthy of note, portraying them as being unafraid to rebel against the c on d it i on s that they

Image: Wikimedia Commons

were being subjected to. Her work has come under increased interest with the increased discussion of feminism and feminist art. Her works served as a medium to catalogue her traumatic life - being autobiographical beyond coincidence. She managed to communicate her vision to the general public without saying a word but only through oil and paint.

Her characters were often not what would in those days be considered feminine Instead of being submissive, she fought in her own way for equality long before fighting for equality was a large scale movement and even longer before twitter and #MeToo became a thing. Her paintings show the strength of a woman and what women could do if they came together and stood as equals to men - an ideal that has for a long time for one of the pillars of the move for equality of genders. Only she did it in the 17th century with a paintbrush instead of a computer.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Monday 16 March 2020

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arts culture

Q&A with feminist comedian Grace Campbell

Comment Editor Joe Molander interviews co-founder of the Pink Protest Group Grace Campbell ahead of her gig at The Stand

race Campbell is a comedian, feminist activist and co-founder of The Pink Protest group. She’s also the daughter of Alastair Campbell, the highly controversial spin doctor for former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Ahead of her tour date at The Stand in Newcastle, Joe Molander talks to her about her childhood, community organisation and Netflix.

You do comedy and activism, which arguably have a similar goal: getting an audience on your side. Did activism help you with your stand-up or vice versa? I’m not sure: I was really conscious not to merge the two that much. When people hear the word activist, all comedy evaporates from the room. The activism side of things definitely does help because that’s where my passions come from, it’s just how do I make the passions funny? In your stand-up, you talk about your very po-

litical childhood: was it helpful to have a goldmine for material or do you feel limited by it? Like people only want you to talk about that? A bit of both: I feel very lucky because I have stories people really wanna hear. At the same time, when I wasn’t talking about my rich political childhood – by rich I mean material, we weren’t really rich, I wish we were – audiences could be like “oh, why aren’t you talking about politics?”. It’s about showing people I’ll be doing politics and I’ll be doing other stuff. That’s what I’m about.

can boost your morale and give you a sense of community. There’s a community of people who love hoovers. Did the expectation to do more political comedy come from your audience? No, because a lot of my audience are teenage girls, they wanna hear about everything. They wanna hear about politics and they also wanna hear about my sex life. I love performing to younger girls because they relate to it all. The thing about my comedy is it’s not super super intellectual. Sometimes people can be quite put-down-y when they talk about politics: I just like to make it super accessible.

It's about showing people I'll be doing politics and I'll be doing other

I imagine it sometimes goes the other way sometimes. Your dad is massively controversial in some circles, whose members believe his actions constitute war crimes: does that cast a shadow over your material? No. It never has. It’s cast a shadow over my childhood, but I’m twenty five now, I’m pretty at terms with it. I talk about how I would have been very against the Iraq War in the show. How do you think we should go about being activists if we want it to be successful? It really depends on what you’re trying to do. Whatever you care about, you’ll be able to find a group online that

Do you feel an obligation to help young woman in your activism? I don’t think it’s an obligation, I think that’s the problem: there’s lots of pressure to be helping people. If you have time and resources, do it, but don’t feel you have to do it. Some people have kids and full time jobs. It’s a privilege to have been able to spend a lot of the last few years focussing on activism, because you don’t get paid for it. Do you think that acts as a barrier to disproportionately working class voices in activism, like ethnic minorities? Yeah, for sure. You have to have time and resources; starting a campaign, sometimes you need money as well. That’s something we all have to be conscious of. Where do you think the future of stand-up’s going? I think because of Netflix, it’s thriving. Not just stand-up, I think there’s a real power in live events now: we all feel we’re constantly in the digital world, and I think people really want to come together more. It’s exciting.

Images: @disgracecampbell on Instagram

Grayson Perry wins prestigious Erasmus Prize Peter Bath tells us all about the ceramicist Grayson Perry and his recent win of the $150,000

he artist, writer, and presenter Grayson Perry has been awarded the 2020 Erasmus Prize in recognition of his contribution to art and society. The Dutch award, presented annually to a figure who has “made an exceptional contribution to the humanities, the social sciences or the arts”, comes with €150,000 in prize money. Perry expressed his gratitude for the prize, which will be formally presented by King Willem-Alexander in November, writing that he was “extremely touched.” The 59-year-old Essex artist was presented the award “for the insightful way he tackles questions of beauty and craftsmanship while addressing wider social and cultural issues”. Grayson Perry is one of the most popular and recognisable artists in Britain today, known for his distinctive ceramics and extravagant crossdressing. He is also a successful communicator of art, and has made frequent television appearances presenting BAFTA-winning documentaries and on programmes such as Have I Got News for You and Gogglebox. Perry rose to public prominence after winning the 2003 Turner Prize, and since then he has been dissecting

Image: Flickr

the tastes, tribes, and stories within British society to great acclaim. Since 1958, the Erasmus prize has been annually awarded to a person or organization to recognize their contribution to society. Previous winners include Charlie Chaplin, Marc Chagall and Wikipedia.

The last British visual artist to win was Henry Moore in 1968, and Perry described his “imposter syndrome” in response to being ranked among such luminaries. The award is named after Erasumus of Rotterdam, the Dutch Humanist philosopher, and winners often embody his Humanist principles in some way. Perry was praised for his ability to create “a platform for an open and inclusive debate” and for “demonstrating that art belongs to everybody and should not be an elitist affair”. The award is themed every year, and this year’s theme is ‘The power of the image in the digital era’, which is a topic Perry has often explored in his work. The Praemium Erasmianum Foundation, which presents the award, claimed that “at a time when we are constantly bombarded with images, Perry has developed a unique visual language.” Rather than receiving the prize for a particular piece of art, it is in recognition of his achievements in general. The judges also credited “the insightful way he tackles questions of beauty and craftsmanship while addressing wider social and cultural issues.”

Grace’s debut show – Why I’m Never Going Into Politics – tours at The Stand in Newcastle on Saturday 21 March

Poem Box “Depression is not beautiful” They say depression is beautiful Just an innocent kid Shattering at the wrist It is something to look at With the eye of an artist But not one who suffers Would call it beautiful Nor just a mere shattering of the wrist It’s a fragmentation of self It’s not crying for weeks Because what would be the point It’s falling to the ground In the middle of the day Your mouth ajar Yet not making a sound Depression is not beautiful Nor a farce It’s a disease of the mind That ruins every part

Grace Lazzaro

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ne of my favourite games on the PlayStation 2 was by no means the best one. In many ways, Dynasty Warriors 5 is probably one of the least imaginative, most iterative games on the system - maybe even the universe. What this historical hack and slash title does have going for it is a unique setting and one of the most hardcore, stylised

soundtracks of the generation. Dynasty Warriors 5 is based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, an exaggeration of an already slightly exaggerated 14th century novel. The results were not the best, narratively speaking. The story, or ‘Musou’ mode allows one to not only select which of these kingdoms they want to lead to victory, but also which officer they wish to play as. The amount of unlockable content is impressive, with dozens of characters, mounts and special abilities to unlock, as well as some new game modes, too. It speaks to the almost forgotten design philosophy of cramming hack and slash games with unlocks. Seriously, the replay value of DW5 is not to be sniffed at. While it’s not the best example of either, I also

hen I think b a c k to my childhood of playing on PS2, numerous games come to mind, Ratchet

feel that Dynasty Warriors 5 showcased some of the trends that defined the PS2’s lifetime. Like all Dynasty Warriors games, 5 sports an intense pre-rendered cutscene that holds up surprisingly well fifteen years on. Does it accurately represent the gameplay? Definitely not. Well, except for the part where a janky-looking player character kills hundreds of identical, equally janky soldiers. The gameplay had yet to approach its peak in the franchise, but the combo system and varied level designs on offer definitely did the job of keeping things interesting. Hell, at eight years old I played it for hours and hours and love it to this day - that has to count for something. Nostalgia, you say? Never met him.

that has been chosen as one of the free PS Plus games for March. This is the remastered version, which is as much of a feat of technology as the PS2 original and deserved to be experienced by anyone with access to a PS4.

Not only does it have a diverse range of levels, it also sports a great variety of enemies and a stunning log of collectibles that are fun to nab and useful to have. It’s not often that ‘100%’-ing a game is without tedious portions, but Jak and Daxter is a game for the achievement hunters out there which isn’t too surprising given how enjoyable Crash Bandicoot was to platinum. Naughty Dog’s spiritual successor captures the charm of its predecessor, but it also builds on their pre-existing IP in many ways, improving in storytelling, visuals, platforming and every other aspect under the sun.

long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… The year is 2005. A game has just been released for the humble PS2 which would revolutionise what players could expect from a Star Wars video game, and from the genre of shooters. Whilst keeping true to the formula of the first, Battlefront II gave gamers a multitude of new ways

Image: IGDB

Review Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX Joseph Caddick rescues this remake with this rave review while reminiscing its past iterations

qualities’, which can do various things like make it easier to recruit other members. You can also only bring in three Pokémon into dungeons now instead of four, though you can recruit up to eight at a time to expand your team. Fatigued Pokémon can also be recruited if you give them apples because food is the way to everyone’s heart.

2005

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Red and Blue Rescue's release year

Makuhita’s Dojo is also much better now: I found myself leveling up twice on my first visit, so I swore I wouldn’t go

Image: IGDB

Image: Wikipedia

& Clank being the big one. So while George Bell is doing a cracking job covering that one, I've decided to instead take a look at a game that was first-experienced by my all-grown-up self: Shadow of the Colossus. Colossus. Colossus uses its signature boss fights to punctuate the otherwise slow-paced gameplay of wandering through open fields. Without the sheer novelty of the average mascot platformer, subtle themes can rise to the surface alongside the majestic task of defeating sixteen colossi. It's serendipitous that, on the month of the twentieth anniversary of the PS2, it is Shadow of the Colossus he PlayStation 2 era is oneofthebestsoit’sa fitting home to one of the best platformers of all-time: Ratchet & Clank. The illustrious George Bell has the second installment covered, so I picked another top10 worthy jump-and-punch explorer, Jak and Daxter. From a story that’s set in motion by a mysterious cliffhanger to some of the most beautiful visuals in the console’s expansive library, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is a masterpiece.

t’s crazy to think that Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red and Blue first came out on the Game Boy Advance and DS nearly fifteen years ago. Now, they’ve been given a similar remake treatment to some main series Pokémon games. Immediately obvious when you boot up the remake is the fresh coat of paint. The maps are lovely landscapes that look like watercolour paintings, while the Pokémon are now presented in three dimensions, though the models are the same ones we’ve been seeing since Pokémon X and Y in 2013. However, some new textures have been put on them though to complete that watercolour look. Personally, my favourite change is simple: you can push Pokémon around the map when you’re not in a dungeon - I may have spent five minutes pushing Lombre to the town’s edge. Do I regret it? Not at all. In terms of gameplay, it’s close to the originals, but there have definitely been some modernisations. My Torchic started off the demo with four moves rather than just Scratch and Ember, so I had a pretty strong moveset, to begin with. It did raise some concerns that the game was going to be easier than the original, but with this change comes another: the basic A-button attack is gone, so the limited number of times a move can be used plays a bigger role. Recruitment and team building have also been reworked. ‘Friend areas’ have been condensed into ‘camps’, which are lists rather than explorable areas. The old sprites are used here, which is a nice touch. Recruits can also have ‘rare

Monday 16 March 2020

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

back there unless a boss was giving me trouble (which, knowing this game, is likely). Even if leveling up is easier, there are ‘strong foes’ littered around maps, and believe me, they put up quite a fight. One hit from the first ‘strong foe’ I encountered, a Rapidash, was enough to knock out my partner. You’d better believe I fled from that fight. The main area of concern for me after being unhappy with Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire’s remakes was that the soundtrack wouldn’t be given the treatment it deserved. Boy was I wrong. Everything sounds exactly as I remembered, only cleaner than their GBA counterparts. Every track’s a joy to listen to, from the peaceful personality quiz at the start to the more fearsome songs from the later dungeons. Some of the original versions have been in my playlist for years - they’re that good. Because this game’s a remake of an older one, there’s not much to be said about the story that wasn’t said when the game originally came out. It’s great and has some moments that, when combined with the great music choices, make for poignant scenes. They make you feel invested in the world and the characters - the original version was the first time a video game made me cry. This is a great remake and a good place for newcomers to jump into the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series. It’s a joyous adventure with cool characters and locations, and there are still difficult moments even if the game is generally easier. I’d recommend trying the demo first since the progress carries over if you buy the game!

Image: YouTube (Play

to vanquish one another. Alongside a campaign, players could now take to the skies in their favourite fighters in epic space battles, engaging in frantic dogfights or choosing to take down massive enemy cruisers from within. Despite many of these features having been incorporated into the newer Battlefront games, their troubled launches and legacies highlight the toxic turn of the AAA industry since 2005. Battlefront II for the PS2 is an icon of a simpler

Review H

Escaping his foes, James Troughton

rytek’s Hunt: Showdown is one of the most innovative multiplayer experiences in that it elevates battle-royale to an entirely new standard. From the developers of the original Far Cry and the benchmark testing software, Crysis, comes this 1800s first-person-shooter in which you hunt monsters whilst other hunters are vying for your blood. The premise is simple: gather clues, take down imposing bosses, take their trophies and then escape, all whilst competing with others. On the way, there are bog-standard zombies with many wielding weapons or flaming sticks, as well as a diverse array of unique enemy types. These range from the bent-back, Candymanesque Hives that spew poisonous swarms of insects to the beefy, tank-like Armoured, all the way through to the Immolators who are a fiery explosion waiting to happen. Each game also has you choose from a roster of five hunters that you purchase, and you can customise their perks, weapons, and items, all whilst leveling them by completing games through extraction. Luckily, you don’t need to beat a boss or take their trophy to leave, but killing enemies, players and doing objectives net you more XP upon completion. The catch? Once you surpass player level 11, which is separate from individual hunter levels, your hunters are lost when they die. This means that you’ll have to buy them with in-game currency and level up from the beginning all over again. This only cranks the tension of each game up as now your hunter is on the line - the more you strengthen them with better weaponry, levels, and expensive items, the

the courier

Monday 16 March 2020

nyone who knows me knows that I'm not a gamer in the slightest. However , every single time I got home from school during my childhood, I'd throw my bag down and switch on my PS2, ready to hop on the back of Shaggy's car as he'd shout "Hey Scoob?" for the 100th time that week. The game basically took over my life but in a good kind of way. Playing as Scooby definitely had its perks as you got to go around eating Scooby snacks and digging for treasure. Also, Scooby in a football helmet ramming his head into things was brilliant in every single way. Maybe that's where my love for violence in films stemmed from… thank you Scooby-Doo: Night of 100 Frights.

s the first game I ever played to completion, Ratchet & Clank 3 is something that I can’t help but think about when someone brings up the PlayStation 2 or my childhood in general. As with any game in the series, the assortment of weapons and gadgets was enough to make any nerd swoon. And to make it even better they all have an assortment of upgrades that kept me playing in pursuit of a more powerful arsenal. To top it all off there

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Every level presented a different experience. With dungeons, hedge mazes, graveyards, and mansions, there was always something new to complete - boredom was nudged to the sidelines. The graphics of the game were also brilliant for the era, capturing the mystery, eeriness and general atmosphere of the show itself. True to the franchise (even if Shaggy's voice was a bit annoying), it also included the groovy Mystery Machine and the equally groovy soundtrack. Playing the game now would likely expose its flaws. Nevertheless, after hours of eating virtual Scooby Snacks,it stands as one of the best games I played as a child. were a bunch of different armors for Ratchet that you could unlock which don’t just look cool but also provide some bonuses. It even includes a 2D platforming game within certain parts of the story (game-ception!). Basically Ratchet & Clank 3 is crammed full of content, with wacky enemies to defeat and a fun story to accompany the action. If you never played it, I’m truly sorry for how bad your childhood must have been.

yStation Europe)

hen I was younger, I lived and breathed animals, especially dogs. So, imagine my childhood delight as one Christmas, I opened up Dog’s Life, a PS2 classic where you get to be a dog. Dog’s Life was released in 2003, which would have made me six or seven years old when it came out (a very scary thought). It was actually quite a rare game in the end and marks one of Frontier Development’s (Rollercoaster Tycoon, Planet Zoo, etc.) wackiest creations. Critics may say that it was an underfunded, underwhelming game with glitches galore and limited gameplay but clearly, these critics have never known the pure joy of being a dog-loving kid. You get to step into the shoes (or

paws?) of Jake, a wise-cracking foxhound who just wants to save his girlfriend Daisy from the evil dog-catchers. There’s ‘Smellovision’ – not to be confused with Batman’s detective vision in the Arkham series – where you collect smells to win prizes and have competitions with other dogs, and if you win, like some kind of growing hive-mind parasite, you can control that dog to complete a task. You collect bones and travel through a semi-open world, all whilst having a blast.

time, when developers would finish a game before releasing it – and didn’t even expect players to pay as much as the game again for the missing content disguised as DLC.

Image: YouTube (PlayStation Official)

Hunt: Showdown

n banishes the nightmares and sizes up his loot in this battle royale more you stand to lose. It can get nerve-wracking when you hear those shots off in the distance closing in. Before you realise it, you’re on the floor, needing your friend to pick you up. Each time you go down, one of your health bars is cut off entirely, meaning that you can’t heal it back. You can also be burnt to a crisp in this game, which makes Immolators nightmarish foes. There’s a lot to keep an eye on. That’s what Crytek ultimately did so well with Hunt: Showdown: beautifully complex yet intuitive enemies. The basic ones remain challenging and the bosses take time to learn and Crytek nailed the reward factor with those dopamine-fueled end-of-match cards that sport incredibly satisfying sound effects. T h e r e’s nothing quite like ending a game with multiple hunter kills, a collected trophy from the boss, and a plethora of enemy takedowns under your belt as you extract from the mission, all adding up to give you over 20 levels. The only downside is that there is only a single map and three bosses, but games like this tend to get paid DLC and free updates, so that’s likely to change. For console players, beware the

PC-oriented interface that has you use your joysticks as a mouse cursor, which is a little tedious. However, those are the only minor flaws - the shooting is responsive, the sound design is phenomenal, the visuals are stunning and the battle-royale experience is unmatched.

Image: Twitter (Wario64)

gaming culture

You've not seen the last of Chernobyl's Craig Maizin Prepping his bunker, George Bell reports on Mazin's project T

he Last of Us fans rejoiced at the announcement that a show based on the game is on the way to HBO from the writer/producer of Chernobyl, Craig Mazin. With the Uncharted movie beginning production and The Last of Us Part II just around the corner, many Naughty Dog fans felt that this would be all for a while - but will it be a success or fall flat like many game adaptations before it? The show is set to have a longer runtime than Mazin’s limited series Chernobyl and will apparently follow the events of the first game. If you haven’t played 2013's award-winning The Last of Us, the story follows smuggler Joel who is tasked with escorting teenager Ellie across a post-apocalyptic United States. It’s widely regarded as one of the best video games of all-time and Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us’ very own writer and creative director, is set to be working alongside Mazin. Because of this, there is assurance that it would stay loyal to the source material, so long as HBO gives him creative control and don't interfere too much.

1988

The year of the first Game Developers Conference (GDC)

But will it stay too loyal? From what we have heard so far, it seems that the show will run exactly like the game.

So really, when the game told the story so well and TV and film are so saturated with zombie shows, does it even need to be made into a TV show? There's always the danger that it gets buried under them all as yet another generic post-apocalyptic series. At the same time, however, allowing such a fantastic game to reach a broader audience in a TV format may bring something new to the franchise, without tarnishing what’s already there.

Giving non-gamers the chance to delve into the great world of The Last of Us could be brilliant

It’s such a great narrative that giving non-gamers the chance to delve into the world of The Last of Us could be brilliant. Trying to condense such a stellar story into a film would involve cramming too much into too little space, so picking TV as the medium is a stroke of genius. Naughty Dog made one of the best titles out there with some of the most iconic horror in gaming, so hopefully the combined effort of Mazin and Druckmann results in a show that respects existing fans whilst appealing to new people.

Memory Card Animal Crossing Wild World

Ellie James is unmoved by new releases and chases nostalgia

fter the recent hype over the new Animal Crossing: New Horizons, my twenty-year-old mind has been thrown right back a good thirteen years to some of the happiest hours in my childhood, spent on what I can only argue is one of the best games ever created. Anyone who knows me well will be aware of my undying love for Animal Crossing: Wild World, the Nintendo DS game that took up so many of my happy hours - much to my mother's dislike - and brought me a huge amount of joy. I remember first opening the game as a Christmas present, clueless to the virtual world I was about to immerse myself in. As a seven-year-old my mind was at one of its most imaginative stages, and this game fulfilled the chance to create my own space to run wild in.

Best believe I'll be playing this game when I am old and retired

Of course, tears are inevitable with the emotional connection that all of us Animal Crossing lovers know so well. The house you so lovingly decorate with matching furniture and wallpapers, the flowers and fruit you closely tend to and water each day, and the museum to which you generously donate your revolutionary discoveries. Most important were the neighbours who you grow real, true friendships with, before eventually receiving the godly 'portrait' with its very own secret and unique message on the back. I'll never forget the moment I accidentally deleted my first ever world. I can honestly say the tears failed to stop falling for a good few days rest in peace, Flower Town. But that is what makes this game so special and what brings it so close

Image: YouTube (Nintendo Hall)

to my heart: it truly makes you feel. My heart would race as I waited on the edge of my seat for the 'blup' when I cast my fishing line out to a shark, and when my favourite character told me they were moving on I felt my heart physically sink. It gave me goals to have aside from school work in the real world and it brought me and my friends closer when we visited each other's towns to swap fruit and meet new characters. There would be points when I'd want to hurl my DS at the wall out of frustration. Accidentally making my hair pink in Shampoodle's (that damn dog) was one of these unfortunate events, as was the time my friend tricked me into dropping 100,000 bells on the floor which she nabbed and fled with. But I'd still pick that game up again each morning and squeeze in those precious ten minutes of mail-checking and plant-watering before I left for school. Looking back, this game defines a lot of my childhood and I'd pick it up when I needed a distraction. Nintendo can bring out as many new versions as they wish - I only ever made it to the Wii version of City Folk - but I will guard my opinion forever that Wild World will never be beaten. Just like the first book or film in a series, my first memories of Animal Crossing will be cherished right into adulthood. Best believe I'll be playing this game when I'm old and retired - who needs knitting when you can escape to another world sat right in your hands?

culture science

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

the courier

Monday 16 March 2020

Delivered goods damage the environment

Hannah Bentley discusses whether by shopping smartly we can each do our bit to reverse the damages of carbon emissions

esearch in Environment, Science and Technology on 26 February has found that delivery options affect the carbon footprint of consumer purchases in the UK. Deliveries from local shops resulted in less than half the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than those of online-only retailers per item for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs).

12%

Growth of FMCGs purchased online by 2025

The study compared three delivery methods: traditional “bricks-and-mortar” shopping, “bricks-and-clicks” where consumers purchase products online and the last leg of their distribution is conducted from a retail shop, and “pure players”, where consumers purchase online and their distribution bypasses a physical retail unit, instead being conducted by a parcel distribution centre. The pure-players supply chain is the only option for onlineonly retailers. The median total GHG emissions per item delivered via pure player were 0.18kg CO2 equivalent, almost twice as high and bricks-and-mortar retailing at 0.10 kg CO2eq/ item and 2.5 times greater than those of bricks and clicks 0.07 kg CO2eq/ item.

26%

Reduction in GHG emissions when using electric cargo bikes instead of trucks

This research emerges amid growing concerns about GHG emissions and the climate crisis. Presently in the UK only 7.5% of all FMCGs sold are purchased online, but that proportion is expected to grow to 12% by 2025. This research contradicts past studies which have indicated online shopping may be less carbon-intensive that traditional bricks and mortar shopping. This is because this research takes into account the purchasing habits of consumers. When purchasing from a local shop con-

sumers are more likely to make a large order, reducing the carbon footprint per item. On the other hand, while purchasing from online-only stores, consumers are more likely to order individual items.

The popularity of online shopping may result in a rise in the pure-player supply chain

However, the scope of this research is limited by the complexity and diversity of supply chains, even within the FMCG sub-section of the retail market. The largest proportion of GHG emissions within pure players supply chains came from the last mile transport, which takes the product from a parcel distribution centre to the consumers home. This transport is highly dependent on the density of consumers in the delivery region, and therefore there is a lot of variability in GHG emissions depending on region. This was mitigated to an extent in the research by using data from multiple regions in order to generate figures broadly representative of the UK. Increasing popularity of online shopping may result in a rise in the pure-player supply chain, despite it being the most carbon-intensive. To combat this issue the researchers found substituting delivery vans with electric cargo bikes reduces overall GHG emissions by 26% for pure-player supply chains. They also advocated trip-chaining to reduce GHG emissions by bricks-and-mortar shoppers, for example by attaching shopping to a larg-

Do your periods really sync? Molly Greeves explores if the menstrual myths are in fact true

he human body is a mysterious thing, especially for those of us with the absolute pleasure of having periods. For the duration of human existence, the menstrual cycle has been a source of myth, superstition and debate. We’ve started to move away from thinking that burning a toad will help with a heavy flow, that period blood can be used as a love-charm and that sanitary products are a luxury item (the government are still a little behind on this one), but there’s still one period mystery that has racked the minds of many. For the unaware, ‘menstrual synchrony’ is the idea that if you spend a lot of time with someone else who menstruates, your cycles become more synchronised. The phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the McClintock Effect after the woman who founded the idea in 1971. Using a case study of seven female lifeguards, McClintock found that after living together for three months, the onset of their cycles fell within the same 4-day period. Unlike some of the older period myths, menstrual synchrony has at least a smidge of scientific reasoning behind it. The idea is that when you come into physical contact with someone, your pheromones interact, leading to your periods syncing up. “But is it real?” Well, that totally depends on who you ask. There is currently no medical literature that proves menstrual synchrony, and since the turn of the century, there have been a few major blows to McClintock’s theory. A 2006 study completed in China found that any signs of period syncing was merely mathematical coincidence. In 2017, Oxford University and everyone’s favourite period-tracking app Clue conducted a

er trip such as travelling home from work. Furthermore the GHG emissions of online shopping can be reduced by avoiding fast delivery, as it reduces the emissions efficiency of delivery routes chosen. This places environmental sustainability at odds with convenience for consumers.

large study that, as a true scientist would say, wiped the floor with McClintock’s research papers. These findings should effectively push period syncing

There is no medical literature to prove it

into obscurity with the burnt toads and the bloody love potions. But, and it’s a big but, many of us ovary-owners find the phenomenon so common that we regard it as a fact. William James, a man who was both a philosopher and a psychologist, coined the term “the will to believe” to describe the adoption of a belief without any evidence. If belief in horoscopes and karma has taught us anything, it’s that people want to find significance in the events of their lives, even when they are nothing more than happenstance. While the “right” answer can be found in science, it’s also part of our nature to believe in the most wondrous, exciting options. Menstrual synchrony could be nothing more than a silly fairytale in the eyes of some, but for others, it allows them to believe in the power of their bodies and of their connections to the people around them. So can menstrual synchrony be regarded as scientific fact? Absolutely not. Is belief in the theory hurting anyone? Nah, er d n not really. If you ask me, ola if you’re going to be curled M e Jo up in a ball crying, you might e: ag as well believe there’s something Im magical about it.

Images: Wikimedia Commons

Remembering Katherine Johnson Em Richardson pays a tribute to the former NASA scientist

he legendary NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson recently passed away on 24 February at the age of 101. After watching Hidden Figures, a film focusing on the work of Johnson, and other African-American women working at NASA, I became fascinated by her story. To me, Johnson deserved to be a household name, like her NASA peers Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Yet, her identity as a woman of colour presented continuous barriers to her achieving this status. Despite her greatest achievements occurring during the 1960s, it wasn’t until 2015 that Johnson finally received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She subsequently had two NASA facilities named after her, and received a NASA award usually reserved for those who have completed space flight, such was her contribution to advancing American space exploration. If it wasn’t for Johnson’s work, several famous space exhibitions could have ended quite differently. It all began in 1959, when she became the first woman - of any race - to be credited with authoring a report produced by the NASA flight research division. She went on to either author or co-author another 25 reports. She was also the first woman allowed to attend senior meetings in her division. Three years later, her calculations were put into practical use when John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, insisted she be the one to check whether a computer had correctly calculated his flight trajectory. She had previously helped Alan Shepherd become the first American in space, calculating various flight trajectories without the use of a computer. Whenever NASA made significant progress in the 1960s, it seems Johnson was involved, albeit behind the scenes. She was forced to work, and eat separately from her white peers, and even had to use separate restrooms, as decreed by federal law. Segregation remained in place until the mid-1960s, but Johnson later stated that she refused to see this as a barrier to her achievement. Her achievements were, accordingly, plentiful, even if they were seldom publicly acknowledged. Later in the 1960s, Johnson played as important a role as any astronaut, when it came to sending Americans to the moon. She helped calculate the trajectories involved in the 1969 moon-landing, and played a key-role in ensuring the crew of the ill-fated Apollo-13 lunar mission

were able to return to Earth safely.

Throughout her career Johnson paved the way for women and people of colour

Throughout her career, Johnson undoubtedly paved the way for both women, and people of colour, to pursue a career in S.T.E.M. Regardless of her achievements, the fact she was even able to work at NASA at all is incredible, given the bigoted attitudes displayed in 1950s America. However, when it comes to remembering Johnson, we shouldn’t focus on her gender, or the colour of her skin. Instead, we should remember her for exactly what she was: extra-ordinarily intelligent.

Images: Wikimedia Commons

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Monday 16 March 2020

@culture_courier thecourieronline.co.uk/science

science culture

Gordon Ramsey, hello 3D printers Pandemic: worth the panic? Goodbye Amanda Goh reports the latest news on the global outbreak Amanda Goh describes the phenomenal technological leaps T T he World Health Organisation (WHO) labelled the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic on 11 March 2020. With more than 125,000 cases in over 110 countries, WHO’s Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that he was “deeply concerned by alarming levels of spread and inaction” over the virus. He further states that the WHO have been assessing the outbreak around the clock and have thus characterised it to be a pandemic.

ing a “potential” for a pandemic. However, due to the increasing number of cases and it not being linked to travel, the virus would be better characterised as a pandemic. Dr Carl Fichtenbaum of the division of infectious diseases at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine highlighted that healthcare facilities should begin to plan where they will care for people with the virus, who would be tested, and criteria they would use to decide further steps. Dr Tedros also stated that the WHO “encourage every country to review WHO’s disease commodity package countries have reported cases of for COVID-19 to ensure it has the supplies it needs, inCOVID-19 with over 125,000 cases cluding protective equipment and medical devices.” The WHO has also developed a list of over 20 essential medical devices to manage COVID-19 patients. According to the WHO, a pandemic phase is He added that countries should be aca “period of global spread of human influtivating and scaling up emergency enza caused by a new subtype based response mechanisms, whilst on global surveillance.” Pandemics communicating with people are also used when ongoing perabout the risks and how to son-to-person spread is prevaprotect themselves. He lent in multiple countries. As also indicated that each the disease is new and most country should find, people are not immune to it, isolate, test and treat the disease is able to spread each case, tracing all beyond normal expectacontact they have had. tions. Dr Tedros further Being called a panwent on to explain, in his demic does not mean statement, that a pandemic that the virus cannot is a word not used lightly as be controlled, WHO it may cause unreasonable explains. As there is no fear if misused. vaccine or treatment yet, Dr Vidya Mony pointed out containing the spread is that the last pandemic was the vital. 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, Dr Tedros stated that “we and neither SARS or Ebola qualified as cannot say this loudly enough or Image: Wikimedia Commons clearly enough or often enough – all a pandemic, despite differing severity and death rates. While Dr Tedros stressed that labelcountries can change the course of this ling the new virus a pandemic does not change WHO’s pandemic”. assessment of the threat. This meant that the WHO was Regardless of whether the new virus is declared a pannot about to change its advice on what countries should demic or not, Gostin reminds us that “it’s important not do however, he stressed that governments should take to panic”. “urgent and aggressive action”. Statistics are correct at the time of going to print on Friday Up until now, the virus has merely been talked as hav- 13 March.

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his new way of food printing enables one to make dishes from different pastes and materials. There has been increased use of these 3D food printers making different foods from chocolate to pasta. 3D printed food is a method of preparing food in an automated additive manner. Most 3D food printers are deposition printers, in which they deposit layers of raw material. Dishes are extruded line-by-line. Instead of printing with plastics, 3D printers deploy edible ingredients squeezed out of stainless steel capsules. This way of object printing started from making a sugar paste. With the development of technology, it has improved the process, enabling printers to make other foods. 3D printers are able to create complex shapes which are difficult to achieve with traditional methods. However it is produced, 3D printed food is safe for human consumption. There has been many new kinds of 3D food printers, from one crystallising thin layers of sugar into geometric configurations, to another that dispenses chocolate in melty patterns. Herve Malivert, director of food technology and culinary coordinator at the International Culinary Center, stated that “with a 3D printer, you can print complicated chocolate sculptures and beautiful pieces for decoration… not everybody can do that… a printer makes it easier,” he told Digital Trends As the global population is predicted to grow to more than 9 billion people by 2050, and food production may need to be raised by half, it seems that 3D printers could be sustainable. While these printers may not solve food shortage in the long term, it could contribute to more sustainability. Furthermore, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research in Germany has developed a printing

method for micro algae, which is a natural source of protein as well as carbohydrates and antioxidants. Lynette Kucsma, co-founder of Natural Machines, stated that there is a concept of “ugly” fruits, vegetables, meats and fish that people will not eat because they look ‘unconventional’. This would mean they do not pass quality control and get thrown away despite it being good produce. With 3D printing, it could reproduce these ‘ugly’ foods, reducing food wastage. 3D printers could also reduce food wastage. These machines are able to reprocess food such as cuts of fish into more appealing shapes. “I think we’re going to have a lot of different things coming together to make sustainability work, but i do think 3D printing will be a big part of that” Kucsma stated. While the term ‘3D printing’ may still seem futuristic, it is edging towards mainstream use. The National Farmers’ Union had suggested that developments in 3D printing may have potential to change the way chemicals are used. Just like any new technology, these 3D food printers just take some getting used to. “When people first heard about microwaves they didn’t understand the technology… now 90% of households have microwaves,” Kucsma said. Who knows, maybe in a few years you could be 3D printing your own food.

Image: Pixabay

Smog dissipates from China as COVID-19 slows global output Lilla Marshall tells us about one of the peculiar side effects the virus could have on our increasingly worrying climate health

s the coronavirus causes chaos across the world, NASA have shown that every smog cloud has a silver lining – as the efforts from the Chinese government to contain the virus have increased the quality of air within the country.

China's reliance on coal has caused significant issues within the country

China’s reliance on coal has caused significant issues within the country, due to high usage within the most developed regions. This has resulted in the formation of a toxic smog: a thick, black cloud full of small dust particles that can trigger respiratory issues or even increase an individual’s susceptibility to cancer. The Chinese government have attempted many schemes to minimise the smog, such as investment in wind power, but success in removing the smog

has been limited. The extent of air pollution in China usually dips in February, due to factories closing for the Lunar New Year. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the levels of air pollution have not recovered from this dip – with scientists suggesting the virus is responsible. The virus was first detected in late 2019, in the province of Wuhan, Hubei. Transport links to and from this area were blocked: leading to a decrease in air traffic in this area and

preventing the movement of supplies. As a result, many businesses within the area could not function and factories had to temporarily close.

This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event

NASA and the European Space Agency satellites have been monitoring air pollution levels in this region and it is estimated that nitrogen dioxide (a key pollutant) levels have decreased by 30%. “This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event,” said Fei Liu, an air quality researcher at NASA. On a global scale, the COVID-19 outbreak is decreasing the demand for air travel, which is a significant contributor of greenhouse gases. Many have blamed the virus for the bankruptcy of UK domestic travel

company, FlyBe. The International Air Transport Association have estimated that a full outbreak would cost airline companies $113bn. Despite this decreased demand, however, The Times of London have reported that many companies are flying empty planes so that they can keep the highly competitive flight slots. As a result, gallons of fuel are being wasted, as ghost trains travel across the world: with just a pilot onboard.

113

billion dollars could be the cost of a full outbreak for airline companies

Seemingly recognising her common goals with the virus, young climate activist Greta Thunberg has criticised world leaders and the global media for not treating the climate crisis with the same urgency that they are treating the viral outbreak. “It is shameful that for so long the climate and environmental emergency has been ignored. We are still in a crisis that has never once been treated like a crisis,” Thunberg told demonstrators in Brussels. While the few benefits of the outbreak are very likely to be temporary, with the smog expected to return once factories are able to reopen, it has to be slightly reassuring that a difference can be made in times of urgency.

Image: NeedPix

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culture arts

Review: Iolanthe

Monday 16 March 2020

Editor-in-Chief Grace Dean recalls her trip to the latest Gilbert and Sullivan Society production

regret to admit that, less than a week ago, I was merely a Gilbert and Sullivan novice. The name, yes, did ring a bell, and I knew of their musical theatre accolades from a friend who was involved in the Society, but other than that my knowledge was unfortunately greatly limited. This all changed, however, when the powers that be decreed that I sit next to the Society’s former President on a flight from Amsterdam to Newcastle just days before the Society’s next show, and that I would spend the whole flight being introduced to the world of NUGSS. After this insight, I found myself looking forward to NUGSS’ performance of Iolanthe, but I was still unsure what to expect as I sat down in the sophisticated surroundings of the theatre at the Royal Grammar School. The audience was varied; it was clearer that many friends and family of the performers were there supporting them, but NUGSS alumni were also out in full-force.

Full attention was paid to the intricate details of the cast’s costumes

The Society accurately describes the plot of Iolanthe as a “wacky story of forbidden love, political reform, and fairies”. The comic opera revolves around the titular character, who has been banished from fairyland by the Fairy Queen after contravening fairy law by marrying a mortal. Her son Strephon is in love with Phyllis, a Ward of Chancery, who has also attracted the desires of all the members of the House of Peers. This leads to a confrontation between the fairies and the peers, with the latter being subject to great levels of satire. The operetta is whimsical, witty and wonderful. Having never seen a Gilbert and Sullivan production before, I struggle to compare it, but I had a delightful evening watching Iolanthe. The cast, of approximately 20 students, impressed me with their seemingly ceaseless energy and their excellent renditions of the songs. Imogen

Forsythe, in particular, shone through with her performance as Phyllis, having trained as a classical soprano for nine years, while Sophie Cooke dazzled the audience with her excellent command of the stage/stage presence as the Fairy Queen. Many other cast members had also taken part in choirs and other branches of musical theatre and pantomime, and this experience was evident in their stunning performances. While the set was generally quite bare, this ensured that full attention was paid to the intricate details of the cast’s costumes, many details of which had been hand-crafted by a society member. The live orchestra greatly enhanced the performance, despite some of the members being recruited just days before the performance. The orchestra featured brass, wind, woodwind and percussion sections and provided almost continuous music during the two-hour performance. Above all, I was incredibly impressed by the Society’s use of the Courier as a prop in one of scenes – some excellent publicity for us, and it absolutely dazzled on stage.

Image: Karolina Iwan

puzzles 47

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Monday 16 March 2020 Puzzles Editor Emma Dawson Solutions will be revealed in next week’s issue, available on campus from 23 March

MR TAYTO’S CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Second largest city in Ireland (4) 3. Jane _, English novelist born in 1775 (6) 6. Information technology company known for computers and printers (1,1) 7. County in the southeast of England (5) 9. Lowest rank of the peerage (5) 11. _ Night Takeaway, show hosted by Ant and Dec (8) 14. Gesture performed by raising both shoulders (5) 15. Fictional language used in Star Trek (7) 16. Noctournal bird (3) 17. Dried fruit, popular in the Middle East (4) 21. World’s third largest country (1,1,1,) 22. _ tapestry, embroided cloth depicting events including the Battle of Hastings (6) 24. Eighth farthest planet from the sun (7)

SUDOKU

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

Image: YouTube (James Blunt Official)

#1406 SOLUTIONS 3 8 7 4 9 5 2 1 6

6 2 9 1 7 8 3 4 5

5 4 1 6 2 3 7 8 9

8 6 3 2 5 7 1 9 4

2 9 4 8 3 1 6 5 7

1 7 5 9 6 4 8 2 3

9 1 8 7 4 6 5 3 2

7 3 2 5 8 9 4 6 1

4 5 6 3 1 2 9 7 8

C A

B A R

O A E

T R

U N

C R

G H

E M

E R

Y I

E G

Y B

T D

M U R

O L

L N

E O

DOWN 1. Two player strategy board game (5) 2. Call of Duty: Black _, 2010 first person shooter game (3) 4. _ Raider, film franchise centered around the characterLara Croft (4) 5. Jo _, former leader of the Liberal Democrats (7) 8. The _ singer, celebrity singing contest (6) 10 _ Starr, drummer with The Beatles (5) 12. Fresh water or seadwelling reptile (6) 13. Nickelodeon animated series first aired in 1991 (7) 14. The _, Jo Nesbo novel adapted into a film starring Michael Fassbender (7) 18. A dark greenish-blue colour (4) 19. Greek island (5) 20. 2013 Lorde song (4) 23. Community-based doctor (1,1)

S S

R E

6 3 7

3 7 6

2 5 4

4 1 9

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sport Deontay Wilder ups the ante with Tyson Fury call-out

Monday 16 March 2020

Sophie Wilson is on hand with news of a re-match amidst Wilder’s claims that a fashion faux-pas affected his performance February 2020 saw Fury victorious against Wilder, making the beaten former champion lose his WBC belt after their first fight resulted in a draw in December 2018.

Wilder claimed his outfit had weighed him down so much he couldn’t withstand Fury’s attacks

Since then, Wilder has claimed that the outfit that he was wearing had weighed him down so much that he was unable to withstand Fury’s attacks on him. The outfit was worn to represent Black History Month, and Wilder claimed that the “simple fact is my uniform was way too heavy for me”. This costume weighed 40 pounds, and a lot of people have told him that there “looked like something was wrong with you” when he wore it. He claims that his job was to “fight under any circumstances, as a king, and that’s what I did”, but that wearing the costume meant that he “paid the price”, trading the “tribute to men and women [for] my title”.

The amount of professional fights that Fury has won

Following this loss Wilder had thirty days to exercise the rematch clause that was involved in his agreement to fight. This agreement meant that either party could exercise an option for a third bout. This has now been activated and Fury’s promoter, Bob Arum,

Fury taught Wilder a lesson in boxing in their recent fight Image: Instagram @ boxingpastandfuture

has said that the heavyweight rivals will meet again in July. On 1st March, Arum reported that “Wilder and his representatives formally notified us last night that they have accepted the rematch and are going forward.” This fight will take place in the summer, before the Olympics, although Arum has expressed concerns about whether Wilder will have fully recovered from this defeat by then, which saw him suffer from both a badly cut ear and lip. It has been reported that Wilder has reached out to the same company that designed his costume for this previous fight. Crowley, who works for this organization, has said that it is “very clear that he looks forward to future collaborations”. They “had an extensive and honest conversation that put confusion and rumours to rest”.

There are worries Wilder will not be fully recovered by the time of the rematch

This rematch clause has meant that the unification contest between Fury and Joshua will have to wait, however, meaning that Joshua will instead fight Pulev this summer. This is due to take place on June 13 that Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium in London. Currently, Joshua holds three belts, the IBF, WBA and WBO but does not have the WBC belt. Fury now holds this title, but it is dependent upon the outcome of the rematch between himself and Wilder.

Rangers FC, are Scotland’s sleeping giants stirring?

Andrew White warns naysayers not to write Steven Gerrard’s Rangers Premiership side off from European success just yet

Steven Gerrard finds himself in a weird predicament at Rangers, the English press are singing his praises, while the Scottish press are hounding him out of the club. In December, Gerrard led rangers to their first win at Celtic Park in a decade, leaving Rangers two points behind Celtic with a game in hand. Everything was rosy, Gerrard was linked with bigger jobs, in particular Liverpool – Jurgen Klopp adressed these rumours by saying Gerrard “should be my successor”. Since the winter break, Rangers domestic form has been nothing short of shambolic. Rangers have won only three league games since the break, lost to bottom of the league Hearts twice, been knocked out the Scottish Cup and now find themselves 15 points behind Celtic. Big questions have been asked of Gerrard’s future at the club and how long he will remain at the helm. Rangers fans themselves are polarised, “Gerrard out” has been a frequent response to Rangers twitter posts. Despite this, Rangers fans this week conducted an 8th minute applause in their game against Hamilton, to show their support of Gerrard. Following this applause, Rangers lost 1-0, and Celtic this weekend had their own 8th minute applause to mock Gerrard. With so many negatives, what is keeping Gerrard in the job?… Europa League heroics. Genuine contenders? This season has seen Rangers have a fruitfful Europa League campaign that started all the way back in July against Gilbraltan outfit St Joseph’s. Rangers then came up against Progres, Midtjylland and Legia Warsaw, just to progress to the group stages. A group of death of Young Boys, Feyenoord and Porto meant that Rangers were given lit-

tle chance of getting out of the group stages. Wins against Porto and Feyenoord provided two famous Ibrox European nights and has propelled Scotland up in Uefa’s coefficent ratings. Meaning from next season, runners-up in the Scottish Premeirship will now compete in the Champions League qualifiers.

The Scottish Premier League is the most mocked in Europe

Rangers have proven that the Old-Firm clubs are a genuine threat in European competition once again. The Scottish Premier League is arguably the most mocked league in Europe, but it’s worth remembering that Celtic defeated Serie A leaders Lazio home and away in the group stage to knock them out the Europa League. In the round of 32, Rangers defeated Portugese giants Braga home and away, progressing to the last 16 where they’ll play Bayer Leverkusen. Rangers will most definitely be underdogs against Leverkusen, but it’s this environment where Gerrard’s Rangers have thrived. When they’re underdogs, they step up. When they’re favourites, they struggle. Don’t write Rangers off, Gerrard has European pedigree after winning the Champions League and UEFA Cup as a player, he knows what it takes to win in European competiton despite lacking a Domestic league win as both player and manager. Having spent the most money in Scotland in both his years in charge, Gerrard leading Rangers to a first European final since 2008, may be the only thing that can help him keep his job.

Steven Gerrard has had mixed reviews in Scotland Image: Instagram @RangersFC,

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sport

Monday 16 March 2020

The saga behind Mo Farah and Alberto Salazar After recent doping events, Sesha Subramanian argues that not every athlete associated with a cheater cheats themselves Once upon a time, Alberto Salazar was one of the most revered names in athletics. He was a marathon runner throughout his career, winning various marathons such as the New York and Boston marathons. However, rather than be known for his achievements, he would achieve notoriety later on in life with his beloved coaching programme – Nike Oregon.

Salazar helped Mo Farah become the runner that he is, helping him become the most successful track athlete

Salazar was known to want to win at any cost. And while that is a characteristic that most successful coaches share in the world, it sometimes has the tendency to push people over the line – which is exactly what happened to Salazar. He helped Mo Farah become the runner that he is and helped him become the most successful track athlete in history. It all started to unravel for Salazar in 2015 when BBC Panorama and ProPublica exposed evidence of Salazar violating antidoping rules, which eventually led to his ban from the sport. Some athletes including Kara and Adam Goucher turned into witnesses for the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) – turning on their former coach as they sought to redress the malpractice rampant in Nike Oregon. As for Mo Farah, new evidence has emerged that raises more questions about his relationships with Salazar. Documents show Farah repeatedly denied to US Anti-Doping (Usada) investigators he had received injections of the controversial supplement L-carnitine before the 2014 London Marathon. After initially denying it, Farah later changed his account to Usada investigators, saying he had forgotten. To be fair to the British runner, he has never failed a drugs test and has never been accused of doping. “I

can sleep at night knowing I’ve done nothing wrong,” Farah told the Mirror.

Documents show that Farah repeatedly denied to USADA investigators he had received L-Carnitine injections

Emails obtained by BBC Panorama say that British athletes enquired with the authorities in the country about the use of thyroid medication because of supposed performance enhancing benefits – something which medical professionals in the documentary deny. However, what cannot be said for certain is that these medications do not have an effect on the athletes’ health in the long run. Does this association with Salazar taint the achievements of Mo Farah? So far, there is no reason to believe that there has been wrongdoing – officially anyway. So I would personally give him the benefit of the doubt. Not every athlete associated with a known cheater is a cheat. But the situation with his backtracking on the L-carnitine injections do not make him look good. However, that being said, it could also be put down as a simple case of forgetting something or a misunderstanding of the question from USADA officials.

“I am happy for any antidoping body to test any of my previous samples anytime.” - Sir Mo Farah

Mo Farah is one of the most heavily drug tested athletes on the planet and so far, him coming out clean after every test is only a positive.

Sir Mo Farah denies doping allegations Image: Twitter, @Mo_Farah

Neville under pressure as England crash out of SheBelieves Cup With mounting pressure on the England manager Stanley Gilyead decides whether or not Phil Neville deserves the sack

Speculation surrounds Phil Neville’s future as England manager this week as his team crashed out of the SheBelievesCup after winning only one game. The FA are expected to back Neville at least until next year’s Euros, but with England having lost seven of their last eleven games Neville must find a way to improve performances or face the chop.

England’s World Cup exit triggered a torrid run of form that has left Neville fearing for his job

Neville became England manager in January 2018 and enjoyed a successful start to the job. In his first year in charge England came second in the SheBelieves Cup and qualified for the 2019 World Cup undefeated. The following year saw Neville clinch his first silverware as England manager as they won the 2019 SheBelieves Cup. The most important summer of Neville’s managerial career came last year with the World Cup in France. Whilst England put in a respectable performance, getting knocked out in the semi finals before losing to Sweden in the third place play-off, they were judged by many to have underachieved. Despite coming into the tournament as one of the favourites England never hit the heights of the

winning USA side. England’s World Cup exit signalled the start of a torrid run of form that has left Phil Neville fearing for his job. They have won only three games since the tournament, beating Portugal and the Czech Republic in friendlies and Japan in the recent SheBelieves Cup. Neville was quick to admit that England’s recent performances have not been up to scratch after their loss to Spain, stating “I’ve got to start earning my coin, being a better manager- and the results need to improve”. The FA are understood to be persisting with Neville despite performances on the pitch due to their belief in his “two-year plan” to build a younger squad in the period between last year’s World Cup and next year’s Euros. 19 year old Lauren Hemp was impressive in back to back starts in the SheBelieves Cup, whilst Neville singled out 22 year old Everton forward Chloe Kelly and 21 year old Alessia Russo for praise, stating “two players got me off my seat- Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo”. Whilst promising performances from young players give England hope, and will probably help keep Neville in the job, there are serious questions around whether Neville’s tactics get the best out of the squad. Neville has stuck steadfastly to his preferred possession style of football, despite England seeming to struggle to adapt to it, repeatedly giving the ball away whilst passing out from the back. England also look weak when

defending set pieces and crosses, ten of the last eighteen goals they have conceded have come through these routes, drawing into question whether Neville is able to coach out the weaker points of his team’s game, or whether he is simply too pig-headed to try. Neville’s appointment seemed a strange one from the start. The former Everton and

Manchester United right back had never worked in the women’s game before and had only briefly experienced management in a short spell as Salford’s caretaker manager. Neville only got the job after Emma Hayes, Nick Cushing, Laura Harvey and John Herdman, all highly successful coaches in the women’s game, dropped out of the

running. A successful start calmed nerves around his appointment and he should have enough credit in the bank to be allowed to lead the Lionesses into next years Euros, but it is increasingly looking like a poor showing in that tournament will spell the end of Neville’s tenure in charge of the national side.

England were disappointed with their performance Instagram - @frankirbydaily

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sport

Monday 16 March 2020

‘The Hundred’ pledge gender equality Rebecca Johnson explores equal pay between men and women at the Hundred and if their motives are as sincere as they seem It has recently been announced by the organisers of “the Hundred” that both the men’s and women’s winners will be paid the same amount of prize money. A whopping £600,000 will be split between the men’s and women’s format.

“We have a long way to go to make cricket as equal as it can be, but the signs are brilliant”

Many have praised this move by the organisers, including England captain, Heather Knight, who said, “it is brilliant news.” “To have equal prize money is a statement by the ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board] to put women’s cricket alongside men’s cricket. The signs are brilliant, women’s cricket is on the rise. You’ve just got to look at how packed the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was on International Women’s Day earlier this month, when Australia hosted India in the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup. The hosts went on to win by 85 runs, an Aussie win on home turf, something that can only do wonders for the popularity of women’s cricket. However, call me a cynic, but I feel like the decision to implement equal pay is a bit of a trap. It’s no secret that the Hundred has faced a lot of controversy from fans and critics

alike for various reasons. The move to pay the men’s and women’s teams equal amounts feels like the organisers are scrambling to get a slither of positive coverage for the tournament. If this is the case, then the decision to implement equal pay is completely demeaned. What is the point campaigning for equality in the men’s and women’s game if the primary reason is for the Hundred to have a shred of positive publicity. If equal pay has been implemented simply for the purposes of positive publicity, then that is utterly incorrect.

£600,000

The amount of prize money that will be awarded

The competition in its preparations hasn’t been equal so far in the slightest. We’ve heard all about the big names coming from across the world to compete, Steve Smith, David Warner, Sunile Narine, as well as star England players such as Ben Stokes and Joe Root- but where is the publicity for the women’s competition? In an English first, a player draft was held, with team coaches bidding for some of the world’s biggest superstars. Yet, there was no women’s draft conducted in the same manner or even televised. If the ECB truly cares about equality in men’s and women’s cricket, then didn’t they televise the women’s draft like the men’s draft? The ECB state that their mission is to get “women and girls being properly represented in

the game” and that’s all very well and good, equal pay is a step forward to achieving this. However, the main way to accomplish this is to increase the exposure of women’s cricket across all available platforms. We’ll have to see if this is followed up on in the summer tournament, with an equal split of men’s and women’s games televised, but so far, the Hundred doesn’t seem to be achieving equality in places where it matters.

Women’s cricket is in a brilliant place at the moment and just keeps getting better year after year

Women’s cricket is in a brilliant place at the moment and is only getting better year after year. The ECB have a responsibility to ensure that boys and girls across the country can get into cricket by watching both the men’s and women’s game, are they really achieving this by announcing both men’s and women’s teams will be getting paid equally? It’s a move forward for women’s sport, but not a move forward in its exposure. The ECB have to ensure that the Hundred is entirely equal. The same amount of men’s and women’s matches televised, both a men’s and women’s draft and of course equal exposure on social media.

A powerful statement from the organisers Source: Instagram @thehundred

Footy in the 50s: an insider interview

Tom Hardwick talks to Len Cox, a former Sheffield United footballer who played between 1955-1963 after signing up aged 15

With Sheffield United impressing upon their return to the Premier League, the eyes of the footballing world are fixed upon the city. However, there are decades of footballing history ingrained in the streets of Sheffield, and someone who knows this history more than most is Len Cox, who played for Sheffield United from 1955-1963. The love affair with United started early for Len, who remembered “having a friend whose dad had a good job in the steelworks. He had a season ticket at Bramall Lane, and he used to take us when we were 8, sneaking us through the John Street turnstiles at the same time to get us both in for the price of one!” Len was hooked, returning to Bramall Lane throughout his childhood. At fifteen, Len

realised every young fan’s dream, impressing for the Firth Park school team and subsequently signing for United. Fond memories of his early career included a tournament in Cannes, attended by a youth team from Real

Len was fortunate enough to play with the likes of Jimmy Greaves and Gordon Banks

Madrid. “In the end we won the tournament, winning all of our games 2-0, and that was my first trip to another country. Having lived through the war you couldn’t go to Bridlington, never mind abroad, so it was a

great experience for us all.” Len was soon promoted to the senior team once he reached eighteen. Whereas today a lucrative new deal may have beckoned, football was not awash with riches in the 1950s. “Back then you had a maximum wage”, Len said, “we couldn’t earn any more than £17 a week with a £2 bonus for a win”. The financial disparity between what Len and his teammates earned, compared to the current Bramall Lane wage bill, is certainly vast, with the PFA placing the average Premier League wage at an eye-watering £50,000 a week. Another quirk of 1950s football was the prohibition of substitutions. Changes could not be made even in the case of injury, which as Len recounts, often led to on-field chaos. “We once played Everton’s reserves at Goodison Park, and after 5 minutes, our goalkeep-

er Ted Burgin broke his arm. A few minutes later our left-back broke his ankle, and of course we had no substitutes, so we played on with 9 men- I won’t tell you the score but it certainly wasn’t a great game for us.”

Len eventually left Sheffield as his parents to wished for him to consider further careers

Len was fortunate enough to encounter some of England’s greatest players as a youth international, playing with the likes of Jimmy Greaves and one of Sheffield’s most famous sons, Gordon Banks. However, Len remains

baffled that Banks never had an opportunity to play for a Sheffield club. He remembered that “he was quick off his line, brilliant in the air and had superb judgement, but strangely, neither United nor Wednesday picked him up.” Despite his early promise, Len eventually left United under pressure from his parents, who wanted him focus on his other profession- accountancy. He played part-time for Chesterfield and Scarborough before retiring, and although his United career was cut short, he has no regrets. “I got to play for the club I grew up supporting, and even if my time at Bramall Lane was shorter than it might have been, that still makes me a lot luckier than most”.

Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United Source: Wikimedia Commons

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sport

Monday 16 March 2020

Team Talk Shooting Club

Rory Ewart discusses shooting clays with the President and Treasurer of Newcastle’s Shooting Club

Shooting Club in recent times has seen a record increase in their overall membership. Consisting of participating in clay tournaments across the country and their infamous Soho/Flares socials, President Aidan Lindsley (AL) and Treasurer Angus Macdonald (AM) sat down to discuss the secrets to their success.

Competitors NUCPSC sent to Edinburgh this year

For those that aren’t too sure what shooting society involves, could you offer a brief description of what you all do and what it involves? AL: We focus on Clay Pigeon shooting which involves using a shotgun to break a small clay disk flying through the air. Normally there are a variety of different targets which sees the clay being thrown at different angles and speeds, some of which can be pretty difficult to hit. We meet every Wednesday afternoon to head to a local shooting ground for a relaxed afternoon of shooting and socialising before heading to a little country pub on the way home for a well-earned pint. If I, somebody who had no real prior shooting experience, wanted to get involved, how would you sell it to me? AL: We welcome absolutely anyone into the society with open arms regardless of their shooting ability. For those interested in joining at the beginning of the year we offer a free taster sessions which we advertise at the Fresher’s Fair and provide all the equipment required for the sport. Do you guys train, or if not how do you practise? AL: We don’t train as such, but just head to Bywell Shooting Ground on a Wednesday afternoon to have some fun and break some clays. We accept new members all year re-

BUCS RESULTS BADMINTON

W2 v Liverpool 1

1-7

FOOTBALL

M1 v UCLAN 1

GOLF

1sts v Durham

LACROSSE

2-2 3.5 -2.5

M1 v Manchester Met W2 v Durham 4

RUGBY

M1 v Hartpury 2 M2 v Doncaster 1

6-9 9-12 6-26 12-29

RUGBY LEAGUE

M1 v Northumbria 1 6-26 M2 v Liverpool John Moore 1 10-40

TABLE TENNIS

M2 v Newcastle 3 M3 v Newcastle 2 W1 v Durham 3 Shooting is celebrating having over 130 members this year, an increase on previous years All images: NUCPSC

gardless of their experience which means we have a variety of abilities shooting together, from people who have shot for ages to people who have only just picked up a gun for the first time that afternoon. How has the year gone so far? You have travelled to a few different tournaments, haven’t you? AM: We took 50 people to Edinburgh Competition this year where we won Men’s High Gun with an impressive 56/60, as well as Ladies and Men’s Flush. To top it off, in our annual competition we took 1st as the “Top

University” as well as winning Men’s High Gun, Ladies High Gun, Mens Flush and Womens Flush. We are very lucky as a club to have over 130 members with a vast majority of them being ladies. In terms of other competitions we travel far and wide; from the infamous St Andrews Competition to BUCS in the West Midlands and Hull. Is the social side of things important for the society? AM: As you may have guessed by the previous question, socialising is very important. We are lucky to have two social secretaries

who do us proud every week. We run a wide variety of socials from bar crawls to themed events. We also pride ourselves on holding a wide variety of socials and regularly host group meals, non-alcoholic socials and cheese and wine evenings. The key for us is getting everyone involved.

Pub trips are followed by a trip to “the shaker” after training on a Wednesday

What’s the balance like between work and play, I hear Wednesday nights can be eventful for the shooters? AM: Shooting, as a sport, is all about socialising. From Wednesday afternoon training, followed by a pub trip, to Wednesday nights in “the shaker” we love a good party! Many of our competitions all coincide with a black tie ball afterwards, and this is a great opportunity to meet students from other universities and build relations. We recently hosted our own “Guns and Horse Ball” at the Civic Centre with almost 200 people in attendance. That said, Wednesday training is a key part of our week, and we regularly have between 5060 members coming to practise the latest layout Bywell Shooting Ground provide What do you reckon would persuade somebody to take up shooting compared to another sport? AM: Shooting is good fun. End of. We don’t take ourselves to seriously. For us, shooting is an opportunity to get out of Newcastle, into the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Its sociable, and highly flexible. We often attract people who struggle to commit to time intensive sports and those who like a friendly atmosphere. We have members from a wide variety of degrees, and we pride ourselves on the fact our members usually stay friends for life, with many returning as alumni for our competitions.

WATER POLO

M1 v Liverpool 1

12-5 5-12 5-0 13-15

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

W - Round Robin

7-11 13-4

DOM LEE’S QUOTE CORNER I’m in charge this week!! “We give credit where it is due but keepers do that every day of the week. They make the save and get across the goals. Excellent save. I am not going to come away praising the goalkeeper for drawing. It’s about winning football matches, surely. The bottom line with Pickford, I don’t need to see the stats. I know he’s not a good goalkeeper. He’s not up to it.” - Roy Keane on Jordan Pickford

SURF FORECAST Tynemouth Longsands As of 0600 on Thursday 5 March 2020, general synopsis of Low Plymouth 987, expected Germany 984 by 0600 tomorrow (6th March). New low expected Malin 991 by same time. The Tyne will see wind variable 4 or less with a smooth or slight sea state. Weather itself and visibility are mainly fair and good respectively and I have just given you an out-of-date shipping forecast from a week ago.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Still here.

sport the courier

Monday 16 March 2020 Issue 1407 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

Semi pops up for Thistle

Inside Sport today >>>

United interview

Tom Hardwick sits down with exSheffield United footballer Len Cox Page 50-51

Rangers run? Andrew White dissects the Scottish side’s recent road to success Page 48-49

Politics Thistle progress to the semifinals after prior domestic success Image: Tom Stone

INTRA-MURAL FOOTBALL

Politics Thistle 5 Jesmond Tutu 2

Tom Stone at Cochrane Park Politics Thistle progress into the Semi Final of the Men’s Football Intramural Cup after a 5-2 victory over Jesmond Tutu last Wednesday afternoon. Cochrane Park was the venue for what proved to be an exhilarating 90 minutes of football, where the reigning Cup Champions and Division 2 league winners Politics Thistle emerged victorious to continue their

From the first blow of the whistle, Thistle were there to win every first and second ball, dominating possession

triumphant run in the Cup yet again. According to previous fixtures, Jesmond Tutu were the favourites to progress into the next round, boasting a victory and a draw within the league to an otherwise unbeaten Politics Thistle. However, with a trophy to defend and an underdog mentality that could only compare to that of Leicester City in the 2015-2016 Premier League season, Thistle were not prepared to meet their makers.

From the first blow of the whistle, Thistle were there to win every first and second ball, dominating possession and testing the keeper with some audacious efforts from outside the box. With the wind increasing in favour of the defending champions, it was clear a goal was needed to take advantage of the weather before half-time. Up steps Louis Marven who, after a lowcross was played dangerously into the Tutu box, capitalises on the opponents inability to clear the ball and smashes it home into the bottom corner, leaving the Tutu goalkeeper stuck to the spot. Thistle weren’t prepared to sit back and relax. Their second goal coming just 10 minutes later from Ally Castle, who currently holds the Cup record for most deflected goals in one season. Tutu seemed hopeless at this point in the game, with only one shot on goal at this point with a dismal possession percentage. Out of nowhere, a throwing was launched into the Thistle box, where a Tutu figure was waiting to curl the ball into the top corner. A mixture of Thistle complacency and Tutu tenacity resulted in a 2-1 score line. Game on. But not for long. Just on the stroke of half time, Thistle delivered a striking blow via a Captain’s strike. Ally Castle, again, silencing Tutu’s fans on the side-line with yet another deflected finish. They all count! Half-time: 3-1. As the second-half whistle blew, the pack of Thistle wolves were released. Out the marks like horses at the races, it didn’t take

long for their fourth goal to be majestically executed, finished off by Louis Marven. A thrashing was on the cards as the boys from Politics smelt blood. A few substitutions around the 60th minute saw a whole new midfield for Thistle,

“Thistle have been the kwik cricket of intramural football this year. No nonsense and non-stop running.”

Alfie Hester

who took 5 minutes to settle into the game. 5 minutes too long from Tutu’s perspective. Some cutting passes around the edge of their opponents box were being formulated by Tutu, and a spell of frustration for Thistle meant they needed to remain calm until possession returned. Aiden Bradley had different ideas as the giant centre-back flew into a frail Tutu frame inside his own box, flattening them to become at one with the astro-turf. The subsequent penalty was converted. 4-2. As the midfield settled along with the dust created by embarrassing Tutu celebrations, their centre-back fancied himself a goal, tucking one into the net past his own keeper. Alfie Hester and Ed Hall’s high press paid off, allowing Thistle to live rent free in the now silent Tutu’s heads.

Central midfielder and occassional wonder goal scorer, Alfie Hester, has been impressed with Thistle’s performances this year. “Thistle have been the kwik cricket of intramural football this year. No nonsense, non-stop running and some cracking strikes of the ball.” As well as an excellent cup run, the side are also having an excellent time in the Intra-Mural Men’s Football 11s Wednesday League. Thistle are top of the league with eleven wins out of fourteen, with thirty-five points to their name As they look ahead to the semi-finals of the cup, if anyone can do it on a cold, Wednesday night on Cochrane Park, Thistle can.

Intra-Mural Men’s Football 11s Wed. League

Pld

Pts

1 Politics Thistle

2 Oxbow Lakers

3 Jesmond Tutu FC

4 NCL Medics 1s

5 Tekkerslovakia

6 Qin Dynasty

7 Combined Hons

8 Agrics FC

Shooting Rory Ewart interviews Newcastle Uni’s Shooting Club Page 51