To get the nod from the industry “ truly means the world. “How Sam Smith became the man of the moment >> M17
Spring Term Week Six Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.nouse.co.uk Est. 1964 NOUSE Sponsored by Society heads slam YUSU management Sabbs respond to claims of poor organisation
Anwen Baker Gary Holland other ways. “The Lib Dems’ society mem- STUDENT SOCIETIES have hit bership is up this year thanks to our out at YUSU, branding the Fresh- hard work, but I wouldn’t be sur- er’s and Refresher’s fairs as poorly prised if society membership gener- managaged, while figures reveal ally has fallen because of barcodes. a marked decrease in their total YUSU should be helping societies membership. grow, not hindering their develop- This year’s Freshers’ Fair saw ment with this terrible system.” the introduction of a bar code In fact YUSU data shows a de- scheme, designed to simplify crease in total society membership membership payments by allow- of nearly 3000 since last year, from ing students to scan the bar codes 18,942 in June 2013 to 16,019 cur- of different societies and then pay rently. This is despite an increase membership fees online. in student numbers from 14,918 to Chris West, the 2012-2013 15,253. These figures include both YUSU Activities Officer, imple- paid and unpaid membership. mented the system and was hope- Kingsbury also criticised the ful for a “10 to 20 per cent increase YUSU Refreshers’ Fair, which was in society memberships” as a result held in Week 2 of this term. He told of the scheme and said that he felt Nouse: “The event itself was an ut- “confident in the new system”. ter waste of time. The publicity was Many societies were unhap- almost nonexistent, and hardly any- py with the scheme, with Charlie one turned up. Kingsbury, Chair of the University “Even when YUSU did get of York Liberal Democrats describ- around to publicising it with a sign Nine candidates for YUSU President 2014/15 ing it as a “total nightmare”. outside, a room full of politics isn’t He said: “We had to spend a exactly everyone’s cup of tea. Seg- Meet the eleven candidates running for the other Full-Time lot of time signing people up who regating political societies from the hadn’t paid on the day, either be- Officer positions >> Page 3 cause they’d forgotten or the pay Continued on page 2 points were too busy, which is time we could’ve spent developing in LEADER >> Page 14
NEWS COMMENT POLITICS Q&A ARTS Sexposed. Results from Harry Potter. JK Scarlett Johansson. Alastair Campbell. Ballet Boyz. the recent survey reveal Rowling’s recent plot We discuss her The political aide Banter with the York’s intimate habits. twist leaves Ron loveless. resignation from Oxfam. confesses his all-male dance ketchup phobia. company. >> Page 4 >> Page 12 >> Page 21 >> M3 >> M9 NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER www.nouse.co.uk Tuesday 11 February 2014 2 www.ey.com/uk/careers News
>> Continued from front ganised, at least by YUSU.” swer. It is not.” the recent criticisms of the Union: rest will never work.” Many societies have had com- McGivern and Kallum Taylor, “YUSU have more societies per York In William Hornett, Chair of munication problems with YUSU YUSU President, both also cited the head than pretty much any other the Socialist Society, echoed these outside of Freshers’ and Refreshers’ breakdown of a University server SU in the UK - and this is a great Brief views, saying “The Refreshers’ Fair Fairs, with the History Society fac- as one of the reasons for the recent thing which we should celebrate was awfully organised. There was ing issues when confirming finance lack of communication. This has more. However, it does bring with it effectively zero publicity for any for their trip to Sofia. prevented the YUSU weekly infor- incredibly large demands on funds, YuCycle event Chair Elli Hatherell comment- mation email from being sent. staff and officer time, and space. launched The political ed on Twitter, “The past week has McGivern defended the bar “The Refreshers’ Fair and week made me completely lose faith in code system, saying: “From my could have worked better and clearly A new YuCycle event was launched “societies fair @yorkunisu- serious transparency point of view, Chris’ idea makes a we need to address this by involving for the University and City last was an and effectiveness issues need to be lot of sense. Moving to online pay- as many stakeholders as possible - if week. The event, backed by Profes- addressed!” ments for societies is something lots a review of it doesn’t involve those sor Koen Lamberts, the University embarrassment” Hornett also told Nouse, “in of SUs have already done. The issues who were actively in it then it’s a re- of York’s Vice Chancellor, will take general getting a hold of YUSU fig- I found to come out of the Freshers’ view simply not worth doing. It’s al- place on 22 June. Riders will be able Kallum Taylor YUSU President ures is difficult”. Fair feedback that I recorded was ways going to be a harder ‘sell’ than to choose from a 25km, 50km or Anna McGivern, YUSU Activi- that there was too little information the autumn freshers fair though, to 100km route, all of which will start Refreshers’ Fair events and no in- ties Officer, recently acknowledged too late. I completely agree and put students, and the commercial part- at the York Sport Centre and con- formation about which societies these complaints in a blog post on this down to planning being across ners we get to come along with all tinue through the Yorkshire coun- were around on which days. the YUSU website saying “I know the summer.” their freebies. tryside. Free training sessions will “As well as the total lack of last term I got pretty slow on the She also defended the contro- “One thing that stands out as a be offered to all participants as well publicity, the separation of politi- emails”. versial decision to leave all pre-ex- sore point in my mind was the part- as on-ride support. The aim of the cal, sports and other societies into “This job is demanding, and I isting societies out of the Refresh- time officer and political societies event is to raise money to support different days was extremely det- love that and as I’ve already said a ers’ Fair: “The Refreshers Fair on fair, which was an embarrassment. the Achieving Excellence Bursary rimental to political societies es- few times now I’m sorry about last Friday of Week 2 went really well for You can’t just have people sat at Appeal. pecially. I’m pretty sure in the four term or if I drop the ball on any- new societies. tables in the Your Space common hours I was at the stall, I only saw thing.” “Telling everyone the plan to room and just expect it to work. two people walk into the room in However, she also added: “A give refreshers fair over to new soci- “We’ve recently made some Chinese New Year interest. little reminder to the very small eties should have been done sooner. structural and staff changes to “The conjunction of these number of you who think that be- However when I did email societies YUSU and we hope that this should celebrated at Central two problems meant the Refresh- cause you’ve not heard from me or the consensus I got back was that see provide the much needed im- Hall ers’ Fair was probably one of the because you don’t like what you’ve this was a good move.” provement in the service level given worst events I’ve ever seen or- heard that being rude is the an- Taylor also commented on to our societies.” On Monday the York Chinese Stu- dents and Scholars Association with help from YUSU, the International Arts: Illusions of the body In this Students’ Association, and York St M7 John University, held an event to celebrate Chinese New Year at Cen- edition tral Hall. This Chinese New Year Gala featured traditional Chinese musical instruments, a calligraphy show and ‘crosstalk’, a form of Chi- News 1-11 nese comedy. This new year marks the end of the Year of the Snake and Comment 12-17 the start of the Year of the Horse. Politics 18-21 Letting agency Business 22-23 approved by York Science 24-25 St. John Sport 26-32 York St. John University have ap- proved the feasibility study for a YUSU owned letting agency. The study was developed after the referendum. An Muse overwhelming majority of students voted in favour of the Union letting agency which will rival other York Ballet Boyz letting agencies such as Sinclair and M9 Adam Bennett. To be able to do this it needed the agreement of both York University Unions. The aim of the The Shoot agency is to provide better quality ac- M12 commodation and reduce costs. Reporting by Rosie Shields
EDITOR TECHNICAL GRAPHICS Georgie Andrews SCIENCE EDITOR DEPUTY MUSIC GAMING EDTORS Rosie Shields DIRECTOR DIRECTOR SPORTS EDITORS Emily Collins Alex Donaldson Adnan Riaz DEPUTY EDITOR Josh Goodwin Kate Mitchell Jamie Summers DEPUTY SCIENCE Francessca Donovan Alex Killeen NOUSE Beth Jakubowski ADVERTISING NEWS EDITOR Thomas Fennelly Matthew Wells FILM AND TV SOCIAL MEDIA Est. 1964 MUSE EDITOR DIRECTOR Anwen Baker DEPUTY SPORTS Sarah Pryor EDITOR DIRECTOR Alfie Packham Max Bond DEPUTY NEWS Nick Morritt ARTS EDITOR Katie Barlow David Scullion DEPUTY MUSE CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Vee Wells Lewis Hill Amy Blumson DEPUTY FILM EDITOR Gary Holland William Isted POLITICS EDITOR DEPUTY ARTS AND TV George Wood DEPUTY SUB COMMENT EDITOR Yvonni Efstathiou Deborah Lam Rosemary Collins Front page photo: MANAGING Amy Wong Ellie Rice DEPUTY POLITICS FASHION EDITOR FOOD AND DRINK Petroc Taylor DIRECTOR PHOTO EDITOR DEPUTY COMMENT Christy Cooney Rachel Thompson EDITOR Harry Gallivan Petroc Taylor Sofia Geraghty Dan Cooper DEPUTY FASHION Grace Marsh The opinions expressed ONLINE EDITOR DEPUTY PHOTO Zain Mahmood BUSINESS EDITOR Holly Dale DEPUTY FOOD in this publication are George Barrett Alex Byron FEATURES EDITOR Alastair Ellerington Izzy Ashton AND DRINK not necessarily those of DEPUTY ONLINE James Hostford Charlotte Wainwright DEPUTY BUSINESS MUSIC EDITOR George De Cintra the editors, writers, or EDITOR DEPUTY FEATURES advertisers Edward Rollett Hatti Linnell Erin Rodgers Aaron Stennett Tim Waterson Gustave Laurent NOUSE Est. 1964 Want to write for us? Contribute: [email protected] Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.nouse.co.uk www.ey.com/uk/careers NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER 3 News 2014 YUSU elections candidates revealed
Anwen Baker Academic Activities Welfare Sport NEWS EDITOR
THE CANDIDATE LIST for this year’s YUSU elections for both Full- Time and Part-Time roles has been released. The candidates for President, as pictured on the front cover, are, from left to right: Tom Armston- Clarke, Andy Lake, Dylan Cham- bers, Daniel Nolan, Jack Coy, Fred Isaac, Daniel Whitmore, Sam Maguire and Josie Field. Pictured right are the 11 other George Offer Bev Rodgers Jemima Busby Dave Washington candidates for Full-Time positions. Last year saw only three can- didates standing for the role of President, with incumbent Kallum Taylor winning with a landslide ma- jority of votes. In the last edition, Nouse re- vealed that only 33.8 per cent of students voted in the 2013 YUSU election, a drop of 3 per cent from the previous year. Voting figures were dispro- portionately low among interna- tional students, postgraduates and students of the Hull York Medical Josh Henning Harriet Gibson Beth Campbell Cass Brown School. Kallum Taylor, YUSU Presi- dent, was positive about the outlook for this year’s elections, saying “In the last three years turnout has in- Look out for our creased by nearly 10,000.” The Full Time Officers debate elections mini site will be held on Monday of Week Seven, at 8.30pm in the Roger Kirk with all the YUSU Centre. The event will be hosted by Greg Dyke, Chancellor of the Uni- election news, analysis verity of York and Chairman of the FA. and gossip! Voting opens Monday Week 8. The full candidate list can be found Robyn Haycock Chris Wall Grace Winpenny on our website. Majority of prominent societies governed by men
Thomas Witherow SENIOR CORRESPONDENT students, but with 58 per cent of the Sam Bourne, Chair of Phys- Lizzie Lynch, former women’s though” student population made up of fe- soc said that women were applying officer of University of York Labour “We should be doing more to WOMEN ARE significantly under male students, this still signifies an for positions, but just not winning Club and co-founder of Gender Ac- enable our members (regardless of represented in senior committee under-representation. them: “There’s always the standard cess Politics (GAP), said all male gender) to become leaders as soon positions in a number of campus But the figures do show that cliques voting for each other, and committees can put new women as possible.” societies traditionally dominated by women are more likely to win posi- friendship circles tend to dominate off from joining: “If the two women “Only having one female candi- men, figures released by YUSU have tions in traditionally “feminine” so- elections.” who were already prominent com- date out of the nine who are running revealed. cieties. Dance and performance so- He added: “We have a fair few mittee members [of UYLC] hadn’t for YUSU President this year speaks The YUSU figures, calculated ciety committees, including CHMS, girls who run for positions, in our been at fresher’s fair, I might not volumes for how this kind of thing from the names of society signato- Pantsoc, Fusion and Dance Society, recent bi-elections there were prob- have joined the society. can become a representational ries, show that men hold committee are made up of 65 per cent women. ably 50/50 guys and girls running “It’s about women trusting problem. positions in a number of areas that Charity and campaign socie- for the positions, so they are apply- themselves in their abilities and “I think it’s well worth YUSU they would traditionally dominate. ties, including Oxfam, York Pen and ing.” contributions to join in the political looking into what Nouse have raised Seventy-two per cent of the International Development Society, Alex Wilson, Chair of Univer- side to University life to start setting here with measured urgency.” “executive” committee members of are made up of 68 per cent women. sity of York Feminists said: “The a precedent for the working world. Out of York’s 13 media societies York’s political societies, including There is also a difference be- numbers from the survey don’t sur- “Sadly I don’t think this is hap- 50.6 per cent of senior committees York Tories, York Student Think tween in academic societies repre- prise me at all, and reflect the gen- pening on campus to the extent it are made up of women, similar to Tank and the Debating Society, are senting traditional male and female der division in these areas that exist should.” the campus average but still below men. The University of York Con- subjects. Sixty-six per cent of arts in national professions.” In response to the findings, Kal- the overall campus population. servative and Unionist Association and humanities subject committees “Traditionally male-dominated lum Taylor, YUSU President, said: The findings also showed that have had seven male chairmen in a are made up of women, while the spheres can often feel hostile to “To varying extents we’re always go- music societies were under repre- row. equivalent figure for ‘hard’ sciences women. Politics, sciences and being ing to bound by the ‘norms’ which sented with women making up just Seventy-one per cent of the sen- is just one in three. ambitious career-wise are consid- are generated in our recent history; 45 per cent of the 12 committees ior committees of the University’s One in three members of the ered ‘male’ pursuits, whereas volun- though business, media, culture, surveyed. careers societies, including Bright Physics department are female but tary work and the arts are viewed as and politics” The data is not one hundred Futures and the Entrepreneurs So- Physsoc has an entirely male ex- ‘female’, ‘softer’ or less useful. “These figures are no doubt per cent reliable since it is reliant on ciety, are made up of men. ecutive committee, with only three She added: “It’s deeply rooted similar across other institutions.” individual societies updating their Half of the 170 senior commit- women out of a committee of fif- in the assumptions we make about “The challenges to status quo committee on the YUSU website af- tees surveyed are made up of female teen. what men and women are good at.” have to start with young people ter elections. www.nouse.co.uk Tuesday 11 February 2014 4 NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER www.ey.com/uk/careers News Sexposed: the bedroom habits
of York students revealed GRAPHICS BY KATE MITCHELL Thomas Witherow SENIOR CORRESPONDENT The survey also asked about sex education at school, with an HALIFAX STUDENTS spend more overwhelming number saying it time masturbating compared to didn’t prepare them adequately for other colleges, a survey conducted sexual relationships. A massive 86.2 by Nouse and Sexposé has revealed. per cent surveyed said it was inad- Two out of three students from equate. the University’s biggest college mas- Fifteen respondents said that turbate three or more times per they didn’t receive sex education be- week, while the equivalent figure for cause they were at Catholic schools, Alcuin and Langwith is 51 per cent. eleven bemoaned putting con- The data emerged in a survey doms on bananas, conducted by LGBTQ Social, Fet- while two even com- Soc and WomCom for last Friday’s mented that their panel-based event Sexposé: The sex education Second Coming. Eight hundred and lessons could forty four people completed the sur- be compared to vey, making it the largest of its kind those in Mean conducted at the University. Girls. Loussin-Torah Pilikian, Chair Teachers not of Halifax Student Association, said recognising queer of the survey’s results: “Bigger is relationships was a certainly better - our members take common complaint. on a work hard, play hard kind of One person surveyed wrote: “They thing... Everyone needs some time never talked about homosexuality, off!” except to say it made you very un- Josh Allen, former chair of Al- happy and it was impossible for gay cuin said: “It’s no surprise Alcuin people to form meaningful relation- hold off from self pleasure what with ships.” the rising cost of university laundry. Another wrote: “It never cov- Socks are a scarce commodity and ered the emotional side of things they don’t wash themselves.” that could happen, such as casual sex, drunk, not in your bed” and that “teachers were embarrassed by the subject they were teaching.” Hugo Dale-Harris, who carried out the survey, said: “Sexposé was originally set up to tackle the shock- ing lack of awareness. It all started when one of the founder’s was talk- ing with one of their housemates There was also significant data and they didn’t realise you could get for male versus female sexual be- STIs through oral sex. haviour. Some of the results didn’t “It turns out guys like to mas- come as much of a surprise, with turbate. I thought that would be a 82.1 per cent of men masturbating fun question.” three times or more per week, com- pared to just 34 per cent of women. It’s no surprise One in three men masturbate every day while only five of the 286 “Alcuin hold off men who completed the survey said they didn’t masturbate at all. from self pleas- Women were much more likely ure what with to be let down by their first sexual experience. Eighty-four per cent the rising cost of expected it to be positive, but only sixty-seven per cent agreed that it university laundry. was. Men, on the other hand, had Socks are a scarce negative expectations before los- ing their virginity, but considered it commodity ” more positively afterwards. The survey also revealed that men were more likely to have used Josh Allen porn to learn about sex, with 61 per cent agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement, compared to 43 per cent of women. More worryingly, over one had sex once should go. dent, commented on the findings, take the results of the survey with Women are more likely to tell in three surveyed didn’t know or “The problem comes when peo- telling Nouse: “I think that Sexposé quite a serious pinch of salt, as the friends intimate details of sexual en- weren’t sure where they could go to ple aren’t wanting to look.” is a great event, bringing together results are likely to demonstrate counters with new partners (14 per get a sexual health check. Kallum Taylor, YUSU Presi- different groups from across cam- bias. cent), while men are twice as likely Dale-Harris added: “You hope dent, said: “We’re planning on pus to talk in an open (and often hi- “Granted, I focused mostly on to not give any details away (32 they’ve had STI checks somewhere running a large scale sexual health larious) way about sex, and I’m glad finding ways better to integrate fam- per cent). Langwith and Vanbrugh else. The vast majority of people awareness campaign this term, and that it was so well attended - the ilies and international students into are the biggest gossipers, but still have had some sex, but there’s a ta- hopefully that’ll improve the cur- great sucess of the event is a huge a broader college community, but behind the figure for women: just boo about getting an STI check that rent situation.” credit to the societies and networks while I was President of Halifax I one in six don’t reveal details of the means you’ve been doing something George Offer, YUSU Welfare involved! didn’t notice a particularly substan- night before. you shouldn’t. Really anyone who’s Officer and former Halifax Presi- “I think we should probably tial propensity for wanking!” www.nouse.co.uk NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.ey.com/uk/careers 5 News York lap dancing club to remain open UPSTAIRS Anwen Baker NEWS EDITOR send out the message that it’s per- network opinions are divided on fectly acceptable for women to be the issues at play surrounding the UPSTAIRS, York’s only lap dancing dehumanised and objectified.” lap dancing club remaining open. venue, is to remain open despite The YFN also cited the venue’s We are unaffiliated to York Femi- objections from the York Feminist proximity to premises of ‘sensitive nist Network’s campaign. Network (YFN). use’, such as churches, several nurs- “Although lap dancing clubs Upstairs, which is situated eries and organisations working are in many ways problematic, we above Mansion on Micklegate, with vulnerable people such as the understand a need for feminist and appealed to have their 12 month nearby York Women’s Counselling women’s movements to respect the licence renewed in November. Service. agency, opinion, safety and welfare The York Feminist Network, They also claimed that the club of the women involved in the clubs. a York city feminist group not made women feel threatened or “This is one of many areas connected to the University, began uncomfortable. which cannot be defined in polar- a petition calling on City of York Andrew Whitney, the owner of ized terms and the opinion of the Council to reject the application for Upstairs, denied this, saying that YUSU Women’s Network as a renewal of licence from the club. the club was promoted in a discreet whole acknowledges this.” The petition stated: “Lap way and that closure would result The YFN have confirmed their dancing clubs have no place in our in up to 40 dancers losing their commitment to re-launching the community. They promote sexist jobs. campaign next year, saying: “We stereotypes, create ‘no go’ areas for Feminist societies across the are confident that with time and women and local residents, and country responded to the petition, more education on gender equality, impact negatively on the character with the Edinburgh University and the harmful effects of sexual and reputation of York as a wel- Feminist Society denouncing the entertainment venues, the out- coming, family-friendly city.” petition as “whorephobic”. dated views of the councillors will In a quote on the YFN’s blog, Upstairs’s 12 month licence change.” Tony, a Skeldergate local, said of was renewed 2 weeks ago by the They also described their Micklegate: “It is sadly unsurpris- council’s licensing committee. disappointment with the council’s ing on any given evening to hear According to licensing manager decision and regretted that they them [young men] wolf whistling, Lesley Cooke none of the grounds had not joined councils such as leering and even see them mastur- for refusal were established. Leeds and Oxford, which had “pri- bating in the streets.” YUSU Women’s Committee oritised women’s safety and said no One respondent to the petition were divided on the issue, telling to the objectification of women – as said: “I think lap dancing clubs Nouse:“Within the YUSU Women’s advised by the Equality Act 2010”. The York Feminist Network have campaigned to have Upstairs closed NekNomination trend spreads Langwith campaign through York student body for common room PETROC TAYLOR Vee Wells Anwen Baker George Wood NEWS EDITOR are desperate for new space. “This year sees the arrival of CONCERNS HAVE been raised LANGWITH COLLEGE have Constantine who have been ru- over NekNominations after dozens launched a campaign calling for a moured to have three common of York students have participated dedicated common room for its stu- rooms while Langwith has been left in the new trend. dents. untouched. YUSU and the Univer- The online drinking game, Currently Langwith is the sity should look after their own be- where participants film themselves only college without its own com- fore helping someone else.” downing a drink before nominat- mon room. Without a convenient “We are currently collaborat- ing others to do the same on social space to hold meetings and socials ing with all the staff and students in media, has spread quickly since it the college are often forced to use our college and intend to keep going was started in Australia in January, Goodricke space and the Law and forward with our campaign until we especially among student popula- Management building. get what we want.” tions. Olivia Batty, Langwith Press A first year Langwith student Elements of competition have and Publicity Officer, emphasised commented on the lack of common been introduced, with many people the unused space available on Hes room, saying: “The thing I think trying to outdo their friends, either East, with “large bikesheds and bin Langwith really needs is more close by drinking stronger alcoholic bev- YUSU Academic Officer Dan Whitmore bleached his hair for RAG week areas going unused”. study areas. It would be really nice erages, or by doing so in increas- concern among some groups, who Hughes responded to his nomina- She added: “It is unfortunate to have a few quiet study rooms on ingly extreme circumstances. feel it is encouraging peer pressure tion by posting a video of himself to see so much money going into Hes East”. One girl was recorded on the and drinking to excess. In Ireland, drinking tea and reading the first expanding the University with Con- Kallum Taylor, YUSU Presi- ‘Spotted: University of York Library’ two young men died after partici- chapter of The Hobbit. stantine whilst there are missing fa- dent, expressed his support for Facebook page as downing a pint pating in NekNominations. The Some are even trying to use the cilities in an existing college.” Langwith’s cause, saying “We’ve al- in her underwear, and Lewis Ratto, craze claimed its first British victim fad to encourage positive behav- According to Batty, Academic ways been, and still are, completely Alcuin JCR Chair, posted a video on Saturday. iour. At Durham University, many Registrar Kate Dodd and Deputy in agreement with the will of the online of himself drinking a pint Ben Rothwell, a fourth year students are propagating a “donate Vice Chancellor Jane Grenville have Langwith CSA. The Glass House after pretending to sexually accost Physics student, is unimpressed by nominate” scheme, where tagged said that they have no objection “in bar was actually intended to be a a friend dressed as the Alcuin owl. the trend, saying: “I only saw friends friends have twenty-four hours to principle” to a common room. common room until late in the day, When asked about his nomi- getting involved in NekNominations donate to a charity of their choice. However, Batty adds, “Nothing and the plan has always been to nation, a second year PPE student after I saw national news articles on Closer to home, ‘Respect Nomi- has been done or planned in con- hand it ‘back’ once Heslington East explained: “I drank beer, gravy and it – which you could maybe argue is nates’ are beginning to appear. crete to sort it out. We believe the could support a proper, purpose urine all mixed up into one delicious the media driving the trend.” Lloyd Wallis, YUSU Union Chair, process to be stuck in university bu- built bar and event space. cocktail. I did it as I think it’s a good However, many students are gave out free cakes in the Phys- reaucracy.” “The college needs its own laugh. Some people disagree with also finding ways to subvert the ics department for his, whilst Dan Symone Thomson, Langwith common room/nucleus and we’ll the idea as they think it’s dangerous. game. Whitmore, YUSU Academic Officer, Chair, told Nouse: “The great suc- be doing what we can to ensure that Personally I don’t see the problem One first year English student bleached his hair to raise money for cess we’ve had with our events, in this and many other urgent require- as it’s up to them what they drink!” “necked” a cup full of Angel Delight, CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) as particular free food Thursdays, ments for Heslington East [are However, the trend is causing while third year student George part of RAG Week. means that now more than ever we met].” www.nouse.co.uk Tuesday 11 February 2014 6 NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER www.ey.com/uk/careers News UCU to launch legal challenge over pay docking Grace Marsh NEWS REPORTER a row of pay rises of 1 per cent or less industrial action might constitute a from staff who participate in the in- mance in the form of a part-day for university staff.” breach of their contract of employ- dustrial action.” strike, but we have decided – with- THE UNIVERSITIES and College The strikes at the university of ment. Any member of staff who “The University of York does out prejudice to our legal rights – Union is set to establish a court bat- York have resulted in disruptions takes two-hour strike action will be not accept the partial performance to make an ex gratia and voluntary tle with universities across the na- to teaching time and the closure of committing a breach of their con- of the contract of any member of payment to staff who do participate tion over what they claim to be an some departmental facilities. One tract of employment. staff, including partial performance in part-day strike. unlawful docking of staff pay. first year mathematics student had It is the policy of the University, due to a part-day strike. “ “This voluntary payment will The UCU are looking to take two lectures and a tutorial session as detailed in the Managing Indus- “We are entitled to withhold give the effect of withholding only legal action after almost half of the cancelled on the 6th of February be- trial Action policy, to withhold pay a full day’s pay for partial perfor- two hours’ pay.” higher education institutions that cause of the strike. MARTIN GRAHAM responded to a survey run by The He told Nouse “It’s definitely a Universities and Colleges Employ- disruption but I don’t blame them. ers Association declared that they The loss of three contact hours is would not be paying a full day’s redeemable, although, I understand wage to staff participating in the how some students could feel that it two-hour strike on the 23 January. is unfair to lose teaching time that Universities are yet to deny they’re paying for when they have whether they will be taking the pretty much no say in the matter.” same action against staff striking on UCU, which represents nearly the 28 January and the 6 and 10 of 120,000 workers including lectur- February. ers, academics, researchers and aca- Sally Hunt, General Secretary demic related staff in colleges and of the UCU, outlined their chal- universities across Britain plans to lenge. “Any university that tries to go ahead with the court case despite dock a full day’s pay for a two-hour regulations that cast doubt over re- walkout will face a legal challenge sulting success. from us and an lecturer escalation Case law suggests that if staff of strike action, as well as risking only undertake partial performance considerable damage to their repu- and fail to work contracted hours tation for fair play.” universities have the legal right to University staff nationwide withdraw pay, although it is not have been striking as part of the lat- clear whether withdrawing a full est row over pay. A statement on days wage is permissible. the website of the York branch of In a statement on their website, the UCU affirms “we are striking to the University clarified their posi- ensure a fair deal for everyone and a tion on pay. reconsideration of the offer of 1 per “UCU members were notified cent which would be the fifth year in on their ballot papers that taking Staff on strike in York city centre last term. Further strike action is planned for this term, totalling 6 hours Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.nouse.co.uk www.ey.com/uk/careers NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER 7 News Men less likely to go to university York launches Thomas Witherow mental health SENIOR CORRESPONDENT go to university. ing to university and this underper- results, new teaching and nursing York has seen a consistent fall in formance needs urgent focus across courses are attracting women to ter- campaign MEN WILL soon become the most the male undergraduate applica- the education sector. tiary education, while men are more under-represented group in the tions, from 45 per cent in 2007/8 to “At York, the proportion of male likely to take up apprenticeships country in applications to UK uni- just 41 per cent now – equivalent to applicants has decreased slightly and jobs. Vee Wells versities, the head of UCAS has pre- 9,509 students out of a total 23,353. over the past few years,” said David The overall number of appli- DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR dicted. “There remains a stubborn Garner, a spokesman for the Uni- cants at York has risen, however the Figures show that the gap be- gap between male and female ap- versity of York. number of applicants to Arts sub- A NEW University-backed cam- tween applications from women plicants which, on current trends, “We believe this is more to do jects has fallen. The University has paign to encourage open discussion and men is rising sharply. could eclipse the gap between rich with changes in demand for par- been unable to release figures mid- about mental health has launched 87,000 more women than men and poor within a decade,” said Dr ticular programmes than an effect cycle due to UCAS regulations. this month. applied before the 15th, increasing Mary Curnock Cook, chief executive of any national decline in male ap- The figure for girls, though, is According to a YUSU blog the the gap by 7,000 compared with of UCAS. plicants.” the highest ever with 333,700 ap- “#GoodDay #BadDay” initiative January 2013. Women are now a “Young men are becoming a In the current cycle, it is be- plications compared with 331,800 aims “to encourage positive conver- third more likely than men to opt to disadvantaged group in terms of go- lieved that York will buck the na- in 2011. The number of boys apply- sations about mental health and ul- tional trend, with an increase in the ing is 246,300, down from 251,730 timately remove the stigma attached numbers of men applying. in 2011. to the subject of mental health.” Mr Garner added: “There is Kallum Taylor, YUSU Presi- Students are being encouraged considerable debate about undera- to tweet and Vine stories of their chievement by boys in schools and the advantage good days and bad days, with the this is something we think should conferred by appropriate hashtag, contributing NYU PHOTO BUREAU NYU PHOTO “ be addressed.” to the campaign and raising aware- One leading academic has sug- independent ness. gested the remedy might be to offer The YUSU website also features university places to men on lower A- schools is now less blogs and videos posted by mental level grades. than the advan- illness sufferers, sharing their sto- “The solution put forward by ries and opening up conversation. some universities to combat dis- tage obtained by So far students Jemima, Tasha and advantage was to offer pupils from Tay have all told their stories online state schools positions on lower being a female to help others, speaking and writing grades than independent schools,” Professor Alan Smithers about their experiences with depres- said Professor Alan Smithers, direc- dent, commented “if we want to sion and anxiety. tor of the Centre for Education and avoid moving from one inequality to When asked how she coped Employment at Buckingham Uni- the complete opposite, smart policy with the negative reactions some versity. “Perhaps universities should needs to understand and address people have had, Tasha wrote: “I re- now admit men on lower grades.” the decline in male applications. alise it’s just lack of awareness. It’s He added: “One thing is becom- “The reasons behind this kind not even their fault - it’s a problem ing clear - the advantage conferred of thing, as is the case with appli- with society.” by independent schools is now less cants from middle-to-low income Jemima Busby, who along with than the advantage obtained by be- backgrounds, start way before they Tay Whitehead started the cam- ing a female.” start thinking about which Univer- paign, said: “We won funding for Women are now a third more likely than men to go to university He continued to say that better sity they apply for.” the campaign from YUSU last year but decided to delay launching it in October because of our workloads and our own mental health needs. It has been a challenge at times, but THE survey shows a third of staff keen to leave so worth it! So far the reactions have Jamie Summers been very positive and it’s really en- NEWS REPORTER the most secure, with only 25 per conducted in 2011. The highest lev- lowest levels of engagement were couraging to know that being hon- cent of respondents suggesting that els of staff engagement were found Politics, York Management School, est about our experiences (however A NEW survey recently undertaken they would consider leaving their in the Philosophy department, with and History at 63 per cent, 62 per scary it may be!) is having a positive by Times Higher Education (THE) job. 92 per cent of those surveyed re- cent and 53 per cent respectively. effect on people reading and watch- has revealed that almost one third An early-career researcher sponded positively. History of Art According to the University re- ing the videos.” of university staff across the country working in a Scottish university is and Archaeology also displayed port the engagement index is based Mental health among stu- are unhappy and want to leave their quoted in the THE report as saying high levels of staff engagement, with on the work itself, the senior man- dents has long been known to be role. that their institution had “sidelined, 92 per cent and 88 per cent respec- agement group and equal opportu- an issue. In a 2013 survey, the NUS THE undertook the detailed belittled and ignored me and left me tively. nities amongst other factors. The found that 20 per cent of students survey to assess the situation of em- isolated,” and that, as a result, they Those departments with the next survey will take place in May. “consider themselves to have men- ployment in higher education insti- could not wait to leave. tal health problems”, while a 2004 tutions. The ‘THE Best University Additionally, an academic study quoted by the Royal College Workplace Survey’ was carried out working in the social sciences at a of Psychologists found 55 per cent of on more than 4,500 higher educa- post-Polytechnic era university in students to have at least mild “men- tion staff in total, and almost one- the Midlands commented that “in tal disorder”. third (31 per cent) of academics spite of the satisfaction brought One first year student told stated that they were considering about by teaching and great rela- Nouse: “Having just been diagnosed quitting their job. tions with students and my im- with Seasonal Affective Disorder, I Furthermore 27 per cent of mediate colleagues, several of my wasn’t sure what to do or who to talk professional support staff at uni- colleagues have left or are trying to to. Seeing YUSU making an effort versities also said that they were leave, and I intend to do the same.” to promote and normalise mental contemplating leaving. 32 per cent Among academics, those work- health illness is clearly a good step.” of university employees overall feel ing in the creative arts, arts and hu- However, there is still more to that their job is at risk. manities and education were more be done. A third year Physics stu- TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION However, this sentiment varies likely than others to disagree with dent said: “I know of at least four depending upon the field of work in the statement that ‘my job feels students who have fallen back or which staff are employed. Academ- secure’; more than 40 per cent of dropped out due to depression. The ics working in education are the respondents in these disciplines university should do more to as- most likely to want to leave, with stated that they had concerns about suage academic stress as I feel that 39 per cent voicing their discontent. their job security. can lead to mental health problems.” 37 per cent of those working in the However, those working in Besides the Good Day cam- creative arts and 34 per cent work- physics, biology and maths were the paign, YUSU are also running a ing in social sciences would also least worried, with only 32 per cent Mental Health First Aid course in consider switching roles. of academics in these areas feeling Halifax College Common Room on By contrast, academics working insecure in their job. Saturday, weeks 6 and 7. More infor- in technology and engineering feel The last York staff survey was The THE survey shows that 31 per cent of academics are dissatisfied mation can be found on the Halifax
Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.nouse.co.uk www.ey.com/uk/careers NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER 9 News
RONNIE MACDONALD YUSU propose NUS voting amendment Rosie Shields EDITOR time the motion will have more mo- mentum, emulating the success of YUSU ARE submitting a ‘one mem- some of the most popular previous ber one vote’ motion to the National motions. Union of Students’ national confer- Sheffield University are likely ence this April. to back the motion again, this time Currently a small number of alongside York University Students’ delegates are elected to represent Union. their universities at the confer- For a motion to get into the fi- ence. nal document it must be approved If the new motion is passed it by the Steering Committee who are will mean that every student will then obliged to notify the students’ have a chance for vote for the NUS unions of any changes. Approved president, and not just elected del- motions are then debated at Con- egates. ference. Any passed motions will be policy of NUS-USI for the next five years. Kallum Taylor, YUSU Presi- dent, said: “We’re hoping to submit a ‘one member one vote’ motion to NUS national conference this April. “It’s not a new idea but with each passing year the case grows stronger for it. Despite it doing great things, to most students the e’ve all been homeland of South the natural defences In the last edition Nouse re- NUS is little more than a discount suffering at America, the recent of the penguin’s body, vealed that the percentage of stu- card and the occasional demonstra- Wthe hands of weeks of constant rain even more so than in a dents voting in YUSU elections tion. the brutal North York- and high winds have human. They have been fell by three per cent last year. It is “YUSU will be proposing this shire weather, but none taken their toll. prescribed the drugs to hoped that an increased say in the motion, with the backing of several more so than a belea- Lyndsey Crawford, try to ward off any more NUS will also spur an increase in other Students’ Unions, to create Unhappy gured group of pen- display curator at the serious illnesses. our own student union. an NUS were every student in the guins in Scarborough. centre, said: “After the The penguins have Although the motion will not country can vote for their national A dozen Humboldt first week, our birds not needed medication have the chance to be passed until President. penguins at the Scar- were just a bit subdued, since April 2011 when after this year’s YUSU elections it “Many charities and campaign- feet borough Sea Life Cen- but after over a month three men broke in to has the potential to make a differ- ing groups have this system, and it tre have been put on a now they are thorough- their enclosure and ence to future campaign turnouts. could be a huge game changer for course of antidepres- ly fed-up and miserable, chased them around The motion is not a new one, the NUS which will establish its sants. much like the rest of us.” for 15 minutes, leaving having been put forward by Univer- long term credibility and relevance Although the pen- According to cen- them distressed and off sity College London and Sheffield to its members.” guins are used to harsh tre staff, being miser- their food for several University several years ago. The deadline for motion sub- conditions in their able can severely lower weeks after. However it is hoped that this mission is in a month’s time. Further changes to electoral Taylor campaigning to boundaries affect Halifax students abolish printer credits Beth Jakubowski local voters so that each councillor portant that Halifax is included with Beth Jakubowski DEPUTY EDITOR in York represents a similar number the rest of the University in the local DEPUTY EDITOR their students too?” THE LOCAL Government Bound- of electors.” e.lectoral bounda- This week Taylor met with Koen ary Commission for England have The commission has now ries. It’s important KALLUM TAYLOR, YUSU Presi- Lamberts, the University’s Vice rethought their plans to change the re-opened for a public con- for the University dent, is campaigning to abolish Chancellor, to discuss getting rid of electoral boundaries in York. sultation which is due to to have a unit- printing costs for students at the printing costs. Taylor commented: After discovering an error in run until March ed student University. Currently, it costs 5p to “The Vice Chancellor seemed open the information given to them them, 31st. If passed voice.” print one side of A4 in black and minded about it - but this isn’t a the Commission decided to alter the through West- white but Taylor hopes to eradicate new thing - and the University have planned changes to constituency minster the new printing costs permanently. sat on this without a response for boundaries made in November. c o n s t i t u e n c y To print an A4 side in colour it too long now.” A spokesperson stated that costs 15p and it is double the price to He went on to add, “Outside an error in the data received by print anythng in A3. of the value for money argument, the Commission meant that vot- Speaking to Nouse, Taylor said: the printing of essays, reports etc. ers in Halifax College would have “If you’re paying £9,000 a year you shouldn’t be treated as a relied upon remained in the Fulford and Hes- shouldn’t have to print off an essay income stream and it would also lington Ward which is not the same you have to submit. encourage departments to move to ward as the rest of the University is “It would be a great thing for online submission.” in. our university to say they offer and Some departments have cre- Originally, the University of it would benefit pretty much every ated a solution to the expense of York was to be included in a three- single student here.” printer credits. member Hull Road ward. These A second year PPE student told A second year Philosophy stu- changes were made to make “strong- Nouse: “I find it really difficult to dent said: “There wouldn’t be a er community interests” with Hull read stuff on a computer screen so problem with printer credits if all Road, which was considered to be I have to print out all my reading, the departments provided you with the city’s main student area. which is usually at least nine journal the essential reading like the Phi- The spokesperson said: “The articles a week. losophy department does. new recommendations mean b o u n d a r i e s “The costs can really add up. “I think this is a good way to around 800 voters in the Halifax will be in place Because it’s for academic purposes deal with the problem of printer College area would be part of the for the next elec- I think the University should defi- credits. Although, to not have to pay Hull Road ward with the rest of the toral cycle in 2015. nitely have to subsidise costs for for printer credits at all would be University campus. The amendment A second year PPE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY students. I know other universities preferable. For the amount we pay would deliver electoral equality for student said, “I think it’s really im- COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND do it, so why shouldn’t York help out to be here you’d expect a little more.” 10 NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER www.nouse.co.uk Tuesday 11 February 2014 News YUSU On The Move report New accessibility shows student priorities audit commissioned Rosie Shields Vee Wells EDITOR DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR completed yet some areas are more common complaints were about on campus; to a more widely-pro- a cause for concern than others. campus gyms. Students wanted moted Refreshers Week, monitor- THE UNIVERSITY has commis- Many of the old accommoda- DISAPPOINTMENT with library more classes in the Heslington West ing lecturer quality, and graduation sioned an access audit to evaluate tion blocks are largely inaccessible services, transport issues and a gym, longer opening hours on Sat- ceremonies to be held at York Min- campus accessibility. to disabled students including old communist utopia have all emerged urdays, and the ability to only pay ster. The audit, which will be used as Derwent and Langwith as well as as student priorities in the most re- for classes rather than purchasing Not all the feedback YUSU re- a guide for the Disability and Acces- some of the older Vanburgh blocks cent feedback session from YUSU membership. ceived was so serious. Several stu- sibility Committee to improve cam- and James N block. On The Move. Transport was also flagged up dents told the team that they should pus, aims to source any potential Even some of the newer blocks The initiative, which sends the as a key issue. Numerous people improve the weather, or took the problems within the University and are likely to be under scrutiny, with YUSU Sabbatical Officers around complained about buses and sug- chance to promote their societies to prioritise campus improvements numerous flights of stairs and nar- campus to talk to students face to gested new routes or changes to the the officers. One student told YUSU due to take place within the next row corridors. A number of Alcuin’s face, aims to gather information on timetable, and there was also an that they should just “do some- few years. blocks seem to fit this description the issues which matter to students. interest demonstrated in a Univer- thing”, while another requested a It states, “As part of its ongo- including J1 and the E blocks. The most frequently mentioned sity version of London’s ‘Boris Bike’ communist utopia. ing commitment to improving the It is not just accommodation problems were with the library. scheme. According to Dan Whitmore, campus environment for colleagues, blocks that are being covered by the Many students had suggestions on Other important ideas to im- YUSU Academic Officer, “there will students and visitors, the University audit. Lecture halls and seminar ways to improve the libraries, from prove student life ranged widely, most probably be things worth pur- needs your input to understand bet- rooms are also likely to be accessed creating a dedicated smoking area from more ATMs, better student suing,” YUSU’s position on a com- ter the challenges some colleagues with many without induction loops. outside to opening the doors direct- parking, more contact hours for munist utopia has not been made face accessing buildings and areas Lighting and signage are also ly into the Harry Fairhurst building Arts subjects, and water fountains clear. AGATHA TORRANCE of the campus.” areas of concern as how students to cut down on commuting times. Thomas Ron, Disabled Stu- get onto campus is considered. This Other suggestions were to in- dents’ Officer, said: “The University could be a particular issue for sec- crease the number of seats in the is sending out an audit for students ond and third years who have a long library, give students more print to highlight problem areas. This is a way to travel and do not live on bus credits, provide heaters outside for hugely positive move as it will allow routes. the cold weather, get rid of the room the university to go on more than Kallum Taylor, YUSU Presi- booking system, and assign priority just anecdotal evidence but hard dent: “I would encourage as many to third year students, or to those facts. students as possible to contribute to working on open exams. “It will show the university the access audit. It’s a positive move A ball pit outside the library many of the issues I have consistent- by University to look at how campus was also requested, resurrecting ly raised and hopefully will see them works for its users, and I hope that the motion submitted by Michael take some serious action. I look for- they act on its findings.” Walker suggesting the same thing ward to the publication of the audit. A link to the audit can be found in October 2013. YUSU did not vote I am greatly looking forward to the on the online edition of this article. on that matter. results” All students are encouraged to carry After the library, the next most The Library is a priority for many students, particularly the number of seats Although the audit has not been out the survey. Listings MUSIC 13th-14th February- The Hunger Games: Catching 14th February. One Billion Rising in York. Van- 14th February- Celtic Ladies and Dublin’s Irish Fire – York Student Cinema, P/X/001. brugh Dining Hall 2.30pm. Tenors – Grand Opera House York. 7.30pm. 16th February. Casablanca 70th Anniversary. 1pm. 23rd February. RAG Parade 2014. York. Details to £15.90-£26.90 £8 be released. 15th February - Roy Orbison and Friends – Grand 17th February- Saving Mr Banks – York Student 24th February. Gin and Juice. Fibbers. 10.30pm. Opera House York. 7.30pm. £23.90 Cinema, P/X/001. 7.30pm. £3 £3 19th February - Newton Faulkner – York Barbican. 6.30pm. £19.50 COMEDY 12th February- Have I Got News For STAGE York – York ComedySoc, V/045. 8pm. 12th-19th February - Ghost Town – York Theatre £3 Royal. 7.45pm. £10 13th February- Fascinating Aida: 14th - 16th February - Rough Crossing. Drama Charm Offensive - Grand Opera House Barn. 7.30pm. £5 York. 7.30pm. £24.90 20th -21st February- Visitors – York Theatre Royal. 15th February- Jimeoin: Yes, Yes, 7.45pm. £10 Whatever…?! – York Barbican. 8.30pm. 21st - 23rd February. Breaking The Code - Drama £17.50 Barn. 7.30pm. £5 27th - 28th February- Titus – York Theatre Royal. ARTS 7.45pm. £5 12th February- Rent 20th Anniversary Concert – Grand Opera House York. LECTURES 7.30pm. £27.40-£38.90 12th February- The Physics of Music – P/L/001. 8pm. Free DANCE 13th February- The Others Are Coming – W/222. 23rd February- Dance On Yorkshire 4pm. Free, ticket required 2014 – York Barbican. 7pm. £11.50 13th February - Resetting the Political Economy – Bowland Auditorium Berrick Saul Building. GENERAL INTEREST 6.30pm. Free 10th February - 14th February. Uni- 19th February- Lavish Drama, Thoughtful Docu- versity of York Christian Union Events mentaries and Idiots Smeared in Poo – P/X/001. Week. All week 6pm. Free 12th February. What would you change 24th February- Understanding Eating Disorders – at the Uni of York? York Student Think GCR Goodricke College. 6pm. Free Tank. 6.30pm. V/120 13th February. Derwent does Take Me 13th-14th February. The Hunger Games: Catch- FILM Out. D Bar. 8pm ing Fire – York Student Cinema, P/X/001. 11th - 13th February - Dallas Buyers Club. York 14th February. Valentine’s Day. Nouse 7.30pm. £3 City Screen. 8.30pm. £8 loves you, even if no one else does. NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.nouse.co.uk www.ey.com/uk/careers 11 News Yorkies abroad
Anwen Baker and Rosie Shields catch up with some York students on their travels
“The French don’t do “I’ve been asked cheesy pop and about Sherlock and tequila shots quite as Doctor Who well as the English” hundreds of times”
Jack Staples-Butler
History, 2nd year
Studying History at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
How have I found the culture shock? I’ve been an Americanophile since I was a child and grew up on The Simpsons and American cop shows, then in adolescence on a healthy diet of Martin Scorsese films and Bill Hicks routines so I was reasonably prepared for the new culture. What surprised me the moment I arrived in Illinois was how adored everything British is; I’ve been asked about Sherlock and Doctor Who hundreds of times as all the college kids here love it.
Have I got any funny stories or anecdotes? On Alex Slingsby my first night in my subleased house in Urbana, I got trapped in my bedroom. I wasn’t locked in French and Linguistics, 3rd year as the door had no lock, it was just jammed shut. My roommate and I spent two hours trying to English Teaching Assistant/Teacher, working in two high schools in Orléans, France get me out to no avail. He called the landlord (it was 1AM), who said to call the locksmiths. He How did I find the move? Bumpy. The plane broke down on the way to France and called the locksmiths, who said they could do the journey took six hours longer than it should have done. nothing and told him to call the police. Which he did. So at 2AM, I’m still trapped in my bedroom in my Rolling Stones pyjamas feeling very tired and dehydrated as two The biggest culture shock I’ve faced: I now have to dress like a fifty-year-old to Urbana P.D. officers try to help my roommate get the door open. Eventually, they tell avoid being judged by other people and absolutely everywhere is shut on a Sunday! him to kick it down, which he does. They take a report from us both and I get my first encounter with real-life American police officers – if only my five-year-old self could A funny story from my time here: I usually teach a lesson on my own, so I have to have seen me! Plus I can tell the story as “I was with the Stones in Illinois when the think of my own ways of disciplining the pupils. If my troisième class (year 10) mis- police kicked in the door on us.” behave, I make them sit with their hands on their heads until they stop talking and listen. It works every time. I also whisper parts of my lesson sometimes to quieten One thing I miss about York: After my friends, I miss the city itself the most prob- them down and it confuses them so much! ably, there’s a reason it got voted the UK’s Nicest City.
Ralph Klöss-Schuster
PPE, 2nd year
Originally from Germany, currently studying in York “There is a heated The move was somewhat complicated. I did not want to live on campus as I thought it would be more interesting to live in an off-campus flat share with Eng- lish people. So the first two weeks in York I lived in a Hostel in the city centre, looking for appropriate accommodation. Two weeks and a lot of house viewings debate going on later I found an advert on Facebook and was lucky to get a beautiful room in a nice flat share with two Yorkshire guys. As for the culture shock, I can’t say I had any issues with it. But I’ve been to Eng- if you should say land before. Have I got any funny stories or anecdotes? I live with two Yorkshire guys but spent a month in a language school in the south in Brighton so there is a heated debate going on if you should say glaaaaass or glasssss. It’s a very common thing, glaaaass or glassss.” but usually this debate is for English people. As a foreigner I first didn’t realise what the problem was and am now very careful about what to say when and how, haha.
York is one of the most picturesque cities I have ever seen, so I guess I will miss it’s charm of past times, nice small cafes and tiny restaurants. Another thing that comes to mind is the prawn-crackers at Willows. Who wouldn’t miss them, right? 12 NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER www.nouse.co.uk Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.ey.com/uk/careers
[email protected] Comment www.nouse.co.uk/comment Zain Mahmood Deputy Comment Who runs the world? Editor
The domination of men in committee positions needs to be addressed
LUCY WEGERIF ecent figures have shown that still do. But is it that simple? clique-voting may, to some degree, men have been enjoying their There are a variety of reasons perpetuate largely or totally same- Rduel with women in the bal- why a society may be male-domi- gender committees as this intimi- ance of power where ‘key’ positions nated. For example, take the issue dates outsiders, those of a different in campus societies are concerned. of gender marketing in general. An gender, but also, crucially, excluded Looking at the statistics for our argument proposed is that such a from a group of close-knit friends. university, just over four in ten stu- mechanism encourages stereotypi- On the other hand, we could dents are male, yet they enjoy half cal views and it is worth examin- simply blame the data, as it may not of the seats on offer taking 170 com- ing our societies in a similar light. tell the entirety of the tale. With in- mittees into account. Some of the While the advertising of positions complete information due to a few more definitive results arise when and societies may be almost neutral, societies not having stats to hand looking at the more traditional so- it is the figures in power, arguably, or unofficial changes in respective cieties such those pertaining to poli- that attract ambition from would-be roles, there may be a small discrep- tics, debate or careerist pursuits, leaders and careerists. ancy in the conclusions I have at- with more than 70 per cent of the For some societies, a male role tempted to extract thus far. How- cake going to males. model may be able to sufficiently ever this is not significant enough Peering down what is perceived motivate other men who would per- to be termed an inconsistency and by some as the opposite end of the ceive the position as more achiev- so the issue remains; with a larger spectrum, the arts and humanities able, than that which is currently number of females at the Univer- committees represent a gulf in fa- held by a women (and vice versa), sity, the divide in key positions is too vour of women. Sadly, these num- which in effect could represent a wide. bers seem to conform to stereotypes form of, admittedly unintended, The matter is far too complex we are unfortunately all too familiar gendered marketing. to be tackled in a single article, but with. It seems the distribution of Alternatively, simply by voting from the evidence we have, there key positions may still be influenced for your mates in order to help them is a concern that needs addressing. by the strictly patriarchal society we out could be another explanation. Raising awareness of the issue is the once had, or as some would argue, In societies, the phenomena that is first step in the right direction.
Jay Massaad The dark side of the FIFA World Cup
The beautiful game’s ugly secrets
hen Qatar won the right done little to help the federation’s in Qatar, they have it worse. There manner that stinks of modern day which binds immigrants to their to host the FIFA World image. Brazil’s preparation for the is an ongoing fear surrounding the slavery. employers, so that a builder cannot WCup in 2022, it quickly hosting of the World Cup this sum- construction industry for the 2022 Sepp Blatter’s claims after work for another company or be al- led to a stream of controversy that mer has already been rife with prob- World Cup that hasn’t been laid to meeting the country’s emir that Qa- lowed to leave the country whilst in remains ongoing. With sweltering lems and six stadiums missed FIFA’s rest by months of Blatter’s reassur- tar was now “on the right track” to such a contract. temperatures during the tourna- deadline for completion. One sta- ances – fears which were initially deal with worker’s rights did little As if that wasn’t enough, some ment’s traditional summer slot, and dium, Curitiba, has been described given their global voice through The workers claim that they have been comments made by FIFA’s own Sec- as ‘critically’ behind schedule by Guardian’s investigation all the way Workers claim to lied to, left unpaid, or not given ID retary General Jérôme Valcke, it ap- Valcke. back in September. cards – which effectively gives them pears many major leagues will po- Workers’ deaths and con- The article depicts how Nepa- “have been exploited illegal immigrant status, leaving tentially have to be rescheduled for struction catastrophes – such as a lese workers died almost daily them even more powerless. the first ever winter World Cup – an crane collapse – have plagued the during the stifling summer in Qa- in a manner that At the end of last month it was organisational nightmare. Itaquerão and other stadiums, and tar, with many claiming to have confirmed that at least 185 workers It’s not the first time Sepp Blat- employees regard the building site had their basic human rights im- stinks of modern day from Nepal alone died during 2013 ter’s FIFA has had problems of this at Manaus as ‘rated zero for safety’. peached, telling horror stories of slavery building the infrastructure for the sort, and past allegations of corrup- It is these workers’ safety that abuse, denial of drinking water and ” sporting event – a figure which is tion from the media have certainly continues to make headlines, and being tricked and exploited in a expected to rise as new cases con-
ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRA WESTLEY to reduce the growing unease sur- tinue to come to light. rounding the event. Amid a clamour for FIFA’s The pressure on FIFA was kept sponsors to reconsider their sup- alive by an Amnesty International port for an organisation with links report that was published just one to such a cruel industry, the chief week later in November, focussing executive of the World Cup organ- on how a tolerant legal environ- ising committee Hassan al-Thawadi ment allowed for the abuse and vowed that the competition would exploitation of migrant workers by not be built “on the blood of inno- alcohol is a their employers. The “simply inex- cents”. cusable” revelations led Amnesty Jérôme Valcke has now given big burden to general secretary Salil Shetty to the committee a deadline of 12th state that “FIFA has a duty to send February to workers in Qatar, be- the country’s a strong public message that it will fore a hearing in the European Par- not tolerate human rights abuses on liament in Brussels the next day. medical construction projects related to the But is it too little, too late? World Cup.” It’s clear that once again, FI- resources So what is keeping workers FA’s image has been tarnished by a from just leaving the whole thing seemingly lacklustre effort to ensure behind? The answers lie in the ka- the positive running of events. For fala sponsorship system of labour, FIFA, it’s time to change the game. Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.nouse.co.uk NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER 13 www.ey.com/uk/careers Comment KATE MITCHELL Views from the Ouse
n paper, breeding season sounds like a brilliant con- Ocept: you get all of spring to fly around and make love to the first bird you see, like a series of Big Brother set entirely in Willow. But then it all falls apart. For one, eating 60 per cent of your body weight eve- ry day kind of nullifies any effort at the gym. And two, how many times have you seen a kingfisher? Right, now imagine the only time you could orgasm is if you saw one. I’ve been told there’s plenty of fish in the sea, but grimly rutting a cod in some rockpool in Scarbor- ough doesn’t have much appeal to me. Besides, that’s how you get crabs. So I’m on my own this Valen- tine’s Day. Mind you, it can’t be too much fun for anyone concerned. If you are in a relationship, it boils down to sitting in an overpriced restaurant, trying to maintain an argument-free détente like Kruschchev and Kenne- dy at the Cuban Missile Crisis, only with a bit less kissing. Meanwhile, multi-million pound corporations are looming over your shoulders, throwing over chocolate and stuffed animals to keep it all going like Vee Wells squealing shippers on Tumblr hand- Deputy News ing out giftsets. Editor Maybe this is the day that one Liberating lap dancing guy you handed your number to in a drunken haze decides to try it on again. So you’re left ducking his Closing down Upstairs would be hindering people’s right to work texts, silently cursing the stupid way he talks and the stupid way he’s eminism is a messy, nebulous lap dancing clubs are perfectly le- reason prostitution is known as the ate a good working environment. “planning your life together”. thing, a movement in which gal, as long as they have a licence oldest profession. While lap danc- In illegal venues, it’s unlikely these And of course, if you’ve just Farguments and counter-ar- to operate. On a purely pragmatic, ers do not sell sex, they are still sex women would be looked after the been dumped, it’s National Screw guments are made for every possi- capitalist note, there is a supply and workers in the sense that they sell same way. You Day (actually, no, it’s the exact ble position. “Is it feminist?” is no demand system going on here: lap the idea of sex and female atten- In a 2007 Nouse feature, three opposite of that). Still, why not get longer a question which has any dancing fills a niche in the market, tion to men. Trying to close down student lap dancers were inter- in on the fun and send some cards? answers, as every viewpoint will be and there is demand for it. Hence avenues where women can do this viewed about their part time jobs, You just have to be creative! Maybe attacked. the business thrives. and none of them had any concerns one with a picture of a cartoon rab- With this in mind, it’s unsur- Lap dancing also allows women If YFS really have a over their safety within the clubs. bit staggering blankly as the xeno- prising that ‘feminist’ societies are so to be in control of their income in One of them, Lara, said: “You have morph from Alien tears its way quick to disagree over pretty much a way many other jobs don’t allow, “problem with Upstairs, to be able to handle people who through his chest, with the caption any issue regarding women. What working when it suits them. Ulti- they should go and have been drinking, and as long as DEAD INSIDE written out in glit- is more concerning are the second- mately it could be seen as a way of you’re confident and firm with them ter. wave ideologies that still permeate earning money without having to then you can avoid any problems. There’s also the matter of what the community, which promote a rely on other people. And as the old find out about it ” “It’s certainly not the sort of job to do on a student budget. What if feminism concerned exclusively adage goes, if you’ve got it, flaunt it. where ‘the customer is always right’.” you decide not to buy anything, and with middle-class white women. On top of this, some may argue legally and safely isn’t just unfemi- YFN’s petition was aiming for then your lover buys you a 10kg These feminists, keen to “save” sex that, as working in the industry is a nist: it’s dangerous. 1,000 signatures: it only achieved diamond dipped in chocolate and workers, have been dubbed “neo- choice, decrying women for working Most of the stories the media 183. The concerns over a single pri- strapped to a live angel? Maybe go Victorianists” by author Ellen Wil- as dancers denies their agency and peddles about sex work, as some- vately-owned, regulated lap dancing for something more surprising – see lis, as they attempt to change legis- attempts to invalidate the women’s thing seedy and socially reprehen- club are essentially trivial. It does if you can come up with a Petrarch- lation with no knowledge of how the decisions. sible, are due to the conflation of not affect York as a “welcoming, an sonnet to remind your lover how industry works. Shutting down the club would prostitution with sex trafficking – family-friendly city” as the group their soul is like a star. The York Feminist Network’s have cut off these women financially both of which are illegal. The differ- claims: it merely highlights York’s Well, that’s Valentine’s Day. I’ll – and it wouldn’t have just made the ence is, one is a horribly damaging status as a city where people live mark it in my diary, next to the tear- Sex-positivity is women unemployed. The bounc- crime that treats people as objects and work. stains. Next on ruining holidays: you ers, security team and bar staff also or slaves, while the other is a profes- If YFN really have a problem know when Santa Claus showed up “a key part of would have all lost their jobs, con- sion. with Upstairs, they should go and that one Christmas just as your dad tributing to the already woefully Much of this ignorance comes find out about it. They should talk had mysteriously vanished from the feminisn ” high unemployment figures across from the industry’s lack of regula- to the girls and the staff there. In room? That’s because they’re having the country. tion. Performing any job illegally short, they should do something opposition to ‘Upstairs’, the Mickle- Besides the economic argu- and without adequate provisions is that would actually help the people Follow the debate: gate lap dancing venue, is a prime ments in favour of lap dancing a recipe for disaster, whether it in- concerned. example of this. Sex-positivity is a clubs, there is also a strong argu- volves taking off your clothes or not. Feminism means working to Comment online at key part of truly progressive femi- ment in favour of keeping safe Closing down lap dancing clubs support women, in whatever they nouse.co.uk/comment nism, and attempting to shut down spaces for women working in more merely forces this kind of work un- do – and if that happens to be lap a legitimate business is not helping physical professions. derground. In a dedicated club, dancing, we owe it to women to or on Twitter anyone. Sex work has been a part of civilisa- there are security provisions in make sure lap dancing establish- The fact of the matter is that tion since ancient times – there’s a place to keep the girls safe and cre- ments are as safe as possible. @nouseopinion 14 NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER www.nouse.co.uk Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.ey.com/uk/careers Comment
Sofia Geraghty NOUSE It’s all gone Ron ... Est. 1964 Deputy Comment Editor
Lets talk about sex Spare a thought for Harry’s downtrodden sidekick this Valetines Day The second Sexposé survey and panel show, nominated last year for nyone feeling unhappy about tion process, which was once again lead to you being stuck with them YUSU event of the year, took place last week. Our seemingly adolescent the prospect of a lonely Val- used to attempt to kill Harry. Hav- for the rest of your life. With nearly fascination with sex was titillated again by this ‘no holds barred’ Aentine’s Day should spare ing a best friend who has people every eligible wizard and witch at- discussion of the sexual habits of York students. Brought to the a quick thought for Ron Weasley. constantly trying to murder them tending the same school playing the exhibition centre by FetSoc, WomCom and LGBT, Sexposé always The last few years have been far would be horrendous. field isn’t really an option. proves a popular event. Often at university, the transition from awkward from easy for the most famous side You can imagine the pain of With Hermione being aware of teenage fumbles to meaningful sexual encounters is completed, and kick of modern literature. If finding walking into Salvation and having this fact, and being experienced in talking time to understand our relationship with sex in these out that the person who brought the magical dating game after kiss- formative years is incredibly important. Sex is still something him into this world wished she had ing Krum when she was fifteen, it which too few people feel comfortable talking about in pub- killed him wasn’t bad enough, the After ten years has to be asked why she would go lic. The sexposé event has allowed us all this chance, and long 21st century’s great tragic hero has of marriage... he has there with Ron if she liked Harry. may it continue to prosper. Openness cannot be a bad thing. just received some more devastating “ Well, like JK Rowling at a time, news. just found out that and many critics, she probably just After ten years of marriage, and thought that Ron would be killed two children, he has just found out the love of his life off and she would be able to end up that the love of his life would actu- with Harry in their joint loneliness. ally be happier with his famous best would he happier This may seem cruel but she friend. Yes, Hermione would be bet- does have to be admired for her Societies deserve better ter off with Harry, if only he would with his famous best playing of the long game in getting stop sleeping with Ron’s little sister to Harry through his best friend. When it comes to looking back on our time at University, it will that is. Bloody hell indeed. friend. ” While many girls attempt to make not be the bleary eyed 9 am seminars or the week long coffee fueled Many fans have been angry a large number of the opposite sex their crush jealous by slurring “kiss exam hazes that receive the rose tinted treatment. University, for with J.K Rowling for the revelation. attempt to chat you up, only to find me” to any male in the vicinity, Her- many, is defined by the people we meet and the experiences we Ron really did not have it easy dur- out that they are only talking to you mione put’s in seven years of tough gain. Societies are a huge and vibrant part of University life, cater- ing his six years at Hogwarts. in an attempt to savagely kill your graft. It can’t have been easy for the ing to everyone, from the bondage enthusiasts of Fet Soc to the as- Yes, Harry may have had his best friend. No one’s self-esteem girl, and we can now understand piring knights of the Medieval Society. We are tremendously lucky parents murdered by the most evil needs that. her panic when Ron asks her to here at York to have such a wide array of societies to choose from wizard of the age, and people may And that’s why so many of us come with him after falling out with and such a huge number of enthusiastic and talented people run- have tried to kill him throughout his rejoiced when after about seven- Harry. “I can’t go, we said we would ning them. It is these people who need support from our Union school life, but at least he got invited teen years of coming second to just help him kill Horcruxes.” A likely to enable them to continue running their societies to such a high to the Slug club. Not receiving entry about everyone and everything, story Hermione. standard, support which is clearly lacking. With poor publicity, a to Hogwarts version of the Bulling- Ron landed the girl he had probably So no matter how abysmal life lack of communication and an absolute shambles of a Refreshers’ don club was sadly far from the only fancied since she told him he had a may get, things could always be Fair it is hardly surprising that membership levels have dropped. time Ron found himself surpassed dirty nose.After what appeared to worse. But if you really do find your- Go to the Drama Barn on a Friday night, see for yourself the tal- by his best friend. be years of sexual tension the duo fi- self excruciatingly lonely, you can ented actors and directors that we are capable of producing. Right from the beginning poor nally kissed after severing a fraction always join Hogwarts’ unluckiest Within this newspaper, or even within the pages of our ‘friendly Ron had to suffer embarrassments of Voldemorts soul with a Basilisk man, who was last seen stumbling rivals’, you can see huge amounts of dedication and hard work. such as turning up to school with fang. While naturally killing frac- around The Three Broomsticks in Societies nurture and develop individual skill and his infamous hand me down robes tions of people would put anyone a maroon jumper muttering the those who run them work incredibly hard. Unfor- and a fat rat, which was actually in the mood, it is still important to words “I’ll give him a f*cking scar” tunately YUSU aren’t exactly making it easy for us. only with him to kill Harry, and be- realise that kissing someone in the to anyone who cared. Which for ing rejected by the Triwizard selec- wizarding world will most likely Ron Weasley wasn’t anyone at all.
KATE MITCHELL
Exercise your right to vote Voting in the YUSU elections is not often the top of everyone’s pri- ority list, but this year, we should all make a concerted effort to vote for at least one position. People constantly complain that their voice is being ignored yet the only way this will change is if people put themselves out there, not just running for positions but voting for them too. Everyone is impacted by the election outcome, even if its indirectly. Therefore it is important we each make use of our suf- frage and exercise our right to democracy. These ordinary students have made a courageous leap in deciding to run for positions; it is the least we can do to show some interest in their choice. If we choose the right people then this university, and the experiences of the stu- dent body in their time at York, can only go from strength to strength.
NOUSE
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Letters and complaints: Nouse, Grimston House, University of York, YO10 5DD or [email protected]
Contribute: [email protected] Tuesday 11 February 2014 www.nouse.co.uk NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER 15 www.ey.com/uk/careers Comment Plastic surgery rears its perfectly Kate Mitchell Legalise sculpted head once more cannabis Cosmetic surgery leaves its patients with a fake body and false happiness James Hostford osmetic surgery is a contro- ful procedures being an expecta- bodies photo shoots portray them tic surgery many women face. versial trend that’s returned tion is nothing short of ridiculous. to have, continue to shift copies However this does not mean ast week’s news of the tragic Cto the fore following a report It would be hard to argue that peer week after week. It is becoming so the concept of cosmetic surgery is death of Gemma Moss, due from the British Association of Aes- pressure on any level is acceptable, repetitive, all that really needs to be inherently evil. As cushy as it would Lto cardiac arrest in her sleep thetic Plastic Surgeons revealing and this takes it to new extremes. changed with each issue is the date. be if self-love were as easily taught after smoking cannabis, has re- a 17 per cent rise in private treat- Ramming such degrading judge- in schools as the likes of History and vived arguments about the dangers ments in the past year. Procedures In a supposedly ment down women’s throats is irre- Biology, that is not the world we live of cannabis use. The death was are now available for almost every sponsible journalism. It convinces in. Human nature does not work reported by tabloids as cast-iron form of “imperfection”, from vagi- “meritorcratic world, people that certain appearances are that way, and for some people sim- proof that, “cannabis can kill”. Yet, nal reconstruction to reshaping of worthy of mockery and that if they ply looking in a mirror is enough to a glance at the most popular com- the eyelids. I’m not sure I want to modelling is the do not alter the way they look, they ruin their day. If a bigger bra size or ments beneath the online reports know the full menu. The increas- will face similar mockery. a less prominent nose is what puts a of the case reveal that the public ing social acceptance of cosmetic only profession in Another reminder that shards wider smile on someone’s face and a aren’t so convinced of the dangers surgery is incredibly disconcerting, of the glass ceiling still remain spring in their step, can it be classed of cannabis. but not because I am opposed to it which appearance (ready to cut you on your way sky- as wrong? Cosmetic surgery can be It’s disturbing how some find in itself. What’s scary is the shifting ward), one that has prominently empowering, and the choice to get it more acceptable than smoking benchmark of ‘normal’ appearance should play a role in featured in recent news, is the rev- it is the freedom of the individual a cigarette. Indeed the debate has pushed by the beauty industry. elation that beautiful women are just as much as any other form of become trivial and limp when ad- This convinces extremely at- your employment likely to advance further in their body modification. vocates of legislation hold up can- tractive young people that without ” careers than their less aesthetically If it could be proven that the nabis as a remedy to sooth all ills. cosmetic surgery, they resemble a Specifically regarding the im- inclined counterparts. only person people were going un- Some of the most compelling creature newly-risen from the deep pact on the female gender, a quick In a supposedly meritocracy der the knife for was themselves, arguments for decriminalisation of sea. With the ubiquity America’s browse of the covers dominating the based world, modeling is the only I would be screaming my support cannabis are therefore economic. celebrity hub has in global media, women’s magazines in any newsa- profession in which appearance from the rooftops. Unfortunately The British cannabis industry is it will only be a matter of time be- gents would highlight the shame should play a role in your employ- the body shaming culture we live in worth an approximate £6.7 billion, fore this trend trickles towards economy on which the beauty in- ment status. continues to manipulate cosmetic a sum which nearly exceeds the the edges of civilization. Before we dustry thrives. Somehow, pictures Facing such strong conse- surgery as a tool of oppression. On revenue of McDonald’s. In legalis- know it, Amazonian tribeswomen of celebrity women in bikinis, show- quences for not looking the way you this basis, I reiterate my alarm at its ing cannabis much of the income with be flaunting their liposuction. ing off figures that unsurprisingly are expected to is another indicator ever-increasing prevalence and ac- which currently goes into the pock- The idea of dangerous and pain- do not resemble the photoshopped of the extreme pressure to get plas- ceptance. ets of faceless gangsters and traf- KATE MITCHELL fickers will be in taxes. The recent legalisation of cannabis in Colora- do is estimated to puncture a $600 million hole in the Mexican cartels’ income. The current prohibition of cannabis in Britain rouses stories of 1920s America where organised- crime became entrenched and the government lost a crucial source of revenue. The benefits of regulation and taxation of a popular recreational drug are not excluded to the eco- nomic. The prohibition criminal- ises fairly minor offenses which burden the penal system and take resources from more destructive crimes. The implication of the gov- ernment restriction of cannabis glamourises its use; there was a marked increase in consumption of cannabis in 2009 when it was upgraded from Class C to Class B drug. The unrestricted manufac- ture and distribution of cannabis also creates a health risk because criminals indoctrinate the product with glass, lead and pesticides. The decriminalisation of can- nabis will not solve the damage that drugs have on our society. Topical Tweets Dealers will still exist as well the health problems it causes. The res- ignation of cannabis to lurking in from the Twittersphere the shadows in this country is far more damaging however. The de- @MikeyCrisp 31 Jan bate in Britain is far behind much @RachaelPotter10 31 Jan of Western Europe where the buy- Rachael Potter Mikey Crisp ing of cannabis is being decrimi- Can’t wait to tell the Daily Mail reader in my flat who nalised and the shadows are being All these big claims and ideas, but should we really listen illuminated. I’ve just been listening to. #banter #campbellyork I am not advocating that the to anyone who plays the bagpipes? #CampbellYork @yorkunion government surrender to the crim- inals. Far from it. I think it is time to divide and conquer. The current 31 Jan @HanaSimons 31 Jan @AlbyEarley Hanna Simons J A Earley policy of prohibition of cannabis has prevented the ability to regu- People voting in x factor and not bothering to Words of wisdom: Next time you complain late or even to accurately monitor vote in an election make you want to scream- need for about being stuck in traffic remember you are the such a vast industry. compulsory vote #campbellyork traffic. #campbellyork www.nouse.co.uk Tuesday 11 February 2014 16 NOUSE: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK STUDENT NEWSPAPER www.ey.com/uk/careers Comment
What is the worst... Niall To nek or not to nek Whithead chat-up line you’ve heard? Memes can be fun, as long as they’re not dangerous hat’s the fatality rate on a strapped to a flight of stairs. En- guy gave a homeless man a sand- “Does this meme these days? Nyan tries went from the disgusting – wich and Coke, and another par- WCat – did we ever bring chugging vodka after biting a dead ticipant bought a random person’s him back from space, or was he left chicken’s head off or lapping beer shopping for them at ASDA. cloth smell of up there to asphyxiate, bug-eyed out of the toilet – to needlessly cruel That’s a laudable idea: certainly and gasping, ike Sandra Bullock a better idea than trying to stop the Chloroform to trying to win an Oscar? There’s no meme, which usually works about How many adventurers had ca- “need to get as well as kindly asking the sea to you?” 10/10 reers brutally cut short by arrows to move back a few feet. the knee? Has a dog mauled anyone If buying a stranger’s toilet roll yet (so gore, very bloodshed, wow)? screwed over doesn’t appeal to you, then let’s Anna, second year I ask because the #NekNomi- early because at least aim for moderation. The Politics and IR student nate hashtag’s just racked up its meme of downing a drink is rela- first two casualties, both in Ireland. you were reckless tively harmless in itself: mild alco- 22-year old Ross Cummins died in holism is one of the more vaunted hospital after drinking too many with alcohol, like joys of the student experience. But spirits, while 19-year old Jonny By- knowing your limits is important. rne decided to jump into a river, your mother on a Besides, it doesn’t take actual presumably earning some Facebook danger to make a video entertain- likes and a sad shake of the head Friday night ” ing: why not try adding coffee to from Darwin. your concoction instead of bleach, “My magical For those of you who don’t – a man who downed live goldfish or wear a fancy-dress costume while know, NekNominations are pretty – to the downright dangerous, such making your video rather than be- much what they sound like – if as the guy who set his trousers on ing on fire at the time? It’s all good! watch says you’re nominated by a friend, you have to fire and dodged firecrackers while Death comes for us all eventu- down a drink before nominating downing shots, or the woman who ally, like your mother on a Friday not wearing any some people yourself. had to be pulled out of another river night, but there’s no need to get It’s reportedly been popular in Carlow while drunk and dressed screwed over early because you clothes? You are? in a Batman suit. were reckless with alcohol, like your Things have The original concept of simply mother on a Friday night. Must be an hour “escalated faster finishing a drink has given way to If you get nominated, down a new game of one-upsmanship, what you can handle, as long as it’s fast.” 5/10 and to back out is social death (as not putting your health or anyone than a fighter opposed to the possibility of actual else’s at risk. death.) Then be considerate with your Rob, third year jet strapped to a Jonny Byrne’s brother, Patrick, own nomination: don’t throw it on Electric Engineering student ” claimed it had morphed into “a bul- someone who you know won’t want flight of stairs lying competition”, where refusing to do it. with sports societies for a while, but gets you labeled as “a chicken and a Failing that, if you want to recently received a massive upsurge coward.” skip the whole thing, just wait a in popularity through an Australian Now there are campaigns to few weeks until the #NekNominate (To a friend Facebook group. scrap the meme entirely, or for the craze quietly exits the mainstream While the original craze was nominated to commit a random act like a hipster salmon, and wait for with a missing simply to down a pint of beer in an of kindness instead of downing a the next meme to turn up. unorthodox fashion, things have drink. Maybe the cake’s a lie again or tooth)“Can I escalated faster than a fighter jet For instance, a South African something. have a gummy blowjob?” 7/10 #minstergram Nouse takes a look at what you’ve been Instagramming recently in York Anne, second year Politics student You know you go to #yorkuni when......
@helleulv “I could give your helms deep a good goblin...” 4/10
!omas, second year Astrophysics student !e beauty that is my campus #Langwith-till-i-die #HesEastFor!eWin #YorkUni # Some these were so bad we decided to give them our StudentLife own rating out of ten...ten being the ultimate disaster. @lesito_t MUSE. 11.02.2014