The Courier 1226

Record breaking RAG week brings total to more than £85,000 News, page 7

C OURIER THE

Rogue landlords leave students out in the cold

Issue 1226 Monday 28 February 2011 www.thecourieronline.co.uk

Elliot Bentley

Students are increasingly falling victim to rogue landlords, leaving students homeless with little or no warning, The Courier has learned as the result of an in-depth investigation. Scores of students have been evicted, as landlords fail to keep up their mortgage repayments, leaving houses to be repossessed.

The Student Advice Centre and the University Accommodation Service stress that the phenomenon has become a growing problem within recent years.

There is speculation that, with banks having reduced the number of mortgages provided in the wake of the credit crunch, landlords are being forced to turn to sub-prime lenders. These sub-prime mortgage lenders tend to demand higher interest and are more aggressive when repossessing properties from borrowers who have failed to keep up their payments.

Sebastian Forbes, a third-year Biology student, was threatened with eviction twice. He told The Courier

how he and his housemates became “worried and stressed” when they received their eviction notice, and had to take a week off to look for a new home. “I literally do not trust landlords at all now,” he said.

“It was something I didn’t really need,” said Megan ThompsonGreen, a second-year English Literature student who received a notice of eviction in November. “We called the estate agent but were told the landlord was out of the country.”

Sebastian and Megan are not alone.

The Courier has spoken to several students evicted with little warning, or in the case of one student, none at all, within the last six months.

The charity Shelter said: “Sometimes the first a tenant may know of this is when the bailiffs turn up on the doorstep. This is obviously unjust when tenants have paid their rent regularly. It can also be deeply distressing because people are left facing homelessness.

“Tenants can also lose out financially. Some lose their deposit, others lose the rent that they have paid Continued on page 4 and 5

THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF NEWCASTLE STUDENTS B.CARLIN

EST 1948

FREE

‘Banter’ culture of RAG week exposed after claims of sexism Jonathan Offredo

Nowhere to call home: second-year student Becky Hair and her housemates were threatened with eviction after their landlord failed to keep up his mortgage payments

The Students’ Union has launched an investigation into the ‘banter’ culture within Raising and Giving week after multiple claims of sexism and discriminatory behaviour were reported during one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in recent years.

The inquest began after two anonymous emails sent to Union Sabbatical Officers following RAG Roller Disco night at Sam Jacks where RAG officers on the door used permanent pen to mark attendees hands with numbers one through to 10, later found out to be ratings of attractiveness.

According to those close to the situation, the numbers were given by organisers to all 136 people, both male and female volunteers who were unaware of the significance until later.

One crew member dropped out of RAG as a result of the incident.

An official statement from RAG apologised for any offence that was caused and said the group understood the Union’s decision to investigate and was cooperating fully with it.

“It was never our intention to hurt anyone’s feelings and we really regret that this has been the consequence of our thoughts and actions,” the statement said.

One RAG supervisor who was involved deeply regretted the action, saying that they personally should have taken a step back and said: “This is not what we should be doing.”

“We thought it would be funny if the people you knew found out, a bit of a laugh about that, but didn’t think about the people we didn’t know and the issues they might have and the impact they would have on them - it was probably naïve but I don’t think it was malicious in the slightest,” one person added.

The investigation is being led by Sarah Fearns, the Union’s Welfare and Equality officer, who is herself a former RAG organiser.

“I think it’s a really horrible thing Continued on page 5

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Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

News Editors: Simon Murphy and Charlie Oven

Have you got a news story for The Courier? Email us at: courier.news@ncl.ac.uk

Porter will not seek re-election after growing pressure from activists Jonathan Offredo The National Union of Students president Aaron Porter announced on Monday that he would not seek re-election this summer amidst a storm of criticism following his and NUS’s handling of the recent wave of student activism.

The decision came after, what Porter said in an e-mail to sabbatical officers across the UK was, a period of “considerable soul searching,” and realisation that “there needs to be a new President to lead the student movement into that next phase.”

The Sunday Times published a story about a leaked internal NUS memo stating that the government’s higher education reforms were “progressive” and that funding cuts are not as drastic as the Union has previously claimed.

Porter has been placed under considerable pressure following major events, starting with the NUS-organised and 50,000 attended march last November, and ending with the most recent march in Manchester that saw Porter pursued through the street by students disillusioned with his leadership.

Jonny Pickering, who was defeated last week in his bid to represent Newcastle University as a delegate at the NUS Annual Conference in Gateshead, said that not running for re-election is not necessarily Porter’s choice, but rather a result of pressure below.

“It is a victory for the student movement,” he said. “The fact that he is standing down is due to the fact that he’s being pressured by normal students.”

Porter has been a polarising figure

Stepping down: Aaron Porter will not seek re-election at the NUS conference in Gateshead after increasing pressure from activists over his handling of the protests

amongst students aligning themselves with NUS and other students in the hard left. Those students have very vocally criticised Porter his lack of support for actions, like the wave of occupations, sit-ins and direct action.

“He’s led the student movement in very difficult times and I think he’s done a good job,” said Student Union President Tom Delamere.

“It’s a shame he isn’t going to rerun.

“He’s come under a lot of criticism during a difficult year for the NUS.” In April, six student delegates from Newcastle University will attend the national NUS conference at The Sage in Gateshead to decide the next president of NUS. So far Mark Bergfeld, spokesman for the Education Activist Network, Liam Burns, president of NUS Scotland and Shane Chowen, NUS VicePresident have all said they will be running for the post.

Lil Collingham, Education Officer, said she was surprised by Porter’s announcement, but encouraged by the number of people coming out of the woodwork to run.

“For those of us who probably struggle with the not the same scale of the pressure, but the similar he has been quite an inspiration to just keep going and remember why we are in the job,” she said.

“He’s done some really good speeches to inspire us to keep going and not just run away, but I completely understand why he stood down.

“I think with the level of criticism he’s come under, it’s better for him to do this.”

VC urges lecturers’ union not to take action Simon Childs Lecturers’ Union UCU (University and College Union) has begun balloting its members about taking industrial action to defend their pay, but lecturers have been urged not to take action by Newcastle University’s Vice Chancellor, Chris Brink.

In an email seen by The Courier, entitled, “Why you should care about the ballots on industrial action called by the University and College Union (UCU)”, Brink outlines the University management’s opposition to such action.

UCU is disputing the offer of a 0.4% pay rise, which amounts to a real-terms pay cut when inflation is taken into account.

UCU is also conducting a second ballot in relation to changes to lecturers’ pensions. The Union is resist-

ing reforms, which would reduce pension benefits for new members and require them to work longer before retirement and pay more into the scheme.

The University management argues that such reforms are necessary to make the pension scheme affordable as life expectancies rise.

VC Chris Brink’s letter argues that industrial action - which could include a strike or ‘action short of a strike’ - would “damage student experiences and opportunities”.

However, one UCU member, who wanted to remain anonymous, countered, “the government cuts, if left unchallenged, will damage students experiences and opportunities permanently – so why isn’t the VC standing shoulder to shoulder with UCU to fight these cuts?”

Brink, who has publicly supported

the Browne Review, rejected the idea in his letter, saying, “Whether or not we agree with the government’s approach, the cuts are being implemented.

“Taking industrial action will not change that but may exacerbate the effects.” And, responding to questions put to him by The Courier, added, “It is unrealistic to think that we can escape from the impact of the economic downturn.”

The VC, who earns over £240,000 per year and received a pay boost of almost £20,000 from 2008-2009, warned against “the award of unaffordable pay increases”, which he said could result in compulsory redundancies to pay for them.

However, the President of Newcastle UCU Barry Gills, a lecturer in Politics, contested this notion: “We have not sought ‘more money’ in

the pay negotiations, but a protection of present pay in real terms. We are facing a significant reduction in real wages this year if the employer’s proposal of 0.4% stands while inflation is estimated at 4% or even above this year.”

Brink later added that some lecturers will receive more than the 0.4% increase.

Jonny Pickering, a member of Newcastle Free Education Network, sided with the Lecturers’ Union.

Condemning the VC’s “hypocrisy”, he commented: “UCU is balloting for action to stop the implementation of these damaging and unfair cuts - last year they gave their support to students during our protests, marches and occupations; now we need to stand side by side with them taking action to defend our universities.”

The Union Society, King’s Walk, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QB. Tel: 0191 239 3940

Comment The only correct decision Aaron Porter has ever made: Bethany Staunton is glad to see the back of the NUS president Page 12

Lifestyle Roaccutane may be a miracle skin cure, but watch out for serious side effects, says Emma Balter Page 16

Culture Complimentary or controversial?

Jeremy Trotter puts film adaptions of famous books under the microscope Page 29

Sport Return to glory: what do Lance Armstrong, Kevin Keegan and Michael Jordan have in common?

Page 38

Meetings Timetable: Monday Sport- 12pm, Crow’s Nest News & Comment - 1pm, Rm 6 Park Terrace Photos - 2pm, Rm 6 Park Terrace Fashion - 4pm, Rm 5 Park Terrace Tuesday Life & Style - 12pm, Room 6 Park Terrace Fashion - 12pm, Room 6 Park Terrace Wednesday Arts - 12.30pm, Room 6 Park Terrace Film & Music- 1pm, Rm 6 Park Terrace TV & Radio - 1.30pm, Room 6 Park Terrace Editorial Team: • Editor - Fran Infante • Deputy Editor - Joshua Shrimpton Dean • News Editors - Charlie Oven & Simon Murphy • Comment Editors - Danny Kielty & Laura Heads • Life & Style Editors - Mary Mullarkey & Kat Bishop •Fashion Editor - Lauren Girling • Arts Editor - Stephanie Ferrao • Film Editor - Adam Williams • Music Editors - Polly Randall & Joe Skrebels • TV & Radio Editor - Ellie Wilson & Lynsey Fawcett • Puzzles Editor - Andy Pitkeathley •Listings Editor - Ciara Littler • Sports Editors - Kat Bannon, Jono Taylor & Wills Robinson •Photo Editor - Briony Carlin • Design Editor - Helen Mamalaki •Head of Digital Media - Aimee Philipson •Online Editors - Bethany Sissons, Katie Hicks, Elliot Bentley and Colin Henrys •Proof Editors - Charlotte Loftus, Katy Lawson, Hannah Davey, Gemma Farina, Jessica Cree, Amy Jordan, Rebecca Gee, Gemma-Jayne Turner,Verity Cunningham, Emma O’Neil, Georgia Morgan, & Tatiana Horniakova The Courier is printed by: Harmsworth Printing Limited, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby, DE1 2DW. Tel: 01332 253013.

Established in 1948, The Courier is the fully independent student newspaper of the Union Society at Newcastle University. The Courier is published weekly during term time, and is free of charge.

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 Union Society or Newcastle University.

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News

Giving Kenyan children a ‘Chance to Grow’: graduates raise cash for charity venture Jessica Cree Newcastle University students are renowned for their kindness and generosity when it comes to charity.

But graduate Ben Margetts has gone one step further and set up Chance to Grow, a charity that helps disadvantaged children in Kenya.

On graduating, Margetts worked and saved to spend some time travelling, as plenty of us do after studying so hard for many years.

He decided on a trip to Africa and spent three months working at the Great Mercy Development Centre, situated in the agricultural region of Kitale in western Kenya.

This orphanage had a primary school, which 20 children attended consisting of two classrooms.

“When I first arrived I was appalled by the poor conditions the children were living in, and by the lack of access to education”, says Margetts.

He went on to raise £3000, which went towards building six more classrooms, as well as a wall around the school and orphanage to ensure security.

In addition, a well was constructed to guarantee that the orphans had a constant supply of fresh drinking water - a triumph, seeing as UNICEF reported that in 2006, only 49 per cent of Kenyans in rural areas had access to clean, safe water.

The Business Management graduate then returned home, but couldn’t bare thinking about the children in Kenya, who still had only very basic amenities.

“I believe that education is the key to helping these children to build a

Good deeds: Newcastle graduate Ben Margetts (left) launched Chance to Grow, a charity which helps disadvantaged children in Kenya

better future for themselves,” says Margetts, who then decided to raise yet more funds to build a secondary

school.

After collecting an incredible £5000, Margetts bought a plot of

land and he and fellow Newcastle graduates, Chris Davison and John Fagbemi, returned to Kenya. Con-

struction work commenced on the school last year.

As a Dentistry graduate, Fagbemi was also able to offer a dental checkup to all of the children. Chance to Grow was born.

The charity has gone from strength to strength and has established a great relationship with the Great Mercy Development Centre.

UNICEF figures show that in 2007 alone, 2500 children were orphaned due to HIV/AIDS and other shocking circumstances.

The orphanage and school now support over 120 children that would otherwise have no access to education, and so the charity really has been able to make a difference.

The school is one of the charity’s biggest success stories to date and Margetts has big plans: “Volunteering at Great Mercy was a life changing experience for myself and working with Chance to Grow is the most rewarding thing I have done.

“In the future we hope to complete the secondary school, improve the living conditions for the children and continue to sustain the orphanage and school (with the help of volunteers).

“If the opportunity arises we would also like to support similar projects in the area.”

This is your chance to make a difference. If you think you could help in any way, please email Ben Margetts at chancetogrow@gmail.co.uk.

You too could help provide essential services to some of the world’s poorest and most underprivileged children.

Dancers scoop more victories Student reaching new heights for charity in Edinburgh competition Ania Kurek Another weekend, another success story for Newcastle University Dance Society. After the gruelling 6am start to travel up to Edinburgh, Newcastle dancers came away with being placed in almost every category at the hugely anticipated Edinburgh Dance Off 2011.

In the beginners and advanced ballet section, Newcastle came away with positions. An impressive first place in advanced ballet choreographed by Sophie Bennison and third place in beginners’ ballet (choreography by Niki Holgate-Smith and Lil Collingham) meant Newcastle were the most consistent university in the ballet category.

An outstanding first place in advanced tap (choreography by Niki Holgate-Smith and Amy Heptinstall) and second place in beginners’ tap (choreography by Anna Simpson and Jasmine Walker) proved Newcastle to still be champions of this highly coveted class of dance.

A superb third place in advanced jazz (Katie Shepherd and Bethany Bresnen) and in hip-hop (Bethany Bresnen and Natasha Halhead)

topped the day off for all of Newcastle’s dancers. Newcastle just missed out on placing in the highly contested contemporary (choreography by Hannah Houghton) category.

However, the best was yet to come with Vice President and choreographer Bethany Bresnen impressing the judges so much she came away

with the Best Dancer award for the day. Beating off all other universities, Bethany proved her outstanding dance abilities coming away with the prize and recognition all dancers dream of reaching.

The day was a huge success and brought together what talent Newcastle Dance Society has to offer.

Gotta dance: Newcastle’s dancers bagged a string of awards at Edinburgh’s competition

Johnny Farrar-Bell How often are you asked to give money to charity?

If you are anything like me then every other day it seems as though another person is running the London Marathon and wants sponsorship. But it seems as though we seem to rarely respond to the related justgiving.com link.

As a result, people such as Louise Naylor, a first-year Newcastle student, are having problems trying to raise money.

Louise is planning to join the charity Practical Action in Nepal, for an 11-day trek to the 5360m high Everest base camp (higher than anywhere in Europe), in order to provide invaluable assistance to underprivileged people in that area of the country.

Although she isn’t planning on climbing up the 8848m peak, her trip won’t be without its perils. Altitude sickness will be a real risk – it can result in nausea and sickness and if not treated can be fatal. The trek itself is rated as extreme.

Practical Action is a charity that doesn’t merely want to give short

term aid, rather provide long term assistance in development that will hugely benefit local communities.

This can be in the form of solar panels, or sustainable water projects using modern technology, so her trip to Nepal will be invaluable to local people.

Louise needs to raise £2100 to go on the trip. The problems in raising this amount of money are huge. Traditional bucket shaking no longer seems to be an option these days.

With people tightening their wallets, it seems as though the more inventive the fundraising activity, the better.

Some students have been known to go to bizarre lengths to secure their funds. The traditional marathon/ half marathon, three peaks challenge, baking cakes or making jam have been ditched by some in favour of wackier ideas such as sponsored silences, wearing no shoes for a day or shaving their hair.

To collect the funds it seems that Louise will have to do something equally imaginative.

Please visit www.practicalaction. org or www.justgiving.com/Louise-Naylor0.

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Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

News

‘We didn’t know where to go’: student victims left homeless Students are incresingly becoming victims as landlords fail to keep up with their mortgage payments. Elliot Bentley investigates the growing phenomenon

I

t was early January when Benn Dunn-Birch, a secondyear Geography student, returned from the Christmas holidays, ready to revise for his coming exams - only to find the locks on his door had been changed.

Unknown to Ben and his housemates, his landlord had defaulted on her mortgage and the house had been repossessed. Although a letter of eviction had been sent to provide them with two weeks’ notice, it had arrived during the Christmas holidays, leaving the current tenants unaware of the impending repossession.

“We were shocked,” Ben told The Courier. “It took us about two or three days to find out it was the landlord’s fault - she basically just handed over the keys to the bank and said, “I can’t keep up with the payments.”

Rendered homeless, Ben and his housemates were forced to sleep in friends’ houses for the following two weeks while they searched for a new house to live in. Their possessions were locked inside during this time until the bailiffs allowed them in very briefly to collect them.

“They just left us high and dry, and we didn’t know where to go,” said Ben. “It was coming up to exams as well.

“There was stuff in the house that we needed to use for revision, so it was all a bit panicked trying to get

work back to revise from. We were having to drive up and down the country to get our stuff.

“It’s irresponsible that the landlord didn’t even notify us that it had been repossessed. I’ll be checking everything and going through it in the future.”

Ben and his housemates have since moved to Heaton, having failed to find another house in Jesmond to live in. Their deposits have also yet to be returned.

Another student that contacted The Courier was Becky Hair, who rented a house on Cavendish Place, Jesmond. As soon as Becky and her housemates moved in, they immediately began to have problems with their landlord Ruza Shoukat.

“The house was never cleaned over the summer so we moved in to a house with mouldy fridge freezers and damp walls, curtain rails were hanging off, and three out of five of the desk chairs were unusable,” Becky told The Courier. “The door from the back yard onto the street was hanging off its hinges which caused insurance issues over Christmas - this was only fixed in early January. We also didn’t have a hoover for eight weeks so the house was disgusting.”

From there, it became increasingly worse. “We had a leak in the kitchen from the bathroom and were scared the ceiling was going to fall in. It took Mr Shoukat four days to get someone out and all he could say

Proof: despite Shoukat’s claims that he had never defaulted on his mortgage Hair submitted to The Courier a copy of the eviction notice that she was issued

was “my handyman is in hospital.”

He made no effort to get anyone else out to help us so we couldn’t shower properly.”

In addition to this, the housemates have yet to receive confirmation that their initial deposit was placed in a government-protected account leading them to fear that they may have lost £312 each.

However, for Becky the ‘final straw’ was an eviction letter that arrived through the letterbox on the January 13 - despite all housemates having kept up their rent. It was the beginning of, as Becky described it, “a month of hell”.

The landlord, Mr Shoukat, had failed to keep up with his mortgage on the house and it was to be repossessed in four weeks’ time. If Mr Shoukat did not rectify the situation, Becky and her housemates would be rendered homeless.

However, they quickly pursued legal action and, two days before the eviction date, a court hearing ruled that Becky and her housemates were to be allowed to stay until the lease was up - on the condition that they paid their rent to Company Preferred Mortgages instead.

This was a relief to Becky and her housemates. “No other party but us came to the hearing so the judge basically gave us what we wanted which is great.”

When asked to comment on the issue Mr Shoukat denied that he had ever defaulted on his mortgage payments or that the property had ever been repossessed. However a spokesperson from Groves Residential who let Shoukat’s property to Hair and her friends told The Courier: “We have let Mr Shoukat’s properties for him for the last two years.

The previous tenants also made complaints about him with regard to the return of their damage deposits.

“Groves has resolved not to deal with Mr Shoukat in the future as he has shown himself not to be a reliable person to deal with. We do not wish to deal with landlords like him who cause problems for student households.”

A month of hell: bewildered student Becky Hair was served an eviction notice when her on the proprerty which she and her housemates were renting from him, they eventually

Continued from front page in advance, making it even more difficult for the household to secure alternative accommodation.”

According to government data, repossessions in the UK increased over fivefold between 2004 and 2009, a result of the 2007 credit crunch, and the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) reported in 2008 that repossessions of buy-to-let properties had doubled from the year before.

Last year, the government passed new legislation in order to protect tenants, including the Mortgage Repossessions (Tenant Protection) Act 2010 and the Dwelling Houses (Execution Of Possession Orders By Mortgagees) Regulations 2010.

The former is designed to protect tenants living in houses in which the landlord has borrowed money to pay for the property but has not informed the lender it is being lent.

Among other slight changes to the law, it allows tenants to extend the eviction date by a further two months. The latter ensures a standardised letter is dispatched to provide at least two weeks’ notice to existing tenants.

This new legislation followed lobbying by Crisis, Citizens Advice, Shelter and the CIH (Chartered Institute of Housing) for increased legal protection for tenants in these situations. Crisis chief executive Le-

slie Morphy said at the time: “This is a major victory for an often overlooked group,” while CIH chief executive Sarah Webb said: “[This] will give thousands of tenants much needed peace of mind.”

However, for some of the evicted students The Courier spoke to the two week eviction notice is simply not long enough - some missing the letter while away on holiday while the two month extensions do not usually extend to the end of the academic year. When asked for a further comment regarding this, a representative from Shelter told The Courier that such students were “extremely unlucky” and recommended students to “get someone to open post while they are away”.

When asked what their normal set of procedures would be if a tenant was found in this situation, estate agents Stud-Lets.co.uk said that the landlord would be struck off and other estate agents warned of them.

According to some past tenants, however, not all agencies take this position - allowing known problematic landlords to continue to market houses through their companies.

The Student Advice Centre told The Courier that the most important thing students can do to avoid eviction is to open any mail addressed to “the occupiers”, even if the landlord has specified not to open any

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

News

S.TYSON

Continued from front page to do; there’s not thinking about your actions and saying something stupid and then there is doing something that is really, really disgusting,” she said.

The investigation could lead to one part-time officer being censured, which would put a black mark on their record. The issue would have to pass by a majority vote during Union Council and, if it were to pass, would come up if that person wished to run for a position as a Sabbatical, or use their position as a reference on their CV. The emails are being treated as complaints, and the students have expressed to both Fearns and Union President Tom Delamere how upset they were with the situation.

“I’m obviously disappointed this has happened, it’s not in the spirit of RAG week,” Delamere said.

The investigation comes on the tail of a national scandal where former Sky Sports presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys were fired for sexist remarks over female referee Sian Massey and began a debate about whether that sort of ‘banter’ is acceptable.

“What’s banter for some is really, really upsetting to others,” Fearns said.

The numberings also call into question a larger issue over the seeming clique culture of RAG participants and the ‘banter’ within the group that has led to questionable tactics of interviewing crew members.

One crew member, who wished to remain anonymous, said that during such an interview they were asked to perform an act they didn’t necessarily agree with on principle, but did so anyway. They told The Courier: “I was like, right, okay, I suppose in my head I knew there’s something not quite right here, but I suppose at the time okay I thought, if you don’t do it you’re going to look lame.

“I don’t think it’s meant maliciously, but it’s just the culture of what happens and people think it is funny and don’t think about the ramifications.”

Other accounts of the interview procedure report dares such as lap dances being set for would-be candidates.

The traditional hero and ‘shirts of shame’ were taken away from

RAG following the allegations that they were being used as a method of naming and shaming participants for lascivious actions during nights out. The shirts were originally authorised on the grounds that they would be given to people who have raised the most and least amounts of money, but it was found that they were also being given for significantly less charitable behaviour.

“The ‘shirt of shame’ is something that had become almost an institution for RAG and Freshers’ Week, however we understand the reasons why the sabbaticals chose to withdraw it as it had become almost a trophy rewarding bad behaviour, which is not something we want encouraged as it is offensive to some and can even be excluding,” said RAG in their official statement submitted to The Courier.

“The issue of banter is not necessarily indicative of one or two people”, one crew member went on to say, but somewhat endemic of the system in place.

Fearns, who was a RAG organizer last year, said that she’s still trying to figure out how to approach the situation.

5

“I think you just hope it grows by its own reputation, people think you are taking the fun out of it if you change the interviews that way… I don’t think that it [the confiscated t-shirts] affects how much fun you have during the week and I do think it gives the entire event more credibility and gets the right people involved,” she said.

This year RAG has surpassed their initial goal of £20,000 for six charities including, Newlife, Coppafeel! and Help for Heroes. By the end of last week, nearly £9,000 was raised, bringing the total to £85,000.

The same crew member said that despite the recent negative experience of RAG, the week is a great opportunity in aid of some brilliant causes, and added that the issues of this year can lead to a learning experience and reformation for future events.

“We can learn for the future. No one should be put off going for the positions because they deal with this sort of thing, but something needs to be put in place to make it a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”

Does the rush to find housing make students an easy target for disreputable landlords?

Luke Hearfield Commentary

I landlord failed to keep up with the mortage had to go court in order to settle the case

post sent to the address. If a notice of eviction does arrive, the SAC advises students to seek advice from them immediately as the eviction can be delayed through swift negotiation. In some cases the lender may allow the tenants to remain in the property (and pay the lender rent instead of the landlord) for the remainder of the lease.

Regarding students whose landlords default, the University told The Courier that in most cases they would direct students to the Student Advice Centre, as well as offering emergency accommodation and helping find a new property to live in. They also suggested that students should fill out PEC forms if they feel it may have affected their academic performance.

Megan Thompson-Green has since moved to a new property. Although she managed to extend her lease, it has meant she and her housemates have racked up £600 worth of solicitors’ fees. “I would blame the estate agents,” she said. “It is equally the landlord’s fault, but the estate agent’s job includes managing landlords - surely they should know what their financial situation is.

“Estate agents take students on scams every day.

“They just walk the walk and talk the talk - they’re just having a laugh.”

t’s every student’s rite of passage when they make the transition from living cosily, rent-free as a teenager with mum and dad to becoming an adult and performing grown-up ideals like paying council tax and owning their own property. It’s supposed to be an independent stage in any adolescent’s life that prepares them for the reality of property hunting when they’re older. However, this inevitable experience can turn into a complete nightmare for some.

For those who didn’t get it done early, this time of year becomes an absolute riot to find housemates and decent accommodation for

next year. With competition for property being fierce and little time to do it in, students can often jump the gun and sign a contract in fear that they will not be able to find anywhere better. However, with preconceptions about properties blurred by desperation, students can often fall into the bear trap of shoddy real estate. Does the rush to find housing make students an easy target for dodgy landlords?

Well, first-year Maths student Sam Cartwright was unfortunate to be put in a difficult position recently. After locating a house in Sandyford, he was told to leave a deposit on the house within 24 hours in order to secure it. Sam left the required amount and signed the contract the next day.

He said the agent told him “the

house is yours and the landlord’s chuffed to have you”. What Sam

“Many people here the horror stories of student housing, but this illustrates why students need to be more conscious about what it is there agreeing to.” didn’t know was that the house had already been rented by the landlord.

He told The Courier: “I was panicking about paying a deposit

to a house I wasn’t going to get.”

Fortunately after a few visitations to the estate agent he managed to get his money back.

Claire Roburn had trouble getting her security deposit back after her landlord claimed she was responsible for damage to the ceiling. In fact, it had been caused by the weather, but because it wasn’t covered in her contract, she was not refunded the £220 deposit she gave at the start of the year.

Many people hear the horror stories of student housing, but this illustrates why students need to be more conscious about what it is they’re agreeing to, and making sure they have evidence of the conditions of their homes before committing to something that could end up costing more than they originally thought.

Sell, sell, sell: too many letting agents are all too keen to paint a false picture of the perfect house Miranda Dobson Commentary

W

e’ve all been there. Drudging through rental listings and being shown no end of damp, grotty and overpriced houses by sleazy estate agents making assurances that, by the time you move in, it will be pimped-out with under floor heating and Jacuzzi-ed up to the nines.

This may be a stereotype, but it’s one that resonates with many peoples’ experiences of letting student property in Newcastle. With reports of landlords changing the locks after payment defaults and leaving students homeless, an underlying problem is plain;

students are not being taken seriously as customers or as adults by letting agents.

“The fact that letting agents do not seem willing to do the necessary small things to make their tenants’ lives more comfortable only goes to show that they quite simply do not care.”

Personally, I have had irritating problems with an agent, but

thankfully not to the serious extent of those locked out of their own homes. After making valid and reasonable requests I was left without solutions and with a very bitter taste in my mouth. This was especially infuriating when said letting agent is in the process of showing other potential tenants around the house and making promises of spotlights in the ceiling and brand new bathrooms to unwitting first years, whilst I must deal with a lukewarm tap-like trickle for a shower as well as damp and mould. Of course, this is seemingly trivial in comparison to the more extreme cases.

The fact that letting agents do not seem willing to do the necessary small things to make their tenants’ lives more comfortable only goes to show that they quite simply do

not care.

One has to wonder if this is how agents act across the board, or is it only students who aren’t respected as tenants who deserve to have their properties maintained to a liveable standard?

Last year my lack of renting experience may have meant I was taken in by false assurances, and rushed into signing for a house because of pressure to finalise living plans.

This year, I refuse to be taken around the houses by zealous agents who will inevitably fall flat and fail to deliver.

Got a story?

Contact the news team and be the first to break the news: courier.news@ncl.ac.uk

6

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

News

Green fingered students lend a helping hand in cleaning up Exhibition Park Pavan Masali Newcastle students volunteereering with SCAN have helped to clean up Exhibition Park.

Aspart of an ongoing project by SCAN to maintain and develop Exhibition Park, SCAN organises and encourages students to actively take part in various weekly activities, such as raking and bagging leaves, and planting flowers in the Blind Society Sensory Garden. It’s a good chance to get out of the concrete jungle, meet new people and get some fresh air.

In spite of the muggy weather, four students turned up at the SCAN office. SCAN manager Bob Milan drove us to the site, where he provided us with wellies and necessary equipment.

The volunteers for the day were four undergraduate students Bethan, Helen, Allan and Samuel, who regularly take part in SCAN activities.

“We set to work immediately, required to rake all the foliage formed during the winter months. This would enable the new shoots to grow during the ensuing summer.”

Milan initiates various projects such as planting trees, creating wetland areas, improving paths along the lake and other environmental projects. The funds for these projects are raised partly by the Student Union and partly by government funding. However, Bob expresses con-

cern over the funding cuts, which might affect planned projects for the future of Exhibition Park.

Early records indicate that the park is a result of several stages of growth from Town Moor pastureland to the current manicured people’s park.

The current park is still the venue for many major outdoor events in Newcastle, such as the annual mela.

However, it is also a haven of green space in the heart of a busy city, which is often used by local residents, university students and visitors to the region.

Newcastle City Council, in association with Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Newcastle College, has formed a new group, the ‘Students in Newcastle Forum’, which will try to improve services for the 37,000 full-time students living in the city, including many from overseas.

Students at all three establishments welcomed the forum. Tom Delamere, president of the Newcastle University Students’ Union said: “Students contribute in many ways to the diverse and energetic atmosphere that surrounds Newcastle, from volunteering to generating income for local businesses, while the city is a vibrant place to live, work and study, and that attracts many students from around the world each year.

“This forum sets out to positively benefit all who live in this great city.”

P.MASALI

The SCAN project encourages students to volunteer their skills in weekly activities in order to maintain and develop Exhibition Park

Sleepout to raise issue Research saves life on the status of refugees of young mother Kat Bannon As part of the Still Human, Still Here campaign, Newcastle’s STAR (Student Action for Refugees) Society and Amnesty International Society are organising a Sleepout.

The event will take place at St Thomas’ Church, opposite Haymarket, on Friday March 4 in conjunction with a number of Sleepout events taking place across the country. The aim is to raise awareness of the effects of destitution.

The Sleepout event will begin at 7pm and go on until 9pm with food, music, speakers, workshops and campaign actions to which everyone is welcome to show their support.

Under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, asylum is a form of protection given by a country to an individual who is fleeing persecution in his or her own country.

Without asylum, that individual has no rights to the basic essentials for living. Unable to work they instead rely upon the support of family, friends and charities for survival.

However, given that they are fleeing torture and death in their own country, rather than hoping to gain the economic opportunities sought

after by immigrants, destitution would remain the easier option.

Those who are refused asylum are done so on the grounds that they cannot demonstrate enough evidence that they are at risk of persecution in their own country. Nevertheless, the system used to reach this decision is complex and not entirely foolproof.

-The UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees was adopted in 1951 and is the centrepiece of international refugee protection today.

-A 1967 Protocol removed the geographical and temporal limits of the 1951 Convention.

Occasionally those seeking asylum are left in limbo where the UK government will neither return them

home, nor give them legal status, hence refusing them the opportunity to support themselves.

The 40 organisations behind the Still Human, Still Here campaign believe that there are viable alternative solutions to the destitution faced by asylum seekers.

By allowing these individuals to work if a decision about their case is yet to be made after six months, or if the government refuses to return them to their home country despite refusing their claim, they can afford better legal representation in their appeal.

This would result in a higher rate of correct trial decisions, in turn saving money and time as well as reducing the damaging psychological effects generated by a complex legal process.

Rather than this increasing the level of unemployment within the UK, by only allowing asylum seekers to obtain work from a short occupations list, they would therefore be acquiring positions which can only be temporarily filled, ended the economy and saving the taxpayers’ money.

If you would like to get involved in the Still Human, Still here campaign and learn more about asylum seeking get in touch via Facebook: www.tiny.cc/starsleepout.

Louise Naylor Pioneering research from scientists at Newcastle University has saved the life of a woman suffering from a mystery illness.

Stacy Sheppard, 23, was told by medics that she only had one year to live after they couldn’t find out what was wrong with her.

However, studies by Newcastle University, lead by Professor Matthew, Stacy’s consultant of the Institute of Cellular Medicine, diagnosed her with an extremely rare immunity deficiency, which they now call DCML deficiency.

This syndrome had never before been found in humans and can lead to hereditary leukaemia. This link goes some way in explaining the early deaths of her aunt, father and grandfather who are now believed to have had varieties of the same condition and all died in their 30s.

The newly-named disease is caused by a lack of dendritic cells in a person’s bone marrow, which are a crucial defence mechanism in fighting infection.

This explains Miss Sheppard’s symptoms, which confined her to the hospital. Describing her suffering, she said: “I couldn’t do anything for myself. I was deteriorating

day by day and my weight dropped down to six-and-a-half stone. I just kept getting worse and worse.”

This illness forced her to be confined to a hospital for a year due to the repeated infection never allowing her body to recover.

Help would come at last in the form of Newcastle scientists who believed the treatment lay in a bone marrow transplant, which was suggested last July after a bone marrow biopsy finally identified the condition.

This will be undoubtedly relieving news for Miss Sheppard and her three-year-old daughter, Ellie, after the three year medical struggle.

The results may also stop the hereditary illness being passed any further down the generations and make diagnosis easier in the future.

Miss Sheppard says of the result: ‘‘The transplant has quite simply given me my life back - I can now walk short distances. I still require oxygen but it’s considerably reduced and I no longer need a ventilator at night time.”

To put it simply, she says, “I can’t thank everyone enough for giving me my life back.”

This incredible research was funded by the blood cancer charity ‘Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research’.

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

News

7

Rag Week a rip roaring success with over £10,000 raised for charity S.TYSON

Tarren Smarr Newcastle University has just hosted one of the biggest and most succesful RAG (Raising and Giving) Weeks in history.

Almost 200 students hit the streets of Newcastle collecting as much money as possible, alongside hosting events each night of the week.

Though the main events of RAG are centered around the week long event, RAG organisers Olivia Mackie and Edward Marston took a new and innovative approach to optimize fundraising efforts.

This year Mackie and Marston organized several events prior to RAG to not only raise awareness, but raise money.

Additional events included the reintroduction of RAG Raids. During a Raid, members from Newcastle RAG attended events UK wide in order to help other universities with their RAG events.

Raids took Newcastle students from Manchester to our very own MetroCentre, all in the name of charity. Through Raids, the Newcastle Team have collected over £3,000!

“The Raids helped to promote RAG as well as form connections with other university groups,” commented Marston.

In addition to Raids, the RAG organisers also brought back Jailbreak.

The event, taking place over a 36 hour window requires participants to get as far away as they can from Newcastle for free.

Student participants talked themselves onto flights, trains and busses some getting as far away as Canada and South Africa. Jailbreak has helped to raise close to £10,000.

Another big event that is poised to bring in a great deal of money for charity is the Choose a Challenge event. Students have the option of attending one of six adventures that range from the Three Peaks challenge to climbing Kilimanjaro.

“I have been working with the Choose a Challenge event organizers this year and will be climbing Kilimanjaro this summer to raise money for RAG,” said second year student and RAG committee member Anna Glenwright. “I am really excited for the adventure!”

Challenges for charity: over the course of the week RAG has raised over £10,000 making it one of the biggest and most successful RAG weeks in history

With all the hype about the events prior to the week, it is no surprise that the week itself not only raised money, but created fun for Newcastle students. Events included a pub quiz comedy night, and the ever sopopular slave auction.

This year, Slave Auction organiser Danielle Harris put a unique spin on the event creating ‘Slave Me Out.’ The event, co-hosted by Claud Day and Tarren Smarr, was conducted in the fashion of the hit show, ‘Take

Me Out.’ The event featured eight rounds of both males and females auctioning themselves off for a good cause.

“I didn’t have a chance to participate in the whole week as my course load is pretty heavy so offering to auction myself off allowed me to still participate in a RAG event,” said Matthew Hall.

The highlight of the week was the Roller Disco. The event, held at Sam Jacks, had students off their feet and

on skates, grooving to the sounds during a UV themed party. Whilst some spent more time on the floor, the event was a smash with participants.

The week itself has raised an estimated £10,000. Put that together with the totals from Jail Break, Raids, and Choose a Challenge, the overall amount is over £85,000!

“We are really pleased with how RAG this year has gone and would like to thank everyone who has been

involved,” mentions Mackie. “We have made a lot of money which hopefully will make a big difference for a lot of people.”

With several events, such as Lost and Escape and Evade, alongside the continued support still coming in from the community, the RAG totals will only increase as will the support for RAG’s chosen charities.

Profound discovery made by University researchers Harriet King Newcastle University researchers have once again made a significant finding, this time in identifying a new gene which will allow the rapid diagnosis, and earlier, and therefore more effective treatment for a debilitating neuromuscular condition.

The paper, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG) was the result of research

by Dr Juliane Muller from Newcastle University and Dr Jan Senderek from the University of Aachen in

Germany at the head of an international team of scientists.

The condition the gene, GFPT1, caused is Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS) which affects the way signals travel between the brain and the muscles.

The severity of the conditions varies hugely between individuals but can range from minor paralysis to death. Severity is determined by where exactly the fault lies between the nerves and the muscles.

CMS affects one in every 500,000 births, and was recently brought

to prominence by the media attention that fell on baby RB, affected

by CMS, who became the centre of a right for life debate.

In baby RB’s case, CMS meant that it was almost impossible for him to breathe on his own, and an operation to do so would not benefit; the High Court was told that he was not a candidate for such an operation.

The boy’s mother and his doctors believed that he had lived a ‘burdensome existence’ and ventilation tubes should be removed. The boy’s father contested the decision believ-

ing that a tracheotomy would provide his son with a good quality of life.

The variation of CMS that has been identified by Dr Muller and Dr Senderek is one that tends to develop within the first 10 years of the sufferers life.

Muscle control and strength in this variation is lost in either hips and shoulders or arms and legs. Genetic identification means that doctors can confirm the condition earlier, which allows earlier treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors.

Professor Hanns Lochmuller of the Institute of Human Genetics at Newcastle explains that this treatment offers an effective therapy, which crucially can be taken through life.

This would not have worked with Baby RB, however, as his ability to breathe had been so badly affected

by CMS. GFPT1 is involved in initiating the metabolism of amino sugar, which increases even further the usefulness of this research as it highlights a new area of potential research into future treatments.

8

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

News

Newcastle Uni crowned king of the North East Dan Robinson Newcastle University has been crowned the king of North East higher education in a Times national student survey – beating off competition from the likes of Durham, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside.

The Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, which included 13,000 undergraduates nationwide, found that Newcastle topped the regional table in terms of student satisfaction.

The University also finished in a highly respectable 13th position overall – a seven-place climb on the previous year’s results.

Twenty-one elements were included as part of the assessment criteria, including academic feedback on aspects such as course structure and teaching, as well as more social factors, such as sports and accom-

modation facilities.

Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-ViceChancellor for Learning & Teaching at Newcastle University, welcomed the results. She commented, “I am delighted that undergraduate students rate the quality of their experience so highly.

“This reflects the effort that everyone at the University has contributed in the last 12 months to add to the positive experiences of our students.

“It is clear that students value an all-round experience, from teaching and learning through to accommodation and social activities, and that Newcastle University is very well placed to deliver this.

“We remain committed to continuous improvement in all elements of our provision.”

Students on campus have been quick to commend both the University and city in light of the results.

Delighted: Pro-Vice Chancellor Suzanne Cholerton enthused about the result

Christopher Smith, a second-year Politics student, feels his decision to move away from the south has been justified.

“Everyone you meet here, from the staff to the students, is always willing to talk”, he added.

“The University is in a fantastic city and the quality of education here persuaded me to study in Newcastle rather than anywhere else”.

Mary Mullarkey, a third-year student in Media, Communication and Cultural Studies, said, “Newcastle University is definitely the best place to study in the North East.

“I have had the best experience, and will be sad to leave in June.

Hopefully reaching the top spot will reassure all the people who want to come to this fantastic University that it is a really worthwhile decision.

“It is a difficult time to consider university with the increase in tuition fees, and Newcastle really

needs to stand out to continue having a range of students from across the country.”

However, not all students agree with the University’s achievement.

James Jackson, a third-year History student, cites the lack of serious competition in the area as the main reason for Newcastle’s success.

He said, “My course is poorly run and we don’t even have a proper Students’ Union this year.

“So these results don’t say much for the other universities – if there were any other top universities in the region we might see some different results.”

Newcastle had also been shortlisted for the ‘University of the Year’ award, and retained its position in the top 200 world rankings, finishing in 152nd position as well as 56th in Europe. Only 30 British Universities were included in the global table.

Swansea SU bans event name

Molavi, who had repeatedly published critical articles about the Iranian presidential elections in 2009, was arrested at an airport in Theran in April 2010 on his way back to the United Kingdom.

An anonymous friend of Molavi has now claimed that he was released about a month ago, although the Human Rights Activists News Agency states that currently no exact information about Molavi‘s situation is available.

Lisa Bernhardt

The Careers Service provides information and advice on developing your skills, finding a part-time job, work experience, supporting business start-up and (when the time comes) exploring graduate opportunities.

For more details about these and other vacancies, including details of how to apply, visit their website at www.ncl.ac.uk/careers.

Vacancies brought to you by the Careers Service...

PART TIME VACANCIES Job Title: Demonstrators, Mystery Shoppers and Merchandisers Employer: Gekko Partners Ltd Closing date: 11/03/2011 Salary: Competitive Basic job description: We are currently looking to recruit staff on a casual and ad-hoc basis to work weekends within retail environments. Demonstrating technology products such as laptops and cameras during the busy Easter trading period and for the rest of the year as campaigns arise.

Location: Newcastle Job Title: Bar Staff Employer: JD Weatherspoons Closing date: 06/03/2011 Salary: National Minimum Wage Basic job description: Bar work at the Five Swans in Newcastle.

Various part-time shifts are available.

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Job Title: Club Leader Employer: Clubs 4 Children Closing date: Ongoing Salary: Competitive Basic job description: We are looking to recruit club leaders to both lead and support their after-school clubs and holiday provision.

Location: Various North East Job Title: Outbound Customer Executive

Employer: Echo-U Ltd Closing date: 20/03/2011 Salary £12,500 pro rata Basic job description: You will be working on an outbound data acquisition and conversion campaign during which you will be required to demonstrate exceptional customer service skills as well as meeting and exceeding targets.

Location: Newcastle Job Title: Sales Advisor Employer: CC Viyelle Closing date: 15/03/2011 Salary: Meets National Minimum Wage Basic job description: Sales, customer service, housekeeping, deliveries.

Person Requirements: Must have retail experience Location: Gateshead Metro Centre Job Title: Team Member Employer: Revive Juice Bar Closing date: 18/03/2011 Salary: Competitive Basic job description: Customer service – experience required.

Location: Gateshead Metro Centre Job Title: Sales Assistant Employer: Lipsy Closing date: 20/06/2011 Salary: £300 - £350 per week Basic job description: Duties will include, till operation, stock replenishment and accepting deliveries.

Person requirements: Previous fashion experience desired Location: Gateshead Metro Centre Newcastle Work Experience (NWE) NWE offers project based work placements in local companies.

Term time placements are for 100 hours to be worked flexibly over a 3-4 month period, and students

are paid a £600 bursary. Summer placements are for 10 weeks full time with a bursary of £2,400.

Visit Vacancies Online and select Work Experience, and check the ‘Newcastle Work Experience’ option for details of all opportunites.

Job Title: Newcastle Work Experience – Web Developer Employer: Evoke Art & Design Closing date: 06/03/2011 Salary: £600 bursary Basic job description: The role will be to create a small web application to accompany a website templating service aimed at creative businesses.

Person requirements: Ideally skills in PHP, Javascript (JSON, jQuery), XML Location: Newcastle Work Experience Job Title: Newcastle Work Experience – Summer Placements Employer: North East Businesses Salary: £2,400 bursary Basic job description: Placements available soon in a range of areas including PR, Marketing, Engineering, Science, IT and Business Planning. Full time for 10 weeks from June/July.

Person requirements: Register your interest now at www.ncl. ac.uk/career/nwe Location: North East Job Title: Elections Assistant Employer: Northumbria University Students Union Closing date: 07/03/2011 Salary: £5.96 per hour Basic job description: We are looking to recruit 8-10 Newcastle University students to support Northumbria Students’ Union in organising and delivering excellent elections. These posts are for 15-25 hours per week for a fixed 1 week contract commencing 21st March 2011 (including paid training on 18th March 2011 from 12-2pm).

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

A Valentine‘s Day event at Swansea University had to be rebranded after complaints had been made about its controversial name.

The event organised by Swansea Student Events (SSE) attracted a great deal of attention at the beginning of the year when the organisers decided to call it “F**k me I’m horny” in the style of David Guetta‘s “F**k me, I‘m famous”.

According to the SU president, this name is not in line with the Union‘s values. Furthermore, the event organisers hadn‘t obtained the majority backing from the sabbatical officers which is compulsory for every event within the Student Union.

Crime lowest in decade at LSE According to a LSE Security, Reception and Porters report published this month, the crime rates on campus in 2010 have been the lowest in 13 years.

The annual statistics were firstly made public in 1998. The most common crime was theft of personal belongings from communal areas.

The LSE Head of Security Paul Thornbury suspects that this is due to the inner-city location of the campus that keeps up an ‘open access policy‘. While the overall cash loss from theft has decreased in 2010, there was a significant increase in cash loss caused by criminal damage.

Academic released from Iranian prison The former director of the Centre for Iranian Studies (CIS) at Durham University, Dr Reza Molavi, was allegedly released from a prison in Iran after being jailed for several months.

University collaboration announced David Eastwood and David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellors of the University of Nottingham and University of Birmingham, have announced their plans that the universities will strengthen their cooperation in certain fields in the future.

They will mainly collaborate in terms of postgraduate teaching, research and international projects such as the expanding of their overseas campuses.

Moreover, this partnership would help the two universities to save a large amount of money in the times of education cuts. However, concerns about possible staff cuts and a loss of independence have been expressed by students of both universities.

Hall rents at Imperial revised In an attempt to reduce accommodation rents at Imperial College in London, the university has declared to scrutinise the components of the weekly costs; they can range from ca. £55 to ca. £227.

The costs are partly made up of a so-called amenities fund, i.e. already include the fees for social events (tickets, food, alcohol etc.) in the halls. Not only could this save the students money, but also protect them from paying for events they don‘t even attend, as the number of tickets is usually limited.

9

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

Will the recent rise in protests be commonplace in the future?

Comment Editors: Laura Heads and Danny Kielty - courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk

> Page 10

Free speech and the fundamentalists L.MACKENZIE

Harriet King

Universities are being called upon to be more vigilant about potential radicalisation of students on campus as the ‘Underwear’ or ‘Christmas Day’ bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab faces trial in the USA. Abdulmutallab was radicalised whilst studying in London, but an internal investigation by UCL, the University where he was President of the Islamic Society, found that Abdulmutallab’s radicalisation did not occur on the university campus or through any university societies or activities.

David Cameron has stated that universities need to do more to ensure that radicalisation is not occurring on campus; that guest speakers to events are not well known fundamentalists or those with extreme views about animal rights, as well as political and religious extremism.

Cameron was careful to state that tighter control is needed in conjunction with preservation of free speech on University campuses. This is the key point. A careful balance needs to be found between projection of both sides of an argument and ensuring that a powerful, fundamentalist argument does not dominante.

The controversy that occurred within Newcastle University when Nick Griffin was invited to speak at the Student’s Union is a prime example of this. Where does the bal-

You, The Courier Aimee Philipson, Combined Honours student reviews the last edition

I

usually read The Courier online, picking out the bits that jump out on the website, but having a chance to read through the whole newspaper this week made me realize there are some great sections and features I’m missing out on each week.

I always turn to the Lifestyle and Fashion sections first as I love the regular features and diverse fashion articles.

An hilarious Madame et Monsieur (are they meant to be that funny?!) and a nervewracking Blind Date were followed by a lesson in what a ‘Vajazzle’ is and the benefits of meditation - which may both come in useful one day.

News and Comment were interesting as always although Stephanie Ferrao’s

Treading the tightrope: where do universities draw the line when it comes to the expression of controversial views and opinions?

ance between free speech and the potentially highly offensive words of someone like Griffin lie? Griffin has stated multiple times that he is not a racist, but that he is a British Nationalist.

He can say that until he is blue in the face, but should students at our University, who are part of our community, have had to put up with his presence on their campus as he preaches against their presence in this country in the name of ensuring free speech? It is a difficult question.

Likewise, should an Islamic extremist group have the right to talk against western culture and preach religious extremism on a campus in London in the name of free speech?

Debate is crucial in universities.

University tends to be where people are at their most radical and they provide a stimulating environment where discussion can occur.

In 1960s America, students were shot at Jackson and Kent State Universities as they protested about their lack of free speech on campus; they wanted the right to protest on campus about the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, and other key movements occurring at the time. Student maintenance of free speech is essential.

Universities are taking their responsibilities about both free speech and working against potential on campus radicalisation seriously.

Newcastle University, for example,

article on cash for internships stood out for me. The Culture section is well-designed and makes for a good read although I don’t always know who they’re talking about in Music –I’m definitely behind the times.

UK set for big leap forward

C OU RI ER

Georgie Cossins

THE

NEWCASTLE STUDENTS THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF

EST 1948

FREE

www.thecourieronline.co.uk

‘I could never leave my family’

21 2011 Issue 1224 Monday February

to bring dependents Visa changes could deny students right

J.OFFREDO

Fran Infante Editor Student visa changes could force parents to choose between education and family as the government ends its consultation period.

The Courier has been contacted by a number of international students concerned about the government’s proposed changes to the UK visa system, which could see parents 12 arriving to study for less than to months being denied the right bring their children with them.

Riham Ashari is studying a Masters in Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology, and lives in Newcastle with her husband Hani and old their two children, three year Hala and 18 month old Mohammed.

The family, who are originally from Saudi Arabia, know how lucky they are to be able to be together while both parents study at Newcastle, but for many more the future may If become much more uncertain. be the suggested changes were to implemented, Masters students like deAshari could face the agonising or cision to either end her studies leave her children behind. in Currently the only instance which a parent may not bring their child with them on their student visa6 is if their course lasts for less than months, but as part of a government consultation on the Student Immigration System this could be upped into 12 months, thus affecting all coming Masters Students. which The consultation period, closed at the end of January offered students and institutions to voice their concerns on a range of proposed measures to control student migration that include the removal of the post-study work (PSW) visas and severely limiting the hours and conditions under which students may work during term time.

The proposals have provoked condemnation from Newcastle and the other universities up and down country with the Russell Group It deeming them “very damaging.” is reported that during the consultaretion period the Border Agency ceived more than 30,000 responses from individuals and institutions including Newcastle University and Newcastle University Students’ Union, urging the MPs to reconsider ‘solusighted short apparently this tion’ to rising immigration levels.

of the EU and Smiling for now: students from outside

Conservative Party plans to significantly cut immigration have been well publicised since the general election last May, so for many litthe proposed changes come as the tle surprise. However, there is of sense that the student population immigrants has become a scapegoat for a coalition keen to deliver at least some progress before the next election.

Christina Yan Zhang, InternationThe al Officer for NUS explained to Courier: “The biggest danger is that the broader immigration debate should include international students. They are not here to work nor do they want to settle here, most just want– to get their education and go home there is no logical reason why intel-

their families face an uncertain future

be ligent desirable students should prevented from doing this.”

Not only are the changes, she argues harmful to the future opportunities of thousands of individual students but “it’s also potentially damaging for the nation as a whole. enBritain is competing in a global vironment and these new restrictions will damage the ability of British universities to attract the best and the brightest students. They will simply opt for higher education in Australia, Canada and the USA instead.

“The coalition government say the they want to reduce the abuse of system through bogus colleges and such but bringing in these changes and applying them to institutions like Newcastle is only going to harm

Inside today >>>

Taxi sex warning Black cab drivers reported for requesting sexual favours as payment from female passengers News, page 3

Beyond saving? to Simon Murphy and Harriet King get grips with Cameron’s Big Idea and question whether it is all really worth it.

Comment, page 10

Bare cheek Sarah Walsh gets back to nature as she takes a nude visit to the city’s Turkish Baths Lifestyle, page 15

as the government proposes sweeping

and unpopular reforms to UK visa

hardworking, legitimate students.for “There is even further potential these changes to damage individual universities. 40 per cent of postgraduates across the country are from outside the EU, and they mainly focus on science and engineering on subjects; without them numbers afthese courses will be drastically fected and so will research standards of UK universities, putting on them behind their competitors the international stage.

“International students contribute UK around £12.5 billion a year to universities they attend, if these institutions lose such valuable stualdents at a time when many are ready struggling to cope with massive teaching grant cuts the effects could be terrible.”

Indie’s oddballs “There are zombies probably being killed elsewhere on the coach as we speak.” Elliot Bentley talks to Everything Everything Music, page 31

regulations

Zhang’s advice to students was do “do not be afraid, we cannot get anything if we worry too much, lecyour friends involved, tell your big turers, together we can make a noise.”

One student determined to make his voice heard is 18-year-old Adit at Agarwal, who found himself the forefront of Newcastle’s caman paign since early December. As Indian national Argawal stands of to be one of those whose hopes working in the UK after graduthe ation could be dashed when government delivers its ‘statement of intent’ on the changes at the end of March. The ramification of which could be enormous as many Indian salaries students rely on the higher Continued page 4

Hidden addiction Harry Slavin reports on the growing gambling culture gripping professional footballers Sport, page 37

What do you think of The Courier this week? Send your 180-word review to courier. comment@ncl.ac.uk

The government plans to move clocks forward by one hour in the UK, meaning that the UK would be on the same time as most countries within Europe.

“Why?” do I hear you ask? The principal reason is to boost the tourism industry.

With the sun rising one hour later at 08.14 and setting at 18.23 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, it has been claimed that the longer evenings will encourage more tourists to visit the country.

Of course it is our climate that brings the tourists to Britain! There’s nothing like getting soaked through in the rain, or diving into the icecold North Sea on your summer holiday…

Another reason given was that health and wellbeing would be improved; the more hours of daylight

did not react strongly even against student take-over of the Fine Art building during recent student protests.

But they do need to ensure that potentially aberrant behaviour is pulled up on, and details about any such behaviour passed on to the correct authorities, although universities are very careful about privacy infringement as part of this. It is not the job of a university to spy upon potentially radical young men and women. But if a university gets a bad name in terms of allowing radicalised speakers free reign on a regular basis, then free speech is potentially threatened, as backlash against behaviour stands a chance of going too far the other way.

There is actually a history of students in non-religious areas of extremism being held in check by their peers. At Oxford University, for example, animal rights groups were growing radical and violent in their protest over new labs, as part of the School of Medicine, which were being built to house small primates for experimental use.

The building site was sabotaged on a regular basis and contractors involved in the constructions routinely threatened. A counter group, the Pro-Test group was formed, led predominantly by Science students, who attempted to not only protect the site and those involved, but to also increase education and to try and make animal rights groups understand why primate testing was so important to the medical research being carried out.

This self-regulation suggests that universities need only to encourage healthy debate to attempt to combat certain forms of radicalisation. Fear of causing offense, or of being accused of racism, however, can limit the potential combat of any radical religious groups on campus.

It is crucial to maintain free speech, but fundamentalism or any form of excessive radicalism should not be tolerated, and universities should deal with it as they deem appropriate. Free speech does not mean inciting racial hatred, or preaching jihad, or burning down labs.

Free speech is about the chance for your opinions to be heard and discussion in an intellectual forum, in which the theoretical is allowed to come to the fore and be debated.

offered will supposedly encourage more people to be active in the longer evenings.

Children will have longer to play their ball games in parks, without their parents worrying about it getting too dark before tea-time, and we would all get more sunshine in our day.

However Scotland has criticised these plans claiming road accidents will increase due to the dark mornings at rush hour.

“For years Britain has had heated debates about the changing of the clocks.

How can one hour make such a big difference to our lives?”

More specifically they argue that more school children are likely to be hit by vehicles during their journey to school in the early mornings.

For years Britain has had heated debates about the changing of the

clocks. How can one hour make such a big difference to our lives?

It’s not as though children are going to have to invest in night goggles in order to find their way to school in the morning, there are street lamps after all.

The dairymen, shepherds or even fishermen are hardly going to start a revolt at having to get up in the dark (as they do that anyway).

Of course Britain has already been moving its clocks back and forth since 1916.

Every year in the UK, we move our clocks one hour forward on the last Sunday in March and one hour back on the last Sunday in October so that we may have more hours of sunshine in our day.

How much then will these new proposed changes really make a difference to our day-to-day lives?

I suppose we will never get to feel again the one-hour jet lag on our holidays to Europe.

If you are going to miss this acute feeling of jet lag, you had better book a holiday soon!

10

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Comment

Chinese reflections on the ‘Tiger Mother’ generation Xiaodan Li

Have you ever reflected on the family environment where you were brought up?

Is it a happy and joyful childhood, when you look back? Or is it a total nightmare, which is the last thing on your mind to talk about for the rest of your life?

Of course, different people would think of different answers to this.

However, it mostly depends on where you come from.

The controversial book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother , written by Amy Chua, who is perceived as “Tiger Mother”, has sparked hot debate both online and offline about how far parents are supposed to go when it comes to educating their children.

The story filled with “strict and horrible” approaches to pushing her daughters into the right direction in future life would probably be shocking to the young generation in western countries, for instance, the UK, as is demonstrated on BBC. As a matter of fact, it is not really as

horrible as you probably imagined.

And I would love to show you the other side of the story, since I was brought up in a similar educational background, as being Chinese.

There is no denying the fact that you are asked, sometimes even forced, to do academic readings most of the time, while your spare time should be filled up with a speciality, such as playing a musical instrument for the dream of being a musical prodigy. This has always been quite popular from Chinese parents’ perspective.

This means for those who are not willing to study or drive an interest to a professional level, the life would be absolutely dull, both inside class and outside it.

Hang on a minute. Why is this actually happening? Would this damage the relationship between children and their parents rather than building a bridge to fight the “generation gap”?

Society is to blame; it is full of fierce competition everywhere. It comes as no surprise that with a huge population and a one-child policy in China, the only way to stand out or simply make ends meet is by throwing yourself into the horrible waves of competition.

Due to this cruel fact, which is too true to face, parents are left with no

Big names and small responsibilties Emily Sargent

Celebrities seem to have a great knack for avoiding charges when it comes to drugs, exotic animals, and/or experimental sex - the best nights involve all three of course.

Big names have included Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Pete Doherty and his box of tiny mice with their tiny spoons and tiny lighters, and most recently, Bruno Mars (aka Peter Hernandez).

Bruno has had charges dropped after pleading guilty to possessing 2.6 grams of cocaine whilst in the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel toilets.

He was swiftly seized after a notoriously wily bathroom attendant pieced together the cryptic clues in a moment of insight, which he later divulged coyly to Bruno’s family, as he paced the room fondling his moustache: “he was taking a really long time”. Someone, quick! Get that man a deerstalker!

Do celebrities get away with too much then? Hernandez is paying a fine of $2000 and completing 200 hours of community service, but will retain a clean record.

Chris Brown is also trying to win us back after being charged with assaulting Rihanna and receiving community labour, plus five years’ probation, but he can forget that.

I didn’t care much for him anyway, and since Rihanna’s leg performed on The X Factor I have had nothing

to say to him, despite his efforts at repentance - the video for ‘Yeah 3x’ suggests he’s founded a community zumba project. Not interested.

George Michael only served half of an eight week jail sentence after crashing his car into ‘Snappy Snaps’ having smoked a “cannabis cigarette”.

He must really hate a hurriedly developed, poor resonance photo, one can only presume.

The argument is then, that if celebrities are treated differently, we risk glamorizing drug use and desensitizing youth culture in terms of their consequences.

Surely though, the only people who are really at risk of being influenced by this sort of information are the drastically younger teens?

I would suggest that we should all be able to make our own judgements, regardless of what Bruno Mars is doing in a toilet.

The younger lot will be fine as long as Bieber stays clean and locked away under the stairs after hours at Usher’s place anyway, ironing his doo rags and things.

They’ve got The Jonas Brothers too, who are unlikely to lead anyone astray.

I mean Oldest Jonas surely won’t unhinge his chastity belt for the first time until the 17th anniversary of his marriage to Mrs. Oldest Jonas, and it will probably be on a bed of wild meadow flowers with a silk-robed dove playing the harp - no chains or radiators or Boy George present.

Really yes, of course everyone should get the same sentence, but I think we’d be mistaken to take anything of what they do too seriously in the first place.

choice but to help their precious babies by pushing them into the real world.

Even though it might sound like being a prisoner at home, where you have to immerse yourself totally in the ocean of knowledge from subjects in school, to skills outside class, the idea is to prepare you for a better future.

There is an old saying in China, “you can only enjoy life after suffering from it”. This actually implies that the sweetness of life can only be tasted when compared with the bitterness.

So what is the big deal to enduring it for a little while, when you are young and have the courage and energy to fight for what you want through a range of competitions?

When you are complaining about your “tiger mother” or “tiger father”, just try a little bit to imagine the prosperous life you could lead after these so-called nightmares and struggles.

Of course, I am not saying that life should never be easy and comfortable when you are young and supposed to have a memorable childhood.

It is more about that ‘the true motivation’ from parents, if you like, needs to be perfectly understood.

As long as there is mutual under-

standing between the old and the young generation, it would not be a problem to spend your youth under “tiger parents’ control”.

As I have mentioned before, “study, struggle and suffer” are not the only keywords of childhood life.

Fortunately, three “s” will foster another big “s”, which is success.

As the English saying goes, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” No parents would expect a dull child, no matter how successful they would be in terms of academics, and Chinese parents are definitely no exception.

In this way, the key to this issue appears to be the balance between study and play.

It is appreciated by most British parents that their children have more say at home, even when they are quite young.

You, if you are British, probably would have realized how happy your life is to be allowed to join parties, hang out with friends, play computer games or do whatever you are keen on, whereas your peers in China are struggling to achieve all kinds of academic expectations from teachers, parents and sometimes themselves.

I am not suggesting British children never have to think about homework at school or never need

to care about future plans especially during economic recession. But they do have more freedom and choices, thanks to their “kind parents”.

However, it is necessary and essential to point out that children are not old enough to choose what they should do at all.

The philosophy among Chinese parents of ‘no sleepover, no joy, no parties, no grades below an A’, perfectly illustrates the classic truth of ‘no pain, no gain’.

It seems quite obvious that neither ‘Tiger Mother’ in China nor ‘kind Mother’ in Britain, who both go a bit extreme, cope very well with the balance.

Just as there is no point blaming Amy Chua for her harsh and arbitrary fashion of educating her daughters, it is also meaningless to give applause to those parents who would never bother preparing their kids for a fierce society.

Now, just imagine, where would you stand between ‘Tiger Mother’ and the opposite when the moments come to educate your kids in the future?

Would you learn lessons from this controversial parenting style or turn a blind eye? Or is it too hard to make a guess?

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

11

Protests: the latest trend to sweep the net? Mind your Yes Jui Sadekar

Over the past month, protests have rocked a laundry list of Middle East countries and people have been rallying and flocking.

Let’s recap. Starting with Tunisia; followed by Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and several other countries walking on the same road as these.

Out of the above mentioned, Egypt had a massive political uprising and revolution against its President Hosni Mubarak, who was overthrown by the people.

Taking inspiration from the successful Egypt mutiny, countries like Bahrain, Iran and Yemen are witnessing similar anti-government rallies.

After the Cairo unrest led to the downfall of Hosni Mubarak, several Middle Eastern countries have been seeing massive protests on similar lines.

Not overshadowing the fact that these countries have realized the need and urgent want to overthrow their dictator and unjust ruling parties, doesn’t it seem to be a kind of Egypt Effect on other nations?

With so many governments in peril, the news media and the government have had trouble keeping up with the protests. Coverage may bounce between three or more countries over the course of a day With such a small time span and perhaps simultaneously also, different nations have suddenly realised that they need to wake up and fight for their rights.

Rapidly, there are slogans of “It’s Time to change”. I am not neglecting the reason for these mass protests and the fact that Middle Eastern countries share a common political goal of having democratic government and freedom of speech.

What looks weird is the way in which these events are turning up one after the other.

Can we ignore the nature of these protests and the emerging trend?

In addition, the main fuel to this is social networks. They can be dubbed ‘Facebook Revolutions,’ but a better term for the uprisings sweeping through the Middle East might be the ‘Groupon effect’.

Collective action and enthusiasm is needed for such protests to last and

that is exactly what has happened in 2011 crisis.

Regime change is a classic matter of collective feat and at a tipping point – if enough of us do not like the government and if we can find a way to fight against it and coordinate our protests, we can topple our oppressive rulers.

Installing a new and better regime is a much tougher project, and one that may not be as easily facilitated by new technologies.

Social networks are good ways to discover whether our beliefs are shared and even to lock us into specific, self-contained acts.

There have always been many regimes that are unpopular, but it has taken a well-organised, civil society to allow that pent-up frustration to find a voice.

Looking back again at the last months’ revolts, let us see if these hold a larger and greater importance, rather than just being a fashion trend or political gimmick, where the impact sticks around for longer and not just for a few weeks.

Then, somewhere else, there will be a new revolution to take their place.

No Finola Miles

It is naïve to classify the rising number of protests and revolutions as being that of a ‘fashionable trend’, if only because it undermines the severity of the cause.

The domino effect created by protesters in Egypt has spread to farreaching countries like Libya, Yemen and Bahrain, but ultimately the drive behind these protests is not the mimicking of other countries, but the realisation of the power of the masses.

In terms of viewing the events collectively as part of a bigger trend, it is true that the fell swoop of protests are all of a similar nature and have been inspired by one another. But there are other factors to consider.

The instability of the region in both social and political terms has been

embedded in many of the countries’ histories for a long time. Have events in Egypt, as the first country to revolt, been the impetus to act on long-term feelings of discontent elsewhere?

It is easy to flag up the success of protests in Egypt in terms of the departure of President Hosni Mubarak from power. However, we should be reminded that whilst some of us may have had experience protesting peacefully in this country, protesters in the revolutionary region have not had their demands satisfied in such a peaceful manner.

With some people going so far as to call protests in Bahrain a ‘political suicide’, and in addition to the rising death tolls in the region, I do not believe that we can presently call the wave of protests and revolutions a success. As is often the case with major news stories, the dominant focus upon overthrow or expansion of freedoms results in individual deaths and personal sacrifices being overlooked, under-reported and brushed under the carpet in the name of the greater achievement.

Although we cannot yet identify the success of what has been coined the ‘Arab Spring’, it is not completely inaccurate to look to the past as a guide for what may or may not yet be achieved. Drawing on prior experiences of revolution, the hopes of revolutionaries have not always been satisfied with the final product of activities of the masses and overthrow, as demonstrated in events like the Russian Revolution, not dissimilar in its deposition of a previous ruler and political system.

Returning to current events, we can see a region aggravated by the need for democratic reform but unable to achieve it peacefully. In Libya, the scale of protests against Gaddafi had until recently been unknown.

The occurrence of up to 400 deaths by last Tuesday in Libya, alongside the discovery of the bodies of Moroccan protesters, hardly portrays the spread of revolution as being a successful and empowering process.

Living in a country that has upheld a democratic tradition for so long, I do not think we see the severity of the situation in our support for those campaigning for democracy in these protests, nor should we be naïve enough to view them as solely part of a bigger picture and not as individual events.

Courier Online What are your views? Tell us! www.thecourieronline.co.uk

Changing approach on child learning Jessica Cree

The government is proposing to add made-up words such as “koob” and “zort” into the literacy test for sixyear-olds in order to examine their ability to recognise words rather than regurgitating them from memory.

Is this a great initiative to raise the currently failing standards of the

British education system and improve children’s literacy levels or will it simply confuse them?

Children learn by associating sounds with images and according to the UK Literacy Association, most children expect “to make sense of what they read”.

Surely adding invented words with no meaning into a test for such young children will simply confuse them; they won’t be able to connect words with meaning and the whole process will be simply pointless.

However, I can see the government’s reasoning behind the proposals. As a language learner myself, I recognise the importance of being able to

pronounce a word and then uncover the meaning, even if I’ve never seen the word before.

The difference here is that English is not a phonetic language and isn’t always pronounced as it looks, which will undoubtedly cause problems for little learners.

In fact, some adults even have problems pronouncing and understanding words they’ve never seen or heard before. So, should the government be introducing invented words into literacy tests?

I personally think that it’s pointless having words in your vocabulary that have no meaning. If the government wants to test children’s

ability to recognise new concepts, then perhaps they could ask them to read onomatopoeic words, which don’t necessarily have meaning, but which children can connect some sort of significance to.

The government’s plans have academic backing from across the world, including from the National Reading Panel in the US, which has proven that this method of teaching reading skills has many lifelong benefits.

The truth of the matter is that the government is finally taking some initiative to improve kids’ literacy levels and raise standards, which can only be a good thing.

manners Katy Covell Columnist

Today ladies and gents, I should like to broach the subject of ‘personal awareness’.

No, I do not intend to write about ‘getting in touch with your emotions’, but rather how very few people seem to be aware of how their behaviour in public affects those strangers around them.

There are the obvious offenders: those folks who put their feet up on the oh-so beautifully upholstered train seats, the wannabe bad asses who insist on pumping out Jay-Z from their headphone-less mobiles, and the kids who, despite being repeatedly chastised by a weary parent, continue to spend the entire journey kicking the back of your seat.

But there are also those unintentional offenders who just don’t realise that they are being inappropriate/ irritating/ unpleasant (delete as appropriate).

So you’re just minding your own business or plugged into your mp3 player? Fine. But if like the man sitting opposite me on the train last week, you choose to pick your nose whilst ‘minding your own business’ (perhaps this is mining your own business), you are no longer keeping to yourself but infringing on my journey experience.

Now I realise that the last statement might have sounded a little pompous, but it really does amaze me how some people can go for hours without considering those folks also in the immediate vicinity.

Who hasn’t sat at a desk tapping their foot, clicking their top of their biro or jiggling their leg so that the entire table can feel the vibrations?

But normally, you stop yourself after catching a few sharp glances from those persons whose concentration you’ve broken, right?

Apparently not. The more I think about it the more it would seem that very few people actually pay any attention to anyone not included in their party.

Now I’m a Londoner, and so over the years have become accustomed to finding myself squished up against the doors of overcrowded tube carriages.

Just the other day I was less than pleased to feel a sharp nudge in the back from behind. Perhaps the gentleman had inadvertently smacked me whilst trying to put his arm in the sleeve of his coat, but I think it much more likely that he was just trying to get out as fast as possible, with no thought for those in front of him.

And then there are the tourists who sashay along Oxford Street in lines of five, effectively forming a pavement blockade.

I do sometimes think London would be a lot easier to navigate if there were no tourists. But then again, without tourism the city would probably go economically bust and be far less multicultural and thus, really rather dull.

Maybe I should just set off earlier for things? That way, I too could sashay with the masses.

Oh, and wear a rucksack to hinder any future tube shovers...

12

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Comment

Goodbye and good riddance to NUS president Bethany Staunton

Aaron Porter’s announcement that he would not stand for re-election to be NUS president marked one of those very rare occasions when I agreed with his decision.

I use the word ‘rare’ because I have found many of his recent actions to be, at the very least, objectionable.

It’s true that Porter has led some good initiatives while he’s been in office.

The idea of getting MPs to sign pledges against rising tuition fees proved to be an invaluable one in campaigning to put pressure on the Liberal Democrats, especially after they had performed that astounding U-turn once in government.

The NUS did well to target the Lib Dems as the weak link in the coalition.

However, as the extent of the attack on the education sector became more fully realised, the NUS leadership became increasingly disappointing.

Porter’s tenure has seen a rise in

student activism, but this rise has been in the context of an incredibly angry response to the ideology of the Browne Review.

The 50,000-strong student protest on November 10 2010 in London was evidence of this anger, not of particularly impressive NUS campaigning. Expected numbers were actually closer to 20,000.

Nevertheless, it was a good start for the movement, but the euphoria and sense of radical possibility was quickly dampened by Porter’s words on what he called the “despicable” Millbank protesters.

Grovelling to the condemning mainstream media he repeatedly attacked the “mindless violence” of a “tiny minority.”

In fact the only violence at Millbank was initiated by one idiot with a fire extinguisher.

The rest was an expression of fury that led to the vandalism of Tory HQ, not a violent attack on people, as Porter’s overly vehement condemnations would have you believe.

From this point onwards, the NUS continued to fall behind at the most crucial time of student activism.

The exciting and more militant wave of occupations that swept universities across the country, includ-

Controversy over prisoner vote ban Laura Heads Comment Editor

The highly contentious decision by the UK to blanket-ban votes for prisoners last month, and the Supreme Court’s decision that sex offenders in England and Wales could appeal against having to register with the police for life, has sparked fierce debate within the EU. But it’s not just the EU that are getting angry; plans for a potential new Bill of Rights within the UK, which may or may not overrule the European Convention of Human Rights, have also been proposed.

The decision by the European Court of Human Rights, that the blanket-ban of prisoners’ votes is unlawful, has fallen distinctly by the way-side; MPs instead deciding to ignore the decision, and continue to vote in favour of it.

It could probably be classed as a little pretentious to argue that this demonstrates entirely the view of the UK toward the EU, but if you look at the bigger picture, it gets harder to disagree.

Realistically, the EU holds little power over the UK and our government. Any legislation that is deemed against its Convention of Human Rights merely needs to be declared incompatible, rather than being immediately changed.

The proposition of a UK Bill of Rights is, therefore a major step forward for a non-committal government.

The arguments for the monumen-

tal proposal delve into the often hush-hush issue of how far the European Union should be allowed to influence national policy.

Ken Clarke, the Justice Secretary, stated emphatically that the relationship between the European Courts, national courts and national parliaments, is in need of a dramatic overhaul when the UK gains Chairmanship of the Commission in November.

The whole proposal falls under the guise of whether creating a Bill of Rights for the UK would help to enhance the relationship between the UK and the EU. It’s hard to see any potential move towards this direction in this light.

Surely any plans to create another, alternative Bill of Rights would act as a buffer to anything the EU could lay down. It would become a legitimate reason with which to evade future EU decisions, and potentially rebuke the EU entirely.

In general, it boils down to the wide-ranging distrust our country has for the EU and, in many ways, the general distrust the EU has for us.

The mutual suspicion. held by both, leads to little progress on either side, and a ‘dig your heals in’ attitude about many decisions, neither wishing to give up their conflicting views.

The UK has been very clever with the get out clauses it installs in numerous pieces of legislation implements across the country.

The view that we are still a small island capable of big things is fiercely held on to and fought for.

The belief that the EU is for mainland European countries and not our island appears to prevail.

ing here at Newcastle, had nothing to do with NUS initiative.

Porter only belatedly supported the occupations, confessing to having been “spineless and dithering” and promising to be more supportive in the future.

However, when 30, 000 students descended on Parliament Square on the day of the tuition fees vote, the NUS was holding a glow stick lit vigil with a few hundred people elsewhere in London.

When the main demonstration suffered brutal police tactics Porter was not so quick on the scene, condemning the violent behaviour of the police as he was to condemn students at Millbank.

It’s not just the NUS’ tactics, but their ideology that’s part of the problem.

Under the last president, Wes Streeting, the NUS decided to advocate a graduate tax instead of the free education principle they had hitherto always stood by.

Porter has continued this policy of what he probably calls pragmatism, but I would call bending over backwards.

Now the vote has been passed on tuition fee rises, Porter wants to shift the emphasis to individual universities and urge them not to

charge the full £9000.

This sort of pragmatism really just means compromise, but you’ll notice it’s the NUS doing all the compromising, not the government.

Despite Porter’s declaration that they have brought the coalition to its knees, their campaign has descended into a polite lobbying of individuals such as Simon Hughes, who is the government’s newly appointed ‘access advocate’ on education.

It is students, not those in government, (who incidentally will have all benefitted from a state-funded education), who will be affected by these policies. Therefore it is the government, not the students, who should be compromising.

Porter is wrong to distance himself from radicalism, because radicalism is the only way this fight can be won.

Discussion achieves nothing when one party is unequal in power to the other, as the NUS are to the government.

He accuses what he sweepingly calls the ‘hard left’ of sectarianism within the student movement. But Porter’s false accusations of antiSemitism, which he has since retracted, at the Manchester demo on January 29 were of the most sectari-

an and, may I say, despicable kind.

And really, what Porter terms extreme seems to me to be commonsense.

What are students’ interests? To have a good quality education, and for that education to be accessible to all regardless of wealth.

This radical ‘minority’ then is surely more representative of students’ interests than Porter’s policy of compromise, particularly as he was not even voted in to be president by the student body, but by NUS conference.

To make this a truly symbolic gesture which recognises the mistakes of the NUS leadership, Porter should stand down now.

But if he’s going to cling on until the next election, I hope he uses his time in office effectively by actively supporting those in UCU, the lecturers’ union, who are voting for a strike in a current ballot to defend their jobs and pension schemes.

Any cuts to education affect us all.

Student-staff ratios are crucial to maintaining good quality teaching.

The next NUS president needs to redefine what the union’s principles should be in the interest of its students.

A little more idealism, a little less compromise please.

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2010

13

Fairtrade Fortnight: can you make a difference? > pages 14 & 15

Sex & Relationships blind date

Dangerous Liaisons

Ste Ward & Katy Lawson He said: I stepped up to the plate for the house after my mate fixed me up on this – nervous apprehension would be the best description for my feelings ahead of my first blind date experience, especially after an eventful past relationship!

The taxi arrived at 6pm after spending half an hour getting dressed – I went for the smart casual look if you’re wondering – but rejected the idea of a shirt, as it seemed a touch too formal.

I guided the taxi driver round to her house for the pickup in order to avoid the awkward meeting moment – I didn’t really know what to expect as the door opened, but as Katy got in the taxi I realised I had absolutely nothing to worry about.

The first port of call was the Pitcher and Piano – there was me thinking it was a posh restaurant to take my date, but the appearance of a fish butty on the menu somewhat dulled the grandeur of the venue!

After a shaky start ordering the drinks, where my Corona unexpectedly turned into a Sol after an interpretation mix-up with the barwoman, we soon got stuck into the standard topics of date conversation.

Siblings, hometown and degree – you know the story!

Despite the allure of the fish butty, we opted for slightly higher sophistication. Chicken and pasta, doused with a ‘hint’ of black pepper, should we say…

After pudding, we contemplated a ‘dine and dash’, as well as a trip to Sinners, but instead selected for the slightly more luscious surroundings of As You Like It. Which we did!

Cocktails were the order of the day, despite some more pronuncia-

tion difficulties at the bar, I managed to get the right drinks in.

The ornate environment meant for some interesting conversation, and I felt comfortable enough by this stage to crack a joke about her previous expertise in cocktail making.

Nothing was spilled, we were still talking and Blueline was kept busy in yet another taxi, destination Jesmond. I dropped her off at her door, thanked her for the night and we parted ways happy with the way the date had run its course.

Katy was great company, witty and pretty, which made a great formula for a successful date. I’d take up a second date any day of the week – just maybe less formal next time!

Sinners? Perhaps not.

She said: After a rather uneventful Valentine’s Day, I thought it was high time I threw caution to the North

madame vs monsieur

Easterly winds and went on The Courier’s notorious blind date. Being quite a quiet person, this was a pretty daring move , and come ten to six on Sunday evening, I was beginning to feel a little bit nervous about spending a couple of hours with a complete stranger who could be absolutely anybody.

However, after receiving a text stating ‘your carriage awaits’ (a Blueline taxi, of course), I was instantly put at ease as my blind date kindly jumped out and opened the door for me. Who ever said chivalry’s dead? Tall and dark-haired, I was pleasantly surprised, and felt better about the prospect of spending the evening with an unknown young gentleman.

The prospect of jumping straight into conversation was quite daunting, especially under scrutiny of the taxi driver, who probably was very confused as to why we were introducing ourselves, but I quickly

K.VONG

Madame & Monsieur suggest what to do when you catch your fella cross-dressing in your clothes...

I recently caught my long-term boyfriend wearing my clothes, and it really freaked me out. To add insult to injury, a couple of my friends say they’ve heard rumours about him cross dressing. I don’t know whether I’m making too big a deal about it, but this has really upset me. I daren’t speak to my friends or family, because I feel really embarrassed. I have no idea how to confront him, and I’m scared that if I do, he’ll end it. Help!

realised Ste was a friendly guy who would be nice to spend my Sunday evening with. We arrived at Pitcher and Piano with Ste very graciously refusing to let me pay half of the taxi fare.

This, I soon realised, was going to be a pattern, as I repeatedly attempted to offer to go halves on everything (including offering a measly £1 tip), but, ever the gentleman, he refused to let me spend a penny.

Having a bit of banter over the strange selection of music and the possibility of a fish finger butty, the conversation soon flowed, and any pre-date nerves were well and truly forgotten. We soon realised we had a few mutual friends in common, both lived in St Mary’s in first year, and we share the extremely dangerous problem of being very clumsy.

Luckily, however, we managed not to break anything, and the conversation continued to flow easily as he told me about his trip to Africa and his night shifts at the one-and-only West Jesmond Tesco Metro. I was amazed that there weren’t any awkward silences, chatting was easy and interesting between the mouthfuls of our massive three course meal.

Full up and content, we once again called on Blueline to take us to As You Like It where we sampled some of the pricey cocktails (again, wasn’t allowed to pay), whilst attempting to take the all-important ‘blind date photo’ of ourselves without looking very strange to everyone else. Again managing to avoid any annoying silences, we enjoyed some tasty cocktails and jumped in another Blueline back to Jesmond where we said our goodbyes.

Pretty proud that I got through the date without the advised predate shot of vodka, the evening was very pleasant and Ste was very good company.

Another date could possibly be on the cards, but I’d definitely be paying something towards my share, even if it’s just a measly quid. once in a while for a laugh then you need to consider your response carefully. After all they are only clothes; as long as he’s not trying to be the next Lily Savage!

Madame

Monsieur

What do you mean confront him?

When you caught him wearing your panties you surely didn’t just turn around and pretend not to see?

Confrontation seems to be the only option here, not necessarily in a negative sense, but you clearly need

answers to your curiosity about his secret habits. Tell him you’ve heard stuff from other people about his cross-dressing and see what he says.

If he ends it because you ask him about this then he’s not worth the time of day; I don’t think he will if your relationship is as strong as it sounds. But if he responds by saying that he likes to dress up as a girl

Only clothes Monsieur! I am sorry, but if I were to catch you making lunch in my lingerie you would be out of the door before you could say ‘baguette’. If it is not such a big deal, then why has he not approached you about this before? Perhaps asked for some fashion advice or maybe requested you pick up a few bras in a smaller cup size as he feels a bit of a fool having to use toilet paper to accentuate his limited assets?

Admittedly, this could be a one-off, confront him, have a giggle and move on. But if the next time you get down to it he seems more interested in your panties than what’s inside them perhaps you need to wake up and smell the garlic.

#13 ‘The’ boyfriend Pamela Mardle Columnist

Whilst we agree on many things with our chosen flatmates, their preference in partners isn’t always one of them. Who they see as a god in human disguise can be your idea of Satan reincarnate.

Unfortunately, your joint decision on a place to live can therefore lead to their bad choice being constantly rubbed in your face. You were looking forward to a quiet night in with your flatmates, but are greeted by an unwelcome face answering your own door. Cue a night of pretending to find their uncanny ability to recite every punch line of Friends 30 seconds premature impressive rather than infuriating.

It’s bad enough having to endure sex chats about the cretin without hearing the conversation played out in a moaning remix through the walls. Walking into the kitchen to discover them entwined in a less-than-hygienic position on the counter and having to laugh it off when really your dinner may reacquaint itself with the cooker any minute can be excruciating.

You went in for milk; you came out with post traumatic stress.

And no, you’re not sorry you got caught, or else you’d be practicing the Kama Sutra elsewhere. And then there are those couples who feel no shame in practically including you in a threesome in the front room. If I wanted to watch an amateur couple acting out a college fantasy in tube socks and varsity sweaters, there are websites for that.

As lovely as it may be waking up together in the morning, being greeted by a hairy half-dressed stranger just moments after crawling out of the nest can be pretty nightmarish. All anyone wants in the morning is Shreddies and silence, not an awkward conversation reminding you of the hideous 9-5 ahead while home sweet home is being used as a brothel.

Of course, there are some relationships my friends have had where I have questioned my motives in getting on with the guy so well. Maybe sabotaging the first visit by baking personalised welcome cookies is going too far?

But sometimes it’s best to be surrounded only by the people you chose to sign a lease with; they’re the ones who understand your abnormal love for animal print onesies and tolerate your giggling fits at Bruce Forsyth’s awful banter.

They’re your guest, entertain them in private - leave me to enjoy my Supernoodles in peace please.

14

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Life & Style Life

life

Fairtrade Fortnight: Trade not aid

As Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off Olivia Mason investigates what it actually is, and why everyone should get involved Fairtrade. The Co-Op tells us it is good at it and the media likes to encourage us to do it, while we are assured we will feel good if we do do it. But what exactly is it? With the ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’ on our doorsteps what do we really know about it and just how important is it.

Starting with a history lesson, the Fairtrade concept initially grew from a primary concern that there was a need for an organized social movement that used a marketbased approach to help producers in developing countries make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Bit of a mouthful but it essentially ensures that the pro-

ducers of goods get a fair price for their produce. Using the primary school analogy of a bar of chocolate, at the time these concerns grew the amount of money the farmers received was the equivalent of a fifth of a chunk. Not very much!

This unrest in global trade in the 1960s was seen as a political gesture against current development strategies to develop countries through reducing trading barriers. These reduced trading barriers did increase movement of products and gave farmers in less developed countries a market, but at the expense of a good price for their produce. Radical student movements began tar-

geting multinational corporations concerned that traditional business models were fundamentally flawed.

The slogan ‘Trade Not Aid’ finally gained international recognition in 1968 when the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development started an emphasis on fair trade relations.

This began a movement towards handicraft goods promoting the purchase of more sustainable products.

And finally the movements towards labeling goods that were more ethically produced and encouraging people to buy these. Now the Fairtrade Foundation has licensed over 3000 Fairtrade certified products for

sale through retail and catering outlets in the UK. The history of Fairtrade has its roots in the right place but who is actually benefitting from it now? In June 2008, Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International estimated that over 7.5 million producers and their families were benefiting from fair trade funded infrastructure, technical assistance and community development projects. And returning to the chocolate bar analogy now the producers received five chunks of that chocolate bar.

However, Fairtrade generally means higher prices for the products, and you are effectively paying money for a good conscience, so consequently companies are making more profit from cashing in on those willing to pay the extra money. Fairtrade can therefore be criticized as being a marketing ploy, Cadbury’s has recently made the move to ensuring all its chocolate is Fairtrade realizing that it has exploited African farmers too long.

However ,surely this move is more about marketing and less about the conscience of a huge corporation.

Fairtrade can be criticized as a very clever way of making a product more appealing and very often even increasing its price.

Another large criticism of the operation is that not all farmers are demanding the Fairtrade price. Therefore, the ones that are put themselves at a disadvantage. Countries producing goods such as bananas, cocoa, and cotton have many farmers doing the same thing. If one farmer decides to become Fairtrade and demand a good price then a supplier will just find another.

Fairtrade provides aid for people in developing countries, and it is estimated that over 7.5 million producers have benefited from their projects so far.

Fairtrade Coffee Farm: From cocoa to coffee, farmers in less developed countries are given a good price for their produce

Lets go back to the positive effects however, Fairtrade has done wonders for trade across the world by seeking greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South. Fairtrade organizations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. By regulating farming in these communities environmental and poverty concerns can be dealt with.

Fairtrade works as a development tool by introducing minimum prices for the many products over the world so that the price paid gives communities a little extra. Profits are generally put into a fund that

a committee is then set up to take care of. This fund is then invested in building schools, clinics, community centres, funding scholarships, paying medical bills and providing low-interest loans. This is a very clever way of development that uses money that is able to generate financial aid from profits from food and not charity donations.

Loans given to farmers from these profits are able to establish small incomes to make businesses. For instance, a farmer might use this money to start rearing animals for the local market. This means that, often for the fist time, farmers and estate workers don’t have to rely on the kindness of their estate farmers or the government to improve their lives but can take control of things and help themselves.

Despite the arguments against Fairtrade listed above it should be supported as it can provide aid for these people without them having to rely on charity money. So although the Fairtrade bananas may be slightly more expensive you are also effectively donating to charity in a way that has very little impact on your life. That extra 10p would only have been spent frivolously anyway! Take for example the workers at Finlay Flowers in Kenya who have used their Fairtrade premiums to fund teacher training and bursaries for university and secondary school places. Or the cotton farmers in Lainde Masse, Cameroon; they have invested in constructing a new classroom for their local school.

Fairtrade products are also increasingly accessible and not limited to hippy cafes anymore. Topshop has a range, and most large supermarkets have a good selection of Fairtrade food stuffs. With the UK market taking off massively so that now it has reached an estimated retail value of £493 million and sells more products than anywhere else. Around 20% of roast and ground coffee is Fairtrade and over 20% of bananas. Achievements we should be proud of.

With Fairtrade Fortnight looming there is lots you can do, firstly start buying Fairtrade: tea, coffee, chocolate, bananas, nuts, flowers and sugar are just a few products that can easily be found Fairtrade. The Union shop has a large stand that shouldn’t be ignored with plenty of more ethically sourced goods.

Or take part in some of your own events; bunting seems to be a huge theme right now. Newcastle council is hoping to contribute to the world record attempt for the longest hand decorated cotton bunting line on Saturday 5 March between 10 - 4 pm at Grainger Market.

With the fortnight starting today you have tons of time to get creative and promote Fairtrade. The website is good with a facility to order your own bunting kit, just go to www. fairtrade.org.uk/fortnight. So even if bunting is not your thing I urge you to at least take notice of Fairtrade’s existence and maybe start sneaking a few more ethically produced goods in your shopping trolley next time.

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Life

15

Life & Style

life Is conscious consumerism a farce?

#13 Mobile Phones Sarah Bennett Columnist

Georgie Davies: No With Fairtrade becoming increasingly popular there is, inevitably, the introduction of the debate over whether or not it is a something that is entirely positive and, indeed, devoid of corruption. It is clear that the movement continues to attract controversial discussion.

The aims of Fairtrade have indisputably been formed in attempt to benefit everyone involved in the producing of goods in developing countries. The aims can surely, then, not be criticised, but like with any social movement. However, effective carrying out can potentially bring about drawbacks resulting in a mixed reaction.

The concept behind Fairtrade highlights a desire to help alleviate the unfair circumstances that are all too easily imposed on those who work throughout our food’s production. Our weekly supermarket shop, and choice of everyday items is something that doesn’t necessarily provoke thoughts of where our food actually came from, and even if it does, I’d say people tend to veer toward knowledge of things such as organic items.

Fair trade is perhaps something that has been overlooked, or maybe something that people simply just don’t know enough about. It is now something that is receiving more media attention, with hundreds of products fitting into such a category and brandishing the now recognisable Fair trade logo. It is a positive and inspiring project, providing hope and something that is potentially life changing for hundreds of people.

The Fairtrade foundation focuses on giving third world farmers a fair

The Penny Pincher

wage for the hard work that they do, thus giving them more of an opportunity in life, something that must surely be beneficial. It allows each of us to help simply by our choice of items in our weekly shop.

Fairtrade fights against the ongoing battle of extreme poverty, which is still rife in so many countries today. Western society is obviously aware, yet relatively few of us have the time, money, or thought to donate money to charities, helping improve living and working conditions in these places. Most of us would however, express that this is vastly important. Buying Fairtrade provides a way that every individual can help, no matter how seemingly small we may believe our contribution to be.

It is not only your bananas that fall into the Fairtrade category. A large variety of food, beauty and clothing products are also produced in adherence with the Fairtrade ethos and becoming increasingly widely available. Most large supermarkets have their own Fairtrade range, dispelling the notion that Fairtrade products come only with a hefty price tag.

There are endless debates that some big companies may exploit and take advantage of the Fairtrade mark, fuelling incessant discussion over whether Fairtrade is actually ‘fair’.

Yet with the Fairtrade’s association’s strong positive ethos and aims, buying Fair trade must surely do far more good than harm.

So if me buying my Fairtrade bunch of bananas each week contributes to this good then I’m all for it.

A fair campus: There is a wide range of fairtrade products available in the Union Shop

Time to go bananas: There is more to Fairtrade that chocoloate, tea and foreign fruit

Kat Bannon: Yes Despite the numerous investigations on Fairtrade farming blasted at us by C4 we rarely actually consider where our food has come from, who has produced it and what benefit they have gained in the process. Instead we exchange our rose tinted glasses for double shaded goggles and bump down the vegetable aisle of ASDA, programmed to select whatever pack of tomatoes looks most cheap and cheerful for our pocket rather than those in developing countries that have grown them.

However, there are almost 5000 Fairtrade products now on our shelves, with a nearly 50% increase in profit over the past four years, proving that people are beginning to distinguish between Fairtrade and organic produce.

They do have similar colour schemes after all. Yet, have these products really helped poor farmers gain a better quality of life or do they simply figure as an example of ‘feel good western tokenism’, merely giving people the chance to alleviate the inherent guilt Western society feels towards developing countries by spending a few extra pence on a jar of coffee?

And even then; does this added cost to our weekly shop really reach those we expect it to? According to multiple sources only 5% of the overall cost of the product gets back to the farmer that produced it, while the rest stays rooted in the west (and makes you wonder how little of the profit they receive from normal produce). The main irony? These so called Fairtrade, life changing products rub shoulders and plastic

packaging with the products most guilty of preventing agricultural reform and keeping developing countries in poverty. This giving workers what they deserve for their produce ultimately becomes a charity which forces them to continue making the crops which have trapped them in such a low standard of living in the first place.

Back in 2006, food giant Nestle announced it’s conversion to Fairtrade production. Considered one of the companies most responsible for taking advantage of developing countries after giving mothers powdered milk to replace breast feeding and then callously taking it away when their own milk began to dry up, it is no surprise they were accused of ‘green washing’: an attempt to give a large company a more eco-friendly image, regardless of the reality.

Only last year it banged a Fairtrade logo on to its iconic Kitkats, proving how the symbol has become a brand, a trade mark. It screams ‘I’m doing something good for the world’ and therefore creates the illusion that in buying it you are too, despite how you don’t ask any questions and aren’t volunteered any answers.

Its aim in actuality is commercial gain through playing with society’s conscience. The fact that, in spite of being a company renowned for poor worker ethics. it is able to hop so easily on the Fairtrade bandwagon should sound warning sirens, signalling how buying those black, blue and green labelled bananas might not deliver the idyllic supermarket/ farmer relationship it boasts.

One thing is for sure; I’m not buying it.

Times have changed since we first got our hands on mobile phones.

Even we were amazed at what our old bricks could do; that you could send messages to your friends in 160 characters (though now on Twitter, we manage it in just 140 characters!).

My first mobile was a pay-as-you-go Nokia 3510; I was way behind the 3310 and ‘Snake’ revolution. Nowadays, most of us have grown up a little bit and technology has moved on from that pixelated moving line.

We are using our phones to do more than just text and ring various friends; we’re using them to take photos and record videos, as well as keeping in touch via social networking and BBM. Long gone is the label that powerful phones such as the Blackberry and iPhone are only for business men; they are readily available in the market for the rest of us too. However, there are so many different phones out there to choose from and so many different contracts that are available, here’s the penny pinching guide to finding the best one for you: www.billmonitor.com is a great way to see how you are using your current mobile phone contract. If you have online billing for whatever network you’re on, you can access billmonitor and it will look at your usage in your most recent bills and search over 12 million different mobile phone deals, or if you already know what you roughly use, you can input the numbers. What is great about billmonitor is that it is an independent site endorsed by Ofcom, which regulates communications companies. This means that the site is fair and not out to make a profit.

If you’re looking for a new contract, it’s really worth researching tariffs online. If you have a good idea of tariffs, you can go into shops more knowledgeable using the line “I’ve seen this deal online, what can you do for me?” Sales assistants are generally trying to get your custom, so the more persuasive power you have after doing the research, the better. Just be warned, always check a contract before you sign it – my brother almost got conned into a £50 a month contract, when he had originally discussed £25 a month with the assistant, but only saw this when he was handed the contract!

Want to get rid of an old phone for some cash? Try www.compareandrecycle.co.uk. Here you can compare what you can get for your old phone from various recycling companies, whether it be worth cash or vouchers for high street stores. I once got £18 worth of M&S vouchers for a £15 phone, so it is worth seeing if you can get more in vouchers from a shop you use. You can even get money for non-working phones. This site can also compare recycling prices various other categories of electrical goods, including SatNavs, digital cameras and even hair straighteners!

16

Lifestyle

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Health

health

Roaccutane: miracle drug or life destroyer? Doctor, Roaccutane is widely known as a miraculous skin cure but as Emma Balter finds it has harmful side effects Clare was a normal, happy teenager until a common skin problem changed her life forever. Her acne, like that of many other adolescents, had become too prominent for her to bear and her doctor suggested she take Roaccutane, a drug which completely clears up even the worst spots.

At the beginning of the treatment she experienced very dry skin and aching muscles, which are the most frequent side effects of the drug and are usually said to be a small price to pay for the miraculous benefits of Roaccutane. As it turned out though, the consequences of the treatment were not so harmless.

One day, Clare collapsed and was in a comatose state for about a week. She showed signs of being ill although there was nothing physically wrong with her. After a while the doctors diagnosed it as a mental problem rather than a physical illness - this was the start of severe depression and suicidal tendencies, the rarer but not unheard of side effects of Roaccutane.

Weak and desperate, Clare’s increasing desire to end her life prompted her to stop eating. This led her, under the helpless eyes of her family and close friends, into a severe case of anorexia. She was moved into a care home for disorderly eaters, and later to an anorexia ward in a specialist psychiatric hospital.

Treatments of ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy) have slightly lessened her depression, but Clare still has a lot of progress to do: she has to learn how to eat, walk, socialise and, most importantly, learn how to look forward to the future. The problem started two years ago and

the doctors say it will probably take her another three to get back to normal - that is, if she ever does.

Sure, Clare’s acne has disappeared; but where has her life gone?

Many teenagers say that the mild and unpleasant side effects they experienced were all worth it, as Roaccutane has completely rid them of their acne and significantly boosted their self-esteem. The drug is indeed a miracle-worker, but would youngsters take the risk if they knew for a fact that their life may or may not be on the line?

Insecurity about appearances, especially at that age, has obviously clouded many people’s judgement when it comes to deciding whether to take the treatment or not. The argument being: severe side effects almost never happen, what are the chances of them happening to me?

Well, it is now an established fact that 10 per cent of Roaccutane patients experience some degree of depression, which is alarmingly high.

Furthermore, depression is not the only bad side effect of the drug.

Some teenagers lose their kidney function, and have to remain on tablets for the rest of their lives. A close friend of mine experienced this, and since her diagnosis she has rocked back and forth from phases of illness to phases of “health”, and will have to base all her life choices on whether or not she will get sick again. And the list of Roaccutane’s dangers goes on: vision and hearing impairment, damage to the central nervous system, inflammatory bowel disease, birth defects... A simple Google search will reveal other horrific results.

So how is this drug still being prescribed and blindly taken? At the

Doctor: “How do I prevent greasy skin?”

Roaccutane: Although this drug works wonders on skin, its side effects are worrying.

other end of the stick, countless people have said that Roaccutane is the most effective drug they have ever taken and that it has completely changed their lives. So what happens to the minority whose lives were changed, but for the worst?

Roche, the main manufacturer of the drug, has been crippled with lawsuits since the appearance of the first severe side effects, yet until very recently they have always rejected the idea that Roaccutane was responsible for these patients’

problems, claiming the case lacked evidence.

The solution seems to be, instead of completely discarding the drug, withholding it from the market in order to carry out more research about how to make the drug safe, or even just making sure doctors stress its dangers before prescribing it.

Anything, really, to keep more people from destroying their lives for smooth skin.

[All names have been changed to protect identities]

Lifestyle on campus: Your views

What lengths would you go to maintain good skin? Ben Parkin finds out

For those with greasy skin, Dermalogica skin care products can do you wonders. They really help to dry out excess oil and keep your skin balanced. This coupled with Number 7 cleanser from Boots is a perfect remedy, and has been proven to be extremely beneficial.

Not washing your skin regularly may also be the problem. You should wash your face at least twice a day to ensure that your skin stays clean and healthy, otherwise dirt can get in and the greasy face you experience is your body just trying to remove some of the dirt.

It could also be your diet that is causing the greasy skin. Sweet foods and sugar have been directly linked with oily skin and, in particular, salt is a huge cause of grease build-up.

Eat plenty of vegetables and drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

Do not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, which I realise is a big ask for students, but you’d be surprised what an effect it can have in the long run. And most of all, avoid sugar, chocolate, and junk food.

You may need to start thinking about your sleep patterns. As a student you might be up all night doing last-minute assignments, out partying or just laying in bed all day because you can’t really be bothered to get up.

Getting the wrong amount of sleep can have a massive effect on your skin because the skin’s cellular repair activity is at its optimum during this resting phase and interrupting this can cause noticeable changes in your skin, such as excess grease.

Another way to flush out some of the dirt stuck in your skin is regular exercise. Doing exercise increases circulation and causes you to sweat which helps to remove any dirt that has been caught up in your pores.

But you must be sure to wash your face thoroughly after each work-out session to ensure that as much dirt is removed as possible. Drinking plenty of water is also beneficial, as this flushes out bodily toxins.

A final tip is using E45 cream. It does wonders at regulating your skin and ensuring that it feels smooth to the touch but doesn’t feel greasy, sweaty or clammy.

Ben Parkin

Charlotte

Vicky

Alex

1st year History

1st year Media

1st year Psychology

“My skin is usually well-behaved.

I wear foundation most days so it’s important to thoroughly wash my skin and cleanse it. My tip would be to ALWAYS wash off your makeup after a night out, no matter how much of a state you’re in.”

“Using apricot scrub every two days does wonders for my skin and feels so refreshing. The occasional make-up free day always helps my skin feel light, and I try to avoid using make-up brushes where possible because they spread germs.”

“I have combination skin. I find that it dries out when I overuse cleansing products, such as Garnier. I also use antiseptic on anything that looks like it’s really infected. I only wear makeup when I really have to so my pores aren’t as likely to clog.”

Ben

1st year Media “My skin has been something that has bothered me for quite a while. It was worse when I was younger, but I was prescribed Oxytetracycline for a period and it helped. I guess my skin really cleared up when my hormones calmed down.”

Sweet foods are directly linked to oily skin

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

Food and Drink

17

Lifestyle

food & drink reviews Scrumpy Willow and the Singing Kettle 89 Clayton St Newcastle 0191 221 2323 The Scrumpy Willow and The Singing Kettle is one of Newcastle’s best hidden gems. Concealed near the old Woolies on Clayton Street in the city centre, it’s one of the cutest and most ethical eateries I’ve visited in the city.

Richard, the manager, is there to greet us when we arrive. He’s a lovely bloke, very charming and helpful, pretty much doing all the service himself during the week. It’s a tiny two-floor restaurant – there’s about five tables downstairs and the same upstairs. The ambience is different compared to during the day, there are screens and vintage looking lamps and when we arrive there’s little candles flickering away in blue glass bottles. There’s even handmade jewellery for sale on the back wall. It’s far more intimate and personal than the huge restaurant chains that hog most of the footfall

Organic: Scrumpy Willow prides itself on selling organic food at reasonable prices

in the city centre; everything’s much quieter and more relaxed.

We sit ourselves downstairs, towards the back of the restaurant, and Richard takes our drinks orders, my housemate Ashleigh goes for the Fentiman’s brand Curiosity Cola whilst I opt for Dandelion & Burdock. The evening menu’s small, but there’s a wide selection for meateaters, vegetarians and vegans alike. The specials board looks exceedingly tempting, so Ashleigh and I both plump for the beetroot, parsley and walnut soup to start.

When it arrives, it’s a deep pink/red colour. Some part of me can’t believe that what I’m about to tuck into is a

savoury dish. The soup was thick, tasty, and would have sufficed by itself. Served with homemade bread, it was a large portion size, but tasty nonetheless.

We’re quickly offered a bottle of organic Seddlescomb white wine (which is also vegan) between courses, which is also sourced locally by Richard. There’s barely a moment to catch our breaths before the main course is served. Ashleigh’s seafood linguini looks amazing; she tells me there’s chilli in it, so there’s a kick to the dish. She doesn’t quite manage to finish the whole thing, but looks happily satisfied. I decide on the butternut squash risotto; the serving

is huge, which lets down the menu, because once you’ve polished off a starter and main, there’s very little space for dessert. Nevertheless, the risotto is beautiful; not too heavy, and filled with chunks of butternut squash. It’s served with thin garlic bread and a side salad – definitely a perfect quick evening meal if you fancy just one or two courses.

Having made a good dent in two courses, Ashleigh and I are now feigning – full of food and wine we just about muster a gander at the dessert menu. Deciding we can manage it, Ash goes for an aptly named dessert; Monkey Business – it’s a baked banana served with vanilla ice cream, cookie dough and toffee sauce. I go for a banoffee pancake; it’s fairly similar; banana and biscuit in pancakes also served with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce.

By this time, with full stomachs and big grins, we call it a night Organic and ethical farming is something Richard feels really passionate about, working with regional traders like North East Organic and Goosemoor based in North Yorkshire. He tells us that everything bar the chicken is organic, and he prides himself on running an establishment that offers organic produce for a reasonable price. The restaurant, established by Richard (whose father ironically works for a pesticides company) will be celebrating its fourth birthday on March 8, so maybe it’s worth heading down there to join in the festivities, or at least to sample some of the best ethical food Newcastle has to offer.

Lucy Johnson

Georgie Davies uses Fairtrade ingredients to cook up a storm We’ve got Fair trade on our minds this week as it’s Fair trade Fortnight.

As the Fairtrade Foundation’s focus was initially on food production, what better time to try out some delicious recipes using Fairtrade ingredients. Now, don’t let this idea scare you, trust me, you really won’t end up with an extortionate list of exotic ingredients, excessive for us students!

Firstly, let’s get baking with a couple of yummy cake and biscuit recipes. For any first-time bakers out there, banana bread is a good place to start; nothing can quite beat the aroma that fills the kitchen when a banana bread is in the oven. This recipe is a twist on the classic, with the addition of chocolate chips. I just buy a bar of good quality chocolate and cut it up into rough chunks.

You can use whatever chocolate you fancy: white, dark, milk or a combination. It’s a great recipe for when you’ve got a bunch of bananas that are no longer fit for the fruit bowl, the riper the better for this recipe.

Pre-heat the oven to 170C/gas mark 3. In a large bowl, beat together 100g of soft butter (at room temperature) with 150g of caster sugar until light and fluffy. The longer you can manage to spend whipping this mixture up into a light, fluffy cloud of paleness, the better. It ensures a really light cake. To this add 2 large eggs, along with a tablespoon of flour (to help stop curdling!) and beat the mixture together. With a fork, mash four peeled Fairtrade bananas and add to the butter, sugar and egg mixture along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt,

A lovely fairtrade snack: banana bread is a great way to use up over ripened bananas.

and mix. Weigh out 200g of selfraising flour, sift into the bowl and fold in gently. Finally, take a bar of Fairtrade chocolate, chop up into rough chunks and sprinkle into the bowl before giving it all a final mix.

Scrape the mixture into a lined loaf tin and smooth over the top with the back of the spoon. Bake for about 50 minutes, check to see that the cake is deliciously golden brown on top and bounces back when pressed.

Turn the cake out onto a wire cooling rack and enjoy!

Still in the baking mindset, try out these divine white chocolate chip, cranberry and macadamia nut biscuits. When baked the white chocolate turns crisp and caramelly, the cranberries add a sweet chewy dimension and the macadamias provide a delicious crunch, for an all

round perfect biscuit. Preheat the oven to 170C/gas mark 3 and line a couple of baking trays with baking parchment. In a large bowl, beat together 100g soft butter, 100g soft brown sugar, 40g of caster sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add one lightly beaten egg to the mixture and incorporate. Sift in 90g of plain flour along with ½ a teaspoon of baking power and ½ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with a pinch of salt and mix together. Coarsely chop a 100g bar of Fairtrade white chocolate and add to the bowl, along with 50g of Fairtrade dried cranberries and 50g of coarsely chopped macadamia nuts. Spoon the mixture onto the baking trays, making each spoonful about the size of a walnut and ensuring a 5cm gap between each biscuit. Bake in the oven for

ten minutes or until golden brown.

Leave to cool a little on the tray, and then transfer onto a wire rack. These really are heavenly and will keep in an airtight container for at least a week, but once you’ve tried them you’ll need a serious amount of will power to make them last that long!

On a more savoury note, but still sticking to Fairtrade fruitiness why not give this Asian noodle salad a go. It is a truly delicious accompaniment to any meat or fish and a great go at Asian cooking without it being too fussy or complicated. Take 300g of rice or egg noodles and cook to packet instructions. Meanwhile you can whisk up the dressing: finely chop 4 spring onions, 1 red chili (deseeded if you want to tone down the heat), and 2 cloves of garlic and fry them off in a pan with a little sesame oil for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a bowl. To this add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice and zest of a lime, 2 teaspoons of grated ginger, a dash of both fish and soy sauce, and a squeeze of Fairtrade honey. Mix this all together, season and taste, you can adjust the flavours to suit personal preference here, for example if you like your food hot you can add more chili. Take a ripe Fairtrade mango and slice it into slim sticks add to the dressing. Once the noodles are cooked and drained mix everything together and finish with a large handful of fresh chopped coriander and a scattering of sesame seeds. This dish is truly versatile as a side dish to seared tuna, steak, or chicken. Or it can be used as a starter on its own or with the addition of a handful of prawns.

compare the market

Georgie Davies tastes the tea to find the best brew 7/10 Café Direct Fairtrade Teabags - 80 teabags. 250g£2.29.

A pleasant cup of tea, refreshing and fairly strong, yet whether it is worth the high price is debatable.

9/10 Waitrose Original Blend Fairtrade Teabags - 80 teabags. 250g- £1.65.

A clear winner: a smoothtasting proper, English cup of tea, full of flavour and something that I would happily drink at anytime of the day.

3/10 Asda Fairtrade Teabags - 80 teabags. 250g-£1.83.

This box of teabags came up as the second cheapest, however it unfortunately brewed a cuppa that wasn’t much more flavoursome than a cup of dirty water - earthy and bitter.

5/10 Tesco Quality Fairtrade Tea - 80 teabags. 250g-£2.17.

Being fairly highly priced, this tea did not live up to expectations. It delivered a cup of rather bitter, strong tea that, even when diluted with milk, was still not teatime-worthy.

18

Lifestyle

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Travel

travel

Ethical buying, ethical flying

After recent controversy over the detrimental effects of short-haul flights, Sophie Willis explores ecological ways to travel

Train vs plane: increases in short-haul flights has led to criticism from pro-eco groups, and with fairtrade fortnight underway, debates surrounding ecological travel are in full flow

It’s Fairtrade fortnight and perhaps you’ve questioned what you’re buying; now it’s time to question where you’re flying. You’ve heard it all before; flying is bad for the environment, but it is evident that we choose to ignore this fact as figures released in March 2010 saw a 10.3 percent increase in paid passenger miles from the previous year. This article isn’t asking you to take a boat to Australia; however, if you are a regular flyer, perhaps it is time to distinguish between flights that are a necessity, and flights that are a luxury. Most people would agree that domestic and European flights are not essential, so I aim to discover the joys and convenience of other forms of transport and the pleasure of travel in itself.

Unless you’re a cynic of global warming, a little bit of research into the subject of aviation will have informed you of the hugely negative impact of flying on climate change.

Then why is it that as a nation, we choose to ignore the facts and continue to indulge in domestic and European flights?

There are huge misconceptions and myths surrounding global warming; many people prefer to bury their head in the sand than face up to the truth. Some of the questions people ask are: what difference will I make?

Isn’t it the government’s problem?

Global warming won’t affect me apart from give me hotter summers.

These are not necessarily truths, but they are all questions that we are confronted with when we choose to take a flight from Newcastle to London, London to Paris or Manchester to Amsterdam.

When confronted with the hysteria of global warming and the terrifying facts that Al Gore presented in

an ‘inconvenient truth’, we’d rather pretend its not there.

As a penniless student, flying is often attractive because it has increasingly become one of the cheapest modes of travel. It is often the most convenient way to get home, and it is certainly quicker than the train or the bus. It is this choice, however, between taking the Megabus across England, or flying with Easyjet, which makes the difference.

When I arrived at Newcastle University, I was shocked by the amount of students who fly within the UK. Now, what is the priority for most students when it comes to travel? The cheapest deal. However, flights are not always the most sustainable method of handling our money, nor obviously the most sustainable method of handling our environment.

Duncan Clark writes in the Guardian that short flights on the whole are more harmful to the climate per mile travelled than long-haul flights. This is due to the likelihood of empty seats, and also because take off and landing burns far more fuel than cruising.

Plane Stupid, an anti-aviation expansion group revealed in a shock campaign that in every short haul flight, such as Cardiff to Newcastle, you emit 400 kilograms of carbon dioxide; the equivalent in weight to an adult polar bear.

When it comes to transport, what is an alternative solution that will not burn a huge hole in your pocket?

It is often quicker and cheaper to travel city centre to city centre by train, and if you book far enough in advance or check out websites such as crosscountrytrains.co.uk or nationalrail.co.uk, you’ll find a cheap alternative.

Travelling by train also reduces the stress associated with air travel; you don’t have to throw away your liquids, there is no frisking, and you certainly don’t have a snarling dog sniffing your crotch.

The money you spend on reaching airports, which are usually situated in the suburbs of a city, also adds up. You have to pay for parking, petrol, metro tickets, potential magazines and chocolate for the tedious pre-board wait. Little things like this all add up, and should not be forgotten when it comes to choosing your preferred transport.

A return trip from London to Paris on the Eurostar produces 0.01 tonnes of CO2 per person, whereas a return flight produces ten times this amount.

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond recently led an investigation into travelling on the Eurostar. He discovered that from London to Paris a return trip produces about 0.01 tonnes of CO2 per person, whereas a return flight (Heathrow to Paris) produces ten times this amount.

Travelling like this is not only more eco-friendly, but is also incredibly cheap. A return journey on the eurostar can cost as little as £40 pp.

Another bonus is that there is no nasty credit card fee, no hidden tax, and no excess baggage charge.

For the serious eco-conscious, you can take your bike on the Eurostar; if you book soon for summer, you can get very reasonable deals, making it much cheaper than flying

somewhere But what if the scenic train route doesn’t tempt you away from the clouds? There are always other travel options, such as the famous Megabus. A favourite amongst students, travelling by megabus is unbeatable for prices. It is a bus company that links up all major UK cities and towns.

Another way to minimise carbon emissions is car-sharing. If you are planning on a road trip, try and fill a car with you and your friends. If you can’t fill a car (or just don’t have many friends!) try gocarshare.com, which you can join on facebook. It’s free to use and helps you find other people to share your journey with, cutting the cost of fuel, your carbon footprint and is often a door to door service.

Car sharing doesn’t float your boat? What about the ferry? Now, travelling to most places by boat does seem a little bit ridiculous, but if you are willing to be adventurous about it you can find amazing deals, such as travelling as a foot passenger from Newcastle to Amsterdam for only £24 per person. The holiday begins on the ferry with evening entertainment and an en-suite cabin.

In modern day life, it is part of our culture and society to rush from A to B, repressing the adventure and enjoyment that can be gained from the journey in itself. Unless you get a thrill from the take off and landing, flying is often only a means to an end.

If we take the time to appreciate the scenery and enjoy the adventure that can be found in more sustainable, often equally feasible methods of transport, it can be rewarding for both the environment and ourselves.

Best of Britain Maria Moffatt explores Aberdeen

The thoughts that spring to people’s minds when thinking of Aberdeen are oil rigs and extremely cold weather. But Aberdeen is so much more than this. Visit Aberdeen in winter or summer and you are sure to find something to entertain yourself.

The coldest place in Aberdeen is probably by the ocean but that shouldn’t stop you going down to the beach. The sandy beach gives you the perfect view and surroundings for bonfire night fireworks and, although cold, people just relax and enjoy the display. Alternatively, visit in the summer and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere: lie on the grass overlooking the beach, eat ice-cream and maybe, just maybe, get a tan! If you’re a keen sportsperson, join in with the locals and try a spot of surfing.

Visit the beautiful Union Terrace Gardens right in the heart of the city centre; view the brightly, blooming flowers in the summer or the frosty icicles in the winter.

Festivals in Aberdeen occur all year round. If you enjoy literature go along to Aberdeen in May and enjoy the annual Word Festival, where you are invited to listen to the various authors and poets from the area. Previous writers have included Carol Ann Duffy and Alexander McCall Smith. Costing very little or nothing, these events are popular so don’t forget to book tickets early!

For New Year, go up to Stonehaven and enjoy the traditional Hogmanay Fireball Festival.

If you want some excellent nightlife then head down to Aberdeen’s Belmont street where you will find no shortage of bars and clubs to have a fantastic night. If current pop music is your preference try Priory, if you’re in the mood for some rock and indie music Exodus is the place to be or if you just can’t decide discover Espionage, where there’s multiple floors of music to suit your taste.

If clubbing isn’t your scene then see what’s on at Aberdeen music hall, where they’ve had performances from comedians such as Russell Howard and bands such as Travis.

Or visit Aberdeen theatre where they put on an array of productions ranging from Oscar Wilde’s lighthearted, humourous play The Importance of Being Earnest to the ever popular classic Phantom of the Opera.

With events happening all year round, book that weekend city break or small holiday. There is so much more to Aberdeen than cold weather and oil rigs!

Pretty: is Aberdeen the new Edinburgh?

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

19

The student capsule wardrobe > Pages 20 & 21

Star style: glittering gowns galore

With the Oscars approaching, Katie Henry discusses the winners and losers of red carpet events Fashion plays a crucial role at every red carpet event, and when it comes to award ceremonies, the displays of outfits have become almost as important as the awards themselves.

February has seen a number of award shows within the film, music and fashion industries, so it seems only right that we give a recap of the best dressed but also the fashion failures at this years awards.

In the music industry, the GRAMMYs are as important as the Oscars but the theme of this year’s GRAMMY awards appeared to be the bizarre and the extravagant. In true Gaga style, the star emerged from an egg-like structure within which she had been hibernating for several hours prior to her performance at the awards. Her outfit changes included what appeared to be a bizarre half jacket half sticky tape creation, finished with demonic prosthetic horns attached to her face and shoulders. New kid on the block Nicki Minaj was quite literally covered head to toe in leopard print, as she teamed a dress with matching leggings, shoes and even had her blonde bouffant sprayed with a leopard print pattern.

Katy Perry floated down the red carpet unusually sporting a pair of feather angel wings on her custom Armani gown, and in true Rihanna style, the pop princess chose a very risky see-through Jean Paul Gaultier gown (that was coincidentally featured in last week’s discussion of couture). Closer to home, The BRITs are a chance for the eclectic world of British music to turn out in their fin-

est. It was legs galore at the BRITs this year with Eliza Dolittle, Jessie J and Alesha Dixon all choosing ‘barely there’ micro dresses for the prestigious pop event. Even those who opted for floor length dresses (such as Cheryl in a backless Stella McCartney) still managed to show plenty of leg with a thigh-high slit.

Vivienne Westwood was a favourite at the event, as well as designing the actual BRIT award itself, whilst Katherine Jenkins and Ellie Goulding both chose her designs for the evening. Rihanna’s performance outfit was unsurprisingly daring,

however she chose a romantic Oscar De La Renta carnation-embroidered gown when she collected her award on stage. An outfit choice we wouldn’t necessarily associate with the typically edgy dresser.

Staying in the UK, the BAFTAs, Britain’s most prestigious film awards, were a much more subdued affair, where floor-length was the cut of choice for the night, with very few stars daring to bare their legs. Emma Watson wore a one shouldered lace Valentino gown, and it appears that romance was a key theme for the night with Kimberly Walsh also opt-

ing for a lacy champagne coloured dress. One lady who we can usually count on to add an air of eccentricity to the red carpet is Helena Bonham Carter. However even she opted for a simple black Vivienne Westwood gown teamed with a black jacket.

Sarah Harding chose a red floor length gown and Jessica Alba also brought a splash of bold colour to the event in a bright blue strapless Versace number. JK Rowling went a little more daring with a snake print Lanvin creation.

The ELLE Style Awards are a chance for the world’s most styl-

ish women to come out in force to celebrate fashion. The winner of the highly coveted Elle Style Icon award, Emma Watson, couldn’t have provided more of a contrast to her BAFTAs dress by flexing her styling muscles with the choice of a very short Hakaan mini with panels cut from the sides. Cheryl Cole again opted for a floor length style, this time a bright red Alexander McQueen gown. The event in general was a very colourful affair with Blake Lively choosing bright blue Pucci gown and Pixie Geldof in purple House of Holland.

Let’s not forget the men of the awards season. Once again, Dizzee Rascal rejected the misconception that hip-hop artists cannot dress up in a very sharp tux. In-keeping with this theme, Tinie Tempah mixed it up by wearing a white tux with black trim and most importantly, managed to pull it off. Choosing something a bit different, Will Young wore a crisp white shirt with a jacket and blue super skinnies, looking the constant gent by keeping it simple.

Although February has seen many award ceremonies already, we still have the Oscars to look forward to on February 27. This is not only the most prestigious of all the award ceremonies, but also the one where the fashion stakes are the highest.

We will undoubtedly see Hollywood’s rich and famous stepping out in some fantastically extravagant gowns, but it has to be said, we’re just as excited for the fashion faux pas’ of the evening.

All made-up: the trends for Spring/Summer 2011

Aimee Philipson uncovers why make-up can be equally as important as the clothes you wear It might not be too obvious in Newcastle yet, but a new season is approaching, bringing with it a few rays of sunshine, budding flowers and of course, a whole set of new style trends for Spring/Summer 2011.

Not many of us change our makeup with the seasons, preferring instead to stick with that trusty eyeliner from Maybelline or that perfect Body Shop blusher, but spring is the perfect time to try some new makeup ideas. Although an ideal chance to show off your smoky eye makeup as you peek through the gap in your scarf and hat, it’s time to forget winter and embrace some key spring trends.

There are two clear alternatives this spring; excess and subtlety. Designers at New York Fashion Week have varied their make-up styles from glittery, disco eyes to romanceinspired pastels to complement their new clothes ranges – but which trend is the one for you?

If you’re feeling brave, ‘Pop Art’ style make-up is a fantastic way to grab that special guy’s attention or

A forgotten trend: make-up enhances catwalk shows with bright lipstick being en vogue

pump up your confidence before a big exam, presentation or interview.

Highlighted at Jill Stuart’s show at New York Fashion week, the key to this look is bright, bright lips. Jill’s

models sported orange lipstick but if you’re feeling a little less confident, why not try a bold red or pink?

Always remember it’s best to go for either bold lips or bold eyes because

otherwise you can end up looking a bit mask-like, however this spring you might just get away with it!

Well-defined eyebrows and a dash of eye shadow complete the look.

Chanelling the barely-there look, the ‘Louche and Lovely’ trend is a perfect student style for 2011. As well as being completely wearable for all skin types and colours, this trend is a great way to alter your make-up without breaking the bank. Soft lips, matte skin and smooth eye shadows in pastel colours are the keys to pulling off this pretty style so it’s easy to try out for a few pounds. Grab yourself a new eye shadow in a pastel colour such as Rimmel’s Colour Rush Mono eye shadow in ‘Azure’ for just £3.99 or treat yourself to the new range of spring lipsticks from No7 in colours ‘Grace’ or ‘Brigette’ (£10.00).

For divas everywhere, this spring is your time to shine with bright eyes, glittery lips and voluminous hair. Givenchy, Dsquared2 and Issa all displayed dramatic make-up on the catwalks this month from pillarbox red lips and black eyes to orange

lips with red glitter from eyelash to eyebrow. It’s time to take full advantage of your creative skills so grab some of Barry M’s Glitter Lash mascara, Urban Decay’s Heavy Glitter Eyeliner and a Collection 2000 Glam Glitter Loose Glitter Wand and get sparkly!

Make-up can add theatricality to shows or be used as a blank canvas in order to let the garments do the talking. Either way, make-up is a chance for you to follow trends and stay stylish without using up your entire student loan. The usage of make-up is all about invention and creativity so for spring, maybe it’s time to give your make-up bag a clearout and try a new look with the tools you already have.

Web Exclusive

Check out www.thecourieronline.co.uk/fashion for videos and articles on the latest make-up. Don’t forget to let us know how you get on

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Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Fashion Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule Wardrobe Your Capsule Wardrobe: The

We have a look at how to buy less and wear more as we create the student capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a term often thrown around in fashion but few are aware of its real significance.

Essentially, it is a collection of different garments that, as pieces, complement each other in a way that they can be worn in any combination so that, as Gok Wan says, you “buy less and wear more.” The key to a perfect capsule wardrobe is to know how to mix and match and obviously, this is just a working example as everyone will want to put their individual mark on it, whether it is through garment selection or just accessorising effectively. Usually, capsule wardrobes have 20 to 30 pieces in them but for the purposes of this experiment, we’re just going to focus on 10 basics. The looks these pieces create are an ideal way to stay stylish on campus. The first step is to pick your colour palette and then

match the garments accordingly.

We’ve stuck to black and grey as an example but you can be as creative as you like when it comes to creasting your own capsule look.

Rosanna Sopp: The grey blazer

Blazers are a great way of smartening up an outfit, perfect for lectures or interviews. But more than that, they complete an outfit for any occasion, whether it be shopping with your mum or a gig with your friends. There are so many options, too, depending on your style and body type - double-breasted, striped or shoulder-padded, to name a few.

They nip in your waist and add a bit of classic tailoring to an outfit. Wear with tailored trousers, a scarf and heels for a modern, fashion-forward look, or wear with a form-fitting black dress and long earrings for a

dressier, smarter occasion.

Lauren Girling: The denim

Denim has always been a wardrobe staple. Ultimately, whether they’re flared, straight or skinny, jeans are a must-have in any wardrobe. However, the latter has emerged to be on-trend year after year, ever since their sudden rise to supremacy in the noughties. It is essential that you choose a fit suitable for your body shape and that they skim over your figure, as there is no point in choosing a style that you wouldn’t feel comfortable in and that wouldn’t maximise your natural beauty. For the purposes of this exercise, skinny jeans are in focus as they are a student staple. Go for a darker blue to ensure versatility and flattery. Team your skinnies with the blazer, a plain tee and some heels for a more

sophisticated look or with the blouse and flats for a more romantic feel.

Lauren Girling: The stripe top

Channel your inner style queen, as no capsule wardrobe would be complete without a Breton striped top. Essentially a well-fitting longsleeved jersey top, the width and the colour of the stripes can be to one’s own personal taste but in the interests of being able to mix and match, opt for black and white or white and blue stripes. Worn by many a celebrity, the likes of Kate Moss and Alexa Chung are rarely seen without theirs.

Therefore follow suit and mimic Ms Moss by wearing your stripes with your skinnies and flat pumps, or do an Alexa and wear with the black skirt, tights and blazer with plenty of accessories.

Harriet Webb: The high heels

High heels are an alluring choice; they add a touch of glamour to any outfit. Not only do they lengthen the leg but they also add definition and give your bum a cheeky boost. Top tip - a neutral colour heel will also give the illusion of even longer pins.

In the capsule wardrobe, heels are a perfect accompaniment to jeans for a dinner date or a trip to the cinema, they add a touch of elegance under tailored trousers for a job interview and glamorise your LBD for a romantic night or painting the town red. However, always buy heels you can walk in; there is nothing less sexy than a girl who totters around with no control.

Victoria Mole: The black skirt

The black skirt is an essential staple in any girl’s wardrobe. It will complement 90 percent of tops and can be dressed up with a blouse and heels or dressed down with a casual top for everyday wear. The black skirt can be bought from high street shops for as little as under a tenner and will be an investment that you will return to on a regular basis. When paired with different tops it will look like a whole new outfit every time and could not be more flattering with its ability to cinch in waists and create the appearance of longer legs. With a black skirt there are endless possibilities.

Katie Henry: The blouse

Now unless for the past few weeks you have been perusing the High Street with your eyes shut, you will have noticed that the shops have been bombarded with blouses in a variety of styles and fabrics. Whether it is animal print, floral or plain and simple, a blouse can create an ‘everyday elegance’, adding a touch of class to any outfit. How should this key piece for Spring/Summer 2011 be worn? Loose with a pair of leggings for a lecture, or casual lunch date or tucked into a pencil skirt creating an air of professionalism that uni sometimes requires.

Your Capsule Kit For any student capule wardrobe, there are a few vital essentials that you will need: leggings (black) tights (black and patterned - multiple pairs) plain vests (black and white) plain, long-sleeved T-shirts (black and white) plain cardigan (either black or a whole block colour in a neutral shade) These items can all be picked up cheaply on the High Street but invest in quality if you have heavy usage or want to wash excessively

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

21

Capsule Wardrobe Fashion

Capsule Wardrobe girl’s guide to outfit-building

selection of accessories. To brighten up your outfit, choose bold, block colours but to look sophisticated, choose more neutral tones. Wear it with pumps and a cardigan for a lecture, or team with a clutch, heels and a statement necklace for a special dinner date.

Katie Henry: The flat pumps

It’s a well-known fact that even the smallest of heels can make our pins look inches longer and do wonders for a girl’s confidence. However you and I both know it is just not practical to strut round campus in your four inch peep toes. Not to worry though, thankfully style doesn’t have to be sacrificed for sensible, as the selection of flat shoes on the High Street is better than ever. Just like the little black dress, every girl should own a little pair of black pumps guaranteed to work with any outfit.

The simplest of decorations such as a bow, ruffle or diamanté can add a touch of glamour to any pair of flats, and instantly liven up an everyday outfit. If you’re feeling a little more quirky, why not opt for a pair of moccasins, loafers or brogues and rock the androgynous look.

Lauren Girling: The trousers

Victoria Mole: The cardigan

The patterned cardigan is a gorgeous accessory in any wardrobe. It can be worn over a plain top to layer when worn casually, or on the other hand it is pretty enough to be worn over a dress on a night out (a necessity in Newcastle when it is so cold!).

From striped to floral, patterned cardigans will always be on trend, not to mention comfortable.

A patterned cardigan is a timeless piece that you can return to every season, whether it is another layer or something extra when it’s not quite cold enough for a coat. This is

the perfect garment for giving a simple outfit flair.

Rosanna Sopp: The black dress

The little black dress - a necessity for everyone. It suits all shapes, sizes, is wonderfully slimming and can go from day to night; it can work

for having coffee with friends or a presentation. The LBD is a timeless piece, and every store stocks more than one, so you’re spoilt for choice.

You could choose a simple plain jersey dress, a lace shift or a body con velvet number. This piece is so versatile that the styling lies in the

They may seem rather plain but are very useful. When it comes to black trousers, they are essential for smarter occasions. So that we don’t harp back to the secondary school nightmare of the black bootcuts, the on-trend style on the High Street is peg leg or cigarette pants. This is where cut is crucial as, like skinny jeans, the wrong cut could accentuate the wrong areas.

If you are an athletic figure or are after the perfect hourglass silhouette, opt for a pair that show off your waist. Team with the striped tee for a classic look or with the blouse, accessories and heels for that important presention.

And the rest: how accessories can maximise your wardrobe

Harriet Webb talks belts, bags and everything in between that finishes off the perfect outfit Accessorising is a basic human need. Have you ever admired old-school glamour legends like Coco Chanel, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn and wondered what it was that made them seem so feminine and stylish?

Well next time you are watching an old Marilyn Monroe movie you might notice that she would accessorise with dazzling statement earrings, a necklace, sheer gloves, hat or even a pretty brooch. In my great-grandma Enid’s day, men and women alike wouldn’t leave the house without a hat, with a different one depending on the occasion.

These days it seems hats are only worn when the sun is shining, or by those fortunate enough to attend the likes of Ascot, although the trend towards old world and vintage class has made a comeback.

Females have a whole culture of accessorising. The devil is in the detail. In fact, we have a very clever system where shoes are an accessory to a dress, earrings to shoes and necklace to earrings.

This being said, there are usually two types of women: those who don’t do anything to accessorise and those who look a bit like an overly festive Christmas tree. Too much tinsel is tacky!

Keep it simple and sophisticated and combine basic accessories with basic pieces. The beauty of accessories is that they can do all the hard work, lending personality and flair to the simplest outfit.

Long necklaces, short necklaces, chunky necklaces, delicate silver or gold, studs, dangly earrings, scarves, brooches, belts and not to mention handbags which are a basic

H. WEBB

Accessories galore: maximise your outfit by using a variety of enhancing accessories

externalisation of a women’s DNA. The possibilities are endless, capsule garments can be so versatile and accessories can make or break a look.

Taking the LBD as an example, a waist belt can emphasise curves and add style to the outfit, a scarf may add a bit of colour, a statement necklace may lift a plain dress and dangly earrings may glamorise the whole ensemble, or a long necklace and studs may add pizzazz to a more laid-back look.

With this being said, accessories don’t need to cost the earth. They are the playful frosting that finishes off a look, and can be changed daily as your mood or plans take you.

When exciting pieces can be picked up on the High Street, it makes sense to follow fashion through accessories, as you’ll never over-do a trend with the finishing touches.

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THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

Listings

Listings

what’s happening on your campus? monday

tuesday

Listings Editor : Ciara Littler - courier.listings@ncl.ac.uk

thursday

wednesday monday

friday

Babel

Public Lectures

Culture Challenge

Public Lectures

Give it a Go!

Holy Trinity Church, Jesmond, Opening Monday from 19:00, Running to Friday

Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, 17:30-18:30, FREE

Hancock Pub, £1

Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, 17:30-18:30, FREE

Bamburgh Room, King’s Road Centre, 13:00, FREE

Art Exhibition

Babel is an installation by Chris Minchin, a North East artist and photographer.

The exhibition comprises a 20ft temporary tower built out of the church chairs; evoking the tower of Babel as a symbol of change, enabling the viewer to consider perceptions of the nature of Church. Next to it is a projected animation of a boy writhing in an ambiguous blank space – taking imagery from a video of a teenager having an exorcism performed on him; it presents him as a universal figure challenging the Church to reflect on grace and love at a turbulent point in its history.

Alongside will be a series of photographs of an industrial ex-labour camp and former film set in Krakow, Poland, a setting for stories slowly disappearing under foliage and water. http://chrisminchin. com for more info.

Give it a Go!

Massage Training Course 17:00-19:00, £7, for 3 weeks

The second week of this two hour long, three week training course to teach you basic massage skills for you to apply to yourself or people around you. A great opportunity to learn from a trained professional. For more information and to sign up, e-mail giag.union@ncl.ac.uk or visit www.facebook.com/giag.newcastle

A Night of Poetry & Alliterati Launch

Northumberland Arms, 19:30, £7 A Night of Poetry for students, by students. Anyone can get involved, you do not have to have studied or be studying poetry (or English) to perform or come along and listen. All you need is a passion for poetry and enough pennies for a pint!

It is also the Alliterati Issue 3 Launch. So if one night of amazing student poetry isn’t enough for you, then stay in the Northumberland Arms for the Alliterati Issue 3 launch party.

Language and music

Professor David Pesetsky from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology gives a talk on ‘Language and music: same structures, different building blocks’.

Is there a special kinship between music and language? Both are complex, law-governed cognitive systems, Both are universal across the human species, but show some variation from culture to culture. Do the similarities run deeper than this?

Though the formal properties of music and language do differ, Pesetsky will propose that these differences reflect what is obvious: that the fundamental building blocks of language and music are different (for example: words vs. pitches).

In all other respects, however -- what they do with these building blocks -- language and music are identical.

Do you want your event advertised in The Courier?

This listings spread is for you. A place for students and societies to advertise any events that they are organising. From team trials, to fundraising and charity nights, to live music and art shows - we want you to know what is going on around your university campus - and more importantly we want you to be able to let others know about it too!

To get details of your event published in these pages, all you have to do is email the date, time and location of your event with a short description to: courier.listings@ ncl.ac.uk.

The extinction crisis

Murder Mystery

Newcastle University Students’ Union presents The Culture Challenge Murder Mystery. The £1 tickets include entry, food and cheap drinks.

Dress up in your best English Boarding School outfit and get ready for an evening of fun and mystery. Tickets are on sale now in the Activities Centre, Park Terrace. For further information or to book tickets contact lea.kloeppinger@ ncl.ac.uk.

The extinction crisis: is there any hope? Simon Stuart from the International Union for Conservation of Nature asks if, as the rate of species’ extinctions continues to rise, the governments are doing enough to prevent a crisis from becoming a catastrophe. There is a worrying gap emerging between the pressures on species, and the responses to those pressures.

Diversity Season

Mausi

Film: Southern Comfort

Single Launch

Leech Building, Medical School, Room 3.2, 19:00, FREE

The Cluny, 20:00, £4 Mausi are celebrating the release of their debut single ‘Follow me Home’ out on March 7 with their biggest and best gig yet. Not only are they planning the most wildly ambitious stage decorations, a massive give-away and some brand new track debuts, but because they also have three of the best bands in the North-East playing as well.

This documentary-film tells the captivating and touching true story of Robert Eads. He is female and transitions to living as a man, after a marriage and having borne two sons. The film charts the extraordinary last year of his life, as he falls headlong into a passionate romance with Lola, a vivacious woman who was born male, and his struggle to get treatment in a disgracefully transphobic healthcare system.

Give it a Go! Wet ‘n’ Wild 14:00, £4

Your North East: The BALTIC, seen alongside the Millennium Bridge on the Quayside, is captured with its reflection in the Tyne. Photo by Daniel Craig. To enter your pictures into Your North East, send your photo to courier.listings@ncl.ac.uk

Women for Women International

Come and get soaked at the UK’s biggest and best waterpark. With some of the biggest and scariest water flumes in the country, come and have an exhilarating afternoon screaming your head off, followed by a relaxation in the lazy river.

For more information and to sign up, email giag.union@ncl.ac.uk or visit www. facebook.com/giag.newcastle.

Global Bridge Campaign

Meeting at the Fine Are Building at 17:30, Tuesday March 8

Get Carter is 40

Tyneside Cinema, Throughout March March 2011 is the 40th anniversary of the release of Get Carter. In the years since, Mike Hodges’ Tyneside-set crime thriller has risen from a modest hit to almost universal acclaim. Starting today and throughout March the Tyneside is celebrating all things carter. See www.tynesidecinema.co.uk for all the info.

For a second year running, Women for Women International will be celebrating International Women’s Day – 8th March 2011 – by bringing women together to join on bridges, and demonstrate the power of women to build bridges of peace and development.

In Newcastle this year we are planning to take part in the ‘Global Bridge Campaign’ with a march and celebration to mark International Women’s Day. Those who want to be involved will meet at the Fine Art Building from 5:30pm to enjoy some food and drink.

At 6.30 we will leave from the Uni arches and make our way down to the Millennium bridge where we will gather at

7.15pm to demonstrate our unity and solidarity and our belief that stronger women build bridges of peace.

Celebrations will continue at the Cumberland Arms from 8pm. £3 entry.

We would love to see as many of you there as possible for what promises to be a very memorable night, so bring friends and housemates. All support is greatly welcomed. The Cumberland Arms will be hosting the annual ‘Bread and Roses’ night in celebration of the event, this will include everything from comedy and dancing to a pub quiz and speakers. Visit the Facebook page for more info, search for Newcastle Women for Women International.

Your City:

Our top events happening in Newcastle this week

1. Film

2. Theatre

3. Talk

4. Music

5. Ballet

6. Comedy

Crossing Arizona

Boys on the Edge

Cartoonist Geoff Laws

Durham University Music Society

Swan Lake

Jason Manford

Moscow Ballet La Classique presents one of the most famous shows on earth.

The Moscow Ballet of Classical Choreography - “La Classique” was founded in 1990, utilising ballet dancers from the leading theatres of the CIS Countries and the Bolshoi, Kirov and Ballet Theatres of Kiev and Odessa. They have thrilled ballet lovers during hugely successful tours throughout the world. Don’t miss the chance to catch them here.

Due to popular demand Jason Manford has added an extra date to his tour.

Those of you who like what you see on TV are in for a treat. Noted for appearing on array of shows from 8 out of 10 Cats to the Royal Variety Performance his quick wits is sure to please. Metro describes his comedy as full of ‘inspired one liners’ that are sure to make the audience laugh.

Visit www.newcastlecityhall.org for info and tickets.

Star and Shadow Cinema, March 3, 19:30

Part of the Films without Borders season.

A collection of personal accounts of the experiences of people working around the Mexico / USA border.

‘Crossing Arizona is more than a documentary; it’s a one way ticket into the eye of the hurricane of one of the most intense periods in the ever-controversial immigration debate’ - Luis Alonso Pérez, La Prensa. Starandshadow.co.uk for info.

Live Theatre, March 3-4, 20:00, £6/£4

Ever wanted to take a look inside someone’s head and find out what makes them tick? Why they behave the way they do?

After the success of Girls on the Verge in October 2010, it’s the turn of the boys.

These work-in-progress monologues written by Alison Carr, Laura Lindow and Bridget Deane take a peek into the minds of three young men on the edge of adulthood.

Lit and Phil, March 1, 18:00, £2 non-members, free members

Geoff Laws, award-winning cartoonist for Newcastle’s newspapers, tells the tale of his 35 remarkable years at the sharp end of a pencil, and reveals the art of caricature. This talk is fully illustrated, and Geoff’s new book A Cartoonist’s Chronicle will be on sale at a special price. In association with Tyne Bridge Publishing. Reserve your seat by calling (0191) 232 0192, or emailing library@litandphil.org.uk

The Sage, Gateshead, March 2, 20:00, £10/ Concessions available

Returning to The Sage, Gateshead for their annual showcase concert, Durham University Music Society takes you on a journey through a British programme, culminating in Tippett’s stunning oratorio ‘A Child of Our Time’. Conducted by Edward Moore, third-year music student at Durham University, with an exciting line up of soloists from the North East.

Visit www.sagegateshead.co.uk

Journal Tyne Theatre, March 3, 19:30, £17-£21

Newcastle City Hall, March 4, 19:30, £20

How to write your CV

It’s estimated that employers discard three out of five CVs within two minutes. Come to this workshop to find out how to ensure your CV reflects what you have to offer, and most importantly gets you noticed. For more information and to sign up, e-mail giag. union@ncl.ac.uk or visit www.facebook. com/giag.newcastle

O’Hooley & Tidow Silent June

The Cumberland Arms, 20:00, £10/£8 The Cumberland Arms are delighted to welcome back O’Hooley & Tidow as part of their splendid album tour. Accompanied by Anna Esslemont and supported

by Lady Caroline Mary, this is sure to be a sell-out gig. Garnering increased attention and widespread acclaim, they have been winning over audiences countrywide with thought provoking songs, lush harmonies and cheeky northern banter.

all week NUTS present Pool (No Water) Northern Stage 2, March 7-9, Tickets on sale from the Union Shop all this week, £6.50 The second NUTS play of the season promises to be a treat. The drama follows a group of people reacting to a friend who suffers terrible injuries as a result of a nocturnal dive into the (unbeknown to her) drained pool.

Coupled with Imogen Heaps haunting and beautiful soundtrack, this production will both surprise and excite. By delving into peoples’ raw emotions the play exposes parts of the human character that people find hardest to admit to, yet unable to deny. Don’t miss out, get your tickets all this week while you can.

25

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Life & Style

Has Heston got the Midas touch? Find out with our TV highlight of the week > page 34

stage

“A Liverpudlian West Side Story” hits the Toon Georgia Snow on an unforgettable musical from one of Britain’s great modern playwrights The age old question of nature vs. nurture is the basis for Willy Russell’s smash hit musical Blood Brothers, which is celebrating its 22nd year in the West End with a touring production that will surely prove as successful as its London counterpart that is “still unmissable and unbeatable” after so long.

The touring company stars Niki Evans as the central role. She was arguably one of the most popular female artists to appear on the X-Factor (in 2007), winning over the hearts of the nation with her emotion-filled ballads. She previously played Mrs Johnstone in the West End in 2008, reprising the role once more to take the show on tour this year, stopping in Newcastle for the first time in two years.

Blood Brothers itself is a West End stalwart, scooping up no less than four wins in ‘Best Musical’ categories in the UK and seven in its Broadway counterpart. Willy Russell has been long regarded as one of the country’s leading playwrights, and the gritty social irony married with deep felt emotion and groundbreakingly fresh storylines, even today, sees Blood Brothers leading its pack of West End shows that pull in the crowds year in year out.

The unflinchingly raw storyline and harsh setting of 1980’s Liverpool, may not seem to correlate with some perceptions of musical theatre,

however Blood Brothers is not your average happy-clappy, jazz-hands musical. Its critically acclaimed score features explosive songs and emotionally charged numbers that are sure to win anyone over.

Blood Brothers is widely revered as one of our generation’s most constantly relevant stories. Described as a “Liverpudlian West Side Story”, Blood Brothers tells the tale of twins separated at birth under forced circumstances, and brought up on opposite ends of the social spectrum.

Despite the superstitious mothers’ desperation to keep the boys apart, fate would have it that they simply can’t keep the two parallel tracks from converging, resulting in a hard hitting tale of class separation, fate, adolescence and superstition.

The serious nature of the storyline is broken up by continuous humour on the parts of the twins, which offsets the determined tragedy which runs through the piece by offering hope in a story of a friendship which breaks class barriers and social stereotypes.

It is well worth a visit whether you’re in it for the incredible score, the fantastic storyline, or simply a fan of good theatre, this is one not to be missed.

Blood Brothers is performed at the Theatre Royal from 28 February until 12 March

Blood is thicker than water: Willy Russell’s brilliant and highly-acclaimed musical Blood Brothers returns to the Theatre Royal

stage

art

The secret to ageing artfully Clowning around Despite what the title of the exhibition suggests, Coming of Age, the new exhibition at the Great North Museum, is not about becoming an adult but rather an examination of the art of and science behind ageing.

This exhibition proposes to challenge the negative stigma in society regarding older people. Inspired by Newcastle University’s Changing Age campaign, Coming of Age uses art to explore and investigate how and why we age. The art displays the effects of ageing and the lives of older people through the eyes of both artists and scientists.

A collaborative effort between the scientists at Newcastle University’s Institute of Ageing and Health and various artists, their work has led to the production of exciting artworks for the exhibition.

Artist Andrew Carnie produced a large scale film installation revealing the human body as it undergoes the subtle changes that cause normal ageing. Annie Cattrell’s sculptures will be examining how memory is stored within our brains. Whereas

Jennie Pedley’s series of short ‘shadow’ films examine the day-to-day processes of scientists investigating ageing research alongside the daily activities of older people.

This combination of works means that central to the exhibit are the three themes of biology, frailty and vitality.

The Biology deals with the biological basis of ageing, debating why we age and the effects that genetics and our environment have on the ageing process. The artworks explore the physical process of ageing, including Henry Moore’s series of ten lithographs, The Seven Ages of Man and Nicholas Nixon’s series of photographs of the Brown Sisters, taken annually over the last 33 years.

Fraility explores dementia and age-relating diseases and disorders affecting movement and the senses.

Alongside Renoir’s sculpture The Washerwoman (1917-18) and Degas’ Ballet Dancers (1890-1900) a variety of age related illnesses are illustrated, including Maggi Hambling’s portrait of Frances Rose, which

shows her arthritic hands.

Vitality then searches into the wisdom and creativity that the older generation possess and consider how older people pass on their knowledge to the younger generation. This section of the exhibition is a celebration of the beauty of old age, including John Coplan’s photographic Self Portrait Upside Down, and Melanie Manchot’s Liminal Portraits (1999-2000) which celebrate the older body.

The exhibition has been organised for Newcastle University by Lucy Jenkins, who comments: “This exhibition is the first of its kind to explore age and the ageing process in depth. Its aim is to celebrate the achievement that is our increased life expectancy, but also to encourage people to think about the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities this brings to our society.”

Coming of Age is at the Great North Museum until 2 March Sally Priddle

The play Hamlet the Clown Prince arrives in Newcastle this March.

Northern Stage is proud to host this new production that has rewoven William Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy Hamlet into a comical performance that will leave audiences roaring with laughter.

Although Hamlet may have been reworked and staged in various ways before, Rajat Kapoor’s innovative direction has created a completely original show that uses clowns to retell and interpret one of Shakespeare’s most studied and enjoyable plays.

The clowns’ attempt to stage their own version of Hamlet but without much success as they confuse the lines of the play, often editing out integral scenes providing many funny moments throughout the play.

Kapoor was particularly interested in using clowns to represent this story, and drew his inspiration from classic clown-like characters including Charlie Chaplin.

This is a refreshing production that really brings drama to life. This play

successfully combines the very contrasting genres of tragedy and comedy, highlighting that these genres can compliment each other.

The tragic elements of Hamlet still have an emotional impact on audiences whilst the clowns present the story in a humorous way. Kapoor’s intelligent direction and the clown characters will make this show an interesting and funny production.

Hamlet the Clown Prince promises to be an enjoyable evening for people of all ages and is guaranteed to inspire audiences by adapting traditional dramatic works in a modern setting.

As a one-off ticket offer, take this week’s copy of The Courier along to Northern Stage box office to purchase two student tickets for only £9. This is a real bargain for Newcastle University students to make the most of, so don’t miss your chance!

Hamlet the Clown Prince is performed at Northern Stage from 8 to 12 March Juliet Armstrong

26

Culture

Monday February 28 2010 THE COURIER

Arts

arts art

An exhibition of biblical proportions

Elliot Bentley gets a sneak-preview of Newcastle Fine Arts student Chris Minchin’s new exhibition It should always be admired when an artist attempts to take art out of the gallery and into a thoroughly unusual space.

In the case of upcoming installation Babel, it's being thrust into the middle of Holy Trinity Church in Jesmond.

As you may have guessed from its name, Babel's placement isn't an arbitrary one. Chris Minchin is a Newcastle Fine Art student who grew up within the city and whose local communion was the very church he attended when younger, and the centrepiece of his first ever exhibition is a twenty-foot tower constructed entirely of the chairs within the building.

Speaking to Minchin about the project, he sees it as “a way of challenging the church”. “It's to see what it could be in a different way and consider the perceptions of the Church at quite a turbulent time in its history."

The installation is accompanied by a video of a violent exorcism that recently spread around the internet to general condemnation by its viewers. By bringing it into the church, Minchin says, he wants to ask questions of religion.

"It's meant to be a difficult thing to watch," he says. "I want people to ask 'how can be a church be graceful and let things like this happen?'"

The final part of the exhibition is a little more traditional: a series of photos form his year abroad in Poland.

"There was one day where we were climbing this hill and we looked down and we could see this quarry with really strange industrial structures in it.

“It turned out it was a labour camp from the Second World War where several hundred thousand people died. Now it was this abandoned place that was inbetween history and now just becoming overgrown

C.MINCHIN

away," says Minchin.

Despite the Tower of Babel being an obvious inspiration for the work, Minchin doesn't see the exhibition as an affront to God. "The Tower is used throughout the Bible as a symbol of change and

plays, the opera has modernised its great works, but the price tag has failed to follow. Considering the stigma associated with the opera, the cost of a seat isn’t helping, which was reflected in the lack of people under 30 at the performance I attended.

Obviously with more elaborate sets, bigger casts and an orchestra, the cost must outweigh that of a play. But this fact alone won’t draw in a younger audience.

My first experience of the opera was visually impressive, surprisingly hilarious at times, as well as being full of plenty of characters who could all bang out a good tune or two.

Danny Kielty

Rosie Tallant

transformation, which can be good things as well. So I see it as a good symbol," he says.

Babel is on at Holy Trinity Church, Jesmond from 28 February until 4 March.

Elliot Bentley

opinion

The secret confessions of an opera virgin Having never been to the opera before, I went along with expectations of being confronted with a sea of glinting monocles, and of course a rather plump lady warbling at crockery.

With these stereotypes in mind, I thought the world-famous Carmen would be a good place to start.

Sadly, as I took my seat there we no monocles to be seen, but there were plenty of tweedy old men sat repeating “Bravo!” and clapping wildly every ten seconds, as well as a number of wealthy looking young people mistakenly thinking wearing chunky-knit scarves indoors is a good look.

With a price tag of £43, it’s not really surprising that the opera still retains its association with people

of the upper sort, but perhaps more so is how genuinely impressive the show was.

The sets were breathtakingly good, and once you get used to the initially rather peculiar sight of the characters singing about even the tiniest stage direction, you really have to admire the way it all somehow works.

In some ways, the opera is more impressive than going to see a play in that not only do the characters have to look and act convincingly, but do it all to an orchestra they can’t see or respond to.

The combination of all of this, added to the huge size of the cast makes for a much more visceral experience.

Many might picture a rather stuffy

bunch on stage dressed in whalebone corsets and breeches, but in the modernised American 1950s performance that I went to see, there was full frontal nudity, an elderly pair dry humping on the edge of the stage, and the lead spent most of the performance wearing what can only be described as somewhere inbetween a dressing gown and a negligée. The joy on the face of the old-timer sat in front of me was unmissable.

With the opera being performed wholly in French, you might expect a certain amount of highbrow prancing, but during the course of Carmen I lost count of the number of women (and men) scooting across the stage in next to nothing.

Just like Shakespeare’s classic

Libraries shouldn’t bow to technology

Last month, David Cameron caused stirs during Prime Minister’s Question Time by arguing that libraries need to update themselves technologically in order to survive. According to the PM, "we all know a truth about libraries, which is that those which will succeed are those that wake up to the world of new technology, the internet and everything else".

These ideas are all a part of the floundering Big Society initiative, which has failed to explain itself to, let alone win over, the public.

The scheme aims to encourage members of the public to take over responsibility for certain community functions, particularly those that have been severely affected by Cameron’s cuts.

Amongst the tasks ‘volunteers’ are intended to undertake are grass cutting, litter picking and running libraries and museums. Now, these intentions sound pretty decent, but if, as Cameron claims, “instead of sniping and jumping on every bandwagon, the right honourable gentleman should get behind the Big Society", when does his shift at the library start?

In fact, the more you think about this scheme, the more it seems as though the huge spending cuts on public services are set to have a negative effect on the individual.

Not only will the inevitable closing of a number of libraries reduce access to books, DVDs and computers for many communities, but I suspect that the Big Society will have trouble finding volunteers that want to go man a reception desk after a long week at work.

There is a distinct lack of public cheerleading for the Big Society, and as such, Cameron risks depriving the country of many bastions of culture.

The PM claims that libraries are not making use of technology, when there are in fact very few functioning libraries today that do not offer internet facilities. In any case, surely the primary reason for visiting a library is to use their collection of books?

If Cameron’s aim in encouraging libraries to boost their use of technology is to attract more young people, perhaps what he needs to suggest is not more computers, but more convincing marketing strategies.

Many local libraries have latched on to the idea that teenagers do not see these services as applicable to them and began colourful poster campaigns to create a younger feel to their buildings and reputations.

If he continues to encourage councils to spend more cash on computer services that the majority of the public can access at home, work or school, his claims to the improvement and sustenance of libraries are likely to be unsuccessful.

Liban Quarry is part of a photography collection that accompanies a 20ft tower of chairs in Chris Minchin’s church exhibition Babel

and flooding slowly and disappearing."

The photos are indeed striking - a city of repressed memories slowly being reclaimed by nature. "They say a lot about discrimination, love, loss of stories, and time passing

opinion

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

27

Arts Culture Arts Editor: Stephanie Ferrao - courier.culture-arts@ncl.ac.uk

art

Public art: the city is your gallery Briony Carlin has taken to the streets of Newcastle to search out the best examples of public art scattered across the city You’d be surprised by how much public art there is around Newcastle. Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the three sculptures of the same man down by the station?

They make up Man with Potential Selves by Sean Henry, and they’re supposed to make you think about fate and identity. And those colourful, illuminated benches you stumble past on your way down to Legends? They form an installation created in 2001 called Nine Things to Do on a Bench by Cate Watkinson & Julia Darling.

The benches combine attractive glasswork and a witty line of prose with a functional piece of street furniture, so next time you want to rest

your legs as you saunter up Grey Street, you can add a bit of culture to your shopping break.

By the time you’ve even walked from uni to Northumberland Street, you’ve already passed three or four different sculptures.

You’ll see the seahorses on top of the Civic Centre nearly every day, but you might not know that they are in fact an artwork, a collection of sculptures by J. R. M. McCheyne that were commissioned by the Newcastle City Council for the opening of the Centre in 1968.

This shows the very fine line between public ‘decoration’ and public art. Lots of people would call these seahorses decoration, but they would agree the sculpture beB.CARLIN

Chinese Arch by Yonglai Zhang marks the entrance to the city’s Chinatown dsitrict

low them, River God Tyne by David Wynne (1968), was art.

Either way, the presence of these artworks and others like them encourages a cultural and visual awareness of the city; when you walk through town and really look around, there’s a public artwork on every corner.

However, creating public art is a sensitive compromise. When creating work intended for a gallery, artists have total freedom to be provocative and selfish in their concepts. But public art is a completely different challenge: if you were to put Damien Hirst’s Mother and Child Divided (the formaldehyde cow and calf) on permanent display next to Grey’s Monument, there would undoubtedly be complaints.

If it’s too conceptual it will aggravate the traditionalists among the public, but if it’s too simple it’ll contribute little more impact than a flowerbed, aestheticising a space but not inspiring meaning or reaction.

Take Danny Lane’s Ellipsis Eclipses.

It’s abstract, it looks contemporary and it’s 12 metres high, but I don’t think anybody would miss it if it suddenly disappeared from outside The Gate.

So it’s difficult to create something that is visually and intellectually challenging, whilst being sympathetic to the wants, needs and attitudes of the people that will interact with it every day.

One of the successes of public art commissions in Newcastle has been their inclusion and celebration of local identity.

Some pieces make this identity their obvious subject, such as Henry and Joyce Collin’s Newcastle Through the Ages – this relief mural, recounting significant events in the city’s history, can be found on the side of the building where BHS used to be.

Wor Jackie by Susanna Robinson (1991) emphasises Newcastle’s pride in their football team by paying tribute to legend Jackie Milburn, and Chinese Arch by Yonglai Zhang (2005) at the entrance to Stowell Street celebrates the diversity of Newcastle’s inhabitants. Other works are much more subtle in depicting this identity, such as the murals scattered around different metro stations.

Over the last few decades, various public art projects around Newcastle and Gateshead have shaped the area into the cultural capital of the North East.

High-profile projects such as the erection of Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North in 1998 and the opening of the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in 2002, which were both funded by the National Lottery, were catalysts for further urban regeneration through art.

The media attention they received encouraged the people of Newcastle to take an interest in art and culture without feeling patronised or ex-

B.CARLIN

River God Tyne (1968) by David Wynne is attached to one side of the Civic Centre

cluded from something that can be very elitist.

As a result, smaller, more local projects, mostly based in the artistic hub of Stepney Bank, have been able to have a considerable impact on less privileged communities.

The public are not always so easily won over, however. The subject of public art often causes much debate; people want to know where the money is coming from and whether it could be better spent on the community.

There is often a handful of people who will oppose a sculpture because they don’t want to change their environment, or because they don’t like the way the sculpture will look.

When plans for the Angel of the North were announced, there was an outcry that the Arts Council’s Lottery funding should instead be used to improve more urgent social problems.

Then there were worries that the 20m-tall statue would distract motorists, or spoil the landscape.

Gormley extinguished these fears with a tour of exhibitions of scale models of the statue, emphasising the iron struts that link the monumental sculpture to the ship-building industry of Newcastle’s past, and the curved wings of the iconic figure that would welcome travellers to the North.

His efforts and his sculpture have been a resounding success – the Angel has become a proud logo of the North East.

Today, the only disadvantage of this cultural boom is that the abundance of public art around Newcastle is often overlooked. An intricate sculpture can appear unremarkable, simply because we are so used to seeing it.

But there are so many examples of interesting, thought-provoking art around our city, and I urge you to open your eyes and find them.

Visit: www.newcastle.gov.uk to find out more about the public art that’s on your doorstep

28

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Culture Film

film film of the week

Paul

Director: Greg Mottola Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig Runtime: 104 mins

The genius and charming lads that gave the world Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz have once again managed to tickle everyone’s funny bone, this time with a blunt and satirical look at sci-fi. There’s something quite magical about Paul; it may not be Shakespeare, but does it matter?

The irreverent mockery of the sci-fi genre about two losers and their encounter with a weed-smoking alien is just downright fun and very entertaining.

The story follows Graeme Willy (Pegg) and ‘the writer’ Clive Gollings (Frost) as long-time friends and fan boys on their road trip across America, visiting Comic-con and all of America’s best-known alien hotspots. But they end up getting more than they bargained for when they bump into Paul (Rogen) a delightfully ‘down to earth’ alien who is on the run trying to get back to his mother ship. Of course it’s not

an easy journey for them, what with Jason Bateman and his two associates on their trail, and an accidental kidnapping of one-eyed creationist Ruth Buggs (Wiig).

If you name your film after a character, you have to make sure it’s one that people are going to love and remember. Paul does this with terrific ease. He resembles Roger from American Dad! however he’s twice as funny. He’s a loveable slacker who enjoys bagels, coffee and smoking stuff that apparently killed Dylan. As soon as he’s introduced to the group, he brings the energy and the laughs which make this such an enjoyable road trip buddy movie.

The film may be about Graeme and Clive’s journey, but it’s Paul himself that makes this movie special. Seth Rogen does a terrific job of bringing the character to life however there’s not much depth to his character. It’s essentially just Seth Rogen as an alien. But with his delightful mix of blunt and honest humour, and his brilliant chemistry with Pegg and Frost, there isn’t much to criticise as he fires on all cylinders.

There are plenty of cheeky nods to a lot of nerdy pop culture, which if you’re not a diehard fan of the scifi scene may be completely lost on you. Everything from E.T. to Star

Trek is touched upon. But there’s still plenty to laugh at, like the constant reference to Clive’s three-breasted illustration or Kristen Wiig’s slowly developing vocabulary of profanity.

There may be a few flat points in the movie such as the waiter confusing Graeme and Clive for a gay couple, and the schmaltzy ‘lets-bond-overa-beer-and-dance-in-the-trailerpark’ scene. But the final act of this film moves at a great pace and keeps the jokes coming. The real glue that holds it together though is the writing. It’s witty, cheeky, and very honest. Pegg and Frost know how

to simultaneously thrill an audience whilst making them laugh.

Verdict: Paul is a terrific return to the big screen for Pegg and Frost, with a wonderful set of characters (especially its protagonist). A great mixture of British wit and American satire truly make this film an enjoyable experience. It’s not perfect, but the bottom line is that it’s just a fun movie that is worth seeing, if only for the final line which for most will become timeless.

Luke Hearfield

feature

The soundtrack to success?

As Justin Bieber’s film tops the box office charts, Georgia Snow takes a look at other musicians who have made the move into film Every once in a while, a musician will look at their career and realise what’s missing – a box office-smashing film, with them as the stars, and so convince a production team to write the aforementioned film. Any decent screenplay writer in such a situation needs to play to the actor’s strengths and so casts said musician as themselves, avoiding any possible lack of acting talent. What could go wrong? Well, as Hunter Davies, author of The Beatles’ biography, observes about their 1967 film Magical Mystery Tour, “It was the first time in memory that an artist felt obliged to make a public apology for his work”. The Beatles did it in the 60s and Justin Bieber’s doing it today, so should musicians dip their toes into the waters of film acting or is it always a drowning disaster amongst ritual humiliation and leers of ‘stick to the day job’?

As a six year-old Spice Girls obsessive (yes, I had the backpack AND the perfume), there was nothing to dislike about Spice World – a feature film following the Spice Girls on a ‘madcap musical adventure’ (their words I hasten to add). However the fact that all five girls won the ‘Worst

Actress’ Razzie Award and that it features the one and only Meatloaf as the driver of their double decker, Union Jack Spice Bus, shows the extent to which the film fell flat on critics and despairing mothers alike.

Justin Bieber’s current film Never Say Never however, seems to be bucking the trend somewhat.

Rather than being fictitious, it’s a concert tour documentary, interspersed with film from his childhood, interviews and backstage footage. The film has left even hardnosed critics with Bieber Fever and seems to be winning over audiences by the cinemaload. The documentary style of musician-based film, despite being publicity gold tends to be more of a success and of course spares the musician from looking like the acting equivalent of those early rounds of the X Factor when you know they’re awful but they just won’t stop.

This Is It, the Michael Jackson documentary film, changed perceptions of the late singer for many and offered an unprecedented amount of access to the elusive singer’s last few months. Many artists throughout the decades have made the move

Sunk: Even at the height of their fame, The Beatles had mixed success on the screen

from behind the microphone to in front of the camera – with varying success. Originating as a teen heartthrob in the boyband N Sync, Justin Timberlake is today more likely to be found on a film set, featuring in the critically acclaimed The Social Network, and Will Smith has become so successful in both fields it is difficult to define which side of the line he originated from.

The lives of musicians are clearly a sell story and some of the greatest films of this and arguably other generations tell of the lives of musicians and of bands – Marion Cotillard’s portrayal of Edith Piaf won her an Academy Award and Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in the 2005 John-

ny Cash biopic Walk the Line earned him a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.

Films about musicians will always draw in an audience whether the lead roles are played by the artists themselves or by an actor. Aaron Johnson triumphed in portraying John Lennon in Nowhere Boy where Lennon himself failed in the films starring The Beatles. Musicians’ forays into the world of film, aside from being publicity and promotion, provide a light-hearted opportunity for fans to see their idols on the big screen but, more often than not, they decide that musicians really should stick to the day job.

news Original horror weekend at Empire Following four successful runs of Horrorfest in USA, the After Dark Originals season has finally made it across the Atlantic to make its debut appearance at Empire Cinemas in Newcastle. Set to be held this weekend, it will feature a selection of seven deadly films spanning the genre.

Friday kicks off with teen horrors Husk and Prowl. The two plots are somewhat conventional: a group of young friends, stranded in the desolate unknown, become prey to a murderous masked lunatic; or in the case of Prowl, a fresh breed of vampires. Doing away with character stereotyping of many teen horrors, the films promise a slightly more original, if not richer, twist to it.

Horror duo Adam Gierasch and Jace Anderson (Autopsy) return also with Fertile Ground, a supernatural thriller surrounding a pregnant couple who are terrorised by a demonic presence in their new home.

Expect The Amityville Horror injected with a dose of the familial curse.

Also showing is The Task, a horrifying tale about a reality game show gone wrong. The movie offers little to anticipate as it looks essentially like a collection of many sub-genres disguised as a feature. Most promising is Antonio Negret’s first English feature, Seconds Apart; a movie that follows the lives of identical twins with telekinetic powers to kill.

From the look of it, Negret’s take on telekinesis horrors along with its intricate character-driven plot has every potential to compare itself to the successful blood-curling Carrie. The festival comes to an official close on Sunday with the terrifying alien rampage in 51, and Scream of Banshee, both co-produced by After Dark Films. Running on limited theatrical runs around the world, After Dark Originals certainly offers quite a line-up of originals that promises a good scare and a whole lot of violence and gore.

Aisya Hisham

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

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Film Culture

film

Film Editor: Adam Williams - courier.culture-film@ncl.ac.uk

feature

preview

Making films by the book

Sucker Punch

Jeremy Trotter takes a look at how successful film adaptations of famous literature can be From The Godfather to Jaws, literature has been one of the most common sources of inspiration for film-makers. The box-office chart is frequently filled with book adaptations, with a Top 10 this week that includes 127 Hours, The Green Hornet, Gulliver’s Travels, and of course, Gnomeo and Juliet all having been derived from a literary source.

The recent release of True Grit is the latest addition, which has been described by the Coen brothers as faithful to the novel. The recurrent problem regarding book adaptations that film-makers must address is how close the film should be to the source novel. Adapting a book is tricky, as one has to please not only fans of the novel, but also satisfy newcomers. There is always the inevitable outcry from readers when characters or the plot are changed, but it is important to remember that books and the cinema are different mediums. Each requires completely different pacing and structure.

For the keen reader there is an awkward situation when a favourite book is adapted. The film-maker will inevitably change certain aspects from the book, or just simply use the title and the film bears no resemblance. In books, the way characters and scenes are visualized are unique to each reader, but once a director has committed something to the screen, by default that becomes the standard version.

What is essential for a good adaptation is that the key themes and spirit of the novel survive the transi-

tion to the screen. In the Harry Potter series, there were sometimes vast differences between the book and the film that annoyed some fans.

However, the films are successful in that they capture the magic of the alternate world as written by JK Rowling. The pacing of the film would be extremely slow if every plot point was adapted. The same can be said about The Lord of the Rings.

The success of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings led to a rush of film-makers searching for the latest fantasy author to adapt. They struck lucky with the Twilight saga, but failed massively with Eragon which was critically panned. Philip Pullman’s The Northern Lights, filmed as The Golden Compass, also was such a failure that the sequels are unlikely to be filmed. Blame has been directed at the producers for having watered down the anti-religious subtext, which just shows that in adaptations although the plot can be changed, the key themes of the source novel must survive.

Although every genre of novel has been adapted, sci-fi and fantasy novels are a firm favourite of Hollywood, who scour the back-catalogue of authors for inspiration. Famously the work of Philip K. Dick has been frequently adapted, with works such as Blade Runner and Minority Report having been filmed. Robert Heinlein’s novel Starship Troopers was also adapted successfully. The combination of expensive specialeffects and the novel’s fascist allegory resulted in a fairly entertaining

Director: Zack Snyder Cast: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone ETA: March 2011

Lord of the adaptations: J. R. R. Tolkien’s series of books were turned into films

film. It is often the case that a film is less obviously inspired from a book, such as 2004’s Downfall. Although ostensibly a historical drama set in the last days of Hitler’s bunker, it draws heavily from the diary of Hitler’s secretary, Traudl Junge. Similarly, the true story of Schindler’s List was actually adapted from Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keaneally.

Notable also was the screen version of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, a tale of childhood friendship in Auschwitz. Interestingly despite it being a children’s book, the film version was rated 12A due to the distressing climactic scenes. The film was lauded however for introducing the Holocaust to young people. For every successful adaptation there are disappointments. Danny

Boyle’s The Beach failed to capture the true spirit of backpacking, nor the breakdown of a utopia as described by Alex Garland. It might be unfair to single out the casting of Leonardo Di Caprio, but there were differences between his performance and the description of the protagonist in the novel.

Book adaptations will continue to cause controversy. The ownership of film-rights is lucrative business, and can get very fraught as seen recently in the wrangling over the rights to The Hobbit. Although there are often films that merely trade on the title of a book, some adaptations are quite exceptional and may act as a complement to its source, if not exceed it.

film five

Literary adaptations 5) A Scanner Darkly Whilst this is not one of the best known films based on Phillip K. Dick’s Sci-Fi back catalogue, it is possibly the most disconcerting.

Where Bladerunner questioned what it is to be human, A Scanner Darkly delves into the trappings of a not too distant dystopia where questions of personal identity, the role of the authorities and the necessity of escapism are raised. Director Linklater’s use of the Rotoscope technique (animation over live action) creates a dizzying and disorientating visual quality that perfectly suits the subject matter.

4) Breakfast at Tiffany’s The need for films to be more commercially attractive than their literary counterpoints is beautifully shown in the 1960s adaptations of Truman Capote’s novella. What could have been a depressing drama about the difficulties of surviving in the city is stylistically turned into the classic romantic comedy. With the shades softened around the edges Hepburn’s character is made

a carefree spirit looking for love that all women can idolise. In this role she became one of the defining icons of twentieth century cinema.

3) Fight Club When Fincher’s version of Palahniuk’s book was released it’s unlikely anyone had predicted the extent to which it would permeate to the heart of contemporary culture. The mark of a great adaptation is surely those that outgrow their original conception and thanks to this skilfully marketed anti-corporate package few will have read the initial text but, as they are so similar, they have almost merged into one. It raises questions about the nature of commodity culture, whilst making a lot of money along the way.

2) Atonement Take one of the most popular modern authors, combine with two of Britain’s most popular actors and heart-breaking wartime conflicts, and you may be bound for success. This could be what Joe Wright thought when deciding to adapt

First gaining real attention during the production of Watchmen, Zach Snyder’s latest WTF-athon looks set to push the boundaries of CGI and slow motion to the maximum.

Sucker Punch is basically the result of giving a child with an overactive imagination $85 million and a bunch of women in skimpy Catholic school girl outfits. Snyder himself as described it as “Alice in Wonderland with guns” and, judging by the trailers, he isn’t wrong. With ninjas, dragons, robots, huge weapons and large mythical creatures, this is pretty much an attempt to get everything possible into one film.

And this may be its downfall. It looks very much like a dark Alice in Wonderland, with hints of American McGee’s Alice about it, but this attempt to pack everything into one, slow mo filled CGI fest may detract from the story. It’s at this point it should be made clear that the story is insane. The story focuses on Baby Doll, who is locked away in a 1950s mental asylum by her stepfather.

Using her imagination as an escape, she realises that by utilising this, and gaining the help of other inmates, her imagination can be more than just a coping mechanism, instead acting as an actual release from the confines of the asylum.

With a female ensemble lead cast including Emily Browning, Jena Malone and Abbie Cornish, and other relatively bigger name stars, such as John Hamm and Scott Glenn, it’s impossible to tell whether or not Sucker Punch is actually going to be good or not. It seems to tread a fine line where story is sacrificed for exciting special effects à la Avatar.

Snyder has said that he had a script but wanted to take the action scenes and build a story in which these action scenes could become more fantastical but not detract from the story, though that is easier in theory than in practise. His record has been relatively successful with a remake of Dawn of the Dead, an adaptation of Watchmen and 300 under his belt; time will tell if the master of slow mo can pull this off when Sucker Punch is released next month.

Chris Taylor

McEwan’s powerful novel about deceit, love and family bonds. Losing none of the passion of the book, it is beautifully filmed and takes advantage of the recent popularity for period drama with the costumes sometimes out shadowing the acting.

1) A Clockwork Orange Adapting a book which is already heavily stylised and iconic in its own right can fall into the trap of a car-

bon copy film; however Kubrick’s independent vision allows this 1971 adaptation to become a standalone classic. Arguably seen as the defining film of this period of Kubrick’s career, the film fuses brilliantly the ultra-violence and terror of Burgess’ narrative with a social commentary that has not aged in the 40 years since its conception. Perhaps avoid if easily offended.

Polly Randall

30

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Culture Film

film in cinemas Inside Job Director: Charles Ferguson Cast: Matt Damon Runtime: 109 mins

To an outsider the global financial crisis of 2008 was very confusing.

Seemingly out of nowhere newsreaders and analysts were shouting and screaming about the coming disastrous impact of the ‘credit crunch’, proclaiming the worst economic conditions since the great depression. Even now, more than two years later, it can be difficult to grasp what really occurred. With Inside Job, Ferguson aims to present the events and phenomena of the financial crisis in a fresh, interesting and easy-to-understand manner, and he succeeds spectacularly.

The film systematically documents the complex causes and effects of the

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never Director: Jon Chu Cast: Justin Bieber, Usher Miley Cyrus, Sean Kingston Runtime: 105 mins

With all the Bieber mania I was more than surprised to walk into a cinema constituting of, at most, ten teenage girls. Granted, this does not give off a great first impression, (though it’s always a bonus when you get free premier seats as a result of its unpopularity). Settling down to a comfortable 3D journey I admittedly wasn’t expecting much, but, and I’m slightly ashamed to admit, I was pleasantly surprised.

We all know Bieber to be an irritat-

Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son Director: John Whitesell Cast: Martin Lawrence, Brandon T. Jackson, Jessica Lucas Runtime: 108 mins

The narrative device of dressing incognito as women in order to reenforce family bonds (Mrs Doubtfire) or aid criminal investigation (White Chicks) is a peculiar but common trope in mainstream cinema. Although the latest addition to the Big Momma franchise combines both of these elements it falls into the latter category of a self-consciously ridiculous excuse for grown men to frolic in fat suits and fight crime. As the former instalments of the series followed the origin story and initial adventures of FBI agent (Lawrence) donning the disguise, the third instalment’s bland sub-plots and terrible acting render it as nothing

crisis using a combination of original interviews, news footage and straightforward graphical diagrams, all punctuated by a lucid narrative courtesy of Matt Damon. Ferguson traces the roots of the crisis back to the early 2000s, exposing a toxic relationship between the financial sector, government and academia.

The interview sequences in the film are particularly noteworthy.

Whilst many of the main culprits were unavailable for comment, it’s both enjoyable and disconcerting to watch the awkward interrogation of Glenn Hubbard, George W. Bush’s chief economic advisor. The arrogant and audacious responses of Scott Talbot, one of the financial service industry’s most important lobbyists, are also simply baffling.

One of the most ominous aspects of Inside Job lies in its examination of the links between the financial services industry and academia. Far from being unbiased and objective, Ferguson suggests that many of the leading economics scholars in the United States are in the pocket of ing 16 year old, attractive only to pre pubescent girls, but maybe we are overlooking some of his real talents? A self taught guitarist, pianist, drummer, and, although I’ve seen no evidence, a trumpeter; not to mention his dancing, basketball and even rubix cube talents, Bieber is not a typical one hit wonder. The film documents his rise to fame and touches on his background, from a small town in Canada, raised by a young, single mum, Bieber worked hard to get where he is, playing on street corners, entering local talent contests and posting numerous videos on YouTube; this is where he started his incredible rise to success.

Loosely structured on the build up to Bieber’s sold out concert at Madison Square Gardens, Never Say Never reveals more of the Bieber ‘brand’ than of Bieber himself which is disappointing for a former non-lover of the rising star since my interest lies in who Bieber really is; instead I was bombarded by the never-ending more than poor after-thought to the series.

The plot follows Lawrence’s characters step-son (Jackson) who is an up-and-coming rapper and self-confessed ‘lyrical miracle’, whose opportunity to follow a music career instead of university education leaves his relationship with his stepfather in turmoil. After witnessing a murder of a key witness, both characters are forced into witness protection in an all-girls school for the performing arts where a witness has hidden key evidence. Evidently these developments are nothing more than an excuse for the two men to dress up as women for comedic effect, rekindle their angst relationship and crack the case, while being investigated

by Russian mobsters.

Although Lawrence and Jackson’s performances are functional, the calibre of the writing is infantile and littered with clichés and stereotypes.

From the performing arts students’ involuntary tendency to burst into song and dance, combined with scenes of sexual tension between a disguised Jackson and hordes of young teens, the main portion of the movie plays out like a strange

interesting for laymen and finance boffins alike. Although some viewers may be disappointed that little attention is paid to the UK’s financial sector, Ferguson does briefly examine the catastrophic effects which have been felt globally as a result of the crisis. It’s staggering to appreciate the extent to which the actions a handful of people in Washington and Wall Street can impact on so many people across the world.

the banks, creating economic theory to add legitimacy to the banks’ calls for deregulation. The film also takes some time to explore the lifestyle which financiers enjoy outside of work, a world of drugs, vice, therapists and private jets. Whilst the film deals with some undeniably in-

tricate issues, it soon has the viewer up to speed on the details, such as the significance of ‘credit-default swaps’ and ‘collateralised debt obligations’. If it all sounds a little heavy and daunting then don’t worry because Damon’s lively and informative narrative keeps it all genuinely

Verdict: More subtle and precise than the films of Michael Moore, Ferguson’s thorough examination of the financial crisis is hard to fault. Though it deals with a potentially cumbersome subject, Inside Job remains stylish and gripping, holding the viewer’s attention throughout its rollercoaster exposé of Wall Street’s financial establishment.

Jack Torrance

likes of Twitter. It seems Bieber only does credit to himself. With appearances from Miley Cyrus and Jaden Smith the film oozes with teenage fame and for avid fans I am sure the film can do no wrong; for others it is surprisingly tolerable and I have to confess, for a non-belebieber, I came away more of a fan than I ever expected.

presence of producers, voice coaches and, perhaps more annoyingly, Usher.

Naturally, the film portrays Bieber in the most flattering light possible and so I tried to take everything with a pinch of salt. Aside from a handful of, well, slightly sickening scenes

in which Bieber is shown giving words of his 16 year old wisdom to a young violinist, and perhaps even worse, a downhearted Bieber struck down with a throat infection which threatens cancellation of one of his shows; luckily his adoring fans manage to nurse him better through the

Verdict: Never Say Never is worth a visit, though not in 3D since most of it seems to be shot in 2D anyway.

At the very least it is an interesting experience and there is nothing to lose, unless of course you really are an ardent hater of Bieber Fever, in which case, I suppose you are not missing too much.

Bonnie Stuart

tume as a reputable disguise; you would think that the criminal community would remember something like a transvestite vigilante. The film never transcends the boundaries of infantile and slapstick comedy and although it fulfils its sufficient objectives for target adolescent viewers; the subtitle ‘like father like son’ encapsulates the films value as uninnovative, repeating stale old formulas and in true franchise tradition, producing revenue off the back of others’ ideas.

hybrid of High School Musical and The Benny Hill Show. And following in the tradition of the Big Momma franchise there’s plenty of fat jokes including homoerotic games of twister and the gross-out gag of Big Mamma posing as a nude model for a painting class, which all produce cheap empty laughs. In addition, a large proportion of the film’s humour feeds off cringeworthy stere-

otypes including black KFC jokes, feminist art teachers and enough pop culture references to fill out an episode of Family Guy. The resulting filmic experience is awkward and debatably a musical showcase for rapper-turned-actor Brandon T. Jackson’s young fanbase.

It is also confounding why after two previous filmic escapades Lawrence can still don the Big Mamma cos-

Verdict: With average performances, weak writing and infantile humour this film is a safe and uninspiring Hollywood export.

Although the odd one-liner may induce a chuckle, the lack of tangible substance and any semblance of realism creates another ‘tick the boxes’ sequel to an already dire and ridiculous franchise.

Chris Binding

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

albums

music

31

Music Culture Music Editors: Polly Randall & Joe Skrebels - courier.culture-music@ncl.ac.uk

top 5

Radiohead

1.Grouplove - ‘Colours’ New Single Fantastic offering from the recent selftitled EP, this hurls up and down brilliantly, throaty yelling twinned with melodic slower sections. Tipped big, the U–S band recently completed a miniEuropean tour, and on this evidence will be welcomed back eagerly.

The King Of Limbs Sweating, caffeine-crazed music journalists have written and rewritten treatises on the style of release.

Unwashed obsessives have sat shivering in rooms lit only by the diffuse glow of a laptop, quietly running lyrics through complex algorithmic calculations to find something, anything. What has inspired this? Well, last Friday, The King of Limbs was released and, frankly, the least apparent discussion screaming its way through the internet tubes has been about the music itself.

Radiohead’s eighth record is an album of two distinct halves. Its eight tracks take up two broad generic sounds – the first four a dense, mostly electronic fog of sound, the next a far sparser, more acoustic tone. The trick that Radiohead pull off is in uniting these disparate approaches and making an album.

‘Bloom’s skittering, almost freeform jazz beats may make an uneasy bedfellow of the sheer empty beauty of ‘Codex’, but subtle flashes of ambient noise and faraway trumpet link the two inextricably. Similarly, the

album’s bridge from one sound to the other, ‘Feral’ moving into ‘Lotus Flower’, is in no way jarring. ‘Feral’ may manifest itself as an impenetrable mass of competing noise but its outro, simply the bass backbone that underpins it, moves seamlessly into the synth drone that begins its neighbour and ushers in the cleaner, gentler side of the album.

Listeners may well prefer one side to the other, and that could easily be the album’s downfall, but what will unite many is that The King of Limbs is further proof of Radiohead’s success in scope – an ability to tackle what they want, how they want and ultimately, make it sound like they’ve been doing it for the entirety of their mercurial career. Take away the hype, the gimmicky release and the sheer internet fervour and you’re still left with the fact that The King of Limbs is, in all its shapeshifting glory, amongst the best albums released so far this year, and will more than likely remain in that position for the rest of it.

Joe Skrebels

2.Justin Bieber Ft. Kanye West & Raekwon – ‘Runaway Love’ (Remix) New Single New synthtastic retail version of the previously-released collaboration. Kanye’s apparently limitless reach brings together two legends of the game; the ex-Wu Tang maestro flowing as effortlessly as ever while Bieber Inc. does his thing. The result may cause some debate but works better than you might assume.

3. Gold Panda – ‘Marriage’ New Single Perfectly deployed crystalline beats in abundance on this upcoming track from 2010’s Lucky Shiner. There’s something of an oriental flavour to proceedings courtesy of twanging backing riffs and a Chinese-lantern themed video. Nice work from the well-regarded Brit producer.

Bright Eyes The People’s Key

Gil Scott Heron & Jamie xx We’re New Here Most remix albums are cheap cashins by record labels attempting to tempt hardcore fans, but in the case of We’re New Here, Jamie xx (percussionist and producer of the xx) has remixed Gil Scott-Heron’s I’m New Here into a entirely new album.

Jamie xx’s work is a strange beast: drawing equally on the minimalist dubstep of the likes of Burial and the commercial, drop-heavy stuff you’d find in Cosmic Ballroom.

In the case of work within The xx it works to complement the frantic stillness of the songs, but in the case of We’re New Here the listener is unsure whether to be nodding their head or swinging their hands in the air.The problem is shown best

on ‘NY Is Killing Me’. In its vanilla (Jamie-free) form, it’s a dark, sparse tune with cool hand-clapping percussion, but the remix strips away most of this, replacing the delicate arrangement with obnoxious bouncing synths and squeaky voices.

In fact, Jamie xx is at his best when working from a relatively blank slate - ‘Running’ is transformed from a short spoken-word piece with quiet drumming in the background to an almost-danceable electronic track.

The biggest problem here is that Jamie xx simply isn’t a great DJ. Though a fair effort, We’re New Here fails to add anything to Gil ScottHeron’s excellent album beyond a few dubstep clichés and some nice beats. In a scene overrun with great music, the album fails to stand out by anything but a recognisable name.

Elliot Bentley

Four years of anticipation is a novel concept for a Bright Eyes album.

Like only the greatest of songwriters, Conor Oberst is able to write at the very highest level relentlessly, so such a delay is foreign territory for fans. Within that timeframe, Oberst has still managed to release two records as a ‘solo’ artist and another in super group Monsters of Folk. 2007’s Cassadaga was a strong if occasionally awkward, longwinded album. The People’s Key is the contrary; a well defined, experimental ten song record that can only be described as the love child of its predecessor and 2005’s Digital Ash in a Digital Urn. The opener ‘Firewall’ begins with a philosophical narration that recurs throughout the 45 minute listen, before breaking into a cynical lyrical journey, featuring arguably Oberst’s finest chorus yet. It’s a powerful opener that wastes no time in exhibiting its musical intentions. ‘Shell Games’ provides a welcome rest bite from the grandiose, with the former essentially ‘Arc of Time pt.2’ (in the most positive way). The strained

vocals of Jejune Stars truly allow Oberst to reaffirm his individuality in an era of conventional folk’s resurgence. ‘A Machine Spiritual’ acts as the heart of the record, providing a welcome divide between the first and second halves. The two songs either side of this core are all solid album tracks that are insignificant when taken out of context, but bind the more memorable moments together indispensably. The beautiful ‘Ladder Song’ serves as a calming lullaby and Oberst’s strongest vocal performance since ‘Lenders in the Temple ‘. It’s also a welcome calm before closer ‘One For You, One For Me’ that encapsulates all that The People’s Key strives for; simple lyrical hooks within Oberstian poetry over layers of experimental synthesizer and guitar work. If this is as threatened, the final album under the Bright Eyes alias then it is the culmination of 18 years’ musical progress.

The real test now for Conor Oberst is how he develops his song writing in his 30s.

Little Comets In Search of Elusive Little Comets

break-ups and love tie the album together nicely, which does form a common, if at times hard to notice, thread through all their songs. With this being the band’s debut, it begs the question, which direction will they go in next? This album comprises of many successful elements that work individually in their own right but could easily be plucked out and distilled into another record.

Overall, it’s a very tidy debut, laced together with pop-rock glamour and upbeat rhythms; it’s definitely worth it for the feel good factor alone. The album also gives a positive projection of the bands potential on stage and it becomes easy to see how they are attracting so many fans. If you still need tempting, just give the song ‘One Night In October’ a listen, as it will quickly whet your appetite.

Chris Scott

Finally, an album from an indie band that doesn’t sound like the same generic nonsense. There’s something about this album that draws you in; whether it’s the rapid guitar riffs in ‘Dancing song’ or the raw, Geordie twanged vocals in ‘Jonanna’ it makes you want to keep listening. Every track on the record creates a different atmosphere, which really does offer something for everyone, but simultaneously it doesn’t sound like a group of tracks forced together. The band makes the effort to create their own feel to the songs, becoming more prominent as you get further through the album.

The subtle undertone of lyrics about

4. Cee-Lo Green – ‘Robot Sex’ New Single Yes, ‘Forget You’ may have haunted every waking moment of your life for the past few months. Doesn’t change the fact this groove-fuelled effort (which didn’t make the album but in no way sounds like an afterthought) is a winner, Cee-Lo’s vocal range extending to a surprisingly villainous cackle at the end.

5. Radiohead – ‘Lotus Flower’ Music Video Up on the band’s Twitter and from eagerly-awaited new album The King of Limbs, this sees a decent combination of ethereal vocals and a beat that verges on funky. Thom Yorke’s dancing on the video is perhaps less convincing.

Martin Flynn

Stuart Edwards

The Courier Online For exclusive reviews of album releases and live gigs from around the city, as well as Spotify Playlists, head to the music section of The Courier website: thecourieronline.co.uk/music

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Culture

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Music

music listings

Monday 28 February Rock Sound Exposure Tour O2 Academy 2, £7.50, 7pm This year’s line-up for the Rock Sound Exposure tour is ace, and great value for £7.50. In further proof that a grunge revival is already well underway, up-and-coming Londoners Japanese Voyeurs make an appearance with The Xcerts and Leeds’ well-established, brilliantly loud-but-melodic Dinosaur PileUp. Also, turn up early – each band takes it in turns to headline, so don’t miss out!

Tuesday 1 March Boyzone, Metro Radio Arena, £35.50, 7.30pm Oh goodness, they’re back, and they’re still wishing they were Take That. I’d be surprised if anyone went to see Boyzone for this price, but there’s little else going on in Newcastle that night. If you are going, remember to take a stool and stand up at the appropriate key change.

Wednesday 2 March Les Savy Fav The Cluny, £14, 8pm Do you prefer your rock served with a side portion of a fat-and-sweatybut-surprisingly-agile-beardy-man?

Rejoice! Les Savy Fav, renowned for one of the craziest and most entertaining live shows you’ll ever see, are playing the wonderfully intimate Cluny on Wednesday. Surprisingly a few tickets are still available – snap them up quickly if you want to be there.

Thursday 3 March Mausi The Cluny, £4, 8pm Local band Mausi seem to be Newcastle’s answer to Leeds’ fantastic Sky Larkin, with bright, punchy indie-pop guitar riffs, sweetly articulated female vocals, and anthemic choruses. At just £4 a ticket, this is a great chance to support some fresh local talent without breaking the bank.

Friday 4 March The Stranglers O2 Academy, £23.49, 6.30pm Yes, they’re still going. Almost 40 years after their formation, The Stranglers aren’t ready to give it all up yet. The tickets might be expensive, but this is an opportunity to see one of the original 70s UK punkrock bands in action.

Saturday 5 March Brighton Beach Northumbria Reds Bar, £5, 11pm It’s the first Saturday of the month, so of course this means the return of Brighton Beach to Northumbria University’s Reds Bar. Hop on your scooter and head on down for the best of brit-pop, indie and rock’n’roll. Please keep brawling with rockers to a minimum.

Sunday 6 March Surfer Blood, O2 Academy 2, £9.19, 7pm Spring, it seems, is fast approaching.

With the weather taking a turn for the better (fingers crossed), Surfer Blood is the perfect musical accompaniment to the sunshine. With a lo-fi, Weezer-meets-Vampire Weekend sound, this should be a great evening of blissed-out American surf grooves from their debut album Astro Coast.

feature

The danger of sentimentalism Have you ever been upset when your favourite band made it?

Stuart Edwards tells you why you’re wrong

As I type, I am a mere observer to the viral ecstasy tripping through cyberspace, as Radiohead release their latest album, King of Limbs a day early.

It strikes me as curious that in our present disposable culture, a band can create world-halting levels of hype without so much as premiering a single on Capital FM or spending Sunday evening with Alan Carr.

We are revelling in everything that modern music is not.

The simple reason why Radiohead have never come close to being elusively branded ‘sell outs’ by anything other than the completely blind, miniscule segment of their fan base is that they delivered their most conventional music first. The early riff-driven hits like ‘Creep’, ‘The Bends’ and ‘Just’ would likely cause a certain degree of backlash if they were released post-Kid A. They are conventional rock songs that stand out due to Yorke’s eerie vocals and Greenwood’s intellectual thrashing.

The universal success of early single ‘Creep’ also elevated the band into the public eye from the onset.

There was never any time for Radiohead to gather a cult following.

A modern comparative would be their chimed successors Arcade Fire, whose ‘Rebellion (Lies)’ and ‘Keep the Car Running’ are as close to convention as such an artistically driven band can ever succumb to.

Muse have flirted with the rage of their fans by providing scores for Twilight, however they’ve played it tactfully by doing so as they released some of their most questionable material yet (Eura-SIA-SIA-SIA).

Near-instant success often pigeonholes bands into a specific convention and so we often see a reversal, where their constricted creativity is allowed to flourish (see: Kid A) or they simply lose their minds to commercial pressure (see: The Resistance and MGMT’s Congratulations).

If we can attach ourselves to such

debate

What ‘older’ Green Day fans truly opposed was the revitalisation of a band that were in dire need of direction. Instrumentally, the majority of songs from American Idiot could’ve fitted easily onto Dookie or Insomniac, given a mask of toilet-humour lyrics.

So long as creatively inclined acts that we have a personal reservation for aren’t writing Pigeon Detectivesesque lyrics and collaborating with Chris Brown, is it anything more than sentimentalism that makes us want to tie down a band? Maybe listeners pride themselves on their ability to ‘discover’ great new music before others? Maybe we’re all just plain selfish and want to see our bands playing 300 capacity venues for £7 on every tour?

It’s a shame that many are so inclined, for there are few greater emotional rewards than seeing your pet band grow into something influential within the global market. I recall downloading MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular a few weeks after its USA release and thinking ‘This band de-

serves a hit or two’. Sure enough, ‘Time to Pretend’ and ‘Kids’ stormed the airwaves. If music is of genuine quality, then it’s contradictory to deride the state of the charts and then tie the talent down to clique circles.

What makes Arcade Fire’s Grammy and BRIT success so magical is that they have been given the space to grow artistically and commercially.

They’ve been adopted by so many that there’s a universal sense of respect for their music. It’s by this method we can retain our bond to the artist, whilst allowing them to develop.

At present in the UK we have a collection of promising bands that need the same treatment. If we don’t then we truly will be the creators of our own cultural demise; it is no longer financially feasible to consistently tour to a niche market. Without doing so, we may never see an explosion similar to 2005 again, let alone 1992.

Our culture demands independent talent to flourish in the mainstream.

Even if it’s Bloc Party.

Selling out (stadiums): With Arcade Fire’s recent, rapid rise to prominence, will they be accused of cashing in on commercial appeal?

Is music snobbery acceptable?

Alright, I’ll admit it; I’m a bit of a music snob. I’ve been known to shed my affection for a band pretty quickly once they hit the big time.

I remember seeing Kaiser Chiefs’ ‘I Predict A Riot’ video before they were well known, Ricky Wilson was substantially thinner, the song was a bit thrown together but they made up for it larking about and looking like they were having fun. The song was completely without pretence.

Then they got big, wrote songs lacking in style and substance, and subjected so many generations of girls named Ruby to having their names sung back to them every time they introduced themselves.

yes

stadium-filling bands in the masses, then why do so many find the ascent to stardom of a band they love so degrading? To think about this, we need to consider the meaning of the overused label ‘sell out’. What does it mean to do so? Why do some bands fall into this category and others not? What are the prerequisites?

The most accountable definition available to one hopeless writer is thus; “A band who have consciously traded off and/or compromised artistic freedom/creativity with the aim of seeking greater exposure.”

The key word here is consciously; for if it is not a conscious decision, then how can we escape the semantic umbrella of ‘creativity’? My first exposure to the term came upon the release of Green Day’s American Idiot, as older fans lamented the adoption of more politically focused lyrics and the conceptual nature of St. Jimmy’s story. Green Day did not sell out. Green Day have always been a pop-punk band that has combined desperately simple power chorded riffs with long-standing choruses.

And look at them now. They can say about how it’s ‘all about the music’, but are they going to produce a song with content and heart if it won’t reach number one?

There’s something about going out of your way to find a band whose music you genuinely enjoy, that when everyone jumps on the bandwagon, when they eventually reach the top ten, don’t tell me you wouldn’t resent anyone for not having the same level of loyalty as you.

Maybe being a minor music snob isn’t a bad thing, maybe I take more enjoyment in the music I listen to – so if I do start slagging off The Killers, don’t hold it against me.

Lucy Johnson

“I liked them before they were big”. We’ve all heard the sniping of that peculiar species, the musical snob. Specifically those who complain about their favourite bands going ‘mainstream’ and regard new enthusiasts with an air of disdain. A suggestion, if I may: LET IT GO. Why does it matter if some people have only recently discovered a band you’ve liked for a while? Are you aware that – gasp – there will be other people who liked the band even before you did? I know! Even though you have the set list from their first ever gig, a limited edition vinyl and a copy of the drummer’s birth certificate!

no

Look, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve enjoyed a band for – you don’t own them. You may even have been extolling their virtues for ages, so why are you bitter now they’ve become more well-known?

If their ticket prices go up once they’re successful, that might reflect more on the band than their new following.

Anyway, if you’re a fan, surely you’ll still love their music just as much (unless you mainly liked them initially because they were ‘unknown’, hmm?) So don’t be possessive.

Music’s beautiful. Sharing it can only be good.

Martin Flynn

33

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

Culture

feature

Music

music

Music Editors: Polly Randall & Joe Skrebels - courier.culture-music@ncl.ac.uk

Farewell to The White Stripes Jack Kidder reminisces on the history and legacy of the 21st century’s best guitar band

Revolutionary, mysterious, primal or just straight up rock and roll, so many terms have been used to try and encapsulate what it was that made the White Stripes one of the most important bands of the past decade, scrap that, of all time, yet it seems impossible to define a band as enigmatic as the White Stripes in a single sentence. Love them or loathe them, the incredible success of Jack and Meg White cannot be disputed and yet, with little warning or notice, the surprise announcement of their split on Febuary 2nd saw them call time on their incredible 13-year career. It came as a surprise to many expecting that the White Stripes were just lying dormant before unleashing another classic on the world, yet the reasons behind it seem almost as mysterious as the band itself. “The reason is not due to artistic differences or illness” the statement began before concluding that “it is to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band”. It seems poignant that even in their demise, one without fall outs or acrimony, the White Stripes were not a band that played by the rules.

It would’ve been fair to assume that, on their emergence, the White Stripes were not destined for the big time. Their mysterious colour coded persona and minimalist blues infested material stood out like a sore thumb in a music scene dominated by the pomp of Nu-Metal and yet, alongside the Strokes, the White Stripes are widely credited with saving rock and roll. High praise indeed but arguably deserved as the White Stripes were truly something special and their story is one of the great successes of modern rock music. Emerging from Detroit in the late nineties, their early sound owed much to the early fathers of blues music, including Son House and Blind Willie McTell (both of whom the White Stripes paid tribute to with covers of their material) amongst others, and was based around Jack White’s seemingly effortless distort-

live

ed guitar licks riding over the top of Meg White’s minimalist drumbeats.

The first two albums, their self titled debut and its follow up De Stilj, are both solid collections of the White Stripes’ garage rock manifesto yet it was third effort, White Blood Cells, on which Jack White seemingly polished his song writing chops with which world domination was to follow. Sessions for the legendary John Peel and a highly celebrated Glastonbury performance in 2002 saw the band catapulted into the mainstream conscience of the UK and the with release of fourth album Elephant, a retro modern classic following the runaway success of lead single ‘Seven Nation Army’, the band cemented their place at the forefront of the music scene. 2005’s Get Behind Me Satan was an expression of an experimentation with a broader sound that managed to maintain the trademark sound that had led them to success in the first place and the following year saw Jack White expanding his creative outlet to include successful side project The Raconteurs.

Although it was their final effort, 2007’s Icky Thump certainly didn’t sound like a band waving farewell but was instead a back to basics distortion driven homage to their own roots and its success arguably gave Jack White the confidence to invest more time in his Third Man record label and second side project The Dead Weather. So that’s their history, yet what’s more important to bear in mind when remembering the White Stripes is to recall what people loved about them in the first place.

Quintessentially, the White Stripes were everything a legendary rock band should be. They were an underground group who found success not through music industry investment, but through word of mouth, legendary and passionate performances, and a refusal to turn their back on the mixture of blues and garage rock recorded with analogue equipment that gave birth to a sound that will now forever be associated with them. They were mysterious with their colour coded aesthetic, Jack and Meg’s inexplicably bizarre relationship, (they initially claimed they were brother and sister before it emerged they were ex-hus-

Reel Big Fish O2 Academy, 19th February

The boys were back in town! Reel Big Fish, most certainly one of the best current Ska bands on the planet and a guarantee for Really Big Fun, did themselves the honour of visiting Newcastle during their 20th Anniversary World Tour and made the O2 Academy jump harder than it has in a long time.

The night was kicked off by the accompanying bands New Riot, The Skints and Suburban Legends; watch out for the latter, they are very likely to succeed Reel Big Fish with their catchy tunes and caffeine-pushed stage performance (the tromboneand trumpet-player were surprisingly good background dancers).

But the warmed-up crowd didn‘t go wild until the main act from sunny Huntington Beach, California,

entered the stage with even sunnier beats. And it was a ska concert at its best: sweaty, sticky, wild and very funny. Reel Big Fish played some of their biggest hits- amongst others ‘Beer’ and ‘She has a Girlfriend Now’ besides ska standards like Monkey Man and their famous/intoxicating/brilliant cover of ‘Take on Me’ to make the night perfect.

Several rounds of the official ska dance, headbanging, square dance and the obligatory booty shake were also included and made the vibe hit its limit. Reel Big Fish will tour the UK until March 5, so if you‘ve got the chance to see them at one of the next venues, don‘t miss the fun, the bedlam and the good music.

Lisa Bernhardt

band and wife), his obsession with the number three and Meg’s persistent silence in interviews giving their music an intriguing background.

Yet ultimately it was the music that made the White Stripes the legends that they have become.

They proved that incredible sounds require nothing more than a guitar and a drum kit and their stripped back minimalism never left the desire for something more. From the distorted drive of ‘Fell in Love with a Girl’ to the tribal thump of ‘Seven Nation Army’, the folk rumblings of ‘Hotel Yorba’ to the achingly cool ‘In the Cold, Cold Night’ and the piano pop of ‘My Doorbell’ to the delicately beautiful ‘We’re Going to be Friends’, The White Stripes proved over six records that their music cer-

tainly wasn’t going to be limited by a lack of instruments. “It’s easier to assume that it’s not going to last.

That way we can breathe freely and still create the music we want.

It’s liberating to live that way” said Jack White in one of his many interviews and it seems a fitting summary of what The White Stripes were about; a band who excelled in the freedom of creating music that they loved. What the future holds is uncertain. Their friendly split has meant that even now reformations aren’t being ruled out, yet what matters most is that the legacy of this incredible band remains as legendary and intact as any successful musician could wish for. In this day and age., that is something very special indeed.

Take a bow: The White Stripes are one of the most influential bands of recent years

column

PopScene Mark CorcoranLettice Columnist

Don’t let the picture next to my name on this column fool you: occasionally, as well as being a messy-haired buffoon, I can also be a consummate professional. Now, however, is not one of those times: I’m hours past the deadline, and my editor just had to remind me that this column even existed. Terrific. Thank goodness there’s so much great stuff on in Newcastle this month then…

Awkward segues aside though, there is a lot to be excited about this March. In fact, this very week boasts two un-missable events (unless you’re not into these sort of things, in which case, why the bloody hell are you still reading? Nutcase.) First up, on March 2nd – or, as its close friends have been known to call it, Wednesday – is the return of Hard To Love to WHQ. If you missed the last one in December due to the ground being coated in more white substances than Kings of Leon’s dressing room (that’s a reference to snow, by the way, and not some kind of cheap joke – I’m far above that, as you can surely tell), then make sure to get on down – it’s the last instalment of Newcastle’s finest indie disco until September, making it an absolute must.

That same night, the Cluny (thanks to promoters du jour Get Involved) are hosting legendary American dance-punk fanatics Les Savy Fav. There’s only a very few tickets left, so do be quick: acts of this calibre don’t always hit this city, and with a reputation of anarchic, sweaty, jubilant live performances, it’s bound to be one to remember. So, y’know, go to both of these amazing, life changing events essentially.

The other big event of this month must be the launch party for the Pad Thai Hifi Soundsystem on Friday 11th at Think Tank in Hoults Yard. To celebrate Newcastle’s newest soundsystem, an amazing and eclectic line-up’s been thrown together, including Tim Shaw and Sully from Inertia, Earthworm Jim’s psychedelic disco, Eggs Christian Flanderson’s globe-trotting hip-hop and electro from Saturated Cat. It’s a small space, so get tickets or get down early for this one.

Towards the end of the month, the Star and Shadow are playing host to the marvellous, maverick sounds of American electronic songwriter John Maus, whose work with Ariel Pink and Panda Bear has made him one to know for this more selective hipster.

For anyone sticking around just after term also, drone titans Earth are hitting the Cluny on Monday 4th April: their new album Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light I is phenomenal, elemental stuff, and live their true force and potency will be unleashed. Nice.

And that’s us pretty much at the wordcount. Phew, eh readers?

34

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Culture

TV & Radio

tv & radio

tv highlight

soaps

Heston’s Mission Impossible

Coronation Street:

Heston Blumenthal makes his return with creative menu suggestions for UK businesses Tuesday 9pm, Channel 4 This brand new series enters into its second week, a fascinating programme surrounding Heston Blumenthal as he attempts to help four of Britain’s biggest brands transform their food production.

Each week Heston uses his culinary skills to tackle the problems facing the NHS, British Airways, The Royal Navy and Cineworld Cinemas. The companies are astonished by Heston’s peculiar ideas and techniques, but ultimately it is the customers whom Heston must please.

The first episode saw the NHS’s largest children’s hospital, Alder Hey in Liverpool, in trouble. The children wouldn’t eat the food and this hindered them on their road to recovery.

Heston’s solution was to ditch the fast food and persuade the children to eat his food creations, such as protein-packed worms on a pizza.

He soon realised what he was up against, as he received criticism from NHS staff as they complained about budgets, tight schedules and an unwillingness to change.

To see this episode, go on 4OD; it’s a fascinating account of food being made fun.

The second episode starts this week and Heston visits Cineworld Cine-

tv previews

The Biggest Loser Monday 9pm, ITV 1

Mon, Thurs, Fri on ITV1 Sunita turns on Becky as the truth of her betrayal is revealed and Owen goes through with his revenge on Eileen, but Lloyd encourages her to stand up for herself.

Maria is out of her depth with Underworld’s new arrival and things take a sinister turn after a business meeting, with devastating consequences.

Eastenders

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri on BBC1 Yusef helps Denise get through Lucas’s hearing and tries to reminisce with Zainab about old times. Kat’s old friend from Spain arrives unexpectedly with her daughter, while Roxy feels put out when Ronnie and Glenda spend the day together while she is working. Masood is desperate for money and gets roped into Phil’s plan to fool Roxy.

Emmerdale

Culinary Creations: Heston Blumenthal brings his imaginative cooking style to big brands across the UK in this series for Channel 4

mas to try and inject excitement into the movie experience by revamping the snacks on offer. Heston believes that a visit to the cinema should be a multisensory experience, which tickles smell and taste not just sound and vision.

He wants the food on the menu to reflect the action on the screen; his

first attempts end in disaster as his ‘edible sperm milkshake’, designed to go with films’ sex scenes, unsurprisingly fails to win over Cineworld bosses.

Heston’s next idea takes its inspiration from the fairground as he creates inside out hotdogs, chewy marshmallow ice-cream, apple

smoked candyfloss and curried popcorn. But will Heston’s bizarre but innovative ideas make a profit?

Can he get staff on board with his ideas? And most importantly, what will the customers of Cineworld reckon?

Attenborough and The Giant Egg Wednesday 8pm, BBC2

Marchlands Thursday 9pm, ITV 1

Rude Tube: Epic Fails Friday 10.30pm, Channel 4

Weekdays 7pm on ITV Aaron is troubled when he is forced to introduce Flynn to Jackson and Jackson receives his new wheelchair, with everyone hoping it will be the boost he needs.

Cain’s behaviour drives Charity closer to Jai and John is unimpressed when Adam helps out Declan. Nicola and Carl receive shocking news about Jimmy and Paddy, while Marlon and Rhona get prepared for their new arrival.

Hollyoaks

Maria Moffatt

J WRIGHT

Weekdays 6.30pm on C4 Suzanne advises Rhys to choose who he believes between Jacqui and Gilly, while Jason overhears Seth buying steroid pills from Gaz. But it later ends in disaster when Seth collapses and is rushed to hospital.

Brendan threatens Rae via Ste, but she becomes sick of his bullying behaviour. Heidi and Gaz get passionate and Mitzeee is eager to find out more about Pete.

Neighbours

There are currently 14 individuals on ITV who are not giving up the battle to lose weight, and over the past seven weeks they have been pushing themselves in a battle against the bulge. They all had their own reasons for taking part in the series, whether it be confidence, health or impending nuptials.

They have been through challenges, including racing up Spinnaker tower, taking on an RAF challenge and completing a triathlon, which makes an average gym session seem measly.

Now as the series draws to a close, there are just six contestants remaining and this episode shows them at their final weight. The contestant who has lost the most weight will be crowned The Biggest Loser 2011 and take home £25,000.

In my opinion they all deserve the money, getting in shape is not easy and they have all given it 100%, but there can only be one Biggest Loser.

In 1960 nature documentary legend David Attenborough, filmed Zoo Quest in Madagascar. He was given pieces of an egg belonging to the largest bird to have ever lived, the now extinct ‘elephant bird’.

David revisits Madagascar to see how the island has changed in the last 50 years. He also wants to find out more about the mysterious elephant bird, which was something like a giant ostrich, weighing in at half a tonne.

There have been dramatic changes since David’s first visit – 80% of Madagascar’s forest has been destroyed and many of its unique species are teetering on the brink of extinction. On the positive side, new species have been discovered and scientists and conservationists know far more about the complexities of the environment.

Modern carbon-dating techniques reveal for the first time the age of David’s egg.

Marchlands is a chilling five-part series focusing on three different families, living in the same house in Marchlands at three different times: 1968, 1987 and 2010. Each family is linked by one thing- the spirit of a girl (Alice) who died in 1967.

Critics have been pleased with the show, whose cast includes Alex Kingston (Doctor Who) and Dean Andrews (Life on Mars/Ashes to Ashes), and it is written by Stephen Greenhorn (another Doctor Who connection).

This week’s gripping final begins in 1968 when Paul (Alice’s father) walks out on Ruth (Alice’s mother), claiming to have failed at life. Moving to 1987, Eddie and Helen finally believe their daughter (Amy) that a spirit is causing paranormal activity.

Meanwhile in 2010, Ruth’s true self is revealed. This is a spooky drama definitely worth checking out, but watching from the beginning would be useful.

Viral videos have taken the internet by storm and have now made their way onto national television, in the form of hit comedy show, Rude Tube.

Alex Zane presents the first episode in a series of six, counting down the top 50 Epic Fails on the internet today. The season will cover those videos which make it into the dizzying heights of stardom through their innovative, funny, and just plain crazy content.

Charting the most popular clips in the fails, viral, music, stunts, animals, and ultimate champions categories, every episode will cover the dynamic medium of entertainment that has taken over the world and the stories behind them.

With a best man being attacked by a windmill, a motorbike-riding church pastor and a guy who mistakes a urinal for a sink, tune in for hilarious, ridiculous, and entertaining internet sensations.

Rosie Daly

Ellie Wilson TV & Radio Editor

Adam Rummens

James Turnbull

Weekdays 1.45pm & 5.30pm on Five Sonya decides to investigate Lucas’s activities, but remains unaware that he is hiding a very big secret.

Tash realises something is wrong with Summer and pushes her to breaking point, while Sophie still harbours feelings for Zeke. Michael is frustrated with the intimacy between Paul and Rebecca, leading to a heated argument with Paul and when Declan intervenes, things turn physical.

Home and Away

Weekdays at 2.15pm & 6pm on Five Alf decides to go backpacking around the world due to his time locked up, but Morag is not supportive. April is rushed to hospital suffering effects of the chemical fumes, leaving Xavier alone. When Bianca finds him, his condition deteriorates rapidly. Marilyn puts together a contract to ensure the adoption of Nicole’s baby, but Morag announces that this plan is illegal.

Lynsey Fawcett TV & Radio Editor

35

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

Culture

TV & Radio

tv & radio

nsr

Well we’ve had a fantastic week here at NSR studios with the news that we’ve got the green light to broadcast on FM for two weeks!

From 21st March to 1st April we will be on air both at nsrlive.co.uk but also 87.7FM. This is a great step up for NSR and we’re really excited about the prospect of reaching more people. Our presenters are working hard to make sure their content is better than ever and worthy of our FM status. So you can expect tighter, slicker shows and plenty of the same great music and entertainment.

Don’t let the start of the week get you down as we have a great schedule to get you through another miserable Monday. Bethan starts things off at 10 with the NSR chart show, reminding you of what’s hot this week and kickstarting your morning with a bang. Mid-morning is jam-packed with great shows such as Tom’s It wozza good day and T.G.I Mondays.

From 2-4pm our esteemed Station Manager Louise hits the airwaves with her show Busy Doing Nothing.

With themes ranging from ‘songs banned from the airwaves’ to ‘unrequited love’ it’s an eclectic show that will no doubt bring something new and interesting to your ears!

Another Monday treat is Head of Music Ben’s NSR Introducing show which brings you the best in new music and what to expect from the artists you know and love.

So be sure to tune in this week, it’s an exciting time for NSR and we want you to be a part of it. Look out for our FM launch night – details to be announced soon! NSR is Newcastle University’s ONLY student radio station so let’s make it one to be proud of.

If you want to get involved with NSR, contact nsr.deputymanager@ newcastle.ac.uk Kirsty Graham Deputy Station Manager

TV & Radio Editors: Lynsey Fawcett & Ellie Wilson - courier.culture-tv@ncl.ac.uk

radio highlights

YouTube clip of the week “Will It Blend? - IPhone” Uploaded by: Blendtec

The Generation Gap Monday 3.45pm BBC Radio 4

Radio 1’s Stories: The Beatles and Black Music Monday 9pm, BBC Radio 1

The conversations we have with our grandparents about how different it was in their day loosely forms the basis for this radio show.

In the series two people from different generations discuss their lives and how they feel it differs to the other’s. They are linked in some way and the aim of the series is to examine the changes that have occurred in society, specifically in our lives over the past 50 years.

Over the week five montage style programmes will be broadcast, the first of which centres around discussions about crime. They will follow two forensic pathologists as they discuss the differences in how they find evidence and the changes that have occurred in the autopsy room.

Anyone who watches Silent Witness will find the episode fascinating if not slightly gruesome.

Other people featured in the series are two Police Custody Officers who discuss the differences in how they deal with a suspect and two ex-offenders give honest accounts of their experiences in prison.

The show is a fascinating listen and by the end of the week you may end up agreeing with your grandparents; perhaps it really was better in their day.

Would you associate Metallica with heavy metal? Probably. The Rolling Stones with rock‘n‘roll? Definitely.

The Beatles with Black Music? Rather unlikely. But it is exactly this connection that will be the topic of BBC Radio 1‘s Stories.

How did The Beatles, the English rock‘n‘roll pioneers, influence genres such as reggae, soul, hip hop or even dubstep?

To shed light on these questions, 1Xtra DJ Semtex has invited some big names from the American and British black music scene, including the London-based dubstep producer Benga and rapper Roots Manuva as well as the American hip hop artists Common and Q-tip- to explain their relationship to the Beatles: How they grew up listening to them, the influence on their music and how they in return featured the Beatles in their work.

But a member of the ‘Fab Four‘ will have his say: Sir Paul McCartney talks about being inspired by black musicians in his early days, his attempt to convince Jay-Z to perform with him and his opinion on the covers and samples of The Beatles‘ songs by other artists - the documentary will also touch upon the issue of copyright matters.

Rosie Daly

Lisa Bernhardt

Looking at polls for favourite comedies, the most popular shows like How I Met your Mother, Scrubs and The Simpsons, were all produced in the U.S. Sure England had given us gems like The Inbetweeners, Peep Show and Little Britain yet America usually comes out on top with more influence on popular culture.

British comedy can be viewed as more dry and sophisticated. There is usually an inner social context within the message of the humour. To an outside perspective it can appear to be an effort to understand and appreciate the punch line.

than having to focus on the subtext of an Outnumbered episode.

We say we’re not a culture for the schmaltzy Ross and Rachel story lines which trivialise and dumb down the relationship for the viewers. Yet after eight years of being off the air, Friends still gets repeatedly shown time after time on E4. And what does that say about its impact on our culture?

We’re not just automaton drones that enjoy the good old stiff upper lip humour that dominates a large portion of the airwaves.

With the evolution of sitcoms and changing demographics, comedy can transcend into different cultures.

America adopted a version of Ricky Gervais’ The Office. And unsurprisingly the show has become a massive success across the pond.

The explanation doesn’t lie within the British satire it was based upon, but rather the universal themes that both series depicted.

Of course, comedy taste is subjective, but America consistently delivers laughs from across the Atlantic, which the Brits continually consume.

Tom Delamere shares his YouTube video of the week. To catch the best each week, visit www.thecourieronline.co.uk.

This clip comes with two warnings: if you are an iPhone lover, this video may not be for you and more importantly, do NOT try this at home. The clever people at Blendtec decided that blending food was too simple to

promote their product, so instead set about blending anything else – from marbles to glow sticks. The jaws of the Blendtec can demonstrate its cleaving prowess on many household objects; if you are interested, both marbles and glow sticks blend, along with magnets, pens, a tape measure and a glass bottle. So what about the iPhone, will it blend? Let’s just say I can’t see the ‘iDust’ catching on anytime soon.

tweets of the week Ross Noble I love the logic of my 2 year old she has decided that trousers are only for giants and she no longer wants feet.

Jimmy Carr There’s a story in today’s paper about a ‘scam’ in the TV show The Real Hustle. Isn’t that the whole point of that show?

Rick Edwards I had an argument with a man about a badminton court this afternoon. Pretty macho stuff.

Dawn Porter In the words of Peter Andre, the salad dressing that I just made is INSANIA!

comment Luke Hearfield counters last week’s comment piece and argues that we can learn a lot from successful comedies across the pond Last week’s comment piece argued that our home-grown British comedies overrule those of the American culture. However one can’t ignore the impact that American sitcoms have had on British society.

As British citizens we are bound in the shackles of nationality to enjoy the so-called ‘British’ Humour. This is not as much our own fault as it is a cultural upbringing one cannot escape.

No matter where one is raised our sense of humour is moulded by the cultural variables we experience every day.

Between both sides of the Atlantic, both countries have produced hilarious award winning, television series. Whether you’re a Monty Python fan or Family Guy nut, most people find their tastes bend one way more than the other.

Bottom line though; is American comedy better than British?

“America usually comes out on top with more influence on popular culture.”

American sitcoms are more brash and in your face. They get straight to the point and often don’t leave much pressure to follow.

Granted it may be viewed as ‘lazier’ comedy but at the end of the day it’s refreshing to relish in the twisted irony of a Family Guy episode rather

Luke Hearfield

USA is A’OK: American comedies are often more successful than their British cousins

36

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Culture Puzzles

puzzles

Puzzles Editor: Andy Pitkeathley - courier.puzzles@ncl.ac.uk

Across

Down

2 Explosive noise (3) 4 Death, end (6) 9 Birthplace of Napoleon (7) 10 Racing dog (9) 12 Gradient (5) 13 Bypass, jump (4) 14 City in Northern France (5) 17 Spur on, encourage (4) 18 Leaving a place (10) 21 Public transport (3) 22 Flightless bird (3) 23 A company with restricted liability (abbrev.) (3) 24 Pig pen (3) 29 Hyde Park lake (10) 30 Harangue (4) 32 Type of Celtic language (5) 34 City on the Rhine (4) 35 Fossil resin (5) 38 Christmas Bank Holiday (6,4) 39 Crafty (7) 40 Lebanon’s capital (6) 41 Public Service broadcaster (abbrev.) (3)

1 Greek god of light (6) 2 Travel document (8) 3 Rate of movement (4) 5 Almond paste (8) 6 Legume high in protein (4) Last week’s Crossword answer 7 Concluding, the end (5) 8 Giant (7) 11 Valuable quality (5) 15 Central European country (7) 16 Scavenging bird (7) 19 Solemn promise (4) 20 One of the four Apostles (4) 25 Russian satellite (7) 26 Extinct terrestrial reptile (8) 27 Edible plant seeds (5) 28 Memory aid (8) 31 Single whole-grain of cereal (6) 33 Chew noisily (5) 36 Monster, folklore eater of humans (4) 37 Control, suppress (4)

word link

wordsearch

Find the word that can be placed between these words to make two new words or phrases

Find all the words in the grid below, the words are all linked. This week’s link is Commonwealth Countries.

India Australia Malaysia South New Canada Africa Zealand Kenya Cyprus Malta Nigeria Ghana Tanzania Jamaica Maldives Samoa

SIT

STREAM

DIP

FIGURE

LONG

ALONE

BRAIN

UP

FLOWER

LUCK

phone in Use the clues and the keypad to find the answers to the grid using the week’s theme to help you. For example the number 3 in a clue could be D, E or F. This week’s theme is Mediterranean Islands.

Across

Down

2. 537267 4. 62582 6. 746337

1. 42492 3. 842767 5. 575

sudoku

andy’s number cruncher logic problem In a stroke play golf tournament, there are 68 entrants. How many matches will there be in the tournament ?

logical What does this say?

Keep your brain in shape by trying to complete these sums as fast as you can without using a calculator

EASY

54

+6

MEDIUM

54 HARD

54

Half this

Divide Times by 10 itself Cube root

1/3 of Times this itself

+37

Divide Triple by 3 this

=

10% of 25% of Double Times itself this this this

=

-6

Half this

5/9 of 10% of Divide Double Multiply this this by 3/2 this by 0.5

=

Square root

The puzzles get harder as you work your way down the page.

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

30

37

days to go

Sports Editors: Jono Taylor, Wills Robinson and Kat Bannon - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk

The Other Tyneside Club

Adam Williams looks at the revolution occuring at one of the North-East’s lesser known clubs

and become a solid mid-table side.

“Then we’ll take a look at things in the summer and look to build from there. Long term we definitely want to play at the highest level possible and get into the Football League, but it’s so difficult when you look at the resources of the teams we’re competing against like Luton and Crawley.”

Bogie went on to stress the importance of bringing youth team players through the club’s ranks and also using local non-league teams to unearth talent, much like striker Lee Novak who the club plucked from Chester-le-Street before being sold to League One highfliers Huddersfield Town for a record fee: “We’ve got to rely on our younger players coming through.

“At the minute we’ve got Nathan Fisher coming through, he’s a local lad and has developed this season, he’s scored five goals already and if we can get 10 goals from him then that’s a great return. We don’t have the finances to pay big fees for players so it’s important to blood some youngsters.

Gateshead have been of football’s success stories in recent years as they have climbed their way up the non-league ranks to within touching distance of the Football League

The North East is commonly referred to as a hotbed of football. St James Park is given Mecca-like status on matchdays while both Sunderland and Newcastle attract upwards of 40,000 fans each week.

However, nestled just south of the River Tyne, sandwiched between the North East’s two big clubs, a small revolution is taking place.

“We’re a club that tries to win every single game. A lot of teams in the Conference try and field weaker teams but we see it as a massive opportunity” Gateshead FC, nicknamed ‘The Heed’, are often forgotten when it comes to football in the local area, but after a rapid rise through the non-league they are currently making waves in the Blue Square Premier, the highest level of non-league football.

Former Newcastle striker Ian Bogie was appointed as manager in 2007 and has been the man in charge during their recent success, which currently sees Gateshead lying in midway up the table place, with the

play-offs in touching distance.

The club made the switch from part-time to a professional club last summer and Bogie, speaking exclusively to The Courier, stressed how important that has been to their success on the pitch this season “It’s had a massive impact, for fitness, the togetherness when you have people in the dressing room and training every day and organisation on the pitch. The move from part-time has been a massive help and has put us in good stead.”

As well as success in the league, Gateshead have relished games in cup competitions this season, they reached the FA Cup first round where they were narrowly beaten

by League One side Notts County and have also been on a good run in the FA Trophy “We’re a club that tries to win every single game. A lot of teams in the Conference try and field weaker teams but we see it as a massive opportunity, not many footballers have the chance to play at Wembley and competitions like the FA Trophy are a great opportunity.”

After losing their Football League status in 1951 the club suffered something of a nomadic existence; they flittered around the local nonleague scene under various guises while their Redheugh Park ground

was knocked down in the early 70s after falling into a state of disrepair.

They moved to the Gateshead International Stadium, where they have played ever since.

“While clearly a world class venue, it’s not particularly suited to football and plans are already in place to build a new stadium close to the centre of the town, something Bogie says is vital for the future of the club “It’s vitally important we get our own stadium. It’s been shown how important it is recently when we have had to reschedule a home game because the rugby club used the pitch and destroyed it.

“The athletics stadium has a running track around it which is not productive when you’re looking for a good atmosphere in the nonleague. Even though our hardcore supporters try to create the best atmosphere they can, it’s ultimately very difficult. We’re trying to get a small compact stadium in the next couple of years and it’s vital that happens, it’ll be the best thing that has ever happened to Gateshead.”

While some would see being squeezed between Newcastle and Sunderland as a disadvantage, Bogie refuses to grumble about the situation and instead Gateshead have taken full advantage of the situation,

bringing a number of players in on loan from both clubs this season “I think up and down the country you have big clubs right next to the smaller clubs, I think we’ll able to attract our own supporters, I think we’ll attract them even quicker when we get out of the International Stadium and have our own stadium in a location that’s closer to the centre of town. At the minute we’re stuck just off a dual carriageway and it can be difficult for people to get to.

“We’ve got a good relationship with Newcastle, as I used to play for them, and I know Peter Beardsley very well and at Sunderland it’s the same.

“We’re very grateful for them letting us have a couple of players, again it goes back to being a fulltime club now, that allows us to attract these types of players when it would have been very difficult to do so last season.”

The club are owned by local millionaire Graham Wood, a long standing fan who has funded their rise through the leagues so far, and manager Bogie says the club have aspirations of reaching the Football League: “We had two successive promotions, so we’ve had a massive rise, this is now our second season in the Conference and we’ve got to consolidate this season, push on

“It is vitally important that we get a new stadium. It’s been shown how important it is recently when we have had to resechedule a home game because the rugby club used the pitch and destroyed it” “We took Lee Novak from Newcastle Blue Star for a fee of £3000 and sold him on for a package worth £150,000, which is a fantastic return.

These players are hard to come by but they’re out there and we have got to pick them out and develop them at Gateshead.”

Manager Adrian Bogie has been key to Gateshead’s success in the Conference

38

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Sport

The Comeback Kids: They came, they Can you smell a comeback cooking? In the light of the hugely anticipated comeback of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson into the WWE ring

Lance Armstrong

The Rock Harry Slavin

Owen Evans

“Finally, the Rock has come back...”

The immortal words that had eluded the WWE faithful for all of seven years were finally bellowed out in California only two weeks ago to signal what surely has to be the most electrifying comeback in all of sports entertainment.

His reception in Anaheim is genuinely unparalleled in all forms of sport; screaming, cheering and chanting from the crowd lasting well over four minutes before the self professed ‘people’s champion’ could get a word in edge ways.

The reception indicated that everyone in the arena could smell what the Rock was cooking and was all you needed to guess that this man is not your average wrestler. The build up in tension by dimming lights and playing prodigal-son themed scenes on the JumboTron was no less than anyone would have expected for the return of ‘the great one’.

Back to host the next Wrestlemania in April, the Rock’s comeback also appears to be a permanent one with ‘the Brahma Bull’ stating that he is ‘never ever going away’, something that will be music to the ears of the Rock’s millions of fans worldwide.

A man well known for his superhuman physical attributes and incredible willpower, American cyclist Lance Armstrong made one of the most successful and inspirational comebacks in sporting history. Armstrong’s career started with great promise, with two stage wins at the Tour de France by 1995.

However, only a year later his progress came to a standstill when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which had further spread to his lungs and brain. Having being given less than a 40% chance of survival, Armstrong undertook extensive chemotherapy and miraculously by 1998, his cancer went into remission and he almost immedi-

Kim Clijsters

ately restarted his training.

He went on to dominate the cycling world, winning the Tour de France a record seven times in a row between 1999 and 2005.

“He went on to dominate the cycling world winning the Tour de France a record seven times in a row between 1999 and 2005” He retired after his final win in 2005, however managed to make another great comeback by returning to cycling in 2008, still managing to come third in the Tour de France despite nearly four years out of the sport.

Lance Armstrong truly encapsulates how incredibly inspiring a great sporting comeback can be.

Since the Rock left WWE he has made a name for himself in the US film ndustry

Rory Brigstock-Barron Kim Clijsters’ return to professional tennis in 2009 after a two year layoff is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable comebacks in sporting history, primarily because her return has seen her achieve heights that she was unable to attain prior to her retirement, in what should have been her prime.

The Belgian retired in 2007 to start a family and gave birth to a daughter in February 2008.

However, whilst training for an exhibition match at Wimbledon in the same year, Clijsters caught the tennis bug again and announced that she would be returning to the tour.

Lance Armstrong’s battle with cancer is one of the most extraordinary stories in sport

Kevin Keegan

“Clijsters caught the tennis bug again and announced that she would be returning to the tour” In just her third tournament back, ‘Aussie Kim’ captured the 2009 US open title, becoming the first wildcard ever to do so. A year later, she successfully defended her US crown and then went on the win the Australian Open just four months later; the fourth Grand Slam title of her career.

Kim’s comeback has coincided with that of her previously more successful compatriot Justine Henin, who has been unable to match Clijsters’ world-beating performances.

Clijsters sits second in the current world rankings, and with the first Grand Slam of the year under her belt, who knows what this year will hold for the revitalised Belgian.

Dan Robinson

Kim Clijsters has wasted little time in rebuiliding her dominance in the world of tennis

Not just once did the man they call ‘Special K’ return to Newcastle, but twice, although he will always be best remembered for his first managerial instalment in charge of The Entertainers.

He had already witten his name into Geordie folklore as a player when the twice Ballon D’Or winner arrived at St. James’ Park in 1982 to mass adulation.

Having notched up 48 goals in 72 games, the Magpies’ six-year hibernation in the Second Division ended with promotion in his last season.

While he left the pitch in his farewell game via helicopter it was his return eight years later that was even more memorable.

Once again leading Newcastle to promotion after rescuing the team

from a potentially devastating nosedive into the third tier, the Yorkshireman became a fully adopted Geordie as he established one of the most exciting teams to ever grace the Premier League.

A 5-0 win against Manchester United was a particular highlight with a side which contained the likes of Ginola, Ferdinand, Shearer and Beardsley, while no one will ever let him forget that 4-3 Liverpool defeat, that 12-point title slip and that Sky Sports rant!

His return in 2008 lifted a city after most had fallen asleep during Sam Allardyce’s brief, ill-fated reign.

But just as he looked to be steadying the ship, a huge fall-out with a certain Mike Ashley and subsequent resignation ensued in a season which began with promise but ended with relegation for the first time in 16 years.

A third coming would surely not be on the cards in the future, would it?

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

39

Sport

saw, they conquered...they returned The Courier takes a look at some of the greatest comebacks that have been witnessed in the sporting world in the twentieth century

Michael Jordan Charlie Scott His biography on the National Basketball Association (NBA) website states, “By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time”, which makes his brief foray into the world of baseball all the more unbelievable. On October 6 1993, after achieving his first three-peat (three consecutive titles) with the Chicago Bulls between 1991 and 1993, Jordan stunned the sporting world by turning his back

Mohammad Ali Dan Robinson Possibly the most famous sportsman to have ever graced the planet, controversy followed Muhammad Ali quicker than one of his own shuffles in the ring.

In 1967, Ali was found guilty of draft dodging when he refused to fight in the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector; a stance which would later attract universal reMichael Jordon is only the second richest athlete on the planet, behind Tiger Woods

on the sport of basketball in order to pursue his father’s dream of him becoming a successful Major League Baseball player.

However Jordan’s time at the minor league team the Chicago White Sox was, by his standards, remarkable for its mediocrity and although it would be harsh to label his time at the White Sox a failure, it was clear that Michael would never reach the baseballing heights his father had dreamed of.

The manner of his return to basketball, going back to the Chicago Bulls, was flawless in its simplicity. A two word statement was released saying

“I’m back” as if he had just been out shopping or away on holiday.

As fans, pundits and even opposition players rejoiced the return of the man once described by Boston Celtics star Larry Bird as “God disguised as Michael Jordan”, he set about regaining match fitness and proving those that believed he would never again reach the same performance levels wrong.

His second three-peat achieved between 1996 and 1998, both silenced his critics and cemented his status as ‘the greatest basketball player of all time’.

spect, but at the time was dismissed as unpatriotic.

The World Heavyweight Title he had famously won from Sonny Liston, and defended ever since, was stripped and his boxing license revoked.

However, three years later, while the appeal he would eventually win in 1971 was under consideration, Ali returned to the ring to defeat Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena, paving the way for what is often regarded as the ‘fight of the century’.

Ali squared up to Joe Frazier, who had claimed the title in his absence,

on March 8, 1971 in one of the most eagerly anticipated bouts of all time between two of the world’s greatest ever fighters.

Frazier would eventually win, inflicting Ali’s first ever knockdown in the final round and first professional loss on unanimous decision.

This was just the beginning of Ali’s remarkable return, however, defeating Frazier in the rematch before finally reclaiming his title in the 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ against George Foreman.

40

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

Sport BUCS

Team of the Week Mens Hockey 1sts

Overview I. ROSSITER

Newcastle Men’s Firsts have bounced straight back from relegation last season with convincing wins over York and Durham Universities. After a fierce battle with Leeds University Seconds last week (featured on page 42) they are now on the verge of promotion back into BUCS Conference 1A. Their victory was sweetened by the fact that their general away form has been hit and miss throughout the season, and with the remaining fixtures against two sides they have put eight goals past this season, the Hockey Club’s premier team are sitting pretty at the top of the league with 21 points.

Captain - Hector Hall,

second year Medic. Home town Leeds. Position - Centre Forward.

BUCS goals - 10.

Vice Captain - Ian Rossiter,

third year Biology. Home town Bournemouth. Position - Wing/Forward. BUCS goals - 10.

Top Scorer -

Patrick Brown, third year Surveying and Mapping Science. Home town - Richmond, North Yorkshire. Position - Centre Forward. BUCS goals - 11.

Midfield Maestro Back row from left: Pat Ost, John Coville, Kieran Borrett, Ed Youngman, John Yarrow, Patch Brown, Mike Pollock, Sam Mawer, Charley Wright Front row: Max Underwood, Ben Gowing, Hector Hall (C), Ian Rossiter, Calum MacKenzie, Rob Ramsden, Toby Raper

Turner keeps singing while he’s swinging Men’s Tennis

Newcastle 1sts Leeds 2nds

2 10

Rory Brigstock-Baron at Northumberland Tennis Club Despite the one sided score line Newcastle Firsts put in a resilient display against table toppers Leeds Seconds in what was a thrilling afternoon of tennis at Northumberland Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.

In by far the most competitive of the two doubles encounters, Alex Newell and Jackub Vachal came agonisingly close to victory against Leeds duo Dave Smith and Luke Gallen.

The pair went a break down early in the first set but broke back in the ninth game and again in the eleventh to close it out at 7-5. The Leeds boys then bounced back in the second set, breaking in the very first game with an expertly angled volley from Gallen who looked assured at the net throughout as the Yorkshire side took the set 6-2. With the teams at a set a piece, the tie break that followed was a thriller, with the lead changing hands several times before the Royals eventually lost out ten points to eight.

The pick of the singles saw undefeated Newell bounce back from doubles disappointment to beat Justin Bieber lookalike Dave Smith in a three set match of the highest calibre.

Smith was on fire in the first set and looked incapable of missing as

he raced away to take it 6-1. Perhaps revitalised by dropping his first set of the season, Newell looked a different player in the second set, attacking Smith’s second serve to go a break up early on and seeing the set out 6-4 with a number of impressive forehand winners.

Newell then continued to push on in the third and victory looked assured at 4-1 with Newcastle’s shining light hitting heavy off both wings. A brief revival from Smith saw him bring it back to 4-3 but Newell was too strong and took it 6-4 to complete an impressive turnaround.

This, however, was to be the only victory on a frustrating day for the Royals, encapsulated in the animated performance of stand in Alex ‘Mardy Bum’ Turner whose vocal performance was, if nothing else, entertaining.

Turner was on the wrong end of two very contrasting defeats going down 6-1, 6-1 in the doubles alongside Ben Maynard, before losing out in a three-set thriller to Glen Close.

The highlights of Turner’s afternoon perhaps came from his McEnroeesque monologues between points.

In one of which, he sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to his opponent who was enjoying some good fortune on the court, a rendition his famous namesake would no doubt have been proud of.

All in all it was a tough and entertaining day for Newcastle, whose performances merited a closer result.

Kieran Borrett, fourth year Geography.

Home town - Bradford. Position Defensive Midfielder. BUCS goals - 2.

Rock - John Colville, fourth year Medic. Home town - Belfast. Position - Right-back.

BUCS goals - 4.

Defensive

Team Strengths -

With key players in core positions through the middle of the pitch, the spine of the First’s XI is one of the strongest in the North East. The team this year boasts strength in depth, with the intake of freshers proving fruitful for talented players. Penalty corners have also been a strength in recent weeks.

Team Weaknesses -

Susceptible to conceding softly on the counter, the team can sometimes be guilty of lapses in concentration in defence. Away form has been somewhat of a stumbling block at times for the Royals, with the side often starting games as if they are still on the bus when on their travels.

One to Watch for 2011-12

Ben Gowing, first year Agriculture and Business. Home town - Norwich. BUCS goals - 3.

Gowing has already proved himself on more than one occasion this season, stepping in for midfield supremo Borrett when the Bradford man has been injured. When making the step up to Northern 1A the first year’s distribution and composure across the midfield diamond will be valuable to his team.

Charley Wright

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

41

BUCS Sport

Hallam hammer Royals W. SEBAG MONTEFIORE

Men’s Football

Newcastle 2nds Sheffield Hallam 2nds

1 6

Jimmy Booker at Longbenton 3G A bizarre encounter at Longbenton saw the Men’s Seconds crumble to a 6-1 home defeat by bottom of the table Sheffield Hallam, although the scoreline does not tell the full story.

Newcastle had the lion’s share of possession for prolonged periods of the game, and had a host of decent chances themselves throughout. An early moment of quality gave Hallam the advantage after seven minutes, when their striker acrobatically hooked a loose ball into the far top corner, leaving Newcastle goalkeeper Matt Thorpe stranded.

They almost found the perfect reply three minutes later, after the Hallam keeper had inexplicably handled outside the area, receiving the only caution of the match. The resultant free kick, whipped in by Ed Savitt, was fortuitously sliced over his own crossbar by the visitor’s right-back.

The home side then dominated for the next half hour. They looked tidier in possession, played neater football and were looking dangerous every time they pierced the Hallam backline.

Ben Castillo’s delightful 20-yard effort deserved a goal, but instead forced a terrific full-stretch save from the Hallam keeper. However, a nearly identical chipped effort by Savitt had him beaten all ends up, but the crossbar came to Sheffield’s rescue.

What followed was a hectic seven minutes that effectively ended the contest. Hallam exploited the home side’s sloppy defending at set pieces with three more goals before the half time whistle.

A tame header from a corner caused confusion between Thorpe and left-back Connor Parfitt, with both of them going for the same loose ball, and it squirmed through their joint efforts in clearing the ball and trickled over the line.

Two minutes later saw a more towering Hallam header fly in at the far post, and the home side conceded again almost immediately when the visitors’ playmaker robbed the ball on the edge of the area, before firing a delightful low drive across Thorpe into the far corner.

A shell-shocked Newcastle emerged after the break, and it took less than a minute for Sheffield to bag their fifth. They carved through the Newcastle backline with consummate ease and passed the ball into the net in a move reminiscent of a training match.

There was a lull in the game for the next 15 minutes, but the pace and trickery of substitute Dan Clement dissected the Hallam rearguard on a number of occasions. Yet none of the Newcastle strikers could convert their chances.

It’s fair to say Newcastle didn’t have the luck they might have had on another day, with loose balls and ricochets rarely falling in their path, and their shots flying just over or on the wrong side of the visitor’s goal.

They now face a stern task to avoid relagation in their remaining fixtures aginst Teeside Firsts and Leeds Met Seconds.

Ed Savitt (above) was the home side’s main threat on a dismal day for the Men’s second string, as they capitulated against Hallam

Netball Round-up Harriet Needham

Newcastle 2nds 43 N’thumbria 2nds 36 As the only team on the court this week for the Netball Club, the Seconds really had some shining to do and with Stan Calvert fast approaching, the girls were determined to test out their local rivals.

Narrowly missing out on their last encounter, the girls were adamant to push the top-of-thetable Poly to the max. However it was a rocky start for the Seconds last Wednesday, the girls making minor errors in the opening quarter that the Poly were quick to capitalise on. At quarter time the girls were down by three and the visiting side continued to push, extending the lead to five goals at half time. A stern team talk during the break encouraged the girls to go back on court with their heads held high.

With one of the biggest support groups the girls have seen all season, the adrenaline was really starting to pump. The girls absolutely dominated during the second half. Right from the first whistle interceptions were picked up by GD Sassa Hamilton who continued to turn over a number of valuable balls. The girls had scored eight before the Poly even had a chance at goal.

Lucy Greenwood at GK held her own against an enormous GS, forcing her away from the post.

Hamilton and Greenwood picked up rebounds which were used effectively by maintaining the newly gained lead. Everything from training was used effortlessly, especially by joint Captain and WA Becky Mills, who drove superbly to the top of the circle and got some stunning spin drop passes to Fiona Moss at GS. Anna Dickinson at GA did not falter with an aggressive GD and continued to score some immense shots. The two shooters settled in the second half and started to move well around the circle. even with a constant battering by both of their defending counterparts.

The last quarter showed the real fire in their hearts, with the girls working hard right until the end and not letting the tiredness kick in.

Stephanie Blain at C repeatedly fed fantastic balls into both Moss and Dickinson, allowing them to sink some perfect shots. WD Issy Retberg moved herself about the court “like a Bull Mastiff”, according to the umpire, earning dozens of the interceptions.

Retberg was a constant back up for Blain moving into the attacking third, and the two of them worked together to threaten an energetic C. For her continued determination and significant interceptions, Retberg deservedly earned herself player of the match again this week. Meanwhile Mills proved to be impressive throughout, fending off a tough defender.

It really was a survival of the fittest and the girls showed vast improvement from the previous clash, bringing in everything from training that the girls have been working hard at. A last home game for three of the girls and it could not have gone better. There will be one more fight against the fierce rivals, but bring on Stan Calvert.

42

Sport

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

BUCS

Raper’s ‘keeping heroics secures top spot Men’s Hockey

Newcastle 1sts Leeds 2nds

2 1

Calum Mackenzie in Leeds Newcastle emerged victorious in a tight and fiercely fought encounter against Leeds, leaving the Royals in pole position to secure an immediate return to 1A. The game began with both teams eyeing promotion and knowing that victory would go a huge way to securing that ultimate goal. The magnitude of the game was highlighted when Leeds lined up with their First team captain in their Second team starting line up.

Leeds, with a strong home following behind them, started the match with force. The Royals found themselves struggling to retain possession and Leeds set about making their early dominance pay. A ball fired towards the Newcastle goal was deflected and only a superb reaction save from man of the match Toby Raper kept the scores level.

As the first half wore on alarmingly for the Royals, the Leeds pressure had not abated. Newcastle again failed to stop a ball sent into their circle and for the second time Raper pulled off a remarkable stop. Leeds then won a succession of short-corners, but a well drilled Newcastle defensive unit meant the home side was not rewarded for their efforts.

Newcastle were beginning to settle into the game and the away support were pleased to see the Royals exert some pressure of their own. It was not long before the Newcastle pressure led to Hector Hall being awarded a short-corner for a foul in the centre. The ball was played out to short-corner specialist Max Underwood, who sent it in the direction of Hall whose careful placement gave Newcastle the lead.

With half time rapidly approaching, Leeds pushed forward, hopeful of finding an equaliser before the whistle. With Leeds committing more players forward, Ian Rossiter won a free-hit on the half way line.

Taking it quickly, the Newcastle Vice-Captain drove at the Leeds defence. Using both pace and skill he

beat two players and was eventually bundled off the ball at the edge of the Leeds circle. Only for Rob Ramsden to pounce on the loose ball who, despite the tight angle, coolly slotted it into the corner to double the Royal’s advantage.

Eventually the Leeds pressure paid and the staunch Royals defence was breached. It took a wonderful shot from a short-corner that left Raper with no chance to hold onto to his clean sheet. Newcastle withstood continuous Leeds pressure, but went in at half-time satisfied with their advantage.

Leeds, desperate to get back onto level terms, began the second half with an attacking mentality. Max Underwood and Mike Pollock had to remain strong at the heart of the Royal’s defence to maintain their advantage. The Royals were pinned into their own half and it seemed only a matter of time before Leeds found a second.

After several firm challenges, the umpires decided to punish Kieron Borrett, and with his second yellow card in a matter of games, the Newcastle ‘bad boy’ made his way for a ten-minute spell in the sin-bin. The 10 men of Newcastle were forced into a reshuffle, with Patrick Ost appearing lost when he was forced to step into Borrett’s shoes. However, he grew into the role and was central to the Royals holding on to their lead before they returned to a full complement of players.

As the game entered its latter stages the tension was clear and Newcastle were clinging to their slim advantage. Raper appeared unbeatable in the Newcastle goal and time was rapidly running out for Leeds. The home side substituted their goalkeeper in a last minute push to get back on level terms. To the delight of the Royals, eventually the Leeds attacks came to an end with the final whistle.

The win was a textbook away display built on a strong defence, with goalkeeper Tony Raper producing what veteran John Collville described as ‘the best performance he had seen in a Newcastle shirt’. It leaves Newcastle with a healthy lead at the top of 2B. With two games left this season, promotion is now within their grasp.

Things are looking up for Rugby Union 1sts after two consecutive wins over second in the league Loughborough and now bottom of the

Nottingham’s men not Rugby Union

Newcastle 1sts Nottingham 1sts

48 15

Colin Henrys Online Sports Editor at Longbenton 3G Newcastle made it two consecutive home wins with a comprehensive 48-15 defeat of Nottingham at Cochrane Park. A hat trick of tries from winger Tristan Corpe were complemented by a Dave Smith double and one apiece for Charlie Engleton and Dave Swetman, as the Royals eased to a vital win against their fellow strugglers.

Things could have gone so differently as Nottingham were held up on the try line from their first attack of the match, but after a scrappy start Newcastle dominated from there on in and indeed it was the hosts who took the league shortly after the 10 minute mark.

Full-back Dave Smith, who followed up his hat-trick against Loughborough a fortnight ago with another good home performance, won the ball just inside the Nottingham half and broke through a couple of weak attempted tackles.

His offload was timed perfectly to find Dave Swetman and present the winger with the easiest of tries.

Although Ed Yarnton hit the post with the attempted conversion, Newcastle were soon threatening the visitors’ try-line again when captain Sam Shires powered his way through four tackles, only for the move to break down shortly

afterwards when his team were penalised for indiscipline at the breakdown.

However, a second try did arrive just moments later; a good turnover was won after the visitors failed to take advantage of winning the ball from their own line out. Smith, having provided the first, this time ran the ball over himself with Nottingham unable to deal with his pace and power. Yarnton added the extras with a fine kick from the touchline.

Newcastle’s quick recycling, led by the ever-impressive Harry Peck, and their willingness to run at the defence was proving to be very productive. The visitors had little time to settle and Peck himself looked to

have laid on a try of his own when he broke from a ruck, only to be penalised for a forward pass deep inside Nottingham territory.

Instead it was Peck’s half-back partner Yarnton who was to set up the next try. His inventive kick over several forwards to himself earned Newcastle a line-out. Taken quickly, it was thrown to Shires and after breaking beyond the front line, his throw to Corpe allowed the winger to run in under the posts.

Yarnton added the extras and was then at the forefront when the hosts added a fourth try. Peck received the ball from a big scrum and found Yarnton. Newcastle’s fly-half then produced a great offload to Engleton, the latter proving far too

BUCS Results Badminton

Mens 1sts 4-4 Warwick 1sts Mens 2nds 0-8 Northumrbia 1sts

Basketball

Football

Mens 2nds 1-6 Sheffield Hallam 2nds

Mens 1sts 45-54 Middlesex 1sts Mens 2nds 51-78 York 1sts Mens 3rds 76-81 Bradford 2nds Womens 2nds 33-39 York 1sts

Golf

Fencing

Mens 1sts 2-1 Leeds 2nds Mens 2nds 0-2 Newcastle 3rds Mens 4ths 3-2 Northumbria 2nds Womens 1sts 4-1 Edinburgh 2nds

Mens 2nds124-95 York 2nds Womens 121-130 Glasgow 1sts

Golf 2nds 3.5-2.5 Northumbria 3rds

Hockey

THE COURIER Monday February 28 2011

43

BUCS Sport W. SEBAG-MONTEFIORE

Four to the floor for Royals despite card happy umpire Ladies’ Hockey

Newcastle 1sts Edinburgh 2nds

4 1

Kat Bannon Sports Editor at Longbenton

league Nottingham now mean relegation nightmares may be over for 1st XV Captain Sam Shries and NURFC President Rhys Davies

so merry at Cochrane strong for the weak Nottingham defence, scoring under the posts.

When Yarnton added the extra two, Newcastle found themselves 26-0 up. Nottingham were in dire straits but did manage to score a try of their own on the stroke of halftime.

A good carry by Owen, an early replacement, resulted in a try and allowed the visitors to enter half-time 21 points in arrears.

Feeling the disappointment of having allowed Nottingham a potential way back into the match, the Royals were aware that the start of the second-half would be crucial.

It appeared ominous for the home side when Nottingham again started the half by applying pressure on

the opposing try-line but some great defence from flanker Ben Morris in particular held the ball up short.

To add insult to injury for the visitors a huge hit on their fly-half, who had meekly surrendered possession before the tackle even arrived, saw the ball fall in to Corpe’s hands.

Corpe then proceeded to run the 90 yards to the opposite try-line and touch down under the posts.

Yarnton had no trouble from the conversion, and was on the score sheet again shortly afterwards when both Nottingham centres conceded a penalty in front of their own posts.

Yarnton’s successful kick took him to 11 points for the match and Newcastle into a commanding 36-5 lead.

Nothing it seemed could go right

for Nottingham. Poor at the break down, several passes went awry – their half-back partnership particularly bad for this. To compound the opposition’s misery Smith then scored his second try of the match, charging down an attempted kicked clearance whilst Yarnton’s good kick sealed the extras.

At this point it looked as though Newcastle were about to score a lot more despite ringing the changes, and it came as little surprise when Corpe rounded off his hat trick after a good, quick passing move.

Unfortunately Yarnton’s kick hit the post for the second time in the match before the final whistle blew.

February 16 Women 2nds 0-5 Leeds 2nds Womens 3rds 4-3 York 1sts Women 4ths 0-3 Sunderland 1sts

1sts Mens 4ths 7-24 Sheffield 3rds

Tennis

Lacrosse

Rugby League

Mens 2nds 14-26 Leeds Met 2nds

Volleyball

Womens 2nds 4-27 Durham 2nds

Netball

2nds 43-36 Northumrbia 2nds 3rds 54-35 Newcastle 4ths

Rugby

Mens 1sts 48-15 Nottingham 1sts Mens 2nds 12-15 Manchester

Squash

Mens 3rds 2-1 York 2nds Womens 3rds 1-3 Leeds 2nds

Table Tennis

Mens 2nds 10-7 Northumrbia 2nds

Mens 1sts 2-10 Leeds 2nds Men 0-3 Northumbria 1sts

After falling short of the top spot in their BUCS league table and hence failing to reach playoffs, Newcastle Ladies Firsts are determined to make their mark in the BUCS cup competition. A decisive 4-1 win over Edinburgh Seconds in the first round mean they’ve taken the initial step towards trophy glory and are back to their winning ways.

However, regardless of the final score-line it was a shaky start for the Royals. A three week break from Wednesday matches meant their hockey had adopted the same post-‘The Den’ mentality given to local league weekend games. Meanwhile, the absence of captain Abigail Moreland and fellow defender Alice Hogg meant the Royals were boosting a new-look back four against a university that boasts nine separate squads within their club. Also missing was attacking central defender and elite athlete Nicky Mollison, whose inability to tackle some stairs has lead to a case of a multicoloured cankle.

During the first 10 minutes Edinburgh’s long balls to their forward line and the terrorising play of one dodgy red-ribboned winger meant the Royals’ defence were in need of a serious wake up call. Getting a little bit too excited at times, high centre back Sophie McNiece found herself out of position on occasions when Edinburgh made a quick counter-attack, although as the defence found their feet, confident distribution around the back enabled the ball to find the Newcastle midfield with ease.

After continuing to irritate the Edinburgh defence with her quick change of direction and pirouetting expertise, centre forward Jenna Watt fired the ball across towards the left hand post from the top of the ‘D’. It was then up to Tutu Osifodunrin to characteristically get the unlikeliest of touches before the ball rocked the bottom corner. Hopefully her poor display of commitment in a month long trip to Ghana next week will give Watt the opportunity to get her name on the score sheet.

However, a tussle in the ‘D’ and slack marking gave Edinburgh the chance to equalise in a miss-hit that bounced beyond the reach of almosta-doctor ‘keeper Emma Peters.

Not long after, and despite originally winning the ball, central mid-

fielder Rebecca Smith found herself presented with a yellow card five minutes from half time after a noteven-particularly-bad-for-her tussle on the 25. It was only then that the umpire decided to inform the rest of the squad that he had already dished out a team green card.

One man down and still feeling shaky, the Royals were ready to play the defensive game until ‘Nubs’ Smith would be released from doing time in the sin-bin. However, fluid passing down the right hand side of the pitch found Watt near the top of the ‘D’.

A quick slip to temporary captain Alicea Berkin allowed her the space to hammer it into Edinburgh’s backboard, giving the Royals the one goal lead and doubly proving their worth with a player less than the opposition.

Feeling aggrieved with the score line, Edinburgh were not going to go down quietly in the second half.

However, being on the back foot caused them to make rash decisions, rocketing aimless balls through the middle of the pitch and failing to make that decisive pass in the ‘D’ due to pressure exerted by Kate ‘crop top’ Robinson in the middle.

After being sinbinned in the first half Rebecca Smith came back in the final 20 to net the third goal for the Royals Fresher Coral Lapsley prevented any play from penetrating the left hand side of the pitch with a winning block tackle that seemed to ask Edinburgh to try a bit harder. Strong linking with Sophie McLean gave the attacking midfielder the chance to bounce the ball down the line and create chances for the forwards.

The third goal came from strong driving around the back of the Edinburgh defence from Erica Coakley, after a quick ball down the line from right defence Sophie Fox. Holding back on pulling out her signature cheese-string move, Coakley found an unmarked Smith on the pen spot to make it 3-1.

As the absence of Moreland allowed the reverse stick hit ban to be lifted, the final opportunity of the game fell to Kat Bannon. Her strike would have fallen quite conveniently on the ‘keeper’s pads if not for a substantial deflection from the stick of an Edinburgh defender to direct it bottom right, rounding off the score to 4-1 and completing phase one of their cup campaign.

44

Monday February 28 2011 THE COURIER

The return of The Rock > Sport, pages 38 & 39

Sports Editors: Paul Christian, Jamie Gavin and Tom James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk

Sports Editors: Jono Taylor, Wills Robinson and Kat Bannon - courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk

Up for the cup: Ladies’ Hockey thrash Edinburgh

Sport, page 43 W. SEBAG-MONTEFIORY

Newcastle’s Ladies eased to a comprehensive victory over a tough Edinburgh outfit last Wednesday, after an impressive team performance ensured their safe qualification into the next stage of the BUCS knockout trophy

Cochrane causes fixture carnage Cancellations of crucial matches leads to backlash against sports bosses Jono Taylor Sports Editor University sports bosses came under increasing pressure last week, after a host of fixtures across Tyneside once again fell victim to the weather. With the number of playable pitches rapidly decreasing over recent weeks, Newcastle University’s sports facilities are being stretched to the limit, fuelling the mounting demand for further reinvestment.

Amongst the fatalities last Wednesday were Women’s Rugby Firsts, who were forced to cancel their crucial promotion clash with rivals Durham, scheduled to be played at the increasingly unreliable Cochrane Park.

Meanwhile the inability of the pitches to deal with the most moderate of weather last week also forced the movement of the Men’s Rugby League’s Championship encounter with Leeds Met to Heaton, while the Men’s Football Seconds were forced to move to Longbenton.

The only game that Cochrane Park hosted last week was the Men’s Rugby Union Firsts’ comprehensive victory over Nottingham, but this proved little consolation for those who were once again forced to miss out on competitive matches, seeing

their value for money depleted, and their hard work in training unrewarded.

Women’s Lacrosse captain Emily Cullen expressed her frustration at the cancellation of their scheduled home match with Loughborough at Cochrane Park last Wednesday, but agreed with the decision that the pitch was unplayable: “I went down to Cochrane and totally agree with the groundsmen.

One side of the Lacrosse pitch was completely unplayable. It is really frustrating, because the rugby pitch which is next to ours is perfectly playable”.

More frustrating, however, is that the game was deemed unplayable after Loughborough had already began their venture north when the match was called off, forcing Cullen and her side to travel down to the Midlands on Saturday in place of a prescheduled tournament, or risk a £500 BUCS fine.

With Cochrane Park being recently selected as an Olympic football training venue ahead of the 2012 games, it appears that significant development is still needed to ensure that the problems that have been plaguing university sport over the last few months are resolved. This is supported by Cullen, who plead-

ed for additional investment to be pumped into the redevelopment of the Cochrane drainage system: “A lot of Lacrosse matches have been cancelled this season due to the pitches being unplayable.

“In the long-term, I think that a new drainage system must be something that must be taken into consideration. Something must be done to ensure that university matches remain playable”.

With the Women’s Rugby 1sts promotion showdown with Durham cancelled due to the conditions at Cochrane Park, they have not played a game since February 2, and now must face a gruelling fixture list that will involve them having to play five games in only 14 days- something that is likely to inflict considerable physical strain upon the players, and throw their entire promotion credentials into jeopardy.

However, with four rugby pitches being deemed playable across the city last week (Heaton, Close House, Redhall and Cochrane Park), it is hard to explain why the Women’s crunch game could not have been moved to one of the alternative venues.

Rather, the Men’s Rugby 2nds were moved to Redhall, the Men’s

Rugby 4ths went ahead at Close House, and the Rugby League second-string were moved to Heaton to play out their Championship match with Leeds Met. When asked whether it would not have been a better option to allow the Women’s match to go ahead at the expense of the beleaguered Rugby Union 2s, who are without a win in the league this season, Newcastle University Performance Sport Manager Fraser Kennedy defended the decision to cancel the Women’s game on the basis that their game with Durham would prove easier to rearrange: “There was absolutely no intention of prioritising one team over another. The decision to cancel the Women’s game instead of the Men’s Seconds game with Manchester was simply on the basis that Manchester would have already set off, while the Durham game could be more easily rearranged”.

It would seem that it was deemed more justifiable to allow the Women’s promotion-seeking squad to play out five gruelling matches in only 14 days, rather than making the Men’s Rugby Union Seconds play a reverse fixture in Manchester.

When further questioned about this, Kennedy finally held his hands

up, admitting that the procedure was something that may have had unintended negative ramifications and wold have to be addressed in the future: “I will have to look at that, and make sure that it certainly does not happen again. I have supported the Women’s rugby the best I can within the budget I have got”.

This mistake, however, may prove a costly one with regard to the Women’s promotion chances.

When asked about the apparently impossible upcoming fixture list that, Women’s Rugby captain Ellie Robinson expressed her frustration: “Having to play five games in 14 days is something that is massively daunting, and could seriously hinder our promotion chances.

“All we can do is go into the next fortnight and give everything we’ve got, but it doesn’t help that decisions made by sports centre staff have made things more difficult for us.”

Amidst new proposals over a redevelopment of the strength and conditioning suite at the Sports Centre, it would seem that unless more investment is directed towards the upkeep of the grass pitches across the city, outdoor athletes may continue to be disappointed.