Bangor University Students’ Union December 2012 English Language Issue No. 227 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor Seren.Bangor.ac.uk GIFT OF EXPRESSION RETURNS THE END OF THE WORLD? INTERVIEW: VC

Not in our club Homosexual couples reprimanded for showing a ection Club Manager keen to  nd root of problem by SINNEAD TOWEY “managerial issue” forced Embassy to of discriminative behaviour, in any change their door sta . establishment, is strongly advised to number of Bangor University Mr Lewis said, “We do not tolerate take further action. students have revealed that those kinds of views. We welcome “If people have any problems we are they were asked to leave Em- anyone, from any background or with here to listen,” said Martyn Curzey, bassyA nightclub last year. any view, as long as it’s a reasonable Secretary of Unity, Bangor’s lesbian, e students were approached by view, to come to our venue and en- gay, bisexual and transgender society. security in what they described as joy themselves. I hope that people do Unity o er a wide range of events, homophobic related incidents. that...We encourage feedback and es- including meetings at 2:30pm every A 19-year-old music student said pecially the issues you’re bringing to Wednesday and “Identity nights,” she was approached whilst kissing our attention. ey have no place in held on the last ursday of every another female. She was told to stop this business and no place in the com- month. what she was doing as it wasn’t al- munity as a whole.” “Identity is Bangor’s only attitude lowed. e same student also wit- e incidents all involved an in- free night where people can come nessed a homosexual friend, on a timate nature but the club doesn’t and are encouraged to completely separate occasion, being told directly believe that should be reason for dis- be themselves.” said Mr Curzey. e by a bouncer to “Leave before some- missal from the premises. “We have society also provides a strong sup- thing was done about it.” a heavy petting policy but kissing port service, encouraging anyone “I was told stop or you’ll have to for me isn’t an issue. It’s a display of who needs help or a friendly ear to leave” said Amelia Anderson, a Ban- a ection that we’re all used to.” said contact the Unity Guide Coordinator, gor Media Student. “I was annoyed Mr Lewis. “We do warn  rst and ask David William Blake Broadhurst, at by it because there was a heterosexual people to resist. ere have been oc- [email protected] couple kissing but they were never casions where people have taken it approached.” further than that and we’ve asked Embassy themselves were not them to leave, politely. It’s just a case HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED aware of the problem. “No one has of trying not to o end people, what- SOMETHING LIKE THIS? GET come to myself to make me aware ever their sexual orientation.” IN TOUCH WITH SEREN SO WE of any issues. Certainly my own sta Embassy is keen to ensure that CAN CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A haven’t come to me,” said Clive Lewis, nothing of this nature happens again. VOICE FOR STUDENTS. the club’s manager. It goes without saying, that prejudice [email protected] Bangor Students go to Demo All of the reported incidents oc- of any form should not be allowed. 18 curred before March this year when a Anyone who is witness to any form December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 3 The views presented hereinafter do not represent the views of CONTENTS Seren Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Bangor University.

44 LJ TAYLOR EDITOR BAR UNO [email protected] This issue has been a tough one. Essay deadlines have followed into Seren deadlines and then back into essay deadlines. The whole team has been exhausted and the Christ- mas cheer has been hard to come by. & What’s important though is we’ve News 4-8 done it. We have reached the nish Clubs line with what is an amazing issue per Environment 9 that I hope each and every one of Politics 10-11 my team will be proud of. £11 6 A lot of blood, sweat and tears has VC Interview 12-13 gone into this. Pippa capsized her Societies person canoe for this issue. Myself, Sean Comment 14-15 and Stefan have endured close on End of the World 16-17 40 hours of no sleep for the good of Seren. I took a team, a few weeks Demo 2012 18 back, to London where we braved Union 19 the cold and disgusting weathers that Demo 2012 had to o er. Police Safety 20 Its done though, here it is, Seren’s Christmas nal issue of 2012. Student Experience 21 Its not all as gloomy as I’ve made Societies 22-23 it sound though. We’ve had some inner good times. Namely, changing Society Girls 24-25 30 Books Editor Laura’s Facebook into Food and Drink 26-27 Deirdre Barlow and each adopting D2012 a character to keep her company. (I Deck the Halls 28-29 was Peter, it suited my love of Jack Christmas Gift Guide 30-31 Daniels) My dedicated team have gone out Ali’s Advice 32 around Bangor to get you the lat- est news, we’ve interviewed Frank Health and Beauty 33 Turner, we’ve found out what the TV 34-35 VC has been up to and we’ve even given you a heads up and what to Film 36-37 expect with the impending end of Games 38-39 the world. I hope you enjoy this 56 page, Gadgets 40-41 somewhat Christmassy issue and 38 51 take advantage of that free DW Music 42-43 Sports Pass in the Sports pages. Frank Turner Interview 44 As always, if you want to get in- Books 46 volved with Seren in any way just get in touch with me, or come Arts and Culture 47 along to one of our meetings; Wednesday’s, 6pm in the Students’ Creative Corner 48-49 Union. Travel 50-51 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers from all our Breaktime 52 team and a special hello to our new Sport 53-56 28-29 readers over in Spain! Starters Dessert #56 Roasted parsnip, apple and honey soup Home made Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Sinnead Towey Danielle Bagnall with crusty roll and basil butter THE Adam Burns Amy Littlewood Double chocolate fudge cake with vanilla sauce Thomas Bickerdike Roberta Grae Excell Duo of melon with fruits and mango coulis Emma Asberg Emily Bygrave Owain Redfern Laura Gilbert Al Julley Zac Hinchcli e Peter Walton Mihau Tarmure Main Courses Bookings TEAM Ida Vaisanen Harriet Weller Luke Dobson Becky Payne Traditional Roast turkey with stuf ng, pigs in blanket, gravy News Nicola Hoban Fashion Kaden Wild Tel:01248 38 2558 EDITOR LJ Taylor Environment Will Johnson TV Becki Watson Aaron Wiles Cathryn Emery and a selection of festive vegetables and potatoes. Rosie McLeod Politics Alex Thomson Film Becci Jameson Eta Uso Jack Armstrong DEPUTY Comment Sophie Smith Games & Gadgets LJ Taylor Email: [email protected] Yousef Cisco Judith Burns Onion con t and sage tart ,chive cream sauce, festive SECRETARY Matt Jackson Features Stefan Wilson Music Sean Talbot Societies Laura Jones Books Laura Jones Ailish Bumpus Niamh Ryan vegetables and potatoes. TREASURER Stefan Wilson Society Girls Pippa Botting Arts/Culture Rosie MacLeod Lizzi Bryant Tom Davies DESIGN Dan Turner Robyn Wynn Creative Corner Tom Haynes Food & Drink Joe Russell Travel Jordaine Hulse Tom Emlyn Williams Ashleigh Garnett PHOTOS Eddy Reynolds Gift Guide Jo Caul eld Breaktime Stefan Wilson Jenn Faughnan Joe Keep Advice Ali Keshtmand Sport Matt Jackson Health & Beauty Harriet Acton CONTRIBUTORS December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 3 The views presented hereinafter do not represent the views of CONTENTS Seren Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Bangor University.

44 LJ TAYLOR EDITOR [email protected]

This issue has been a tough one. Essay deadlines have followed into Seren deadlines and then back into essay deadlines. The whole team has been exhausted and the Christ- mas cheer has been hard to come by. What’s important though is we’ve News 4-8 done it. We have reached the nish line with what is an amazing issue Environment 9 that I hope each and every one of Politics 10-11 my team will be proud of. 6 A lot of blood, sweat and tears has VC Interview 12-13 gone into this. Pippa capsized her canoe for this issue. Myself, Sean Comment 14-15 and Stefan have endured close on End of the World 16-17 40 hours of no sleep for the good of Seren. I took a team, a few weeks Demo 2012 18 back, to London where we braved Union 19 the cold and disgusting weathers that Demo 2012 had to o er. Police Safety 20 Its done though, here it is, Seren’s nal issue of 2012. Student Experience 21 Its not all as gloomy as I’ve made Societies 22-23 it sound though. We’ve had some Society Girls 24-25 good times. Namely, changing 30 Books Editor Laura’s Facebook into Food and Drink 26-27 Deirdre Barlow and each adopting a character to keep her company. (I Deck the Halls 28-29 was Peter, it suited my love of Jack Christmas Gift Guide 30-31 Daniels) My dedicated team have gone out Ali’s Advice 32 around Bangor to get you the lat- est news, we’ve interviewed Frank Health and Beauty 33 Turner, we’ve found out what the TV 34-35 VC has been up to and we’ve even given you a heads up and what to Film 36-37 expect with the impending end of Games 38-39 the world. I hope you enjoy this 56 page, Gadgets 40-41 somewhat Christmassy issue and 38 51 take advantage of that free DW Music 42-43 Sports Pass in the Sports pages. Frank Turner Interview 44 As always, if you want to get in- Books 46 volved with Seren in any way just get in touch with me, or come Arts and Culture 47 along to one of our meetings; Wednesday’s, 6pm in the Students’ Creative Corner 48-49 Union. Travel 50-51 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers from all our Breaktime 52 team and a special hello to our new Sport 53-56 readers over in Spain! 28-29 #56 Sinnead Towey Danielle Bagnall THE Adam Burns Amy Littlewood Thomas Bickerdike Roberta Grae Excell Emma Asberg Emily Bygrave Owain Redfern Laura Gilbert Al Julley Zac Hinchcli e Peter Walton Mihau Tarmure TEAM Ida Vaisanen Harriet Weller News Nicola Hoban Fashion Kaden Wild Luke Dobson Becky Payne EDITOR LJ Taylor Environment Will Johnson TV Becki Watson Aaron Wiles Cathryn Emery Rosie McLeod Politics Alex Thomson Film Becci Jameson Eta Uso Jack Armstrong DEPUTY Comment Sophie Smith Games & Gadgets LJ Taylor SECRETARY Matt Jackson Features Stefan Wilson Music Sean Talbot Yousef Cisco Judith Burns Societies Laura Jones Books Laura Jones Ailish Bumpus Niamh Ryan TREASURER Stefan Wilson Society Girls Pippa Botting Arts/Culture Rosie MacLeod Lizzi Bryant Tom Davies DESIGN Dan Turner Robyn Wynn Creative Corner Tom Haynes Food & Drink Joe Russell Travel Jordaine Hulse Tom Emlyn Williams Ashleigh Garnett PHOTOS Eddy Reynolds Gift Guide Jo Caul eld Breaktime Stefan Wilson Jenn Faughnan Joe Keep Advice Ali Keshtmand Sport Matt Jackson Health & Beauty Harriet Acton CONTRIBUTORS 4 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Local News Floods devastate North Wales Hundreds of homes le damaged as weather causes  ooding

by NICOLA HOBAN astated, and then continued on to St life.” families could stay in the area: “We’ve Asaph  re station where he spoke to Desperate pleas for aid were made got some people who haven’t got  er several weeks of bad the  re  ghters, paramedics and vol- during the week as hundreds of home- homes. We don’t want to a ect chil- weather which has caused unteers who had responded during the less residents on the  ooded Glasdir dren’s schooling and they want to be many cases of  ooding up and  ood, helping hundreds and had set estate in Ruthin struggle to  nd some- near family at Christmas.” downA Britain and devastated home up a makeshi  ood relief centre. e where else to live. Panicked residents However, he is asking landlords not owners, the country has now started visit was ended at St Asaph Cathedral  ed the estate a er being warned by a to in ate their rents in an e ort to to assess the damage and the impact it where the Prince spoke words of com- postman as it rapidly began  ooding pro t from the victims’ fragile situa- has caused. fort to relatives of Margaret Hughes. with water following the River Clwyd’s tions as it could potentially stop them Prince Charles earlier this week vis- Mrs. Hughes, who would have cele- bank bursting on the Tuesday morn- from  nding new homes. ited St Asaph to o er his aid to the brated her 92nd birthday on ursday ing. Several families however were le A warning has also gone out to locals that were a ected by the  oods. 6th December, died by drowning a er stranded in their homes and had to be homeowners to be cautious in who e Prince of Wales, greeted by the  ood water invaded her home in Tai’r rescued by lifeboats and JCBs. they employ to repair damages in their Bishop, school pupils and dinner la- Felin. Remembered by family mem- Residents have been le frustrated homes. Denbighshire’s Public Protec- dies from Ysgol Glan Clwyd, thanked bers as an “independent and active a er they were given assurances that tion Manager Emlyn Jones stated: “We emergency services for their support nain”, her death has le the communi- their homes were not at risk to being want to remind people to be careful on Monday 3rd December, speaking ty heartbroken as they try and recover  ooded, despite the fact the housing about who they employ for their  ood to rescue teams as well as residents from the rami cations of the  oods. development having been built on a repairs. is is an upsetting time for whose homes were le damaged a er Councillor Bill Cowie said of the  ood plain. Ruthin Councillor Huw all those who have su ered damage to the River Elwy banks over owed dur- damages in the community: “It’s abso- Hilditch-Roberts is now asking land- their homes, and we don’t want anyone ing the heavy rain fall. lutely devastating – I feel so sorry for lords and housing associations to al- to be taken advantage of.” During the morning, he visited resi- them. It’s so tragic that a lady lost her low usage of empty properties so that dents homes that had been le dev- Asda Bangor: Happy to help students Bangor’s new addition eager to support students and the community

by LJ TAYLOR colleagues and the local community Ms Blake. Photo by Eddy together through fundraising events. e store opened its doors last week Reynolds he new Asda Bangor store is “A big part of Asda now is getting out and along with the recent addition of keen to give students exactly and supporting the community,” said home shopping, from the Llangefni what they need. Ms Blake. “We’re always looking for store, is helping to put Asda’s stamp on T e store, situated at the old Bangor fundraising ideas and I’m hoping to Bangor. City FC site on Farrar Road, is reach- pull on some of the students with tal- “All the tech side of it, that’s the big- ing out to the students of Bangor for ent and get them doing something for gest growth area in Asda. e home help. Christmas in our foyer.” shopping is a massive growth area for “If the students could help us by tell- e store’s foyer can be used by stu- us,” said Ms Blake. “Hopefully we’re ing us what we haven’t got enough of dents and the community to advertise good for Bangor. It’ll bring some peo- then we can sort that out. We know any events or fundraising that they ple in who normally wouldn’t come pizzas, energy drinks and pasta are may be organising and meetings can here. It’ll help the economy in the town popular at the moment.” said Sally also be held in the training room. centre.” Blake, the General Store Manager. While the store doesn’t have any Asda has been the cheapest super- Already the store is looking ahead to student speci c deals Asda does o er market in Britain for the last   een how it can provide students with what the Student Shopper Card. is comes years running, though Ms Blake feels they need when it comes to big student as two cards, one which parents can con dent this year will be the sixteen events. Ms Blake continued: “We want load money onto and the other which year, and is currently o ering £5 back feedback on what extras we need to students can use to pay for their shop- if you spend £40. To qualify all you get in for Fresher’s week next year. We ping. have to do is use the Asda Price Guar- could do with a bit of help on that so Asda Bangor has a range of other ser- antee online with a shop of over £40, we don’t disappoint.” vices including Click and Collect. “We before 9th December, and you auto- e new addition to Bangor will have everything for a full shop and on matically get a £5 voucher. support students and the community George and General Merchandise, if e Asda Bangor Community Life through Asda’s Community Life, a you can’t get it here you can order it Champion is Jennifer Knott and she relatively new initiative. It brings Asda online and collect it the next day,” said can be contacted by calling the store. December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 5 Local News Rise in Bangor burglaries School computer hacker RESIDENTS of Bangor are being asked to take extra care in the build-up to Christmas to secure their houses af- evades jail ter a rise in the number of burglaries in the Bangor area with personal e ects, Revenge seeking hacker avoids jail a er hacking school computer system like electrical items, being the main by ADAM BURNS While Higgins denies accessing the items stolen. girl’s details, prosecutor Owen Ed- Inspector Simon Barrasford has re- student convicted of hack- wards accused him of “attempting to minded people to ensure that they ing the computer system of portray himself as a victim”, and re- remain vigilant: “It’s important to his high school has received a corder Catherine Brown expressed remember to lock and secure your 12-monthA community order. concern at his failure to take respon- homes if you are going out and if you Southampton University student sibility, stating that: “It is a matter of have an alarm activate it. Don’t leave Matthew Higgins, 20, formerly a pupil concern that continue to deny taking items out on display that may encour- at the school Eirias High in Colwyn responsibilities for your actions.” age an opportunist thief.” Bay, was charged with gaining unau- Describing the crime as a “clumsy Police are asking for anyone with in- thorized access to the school’s system and wholly inappropriate” attempt to formation on the break-ins to contact in March 2011, and attempting to do get the attention of a girl, Brown con- North Wales Police on 101 or contact so again two months later. Higgins has sidered that Higgins had been trying to Crimestoppers on 0800555111 and also been sentenced to 120 hours of seek revenge and humiliate the school quote RC12195963. unpaid work. a er the supposed poor response to Higgins gained access by posing as bullying he received there. She added the parent of a female pupil, request- “You thought that you would not be Collapsed B&M ing the password for the parental caught but you were wrong about that.” portal from the teacher in charge of While Brown described the crime sign injures girl the computer system. A er he was as serious, she suggested that the sen- provided with it, data about the pupil tence, a community order with super- was acquired and placed on a sepa- vision, would allow Higgins to receive A 50 FT SIGN injured a teenage girl rate website. Two months later Hig- help in addressing health issues that on Monday 26th November a er it gins attempted this again, posing as he clearly had. She also added that the was dismantled by heavy wind. the mother of a di erent girl. At this case may serve as a push for the school e girl, who has not been named, point the teacher became suspicious to address security concerns with their was trapped under the B&M sign until and veri ed with the parent that the computer system. emergency services arrived. She suf- request was fake. fered injuries to both her lower back as well as her nose and was immediately taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd. e seri- ousness of her injuries has not been Cannabis factory discovered con rmed. B&M’s sign also damaged several cars parked in the store’s disa- bled parking spaces. in railway tunnels B&M Regional Manager John Trub- shaw told the BBC: “Some cars were damaged and I understand a lady was Owners of underground cannabis farm jailed a er police raid trapped but the police have told us that she’s what they call ‘walking wounded.” Woman assaulted in nightclub

ON SUNDAY 2nd December at 2:30 a.m. a 23-year old woman was sexually assaulted within Llandudno a er leav- ing a nightclub. e man reportedly grabbed her and forced her to the back of the building where he sexually assaulted her. Based o of a description police believe a 5’8” - 5’10” white male of medium build, with mousey coloured short hair, shaved at the sides conducted the attack. Anyone with information relating to the incident has been asked to contact DC Lee Harshey-Jones at St Asaph CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 by NICOLA HOBAN charges. held enough cannabis to be worth but they had been pressurised into cre- 555 111. At Mold Crown Court Mr Recorder approximately £225,000. Overall, the ating the cannabis farm by men from he owners of a huge cannabis Timothy Petts stated how the opera- possible worth of the entirety of the Liverpool who had viewed the vacated factory that was uncovered tion was described by police as “one of haul was between £1.5 and 2 million. tunnels as a prime spot for a cannabis Medal for in May a er police raided the the best cannabis factories ever found According to Recorder Petts, it was farm. Davies told police that he had Tdrug business was put to trial Monday in North Wales” to memory. obvious that others who had evaded been asked to look a er the place and Bravery hero 3rd December as the judge was given e drug operation, which was custody were involved in the elabo- being retired and having invested his dies at 90 a virtual tour of the underground op- fronted by a legitimate mushroom rate operation and that they were £40,000 savings, he felt pushed into eration. farm, was discovered by police on May the brains of the business. He said of joining the venture. Vincent himself ARTHUR Rowlands, blinded 50 Gerald Davies, 63, of Craig y Don 9th 2012 a er they received an anony- their absence: “ ere should be oth- was bankrupt and partially designed years ago whilst he was on duty as a Road, Bangor, and Kenneth John mous tip revealing the operation for ers standing alongside you in the dock the operation. policeman and encountered an armed Vincent, 59, of Beaumaris, were both what it was. Upon raiding the aban- today… is was a facility on any view Prosecutor Gareth Preston said of gunman who shot him in the face, has imprisoned for three years and four doned Faenol Tunnels on the Menai capable of producing at least £1.5 mil- the operation: “ e o cer in the case died at 90 years of age. His actions months in Mold Crown Court a er Business Park, Bangor, police found lion worth of cannabis a year. is is described the set up as one of the best against the gunman earned him the admitting making and conspiring to a warren of industrial-sized cannabis no small scale set up.” he had encountered in 22 years of ser- George medal for bravery. He went on sell the class B drug. Gardeners Philip laboratories lying behind reinforced He acknowledged the fact that vice as a drugs o cer. e simple fact to raise thousands of pounds for the Joseph Bigley, 22, of Liverpool, and steel gates. Inside was a Portakabin Davies, a retired builder and great is that this is one of the best-designed Guide Dogs for the Blind Society. Christopher James McIntyre, 30, of with a trap door which led down to a grandfather, and Vincent had been and constructed commercial opera- Bootle, each received twelve months tunnel which opened up to  ve grow- involved in running the legitimate tions that North Wales Police have following admittance of production ing rooms. One of the rooms alone mushroom farm ‘Menai Mushrooms’, ever encountered. 6 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Local News Holyhead North Wales sta shortage threatens phone cable safety the MANY households in Holyhead experienced a power cut in the early hours of 29th November a er thieves set  re to a telegraph pole in an at- tempt to steal copper cable. It is thought that the  re was started at midnight in a  eld near the recently built Cybil Retail Park in Kingsland road, and  ve hours later the power was cut o . Scottish power discovered the damaged telegraph pole and re- ported the incident to the police. PC Joe Hawken, the o cer investi- gating the incident, said: “ is was a totally mindless and dangerous act as thousands of volts of electricity run through these cables and the conse- quences of this criminality could have been fatal”. New Holyhead truck stop to create jobs PLANS for a new truck stop at Ho- lyhead have been drawn up, to be sub- mitted early in the New Year. Plans are designed to house 56 goods vehicles. e new truck stop will create 80 new jobs for the area and is also believed to increase road safety on the A55. Fire  ghters state how sta cut backs endangers their’s and the public’s lives Auction held for bu JOE KEEP During the week of  oods, despite is cut leaves 140 retained  re management within the  re service.” missing April signi cant praise during events, it was  ghters to cover the entirety of North Assistant Chief Fire O cer for North ecent cuts to the  re service felt that the  re service wasn’t able Wales. Coupled with derelict equip- Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Ruth Jones have le more than half of the to signi cantly respond, with a  re ment these cut backs put  re  ghters Simmons, says that these accusations A CELEBRITY auction for the April 44 stations in North Wales un-  ghter explaining due to sta shortage in harm’s way. One  re  ghter ex- on the level of sta ng matters were derstaR ed, meaning they are unable to Jones fund has raised £50,000. the specialist water unit from Betws-y- plained how damaged gloves would not accurate, saying that a new roster- Donations made included shoes that respond to emergency calls. Coed wasn’t able to be deployed to as- be sent to the operations department ing system now enables 22  re  ghters were given by Catherine Zeta Jones, ree anonymous  re  ghters have sist those a ected by  ooding. One of in Rhyl, who send them back claim- to provide cover across North Wales which managed to raise £410, and one acted as whistle blowers, calling the the  re  ghters said that sta shortages ing that they are ‘good enough’: “ ese without leaving their home stations of Bonnie Tyler’s denim jacket given senior managers actions “irresponsi- were responsible for 60% of stations gloves are damaged so much that they understa ed. Ms Simmons went on by the star herself, which raised £4,000 ble” and have put lives in danger. One being unable to respond to emergen- would be unsuitable for gardening let to state: “North Wales Fire and Rescue with its sale. of the  re  ghters commented: “[Sen- cy calls during the  ooding, leaving alone being given to  re  ghters and Service is launching a targeted recruit- April, from Machynlleth, has been ior managers] are winging it and so far just 17 stations covering the whole of expect them to commit themselves to ment campaign in January 2013. At- missing since the 1st of October 2012 they have got away with it, but it is only North Wales. an environment where they know they tracting people to the RDS  re  ghter and is yet to be found. a matter of time before they are caught Fears of other events unfolding due may be severely injured.” Concluding role has been challenging for many out.” ey continued, “I don’t have any to lack of sta have been compounded the statement, they said: “I hope this years. I would encourage applications con dence in the senior o cers -if this by a decision to  re another 22 full day never comes, but it is only a matter from individuals that wish to serve Bomb was the private sector, they would have time  re  ghters in 2013 in order to of time until lives are lost due to these their communities as  re  ghters. De- discovered on been  red.” e  re  ghters believe reduce the expenditure within the  re irresponsible actions by members tails will be available on the website that it is the rural areas have been hit service by £2.4 million. of both the  re authority and senior towards the end of December.” Rhyl beach hardest. A BOMB that is roughly the size of a can has washed up on a Denbighshire beach. e alarm was raised at 13:30 on the Award winning Rogues 4th of December. A bomb disposal team was dispatched to remove the or- Local tattoo and art studio wins 1st and 2nd place at convention dinance, and arrived at 14:50. by LJ TAYLOR the very best service. Police erected a cordon to ensure Ms. Hughes continued: “ e awards local tattoo studio has become Photo by Eddy public safety whilst the ordinance was help strengthen our studio’s reputation removed. an award winning studio over for our open and honest approach and Reynolds night. our ethos of only providing custom ABen Ormerod and Kev Heath, of tattoos of the highest quality and those Widower’s fury e Rogues Gallery, attended the East that our artists are truly proud of.” at  ower ban Coast Tattoo Convention in Essex this Mr. Ormerod is well known in the month and came away with both  rst A MOURNING husband has criti- area for his work and his portraits are cised a council a er they told people and second place in the best small, highly renowned in the industry for black and grey tattoo category. to stop leaving  owers on memorial their realism. His colleague Kev Heath, benches. Jess Hughes, the studio’s manager the newest member to the team, has and resident piercer, said: “We are Dennis Bannister, 72, of Denbigh, tattooed internationally for a number lost his wife Patricia 16 months ago, thrilled that before we have even of years. In contrast to Mr. Ormerod reached our 6 month opening anni- erected a memorial bench in her name Mr. Heath is known for his imagina- in the village park in Betwys y Coed. versary that our artists and studio have tive and colourful pieces. received such recognition and become However, Betwys y Coed council have e Rogues, Lower Bangor, will be noti ed visitors saying: “No  owers or a multi award-winning studio.” host to a variety of artists from all over e studio opened in June 2012 other items to be le on the benches.” the world in the next year and have Mr Bannister responded: “I think it’s when Ms. Hughes and Mr. Ormerod many collaborations planned with lo- teamed up with Oliver Morris. Be- awful. I put up a memorial bench last cal businesses. year but you are not allowed to put any tween them the team have over twenty eir portfolio can be viewed in the years of experience and are dedicated  owers on them. I just want to put a studio, on their Facebook or on their bouquet there in memory of my wife to making sure their customers receive website. December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 7 UK News Care homes possibly face Belfast police criticised for  ag riots new change WITH the closure of the UK’s larg- response est care provider for the elderly last year, proposals have been proposed for greater oversight of the providers’  nances. e proposals are being seen as tak- ing a step in the right direction as Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, described the proposals as being long overdue, stating: “For some time we have been concerned about the ability of providers to deliver high quality care and run on a sound  nan- cial footing”. Care Minister Norman Lamb said of the matter: “I think there is a signi - cant lack of corporate accountability for the quality of care that is provided in care homes and in private hospitals and that’s something that I’m deter- mined to address. Naked man recieves

DAN sentencesMOTRESCU, a 29-year old male, with no  xed abode, was ar- rested and convicted of possession of an o ensive weapon in a public place, causing criminal damage and a public order o ence. He received a 12 week sentence for 18 injured as loyalists protest against Union  ag decision the possession of an o ensive weapon by THOMAS o cers. e other three injured were appointing night” for the city’s image. police o cers exercised, I think, ex- charge and a further 3 weeks for the BICKERDIKE a press photographer and two council e police have faced criticism from treme courage and managed the situ- criminal damage charge. employees. e protesters also dam- Irish Republican party Sinn Fein about ation very well in getting those people e charges are to run concurrently. oyalists rioted outside Belfast aged cars belonging to council mem- how they handled the protest. Sinn out of the courtyard.” No penalty was received for the public City Hall on Monday night, a er bers. Fein Policing Board member Gerry David Ford, the Northern Ireland order o ense. a vote was passed to stop  ying A er they tried to break into the City Kelly responded to the police’s actions, Justice Minister, stated how there were Dan undertook the act on the 23rd theL Union  ag all year round. Hall grounds, loyalists turned their at- stating: “I have to say, and I don’t use two groups of people responsible for of November. Witnesses claim Dan Councillors agreed by 29 votes to 21 tacks to a Catholic church and began these words unless I really mean them, the violence: “ e  rst is those who was fully clothed on climbing the stat- to only  y the  ag on 17 designated throwing missiles. ere were also it was a disgraceful police operation – went to the City Hall spoiling for a ue and went on to spend hours on the days, similar to other Government cases of attacks on police in the Albert- or lack of a police operation.”  ght, who attacked police o cers and statue, including balancing on top of buildings. e last time the  ag was bridge Road and Templemore Avenue Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum council sta . But there is a second the Dukes head precariously. taken down was in 1906. areas of east Belfast. ree people were described how the police tried to man- group which bears responsibility. DUP About 1000 protesters gathered out- arrested, including an 18-year-old and age it in a way which allowed the com- and UUP politicians fomented this West Ham side of City Hall and the trouble start- a 22-year-old. mercial activity of the city centre to protest, with both lea ets and the use ed shortly a er the results of the vote Gavin Robinson, Lord Mayor of Bel- continue as normal: “It was a di cult of social media.”  ght for were announced. In total 18 people fast, described the incident “a very dis- situation for a couple minutes but the Olympic were injured, 15 of which were police Stadium WEST HAM, Leyton Orient, a foot- ball business college and Formula 1 Kate and Will expecting  rst born are awaiting the decision of who has successfully secured the rights to the Olympic Stadium. Whoever secures Royal pregnancy triggers change in royal succession rules the rights holds the lease for 99 years. by NICOLA HOBAN ing her in the private King Edward VII West Ham saw a prior bid fall through Hospital in central London. arlier this week it was an- e Succession to the Crown Bill as Tottenham and Leyton Orient put nounced by the Duke and up legal challenges to their acquisition. was put forward to the House of Com- Duchess of Cambridge that they mons and will soon be introduced by However, in the new race for the sta- Eare expecting their  rst child. the government, according to Deputy dium, West Ham has the advantage, e pregnancy has sparked a call bridging a monetary gap, reducing it Prime Minister Nick Clegg. e new for consent to be given to change the legislation will end the tradition of from £40 million to £20 million. ere rules of royal succession, and which is also the underlying costs of recon- male heirs taking precedence over has been given. ough previously women in line to the monarch, as struction to suit the activity it will women in the succession to the British house, estimated in the region of £160 well as ending the ban on those in the throne were discriminated against, the line to the throne marrying a Roman million, placing those without the  -  rst born child of Prince William and nancial might at the bottom of the list, Catholic. Duchess Kate Middleton - whether a Releasing a statement, Mr Clegg pushing West Ham even further above boy or a girl - will succeed the throne the competition. said: “People across the realms of the a er Prince William. Commonwealth will be celebrating e Duchess, who is less than 12 the news that the Duke and Duchess weeks pregnant, has been in and out of of Cambridge are expecting their  rst Railway hospital this week su ering from acute child.” He continued: “We can also all worker hit by morning sickness – or hyperemesis celebrate that whether the baby is a gravidarum – but is feeling better, roy- boy or a girl, they will have an equal train al o cials have stated . A spokesman claim to the throne.” A RAILWAY worker aged 26 was hit for the St. James’s Palace said: “ e e succession bill requires addi- by a train at Sykes Lane, just outside Duchess of Cambridge is continuing tional changes to be made to some of Saxilby in Lincolnshire about 13:55 on to better. She and the Duke are im- Britain’s main constitutional docu- the 4th of December. mensely grateful for the good wishes ments, including the Bill of Rights and e accident is under investigation they have received. She will remain in Coronation Oath Act of 1688, the 1701 by the Rail Accident Investigation hospital at present.” Husband Prince Act of Settlement and the 1706 Act of Branch. William has spent several hours visit- Union with Scotland. 8 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 World News

Egypt to vote on new constitution Opposition claims constitution undermines basic freedoms UN Human Rights Commissioner warns that constitution move would be divisive by EMMA ASBERG doms. UN Human Rights Commis- Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional the court sessions until the time when President Morsi has declared that sioner Navi Pillay has written to the Court was due to rule on the legiti- they can continue their message and the constitution will be put to a refer- gypt’s  rst democratically elect- president, and warns that “approving macy of the constituent assembly on rulings in cases without any psycho- endum on 15th December and urged ed President Mohammed Morsi a constitution in these circumstances 2nd December, but had halted all its logical and material pressures”. all Egyptians to take part in the refer- has divided the country in two would be a deeply divisive move”. work as a protest to the “psychologi- e dra ed constitution states that endum, whether for or against it. e Ewith a new dra constitution. e constitution was approved and cal pressure” they are under. e court the laws of Sharia will be the main president added: “ e world is looking e constitution, backed by Islam- passed by an Islamist-dominated referred to it as “the blackest day in the source of legislation, and limits reli- at how Egyptians will build their insti- ist groups such as the Brotherhood, constituent assembly in a marathon history of Egyptian judiciary”. gious freedom to Christians, Jews and tutions to establish their democratic to which the president belongs, is be- session that began on ursday 29th e decision to halt all work came af- Muslims, declaring Christianity and system”. ing opposed by Christian, liberal and November and continued through ter demonstrations outside the build- Judaism to be the main source of leg- e coming two weeks are expected secular groups as well as the judiciary. the night. e assembly is being ques- ing had prevented judges from get- islation for Christians and Jews. is to be tense. e opposing groups claim that the tioned by opponents as to the presi- ting inside. e statement read: “[ e constitution also limits the president constitution undermines basic free- dent’s being biased. judges] announce the suspension of to two four-year terms of o ce. Presidential protests in Mexico Rage ensues as new President vows to put a stop to drug cartel by JOE KEEP pointment of Pena Nieto as a return to the old regime of Pena Nieto’s party, nrique Pena Nieto has been the Institutional Revolutionary Party, sworn in as the new Mexican otherwise known as the PRI. e North Korea announces president, replacing his prede- PRI held power in Mexico from 1929 Ecessor Calderon, and is set to take a through to 2000 under which time position within Harvard University they were believed to be in line with new rocket launch and head the charge against the drug the drug cartels of Mexico in order to Tension rises between North and South Korea over new launch plan problem inside of Mexico as well as maintain an authoritarian regime. stabilise the economy. Pena Nieto has vowed that this is not by EMMA ASBERG Crisis group says: “It’s tough to say [if Ministry spokesman when asked Over Calderon’s six years in presi- the case, saying: “I can say categorical- they have] gone through the engineer- about a potential launch said only that: dency it is estimated that around ly that in my government, there won’t oncern has been expressed all ing corrections or are rushing it for “It’s the common responsibility and 60,000 people have died in drug re- be any form of pact or agreement with over the world as North Korea political reasons”. shared interest of all parties concerned lated incidents, and the promise head- organised crime. It’s not the path nor announces their new rocket e much-hyped April launch was to maintain the peace and stability of launchC plan. ing Pena Nieto’s campaign is a shared the route to greater security for the meant to put an earth observer satellite the Korean peninsula.” conviction in wanting to remove all Mexican people.” e announcement has especially into orbit, according to Pyongyang. ere are mixed opinions whether deaths, and in turn, make Mexico a Pena Nieto hopes to achieve what he increased the tension between South is was insistently questioned, how- a launch could complicate the South safer place. e 46-year old said of believed Calderon was unable to do, and North Korea, with South Korean ever, by the US, UN and South Korea Korean presidential race. e North the matter: “Lawlessness and violence and is focussing on eradicating extor- o cials labelling the move a “grave who all believed that it was a disguised strongly prefers a liberal South Korean have robbed various parts of the coun- tion, kidnapping and murder in an ef- provocation…a challenge to the inter- ballistic missile test. e April test put leader, and the liberal runner Moon try of peace and freedom.” fort to make Mexico safe. Pena Nieto national community”. a halt to the latest e ort of co-opera- Jae-in has called for a resumption of His point was enunciated as he re- has also dra ed help from Columbia’s e launch is due to take place be- tion with North Korea, who previously the aid and economic projects. How- ceived the presidential sash, while pro- top police o cers in order to start his tween the 10th and 22nd of this month promised to end their nuclear pro- ever, the security threat a new launch testers clashed with police equipped term in o ce positively and achieve near the Chinese border. gramme in return for aid. e US have would pose might sway the voters to with riot gear. Protesters carrying pet- his goal of achieving security within e last rocket launch in April was now withdrawn their plans to deliver vote for a conservative with a harder rol bombs were met by the police in Mexico. He has also engaged in com- a failure, but North Korean scientists the badly needed food assistance. response. Experts say that it might just Mexico City with one protester being munication with America and Can- and technicians now claim to have Experts additionally say that the as easily promote a so er, liberal ap- injured as police launched tear gas on ada who are part of Na a, a regional analysed the mistakes, according to move could anger China who at the proach that might ease tensions. the massed protesters. trade organisation, to begin work on the Korean Central News Agency moment is the lone, much needed, Protesters reportedly see the ap- strengthening the Mexican economy. (KCNA). Dan Pinkston, a Seoul-based major benefactor. A Chinese Foreign security expert for the International December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 9 Environment

Chasing Sandy

by OWAIN REDFERN of the UK and Ireland and some. The chasers whenever there is a chance the sheer size of Sandy saying “I a blend of di erent weather systems, storm caused nearly as much mon- of tornado activity. was standing on the boardwalk at just like Frankenstein’s monster was ’ve seen my fair share of storms etary damage as Hurricane Katrina I met many chasers and was lucky Rockaway Beach, Long Island and I made up of di erent human parts. and I’m not talking about your at $65.6 Billion and left at least 253 enough to not only see a few torna- was looking out over the angry look- The tropical system, ampli ed by the Itypical thunderstorm over the UK, dead in seven countries. dos but to also be guided by George ing ocean and I knew that within an sweeping frontal system coming in I’m talking about the huge supercells 24 States were a ected including Kourounis, one of the most famous hour or two, the winds were going to from the west, plus a ridge of high that I was lucky enough to encounter the entire eastern seaboard from explorers on TV. He presented the shift, and all that water was going to pressure over Greenland, all contrib- during a storm chasing tour in torna- Florida to Maine but most of the series Angry Planet which aimed to rush ashore, destroying much of the uted to the size, strength and west- do alley during 2010. damage was dealt in New Jersey and investigate and document the erc- coastline. That’s when I knew it was ward shift that Sandy had. This right Baseball size hail, winds that will New York. A 14 foot storm surge hit est natural phenomena on Earth. He time to retreat. The damage along combination of elements, plus the topple 18 wheelers and such heavy on the 29th October  ooding streets, is a dedicated storm chaser spend- the coast was comparable to other highest tide of the month made for rain the wipers are useless makes tunnels and subways as well as caus- ing the entirety of tornado season big hurricanes like Katrina or Ike, very damaging storm surge levels of you realise pretty quickly that we get ing multiple power cuts. So you in the Great Plains every year. Later but was spread out over a very large about 14 feet”. So if you are thinking it easy. However, compared to that would think, surely nobody would in the year he chases Hurricanes area”. I also asked him about Sandy of trying something new this year, Hurricane Sandy was on a complete- want to be anywhere close to this and this year encountered Sandy being referred to as a ‘Frankenstorm’, look up storm chasing. You won’t be ly di erent scale. At its peak Sandy natural disaster? which was the 17th Hurricane he meaning worse than the sum of its disappointed. was the largest Atlantic Hurricane Well storm chasers are called that has documented. I was able to get parts. He thought “the term ‘Frank- on record spanning 1100 miles in di- for a reason. During tornado season back in contact with him and ask him enstorm’ was actually quite appropri- ameter, enough to engulf the entire towns are invaded by hundreds of about his experience. He explained ate because Sandy was made up of Woodlands at Risk by AL HULLEY dieback occurred in East Anglia, Essex ommon ash is the third most and Kent. Current identi ed cases stand abundant native broadleaved at 200 as is shown in the map. Ctree species in Great Britain, its As mentioned earlier the disease was main environmental bene t is provid- initially imported into the UK. On the ing a diverse habitat for wildlife. In ad- other hand it has been noted that spores dition it has current economic uses such can in fact migrate as airborne particles as  ooring and barbecue charcoal. tens of miles at a time. This helps to ex- Unfortunately due to a new threat plain how areas of the UK, which have from fungal organism ‘Chalara fraxinea’, had no recent contact with the pioneer rst seen in Poland in 1992, several ash regions, became infected. It is suspected species are under threat. Infection re- that spores migrated across the channel sults in leaf loss, crown dieback and on prevailing winds, from mainland Eu- ultimately death. Young saplings are rope, of which many countries have re- at particular risk as individuals are ported issues. killed within one growing season As a result of the problems mentioned of symptoms becoming visible. in the former on the 29th October the Despite this mature trees are UK government decided to use emer- gency legislation in order to restrict im- Saving Jaws by no means safe because PETER WALTON in soup is predominantly symbolic. ports and therefore reduce rapid spread. by although individuals tend After watching Jaws and hear- Although shark n soup is suppos- To add to this infected trees are being to survive initial infec- ing about shark attacks on the edly nutritional, in some areas due to deforested and burnt. tion they succumb after news, it’s often hard to see the the bioaccumulation of mercury pol- several seasons of ex- ‘Chalara fraxinea’ is of great signi - A reasoning behind protecting these lution in the marine ecosystem ns cance to the environmental because as posure. infamous creatures but at the top of can contain 4200% the safe concen- it stands, once an ash becomes infected The rst case in the food chain they’re playing a very tration of mercury. it is impossible to cure hence why the Britain was important role. Most people consider shark n disease has caused widespread con- identi- The main reason for shark shing soup to be a purely oriental phenom- cern throughout Europe. For example ed in is for their ns. When these are cut enon but until last year upto 85% of 60-90% of Denmark’s ash stocks were Feb- o the shark is often still alive and is the shark n trade takes place in Cali- lost due to infection. The public are en- ruary then tossed back into the sea, so the fornia, USA. couraged to prevent spread by washing 2012 at a ns can be used for soup. The origins Many countries, states and cities walking equipment after disembarking nursery in of shark n soup are found in early around the world now ban the trade from forested areas and reporting any Bucking- medieval China where emperors and import of shark n soup, with signs of the disease, (identi cation in- hamshire served it as a demonstration of how china saying it will prohibit it being formation can be found at: http://www. and was powerful they were. This is a tradition served at government banquets. forestry.gov.uk/chalara#Symptoms). thought that carries on to the modern day, as The EU is looking at closing the legal This native highly biodiverse tree is too to be import- grooms are now expected to provide loopholes that have allowed poach- important to lose. e d into the United shark n soup at Chinese weddings ers to go unpunished for nning in Kingdom from Holland. Be- in order to demonstrate their wealth. EU waters as well. tween October and early November ash Shark n is tasteless, and its inclusion 10 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Politics

Lord Leveson’s report on the media Ofcom, which a statutory body that a new tougher way of monitoring tion to regulate the press and wants ent regulator. t the moment the way the regulates other parts of the media themselves. newspapers to sign up to a tougher Newspapers generally support the newspapers, magazines etc. such as TV, radio etc. A cross party Labour has said that the Leveson new regulator, without the need for idea of a beefed-up independent Aare regulated is through some- debate has been held on Lord Justice proposal was "ingenious" and should legislation. regulator, but are against it being thing called the PCC; Press com- Leveson's report and its central call be implemented. The proposed law, would guarantee backed up in law, with the guard- plaints commission which is funded for an independent self-regulatory MPs will debate the report in de- an independent arbitration for com- ian coming out strongly against any and run by the media themselves body for newspapers, backed by law. tail, but there will not be a vote on plainants and place a duty on the form of government interference without any government interfer- The Culture secretary, whose de- it, which means that e ectively the Government to protect the freedom with its work. . ence. There have been calls by mem- partment would be in charge of the debate doesn’t mean a great deal of the press although its hard so how A Labour Party source said it was se- bers of the public, victims of phone new regulation, Maria Miller said the because it has no e ect on the gov- this principle would work in practise. rious about the cross-party talks cur- hacking, celebrities and politicians government had "grave concerns" ernment or any legislation drawn up. It wouldn’t however, create a body rently taking place, but if the govern- for this body to be placed by an in- about underpinning regulation by Labour leader Ed Miliband and Lib that regulates each act by the press ment failed to come up with its own Dem leader Nick Clegg have voiced so in e ect the press would still be workable bill, it would put its alterna- ED MILIBAND AND LIB DEM LEADER NICK CLEGG their support for the Leveson report pretty free to do what they want until tive proposal to the Commons for a HAVE VOICED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE LEVESON to be implemented. Labour says it is a complaint is made, which is pretty vote in January. That would simply REPORT TO BE IMPLEMENTED. drafting its own bill in case no agree- similar to what happens now and it embarrass the government but not ment can be reached which may wouldn’t give any parliament or gov- actually make it into law because the happen due to the lack of Conserva- ernment the right to interfere with government’s majority would simply dependent body underpinned by statute, but had not ruled it out. The tive support for the whole of the re- newspapers. Lord Hunt (who is the vote against it and any vote would legislation, i.e. government support- Government has now said that it will port. current chair of the PCC) has spoken not be binding on the government. ed but away from the “interference” draw up draft legislation on a new Prime Minister David Cameron has to 120 publishers, representing 2,000 of either politicians or the media. press watchdog that created a statu- indicated he has "serious concerns editors, and said they had all told him The new body has been likened to tory body if the press fail to agree on and misgivings" about any legisla- they would sign up to an independ- Starbucks and the autumn statement tarbucks is planning to change The Treasury has announced it will should help return the country to the way it operates so that it provide HMRC with £77m of new growth. This boost in infrastructure Swill end up paying corporation money to help it track down wealthy spending, however, would need to tax in the UK. Despite being one of individuals and companies who tried be supported by the new business the biggest competitors and hav- to avoid paying tax. It said it expect- bank coming online as soon as pos- ing almost one-third of the UK cof- ed to recoup £22bn a year as a result sible, changes to employment law, fee shop market, Starbucks has paid of the measures announced. and simplifying the tax system. One corporation tax only once in the past contentious issue is high-earners; Mr 15 years. Corporation tax is paid by Autumn statement Osborne has said recently that he will foreign companies on pro ts made target high earners instead of simply in the UK, while UK-based compa- he autumn statement could cutting away at the welfare system nies pay corporation tax on their tax- be called a ‘mini budget’, but yet he only plans to target rich pen- able pro ts wherever they are made. Tin practise, it’s more scal de- sioners, which seems pointless. We Starbucks, for example, sold nearly cisions and updates on the gov- need to restore balance to the tax £400m worth of goods in the UK last ernment’s plan for the economy. system, bringing the gap between year, but paid no corporation tax at although there will It will also pro- rich and poor down, by targeting the all, because it transferred some of vide information on the state of the rich and making sure that they pay. the money to a sister company in the economy and forecasts on growth in One idea that would be very useful is Netherlands in the form of royalty the UK from the O ce of Budget Re- setting a limit to how much the top payments, bought its co ee beans sponsibility. get paid in relation to the bottom, i.e. from Switzerland and paid high in- It has recently been reported that the CEO can only be paid 20 times terest rates to borrow money from George Osborne has dropped the what the lowest earner gets paid other parts of the business. This is idea of cutting all housing bene ts including expenses, so if the lowest entirely legal under UK law from under-25’s due to lack of coali- earner is on £10,000 then the CEO The Public Accounts Committee’s tion agreement and instead it will can only earn £200,000 which would report also criticised Amazon and feature on the 2015 manifesto for force them to accept the need to do Google, neither of which has paid the Conservatives. What quite a lot more to support the lowest earners much corporation tax. of commentators agree upon on in their company. As of yet we don’t If Starbucks decides to go ahead what should be in the statement is know for certain what will be in the with the change it will be announced to deliver big infrastructure projects Autumn statement and it will be in- on Wednesday ahead of Chancellor that will although in the short-term teresting to see on Wednesday 5th of George Osborne’s Autumn State- won’t help the economy a great December what he announces. ment. deal, in the medium and longer term December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 11 Politics Police Commissioners follow up his article is partially a follow came together to give a Q&A session which was dissolved in order to be sponsored by the UK independence up to the rst one written in the in partnership with Bangor Universi- replaced by the PCC. party, he started out with an appren- Tlast edition of Seren. The overall ty Student Union and I was fortunate Colm Maccabe (Conservative): He ticeship as a joiner then in 1974 he results of the 41 Policing authorities enough to be there with my note- is a business owner with his brother, started as a policeman and moved are as follows; Conservatives (15) La- pad and pen. Even though the elec- the business has a lot of partnership up through the ranks from PC to bour (13) Independent (10) and Zero tion has been won and lost, I think work with Local Authorities, he is a Inspector. Mr Nicholson tolerance policing (1). The results do it would still be interesting to give a special constable with North Wales isn’t Welsh, he’s from con rm all of the predictions made good overall picture on what went police and then was appointed chief Yorkshire but has roots before the election, that the turnout on in the session and the things that o ce of the special constables, he in the place, he wants would struggle to reach 20% in many we can expect from the new PCC. really likes the idea of a PCC with to push decision making places and indeed the turnout na- Richard Hibbs (Independent): He the visibility and accountability it back to the people tionally didn’t reach 20%. had never stood in an election, he gives the Policing authority. He says and he The government failed to ade- was standing because he had no po- that it will make every police o cer believes quately advertise the PCC elections; litical allegiance to any party and also accountable to a higher authority, that in- it failed to communicate e ectively the fact that he had no connection policing and community is his main ertia has what the PCC’s would do and yet with the police outside the normal focus and he wants new ways of po- taken over managed to spend a hundred million everyday contact as a member of the licing to be developed with empha- the police. pounds on this project. The other an- public. He believed that there was sis on thinking outside of the box. Winston Roddick (Independent): He says that’s it very important for the THE GOVERNMENT FAILED TO COMMUNICATE North Wales PCC to be from North EFFECTIVELY WHAT THE PCC’S WOULD DO. Wales. Mr Roddick was president of the Law society in his university and vice president of Aberystwyth Uni- swer is that people refused to vote thirty million in the bank accounts of versity. “I re ect the interests of the on the grounds that they didn’t agree North Wales and they hadn’t spent students because I have a lifelong with the policy, so didn’t vote in the enough on policing and he would connection to students” He has had a hope that if enough people didn’t reinvest all of this money back into very long and successful career in the vote either then a u-turn could be crime prevention. criminal justice system at one point made by the government. In North Tal Michael (Labour): He was presi- being a judge at Caernarfon Crown Wales, the surprising winner was dent of a Students’ Union 22 years court. He’s an independent candi- Winston Roddick (independent) over ago, he said straight from the o that date and warned of shifting power the favourite candidate to win; Tal it was dangerous giving one person from people to politicians. Michael (Labour) who even brought a lot of power, the aim of the PCC Warwick Nicholson (UKIP): He de- David Blunket to North Wales to help should be consensus and agreement scribed himself as a very reluctant campaign him l. A few days before with the ‘stakeholders’ he was CEO politician because he feels they have the election, all of the candidates of the North Wales police authority done nothing to help people, he is Abu Qatada released freed on bail. ordan’s acting information min- He was released from Long Lar- ister Nayef al-Fayez has said that tin prison, in Worcestershire. He has Jhis government shared the UK spent most of the last 10 years in cus- authorities’ disappointment at the tody. Special Immigration Appeals Com- A UK court approved his appeal mission (Siac) ruling on Monday. against deportation after deciding Both Jordan and the UK had a spe- witness evidence obtained by tor- cial interest in making sure that he ture might be used at trial in Jordan. was charged for his crimes but under The government believes the British law, there isn’t even enough wrong legal test was applied and is evidence to try him in a court.When going to appeal. Abu Qatada arrived back at his home “We had received a number of as- in London, around lunchtime on surances from the Jordanian govern- Tuesday, a small group of protest- ment - they had even changed their ers - holding a “get rid of Abu Qata- constitution,” a spokesman for Prime da” placard - gathered outside and Minister David Cameron said. chanted, “Out, out, out.”Earlier this Home Secretary Theresa May has Israeli targets in 1998 and 1999. He Mr Justice Mitting ruled he was not Christmas. year, judges at the European Court applied for permission to appeal was found guilty of terrorism o enc- satis ed that the preacher would be If the judge decides to refuse the in Strasbourg ruled the cleric - whose against a decision to block the re- es in his absence in Jordan in 1999. tried fairly in Jordan. application, the home secretary can real name is Omar Othman - would moval of Jordanian terror suspect Security chiefs believe he played a He is the subject of bail conditions ask a court to reconsider the matter. not face ill-treatment if returned to Abu Qatada. key ideological role in spreading sup- that include him being banned from It isn’t enough to simply say that Jordan, citing assurances outlined in Papers have been lodged with the port for suicide bombings. However, travelling on the Tube, or by train, “yes, he’s a bad person, we should a UK-Jordan agreement. civil appeals o ce at the Court of Ap- they only believe, they don’t have car, motorbike or bus and from using keep locked up”. We have the rule of Crucially, however, the judge did peal ahead of a deadline later. enough evidence or witnesses to mobile phones and computers. law in this country, if we can’t prove not believe he would get a fair trial An appeal in this case can be made that he has broken a law in the UK because a Jordanian court could use only on a point of law, which will be BASED ON THE RULINGS FROM THE SIAC SPECIAL then how can we have kept him in evidence against Abu Qatada that di cult because they will have to IMMIGRATION APPEALS COMMISSION THE MUS prison? This seems more about poli- had been obtained from the torture nd a law/laws which he could have tics than justice trying to be served; of others, which links into the idea potentially broken or ones that sup- LIM CLERIC ABU QATADA HAS BEEN FREED ON BAIL. the West has in its possession what that he cannot be tried in the UK. port the need for deportation. they believe to be a key part of al- On Monday, despite the UK ob- The home secretary said at the time prosecute him in the UK, which raises Prime Minister David Cameron said Qaeda and they must be seen to taining additional assurances from of the ruling that she “strongly disa- a troubling question; can anyone be he was “completely fed up” at the do something about it. Moreover it Jordan, Siac chairman Mr Justice Mit- greed” with the judgment, claiming judged to have played a role in al- cleric’s release on bail. seems like the government is simply ting ruled he was not satis ed Abu that the Special Immigration Appeals Qaeda and shipped o to a country A judge will now consider the trampling over hundreds of years of Qatada would be tried fairly. Commission (SIAC) had applied the which is willing to do a deal with the home secretary’s appeal application legal history just to get this man con- Based on the rulings from the Siac “wrong legal test”. UK and proclaim that the person was by examining documents on the victed. (Special Immigration Appeals Com- The radical cleric faces a re-trial in indeed somebody they were looking case. The judge may make a decision, mission, which is a UK court) the Jordan for allegedly conspiring to for? or decide that the application should Muslim cleric Abu Qatada has been cause explosions on Western and Last month, the Special Immigra- be dealt with at a court hearing. A de- tion Appeals Commission chairman cision is expected to be made before 14 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 BANGOR UNIVERSITY INTERVIEW VICE CHANCELLOR

PROFESSOR JOHN HUGHES In October 2010, Professor John Hughes left his role as President (equivalent of a VC) at the National University of Ireland in Maynooth to become Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor. A lover of both mathematics and Manchester United, Professor Hughes has worked hard to put his personal stamp on the University in the last two years. This month, Seren’s Editor, LJ, met up with him to  nd out what his role actually involves and what he’s working on for us students.

by LJ TAYLOR A airs. We also have the Registrar backs, cuts from the government and ties with lower fees could recruit as door to Manchester. who looks after a lot of the formal so on, through negotiation and talk- many students as they want. So, we A lot of students have heard of aspects of the University. Essentially ing with unions and students. were worried that it would have a big Would you consider yourself a you but are a little unsure what this team runs the University, but Unlike a lot of English universi- impact on us and it did have a big quite hands on VC? your role actually involves? all the senior o cers report to me. I ties we haven’t had any compulsory impact on some of the universities make the nal decisions. redundancies, we haven’t closed in South Wales, some of those have I think I’m pretty hands on, yeah. I The Vice-Chancellor is essentially any departments. In fact we’ve just the Chief Executive. I run the Uni- What main changes have you opened a new department in Philos- I’VE HAD MORE JOBS THAN YOU COULD POSSIBLY versity. The reason my title is “Vice- made since coming here two years ophy and Religion and we’re going to THINK OF. I’VE BEEN A BARMAN, A TAXI DRIVER, A Chancellor” is because there’s an ago? start another one next year in Math- honorary Chancellor. In our case it’s ematics. According to a recent sta WAITER, A HOTEL PORTER, A POSTMAN... Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, he doesn’t Well the rst thing I did was stop survey, 91% said they enjoyed work- anything to do with the general run- the closure of ve departments. ing here. I think generally speaking done quite badly in terms of recruit- go to everything that I’m invited to in ning of the University, but he comes They were on the verge of closing it’s quite a happy place. ment. But at Bangor, we recruited ex- terms of talking to sta and students to Graduations, sits on University departments like Modern Languag- tremely well, we increased the num- if I can. I am currently the Chair of Council (the University’s governing es, Linguistics and Social Sciences. ber of international students by 13%. Higher Education Wales, which is a Bangor had a really good recruit- It’s an attractive place for them. In- group representing all universities in I STOPPED THE CLOSURE OF DEPARTMENTS ment this year, despite the worries ternational students want to come Wales, and that takes up a lot of my BECAUSE A UNIVERSITY OF ANY VALUE NEEDS TO that the increased cuts would put somewhere safe, somewhere pleas- time. It means I sit on a lot of Boards people o university. ant and for Chinese students, in par- in Cardi and in London, so I’m there OFFER A BROAD RANGE OF SUBJECTS ticular, Bangor isn’t out of the way at at least a few times a month. We’ve been great, there was a lot all. We’re an hour and half from Man- I do think that I need to interact body), and he gives me advice. I stopped that because I feel that of worry about £9,000 fees There chester and that’s nothing to them. more with students. I would wel- The VC is the Chief Exec and there a University with any value needs were things happening in England; They would think nothing of taking a come the chance to speak to stu- is a senior team made up of Pro Vice- to o er a broad range of subjects. universities are allowed to recruit as 5 hour train journey in China because dents more. I have given a few talks, I Chancellors for Research, Teaching I’ve also tried to handle the di cult many students with grades of AAB of the vastness of the country; so gave a talk on Pontio in Academi last and Learning, Students and Welsh situation that we have regarding cut- or above as they can, and universi- they consider us to being right next year that quite a lot of students came December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 13 “TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH, I’M SORRY THE CURRENT FEES REGIME HAS BEEN INTRODUCED. I THINK THAT UNIVERSITY EDUCATION SHOULD BE FREE.” to, and I’ve done a few other things this job, it simply is too busy. of well over £100 000 in your lifetime. the message that Bangor is in pretty with the students, but yeah I think Actually I would argue that, depend- Yes, I think that probably true. I good shape compared to a lot of I’m pretty hands on. We’ve been hearing talk of a ing on the degree, it could actually think they have to work harder to get other institutions. We will have a def- Science Park, can you tell us about be signi cantly more than that. the opportunities, to get the kind of icit on last year of around £2 million Would you say you are in touch this? To tell you the truth, I’m sorry that jobs that would have been open to or so but this is an institution with a with real experiences of students? it [the current fees regime] has been me. Graduating with Mathematics I £135 million turnover so a £2 million This is something I’ve been discuss- introduced, I think that university recall I probably had 4 or 5 job o ers de cit in one year is really nothing. My father was working class, I ing with local politicians for maybe education should be free and I think when I nished. So things are not as Provided we know that we are going come from a very big family. I was the last six months. The Plaid Cymru that the Welsh Government have the good as that. to come out of that in the next cou- the rst generation in my family to politicians managed to persuade the right idea about how - the way in What I would say to any student ple of years, then we’re pretty com- go to university and so when I went government to give £10 million to- which governments should support is you need to look, you need to be fortable with that. to Queens (in Belfast) I remember wards a Science Park here in North students. But we are where we are, very  exible, and look beyond not being terri ed of the place. In those only your own subject area but also Isn’t Bangor University doing days you didn’t have to pay £9000 internationally. International experi- something in China? fees, there were grants available but I ENJOYED TEACHING A LOT. I THINK I WAS QUITE ence I think is hard to beat. they were pretty miserable; you had GOOD AT IT BUT YOU REALLY HAVE TO GIVE A LOT We’ve opened an o ce in China to work hard. I’ve had more jobs than OF THAT UP IN THIS JOB; IT’S SIMPLY TOO BUSY Last issue we reported on the £5 and thats mainly to help Chinese stu- you could possibly think of. I’ve been million of cuts that Bangor is fac- dents that are coming to us. a barman, a taxi driver, a waiter, a ing. How is that going? We currently have plans to open a hotel porter, a postman. You name it Wales. and we’ve tried everything to pre- campus in China. Chinese students and I’ve been it. The current plan is that it’ll be on vent this coming in. First of all, although £5 million would go to this campus for the Throughout undergraduate and Anglesey somewhere, close to the I would strongly encourage people sounds rather dramatic we’ve saved, rst 2 years of their study and then postgraduate degrees I’ve had to bridges and near to the A55. I was to still consider university, however. jut through e ciency savings, nearly for their nal year, or nal two years, work and I know what it’s like, I can strongly involved in developing a If you don’t have a university degree half of that. But we do have to nd they would come to Bangor. relate to that. I didn’t go to Oxford or science park in Northern Ireland, so then what is the alternative? some further cuts. A couple of other British universi- Cambridge and I didn’t have a silver I’ve got quite a good experience of The fact that we’ve attracted more ties have campuses in China. Not- spoon in my mouth. I think I know it. I’m quite excited about it, its one Is a Bangor degree worth £9000? international students this year, and tingham have quite a famous one the kind of challenges that students of the best things that’s happened to Why? (unlike most other Welsh universi- in Ningbo and Liverpool have one face. I can remember particularly as us recently. ties) we’ve managed to recruit our just outside of Shanghai. We would an undergraduate having to stretch Well one thing is the atmosphere full complement of students, means only be the third British University £2 over three or four days in order to What exactly is a Science Park? in this university and particularly the that we’ve more money in the kitty to open a Chinese campus. Its a big eat, waiting for my next pay cheque. commitment to excellence. We had as well. So I wouldn’t worry too development, and we’ve been tak- I can’t relate to the current situation Well, we have an industrial park out a very successful quality assurance much, I don’t think the students will ing it very carefully, making sure that regarding fees and what students in Llandygai. An industrial park will visit earlier this year where we came see the impact of the cuts. there’s no risk to the university, but if think about that. I was lucky, when have things like plumbers and Auto- through with  ying colours. We’re targeting a lot of areas: Fi- it comes o it could be enormously I went to university free education glass, building merchants and so on. I think the commitment we have nance, Estates and a few others. bene cial and pro table. had just come in, the Labour govern- A Science Park focuses very much with having a Pro Vice-Chancellor Some of them o er more scope than ment had just introduced it in the on what they call knowledge-based for Students, the fact that we, for in- others for savings but we will not be 60s and I went to university in the industries, which are high-tech busi- stance, involve the Students’ Union skimping on the important things. late 70s so in that sense I suppose I nesses, so we’re trying to attract a President in the appointment of sen- I think its important to get across can’t. few big high-tech companies. Hi- ior o cers.The former president, Jo tatchi for instance, who’ve taken Caul eld, sat on the interview panels Who were your role models? on the building of the new power choosing these people. I think that THE shows the commitment we have to SAVINGS OF £5 MILLION DOES SOUND RATHER involving the students. DRAMATIC... BUT I DON’T THINK STUDENTS HERE We’ve also put a huge amount of SIX WILL FEEL THE IMPACT OF THE CUTS money and posts into the Student Services department, overseen by HAVE YOU EVER HAD the Director of Student Experience. A NICKNAME? station, might be interested in do- We’ve got new people in Counsel- Its a bit boring but they Like most pEople my mother and ing something there and that’s the ling, Careers, and in general support. my father were big role models. They kind of company you need: research There is a big commitment here, I used to call me Hughesy. pushed me all the way. They were orientated, and employing mainly think you’d struggle hard to nd a FAVOURITE MOVIE? particularly strong on education graduates. university that has that level of com- and even though they didn’t know We need something like that here, mitment. The Godfather 2. what a PhD was, when I came and most of our graduates would strug- told them that I was going to do one, gle to nd work in this area. There Are you going to spend more FAVOURITE BAND? they were very supportive and they aren’t that many high-tech compa- money on student experience? My Dad was an opera did what they could, even though I nies and so that’s what we’re trying came from a big family. to do. The University will put some- De nitely. Its our big priority. In singer so my tastes are thing there initially, a research facility fact, I’ve had meetings just this week classical. Andrea Bocelli. If you weren’t a VC what would from possibly Ocean Sciences, possi- looking at what our priorities are your dream job be? bly Electronic Engineering, and then this year. We’re going to continue to THREE ITEMS YOU’D TAKE what we hope is that we will attract put a lot of money into the halls of I would have been playing football some big companies. residence. We are refurbishing Garth, ON A DESERT ISLAND? for Manchester United. Certainly as we’re going to refurbish the St Mary’s A knife. A large book like a young man football was my great What would you say is the value site and we’ll also refurbish the halls passion and I’ve supported Man- of higher education? up on Normal Site which are badly in War and Peace, I couldn’t chester United since I was a kid. need of it. do without reading. And Mainly because of George Best at the Well, I don’t think you can put a We are putting a lot of money into time. value on it in a sense of all the ad- improving the teaching facilities and a football for exercise. If I hadn’t been a VC, I would have vantages that it gives you. The expe- we’re about to spend more than a stayed as a Professor of Mathematics rience of going to university in itself quarter of a million on Maes Glas. CAN YOU SPELL THE FULL so that I could do my research and is something that certainly I look We know that if we are going to con- VERSION OF LLANFAIRPG? my mathematics. back on with a great deal of pleas- tinue to improve the student experi- I was a Professor of Mathematics ure. Without any shadow of a doubt ence, and to continue to attract stu- No I can not. and then a Professor of Computer it was the best time of my life. The dents, then we have to invest more Sciences, and I do sometimes regret friends that you make often stay with in these things. WHAT WOULD YOU WEAR having to give that up. I also enjoyed you for life. TO SEREN 90S NIGHT? teaching a lot. Generally speaking I On a practical level it has been Do students graduating today think I was quite good at it but you shown many times that a university have fewer life chances than your I think I’d come as Eric really have to give a lot of that up in degree is worth well, I’ve seen gures generation? Cantona. 14 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Comment

Ida is an international student working in liasion with the interna- tional o ce . Every issue she’ll write about her experiences in Bangor.

By IDA VÄISÄNEN

t comes like a thief at night. Si- lently and treacherously just when II think it’s safe to breathe. I get homesick. Of course I’ve been prepared for this. I read every article and did the research. I know it’s alright to feel homesick. Still, nothing prepared me for this amount of melodramatics. My  atmates go home for the week- end and I feel jealous. I hear there’s already snow at home and my chest Christmas comes too early! aches because I’m not there to see it. My problem is that I always try to By MATT JACKSON advert – which is great, providing the left Halloween. I do enjoy the Christ- is an appropriate time to put up your rationalize my feelings, come up with Coca Cola advert comes on at a good mas spirit, don’t get me wrong, but decorations et al. It just seems silly. I very year Christmas seems to reasons. I thought I’d share them. time. This year the Christmas adverts there’s almost too much of a good guess it’s something quintessentially There is a broad list of reasons for rear its head earlier and earlier; seemed to transcend onto my TV thing. British but it’s tradition, and tradition which is de nitely an odd con- homesickness shown on the inter- E screen in reading week; around the The idea of rallying people together at times isn’t particularly to be bro- net: Distance from home, a sense of cept considering it’s a single day. 14th of November. and feeling like everyone gets along ken. Growing up I’ve become used to cer- anticlimax etc. Also, another mat- I’m most certainly a person stuck in is great, as is the cheesy Christmas It may seem quite Grinch-like in a ter worth mentioning while talking tain traditions, the Christmas songs their ways, and I know what I like, but music (the song ‘It’s beginning to way, but for some reason, it genuine- can come out on the rst of Decem- from an international student’s point this forwarding of Christmas or “the look a lot like Christmas’ is allowed to ly annoys me that Christmas seems of view is cultural shock. There are ber (and believe me on the rst, the Christmas spirit” as I’ve been told it is, come a little bit earlier), but it’s barely to come earlier each year. However Pogues will be blaring from my lap- often feelings of confusion, sadness is ludicrous. Not only do we still have into December and I’m already start- as soon as it touches December, I’m and loneliness, amongst many oth- top), the Christmas decorations go roughly a month left until the end of ing to seem all christmassed out. more than happy for whoever to up on the 6th and so forth. It’s also ers when adjusting to a new culture. the University term from the start of And then we have the decorations. blast out Christmas songs, put up Culture shock has ve known stag- often been said that it’s not Christ- these adverts, the shops were start- Every year there’s some house near- their tinsel, but before then, keep it mas until you’ve seen the Coca Cola es: ing to get Christmassy just as they’ve by that decided the 1st of November away. The ‘honeymoon’ stage. Di erences between cultures seem exciting and exotic. The ‘distress’ stage. Di erences in the new culture start Why are Bangor’s bars selling up? clashing with familiar ways of think- ing/acting. Feelings of confusion and owned by a single person, such as isolation may occur. By JOE KEEP the Greek being owned for 35 years The ‘reintegration’ stage. Rejection by the current owners, they want to towards the new systems encoun- e have all seen the signs/ keep the bars in local hands, as they tered. Anger, frustration or hostility For sale. To let. Large num- know the demographic of Bangor. towards new culture are possible. Wbers of them are hang- However, during talks with one The ‘autonomy’ stage. ing around Bangor as of late; the source, he commended his work The di erences and similarities are surprise for most is where they are on building up the team for the bar, accepted. You might start feeling hanging from. The many bars of and this enabled him to turn his relaxed, con dent and able to cope Bangor seem to have been hit quite ‘failing bar into a thriving one over with the new experiences. hard as of late, but the main ques- the last nine months’. The teamwork The ‘independence’ stage. tion is, why? Bangor is a city with- instigated and the work ethic de- The di erences and similarities are large student body, and we know all livered by the manager to his sta valued and important. You might feel students like a drink. It’s hard to see is the driving force behind sales, you’re ready to take over the world. why they might want to sell up or with their pub making considerable All the info above was provided close down. pro t. But, again, if this is the case, by the International o ce. The rem- Upon talking to the owners of bars the question raises, why are we see- edies are quite simple: talking about across Bangor, the general feeling ing so many bars wanting to sell? your feelings and accepting them. that eminates from them is that the We also see the moving in of larger Of course you don’t remember this ‘students are taking more care of companies, such as Wetherspoons when your  atmates leave for home their loans’, or, in some cases hadn’t and Varsity. As seen in other sec- when you can’t. Some days every received loans yet, causing a drop in tors, chain brands commonly o er misfortune is a proof of not coping. Is custom for some of the bars. How- cheap drink rates and special deals, this what I came here for? Then I get ever, as said, it’s only some bars that which they can present all over the a text or a call from home. My friend have been a ected by this, This rais- country. Local bars and pubs nd it passed her driving test. Dad saw a fox es a couple of questions. Is location hard to compete with such bank- on his way to work. Then I remember. a factor? is being in upper Bangor rolled companies. I’m not alone. They are with me. a hindrance as the nightclubs are If you’re still feeling blue, why not in lower Bangor? Based purely on So, overall, I believe we can’t pin take part in the British Tea Experi- where bars are closing down, that down the closing or selling of pubs ence organised by International wouldn’t seem the case as we see to one reason. Instead, it is seem- School and local churches? The idea bars on the high street and around ingly a mixture, with many busi- is very simple: Local families kindly lower Bangor being put up for sale nesses proving there are pro ts to invite international students over alongside the likes of Patricks and be had. The gulf between upper for tea. What’s not to like? If you’re the Greek in upper Bangor. Rea- Bangor and lower Bangor plays out interested, please send an email to sons behind the Greek being put up very little, with students sticking to [email protected]. for sale are due to current owners their favourites, and normally fol- wanting retirement, which, leads lowing similar routes on a night out. to another issue,. As many of the local stand-alone bars have been 14 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 15 Comment Comment  at’s [not] debatable

Ida is an international student working in liasion with the interna- tional o ce . Every issue she’ll write about her experiences in Bangor.

By IDA VÄISÄNEN t comes like a thief at night. Si- lently and treacherously just when II think it’s safe to breathe. I get homesick. Of course I’ve been prepared for this. I read every article and did the research. I know it’s alright to feel homesick. Still, nothing prepared me for this amount of melodramatics. By MATT JACKSON The same questions usually pro- My  atmates go home for the week- voke the same responses as well, Ap- end and I feel jealous. I hear there’s o it seems that in life I’m an eas- ple users tend to prefer the “build and already snow at home and my chest ily annoyed person and one innovation” whereas android users Christmas comes too early! aches because I’m not there to see Sthing that seems to annoy me like to play with their software and it. My problem is that I always try to ,especially this time of year, is brand choose what happens. Either way By MATT JACKSON advert – which is great, providing the left Halloween. I do enjoy the Christ- is an appropriate time to put up your rationalize my feelings, come up with loyalty; well not so much the loyalty, people are going to like either one Coca Cola advert comes on at a good mas spirit, don’t get me wrong, but decorations et al. It just seems silly. I but the blinded debates it causes. very year Christmas seems to reasons. I thought I’d share them. and a barrage of arguments won’t re- time. This year the Christmas adverts there’s almost too much of a good guess it’s something quintessentially There is a broad list of reasons for Amongst technology lovers the ally change anything; I’m expecting a rear its head earlier and earlier; seemed to transcend onto my TV thing. British but it’s tradition, and tradition debate between brands and makes which is de nitely an odd con- homesickness shown on the inter- E screen in reading week; around the The idea of rallying people together at times isn’t particularly to be bro- net: Distance from home, a sense of cept considering it’s a single day. 14th of November. and feeling like everyone gets along ken. Growing up I’ve become used to cer- anticlimax etc. Also, another mat- I’m most certainly a person stuck in is great, as is the cheesy Christmas It may seem quite Grinch-like in a ter worth mentioning while talking Whether it’s Android vs Apple, or Xbox vs tain traditions, the Christmas songs their ways, and I know what I like, but music (the song ‘It’s beginning to way, but for some reason, it genuine- can come out on the rst of Decem- from an international student’s point PS3, it seems we love taking sides this forwarding of Christmas or “the look a lot like Christmas’ is allowed to ly annoys me that Christmas seems of view is cultural shock. There are ber (and believe me on the rst, the Christmas spirit” as I’ve been told it is, come a little bit earlier), but it’s barely to come earlier each year. However Pogues will be blaring from my lap- often feelings of confusion, sadness is ludicrous. Not only do we still have into December and I’m already start- as soon as it touches December, I’m and loneliness, amongst many oth- is something that seems to annoy- few years down the line people will top), the Christmas decorations go roughly a month left until the end of ing to seem all christmassed out. more than happy for whoever to ingly thrive in the world. Whether it’s up on the 6th and so forth. It’s also ers when adjusting to a new culture. knock on my door and try changing the University term from the start of And then we have the decorations. blast out Christmas songs, put up Culture shock has ve known stag- Android vs Apple, or Xbox vs PS3, it me to a Mac user or something. often been said that it’s not Christ- these adverts, the shops were start- Every year there’s some house near- their tinsel, but before then, keep it seems we love taking sides – even in mas until you’ve seen the Coca Cola es: I regularly get asked by people “do ing to get Christmassy just as they’ve by that decided the 1st of November away. The ‘honeymoon’ stage. celebrity breakups! The thing is that you own an xbox or PS3” and almost Di erences between cultures seem none of these pointless and count- every time someone says the oppo- exciting and exotic. less debates ever seem to matter. site to me, they embark on a quest The ‘distress’ stage. All of these arguments seem to be to convince me why I was wrong in Di erences in the new culture start contested by the more militant peo- 2009. And each time I get the same clashing with familiar ways of think- ple from each side as well; it’s like response – in fact it’s exclusively the Why are Bangor’s bars selling up? watching the BNP debate with Ma- ing/acting. Feelings of confusion and same response – “I bought the con- owned by a single person, such as isolation may occur. hatma Gandhi at times. Not only are sole that had the games I wanted” By JOE KEEP the Greek being owned for 35 years The ‘reintegration’ stage. Rejection the more vocal argumentative types and yet AGAIN I’m wrong, I’m appar- by the current owners, they want to towards the new systems encoun- the rst to dig in the verbal sword but ently not allowed to want to have e have all seen the signs/ keep the bars in local hands, as they tered. Anger, frustration or hostility it’s always the same verbal sword. played Gears of War over Killzone, or For sale. To let. Large num- know the demographic of Bangor. towards new culture are possible. For example the amounts of times Halo over Metal Gear Solid. Wbers of them are hang- However, during talks with one The ‘autonomy’ stage. I’ve seen someone caress an android This kind of brand debate is ab- ing around Bangor as of late; the source, he commended his work The di erences and similarities are phone then turn to an Apple user and surd. It’s commonness is what takes surprise for most is where they are on building up the team for the bar, accepted. You might start feeling say “don’t you get annoyed with the it from being a minor annoyance in hanging from. The many bars of and this enabled him to turn his relaxed, con dent and able to cope lack of customization?” Or the sheer my day, to something that makes Bangor seem to have been hit quite ‘failing bar into a thriving one over with the new experiences. frequency that I’ve heard someone me harshly judge anyone who even hard as of late, but the main ques- the last nine months’. The teamwork The ‘independence’ stage. say “Xbox’s suck because they can’t thinks of going there. tion is, why? Bangor is a city with- instigated and the work ethic de- The di erences and similarities are access the web for free”. large student body, and we know all livered by the manager to his sta valued and important. You might feel students like a drink. It’s hard to see is the driving force behind sales, you’re ready to take over the world. why they might want to sell up or with their pub making considerable All the info above was provided close down. pro t. But, again, if this is the case, by the International o ce. The rem-  e never ending sofa sale! Upon talking to the owners of bars the question raises, why are we see- edies are quite simple: talking about across Bangor, the general feeling By LJ TAYLOR though not only will the sale never too strong of a word) the Nickelback anymore. Is it the tv companies al- sofa world, please stop spending ing so many bars wanting to sell? your feelings and accepting them. end but we will never be able to af- ‘Rockstar’ song when it rst came lowing this drivel on between their all the money you trick people into that eminates from them is that the We also see the moving in of larger Of course you don’t remember this id you know that double sav- ‘students are taking more care of ford one. Don’t be tricked by the ‘buy out. Then it was butchered by DFS. programmes? Is it the people encour- spending on making gut-wrenching, companies, such as Wetherspoons when your  atmates leave for home ings are now on at DFS where now, pay later’ o ers either; the likeli- Just hearing that song makes me aging them by buying the goddamn repetitive, life draining, piece of sh*t their loans’, or, in some cases hadn’t and Varsity. As seen in other sec- when you can’t. Some days every there’s a sofa for everyone? At received loans yet, causing a drop in D hood is that the sofa will be in a skip want to throw a £6 a month (over the sofas? Or is it some punishment for a adverts. tors, chain brands commonly o er misfortune is a proof of not coping. Is CSL, the sofa specialists, your perfect by the time you’ve paid it o . rest of my life) sofa across the room. former life I I may have lived? custom for some of the bars. How- cheap drink rates and special deals, this what I came here for? Then I get sofa is now half price! And at SCS you ever, as said, it’s only some bars that Just think about how annoying I don’t even know who to blame Either way, great gods of the which they can present all over the a text or a call from home. My friend can save up to half price in the Blue those fake smiles plastered all over have been a ected by this, This rais- country. Local bars and pubs nd it passed her driving test. Dad saw a fox X sale! es a couple of questions. Is location hard to compete with such bank- on his way to work. Then I remember. a factor? is being in upper Bangor rolled companies. I’m not alone. They are with me. a hindrance as the nightclubs are If you’re still feeling blue, why not The likelihood is that the sofa will be in a in lower Bangor? Based purely on So, overall, I believe we can’t pin take part in the British Tea Experi- skip by the time you’ve paid it o . where bars are closing down, that down the closing or selling of pubs ence organised by International wouldn’t seem the case as we see to one reason. Instead, it is seem- School and local churches? The idea I like to think that this is the rea- bars on the high street and around prospectus’ are and times it by twen- ingly a mixture, with many busi- is very simple: Local families kindly son I stopped watching tv. In reality, I ty. Not only do they have dogs jump- lower Bangor being put up for sale nesses proving there are pro ts to invite international students over I just don’t have time and to be hon- alongside the likes of Patricks and ing all over your bankrupting sofa be had. The gulf between upper for tea. What’s not to like? If you’re est I’m quite glad of that. The con- but those smiles are not true to life. the Greek in upper Bangor. Rea- Bangor and lower Bangor plays out interested, please send an email to stant stream of sofa adverts is just sons behind the Greek being put up Nobody is that happy after they visit very little, with students sticking to [email protected]. too much to take. a sofa warehouse and empty their for sale are due to current owners their favourites, and normally fol- I don’t think I would mind too wanting retirement, which, leads piggy bank. lowing similar routes on a night out. much if they were actually advertis- And then there’s the songs. I re- to another issue,. As many of the ing some kind of deal but it seems as local stand-alone bars have been member not hating (like would be 16 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Feature The end of the world. The apoca- lypse. The end of all living things. All terms we’ve seemingly had to get used to recently. With some- body seemingly predicting it every year, pop culture adopting it like ants on sugar or the media jumping all over it, it’s something that has been shoved in our face. As this is the last issue before De- cember 21th, this issue’s feature will look at the end of the world. However, we’re not going to reas- sure you that it isn’t going to hap- pen. In fact, we’re going to do the sheer opposite.. Buckle up, it’s go- ing to be a bumpy ride.

Unfortunately I have some bad news for you. e world is going to end someday. In roughly  e past, the present 5 billion years, our sun will run out of hydro- 1 gen to burn and will start burning helium in- stead. is will cause it to swell to at least 200 times its usual size. is new ‘super sun’ will be and the future big enough to devour Mercury, Venus and the MILE WIDE By STEFAN WILSON Burst (or a GRB for short). is occurs when SIZE AN ASTEROID WOULD HAVE a huge, dying star is eaten up from within by a Earth, with Mars just escaping incineration. When some stars ‘die’, they explode in a reac- TO BE TO CAUSE A MASS he dinosaurs. We all know them. ey black hole. At one moment in time the star is tion called a ‘supernova’. Our sun does not have EXTINCTION dominated the Earth for around 130 mil- there, then suddenly it’s gone, unleashing a mas- enough energy to produce such a spectacular re- lion years, as long ago as 230 million BC. sive amount of energy. is cosmic event hasn’t T is is a mind boggling amount of time that’s ex- been observed in our galaxy. Until recently... tremely di cult to get your head around. en e star, Eta Carinae, is scheduled to go boom suddenly, the majority of them disappeared. A any time soon. Luckily its axis is facing away whole planet teeming with life became a wholly from us so we won’t be a ected, but it’s de nitely desolate wasteland. “What happened!?”, I hear a wake up call that this kind of thing can happen, you cry. To give it it’s long name, the Cretaceous– and there’s nothing we can do about it. 625-1 Paleogene extinction event happened. In simpler Now we move onto the reason we devised these ODDS OF OBJECT ‘2011 AG5’ terms, an absolutely massive asteroid, the size of pages. e date everybody has been going manic HITTING THE EARTH IN 2040 the Isle of Wight slammed into Mexico creating about. e 21st of December 2012, or later this a crater a staggering, 110 miles in diametre. To very month. is is the date that Mayan calender put this into perspective, if an asteroid a tenth ends. But what does this mean for us? the size of the ‘dinosaur killer’ hit the Earth, it e Mayans, as a race, were extremely good at 5 would strike the surface with energy equivalent astromony; light years ahead of their time. ey to 10,000 Hiroshima’s, with a blast radius of up to calculated the length of a year down to 3 deci- a 1,000 miles. e dust and debris that would be mal points, which for a civilisation without any BILLION AD tossed up into the atmosphere would eventually sort of technology, is staggering. ere are many Giant:  e sun will swell to a minimum block out the sun leaving all living things cold theories about what is going to happen; how- of 200 times its current size, engul ng PREDICTED YEAR OUR SUN WILL and hungry, leading to another mass extinction. ever NASA have recently come out and rained half the Solar System BECOME A ‘RED GIANT’ But don’t worry, an asteroid this size isn’t hurtling on everybody’s parade. One popular theory is towards us any time soon. It’s still 16 years away... that, as the sun will be perfectly aligned with the centre of the galaxy, this will cause a cosmic action and will fade to a tiny white dwarf, even- Any day now event which destabilises the Earth. While NASA tually cooling down and disappearing entirely. haven’t denied that the sun will align with the is theorized number of 5 billion years is an incomprehendable number. Who knows where Now that I’ve put your mind at ease, I’m going centre of the galaxy, apparently it has happened humans will be, or even if we exist anymore. take you back out of your comfort zone yet again numerous times in our history and we haven’t and look at two end of the world scenarios that been wiped out. It has been suggested that our The end could occur as early as tomorrow morning. Im- misconceptions towards the Mayan calender are OF 22%AMERICANS THINK THE WORLD Imagine one day, you’re sat at your kitchen table eating If, somehow, mankind survives the death of the WILL END IN THEIR LIFETIME breakfast, when suddenly the sky is as bright as a thousand suns Earth and everything else the cosmos can throw at us billions of years into the future, we may have and your body burns to a crisp instantly to sleep to survive. We’re talking huge numbers of years into the future here, over a billion, bil- lion years from now. e universe will be a cold, agine one day, you’re sat at your kitchen table eat- down to our lack of knowledge and context. We dark place. e human thought process cannot 20 ing breakfast, when suddenly the sky is as bright have found documents relating to the end of the function e ciently in the extreme cold, leading as a thousand suns and your body burns to a calender, which out of context seemingly predict us into cyborg technology. But in this desolate crisp instantly; the power of an atomic bomb go- the end of days. However, NASA explain that ‘ cosmic wasteland, it’s so cold that even cyborgs ing o , hitting every place on the planet at once. just as your desk calendar ends on Dec. 31 and cannot function properly. is is where sleep is Although the aforementioned  ery death isn’t world keeps going on, the same goes for the Ma- BILLION important. We’d go into hibernation where we a great outcome for you, at least you won’t be yan calendar. can regulate body temperature and keep our- around to see what happens to the rest of the selves alive. However, with the universe being YEARS UNTIL THE BIG CRUNCH planet. e atmosphere is instantly set alight, The future dead, with no real chance of ever sparking again, all body’s of water boil instantly and the side of we will never wake up. And at the end of the day, the planet facing the blast is sterilised almost im- A er surviving all of this, you’d be forgiven to what sort of existance is that of a slow- thinking, mediately. We’ve just been hit by a Gamma Ray think that we’ d got through the worst of it. ever-asleep, cyborg? December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 17 Feature How else could it happen?

Scenario: e Grey Goo Problem Explanation: e technology that is exciting scientists is nanotechnology. ese miniscule devices, in theory, can replicate anything, but there’s the worry that, as machines, they wouldn’t know where to stop, turning us all Zombie Apocalypse 101 into grey goo. by BECKI WATSON 1. Find a weapon. Unlike our American legend to an integral part of popular horror cousins across the pond, you aren’t likely to s a potential world-ending scenario, culture. From  lms and TV shows, to books,  nd ri es or crossbows lying around. So, your the zombie apocalypse is probably one graphic novels, video games, and even Zombie best bet is to go for a heavy hand held weapon of the least likely ways it’ll go down. Walks, the walking dead are a horror feature to bash zombie heads in, like a crowbar or a ButA you never know; remember that guy in that never seem to lose popularity. ‘Shaun of the Dead’ style cricket bat. Florida who bit a homeless man’s face o ? Now you know their history, it’s time to 2. Get supplies. Even if you manage to get In any case, when it comes to the end of the know the enemy. Zombies are slightly dif- your zombie killing skills up to scratch, you world, it can’t hurt to be prepared. So, here’s ferent in every portrayal, but there are some won’t survive the end of the world long with- everything you need to know about the un- common themes throughout. Zombies are out supplies. Go for tinned food or anything dead and how to survive them. typically humans infected by an unknown vi- with a long expiration date, and make sure to Scenario: Revenge of the Girls Zombies have been a staple of popular rus that turned them into  esh hungry mon- boil your water in case the infection is also wa- Explanation: Birth rates show that more wom- culture since Night of the Living Dead  rst sters, and the only sure- re way to kill them terborne. en are being born than men, and this number shu ed onto the big screen. But the idea of is by destroying the brain. In most cases, they 3. Find a safe place. Once you’ve got your will only carry on growing. If this carries on, zombies existed long before George Romero; slowly lumber around searching for food, but weapon and gear,  nd a safe place to hole up. we could end up in a world where men are in fact, mythology about the dead rising from if you’re up against the quick and agile 28 Days While somewhere like a shopping centre or extinct and the human race cannot carry on. their graves has existed in cultures across the Later style zombies, you’d better start improv- supermarket may be tempting, it’s not advis- world for hundreds of years. Folklore about ing your cardio. able, as there are too many entrances to guard. vampires, revenants, and corpses that would Finally, here are some essential tips to keep Find somewhere that’s easily defensible, and rise from the dead and consume the living you alive when the dead start to rise: make sure you know your way out, and if it have been around for centuries, and Norse becomes compromised, don’t hesitate and get mythology includes the draugr, a reanimated out as fast as possible. corpse that roams outside of its grave to at- tack, eat, and infect the living. But the pres- And that’s it. Good luck, stay sharp, and aim ence of zombies has evolved from myth and for the head! Scenario: Is Reality Real? Explanation: e unlikely path where theoreti- cal physics and philosophy meet. Is everything What About Religion? we know just the imagination of somebody in by LUKE DOBSON is just round the corner. ons of solar-cooked wasteland before the real another realm? And will they turn the switch e most recent prediction was made by destruction even begins. o on us? eligions throughout history have had Harold Camping, informing people that doomsday scenarios and prophecies the Rapture would occur on May 21st 2011. Islam about when, and how, the world will When it failed to happen, he moved it back to end.R Isaac Newton, ever the polymath, even October 21st; which also failed to deliver any e Islamic tradition shares elements of its had his own prediction. Based upon his own people rising out of their clothes into Heaven. apocalypse with the other two Abrahamic re- readings of biblical events, he said that it will Even a er 2000 years of being wrong, there ligions, in that it is believed that there will be a all end in 2060. So what are the prophecies? will always be those Christians who think that great battle between the forces of good (Allah’s What do they say will occur during the apoca- the apocalypse is just biding its time. supporters) and evil (those who deny God) lypse? followed by a Day of Judgement. If you’ve ever Buddhism read the  nal book in the Chronicles of Nar- Christianity nia, ‘ e Last Battle’, some of the following will Perhaps the sanest, though I use the term sound familiar. Scenario: Strange matter chain reaction e Book of Revelations is the grand  nale loosely, prediction for the end of the world One of the di erences between Islam and Explanation: Another potential product of the of the Bible; written as the viewer’s guide to is that of the Buddha. e scenario Buddha the other two Abrahamic religions, is that the Large Hadron Collider (another being anti- the end of the world. ‘Seals will be broken preached was one that is closest to a scienti c period leading up to the Islamic Apocalypse is matter), strange matter reacts with matter in and trumpets will sound; Death and his pale view, as a religious prediction can get. clearly split into three periods. e  rst period a similar way to nanotechnology. It will keep horse will ride forth, Hell will open, and Je- Instead of people rising into the sky, demons ended with the death of Mohammed. us reacting with matter until nothing is le . sus will arrive to judge us’. If you haven’t read roaming the Earth, or war, Buddha told of the we are currently living in the second period, it, I suggest you do; it’s the most entertain- gradual arrival of seven suns in the sky; and by which contains up to a hundred minor signs. ing part of the Bible. However, according to gradual, I mean over hundreds of thousands ese include things as vague as: businesses some sects of Christianity, this all should have of years. At  rst, there will be severe drought will defraud customers; people will not care come to pass already; several times in fact. In on the planet, causing all life to die out. A when their children are illegitimate; and men the  rst few centuries a er Jesus died, Chris- second sun will appear in the sky, vaporising will wear silky and e eminate clothing and tians were almost entirely an apocalypse cult. streams and ponds; followed by a third, which marry other men. is period will continue for ey believed that the Second Coming, and will cause the evaporation of the world’s riv- an indeterminate length of time until the third thus Doomsday, was imminent. is idea has ers. e fourth and   h suns respectively period begins, marked by twelve major signs. never really le the religion and there are ex- will dry up the lakes and oceans’, leaving our e  rst of these is that the Mahdi, the guided amples, throughout its two millennia history, planet completely devoid of water by the time one, will appear atop a white horse. Following of Christians proclaiming that the end of the the sixth sun appears. Now, the arrival of this him, the false messiah Masih ad-Dajjal shall Scenario: Moon Apocalypse world is nigh. sun means that both the core and crust of the appear and lead many believers astray. Jesus, Explanation: Imagine one day an asteroid e Millerites, in 19th century America, be- planet will begin to super-heat. Great volcanic as a prophet in Islam, will return to help the misses the Earth, but collides with the moon. lieved that it would all end on October 22nd eruptions will occur across the barren surface, Mahdi  ght ad-Dajjal. A battle over our souls With no moon the tides would almost cease 1844. Of course it didn’t, yet even a er their scorching whatever’s le and  lling the skies will be fought; trumpets will sound and eve- to exist and our axis would tilt further leading Great Disappointment, many believed that with ash. Finally, the seventh sun will appear. ryone will perish, to be resurrected a er forty to Africa becoming the new North pole. is they’d merely got the day wrong. ese people e Earth will become a great ball of  ame years. Finally, the individual judgments upon would lead to a lack of rotation, meaning one formed the Seventh Day Adventists, a group and explode. Life seems to get o fairly lightly, all of resurrected humanity will commence. side would have permanent, extreme cold who, to this day, say that the Second Coming compared to other scenarios, escaping the ae- at’s a hell of a lot of people to judge. night. 18 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Why? What? Where? When? But seriously, why? ITS 4AM, approximately 200 Bangor fees have come into place and there’s students are piling onto coaches with nothing we can do about it. From placards in hand. It can only mean the o Demo 2012 was di erent. one thing; National Demo. Being the The most obvious factor was that no- dedicated journalist-types that we where near as many people turned are, Seren braved the elements of the up and they weren’t half as riled as early morning and headed down to in 2010. The march was littered with London with our kin. What we found sub-protests such as Free Palestine, though, wasn’t so great. Not only did a more than worthy cause but very we return nineteen hours later soak- much detached from students being ing wet and in dire need of our beds, angry about fees. but we didn’t really understand why Anti NUS protesters stormed the we had just been through all that. stage whilst the NUS President, Liam When we went down to London Burns, was making a speech post- two years ago we knew what it was march. “Down with the NUS” they for. The Government were propos- chanted, preventing the planned ing huge increases to our tuition fees rally from taking place. and we were not happy. Students The apathy we felt from so many from across the UK converged on students there, mixed with the con- Parliament Square to tell them just fusion, not only leads us to ask why how we felt. It didn’t work. And now did they attend but what did we here we are in 2012, the rst year of achieve? the £9k fees. In two years time, if Demo 14 arises Demo 2012 was intended as a reaf- lets hope its for a solid and worthy rmation that students are angry but reason. And preferably in the sum- was there really any point? The new mer of 14. We don’t like the rain.

DEMO 2012 IN TWEETS #SERENOCCUPIED December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 19 Union Update Time! Union

Photo by Phil Coleman

e’ve been up to lots and Societies pages to see some of the lots over the last month wonderful things that are happening Wor so. As you’ll see on So, it leaves us only to wish you page xxx, we took nearly a hun- above a very, very merry Christmas, a dred students on the national tor- where we wonderful new year and some demo, and that was really exciting. ing. The university has W e ’ v e were last wonderful luck in your exams Alongside this, we’ve got a new implemented a new policy, which been going out and talking to year in BUCS, an, even better, we’re and essays! Don’t forget, if you university challenge team (and is entirely based around sup- students (GOATing), and get- ahead of Aber! Check out the sports want discounts for your last minute last year’s team are going to be on port for students. However, we’ve ting evidence to back up our pages for more info. shopping, you can buy nus ex- TV again soon). We’ve been out come across a number of instanc- arguments. As always, Society wise, we’ve got more so- tra for £12, it lasts for a year, and and about talking to students, es where this isn’t the case, and you’re welcome to get in cieties than ever, and there have you’ll make your money back in no and have been to more University we’ve been working really hard to touch with us on anything. been loads of really successful time. meetings than you can shake a stick at. make sure that you guys are told In the athletic union, we’re do- society events, including our in- See you round! One of the big focuses for the union that this is just about support, ing really well in National compe- volvement within Bangor’s festive Antony, Emyr, Shôn, Ash and recently has been attendance moni- and not about getting in trouble. tition. We’re a number of places celebrations. Have a look at the Mared o, last time we told you Finally for now, we’re going to be all about our brand new lobbying the local council to im- Sshiny way for you guys prove Ffriddeodd road, particularly to tell the union what to the safety. As you may have no- do called Ideas... And it sure is ef- ticed, there is a lot of tra c, some fective! Thanks to your e orts, the blind road crossings, and terrible union has a whole range of new road surfaces. We’ll be lobby- Policies that we’ve been work- ing hard to improve this over ing on to make your time the next year. in Bangor better. The rst one is on So, I hear attendance moni- you cry, toring. The central how do I university policy put forward is around o er- an idea to ing support to improve he Student-Led Teaching Bangor University can o er from universe: I get to tell other people students, but this my student Awards are back! After the suc- both sta and students. Last year’s all about the amazing things that hasn’t always been Ideas experience? cess of last years’ awards (300+ winners can be found on our are happening in the world of psy- the case. We found Well, it’s really T nominations, 15 awards given website. If you have any questions, chology and (perhaps, maybe, out about two mod- easy! Simply to sta at an event attended by feel free to get in touch with Shôn, somehow) inspire those peo- ules that were marking head to www. 200+ people), the Students’ Union, Danielle or Michelle on academi- ple to go out into the world to do students down for non-at- bangorstu- together with the University crepunit@bangorstudents. some of those amazing things. I was tendance, which is both ridiculous will be holding the SLTAs 2013. com and we’ll get back to you. honoured and touched to be and against the universities code of dents. But not only are we having SLTAs, Dr Fay Short, Teacher of the nominated for this award, and I was practise. We’ve now managed com/ but this year they will be com- Year 2012, had this to say… absolutely gob-smacked to win the to get this stopped, as a result of a dem/ bined with the Course Rep Awards, “It is always lovely to be appre- award! It was an amazing student Idea, and are campaigning ideas.asp including the prestigious Course ciated for your work, but there is night to end an amazing year wider to make sure that no-one gets (catchy, Rep of the Year! So keep the date something extra special about with some amazing students.” in trouble for not attending lectures. eh!), put safe! April 24th 2013, for a night recognition from your own stu- Our next policy is to investigate in what of celebrating the best that dents. I have the greatest job in the the prices in the Ffridd site shop, you want, as well as its products, labelling, and why receipts and love Bangor, the SU you want it, discount card, and we’ve secured and it’ll be a meeting with the universities discussed at the next commercial servic- senate meeting. If you’d World AIDS Day es director to discuss this. like any help putting The next two are quite simple - this together, don’t BANGOR Students’ Union, with Prebble said “it’s great to see stu- like any more info about any of we’ll be supporting SHAG week, hesitate to contact an- local churches, Unity Bangor dents involved in helping to raise the Union’s welfare campaigns, or which is sexual health awareness tony.butcher@ban- and Bangor UNICEF on awareness of topics such as AIDS have an idea for one, get in touch week, and we’ll be maintain- gorstudents.com Campus held a successful World and in remembering people all with Shôn on shon.preb- ing bilingual Facebook ac- AIDS Day event on December 1st. over the world who’ve been a ect- [email protected] counts. Watch this space... VP Education & Welfare, Shôn ed by this disease.” If you would December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 20 Police

‘Elloor new students, Welcome ello to studying in Bangor.ello While Bangor is Bangor! For returning students amongst the most pleasant and saf- Fwe hope you had a good sum- est cities to study in there are some mer break and are looking forward basic issues that we would like to to a new year. bring to your attention in order I am Sergeant Robert Rands, that the time you spend in Ban- and I have been based gor is enjoyable and safe. at Bangor for the past 2 I can be contacted on years. Prior to that I have 07884462717 or at Bangor. worked in Llandudno, policeinformation@nth- Conwy and in the wales.pnn.police.uk. This Police Headquarters contact address is for you in Colwyn Bay. Be- to pass information to us fore joining the Police or ask us questions as your I studied for my BA in local policing team. If you History and Archaeol- do not wish to formally re- ogy at Bangor Universi- t y , port an incident to us, but before completing my masters in you think we should be aware of it Liverpool University and working for then please use this e-mail address. 2 years as an Archaeologist. For urgent police assistance call 999 I am delighted that you have or for non urgent help call 101. chosen to further your education

Ensure your doors and On a number of occasions stu- “Keep it secret, windows are locked dent bikes were targeted. In the when you leave. main these were during holiday keep it safe” periods when they were left Last year there were a number of occasions Postcode protect your where property belonging to students was tar- property. unattended for long periods. geted. I am pleased to be able to tell you that there was signi cant success in investigations Report any suspicious Vehicles with laptops, sat leading to the prosecutions of individuals. persons loitering to nav’s and other electron- Whilst Bangor is a safe city there are basic things security. ic devices remain an at- you can do to ensure the safety of your property. tractive target to thieves. Sign up to immobilize. com and register your valuable property. Try not to walk home alone.

Don’t leave belongings Keep to well lit and well popu- on display in your car. lated main routes. Do not go off with people you don’t know. Lock and secure your bicycle to a provided university bike stand. Be aware of your surroundings During Holidays leave and the people nearby when your bike inside your you are taking cash from bank room. machines or walking home. Report any suspicious behaviour to us! When drinking with friends ensure that your drink is safe, don’t leave it where it could be spiked. Consid- er drinking from bottlesl.

by LJ TAYLOR onto the Immobilise database. It working in partnership with a num- only takes a few minutes and if your ber of stores across Bangor to spread orth Wales Police are encour- property is stolen and later recov- the message of the Immobilise ser- aging students to protect ered, there is a greater chance of it vice. Stores such as Orange, Currys/ Ntheir mobile phones with a being returned.” said Chief Inspector PC World, Phones 4 U and Tesco have new online service. Andrew Williams of North Wales Po- agreed to distribute Immobilise leaf- C.U.P. Initiative Immobilise is a free service lice. lets to people buying new phones. bout 9 months ago a new joint the correct refuse collection days. We which allows you to register your The service has been used ““We are very grateful to initiative was set up between have also made e orts to ensure that valuable items such as your mobile by police forces across Great Britain the stores for supporting us with the Council the University and bushes were cut down in the area and has been well received as a pow- promoting this initiative. Together, A phone, iPod, sat nav, games console, the Police (CUP). The main aim of the that obscured lighting. laptop and camera. Registered items erful tool for combatting crime. The we can take positive steps to de- CUP group is to improve the quality We hold multi-agency enforcement are put onto a database that allows police believe that the more people ter the buying and selling of stolen of life of students who choose to at- visits to rented accommodation that the police to trace their owners if re- that sign up for the service, the bet- goods.” said Chief Inspector Williams. tend Bangor University. is substandard and if required take covered. ter chance they will have of detect- It is quick and easy to reg- We have held an action day on prosecution action. “We are urging all students ing criminals and getting the stolen ister your software with the free ser- Glanrafon Hill during which we en- Please let us know if we can help to register their property, in par- goods back to their rightful owners. vice which can be accessed at www. sured that landlords were aware of you! ticular items such as mobile phones North Wales Police are immobilise.com December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 21

Recently the University has made a number of investments in your student experience. They’ll be sending out some University Investments information to you all soon, but they’ve given Seren a  rst look In Student Experience at what’s been going on...

Teaching spaces Huge investment in fully upgraded: Halls of Residence 2011/12: During 2011/12, a £3.5m refurbishment of Reichel Hall was 28 Main Arts Building: Greek Lecture Room, completed at a cost of £3.5m providing a cost-conscious, shared- lecture rooms Drama Rehearsal Room, G1 facilities accommodation option for students. Currently, Neuadd upgraded between New Arts Building: Lecture Rooms 1, 2, 3, Garth is undergoing a £4m refurbishment to provide a broader 4, 5 Dean Street: Room 120 & S6, Electronic o er of accommodation to our postgraduate students. Arfon and 2011 and 2013 Engineering Lab George Building: Octagonal Seiriol on the Normal site have been upgraded with new furniture Room, Stephenson Room in all rooms and all the common areas refurbished including the Memorial Building: G1 Lecture Room installation of new, big-screen TVs. Outdoor space enhancements Brambell: C1 Nantlle: Computer Room 16 have included new barbeque areas and picnic tables at Normal Site, Ffriddoedd Site and Bryn Eithin. 2012/13 Thoday Building: Lecture Theatre, Wood Library, S26, F27 Memorial Building: 212 40k seminar room Main Arts: M1, PJ Hall, G8 of additional funding Seminar, G9 Seminar Brambell: A1 Laboratory & B1 Laboratory (Phase 1) for Students’ Union Chemistry Tower: 812 Lecture Theatre this year New Student Health Nurse The new Student Health Nurse, Beverly Williams, o ers a range of health and well- being services including drop-in clinics around campus where you can get advice and information on all health matters as well as £10 condoms and pregnancy testing. More info: per month to be a bangor.ac.uk/studentservices/wellbeing. student member of Maes Glas

Maes Glas membership fee reduced by over 50% aes Glas has introduced Glas will be open for 3 days over reduced student gym Christmas 2012. Mmembership, which At Treborth new portable is now down to £10 a month  oodlights have been pur- compared to £27.50 in 2010- chased to give greater  exibil- 11. Membership is enhanced ity for training and to improve through an increase in the range the availability of pitches for University investment to provide free membership and number of exercise classes Wednesday matches with to all Students’ Union sports clubs & societies and a new 7 am opening for continued pitch improve- classes and morning training for ments planned. A re-decorated he University has invested University’s fee plan. Addition- roughly a quarter of the fund- student clubs. pavilion and newly installed in excess of £400,000 in Stu- ally, as part of the project, a sum of ing has been directed at Student In support of BUCS (British Uni- classroom provides clubs with Tdents’ Union structures to de- money is available to assist clubs Volunteering Bangor in order to versities and Colleges Sports), better team facilities and space liver an innovative project aimed at and societies expand and o er an support the increase of the num- Maes Glas is now reserved on for coaching courses due to growing the range of student-led increased and varied programme ber of project places available for Wednesdays from 12pm to start in January 2013. Future de- opportunities at Bangor. of development and social activity students to volunteer in the local 7pm and the time available for velopments include a planned For the rst time ever students for students. Currently Bangor has community. The rst of the new Interhall and Intramural sport refurbishment of the Maes Glas do not have to pay a membership nearly 150 clubs and societies run SVB projects will provide volun- has tripled, with reserved slots centre including the creation of fee to join sports clubs or societies, by students to enrich their experi- teers with the opportunity to coach every week. To o er interna- a two storey gym area with state with membership of these groups ence. sport in local schools and is set to tional students a place to play of the art gym equipment now funded centrally through the As part of the same initiative, start in the next few weeks. over the Christmas break, Maes 22 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Societies

Rostra’s Antigone

pictures by Jodie Williams

by BECKI WATSON traying the city, Antigone de es the the chorus actors as newscasters and also fantastic as the stubborn and foreboding throughout the play until law and buries her brother by her- journalists to deliver the monologues arrogant Creon. Creon is a challeng- the tragic climax. he last weekend of November self. When she is discovered by the that frame the play. This worked re- ing role to play, and he carried it o Overall, Rostra’s performance of marked Rostra’s rst project of King’s guards, Creon sentences her ally well, as it established what was superbly, inspiring sympathy in the Antigone was a highly enjoyable per- Tthe year, Sophocles’ tragedy An- to death, despite the protests by his happening in the play, while drawing audience as Creon su ers the e ects formance. The cast and the direction tigone. The play follows the story of advisors that such a move would an- the audience further into the play, of his bad decisions. The supporting were excellent, and truly brought the Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, ger the gods. The following events, and gave them a deeper connection roles were equally as enjoyable, with Greek tragedy to life. Rostra’s next in the years following her father’s despite the desperate attempts by with the plot. Daniel Blaney as Haemon, Antigone’s project is a pantomime of Cinderella, banishment and death, and the war Creon to avert them, end in tragedy The cast also gave some very com- heartbroken ance, and Nicholas Yer- and the rst showing will be a mati- that killed her two brothers. After the for the royal family. pelling performances. Catherine ally as Teiresais as the blind prophet nee at 2.30pm, with an evening per- new king Creon declares that one The directors of Rostra’s Antigone, Johnston took on the lead role of An- having particularly stand-out per- formance at 7.30pm, on Sunday 9th brother would be buried as a hero, Helen Pitcher and Michael Costa, tigone, and portrayed the doomed formances. The cast as a whole were December in JP Hall. I, for one, am and the other, Polynices, would be took the decision to set this Greek woman with dignity, strength and brilliant; the atmosphere was pal- thoroughly looking forward to their left unburied and unmourned for be- tragedy in the modern day, and used real emotion. Chris Topham was pable, giving a sense of tension and next performance!

BU Dance

by MATT JACKSON like this could be the di erence be- after rehearsals started; and in front and this no doubt relieved some of the ballet. tween an AU club making it to their of a very packed Powis Hall; over 100 the pressure from the dancers. The societies and clubs that took n the 17th November several next match, or a society earning that people attended the event. The dances were most certainly part in Strictly Come Bangor includ- clubs and societies’ members much needed prop. BU Dance captain Victoria Kirk said quite interesting with a mixture of ed: The Bangor Linguistics Society, Otook to the stage for a spe- BEDS saw themselves net the win- “'It was a fantastic night with eve- discipline and shock value being Storm FM, JapSoc, Canoe Club, and cial one o dance show for Children nings, with members Dan Short and ryone giving us some great perfor- brought to the stage in equal meas- BEDS. in Need. “Strictly Come Bangor” in- Samuel Ball, taking part in a Ballet mances! We raised an amazing £250 ures. A Latin version of Psy’s Gang- Bangor University Dance also have vited society members to don their dance to “Beautiful” by One Direc- for Children In Need so thank you to nam Style kicked o the night with their dance show coming up, on Fri- best dance moves in a competition tion; the crowd found it as funny as everyone!” members of Storm FM, Canoe Club day 14th December and Saturday judged by Emyr Bath, Ash Kierans, it sounds. Sarah Homerstone, also The night followed a format similar and JapSoc showing us their Cha 15th December in JP Hall, starting at and BU Dance Captain Victoria Kirk, of Beds took part in the slow dance, to the hit TV show with dancers and Cha Cha skills. We then moved on to 7:30pm. Tickets are £3 with a student culminating in an audience vote for alongside two Storm FM members. judges being interviewed after every witness a fairly disciplined and well- card and £4 without. the winning society. However the real winner of the dance, as well as occasional partici- practised Hip Hop routine, a slow The winning society or club would night was Children in Need, the rea- pation from the audience. The light- dance involving an improvised stage net a massive £50, whilst this may son that all of the dancers were will- hearted feeling of the night was de - ght, a Bollywood dance to the Pus- not seem like a huge prize an amount ing to take to the stage just 14 days nitely visible during the interviews sycat Dolls hit Jai Ho, culminating in December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 23 Societies Society Snippets BAWLS T’WAS a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a lm that perhaps you saw in your teens. This lm that you are invited to see, will not be charging any kind of fee. In case you did NOT get the clue, BAWLS (Ban- gor Animation Watchers and Lovers Society) will be showing the sea- sonal classic The Nightmare Before Christmas on the 9th of December. Jack, Sally and the Boogyman will be waiting in Main arts lecture room 3 at 6pm, waiting for an eager audience, Afro-Caribbean Society hope to see lots of people there! Bangor Linguistics THE BANGOR Linguistics Society operates a small fully functioning by ETA USO library in Main Arts. We o er stu- dents the chance to borrow books, he Afro-Caribbean Society of beautiful drum rhythms from the and come down and experience Bangor in collaboration with live band brought the whole Fridd our biscuit collection. We also run a the North-Wales Jamaican So- Site (area of the night's event) to a T fortnightly lecture throughout term ciety came together on the 10th of stand-still with students, et al. com- time which has so far been very well November, 2012, to deliver the big- ing out of their accommodation and received. Our aim is also to create a gest ever Afro-Caribbean event to hit looking-on in awe and excitement. social atmosphere for linguists and Bangor University. The night was indeed ful lling to language lovers alike. The night was full of fun and was to- all. Nonetheless, the Afro-Caribbean tally mind-blowing, with lights, cam- Society is de nitely not sleeping on eras and lots of action. A Live Band this success and has already planned was present to open the wonderful out a fun- lled calendar spanning event of the night. As expected, the this academic year. Don't Miss Out. Bangor Comedy FANCY some comedy? Well it’s al- most that time of year again when Bangor’s favourite comedy society take to the stage once more for their Christmas Gala show. Taking place this year in Main Arts Lecture Thea- tre, 7:30 pm priced at only £4. That’s a lot of comedy for your money! Christian Union BANGOR’S Christian Union will be hosting a quiz night this month. The event, titled “Keep calm its only a pub quiz’ is in association with Christian’s in Sport. It will take place on Thurs- NIGHTLINE day, 13th December at 8pm in The ell look at how fast the year is ade Ball hosted by Psych Society and Greek. going already and soon it will Nightline, there are still some tickets left Wbe Christmas! I can’t wait to see and it promises to be an amazing night. what Santa has for me and for Nightline! There is a Facebook page set up for it Wanted: Last year he gave me a teddy bear and which you can nd by friending me he is still one of my dear friends who’s on facebook at Dafydd Nightline, Ban- always there to listen to me, kind of like gor University Nightline or by keeping Politics Editor how Nightline is always around too. If an eye out for Psych Society. I can tell you ever need to talk to anyone no mat- you now I am excited for it! I am going EVER fancied yourself as one of ter what it’s about then Nightline is al- to be there in my mask and suit show- Seren’s Sub Editors? Well now’s your ways there for you with a friendly and ing o my moves and giving out hugs! chance. We have an opening for a non-judgemental voice to listen and I just hope they don’t mind me coming Politics Editor. If you’re interested talk. Look out for their number on post- in without shoes, it’s hard to nd shoes contact us: [email protected]. ers and if you have the keyring on the that t so I guess I’ll have to go Bear- ac.uk or if you just want to get in- back of it and feel free to add it to your footed! See you around, readers! volved in some way just send us a phone. Oh! Before I go I just want to in- Nightline are avaliable 24 hours a day, 7 message to let us know. vite you all to the Christmas Masquer- days a week on 01248 362121 24 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012

Photos by Kris Humphreys

me for this. Howev- which involved one of the players found I actually start- er, I couldn’t have purposefully capsizing themselves ed to love Canoe Polo been more wrong, and another playing coming to their and even got a shot at aving told as this friendly, aid to allow them to ‘push up’ on goal (needless to say I our editor that I welcoming their boat and right themselves. missed). At the end of Hwas ‘up for anything’ when club soon put With the basics sorted and the the session, I found circuit training sessions. If you join it came to trying out societies, I my mind at rest. After xing me up warm-up over we started to play a myself wanting the team, you also get the chance soon felt that maybe I’d been a bit with one of the member’s boats simple game of possession, in which more of this fun and to play at weekend tournaments in too over-enthusiastic when I volun- (which much to the amusement I actually managed to catch the ball. adrenaline-pumping sport Liverpool, Warwick, Nottingham, teered to try out Canoe Polo, having of the others happened to be the So overwhelmed by this was I that I and have decided I am de nitely up Cardi and BUCS. The club also hold no idea whatsoever what it involved most expensive), the safety brie ng promptly capsized and, as is typical for another go. If you want to join, their infamous socials on a Wednes- and certainly no clue as to even ensued and I was helmeted up and of me, forgot the safety brie ng of the club hold training sessions on day night and are always keen for whether you needed to be able to helped into the pool. The session ‘keep calm and tap and rub on the Llanberis Lake, Menai Straits and in new people to join, whether you are canoe to take part. What followed started with some simple throwing bottom of your boat’ or ‘undo the a pool (no matter the weather) at experienced or have never canoed was many frantic Google searches, and catching between the play- tab on your spray deck’ and instead least twice a week,, with tness and in your life and I for one would de - all of which led me to be standing ers while I bumped my boat along  ailed about under water vaguely nitely recommend it. in Bangor swimming pool chang- the sides of the pool (much to the wondering just how long I could ing rooms wondering whether I well-concealed distress of the boat’s hold my breath for. However I had massively over-estimated how owner) and frantically worked out needn’t have worried as the others much my single kayaking experi- just how you are supposed to steer. soon came to my assistance and ence on holiday had prepared Next came some T-rescue drilling, nally remembering to ‘push up’ on their boat, I was righted and the game ensued. Having capsized once, I was de- termined not to again and instead got stuck in with the next part of the session – a match between two teams where the aim is to score in the goals at either end of the pool, similar to actual canoe polo match- es. Despite my earlier fears and my rather refreshing dip in the pool, I

e went to Women’s Rugby, charity. time. It’s about deterrence appar- If you happen to be in paddies Rygbi Merched this month Due to the quagmire that is ently. around 8pm on a Wednesday, and Wand went to one of their pre Treborth, the training session we Touch rugby for strategy and safety hear a resounding chorus of ‘B-A- match training sessions. What you all attended was on the tennis courts purposes ensued (who wants to be N-G-O-R, Bangor Rugby Team we might not know is that Bangor Uni- next to Maes Glas. This was probably taken to the tarmac?). We both got are, we like to maul we like to ruck, versity Women’s Rugby team is very a good thing as Pippa arrived in Hi ‘well stuck in’ according to coach. and then at night we like to…drink’, break their own brand of Universal successful; last year they only lost tops and the closest thing Robyn We didn’t do badly; held the line, ran feel free to join them for a pint, or a Drinking Rules. one match and couldn’t play one in had to trainers being walking boots. when told to but one of us got her double vodka. The social side is just So join them for a beverage. They the whole season. They also do some Not really cut out for lightning re- head in the game: Pippa hit the prop, as important for these guys who don’t bite honest, unless you have of the best fundraising events of the  exes. then the  oor. have a social sec to or- your hands in the ruck. sports clubs, keep an eye out around The beautifully northern coach ‘Don’t just wait to be snotted ganise pub golf, super Bangor for sweet tubs appealing for Andy had us all warming up with on, smash ‘em back!’ seems to be hero night and pennies. This is for the Mile of Pen- some catching exercises, something the underlying sentiment behind court session nies Appeal, the proceeds of which which comes naturally to some, and this women’s rugby team. But if for those who will go to Anglesey Riding for the not so naturally to others… we were you watch a game, they’ll help the Disabled and Evie’s Fund, a cancer de nitely in the less natural cat- other team up after grinding them egory. Then came a quick into the mud and apologise if they little physics lesson from stand on people… usually. To round Coach; a concept that, in o the session the team practised all honesty, I had not un- their kicking game with a round of derstood in High school, kick tennis. Very simple, if you drop suddenly made perfect the ball you’re out, if you don’t kick sense; F=ma. The harder above the little fullback’s shoulder you hit them, the less height, you’re out. Robyn’s team likely they are to want to won, helped we’re sure by the fact be hit by you the second that she didn’t touch the ball once. December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 25

This Issue, Seren’s roving reporters Pippa and Robyn discover the best of the North Wales’ Christmas scene and try their hand at Women’s Rugby and Canoe Polo...

my less-than-enthusiastic friend along under the such a great idea – but no. With my pretence of being ‘chief photographer’. With enter- skates on and my friend waiting tainment ranging from Barrel Organs to ice skating, poised with the camera for that inevi- n the 24th November this year, Beaumaris it was di cult to know where to start, but as usual, table face-plant, I took to the ice. Now here, held its annual Victorian Christmas event – my inner child prevailed and we went in hunt of the I would like to say that something ‘clicked’, Oan eclectic mix of elves, rather-tipsy looking infamous ‘Santa’s Grotto’. that I nally discovered how to glide e ort- Santas and all things Victorian. Being the Christmas With the sweet aromas of mince pies and roasting lessly and twirl like in Dancing on Ice, but addict that I am, I couldn’t resist a visit and dragged chestnuts lling our nostrils and ‘snow’ falling from after 10 minutes of clinging desperately to the sky (which it has to be said was more reminis- the side, ghting with tiny children for the cent of foam parties at Peep), it was hard not to get push-along penguins, I gave in and accept- that familiar buzz about the approaching 25th of ed my defeat before I ended up face-down December. However, after half an hour of trailing in a crowd of about 20 kids. the streets in search of the ‘real’ Santa’s grotto, we To nish the night (and recover from had to face the reality that at 5pm, Santa had prob- my skating ordeal), we settled for a heart- ably packed up his sack and gone in search of some warming hog roast whilst listening to some Victorian ale, leaving us to move onto Ice skating. ‘rousing’ carol singing, topped o by the You would have thought that after many failed at- switching on of the Christmas tree lights. tempts and many bruised rear-ends later, I would This was the perfect end to our Christmas have nally accepted that perhaps ice skating is just experience, leaving only the battle of per- not suited to someone whose balance resembles suading my housemates that November that of a penguin on a tight-rope, or that perhaps I isn’t too early to put up the Christmas deco- would have realised the fact that the oldest person rations… on the ice was 7 years old meant it probably wasn’t

here is a rule in my house; no petting of reindeer and birds of Christmas shortbread decorating, Olympics for example, Christmas before December pray while making our way over to and all the control I’d been exercis- but for a place with a T1st. This is for the sanity of all the Alpine Café. Flanked by a cast ing simply fell away. I paid my £1 population of around 550, if around me as, for a month, I hail iron gorilla, the Alpine café is fur- and threw myself into the creative that, it is a spectacular show and a from the land of ice and snow. So, nished in an eclectic array of styles process. This was clearly a job for wonderful end to a really packed to t as much Christmas in as pos- and eras. Over a spicy chai latte, my A level Fine Art understanding day. So if you’re free on the 1st Sat- sible, I attended the Betws-y-Coed which, in my opinion is the bever- and ability. I hope you agree, it be- urday of December next year, hop Christmas 2012 in the ‘gateway age of the gods, I watched the  ow longs in the Tate modern. on a train to Llandudno junction to Snowdonia’ around 30mins of people coming o trains from I am a rather  awed individual; and change to Betws-y-Coed, or drive from Bangor. Llandudno and further a eld, and one of my foibles is that I’m a suck- just drive down the A5. The drive down the A5 observed the general goings on er for a funfair. Even if its just tea- was stunning, the around me; a toddler with an ice cups. Along the high street, which mountains looked cream, in December, getting more runs perpendicular to the other like someone had on his face than in it. Great parent- row of shops in Betws-y-coed, was sprinkled them with sugar and some of the mini waterfalls FOR A MONTH, I HAIL FROM THE LAND OF ICE had formed abstract AND SNOW. sculptures of ice around their mouths. The 1st Saturday of December ing skills. the cause of my distraction. Con- signi es something special in Be- The tents around the common sisting of a high speed spinney tws-y-Coed: exposure to the most contained most of the crafty go- thing, teacups, a children’s train exuberant and excitable Christmas ings on with basket making tutori- ride and a hook-a-duck, to use the lovers around, myself included. als, lantern making and face paint- technical terms, the annual funfair This breed of humanity also known ing. I have to say I did queue up to draws and herds the homo-santas as homo-santa, has been known have my face painted, but, being towards the other festive shops. to throw down over Christmas dis- the kind person I am, and desper- One that particularly spoke to me plays and strangle each other with ate for a cuppa, I gave up my spot was a deli with maybe eight dif- lengths of 1inch red satin ribbon. for the under 10s to proceed. We ferent types of gingerbread house Thankfully Sophie, a homo-scro- then dawdled along to The Royal and a whole wall of cheeses. ogous, agreed to come along to Oak, the pub that sponsored the To round o the day, the Royal keep me in order. whole event, to drink our volume Oak puts on an exquisite reworks I started out slow, in brew. However, en route, I got display. There have been some with the distracted by a sign advertising pretty good ones recently, the 26 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Food & Drink

Christmas Dinner’s Unsung Heroes

he image accompanying this pages’ header is one of a bird whose ability to resist the in- order) roast potatoes, parsnips, sweet carrots, all of which is lubricated by a well-reduced, sticky exhaustible apathy towards it has rmly placed it at the heart of any traditional Christmas gravy. Bread sauce would be a welcome addition but as far as my perfect Christmas is concerned, Tdinner. I’ve yet to meet anyone whose favourite element of a Christmas dinner is turkey. the holy trinity of side dishes is more than enough to justify continuing this indefatigable and Often lamented for its propensity to overcook easily which results in a dry, chalky and bland meat hackneyed tradition. (especially the breast) that is made just about palatable through copious quantities of gravy, the If you’re of a similar inclination and think there’s no place for turkey at your Christmas dinner, you turkey should be overshadowed by superior complementary side dishes. Plus, cooking a turkey is might appreciate these recipes for the holy trinity of any good Christmas dinner (all recipes serve a ultimately fruitless and laborious task. I’d be perfectly contented with a plate of (in this speci c four people): oasting a potato but not a parsnip at METHOD: Christmas but would make you a neg- Pre-heat your oven to 190°. Peel and quarter Rligent host who denies their guests your potatoes and place them in a pan of boil- of the real reason Christmas dinners are so ing salted water. Blanch for around seven min- popular. utes (be con dent but don’t let them break up too much otherwise they’ll become saturated with water), drain and gently shake in the pan. INGREDIENTS: (This creates little ssures on the potatoes exte- rior, enabling them to take on a crisp, glass-like •1kg of potatoes outer texture when roasting.) (King Edwards or Maris Pipers) (For the parsnips, peel and cut in to halves. • 350g parsnips Boil for three minutes and drain.) • 1 clove of crushed garlic Meanwhile, put your oil in a roasting tray and • 5 tablespoons olive oil (a jar of goose place in the oven. Add the potatoes to the tray, Roast Vegetables fat would be the hedonic ideal but alas, season liberally with salt and some crushed you’re a student, give it a miss) garlic before carefully combining with the oil. • salt Cook for an hour, adding the parsnips after 15 minutes (in a separate tray, repeating the exact same process – oil, garlic and salt).

know carrots probably aren’t the most exciting element of a Christmas din- INGREDIENTS: Iner but they’re one of the parts I look forward to most. Clearly distinguish prop- • 500g carrots, peeled and halved lengthways erly cooked, honey glazed carrots from the • Two tablespoons honey tinned carrot as much as possible. Cooking • Salt and pepper them in this way produces the sweetest car- rot you’ll have ever eaten. METHOD:

Alternatively, especially if you’re short for Mix your carrots with the olive oil, honey, salt oven space, cover with water, a knob of butter, and pepper and cook on a baking tray for 45 Carrots a pinch of sugar and salt and cook down until minutes at 180° until they’re sticky and cooked soft and glazed with buttery juices. through. Be careful to watch them in case they catch.

ow, I’m going to be better through their addition. bles and roast for 20 minutes, a real snob here and Make the gravy well in ad- turning every so often so they Nattempt to persuade vance so that the oven’s free colour evenly and don’t stick. you to reject gravy granules. for later. Add the tomato puree and They’re just a bit minging  our, stir and return the pan to to be honest and in spite of a friend’s contention that INGREDIENTS: the oven for 10 more minutes. there’s a real art to achiev- Remove the tray and imme- ing the right consistency, • 1kg chicken wings diately add in the cider and taste pretty bad (there’s no • Two white onions, peeled 200ml of the stock, stirring beef in their beef ‘ avour’ and roughly chopped vigorously to remove any of gravy). I know making gravy • One carrot, peeled and the sediment from the tray’s seems like a bit of a pain in roughly chopped base. the arse, especially when • Two sticks of celery, roughly Transfer everything to your there are instant alterna- chopped largest saucepan, add in the tives but if you’ve gone to • Half a bottle of apple cider rest of the ingredients (includ- all the e ort of scorning the turkey and preparing all • 2 litres of chicken stock ing the remaining stock) and these beautiful side dishes, • 1tbsp plain  our simmer for around an hour, Gravy it would be remiss to pre- • 1tbsp tomato puree skimming the top occasion- pare a half-arsed gravy. • One sprig of thyme ally to remove any scum. Chicken wings cost pence • Salt and pepper Strain the gravy and if need- and add a real depth of  avour ed adjust the seasoning. If to your gravy base. It’s tempt- METHOD: it’s watery, add to a pan and ing to leave them out of the reduce on a high heat until recipe but I wouldn’t (unless Pre-heat your oven to 200°. the desired consistency is you’re a vegetarian, of course): In your largest oven tray, add reached. the end result is signi cantly the chicken wings and vegeta- December Issue 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 27 Food & Drink

Concerning standard of hygiene among Bangor eateries

Though it probably should be, the rst thought when you eat out isn’t how hygienic the kitchen is. Instead, cost, value and 1. Bangor Chinese Takeaway taste understandably occupy our minds. It’s di cult to enter- 2. Bella Bella tain the cleanliness of the kitchen when you eat somewhere: 3. Castle Bakery more often than not, if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. Un- less there are visible signs of distress with the kitchen’s e orts 4. G.Williams & Son to serve you food prepared under the correct conditions, it’s 5. The Greek hard to force yourself to consider whether you’d be happy to eat in a restaurant if you could see the state of the kitchen. 6. Hong Kong House Short of carrying out an impromptu inspection yourself, 7. The Fat Cat Five-rated there are ways to nd out what standards eateries uphold in their kitchens. The Food Standards Agency, a non-ministerial 8. Yates government department, scours the kitchens of the country 9. Ying Wah to adjudicate how safely food served to the public is prepared. The ratings, which range from 0 (urgent improvement neces- sary) to 5 (very good), apply to Bangor thus: Two-rated

Three-rated establishments 1. Antelope Inn 1. 1815 2. Batty’s Fish and 2. All University food outlets Chips 3. Blue Sky Café 3. Crêperie Café 4. Burger King 4. Yellow Bar 5. Crumbs 5. KFC 6. Domino’s 7. Garden Restaurant 6. Oscar’s Lounge 8. Gerrard’s 7. Sunshine Take Away 9. Greggs 8. The University Plaice 10. Jade City 1. Beach Road Chippy 9. Whistlestop Café 11. Kebab House 2. Costa 12. Kyffi n 3. Dragon Noodle Bar 13. Late Stop 4. Eastern Origin 14. McDonald’s 5. Mike’s Bites Four-rated establishments 15. Morrisons 6. Spicy Vujon 16. Options 7. Star Kebabs 17. Pizza House 8. Tai Sing Fortunately Bangor has more ve-rated establishments than all others and no 18. Ristorante Pulcinella 9. The Royal Tandoori zeroes or ones. It would be unfair and wholly inaccurate to suggest that these ve- 19. Subway 10. Varsity rated restaurants are automatically of a higher standard than their contemporar- 20. Tap and Spile ies in terms of food served but invariably, the Food Standards Agency’s ratings act as a reliable indicator of whether you should be eating in a particular venue. 21. Tesco There’s no excuse for having a sub-three rating; the FSA stress- 22. The Boat Yard es its commitment to providing all establishments with detailed re- 23. The Menai ports on what they need to do to reach the ve-rated pinnacle. 24. Skerries 25. Wetherspoons 26. Yo’ Mamas

Promotional Merchandise Ltd For all your Printed, Embroidered Clothing and Promotional Merchandise Are pleased to be associated with Bangor University Supplying all your Hoodies, Clothing and Sportswear with NO MINIMUM ORDER www.sional.co.uk Tel: 01248 689249 [email protected] 28 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Deck The

As always Seren is dedicated to making sure you students don’t spend all of your loan when there’s no need to. This year we visited B&M to put together a Halls (or home) deco- ration kit for less than £30! We’ve also given you a few tips on how to make your own decorations and of course Ash- leigh is on hand to make sure you don’t o end any rubbish gift-givers this year. Halls

Tree, £5 from B&M Available in green, black or white.

Seren’s Decorating team. They have a fondness for doors. You don’t have to limit yourselves to decorating your doors though. We promise.

The Gift of Expression Great news, kids, Ashleigh is back this year to once again show us the right expressions to have ready for those gifts you don’t want. Take a look at the scale of Ashleigh to see what’s appropri- Disgust Faker Pure Joy ate. 28 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 December Issue 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 29 Christmas Crafts Toilet Roll Stars Deck The You will need: empty toilet roll, glue, white glitter. Paper Chains Method: Fold the toilet roll in half length wise, flattening it. Then, cut into 1cm thick sections. Arrange the sections into a star You will need: paper, glue. As always Seren is dedicated to making sure you students shape, similarly to the picture. Glue to- Method: cut the paper into don’t spend all of your loan when there’s no need to. This gether. Next, coat the outside with glue, and strips. Glue the first piece into a year we visited B&M to put together a Halls (or home) deco- sprinkle with glitter. ring. Then, glue pieces of paper together to create new linking ration kit for less than £30! We’ve also given you a few tips rings. on how to make your own decorations and of course Ash- leigh is on hand to make sure you don’t o end any rubbish gift-givers this year. Halls Stick Stars You will need: sticks, glue, string. Method: Take the sticks, arrange into a star shape similarly to the picture opposite. Glue together, and thread through with string. Paper Baubles You will need: Paper, scissors, glue, Tree, £5 from B&M string. Method: Design a shape onto paper. Cut Available in green, out. Punch a hole at the top, and thread through with string to make a hanging black or white. loop. You can also coat the paper in glue, and sprinkle with glitter or sequins for extra effect.

Seren’s Decorating team. They have a fondness for doors. You don’t have to limit yourselves to decorating your Splash out on tinsel. You can use it everywhere, it comes in many doors though. We promise. colours and its a world of fun.

The Gift of Expression Great news, kids, Ashleigh is back this year to once again show us the right expressions to have ready for those gifts you don’t want. Take a look at the scale of Ashleigh to see what’s appropri- Disgust Faker Pure Joy Look of Love Winner ate. 30 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012

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Recycled cardboard radio and mp3 speaker Fairtrade mosaic tealight holders (set of two) Natural soap made by activists in India Within this cardboard box is an FM radio, retractable aerial A matching set of vibrant tealight holders made from brightly Three bars of natural soap beautifully wrapped in and speaker. You can listen to your own music collection coloured glass mosaic squares. A great way to add a touch of colour, dried leaves from wild trees and packed in a handmade via the included input lead. It’s powered by 4 x AA batteries warmth and ethnic style to anyone’s home. Handcrafted in fair trade newspaper bag. They are also great as shampoo bars. (rechargable, naturally) & is made from recycled card. conditions in India. Available from: ethicalsuperstore.com Available from: amnestyshop.org.uk Available from: iwantoneofthose.com December Issue 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 31

Geeky gifts from Planet Zorg For that person whose jokes you don’t always understand...

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O cial Star Wars ChopSabers Pac-Man Salt and Pepper Pots ‘To Victory’ Dalek Ironside Propaganda Poster The ultimate in geek utensils, these Star Wars Chop This has to be the best kind of geek tableware: Pac-Man Ghost Salt and This cool poster comes straight from the Matt Smith Sabers are perfect for that friend you have who’s always Pepper Pots?! We’re not even geeks at Seren and we want these for our episode of Doctor Who - ‘Victory of the Daleks’. Featuring making obscure jokes about Luke Skywalker & Chewbacca little dining spot (mainly on the sofa, but you know). Get them right now! WWII propaganda artwork for Churchhill’s new robotic walking into a bar (“ouch”). Available from: rebox.com Available from: rebox.com innovation, the ‘Ironsides’’. Available from: play.com

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Periodic Table Mug Stormtrooper LEGO Mini gure Alarm Clock LEGO The Hobbit 79000: Riddles for the Ring Great for your mate in Chemistry who will love the Yes, more Star Wars, but we couldn’t resist. Lego Stormtrooper As the most anticipated lm of the year is released in chance to show o their geeky credentials by sipping Alarm Clock is just perfect for anyone who wants to be blasted out of cinemas, geeks all over the country will be longing for their hot beverage of choice (probably liquid hydrogen bed in the morning*. Our favourite thing about it is that the snooze their Hobbit Lego (they will, don’t argue). As it’s all mega or something - just kidding, don’t try that at home) in this and backlight functions are activated by shoving his head down. expensive these days, we’ve chosen this little delight. vessel of sciencey goodness. Available from: rebox.com Available from: rebox.com *blasting weapons not included Available from: amazon.co.uk Pretty things for people who probably like fonts like this Nu said.

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Bath Pamper Gift Box by by Bow Boutique Personalised Eye Masks by Maid In Ireland Porcelain Teapot Wall Vase And Hook by Deborah Sparks These luxurious bath products are individually made When It’s too just too early to get up, be serene behind one of these These porcelain teapots are lovely to look at and by hand in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales. Each eye masks. They come in 3 colourways with a contrast gingham back. are dual purpose. With removable lids they can be melt contains Cocoa and Shea butters which, when All are made from the nest 100% cotton with blackout fabric & have used as a stylish wall vase and as a hanging hook too. added to a hot bath, create a deeply moisturising soak. a textured contrasting ribbon. Available from: notonthehighstreet.com Available from: notonthehighstreet.com Available from: notonthehighstreet.com 32 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Advice Any specific topics you want discussing in the next issue?

Email our Editor with any Will’s thoughts or questions for me: Wisdom [email protected] KEEPING RESOLUTIONS The New Year Resolution is an interesting phenomenon. It’s ritual near the end of the year to ask people what their resolution is, to laugh or to admire, and to shape our own. We’re lled with naivety and create a goal or growth plan for the coming year. It’s a fantastic idea, so why is it so hard to actually… do it? 88% of us fail to ‘resolve’. Are we all just terribly lazy and unproductive people? I don’t think so. I reckon it’s something to do with the concept of New Year Resolutions as a whole. This is my attempt at an explanation on the problems with New Year Resolutions, and how to actually ‘resolve’ (With help from my dear friend Will Smithson)

PRESSURE BAD TIMING You don’t try to build a wall. The New Year starts cold and uncomfortable. Sunlight lasts You don’t set out and say ‘I’m Whenever we get given a nice big time frame (let’s say…a for approximately 47 minutes, and the rest of the day is spent year), there is just no pressure to do anything. In theory, a either falling asleep, trying to get to sleep, or lying in bed (for gonna build the biggest, baddest, longer time limit should mean we have more time to work, more sleep). Now imagine your resolution is to start jogging greatest wall that has ever been and reach our goals to the best of our--blah. It doesn’t work. built’. You say ‘I’m going to lay this Most of us cram for exams, write essays the night before every morning at 6; that presents a problem. Also, you’re still “ they’re due, and in general don’t feel like working as soon in holiday-mode when the New Year starts. Even if your reso- brick as perfectly as a brick can be as we have the chance. And that’s how reckless we are when lution is something relatively independent of the cold (like laid’. You do this every single day, grades are involved; imagine when we have nothing to lose! learning to play the guitar), it would be di cult to suddenly and soon you have a put yourself into learning-mode. wall. ,, SOLUTION Put aside something you hold only slightly dear to you SOLUTION Sounds corny, but it’s actually pretty wise. as a forfeit. One Harry Potter book, your latest DVD, As soon as you think of your resolution, start it. It doesn’t mat- etc. If you have nothing dear to you, put money up. ter if it’s December the 8th or January the 8th, start it right there If we analyse this, what can we get from Cut your time limit. Split your goal up into smaller time and then, and the cold won’t matter. Just the fact that you’re it? He’s e ectively saying ‘You don’t aim frames. If you’re goal is to lose weight by a certain num- forcing yourself to start it at some time other than usual puts straight for the goal. You break down the ber of kilos, split it into smaller goals that will stick in your you in a more self-suggestive mood. You’ll be up for trying new goal to its component skills, and do them memory (e.g 2kg by February, 3kg by April, ad nauseum) to the best of your abilities within context’. things, like jogging in the snow. Or drinking more raw milk. The goal was the wall. The component skill was the laying of a brick; the context was UNDESIRABLE where he was laying it. FORGETTING It’s common sense that we do what we want more than what Let’s say your New Year’s Resolution is to we have to do. But that obviously hinders us when we’ve got It’s simple enough. All the previous reasons are enough to un- make more friends. You don’t just go out a big fat goal to reach for our self-improvement. We tend to derstand why we could just plain forget about our resolutions. one day and force friends. You pay atten- build New Year Resolutions on the basis of what we think And because we usually don’t pick particularly life-signi cant tion to and develop the skills involved. would be good for us, and it’s never something like ‘sleep resolutions, we realise after a year that we’ve forgotten and Holding conversation, listening, building in and arrive later to lectures’, or ‘gain 30 pounds of pure fat’. rapport, dissolving judgement, being com- SOLUTION passionate, not being afraid to ‘be yourself’, SOLUTION etc. The more you can work at, the better. If you desperately want to remember, get your friends to Once you’ve worked on those abilities, you Phrase your resolution in a way that actually makes you want to remind you weekly. Not only is it a large enough increment put yourself in a context to express those do it. Figure out what actually motivates you; be it discontent of reminder for you to not be desensitized, but you can feel skills (every social situation you can think in yourself, social acceptance, attraction of the other sex, self- guilt when the people around you see that you aren’t mak- of). betterment, or any such else. Write your resolution around that ing progress. concept. If you’re motivated by discontent, think about what When you are as perfect as you can be in upsets you, and focus on how content you’ll feel when you But If you’ve made it an entire year without managing to those areas, people  ock to you. reach your goal. If you’re motivated by society (or girls), build reach your new years resolution, you can rest assured that it your resolution around how much more people will like you. isn’t that big of an issue. Not that either of those reasons are necessarily ‘healthy’.

Aaron (Editor’s wife): Save money and pay o his overdraft. Becki (TV): To exercise more, and to eat more healthily. Rosie (Deputy-Editor): Pass her PhD. Becci (Film): To rob a bank Seren’s Joe (Food and Drink): Finish an essay at least three hours before the Jordaine (Travel): To learn to skateboard deadline Thomas (Contributor): ‘Don’t panic’ New Year Stefan (Features): To actually work on his dissertation, and obtain a Ailish (Contributor): To keep in touch with family and friends degree. at home more. Sinnead (Features): To re-form a relationship with Embassy. Resolutions Tom (Creative Corner): To get the highest grades possible LJ (Editor): Sophie (Comment): To have long hair by the summer Dan (IT): Reply to text messages quicker To take over the Harriet (Health and Beauty): To prevent Sophie from having long Pippa (Society Girls): To get out/stay out of her overdraft world, one hair newspaper at a time. Nicola (News): To not be afraid to try new things, and join a gym Robyn (Society Girls): To eat less Quavers (she has a prob- Matt (Sport): To make time lem), and to do more work. Tomos (Music): To listen to better music Will (Environment): Save the environment. The whole thing. Joe (News Team): To not forget important dates of the year. Birthdays And become carbon neutral. included. Me: To grow my beard to two inches. December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 33 Health & Beauty

THIS SEASON BEAUTY’S GONE HARRIET’S

Gothic Glam is at the height of fashion this sea- HOMEMADE son, focusing on minimal eyes and bold, darker BAD! HAND SCRUB toned lip colour. Why not incorporate it into your Christmas makeup style by taking inspiration from We are fast approaching the Christmas period Dark eyes (focusing and colder weather is beginning to creep in. the Queen of Gothic Glam… Taylor Momsen. lighter whites and blues Along with freezing temperatures, I also forecast in the inner eyelid- add dry skin on your hands in the coming winter months. Here is a sneaky recipe to ensure your false lashes to accentu- hands are soothed and dry skin free throughout ate your eyes) winter. Ingredients: • 3 tablespoons of Sugar • 3 tablespoons of Olive Oil • 5 drops of Essential Oil (I love to use Lavender-available from Boots for £5.09) • A pinch of Dried Herbs (Lavender, Thyme. Rosemary bring out the divine scent of the hand scrub) •A fresh Lemon

How to make: 1. First, mix the sugar, herbs and oil together in a bowl Pale, powdered face 2. Then add the essential oil (do this carefully as this can get messy!) helps emphasise your 3. Add a little lemon zest for extra scent, then stir well dramatic lip colour 4. Pour into a storage pot (5 pots available from Boots for just £2.00)

How to use: TIP- You may want to make a small tag including the fol- lowing instructions on how to use the product- try placing the pot into an organza bag, fastening the tag to the bag with ribbon.

1. Place a small amount of the hand scrub into the palm of your hand with a teaspoon 2. Massage around your hands (focusing on the most sensitive areas) 3. Rinse your hands in warm water- try using a slice of lemon to break up the sugar whilst rinsing your hands (this Deep purple lip colour (moisturise lips fi rst with lip balm, fol- also brings out the delicious scent of the hand scrub) Ta ah! low with layering thin layers of lip colour and fi nishing with Hands are left soothed and silky smooth! deep purple liner to help maintain the colour throughout the night! Try pressing on your favourite colour glitter for an extra Can’t think of what to buy for Christmas gifts? Why Christmas sparkle) not make your own hand scrub, varying the essen- tial oils for a personalised touch! TIP- Go for a tough and vampy edge to hair, makeup and nail styles. Get inspiration form the Goth scene (heavy charcoal eyes and blood stained lip colour)

EEK! BE PREPARED FOR YOUR NEW HOUSEMATES!

By HARRIET ACTON perience with squeaky little rodents. to evidence of gnawing or chewing, he evening of November 20th Although my heart wanted it to be like droppings and holes in and around 2012, I spent a great deal of the singing, dress-making mice from foundation walls. All are tell “tail” signs Ttime stood on a table. Now you Disney’s Cinderella, my head told me that your new house mates have ar- might think that it was a strange way that the reality would be very di er- rived. to spend my evening. In fact, I was not ent (hence the Harriet screaming the What to do if you  nd a mouse only stood on the table, but cowering house down on the table whilst her in your house: Inform your landlord against the ceiling, being a complete house mates chase the mouse franti- who should arrange a “mouse-man” to drama queen, causing such a scene cally around the kitchen situation.) come and sort out your pest problem. that I was banished from the kitchen But after a little research, I have How to avoid getting mice: Food is by my house mates until it was over. found that in the coming months, it is the main thing which will attract mice Around about now you should be inevitable that the lovely little mice of to your house. Particularly discarded thinking: “What the hell is she harping Bangor will take great delight in their food and uncollected waste. So make on about?”. Well on the evening of No- descent upon our student houses. So sure you empty your bins regularly vember 20th 2012, there was a mouse it is best to keep an eye out for the fol- and if necessary, store your food in in Hafryn House. lowing: from scratching sounds in the plastic boxes (available from Pound- As a town girl, I don’t have much ex- walls and damaged food packaging, land for... you guessed it... £1) 34 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 TV Merlin’s Final Adventure By NICOLA HOBAN adventures with Prince Arthur (Brad- their path, one being the king’s ward knights Sir Leon (Rupert Young), Sir show should be le as it was intended ley James). Merlin, a young wizard, is Morgana (Katie McGrath), who Gwaine (Eoin Macken), Sir Percival to end. s the countdown to Christmas sent to Camelot by his mother, who proves to be a powerful sorceress who (Tom Hopper), Sir Elyan (Adetomiwa While I’ll be watching the  nal epi- begins, fans across the globe sends him to stay with the court phy- wants Camelot’s for herself and will Edun), and the more recent addition sodes with a bunch of tissues and a prepare for the hit BBC show sician Gaius (Richard Wilson). With do anything to get it. While Merlin of Mordred (Alexander Vlahos). e lot of snacks ready for the emotional MerlinA to air its  nal episodes. magic being outlawed in Camelot, and Arthur are not friendly towards large cast of Merlin and their talent rollercoaster to come, the questions e show, which some believe has Merlin has to undertake his destiny of each other at  rst, the audience have makes the show what it is. that remain to be asked are these: been axed when in reality had always protecting and guiding Prince Arthur watched their bond and camaraderie While the show started o with What will happen to the cast once been planned to only ever have  ve without his natural gi s being dis- grow stronger with each passing epi- mixed reviews, it has gone from their journey with Merlin ends? Will seasons, was  rst aired on 20th Sep- covered, in the hopes that one sode. strength to strength throughout the there be a spin-o series and could it tember 2008 and is loosely based day the future King will bring e characters of Lady Guinevere seasons. Now standing at 62 episodes, tarnish the show? And most impor- on the Arthurian legends, fol- back the land of (Angel Coulby) and the Knights of Merlin has starred many a big name tantly, when will Merlin’s magic be lowing a young Merlin magic once again. the Round Table are also loved just over the years, including that of An- revealed to everyone, though more (Colin Morgan) and his e task proves as much by the fans as the main pair thony Head, John Hurt and Michelle speci cally, to Arthur?! to be di cult for what they Ryan. however, as contribute to ough Merlin now starts to draw the duo face the storyline, to a close, leaving fans of the show many ob- as well as their devastated, it could be said by some stacles in rapport with that a glimmer of hope remains as the one another, possibility of a spin-o is being dis- namely the cussed, though some fans feel that the

by AILISH BUMPUS time, perhaps to keep the pace and get on with the secrets and violence. ive years a er a tragic boat ac- e action throughout the series is cident, Oliver Queen (billionaire fast-paced and exhilarating, balanc- ing the realistic  ghting of untrained playboy) comes back from the movies where Troy is encouraged back by the network to an unknown Fdead. He begins to right his father’s thugs and stylised, highly trained to ‘be the rst black man to make future date, the fate of the show re- Oliver. Also the use of ‘trick arrows’ wrongs as a hooded vigilante, taking it to the end’, their satire is as clever mains uncertain. But even so, the (grappling hook, transmitter, sleeping down corruption- lled Starling City’s by BECKI WATSON as it is hilarious. Added to this are characters of Community are ones gas) sets apart the action from other biggest crime bosses. But what hap- the amazing characters, who grow you’ll grow to love, and its passion- shows. Oliver is equipped with his pened on the island he was rescued ike any responsible student, and develop as the show goes on, ate fan base will ensure it stays on father’s notebooks, crossing out the from? And how long can he keep his instead of getting a sensible such as Troy, who evolved from a air for many seasons to come. names of the crime bosses he takes out alter-ego a secret? Lamount of sleep in order to cool, popular jock, into a guy who which, although slightly cliché, gives a At a  rst glimpse, ‘Arrow’ is a rich- focus better on my studies, I spend isn’t afraid to show his geeky pas- good climax to each episode. family-with-secrets drama, with a su- my evenings watching hours of tel- sions. He also develops a truly epic e star of ‘Arrow’ is the charming perhero edge. But as it develops you evision, and my latest obsession has nerdy bromance with Abed (we’re and smoking hot Stephen Amell, pre- will be pleasantly surprised by this been the hit US comedy Communi- talking JD and Turk levels here), and viously in ‘Private Practice’ and ‘New gripping, action-packed show with ty. While the show has never gained together they provide some of the Girl’, playing both the smarmy rich plenty of personal family issues. In huge audiences, it has received funniest moments in the pro- kid and tormented vigilante equally the  rst episode, it delves straight into great acclaim from critics across the gramme. well. In CW’s familiar way of bringing the action with dishevelled castaway board, and is sure to become a cult But aside from all of the female, teenage audience, Amell Oliver being rescued, and he comes classic. the wonderfully surreal shows o his excellent physique in the back to a less than warm welcome that Set in Greendale Community Col- fantasy sequences, slightly out of place ‘training’ scenes. introduces all the main charac- lege, the show follows ex-lawyer Community gives But the scene-stealer has to be the en- ters in a short space of Je , who had to return to school a hilarious look dearing John ‘Diggles’ Diggle; Oliver’s when the bar found out he’d forged into college that bodyguard who’s a comic relief with his college diploma, as he sets up a many students his quick wit and, refreshingly, doesn’t fake Spanish study group in order can relate to. give into Oliver’s every whims like the to seduce high school dropout and From scar- other characters. anarchist Britta. This back res when ily intense With the show being based on an other students hear of it, and the lecturers, already loved and highly developed group expands to include pop-cul- to study comic book character, does the show ture obsessed Abed, single mother sessions do the hero justice? It seems the Green Shirley, over-achiever Annie, former where not Arrow universe has been condensed high school football player Troy and much actu- so all the important characters are elderly millionaire Pierce. Despite al studying conveniently Oliver’s close family and their various personality  aws, the takes place, friends. Also, Oliver seems to be non- group bonds, and together they it brings all of chalant in killing people for justice, navigate their way through the sur- the weird and which is a great contrast to his comic real antics of college. wonderful book equivalent who goes out of his The genius of Community is that elements of way not to, as he sees it as morally it doesn’t take itself too seriously. university wrong. ‘Arrow’ brings a he y con- As well as satirising itself to bril- superbly to tender into the newly revived super- liant e ect, Community constantly life. hero scene, and with its gritty realism parodies pop culture. From a full With the and great cast, viewers can look for- length skit of Doctor Who called premiere of ward to the show’s future with plenty ‘Inspector Spacetime‘, to a Shaun the fourth sea- of room for character development, of the Dead style send up of horror son pushed  ashbacks and answered questions. December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 35 TV RECOMMENDS Christmas Specials Elspeth recommends The long-awaited Christmas season has nally arrived, and we all know what that means; Christmas specials! And what’s more the Seren team is here to share their fa- vourite Christmas episodes of all time. EVEN though the Christmas spe- just me?). Although actually getting everyone has watched it at some Merry Christmas! cials have only been running since everyone in front of the telly and point, everyone has their favourite 2005, watching Doctor Who togeth- making them be quiet in time for doctor (Tom Baker, obviously) and er feels as much of a Christmas insti- the Doctor Who Christmas special everyone, no matter what they say, Tom tution as vaguely paying attention is arguably one of the biggest chal- gets a little bit excited when they recommends to the Queen’s speech or betting on lenges of the holiday period, the bril- hear the awesome theme tune and who’s going to die in Casualty (… liant thing about Doctor Who is that the sound of that blue box.

Matt REWIND to September 2012, and I’m particular highlight. December 25th, recommends stood in my living room, the shocked and Stacey’s family have been invited faces of my housemates staring back to spend Christmas with the Ship- at me after I revealed I’d never seen mans. Featuring hilarious moments Gavin and Stacey. And now, after such as Nessa as Santa, Mick trying watching every episode, it’s easy to to cook the turkey, and the drunken see why. The programme was bril- row, it’s a classic that will be remem- THE ROYALE Family Christmas spe- guess it’s partially because I grew up sive cast. It roughly revolves around liant, and the Christmas special was a bered for years to come. cial is most certainly my TV highlight watching the TV series with my par- a single family, in a single house, sit- each Christmas, in fact, it’s the only ents, and because it’s just so genius. ting around being simply a working one that I genuinely look for when I struggle really to put it in any other class northern family. Sophie the schedule is announced (or my way but it’s not got a particularly recommends Mum buys the TV page – retro). I expansive set, or a massively expan- Thomas recommends

SCREAMING into the face of a to avoid an awkward meeting, to the man who has just proposed to you? “it should have been me” mock mu- Sounds like a standard day in the life sic video and the Dalek bridesmaids, of loveable vicar Geraldine Granger. Dawn French and co, alongside gor- BLACKADDER’S Christmas Carol is ever, he is shown how di erent he Ben Elton for this bit of comedy ge- Without a doubt my favourite epi- geous guest star Richard Armitage, the opposite of Charles Dickens’ A is from them and therefore sacri ces nius. Plus, Baldrick becomes the rst sode ever, the nal episode of the se- are at their brilliant, if slightly eccen- Christmas Carol; “Ebenezer” Black- his kindness for greed, to uphold person ever to spell Christmas with- ries is a hilarious mishmash of  u y tric, best and will keep you laughing adder is introduced as a kind, gen- the family tradition, turning him out getting any letters correct (I’ll let romance and ridiculousness; from all through Christmas Day. erous and sel ess man, completely into the Blackadder we all know and you work out how he spells it)… jumping into a six foot deep puddle di erent from his ancestors. How- love. Well done to Richard Curtis and What’s On?: Christmas Edition by BECKI WATSON ing with equal dread and anticipa- Special’, and noting, ‘At least we’re it heads towards the nal, as well in this episode, as the Granthams tion for the nal episode, which will not clashing with X factor and I’m a as the Christmas Special at 6.15pm head to the Scottish Highlands to he holiday period is nally be broadcast at 7.55pm on the 22nd Celebrity.’ on Christmas Day, starring some of spend Christmas with their cousins upon us, and Seren is here to December on BBC1. Following Mer- the favourite contestants from past in Duneagle Castle. Meanwhile, we Tguide you through the high- lin’s vision of Arthur’s death, it re- Speaking of The X Factor, the series. get to see what the servants get up lights of this year’s Christmas televi- mains to be seen whether Morgana talent show juggernaut is ( nally) to while the family’s away, as Mr Car- sion. will nally gain and keep control of drawing to a close. It’s not been Fans of the BBC3 sit-com Him and son struggles to keep the servants Camelot, or whether Mordred short of controversy, with Ella, one Her are in for a treat, as the show airs in line while they’re all focused on After the emotional farewell will betray and murder Arthur of the favourites, being evicted its rst Christmas special on 23rd the upcoming county fair. Airing at to the Ponds last episode, this as Merlin foresaw. What- in Week 7, and popular boy December. Russel Tovey and Sarah 9pm on ITV1 on Christmas Day, this year’s Doctor Who Christ- ever the outcome, band Union J losing out Solemani, who play the love- is de nitely one to watch for fans of mas special sees the Doc- it’s bound to be a on a place in the nal in able and slobby couple Steve the show. tor mourning their loss thrilling conclu- favour of Christopher and Becky, celebrate the and withdrawing from sion to the excel- Maloney, who some holidays in their own unique If there’s one thing American TV the world. But when lent fantasy series. have criticised for hav- way, and the celebrated loves, it’s Christmas specials, and the Earth is once again ing an outdated style. So comedy The Royal Family there are some crackers coming up in danger, a young govern- Top Gear has been who will win it, Christopher, will air their Christmas this year. Glee, airing on 13th De- ess called Clara (as well as some the centrepiece for Jahmene, or James? Ei- episode at 9.45pm cember, is o ering up the imagina- old friends from past series ) BBC2’s Christmas ther way, with artists on Christmas Day. tively titled ‘Glee, Actually’ in a trib- calls on the Doctor to help. Can schedule for the past like Emile Sande and ute to the popular holiday lm that he move past his heartbreak four years, but this One Direction per- What’s Christ- follows several di erent storylines, and return to his world-saving year, fans are going forming, the nal mas without a bit as Sam and Brittany prepare for the ways? A must-see for all Who- to be disappointed. on Saturday 8th is of period drama? Mayan apocalypse, half-brothers vians, this episode looks to be Due to lming and set to be one hell of Speci cally, the Jake and Puck celebrate Chanukah, as weird, inventive and enter- editing delays, the a show. If you need Downton Ab- and Kurt and Blaine meet up after taining as we’ve come to ex- Top Gear Christmas Special to ll the reality- bey Christmas their break up. New Girl, airing on pect from the ever popular sci- won’t be aired until Febru- show-shaped hole episode, which 11th December, sees the gang at- series. Catch it on Christmas Day ary next year; fortunately in your Saturday is on its way to tempting to juggle multiple holiday on BBC1 at 5.15pm. it hasn’t ruined the Top night, don’t forget becoming as parties at once, with Jess avoiding Gear boys’ sense of humour, to tune into Strictly important a tra- Sam, Nick trying to keep up with his Emotions are also running high with James May saying that Come Dancing, as dition as the Doctor adventurous date, and Winston get- for fans of Merlin, who are wait- they’re already calling it ‘Top the competition gets Who special. There’s ting a cranberry stuck in his ear. Gear’s February Christmas even tougher as a change in scenery 36 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Film

PREVIEW

By BECCI JAMESON the ring of Fantine (Hathaway), a British talent that is just as good as single mother who worked at his fac- the seasoned Americans and Aus- n the 8th October 1985, Les tory forced into prostitution to care sies. Miserables was rst per- for her child, Cosette; a love triangle Tom Hooper, the lm's director, Oformed on stage. between the grown Cosette (Aman- who has The King's Speech under After a shaky start, it has become da Seyfried), the student revolution- his belt, has indicated that the per- the longest running musical of all ary Marius (Eddie Redmayne), and formers sing live on set, departing time. So it is about time they made it poor street thief Eponine (Samantha from the usual practice of miming into a lm. Packed with an astonish- Barks); the exploits of Eponine's vil- to pre-recorded playback. Typically, ing amount of star power, including lainous parents, the Thenardiers (He- the soundtrack for a lm musical is Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, lena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron recorded several months in advance Les Miserables is expected to bring in Cohen), and the lives of the poor in and the actors mime to playback the audience in the lull after Christ- post-revolution France as a revolu- during lming. Everyone involved, mas with its delightfully melancholy tionary group starts a battle in the from Hugh Jackman to Russell Crowe subject matter and sombre belters. streets of Paris. to producer Cameron Mackintosh, The lm is adapted from the musi- The combination of Bonham Carter have praised this approach as it al- cal which is based on the 1862 novel and Baron Cohen will be nothing lowed them to concentrate on their Les Misérables by French author Vic- short of spectacular, having both acting. tor Hugo. It sees Jean Valjean (Jack- performed in Sweeney Todd, we Composer Claude-Michel Schön- man) leave prison after 19 years and know they can sing and the  air they berg and lyricist Alain Boublil wrote end up breaking his parole in order bring to anything they do will be a new song exclusively for the lm. to turn his life around. Several years perfect for the horrible Thenardiers. Schönberg also composed new inci- later, Valjean is a successful business- Anne Hathaway's performance is dental music. This may upset fans of man known for his kindness. Inspec- rumoured to be harrowing, she even the musical but it will showcase the tor Javert (Russell Crowe), who was a shaved her hair o staying true to lm in its own right. prison guard during Valjean's prison her character Fantine. Bringing in Les Miserables will open in cinemas sentence, eventually nds out who Samantha Banks who is reprising her on 11th January 2013. It is advisable he is and vows to bring him to jus- role of Eponine from the 25th Anni- to book in advance and bring plenty tice. versary Special of Les Miserables, is a of tissues. There are other threads to the nar- good move as it showcases the new rative including Valjean's guilt over

By BECCI JAMESON the superb such as Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee and Andy Serkis who robably one of the most antici- reprise their roles and newcomers pated prequels of all time, Pe- such as Stephen Fry and Benedict Pter Jackson returns with more Cumberbatch to the strange casting antics from the Shire, as director and of James Nesbitt as Bofur, ex-Doctor producer. Who Sylvester McCoy as Radagast After the success of the Lord of The the Brown and the ever odd Barry Rings trilogy, The Hobbit is set to Humphries as the Great Goblin. storm into the record books. A De- Cumberbatch vs. Freeman is going cember release date should heighten to be interesting as we are so used everyone's festive cheer and is sure to them working together as Sher- to be a perfect way to end the year. lock and Watson and even though its The adventure follows the jour- only Cumberbatch's voice, its going ney of title character Bilbo Baggins to be intense. They are always bril- (Martin Freeman), who is swept into liant in everything. Richard Armitage an epic quest to reclaim the lost as a dwarf is a bit odd but that's part Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the of the Peter Jackson experience for fearsome dragon Smaug (Benedict actors. It also gives us the chance to Cumberbatch). Approached out of guess who's who as most of the cast the blue by the wizard Gandalf the will be unrecognisable, especially Grey (Ian McKellen), Bilbo nds him- Stephen Fry who will be sporting a self joining a company of thirteen bald cap, a comb over and eats testi- dwarves led by the legendary war- cles as the Master of Laketown. Nice. rior, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard The lmmakers have jumped on Armitage). the same bandwagon as Harry Pot- Their journey will take them into ter and Twilight and have made the the Wild; through treacherous lands lm into three parts, which is sure to

HE FINDS A SIMPLE, GOLD RING THAT IS TIED TO THE FATE OF ALL MIDDLE EARTH ... pected Journey will run over 160 minutes but it still clocks in shorter than Fellowship Of The Ring, the swarming with Goblins and Orcs, least lengthy of Jackson's Lord Of deadly Wargs and Sorcerers, where end up being both frustrating and re- The Rings trilogy and so it should be Bilbo meets the creature that will warding for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien. We if they're putting it in three parts. Its a change his life forever, Gollum (Andy won't get to see the conclusion until veritable juggernaut and I can't wait. PREVIEW Serkis). Here, he nds a simple, gold 2014! The Hobbit: An Unexpected Jour- ring that is tied to the fate of all Mid- This does mean that there will be ney will open in cinemas on the 14th dle-earth in ways Bilbo can't even be- enough screen time to showcase December, its likely to be packed so gin to imagine. the entire story and plenty of refer- book in advance and get your geek A focus of discussion is the bizarre, ences to Lord of The Rings to satisfy on. mismatched cast, which ranges from the most die-hard of fans. An Unex- December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 37 Film Blu-Ray and DVD Releases By BECCI JAMESON

3/5 REVIEW

gives both the stunt and special ef- By TOM HAYNES fects departments room to shine, re- sulting in a lm that looks visually im- ack in 2008, three years after pressive. The emphasis on action also Ted (15) The Dark Knight Rises (12) the original “Twilight” book detracts away from the lm’s romantic captured the imaginations of element, which, apart from the pre- talking animal, pop culture references and o en- t’s eight years since the traumatic events of The Dark B sive humour. It could only have come from the Knight and Batman has been outlawed and ostracised teenage girls across the world, stars teen or incredibly soppy members of were aligning. Seventeen year old the audience, will leave the corners of Amind of Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane with Iin Gotham City, which arrogantly believes it has rid it- Kristen Stewart had been cast in the mouths twitching in the cinema. his debut as a live-action movie director. Luckily this self of crime. Wrongly blamed for the demise of Gotham’s role of Bella Swan, whilst British ac- In terms of character, again the lm is funny enough for him to get away with it. public defender Harvey Dent, a lie that even trusted ally tor Robert Pattinson was revealed to cast do well with the ground mate- If you can get past the fact that the Ted’s voice jumps Police Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) has to main- play Edward Cullen. On a relatively rial they’ve been given. Working from between Peter and Brian Gri n which is thankfully ref- tain, Batman or rather Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) hides small budget of $37 million, no one an overlong, and largely uneventful erenced, Ted himself is brilliant. He sucks up all the best inside stately Wayne Manor. Then Bane (Tom Hardy) comes could have predicted the furore that novel, their portrayal of sleek and un- lines, and brings out the best in Mark Wahlberg. The along, built like a wrestling giant with vocal chords like a would follow. Fast forward four years,  inching vampires proves accessible Italian Job star is highly likeable as a slacker whose rela- mixture of Sean Connery and blended screwdrivers, he and the franchise has hit the strato- and watchable. It results in an end- tionship with his girlfriend (Mila, Shut Up Meg, Kunis) is wears a mask that resembles the “face hugger” from Al- sphere, grossing over $3 billion, with ing, which, although di ers from the being held back by the bear. ien. He proclaims himself to be “Gotham’s reckoning.” Cue cast members featured on the front of novel, will leave fans highly satis ed. The sweary teddy bear joke does start to wear thin af- the bad impressions. Anne Hathaway intrigues and sizzles every tabloid. With over $600 million grossed at ter a while, the third-act kidnap plot doesn't add much as Selina Kyle/ Catwoman, who has connections to both Breaking Dawn Part 2, the nal in- the box o ce in the rst two weeks to the lm and thankfully there is no explanation as to Bane and Batman. Marion Cotillard makes less of a splash stalment of the saga sees Bella now of release, Summit Entertainment why a teddy bear would start talking but Family Guy as Miranda Tate, but she ts very well into the lm’s intri- immortalised as a vampire. Along should be applauded, if only for the lovers will nd plenty to enjoy here. cate puzzle. So does Joseph Gordon-Levitt, another new- with husband Edward and the rest of admirable way they have understood High de nition buyers get a commentary by McFar- comer, who like Cotillard and Hardy all starred in Nolan’s the Cullens, she must gather together the needs of their target audience. lane, his co-writer and Wahlberg, a Making Of docu- previous lm Inception. Old friends return as well; Michael witnesses to prove to the Volturi that Using Stephenie Meyer’s somewhat mentary, alternate takes, deleted scenes and a gag reel. Caine as Wayne’s loyal butler Alfred, and Morgan Freeman her daughter Renesmee isn’t an im- sparse source material, they have Yet again the push for Blu-Ray has demoted the DVD as company gadget man Lucius Fox, who supplements the mortal child. created a highly lucrative franchise special features to little more than the lm itself. View- Batmobile and Bat-Pod motorbike with a  ying machine It is Bella’s newfound strength that and powerful ending, quenching the ers of the DVD get the extended “unrated” cut which is (no autopilot) simply called The Bat. Extras include many gives the lm a greater energy than its needs of its bloodthirsty fans, whilst six minutes longer and a digital copy. making-of featurettes, plus interviews and a trailer archive. predecessor, which felt overlong and making astronomical waves at the OUT NOW OUT NOW uneventful. The high octane action box o ce for themselves. Favourite Christmas Films It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and as we are all feeling the festive cheer and freezing cold, it is the best time to sit around in a duvet and watch a Christmas lm, here are some of our favourites:

LJ – The Grinch Becki – The Muppet's Becci – Bad Santa Nicola and Joe – Die Hard Tom – Home Alone THE GRINCH is a lot like me. He’s Christmas Carol I LOVE Bad Santa so much because WHEN thinking of Christmas, one FEATURING classic lines such as nasty and he’s hilarious. Much like A CHRISTMAS Carol has had many it is against the grain of sappy, loved lm springs to mind. Here’s a hint: “keep the change you lthy animal”, him I only care about my dog, Max. adaptations over the years. The up Christmas lms. It is unashamedly “Yippee ki yay motherf*****!” Die and iconic scenes such as paint cans Christmas lms are ripe with joy and one I watch every year, is the Mup- disgusting, cheap and de nitely not Hard, starring Bruce Willis who is swinging from the banisters, the lm singing and stupidly happy people pet’s Christmas Carol. With the ever for children and best of all nobody trapped after his wife’s Christmas made a star out of Macaulay Culkin, who can’t wait to spend the holidays brilliant Michael Caine starring as learns anything or betters their life, party is taken hostage by German and was nominated for an Academy with their families. The Grinch has Scrooge and with Kermit as Bob although they try. Billy Bob Thorn- terrorist Alan Rickman. Armed with Award for Best Original Score. this too, of course, except right at the Cratchit, Waldorf and Statler as the ton is the eponymous anti-hero and only his wits, a shoeless McClane Home Alone’s combination of com- top of the mountain, glaring down Marley brothers, and Gonzo as the is superb, if he'd been at my Wool- battle to rescue his wife. Die Hard edy and festive charm has proved an on everyone is Mr Grinch. Its my life great Dickens himself, what’s not to worths when I was younger I would captures the Christmas spirit: a giant enduring hit with audiences for last in a Christmas lm. The worst part, love? It’s funny, emotional, and gen- never have celebrated Christmas teddy bear and several dead bod- twenty two years, becoming a Christ- of course, is that in the end he kind uinely heartwarming. Anyone who again. Funny, completely absurd and ies. Die Hard is THE Christmas movie. mas classic that will endure for gen- of turns out nice. It really is my life in says that they don’t enjoy has a cold- exactly the opposite of what Christ- Without, Christmas just wouldn’t be erations to come. lm. er heart than Scrooge himself. mas is about. Perfect. Christmas. 38 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Games This issue Seren’s dedicated reporter, Joe Keep, gives you his thoughts on some of the newest game releases; Halo 4 and Football Manager 2013. Game Bits Assassin’s Cre-Zzzz THE long awaited Assassin’s Creed III nally debuted at the end of last month but its hardly what we ex- pected. AC III follows the new pro- tagonist, Connor, in his bid to nd and kill the Templars that destroyed his village. It all sounds quite exciting and has you bounding across trees in the Native American frontier. In real- ity, however, its a bit boring. Running across the frontier for a whole hour trying to get to your mission is de nitely over-rated. The he UNSC has driven back the role of Master Chief. hicles, allows for a massive switch up the game that’s constantly raised, story has the potential to be great - Covenant but has uncovered a The new enemies of the Forerun- of play. 343 have decided to adopt questioning the player as well as the the Templar leader is Connor’s Father bigger and far more destructive ners and environments upon Req- elements from other rst person characters. - but it doesn’t take o . Its likely this T franchise is going to be around for a foe; the Forerunners. As the UNSC uiem are also astounding in their vis- shooter games, such as the customis- During the campaign there are press on to defeat the Forerunners, ual e ect upon the player. The game able classes. However, Halo does it in elements that appear to be simple, long time still so lets hope the next on the planet Requiem, Cortana retains the H.U.D system that all Halo a simplistic and easy to use way. Also, whilst there are other bits that will one gets a bit more attention. awakes Master Chief from his cryo- games have seen, but again, with a with the release of new a Spartan have you thinking there is no way genic slumber, once again to save more engaging feel to it. What little ops mission every Monday, it o ers to progress. The campaign isn’t as the human race. On this journey, criticism the game has received re- a further expansive game, updated short as some people seem to think. New Croft your emotions will be pulled at, as lates to the length of the campaign, for free by 343. These two elements I spent a good amount of time, the twists, turns, and the outright un- coming in at eight chapters long, as combined allows for a massive co- best part of 16-17 hours, on it before thinkable occur. With gameplay re- touching the multiplayer. shots sponsive and an immersive universe Also, the A.I is improved, with a A NEW set of screenshots released with glorious graphics and environ- YOUR EMOTIONS WILL BE PULLED AT, AS TWISTS, greater reliance on cover and move- for the new upcoming Tomb Raider ments, topped o with a resonating TURNS AND THE OUTRIGHT UNTHINKABLE OCCUR. ment rather than run and gun tak- show Lara Croft in a variety of un- and powerful soundtrack, Halo 4 ing precedence, meaning they don’t familiar situations. Her iconic dual ticks all the boxes. compromise you as much as seen in wielded pistols are no more, instead 343 industries, the new develop- well as the length and relative ease operative/multiplayer experience, previous games. she’s favouring a far more stealthy ers of Halo, have met the mantle of the Spartan ops. as there is e ectively two campaigns Overall, Halo 4 is a fantastic game, bow and arrow. This stealth element and taken what fans loved from the However, this can easily be coun- you can play through as well as play- and, in my opinion, the game of is clearly highlighted in the screen- rst trilogy, and added their own tered through the beauty of the ing player versus player games. the year. The gameplay is amazing, shots, which were released earlier unique twist and improvements. For game itself, as well as the improve- 343 have developed and written the graphics and design are beauti- this week. One shows the heroine example, the sound for vehicles and ments of the online section of the an engaging storyline that keeps ful and the story grasps you taking hiding behind a crate, as an enemy weapons have been re-recorded, game, allowing much easier match- throwing problems and scenarios at you on the emotional journey that stands nearby. The game, due to providing a much more realistic and making, cutting down the waiting players, challenging them. The story unwinds far better than any other be released in 2013, will be the rst ‘meaty’ sound. This is companioned time players had endured within also provides a brand new angle on game has ever managed to. In short, Tomb Raider title in over 5 years and with a redesign of old enemies and previous Halo games. The retention the Master Chief – Cortana relation- any gamer NEEDS this game in their will take place in an entirely new weapons, adding an extra depth al- of the close intimate maps, blended ship, injecting an element of serious- collection. setting, exploring Lara Croft’s early lowing the player to fully take on the against the larger maps o ering ve- ness that is a running theme within years. Controller to end all controllers SONY have recently patented a hybrid of their Dualshock and Move controllers. The patent for the ‘Hybrid Separable Motion Controller’ was led at the end of November and could completely change the way that people play video games. The drawing that accompanies the patent shows it as a snap together control. Assumptions are that a Play- e’ve all sat there and This keeps enough depth in the to begin with, with the player only decisions and prowess to the fore, station eye camera will be used with watched our football team game for you to retain signi cant needing to accept or decline. and proving to be di cult from the the control. It is unknown whether it play, we’ve all screamed control but the quicker seasons see Developers have revamped many outset, but a challenge that keeps is intended for use with the Playsta- W tion 3 or Playstation 4. that the manager is wrong, come games focused on highlights only, aspects of the game, not just visual you constantly trying to prove you up with the best play style and for- with each season lasting around 20- but on a mechanism level too, espe- can do it. This links into your global mation, devised our own transfer 25 hours. cially in the way the player is able to ranking, as does the online section regime and ultimately decided that The game is very adaptable for interact with the in game sta and of the game, which allows you to Insane we are the best manager to walk new players, but with the ability players, with intonation in press export a career team and play com- the Earth. Now your opportunity to retain full control through the conferences. However, all these petitive matches against friends, given life to take your team to the top or to ending arguments over whose GUILLERMO Del Toro’s video game, prove you can take a failing club to team is best. In this latest installment, Sports Interactive have Insane, has been given new life. A glory has arrived. Here is Football In conclusion, Football Man- new, mystery, developer has taken it Manager 2013. responded to community views signi cantly ager 2013 is an awesome game on after it was dropped by THQ. Football Manager is the iconic that ensnares players, making Del Toro says that whilst the setting, managerial game, growing out you want to play just one more characters and story were mostly from Championship Manager, the tweaking of sta roles, you are able changes haven’t detracted from the game in order to secure promotion sorted the game would still be a long franchise has an illustrious past to take full control, from transfers core gameplay, just emphasised it. or safety. The quicker gameplay way from hitting the shelves. and a huge fan base. In this latest to training and press conferences There is also a challenge mode makes it far easier to use as you ““It’s going to take a good two years instalment, Sports Interactive have to board talks. This allows players that was introduced in the 2012 spend less time in loading menus of modeling and rendering and cre- responded to community views sig- to change the play style every time handheld version, where a manager and more time actually conducting ating the environments and all of ni cantly, adjusting the gameplay they sit down. Sta are now able to is given a scenario, such as survive managerial aspects. A great inclu- that. The basic tenants of the game is to boost the speed of the game, al- undertake the signing of new play- the drop being bottom of the table sion to an already impressive fran- that it’s created, but now we’re going lowing for much quicker seasons,. ers, a feature that took me o guard at Christmas. Pushing managerial chise. to need to start actually making it.” December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 39 Games Playstation classics: Game Bits Crash Bandicoot Spyro the Dragon Ape Escape Skyrim PS3 Parappa the Rapper delay

N64 classics: PLAYSTATION 3 players of the huge- ly popular open world RPG, Skyrim, will be left even more frustrated Goldeneye after Bethesda released yet more Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time downloadable content for the Xbox 360 version. Xbox players are now Mario 64 enjoying their 3rd DLC, Dragonborn, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron which adds an entirely new map,a large new main quest line and new enemies , whereas Playstation gam- ers are still waiting for their rst. A release date has been con rmed for Dragonborn, which will appease PS3 gamers a little; however they are still being left in the dark over any po- tential release of the other 2 DLC’s, Nostalgic Nights Dawnguard and Hearth re. by STEFAN WILSON use of water e ects on an irrelevant days could replicate those rst few me wrong, not everything is wrong waterfall; or when owning a games moments playing an absolute clas- with CoD. Call of Duty 4 is my 2nd was  icking through Ebay list- console was a privilege, not a right sic in CB. favourite shooter of all time, after Drake ings the other night, occasion- as some people think today. I was As a fairly young gamer, I never Goldeneye, but if you keep releas- Ially stopping at things I desper- lucky enough to have both an N64 had the pleasure of playing Metal ing the same game, people will suss ately wanted, but couldn’t a ord. and a PSX in our household, as me Gear Solid, or Silent Hill, therefore you out. Fights for As I made my way into the games and my sister had one of them each. my memories are mostly dominat- People say you’re blinded by nos- section of the site, my eyes strayed However, she soon disappeared to ed by the arcade/platformer style talgia, but for me, I rate these con- from the safe con nes of modern university so I was left with both games, and boy, did the PSX have a soles so highly because they really fortune day, high-tech gaming into the consoles and a plethora of games to good number of them. Now, I own are that good. So many games were THE Uncharted series has launched older, less expensive consoles. Play- enjoy. an Xbox 360 and I enjoy playing on unique and added so much to each a new game. Unfortunately its not station, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast; I Such was the excitement of own- it, but it doesn’t excite me the same console. Banjo Kazooie and Spyro your typical Nathan Drake video scrolled over names that were once ing such a prestigious piece of hard- way as playing through the cam- the Dragon are both 3D platform- game. so familiar to me and soon, waves of ware in the 90’s, I still vividly remem- paign on Goldeneye did. ers, but are completely di erent Uncharted: Fight for Fortune is a nostalgia hit. Before I knew it, I had ber Christmas day 1997. I tore open This brings me nicely onto my games. This is in stark contrast with digital card game released on the PS wasted an hour just looking over all a large box with absolutely no idea next point. There has never been the modern day, where developers Vita based o of the PS3’s successful these auctions. what could be inside. As a six year a shooter as good as Goldeneye decide on the genre, then use the Uncharted series. For me, the 90’s were the abso- old, I’d heard of such magical things and I doubt there ever will be. The same formula for every single game. Its nowhere near as exciting as lute golden age for gaming. There as Playstations, but I’d never seen way the shooter market has gone, I nished my Ebay session actually Drake’s adventures that we are used were many consoles that absolutely one, nevermind played one. The pa- it seems that company’s are all too buying an old Playstation. It cost me to but for Uncharted fans its still got  opped, but the strength of the per came o and that slow realisa- happy to clone each other’s games, £30 with 3 controllers and 13 games. a few enjoyable moments. original Playstation and the Nin- tion came over me. I remember set- or just release the same game over Boasts brilliant games and is a ord- Owners of Uncharted: Golden tendo 64 absolutely triumph any- ting it up all (or should I say, Dad set and over again with aesthetically able on a student budget. I urge Abyss, a prequel game previously thing the modern day can throw at it all up) and blasting through Crash shallow tweaks that seem to garner you, leave your 360 or PS3 for a day released on the PS Vita will nd that us. I remember when games were Bandicoot for hours on end. There is sales. I’m not mentioning names, and invest in a PSX or N64. The good they receive a few in-game bonuses. about having fun, not admiring the absolutely no way a console these but Call of Duty. Sort it out. Don’t get times will  ood back. A lot of the card game ties into the previous PS Vita release and those who have not played it will feel as though they are missing out on something. PS3 Net ix domination Playstation users have been using GTA V: Trailer #2 the Net ix service on their consoles by LJ TAYLOR three characters are nally intro- wait. As always the graphics have ily contrast with his stunning man- duced to us in this latest trailer. improved and Los Santos is looking sion in Rockford Hills, Los Santos’ an- more often than their Xbox counter- parts, recently released gures show. ockstar last month revealed the Michael, an ex-bank robber is the good but not quite to the graphic swer to Beverley Hills. From the few The streaming site run their service second trailer for Grand Theft rst to be introduced to us. He’s in his standard of a number of recent re- short clips we see of him its easy to through various devices, including Auto 5, the upcoming instal- forties and has a family that are tak- leases. Grand Theft Auto, however, get the impression that he’s fed up R internet tv’s and Wii consoles, how- ment in the GTA series. en care of from the money he made seems to maintain a comic feel, akin of what he has and wants more; he ever PS3 is the clear winner. This vic- The rst o cial trailer for the game in his old life. The second is Trevor, to that of Borderlands and Border- wants to get back in the game. Tre- tory is made even more impressive was released November, 2nd and he’s an older business partner of Mi- lands 2, and it seems that even with vor is angry and he doesn’t care who considering there are many more gave an attractive overview of the chael’s but unlike his friend doesn’t the technology available Rockstar knows it, from beating up someone Xbox 360 owners and the Net ix ser- game’s world; Los Santos. While it live in style, but instead in a trailer would prefer to stick with this iconic on the trailer park to committing vice has been live on 360 a year long- served as a nice taster, the trailer park with a drug addiction. Thirdly look. arson he doesn’t seem to care what er than on the Playstation network. hardly gave anything away and it there is Franklin, the youngest of the The shots of the city show o a anyone thinks. Franklin, the game’s The Net ix service is only available was unclear whether the voiceover group, a repo man thrown into busi- number of vehicles that we all know only black protagonist, seems to be to Xbox Live Gold members who pay was that of a playable character or ness with the other two in “pursuit of we’ll nd ourselves dragging some- looking for something new, some- a subscription and this is payable as not. the almighty American dollar”. one out of in an attempt to escape thing bigger. He’s told outright, by well as a Net ix subscription. How- With the release of the second The trailer consists of a lot of shots the police at some point. My particu- who I can only assume to be a girl- ever, on PS3, the online service is trailer fans have nally been given a of Los Santos, which is said to be a lar favourite is the Audi R8 Spyder friend, “I don’t care how many cars free with the consumer only needing little more about the game they have bigger game map than Grand Theft lookalike. There’s also freight trains, you own, you ain’t changing!” a Net ix account. Net ix CEO Reed been waiting four years for. It was re- Auto 4, Red Dead Redemption and your normal selection of cars and The game is due out Spring 2013, Hastings said that “PS3 streaming cently announced that GTA5 would Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas com- even a jeep driving o of a plane and while not a whole lot is given has even surpassed PC viewer hours see us taking control of three charac- bined. Hopefully, this will mean a mid-air! away in either of the trailers we can among its 30 million members at ters, during missions you will be able long game that will keep us going Each character is set up brie y in see that GTA is coming back with a some points this year”. to swap between any of the three to for a while. It’d certainly be a step to- the 1 minute and 51 second trailer. bang. Hopefully it won’t disappoint utilise each of their strengths. The wards making GTA 5 worth the long We see Michael’s dysfunctional fam- this time. 40 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Gadgets Tiny Tech Wireless charging APPLE last week published a new announce patent for wireless-charging. The multi-billion dollar company have been less than innovative recently but if they could pull o what they Lumia 620 are suggesting it could be a start to getting them back on track. A near- eld magnetic resonance (NFMR) but it appears to be a more a ord- been revealed would be Apple’s way forward with able version of it’s more powerful to be somewhat wireless charging. The NFMR would brother phones; the Lumia 820 and rounded and the create a ‘virtual charging area’ and Lumia 920. phone will be all devices within the one yard eld The phone, according to Nokia, will available in seven would receive charge. A diagram give you “the most value for your colours: cyan, ma- submitted by Apple uses an iMac money” and will sell at around £155; genta, yellow, black monitor as the host to the NFMR, a very reasonable price for a smart- and white (like the charging the keyboard, mouse and phone in the current market. other handsets) iOS device. Smaller than the 820 and 920 the and with the addi- Lumia 620 will o er a 3.8 inch screen tion of lime green and Iha- and will also have NFC technology orange colour choices. muotila, Nokia’s Chief Financial Of- Nescafe integrated. NFC technology is being The Lumia 620’s reveal comes c e r . widely used in smartphones to pro- not long after the struggling Finn- Since the smartphone market re- mote sharing and pairing, along with ish company announced yesterday ally took o , with the iPhone, Nokia by LJ TAYLOR strikes back providing the ability for transactions (Tuesday) that they would be selling have lagged behind. Once the go-to IN A GALAXY far, far away - actually to be made and many more uses. their headquarters in Espoo, Finland. company for a reliable phone they okia today (Wednesday) an- its only in Japan. Nestlê Japan are set Whilst the 620 will be smaller and Nokia hopes to complete a long- have been pushed to the edges of nounced the latest edition to to get on board the Star Wars band- cheaper than the 820 and 920 it will term lease of the building by the end the market. With their new collabo- the Lumia family. wagon this week when they release N use the latest operating system from of the year. ration with Windows with the Lumia The latest Windows Phone 8 from a limited edition co ee maker. The Windows and will carry the same “ “As we have said before, owning range however, it looks like Nokia the Finnish company will begin roll- Star Wars branded gold blend maker power in its camera as the other real estate is not part of Nokia’s core may nally be starting to get back ing out across the world from Janu- comes with either a C-3PO design or phones, with a satisfactory 5 meg- business and when good opportuni- on track. ary next year. Details of the phone Darth Vader. The machines will cost apixels. ties arise we are willing to exit these are few and far between at the mo- £75 each and are very little more The design of the Lumia 620 has types of non-core assets.” said Timo ment with it just being announced than a co ee machine with a tacky Star Wars design slapped on the side. Lets hope this isn’t the sign for things to come in the franchise. Happy 20 bday txt MONDAY was the 20th anniversary of the rst text being sent. The text, sent by engineer Neil Papworth, was sent on the 3rd December wishing a Happy Christmas. Text has come a long way in the last two decades and now it plays a huge part in the aver- age person’s day. More than 8 trillion texts were sent last year and 15 mil- lion are sent every minute. People rarely use phones for phone calls these days instead sending texts and it looks as though that isn’t going to change anytime soon. To another 20 years! Why should I want a Raspberry Pi? Breaking by YOUSEF CISCO wondering why you’re still reading along the way. ing because it allows me to create systems this and why such a boring comput- The devices uses don’t end at new things quickly. The simplest IBM RESEARCHERS and analytics ou might have heard about the er could ever be exciting. learning how to program. Develop- example would be that I want to from USC Anneberg worked togeth- Raspberry Pi and wondered The reason this new advance- ing countries are interested in using stream music directly to my hi- er to analyse social media response Ywhy it matters or why anyone ment is exciting is because it aims them as productivity devices in ar- without having my laptop connect- to the nal instalment of Twilight. should care about a credit-card to give children the opportunity to eas that can’t a ord the hardware or ed to it. I can do this by connecting In the two weeks building up to sized computer when an iPhone is learn how to program and create power costs of traditional PCs. Hos- the Raspberry Pi to the hi- and con- Thanksgiving they analysed the 5 more powerful. If you haven’t heard some cool projects. The computer pitals and museums are interested in trolling it from my phone. I could use million plus tweets about the movie. about it, the Raspberry Pi is a credit- was designed to be simple, mak- using them to power display devic- it to watch lms on my TV without The research was supposed to ‘teach’ card sized computer that plugs into ing it di cult to ruin the computer es. The reason there’s a large number having to mess about with cables their systems to better recognise your TV and a keyboard. It costs $25 which gives children the opportu- of uses for the device is the fact that and setups. The possibilities are truly and process emotional responses (or $35 for the slightly more power- nity to experiment without worry- it’s a low powered small computer endless, if you love to tinker and but it turned out that ‘Twihard’ fans ful version), runs linux from an SD ing about damaging the computer. that has just enough processing mess with things then you should were just too emotional about their card, has a small amount of RAM and So far there have been a few camps power to run various applications. probably get one. franchise coming to a close and the a tiny processor all squeezed into a where children were taught how to Small computers are nothing new systems couldn’t quite ‘read’ them. single chip. Don’t expect anything program on the Raspberry Pi. These but none have been able to stick to “Some of the sentiment was re ect- glamorous because it comes as a camps have given children as young such a low price point making it ac- ing the ‘audiences’ emotional reac- bare bones printed circuit board as 7 the chance to program their cessible to a much wider audience. tion to the tear-jerking moments in with nothing else. You’re probably own games learning various skills I nd the Raspberry Pi really excit- the movie.” said a writeup in the Hol- lywood Reporter. December Issu e seren.bangor.ac.uk 41 Gadgets Tiny Tech Last.fm new venture LAST.FM’s creators have revealed be full of bugs. *cough* iOS6 they have just brought recom- sure you’re getting the music that their latest project. Lumi will adopt I wish I could tell you otherwise mendations more to the forefront, you want without having to go Last.fm’s methods of taking content because I do love Apple but it whether you want them or not, in back into iTunes properly. from all over the internet that is spe- LJ TAYLOR by seems Steve Jobs really did take the hope that you might buy more All in all its nice to have a fresh ci c to you. their imagination and innovation from them. looking iTunes but its taken so The website records, through a hether you’re PC or Mac to the grave with him. One of the other ‘bonus fea- long to happen that it is a bit of a browser plugin, the websites that seems highly irrelevant iTunes 11 looks good. Its had a tures’ is that you can select what disappointment that there’s noth- you visit in order to tailor-pick things when it comes to what W makeover, like the iPhone and iOS comes up next. Up next is a drop ing too impressive. Since you don’t you may be interested in. In response software you play music from 6, but that’s really where it stops down menu kind of interface in have to pay for iTunes it’s probably to worries over security the men be- these days. being new. It has more colourful which you queue the next songs not a huge deal that we aren’t be- hind the project said “your browsing If you’re not jumping all over graphics and it does look nice but I you want to listen to. Its a lot like ing o ered much new. And to be activity is secure, completely an- Spotify then you’re probably blast- can’t help but feel as though it was a playlist but more temporary, and honest, whatever Apple o er is onymized, and only ever accessible ing your tunes from Apple’s iTunes partly modelled o of the inter- it doesn’t inter- rupt the rest of going to be better than Media by you.” software because, lets face it, Win- face of Windows phones. your brows- Player, right? dows Media Player was never any- There are a few new features but ing. I suppose thing special. they are hardly groundbreaking. this is kind If you are one of those on the Firstly, there’s the expanded view of cool but its MIT’s Apple bandwagon then perhaps which allows you to select an al- nothing too you’ll be glad to know that iTunes bum and see all of the songs on it impressive. 11 has begun rolling out. Though transformer in full whilst still being able to look And then - recently Apple’s new releases have through the rest of your library in nally there’s the A ROBOT that can shapeshift into accumulated a lot of negative the above part of the window. mini player. Ap- almost anything has reportedly been comment. The iPhone 5 for exam- Then there’s what Apple are call- ple sure do like created by MIT. ple, was hardly a huge advance- ing ‘bonus features’. I’m sure you to make things Made of metal and the size of a cat- ment on the 4S, it just looked can imagine, by now, that this re- smaller these days, erpillar uses a small motor inside it to good. And it seems as though all ally isn’t exciting. Selecting an al- don’t they? The up- twist like protein. they really did with the iPad was bum that you like, or are interest- graded mini player The researchers responsible have make it mini. ed in, in the iTunes store will give utilises the up next paired electromagnets and perma- So is iTunes 11 really an advance- you instant recommendations of feature meaning nent magnets which will only use ment on 10 or is it just another other music just like it. Basically that you can make power whilst charging. pointless download that’s going to

These days there’s so many things you can do with your smartphone or tablet and so many apps that you can download for them. Gangnam Its becoming increasingly di cult to know which ones are actually going to be useful. That’s why each issue of Seren we are going to recommend some of the best app’s on the market, all tried and tested by us! And if you guys have just discovered a great new app too much? why don’t you get in touch with us by emailing: [email protected] FIVE months after PSY’s Gangnam Style rst debuted and its still being talked about all over the world. Not only is it the most viewed video of all time on YouTube but its now avail- able as an interactive screesaver. Android users can purchase the of- cial Gangnam Style live wallpaper from the Google Play store. The wall- paper is also interactive and double tapping it slides the screen apart to reveal the elevator scene. The wall- by MATT JACKSON of local radio stations, and TuneIn paper isn’t just visual but is accompa- lets me listen to the more obscure as nied by sound too. do love a good app, and one of well as the likes of Radio 1 and 6mu- Hopefully this ‘phenomenon’ will the ones that has crept into my sic. I’d never tuned into Llandudno’s end soon. Irepertoire recently is TuneIn. It is community radio station Tudno FM the mobile version of a website that before I discovered TuneIn. I quite frankly never even knew ex- Like most modern apps TuneIn has isted. a free version and a paid for “pro” ver- Spider The app (and its website coun- sion. There are minor di erences be- terpart) let you pick a radio station tween the two version, the paid for from a huge list and just “tune in”. But version – costing a whopping 61p tribute radio is a declining medium right? (on Google Play) lets the user record by AARON WILES It’s really cool to be able to relive Wrong. The online radio industry is their shows and listen back at a later what you got up to daily on your pre- THE WORLD’S rst space traveling, blossoming – whilst applications on day. emember that awful photo you vious years and you can also share jumping spider has died. your computer such as Spotify may Both free and paid pro version, let were tagged in on Facebook your history on the app and on Face- Nefertiri recently returned from 100 be able to pluck up some random you search around the world for a Rlast year? Wanna see it again? book/Twitter etc, meaning you and days in space on board the Interna- song from a playlist I never quite speci c song, not something I’ve per- Then let me introduce you to Time- your friends can say things such as tional Space Station. think it’s the same. sonally done much but I did search hop, an app that every day allows “I can’t believe that happened a year The spider ended up in space after I like the fact that a human pre- Psy’s Gangnam Style at one point you to see what you got up to on ago!”, or in my case “I can’t believe a YouTube Space Lab challenge had senter has picked a song, and I like just to look at how much of a global that date from your social network- how cringe I was four years ago”. NASA taking suggestions for experi- variation in my songs. When I’m typ- phenomenon it was. ing history. The app is free to download and is ments from 14-18 year olds. ing away at an essay it’s quite useful All in all I de nitely like TuneIn, in It works by connecting with plat- available for iPhone, iPod Touch and During its time in space the spider to have someone choose what I’m fact I’m de nitely a fan of the “util- forms such as Facebook, Twitter, the iPad. However if you own neither, was able to adjust to the change in listening to, otherwise I could easily ity” and “productivity” style app or Foursquare, Instagram and Flickr. you can still connect with your email gravity and manage to catch its own spend 30 minutes or so picking the website. Something that seems to Then wait for your daily noti cation address and you’ll get a daily email food. right song, from the right album, by present itself as having a use as op- that your Timehop is ready and relive full of the the things you used to get the right artist; not so productive. posed to the ridiculously addictive your past statuses, photos and check up to! I’ve also, recently, developed a love game type of app. ins. 42 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Music SEREN’s 12 Albums Tom Emlyn Williams Stefan Wilson Christmas 10. suggests: 1. suggests: of Our team’s selection of the best albums Storm Corrosion - Storm Corrosion ∆ (Alt+J) – An Awesome Wave of 2012 - perfect stocking llers! This darkly ambient self-titled debut arose After starting in fairly low-key circumstances Joe Russell Tom Davies from a long-planned collaboration between in 2007, ∆ have gone from strength to strength. 4. suggests: 7. suggests: Mikael Akerfeldt, known for his progressive An Awesome Wave combines so many genres death metal band Opeth, and Steven Wilson, Lucy Rose – Like I Used To Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg of music, it’s impossible to categorise it into best known for his band Porcupine Tree. The a single one. Perhaps an umbrella title of ‘Al- album is an interesting twist in the career of Lucy Rose, whose music broadly places her in Jake Bugg’s self-titled debut is a breath of ternative’ works, but I feel this does it a great both musicians and has a very unique sound, the bracket of delicate, largely ino ensive folky fresh air for any lover of well written and genu- injustice. There are stand-out tracks, such as harking back to the darker side of 60s psych female artists that currently pervade Britain’s ine music. The incredible hype surrounding ‘Breezeblocks’, ‘Dissolve me’ and ‘Blood ood’, folk, but including jazz, dark ambience, and subterranean music scene, is de nitely one for Bugg has been well matched by a brilliant al- but such is the quality of the entire album, even progressive in uences. Subtle and imaginative, the future. ‘Like I Used To’ is good enough to bum; it swaggers to a ski e beat that is eerily the weaker tracks do not let you down. In addi- the record leaps from quiet ethereal beauty to suggest she’ll be here to stay. ‘First’, containing reminiscent of past and present greats. It can tion to rave reviews, the band recently won the harsh electronic noise. Standout tracks include poignant allusions to the di culties in admit- be hopelessly romantic, and it provides a beau- Mercury prize. A de nite highlight of the year the title track - a ten minute, fantastically me- ting love, is emphasised with lines such as ‘I talk tifully dark slice of social observation that is all for me. lodic soundscape that gradually builds in ten- to myself at night/I talk inside my head/ Better too rare in new music. “Two Fingers” is the pick sion, the dissonant ‘Hag‘, and the post-rocky if nobody knows what I said’. These lyrics give of the bunch; it might well be the best track of Sean Talbot ‘Ljudet Innan‘. 2. suggests: Rose’s debut album a frighteningly personal 2012. Jake Bugg is an undoubtedly precocious feel. One listen and you begin to relate to her. talent, and his album would improve any stock- Becki Watson Sigur Rós - Valtari Lizzi Bryant ing this Christmas. Essential listening. 11. suggests: After the devastating announcement that 5. suggests: Tom Davies The Lumineers - The Lumineers the band were entering a hiatus, Sigur Rós re- 8. suggests: The Maccabees - Into The Wild turned this year with their sixth studio album, The Vaccines - Come of Age These guys are an American folk rock band Valtari. Following the quirky, energetic and who released their debut album back in April, With songs including the epic single ‘Feel to somewhat uncharacteristic release, Með suð í If you’re a dedicated follower of musical fash- which has received positive acclaim from critics eyrum við spilum endalaust, the band returned Follow’, which begins with the stripped back across the board. While drawing comparisons sounds of Orlando Week’s haunting and vul- ion, there is no doubt you’ll have heard of The to the roots of their post-rock ambience in this Vaccines. But what did we expect from The to Mumford and Sons for their love of banjos, record. The atmospheric style that once alien- nerable vocals and builds gradually to the sig- they set themselves apart with their raw, hon- nature fast-paced energetic guitar melodies Vaccines? Certainly not this. Come of Age will ated them from the likes of NME (ever the un- go down as one of the surprises of this year; est sound, and their album is one that truly trustworthy source of decent opinion on music) The Maccabees built their careers on all those wears its heart on its sleeve. Lead single ‘Ho years earlier, and ‘Forever I’ve Known’, which laden with sharp punk ri s and insecurities is what makes this band one of my all time fa- that betray The Vaccines’ rather staid begin- Hey’ is a purely feel good tune for all occasions, vourites. Brimming with ethereal chills in songs begins with soothing guitar and moody bass, and the stripped back ‘Slow It Down’ is a great then suddenly transforms into a hurricane- nings. “Teenage Icon” is perhaps the album’s such as Varúð, Ég anda and Varðeldur, Valtari is nest moment, sitting somewhere between song to chill out to. Another personal favourite the perfect album to wind down to this Christ- force crescendo; The Maccabees are, despite a is ‘Big Parade’ for its stirring beat and melodic much more mature album, inviting us to walk early Strokes and Ramones. Composed with- mas and one of my albums of the year. out being cocksure, Come of Age can at times harmonies, but the whole album is a treat to lis- the nal yards of youth with them. Some criti- ten to. I for one can’t wait for their next release. cised the change in direction, however, we at be infectiously retro without overdoing it. One Seren applaud The Maccabees for bucking the of most pleasant surprises of 2012; and one to Laura Jones trend and urge you all to add this album to your watch for the future. Sean Talbot 3. suggests: Christmas list to Santa! LJ Taylor 12. suggests: 9. suggests: Taylor Swift - Red Joe Keep Bloc Party - Four 6. suggests: Madonna - MDNA After a wait of two years following Swift’s Bloc Party, who’ve been with us since the multi million selling album Speak Now, fans The Hives - Lex Hive This year the Queen of Pop returned with the early days of indie post-punk, returned with were given her new album Red in October shamefully addictive MDNA. It wasn’t an amaz- their aptly named fourth studio album, Four, this year. After four pre-released teaser songs, The latest Hives album sees a return to what is ing album, it was de nitely not groundbreak- after a long break following Kele’s solo venture. her fans eagerly received the pop and country the Hives greatest. After openly admitting their ing but it was Madonna. Even better, it was an Their last album, Intimacy, demonstrated the icons’ fourth hit album. As ever, Swift’s songs last album, The Black and White album, wasn’t angry Madonna screaming her frustrations at band’s (or perhaps just Kele’s) desire to experi- are fuelled by her life experiences; romance, up to par, the band took time away from music ex-hubby, Guy Ritchie, through the means of ment with electronic aspects. Tracks such as fame, and her life as a 22-year-old woman. and came back fresh, and it tells. With tracks song. First impressions of MDNA weren’t great Ares were a great shock to fans of Silent Alarm. Her songs provide a melody for many moods such as ‘Go Right Ahead’ that are so catchy they but the drum and bass breakdown in ‘Gang However, Four is the produce of a gap year in and mindsets, delivering relatable lyrics to her get stuck in your head for months at a time, it Bang’ won me over. Seriously. Its hilarious. Not Thailand to “ nd one’s self.” Bloc Party seem listeners. With features from Ed Sheeran and has the legs to go the distance with other great genius but bloody funny. Some say Madonna’s more sure of their sound, in uences and the Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, this album pro- tracks such as ‘Tick Tick Boom’. The album en- past her age and they aren’t wrong but you’ve direction they want to go in. This album hosts vides a new Taylor Swift experience with much capsulates the Hives sound, and each track got to give it to her, Pop’s highest grossing pen- some beautiful tracks reminiscent of the old diversity, as well as following her usual carefree, builds on the last, creating one of the greatest sioner knows how to adjust with the times and days, notably Real Talk and The Healing. De - romantic style. A must-have for any pop fan. albums of the year. keep those ‘hits’ coming. nitely a good present for any music fan. Classic xmas album review: bob dylan - christmas in the heart by ROSIE MACLEOD ‘ladies garments’ (underwear) and his yawning ers exercise an immaculate sound just for con- It was rst performed by Mitch Miller in 1960. t shocked music critics almost as much as through his own Honorary Degree Ceremony trast. I love the syncopated and jazz violin on The song is based on a German drinking game when he ditched folk for electric. In 2009, in Scotland, a cheesy Christmas album from this track, a sound which marries both the jazz and the Bob Dylan cover has a very European Ithe shop shelves and online stores were Dylan seems a somewhat natural progression. of North America and the folk sound of the feel to it. Unlike the original, Bob uses the pol- suddenly boasting a seemingly unannounced The entire album is comprised of cover ver- southern States. Bob sings four unchanged ka style- because he loves folk music-, a polka (there was very little publicity about it, for sions, a nice change from Dylan-penned songs carols on this album, Hark the Herald Angels rhythm and an accordion. The video is set at certain) Christmas Album entitled Christmas that ‘borrow’ full and direct phrases from well Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful (partly in Latin!), a debauched party which gets a little out of in the Heart. By Bob Dylan. (Sic!) I remember known poems, novels and songs. Before con- The First Noël and O Little Town of Bethlehem. hand. As any Dylan fan will know, his record- waking up to this news in October three years verting from Judaism to Christianity in adult- However, he also changes several religious ref- ing of Rainy Day Women similarly involves a ago. “What is he like?” was my natural reaction. hood, Dylan always delighted to engage with erences in Winter Wonderland for a more glob- similarly rowdy background gathering. Over In retrospect, it seems silly to have been so Christmas and the music thereof as a child in al and non-denominational feeling. This may the course of the song’s video, Dylan appears surprised. How can his fans or, at least, listen- Minnesota, a place he bemoans as invariably be a festive wink to his ethnic Judaism or to to wear every hat but his Nashville Skyline one ers, expect anything but the unexpected from uncomfortably cold in winter. the American tendency to say ‘Happy holidays’. and also to have acquired some hair straight- Bob? This is a man whose eccentricities endear Winter Wonderland. Must be Santa. eners and cigars for Christmas. In the latter his fans to him. After his progression from folk If you thought Macy Gray’s voice croaked My personal favourite song on the album has stages of the song, Donner and Blitzen’s names to electric, recording a folk version of the infec- through her version of the song, ‘you ain’t to be Must be Santa. It is a cumulative song. are changed to ‘Kennedy and Nixon’. Trust me tious klezmer song Hava Nagila, his cheesy 80s heard nuttin’ yet!’ Bob’s trademark rough, gut- That is to say, like The Twelve Days of Christ- Bob, we’re listening, you don’t need to test us. phase involving ngerless gloves, his appear- tural sound works its winter magic on this mas, each chorus is a line longer, incorporat- ance in an advertisement for what he terms piece, while the close-harmony backing sing- ing the newly-sung line of the outgoing verse. December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 43 Music

INTERVIEW: ENTER SHIKARI

by STEFAN WILSON on stage though, the adrenaline kicks in and Growing up all of us loved The Prodigy, so We were all at Primary school together. We we just go mental. The fans really feed o of when we got the chance to tour with them, it nter Shikari formed in 2003 in the south- started making music young, but then we all what you’re doing on stage, so if you’re up for was a dream come true. They were such normal ern town of St.Albans. Extremely quickly, went our separate ways all going to separate it, they will be too. guys, we were completely humbled. Ethey gathered a large and dedicated fan secondary schools. Then we got into 6th form base. Well known for their unique sound, ener- and joined up again. We started when we were You’ve recently been nominated for various The SEREN 6 getic shows and eccentric behaviour, they have 16/17, but we didn’t have Rory (guitar) then. We awards. How does it feel? become one of the UK’s most successful recent recruited him so Rou could focus solely on the Have you ever had a nickname: Rolfey exports. On the back of an incredibly successful electronics. Brilliant, loads of hard work has gone into album launch, with the band being nominated it and it feels great to get recognition. It’s a Favourite movie: Dead man’s Shoes, The for numerous awards, it’s easy to forget they’re You have a fairly original sound? How did it shame that there are so many talented bands long good Friday, Scarface. just humans like me or you, but I managed to come about? out there who don’t get the recognition. catch up with Rob Rolfe, drummer of the band Favourite band: Not a band, but composer. since their inception, just as he was buying We were into our electronica music, drum and Is it weird being recognised everywhere you Tchaikovsky some gloves... bass and trance. We wanted to experiment with go? electronics as well as play our instruments. But What would you dress up as for Seren 90s Hi Rob, how are you? what we really wanted was for the electronics Yeah it is, but we try to make it so that people Night: Bright orange pu er jacket. to have an increased role in the music. realise we’re not just faces on magazines. We’re I’m great thank you. I’ve literally just walked real people. The weird thing is that fans don’t What 3 items would you take with you on a out of the shop. It’s bloody freezing so I was You’re renowned for your live performances. know how to respond to a meeting in real life. desert Island: Knife, Tarpaulin, MP3 player buying some gloves. I was at the check-out and Where do you nd the energy? We’re not heroes or anything, we’re just normal. my phone went o . Can you spell Llanfair PG: Stefan gets 0/10 Sometimes we’ll be moping in the dressing Who are your idols? And are you ever star- for not being able to pronounce it on the How did you get together? room, really not feeling up for it. When we get struck? phone so Rob couldn’t even have a go!

But when I saw that Madina Lake would be By the time the band walked on stage, re- Frontman Nathan Leone could hardly keep touring in the UK I couldn’t miss it. I have been joined for this tour by guitarist Mateo Cama- himself out of the crowd, not that anyone our editor, lj, to every single Madina gig since I rst saw rgo, we were two rows from the front. As we was complaining, and when he was up on the the House of Cards music video, my love for tried to remember our ‘step to the right, then to stage so were half the crowd. Security weren’t reviews a live this band knows no bounds. One year I even the front’ strategy the gig kicked o . The small too happy about it but it gave them something queued outside HMV at 4am just so I could get crowd, in an even smaller room, exploded. to do. a pass to an acoustic performance they were perfomance from doing later that day. I’ve interviewed them, in Its amazing to see four guys from Illinois The gig was amazing, the band were amaz- last year’s Seren, and simply just hung out with who love their fans and love what they do still ing, the crowd was amazing. madina lake them after gigs. putting as much energy into their live perfor- by LJ TALYOR I turned up on the night, after a long drive mances as they did back in 2007. One of the best things about Madina Lake from Wales to Leeds, and I really wasn’t in the Madina played their debut album From is that they actually do care about their fans. urrently my music taste is messed up. If mood. It was pouring down with rain and I Them, Through Us, To You, in full, as a way of Most bands say it but with Madina you know I’m not listening to gothic opera then it’s knew I had a billion essays to be writing. When rounding up the album concept story that has its the truth. They are well worth the bruises a video game soundtrack. Failing that the last support band, Red Jumpsuit Appara- spanned through their last three albums. And that having countless people crowdsur ng C tus, nished though something sparked in me. then played some of their best songs from the over you brings. I’m blasting out Madonna to the whole of An- glesey. I was at a Madina gig. This was the kind of thing other albums. I waited all year for, it couldn’t go to waste. 44 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 INTERVIEW FRANK TURNER Joe Russell caught up with Frank Turner before his Bangor gig. Here’s what he had to say:

So Frank, how was the main tour? and Leeds because I used to go there when I was a kid so that was a big one Good, yeah, I mean, tonight’s day for me. Urm, the Wembley show was two of the solo leg so I’m still chang- a big deal but then, without wanting ing gear but prior to now the tour’s to sound too cheesy, I remember do- been amazing. The main vibe was ing a show in Connecticut a few years to ignore Manchester, Glasgow, Bir- ago and it was just one of those gigs mingham, Bristol and the obvious where I didn’t know what to expect cities. It’s been good to play in di er- (playing solo). It was a 300 capacity ent places. venue; 400 people showed up and they ended up sitting on the stage at You last came to Bangor two my feet just to make room for every- years ago… one. Sweat was pouring o the walls, everyone was singing the words to Yeah, the last time I played here I every song. It was just amazing. played in a guy called Ian’s kitchen in halls. I really wanted to come back up So I take it you don’t  nd it di - partly because it’s been so long but cult to get yourself motivated for also because I want to do a proper a comparatively tiny gig like this? show at a proper venue here. No, no. I think – I’m just trying to You were interviewed by Seren remember what I know about math- But that’s a song that I’m really stopping them is the will to stand but at the same time there is such then; did you even  eetingly en- ematical theory – if you actually to- proud of and I spent ages trying to up one day and just say, ‘d’you know a thing as an English culture and it tertain the possibility of playing talled up the number of venues I’ve get the nuances of it right. I hope it what fuck this, I’m getting on the de nitely de nes my outlook on the the Main Stage at Reading,  lling played and their sizes, I’ve done way comes across that I’m not trying to train.’ It’s actually easier than a lot of world and I’m interested in that. Wembley Arena and playing at the more shows of less than 100 people needlessly o end or piss anybody people think it is. I should say that the next record Olympics opening ceremony? than I have to any other demograph- o . I wanted it to sound and feel like that I’m going to release is decidedly ic. So you could almost say that, on a hymn; the last time I was in church So I was at Reading in 2010 and not about England. Hopefully it still Ha, no, I don’t really do that. For the whole, this is the most represent- was for a funeral and they played 2011 and on both occasions you sounds English because sounding me there’s a really big di erence ative sized gig I do. hymns. I sung because part of the act accompanied ‘Photosynthesis’ and like where you’re from is a case of between daydreaming and realistic is that it’s communal and respectful ‘I Still Believe’ with real crowd par- honesty – Springsteen sounds like expectation. My realistic expecta- You’ve played gigs at Cambridge to the surroundings that you’re in. ticipation. How great does it feel he’s from New Jersey – but it’s not a tions for my career have always been Folk Festival and conservely the Given that the audience at my shows when you see everyone commu- subject matter I feel I need to address are self-selecting – I don’t make any- nally come together to sit down in my music anymore. I think the last one come to my gigs – I feel quite and interact with your singing? album hopefully put that one to bed. SO I GOT OUT MY PHONE AND GOOGLED DANNY strongly about not apologising for BOYLE AND REALISED THAT HE WAS STOOD NEXT that song. It’s just like, if you’re reli- There’s a funny story about that sit- So do you think that any depar- gious and you don’t agree with it I ting down business incidentally. It ture from albums that are Anglo- TO ME... totally respect that. started at Area 4 festival in Germany. centric has been distorted by tour- In fact, I had a wonderful email We were playing and obviously there ing in di erent countries? modest; I’m not sure I ever expected Lock-Up Stage at Reading and from somebody the other day saying was a band on immediately after us to do all this for more than a couple Leeds. Which one makes you feel that whenever I play it at shows they and a whole bunch of people, at that Well, yeah, I don’t know. I certainly of years. Obviously things are di er- more contended? stand there and don’t sing along as point in ‘Photosynthesis’, started sit- think it was spurred on by overseas ent now - I’ve done lots of bonkers their own quiet declaration of faith ting on the ground. And I genuinely touring and almost in a way because stu which I’m very grateful for - but I Well at the risk of sounding like and I thought that was just beautiful. thought that they were fans of the I did a lot of touring on my own. I think it’s very healthy to go about I’m trying to dodge the question, next band staging a protest and that mean, a part of that – without want- I’m proud of the fact I can do both. The song ‘I am Disappeared’ in- we were dying on the stage. ing to get too self psycho-analytical – my life under the impression that I mean one year we did both Cam- cludes the lines: ‘I sleep with my It really bummed me out because is looking for a sense of identity, just the whole spell’s going to wear o bridge and Download and I’m pretty trying to remember who I am and at some point because otherwise, sure I’m the only person to have where I’m from. mainly because it constantly leaves done that. I FEEL PRETTY DEFINED BY THE CULTURAL Like I did a lot of tours where I’d just me surprised at how things are go- I’ve toured with proper folk singers CONTEXT I GREW UP IN... pitch up at the airport with some- ing. but equally with metal bands, you body’s phone number and a van know, and again, I’m proud of play- would pull up with a bunch of punk With that in mind, what was your ing music that’s broad and inclusive. kids from Florida and it’d be like, ‘hel- initial reaction to Danny Boyle To actually answer your question, if passport/One eye on the door/So I I thought the set had been going lo, let’s go tour for three months’. can always run/I can get up, show- quite well and then there were all asking you to play at the Olympics you put a gun to my head, I’d choose THE er in half an hour/I’d be gone’. Do these people sat on the  oor and I opening ceremony? the Lock-Up Stage because at the SIX end of the day, much as I enjoy be- you think that relates to any har- was just like ‘ahh fuck’. But then they Odd. I mean, good, but it was just ing part of the acoustic world, I never bouring discomfort you feel with all jumped up again, ‘shit, okay, wow’, a really strange thing; I got asked to want to be ones of those people that travelling or do you feel decidedly and yeah, since then I’ve just encour- Favourite Band - Springsteen go in for a meeting with him and I’d pretend to ‘go back to their roots.’ My comfortable with not having any aged people to do it. Favourite Film - Big Fish seen and enjoyed his lms but I was roots are Black Flag, Minor Threat and real centre? Nickname - The Product (my band, having a piss before the meeting and The Descendants. Previous albums have been very The Sleeping Souls, call me that before it suddenly occurred to me that I had I feel comfortable, yeah. In a way I sentimental towards England, going on stage, because they’re selling no real idea what he looked like. So Speci cally then, the  nal song think that line is more about being its present but also its past. How ‘The Product’) I got out my phone and googled of your album ‘England Keep My scared of getting stuck. I mean that’s would you describe your feelings 3 desert island items - Guitar, com- Danny Boyle and realised that he Bones’ is ‘Glory Hallelujah’. Is there certainly a feeling I’ve had many about England? plete works of Shakespeare, pack of was stood next to me, saying ‘good any pertinence surrounding its po- times in my life when I’ve been less cards morning.’ Ha, so I was like ‘fuck’ but sition in the track listing and did itinerant than I am now. Well, that’s both a very complicated Spell Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerych- yeah, he’s a really nice guy and a real you feel any reticence about doing But I guess that song is more a kind and simple question. It’s not compli- wyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch - I sweetheart. He’s a proper fan, too. a song like that? of, conversation’s not quite the right cated in the sense that as I get older know it starts with Llan and ends gog- He’s not just aware of the singles. He word because boy was she pissed I feel pretty de ned by the cultural ogoch. knows my B-sides which was great No, I mean to be honest with you, but, it was supposed to be an open context I grew up in, whether I like 90s fancy dress out t - Marilyn Man- to know but disarming at the same the reason why it ended up being the letter. (She’s not called Amy, by the that or not. A lot of that recognition son circa 1996 time. last song on the record was because way.) about my identity comes from doing all the other albums I’ve done nish I don’t want to suggest that I think solo tours outside the UK. You stand (Log on to seren.bangor.ac.uk to According to your website, this is with a downbeat song and I want- everyone should be an itinerant be- on the stage and you’re the only Eng- read a review of Turner’s gig at PJ your 1305th gig. Can you pick out ed to nish with an upbeat song. I cause obviously everybody should lish person in the room and you real- Hall.) a particularly memorable one? wanted to kick the habit of always be what the fuck they want but one ise you’re English; that’s not a positive nishing with a depressing tune. I of the things I nd frustrating is when or a negative, I’m not a nationalist or Yeah, I couldn’t pick one. The obvi- just thought it would be cool to do people who feel stuck and the tools indeed a patriot. The idea of being ous ones are Main Stage at Reading something di erent. to unstick themselves are completely better than someone because of within their grasp. The only thing where you’re from is patently absurd COWBOIS RHOS Pontio, mewn cysylltiad â Gŵyl Gardd Goll, yn cyflwyno BOTWNNOG UN O FANDIAU MWYA’ POBLOGAIDD CYMRU YN CAEL EU CEFNOGI GAN CREISION HUD A SWNAMI Sadwrn 29 Rhagfyr, 8pm Clwb y Rheil ordd, Pontio, in association with Ffordd Euston, Bangor LL57 2YP Gŵyl Gardd Goll, present ONE OF WALES’ MOST POPULAR Saturday 29 December, 8pm BANDS SUPPORTED BY CREISION Bangor Railway Club, HUD AND SWNAMI Euston Road, Bangor LL57 2YP

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BETH SYDD WE NEED MEWN ENW? YOUR IDEAS Bydd Canolfan Celfyddydau ac Arloesi newydd Bangor yn agor yn 2014 ac ‘rydym angen eich syniadau CHI am enw bachog i’r WHAT’S adeilad - un sy’n gweithio yn y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg. Bydd yr enw buddugol yn cael ei gyhoeddi 1 Mawrth 2013 gyda’r enillydd yn derbyn Tocyn Tymor agoriadol i’r Ganolfan. IN A NAME? Gyrrwch i’n gwefan www.pontio.co.uk, ebost [email protected] neu’r post: Pontio, Prif Adeilad y Celfyddydau, Prifysgol Bangor Bangor’s new Arts and Innovation Centre is opening in 2014 LL57 2DG erbyn 21 Rhagfyr 2012. and we need YOUR ideas for a catchy name for the building - one that works in both Welsh and English. The winning name will be revealed on 1 March 2013 and the winner will receive an opening season ticket for the Centre. ‘RYDYM ANGEN Enter at www.pontio.co.uk; email [email protected] or post: Pontio, Main Arts Building, Bangor University, LL57 2DG EICH SYNIADAU by 21 December 2012.




  


 


 
 46 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Books Patrick Rothfuss Seren’s Stocking Suggestions by JENN FAUGHNAN s students in the Seren he Name of the Wind is an team, we’re fully aware of epic fantasy, which has you Ahow di cult it is to buy for hooked from start to  n- friends and relartives during the Tish. We hear of the protagonist, festive season. It always feels as Kvothe’s, many legendary titles though you get the most dif- and deeds, only to learn that in cult draw in Secret Santa, and reality most of these deeds were every person you ask insists accidental, yet they make him into that they ‘don’t mind’ what you more of a hero. His sharp wit and give them. So we gured we intellect has you amazed from the would give our book sugges- beginning, with such determina- tions - both with a Christmas tion that he is set apart from the theme and otherwise, to help usual heroes who just ‘magically give some festive and thought- slay the dragon’ as we see the harsh ful present ideas. The Hobbit Animal Farm truths of how he achieves these by J.R.R Tolkien by George Orwell deeds. As with any hero, he has a fatal  aw; his arrogance, lead- ing him trouble at every turn. e magic in this book is so believable you have to shake yourself every time you close the book to remind authors and publishers donate yourself it is not real. ere is love, books, ARCS and even o er to loss and legend and is de nitely a critique your work! All you have must-read this Christmas. to do is donate! For every $10 you Patrick Rothfuss founded a char- donate your name gets entered ity called Worldbuilders. It runs into the lottery once for a chance every year, and is running at pre- to win. Alternatively, you can bid sent. e charity that Worldbuild- on auctions for super awesome ers raises money for is Heifer In- stu , or if you want something ternational: “ ey don’t just keep guaranteed you can always just A Christmas Carol The Adventures and The Help kids from starving; they make it buy something from Pat’s store the so families can take care of them- Tinker’s Packs. by Charles Dickens Memoirs of Sherlock by Kathryn Stockett selves. ey give goats, sheep, and For more information about the Holmes chickens to families so their chil- author, his writing, and his charity by Arthur Conan Doyle dren have milk to drink, warm work, check out his website: http:// clothes to wear, and eggs to eat.” blog.patrickrothfuss.com/ To raise money for this, tons of ‘ e Gi ’ for Christmas by DANIELLE BAGNALL a young boy on Christmas Eve interesting when he gives Lou who has stolen his mother’s the gift of headache tablets, f you’re looking for some- turkey and thrown it through little does Lou know when he thing great to read this the window of his father’s wakes up in the morning hav- IChristmas or just a good house. ing taken a tablet he is about stocking ller, Cecelia Ahern’s The book’s main focus is on to meet himself face to face. seasonal novel; The Gift is one the troubled and very busy The characters are all unex- to look out for. life of Lou. He is introduced pectedly connected to each The story is set in the run up as the ‘Scrooge’ of the tale, other in a very clever and to Christmas and follows three he cares about no one but witty way that ignites hope, main characters, Lou Su ern, himself and the impression love and the promise of sec- a high- ying businessman he makes on his demanding ond chances throughout the who ignores his wife and two boss so it is shocking that he book and makes you think young children opting in- should meet Gabe a vulner- about the important things stead for a bigger o ce and able homeless man begging in life and especially at Christ- an a air with his secretary. on the street and o er him mas, the big twist in the nal Gabe, the guardian angel; an a job in his o ce. Gabe has chapter is a mountain of a ominous homeless man who a very big secret, one that tear-jerker, so make sure you is de nitely not everything he we can only speculate over have your tissues ready. seems to be, and an exasper- throughout the story and his ated policeman dealing with character becomes even more December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 47 Arts & Culture POETRY IN MOTION fraid to put his own stamp on the lit- erary greats. He had to forewarn his audience that his poem about the German thinker Johann Wolfgang von Goethe contained much “foul language”. Motion contemplates-in his own colourful yet poetic lan- guage- how the log on which Goe- the spent much time pondering and thinking may be used by lovers under cover of darkness. Motion de- scribes the living Goethe as being ceaselessly still in pondering. The poem creates imagery of statues. This will ring bells with anyone who has seen Goethe’s statue in the Lou- vre or in the quarter named after him in Vienna. Motion describes Goethe as a bringer of new ideas, which con- jures up images of the two statues of him in Vienna that are opposite one another. Although both statues depict Goethe sitting still (above) as Motion observes in a chair, one statue is covered in what appears to be Arabic writing, an image for other, distant, far-o lands and the discov- eries that are to be found there. Motion has been lucky enough to meet and have contact with several of his in uences. He met Philip Larkin when the former was working as a university librarian, which certainly Last weekend Seren’s Deputy Editor, Rosie, went to hear Andrew Motion plays a walk-on role in many of his lit- give a reading in Islington, London. Inspired, she’s put together a full erary anecdotes. Motion talks fondly feature on the great poet’s lifetime of work. of his friendship with Larkin, the for- mer wrote and had published a biog- raphy of the latter’s life. However, this was commissioned by a third party by ROSIE MACLEOD scribes Serenade’s horseshoes being ture, he made a visit to Anne Frank’s folded. His pieces Regime Change and not an agreement between the tended to by a blacksmith, and the house. The memory of the Secret (2003) and Summer Wedding (2005) two men. He attended study ses- ndrew Motion is a serious man, blacksmith’s array of metallic tools. Annexe inspired Motion to write a were written in light of the invasion sions in the presence of W.H. Auden yet as his audience gathers he Before reading the piece, Motion in- poem about it in adulthood, yet it of Iraq and in celebration of Charles and the Northern Irish poet Seamus Aremarks how ideally he’d like formed his audience of his mother’s was not the only inspiration for its and Camilla’s nuptials respectively. Heany was initially o ered the title his “Selected Works” to consist “of accident and death. In light of the production. He explains how his He has been commissioned to write of poet Laureate in 1999, but later re- about six poems”. He served as the fate met by Motion’s mother, this poem about Anne Frank’s hideaway poet Laureate between 1999 and description of blacksmith tools con- was also motivated by the need to 2009. He inherited the title from Ted jures up imagery of surgery equip- “prevent evil” in modern Britain in ...HOLDING THE POST OF POET LAUREATE Hughes and was succeeded by Carol ment. Motion’s decision to inform his light of the presence of the BNP. This DISRUPTED HIS INITIAL WRITING PLANS HE HAD Ann Du y, a staple GCSE classroom audience about his mother’s death poem by Motion encapsulates the favourite. His work is conspicuously in detail may well be motivated by ‘Nie wieder!’ (‘Never again!’) attitude LAID DOWN BEFORE TAKING THE POST. punctuated with rural references, the desire to achieve this e ect of a to the Holocaust and oppression. a product of his countryside child- darker, more human, association. In it, he describes how he observed where Anne Frank and her family poetry by the BBC on many occa- fused. Alternatively, it might be that tried to “go on living normally just a sions, including a poem about foot his contact with these gures has ...REGIME CHANGE IS HIS POEM ABOUT THE little bit longer”. The poem describes and mouth disease for the Today rendered them in uences upon Mo- 2003 IRAQ INVASION. the winding staircase, the “wardrobe Programme. Epidemics of foot and tion’s work. that sways”, a “sunlit room”; char- mouth struck twice in Motion’s Lau- Motion’s latest work is a novel en- acteristics of an ordinary house yet reateship, once in 1999 and again in titled Silver, a response to Treasure hood. As if being Ted Hughes’ heir “I’ve read you one [poem] about placed in the darkest context im- 2007. Poignantly, he wrote a piece for Island. He serves on a number of aca- was not enough, he succeeded my mother, I should probably read aginable for modern times. This or- the last surviving ‘Tommy’ from the demic and artistic boards and com- American writer Bill Bryson as the you one about my father” he ob- dinariness of the poem re ects how First World War, who died in the sum- mittees. President for the Campaign to Pro- serves. The poem about his father is normal the Frank family wanted to mer of 2009. In contrast to his inter- tect Rural England. similarly elegiac, about Motion-when be in such a hopeless context. est in the contemporary and the here standing on “a piece of lawn the size He served as the poet Laureate for and now, Motion informed his audi- VISIT THE ONLINE POET “I’m going to read you a long poem, RY ARCHIVE, WHICH WAS but you’re stuck in here now” he of a handkerchief”- being visited by ten years and has spoken of how this ence of his self-confessed “hopeless” FOUNDED BY ANDREW MOTION, jokes, yet still with his prevailing air a memory of his father soon after he largely disrupted his original writing soft spot for Romanticism. TO TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF HIS of solemnity. It is about his mother, had died. The memory is of countri- plans. If this is the case, it would not Motion is an unabashed fan of all WORK. an “elegy for her”. When Motion was ed childhood days in the garden, have been obvious to anyone who things Enlightenment. He is also una “about sixteen” his mother su ered using rusty tools and “wiping down follows poetry, for he certainly did a horse riding accident, requiring the blades” of a lawn mower. not su er writer’s block. During this her to undergo major surgery on her Motion opens his talk with the very time, he produced much topical and nervous system. For nine years, she sobering topic of the Second World relevant poetry. He was keen to not drifted in and out of a catatonic state War. He describes how, in his youth, be seen as a Queen’s court jester-like before the sustained injury eventu- ally killed her. The “conker-coloured” horse in question was named Ser- HIS POEM ABOUT ANNE FRANK WAS INSPIRED BY enade. Motion points out that which THE NEED TO “PREVENT EVIL” IN MODERN BRITAIN... could be interpreted as an unfortu- nate contrast; his song of despair, an elegy, brought about by a horse named Serenade, meaning a peace- he and a friend went to Amsterdam, poet, producing coy and coquettish, ful, amorous form of song. Andrew “for the pictures!”, he adamantly as- chirpy verse. Instead, he elected to Motion fondly remembers how his sures us- with a playful nod. Yet amid write poetry that exposed the truth parents were “country people who appreciating Dutch culture of an and produced a running commen- did country things”. This “elegy” de- entirely clean and wholesome na- tary on events in Britain as they un- 48 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Want your work in the Creative Corner? Creative Corner Email: [email protected] How I made the image After select- cient for blending colours ing the image together the create texture I wanted to in your work. The snow akes draw, I began were a last minute addition. mapping out I simply took the white pen- my piece us- cil, and covered the piece in ing the grid white dashes, bringing it to technique, with each square life. 2cm wide. After sketching out a rough outline, I then used Derwent’s Coloursoft pencils to create the colour. By Laura Gilbert These are particularly ef-

By Tom Haynes By Amy Littlewood

Winter The trees are shivering again, we watch their branches bristle in the night air. Street lights breathe no warmth here, even the sun has turned away. December has crawled out from the undergrowth and reclaimed the land. By Roberta Græ Excell By Emily Bygrave - By Emily Bygrave

Fickle Winter Stark trees, barren ground and raw rooftops Want to delude the sleepy watcher with Morning frosted windowpanes Which litters the town in lonely dust. - By Jecelyn Latimer By Mihai Tarmure By Zac Hinchcli e

orn in Fife, Scotland in 1951, most popular artists – with exhibi- ings, titled “Days of Wine & Roses” ARTIST PROFILE: Jack Vettriano Jack Vettriano left school at tions held in Edinburgh, Hong o cially opened at the Kirkcaldy B16 with the intention of be- Kong, London, and New York. His Museum & Art Gallery in Fife. coming a mining engineer. This painting “The Singing Butler” sold Following this, he signed an ex- took a backburner during a piv- for £750,000 in 2004, becoming clusive deal for his artwork to be otal moment in 1972 however, his most iconic piece of work. represented by the Heartbreak when a girlfriend bought him a The same year, Vettriano was Gallery in London. It marks a new set of watercolours for his 21st awarded with an OBE for services phase in Vettriano’s illustrious ca- birthday, leading him to paint in to the visual arts. In 2009, he was reer, which is set to continue for his spare time. selected by the Yacht Club of Mo- years to come. In 1989, Vettriano submitted naco to create a series of paintings two of his paintings to the Royal marking the centenary of their Scottish Academy’s annual exhibi- world famous yacht, Tuiga. This tion, both of which were sold on led to an exhibition being held in the rst day – an early indication Monaco, before touring the UK in of his future success. 2010. Over the last twenty years, Vettri- It was during this year that a ano has grown into one of Britain’s new exhibition of over 40 paint- 48 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 49 Want your work in the Creative Corner? Creative Corner Email: [email protected] Creative Corner How I made the image After select- cient for blending colours ing the image together the create texture I wanted to in your work. The snow akes draw, I began were a last minute addition. mapping out I simply took the white pen- my piece us- cil, and covered the piece in ing the grid white dashes, bringing it to technique, with each square life. 2cm wide. After sketching out a rough outline, I then used Derwent’s Coloursoft pencils to create the colour. By Laura Gilbert These are particularly ef- 2012Interview in Art: with A Golden Year From Danny Boyle’s now iconic opening at the London Olympics to Damien Hirst’s Jacquieexhibition Blakeley at the Tate Modern, 2012 has been an incredible year for British art. by TOM HAYNES mainstream. tory. Emin was also one of 12 British by an estimated 900 million world- e 4th of April saw controversial However, it was the London Olym- artists selected to design limited edi- wide, and was hailed as a tremendous ebruary 21st 2012, and some the artist Damien Hirst’s retrospective pics that provided the biggest plat- tion posters and prints in honour of success. biggest acts in music, includ- exhibition open at the Tate Modern. form for British artists in 2012. Con- the games. Fellow artists selected Outside of the Olympics, the nomi- ing Rihanna, Lana Del Rey, and Featuring key pieces such as his shark troversial Tracey Emin was selected were Rachel Whiteread, and Howard nees for the 2012 Turner Prize were FOne Direction have taken to the stage in formaldehyde piece - “ e Physical as a mentor on the BA Great Britons Hodgkins, who focused on the Olym- announced on May 1st. e nominees to collect their BRIT Award trophies. Impossibility of Death in e Mind programme, a project aimed at cel- pic rings, and the movement of water of the award, which is presented an- is year, like last year when Dame of Someone Living”, and his diamond ebrating Britain’s  air for creativity in their pieces. nually to a British artist under the Vivienne Westwood took up the chal- skull “For the Love of God”, the show and innovation in the arts. She helped However, it was Oscar winning  lm age of 50, were Spartacus Chetwynd, lenge, it has been designed by a crea- was a runaway success, intriguing vis- search for an artist to produce a de- director and Bangor graduate Danny Luke Fowler, Paul Noble, and Eliza- tive legend – acclaimed pop artist Sir itors from all over the world. Hailed sign for BA Aircra in the run up to Boyle whose Olympic opening cere- beth Price, with the winner being an- Peter Blake. Most famous for creat- by the Financial Times as a “beauti- the games. e eventual winner was mony was the creative highlight of the nounced on December 3rd. It will sig- ing e Beatles iconic 1967 Sgt Pep- fully installed” show, and the Sunday Pascal Anson, who came up with a year. Titled “Isles of Wonder”, the sto- nify the end of a truly remarkable year per’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album Times as simply “brilliant”, the exhibi- dove concept, which was then painted rytelling show captured many aspects for British art, in which it’s biggest sleeve, and his 1955 pop art piece tion went on to become the most vis- onto planes, with the intention of re- of British history, from the Industrial stars have truly shone, inspiring mil- “On e Balcony”, his BRIT statue is ited solo show, and the second most  ecting the peace and social unity of Revolution, to our cultural, literary lions not only in the UK, but around a great example of art in ltrating the visited exhibition in the gallery’s his- the Olympics. and musical heritage. It was watched the globe.

By Tom Haynes By Amy Littlewood Interview with Jacquie Blakeley

something to draw, I love just using my most like illustration, and very akin to eyes and absorbing what I see, perhaps painting. We live in a 3 dimensional world, Winter not remembering the exact detail but the and I want to see round the next corner. general ‘picture’. Something I most admire the Japanese The trees are shivering again, Garden tradition. Visiting Japan opened we watch their branches Many of your works are created us- my eyes to the use of landscape both in bristle in the night air. ing watercolour. Why this medium, and gardens and in drawing and painting. Street lights breathe what other materials do you most en- Many a journey has been spent with my joy using? pencils on my knee. no warmth here, even the sun I use watercolour – not in the form of has turned away. washes but my own self-taught way. My What are you currently working on, December has crawled out technique is similar to painting with oils, and what are your ambitions for 2013? from the undergrowth which is what I started with years ago. At the moment I’m directing my creativ- and reclaimed the land. By Roberta Græ Excell By Emily Bygrave I nd watercolours and the papers you ity at my new garden as we have builders - By Emily Bygrave can use quite absorbing as they can, to a working on our property, and my drawing An artist, illustrator, and garden design- degree, take over your input! However, I board has had to be put away. I am tak- er, Jacquie Blakeley is one of Anglesey’s have done four oil paintings in the year ing thousands of photographs which are top creative talents. Tom Haynes gets an since I’ve lived on Anglesey which has either of birds, or of light and shade on insight into her work. been interesting as I haven’t used oils for water and the beach, they look quite ab- Fickle Winter As an artist, what do you feel most years (one was a disaster!). stract and one day I would like get round inspires you? to having them printed, or I may nd they Stark trees, barren ground and raw I am particularly drawn to landscapes Another passion of yours is garden inspire some more paintings. - mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, design. Can you tell us more about it? rooftops streams and seas, and so forth. Within I am a quali ed garden designer, how- Finally, what advice would you give Want to delude the sleepy watcher this, the things I nd most inspiring are ever my love is not with the Chelsea Flow- to aspiring artists? with colours, contrasts between light and er Show format, but with the landscape Keep going, and have passion and time. Morning frosted windowpanes shade, the grandeur of nature and the of the imagination, created to be unique, Which litters the town in lonely dust. insigni cance of man. When choosing and incorporating themes or stories, al- - By Jecelyn Latimer By Mihai Tarmure By Zac Hinchcli e orn in Fife, Scotland in 1951, most popular artists – with exhibi- ings, titled “Days of Wine & Roses” What's on at Bangor Art Gallery? ARTIST PROFILE: Jack Vettriano Jack Vettriano left school at tions held in Edinburgh, Hong o cially opened at the Kirkcaldy asting a web over Bangor dren’s books, titled “From Trys- B16 with the intention of be- Kong, London, and New York. His Museum & Art Gallery in Fife. Art Gallery this winter is “Di- orfa To Sali Mali”. Described as coming a mining engineer. This painting “The Singing Butler” sold Following this, he signed an ex- Calogue and Conversations”, “glimpses into the development took a backburner during a piv- for £750,000 in 2004, becoming clusive deal for his artwork to be a brand new exhibition show- of Welsh language literature for otal moment in 1972 however, his most iconic piece of work. represented by the Heartbreak casing bre art. Described as “an children,” highlighting “how these when a girlfriend bought him a The same year, Vettriano was Gallery in London. It marks a new intimate look at the diverse and books continue to contribute to set of watercolours for his 21st awarded with an OBE for services phase in Vettriano’s illustrious ca- aesthetic elements of bre art”, Welsh identity”, works presented birthday, leading him to paint in to the visual arts. In 2009, he was reer, which is set to continue for the collection features creations include a 1931 edition of “Llyfr his spare time. selected by the Yacht Club of Mo- years to come. by acclaimed artists Lisa Porch, Mawr Y Plant” written by Jennie In 1989, Vettriano submitted naco to create a series of paintings Sasha Kingston, and Bethan Ash, Thomas, and illustrations by Peter two of his paintings to the Royal marking the centenary of their who use techniques from quilt Fraser. Open until March 16th. Scottish Academy’s annual exhibi- world famous yacht, Tuiga. This making, stitch, and embroidery. tion, both of which were sold on led to an exhibition being held in Open until January 12th. Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery, the rst day – an early indication Monaco, before touring the UK in Also featured this Christmas is Ffordd Gwynedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, of his future success. 2010. a display of original Welsh chil- LL57 1DT Over the last twenty years, Vettri- It was during this year that a ano has grown into one of Britain’s new exhibition of over 40 paint- 50 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Travel Christmas in... New York

by HARRIET WELLER tranced by beautiful trees, the occa- lift which shoots you to the top. The by the Christmas displays that each tos without paying the extortionate city which frequents the televi- sional crazy runner and monuments view is breathtaking and gave us a shop has on show and even if you prices to go on the actual island. sion with images of glowing galore. Eventually we popped out good orientation of where every- are keen to not spend anything, they Next we took a more sombre trip to Alights, ‘friends’ drinking end- the other side and into the bright thing was. The rest of the day was a are fun to just look around. My fa- Ground Zero. The devastation 9/11 less cups of co ee and bright yellow lights of Times Square. A quadrant whistle stop tour of New York by foot. vourite was the famous department left has been replaced with a very cabs nally became a reality for me of super-size adverts and stores - we We ventured to the aptly titled Grand store Macy’s with its wooden escala- moving exhibition which made us at the age of 16. An unexpected but quickly became aware that it is hard Central Station, admired skaters and tors taking you up to Santa’s grotto. grasp a little more of what the World marvellous reality when my sister to not spend and eat far too much in the huge Christmas tree outside the Shops aren’t just shops in New York Trade Center was about and the hor- surprised me with the trip for Christ- they are experiences, the Toys R Us rors that unfolded. mas! If you are looking for spectacu- even had a huge Ferris wheel in the New York at Christmas time is de - lar gift ideas New York is a sure win- NEW YORK AT CHRISTMAS TIME IS DEFINITELY centre. nitely not for the faint hearted as it ner. NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. Our nal day was the coldest day is truly crazy and it is impossible to Our 3 day trip was a whirlwind imaginable, so wrap up warm if you tackle everything in just a few days from start to nish as we were keen do venture to New York around but it is well worth it. With an explo- to cram everything in. We were in- New York but hey what are holidays Rockefeller Centre and explored the Christmas time. A subway trip, took sion of food from all over the world, stantly thrust into the city life, as we for! other side of Central Park. To warm us to the famous Wall Street, not re- dramatic displays, Christmas tunes emerged o the subway and were After a fun lled rst evening we up we sampled some of the many ally that exciting to me but it was and a magical layer of snow - it really met with the dazzling heights of were ready to take on New York City free museums New York has to o er, the gateway to the Staten Island is a cracker of trip! If you want more huge skyscraper buildings and pour- by day. First stop; the impressive a particular favourite was the Ameri- Ferry. You can’t visit NY without see- info, a great guide is the Lonely Plan- ing snow. Our rst adventure was Empire State building. A top tip for can Museum of Natural History with ing the beautiful lady standing tall; et: New York book as it tells you all tackling Central Park. It did not dis- avoiding the queues is to go bright its gargantuan animals. the Statue of Liberty. The ferry is by you will ever need to know, so what appoint especially as it was bathed and early and book online. It meant Of course no trip to New York is far the cheapest way as it does a full are you waiting for?! in snow. We pranced through, en- we could just waltz past all the bar- complete without shopping, the city loop around the island, giving you riers and get straight in the golden has it all. It is hard not to be impressed enough time to get your token pho- ...Finland ...Florida

by TOM HAYNES decided to visit Animal Kingdom. 9th December 2009 and I’m Despite the bizarreness of sharing stood in my bedroom digging the day with elephants, snakes, and 1out t-shirts and shorts from monkeys - there was a great atmos- the bottom of the wardrobe to pack. phere, making for a truly unique and century and it’s asking people to re- place among Christmas traditions is Meanwhile outside, Christmas lights memorable experience. by IDA VÄISÄNEN In our nal few days in America we n the pre-Christian Nordic coun- spect the Christmas spirit. The cer- well established. The mentioning of are twinkling on the front of the emony is televised and a follow-up to ‘Santa’s Hotline’ is also tting since neighbour’s houses. went on trips to Miami, the Kennedy tries there was a custom to cel- Space Centre, and Lake Kissimmee, ebrate ‘the return of light’ around the children’s programmes enjoyed Finland is known to be the o cial Fast forward 48 hours and we’d ar- I rived, warm air hitting my face as we soaking up to the last of the sun- through the morning. home of Santa Claus. (Don’t believe the winter solstice in December, shine. For anyone that likes roller which marked the beginning of My fondest Christmas tradition was the Americans rambling about some stepped o the plane. Orlando In- North Pole!) ternational Airport, Florida. It was a coasters, I would most recommend The other traditions include visiting world away from the freezing winter Busch Gardens - this place is Alton FINLAND IS KNOWN TO BE THE OFFICIAL HOME the cemetery to set a candle on the of the UK. Towers on steroids. The rst few days were spent tour- Sadly, before we knew it, the inevi- OF SANTA CLAUS. graves of relatives (not as morbid as it sounds!) and of course, Christmas ing around the local theme parks table day had come – home time. It sauna! After waiting for an eternity and towns – Universal Studios, Epcot, was with heavy hearts that our pos- sessions were packed into suitcases longer days. Believe me, it’s truly the annual TV-show ‘Santa’s Hotline.’ it’s time to open presents and call and Seaworld. Although it was busy The show is basically ‘live footage’ grandma to thank for the lovely with other jetsetters, it was wicked. ready for our return. Florida at Christ- something to celebrate about! mas is a truly unique experience that In Finnish Christmas celebrations from Santa’s workshop where he an- socks. Christmas day, which seems Particularly recommended is Univer- swers the calls of children telling him to have more signi cance in other sal - although you might need a neck breaks away from mundane yuletide the Eve is signi cant. After proclaim- traditions. A once in a lifetime trip for ing the Christmas peace around 1PM about their Christmas preparations cultures, is basically a relaxation brace after the Hulk ride! and singing songs with their shiver- day of reading the books that Santa Then the big day arrived. Christmas anyone that loves action, excitement, in the city of Turku the whole coun- and doing something di erent. try literally quietens. The Christmas ing voices, followed by occasional brought and eating chocolate. morning. Having seen the queues for peace tradition began in the 13th cartoon breaks. The show has been Disney World, we turned around and aired since 1990 so it’s safe to say its December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 51 Travel Christmas Around The World by EMMA ÅSBERG

Most of us here at Seren can’t wait for Christmas, and I suspect Sweden it’s the same for most of our readers...but what do Christmas India hristmas in Sweden is celebrated on s Christianity is a minority religion the 24th of December, not the 25th. celebrations look like on the other side of the world? Join us for in India, it has perhaps less meaning COn a typical Christmas day people a peek into four di erent countries’ celebrations. Athan for many here in the west. How- would wake up, have a long breakfast to- ever Christmas is widely celebrated, espe- gether and give each other their stocking cially in larger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, gifts, for children in particular – to occupy Switzerland China Bangalore and Chennai. Gifts are bought them while the adults are cooking and for family, neighbours and friends, and in preparing. Most of the day is then spent witzerland combines customs from hristmas in China is celebrated on Christian homes, preparations start as early preparing lunch, which includes a variety three di erent areas: France, Italy the 25th, but with much less fuss as November. One of the main highlights of di erent traditional and new dishes. For Sand Germany. Present wise, kids get Cthan in Europe. Many families buy is the Christmas cake which is loved by the example Janssons Frestelse, (homemade) a rst taste of presents in the beginning of gifts for their children and each other for entire family. New clothes are also bought meatballs and sausages, pickled herring, December, but the main load will be given this day, but it seems over commercialised for the festival and the house is thoroughly boiled eggs and smoked salmon and red either on the Christmas Eve or New Year’s more than anything else. I spent Christmas cleaned. Customs vary throughout India; cabbage. Lunch is then enjoyed quite late Day. Santa has two side-kicks in Switzer- in China a couple of years ago, and none for example, in south china clay lamps are and lasts for hours, before traditional des- land, Christkindl—the Christ child, who of my Chinese-born colleagues celebrated lit on roofs, and in many states it is popu- sert: Rice Pudding or Rice Á la Malta. The also gives out presents and Schmutzli, a it at all at home. It’s acknowledged as a lar custom to decorate a banana or mango evening is for Santa Claus and presents, dark-clad accomplice, who helps Santa western festivity but bears little meaning tree instead of a pine tree. often with entertaining rhymes. with his burden by giving out presents and for Chinese people. being scary—many kids are afraid of him!

At this time of year there is nothing better to get you CHRISTMAS into the festive spirit than a trip to a Christmas mar- ket! Not many of us can jet o to Germany for a day out so the next best thing are the markets here in Britain - MARKETS read on to see what we thought... Birmingham Manchester by JORDAINE HULSE by CATHRYN EMERY his year was the rst time that I had aving only been to the Christmas ever been to visit a Christmas mar- markets in Birmingham before, Tket here in England and I have to Hand French ones during my year say that I was de nitely not disappointed abroad, I was a little sceptical about with what I saw! what Manchester could have to o er but In Birmingham the stalls are generally I wasn’t disappointed! Once the coach all together in the one area so it has a very dropped us o , it was a short walk be- Christmassy feel around Victoria Square, fore we found ourselves in the hub of New Street and Chamberlain Square. the Christmas spirit. We had been given There are plenty of stalls throughout a map beforehand of where everything the market which sell all kinds of weird was so we had no trouble nding our and wonderful things including many way around and we were ordering our handmade items which are perfect for a Bratwurst sausages before we knew personalised Christmas gift for someone it. There was plenty of opportunity for special. Obviously I couldn’t talk about drinking mulled wine and cider and we the markets and forget to mention the saw a wa e stand as well as many oth- vast amount of food stalls that there are ers. It was situated right by the Arndale to o er – ranging from traditional Ger- Centre so we popped in there when the man food such as the traditional German cold started to get the better of us. dish Schnitzel to more unusual  avours While the market is rather spread out such as Ostrich Burgers! it does give you the opportunity to mix As I am absolutely obsessed with Christ- in your other shopping with browsing mas and anything festive - so I loved the the stalls. As always, the products sold were whole experience. If you do manage to see Leeds on the expensive side but from what we saw BECKY PAYNE We indulged for about an hour on Frankfurters markets in the evening time it is especially by they seemed good quality and by the crowds eeds Christkindelmarkt is a well-estab- and hot honeymead as well as not so German magical. I de nitely recommend a trip down you could see the markets were very popular. lished German market in the heart of the foods (fried feta and cranberry sauce). I could to see them and will endeavour to go again De nitely recommended, dress up warm! myself sometime very soon! Lcity. Whilst visiting a friend a couple of have gone back every day for a week and still weeks ago we decided to check it out, I had tried something new and with the great atmos- Rating: Rating: never been to a German market before and phere, de nitely the perfect way to into the presumed it wouldn’t be my thing and to an Christmas spirit. extent this is true. However I am a big lover of food and drink and half the stalls cater to this! Rating: December Issue 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 52 Breaktime It’s Christmas! To celebrate this fantastic time of year, we have a ‘selection box’ of puzzles to keep you going until The the 25th! As well as our usual sudoku, mental maths puz- Puzzle zle and puzzler challenge, we have a Christmas crossword Guy and a festive wordsearch for you to get stuck into!

BAUBLE STAR STOCKING SHEPHERD SCROOGE WISEMAN ELF GOLD GRINCH TINSLE FAIRY REINDEER CHRISTINGLE SANTA SNOW LIGHTS FRANKINCENSE PRESENTS JESUS RIBBON

PuzzleSudoku 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.58) Easy - 6 minutes

6 9 2 5

5

5 7 3 1

2 7 1 3

9 1 8 5

5 8 7 2 The Puzzler is back again! He’ll be hiding somewhere 7 6 4 5 in this issue and it’s your job to nd him. Name the page he’s 7 in, in every issue at the end of the year and you could win a 4 5 6 9 Across Down fantastic prize! 1. 10 lords a ____ (7) 2. Green creature that hates Christ- 1 2 3 4. Let it ____ (4) mas (6) Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Mon Dec 3 20:29:10 2012 GMT. Enjoy! 5. Season of Christmas (6) 3. Amount of wise men (5) 6. ______the red-nosed reindeer (7) 4. Dickens showed him the error of 11. Popular decoration (6) his ways (7) 4 15. St. _____, saint who gave gifts 7. Bird that perches in a certain fruit (8) tree (9) 5 16. Gold, Frankincense and ____ (5) 8. Naughty, no. Nice, yes. (8) 17. Festive beverage (6,4) 9. Reindeer dancer that isn’t dancer 6 7 20. Jesus is regarded as the _____ in (7) Christianity 10. ____ Christmas (5) 8 21. Hang ‘em on your tree (7) 12. Fancy a kiss? (9) 22. Alternative to turkey (4) 13. Mother of Jesus (5) 9 10 23. Santa arrives down this shaft (7) 14. A single unit of snow (9) 18. Play you’ll have been in as a child 11 (8) Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.81) Hard - 10 minutes 19. Hark! (6) 12 13

43 14 7 8 15 16 6 2 7 1 4

x5 +91 3 1 7 8 17 18

3 5 6 19

2 9 +102 -123 20 1 7 8 21 4 3 1 7 x1.5

7 9 3 4 2 22 Mental Maths challenge. 5 7 You have 30 seconds to do this 23 endish puzzle. Good luck!

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Mon Dec 3 20:29:22 2012 GMT. Enjoy! Across Down 1 10 lords a ____ (7) 2 Green being that hates 4 Let it ____ (5) Christmas (6) 5 Season of christmas (6) 3 Amount of wise men who 6 _____ the red nosed came to see jesus (5) reindeer (7) 4 Dickens showed him the error 11 Popular decoration (6) of his ways (7) 15 St. ______, Saint renowned 7 Bird that perchs in a certain for giving gifts (8) fruit tree (9) 16 Gold, Frankincense and 8 Naughty, yes. Nice, no. ____ (5) 9 Reindeer dancer that isn't 17 Festive beverage (6,4) dancer (7) 20 Jesus is regarded as the 10 ____ christmas (5) _____ in Christianity (7) 12 Fancy a kiss? (9) 21 Hang 'em on your tree (7) 13 Mother to jesus (4) 22 Alternative to turkey on 14 A single unit of snow (9) Christmas Day (4) 18 Play you'll have been in as a 23 Santa arrives down this school child (8) shaft (7) 19 Hark! (6) December Issue 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 52 December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 53 Breaktime Sport It’s Christmas! To celebrate this fantastic time of year, we have a ‘selection box’ of puzzles to keep you going until The the 25th! As well as our usual sudoku, mental maths puz- Puzzle zle and puzzler challenge, we have a Christmas crossword 2012 Tennis Guy and a festive wordsearch for you to get stuck into! Roundup by BECKI WATSON the  rst British man to win a major since the legendary Fred Perry. With a BAUBLE STAR he 2012 season is de nitely one form like this, the world no. 3 can look to be remembered in the world forward to an even better season next STOCKING SHEPHERD of tennis; with shock defeats, year. Tunlikely victories and long held re- SCROOGE WISEMAN It’s also been a great season for ten- cords falling le , right and centre, it’s nis legends Roger Federer and Novak ELF GOLD been one of the most gripping seasons Djokovic. A er a poor season by his GRINCH TINSLE in living memory. standards last year, Federer made a e 2012 season will certainly be one stunning comeback to win his 7th FAIRY REINDEER for the history books in terms of Brit- Wimbledon title a er defeating Andy ish tennis, and marked the best season Murray in four sets, equalling Pete CHRISTINGLE SANTA in Andy Murray’s career so far. A er SNOW LIGHTS Sampras’ record and taking him up FRANKINCENSE PRESENTS THE 2012 SEASON WILL CERTAINLY BE ONE FOR JESUS RIBBON THE HISTORY BOOKS...

his seventh French Open taking him the next season. nence by making the semis of many of Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.58) reaching the  rst Wimbledon  nal of  rst place in the world rankings. He Sudoku Easy - 6 minutes past Bjorn Borg’s record to become However, there’s no doubt Nadal’s ab- the major tournaments. his career (before losing to Federer in also won the silver medal for Switzer- the most successful player in French sence at some signi cant tournaments So a er all the excitement, the play- four sets), Murray defeated Federer in land at the Olympics. Djokovic also Open history. But his success would opened up the  eld, as it allowed some ers get a few short weeks to rest and 6 9 2 5 straight sets at the Olympics to win had a great season, winning the Aus- not continue into Wimbledon, as he of the top ten players to compete on prepare for the Australian Open in the gold medal, the  rst British male tralian Open, reaching his  rst French was sensationally knocked out in the the world stage. Argentine player Juan January. With Federer back to his win- 5 to do so since 1908, as well as winning Open  nal, and defeating Federer at second round, and was forced to pull Martin Del Potro gave an impressive ning ways, Murray looking better than silver in the mixed doubles with Laura the ATP tour to reclaim his position as out of the Olympics, and the US Open performance in the ATP tour against ever, and more players coming up to 5 7 3 1 Robson. He ended his spectacular run the no.1 player in the world. because of a recurring knee injury. It Federer and Djokovic, rounding o threaten the Big Four, 2013 looks to a by winning the  rst major of his ca- Unfortunately, the 2012 season was remains to be seen whether he can re- one of his best seasons, and world no. 5 more thrilling season than ever. reer at the US Open against Djokovic, more of a mixed one for Rafael Na- 2 7 1 3 gain his world class form in time for David Ferrer came further into promi- breaking yet another record by being dal. He started o brilliantly, winning 9 1 8 5

5 8 7 2 The Puzzler is back again! He’ll be hiding somewhere 7 6 4 5 in this issue and it’s your job to nd him. Name the page he’s 7 in, in every issue at the end of the year and you could win a 4 5 6 9 Across Down fantastic prize! Sports 1. 10 lords a ____ (7) 2. Green creature that hates Christ- 1 2 3 4. Let it ____ (4) mas (6) Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Mon Dec 3 20:29:10 2012 GMT. Enjoy! 5. Season of Christmas (6) 3. Amount of wise men (5) 6. ______the red-nosed reindeer (7) 4. Dickens showed him the error of 11. Popular decoration (6) his ways (7) 4 Personality 15. St. _____, saint who gave gifts 7. Bird that perches in a certain fruit (8) tree (9) 5 16. Gold, Frankincense and ____ (5) 8. Naughty, no. Nice, yes. (8) 17. Festive beverage (6,4) 9. Reindeer dancer that isn’t dancer 6 7 20. Jesus is regarded as the _____ in (7) of the Year Christianity 10. ____ Christmas (5) 8 21. Hang ‘em on your tree (7) 12. Fancy a kiss? (9) 22. Alternative to turkey (4) 13. Mother of Jesus (5) 9 10 23. Santa arrives down this shaft (7) 14. A single unit of snow (9) 18. Play you’ll have been in as a child 11 (8) Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.81) Hard - 10 minutes 19. Hark! (6) 12 13

43 14 7 8 15 16 6 2 7 1 4

3 1 7 8 x5 +91 17 18 by THOMAS BICK pians and Paralympians. However, pics, gold medallist in heptathlon with player to win two majors since Seve swimmer Dave Roberts and wheel- ERDIKE there have been moments outside the new personal best Ballesteros), member of Ryder Cup chair racer Tanni Grey- ompson 3 5 6 19 Olympics this year which have been · Mo Farah – double Olympic gold winning team, topped money lists on · David Weir – four gold med- t is that time of year again, when memorable, including Wimbledon, medallist in 5,000 and 10,000 metres, both US and European tour als at Paralympics – 800 metres, 1,500 we look back on Britain’s sport- 2 9 +102 -123 the Tour de France and the Ryder Cup.  rst Briton to win both at same Olym- · Andy Murray –  rst British ten- metres, 5,000 metres and marathon; ing achievements over the last 12 Here is brief look at the candidates for pics nis player to reach Wimbledon  nal in career total of 10 Paralympic medals Imonths and the public votes for the 20 the camera shaped trophy as selected · Katherine Granger –  nally won 74 years, gold and silver medallist and · Bradley Wiggins –  rst British 1 7 8 BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. by an expert panel, including Sir Ste- Olympic gold in rowing a er three sil- his maiden Grand Slam victory in US winner of the Tour de France and gold 21 Last year’s winner was Mark Caven- ve Redgrave, Baroness Tanni Grey- vers in successive Games Open ( rst British tennis player to win medallist in time trial; fourth career dish, a er he won the Green Jersey 4 3 1 7 x1.5 ompson and Denise Lewis: · Sir Chris Hoy – double gold medal- major championship in 76 years) Olympic gold medal at the Tour de France and the World . Nicola Adams –  rst female Olym- list in team sprint and keirin; 6 golds · Ellie Simmonds – won two is year, Sports’ Personality of the road race championships. Obviously, pic boxing champion in total, Britain’s most successful Paralympic swimming golds includ- Year is being held at London’s ExCel 7 9 3 4 2 22 one of the highlights of the year was · Ben Ainslie – fourth consecutive Olympian ahead of Sir Steve Redgrave ing breaking her own world record, on Sunday 16th December. It is on Mental Maths challenge. the London Olympics and Team GB’s gold medal in Finn class, most deco- · Rory McIlroy – second youngest also won a silver and a bronze BBC One from 19:30. 5 7 You have 30 seconds to do this 23 success there. e majority of the rated Olympic sailor World Number 1, second major win · Sarah Storey – four gold medals endish puzzle. Good luck! candidates will therefore be Olym- · Jessica Ennis – poster girl of Olym- at US PGA Championship (youngest in Paralympics; 11 in total, level with

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Mon Dec 3 20:29:22 2012 GMT. Enjoy! Across Down 1 10 lords a ____ (7) 2 Green being that hates 4 Let it ____ (5) Christmas (6) 5 Season of christmas (6) 3 Amount of wise men who 6 _____ the red nosed came to see jesus (5) reindeer (7) 4 Dickens showed him the error 11 Popular decoration (6) of his ways (7) 15 St. ______, Saint renowned 7 Bird that perchs in a certain for giving gifts (8) fruit tree (9) 16 Gold, Frankincense and 8 Naughty, yes. Nice, no. ____ (5) 9 Reindeer dancer that isn't 17 Festive beverage (6,4) dancer (7) 20 Jesus is regarded as the 10 ____ christmas (5) _____ in Christianity (7) 12 Fancy a kiss? (9) 21 Hang 'em on your tree (7) 13 Mother to jesus (4) 22 Alternative to turkey on 14 A single unit of snow (9) Christmas Day (4) 18 Play you'll have been in as a 23 Santa arrives down this school child (8) shaft (7) 19 Hark! (6) 54 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 Sport Premier League Roundup so far Manchester United lead the race Its still anyone’s game at minus ten. Recent form, losing one by JOE KEEP out of  ve games puts them in a much stronger position than any of those in s we enter into the Christmas the relegation zone or just above it, period, the premier league has and I would expect to see them carry thrown up some very interest- this form onto the new year, climbing ingA sporting events for us since the the table quickly. ey will, however, kick-o of the 2012-13 season. ere struggle when they come up against are still a handful of games before we the power houses of the top four un- hit the end of December, but, normal- less they are able to bolster their de- ly, around this stage, the bottom three fence in the January transfer window. clubs are those that go down. is year Reading have shown bits and bobs of could see that idea challenged. With class, however, the consistency hasn’t the bottom three clubs being QPR, been there landing them in the rut Reading and Southampton and eight they  nd themselves in. McDermott, points between bottom place QPR and Manager of Reading has said he is the seventeenth placed Aston Villa, the man for the job, but with one win in safe zone; it’s still all to play for. Up at the last  ve, he has pressure on him to the top, things are very much the same produce and pull them out of the drop as last year with Man City and Man U zone. eir goal di erence isn’t too breaking away from the rest. e big bad, coming in at minus seven; they shock is West Brom holding a strong just appear to be struggling to score fourth place. Steve Clarke, manager resulting in marginal defeats. ey of West Brom has shown he knows have enough about them to jostle mid what he’s doing, but, will they be able table, they just need to hit consistency to keep this good form going once we in performances. pass the New Year mark? e biggest disappointment of the they have come against opponents you point separates Man U and Man City, is table is still very much in limbo, Southampton have been playing re- season is Liverpool. Despite adopt- would expect to see Liverpool walk with both having strong performances with no one  xed in position and a lot ally good football in their  rst season ing Brendan Rodgers and his posses- over. Expect to see major movement a er a sluggish start to the season. of rejigging le to do. I don’t expect to back in the premier league in seven sion tactics, they have claimed just in the team in the coming weeks as Man U have recorded more wins, see this year’s table tied up until March years, however, their attacking play sixteen points from fourteen games Brendan Rodgers attempts to  nd the however, do have more losses to their and even then, the margins will be has le them weak at the back, making and recorded a lousy three wins. What winning formula. name, and it could be that Man City’s tight with room for minor changes to conceded goals their main weakness, swings in their favour is, they have Moving to the top of the table, just a amount of draws play into their favour come about. having the third lowest goal di erence only lost four games, but, the draws if Man U keep dropping points.  e Managerial BE OUR merry-go-round Roberto Di Matteo, the  rst to go GUEST Many more managers likely to be shown the door. free day pass of Di Matteo, throughout Stamford his disposal does not equate to QPR’s by STEFAN WILSON Bridge. It could be argued that Benitez league position and unfortunately, the brought this vitriol on himself, choos- blame will always be levelled at the e cut-throat nature of the premier ing to make in ammatory comments manager. No sooner was Hughes out league has already reared its head, with about Chelsea and their fans when the door, QPR had appointed a new Roberto Di Matteo and Mark Hughes he was in charge of Liverpool, but he boss. A face familiar to football fans already receiving their P-45’s. Roberto wasn’t to know the circumstances that all over the country, Harry Redknapp. Di Matteo is certainly the more high- would arise in the future. His start Redknapp was the popular choice for pro le of the two, having led Chelsea has been less than encouraging, with the England job when Fabio Capello to their  rst Champions League victo- his side collecting just 2 points from 3 controversially quit in February last ry in their history, as well as the lesser, games, including 2 goalless draws and year, but he seemed to let the hype get but not to be sni ed at, FA cup. is a away loss to West Ham. Chelsea play to his head and Tottenham, his club at was partnered with a solid, if not spec- Nordsjaelland tonight needing a win the time, had a poor run of form. is tacular, 6th place  nish in the league. and for other results to go their way, to led to them missing out on Champi- However, their Champions League not crash to a humiliating early exit in ons League football and subsequently, DW SPORTS FITNESS BANGOR form this season has led them towards the Champions League. parting ways with Redknapp. e task the cusp of elimination at the group Mark Hughes was under at hand for Harry is de nitely mam- St David’s Retail Park, Bangor, LL57 4TJ stages, for the  rst time since their a di erent kind of pressure. With moth and he will have to do a quick Russian revolution began. is has QPR languishing dead bottom of the  re rebuilding job, before the  ne line t: 0844 249 53 10 prompted Abramovich to wield the league with only 4 points from 12 between premier league survival and axe, just 5 months a er their history games, including a grand total of 0 relegation heartache becomes too Terms and conditions: making night in Germany. His suc- wins, QPR chairman Tony Fernandes large. 1. Only one pass per person 2. Age 16 and over cessor, Rafa Benitez, wasn’t exactly the saw Hughes’s become untenable, es- 3. This ticket is to the value of £10 most popular choice with the fans; his pecially a er spending nearly 34 mil- debut game in charge began with wide lion (gross) on 10 new players. e 4. Student ID required scale booing and chanting in support sort of quality Mark Hughes had at

Guest Pass Bangor.indd 1 10/10/2012 16:43 54 seren.bangor.ac.uk December Issue 2012 December Issu e 2012 seren.bangor.ac.uk 55 Sport Sport Premier League AU In Brief Roundup so far Scouting Manchester United lead the race for girls WOMEN’S Basketball and Women’s Its still anyone’s game Volleyball are both looking for some new players who are willing to give at minus ten. Recent form, losing one the sports a try. They’re both excel- by JOE KEEP out of  ve games puts them in a much lent teams and have high standards stronger position than any of those in of coaching. They welcome begin- s we enter into the Christmas the relegation zone or just above it, ners as well as experienced players period, the premier league has and I would expect to see them carry who are willing to give it a go. thrown up some very interest- this form onto the new year, climbing ingA sporting events for us since the the table quickly. ey will, however, kick-o of the 2012-13 season. ere struggle when they come up against Women’s are still a handful of games before we the power houses of the top four un- hit the end of December, but, normal- less they are able to bolster their de- ly, around this stage, the bottom three fence in the January transfer window. football on clubs are those that go down. is year Reading have shown bits and bobs of could see that idea challenged. With class, however, the consistency hasn’t the bottom three clubs being QPR, been there landing them in the rut top form Reading and Southampton and eight they  nd themselves in. McDermott, points between bottom place QPR and Manager of Reading has said he is the BANGOR University Women’s foot- seventeenth placed Aston Villa, the man for the job, but with one win in safe zone; it’s still all to play for. Up at ball club have seen a recent surge in the last  ve, he has pressure on him to results as of late. Their form has been the top, things are very much the same produce and pull them out of the drop as last year with Man City and Man U startlingly replicated both home and zone. eir goal di erence isn’t too Bangor Snooker and Pool club away, as well as in cup and league breaking away from the rest. e big bad, coming in at minus seven; they matches. November started o with shock is West Brom holding a strong just appear to be struggling to score by JOE RUSSELL resident bottler Adam Gray, Mike ing her  rst competitive victory on the form, taking out Adam and Mike, and fourth place. Steve Clarke, manager Critchley and novice Kieran Allen. Friday. helped the 2nds to a 5-4 victory, leav- an 8-0 win over Chester (Warrington), resulting in marginal defeats. ey at home in the league, and contin- of West Brom has shown he knows he Welsh University Pool Chris, James and Mike fell at the next Bangor 2nds, featuring Chris and ing the 1sts in the con icted position have enough about them to jostle mid ued with a 10-0 win to them away in what he’s doing, but, will they be able Championships took place on hurdle; Russell, Gray and Allen lost in newcomers Kieran and James D., of needing Glamorgan 2nds to beat table, they just need to hit consistency the cup. This form again continued to keep this good form going once we the 24th and 25th November the second round proper. dominated their group stage, com- Bangor’s 2nds to have any chance of in performances. with a 7-0 win over Burnley College pass the New Year mark? Tat Kiss Shot Pool Club in Pontypridd, Bangor 3rds, made up of James, fortably sailing through to the round reaching the semi- nals. Fortunately, e biggest disappointment of the they have come against opponents you point separates Man U and Man City, is table is still very much in limbo, Southampton have been playing re- Ben Titmuss and Anja Seidel, initially robin stage. ahem, Glamorgan did indeed win. of Football Business and a 2-1 win season is Liverpool. Despite adopt- would expect to see Liverpool walk with both having strong performances with no one  xed in position and a lot featuring three teams from Bangor, six ally good football in their  rst season struggled, a combination of a sleep In a cruel twist of fate, the 2nds e 2nds had awoken a sleeping over Salford in the cup. ing Brendan Rodgers and his posses- over. Expect to see major movement a er a sluggish start to the season. of rejigging le to do. I don’t expect to from Cardi University and four from back in the premier league in seven deprived driver and starter nerves for would later face Bangor 1sts in the beast, the 1sts subsequently beat- sion tactics, they have claimed just in the team in the coming weeks as Man U have recorded more wins, see this year’s table tied up until March Glamorgan University. years, however, their attacking play  rst-time competitors Ben and Anja  rst match of the round robin stage. ing Glamorgan 2nds 5-2 in the  nal sixteen points from fourteen games Brendan Rodgers attempts to  nd the however, do have more losses to their and even then, the margins will be Bangor’s geographical positioning has le them weak at the back, making round robin game, meaning the three and recorded a lousy three wins. What winning formula. name, and it could be that Man City’s tight with room for minor changes to le us in the unfortunate position of conceded goals their main weakness, starting our journey at 4am on Fri- teams – Bangor 1sts, 2nds and Glam- Triumphs swings in their favour is, they have Moving to the top of the table, just a amount of draws play into their favour come about. IN A CRUEL TWIST OF FATE, THE BANGOR 2NDS having the third lowest goal di erence only lost four games, but, the draws if Man U keep dropping points. day morning. Fortunately, our driver, organ 2nds – all had to put forward James Richards, expertly navigated his WOULD LATER FACE THE BANGOR 1STS. one player. e  rst two frames would way through mid-Wales’ roads and, in take their team through to the semi- - in tennis spite of their post-apocalyptic appear- nals. In the end, Joe won both frames, THE BANGOR Men’s Tennis team ance, got us there incident free. resulting in defeats in their  rst two e 1sts – Joe, Adam and Mike – had leaving the 1sts with a semi- nal tie also saw a strong November. Sitting Immediately a er our arrival, the matches. Fortunately, our hotel was in performed no better than indi erently against Glamorgan 1sts. second in their division they went singles competition started. Of our Bridgend which, despite its renown as in the group stages, scrapping through Unfortunately, Glamorgan’s 1sts almost unbeaten throughout the nine players’,  ve made it through the the Malia of South Wales, meant we all with two 5-4 victories and one 5-4 proved too strong, defeating Bangor whole month. A strong 10-2 victory  e Managerial preliminary stage, the highlight com- had an early night. Rested, James came loss. Tension was running high and 1sts 5-2. against the University of Manchester ing through fellow Bangorians Chris out  ring on day two, giant-killing only increased a er Allen made a hor- ough the 1st team fell short in the 3rd team in Caernarfon Tennis Centre BE OUR members of Cardi 1sts. Titmuss, tra- rible error of judgement in beating his semi- nal, the whole group enjoyed was followed by a another 10-2 vic- Kershaw and James Durrant facing o , the experienced former winning 3-0. ditionally a nine-ball player, acquitted captain Joe to give the 2nds an early the experience, particularly those who tory over Keele University 1st team. Joining Chris was captain Joe Rus- himself admirably  nishing with a 6/9 lead. had never been to a university event Liverpool John Moores beat them sell, driver James, vice-captain and win-loss ratio. So too did Anja, gain- Allen continued his impressive before. 12-0 but that result was followed by merry-go-round a 10-2 victory over Liverpool Uni 3rd team. Roberto Di Matteo, the  rst to go GUEST Netball Many more managers likely to be shown the door. free day pass undefeated of Di Matteo, throughout Stamford his disposal does not equate to QPR’s Gaelic Girls BANGOR University Women’s Net- Bridge. It could be argued that Benitez league position and unfortunately, the by STEFAN WILSON tive victories in Liverpool and only ball 1st team have been on phenom- brought this vitriol on himself, choos- blame will always be levelled at the by JUDITH BURNS AND two narrow defeats. is season has enal form. They’re undefeated this e cut-throat nature of the premier ing to make in ammatory comments manager. No sooner was Hughes out NIAMH RYAN been a triumph for the team only to academic year and sit at the top of league has already reared its head, with about Chelsea and their fans when the door, QPR had appointed a new be sealed by recently securing a place their league with 4 wins from 4. A Roberto Di Matteo and Mark Hughes he was in charge of Liverpool, but he boss. A face familiar to football fans angor Ladies Women’s Gaelic in the championship  nal against Liv- 26 - 24 win over Liverpool University already receiving their P-45’s. Roberto wasn’t to know the circumstances that all over the country, Harry Redknapp. Team has kicked o the season erpool Hope on sun 2nd December. 2nd team saw them advance in the Di Matteo is certainly the more high- would arise in the future. His start Redknapp was the popular choice for with three sensational wins in- Bcluding claiming victory at the annual Bangor Ladies Women’s Gaelic Team cup, and a 50-21 win over Liverpool pro le of the two, having led Chelsea has been less than encouraging, with the England job when Fabio Capello are determined and focused as they John Moore’s University 3rd was the to their  rst Champions League victo- his side collecting just 2 points from 3 controversially quit in February last nine a side tournament in Liverpool. move forward this year and welcome highlight of the results. ry in their history, as well as the lesser, games, including 2 goalless draws and year, but he seemed to let the hype get is season welcomed an increasing any girls who are interested in exercis- but not to be sni ed at, FA cup. is a away loss to West Ham. Chelsea play to his head and Tottenham, his club at number of new girls to the sport, with ing, meeting new people and having was partnered with a solid, if not spec- Nordsjaelland tonight needing a win the time, had a poor run of form. is the majority openly proclaiming they fun. O the pitch the team take an ac- tacular, 6th place  nish in the league. and for other results to go their way, to led to them missing out on Champi- had never heard of the sport let alone tive role in fundraising with the  rst Squashed However, their Champions League not crash to a humiliating early exit in ons League football and subsequently, picked up a Gaelic football. None- DW SPORTS FITNESS BANGOR Sunday of every month lending to THE BANGOR Women’s Squash form this season has led them towards the Champions League. parting ways with Redknapp. e task theless the spirit and determination their pub quiz and Bingo in Y Glôb in team ended the month in second the cusp of elimination at the group Mark Hughes was under at hand for Harry is de nitely mam- of the team could not be broken and St David’s Retail Park, Bangor, LL57 4TJ Upper Bangor. is semester has been place in their league and saw a 4-0 stages, for the  rst time since their a di erent kind of pressure. With moth and he will have to do a quick has gone from strength to strength. as huge success for the team who are win over Keele University Women’s Russian revolution began. is has QPR languishing dead bottom of the  re rebuilding job, before the  ne line A unanimous team e ort combined t: 0844 249 53 10 already looking forward to next year’s 1st team at Maes Glas and a 3-1 win prompted Abramovich to wield the league with only 4 points from 12 between premier league survival and with training twice a week on Ffrid- tournaments and fundraisers and wel- over Lancaster University Women’s axe, just 5 months a er their history games, including a grand total of 0 relegation heartache becomes too Terms and conditions: doedd has provided a platform for the team to acquire the essential skills of come anyone interested in taking up 1st team. However their run of re- making night in Germany. His suc- wins, QPR chairman Tony Fernandes large. 1. Only one pass per person 2. Age 16 and over cessor, Rafa Benitez, wasn’t exactly the the sport which have been demon- the sport!!! sults ended in the cup with a 3-1 loss saw Hughes’s become untenable, es- 3. This ticket is to the value of £10 to Leeds University. most popular choice with the fans; his pecially a er spending nearly 34 mil- strated at a remarkably high level. is debut game in charge began with wide lion (gross) on 10 new players. e 4. Student ID required dedication and hard work have paid scale booing and chanting in support sort of quality Mark Hughes had at of dividends with the three consecu-

Guest Pass Bangor.indd 1 10/10/2012 16:43 An Inside Look at Sports Personality page 53 SPORT Bangor Judo bring it home Bangor Judo overcome uncertainty New players pick up the cudgels

performance, blitzing through each by JACK ARMSTRONG successive  ght with a combination of drop throws, strangles, and strength to claim gold. Pretty good start eh?  er watching Gemma Gib- Next on was cricket captain Ben bons’ awesome display of Chaloner. Again in the novice catego- British  ghting prowess at ry, and new to competitions, he swept theA 2012 Olympics, our rugged band (foot sweeps) his way to victory against of surviving Judoka returned to uni- his  rst two opponents, before gleeful- versity desperate for some rough Judo ly strangling his way to a bronze, in the action on the mat. most over subscribed category. e return was not, however, without en came time for two of our wom- trepidation. e end of the 2011/12 en to step up to the plate. Tracy Yang academic year saw more than its fair scored ipon with a throw for an instant share of farewells to many of our long win, going on to achive another bronze term-graded players, so those of us in her category, whilst Devany Werrin remaining approached this year with positively went through the torture of some uncertainty, but even more de- the damned (and more than a few arm termination. And it’s paying o . lock escapes) to do likewise in her cat- A er an insane Serendipity (bor- egory. derline harassing people with sweets), Now it was Gabriella Rosetti’s turn we saw our number swell to levels not for the intermediates. From the get go, seen in a long time. Furthermore, both her rugby experience became appar- newcomers and oldies alike shared a ent, as she bulldozed through a hoard desire to go show the UK exactly what of terri ed looking girls to reach the our club can do, so with that in mind,  nal. Here, she was simultaneously we entered the year’s  rst event, taking

...ONE THING QUICKLY BECAME APPARENT. WE WERE BY FAR THE SMALLEST UNIVERSITY THERE.

11 players to the competition hosted unlucky to loose out on gold, but phe- by She eld University on November nomenal to reach silver in her  rst 3rd to see just what we could do. A er an interesting trip involving judo competition. out of date sushi, god awful fog and a Meanwhile, adding to our stack of F’’’ed up sat. nav, we did eventually ar- Medals, Jack Armstrong, Joe Dalzell, rive at our digs, somewhat later than and Oliver Green all went on to walk anticipated, so a er a desperately away with Bronze medals, even with needed trip to the hotel bar, we retired Olly having to  ght everyone in his to rest up for the following day. category twice due to a scoring error. Upon arriving at the venue, one Additionally, Tom Booth acquired thing became immediately apparent. 10 points towards his black belt in We were by far the smallest university the Advanced category, and Tom there. Cochrane, much like Gemma Gib- With squads from Warwick, York, bons, was thrilled to walk away with Bristol to name a few, all with far big- a silver medal, whilst  ghting in a ger and better funded judo cubs, the category above his weight in the in- ‘us vs them’ mentality hit us like a termediate mens division. wave. Needless to say, these results were Bangor?!’ competitions a er Christmas swelled For anyone looking to check out a So one pep talk and a heap of jelly ba- met with outstanding team support, Leaving with 9 medals from 11 to upwards of 17 for Warwick (Feb sport described as everything from bies later, we were ready to rock. and when Bangor University’s play- comptitors, the most of any single 8/9) and more than 20 for B.U.C.S. ‘streamlined jiu jitsu’ to ‘Fighting in First up, was one of our novices, ers went to receive their medals, the team, we began the trek home marked –most certainly our highest numbers Pajamas, come check us out. Anytime former sports science student Adam slightly mocking ‘where is Bangor by a sense of proper satisfaction. ever. of year, just head to normal site gym Sergeant. As the lowest graded player anyway?’ had most certainly turned Moreover, upon hearing our results, Overall, our year is o to a phenom- 2 on tues/thurs for 8, and we’ll do the in his category, he put in a brilliant into a serious yet uncertain ‘Where’s the number of people heading to our enal start. Let’s keep it up! rest. ELIA’S GARAGE

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