Issue 1420 Monday 14th Feb 2022
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Biphobia in the dating world
LEGO!
And Star Wars! The complete saga, finally out this year
This Valentine’s Day, Emma Bausen reflects on past experiences
Pesticide approved
Relationships | page 14
Science | page 11
Gaming | page 31
Thiamethoxam for beets beats the bees
UCU to strike for ten days Becca Alexander - News sub-editor
For the first time in two years, lectures are cancelled by striking staff
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espite failing to reach the turnout threshold in the strike ballots conducted last term, members of Newcastle University’s branch of the University and College Union (UCU) have been successful in their vote to undertake industrial action in semester two. Newcastle, alongside 68 other UK universities – including Durham and Northumbria – will strike over both the USS dispute and the Four Fights dispute. Therefore, Newcastle staff who chose to strike will do so on the following dates: 14-18 February, 21-22 February, 28 February, and 1-2 March. The January reballot saw 50.6% of Newcastle UCU members cast their vote, of which 80.4% indicated they were prepared to take industrial action that consisted of strike action. Upon the proposition of taking action short of strike action (ASOS) – usually denoting working only to contracted hours, not undertaking voluntary activities etc – support was greater, with 90.2% voting in favour. The UCU are striking over two separate disputes. The USS dispute refers exclusively to pension concerns, where employers are proposing 35% cuts to already falling staff pensions. The wider Four Fights dispute is cited by the UCU as against declining pay, unsafe workloads, failure to make universities spaces of equality and employment that increasingly depends on casualisation. Most Newcastle students will be somewhat used to seeing picket lines on
campus, with strike action occurring in 2017-20, but student opinions on staff strikes still remain divided. While some feel that industrial action will have a damaging and irreversible influence upon their university learning, others express unwavering solidarity with staff. A third-year Newcastle University history student stated that although staff should have the right to strike, they believe industrial action is “disenfranchising students, especially
Work with Student Media!
final years”. “We’ve experienced enough disruption given Covid, it’s ostracising the student community further and many are unwilling to engage with the NUSU poll in the first place”. In contrast, another Newcastle student recognises that the “working conditions of staff directly translates to the learning conditions of students”, stating their belief that students should support the cause and not cross a picket line. Mirroring this division, Newcastle
University Student Union introduced an online poll asking students for their stance on UCU industrial action. Results of the poll show that, out of the 1600 students who cast a vote, 53.3% voted to indicate they were in support of UCU strike action. NUSU have previously been neutral on past periods of industrial action, but last semester Student Council supported a motion to hold a cross-campus poll on any further proposed industrial action.
To reflect this, the Student Union have informed the university that the student community support the strike. The SU continue to stress that, regardless of their stance, their main priority lies within supporting students. Supporting the UCU, the National Union of Students (NUS) has asked students to ‘strike for education’ on 2 March, with a Teach In planned to be held in central London (though plans to extend this appear to be in the making).
Image: Twitter (@NewcastleUniUCU)
Attend Student Media Afternoons at 1:30pm during term time for guest speakers, content sign-ups and more!
Find out more here!
Inside 14th February 2022 Current Affairs | News In conversation with Street Talk Former Newcastle student, Oscar Slacke, discusses his anonymous mental health phone line. Page 4
Current Affairs | Campus Comment Interview with UCU Branch Leader Matt Perry gives insight on the upcoming strikes, their relevance, and what he hopes is achieved. Page 7
Life & Style | Lifestyle LGBTQ+ History Month on Campus! A run down of why LGBTQ+ History Month is so important, and the ways that you can support this February. Page 17
Life & Style | Travel 2022 Travel bucket list A selection of some of the most appealing places to travel to in 2022! Page 21
Culture | Music The top love songs this Valentine's Day Four writers delve into some of the most loveydovey songs to get you in the romantic spirit! Page 24
Culture | TV Newcastle's Joey Batey shines once again! The Newcastle born star returns to our screnes for the next season of The Witcher. Pages 26 & 27
Culture | Gaming Review: Pokémon Legends Arceus Despite the skepticism surrounding the game, what do regular gamers think after playing for the first time? Page 29
A note from the Editor
W
elcome back to The Courier! Student Media has been on its usual hiatus over the January assessment season, but we’ve been busy prepping for the new semester. At long last, this issue has been created with some BRAND. NEW. OFFICE. PCs! Our sub-editors have been set free from the shackles of Azure Virtual Desktop and it’s been great to see layup become a far more enjoyable process as a result.
- George Bell, Courier Jester and Film sub-editor
NUTV and NSR. We’re well and truly back onto weekly publishing now, so until next Monday, happy Valentine’s week! <3 George, Editor-in-Chief & Student Media Officer
THE COURIER
SECTIONS Editor
Deputy Editor
George Boatfield -- editor.union@newcastle.ac.uk
Current Affairs
Senior editor: Elizabeth Meade -- e.a.meade1@newcastle.ac.uk
News
-- courier.news@ncl.ac.uk Ruby Story-Dartford Harry Jones Becca Alexander Renzo Szkwarok Alexander James Daniel Wales
Campus Comment
-- courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk Tiyanna Mistry Kayleigh Fraser Amana Khan
Comment
-- courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk Humphrey Jordan Rosie Norman Emily Kelso
Science
-- c2.science@ncl.ac.uk Jon Deery Erika Armanino
Sport What did one oar tell the other oar? This is so row-mantic...
As you flick through this issue, you may notice that our sections now have some fancy new colour palettes. Many of these have been tweaked based on the existing section colours, but we hope you like them all the same. Just like with the PCs, a wider range of colours just gives our sub-eds some more creative options! In other news, I’ve launched an Instagram account for my role, so please follow @nusu_student_media_ officer if you’d like to see what I get up to in the job! While you’re at it, feel free to search for accounts for The Courier,
Muslim Taseer -- m.taseer1@newcastle.ac.uk
Life & Style
Senior editor: Meg Howe --m.j.howe1@ncl.ac.uk
Relationships & Blind Date
Annabel Hogg Gabbi de Boer Imogen Mole
Lifestyle
-- c2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.uk Faye Navesey Leanna Thomson Molly Taylor
Fashion & Beauty
-- c2.fashion@ncl.ac.uk Sophia Ayub Imogen Clarke Lizzie Yockney
Travel
-- courier.travel@ncl.ac.uk Lenka Minarovicova Alice Holmes
Food & Drink
Marcel Shamshoum Scarlett Welch
Senior Editor: Peter Bath -- p.l.bath@ncl.ac.uk -- courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk Katie Siddall Castor Chan Lucy Rimmer Ethan Todd Mitchell Hall
Social Media
Social Media: Sarah Lahiri -- s.a.n.lahiri1@newcastle.ac.uk Rahul Binov Meagan Screen
Culture
Senior editors: Maud Webster --m.webster4@ncl.ac.uk Hattie Metcalfe -- h.metcalfe1@ncl.ac.uk
Music
-- c2.music@ncl.ac.uk Oren Brown Lucy Bower Rowan Christina Driver
TV
-- c2.TV@ncl.ac.uk Rachael McCreanor Carly Horne Rebecca Sykes
Film
-- c2.film@ncl.ac.uk George Bell Jess Bradbury Autumn Keil
Gaming
-- courier.gaming@ncl.ac.uk Michael Duckworth Haaris Qureshi Joseph Caddick Peter Lennon
Arts
-- c2.arts@ncl.ac.uk Tom Wrath Maja Mazur Ruby Taylor
Puzzles
Joseph Caddick
THE
COURIER
Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Becca Alexander, Renzo Szkwarok, Ruby Story-Dartford, Harry Jones & Alexander James
News
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The Sue Gray report: a complete timeline Kayleigh Fraser Campus Comment sub-editor
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n the 30th November 2021, The Daily Mirror accused Boris Johnson and Downing Street officials of partying in the lead-up to Christmas 2020. The party, that was alleged to have taken place on the 18th December, would have broken the lockdown restrictions that were in place at the time. This was only the beginning of the accusations. More evidence came out from there, detailing several parties and gatherings that took place on an extended timeline beginning May 2020. Eventually, all of this spiralled into an investigation - handed to senior civil servant Sue Gray. Tasked with coming up with a report to outline all of the accusations, Gray was faced with the ultimate Aegean task. That doesn't even include all of the media pressure placed on such a report after it was revealed that the Metropolitan Police were also involved in the investigation for possible criminality. Finally, on the 31st January, the report was released on the government website. After reading, the general public agreed - there were a lot of grey areas. The report explains restrictions that were in place as well as what COVID-19 actually was. The rest is pretty self explanatory - it chronologically lists all of the parties and gatherings that took
Image: Twitter (@ByDonkeys)
place. They are as follows: For May 2020, there are two reported gatherings, one on the 15th, evidenced by a photograph showing a number of groups in the garden of 10 Downing Street - something which also occurred 5 days later. On 18 June 2020, there was a gathering in the Cabinet Office, 70 Whitehall, marking the departure of a No. 10 private secretary. The next day, 19 June 2020, there was another gathering held in No. 10 celebrating the Prime Minister’s birthday. Later in the year, on both the 13 and 27 November 2020, there were gatherings in the No. 10 Downing Street. In early December 2020, a gathering in the Department for Education was held ahead of the Christmas break. Five days later, there was a further gathering in No. 10 Downing Street for an online Christmas quiz. Whitehall, on December 17, held their own gathering for their online Christmas quiz in the Cabinet Secretary’s private office. On the same day there was a gathering in No. 10 for the departure of a Downing Street official. The suceeeding day, 18 December 2020, there was a gathering in No 10 Downing Street ahead of the Christmas break. In the New Year, on 14 January 2021, there was a gathering in No. 10 Downing Street on the departure of two No 10 private secretaries. The same occurred on 16 April 2021. The report stated that all of those
dates will be investigated apart from said dates listed here: 15 May 2020, 27 November 2020, 10 December 2020 and the 15 December 2020. Despite all of this evidence surrounding the parties, Grey's report does not seem as harsh as it was expected to be. Many believed that the report would more strongly condemn those who were found to have broken the rules. Instead, the report simply states that "there is significant learning to be drawn from these events which must be addressed immediately across Government". For many, this feels like too light of a telling off.
Luckhurst’s quiet return to his role in early January. Several students stated they had received little or no communication about the investigation or the recommendations amended as a
result but that it is expected that Prof Luckhurst will not be present at the next formal.
More evidence came out detailing the several parties and gatheringd that took place Of course, this is not the finished product. The full Sue Gray report is on its way. Even though it's been announced that the full report will have minor references to the largest parties, Gray's report is heavily anticipated. Overall, Gray's report update didn't live up to our expectations. It left gaps in its methodology and conclusions and didn't deliver on the justice the public seek for the government's rulebreaking.
Durham University refuses to publish Rod Liddle's report Leah Graham
The report investigated Rod Liddle’s invitation to speak at a winter formal last term
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he columnist was invited to attend and address students at a Christmas formal, leading to some staging a walkout during the event in protest. Students were unaware of who the chosen guest speaker would be, and those who left during the speech were branded ‘pathetic’ by the college Principal, Tim Luckhurst. Durham University’s student newspaper reported how Mr. Liddle began his speech by making a joke about sex workers - a reference to the institution's decision to support students in this field of work. Other aspects of the speech included transphobic remarks, racist comments about colonialism and criticising single mothers. The university issued a statement after the formal expressing that they do not agree with the views given in the speech
and that they would begin looking into the event “as a matter of urgency”. A number of students on the JCR committee identify as queer or nonbinary and stated they felt disgusted at some views expressed in the speech. They added that they were further “insulted that they were not consulted about Mr Liddle’s invitation beforehand”.
Claims that the investigation was hushed up follow Tim Luckhurst’s eturn in January In response to the event, an open letter was submitted to the university by a number of societies, including Durham’s Working Class Association, Durham Intersectional Feminism Society and Durham LGBT+ Association. The letter was followed by a protest consisting of over 300 students and a proposed rent strike to lower the university’s league table rankings. Before the investigation, Professor Luckhurst issued an apology, admitting
to labelling the walkout 'pathetic', the statement continued, “I was wrong to describe the students' action as pathetic and, I apologise unreservedly for doing so.” However, students criticised the apology as the email also stated, “students had as much right to absent themselves from the speech as my guest had to make it”. Earlier last week, the university stated the investigation had now concluded, and a “number of recommendations had been made". Despite this, the university has refused to comment on or publish the findings. The statement continues, “we need to first allow our internal process to take place and conclude before we are in a position to comment further”.
Queer members of the committee expressed their disgust toward the speech Claims that the investigation was to be hushed up follow Prof Tim
Image: Twitter (@chickpeaachchutny)
Sub-editors: Becca Alexander, Renzo Szkwarok, Ruby Story-Dartford, Harry Jones & Alexander James
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Monday 14th February 2022
News
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Street Talk: The helpline saving our student mental health crisis Ruby Story-Dartford - News sub-editor
An interview with the founder behind Street Talk, Oscar Slacke
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n the year anniversary since the helplines first opened, we interview the man behind the Street Talk initiative Oscar Slacke. The former Newcastle University student who founded the helpline service for students, ran by students. Street talk is a free, anonymous and confidential service which offers support across the UK with a 200 strong team of trained professionals, with the ability for referrals with roughly 85% of the team psychology students. With at least two people on shift per evening, the helpline is open 24 hours a day 24/7 aimed at but not limited to those aged between 18-25.
"Without the pandemic, Street Talk wouldn't have been created"
Having left university and working in Market Shaker full-time, like many, the pandemic enabled time for founder Oscar Slacke to address issues that the routines of daily life often hide. With
the university dropout facing his own personal struggles, reaching out to those in the same position was comforting, to which he admits, “without the pandemic Street Talk wouldn’t have been created”. Recruitment for volunteers began in October 2020 with the aim to “create a system which I could see my past selfusing”. To which he described helping those in need as, “the best feeling in the world”.
"I wanted to create a system which I could see my past self using"
Those employed to volunteer undergo an intense 7-week training process compromising of 17 segments with mock calls and scenarios to prepare each volunteer for any call. The rigorous sessions are vital to ensure only the best volunteers are offered a role with several candidates rejected during the final rounds. Given the thorough entry tests to volunteer, Slacke insists that, “this isn’t something you can do for your CV”, to which the extensive process naturally filters out people that aren’t quite right to join the team. Unlike other mental health organisations, Street Talk’s student feel adds a personal connection to the service making calls more relatable as opposed to larger organisations such as Mind and Samaritans, with many of the volunteers having previously faced their own mental health struggles. This is something that Slacke is keen to
remain at the forefront of his work, the personal bond created between students that other helplines aren’t able to offer. Whilst approximately 90% of all calls received are students looking just to chat with someone, Street Talk is able to refer callers to specialised help for those seeking further support. In contrast to other helplines, Street Talk is incredibly flexible, enabling volunteers to work from home as opposed to a call centre. The flexibility offers students the chance to continue their ongoing studies whilst volunteering for the non-profit organisation. With a year’s experience now underway, Slacke details the patterns of heightened calls during exam period after a relatively quiet Christmas and New Year. Slacke describes the highs and lows of the call service and the “weird” feeling that follows when there are no calls at night, “whilst it’s reassuring knowing no-one needs our help, I also worry that there are people out there that need us at that given moment but may not know we exist, not enough people know about is”.
Slacke hopes that further recognition will encourage those suffering to reach out to Street Talk. When questioned on the future of Street Talk, it appears Slacke is keen for the helpline to keep its initial roots, with Street Talk set “to be what it says on the tin, a support service for young people, completely free of charge, offering professional support for free” with the goal to develop a training course offering the opportunity for volunteers to become licensed councillors. As we’re firmly in the new semester, Street Talk is there to provide support
and advice for students as well as those not in education.
Details for Street Talk can be found below: Helpline: Street Talk (street-talk.co.uk) 0333 242 3957
Street Talk's student feel adds a personal connection to the service Yet in order to gain further attraction, more marketing is needed to build Street Talk. With the recent introduction of merchandise in Local on Acorn Road situated in student suburb Jesmond,
Image: Oscar Slacke
Just 'Banter' : Report reveals disturbing messages sent by Met Police officers Hannah Gul Khan
The Metropolitan Police have denied a culture of misogyny following report
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recent report from the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) revealed 14 police officers have been investigated where messages including misogyny, racism and threats of rape were shared. An article from the Guardian detailed the exchange of one male officer to a female officer: “I would happily rape you… if I was single I would happily chloroform you". Two of the nine officers have been fired for gross misconduct but there are worries that this is not enough. The Met Police have denied accusations that this behaviour is institutional, claiming it only represents a small minority of its force. When asked for a comment on the abuse, officers insisted the
comments were meant as 'banter'. The Director of the IOPC, Sal Naseem, responded to these concerns in an interview with Good Morning Britain, to which he said, “From this report, as much as the issues of trust and confidence get surfaced again, it’s equally important that officers who are potentially going through something similar who might be victims feel empowered to come forward”.
Two of the officers have been fired for gross misconduct, but there are worries that this is not enough
The messages follow the recent rape and murder of Sarah Everard, a 33-yearold marketing executive who was killed in March of last year. Everard's death sparked national outrage, stressing institutional flaws and violence employed by those in power.
Many took to social media to voice their frustration. Broadcast journalist Rachael Venables expressed her concerns at the offensive actions of the police, posted via a thread on Twitter. With the reputation of Scotland Yard once again under fire, chief Cressida Dick has told her officers that "enough is enough". Pointing to “poor conduct and nasty and inappropriate behaviour”, Dick said this behaviour was unacceptable. Former chief prosecutor Nazir Afsal said, 'only new leadership will do' with calls for a 'judge led enquiry' In reference to the comments, Newcastle University student Kayleigh Fraser said, ''I think it's frightening that the people who are meant to protect us
"This reveals a horrific culture of misogyny against women, both within the police force and general community''
have a inherent disrespect for women and the wider community'' English Literature student Peter Bath said, ''This reveals a horrific culture of misogyny against women, both within the police force and general community''
Image: Matt Brown via Flickr
The Met Police said it was 'deeply sorry' for the 'reprehensible behaviour' of its officers with promises to 'stamp out unacceptable behaviour'.
THE
COURIER
Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Becca Alexander, Renzo Szkwarok, Ruby Story-Dartford, Harry Jones & Alexander James
News
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Home Truths: Speaking up for Students Ruby Story-Dartford - News sub-editor
NUSU Athletic Union Officer Fergus Mainland discusses the new campaign, 'Home Truths'
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he Courier interviewed Newcastle University's Athletic Union Officer Fergus Mainland to discuss the new campaign, 'Home Truths', the survey speaking up for student housing. Students have been invited to complete the survey below. All results will be compiled into a report for the City Council in the fight to create a better quality living for those forced to accommodate to poor housing conditions. Where did the idea for Home Truths begin? "We've had plenty of meetings with the City Council and realised that the system they've got in place for the issues surrounding housing is not simple. It's difficult to find on the council website and the onus is on the person with the problems
whether it's a student or someone else regardless. It's a long complicated process just to get an outcome you want, whether that be a deposit back, or a landlord to pay for something. The premise of this is we want to gather plenty of evidence that we can show the Council that might put legislation in place that can hold landlords accountable. We want more information out there to show students what they're entitled to, what they're not entitled to, just to help make that difference for student living. We're raising awareness of student housing problems and looking to drive a change at Council level to see something positive come about it".
"We shouldn't have to put up with bad housing because landlords are interested in gathering money" What made you set up Home Truths? "There were so many times we'd be in meetings with the Council, and they would say, 'we need people to come to us'. We thought we'd go out, find all
the information and say to the Council, we've got an entire ward in Jesmond, Sandyford, Heaton or in the city that you're not doing enough for and you haven't got enough staff managing complaints, issues or landlords. We thought we'd put this together and see what we can do". Have you got a big team behind the survey? "We've had the entire Sabb team out on campus, those who haven't got Covid. We're bringing in an assistant to write the report for us. It's something that a lot of us are passionate about. There are three of us looking at various parts of housing, it's such a big issue that occurs year after year. It's as though students accept that they have to live in bad housing, it's always a right of passage, something that students have to just get on with. We shouldn't have to put up with bad housing because landlords are interested in gathering money instead of looking out for the best interests of students. Not all landlords are bad, but we've got to have a system set up in place by the council that ensures that everyone is looked out for". Would you argue that students are easy targets for landlords? "You come out of halls in first year, and all of a sudden you're in the property market, you're looking for a house,
signing agreements, you don't often know what you're signing. If you can get your parents to look over it at least, then that's great. You're also pushed into scenarios with bills packages, and all this information is just thrown at you. As a student, you're supposed to try and dissect it all".
"I want to see a better regulated student property market, one where students sign up for an agreement" "One of the other projects we tried to do was with the Council website, setting up a designated website with a section for students. We've made some progress, there's a section on it, it's about making the website more accessible for students to find. It's ensuring that students have that information readily to hand from the City Council to show the things that students should be looking out for when signing up for a property, tenants' rights. Otherwise, you end up with people pressured to sign up to bills packages, or paying a month's rent otherwise they lose the property. It's frustrating that this information isn't there when it should be".
What change would you like to see from the survey? "I want to see a better regulated student property market, one where when students sign up for an agreement, it's upheld, and you end up with a far more transparent agreement between landlord and tenant, one which switches to the City Council actively looking to uphold the standard of property, as opposed to waiting for information to come to them". When your position as Athletics' Officer ends this year, who will take Home Truths over? "It will be up to next year's Sabb team to decide who takes over. We want to see change, so that next year's Sabb team works with a City Council that is more open to change and more open to bettering the process of reporting bad accommodation. It's so important that the student voice is heard".
For more information on this campaign, visit: nusu.co.uk/hometruths
Universities pledge to stop the use of NDAs for sexual harrassment victims Sam Norman
Universities pledge to end silencing of sexual violence victims
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monumental shift in the fight to stop the silencing of sexual harassment victims took place on the 18 January, backed by the Minister for Higher Education Michelle Donelan MP. Since 2016, it has been reported nearly a third of universities have used NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) to suppress victims of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct’s voices. The pledge by universities was welcomed by the global campaign #CantBuyMySilence. The group was founded by former Harvey Weinstein aide Zelda Perkins and Canadian Law professor Julie Macfarlane and functions to end the harmful use of NDAs, making them a natural ally of the university campaign. The #CantBuyMySilence campaign enables students to access a list of all Universities that have co-signed the pledge, with also an option to send a letter to your Vice-Chancellor. Newcastle University and Northumbria University are both listed supporting the pledge. The Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University Professor Chris Day released
his own statement on the 21 January 2022, re-affirming his support to end the use of NDAs, as he said, “we work hard to create a supportive and caring environment where our people feel able to speak out, safe in the knowledge they will be listened to and believed”. A second-year Northumbria University student who chose to remain anonymous welcomed the breakthrough, however, highlighted the discomfort also shown by the advancement as she said, “we’re making headway, but is it a milestone when this just shows the number of predators protected at the expense of their
"The tip of the iceberg has been hit and everything underneath is coming to the surface''
victims?” Despite this, the progress is being hailed by many as a catalyst for attitude adaptations. A first-year Newcastle University student who wished to remain anonymous said, “progress like this shows people their likeliness of getting away with these actions are decreasing. The tip of the iceberg has been hit and everything underneath is coming to the surface”. Image: Newcastle University
Sub-editors: Kayleigh Fraser, Tiyanna Mistry & Amana Khan
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Monday 14th February 2022
Campus Comment
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Party at Downing Street: BYOB! Neve Watson
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oday’s special: the cheese and wine are served with an extra slice of corruption and hypocrisy. In case you’re not fully up to date, reports have been emerging over the past couple of weeks regarding ‘social events’ - read: illegal parties - that occurred within Downing Street whilst lockdowns were imposed. The Met Police have said they will investigate the claims, and Civil Servant, Sue Gray, has recently published her first findings regarding ‘Partygate’ – concluding that there are ‘failures of leadership and judgement.’ As more findings are released in the following months, I’m certain we’ll see more criticism.
I don't think I wasted my time following the regulations because I do believe that it made a difference
As a student, I am of course outraged at the hypocrisy of the Tory government. For most of the pandemic, students and young people have been scapegoated for the spread of COVID-19, because we’re an easy group to rally against. Whilst I cannot deny that some
young people did break lockdown rules, I do not think that excuses placing blame on the entire group. Particularly, that it has now emerged that the government were doing the very thing they were villainising us for.
As a student, I am of course outraged at the hypocrisy of the Tory government As an example, in October 2020, four Nottingham students were fined £10,000 each and suspended from university for breaking lockdown rules. This was just after the tier system was imposed, and as Nottingham was in Tier 2, household mixing was banned. Two months later, the then Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, threw a party for the Department for Education staff when London was also under Tier 2 restrictions. This is now being investigated in the Sue Gray inquiry, and whilst the question should regard why it has taken so long for this event, and others, to come to light, we already know the answer lies in years of Tory corruption and hypocrisy. Whilst I wasn’t fined for breaking lockdown rules, I know some who were. I think the question of getting your money back if you were fined is a difficult one, because whilst I agree with punishment for breaking lockdown, it cannot be ignored that
fines disproportionately affect the poor. I largely disagree with punishments regarding money as a concept. For some, the money lost is a difference between putting food on the table, whilst for those who can afford it, it barely dints their pocket (and that’s if they’re even punished). I don’t think I wasted my time in following the regulations because I do truly believe that it made a difference. Whilst I have had COVID-19 myself twice now over the course of these two years, I have primarily followed the rules to protect those around me that are more vulnerable if they contracted the virus. However, I can understand why people may feel like they’ve wasted their time when those who imposed the restrictions weren’t even following them in the first place. I truly hope that those in Westminster are punished for their illegal parties during lockdown, but I don’t hold much hope. I do not think fines would severely affect them. Of course, Boris Johnson is currently receiving votes of noconfidence from members of his own party, so with any luck he will step down. This would not, however, fix the issue. I only hope that the people see that whilst they were barred from visiting family, those in power were laughing at their sacrifices, and
that in the next general election, they’re voted out.
Image: Flickr
Online exams anger Chemistry student!
Elizabeth Meade - Head of Current Affairs
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hroughout first semester, Newcastle University Chemistry students advocated for tests to go online. Course Representatives, including myself, discussed the idea at StudentStaff Committee and Student-Staff Strategy Board meetings. Each time, Chemistry staff and others said that it was not possible to put exams online. On 17 December, the University changed its mind. Chemistry students were sent an email with the following text: "The in-person, written exams which had previously been scheduled for the CHY3109 and CHY3206 modules have been cancelled. You will now receive an exam paper and submit your work online for each of these modules."[CHY3109 and CHY3206 are the module codes for Advanced Medicinal Chemistry and Advanced Physical Chemistry.] Some believe the University made this decision after a comment by Boris Johnson. There are no direct quotes from Boris Johnson explicitly calling for online exams. On 15 December, he held a COVID-19 press conference in which he told people to get booster vaccines and discussed the Omicron variant. It is difficult to believe that the University was only cognizant of the dangers of Omicron upon hearing this announcement. Students had been concerned about a return to inperson exams before Omicron was a major concern. When the variant was discovered, we were even more
concerned and continued to advocate. Given that students in multiple departments advocated for this, the University should have required online exams sooner. This late decision showed that the University cared more about public opinion than about student concerns
The University should have required online exams sooner and wellbeing. Exams were clearly only put online to avoid later criticism from the government and the general public, as they did not act on student concerns on the matter. It is also telling that the Chemistry department did not support online exams until University made them mandatory. Chemistry staff told students that exams could not be online because the website's module description claimed the tests would be administered inperson and they were not allowed to do things differently than prescribed in this description. However, this online module description was soon forgotten when the spectre of public criticism rose up in the background. Staff also told students that they did not understand what it meant to go to university because, in making this request, we were showing that we did not understand that we had to take exams. This was clearly a deliberate misinterpretation of the request, as all students knew and accepted we would be required to take some sort of exam. We had already experienced online
exams, understood what they entailed and understood that they were still a form of examination. Since online assessment methods had already been utilized three times, it would not be unprecedented for the University to consider utilizing them again, and hence not unreasonable for students to view them as a valid possibility. The online tests received a mixed reception from students. Each module allowed students a 24-hour window in which to take the respective exam. The test for CHY3109 was set from Friday, 21 January to Saturday, 22 January which many students found inconvenient. CHY3206 was originally set then as well, but Physical Chemistry students asked for it to be moved to be
The University cared more about public opinion than student concerns from Thursday, 20 January to Friday, 21 January. Students found that the 24hour time was unfair to students who had to work night shifts. When this issue was brought up, it was once again dismissed, just as with most requests (other than moving the CHY3206 exam). Any future changes to Chemistry examination practices are as yet unannounced.
Image: OpenClipArt
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COURIER
Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Kayleigh Fraser, Tiyanna Mistry & Amana Khan
Campus Comment
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Interview with the UCU's Branch Secretary Matt Perry: Strikes, students and solidarity Kayleigh Fraser - Campus Comment sub-editor
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n the 27th January, the University and College Union (UCU) announced ten days of strike action to take place from the 14th February until the 2nd March. Some students stand by their lecturers and others will actively rebel. But, what are the strikes? Why are they so important? UCU strikes have always been an extremely contentious topic of discussion. Many students don't understand them and feel a disconnect between themselves and their lecturers. Now, with more strikes on the horizon, it's never been more important for students to be educated and informed. To find out more about the UCU's plans, strikes and student solidarity, The Courier spoke to Newcastle's UCU Branch Secretary Matt Perry. To begin, we asked Matt what the strikes are about. What are lecturers really fighting for? He stated, "There's two disputes that are being conducted. Some institutions, (like ours), we're involved in both disputes." The first dispute details a fight to protect the USS. This is the university pension scheme, named the Universities Superannuation Scheme. Then, there's the second
dispute named 'The Four Fights'. "The Four Fights dispute is over pay, equality, workload and over casualisation of the workforce", Matt explained. "We try to challenge the way in which there's been a very considerable deterioration of the working experience of staff in a very short period of time". Of course, these were the same fights present in a ballot for striking that was announced in late October of 2021. Unfortunately, Newcastle missed their ballot by a single vote in the 'Four Fights' part of the dispute. Similarly, it was six votes on the side of the USS dispute. Because of this, we didn't have any strike action. I asked Matt what he thought about this and why it was such a close margin.
In terms of COVID, staff were left out of very important conversations "It's not that there wasn't strong support amongst staff for the dispute", Matt replied. "It's just that in and of the nature of polling for industrial action you always get a proportion of people who vote and who don't". He continued, "Since 2016, the legislation that frames industrial action means that you have to get a higher proportion of people voting". This means that overall, it's actually become harder for staff to strike.
One thing I was interested to ask Matt was the issue of COVID in universities and whether this was factored into the upcoming strikes. In his last interview for The Courier in October 2020, Matt mentioned that because of the pandemic some members felt like they were "being coerced onto campus". Has this changed? "I think that's a really, really good question", he started, explaining that health and safety in a workplace is devolved from legislation put into place in 1974. However, responsibility for such legislation is put into the hands of "trade union reps", devolved into a conversation and agreement between staff and unions. Matt continued, "In the context of the lockdown and afterwards, it meant that that process was undermined by universities being able to say 'we're following government guidelines'... we weren't happy about the minimalism of that position". It seems, in terms of COVID, staff were left out of a very important conversation. "Staff did protest, and we did have big meetings where we took positions and we talked about balloting for industrial action over health and safety because we weren't confident that the university was COVID secure". COVID, naturally, has been something that has taken over all of our lives for nearly two years. As a third year myself, a lot of my little time at university has been taken away by unsuccessful strikes and COVID. The big question for me was, will the strikes work this time?
What's different now? "This is the million dollar question", he said. "The impression a lot of people took from the last wave of industrial action was that it didn't work. Twenty two days of industrial action, and what did it get you?" Matt explained that actually, reform on pensions went ahead. "They'd imposed a change from a guaranteed pension to a non-guaranteed pension". But, strikes turned this around so that staff were able to have this guaranteed pension in the end. "People miss that out". A panel also went ahead with staff because of industrial action. Matt told me, "the employers agreed to have a joint panel with us to investigate our claims... an expert panel had to come to the conclusion that we were right all along". As much as this is all encouraging, there is obviously a large proportion of the student body that don't support the strikes at all. I asked Matt what he would say to a student who disagreed with industrial action.
"Our working conditions are your teaching conditions" Matt firmly replied, "Our working conditions are your teaching conditions. If we're overworked and stressed out, that's transferred onto you. If our jobs are precarious, again, that adds to the
stressful situation and transfers onto you". Lastly, I asked Matt about the future. What will happen if the strikes are successful? On the flip side, will we see further strikes this semester if negotiations are unsuccessful? "That entirely depends on the employers", Matt replied. "I think the strikes are proportionate to the challenge that's happening to our profession... this is such a big challenge to us". Matt really emphasised to me that, "a really important part of the equation is how students react". Clearly, this is a fight students can get involved with too. Discussing future strikes, Matt added, "frankly, I'd prefer to have a quiet life. This is a lot of work and a lot of stress... we lose out big-style when they deduct our pay". Ending, Matt said, "I think there's actually quite a valuable experience, kind of a life lesson in the strikes themselves... The threat of precarious work, the clamping down on pay and the rising living cost is something that everyone is experiencing". "[Strikes are] unfortunate for students and we do it with a heavy heart, but perhaps this can bring about a bit of a change in what people can do at work to get their rights".
Why the Students' Union is my NSR's re-brand: Red favourite building on campus is the new orange
M Alex Walker
embers of The University and College Union are taking part in strike action throughout the second semester. They are engaging in ten days of interrupting students' learning, in February and the beginning of March. The strikes are being planned to take place between, Monday, 14th February to Tuesday, 22nd February and Monday, 28th February to Wednesday, 2nd March. The Students' Union Building is an amazing resource. Most students' unions in the UK are housed in horrifying concrete blocks (for which they pay a fortune in rent) and which they can barely maintain. But not NUSU. Remarkably, our union is housed in the same, hundred-year-old, purpose-built, Neo-Jacobean building. What’s more, NUSU owns this building, thanks to money donated by Sir Cecil Cochrane MP. The Union building is an incredible gift from those who came before. It puts our interests on the map at the centre of the university where they undoubtedly belong. Furthermore, I am a believer in the value of
aesthetics. I believe we can only achieve great things and get a world-leading and historic education if we live and work in a great place and learn on a worldleading and historic campus. And the Student’s Union fulfills this to the tee. Every morning when I arrive on campus, hungover, miserable and wishing I lived somewhere with balmy weather, I stand outside the Union and look at it. I look at the clean brickwork, sandstone and crested porch, golden clock and manicured hedges. It makes me feel proud and acknowledge how privileged I am to be here. I truly think it makes me take my education more seriously. It certainly makes me feel better about my day. D o e s the Bedson building
make you feel like that? How about the dreadful Daysh? Or the thoroughly monstrous Herschel? I doubt it. So many university campuses, ours included, are covered in nasty, 20thcentury monoliths, that hang above our heads like grim harbingers of the dystopian future we see in films. Once you build these hateful things, they’re with us forever. And many of them were built only forty years after our Union Building was built. The Union Building is therefore probably the last beautiful building we’ll ever get unless the world agrees to start building beautifully again. But mostly, I love the Union Building because of what goes on inside. It is a place run by the student body, for the student body. It is the home of the Student Council and this excellent paper, as well as the societies we love, nurture and build. It is the spiritual home of the Newcastle University community, the beating heart of our shabby little society. It’s quite simply a beautiful, wonderful place, and we are lucky beyond measure to have it.
Image: Newcastle University Special Collections
Kayleigh Fraser - Campus Comment sub-editor | Head of News at NSR
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ometimes it just feels good to make a change. When I joined NSR back in October 2021, one of the things the committee chatted about was a re-brand. Changing the colour of the logo felt like a logical step in improving the quality of the station. Plus, orange was getting old. Following the Student radio awards back in November, we as a team felt very strongly about getting our brand out there and improving the great stations and community that we already have here at Newcastle. "The red just made sense to us", Station Manager Izzy Ellis said. "Myself and the rest of the committee all agreed it was time for a change and red was the colour that completed our vision for the future". That's not all that's new. We now have an in-studio iPad that any presenters can use to post on our socials and promote their shows. Don't forget SRA Con that's coming up, too. Anyone that volunteers to help us gets
a free ticket to the conference. That includes a 3 course meal, and the ability to network with the biggest names in the radio industry. Interested? Email Izzy Ellis at nnsrsm@newcastle.ac.uk
Image: NSR
THE
COURIER
Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Emily Kelso, Humphrey Jordan & Rosie Norman
Comment
9
New Order: Are we about to enter a Neo-Feudal Era? cries himself to sleep at night whilst he lies atop the mountain of money he avoided paying tax on.
Ross Bennett
In an era of wealth inequality and market monopolization, we are faced with a scary possibility.
I doubt Mr. Bezos feels heartache boosting his wealth by $86bn during the pandemic
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he richest 10% of the human population hoard 52% of the world’s wealth— that’s a staggering statistic to think about. In 2020, when we lowly peons were struggling to put food on the table and being forced to stock up on tinned food, banks generated a profit of $147.8 billion in the United States alone. So are we about to enter a Neo-Feudal Era? The answer is we already have.
Amazon didn’t pay taxes in Europe two years ago Feudalism refers to the old monarchic way of governing— imagine a pyramid: the largest area at the bottom was where the peasants resided and the smallest area at the top was where the ruler sat. In essence, the King or Queen
Images: Wikimedia Commons, Flickr
possessed the most power and wealth, whilst the peasants and laborers possessed the least. This system of governing was long thought to be a product of a bygone era, that we lived in an enlightened age – power to the people, and all that. How mistaken we could be? Now replace the ‘ruler’ with someone like Jeff Bezos and the peasants with those who work in Amazon’s
warehouses (where the poor working conditions have already been highly publicised, with even an employee dying at one of their ‘fulfilment centres’ in Essex last November). However, I doubt Mr. Bezos feels any particular kind of heartache when he realises he boosted his wealth by $86 billion during the pandemic. You want more examples of income inequality? Look at the Panama Papers,
11.5 million documents detailing how the rich fat cats of the world (like David Cameron or former Icelandic Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson) scurried away their wealth in offshore tax havens. About Cameron specifically: record numbers of UK citizens had to resort to food banks during his tenure, and that number has only risen in the years since he flew the coop after Brexit. I’m sure he
In the UK, Google only pays £50 million in taxes, which sounds like a large sum until you put it against the £1.8 billion their British offices make in revenue. Amazon didn’t have to pay any taxes in Europe two years ago, getting a tax cut due to an apparent loss of €1.2 billion even though they’re income soared to record levels. Where did this start? Some say with the 2008 financial crash, going back even further you could say it began with the neoliberal policies of Reagan and Thatcher – bailing out big business with Tax Cuts. But it doesn’t matter where or when or even how it started, what matters is what next. Should we continue to endeavour our lives, the lives of our children, grandchildren and however many generations to come into servitude for big business and the Jeff Bezos’ of the world? And if not, how are we going to put a stop to a train that’s already running?
The Ukraine-Russia Border Crisis: Should we get involved? Edward Wenike-Cotterell
As the world watches the tense standoff between NATO and Russia, a case is made for War against Russia.
create an enemy and you have an easy distraction. That enemy is us. The UK, the US, NATO and its allies are the main antagonists in Russian state-owned media, which acts as little more than a thinly-veiled propaganda machine for the "Big Dog" himself: Vladimir Putin.
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s a nation and as a continent, we have meddled in the affairs of other nations, with and without their consent. As Russia's oligarchs plot from within the Kremlin, who else will defend Europe from returning to war and strife? "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” is an often cited quotation by George Santayana, and yet it seems especially appropriate considering the circumstances we are currently facing. Comments describing Ukraine as a nation that "many Americans can't find on the map" were once rather amusing considering the fact that many Americans list even their own country as one "they can't find on the map". However, I am reminded of Neville Chamberlain's 1938 comments describing the thenborder crisis between Nazi Germany and Czechoslovakia as "a quarrel in a faraway land between people of which we know nothing". 11 months later, Britain was at war. Today we see the same spirit of revanchism from Putin. With growing unrest, government corruption and sanctions crippling the economy (with more potentially to come) the Kremlin needs to revive support by whipping up Russian nationalistic sentiments. Unfortunately for Moscow, Mr. Johnson has already taken "Operation Save Big Dog", yet the tactics remain the same;
Images: Wikimedia Commons
The West cannot make the mistake of allowing Putin any negotiation room, especially when the sovereignty of other nations is at stake. Usually, our foreign intervention is an unwelcome nuisance and America has led countless wars in the name of oil and the
military-industrial complex. Very often, the West exhibits the same behaviour as the Russians except our brand of imperialism is wrapped up in platitudes about "democracy" and "self-determination" while actively subverting the sovereignty of nations around the world. This time, however, the Ukrainians are publicly calling for our help. When
British troops were sent to Ukraine for training purposes, #GodSaveTheQueen trended on Twitter in Ukraine and popular comments under videos by BBC News Ukraine use terms such as "BBC НАЙКРАЩIЙ!" (BBC is the best!) or "Слава Британії!" (Long live Britain!) Instead of burning American flags in the streets, the Ukrainian Armed Forces instead went viral for learning to sing our national anthem. Is a nation this appreciative of foreign intervention one we can abandon without exhausting all diplomatic avenues? It would be a betrayal not only to the values we claim to cherish, but also to the Ukrainians themselves who have sought friendship with us, their neighbours, for decades. The general consensus across Europe is that military alliance is the only way to avoid a resurgence of Russian imperialism. Despots such as Putin never stop. Once the electoral boost from his current crusade fades, will he stop? Or will he simply move on to the next vulnerable target? The Baltic states are home to hundreds of thousands of Russian speakers. Where is the red line? Will we only defend democracy when contractually obliged to do so? Xi and Putin have taken full advantage of their meeting at the Winter Olympics to fully back each other's expansionist plans and declare the West their mutual enemy. If the West is seen to blink first when it comes to Ukraine, it will only embolden Putin and Xi. History is almost destined to repeat itself. The First World War was triggered from Sarajevo, the second at Warsaw. If we are to avoid a third war, we have to face the threat head on. If we turn and run now, the question will be not if, but when it catches up with us. If we want peace, I believe we need to prepare for war.
THE
COURIER
Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Erika Armanino & Jon Deery
Science
Where was our climate education? Sarah Daly
Young people will suffer the most from climate change - but we've not been taught anything about it
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crolling through Instagram, we are often bombarded with environmental activists' posts. From Greta Thunberg’s leading school strikes, to photographs of droughts in Zimbabwe which have resulted in the deaths of over 200 elephants. However, it appears that Instagram postings and documentaries rather than formal education are our primary sources of climate change information. A survey of 4,680 teachers in England found that two-thirds of secondary school teachers felt climate change was not taught in a meaningful way within their subject despite climate being relevant to their subject area. At a time when students are missing school to protest and raise awareness about the climate emergency to ensure real action for our planet and their future; climate education should be a more central part of education to ensure knowledge can be applied effectively to combat the consequences of global warming. Despite the fact that some schools participate in Earth Day, climate education is not part of the curriculum.
Climate change should be taught not simply in terms of facts and data, but also in terms of how institutions and individuals deal with crises. When learning about climate change, emotion should play a key role; for example, after reading about climate change, students should discuss and process their emotions with trusted peers. However, it is also incorrect to educate climate change without taking into account the current emotional dynamics of learning about it. Lab activities are one approach for kids to learn about climate change on a smaller scale. Simulations of greenhouse effects, for example, using plastic wrap to capture the sun's heat. From an early age, this would raise awareness and worry. Students could also volunteer in a school community garden to gain experience in living a more sustainable lifestyle. Environment education could be offered as a separate subject in schools to reflect on environmental principles such as energy efficiency and establishing close contact with the environment in order to counteract climate change. This might be accomplished through improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in order
to develop qualified professionals with the necessary training for a green economy. Failure to include climate education in the classroom results in a poor understanding of the subject and inhibits our collective ability to respond; MP Nadia Whittome, labour MP supports this notion saying: “the education system should be helping young people to get informed on the impacts of climate change – it’s their lives that will be affected. It’s also part of how we will reach net zero – give young people the tools to be part of the solution”. Although climate change is a difficult subject to teach, it is a critical issue for students, teachers, communities and schools. Climate change is an interdisciplinary problem that allows pupils to better comprehend the world around them and respect their civic settings. Climate change education should unquestionably be used in schools to develop self-aware children. Images: Flickr
P CC Lee
esticides that are harmful to bees are now being authorised for emergency use, despite the concerns posed by environmental groups and scientists.
Image: Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons
"Pull that up, Jamie": can we trust Big Tech to manage misinformation? Josh Smith
Are attempts to combat misinformation by Big Tech companies misinformed in their approach?
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he response to the global pandemic online has left many wondering whether enough is being done to battle misinformation. This has led platforms to begin using machine learning to include disclaimers before harmful misinformation. However, this raises questions of whether non-news platforms can really be expected to uphold journalistic standards, and whether profit-driven companies can be left to manage issues which go against their profits without any legal requirements to do so. The Joe Rogan Experience, attached to Spotify exclusively through a $100 million contract, has recently been under flak for its host and guest’s comments, opposing vaccine and mask mandates and supporting natural immunity and alternate medicines. This has led to many artists removing their content from the platform until the podcast is removed. Spotify have reacted by introducing disclaimers before content which flags up as COVID-19 misinformation, but are yet to remove or censor said posts, despite having rules against deceptive and harmful content. So, should we expect more action to be taken against misinformation by these platforms?
Little is at stake in regard to Moon-hoax believers, but one topic is undeniably important to combat - Holocaust denial
Government approves bee-killing pesticide The government has approved a pesticide which contains thiamethoxam, for use on sugar beets. The decisions was made due to the rising cases of yellow virus, in sugar beets, which can cause significant damage to crop production. Whilst this seems liable, the same pesticide was banned in 2018 by the UK and EU because of the detrimental effects it will have on the bees population. With an increase in global warming, bees are already being affected, with more reports each year of a decline in their populations. This is why the increased use of harmful pesticides for vegetation seems wholly futile, when farming would decline exponentially without bees. Along with the pesticide being in use again, the government has also outlined that, no flowering crops can be grown within 32 months of using the pesticide. Which not only limits
farmers income, it also completely goes against eco-farming. As there will be a lack of plantation taking in carbon dioxide on the fields affected, this increases the negative effects of global warming and will continue to affect bees' populations. It seems clear then, that the use of the pesticide – thiamethoxam – will inherently deprive the revival of bee pollinators in the UK. Along with expert advice being ignored and the pleas from the climate crisis organisations being shunned, this only emphasises the poor decision making – which will inevitably have huge consequences, sooner than we realise.
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Arguably, no. Rules against content which could promote harm are typically enforced regardless of the users’ size, as Twitter’s permanent suspension of @realDonaldTrump in 2021 would suggest. If the matter is as simple as that case, where a direct call to violence is visible, one would expect all platforms to act similarly. However,
COVID-19 misinformation is a much more complex issue. In 2020, many religious groups online encouraged followers to act in a way which would oppose scientific advice. Greece’s Orthodox Church encouraged followers to continue the practice of Holy Communion, which could cause infection through eating food touched by others, as “this cannot be the cause of the spread of illness” due to its holiness. This statement would arguably fall within misinformation, if one disagreed with the teachings, yet censoring the statement as ‘misinformation’ would also possibly fall under religious discrimination. Therefore, even ignoring the financial motivations, it is understandable to see platforms taking as weak a stance towards COVID-19 misinformation as possible. However, what about when the topic is not one based on faith and scientific understanding, but on history? Platforms are always under pressure to avoid becoming breeding grounds of harmful conspiracy theories. Little is at stake in regard to YouTuber fan theories and Moon-hoax believers, yet one topic is undeniably important to combat — Holocaust denial. TikTok have begun a campaign against Holocaust misinformation on their platform. When content relevant to the Holocaust is discussed, users are given a message encouraging them to visit www.aboutholocaust.org. With 17% of the platform’s Holocaust-related content “denying or distorting the event” according to UNESCO, this is an important move. However, this approach also feels more useful for TikTok’s appearance than combating misinformation. If one considers that Holocaust denial often links to an antisemitic belief of Judaism holding excessive deceptive power over the world, it is unlikely that a conspirator would have their mind changed by a WJC (World Jewish Congress) source. Instead, the results could even be harmful, increasing the antisemitic delusion. So, what should platforms do? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer which will please anyone, but a crucial decision will inevitably need to be made between the freedom against the harms of misinformation and the freedom to express oneself freely online. One can only hope the decision is made morally and not financially.
Image: PowerfulJRE, YouTube
THE
COURIER
Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Gabbi de Boer, Annabel Hogg & Imogen Mole
Relationships
13
Sponsored by Las Iguanas Rate the Date Did you do anything to prepare for the date? I didn’t do anything, I had lectures and stuff so just went on with my day and got ready for 6. What was your first impression of Jasmin? Very nice girl, very easy to talk to. What did you order from Las Iguanas? We didn’t order food haha, I ate before thinking it was just a bar so we just had cocktails. If Jasmin was an item from the menu, what would they be and why? Have to say cocktail because that’s the only thing I had but also because everyone loves a cocktail, it’s very cool. Did you learn anything about Jasmin that surprised you? The fact that she travelled a lot, been almost everywhere in Europe. Would you recommend blind date to a friend? Yes, I would. Would you like to see Jasmin again? In a friendly way, for sure!
Jasmin, BioMed, 21
Gauthier, Journalism, 20
Rate the Date Did you do anything to prepare for the date? I made sure Mercury was out of retrograde. What was your first impression of Gauthier? Friendly and polite. What did you order from Las Iguanas? Both of us already had something to eat so we just tried different cocktails from their 2 for 1 section. If Gauthier was an item from the menu, what would they be and why? "French fries" (chips) because of his French accent. Did you learn anything about Gauthier that surprised you? He's never heard of Hamilton (the musical). Would you recommend blind date to a friend? Yes, I like the idea of getting to meet someone you would most likely never bump into otherwise. Also, you have to do it at least once just for the fun of it. Would you like to see Gathier again? I enjoyed spending time with him so I would but perhaps as friends.
Sub-editors: Gabbi de Boer, Annabel Hogg & Imogen Mole
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Monday 14th February 2022
Relationships
THE
COURIER
Me, myself and university Arts | page 30
Castor Chan - Sports sub-editor
A dive into the pressures of hook-up culture at university and the importance of self-love Content Warning: discussions of weight and body image
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oming into university, a huge part of my fears were linked to my lack of relationships and experience in my teenage years. So much of media - including teen shows like Sex Education and Euphoria that have been both praised and criticised for their unapologetic explicitness - play off themes of romance and sex, and here I was with a completely different experience under my belt. I'll admit, I didn’t feel pretty until I got to uni, and I still have a complicated relationship with my body. Being a ballet dancer meant that I'd always been thin - perhaps too much so - to meet the demands of both the sport and my teacher. Then a combination of other sports meant that I was training up to six days a week. Stopping all of that during the pandemic and uni left me not knowing where I stand with my weight, and how could I feel comfortable with someone loving my body if I couldn't even love it myself? While there are some days where I’ve made an effort to dress and walk out of the flat with a smile, perhaps only hours later I’ll catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror before a shower and it’s like a cold bucket of water. This lack of confidence in myself has made me feel like that’s the reason why I find it so hard talking to someone I’m attracted to, or even considering the idea that I could be that
person to somebody else. That brings up another issue. I don’t know how to feel about the uni “hook-up culture” because I’ve simply not lost my virginity. One’s virginity is so often branded as something that must be ticked off the list, or something that is an achievement. My self-image and fear have held me back from it because I just couldn’t fathom how I could be wanted in that way, and with it not being openly talked about at home when I grew up, I had no idea how to approach the idea of sex. While everyone in uni is generally laidback about using this time to explore what they enjoy (which is really good!!), it also creates the pressure that now is the time to figure everything out.
One’s virginity is so often branded as something that must be ticked off the list To continue off that, I just hadn’t found someone I have wanted to let myself be vulnerable with. Half of the advances I’ve had were people on the street and the phantom, unwanted feeling of their hands on me - it's funny, I can't even recall if they physically touched me - is another thing that just plays like a broken record. It may be cliche, but I want to make sure trust and comfort are key parts of the equation. Sure, attraction can be instant - I am a sucker for ‘love at first sight’ tropes, sue me but real relationships take time and that’s alright. There is nothing wrong with self-love if you aren’t ready, but opening up to people is usually more than worth it in the end. In short, I think I’ve just come to realise that the pressure and fear I currently hold about my image and virginity are all self-imposed. Of course, societal and environmental factors most
definitely come into play but they only matter if you give them weight. There will be days when I don't want anyone to touch me, but I can also try and recreate that spring in my step that comes from a favourite accessory or an extra bit of eyeliner. And that need to lose my virginity? The right person will make me want it at the right time, I shouldn’t have to rush myself through it just to scratch it off my hypothetical list. Ultimately, you own
your body, and whether you want to experiment out there, find yourself for a little bit longer or do neither and vibe through life, you do you, boo.
Image: Pixabay (Stocksnap)
Biphobia in the dating world Emma Bausen
It's time to talk about the experiences of bisexual people in the dating world
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he world is slowly becoming more open and inclusive of queer sexualities, but that doesn’t mean that this mindset has reached every person on our planet. As a bisexual woman, I have experienced my fair share of biphobic incidents in the dating world. My first real boyfriend, my first love if you will, was the sweetest guy. We had a great relationship, but one thing irked me. He would sometimes go on about the fact that if I were to kiss a woman, he wouldn’t feel that betrayed. The idea of me kissing a man on the other hand would have his blood boiling. This simple message showed me how he disregarded my attraction to women, and therefore, my bisexuality. It’s been years since we broke up, yet I still feel a sting every time I think of it.
It showed an acceptance and respect for my sexuality
Then there was one guy, who, even if it was meant as a joke sometimes, didn’t stop talking about a threesome with me and my best friend (who also happens to be bisexual), because it would “Be so easy”. Close friends of mine have repeatedly argued with me that "It's just a phase". Someone else I went on one date with wanted to know how I felt if a woman at the gym was changing in front of me because I’d probably be horny the entire time. Another one kept asking me if I had ever cheated on one of my partners, because “Well, you just have much more to choose from and it must be pretty hard to resist, right?”. The list of these experiences
goes on and on. These are just not things to ask a person when meeting them for the first time. There are boundaries, even if you’re curious. Most people don’t even know that they are saying something biphobic. It’s often subtly woven into the tone of a conversation because there just isn’t enough awareness for bisexuality and subsequently biphobia out there. But there have also been good experiences, like the last guy I went on a date with. For our first date, we met at a wine bar not far from his place. While we were enjoying a glass of Sauvignon, a woman I had talked to for a while bluntly stated that she’d love to take me on a date some time and I just said “Sure, let’s do it”. My date heard our interaction, but he wasn’t offended or irritated in any way. As we stumbled into his apartment
on that saturday night, slightly tipsy and definitely way too loud for his sleeping flatmate, he simply asked: “So you’re not straight?” When I said “No, I’m bisexual”, all he did was nod, smile at me and then
he clumsily continued to take off his shoes. This interaction might seem trivial to some, but to me, it showed an acceptance and respect for my sexuality that I often don’t get to see that easily. I have to say, it felt freeing. So, maybe not all is lost for us lonely, bisexual hearts in the dating world.
Image (Flag): Wikimedia Commons (Peter Salanki) Image (Woman): Unsplash (Kyle Broad)
THE
COURIER
Monday 14th February 2022
Relationships
Love is for a lifetime, not just Valentine's! Kate Benson
An explanation of why we shouldn't wait until Valentine's Day to express our love
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here is no way we should only celebrate love on one day of the year. There is so much love in the world in so many different forms - friendship love, romantic love, family love, love within the community. How could we survive if we didn’t celebrate it outside of Valentine’s Day? I saw that one of the other article briefs this week was ‘Write a love letter to someone’ and so many names popped into my head of who I could do this for. So, I realised I need to just do them instead of keeping it all in. We need to learn to express love more freely, openly, and frequently. There was something I saw on Instagram which said we should not be saving these things to say about people until their funeral, and it is so true. There are so many ways to show love, and different people will express it in different ways. My friend introduced me to compliment showers and now I am a big advocate; you go around the room all giving a compliment to one chosen person. It feels uncomfortable at first, making yourself vulnerable and being so upfront with how you feel, but it is such
Sub-editors: Gabbi de Boer, Annabel Hogg & Imogen Mole
a good way of expressing your love for people. I have cried at many a compliment shower. My way of expressing love used to be being the best friend possible, remembering every birthday, dropping everything to help someone, and therefore sacrificing myself in the process. I now realise you have to show love to yourself too, through setting boundaries and putting yourself first. I think Valentine’s Day should just be a reminder of how much love there is in the world, and that we need to embrace it every day of the year.
How to be the host with the most this Gal-entine's Annabel Hogg - Relationship sub-editor
Some tips and tricks for a perfect Gal-entine's
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alentine's can be a pretty dreary time of year for those of us who don’t have a partner to spend it with. Most of my Valentine's have consisted of lots of Ben and Jerry’s and sad movies for this very reason, but this year – I’m making a change. This year, my friends and I are having a very elaborate ‘Palentine's day’, and it would feel selfish to not share our, if I do say so myself, truly fantastic plan, with you all.
We start with brunch! This is a full-day event, and what better way to start that than with brunch? We’re doing the full thing - fruit, avocado, pancakes, bucks fizz, you name it. We’re also going for a country cottage wife-core theme for this section of the day, which is optional but recommended for the vibes.
We're playing board games
Image: Unsplash (Omar Lopez )
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This is supposed to be a wholesome aspect of the day,
though I have to admit that I get far too competitive when the monopoly board comes out. Perhaps only follow this step if you and your friends have no history of storming off on Christmas day.
Elaborate Charcuterie boards
I feel like this is pretty self-explanatory, but in my opinion – it’s going to be the best part of our day.
Dressing for the female gaze
For the evening activities, we’re wearing outfits that push us a little out of our comfort zone – I’m talking slip dresses and other things we’d only be comfortable to wear amongst friends and wouldn’t want to get ruined in clubs.
Cocktails!
We’re opting for a civilised night drinking overpriced cocktails rather than going to Flares as we usually do (at least not before the clock strikes twelve).
We're holding noughties girl group energy for the entire day
The most important step is to enjoy each other’s company and relish in the time we have together. It’s not often we have an entire day to be with each other and do the things we enjoy – so we really have to make the most of it! Ultimately, these are just our plans for Palentines's day. The most important thing to remember is that not having a partner on Valentine’s Day does not mean you’re alone on Valentine’s Day. Ultimately, there’s no purer love than that of your best friends.
Coming Out: Katie's Story Katie Siddal - Sports sub-editor
One of our sports editors gives a heartfelt insight into their own coming out story
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will come clean to you all… I don’t actually have a coming out story. There was no “Mum, Dad – can we sit down and talk?” or a particular moment when I thought to myself “You know what, I am bisexual”. I think deep down, like many, I always knew I wasn’t straight. I don’t even think I am bisexual if I’m being totally honest. I am attracted to men, women and everyone. My biggest crush at the moment is Ella Vaday from Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK – like look at her! Maybe I’m pansexual… maybe I’m just a queer lass who doesn’t think she’s really a lass. My head is a confused mess but I love who I
As I write, a weight feels as though it has been lifted off my shoulders am! I have never felt as though being bisexual, as this is the label I am currently using, defines who I am; however, I have had thoughts like “Does this person know I am not straight?” and “How do you insert something like this into a standard conversation?” For me, I haven’t found these answers – yet. Sometimes I shout it to the person I’m talking to “I am bisexual!” other times it’s more like… I would like to call it subtle… “Ooo, I quite find [insert actor/actress or randomer I know here] attractive/fit.” Part of me doubts myself. Not who I am but about how I go about it. I don’t even know if my own
family know, especially as I’ve had a long string of I hear about their own coming out stories, their long-term boyfriends with a fling with a girl or two first experiences, their first love, their current thrown in – or maybe a major crush that lasted a love and so much more. Some conversations are year but was never acted upon (I never said that – really personal and hit me on another level – I what?). Saying this, I don’t know if my best mates love being a part of these very open and intimate from school really know either. conversations: these people are why I am writing People make the assumption I am straight as I this article, this article is dedicated to them. currently have a boyfriend and this doesn't sit well I have had a conversation with two people who with me. I would call my closest friends from university. I do occasionally just shout into the These conversations were on the same topic and conversation, at the most inappropriate I would like to share them with you. In my body, time that I am bisexual and I might I don’t fully feel female yet I would not class kick myself for it after but at least myself as male or non-binary either. This they know. Right? It's not a topic is very confusing for me to figure perfect world but people make out and my journey so far has been the assumption I am straight incredible. The support I got from these as I currently have a boyfriend two human beings were exactly what I and this doesn't sit well with me. There is no reason for it to sit uncomfortably, maybe I do it to myself, but I never feel truly accepted until those around me know this fact. Since starting university, properly – when we were allowed onto campus, I feel as though I am accepted as I have never been before. I talk to all these amazing, incredible people with their own stories (which are far more interesting than my own) and they give me hope that the world will be okay… will be amazing. These people are who I have Image (symbols): Pixabay (John Gelling ) incredible conversations with. Image (heart): Pixabay (Maiconfz)
needed, they even confided in me that they had similar thoughts and feelings. Though there is no major advancement in my own journey, I hope I find a conclusion (or what looks like one) soon. I also hope the same goes for these two beautiful humans. I feel comfortable in my body, most of the time, and with one tattoo already on my body, I feel as though I have made it my own. Another tattoo is in progress and I cannot wait for this to be a part of my body too. It feels like I am claiming my body back from all the bad stuff it has already been through. As I write, a weight feels as though it has been lifted off my shoulders Part of me feels like I should have named this article What does it mean to be queer? yet I feel this is my coming story, this article right now. As I write, a weight feels as though it has been lifted off my shoulders. Though this article is longer than I set it out to be already, I do have one more subject I would like to talk about – bisexuality. Why as a bisexual woman do, (stereotypically), straight men find this an attractive quality? To me, it makes no sense and I am still looking for answers. Just because I find all genders attractive means I will sleep with more than one person at a time? Ummmm… no it really doesn’t mean this! I will only ever sleep with one person at a time but I just find more of the population attractive than they might.
Sub-editors: Faye Navesey, Molly Taylor & Leanna Thomson
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Monday 14th February 2022
Lifestyle
What does the word "Queer" actually mean? Katie Siddall - Sport sub-editor
New Year, Not Quite New Me
Keely Murphy
Queer is a term that many in We can all agree the idea of the LGBTQIA+ community use reinventing yourself in the New to define themselves. But how is Year certainly is tempting. But it actually defined? does it put too much pressure on being perfect straight away?
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icture this, it’s December 31st and you’re looking back over everything you’ve done this past year. It is at this point you think to yourself, what am I going to do next year? What things do you want to change or improve in the year to come? I often find that I have a lot of motivation for planning my New Year’s resolutions, but by the time I wake up on January 1st, the desire to act upon them has disappeared.
I struggled to find the motivation to work on my resolutions, especially when my regular routine was so effortless
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he adjective "queer" comes with many connotations, both, positive and negative. The Oxford English Dictionary's first definition of "Queer" is "Strange, odd, peculiar, eccentric, in appearance or character. Also, of questionable character, suspicious, dubious." How would you define "queer"? I don't agree with the OED's definition especially as it is the first definition, creating an instant negative reaction. I personally know people that have their own definition within the LGTBQIA+ community, all of which are positive. Some people label themselves as queer, others say they are part of the queer community within the LGBTQIA+ community. Dove Cameron has come out to say she's "super queer", making this a very positive connotation of the word "queer". Yet, some describe themselves as queer as they don't believe they fit into society. Those that feel as though they don't fit into society are not necessarily within the LGBTQIA+ community; they may just feel as though they are odd. It just happens that the adjective has become common within the LGBTQIA+ community more so than other communities.
I don't have a definition myself, I say I belong to this adjective - or more accurately - this adjective belongs to me. Whilst writing this article I am surrounded by those who are not apart of the LGBTQIA+ community so decided to ask them on their opinions. They came back with the general agreement that they don't feel entitled to give it a definition and they believe there are people who are in a better position to define it. I don't have a definition myself, I say I belong to this adjective - or more accurately - this adjective belongs to me. I am queer and I'm happy that I'm queer; but within this I don't say that I am because I say that I'm bisexual. It becomes a complicated matter to define this term even when you are associated with it.
things like practising meditation. However, as all students can attest, the post-Christmas deadlines took up a significant chunk of my time in January, leaving little room to fit in these resolutions. On top of this, I also struggled to find the motivation to work on my resolutions, especially when my regular routine was so effortless in comparison. As a result, when I reached the end of this month, I had made nary a dent in my list of resolutions. I felt defeated and frustrated with myself at the lack of progress I’d made, feeling as though I had wasted a whole month of this new year. I’m sure there are those reading who can relate to this as we move into February, but I’d like to reassure you that these resolutions are a journey. I ask you to look back at this past month and think about what you have accomplished outside of these goals; for me, I didn’t manage to go to the gym regularly, but I did plan out my dissertation and finish my Semester one modules. It is important to remind ourselves that this is only the beginning of the year and there is still plenty of time to work on our goals. At the end of the day, there’s a reason we don’t call them January resolutions, so here’s looking forward to the rest of 2022.
This year, in particular, I put a lot of emphasis on my resolutions. Being in my third year of university, I saw this as an opportunity to really work on myself as I moved towards graduation and entering adult life. Some of my resolutions included going to the gym and eating healthier, as well as
My main character moment: For all the wrong reasons Kayleigh Fraser - Campus Commnent sub-editor
Being the main character isn't always easy. Sometimes it's downright painful...
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icture the scene. It's Fresher's 2019. You've been to induction activities all day and you're walking back to your flat with friends. (In broad daylight, may I add...). This was the beginning of what would become my most outrageous 'fun fact about me' of all time. I went to cross the road; it was all clear. Until I felt a massive jolt in my lower back and fell headfirst to the floor. What on earth just happened? I looked up to see a guy on the concrete, who had fallen from a pedal bike. My friends on the pavement looked at me, mortified, as I lay face down in the middle of the road like that meme of the old lady saying "I've fallen and I can't get up". Trying to stand, I realised I was injured. I couldn't straighten my right arm out at all, and two of my left fingers were burning hot with pain. All of these sensations hit me like a truck as I realised, it was a Deliveroo driver on the concrete in front of me. You read that right. A Deliveroo driver. I was the girl hit by a pedal
bike in freshers. What followed was an exciting trip to A&E where I had to tell about a million different people that I was hit by a pedal bike and even had some x-rays done.
In my life, we DO talk about Bruno, but we don't talk about Deliveroo. Going home, I had a struggle of two weeks where I could barely brush my hair or eat food. But you know what? I was that girl. I was the one hit by the bike in probably the most pathetic A&E trip I've ever had (There has been many over the years for stupid accidents like this one). Nearly three years on, I consider this to be one of my funniest freak accidents ever, and I get to use it as a 'fun fact about me' to break the ice in any social situation. Despite this though, I still see Deliveroo as my mortal enemy. In my life, we DO talk about Bruno, but we don't talk about Deliveroo.
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A healthy new outlook on nutrition Anna Goclawska
Tired of toxic diet culture leaving a bad taste in your mouth? Joshua Wolrich's book 'Food isn’t Medicine' could revolutionise how you view nutrition.
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orld Book Day is coming up on the 3rd of March, and the fact that it coincides with the time of year where we start to check-in with our New Year’s resolutions makes few book recommendations as suitable as the anti-diet book of Dr Joshua Wolrich. With 400k followers on Instagram, the NHS practitioner and dietitian is a Health At Every Size advocate. Selling hundreds of thousands of copies in both the UK and US, Food isn’t Medicine is, as the author himself defines it, a bible of debunked 'nutribollocks'. It spans from what's been trending on Instagram, such as that intermittent fasting, ketogenic or raw vegan diets can cure cancer, or that sugar is as addictive as cocaine, to what's being spread by radical vegans and their polar opposites - the former claiming that eating eggs is as bad as smoking, and the latter that carnivorous diets cures depression and mental health disorders. Dr Wolrich not only dispells the increasingly prevalent myth that lifestyle changes can be substitutes for medication, but also gets to grips with the rationale behind global indicators of health such as BMI. The list goes on.
This book will most likely help you look at health from a new, holistic and multidimensional perspective. Despite being an easy-to-follow guide to nutrition that is snappy, somewhat cynical, yet backed up by a number of peer-reviewed studies, it should by no means substitute personalised health advice. That being said, in the era of the open, infinite datamine that is the internet, where dissemination of opinions as facts accelerates misinformation and confusion around health, vaccines and nutrition, this book serves as a fantastic place to start. Has it ever crossed your mind that selling a personal health recipe as a one-size-fits-all poses a threat to the vulnerable people seeking help in alternative treatments? Has your friend embarked on another fasting or clean eating program? Or maybe, you feel tempted to join them? If you hesitated when answering any of these questions, this book will most likely help you look at health from a new, holistic and multidimensional perspective.
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Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Faye Navesey, Molly Taylor & Leanna Thomson
Lifestyle 17 How I celebrate Lunar New Year LGBTQ+ History Castor Chan - Sport sub-editor
Leo David Prajogo
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Content Warning: Racism hile people all over Asia celebrate Lunar New Year, as a Chinese Indonesian, I do nothing. For my family, Lunar New Year is a bitter reminder of what we have lost. We cannot discuss Lunar New Year without remembering the fact that we were not even allowed to study Chinese or celebrate Chinese New Year until 2000. In Indonesia, Chinese people have faced centuries of persecution. In May 1998, as part of the historic '98 riots, the city of Jakarta turned against Chinese Indonesians, burning our businesses and killing our people out of misplaced anti-Communist sentiment. Throughout history Chinese Indonesian families have been forced to change their family names; that’s why my surname is David Prajogo instead of Ho or Wu. For my family, it was a choice between being Chinese or being Indonesian, and we chose to be Indonesian. In giving up our right to be Chinese, we gave up our language, our names, and our festivals. While like many Chinese Indonesian youth I try to reconnect with my Chinese heritage, how do you regain something that your own country has destroyed? What little I know about how Lunar New Year is celebrated by Chinese people I’ve learnt from my peers instead of my family. I practice some traditions, such as cutting my hair shorter before and not cleaning on Lunar New Year, and I try to learn more about how Indonesians celebrate the festival to reconnect with my heritage but mostly, I do not celebrate Lunar New Year. It’s hardly for a lack of wanting; instead, it’s because being Chinese has been struck from my blood.
unar New Year has always been one of my favourite holidays because it’s a time to be out of school, eat good food and see family. The typical first two days of Lunar New Year back home includes seeing the paternal side of my family first, then the maternal side the day after. These are days filled with delicious home-cooked meals, the sound of mahjong tiles clacking together and well wishes being recited around the room. There are two particular memories that stand out during these two days; the first being making and eating nian gao and turnip cakes. (my personal favourite is a coconut milk nian gao which I will have for breakfast over the entire holiday, if allowed to). Then the second is another type of cake - a sweet matcha roll cake that my grandmother gets me every year despite it literally being the opposite of the bright reds of my grandfather’s fai chun and the salt of homemade turnip cake. There is no replicating the same feeling of being surrounded by that bustling cheer or bright colours and I miss it with every inch of me. Now, I’ve learnt to savour those memories and delight in the found family here around me. My flatmate took me out to Chinatown for a Lunar New Year meal, and the warmth I feel every time I think about the fact that she set time apart to celebrate with me, or recall the good wishes my British friends send me despite not celebrating the holiday themselves. These things all make my love for them grow just a bit stronger. This is a time for family, but no one ever said they had to be blood, and this is how I celebrate Chinese New Year.
How to make your room cosy this Winter Elizabeth Meade - Head of Current affairs
A cosy room is a must for winter. But sometimes it's difficult to turn a drab student room into an oasis of comfort.
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rowing up in the woods, I have plenty of experience with cosy winters. There's nothing like sitting in front of the fireplace with a warm drink and a view of a snowy forest out the window. However, we don't all live in the forests of northern Virginia. How can you make your room cosy in winter, no matter your location? While Pinterest may lead you to think that every university student has a twin-size bed that is half bed and half throw pillows, that's not practical for most students. Instead, I have a couple of inexpensive pillows I ordered in first year, plus two small, square throw pillows with fuzzy green and orange pillowcases. They add some colour to my grey-and-black duvet cover and I can sit up against them while I'm working.
While small LED lights tapes to the wall might seem very 2012 Tumblr to some, I think they are timeless Fleece pillowcases are also amazing. I have two with woodland creatures on them and a similar blanket with moose on it. My mother
made these for me as a gift, but you can probably find something similar online. The warm material makes a big difference on cold nights.
Residences also typically don't allow candles, so I use the battery-powered tealights. While small LED lights taped to the wall might seem very 2012 Tumblr to some, I think they are timeless. I have some above my desk and they give the corner a gentle glow and a charming character, especially when I don't want the brightness of the overhead light. Some residences do not allow the type that plug into the wall, so I recommend the ones that come with a battery pack. Residences also typically don't allow candles, so I use the battery-powered tealights. It's not the same as having a roaring fireplace or my favourite candle that smells like green winter plants, but the flickering lights are still very relaxing. Besides the nice finishing touches, I think it's important to have a warm fluffy blanket and a good duvet. These are essential to staying warm in Newcastle's cold winters. While I do like the cold weather, that ultimately does not stop me from burrowing under the blankets like a snake in hibernation. While you may have
different opinions on how to make your room cosy, I recommend focusing on warmth and a few touches of brightness during this bleak season.
Month 2022 at Newcastle!
Meg Howe - Head of Life & Style
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appy LGBTQ+ History month, everyone! To mark the start of the celebrations, Newcastle’s LGBTQ+ Society raised the Pride Flag in front of the Medical School. This was the first in a long agenda of events taking place across campus throughout this month. I spoke to Dami Fawehinmi (she/her), the President of the LGBTQ+ Society, who gave me a rundown of all the celebratory events taking place in the coming weeks. As with every year, the LGBTQ+ Society set out to celebrate the progress that has been made overtime; with the aim to educate others in a friendly and collaborative way. In the same breath, the campaign is a time to remember the struggles that the LBGTQ+ community have faced and not take for granted what the community has now. Similarly, the campaign aims to highlight that there is still a lot of progress to be made to give members of the LGBTQ+ Community the freedoms and equalities that they deserve. The theme of this year's campaign is ‘Together With Pride’, with the LGBTQ+ Society working collaboratively with others across campus to curate an agenda of various events. After LGBTQ+ History month in 2021 being online online, this year's campaign takes place across both the online and in-person platforms. The events are being made accessible and inclusive to those who may not be able to attend inperson, with the flag raising event being streamed online for others to watch at home. A full list of the events can be found below, however the running initiative throughout the whole month is the Clothes Drive. LGBTQ+ Society are requesting donations of clean, undamaged clothes that will be given to Transgender and non-binary students who need them. A collection box can be found at the NUSU reception, as well as at their LGBTQ+ Conference happening at the end of the month! So, what events can you get involoved with throughout the rest of the month? 1. 14th Valentine's Day crafts session 7-9 pm BSTC B.23: prepare for a night to celebrate yourself, your loved ones and create something beautiful to take home! 2. 15th Bowling with Teesside university LGBT+ community at Lane 7 Newcastle 8 pm: whether you want to compete or just have fun, our bowling night is the place to be! 3. 18th Pub quiz 7-9 pm location TBC (Please check our Instagram for when we announce the location): get ready to team up and see how well your general knowledge is, for a chance to take home some fun prizes and make memories with the society! 4. 22nd LGBT+ Soc X Fem Soc movie night collab BSTC.1.48 7-9 PM: grab your fave snacks and some tissues! We'll be watching the iconic film PRIDE! 5. 26th - 27th LGBT+ Conference History room in NUSU 11-3 pm both days: our LGBT+ History month conference is back in person! Get ready for a chilled, educational and wholesome space to learn about LGBT+ History and the future, get into arts and crafts, immerse yourself in our panels, meet new speakers, entertaining workshops and more! More information can be found on the LGBTQ+ Socities Instagram @ncllgbt LGBTQ+ History month celebrations are a valued part of February’s events on campus, and I really urge everyone to get involved and show support to the community whilst also having fun and meeting new people!
Sub-editors: Sophia Ayub, Imogen Clarke & Lizzie Yockney
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Monday 14th February 2022
Fashion & Beauty
Flax-ible Fashion: the Future of Linen Molly Taylor - Lifestyle Sub-Editor
An interview with Callum McCall, the co-founder of Flax London: a sustainable fashion brand that favours linen over cotton
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id you know that it takes an average of 10,000 litres of water to grow 1kg of cotton? That’s over 65 bathtubs of water to make one t-shirt and a pair of jeans. How can we as fashion consumers shop more sustainably, and combat issues like water and plastic use in a world where trends change weekly? Well, one way is to think about the materials that our garments are made from. It’s a no-brainer that synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon are less sustainable than natural options, but have you ever considered that some natural fibres are more sustainable than others? I talked to Callum McCall, co-founder of Flax London, for some answers about why linen is a preferable fabric for creating a sustainable wardrobe. Flax London is a start-up company based in Camberwell, London, that aims to create timeless linen garments. These are made with as little impact on our environment as possible, mainly through sustainable materials, as well as low air-mileage, biodegradable packaging and an emphasis on clothing repairs using either invisible or traditional Japanese methods of Sashiko.
Flax London aims to create timeless linen garments that are made with as little impact on our environment as possible
Molly Taylor: I’m looking forward to picking your brain about sustainability in the fashion industry, and how your start-up strives to change the way we think about fashion. Firstly, what are the benefits of using linen rather than cotton as a sustainable fabric? Callum McCall: Well, fashion has an undeniable issue with sustainability, and the root of the problem is twofold: a boom in fast fashion and a supply chain that has huge ecological impacts. We’re committed as a company to doing what we can to improve the whole value chain and change mindsets.
Water consumption is one of the major concerns. The intensive irrigation required to grow cotton places huge stress on water resources, as shown so vividly by the near-total disappearance of the Aral Sea - once the fourth largest lake in the world. By contrast, the flax plants only need natural rainfall to flourish. More generally, thanks to its natural wicking capability and anti-bacterial properties, linen doesn’t need to be washed as regularly. It all adds up. Intensive cotton farming also requires vast amounts of fertilisers and pesticides. The practice of cultivating monoculture crops like cotton leaches certain nutrients from the earth, deteriorating overall soil health. Additionally, crops like flax can only be sown once every six or seven years and are grown in strict rotation with a range of other crops. This has significant advantages for the preservation of local biodiversity.
The main hurdle for us was to break linen free from the shackles of the summer wardrobe Molly: Wow, it seems that cotton production is having a detrimental effect on our environment. I suppose it’s important for consumers to keep an eye on what they’re actually adding to their wardrobes. Apart from linen’s sustainable qualities, in what other ways is it a preferable choice of fabric for clothing? Callum: No other fabric combines the amazing texture, unique handle, and rugged durability we love so much. Well looked after linen lasts a lifetime and only gets better with age, as it softens and takes on different characteristics. The main hurdle for us was to break linen free from the shackles of the summer wardrobe. Hailing from Northern Ireland, our shirting linen is 238 grams per square metre (gsm), versus the standard 175gsm. It’s heavier, more opaque, and is perfectly suited to all seasons. Molly: Linen in winter, what a great idea. I wonder who restricted linen to an exclusively summer material! In a world where trends change weekly, how does your company try to combat fast fashion and promote sustainability? Callum: Well, as a rule, the less washing you do, the longer a piece of clothing lasts and the lower
the energy consumption of that clothing. When people refer to a piece of clothing being ‘worn out’, they’re inadvertently referring to something that’s been ‘washed out’. The solution is to create something that doesn’t need washing after every wear. Even if people wear their clothes a lot between washes, there are inevitable points of failure such as areas of friction and snags. To counter the idea that something needs to be thrown away when it’s ripped or worn through, we offer free repairs for life, using either invisible or Sashiko methods.
To counter the idea that something needs to be thrown away when it’s ripped or worn through, we offer free repairs for life Furthermore, the idea of buying clothes on a seasonal basis and not thinking about how long they’ll last is a hangover from the fast fashion era. We reject the seasonal, fast fashion trends by having permanent collections. There’s also the issue of plastics used in shipping and packaging. We pick up our shirts at the factory by hand (cutting the need for single-use plastic sheets), and send them in recycled cardboard boxes. We’re also looking into reusable packaging options to inject a bit more circularity into the process.
Molly: It’s so great that you’ve made sustainability an integral part of your company, by considering not only the materials, but also the way in which you source, construct, and package your products. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me. Callum: It’s been a pleasure. We love talking about sustainability and feel it’s important to be completely transparent about the processes that go into making our garments. Sustainability should be a vital component to any company, rather than a PR afterthought, and we hope that through our brand we can promote the importance of considering environmental impacts, and feed into the conversation about the detrimental effects of the fast fashion industry.
Image: Flax London
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The power of charity shops Lizzzie Yockney - Fashion and Beauty Sub-Editor
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am certainly no stranger to a charity shop. My mum would drag me from shop to shop when I was younger, hunting for a bargain. She was, and still is, a big fan of picking up something for cheap that would be more expensive elsewhere. I also volunteered in a local charity shop for a while, which I absolutely loved, as I would finish my shift and race to buy the item that I had been eyeing up for the past two hours. These experiences have definitely shaped my love of charity shopping and helped me to hone my skills of seeking out those hidden charity shop gems, which is ideal on a student budget. After fuelling up with a full English brunch, I headed to the British Red Cross charity shop, which is next to Grainger Market, as this is currently my go-to place. The British Red Cross is partnered with Zara, so there are plenty of really good pieces to go at for a fraction of the price you would pay on the high street. I didn’t venture out with a specific idea of what I wanted in mind, instead I was just looking for clothes that caught my eye. Usually, I find things that I like based on colour and pattern - the shape and fit factor in later! Firstly, I found this beautiful gold starcovered dress which is originally from NastyGal. I have been agonising over what to wear to my friend’s birthday party next week, and I was honestly planning on buying something last-minute online from PrettyLittleThing or a pricey outfit from Urban Outfitters. Luckily, there is no need! I spotted the pattern first, as the bottom of the dress was peeking out from the rack. Not only is the pattern perfect, but the milkmaid shape and the slit in the side of the dress are really flattering on me. The only thing I would change about this item would be the length, so I am going to shorten it, using my (very) basic sewing skills. I’m really excited to style this, probably with thigh-high boots (when it is shorter) and gold eyeshadow to match the stars. This dress feels like an absolute steal at £15. Next, I picked up some basics. I absolutely loved the blue puffed-sleeve Zara jumper I found, It's really comfortable but looks quite elevated. My plan is to wear it into uni with jeans and ankle-length boots. I can dress it up or down. I am a fan of a jumper, so I picked up another one in a Zara cable-knit. When I tried it on at home it was a little bit itchy, so I think that it would be sensible to wear it with something underneath, like a turtleneck. I am also really excited to style this white cropped jacket. I will probably pair it with my gingham flares (as per usual) and my black and white platform Vans, as I think that a monochrome look would work really well. This piece is perfect, as it is versatile and will be great to wear into spring and summer over dresses. As is inevitable when it comes to charity shopping, two pieces I bought didn't fit. This is especially likely if you are like me, and don’t try things on in the shop. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this. I bought the burgundy lace top and black cropped shirt as I thought that I could style both to wear on nights out. Unfortunately, my options are to re-donate, sell them on or to try to flip them into something wearable. Hopefully, inspiration will strike soon, and I will be able to wear them out into town. I really enjoyed charity shopping this week and I am happy that I managed to pick up some great pieces whilst I was at it. I think that in moderation, charity shopping is a great way to find unique pieces on a budget that would otherwise be chucked away, helping the planet and your pocket.
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Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Sophia Ayub, Imogen Clarke & Lizzie Yockney
Fashion & Beauty
Say 'Yes' to Outfit Repeating! Kate Benson
We are being socialised to buy more clothes by the fast fashion industry, when in fact we could just buy less and wear more!
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he stigma around re-wearing outfits is ever present; I still feel it, despite having worked to break it down in my head. My instant thought is that people are going judge me for wearing the same clothes as the week before. Then I have to check myself and realise why I am thinking that, and also that if people do judge me – it's their problem, not mine. This is how the fast fashion industry wants us to feel. If it isn't socially acceptable to re-wear clothes, we are forced to buy more! They make us think it's embarrassing to "outfit repeat", so we keep spending, and keep making the corporations richer and richer. This is exemplified by the speed at which clothes get refreshed on fast fashion websites. There are new items every day, and every day they are telling us we need more and more.
'What's in and what's out is all a ploy to keep us all buying things until the planet is dead' Why is it we feel such a gratification from buying new clothes? The industry makes us feel like our worth and happiness is dependent on material goods. But really, we are never going to be happy if we have to constantly rely on the next trend or next package arriving in the post. Women especially have been socialised to do this. This is exacerbated by the fact that beauty standards are ever changing, constantly making women feel bad about themselves and keeping them oppressed.
@WearyLuoWoman on Twitter: 'I don't know who needs to hear this but you don't have to give up your skinny jeans if you don't want to. What's in and what's out is all a ploy to keep us all buying things until the planet is dead.'
Fashion is so harmful to workers and the environment
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@JasonHickel on Twitter: "If your economy requires people to produce and consume things they don't need or even want, and to do more of it each year than the year before, just in order to keep the whole edifice from collapsing, then you need a different economy." Image: Instagram @itsslowmo
This is without the fact that fast fashion is so harmful to workers and the environment. Workers are exploited in the fast fashion industry, with poor working conditions even poorer pay. Plus, the majority of the clothes end up in the landfill. Let’s be clear – this is the fault of the corporations; they are greedy and powerful and are tricking us into feeling like we must keep buying. Don't listen to their greenwashing campaigns, they are not doing anything. @AjaBarber:''"#IQuitFastFashionBecause the people in Accra, Ghana shouldn't have to live with a rotting trash mountain of fast fashion cast offs from the Global North and wealthier nations.'
'The people in Accra, Ghana shouldn't have to live with a rotting trash mountain of fast fashion cast offs from the Global North' However, we must take accountability ourselves and realise that we don’t have to keep buying so much fast fashion. Although shopping cheaply is necessary for many, we can still buy less pieces to wear multiple times. Aja Barber discusses this at length in her book: Consumed. The need for collective change: Colonialism, climate change and consumerism. It is a topic that is interlinked with the history of colonialism and our current economy.
Image: Instagram @ethical_consumer_magazine
"Booty Standards" and Body Sustainability Samantha Seidu
Are the constantly changing beauty standards surrounding the female body unsustainable?
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Content Warning: Mention of eating disorders
e are all very much aware of the ever-changing beauty standards for women. Over the course of many centuries, women have had their bodies observed and gazed at. It is evident that there has been, and still is, a mounting pressure on women and girls to maintain a certain image of themselves that is deemed to be desirable to society. This has caused people to go to the extremes to conform: from life changing surgeries to skin bleaching and chemical hair relaxers. It has come to light in more recent years how unsustainable this mindset and pressure is, and yet we still find ourselves trying to fit these unattainable standards society has set before us. Is all the time, effort and money really worth it when these standards change almost every decade? So, body standards are not sustainable, because they are constantly changing! Over 200 years ago, curvaceous body types were seen as the most desirable. 100 years later, thin and frail body types became trendy. Fast forward to today, the ‘slim-thick’ look, popularised by the Kardashians, has become the most popular, with large breasts, a large bottom and a small waist. As the late 90s and early 2000s nostalgia has become trendy, we are starting to see a slight shift towards the thin and frail body type. We are constantly observing new body standards being set, and in the age of social media and influencer culture, all it takes is for a single figurehead to popularise a certain trend
that could change the way society views beauty. Fast fashion brands also play a part; the mass production of clothes is to keep up with the latest fashion trends. When the ‘slim-thick’ look became popularised, brands such as SHEIN and FashionNova mass produced clothes that would fit this specific body type. When fashion brands are creating clothes specifically for certain body types, social media, influencer culture and society forces people to look one way. This often leads to drastic measures to attain the desired body type.
Is all the time, effort and money really worth it when these standards change almost every decade? Young women and girls often turn to ‘quick fixes’ to attain the body type that is trendy. The most common and well known is cosmetic surgery. This saw people undergo potentially lifethreatening surgeries in order to change certain parts of their bodies. This can range from lip fillers, to breast implants, to Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL). This generation has also seen a significant rise in eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia in order to quickly lose a large amount of weight to conform to beauty standards. It is too often that because of these unrealistic standards, we see girls as young as eleven and twelve developing eating disorders and having low self-esteem. A group that should also not go unnoticed are women of colour. They experience the pressure to conform to Eurocentric body standards as a result of European colonialism. It is an
unfortunate reality that dark skinned women use skin bleaching products in order to lighten their skin. Skin bleaching is a practice that has transcended the Western world and is a common practice particularly in Asia and Africa. Despite it being so common, evidence has shown that excessive skin bleaching can lead to serious side effects such as cancer and pneumonitis.
This is unsustainable, our bodies were not made to change so drastically and so quickly Another frequent practice, in black women, is chemical hair relaxing; the use of chemicals to straighten Afro-textured hair, which can lead to the burning and scabbing of the scalp and possible alopecia. Women of colour often find themselves bleaching their skin and relaxing Afro- textured hair, not only to conform to Western beauty standards, but also to avoid discrimination in Western cultures and moreso their own. There is a worrying amount of girls and women who feel the need to conform to beauty standards, so much so that they are willing to compromise their physical health and sometimes their lives. Regardless of this, beauty standards and body standards are still going to change at least every
decade, and people will still be expected to follow them. So what is the point? When the standards change, why should we follow it? The lifestyle of trying to conform to societal expectations is expensive, and mentally and physically draining. This is unsustainable, our bodies were not made to change so drastically and so quickly. Instead of comparing ourselves to the influencers that set these trends and to the models on fast fashion sites, we have to learn to appreciate our bodies in their natural form. The love for one’s body will never change but society’s love for other body types will. There is no need to dress to conform, there is no need to alter your body to be seen as desirable, it is much easier and much more satisfying to impress none other than yourself.
Image: Instagram @marilynmonroeofficial
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Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Alice Holmes & Lenka Minarovicova
Travel
Year Abroad Diares: Packing Lenka Minarovicova - Travel sub-editor
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acking for the whole year ahead is something that students going on their Year abroad as well as international students like myself have to think through really well if they don’t want to spend a fortune on luggage. There are various things to keep in mind, such as the weather or the frequency of your home visits. Here are a few tips I have found useful in my experience:
Capusule wardrobe is your best friend! While minimalism has been getting popular recently, not all of us are able to follow this lifestyle – I’m certainly not. However, packing minimalistically will save you a lot of money and energy when arriving in your new home for the first time. It may be difficult to get used to at first but do trust me. So, how to do that? First of all, get rid of the mindset that outfit repetition is bad in one way or another - it is practical. Then, pack the basics, like shirts, sweaters, jeans, … it may not completely reflect your style, but your there for the experience, so why not make a compromise? And one more thing, try to think of the different occasions that may come up. If you’re someone who enjoys clubbing, make sure you have one option for that.
Consider the climate This one seems obvious but do your research about the weather of the place you’re going to. It may change a lot throughout the year, which means you have to be prepared for even more situations. If it is a place with a cold winter, consider travelling in your winter coat, as they tend to take up a lot of space. If you have the chance to go home or have someone visit you during the year, you’re the real winner – you can change up the wardrobe with your home visits.
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Travel 2022 Bucket List Elzbieta Voveryte
With 2022 now in full swing, what locations would be on your travel bucket list this year?
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ven though summer is still 4 months away, there's always Easter break and reading weeks that you can make the most of with travelling. So, it is definitely not too early to start thinking about what destinations might be on your bucket list this year. While some might imagine bucket lists as bullet-point list of all continents or the 7 wonders of the world, these will probably be out of a student budget. Therefore, let’s focus on more random (and affordable) destinations and activities to add to your 2022 travel bucket list.
1.San Sebastian Spain Although the bigger cities in Spain usually steal the spotlight, San Sebastián is great place for a foodie or surfer’s holiday. Located on the coast of North Atlantic Ocean, the city is well known for its beaches and locally unique eating experiences. Pinxto (culinary art in a form of a snack, usually paired with wine or beer) hopping is an essential experience for someone visiting San Sebastián. Also, this destination is amongst the top surfing places in Europe.
2. Cappadocia, Turkey Whilst most tourists visit Turkey for the resorts and warmth of Mediterranean sea, the country has a lot more to offer and the region of Cappadocia is one of the main attractions. The ancient city provides the opportunity to stay in a hotel rooms positioned in the caves and the must-do is hot air ballooning over the distinct geological landscape.
Image: Unsplash
4. Chernobyl, Ukraine 3. Durmitor, Montenegro It is safe to say that Montenegro wouldn’t be the first place you would think of whilst planning your holiday, it is a less discovered destination that should be an essential addition to your 2022 bucket list. Packed with hiking trails in the chains of mountains, Montenegro is great for scenic road trips, trekking and inserting yourself in to the natural beauty of this country. Durmitor is merely one of the many destinations in Montenegro that hikers choose for their trips.
Since 2011, Chernobyl has been opened as a “cultural venue” for tourists and before the pandemic, more than 124,000 people visited the ghost town of Pripyat. Obviously, this is not a destination for a relaxing holiday but it is definitely a place worth visiting once in a lifetime for those who seek more unique experiences.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland Or any other place in Iceland, to be quite frank. The whole country itself looks like a postcard picture, so no matter where you go, it will be an unforgettable experience. Bath in the natural thermal pools, go whale watching and if you're lucky enough you might even see the Northern lights.
Top date hot spots in NCL
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Jude Parkinson lan the ideal date night in Newcastle with these fun and romantic date ideas that are a far cry from the usual dinner and a movie.
Bring your favourite pieces If you’re anything like me, you may expect yourself to experiment when on your year abroad, so you pack clothes that you don’t wear so often with hope that it’ll change. It won’t. maybe you think that when you have less options, you’ll gravitate towards the one t-shirt you like but never wear more. You won’t. You’ll just rotate your fav pieces more quickly, so do yourself a favour, and only bring the clothes you truly love to feel more comfortable and like yourself.
Activity dates for fun lovers!
Junk Yard Golf Club is Newcastle’s newest attraction, with three themed crazy golf courses to pick from and an endless cocktail menu, it’s quickly becoming a fan favourite. Even more attractive is the University student tickets - with prices from £4.25 for one course, they can’t be beaten on price. Lane 7 has been a staple for date nights since its
launch in 2014. Whether you want to bowl, play ping pong, beer pong, pool or sing your heart out to karaoke classics, Lane 7 has it all. It’s the perfect date venue you’ll be hooked on and with student discount also available on all activities how could you resist!
Boozy dates
97 & Social situated on infamous Osbourne Road, Central Jesmond, is a perfect date location, known for its creative gin cocktail menu and many more. Open late seven days a week, it’s an ideal date location for a mid-week drink. Revolucion De Cuba in the Cloth Market has one of the best roof top bars on offer in Newcastle. ‘The Santiago Sun Terrace’ with vibrant décor and a notable cocktail list is bound to impress your date. With live music sets and amazing bottomless brunches on offer too, it’s a flawless option for a date.
Creative dates
Pottery making and painting classes are a great idea for a relaxing fun date. Offering a special experience it’s a great way to spend some quality time with your date and impress them with your creative ability too. ‘The Pottery Experience’ located in Jesmond has 5-star reviews.
Try a breakfast date
The Dispensary is a science themed coffee and breakfast house with unique ways of serving up their specialty drinks it’s a unique date spot bound to impress. With a food menu including French toast, stacks of pancakes and much more, it’s the perfect spot for a cosy morning date. Image: Wikimedia
Image: Pixabay
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Monday 14th February 2022
Valentine's Recipe: Strawberry Velvet Cupcakes Francesca Crosby
If you want to impress someone with your baking skills this Valentine's, look no further!
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hese would make a great edible gift for someone this Valentine’s day! For an extra touch, cut your strawberries into little hearts to top your cakes! This recipe makes 6 cakes.
You will need: For the cakes: 60g Butter 60g Caster Sugar 1 Medium Egg 60g Self-Raising Flour For the icing: 75g Butter 50g Cream Cheese 200g Icing Sugar 6 Tbsp Strawberry Jam or Purée 3 Large Strawberries- halved
Food & Drink Poppy Sheward-Skelton
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am writing this article as a committed, 4-year strong, hummus-loving vegan. I am also writing this article as someone who drools over the taste of meat and cheese. My journey to veganism took me around 12 months and featured many cheesy hiccups on the way. It was a radical shift for me, and stark shifts in dietary consumption can often lead to initial unforeseen side effects, such as an unsettled stomach and fatigue. I am therefore skeptical of the ability for a fellow cheese and meet lover to wake up, perhaps in a New Year's Day hungover ravenous state, and be able to ditch their animal products and adhere to this for the entire month of January.
Learning how to cook without animal products takes time! This is almost impossible to learn overnight
However, 2022 has witnessed another skyrocketing of omnivores and vegetarians pledging to commit to an exclusively vegan diet for the month of January. A YouGov poll of 2079 UK adults showed that around 4% were hoping to give Veganuary a go in 2022, suggesting that a total of 2.7 million people might have joined in this year. This is a wonderful forecast considering that environmental researcher, Joseph Poore, has argued that if 350,000 people worldwide commit to Veganuary, it will save: 41,200 tons of CO2eq from the atmosphere (the equivalent of 450,000 flights
1 Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. 2. To make the cake batter, add all of the cake ingredients to a bowl and mix using an electric whisk until smooth.
from London to Berlin). Accessibility to veganism has never been easier. Every restaurant I attended in Newcastle had a vegan option and most of these are still in place as we begin February feasting – I seriously recommend the sweetcorn and pumpkin dumplings from The Little Dumpling House! Additionally, The McPlant(MacDonalds), the Vegan Royale (Burger King), or the KFC Vegan Burger (I recommend adding some sweet chili sauce to this) will satisfy your fast-food itches (and with a decreased chance of clogged arteries alongside). My issue with Veganuary, and veganism, is its binary structure. It can mean that if those people who have committed to veganism have a cheesy hiccup, especially in front of a skeptical crowd, their veganism becomes rendered to be an ‘impossible façade'. Additionally, although I can confidently vouch that vegan cooking can be truly delicious, learning how to cook without animal products takes time! This is almost impossible to learn overnight – I am still learning new recipes now (the BOSH book seriously helps).
My issue with Veganuary, and veganism is its binary structure. Don’t worry if you don’t make it through Veganuary. And don’t worry if you missed it entirely. Veganism shouldn't be confined to a month. And it doesn’t need to be exclusive. The more we consume more vegan meals here and there and reduce our consumption of animal products, the safer this planet will become and the more people will realize how delicious it can be. Do this in whatever way is going to be most successful for you.
Choc it like it's hot?
Chocolate is one of the alltime classics when it comes to Valentines gifts. But is it the best way to express your feelings?
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irst and foremost, it depends on the person. Whilst most people love chocolate, not everyone will consider it a particularly romantic gift. It all depends on what your partner likes. However - if you’re not long into the relationship and don’t know what they like then chocolate is usually a safe bet. You can’t just give them any old chocolate though. Go for a box that looks at least a little bit special, but check the ingredients! We’ve all received an incredibly fancy looking box of chocolates only to be disappointed when the flavours are so rich that they’re bordering on inedible.
If you’re looking for inspiration, Thorntons and Cadbury both have affordable Valentines ranges which still look classy, or if you want something more personal, why not try supporting a small business, there are hundreds to choose from online. Having said this, whilst chocolate can be a good and widely-appreciated Valentine’s gift, it certainly isn’t the most inventive option. That’s not to say that you can’t give a thoughtful food-based gift to your Valentine. If you want to make your gift bigger and better, why not get your partner a hamper of all their favourite foods and drinks? Or if you want something a bit less extravagant, you could go for an alcoholic gift, like a flavoured gin or a fancy bottle of wine. Of course, there are many other options which aren’t food or drink related, but these can often be cliche. So, in conclusion, although chocolate may not be the most original Valentine’s gift, it is almost always appreciated - and it definitely doesn’t have to be basic! However, if you are more serious about your Valentine, you might be better off with something a bit more personal.
LGBTQ+ History Month
Jake Watson
Yotam Ottolenghi: the chef of the Millenials! But why do we love him so much?
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hat is it that we all love so much about Ottolenghi? He’s the chef of a generation. A paragon of the millennials. He represents a new twenty-year-old – one that has an interest in fine food, is eager to discover new flavours and, well, he uses hummus a lot. If there’s one thing we know about millennials (and Gen Zs – speaking as one myself), it’s that we love a bit of hummus. I like to think of it as our twenty-first century chicken or the egg question, what came first, the hummus or the Ottolenghi? Of course, I’m being absurd. Hummus has been eaten in Egypt and the Levant for centuries. The earliest known written recipes for a dish resembling hummus bi tahina are recorded in cookbooks written in Cairo in the 13th century, but my point still stands. Middle eastern food has been around in Britain for a long while now, but few have done so much to bring it to the attention of the many as Yotam Ottolenghi has. I chose to write about Ottolenghi for LGBT+ history month as, quite frankly, he was the first gay chef that sprang to mind - and I think that says something in itself. Yotam's willingness to discuss his sexuality and the troubles that come with it make him a gay culinary icon. In the last 15 years, he has become a household name and his openness to discussing his own sexuality is a vital contribution to breaking down negative stereotypes and beliefs around sexuality, particularly in the food industry which is dominated by heterosexual cisgender men. In 2013, Ottolenghi wrote an article for The Guardian titled 'Why I'm coming out as a gay father'. This was a seminal piece of work in the discussion around gay parenthood where he details the lengthy process of conceiving his son, Max, via gestational surrogacy, an option that he believes should be more widely available to those who cannot conceive naturally. He writes: At the end of a five-year process, I know we can't be shy about telling our story, that privacy just isn't an option. That's because we could only have had Max, and hopefully also a future sibling, thanks to other people who have shared their stories – even if that happens to be on cheesy talkshows. Max has already brought us immense joy. He has also forced our second coming out, this time as gay parents. Not only has Ottolenghi become a hugely celebrated chef, but he is a mouthpiece for gay parents far and wide. If you don't know of him already, get to know, because he makes some pretty good food too.
3. Spoon the batter into 6 cupcake cases and bake for 15 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool. 4. To make the icing, cream the butter and cream cheese together, then gradually add the icing sugar until light and fluffy. Fold through 3tbsp of the strawberry jam/ purée so that it is a light pink colour. 5. Once the cake is cooled, scoop out the centres and fill with the remaining jam. Then pipe a swirl of icing and top with half a strawberry. 6. Serve and Enjoy!
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"Veganuary": is it worth it? Chef spotlight:
Scarlett Welch - Food and Drink sub-editor
Image: Francesca Crosby
Sub-editors: Scarlett Welch & Marcel Shamshoum
Image: Pixabay
Image: Instagram (@ottolenghi)
Sub-editors: Oren Brown, Lucy Bower & Rowan Christina Driver
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Monday 14th February 2022
THE
Music
COURIER
Celebrating Valentine's Day: The greatest love songs
Image: John Legend via Facebook
Image: Bruno Major via Facebook
Image: Flickr
Image: Wikipedia
'All of Me' - John Legend
'Nothing' - Bruno Major
'As' - Stevie Wonder
'Patience' - Chris Cornell
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Abigail Roch
Meg Howe
Oren Brown
George Boatfield
ou might think all love songs are the same, or that they are corny. Somehow, ‘All of Me’ stands out from the myriad of other songs of this nature. Released In 2013, it quickly became one of the best love ballads of the decade, and it now has over 2 billion views on YouTube. Many songwriters find their inspiration in their muse; John Legend’s former fiancée and now wife Chrissy Teigen was his. All the lyrics are dedicated to her, and so is the meaning behind the words. ‘All of Me’ is about winning and losing everything at the same time. When you love someone, you are engulfed in the feeling that despite giving some things up, nothing is lost because everything is gained. If you believe the lyrics aren’t romantic enough, the music video will certainly change your mind. Not only does Chrissy Teigen feature in it, but footage from the couple’s wedding in Italy does too! The key to a hit is to painstakingly choose the words to complement the tune. John Legend definitely demonstrates this skill through his emotional description of the strong feeling of love which overlooks someone’s imperfections.
t’s probably a little far fetched to argue that ‘Nothing’ by Bruno Major is the great love song of all time, but it’s not very often that a song completely encapsulates the way that I feel when I’m in a relationship. ‘Nothing’ truly romanticises the small things in life. As the name suggests, Major’s song focuses on the enjoyment and fulfilment that can be found in doing nothing at all. We spend so much time believing that in order to have a successful relationship, money must be spent, or you must be going on dates and spending time outside of the house. So, Major’s song has to be considered as one of the greatest love songs because he really highlights that we don’t need to be conforming to hustle culture in order to enjoy spening time with the one you love. One of my favourite lines has to be ‘Who needs stars? We’ve got a roof ’! I think what Major does here is highlight how we should be grateful for the little things in life, and not take the small stuff for granted. If you think about this song outside the context of a romantic relationship, Major succeeds in promoting gratitude in all aspects of life. In spite of ‘Nothing’ not being a timeless classic (just yet), this song provides comfort to those whose relationships don’t necessarily thrive on ‘doing stuff '!
tevie Wonder is one of the most genius songwriters in history; crafting gorgeous, timeless songs with ease through the 60s until the 80s. Stevie's voice being arguably one of the greatest of all time lends itself well to his song-writing, which remains some of the most authentic, sincere and striking in music history. He did this all while lending his own musical ability to his instrumentals, playing everything from drums, to guitar to harmonica. 'As' is one of a plethora of obvious choices within Stevie's catalogue, but it is one of the best examples of a song that meshes the beautiful simplicity of a love song with an epic, incredibly produced instrumental. On this song, he plays the Fender Rhodes piano, delivering a marvellous, tinkling solo that drives this Jazz-Funk Soul classic forward. Its lyrical simplicity feels so sincere, with Stevie declaring how long he will love this person in a variety of ways. "Until 8x8x8 is 4," he declares, "until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky. Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream." In simple terms, Stevie is saying he will love this person until the end of time, forever.
eleased during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there could not have been a more fitting moment for a song like ‘Patience’ to appear. With so many away from their loved ones, ‘Patience’ sought comfort in acknowledging the feeling of longing, but remedied uncertainty with a message of reassurance. With this release, Cornell transformed the wistful country rock ballad of the Guns ’n’ Roses original into a track that fully conveys the bittersweet truth of the lyrics. A hollow, sombre drum track echoes throughout, with the warmth of the original’s guitar track brought across. Cornell’s voice, as ever, straddles this line to communicate the complexities of every emotion in the song. Of course, these feelings are not exclusive to a pandemic. While Cornell’s version was released with impeccable timing by his estate, the recording itself was from years prior. All this is to say that, even far beyond the pandemic, there will be moments where patience is needed. The echoes of Cornell simply remind us that, in moments of loneliness, there will always be a quiet comfort to seek from those closest to us, even in times apart.
— Head of Life & Style
— Music Sub-editor
— Student Media Officer
A conversation with Yard Act: A new face of the Northern sound Sam Slater & Cameron Baker
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ith a meteoric rise in the twilight of the pandemic, Leeds based post-punk indie band Yard Act have made a name for themselves with lead-singer James Smith’s punchy and political lyrics and they can already claim Elton John and Cillian Murphy as fans. Despite only now being able to play to an audience of their own, their first album ‘The Overload’ debuted at #2 in the UK Charts, and is the fastest selling debut album on vinyl this century. Sam Slater and Cameron Baker talk to bassist Ryan Needham about the challenges of the pandemic and their journey so far. Congratulations on 'The Overload' debuting at #2 in the album charts, and just ahead of the late great Meatloaf – just what has it been like navigating the challenges of the pandemic in order to get here? That no. 2 is pretty gnarly, who’d have thought! We started the band, did a few shows prepandemic and we all followed the same footsteps we’d done in previous bands before and it was dead good fun. The pandemic hit, and James and I did a few demos and just started recording really and putting stuff out online. It’s cliché, but it happened organically and felt like one step after another. I think having the luxury of a lot of free time to just concentrate on music is something I wanted to
What would you say your main musical influences have been in general, and did the fact you’ve all been in different bands pose any difficulties when you were starting out? I’m the oldest person in the group, I came into music at the height of Britpop so you know, guitar music just was the music at the time - like Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Elastica were kinda my thing. James’ background… he has been in various bands but the main influence he lent in to was… well since the age of 14 he just loved hiphop really which started with Eminem and then moved into stuff like Nas, Wu Tang, and Do you think it is even harder now for bands he just kept getting deeper and deeper into that kind of thing. I think that comes across and I from the North to break into the scene? honestly think his flow is absolutely incredible. Jay (Russell), the drummer, his dad is a metal Yeah… that is a big topic. From where I’m sat producer who’s made albums with Napalm down, I’m in the North as you are, it feels like the Death which we didn’t find out until after two North got hit harder but maybe that’s an unfair years of knowing him! He’s got a massive love thing to say. From what I’m reading – and I’ve of music but his background is Slipknot and tried not to read the news as much lately cause stuff. Sam (Shjipstone), the guitar player, he’s it’s driving me insane –it feels like the cultural into Talking Heads and jazz inspired stuff really. industries in the North got hit pretty hard. It’s a weird mixture! Everyone is just sort of doing Historically, that’s always been the case anyway their thing and with it being so stripped out there’s right? London is where most of the creative so much space for people to do their own thing industries have always been and I know that’s you know. The focus of the band is undoubtedly slowly changing but it’s definitely a thing, although James and the lyrics, they’re incredibly important, that’s not to say there aren’t incredible people in and our role is to do our own weird thing and the North because there is and always has been. leave James enough space to weave through and that is our main job – to harness the flow of the lyrics for what James is doing up on the top. do for years, and we really got stuck in. We’ve all played in bands before but because of the pandemic everything was completely new and fresh. Having all done bands before, you run the risk of repeating the process but this time that just wasn’t allowed to happen, it felt like my first band again and like were all sixth formers, it was great. The last gig we did before the pandemic was to 30 people and when we came out straight away we played Standon Calling to about 3000 people – it was a festival so it wasn’t ‘our’ crowd but that leap is weird and it was really exciting.
Just to end on a cheap open-ended question – what next for Yard Act? Well with the album just out we’ve got a lot of hard work to just go and play it to people, which is amazing – as long as everything stays open. I just want to get into that cycle of playing and just before we start album two, and there’s a load of ideas already, just get out and play more.
Yard Act's debut album 'The Overload' is out now and tickets for their up- coming tour are available online. Full interview available at: . the courieron line. co.uk. Image: Twitter @YardActBand
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Monday 14th February 2022
Beg For You Charli XCX Elena Corcobado
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eg For You’ is the anticipated collaboration between hyperpop talent Charli XCX and rising star Rina Sawayama. It is the third single from Charli’s upcoming album Crash, releasing on March 18th, 2022. The single’s most note-worthy element is a garage-esque type beat that colours it with a UK sound. Aside from the percussion, we can hear an arpeggiated synth line repeating throughout the track, and additional background synths and bass to add ambience and punch at different times. There is nothing particularly distinctive about the vocals and melody – they sound standard. The lyrics are rather uninspiring and predictable at times, and the chorus is majorly instrumental, slightly reminding me of a more laid-back version of the big EDM choruses of the 2010s. ‘Beg For You’ comes across as an attempt for Charli XCX to break into the mainstream, following her two previous singles ‘Good Ones’ and ‘New Shapes’, featuring Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polachek. The song’s length is 2:48, this seems to follow Tik Tok’s trend of producing songs under 3 minutes. Crash will be Charli’s fifth and last record to be released under her current contract with Atlantic Records. Its departure from her signature hyper-pop and future-pop sound into a more mainstream pop sound is understood to be an ironic take on mainstream music in a major label. Charli goes full pop to prove her point. Despite the witty take, the track still feels a bit lazy and underwhelming, far from what we know Charli XCX is capable of.
Antidawn Elena Corcobado
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ntidawn is Burial’s return with a new EP, released on January 6th of 2022. The artist’s project is made of 5 tracks of length ranging between 6 and 11 minutes each. In this project we can hear some of Burial’s signature sound: experimental electronic sounds and sample-based music. However, in his return, Burial takes a minimal approach to his composition and production. Generally, we can hear beautiful instrumentation, distorted sampled vocals, and continuous ambient sounds such as rain, cracks, birds, and abstract voices. While listening to this EP, I expected a garage beat to drop at any point, but it never did. Burial plays with our expectations by teasing build ups at different points, and never fulfilling them into a resolution. This project dances between a hopeful and dark sound; and between waves of layered and atmospheric ambience and a thin, strippeddown production, that very occasionally bursts into a more aggressive sound. Tracks have drastic harmonic and rhythmic changes within – almost like listening to a different song, or some sort of sonic pastiche. Whichever idea it takes, it doesn’t spend too much time on it, moving on onto the next one rather quickly and occasionally revisiting previous ones. Antidawn is a project that takes its time to deliver and commits to breaking the listener’s expectations while building a calming, at times dark, sonic landscape. Burial arrives at a slightly different destination but applying the same approach we know him for – experimental, non-conforming, and always enigmatic.
Sub-editors: Oren Brown, Lucy Bower & Rowan Christina Driver
Music
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Damon Albarn vs Taylor Swift: F*** the patriarchy Jasmin Bateman
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he year is 2022, are we not done with the completely unfounded criticism of successful women? If you are a misogynist, just say so. In January, the Los Angeles Times published an interview with Damon Albarn, in which he claimed that “[Taylor Swift] doesn’t write her own songs”. Not only is this statement ungrounded and factually incorrect, but it is also not the first time that Damon has ruffled some feathers. In 2015 he branded Adele’s album 25 as “middle-of-the road” after their collaborative work did not make it to the final record; ironically, 25 went on to become the best-selling album of that year. Taylor broke her social media hiatus to quickly point out that his comments were “false” and “damaging”. Taylor Swift is no stranger to carping critics; after her song-writing abilities were questioned earlier in her career, she responded by releasing her third studio album, Speak Now, written entirely by herself. Doesn’t write her own songs, you say? Nevertheless, co-writing does not diminish an
This viral interaction only illuminates the inherent bias that has tainted the industry for years now. artist’s talent; Taylor’s collaboration with Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner on her recent albums
folklore and evermore only served to add vivid lyricism and radical depth to the songs, and further diversified her incredible discography. So, the question remains: why are baseless comments mindlessly and continuously thrown around by men criticising incredibly talented women? Apparently, music isn’t ‘real’ unless it is made by and credited entirely to cis white heterosexual men. This viral interaction only illuminates the inherent bias that has tainted the industry for countless years now. Taylor has addressed this many times throughout her career, and most candidly in her 2020 documentary, Miss Americana. Taylor Swift is by no means a feminist activist, but she is a glaring example of the extra pressure that female artists face from the media. You don’t need to like her music, but are you really qualified to declare this woman is not talented? Or can you simply just not stand to see a woman becoming one of the most successful artists of our time? This phenomenon is not exclusive to Taylor Swift, but a common challenge for women in the music industry; and quite frankly, discrediting these artists without valid reason is sexist. Personally, I am inspired by the resilience that Taylor Swift has shown in the face of endless berating. It only makes listening to her music a more uplifting and empowering experience.
Image: Flickr
Mitchell & Young press the mute button on Spotify Jonny Parry
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arlier this month Neil Young and Joni Mitchell pulled their music from Spotify. Their decision comes in protest to the service providing a platform for spreading misinformation concerning the coronavirus pandemic. Their symbolic gestures, however, are unlikely to have any significant bearing on the streaming platform. The artists removed their music following controversial statements made on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, to which Spotify owns the exclusive rights. Among other false claims, the popular host has suggested that younger Americans are not at risk from the virus and do not need a vaccine. Young has stated that Spotify “has a responsibility to mitigate the spread of misinformation on its platform” – a responsibility he says they are failing to fulfil. In an ultimatum to the streamer, he proclaimed
“they can have Rogan or Young. Not both." Young and Mitchell stand behind the scientific and medical community which last month urged Spotify to address the production of distorted information. In an open letter, signed by more than 270 science professionals, Rogan’s actions were labelled as “not only objectionable and offensive but also medically and culturally dangerous”. Young and Mitchell’s withdrawal from the platform certainly speaks volumes; however, neither artist possesses the market power to force Spotify’s hand and incite significant change. Spotify has since added disclaimers to podcast episodes containing contested views of Covid-19, as well as publishing its company content rules. This seems a fairly meagre and lacklustre response from the platform. The controversy forces us to consider the integral role Spotify has created for itself within the music industry. The streaming giant has become indispensable for the exposure and income of artists.
Their symbolic gestures are unlikely to have any significant bearin on the streaming platform. For the likes of Young and Mitchell, who have enjoyed a lucrative career spanning many decades, this act of defiance is one they can afford. For the majority of less prolific and high-profile artists, however, the removal of their music in protest simply isn’t an option. This isn’t Spotify’s first clash with music artists and it certainly won’t be its last. It seems some media giants are too big to fall. Image: Flikr
Sub-editors: Carly Horne, Rachael McCreanor & Rebecca Sykes
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Monday 14th February 2022
TV
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The trailer for the mysterious Moon Knight has finally arrived!
Geordie Joey shin
Emily Kelso - Comment sub-editor
Leo David Prajogo
Marvel characters in new directions or introducing totally new characters. Moon Knight is akin to Eternals (2021) in that, aside from the Marvel branding, there is very little Oscar Isaac has a suspicious present to indicate the series is even set in the English accent and Marvel goes Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is not necessarily a bad thing; it allows the series to be excellent horror in Moon Knight independently of the MCU. Similarly, if the oon Knight (2022) is the MCU is to expand as the ‘core’ members latest in a series of depart from our screens, these new heroes Marvel TV shows to be need to be able to work independently exclusively released on just like the first MCU heroes did. Iron Disney Plus. These Man (2008) did not have the luxury of TV shows are leagues apart from a well-established cinematic universe their Marvel TV predecessors after all. (such as Agent Carter (2015-2016) The trailer has resulted in a rather and Agents of Shield (2013-2020)) hilarious point of contention in terms of their backing from amongst fans: what in the fresh Marvel and production value. hell is that English accent? Some You can tell Marvel care more defend the accent, suggesting it is about making content for TV part of the plot, whereas others are now than they did before, which more critical. Oscar Isaac himself is an incredible disservice to the even mimicked the now-notorious shows of before, but I digress. accent during a trailer reaction but otherwise said absolutely nothing of value on the debate. Tease. The trailer In terms of questions I have after the trailer, there are a few. Who is is almost Oscar Issac’s character? To what extent does this fit in with MCU reminiscent of canon? Perhaps, most importantly, is the questionable English accent a psychological a sign of plot points to come or is it simply a sign that Oscar thriller/ Isaac needs to go back to an Image: IMDb acting school where Dick Van horror with Dyke isn’t in charge of teaching accents? a beautifully Regardless, I eagerly await Moon Knight. synced soundtrack
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Newcastle born actor, musician and D&D player, Joey Batey's success keeps on growing
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ewcastle native Joey Batey returned in Netflix’s T h e Witc h er (2019-)for its second season last December. A fan favourite, Batey’s character Jaskier is a plucky bard and a loyal friend to the titular Witcher (Henry Cavill). Batey’s expressive, vibrant
performance has led to countless Jaskier memes circulating on the Internet. Batey described growing up in “a very musical household”, evidenced by his skilled performance as Jaskier. As a bard, Jaskier has several songs in the show, the most famous probably being Toss a Coin to Your Witcher from the first season, which took the Internet by a storm for its catchy tune and memorable lyrics.
Some of Batey's earlier performances were on our very own Newcastle stages It’s the sort of song you listen to once and never forget (as I can testify!), and Batey’s smooth, lilting voice certainly helps. The second season of The Witcher brought Batey performing Burn Butcher Burn, a song both humorous and heartbreaking, and a prison song sung to (or with?) rats that had me doubled over laughing, the title of which I shouldn’t write in a student newspaper. Some of Batey’s earlier performances were on our very own Newcastle stages. His CV lists performances as Hamlet at The People’s Theatre in Heaton and Macbeth at The Journal Tyne Theatre. In 2014, Batey graced the stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company as Mark Smeaton in Wolf Hall/Bring Up the Bodies. An interview for this role shows Batey learning to play the lute - little did he know how
Moon Knight certainly matches the hallmarks of the “new” Marvel TV show: tantalising story line; ample resources; tackling new issues and taking
Image: IMDb, Pixabay
The Wait is Over: TV Shows to Look Forward to in 2022 Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Maja Mazur - Arts sub-editor
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o be honest, I’m somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between viewers hyped up about the new version of LoTR and those faithful to Jackson’s trilogy, who completely disregard the upcoming Amazon production.
Peaky Blinders
than if it was just a remake. So far, the teaser and posters look intriguing, with an exceptionally huge budget giving hope for a well-made production. That’s why on the 2nd September I will watch The Rings of Power with excitement and an open mind – after all, I can’t see how the new production, no matter how good or bad, could spoil my beloved films or harm Tolkien’s legacy.
The Middle Earth is a world I fell in love with reading Tolkien's books
As a great fan of the existing films, I can’t really see what Amazon can do better (except a wider representation, with one of the stars confirming that hobbits will be played by actors of colour), but I’m far from complaining. I’m excited to see another vision of the Middle Earth, which even if not as marvellous as Jackson’s in my eyes, is still a world I fell in love with reading Tolkien’s books. Besides, the series won’t follow the plot of the original LoTR, being set a thousand years before these events, making the show potentially more interesting
Gabbi De Boer - Relationships sub-editor
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f there’s one TV show I could watch over and over, it’s Peaky Blinders, so naturally, the upcoming series 6 release is something I am buzzing for. After two and a half years of waiting, it’s finally time - and the marketing team for the show is pulling out all the stops when dropping hints. As the final season draws upon us, it’s kind of sad to see it go; so much has changed in the last nine years, with many characters coming and going. It’ll be particularly interesting to see the way Polly Gray’s character has been incorporated into the series, but also to see what new characters we are going to be introduced to.
Series 6 must answer a lot of questions while navigating a period in history full of change The finale of series 5 was extremely intense, leaving us just short of World War Two and the rise of Oswald Mosely. With Tommy Shelby’s mental state slowly declining and many things falling apart, series 6 must answer a lot of questions while navigating Image: IMDb
a period in history full of change. Aside from the violence and great soundtrack, the hint of script revealed on social media has not given much away for what to expect, and I think that’s what’s making this season so exciting! Although a movie is rumoured to be in the works, we can hope for Peaky Blinders to go out with a bang, and series 6 is promising some of the most exciting action yet.
Image: IMDb
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Monday 14th February 2022
nes in The Witcher valuable this skill would be for him five years later in The Witcher! The Witcher casting director Sophie Holland describes how Batey secured his role as Jaskier by playing a borrowed lute at his audition. As well as numerous stage roles, Batey has played several supporting roles in film and television. It’s not just the lute Batey is familiar with, however; for his indie folk band The Amazing
Batey is familiar with, however; for his indie folk band The Amazing Devil, Batey has played the guitar (acoustic and electric), electric bass, drums, and piano, as well as synths. Batey is also the primary songwriter for his band. The Amazing Devil’s third album, Ruin, came out on Halloween 2021, shortly before The Witcher’s second season. Their first album, Love Run, has been described as “a masterpiece of swirling, brooding, often epic drama that manages to connect powerfully with our psyche.” Notable for its fantastical lyrics that unite fairy tales with reality and soaring, soul-shaking music, The Amazing Devil showcases Batey’s musical talent as a performer and composer, and is certainly worth a listen. Moving slightly away from his TV and music career, Batey has spoken of his love for the tabletop game Dungeons and Dragons, having designed a D&D monster (thirteen eyed, six armed Greg the Horse), using his very own amethyst dice set. Another perhaps surprising fact considering Batey’s mastery in the performing arts, is that his educational background was a BA in Modern and Medieval Languages from the University of Cambridge. With The Witcher’s showrunner Lauren Hissrich having seven seasons planned, and season three already being in the works, as well as The Amazing Devil thriving, I look forward to seeing where Joey Batey’s career will take him next.
The Amazing Devil showcases Batey's musical talent as a performer and composer Devil, Batey has played the guitar (acoustic and electric), electric bass, drums, and piano, as well as synths. Batey is also the primary songwriter for his band, The Amazing Devil's third album, the Bodies. An interview for this role shows Batey learning to play the lute - little did he know how valuable this skill would be for him five years later in The Witcher! The Witcher casting director, Sophie Holland describes how Batey secured his role as Jaskier by playing a borrowed lute at his audition. As well as numerous stage roles, Batey has played several supporting roles in film and television. It’s not just the lute
Image: IMDb
Sub-editors: Carly Horne, Rachael McCreanor & Rebecca Sykes
TV
27
Pam and Tommy - a tale of love, revenge and, of course, sex Imogen Smillie
Lily James and Sebastian Stan are transformed into 90s idols in the miniseries based on unbelievably true events
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poiler free for episodes 1 to 3 (streaming now on Disney+), and very much looking forward to finishing off this limited series. Back in the olden days, (yes, the mid 90’s) a great pop culture scandal occurred. The gorgeous Pamela Anderson and her husband Tommy Lee fleetingly created a sex-tape, which was then sold all over the newly accessible world wide web. Pam and Tommy (2022) reveals all about the first ever leaked sex-tape, exploring celebrity culture and the lifestyle of this love-struck couple at the height of their careers. The phenomenal Lily James (Cinderella, Baby Driver) and Sebastian Stan (Captain America, The 355) have taken on this massive project. They've transformed into the couple to retell the sex scandal that shapes the way we look at celebrity and media representation.
The excellent costume and make-up creates the illusion that you're watching Pam and Tommy's love story unfold in real time. Watching the show, you have to keep reminding yourself this isn’t the actual Pam and Tommy. James and Stan could not be more different to
Image: IMDb
their previous roles, such as Cinderella and the Winter Soldier respectively. Joined by the hilarious Seth Rogen (Bad Neighbours) and Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) who portray two characters majorly involved in the production of said sextape, this show is nothing short of star-studded and beautifully cast. Just a fair warning... this is a show about a sextape, so clearly there’s a lot of sex and nudity alongside, harsh language and drug use (rated 18+). In spite of this, the director Craig Gillespie, who is perhaps best known for another Sebastian Stan starring project - I, Tonya (2017), uses this opportunity to express solid opinions surrounding the misogyny in media representation and overall power of the patriarchal society, especially before the 21st century. Unfortunately, Pamela Anderson was probably best known at the time for Baywatch, and as Joey and Chandler from Friends will tell you, all the running. But what about her work as a craft and not just looking pretty? So far, this show has considerably reached all expectations of dramatized storytelling, in terms of both entertainment and fairly retelling such an infamous moment in pop-culture history. Looking forward to seeing more drama unfold in the coming weeks.
The latest thriller to captivate the nation: Stay Close Katie Siddall - Sports sub-editor
A truly thrilling thriller, Harlan Coben's latest series is a hit
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he latest Harlan Coben project Stay Close (2021) is the next series after the thrilling The Stranger. Within this eight-episode series The Vicar of Dibley star Richard Armitage returns to our screens to become one of the major protagonists… or antagonists. Armitage’s character Ray Levine steals our hearts as he becomes more involved in the disappearances and murders of men on an annual Carnival Night than he may have wanted to. Now, the plot is not fixated entirely on Ray especially since it starts with a focus on Cush Jumbo’s (The Good Wife) character Megan – who we find out later is actually called Cassie.
From James Nesbit to the one and only Eddie Izzard, the cast was unstoppable and unforgettable Cassie’s family becomes entangled in a 17year string of murders due to one night – where Cassie’s daughter, Kayleigh, goes to a strip club – and a dodgy past. How every storyline is brought together in the finale is incredible. There are no loose strings (that I can find, though you may find one!) and everything links back to the strip club – Vipers.
Without giving any spoilers, this series is phenomenal! Over the Christmas break, whilst resting from the assessment season, I watched all eight episodes with my parents over three nights. We went through so many emotions alongside the characters. We were spotting hints that the series gave which may or may not have meant something in the finale. The number of times we thought we had named the murderer was just, well, it was a lot. The number of times we changed our minds on the murderer within a singular episode- quite a few! Every detail you need in a thriller show was present. This series had it all: a family crisis, a murderer, missing teens, drug addictions, a stalker, a secret past, a deranged couple named Barbie and Ken and most importantly, an amazing cast. From Cold Feet’s James Nesbit to the one and only Eddie Izzard, the cast was unstoppable and unforgettable. They all portrayed believable performances that kept the series’ tensions high. There wasn’t a moment where my dad wasn’t tense and going “I don’t like this” as he thought someone was going to die by the hands of the infamous double act – Barbie and Ken. Though we binged this series and loved it to pieces, it did have its plot holes. Why did the characters forget about Tawny, the stripper? Her death isn’t properly acknowledged. Why would Barbie and Ken be so stupid? They were too clean and tidy at the beginning to be so stupid at the end.
Saying this, like I’ve already mentioned, we did binge it as it really did beat our expectations – everyone was raving about the series and their
Image: IMDb
raves were accurate. I was so scared to watch the show and be highly disappointed. Yet, I was not! I was not disappointed by who the murderer was either; however, it could have been written slightly better. Maybe. If you haven’t already – go watch this show. You will not be disappointed.
Sub-editors: George Bell, Jess Bradbury & Autumn Keil
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Monday 14th February 2022
Film
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Nightmare Alley: The Tragedy of False Hope Licorice Pizza: a Garvit Hora
The return of Del Toro comes with a star studded cast and major Noir vibes
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shaky return from Guillermo del Toro, sprinkled with magic in its casting and, ironically, production. Being his first film after the hugely celebrated Shape of Water (2017), Guillermo del Toro had a difficult act to follow. Nightmare Alley walks us through the journey of Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) perfecting a carnival trick, finding its way into mentalism, begging him to sell his soul and face the shadows of his world’s past and present. Production designer Shane Vieau and del Toro collaborate on a majestic and grand set, which strongly holds the essence of the film and story. Subsequently, the literal and conceptual world-building is masterful and engulfs viewers, be it through the production design or through del Toro’s eye. Accompanied by Dan Laustsen’s warm yet stark cinematography, the marriage of his style with del Toro’s camera work makes for a stunning final look. The score melds effortlessly with the film’s tonal variation and aesthetic, occasionally feeling blockbusteresque, though not negatively. The 1940s setting lends itself to many archetypes which are actualised in the film for better and for worse. This lean into archetypes may have been more forgivable, however, if the dialogue was not so jarringly on-thenose. Del Toro and Kim Morgan’s writing fronts its strengths when it remains in the realm of questioning with its moments of meticulousness, but its rich subtext often gets translated into a frequently plastic script. Despite the shaky writing, the performances
across the board are astounding, making the world of magic, in which the story is framed, more digestible. Bradley Cooper brilliantly holds his own across the film’s two hours and thirty minutes runtime; unsurprisingly so, but a great sight nevertheless. Toni Collette steals the show, carrying every scene she is in, and being blessed with some of the best developmental scenes integral to the film.
Peter Bath - Head of Sport
A slice of 70s nostalgia, Licorice Pizza depicts LA with a luscious soundtrack
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It is with great dismay I declare Guillermo Del Toro's Nightmare Alley a disposable viewing experience.
n Licorice Pizza, director Paul Thomas Anderson (Punch Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood, Inherent Vice) presents a sprawling vision of his native San Fernando Valley in 1970s Los Angeles. Cooper Hofffman (son of PTA’s late collaborator Phillip Seymour Hoffman) plays an enterprising 15-year-old boy who enters into a strange relationship with a somewhat lost 25-year-old woman played by Alana Haim (of the eponymous band). From child acting to political campaigns, via waterbeds, pinball, and run-ins with the law, it follows
All components considered, del Toro’s mystical and biblical tale is a greatly mixed, stirred, and shaken bag. The highs, of which there are many, are magnificent, while the lows leave a rather bitter, lingering taste. The script feels too much like a teenage soap at times for me to be able to take the rest of the dark and sombre story seriously. And due to the slouchy screenplay, I feel the two hours and thirty minutes runtime has a hard time trying to justify itself. It is not a film built for rewatch, unless you would enjoy plucking and unpacking easter eggs. It is with great dismay I declare Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley a disposable viewing experience, leagues behind Shape of Water, although still a thrilling enough ride for a single watch, albeit out of respect for del Toro and the loaded cast and crew. Images: IMDB
Interview with Edoardo Vitaletti: The Last Thing Mary Saw, a slow Autumn Lily - Film sub-editor
Our very own film subed Autumn had the exciting chance to interview director Edoardo Vitaletti
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slow-burning film, The Last Thing Mary Saw is lit by candles that illuminate the faces of the cast as the circumstances surrounding a murder and an illicit affair are investigated. “ I think there isn’t necessarily
Image: Shudder
a lot happening, but because there isn’t a lot that's happening outwardly, it makes you wonder what's going on”, says Edoardo Vitaletti of the 19th century Vilhelm Hammershoi paintings he admires. I can see how these quiet, reflective pieces have informed his first feature film - The Last Thing Mary Saw. I spoke to Edoardo on Zoom, and there is none of this quiet gloominess in his bright apartment, with his friendly cat making frequent appearances. There is a reason for this, “I think for the first half of this
shoot I was very self serious,” he admits. “I think you need to let go of the self seriousness and get off the pedestal and find some wonder in what you’re doing, cause hell we’re making a movie - it’s so fun!” The Last Thing Mary Saw stars Isabelle Furhman (The Hunger Games) and Stefanie Scott (Beautiful Boy) as lovers determined to be together, despite their ultra-religious circumstances. Choosing to centre queer characters was important to Edoardo, “it still feels to me that there haven’t been enough steps taken to stop regulating queer characters to a sphere of otherness and it is something that the religion that I grew up being a part of does on a constant basis”, he speaks about this sheltered
Catholic upbringing, where he was, “not exposed to learning about identity and queerness”. I ask Edoardo what message he might want viewers to take from the experience. “ I think Christianity and Catholicism, so many times they kind of get away with murder being taught as philosophies of inclusivity, but I think they exclude”, he shares, “I think that is the message I want people to hopefully take from the story - that there is a lot of exclusion happening, that no matt er how much you speak about love you have to also put it into practice”.
Faces are haunted from beneath by candle light, and when it's dark, it is really dark. Although the film is influenced by Edoardo’s past, it is set in the historical period of 19th century New York. “I always wanted to make a genre piece that was as drama leaning as possible. I do think that when I’m writing I naturally go into that direction.” explains Edoardo. The film is exquisitely lit by cinematographer David Kruta as faces are haunted from beneath by candle light, and when it’s dark, it is really dark. “I think we supplemented the candles in a couple of scenes but really we were trying to go for as much natural light as possible, because you know after sundown in the 1800s, unless you have a candle you can’t see anything.” Edoardo seems very certain of all his decisions for the film, and so I ask if anything scared him about creating his first feature film. “Everything
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Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: George Bell, Jess Bradbury & Autumn Keil
Film
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a delicious slice of the 1970s Sparkling Twilight Romance the two as they figure out their relationships with the rest of the world and with each other. The runtime may be long and the plot meandering, but the film is propelled by a spectacular cast. Casting two debut actors as the leads, especially two who bring baggage from a musical career and a screen-icon father respectively is a big risk, but one which pays off. The two are natural, charming and look refreshingly normal. Besides Haim and Hoffman, there are electric performances round every corner; actors pop up, take your breath away and disappear leaving you wanting more. Tom Waits makes a cameo, Sean Penn does a motorbike stunt, Haim drives a lorry backwards down a hill, and Bradley Cooper steals the show as a manic Jon Peters, boyfriend of Barbara Streisand.
Actors pop up, take your breath away and disappear leaving you wanting more.
Haim’s real sisters/bandmates appearing as her on-screen family are one nice touch among many. A luscious 70s soundtrack of Bowie, Wings, Nina Simone and Suzi Quatro ensures that what the film lacks in structure it makes up for in sheer vibes. Much like Once upon a Time in Hollywood, Licorice Pizza captures a cultural moment not only in its content but by evoking the cinema of the period. George Lucas’ American Graffiti has the same air of 70s teenage adventure, while the episodic, character-centred story also recalls films like Annie Hall. Just like some of these films, it can drag towards the end with no clear finale in sight, but between the performances, music, and visuals there’s always something to keep the audience hooked. The film also has a touch of the sexual politics of the era it depicts, and for many the problematic friendship/romance between a 25-year-old woman and 15-year-old-boy has understandably
w-burning horror
was scary. Everything about stepping on set on the first day and every day after that is scary” he jokes, but he shares his secret, “I think more than confidence it's just about accepting that perfection doesn’t exist”. For such a young filmmaker, Edoardo seems to have a wise attitude. His first feature film has been reviewed
For such a young filmmaker, Edoardo seems to have a wise attitude... it is worth keeping an eye on this promising director. by publications such as the Guardian and The New York Times, and currently boasts a 69% average rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s no surprise then, that he has more in the works - “I am working on a couple of different things, the next thing will probably be in the same vein, another period piece”. There is a possibility of the Italian American director landing in Britain as well, “I dream of moving to the English countryside!” says Edoardo, “I would love to shoot something in England, I love historical films and Europe has history and the US doesn't have history, so hopefully.” Wherever he ends up next, it is worth keeping an eye on this promising director. Full Interview Available Online. The Last Thing Mary Saw is available to stream with subscription exclusively on Shudder.
been a barrier to appreciating the film. Although its inclusion is questionable when the story could have worked well without this aspect, the characters are understood to be flawed people, figuring out their messy lives. Haim’s character acknowledges it might be “weird that I hang out with Gary and his 15-year-old friends all the time.” The complexity and moral ambiguity of the relationship, although perhaps overly-romanticised in Anderson’s rosy nostalgia, does bring another dimension to the film, elevating it beyond a traditional rom-com. It may not have the high ambitions of films like There Will Be Blood, but in Licorice Pizza Paul Thomas Anderson perfectly captures a time and place. Rather than wallowing in nostalgic clichés, it makes ‘Life on Mars’ sound like it just came out. The joyous energy emanating from every performance and shot, however minor, is infectious. It may not have the high ambitions of films like There Will Be Blood, but in Licorice Pizza Paul Thomas Anderson perfectly captures a time and place. Rather than wallowing in nostalgic clichés, it makes ‘Life on Mars’ sound like it just came out. The joyous energy emanating from every performance and shot, however minor, is infectious. Rating: 4.5/5
Image: IMDB
Neve Watson
It's a series that divides people, but there's no denying that Bella and Edward are one of films most iconic couples.
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es, my favourite on-screen couple is Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. No, I won’t be taking any criticism. I’m willing to lose friendships over this opinion. They genuinely are the whole package; they have it all. They have all the best tropes: forbidden love – one vampire, one human – teen angst, a love that’s to die for (literally). You can’t beat it.
At Last – is immaculate. The song itself is beautiful but the lyrics: I’ve waited a hundred years / I’d wait a million more for you. Sure, the Twilight franchise will never be the crème de la crème of cinema, but sometimes you just can’t beat a film that has an amazing soundtrack and a cheesy but heart-warming romance. And vampires. What more could you want?
I'm willing to lose all my friendships over this opinion. They genuinely are the whole package From their first introduction in Twilight, with Bella being the new kid in town and Edward being the illusive and mysterious boy that everyone fancies, it’s clear that there’s going to be a fantastic romance between them. Edward, of course, has that tortured past that makes him want to stay away from Bella, but against all odds, he’s drawn to her (and yeah, she’s put in mortal danger a few times, but it’s for love). Every scene between them is electric, and of course, Stewart and Pattinson’s dating history throughout the films only authenticates this. My favourite scene has got to be the wedding scene. If you don’t cry watching it I don’t trust you. The song choice – Turning Page, Sleeping
Image: BabyWormBear on Reddit.
Punch Drunk Love at Star and Shadow Never seen Punch Drunk Love before? Come support a local Newcastle cinema and tick that film off your watch list!
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fter the St Valentine's Day, it's time to celebrate love beyond flowers and chocolates - with all its trials and tribulations, yet still beautiful. At this event, there will be a screening of Punch Drunk Love and a short film Cysylltiad (Connection).
Screening on 18th February at 7:30pm The event will also include a panel with Mared Rees, the director of Connection, and a working bar. Come join the screening at Star&Shadow Cinema on the 18th February at 7:30pm - tickets are £7, but students get them at a discounted £5. Still pining for more Paul Thomas Anderson love after the critically acclaimed Licorice Pizza? Be sure to check out Punch Drunk Love on one of the best independent cinema's in the North East. Although susceptible to violent outbursts, bathroom business owner Barry Egan, played by Adam Sandler, is a timid and shy
man. He leads a lonely and uneventful life, partly due to the constant bereating he suffers from his seven sisters. However, several events take place that shake up Barry's mundane life as he falls in love with his sister's co-worker Lena Leonard (Emily Watson). This romance is, however, threatened when Barry falls victim to an extortionist. Adam Sandler gives a career highlight in his role and director Paul Thomas Anderson gained critical acclaim, including winning a Cannes Best Director Award.
Adam Sandler gives a career highlight in the leading role. A must watch!
£5 student tickets Image: Star&Shadow Cinema
Sub-editors: Michael Duckworth, Haaris Qureshi, Peter Lennon & Joseph Caddick
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Monday 14th February 2022
Gaming
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Review - Has Pokémon Legends fallen on its Arceus? Joseph Caddick - Gaming and Puzzles sub-editor
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or the past few years now, mainline Pokémon games have been accused of playing it safe, actively avoiding any attempt to rock the boat beyond the basic formula. Sun and Moon may have tried some shake ups, but Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a breath of fresh air for a franchise that was growing stale. While the franchise’s signature turn-based combat does return, it has been altered somewhat by the addition of Strong and Agile Styles, which allow you to forego turns for extra power or the opposite, respectively. These alone are a departure from the rigid turn structure we’ve grown accustomed to in mainline Pokémon games. The immediately obvious change is that the world is more open than anything previously seen in a Pokémon game. The first zone alone dwarfs Sword and Shield’s Wild Area, and is a joyous place to explore with rare Pokémon hidden in every nook and cranny. Different species have different levels of aggression towards the player, and some will not hesitate to attack you until they knock you out. NPCs routinely tell you that Pokémon can and will kill you. This added danger makes sense given that Pokémon are effectively just wild animals. My favourite part of this game is how smooth the core gameplay loop is. You can throw Poké Balls at as many wild Pokémon as you want at any given time, no need to wait for each one
individually. Battles have been streamlined too in order to reduce the excessive dialogue boxes, a very welcome change. However, Pokémon in the distance tend to move at a lower frame rate, which is jarring, but otherwise inconsequential. Some quality of life changes have also been introduced, the biggest of which being that you can customise your Pokémon’s move-set more easily. The old system has been scrapped, with moves now being able to be swapped from the menu. Unfortunately, stronger moves aren’t learned automatically. Evolutions also no longer occur automatically, which is something I don’t care for, but it makes it easier for players that want to beat the game with unevolved Pokémon. The best of these changes, however, is that trade evolutions are gone. Finally. Like some spin-off games, trade evolution is now done through an item, meaning you can complete the Pokédex by yourself. Another large change is that when all of your Pokémon faint, you no longer black out and can instead run back to camp to heal them up. However, if a wild Pokémon attacks you enough times, you’ll black out, regardless of the health of your Pokémon. If you do black out, there’s a Mystery Dungeon-esque mechanic where other players can pick up the items that you dropped to help you out. By
helping other players, you earn Merit Points, which are used to purchase items to evolve certain Pokémon. You may also find yourself needing help a lot, because this game's difficulty is a step up from the past few Pokémon games. My team was under levelled for most encounters towards the end of the game because I didn't grind out of habit - a welcome change! This game refuses to hold your hand, and I love it all the more for this reason. Additionally, there are actual puzzles and dungeons towards the end of the game, so the challenge isn't reserved for battles. The story is a refreshing break from the typical formula, which was somewhat inevitable given that Gyms don’t yet exist and Pokémon Trainers are a brand new phenomenon. In essence, it's a prequel to Diamond and Pearl. The circumstances the player ends up in are similar to the stories of the Mystery Dungeon games, with a little bit of Pokémon Ranger thrown in as well. This is
only a good thing, as those spin-off series often have much better stories than the main games. One thing that can’t be ignored about Pokémon Legends: Arceus is its graphics. As much as this game wants to evoke a real sense of grandeur, it lacks the visual polish to pull it off. Items and shadows popping in does happen quite frequently, and a few areas have noticeably shoddy textures. The trailers managed to make this game look much worse than it is though, to the point where people only started getting hyped once it had leaked online. For the most part, the game’s visuals are decent enough to avoid complaints to the extent of Sword and Shield’s pathetic Wild Area. My only other complaint is the designs of the new Pokémon. A lot of the ones revealed before release are great, but the ones they'd kept secret... I can see why. A large number of them have easily made their way into my list of least favourite Pokémon, largely because they're either uninspired (taking a Pokémon and just making it bigger) or silly designs that should have been left on the cutting room floor. Pokémon Legends: Arceus may be a breath of fresh air, but it’s certainly no Breath of the Wild. However, it is a very large step in the right direction and provides a much more solid experience than the main series has for years. The hype around this game can hopefully serve as a learning curve for Game Freak and strengthen the franchise in the long run.
Image: Nintendo
In the wake of Bioware's announcement, should video game studios continue remote labour post-Covid?
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ollaborations between programmers and artists were commonplace in the game industry before the pandemic. This is true for many creative and entertainment industries. On many days, it was difficult to get anything done because of the workload. Despite the many protests, nothing changed. Video games have finally started to acknowledge that a culture that has long been
Image: Bioware and PXHere
revered may really benefit from a little modernization. The pandemic caused enormous delays in the supply of video games as video game producers had to adjust to faulty technology and slow VPNs at home. Creatives and programmers were able to transport massive files more quickly because of this new technology and infrastructure. There have been various claims by video game developers that they are continuing to work at the same speed as before, even though their offices have been shut down since March 2020. Having a well-supported production pipeline allows remote employees to be more productive.
Unlike other sectors, the video game industry lacks a significant hub like Hollywood or Silicon valley
Due to the recent success and the release of multiple high-profile games this year, employees who are used to working from home are now urging their employers to rethink their traditional views toward them. Some people believe that working from home has improved work-life balance and morale among workers, resulting in more adaptable working circumstances in the gaming business. In the foreseeable future, more than half of all game developers anticipate their businesses to continue offering some form of remote working possibility, according to a recent survey by International Game Developers Federation. Unlike other sectors, the video game industry lacks a significant hub like Hollywood or Silicon Valley. Many game developers, like Lemos, have
been forced to relocate to another nation in order to escape getting fired or having their contracts with one company expire. An average of 2.2 employers have been employed by gaming workers in the previous five years, according to a survey conducted in 2019. "You can only execute so many moves until you reach your limit," Lemos said. "It's difficult to keep senior-level personnel in our field because of factors like stress and weariness." More reasons for people to escape aren't what we're looking for at all. Many video game companies are still ironing out the kinks in their remote work practises after the outbreak. Companies like Ubisoft Entertainment SA in France have implemented hybrid schedules in which most employees are obliged to work in the office for at least part of the time but are allowed to work from home two or three days a week. Employing staff from any place, with no expectation that they would ever return to work in an office environment, was formerly thought unachievable by big gaming organisations. Image: TT Games
Kefan Chen
THE
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Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Michael Duckworth, Haaris Qureshi, Peter Lennon & Joseph Caddick
Gaming
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Dear game devs: it's not all about length! George Bell - Film sub-editor
Have game studios become too dependent on gameplay quantity over quality?
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ames can be a great many things from fun and entertaining to adrenaline-filled and terrifying, but what they shouldn’t be is daunting. And that is exactly what the announcement that Dying Light 2 would take over 500+ hours to complete made that game feel like: daunting. When Techland made the announcement of how long it would take to complete the sequel to 2015’s zombie parkour epic, Dying Light, it is easy to see why such a figure could be interpreted as a good thing. As games get more and more expensive, value for money is essential. Games with £60 price tags need to deliver enough content to keep people entertained for hours, so 500 hours seems like an absolute bargain, right? Sure, the quantity may be greater but chances are that quality is going to take a hit, and costs are sure to arise in other areas. Having an overabundance of the content may seem like a great investment, but more often than not you will find that a lot of the “content” is just half baked characters and mountains of fetch quests (yes I’m looking at you Preston Garvey, I do not want to help another settlement). There certainly will be some fantastic content but with everything else trying to grab your attention, the good bits get buried and the overall experience and the hard work of the developers feels diminished. Huge games like The Witcher 3 and Horizon Zero Dawn may provide a diverse range of content and experiences; with everything there is to do, it is unlikely that you will ever complete them fully. There is too much to do! And as more huge games continue to get released like Dying Light 2 and
Horizon Forbidden West, that pile of games waiting to be played is just going to get bigger and more imposing. Speaking of games waiting to be playing, investing 500+ hours in just one seems like a poor investment in time, especially when you don’t have much to give anyway (adulthood can be cruel). So many interesting and unique games are coming out all the time, but that will slip past you if you are preoccupied with just one game. And while you might be getting a good price for the amount of content, memory costs seem to only be getting higher. Games like the more recent instalments of the Call of Duty franchise are getting ridiculously big that, even if you had time to play other things, you wouldn’t have the storage to play them! This doesn’t take into account the developers, whose workload increase just like the size of the games causing high levels of stress and crunch culture. Sometimes there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and sadly video games are no different. Dying Light 2 looks to be a solid sequel that I’m sure fans of the original are dying to get their hands on, but I have nowhere near that amount of time to spare.
Image: Techland
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga: (finally) rebuilt by April 2022 Peter Lennon - Gaming sub-editor
With the release now imminent, does Lego Star Wars look like it has been built for success?
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nnounced before the release of The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga has been on my list of most anticipated games for 2020, 2021, and 2022. And now it’s coming out in less than two months. No, seriously. It’s for real this time.
Not only will players be able to explore these worlds, they will also be able to fly to them The latest installment in the classic Lego Star Wars series has been hit by many delays since its production in 2017 and has been subject to an intense crunch culture throughout. While this toxic work culture has intensified and broken into public knowledge more recently, and certainly something I don’t condone, boycotting the game in protest is just salt in the wounds for the hardworking developers. And
boy have they worked hard. A recent gameplay trailer has outlined the incredible depth of this entry in a franchise that risks falling into familiar patterns. Collecting all nine Skywalker films for the first time, the game will allow players to begin with the trilogy of their choice – prequel, original, or sequel – with each episode containing 5 story chapters each. While the previous ultimate edition – 2007’s Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga – had 6 chapters per an episode, The Skywalker Saga will fill in story gaps through wandering the open-world hubs (of which there are many). Players will be able to free roam around iconic planets, such as city world of Coruscant and the lava seas of Mustafar. From footage shown in the trailers, these planets appear to have amazing attention to detail, creating an immersive experience. Not only will players be able to explore these worlds, they will also
be able to fly to them, engaging in dogfights along the way if they so choose. What I’m sure many people will be excited for, is the overall of the combat system. From Jedi powers to blaster fire, TT Games have implemented more intricate combos and fighting systems to add variety for older players, who may grow bored of the series’ accessible c o n t r o l scheme.
Finally, it’s been announced that there will be a “mumble mode” that can be toggled on and off throughout the game. Though the series has moved to voice acting for many years now, this toggle will allow players to experience the game in the vintage mumbles of Lego games gone-by.
Image: TT Games
Sub-editors: Tom Wrath, Maja Mazur & Ruby Taylor
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Monday 14th February 2022
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Arts
Romance and Reading: Lit for a Valentine Josh Smith Maja Mazur - Arts Sub Editor
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hile many of us enjoy beautiful love stories, from classics to YA, reading every time about another Elizabeth and Darcy can get annoying. That’s why we prepared a list of truly tragic, (un)romantic books for those sceptical of Valentine’s and those bored with characters defeating all obstacles solely thanks to the power of love.
The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Which book could be more suitable for Valentine’s Day than the German classic about the tragedy of unrequited love? It tells a story of a young man Werther who, having fallen in love with a woman engaged to another man, does little more than suffer and complain over the whole 150 pages of the novel. I won’t say that it’s a relatable story for those of us who know the pain of unrequited love (I certainly hope not), but at least it can give some motivation to move on and not end up like Werther. And the additional unquestionable advantage is that you can easily finish the whole book during Valentine’s Day – a truly perfect, (un) romantic choice for those bored of happy endings.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara Valentine’s Day provides a perfect occasion to pick up this 750 pages long brick telling a story of pain, suffering and trauma, and occasionally love and friendship between two men. If you’re tired of innocent, unproblematic relationships in literature, you will welcome this book with relief. There’s not a single chapter in A Little Life where
The Rubik's Cube by Kiera Furness I meddle with the complexities of life, the intricacies of my body, using my hands, like I do with you. Red like my blood on the kitchen counter, moving steadily down, down, until you’re unrecognisable. A puzzle with no single face. Green like my chipped nail polish. I spiral my hands in anger. A solvable annoyance, squared short-term satisfaction. White like the bubbles in my coffee, an assemblage of confusion, tuning into shatters of voices on the flickering radio. Unsolvable stories. Looking from a distance, a kaleidoscope of faces. unsolvable at first glance, solvable once the bones break. A twisting ticking time bomb, colours scrambled like eggs. Can be unscrambled unlike eggs. A reaction of effortlessness. Like my mind, only few have the patience to solve it. I grab you in my palms and throw, I am not one of them.
characters are simply happy, not being haunted by their tragic past. Still, when Jude and Will cuddle, you naively have hope for a beautiful romance just to be disillusioned in the next paragraph. It’s a great choice for all sceptics of Valentine’s Day – Yanagihara vividly shows that love, in fact, doesn’t conquer all. Disclaimer: this book contains graphic descriptions of self-harm, suicide, sexual abuse, child abuse and ableism. Please consider that before reading it.
Layla and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi The star-crossed lovers plot has propped up most of the world’s literary history: Romeo &amp; Juliet, Troilus; Criseyde, Shanbo; Yingtai, Tristan Isolde, Percy Shelley; himself. The audience love when lovers suffer for their amusement, and rightfully so, because watching a happy relationship is about as interesting as Percy’s love poetry. There is no better star-crossed sad couple than Layla & Majnun. Leading the 7th-century Islamic poem is Qays ibn al-Mulawwah, later nicknamed (crazy/possessed), whose mental health degrades when his starcrossed crush marries another man. James Atkinson has a fantastic translation that is easily found online, with such memorable emo-couplets as: “Frail life is but a moment’s breath; / The world, alas is full of death” and “for formless, riding through the air, / devouring death is everywhere.” Unfortunately, like most early star-crossed lover stories, it follows the ‘virgin love’ trope for the couple, which is as exciting of a combination as unsalted butter, but if you can survive this, I urge you to give it a read. Fun fact, this poem was also half of the inspiration behind Eric Clapton’s the lesser-grand half being about sniffing around George Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd.
Norwegian Murakami
Wood
by
Haruki
If you can’t survive Valentine’s on unsalted butter, read Murakami’s Norwegian Wood, which has all the salt and no romance-butter to whet your emo appetites. Murakami is the master of awkward oral and this book is his magnum opus of unromantic smut. He blesses the salt cellar with a sprinkle of tragedy and a coming-of-age structure. No book has captured me as much as Norwegian Wood emotionally and, if I were to be forced to reread a book every month, it would be my first choice. However, with the book so attached to the potential tragedies of youth, a trigger warning would be advised for anyone dealing with losing a friend or who would rather avoid books that deal with suicide in an unapologetically blunt manner.
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Listings this week The Inheritance of Titian | Venetian High Renaissance Art Talks @ Lit and Phil: 14th Feb Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens as Eric & Ern @ Tyne Theatre and Opera House: 15th Feb You Heard Me @ Northern Stage: 18th - 19th Feb Human Nurture @ Live Theatre: 17th - 19th Feb B.Zine Queer Poster & Print Workshops @ Baltic Gallery- 19th Feb Lunchtime Jazz: Abbie Finn Trio @ Lit and Phil: 18th Feb Portrait of an Artist @ Laing Gallery – until 26th Feb Images: Wikimedia Commons + Flickr
Celebrating Dickens’ 210th birthday Sarah Tunstall
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ith celebrating his upcoming 210th birthday, I am sure you all know Dickens significantly from novels such as A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens is the basis of many further adaptations and the literary canon of the Victorian era; an
Dickens has become a significant member in the progression of literature author that is widely explored in analysing the progression of literature. Born on 7th February 1812, the second born of 8 children, Dickens’ experience of hardship during his childhood became a poignant foundation in many of his novels. Beginning in 1836, Dickens started to publish The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club in monthly segments. As his success grew bigger, Dickens lead on to publish one of his most popular works, Pickwick, as a novel. From there onwards, Dickens published the novel David Copperfield which was the first complete record of a man’s life in Victorian England and henceforth many popular novels. As one of the most well-known English authors in the world, Dickens has become a significant member in the progression of literature. With celebrating his upcoming 210th birthday I thought about how significant Dickens’ novels have been to me and my love for literature. Like most students who did the AQA specification for their English literature GCSEs, A Christmas Carol was one of the novels studied for school. However, my experience with Dickens was founded a lot earlier than my last year of school. In year 8 we were introduced to Great Expectations, both film and novel, and from there I fell in love with Dickens’ writing. Not so much to be enjoyed like a day-to-day novel, but exploring his authorial techniques was one of my first experiences with analysing texts in English literature, hence being a foundation to my love for English and now, a career aspiration.
Dickens deals with the darker aspects of Victorian England in his novels and has wifely become a centre point in literary criticism. I think as a foundation to the development of English literature and how we approach our society, it is worth celebrating the notoriety of Dickens on his 210th birthday.
Image: IMDB
THE
COURIER
Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Tom Wrath, Maja Mazur & Ruby Taylor
Arts
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Binge-worthy Review: The Invisible Man at Northern Stage Book Series
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Emma Leask
here’s nothing more satisfying than completing a book series and having that final book provide the perfect conclusion. It’s even better when all the books in the series are already published, so you can binge them back-to-back. Here is a list of some of the most binge-worthy series.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang This adult fantasy trilogy has a dark tone and a strong female protagonist. The characters leap off the page with their grey morals and believable dynamics, instantly gripping the reader. The series starts off like many other fantasy stories, with Rin learning to become stronger and realising the reality of what lies beyond the small-town life she knows. By the end of the book, gods and shamans play a part in an unexpected way, giving the reader no choice but to pick up the sequels immediately..
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas This is a larger fantasy series, with seven books and a novella collection. Incredible world-building, captivating characters, and high stakes, this is an addictive series that will tug on the reader’s heartstrings and satisfy cravings for high-action scenes. The world expands with every book and the magic system is fascinating. There’s a Image: rich lore that adds an extra layer of intrigue. The last book isGoodreads guaranteed to be a tear-jerker, and it perfectly concludes an epic series.
Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman Hailed as the next The Hunger Games, this trilogy is set in a dystopian world that is both harrowing and eerily relatable to our own. In this series, humans can live forever, so to avoid over-population scythes must ‘glean’ those chosen by the government to be killed. The two main characters become Image: Goodreads involved in their work, and it’s captivating to see their contrasting morals. Both are equally flawed, and at times their logic makes them truly terrifying.
Renegades by Marissa Meyer This superhero-action series is entertaining and addictive. With an Avengers-style group, the books go beyond being merely a superhero story, diving into the blurred distinctions between good and evil. There’s a forbidden romance element, with pathetic fallacy woven throughout which keeps the reader turning the pages. The author has created a unique and diverse cast of characters with an incredible set of supernatural abilities.
Truly Devious Johnson
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Maureen
This superhero-action series is entertaining and addictive. With an Avengers-style group, the books go beyond being merely a superhero story, diving into the blurred distinctions between good and evil. There’s a forbidden romance element, with pathetic fallacy woven throughout which keeps the reader turning the pages. The author has created a unique and diverse cast of characters with an incredible set of supernatural abilities.
George Bell - Film Sub-Editor f you had the power of invisibility, what would you do? Would you use it for good or for personal gain? I myself would use it just so I could get the chance to see the brilliant The Invisible Man again! Showing at Northern Stage, The Invisible Man is one of the latest adaptations of HG Wells’ book of the same name. With the likes of the 1933 and 2020 films being the most popular interpretations of his work, writer and director Phillip Correia and Anna Girvan had a difficult job of bringing something fresh and interesting to this classic tale, and then put it to stage! And it is a job well done with a more modern grounding of the story, underpinned
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with thoughtful messages of class and a critical look at how broken some of the UK’s systems are. It is clear that none of this would have been possible without the amazing effort put in by both the cast and crew. I found myself astonished at how meticulously this play had been planned and practiced to perfection. Numerous times I found myself in awe of what I was seeing and everyone’s hard work definitely paid off. With a small cast of only four over a period of 90 minutes, you get the chance to know each of them intimately, which is sure to make their performances a challenge as any slip-ups will be all the more apparent. But none of them did, each delivering diverse and interesting performances that kept you hooked throughout, with some of the actors even playing multiple roles.
A personal favourite of mine was Izzy Ions who was able to play several different characters within one scene, with smart and quick costume changes. An amusing aspect of a play about invisibility was just how visible everything was. Multiple costume and scene changes were in prime view throughout, which coupled with the stellar sound effects (of which their inception was also visible), created an engaging experience that kept me hooked. As for the actual invisibility, clever scene changes and amazing physical performances from the likes of Jack Fairley did it justice. An intense and clever performance if ever there were one, The Invisible Man is brimming with wit and I urge you to check it out if you get the chance. If you can see it that is…
Opinion: What can mainstream TV offer Musical Theatre?
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Emma Bausen
ight off the bat, BBC One’s, Big Night of Musicals was a wonderfully loud and colourful celebration of musical theatre. Its stage, BBC One’s prime time on a Saturday night, proved to be the perfect venue for a struggling industry. Mainstream television still plays an important part in most households. It has a different target audience than, say, your viral video on TikTok, which is often used by musicals to promote their songs. Musical theatre wants to be young and fresh, but also reach audiences that are reminiscing about the Golden Age of musicals; television reaches those people all over the country. Some might say, that broadcasting parts of musicals will decrease tickets. but this myth has already been debunked. The latest proofs: Hamilton’s ticket sales increased massively after being added to Disney+, and audiences desire to see a Tick, Tick… Boom! revival after the success of the film adaption last November. Hence, demand only increases.
So, celebrating musical theatre in mainstream TV is wonderful. To see musical theatre thrive on a big stage like this after 2 years of hardships and loss felt like a much needed breath of fresh air for performers and audiences alike. The audience got to see snippets of well-known musicals that have shaped the musical theatre industry for years, but more importantly celebrated smaller productions like The Wiz and showcased newer productions like The Drifters Girl. Mainstream TV can help shows whether they’ve been in the West End for years or shows which are touring the UK like Dreamgirls, reach new audiences and spread the word. Musical theatre is not just about the big money and the grand stage, it’s about love, passion and bringing joy, whether its in the West End or in a local theatre near you. And if mainstream TV can help with that, the musical theatre industry will gladly take that offer.
Image: WhatsOnStage
Do architects need to design more sensitively? Maud Webster - Head of Culture
An insight into the detriment the proposed Ouseburn Tower will have on local communities
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lans for a new 18-story tower have been met with concern from neighbouring businesses and residents in Newcastle’s Ouseburn area. The Free Trade Inn pub has been particularly vocal about the issues this massive development will cause in the area, offering objecting points for those wishing to comment on the planning application. They highlight how the scale of the proposed building is “totally out of keeping with the surrounding area” and how the lacking quality of its design - there’s “very little merit in a beige 18 story tower block in such a prominent position”. The pub also cites issues with parking and accessibility which overall show the architects creating the proposals have very little sensitivity for the area in which they are designing for. This whole palaver shines light on a wider issue affecting architectural practice, stemming from many institutions of architectural education. Architecture is inescapably contextual. When designing projects for the built environment, where the site
considerations must be a top priority; this is essential for making sure you are designing sensitively. Recognising the importance of contextuality is the first step. But it begs the question: how can architects actually keep this in mind in their practice? There are tons of ways to respond to this issue of working sensitively, but one key step in the right direction is for architects to ensure they are working with local people, businesses and community groups to ensure that designs aren’t going to disrupt their day-to-day lives. If we take the Ouseburn Tower debacle, for example, we can see how important it is to create designs which work for the communities local to the site. The uproar response from the community, opposing the proposals clearly show this is something existing residents and businesses don’t want, due to the detrimental impact it will have. This leads us onto another key consideration: architects must understand the specific impacts of their design. Though for a building of this size [the tower will be the tallest in the surrounding area and have a huge dominance of the landscape] more community consultation would’ve clearly been ideal, sometimes - for smaller projects - there’s simply not time for this. Architects can make educated guesses about how their design will impact residents - whether that’s something tangible like their accessibility to space or housing prices getting
pushed up as an area gets more gentrified, or even something as abstract as the enjoyment of a skyline scene. An area like the Ouseburn valley has many historical intricacies and a cultural background which makes it pretty tricky to design for. Ash Sakula, when designing the Mailings development north of the site the tower is proposed for, did a pretty good job designing sensitively for a difficult area. But a massive, looming tower, as the Free Trade Inn puts it, “does not fit in with the surrounding area, including the historic and repurposed industrial buildings of the East End of the Quayside and Ouseburn”. It’s a big “fuck you!” to local businesses, like Free Trade Inn which uses a beautiful quayside view (threatened by the tower) as one of its USPs, and juxtaposes the gradual and careful redevelopment of a very unique area over the past few decades. When designing, architects need to notice the character and intricacies of where they’re designing for, and ask themselves: “does my design actually fit in with what already exists?”. The final deadline for comments on the Ouseburn Tower plans is the 17th February, so there’s more time for local residents to have their say on the designs. The planning system is notoriously complex and often stupid but it is a tool we, as citizens with a desire for welldesigned environments, have in our arsenal for preventing insensitive projects from actually becoming reality. Image: PFP Igloo
Sub-editor: Joseph Caddick
34
Monday 14th February 2022
Puzzles
Across
1. Mascot of Pokémon. (7) 5. Frozen rain. (4) 7. Americanism for fizzy drink. (4) 9. Pole weapons often used on horseback. (6) 10. In unison. (4) 11. Slang meaning cool. (4) 12. Talkative. (6) 13. Used for dates after the supposed year Jesus was born. (1,1) 15. A traditional pub that has accommodation as well. (3) 16. Powerful, funnel-shaped wind storm. (7) 19. DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love singer. (5) 21. State code for Arizona. (1,1) 22. Emperor of Russia before 1917. (4) 25. Blue hedgehog famous for running fast. (5) 26. Spray that emits a fragrant odour. (7) 27. Unpleasant or repulsive, especially in appearance. (4) 28. Batman’s sidekick. (5)
Down
1. The ___, released Every Breath You Take. (6) 2. Marsupial native to Australia. (8) 3. Being unfaithful in a relationship. (8) 4. America. (1,1) 5. Site of the 1066 battle. (8) 6. A dream where you’re aware that you’re dreaming. (5) 8. Norse God and king of Asgard. (4) 14. Odysseus, Legendary hero and king of Ithica. (8) 17. Bat-and-ball game with wickets. (7) 18. ___ Lee, wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. (6) 19. Villain of The Little Mermaid. (6) 20. Sound that geese make. (4) 23. The larva of an insect, especially a beetle. (4) 24. Injury from touching fire. (4)
Wordsearch - Vegetables
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Crossword
Last 's Answers
Word Wheel: Mistletoe
Aubergine Cabbage Celery Kale Mushroom Pea Radish
Beetroot Carrot Cucumber Leek Onion Pepper Yam
Broccoli Cauliflower Garlic Lettuce Parsnip Potato
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Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editor: Joseph Caddick
Puzzles
Nonogram
35
Instructions
Colour in the cells in the grid according to the numbers on the sides of the grid to reveal a picture. The individual numbers in each row/column are separated by spaces of 1 or more squares.
Notes
Word Wheel Difficulty: Hard
Sudoku 13 December 2021
THE
Create as many words as you can of 3 letters or more from the wheel. Each letter can only be used once and you must use the one in the middle of the wheel. Try to find the 9 letter word that uses all the letters. Goal: 40 words
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Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Castor Chan, Katie Siddall, Ethan Todd & Lucy Rimmer
Sport
37
"Keep Dancing!" - Newcastle Comes Dancing for Dragonfly Cancer Trust Edward Wenike-Cotterell
The rundown of NCL Dance Club's x RAG Society's annual dance competition
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n March 2nd the Student Union will play host to the Dance Club's extravaganza complete with "professional" and "celebrity" pairings -- all in the name of charity! Preparations are well underway for a special night in collaboration with the RAG society as they dance in honour of the Dragonfly Cancer Trust. Each duo will have ninety seconds to perform in a dance style of their choice. I spoke
to one of the dynamic duos competing for the win. Jessica, the "professional" dancer and member of the club will take on the samba alongside one of the University's biggest names: Lucy, Zumba Society President! After helping to quadruple the size of the Zumba Society to over 200 members, Lucy is taking on a new challenge in the form of competitive dancing. The duo's rehearsals began in the first week of February and Lucy says that despite being new to the samba, Jessica has been a "patient" and "supertalented" instructor. When I asked about how they're feeling about their odds so far, Lucy told me that she's "hoping that energy and enthusiasm will get her through" even if the steps don't quite come naturally." They've even had time to squeeze some Minecraft trivia into their rehearsals for fun!
There will be 9 other couples competing for the win. They'll have to impress the judging panel including the Athletics Union Officer and the President of the Dance Club. Despite all the friendly competition, the aim of the show is to raise money for charity and the cause is truly worthy! The Dragonfly Cancer Trust specialises in delivering experiences for young cancer patients in palliative care. Helping give patients last-minute outings and crossing items off their bucket lists is their specialty. After the past 2 years, everyone involved is looking forward to dancing for a good cause in March and maybe picking up a few cheers along the way! Unlike the popular TV show, this is a strictly onenight event. Be there on Wednesday 2nd March. (Doors open 18:30)
Image: 2022 dance competition team Instagram (@ncldanceclub)
The Olympics is disrupting my TV schedule Carly Horne - TV sub-editor
A complaint over NBC's new programme schedule
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or many athletes and spectators alike, the Winter Olympics is an exciting time to be a TV viewer. In light of years of disruption to the normal proceedings in sport,
the broadcast of the Winter Olympics is not only a sign of our global public health situation moving in the right direction - but great news for sporting fans globally. For those of us who prefer primetime, crime shows to bobsleighing and ice hockey - the Winter Olympics
For those of us who prefer primetime crime the Winter Olympics aren't great
aren't so great. In spite of the diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games by Joe Biden, US-based network NBCUniversal has ignored requests from human rights groups not to broadcast the Games. Americans have also been urged by figures such as Laura Ingraham and Josh Hawley to boycott the Network's coverage of the longawaited Games. In another vein, comes the disruption to regular programming as a result of the network's coverage of the Winter Olympics. Fans of NBC shows such as
Chicago Fire and New Amsterdam will see an extended hiatus of these shows in order to accommodate the Games'
The Olympics last from the 4th to 20th of February
broadcast. Amongst shows affected are Law and Order: Organized Crime and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit - set to return to TV screens towards the end of
February. This disruption has TV fans questioning the relevance of the Winter Olympics, with some expressing a clear disinterest in the Games. For UK viewers, the Olympics will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC Two with live action during 6am to 1pm.Replays run all day with an hour of extended highlights on BBC Three at 8pm presented by snowboarder Aimee Fuller. Fuller represented Britain at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics.
Rafa’s grand comeback
Interview: Duncan Stone
Tom Barlow
The author of Different Class: The Untold Story of English Cricket talks
Summary of the Australian Open Final
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afael Nadal was tied on 20 grand slams with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, before he did the impossible and fought back from two sets down to beat the tournament favourite Daniil Medvedev. Deportation drama for world number on Djokovic threatened to spoil the party on the Aussie tennis summer, but it was the tennis that came out on top in the end. The Russian claimed the first set of the final 6-2, before going to the wire in the second, winning 7-5 in the set tiebreak. Medvedev was an immoveable object at the back of the court, whilst Nadal was being toyingly moved around the court. The sweat pouring off Nadal’s body was literally having to be dried off the courts, all while Medvedev was coasting about the Rod Laver Arena in second gear. Before this year, Nadal had never won an Open final being two sets down and the tennis world was shocked that he even recovered in time for the Open, having been side-lined with a chronic foot injury for six months and bedridden with Covid-19 in December. However, the Russian was at his wits end with the Australian crowd, (a recurring problem even in other matches) and the
red mist was starting to descend once more as he grew tiresome with their demeaning applause for his mistakes. Medvedev exclaimed how the fans had ‘empty heads’ and even asked the umpire to announce them as ‘idiots.’ The mental struggle translated into poor shot selection, seeing Medvedev play ill-judged drop-shots to continued jeering from the crowd. Rafa battled heroically to clinch the next two sets 6-4, as he was finally snuffing out Medvedev’s service games. In his quarter-final comeback against AugerAliassime, Medvedev later spoke about ‘what would Djokovic do' when two sets down. The persevering strength shone bright once more through Medvedev, as the Russian broke with Nadal serving for the championship. However, Rafa’s experience was the overpowering luminescent, as he broke once more to take a 6-5 lead. Nadal won the Australian Open for the second time in his life with a backhand winner and a hold to love. Faced with adversity, the most decorated slam holder showed his worth in an historic final for the sport. For a tournament clouded in controversy over the deportation of Djokovic, the final had reinvigorated the romanticism behind gruelling encounters on
the main stage. The Australian Open was filled with promise for the Brits, but any fairytale run as seen with Emma Raducanu in the US Open was not to be. Danka Kovinic surpassed an injured Emma in three sets in the second round, where Andy Murray too fell short in a straight sets loss to Taro Daniel. Joe Salisbury did, however, reach the semi-finals of the men’s doubles, before losing to the Aussie runners-up. Perhaps a tournament that won’t live long in the memory for British tennis.
Image: Rafael Nadal via Wikimedia Commons
Peter Bath - Head of Sport
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eter Bath: How do you challenge the orthodox narrative in your book? Duncan Stone: I like the idea that I've highlighted how the orthodoxy of English cricket, that notion of gentlemanly fair play, wasn't just used as the 'civilizing mission' of the British Empire, it was used to manipulate the working classes at home as well. If you extrapolate that out, it's a superiority complex that a lot of cricket supporters in England have, and with Rugby Union as well - that somehow they are better people than people who follow or play football. Of course, anyone who knows the real history of cricket is fully aware of all the match fixing, cheating, the 'shamateurism', the racism, the classism. Cricket is just as dirty, if we can use that word, as any other sport. And yet it thinks itself aloof. One thing that my mates will tell you about me is that I love bursting bubbles, and this is arguably the biggest bubble I've ever burst. PB: It's pertinent after Azeem Rafiq's racism allegations. Does the book speak to that issue?
DS: As the book progresses, I talk about discrimination based on class. Once I get into the post second world war period that switches to racial discrimination. I've come across - again an awful lot of luck involved and being in the right place at the right time some quite damning evidence that goes all the way up to Giles Clarke when he was Chairman of the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), hiding behind institutional structures to stop a predominantly South Asian club from joining the mainstream of English Cricket. So it's from top to bottom, and invariably culture comes from the top. So yes, I do speak to the Azeem Rafiq issue and racism in cricket more broadly. But I predominantly focus on how it manifests itself in what we'd call recreational cricket rather than the professional game. PB: Do you feel like the kind of social issues you highlight feed into the poor performances of the test side? DS: Of course. They always have. If English cricket was organised in anyway properly, Australia would never get a look in; look at the different populations. But this is this country all over. We run this country, and institutions such as English Cricket, in the interests of a tiny minority of people: invariably white, privately educated men. Different Class: The Untold Story of English Cricket is out now on Repeater Books. For the full interview go to thecourieronline.co.uk
Sub-editors: Castor Chan, Katie Siddall, Ethan Todd & Lucy Rimmer
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Monday 14th February 2022
Sport
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January's football transfer window Keeping you posted on January's transfer window
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or many, January is one of the most despondent times of the year. Christmas and New Year’s are long gone and summer feels so far away. On top of that, the weather’s wet, cold and miserable. However, for football fans, January brings with it a flicker of hope. The transfer window offers a chance for clubs around Europe to improve their squad for the rest of the season by signing new players or by unloading some of the dead wood.
Aston Villa Steven Gerrard made big changes to the Aston Villa first team and under-23 squad this January transfer window. Gerrard completed his first transfer season as head coach with five signings and sixteen outgoings. Aston Villa’s first-team recruits include Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Digne, Calum Chambers and Robin Olsen. The club also signed Kerr Smith for under-23. Gerrard influenced ex-teammate Coutinho’s arrival from Barcelona, who had an incredible debut game scoring a goal. Coutinho and Gerrard played together for Liverpool, and Coutinho called the manager his idol, “we had a great time together playing.” His loan deal includes an option to buy for £33 million at the end of the season. “I missed these games and the Premier League. I’m very happy to be here with my new teammates,” Coutinho said in an interview with Sky Sports after the win against Man Utd. Aston Villa fans believe Coutinho could be the key to their success, having made a chant for him already, “He went to Barca and won the league in Spain, he went to Munich and did the same again.” With him on the squad now, Aston Villa has great potential to rise through the table. Villa’s second signing Lucas Digne transferred from Everton, and he commented on his exit from The Toffees, “I just did not expect it to end this way.” He stated that Gerrard was his reason to join Aston Villa: “I came here for the manager.” Digne is a strong signing, and Gerrard called him “a great addition to our squad.” Known for his versatility, Calum Chambers signed a three and a half year contract with Aston Villa this season. The Lions also saw many exits, including Matt Targett, Caleb Chukwuemeka, Axel Tuanzebe and Anwar El Ghazi. The Villa completed defender Matt Targett’s deadline day loan deal with Newcastle United. His exit was prompted by Digne’s signing, which would lead to reduced time on the field for him.
midfielder Donny Van de Beek joined Everton on a six-month loan after the club agreed to pay the entirety of the player’s wages. Failing to break into the first team at United, the Dutch international will undoubtedly want to prove his ability. That desire, coupled with the player’s skill on the ball, will surely make him a crucial player for the rest of Everton’s season. Later that evening, the Toffees also announced that another midfielder would be joining the club, Tottenham’s Dele Alli for a fee of £40 million. Once one of the most promising talents in English football, Alli’s career has thus far failed to live up to the high expectations his back-to-back PFA Young Player of the Year awards warranted. Now more synonymous for his lackadaisical attitude and seeming lack of effort, one has to question whether Everton made the right decision, given their history with similar players. Hopefully, new manager Frank Lampard can be the catalyst needed to revitalise the midfielder’s career and rediscover the talent he displayed years ago. Speaking of which, the former Chelsea and Derby County manager looks to be an equally encouraging acquisition for the Blues. Despite limited success with his two previous clubs, the England legend has a penchant for developing young talent and has already assembled a promising coaching staff. U l t i m a t e l y, Lampard’s passion and desire for success will not only be something to motivate his players, but something the fans can get b ehind as well.
Spurs reportedly matching the contract and personal terms Diaz was offered at Liverpool, the Colombia international ultimately chose Jurgen Klopp’s side instead. Diaz’s arrival strengthens an already potent attack and adds some much-needed depth to Liverpool’s squad. Following the Diaz transfer, it looked as though Liverpool would also sign
At first there was uproar, but we had faith in our team and in the end, we managed to snag a tidy profit by flogging the attacker for a modest £20 million. The loss came as quite the blow to the club as our track record hasn’t been the best, and Wood was definitely a key contender for getting us out of the relegation zone. But, it’s not been all doom and gloom up north, as Burnley Boss, Sean Dyche, decided to send shock waves through the stands this week by signing Dutch legend Wout Weghorst. Not only that, but the club also bought him for a measly £12 million when we all know he’s worth at least £18 million at this point. Throughout the club, there are hopes that Weghorst will be our saving grace when it comes to scoring. We’ve always had a solid defence - now it’s time to ramp up our attack game. Weghorst made his debut in the pinnacle Watford match on home ground on Saturday as the Clarets up the ante in their fight for Premier League survival and managed to defend this slightly by bagging a draw by full-time. Weghorst and Maxwel Cornet are set to be a dream pairing for the team as the season carries on, with Saturday’s match being the start of Burnley’s urge to beat the drop. It can’t be unmentioned that the pairing could have played better, but we’ll forgive them this time as
Image: Google Maps
Ashna Mathur
Everton also signed Vi t a l i y Mykolenko from Dynamo Kiev, Nathan Patterson from Rangers, Billy Crellin from Fleetwood Town and Anwar El Ghazi from Aston Villa on loan.
Everton
Adam Tibke
Everton had a decidedly hectic January. At the start of the window, left-back Lucas Digne was sold to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa for £25 million following a falling out between the player and manager Rafa Benitez. Shortly after, defeat to Norwich saw Benitez’s time at Everton come to an end, roughly six months from when he was appointed. All was quiet at Goodison Park, then came deadline day. Despite strong links to Crystal Palace, Manchester United
Liverpool After a relatively quiet summer transfer window – at least in comparison to their top-six rivals – Liverpool signed Porto forward Luis Diaz for a fee of £49 million. A move to Anfield had long been rumoured for the 25-yearold, and many thought that the club would make their move in the summer. However, when Tottenham became interested in the player, Liverpool had to make their move early. Despite the
Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho after submitting a reported bid of £5 million. Unfortunately, a deal for the midfielder couldn’t be finalised before deadline day. Despite it being the last opportunity for Fulham to receive a fee for the player, his integral part in the club’s push to return to the Premier League was evidently deemed more important. Liverpool sold no players in January, yet they did loan out defenders Nico Williams to Fulham and Nat Phillips to Bournemouth; two players who were both in search of first team minutes. Adam Tibke
Burnley January did not kick off to a great start for us Clarets as during last month’s transfer window, we lost our key player Chris Wood to the team we gave their first premiership win to… Newcastle.
Weghorst is a newbie at Turf and Cornet wasn’t as sharp as he usually is after having an extra couple of days off to nurse an injury. Dyche has noted he is happy overall with the club’s transfers but will agree that the team has missed out on a couple of deals as he admitted the January window had been particularly challenging this season. Isabel Ellis - NSR station manager
Newcastle United Newcastle's January has been one of the most important transfer windows in the club's recent history. With the window beginning two months on from the notoriously controversial and lucrative takeover, Newcastle have been linked with anybody and everybody in European football. With an element of desperation in the minds of Newcastle fans, it has been clear that nothing but a significant upgrade to the team's first eleven is acceptable. Targeting players in almost every position, the Magpies ended deadline day with five new signings in
total. Newfound ambition and willingness to spend has proven a double-edged sword, however. When everyone knows you have money to burn, prices tend to be inflated - which Newcastle have learned in their pursuit of a marquee centre-back. The Magpies have missed out on both Diego Carlos and Sven Botman after their respective clubs allegedly raised the asking price in hopes of squeezing every drop of profit out of the deal. The first signing of the window came in the form of seasoned right-back Kieran Trippier, who registered an assist in the Euro 2020 final this Summer. Trippier, off the back of a title-winning season with Atlético Madrid, kissed goodbye to Champions League prospects in favour of Newcastle's project. The 31 year-old is unequivocally a brilliant signing, bringing experience, leadership and stability to a shaky back line for only £12m. Next in the door was Burnley forward Chris Wood, whose consistency in the Premier League is often forgotten due to his unglamorous style of play. The Wood deal seemed an apt gambit, covering the injured Callum Wilson while harming a relegation rival. However, £25m may now seem a steep fee considering that Burnley have replaced Wood with the towering Dutch international Wout Weghorst for only £12m. Newcastle's most exciting signing is certainly Bruno Guimarães. The dynamic midfielder is both creatively and defensively skilled, ranking top in a variety of key statistics in Ligue 1 this season. Sitting in the centre of midfield, the Brazilian international will have what it takes to set the tempo for Newcastle and get the ball into dangerous areas. A bold and brave character, the 24 year-old might prove a snip at £42m, especially considering Newcastle have beat out teams such as Arsenal to secure his signature. Deadline day saw the arrival of two defensive reinforcements; Brighton's Dan Burn and Aston Villa's Matt Targett. Blyth-born Burn is a consistent and aerially dominant centre-half who will fight tooth and nail to keep his boyhood club in the Premier League. £13m represents good value for the 29 year-old, though it is worth noting that he tends to play in a back three. Targett joins the club on a loan until the end of the season, completing a well-needed upgrade to Newcastle's back line at leftback. The window saw no signigicant outgoings for the club, aside from a cluster of deadline-day loans. This means that Newcastle's January net spend totals around £90m, the highest in world football. If context is to be ignored, Newcastle have had a miraculous January significantly improving their starting lineup and bringing in a marquee midfielder. However, anything less than miraculous would frankly be a disappointment under the richest owners in football. For this reason, missed opportunities such as Lingard, Ekitike and Carlos may haunt Newcastle if relegation is not avoided. Have Newcastle done enough to stay up? Their business is undoubtedly the best out of the teams involved in the relegation dogfight. Missing out on Jesse Lingard may prove costly, but if Newcastle's performances can match their project's ambition, then they might just clutch survival. Oren Brown - Music sub-editor
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Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Castor Chan, Katie Siddall, Ethan Todd & Lucy Rimmer
Sport
39
Premier League footballer Mason BUCS Greenwood arrested for sexual assault RESULTS Mitchell Hall Trigger warning: mentions of rape and sexual abuse
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ason Greenwood found himself arrested earlier this week after his ex-partner released evidence of ongoing abuse, including a harrowing audio clip in which the footballer allegedly assaults her. The 20-year-old was released on bail as investigations into the claims continue. The event marked only the most recent in a string of similar charges brought against footballers in recent years, and arrived alongside the news of a ninth sexual assault case being brought upon suspended Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy. With cases showing no signs of slowing it is clear that the industry and the justice system must do more to crack down on the emerging epidemic, and even presents the question of whether large football institutions may be complicit in protecting their investments above exposing such criminals. This mindset became blatantly obvious in the week as Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers announced the signing of David Goodwillie, who was ruled to have raped a woman by a civil judge in 2016. The fallout of the announcement resulted in the resignation of the club’s woman’s team captain Tyler Rattray, as well as shirt sponsor Val McDermid, before the club
backtracked and confirmed the player would not feature for them at any point.
It is clear that the industry and the justice system must do more to crack down on the emerging epidemic The debacle brought attention to the mentality of football clubs regarding the importance of such cases in comparison to their performance and laid bare the priorities that appear to be rife in the sport. Notably, Goodwillie has been playing for another Scottish club, Clyde FC, between the time of his ruling and today, prompting questions as to why this outrage only arrived now. It took the response from sponsors and players to bring about any change, and this universal outrage must be the standard for any similar decisions attempted by clubs in the future.
Whilst not attempting quite such a blatant attempt to gloss over such allegations, Manchester United have been criticised for the sluggishness with which they appeared to act as Greenwood’s allegations appeared, releasing a statement in which they said they would “not make any further comment until the facts have been established.” The club has since suspended Greenwood until further notice, but much the same as their original statement, they appear to be hedging their bets and not making any strong commitments at this stage. The approach is indicative of an establishment reluctant to give up on a prize asset and attempting to stall until a time where it would be viable to bring him back on board. As the industry has previously proved, such allegations and even convictions may not be enough to end a career. In 2014, Ched Evans was visited in prison by representatives of Sheffield United whilst serving a sentence for a rape of which he would be later acquitted. The possibility of the club signing Evans ignited severe backlash, including multiple key figures and sponsors threatening to pull from their current positions if the
Image: Twitter (@WDAChoices)
AMERICAN FOOTBALL 1 V Edinburgh 1
M1 V Leeds 1 M2 V Northumbria 1
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he first team travelled away to Liverpool on Wednesday to face Liverpool University 1s in the quarter-finals of the Northern Conference Cup. Newcastle went into the game with a 100% win record in both the league and cup, while Liverpool also sat comfortably at the top of their league. Overall, it would seem on paper to be a rather even match-up. The game started off pretty evenly as both teams found their feet. Liverpool had a few breakthroughs against the Newcastle goal, but all were either sent wide or easily dealt with by goalkeeper, Hannah Speake. The first goal for Newcastle came in the 24th minute. Amelia Eastham made an excellent run down the right wing, taking on three people and smashing the ball into the top left corner. A very welldeserved goal. The rest of the half was dominated by Newcastle, with Charley Kale hitting the post and the girls making some great passing plays and runs down the wing. Half time, 1-0. Newcastle started off on a much better foot in the second half. The team looked much more composed on the ball and reading Liverpool’s plays. After only a couple of minutes on the pitch due to a substitution, Alice Jones would take home the second goal around the 75th minute. After a great passing sequence between Emily Atkinson and
M3 V Manch'ter Met 2 M2 V Northumbria 1
FENCING
M1 V Bradford 1
FOOTBALL signing occurred. The protests worked, but the incident provides another clear example of the deeply flawed way in which clubs evaluate such serious crimes. Evans continues to play for Preston in the Championship. The list of players with similar charges is extensive, even at the top level of the game, and as old events are brought into the spotlight and charges are continuing to be piled upon the likes of Benjamin Mendy, it’s hard to feel as though the issue seen by the public is simply the tip of the iceberg. Please don't hesitate to ring Newcastle Women's Aid if you are being abused - whether physically or mentally - at: 01912610504.
Image: NUWFC
Paige Rutter
Premier League decides to employ new covid rules amid rise in new variant cases
T
he Covid-19 pandemic has caused much disruption within football and with the rise of the Omicron variant there has been a new wave of match postponements along with controversy. This comes as from the middle of December, there were 22 match postponements for top-flight clubs. The previous rules outlined that clubs were able to postpone a match if they did not have a sufficient number of players available – this being 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper. These rules also meant clubs were able to include injured players and those on international duty in their reason for postponement, as only one player needed to have tested positive for Covid-19. Clubs who now are wanting to get a fixture postponed will need to have at least 4 positive Covid cases the Premier League has announced. For a chance of postponement occurring, clubs must provide the League with the players and staff who have tested positive and their vaccination status - including those who are self-isolating. Additionally to this, the players who are unable to feature as a result of illness or injury. Applications must also include a list
of the clubs under-21 players who are available to play, which includes those who have played for the club or another Premier League, or English Football League club and also those who have played for an overseas club within the current season. Due to the previous rules, there was a lot of frustration around clubs postponing matches, at extremely short notice which provided an inconvenience to fans. There was further tension as clubs were using players with normal injuries and those at AFCON as a reason for their lack of players within the squad and need for postponement. Burnley were one of the most impacted clubs, resulting in them having four of their matches rescheduled. Gary Neville was one to provide his view on the matter when speaking on Sky Sports, “we’re talking about teams with no doubt they’ve been calling games off because they haven’t got the best squad to win the game, it’s got to stop”. These new regulations came into place on February 5th, in a bid to reduce the number of postponed fixtures in the League.
Image: AZB Wikipedia
43-60 4-4 135-59
W1 V Liverpool 1 W2 V Hull 1 M3 V UA92 (Trafford) 1
2-0 0-0 3-2
FUTSAL
M1 V Sheffield 1 M2 V Durham 2
8-4 1-4
1 V Leeds Beckett 1
4-2
M4 V Leeds 5 W2 V Sheffield 1 W1 V Leeds 1 W3 V Manchester Met 1 M1 V Sheffield 1 M2 V Lancaster 1
4-1 2-1 0-4 2-1 3-1 1-3
GOLF
HOCKEY
LACROSSE
M1 V Leeds Beckett 1 W2 V Keele 1
NETBALL
Image: Twitter (@nclWomensAid)
Charley, Charley passed the ball through to Alice who slotted the ball across the goal into the bottom right corner. A beautiful team goal. The last 15 minutes of the half kept Hannah busy in the goal. The highlights included an impressive diving save from a powerful shot by the Liverpool striker and three saves in very quick concession as Liverpool attempted to pull back the score line. This was much to their avail however, as Hannah and the rest of the team’s efforts meant that at the final whistle, the score line was 2-0 to Newcastle. As a result, a semi-final against Leeds Beckett 2s is on the horizon. Girl of the game: Hannah Speake. This was overall a brilliant team effort by Newcastle and was just the kind of performance the girls needed to give us good momentum going into the semi-final. For anyone interested, the semi-final will be held in Newcastle on Wednesday 23rd February, and it would be brilliant to get as much support there as possible to cheer the girls on. More information will be posted on our Instagram (@_nuwfc) regarding locations and times closer to the day.
6-2 4-4
BASKETBALL
NUWFC quarter-final win PL rule change clamps down on Covid postponements Lucy Payne
14-6
BADMINTON
W5 V Liverpool J.M. 5 W1 V Durham 1
RUGBY UNION
M4 V Leeds Beckett 1 M3 V Leeds Beckett 3 M1 V Edinburgh 1 W1 V Glasgow 1 M2 V Liverpool 1
SQUASH
12-4 33-0 37-27 56-43 22-22 39-22 10-12 38-7 26-0
W1 V Birmingham 1 W1 V Nottingham 1 W1 V Edinburgh 1 M2 V Leeds 2 W2 V Liverpool 2 M3 V York 2
4-1 5-0 0-5 3-0 2-2 3-0
TABLE TENNIS
M2 V Durham 2 W1 V Durham 2
9-8 4-1
TENNIS
M1 V Loughborough 2 W1 V Liverpool 1 M3 V Sunderland 1
ULTIMATE FRISBEE W1 V Durham 1 W1 V Leeds 1 M2 V Durham 2 M1 V Hull 1 M2 V Hull 1 M1 V Durham 3 M1 V Durham 2
1-5 5-1 5-1 10-9 0-0 3-15 14-2 5-13 11-4 9-13
Question of the Week: "Is there a Fake Madrid?" - Jon Deery
THE
COURIER
Monday 14th February 2022
Sub-editors: Castor Chan, Katie Siddall, Ethan Todd & Lucy Rimmer
Sport
Max O’Connell Year Abroad Essay: Sporting Win after nineteen years Erin Atherton
Published annually in The Courier, this is the 2021/22 winning entry of the competition
F
or my year abroad, I spent my time in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. A city full of diversity and culture, colours and great food and little did I know, a huge passion for football. I had heard mentions of one of Lisbon’s football teams, ‘Sporting Lisbon’, but knew almost nothing about the rivalries of the Portuguese Premier League (Primeira Liga). One day I had heard more mentions than normal, even from foreigners to
say that Sporting had won the league after 19 years! I was also informed of the traditional celebrations that would take place – a parade down the streets from the stadium to the centre of the city, with the players parade. My friends and I had little interest in this but were already out in the city so decided to see what it was all about.
The sporting colours of green and white covering the street, an incredible sight
We were incredibly surprised to see and hear thousands of fans flooding the streets of Lisbon. With flares, chants and horns booming through the city, there was no single quiet place to hide
from it all. The sporting colours of green and white covering the street, it was an incredible sight. As the evening turned to night the celebrations only grew louder as me and my friends stayed out. I had not seen so many people in one place since before even the pandemic, the park leading down to the centre statue was so filled that you could no longer see the grass. The atmosphere was so unbelievable it felt like a dream. You could almost feel the relief and happiness coming from the Portuguese people – regardless of whether they were huge fans or not – coming out of a national lockdown, being able to all come together and celebrate something so wonderful. As we spent time out, we saw many news camera crews out – with some of my friends trying to get in frame! We also heard that it was the tradition that the players would do a tour round the city after the match and finish at the centre statue – Marques de Pombal. Although we did not stay out this late (apparently the players came at 4 in the
morning), my walk home followed the route that the fans did. As I made my way home, I saw couples, families, groups of young people all coming together to celebrate – although I am neither a football fan nor Portuguese, it was still an unbelievable sense of togetherness and energy that I had not felt or seen for many many months. As I reached my apartment, I realised the celebrations would pass by and I watched out my window for a little longer to absorb the atmosphere.
The atmosphere was so unbelievable it felt like a dream This event stood out for me from my year abroad because I had never experienced anything like it in my life – to be in the capital of a country when their football team wins the national league. Even more so due to the fact that the team had not won in nearly two decades. To be part of all the chants, all the media and all the emotion is something I am never going to forget.
Image: Lisbon Wikimedia Commons (Diego Delso) Image: Portuguese flag Wikimedia Commons (Berthold Werner)
Image: Estádio José Alvalade Wikimedia Commons (Jorge Brazil)
40
Newcastle flex in BUCS gymnastics
O
William Gillis ver the weekend, the university gymnastics team headed down to Leicester to compete in 2 days of competition on the 5th and 6th of February. For all gymnasts, this was our first time competing for the university, as we did not compete in BUCS 2020 and 2021 was cancelled due to COVID. It had also been years since some gymnasts had competed at all, so we really did not know what to expect from the weekend. Saturday was the women’s competition, which saw Felicity Crompton take gold in level 3 overall, as well as silver on floor and bronze on vault. Harriet Clifford competed in the afternoon and won a bronze medal for her vault in the level 2 competition. Sunday was the men’s turn, which saw Archie Baker take home 4 medals, including 2 gold (overall and rings), silver on vault and bronze on high bar. William Gillis later competed in the afternoon in level 3 and won bronze overall as well as floor. Our other gymnasts, Olivia Clark-Neufville, Anna Carr, Taylor Ingham, Matthew Dawson and Jordan Wathall were also fantastic and just missed out on podium finishes. All in all, we had a very successful weekend coming home with 10 medals and we are very excited to compete again soon. Newcastle Podium Spots: Women: Gold: Felicity Crompton (Level 3 overall) Silver: Felicity Crompton (Level 3 floor) Bronze: Harriet Clifford (Level 2 vault), Felicity Crompton (Level 3 vault) Men Gold: Archie Baker (Level 2 overall & rings) Silver: Archie Baker (Level 2 vault) Bronze: Archie Baker (Level 2 high bar), William Gillis (Level 3 overall & floor)
Image: Newcastle University Gymnastics Club
INSIDE SPORT TODAY
Winter Olympics Find out why Carly Horne is not impressed with the Winter Olympics. Page 37
University Sports BUCS has started up again after the winter break, Newcastle players keep us up to date.
Pages 39, 40 Image: NUWFC
Transfer news
Multiple writers report on the January transfer window. Page 38 Image: @trippier2 via Twitter