FRESHERS COULD STILL PAY TOP-UP FEES Reshers Starting Their University Career at the University of Wales, Bangor This in This Issue…

Freshers’ Issue 2006 FRESHERS COULD STILL PAY TOP-UP FEES reshers starting their university career at the University of Wales, Bangor this In This Issue….. FSeptember could face paying top- up fees from September 2007. A decision has not yet been reached, but the Welsh Glyn In Bangor Assembly Government has passed it over to individual universities, who will be able to The Rant charge their students up to £3000 a year. This may well come as a surprise to new Useful Information students, since Bangor has seen an increase of 6% in students applying this year, as for Freshers Wales are not introducing top up fees for this academic year. GLYN News Despite the increase in students at Bangor this year, it appears that very few freshers, Agony Aunts Sport It is estimated that COMES the average student debt From Bangor To for those starting their Bangor degrees this year will be £15,000 TO BANGOR Film

if any, will find themselves unhoused at ig Brother’s Glyn Wise has a Soundtrack To The place to study at Bangor next the beginning of term. Usually, there are Byear. He prefaces this with Summer about twenty new students who are given an appearance at Amser/Time temporary accommodation until a space nightclub. Page 3 opens up in halls of residence. This year, less Doc Spot students have applied to halls, meaning this measure shouldn’t be necessary. Student Volunteering It is estimated that the average student debt for those starting their degrees this Bangor year will be £15,000 – a daunting prospect. This is expected to rise to £33,000 by Puzzles 2010. Have those in power forgotten that they did not have to pay fees for their Adventures From university educations and that it is not just the individual who benefits from Across The Pond higher education. Society needs qualified professionals and the prospect of starting Music your working life in such debt may well put many people off going to university, as the Map of Serendipity price of a degree continues to rise. Travel Emma Dodd The Great Orme Send us your Comments on this issue: One Minute Welsh [email protected] ��

�� 2 Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 CONTRIBUTORS Dear Reader,

Editor: Emma Dodd Welcome to the first edition of SEREN this academic year. Over the summer the editorship has been passed over to me and I would like Mair and Bev to welcome all new students starting at Bangor for the first time, as Kevin Smith well as the old students returning. This year, SEREN would like to be Caroline Alvarez an even more integral part of student life here at Bangor. Because of Jennifer Stanley this we intend to distribute as widely as possible (if you are reading Dr Rashesh Mehta this you may well have been targeted by one of our crack team of Sophie de l’Orme distributors, dressed in yellow) and to get as much input from the Chris Thomson students as well…that means you! Kirsten Buglass Catherine Humes If you have anything you would like to be included in the paper, Siobhan Catherine Holt please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your ideas, articles or Cat Prince comments. Should you not see one of our crack team, you can Claire Mann always pick up your free copy in the Students’ Union or the library. Lynsey Reynolds Louisa Rae I wish you all a happy year. Lucy Digney Amy Garrett Emma Spencer George Jack Peat [email protected] Andy Redfearn Lexi Hindley Michael O’Rourke John Jackson Sophie Laine Sophie Williams

Proof reader: Carolan Goggin

Production Consultant: Dan Turner APOLOGIES eren’s new editorial team would like to apologise to anyone who may have Sbeen offended by the article ‘The Following People are G*A*Y’ in the last issue of the previous academic year. The former editorial team did not intend to offend anyone and we hope that it was taken in the manner in which it was intended. IS YOUR CV LACKING SOMETHING? Why no t become a sub editor? SADNESS th SEREN will be holding democratic elections on Thursday 5 Film Editor Features Editor EREN would like to express its deepest October in the Committee Room (ground floor of the Union) at sadness at the news that three students 5.00pm Music Editor linked to the University have died over S Candidates will be asked to make a short speech and the the summer. Portuguese national and PhD opportunity will be given for people to ask them questions. student Vanessa Sequeira was murdered in Sports Editor Treasurer Travel EditorSecretary Brazil whilst carrying out research in the country. School of Ocean Sciences graduate, Come along and stand for a position, or just vote. SEREN – your George Price died when he fell from a cliff newspaper, your choice! Marketing and Sales Books Editor in Gower. It is believed he was out running Officer at the time. And Gavin Winsborrow, who For further information contact the Editor at [email protected] finished a PhD here 18 months ago, died in r.ac.uk a canoeing accident. Our sympathies go out Web Designer to their friends and families. Union Correspondent Specialists in party dresses & Fashion designers CREW 82 ball gowns 141 Station Road Deganwy Conwy Tel. 07919676186 [email protected] For a look that speaks louder Appointments at university than words can be arranged Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 3 A FUTURE FOR TREBORTH reborth Botanic Garden is the only although Estates staff will be periodically University Botanic Garden used for involved with outside maintenance. During Tteaching remaining in Wales, and term time, Nigel spends 80% of his time has recently come under threat by cost teaching, meaning the Garden will not cutting plans from the University. Original have a full time member of staff, posing plans were to turn off the heating for the obvious problems to watering and general glasshouses from September 1st and the two maintenance of the plant collections. members of staff at the Garden were offered Because Treborth will require additional redeployment or early severance. A core help, the students have established the collection of plants that are used for teaching ‘Students for Treborth Action Group’ were to be moved temporarily to the Pen Y (STAG). Those involved will have an Fridd research station and then finally to opportunity to volunteer at the Garden once Henfaes; a far less convenient location. This a week and to help keep up the records for plan has obvious flaws; moving an 18 foot the moths, plant collection, weather and palm tree is just not possible! other fauna. The protests and letters in support for the The moth records have been kept for Garden have shown the University officials over thirty years, providing a huge amount that the students feel this is a vital teaching of data that can be used for student projects, resource and an asset to the University. particularly those related to climate change. Many courses, not only Plant Biology, use Only a few weeks ago a very rare Treborth for research and practical classes as moth species, The Great Brocade from it provides a variety of plants from different Scandinavia was caught by one of the many ecosystems of the world. This is one of the third year students conducting their project fundamental features of Treborth, allowing research at Treborth. students to study plants from across the Treborth has already started to generate world all under one roof. some funding for the heating of the The Curator, Nigel Brown has already glasshouses: Botanical Beats, a music event been trying to compromise with the held in the Garden, has helped to raise University by turning off the heating for one awareness of Treborth and some income. of the glasshouses in order to cut the heating If anyone wants to get involved with costs. Further actions to cut costs such as the new exciting projects at Treborth then installing insulation into the buildings will get in contact with the STAG Group or the also be taken. Nigel Brown will be the only Curator, Nigel Brown. The cactus house at Treborth remaining member of staff at the Garden from September 22nd as the Horticultural Sophie Williams Technician’s post will have finished, EX BANGOR STUDENT AVOIDS JAIL harles Greaves, a 19 year old student had adapted especially. who was attending University of Greaves has avoided jail, but been given CWales, Bangor, received a suspended nine months’ youth custody, suspended for sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court on two years and will be on the sex offenders th 7 September. Greaves, who was living in register for ten years. Greaves, originally Emrys Evans had set up a camera in the from Shropshire, is no longer at University showers in order to film female students as of Wales, Bangor and is said to be working they were washing. He admitted six charges as a chef. of voyeurism after images were found on his computer of three women he had filmed Caroline Alvarez using a camera inside a shampoo bottle he 95p BEER IN UNION hanges in the Union over the Strongbow at 95p a pint (the cheapest in summer have included the closure of Bangor), Academi will be open from midday Cthe STA travel shop, with the space Wednesday to Saturday. These cheap prices being taken up by The Muse Bookshop. are reflected right across the menu, so you The Muse are set to open a second branch don’t have an excuse to go anywhere else Sophie, in the lab of their bookshop on the ground floor, with drinks half price from 12 ‘til 3. focussing mainly on academic books for the science departments. The shop will be open Louisa Rae 10am-4pm initially and will offer a choice A WISE MOVE FOR BIG BROTHER’S GLYN of either student discount or vouchers to spend on drinks in the Belle Vue. With one f you were (un)lucky enough to catch this year’s series of Big Brother then you will have no doubt followed local Welsh boy Glyn Wise’s free drink for every £15 spent in the shop, transformation from baby faced no-hoper to trendy runner-up. Many of you may also have caught Glyn’s mention of our fair ville as he it adds a little silver lining to buying those Italked about his plans to become Britain’s first Welsh Prime Minister (albeit only for one year). Well his first steps to national domination text books. have been realised as he has recently been accepted into the University. Other services, including the shop and Following confirmation of his A level results, Glyn has been accepted to study a BA (Hons) in Education. Speaking to The Sun he said, laundrette, remain open, but the most “I’m looking forward to going to go home to Wales. I don’t have ambitions to be famous. I just can’t wait to go to university in Bangor.” exciting change for students all over Bangor Throughout his BB stay, Glyn, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, remained thoroughly patriotic and received a personal thank you from the First is Academi’s decision to open during Minister of Wales for his passion to keep the Welsh language alive. The University are also happy to have Glyn on their books. Head of the daytime. With a special cheap drinks Student Recruitment, Carys Roberts said: “We’re delighted that Glyn has got a place at Bangor University. He is amongst the many youngsters menu, offering Carling, Worthingtons and from Blaenau Ffestiniog that have taken part in the University’s Talent Opportunities Programme (TOP), which highlights what Higher Education has to offer. “Each year we organise visits and events for around 1,200 Year 9 and 10 school pupils from across North Wales, which gives them the PRESIDENTTHE opportunity to find out about university and what it’s all about, at a far younger age than usual. For instance Glyn would have come here for various visits- including a residential visit when he was in Year 10 - and he even features in the leaflet which we use to promote TOP to school pupils and their parents! CREW 82 “We’re pleased to see that Glyn - like many others who have taken part in TOP – has decided to make the most of the opportunities available at Bangor University by choosing a course here. On top of his academic achievements - which in addition to his A level results have included four ‘A’* and five ‘A’ grades in his GCSEs – he has a wealth of experience in community and voluntary work. VS “He has also taken the initiative in gaining valuable work experience relating to his chosen field of study.” From the moment Glyn entered the Big Brother house dressed as a lifeguard to when he left as a stylish celebrity he underwent a drastic change. He learnt how to boil an egg for the first time (god help his future housemates) and received a lap dance from “the most attractive am Burnett, University of Wales, beat box. Kill me now.” Hilarious for most person I’ve ever seen in my life” (really Glyn? Lea?). However, those eager to catch a glimpse of Wales’ hottest property since Sue Cook and Bangor Students’ Union’s very own of his readers: not perhaps, for Crew 82, the bloke who used to present ‘How 2’ may be sorely disappointed for Glyn has opted to take a gap year before enrolling next year. SPresident managed to upset Crew who were less pleased and responded So Glyn fans throughout Bangor will have to wait another year to talk behind their hands and point across the street, whilst he gets more 82, the beat boxing group who appeared to tell him so. Their unprintable replies and more frustrated with his choice to enter that god-forsaken house in the first place. at the Summer Ball. Sam, who was a little can be viewed from his website at http: inebriated on the night in question, was //samburnett.blogspot.com. Glyn, will however, be appearing at Time on 26th September – making porridge apparently! sending live blogs from his mobile phone to his website. “Some tripe on stage doing Emma Dodd Chris Thomson 4 Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 WREXHAM WORRIES TYPICAL THE BLUDGEONER s part of the University of Wales, Bangor, students in Wrexham are meant to enjoy by factions-within-a-faction and self- the same facilities as the students in Bangor. These would include, as listed in the STUDENT serving, snivelling runts who see it as a AUniversity prospectus, 24 hour library and computing facilities. We have never stepping stone to cushy positions within enjoyed these facilities, but we did have a small health library with very helpful staff, journals the Labour party. It’s a blundering drunk, a and computers that was open until 8pm Monday – Thursday, Friday until 4pm and half a WEEK headless chicken being steered by staff that day on Saturdays. Upon returning to my second year a few weeks ago, it was announced that any people believe that there set the agenda and (pardon the stretching the library would be closing at 5pm Mon – Friday and not opening at the weekend at all, as isn’t much to do because Bangor of a pun here) rule the roost. Collectivism from the end of September. is quite a small town, but they is bandied around as the mot-du-jour, the This announcement was made with no prior consultation with the students. On voicing M couldn’t be more wrong! The Students’ meaning morphed into the mass rush to our protests the decision was made for the changes to be implemented on the 18th September Union has various themed events and the trample students underfoot. instead. town has lots to offer. The key is learning It’s a towering hypocrisy – giving with For the students in Wrexham, the reduction of the library hours is going to be a major what places you need to visit. one hand and grasping with the other, they hurdle which many will be unable to overcome. The students here are radiography and So here is a quick guide to what’s hot to here’s something odd about what ‘fight’ for free education on the one side nursing students who, as part of their course, work in their respective hospitals 9am – 5pm. do in Bangor! time does to the mind – there’s and through the fabulous new NUS Extra While working they still have assignments to do and research to carry out: this can only be On a Monday there is cheesy music at this disease, it makes you forget card they take your money with the other. achieved after work which means after 5pm. With no library access this will become very T Time/Amser night club. The price is usually things, tinges memories with an acrid Ah, the NUS Extra. Quite where the difficult. £1 to get in and you can dance the night taste of something sweet. I believe they call ‘Extra’ comes into it, no-one is certain. An Many students here also rely on the library staff’s expertise and knowledge when away until 2am to the golden classics from it nostalgia. This is what has insidiously Extra £10 you don’t need? Extra money researching an assignment. The reduction in library hours also means the loss of this expertise the 60s, 70s and 80s. pervaded the student movement (if you to stop NUS going bankrupt? Don’t let and knowledge as many of the library staff have found themselves without a job. It also leaves Once every month, usually on a Tuesday, can call it that these days) – the bizarre any of the piss-poor marketing fool you, students without access to computers. This is occurring at a time when university libraries in there is stand up comedy at Academi in notion that the heady days of yore they aren’t doing you any favours with it. Bangor are making an effort to open for longer periods of time, not shorter ones. somehow involved students being… Time was you used to get a free discount the Students’ Union. This is very popular involved. It’s bollocks, to be honest – the card from the national union, but with a because it isn’t on as regularly. I recommend Sixties weren’t golden years, we weren’t half-million pound overdraft and money Lynsey Reynolds arriving early if you want a seat. The comedy out en masse in the Seventies, and most leaking out of every orifice, something is very good and you do see about three students, including future political leaders, had to be done. No downsizing for NUS comedians, so it is worth the money. were stoned all throughout the Eighties. – the staff wouldn’t allow it. Why not LIGHTS OUT FOR PLAZA CINEMA If you prefer current bands then Trash on You have come to University dreaming create an Extra income stream, tap the angor has had a cinema only in For those not wanting to have to travel, a Wednesday may be more your cup of tea. of being an activist, fighting against the Great Untapped? Jazz it up, a few shiny name for a while, but now it doesn’t Theatr Gwynedd screens some films, but Trash takes place at Academi in the Students’ Man for the rights of the little people, but posters and the schmucks won’t notice the even have that. After all, any self generally not for a while after they have Union. Trash plays mostly Indie tracks, but B there is a metal room as well, offering heavy you were screwed from the start. This is in difference. There aren’t even any decent respecting cinema buff had to make their been released nationwide. These screenings no small part due to the National Union of discounts on there – HMV? Topshop? All way to Llandudno to watch the new releases. are often very busy and tickets need to be rock. The cost is £3 to get in. Students (NUS). there before! Now the Plaza has closed completely and booked in advance, but these days, it’s all On a Friday you can go shake some The National Union of Students isn’t NUS went bankrupt at the end of the the residents of Bangor are left without a we’ve got, as Bangor now doesn’t have a moves at Racubah with Salsa and Latin really the right name for it; it’s a London- Seventies, did them the world of good. And cinema in the whole city. Surely a university cinema at all. music, as well as reggae and funk. This is centric haven for outcasts from all walks I’ll tell you what – the £40,000 that Bangor town with over eight thousand students only on twice a month and is lots of fun. of university life who were too unpopular sends off each year with a wink and a smile justifies a decent cinema and is an example On a Saturday there is R’n’B night at to make it in their own Students’ Unions would just about tip the balance. of how an opportunity to make some decent Caroline Alvarez Academi. If you would rather chill you and are grossly misrepresentative of the could try Theatr Gwynedd which has a film profit has been lost. average student. It’s a bloated organisation The Blugeoner lives in Surrey with his organised every weekend. There is a cinema keeling over under the weight of its own wife and three dogs! at Llandudno Junction, which has a better bombast and arrogance, being torn apart choice of films, and a Pizza Hut. You can get a train directly there from Bangor train station. On a Sunday, the place to be is the Greek STORM SUFFER £1000 LOSS Taverna near Morrisons. The Greek has a torm FM are suffering the loss of one thousand pounds worth of equipment from their live band every Sunday evening. The drinks studio. The equipment has not been knowingly lent out and Storm’s manager does are a little expensive, but it is well worth it not know the whereabouts of it. The union are looking into the matter, which Storm for the live music and atmosphere. S Throughout the week the Octagon can ill afford at a time when they are facing huge costs attached to the building of their new studio. night club is open. They have various themed nights so look out for the flyers, but Wednesday is the classic ‘Occy’ night. Emma Dodd There are plenty more pubs and bars open for business aound Bangor, so there is a lot to keep you busy. Enjoy! WANT TO WRITE FOR SEREN? Siobhan Catherine Holt email the editor at [email protected]

AMY WADGE FOR NIGHTLINE �� my Wadge is a singer/ songwriter �� PROPOSED WINDFARM based in Wales. She has released Atwo successful albums: ‘WOJ’ �� proposal has been put forward to create a 200 turbine wind farm off the coast of and ‘No Sudden Moves’. I first saw Llandudno by NPower Renewables. The wind farm, which would be called Gwynt- Amy perform a couple of years ago. �� AY-Mor has met with some opposition from local residents and the Save Our Scenery Her bubbly personality and interaction �� (SOS) action group. If it goes ahead, the farm will be 13-15 miles off the coast with a with the audience created an amazing generating capacity of 750 megawatts. The wind farm would create 120 new jobs. atmosphere. She stayed after the gig �� to meet fans and to sign CDs. I contacted Amy with regards to a �� song that I had heard her play, but Caroline Alvarez couldn’t find on the album; it hadn’t �� been released yet. She emailed me back straight away, letting me know �� it would be on the new album ‘No Sudden Moves’, she even sorted out �� some free tickets for me to go to her �� next gig. As the coordinator of Nightline one of the main aims of the committee this �� year is to raise awareness and the profile of Nightline. What better way �� than a Nightline jingle to put on Storm �� FM! We approached Amy with this idea to see if she could give us any help. She will be recording a jingle for us. �� Bangor Nightline would like to say a �� big thank you to Amy. We look forward �� to seeing her perform in Bangor in the �� near future. For more information on �� Amy, visit: www.amywadge.com. For �� information on Nightline please visit [email protected]. �� Sophie Laine �� Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 5 BANGOR’S TOP FIVE:

...things to do in Bangor that you may not have The Rant thought of.

Bangor Pier. Tea, scones and If a week is a long time in politics, try ten years. 1 great scenery. newly elected MP takes a seat in the general election. I want Blair to step down - has left us with unknown numbers (in and ill-thought-out strategy. Treborth Botanic Gardens. House of Commons for their first because I feel he has failed this country. millions) of refugees in our country. Britain is a subordinate to political Access from behind ‘The APrime Minister’s Questions. In their Take a look at his record as Prime The sanctity of our green-belt correctness and the country is fast 2 Antelope’, next to the Menai excitement they turn to a fellow MP and Minister: after spending billions of pounds countryside is now in peril due to the becoming a laughing stock. Bridge. proclaim, “Isn’t it great to finally be battling on trying to improve the health service demand for housing, this while our own So what does our Prime Minister want the old enemy!?” His fellow MP, a wise head there is little achievement to be seen for birth rate falls but our population grows. in return for these failings? He wants who has been in Parliament for many a his largesse, due in no small measure Whilst the success rate in GCSE and A- a farewell tour! He wants us to line the Climb Bangor Mountain. More year, replies, “They are not the enemy, they to installing an army of mandarins, Level results continues to rise, so does the streets, wave our Union Jacks and shout of a hill, it has great views are merely the opposition. The enemy sit all consultants, managers and accountants number of children playing truant in our from the roof tops how grateful we are and over Bangor. It’s situated 3 around you!” (each it would seem with their own ideas) schools. Intent on increasing the number how his legacy will be fondly remembered. behind the High Street. Tony Blair has been our Prime Minister and little of the investment going into the of young people entering higher education, Tony Blair shouldn’t go in a year. He for nearly a decade. His furrowed brow tells service itself. In 1997 Tony Blair claimed Labour has devalued degrees that we, the should go now. But what does that leave us The terrace in front of the story of a once enthusiastic politician there were “24 hours to save the NHS.” Ten students, work so hard to achieve. Then, with? A dour Scotsman with no confidence; Main Arts. Another good beaten into submission not only by the years on we find the NHS having to make of course, there was the white lie over an Etonian with no policies; and a geriatric view (recommended by the voting public, whose trust he has seemingly mass redundancies and cut backs to keep the introduction of top-up fees. All this former Olympian with no charisma. 4 President). betrayed, but by his fellow Labour within budget. from a man that emphasised “education, Whatever happens over the next twelve parliamentarians. Colleagues who were so His promise to improve the transport education, education.” months the political scene is going to keen to see him elected in 2005 now want system has, as yet, failed to materialise. The Prime Minister will boast about a change just like it did in 1997, only this The stone circle. In a field him packed up and ready to move out of We are, under his control, witnessing a “strong economy” and “low interest rates”, time I hope it’s for the better. behind Hen Goleg. Number 10 posthaste. terrifying rise in crime. Of course, we are but this has only come about through mass 5 They are right to call for the Prime assailed with massaged statistics that try borrowing which will inevitably be paid Minister to resign and I support their calls to convince us that the opposite is in fact back through taxes, of which Labour has for him to step down. Where we differ, the case. introduced over sixty-six. Spencer George PAY DISPUTE though, is why we feel he should step aside. Because of the Schengen Agreement Then there is the issue of Iraq. Whether Unsurprisingly, Labour MPs want Blair we have lowered our guard on border you were pro- or anti- the invasion of Iraq, Don’t agree with Spencer? Email the RESOLVED to make way for Brown (or Johnson) to control; immigration under any title-legal, the state of civil war that Iraq finds itself in Editor with your opinion at editor@seren improve their chances of winning the next illegal, refugee status, political or economic is the result of a misguided, mismanaged .bangor.ac.uk hird years graduated on time this summer, after the NATFHE/AUT strike involving lecturers up and tage crew is a fun loving society that gets invited to all the after show parties. Having T assisted in so many ways last year, stage crew (Society of the Year 2005/6) is planning big down the country was resolved. Fearing that they may not graduate on time, due STAGE CREW Sstuff this year from LIVE events in the SU to helping out backstage at Time / Academi. to lecturers not marking exams and crucial And even stage management and lighting design for the SU clubs and societies. coursework as part of their strike, the If you want to join sign up at the serendipity stand. WANT TO resolution was good news for all students. Peter Banks, Stage Crew Chair Emma Dodd RECRUIT YOU

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�� 6 Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 MEET YOUR S.U. PRESIDENT NEW COMEDY Name: Samuel Peter Burnett, Esq.

Position: President First memory of Bangor: SOCIETY The open day – it was sunny. Bangor sucks you in when it’s sunny; open days, freshers’ urrently anonymous (this will be the first thing the Society shall do – come up week – and then it rains the rest of the year. I with a name), The New Bangor Comedy Society is about to start its first year. remember thinking the train station was like The aim is to put on regular, original comedy nights throughout the year, something off Thomas the Tank Engine, out C written and performed by members of the Society, ranging from stand-up nights to one tunnel and into another. improvisation nights to sketch nights to comic plays to… Well this is it, the beauty of a society like this is that comedy is a broad church, and Best memory of Bangor: it can be done in so many ways. As well as live comedy, the society hopes to set up good The first half of 2006 was amazing! I’ve won working relationships with SEREN and Storm FM. the elections, got a 2:1, passed my driving So if performing live comedy, as stand-up or in sketches, is something you’d really like test and bought a car within the space of 10 to do, or try, then come along. And if it does not interest you, then there will still be a weeks or so. place in The New Bangor Comedy Society for you, as a writer, behind-the-scenes human, event organiser or even an accountant! Favourite place in Bangor: If you have an active interest in the creative process of original comedy, or have an The patio behind Dylan’s in Main Arts – it’s interest in it that you wish was active, then mosey over to Table 2 at Serendipity or e-mail such a wonderful view, every time I walk Chris at: down there I have to stop for a few minutes and be all pensive, like. [email protected] Come along if you have any ideas as to what sorts of things the Society can do on top of live comedy. Are you most likely to be found in? The Society shall be wholly democratic, meaning anybody, no matter what their The library; The pub; Or making the most my favourite tends to be whatever I last carry an umbrella. previous experience is, has a say. Let’s face it: nobody is going to be a pro - the Society of the great outdoors? saw/read. exists because there is nowhere for non-established comics and comic writers to perform/ I’m not a great drinker, and like I said – it’s What do you see yourself doing in ten write. always raining in Bangor, so it’ll have to be What’s the most important thing you’ve years’ time? So I hope to see lots of people joining the Society. There really isn’t another one like the library. learnt from being at Bangor? I’d like to be a Perrier-winning comedian this. I’ve learned to make the most of married to Natalie Portman and living in Aiming for an informal atmosphere, let’s say the Belle Vue in Upper Bangor, Mondays Favourite book, film or song: opportunities that come my way; I don’t New York, but in reality I’ll probably end at 8:00pm? I’m very forward-looking, I can’t spend believe in luck. You can’t make something up doing something horribly boring and too much time thinking about these things happen out of nothing, but you can political, like running the Lib Dems, or – I do love books and movies though, and capitalise on what’s there. Also to always something.

WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON NIGHTLINE - FRIENLY AND EFFICIENT INFORMATION PROVIDER IN YOUR UNION? You’re on a night out with all your mates, everyone is wasted apart from you, you are left Why not become a Course Rep or Independent Councillor? with the job of getting them all home safely. Glanrafon hill would be a struggle, but you only have one taxi number and can’t get through. Everyone else around you is hammered Every department is entitled to a representative, who can vote on their behalf at Council. and asking someone else would be more hassle than it’s worth. WOULD YOU THINK OF Meetings are once every three weeks in the Council Chambers in Main Arts. CALLING NIGHTLINE? Why not speak to a friendly student who has all the local taxi Help influence your Union. Get involved. numbers? We provide a friendly and efficient service for all students and will be happy to help. For more information email [email protected] A BRAND NEW STORM IS BREWING TORM 87.7 FM, in case you are equipment they relied upon was not theirs, The new facility consists of an office, best around, I’m reliably informed. unaware, is Bangor’s student radio which meant that when it failed they had to a production room and a studio space and The new location has also ensured 24/7 Sstation. As a Standing Committee of wait for University staff to carry out repairs, has cost in the region of £40,000. There is accessibility; in the past the only availability the Students’ Union, it is run by students resulting in lengthy periods off air. a 100mm depth of soundproofing on the at the media centre studio was from 6pm for the students. In the past the station has But all that is old news. Things are studio walls ensuring protection from the through to 9am. Storm is now fully self had quite a rocky time, not having a studio about to change for the better! An old surrounding area, and six computers in dependant and can broadcast around the space of their own and having to share both shower block in the basement of the total, each using the latest software – (for clock during term-time. time and space with educational activities in Students’ Union building has been acquired those who know about these things) Adobe The station currently consists of around the Media Centre, meaning that a consistent and, after a summer transformation, is now 2.0 for production, BCX for play-out, and 30 members (after losing many of its broadcast was impossible. Not only that, the Storm’s new home. the DSPXtra audio processor – one of the dedicated 3rd year students to graduation last year) and is looking to recruit around another 70 members by Christmas. INTERVIEW WITH DJ PJ OF STORM FM Membership is £5 and offers not only the t’s the start of a new academic are run by none other than BBC Radio opportunity to present, but also the chance year for one of Storm FM’s 1. Many of Storm FM’s DJs are hoping to learn the ropes in marketing, production, Ibubbliest and brightest DJs. for nominations and Natalie herself IT, music-reviewing and radio journalism. Natalie Pierce-Jones (aka DJPJ) has is entered into the Best Female This year’s national Student Radio worked for Bangor’s student radio category. “We think we are going to Association nominations party is, for the station for the past year. I caught storm it- no pun intended.” first time, to be held in Bangor on 12th up with her and got the low-down on Storm FM has provided Natalie October. Storm are hoping to pick up at what she will be up to. with a clearer future, “I now have Natalie, a second year originally the belief that I might be able to do least one nomination after entering several from Chester, joined Storm FM back this as a job,” thinks Natalie. She categories. The awards themselves are held in September 2005. I discovered her didn’t think she would be able to be a in London and are sponsored by the BBC, logo, a very dedicated team of members, real reason for signing up was that professional DJ before she joined the so it’s a huge event. In the past two years the and (I can exclusively reveal) a major they were giving away lollipops at team at Storm FM. Natalie’s advice station has been nominated for three awards: sponsorship deal with ‘Neuadd Willis, Serendipity! Her favourite moment for all new students is: “Join as many Best Station Sound (2004), Best Newcomer Student Accommodation for 2006/07’, the from last year was when they sung clubs and societies as you can, even if (current Station Manager Spencer George, future of Bangor student radio looks both live for all of Bangor, “Oh it was you don’t think you will enjoy it.” 2005) and Best Female (Emma Gascoigne, bright and Stormy! when we changed the words to Finally, I quickly asked her to 2005 – who now presents on local station ‘Love Machine’ by Girls Aloud to ‘Luff describe her show in just ten words: Machine’ for my mate Jimmy Luff. “Old and new mix with links to rival Coast FM!). If anyone is interested in becoming a Then my co-presenter and I sang it Chris Moyles!” Well, you can’t argue The original aim was for Storm FM to be member of Storm FM they should see the live on air!” with that! on air by Freshers’ Week this year; however, stall at Serendipity, contact the Station brand new tracks from current bands. Natalie is really passionate about Storm FM can be heard live and due to delays in the construction work Manager, Spencer George, via the Storm She hopes to carry the show’s success Storm FM and truly believes that loud any day of the week on 87.7 for the new studio, this has been pushed forward this year. Natalie, along with FM intranet board (or find other contacts it offers the best in pop and rock. FM or over the Intranet from their other DJs from Storm FM, could back slightly. The new aim is to be on air at www.stormfm.com) or through the CSO Last year she ran two shows: one website, http://www.stormfm.com possibly be going on a trip to London later in October and fortunately, this now Carolan Goggin at the Students’ Union. was called ‘Something Borrowed, st very soon to the Student Radio means that the new 1 year members can be Something Blue’ where the listeners Awards. The Student Radio Awards involved in the relaunch. got a taste of both the old classics and Siobhan Catherine Holt So, with a brand new studio and station John Jackson Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 7 Health

THE GREAT ORME Sophie talks health and beauty tips reetings students. My name is wannabes), but of course want to look the straighteners, just for a while. Try the Style: I’m no fashion icon. Be yourself, Sophie Hanna Faith de l’Orme. presentable. scrunch and go method, adding some serum tap into the individual spark that each of GI am not claiming to be a health Hair is important, and as I discovered on to tame the frizz, or perfectly Garnier Fructis us has and come December, when we are up and beauty expert in any way, bear with me a student budget, it doesn’t always include Style Beach Look Spray (£2.99) - all in the to our eyeballs in work and revision, what and yes that is my real name, nice ring to it, £60 plus trips to the salon for those must title really. But if like me, your hair still looks we look like will be the least of our worries. wouldn’t you say? have highlights. In summer, with the heat, like a wild mane, put it up in a loose bun, But for those sweet ‘trash’ and ‘cheesy’ pop Firstly I come from Brighton, where I beach, sea and humidity the effects can or part some of it off your face with a clip: nights a bit of glamour and pout is needed. witness some serious fashion followers. Take equal ‘a knotted mass’. flowery or not, depending on your style. (freshers, you will soon become accustomed for example, a hypothetical person from my A suggestion: Superdrug offer different If you can’t part with your straighteners to our ways and Mike’s Bites). summer job, in a retail shop. It’s a very hot, hair rescue treatment sachets - smooth then use a protective heat spray to lessen the Adios, Aufwiedersehn, laters, see ya …… humid day, and the fashion of the moment onto your hair, leave for a desired time and damage. There are many different varieties …. ‘til the next ‘Health and Beauty’ article. is tights under short skirts and shorts. rinse. I personally like the *Aussie 3 minute on the market. (e.g. Schwarzkopf Pro.Styling Would you? Even when it’s 30 degrees plus Miracle Reconstructor for 99p. To me it’s Heat Protection Straightening Spray, £2.99). P.S. Men: you too should make an effort. outside? Yes, if you are a fashion follower like a deep conditioning treatment without Useless fact, the ingredients can resist heat Wash and deo, simple and effective xx to a ‘T’ and believe you are a true summer the salon price tag. It smells ‘healthy’ and as up to 200 degrees. goddess, nothing, above all comfort should it contains Australian Balm Mint, it must OK, we are now entering the ‘autumn WAG = wives and girlfriends / tabloid stand in your way. The realms of ‘real’ beauty nourish. Take a bath (unless you live in the months’, due to slight climate changes the jargon, i.e. footballers other halves are upon us: hair extensions, two inch false south and have a water shortage), relax and cold shouldn’t hit us yet. Though slight nails, tan bed addiction and not forgetting leave the hair mask on. After all it was our warning to all southerners entering the By the way, after I wrote this, in skin tight, black, cut off at the ankle tights ‘Summer Holiday’, we have ample time to haven of Bangor: rain, yes it will come and GLAMOUR ‘Product of the year Survey’ (excuse slight rant, these tights do come in treat ourselves, and look ravishing for our pour. Invest in stylish Wellingtons: they 2006, more than 12,500 consumers chose Sophie de l’Orme varying colours). university return, or start if you’re a fresher. are in fashion, and if you have been lucky Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Frizz Remedy as Back to us mere mortal students, who Beach hair is always top in the summer enough to have been to a festival, they the number one frizz product (don’t clap, don’t aim for the celebrity lifestyle (WAG months according to every glossy. Ditch certainly will get more wear now. yes perhaps I am the expert?) X NIGHTLINE WANTS TO LISTEN ow many people do you know who obtain. To listen and to empathize with a Nightline has volunteers who are ready to SAFE DRINKING have the time and patience to listen person is mentally draining and requires a listen from 8pm to 8am every night during here are the usual points to o It’s easy to just leave someone with Hto you with undivided attention? lot of concentration. term time; they will listen for as long as you remember, but watch out for other your drink while you go to the toilet, Even your best friends may struggle to A Nightliner is specifically trained how need them to. Our non judgmental and things. Knowing a couple of people but finish it before you go. They may be find the time or to actively listen. To listen to listen. The training is intense and many active listeners are there for you on 01248 T who did get their drinks spiked last year, trustworthy but from experience I find actively and effectively is a hard skill to people don’t realise how difficult it is. 362121. I’d say the main thing to remember is to be people don’t watch your drink properly or aware of who’s around you. It may not be they just pop it behind them. the company you keep, but the company o Don’t accept drinks from strangers you don’t want to keep. unless you see it being made or opened It’s OK to keep your drink in front of – that’s the way to make friends without you, but cover it – especially at the bar being too rude. when you might look away to talk to a o Try to judge who you could trust group of friends. It’s a bit harder with to look after you when you’re out or if nawddnawdd nosnos drinks in glasses, but there’s no excuse not something happened. to have your back covered with bottles. You o If you feel funny – even if you’ve can cover the top with your thumb or you drunk too much – stay with your friends can buy special plugs from supermarkets (that includes going to the toilet). that mean drink can come out but nothing nightline can get in your bottle. Jennifer Stanley nightline The main points to remember though are: 0120124488 336621212121

DOCn a new environment, there are all sortsSPOT generates both excitement and anxiety. For EXERCISES Sometimes it's tough to tell. But there are illnesses to submission of assignments of new experiences to be sampled, but some, the apprehension is quickly overcome - Just 15-20 minutes of activity three signs: on time. Always think positive. Thinking there are many sources of potential stress as they adapt to a new environment; for times per week will increase your fitness - Wheezing positively helps reduce certain amounts of I stress. as well. Let us look at the university-related others the transition takes longer and level. - Coughing student problems and lifestyle and how to sometimes emerges as homesickness. - Exercise and sports help you relax and - Bad breath You can be in control! deal with it… Those who experience homesickness sleep better. The brain releases endorphins - Yellow-stained teeth and fingers Remember - Stress is a fact of life – it might notice an increase in depressed that make you less tired. - Frequent colds need not be a way of life! ALCOHOL feelings, anxiety, obsessive thoughts and - It is never too late to start exercises, - Decreased senses of smell & taste Despite being part of our culture, alcohol minor physical ailments. You are not immune start off with a few minutes and gradually - Problems remembering what they Dr Rashesh Mehta is a dangerous drug with powerful effects just because you’ve successfully experienced increase it. recently said or did on both mind and brain. Drinking can be leaving home before. Vulnerability to feeling - Aerobic exercises and a low fat diet can - Difficulty keeping up with sports and For queries e-mail the Doctor: extremely pleasurable and, in moderation, homesick is affected by: help you to lose weight and make you more athletic activities may even have health benefits. Although - Distance from home active. - Bleeding gums [email protected]. alcohol initially helps with relaxation and -Expectation of university not being met - Frequent mouth sores acts as a mood-enhancer, it is ultimately - Contrast in lifestyle SMOKING Smoking can actually increase feelings a depressant; so a heavy night drinking is - Worries about parents, partner or When we hear the term ’smoking’, most of stress and nervousness. Use drug-free likely to leave you feeling worse rather than children at home. of us only think of cigarettes. But what strategies to calm your nerves like exercise better. What should be done in such cases? about the smoke from marijuana? Did you and talking to your friends. The recommended number of alcohol - Believe in yourself and understand it is know that ‘weed’ contains some of the same units is 14 per week for women and 21 for just a phase cancer-causing compounds as tobacco, STRESS men, but almost 65% of students exceed - Join societies, involve yourself in sometimes in higher concentrations? Stress can be positive or negative these limits. Alcohol’s ability to help you activities and make friends. Smoking is the most common cause depending upon how we respond to to relax, to reduce tension and to remove - Familiarise yourself with the Students’ of lung cancer, but is also a leading cause pressure and situations. Remember ‘without inhibitions lends itself to avoiding some Union as they’ll also be able to help. of cancer of the mouth, throat, bladder, stress there is no life’. Everyone gets stressed difficult situations. Drinking may give you a - Talk to the Welfare Officer, a close pancreas, and kidneys. It is particularly at some time in his/her life. Managing stress relaxed sense of community, but habit may friend or your personal tutor. harmful to young people because the body is is very important. What we need is to look make it hard to relax without it. - Always try to keep yourself engaged in still growing and changing, and it can cause at it as a combination of disciplines; time work or other activities. life-threatening diseases such as chronic management and relaxation techniques HOMESICKNESS - You can always call home! bronchitis, heart disease, and strokes. have been effective in handling stressful Beginning life at university naturally How can you find the symptoms? situations ranging from life-threatening 8 Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 FROM ADVENTURES FROM Travel BANGOR ACROSS TO BANGOR THE POND CZECH WITH A YORKSHIRE ello my name is Lucy. I’m ell I’d better start by currently studying my second introducing myself! I have ACCENT Hyear in English literature at the Wjust finished my first year ere you aware that the enough for anyone. University of Maine, Bangor, USA! Every here at Bangor, and am leaving our lovely temperature in Prague reaches Leaving the Czech issue I shall give you an update of my university to go and study for a year in W37 degrees? No? Neither were Republic at stupid experiences as an exchange student. America. Shock horror! Leaving Bangor? we, will teach us to do our research better in o’clock that morning I have now been in the USA a week Why would anyone wish to do such a future though, won’t it? we were on route for and what a week it has been. To anyone thing? Well, I am not entirely sure myself. Having explained to my mother that Budapest. As this is thinking of doing an exchange I would I have loved my first year here, but when she couldn’t find her luggage because she quite an extensive say to definitely go for it- let’s face it if the opportunity arose to study across the was stood by the luggage carousel from the journey we had a you have had the delightful pleasure of pond, I decided to go for it. It all began Luton flight and she had in fact flown from lengthily lunch break staying in Emrys Evans you can handle one rainy day (well here that doesn’t really Leeds/Bradford we went through arrivals to in Slovakia. Bratislava anything the world has to throw at you. narrow it down) in November. find our tour guide. We were enthusiastically became capital of But be prepared: although I brought tea My tutor mentioned that the exchange greeted by a vertically challenged Geordie Slovakia when the bags I forgot the kettle. Little did I realise program is open to all University man, who we later learned had been doing country separated that in Maine electric kettles are a rarity- of Wales, Bangor students, with the the job for 30 years. It showed with his well from the Czech Republic in 1992. A town know that it is the life’s work of the toilet panic not, fortunately I have found one! exception of a few courses. My course weathered and heavily suntanned face and not quite designed to be a capital but they attendant to make you pay, and get very There have been several culture shocks (Ocean Science) allows their students to once our eclectic tour group was assembled were giving it a good go. Our tour guide angry if you don’t. I think I got away with it. this week, the most shocking by far study their second year in Oregon State we boarded the coach, driven by a Czech advised us to look at the sky and by our feet, It’s a sad day when going to the toilet could is breakfast: sausages and bacon are University. This does not add an extra driver. Our destination was a bright blue and he was right to. There were small bronze cause an international incident! served-perfectly normal you say, but year onto the course, it just means the communist tower block hotel, called the statues dotted around. The most memorable Now, whether or not we were influenced wait...Americans put lashings of syrup third year is worth 100% of your degree. ‘Hotel Duo’ because, surprisingly, there were by the outstanding hotel in Budapest over it! I too recoiled in horror. This meat Yikes! So in December, I picked up an 2 tower blocks. How very inventive! (air conditioning!) I’m unsure but it was and sweet combo is one custom I refuse application form and applied. There are Our walking tour began at Prague Castle, Three countries in one day definitely my favourite of the 3 cities. The to try: it’s plain madness! a few conditions that you have to fill: you on route to which we passed various bridges should be enough for anyone. city straddles a gentle curve in the Danube The wardens are super happy hyper have to get a minimum of 60% overall in including the famous Charles Bridge; a and it’s definitely the most beautiful. The people who seem never to have a frown. your first year, and you also have to pass miniature version of the Eiffel Tower (looks hotel itself was situated on Margaret’s Island Yes, this is refreshing but also slightly an interview that takes place around April. more like a large TV aerial); and a giant being a man emerging from a manhole in in the middle of the Danube. The island scary when they rush up to you with Should all that be successful, you are metronome (I don’t know why either). the floor, mainly for the fact that I nearly is primarily used as a leisure island, so is their beaming white smile gaily chanting released! You then get the joy of applying Prague Castle is the largest medieval castle fell over it! very green and encircled by trees and, well, ‘A Hearty Maine Hello to You’. I later for an American visa. That is quite a long complex in Europe and it shows. It comprises A very beautiful city, much of it not built joggers. discovered the protocol for this is to and complicated process, and requires a of the Saint Vitus Cathedral, several palaces, within the last 200 years, so the architecture Our tour was very insightful, despite the reply ‘and A Hearty Maine Hello to You trip to the American Embassy in London, museums, galleries and St Georges basilica. was remarkable. Much more preferable fact that our tour guide was Mary Poppins, too’, not just stand there dumbfounded, which has a huge police presence and The cathedral is the most impressive of these than the concrete jungles we are used to wearing a hat with Budapest emblazoned laughing at the loons! armed guards! However, I think it will buildings; an extremely large gothic building in modern capital cities. Apart from the across it. We toured the beautiful palaces and On a brighter note the campus and be well worth it. Of course I am writing with incredible stain glass windows made up architecture there isn’t really that much to went around the markets: however the most university facilities are amazing, you this before I have actually left... so next from tiny pieces of coloured glass. The effect see in Bratislava, so off we went towards memorable part of my stay in Budapest was couldn’t ask for better, and with the prices month’s article will probably tell whether with the light shining through was amazing. Budapest. Staring out my window (there the Hungarian Folk evening. As much as I American students pay you shouldn’t or not this was a good idea… In the cathedral there is the tomb of Duke really isn’t anything else to do on a coach) like to embrace other cultures, this evening expect any less (fear not for all of you Wenceslas, aka “Good King Wenceslas” from I was startled how much the landscape was made a lot more entertaining by the free who are interested, exchange students Amy Garrett the Christmas Carol. The cathedral was very looked like Italy: fields of sunflowers and wine. Their traditional dancing comprised pay UK fees so there is no excuse not to crowded, everyone desperate to look at the terracotta roofed houses, which is surprising of lots of high pitched screaming, thigh leave Wales for a semester tomb. Now being British we had formed an considering how far Hungary is from Italy, slapping and stamping. Ah well when in or two!) The campus orderly queue, only to be pushed out of the geographically speaking. Budapest… is immaculate and the way by some Europeans. Not one to be out- Spending a Euro Out of the two, Budapest would be the landscape is beautiful. done I decided to follow suit and managed If you need a pee in Europe you are city I would visit again. Nothing against It is surreal and it to get a good look. There isn’t exactly much expected to pay. Now not having any Euros Prague but when you can be identified as is like all the trashy to see, but it was worth it to see where a real on me and being desperate to relieve myself being Northern by a random Hungarian cheesy movies, which life Christmas carol character was buried. of the facilities, I decided I would sneak in who stops you in the street it can’t be a bad is great as the laughter Next I’m going to find the statue of Rudolph behind the line of people who were actually thing. is endless! I’ve been the red nose reindeer. paying to use the loo. Anyone who has tried made to feel welcome Three countries in one day should be to use public toilets in a foreign country will Cat Prince and I have my tea-what more do I need! Until next issue, bye! 1001 DALMATIANS Lucy Digney o what did I make of a country I could stay in some really small and have something against vowels! famous for a spotted dog and an ER beautiful places where camping was the Working from the top to the bottom Sdoctor? Quite a lot actually. With only form of accommodation on offer. was a great way of travelling through Croatia’s extensive coastline and over a Lots of Croats offer rooms in their houses Dalmatia and it seemed that each place I thousand islands, it is a beautiful country to travellers during the summer months. In got to was more beautiful than the last. with a lot to offer. Each island has its own some places these are snapped up quickly, This culminated with Dubrovnik, its identity and travelling between them is in others you will see people standing with complete set of walls encircling the old relatively easy, with an efficient system signs offering ‘sobe, zimmer, rooms’, where town, with its beautiful stone buildings of ferries and catamarans. From the large the bus or ferry gets in. These generally cost and terracotta tiles. A walk around the Istrian peninsula at the top, down to the between £10-15. walls gives a great view of the city and out famous walled city of Dubrovnik at the The food in Croatia is very much to sea. Croatia has recovered most quickly bottom, the waters of Croatia are varying influenced by Italy, which lies just across out of all the former Yugoslav countries, as shades of turquoise and blue, but always the sea, so lots of pizza and pasta. Croatia its tourist industry has always been healthy. crystal clear. has several national beers and alcohol Dubrovnik itself took a lot of destruction, A favourite getaway for both Italians and remains inexpensive. In some places it is but has been restored fully. The entire Germans due to its close proximity with cheaper to indulge in a beer than a coke- coastline is free of shelled buildings, a both, Croatia remains relatively untouched what a shame! The word to know is ‘pivo’ reminder of the past war that can be seen by the British tourist trade (although I did (beer) and even though most Croats speak in other places in the region. meet a car full of Bangor graduates at one English, German and Italian quite fluently, point!) I managed to live on a budget of it is always appreciated if you have a go at Emma Dodd £20 a day quite easily, although having their language, even if it resembles no other a tent did help. The tent also meant that you’ve tried to learn before and appears to Fellow exchange student from Bangor, Phil in Maine Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 9 Agony Aunts Dear Bev and Mair Dear Agony Aunt

I came back to Bangor yesterday only to find that the property I had rented with my friends I’m at the end of my tether, the people on my was a complete wreck! The landlord had promised when we signed the contract that he would floor have been partying on and off all week, be re-decorating, cleaning and replacing bedding and the bathroom by the 1st of September myself and my friend Kate have been woken up 2006. The property was a bit of a dive when we signed the contract (there was damp in some several times after 11.00 pm most nights, our of the rooms, the bathroom was totally disgusting, there was a crack in the sink and there was studies are being disrupted, by slamming doors, no hot water for the shower and black mould on the silicone surrounding the shower base, the Hi Bev and Mair people running along corridors, loud music and mattresses in some of the bedrooms didn’t have fire retardant labels and some were stained), shouting. We are trying to study for our exams. but we trusted the landlord as he seemed like a good bloke. My student loan hasn’t been Please help us! My mother cried when she saw the condition of the property and my parents pleaded for me to paid into my bank account, go home with them, eventually I persuaded them that I had to stay, they agreed provided that I’m broke! My Mum is on Thanks - J, Bangor they pay for me to stay at a bed and breakfast. I am grateful to my parents for paying for the Income Support and can’t B&B but I can’t stay there indefinitely. What can I do, where can I stay? help me financially. Please help me! Dear J The people on your floor seem to be very inconsiderate, I Thanks - M, Bangor Thanks - L, Bangor suggest you try the following: o Speak to flat mates Dear L o Inform Wardens Dear M o Complain to Halls Staff o Call Security How awful for you and your housemates, have you spoken to your landlord? Come down to the Students Union Call to see a Student Advisor at the S.U. Welfare Office Advice Centre, we will call your Local o One of the first things to do is to get as much photographic evidence as you can and compile a detailed list of all things o Keep a diary of events that you believe need to be repaired or replaced. Education Authority or the Student Loan Company on your behalf to Try and keep things on a friendly basis to begin with, speak Contact the Students Union Advice Centre – they will be able to help you ascertain what repairs are emergencies – Fire ascertain why there is a delay in to the flatmates concerned, explaining how their partying is Safety etc. your Student Loan payment. We will affecting you. If you feel that this is not working inform the You can try and negotiate amicably with your landlord, put all requests in writing and keep a copy – there are certain also contact any departments within wardens of the situation or as a last resort call out Security. repairs that they have a legal duty to carry out. Check your contract; are there any specific details of repairs or the University to advise them of the replacements that your landlord has agreed to do? situation and make arrangements for ‘The University will treat noise made between the hours If the property is in poor condition your landlord may be breaking the tenancy agreement by failing to carry out payments to be deferred until your of 11.00pm and 7.00am as serious noise nuisance. Serious or repairs. This means that you would be able to walk away from the property without any obligation to pay rent. Student Loan arrives enabling you to persistent may lead to disciplinary action, and they give grounds continue with your studies. for the University to terminate the Residence Agreement.’ You also have the right to request that the local authority visits the property; they have a duty to take action against Dependant on your accommodation UWB Halls of Residence Handbook 2005/06 private landlords. status we can contact your landlord or Keep a diary of all events, as this would be invaluable if the the university halls or finance office. situation goes to a disciplinary. The Advice Centre can offer On a final note keep all receipts for the B&B, as you can claim against the landlord for these costs. We can also contact your bank to representation should a disciplinary be required. negotiate an overdraft facility. Yours Truly Yours Truly Yours Truly Bev and Mair Bev and Mair Bev and Mair �� at BELLE VUE Holyhead Road, Upper Bangor 01248 364439 • Fine Traditional Ales • Homecooked Foods • Guest Ales • Pool Room & Beer Garden • Quiz Night Sunday 8.00pm �� 10 Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 BODYROCKERS ROCKED THE BALL he Bodyrockers most definitely stole the show at this year’s Summer Ball. Partly due to the fact that the other main act T(a certain Fat Man Scoop) was held up in Amsterdam with no visa to perform in the UK, the Bodyrockers were the stars of the night. They presented a testosterone fuelled show, with ‘I Like The Way You Move’ being the ultimate highlight. There was a good selection of music on offer, with marquees set up outside and classical musicians playing near reception. The Summer Ball provides a great opportunity to see all your mates dressed up and looking respectable for one night of the year. Main Arts is a great venue for it and my personal favourite part is the quad. Opened especially and decked out with a large mirror ball and dimly lit, it’s a must see. Respect goes out to all those who lasted until 6am, I personally was not one of them! Unfortunately, Mike’s Bites best intentions to serve the ball- weary revellers on their way home at the early hours of the morning were blighted by the fact that they did not have a licence to serve at such an hour, so the police put a stop to it. Disappointing for a certain editor-elect, who had to return home and make her own fry up with supplies from the Late Stop

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Seren Page.indd 1 03/08/2006 17:28:04 Seren Page.indd 1 03/08/2006 17:28:04 Seren Page.indd 1 03/08/2006 17:28:04 Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 13 Film

SUPERMAN RETURNS TO A CHANGED WORLD

his summer saw the return of the original superhero to our cinema screens. The new millennium heralded an explosion of comic book movies as we looked to pencil-and-ink-and-colour mythology in these uncertain times. All these adaptations seemed to be pre- Toccupied with finding the gritty realism in the world of their protagonists. We seemed so entertained with masking our own modern fears that there can be no doubt Batman’s po-faced vengeance, the X-Men’s impossible introspection and even Spider-Man’s sympathetic teen-angst was a hard pill for kids to swallow. Superman’s return with his heady palette of red, yellow and blue should have an awareness of his own absurdity and supply a shameless sugar-rush of compassionate superheroism. The first and best action sequence involving a malfunctioning space/aircraft had the right dramatic sense of peril to help triumph over the ludicrousness of the set-up - neatly capped with a one-liner which makes the Son of Krypton look like he enjoys what he does. From then on, a conventional journey of acceptance begins after discovering that the love of his life Lois Lane has a family of her own. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor hatches a fiendish real estate plot. There were two things which I baulked at: the first upon contemplation; the second came like a bolt from the blue. The collateral damage in last year’s summer blockbuster Batman Begins was a major distraction, in effect painting the Dark Knight as a glorified psychopath. Although not immediately obvious, while casually strolling towards a real nasty pumping rounds from heavy artillery, bullets bounce off the Man of Steel in every direction when he could have ended the violence faster than a speeding proverbial (and just where did those plane wings land?). The most distressing thing is when soon-to-be-Superkid abruptly kills a thug with a piano. It was meant to be a stark realisation that this small child is destined to fight evil, but left me feeling empty. This moment of madness suggested that Superman Returns is another tragic sign of the times - the boy had the power to immobilise the thug without murdering him, so are we meant to believe that compassion is a weakness? On the acting front, the supporting cast is solid considering they are nothing more than a bunch of caricatures. Brandon Routh is dependable in the title role, Kate Bosworth is an amiable love interest albeit too juvenile to convince as a jaded journalist, and Kevin Spacey brings a knowing comical flavour to his familiar ‘cerebral antagonist with a god complex’ routine which made him a household name in the Nineties. On the whole, Superman Returns is a watchable, surprisingly morally dubious blockbuster but as a celebration of envelope-pushing special effects, $250 million says you can’t find a better example this year.

Kevin Smith

FIND YOUR FIRE HERE!

ow would you like a role in a big independent film to be made in Bangor? Find Your Fire’ is an unpretentious comedy with a beating heart that will make you laugh, make you cry and Hjump for joy as insurmountable odds are triumphed over. What more could you want? Oh yes, you will also be paid for dressing up and pretending to be somebody else. Pre-production is in progress & casting dates/venues are, as the Voice of the Trailer never seems to say these days, “coming soon.” �� PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN �� – DEAD MAN’S CHEST ��

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or anyone who enjoyed the first instalment of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, the second film would be �� high on their list of films to watch. Unfortunately, Johnny Depp’s inspired campness degenerates Finto pure silliness and the film is simply too long. By the end, it has lost all semblance of plot, leaving the viewer confused and me personally wishing they had not made a second. Admittedly, the �� effects were good, but call me old fashioned, but a film cannot rely on this alone. �� Caroline Alvarez 14 Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006

Red Hot Music Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium

eturning from a four year hiatus, the now-approaching middle aged funk Rrockers have taken a massive risk in releasing their ninth studio album over two discs. A move that would have seen many bands tossed to the bottom of the bargain bin, the atrociously titled ‘Stadium Arcadium’ documents the range of styles the band have developed over their twenty plus year career. Combining the bombastic basslines of their earlier work with the layered guitar melodies of their more recent Muse – Black Holes efforts, the band have clearly adopted the ‘if Razorlight it ain’t broke’ mindset and you are unlikely and Revelations to find anything you haven’t heard before. – Razorlight Tracks such as ‘Charlie’ wouldn’t sound out So what’s the next step for of place on 1991’s ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’ the band that has everything? whilst others such as ‘Wet Sand’ and the Already established household he trousers are tighter, the hair is names thanks to three of the most bigger and the egos have reached album’s title track could easily have been ingenious albums released in recent Tgargantuan proportions; just three plucked straight from 2002’s ‘By The Way.’ years; headlining Glastonbury and reasons why Razorlight are fast becoming Nevertheless, despite the sense of déjà Reading & Leeds; have a modern the band that everyone loves to hate. But vu, it is as solid an album as any RHCP fan day guitar legend in the form of if you look past pompous frontman Johnny could have hoped for and sees guitarist John Mathew Bellamy. Well you release Borrell and focus on what he does rather Frusciante unleashed in a way as yet unseen a Blair and Bush bashing, post- than what he says, then you might find outside of his solo work. His mesmerising apocalyptic album featuring alien yourself giving them a little more love than signature licks are now coupled with the invasions, black holes and the speaker-busting solos that were sorely possible inhabitants of Mars. Of hate. Lily Allen – Keane - Under course. If their 2004 debut ‘Up All Night’ was the lacking from the band’s previous record and While the songs are still Muse raucous rock ‘n’ roll night before, then their complement bassist Flea’s funk-infused lines Alright Still The Iron Sea through and through, their sound eponymous follow up is most definitely the perfectly. Being a double album it was to be has evolved and may surprise some hazy morning after. Although still distinctly expected that not all the tracks were gong oul-mouthed Mockney Lily Allen eane’s latest release, ‘Under the with the increased use of synths Razorlight, the majority of the tracks are to stand up to highlights such as singles has been branded the freshest thing Iron Sea’ is the second album from and guitar effects masterfully notably down-tempo, something that may ‘Dani California’ and ‘Tell Me Baby’, and Fin music at the moment. As to the Sussex three piece. After a interwoven by Mr Bellamy and K disappoint those who are looking for the this shows in the half a dozen numbers that whether those accolades have come from hugely successful first album, the pressures Co. The ‘80s electronic sound oomph provided by the band’s previous would probably have been best saved for the The Guardian or The Times is unclear but of touring and a follow up album clearly has clearly influenced the making inevitable forthcoming B-sides album. As the ‘female Mike Skinner’ is undoubtedly of the album, with Queen and efforts. Despite this, there is no denying their affected and inspired them. ‘Under the Iron causing a stir. Comparisons with the Depeche Mode both obvious ability to write catchy pop tunes; the band’s fun-sized frontman Anthony Keidis should Sea’ reveals an emotional wreck beneath inspirations. Album highlight ‘Map keep-it-simple attitude shows through on know, size doesn’t matter and as with most Streets’ frontman are inevitable with her what seemed to be the calm, collected of the Problematique’ and new live almost every track, including future sing- double albums, ‘Stadium Arcadium’ could self-penned commentary of growing up exterior of a band so often compared to favourite ‘Knights of Cydonia’ are a-long classic ‘America’ and first single ‘In probably have been cut down to a single in today’s society, but unfortunately it is the likes of Coldplay. A definite shift from perfect examples of how the band The Morning.’ However, this also leads to album with every track as a standout. more akin to The Streets’ more recent work, the happy pop melodies of songs such as have taken their sound to a whole the album becoming somewhat predictable However, as it stands, the band have created devoid of the edgy lyrics and beats that ‘Somewhere only we know’ and ‘This is the new level, the latter in particular and lacking in imagination. Songs such as an album that is universally accessible, from peppered their debut. last time’ from the first album, here we see a almost verging on prog-epic status. ‘Hold On’ and ‘Los Angeles Waltz’ verge on hardcore Pepper-ites to fresh faced Red While the subject matter will ring darker side to the trio. However, that’s not to say that Hot wannabees wondering what all this true with many, Lily’s lyrics are nothing it is an experimental album; the the mundane and considering there are only The track entitled ‘Atlantic’ begins with a we haven’t heard before from the likes songs feel textured and wonderfully a measly ten tracks, the album starts to look California nonsense is all about. sixty five second instrumental of keyboard constructed, with Matt’s vocals a little sparse. of Mr Skinner himself and even fellow and out of sync drumming, before the used as an additional instrument Standout tracks ‘Pop Song 2006’ and Chris Thomson wippersnappers The Arctic Monkeys, and dulcet tones of Tom Chaplin’s voice even more than ever. For the less ‘Back To The Start’ are more of what we lack the astute rhymes and rhythms of these begin and further into the album another adventurous, fair-weather Muse have come to expect from the band, but artists. “She looks in her bag, takes out a fag, instrumental ‘Under the iron sea’ again sees fan, the radio friendly ‘Starlight’ unfortunately these moments are too few tries to get away from the guy on a blag”. striking keyboard playing from the band and catchy-as-hell lead single and far between and the album falls just Inspired? Unsure as to whether it wants to proving that even without guitars they can ‘Supermassive Black Hole’ briefly short of the high expectations set of the reject or embrace the ‘chav culture’ most of create epic sounding music. The first single bring you back down to earth from the songs relate to, the album tries to be too the cosmic journey the rest of the group. Whilst by no means a bad album, from the album ‘Is it any wonder’ mixes U2- clever for its own good and ends up verging album embarks upon. there is not enough here to keep you coming style keyboard riffs with lyrics such as ‘Is it Despite the other worldly subject back time after time, and as is usually the on the immature. ‘Not Big’ is an example of any wonder I’m tired? Is it any wonder that matter and fashionable political case, you’ll much prefer to remember the this; no prizes for guessing what it’s about. I feel uptight?’ that reveal the band to be less edge, the Devon trio have produced rock ‘n’ roll night before than the hazy No doubt by now, the single ‘Smile’ has of the happy boys they were made out to be. an album that somehow builds upon morning after. been burned into your skull by its incessant Other lyrics such as ‘Do I seem too eager to their previous efforts and looks set airplay and whether you loved or hated it, please you now? from the track ‘Leaving so to cement their place as one of the will dictate how you view the album. Most soon?’ show the band to be slightly more biggest and most important bands Chris Thomson of the tracks continue in the same vain, bitter about life and the virtues of fame. in the world. fusing elements of hip-hop, R’n’B and even Still, even through the darker lyrics the odd chord of ska, see ‘Friend Of Mine’ Chris Thomson and the impressive instrumentals the all Want to write a for evidence of this. important sing-a-long songs still remain review? SEREN The more interesting songs, ‘Friday for the summer festivals and gigs. ‘Nothing Night’ and ‘Take What You Take’ are not in my way‘ and ‘Crystal ball’ have catchy gets sent enough to save the album, but do get your melodies and memorable lyrics which loads of CDs, head nodding. While ‘Knock ‘em Out’ and should keep fans that prefer the original ‘Alfie’ are at the other end of the spectrum, Keane sound happy. ‘Under the Iron Sea’ it could and makes you wonder exactly how much is excellent, showing a more distinct sound be you talent is needed to secure a recording for the band that steps away from the contract nowadays. Although younger clichés that they were often criticised for reviewing teenage girls are likely to lap this up, in the beginning. A combination of their them. Get anyone wanting slightly more substance to new sound integrated with hints of the old in touch their music should steer clear of the hype should mean yet another successful album and stick to those who have done it all for the band who hopefully will continue with the before, but better. onto bigger and even better things. editor for more Chris Thomson details. Kirsten Buglass Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 15

first heard, ‘Upside Down’ by Jack Johnson on Radio 1 just hen at the start of the summer I heard JK and Joel announce that they wanted to get one of my after I got home for the summer. The excitement of the end of favourite songs re-released to be Radio One’s summer anthem I was a little unhappy to think of Iexams and the Summer Ball had died down with everyone’s Wit being played to death on the stations playlist, but it actually had a very understated release and hangover next day and then it was time to go home. I sat on the in my opinion wasn’t played enough! sofa and switched on the radio, the sun was shining brightly and all Israel Kamakawiwo Ole’ was the definitive Hawaiian musician of the nineties until his death in 1997. was well. The summer had begun and then this song came on. An ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ is his most well known song, taken from his album Facing Future, released immediate chill factor was added to the mood which took effect every in 1993. It is a beautiful acoustic track, which has been featured in several films, television programs, and time it was played. commercials. Relying simply on his tender voice it seamlessly and effortlessly intertwines the poignant lyrics I can’t say that this song stirs up any great memories, it just puts a of the songs ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from the The Wizard of Oz and ‘What a Wonderful World’ made smile on my face and makes me think of the sun (that at this moment famous by Louis Armstrong. The only accompaniment to his voice is the gentle strumming of his ukulele, has chosen to make a brief appearance). allowing the song, though profoundly simple, to sound strikingly beautiful. The whole feel of the song transports me to one of the many lazy, warm summer days we had this year as Israel sings of rainbows and Jennifer Stanley blue skies. It cannot help but make you feel summery, completely chilled out and just that little bit happier! Claire Mann

y song of this summer had to be ‘One’ by U2 featuring Mary Which songs epitomise Summer MJ. Blidge. This song reminds me 2006 for you? These are ours... of when I was flying home from Rome. My friend Katy and I had gone to the City for a four day holiday. We had heard the song a few times whilst we were in Rome and then on the plane back we were bored and so decided to mime along to the song on Katy’s ipod! It was really funny and we even got some strange looks from a couple nearby!

Catherine Humes SOUNDTRACK TO use – Supermassive Black Hole. Yes, it sounds like Britney Spears mixed Mwith the Scissor Sisters and nothing like Muse, but it’s catchy! With a killer riff that THE SUMMER makes`06 it impossible not to nod your head, the song is the perfect accompaniment to those long have been to Lourdes twice before, and summer days and chilled out evenings with your this year was my third year. In Lourdes friends. To top it all off, seeing Muse perform the Iwe help the doctors and nurses by track while closing the Leeds Festival was a special looking after the elderly and sick pilgrims. moment and cemented the track as my song of the This year in Lourdes we sang a lot because summer. we were on a coach for hours on end. For Chris Thomson example, one priest can take any hymn and change the words so it’s about someone you know! It’s very amusing! On the final night at he day before I go to see the best band in the world, a band I’ve loved since I was small, a band that contains my Heros and our fancy dress party we all had a sing-a-long I’m sick. I show up at the pub I worked at this summer and within an hour I’m making trips to the toilets; some times while where we changed the words to names of TI’m halfway through pouring a pint. This pattern continues through the night and the next day. I’m feeling extremely sorry people we actually know. for myself. The doors open at 6 and the Chili’s are on at half 8. My little sister wants to get in the queue at 11ish almost as soon as we’ve The song of the summer besides the hymn arrived. No chance. I have to sleep. I emerge from slumber to get into the line at about 4. Everyone there is buzzing. I’m sat on the floor ‘dance then where ever you may be’ has to be head in hands. I’m super annoyed at this. Sick before the gig of a lifetime. ‘In the morning’ by Razorlight. It was played The doors open and it’s better than any medicine and I soon forget all my woes as the atmosphere builds. We are right at the front nearly every day by my friends on the floor and I soon realize the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be less than six feet from me! The adrenaline thunders through my veins as John and below and we could hear it as clear as a bell a Flea come on and jam followed by Chad and then Anthony. It was their last UK date of the Stadium Arcadium tour and they were on floor up. This year in Lourdes was a lot of fun fire. Almost every song was linked with a funky jam or ripping solo by Flea and John, who did several of his own solo songs. They played and I got a badge for my service. I was very every song I could have hoped for and loads of the better tracks off Stadium. The encore was Under the Bridge and Give It Away! This proud and thoroughly enjoyed it! gig and the subsequent repetition of all my Chili’s CDs has been the sound track to this summer. Siobhan Catherine Holt Luke Wilsher

he song that epitomises summer 2006 for me is ‘National Express’ y soundtrack to Summer 2006 has got to be ‘I Like The Way You Move’ by The by Divine Comedy. This is mainly because the song is centred around BodyRockers. I was in the front row at the Summer Ball, where they put on a very good Tcoach journeys and seeing as though I spent 2 weeks of my summer on Mshow. From then on, my summer was scattered with fragments of it. The famous chorus a coach it seemed rather fitting. The lyrics about how every area of human life was used in an advert and every time I heard it, I was reminded of boogeying in Bangor. I heard it are on board are so true. Our coach ranged from me, the 19 year old student, emanating out of a VW camper van, which was selling pasties on the Sunday at T in the Park, just as to the 82 year old elderly man falling asleep at every opportunity. I also like the it started to rain and everyone ran towards the covered stages. I also heard it in a restaurant on top Ska-esque beat to the song it makes it sound very happy and summery and not of a hill on the island of Krk in Croatia, so I think I can safely say that ‘I Like The Way You Move’ too serious. In summer you need a song that makes you smile and you can dance got just about everywhere in summer ’06. around like an idiot to with your friends and have fun. Emma Dodd Cat Prince 16 Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 SERENDIPITY MAP ‘06 1 Art 33 Indian Society 60 UWB Pride 2 Comedy 34 Chinese Society 61 Students With Disabilities 3 BUFFS 35 Malaysian Society Officer 4 Biscuit Appreciation 36 Abbey Road Centre 62 Dyslexia Unit 101 102 5 Animal Welfare 37 Barnardos 63 Library Service 100 103 104 6 Photography 38 Consumer Support Network 64 Partneriaeth Amgylcheddol 99 105 106 7 Young Fabians 39 Speculative Analysis 65 Research Students’ Forum 98 107 8 Plaid Cymru 40 Hendre Hall Social Club 97 9 Liberal Democrats 41 Chubbs 65 Laptop World 10 Conservative Future 42 The Muse 66 National Blood Service 11 Labour Students 43 Prestige Mobility 67 NHS Family Planning 12 Amnesty 44 Traveline Cymru Services 13 Geography Society 45 Arriva 68 UMCB 14 Forestry Society 46 Nice ‘n’ Naughty 69 Cymdeithas Llywelyn 15 Arcanii 47 British Red Cross 70 Cymdeithas Yr Iaith Gymraeg 90 16 Law 48 Wales University Officer 71 Storm FM 89 88 17 Chartered Institute of Training Corps 72 SEREN 91 87 Marketeers 49 Islamic Society 73 Treborth 92 86 18 Ecological Society 50 Christian Union 74 Centre for Careers & 93 85 19 Rostra 51 Bangor Congregation of Opportunities 84 20 SODA Jehovah’s Witnesses 75 Student Volunteering Bangor 21 BEDS 52 Y Galeri 76 Cotswold Outdoor 22 Stage Crew 53 NUS Wales 77 Endeavour Society 94 83 23 Debating 54 NUS Wales Women’s Officer 78 North Wales Police 95 82 24 Earth Religions 55 Welfare Campaigns 79 Subway 96 25 CCUSA Committee 80 Rugby League 81 25 Meningitis Trust 56 Nightline 81 Men’s Football 80 76 26 Music Society 57 Advice Centre 82 Women’s Football 77 78 27 Revelation Rock Gospel Choir 58 Anglican Chaplaincy 79 28 Orange 59 Samaritans 29 Endsleigh Insurance 66 30 Lloyds TSB 68 67 69 31 Japanese Society 70 71 32 Hellenic Society 72 73 74 64 65 75 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 118–125 55 54 53 126–130 104 Squash 105 Christians In Sport 108–117 106 AU Sponsor 107 Gymnastics 83 Men’s Hockey 108 Canoe Polo 84 Women’s Hockey 109 Surf 85 Women’s Basketball 110 Windsurf 25 48 47 86 Men’s Basketball 111 Canoe 49 50 51 52 26 46 87 Women’s Rugby 112 Rowing 88 Men’s Rugby 113 Octopush 27 45 44 89 Netball 114 Mountain Walking 28 90 Volleyball 115 BUMS 43 29 19 13 7 1 91 Badminton 116 BUGS 30 91b Theatr Gwynedd 117 Snowsports 20 14 8 2 42 41 91c O2 118 BWRPS 21 15 9 3 40 92 Lacrosse 119 LINKS -- St John Ambulance 22 16 10 4 38 39 93 Tennis 120 BASTARDS 23 17 11 5 94 Maes Glas 121 SOVA 24 18 12 6 95 Ki-Aikido 122 Duke of Edinburgh 36 37 96 Judo 123 Tarot 97 Golf 124 Students’ Union main stall 98 Dance 125 Students’ Union main stall 31 32 33 34 35 99 Archery 126 Sub Aqua 100 Athletics 127 Ultimate Frisbee 101 Riding 128 Sailing 102 Swimming 129 Fencing 103 Trampoline 130 Barbecue Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 17 MIXING IT MALIBU STYLE IN IBIZA

biza. Founded by the Carthaginians in on our quick trip to Benirras Beach. indeed. DJ, promoter, producer, journalist 645bc and believed to be a magic isle Things kick off properly when the sun and an online tutor in the art of mixing. Iblessed by the Gods and predicted by sets and we get our first taste of the Malibu DJ Kojak (bald head but sadly no lollypop) Nostradamus to be the Earth’s final refuge Soundclash and a taster of what to expect starting spinning records at the tender age when nuclear disaster wipes out most of in October. On the decks we have DJ Dub of eleven (he’s now twenty five) and has life. Invaded by not only the Greeks but the and DJ Kojak competing for our love and spent the subsequent years honing his skills Romans, Byzantine empire, the Catalans adulation. The idea being that the DJs play at clubs, parties and festivals up and down 101 102 100 103 and most recently, British Clubbers. But I’m back to back while you cheer what you like the UK. He is one half of the production 104 105 99 106 not here to sample the clubbing, I’m one of and I guess boo what you don’t, with the DJ duo Infinate Potential, releasing two EPs on the lucky souls whisked off to sample the getting most of the cheers continuing for the Catskills Records and garnered praise from 98 107 delights of the Malibu Soundclash event rest of the night. Not sure what happens if the likes of DJ Yoda, Morcheeba and The 97 they’re both rocking the place, quick game Nextman. which hits Bangor on Monday 23rd October. of paper, scissors, stone perhaps. So as our DJs mix their eclectic tastes We are whisked off to the Villa Can DJ Dub has been on the London dance together (Stevie Wonder to The Neptunes, Plana just North of Ibiza town. Its only scene for over a decade and seems to have Prince to Timbaland, from Dizzee Rascal to significance according to that oracle of been a very b u s y Louis Armstrong and R Kelly to The Kaiser Knowledge Wikipedia, being that it’s a short b o y Chiefs, although lovers of 60s70s80s90s walk from the two citadels of joy/despair don’t despair, DJ Dub has a box full of (dependant on your musical orientation) cheese that’d make even DJ Andy B the Amnesia and Privilege nightclubs. blush) the good people of making For the record Amnesia looks like a 90 waves cater to all our Malibu 89 88 cowshed and Privilege like some crazy needs, fixing us up with Eden experiment gone slightly askew. 91 87 Malibu & Cranberry, the new The Villa itself is perched on a mountain “classic” way to drink Malibu. 92 86 overlooking the Ibizan countryside, and, Malibu and coke, the more DJing and drinking is what Ibiza is famous for 93 85 most importantly for us weary travellers, traditional, old skool way. Malibu has a magnificent swimming pool which is drinkaware.co.uk campaign and my or if you’re into your avant-garde post 84 and pineapple, very good for sore where we spend most of the day, sunning inevitable hangover is no ones fault but my rock or you don’t think they’ll have that throats I’m told. This might also be ourselves, avoiding the wasps (they seem own. Having said that, even the food doesn’t particular Serge Santiago re-mix you’ve a good time to mention that to have a foot fetish) and enjoying escape the Malibu treatment. Not only do always wanted to play out then bring your 94 Pernod Ricard (they own the wonderful hospitality of the we have Malibu BBQ sauce, we have Malibu own! And regardless of how you entertain 83 Malibu) in no way 95 Making Wave’s PR team, rice to go with our jerk chicken and even the crowd, be it great tunes or just plain old promote binge 82 who have even supplied Malibu vegetable and halum kebabs. comedy you’re likely to get a lovely prize, 96 drinking and us with beach towels and After the feasting its time for us to a choice of Ltd edition T-Shirts, bags and 81 fully support the mirrored aviators sample another integral part of the aviator sunglasses. 80 which come Malibu Soundclash, the “Bring Your Own Now while none of us had the technical 76 Soundsystem” (which will be held in the ability to play alongside the likes of Dub and 77 78 in very 79 handy Curved Lounge) which gives us mere Kojak it has been a lot of fun and certainly mortals the chance to get up on the not something you want to miss out on decks and either kick ass or crash and come October, although you won’t have the burn, making a fool out of yourself for sunshine or for that matter the swimming 66 68 67 the enjoyment of your friends. You’ll get pool… 69 to choose from the Malibu Soundclash’s 70 71 extensive selection of vinyl, CDs and mp3s Michael O’Rourke 72 73 74 64 65 75 63 62 61 60 59 �� 58 57 56 118–125 55 �� 54 �� 53 126–130 108–117 ��

25 48 47 49 50 51 52 26 46 27 45 44 28 43 �� 29 19 13 7 1 30 20 14 8 2 42 41 �� 21 15 9 3 40 22 16 10 4 �� 38 39 �� 23 17 11 5 �� 24 18 12 6 �� 36 37 �� 31 32 33 34 35 �� 18 Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006

E-mail answers for Sudoku, Wordoku & UZZLEs, Crossword to [email protected] or cut this out and hand it in at the Students’ Union reception, marked “Seren”. Don’t forget to put osers & your name, tel no. and Uni e-mail address with roblems your completed entry! P IMAGEinative Sudoku Traditional Wordoku “Bangor Uni” inQUIZitive A 1 4 6 8 7 B N I G 1. How many carats is 7 4 U I pure gold? 2. What is the fastest 8 1 2 N R U B A bird on land? 5 2 G R N 3. How is a celestial 4 6 1 7 3 R B U A O I visible light spectrum more commonly known? O I N 2 3 4. Which sport B 9 5 4 O N G R B originated in Holland, was popularised by the 8 5 R N Scottish and, in recent 4 1 7 8 9 A I O N times, has dominated Canada? Same rules, but the letters from Standard Sudoku - each row, column 5. Who was behind “BANGOR UNI” are in place of 1-9. and 3x3 square must contain the the breakfast cereal Note though that there are 2 ‘N’s! numbers from 1-9, only once each. revolution of 1906? 6. Which extraordinary book did Ford Prefect own? FIGUREative enCRYPTive 7. What is the colloquial You are standing out- on and off as many A term for a medical side a room with a door times as you like, but computer that uses Axial C that is closed. On the as soon as you open Tomography? wall next to the door the door you can’t try 8. In which cartoon are 3 light switches - 2 again - you must know B is the town of Bikini of them are duds, and which switch controls Bottom? the other one controls the light! 9. In which 1995 the light in the room. NB: The door fits film did Bruce Willis Your task is to work out snugly inside the frame star with Brad Pitt & which of the 3 switches so there are no gaps C Christopher Plummer? controls the light inside around it where you 10. What were the the room. You can could possibly see light names of The Three D switch all 3 switches escaping. Musketeers?

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: Bloggs (5,5) 15 The human trunk (5) FIGUREative Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006 19 AU TASTER SESSIONS hen and where have-a-go sessions are being held. Why not try something completely new? These sessions are designed to let you get a feel for a club Sport Wwithout having to join immediately. CLUB DAY + DATE TIME VENUE i everybody, my name is Andy (or Frodo) and I am your Athletic Union President. First Archery Wednesday 27/9 8 – 10pm Normal Sp. Hall I’d like to welcome back all the returning students and offer a special welcome to those Friday 29/9 8 – 10pm Normal Sp. Hall Hstudents who are starting their courses here in Bangor. Here in the Athletic Union we Sunday 1/10 9 – 12pm Normal Sp. Hall coordinate in excess of 40 sports clubs that are affiliated to the AU. We have teams competing weekly; Athletics Thursday 28/9 5 – 6:30pm Treborth Track on Wednesdays in BUSA (British Universities Sports Association) and at weekends in local leagues as well as many clubs holding activities in their own disciplines throughout the week. Badminton Sunday 1/10 2 – 5pm Main Hall Due to our fantastic location here on the North Wales coast we offer a wide variety of sport ranging Basketball Saturday 30/9 2 – 4pm Main Hall from Surfing to Snowsports, Canoeing to Cricket and Hockey to Octopush. We are also affiliated not just to BUSA but also UWAU (Universities in Wales Athletic Union) and this means we also compete BUMS TBC TBC TBC with other universities in Wales giving you even more chance to compete for your university. There Cricket TBC TBC TBC are few better ways to meet new people, improve your health and fitness and thoroughly enjoy yourself than to take part in sport by joining the AU clubs. You will have the opportunity to meet Fencing Tuesday 26/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 1 all the clubs and chat with them during Serendipity, our fresher’s fair on 27th and 28th September Wednesday 27/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 1 in Academi. We also have a full list of clubs as well as details of how to contact them on our website Saturday 30/9 2 – 4pm Normal Gym 1 www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/au Football Men Wednesday 27/9 12 – 2pm Maes Pitch 1 + 2 This coming year is going to be a difficult time for sport in Bangor. With the University’s Friday 29/9 12 – 2pm Maes Pitch 1 + 2 development up on the Ffriddoedd site and the Estates strategy involving the area where the Students’ Union is, we are likely to lose yet more Saturday 30/9 2 – 5pm Treborth valuable facilities for playing and storage. Throughout the year I will be fighting to get sporting provisions increased and prevent the further loss of facilities. I will require your help; whether it is through petitions, letters or demonstrations, so we can stand united for sport and make Football Women Saturday 30/9 2 – 4pm Synthetic people realise that these facilities are invaluable to us. Finally I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy your time studying here, take advantage of what the Athletic Union has to offer and get Gaelic Football Men’s TBC TBC TBC involved. If you have any questions or would like more information please get in contact with me. You can phone me on 01248 388003, email + Women’s [email protected] or just drop into my office on the 3rd floor of the students union. Gymnastics Monday 25/9 8 – 10pm Gymnastics Hall Thursday 28/9 6 – 8pm Gymnastics Hall Thank you Saturday 30/9 3 – 5pm Gymnastics Hall Andy Redfearn, Athletic Union President Hockey Men Thursday 28/9 1 - 3pm Synthetic Friday29/9 2 - 4pm Synthetic Hockey Women Friday 29/9 12 -2pm Synthetic Saturday 30/9 11 -2pm Synthetic SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Sunday 1/10 1 -3pm Synthetic angor has often being accredited new developments in the indoor arena, and most improved team last year, (Team of Judo Tuesday 26/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 for the variety of activities it offers. including a new gym, 2 sports halls, squash the Year 2005-06) their achievements have Thursday 28/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 BIts rustic surroundings make it courts, astro turf football courts and many been phenomenal in relation to the short perfect for all those open- air people, and other fine facilities all designed to encourage time they have being in existence, and they Ki-Aikido Wednesday 27/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 its modern facilities also make room for the development of indoor games and will be hoping to prolong this success. Friday 29/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 those who prefer to stay inside. If you have activities. We have both large and successful Other new sports have attracted much Sunday 1/10 10 – 12pm Normal Gym 2 an interest, you are sure to pursue it here, if badminton and basketball teams, as well as attention recently: canoe polo; ultimate a netball team and a newly formed squash frisbee; octopush; and archery have all Mountain Walking Saturday 30/9 9 - 5pm Students’ Union not, then this is the time to find one! team. We also make good use of the new grabbed the attention of many students Sunday 1/10 9 - 5pm Students’ Union With the town backing onto Snowdonia astro turf pitches. A new 7-A- Side league looking for something a little different. and facing the Menai Strait, Bangor holds Netball Thursday 28/9 11 - 1pm Main Hall is now played every Sunday. It is a great The Athletics Club, Cheerleading Club, the time honoured stereotype of being chance to play regular sport, as well as a Dance Club and Fencing Club have all also Rowing TBC a very ‘outdoor’ kind of place. The clubs chance to make your potential shown to gained a lot of interest and again add to and the societies that represent the Bangor Rugby Men Thursday 28/9 6 – 8pm Treborth the university team. The hockey team also the ever- growing variety that the Athletic students also have a good reputation for Saturday 30/9 2 - 4pm Treborth enjoys the facilities, and being one of the Union offers. Other clubs include Gaelic taking full advantage of it. The Bangor largest teams in the universities also offers football, golf, gymnastics, judo, ki- aikido, Rugby Women Friday 29/9 2 - 4pm Treborth Mountaineering and Walking Club spend many opportunities to those interested in riding, snowsports, swimming, tennis and Saturday 30/9 12 - 2pm Treborth most weekends in the wilderness of the the sport. volleyball. Rugby League Friday 29/9 12 – 2pm Treborth Welsh valleys, and is idyllic for anyone We also of course, take pride in our All clubs will be at the freshers’ fair, Sunday 1/10 2 – 4pm Treborth who wishes to enjoy a not too strenuous more traditional sports (this is Wales after Serendipity from the 27th- 28th. We encourage experience of our surroundings. We also Squash TBC TBC TBC all!). The football and rugby teams have all students to at least try something. The have the long established Sailing Club, been a big part of the Bangor sport scene clubs offer not only a chance to participate Tae Kwon Do TBC TBC TBC as well as the Rowing Club, both taking for many years. The rugby union side has in the sports but also to meet new people advantage of the Menai Strait. There are Tennis TBC TBC TBC been in existence since the university was and bond with new groups; social agendas some fine sea conditions for the Surf Club established, and this year they are planning can be found high up on many clubs lists. Thai Kick Boxing TBC TBC TBC and the Windsurfing Club to enjoy, as well to run a team in the BUSA university league In order to participate in sports clubs as rivers that are enjoyed by the Canoe Club, Trampolining Wednesday 27/9 4 – 6pm 1⁄2 New Hall and run a combined team in the Welsh at Bangor, it is important to obtain an AU AU Club of the Year (2003/4) Thursday 28/9 2 – 4pm 1⁄2 New Hall league. The football team will as always run card, from the Students’ Union, which acts More recently, it has been Bangor’s Sunday 1/10 2 – 5pm 1⁄2 New Hall three teams: 1sts in Gwynedd, 2nds and 3rds as insurance. Get yours for £10. indoor facilities that have really perked in the Sunday league. The newly established Ultimate Frisbee Friday 29/9 7 – 8pm Normal Sp. Hall up its sporting life. The development rugby league side was the most successful Saturday 30/9 2 – 4pm Normal Sp. Hall of the Ffriddoedd site has brought fine Jack Peat GRADUATES TRAVEL 1/4 THE EARTH IN £50 CAR t is a custom for many graduates to do than 1 litre. A challenge indeed! the locals “had nothing to give yet gave something wild with their last bit of But this was a challenge that seemed to everything,” and how “this was true Ifreedom before they head into the real appeal to the two boys from Yorkshire, who throughout all of the countries that we world. Some visit other countries, some later would look back on the adventure with visited”. He also recollects on a fond work in other countries, some pub crawl fond memories of a quite memorable trip. memory of a night with an Uzbeki family. every town in Britain, and some drive from You would have expected many “When we awoke they had breakfast waiting Scarborough to Mongolia in a 977 pink problems and difficulties, but these seemed for us. We got up and started eating trying Fiat Panda. to be few and far between, and any that to explain in sign language that we were Described as ‘doing something mad did occur were handled with the outgoing heading to a city called Osh today. We kept for a good cause’, John Everitt (formally confidence you would need for this type of on saying Osh and more and more food of Bangor University) and Guy Wilson journey. The team overcame problems with kept coming, the more we tried to explain (Loughborough) decided to head east the foreign police for example by “playing that we were full and needed to get to Osh and take part in the Mongol Rally to raise the dumb card” when they were looking for the more food kept coming after we had money for the charity Livestock for life. The bribes, “and just ignoring everything that been eating this poor family out of house Mongol rally is an 8000 mile race across a they say and repeat London to Mongolia and home from 8 in the morning to 2 in the quarter of the earth’s surface in cars that over and over again they get bored and afternoon (the families kids were climbing most people wouldn’t consider reliant wave you on.” Problems with the car were trees to get us more food) We realized that enough to take them to the supermarket. soon solved, and preparation for any faults we were actually heading towards Ush and The rally requires you to cross 2 deserts and was evident as the team enjoyed a relatively the Uzbeki word for food is Osh!” 5 mountain ranges with no support crew, smooth ride. The team was one of only 75 cars (out of roads running from bad to none existent, It is left then for only fond memories 160) to finish the rally. and all of this with an engine of no more of their trip, John Everitt describes how