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twitter.com/warwickboar theStudentboar Publication of the Year 2013 Wednesday 4th December, 2013 Est. 1973 | Volume 36 | Issue 5

Without a The perfect Student paddle (or shirt) curry formula theatre deals p. 10 p. 29 p. 30

TV page 27 MONEY page 15 BOOKS page 16 TRAVEL page 24 Doctor Who: an overseas view Writing competition winners The best Christmas reads Where to visit over the holidays

Typhoon Haiyan student support Students shun ‘sexist’ show

Derin Odueyungbo

The University of Warwick has responded to Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines on Friday 8 November and then north Vietnam on Monday 11 No- vember. Warwick has said that it will “commit itself to proving a sup- portive and positive environment” for those who have been affected by the disaster. There are a number of ways stu- dents can donate towards support- ing people in the Philippines. Students and staff directly af- fected by the recent disaster are en- couraged to take advantage of the University’s support services. Warwick society Oxfam Out- reach held bucket collections in the Bread Oven and Curiositea last week. Unicef on Campus were at Un- plucked in the Dirty Duck on » Kasbah Nightclub, previously known as the Colly, is a favourite with many students at Warwick University. Photo: Localjapantimes / Flickr Tuesday 26 November, collecting donations for those affected by the undergraduate, member of the made the girls and the boys do was “After receiving complaints, he typhoon. Ann Yip campaign and member of the War- laughable.” has now parted ways with the Kas- Mrin Chatterjee, president of wick Anti-Sexism Society (WASS). The letter called for a boycott of bah.” Unicef on Campus, commented: In her letter, Ms Throup de- Kasbah and criticised the manager Ms Throup commented on Kas- “Climate change is a huge prob- Kasbah Nightclub in Coventry scribed the stage game at Kasbah’s of Kasbah as “filthy”. bah’s decision to dismiss Mr Rick- lem, and unfortunately it’s often the has fired its stage presenter after Kinky night as a “pseudo-humilia- A spokesperson for Kasbah, ard. poorer countries that suffer, both criticism and complaints follow- tion-porn display on stage” as two Amarjit Kullar, told the Boar: “The “I’m happy that Kasbah took because they are unable to cope ing the club’s recent stage games. female participants were entreated presenter in question has been some action... with natural disasters as well as de- The University of Warwick’s No to deep-throat a banana while two dismissed and his views and com- “I hope they won’t let something veloped countries, but also because More Page 3 (NMP3) campaign male participants downed tabasco ments are in no way representative like this happen again, and that geographically they happen to be published an open letter to the sauce. of the Kasbah staff, management or they will think about the messages located in vulnerable locations.” club, after which presenter Johnny She wrote: “Your presenter re- owners. they’re sending out. Peter Bridger, reward manager in Rickard was dismissed. peatedly gave this girl endearing “The stage shows are neither She also commented on Kasbah the Human Resources department, A similar account of Kasbah’s nicknames such as ‘filthy slut’ and sexist or humiliating and all partic- Nightclub’s portrayal of women: “A has arranged a collection from Uni- stage shows being ‘humiliating’ and ‘the dirtiest bitch in Coventry’. ipants take part in them voluntari- lot of Kasbah’s profits come from versity House for supplies such as ‘sexist’ written by Emma Welton, “...You made them simulate a ly. If those watching do not approve using sexual women. They are not clothes, toys and sewing kits. second-year Literature student, sexual act then proceeded to abuse then they have the choice of three celebrating their sexuality. They are Mr Bridger said: “There is an was published by the Boar earlier them when they did what you other rooms...” using it and abusing it, calling them urgent need for clothes of all sorts. this month. wanted them to do. Warwick SU also referred to ‘sluts’.” My wife is in contact with the Fil- A number of people also com- “You embodied the way that so- Kasbah management’s statement: Emma Welton, who had written ipino community in Birmingham plained about the shows on social ciety forces female sexuality into “The presenter had been previous- about the Kasbah shows, remarked who have chartered aircraft to carry media websites. rigid categories. You implied that ly warned of his language on stage that the shows were “appallingly supplies of all sorts free of charge.” The open letter was written by women are ‘filthy’ for being sexual. for something that is meant to be sexist”. Continued on Page 3 Josie Throup, first-year Literature “The disparity between what you ‘tongue in cheek’... Continued on Page 3

Sponsored by: 2 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 2 Warwick celebrates grant success New counselling group University has one of the highest grant approval ratings in the UK a place students can go in order to Selina Sykes get support in Leamington, espe- 33 percent by the number of appli- reason for Warwick’s success is cially considering that one in three Kristina Drake cations. global research priorities where students are likely to suffer from a This is £31 million more than any the university had critical mass and mental health issue. other institution in the past finan- disciplinary expertise and which University of Warwick students “However, it’s really important Warwick has amassed grants to cial year. seems to be aligned with funders’ are to set up a self-help group for that students don’t see the service as the value of £45 million in the The lowest success rate for such priorities. anyone affected by depression. an alternative to professional coun- past few years and has one of the institutions – 19 percent – was re- “Most of the growth in research The group wishes to encourage selling, or seeing their GP.” highest success rates in receiv- corded by the universities of Surrey funding this year for us has come like-minded students to talk openly A student participant who ing grants, according to a recent and Swansea. Queen Mary, Univer- from two science research councils, in a confidential and understand- wished to remain anonymous said: study. sity of London, also recorded a rela- so for Warwick to do well as a mul- ing environment. “It seems mental health awareness The Times Higher Education’s tively low success rate (20 percent). ti-disciplinary university against Sessions will be run by students on campus is increasing greatly, but annual analysis of the grant income However, the value of awards en- some that are more science-focused trained by the Depression Alliance at the same time so is demand for a table found that Warwick had one joyed by all three institutions rose it’s even more of achievement.” and who have a good understand- greater variety of support and bet- of the highest success rates among significantly: by 73, 239 and 164 per “Warwick is also not 50 years ing and personal interest in depres- ter access to them. institutions that submitted more cent, respectively. old yet it is ranked in top ten for sion. “This group is slightly different than 50 applications for grants (34 A spokesperson from Warwick research income in this table along- from most other services in that it percent). University commented: “One key side Cambridge, Oxford and UCL.” “I am so pleased there is now a is not a form of therapy. place students can go in order “It would aim to help students to get support in Leamington” feel less alone and more under- Cat Turhan stood by their peers during what £45m can be a difficult, and possibly re- clusive, time.” The group aims to provide a Students can use the service on The amount Warwick has non-judgemental place for students a flexible basis depending on how received in grants to seek information and support. they feel the group suits them. Meetings are expected to start at Ms Turhan added: “The Brun- the beginning of Term 2 and will swick Healthy Living Centre is a be held in the Brunswick Healthy fantastic venue, and I hope this It was beaten only by Durham Living Centre, Leamington, every group encourages students to use University (44 percent), the Uni- Saturday at 12pm. the centre more. versity of York (38 percent) and The group hopes to provide an “It is an inclusive and non-judge- Newcastle University (35 percent). alternative form of support where mental place, which focuses on University College London students can talk to their peers. health and well-being.” (UCL) topped the grant income Cat Turhan, welfare and cam- table as the institution that had paigns officer at the Students’ Un- Is there enough amassed the most money in re- ion, supported the group: “The de- support for students search funding. pression self-help group is a great with depression at UCL won grants worth £135 mil- idea! Warwick? lion in 2012-13 at a success rate of “I am so pleased that there is now Tweet: @BoarNews theboar Editorial Team Editor George Ryan NEWS Sian Elvin ARTS Rebekah Ellerby [email protected] [email protected] Georgina Lawton [email protected] Julia Dorrington Tom Lewis Josh Payne Deputy Editors Nicole Davis Euan Long [email protected] Abbey Lewis Derin Odueyungbo BOOKS Poppy Rosenberg Helena Moretti Ann Yip [email protected] Jess Devine Lillian Hingley Sub-Editors Ellen Buckerfield COMMENT Dan Mountain [email protected] Louise Machin [email protected] Hiran Adhia FILM Raghav Bali Hannah Campling Nadeine Asbali [email protected] Hayley Westlake Josh Denoual Jack Simpson Clare Crossfield Daniel Cope GAMES Tolga Kuyucuoglu Samantha Hopps Charley Kai John [email protected] Joe Baker Rachel Knight Richard Brown FEATURES Roxanne Douglas Gabriella Watt Director of Business Aditya Pappu [email protected] Rami Abususura [email protected] Desi Ekzarova MUSIC Michael Perry Bethan Riddell [email protected] Sam Carter Head of Sales Alessandro Pressa [email protected] LIFESTYLE Maya Westwick SCIENCE & TECH Ellie May [email protected] Scott Harris [email protected] Cayo Sobral Head of Marketing Oliver Siemek Joanna Harwood [email protected] Ailsa MacLachlan TRAVEL Robert Demont Bethan McGrath [email protected] Melissa Paniccia Treasurer Alexander Bunzl Rebecca Webster [email protected] MONEY Benjamin Shaw [email protected] TV Josh Murray Photography Editor Giulia Zecchini [email protected] Chiara Milford [email protected] SPORT Isaac Leigh [email protected] Luke Brown Webmaster Ben Hayman Tom Ward [email protected] Chloe Wynne Get in touch:

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5566_011_DB_Banner_265x36_B.indd 1 24/10/2012 17:23 Education convention discusses student issues Typhoon Food prices, accommodation issues, overcrowded lectures and the Humanities building Haiyan comes to buying food and drink. stated that first-year accommo- refurbishment is “the next big Selina Sykes He added that as much is being dation is no longer a guarantee. project”. Representatives stat- Continued from front page done as possible to cut costs for ed that the University has even “A large collection box students with the Eating at War- discussed its demolishment. will be situated in Universi- Food prices, the condition of the wick card offering a ten percent re- Students are “hostage“ to There are also plans for the build- ty House Reception for surplus Humanities building and over- duction and plans for dining plans campus food and drink, ing of a new large lecture theatre. items and I will pass them on crowding on campus were some to be introduced in certain outlets. director of Food and Retail Other issues raised included to be sent to the Philippines.” of the issues debated at the Educa- It was also pointed out that the Strategy said. exam feedback and timetabling, Warwick’s Student Support tion Convention on November 18. cost of milk at Costcutter is 49p postgraduate teachers’ pay, support office provides pastoral sup- Participants had the op- in comparison to Tesco at 55p. for part-time students and course port to students, with a team portunity to question Univer- The closing of campus facili- changes at the Medical School. of colleagues dedicated to giv- sity representatives during a ties during holidays was raised by Representatives confirmed Erin Davies, education officer at ing advice and practical help.# question and answer session. postgraduate students. Tony that Warwick is propos- the Students’ Union, was pleased The Students’ Union Advice Cen- The panel included Shirley Howard said that the Hu- ing to build more resi- with the success of the convention. tre provides a confidential service. Crookes, head of Student Sup- manities Café stayed dences in the future. She said: “The questions Students can contact the In- port; Robin Greene, head of the open over most of the Robert Leng an- asked by the students really got ternational Office, who give im- library, Roger Leng, member summer and certain nounced that the to the heart of student issues.” migration advice and help those of the Board of Undergraduate outlets are to stay open University are look- However, she does hope that whose travel plans are affected. Studies, and Tony Howard, direc- during Christmas. ing to resolve over- more students attend in the future: If the incident is likely to have tor of Food and Retail Strategy. Concerns were also crowding in lectures “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity… an impact on academic study, Food prices on campus, par- voiced about the hous- with the installation of events like this can really make a dif- students are advised to contact ticularly the cost of lunch, ing crisis which affect- video capture technology. ference to the student experience.” their personal tutor, supervisor was the first issued raised. ed 200 postgraduate students. Students equally voiced their A second Education Conven- or departmental administrator. Tony Howard said the Uni- Shirley Crookes said: “We wer- discontent with the poor condi- tion is due to take place next term. Students can also visit the versity understands students en’t really geared up for it in quite tion of the Humanities building. Chaplaincy where chaplains pro- are “hostage” to campus when it the way we expected.” She then Robert Leng promises that its » Photo: Warwick University vide pastoral and spiritual care. Rating site grates on nerves ‘Sexist’ Kasbah stage Site condemned for using Facebook information for sexualisation purposes presenter dismissed Euan Long Continued from front page However, he stated that “especially She added: “From reading Jo- if these people volunteered, hu- A controversial website, sie’s experience, my opinions of miliation is fine until someone Ratemash.com, has been widely Kasbah have only been reinforced gets offended by what is going on”. criticised by students around the - that it has no consideration of Becci Ayling, second-year UK as well as by the University of the effects that their cheap-laugh German Studies undergradu- Warwick Students’ Union (SU). games have on young adults... ate, was more critical: “I think it’s The website is being investigated “I wouldn’t be interested in highly degrading to hear... that by Facebook after reports of it up- going back there and I’ve had in both cases the guys and girls loading thousands of students’ Face- many people approach me say- on stage have been berated...” book profiles without their knowl- ing they wouldn’t be either. edge and encouraging users to rate “On the presenter being fired... “Your presenter repeatedly the “hotness” of the profile pictures. it’s a great message for young gave this girl endearing Ratemash publishes leader- women that if they feel they are nicknames such as ‘filthy boards of the top fifty positions at being treated as second-class citi- slut’ and ‘the dirtiest bitch in each institution and links them to zens, sexualised, humiliated, they Coventry’.” the students’ Facebook profiles. » Ratemash has proved controversial across the UK. Photo: Ratemash can speak up... hopefully Kasbah Josie Throup Holly Winter, a third-year will respect their patrons more. Politics student, was featured ably, chief scumbag) Michael Healy.” girls are going, guy-girl ratio and An anonymous student said under Warwick University’s In total 138 universities or who is into you at your university. that he had never seen the stage She described a stage show category without any knowl- colleges are on the website. On the website, Ratemash claims shows but thought that they she saw where participants edge or consent from herself. The Facebook profiles up- that it “sorts out your nightlife” were “terrible” and after hear- grabbed as much money as Ms Winter commented: “The loaded are available for the by offering free club entrance and ing Josie’s account, agreed that possible with a fan blowing. day before I found out my pic- public to view and rate. drinks as well as enabling you they were humiliating and sexist. She thought that these ture was on Ratemash I had Other students’ unions from to “meet the people you fancy”. However, he admitted were the types of shows done a talk at Warwick’s Under- around the UK have also ex- In a reply to the Warwick SU sta- that he was not undeterred that should be encouraged. graduate Research celebration. pressed their disapproval. tus, Oliver Holmes, a fourth-year from going to the club again. She added: “I am really “I felt so frustrated the next John Gusman, vice presi- Chemistry student, was concerned “I would probably still go shocked that something like this day when I went from being rec- dent for education at Bourne- with Warwick SU’s personal attack. there but I wouldn’t take part has happened in a club which ognised for my achievements, to mouth University’s SU, said: “Whoever manages the FB ac- in any games of that kind. I regularly go to and enjoy. being publicly rated on my ap- “It is an incredible invasion of count for Warwick SU needs to Oliver Mackinnon, second-year “So yes, I think it has made pearance without my permission. privacy … It is unacceptable.” realise that it’s not acceptable Engineering undergraduate, how- an impact and I will consid- “The website is demean- The SU has issued advice for them to use the SU page to ever, was not aware that there were er more carefully where I want ing to the women and men for those who wish to remove make personal attacks at people. stage shows of the kind in Kasbah. to go out to in the future.” at Warwick who are so much their images from the web- “It’s unprofessional and un- more than the pictures imply.“ site saying that students should becoming of an employee or Warwick SU has reacted to the contact the website directly. sabbatical officer to do as such. “scumbag” website on Facebook. In a recent interview with Kill- “This behaviour dis- “Needless to say, while it may erStartups.com, Ratemash founder gusts me and I expect a re- have worked for Mark Zuckerberg Michael Healy was asked what was traction of personal attacks. while tapping away late at night in the greatest thing about the website “If you feel like you want to his dorm-room, we’d rather it didn’t was: “There is no website that will say something use your per- work for site founder (and, presum- be able to tell you where the hottest sonal account [ya numpty].” » Kasbah Nightclub in Coventry. Photo: Ant Standring / Flickr 4 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 4 Warwick flies flag at British Warwick Accommodation take action on asbestos International Education Fair Warwick Accommodation staff, Sian Elvin therefore no students need to be Warwick an international beacon present in the building at the time Megan Bower by embedding internationalism of the survey. into every area of the University’s Warwick Accommodation has de- Surveys are expected to take ap- mission.’ cided to take further precautions proximately one hour. Last week the University of War- One important way to achieve regarding the asbestos present in Dan Warr, fourth-year Chemis- wick sent representatives to the this is through ensuring diversity University-managed accommo- try student and Warwick Accom- British Education Fair in Nicosia, in the student population by draw- dation. modation off-campus resident, told Cyprus to contact potential new ing in applicants from all over the Those living in off-campus ac- the Boar: “I hear that they’re just students and academics. world. commodation received an email doing it as a precautionary meas- Warwick will be represented Word about Warwick is active- last week from Warwick Accom- ure. » Photo: Lydia_shiningbrightly at the Great Universities 2013 fair ly spread by the admissions de- modation property manager Stuart “I’m not particularly worried from 25 - 26 November in Guayaq- partment but many international Smyth. about it affecting me or my house- accommodations when as far as I uil, Ecuador. students discover the University It stated: “We are planning mates and hopefully the checks can know people living there haven’t These efforts to promote War- through a chance search online. to conduct a building survey of happen over the holidays when it really kicked up a fuss. wick overseas are carried out regu- When asked how they found out off-campus accommodation man- won’t cause disruption to us.” “And it’s nice that they have larly by the International Office. about Warwick, international stu- aged by Warwick Accommodation Mr Smyth explained that in the addressed the issue again and ex- This Autum term, delegates dents said that the University’s on- during the period 2nd - 20th De- majority of cases, there should not plained why the asbestos isn’t dan- have been sent to education fairs in line reputation and webpage were cember 2013.” be any problems resulting from gerous, because I didn’t understand Oman, Malaysia, Vietnam, Germa- decisive factors. the building survey and it is just a it before. It is responsible of them ny, Mexico, Japan, Brazil, Taiwan, Sara Wong Li Wen, a first-year “Asbestos was a common check-up: “As you may know, as- to be doing this before it becomes Kazakhstan, Azerbajan, Thailand, MORSE student from Malaysia (and legal) building bestos was a common (and legal) an issue.” China, Turkey, Greece, Norway, said: “I was randomly googling material until 1999.” building material used by the con- Cat Turhan, welfare and cam- Colombia and Spain, with upcom- mathematics and statistics cours- Stuart Smyth struction industry until its prohibi- paigns officer at Warwick Students’ ing fairs in Ghana and Nigeria in es and stumbled upon this uni’s tion in 1999. Union, said: “It’s really important the new year. MORSE course.” “Asbestos is normally sealed in- that students don’t worry about Warwick lays proud claim to be- Arthur Krochin, a first-year Dis- This follows a report in the Boar side other materials and therefore this. ing a “globally connected univer- crete Mathematics student from on October 30 that all bedrooms in completely safe… It is unlikely that “We are pleased that Warwick sity” with over 4,348 international Lithuania also commented. on-campus accommodation West- any further action will be required.” Accommodation are being proac- students from over 100 countries. He said his choice was quite wood and Tocil contain asbestos. Shareen Rikhraj, a second-year tive in protecting students from as- The Complete University Guide “random” and based on internet The majority of surveys will be Psychology student who previously bestos, and wish that private land- ranked Warwick as 6th in UK for searches and threads from The Stu- during the Christmas period when expressed concern over the asbes- lords would be as vigilant!” the number of non-EU students dent Room, a popular student-ori- students are not staying in their ac- tos in the campus accommodation Mr Smyth further stated in the that study here and 20th for the entated website. Mr Krochin stated commodation. she was living in last year (Rootes), email that if students have any number of EU students. that his choice was made largely They will be carried out by an commented on the developments. questions about the survey they The University focuses on inter- “because of its popularity in The Environmental Essentials contrac- “I think it’s great that they’re be- should contact their respective nationalism with the aim: ‘To make Student Room”. tor, accompanied by a member of ing proactive and checking these property managers. Monash-Warwick receives grant Warwick District Council introduces Partnership is given double award importance to students who wish tighter controls over ‘multiple living’ Tom Lewis to take part and benefit from an increasingly global educational ciated with student homes with bring “a more balanced approach system.” Euan Long problems including noise, litter to approving HMO planning ap- The Monash-Warwick Alliance Second-year Harry Haslam took Navneet Tibrewal and vacant housing during the plications and develop more bal- has received a double award from a more cautious approach: “The University holidays. anced communities”. an Australian funding body for ideas of ‘globally connected univer- The policy will apply to applica- Mr Weber added that though research into superannuation and sities,’ and ‘bringing education into Warwick District Council is tions for development and changes students bring vitality to the en- ageing societies. a 21st century world,’ are slightly to limit the number of student of use across the Leamington area, vironment, problems concerning The Vice-President of the War- woolly concepts. houses and houses of multiple with exceptions to house-to-HMO HMOs cannot be neglected. wick-Monash Alliance, Andrew “I think we need to see more occupancy (HMO) in Leaming- applications of up to six occupants. Concerns have been raised by Coats commented: “These are great from both than a research award ton and across the district. students on whether or not the successes and demonstrate the val- before we can say whether it will The new interim policy - adopt- policy will reduce the supply of ue of the unique Warwick-Monash be a benefit to Warwick University ed by the executive committee houses which could result in in- Alliance. students.” - aims to combat the “significant Stricter planning permission creased rental costs or the necessi- “The value of the combined Ruth Pearce, a fourth-year PhD loss of amenity” in the area asso- will be introduced for student ty to live in alternative areas. strengths of Monash and Warwick student working in the sociology accommodation and HMOs Becky Long, a Film and Liter- is recognised by awards such as department, described the collab- ature finalist, expressed concern these across the breadth of the Uni- oration as a “vanity project”, ob- that the council’s new plans would versities.” structing fair pay for university lec- push the cost of living up for stu- Monash, in Melbourne, formed a turers, at the first Student Council dents. partnership with Warwick in 2012. meeting in October. The policy will be relaxed for She said: “Stricter planning per- The Alliance aims to establish Peter Dunn, head of communi- applications located on the cam- mission for student accomodation both as “globally connected uni- cations for Warwick, responded to puses of University of Warwick will make it even harder for stu- versities, bringing education into a these comments. and Warwickshire College, and on dents both international and from 21st century world,” whilst also “of- “The alliance is a direct conse- main thoroughfares in a mixed- the UK to find somewhere to live fering an enhanced student expe- quence of the University’s Vision use area that do not bring exces- locally. “ rience to both undergraduates and 2015 strategy. sive activity in a residential space. Henry Smith, a fourth-year postgraduates.” “It has been very, very active in Stricter planning permission Mechanical Engineering student, Students expressed mixed opin- delivering that specific student fo- will be introduced for student ac- said: “Students bring a lot to the ions on the partnership and grant. c u s .” commodation and HMOs. local communities, especially in Second-year History student Alex Mr Dunn referenced recent It dictates that the proportion of terms of business to retailers, pubs Schiphorst was positive. sporting events, such as a motor HMOs within a 100 metre radius and cafes. He said: “Having recently ap- racing clash between the two uni- of a proposed property should not “I don’t believe [the policy] will plied for a year abroad at Monash versities, and three joint research exceed 10 percent and that it must be a disadvantage to students, University, I value the alliance. student PhDs to justify his point. be within 400 metres of a bus stop. there has always tended to be ad- “I believe it can pave the way “In short, there has been an Furthermore, the storage of equate housing supply.” for more successful joint-research enormous amount of benefit to refuse containers should not ob- programs, and for the growth and students and activity by Warwick struct public view and should What do you think of development of a globalised and students in the alliance. be moved to a collection point the council’s plan? internationally interactive academ- “I do not know how [someome] through an external route. Tweet: @BoarNews ic system. who was interested in the work of Jerry Weber, Labour council- #LeamHousing “The alliance has displayed, the Alliance could have missed all lor for Leamington Clarendon is through its year abroad agenda, its of that.” » Photo: Warwick Media Library confident that the new policy will theboar.org News Deutsche Bank Financial support can only take you so far 5 db.com/careers 5 | Agile minds know how to go further

Economics5566_011_DB_Banner_265x36_B.indd Department 1 needs to change teaching of outdated theories24/10/2012 17:23 economic climate: “We regularly Third-year Philosophy, Politics “It is great to hear that the eco- good addition, as sometimes the Georgina Lawton update and adapt our courses to and Economics (PPE) student Pat- nomics department are trying to course content can seem a bit ab- ensure that the material contained rick Mackenzie said: “It is clear that give a broader education to its stu- stract.” in them is appropriate, and the de- the conventional macroeconomic dents.” Warwick’s Department of Eco- livery is effective.” models taught aren’t good enough Marc Newall, a PPE finalist add- nomics is ranked as the best in the The University of Warwick’s De- Students within the department to fit or conclusively analyse the ed: “I think a new module that has UK, and is placed 19th in the world partment of Economics may be welcomed the changes. events of the recession. real-world relevance would be a by the QS rankings. changing some of its courses in a response to critics who say the teaching of outdated theories led to the 2008 financial crash. Professor Robert Naylor is au- thoring part of the proposed new course - which is led by Wendy Carlin an economics professor at University College London (UCL) - for institutions such as Warwick, UCL and Sydney. Speaking at a conference held by the Treasury, Carlin said a fun- damental revamp of economics teaching was needed and that stu- dents needed “nicer, smarter, cool- er examples of the real world”. Dr Michael McMahon, of War- wick’s Department of Economics welcomed the possibility of an up- dated first-year course: “I think we are well placed to take on board any suitable new ideas that are pro- posed by the group led by Wendy, or others, as and when they are fi- nalised.” However Dr McMahon also stressed that the department is continually adapting the materi- al and teaching in response to the » Dr Michael McMahon, Economics professor welcomed the possibility of an updated first-year course. Photo: Warwick Media Library

Where are you living this term? Student List OUT NOW! 25 High Street, Royal Leamington Spa, CV31 1LN 01926 470022 www.dhesiestates.com [email protected] 8 theboar.org 6 Editor: Dan Mountain [email protected] Twitter @BoarComment COMMENT fb.com/groups/BoarComment STUDENT SOAPBOX Hiran Adhia theboar “Inside Bluebell” very time I tell someone that I live in Bluebell, I get one of two reactions. The first, no- Etably from our friends at Rootes, Editors’ Letters laugh and tell me that my double bed and en-suite bathroom are not worth the social suicide of the ev- er-locking doors and “quiet” flats. The second is a more subtle deri- sive look, from our friends at Jack Martin/Arthur Vick, who appre- “Please can you “A club for ciate that it is nice not to have to share a shower with anyone else, but are smug in the fact that they Boar off!” everyone” can walk and talk to anyone they like without feeling the pressure of having to unlock a door. It is clear that the perception of Bluebell isn’t what I expected it George Ryan Ann Yip to be when I got here. However, I Editor Deputy News Editor wouldn’t change it. Behind the “We Twerk for Pizza” signs that most t has recently come to our at- cannibalistic. uring my time at Warwick, really is not about what is ‘hip and of you have probably seen and the tention that there is a pun in the When the paper was launched in I have come across a state- cool’, it is about what people per- beanbags that litter the open plan title of this publication. A rather 1973, amongst much fanfare, a pub- ment taken too far, that sonally prefer. kitchens, I can assure you that it Iclever little play on words can be licity stunt designed to help cement D‘clubbing is all about the music’. Ap- Furthermore, if everyone were isn’t the snobbish prison that every- made out of the Boar and the word the name in the campus psyche parently, if you ever find yourself at to follow the preaching that one one seems to think it is. In fact, it bore, as in boring. didn’t pan out too well. Three boars a funk night like ‘Superbad Moo’, should only go on nights out for is the opposite. Like every other I would personally like to thank with stacks of papers tied to their and you don’t actually listen to funk the music, clubs would be emptier accommodation, there are all dif- everyone who has noticed this and backs were released on campus, music, you’re doing it all wrong. than usual. It would not be quite as ferent types of people and it doesn’t brought it to our attention. We cer- however they invaded Rootes and Firstly, I do agree that clubbing much a ‘party’ then, would it? matter how much money they have tainly never made such an associ- ate all the food in the ground floor is about the music, but it is not all Don’t forget that not everyone or why they chose to live here. It ation before, indeed the founding kitchens of C block before making about the music. Good tunes make actually enjoys club-appropriate matters that we are all here together editor, Godfrey Rust, most certain- their way to Tocil Woods, never to a night out lots of fun; everyone music – there are people who prefer and are trying to make the best of it. ly had no idea. It’s not as if newspa- be found again. loves it when a song they know country or 70s music. What is the I am sick and tired of people tell- pers are known for their puns. As you can see, clearly there are comes on. However, it does not al- point of clubbing for them? ing me how much “Daddy” must By no means was the paper lots of reasons why the name ‘the ways guarantee a good night. Besides, if clubbing were all about have been put out by the fact that named the Boar because of this Boar’ has stuck. It is rather amusing Other factors that are as impor- the music, why don’t we all just en- I pay more than anyone else to stay pun. It would be silly and a little to think that we would base our ex- tant or even more important for the joy the music we like at home? Sim- on this campus. The fact is we all self-deprecating to name yourself istence on a pun. Indeed it is frank- clubbing experience are the envi- ple - because the point of clubbing earned our place here and my rea- after an unflattering characteristic, ly concerning that we didn’t notice ronmental atmosphere of the room, is also to seek the environmental soning behind choosing Bluebell such as being boring. this before. and for many people, their friends. experience – the dark room, the was that if I am going to stay on There are many sensible reasons Now that this pun has been I personally love a large crowd crowd, the flashing lights. campus for a year, then why not why this paper is called the Boar. brought to our attention, we are and a big room. In ‘Neon’, for ex- Essentially, everyone has their stay in the best accommodation Before the university was found- considering rebranding ourselves ample, I love the music on the top own reasons for clubbing, some go that I can? Some of you may think ed, the area in which the university to stop this negative association floor. On the other hand, while I for the music, some go to dance, it is overpriced and isn’t worth the inhabits was a serene area of Cov- with the word ‘boring’. Any sugges- like the music in the main room and some go in for the ‘pull’. I per- money, but when you walk into entry, known for its wild boars that tions would be gladly welcomed. without particularly loving it, I do sonally do not care if people go your room after a heavy night of would graze the undeveloped pas- We would like to move forward love the more elaborate clubbing solely for the music or not, what I circling and find a clean, personal tures. from this frankly embarrassing experience it offers with the big have a problem with is how person- bathroom and a huge bed to col- In the Chinese zodiac, boars revelation. Whilst it is very witty to room and the big crowd. al motives for clubbing are turned lapse onto, you realise it is money are renowned for being models say that an article is ‘boaring’ please For those with heads held high in into universal principles. well spent. of sincerity, purity, tolerance, and think for a moment about the writ- the belief that clubbing is all about No one has the right to judge Life on campus can be difficult honour. All qualities in which any er who has spent a long time work- the music and that seeking ‘the other people with different or at times and I have realised that the newspaper should aspire towards. ing on the piece. It is not their fault crowd’ and one’s friends is a pathet- mainstream preferences and mo- quiet periods that I spend in my Boars are also rather tasty, al- that this pun has not been picked ic chase for the ‘hip and cool’ place tives. Just because it is mainstream room, away from the noise of the though we would never eat a boar up in the 40 year history of War- to be, it is really just a condemna- does not mean it is worth any less – kitchen and anyone else, have actu- today, as that would be somewhat wick’s student paper. tion of mainstream-ism. that’s to all you pretentious people ally kept me sane in the last eight What they fail to realise is that it out there. weeks. I really love living here and that is why I ran for and became Bluebell President last week. It is going to be my job to change the way that people think about Blue- bell this next year and really engage with those of you who think that this isn’t one of the best places to live on campus. So come at me, bro. theboar.org theboar.org/Comment | @BoarComment | COMMENT 79 Scotland: Hijra: The third sex Good girl gone bad Yes or No? Ibtisam Ahmed against heteronormative expecta- Eloise Millard threatening to tell people he’s “gay” tions. By contrast, homosexuality is and using the derogatory term David Walker still illegal and can often have vio- “redneck” . It’s evident who has the arlier this month, the Bang- lent repercussions. doubt a day has gone by that Mi- upper hand here. Taylor is idolised ladeshi government followed It is difficult to say how this will ley Cyrus hasn’t had her face in for her seeming sickly sweetness, ith only ten months left the example set by India and work out in the larger equality de- the press since she rose to fame however, she’s certainly done her before the referendum on EPakistan in officially recognising bate. On the one hand, allowing Iin 2006 as Disney’s golden girl, round of Hollywood Scottish independence, hijras as a separate sex. Hijras are for a separate sex means that hijras Hannah Montana. It goes without Swift had several public ro- Wthe opinion polls state that Scot- people who are born male but do who do not self-identify as either saying that Miley has come a long mances, Miley was engaged for land is still sceptical. According to not identify as such. Some choose male or female now have the legal way from being a ‘tween’ pop sen- three years, yet she’s the one la- a recent national census, around 44 to identify as female but the vast right to do so. It also means that in- sation; she’s the good girl gone bad belled a “slut”. Miley may have had percent are in favour of staying in majority are considered ‘undefined’. tersex individuals who either can- – but, is her dramatic transition re- intimate relations with a foam fin- the UK as opposed to 25 percent Although the term can also apply to not afford surgical procedures or ally that awful? ger but her appearance at the VMAs who support independence. This those with intersexual physiologies, choose not to pursue them are the- I can’t say I have extensive was on after the watershed. She would suggest that Scotland still hijras are traditionally seen as male oretically afforded equal standing knowledge of Hannah Montana, can’t be labelled as a bad influence has many unanswered questions, ‘sexual deviants’ and the term is as single-sex citizens. but I took my younger sister to see when no child should have been up the main one being ‘what would loaded with social prejudices and However, the negative ramifica- Hannah Montana: The Movie and that late to watch the show. As for Scotland gain from independence?’. negative connotations. In fact, the tions of the legislation are worry- sat through an hour and a half of the Wrecking Ball video, there’s only The SNP’s main argument for word is often used as a derogatory ing. The new ‘third sex’ does not sing-songing about fame, fashion been a public outcry because of the change relies heavily on the prem- slur against any non-heterosexual address any of the socio-economic and boys. Disney may convey con- negative stigma associated ise that Scotland’s newly-drawn person, male or female. or political inequalities faced by servative-dressing innocence on with nudity, a rather back- borders would allow them to take Hijras traditionally live in seg- hijras. While they are now free to the exterior, but they are constantly wards way of thinking. an 81 percent share of the North Sea regated communities – sometimes choose a new label, they are not indoctrinating young girls by plac- Miley will never es- oil fields currently in UK hands. voluntarily, usually by lack of afforded any practical protection ing importance on how they dress cape the judgemental, This is something the UK govern- choice – which act as safe havens from discrimination or violence. If and whether they have a boyfriend. slut-shaming press ment has yet to confirm and a com- under the leadership of elders. Boys anything, it reinforces the idea that It’s detrimental at such a crucial but surely being plication that would unlikely be are sometimes even left there by hijras are different because there time of personal development. herself is far bet- resolved soon after independence. their families, both to ensure a saf- is no accompanying information Miley moved on to bigger films, ter than pranc- It seems that the SNP is relying er future for them and to avoid the campaign that states otherwise. Not more mature music and became a ing around purely on the promise of prosperity shame associated with them. De- to mention the fact that this legis- confident, self-sufficient woman. in sequins generated by oil with few economic spite the security afforded within lation firmly ignores the notion of Her separation from fiancé Liam on the Dis- benefits elsewhere. Scotland would the communities, hijras lead diffi- sexual identity versus simple sex Hemsworth was public to say the ney chan- have more say in its internal poli- cult lives, often resorting to unpro- and sexuality. least. Although her lyrics to the nel, telling tics but by leaving the UK it would tected sex work. I hope that this is simply the first controversial Wrecking Ball are no little girls ultimately lose out, becoming a Given this intolerance, the move step towards greater equality and Bohemian Rhapsody, they reveal how good weaker financial power. by the government has largely been tolerance in a country that is gross- her emotional, wordly-wise atti- it is to be So how does this affect the rest seen as a positive move by rights ly lagging behind the rest of the tude to her hardships. famous. I of the British Isles? Scottish inde- groups. In many ways, it is a rev- world. However, if this is the only We can’t say the same for Amer- think Miley pendence would have huge political olutionary decision in a country step the government takes in this ica’s sweetheart, Taylor Swift. Little really has got ramifications in the rest of the UK, that is extremely conservative with regard, it is a meaningless gesture girls are singing along to Swift’s hit, the “best of both where the loss of its main partner regards to sexual rights. It is the that will not change anything for Picture To Burn in which the lyrics w o r l d s”. for the last 300 years would truly first time in Bangladesh’s history the better and could change things state her “Daddy” will show her mean the end of the most success- that legislation has explicitly gone for the worse. ex “how sorry” he’ll be, alongside »photo:Flickr/ PNG’s e etc... ful political union in history. What will be left of Britain as a political force? Although it would certainly spell the end of David Cameron as Modern Day Slavery: Time to make a #STAND PM, it would also deal a massive blow to Labour and the Lib Dems Hannah Bettison urges students to condemn slavery and support its victims in future elections. There are four year olds the freedom of speech which we Another issue is the effect it being raped in brothels can use to speak on behalf of those would have on British identity. Al- right now.” literally chained by slavery. By sign- though the SNP claims the debate is “I heard this phrase often this sum- ing petitions like #STAND we can nothing to do with national identi- mer. Alongside a good friend and show our support for the proposed ty, it’s hard to see how severing the armed with an iPad, I became one 2014 Modern Slavery Act which political link between Scotland and of ‘those’ people who need “just a will make it easier to condemn England would not mean a rise in couple of minutes of your time” and slave owners in courts and more national animosity. Alex Salmond with whom you avoid eye contact difficult for goods that aren’t slave stated that Scotland would remain with at all costs. » photo: flickr/ Imagens Evangélicas free, such as 70 percent of cotton a “close neighbour”, but the break I honestly would never have ex- currently imported into the UK, to up of such a long alliance would pected to find myself volunteering cific era of forced labour and nowa- few hours away in London. Please enter the country. surely leave a bitter aftertaste. my time for ‘some cause’ as, like days we tend to resort to terms like forgive the film reference but I’m Furthermore we are empowered Scotland’s independence could much of our generation, being ‘human trafficking’. Yet, to me at sure most of us would attempt a by our position as consumers, and also have immense political reper- raised on charity adverts has de- least, these terms mask the fact that Liam Neeson if it were our loved individually we can reduce our cussions around Europe. What if sensitised my reaction to images slavery, alongside all its baggage of ones that were ‘Taken’ and yet these ‘slave ownership’ by simply pur- Spain’s nationalist communities of poor children while failed cam- negative images and uncomfortable slaves or ‘commodities’ were and chasing Fair Trade options which end up fragmenting the Iberian paigns to ‘make poverty history’ feelings, exists today. still are somebody’s something. are, more often than not, found at peninsula? And what of the ongo- have made me question whether Taken, as a film so frequent- competitive prices. This is because ing bitter tussles in Belgium? The overcoming such vast problems of ly quoted and used by parents to the fair wage comes from a better rise of nationalism and the break injustice is even possible. While you’ve been reading this ar- terrify their children away from division of profit across the sup- up of countries into small militant Moreover, in light of the social ticle around 13 more individuals ‘party holidays’, most people hear ply chain, not just asking for more nations within Europe would be an and economic troubles, the gov- have been taken into slavery the message that we are all vulner- money; I can personally vouch for alarming predicament for Europe- ernment seems justified in its argu- able to human trafficking and the the great value of Tesco’s own brand an politics. ment to solve the internal before we slavery it entails yet we remain so Fair Trade tea bags. In today’s world we should learn can focus on the external. From forced unpaid work, to inactive. Our Western lifestyles and On a wider scale if we as a uni- to resist the flag waving and nation- Nonetheless I found myself lis- child labour and sex slavery, 27 more specifically the goods we use versity can call for ‘No More Page alist rhetoric, cooperate and find tening to my friend talk about the million individual human beings, every day are most likely supported 3’, surely we’re just as entitled to de- compromise, for nationalism is real experiences of a single four nearly three times those involved by slaves and, in turn, the $32 bil- mand more #SlaveFree options? more often than not an unpleasant year old who was being used as an across the 300-year span of the old lion annual turnover (International While you’ve been reading this phenomenon and a regressive form example of the thousands of chil- slave trade, are trapped right now Labour Organisation) of the crim- article around 13 more individuals of politics. Although independence dren trapped in various forms of by methods like violence, fear and inal activity that is slavery is most have been taken into slavery and, may sound liberating, Scotland is modern day slavery. debt bondage and made into com- likely supported by us. while I chose to work for no money better off within the UK and should Since the UK abolition of the modities. The problem isn’t just I am guilty of owning slaves: 39 this summer they, alongside 27 mil- look to gradual change through slave trade in 1807 the term slavery abroad either: last year 200 recently according to slaveryfootprint.org. lion other real people, do not have devolution rather than systematic is only really associated to this spe- trafficked individuals were found a Yet our society blessed us with that choice. Will you #STAND? separation. 12 theboar.org theboar.org 13 8 | Whitewash over Greenpeace Michael Wrench Poppy Rosenberg he sad fact is that Britain re- would be sending out the message any people who are argu- always say ‘I want to wait until I am Polly Gregson mains a place where sex and that sex between 14- to 15-year- ing for the lowering of the legal’, giving them at least until 16 to sexuality are still carefully olds is also acceptable’. My instant age of consent to 15 will consider whether they are mentally Tavoided topics. I think this is most- question is this: why is it unac- Msay something about how young and physically prepared for sex. et’s start with the general over- ly due to the quintessential nature ceptable for 15 year olds to have adults don’t adhere to these guide- Here I am absolutely not simply view: 30 Greenpeace activists of the British public in general, sex with each other? It’s general- lines anyway so it doesn’t make talking about girls either, who I have been detained in Russia simply being too embarrassed to ly at this age when most men and sense to keep it ‘so high’ (although think this law will also protect are Lafter conducting a peaceful protest talk about sex, but this is something woman are going through puberty, I personally still regard 16 as very boys. Clearly I cannot talk for all to warn Russia’s Gazprom and oth- that can, and should, be rectified. and in some cases some men and young for sex). boys or outside my own experienc- er world oil companies that their Attempts have recently been made women have already gone through But fine, if we continue along es with friends, but it seems to me planned drilling of the Arctic’s re- to reconcile the British public with puberty. But further, it’s at this age these lines of argument, it will still that boys do experience pressure to sources could have severe implica- the nature of sexuality, particular- that a lot of men and women pick prove to be imperative that you do have sex before the age of consent, tions on the planet’s climate. ly TV shows on pornography, and up most of their perceptions about not move the age – if you think that They were initially accused of ‘pi- Channel 4’s dauntingly cringe-wor- what sex will be like and what it will teenagers are going to have sex re- racy’, despite Vladimir Putin saying thy Sex Box. But although these involve; it’s absolutely imperative gardless of the law, then surely it it is “absolutely evident that they programmes are well meaning, that sex is no longer a taboo. won’t matter to them whether it is As a society we cannot set are, of course, not pirates”, but it was they miss the inescapable fact that This taboo is damaging to young 15 or 16. Who it will matter to are a precedent, or normalize eventually promised such charges it is the young people that are gen- people; the current age of consent the teenagers who are uncertain, behavior that condones would be lifted. erally the most sexualised, for good propagates old habits and ‘tradi- under pressure or reluctant to tweenagers having sex. However, they are still detained or for ill. tions’. At my high school, if a man have sex. Many teenagers will find under this pretext, and have in fact It is an inescapable fact that a lot had sex, more often than not before themselves under a huge amount of been given further charges of ‘hoo- of teenagers have sex; even more 16, it would become something of pressure to have sex, especially in a liganism’. Although a smaller sen- watch pornography, and deem what note, something to boast about. society that is so heavily saturated or certainly by the time they get tence than the 15 years given for they see as ‘educational’. A lot is said Occasionally, it was the same for with sexualisation. Many boys and around the ages 16-18. If we lower piracy, hooliganism still carries a of the ‘over-sexualisation of youth’, women; I once heard a teenager girls will also feel under pressure to the age to 15 can we then start to minimal time of seven years; an ab- but in all honesty this is a change boast that she lost her virginity at have sex before the age of consent. expect sex to begin from a much surd amount for what was an essen- which is now irrevocable – teenag- the age of nine. At the moment those who are earlier age? I feel sure that as a so- tially inoffensive demonstration. ers will continue to have sex wheth- The process of lowering the age going to have sex before 16 will, and ciety we cannot set a precedent, or There has been an enormous er we allow them to or not. In this of consent would somewhat nor- those who do not know or do not normalize behavior that condones public reaction, rallying Russia to sense the age of consent can appear malise the idea of sex. It would help want to, have the support of the law tweenagers having sex. We cannot free the Arctic 30 through petitions, absolutely useless, little more than to educate young people away from to give them more time. The im- downplay the very real impact it phone calls, and even eleven letters an arbitrary rule so that politicians their preconceptions of sex and portance of this support system and has on people’s bodily and mental written individually by Nobel Peace can tick a box and move on – but it would quash its predefined nature protection cannot be understated; health, nor can we pretend that Prize winners to Putin himself. Pro- can have its uses. as something extraordinary, per- the protection that the law will give young adults have all the faculties gress in the case is kept secret, but it Nothing proves this to me more haps even helping breaking down is as an invaluable defense to those and experiences at their disposal is hoped the international pleas will than by a quote from Liz Dux, gender barriers. Whilst it may not who feel that it is only the law that to make the best decisions for their justly allow their release. representative of the 72 victims of seem like a good idea to normalise they can rely on to escape any stig- long-term sexual identity. Heard it before? The reason I am Jimmy Saville, about the possibili- sex, the idea does encompass one ma or pressure they may experi- reiterating this among all the media ty of lowering the age of consent to inescapable fact of humanity – sex ence from a reluctance to engage in attention they are currently receiv- 15: ‘there is a real risk that society is normal. sexual activity. If in doubt they can ing, however, is to remind every- one of the original motives for their actions. Although the unfairness Philip Hawkes Andrew E. King of their imprisonment is rightly at- ’d like to emphasise that I’m not counterpart in Italy and Germany. eople have sex under the age you can and can’t consent force it tracting huge levels of publicity, it is a staunch traditionalist who be- One of the most striking things of 15. People have sex under into even more secrecy and enrich easy to become distracted and forget lieves boys and girls should nev- when I taught in Turin last year was the age of 14. It’s difficult to pre-existing taboos. This taboo the reasons behind their situation. Ier make eye contact, and that men the ability of young Italians to hold Pknow, really, when people start hav- prevents people speaking out about By no means am I saying their free- and women should court platonic serious debate about serious top- ing consensual sex: I know people possible consequences of their sex- dom is any less important – far from relationships until the age of 37. ics. Without wanting to sound de- who started as early as 11, and peo- ual encounters (consensual or not). it – but it just needs to be looked at Yet at the same time I believe meaning to our own British teenag- ple who started as late as 23. Both The lack of communication about as a separate issue. the recent proposal by the Faculty ers, my experiences at school have examples seemed to have equal the issue (caused by, to my mind, Both campaigns can run effec- of Public Health president to lower led me to believe that they are often amounts of consent, though: from taboo, supported by laws) prevents tively alongside each other, it is just the age of consent to 15 is inefficient particularly immature. For me, a the conversations, it seems that people having knowledge about important to not forget one in fa- at best, and dangerous at worst. key difference between the teenag- their first times had no different what is and isn’t consensual. About vour of the other. Even worse would The key argument put forward er in these isles and that of our Eu- circumstances, really. It’s all about how sex is supposed to feel. For be to let Russia get away with it, us- by Prof. John Ashton is that society ropean neighbours is the latter not when you, as an individual, reach example, “popping your hymen” is ing their unfair penal system as crit- must accept that a third of teenag- being overtly exposed to the cul- sexual maturity. not a natural first experience: it is ical ammunition that overrides their ers are having sex at 14 and 15, and ture of peer-pressure and cliques, Which, like puberty, changes de- caused by excessive roughness. Ex- environmental crimes. Gazprom is that this move would ensure un- dangerously integrated with an pending on who you are: I had hair cessive roughness is fine with con- on the cusp of signing an agreement der-16s have easier access to sexual extremely early sexualisation from sent, obviously, but it should not with Shell, allowing the planned health advice. the media and internet. be expected. This is not common drilling to go ahead. It is true that under-16s who As with every assumption, there knowledge due to the lack of com- It’s all about when you, as munication around the issue at the I’m sure you are aware of the en- need help and advice must abso- are exceptions. Yet I believe lower- an individual, reach sexual vironmental consequences of this, lutely receive it without fear. ing the age of consent to 15 could ages which people reach sexual ma- hugely intensifying the acceleration However, I believe in proposing well land us on a slippery slope. Just maturity. turity (which is commonly younger of the greenhouse effect, resulting in to lower the age of consent to 15, we in the last week prominent barrister than 15). Removing these laws en- further rising temperatures and fur- would be walking blind, complete- Barbara Hewson has even argued it tirely would do far more to increase ther melting ice. Habitats, ecosys- ly ignorant of why we have it in should be lowered to 13, in order to knowledge of the issue than simply tems, coastal villages and precarious the first place – to protect children end the “persecution of old men” in on my chin before my brother of altering the arbitrary distinction to populations will all be severely af- from adults who could otherwise the wake of the Jimmy Savile scan- two years my senior. Because of this one year earlier than it currently is. fected if not entirely extinguished by exploit them. Many say that there’s dal. hard and fast biological rule, setting I’m not really sure what the gov- these global alterations. The human no difference between a 15 and Whilst those on the other side of an age limit for consent (or, at the ernment aim to gain from lowering rights of the Arctic 30 are incredibly 16 year old. This may be true, but 16 must undoubtedly have all the very least, changing it) seems at the the age of consent a year other than important, and they undoubtedly there is a huge difference between a help and advice should they need it, very worst a waste of time and at a reduction in crime: it’s not going deserve immediate release, but the child and an adult. lowering the age of consent is not the very best changing an already to stop people having sex at 14 if campaign to free them shouldn’t What of the argument that our the answer. We need a national de- arbitrary limit. Besides, even if it they were going to have sex at 14 detract from the campaign that pro- European neighbours have lower bate on the problems with modern wasn’t a matter of biology, some 11 (I know plenty of people who have voked their arrest. ages of consent and lower levels of British youth culture, and how such year olds are just more world-aware sex at 15 anyway) and, if anything, If you sign to free the 30 activists, teenage pregnancy? Whilst strongly problems have led to an epidemic than their counterparts. seems to trivialise the issue. also sign to stop the drilling. After disagreeing with the ages across the of teenage pregnancy and the vul- Something as private as sex is all, it’s the reason behind their plight. continent, I think there is a strong nerability of a generation. very difficult to monitor, especially Age of consent: let us argument that the British teen is between two consenting individ- know what you think often not the same as his or her uals. Indeed, the laws about when Tweet: @BoarComment 14 theboar.org theboar.org Features 15 10 Sponsored by Editor: Roxanne Douglas [email protected] Twitter @BoarFeatures FEATURES fb.com/groups/BoarFeatures Humans of Warwick: telling our stories Alexandra Karlsson speaks to the most famous interviewer on Warwick campus

arwick University is full students and a reputation as one of says. But, she says, what’s makes the People have shared really difficult Maahwish has had the same of humans. Maahwish the top universities in the country, blog so special is that it is not sub- things with me. It can be easier to feeling with the people she’s in- Phw-oar! What a calendar! Mirza, a third-year Eng- the university is obviously very dif- ject-specific. The point is to achieve do this with a stranger than with terviewed. “The first person I in- lishW Literature student at the uni- ferent from the vast, anonymous “questioning of the humanities” by the people who know you best.” terviewed for the blog was a man versity, wants to show the Warwick environment of New York City. students who aren’t necessarily en- Indeed, looking at the pictures on named John Gilmore. He was in Rami Abusamra talks to Warwick Rowers about their charitable cause community just how special this As such, it provides a completely gaging their creative sides at uni- the Humans of Warwick website, the Arts Centre reading a book and is. That’s the basis of her new blog, different backdrop for a blog such versity. “University isn’t just about you can see why the subjects might was so nice when I photographed ne of the unavoidable fac- Rami: The mood of getting naked that, so we’re bringing out a code Humans of Warwick University. It as HOW. How can this type of pub- mechanically getting your degree enjoy this kind of exposure. Being him. Someone later commented on ets of life is that sex sells. with all your friends? of conduct that we want everyone is a photography blog that features lic photo-blog succeed in an envi- and leaving,” she says. “I started represented by one picture and one the blog post identifying him, and Whether it’s a picture of a to sign, we’re going to have a diver- portraits of people on campus and ronment where the subjects don’t HOW because I felt like I had been story can be a way of reinventing I realized it was a professor in my nakedO woman straddling a coca Laurie: [laughing] Yeah, if you sity and inclusivity rep on the exec: tells their stories through the cap- have the guarantee of anonym- neglecting my love of photography yourself. department!” The experience of cola can or some ridiculously mus- don’t sort of get into it and laugh, things like that to make sure we’re a tions. Mirza will stop random peo- ity? These circumstances mean the and I wanted to rejuvenate my crea- For the readers, it’s one quick interviewing a professor, not as a cular guy flexing his muscles in then you feel awkward and it just model club. After that we want to ple she sees around campus and ask photos risk losing some of their ob- tive side.” glimpse into the life of a person in professor but as a ‘Human of War- time to the musical beat of a per- doesn’t work. You have to feel com- expand it to other clubs and other if she can take their picture. Then jective quality. The blog’s founder The creative nature of the blog is a very fluid, fast-moving world. “I wick’, is one of the most gratifying fume ad, barely decent images of fortable. Because we’re all friends Universities. she’ll start a conversation. If the sees it differently; “Warwick is a actually what makes it so success- find it so interesting that you can aspects of the blog for Maahwish. sexy people tend to sell like a pana- it was quite easy to get that atmos- We’re going to have a website person looks busy it will be a quick new university, and so often people ful. It appeals to people of all in- take something someone says and Getting to know the real person cea for life’s ills. Considering this, phere that tells the story about how the question (though quick doesn’t complain that there isn’t the sense terests and backgrounds because it that that one thing put out of con- under their formal exterior is liber- it’s not very surprising that our very calendar was created, how the mar- mean easy). From these encounters of community or tradition that you relates to them at a very basic level. text can be extremely meaningful to ating, and it’s yet another way that a own Warwick Rowers naked calen- Rami: Can you tell me a bit about ket came about and how the guys Maahwish will produce a picture get at older universities. But this “People love hearing stories,” says other people.” The sense of connec- blog like HOW can make you think dar has been selling like mad, how- Sport Allies? are now with homophobia. and a caption to along with it and actually creates a lot of possibility. Maahwish. “Some of the conversa- tion that this kind of blog creates twice about people you would usu- ever, not all of the money raised is post in on the Humans of Warwick 20,000 students give us the oppor- tions I’ve had while doing the blog between the people in the pictures ally write off or ignore in the street. going to keeping the corporate ma- Lauren: Okay, so last year we sup- Rami: Do you think that idea of Facebook page. tunity to build our own sense of have had a real impact on me.” It’s and the people that look at them And if that doesn’t make you look chine turning. ported a charity called the Ben Co- inclusivity might be easier in a Uni- The blog, abbreviated HOW, is community. Here, you’re surround- not an easy task – the idea of ap- is quite remarkable. This makes up, perhaps having a camera and Last week I had the chance to hen foundation, which is a charity versity environment with all these modeled after the acclaimed Hu- ed by stories and different kinds of proaching a random person on the Humans of Warwick so unique to voice recorder shoved into your interview some of the sexually at- to help combat homophobia. This people from all over the world? Do mans of New York blog that was people. All you have to do is ask.” street with a camera and a voice some people. Christiane Donovan, face will! Having been interviewed tractive and proactive people who year we’re going one step further you think you can expand that into started by Brandon Stanton in 2010. The point of the blog, says Maah- recorder and asking them to open a first year Film and Literature stu- for the blog myself, I can admit managed to make the calendar a and setting up our own. It’s not the real sporting world? The Humans of New York is made wish, is to get Warwick students to up to you seems quite risqué to the dent, says HOW broadens her per- there’s a certain amount of pressure reality, supporting the Sport Al- yet a charity, but we hope it’ll ulti- up of a collection of street portraits connect with the humanity that average person. It is a scary thing spective of people at Warwick: “The to say something cool or revolu- lies project, a charity they want to mately become one. We’re currently Laurie: We’re looking to create vi- taken in New York City and has a surrounds them. As Maahwish is to answer a question like, “What blog reminds us that we all have a tionary. But Maahwish’s knack for start that combats homophobic working with Ernst and Young to ral content with EACH. We can’t following of nearly 1.8 million peo- in her final year of studying English was the saddest moment of your story, all have our own hopes and natural conversation brings the and transphobic bullying. Lauren, create a business model to outline go to America and do the physi- ple on Facebook. But Humans of Literature, she is used to exploring life?” and know that your answer fears. So much goes on at university situation back to what it’s supposed a fourth year engineering student financial details, and we’re with a cal work, so we want to make viral Warwick, whilst designed in the the world of the humanities. “I feel will be uploaded online, along with that we can easily get caught up in to be: one human of Warwick talk- who runs the Sport Allies project; charity called EACH: Educational content so that people who believe same way, is necessarily different: it like if you do an English Lit degree a picture of you. And yet Maah- our selves. Reading the blog made ing to another, perhaps both being Laurie, a second year politics stu- Action Combating Homophobia. they’re in trouble can go and find exists in the much more insulated you’re taught to think in a much wish’s subjects have all been more me realize how many interesting stared at by everyone else hurrying dent who modelled and took charge local helplines or centres to call. context of Warwick University. more questioning and challenging than willing to do this. “It’s a bit of people I walk past everyday with- to their next lecture. of the calendar; and Phil, a third As much as we’d love to, we can’t With a population of over 22,000 way than society in general”, she an investigation into psychology. out giving them a second thought.” year history student who also mod- “We figured if we’re going be everywhere, so we’re looking to elled and “helped out with the post- to be a club that represents drive people who are vulnerable or ing,” were kind and patient enough inclusiveness then we need to bullied to find local charities where to answer some of my questions in be a model for that” they can seek advice and support. the middle of a crowded Curiositea. Lauren Check out our Rami: What was the deciding fac- Rami: Can you tell me a little about tor in selling the calendar outside the project, about Sport Allies and Laurie: One of the top four ac- the uni? properties available for the calendar? countancy companies in the world asking to come and help us make Lauren: [laughing] The market was Laurie: I’ll start with the calendar Sport Allies is just wonderful. there! you and your flatmates: because that came first. In June we all went down to the boat house for Lauren: There’s two aspects of the Laurie: It started off in the first a couple of days and shot all the Sport Allies project. Part of it is go- three years with just selling it on calender shots, all naked as mates ing into schools and sports clubs campus to family and friends. And » Clutching at straws for the cause photo: courtesy of Warwick Rowers ADDRESS together. and creating awareness. We’re then in the fourth year it took off Want to live in 84 New Street 5 going to be doing that by getting online, we sold it through the club Phil: It was a really weird experi- workshops with the charity EACH. website and sold out within days. grown every year. for what you’re doing (in more ways 53a Tachbrook Street 3 ence, I’ve definitely never had that Another part of it is tackling inter- It’s taken on a life of it’s own. I than one). But what do you think before. It was quite good fun actu- nal homophobia and transphobia. mean the guys who started all this Rami: Yeah, I’ve seen articles eve- of people who might say you’re Leamington Spa next year? 49 Chesham Street 4 ally, everyone was sort of getting We figured if we’re going to be a probably didn’t ever think we’d be rywhere about it, you guys were trivialising the matter by just strip- 8 Palmer Road 5 into the mood. club that represents inclusiveness on Good Morning America or The even on TV with E! Entertainment. ping off, or who think that because then we need to be a model for Daily Mail or Buzzfeed. It’s just How does it feel to be part of what the majority of you are straight girls “Reserve your property today for only £100 per 10 Palmer Road 4 is quickly becoming an internation- and guys, it makes what you’re try- al phenomenon? ing to say less meaningful? room!” Call or email Nicola to arrange to view 16 Forfield Place 6 66 Clarendon Street 6 Laurie: It was quite... bizarre. My Lauren: I think a big aim of the or reserve your home for September 2014. sister recorded the E! clip. They charity is about tackling homo- 25 Radford Road 9 were talking about Prince George, phobia, but it’s more than that, it’s 01926 336 220 | [email protected] then they went to us, then to like about being proactive rather than 42 Clarendon Avenue 7 Kanye West’s baby. Kanye West’s reactive. It’s about providing re- 58 Leicester Street 6 baby? We really shouldn’t be in be- sources and help to people who are tween those two stories. It was ob- questioning their sexuality. But 9 Camberwell Terrace 5 viously quite flattering and I think also it’s about creating awareness it speaks volumes about what we’re and an environment where it’s okay And many more online trying to do with Sport Allies. Eve- for people to not be heterosexual ry University makes naked calen- before it becomes an issue, and ders, but I think the real attraction that’s why we’re targeting a young we get is because people think what adult age group. For all your student housing needs a great idea Sport Allies is, and I’m very proud to be associated with it. Rami: Being part of a gender or Read the full article Visit: sjestates.uk.com sexual minority group, especially in online a sports environment, can be really theboar.org/features hard, and a lot of LGBTUA+ peo- » The calandar has caused a splash in more ways than one photo: courtesy of Warick Rowers ple, myself included, are grateful 14 theboar.org 12 Editor: Maya Westwick [email protected] Twitter @BoarLifestyle LIFESTYLE fb.com/groups/BoarLifestyle Three cheers for tasty tortilla treats Forget everything you knew about tortillas, Roxana Soica explores an alternative route into the world of baking t’s that time of the year again! It’s cold and dreary and all you want to do is snuggle under a blanket and have some hot, delicious treats. These Baked Ap- Iple Enchiladas are guaranteed to make you feel better and the best part is that they’re inexpensive and so easy to make that there’s nothing you could get wrong! To begin, all you need is some canned fruit (I used apple, but feel free to choose fruit according to your palette), some good chocolate, custard and tortilla wraps. Yes, you heard me, TORTILLA WRAPS – you can even use these for desserts and boy do they taste delicious!

Ingredients (serves 4):

75 g chocolate 1 tin (385g) apple slices or fruit of your choice 1 tin (400g) custard 4 Discovery Plain Flour Tortillas 1 tbsp brown sugar A dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg (optional)

Here’s how you do it:

Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark » Photo:Jo Harwood /Flickr: epSos.de, Roxana Soica 6. Take a tortilla, fill it with fruit, top it with /Flickr: RickChung.Com chocolate and roll it up like a crêpe. If you want your enchiladas to have a more Christ- massy feel, add your cinnamon and nutmeg now. Do the same thing with the other three tortillas and put them all in an ovenproof Does my butt look big in this? dish. Spoon custard evenly over the top and Lifestyle Foreign Correspondent, Joanna Harwood, shares her experiences on fashion in Venice sprinkle with brown sugar. Make sure you cover all the bits, otherwise the tortillas might get dry and crunchy.

Now, your enchiladas are ready to go in the oven. Leave them in for about 20 minutes until browned and bubbling.

This dessert is best served hot so you can have it straight away – don’t be selfish, share some with your mates. They are sure to ap- preciate your cooking skills and they’ll never know that they were actually so easy to make.

Enjoy!

hen you’re wondering round Never wear anything with an Italian city’s blacks, browns and navy. If you want to stand the streets of Venice it’s very name written on it. If you are walking down out in bright colours, this is the place to do it, easy to spot a tourist. They the street with an ‘I <3 Venezia’ T-shirt, it’s but if you’d rather try and blend in, it’s best to tend to come in two types: the equivalent of wearing a neon sign telling leave the neon leggings at home. theW sort who look like they’ve just clambered everyone that you’re a tourist. You can just Stay classy. It’s true what they say – Italians down from the Alps, complete with back- about get away with a football shirt, but any- dress very well, and Venice is no exception. pack, and the sort who peer out at the world thing else – particularly those fake ‘ship cap- Choose well-fitting and well-made clothes through enormous sunglasses and prattle on tain’ hats with place names scrawled across and you’ll be blending in faster than you can to anyone about how ‘authentic’ their dou- the brim – is never going to work. say ‘espresso’. These don’t always have to be ble-soy mochaccino latte is. Wear jeans, if you can stand it. Venice in the height of fashion; more classic pieces will October is surprisingly warm, and there’s do just fine. It goes without saying that most Italians been more than one day that I’ve had to leave Bring stuff to keep you dry. Venice floods find tourists incredibly irritating, and will my jumpers at home. However, the Venetians almost every autumn, so it isn’t always the usually give them a very wide berth. But if would disagree. In all the time I have been place for your new strappy sandals. Most you don’t look like a tourist you’ll see a much here, I have never seen an Italian walking shops will sell wellies and plastic raincoats, friendlier side to Italy, meet more Italians down the street with bare legs. Best to put on but the prices are extortionate and you’ll look and – if you’re lucky – you can blag a few free a pair of tights if you want to blend in. like you’re wearing a plastic bag. If you can tickets. Here’s how to get away with it: Tone it down. On the whole, there aren’t bring your own stuff, you won’t look like an many Venetians walking around wearing errant piece of litter and you’ll stay dry too – very bright colours. Most people here tend what more can you ask for? to dress in more muted colours, particularly theboar.org theboar.org/Lifestyle | @BoarLifestyle | LIFESTYLE 1315

he festive bug has well and truly hit Volunteer your services in a hospice or the student population. Fairy lights children’s home. Not only do you gain some Don’t Dream, Do! are being put up, Christmas flat serious karma points, it also adds to your CV, meals are being organised and con- and I won’t insult anyone’s intelligence by Tversations about home are starting to pop up. saying how important that is. Travel some- It has been a busy term at Warwick, and I’d where you’ve never been before. Record your hazard a guess that most of us, although we findings in a blog, and you could end up might deny it out loud, are looking forward improving both your writing and photogra- to going home. phy skills. You could also learn how to cook The seductive allure of hibernating in - cooking is a life skill that keeps on giving, our onesies with only mulled wine and hot people. Picture this scenario: the morning chocolate as sustenance is becoming harder after a night of Purple-fuelled passion, and to ignore. Yes, that may sound like bliss after you’re whipping up blueberry pancakes. He/ two and a half months of assignments, dis- she would be well impressed, but not if you’re sertations and circling. However, I am here to burning the batter! Practice makes perfect, so warn you that this is a trap! try different recipes out in December to pre- Don’t be a sloth in December. Reader, I pare for the term ahead. highly doubt you can look me in the eye and Also, exercise! There is something about tell me you have no essays due in January. Try the month of December that makes us feel to structure your break by doing a little bit of extra sluggish. If it’s too cold outside you each assignment per day, and you will thank could do yoga or cross-fit in the comfort of me come D-Day (Deadline Day). Productiv- your own home. Bonus: looking hotter than ity doesn’t just apply to academia, though. everyone else when you get back to Warwick Even if you are an international student, in January. The point is, readers, don’t dream there are plenty of other things you could in December, do. You can thank me later. be working on besides your tan on a beach Brenda Wong break in Australia. » photo: Flickr/Sammy54586, Alice Harold, generalstussner, missteee Will you survive split-mas? Countdown to Christmas orget February 14th; the Christmas But does the close proximity create a false season is definitely when Cupid’s ar- illusion of intimacy? It may be that once the s a first year, the initial excitement ed by the most spectacularly decorated house row strikes. There’s obviously some- couple separates, the long distance and time of Freshers Week has passed and –tree, snowflake bunting: the lot. But, is this thing about the frosty mornings and apart could create a few hitches in the new now all people seem to talk about really appropriate in the first week of Novem- Ftwinkling Christmas lights which warms romance that can be difficult for a fledgling is Christmas; my flatmates are bab- ber? It’s ridiculous – bah humbug, eh? Don’t people’s affections. The universal excitement relationship to tackle. Meeting up becomes a Abling about who will cook Christmas dinner get me wrong, I’m usually the most festive of which goes into buying and lovingly wrap- big issue and for those with jobs and family to and what they will get such-and-such for “Se- folk (I know all the words to ‘Mistletoe and ping a gift for that certain someone has often visit, finding the time to do so can be almost cret Santa.” After one of my flatmates asked Wine’) and I still can’t sleep on Christmas been known to be one of the highlights of impossible. Finally, there are also the loom- me if our 800-watt microwave was 800 de- Eve, but what’s the Yuletide norm concern- the season – and receiving one back is even ing essay deadlines, reports and the endless grees centigrade, I have about as much faith ing friends you only met seven weeks ago? In better. However, whether new relationships reading to get through and sometimes the that the twelve of us will manage to produce seminars, I’m scanning the room, making a blossomed on campus will survive the winter addition of a new boy/girlfriend can just add Turkey with all the trimmings as I do in the mental Christmas card list. In the back of lec- frost of separation is difficult to answer. to the stress. existence of Father Christmas. As for Secret tures, I’m slyly perusing my Boohoo app for a The bubble of university life may be about Nevertheless, each relationship is different Santa, I really hope my victim likes own- dress for the Christmas ball; you can’t escape! to burst for some couples as they once again and there are no hard and fast rules. Rest as- brand bath bombs and chocolate orange. I’m really starting to get my tinsel in a twist encounter the reality of the world outside sured, for those who are busy, the holiday will Tesco is desperately (and successful- over the whole malarkey. Warwick campus. It is so easy to forget your be over in a flash and you’ll be back in your ly) selling discounted Halloween sweets to Eloise Millard life outside of university- I mean, how often relationship bubble before you know it. Un- unsuspecting students to make way for tins is it that you have everything you need with- til then enjoy the good old home comforts of of Roses, advent calendars and “Santa: Stop in a 30 minute walk?! Couples may find that Mum’s cooking, a dish-washer and a TV. For Here” signs and Costcutter is selling pan- instead of venturing to Leamington on a date those who find themselves more heartbroken ettone of all things! A caterpillar cake for a you tend to catch a movie at the Arts Centre than hungover, you can always console your- flatmate’s birthday was pushing the boat out or go for a romantic meal at one of the res- self with a few mince pies. – like hell I’m spending £11.00 on cake! taurants on campus instead. Nothing proves Christmas comes earlier every year, and Share your christmas chivalry isn’t dead more than when your Lauren Howard it’s becoming a chore rather than the season experiences partner pays for the taxi ride home… I adore. I tripped over my own feet yesterday Tweet: whilst walking through Whitefields, distract- @BoarLifestyle Christmas binge Christmas burn Emma O’Neill VS Jess Walker

hristmas is a unique holiday. People would not be complete without a roast din- hristmas: the season of glorious has arrived and those extra pounds are here united through the magic of over- ner big enough to make one immobile for overindulgence. The time of year to stay. played records and hideous jumpers hours after. For one evening of amity - de- when reasonable portion sizes go But there is a way to avoid the unwanted with some sort of creature on the spite housing disputes and the housemates out of the window, along with the gift of not being able to fit into your skinny Cfront. It is also the season of parties, raising you didn’t realise lived with in the same house Cchance of fitting into that gorgeous new dress jeans. A large part of this time of year revolves the question: do I starve myself before or - get everyone together! Food is the greatest you bought for New Year’s Eve. There’s noth- around watching hour after hour of Christ- after Christmas? Question no further. Put peace offering, so bake something good and ing worse than emerging from the inevitable mas specials of countless programmes, whilst down that Weightwatchers ready meal and may your days be merry and bright. food-induced coma around December 28th mindlessly munching your way through one prepare to pile on the pounds – after all, is to the horrific realisation that those three box of Celebrations after another. But the this not what New Years resolutions are for? Christmas is a time of giving, receiving helpings of Christmas dinner, several days of festive spirit doesn’t just consist of chocolates and, most importantly, drinking. For the leftovers and countless mince pies have well and the Downton Abbey Christmas special. Student houses, aside from the poles and festive folk, mulled wine is the definition of and truly left their mark. How’s that new out- Wrap yourself up warm and take a walk with Alaska, have been proven to be the coldest Christmas in a cup – the cheapest red wine fit looking now? the rest of your family or friends. Nothing places in the world. In order to survive these will suffice! Alternatively, add some baileys The temptation is to the carry the Christ- beats that post-turkey bloat than a brisk walk harsh conditions, it is advised that one tries to your coffee or hot chocolate for an equally mas weight into the New Year with the age- in the frosty December air. After all, what to grow a layer of blubber. This can be easily warming sensation. For those hunched over old resolution of ‘I’ll lose weight’. Then, once is the point of getting that new scarf or hat achieved through the baking of Christmas end of term essays, a non-alcoholic, sugary the hangover clears and the Christmas deco- with the cute little ears if you’re never going cookies, or by purchasing mince pies and pick-me up can be found amongst Starbucks’ rations are packed away, the dreaded January to wear them? Get up and get out. Trust me, Cadbury Yule logs in bulk. For the frugal, red cups, or Costa’s cute collection. From ex- blues set in. University work once more rears you’ll feel less guilty about that pile of selec- stale bread makes a perfect bread pudding. perience, the Orange Mocha is particularly its ugly head and the prospect of going to the tion boxes waiting for you at home under the Add mixed spice, and I promise, your kitch- motivating for getting the word count roll- gym or for a run in the dismal weather is less tree. en will smell like Santa’s grotto. Christmas ing! than appealing. Before you know it, February 16 theboar.org/Lifestyle | @BoarLifestyle | LIFESTYLEtheboar.org 14 Wedges? Heels? No thanks, I’ll take Boots... Strapped for cash? Not to worry, Jess Devine shares her tips for getting the best stocking fillers without breaking the bank t’s that time of year again; when the nights get darker, the worth £50 for £24 – a perfect present for your mum or any- Here are my picks from Boots this year: weather gets colder and our pockets seem considerably one who deserves some indulgence this year on a shoe-string emptier. Now, Christmas is undoubtedly the best time of budget. Another thing Boots offers is gift experiences, rang- Soap & Glory Relaxstation Gift Set year; hot chocolates, copious amounts of mince pies and ing from Sky Diving to Spa Days. These also range in price Ispending time with the people that mean the most to us. Sad- but you can get a Health Club Day Pass for Two for under £15 Coming in at £20 this set features five of the brand’s best ly Christmas comes at the end of the first term and – a bargain for a present for a couple or for yourself selling items and it is the perfect kit for an indulgent home before January loans come in so some students and a friend. With their helpful gift guide for spa and a great way to say to someone that they deserve to put may be feeling the pinch when it comes to him and her under £10 ranging from bath, their feet up and have a long relaxing bath. shopping for gifts. But before you begin beauty, accessories and games there is wrapping up an orange in some tin no reason to be stuck this Christmas. Complete Family Games Night In foil, do not despair: here’s a handy gift guide for those on a budget What I like about this is that it is a gift for everyone, one to and my pick of the best gifts on play after the Queen’s Speech or the debacle of the Eastenders the high street this year. Christmas special and one that gets everyone involved. At The first port of call for all only £12 it’s a really nice edition for under the tree and to those looking for gift inspira- awaken your family’s competitive spirit. tion and change for a drink at The Dirty Duck after a hard Bacardi Mojito Cocktail Shaker days shopping is the king of Christmas gift ideas and offers: Complete with all the necessary ingredients for arguably Boots. There is no excuse for the best cocktail, this gift set comes with a colourful shaker to not buying your friends or fam- be reused over Christmas, New Year and beyond. It’s a steal at ilies gifts this year when located only £9 and is ideal for that last minute secret santa present in both Coventry and Leaming- or for anyone who has a yearning to re-enact 80s Tom Cruise ton are a plethora of Boots stores a la Cocktail. ranging from mini pharmacies to massive superstores and all stocking If none of these take your fancy then just pop in store and Christmas gifts. Not only do Boots help- you’ll find a veritable feast of options – and probably one or fully provide a 3for2 offer on all presents and two things for your own Christmas list. Failing all that there’s gift sets, they also have been doing a ‘Star Gift of always the lazy student option of the gift card...but please re- the Week’ that offers better than half price on one of their frain from I.O.Us. more luxury products. For example get a Champneys Gift Set

»Get into the festive spirit photo: Flickr/ Peter Hilton, dbtelford

Deutsche Bank db.com/careers

Agile minds think Is banking it already has

Group Technology & Operations (GTO) technology Global Analyst Training Program – Birmingham Opportunities Technology is the lifeblood of modern finance. It allows us to execute trades across multiple time zones. It informs our ever going investment decisions. It shapes the way we transact with other banks. Without it, the world would look a very different place. And as a graduate with us, you’ll influence where we take it next. You’ll apply your thinking to complex challenges and to change push the boundaries of technological innovation. We need minds like yours at our Birmingham office. Applications close 8th December, 2013. the world? To apply, visit http://bit.ly/1ctRORM Discover something different atdb.com/careers theboar.org 17 15 Editor: Benjamin Shaw [email protected] Twitter @BoarMoney MONEY fb.com/groups/BoarMoney Congratulations to the four winners of theboar Money’s BofAML competition! Royal Mail: Sold on the cheap? Twitter set to spread its demand for the shares resulting. HM Treasury. In a period of aus- Alex Weaver Indeed it is difficult to value a com- terity this money would have eased wings in IPO pany that has only ever had one some of the government’s financing t has just been over a month owner – HM Government. How- issues. So why on earth would people since the government sold off ever, it was clear from the oversub- The backlash has been large, George Creasy invest in a company which seems to 60% of Royal Mail, a privati- scription of the shares that demand which is understandable when it is be haemorrhaging money? Firstly, Isation even Margaret Thatcher was going to be high. The govern- ultimately the taxpayers who have witter, the microblogging 500 million tweets sent every day thought was a step too far, having ment privatisations of the 1980s, been shortchanged. Vince Cable social network that every- worldwide is kind of a big deal, and stated that she ‘was not prepared to including British Gas, British Air- described the share price rise as one jumped on once parents secondly, Twitter has developed have the Queen’s head privatised.’ ways and Rolls-Royce, all rose sig- “froth” and preferred to look at Tfigured out how to work Facebook, a unique system which allows ad- The share price closed at 557p nificantly on their listing date. where it settles at in three to six has filed for its IPO, set to value the vertisers to bid against each other on 11th November, with the gov- By selling at 330p a share, the months time. company at an estimated $10.9 bil- to be the next ‘promoted tweet’ and ernment having sold the shares at government valued Royal Mail at In addition to the standard fees lion, yes, with a ‘b’. This is despite sit at the top of your timeline. It is 330p, a whopping 67% percent re- £3.3 billion, with advice from five payable to the banks for the sale, the fact that Twitter has never ac- unique ideas like this which have turn to institutional and retail in- major banks. J.P. Morgan, the US there is an additional discretionary tually made a profit. In fact, it has led to analysts predicting Twitter’s vestors. Shares soared 38% on the banking giant who was not se- fee payable and there is speculation accumulated approximately $482.5 advertising revenue sales to in- day of listing and have continued lected to run the deal, later said it that this could be withheld. It is million worth of debt since its crease by more than 100 percent by to climb - despite industrial action could have valued Royal Mail from only £4 million, a far cry from the launch in March 2006. the end of this year. being announced by the unions. So £7.75 to £9.95 billion, nearly three current implied loss to HM Treas- The inevitable comparisons will Other areas of potential revenue did Business Secretary Vince Cable times the valuation that it was giv- ury. The question remains that in a be made between Twitter and the stream for Twitter are news and sell the family silver on the cheap? en. Even if J.P. Morgan’s valuation buoyant London IPO market, why other blue social network: Face- TV advertising. Big news always It is common for an initial public turned out to be high, had the gov- didn’t the banks push for a higher book. Facebook filed for its IPO in breaks fastest on Twitter, leaving offering (IPO) of shares to rise on ernment sold at the current price of listing price and ultimately strike a May 2012, and despite struggling news sources like the BBC and the the day of listing. The underwrit- 557p, it would have raised approx- better deal for the taxpayer in the straight away, has regained its val- Guardian playing catch-up from ers could have underestimated the imately £1.18-1.36 billion more for first place? ue after a rocky year. Twitter will be the start. You’ve probably noticed sure to learn from Facebook’s mis- how every advert seems to have a takes, like preparing for its IPO pri- #hashtag in it these days, in com- vately, avoiding the hype which led panies’ feeble attempts to get their to Facebook being overpriced. And products trending, when really, we Should the Royal Mail be privatised? choosing to list on the New York all know that the only things that Stock Exchange will avoid some trend are Justin Bieber’s new hair- Vince Cable’s position in question, ready privatised their mail services of the technical troubles Facebook cut, or who got kicked off X Factor Justin K.S. Lim as many believe that Royal Mail was and retained their six day deliver- had on the NASDAQ. this week. It is the potential mon- undervalued by as much as 50%. ies. Twitter has already been acquir- etisation of revenue in these areas he government’s decision But should it have been privatised? Moreover, Royal Mail is compet- ing other companies including which no doubt has investors ready to privatise Royal Mail has The Internet has certainly fa- ing with firms like TNT, FedEx and Vine which already has over 40 to splash the cash. caught the eye and attention cilitated faster, cheaper and easier UK Mail following the opening up million registered users. Vine even Twitter will want its IPO to help Tof the media and the general pub- means of communication and the of the market in 2006. The above beat the Facebook-owned app Ins- cement its future as the go to social lic. Following the Postal Services expansion of e-commerce. This have all underlined the importance tagram to popularising short vide- media app and news source, and Act 2011, it was announced that the phenomenon has created a boom of privatising Royal Mail. os, and then prevented Instagram’s prevent it disappearing as quickly government was to privatise the in internet shopping. Undoubted- There seems to be a painful posts from being integrated into as a snapchat of a small blue bird Royal Mail through a flotation on ly, this is affecting the 497 year old inevitability in the Royal Mail’s Twitter by only allowing links to be tweeting away. the London Stock Exchange (LSE) postal service. By the means to privatisation. The company is no posted. Take that, Zuckerberg. on the 15th of October 2013, at 330p adapt and change, the government longer a monopoly and it is facing Twitter generates 87 percent of a share. would require more investment to fierce competition. A cash injec- its revenue from advertising, which Since Royal Mail’s debut in the revamp the business. However, the tion will allow the Royal Mail to means that your timeline is only What do you think of market, the share price has rocket- government is reluctant to invest revamp their business, grow and going to get busier. If that isn’t scary Twitter’s IPO? ed. On the first day of trading, its large sums of money at a time when to return stronger in a competitive enough, Twitter generates the other Tweet: @BoarMoney market share price has already risen they are trying to cut public spend- market. On a less economic level, 13 percent of its revenue from Data by more than 38% to 456p, with the ing and borrowing. the privatisation of the Royal Mail Licensing. Did someone say NSA? sale of Royal Mail coming under Despite last year’s operating symbolises something more, the scrutiny with allegations suggest- profit of £400m, the Royal Mail is loss of another government run ing that the IPO price was too low. still making much less profit com- business. Should we be concerned The allegations have also put Lib- pared to its European counterparts. that this is happening, or is the free eral Democrat Business Secretary Countries like Germany have al- market really the way forward? In at the deep end: The US Debt Ceiling mere 24 hours away from default- lion worth of debt. » The US nearly defaulted earlier this year photo: bellona.org Nick Wilson ing on its debt repayments. This begs the question, in the on public expenditure programs perspective; introduced in 1917, The short-term cause of this is world’s richest country, why did it like ‘Obamacare’, the mooted pub- the ceiling has been raised seven- s Argentina strikes a provi- simple – in the last fifteen years the go right to the wire to forge a vital lic health system, and the Demo- ty-four times since March 1962 and sional deal to structure its US has been less than frugal with deal to extend the ceiling? Until the crats unwilling to give them any every President over the past ninety debt repayments and Spain its money. Bush-era tax cuts to big Thursday 17th agreement, for the ground. However, there is the dis- years has added to national debt. In Asees economic growth for the first business, coupled with larger social first time in seventeen years. the tinct possibility that this could all fact, it’s important to look closer to time in over two years, you could security payments and an incredi- Fed had been shut for two weeks happen again: as debt skyrockets home and there are lessons we can be forgiven for thinking that we ble increase in the trade deficit over at a cost of billions of dollars a further, the extension is due to last learn to prevent a similar situation are leaving the spectre of recession this period are just some of the rea- day due to disagreements between until mid-February and the public – the UK’s public debt is 90% of behind. However, the story in the sons. When added to the $800 bil- Democrats and Republicans about finances package will expire before GDP and increasing further. Watch markets over the past few weeks is lion war on terror and the quanta- the content of the extension, some that. this space. that of the US debt ceiling, where tive easing program, it is clear how conservative Republicans and the When dealing with astronomical the world’s largest economy was a America has accumulated $17.1 tril- Tea Party demanding concessions numbers like this, it’s easy to lose 16 Editor: Poppy Rosenbergtheboar.org theboar.org theboar.org/Books | @BoarBooks | BOOKS 17 16 [email protected] Twitter @BoarBooks Pint of purple BOOKS fb.com/groups/BoarBooks Are books attractive? Deputy Editor Lillian Hingley examines results from our recent survey on reading habits Abbey Lewis takes It’s beginning to book a lot like Christmas on our bookish questions in this ‘Tis the season to get reading, and as winter fast approaches we pick our favourite fireside reads for 2013 week’s column A Christmas Carol? Bah, Humbug! allowing us to slowly but surely come The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson of dealing with grief means the book is also onto his side. incredibly moving. Not only is Lennie heart- What book are you reading at the moment? nless you’ve been living under a Ultimately, it is a talented narration hey say that you shouldn’t judge broken and crazily in love, she also writes po- North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, for my rock it’s almost certain you’ve heard of redemption, humanity and poverty, a book by its cover, but let’s be ems, many of which can be found within the Victorian Novel module. It hasn’t WOW-ed of Charles Dickens and one of his which will really take you on a journey honest, if you’re unwrapping book itself- this seamless combination of po- me yet but I am enjoying it. It’s kind of a ‘meh’ most famous novels, A Christmas with Scrooge as he becomes a changed something from your stocking on etry and prose means The Sky is Everywhere ast month, the National Literacy Trust just for the good readers but from my expe- Considering that we as students are leav- so far. UCarol. Considering it was written in the 1800s man. Usually these themes tend to ChristmasT morning, it helps if it looks great- also has something to offer for anyone, liter- (NLT) published results of a survey, rience, I found that even the children who ing the ugliness of adolescence behind, the it amazingly remains a much loved book, as be heavy when explored by au- it’s always awkward when you have to try and ature fanatics in particular, looking for some- revealing that fewer children are read- were struggling with reading were equally survey also decided to gauge the attractive- Who is your favourite literary character? well as having been adapted into films and thors, yet the compelling charac- pretend to look excited over a present you thing slightly different from their Christmas ing outside of school, with just a quar- excited and couldn’t wait to read whenever I ness of reading in the physical sense – is There are way too many but the ones that stage productions.It is clear there is a magic ter of Scrooge and vivid descrip- know you’ll shove on a shelf and never look reads this year. Lter of children reading for pleasure. went into the school.” someone who is reading Jack Kerouac’s On have come to mind are Wemmick and Aged about the novel which has immortalised it, in tions, together with the setting of at again. This is just one reason why The Sky What’s more, since ‘tis the season to be So how worried do we have to be about the Therefore, it seems that it’s not that chil- the Road somewhat more of an attractive P in Great Expectations. They’re just hilari- spite of the passage of time. a “cold, bleak, biting Christmas Eve” is Everywhere makes a perfect stock- jolly, and all that, a Christmas book should attractiveness of books? Are they attractive? dren lack the ability or attention to read; it’s dating prospect than someone who publicly ous. I love Hermione and Becky Sharp. Lyra However, for those who have been living mean you are transported into this Christ- ing filler- its various covers, which really have some comic elements, so Len- Are books dead? just that books sometimes need to become denounces books? Silvertongue. The women in Paradise. under a rock, the story follows Scrooge, a mas classic eager to know how Scrooge will all try and depict ‘the sky’ in some nie’s amusing and eccentric family (to say the It is tempting to think that reading is get- attractive. The Books section at the Boar 68 percent of respondents answered the rude, uncompassionate character who is vis- change. way, captivate the reader even be- least) add to the list of reasons why this book ting more passé by the day. Many articles therefore decided to quiz Warwick students question of “how attractive do you people What is the first book you remember read- ited by the ghosts of Christmas past, Christ- There’s no doubt that delving into this fore the first page has been turned. is great for the festive season. about the NLT’s survey blamed the decline in on their perception of the attractiveness of who say they don’t read?” with “unattrac- ing? mas present and the ghost of Christmas yet classic will provide you with a warm Essentially, this is the story of a girl reading on the increasingly accessible enter- books compared with their childhood… tive”, “very unattractive” or “extremely un- I had an abridged version of The Hunchback to come. ‘Christmassy’ feeling you can’t in love, and everyone knows that Christmas Emma Jones tainment technologies. Something I’ve no- Are books attractive? The survey. attractive”, while 73 percent answered the of Notre Dame - a kind of picture book, I The novel so clearly depicts the warmth get anywhere else (except may- is without a doubt the perfect time to curl up ticed is that even children in pushchairs are Of course being the Books section of a question “how attractive do you find peo- think, and although I don’t remember it ful- and beauty of Christmas while showing the be eating Christmas pudding... on the sofa and indulge in a slushy romance, playing Angry Birds on their parents’ iPads, university newspaper, we knew that the de- ple who say they do read?” with “attractive”, ly I think that was the first book I read on deprivation of those who are not as lucky, a unfortunately that will come to accompanied by lots of blankets and lots of a sight that is not all that uncommon in our mographic of those who were answering “very attractive” or “extremely attractive”. my own. I have never read the actual novel masterful juxtaposition through description. end, whereas you can keep rereading chocolate. But there’s something that sets What is your favourite book age. our survey would probably be a bit Warwick students seem to find an explicit though. I also remember reading Charm In much the same way, Dickens contrasts the this!) this book apart from other boy-meets- to read at Christmas time? However, whilst the smartphone more biased towards the magic of interest in reading to be an attractive quality. School and I read it so quickly my Dad didn’t character of Scrooge at the beginning to the girl chick flicks which fly off the shelves Let us know! may appear to be the new way books. Warwick is an academic Taking your week’s reading to Pop!, howev- believe I’d read it properly so he quizzed me character at the end in a believable manner, Karishma Jobanputra around this time of year. The protago- Tweet: @BoarBooks to pacify children, I wonder institution after all. er, might not quite improve your chances… on it. I think that’s when we both realised nist Lennie is grieving for her sister, and whether the issue is a bit Whilst we had many peo- well, who knows? books would be my thing. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Find- mal. Nelson’s sensitive yet honest exploration more complex than focusing ple from English Literature One respondent detailed a romantic sto- ing Christmas at the back of a wardrobe Even now as an arts student and having on apps and websites as the based degrees answer our ry about how a love for books instigated her What is your all-time favourite book? to read more novels than I’d care to count, sole source of blame. I don’t survey, we also had people current relationship: “My first conversation The Great Gatsby is the book that made me he adventures of the Penven- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe The Princess Bride - Snowdrops and Butter- torture and even death itself to be feel like electronic play has from Sociology, MORSE, with my current girlfriend was about this se- want to study literature, so even though I’ve sie children in CS Lewis’s is still a book that I can engross cups. with the one he loves. There’s also to necessarily suppress liter- Computer Science, Politics ries of children’s books called ‘Warrior Cats’ since read so many books that match it, it will The Lion, the Witch myself in, especially at Christ- the lovable gentle giant, Fezzik, acy. Is the idea that parents to and Philosophy and Elec- that we both used to read, so I’d say that a always be a special one for me. I love Paradise and the Wardrobe mas. Reading it for the first hristmas would not be the same who will always make me laugh, treat Angry Birds as a narrative tronic Engineering to name shared interest in books is definitely a good by Toni Morrison, Midnight’s Children by Sal- Thave been a part of many time ten years ago, I loved without reading William Gold- and the revenge-seeking Spaniard too ridiculous to suggest? “Why a few. indicator of romantic compatibility!” man Rushdie, all of Chimamanda Ngozi Adi- childhoods, not to men- it for the fairy-tale char- man’s brilliant fairy-tale novel The Inigo whose heart wrenching past do you think the birds and pigs are Overall, 61 percent of the 36 The wording of the next question “how chie’s novels, and Bleak House. Harry Potter tion Christmases, in- acters and was envious Princess Bride. No matter how will move you to tears. This story fighting? What does this say about the students quizzed said that they read attractive is someone who reads in public has got to have a mention here. cluding my own. For of the Penvensie chil- Cold you are, Westley’s iconic response “As has something for everyone – world?” every day, reflecting the academic and often compared to those who don’t read?” was me, the book never dren’s great adven- you wish” to Buttercup’s never-ending who doesn’t love reading a ro- In fact, while I think books are an integral book based structure of many degrees (the admittedly a rather leading question - the If you wrote an autobiography, what would fails to fill me with the ture. Now, I appre- demands will never fail to put a smile mantic fantasy novel at Christ- foundation for good reading, writing and majority of respondents, 75 percent, studied absence of doing something in public is nei- be the title? Christmas spirit. With ciate a lot more the on your face. At Christmas there is mas? speaking skills, I wonder what we can do to BA degrees). In contrast, only 8 percent of ther attractive nor unattractive and so we re- How Much Nutella Is It Acceptable To Eat In its snow-covered for- powerful element of nothing I love better than snuggling With its witty narrative stop ourselves from losing these children to those surveyed read a book for pleasure every cieved mostly neutral responses. But perhaps One Day ests and mountains, escapism; the desire of down next to the Christmas tree and magical fairy-tale set- a lifetime alienated from the joy of stories. day – in fact, exactly half of the total people unsurprisingly, people who did answer were Subtitle: How Have I Reached The Age Of the land of Narnia ap- the children to remove with a warm hot chocolate and ting, this story cannot fail When we see such disheartening statistics, is surveyed said that their reading for pleas- generally more positive and more disposed Twenty Without Figuring Out How To Use pears to be the perfect themselves from the re- immersing myself in the world to warm the cockles of there a way to ameliorate them? Surely there ure differs greatly depending on the time of to being attracted to people who read books A Tin Opener Christmas setting, until ality of war into the safer of Florin; a world of princesses, any scrooge’s heart. So is a possibility to promote literacy online as year. The comments following this particular in public than those who don’t. Sub-subtitle: Pack The Night Before Depar- Mr Tumnus informs you world of fantasy. Christmas pirates, giants, fire-swamps when the winter frost well as in physical books? question were all on the same wavelength: First year Sandeep Purewal commented: ture, Unpack Nine Months After Return that in Narnia it is in fact ‘al- is the time when I get to es- and true love. sets in, curl up by I do think there is legitimacy in the fear “[I never] read in term time. I binge over “I don’t think that it is news that reading is ways winter and never Christmas’. cape the seemingly never-ending The novel begins with the fire and en- that literary rates correlate with the decline holidays”, “[I don’t read] lots in term but in attractive. I can’t stand it when I come across Kindle vs. Book? As a child, this was probably one of the pile of course books, and Narnia al- a father reading the sto- ter Goldman’s en- of reading of books for pleasure. Yet we can’t holidays and on train journeys, I read a lot”, people who say they never read as if being ig- There is no shame in loving both! A Kindle most upsetting things I had ever read. To me, ways seems like the perfect place to go. ry of the Princess Bride chanting world. ignore the Apple-logoed elephant in the “[I read] rarely during term but as of- norant is ‘cool’. Luckily, I haven’t met is handy for me because I travel so much so winter was synonymous with Christmas, and to his son who is sick in room. I do understand the fears of a heavy ten as possible outside term time”. anyone like that at Warwick yet.” I can read without lugging books around. without the latter, the former was pretty dis- Jessica Walker bed. The narrative then Lauren Howard reliance on technology: the threat of strained Therefore, we see the irony that, Additionally, English Lit- The overall reading experience of a book launches into the tale eyes, lack of sleep, the antisocial element, in spite of the importance of erature student Sian Elvin is of course better. Books on the Kindle are How the Grinch Stole Christmas in the first place, the reformed Grinch, after of lovers Westley and the bottomlessness of the internet (strange- reading to a lot of academic stressed the importance of cheaper and you can have one in sixty sec- returning all of his ill-gotten possessions is Buttercup as they ly enough, there were similar fears when the disciplines, the act of taking book choice when physical onds. If the Kindle means people who ordi- cross-media phenomenon, accepted into the hearts of Whoville and fight to be together. popular novel first gained precedence). up a degree actually tends attraction is concerned: “It narily wouldn’t read are reading because it’s Dr Seuss’ 1957 How The even invited to cut the roast beast (what Any fairy-tale fans If anything, the part of the report that con- to stunt the ability to read depends on what books they cheaper/more convenient, then it’s a great Grinch Stole Christmas pro- subtle wordplay), quite the honour indeed! like me, will adore he- cerned me most was the idea that children for pleasure, at least during read! 50 Shades of Grey is a thing. But I will always have an overflowing vides both a cutting critique Since its publication, the Grinch roic Westley as he faces were actively put off from books by their term time. definite no-no.” It transpires bookshelf. Aof the commercialisation of Christmas (‘Pop has taken a place in the Christmas peers because books are seen to be “embar- A third of people felt that 50 Shades is something guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums! canon, spawning films, most fa- rassing” or “geeky”. The fact that children are they read just as much back that will perhaps prove haz- How much is a pint of purple? Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And mous of which is the 2000 adap- Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights. spent the rest of the Christmas holidays im- put off in general from something that would in childhood as they do now, ardous for your love life, with Having never bought one, I have no idea. plums!’) and an eminently readable, enter- tion with Jim Carrey exquisitely Satisfy your inner daemon this Christmas agining I had my own daemon who darted otherwise enrich their minds substantiates whilst a third feel like they read another student anonymously ex- taining, funny and well-crafted chil- odd in the title role, as well as a mu- around the house! Winter in Britain can look fears about illiteracy. The question of the at- generally more. The remaining third claiming: “I SAW SOMEONE WALK dren’s story. sical version on Broadway and even inspir- Christmas is the one time of year when bleak, especially for students with a moun- tractiveness of books therefore comes to the therefore feel like they read generally less, INTO A LAMPPOST ONCE READING 50 Often voted into the Top 100 Chil- ing an episode of Glee. your imagination can run wild and you can tain of essays or reports to write, but curling forefront – are books a thing of the past, even producing an evenly mixed response to the SHADES IT WAS DEAD FUNNY”. dren’s Book, the focus of the story is Despite its age, Dr Seuss’ festive master- indulge in a fantastic novel for hours on up with a good book is an unbeatable way for children? question of how much people used to and Therefore, whilst the findings from this the eponymous Grinch, a cold-heart- piece remains perfect for children looking end; whether it’s re-reading old favourites of escaping back to childhood and redis- It’s not too late to help those who have an continue to read. People on the whole found survey show that at least a particular cross ed and bitter recluse whose dislike for a heart-warming and beautifully or discovering new ones. For me, Christmas covering the magic of Christmas. The icy aptitude for reading books but who may have and still find books to be attractive , with 96 section of the Warwick student population of Christmas causes himself and his only illustrated story, as well as teenag- wouldn’t be Christmas without reading Phil- mountains, armoured polar bears and not to been put off by outside influences. Projects percent of people finding books to be “ex- isn’t losing its engagement with books an- friend, his dog Max, to attempt to disrupt the ers and adults attempting to recap- ip Pullman’s Northern Lights. From the cover mention the magical dust, is still one of the like Warwick Volunteers’ own ‘Right to Read’ tremely attractive”, “very attractive” and “at- ytime soon, we are extremely lucky to have festivities. Dressing up as Santa, with Max ture some of the lost innocence of to its final page, Northern Lights is the ulti- archetypal winter adventures which domi- allows volunteers to go into classrooms to tractive” both as a child and today. been encouraged to read from an early age. as his reindeer, the Grinch steals presents, youth. So if you find yourself feel- mate Christmas novel. Whether you’re eight nate holiday reading. help with student literacy and often dispel the “I think you appreciate books and litera- Therefore, surveys such as that by the Na- Christmas trees and food. When he realis- ing a bit blue this Christmas period, or eighteen your Christmas can still become Northern Lights remains one of my all- fears articulated in the aforementioned arti- ture generally far more now as students but tional Literary Trust and projects such as es the distress that his actions have caused struggling to enjoy the festivities of the an unforgettable adventure by delving into time favourite Christmas reads: a tale of cles. Warwick volunteer Louise Boeckmans you lose some of the magic and allure that Right to Read show how we need to stay in to the inhabitants of Whoville, the town his season, take a look at How The Grinch Stole the exciting and magical world of Lyra Be- bravery, heroism, magic, science, friendship said: “Unlike what [the articles] suggest, I’ve reading as a child brings”, reflected Richard touch with those who need to experience the cave dwelling overlooks, he has a very typi- Christmas and feel your Christmas cheer lacqua. Northern Lights tells the tale of feisty and family, it’s a must-read this Christmas! found that children were very enthusiastic Brown, thus showing the different ways in same literary magic many Warwick students cal Christmas-morality realisation moment. come rushing back. orphan Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon. about reading. This only increased as the which attractiveness is perceived in books received as children and continue to have Despite being the cause of all the problems Richard Brown When I first finished the book as a child, I Lauren Howard Right to Read project continued. This wasn’t over time. daily. 22 theboar.org 18 Editor: Raghav Bali [email protected] Twitter @BoarFilm FILM fb.com/groups/BoarFilm The Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2013 Alice Kidd reflects on the remarkable world of short filmmaking in York

an we still call short films relevant? lively women simultaneously worship and into some truly magical worlds. Lost Senses under-recognised form within mainstream On the weekend of 7th November, denigrate the relative luxury that we live in: (Marcin Wasilewski), Here to Fall (Kris Kelly) entertainment. Indeed, in his talk at the fes- I travelled to the Aesthetica Short to them it seems both amazing and ridicu- and The Secret of the Ice Flower (Jacob Ley) all tival, Warp Film’s Barry Ryan acknowledged Film Festival (ASFF) to find out. The lous. Within the same category came Marga- provided examples of true artistic brilliance, that shorts never make any money: of the Cfestival returned to York welcoming floods of rida Paiva’s I Will Hurt You Before You Hurt yet it was Will Anderson’s BAFTA award little profit that is made, fifty per cent goes filmmakers, industry professionals and spec- Me. Memorable for both its vivid cinematic winning The Making of Longbird that seemed to the exhibitors and the rest is split evenly tators alike to champion the best that short aesthetic and unsettling subject matter, this most relevant to modern day concerns. The between the distributors and the filmmakers. film has to offer. The event, now in its third Norwegian documentary centres around real film comically maps an animator’s struggle Many short filmmakers candidly admit that year, boasted over three hundred shorts from interviews with women who have been con- to revive and revamp the legendary animated their main reason for making shorts is to use thirty different countries, each of which were victed of murder. It is quietly shocking work: character, Longbird, from his demise in Rus- them as part of a portfolio or as a platform to screened within an eclectic choice of venues the calm, frank honesty with which they talk sia a century ago. His attempts at making the making features, and nothing else. It is there- across the heart of the city. Over my three- about their crimes makes it simultaneously character suitable for the digital age of film fore fairly safe to say that most people don’t day stay, I visited museums, medieval halls intriguing and devastating. The languid, consumption are entertaining, yet also pose see short films as playing a big part in their and art galleries, though not for the reasons haunting visuals that accompany these tes- the question: what effect does the changing lives. you might expect. The festival transformed timonies serve only to heighten this uneasy face of technology have upon an artist’s crea- Yet I genuinely can’t fathom why this is the these iconic locations into screening spaces contradiction. tive process? case. In an accelerating world where speed is where audiences were able to watch the most The position that short filmmakers hold central to good communication, and the fast- cutting-edge short films whilst surrounded in today’s digital environment is an issue er we can absorb information the better, why by the impressive grandeur that York is fa- Due to its brevity, the short becomes that came up repeatedly throughout the fes- are short films not the most popular form mous for. imbued with a concentrated intensity, tival. The panel discussion at the ‘Meet the of entertainment? The momentum of our The first day began with an impressive -ar far more poetic than any full-length Filmmakers’ event on Saturday night, led digital world means we are being swept up in ray of master classes and discussions from film by film critic Tony Earnshaw, saw the film- an increasingly strong current, needing our industry professionals, including Warp Film’s makers themselves tackle this very concern. senses to be bombarded with media in order Barry Ryan, sound editor Joakim Sundstrom They highlighted that, with the encroach- to keep them interested. We consume it with (who most recently worked on Filth) and ing presence of the Internet on every aspect the ready acceptance, even expectation, that Film4’s Tom Leggett. On the Saturday night, of our lives, a duality has become apparent. it be quick, sharp and rewarding. Our phones the ‘Meet the Filmmakers’ event took place What makes these two films similar is that Though the Internet’s enormity means that must have the fastest Internet connection, within the immense stonewalls of York Mu- they both provoke intrigue. I was left with films can be distributed on an infinitely wider our messages a maximum of one hundred seum, giving attendees the chance to listen to a burning desire to find out more about the and cheaper level to larger audiences, it also and forty characters, and even our pictures first-hand experiences from the filmmakers worlds that I’d been offered a glimpse of. And means that, in a sense, these films are deval- now thrive on time limits (thanks Snap- themselves. Although it was Manjinder Virk’s I think that it is precisely this quality that ued. Similarly, the greater accessibility of af- chat)! If brevity is what is demanded in other Out of Darkness, starring Tom Hiddleston makes the short film genre so powerful. Due fordable filmmaking equipment means that forms of media, why is the same not true for and Riz Ahmed, which ultimately picked up to its brevity, the short becomes imbued with almost anybody can make a film. This is of film? Why don’t the films I saw in ASFF fill the Overall Festival Winner award, I want to a concentrated intensity, far more poetic than course brilliant, but without the boundaries our cinemas, or get the media attention that talk about the films which spoke the loudest any full-length film I have seen: each moment that previously existed, the general quality films such as The Hunger Games or Gravity to me as a young filmmaker who is relatively expands, magnifies and gains significance. of filmmaking arguably suffers. Ultimately, are getting right now? Surely our generation new to the changing world of shorts. People have said that the only real difference young filmmakers are both blessed and is primed for a short film revolution. The documentary category exhibited a between shorts and features are the length, cursed by the accelerating digital environ- The vehicle of short film is integral to the truly stunning spectrum of films. One that yet I’m realizing now that I wholeheartedly ment. As director and panelist Curt Apduhan running of the mass media - that much is un- shone particularly brightly was Meghna disagree. Short films function in a totally dif- phrased it that night, ‘now is the most excit- deniable. Links to music videos and adverts Gupta’s Unravel, a warm yet thought-pro- ferent way from their lengthier counterparts. ing time to be a short filmmaker’. are constantly filling our newsfeeds, increas- voking film following the thousands of un- There is a different kind of communication Indeed, this was clear from the wide va- ingly becoming platforms for social discus- wanted clothes thrown away by the Western and configuration involved in short film- riety of international short films that ASFF sion and political debate. Music videos, such world every year. Beautifully shot and care- making, a different set of codes which makes exhibited: I saw films from Japan, Belgium, as Miley Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball, spark outrage fully crafted, the documentary delves into the the experience of watching them something Israel, Poland, Morocco and many more dur- and controversy on a regular basis, and in do- lives of the women who work in the Indian unique; they provide you with a keyhole in to ing my stay. I particularly enjoyed the Kuwait ing so become a language we use to analyse textile-recycling factories which process the another world, a snippet of life that lets your film slot, which screened four films each de- contemporary discourses. On a similar level, garments. It is not only an enlightening piece imagination wonder long after the closing picting different perspectives of life in the the attention that the John Lewis Christmas but also an inspiring portrayal of the women credits. country. Moustache by Meqdad Al Kout, is a ads (though I would call them short films) themselves: ultimately it is they – with their The most stimulating visuals arguably short comedy about a man who can’t grow a receive means they’re steadily becoming a optimism, humour and imagination - who came from within the animation category. moustache. The casting of the luckless pro- staple part of our television viewing in winter become the real fabric of the film. These The picks for this year drew the audience tagonist is impeccable; his defeated facial months: this year’s “The Bear and the Hare” expressions command the mock pathos that has so far attracted over seven million views characterises the film as a whole. Jassim Al on Youtube. Nofaly’s Panda provided a similarly comical Although most music videos and adverts portrayal of masculinity, in which a man is aren’t generally considered short films in forced to abandon his childhood toy on the the traditional sense, they do use the short eve of his wedding. film format. And their popularity serves as Having spent three days watch- ing a evidence that the short film genre could, and plethora of rich, unique shorts, I returned to should, be playing a bigger part in the enter- my normal life with a sense of disappoint- tainment industry. What is needed now is ment - I began to realise the lack of the short a greater recognition and celebration of the film genre within mass culture. These films genre. Fortunately, there are spaces such as don’t fill our cinema screens and are rarely the Aesthetica Short Film Festival that are shown on television. Most people I’ve spo- doing just this, functioning as proud remind- ken to couldn’t name more than a handful ers that short films are stronger, better and of short films. It is both an underrated and more relevant than ever. » photos: Aesthetica press office theboar.org theboar.org/Film | @BoarFilm | FILM23 19 We are failing the Bechdel Test Rebecca Myers discusses the benefits and pitfalls of the controversial gender bias test

e sit here in Britain, looking tion and all but one of the Harry Potter mov- when not at her day job as a physicist, runs yway. Frid out. wistfully North, dreaming of ies. a blog on how gender mad Sweden has gone On November 17th there will be a “Super how much better our lives Unfortunately, the failure of the Harry (she’d heard her and all her female Swedish Sunday” on the Viasat Film channel, during would be if we lived in the beau- Potter series to match the requirements of friends were the world’s closest to getting which the channel will show only movies Wtiful land of the blondes. If you’re a woman, the Bechdel Test highlights the test’s great- equal with men and she just thought “Enough passing the Bechdel test, sounds like a glori- you probably also dream of how much better est downfall: any scientific for- with this madness!”), and has said that, rath- ous day of feminist fun and frolics that every your life would be if you lived in the number mula imposed on works will er than complain about the films, the Swedes ten year old girl should be plonked in front one most gender equal country in the world, undoubtedly fail to always should just make a load themselves with tons of with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s and a pen according to the 2011 Gender Inequality In- do those works justice. In o f women in, and then we wouldn’t have and paper to make notes. Not only will they dex. this case, Luna Lovegood a problem. Well, as they may or see some superb kickass female protagonists, The thing is the Swedes aren’t just great at never does ring up Her- may not say in Sweden, “bra but they will also gain from one of the more being cool. The Swedes are also notoriously mione and say “Hey sister, idé, idiot”. She, among with subtle benefits of the system: watching two bra at being equal. No particular surprise, fancy grabbing a pint of many other Bechdel critics, women interacting with one another. then, that they have come up trumps and butterbeer in Hogsmeade seem to have complete- Whilst the importance of the female char- rattled the masculine pride of the film world this weekend? Bring Laven- ly missed the stunning acters talking to one another about “some- with their new rating system, the Bechdel test, der Brown, we’ll have a day subtlety and beautiful thing besides a man” is relatively self-ex- a means by which they intend to rate films just us girls. And by the way, elegance with which planatory, the importance of them talking according to their representation of women. all boy talk is BANNED!”, her people go about to one another in the first place may easily Films will be given the seal of approval only and this means all Hermi- this gender equality be disregarded. Yet a progression from in- if meeting three categories: one’s constant achievements business. ane bitching and an inexplicable inability to in academia, feminism and The Swedes are portray female solidarity is exactly what we 1. There are two or more female characters world-saving (including not attacking these need. Otherwise we are setting our girls up to (who are named) that punch) go unrewarded. films for being rub- arrive at the age of 30 with no female friend- 2. These two female characters talk to one So, despite the fact that bish with women. ships at all after they tell everyone at a party another Ms Granger is the primary They are not ban- they thought Karen was impossibly stupid af- 3. They talk to one another about something reason I have grown una- ning them, they are ter she stuck her K on the wrong way round. other than a man shamed and comfortable in not complaining At the end of day, this is exactly the prob- my own geekiness, the Harry Potter series about them, they are not even recommend- lem for our young girls: they can’t be what I imagine the Swedes (sitting in a hot tub, do not receive the Bechdel stamp of approv- ing people don’t watch them. They are sim- they can’t see. And if all they ever see, cin- naked apart from knitted bobble hats, graz- al, while Julie and Julia (a film about women ply assessing them - scientifically, quietly, ematically-speaking, is men, with the occa- ing on a plate of meatballs) discussing this cooking?!), does. respectfully - and letting people know. Yes, sional woman doing her makeup, or lament- new rating system. Are there faults in the logic? Ja. Are there this film is great, go see it, it’s on at this super ing that Brad didn’t call her, or being rescued “How difficult can it be, ja?” unjust failures, and unworthy passes? Ja. But, awesome crazy cinema we just built in a knit- because she couldn’t possibly have climbed Well, my lovely blonde friends: very. Most above all, is it still a positive addition to the ted warehouse in Stockholm where the pop- out the tower herself, we leave them a gaping mainstream films released in the past few world of film? You bet your Swedish meat- corn is made of frozen meatballs soaked in black hole in the place of “ambition” or “in- months will necessarily fail, sadly as do the balls it is. Absolut vodka. By the way, there aren’t many spiration” or “career ideas”. entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, all the Star There have been other criticisms. There’s women in it and the ones it does show all just » photos: Top: clker.com Wars movies, The Social Network, Pulp Fic- a really fun-sounding gal in Sweden, who, talk about penis. But no worries, it’s great an- Bottom: jockey.com Looking ahead: Six films-a-playing, one golden ring The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Kill Your Darlings The next installation of The Hobbit con- American Hustle There is only one group that lends itself to tinues the adventures of the unassuming It’s safe to say that American Hustle has a succinct dramatic exploration of sexuality, Bilbo Baggins, now in possession of the ring got a lot going for it. David O. Russell, who culture, materialism and drug use without it that unbeknownst to him will be causing a is on a bit of a hot streak lately having re- seeming forced or cluttered: the Beat Gener- great deal of trouble in sixty years time. In ceived Best Director nominations for his ation. And now, a pivotal time in their lives tow with Gandalf the Grey and the thir- previous two films The Fighter and Silver is being given the motion picture treatment, teen dwarves, Bilbo continues his travels to Linings Playbook is at the helm. Perhaps re- with the film following Ginsberg, Carr, Ker- the Lonely Mountain, where he must face a alising that he’s doing something right, O. ouac and Burroughs when they first meet at danger more terrifying and sinister than any Russell has collected an amalgamation of Columbia University. Daniel Radcliffe and other – the dragon Smaug. The Hobbit may the cast from his last two efforts, Dane DeHaan head the bill, shaking off continue to lack the scale of a certain oth- headlined by Christian Bale and the expectations of their own careers in er Middle Earth-based trilogy, but with the Bradley Cooper. This crime dra- what Sundance reviews promise to be confident hands of Peter Jackson at the reins ma is based on the FBI ABSCAM oper- an excellent 104 minutes of cinema. and the promise of a climactic final encoun- ation from the late 1970s and looks set to Ibtisam Ahmed ter, you’d be a fool of a Took not to be excited. be one of the most entertaining, riveting and Joe Baker eccentric films of 2013. Matthew Kent Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues The Secret Life By the beard of Zeus, it’s an Anchorman Powder Room of Walter Mitty sequel! Arriving 9-years after its cult prede- If you’ve ever wanted Ever found yourself lost in a daydream? cessor decimated ribcages worldwide, Ron to see a feisty British Brides- Walter Mitty has, and constantly does, in Burgundy and the iconic Channel Four news maids along with Kate Nash (remem- Ben Stiller’s (working as actor/director) re- team are back to do it all again with An- ber her?) and Char- lie Chaplin’s make of the classic James Thurber tale. As a chorman 2: The Legend Continues. Expecta- granddaughter, Powder Room may be your way of coping with his dull existence, Walter tions are incredibly high, but the improved Christmas pick. Described as a ‘sexed up’ and escapes into worlds of fleeting fantasy, where film-making prowess of director Adam McK- ‘messed up’ look into one eventful night, en- he can become a romantic hero able to over- ay (his last feature, 2010’s The Other Guys was tirely set in the ladies’ toilet of a nightclub, the come any obstacle. When an event at work easily his most polished to date) and a bevy film follows Sam’s reunion with an old college forces him to embark on a real adventure, of enthusiastically constructed and absurdly friend, Michelle, which sparks envy and a Walter begins to experience life in a way he funny promotional materials lead me to sus- spiral of saucy lies when she realises Michelle could’ve never imagined. Stiller’s film looks pect Will Ferrell has no intention of disap- is living the glamorous life Sam has always set to stun with beautiful imagery and an pointing with this sophomore outing for his wanted. Expect outrageous gossip, R-rated off-beat quirky tone perfect for the Holiday most enduring creation. conversations and seriously fierce females. season. Daniel Kelly Jess Wilson Andrew Gaudion 24 Editor: Tolga Kuyucuoglutheboar.org 20 [email protected] Twitter @Boar Games GAMES fb.com/groups/Games.TheBoar Talking ‘bout my gaming generation The Boar Games team takes you through the greatest titles in this age of gaming

The Last of Us - Aaron Lee Joe Baker- Portal a generation of fading genre dominance. Crouching in the shadows, you can hear Seemingly released by Valve as a mere dis- However, in an age defined by the shooter, your own heartbeat melodically beating traction on 2007’s The Orange Box, nobody the cinematic experience and the immersive against the haunting, echoing clicks of the would’ve predicted that Portal’s mind-bend- world, Super Mario Galaxy did not just hark- Clickers hunting for you. The Last of Us is an ing puzzles and darkly funny narrative en back to a bygone era, some fabled ‘sim- exhilarating experience, combining a brutal would, for many critics, become the main pler time’ when ‘games’ were synonymous survival horror with intermittent frenetic event. Few games manage to nail pacing this with ‘fun’. No - its giddy introduction of new em- combat. Its quality of storytelling and char- well, particularly considering the potential gaming mechanics and endless, playful cre- broiled acter building is perhaps a new benchmark bag of worms being opened in giving players ativity forged a path for the future that the in a bloody for the medium, with a range of grey and their own portal gun to mess around with. imminent release of Super Mario 3D World civil war, decided t o believable characters interacting in a vicious, In the end, Portal’s only shortcoming was its for the Wii U looks to follow. In short, it left become Tamriel’s best errand boy, (Need a amoral, Hobbesian world, complemented brevity, but despite only taking four hours behind a dazzlingly high watermark in game mammoth tusk? Lost a wedding ring? Not by stellar voice acting direction and perfor- to play through, it manages to define the design that developers will strive to match a problem.) or just added to your collection mance. The game demonstrates the remark- power of innovation in games. In a for years to come. of cheese-wheels, there was something for able evolution of the videogame medium, generation often criticized for everyone. Skyrim was a winning formula and cements not just the ability of games to a sore lack thereof, it was, from every angle - from the polished UI that be an interactive storytelling experience, but and still is, a standout. Mass Effect - Gabriel- even beginners could master, to the wealth of its potential to mount a sustained, concerted la Watt content enough to satisfy even the seriously challenge to the film industry. Frequently voted into battle-hardened RPG player. From glimpses Wii Sports the top ten best RPGs of Witcher 3 and Metal Gear Solid 5 at E3 this - Scott Evans of all time, the Mass year, it’s clear that the way Bethesda mastered Tales of Vesperia - Helena Moretti Wii Sports, an un- Effect trilogy brazenly the genre is going to have an effect on the way Tales of Vesperia, released in Eu- conventional choice flaunts what Bioware RPGS are designed well into the next gener- rope in 2009, is a defining game of given the other ti- does better than any- ation. And if you’re dying for more, Elder the Xbox 360. It encapsulated tles on this list. It one else – vibrant ga- Scrolls Online will let you return next Spring. everything that was great about lacks the maturity of lactic environments, this generation of gaming. Bioshock, the depth fantastic characters and Bioshock - Raghav Bali It had a massive world to of The Last of Us and a damn good soundtrack Before Columbia, Skyhooks and Songbird, explore, a cast of exciting the visuals of Skyrim. So, that keeps you always on there was Rapture. The original Bioshock saw characters, and a sto- putting aside the glee (and the edge of your seat, shak- protagonist Jack scouring through the once ryline that compelled occasional bruising) this game ing with excitement. The expe- extravagant utopia that has crumbled into you to play on. Replay gave me, why would I choose a rienced gamer will find nothing too ruins, with a gun in one hand and host of value is something that simplistic, cut down series of glorified challenging in ME 1’s shooting mechanics; superhuman powers on the other. In 2007, more and more games minigames? Two words: casual gamers. Wii they are worlds apart from the upgrades Irrational Games created this unbelieva- have developed dur- Sports and games like it ushered millions of Bioware refined in ME 2 and 3, but a rich bly unique underwater city drenched with ing this generation, new players into our world, wide-eyed and storyline satisfies enough for you to for- drug-infused maniacs, murderous debauch- as games have be- awestruck by a new horizon of motion con- give it and enjoy ME 1 for everything else it ery, and the overt philosophies of Ayn Rand come more expen- trols and downright fun. Hell, it even outsold does brilliantly. Otherwise, the ME trilogy and George Orwell. But Bioshock’s primary sive and consum- Tetris and GTA V combined. Chances are, supports the weight of green gamers’ inex- strength comes from being one of the very ers want more for without the exposure that Wii Sports drew perience, nurturing them up until the last few first person shooters that harmonises its their money. With to video gaming, many of the titles we love, mission, whereby at this point they will have gorgeous artwork, brilliant storytelling and a myriad of minig- both console and computer simply wouldn’t become, at the very least, a competent shoot- spine-chilling atmosphere to ultimately form ames, sidequests and exist. er. Throw romanceable characters into the a quintessential single player experience for achievements to be mix, like sexier-than-thou Miranda and bad- the console. And of course there’s nothing obtained, Vesperia is ass Garrus, and you’ve got yourself a time- quite like the horror of pissing off a Big Dad- a perfect example of Adam Lloyd - Super Mario Galaxy lessly engaging, nearly infallible game. dy enough that it shoves a drill through your a game that you keep There are games that redefine a genre; gut. picking up after the then, there are games that roll it up and lock main quest is over. The it away. Never has this point seemed more Luisa Ostacchini - Skyrim fun and adventure of appropriate than in regards to Super Mario This is the game that reminded me why I Have your say on the best Vesperia cannot be fault- Galaxy. This 2007 smash hit was responsible love games. Bethesda’s labyrinthine offering games of this generation ed, and it is the game that for reinvigorating the flagging Mario brand packed over 500 hours of gameplay, a multi- Tweet: @BoarGames has defined my Xbox 360 ex- – and confirming Mario as the final main- tude of well-crafted characters and infinitely #Mygeneration perience. stream bastion of 3D platformers following astounding plotlines. Whether you became theboar.org theboar.org/Games | @BoarGames | GAMES 2521 Will Salt discusses The new era is coming the impact the new generation will have on PC Gaming PC for gaming is no small invest- ment, and much less ‘plug and play’ than more affordable consoles. A desktop capable of playing the lat- Aest triple-A titles could set you back way over £1000 if you value good graphics and smooth gameplay. Setting up a computer to play All you need to know about the 8th Generation of video gaming games can be a daunting task given the vari- ous processes to complete, and the vast array Scott Evans- PS4 of settings to change before you start playing, o the release of the PS4 in the US has kick-started the obligatory weeks of console warring. After months of cat fighting between Sony and but those who play PC games argue that the Microsoft we finally get to see whether there is any truth behind their words. The numbers are certainly flattering, with one million copies technology of their setup is superior to that shifted in the first week, and likely to increase as December draws in, making this the most successful Sony launch ever. The console also of a console, and I’m inclined to agree. achieves some small hardware victories over its competitors, allowing music to be streamed (with a subscription fee) and content to be Innovation sells in the gaming industry. Sdownloaded while simultaneously playing. There are also persistent rumours about a ‘blue line of death’, a fatal hardware problem which has The Wii was celebrated for creating new apparently affected roughly 4000 consoles since launch. ways to play, and originality often contrib- Hardware means nothing, however, if you haven’t got games to boast about and they’re… underwhelming to say the least. The obligatory utes to good critical ratings. The PC leads in FPSs and driving titles and FIFA (of course) and that’s about it; nothing new or particularly innovative, just franchises with ever increasing terms of innovation, mainly because of the numbers at the end of their titles. Contrast and Resogun are notable exceptions, but they aren’t exactly going to draw buyers. Sadly falling variety of experimental technologies being into the same trap as Nintendo, Sony is heavily reliant on future releases (Arkham Origins among them) and unlike Nintendo, doesn’t have as produced. In terms of hardware, the Ocu- strong a record in the handheld market. A cursory glance of review scores also shows similar ratings for the respective consoles’ lus Rift, an immersive virtual reality headset line-ups too, not a great achievement given the focus on gaming espoused at E3 this year. If this is all Sony has to offer designed to mimic your head movement in- perhaps it’s a good thing that this Gen is characterised by general entertainment systems rather than being purely game, is a huge leap forward. The Steam Ma- gaming platforms. chines are a series of PCs that will run Valve’s Thus, the PS4’s chances hang in the balance, it lacks the family friendly appeal of the Wii U and its mediocre new SteamOS, bringing the diversity of PC launch titles could easily be trumped by the Xbox One. But maybe this is a biased view, as after all gamers will typ- games to the big screen. Playing with the ically focus on the games, sometimes at the expense of the larger picture. Entertainment is becoming increasingly Steam Controller that uses touchpads instead multiplatform, crowd-sourced and innovative particularly on smartphones and Mac/PCs. That smartphone in of joysticks allows for 1:1 control over games your pocket can have you browsing the library of Alexandria one moment and flinging vexed avians at discoloured that prefer gamepads and a mouse/keyboard swine the next. By comparison, full console releases are time-consuming and vastly expensive to make, setup. preventing the same level of innovation being present in the majority of heavy hitters. Thus, we see an odd contrast of simple, but creative releases playing at the heels of monolithic franchises. So perhaps the PS4 and Xbox One should be viewed not as a gaming consoles, but as stationary, hyper-powerful smartphones. Joe Baker- Xbox One he next generation release is finally here, and while it’s uncertain how the Xbox One will fare against its competitors in months to come, it’s safe to say it has not been an entirely snag-free journey for Microsoft’s new flagship console. The inflated launch price, rumours of Ki- nect spying on people and frequent, disastrous press releases have made Sony’s job much easier than it ought to have been. Here’s hoping that the Xbox One can rise above its numerable critics to deliver on the legacy of its predecessor, and be the new driving force in gaming. One of the biggest impacts of the next gen- TEven if it does look a bit like a video player from the 1990s. eration on PC gaming is compatibility. Pira- Looks aren’t everything, and neither are hardware specs (which is handy, as the PS4 wins on both counts). This is about the Xbox One’s cy is rampant on the PC, so a large amount unique selling point as a console, and in many ways the all-round entertainment package on display here is something to be very excited about. of games were targeted at the Playstation 3, Aside from being able to stream movies, watch TV, listen to music, poach an egg, mow the lawn and play games all from the same big black Xbox 360 and Wii. These games, if there was box, the ability to switch between these options instantly may be useful for relieving matchmaking tedium, or switching up the music for a a financial basis for it, were then ported to the game whose soundtrack just isn’t cutting it. PC, which was subject to glitches, and poor Xbox One is loaded with memory and has a 500GB hard drive, and has managed to catch up with a seven-year-old console by including a use of the hardware available. Now, both the Blu-Ray DVD player. There’s also been an increased focus on the Kinect’s capabilities, although if you’re anything like me then waving your components of the Playstation 4 and Xbox arms in the living room for the amusement of a camera will never be anything less than repulsive. One allow for development on the PC to run However, possibly the most exciting improvements made here are for multiplayer, a facet of gaming on which seventh generation consoles just as smoothly as on a console. The benefits have already steered a great deal of progress, and which for many will be the deciding factor in which shiny metal box they want to buy. Smart- PC gamers will reap from this are incredibly er online matchmaking gives more control over who you play with, while playing with cloud-based significant. The potential of a well-specified power promises to improve performance and prevent host advantage (to the roars of approval of COD computer is rarely fulfilled, mostly due to players everywhere). bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the way the At this point in time, there appears to be only one area in which the Xbox One truly outshines game handles the hardware, but it seems like- the PS4; its launch line-up, which includes newcomers such as the bloody sword-em-up Ryse: Son of ly those will disappear with time Rome, as well as highly anticipated sequels Dead Rising 3 and Forza 5. With more exclusives in the With all the exciting potential the next pipeline, the games stand to make all the difference, but all talk of the console war aside, Xbox One generation brings, the question of whether could still be destined to go anywhere. Its journey here may have been arduous, but the future could still to buy a PC or upgrade needs answering. I be very bright indeed. wouldn’t recommend doing either right now. Developers need time to settle into a new Gabriella Watt- Wii U generation, and it’s worth waiting to see how t’s almost been a year since the release of the Wii U, and as the first of Nintendo’s consoles Nvidia, Intel and AMD adapt their technol- to support high-definition graphics, the Wii U has already been established as a landmark ogies. While many PC gamers swear by Intel in family gaming (because, let’s face it, Nintendo does it better than anybody else, espe- CPUs, AMD supply the chips used in both cially when Mario Kart is on the cards), and features a dynamic system of gaming – utilis- the Xbox One and Playstation 4. Does this Iing the big screen and a tablet – that is wholly unique, as was its predecessor’s. The traditional mean that AMD will overtake Intel as the go- money-making-guarantee games have already been churned out, such as Wii U Fit and Wii to CPU manufacturer for gamers? Currently, Party U, but though they’re predictable, they’re also immensely addictive. However, this is around 2GB of Video RAM is the industry make or break time for Nintendo. standard for mid-range graphics cards, but All this time, Nintendo has been dancing alone in the eighth generation console party, but Mi- a staggering 8GB of RAM is available to the crosoft and Sony’s new, shiny giants are about to come over the horizon and, to be honest, it will be Playstation 4. This may push graphics cards hit and miss as to whether the Wii U can avoid being squished under their monstrous feet. While we have seen glimpses of manufacturers to work much more space the Wii U’s unique graphical potential with 2011’s E3 Legend of Zelda gameplay demos, we’ve yet to have it handed to us as a physical into future products. Technology developed disk, and the only high-def games we have seen, such as Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, still look more pleasing on the PS4. In effect, it’s a waste in the next year may not be ground-breaking, of effort for the Wii U to port these big franchises, because the majority of their players will already be opting to buy a PS4 or an Xbox One but the priorities of these companies is set to this winter, which they can use as an all-purpose living room box, to continue collecting achievements or trophies and connect with friends. change dramatically. If you buy a new PC to- Despite this, some fabulous things are on their way. November 29th will mark the release of Super Mario 3D World, riding on the successful day, you may be disappointed at the compo- back of the 3DS’s Super Mario 3D Land, but bigger and better. It’s also possible that those RPGs we adored on the old console, such as The Last nents’ limits by this time next year. Story and Xenoblade Chronicles, which secured the Wii as a truly memorable addition to the gaming legacy, might just be reincarnating in With so many improvements and innova- Child of Light, a mysterious game set for release in 2014. With hopefully more of these along the way, we’ll all be anticipating that the Wii U uti- tions, PC gaming is certainly the most inter- lises its Download Software application, following suit with Sony’s Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy X, re-releasing our beloved RPGs (please, esting platform to monitor. Video games are please, Okami!) in re-mastered forms. The fan base for the Wii U is there, but I say we’ve yet to see its true potential as a contender unlocked. about to become more real than ever before. theboar.org/Music | @BoarMusic | MUSIC 23 26 theboar.org theboar.org 27 22 Editor: Michael Perry [email protected] Queens of the Stone Age Arctic Monkeys Phosphorescent: ‘Song for Zula’ Twitter @BoarMusic ... Like Clockwork AM Boar Jukebox Early in Muchacho (following its open- fb.com/groups/BoarMusic 8 4 ing song, in fact), Phosphorescent’s cosmic MUSIC Ten Essential country sound is stopped in its tracks by the Six years on from 2007’s A fifth studio album from dreamlike swirl of ‘Song for Zula’. With thin good-but-could-have- the Arctic Monkeys was streams of violin and a measured hum of been-brilliant Era Vul- met with much antici- Songs of 2013 synthesisers drifting above Matthew Houck’s garis, Joshua Homme pation. Their previous fragile croak, there’s a profound honesty and co returned to prove exploits were near-fault- It’s been a year utterly saturated to the singer’s vocals as he twists and turns that to create a genuine less, and the 2012 release with sonic riches, but here are the along an aching path through melancholy masterpiece, you need of ‘R U Mine?’ provided Boar team’s indispensable picks. Johnny Cash references to broken-down an- 2013: The Best of the Year to take your sweet, sweet yet another addition to ger. A gorgeous example of finely-tuned pro- time. In the finely crafted comeback that is the frighteningly long list of Monkeys tracks Kurt Vile: ‘Wakin on a Pretty Day’ duction and heartbreaking sincerity in equal Behold: the Boar’s Top 20 Albums of 2013, as voted for by our own panel of sonic obsessives... … Like Clockwork, Homme reassembled the with longer shelf-lives than honey. But AM Languid without slipping into lethargy, the measure. old crew from the golden age of Songs for the did not disappoint. A fantastic opening quar- quasi-title track of Kurt Vile’s sublime fifth Sam Carter Deaf; namely Dave Grohl and Nick Olivieri. tet concludes with the pièce de résistance, album occupies an uncanny space between Janelle Monáe Sigur Rós Kurt Vile Julia Holter Filtered down to ten tracks of pure, unadul- ‘Arabella’, which leads into an infinitely sexy heavy-lidded pleasure and aching melancho- Sigur Rós: ‘Brennisteinn’ 20 The Electric Lady 17 Kveikur 14 Wakin on a Pretty Daze 11 Loud City Song terated gorgeousness, each song is as neces- middle section before the sobering ‘I Wanna lia. Acoustic guitars and an anonymous drum ‘Brennisteinn’ may bear Sigur Rós’ name sary, brilliant and bombastic as the last. Be Yours’ presents an auditory cold shower. patter keep things rolling forwards across a on the tin, but in no way does it resemble one Miranda Wilkie Robin James Kerrison leisurely nine-and-a-half minutes, with little of the lush, sumptuous soundscapes which Here marks the return Sigur Rós’ seventh album, Kurt Vile’s fifth solo album On her third album in as variation beyond the occasional swell in tem- have come to be recognised as the band’s of Janelle Monáe’s an- Kveikur (which trans- strolls along at an easy many years, avant-pop po. Yet such uniformity is never dull: the re- niche. Instead, the Icelandic trio have pro- droid alter-ego Cindi lates as fuse or candle- pace, its lush nine-min- auteur Julia Holter draws Kanye West The National curring motifs that do chime through simply duced a vehemently boisterous song which Mayweather, for anoth- wick), was a risky affair. ute opening track setting inspiration from Colette’s 7 Yeezus 3 Trouble Will Find Me sparkle, coalescing into a warm, intoxicating unflinchingly signposts a new, more aggres- er high-concept studio Sporting a much darker the tone for what follows 1944 novella Gigi (and haze. In the age of the quick-fix pop single, sive direction for the group. Dark, heavy, album that spins a sci-fi tone than their previous with easy, mid-paced its musical adaptation), this is a gem unabashed in its blissful, unhur- foreboding and vicious melodies intertwine yarn to rival a Margaret albums, Sigur Rós have rhythms and warm pro- as well as the streets of Yeezus works like a cubist “My head plays it over ried beauty. with one another, resulting in a track loaded Atwood novel. Marrying transformed from the duction. Flanged guitar contemporary Los Ange- painting. So many dispa- and over”, Matt Berninger Michael Perry with such emotion that it sounds as if it was soulful grooves with rallying rebel songs, band that played heavenly post-rock to an riffs bounce the occasional melody around les, to launch an exploration of the exciting rate elements have been once sang on an early cut ripped from the very gut of Jónsi Birgisson. Monáe transports us to the heart of her ir- apocalyptic power-group. This is encapsu- between verses, but this album otherwise rushes, the frightening paranoia, and the forced together into the from The National, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: ‘Higgs Boson Flora Havelock idescent, dystopian fantasia, complete with lated in the first track, ‘Brennistein’, which is occupies a breezy expanse that allows Vile’s alienating silences of urban modernity. Un- same space that you have it’s a sentiment which has Blues’ sweeping orchestral overtures, queer politics perhaps the most frightening and impressive stoner mumble to provide words of simple, derneath the high concept is a sumptuous, to marvel at how well it since become the band’s Although not quite as catchy as the single M.I.A.: ‘Bring the Noize’ and luscious collaborations, in what is surely song that the trio have ever written. Though meditative wisdom. “I might be adrift, but curious, humorous pop album of incredible hangs together as a sin- modus operandi. The ex- ‘Jubilee Street’, ‘Higgs Boson Blues’ is unde- Following several disputes with her record 2013’s most imaginative musical endeavour. the songs do become less aggressive further I’m still alert,” he drawls on the lush arrange- inventiveness, where Holter’s singular genius gle work of art. Sampling cellent Trouble Will Find niably one of the strongest songs Nick Cave company (culminating in her threatening to Far from falling into the all-sparkle-no-sub- into the album, Kveikur remains threatening ments of ‘Goldtone’, reminding listeners that has never been more evident. everything from dancehall to Hungarian Me features baritone ruminations on life, has ever recorded. Cave cites Robert Johnson leak the album herself), M.I.A made her glo- stance trap, however, Monáe consistently in tone. Already regarded as one of rock’s behind the chilled-out exterior lies a work Trahearne Falvey rock to acid house, Yeezus is an idiosyncratic death, and middle-class existence that reso- and Miley Cyrus as he takes us on a tour of rious comeback with ‘Bring the Noize’. This showcases effortlessly silky vocals and rap most innovative bands, everybody’s favourite that’s emotionally engaging and lyrically on- journey through Kanye’s near-paranoiac pre- nate long after the record ends. Such lyrics, the modern era, presenting its seedy, Conra- is the second single from her album Matangi, artistry, proving once again that technical Icelandic troupe just continues to surprise. point. It may be slow in pace, but after lis- occupations with race, materialism and sex accompanied by the highly skilled musician- dian underbelly. It’s apocalyptic, but not in a and it continues on from the vaguely sinister prowess and narrative sorcery need never be Nick Cun-Yu Zhang tening to this album, other music will sound Jon Hopkins - sometimes bizarrely combining all three in ship of the Dessner and Devendorf siblings conventional religious sense: it’s in relation to rhythm slither of last year’s ‘Bad Girls’, with mutually exclusive. positively rushed. 10 Immunity the same song. He may not actually be a God, (and an extended assemblage of indie-rock the apocalypse of human emotion; the worst a killer video and sampled beats to match. Sophie Monk Sam Carter but on Yeezus, Kanye almost sounds like one. friends), make this a truly essential listen. excesses revealed for all to see. In all, it’s an Amongst a sea of recent copycats (namely These New Puritans Redmond Bacon Sam Evans overwhelming song of dissolution. Not to be Azealia Banks and her rival/sidekick Iggy Field of Reeds When reviewing Immu- missed. Azalea), M.I.A returns to prove that she’s still 16 Everything Everything nity earlier this year, I Andrew Sztehlo queen. Disclosure 13 Arc announced that it “tri- Miranda Wilkie 19 Settle It may have been snubbed umphantly proves the po- Laura Marling Vampire Weekend Selena Gomez: ‘Come and Get It’ by the Mercury Prize tential of not just the al- 6 Once I Was An Eagle 2 Modern Vampires of the City Who ever said that Disney stars had to belt Local Natives: ‘Colombia’ panel, but These New Slightly less ambitious – bum format, but also Jon over Kelly Clarkson-lite anthems or show ex- As Local Natives’ frontman and lyricist This debut album from Puritans’ third album re- but no less witty – than Hopkins’ own artistry”, treme vestiphobia to prove that they’ve grown Kelcey Ayer repeatedly calls out “Patricia” the Surrey-based Law- mains a magnificent cre- its predecessor, Arc finds though perhaps I didn’t Laura Marling’s fourth Unorthodox means of re- up? Certainly not Selena Gomez, whose de- (the name of his deceased mother), you be- rence siblings brought ation. Bathed in mourn- Everything Everything go far enough. Hopkins’ mesmerising blend studio effort sees her em- cording (such as the uti- scent into solo stardom was accompanied come aware of listening to something in- about a much-needed ful brass arrangements refining their jerky indie of techno, ambient and post-rock isn’t all that bracing the benefits of lisation of vintage analog with graceful hooks, genius rhythmic nu- finitely meaningful. A heart-wrenching reintroduction of the for- and jagged piano motifs, genius into a more com- concerned with unearthly abstractions; its sonic and lyrical experi- tape machines), more ma- ances and a mature, reserved vocal. She may maternal ode, ‘Colombia’ is at its best when gotten subgenres of dance it’s a neo-classical work of dystopian maj- mercial entity. In spite sheer intricacy, fluidity and emotional depth mentation. The result is ture, inspired lyrics and not be as loud or courageous as her contem- witnessed live. Ayer’s voice crackles and his music. Settle pulls off a esty, and the further one ventures into Field of this, they still aim to arguably mimics the ebb and flow of actual an album charged with softer instrumentation poraries, but when all her different threads sinews strain as he pours his heart, body and miracle by successfully of Reeds, the more disturbing (and reward- challenge with multifarious melodies along- human experience. It’s this seamless capac- character, its influences resulted in a legitimately of musical mastery are brought together, it soul into a treatise on loss and dejection. reinventing deep house and electronic mu- ing) it becomes. The dreamlike serenity of side the lively falsetto of Jonathan Higgs, all ity to connect on such an elementary level ranging from the moody unique record from Vam- makes for a triumphant masterpiece, and an The pinnacle of a rise that has garnered Lo- sic, whilst still appealing to the commercial its opening moments is increasingly lost to wrapped up in such a bright, precise style that suggests Immunity’s real resonance lies to the Eastern to obscure and avant-garde pire Weekend. The brilliant singles ‘Diane assured highlight of 2013. cal Natives a cult following, ‘Colombia’ is an pop market. Perfectly constructed, the album genuinely haunting atmospheres, none more that it makes one wonder if they’ve worked in that strange, beautiful capacity of music sensibilities. Once I Was An Eagle brags an Young’ and ‘Ya Hey’ alone could qualify this Faizan Sadiq absolute victory for the beauty of the band’s shifts from a homage to the British electron- spine-chilling than the Gothic majesty of ‘V out a mathematical formula for producing itself. unshakable sense of cohesion, which allows as one of the year’s standouts, but the recur- music. ica of the ’90s (‘When a Fire Starts to Burn’) (Island Song)’. Its sounds may be archaic, but pithy pop music. With the band on top form Ed Graham Marling to take her captivated listeners on a ring themes of grappling with adulthood, Colin Stetson: ‘To See More Light’ Richard Brown through chart-toppers ‘Latch’ and ‘White this is music at its most forward-thinking; its throughout the likes of ‘Cough Cough’, ‘Duet’ journey which soars, explores and unabash- God, religion and political dissatisfaction all The very idea of a saxophone solo might Noise’, before closing with personal favourites chilling provocations always underpinned by and ‘Don’t Try’, it’s not hard to see why Arc is edly dares to challenge. No longer is Marling run throughout the record, working to subtly put off anyone who’s heard of something Arcade Fire: ‘Here Comes the Night Time’ such as the pulsating tones of Jamie Woon in the clarity of the band’s artistic vision. one of the year’s best albums. Foals simply a figurehead for the modern revival of highlight the true genius at its core. called the 1980s, but Colin Stetson has re- The most pop-friendly song off Reflektor, ‘January’. This year, Disclosuremania hit hard Michael Perry Nicholas Winfield 9 Holy Fire Dylan-esque folk, but one for well-rounded Flora Havelock invented the wheel with his revolutionary ‘Here Comes the Night Time’ is a delicate for a reason. and independent artistic maturity. recording technique that utilizes dozens of fusion of calypso and synth-pop, stadium Priya Shanmuganathan Sam Hardy microphones to transform a single bass sax rock and indie disco. The production here is Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds DARKSIDE Leading the way for the Daft Punk into an entire ethereal ensemble. ‘To See impeccable, with lurching bass lines, spacey 15 Push the Sky Away 12 Psychic comeback of the guitar Random Access Memories More Light’ – the 15-minute behemoth that synths, and lilting drums providing the per- band this year, Foals’ con- Arcade Fire 1 falls towards the end of his epic New History fect backdrop for that addictive steel drum Lady Gaga fident third album takes Reflektor Warfare album trilogy – is a culmination of melody. Clocking in at six minutes it never 18 ARTPOP As an ardent Nick Cave DARKSIDE’s Psychic the most exhilarating 5 Random Access Memories everything that has made his music so fan- feels that long; only as long as it takes for the appreciator, I cannot pre- is a meditative, bluesy moments from Antidotes, is a record which marks tastically unique. I’ve a feeling we’re not on night-time to arrive. tend that Push the Sky blend of minimal beats fuses them with the ex- It seems that, more than a sea change, not only in Baker Street any more… Redmond Bacon A flash of colour and a Away will be counted and psychedelic, drawn- pansive mood of Total Life ever before, Win Butler the career trajectory of Sam Evans burst of light: Lady Gaga among his best, but to its out guitar solos. Having Forever, and pumps up the results to produce and co. have adhered to Daft Punk, but for the Yes, many great songs didn’t quite make the is officially back in sight... credit, it very nearly gets taken part in a string of stadium fillers which still don’t compromise the maxim “go big or go entire dance music gen- Kanye West: ‘Black Skinhead’ cut for this list. Several world-eating singles and with an excellent re- there. Its sonically exper- live shows for the likes of the group’s integrity. It even boasts one of the home” for their latest re- re. For the past 25 years, It’s perhaps impossible to choose one song (‘Get Lucky’, ‘Sacrilege’, err... ‘Blurred Lines’) turn to boot. Forget the imental landscape defies Resident Advisor, Boil- catchiest songs of the year in the form of ‘My lease, having produced dance has been moving from the insane, ground-breaking Yeezus, didn’t get a look in, but such hair-splitting is “reverse Warholian” non- easy clarification: just one of the reasons why er Room and, of course, our very own Arts Number’: a flash of hyperactive brilliance. two feverish discs of sharp further and further away from humanity, but ‘Black Skinhead’ is where Kanye’s fury surely a testament to how truly monumental sense she’s been coattail- it’s a worthy contender for this year’s Best Centre, Nicolas Jaar has developed a record Through a burst of energy, a growing matu- guitars set to glammed-up landing us in a world saturated by dubstep. is at its most focused. Backed by growling, this year has been for the landscape of sound. ing alongside the album Album title. Push the Sky Away has also pro- of meticulous flair, fastening his status as one rity, and the retention of their trademarks, disco beats. From the ragged, piano-flecked This album, however, hearkens back to the brutal bass and animalistic yelps, Kanye Even with a whole month to go before it is itself: ARTPOP is a no-holds-barred, carefree duced two songs which could well go on to be of the most interesting and intelligent elec- Foals have finally made a statement which march of ‘Here Comes the Night Time’ to the days of disco and (as Nile Rodgers referred works himself up into a cyclical, frantic fit of upon us, 2014 already has a lot to live up to. collection of pop jams, and who can com- seen as career standouts: ‘Jubilee Street’ and tronic artists working today. Collaborator demands to be heard. surging hooks of ‘Normal Person’, this album’s to it), “organic dance music”. History will re- paranoia and self-importance, spitting ven- plain? Ripe with a barrage of quirky lyrics, ‘Higgs Boson Blues’. This is certainly one of and guitarist Dave Harrington’s slow guitar Nicholas Winfield infectious energy is handily underpinned by member the arrival of Random Access Memo- om with ever-increasing speed until he can pounding synths and (ahem) substance-in- Cave’s most interesting recent releases, and jams fuse remarkably well with Jaar’s layered, generous lyrical helpings of paranoia and ries as the moment in which we remembered only burn out, collapsing into an exhausted, Your favourite tune not fused melodies, there’s a piece of Gaga pie fit stands as a testament to his chameleonic abil- complex tempos, providing listeners with a To cast your eye down the entire Top 50 Al- isolation. Grandiose it may be, but this is a that music to make us move needn’t be born seething expulsion of “God!” Ranting is what featured on this list? Tweet for everyone and anyone. She’s got us: hooks, ities and position as the definitive cultural soundscape which is gloomy, groovy, and at bums of 2013 list (as voted for by the Boar’s compelling listen, which contains some of from laptops. In every sense of the word, it is Kanye does best, and on ‘Black Skinhead’, he’s us your own winners! lines and no stinkers. zeitgeist. times, mystical. Music team), hit up our website: the Canadian troupe’s boldest work yet. an utterly phenomenal album. on ridiculous form. Tweet: @BoarMusic Faizan Sadiq Andrew Sztehlo Paul McLoughlin http://www.theboar.org/music Sam Carter Patrick Gill Trahearne Falvey 24 theboar.org theboar.org theboar.org/Travel | @BoarTravel | TRAVEL 25 24 Editor: Robert Demont [email protected] city transform into such an enlightened im- Syon Park and Hogwarts in the Snow. Twitter @BoarTravel Istanbul, Turkey London, UK age is truly unforgettable. Over Christmas, Londoners themselves fb.com/groups/BoarTravel The best way to view it is with a long, experience a big change – visitors go from TRAVEL ith the colourful street lights here’s only one place to begin: peaceful night-time walk around the city, and being surrounded by grumpy city folk to signalling the approach of Christmas lights! There is a host of along the bridges, especially Tower Bridge. enjoying the kind, helpful company of those the holiday season, a friend big names to switch on the lights There are already an unbelievable amount around them. This communal spirit is one so of mine asked me if I think in different areas of London, so I’d of things to do in London, but everyone steps rare that it should definitely be experienced. Wit’s sad that we don’t have Christmas trees. Tdefinitely recommend going to see them it up a notch at Christmas. My personal fa- Finally, when Christmas has drawn to a She had a point, so I did some research and switched on at places like Oxford Street, vourite is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. close, the Boxing Day Sales arrive! With two Christmas is all around me found out that this tradition can be traced Carnaby Street or Westfield Stratford City. On entering the markets, you are immediate- Westfield shopping centres, Oxford Street, back further than one of the biggest events Amid the excitement comes the Christmas ly hit with the smell of cinnamon and baked Knightsbridge and much more, London is a in the Christian year. tree, and there is none like the one in Trafal- goods – the sweet smell of Christmas! great place to snatch up seasonal bargains. Our writers tell us about their experiences of the holiday season in all corners of Europe Although the modern Christian trees gar Square. The significance of this tree is its Not to mention Santa Land, The Magical To top it all off, New Year’s celebrations originated in eighteenth century Germany, tradition; it has been provided as a gift from Ice Kingdom, amazing eateries, and the UK’s follow, and from the famous yearly fireworks worshipping trees as a symbol of eternal Oslo to London every year since 1947. largest outdoor ice rink, illuminated with over the Thames to the innumerable New The Netherlands Paris, France Luxembourg life can be traced back to ancient Egyptians London’s cityscape is a beauty in its natural more than 100,000 lights. Other exciting Year’s parties, London is the place to be. and Babylonians. state, but to witness that dim view of a rustic events include The Enchanted Woodland at Aneesa Patel he Christmas lights have all been here is something even more magi- n ideal destination for a Christ- In many countries and religions, Christ- switched on. Christmas trees are cal about the City of Lights during mas break is the charming city mas trees were believed to keep away evil making their reappearance in living the festive season. For me, Parisian of Luxembourg. The capital of spirits and illnesses. The Egyptians be- ... should just stay at home this year? rooms, town squares and shopping Christmas charm goes beyond the the equally unfamiliar country of lieved the winter solstice marked the recov- Tmalls. Societies are starting to plan Christ- Tsparkling lights along Les Champs Elysées ALuxembourg has the elegance of a cosmo- ery of Ra (The Sun God) from his illness, hicken, turkey, goose: an alternative home, but the food will never be adequate to mas dinners, and the Christmas adverts are and the glittering fir tree towering in Galeries politan city, yet is steeped in chocolate box and they decorated their homes with green choice? What we eat and how we everyone’s desires and the routine will have making their way back on TV. Lafayettes. charm. plants to symbolize the triumph of life over celebrate Christmas is integral to been disturbed. Not in the Netherlands before the 7th of As a keen gourmand, what I look for- Luxembourg is a quintessentially Eu- death. The Early Romans celebrated Satur- our family traditions. Down to the In many families, mothers and grandmoth- December. ward to the most is the markets. After all, ropean city; its architecture shaped by its nalia in honour of Saturn (God of Agricul- Ctimings, we all have our own routines. ers are at the heart of Christmas planning That might sound like an arbitrary date, Christmas is a time for enjoying good food! French and German influences, yet it re- ture), and the evergreen decorations cele- This is why most people remain at home and that well-established routine. Everybody but the reason is the man who ‘arrived’ by Oozing with atmosphere and crammed with mains staunchly independent: the coun- brated the approach of spring and fertility. over the holidays. There is a fear in many, adheres to their own traditions for their own steamboat last week: Sinterklaas, or St. Nich- stalls selling traditional produce and hand- try’s motto is ‘We want to remain what we » The bright lights of Christmas markets A paradox I had every holiday season as especially those of the older generation, that well-being, but also for their mothers’. This is olas. Not to be confused with Coca-Cola’s made crafts, Christmas markets bring Euro- a r e’. photo: Katherine Price a child in Turkey was having a ‘Christmas Christmas will not be “the same”; a phrase their time to shine, and a time to appreciate Santa Claus, the patron saint of children gets pean cities to life come December. As a Grand Duchy, Luxembourg has a tree’ in our house even though, like most which gets thrown around endlessly over the them for what they have done over the year. a birthday party on December 6. In the Neth- Dating back to the 1400s, the tradition of passion for monarchy that rivals Britain. other families, we didn’t celebrate Christ- holiday period. To conclude, I return to the statement al- erlands and Belgium, this is Sinterklaas. Christmas markets originates from Germany What better way to celebrate Christmas mas. I have come to understand that we all Another phrase that comes to mind is the ready outlined: that home is where the heart and the Alsace region in France. From food than with the Grand Duchy’s annual com- Oban, Scotland share these customs for different reasons. idea that “home is where the heart is”. People is. Why would you need to travel elsewhere specialities to crafts, artisans would travel memorative Christmas plate? Rather than being another trap of cap- wish to remain with their families during this to find the roots of Christmas celebration: Sinterklaas walks over the roofs with from afar to trade their goods. Since then If you are looking for kitschy Christmas here’s nowhere quite like Scotland. italism, the tree is a symbol of celebration time: it is a time for relaxation and bonding family, love and happiness? his horse and his helpers, who deliver the tradition has spread to cities in Europe. souvenirs, the city’s idyllic old quarter is It’s the largest portion of the UK that – whether your focus is on religion, coming – something which rarely occurs on a family Stephanie Hartley presents to children’s shoes The most famous and largest Marché a network of narrow cobbled streets per- is not yet overrun with metropolitan together with family and friends, or reflect- holiday. de Noël in France is located in Strasbourg. fect for a leisurely afternoon spent win- areas. It has its heritage, its customs, ing on the year gone by. The practices can Although travelling is usually deemed Where are you heading over While nowhere does Christmas markets bet- dow-shopping. Tits own language – though I’m yet to meet be accepted as an old tradition our ances- a time for relaxation, travelling over the the holiday season? ter than Germany, the French capital pro- An essential visit must also be made to anyone who speaks Gaelic – and enough nat- tors left us, or just an excuse to decorate » The Trafalgar Square tree Christmas period does induce stress, as not Tweet: @BoarTravel The premise is simple: the old saint walks vides a rather wonderful winter spectacle just Place d’Armes where the traditional Christ- ural beauty to quench any thirst for awe-in- dull grey cities. photo: flickr/nbutto only are you not in the comfort of one’s own over the roofs with his horse and his (cur- at the other end of the Eurostar. mas market takes place. There, wooden spiring landscapes. Yasemin Ulusoy rently controversial) helpers, who climb There are several markets dotted around huts sell candles, tankards, and other fes- With that in mind, my main Christmas down chimneys and unlock doors to deliver Paris, the largest stretching along Les tive goods; it is worth sampling the sausag- present last year was a trip to the coastal town presents to children’s shoes that have been left Champs Elysées. Starting in late Novem- es, potato pancakes and mulled wine. of Oban, and my brother and I are spending by doors, fireplaces and sometimes radiators. ber, clusters of quaint wooden chalets line Nestled on high cliffs the city has some a few days over Christmas there again. In exchange, the children leave carrots for the streets, bustling with shoppers in search great vantage points; be sure to check out The town sits on a near-perfect horseshoe the horse, a letter for the saint (and some- of presents for loved ones. The air may be Place de la Constitution, the sight of mist bay – hence its name: Oban is derived from times a beer for his helper), and pray that cold and crisp, but you’ll be warmed up by gathering in the valley below is a treat on a the Gaelic for “bay.” The town looks out ‘Belle-vue’ or room for two? Zwarte Piet won’t found out about that time mulled spiced wine, roasted chestnuts and winter’s afternoon. across the water to the Isle of Kerrera, be- they broke their mother’s vase, put them in hot crêpes. Perhaps the jewel in Luxembourg’s yond which lies the Isle of Mull. Ness Wheeler charts the ups and downs of finding a place to live in Paris his sack and take them back to Spain. Whether you’re in need of a scenic winter Grand Duchy is the fantastical ‘Chocolate The Sound of Kerrera’s connection to and For the children yet to have their parents stroll, traditional foodstuffs or handcraft- House’ opposite the Palais Grand. A huge relative protection from the Atlantic make it arrived in Paris a few weeks ago to week and for less than a car (surrendered the opposite’s window. Although in this particu- disillusion them that it was them leaving the ed gifts, Christmas markets are the perfect array of delectable tiered cakes and a multi- a haven for seafood, as I discovered with my search for somewhere to live during my penthouse pretty quickly). Trickier than it lar apartment, it was more the pictures of presents, not Sinterklaas, the official line is place for your festive preparations. The Pa- tude of different hot chocolates are on offer, first taste of mussels in one of many well-es- year abroad. sounds. I got to know a huge range of French saucily clad girls and the mannequins dressed that the guy on TV is really just an actor with risian markets worth visiting are those at Les served as chocolate molds on the end of a tablished restaurants that the town’s status as Having only ever been to the city to voicemails but struggled to get in contact in fur, described by the owner a harmless a red cape and a beard, and Zwarte Piet isn’t Champs-Elysées, Saint-German-des-Près, stick, they make great stocking fillers. a tourist destination has necessitated. Iwander leisurely round the Louvre, stroll with a human and even more when I discov- hobby, that was the turn-off. We also turned black with chimney soot but face paint. Trocadero, La Défense, Montparnasse, Saint Luxembourg is a great destination for Scotland has more in her arsenal of aes- through the catacombs and lie by the Eiffel ered that human was FRENCH (Sacré bleu!) up a few times to discover that what we’d as- But fear not: to make up for it, tradition Suplice and Les Halles. a brief weekend stop, even if only for the thetically pleasing landscapes than just Tower stuffing myself with french After setting up a few appointments sumed was an independent room was in fact provides a secret-santa-esque solution: the Selina Sykes twee festive food eateries. coastline and, within fifty miles of Oban, she bread, I found in fact that each day we would then embark a bedroom in the apartment of a middle aged surprise. Except it takes a tiny bit more effort Helena Skinner gifts us mountains galore. Not only are the flat-hunting is by far the on a quest to track down the woman. Both times this happened, the wom- than simply buying someone a present and former volcanoes a treat to see looming on best way of getting to address. Another piece en were lovely (and as one kept stressing, the hiding it from them. After all, it has to make the horizon, but they provide a natural chal- know a place. This of advice when apart- apartment very very clean- the bathroom up for a man on a horse jumping from roof to lenge that the rest of the UK just cannot. was after having ment searching- way ‘propre’, ‘ bed- ‘propre’ fridge- ‘propre’, ‘look roof and another crawling down every chim- Even an Alp doesn’t give me quite the walked up and better to turn up at under the sofa !- ‘propre.’) but the rules in- ney in the Netherlands, Belgium and every- quick of a Munro: even Mont Salève, which down the same the right place at volved in living in the flat made them slight- where else there are Dutch children. overlooks Geneva and offers some quite in- street count- the right time af- ly less appealing choices for a carefree year If your art classes seemed a complete waste credible views of Geneva’s eponymous lake, less times try- ter asking some- abroad. It was when one of the woman, after of time to you, this is the one time of the year didn’t give me the same sense of achievement ing to find a one to repeat/ name- dropping the Sarkozys as her neigh- where you wish you had paid better atten- as Ben Challum or Ben Narnain did. One of non- existent spell out and bors , then proceeded to list the nearby clubs tion. Not only do you have to buy a present the mountains near Oban, Cruachan, is even door num- describe in de- ( all three of which were specialists in some and hide it: you are required to create a per- hollowed out like something from Lord of ber. Needless tail what exactly form of card game or another) that I thought sonalised present container. the Rings and houses a power station. to say it’s also the monoprix it may be better to live alone. Friend likes skating? Build a cardboard I also have a soft spot for Scotland given a hell of a lot opposite their So I’ve ended up with a place in the 14th. skateboard and stick the present to the top. that it produces my most favourite beverage: more exhaust- house has in its It’s big enough for two to stand up in, the Artsy? A giant paintbrush with the present single malt whisky. There’s a service station ing. window, than to shower is in a separate room rather than hidden in the handle it is. Did I mention you that claims to be world famous in Tyndrum, Every morn- act like you know sandwiched between the stove and the bed have to write a poem with it as well? a little while north of Loch Lomond on the ing at 10 I’d head what they’re talking and there’s a place down the road that serves Of course, it’s the thought that counts. A82, known as The Green Welly Stop. It does over to the Ameri- about first time, only les omlettes delicieuses. Now stretched out, Mostly, Sinterklaas is about being with fam- a remarkably good bacon butty, but its main can Church near the to discover 3 hours later clean and well-fed, I’m ready for the next ily and friends, eating food and singing silly appeal for me is its huge selection of single Musee d’ Orsay with my that your on COMPLETE- challenge. Bring it Paris ! songs about horses on roofs and knocks on malts, where you can even try before you mum- essential traveling LY the wrong side of Paris and doors. And if the whole present thing doesn’t buy. Note that a single sip of whisky will fight companion, consultant and body there is no number 8 on a similar appeal, you can always just fatten yourself off a whole day of highland winter. guard- where I’d work my way through the sounding street. I did this twice. Experiences of living up with ginger cookies, almond pastries and All in all, whether you want mussels, lists of phone numbers of those advertis- After finally reaching wherever we were abroad? Join the Facebook chocolate letters. That’s perfectly fine too. whiskey or breathtaking views that cannot ing everything, from single rooms in fam- aiming for, it was usually the difficulty of Group ‘Boar Foreign And, the day after, you can finally go and be rivalled south of the border, Scotland’s ily houses to penthouse suites on the Rue hiding our disappointment that the ‘belle Correspondents’ or email put up that Christmas tree. » Malt whisky can be the perfect tonic to a cold December evening west coast is where to be this Christmas. de Rivoli (a girl can dream...) attempting to vue’ promised from the balcony, was in fact [email protected] » High a-top the tower. cartoons: Ness Wheeler Maaike Spiekerman photo: flickr/bitzcelt Robin James Kerrison find something available for longer than a of the metal grating covering the neighbor 26 theboar.org theboar.org 27 26 Editor: Josh Murray [email protected] Twitter @BoarTelevision TV fb.com/groups/BoarTV 2013 in TV An Ode to the Doctor Two stand-out moments Ibtisam Ahmed tells us about his regeneration into a Whovian from this year’s telly offerings I can be your (super)hero, baby! Rebekah Ellerby: Made in Chelsea This year has seen two epic se- ries’ of Made in Chelsea, with Jamie Andrew Sztehlo marvels at Netflix’s new alliance of crime-fighting heroes utterly unable to complete any of s most people will know, Marvel buds in the comic books, appearing under a cerning Loki and the Tesseract - and keeping these char- his sentences, Francis’ humongous have spent the last few years meet- comic called Heroes For Hire, whilst Jessica Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark acters separate sandwich, lots and lots of fences, ing critical and financial success Jones is Cage’s girlfriend. World have since followed as stand- from the Avengers Andy’s nostrils, absolutely seam- with their “Marvel Cinematic Uni- Daredevil is of alone adventures. characters. less segue-ways into completely Averse”. particular interest Perhaps most astonishing, Tonally these unplanned conversations, Louise’s It began in 2008 with Iron Man, followed to comic-book however, is that within each stories are com- not-so-mystery hook-up in One by huge releases such as Avengers Assemble, aficionados. run, there are not many small pletely different, Direction, Binky’s mum asking if Iron Man 3, and Thor: The Dark World. Few He is one of but good stories. Instead, each and the difference Spencer was ‘a fantastic lay?, Phoe- can deny that Marvel Studios has become a a handful of run is composed as one giant, in media can make be’s fantastically eccentric-cool-girl juggernaut of the film industry, and now they characters that elaborate story. This fact alone the rift between these fashion, illicit hot tub romance and have begun their take-over of the TV world. has had the makes much of these runs instantly stories and the films that insults to rival Shakespeare. The comic book giants recently debuted a incredible luck ready for a television series. less apparent. It’s a sneaky The most awkward situation has television series titled Agents Of SHIELD, to of having had It’s wonderful that Marvel is pack- trick, but one that will satisfy fans. All of the to be in series five; Cheska’s blind complement their ventures on the big screen. several fantas- aging these heroes together as The De- chosen heroes, particularly Daredevil, fit a belief that she and Binky were ‘bffs’ Marvel now plans on expanding their offer- tic creator runs in fenders considering how closely they are television series incredibly well. and Lucy had stolen Binky away ings on the small screen – an offer that is the comics. Frank Even beyond these four characters, there from her. No, Cheska, Binky just nothing short of both brilliant and risky. Miller, Brian Michael is so much more that Marvel could do with doesn’t want to be your friend any- Teaming with Netflix and beginning in Bendis, Ed Brubaker, and cur- rently Marvel’s move into television is this new direction. They possess the televi- more. You’re boring and get in the 2015, they will debut four one-season series Mark Waid have written the Man Without nothing short of brilliance sion rights to Spider-Man, so could possibly way of everything. Please get off the that will culminate in a team-up mini-series, Fear at one point or another, each feeding off debut the MCU version of the Web-Slinger, show. in true Avengers style, called of the last run and building a new tapestry. considering he is a more street-level charac- The best moment of the series Defenders. Each preceding Jessica Jones is also an intriguing choice tied already in the comics, but I would ques- ter. It also gives Marvel another lot of charac- was the break-up-on-a-bridge from season will profile a spe- for a television show and highlights tion the use of the Defenders moniker. In ters for what will be the inevitable showdown Louise and Spencer, with the failed cific hero of the Mar- Marvel’s commitment to quality the comic books, none of these characters with Thanos in Avengers 3. slap and ‘sociopath’ name-calling vel universe. Lead- story as opposed to popularity. Not were in the Defenders, nor Whichever way you look at it, the future of from Louise and the rumbustious ing the charge is many people know who she is – were they ever treated the Marvel Cinematic Universe is bright. retort from Spencer. ‘It’s f**king Daredevil; followed fair play to do you if you are one of as street-level heroes. This kind of move with Netflix is ex- hard to respect you when you al- in turn by Jessica the minority. She was created by The original mem- actly why Marvel has become such low me to cheat on you.’ We’re fairly Jones, Iron Fist, and Brian Michael Bendis in the pages bers of the Defend- a respected brand name; it may be sure you were the active participant lastly Luke Cage. of Alias, a highly adult series set ers were Hulk, risky, but it shows how much faith in the cheating, Spenny; not Louise. The series will be set in the Marvel Universe. A former Doctor Strange, they have in their characters and » A Who’s-Who of Whos - for 50 years the Doctor has graced our screens and touched our hearts photos: BBC Quote of the year has to be in in Hell’s Kitchen, the superhero, she runs a private-inves- Namor, and Silver storytelling. Just as the Avengers was Series 6 from the darling Mark grim and gritty crime- tigation company. It makes for a truly Surfer. However, an unprecedented superhero movie Francis, when Victoria notes that infested neighbourhood great comic and well worth a read. with the original event, this will be a ground-breaking watched my first ever episode lowed with undivided attention. one of the most difficult periods permeated every frame of every ep- the lost boys are ‘probably hav- of New York. These precedents in the comics characters’ film moment in television history. of Doctor Who towards the The stories were brilliant of of my life. However, sure enough, I isode, despite the most harrowing ing to rough it in a sleeping bag!’ Of course, considering that should hopefully lead to four television series and television rights end of my first year at uni- course. As a self-confessed sci-fi began to fit in. I found some amaz- circumstances at times, made me Mark Francis retorts, ‘A sleeping the quartet of heroes live in the same neigh- that are directly related, something that the belonging to Fox and versity. Growing up outside and fantasy geek, the plots were ing people who I am lucky enough bag? That’s one thing I could never bourhood of Manhattan and will eventually Marvel films fail to emphasise. If you think Universal Pictures, it » photos: Shaunwong.wordpress, flickr / IBritain, I had never before expe- perfect for maximum viewing to call my friends and I really be- I was the Doctor, feeling contemplate. I once knew someone team up, it can be assumed that the four se- about the films that lead into The Avengers, makes sense to reconsider resrez, mindlessones.com, hitfix.com rienced the brilliant man and his pleasure. But there was something gan to enjoy my new home. Little who had a sleeping bag and the ries will be fairly interconnected - Iron Fist only Thor and Captain America have that the branding and intention of the series. mysterious blue box. He was not a else, something deeper that made things, like my first ever snowfall, unbridled joy and forgetting moment I found out, our friend- and Luke Cage are known for being best- much impact on the film plot-wise – con- It is also understandable that Marvel is cultural deity nor an integral part of a lasting impact on me. It was as I were moments of indescribable his unique loneliness when he ship was over. The sleeping bag had my childhood, so I didn’t really get was watching Tennant’s final epi- wonder. Trying out my first mince was with his companions a bag specifically formulated for it, what the fuss was about. sodes - when he reverts to being pie felt like an adventure. can you imagine? The bag’s bag!’ When my friends finally dragged I was the Doctor, feeling unbri- What a thought indeed Mark, one Masters of Sex: arousing our interest me to watch the show, all of them The reason I was so dled joy and forgetting his unique feel alive in a way that only some- couldn’t make this stuff up. giddy with excitement, I could not loneliness when he was with his one with two hearts would truly have considered myself anything enraptured by this impossible com- understand. Helena Skinner undresses the newest sex-based offering on Channel 4 more than mildly interested. 45 man travelling through time For me, the show was not about minutes later, having watched the and space is because it was the the destinations, or even the jour- asters of Sex is the latest in a images that includes erupting volcanoes and It is the emotional depth and complexity of Doctor, Amy and Rory tackle the story of my life neys. It was about the people you succession of American dramas fizzing champagne bottles. the characters which further saves this show » Sheen (left) plays Dr Masters living flesh, I was hooked. travel with, who encourage you to attempting to emulate the for- The show treads a narrow line as director from becoming another average example of photo: Channel 4 Over the next six months, I goof off and then share the blame mula of the hugely successful Michelle Ashford remains visibly conscious the genre. infertility on his broody wife. Yet it is easy to scoured the Internet – and my when you get caught. It was about MadM Men. The liaisons of buttoned up men of marketing a show solely on its sexual con- Although the Mad Men formula of strong sympathise with his increasingly fragile per- friends’ DVD collections – to con- a companionless nomad - that I that most inexplicable emotion, and impassioned women, against a stylish tent, yet this seems inevitable, with the lin- women is reused, with Virginia Johnson sona, following his wife’s miscarriage. One sume every single episode of Nu- finally understood what it was. love, and how it can change you backdrop of cocktails, cigarettes and subur- gering possibility of Masters and Johnson holding fort as the bastion of sexual libera- of the most moving scenes sees him ask Vir- Who and quite a bit of the classic The reason I was so enrap- for the better. ban repression are evidently in vogue. What themselves taking part in the study suggested tion, the role of masculinity is subverted. ginia to close her eyes as he breaks down in series too. tured by a low-budget TV I don’t know where the Doc- » photo: fanpop.com results is a genuinely compelling and relevant in the first episode. Masters of Sex is seemingly devoid of domi- front of her. I had fallen in love. The Doctor, show about an impossible tor is heading next - the pos- portrait of America. Viewers are left feeling cheaply voyeuristic, neering men. Barring Sheen’s role, male char- Juxtaposed with this genuinely touching the companions, the villains, the man travelling through sibilities are as limitless as the Ibtisam Ahmed: Game of Thrones The series dramatizes the histrionics of tuning in each week in the hope of seeing the acters occupy the periphery, often wallowing drama there are moments of great hilarity. TARDIS - everything was brilliant. space and time is be- TARDIS’s interior. All I know is (includes spoilers) Dr William Masters and his unlikely partner stiff Michael Sheen limber up. in their incompetence and undeniably over- One of Masters of Sex’s greatest assets is When Rose was sucked into cause it was the story that I will be with him every step No list of the biggest moments in - confident secretary Virginia Johnson – as Despite this initial tackiness, Masters of shadowed by strong women. that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. This another dimension, I screamed of my life. of the way. television for 2013 would be com- their pioneering research transforms Amer- Sex is a witty and compelling depiction of Viewers may find Virginia annoying - she manifests itself in a glass dildo that goes by bloody murder. When Martha led Back when I Doctor Who celebrated its 50th plete without mentioning the Red ica’s views on sex. 1950s America. Far removed from Mad Men’s embodies moral perfection, and indeed ap- the name of Ulysses, and Master’s scathing the world in calling out the Doctor’s first arrived in anniversary on Saturday, with mil- Wedding in Game of Thrones. With its hospital setting and slick white somewhat smug boastful suggestions of how pears a canvas onto which today’s cultural wit. name, I chanted with her. When the UK, I had lions of faithful viewers tuning in on The massacre to end all massa- coat world of charismatic doctors and co- far society has travelled, Ashford’s creation ideals of the liberated and confident woman There is also the comic potential in the Donna’s memories got wiped, a missed ori- TV and in cinemas nationwide. The cres has become a mainstay of pop- quettish nurses, Masters of Sex does have the forces viewers to confront their own con- have been projected. dysfunction of personal lives. The era’s ca- part of me died and I stayed silent entation pan- Christmas special - Matt Smith’s fi- ular culture, spawning memes and propensity to appear somewhat contrived. servative views. However the plot perpetuates how women cophony of sexual repression has provoked for the rest of the day. and the ions. nal episode - will air on Christmas reaction videos from both die-hard The attractive cast and 1950s décor imme- Relevant themes approached in the se- were constrained by societal laws, both de the incestuous entanglement of the Scully When Amy and Rory reaffirmed first few And I Day this year. The new series is ex- fans of the show (and the books) diately scream erotic potential thanks to the ries include the guilt of Johnson, workaholic facto and de jure. Notably, in order to take family. While the Provost Dr Scully is cruis- their love for each other, I whooped weeks of was his pected to start in Autumn 2014, and first-time viewers alike. success of Mad Men. Indeed, viewers fearing mother of two, played by the fantastic Lizzy out a car loan, Virginia must ask Masters to ing, colleague Dr Langham is in bed with with joy. When River Song greeted classes be- companion with Peter Capaldi starring as the The total annihilation of the a parroting of the tacky Pan Am wouldn’t be Caplan. Her frantic attempts to balance a co-sign the documents. Mrs Scully; and daughter Vivian is being de- her sweetie, or Jack Harkness flirted cause of visa too, marvel- Twelfth Doctor. Starks proves once again that the impressed with the show’s immediate display healthy work ethic alongside childcare reso- Ultimately, it is Michael Sheen’s austere flowered by young obstetrician Dr Haas. with him, I giggled uncontrollably. problems. I was in a ling at every show is not averse to taking risks of ‘sexual surrogacy’, with Doctor and Nurse nates with modern questions on the respon- Masters that steals the show. The plot’s cen- Fundamentally it is the brilliant script, And when Nine (Christopher Ec- strange country, vastly new discovery Did you enjoy and completely turning the plot on having sex under the guise of Master’s re- sibility of a woman. Furthermore, the Prov- tral irony is that the man at the centre of sci- complex characters and farcical moments cleston), Ten (David Tennant) and different in every way from but always need- Doctor Who’s 50th its head, while the superb acting search project. ost’s (Beau Bridges) illicit encounters with entific sexual revolution is in fact sexually that equip Masters of Sex with its quirky, easy Eleven (Matt Smith) stood up to the my own, and I did not know a ing that little help- Anniversary special? seals this scene’s place in television This fetishised fun is inescapably gim- male hookers surely provokes questions on ignorant and impotent. charm.This eccentric charm allows the show enemy, when he became, in turn, single person. ing hand to guide Tweet:@BoarTelevision history. Like most viewers, I am still micky, a tone set by the drama’s opening gay rights in a country that still fails to legally He appears shallow and proud, forcing the to confront America’s social mores head on. the lonely traveller, the enigmatic Perhaps I was being a bit too me in the right direction. The in mourning. credits - a montage of phallic and climactic value sexual equality. responsibility and shame of his own secret Time Lord, the raggedy man, I fol- emotional, but the first term was endless hope and friendship that 28 theboar.org 28 Editor: Ellie May [email protected] Twitter @BoarScience SCI & TECH fb.com/groups/BoarScience Fracking: The debate s the winter chill sets in, even stu- Feeling S.A.D this winter? dents will soon be unable to resist cranking up the thermostat. With Helen Thomas talks seasonal affective disorder and how to beat the blues sharp rises in the cost of gas and Aelectricity, funding that extra bit of comfort easonal affective disorder, aptly ab- hibernation of animals. Light will suppress haviour. Abnormally high levels of mela- just got tougher. Supporters of a controver- breviated as SAD, is a type of seasonal the production of melatonin, tonin have been often detected in sufferers sial new resource believe they have the solu- depression characterised by low mood keeping us alert; however, of SAD. tion – a cheaper “bridging” fuel to a low car- in the winter months. This year, about when light levels de- Another important hormone in play is bon future. But not everyone is convinced. S20% of the UK population will be affected by crease, production serotonin; it is responsible for mood So, what exactly is fracking? Hydraulic ‘sub-syndromal SAD’, colloquially known as increases. This lets regulation, stimulating feelings of fracturing or “fracking” is a technique used the winter blues. In these cases, the symp- our brain know well-being and contentment. Pro- to extract gas and oil from shale rock. Shale toms of SAD are felt to some degree but are it’s time to sleep. duction of serotonin in sufferers rock is formed when layers of sediment are manageable. However, for 2% of the popu- Consequently of depression is often low, and crushed under high pressure. This enormous lation, SAD can be far more serious, leaving during win- treated with anti-depressants amount of heat and pressure converts organic the sufferer unable to cope with day-to-day ter, when such as Prozac, which work by matter in the rock to natural gas, methane. In life. the days are increasing the levels of the hor- more permeable rock, such as limestone and SAD was only reported and fully recog- shorter, our mone in the brain. Studies also sandstone, the gas and oil migrates up to the nised as a condition by the National Institute brains pro- show that levels of serotonin drop surface. From there, it can be easily extract- of Mental Health (NIMH) in the 1980s, and duce more in winter, which can contribute to ed by drilling. Shale gas is unable to undergo even today the exact causes continue to elude melatonin, the onset of SAD. this migration, leaving the fuel trapped deep doctors. There is, however, significant evi- which Fortunately there are lots of inside tiny pockets within the rock. dence to suggest that the reduced number of leads to ways sufferers of SAD and the For many years, the difficulties associated daylight hours during winter causes a change slug- winter blues can be helped. A with releasing the trapped gas were thought in the hormone balance of the brain as well g i s h common treatment is the use of to be too significant to overcome. The USA as a disruption to our internal body clock. In be- a lightbox, a small light source rose to the challenge, and has been at the turn this can manifest into a series of symp- used to create the illusion of forefront of the battle to reach shale reserves toms. These can include social withdraw- more daylight hours. Light is since the 1980s, but it is only in the past five al, lethargy, overeating and low measured in units of illumi- years that real breakthroughs have been mood. nance, or ‘lux’. A typical made. Recent innovations centre on a tech- A certain amount of light summers day will regis- nique known as horizontal drilling, which is needed for our bodies to ter 10,000–25,000 lux, has resulted in a shale revolution in the states. function normally. When whereas a lit office will In order to reach deposits, the drill must light reaches the back of only reach an intensity dig through hundreds of metres of rock. the eye, it sends messag- of 320-500 lux. Light- First, the drill is sent down vertically, creat- es to the hypothalamus boxes are over 10 times ing a well. Once it has reached a predeter- - the part of the brain more intense than a mined point, the drill is turned horizontally, responsible for functions general household boring within the shale layer. Next, water is such as body tempera- light bulb; just a daily pumped in at a high pressure, creating small ture, sleep, hunger, sex 30 minute usage will fractures in the rock, through which the gas drive, and mood. With- significantly increase can escape. To keep the fractures open, small out light, these varia- a person’s exposure to particles, usually of sand, are added. Finally, bles cannot be properly light, helping to reset the released gas and oil travels up through modulated. their internal body the well, completing the extraction process. The number of day- clock. Despite its popularity, there are signifi- light hours governs Dawn-simulating cant environmental concerns about shale gas the body’s circadian alarm clocks can also fracking. The first worry is that the technique rhythm - the internal be useful. They emit a causes earthquakes. In 2011 two tremors of body clock. Reduced dim light which gets magnitude 1.5 and 2.3 were recorded near a sunlight levels can gradually brighter in fracking site in Blackpool. However, these slow the body clock time for your alarm. ‘earthquakes’ were so small that they would down, causing bio- This allows for a more not have been felt by people on the surface. In logical processes in natural wake-up, even on addition, fracking is not the only human ac- the brain to mal- those dark and dingy win- tivity responsible for small tremors. Mining function. These ter mornings. has also been associated with seismic activity. malfunctions can Simply going for a walk Even more disturbing are suggestions lead to tiredness should help to alleviate symptoms. which claim that toxic chemicals could leak and depression. It’s important not to hibernate, even into groundwater and drinking supplies. Near the cen- if going outside seems like the last However, it is argued that such pollution is tre of the brain thing you want to do. Taking a walk the result of bad practice, rather than a prob- lies the pineal around midday will inhibit the lem with the technique itself. The US Envi- gland - a pine- production of melatonin and boost ronmental Protection agency is currently cone-shaped your mood. carrying out an investigation into the effects gland, no big- A GP can also recommend al- of fracking on drinking water, which is due to ger than a ternative courses of treatment, be released in 2014. Other highlighted prob- grain of rice, such as anti-depressants for se- lems include the environmental impact of which is re- rious cases, or cognitive be- transporting vast quantities of water to and sponsible for haviour therapy, which can from sites and the risk of methane, a green- the produc- help to identify and combat house gas, escaping into the atmosphere. tion of the links between feelings and be- So far, the UK has been hesitant to follow hormone haviour. in the footsteps of the USA. However, with melatonin. It’s important to remember the rise of gas and electricity prices, the pub- Melatonin that the winter blues or serious lic is demanding something be done to lower chemical- episodes of SAD are temporary energy costs. Could fracking be the answer? ly induces and treatable. After Christmas Even the most optimistic fracking sup- drowsiness the days will start to get longer porter would only describe it as a temporary in mammals. and spring is not far away. In solution. A more permanent solution would It controls our the meantime, wrap up warm be the development of renewable energies, sleeping pat- and get outside. Why not go to leading to a greener, cleaner future. terns and is pick up some marshmallows Hayley Simon also re- for that cup of cocoa? sponsible for the » photos: flickr.com/llamnuds theboar.org theboar.org/science-tech | @BoarSciTech | SCI & TECH 2919 Perfecting the perfect curry formula

» A Warwick Physics professor has devised a formula for the perfect ratio of rice to curry, but is it really possible to mathematically determine the perfect curry? photo: flickr/niceric Ann Yip The formulae falls into place with the top. The volume of the rice is therefore rep- ume of a spherical cap instead of a cylinder. resented by the equation for the volume of In effect, the curry sauce is no longer dome a cylinder, while the volume of the curry is shaped but a hollow dome cap wrapped n this month’s national news, Warwick represented by the equation for the volume around the rice. The volume for the curry Physics professor and published Physi- of a spherical cap. sauce is therefore represented by the equa- cist Mark Hadley devised a mathematical However, I have doubts about Dr Hadley’s tion for the surface area of a spherical cap

formula that determines the perfect ratio weight (WC) and volume (VC) of the curry idea that there is an absolute ideal 1:1 ratio of multiplied by the thickness of the sauce (TC). Iof rice to curry. Everyone is now probably sauce in terms of height and radius. Likewise, rice to curry. I would say that the ‘perfect’ ra- In the light of my criticism to Dr Hadley’s asking: what does that even mean? So Maths the weight (WR) and volume (VR) of the rice tio of curry to rice is subjective - and I think curry formulae, here is my perfected ‘perfect and curry lovers, read on, for Dr Hadley has bed is also expressed in terms of its height most curry lovers would agree with me. curry’ formulae where the flexible ratio of more to say behind his maths equation. and radius. I am also a bit skeptical of the idea that aes- rice to curry sauce (C) and the flexible width According to Dr Hadley, the ‘ideal’ curry The equation can be derived in a matter thetic beauty can or should be defined by the of the rice in relation to the width of the cur- has the ratio of 1:1 for sauce and rice. He also of seconds where the weight of curry has golden ratio. I say the whole idea of the gold- ry (w) is introduced: says that based on the golden ratio of Ancient to equal the weight of rice for the 1:1 ratio. en ratio and the idea that the rice should be I still wouldn’t go as far to say that there Greece for the most aesthetically pleasing Weight is proportional to volume, however, 61 percent wider than the curry is nonsense. appearance, the circle of rice needs to be 61 the ‘fluffiness’ or density of the rice can make Quite frankly, I would like my dinner to look percent wider than the spherical cap of curry equal weights of rice and curry have different like there is a sufficient amount of curry and on top. volumes. Hence, the ‘ideal’ fluffiness of the not just a spoonful, thank you. According to the Daily Mail, Dr Hadley rice is incorporated into the formulae - the I am also doubtful about the aesthetic ap- spent 40 hours devising the “complicated” ideal fluffiness being 2, according to Dr Had- peal of a flat bed of rice. Perhaps it’s just me, formulae. It looks like someone had a lot of ley, for a “perfectly cooked, loosely compact- but I think that a bed of rice with a spherical is a perfect way to have curry, but that looks time to kill because it really is not complicat- ed, non-sticky Tilda Basmati”. dome shape would be much more appealing. more like a ‘perfect’ curry formulae suited for ed. Dr. Hadley’s formulae has the rice as a cy- I would therefore have the volume of the everyone. Here is the formulae: lindrical bed with a dome of curry sauce on rice represented by the equation for the vol- Fleming’s legacy - a ticking time bomb? Harry Manners reveals the frightening reality of a finite supply of antibiotics and resistant bacteria octors have been tearing off pre- There’s no getting around a basic truth: It may seem downright absurd to think scatter-gun approach can be relied on: swal- scriptions for antibiotics for so antibiotics are the central cornerstone of that nature, in all its complexity, could pos- low a fist-full of pills, and rest assured that long that it’s hard to imagine what modern medicine. Every diagnosis, treat- sibly be so limited. But the smallness of that one of them will cure what ails you. This is they’d do without them. For close ment and recovery-program is designed stretch of time is precisely the problem: when precisely how one would go about breeding Dto a century, infections that would in ages around this great safety-blanket. Never mind viewed on evolution’s timescale, our civilisa- a super-bug if one wished to do so, and the past have slain people by the thousands have that surgeons can install a pacemak- tion would very much seem to have ubiquity of cheap transportation that we now been rendered little more than trifling an- er in your chest like they were popped into existence in the enjoy is the perfect delivery-system. noyances. fitting a gas-meter; that you blink of an eye. There simply The World Health Organisation called a But, while we continue to waltz into chem- can break every bone in hasn’t been time for selec- conference this year to address the problem. ists, with the most blasé certainty that all your body, and live to tion pressures to work Whilst most current alternatives are more will be taken care of, the number of effective tell the tale; have a sev- their magic, and pro- conceptual, and reliant on as-of-yet undevel- drugs tumbles, and new ones simply aren’t ered limb reattached; duce new antibiotics. oped technologies, there has been progress. being developed to take their place. In the or even cheat death For all intents and Nanotechnology could provide target- last four years, the number of new antibiotics with transplanted vi- purposes, we’re stuck ed treatments capable of coating bacteria in approved by the FDA clocks in at only two. tal organs – it all goes with a finite supply, neutralising substances, or injecting specific Even as recently as the 80’s, the number was out the window if the and so our problem poisons directly, or even swallowing bacteria almost ten times this amount. wound gets infected is misuse. Medical up. Phage Therapy involves purposefully in- So now humanity is on the verge of being with an incurable su- professionals should troducing viruses that infect bacteria. The list caught with its pants around its collective per-bug in the recov- forgo using antibi- even extends to using a burst of enzymes to ankles. With the Centre for Disease Control ery room. otics unless they’re inhibit the very mechanisms by which bacte- reporting an impending catastrophe if major The crux of the issue is strictly necessary, and ria operate, preventing them from dividing, changes aren’t made, and increasing reports its simplicity: all our drugs then as sparingly as pos- and thereby halting their spread. of superbug outbreaks across entire hospitals, are sourced from the bio- sible. Whilst the work of the At present, it’s possible that Mother Na- this certainly isn’t a cosy catastrophe-threat sphere. The stuff in the pills we WHO, CDC, and other official ture has a few saving graces hidden amongst like climate change, or fossil-fuel depletion, pop wasn’t cooked up from scratch bodies may have spread this message Earth’s great slab of biomass, and the ques- which may very well only affect our children, in a lab, it was lifted right out of some in- in the developed world, there are still vast tion of whether these will arrive in time is rather than us. A resistant strain of bacteria credible organism – some rare flower in the tracts of the globe where public wisdom on an open one. But, in the meantime, just to could quite possibly gain a foothold in any Andes, or an ocean-trench anemone. What if the subject sums to nil. Large parts of Asia be safe, maybe consider trying to kick that one of us, right now, whilst we recover from dear Mother’s treasure trove is all but spent are especially at risk, where there is a great chesty cough on your lonesome. procedures as routine as having tonsils re- after a mere century, whilst the world hun- abundance of drugs available without pre- moved. grily reaches for more? scription, at rock-bottom prices, and the » photo: flickr/sheeppurple 20 theboar.org 30 Editor: Rebekah Ellerby [email protected] Twitter @BoarArts ARTS fb.com/groups/BoarArts Grint gets back his ‘Mojo’ in Soho Jez Butterworth recovers his ‘Mojo’ with West-End revivial of the rock’n’roll thriller, says Olivia Lynch Student Theatre Deals 1. Entry Pass at the National Theatre Book £5 tickets for all that splendid theatre at the National, with your first ticket completely free after signing up. 2. Warwick Arts Centre Book early for £5.50 student tickets to see shows at the Arts Centre.  3. RSC Key with Loyalty Card If you book early, the RSC sells £5 tickets for 16-25 year olds. Use the discount code 1625 online. If you sign up for the RSC Key you will be sent a loyalty card and you will get every sixth show completely free.  4. Barbican Free B The Barbican Arts Centre offers a variety of discounted and free tickets for theatre, dance, art, music and film for 16-25 year olds.  5. Access all Arias with the ENO The English National Opera offer discounts for opera and ballet to students and anyone under 30, for in house productions at the London Coliseum. Tickets range from £10- £30 and you can bring a friend of any age for the same price. » Colin Morgan (Skinny), Daniel Mays (Potts) and Rupert Grint (Sweets) in Mojo at the Harold Pinter Theatre (photo: Simon Annand)  ing, throwing the audience into the world of times, Whishaw’s delivery reminded me of 6. The Old Vic U25s Club irst performed at the Royal Court Hundreds of £12 tickets every performance Theatre in 1995, Mojo was writer Jez rock ‘n’ roll, amphetamines and slicked back Heath Ledger’s Joker and whenever he was hair. on stage I felt nervous, unsure but also in- for U25s, book online using the promo code Butterworth’s debut play and was first (PWC U25) or join the U25s club. directedF by Ian Rickson. Eighteen years on, This production has an all-star cast with trigued to know what he would do next. This  Butterworth has continued to produce new Ben Whishaw, Brendan Coyle, Colin Mor- performance will surely provoke excitement gan, Daniel Mays and Rupert Grint, the latter about his upcoming presentation of Freddie 7. Bush Connect plays, in association with Rickson, including Become a member of Bush Connect to the award-winning Jerusalem. This highly- making his West End debut. Whishaw and Mercury on screen, a casting decision I was Grint are arguably the big box office draws initially unsure about. obtain £12 tickets for shows at the home of anticipated revival of Mojo, which won Best young theatre-makers and new playwrights. New Comedy at the Olivier Awards, reunites but Butterworth and Rickson have coined Mojo is foul-mouthed, violent, dark and Daniel Mays as the lynchpin of the piece. His gritty, but also very funny. At times I had tears  these collaborators with Rickson returning to 8. Theatre Fix direct ‘what they both see, less as a revival, character, Potts, has some of the best lines in my eyes from laughter, but this only made of the play and Mays was perfect in the role, the more serious and shocking aspects of the Theatre Fix brings discounted tickets for more as a new play.’ (Benedict Nightingale) London’s hottest shows to 16-26 year olds. A Mojo is set in 1950s Soho and depicts the with brilliant comic timing and an ability play all the more hard-hitting. Though I had to capture both the amphetamine induced been aware that the play was a black comedy, brilliant website which rounds up the latest underworld lifestyle of the Ezra’s Atlantic opportunities and offers for young people. club and its employees. The characters are highs of the character as well as his more vul- it was much funnier than I expected. One nerable moments. You are continually drawn particular highlight involved an aftermath of tested under eventually life-threatening con- 9. Royal Opera House ditions and as the situation intensifies, they to him as he embodies the role of the self- the night before and toffee apples. confessed ‘c**t’. If I had any criticism of the play, it would Standby tickets for just £10 to see opera and begin to unravel and their true personalities ballet, as well as dedicated, reduced price are revealed, often to hilarious and, some- Mays unites with Grint to create a hilarious be that it lacked explanation for the motives comic duo and Grint shines as Sweets. He is of the characters and backstory for how they Amphitheatre performances for students times, disastrous effect. and advanced booking for cheaper seats. The play opens with rising rockstar Silver on stage for almost the entire duration of the had ended up in this violent and seedy world. play and it was a strong stage debut. Though Overall though, it was an utterly absorbing Johnny (Tom Rhys Harries), in a silver suit 10. Young Vic and pink shirt, moments before he goes on in his moments of fear I admittedly was re- production whose characters created intrigue minded of Ron Weasley’s arachnophobia, his and which struck a good balance between its There’s a limited availability of £10 tickets stage. We hear the cheers below as Jonny exe- for students to see every production. cutes Elvis-like moves in a near trance before performance will go someway to establishing comedic elements and its darkness. running down to the stage accompanied by Grint as an actor other to his Potter alter-ego. the sound of screams. Cue blackout and cre- However, the standout performance was  Mojo is playing at the Harold Pinter The- scendo of 50s rock ‘n’ roll. It is a perfect open- Ben Whishaw’s as the sociopathic Baby, atre until 22 February 2014. Read more online which was both funny and terrifying. At at theboar.org/ARTS What’s on Coriolanus Sarah Lucas Private Lives Photorealism A Christmas Carol An American in Beats Masterpieces of London Chinese Painting 15 Nov - 26 Jan, 6 Dec - 8 Feb 2014, Until 15 Dec, 4 - 14 Dec, B’ham Museum, Until 4 Jan 2014, 22 Nov - 21 April, 5 - 6 Dec Until 19 Jan 2014, Donmar, Whitechapel, Loft Theatre, £5.50 for Students Birmingham Rep, Dulwich Gallery, WAC, V&A, £10 tks released FREE £5 for Concessions This American 60s £7.50 for Students £6 £9 for Under 26s £ for Students Mondays at 10am Sculptures with Noel Coward’s ever movement ex- Brand new Exhibition present- An award winning Masterpieces from Shakespeare’s bawdy euphemisms, popular comedy of plores the everyday production of ing Whistler’s early play which is a story 8th-19th centuries, tragedy of searing repressed truths, manners is revived through paintings Dickens’ festive paintings of his of rebellion, and the many of which have political and erotic with glamour and with photo-like ac- classic with music by arrival in London irreistable power of never been seen in manipulation delights biting wit curacy Jason Carr and the Thames gathered youth the UK theboar.org theboar.org/Sport | @BoarSport | SPORT 3127 Sports clubs put on their dancing shoes Olivia Goldin previews CMD’s annual Sport Relief event as Men’s Hockey aim to defend their title n Friday 29 November, Clas- Another admitted that he and events in the Sport Relief schedule. sical and Modern Dance his fellow dancers had even been Funds raised from its events (CMD) will host one of the given strict exercise and dietary have gone towards constructing Olargest and most highly-anticipated instructions in preparation for the homeless shelters, fighting domes- charity events on the SU calendar: competition. tic abuse and improving children’s the fourth annual Warwick Dance “It has put a lot of strain not only education. for Sport Relief. on me but my work; it’s been very The organisation also provide Eleven of Warwick’s sports clubs serious,” he said. clean water and life-saving vac- will perform prepared routines in Members of last year’s victorious cines. the Copper Rooms to raise money team would only say that they had for the well-known charity, and will a “hunger for victory”, and boasted aim to beat the £1686 raised last that they gained “fame” from win- One competitor admitted year. ning last year. that he had been given Lacrosse, Rowing, Men’s Crick- However, whilst there will cer- strict exercise and dietary et, Women’s Hockey, Men’s Hock- tainly be a competitive spirit on instructions in preparation ey, Snow, Surf, Women’s Football, the night, none of the clubs have Athletics, Tennis, and Netball have lost sight of the primary reason for spent the last few weeks meticu- the competition: to raise money for lously crafting and adapting their Sport Relief. CMD are also putting together routines. A sub-section of Comic Relief, a raffle package for the event, with Humour and innovation is en- it puts on of the largest national bigger and better prizes than previ- couraged, and the ten teams last events of the year each March, ri- ous years, adding extra entertain- year set the bar exceptionally high valled only by Red Nose Day. ment for the crowd. The first event to be televised on Competition for this year’s Sport the BBC was in 2002, and has since Relief is sure to be fierce, with pride When asked who they feared » CMD prepare for the 2013 Sports Relief dance-off . photo: CMD been supported by a number of ce- and reputation at stake. most, Athletics members said lebrities. It’s no wonder Warwick Sport’s there was “no competition” harder than ever before. tion, though. Men’s Cricket have Comedian David Walliams, who clubs are showcasing unprecedent- Everybody who spoke to CMD changed their angle this year de- swam the Thames in September ed levels of competitive spirit this on behalf of their teams wished to spite the success of last year’s Irish 2011, raised £2m for Sport Relief in season. remain anonymous so as not to re- jig, and say they have “increased the process. But there can only be one winner veal too much about their routines. the “diversity of their dance” and Meanwhile, fellow comedian - who will it be? in that respect. Rowing have already caused a have been practising “a lot”. John Bishop cycled, rowed and ran Tickets are £4 and can be pur- An Irish jig from Men’s Cricket, stir this year with their extrovert Last year’s victors, Men’s Hockey, from Paris to London in five hours chased on the Warwick Students Rowing’s rendition of the iconic charity naked calendars, and told are acutely aware of what is at stake. last year. Union’ website. Britney music-video ‘Oops I Did CMD that they are working “exce- They have won two out of the The Sport Relief Mile is also an It Again’ and Ladies’ Hockey’s tap tionally hard” to create more waves three competitions since its intro- extremely popular and inclusive routine were particularly popular of publicity on campus. duction in 2010, and finished sec- event, as individuals of all ages and amongst a large crowd supporting Meanwhile, Athletics members ond in the other. abilities are able to take part. their individual club. presented a defiant front. When One first-year member high- It was originally designed to cel- Members of the club have been asked who they feared most, they lights the stress of trying to live up ebrate the 50th anniversary of Rog- Who will win the working behind the scenes to assess said there was “no competition”and to the “expectation” of triumphing er Bannister running the first ever CMD dance-off? the teams’ morale, and it is clear that they were “going to win”. once again. four-minute mile, but has since Tweet: @BoarSport that the teams have been working They will face stiff opposi- become one of the most popular Term One: tears, triumphs and... a bit of poetry Basketball Squash Athletics Lacrosse Men’s Hockey

“Off to Birmingham we went Despite Piglet’s act of malcontent Getting us to meet an hour be- fore the bus got sent Mate - two hours would have got us to Kent We then began our descent Into that hell where Brum teams “My fa- torment vourite moment of term one was “Our best moment was on the “One of the more significant “It’s been an incredible term But don’t worry readers, we the first half Warwick Men played Wednesday of Week seven, with- moments of this term had to be from start to finish, but week five made them repent against Loughborough Seconds in out a doubt. the Birmingham Cross-Country stands out as a personal highlight Our team was made of better November. “All three men’s teams were at League Race, hosted by Leaming- for both myself and the club. content “We were undersized and looked home, and crucial BUCS matches ton Athletics Club at Newbold Co- “Winning five competitive They were loose top soil, we were as though we would be second best, were being played on all six courts myn. matches from five across the week cement but instead of flinching and being at the same time. “It was by all accounts an atro- with substantial goal differences Our passing success was a much intimidated we took the game to “With supporters lining the bal- ciously muddy and arduous course. throughout was absolutely brilliant higher percent them. conies, all three teams triumphed. “Heavy on my mind was the leg- and a testament to the club’s hard We scored from a flick, the team “We finished the second quarter “The 1sts won 4-1 against arch-ri- acy of the club, which historically work and dedication. began its ascent level, running through our sets well vals Birmingham thirds in a crucial has alternated between the first and “We saw complete beginners We stepped high and unpacked and making tough baskets. match to take them to second in the second divisions like a pendulum. play in their first development our tent “We defended with incredible league. “Special mention must go to Ben tournament. Camping out in their half and resilience, with every player work- “Meanwhile, the seconds Leach who finished the race with a “They really impressed every- paying no rent ing his hardest. claimed a nail-biting 3-2 win over broken tibia (although I can’t con- one with how much skill they had There was nothing they could do “Our intensity was phenomenal Nottingham 3rds which went right done this medically, it epitomis- already learned in five short weeks. to prevent and really shocked the league lead- down to the wire. es the warrior spirit that this club “We ended the week on a high Our shorties, they were sleek: ers, almost clinching an improba- “And the thirds were clinical in stands for). with the girls winning their tour- two goals - we scored 50 percent ble victory. taking down the University of East “Also the freshers that succeeded nament. They refused to relent “At the end of the game the coach Anglia (UEA) 5-0. in making the A and B teams.” “It’s been a brilliant term for But Brum were left to ferment.” told us how impressed he was.” “An amazing day of squash!” Warwick Lacrosse.” Phil Reeder Mark Le Conte Thomas Newman Jenny Harris Patrick Davis theboar.org 28 Sponsored by Editor: Isaac Leigh [email protected] Twitter @BoarSport SPORT fb.com/groups/BoarSport Results Tri-ed and tested: this brilliant Du-o 20 November 2013 Badminton

Isaac Leigh talks to Warwick’s world champion athletes Charlotte Taylor and Eloise du Luart Warwick H/A Opp W O niversity flatmates are guar- on the course. I didn’t know where style to you and who you can share to pursue triathlon as a career: such Men’s 1st A B’ham 1st 4 4 anteed to share some ex- I’d come when I crossed the line!” training sessions with and go to is the addiction of the pain and the Men’s 2nd H Notts 3rd 5 3 traordinary memories. Be it she laughed. races with,” Taylor said. early mornings, such is the indefin- Women’s 1st A Notts 1st 6 2 Ua culinary faux-pas or alcohol-re- Du Luart finished seventh in the “I think we do spur each other able rush of glory. lated mishaps, housemates often duathlon event. on, although in a race I guess we try Du Luart’s triathlon consisted of Fencing develop inextricable bonds with The duo decided to share a and beat the other one, just like we an 1500m swim, 40km bike and a each other. two-person house in Kenilworth do all our other competitors.” 10km run – most university stu- Men’s 1st H Leicester 1st 135 5 For finalists Charlotte Taylor for convenience, but have also be- Du Luart agrees: “We’re great, dents’ idea of hell. (MORSE) and Eloise du Luart (Phi- come close friends as their athletic great friends, but if you’re both ath- Both train for between 15 and losophy, Politics and Economics),, 20 hours a week across their three Football their mutual interest is slightly dif- disciplines, as well as concentrating ferent. They are world champions on strength and conditioning in Men’s 1st A Derby 1st 0 0 in triathlon and duathlon respec- weights-related sessions. tively. However, both are unequivo- Golf Taylor won the under-20 World cal when I ask them whether they Triathlon Championships in Lon- want to pursue academic study or Men’s 1st A Derby 1st 0 6 don in August, while du Luart pre- look to make their triathlon dream Mixed 2nd A Leicester 1st 3.5 2.5 vailed in the under-23 duathlon a reality. equivalent in Ottawa, Canada, in “I definitely intend to try and Hockey the same month. race at as high a level as I can in the And speaking to them both, it is future - I don’t know where this will Men’s 1st H Ox Brookes 2nd 6 0 clear that this is not just an activity take me, but I intend to find out!” Men’s 2nd A Bedford 1st 5 0 said Taylor. on the side at university: it is what Women’s 2nd H Lincoln 1st 0 3 they want to do as a career. Du Luart, admits that it can be Despite her obvious talent, du difficult to balance academic work Luart admitted that she was amazed and sport, but that “she always gets Lacrosse to win the duathlon event. it done at the end of the day, even if the priorities might not be quite Men’s 1st A Leicester 1st 5 6 right!” Men’s 2nd H De Montfort 1st 4 5 She has identified one weakness Women’s 1st A Notts 2nd 15 2 “We’re great, great friends, but Women’s 2nd A East Anglia 1st 5 11 there’s always going to be com- which she needs to improve on if petitiveness between us” she is to make it in the long-term. “I need to improve my swim- Netball ming,” she said. “Hopefully by the end of uni I’ll Women’s 1st A B’ham 2nd 33 33 be at a point where I can take a year Women’s 2nd H East Anglia 1st 17 47 “You start to pick up names of out and give it 100 per cent for a fellow competitors, but as soon as year. Rugby Union you go to the Worlds there are peo- “Then I’ll know what I need to ple you’ve never heard of. I had no » Charlotte (left) and Eloise photo: I.Dowie do and whether I can commit to it Men’s 1st H Oxford Br 1st 34 15 clue if I could win or not,” du Luart full-time. I do love it.” Men’s 2nd A B’ham 3rd 17 12 said. For now, Taylor and du Lu- Women’s 1st H Leicester 1st 7 24 “As the duathlon was in Cana- careers develop rapidly. letes there’s always going to be a bit art will continue to participate in da I assumed they’d have a strong They train separately for the of competitiveness. BUCS competitions, which they Squash mountain team, so I wasn’t quite swimming event and often without “There’s nothing horrid at all – are likely to win given they have sure what they’d unleash on us. each other due to injury, but often we’re always so happy for each oth- already triumphed on the world Men’s 1st H B’ham 2nd 0 5 “When I won I was amazed and cycle together. er when we do amazingly. stage. Women’s 1st H Nott Trent 1st 1 2 got really emotional – I couldn’t They also share the stresses of “When I came seventh in the du- The next world triathlon in Au- believe it. You dream about it but competing at this level. athlon I was still so happy for her as gust 2014 is again in Canada, while you’re not sure if it’ll ever happen.” Because they are not classified as we had both given everything.” the duathlon is in Spain. Tennis Meanwhile, Taylor admitted that elite runners, they are required to It is intriguing to discover that If you had told this duo a year she was genuinely confused as to contribute heavily towards travel neither athlete intended to go into ago that they would leave Warwick Men’s 1st H Notts 1st 8 4 whether she had won her duathlon costs, despite the fact that they are triathlon. with every chance of becoming an Women’s 2nd H B’ham 2nd 8 4 at first. representing their country. Both originally defined them- elite triathlete, they would have “The race itself went very And Taylor admits that she ap- selves as runners – Du Luart was scoffed at you. Volleyball smoothly for me, but I found it dif- preciates living with somebody also a keen lacrosse player - before But after a year of hard work, ficult to know which position I was who shares her hectic way of life. beginning to cycle and swim to al- graft and the dizzying heights of Men’s 1st A Oxford 1st 3 1 in during the race because there “It’s great to be able to live with leviate injuries. world stardom, they genuinely have Women’s 1st H Derby 1st 2 3 was more than one age-group out someone who leads a similar life- A year later, and they both want every chance of achieving their

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