Courier 1324 by The Courier Online

www.thecourieronline.co.uk Monday 14 December 2015 Issue 1324 Free

FESTIVE PULLOUT A cultural special p.21

The Independent Voice of Newcastle Students

NYE LOOKS A range of inspiration to

bring in the new year p.29

Est 1948

TOP 10s OF 2015 The best of films, games, music

and TV from this year p.24

‘Raising the Bar’ causes concerns amongst staff t

By Antonia Velikova News Editor

An anonymous contact has alerted The Courier to raising concerns regarding staff redundancies as a result of the University-wide initiative ‘Raising the Bar’. The Research and Innovation Performance policy, put together during the summer, proposes a more focused approach in order to achieve better academic results in University research. “The UCU, representing the academic staff of Newcastle University, are very much in favour of making Newcastle University a better place and doing even more of the excellent research that we already do,” Bruce Baker, a UCU officer, told The Courier. “We differ strongly, however, with the university managers about how best to accomplish this. The UCU believes that an academic institution should base its practices on colle-

Image: Struthious Bandersnatch

giality and the fundamental principle of shared governance, that the academic business of a university is properly directed by the academics themselves, with the managers to help put the will of the University--that is to say, the academics and the students--into effect.” According to Baker, the crafting of the Research and Innovation Performance Expectations policy did not involve any University academics. Instead, it was authored by University managers and only presented to academics at the beginning of this year. “We believe that the union was not consulted on something which constitutes a fundamental change to the nature of the employment relationship

between our staff and the University, but more importantly, we do not believe that the way the RIPE policy was put through Senate was handled appropriately either,” Baker said. “Senate in effect was told to sign a blank cheque. It raises serious concerns about the governance of the institution. “Our members are justifiably concerned for their jobs and their livelihoods. While the original RIPE documents were vague about how the expectations would be implemented, we have had some clarity in documents tabled by the university managers in the course of our discussions over the past few weeks. The bottom line is that they propose to use capability procedures to deal with those who are deemed to not meet these re-

“Our members are justiﬁably concerned for their jobs and their livelihoods”

quirements.” In the last few meetings with UCU members, University management have tabled a Memorandum of Understanding, in order to make the key features of the policy clearer. “During our discussions with representatives of the University and College Union (the UCU) it was proposed that a Memorandum of Understanding be drawn up to set the context of Raising the Bar and lay out our key points of agreement,” a spokesperson of the University said. “The MoU has yet to be officially agreed but it is intended to reinforce the need for us all to work together for the good of the institution.” However, the UCU still fundamentally disagrees with the policy, according to Baker: “Our key objection here is that the university managers have unilaterally, with no consultation with the union, with no process of consultation with the academics themselves, rede-

fined what it means to be an academic, setting a bar so high that few will be able to meet the requirements and thus putting the vast majority of the academics at Newcastle University in a position where they could lose their jobs through capability procedures.” Word of the policy has sifted through down to the student population as well. Beth Watt, the creator of Facebook page Newcastle University Students Against Raising the Bar, spoke to The Courier about this recent development: “I feel in equal part relieved that in light of the campaign and The Courier’s reporting that more staff are feeling comfortable enough to come forward anonymously and speak out, and horrified at what they are exposing, though sadly it’s nothing I hadn’t already assumed was happening. With the student campaign I have endeavoured to highlight continues on page 5

Winter Graduations By Sophie Norris

New graduates pose for photos at Winter Congregations Image: Jake Jeffries

From Wednesday 9th to Friday 11th December, over 1,900 students from Newcastle University graduated, the majority receiving postgraduate degrees. This event is one of four different graduation ceremonies that run throughout the year. Students from many different disciplines graduated over the three day period, including those from the faculties of Medicine, Arts, Business, Computing, and History. Pham, a Masters graduate said: ‘I studied Electronic Engineering. ‘My favourite memory of studying at Newcastle is meeting a lot of people. ‘I will stay here and do my PhD.’ Another graduate, Yichen said: ‘I’m half happy and half sad to graduate. ‘My best memory is making a documentary as part of my dissertation.’ On the day, Victoria and Rebecca Smith, two identical twins from County Durham graduated, each achieving degrees with distinctions in Flood Risk Management.

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SU to oppose higher education proposals Christian Union brings cheer with Christmas carol service

Monday 14 December 2015

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Deputy Editor: Mark Sleightholm News Editors: Antonia Velikova, Peter Georgiev, Sinead Corkett-Beirne & Sophie Norris courier.news@ncl.ac.uk | @TheCourier_News

NUSU recognised by English Federation of Disability Sport

COMMENT

Views on Britain bombing Syria

CULTURE

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Blind Date:

Charlotte meets Matthew

Cheap Christmas gift ideas

Inclusive Newcastle was lauched in September this year Image: Inclusive Newcastle

Who’s got the Xmas Factor? The perfect Christmas ﬁlm

The top winter wonderlands in gaming The science of happiness: Christmas

By Calum Wilson Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) recently announced that it had been officially recognised as an associate member of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS). The EFDS aims to promote active lifestyles through sport and physical activity for disabled people in England. With this announcement, NUSU became the first Student Union in the country to be awarded the title of associate member. The news comes as reward for work within the Union towards providing more opportunities for disabled people to get involved with sport. In September this year the Student Union launched Inclusive Newcastle, a

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

The Courier is a weekly newspaper produced by students, for students. It’s never too late to get involved in the paper, whether you’re a writer, illustrator or photographer. Email editor.union@ncl.ac.uk for more information.

disability sports program designed to give everyone an equal opportunity to access sport. The scheme provides a wide range of sporting services which hope to remove any barriers that disabled people may face when wanting to participate in sport and physical activity. “We’re delighted to become the first Students’ Union in the country to gain this accreditation and look forward to working closely with EFDS to maximise the potential of Inclusive Newcastle, ensuring all of our students have a fair sporting chance whilst at Newcastle University,” explained Liam Isaac, Coordinator of Inclusive Newcastle. “This is an exciting time for us and we can’t wait to continue.” Inclusive Newcastle is aimed at students of all abilities and includes the de-

“We’re delighted to become the ﬁrst Students’ Union in the country to gain this accreditation”

livery of para-sports as well simply providing a support network for students requiring assistance or reassurance. The program works closely with local clubs and organisations and provides transport to the Percy Hedley Sports Academy. The Academy runs a number of parasports such as Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Handball, Boccia, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Rugby and Powerchair Football. In October this year, Inclusive Newcastle also delivered its first on-campus para-sport. Polybat, an adapted form of Table Tennis with a lowered table and no net, sees players of all abilities seated at either end of the table. The game proved very popular with a number of students and there are plans in place to create a Polybat league within the University’s Hall Sport structure.

The University’s work towards maximising opportunities for disabled people to get involved with sport comes after the EFDS’s Lifestyle Report in 2013, which found that seven in ten disabled people wanted to increase their physical activity. Barry Horne, EFDS’s Chief Executive said, “Our vision ‘disabled people are active for life’ is a powerful proposition, but for that vision to be realised, it will take a variety of influential organisations aspiring for the same goal.” Our ongoing recruitment of Associate Members will benefit all of our strategies and build a bigger platform for change. That is why we’re proud to welcome Newcastle University Students’ Union as a new Associate Member and look forward to working with them over the coming years.”

“Seven in ten disabled people wanted to increase their physical activity”

Editor Victoria Armstrong Deputy Editor Mark Sleightholm News Editors Antonia Velikova, Peter Georgiev, Sophie Norris and Sinead Corkett-Beirne Comment Editors Jack Dempsey, Adam Thompson and Daniel Robertson Culture Editors Ellie McLaren and Laura Staniforth Lifestyle Editors Lauren Exell, Ruth Loefﬂer, Katie Ackerley and Fiona Callow Fashion Editors Sara Macauley, Ellen Dixon and Liz Rosling Beauty Editors Lucy Cochrane, Ellen Walker and Flo Davies Arts Editors Holly Suttle, Jade Holroyd and Emily Watton Film Editors Rhian Hunter, Simon Ramshaw and Emma Allsopp TV Editors Helen Daly, Jack Parker and Hannah Bunting Music Editors Jamie Shepherd, Dominique Daly and Connor McDonnell Science Editors Iqra Choudhry, Louise Bingham and Anna Jastrzembska Gaming Editors Ollie Burton, James McCoull and Michael Hicks Sports Editors Calum Wilson, Alex Hendley and Lewis Bedford

The Courier is printed by: Print and Digital Associates, Fernleigh House, 10 Uttoxeter Road, Derby, Derbyshire, United Kingdom, DE3 0DA. Established in 1948, The Courier is the fully independent student newspaper of the Students’ Union 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 comment pieces are those of the individual writing, and not of The Courier, the Students’ Union or Newcastle University.

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Monday 14 December 2015

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Sub Aqua members visit Egypt and Jordan on diving expedition By Calum Wilson Last summer, Newcastle University’s Sub Aqua Club (NUSAC) hosted an expedition to Egypt and Jordan. 16 members of the club took part in the 7-day trip which began in Egypt, before heading to Jordan, where the travellers visited Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world. The team were based in Dahab, located on the South East coast of the Sinai Peninsula, 50 miles north of the popular holiday destination, Sharm El-Sheikh. Dahab is considered, by many, to be one of the most treasured diving destinations in the world. The group from Newcastle had the chance to experience this first hand. The Blue Hole, found just 5km north of Dahab, is Egypt’s most infamous dive site consisting of a giant sinkhole that drops straight down towards the ocean floor. Club President Paul Whitworth described the experience, “the visibility was amazing, the coral is beautiful and we dove some of the most wanted sites in world.” The reef reaches depths of about 120m, too deep for the students to fully explore but an amazing experience nonetheless, according to Whitworth. “Obviously we can’t dive down that far, but even getting there and being able to see down is just fantastic.” The expedition then headed to Jordan where the group visited Petra, named amongst the seven wonders of the

world. The group posed for pictures in front of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which is thought to date back to as early as 312BC. The team then travelled by 4x4 and spent time in the desert where they bonded over other activities such as camel rides, sandboarding and staying in a traditional Bedouin tent. Paul said: “We didn’t all know each other before we went. “Some people hadn’t met until we all got to the airport and by the end of it we were just like best mates. “If you’re not a diver don’t worry, you can go snorkelling rather than diving, or we teach it before hand through our ocean diving course in Easter. If you are a diver, come along and feel free to join in. It’s a massive group of friends and you come away as a group with something special to remember.” The club predominantly dive locally in the North Sea and often head north to Scotland to dive at the Farne Islands. He added: “With diving in the UK it’s quite cold water so whilst it does appeal to people who want to go and see the seals, when we’re diving abroad it’s warm water diving, it’s a lot less strenuous and there’s a bit more to see.” The recent attack on a Russian plane over the Egyptian desert have heightened security worries in the region. The club remain keen to repeat the trip. Paul said: “Last year we had an armed guard who took us from Sharm to Dahab which was very secure and one you get to your complex you’re nice and safe.”

“Last year we had an armed guard who took us from Sharm to Dahab”

Images: Newcastle University Sub Aqua Club

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Monday 14 December 2015

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Cough Up Pennies for charity By Sophie Norris News Editor

Third year Geography student, James Rowan has organised a fundraiser called Cough up Pennies in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity supports young people between the ages of 13 and 24 who suffer from cancer and currently fund 65 nurses who work across the community, in special units and hospitals. Seven young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. This is the second year that the fundraiser has been run in partnership with Castle Leazes and Richardson Road student halls. So far this year, the charity fundraiser has raised £959, which includes the money raised from Cough up Pennies and other events in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. James has given out 1500 cups to students in the accommodation, each of which holds £1 in one and two pence pieces. He said: “If everyone who received a cup puts £1 in then the charity raises £1500.“ Last year’s fundraiser raised a total of £1500, reaching its target. James added: “This year we hope to

replicate this success.” Generous contributions from the residents at both accommodations made up £700 of this total. Castle Leazes halls also made an independent donation of £200 to the cause. Another campaign will run after Christmas, from January to the end of semester two. Participant Hugh Vermont said: “I chose to support Teenage Cancer Trust because I can relate to the age demographic. “I know of a few people my age who have suffered from cancer so I think it’s a great cause. James has come up with a really novel idea for raising funds for the charity. “James can cover a whole university halls and if everyone were to donate just £1 of shrapnel over the year, that’s a significant amount of money raised for Teenage Cancer Trust. The money raised this year could go towards supporting many of the charity’s campaigns. £4.8m raised by the charity goes towards building, developing and maintaining Teenage Cancer units, £3.2m on regional services such as education, awareness and improving access to specialist services and £1.3m on national initiatives such as campaigning, training for professionals and research.

“The charity has raised £959, which includes the money raised from Cough up Pennies”

James and members of Castle Leazes staff present cheque Image: Teenage Cancer Trust

SU to oppose higher education proposals By Mark Sleightholm Deputy Editor

NUSU will officially oppose the Government’s higher education green paper after a motion was passed at Student Council. The Government announced plans in November to allow tuition fees to rise with inflation for high-performing universities. NUSU will also allow and encourage Newcastle students to vote in a potential national student ballot on whether to strike in response to the green paper. The motions were proposed by Luke Allison, Welfare and Equality Officer. The motion to oppose the green paper passed with 87%, while the motion on the strike ballot passed with 77% support from Council. The green paper would allow universities who met criteria based on teaching standards, research levels and student satisfaction rates to charge tuition fees more than £9,000. It would also transfer the power to raise fees from Parliament to the Minister of Universities and Science. Allison said: “I fear our education system is taking a turn for the worse and that we are going down a path that will be very difficult to return from.” The motion called for NUSU to publically oppose the green paper and to support the NUS’ “Quality doesn’t grow on fees” campaign. In response to the green paper the NUS is calling for a national student strike on 22 and 23 February, demand-

ing that tuition fees are not increased, and the reversal of cuts to Disabled Students’ Allowance and maintenance grants. The NUS plans to hold a nationwide ballot on the proposed strike action, and Allison’s second motion aimed to get Student Council to support the ballot, to give Newcastle students a say on whether the strike should go ahead. Allison made it clear when presenting the motion that it was not a vote on the strike itself, only on whether NUSU should support the ballot. Allison said: “I am thrilled that both the motions passed at such a high margin. It’s really important that we take a stand on the HE green paper. It’s not just the fees going up, again. It’s also about the Minister of Universities being able to set fee rates without consulting Parliament, it’s about the unreliable metrics to set different levels and the ‘gaming’ of the system that will result in. “Strike action has really worked for students around the world protesting fee increases and I think it’s really important that all Newcastle students have a say in this.” Student Council also passed a motion to look into introducing a dedicated cycle lane to Lovers Lane to make it safer. However, despite leading to heated debate, motions to allow any student to vote at Student Council and to allow only students who self identify as LGBT+ to vote for LGBT+ Officers both failed to attract enough support.

“I fear our education system is taking a turn for the worse”

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Monday 14 December 2015

Christian Union brings festive cheer at annual carol service By Helena Vesty

Newcastle University’s Christian Union took charge of Christmas this year in Jesmond, organising a festive hour of candlelit carols last Thursday. Hundreds of students made their way across the frosty city and gathered in their most cheesy Christmas jumpers, a few Santa hats and reindeer antlers also made an appearance, to completely fill up Jesmond Parish Church for some merriment and cheer. Although, rather unfortunately, no one was seen donning full, cardboard Christmas present fancy dress, as has been known in previous years. The striking architecture and dark wood panelling of the Church, was complimented perfectly by the dim, flickering of white candles clusters, evoking a calm and peaceful atmosphere. A considerable feat, as both the gallery and ground level seating were completely packed with attendees. “We think the night went really well, the atmosphere created by Newcastle Uni Brass Ensemble and the New Vocal Ensemble was fantastic,” said Kezia Charissa Toto, the Christian Union’s events secretary. “Everyone seemed to be really enjoying the service. But most of all, as a Christian Union we were really glad that we had this opportunity to share what we believe - that Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby to take our sin to the cross and die in our place to show His love for us - this Christmas with approximately 1300 students. What a night!” Carolling classics began with ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, and went on to include ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’, and everyone’s favourite, ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, which sounded fantastic alongside the live brass band, organ and choir.

These were accompanied by prayers, led by the members of the Christian Union, Latin choir-solo performances and a message to look into the meaning of Christmas today, and the place of God in this world. After the service, students really made the most of the free cinnamon and orange spiced punch, hot chocolate and mince pies, provided by the society. The Christian Union volunteers were also giving out literature complimentary to the discussion surrounding the role of Christmas. “For this event we reached out to Jesmond Parish Church and they kindly let us use their amazing church building,” Kezia told The Courier. “We spent the past week setting up the church, putting out approximately 1000 candles. We also flyered the university in a few different spots. On the day of the service, the New Vocal Ensemble has joined us to do some carolling at the Forum area while we are flyering so that was fun! “We also organised a 24 hour prayer starting on Wednesday morning until Thursday morning for our members to be praying for smooth-running of the events and for the message to be hard hitting. Our members were so up for it which I think was really cool! “Before the 8pm, our International Team has organised an International Meal for the International Students at Chaplaincy. They run it from 6-7.45pm and they brought the students along to the 8pm service Around 15 students came. They had a feast as so many of the CU members brought food incl chicken and white sauce, fajitas, chicken and broccoli pie, apple struddle, mince pies, cookies, gingerbread house, soup , roast potatoes, pasta bake, chilli, the list goes on!” The Christian Union carol service is an annual December event, which is open to all students.

“We were really glad that we had this opportunity to share what we believe this Christmas with approximately 1300 students”

The carol service had a turnout of roughly 1,300 students. Images: Octorino Tjandra

“A number of different schemes are being put in place...”

(continued from front page) to the student body the risks posed to staff wellbeing with the added stress on performance and specifically overachievement, but that staff who are deemed to be “incapable” of meeting these unrealistic and damaging standards are now explicitly facing redundancy is disgusting.” Beth also commented on the last article The Courier did on the initiative: “Though in the last article a spokesperson for the University rationalised the initiative in terms of improving university rankings, it seems they have forgotten how large a part student satisfaction plays in these surveys. If staff are consistently pressured to jump through hoops of red tape and draw in potentially unreasonable amounts of funding, the time they devote to teaching, researching teaching, and supporting

students will take a huge hit if they are to maintain a healthy work/life balance.” The tabled Memorandum of Understanding contained the following clause, which has been outlined by an anonymous contact as a cause for concern among staff: “The formal capability procedure will be used to support staff to meet the requirements of [Raising the Bar]. It is intended to provide a framework to seek to improve performance in the first instance. Only in circumstances where [there] is [no] reasonable prospect of the staff member meeting the expectations will a capability hearing be necessary.” The University spokesperson gave some clarity surrounding the clause: “We will be assessing the appropriate support needed by each member of academic staff through their normal performance and development review (PDR). This system of review will allow

staff to discuss any concerns and access the necessary support. “We have developed a “Research Expectations” document to use as a guide both for staff undergoing PDR and those doing it. It is a set of reference points for them to use when they talk holistically about a staff member’s performance. It does not herald some new system of target-driven management. Based on our current analysis we estimate that around 83% of staff are currently “on track” to meet the research expectations and we hope that, with the support we are making available, the majority of the

remainder will do so in due course. “A number of different schemes are being put in place to support the Raising the Bar programme. Funding is being made available to recruit senior academic staff and improve research facilities and premises. This is supplemented by a Research Excellence Support Scheme which is designed to enhance the performance and aspirations of individual academics across the University by providing them with quick access to funds to cover a range of costs related to their research as well as attending conferences and taking sabbaticals. An

“It is an appalling policy, and it is already doing severe damage to the reputation of Newcastle University”

additional £13m is being made available to support the recruitment of PhD students and early career researchers.” The UCU will keep up the fight: “It is an appalling policy, and it is already doing severe damage to the reputation of Newcastle University, which is very dear to the academic staff and students,” Bruce Baker said. “We will fight this policy until it is withdrawn.” The council will be lobbying on 14 December at 1:15 outside King’s Gate. According to information provided by the UCU, 90 professors have signed a statement against the research expectations document and Newcastle University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Brink will meet with them to address their concerns.

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Monday 14 December 2015

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New posters for new drugs policy By Mark Sleightholm Deputy Editor The University updated its policy in May this year to adopt a more welfarebased approach, including a “medical amnesty”. This means that students requiring medical assistance during a drugs-related incident will be able to seek help without disciplinary action by the University. The new policy also allows students found in possession of illegal substances a chance to have their eviction from University accommodation suspended until the end of the year, provided “that the resident agrees to refrain from any further substance misuse”. Paul Bandeen, the University’s Head of Residences, said: “Our major change in the policy puts the emphasis on welfare and education.” The new policy states that the University will “arrange for information to be made available to residents which clarifies the zero tolerance policy in addition to making available educational materials outlining the harms associated with substance use/misuse”. Bandeen said: “Our updated drugs policy reinforces the University’s position of not condoning illegal substance use by maintaining a zero tolerance stance while at the same time providing guidance and support to all residents.” Despite changing the policy in May, the old posters were still being dis-

played in University accommodation sites such as Windsor Terrace and Richardson Road. “We are currently working with the Students’ Union in designing a replacement poster which will reflect the emphasis on education and welfare in relation to illegal substances and this will be distributed to all residences. Staff are actively taking the old posters down and this will be completed by Friday [11 December].” “The poster first states that the University has maintained its zero tolerance approach to illegal drug use, as with the previous posters. The most significant change in the policy, and the new posters, is to also acknowledge: “alcohol and drugs may be present in the lives of some students and will endeavour to offer support and guidance to those who encounter difficulties as a result of substance misuse”.” The new posters will also include advice about overdoses and general welfare advice about drugs, as well as helplines and services for students affected by drug use. Carre concluded: “I believe the new posters will set a fine precedent, for similar initiatives and for other universities in the UK. The new posters are more likely to reduce harm to those students it is intended to benefit. It signposts students to appropriate services, it is more visually engaging and it fulfils the University’s commitment to “give specific and sufficient notice of the policy.”

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Monday 14 December 2015

Students in the spotlight at Northern Stage By Sinead Corkett-Beirne News Editor

Students in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics at Newcastle University have participated in a ‘Reason to Read’ project that involves working alongside a group of young people in the care of Gateshead council to encourage them to broaden their choices of literature. The stories in Homer’s classic poem, the Odyssey, were chosen for the group of ten young people aged between the years of eleven and sixteen. The main themes and events from the Odyssey were addressed in a number of after-school and weekend sessions that were run by the Newcastle University students with the support of Cap-a-Pie, a theatre company. Workshops and rehearsals were held over a four week period that concluded with the group performing their own interpretation of the poem, applying it to the modern day to increase its relevance, to an audience at Northern Stage. According to Dr Stacy Gillis, a lecturer in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Newcastle University, “Ever since it was first sung and performed, Homer’s Odyssey has inspired countless writers, performers, thinkers and scholars. Many of its themes, such as exclusion, revenge, the role of strangers, community, and the importance of home, are themes to which all of us can

relate, and which continue to resonate with audiences hundreds of years after the poem was first written.” The project brought together young people in care and university students who learnt about creativity and the importance of theatre in education. The opportunity was beneficial to students as many of them are considering a career that involves working with young people. The Artistic Director at Cap-a-Pie, Brad McCormick, added, “The most exciting part of this project, for me, is seeing two quite diverse groups work so well together. In the rehearsal room individuals become one group with a common purpose which is brilliant to watch. It’s immensely exciting to see what interests and excites new readers within these ancient texts. Everyone participating in the project has engaged with it with equal energy and enthusiasm. This has confirmed to us the power of theatre in engaging with books like the Odyssey and allowing groups to create their own meanings and interpretations through performance.” Councillor Angela Douglas, Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for children and young people said, “This project has given some of the most vulnerable young people in our community the chance to read and understand a classic piece of literature which they may not have picked up and read themselves.”

“The project has given some of the most vulnerable young people the chance to read a classic piece of literature”

A performance of Homer’s Odyssey at Northern Stage Image: Newcastle University

Professor wins prestigious award By Sophia Chapman

Professor Sir John Burn pictured with the Living North East award Image: Newcastle University

A professor of Clinical Genetics at Newcastle University was honoured with the Living North’s Contribution to the North East Award 2000-15 last week. Professor Sir John Burn was congratulated on his services to medical research having spearheaded an international programme proving aspirin can prevent cancer in people with a high genetic risk. Not only this, he also acts as the lead English investigator in an international steering committee currently working on a project proving taking folic acid during pregnancy could prevent spina bifida. His work in the subject has earned him the accolade Honorary Consultant Clinical Geneticist at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. “It was a surprise to win this award and I am delighted to receive it. I’m proud to be from the North East - I have always lived and worked in the region so to be acknowledged for the contribution I have made to the area is an honour”, said Sir John after receiving his award. He was also keen to congratulate those who had supported him adding, “I work with a great team at Newcastle University, Centre for Life, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and biotech firm QuantuMDx, of which I am chair. This award is in recognition of all the teams’ hard work and commitment to medical research over the years.” The Living North Awards took place at St Nicholas Cathedral in the city centre and the inaugural awards aim to

celebrate the North East and its people. Whilst the cathedral remains an important place of worship the building was enthusiastic to appear at the centre of the community, acknowledging its people’s achievements. Sir John, however, is not just a pioneer in the North East but a world-leader in genetics and wellknown internationally for his ground breaking work. The leading academic had to hold off stiff competition from other figures in the area including sporting legends like Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s record goalscorer, and Steve Cram, silver medallist in the 1500m at the 1984 Olympics. His competition also extended beyond sport to the Duchess of Northumberland and screenwriter Lee Hall, most famous for his film Billy Elliot. The awards were hosted by North East comedian Jason Cook and more than 500 guests were in attendance to witness Sir John’s triumph. Cook was also assisted in his entertainment by the Dishforth Military Wives and The Decibelles, making the night a highlight of many calendars. “The most competitive and significant award of the night was won by Professor Sir John Burn. A huge cheer followed the announcement, not just because of the strength of the other names on the shortlist but also because this was an example of someone performing on a global stage from the heart of the North East in a way that really matters to the future of us all.” Said Julian West, Living North publisher speaking after the awards.

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Monday 14 December 2015

Image: Octorino Tjandra

The Courier

NEWSTACK Money vs. art building London Metropolitan

Student protesters are occupying an art block in protest at plans to sell off the design school building for £50m. The sale comes after a period of financial difficulty for London Metropolitan University. The institution is still dealing with more than £30m worth of debt from 2009. A spokesperson for ‘Occupy the Cass’ told HuffPost UK: “They’re putting money over student welfare. They have so much debt and we’re paying for their mistake.” The occupation of Bank Gallery, which began on Wednesday, is just the latest in a long line of protests after London Metropolitan University announced it was moving all faculties to the Holloway Road campus. Central House, which currently houses the Cass Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design on Commercial Road, is to be sold to pay for the relocation.The group said: “We’re all paying for these facilities and they’ve just changed the terms.”

Uni websites go down Nationwide

Christian Union brings Christmas cheer Job Title: Newcastle Work Experience -eMarketing Assistant Employer: Theatre Sans Frontieres Closing Date: 10/01/2016 Salary: £700 Bursary Basic job description: Newcastle Work Experience (NWE) is a flexible 100 hour placement scheme providing undergraduate and postgraduate students with the opportunity to undertake challenging projectbased placements within Newcastle University and North East businesses. Théâtre Sans Frontières (TSF) is an award-winning international touring theatre company based in Tynedale, Northumberland. TSF works with actors from the UK and around the globe to bring its audiences engaging stories brimming with energy and excitement. TSF tour schools and theatres in the region and nationally. We are seeking a placement student to assist with the marketing and promotion of TSF and its work, particularly through technology and social media. Duties will include updating our website, sending out e-newsletters, creating leaflets and posters and enabling the team to use software programs more effectively. Person Requirements: Knowledge and experience of InDesign programme for Mac to create in-house leaflets, newsletters and posters; experience using MailChimp; experience of updating web sites; comprehensive knowledge of social media sites including Facebook, to be used to advertise and promote TSF. Job Title: Part Time Recruitment Intern (20 hours per week) Employer: Nigel Wright Closing Date: 29/01/2016 Salary: Attractive salary Basic job description: We are looking for final year students with a desire to embark on a career within the recruitment industry. This is initially a paid part time internship; however for a successful intern with the right attitude it is highly likely to turn into a permanent full time job on graduation. Nigel Wright Interns assist our consultants by providing support in searching for suitable candidates on various social media platforms, qualifying candidates by conducting

telephone interviews and maintaining our database. Working for Nigel Wright means you are at the heart of the business world. Recruitment consultants must understand the strategic gaps within organisations and then meet those needs in the labour market by building a strong network of contacts, which is developed throughout their careers. It’s an incredibly fastpaced and dynamic sector, which requires people with a range of skills and expertise. Person Requirements: This is a demanding industry that requires hard work and resilience to succeed. You will be a determined and motivated individual with a passion for being the best at whatever you do.To be considered for interview you will need to be able to demonstrate relevant work experience as well as a competitive track record. You will be a naturally outgoing individual with strong people skills and the confidence to communicate successfully at all levels. Location: Newcastle Job Title: Temporary Sales Advisor Employer: L.K. Bennett | Fenwick Department Store Closing Date: 31/12/2015 Salary: Above National Minimum Wage Basic job description: Looking for 2 x 12hr Temporary Sales Consultants with experience in a similar fashion retailer. Immediate start available. Person Requirements: Positive attitude is essential. Location: Newcastle Job Title: Marketing Officer (Part-time) Employer: Xinlung Group Ltd Closing Date: 31/12/2015 Salary: Competitive Basic Job Description: We are looking to fill two roles: Senior Marketing Officer and Junior Marketing Officer. As a Senior Marketing Officer you will be responsible for: • Developing marketing channels • Collecting and consolidating customers’ data • Identifying customers’ initial needs and arranging consultation for customers • Assisting with achieving team sales targets based on the company procedures • Managing and training junior marketing officers As a Junior Marketing Officer you will be responsible

for: • Identifying customers’ initial needs and arranging consultation for customers • Assisting with achieving team sales targets based on the company procedures • Assisting in the development of marketing plans • Assisting marketing manager with relevant marketing development activities • Identify marketing opportunities to help increase regional brand reputation Person Requirements: Candidates must have excellent communication skills, have strong passion to work as a marketing practitioner, be a committed team player but also be dependable enough to work individually with minimum supervision. You must be able to meet targets and deadlines and work well under pressure and be responsible, reliable, honest, selfmotivated, and outgoing. Job Title: Match Day Half Time Prize Draw Agents Employer: Newcastle United Foundation Closing Date: 04/01/2016 Salary: National Minimum Wage plus commission Basic Job Description: Newcastle United Foundation is looking for agents to sell half time prize draw tickets on match days. Sellers will work for up to three hours on match days throughout the season, selling tickets to corporate clients around the stadium. The Half Time Prize Draw is Newcastle United’s ofﬁcial match day draw. Tickets are on sale around the ground at every home match before kick-off. Each ticket is entered into a half time draw on the pitch, and at every match one lucky fan will win £500. All proceeds from the prize draw go to the Club’s ofﬁcial charity, Newcastle United Foundation. Location: St James Park Job Title: Note Taker Employer: Clear Links Support Limited Closing Date: 30/04/2016 Salary: £10.61 plus £1.28 holiday pay Basic Job Description: Clear Links Support is a specialist provider of academic support to students in higher education. Reliable, degree-level notetakers are required to produce an accurate and legible handwritten record of the content of lectures, seminars and classes which is then handed over to the student. The work is during term-time only, temporary and casual in nature. A range of hours may be available. Degree Discipline: Maths, engineering, medicine Person Requirements: Applicants must have completed at least 1 year of higher education study, or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of experience. Applicants must also have clear and legible handwriting as well as accurate spelling and grammar skills. Location: Newcastle/Sunderland

Universities across the UK have lost their internet connections following a cyber attack, meaning many of their sites are down. Institutions connected to Janet, a publicly-funded academic computer network, have come under a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS). Many campuses across the country are affected as Janet is responsible for the WiFi network used at the majority of universities. This also affects .ac.uk and .gov.uk domains. Its engineers identified the cause as a DDoS attack and are working to identify the source of the assault and fix the issues.DDoS attacks are malicious attempts to knock out an internet service. This is usually done by flooding the target with great amounts of traffic. This causes the system to exceed its capacity and slow down or become unavailable to users. The attack resulted in high traffic coming to the web services and their subsequent crashing for a few hours straight.

Gem-funded studies Exeter

A Fabergé ring has been raffled at a London conference to raise money for a female student to study at Cambourne School of Mines (CSM), based at Exeter’s Penryn Campus. Organised by Women in Mining (UK), an organisation that aims to increase the number of women in mining and minerals careers, the raffle aimed to raise £5,000 to fund a scholarship for a female student to take the MSc Mining Engineering course, which commences in September 2016. The rocco-style ring was donated by the owners of Fabergé and is set with an ameythst. The raffle commenced at the Mines and Money conference in Islington, the largest mining investment conference in Europe, during a reception celebrating the launch of the 2015 ‘100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.’ Raffle tickets were priced at £10 each.

Trump loses degree Aberdeen

Donald Trump has been stripped from his honorary degree from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Trump was presented with the award of Doctor of Business Administration (Hon DBA) at the university in October 2010. At the time, Professor John Harper - RGU’s acting principal and vice-chancellor - said: “Given that business and entrepreneurship lie at the heart of much of the university’s academic offering, it is only fitting to award Mr Trump with an honorary degree.” Just last week, though, an RGU spokesman said: “In 2010, Robert Gordon University awarded an honorary DBA to Mr Donald Trump in recognition of his achievements as an entrepreneur and businessman. In the course of the current US election campaign, Mr Trump has made a number of statements that are wholly incompatible with the ethos and values of the university. The university has therefore decided to revoke its award of the honorary degree.” Antonia Velikova

The Courier

Monday 14 December 2015

Comment

Comment Editors: Dan Robertson, Jack Dempsey & Adam Thompson courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk | @Courier_Comment

thecourieronline.co.uk/comment

Britain drops a bombshell

The votes are in and the UK is ofﬁcially set to join other countries in the bombing of Syria. Yet Britain as a whole remains divided. Will ISIS truly be destroyed, or will Syrian civilians take the biggest hit? George Lamb

is the powers intervening in Syria to simply talk and listen to each other first, which was what Jeremy Corbyn proposed, and is nudging closer to actuality in Vienna.

f you oppose airstrikes in Syria, ask yourself this question — what alternative course of action, other than full-blown military intervention, can actively quell the spread of this fanatical death cult? Opponents of airstrikes suggest that innocent civilians will be killed and that this will only compound previous failed interventions in the region; a diplomatic solution should therefore be sought or we, and our Western allies, will face a backlash from jihadists currently residing in Europe. It’s a powerful argument that is not without merit, but it also inherently flawed. Inaction will not save lives; it will cost them. The scenes of unrelenting barbarity and inhumanity that are now the perverse norm in IS controlled territory will only continue if we do not confront their brutality.

“What alternative course of action, other than full-blown military intervention, can actively quell the spread of this fanatical death cult?”

The failure of previous intervention attempts should not make us avoid taking on the savagery of Daesh or neglect calls to help our allies as they reel from the resulting attacks on their soil. As despotic and autocratic as the likes of Saddam Hussein or Muammar Gaddaffi were, they did not orchestrate the beheading of aid workers, the throwing of gays off buildings, the slaughtering of holidaymakers on a Tunisian beach or the blowing up of civilian airliners. This is barbarity on a scale that has been seldom seen before. As much as I respect the stance of the Stop the War Coalition protesters, their calls last week for a diplomatic solution to be reached in the region are naïve at best. This has been the course of action sought by the West for the past four years, over which time IS have grown exponentially. It is also incredibly unclear as to how or with whom these talks would take place — you cannot negotiate with terrorists. Britain should look to curb the extreme Wahhabist interpretation of Islam that has emanated from Saudi Arabia and stop the financial

Timothy Lewthwaite

nderrated visionary Aldous Huxley once said: “Every road towards a better state of society is blocked by war.” We can all see these ‘roads’ are very well blocked in Syria. On top of the regime-rebel conflict, Wahhabi fundamentalist interpretations of Islam in the absence

Hanson Jones

o wrap the whole subject up shortly, anybody who genuinely believes extending British air strikes into Syria will help us or make us safer is deluded. The RAF has already been bombing ISIS targets in Iraq for a long time (and secretly in Syria too), and while one might remark that their base is now in Syria, there are already many others already carrying

support IS receive from there; this alone however is not going to mitigate the impact of IS in the short term. It is important to add that the precise nature of similar strikes carried out in Iraq has meant no civilians have been killed in their execution. Footage of the U.S. led airstrikes that killed Mohammed Emwazi and others demonstrate their methodical process, utilising gathered surveillance to identify and monitor jihadists and ensuring that no civilians put in danger. This is not simply a case of blindly bombing IS held territory.

“There may be resulting backlash from the UK airstrikes, however, given that seven terrorist plots have recently been foiled by UK intelligence, this is certainly not a new threat”

There may be resulting backlash from the UK airstrikes, however, given the fact that seven terrorist plots have recently been foiled by UK intelligence, this is certainly not a new threat. It was not a new threat to France either. The attacks in Paris demonstrated that these wicked losers aren’t wanting to kill us because of our position on foreign policy or previous actions in the ME, but for what we stand for – liberty, religious pluralism, democracy and, as Hilary Benn noted, a staunch opposition to fascism. It is about time that they are challenged. of a progressive political resistance to Western imperialism are locking the republic in violent mania. Others, like rogue Turkey and Gulf oil kingdoms, I believe, exacerbate this with dirty money and questionable friendships. Now, the ultimate question is will these roads to a better society of which Huxley spoke be unblocked by Western bombs? I believe the paradoxical logic of bombs for peace speaks for itself. out airstrikes there, such as the US, Canada, Russia, France, Turkey, and the Syrian government itself, and that’s not even an exhaustive list. Adding British bombs into the mix isn’t going to change the situation one bit, other than to make us a bigger target on ISIS’s hit list. As shaken up as we might be about recently committed atrocities in France and the US, we cannot let them cloud our vision — the Commons vote last week was completely superfluous.someone decides our own views are to be gagged.

“The UK’s entry into the Syrian Civil War seems more like a thoughtful performance of miltary power Scott Houghton than a meaningful action”

ast Thursday MPs voted in the House of Commons to bomb Syria, with the Conservatives winning a majority of 397 to 223. Although the media tried to make this about UK politics, especially the split opinion within the Labour Party, it was clearly something much bigger than just that. An eleven-hour debate raged in the House of Commons for most of last Thursday, with various MPs making impassioned speeches for both sides. Yet what Cameron left out in his was any hint of a cohesive plan beyond bombing. As any creative writing student would know: stories need a beginning, middle, and end to work. Cameron’s unfortunately does not. Bombing is just the first step to defeat ISIS, requiring far more than the Royal Air Force to work. What is truly needed

Alice Gardiner

emembrance Day in November, followed by a vote for airstrikes in December. There is a horrifying contrast between solemn remembrance services fringed with poppies and the majority vote for military action in Syria only a month later. The vote, cast on the 3rd December after a ten-hour debate in the House of Commons, was overwhelmingly supported by 397 MPs, with only 223 votes opposing military air strikes. Those against the extension of bombing territory were branded “terrorist sympathises” by the Prime Minister. How David Cameron formulated the logic that having concerns about civilian casualities equates to sympathising with terrorists is beyond me. The Paris attacks earlier in November seemed to confirm the threat of ISIS’s presence in European cities to all observers. It was as a result of this frenzy that the PM formulated his seven-point case for the British military joining numerous other countries in dropping bombs on Syria. The global attack on ISIS has not so far solved the threat both in Syria, or on our own streets; the UK has been

Jack Bradley

et’s take all emotion out of the equation. Does bombing Syria accomplish Britain’s geopolitical goals? Britain’s aims in the international sphere can be very crudely broken down into three key areas. Firstly, the defence of Britain and her allies from enemies. Secondly, the promotion and retention of friendly liberal democracies. And thirdly, economic and humanitarian development in countries struggling with poverty and other issues. Bombing Syria achieves none of these, and worsens all

Soldiers on the ground are the only force which can stop ISIS, but that will not destroy jihadist ideology. The West cannot be seen to be meddling in the affairs of the Middle East yet again especially after the destruction it has caused in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. Nor can it be seen to be doing nothing either. Bombing is very likely to result in many accidental civilian casualties, leading even more people to join ISIS. The UK’s entry into the Syrian Civil War seems more like a thoughtless performance of international power than a meaningful action. What Cameron wants to do is show the world the UK is still a major player by getting involved in international conflicts with its allies, the US and France. There is a reason you never see, say, Paraguay getting involved in international affairs — it cannot project its power like the UK can. bombing terrorist figures Iraq since September last year. Is this latest decision a matter of conformity over morality then? There has been international military presence and attacks on the Middle East for years. This demonstrates the futility of attempting to eradicate ISIS with airstrikes alone.

“How David Cameron formulated the logic that having concerns about civilian casualities equates to sympathising with terrorists is beyond me”

It seems that, overall, there is a lack of any coherent plan when it comes to the future Syria. It is telling of the state of the country that the refugee situation is described as ‘one of the biggest forced migrations since World War Two’. The RAF bombing of Syria would only play into the seemingly infinite loop of violence leading to violence. It is only a question of how, when, and where the repercussions will fall. of them. Bombing Syria encourages radicalised populations in the UK to view mainstream society as more of an enemy. Bombing Syria will do nothing to promote a friendly liberal democracy, and will decrease the likelihood of any workable government developing in the first place. And in no way do bombs alone help poverty and suffering in Syria. However, boots on the ground would. A coalition of donators, coordinating humanitarian efforts at an intra-state level to bring about meaningful relief would. China is building roads for free and keeping the peace in South Sudan. We’re flinging bombs at the people we wish to save from ‘terror’.

10.commentfeature

Monday 14 December 2015

the STUDENT

PERSPECTIVE

The Courier

The most sign

From the General Elections to the war in Syria, to Boris rugby tackling children to the ground, BOMBS IN SYRIA: COLD WAR PART II

Jamie Cameron

his September, Russians flew their first bombing runs in Syria, escalating the conflict, but also making them arch-frenemies of the US-lead alliance. Instead of merely attacking ISIS with the West, Russia is wholly supporting the Assad regime by bombing Kurdish fighters and members of the rebel Free Syrian Army. These are the same rebels supported by the West supposedly fighting for democracy, both against Assad and ISIS. We may well be looking at an East-West proxy war, and a return of Cold War politics. Tensions between the West and Russia have been rising o–n a tide of nationalist, populist rhetoric for some time. Russia’s annexing of Crimea and openly backing the despotic regime of Bashar al-Assad has put Vladimir Putin’s leadership increasingly at odds with nation-members of NATO and the EU. Syria is a melting pot of conflict and foreign policy interests. Russia seeks to defend the principle of absolute national sovereignty so it may continue its own human rights abuses, as well as having military trade and arrangements with Syria. America and the West may be looking to remove Assad as he is a political and religious opponent of the regional allies Turkey and Saudi Arabia – this writer is sceptical they just want to bring democracy. Most of the world wishes to dissolve ISIS, and focusing on this similarity distracts from what is so important about military developments in Syria. By bombing different targets, while providing training, and selling or supplying arms to opposing factions, Russia and the West are in military competition. This may only escalate further, putting greater strain on international relations and derailing peace efforts such as the United Nations and the Paris Climate Conference. This is an indirect, cold, form of war, but after Turkey recently shot down a Russian jet, the first time a NATO member has done so in decades, we can only hope the temperature here doesn’t turn from cold to hot.

THE RISE AND RISE OF JEREMY CORBYN

Helena Vesty

he phrase, “he’s only gone and done it” doesn’t even begin to encapsulate the feeling of shock which swept the nation when it was announced that Jeremy Corbyn had won the Labour Party leadership contest in September this year. Corbyn’s campaign began as a last-minute addition to widen the debate with his far-left ideas and relatively unknown status. An intense media circus, some terrible pleas from old Labour powerhouses, a plethora of dodgy headlines later and Corbyn had done the unthinkable. Quite literally out of nowhere, Jezza found himself with a nomination: he ran with it, promptly set it alight, and then danced around the burning flames as he was announced as the champion. Chaos ensued. If you listened carefully enough on that fateful day, you could almost hear the sea of champagne bottles being popped by David Cameron and his cabinet at Number 10. A sound which was intertwined with the collective screams of terror and confusion in the corridors of Whitehall, from the Labour Party, as the media proclaimed that they would now be resigned to an era in the shadows. There has never really been such a bizarre outcome in a mainstream election, although Jezza’s win might just be outdone by Donald Trump’s potential victory in the Republican presidential contest. Still, it’s undeniable that Corbyn got people talking. Whether it was a pledge of allegiance from

one of his loyal fans, or criticism of his new style in PMQs, people from up and down the country have voiced their opinion on the new opposition leader. For once, (*heavy tones of sarcasm*) the big names in Westminster aren’t really sure of what to do. We’ll have to wait and see whether Labour’s new look can be written in the history books as a dismal disaster or a radical revolution.

in the past year. What this means for the future of Labour as a united force, or the Conservatives currently enjoying a free political ride, we have yet to fully see. What is for certain is that there will be plenty more grumblings within the Labour party, and Corbyn would do very well to still be in power when his chance to tell us just how tough he is rolls around.

BURMA GETS VOTE

FIFA FALLOUT

Isobel Thompson

erhaps one of the most significant yet under-reported events of 2015 was the November elections in Burma - also known as Myanmar. Little is known of this small nation nestled between Thailand and Bangladesh. Well let me tell you, Burma has seen 53 of years of a brutal military dictatorship in one form or another. A regime accused of human rights abuses including ethnic cleansing and torture among other crimes. After 53 years, finally Burma has its first democratically elected government. After 27 years of hard work political activist Aung San Suu Kyi and her party the National League for Democracy won a landslide victory of 80% of the Parliament seats available. This is a major stepping stone towards democracy and peace for Burma, a country where freedom of speech was crushed violently and where conflict has resulted in a refugee crisis for the last 53 years. A fantastic victory, however much of a stepping stone it remains. The military continues to hold 25% of all parliament seats which were not elected positions, they retain power over the police, justice system, home affairs, border affairs and defense ministries, and finally they hold veto power on constitutional change to the flawed constitution in place which was written specifically in 2008 to prevent Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president. Congratulations Burma, and let’s hope for more positive steps in 2016.

CHANGE AT THE TOP

Robin Richards

t’s hard to determine when Ed Miliband’s car crash of an election campaign derailed into the realms of political comic legend. Perhaps it was the face-meltingly cringe assertion of “hell yes, I’m tough enough”, or maybe the equally baffling “Moses moment”. Yet at some point along one of the most delusional electoral campaigns in recent years the Labour leadership and Ed Miliband realised that he was simply unelectable. Changes had to be made, and the change to Labour leadership was a gargantuan one. Labour ushered in Jeremy Corbyn with a huge level of support - 60% of the vote - replacing one unelectable with another. Corbyn, isn’t a clown as Miliband was so often, nor is he a dislikeable character. His stance, however, on so many issues, his lack of control and unpopularity within his own party, and the ease with which the media seem to be able to pick him off means that any observer can see that he will never be Prime Minister. Nor should he be. For matters of state security, a pacifist like Corbyn can never be allowed to take control of foreign affairs, for, as implausible as it might seem, there is always the chance that we will have to go to war to protect our own national security. The election of Corbyn also gave the remit for the Conservative party to go in whatever political direction they fancied. As a result we have seen the Tories shift left, welcoming in the “Conservative Worker’s Party” - taking in Labour’s lost central ground. Whether for better or worse, the election of Jeremy Corbyn to Leader of the Opposition is without doubt the most pivotal political moment

Mark Sleightolm

umours have been circulating about corruption in FIFA for years. Three Panorama documentaries between 2006 and 2010 highlighted the allegations, and British newspapers have been digging into world football’s governing body for over a decade. But after years of denials and unpublished reports, these allegations were quickly becoming hopeless cries lost amid the lies and dodgy deals that dominate international sport. So the arrests of many senior FIFA officials and the start of a fraud investigation have made 2015 the most significant year in FIFA’s 111-year history. We are nowhere near finding out the truth – we never will – but at last the mask has slipped from the beautiful game, and the world can see just how broken international football now is. The fact that the 1998 and 2010 World Cups may not have been awarded fairly doesn’t detract from the football that took place – it’s what happened, not where, that gets remembered. But when the deaths and human rights abuses that surround Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, not to mention the disruption that a winter tournament will cause, are revealed to be a result not of a bad decision but of bribery and corruption, that’s when FIFA’s latest scandal starts to take on a more sinister appearance. Was this the most important event of 2015? Sadly, no – terrorism, the climate conference in Paris and the refugee crisis can all vie for that title. Will this mean the end of corruption in international sport? Sadly, no – the IOC went through a similar scandal in 1998, and the sheer amount of money now involved in sport makes corruption almost compulsory. But the sight of obscenely-rich officials hiding behind bedsheets while being arrested provides a small degree of justice in today’s very unjust world.

The Courier

featurecomment.11

Monday 14 December 2015

niﬁcant events of 2015 its been a turbulent year. Our writers have rounded up the year with everything ‘comment’. TORY LANDSLIDE SPELLS BAD NEWS

Tim Lewthwaite

his week, I enjoyed the final dystopian saga of the Hunger Games, an entertaining (if unsophisticated) conclusion to the series and the year. Outside of the cinema though, a real dystopia of our very own seems to be in the making. This year has been another bloody chapter in the far bloodier epic of history, but something about 2015 I think seems distinctly dark and desperate. Faith in humanity has surely been tested this year by the horrors of the refugee crisis, the Syrian conflict and all the injustices of our economic order. On the Left, our faith in the British electorate was tested when a very inclusive election resulted in a Tory government. However, a majority of only 12 seats, elected by a mere 24 percent of the electorate is barely a sweeping mandate from the people. Still, the Bullingdon bullies have managed to inflict such significant damage on our economy and national character in seven months of ideologically driven austerity that it could only have worsened if we were taken into another pointless war. They didn’t disappoint. The Tory victory was combatted by the landslide election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party this September, which caused a stir not only in all the obvious places, but also amongst his own Parliamentary party. This I believe signals the early stages of a reinvigorated progressive politics. A politics that doesn’t fit too well into institutions that have barely seen reform since Oliver Cromwell. But as 2015 closes, and we reflect on our trepidations experienced at the mercy of terrorism, climate change and everything in between, it is in the face of these problems that I feel a new kind of politics, perhaps even a new way of living, is most needed.

SEPP SPLATTERED

James Sproston

lthough it may seem insignificant in a year plagued by terrorist attacks, immense political change and the re-emergence of Justin Bieber, something finally changed in football’s world governing body. On the morning of the 27th of May, seven FIFA officials were arrested. Even though the FIFA presidential election went ahead two days later, it seemed like cracks were appearing in the previously impenetrable FIFA fortress. Sepp Blatter had managed to claim another term as president, but whatever thin ice he was standing on was rapidly beginning to melt. Jeffrey Webb, Chuck Blazer and Jack Warner were big names to be taken into custody by US officials, and only four days after winning another election, Blatter resigned as president. Even the previously untouchable Michel Platini has now been investigated, along with Blatter and Secretary General Jerome Valcke, by FIFA’s very own Ethics Committee. Not sure what they’ve been doing up to now, but it’s nice of them to finally make an appearance. Events are still unfolding as I write

this. Earlier this month sixteen FIFA officials, including two FIFA vice-presidents, were arrested in the very same hotel that the seven officials had been in May. How ironic. As for the future, there will now be a re-election in 2016 (that Blatter thankfully won’t stand in for the first time in over 18 years) where the new president will hope to rebuild the tarnished name of football. World Cup allocations from 2006 to 2022 have all been called into question, but the increased scrutiny this year will hopefully have changed FIFA for good.

MAY ELECTIONS YIELD SURPRISE RESULTS

Tim Shrimplin

he most significant national event in 2015 has to be the May elections which brought about a massive change in politics. Considering these were supposed to be the most unpredictable elections ever, with a number of potential coalitions bandied about from Labour and SNP to Conservatives and UKIP, it was surprising to see a Tory majority - albeit only by roughly a dozen seats. Then the next day, Miliband, Clegg and Farage all resigned as leaders for their respective parties, although for the latter it only turned out to be temporary. While the SNP were expected to be the dominant force in Scotland, the fact that it was almost a whitewash, leaving them with 55 seats out of a potential 58, was also a massive shock. No one expected the Lib Dems to be absolutely annihilated like that, with their 8 MPs now able to fit around a single dining table. At the same time Miliband’s campaign faded at the last moment having previously been neck and neck with the Tories. On a side note, this election did show us how antiquated the first-past-the-post voting system is, with reform definitely needed considering the fact that UKIP had a 13% share of the vote yet took only a single seat out of 650. Even if you don’t agree with their politics, it is unfair. Now over 6 months later, Labour has lurched back to the left following the rise of Jeremy Corbyn, while the Tories continue their austerity plan with a frenzy of cuts in public spending now unimpeded by the Lib Dems. The 2015 elections weren’t just a shift, but an earthquake in UK politics.

USA LEGALISES SAMESEX MARRIAGE

Scott Trotter

s Williams in Enter the Dragon puts it, “Man, you come right out of a comic book”. This embodies a lot of my feelings about the good ol’ US of A. Often a place that doesn’t seem real, a place so full of exaggerated goodies and baddies that 80s wrestlers would be embarrassed. It is easy to think of the USA as a parody of itself. At this moment in time, reports concerning America are being dominated by Donald Trump sound bites, racial disharmony and constant gun crime. As such we must be forgiven for our preconceptions that only appear to be reinforced. However, in June 2015 a moment occurred which might not have filled newsrooms for an extensive period, but will certainly fill American history books in the future. The Supreme Court’s ruling to legalise same-sex marriage was a much needed win for civil liberties in a political climate that is saturated in intolerance. While the 5-4 score line in the case Obergell vs Hodges was only a narrow win, its importance cannot be understated. A win for those wanting the opportunity to marry; a win for equal rights activists; a win for anyone who likes to see the

Westborough Baptist Church disappointed. The slim margin may signal a fracture in American public opinion, but this moment for our generation is a monumental one. We are generation who have been raised over the last twenty years with central standing governments both in the U.K. and the USA. It is for this reason I believe so many students are looking towards Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders, because they offering a different kind of rhetoric. In this essence the ruling on same-sex marriage offers hope to this generation. It is a victory for civil liberties which people can look to as they defend ethnic minorities and sexism. It is a victory which people who have lost faith in the constitution can look to, for providing protection without the use of firearms. This moment is not the biggest simply for what it stands for but the positivity it can inspire for the future.

CLIMATE TALKS

Adam Thompson

here is a political process occuring as I write this article which, depending on the effectiveness of the negotiators, has the potential to be one of the most far-reaching and influential events, not just of this year, but of any year. I am talking, of course, about the Paris UN Climate Conference. For understandable reasons it is difficult to look beyond the continuing threat of ISIS, worldwide terror attacks and the largest refugee crisis in 70 years as the stories which will define 2015. Unfortunately the outlook with regards to global warming may be even more sobering - if we fail to act. There is persuasive evidence linking many of the problems in Syria to a prolonged drought, beginning in 2006, which precipiated the civil unrest and mass migration we are seeing today. This is not to excuse the actions of terrorists, but it is a case study in cause and effect. This may be difficult to process. It is not uncommon for people to struggle to emote with foreign affairs, however violent, since they unfold, by definition, thousands of miles from the places we call home. However, a cursory glance at the news from the last few weeks highlights the problems we face directly, every day, due to climate change. In Cumbria, thousands of people have suffered the loss of their homes in flash floods which have once again devastated the area. Transport systems have disintegrated as they come into contact with an endless stream of rainfall. Of course this remains trivial in comparison with what happens around the world, but it is precisely for this reason that the conference in Paris is so important. Whether the outcome is successful or not, the consequences will live long in the memory, reaching far into our future potential for happiness and security. At the present moment the signs are encouraging. More than 180 countries have already agreed to curtail their fossil fuel emmisions voluntarily. These include China, India and Russia, massive countries whose reluctance to get on board has had a domino effect on negotiations in the past. But the situation looks very different this time. If the final draft of the agreement reveals these industrial giants have agreed to not only reduce the speed of their planned increases in emmissions, but to reduce them in real terms, the conference should be considered a resounding success. If the results are less momentous, and if instead of substantial reductions we are faced with more political evasiveness, the outcome could be disastrous. There is every possibility in this case that the discussion will go down in history as the moment we gambled away our futures on petty squabbles, ‘hard bargaining’ and chronic shortermism. Only time will tell, we may even know by the point you hold this newspaper in your hands, but the optimist in me says we might finally have a coherent and responsible answer to climate change in the very near future, or at least we will finally be heading in the right direction.

12.lifestyle

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Lifestyle Editors: Katie Ackerley, Ruth Loefﬂer, Fiona Callow & Lauren Exell

Merry

Motivation

Amanda Yap gives you tips on how to ‘Scrooge it’ until your assignments are on point.

hese days, you keep asking yourself, ‘Where has that resolve to stay on top of my academic responsibilities gone to?’ You didn’t realised it until it was too late, you gave yourself a little more leeway each time, ‘Just one more outing.’ ,‘Just one more drink.’ ‘Just one more night of freedom then I’ll definitely hit the books.’ However, we all know what happens next. It does not seem to be getting easier to stay motivated now that Christmas is just next week. The louder the jingle bells sound, the more your motivation crumbles. For the sake of the last few assignments that desperately need your attention, these tricks may (may not) help you to remain motivated.

(Northern) winter life hacks

It’s not easy being Northern. Obviously Christmas makes the long winter months more bearable, but Mairi Shimmins gives us a few crucial survival tips to make it through the Arctic Conditions If anyone ever tells you that winter is their favourite season then they are not to be trusted. Yes there is Christmas and hot chocolate and lights and festivities, but living in the North-East of England there is also inevitably sub-zero temperatures and gale force winds. Thankfully, however, there are ways to minimise your chances of frostbite and misery, comprised for you in this handy guide of tips for hacking these winter months.

1. 3.

. Remain in your room until the last day of the term. Even your housemates have caught the festive bug; they are hanging strings of Christmas lights and ornaments in the communal area. They have already stocked up on Christmas sweet treats, so when you open every cupboard, either a box of candy cane or a pack of Maltesers or a random Christmas goody tumbles right out, your agony restarts again! Another suggestion is to stay in your room where there are no signs of Christmas to remind you of this joyous occasion, just piles of notes to sift through before doing your assignments. However, I cannot guarantee that you will not hear your housemates belting out Christmas carols through those paper-thin walls.

“‘If you are still not feeling the sense of urgency, walk into the Robinson library”

. Live without Internet for the next two weeks. I can guarantee that this is an insurmountable task for many, what’s with all those Christmas advertisements leaking in even after you ban advertisements? Social media is the danger zone here, articles on how to create pre-Christmas drinks or how to piece together an amazing Christmas outfit. That is the struggle here; nobody can do assignments without the Internet, can they? There is a way though, there is the Robinsons library or City Council library, use the old-fashion method of studying by referring to books. Cooping yourself in the library is an excellent way to avoid the pre-festive celebrations for the time being.

. To motivate yourself, scare yourself. While we are edging towards the Christmas holidays, it also means that assignment submissions are due very soon. If you are still not feeling that sense of urgency, walk into the Robinson library and watch that crowd of last minute muggers cramming their assignments. After that, think about what it will mean if you miss your first class honours degree by that bit, just because you failed to submit your assignments. You will never be able to get that high-powered job that you have been eyeing and you will have to settle for that alternative substandard job and slave away for the next 50 years, doing the bidding of your obnoxious boss 30 years younger than yourself and the reason why he was able to get a faster promotion compared to you was because he had first class honours whereas you did not. This vision is a bit far-fetched but you get the idea! Moral of the story: Buckle down and finish your assignments before catching up on the Christmas fun later! Merry Christmas everyone!

Never leave your front door without something warm to sip on. Invest in a portable thermal mug with a seal to carry to your lectures. Not only will your 9am’s become instantly more bearable if you’re armed with a warm sweet coffee, but the mug doubles up as a hand-warmer too.

Hidden layers, and lots of them. The swamped-in-clothes look isn’t for everyone, so master the art of secret cosiness. Start every outfit with a base layer of a long sleeved top and base layer bottoms, and then dress yourself as normal from there with the aim of piling on as many of your clothes as possible without resembling a walking jumble sale.

. Do not walk down Northumberland Street. It is the prime shopping area where Christmas literally screams in your face, from the Christmas decorations to the festive bargains in every shop, so I highly suggest you take a longer detour if you are that determined to avoid the Christmas festivities until the very day itself. How about wearing a paper bag over your head if you just cannot find any other way to avoid the action?

Fleece is your new best friend. It may not be the most fashionable of the fabrics, but believe me it’ll bring you the most joy. Think fleecey onsies, fleece-lined tights and leggings, fleecey pyjamas, fleecey linings for your coat, or even the good old-fashioned fleece itself.

Choose your room based on optimal warmth conditions, not the amount of room for activities. If you’re in halls then you’re laughing. With all the utility bills included in your rent, go ahead and crank up the heating, or if you find yourself in Newcastle’s most well-loved but a little outdated halls (I’m looking at you Ricky), you may be lucky enough to enjoy several exposed hot water pipes running through your very own room. If however, you’ve taken the plunge into the icy climes of a student house, you need to become a little bit more crafty. The ‘box room’ may seem like the short straw compared to the humongous room or the artsy loft room with skylights, but the box will undoubtedly be the cosiest place to be during the winter nights.

Turn your bed into a haven of radiation. Choose from a selection of, or ideally this whole list of cosy paraphernalia: hot water bottles, blankets, 13.5 tog duvets, electric blankets, those teddy bears that you put in the microwave and smell like heaven, or another human

Just don’t bother Finally, and most importantly, prevention is always better than cure, so why go outside? If you’re snug as a bug at home then attend any academic, extracurricular and social activities only when absolutely necessary to do so. There’s so many options of activities to do indoors. Think of all those Christmas films that need to be watched, or Christmas games (charades obviously) that you can play with your flatmates. Going outside can be fun at times, but is it ever going to be more enjoyable than living your life from within a duvet cocoon? I don’t think so.

Christmas Kitchen Chaos

Christmas is never a smooth operation. Antonia Coleman Harvey describes her Christmas Dinner catastrophes and questions WHY we do this annually.

hristmas! A time of merriment, cheer, high spirits, festivity, and most importantly, good food. However, Christmas day can often bring about some culinary catastrophes, dinner disasters and even family feuds. Firstly, the day might start off badly when you run over excitedly to your desk to open the last window of your advent calendar and realize… There isn’t one!! Honestly, this happens every year. But then your spirits are raised again when you find your stocking overflowing with tasty treats and cute little niknaks. Although, if you’re naughty (like my flatmate was), you might actually get a potato… LOL. It’s also fair to say that the festive mood can be slightly dampened when the majority of the day is spent listening to “All I Want For Christmas Is You” or Bill Cosby’s Christmas CD on repeat – which is great fun (…) That said, at least it blocks out the profanities coming from the kitchen when your-not-so-cool uncle drops the tray of potatoes. Dinner disasters could happen in a variety of ways, and I think it would be fair to say that more often than not, something goes wrong. For instance when someone has an allergy, or the house – heaven forbid – gets burnt down, or the pudding is too soggy. In cases such as these you’re often left wondering why you didn’t stop bothering years ago and just order a curry. But regardless, you constantly tell yourself there’s something about Christmas dinner that requires an amount of determination, endurance, and, of course, the element of tradition. It can always get pretty hectic though, with drink spillages, uneven distribution of Yorkshire puds

Illustration: Katie Wiseman

“In cases such as these you’re often left wondering why you didn’t stop bothering... and just order a curry”

(always a killer), whiny cousins, whimpering dogs, not enough gravy, topped off by rubbish Christmas cracker jokes- the list is endless! But there is one thing that really does spoil a family gathering and, no offence, but who invited the newborn baby? Then there’s always that one relative that has one too many tipples before dinner and totally passes out- their loss. Families eh? Gotta love ‘em. With this in mind hopefully nothing as tragic (or manic) as the Home Alone household will manifest on the day itself. Despite the incessant chaos, we all appreciate the family coming over for dinner – after all, it’s in keeping to traditional Christmas cheer – but maybe next year it’s worth politely suggesting they just come over for drinks. On that topic, another disaster is… WARM WINE… what is with that?! I know Turkeys are pretty big and the fridge is always crammed-full of chipolatas and carrots but there is most certainly enough space for wine. Always. Rant over. Now you may be thinking, well how do you avoid this? And in all honesty, I’m not sure what the answer to that is. After reading this you may be thinking, ‘well why bother? Let’s just go to the carvery…” But hey, who ever liked a cop-out? Christmas is a time for sharing and caring and if a little burnt Turkey got in the way of that then who cares!? It’ll be a funny family story for years to come, perpetuating good feeling in the forthcoming year. So no matter how big or small the family, or how disastrous the day could potentially pan out, it’s always worth it in the end. Merry Christmas.

The Courier

.13

Monday 14 December 2015

Culture thecourieronline.co.uk/culture

Culture Editors: Laura Staniforth & Ellie McLaren Sections: Lifestyle, Fashion, Beauty, Arts, Music, Film, TV, Gaming & Science courier.culture@ncl.ac.uk | @CourierOnline

Blind Date

Matthew on Charlotte So why did you sign up to Blind Date? Well, I actually lost a bet… I was going to do it anyway, but that was originally what spurred me on to do it. So where did you take Charlotte on the date? To the Northumberland Arms, just next to Eldon Square, it looks quite shady from the outside. We tried to go to Wetherspoons, but that was just full. When I first suggested a venue for the date I asked if she wanted to go to the cat cafe… and she said she was more of a dog person. So that was a good start. Unfortunately I like big dogs, like Doberman, but not small ones like her Shih Tzu. Bit of a deal breaker. I then suggested Pizza Hut. But she had a ball dress to fit into next week apparently… so we decided on the pub instead. So had you had a look at Charlotte on Facebook before? A bit, yeah. I looked at her profile, and saw we had a mutual friend. So that was a topic of conversation. Did you enjoy the date? I thought the actual date went well, we just had nothing in common. At the end, she said it was probably best to keep it as a blind date, I thought… well that’s helpful. How long were you there for? A few hours probably, we met at 6 and left at about half 7, so not that long. What were some notable conversation topics? Just everything. The weather in Newcastle, politics, …her dog. Did the discussion of politics get a bit awkward? No not really, we just moved on quite quickly. I didn’t want to dwell on it. Plus she showed me lots of pictures of her Shih Tzu, so that was an easy conversation changer. So what did you think of her aesthetically when she first approached you? I thought she looked okay, a bit short maybe, but that was it. What did you have to drink? I had a Guinness and coke, and she just had water and coke. She’d gone really heavy or something a few nights before and said she couldn’t drink alcohol. Did you expect her to be drinking? Well, I was quite happy that she wasn’t just necking vodka, that’s normally a sign that it’s going bad. If you could go back in time and give yourself one tip before the date, what would it be? Maybe show up 5 minutes late, because that’s when she showed up. It would’ve saved me waiting outside for ages. How did the date end? On the metro back we bumped into someone that she knew from netball. So it ended up just them two talking about netball and her year abroad. How do you think she would’ve described you to her friends after the date? Boring, if anything. What was her best trait? I’d say it was that she didn’t get any of my jokes, because my jokes are normally that bad. Did you crack a few one liners? Subtle one liners, yeah. Mainly joking about my bad jokes. Did you fancy her? Not really. In the long run, I didn’t think we had enough in common to go by. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your date? 8/9 if I had to put a number to it, I’d say it went quite well.

Matthew Whalley, 2nd Year Computer Science meets Charlotte Smith, 2nd Year French and Psychology

Charlotte on Matthew

Looking for love? Send in your details to c2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.uk

So you’ve been on Blind Date before? Yeah. It didn’t go too well, on the rating at the end he gave me a 5 for personality and a 6 for looks. What did you think when he first suggested that you’d go to a cat café on your date? I was a bit taken aback. I wasn’t expecting that, because I’m not a cat person or anything. It just seemed like a bit of a weird one for a first date. Maybe he wanted to be, I don’t know, edgy… Yeah, because he told me he didn’t like cats either, so I didn’t quite understand why he’d suggest it. I suppose he was trying to be creative. What were your first impressions of him? I thought he was really nice. He didn’t seem like anyone who was trying to come across as someone he wasn’t. What did you talk about? Well we’ve both lived abroad before. I lived in Malta and he lived in Egypt, so they’re quite near each other. We also have a mutual friend, and he assumed I did music just because I knew this girl. So then we got onto the topic of subjects we did and stuff, it was very uni-based. Did anything strange happen? When I got up to get the second round of drinks, he came up with me. I assumed he’d just stay at the table with my bag, because I didn’t want to leave it unattended. But I ended up having to leave it, thankfully it wasn’t too busy. I don’t think I’ve ever had someone come with me to get drinks before. Maybe he wanted to help me carry the drinks, but I think I could carry two. What do you think he said to his friends about you after the date? Erm, hopefully good things. He asked me out again, so… What did you say? I said that we didn’t have enough in common to keep seeing each other. But considering he didn’t ask me out again until the next day, so I assume he spoke to his flatmates and said nice things. If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice before the date, what would it be? Maybe not go to the pub. So you didn’t fancy him…? No, I thought he was really nice but I just didn’t think there was enough there. What was his best trait? I think how excited he got about his interests, it was nice to see him so passionate. What was his worst trait? He doesn’t like small dogs. He said you’d been out the night before, and so weren’t drinking? I wasn’t hungover because I’d not been out the night before, but I did say I didn’t want to keep drinking. For my own reasons I try not to drink too much and I had been drinking too much earlier in the week. But I think you can go on a date without drinking. What did you think of him aesthetically? I think because he had quite rectangular glasses, he should maybe try some more square ones. They’re in at the moment, and they’d probably suit him well. He said you met one of your friends on the metro? Oh, I met two friends, one in the pub and the other on the metro. Do you think he thought you were popular? Erm… no, I just think he thought it was coincidence. What would you rate the date? I’d give it a good 7.

14.lifestyle Dollar-saving

Decorations

Hannah Sharrett on how to look festive without spending the last remnant of your loan

e are well into December now and Santa Claus will soon be coming to town (yay!). Yes, that’s right, the time has finally come to blare out the festive playlist, don your Christmas knitwear with pride, and eat a few too many mince pies; all in the name of Christmas spirit. Decorating your house this time of year is usually a given, however, when it comes to student housing (which you’re not actually in for a good part of the Christmas season and with money tighter than your fave skinny jeans come January) , there is always the debate of whether it’s worth it or not. Here’s your answer: it is always worth it! Shops try and kick start the Christmas season back in November so there’s no point using the time excuse. And in terms of the money, you just need to stay focused, not be drawn in by Fenwick’s magical Christmas window display, become acquainted with Poundland and learn the art of Christmas decorating student-budget style.

“You’ll soon have it looking like one of those mega grottos you always find at garden centres at this time of year” Let’s just stay realistic about it. I’m not suggesting a house covered in lights and a life-size nativity scene out the front. However, I have heard on the grapevine that one student house has outdoor lights. If it’s you and you’re reading this please get in touch and tell me how the hell you’re affording it, because me and Newcastle’s other 20,000-ish students seem to be doing something fundamentally wrong with our student loans. Anyway, I’m thinking more along the lines of decking the halls with a few bells and holly. Don’t be a Scrooge; you don’t necessarily have to part with any cash. Instead, get creative and use Pinterest as a source of inspo. Or put everything you learnt in primary school to good use and cut out some paper snowflakes. You were looking for an excuse to procrastinate anyway, let’s face it. If you’ve had more Pinterest fails than success (that’s most us then), get all your housemates to contribute a bit of money and get yourselves on down to Poundland. They have some surprisingly decent Christmassy decorations and if in doubt just buy some tinsel for the cost of peanuts and go tinsel mad. You’ll soon have it looking like one of those mega grottos you always find at gardens centres this time of year. You know the ones; you once begged your parents to take you there to meet some random dude with a bit of a beer belly and a fake white beard.

“You just need to stay focused, not be drawn in by Fenwick’s magival Christmas window display”

The best thing about decorating your student house is that you can all have a cute Christmas house dinner and admire your efforts and artistic talents. Or host pre drinks, then sit back and let the compliments reel in. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just enough to fill you with a little Christmas cheer before you get home where your parents have gone the whole hog and the festiveness really gets into full swing.

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Santa’s Shopping

£2

Christmas Moustache Mug: £1 Poundland

THERE IS LITERALLY NOTHING BAD OR QUESTIONABLE ABOUT THIS MUG. It has incorporated the biggest trend of 2015, namely witty talking moustaches, and has a festive spin because said moustache is laughing in a Santaesque way. To top it all off, the words change colour when hot liquid is added. It’s almost too much to handle. Enough said. Buy the mug.

£10

Chocolate Santa: £1 Poundland

Everyone loves chocolate and Christmas is he perfect time to indulge that little bit more. With all the other meals, treats and chocolate flying around, an extra Santa (even though he is annoyingly purple) won’t add any inches to their waist. It’ll be appreciated at first until they realise it’s actually hollow and that you literally bought the most obvious present there is.

Christmas Jumper Flask: £10 Nutella Recipe Book: £10 Topshop Topshop Nothing is better than the ability to carry alcohol on your person at all times so give someone this amazing gift with this Christmas jumper flask. I’m not entirely sure why a flask needs a warming coat but it’s a nice festive touch to make your Secret Santa extra special and keep your whiskey toasty.

Who knew that such a wide range of food could be made using Nutella? Well your friends could thanks to this amazing gift. Even though you know these recipes will probably be made with Tesco Value chocolate spread, the thought is still there. Think about the nice things that your friends can make with this. A gift to them is a gift to you too, and gift that’ll keep on giving.

Emergency Phone Charger: £1 Poundland

Poundland market this as a ‘Christmas’ Phone Charger, purely on the basis that it is a rather fetching shade of Holly Red. However, it is a good idea for when you’re driving home for Christmas (shamelessly stealing a line from a popular song, cheers Chris Rea), stuck in traffic and you need to ring home to tell them to hold off on eating all the Celebrations til you return.

Reindeer Hot Water Bottle: £10 Topshop Winter in Newcastle doesn’t just mean Christmas. It also means crippling cold, a potential for frostbite or hypothermia and no money for heating. What better to combat these problems than a cute hot water bottle. It comes in various colours and patterns so there’s something for everyone.

Overheard on Campus: Christmas Special “Heard in the Courier office: ‘What’s the animal on the front of a Red Bull can?’”

“To the girl who said: ‘Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Mummy’s three bird roast’”

“Do you think I could get away with giving my Secret Santa half a bottle of vodka? Times were tough last week.”

The Courier

lifestyle.15

Monday 14 December 2015

Sorted

£5

Wooly Beanie: £3 Primark It’s important to wrap up warm on the way to lectures and this beanie is the perfect gift, for boys or girls. You can splash out an extra few pounds for one with a bobble, or you could use your extra £2 to pad out the gift with some Poundland chocolate.

£15

Fluffy Dog Slippers: £12.99 New Look If your budget won’t quite stretch to a real furry friend then these slippers are the next best thing. Don’t let your friend get cold feet in the winter with a revolutionised update on your grandma’s favourite footwear. It’s like wearing your favourite cuddly toy, perhaps a more acceptable.

“The whole premise of Santa is kind of alarming- I mean who gave him the right to decide whether I’d been nice?

thecourieronline.co.uk/lifestyle c2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.uk | @CourierLifestyle

Christmas is the season for giving so your Lifestyle Editors are here to help you navigate through the mineﬁeld that is Secret Santa without any awkward fake ‘thaaanks’

Foody Foddy

This week, columnist Emma Foddy rates the age old favourite, Mr Lynch

r Lynch is one of my favourite haunts. It is a two minute walk (if that) from Jesmond metro, within walking distance of both Jesmond and the City Centre. The staff are very friendly and laid back; be prepared for an exchange of life stories at the bar. The dim lighting gives it a warm, relaxed and cosy vibe. The tables are all scattered so don’t be afraid to sprawl all over the armchairs and enjoy the chilled out music. It’s easy to spend the whole afternoon there; there’s a football table for those who can drag themselves off the sofas! I don’t advise dressing up for this bar unless you are going on a Friday or Saturday night and, even then, don’t overdo it! Jeans will do.

Mandala Colouring Book: £4.99 ASOS Adult colouring book are becoming more and more popular this year so jump on the band wagon with this mandala edition. It’s perfect for those friends who tend to stress as colouring is meant be soothe the mind and soul.

Hardy’s Red Wine: £5 Tesco For those booze lovers, treat them to a relatively decent brand of wine rather than the standard Blossom Hill and Lambrini. This is also a pretty easy present if you’re stuck with someone you don’t know too well... no student will turn down alcohol.

“They also serve novelty cocktails, served in anything from a gravy boat to a flower pot (... washed out first)” Mr Lynch serves a huge variety of cocktails so fruity that it’s easy to forget they contain alcohol and equally as easy to convince yourself that they count as one of your five-a-day (so, really, you need five right?). If you’re a lover of mojitos you’re in luck, as Mr Lynch offers 8 different types. They also serve novelty cocktails, served in anything from a gravy boat to a flower pot (…I’ve been assured they wash it out first). Beware the toblerone cocktail; it’s lush but avoid having it before a meal. I’ve made this mistake and, believe me, a burger is not enjoyable way to wash down a glassful of baileys, chocolate and cream. The Raspberry Ripple is by far the most alcoholic cocktail yet dangerously easy to drink; not advisable if you’re having a ‘quiet one’. Selected cocktails are £3.95 with a valid student card, except Friday and Saturday nights.

“The food is not the most impressive you will find in Newcastle”

Make Your Own Christmas Jumper Kit: £15 Paperchase The festive season just is not complete without a garish Christmas jumper and you can cater to all tastes with a make your own jumper set. Because no one has any thing better to do at this time of year than make a jumper...the essay can wait.

“I’m eat my entire body weight in food. And then still not refuse the Roses when they get passed around”

Thin Strap Watch: £14 ASOS An analogue watch face?! What is this?! Allow your friend to go back to a time before phones with an out fashioned wrist watch. They’ll be so amazed by the novelty that they’ll almost forget that it actually a very useful device. And everyone knows that hipsters luurve a bit of vintage.

“WHY DO PIGS IN BLANKETS ONLY EVER EXIST AT CHRISTMAS?!”

I won’t lie, the food is not the most impressive that you will find in Newcastle. The meat tends to be a tad on the dry side and overall hasn’t quite got the wow-factor. Having said this, I can recommend the good old fish-finger sandwich or the gammon egg and chips. The chunky chips are homemade and delicious, although sometimes they give you fries instead so just check what they’re serving on the day. Mr Lynch isn’t the place for you if you’re looking for a fancy meal out with mind-blowing food however, if you’re looking to have a cosy catch up with friends or somewhere to wind down during revision time over a quick bite to eat, it’s perfect. I’ve been back to eat so many times simply because I love the atmosphere and can curl up on the sofa over a juicy cocktail and plate of cheesy chips. As well as main meals, they offer sharers and light bites if you just fancy a snack.

“I’ve been back to eat so many times simply because I love the atmosphere” I know this isn’t food-related but one of the things I love most about Mr Lynch’s is the live music on a Saturday night. The sofa area is there to listen and relax, but there is also a dance floor should you wish to throw some shapes when your fav song comes on. Give Mr Lynch a go, whether it’s just for a drink or a bite to eat. It’s popular with students for a good reason. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed! Archbold Terrace, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 1DB

16.fashion

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Fashion Editors: Ellen Dixon, Liz Rosling & Sara Macauley

Claws are out as Phoebe Bower & Grace Melville debate festively dressing pets this Christmas season

“The phrase is ‘love the skin you’re in’ NOT ‘love the synthetic fibres which trap you into unwillingly becoming a Christmas decoration”

o, no, no. Pets do not need to be dressed up... Not for Christmas, not for anything. They’re pets, not children, and besides they already have a custom-made fur coat. I have two dogs and not once have I sat there and thought you know what would make holiday season even better? If I dressed them up as f*king Christmas trees! True, “Pickles the cat would look so cute with a Santa outfit on!” But Pickles isn’t Santa, the only present he’ll be leaving you requires a nappy sack to clean up. The question that isn’t being asked here is: do our pets even want to be dressed up?! I realise that this conversation with our pets would be rather one-sided. But come on, we’re not idiots and we are able to tell when they’re uncomfortable. If your cat is squirming, hissing and leaves scratches all up your arm, they probably don’t want to be an elf. And they probably now hate you for life - hardly a scene of Christmas joy. Can’t we let your pets just be themselves? The phrase is ‘love the skin you’re in’ not ‘love the synthetic fibres which trap you into unwillingly becoming a Christmas decoration.’ I plead with you all to bin this Christmas craze. Our pets don’t need to go through an identity crisis just to look cute on your festive family calendar. Instagram @harlowandsage

Phoebe Hoi Yiu Ng on elegantly avoiding December’s windy wintry weather Warehouse £112 Topshop £80.00

Topshop £35

Topshop £49

tyle or warmth? It is a common question we ask ourselves when styling during the Winter months. We always feel like it is impossible to keep warm unless we bulk ourselves up with multiple thick layers, so we are left looking like a bloated Michelin Man. But here are some tips for layering whilst still managing to look stylish! It all starts with footwear. UGG boots are generally considered to be unfashionable now, a reminder of our younger days when they became worn down and stained from the rain. But come on, it’s winter! We are allowed to look casual and cosy sometimes, and it IS possible to look chic at the same time. It’s all about balance. If we are wearing a pair of chunky boots, pair them with skinny jeans or a cute pair of leggings and fitted jacket. For a more sophisticated look or a night out, leather-look jeans would be a perfect choice. Although thin, they’ll keep you a lot warmer than your trusty night-out dress. Just make sure you keep your UGGS in the

back of the cupboard if you’re going to be stepping out of your Uber taxi and onto the Diamond Strip. A pair of ankle boots are an ideal choice for the

‘‘Your coat tells people a lot about your style, so really invest in a winter coat’’ cold season, always making styling effortless. I like to wear a thinner basic top as my lower layer, so I can take off the outer thicker layers if it gets too hot indoors. It usually feels like a sauna in the Robinson Library after a brisk December walk. Then start layering with sweaters or cardigans. Be inventive when layering: your summer dresses do not have to go to the back of your drawers yet. Wear it over a long-sleeved shirt or turtleneck jumper. If you have collared dress, wear a fitted sweater over it then pop the collar out. Skirts are your best friends in Winter; you can

Topshop £125.00

add as many layers of tights as you want underneath. Skirts are versatile, they are amazing whether you want to look cute or go a bit more edgy. To go cute, tuck in a sweater and wear with tights and boots. If you are feeling more Christmassy, wear a velvet skirt to add a festive vibe. If you prefer to change up your look, wear a button up a-line skirt with tights, trainers, and a crew-neck sweater. Pop on your fave coat and you’re good to go. Your coat tells people a lot about your style, it is often the first item of clothing they see when they look at you. So really invest in winter coat. It should fit you well and at the same time give you enough space to add multiple layers underneath - you don’t want to look like an awkward robot getting to your lectures. Trench coats are great but they can get boring sometimes. Try something different and get yourself a faux fur lined parka and wear with some suede boots. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours and patterns because, let’s face it - bulky black coats can get dull!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas outﬁt This week, Hannah Bullimore reveals the best ways to comfortably nail the festive trend Whistles £150

Instagram @nadiacoolrista

f you ask me, pet clothing and accessories at Christmas are an absolute must if you want your holiday to be a merry one. From roughly the 15th November, the Christmas hype is crazy; we’re all in the spirit and wanting to show it. In the game of Christmas showmanship, it’s so important over the festive season to truly look the part – which explains why there is always a mad dash to the Crimbo jumper section, people racing to grab a set of snowflake earrings, or a festive shade of lipstick to complement their outfit. This weekend, my flat were hitting the Pound Store with the force of a tornado, raiding the decorations aisle in a bid to look more Christmassy than ever before. In the midst of all this mayhem, we stumbled upon the pet section, and were disappointed to find it looking a bit lacklustre. At a time like Christmas which is all about togetherness and giving, surely we should think of our fuzzy counterparts in the gift-giving process? They want to be involved but can’t, so the next best thing is getting them dressed to impress! This year, instead of watching your cat sitting on the side lines while you DIY your tree, or your dog over-excitedly chewing a bauble, why not get your paws on some pet friendly Christmas attire and involve them in the festivities? In my opinion, there’s nothing cuter than a puppy in reindeer antlers or a kitten in a festive cardie. With the likes of John Lewis’ reindeer dress-up outfit for your pup, and Santa Claus one piece for your cat, it’s guaranteed your pets will be talk of the town. Plus, the Santa set comes in at only £9.79, so even if it turns out that Whiskers isn’t a big fan of his new garms (after all, only so many shades go with a tortoiseshell coat) then you haven’t wasted your precious pennies. So this month, as you’re buying your Christmas day outfit, spare a thought for your furry friend and treat them with the gift of glamour. Who knows, they may even have a present for you this year, like not digging up Mum’s freshly planted vegetables to go to the toilet!

But baby, it’s cold outside

Instagram @_thelustlist_

You have got to be kitten me!

Topshop £12

Topshop £39

Warehouse £55

he big day has arrived. All of your family are gathered round ready to rip open presents, tuck into the turkey and spend some good old fashioned family time together. The question is: what do you wear? Christmas is an opportunity for glitter, sequins and all things that feel good, but with the meal marathon ahead of you, this is no time for bodycon dresses or the tightest of skinny jeans. Here are a few ideas for getting that perfect Christmas look… The Christmas jumper has seen a massive revival over the past few year, so this Christmas day, be sure to go glam with the trend. Wear a sparkly sweater like this one from Topshop. What’s great about this jumper is that the sequin motif isn’t too over-the-top so it will be perfect for looking good and feeling warm and festive on Christmas day. Mix it up by wearing the jumper tucked into an embossed trapeze skirt and black tights for Christmas day and with skinny jeans and a bobble hat for Boxing Day. Should funds allow, for a touch of luxury this Christmas you could opt for a jumper similar to

French Connection £85

this one from Whistles. Although expensive, this wintery treat would be worthwhile in getting you through future colder seasons to come

‘‘No Christmas outfit is complete without a pair of fluffy slippers, perfect for chilling by the fire with a glass of Champers and a choccy selection box”

If the Christmas jumper doesn’t appeal, you might wish to opt for a more formal party look this year... Wear a sparkly wrap dress with tights and a comfy cardigan for that layered, comfortable feel. The sparkle in this French Connection dress will make you feel truly festive, whilst the jersey material will allow comfortable room for the inevitable food baby at the end of the day. The wrap around shape creates hourglass proportions, flattering for all figures, and its charcoal colour with just a touch of shimmer means it will be wearable for nights out in the New Year. Be sure to wear this with delicate

Next £20

layers of gold jewellery to be bang on trend this Christmas day. For a more budget friendly alternative try this dress from Warehouse. The silver pattern is a beautiful colour palette wearable for every season. Its versatility means it can be worn either with tights and a Christmas jumper, or with bare legs and heels for a Christmas night out, with a slick of red lipstick you’ll be ready for the next big party! This dress is a favourite of mine for Christmas, and I plan to wear it with curled hair and statement earrings. Finally and most importantly of all, Christmas day calls for a pair of snuggly slippers. No Christmas outfit is complete without a pair of fluffy slippers, perfect for chilling by the fire with a glass of Champers and a choccy selection box. For appropriate Christmas attire try these Rudolph slippers from Topshop, or for comfortable glamour go for faux fur slippers like these from Next. Their soft fur adds a touch of luxury and you’ll have comfortable, warm feet all day – perfect for a day spent unwrapping gifts and watching Christmas films.

The Courier

fashion.17

Monday 14 December 2015

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You’ve got a trend in me: lace up

Megan Long shows us how to perfect the lacy trend with a variety of outﬁts Missguided £30

Asos £38.00

Instagram @ hayden_williams

Boohoo £15

Christmas or a sophisticated meal out with family in the Christmas break. The lace up back makes a classic style dress instantly modern and youthful. It assures that you and your outfit are the centre of attention even when your back is turned.

‘‘The lace-up trend merges sophistication with a more reckless rock-chick look” The Topshop ‘Ghillie’ shoes are the easiest way to integrate this trend into your current wardrobe and are an essential pair this Christmas because of their versatility. The lace up shoe works brilliantly in dressing up jeans whilst not being too high a heel that you’ll be itching to get home so you can throw off your shoes. They can easily be worn with dresses and skirts as an alternative to a court heel, but still retaining the feeling of being dressed up. The Topshop version comes in at £68.00 and is available in a dark blue velvet making them feel and look festive and Christmassy.

On a student budget, the Boohoo playsuit with Leila Lace Up Front 3/4 Sleeve Playsuit lace up front is affordable at only £15. It can be worn in the day with tights and Chelsea boots when you’re going for a lunch-time cocktail, or on an evening with a red lip and strappy heels to grace your fave bars in The Toon. Or, you can combine lace-up with another favourite look from this season, eyelet embellishment, like on this Missguided dress which is only £30.00. It gives a twist to the classic LBD and can be dressed up or down so you can be sure you will get more than one wear out of it this Christmas season. The lace-up trend merges sophistication with a more reckless rock-chick look. The trend can be worked to any style, which is evident in the diversity of the celebrities sporting it. Gigi Hadid wore the trend in the form of a mink coloured Balmain dress, whilst Dianne Kruger went for a satin mini dress in wine colour with lace up side panels. We’ve also seen it heavily featured in the Kardashians’ wardrobe. So whatever your style and occasion, this trend has the answer.

Blogger of the week: Megan Ellaby

Chloe Laws gives us the ins and outs of the ASOS stylist’s successful blog ‘pagesbymegan’

egan from ‘pagesbymegan.com’ is a Manchester born full-time blogger who is currently living in London and working as an ASOS stylist. Sounds like a pretty ideal life right? Albeit an incredibly busy one! The twenty-two year old covers everything on her blog, from personal style, to travel, to showing her readers the best of London’s brunch spots. Seriously though, her weekly bruches make me incredibly jealous/ravenous, plus her restaurant reviews are extremely well informed. On to what we’re all here for: her style. Megan is the epitome of the modern seventies trend; always found in a necktie, skinny-scarf, statement prints and a hella lot of leopard. I’m constantly looking at a lot of bloggers and wishing I could emulate some of their pieces for an affordable price, well luckily with Ellaby we can! She has her own ASOS range…dream come true! A search of Megan x Asos is fruitful, the collection includes a vibrant patch-work suede skirt, a couple of belted shirts and a few 70s inspired blouses. A quick scroll through ‘pages by megan’ and it becomes clear what kind of brands she loves, mid-range prices with good quality fabric and unique tailoring. From House of Holland (of which was her first ever internship), Acne Studios, Jamie Wei Huang, Charlie May and Shrimps. These brands all have a lot in common with her own taste, they’re trend-led but with a timeless spin and they all know the importance of texture. This blogger is rarely seen without some form of faux-fur, velvet or suede; a mantra I definitely abide by! An outfit is made by the details, therefore a surprise colour burst from a fur collar or pom-pom bag goes a long way. Plus can we just take a moment to appreciate her layering skills, I mean no one clashes prints like Megan. I’m pretty sure I’d look like a clown if I wore leopard print, stripes and

fuschia together but somehow she pulls it off. Maybe it’s due to the fact that she looks like Alexa Chung’s sister who is just as effortlessly cool (I’ve got serious hair envy). Or maybe her style comes from her fashionable family which includes a wedding dress designer mother and a younger sister (@fellaby) who’s an ASOS student insider! Her top tips for breaking out of your comfort zone is “Start a Pinterest board and pin everything and anything you like and just start experimenting!”. This is good advice, as it’s very easy to get stuck in a rut and just wear the same cycle of clothes; pinterest is always great at reminding you what you have in

‘‘Megan is the epitome of the modern seventies trend; always found in a necktie, skinny-scarf, statement prints and a hella lot of leopard” your wardrobe and giving inspiration in how to style it differently from how you usually would. Need some info to be more convinced? ‘Pages by Megan’ has been featured on this morning, as well as in Company, Nylon, Bazaar and Look magazine. Plus she boasts 87.1k follwers on her @Asos_Megan instagram and well as 60k of her personal account @meganellaby. Moreover she’s one of several bloggers who are part of the ‘Live colour’ ad campaign, so you’ve probably seen her face on the TV….not bad for a 22 year old! So if you’re a fan of seventies style and clashing prints then definitely check out this blog for inspo!

Rosie Setford discusses the most popular fashionista friendships in the industry

Topshop £68

he lace-up trend is perfect for creating a chic Christmas look. It can be styled into anything, from shoes to dresses. With online shopping sites dedicating features to the trend and celebrities sporting it on their days off as well as for red carpet appearances, lace-up adds something different to an item of clothing which would otherwise be plain with no risk of clashing. On tops and dresses, the lace-up trend is perfect because it allows you to wear revealing cut outs without the worry of a boob popping out; everything is tied in. For those of you that always feel that you are in-between sizes, you will find that you are able to adjust the lace up so that clothes fit exactly the way you want them to. You don’t have to spend your night feeling like you can’t breathe in a teeny top because the size up was too baggy. The trend works across all different styles, so this Christmas you don’t have to fear the confusing dress code ‘smart casual’. Here I’ve picked my favourite ways to wear the trend across the Christmas period. The Lace up back Kaftan midi dress, available on ASOS for £38.00 is perfect for a society ball pre-

The Friendship Circle of Fashion

Instagram @meganellaby

he fashion industry is the basis of many famous friendships which are publicised throughout various social media outlets. Olivier Rousteing, designer of the high fashion brand Balmain, loves to show off his friendships with A List celebrities such as the Kardashians and the Jenners. He designs many outfits for Kim Kardashian and hubby, Kanye West, as well as featuring supermodel Kendall Jenner in a variety of the campaigns for high end clothing lines, such as H&M x Balmain. Olivier has been present at many of the Kardashian/Jenner family events, such as Kris Jenner’s 60th Great Gatsby themed birthday party, and even invited the whole family to his own 30th birthday bash. Kendall Jenner also has a special friendship with fellow supermodel and actress, Cara Delevigne. Christening their friendship “CaKe”, the two models have both walked in Chanel Metiers d’art Collection in Austria at the end of 2014, as well as featuring together on the front cover of Love magazine in February 2015. The starlets have also shared many pictures of their downtime together, including cuddles in bed in matching pyjamas, dressing up as Mario and Luigi and sporting matching t-shirts with “CaKe” printed on them. Clearly evidence the pair are truly BFFs!

‘‘This year, Taylor Swift famously recruited an allfemale model and celebrity army to star in her music video for “Bad Blood” Starring in many campaigns and catwalks for Chanel, Cara has also appeared to have secured a friendship with the brand’s world-renowned Creative Director, Karl Lagerfeld. She regularly posts pictures on Instagram with Karl, expressing her love, gratitude and respect for the man. Karl also shows his fondness for Cara, with one of the only selfies he’s shared on social media featuring the model. If this isn’t real 21st century friendship, then what is? This year, Taylor Swift famously recruited an all-female model and celebrity army to star in her music video for “Bad Blood”. She recruited models such as Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss and Lily Aldridge, as well as celebrities like Hayley Williams, Ellie Goulding and Jessica Alba, and transformed them into female crime fighters for her video which has reached over 655 million views on YouTube. Many of Taylor’s model friends have also joined her on stage during her 1989 world tour, and she famously spent her 4th July weekend with bezzies Gigi Hadid and Martha Hunt. Style icon, designer and self-confessed “biggest rock star on the planet”, Kanye West is apparently “adored” by Queen of fashion Anna Wintour. Sitting front row at both Yeezy Season One and Season Two, the US Vogue editor-in-chief has become friends with Kanye since his transition into the fashion world. She also chose to feature him and his wife, Kim Kardashian, on the front cover of April 2014 issue of Vogue, dubbing them the “world’s most-talked-about couple”. Kanye’s friendship with Wintour is particularly significant to the rapper trying to make it in the fashion industry. He has said it has been harder for him to be taken seriously as his fame had already been established in the music industry, therefore Anna’s approval is vital for his success in the fashion world. A vital point in this discussion - are the A list really as tight knit as they seem, or do the friendships only exist when the cameras are rolling?

Whilst you’re doing your Christmas shopping this year, why not give something back? You can donate for free, via ‘Easifundrasing.com’ to ‘Success4All’. They set up comfortable after-school learning hubs for struggling children in the deprived areas on Newcastle. Easifundraising has hundreds of retailers on board, from Amazon to River Island- giving back has never been so easy!

18.beauty

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Beauty Editors: Flora Davies, Ellen Walker & Lucy Cochrane

Thrifty with fairy

Taming static hair Rebecca Devitt talks us through how to tame your locks with the help of washing up liquid

ashing up liquid is a necessity in a student home in order to keep on top of all those dirty plates from last night’s take-away. Washing up liquid does however have its other uses. Using it in your hair does wonders. Simply rub it into your hair as you would with normal shampoo, rinse, and then use your shampoo of choice as normal. This strips your hair of all it’s built up oil and remnants of conditioner and shampoo that stay in your hair even after you wash it out. Not only that it stops your hair from going static, which we all know is super annoying. This is especially needed this time of year with all the wool we’re wearing which just seems to make hair static and out of control. So there you go, who knew that little bottle of liquid you use every day could be so useful in keeping your locks clean and static free.

Cleaning make up brushes Beauty Editor Flora Davies teaches us how to wash away brush build up

Making the most out of household products is the perfect way to improve your beauty regime. We are always looking for ways to cut corners and make products go further so using everyday items does just the trick. Cleaning your make up brushes is an essential part of your beauty regime as it breaks down the oils and pigments that build up in the hairs. Letting brushes sit with product on them for too long can permanently damage the bristles. Every now and again it’s good to give your beloved brushes a deep clean to rinse out any bacteria.

“Washing up liquid is the answer to banishing build up” Washing up liquid is the answer to banishing build up. After pointing the brush down, rinsing the tip in lukewarm water, pour a small amount of your brush cleaner (this is where washing up liquid comes in) into the palm of your hand until a lather is formed: Pour, swirl, rinse, reshape, repeat! Washing up liquid is the way forward to help keep your make up brushes squeaky clean, now you don’t have to just use washing up liquid to clean the dishes, it can double up as brilliant beauty alternative too!

Lashings of festive falsies Melody Ramsey brings us the best products to get our lashes ﬂuttering this festive season

y love affair with fake eyelashes has been a long standing relationship. Ever since the tender age of sixteen, before it occurred to me that you could snip the strips to fit your eye shape or find glue that smelt a bit less fishy, I was obsessed. Undoubtedly my best look were the Topshop ‘feather’ lashes, AKA three small black feathers jammed onto my eye that resembled nothing of actual eyelashes. Apparently I was quite avant-garde in my younger years. Although I am partial to a natural lash in the summertime and a fuller lash for a night out, the Christmas period is especially exciting when it comes to the variety of eyelashes that become available on the market.

“At a modest £6.95 each, including adhesive and the option to wear them for up to 3 times, Eyelure have created products that manage to be affordable whilst looking more upmarket”

Eyelure in particular have upped their game for this festive season. Their standout products for Christmas 2015 are the Frozen Beauty and Snow Princess lashes from their ‘party’ range. The first are embellished with strips of shimmering ribbon and the latter have a scattering of iridescent flakes that twinkle beautifully. Each looks amazing when they catch the light and are perfect for any Christmas party to add an extra bit of oomph to your look. At a modest £6.95 each, including adhesive and the option to wear them for up to 3 times (or 4 or 5 depending on how happy you are to pick the old glue off ), Eyelure have created products that manage to be affordable whilst looking more upmarket. A definite essential for your seasonal make-up bag!

celebrity make-up artists, have also added some limited edition products to their range for the holidays. Currently at a reduced price of $7.00 (£4.63), their Ice Queen eyelashes are a creation that Queen Elsa herself would be proud of.

“Ice Queen eyelashes are a creation that Queen Elsa herself would be proud of ”

If you are looking for something a bit more understated for the festive period, the eyelash giant have also collaborated with vlogging sensation Fleur de Force in time for Christmas to create her own range of lashes. Favourites from the Eyelure x Fleur de Force collection include the ‘Fleur Loves’ ¾ length strip (£5.95), ideal for those of us who don’t want to commit to the full lash but would like to add some volume to the outer corner of the eye. These are also great if you aren’t a fake eyelash veteran but want to try them out for your work Christmas party without too much of a dramatic change to your normal look. House of Lashes, the US brand much loved by

These are a thick and full lash topped with icy blue glitter and are the ultimate icing on the cake to any winter glam look. Thankfully House of Lashes also manages to keep their shipping costs to a minimum and only charge $5.95 for orders to the UK. So if you are searching for the ideal set of fake eyelashes to wear on your Christmas Eve pubcrawl or to finish off your Elsa outfit for the live action version of Frozen you plan on performing on Christmas Day, these picks have got you covered.

Moisturizing miracles

Flora Davies talks us through her winter moisturizing saviours combatting dry lips and damaged hair Korres Guava Lip Butter

mini beauty essential. Infused with moisturizing properties, Korres Lip Butter shiny finish melts into the skin, leaving your lips with a hydrated finish. Described as a ‘natural brand’, the brand’s core values remain the same as in its simple pharmacy days – the use of herbs and natural ingredients of the highest quality and environmentally friendly products are well worth the hype and constant attention in the beauty world! Its locally sourced ingredients from the Greek mainland, and surrounding islands sees its products formulated without parabens or any synthetic fragrances. Its simple formulation work wonders and the sheer nude tone leave a lovely subtle hint of colour on those now conditioned lips.

“its buttery texture means that it is perfect to wear underneath your favourite lipstick, providing you with that much needed extra moisture against the harsh winter elements” As evident from the name, its buttery texture means that it is perfect to wear underneath your favorite lipstick, providing you with that much needed extra moisture against the harsh winter elements, or even on its own for a simple daytime appropriate wash of colour. With healing and nourishing properties, Guava extract is therefore ideal for stressed and damaged skin, with the soothing texture being perfect for tough winter uni times! With Korres

Lip Butter being available in both neutral shades (Guava, Jasmine) and alternatively orange and red hue bases (Mango, Wild Rose and Quince), there is a shade to suit everyone!

For those with relatively thin hair like myself, the Macadamia Natural Oil range, this product in particular works absolute wonders, the exceptionally lightweight formula, providing extreme nourishment, improves hair strength and renews damaged hair.

“Apply a small amount into toweldried hair with even distribution and leave in for 10 minutes, to penetrate hair particles to and inject shine and softness into your luscious locks”

Apply a small amount into towel-dried hair with even distribution and leave in for 10 minutes, to penetrate hair particles to and inject shine and softness into your luscious locks.

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Hair Masque

ried out hair that needs a bit of extra TLC? In the colder months, hair can easily become dry and brittle, but can easily be avoided with a once weekly hair treatment. Combining macadamia and argon oil, with tea tree and chamomile oil extract, the Macadamia Deep Repair hair masque provides long lasting conditioning, with the miracle product reconstructing dry damaged hair. The masque leaving it rejuvenated and replenished.

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beauty.19

Monday 14 December 2015

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Winter fragrance wishlist

Molly Harris talks us through her favourite fragrances to buy (and receive!) this holiday season

hristmas is well and truly on it’s way. I for one have been waiting for it to be socially acceptable to watch Christmas favourites like Elf and Home Alone for a while now. I’ve been bugging my flatmates for a festive movie night in for weeks, and now the time has come…so get your popcorn at the ready. From the red cups in Starbucks, Fenwick’s window display or the John Lewis Christmas ad, the big day is just around the corner. So with that in mind Christmas lists I’m sure are being written (some of them longer than our essays this semester) and perfume should definitely be on it. Perfume is more than just a beauty product. A scent can define who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world in a simple and subtle way. With 2016 just around there corner here is my run down of the best festive perfume deals and scents, other than a roasting turkey or mince pies.

ange, fleshy raspberry and neroli, followed by floral notes of orange blossom and Arabian jasmine and base notes of patchouli, honey and amber. I’ve never really understood the differences between a lot of perfumes whether they’re woody or floral, or what the a top note even is. All I know is that I love this perfume and ask for it every year. I always get compliments when I’m wearing it, and it lasts pretty well too. A 50 ml bottle on feelunique.com comes in at £42.50 at the moment.

It’s not just ladies that like to smell good, gents form and orderly que and check out a few fragrances this Christmas. The one that tops Amazons list of 2015 top sellers is:

Boss Bottled Boss Bottled by Hugo Boss (100ml is £32.99 on amazon). Smelt it in Fenwick and it was pretty good. I don’t know much about men’s aftershave, but Gerrard Butler is in the advert and that’s good enough for me.

007

Paco Rabanne Lady Million Marc Jacobs Daisy Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Parfum Spray with its cute floral packaging, this bottle will look great on your dressing table. I love everything about this fragrance, except maybe that the scent seems to fade quicker than some other perfumes. This parfum has a higher concentration which makes the smell really intense. Don’t be fooled by its summer aesthetic, this parfum is ideal for every season of the year and deserves to make it on your wish list.

If you’re looking for something cheaper and maybe a bit of a novelty then who could resist smelling like 007 himself. With Spectre being released only a month ago, James Bond hype is still rife. It’s £20.00 in superdrug and comes with shower gel too. Ideal present for dads and brothers. No matter how much of a scrooge you are who can resist a bottle of perfume in your stocking this Christmas. Start the new year smelling great and who knows what 2016 will bring.

Burberry Smell like a million dollars in Paco Rabanne Lady Million. Even though I’ve never really liked the gold diamond shaped bottle, the scent inside definitely makes up for its clumsy packaging. It is described as ‘vibrant and sensual’ (and what girl doesn’t want to be that this holiday season). Described as having fresh top notes of bitter or-

Perfume is pretty pricy anyway but this year’s Burberry offering has the hefty price tag of £90 for 90ml, so spritz sparingly! My Burberry festive eau de parfum is limited edition and can even be engraved with your initials, pretty fancy stuff. It has a floral fragrance and it leaves specks of gold glitter on the skin- basically it’s Christmas in a bottle!

Stila in the light palette

Beauty Editor Lucy Cochrane brings us the only palette you’ll ever need in your makeup bag

n terms of palettes, Stila’s ‘In The Light’ does not get enough credit in my opinion. Neutral palettes are something I go wild for as I would rather invest in one that is wearable as opposed to one full of much brighter shades which I would only reach for occasionally. I have two of the Naked palettes and a few other less hyped up ones, yet this one from Stila is by far my most loved, and as a result, my Naked palettes have become almost obsolete. I would invest in this palette purely for the shade kitten’ alone. Rather than buying an individual Stila shadow for around £12, this palette is £25 which is great value for ten great wearable shades and a waterproof eye liner. The pigmentation of these shadows is fantastic; I would even say that they overtake Urban Decay as there is very little fallout which is a common problem with those shadows. All these shades are really easy to pull off; ‘bare’ is a typical off-white highlight shade which is perfect under the brow bone and in the corner for a natural light effect. It is also a great all over lid shade, especially when paired with ‘bliss’ which is a perfect crease colour. ‘Kitten’ is by far the best highlight shade I have ever discovered, it is definitely not subtle but it has such a beautiful and brightening effect, as well as being a great cheek highlighter if you use it sparingly. ‘Sunset’ is probably my second favourite shade after kitten and I think it looks beautiful with blue eyes. It is a bronze/copper shade with shimmer, and looks great with ‘sandstone’ blended into the crease for a more intense, smoky result. ‘Bubbly’ is also beautiful and is very similar to ‘half baked’ from the Naked palettes- a gorgeous champagne gold with shimmer running through which

is absolutely beautiful for summer especially. The last few shades are ones I reach for least in the palette, although they are still great shades to have. ‘Gilded Gold’ is more of a brown gold tone, and ‘luster’ is darker still; both again look great with sandstone in the crease. ‘Night Sky’ is a bluish grey shimmery shade which makes a great smoky eye, although I do prefer a warmer, brown smoky eye as this suits me more. This goes really well with ‘ebony’ which is an all-round great trusty black shade with slight shimmer, which makes a great powder eyeliner as well as crease shade.

“Kitten’ is by far the best highlight shade I have ever discovered, it is definitely not subtle but it has such a beautiful and brightening effect, as well as being a great cheek highlighter if you use it sparingly” Last but not least is the smudge stick waterproof eye liner in ‘damsel’ which is a great way of drawing attention to your eyes without the fuss of using liquid liner which can take ages to master a perfect flick. It is so easy and quick to blend as the kohl is super soft which means you can be as messy as you like with it, and then just blend it out with a small brush or a cotton bud. The deep brown shade is also a lot softer and more natural than black, whilst still being smoky. If you’re going to invest in a neutral palette this season, I would definitely go for this gorgeous and cheaper alternative as it is the only palette you will ever need.

Christmas Party Lip

Christina Lau picks out her to four luscious lip colours for the party season

s Christmas arrives and all the party invites start coming in, so does the search for some perfect colours to complete your makeup and outfits for these festivities. Especially if you’re waiting for that special someone to kiss you under the mistletoe, you better have your lips looking lush! Here are my top 4 picks for the must have lip shades this Christmas.

Max Factor- Star Wars Special Edition- Gold (£8.99) This unique metallic gold lipstick was inspired by the droid C-3PO, just in time for the new Star Wars film for any fans out there. There are two looks you can achieve with this lipstick. The first one is a subtle shimmery gold tinted look, just apply one or two coats over your lips. The second one is a full on rich glossy gold lip, apply many coats to achieve this, and to make the gold stand out, line the outside of your lips with a concealer. You’ll look luminous and attain a glowing aura throughout any party.

Makeup Revolution- Atomic Lipstick Line- Serpent (£4.99) This gorgeous dark green lipstick is a festive yet classy colour for Christmas. It has a moisturising creamy feel to it, and has a shiny semi-matte finish. The texture is a bit thin, so multiple coats should be applied to obtain a luscious deep green shade.

“As one of the prime colours of Christmas, its’ going to be an easy job matching this lipstick with festive sweaters and outfits” The dark green will come off looking quite matte, but it has a smooth glossy finish. As one of the prime colours of Christmas, its’ going to be an easy job matching this lipstick with festive sweaters and outfits. It’s an edgy daring look to pull off, but a guaranteed head turner at any event you wear it to.

Revlon- Super LustrousCherry Blossom (£7.99) This classic dark red shade is a popular choice in the winter season because it stands out in the dull winter months and is a flattering shade for any skin tone. Cherry Blossom is a moisturising lipstick as is most of Revlon’s lip products, with a sleek semimatte finish and a bit of shine for a bright velvety look. Red is another prime colour of Christmas and will go with almost any themed or festive outfit you choose to wear for every occasion.

MAC- Lady Danger (£15.50) This red orange shade, Lady Danger has been a very popular one in the UK, it’s a fresh twist from the classic red that everyone loves wearing. Like all MAC lipsticks, it smells like vanilla and has a smooth saturated matte finish which goes incredibly well with dark winter fashion. The orangey brown undertones make your lips really pop and screams danger when paired with black eyeliner. The colour stains and will stay on for a long time, even through food and drink which makes it a great lipstick for all those Christmas and New Year parties you’re planning on going to.

www.thecourieronline.co.uk Monday 14 December 2015 Issue 1315 Free

The Independent Voice Of Newcastle Students

Est 1948

Festive Pullout

24. musicfeature

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Top 10 Albums of 2015 1. 2. Foals - What Went Down

Throughout their career, Foals have shook off their brooding, ostentatious art-rock individualism and become much more extroverted and relatable. On What Went Down, the Oxford quintet no longer speaks of personal tragedy, or cryptic injokes; it has a larger-than-you significance. Songs such as ‘What Went Down’ and ‘Snake Oil’ are immediately threatening, with powerful instrumentals over Yannis Philipakkis’ roar. But, when singing on ‘Give It All’ and ‘London Thunder’ his aggressive flakes away and his tone is pleading and impassioned. Emotive describes the album aptly. From primal vehemence to bleeding-heart suffering, What Went Down understands the human condition. Connor McDonnell

Slaves - Are You Satisfied?

Gengahr - A Dream Outside

I think it’s safe to say that if you don’t feel your inner punk awaken when Isaac starts laughing and the gritty opening riff comes in on Cheer up London, then somethings wrong. Slaves burst on to the mainstream this year with their debut album, Are you satisfied? And I certainly am. Armed to the teeth with raucous, 2 instrument madness, Slaves have ushered in a very welcome punk revival in the UK music scene. With a Mercury Prize nomination and an incredible live presence, these two lads from Tunbridge Wells are here to stay. Jordan Oloman

Tame Impala - Currents

This has been the year where the psych-synth pop has been revived. With the like of Jamie xx, and Tame Impala, Gengahr seems right at place. The four-piece band, from London, create a smooth balance between harrowing vocals and rife amounts of reverb, which is established throughout the album. A Dream Inside focuses on the unbalanced proposal on love, and the subtle refinements that carry with it a variety of themes that seem to transcend the standards in the psychpoped genre. If that’s not enough, the fuzzed guitars set the stage for a sound that lingers with you. Jonathan Hastings

Oh Wonder - Oh Wonder

Oh Wonder’s self-titled debut album sees a culmination of the songs they released individually each month through SoundCloud between September 2014 and September 2015 with the addition of new tracks ‘Without You’ and ‘Plans’. Duo Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West’s synthpop and its contagious melodies is the definition of easy listening. It makes the perfect post-night out album to fall asleep elegantly to dreaming of the Technicolour Beats and Midnight Moons they poetically portray. Despite releasing their album independently, Oh Wonder have been receiving ever-increasing exposure and rightly so. Their chilled vibes were heard recently on ‘Made in Chelsea’ and they’re certainly someone to keep an eye on.

Joint 5.

Ben Grundy

Wolf Alice - My Love Is Cool

Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly

Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly brought the hip-hop genre into a new age. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, good kid, m.A.A.d city, the album is unapologetically black and addresses the problems, namely racism, faced by African-American men today. Kendrick uses jazz rhythms, funky beats, retro samples and spoken word poetry to convey his emotions: selfdeprecation, temptation, and anger which rarely surfaces, but is scathing when it does. The album’s importance is undeniable, and Kendrick is deserves to be aligned with the powerful black figures, who he compares himself to: such as Tupac and Mandela. Oisin Power

Joint 7.

Since the release of Haim’s debut album, there’s been a distinct shortage of female-led rock bands. Then suddenly Wolf Alice came along and blew everything else out of the water. In truth, Wolf Alice has been releasing EPs for a while now, but My Love is Cool showcases the depths of sound this band can achieve. Lovingly juxtaposing grunge with indie sensibilities, Wolf Alice simultaneously melts your face off and soothes your palate. Listen to ‘You’re a Germ’ for the former, ‘Bros’ for the latter and ‘Giant Peach’ for somewhere in-between. Daniel Pye

Jamie XX - In Colour

Essentially a collection of his works over the last five years, Jamie xx’s In Colour is a mesmerising and complex album concreting him as one of the world’s best producers. It is an expansive record showing how he flourishes in both floor fillers such as the joyous dancehall infused ‘I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)’, and more ambient songs the like delicious ‘Girl’ and the multi-textured ‘Obvs’. His fellow band mates also make appearances, an anathematic standout being ‘Loud Places’ featuring Romy, intertwining beautiful swelling melodies with minimalist beats. Simply put, it is wondrously brilliant record. Leah McAteer

10.

The Maccabees - Marks To Prove It

Moving up and away from their youthful indie-pop debut nearly a decade ago, Marks to Prove It highlights exactly how much the Maccabees have matured and progressed over 4 albums. Inspired by their changing surroundings in London, The Maccabees still have their melodic and charming sound, but both sound and lyrics are stripped back for a much deeper album. Orlando Weeks indulgent vocals compliment the raw and spiking guitar atmospherics throughout tracks such as ‘Marks to Prove it’ and ‘Spit it Out’, and carries the more enchanting ‘Slow Sun’. The blend of sincerity and intimacy does not disappoint what has been a long awaited album, and gives us only more hope for The Maccabees’ future.

I had only briefly dipped my toes into the drug induced melodies of Tame Impala before Currents. But now, I finally understand the hype around Parker’s hypnotising voice which is teamed with a melting pot of tones that tessellate around each other to produce a perfect, addictive record. Even the artwork is an abstract masterpiece. The bands’ choice of singles were spot on, ‘Cause I’m a Man’, ‘Eventually’, ‘Disciples’ and ‘Let it Happen’ provided a precise representation of what listeners should expect from the complete album; a mix of high to low euphonies and cacophonies which satisfyingly fit together. Serena Bhardwaj

Mac DeMarco - Another One

Rebecca Jackson

Another One is the sort of album you can listen to at 3am in the morning while trying to sort out some emotional turmoil, yet still keep your indie credentials. With beautiful guitar solos, jazzy chords, dream-like vocals and a generous touch of the psychedelic, this mini-LP of 8 unbearably catchy songs is a near-perfect addition to the evolution of Mac Demarco’s signature style. Another One is both fun and accessible, yet somehow wildly original and artistically valuable. Plus, you get invited for coffee at Mac’s house if you listen all the way through!

Charlie Isaac

The Courier

tvfeature.25

Monday 14 December 2015

Top 10 Shows of 2015

I suppose you’re all familiar with the HBO’s hit show Game of Thrones,, and even if you’ve never seen I’m sure you’ve heard it’s famous aphorisms: ‘you know nothing, Jon Snow,’ or at the very least ‘Valar Morghulis.’ It’s everywhere now-a-days, and for good reason, with its varying character dynamics and the political intrigue rooting every episode; there’s someone for everyone. With this season diverging from the books, writers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss are still managing to keep a coherent storyline that holds the audiences’ wonderfully captivated with its interesting pairings, and knives in the dark. This show just keeps getting better and better.

The Walking Dead

9. Iqra Choudry

Jonathan Hastings

Daredevil

Netflix’s adaptation of Daredevil offered the first fully cohesive style in a Marvel Comics adaptation. The show is directed by Cabin in the Woods director Drew Goddard, who not only delivered this as treat for Marvel fan but he also breathed a new life in the character. The show is about a blind lawyer, Matt Murdock who has turned righteous street-level vigilante in New York’s Hell Kitchen. No other Marvel project, has offered such a level of stunning kinetic fist fights and intimate moments between the vibrant line of characters, which often unfold without music or quick, distracting cuts It’s amazing how Netflix has produced the first Marvel adaptation that has the distinctive, feeling of small-scale community and neighbourhood geography, one that helps foster an outraged civilian into an illustrative hero. Salman Ali Virk

The Great British Bake Off

Spirits were at their lowest when The Walking Dead returned to screens in February. With the pipedream of Terminus crushed like a walker’s skull, and following the heart breaking goodbye in the previous midseason finale, the gang searched for safety behind the walls of Alexandria. Of course, safety behind the walls isn’t new to the show, but the infuriatingly inadequate group under Deanna’s stewardship brings a whole new set of challenges. From mindless missions to terrifying teasing, the last twelve months of Walking Dead has had it all, with just the faintest sprinkling of happiness amongst the gore. Reece Hanson

Emma Allsopp

Zoe Godden

Peep Show

The El Dude brothers are back for their swan song this year, and it has been as brilliantly dry and cathartic as ever. Filled with belly laughs and precarious situations that other comedies dare to touch, Mitchell and Webb’s final series is putting the show out in style. All of the series favourites, ranging from the drugladen fan favourite madman Super Hans to Mark’s one episode university fling have returned to ramp up the nostalgia factor, and it is guaranteed to make you want to watch the whole thing over again, and relive more of the curious chemistry that sets Peep Show in the upper echelons of comedy TV. Jordan Oloman

Better Call Saul

The Breaking Bad spin-off prequel series, released exclusively on Netflix, is another gem from the mind of Vince Gilligan. Starring Bob Odenkirk as the eponymous character, the show explores the events six years prior to those of Breaking Bad, following smalltime lawyer and all-round good guy Jimmy McGill as he struggles to make it as a lawyer. The series sees the return of fan favourite Jonathan Banks as Mike Erhmantraut, with insights into his back story, too. With a brilliant script, reprisals from Breaking Bad characters, and rumours of Aaron Paul returning as Jesse Pinkman, it’s a must-watch for anyone who was addic ted to Breaking Bad.

Outlander

Outlander has certainly been one of this year’s biggest shows. The show centres around a time-travelling World War Two Nurse Claire Randall who finds herself in a very unfamiliar situation. The series has taken both sides of the Atlantic by storm, with the season premiering this year. Whilst the show has drawn some Game of Thrones comparisons it still manages to hold its own, viewers can expect the show to return next year for its second series – and we can’t wait. Jack Parker

Who knew we could get so flustered over fairy cakes? Even after six series, Bake Off remains the crème-de-la-crème of Wednesday night telly, bringing in a whopping 13.4 million viewers. And these ratings are well earned, serving us a host of baking blunders (though not topping last year’s #FridgeGate) and more soggy bottoms than you can shake a spoon at. Highlights included Paul’s badass bread lion, Nadiya’s nervous expressions, and Mat putting his icing in the bloody oven. It’s the comradery of the contestants however, and of course, Mel and Sue’s innuendos, that makes GBBO a scrumptious staple in our TV diet.

Jessica Jones

All of us will have seen a Marvel production before, whether it was a film or perhaps another TV shows like Agents of Shield or Daredevil,, but Jessica Jones is like nothing else from this universe. The story follows the titular Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) as she tries to defeat the horrifying mindcontrolling Kilgrave (David Tennant). Performances from Ritter and Tennant are spectacular with Kilgrave possibly becoming one of the best Marvel villains onscreen, but the real delight here is its progressive nature. For starters there is a female lead, but there are also LGBT+ couples, POCs who are not tokens, interracial relationships and a storyline centred on a rape victim. This is definitely not one to miss.

Game of Thrones

Gogglebox

10.

Doctor Foster

Doctor Foster is a dark psychological thriller following Gemma Foster suspecting her husband of cheating. What makes this show so different and enthralling is that it focuses on Gemma and not her husband’s infidelity and she doesn’t go sulk in a corner, instead goes to extremes to uncover his secrets- crossing personal and professional boundaries in the process. It is gripping as you watch her be calculated and cunning, despite her once seemingly idyllic world coming crashing down. Not to say that she doesn’t lose the plot in the process; pretending to have murdered her son to show her husband what it is like to lose everything- erm OK sure. Makes for stellar viewing though!

Cinthu Vivehananthan

26.gamingfeature

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Top 10 Games of 2015

1. 2.

Fallout 4

War… war never changes. It’s an apt motto for this long awaited sequel, which retains both the good and the bad of the aspects of the Fallout series. Nevertheless Fallout 4 commands hundreds of hours and the amount to do in the vast and varying city of Boston in staggering. The gameplay has also been refined with the combat feeling particularly impactful with the superb customisation options and expansive settlement building bringing even more depth to the game. Bugs and glitches and still, unsurprisingly persistent but they only slightly tarnish this fantastic title, one that will undoubtedly be up for Game of the Year. Image: Midhras on Flickr Reece Armstrong

Undertale

Image: Mad Max on Flickr

Mortal Kombat X

Whether you’re feeling the crunch of the Hoth snow under your pristine Stormtrooper boots, or engaging in guerrilla warfare on Endor, Star Wars Battlefront looks and feels authentic. While the power up and Hero system may be flawed, there is no denying the fun of the local co-op, or how the large scale battles draw the player into a galaxy far, far away. If the strong online mechanics can be bolstered by the incoming DLC, this Battlefront reboot could be the Return of the Jedi rather than a feared Phantom Menace.

The Witcher III: Wild Hunt

CD Projekt Red’s third instalment of their book-to-game franchise, The Witcher III: Wild Hunt is beyond spectacular. With beautiful and diverse vistas, cities and scenery, this game takes the idea of open-world story to an entirely new level, giving you endless choices and possibilities for your obvious monster-slaying desires. The combat mechanics are somewhat unforgiving, forcing you to master techniques to take on any human or creature – after all, wyverns are pretty sizeable things... As RPGs go, this has one of the best games I’ve played to date. Whatever hype you’ve heard regarding this game, it completely surpasses it.

Errol Kerr

Tropico 5

Joint 7.

Hotline Miami 2

Have you ever wanted to rule your own country? Well Tropico 5 is the game for you. Despite coming out in 2014 for PC, Tropico 5 made its console debut on the Playstation 4 in the spring and was the only game to draw me away from Bloodborne. This political satire has you building up your country from the ground up, making important diplomatic decisions, constructing the necessary essentials to keep your economy booming and your people happy. Tropico 5 is one of the best real time strategy games on the PS4, a genre the console needs more of.

10.

Sam Blackburn

2011’s reboot of Mortal Kombat brought the series back to life. But with Mortal Kombat X, the series have joined back to the ranks of best fighting games. The mixture of gore, bone crushing violence and cheesy ‘Get over here!’ one liners, makes Mortal Kombat X stand out from the rest. The team at NeverRealm has been more ambitious, with new characters making the ever growing roster MKX is becoming a force to be reckon with. Not only that, guest characters are making quite an impact on MK platform with Predator and Jason already on board. In near future, fans of the game and horror movies are in for a treat as they will get to play as chainsaw maniac Leatherface and Alien aka Xenomorph. Salman Ali Virk

With more blood than you can shake a machete at, the eagerly anticipated sequel to Dennaton’s cult insta-classic Hotline Miami is certainly among the goriest titles of 2015, and the best as well. Set two years after the first game’s rampage (and scattered across time a little besides), HLM2 takes a turn for the surreal – an impressive achievement in an already hallucinatory setting of casual dismemberment, neon skies and latex animal masks. The music makes a bold return, delivering even more trance-inducing electronic beats than those boasted by the first game, and an entirely new take on the established characters and story builds excellently on the legacy of its predecessor. James McCoull

Dominic Barstow

Image: Mercenary

I’m having trouble deciding why I love a game as uncaring and brutal as Bloodborne so much. The latest game from Dark Souls creator Hidetaki Miyazaki and the team at From Software; Bloodborne does a fantastic job of reinventing the Souls wheel. The dreaded night of the hunt has once again descended on the forsaken town of Yharnam; horrific beasts infest the streets, and it’s your job to take them down. Combat is fast, visceral and unforgiving. Bosses fights are vicious, but also exhilarating. Bloodborne is not for the faint of heart, but comes highly recommended. Michael Hicks

No game had grabbed me like Undertale did in a long time. What starts out as a very run-of-themill story quickly turns into a truly unforgettable one, one that can take very different directions depending on your choices. You don’t have to kill anyone in Undertale, and you’re encouraged to be merciful whenever you can. Never has a game made me both laugh and cry as much as Undertale did; its wacky and wonderful world is filled to the brim with loveable, colourful characters. You can also date a skeleton, what more could you want? Michael Hicks

Star Wars Battlefront

Bloodborne

Image: Alex Mark on Flickr

Image: Artuous007 on Flickr

Batman: Arkham Knight

Rocksteady’s phenomenal Arkham trilogy gave the Caped Crusader a fitting send off in this year’s Batman: Arkham Knight. With Gotham City being fully accessible this addition allowed players to thunder through its streets in the iconic, tumbler inspired Batmobile. The tale of Batman battling both his past and his inner psyche was gripping, emotional and a service to the continuing lore that DC has developed for their flagship hero. The Arkham Knight and Scarecrow served as formidable villains but the former’s reveal was undoubtedly divisive. This little niggle aside though and you not only have one of the greatest Batman games of all time, but also one Image: Game of the greatest open world titles as well. Saga on Flickr Reece Armstrong

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Kojima’s swan song, or is it? You couldn’t talk about the best games of the decade, never mind 2015 without mentioning his magnum opus. Melding the quirky base building of Peace Walker and the refined stealth action gameplay that has defined the series, MGSV lets you live out any fanboys dream of running a PMC as the greatest soldier that ever lived. The characters are memorable, and the 80’s music and 1984 aesthetic tied with the visceral freedom the game gives you create a truly memorable experience. The fact that we may not see the series again creates the worst Phantom Pain of them all. Jordan Oloman

Image: Quuhod on Flickr

The Courier

filmfeature.27

Monday 14 December 2015

Top 10 Films of 2015 1. Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max: Fury Road is the best film of 2015, and coincidentally also my favourite. The incomparable spectacle, both practical and CGI, has extended the boundaries of what kind of experience a cinema can deliver. Its relentless action, beautiful orange/blue colour pallet and immaculate craft combine to supersede George Miller’s originals, even the brilliant Road Warrior. While the story is fairly simple, it’s weighted heavily with themes of faith and politics. For all its visual splendour there’s a rich pathos to Miller’s post-apocalyptic Australia that rewards repeat viewings. The experience doesn’t translate entirely from the big screen to the small, so see it as wide and loud as you can.

William Leng

Spectre

Daniel Haygarth

Leah McAteer

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part II

With the final iteration to The Hunger Games franchise we finally get a resolution to the horror that has transpired. We’ve waited for this moment since Katniss volunteered during the seventy-fourth games right back in 2012. The finale is full of tension and repose, much like the book, it deals with the consequences of war and the corruption within it. This fiery ending will leave you crumbling; focusing on the stark divergence, no pun intended, this YA movie has taken with its themes. Katniss has been a powerful role model for women, in every regard, and it’s just made exquisite with this ending spark.

Jurassic World

Birdman is one of the best, most original, and quirkiest films ever made. Without giving too much away, it’s difficult to explain what’s so great about it – but the astonishing performances from the likes of Emma Stone, Michael Keaton, Edward Norton and co. are enough to hook you into the weird and wonderful story of Keaton’s washed-up Hollywood superhero. The film focuses more on relationships, ambition, and the psychological pressures of fame and fortune than any particularly linear plot. Plot is secondary, and the surreal scenes documenting Keaton’s deteriorating mental state take centre stage. Overall, it’s just a fantastic film; it’s compelling, the characters are charismatic and simultaneously likeable and not so, and despite its quirks it’s strangely relatable in many ways. Birdman Rhian Hunter

I waited a long time for a Pixar movie that could actually match up with the quality they were providing at the turn of the century, and this year it came. Inside out is, in its purest form a heart-warming coming of age story, and despite the fact Disney lifted the concept straight from the Beano’s Numskulls, they adapted it in a way only Pixar can. The best films aimed at children are ones adults can relate to also, and the underlying moral that we should be in touch with, and embrace our emotions certainly struck a chord with me, and makes for an unforgettable experience. Jordan Oloman

From its spectacular opening tracking shot, which follows James Bond through the streets and atop the roofs of Mexico City, to its thrilling conclusion in London, Sam Mendes’ Spectre exudes confidence and style and is a worthy successor to 2012’s Skyfall. Daniel Craig is again excellent as 007, who aims to uncover the titular criminal syndicate and its enigmatic leader, Franz Oberhauser, played by an understated yet malevolent Christoph Waltz, who is the standout of a talented supporting cast. Handsomely shot by Hoyte van Hoytema and elevated by its stirring action sequences, Spectre is one of the great Bond adventures.

When a new Jurassic Park film was announced, it was immediately anticipated. When Jurassic World was released, it broke the record for the best opening weekend of all-time where it grossed over $500 million. Finally, there was a good quality Jurassic Park sequel rather than the mediocre and frankly quite laughable The Lost World and Jurassic Park III. Chris Pratt added a great deal if wit, charisma and pecs (even more pecks can be found from the man-eating pterodactyls) as the lead character, Owen. This film is fun for teenagers and parents alike, just as the titular park was intended to be. Emma Allsopp

Inside Out

Joint 6

Johnny Hastings

The Martian

Macbeth

Shakespeare adaptations are always risky, whether they’re on the stage, small screen or considerably larger screen. As some plays have been adapted endlessly it can be hard for directors to put their own stamp onto timeless classics. But Justin Kurzel has absolutely no problem with this for Macbeth. Beautiful landscapes and blasted heaths create an intense and harsh atmosphere which perfectly complements the story of a country at civil war. The cinematography is also outstanding with gorgeous motifs of red undercutting the Scottish gloom. The cast are brilliant too with Michael Fassbender bringing a horrifying brutality to the eponymous character and Marion Cotillard exploring the madness of Lady Macbeth beautifully. A definite must-see from 2015. Emma Allsopp

Whiplash Damien Chiseller’s Whiplash without a doubt was one of the most the intense and exhilarating cinematic experiences of the year. The movie is driven by two astounding performances by Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons. Miles Teller plays Andrew; a gifted drummer is driven to insanity to reach perfection, eliminating everything in his life, including his girlfriend to seek the approval of his teacher. Simmons towering Oscar-winning performance of the foul-mouthed and menacing conductor Terence Fletcher is extraordinary, injecting the phrase, ‘Not quite my tempo’ to the cinema’s long lexicon. Whiplash is a fast paced thrill ride that undoubtedly will have you at the edge of your seat.

10.

What do you do when you’re stuck on Mars with nothing other than a few solar panels, tiny potatoes and your own faeces to fertilise any plants you might grow? Local legend Ridley Scott gives you that answer with The Martian, his most recent (and easily his lightest, cheeriest) film. Matt Damon is the eponymous abandoned astronaut, and his tale is one of inspiring survival, plastered with a big, knowing grin and scored by 70s disco hits. Drew Goddard’s script juggles its tone fantastically, hopping between comedy and some of the pulse-pounding tension that made Gravity so great. There’s no one quite like Ridley. Simon Ramshaw

Avengers: Age of Ultron

With Age of Ultron,, Marvel and Joss Whedon paved the way for a series of films that will make The Avengers the lasting franchise that fans have always wanted. It’s made crystal clear that not only is the series here to stay, but we can expect a whole new roster of superheroes in the future joining in that will create new conflicts and explore new dynamics. While the film sags in certain places, it’s a superior follow up to The Avengers which was much more naive and aimed more to establish the crossover. Age of Ultron gains higher aspirations, constructing new story lines and setting up for future films. It also greatly raises the stakes for our flawed superheroes, all of whom are still learning to work as a unit. Set almost immediately after Iron Man 3 and Winter Soldier. we meet the Avengers fighting Hydra and taking on the rogue A.I known as Ultron.

Salman Ali Virk

The Courier

fashion&beautyfeature.29

Monday 14 December 2015

New Year’s Eve Looks 2015 Ardell ‘Whispies’-£5.49

Topshop £100

NYX- Soft matte lip cream in ‘Stockholm”-£5.50

Miss Selfridge £29 Topshop £6.50

Charlotte TilburyFilmstar bronze&Glow £49

Office £68

At the classic New Year’s Eve party, you have to make sure you dress to impress as you welcome in the new year. You don’t want to dress in a ball gown but still want to wear something fancy, and black and gold is always a winner.

The Party Topshop £7.50

Sleek- Makeup Blush in ‘Pink Lemonade’-£9.99

Estee Lauder- Double wear £30

Miss Selfridge £34

Topshop £42 Topshop-Mini nail pyramid in ‘Ghost’-£5

Fireworks

When you are with your friends watching the fireworks after the pub, you need to find the balance between casual and dressy. A nice top, jeans and boot heels are perfect for this sort of night.

Whistles £45

Accessorize £6

New Look £45

Bobbi Brown- Rich Caramel eye palette £38

Topshop £160 Office £58

The Balm- MaryLou Manizer £17.50

Accessorize £25

Finally, the fanciest off all New Year’s events, the evening ball. A floor length dress won’t look out of place here, and you may as well wear lace and sparkles because if you can’t on New Year’s Eve then when can you?

Charlotte TilburyRed carpet red £23

Evening Ball

30.lifestylefeature

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Christmas dinner... to take away please As we are always told, we are the generation that rushes through life and pretty much lead our existence on the move. Living up to our stereotype, the Lifestyle Editors give you the top 10 ways to enjoy your Christmas dinner (mainly in sandwich form) whilst madly rushing from town to Robbo to get those end of term assignments in on time.

M&S are usually one of the star performers in the sandwich world. However, this one fell short of their normal standard. The turkey and bacon didn’t really come through at all. The only thing I could taste was sausage and cranberry sauce, and whilst I love both of them individually, that combo just wasn’t worth the £3. The pastry was also pretty oily- definitely not up to the same crispiness as Greggs. Although, if you are looking for a SUPER speedy lunch, it is pretty filling and will be gone in approximately 3 bites so if you don’t have time for a Turkey, bacon & cranberry sausage roll proper Christmas sandwich, M&S this would be perfect. 3/10

Turkey and butternut squash stuffing sandwich M&S 5/10

Another contender from M&S, this one fares better than the sausage roll - evidently their strengths lie in sandwich making, not pastries. This is for those who want to enjoy their Christmas dinner without putting on those Christmas pounds. After trying this sandwich though, I don’t really know why you would bother. Eating healthy is a little dull... which is reflected in this sarnie. It was all a bit drythe butternut squash stuffing didn’t have the succulence of the standard meat one. The orange and pomegranate had a nice touch, but it was more chunky than juicy which again made for a pretty dry and dull mouthful. It could be far worse; if you’re looking for a less calorific sandwich- since Christmas can be pretty indulgent - this is the better one to go for since it is healthy without verging on those vegetarian substitutes.

Boots Christmas Selection Boots 9/10 If you are one of those awkward buggers that JUST can’t decide what the best thing about Christmas, here’s a combo of everything you could possibly need. You’ve got poultry, fish and cheese all in one meal. Who needs to sit down for Christmass dinner this year? The pricing isn’t too bad either- for you O2 priority peeps, pop down to Boots on a Monday and you can grab this in a meal deal for just £1! The only bad thing about this sandwich is that inevitably, you’re going to have your favourites. For me, I wish there was more of the Turkey and stuffing; it is pretty perfect. The cheddar and fig was a bit bland after that delight. Very close contender for the top place. If you can’t be arsed to venture further down Northumberland Street, Boots will definitely sort you out.

Subway Chicken and Bacon Ranch Subway 4/10 The fast food sandwich king Subway are putting up a pretty poor show for this festive season, claiming that a chicken and bacon ranch melt counts as a Christmas special. Firstly, I’m pretty sure this sandwich is available all year round and secondly, it isn’t a Christmas sandwich without turkey and/ or stuffing. It’s still a nice sandwich, for a reasonable price but I’m afraid it just isn’t festive enough for my liking.

Christmas Lunch sandwich Pret-a-manger 8/10

Everyone knows that Pret sandwiches are some of the best you can find. As one of the most expensive places to grab your lunch on the go, you do expect perfection incarcerated in bready goodness. This Christmas Lunch sandwich does not disappoint. As you can see from the picture, they are very generous with the filling, basically bursting out of the packaging. They manage to get the perfect combination of crunch, stuffing, turkey and sauce; something which most of these other sandwiches struggle with. If you can choke down the high pricing (nearly £4) you will most definitely not be choking on this bad boy. If you’re not balls deep in your overdraft this season, treat yourself.

This is a pretty substantial lunch if you’re ever starving hungry and in the Christmas mood. Value for money is therefore pretty good because Sainsbury’s don’t take the mickey with pricing. Aside from being a good price, however, the sandwich itself tasted pretty much like a regular chicken salad with a pitiful amount of festive stuffing and cranberry sauce. Most of the festive fillings are overwhelmed by the huge amount of mayo they stick in there. Overall, as always, you get what you pay for with Good value, Turkey, stuffing and Sainsburys. but not for those who are cranberry picky about their mayofilling ratios. Sainsburys 7/10

House dinner leftover sandwich Your own kitchen 9/10 Cooking a Christmas dinner always means leftovers for days and a leftover sandwich is the best way to cure a hangover. Of course, the contents and quality of the sandwich will differ depending on your housemate’s cooking ability. We cannot guarantee that your sandwich will not feature a dodgy threebird-roast jobby from Iceland. However, a home-cooked (and free) offering will always trump anything a supermarket can give you.

Turkey and stuffing (with all the trimmings) Frankie and Tony’s 10/10

HURRAY! WE’VE FOUND IT! Get yourself down to Frankie and Tony’s when you’re in the deepest, darkest sorrow and see no way of enjoying Christmas. You’ll find the dedicated staff working at top speed to get through the (definitely bigger than last year) queue down the road. This beauty will never fail to cheer you up. You can choose marg or mayo, what salad you want so none of the nasty surprises like in packaged sandwiches. You can either eat your precious sandwich straight away when it’s lovely and warm - although at your own peril as they put so much filling in, it can be a bit messy. Or you can rush home and enjoy at your leisure. Personally, I would recommend the latter, since this sandwich has the same affect on me as consumming a proper Christmas Dinner i.e. needing to lie down and fall asleep from sheer delightful fullness. For us, it’s an easy win.

The Courier

puzzlesfeature.31

Monday 14 December 2015

Puzzles T

Master of the Puzzles: Jack Parker Puzzles Assistant: Mark Sleightholm

Numbers smooth lines

Letters squiggly lines

Christmas hits, Christmas shits

These songs weren’t quite good enough to be Christmas number ones, but can Can you search for these Christmas words? you match each song to the year it was Christmas number two? Angel Cracker Merry Star Tinsel Candle Christmas

Gift Goodwill

Nativity Snow

Stocking Stuffing

Tree Turkey

As a Christmas gift to my fellow Puzzles enthusiasts, I’ve made this sudoku a bit easier than normal - aren’t I generous?

“Does anyone actually understand how to complete a sudoku?”

Completing the entirety of this puzzles page will entitle you to the respect of (some of) your peers. Feel free to bring the proof of your achievement into The Courier office, where you will be congratulated with a firm festive handshake

James Arthur – ‘Impossible’

1994

Cliff Richard – ‘The Next Time’ / ‘Bachelor Boy’

1955

The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl – ‘Fairytale of New York’ One True Voice – ‘Sacred Trust’ Bill Haley and his Comets – ‘Rock Around the Clock’

2012 1978 1962 1984

Mariah Carey – ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’

1972

Jeff Buckley – ‘Hallelujah’

2002

Chuck Berry – ‘My Ding-a-ling’

2008

The Village People – ‘YMCA’ Vanilla Ice – ‘Ice Ice Baby’ Wham – ‘Last Christmas’

1987 1990

34.arts

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Arts Editors: Holly Suttle, Emily Watton & Jade Holroyd

Top 5 books of 2015 by Amy Baird

A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson

A companion piece to her first Novel; the younger brother of the main protagonist in ‘Life after Life’, Teddy, is now the focus for ‘A God in Ruins’. In the final narrative of ‘Life after Life’ Teddy becomes a bomber pilot in WWII, then is reported missing- presumed dead but then reappears at the end of the war after spending 2 years as POW. ‘A God in Ruins’ is the story of Teddy’s war, the book stands on its own in being another spectacular read from Atkinson (a ‘genre-defying author’). Shortlisted for Costa Awards 2015

Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter

An unusual book that reads like a poem - two boys and their father are left grief-stricken when their mother, his wife dies. The father, whilst writing a book on Ted Hughes, imagines ‘a future of well-meaning visitors and emptiness’. Then ‘Crow’ arrives, the product of the writers psyche. ‘Crow’ looks after the two boys as the father in his grief is absent. Porter’s novella is a reflection on the difficulty in comprehending love and loss. The book is a collection of memories, scrambled thoughts and reactions to the finality of death and shifts between three viewpoints; ‘Dad’, ‘Boys’ and ‘Crow’.

You Will Need: 1 toilet roll tube (with no tissue paper) 2 sheet of white A4 paper 1 glue stick. 1 pair of scissors 1 pen/pencil 1. Fold the A4 piece of paper in half down the long line, and reclose the paper like a booklet.

2. Lay the toilet roll tube flat on the paper, with the bottom on the tube at the bottom of the paper with the fold to the left of the tube. Mark the height of the tube on the pa-

3. Using this line as a reference, cut (or tear) across the paper so that you are left with a piece of paper the exact height of the toilet roll tube.

The Little Red Chains by Edna O’Brien

The Little Red Chairs at first has a slow narrative but this quickly changes as it becomes a plot twister. A wanted war criminal, masquerading as a healer and sex therapist, settles in a small Irish community upsetting their equilibrium. Despite hostility from the local priest many women fall for his charisma and find his medical attentions miraculously helpful. The village beauty, struggling with fertility issues, asks for his help but then falls in love with him. Vlad’s identity is uncovered and his crimes must be accounted for, whilst Fidelma struggles to accept the truth about the man she loves.

Emily Watton demonstrates how to make a festive and thrifty tree topper...

Go set a Watchman by Harper Lee

This was one of the most anticipated books of the year and was written by Harper Lee, author of the renowned American classic ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. It had been believed that Mockingbird was her sole publication so when it emerged that ‘Go Set a Watchman’ had been discovered it was greeted enthusiastically by literary fans worldwide. On Amazon it was statistically their most pre ordered book since ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ in 2007. Although originally endorsed as a sequel to her first work it is now acknowledged as more of a prequel/earlier draft.

Make yourself an Angel

The Shepherd’s Crown by Terry Prachet

The fifth and final instalment in the Discworld, comedy and fantasy series, and the last book to have been written by the famed Terry Pratchet before his death early in the year. Based upon the character of Tiffany Aching, the plot unfolds when Granny Weatherwax (her adviser) dies leaving everything to Tiffany. Tiffany becomes the firstamong-equals of the witches. The Guardian said ‘not a perfect example of Pratchet’s genius, but it is a moving one’. It marks the end of an era and the death of a great and much renowned writer.

4. Gently fold the paper in half, keeping the first fold line on the left.

5. On one half, mark out one long sleeve and the side of the robe. 6. Keeping the gentle fold, cut out the robe following your drawn lines. When it is cut out you should be left with two robe shapes connected by the bottom of the robe and the end of the sleeve. 7. OPTIONAL – you can cover the toilet roll tube with the other half of the white paper.

8. Cover the tube with glue and position the cut-out robe so that the middle of the main body of each robe is resting on the tube. Press the middle of the robes to stick to the tube. 9. Stick the sleeves together, and then t h e bottom of

10. Cut out a head from any newspaper and use it as a face for your angel. Stick it to the top of the tube. If you need to stabilise it, roll a small piece of paper tightly to make a strong tube and glue (or tape) it to the back of the head and the in15. Decorate the robe and wings as you wish.

Doodling through life!

Charlotte Firth explains how our doodles, good or bad, say something about us

ot all doodles are a form of procrastination. Sometimes it’s important to remind ourselves that. Bill Gates endorses them as visual aids to learning when scribbled in the margins of hand-written plans and notes. And, truth be told, given that so much of the work we do at University now is computerised, any doodles I make on my work is welcome evidence that I still retain the ability to use a pen should the situation call for it.

2000’s British R&B boy-band, but never under any circumstances, had they intended it to mean the colour blue.

“Doodling delivers some insight into either the person or the content of their work”

“Doodling Doodling illustrates our inner most thoughts and fears””

Then there is the fashionable idea that doodles are an insight into our subconscious. That doodling illustrates our inner most thoughts and fears in a way that we could not envisage consciously. For example, some psychologists believe that drawing arrows means that, subconsciously, your thoughts are concerned with your career ambitions; that drawing flowers means that you are family orientated; and drawing a “nice face” means that you tend to see the good in others.

“A A black hole to the right of a set of algebra equations; read into that what you will”

Ever the sceptic, for me, this is all a little too reminiscent of GCSE English Literature and desperately searching through a text for the adjective “blue” which meant - as far as my teacher was concerned - that the author had felt either melancholy, cold, virginal, even possibly like an early

scribbles in one form or another next to their writing. One friend had drawn what appeared to be a black hole to the right of a set of algebra equations; read into that what you will, I only mention that a great many students would take their chances with the former over the latter.

I asked my friends about their lecture and seminar notes and whether or not they were “doodlers”. Surprisingly, nearly all of them had drawings or

Another friend had managed to title her page, ‘Strategies Seminar’ before descending into a madness of shapes, scrawls, stars, hearts, and various coiled springs. I can only infer from that that either the best way to be strategic is to have no plan whatsoever and thus catch the whole world by surprise or, and I feel that this is the more likely answer, that when all is said and done, geography students will always instinctively feel the need to simplify everything into a poster, possibly even inventing their own map symbols along the way. Lastly, came the Fine Art student and her draft business plan and its worth saying that her doodles were no more refined that anyone else’s. She had drawn what resembled the head of a blue whale a top her work and in this scenario, I think that it was simply indicative of the fact that she had been Moby Dicking around. Altogether, doodling delivers some insight into either the person or the content of their work - like a very special gift - to those who have the unfortunate task of attempting to trawl through them to revise at a later date.

The Courier

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Monday 14 December 2015

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Six plays in a single night Melissa Wear takes a trip to see six local teenagers’ plays excellently performed by professional actors at the Live Theatre

ive Theatre holds a prominent place on the Quayside’s Broad Chare and takes a strong part in promoting the dynamics of Newcastle and Gateshead. Established as a radical travelling theatre company, the intentions of Live Theatre have always centralised lives of individuals in the character of their plays. The working class attitudes of characters are very relatable.

“... where professionals share their skills with young writers”

The community-focused ideals of the company extend to their interest in developing the art of playwriting. The goal of stimulating creative talent is achieved through workshops in local schools where professionals share their skills with young writers. This is what brings me in front of six short plays written by thirteen-fifteen year olds. On a school night. The evening began with Amy Connor’s “Memories Of The Sea”. Exported to Tynemouth, or maybe even as far as South Shields, the two characters (all plays held this pattern) fully captured me in their park bench reflection on life. The play was complexly penetrated with issues of unemployment, ageing, and the modern family. These are serious scenarios surrounding fourteen year olds. This dramatic existence of the world situated within a gentle conversation (between a Geordie boy with his feral grandmother) had a powerful position.

Nathan Beckett followed with a similar use of everyday tragedy that, in actual fact, should not be so commonplace that we are typically oblivious to them. “Could It Be A Tuna” assesses the relationship of a mother with her tumour-ridden four year old (depicted by Tom Booth who is a full grown man which makes his jumping up onto furniture more hilarious than cute). The absorption of this illness is fantastically portrayed by Christina Berriman Dawson’s spectrum of emotional distress. The raw honesty of the script has an observational quality that I would be surprised to hear that it has been totally invented. The plot, which could easily be glossed, brings life to the characters. My emotional volatility was thankfully grounded by the comedy of Reece Weightman’s “Scary House” and Lee Harrison’s “Doctor Death” which were comparable in that I am still not sure

To propose, or not to propose Jonathan Hastings gives his ideas for NUTS’ next shows

f you haven’t heard about NUTS, (Newcastle University Theatre Society) then you’re in for a treat as they’ve been boasted as one of the most successful student societies in the country. Each year they put on at least twelve main productions, look out for their Peter Pan-tomime, all of which seem to set the tone for the adventurous and practical ability the cast and crew dedicate to each performance. So here I am, hopefully putting up a few light-hearted recommendations for the NUTS group to take on for the coming year. First of all, Waiting for Godot. An absurdist play by Samuel Beckett featuring Vladimir and Estragon who wait endlessly, and in vain, for the arrival of this elusive Godot; the audience can think about the metaphorical implications of that themselves. With its minimalistic stage design: the focus is drawn to the central characters and their perpetual limbo-like state of existence. The tragicomedy is full of slight comical moments and provides a variety of interpretations that leave it open for the audiences’ decision on the fate of the characters. Although, maybe we could a full female cast: despite Beckett’s objections? For the Holy Grail fans, I’m going to include Spamalot onto this list. The musical comedy, adapted from the 1975 film, would be a great change in tone from Waiting For Godot. Bringing into the production, again, is the search for the Holy Grail with musical accompaniment. This would be a great time to introduce audience participation, which would add another dimension to the performance. As long as the cast can deliver the lines correctly and add a great atmosphere to the songs, I’m sure this would be a great production. Next we could have The Seagull, Chekov’s first of his four major plays, dramatizes the romantic and philosophical conflicts between its four major characters. If you’re a fan of sub text, there’s plenty here to get you going. Since The Seagull relies on a

diversity cast most of the characters don’t address issues directly which leads, again, to audience interpretation for a large part of the play. The diverse casting will also allow for some interesting dynamics between cast members, which will suit the play perfectly.

“I am, hopefully putting up a few light-hearted recommendations for the NUTS group”

Martin McDonagh’s Pillowman would be another interesting play to bring to life. Much like Waiting For Godot, the set design is relatively simplistic, mostly consisting of jail cells. It would provide the audience with a rushed decent and complex characterization that would lead to the great ending and the thought provoking stories that intertwined within the stories main frame. It would be interesting, for those unfamiliar, to see the reaction as the play draws into the third act, and to its conclusion. And, just because it’s plays, we’ll have to throw in a few Shakespeare renditions. Firstly a comedy, As You Like It, with its gender bending and witty ponder; it would be something to lighten the mood, plus a chance to see some of Shakespeare’s most famous speeches in action. As well as a production of William Shakespeare’s Star Wars, I mean they’re not strictly Shakespeare, but these beautifully reimagined stories have captured the essence of Star Wars in elegant sonnets. Plus, it might be nice to see it before the release of Star Wars Episode 8 in May 2017.

whether I was more frightened than humoured by the story of the misunderstood clown who lives in an abandoned house or the serial killer who always wanted to be a doctor. The china-doll-like ghost of Leonnie Lartey’s “Souless and Goalless” was decidedly menacing.

“The play was complexly penetrated with issues of unemployment, ageing, and the modern family”

This conflict of fears, throughout the six plays, readdress my consideration of stereotypes in relation to reality. The evening was closed with Lauren Dickinson’s “Never Never Land” which drew more tangible grandparent relationships and the favourite tokens of Peter Pan. This dreamy swirl of images reminded me of a utopia. There was a slightly institutional manner to both the double bow of actors to mark the end of each instalment and to the fablelike lessons saturated in the occasional line. However, this simplistic approach to weaving the stories brought the audience closer to the actors and the script. I felt as if this could have been set up in my living room and the characters were expressing the issues of people who I have known. These six creations are the result of Live Theatre’s active involvement in generating the arts of Newcastle, and the fantastic ability for young people to assimilate the world around us, in its pure state.

Review: NUTS’ Macbeth

s a huge fan of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, NUTS had a lot to live up to. However, I was surprised by how professional the whole thing was. For the most part, the acting was of a standard that I would expect of a professional company putting on the play and the set was intelligently designed despite the space NUTS had to work with. The space was small yet intimate with seating on both sides of the stage and I felt almost as though I was on stage with the characters. A particular mention should go to the actor playing Macbeth who succeeded in making me laugh at some points and make my hair stand up on the back of my neck at others. Utterly fantastic. NUTS made the decision to pretty much stick to the original script, with a few changes including a cracking dance scene and rather harrowing torture scene. Although neither of these fitted in with play, the acting was brilliant and it provided a few laughs for the audience. The time period when the play was meant to be set was unfortunately a little bit unclear. I understood that it was during or after a war, maybe WWII, but it didn’t really seem to tie in with the play and left a few people confused. The characters were often seen drinking and smoking which I assumed was significant or symbolic of something but I couldn’t quite work out what it was. The decision to change some of the characters’ genders was peculiar. Banquo and Duncan were both changed to female characters which I feel altered the dynamic of the play somewhat. Although it wasn’t necessarily in a bad way, it definitely added something different. There is no denying the special place that Macbeth holds in the Shakespearian canon so they had a big job on their hands, but NUTS pulled it off spectacularly so round of applause to them. Meg Holtom

Open Lectures: Karen Sands-O’Connor

Literature for the Black British child

his was an INSIGHTS public lecture that was open to all. Sands-O’Connor’s research was both revelatory and illuminating. She took us through a brief history of British literature in relation to our Black population, which was at times very uncomfortable. It looked at the influences of publishing, marketing, the target audience, authorship and Black representation. These are respectively very substantial topics which must take a lot of nerve to take an academic stance upon, especially as it works with some very offensive material. SandsO’Connor looked at a range of literature - including poetry, picture books, nursery rhymes and comics that collectively spanned two-hundred years. Beginning with Abolition literature to our great writers of today, such as Malorie Blackman and Zephaniah.

“This lecture made me see how children’s literature reflects societal ideology”

Literature for the Black child interestingly began with books targeting White children in order to communicate morality and/or abolitionist feeling. The moral guidance and persuasion calling for a boycott of sugar in order to progress abolition and improve the lives of slaves ranged from intellectual confrontation from William Blake to the emotional appeal from Cowper. However, Joanna Baillie’s work did address Black children and she disliked ‘poetry for a cause’. Therefore, rather than her poetry being politically-minded she focused on the day-to-day life of Black children. However, Sands-O’Connor said it was very unlikely to have actually been read by the Black population and that the main consumer was White. Charles and Mary Lamb took another approach and centred their fiction round the Black Briton finding a place within White British society, such as finding as suitable profession. So far all the texts made me cringe and Sands-O’Connor summarised the story lines with a sardonic smile for the ignorance and racism shown by these ‘liberal’ writers, where prejudice seemed to undermine any philanthropic attempt. When abolition came, Sands-O’Connor notes that British literature became ‘Whiter’. Though, there were some attempts to address the colonies by Walter Jekyll and a focus on Jamaican songs and folklore with an intent to enter them into British nursery rhymes. However, there was an explosion of Victorian picture books that showed a recognition of Black presence in Britain. But this was accompanied with an anachronistic idea of the British Empire where White children would be superior and dominate Black characters. This is when Sands-O’Connor mentioned Gollywogs and their presence in the minds of the twentieth century. Now that was disturbing. I thought the literature thus far had been distorting but the iconography infantilised and de-humanised Black characters. Sands-O’Connor showed how slow the progression of equality in British society was, and perhaps still is. She mentioned how sports and entertainment improved things, and how racism was openly confronted and progression encouraged by Black British writers, like Beryl Gillroy and Pretonella Brenberg. However, this certainly didn’t erase racism, and such literature was ignored by mainstream publications. Now, multiculturalism is being embraced by writers like Philip Pullman, whilst more effort is put into erasing stereotypes and racism in education and children’s literature since the murder of Steven Lawrence highlighted institutionalised British prejudice. This lecture made me see how children’s literature reflects societal ideology and how important these subjects are. The progression and regression the British public has made towards equality and away from ignorant prejudice was very interesting, though things certainly still aren’t perfect. To view this lecture, and other open lectures visit:http://www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures/ archive.php Emily Watton

36.music

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Music Editors: Jamie Shepherd, Dominique Daly & Connor McDonnell

Living La Vida Local

Music Editor Jamie Shepherd takes a look at the best Christmas musical extravaganzas the North East has to offer

o that’s another term over and done with and you’re in a mad dash to book Megabus tickets and cheap rail deals home. While the allure of the family pet and the luxury of home cooked meals inlieu of Super Noodles and Eat4Less is appealing, it might I beg of you readers to not be so hasty in your departure. Here’s my round-up of some of the best festive gigs that are going to be happening in the region to fill you right up with festive cheer.

The Great Curve’s Christmas Office Party, 20th December. Cluny 2 A stalwart of the Tyneside music scene, The Great Curve’s Christmas gigs are always sure to draw a crowd especially with the irascible man-child Mick Rolfe at the helm. Live music will be provided by Franco-Anglo-Russo quartet Them Things, Geordie lads A Festival, A Parade and headliners The Great Curve. And if the fact that each band will be playing a Christmas song isn’t good enough for you, we’re also being treated to some funky electronic beats in the form of Moon Rocks’ Pav and The Cluny’s resident Lord Don Hoolio. Free entry for one and all and as it says on the events page in dodgy chav-esque capitalisations “fEsTiVe ChEeR cOmPuLsOrY aT aLl TiMeS”. If anything says Christmas then it’s definitely dodgy punctuation.

Lilliput, 22nd December, Sage 2 This one has a special resonance for me seeing that some of the best (worst depending on how you view it) days of my drunken adolescence was spent following members of this band in previous incarnations. I remember watching Libertine wannabes The Deadwoods playing in Sunderland’s Jack Jones when we were all NME bumming skinny jeans wearers back in 2007, and little did I think that Lilliput would transform into the band that we have now. The band’s wholesome folk inspired music has soundtracked my Christmases over the last few years as it’s almost become a tradition amongst my group of pals that we have to see Lilliput at some point over the festive period. Past gigs have seen them fill out venues as diverse as Sunderland Minster and The Cluny and this gig sees them filling up the grandiose setting of The Sage’s Hall 2. It’s the perfect venue to get those cockles warmed by a bunch of dead canny lads.

Hyde and Beast’s Christmas Shindig, 22nd and 23rd December, Independent Sunderland With the initial gig on the 23rd selling out within 24 hours a second gig had to be added and if you’ve ever seen Hyde and Beast before you’ll understand why. Dave Hyde from The Futureheads and Neil Bassett aka the Beast formerly of The Golden Virgins play a heady mixture of post-punk and psychadelia that is set to heat up the streets of Wearside in the run-up to Christmas. The venue Independent means a lot to me as it’s my local haunt when I’m back on the silver streets of Sunderland and I’ve got many a memory of stumbling out of there in snowfall after drinking one too many vodka and lemonades and sambuccas after serenading ‘Fairytale of New York’ to my friends while I’ve got them in a headlock. Knowing me, I’ll be full of festive cheer at one of these gigs and cause a good old festive ruckus like the good old days. On the 22nd up and comers Vito are the support act while Lilliput’s Jordan and Joe’s new side-project Apple Scruff ’s are opening on the 23rd.

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Half the World Away (In a Manger)

Aurora’s contribution to the John Lewis Christmas ad has been tipped to hit the hot spot. Phoebe Ng examines what makes this song such a winner

ince John Lewis first launched their Christmas ad in 2007, it has soon become the “king” of Christmas commercials. As predicted by Marketing Magazine on 27 October, the choice for this year was Oasis track ‘Half The World Away’. However, in this case it is interpreted by rather less-known Norwegian singersongwriter Aurora. With investment of over million pounds, it would not come to our surprise that songs featured in their ads are often competitors for Christmas No. 1. There is a reason why classics like Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’ has become artists’ timeless choice of cover. Generally when audience see something new, hearing something familiar makes them feel more comfortable, which is what exactly what John Lewis wants you to feel when watching this advert. ‘Half the World Away’ is known to many as the theme tune for BBC’s Royle Family. Its lyrics “I would like to leave this city… So here I go still scratching around the same old hole” describes the loneliness of the man on the moon, almost as if the storyline was created from the lyrics itself.

slow, acoustic tune in key of C lightly accompanied by the band. Aurora’s cover has explored new colour, texture and space among sounds. It has been tuned up to the key of A. Perhaps the decision is made in order to accommodate to the singer’s vocal range, however it does do the magic o f completely changing the mood of the piece as strange as it

may sound, different musical keys do have different characters. The original’s key is often deemed to be representation of innocence and simplicity; whereas the cover’s new key of A gives more feeling of happiness. One could really feel the hope for reunion listening to this arrangement in the cover, which naturally blend into the Christmas-y mood of the commercial. The arranger also opted for a more minimalistic approach when compared to the original. They applied only a very light texture, the accompaniment was kept simple to the extent that it almost sounded like a modern-day-recitative, creating feeling of solitude effectively. It was not until after the man on the moon received the telescope from Lily (the little girl) that the music starts to become richly orchestral, instantly creating warmth and lifting the emotion of audience.

“Oasis fans think Aurora totally ruined the classic tune, but some may think she sang with an “angelic” voice”

“It may be disheartening for Oasis fans that the cover received much more views than the original on YouTube but came to me with no surprise”

It may be disheartening for Oasis fans that the cover received much more views than the original on YouTube but came to me with no surprise. By linking the new rendition to universal sentiment of Christmas, the cover managed to reach more new audience who were separated by generations or musical tastes. It was certainly a success from marketing point of view. But commercialism often overpower artistry when they meet together: it made audience focus on sensation the whole “package” created for us.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all. Oasis fans think Aurora totally ruined the classic tune, but some may think she sang with an “angelic” voice. While I do not intend to comment on the controversial matter of the singer’s technique and rendition in the article, one could not deny that the arranger successfully transformed the tune into an incredible work of PR. The original version was a

Who’s got the X-mas Factor?

Christmas is just around the corner and this week sees this years Christmas number one get announced. Rebecca Jackson runs through the candidates for this year’s chart topper

f you haven’t already began to feel it in your fingers and toes, Christmas is definitely starting all around us. As with every year the bets are on for who’s going to take the prized Christmas Number 1, but who’s in the running? As usual, X-Factor is still a strong contender for whichever finalist wins singing Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young’, much to the dismay o f Dylan fans across the country. Some say it’s a good choice to introduce the song and Bob Dylan to a younger generation, some say it’s a poor choice by Cowell to use on a show like the X-Factor. With the show’s lowest ratings in years and it’s ironically low entertainment factor this year, if X-Factor does manage to make it to number one, I think we can assume that Cowell’s iTunes account will have taken a beating. Of course there’s yet another anti X-Factor campaign, reportedly set up by the same guy who organised ‘Rage Against the Machine’, to get Star Wars: The Force Awakens to number 1 instead, in pure determination to keep X-Factor from winning. That’s the Christmas Spirit.

“With Murray’s and Miley’s popularity and what looks like a traditional and delightful time for all, there is quite the chance some of these tunes, if released, may do very well in the Christmas charts”

Other notable number 1 campaigns are to get Cilla Black to number one after her death earlier this year, and another to get Eagles of Death Metal’s ‘Save a Prayer’, (originally by Duran Duran), following the tragic Paris attacks in memory of all those lost. Facebook pages have been made to

spread the support and both have a large following already even with weeks to go. With both being very strong and personal to many, and after the success of Christmas campaigns before, either may succeed in gaining the top spot this year. With Adele’s comeback album after three years, ‘25’ just being released and ‘Hello’ being the fastest selling single in the last 18 years, there’s

also a very good chance Adele may just unleash a surprise single and grab number one as fast as ‘Hello’ sold. With her popularity at the moment and simple likeability and homing vocals, Adele is a strong choice.

“As usual, X-Factor is still a strong contender for whichever finalist wins singing Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young’, much to the dismay of Dylan fans across the country”

Finally although not specifically a contender in the running for Number 1, Bill Murray has released the trailer for his Sofia Coppola directed, a Very Murray Christmas with a large gathering of celebrity friends to boot. From Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Michael Cera and even George Clooney, Murray brings together the spirit for this Netflix special premiering on the 4th December. Alongside this merriment of celebrities and adding to the list, Miley Cyrus joins Murray for a couple of Christmas carols throughout the special. With Murrays and Mileys popularity and what looks like a traditional and delightful time for all, there is quite the chance some of these tunes, if released, may do very well in the Christmas charts. Of course any of the old favourites may suddenly appear, from Slade and Wham!, to Sinatra and Crosby may revive their way to the top, and other current artists may come In with some surprises closer to the time. However with the chart changing from Sunday to Friday and the release of the X-Factors single falling after the chart the taking is wide open, and we may truly be hearing the Star Wars soundtrack as Christmas Number 1. May the festivities be with you.

The Courier

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Monday 14 December 2015

thecourieronline.co.uk/music c2.music@ncl.ac.uk | @courier_music

Album Review: Garden of Delete Oneohtrix Point Never

Have yourself an electronic Christmas with Sophie Ahmed

neohtrix Point Never, the musical pro- surrounded by passages that have a sound someject of Daniel Lopatin, has for some time where between industrial and black metal. This is a operated on the borders of kitsch, plun- good place to point out that, although there’s a laydering so-called ‘low art’ and reassembling its er of postmodern irony over the album as a whole, pieces in new ways to create something much it doesn’t lack for genuine feeling. The climax of less accessible. This is as true as ever for Garden ‘Sticky Drama’ really does feel transcendent, in its of Delete, but this time even the genres of mu- own strange way. sic from which Lopatin borrows are further out ‘SDFK’ is perhaps the most straightforward than his usual easy listening fare. There are digit- track. It’s a minute and a half of ambient noises ised versions of extreme metal tropes, ironically with a driving noise music ending that wouldn’t counterposed with those of trance music. It’s an sound out of place on a Ben Frost album. ‘Mutant album of intensity, but always undermined in Standard’, in contrast, clocks in at eight minutes some way. and is inevitably a looser piece of music. It has its It’s also more than this; a multi-format alternate moments, but feels more like an experiment than reality game accompanies the more tightly focused tracks on the album itself, including “the album itself proves that the album. bizarre music videos and its creator has a special talent The second half of the album blogs. On some semi-ironic seems to take on a more mournlevel it’s a concept album. for creating poignancy out of ful, subdued tone, with, for exYou don’t really need to en- disorder, beauty out of trash” ample, ‘Animals’, sounding more gage with this dimension of like a funeral dirge than anyit to appreciate the music, but it all contributes to thing. Again, it’s quite genuinely moving despite the slimy, otherworldly texture of the album. Lo- its weirdness. ‘I Bite Through It’ sees a brief return patin’s music feels alien, but is always built, in truly to the earlier intensity, before the final few tracks postmodern fashion, out of the cultural detritus of close the album in this newly melancholic vein, our world. with highlights including the ending of ‘Freaky The album’s first proper track after intro, ‘Ezra’, Eyes’ as it disintegrates into noise, the guitar solo starts out in pretty familiar territory: a sparse ar- inserted halfway through ‘Lift’, and ‘No Good’ in its rangement of synthesised notes slowly developing entirety, a carefully constructed coda for the album into something more conventionally recognisable with a real, stirring sense of finality. as music. But about a minute in, a burst of intense, Lopatin works with a patchwork of disparate indriving EDM music interrupts, coming to a noisy fluences that, by all rights, should produce someclimax before returning us to the song’s regular thing ugly and unlistenable. It should be a shamsound. This happens a lot on Garden of Delete, a bles. But the album itself proves that its creator has sudden, sharp contrast serving to highlight the a special talent for creating poignancy out of disormusic’s odd melting-pot of influences. der, beauty out of trash. On album highlight ‘Sticky Drama’ a chorus that Jack Caulfield sounds like something PC Music might release is

More than this Forest Swords - Engravings Back in 2013, Forest Swords released a tantilisingly intelligent electronic album. ‘Thor’s Stone’ is a soundscape that lurks in darkness, with its ominous tones. The video to this track is equally as unnerving. ‘The Weight Of Gold’ is a majestic track with a thick timbre and beautiful string surges. ‘Anneka’s Battle’ emits a golden ethereal glow, while remaining one of the most overlooked track of 2013. Aphex Twin - Syro One of the biggest releases of 2015 and worthy enough for a Mercury Prize nomination. This was the album that brought Richard D. James into the mainstream public eye. While a lot more accessable than Selected Ambient Works 85-92, Syro still remains undeniably Aphex Twin and at parts enters the realms of the weird.

Imaginary Lines Fatima Yamaha

Ty Rex Ty Segall

Modern Dancing TRAAMS

here is something very special about the Dutch electronic producer Ban Bron. Under the guise of a project called Fatima Yamaha, he has won my heart over. His debut single, ‘What’s A Girl To Do’, was released in 2004 (when I would have been 11) and gained Fatima Yamaha huge status as a hit maker after DJ’s like Jackmaster played it religiously. This fame allowed it to be reissued by mega-label Dekmantel in 2015. This one of the many reasons why Fatima Yamaha is such a special producer- his tracks have a longevity that so many electronic producers struggle to retain, and labels genuinely want to save. The album is an acid-house tinged masterpiece embezzled with analogue synth patterns and rippling guitar runs. The intensely catchy hooks in ‘Love Invaders’ adds to the distilled aesthetic which is prevalent throughout the album. While still nurturing analogue sounds of synths, and crafting great dance tracks the album is embedded in a dark synth-pop package. The more bass-orientated tracks like ‘Sooty Shearwater, King of Migration’ and ‘Borderless II’ are guaranteed dance floor fillers, whereas the title track, ‘Imaginary Lines’ which, despite oozing an 80’s seductive sound, has an inherent darkness to it. By juxtaposing these grey-tinged sludgy italo disco classics with clever melodies and dream sequencing, Fatima Yamaha’s album is as much an emotional record as one invested in fuelling a party. Imaginary Lines has a self-reflexive quality to it, which is why it’s not your usual electronic album. It’s quirky electronic flavour is why Imaginary Lines one of my favourite albums of the year. Grace Herring

rolific lo-fi garage rocker Ty Segall has always demonstrated a wide range of influences. The ingeniously titled Ty Rex is anything but an exception, being a cover album entirely of T Rex songs. Essentially a reissue of two previous record day exclusive EPs, Ty Rex sees Ty Segall’s signature fuzz-laden style applied to an assortment of T-Rex tunes, resulting in a surprisingly effective combination. Make no mistake, this is not simply a tribute album of T-Rex hits. Ty includes a large variety of songs, generally avoiding the well-known and digging up some hidden gems in the process. This includes the opener ‘First Heart Mighty Dawn Dart’, combining Ty’s predisposition towards unconventional chord progressions with an impressive use of falsetto. Nor are we presented with carbon copies of the originals; the iconic ‘20th Century Boy’ is sped up into garage-rock madness, incorporating Ty’s typically distorted vocals and the addition of a wild guitar solo. Similarly, Ty embraces T-Rex’s early psychedelic roots with his cover of ‘Element Child’, majorly cranking up the distortion yet maintaining the trippy vibes of the original. Strangely enough, a notable deviation from Ty’s previous releases is in the consistency of Ty Rex’s production, maintaining a lo-fi, distorted sound largely throughout. This is perhaps where the album falters most; Ty Rex simply lacks the huge variety of instruments, sounds and textures which made his previous albums, such as 2010’s Melted and 2011’s Goodbye Bread, so unique. Among Ty Segall’s lengthy discography, Ty Rex doesn’t stand out as one of his best, but is undoubtedly an excellent effort, serving as an interesting listen for both Ty Segall and T Rex fans alike. Charlie Isaac

Electronic Blanket

odern Dancing is the second album by TRAAMS to be produced by Hookworm’s Matthew Johnson (known as MJ), the first being their debut Grin (2013). TRAAMS’ bassist Leigh Padley called their second album experience with MJ ‘great’ and said that this one is ‘generally a more positive record’ but there is a promise that there’s some ‘fucking angry’ tracks on this post-punk LP. The album is undeniably driven by Fugazifuzz that lines the trio’s musical consciousness. ‘Cosner’ boots the album in to life with a dizzily sluiced bassline muddled and a shrieking guitar that singer/guitarist Stuart Hopkins lets ring. After a bold bass outro, the song sneaks in to ‘AB’, with the opening lyrics ‘Tell me, tell me / what’s your dance?’ The guitar riffs start as white-noise distortion, before hardening themselves, towards the end, as flesh busting progressions. ‘Succulent Thunder Anthem’ follows, with frantic, hyperactive instrumentation. On ‘Silver Lining’ Hopkins provides vocals to match Padley’s bass. This pairing of vocals matching instrumentation is strangely unheard in contemporary guitar music, a trope that many presumed was dead. ‘Silver Lining’ is a pristinely produced track – rapt by the darkness of industrial rock, and later exposes itself in a vicious flurry. There is a menacing that lurks beneath Modern Dancing, but once it reveals itself it becomes amiable. ‘Modern Dancing’ self-reflexively smirks at you (‘I see you dancing / I know you can’t help it’) while bobbing away itself. TRAAMS bleed the confidence of American bands such as Parquet Courts and Thee Oh Sees, even as relatively new-comers. The Chichester trio are competitors among the top-names. Connor McDonnell

ew Christmas themed electronica is few and far between this year. So, sadly you wont be able to avoid ‘Fairytale of New York’ and Mariah Carey’s voice blaring out for the next couple of weeks, but I can ease the pain of your bleeding ears slightly with the 3 electronic winter warmers that I have sought out. One for all the Scrooges out there is Depeche Mode’s instrumental B-Side ‘Christmas Island’, which is more malicious than merry, and envisions an Island, which the Grinch probably fled to to avoid the festivities rather than one full of elves and Christmas cheer. To be fair, the track was inspired by the real Australian island of that name and not the birth of Jesus Christ, but the fact that the island was discovered on 25th December 1643 means that you have my permission to play Depeche Mode throughout the holiday season. Next, I’m paying homage to Swedish Electronic duo The Knife who split up last year. Their Christmas-themed track ‘Reindeer’ was released way back in 2001 and also has sinister undertones as Karin Dreijer Andersson spookily sings, ‘we follow mister Santa to the end’. I will end on a more upbeat note, with Orbital’s ‘Christmas Chime’, which is essentially just a reworking of their classic ‘Chime’ with the addition of some jolly bells. All I want for Christmas this year is to end a night in Cosmic raving to this.

You Need To Hear: SOPHIE This year, my present to you all is myself. Only kidding, it is in fact the unconventional gurgles and screeches produced by Samuel Long. This year, he’s enjoyed commercial success with ‘LEMONADE’ sound-tracking a McDonald’s ad and he coproduced ‘Bitch I’m Madonna’ which does bear his strange signature sound despite its place in the mainstream market. 2015 has been peppered with SOPHIE singles throughout, all accompanied by a bizarre computerised plastic object as the cover art. The music is just as weird, with the unsettling, childish vocals of ‘BIPP’ reminiscent of UK Garage tracks like T2’s ‘Heartbroken’, meets Haim. The difference is that the backbone of this track is far less beat-orientated than Garage and instead mimics a sprawling series of chemical reactions going off. In ‘JUST LIKE WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE’ there isn’t even a beat as such, and a wave of synthetic sound surges like the tide over a contagious chorus. But do not fear, you can still boogie to SOPHIE around the Christmas tree this year, as Long’s message on dance track ‘VYZEE’ is ‘you’ve gotta twist your body’, which just so happens to be my New Year’s Resolution too. Listen To: SOPHIE – VYZEE

Preview: Gold Teeth Christmas Cracker with Artful Dodger, 17th December, World Headquarters The absolute angel in this year’s sackful of end-ofterm parties is undeniably the one that Gold Teeth is putting on. Garage legends, Artful Dodger are this year’s pick to follow the seasonal star of fun to World HQ and get everyone twirling with their tidings of comfort and joy. If like me you missed Artful Dodger’s appearance in Newcastle last year, it would be a festive fail to pass on seeing these guys in the 16th year of their career ‘for the cost of a medium quality Primark Christmas t-shirt’. This Christmas Cracker is set to be full of surprises, and whether or not the pair re-remixes ‘Re-rewind’ with jingle bells, it will conjure up ecstatic feelings of ‘Movin’ Too Fast’ in a one horse open sleigh. You’d better ask Santa for your tickets now as this is destined to be a sell out and you don’t want to be turned away from the door, Mary and Joseph-style.

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38.filmfeatures

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Film Editors: Emma Allsopp, Rhian Hunter & Simon Ramshaw

What makes a proper Crimbo?

MEGA FAN

An essential guide to the perfect Christmas ﬁlm - Emma Allsopp talks mulled wine, mince pies, Christmas spirit and what to watch during your post-Christmas dinner doze

vs GIANT CYNIC

Elf

Quite possibly one of the most popular Christmas films of all time - Elf nonetheless divides opinions. James McCoull and Imogen Scott-Chambers decide whether the best way to spread Christmas cheer really is singing loud for all to hear - or if it’s watching Elf.

Mega Fan

Christmas is in the air. The smell of spiced apples, the sound of Mariah Carey, and the sights of crass advertising schemes are truly everywhere. What better way to celebrate the best time of the year with the best Christmas film of all time? And after you’ve watched Love Actually, you can watch Elf. A heartwarming and agelessly hilarious tale of a man searching for the truth of his confused identity in the cold and cruel city of New York, this is a favourite of both kids and adults alike, with good reason: Will Ferrell’s slapstick antics are far from cloying, combining perfect comedic timing with his own personal brand of over-the-top idiocy. And Zooey Deschanel’s in it too, so yeah. Any argument made against this film falls flat against the fact that Peter Dinklage dropkicks a man, so I don’t really feel the need to say anything more than that. James McCoull

ow that the Christmas season is finally here, it’s time to curl up on the sofa with a mug of mulled wine and a mince pie to watch some festive films. But this got me thinking, what makes the perfect Christmas film? Something that goes without saying is that it must be set at Christmas. Yes, this means that favourites such as Die Hard and In Bruges are totally appropriate to watch as a festive film. However, for me, they are missing just a little something called Christmas. While they are both set during the season, there just isn’t any of the fuzziness I associate with the festive season.

“There has to be heartwarming and comic elements, something to make you feel like mulled wine on the inside”

I prefer a film with snow and romance because, after all, it is winter. A great example of this is Bridget Jones’ Diary as in the final scene when Bridget (Renee Zellweger) runs out into a snowy street after everyone’s (well, mine anyway) favourite, Mr Darcy (Colin Firth). This is when they finally get together and embrace in the street and this is exactly what I want from a festive film. It’s Christmassy, snowy and downright adorable (seriously someone do that for me please). If you want more Colin Firth, or Hugh Grant for that matter, then take a look at Love Actually.. Even though I haven’t seen it all the way through, I know it’s a good one. Although there has to be heart-warming and comic elements, something to make you feel like mulled wine on the inside. For this, I find Elf to

Giant Cynic

Imogen Scott-Chambers

loud for all to hear”, for goodness sake! Plus, even with this put aside, it’s still hilarious and bound to put a smile on anyone’s face. But I think most of all it has to be suitable for the whole family. Yeah, you can put Die Hard on, or maybe In Bruges, but is your grandma really going to like the swearing? Sure, she’d love Love Actually and Bridget Jones’ Diary, but would your grandad really like all of the sex? Because of this you need something that is suitable for all, like Home Alone. With this everyone can sit down

and laugh along with Kevin’s (Macaulay Culkin) adventures, and then get sad when they think of Macauley’s strange pizza demise.

“Yeah, you can put Die Hard on, or maybe In Bruges, but is your grandma really going to like the swearing?” So, taking all of this into account my perfect film must actually be Christmassy (sorry, Bruce Willis and Colin Farrell) with snow and romance and a big helping of heart-warming comedy. But I don’t think there is a universal ‘perfect’ Christmas film. As I said earlier, my grandma wouldn’t like the swearing in In Bruges and my grandad definitely wouldn’t like the sex in Love Actually and Bridget Jones’ Diary, Diary and to be honest someone in my family would probably find Home Alone and Elf “too daft to laugh at”. So really, you have to find your own ‘perfect’ festive film, and mine must be sickly sweet, like eating too many mince pies (we’ve all been there).

Star Wars: The return of the prequels

The Star Wars prequels get a hell of a lot of stick, but it’s not all bad. William Leng debates the epic failures and great successes of the much-contested trilogy

ear became anger. Anger became hate. Hate became suffering. For most Star Wars fans, the attempt to bring their beloved space opera to a new generation fell under-par, and that’s putting it mildly for many of them (Simon Pegg recently referring to them as infanticide on the part of George Lucas). Much of the criticism claimed that the revamped franchise had changed too much from the originals.While there was certainly a story to be told in the rise of the Darth Vader and the Empire, much of the tone and authenticity was lost. With the hype around Star Wars: The Force Awakens making the buzz that Jurassic World generated sound mosquito-like, it’s time to look back at our last venture to a galaxy far, far away.

When it gets to the 1st of December, all I hear is “I can’t wait to watch Elf!” Elf-mania encroaches upon my life and I just want to hide away watching truly good Christmas films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Die Hard. Elf may well be branded as a warm, family comedy, but in reality it is just two hours of Will Ferrell overacting. Zooey Deschanel plays the exact same character we see her as in 500 Days of Summer (a much better film) and James Caan and Mary Steenburgen make extremely questionable choices to be a part of this substandard, overrated, bland film. I am usually a big fan of director Jon Favreau’s work in both acting and directing spheres, but when it comes to a tale about a boy, raised as an elf at the North Pole, being sent to America to find his real dad and true identity whilst wreaking havoc constantly, I lose my faith in his abilities somewhat. All the hype is unwarranted, this film will not jingle your bells.

be a good choice. What could possibly be more heart-warming than a man raised as an elf going on a big adventure in New York City? Nothing. This is the epitome of aggressive Christmas, the signature quote being “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing

“Fans were blown away by Darth Maul’s doubleedged saber, Dooku’s curved hilt, Windu’s purple hue and Grievous’ quadwielding abilities”

Lightsabers. If the prequels nailed anything, it was the preferred weapon of the Jedi. A week or so ago my housemate and I shamelessly watched an hour-long compilation of every lightsaber battle from all six films. The original trilogy only made up around 10 minutes of that video. George Lucas understood that the lightsaber was key to the mythology of Star Wars, and that modern special effects could be put to good use in developing the complexities of the Jedi art. Fans were blown away by Darth Maul’s doubleedged saber, Dooku’s curved hilt, Windu’s purple hue and Grievous’ quad-wielding abili-

ties. Not just the weapons themselves but the duels became more spectacular and thrilling, and there was less of those lowly blasters. So uncivilised. While much of the casting for the original trilogy can be seriously questioned (here’s looking at you, Hayden), some of the talent on board cannot be argued with. Ewan McGregor made for a great Obi-Wan, his performances and hairstyle evolving gracefully throughout episodes I-III. Liam Neeson was another (if short-lived) hit, making for a believably wise Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn. Above all stands the lategreat Sir Christopher Lee as Count

Dooku, somehow elevating the pitiful dialogue to immersive pathos with a simple flick of his eyebrows. A masterstroke in casting. It’s such a shame that a lot of these actors were made to look and sound ridiculous when they could have given so much more (here’s looking at you, Natalie).

“the picture that Lucas painted of a galaxy united by its senate and torn apart by its corrupt leader is fittingly grand for the franchise’s scope”

A bit of a contested factor in the prequels is the story. Many critics were quick to jump on the overtly political edge to the plot, deeming intergalactic trade embargos to be, well, boring. But I disagree, and the picture that Lucas painted of a galaxy united by its senate and torn apart by its corrupt leader is fittingly grand for the franchise’s scope. Mixed with the personal story of Anakin Skywalker’s psychological turmoil and often compelling motives, there was enough human drama amongst the stars to ground the audience. Special mention to the returning John Williams’ brilliantly expanded score too. Don’t get me wrong: the prequels were a messy, money-making farce that took advantage of a new generation. Yet many from that generation, my generation, love the films because they grew up with them. Whether or not George Lucas can rationally be accused of killing younglings is up for debate, especially when all else is said and done. After all, he gave us Star Wars to begin with; a cinematic gift unrivalled to this day.

The Courier

reviewsfilm.39

Monday 14 December 2015

thecourieronline.co.uk/ﬁlm c2.ﬁlm@ncl.ac.uk | @Courier_Film

Victor Frankenstein (12A)

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Macaulay Culkin

ighly anticipated on both sides of the Atlantic, Victor Frankenstein promised an original take on Mary Shelley’s iconic novel, incorporating popular stock characters, such as Igor (Daniel Radcliffe), to create a radical new take on a gothic classic. Using a story literally born of an imagination competition between three of the brightest minds of the Romantic era, Paul McGuigan’s Victor Frankenstein is certainly not lacking in creative energy, but its efforts are entirely misplaced. Much like the labours of its eponymous character, the film attempts to create cinematic life from the rotting corpses of several hackneyed, jarring subplots, a palette Tim Burton wouldn’t turn his nose up at, and weak performances from cinematic stalwarts, producing instead an unnatural beast, hulking its way through 110 (long) minutes of screen-time. Though it’s often unwise to set much stock by the marketing footage of a film, Frankenstein’s trailers do seem to offer some explanation for the tonal disconnect. Had you watched the American trailer before departing to your local multiplex in fevered anticipation, you might have been shocked to find a film that is at times quite serious and character driven. Similarly, had you watched the UK trailer, dripping as it was in Guy Ritchiesque grit and sidelong steely glances, you’d have been perturbed upon arrival by the incoherent smorgasbord of shitty action that punctuated an otherwise desperately slowly-paced film. Frankenstein feels like a three-hour film condensed into 110 minutes of ac-

Krampus (15)

can safely say that Krampus is two hours of my life that I can unfortunately never get back. Don’t get me wrong, I love my share of horror/comedy/pretty-bad-if-you-stop-andthink-about-it films, but Krampus doesn’t even manage the few redeeming qualities of Shaun of the Dead. What annoys me the most, is that this film could have been alright. The cast did their parts pretty well, especially Max (Emjay Anthony), but when the script is as poor as this, there isn’t much they can do. In Germanic folklore, Krampus is a pretty scary character, the polar opposite of Father Christmas, who, instead of bringing gifts, comes to punish the naughty children. In some versions of the story, he even takes them to Hell which isn’t surprising as it’s believed his origins lie in a pagan supernatural being that’s likened to the Christian devil. He even has cloven hooves and goat horns. So he could have been pretty creepy, but here, he just ended up looking like a cross between the Grinch and Father Christmas – in short, crap and not even mockingly scary. The film is actually fairly funny to start off with – who among us doesn’t understand the stresses that Christmas can bring; drunken aunts, annoying cousins, the list goes on. But then, despite the promise, the film just fell flat on its face and it was 90 minutes of someone trying too hard to be funny. The possessed doll monster was slightly creepy, but the rest of the ‘monsters’ were just plain stupid instead of being a satire on horror films. There were a few highlights in the film, however, Adam Scott in his Christmas jumper and hating life being one, and Conchata Ferrell and her occasionally funny one-liners. There’s also a great flashback scene; probably my favourite bit. For me, this film was a major disappointment, with an even worse storyline/ending than The Cabin in the Woods. More like this: You’re Next (2011) Katie Read

tion, strung together by irrelevant subplots which ultimately fail to constitute one whole narrative. Seemingly, James McAvoy has been paid his fee to laugh. Capitalising on the sensational final moment of Filth, McAvoy aims for manic, but hits a mark nearer ‘I-have-nice-teeth-and-a-charmingsmile-see-I-can-do-love-interest-Richard-Curtis’. Curiously, though McAvoy’s Victor is undoubtedly charismatic throughout, he fails to establish any believable connection with Radcliffe’s Igor. Hints of the fabled bromance flicker in a scene of what can only be described as ‘whiskey-fuelled science ideas orgy with chalk pens’, but Victor’s unexplained possessiveness of his deformed friend and jealousy of (completely token) love-interest Lorelai, coupled with poor writing and a dearth of wit on both ends make for a catastrophic on-screen companionship, which signals a significant pothole in the careers of otherwise outstanding actors. In her ‘Notes on Camp’, Susan Sontag states that

camp art is that which ‘proposes itself seriously, but cannot be taken altogether seriously because it is “too much”’, and this is in essence the fatal flaw of Victor Frankenstein. It’s easy to say this film is bad, and even easier to suggest that it takes itself too seriously. It’s just too much: too saturated, too actiondriven, too riddled with nonsensical subplots, too heavily peppered with clichéd dialogue to function coherently. The gothic genre traditionally does camp well, but in its earnestness, Victor Frankenstein misses the mark of fondly-titled ‘shitmazing’ Van Helsing, and ends up somewhere between Underworld and a dodgy colonoscopy. We left the film feeling empty, nauseated, and like we’d seen the abject, sacrilegious insides of something we thought we knew well. Ultimately, we’re not saying don’t go. We’re just saying: go prepared. More like this: I, Frankenstein (2014) Beth Watt & David Leighton

Christmas with the Coopers (12A)

The Night Before (15)

iane Keaton in The Godfather. John Goodman in The Big Lebowski. Amanda Seyfried in, um, A Million Ways to Die in the West. All actors and films better than Christmas with the Coopers. And before you begin accusing me of being a Scrooge, let me tell you why my weapons-grade humbug is absolutely justified. Taking beats from Love Actually, this ensemble Christmas dramedy concerns a bunch of stereotypes all connected to the eponymous dysfunctional family, trying to get together for Christmas Eve. At the centre of it all is a couple who decide to give their relationship one last chance after 40 years together, and everyone else spins off from that. There’s a nihilistic writer and Christian Republican soldier’s fleeting romance (based on the principles that they have absolutely nothing in common, so therefore should despise one another), there’s a young boy’s attempt to French-kiss his way through Christmas, and (perhaps most corrosively) a white shoplifter’s efforts to help a withdrawn black police officer come to terms with his repressed homosexuality. Christmas is the season for harmless comedies and heartwarming tales, yet Christmas with the Coopers proves to be the exact opposite. A boxticking selection of token issues drag this from mediocre flick to truly nasty territory, turning the mawkish sentimentality to narrative disease, infecting every aspect of Christmas spirit and making it rotten. This is pretty much everything I hate about Christmas movies (and I mostly like them); the forced familial reconciliation, laughing at elderly people with health issues, bratty children acting as Cupid over and over and over...again… With this film, you’d feel shortchanged if you saw it on Movies24, it is not only a cynical paycheck of a film, but it’s also a huge, anomalous black-hole, sucking in the careers of its cast in exchange for their soul. Cinematic bleach. More like this: Christmas with the Kranks (2004) Simon Ramshaw

is the season to take molly, as three unwise men go on a drug-fuelled quest to find New York’s most illusive holiday shindig, The Nutcracker Ball. It’s your typical Seth Rogen and Co. comedy, but aptly adapted for the festive season. There’s frantic chases in sleighs, puking in a church, and a frankly amazing cover of RUN-DMC’s ‘Christmas in Hollis’. What makes it surpass most stoner comedies though is the film’s ability to mix both laughs and heart that could make it a future Christmas cult classic. It knows when to stop making dick jokes (though this does lead to the film’s funniest cameo) and focus on the importance of keeping adult friendships alive, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt grounding the film as a down-on-his-luck musician who refuses to forget the Ghosts of his Christmas Past. It’s a refreshing change to your usual alternative takes on the most wonderful time of the year, which tend to overuse gross-out humour and stick a middle finger at St. Nick. That’s not to say the film isn’t tongue-in-cheek, as there are plenty of laughs to be had, mostly due to the great casting choices – Anthony Mackie plays a social media savvy football star who’s constantly trying to impress, and Michael Shannon is almost unrecognisable as an angelic drug dealer who offers words of wisdom via bongs and joints. However, it’s Seth Rogen that’s the star on the tree, gleefully amplifying father-to-be Issac’s hallucinogenic ramblings of his unborn child and Jewish heritage. The film does hit a low point at the third act, as it tries to pull a few too many jokes out of its crackers, and sometimes the romantic clichés, although often subverted, dominate the plot. But The Night Before’s consistent self-aware humour and character chemistry make it one of the best holiday comedies of recent years, warming your heart just as much as their pseudo-offensive Yuletide jumpers. Merry Spliff-mas everyone! More like this: This is the End (2013) Zoë Godden

The Good: Home Alone (1990)

We couldn’t really put anything else for good. The mischief, the spirit, the Christmas setting – it’s just brilliant. The massive family gathering and chaos around Christmas is something we can all relate to. Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin, a slightly more sadistic Bart Simpson, gets sent to bed early and wakes up alone – Home Alone! Obviously, he thinks his wish that his family would all disappear has been granted, revelling in his newfound independence. But, of course, he didn’t anticipate having to contend with Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern’s bumbling burglars. They pretty much carry the film, and even though the joke is kind of stretched a bit too far, Home Alone remains a childhood classic.

The Bad: Ri¢hie Ri¢h (1994)

When you were a kid, this film wasn’t that bad; it didn’t have the same re-watchable quality as Home Alone, but it was still reasonably funny. But the morals kind of get confused, and there’s just way too much screentime wasted on showing off Richie’s riches. It’s really predictable and clichéd, and when you’re older you realise that this film was actually just shit. It was the moment Macaulay Culkin stopped being a cute little mischievous kid and started being a little dickhead. It’s just got absolutely none of the timeless charm of Home Alone.

The Ugly: The demise of a promising child star...

Ah, the unfortunate tale of a child star’s demise. Macaulay Culkin hasn’t really done many films since his youth, and let’s be honest, they’re probably all best forgotten. We don’t hear much of him anymore, except his occasional appearance in the tabloids looking less than tip-top, or various other strange things like his pizza-themed comedy band. Hopefully he’s all good and he’s just chosen a different path. Rhian Hunter

40.tvfeatures

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

TV Editors: Jack Parker, Hannah Bunting & Helen Daly

New year, new Sherlock

The wait is almost over: Sherlock returns to our screens this New Year’s Day. Now Jenny Cooke speculates over the latest offerings from Gatiss and Moffat, and the imminent and terrifying Return of the Moustache.

In a picture special, TV Editor Jack Parker takes a look at what you should be watching on the big day.

Top of the Pops BBC One, Christmas Day, 2pm Okay, Top of the Pops is a bit of a damaged brand these days, but the now-traditional Christmas specials have come to satisfy my nostalgic cravings for the show. Plus, with the BBC recently announcing plans for a new weekly music show, the future looks bright.

irst and foremost; who is super excited for this Sherlock special? Judging by the trailer, it’s looking action packed and full of the same brand of humour and genius that we know and love from the show. Trailers and promotional images for special, airing on New Years Day, show our favourite characters transformed, with this episode set entirely in Holmes’ original stomping ground of nineteenth century London. While I’m not entirely sure how the whole ‘in the past’ aspect will work, I have full faith in the writers, who have been systematically ripping my heart out through many different seasons. This is only the first episode of three, and we’ve got to take a look at the implications might be for the season that’s to follow. Will the past timeline still hold in the future one? Is the future one scrapped and now we’re entirely in the past for Season Four? We’re in for a lot of waiting (and waiting, and waiting) until things start to become clear. For those of us not waiting so patiently, I think we can safely assume that the following episodes will take place in the established universe of the previous seasons of the show, if only because of Moriarty’s return at the end of

season three. It seems unlikely that they would abandon such a potentially riveting plot point.

“We’re in for a lot of waiting (and waiting, and waiting) until things become clear.”

For this episode, though, I am personally very excited for the return of the trademark deerstalker. It’ll also be interesting to see how the characters will fit into their nineteenth century roles, especially how Sherlock’s impressive deductions unfold without the aid of the Internet. There is one blemish on the trailer I would really have preferred not to see: the Return of the Moustache (yes, it has to be capitalised). I am hoping Watson shaves the bloody thing at some point in the episode; it was hard enough to put up with it for half an episode last season. What is very exciting is the potential appearance of a new ‘big bad’ at some point in this special- assuming Moriarty will be left to the normal timeline, we can all but rule him out. The question is, which villain from the Sherlock Holmes canon will be used? I wouldn’t put it past Gatiss and Moffat to surprise us with an entirely new villain. Now that The Hound of the Baskervilles has been used, as well as some other notorious story-lines, we’ll simply have to wait and see what comes out of the woodwork. Even if the newest villain to hit our screens is going to be a canon character, there’s no use pretending that we know what to expect: sticking to the original story that would be far too easy for Gatiss and Moffat. It would also be completely against what we have come to expect from the show. Maybe that’s what makes the hiatus’ so long - not the BBC’s dedication to Doctor Who over Sherlock, but the sheer brain-power that goes into each and every episode. Well, that and

Martin Freeman going off and being a hobbit. Honestly, I’m just glad that the wait is shorter for this new season than for the last one; maybe they’re picking up the production process when it comes to Sherlock? God knows it deserves it. At this point I can’t tell if the new series will be worth it or whether it’ll be a relief just because it’s happening.

“Maybe that’s what makes the hiatus’ so long - not the BBC’s dedication to Doctor Who over Sherlock, but the sheer brainpower that goes into each episode.”

So have a good Christmas, everyone! I’ll be clutching a tea and a blanket come the first of January. Nothing helps the New Years hangover more than clutching a tea and a blanket and watching genius run round London with cheekbones that could cut glass.

You and your kin... and the telly-box

We know it’s daunting spending an entire day trapped indoors, just you and your kin, so we’ve collected the best shows to get you through a day with your family. 1. Keeping up with the Kardashians EastEnders BBC One, Christmas Day, 9pm No Christmas Day viewing schedule would be complete without a trip to Albert Square. Christmas is far too jolly, and EastEnders is the ideal antidote for excess festive Cheer. With a main character rumoured to die this year (shock), you should all join me in tuning to see who meets their grisly end.

One from the archives

By 4 o’clock on Christmas day, when Auntie Sue’s nine sherries and two boxes of After Eights in and dishing the dirt on every family secret since 1945, it might be helpful to be reminded that there are families more dramatic than yours. It’s comforting even if the handbags at your gaffe aren’t quite as fabulous.

3. The Addams Family The Royle Family Whenever you want, Christmas Day Always an oldie but goodie, The Royle Family is a true comedy classic. Its warm, comforting humour, centred around a close-knit Northern family is something that almost anyone can relate to. Whether you watch the 2006 special, where Nana sadly died, or the recent 2012 special, you are sure to enjoy yourself. You might even find that your own family joins you around the TV, life imitating art, indeed.

Channel Wednesday when Grandma’s asking for the ﬁfth time why you haven’t got a boyfriend yet; think Gomez when you need to be enthusiastic about unwrapping another pair of socks. You’ll deﬁnitely be doing a Lurch imitation when the Boxing Day hangover kicks in. At this time of optimism and goodwill to all men, bring a little gloom into your life and remind yourself that, though your family might be nutcases, they’re your nutcases.

2. Game of Thrones Nothing like spending a couple of hours watching a cavalcade of murder, treachery and manipulation to make you appreciate the family you’ve got. Remind yourself that there are worst ways for Christmas dinner to end than your dad scarﬁng leftover brussels sprouts and ﬁlling the room with noxious gases. Perhaps best not to watch with Grandma, though.

4. Orange Is the New Black We’re not saying that Christmas Day with your family is comparable to life in a women’s prison, but you have to admit that there’s some similarities: enforced time in an enclosed space with people you don’t necImage: Netﬂix essarily like, but have to spend time with; strange food combinations; undercurrents of tension; a notably unique understanding of social norms and political correctness.

The Courier

highlightstv.41

Monday 14 December 2015

thecourieronline.co.uk/tv c2.tv@ncl.ac.uk | @courier_tv

Comedy: a year in review With the year soon drawing to a close, Alison Scurﬁeld takes a look back at the best new and returning sitcoms of 2015.

House of Fools

Downton Abbey: Christmas Special ITV, Christmas Day, 8:45pm

t’s almost here. The upcoming Downton Abbey Christmas Special will be the final ever episode of the award-winning ITV show. The episode will be set on New Year’s Eve 1926, a full 14 and a half years after the pilot (and amazingly none of the characters look a day older than when we first met them). For quite a while now there has been a growing sense of danger from the changing modern world that could render grand estates like Downton obsolete. Now that time of great upheaval may have finally arrived, with Lord Grantham asking butler Carson: ‘I hope you’re not too unhappy about how things have turned out?’ Carson stoically replies: ‘The world is a different place from the way it was my Lord, and Downton Abbey must change with it’. The question on everyone’s lips is – will Lady Edith be happy? Now three times unlucky in love and struggling to hide her secret illegitimate

Strictly Come Dancing: Christmas Special BBC One, Christmas Day, 5pm

015 has given us a stunning Strictly series, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s back and forth banter, alongside some fabulous routine’s, making it one of the best series so far. But what will the Christmas spectacular have in store for us? I have a few predictions in mind. Thus far, the series has brought glitz and glamour week in and week out, a personal favourite of mine being last week’s Musical theme night (in which Jay McGuinness’ (The Wanted) rhumba was particularly saucy). Therefore I am expecting the best of the best in the Christmas extravaganza, hoping that the celebrity guests, including model Abbey Clancy and the lovely Alison Hammond (This Morning), will pull out all the stops to fill the family home with festive cheer. I am especially hoping that there is a splash of festive fun added to the sequined gowns and tailored tuxes, a little bit of glitter didn’t hurt anybody, especially at this time of year! Another prediction of mine is for the wonderful Harry Judd (McFly) to provide us with a sensational routine with his partner Joanne Clifton, him being a favourite previous winner of mine with his smooth moves and slick hips. I’m also hoping for there to be a variety of dances. Although I love a good samba to spice up a show, a classic waltz is also nice to add to the mix, adding a bit of class and elegance. Whatever my predictions, I am sure it is going to a wonderful show, packed with fun, flounce, and flare to really liven up the Christmas evening.

Robyn Colclough

daughter from prying eyes, Edith has had a rough time throughout all six series. To add to the unfairness Edith must watch as older sister Mary settles into her second marriage after having her pick of adoring suitors. Although there may be some hope as Harry Hadden-Paton ( as Edith’s former lover Bertie Pelham) will be returning for the final episode. It’s doubtful that Edith and Bertie’s encounter will be smooth sailing, but can they work out their differences and live happily ever after? Another two characters who surely deserve some happiness and good luck by now are husband and wife Anna and John Bates. This final episode sees the couple awaiting the arrival of their first child (basically TV code for ‘expect the pregnant woman to go into labour’). But many viewers will be keeping their fingers crossed for a drama-free end for this much loved pair. To add to the feeling of an impending ending, several characters are making plans for their future – none more so than Thomas Barrow. Becoming increasing isolated from everyone around him, Series Six saw Barrow plunged into a downward

spiral that led to him attempt to take his own life. The trailer shows a thankfully happier Barrow preparing to leave Downton. However with several characters, including little George Crawley, trying to persuade him to stay, it remains to be seen whether Barrow really will go through his plans. Also returning are Lily James playing Lady Rose Aldridge along with husband Atticus and father Shrimpie. At the moment it is unclear what role they will play in the story other than joining in the family reunion. Another uncertainty is how Tom Branson’s story will end. Actor Allen Leech has voiced his unhappiness at Tom’s ending, stating that he would have gone a different way with the character. Writer and creator Julian Fellows is under a lot of pressure to provide satisfactory closure to the hugely successfully show and still keep the drama going at the same time. But final episodes are always touched with bittersweet emotions. Keep the tissues close, Downton fans – we can do this!

Doctor Who: Christmas Special

Mrs Brown’s Boys: Christmas Special

BBC One, Christmas Day, 5:15pm

ith the latest series only just over, viewers won’t have long to wait for the next instalment of Doctor Who on Christmas Day. For the first time Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor will meet Alex Kingston’s River Song in the oneoff episode titled: ‘The Husbands of River Song’. In a fun twist, River does not recognise the Doctor’s new face, which for once places her on the back foot in the couple’s relationship. The episode will also star actors and comedians Matt Lucas (River’s associate Nardole), and Greg Davies as King Hydroflax, who seems to alternate between being a nine-foot tall red cyborg and a talking head the Doctor carries around in a bag. Unlikely to feature is Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald after (ahem, spoiler alert) the character met her end in the last series although with head-writer Steven Moffat’s past record anything is possible. Also don’t expect to be introduced to the new companion until the start of the next series, as Moffat explained his wish for fans to have a mourning period for Clara rather than immediately replacing her. The episode starts with a grumpy Doctor attempting to avoid all things Christmas only to find himself accidently enrolled into River’s gang as a surgeon/medic as they prepare to undertake a dramatic heist. But after the darkness of the previous series this episode seems set to return to the comedic light-heartedness that the show has missed for some time. So prepare to join the Doctor on another ridiculous rip-roaring adventure across time and space. Miriam Atkinson

Miriam Atkinson

BBC One, Christmas Day, 10pm

veryone’s favourite Irish mammy returns for more festive mayhem this Christmas. Mrs Brownis back on Christmas night for its first new episode since last year’s specials. For two years running the hit Irish comedy has won the Christmas Day TV battle, and could well make it three in a row this time round. Previous specials have seen Agnes Brown organise her own nativity play, notably including a homemade baby cannon, as well as hilarious battles with the in-laws and a pet parrot. Yet all Mrs Brown wants for Christmas this time round is a nice, quiet celebration at home. Of course, things never quite work out for Agnes, and chaos is never far away. Anyone dreading the family reunion come the 25th need only look to the Brown household for a more dysfunctional family life. With the whole gang back together again, it’s bound to be anything but quiet. Between the carol singers following her every move and Buster’s latest scheme, Mrs Brown’s peaceful plans quickly go out the window. One of the highlights of previous specials has been Mrs Brown’s unique range of Christmas tree. Her annual fights have included straddling a revolving tree and being electrocuted by a tree singing incessantly. This year’s new ‘extra safe’ version promises much of the same, especially with Buster the brains behind it. But if one special isn’t enough for you, then you’re in luck, because Brendan O’Carroll will be donning the dress again for another special on New Year’s Day, where she’s left hunting for the mistletoe after a stranger appears in the local pub. Reece Hanson

ollowing the 2014 Christmas special, series two of Reeves and Mortimer’s weird and wonderful House of Fools aired in February, after the first series received mixed reviews. The show continued to follow the bizarre antics of Vic, Bob, Erik, Bosh, Beef and Julie, along with newcomer Rachel, as Erik’s doppelgänger girlfriend. True to classic Reeves and Mortimer style, House of Fools continued to be as silly, yet hilarious as ever, with Julie now running a bistro, Vic, Bob and Beef going on an adventure to the moon on a giant moth, and Bosh seemingly becoming an entirely different character to series one with zero explanation. There was no shortage of crazy special effects in this series either, with surreal moments where characters would shrink down and fly out of shot at the end of a scene. Unfortunately, however House of Fools has proved not to be to everyone’s taste, as in August the BBC announced it would not be re-commissioning the show for a third series. Has this style of comedy, then, become outdated? Is there such thing as too silly? If it makes people laugh, who cares?

Inside No. 9

enowned for their dark humor, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith gave us the second installment of their series of individual comedy dramas, Inside No. 9 in March. Episode one titled, ‘The 12 Days of Christine’, saw Christine (Sheridan Smith) experiencing strange flashbacks, with moments from her past and present merging together. In a clever, emotional twist at the end of the episode, revealing Christine’s life was in fact flashing before her after having been involved in a car accident, Pemberton and Shearsmith proved there is more to their writing talents than just comedy. The just as cleverly written sixth episode, ‘Séance Time’, surrounded a reality TV hoax show, in which a ghost actor turned out to be a real ghost, coming back to haunt the show’s presenter for humiliating him in a past episode. It’s safe to say Pemberton and Shearsmith upped their game for this series, with moments to make you laugh, cry and hide behind a cushion. Evidently a success, filming for a third series began last week.

Car Share

t was a busy start to the year for Peter Kay, with the seventeen-night live revival of his hit sitcom Phoenix Nights for Comic Relief in February, followed by the airing of his latest BBC sitcom, Car Share, in April. Simple in format, Car Share follows co-workers John (Kay) and Kayleigh (Sian Gibson) on their daily commute to and from work. Forced together through a newly introduced car share scheme, viewers saw John and Kayleigh’s friendship blossom over the series, as they shared life stories, sang along to the ever so cheesy ‘Forever FM’, and bickered like an old married couple. Highlights included Kayleigh confusing dogging with dog walking, Old Ted and his snow shovel, and, unforgettably, ‘Lady Diana’. There has been no news so far of a possible second series, but left with an open ending, this show has so much more to give. Effortlessly played by Kay and Gibson, with moments where the two actors couldn’t help but laugh left in.

Read the full article online thecourieronline.co.uk/tv

42.gaming

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Gaming Editors: Michael Hicks, Ollie Burton & James McCoull

Top 5 snow levels

Richard Liddle does know something 5. Xenoblade Chronicles - Valak Mountain

The most spectacular area in a game full of spectacular areas, Valak Mountain is a region filled with snow-capped peaks, huge glaciers, and, oddly, a cave full of lava. It becomes even more breathtaking at night, as the crystalline spires that fill the area begin to glow and illuminate the swirling snowstorms. Top all of this off with some wonderfully atmospheric music and a climactic encounter with some figures from the heroes’ past at the mountain’s end and you’ve got one hell of a memorable snow level.

Playing in a winter wonderland

Winter is upon us, and with it the promise of frosty nights and snowy sights. Your lovable Gaming Editors share some of the best snowy vistas in video games. They’ll make you feel grateful for central heating, trust us Mario has toured many an ice

eping tundras ons are characterised by swe Skyrim’s northernmost regi a fan favourite 4 years on lit by gorgeous auroras, still

world in his 30 year career

4. Jak & Daxter - Snowy Mountain Jak and Daxter was one of my favourite childhood games and while some parts don’t quite hold up nowadays, Snowy Mountain is still just as brilliant as I remember it being. It’s got everything you could want: a fort full of enemies for you to fight through, challenging platforming, some of the slippiest ice in any game ever and, best of all, an opportunity to ride your trusty Flut Flut - essentially a big blue ostrich which let you glide over gaps and deliver painful feathery death to enemies.

Mountain. Jack and Daxter’s Snowy Watch out for lurkers on

Image: Spineless Jelly on Flickr

3. Resistance 3 - New York One of the final levels in Resistance 3 is a devastated, permanently frozen New York, now a stronghold for the alien Chimera. The eerie, hostile environment fits the tone of the level perfectly, with protagonist Joseph Capelli hopeless and alone, faced with what is essentially a suicide mission. As well as being visually stunning, New York also provides one hell of a challenge, with the Chimeran hordes growing larger and more deadly as you head deeper and deeper into their heartland.

2. Mario Kart 8 - Mount Wario

The dramatic opening to Borderlan ds 2sees the Vault Hunters thrown head into an icy wasteland, train wreckage -first still smouldering in the cold

Image: Hag felsh on Flickr

The Mario Kart series has seen plenty of brilliant snow courses in its time, but arguably the best of the lot is Mount Wario. Starting by driving out of a huge helicopter mid-flight, the course ditches the usual three lap format in favour of a longer race to the foot of the mountain, and includes a flight over an underground river, an anti-gravity section across a dam and a lot of impressive drifts (of both the snowy and racing varieties). The race ends with a mad dash through a slalom course and a boost-laden ski slope before sliding to a halt past the finish line as crowds of Shy Guys cheer you on, bringing things to an end in MK’s trademark madcap style.

1. Uncharted 2 - Heart of Ice A lot of Uncharted 2’s later chapters are snow levels, with Nate exploring the icy mountains of Nepal in his search for the mythical Cintimanni Stone, but Heart of Ice stands out as the most atmospheric. With the help of local explorer Tenzin, you’re tasked with traversing an ancient temple hidden in the mountains. The temple has a lot of challenging climbing sections (poor Nate’s fingers must be freezing with all that icy rock to cling onto), creepy, foreboding music and a tense encounter with some nasty Yeti-like monsters that are eager to squash you with the huge chunks of rubble that they hurl. It’s also got some of the most deviously hidden treasures in the game, giving plenty of excuses to go back and explore it all over again.

Dun Morogh is the snowy cent re of Dwarven culture in World

ckr Image: Katspurl on Fli

nths and you’ll ssing in the winter mo Log in to Animal Cro ck, fluffy snow drifts thi in village blanketed

Image; Jorge Gonzalez on Flickr

of Warcraft

find your

The quaint ae warm in spite sthetic and friendly villagers of the perpetua of l snow for whichSnowdin make it feel it’s named

The Courier

gaming.43

Monday 14 December 2015

What I’m Playing: Beyond Good & Evil

thecourieronline.co.uk @Courier_Gaming

Peter Austin looks back at an overlooked darling that’s captured a cult following ﬁrmly by the heartstrings

very year I follow Ubisoft’s E3 activity with baited breath and they’ve managed to consistently let me down for six years on the trot. What I’m waiting for is the tiniest nugget of information regarding a sequel that was teased in a brief trailer in summer 2008. Since then, there’s been very little in the way of developments. Still, I’m more than happy to revisit the original over and over again while I wait. Beyond Good & Evil is a third person action-adventure game for the PS2, Xbox, GameCube and PC. Written and directed by Michel Ancel (the brains behind Rayman), BG&E utilises all kinds of genres, tropes and mechanics to deliver a diverse masterpiece of gaming. For some reason, it didn’t really take off after its initial release (which may be one reason why the sequel is taking so long) but when a HD remake came out in 2011, it sold significantly better and stepped into the mainstream. The plot of BG&E concerns Jade (a satisfyingly non-sexualised female lead) who resides on a planet called Hillys in the year 2435. The inhabitants of Hillys live in fear of an alien race called the DomZ who regularly bombard cities from space and abduct hapless residents. Fortunately, a military organisation known as the Alpha Section do their best to defend the world. At least, that’s what everyone has been lead to believe. Jade soon comes into contact with the IRIS Network, who need her help to expose a scandalous conspiracy: the Alpha Section are really the accomplices of the DomZ. And oh my god, it’s such a fun game. You’ll spend the next 12 hours of playtime exploring a beautifully detailed semi-open world. You’re equipped with

a hovercraft sea, a staff

to traverse both land and with which to defend yourself and, most importantly, a camera. You use this to take

incriminating photos of what goes on in the Alpha Section’s bases, although there’s also a side quest that runs throughout the game where you to earn money for taking photographs of the wildlife on Hillys. It’s an enduring highlight of the game. The lighting, colour schemes, set dressing and scripted events that you encounter everywhere you go really bring the world to life.

“The plot of Beyond Good & Evil concerns Jade (a satisfyingly non-sexualised female lead) who resides on a planet called Hillys...”

The music also adds a lot to the atmosphere, not least because it was composed by Christopher Héral who has a notably cinematic style. I’m around halfway through my current playthrough and every single location I have visited still feels immersive, believable and alive. The icing on the cake is the supporting cast, who you come to rely on for combat, puzzles and comic relief. All in all, Beyond Good & Evil falls just short of perfection. Were it not for a really confusing open ending (consisting of about a dozen unanswered questions), I’d really struggle to find fault. God knows why it never took off after its initial release but I’m just glad the HD version clawed back the credibility and paved the way for a sequel that is slowly, slowly on the way. Image; adurdin on Flickr

Zoë Godden steps into the ring to go toe-to-toe with one of Nintendo’s heavyweights

your ass kicked by a pseudo-Nazi stereotype. Though speed runs make the game seem a breeze, Punch-Out!! requires PRACTICE.

“ Logic is thrown out the window as you, a 4’ 8” lightweight, attempt to take down a 237 lb Russian alcoholic, all whilst Mario referees”

The reason for this is the game’s AI, which was groundbreaking at the time of release - each character has a rhythmic pattern of attacks and taunts that must be learnt from start to finish. There’s no point in advancing through sheer luck, as the game punishes you for it once you pass the Minor Circuit. From Mr. Sandman’s ‘Dreamland Express’ to Great Tiger’s, erm, ‘Tiger Punch’, you’ll need to strategically observe when and how often specific moves are used, and most importantly, when you can get those coveted Star Punches. So don’t think you can skip ahead to the final fight; those access codes are worth your time

Top 5 friendship ruiners

Thanks to Charlotte Huggins, we have two of these. Because we can. 5. Any ‘Tales of’ game You’d be forgiven for thinking this is a weird choice for this list. It’s co-op! It’s a cheesy anime RPG about fighting evil alongside your friends! What fun, right? Thing is, these games are 60 hours long. Minimum. It’s the little thing that build up, really - a bit of irritation about the healer being a little slow, a player dying a little too often. 59 hours later, at your fifth attempt to beat the final boss, the high-fives and indulgent laughter give way to screaming matches.

4. Mount Your Friends

Memory card: Punch Out!!

he NES gave us some of Nintendo’s most wellknown franchise stars, and the petite boxer in green is no exception. Punch-Out!! (shouting the title is optional) was the first of the series to appear on a home console, remaking the two already popular arcade games, with protagonist Little Mac facing off against a host of country caricatures. Thankfully, you won’t need a NES to get your boxing mitts on the game, as you can buy a digital copy for your 3DS or Wii U via the Nintendo Virtual Store. The best part is it’s a direct port, meaning the gameplay stays true to its original format, alongside upgraded 8-bit graphics. Gameplay is fairly simple, having you conquer three circuits in order to become a boxing champ. There’s not much in terms of controls either, with hits, ducks, dodges, and blocks all executed via the D-pad and the A and B buttons. You have a minute per round to reduce your opponent’s health to zero; do this three times and you move onto the next match. Sounds easy, right? Here’s the thing – it’s notoriously difficult. As in, you’llprobably-get-beaten-by-Glass-Joe-on-your-first-playthrough difficult. You’ll throw random punches, constantly be blocked, and before you know it, you’re out of hearts and frantically tapping buttons to recover from getting

Image; escraps.com on Flickr

and effort, and you WILL need to humbly reset your game again and again if you want to actually be a decent player. Although it can initially seem daunting, once you don your pink tracksuit, you’ll have mastered the quick dodge (pressing down and left/right simultaneously, by the way), took notes from Doc Louis during each match interval, and know the exact frame to perform an instant KO. That’s not to say it’s entirely a dull stretch of learning patterns – it’s this world’s characters that’ll bring you back for rematches. Logic is thrown out the window as you, a 4’ 8” lightweight, attempt to take down a 237 lb Russian alcoholic, all whilst Mario referees. You have to wonder how the heck some of these contestants legally made it into the ring – King Hippo’s so huge that his stats are question marks. Some may argue it mocks other cultures, but many praise the game’s gleeful parodies of stereotypes across the globe, exemplified via their unique animations and gameplay style (personal favourite goes to narcissistic Spaniard, Don Flamenco). Though the UK never got the Mike Tyson edition, Punch-Out!! is still entertainingly infuriating to play even on modern consoles. Forget the World Boxing Federation – Punch-Out!! is the true king of the ring.

Image; Charles Williams on Flickr

This charming, rude little indie game has a simple premise – climb on top of your friends and get higher than they did last turn. Thing is, at 4am and full of eggnog, suddenly nothing will be more important to you. You will twist your characters into horrific positions to make them harder to climb, you will nudge and distract your competitor throughout their turn. Before you know it, it has become more emotionally intense than a tournament-level chess match. Played with little cartoon blokes in mankinis.

3. Portal 2 Maybe this says more about the company I keep than anything else, but has anyone actually ever used the co-op mode in Portal 2 for anything aside from annoying their friends? For all the game needs you to get along to progress, it’s just so tempting to step off the button right before your partner goes through a door. Or maybe shoot a portal under their feet and trap them in an endless loop. Prank after prank, these little things quickly escalate, and it’s a miracle these little robot guys don’t end up ripping each other’s circuitry out.

2. Super Smash Bros. STOP CAMPING WITH FOX YOU ABSOLUTE-

1. Mario Party When Philip Zimbardo conducted the Stanford Prison study, and revealed the brutal acts perfectly ordinary men would commit if just given the chance, many thought this uncovered the basest darkness at the heart of human nature. These people had clearly never played Mario Party. Mario Party is when you discover that all your friends are bastards and, moreover, you are too. Beneath its cutesy colourful exterior lies a thousand stories of betrayal and deceit. It is the Hunger Games of multiplayer games. You will steal from your best friend. You will turn against your own brother. You would sell your grandmother just for another 20 coins. At the end of it all, with every human relationship you have ever had torn asunder, you will look at Luigi, your sole accomplice through this whole affair, emerging victorious and flashing a peace sign at the camera.

44.science&technology

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Science Editors: Iqra Choudhry, Anna Jastrzembska, & Louise Bingham

Manipulation of mankind

Christopher Little reports on the recent human gene editing summit, explaining its ethics and possibilities

oliticians are renowned for their wily rhetoric, so you could have been forgiven for rolling your eyes when congressman Bill Foster stepped up to the podium as the first speaker at the International Summit on Human Gene Editing.

“[researchers] now stand on the precipice of not only changing the future of mankind, but also mankind itself ” Foster declared that researchers are “on the verge of a technological breakthrough that could change the future of mankind”. But good ol’ Bill isn’t an ordinary politician, he’s the only physicist in congress for a start, so he knows his science and read this statement with literal sentiment. Recent advancements in technology have allowed researchers to delve ever further into the mysterious realm of DNA, and they now stand on the precipice of not only changing the future of mankind, but also mankind itself.

Human gene editing has the capacity to treat incurable diseases and in some cases, create an immunity in future generations from hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease. Its potential is so vast, scientists and ethicists from around the globe convened in Washington D.C. for a historic three day summit (December 1 3), to consider the profound questions and ethical implications that such research ultimately creates. To understand what is so concerning about editing human genes, it’s best to begin by explaining that gene therapy can be divided into two fundamental categories. Firstly, somatic cell therapy; this process targets non-reproductive cells in a human body in order to fix or replace the effected genes, with possible applications being the treatment of cancer and HIV patients. As this process only targets non-reproductive cells, any changes to a person’s genes are contained within that individual and will, basically, die along with that person when their life eventually comes to an end (hopefully at a ripe old age after their successful treatment of course). The second kind of treatment is called germline therapy, and is far more controversial. This process focuses on reproductive cells, editing the genes of sperm and eggs to prevent genetic diseases from actually developing, but when these changes are made, they are passed on to all future

generations. With the creation of revolutionary technology such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system, an editing tool so cheap and simple to use it has been likened to the cut and paste feature on a computer, it has opened up a new wave of research into this area. Even the most rudimentary of laboratories across the world can now carry out their own experiments on editing the human germline. It is this development that formed the foundation for debate at the summit, as participants sought to reach a consensus on how, and even if, they should drive forward with this controversial research.

“Germline therapy focuses on reproductive cells, editing the genes of sperm and eggs to prevent genetic diseases from developing”

The opportunity to develop genetic immunities that can be passed on hereditarily is a wondrous prospect, one scientists understandably wish to pursue. However, DNA is so intrinsically complex that modifying genes to try and create an immunity for one disease could inadvertently, drastically increase an individual’s susceptibility to another disease. So little is known about the true long term effects of editing human genes that scientists fear they may create irreversible defects that would be passed on to future generations.

Another ethical debate revolves around the concept of ‘designer babies’, and though the focus at this stage is purely on utilising the potential of germline therapy for medical procedures, George Church of Harvard Medical School believes enhancements “will creep in the door in terms of treating seriousness illnesses”. Were this to happen, it is feasible to assume that the greedy mitts of capitalism and consumer demand would eventually transform the process in to a commodity; so one day t he very genetics of a person could be a new measure of inequality in society. There were a myriad of arguments for and against, some emotional, some contemplative, but ultimately the summit decided that although clinical research should continue in to somatic cell therapy, there are simply too many unknowns to proceed with clinical germline therapy at this time. In their final statement they concluded that “as scientific knowledge advances and societal views evolve, the clinical use of germline editing should be revisited on a regular basis”, so it seems only a matter of when, not if, we begin to change the future of mankind.

Palm trees in Polar Norway Sun, sangria and Svalbard? Ellen Jones explains how scientists have discovered tropical forest fossils in the sub-Arctic

valbard, Norway is renowned for its harsh Arctic climate, glaciers and polar bears. But the region hasn’t always been like this. UK scientists have discovered ancient fossilised tropical forests preserved in the Earth’s surface. Identified and researched by Chris Berry of Cardiff University, the forests actually grew near the equator at the end of the Devonian time period but preserved tree stumps have, in fact, been found far away on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located within the Arctic Circle. So how has this land of tropical vegetation managed to migrate several thousand miles northwards? Continental drift is the answer here, whereby tectonic plates are moved by convection currents powered by the rising and cooling of magma in the Earth’s mantle over millions of years. This means that the islands of Svalbard were indeed located on the equator around 380 million years ago, which i s how old the forest has

been dated to be by Professor John Marshall from the University of Southampton. That’s 20 million years older than previous estimates!

“The islands of Svalbard were indeed located on the equator around 380 million years ago, which is how old the forest has been dated”

These forests are thought to explain the dramatic drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels that occurred 420-360 million years ago, otherwise known as the global cooling event, which inevitably

resulted in the currently much colder climate of the region. This can be explained by the forests using the chemical process of photosynthesis to build tissues by extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in order to produce oxygen and glucose using sunlight and chlorophyll in the tree’s leaves. Scientifically categorised as lycopsids, these types of trees are thought to have grown to a height of 13 feet and reproduced with spores so tended to grow within close proximity to each other. This means that these forests would have been densely populated, therefore, absorbing higher volumes of carbon dioxide than smaller plant life that previously grew on the planet. Research suggests that atmospheric carbon dioxide decreased a staggering fifteen times the amount it is today, to measure close to the current level. Not only does this indicate just how unbearably hot this greenhouse gas would have made global temperatures millions of years ago, it also helps scientists to establish what the vegetation and landscapes were like on the equator 380 million years before, just as the first larger trees were beginning to

appear on earth. Nowadays, Svalbard is famously known for its Seed Vault, which was built to refrigerate and preserve a variety of seed samples collected from around the world. “It’s amazing that we’ve uncovered one of the very first forests in the very place that is now being used to preserve the Earth’s plant diversity,” Chris Berry said.

“Svalbard is known for its Seed Vault, which was built to refrigerate and preserve a variety of seed samples collected from around the world.”

The new findings have been published in the journal Geology.

The Courier

Monday 14 December 2015

technology&science.45 thecourieronline.co.uk/science c2.science@ncl.ac.uk | @courier_science

Multilingual Personality Disorder Science of happiness

Sakura Brandi investigates studies into the bizarre phenomenon that suggests that people who speak multiple languages with ﬂuency might also have multiple personalities

or many multilingual people, using different languages interchangeably is nothing out of the common. However studies such as those by Susan Ervin in 1964, have found that those same people can have markedly different values and views of the world depending on what language they speak, some even stating that multilinguals perceive colour and events differently, depending on the language they are using.

“Learning a new language has been shown to have a multitude of positive effects in young children, boosting cognitive function, creativity and empathy”

This has led to the idea that multilingual people may have multiple personalities. In fact, in a study conducted between 2001 and 2003 by linguists Jean-Marc Dewaele and Aneta Pavlenko it was shown that 2/3 of over a thousand bilingual participants said they “felt like a different person” when they speak different languages. This doesn’t mean that they are bipolar or schizophrenic. It varies between people; some may be different to such an extent that they seem like two different people and others will only have slight differences in how they express their opinions. However, we still do not fully understand why these differences occur at a neuronal level, and most of the studies to date are either observational or at best use MRI scans to see which part of the brain is activated in each language. One hypothesis for this difference is that when

learning a language, especially if learnt at a young age, the values and beliefs of those who teach you and the culture of the society it comes from, may have an impact on how people express themselves. Furthermore, in each language there are phrases and linguistic practices used in specific scenarios that aren’t translatable, further increasing the disparity between expressions. Although the person may think they are maximally proficient in both (or more) languages and use them all frequently, their native language is often emotionally stronger, causing less communicative anxiety and is commonly used to convey feelings and strong emotions, for swearing, addressing their children and in their inner speech/dreams.

“Their native language is

often emotionally stronger, causing less communicative anxiety and is commonly used to convey feelings and strong emotions, for swearing, addressing their children and in their inner speech/dreams”

emotional factors. On the other hand, while using their second language, the same people may make a decision for a similar event or problem in a more rational and logical way. In any case, learning a new language has been shown to have a multitude of positive effects in young children, boosting cognitive function, creativity and empathy. However, even in adults it can help keep the brain in shape and reduce the speed of mental decline, preventing the onset of common diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by up to 5 years. The next step in this area of research may be to see whether languages learnt to maximum proficiency as an adult, change the personality of the person as much as those who learnt them as a child. What is certain is that multilinguists associate their ability to speak multiple languages to a sense of multiculturalism, empowerment and freedom. Their amplified ability to connect with multiple cultures may be the basis for a more stable and peaceful world in the future, even if they may have more than one personality within them.

This isn’t just a phenomenon found in those that speak multiple languages almost as well as their first/native language. A study by a team from Barcelona’s Universidad Pompeu Fabra has found that people will make decisions differently depending on which language, first or second, they are operating in. Often, people speaking in their first language appear to be more empathic and their decisions are affected to a greater degree by

Weird, wacky & wonderful

“Without the TV, you think, I might have to actually talk about how Uni is going, and we can’t be having that”

As the world crashes down around you, and your sole purpose at family gatherings starts to dissipate before your eyes, you notice that the tree is awfully decorative this year, but in fear of sounding like you’ve completely lost it, you say nothing and

sit through a speech with so many interruptions, your nan has skipped the small talk about graduate jobs, and she’s already asking you about your progress in finding a future husband or wife. But, you’d be right. Yes, believe it or not, call me worse than Scrooge, but you can blame your mum’s festive cheer for the dodgy Wifi. You see, we get our holy broadband through the phone line, which converts the data at the router into radio signals. These signals travel through air in straight lines, which means that anything from a baby monitor to a fridge, anything that emits a radio wave really, could be putting a jolly halt to your browsing. That, plus the sudden influx of relatives sapping your bandwidth, equals a recipe for total disaster this holiday season.

“[Broadband] signals travel

through air in straight lines, which means that anything from a baby monitor to a fridge...could be putting a jolly halt to your browsing” Suffice to say, there’s not much you can really do about it except get in early, buy a signal booster, or ransom the password for pigs in blankets. It all depends on your level of malevolence, but I know which one I’ll be partaking in. Happy Holidays!

h, Christmas. Lovely family atmosphere, decorating an evergreen, crackle of fireplace, and the smell of freshly baked gingerbread. Or is it like that? Christmas is getting more hectic and stressful. It’s partly the modern way of living, and partly just a normal step in life for “nearly adults” like us. Getting presents in bustling Eldon Square and losing your nerves in mile-long queues, travelling across the country (or flying across the world) for a dreaded family reunion, cleaning, cooking, and more cleaning, and the fear of your parents inescapably interrogating you about your love life and uni progress. Forget about all of these. It’s hard to be happy if you don’t want to, so let’s concentrate on the positives. Ideally, Christmas combines a lot of what I’ve already talked about in this column (well, hopefully, apart from the horror flicks). Christmas is baking, furry family members, chocolate, friends and family, and hot drinks. Now, I also want to add music to this list. Neurologists agree that we are wired to react emotionally to music. Happy, fast tempo songs boost our moods while sadder, slower pieces can bring on the cathartic release. Live music is especially effective, as it helps create social bonds with fellow fans. Music therapy is becoming more popular in hospitals, as it has been found to improve immune systems, lower stress levels and decrease blood pressure and heart rate in patients. According to research, hospitalized children are meant to enjoy music therapy (where they can experiment with simple instruments) over play therapy with puzzles and toys. Music is also meant to lower anxiety and loneliness in elder patients, and is effective for patients suffering from depression.

“Instead of growling at the masses of people, grab a cup of festive coffee and enjoy it”

Suffering the bane of buffering broadband this Christmas? Jordan Oloman blames it on that twinkling tree

o, it’s that time of year again, the sleigh bells are jinglin’, ring ting tinglin’ to, and we’re all about 14 chocolates (or LEGO’s if you have any sense) deep into our advent calendars. You drop your bags in your festive abode and settle in, whilst mum gets the cookies out and you tune your ears in to the cheesy iPlayer TV we all know and love. When all of a sudden, the Queen’s face starts to garble and glitch. Your Dad starts mumbling about Y2K and the reptilian New World Order, and Mum turns to you like a reindeer in the headlights, clicking every button she can and frantically trying to restore peace. You’re the last bastion of technological hope in a world trapped in 240p. The Obi-Wan to her Leia. But even you, the Generation Y tech wizard (you basically know how to use Google) can’t fix this. Without the TV, you think, I might have to actually talk about how Uni is going, and we can’t be having that.

Anna Jastrzembska tells us how to stay happy these holidays

Word of the Week: ROVANIEMI Rovaniemi, also known as the official hometown of Father Christmas, is located in the northernmost province of Finland, Lapland. It is situated 6 miles south of the Artic Circle and hence has a subartic climate with short summers and long, snowy winters. The extreme location coupled with frequent overcast skies lead to very limited sunshine in the winter months, with December averaging just under six minutes of sunshine daily. The city’s most famous resident Father Christmas, resides in Santa Clause Village where he has established his office and official hometown for 30 years and counting. The amusement park is open every day of the year, allowing visitors to see Santa Claus himself as well as his little helpers – the elves and reindeers. Visitors are also able to send letters from the Santa Claus Main Post Office that will carry a special Artic Circle postmark, making sure your greetings home are one of a kind! Rovaniemi is a Christmas lover’s dream and should definitely not be missed! Nicole Ang

However, there is the other side of the coin, too. Like everything that makes us happy, music triggers brain reward systems that activate release of the happy hormones. Being bombarded with music from everywhere- Fenwick window, your headphones, in lifts and shops, on TV- numbs us to the positive effects. If you listen to your favourite Christmas song for the twentieth time, it doesn’t make as joyful as the first time when you hear it after a year. Therefore, after having heard the Christmas songs in Tesco ever since Halloween, you might be completely fed up with it before December 25th. Children have it right. To fully enjoy Christmas, we shouldn’t dive deep into festive hype in September. It’s about slowly building anticipation, so come Christmas Eve you can’t sleep at night from excitement. There is whole December to decorate the house and bake gingerbreads, you don’t have to do it all one crazy night. Stop playing Christmas songs on loop. When you shop and travel, give yourself enough time. Instead of growling at the masses of people, grab a cup of festive coffee and enjoy it. Let’s repeat it one final time. Happiness is about the small things in life. No one can be happy all the time, but all it takes is one happy thought, one smile. Anything can be a trigger: smell of mulled wine, a puppy video, or getting a text from your friend. When it happens, hold on to this sparkle of joy and let it grow. And remember, happiness is contagious. Enjoy your break, everyone, and have a truly happy New Year!

The Courier

puzzles.47

Monday 14 December 2015

Puzzles ?? ?

Master of the Puzzles: Jack Parker Puzzles Assistant: Mark Sleightholm

Can you guess what this object is, and where it is on campus?

8 9 10 11 12

13 14

21 “My name’s Jack Parker and that’s why I drink”

Across

1 Worn on the necks of hipsters and Santa (5) 5 Forbidden, outrageous (5) 8 Alternative search engine and email provider (5) 9 Nineteenth century satirical magazine; act of violence (5) 9 NUSU President (6) 10 River in western Germany (5) 11 For ever (7) 12 Greek islands including Corfu and Zante (6) 16 Element; five cents (6) 17 Makes night into day (3) 20 Spanish painter of Guernica (7) 21 When things can only get better (5) 22 R&B singer who might show you to your seat (5) 24 For when you want to listen to music on the move (7)

Jingle

Down

1 Gulf state (7) 2 Ancient name for Britain; Babyshambles song (6) 3 BBC (DG), FA (4) 4 “It’s just a ____” (5) 5 Motoring programme going through a rough patch (3,4) 6 West African country, formerly known as Dahomey (5) 7 Shakespeare play about a general who murders his wife (7) 13 Copy (7) 14 You, but on a really good day (7) 15 Technophobe (7) 18 From poppies, used to make heroin (5) 19 Prepared, with a gun (5) 21 Medical institution trying to get to number one this Christmas (3) 23 What Santa says three times (2)

Connectword

Sleigh

Find the word that connects these three

Church

_____

48.sportfeatures

Monday 14 December 2015

The Courier

Team Newcastle Sports Personality of the Year The Courier is proud to announce the ﬁrst ever Team Newcastle Sports Personality of the Year award. We asked Newcastle’s sports clubs to nominate one person each and received lots of credible candidates. An expert panel of judges deliberated and here are the results

WINNER: Will O’Brien In these days of controversy about sports and personalities I am pleased to nominate Will ‘Wobby’ O’Brien because he is a true sporting personality. The mens 2nd XI has had a very successful season so far and Wobby has played a vital part in this success through his commitment to training and his regular very good performances at the heart of the team’s defence. He is determined strong but fair in tackles and an exceptionally sound distributor of the ball whether or not under pressure. His enthusiasm for the game extends off the pitch and is demonstrated by his dedication to the smooth running and good reputation of the

went a long way to raising the profile and reputation both the club and the university within the north hockey circles. In April, Wobby was elevated to the position of Club president, a very popular choice within the club. Since then he has shown exceptional commitment to overseeing the club, and it is no co-

club not just within the university but within the local and north hockey organisations. Wobby began 2015 in the post of Fixture Secretary which is by far the most important and pressured job for the club throughout the season. This involves the organisation for all 4 teams of matches and officials twice a week plus timely liaison with opposition teams from all over the northern counties. He was extremely efficient and this

incidence that the men’s club is in its strongest playing and administrative situation for several seasons. There must be 8 days in Wobby’s week as he also puts more time into hockey on midweek evenings in all weathers as a coach to the lower Ladies Club. His likeable enthusiastic character is well received by the girls and they are guaranteed an enjoyable session whatever the weather. As I mentioned at the start there is currently a great deal of

media discussion about sportsmen and women and their roles in the mix between sporting performance, sportsmanship, dedication to their sport and the mainte-

Last year’s 1st XI Vice-captain Matt scored 365 runs at an average of 52.14 runs per innings last season. He got 3 half centuries and

nance of a respected personal profile. Wobby fits the bill on all counts. The Courier Sport team would like to add their congratulations to Will O’Brien, a worthy winner. Image: Brandon Few Mick Christopher

1 hundred. Matt also claimed 8 wickets at an average of 11.125 runs per wicket, an impressive feat for considering he started the season as wicket keeper. He also started the season batting at 8 but finished batting at 4 as his good run with the bat continued. The main highlight was a match-winning 114

THIRD:

FOURTH:

Oli Knight

Stephen Hallett

Oli was new to the Boat Club in 2015, but he quickly made a big impact. He started by impressing everyone with his rowing and attitude to training, this soon earnt him a place in the top crews; an impressive achievement for a fresher. He was large part of every crew he was in, being a real voice in the team and not afraid to say when things needed changing or what he thought could improve. He quickly became a team member people would listen to and go to for advice. Throughout the season he further progressed in these roles as well as in rowing. He ended the season in the top boat and getting selected to represent Great Britain at the U23 world championships in the men’s 8. He was also part of the Newcastle four that won gold at the European university championships. Barnaby Stroud-Turp

Stephen has been a valued member of NUBC for 4 years now, and he is one of the most committed and passionate individuals that we have had the pleasure to work with. This year he is Treasurer for the Club and so far he has managed the finances incredibly well. For me personally he has been a key member of my committee, I couldn’t have made certain decisions without his input, approachability and intelligence. He attends our socials every week without fail and turned an impressive 26 this year in Tiger, showing his dedication to the university and the club. After completing his PhD in Chemistry, he will go on to graduate at the end of this year. He will be missed by all members of our club and this award would be a welldeserved token of appreciation for his time with NUBC. Emma Hallett

Stephen Hallett is a Badminton veteran. Image: Emma Hallett

RUNNER UP: Matt Baxter against Durham 1st XI with the team 9 for 4 when Matt arrived at the crease, it was a must win game for the team to avoid relegation, and when he departed the crease the team score was above 200. Another highlight was when he achieved figures of 4-40 against Leeds Beckett 1st XI. Matt was also an integral member of the indoor squad that reached the national semifinal through the winter season. A notable performance was when he steered the team home and hit the winning runs against Northumbria in the deciding fixture of the group stages. He has now gone on to take up the role of Club President playing a big role in running the club on a day-by-day basis. Matt has also been appointed 1st XI captain for the indoor and outdoor seasons. Mat Evans

Image: Michael Darby

FIFTH: Claudia Wilson Claudia has been a core member of our team for the past 4 years both on and off the pitch. In her roles as secretary and then president she has led by example, constantly giving her all and supporting everyone as much as she can. Since taking a step back from committee, her enthusiasm hasn’t faltered. She is still always at training, always available for matches and always there if you need to talk. Without Claudia, our team would not

be the same. She’s our fill in first aider, running on with a med bag and some magic water, and the most dedicated member of our team. On the blue moon that she joins us on a Wednesday night, she has some cracking dance moves as well. To give you an idea of those, the poly called her t-Rex at Stan Calvert for her running style. Claudia is an inspiration to us all, and someone the team will miss dearly when she leaves. Rosa Evans

BEST OF THE REST Henry Watson - Fencing Club Stuart Fulton - Sub Aqua Club Fred Davies - Ultimate Club

The Courier

sportfeatures.49

Monday 14 December 2015

“Students are told to represent the Uni at sport, but are then being told you can’t go” Sports editor Calum Wilson interviews AU Ofﬁcer Angus Taylor about his campaign to keep Wednesday afternoons free for sport Start us off then, tell us what it is your campaigning for? Basically it is trying to keep the preservation of Wednesday afternoon time for sport and for other societies and activities, but obviously my focus is sport. Currently there is a policy in place that says there can be no teaching for undergraduate students after 1pm on Wednesdays. That, after speaking to students, isn’t the case in some modules so we’re trying to get that back. Another recommendation is for students not to be penalised for missing morning lectures to go and represent the University in away fixtures because some obviously might be travelling as far as Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. Students are being told before they come to University that it’s fantastic to represent the Uni at sport, but are then being told that actually you can’t go because we’ve got a compulsory practical, seminar, etc. It’s about trying to get those contradictions ironed out. Why now, why has this become an issue we need to address? It’s something that I had always been aware of when I played sport. I was lucky enough in terms of the only things I had on a Wednesday were either lectures, which I could recap or if I had a seminar on Wednesday morning there was always the same seminar later in the week being taught to other people. Other people, I knew, from both my club and within other sports clubs couldn’t go to away games because they had compulsory stuff going on that day. I even knew of people that had lectures

right up until 1pm and then were even struggling to get to home games. There have even been cases of people having exams scheduled, out of exam season, but on a Wednesday afternoon. I’m massively keen for people to get involved with sport, that was part of my manifesto and I think this is a massive hindrance for getting involved in sport. To summarise, it’s about removing that dilemma between choosing sport and choosing your academic commitments? As much as possible. Obviously it’s hard for timetabling to manage it all, they’ve got 22,000 students to deal with. I’m not saying it’s easy and I also acknowledge academics have to take priority, that’s why people are here but at the same time there’s that student experience. Ultimately people are paying £9,000 there’s got to be more to it that just studying, in my opinion. At the minute, someone who is representing the university is being given the same punishment as someone who is sat at home or in halls because they just can’t be bothered to turn up to a lecture or a seminar. For me, that’s not right. So, have you had fairly good support from students over the issue? Yes. I’ve sent emails out to all the AU clubs and I received over 100 either case studies or individual emails from 15-20 different clubs who have had issues with it. Speaking with my executives, they had all been aware of this issue and a lot of the feedback was from students

saying that this is a really good thing to push. The motion hopes to include postgraduates, why do you think this is important? I feel that both the university and the union have a big policy to get postgraduates integrated as much as possible and it is an issue. Obviously some of them have not previously been Newcastle students, they’ve come and they don’t get as engaged with the union or the university and naturally they’re not engaged as much with undergraduate students. I feel that sport is such an easy way for them to come and get engaged both within the union and the university on a non-academic side. Are you confident you can make a change? I absolutely hope so. I’ve had positive feedback from students, members of the sports centre and members of the university have been really helpful. The next stage is to take is to go and have a meeting with timetabling. I’ve made 6 or 7 recommendations and I’m realistic enough to know that not all of them will be changed. Ultimately, one of the key performance indexes (KPIs) of the University is to be a top 10 university in BUCS, but we’re almost competing with one arm tied behind the back because we’re not having all of our key athletes representing us on a Wednesday. When you look at someone like Durham, ahead of Newcastle in the academic table and also miles ahead of us

Standing firm: AU Officer Angus Taylor wants to see some changes Image: Calum Wilson in the sports table, they don’t have an issue with their students going to play on Wednesdays. I know there’s a balance to be found but if somewhere like Durham can do it, then it’s an achievable aim. Finally then, sum up your hopes going forward for the rest of your tenure and beyond? It’s going to be difficult because there’s a lot of different opinions on it, but I hope that, at the very least, the current policy that says there can’t be lectures

after 1pm has to be enforced. It’s there for a reason. Exams and assessments being scheduled for Wednesday afternoons during normal term time has to stop, in my opinion. Then just moving towards encouraging students to play sports and represent the university and not penalising them for doing so. I know it’ll be a gradual process but as much change as we can make will benefit the students.

“We’re almost competing with one arm tied behind the back because we’re not having all of our key athletes representing us on a Wednesday”

Students are being penalised for representing Newcastle on a Wednesday Image: Brandon Few

50.sportbucs Gus’ Club of the Week

Monday 14 December 2015

Toothfairies too sharp for Angles Intramural Netball Toothfairies

Charlie’s Angles

By James Sproston at Sports Centre

By Alex Hendley Sports Editor This week’s Club of the Week, chosen by AU Officer Angus Taylor, is the Newcastle University Karate Club. The Courier caught up with the club’s Sonja Dengler, who gave us the low down on Newcastle’s successful grading. Now would be a good time to explain what happens at a karate grading at the Newcastle university club. First of all it is not with our normal instructor Sensei John Thompson. Instead, it is with more senior national instructors, this time Sensei John Holdsworth and his wife Sensei Julie. It starts with a training session, led by John Holdsworth, and his wife. Then, there is the grading, where each belt comes up and performs: basic karate first, then kata (I’ll explain in a minute) and then sparing, i.e. Fighting. And then you bow, say oss and get to sit down. The best bit for me was when we were practicing kata (a sequence of moves that are performed, like a dance routine with karate moves) in a way we weren’t used to. The grading instructor, Sensei John Holdsworth, had us doing it as relaxed as we could. He said technique could go out of the window. That isn’t said very much in karate where technique (and speed) is everything. He asked his wife, who was once simultaneously the world kata and sparing champion along with some higher grades to perform their katas as fast as they could. It was funny to see how Julie took off like a rocket, and everyone else, although they were trying to move very fast, just couldn’t keep up. The grading started with the white belts (who all only started in September) who just had to have a laugh as they did a few things wrong. No one cared, this was their first time grading and they were bound to get a bit nervous. After the white belts came the red belts, which is my grade. Higher grades came up at once, the yellow belt, the green belt and the purple belt, who is also our club captain. Their sparing was praised by the senior instructors, they all did fantastically. Everyone passed! And five of the white belts double graded. Five! This means that they progressed through two grades instead of one. I am not sure how to impress upon you how incredible that is. Sensei Holdsworth said he graded forty five people the day before and only two double graded. We only had fifteen people grading to begin with. Sensei Holdsworth couldn’t stop congratulating the club on how high our standard is! So that was that. Afterwards everyone got their new belt colours. Congratulated one another and left. I packed away my new yellow belt and did the same. A massive well done to everyone who graded. For all of you turning green with envy at the idea that some people just graded in karate, and you didn’t even know that there was a karate club in Newcastle before now. Come along to a training session, email us, you won’t know you love it till you come along.

The Courier

Charlie’s Angles missed a chance to take the top spot from Toothfairies as they were well and truly turned over in Tuesday’s top of the table clash. First-placed Toothfairies were the favourites going into the match, having won the last six on the bounce. Their two point advantage over Wednesday’s opposition was due to their ability to win tight games, namely against History and CHS Netball. Conversely, Charlie’s Angles had only won four of their last six games. But perhaps most importantly, had beaten Toothfairies 16-11 in their second

match of the season, so they came into the match with hopes of repeating this feat and cause an upset. Toothfairies, donning the light blue bibs, got the game underway and in under a minute Goal Attack Emma Foord had opened the scoring. She then doubled the lead on the rebound after both Goal Shooter Jasmine Roberts and Goal Attack Jade Holden couldn’t score for Charlie’s Angles, and Fairies’ Goal Shooter Alex Seymour could only manage to hit the ring. Possession was then turned over by both teams, but Toothfairies were able to capitalise on their chance, as all great teams do, as Seymour set up Foord for her third of the match. From the restart, Angles’ Centre Rebecca Natali worked the ball well to set up her teammates but nothing came of it. On the counter Foord was again on hand to punish the opposition for their sloppy finishing, and then was teed up by Wing Attack Nicola Parten to score

another. Defensively Toothfairies were also impressive. After Angles’ Jade Holden turned over possession, Goal Keeper Sophie Murray made a fine interception that led to an effort from Seymour, the rebound from which was converted by clinical Emma Foord. This sparked a flurry of goals from the Fairies. Parten cut open the mathematicians’ defence three times, the first finding Seymour who sent the ball on to Foord to score. After being found by Wing Defence Jenna Kistle the second was finished by Foord via Seymour, and the third directly found goal-scorer Seymour, for the first Fairies’ goal not scored by Foord. Once Angles’ Goal Keeper Stephanie Keenlyside made an important interception, Natali orchestrated a fine goal that was finally scored by Roberts. The mathematicians kept up the pressure, but despite efforts from Seymour and Foord, were unable to cut the deficit.

Having intercepted an over-head pass, Fairies’ Goal Defence Isabelle Haley set up Foord to score. Minutes later she once again punished the Angles on the break, and soon after was set up by Centre Hattie Stringer to score again. Foord had the final say of the half as well, as a well-threaded pass found her in the ideal position to put the dentists 13-1 up into the break. In a desperate hope to make the score more respectable, the Angles switched their positions around. Natali moved to Goal Defence, Roberts moved to Centre and Esther Price moved to Goal Shooter. There were a few changes for the dentists at half-time too, with inform goal attack Emma Foord moving to Goal Shooter. Although Foord scored the first goal of the second half, Holden finished for the Angles after a precise pass from Price. Unfortunately Foord scored six consecutive goals for the dentists, three of which were assisted by the impressive Parten.

“It’d probably be easier to count how many goals Foord didn’t score”

Charlie’s Angles received a 90 degree burn

Image: James Sproston

Surprisingly the mathematicians rallied, with Holden scoring three more. But the optimism was soon crushed by the Fairies, as the dentists impressively stretched the lead even further to 24-5 by the end of the match. Toothfairies thoroughly deserved their victory today. It was no small part down to Emma Foord, who scored so many that I’m not willing to count all of the goals. It’d probably be easier to count how many goals she didn’t score. Ultimately Charlie’s Angles suffered due to their lack of first team members. Their usual Centre and Goal Shooter were absent, meaning both control of possession and clinical finishing were left to be desired. They were so few in number that the dentists had to lend a player to slot in at goal defence. Though the Angles may have missed out on the opportunity to overtake the Fairies, they’ll still be pleased with their season so far. Whereas the dentists will be wholeheartedly happy with their performance and their lead in the league should now be unassailable. The Angles take on Combined Honours next week in a hope to retake second place. Wednesday 9th December results

Overall BUCS Position: 9th

Badminton M2 v Teesside 1sts

6-2

Basketball M2 v Sunderland 2nds M3 v Leeds 3rds W1 v Loughborough 1sts W2 v Huddersfield 1sts

60-58 44-41 86-74 66-38

Football M2 v Sheffield 2nds W1 v Northumbria 2nds

1-3 2-0

Golf 1 v Hull 1sts

4-2

Hockey M1 v Manchester 1sts M2 v Durham 3rds M3 v York St John 1sts M4 v Northumbria 2nds W1 v Sheffield Hallam 1sts W2 v Leeds 2nds W3 v York St John 1sts W4 v Hull 1sts

3-0 4-1 4-3 2-1 2-0 2-3 0-5 1-2

Lacrosse W2 v Liverpool 1sts W3 v Hull 1sts

6-7 W/O

Netball 1 v Leeds Beckett 1sts 3 v Durham 3rds 4 v Leeds 4ths

31-38 35-41 22-33

Rugby Union M1 v Nottingham 1sts M2 v Liverpool 1sts M3 v Leeds 3rds M4 v York St John 1sts W2 v Teesside 1sts

42-12 36-25 32-7 17-17 10-10

Rugby League 1 v Northumbria 1sts 2 v Leeds Trinity 1sts

0-36 4-40

Squash M1 v Manchester 2nds M2 v Durham 2nds M3 v Durham 4ths W1 v Sheffield 1sts W2 v Durham 3rds

3-2 4-1 3-0 3-1 0-4

Table Tennis W2 v Edge Hill 2nds

W/O

Tennis M1 v Leeds 3rds M2 v Durham 4ths W1 v Stirling 1sts W2 v Leeds Beckett 2nds

6-6 0-12 0-12 8-4

Volleyball M1 v Sunderland 1sts

3-0

Waterpolo W1 v Sheffield Hallam 1sts

8-12

The Courier

sportbucs.51

Monday 14 December 2015

Ice cool performance from impressive Wildcats Women’s Ice Hockey Newcastle Wildcats

Birmingham Lions

By Jack Marley at Whitley Bay The Wildcat ladies are back and in their first home game of the season the allgirl pride dispatched the Birmingham Lions with a 15-0 routing at Whitley Bay. Building on their strong 9-1 sea-

son opener in Sheffield, last Tuesday’s result at home puts Newcastle on course for a commanding position in the nonchecking Northern ice hockey division. A year ago, the Newcastle Wildcats Women emerged as the first female-only side in university ice hockey outside of Oxbridge. Untested and with limited experience together, the girls nevertheless grew comfortably into their underdog mantle and provided onlookers with a tour de force of all that student sportswomen could achieve within a game that overwhelmingly represents males.

The Wildcats won their first game of the season in Sheffield Image: Kirsty Ballard

Their inaugural season opened with a pair of fixtures that saw the ladies settle old scores with perennial rivals the Northumbria Kings. With their home front secure, the ice queens set out to conquer new foes in an offensive that saw them criss-crossing the ice of the Northern league, mounting bears and skinning lions along the way. They came within a paw’s swipe of the title spot, but met their match in the icy embrace of the Bradford Sabres. Now, with coaching duo Steph Towns and Amy Campbell plus team captain Kirsty “the Mallard” Ballard leading the way, the Wildcats have returned to write a new chapter in their historic journey. The familiar chorus of “Wildcats!” followed a boisterous roar from the Lions to announce the beginning of the game. Face-off separated the bark from the bite though, as the ladies in white snatched the break and spun the puck into play. Wasting no time, Ballard notched up the first goal 47 seconds in with an assist for Emma Painter. Birmingham were still collecting themselves as the second zipped past 12 minutes later from the stick of Sacha Riley-Smith. Their defensive woes were particularly acute outside of the slot, where, faced with lithe incursions by Wildcat forwards, their rear line proved porous, rigid and sluggish to react. It left an insurmountable task for their net minder, who rarely stayed still as the period wore on, often falling to his knees to meet the pucks that

came like hail. Their initial confidence deserting them, the Lions succumbed to clumsiness and failed to gather the momentum for a counterattack; their breakaways easily scooped up by the Newcastle defence. It would be all to the Wildcats’ advantage. Coach Towns and captain Ballard closed the period leading by example by doubling their opponent’s score deficit. There was another goal before the clock had counted one minute in the next period and to add insult to injury less than 20 seconds later Riley-Smith scored another. Before long, Ballard had secured a hat trick and propelled her squad to a 7-0 lead. Play continued to swarm around the Birmingham slot but his efforts delayed any further stings as the Wildcat offensive temporarily eased off. The ensuing lull saw some of the most serious attempts at scoring from the Lions, including an audacious goalward lunge that gave net minder Sarah Jayne Boulton cause for alarm. A series of comfortable saves brought Birmingham crashing back to reality. Alongside the reliable back checking of Lauren Bilby and Olivia Wilson, plus Beth Harris and newbies Amy Musson and Michelle Prout in the third line, the mid-period scoring hiatus lingered long enough for the Lions to exhaust themselves. Campbell capitalised, signing off on a progressively predictable period with a swipe into the left corner of the netting. A tentative resumption of Birming-

ham’s offensive efforts at the start of period three were soundly crushed by a wave of clinical finishing from the home side a few minutes in. Prout was justly rewarded for her earlier tenacity with an assist to Towns’ period opening goal, and a double figure goal difference soon emerged after a triangulated effort by Campbell, Victoria “Scuddaz” Scudamore and Jessica Ward. It stretched to 11 as birthday girl Melissa Gough kicked off her three point period with a well-aimed strike beyond the Lions’ reach, before supporting her captain as Ballard bagged her fourth and fifth goals of the game. Opposition from Birmingham dissolved with the sealing of Riley-Smith’s hat trick at the 57th minute, eliciting a desperate time-out from the opposing coach. From the stands the situation seemed cruel and drawn out, and so it fell to Towns to move in for the kill and splash a 15-0 conclusion on the neon scoreboard. Once the rink had cleared, team captain Ballard was available to reflect on her team’s performance. “It always helps to be on home ice but I think our win at Sheffield last week helped our confidence. We’ve got a good team behind us this year too, with a good mix of new and old.” On her new role as captain, Kirsty praised the contribution of the season’s new additions. “I’m proud to be leading the North’s first women’s team, but I’m especially proud of our third line who had their first ever game tonight.”

Knights enjoy narrow Tyne-Wear victory Men’s Basketball Newcastle 2nds

Sunderland 2nds

By James Sproston at the Sports Centre The highlight of this Wednesday’s sport was the basketball, which saw the Knights’ second-string team come out on top against a struggling Sunderland side as they clashed swords in a feisty local derby. Second-placed Newcastle fancied themselves coming into the game, but they were matched up against a Sunderland side that were buoyed by a victory against a strong Sheffield 2nds team last week. Likewise, Newcastle were playing off the back of a victory against lastplaced Huddersfield, as they looked to regain the ground they lost when they were defeated by current leaders Leeds 2nds a fortnight ago. Knights’ tactics were simple. Instead of defending zonally, they were to man-mark to limit the opposition’s opportunities. Captain Charlie Williams claimed that the game would be won based on defence, so discipline was crucial if they were to emerge victorious. Although they lost the tip off, Newcastle had the better of the opening exchanges. Matt Snelling, Josh Szymanis and the numberless Chris Burnand all had opportunities to open the scoring, but it was Sunderland’s Lok Law who broke the deadlock. Not a minute after, Knights responded as Derick Ho drew the team level. Moments later Burnand finished off a coast to coast to pull the team ahead. They were also unlucky not to extend their lead further after the team turned over possession and Ho came agonisingly close with a three-point effort. Sunderland should have levelled the score shortly after, however Zhenyoo

Gong was unable to convert his free throws after a Szymanis foul. He rectified this error however with a two-point throw from distance not long after. Newcastle then took the lead again after a Williams interception led to a Szymanis jump shot. Both Gong and Szymanis then added another two points each for their respective teams, whilst Levente Borenich replaced Snelling. His first involvement was to set up Szymanis to score another two points. Both teams converted their free throws in the following exchanges. Ho then threaded a pass through to Burnand to extend Newcastle’s lead, and the same player scored seconds later. Having intercepted a sloppy pass, Ho then punished the opposition again on the counter. A time out was subsequently called by Sunderland to great effect, as Antonis Koutouzis scored two points before it was time for the interval, with the scores at 17-11 to Newcastle. Newcastle made two changes at the break, with interim coach Jake Bradley replacing Ho and Szymanis with Alex Tuddenham and Torres Claras. Sunderland had the better start after the break, with interceptions from Torres Claras and Borenich preventing the opposition from clawing themselves back into contention. To stop the team haemorrhaging points, Szymanis was brought back on. He managed to stem the tide by scoring a field goal and then feeding Tuddenham to add another two points. The Canadian international Anthony “Get Money” Savoie was then introduced into the match. Proving his worth, he intercepted a Sunderland ball, then fed it into Tuddenham with his back to the basket. Guard Ho then collected it before laying it on to Savoie on the edge of the three-point line to hit a beauty of a shot. This spurred the other Knights players on as Ho and Szymanis added points to the team’s total. Sunderland then called another timeout with Newcastle

in the driving seat with a seven point lead. Again, Newcastle had the better of the play after the restart, but struggled to capitalise on their dominance. Gong remained the biggest threat for Sunderland by continuing to chip in with occasional points but the Knights defence were doing well to mark him out of the game by putting him under pressure. Although Tuddenham struggled with the free throws, he made up for it by scoring some vital points and making important interceptions. As the period drew to a close, Ho netted two throws after a mazy run and Denis Prodanov denied Gong an opportunity to add to his tally. Bradley claimed that the half-time score of 33-25 was due to defensive lapses and bad offensive luck. If the team emphasised the 2-2-1 structure and ensured that Gong was man-marked then the team would comfortably win. Tactically, Newcastle started the third quarter brilliantly. Sunderland were denied again and again, namely by Daniel Casado Serra, Szymanis and Torres Claras. Torres Claras himself scored the first points since the restart, swiftly followed by Burnand. At this point, the Knights slackened their defensive grip on Gong, who scored consecutive two and three point shots. Fortunately Sunderland’s Jordan Williamson struggled when given three free throws, however Newcastle were certainly under the cosh. Enter “Get Money” Savoie. The big Canadian took it upon himself to manmark Gong and to be the key to unlocking the Sunderland defence. Although perhaps not as fast as Ho, or as animated as Casado Serra, Savoie can boast style on the court. He elegantly set up Burnand whilst limiting Gong’s opportunities throughout the period. As Gong’s involvement was limited, Law and Georgios Ntoumpakis stepped up to score points for Sunderland, whilst Ho and Burnand continued to

Shooting Hoops: Newcastle edged past North East rivals Image: James Sproston increase Newcastle’s tally in the fiercely tight contest. Newcastle went into the final quarter with a 45-38 lead and looking good. However Williamson and Koutouzis pulled the opposition ever closer. But once again Savoie came to the rescue with an aptly-timed three-pointer from the corner to give Knights some much needed breathing space. As the game entered the closing stages, the play opened up. Ntoumpakis, Koutouzis and Gong put Sunderland within touching distance however another three-pointer, this time from Borenich, eased the pressure. After a time out, Sunderland came out stronger scoring some vital points. Only a two-pointer from Borenich kept Newcastle in the lead as Sunderland called another time out with the score delicately poised at 57-56. With 14 seconds on the clock, and a minor scoring drama, the game was

Newcastle’s to lose. As soon as the ref restarted play, Sunderland captain Mike Eagle fouled Casado Serra, causing the coach Sean Percival to call a final timeout with six seconds remaining. The free throws were converted by Casado Serra, but immediately Sunderland’s forward Mateusz Sobolewski was fouled and he netted his two free throws to put the pressure right back on the Knights. In the final three seconds, Borenich was unfairly blocked in the area and the referee decided it was worth two throws. Cool as a cucumber, the first was dispatched, and although the second wasn’t there was no time for Sunderland to hit back. After the final whistle, the Newcastle bench were understandably animated after such a tight encounter. But they were worthy winners on the day, and frankly unlucky not to have had more of a flattering scoreline in their favour.

Sport

www.thecourieronline.co.uk Monday 14 December 2015 Issue 1324 Free

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TEAM NEWCASTLE SPOTY P.44

Sports Editors: Alex Hendley, Calum Wilson & Lewis Bedford courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk Twitter: @Courier_Sport | Instagram: thecouriersport

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Premier League’s Watmore scores ﬁrst class degree

On the ball: As well as studying, Watmore has taken on the best Image: Sunderland AFC

By Calum Wilson Sports Editor Sunderland’s Duncan Watmore has made history by becoming only the second Premier League footballer to earn a first class degree after graduating in economics and business management at Newcastle University. The young star was given time off from training to attend the ceremony last Thursday. Watmore has spent the last three years juggling intensive training sessions during the day with hours of studying textbooks and recapping lectures in the evenings.

spot. Success for the Wear side club has even earned Watmore recognition at the national level, scoring once and assisting two goals after coming off the bench for England Under 21’s against Switzerland. Speaking after the ceremony, Duncan said: “I enjoyed studying at Newcastle University and I am honoured to be one of only two Premier League footballers to achieve a first-class honours degree. “This wouldn’t have been possible without all the support I’ve been given by the University throughout my degree, which has enabled me to balance my football commitments with my

“I enjoyed studying at Newcastle University and I am honoured to be one of only two Premier League footballers to achieve a first-class honours degree” The 21-year old has rapidly risen through the ranks at Sunderland AFC. The striker made headlines in August this year, scoring on his first team debut in Sunderland’s 1-3 loss against Norwich City. Since then, Watmore has continued to find the back of the net for the Mackems, earning himself a regular starting

coursework. “I want to say a big thanks to the University, my tutors, staff and a couple of my exam setters in particular, because my final two exams clashed with an international tournament in France and they have all gone out of their way to help me play for England and complete my degree.

“My fellow students have been very supportive as well, and have been to watch some home games. I know that the degree I received today will stand me in good stead in the future.” Watmore began his degree at Manchester University while he was playing for Altrincham. After impressing scouts at Sunderland, the promising youngster made the switch to Newcastle University in 2013. Dr Francis Kiraly, Undergraduate Director at the Newcastle University Business School said: “Duncan was an excellent student from day one. He has shown great enthusiasm throughout his time at Newcastle University and this last year we were very pleased to help him accommodate his football commitments as well as his dedication to his degree programme.” Dr Jonathan Jones, Degree Programme Director of the Newcastle University Business School, added: “He has shown maturity in balancing these responsibilities and we wish him all the very best at the start of his promising career.” Watmore’s on the field achievements recently earned him a new contract, which could see him stay at Sunderland until 2020.

Wat? More? Duncan has had success on and off the pitch Image: Owen Humphreys PA