Bangor University Students’ Union November Issue 2017 English Language Issue No. 265 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk

BANGOR DOES GHANA PHILIP PULLMAN GREATEST TV SHOWS EVER RESEARCHER FROM BANGOR UNIVERSITY SHORTLISTED FOR NEWTON PRIZE

partner countries providing matched photonics research in both countries, by ALEKSANDRA funding and resources. and a huge scienti c impact could be KOZLOWSKA It intends to build research and expected from it in the future.” innovation partnerships to support Dr Iestyn Pierce, Head of the School r Liyang Yue from Bangor the economic development and social of Electronic Engineering said: “I am University’s School of welfare as well as to develop research delighted that Dr Yue’s work has been Electronic Engineering has and innovation ability for a long-term recognised. Dr Yue’s research is a beenD shortlisted for the prestigious sustainable growth.  ne example of the ground-breaking, 2017 Newton Prize for his project Dr Yue’s project allows 3D innovative work being conducted at based on building a super-resolution metamaterials to be directly the University. metamaterial 3D printing system. printed from 3D CAD models with “We attract some of the best e Prize aims to encourage higher design freedom and lower international-calibre researches and researchers to participate in the cost compared to conventional teachers to our School and is another Newton Fund as partners with the photolithography methods. great example of our international UK and to work on the most crucial Impacts of his work can be found in partnership working.” challenges facing Newton countries. the Vietnamese telecommunications e Newton Prize winners will be is year these include: India, and photonics industries, as well as in announced at the celebratory award Malaysia, ailand and Vietnam. e the environment, health and energy ceremonies held in each of the partner concept has been developed to prove sectors. countries: how UK partnerships with Newton A er receiving the news he said: countries are solving global challenges. “I am very excited and honoured India – 1 November It is an annual fund, which equals £1 to be shortlisted for this prize. My ailand – 8 November million and is given to the best research Vietnamese partner and I spent nine Malaysia – 14 November or innovation supporting the social months developing a micro/nano 3D Vietnam – 16 November welfare and economic development of printing platform in Bangor. developing countries. “ ese printed micro/nano e Minister for Universities, Dr Yue has a chance of winning up structures can be used to fabricate an Science and Research Jo Johnson will to £200,000 from the fund in order arti cial electromagnetic metamaterial also host a UK event in London in to advance his project. e Newton using ‘exotic’ properties which cannot early December to celebrate the  rst Prize has a complete UK Government be found in nature. is platform is ear of the Prize and to announce the investment of £735 million up until a low-cost but powerful research toll 2018 Newton Prize countries. 2012 with having each one of the 18 for fundamental nanotechnology and ATTACK OF THE NOUGHTIE’S WHO WINS? 2 YOU DECIDE!!! 6TH MARCH 2018 DON’T FREE , FORGET TO PICK

GOODIE BAGS& UP YOUR FREE DRINKS COMMUNITY SNACKS GUIDE & RECIPE BOOK Halls to Home FAIR PRESENTED BY HALLS’ RESIDENTIAL LIFE THE HALLS TO HOME FAIR WILL GIVE YOU THE LOW DOWN ON: FINANCE | SUPPORT SERVICES | HOUSING | SECURITY RECYCLING | LOCAL SHOPS | JOB OPPORTUNITIES & MORE For further info please email [email protected] 24TH NOVEMBER 2017 POWIS HALL, Main Arts, 11am – 2.30pm November Issue 2017 3 CONTENTS 13

News 4-7 Politics 8-9 Comment 10-11 EMMA JEWKES Environment 12-13 EDITOR Science 14-15 [email protected]

Travel 16-17 This will probably be a recurring Societies 18-19 phrase in my editorials but I 19 honestly can’t believe how quickly TV 20-21 the year is going! We are fast approaching the end of the rst Music 22-23 semester which means only one thing; CHRISTMAS!!! I absolutely 90’s Vs 00’s 24-25 love this time of year, with the smell of festivities in the air. It Games 26-27 wasn’t always that way though. In a previous life, long before I came Film 28-29 to Bangor, I was a Chef so for me, Breaktime 30 this time of year meant the start of cooking turkey’s, preparing sprouts Union 31 and making endless Christmas puddings. Now, as student, I get Books 32-33 to enjoy the run up to Christmas and everything that surrounds the Lifestyle 34-35 festive period. 20 Of course, the lead up to Food & Drink 36-37 Christmas also means that winter Fashion 38-39 is now truly upon us as the snow atop Mount Snowdon will attest Mental Wellbeing 40-41 and I love it. It may be cold outside and the Welsh winter can be biting Creative Corner 42-43 but it just gives me an excuse to get the heating on, make myself a hot Sport 45-48 chocolate and snuggle on the sofa with my favourite box set. During assignment and dissertation breaks of course. This issue of Seren is another jam packed bundle of amazingness. In books, we have dedicated a whole page to Phillip Pullman ahead of his appearance at Pontio next month. As a budding writer myself, I’m particularly looking forward to seeing him and getting an insight into his writing process. We also have a feature in our TV section which celebrates our favourite television programs . 20 As a self-confessed telly-addict, I absolutely love Lost which is still, in my humble opinion, the nest tv show ever made. I also want CONTRIBUTORS to draw your attention to this month’s 90’s Night feature where Abi Robinson we begin the battle to end all 32 Olivia Romero-Collins battles between the nineties and Lachlan Ross the noughties. Which one will you Shannon Jackson pick? As an eighties baby (yes I am Sam Morley really that old. I know, you couldn’t tell), I have to side with the decade TEAM Vicky Wilkes of the Gameboy, the Spice Girls and Zach Reading the Tamagotchi; the 90’s. The nal Jamie King decision is in your hands though, so 2017-18 Ben Shephard choose wisely! Andrew Pandy As well as these features, we also have all of our regular sections so Editor - Emma Jewkes Music - Lizzy Dillon Benjamin Smith I’m sure you’ll nd something that Deputy - Finnian Shardlow TV - Jordan King Aaron Williams interests you somewhere within News - Isabella Timpany Games Film - Megan Richards Faith Elsegood these pages. Deputy News - Aleksandra Kozlowska Books - Beth Smith Millie Hicklin Sport - Katie Tew Lifestyle - Catrin Jones Rory Formstone-Roberts ----- Politics - Kayleigh Lavornia Food & Drink - Paige Brook Phoebe Jones The views presented hereinafter Comment -Simrad Prasad Fashion - Sash Deacon Rowan Hart do not represent the views of Seren Environment - Hannah Limberger Mental Wellbeing - Olivia Jones Dan Stretch Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Science - Laura Aspin Creative Corner - Leia Tewnion Callen Loftus Bangor University. Travel - Jack Carr-Brickles Photographer - Danny Mo at Octavia Owen ----- Arts & Culture - Chloe Heath Technical Advisor - Daniel Turner Seren is printed by NWN Media. 4 Seren | November Issue 2017 NEWS IN BRIEF LOCAL Zoo Keepers Outraged A er WEAPON AMNESTY  eir Baby Lynx Is Shot WEEK RECEIVES MORE THAN 400 KNIVES OFFICERS gave the public an oppor- tunity to turn in their potentially lethal weapons without the fear of punish- ment and as a result received over 400 knives. Amnesty bins were placed in Bangor, Caernarfon, Holyhead, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Llandudno, Mold and Wrexham. O cers hope this public support campaign educates people about the dangers of knives. Sergeant Tecwyn Green, a co-ordinator of the operation North Wales Police, said: “We have col- lected 428 knives across North Wales over the course of the one week am- nesty which is a fantastic result.” is was more than what was collected in the previous amnesty week, which was held earlier this year in July, where 380 items were handed in. Sergeant Green continues “I would like to thank the public for handing in their unwanted knives, Trading Standards who accompanied North Wales Police to shops selling knives, and also to Denbighshire and Conwy Councils for placing knife amnesty bins at their recycling centres to help with the collection.” by ISABELLA TIMPANY in the shooting of our baby lynx. “A er a fruitless search we were 9th November, urging o cers to make “ is concerted e ort demonstrates “We are truly devastated this has informed that due to her being in a a statement about the potential danger our continued commitment to ensur- oo keepers have been le happened. For the past three weeks we heavily populated area they would be to livestock, a er the suspected killing ing North Wales remains a safe and devastated and angered a er have been tracking and attempting to issuing a shoot, to kill and we had run of seven sheep. welcoming place to live, work and vis- an escaped lynx was shot by the catch her in a safe way and employed out of time.” ey said a marksmen Ceredigion council said the lynx has it. e campaign may be over however, council.Z on-site help from expert trackers and with “state of the art night scopes and strayed over to a populated area of the people can still hand in their unwant- e one and a half year old Eurasian animal recovery specialists.” thermal cameras” was called in to hunt community and it was necessary to act ed knives at Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Lynx, named Lillith, went missing ey say no expense or e ort was her down and shoot her dead. decisively. e marksmen agreed and Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Caernarfon, three weeks ago from the Borth Wild spared and the lynx was sighted Dean Tweedy, co-owner of the zoo, claimed “action had to be taken”. Bangor and Holyhead Police Stations.” Animal Kingdom. A er the council’s underneath a caravan at a nearby wanted to see Lillith darted but was e lynx was used to people, meaning “exhaustive e orts”, such as laying caravan park, which is closed for the told there was issues with the terrain it posed an even greater threat on the CHARITY BOXES STOLEN baited traps, and public safety risk winter, on ursday. “All we had to do and licensing of guns. He held himself public. e council insists “the safety FROM BANGOR’S JASMINE increasing to “severe”, the decision was was sling a net across the back and we “absolutely responsible” for the escape of the public was paramount”, and RESTAURANT made to shoot the big cat. would have had her trapped. and that they had been building new could not return the lynx body to the Zoo owners have condemned the “Unfortunately, one of the o cials enclosures to improve the zoo at the zoo because a post mortem would be “hunting and killing” of the beast and insisted that he needed to photograph time of the disappearance. carried out. le a statement on their Facebook her to make a positive ID before we Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) It is believed the Lillith escaped by page expressing their sorrow and were allowed to close. He slipped and felt the escaped lynx wasn’t being making a giant leap over the electri ed lack of approval of the shooting. “ e fell going up the bank which startled taken seriously enough. Glyn Roberts fence. e Ceredigion council will decision to kill her was not ours and her causing her to run past him and o FUW president wrote to Dyfed-Powys carry out an inspection of the zoo later we in no way agreed to or participated across the  elds. Police’s crime commissioner on the this month. Corn Snake Discovered In Caernarfon Sewage System Believed To Have Been Flushed Down Toilet n ursday 9th November a expected to see in the sewer and I was THIEVES broke into the town cen- large snake was discovered worried it would get hurt if we didn't tre’s restaurant between Monday night at Caenarfon’s Dwr Cymru remove it. I contacted the RSPCA TreatmentO Works. It is suspected the immediately and they responded 9:30pm and Tuesday morning 9am and stole three charity boxes and cash from snake has either been  ushed away or quickly to rescue the snake.” the till. e Penguin Cafe on Bangor escaped down the toilet. e snake, With the increase in popularity of high street was also targeted a few days unharmed, was rescued by RSPCA reptile pets there has been a rise of previous but the thieves were unsuc- Cymru and was later transferred related incidents.Reptiles are wholly cessful as the alarm was activated. PC to specialist facilities. e team at reliant on the owner to provide RSPCA Cymru stress the importance Lisa omas said “We are appealing to the correct environment, heating anybody who may have seen suspicious of keeping exotic pets secure in and lighting. RSPCA Cymru urges behaviour around the high street to appropriate accommodation. Keith contact us. Local o cers have looked Bridge, Welsh Water’s maintenance potential new owners to research the at the local CCTV and carried out en- engineer said “We took the cover unique requirements of the exotic pet quiries in the area and we are currently o the manhole and saw this pink so they know they’re responsibilities coping an open mind as to whether thing! I looked closer and realised it are exactly what they're signing up to. both incidents are linked. was a snake. is was the last thing I November Issue 2017 | Seren 5 NEWS Untidy 'To Let' Signs On College Road Could IN BRIEF WORLD’S RAREST Be Jeopardising Neighbourhood Safety AND HOTTEST CHILLIES GROWN ON ANGLESEY THE Little Chilli Shop in Beaumaris will soon be selling some of the world's rarest and hottest chillies from all four corners of the earth, from South America to the Far East. With help from her father Medwyn Williams, Anglesey's super gardener, Alwyn Williams has cultivated the 'Purple Ecuadorian Rainforest' chil- lies, the 'Long John' chillies, 'Bhut Jolokia' chillies and the rarest of them all 'Pink Tiger' chillies. Despite many saying they couldn't be grown here, Alwyn has proved them wrong and has grown many in a secret location. e Bhut Jolokia, or al- ternatively known as the 'White Ghost' chilli is arguably the hottest chilli in the world. Suzanne Silcock and husband Tim, proud owners of e Little Chilli by ISABELLA TIMPANY code of conduct for letting agencies “ e substantial number of 'To Let' the negative impact they are having on Shop and lovers of all things spicy such as having only one sign per agen- signs around Bangor is a concern and the image of the city and the univer- are thrilled to be selling the exclusive esidents, students, the council cy per street or using smaller boards. we are grateful to the MP for support- sity as a place to live, work and study. chillies. and the local MP agree that 'To Many of the letting boards are perma- ing the work we are currently carrying Concerns have also been raised that Let' signs make Bangor streets nent  xtures on Bangor's properties. out to tackle the problem. e coun- these signs could lead to a potential ALYS CONRAN, Rlook 'cluttered and untidy' and could Hywel Williams said: “I'm pleased cil's planning department has recently increase in crime and a ect the safety lead to a rise in crime in the area. there is already joined up thinking written to local letting agents to high- of the residents of the houses, as well A BANGOR Discussion has been had over the im- on this issue and pay tribute to the light the concerns raised by members as the security of the properties them- UNIVERSITY pact that proliferation letting boards work already undertaken by Gwynedd of the local community about this selves. O cers from the council have are having and a visit was made by council and partner organisations in matter, including local councillors, the invited local letting agents to meet to LECTURER WINS Arfon MP Hywel Williams in response Bangor to seek a practical solution to city council, groups associated with discuss this matter, so that both sides WALES BOOK OF THE to the concerns raised. City council- this pressing local issue. Streets such Bangor University, the local police and can have a better understanding of lors have been working with Gwynedd as College Road should be providing the local AM. e planning authority why there has been an increase in this YEAR AWARD council o cers to try to reduce the both local residents and visitors with has received a number of complaints type of signage and their knock-on number of signs and talk has been a visually appealing approach to uni- about the serious negative visual im- negative e ect on the area.” made about introducing a voluntary versity. A council spokesperson said: pact of the signs on Bangor, as well as Voltaire Hailed One Of The Best Vegan Restaurant In The UK

CREATIVE writing lecturer, Alys Conran has won the Wales Book Of e Year award for her debut Novel, Pigeon. e book, published in both English and Welsh, was initially awarded the Rhys Davies Trust Fiction award, then went on to win the main English Language award securing £4,000 and a specially commissioned trophy designed and created by the art- ist Angharad Pearce Jones.Chair of the by ISABELLA TIMPANY Owner Rachael Phoenix says their from her son Jordan who assists create more willing than ever to give it a try. Arts Council Of Wales, Phil George restaurant started with a very simple the atmosphere with his eclectic taste Ariana Grande, Ellen Degeneres, presented the award. angor's vegan restaurant ethos 'make good food, make good in music and passionate head chef Liam Hemsworth and JME are just a is heart wrenching, poetic, re- 'Voltaire' has been voted one of friends'. eir philosophy is to show Darren Gains. few to add to the list of vegan celeb- markable novel takes the reader on the top eateries for animal-free their customers that plant-based food e menu changes twice a year and rities. e restaurant has an excellent ‘a journey through the uneasy half Bfood in the UK by tripadvisor custom- can be just as delicious as any other draws inspiration from all around pro le on TripAdvisor rated a credible forgotten memories of childhood’, it er recommendations. mainstream menu. the world. Surprisingly, majority of 4 and a half stars, a 76% excellent rat- is ‘a story about wishful thinking and is is an outstanding achievement e restaurant has a very particular the large customer base is not vegan, ing and satis ed customers comment- the power of language’. Alys Conran for the small restaurant which has only vibe, a great playlist paired with warm around 80% are meat eaters. However, ing on the great quality of the food and is originally from North Wales but been open 18 months and is the only interior creates a cool and comfort- with a the growing trend in veganism large portion sizes. One customer says spent several years in Edinburgh and welsh establishment named on the list. able place to relax and enjoy thought- and popular celebrities and athletes they were “blown away by the quality Barcelona before returning to North ful, fresh food. Phoenix receives help promoting the lifestyle, the public are of the food”. Wales to live and write. 6 Seren | November Issue 2017 NEWS BANGOR UNIVERSITY’S FISH ENTREPRENEUR By ALEKSANDRA Sam said: “It has taken time to build KOZLOWSKA the business from the ground up to be ready to launch, but I’m a very am Hamill, 20 years old, is ambitious person and felt this was a currently in his third year market that I could really add to with studying marine biology at both my knowledge and passion for BangorS University, and is determined marine biology. to pursue his passion in order to set e business is aimed at commercial up the largest livestock supplier of  sh and private clients, and I believe we’ll species in the UK. have people from all backgrounds Big on Fish, which is an online shop buying aquarium products from us – and retail store stocking over 1100 whether they’re looking for an exotic exotic  sh and coral species as well as  sh for their home, or impressive  sh aquarium equipment, is about to be tanks for their business.” launched in November. In order to access some help in Since the age of 17, the young cra ing a business plan, Sam took part entrepreneur has been gaining in Big Wales’ Bootcamp to Business experience through working on event in Betws-y-Coed earlier this his  rst business providing pond year. e workshop took three days, maintenance services to his local hosting over   y young entrepreneurs community. with the aim of teaching them Alongside that, Sam’s interest in essential skills needed to expand their marine biology has been  ourishing businesses as well as growing network since he was six years old. When he connections. realized the level of competition in It was an opportunity to meet like- the graduate jobs market, he decided minded individuals and get some to go one step further and develop his valuable advice from the experts. entrepreneur potential, simultaneously He said: “I went to the event thinking balancing it with his ongoing degree. I knew almost everything I could A er 18 months of dedication, his about starting a business, but in actual new project is set to launch this month. fact I quickly realized I didn’t know as Sam will manage a retail store in much as I thought. Manchester that he has recently I learnt a lot at Bootcamp about developed a partnership with as well protecting my brand and how to as manage an online outlet, which market the business. o ers next day delivery service based It’s a brilliant service for young in Caernarfon. entrepreneurs to take advantage of.” He is con dent that both retail store However, Sam’s plans are not limited and online shop will enable Big on to the launch of Big on Fish. He is also Fish to stock the largest number of  sh planning to open more retail stores species in the UK. across the UK. In addition, by the end e shop will stock  sh from across of the year Sam hopes to introduce a the world, including Australia, Hawaii Big on Fish  sh food products range, and the Red Sea. which is currently in development in e most expensive  sh species are partnership with a company based in going to be retailing at over £2000. the United States. RESEARCH ON THE ROLE OF PHOSPHORUS IN THE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE UK FOOD SYSTEM By ALEKSANDRA erefore, any  uctuations in in demand for food supplies. Better KOZLOWSKA the price and the availability of management of phosphorus in phosphorus are putting Great Britain agriculture and related industries, and angor University is to be in a danger of the future food security. also in waste treatment, would also awarded a portion of the e basic principle that is now driving improve our waterways and support funding of £4.9 million for the mineral’s sustainability is based on the wildlife in those environments.” Binterdisciplinary research provided recycling it as much as possible. Announcing the Awards, Science by the UK’s Global Food Security However, this simplistic solution is Minister, Jo Johnson, said: “ e programme. highly complex in practice as it is not Global Food Security programme is School of Environment, Natural fully understood yet how landscapes an excellent example of interdisci- Resources and Geography at Bangor hold phosphorus inputs and how plinary research, bringing together a University has received over £1.5 we can manage them to deliver a range of expertise across the biologi- million. pro table agriculture, simultaneously cal, environmental and social sciences Together with numerous UK providing societal well-being and to address the many uncertainties fac- stakeholders and under the leadership protecting water resources. ing the UK’s food system. of Professor Paul Withers and a world- erefore, a better understanding Research is a vital part of our leading team consisting of socio- of the requirements needed is crucial Industrial Strategy, and by increasing economic and biophysical scientists, in order to encourage stakeholders funding in this area we are helping will explore how to make the best use to make the transition to sustainable ensure the future security of the UK of phosphorus. phosphorus management. food sector, while reinforcing our po- Phosphorus is a huge cause of the Professor Paul Withers said: “ is is sition as a world leader in science and pollution in freshwater lakes, coastal an exciting project because it is the  rst innovation.” zones and rivers. time that a comprehensive attempt Director of the Global Food Security However, it is also an important has been made to evaluate the current programme, Riaz Bhunnoo, added: ingredient of the production of vulnerability of the UK’s food systems “ is research showcases the vital healthy and pro table crops as well as to potential phosphorus shortages or role of the Global Food Security pro- livestock. to develop and implement a strategy gramme and follows directly from our e majority of the world’s non- to increase their sustainability. horizon-scanning, engagement with renewable phosphate reserves are e end result of the three-year policy and business and our interdis- controlled by China, Algeria, Morocco project will place the UK in a much ciplinary food systems approach to and Syria. better position to face an expected the challenges. In addition, the UK relies on phosphorus supply constraints and e research programme as a whole imported phosphorus due to the price  uctuations and to enable the will help ensure the UK food system is complete lack of the natural sources of sustainable intensi cation of UK resilient in a rapidly changing world.” the mineral. agriculture to meet an expected rise November Issue 2017 | Seren 7 NEWS THE SCHOOL OF WELSH PART OF NATIONAL SCHEME By ALEKSANDRA Demonstration of the relevance of KOZLOWSKA Welsh in everyday life as well as pre- senting how studying Welsh improves angor University’s School of skills and allows to expand career op- Welsh is participating in a na- portunities, will be one of the main tional scheme, which aims to goals of the scheme. Braise awareness amongst students Focus is going to be put on bringing studying Welsh at the university or at the syllabus alive and sparking stu- A-level. dents’ interest in Welsh language out- e programme is sponsored by side the classroom. the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol as ere will be also an emphasis on the well as Welsh departments in Welsh diverse and multidisciplinary nature universities and provides workshops of numerous Welsh degrees. Professor for Year 10 and 11 pupils in Welsh- Gerwyn Williams, Head of Bangor medium schools throughout Wales. University’s School of Welsh said: e project was o cially introduced “Following the Government’s ambi- at Ysgol Bro Edern, Cardi East on tious targets to reach a million Welsh th 24 October in the presence of Alun speakers, together with the growing Davies, Minister for Lifelong Learning demand for graduates who can work and Welsh Language. con dently and professionally in e scheme was developed in con- Welsh, it is timely that Welsh depart- sultation with the WJEC Welsh Subject ments in universities work together to O cer and Welsh teachers throughout promote Welsh as a subject. Wales. Bangor University’s School of Welsh In addition, it consists of two ele- is delighted to be part of such an ambi- ments of the workshop: a session fa- tious and exciting scheme that is also cilitated by the universities’ Welsh de- the result of working in collaboration partments and a session with the poets with Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Rhys Iorwerth and Aneirin Karadog and the WJEC.” based on their poems in the GCSE Literature syllabus. IS IT POSSIBLE TO STOP FAKE NEWS IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS? By ALEKSANDRA education people how to use social spreading; and well-resourced propa- KOZLOWSKA and digital media in order to obtain gandists exploit this mix.” the ability of recognizing fake news. Also cited in this report, Professor ian Bakir, who is a Professor Another solution is to encourage McStay said: “Undoubtedly, fake news in Political Communication media outlets to promote pluralistic and weaponized information will in- and Journalism at Bangor media economy. crease in sophistication, but so will at- VUniversity’s School of Creative Studies Recently released survey by Pew tempts to combat it. and Media is pessimistic, however en- Research Center on e Future of For example. e scope to analyse courages not to ignore the issue. Truth and Misinformation Online, at the level of metadata is a promising On the other hand, Andrew McStay, consulted over 1,100 technology and opportunity. Professor in Digital Life at Bangor internet experts. While it is an arms race, I do not fore- University is being more hopeful. Professor Bakir cited in the report see a dystopian outcome.” Although, Professor Bakir recently speaking at said: “It won’t improve because of the there are many challenges due to the the CommsCymru conference on evolving nature of technology- emer- rapid technological change, Professor trust, explained numerous solutions to gent media always catches out of those Bakir encourages to focus on media fake news found in the 79 submissions who wish to control it, at least in the literacy campaigns, which would help to the UK Parliament’s Fake News initial phase of emergence; online so- citizens to verify the credibility of the inquiry. cial media and research engine busi- news stories. One of them include focusing on ness models favour misinformation 8 Seren | November Issue 2017 POLITICS THE WAR ON DRUGS

these killings are spreading like wild- at a war on drugs have looked like. drug, regardless of impending reper- on rehabilitation rather than  nanc- by KAYLEIGH LAVORNIA  re. Given the extreme nature of this e American war on drugs is an ex- cussions. Although, it is indisputable ing their addiction. Two thirds of the extrajudicial execution system, one tremely popular example. Initiated that part of the issue lies in the supplier people who utilized these centers end- eginning in 2016, Philippines question comes to mind; how e ective during the Nixon administration in of that drug, the demand for that drug ed up in work. Heroin overdoses and president Rodrigo Duterte ini- has this campaign been? the early 1970s, increased government is the overall controlling force. Elimi- HIV rates have since both dropped tiated a war on drugs that has On the  rst year anniversary of the and military action was taken and has nating the supply for a drug without dramatically. Bsince been reported as one of the most beginning of this drug war, it was been maintained since, costing the decreasing the demand will only re- Not only has Switzerland been more harsh and debilitating drug vetting noted that the street price of metham- U.S. economy an approximate $1 tril- sult in higher prices of drugs, or more e ective in reducing drug related procedures to date. e Philippines phetamine had dropped in compari- lion dollars overall. Yet, even a er 40 recruitment involved when supplying street crime, but it has also been much have been criticized on a number of son to the year prior. Shabu, a popular years of incessant attempts at crippling the drug. more cost e ective than any other war aspects of this war on drugs, and per- drug in the region, cost between $25 the drug economy, there is evidence One country that acknowledged the on drugs, especially in comparison to haps the most shocking aspect is the and $200, whereas now it costs be- to suggest that this behavior only re- failures of these programs and used the he y price tag associated with the allowance of summary executions. A tween $20 and $300; a  uctuation that sulted in mass incarceration rates and them to create a working method of United States’ e orts. Whether or not summary execution can be identi ed is not exactly a positive result given increased drug related violent crimes lowering drug use is Switzerland. Swit- other countries would like to adopt as an execution in which the accused the amount of lives lost in regards to in Latin American countries. Howev- zerland had a heroin epidemic in the the same means of drug rehabilita- can be killed immediately without this issue. It has become increasingly er, the Obama administration was the 1980s, during which rates of HIV cases tion is still heavily debatable. However, bene tting from a trial. is means apparent that the results of this war on  rst administration to redirect some of also skyrocketed. In response, the gov- given the attempts the world has seen of execution has resulted in an appall- drugs have been not only crippling to the funding to a di erent aspect of the ernment opened free heroin main- to date, one thing is for certain; harsh ing estimated 12,000 deaths to date, in the lives of those a ected, but unsuc- war on drugs; prevention and rehabili- tenance centers in which heroin was means of combatting drug use has cost which approximately 2,500 have been cessful as well. tation. administered both safely and legally large sums of money, and worst of all, carried out by the Philippine National Although the criminality being ig- e fact of the matter is, if someone under medical supervision, in addi- the basic human rights of those af- Police. To make matters worse, allega- nored in this war on drugs is heinous, has reached a point in which drug ad- tion to access to housing and social fected, and needs to be replaced with tions that the Philippines government it is important to put into perspec- diction controls their life, they will workers. Because addicts were allowed a more e ective approach. is falsifying information to justify tive what other country’s attempts stop at nothing to gain access to that a scenario in which they could focus Priti Patel Resignation

British Indian Cabinet Minister. She leader of Israel’s Yesh Atid party and to why Number 10 wasn’t informed of May commented that Patel’s action to by MEGAN RICHARDS was a very prominent MP for the pro- an Israeli foreign ministry o cial, Yu- these meetings earlier. resign was the right one. Brexit campaign during last year’s ref- val Rotem. It is also rumoured that Pa- Patel’s meetings were in the press In her resignation letter, Patel said, n Wednesday the 8th Novem- erendum. Prior to her role as the Inter- tel visited an Israeli military  eld hos- headlines for six days prior to her res- “While my actions were meant with ber Priti Patel le her o ce as national Development Secretary, she pital in Golan Heights. Golan Heights ignation. A er the news broke, Patel the best of intentions, my actions also International Development also served as Exchequers Secretary of is an area that Britain doesn’t recognise did not attend to answer questions at fell below the standards of transparen- SecretaryO a er it was revealed that she the Treasury, and Minister of State for as Israeli controlled. A er returning the House of Commons, and instead cy and openness that I have promoted had failed to be honest with the PM Employment. from her holiday, she was then seen le her deputy to answer the ques- and advocated…”. regarding fourteen uno cial meeting During a supposedly family holiday and photographed with Gilad Erdan, tions. Patel was supposed to catch a On ursday the 9th November Patel with Israeli ministers, business peo- to Israel in August, it was revealed that the minister for public security. Dur-  ight later that day to go on a trip to position was replaced by Penny Mor- ple and a senior conservative lobbyist Patel had had twelve work meetings ing the time she was in New York for Eastern Africa, a  ight that would have dant, MP for the Portsmouth North while on a personal holiday in August. over two days of the thirteen-day holi- the UN General Assembly she had an- allowed her time to go to the House of constituency and former disabilities She is the second of Prime Minister day. ese meetings were not author- other meeting with Rotem. Commons and answer some question. minister. Penney Mordaunt also was eresa May’s cabinet to resign in a ised by the Government in advance e Foreign Cabinet did con rm Instead she boarded an earlier a  ight. an advocator for the Leave campaign. week, a er Michael Fallon retired the and there were no other UK o cials that they, the British Embassy and the However, on the 8th November, Patel is appointment allows for May to week prior due to allegations of sexual present. ese undisclosed meetings Department for International Devel- was summoned back to the UK by the keep a balance in her cabinet between harassment. with high ranking Israeli o cials in- opment learned about the meetings PM. A er an only six-minute meeting Pro and against Brexit campaigners, Priti Patel is the MP for the Witham cluded Benjamin Netanyahu, the Is- back in August, not long a er they in Downing Street, Patel resigned from and a balance in genders. Constituency in Essex, and the  rst raeli Prime Minister, Yair Lapid, the took place. However, it is unknown as her post. A er the resignation, eresa November Issue 2017 | Seren 9 POLITICS MARTIN SHKRELI’S DARAPRIM SCANDAL

con icts with the fact that pro ts from However, in an interview with Martin manufacture drugs use their revenue high price to pay, is still better than not by KAYLEIGH LAVORNIA the sale of this drug increased from Shkreli on CBS news, Shkreli defended to do extensive research on enhanc- having access to the drug at all. Still for $667,000 to $9.9 million respectively. the company’s decision to increase the ing products and creating new drugs some who cannot a ord the medicine, artin Shkreli, founder and In ation as drastic as this is not in any price of the drug, claiming that the for diseases that may otherwise be only being able to access a drug at $750 former CEO of Turing Phar- way exclusively an issue with Turing company that manufactures Epipens untreatable. Other companies, such a pill may as well equivalent to not be- maceuticals, sparked quite a Pharmaceuticals, but is an ongoing makes 8 cents for every dollar they sell. as Turing Pharmaceuticals, produce ing able to access the drug. Yet at the Mbit of controversy with the candidates and rampant issue within the private Given that Mylan is a generic medicine drugs that only a small percentage of end of the day, given the privatization of the presidential election of 2016 and pharmaceutical industry. retailer, this is considered a low price the population need to take each year, of pharmaceuticals that the United in the United States alike over his com- Another pivotal example of this for the product, but on the other hand which means that cost of production States has in place, these companies pany’s decision to raise the price of an behavior is with the rise in price of it is still important to keep sympathy far outweighs the revenue from the are meant to make a pro t, even with HIV/AIDS drug by over 5000%. Over- Epipens over the last decade. Epipens for the patients who cannot a ord sale of the drug. is creates an envi- the health and safety of patients at the night, the company increased the price are typically used to combat the e ects medication in mind. ronment where major pharmaceuti- forefront of their agenda. Given these of daraprim, which is used in treat- of potentially deadly allergic reactions, From the price increase of cycloser- cal companies ignore smaller drugs in terms, it can con dently be said that ing PCP, a type of pneumonia caused and are produced by a company called ine reaching $10,800 from $500, to a favor of big ticket items, and compa- although these price increases may be by a yeast-like fungus, and a number Mylan. In January of 2009, the cost of 500% increase in the price of Isuprel, nies who do tackle these smaller drugs detrimental to some patients, there are of other smaller medical issues, from a two pack of Epipens totaled $100. this is not an uncommon issue within must increase the price drastically to a lot more aspects to this predicament $13.50 to $750 USD a tablet. How- Come May of 2016, the exact same the pharmaceutical community. Al- make a pro t. that have not been thoroughly ex- ever, there was a point in time when pack of the medicine totaled $600, though it is easy to attack these com- In the most unideal of scenarios, a plored yet, and the incidents in ques- daraprim only cost $1 a pill. Accord- which is a 500% increase in price over panies based o of the basic moral company might even cease the pro- tion cannot be adequately addressed ing to IMS Health, prior to the sale of a 6 year time frame. Although this is arguments regarding such he y price duction of a drug due to lack of rev- until these aspects have been explored. daraprim to Turing, usage of the pill not quite on the same scale as Shkreli’s increases, there are some compelling enue, leaving those who need the drug had gone down tremendously, from price increase, it is still quite notable, arguments in favor of the corpora- in a dire state. In this case, it may be 12,700 in 2010 to 8,820 in 2014, which and potentially crippling for patients. tions. Many of the companies that argued that $750 for a drug, although a 10 Seren | November Issue 2017 COMMENT e Horror that is Targeted Ads! by SIMRAN PRASAD Targeted ads are essentially a form of really can’t a ord things I want, and, you in. Just a pop up behind a screen ough our knowledge on targeted advertising that uses enhanced meth- reluctantly, getting back to my work. that piques your interest, and has you ads is limited. Personally, I think the ave you ever been on the ods to target audiences, most recep- Sometimes, the true horror lies in the pressing click, and that’s another inter- technological advancement computer phone to your friend, whilst tive to particular traits. is is based realisation that your deadline is now esting facet of targeted ads. Decisions systems have made is very apparent in on Google, searching luxu- on numerous factors. Some include hours away, instead of being at a com- that would take longer because of the this example. For an information sys- riousH travel destinations for your psychographic details such as per- fortable pace when it came to work; all back and forth in your mind simply tem to pick up on recent searches and next vacation getaway? Maybe you’re sonality tendencies, consumer values due to clicking that enticing target ad. change to decisions being made in sec- broadcast extensive related content in multi-tasking at this point, jamming and lifestyle choices, whilst others are Classic. onds, and that’s all down to the click of the form of advertisements not only out to your favourite song and scroll- based on your online activity, such as if In many ways, target ads have helped a button. Although, some people feel proves how interconnected the infor- ing through Facebook simultaneously. you looked up details related to a par- make a solid di erence in peoples lives. targeted ads side step a major bound- mation systems our world has today Except something you’ve just seen ticular scheduled target ad, before that Many people have had the opportunity ary when it comes to cyber security: are, but goes to show that in terms of online makes you halt in your tracks. ad goes live. However, are targeted ads to join support groups, mentor teams privacy. Many people o en feel target- business and the global standpoint An advertisement has just come up on a good addition to our cyber network? and online courses that further their ed ads are unusually accurate and this, when it comes to marketing strategies, Facebook; “Cheap  ights to Hawaii” Or are they edging towards invasion of education, simply because they’ve like anything unexpected and rare, we are investing an incredible amount it reads. Ironic, since that’s the exact privacy? made that split-second decision to in- strikes concern in people. It’s a typical of time, money and energy when it same place you and your friend have Personally, targeted ads have helped vestigate an interesting target ad. Re- emotional response when things take comes to informing people and con- been trying to book tickets to. Ah, tar- me many times. When I’ve been fo- ceptive audiences are key for any form you by surprise. e knowledge we sumers alike about all the enticing geted ads. I’ve had countless conver- cused on a certain task, and a pop up of advertising. However this form of have when it comes to the internet in products o ered, and this sentiment sations with friends about this topic, target ad on a one-time sale at my fa- advertising serves as being extremely general, is very insigni cant compared extends all over the World. 2017 might and to be honest, we’re usually more vourite clothing store comes up, safe unique. ere is no human interaction to what the true capacity of the inter- be the catalyst to launching an era ded- spooked out than amazed by the ac- to say targeted ads have helped me get with this form of advertising. ere’s net really is, therefore it's understand- icated to computers and technological curacy of this tactic. However, do we far on the procrastination front. I’ve nobody saying things to convince able we express concern when targeted services, you never know! really understand the concept of this spent countless hours adding a million you to click an ad and give it a shot, ads pop up, with none of us really hav- virtual stalker? things to my basket only to realise, I no elaborate set up or design to lure ing any clue how that algorithm works.

Has the media created a Are dreams a way of smoke screen when it communicating your comes deepest thoughts? to social issues? by SIMRAN PRASAD ough dreams have been proven to times, as a way to mentally release the by SIMRAN PRASAD such an extent, that it usually causes be a  gment of imagination for many stress, the sub-conscious part of your the public to be massively ill informed. his idea is one I’ve always been people, it’s also been scienti cally brain vents this in a dream. It’s quite hough this is a powerful head- When it comes to social issues, such as curious about. So many times, proven that certain dreams can be in- amazing how coordinated the human line, and is a conversational natural disasters, children not having people claim that dreams have terpreted as situations in life we feel mind is. To have the ability to react piece that tends to spark emo- access to education or poverty, some Tmeaning, and that they could have the powerless or overwhelmed by. ough quickly and responsively in dynamic Ttional responses, it is a vital topic that news outlets fabricate stories to a point unique purpose of being a gateway to these illusory sensations last no more situations, never makes us think twice needs to be addressed. e media has it seems too far-gone to help. at’s a new age. One that involves dream than a couple minutes, they o en about the stress we put our minds always been a connective hub of infor- how it appears to readers, viewers and telepathy and dream telekinesis, to prove to be a very important tool when through. Dreams are a way this gets mation. Anyone in the world has the listeners. To paint such a picture, to an name a few. Let’s not get ahead of our- it comes to the harmony between the alleviated. capacity to access the same informa- enormous community of people, who selves; I’m pretty sure this isn’t the year mind and the body. Sometimes, even However, some people don’t agree tion as others by the click of a button. are ready to help and make a change we’re going to be able to communicate the conscious mind and subconscious with this. Some people believe that At any point in time, you have the free- to the best of their ability is ethically telepathically to someone else while actually! dreams have no real signi cant mean- dom to be completely well informed wrong and oversteps moral bounda- we’re dreaming! Unless, writing this Usually, when people dream of be- ing, and usually occur by chance. about world politics, sport, current af- ries. Considering every single person is a dream, in which case, I might be ing chased, cornered or that they’re Sometimes, if you’ve been to a place fairs and celebrity news, to name a few. relies so heavily on the digital media stuck in a parallel universe that ex- continuously running, that can indi- recently, seen a friend that day or at kind of freedom, unfortunately, in order to get educated on a story, it is plores dream inception. Hopefully, I’ll cate that they are very stressed in life talked about a particular topic and had comes at a price. shameful that many channels that exist be able to understand this better than at the moment. I’ve talked to friends, a dream about it, it's been assumed as Numerous media outlets are com- in the news sector tend to create this the actual Inception movie. Send Help! and have also dreamt of Tsunamis of- being purely coincidental. ough we mitted to informing the public factual smoke screen. Seriously though, do dreams have a ten. According to numerous dream aren’t 100% sure what dreams actually information, and aim to maintain a I think that some news channels and hidden purpose? Could they actually interpretations, dreaming of tsunamis mean, or if they even mean anything, high level of being unbiased. However, media all over the world, believe that serve to be a portal for us to access indicate you are feeling overwhelmed we can all agree that the mind and some outlets believe that if they inform as people, we cannot really make a our deepest, innermost, subconscious in life. is feeling gets too much for body are extensively connected, more the public about fake, exaggerated, bi- change in the social issues that plague thoughts? Let’s explore! your conscious mind to bear, and o en than most people think! ased news, it increases views and gets us today. I think that if the smoke them publicity. is is not acceptable screen was cleared, and people opened to any extent. Many small time news their eyes and realised that they’ve outlets do this with celebrity news; been given a platform to express these they claim that celebrities market and issues to a willing army of people, endorse products when nothing of the committed to making a change, a real sort has happened, and, to an extent, di erence could be made. We always exaggerating the life of a celebrity. is forgot that we’ve been blessed with is undeniably wrong to do, but I be- the opportunity to make a di erence, lieve that exaggerating social issues is a chance many people don’t have. Peo- just as wrong. ple who are at the receiving end of so- When people tune into news chan- cial stigma, and who are plagued with nels, read the newspaper or listen to these social issues, would do anything the news on the radio, they do this for for the platform that news channels the simple reason of being informed and media have. at way, they could and, partly, for the hope that if the freely express themselves and the is- situation is remotely in their control, sues they face. It’s important the news they can do something to help. News sector never lose sight of this. outlets o en twist and dilute a story to November Issue 2017 | Seren 11 COMMENT Were you born in the wrong era? pects in this period? Am I ignoring the common amongst the full, adolescent we were born in. by ABI ROBINSON fact that, forty years on, we have pro- population. I don’t believe that our I enjoy having options. e quirki- gressed in so many important ways? relationship with social media is com- ness of a typewriter I could have used he 1970’s! An era of funky mu- Medicine, being a main focal pointof pletely healthy. It has been linked to de- to write this article, but the more ef- sic, disco  ares and crazy afros. the past century: face transplants, can- pression amongst 14-24-year olds and  cient laptop that I would much pre- I would  ercely argue that some cer treatment, prosthetics and vaccines does consume a lot of our time. But, on fer. As time progresses, and we evolve Tof the greatest hits we listen to, even have all improved the quality of life of the other hand, it is another factor that as a population, the options we have now in present day, were a special gi those who have su ered and faced has improved communications across increase and this usually (not always) from the 70s. e Bee Gees, Jackson 5, misfortune and tragedy. Family mem- the globe and helped widespread ad- improves our way of life. Chic, Earth Wind and Fire (to name a bers and friends would have dealt with vertising. I have family in Spain, and e quality of the memories we few) produced iconic tracks that never more complications with illnesses, I would much prefer a Skype conver- make and the experiences we share, seem to age. We still hear them on the given they were treated with the sur- sation with them, over a written letter is not dependent solely on the era we radio and dance to them at parties. gical procedures of three decades ago, or postcard. We cannot ignore the fact were born in. Each decade has an ex- ey remain the cheerful soundtracks compared to the improved systems we that hopping into a time machine and tensive list of positives and negatives to our 2017 lives. Even the re-occur- have today, and I am more grateful to having free will over opportunities we that a generation will reminisce about; ring fashion trends;  ares are an item be living in a society in which life ex- have missed because we weren’t born hindsight is a wonderful thing. But of clothing I refuse to leave behind, pectancy is higher and medical treat- in our favourite era, like seeing our personally, I believe if you are happy along with jumpsuits and the highly ment are better, than to be living in favourite artist live in concert or hav- and satis ed with the life you have and common  ower-power dresses. So, one which isn’t. ing the ability to attend a special past the memories you have made, regard- with all of this in mind, and an appar- Technology is something else that event, isn’t something we would all less of which year you were born in, ent appreciation for the 1970s as an era has accelerated, particularly in the last love to do. However, I do believe that you can pick and choose the themes of and a culture; was I born in the wrong decade. iPhone’s and iPads have taken era? I am content and happy, but given this is di erent and more  exible than your favourite decades, and incorpo- over the modern world, something the opportunity to retreat and live in existing and living permanently in rate them into the life you wish to lead my parents say they are grateful they the world we knew forty years ago, I the period itself. We would all choose in the present. It’s having the best of would give it good consideration. Am didn’t have to interrupt their youth. So, to relive our favourite moments if we both worlds and deciding not to dwell I just feigning ignorance by focusing why are we so consumed with the lat- could, but isn’t the whole point of life on what we wish we had, and instead, on a few of my favourite chosen as- est gadgets and trends? to experience? e lows so that we can be grateful for what we do have. Social media addiction is something appreciate the highs, despite which era Business Ethics: Ironic Oxymoron? expanding businesses possess a unique I think the placement of these forms and that phase is when people remain 2017, not at all an obsolete concept. All by SIMRAN PRASAD opportunity to educate the public in a is an ingenious idea. With this form the most humble, motivated and we can really hope for is that people try way textbook education cannot, some stationed at the payment counter,  lled with this intense perseverance their best to make a di erence. At the he textbook de nitions of companies such as LUSH Cosmetics you bring immediate attention to it. to change the World. As they grow, end of the day, though businesses are business ethics refer “to a form achieve this in unique ways. ough is way, customers usually start a so does the thought to make as much highly in uential and can make a very of applied ethics or professional the word ‘ethics’ is o en thrown conversation with the employees while pro t as possible, which is what is a impactful change, we as people of the Tethics that exercise moral principles loosely, I de ne it as companies that employees scan their items, and when cause of disappointment. Especially World, can do the same. We may not in situations that question the ethical aim to do their best to ensure they try this catches attention; it can’t help but considering the fact that when so have the resources and money, yet we value of a business environment”. not to damage people or the planet be discussed. at’s a tactical way of many businesses do their best to give have energy, good intentions and most at’s the textbook de nition though, with trade practices or immoral acts. opening up a controversial topic and back, certain business that do not feel importantly, drive. If we work together but do we ever see this occur in Over years of observation, LUSH passing on some ethical knowledge. It ethically obligated tend to disregard in our communities, businesses, cities practical environments? Cosmetics have de nitely aimed to teaches people the value of ethics, in a the idea altogether. and countries, we would truly have ough many businesses enforce maintain a high ethical standard in way no theoretical material could. Despite there being businesses that the capacity to achieve an ethical a strong ethical standpoint to their my books. ey have always assumed Some businesses however, have no exist in today's World only to gain change in whatever we desire, be it a consumers and the world in general, a strong viewpoint when it's come to inclination of contributing to the pro t, we mustn’t ignore the incredible social, humanitarian or environmental an equal number of businesses animal testing and the conservation ethical obligation they owe. As they work some charitable businesses take cause we believe in. When it comes disregard moral principles, and this of the environment. ere is usually grow, expand and start building a on in order to make a di erence. ere to businesses, let’s hope the e orts of is when it becomes tough to deduce a form to sign at the payment counter multi-level business, it becomes tough have been countless businesses that good, ethical businesses outweigh the if more positive in uence exists or if at LUSH. ‘Fight against Animal to see the point in expending money or have created numerous opportunities careless lack of morals other businesses the negative impact drowns out any of Testing’ petition or ‘Let’s conserve donating to ethical obligations. What for underprivileged children, single have. at is all we can really ask. these opportunities. the Environment” are two I’ve seen these businesses seem to forget, is the mothers and uneducated people. As conglomerate enterprises, o en. I’m not about to comment on key foundation it was built on. Start- Personally, I think that business ethics fortune 500 companies and thriving the topics of the petition forms, but ups usually have it incredibly hard, are in no way an oxymoron, and as of

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An account of the con ict of roads and wildlife in Mesoamerica from a student on placement By OLIVIA ROMERO a further 25 million km2 are planned, e solution lies in putting ourselves mortality. and Cougars using drainage structures COLLINS the majority of which will be in Africa, in the animal’s shoes. We need to Understanding animal behaviour is to cross roads. Some of these structures Asia and Central America - areas identify which animals are avoiding crucial in tackling the issue, because are now being adapted to serve an Jose, Costa Rica. 26th-28th which just happen to be amongst the the road and which ones are su ering it allows us to put in place the correct both a drainage and crossing point October 2017: A three-day most biodiverse on the planet. from high road mortality in attempts to measures that will encourage the function, so there is great potential intensive course for professional Roads are not only responsible for cross. Speeders, such as deer or coyote, safe movement of wildlife across for cooperation between biologists biologistsS and civil engineers working the deaths of wildlife trying to cross react to danger by running away and man-made barriers. For instance, and engineers in designing wildlife- for the government, charities, and them, but on a larger scale, create a will o en manage to quickly get across strategic fencing alongside a road friendly roads. private organisations in related barrier e ect when wildlife can’t cross the road under light tra c conditions. serves to direct speeders to a safe Wildlife passes will connect important  elds was held to learn about how to to the other side. is reduces the size Refusers, such as some small rodents, underpass crossing, natural bases areas of vegetation and become part of implement wildlife-friendly roads in of their habitat and prevents access to are repelled by the surface of the road that are attractive to refusers can be the Mesoamerican biological corridor. Mesoamerica. e following article resources such as food, water, refuge and turn back when they come into integrated into dry underpasses, quiet e Mesoaemerican Biological is an account of what I learned at the and mates. Roads also bring all the contact with them, which means they asphalt pavement options and reduced Corridor (MBC), established in 1997, conference. disturbance that comes with increased su er strong barrier e ects. Avoiders, bridge joint noise make roads more runs through Belize, Costa Rica, El It’s night time in Costa Rica and you human activity, such as noise, illegal such as jaguar and raccoon, are approachable by avoiders, and canopy Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, are driving down a quiet road, when hunting, the pet trade and the electric also subject to barrier e ects. ese bridges for sloths and monkeys imitate Nicaragua, Panama and Mexico. all of a sudden, your headlights catch a and telephone lines that typically line extremely wary animals simply stay a “natural” way of crossing and also By reducing fragmentation and  ash of eyes and the faint outline of the a road. away from the noisy roads. Pausers, avoid the use of electric lines. improving landscape connectivity, the spotted body of a jaguar. What do you Wildlife need to travel to ensure such as sloths, turtles, snakes or toads, Up until now, civil engineers hadn’t corridor will maintain the integrity of do? Do you risk your life and swerve? genetic interchange and many species have no inbuilt mechanism which had to think about wildlife when the Central American land bridge and Or do you hold on tight to the wheel require daily or seasonal movement makes them stay away from the roads. designing roads, and in Costa Rica allow the free movement of wildlife and hope for the best? An animal on such as avian migrations in response ese animals have anti-predator there are still few speci c wildlife between North and South America. the road is as much of a risk to itself to climate and/or food availability. adaptations (for example, snakes passes. However, many structures ere is a lot of work to be done, but as it is to the driver. And the issue is of Also, with the recent threat of climate and toads use venom as a defence which are already present in road it is encouraging to see that provision global importance. change, wildlife may need to cross to mechanism), but these adaptations design are being used by fauna to is being made for the protection of Roads occupy a massive 18 million colonize a new habitat and leave one are no defence against vehicle impact. cross roads. Camera traps have shown wildlife in MesoAmerica as the road km2 of land worldwide and, by 2050, that is no longer suitable. Pausers su er the highest rates of road Jaguars, Ocelots, lowland Pacas, Bats network increases.

and more people are demanding so even non-leather shoes may not be will encourage them to apply for that Of course, o the high streets, there animal-friendly eco styles. vegan. vegan trademark are a good range of online retailers Vegan Feet Now, Mainstream brands such as List of high street retailers joining the 3. Next produce a good range stocking vegan alternatives; Wills Toms, Vans, Dr. martens and Etnies trend and selling vegan-friendly shoes: of non-leather shoes which all don’t Vegan shoes, Beyond Skin and Eco have all created their own vegan 1. Brooks; only their running use animal derived glues Vegan Shoes are just a few. egans and other ethically style line, making  nding ethical shoes 4. Sketchers And if you wanted to be even more minded people now have it alternatives for your feet a breeze. 2. Marks & Spencers o er 5. Vans ethical, as well as grabbing a great much easier when  nding On your next shopping spree a wide range of non-leather and 6. Zara; although not all of bargain, check out your local charity Vsynthetic alternatives to leather. however, don’t just look out for the synthetic shoes. However, they claim their shoes are vegan, they claim that stores to help crack down of the huge Vegan and more ethical fashion is leather symbol, as many large retailers they are unable to guarantee they are about half of their range are made with amount of textile waste in the UK. revolutionizing the industry, as more are still using animal derived glues, vegan, but maybe a bit of prompting products not from animal origins November Issue 2017 | Seren 13 ENVIRONMENT BANGOR MEETS GHANA focus destination of our trip, a er a conservation social sciences, our group consider worthwhile, is the exposure practices and apply survey techniques by HANNAH LIMBERGER stay at a fantastic monkey sanctuary. got unique experiences to visit rural and experience it has a orded me. that I only had theoretical knowledge Although this required a long 16-hour communities and engage with them. I have acquired a new perspective about, and also made awesome friends he end of October brought bus journey from the south to the We witnessed the traditional workings to conservation which has hitherto from Bangor University while at it. an exciting new  eld course north of Ghana, it was quickly forgot- of rural communities and how they ceaselessly eluded me. Indeed, this wall Biodiversity conservation is really opportunity during the recent ten on arrival at the park; the land- live with the animals which surround - less classroom experience will forever crucial, and this trip made me realize Treading week, for those in the school scape we found ourselves in soon en- them. ese experiences really are a be etched in my mind as one worth i t m o r e .” of SENRGy (School of Environment, chanted us all. is 4,770 km, 2 park, once in a lifetime opportunity. Many reliving.” SAMUEL, STU- Natural Resources and Geography. encompasses a huge, diverse range of Ghanaians will be remembered among HARUNA, STUDENT FROM DENT FROM A small group of environmental, animals. Including the largest popu- the Bangor students. UNIVERSITY OF GHANA UNIVERSITY OF conservation students (and one lation of Elephants in Ghana, provid- Although this was the  rst course of GHANA geographer), including myself and 7 ing us with a great area to explore and its kind, this course, however action “ is trip was a great experience for me. others, were fortunate enough to join learn new practical skills such as mist packed, ran smoothly, with all involved Having students showing such keen For those in the school of SENRGY, with some students from the University netting, pitfall traps camera traps (see leaving with a much deeper knowledge interests and excitement in learning keep your eyes peeled and act quickly of Ghana, to undertake a  eld ecology photos to see a group of elephants and understanding of tropical ecology about species and their conservation for next year’s trips, they are excellent and conservation course in Ghana. caught on camera very close to our and conservation, as well as some new really inspires hope and a lot of opportunities to expand your skills Lead by Prof. Julia Jones of Bangor and rooms!). overseas friends. optimism for the future of conservation” and experiences. Also, the  nal night Prof. Erasmus Owusu, this intensive Gaining valuable knowledge in Here are some comments on the trip: KOFI, PHD party in the African Bush was one not 10-day course provided all involved Ghana’s beautiful ecosystems was RESEARCHER. be missed! with some of the most valuable skills de nitely an unforgettable experience, “ ere are many reasons for which I For more pictures of our amazing and knowledge needed for a future in but it wasn’t just the wildlife which was wish to relive every moment of “I’m ever grateful for being given a trip check out conservation at Bangor conservation and ecology. unforgettable. Having Prof. Julia this spectacular trip to study and chance to embark on this absolutely on facebok or twitter, also see the Mole National Park was the main Jones at our side, an expert in conserve nature. Yet, one reason I fun and immensely educational trip. I seren environment facebook page and got to witness,  rst-hand, conservation website.

Photos LEFT AND ABOVE BY GABE Hibberd Middle UPPER PHOTO BY HANNAH LIMBERGER Want to write for Seren? Contact me on facebook: @serenenvironment

Submissions email: [email protected] PRETTY POLLUTANTS carbon monoxide and other dangerous much more than pollution from much-debated issue, due to the danger Another option is the use of by HANNAH LIMBERGER to background air pollution. e tra c sources. Across India, Diwali they bring to children, and with the  reworks propelled with compressed added smoke in the atmosphere has  reworks have been linked to a 30% UK’s health & safety, it is a wonder air as a greener option, a topic which lways remember the 5th the potential to cause serious health to 40% increase in recorded breathing how there isn’t a ban on the use or has been discussed over recent years,; November… issues especially to those su ering problems. sale of  reworks already. Improved however their cost still means their use A Bon re Night, a celebration from lung problems. However, if you are still lit to restrictions on their sale wouldn’t be is limited. which brings friends and family Researchers have found that airborne celebrate the failure of a Catholic plot so bad. It would decrease the amount Of course, the most environmentally together with  reworks and  res to particles from Guy Fawkes and Diwali, to blow up the Houses of Parliament of private displays and force people friendly solution would be to stop the warm up on a cold November evening. a celebration in which  reworks are nearly 400 years ago, then there are to attend public events, which is a use of  reworks and drastically limit However, Guy Fawkes is regularly the now in heavy use, are more toxic than some things which can help curb great way to minimise the spread of bon res. Although, this seems a rather most polluted day of the year in the tra c sourced pollution, as they have negative, environmental impacts. pollution, as well as having the local extreme solution, not to mention a lot UK, burning masses of timber and proven that they deplete lung defenses e open sale of  reworks has been a pets thank you! less fun. shooting rockets into the air adds 14 November Issue 2017 | Seren SCIENCE THE FIRST COMET FROM OUTSIDE OUR SOLAR SYSTEM HAS BEEN OBSERVED

 er being ejected out of its arrived as a strange visitor into our places in the Milky Way.  rst interstellar object observed and object or event of this kind haven’t home system, either a four- own solar system. However, like most e comet or asteroid, discovered on could originate from the constellation been established yet and will need hundred-metre-long asteroid visitor it will soon be leaving us again the 19th October of this year by the of Lyra. It has been given a temporary to be discussed by the International Aor comet dri s through the lonely and carrying on its never-ending University of Hawaii's Pan-STARRS name of A/2017 UI, because the Astronomical Union. and vast emptiness of space, and has journey to unexplored and hostile 1 telescope on Haleakala, may be the rules for giving a name to either an  e Mystery of the Star AnUnsung that Doesn’t Die Hero of Science here are many who are remem- Newton and Einstein. However, many bered for making an impact in others are forgotten or overlooked Thistory and changing the way in the eons of history, as their own we look at the various elds of re- contributions and research may have search in science, such as Darwin, been on a much smaller scale. Mary Anning Born: 21st May 1799 Died: 9th March 1847 Field of Research: Palaeontology icking her way through the fossil strewn mountains of the English southern coast, thirteen-year- oldP Mary Anning found her  rst note- worthy fossil of an ancient marine reptile, which would be later known as Ichthyosaurus. Soon she was discov- ering di erent species of ancient  sh, omewhere in deep space, a star brightness of the supernova has per- supernova on record. plesiosaurs and even Britain’s  rst fos- has once again gone supernova, sisted for six hundred days. Also, there’s strong evidence to sug- sil of an ancient species of Pterodactyl. which happens when a large To put this into perspective, a su- gest that this star had already survived A er her death, she was honoured by starS explodes, and  nally succumb pernova’s brightness usually lasts for a going supernova, something which is the Geological Society of London, an to death. e supernova, discovered hundred days before it begins to fade meant to be impossible, a er records organisation that wouldn’t recognise in September 2014 and named iPTF- away, which means iPTF14hls has last- have shown images taken of another or even allow the admittance of wom- 14hls, is ba ing scientists because the ed for six times longer than any known supernova in the same area in 1954. en for another seventy-two years. Seren | November Issue 2017 15 SCIENCE NEW SPECIES OF ORANGUTAN DISCOVERED

pygmaeus) and Sumatran (Pongo moustaches, whilst the females have threaten the safety of other Orangutan in the illegal animal trade. by LAURA ASPIN abelii), but in the rainforests of north- short beards. e research of this ani- species living in the area. As well there Fortunately, the discovery of this ern Sumatra a third species has been mal’s behaviour and its DNA could are fewer than eight hundred individu- new species will bring awareness to mongst the many species that discovered and named the Tapunali shed light on how our own ancestors als that are thought to live in a 1000km the danger that Orangutans and other make up the Great Apes, such Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis). evolved. patch of rainforest, located south of species of Great Apes are in, and help as Chimpanzees, Gorillas and ey’re smaller, have louder calls and However, the Tapunali Orangutan Lake Toba, meaning it has the small- with future e orts to protect this noble Aeven our own species, are the ‘people a lighter – compared to the colour of could already be in danger of soon est number of any Orangutan species. animal and its habitat, which will allow of the forest’ or Orangutans. Up until cinnamon – frizzier coat then other becoming extinct, because of the ever- is puts them at risk of being illegally future generations to enjoy and study now there has only been two known Orangutan species. Also, it has been looming threat of its fragile habitat hunted and their body parts sold on these creatures. species of Orangutan: Bornean (Pongo observed that dominant males have being destroyed, which would also the black market, or captured and sold Fossils of the Earliest Mammalian Pterodactyl Fossil Ancestors Found found in the Gobi Desert

eventy million years ago a large alongside the Tarbosaurus – a close  ying reptile – the size of a small relative of the T-Rex. aeroplane –  ew through the e fragmentary fossil of this skiesS over what’s now called the Gobi Pterodactyl species was discovered in n a time when the dinosaurs ruled were discovered in Dorset, at a place found so far, showing that all mamma- the Earth, two species of small, known as Jurassic Coast in Swanage, lian species from mice, the blue whale Desert. It may have hunted and eaten 2006, but it took years of studying the nocturnal mammals scurried by a student who was si ing through and even us descend from them. the o spring of the many species of bones before palaeontologists were aroundI the forest  oor trying to eke the exposed rock, which has been ey have been named as dinosaurs that were thought to live in sure that this was a new species and out a living and not be eaten by dino- dated back to the Cretaceous. When Durlstotherium newmani – a er the this area. However, this wasn’t a dino- not a large specimen of another type saurs that would have had them for a presented to other palaeontologists, landlord who owns a pub in the village saur or a close relation, but belonged of Pterodactyl. Although, the species midnight snack. One of these species they noticed that these were a highly of Worth Matravers close to where the to a collection of species known as hasn’t been o cially con rmed or was the size of a shrew, a burrower and advanced type of teeth that could cut, fossil site – and Durlstodon Ensomi af- Pterodactyls, which included one of named as of yet, it does show for the hunted insects, whilst the other was pierce and crush food. is has helped ter Paul Ensom a local paleontologist. the largest  ying reptiles of all time  rst time that Pterodactyls of this size larger and most likely ate plants. them determine that these two species Quetzalcoatlus. is species wouldn’t were  ying through the skies of Asia. e 145 million-year-old fossils are the earliest ancestors of mammals have been an apex predator as it lived 16 November Issue 2017 | Seren TRAVEL AN OZZY ABROAD

waiting, Leeds Beckett only o ered Germany. ose three weeks in Paris sleeping at the bus station till I caught was expecting of a former Yugoslav by LACHLAN ROSS me a 6 month contract. Although it were amazing for New Years’; so is the 7:30am bus to Poole. ere were country and, unfortunately, this was tempting a er hearing so many French food and the people really times though that weren’t so bad, made me on edge a little bit as I was eing an Australian, living awesome things about the party vibe aren’t that rude. Skiing in Bavaria such as backpacking through Ireland, bombarded with taxi drivers trying and studying in such a small and the city, I decided this is was not whilst also being drunk on Weise beer hiking Snowdonia, checking out places to scam me. Blaque and I were due to university city such as Bangor, what I was looking for; one, due to (which should be on everyone’s bucket like Caernarfon, Anglesey, Llandudno, spend around 10 days together, as I had BI tend to stick out and o en get the long distance relationship with list) and very long bus rides including a watching my  rst ever premier league to meet up with one of my old school questions about ‘is Australia really my girlfriend at the time, and two, 24 hour trek from Munich to London. game, meeting one of my childhood friends Zac in Tallin Estonia, as the that dangerous?’ Have you heard of due to the duration, I really wanted A er spending a week with heroes Charley Boorman and making original plan was to head north east up the Big Lez show and whether or not to challenge myself a er previously my girlfriend who was living in friends from all over the world. to Romania where I would  y out; but I surf and live on the beach. But one of living and working in Canada as a ski Wimborne, I made the long way up Once I  nally got to the end of my due to me leaving purchasing a  ight the more common questions that I get instructor at the age of 18 and only to Bangor, which included a 2 hour  rst semester, I was  ve months into to Tallin at the last minute, I was le asked is, how did I end up in Bangor of lasting 6 months. Due to this, I sent a delayed bus, missing my train from my exchange program and although with having to purchase a  ight from all places? So I’m going to give you the last minute application to Bangor, in Manchester and then for my next train I had experienced so many amazing Kosovo to Helsinki, Finland, then take long story of how I got to this beautiful which I was accepted for the full year to Manchester to be cancelled. I  nally moments and met so many awesome a ferry the next day to Tallinn Estonia. and bizarre place we call home. from January 2017 to January 2018. made it to Bangor and, to be honest, people, I started to hit the wall as I was A er three days of checking out the It all started in June 2016, over And so, it was Bangor here I come! my  rst impressions of the town coming up on the most time I’ve ever Rila monastery/national park and the my university’s winter break. My A er a month of sur ng, beers and weren’t really that positive at all. It was been away from home. It was making capital of So a. My  rst impressions girlfriend of a year at the time had hanging out with family and friends dark, wet and cold; pretty much the me really home sick. I really missed my turned out to be completely bogus only three weeks le till she had to over Christmas, it was  nally time opposite of home, making Australia’s friends and family; it really made me a er meeting some of the locals return to the UK, and although I to leave Over the last few days I had version of winter look like the Welsh question at times whether or not I was and hanging out around the city. I had my reservations about studying been feeling mixed emotions; some of version of summer. My  rst semester happy with not only just living here wasn’t on edge anymore, making me in the UK (mostly due to previous excitement of the adventure that lied in Bangor was quite a struggle, I was in UK, but also my relationship with realise how beautiful and generous experience of travelling the UK and ahead, but also some of regret and not use to the British dry sense of my long distance/long term girlfriend. the people of Bulgaria were. A pure how expensive I thought it would be), guilt that I had for leaving my family humour, so it was hard for me to make A er the semester ended, I moved in example of this was on my last night I knew that the only way we would and friends. But I knew that if I didn’t friends at times. e weather was with my girlfriend in the small town in Bulgaria, where a er spending the make it wor,k would be that I go on get on that  ight, I would regret it for terrible, making me feel down and of Wimborne. A move in which I day getting guided around by a skater exchange for the year. So, with limited the rest of my life. So, o I went, and very home sick, whilst I spent a lot of believe would be make or break, as she who wanted to improve his English, options available due to my degree, I a er a 13 hour  ight from Sydney to my time making the 12 hour trip down was working at the time .I believe this I was then introduced to a couple of applied for exchange at Leeds Beckett Abu Dhabi and then another six and a to Wimborne to see my girlfriend, would give me an insight into how our Bulgarian business men and women university, with a second option for half hours from Abu Dhabi, I arrived which usually involved catching the life could be in the potential future. who shouted a round of the famous Bangor university if all else fails. in Paris to spend New Years’ with cheap 8pm train to London to arrive However, a er a few months, I began spirit Rakia, and gave me a further Fast forward to September, and a er my girlfriend and another 3 weeks at 1:30am, then I would either wonder to come to the conclusion that we insight into Bulgaria. e next day we months of sorting out applications and of backpacking through France and the streets of London sightseeing or weren’t  t for each other; I believed I made our way to the former Yugoslav needed a fresh start from everything. republic of Macedonia, a country in e next day I  ew out to Bulgaria which had been deemed dangerous to meet up with a friend of mine, due to “political tensions and riots”. Blaque from the U.S; this is when But the country was the complete the adventure began. I hadn’t heard opposite, and the capital was one of much about Bulgaria except for the the more bizarre cities I have ever been ridiculously cheap beer, food and to, with fake pirate ship casinos and a place one of my UK friend’s told statues of pretty much anyone that has me about called sunny beach? My made it big since leaving Macedonia.  rst impressions were kind of what I Seren | November Issue 2017 17 TRAVEL games such as truth or lie. So a er 10 Albania), various night buses in and wondering around outside and due although I learnt that cheap beer can crazy days of making my way through out of countries, running away from to the bus having to be in Dubrovnik  x these issues and travelling alone An Ozzy Abroad cont... the southern Bulkans, I  nally arrived Hungarian police, Zac and I drunkenly by a certain time and a er trying to made me become a more friendly and in Kosovo for my  ight to Helsinki.  st  ghting over a girl in Budapest, convince the driver to wait for my extroverted person making lots of e transport system in these Balkan Little did I know that this would be witnessing a whole family of migrants friend we le Zac with him having friends along the way such as Aaron countries is also quite unique, and one of the more eventful  ights of my getting thrown o a train into Serbia to Hitchhike his way to Dubrovnik, and Joe the Newcastle Lads, Jung the instead of buying your ticket online or life, as I am a nervous  ier and I tend for “not having the right papers”, two Later that night once we met back in crazy Korean and catching up with looking up the times, you would simply to only  y when necessary. As such, homeless nights one sleeping at the Dubrovnik I began to really look at the Friends through Germany. Although rock up to the bus or train station in I was feeling quite nervous and was beach and another having to squat in bite that I had incurred and decided my time travelling alone wasn’t as the morning and see when is the next chilling on my phone until just before a already booked hostel without the that it was best to get it looked at even fun or hectic compared to what I available time. Originally, this made the  ight, I received a rather angry call workers noticing, dealing with corrupt though I thought that the hospital experienced with Zac I don’t regret it me feel anxious as we didn’t know from my ex who threatened to burn Serbian police, discovering the bloody waiting time be very long I was in my only regret would be maybe that when or where we would be places, and throw out all my stu that I had past and yet beautiful landscapes of disbelief as I was immediately given I should of headed south of east of but a er a couple of days of traveling le at hers. All I remember is thinking Bosnia and Herzegovina, Partying it attention by a physician completing Hungary. like this it actually made the trip more I’ don’t want to get on this  ight, I’m up in Budva. the 24 hour period with an antibiotic A er 3 and a half months I  nally relaxing. One of the more unique not  t to  y’. About half way through Although some of these adventures injection in the ass then being kicked made my way back to Bangor, I had no transits that me and Blaque did have the  ight, we started to encounter sound exciting and exhausting, it out free of charge by some frustrated idea what to expect my last semester though was getting from the beautiful some mild turbulence and this made was nothing compared to the most Croatian nurses. wasn’t the best so to be honest I wasn’t town of Ohrid to Sarande Albania. In me stress out even more, leading me eventful 24 hour periods of the trip. A er that 24 hour period the rest of feeling that optimistic and I had order to sort out how to get there, we to hyperventilate and a er starting to It all started on the last night Zac and the time was mostly a breeze swimming never met my roommates although had a chat with the hostel owner who feel the e ects that I would soon pass I had in Kotor we had become very and drinking through Croatia (with what I can say is that I am pleasantly had a friend that was planning on out, I started panicking and required good friends with the hostel sta and the exception of Zac getting pissed on surprised about how fun and awesome travelling to the same region the day the assistance of the  ight attendant. were having a big party to say goodbye one night by an American girl), hiking this semester has been so far. My we planned on travelling. So a er a 20 Never in all my life have I ever felt so anyway long story short I ended up and canyoning through the Slovenia roommates that I had never met minute conversation/translating with weak, so and embarrassed as I made having a one night stand on the city alps, Getting drunk and riding bikes before now feel like family, I joined the hostel owner’s friend, it was agreed my way to the back of the plane, past walls of Kotor and yes I know you through Munich and indulging in the American football team which 30 euros each and that all we had to do children that were absolutely  ne with might be thinking yeah what a baller beautiful Belgian beer and chocolate has given me a sense of belonging and was wait outside a bank at 5:30am, and the turbulence. But hey! In the end I but this was literally the worst sex I’ve at Delirium bar. And so ended our although I didn’t want to or wasn’t we would get picked up. Originally, got some free water out of it and made ever and will have, I don’t think I’ve trip back in London nearly 3 months looking for anything a er the mess Blaque was a bit sceptical about the a friend in a Kosovian doctor. ever felt more like a piece of meat in of drinking, partying and meeting of my previous relationship I’ve met whole idea but as the owner said, the e next day, a er taking the ferry my life, the next morning on top of some of the most beautiful people an amazing beautiful girl that I have driver picked us up at the location in to Estonia, I  nally met up with my the already heavy conscious that I had that I will never forget. As Zac le never felt this way for anyone before an unmarked bus and we were o to good old friend Zac and what would I was also le with what I believe was me I was le with around 3 weeks to that makes me really happy. Albania! To cut short about Albania, follow would be an amazing, crazy either a spider or snake bite, due both travel. I decided to make my way back To be honest with you when I  rst it was truly amazing with rugged two months, making our way from the bite making me feel disgusting and to Budapest by any means possible came to the UK I spent a lot of my time mountains dominating the eastern Estonia all the way south east through my heavy sense of regret I slept most through ferries, hitchhiking, Blablacar counting down the days till I go home boarder, whilst the beautiful Adriatic to Montenegro. Zac and I came into of the journey while Zac listened to and various night buses. e rest of but a er experiencing so much and was to the west. My time in Albania can various adventures and moments music (minus a heavy sense of regret), the trip was di erent though I missed the beautiful people that I have met be best summarised by the following: along the way, such as having to go to A er sleeping a couple of hours on the my best buddy by my side, this was here in the UK I’m no longer counting beautiful beaches, cheap beer, being the doctors once in Poland for a blood bus I woke up we had made it to the the  rst time since breaking up with down the days till I go home…. I’m introduced to drinking chess, absurdly infection (probably due to hugging Montenegrin border crossing although my girlfriend that I was  nally alone counting down the days I have le to long bus rides partnered with drinking too many stray dogs while drunk in looking outside the window I see Zac which made me feel quite vulnerable leave home. Lille sent comme la merde mais j’aime ca!

efore the university semester found a treasure of a city, a laid-back scene, a uniquely human scene, hum- stalls and shops and food vans and the to matter… just me? started, and admittedly, a little approach to life (which suited me  ne) bling and exiting in equal measure. huge crowds of people snaking their Anyway I watched the people at the way into the semester, I was and enough cigarette smoke to engulf We wandered around for a while, way up and down the lines of stalls, market, sitting, talking, drinking a beer Bindulging myself in the delights of the a small village. soaking in the culture and then men, women, children, dogs and cats or smoking a cigarette, o en both… Northern French city of Lille. Having Another thing I found though was bought ourselves a few full roasted alike. Discarded crates, pallets, card- consumption seems to be the rule not made steadfast friends with my former Gambetta market, which was a feast chickens and sat outside a bar, where board boxes and various other waste, the exception in this Northern French  atmate, and having extended the for the senses, a bustling marketplace we ordered beer. All the while listen- littered along the sides of the streets in City especially. ey say I am told that olive branch of friendship to him with all the sights, smells and sounds ing to the seemingly endless  ow of every direction. At one point the wait- when you come to Flanders you cry (showing him around my home that go along with it. e sweet smell old clapped out diesel vans pouring er cleared our table of wrappers and twice: once when you arrive and again stomping ground, the people’s city – of the ripe bananas mixed with a thou- out of the market, all beeping and food containers, only to throw them when you leave. I am inclined to agree! Manchester), I was now on French soil sand other aromas, all creating an en- tooting their horns at the people who into the street! Somehow though this (in my defence the part that almost and an hour behind. semble which, if audible, would deafen are crossing between the moving vans carefree, Laissez-fare attitude of the made me cry would confuse and deep- So I guess that there is some truth but instead creates an atmosphere of and trucks, bursts of laughter erupting place and the people was refreshing, ly unsettle any Englishman worth his in the saying that what happens in old world charm, transporting me from the crowds amid the cries and in Britain you are likely to be  ned, salt: a city centre clock tower, showing Manchester today, happens in the rest back in time, beholding a scene which shouts of the men and women ped- tasered and imprisoned for acciden- the wrong time! Anarchy) until next of the world tomorrow. So, what did can’t have changed much since people dling their various wares. tally on purpose dropping that little time, Sante Lille, Sante! I expect to  nd? In a word…cheese, began gathering to buy and sell goods Combined with the look of the place- corner piece of foil that you rip o a and indeed I found plenty, but I also in markets all over the world. A natural a normal market place, with rows of chocolate bar and deem to be too small 18 November Issue 2017 | Seren SOCIETIES Dr Ross Piper comes to Bangor n Friday 10th November, the Bangor University Zoological society and the Bangor uni- versityO Entomology society, in a col- laborative event, hosted a talk from Dr Ross Piper. Ross, a Bangor university zoology with animal behaviour gradu- ate, is now an established face in the entomology scene, having presented for BBC and appeared on shows such as CBBC’s Wild, with his most notable piece of work being his documentary series Wild Burma: e Lost Kingdom which outlined the events and en- counters of his Burma expedition. Having graduated from Bangor in 1998, his long history of work allowed him to provide a unique outlook on life a er graduation compared to the average talker Zoosoc have. Ross Pipers’ talk began with his take on the diversity of animals, explaining that despite the general public’s opin- ion on animals, it’s the invertebrates that are the most interesting, most unexplored, and most diverse group of animals out there and this should be taking for granted from budding zoologists. roughout the talk, he re- lated the topic he was explaining with his expedition to Burma. is not only allowed the audience to further understand Ross, but was also key to releasing the “hidden explorer” every zoologist has within them. He also ad- dresses topics such as animal diversity, discovery and how to get involved. Questions proceeded the talk, mainly regarding advice for aspiring zoolo- gists, he answered enthusiastically and positively. It was clear that Ross was an experi- enced talker, managing to get a strong applause from a crowd that had been moved and felt the infectious need for discovery and love for entomology  lled the lecture theatre. For before and a er the talk, he bought with him a few cases of samples of invertebrates he had collected from his travels as well as copies of his book Animal Earth to sign and sell to members of the society. An occasion like this was destined to be paired with a large social event, and that it was. e talk was imme- diately followed by ‘Pub Bingo’ with a fancy-dress theme of bugs. As this was directly a er the talk, the audi- ence came to the talk dressed as bees, ladybirds, butter ies and spiders. Two friends even made a couple’s costume of a dung beetle and a piece of dung. Ross Piper was asked to pick out his favourite costume, which he decided Al e Martin-Parsons and his large, homemade cardboard butter y wings. e pub bingo consisted of groups of friends attempting to perform bug- themed challenges such as the ‘worm shot’ (tequila). Spanning from the Menai pub to the Harp, members had to complete all the challenges to win prizes. Dr Ross Piper himself joined the  rst few pubs to informally speak to the members of the society. Entsoc stayed close with him during the night whilst Zoosoc continued with the crawl. Matt Hamer from Entsoc drescribed Ross at the pub as “Great, the guy is brilliantly mad and so en- thusiastic. Very stimulating. We went to Belle Vue then to the harp a er paddies”. Seren | November Issue 2017 19 SOCIETIES  e Literature Society: ‘ ere’s no place like UNICEF fasts Bangor for kindness.’ for charity

campaigns have been inspired by by SHANNON JACKSON books, poetry and drama alike. So why should we limit our love of a text to an n unashamedly beginning by essay? ripping o a quote from Gaskell’s Besides events, I want to help Cranford, I would like to announce establish a network of security within theI birth of ‘Our Society’! Although the English school in general by using English Literature based, I hope that the society as not only a creative, with the right help and as many ideas social community, but one that o ers as we can gather together, the society support during our studies. will mature into a university-wide is year I am calling out to all network of book-lovers and artistic students to join me in starting up minds. the society. Of course we need the My time at Bangor has been basic committee roles to be  lled and something I’ll treasure beyond study formalised, but I want to make clear and that is not simply due to the that the one thing that will be at the course, but because of those behind core of this society is community the course. and that everyone will have the You don’t need me to tell you how opportunity to get involved. amazing Bangor is as a university As con rmation of the society’s (the marketing team haven’t been shy acceptance only came in this week about making sure we all know about (along with a delightful string of  nal the recent awards) for its care and year deadlines…) this is the perfect quality of student-sta relations. You time for you to get involved in the are an individual here, but you are far shaping of the society. An o cial from alone. group page and mailing list will be set Since August 2017 over 600,000 rest, play and receive care. Fundraising And that is what I want to replicate up a er the  rst SU meeting, but in the by SAM MORLEY Rohingya children, women and men for UNICEF means that more of these in ‘Our Society’. I want to create a meantime, if you have any questions/ have been forced to  ee to Bangladesh refugees have a chance to lead happy community in which our studies can ideas that you want to discuss please he UNICEF on Campus society to escape violence in Mayanmar. As a lives once again. once again be our joy. Literature is do not hesitate to contact me directly. is launching a FAST24 fund- stateless Muslim minority, Myanmar If you’re willing to help fundraise all about responses. Films, musicians, ank you! raising event on the 8th to the does not recognize them as citizens, for refugees and want to be a part of T9th of December for the Rohingya ref- infringing on their right to freedom the fast, it’s super easy to join! Simply television series, media and fashion ugee crisis. We shall be fasting for 24 of education and employment as well  nd us at www.facebook.com/groups/ hours, starting with a meal at the Harp as ostracizing the community. Many UNICEFsoc.Bangor, or go to the meet 8pm Friday and ending with Domino’s who have arrived in Bangladesh are and greet information evening at the pizzas at Academi 8pm Saturday. in desperate need of food, water and room of requirement on the 21st of Between this we’ll be hosting a ton of medicine. UNICEF is working hard November, 7-9pm. If you’re interested Social Sciences fun social events such as a badminton to provide life-saving resources, and is we’ll get you up and ready to make a tournament, a themed bingo night and currently supplying 400,000 refugees positive di erence in the world. It’s a movie showing how the money you with safe drinking water, as well as also a great way to meet a whole bunch raise helps vulnerable children not just setting up more than 40 child friendly of new people and have a lot of fun. We Winter Ball in Myanmar, but all over the world. spaces to ensure a safe place to eat, hope to see you there! On 8th December 2017, the Social opportunity to dress up for an evening, Sciences Society will be hosting our something they may not always get to Does your society  rst ever Winter Ball! is is some- do. ere are only 80 tickets available have an upcoming event thing we are very excited about, as to purchase; Early Bird tickets are £15, it’s the  rst big event that we will but there’s very few of them le ! Once It’s the most musical you’d like us to cover? have organised solely as a commit- they are sold, Standard tickets will be tee. e event will be held in Powis £18, and these can be found on the Get in touch and we can Hall, which will have lights and sound Undeb Bangor shop. is is a chance time of the year send a reporter and even system provided by Titan Sound and for those within the School of Social Light. Beginning at 7pm, the evening Sciences to have one night to de-stress Bangor University Concert Band those Christmas classics that everyone photograph the event will include music by the DJ Society, from assignments and revision and get and Bangor University Brass Band knows and loves! Tickets will be £2.50 for you! Simply email awards, ra e, bu et and bar, poker together as a school. We really hope to will be hosting their annual Christmas for concessions and £3.50 for adults. tables provided by the Poker Society see as many Social Sciences students concert on 9th December at 7:30pm ere will also be a ra e so come [email protected]. and a performance by Pole Fit! As it and sta as possible on this occasion, In PJ hall so come along for a wide along for a Christmas festival of music! is a Winter Ball, we have suggested and if it is successful it could become range of music including some of ac.uk for more details!! formal attire so that people have the an annual event! 20 Seren | November Issue 2017

TV Words by JORDAN KING ON ONE TO WATCH REVIEW DEMAND

The Walking NETFLIX - Dead The Sinner t is fair to say that The Walking n the post-Stranger Things 2 world Dead had a pretty divisive seventh we sadly live in, it is my duty to nd season. Seeing our group of survi- new binges for my people - well, I I vors downtrodden and at the mercy I’ve made it my duty anyway. And of Negan and his bloodthirsty bat Lu- what’s that? A new series that has a cille left many of the show’s hard core 94% fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating ne of the standout pieces exaggeration that has seen millions vice to binge watch the rst series… fan base feeling that TWD had lost its about why an ordinary woman com- way. The action packed nale went mits an atrocious murder? Called The of drama in recent memory of people whose lives have been and you’re back, and you’re asking from the BBC has to be the a ected by the diagnosis respond ‘what’s next Jordan? That was ruddy some way to allaying our fears over Sinner? Yes please! Following the O with glowing praise. brilliant that was.’ And I answer ‘yes, the show’s direction but still, many brutal murder of a seemingly inno- tenderly and incredibly well han- dled The A Word. Following the The critical praise the it was, and you can expect to nd went into the season eight premiere cent bystander, by a seemingly ordi- series has gained is in no small part yourself two years down the line family of 5 year old Joe Hughes, with hope. So, how has this season nary mother - played by Jessica Biel thanks to the writer of the series, when we pick up from THAT nale, worked out so far then? Well….it’s - the series explores not who com- the series centred around the di- Peter Bowker, who handles the with Joe himself learning of his con- agnosis of Joe as being on the ok. Not great, but ok. Personally, I en- mitted the crime but why, an angle subject matter with great accuracy dition and his family facing the trials joyed most of last season. I liked see- that makes this a must for all you autistic spectrum and the chal- and without making autism itself and tribulations, victories and losses lenges this poses to a family who, the centre of the story even if it is at that come with that. Mum and dad ing Rick brought to heel because let’s psychology students out there. Now, be honest, had the show been from go binge disciples! for all of their love, struggle to do the centre of the title. This is a family are still at odds and big sister is still right by him. So who are the cast? drama that explores the way a diag- hoping to  y the nest, then there’s Negan’s perspective all this time, we Why should you tune in and catch nosis like Joe’s challenges a family Maurice and co to contend with would’ve been cheering him. Rick up if you haven’t seen The A Word who all have di erent ideas of what too, so there is much that awaits to has done some pretty terrible things is best for him and who collide and entrance us and captivate us all over already? And what can we expect in his time so seeing him kind of pay evolve over the course of the series again.’ for those was satisfying. from the second series? in ways that, at times, make Joe very And having said that, if The cast of The A Word But, onto this season and the start much a periphery gure - this isn’t nothing else, this series deserves of one of the comic’s most celebrated boasts incredible performances by a criticism but actually the basis of wholehearted praise for demysti- the likes of Lee Ingleby (Line of Duty, me saying why you should tune in. fying, where possible, our under- storylines; All Out War. It is clear that Our Zoo), Morven Christie (Grantch- If you are expecting a depressing, standing of autism, and not just the ghosts of Abraham and Glenn ester, The Replacement), and education-heavy, censored account sanctimoniously saying ‘it is okay still hang heavy over the show with Christopher Eccleston (everything of autism then you will be disap- to be autistic’ or ‘it is okay to feel at Rick’s declaration that they are ght- BBC iPLAYER - from Doctor Who to Shakespeare pointed, because the characters lay odds with your feelings about caring ing for a better world masking a tale with the RSC), all showing di erent all their cards on the table and each for an autistic child’, but instead just of revenge against the one man who Blue Planet 2 and realistic characters trying to is as integral to the drama as any showing a truth within its characters lead a normal life with an ordinary made him beg; Negan. So far, three ast year in Seren, I was lucky other - the best way to be in a TV that tells even the most nonplussed episodes in and Negan has been con- enough to review the masterful yet extraordinary child. However, show is making every character the viewer that there should never be the performance given by young spicuous by his absence. Appearing Planet Earth 2; the most viewed lead in their own story. anything taboo about autism, it L newcomer Max Vento as Joe Hughes So now you know why this is what it is and should never be a in the season premiere before being show on TV and the epitome of is subtly sublime, as he portrays trapped in a trailer with Father Ga- breathtaking documentary-making. is my one to watch, and you’re prob- source of fear or prejudice. autism with an honesty and lack of ably headed to a legal streaming ser- briel, he hasn’t appeared once in the And now, I implore you to catch Blue last two episodes. As much as I like Planet 2. The critically acclaimed fol- watching the battles between The low up to the rst series, where we Saviours and the Alexandrians/Hill- go deep beneath the sea with David 3WR - THREE WORD REVIEWS topians/Kingdomers, I wanna know Attenborough to discover a world what Negan and Gabriel are talking many of us would otherwise never about! know. It is dramatic, riveting, and In terms of surprises, they have educational - so in one out of three been few and far between so far this ways, just like a 9am lecture. season. The one shocker of note is perhaps the return of Morales, a for- NETFLIX NEWS mer member of Rick’s gang and a character who we haven’t seen since the rst season. Quickly o ed by Daryll, we were then left asking our- selves ‘what was the point?’ In a way, that is the kind of monster the show is becoming. A show that doesn’t have any real plan or momentum ere is the rst instalment of Things getting stranger... Episode 7 - The Lost Sister and that relies too much on the fans 3WR: Three Word Reviews - actually caring. Too often, The Walk- Ha feature where I will give, Episode 4 - Will The Wise Eleven’s Bildungsroman - ing Dead has made the wrong call in you guessed it, three word reviews  awless! killing o potential great characters ollowing the recent accusations of each episode of a beloved se- for shock value when, in truth, these of sexual abuse made against ries. First up, Stranger Things 2! Give Eleven Emmy’s. (and Episode 8 - The Mind Flayer Eggos, of course, still a three characters had so much to give (yes, I Flead actor Kevin Spacey, Net ix mean you Abraham). have severed ties with the award- Episode 1 - MADMAX word review, shh) Heartbreaking. Pulsating. winning actor, suspending produc- Cinematic. tion of the sixth season of their Sets the tone. Episode 5 - Dig Dug GET CONNECTED! hugely successful series House of Episode 9 - The Gate Cards. Whilst they pursue other op- Episode 2 - Trick Or Treat Stakes were raised. FACEBOOK - tions going forwards, it reminds us Brilliant. That ending! that regardless of talent or of status, SEREN TV sexual abuse is never okay and the Tense yet tender Hopefully you don’t class non- cost to Spacey of his career is noth- Episode 6 - The Spy speci c reviews as revealing the TWITTER - ing in comparison to the pain he has Episode 3 - The Pollywog plot. Eitherway, check out the new @SEREN_TV caused to his victim(s). Shnizzle got real. series on Net ix now. November Issue 2017 | Seren 21 TV MY TOP SPECIAL FEATURE - BEST OF TV EDITORS’ NOTCH CHOICE TWO

Finnian - Deputy Editor Him & Her Love Island o my rst pick, to show that A) “Love Island has perfected the I shall not be a sheep and just Sgo with the cool kids’ picks and art of ‘some berks in a place’. I B) I have the editorial chops to give you a gem to see, is BBC3’s Him & Her. like watching it when I want to The sit-com, starring Russell Tovey go numb.” and Sarah Soleman as boyfriend/ girlfriend duo Becky and Steve, cen- tres around a young couple living in a grotty little  at and the dramas, big and small, that take place there. With a minimal budget and no delu- sions of grandeur, Him & Her gives us the closest thing to a real relation- ship I’ve ever seen. From episode one, with a spider trapped under a mug causing no end of trouble whilst weirdo neighbour Dan lurks Emma - Editor-in-Chief about the  at and Becky’s insu er- THE GREATEST TV SHOWS EVER able sister comes to visit, the tone is Lost set. Together, Becky and Steve ght “Lost. Rede ned what a and bant and fall out and ultimately ACCORDING TO ME, YOU, AND THE EDITORIAL CREW hopelessly love each other - they ow you may be wondering continues to expand the possibility ing conclusion, Breaking Bad could procedural show should be. Still aren’t typical romantics but romance just what exactly has hap- of its central question “Doctor who?” de nitely teach other shows a few isn’t something that is ever typical in Npened to this page - why is it things (*cough* Dexter). the best show in the history of real life, and nowhere will you see the drenched in gold? Well, aside from Game Of Thrones - Ben Shepherd truth of that better than with Him & it being the new o cial colour of Whether you think it’s a show The O ce UK - Finnian Shardhigh everything” Her. And it’s on Net ix, so do yourself Seren TV (see swish logo on oppo- about the downtrodden ghting When I say my favourite TV Series a favour and get on it while you can. site page - follow social media ac- back against the power and wealth is The O ce, I consistently have to counts), this issue marks the inaugu- of the establishment or a that it’s a clarify that it’s the UK version. Usually ral Best of TV special feature. We are commentary on the e ects of global to prevent a premature tirade of gathered to celebrate yours, mine, warming, Game of Thrones is truly a foaming veneration for Steve Carell, and my editorial conglomorate’s show for everyone; a fantasy show who, in my opinion, plays Steve best loved shows. Are they the that is much bigger than the genre Carell in everything he’s in – except IMDB best rated shows? Well some suggests it should be. No show does with di erent names and the same are. Are they bona- de classics that action set pieces quite like Game of face. are well-loved by those who chose Thrones either. Often building an Bitterness aside, I will accept that them? Yup, indeed they are. And so episode up before hell is unleashed the US O ce is engineered for Isabelle - News Editor without further ado, let’s get crack- for the nal 20 minutes, the show a completely dissimilar comedy ing on a glorious televisual voyage regularly leaves viewers as emo- audience. So it’d be redundant to Peep Show through some of the nest shows of tional wrecks. And that is perhaps directly compare them. Though, “It’s unique, it’s absurd, it’s Black Mirror all time. the shows greatest strength, it’s it’s interesting to note how the subversive, dystopian, dark, unbelievable storytelling and pace. US radically adapts the original fantastic. Super Han is one of and downright genius anthol- Doctor Who - Jamie King While other shows are criticized for screenplay. Aogy series, Charlie Brooker’s The appeal of Doctor Who to me is ‘slow’ or ‘uneventful’ episodes, Game Realism is the core premise at the greatest characters ever brainchild is an exploration of our largely in its unlimited possibility. Not of Thrones can get away with that as the heart of the UK O ce. It’s a darker natures and questions the just the unlimited possibility of gate- each episode o ers vital clues about mockumentary; a self-re exive satire invented. British humor at its very nature of a future already in the crashing any historical juggernaut, the mythology of the world it inhab- of the day to day. The comedy is best.” making by startling technological space battle, or metaphysical illus- its. Literally must see television and I discovered within those pockets of advances that seem to be coming tration, using a shedload of plywood don’t say that lightly. surrealism beneath the monochrome thick and fast. From prophetically po- and prosthetics – which has had gen- tedium of o ce life. The O ce UK is litical fables to dystopian fairytales, erations of kids and adults clinging Breaking Bad - Andrew Pandy intentionally supposed to appear and wondrous technologies with to the household furnishings since When the writers of Breaking Bad boring. Anyone who’s worked a 9 dark intentions to darker stories that 1963. But the unlimited possibility originally had the idea for the show, ‘til 5 will resoundingly con rm this. distil our worst fears about the world of who a hero can be. While a mascu- they wanted to see what would hap- However, it’s this aesthetic banality of tech into thought-provoking TV, line Hollywood Adonis with a rearm pen if they turned Mr Chips into a that enhances the e ect of the Black Mirror pushes the envelope in unfailingly saves the world in other psychopath. What ever way you look comedy. Lines like: “I’ve fused MC terms of the power of TV to galvanise ction, Doctor Who has always been at it, this process is fascinating to see Hammer with  ashdance sh*t” or “A discussions and challenge our view- the show of the screwdriver-wielding as mild mannered high school teach- good idea is a good idea… forever” Jack - Film Editor ing limitations. A orded the freedom nerd. er, Walter White, becomes a drug would have fell  at had the allure of FRIENDS of budget that a Net ix deal allows, Every Saturday night, we get to kingpin. While the show does go to perceived reality not been present. Brooker and his ever-expanding Mir- watch the freaks who didn’t get some very dark places, it’s also hu- It’s about the subtleties of human “For me, Friends is the greatest ror writing cohort will surely distress picked for the rugby team taking on morous in parts and that’s one of the behaviour: those little nods, the and delight us for years to come, and the fearsome, the unjust and the fan- things that marks it down as a great glimpses at the camera. It’s about television show of all time. Even who knows just how much closer to tastic, using their intelligence, and show. The mark of any great show is the awkwardness of everyday truth than ction the episodes will kindness. that it knows when to stop and at just exchanges. It’s about the beauty now, I can watch an episode and prove? This may well be the 1984 of With its lead character about to 5 seasons, Breaking Bad is as great as beneath the ordinary. 21st century television, and you can regenerate into the incomparably they come in that respect. Taking us Watch it again for crying out loud. laugh or tear up at the same quote me on that. talented Jodie Whittaker, the show on the ride of our lives before tying where anyone can save the universe everything up in a neat and satisfy- moments. Truly a great.” 22 November Issue 2017 | Seren MUSIC George Michael Tops  e UK Music Charts With A Posthumous Comeback by VICKY WILKES and ‘Faith’.Following the critical recording from his MTV Unplugged success of ‘Faith’, the 1990 release concert performed in 1996, along usic is integral to our lives. of ‘Listen Without Prejudice Vol. with a special tribute by Nile Rogers. It unlocks an emotional 1’ was a comparative failure with The release was timed to coincide Mresponse and provides disappointing worldwide sales, with the Channel 4 documentary the soundtrack to our existence. despite its UK success. ‘George Michael: Freedom’ that was We associate music with both our In the UK, it managed to eclipse being lmed at the time of his death, greatest triumphs and darkest the sales of ‘Faith’ and debuted as a and therefore contains some of his moments. UK album number 1. Whilst it could nal artistic works. Even years down the line, hearing only retain this position for one Twenty seven years after originally a nostalgic tune brings memories week, however, it did achieve a top entering the charts and ten months to the forefront our minds. Whilst ten nish in the end of year chart. after his death, ‘Listen Without hearing S-Club, Blue or NSYNC will Contrary to the album’s UK success, Prejudice’ peaked in the UK charts at for us bring back fond memories the top track ‘Freedom! ‘90’ only number one last month. Perhaps it is of primary school discos, for our charted at number 28 in the UK. due to audience’s nostalgia that the parents in their mid-twenties, they Worldwide it performed signi cantly album overtook the likes of P!nk and were rocking out to ‘Wham!’ and then better and charted at number 8 in Niall Horan, as listeners reminisce on George Michael as a solo artist. the US. Michael’s career and in uence over Prior to his death in 2016, George Due to its worldwide appeal, George the changing music scene. Michael produced ve solo studio Michael’s career arguably reached its As we approach the anniversary albums and forty-four singles which climax when he performed this live of his death, George Michael’s voice contributed to the 100 million at the London 2012 Olympics closing will again return to the ears of the records that he sold worldwide. An ceremony which was broadcast to British population as his Wham! hit active LGBT campaigner and HIV/ 750 million people around the globe. ‘Last Christmas’ crosses the airwaves. AIDS fundraiser, his sensual blue- Following his death, ‘Listen Without This year it is perhaps more relevant eyed soul and contemporary R&B Prejudice Vol. 1’ was re-released in than ever, following his death on gripped the world as he was thrust October as a 3CD/DVD special. Christmas Day last year- let’s see if into the limelight with songs such The rst disc includes a remastered this raises its place in the Christmas as ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go!’ version of the original album whilst chart. the other discs comprised of a

Upcoming University Music Events by ZACH READING are well underway for their Christmas Teague, promoted the diversity and concert”, where they will be playing inclusivity of the choir and stated ndeb Bangor’s musical-based the music from A Nightmare Before how impressed he has been by the societies have a whole host Christmas, Mulan, and Star Trek development of the group’s sound. Uof exciting events going on in on the 9th of December alongside The choir will sing music by Arthur the second half of this semester, and Bangor University Brass Band. Sullivan, Billy Joel, and more, as well here’s a rundown of what they’ve The Brass Band, whose music- as joining the orchestra for music been up to and what’s to come making year revolves around the from Skyrim.One of the University’s Kicking things o , the Society of UniBrass competition in February, youngest musical societies, the String Dramatic Arts are putting together have been preparing for their Orchestra, have been preparing a the pantomime Cinderella with Christmas Concert alongside Concert wide ranging repertoire including matinee and evening performances Band. Led by second year Medical Sibelius, Boyce, and also music from in Pontio on the 30th of November. Science student Elspeth Malcolm, the the Studio Ghibli lms. Musical Director and third-year music band have been working on pieces The group are under the baton of student, Daniel Fay said: “rehearsals such as ‘Breezin’ Down Broadway’ Alice Teulon, who has praised the are now in full swing and we have an and ‘Stop the Cavalry’. positive and friendly atmosphere of amazing cast that have worked really Bangor University Music Society’s the group as well as the commitment hard so far. We can’t wait for everyone Winter Concert takes place on Friday of the society’s members. Their to see what we’ve been up to”. the 8th of December and consists concert will be in the nal week of Tickets for Cinderella are currently of performances by the Society’s term and all details will be available available from the Pontio website. Orchestra and Choir. Speaking about on their Facebook page. Meanwhile, Concert Band have been the preparations for the concert, the Fresh from a highly successful gig at busy preparing for the National orchestra’s director Alex Winberg the Menai in Upper Bangor, Bangor Concert Band Festival - a nationwide said that the group “rehearses University Jazz Band continue to event that sees wind bands from enthusiastically every week, playing entertain crowds with a set full of fun universities, schools and music a wide range of music from Pirates of and style. Led by MDs Joe Gordon- services come together to perform - the Caribbean to Mozart.” Potts on the saxophone and Thomas under the leadership of Sam Jones. Alex, a third year music student, Evans on trombone, the band will be BUCB will be performing in the went on to say how he’s “excited for playing a reduced-numbers gig at the regional round of NCBF in Oldham on what’s shaping up to be a really fun Menai on the 25th of November and the 19th of November. Alongside the and enjoyable concert”.The choral a Christmas gig in early December. NCBF, Sam notes that “preparations director, second year student Samuel 22 November Issue 2017 | Seren Seren | November Issue 2017 23 MUSIC @seren_music MUSIC George Michael Tops  e UK Music Charts Are Holograms A Hopeful  e ‘Putting Up With A Posthumous Comeback Alternative To  e Real  ing? Your Christmas t was recently announced that a be very entertained by Michael something that I nd very exciting. Tree’ Playlist by VICKY WILKES and ‘Faith’.Following the critical recording from his MTV Unplugged hologram of Roy Orbison will tour Jackson’s left arm  oating around As a huge fan of Queen it has success of ‘Faith’, the 1990 release concert performed in 1996, along Ithe country in 2018, thirty years the stage to his disembodied voice, always bothered me that I would usic is integral to our lives. of ‘Listen Without Prejudice Vol. with a special tribute by Nile Rogers. after his death. or Tupac’s head  oating around the never be able to see the band live It unlocks an emotional 1’ was a comparative failure with The release was timed to coincide He is joining Michael Jackson arena like a bouncing football as he with Freddy Mercury, and the idea response and provides disappointing worldwide sales, with the Channel 4 documentary and Tupac Shakur in having his continues to rap unconcerned. of Abba performing in Cube makes M 3D projection taken to the stage, However this is a technique that me almost squeal with excitement. I the soundtrack to our existence. despite its UK success. ‘George Michael: Freedom’ that was We associate music with both our In the UK, it managed to eclipse being lmed at the time of his death, however I can’t help but question has actually been used for quite a think it’s a concept that we will have greatest triumphs and darkest the sales of ‘Faith’ and debuted as a and therefore contains some of his whether such an unusual idea will long time. I remember watching the to grow to understand and accept. moments. UK album number 1. Whilst it could nal artistic works. work successfully. Gorillaz perform at the 2007 MTV I’m sure when it starts next year Even years down the line, hearing only retain this position for one Twenty seven years after originally The idea is to replay a concert that EMAs as holograms and it worked it will have its faults and issues. a nostalgic tune brings memories week, however, it did achieve a top entering the charts and ten months the artist did whilst alive, in front of a incredibly well. Given that they’re However like any concept and new to the forefront our minds. Whilst ten nish in the end of year chart. after his death, ‘Listen Without new live audience. It sounds amazing whole image is based on cartoon form of technology I think it will get hearing S-Club, Blue or NSYNC will Contrary to the album’s UK success, Prejudice’ peaked in the UK charts at in theory, however I have to ask how images of themselves it’s the only better and better as the years go on. for us bring back fond memories the top track ‘Freedom! ‘90’ only number one last month. Perhaps it is the hologram will appropriately performance that I’ve seen of theirs After a few years I’m sure concerts respond to what the crowd wants and that has felt truly authentic, and it with a hologram will feel and sound of primary school discos, for our charted at number 28 in the UK. due to audience’s nostalgia that the his article may seem premature, 3) Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes parents in their mid-twenties, they Worldwide it performed signi cantly album overtook the likes of P!nk and does, along with what will happen seems the only way that they can be like the real thing and may even sell when the hologram responds to themselves. more tickets than those of living but I know better than most that should beat any song in the queue were rocking out to ‘Wham!’ and then better and charted at number 8 in Niall Horan, as listeners reminisce on in every student household, as you put your very own sleigh bells George Michael as a solo artist. the US. Michael’s career and in uence over something that the original crowd I guess the same can be said for artists. However I still think I need to T as soon as the pumpkins are put in and baubles on the tree. Given that Prior to his death in 2016, George Due to its worldwide appeal, George the changing music scene. did. artists that have passed away as see a concert of a hologram before I Imagine if the hologram was to there is no other way that they can will be completely convinced. the bin, the Christmas tree goes up. this is the best part of putting up any Michael produced ve solo studio Michael’s career arguably reached its As we approach the anniversary Probably more important than the Christmas tree, who wouldn’t want albums and forty-four singles which climax when he performed this live of his death, George Michael’s voice malfunction half way through the still entertain their fans and tour performance. I don’t know if I would the world. If successful it is certainly tree are the Christmas songs that to be tapping their feet and belting contributed to the 100 million at the London 2012 Olympics closing will again return to the ears of the go with it, so here are ve Christmas their heart out as they do so? records that he sold worldwide. An ceremony which was broadcast to British population as his Wham! hit classics that I think everyone should active LGBT campaigner and HIV/ 750 million people around the globe. ‘Last Christmas’ crosses the airwaves. listen to whilst getting festive: 4) Driving Home For Christmas AIDS fundraiser, his sensual blue- Following his death, ‘Listen Without This year it is perhaps more relevant by Chris Rea is the perfect song eyed soul and contemporary R&B Prejudice Vol. 1’ was re-released in than ever, following his death on  anks For  e 1) White Christmas by Bing Crosby to listen to as you wait for all your gripped the world as he was thrust October as a 3CD/DVD special. Christmas Day last year- let’s see if is the perfect song to listen to as housemates to come home before into the limelight with songs such The rst disc includes a remastered this raises its place in the Christmas your housemates unveil the tree ceremoniously placing the angel as ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go!’ version of the original album whilst chart. Memories decorations that their parents have on the top of the tree. Cover your the other discs comprised of a could not have been more excited However I was shocked as I listened when I saw Grease listed on the TV to risky song lyrics and witty lines optimistically trusted them with. living rooms and kitchens with even Guide this Sunday evening. It was that had previously gone over Just as Bing is hoping for a White more decorations as you wait, and I Christmas, students all over Bangor remember, you can never have too an absolute favourite of mine when I my nine year old head. I got quite was a child, and having not watched emotional as I sang with Sandy to are hoping their friends’ decorations many paper chains. it for around eight years, I had no ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ because match the tacky perfection of their choice but to put it on. I related to the song in a way I never own. 5) Angels by Robbie Williams may The cartoon opening got me up had before, and Danny’s reason for seem like an unorthodox choice for a and dancing, despite the drawings upgrading his car ‘Grease Lightening’ 2) It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas playlist. However I can see looking even more grainy than I rather changed my opinion of him. Christmas by Johnny Mathis is ideal no other option for the important remembered, and I impressed myself My previously least favourite song for assembling your arti cial tree, or act of placing the angel on the top as I sang every line of ‘Summer Lovin’’ ‘There Are Worse Things I Could for nding the perfect spot for your of the tree. On a par with Santa Claus without hesitation. I created new Do’ also broke my heart as I nally real tree to stand for the winter. Once himself, this woman is a vital part of and more inventive words to ‘We Go understood its relevance. Watching up, if the song is still playing, admire every household during the festive Together’ than I ever had before, and the musical after such a long time the tree whilst absorbing the lyrics, period. She shares all the happy sang my heart out to ‘Sandy’ with opened a whole new layer of it, and because I guarantee that no one will memories with us and as Robbie Danny Zuko until my poor, su ering I cannot wait to watch it again soon. express your feelings better at that says, she won’t forsake us, just as we Upcoming University Music cat couldn’t take it any longer. moment than Johnny. won’t her. Events by ZACH READING are well underway for their Christmas Teague, promoted the diversity and concert”, where they will be playing inclusivity of the choir and stated ndeb Bangor’s musical-based the music from A Nightmare Before how impressed he has been by the societies have a whole host Christmas, Mulan, and Star Trek development of the group’s sound. Uof exciting events going on in on the 9th of December alongside The choir will sing music by Arthur the second half of this semester, and Bangor University Brass Band. Sullivan, Billy Joel, and more, as well here’s a rundown of what they’ve The Brass Band, whose music- as joining the orchestra for music been up to and what’s to come making year revolves around the from Skyrim.One of the University’s Kicking things o , the Society of UniBrass competition in February, youngest musical societies, the String Dramatic Arts are putting together have been preparing for their Orchestra, have been preparing a the pantomime Cinderella with Christmas Concert alongside Concert wide ranging repertoire including matinee and evening performances Band. Led by second year Medical Sibelius, Boyce, and also music from in Pontio on the 30th of November. Science student Elspeth Malcolm, the the Studio Ghibli lms. Musical Director and third-year music band have been working on pieces The group are under the baton of student, Daniel Fay said: “rehearsals such as ‘Breezin’ Down Broadway’ Alice Teulon, who has praised the THIS is an unsurprising album in THE nation’s guilty pleasure has not MAROON 5 have yet again show- THIS surprising EP suggests a THIS is an enjoyable album al- are now in full swing and we have an and ‘Stop the Cavalry’. positive and friendly atmosphere of the best way possible. It’s wonder- disappointed with his debut album. cased their ability to adapt to change in the pop Queen’s sound. though is it rather unexciting. The amazing cast that have worked really Bangor University Music Society’s the group as well as the commitment ful to see Sam Smith stick to his The world had huge expectations of changes in popular music whilst still With a rather large step away from band’s classic ‘Dakota’ sound is hard so far. We can’t wait for everyone Winter Concert takes place on Friday of the society’s members. Their roots, and produce a second album the ex-Directioner after the release keeping hold of their original sound. glass shattering pop ballads such as there, but it seems to haunt the to see what we’ve been up to”. the 8th of December and consists concert will be in the nal week of lled with the sound that all his fans of his fantastic singles ‘Slow Hands’ There is something in this album for ‘Clown’ and ‘Read All About It Part album a bit too much. It results in Tickets for Cinderella are currently of performances by the Society’s term and all details will be available love, despite his huge rise in fame. and ‘Too Much To Ask’, but the Irish everyone, whether you are a new fan III’, her EP has a more alternative and a ‘samey’ album as you move from available from the Pontio website. Orchestra and Choir. Speaking about on their Facebook page. The album’s lead single ‘Too Good pop star has met them perfectly. All or an old one. ‘Best 4 U’ and ‘Wait’, chilled feel to it. ‘Love Not War’ sug- track to track that makes the songs Meanwhile, Concert Band have been the preparations for the concert, the Fresh from a highly successful gig at At Goodbyes’ sets the tone of the thirteen tracks have the same sort along with the obvious track ‘What gests the artist is starting a more forgettable and even boring as busy preparing for the National orchestra’s director Alex Winberg the Menai in Upper Bangor, Bangor album perfectly, and unsurprisingly of feel; they’re predictable pop bal- Lovers Do’, are club anthems which political journey, and this is only con- you reach the end of the album. I Concert Band Festival - a nationwide said that the group “rehearses University Jazz Band continue to ‘Midnight Train’ seems to be the third lads that you can belt your heart out cater perfectly for the charts that rmed by her singing alongside rap doubt we’ll hear much more from event that sees wind bands from enthusiastically every week, playing entertain crowds with a set full of fun single to follow ‘Pray’ in climbing to. Although a much less exciting they will undoubtedly be climbing artists such as Giggs and Wretch 32. this album with regards to singles universities, schools and music a wide range of music from Pirates of and style. Led by MDs Joe Gordon- up the charts. This soothing album departure from his boy band routes up very soon. However ‘Who I Am’ It certainly feels that throughout this and the charts, but it is lovely to services come together to perform - the Caribbean to Mozart.” Potts on the saxophone and Thomas shows o the artist’s incredible vocal than the rest of his ex-band mates, and ‘Whiskey’ are reminiscent of their EP Sande is testing the water before see a band sticking to their roots under the leadership of Sam Jones. Alex, a third year music student, Evans on trombone, the band will be abilities brilliantly. It is the perfect al- Niall’s album is nevertheless very en- classic hits such as ‘She Will Be Loved’. a total reinvention of herself. Howev- after such a long career. BUCB will be performing in the went on to say how he’s “excited for playing a reduced-numbers gig at the bum to relax to with your feet up on joyable and still leaves listeners ask- By producing yet another superb er it is an exciting one that I certainly regional round of NCBF in Oldham on what’s shaping up to be a really fun Menai on the 25th of November and a Sunday afternoon. ing whether there is anything that pop album, I have no doubt that Ma- hope she pursues. the 19th of November. Alongside the and enjoyable concert”.The choral a Christmas gig in early December. the One Direction boys can’t do. roon 5 will be producing chart top- NCBF, Sam notes that “preparations director, second year student Samuel ping songs long into the future. 24 Seren | November Issue 90's V s 24 Seren | November Issue November Issue 2017 | 25 90's 00’s V s

6TH MARCH 26 Seren | November Issue 2017 GAMES is Month’s Gaming News Paris Games Week New Harry Potter Based EA Buys Titanfall Developers, Respawn AR Mobile Game From Developers of Pokemon Go

s well as several trailers for some popular upcoming Agames, there were several big announcements that Sony made at Paris Games Week. The upcoming game Detroit: Become Human was announced to be coming out next spring. Also the release dates for the rst DLCs of Destiny 2 and Call of n the 11th November, EA access to more resources, explaining Duty WW2 were announced, which bought the developers of how the mega-corporation rarely are 5th December and 30th January. OTitanfall for £350 million. interferes with Respawns creative Despite having worked alongside developments. Telltale Cuts 25% of EA to release it’s Titanfall game As well as announcing the purchase, series, the developers owned EA announced a third Titanfall game, S t a  themselves. The CEO of respawn and that Respawn was now also he developers who popularised claimed that while the EA purchase working on a new Star Wars game. and capitalised on the episodic wasn’t necessary, it will give them Tdecision making game series like The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us and Game of Thrones announced on Tuesday the 7th iantic, the developers behind becoming real life Wizards will nally Microso Game Streaming Service icrosoft has revealed likely that like it’s competitor and November that they were going to let the ridiculously popular get the chance to experience J.K. plans to release a game Microsoft’s current similar service go of 25% of their workforce. This will Pokemon Go Mobile App have Rowling’s Wizarding World. Players N streaming service during on Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, that the a ect an estimated 90 people. The announced that they are making a will learn spells, explore their real M the next three years. The revelation service will be a Paid subscription. CEO Pete Hawley said that this was similar ARG app, but for the Harry world neighbourhoods and cities was made by Phil Spencer, the They also announced that the so that the company could “focus on Potter franchise. The game is called to discover & ght legendary beasts Executive Vice President of Gaming streaming service won’t require a delivering fewer, better games with a Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. and team up with others to take at Microsoft. This service is already console, probably meaning that it smaller team.” This event won’t a ect In a press release Niantic stated, down powerful enemies.” something provided by Sony as the can be used by PC players as well. any of its currently announced but in “players that have been dreaming of paid service PlayStation Now. It is development games. Sonic Forces: Is  is Series Running Out of Ideas? REVIEW mission. character or Sonic may go  ying o The gameplay is at best mixed, the the map due to oversteering. This super speed that Sonic and co run at is mostly annoying above anything is very good and fun, and sometimes else. feels like you are  ying through the The plot’s setting is a cool concept, air... when it works. The immersion of but does su er from a lack of world being the world’s fastest hedgehog building and - after you rescue Sonic stops every time the screen moves - the game becomes a very generic too fast for you to register an plot of ‘we must stop Eggman’. The obstacle, or you get stuck trying to game could easily have been at least jump up a ledge for ve minutes. ve hours of gripping gameplay The controversial boost ability is ok, gathering up a resistance, and again when it wants to work - when preparing for a large battle against it doesn’t it feels like Sega are simply Eggman, but the plot after a point trying to give a reason for characters simply becomes boring and painfully who are not Tails to  y, a tad pointless. short. A positive is that the game Despite these problems there are a is a return to some of the original few cool gameplay elements in Sonic characteristics of some of the older Forces, such as the Wispons your Sonic cast members. character uses in game. A favourite The graphics are good; however of mine was the lightning whip, and they do tend to su er from a delay. the way it sped up any encounter Sometimes when you are running with enemies. The character creation very quickly the screen moves so fast was also very streamlined, and didn’t you become nauseous. Also, at least have too many details to ddle on the Switch version, I found that with. A case could be made that the the game su ered from ridiculously game should have had a slightly long loading screens. larger variety of details than it did, The soundtrack is also very good but honestly what the game had it and one of the more redeemable used well. The four characters that things about this game. The only you are allowed to play as do give issue is that the music that plays some variety to game play, however in some levels can give you mood onic Forces is one of the two one character at times could feel whiplash if you have just watched a Developers: Sonic Team games out this year hoping underdeveloped in comparison to very emotionally di cult cutscene. Sto redeem the series after the the other three. To wrap up, Sonic Forces is a Release Date: 7th Nov 2017 Genre: Platforming Sonic games of more recent times. While the controls are hard at game that is redeemed by its newer The game is set in a parallel world rst to learn, they are quite easy to additions and very good music. The Multiplayer: No in which Dr. Eggman has won, and master and the player might only rest can be at best called ok. I was Platforms: PC, Switch, Xbox you play as four characters, including then have the occasional stumble actually a little excited for this game, One, PS4 Age Rating: 7 your own ‘rookie avatar’ character as they switch between characters. but after playing it, I felt let down. whom you create in the second Occasionally there is the chance your November Issue 2017 | Seren 27 GAMES

NewDoes Assassin’s Games for November Creed: Origins Super Mario Odyssey: Hit the Mark? REVIEW A Cap to a Good Franchise Developers: Ubisoft Montreal Release Date: 27th Oct 2017 REVIEW Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, and Developers: Nintendo PC Release Date: 27th Oct 2017 Genre: Action, Adventure, Stealth Platforms: Nintendo Switch Multiplayer: No Genre: 3D Platformer Multiplayer: Yes, can utilise Age Rating: 18 local Co op

By LAURA ASPIN Age Rating: 7

ssassin’s Creed: Origins is a somewhat triumphant return Ato form for the Assassin’s Creed franchise after a two-year hiatus. It focuses on events that happened centuries before the rst Assassin’s uper Mario Odyssey is the rst Often when you capture a being like moved around. Also it is notable that former occasionally feeling epic at Creed game, and details how the times. Occasionally there is a notable Brotherhood was formed. The story Mario game to come out on the a frog, T-Rex or a Bullet Bill you gain the movement controls for Mario are Nintendo’s newest console, the abilities which help you traverse the a little loose. drop in frame rate, this is perhaps revolves around the Medjay Bayek, S more notable in console mode rather Nintendo Switch. It blends the 3D landscape in new and interesting The plot itself is nothing to write who is tasked with protecting than handheld. Like Breath of the the Egyptian empire in times of Mario gameplay with the 2D original ways which can often help solve home about, except the game does platforming that the series is famous puzzles and get more Moons. This start with Mario defeated and his Wild before it, I found that playing upheaval, whilst at the same time, in handheld did head up the back he’s trying to avenge the death of his for. The game also is the introduction ability is often quite cute due to the iconic red hat being destroyed. of a new character for the series, iconic Mario moustache that appear Afterwards the plot is simply, Peach of the console a bit. The music was only son Keanu. very good, and often made you feel The free running, that Assassin’s Cappie the sentient hat. Cappie is the on the controlled being. That said, is captured, Bowser wants to marry deuteragonist for the game, and who the ability becomes quite insidious her and Mario has to rescue her. like you were on an epic quest. My Creed is well known for, is still here, major issue is that occasionally the allowing you to scale the walls of you play as in two-player mode. if you consider the implications of Cappie is brought into the plot, as his The gameplay is really enjoyable mind control and losing identity. On sister Tiara has also been kidnapped music can get repetitive especially if temples, pyramids and simple houses you were stuck on a level for a long more fun than ever before. There’s a in this instalment. As well as Mario’s a brighter note, the game itself isn’t by Bowser. Another notable thing usual array of abilities which very di cult, and the hardest part, is the original trio of Mario, Bowser time. Also the characters still use push towards levelling up, and you their grunts or short exclamations can achieve this by either completing including jumping, running and collecting Moons, can often be a job and Peach do get some character more jumping, the addition of done unintentionally and you don’t development, and at one point to communicate during cutscenes, the many side quests, competing with subtitles providing dialogue. in the chariot races, collecting the Cappie’s abilities brings new life into need to collect all the moons to nish I did start to feel a little bad for the game. Cappie can be used to the game. Bowser. However, while Cappie gets The good thing is that this doesn’t collectables or completing the main become annoying. quests, which gives you access to turn Mario into electricity and open The game does use Waggle the minimal amount of character zips in walls to get places and solve mechanics. On the other hand, most development, Tiara acts only as a Overall I liked Super Mario Odyssey, new skills and powerful weapons. and I think it has a good brief story Whilst the welcome addition of Senu, puzzles. However, it is his ability to important move sets can be done means to an end, and is about as capture and control other beings without using the waggle mechanics, interesting as a cardboard box. with some good introductions to the Bayek’s eagle, does change up how series. The Moon collecting also gives you tackle stealth sections, and it’s that makes Cappie an interesting with only one or two of the fancier The game graphics in game and in the game a good replay value. fun to watch the comings and goings and useful addition to gameplay. moves requiring the controller to be cut scenes are quite good, with the of the enemy from the point of view of an eagle, she’s di cult to control and sometimes, enemies or treasures won’t be highlighted on the map, Shadow of Wars:  e Return of the Sequel meaning you may miss some of the six regions of Mordor to build an next meeting. If they survive your laugh out loud, is that every time a enemies or loot in an area. Also, the army that can rival that of Sauron attack they will improve their skills captain notices your presence or game is marred by technical issues REVIEW to nally kill him once and for all. All to counter your play style and if they you notice them, they will pause and glitches, such as occasional lag, game crashes and the terrifying Developers: Ubisoft Montreal six areas have are overseen by the come back from the dead, and grant- the game and give a close up mono- experience of a dead hippo chasing Captain Orcs, as seen in the previous ed they look progressively worse for logue. Similar to how a movie villain you for miles through the deserts of Release Date: 27th Oct 2017 game, which have their own person- that, they become near undefeat- doesn’t do the sensible thing and at- Ancient Egypt. ality. The Orc captains answer to Orc able. However, if the captain keeps tack. It gave time to prepare my strat- The world of Ancient Egypt looks Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, and warlords who answer to the big boss killing you their level up, gain new egy, change equipment and skills. wonderful, and is full of small details PC of each region. Once you unlock the abilities and give them more things It is overall a very good game with that are littered throughout the skill to persuade the orcs to your to taunt you with. This leads to some excellent story, improved gameplay map, from collectables to letters that Genre: Action, Adventure, cause (like in the previous title) it’s weird taunts, one in particular com- and the ability to freely customise detail the lives of ordinary Egyptians, Stealth all about hunting them down to in- mented on how my insides smelt… your character’s playstyle, which al- which makes the place feel alive. crease your ranks. you know, to fuel everyone’s night- lows for more individualisation and a However, whilst travelling between Multiplayer: No New content includes new skills, mares. It a ects their encounters feel like you’re the only one who can locations, by either cart, horseback which can be upgraded and new with you, which can be a ected by save the day. or camel, is tedious, because parts Age Rating: 18 regions within Mordor with more your own encounters with them. of the map are vast expanses of warlords to overthrow. Also, the cus- The new skillsets bring some vari- desert with the occasional village or tomisation of the out ts increases ety into gameplay. Most of the up- ruined temple to explore, which all the general stats and look of Talion, grades revolve around the amount of tend to look the same after a while. with each piece of equipment being acrobatics Talion can do, increasing Fortunately, you can easily use fast By BENJAMIN SMITH collected by completing either the the multiple ways you can kill an Orc, travelling to synchronise points that quests or killing Orc captains. or increasing the variety of mounts you’ve discovered. his game begins with the crea- The Nemesis System has also had available including a dragon. The Assassin’s Creed: Origins adds fun tion of a new ring to battle the new game elements and a believable One Ring controlled by Sau- an upgrade, this is the system which upgrade also grants you individual T never forgets if you run away from a power-ups to these skills, with up to world, but is unfortunately bogged ron. The main character, Talion the down with technical issues and Ranger, accompanied by The Elven captain (or higher), and they will re- three to choose from. glitches. Wraith, Celebrimbor, travel over the member and taunt you upon your A part of the game that makes me 28 November Issue 2017 | Seren FILM Stop; Trailer Time Review Pokemon The Movie: I Choose You

12 Strong: Based on true events, but adapted from the book Horse Soldiers; in the wake of the September 11 attacks, a Special Forces team are sent to Afghanistan, where they combine alliances and go to war with enemy forces. In recent memory, there have been numerous war lms that have been breathtakingly deep, including Dunkirk and Hacksaw Ridge. It seems by JACK HOLLINSHEAD we haven’t seen on the small screen. However, they just weren’t who they disregarded pieces. However, that 12 Strong, starring Chris Hems- hen Satoshi Tajiri, the found- However, this lm follows a di erent fans wanted to see for the most part. I understand that this lm belongs worth and Michael Shannon, will be er of Game Freak, created path. It didn’t go unnoticed, though, that on its own as a celebration, and not no di erent and we look forward to Wthe rst Pokémon games, Loosely based on a few episodes some of the key characters from the including a few of the original char- seeing it early next year. Red and Blue for Nintendo, I bet not from the Indigo League season one, original episodes the movie is based acters will help to avoid any confu- I Tonya: even he could have imagined how and named after the pilot episode, on were absent. His trusty compan- sion with the show’s prior existence. This biographical, sports, black big a cultural impact it would have on Pokemon The Movie: I Choose You ions Brock and Misty were nowhere It would have been nice though to comedy is about gure skater Tonya the world. Since those initial games, follows, as all the television series and to be seen, with his rival, Professor see a lot more of the key points from Harding (Margot Robbie) and how the franchise has become bigger and lms do, Ash Ketchum, a Pokémon Oak’s’ grandson Gary, only witnessed those early days of Ash’s adventures, her gure skating career took a turn bigger. Nintendo and Pokemon have trainer from Pallet Town in the Kanto brie y. These three personas are even in a small montage. for the worse when the pressure produced endless games across their region, who sets o on his adventure crucial to Ash, and I felt it was a very One of the great things about see- was at boiling point. The movie pre- consoling platforms, toys of your fa- with his new partner; Pikachu. From strange decision to exclude them. ing this in the cinema, was the gen- miered at the Toronto Film Festival vourite characters, a manga series this, they encounter the legendary It was so good, yet at times, so erational connection that the fran- back in September, where it received and much more. Most notably, aside Ho-oh, which starts their journey and wrong. Seeing the reason why Ash chise has within society. There were huge plaudits, and with the trailer - from the games, an anime televi- they encounter many challenges to- saw Ho-oh and what it represented people who had grown up loving the nally getting a world-wide release in sion series and movies are where we gether along the way. was awesome. Although, I think it games, series and lms, along with the past few weeks, the anticipation know Pokemon the best. The original The idea of the lm is very good. would have gone slightly better if children who have recently began is only growing and growing. Indigo League series was rst aired To celebrate the legacy of Pokemon they managed to integrate into the the newer seasons and have become The Post: in April 1997, whilst the rst lm, by reminiscing some of the best mo- timeline of the series, rather than interested. I’m glad that the lm gave Steven Spielberg directs the pe- Pokemon: The Movie, was released in ments that were so crucial to many just for a one o . The new characters people of all ages a chance to expe- riod drama The Post; a story about 1999; and the latest cinematic instal- childhoods across the globe, past are fun and added great quality, but rience something they love and ad- Kay Graham (Meryl Streep), the rst ment, Pokemon The Movie: I Choose and present, is something we are all they would have been greatly suited mire. female publisher of the Washington You, is to celebrate the 20th anniver- looking forward to. The animation to the new Sun and Moon series that Overall, it celebrated Pokemon’s Post, who is faced with the battle of a sary of the television series and, coin- work of this lm is stunning. The is currently airing, or left for a future 20th anniversary in a lovely manner, lifetime as she pushes to publish the cidentally or not, the 20th movie; an development throughout the years lm, not to just be thrown into an al- having the heart and soul of what all Pentagon Papers. This trailer has seen achievement for any company and of Pokémon has been delightful to ready existing story. the episodes and movies have dis- many people discussing Oscar nods, product by any standard. watch, and the battle scenes become The foundations are well thought played before them. It will continue and it has the necessary tools to war- All the lms that have been re- more spectacular and epic with each out, developing on some open as- to inspire the new generation of rant them, with a great director and leased thus far have aligned with the year. How the story unfolded was pects of the initial television story, viewers and players to carry on what cast (that includes Tom Hanks, Sarah plot points of the animated series, good, with the newly introduced with its message being clear and many before them have adored so Paulson, Bob Odenkirk and Alison using the main protagonists from characters of Verity and Sorrel who easy to follow. But, from the nostal- much. Some parts could have been Brie). It is a story I wasn’t fully aware the current television season at the travel with Ash, along with the pro- gic perspective, the moments they improved, but I couldn’t help but of and one that seems to be increas- time of release, with them befriend- tagonist Cross, tted the criteria of chose to leave out left you some- smile at seeing Ash and Pikachu on ingly important in today’s society. ing a legendary Pokemon or two that supporting roles. what confused. It was almost as if the big screen once again. Recent Releases & Upcoming Movies Suburbicon (24th November) Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Gardner Lodge (Matt Damon) lives Jedi (14th December) in a peaceful, suburban community After the events of episode VII, Rey with his son. But the town has a dark (Daisy Ridley) looks for guidance side that soon reveals its ugly self to from Luke (Mark Hamill), but Kylo Gardner. Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Or- The Disaster Artist (1st Decem- der are set on putting an end to the ber) Jedi once and for all. Keep an eye out This is based on the true story of for local listings with a ‘The Force aspiring lmmaker Tommy Wiseau Awakens’ double billing, plus a mid- (James Franco) and his friend Greg night release. Sestero (Dave Franco) who put eve- rything they had into the making of ‘The Room’. Jumanji (20th December) Set 20 years after the Robin Wil- liams original, four players get Wonder (1st December) sucked into the game and become Battle of the Sexes (24th Novem- Adapted from the 2012 novel, their avatars, and the only way to es- ber) young August ‘Auggie’ Pullman (Ja- cape is by completing the game. This comedy drama tells the story cob Tremblay), who was born with a Pitch Perfect 3 (20th December) of a tennis match between Billie Jean facial deformity begins, life at a new After graduating and entering the King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs school, evoking a heartfelt, powerful real world, Beca (Anna Kendrick) (Steve Carell) that changed the way message. and the Barden Bellas reunite of a the sport was viewed. Stronger (8th December) European tour, but face some tough Daddy’s Home 2 (24th Novem- Based on the true story from the competition along the way. ber) awful Boston marathon bombings, Ferdinand (22nd December) When Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) and the lm follows Je Bauman, por- This 20th Century Fox animation Brad (Will Ferrell) put their parental trayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, after he tells the story of a bull named Ferdi- issues aside for the holidays, their loses his legs, and how he adjusts to nand (John Cena), who wants to go own Dads make their way into town. life. beyond his forced, Matador lifestyle. Seren | November Issue 2017 29 FILM Get in touch via our social media platform for any information, latest news or @SerenFilm @seren lm [email protected] to become involved with Seren! Foreign Cinema: Japanese Films Originals To Watch This Month

by ARRON WILLIAMS themes and commentary on the na- still hold up today and feel like that apanese cinema has a wide varie- ture of truth. of a recent animated lm. Akira is di- ty of beautiful and moving lms; Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999) rected by Katsuhiro Otomo and is a Jhaving created both spectacular Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is an sci- thriller. animations known across the world, animated lm directed by Hiroyuki The lm is set in a dystopian Neo- to cultural masterpieces which went Okiura. The lm is a fantasy drama/ Tokyo and follows two childhood on to in uence western cinema. thriller about intrigue and politics. friends Kaneda and Tetsuo. The two Whilst there are countless great lms Jin-Roh is set in alternate timeline friends are in a local biker gang but by JACK HOLLINSHEAD its ruling to prevent lms that are di- to choose from, such as the creations of history where Germany won WW2 end up involved in government ex- he streaming service, Net ix, is rectly uploaded to streaming servic- of Studio Ghibli, this list is of ve and occupied Japan. The lm follows periments into psychic abilities. The an application I think every stu- es such as Net ix and Amazon Prime lms you should see to broaden your Kazuki Fuse a member of an elite gov- lm’s animation is outstanding and Tdent in every university across from competing for the top prize, the knowledge of Japanese cinema and ernmental armed forces unit. Fuse among the best in Japanese cinema, the nation has, or at least, borrows it Palme d’Or. From next year, they will its thematic role. witnesses the suicide of a young girl especially for the time it was created from someone who has it. Either way, be able to compete if uploaded to Rashomon (1950) who detonates a bomb which trig- which is why it is regarded as a staple we all love a good binge; whether it a streaming service, providing they Rashomon is regarded as one of gers his search to learn more about and great work of Japanese anima- be a box set or a series of lms, you are released in French cinemas as the staples of Japanese Cinema and her. The lm is full of political intrigue tion. get your weight in gold from it. What well. Thankfully, it was screened at one of renowned director Akira Kuro- and gradually builds to a greater The visuals are great, although the company has put a lot of its prof- Cannes, receiving some much-de- sawa’s greatest lms. Rashomon is understanding of internal struggles there can be some disturbing scenes its into, is creating Net ix Original served praise and admiration before a lm with themes of mystery and and the political situation. The lm and images. The lm focuses heavily products lms, as well as television being released on Net ix on June crime but focuses on very di erent is worth a watch for its enthralling on psychic abilities, destruction and programmes. A lot of these Net ix 28th. ideas to modern Crime thrillers/mys- plot, however it is hard to talk about brutality both from citizens and the Originals are very, very good, draw- Okja is about Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun), tery lms. it without spoiling anything. government. There are also several ing big name actors and actress to who looks after her super pig and Rashomon follows the story of a The lm also has a great soundtrack undertones and references to post- star, with great stories and vision. So best friend Okja in the hills of South court trial about a murdered Samu- which is incredibly impactful within ww2 Japan and nuclear weaponry. below are a few I would recommend Korea, given to her and her grand- rai (Masayuki Mori) and his sexu- the events of the lm and just great Akira is worth a watch for any lover you watch if you get a spare few father by the Mirando Corporation’s ally assaulted wife (Machiko Kyô). to listen to. The lm also uses a par- of sci- or just those interested in ani- hours in between your studying and CEO Lucy (Tilda Swinton) and zo- However, Rashomon has a unique ticular fairy-tale as a reference and mation. socialising: ologist personality Dr. Johnny Wilcox method of storytelling; it is told from quotes from it in order to guide and Yojimbo (1961) The Fundamentals Of Caring: (Jake Gyllenhaal), so she can raise the four accounts of the same event, all aid its narrative structure although is Another lm by famous director Based on the novel ‘The Revised pig. Little to Mija’s knowledge, it’s for of which di er greatly. The accounts not based on the fairy tale. The visu- Akira Kurosawa. Yojimbo is a thriller Fundamentals’, the lm tells the story meat production. This lm makes are told by the Bandit who killed the als and animation of the lm are out- but with themes similar to a western of Ben (Paul Rudd) who is seeking you fall in love with a CGI super pig. Samurai (Toshirô Mifune), the Wife, standing with colours being integral and is the inspiration for the lm ‘A new employment after retiring from Much like James Gunn made you the dead Samurai via a median and a to the setting and narrative. stful of Dollars’ which starred Clint writing. After deciding on caregiver, adore Groot in the Guardians of the Woodcutter who observed the event Perfect Blue (1997) Eastwood. The lm follows a ronin he begins to look after 18-year-old Galaxy lms, you can’t help but want (Takashi Shimura). The lm’s primary Perfect Blue is an animated lm called Sanjuro (Toshirô Mifune) who Trevor (Craig Roberts), and the two one after you’ve seen this lm. Young themes are all about truth, its  aws directed by Satoshi Kon and is a psy- heads through the countryside and go on a road trip that changes them actress Ahn Seo-hyun is the star, not and subjectivity, looking at how chological thriller full of twists and ends up in a remote town which is both for the better. This heartfelt tale looking out of place against Swinton, people can view and recall the same turns. The lm Perfect Blue is an odd stuck in a gang war between two fac- is wonderful, it truly is. The storytell- Gyllenhaal and supporting roles such event di erently. one to discuss due to it being hard to tions. Both of which are regarded to ing is brilliant and hits your emo- from Steven Yuen and Giancarlo Es- Rashomon, however, is not a lm talk about the plot without provid- have ruined the town. Yojimbo com- tions at every turn, but with witty posito. Director Bong Joon-ho won- with a closed conclusion. It does not ing spoilers or ruining the tension of pared to Rashomon, focuses on ght humour that nicely breaks up those derfully balances heart, soul and the answer the true nature of the crime the lm. The lm is full of suspense scenes and action rather than having hard-hitting moments. Rudd is ex- food industry in the way that makes but instead, leaves it to the viewer and entices the audience to know a more philosophical nature. It also cellent, with Roberts matching his you want to watch again and again. to decide and piece together what what is going to happen next and has several references and visuals re- performance. The chemistry the pair The Babysitter: actually occurred and what they be- why. It can be however, quite dis- lating to the westernization of Japan. possess is so natural, something that This is a lm that really had a last- lieve. The performances within the turbing in places and hard to watch, The lm is made, however, by its Rudd seems to bring out in all his co- ing impact on me after I watched it. I lm are expertly delivered, making especially with the nature of how the performances. Mifune gives a won- stars when you have watched him in didn’t think it would, but after watch- believable characters. However, the plot jumps around, in a sense being derful performance as Sanjuro, previous performances like Ant-Man, ing I couldn’t help but think, ‘wow, best performances in the lm are slightly distorted due to things being bringing life and energy to the char- I Love You, Man and Role Models. I that was actually so good!’; and The those of the ght scenes. Rashomon questionable. Perfect Blue follows a acter, especially in the ght scenes. would highly recommend you take Babysitter was that kind of lm. Cole has some of the most realistic ght J-pop singer who quits her band in but also providing the character with the time to see this when you’re  ick- Johnson (Judah Lewis) is a 12-year- scenes in a lm to date, not due to order to shed her artistic image and a sense of humour. The ght scenes ing through Net ix, because it is re- old boy who still needs a babysitter an epic nature, but instead of how pursue a career as an actress. How- and choreography are amazing, be- latable on a level to all, and being so (Samara Weaving) when his par- the ghts play out. They are realistic ever, this upsets her fans and leads to ing rather quick and energetic but personal, gives it a great realism. ents leave for a trip. This time round as the desperation, fatigue and hesi- unsettling events. tense and a joy to watch. The lm is Okja: though, things take the strangest tance of those involved is clear. This Akira (1988) also quite an easy watch compared When Okja was being premiered of turns. The over-the-top tones to lm is de nitely worth a watch for its Akira is one of the classic, early Jap- to some of the others on this list but at the Cannes lm festival back in this lm make the horror comedy so anese animations with visuals which is de nitely worth a watch. May, a backlash came from the lm popular, a lot like the Scary Movie festival as they were intending on franchise did. You de nitely need to banning lms on streaming services see it to believe it, and understand Seren Film’s Recommendations that would not be released in thea- why so many people seem to like this American Sniper: ries are tested. You are lying to your- tres. Since then, Cannes has adapted bizarre movie. The biographical war drama from self if you don’t enjoy an animated director Clint Eastwood, is about lm, and this movie is one to add to What’s Coming To Net ix Soon Chris Kyle, played brilliantly by Brad- your watchlist, rivalling Shrek for the ley Cooper, who became the deadli- top spot at DreamWorks. ternate Earth, humans and creatures est marksman in U.S. military history The Martian: alike coexist. LAPD o cers Ward with 255 kills over four tours of Iraq. Director Ridley Scott brings another (Smith) and Orc Deputy Jakoby (Joel e all know that Net ix don’t It gives a great portrayal of how war sci- blockbuster with The Martian, Edgerton) uncover an artefact that just show their originals; takes its toll on the human spirit, and where astronaut Mark Watney (Matt will ultimately shape their world’s fu- they have loads of other is a simply fantastic lm to watch. Damon) is left behind on Mars and ture. I’m looking forward to this one, W How To Train Your Dragon: uses his knowledge and the environ- combining two well-loved genres is lms for you to watch. So here are a few that we suggest you should This beautiful, animated story, set ment around him to survive as NASA very appealing, and with Will Smith watch after the originals (please around Viking times, is about Hiccup do everything to bring him home. Bright: starring, you are probably going to note; these lms were on Net ix at (Jay Baruchel), and how he becomes The cinematography of this lm is This Net ix original lm sees Sui- watch it. Premiering 22nd December, time of publishing and are subject to friends with Toothless, a night fury stunning, with a story that keeps you cide Squad director, David Ayer, be sure to make time over the festive change): dragon, bridging the gap between engaged, all coming together to cre- reunite with Will Smith, for an urban, period to catch it. human and dragon; but the bounda- ate a great space age movie. fantasy crime thriller, where on an al- 30 Seren | November Issue 2017

THE SEREN CROSSWORD

DOWN 1. American ... Story 2. ... are making a TV comeback! 3.  is issue the international column ends on the ... page 4. Of the sea 6. Read about the ... hunting debate on Comment section 7. It’s not rain it’s ... 8. ... smoked ham 10. Read Seren’s best and worst ... moments 14.  e ... among us ACROSS 5. Patrick Süskind’s novel 9. A long-awaited international singing competition 11. A er  nishing this, check out ... the di erence! 12. Why not travel to ... this summer? 13.  e most expensive county to rent a room from.

MINUTE MAZE EASY HARD Seren | November Issue 2017 31 UNION Bangor Student Survey

or the past  ve years, we’ve run a survey has helped us improve life for Every response we get makes it easi- survey for all students to take to students at the University in countless er for us to make the changes you want inform our work in the Students’ ways, like 24 hour library during term to see to your lives. UnionF and this year is no di erent. We time and free clubs and societies for all If you would like to take part in want to know what you think about students. We have also ensured that no our Bangor Student Survey and have your Students’ Union, your University student has to print their assignments, your say then please head over to and your student experience. saving you time and money, by work- UndebBangor.com Simply by taking this survey, you’re ing with the University to move to on- already helping students win! is line only submission for assessments.

Micro Volunteering with SVB ull of the joys of Christmas? Want to spread that Christmas love with those that are less fortunate than yourself? Have  is Bangor Girl Can a creative hand? Join us for a micro-volunteering project that combines all of these things! E-mail Gareth.Williams@ FUndebBangor.com for more information on how and when you can get involved! his Girl can week is fast approaching. Keep an eye out for our activities timetable, we have a range of activities from Zorb football to kettlebell classes. If you would like to get involved please contact us on opportuni- [email protected] or pop into the union to have a chat with the team. Pop up Superteam and vinyl record shop ast month Undeb Bangor saw hundreds of students come Superstars through the doors for the Pop Lup vinyl record shop. 1000+ records he day will test your skills in sporty or not! Who will be the 2017 held on Saturday December the 2nd at including and not limited to, 60’s, 70’s, accuracy, speed and determi- Superteams/Superstar Champions?! Canolfan Brailsford bewtween 11 and 80’s, rock, prog rock, Cymraeg, blues, nation as you participate in a Did we mention the super team and 3. If you would like to take part please metal, punk, new wave, country, folk, Tnumber of activities! With events rang- superstars champions will be present- e-mail opportunities@undebbangor. jazz, reggae and hip hop. Records start ing from Illinois agility test to tug of ed with a trophy at the AU dinner! com you can participate as a team of at 50p. ere will also be record boxes, war, there is something for everyone, Superteam and Superstar will be  ve or as an individual. stands and vintage posters for sale. 32 Seren | November Issue 2017 BOOKS Philip Pullman

hilip Pullman is known as one household name. His rst book Compass in the USA; yes, that one In 2007, he was appointed surrounds it, he opened up the door of the world’s most in uential was “The Haunted Storm”, that also lm with the polar bear), published honorary professor in arts and to it again with his rst book “La Belle Pstorytellers. He was born on received the “New English Library’s in 1995, followed in 1997 by “The humanities at Bangor University. Sauvage” for his new series “The the 19th October, 1946 in Norfolk. He Young Writer’s’ Award in 1972. After Subtle Knife”, and concluding with Past vice-chancellor and honorary Book of Dust”. The second book will was educated in England, Zimbabwe his second book, “The Ruby in the “The Amber Spyglass” in 2000. These professor of the university, Professor include a character named after Nur and Australia before his family settled Smoke” was published in 1982 he books have snatched up several, well Merfyn Jones, described him as “one Huda el-Wahabi, a 16 year old victim down in North Wales. ceased teaching and became a full deserved prizes, such as the Carnegie of the nest writers in English today, of the horrendous Grenfell Tower re. After securing his Bachelors in time writer. He started writing “His Medal, the Guardian Children’s Book and he is passionately interested in As part of the charity auction Authors Arts at Exeter College, Oxford, he Dark Materials” in around 1993. Award, and the Whitbread Book education.” for Grenfell Tower, Pullman o ered began teaching. He taught middle This is, arguably, his most well- of the Year Award (for “The Amber Seventeen years after Philip the highest bidder a chance to name school children and at the same known trilogy. The rst book of this Spyglass”), which was the rst time Pullman released his third volume a character in the upcoming trilogy. time, he began to pursue his writing, masterpiece is “Northern Lights” in the history of that prize that it was of “His Dark Materials” and sealed He raised £32,400 to provide relief for the main reason he is a well known (otherwise known as “The Golden given to a children’s book. the door to Dust and the magic that survivors of the Grenfell disaster.

On Thursday the 7th of December at 8pm, Philip Pullman will be visiting Pontio, Bangor to give a talk. The “We don’t need a list of Magic of Storytelling; In Conversation with Philip Pullman will be lead by rights and wrongs, tables Jon Gower. Jon Gower is an author himself and also a former BBC Wales arts correspondent. Philip Pullman of do’s and don’t’s: we need will be engaging the crowd with the exploration of storytelling and the magic behind it. Be prepared for an eye books, time, and silence. opening talk with an in uential man. Thou shalt not is soon Tickets are in the price range of £17.50- £12 for students and under 18’s. For discounts on group bookings contact forgotten, but once upon a the box o ce on: 01248 382828. Tickets can also be booked via the Pontio website. time lasts forever.” November Issue 2017 | Seren 33 BOOKS Paddington REVIEW: Depression & Other pulls in for Magic Tricks by Sabrina Benaim the last time xploring themes of mental it properly. Sabrina gets that. It’s like read it in the same way she presents isn’t an order in how things happen health, love and family; Sabrina she could just look at you and pin her slam poetry. Shaking and all. to you or what you go through, you EBenaim’s debut book certainly down your emotions and views with The language isn’t complex as such; feel very disorganised as a person. packs a punch. I knew of Sabrina Be- beautiful imagery, leaving you feel- sometimes you do have to reread This isn’t to say that someone who naim long before this book came to ing like that bad dream of being na- parts to fully grasp the meaning. This hasn’t ever su ered from a mental light. She is a very well known per- ked in front of loads of people. can disrupt the  ow of the work at illness may not get this book. If any- formance poet and one of the most- I feared that the spoken word that I points. thing, it adds insight into what really viewed of all time, so no pressure for so love her for would always contain The layout of the book itself does does go on in someone that is su er- to release a brilliant book, right? an element that she could never pin seem fairly disorganised; the struc- ings head. There is an extreme sense of vul- down on paper and get to behave, ture didn’t really seem there. How- All in all, the book did not dis- nerability to this poetry collection. that there would be something miss- ever, I think this did t the book it- appoint and it is no wonder that It’s very genuine and very real. This ing. I am so disappointed in myself self perfectly. The book does tackle Sabrina’s book is nominated for makes it harder to read. Everyone for being stupid enough to doubt themes that are very hard to grasp Goodreads Best Poetry in their 2017 has moments when you feel like you her. for the average person. Anyone who Choice Awards. have something inside you and you The voice in this poetry book may not have su ered from a mental don’t know how to express or word gripped me, especially as I tried to illness before, may not get that there

“Mom says where did anxiety come from? Anxiety is the cousin visiting from out of town depression felt obliged to he nal adventure for bring to the party. Paddington Bear, which Tinvolves the marmalade fanatic visiting St Paul’s Cathedral, will be Mom, I am the party. published in June 2018 a year after the death of his creator, Michael Bond, at the age of 91. Only, I am a party i don’t “He was working on it very shortly before he died,” said Bond’s daughter, Karen Jankel. “It hadn’t want to be at.” been illustrated, but it was there in manuscript form, and it’s lovely … He kept that magic touch right until the end. He always had to be writing, it was always his way, right through his life.” In his latest adventure, the wild Happy Birthday... C.S. Lewis bear sets o for the cathedral, where he is mistaken for a choirboy. live Staples Lewis was born in College, within the university, trilogy in 1938 which was his rst sci- in 1950. These were arguably his Ann-Janine Murtagh, executive Belfast, Ireland, on November he also joined a group known as work title “Out of the Silent Planet”. most famous novels. They were publisher at HarperCollins Children’s C29th 1898. He was very close The Inklings. This was an informal This was the rst of a trilogy which written to present Christian ideas in Books, called the nal Paddington to his brother, Warren, and the two collective of writers and intellectuals dealt sub-textually with concepts of an accessible form. book “Michael’s parting gift to all created the imaginary land of Boxen who also had Lewis’s’ brother sin and desire. Lewis also wrote four collections his fans … brimming with curiosity, together. Warren and J.R.R Tolkien amongst its During the 1940’s, he began writing of poetry under the pseudonym of charm and a ectionate exuberance”. Lewis graduated from Oxford members. Through this group, Lewis the seven books that would make up Clive Hamilton. Bond was found his inspiration to University with a focus on literature reconnected with Christianity. the brilliant “The Chronicles of Narnia” C.S. Lewis died on November 22nd write about Paddington when he and classic philosophy. When he took Lewis published his rst book in series, with “The Lion, The Witch and 1963, the same day of Kennedy’s saw a small toy bear on a shelf in a up a teaching position at Magdalen 1926 titled “Dymer”. He released a the Wardrobe” being the rst release assassination. London shop on Christmas Eve, 1956. He began to feel sorry for it which lead to him buying it as a present for his wife. Living near Paddington station, he’d often thought that “No book is really Paddington would be a good name for a character, and one day, it gave worth reading at the him the spark of an idea. “When I wrote those few words, age of ten which is I had no idea quite what a change they would eventually make to my not equally – and life. It was really a case of putting something down on paper to get my often far more – brain working that morning,” Bond said. worth reading at Jankel said that Paddington at St Paul’s would be the nal story, the age of fty and although she added that her father had also written another non- beyond.” Paddington book. 34 Seren | November Issue 2017 LIFESTYLE Explained Editors Picks: My Top 4 How To: Eyeshadow Palettes Hygge have boxes upon boxes of makeup and I’d be a fool not to include it by FAITH ELSEGOOD The Korean ranging from eyeshadow to lip- in my top ve. The colours feature sticks, makeup is such a versatile brights, shimmers, mattes and darks. I ygge (pronounced ‘hue-gah’) and creative way of expressing your- An array of looks can be created from self and I’m all for it. Whilst I enjoy building up pigment or smoking out is a term which encompasses Beauty creating new looks and trying new the corners. A wonderful palette that Hthat quality of cosy happiness products these are a few of my (cur- is worth the price! BeautyBay (online and contentment you can’t quite put rent) favourites! retailer), £41. a name to. Its’ main characteristics are all things warm, cosy, and charming. Routine Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Brushes Violet Voss- Holy Grail In recent years, it has become a A newbie to my collection, I have This palette was never on my list fashionable new lifestyle favoured by orean beauty has been on the fallen in love with the assortment to buy, partly because it has a hefty bloggers and instagrammers alike – a up and we can’t stop our need Step 4: Ampoule of colours as well as the buttery yet price tag that I wasn’t sure was worth few of whom I’ve left links to below. Kto follow their beauty tips. With Another beauty term explained, vivid pigmentation of the colours. it, but was I surprised. The colours Hygge is borrowed entirely from so many products and methods, ampoule is like serums but works to From reds and yellows to browns range from bright oranges to glittery Danish culture, from a simpler way where do we start? I’ve formulated target speci c skincare issues. They and golds, this palette allows you to browns and the pigmentation is fan- of life, a love of the great outdoors, (and simpli ed) some of their best should be used as a boost for when create both a day and a night look. tastic, not too heavy with colour on as well as a love for the hearth and loved steps and beauty goodies your skin is really under the weather. BeautyBay (online retailer), £37. the rst application but enough so home. And I’m sure that there’s with the help of Korean beauty and that you don’t need to keep dipping nothing more appealing in the run- lifestyle blogger Sorabelle.com, Step 5: Serum Anastasia Beverly Hills- Modern in. The palette also features a mirror, up to winter than trying your hand at Vicky Lee. With an abundance of After using every product under Renaissance bonus! CultBeauty (online retailer), recreating this comfy, cosy lifestyle. knowledge on the Korean beauty the sun that is LIKE serum we nally A staple product for makeup lovers £43. trend, Lee tells all about the morning reach the step where we use the alike, the Modern Renaissance has routine we should be following for thing itself. Serums are full of active proved to be a hit amongst many Step 1: Candlelight care-free and glowing skin! ingredients but in concentrated Candlelight is a hygge go-to, so formulas, they are used to target a whether it’s a tiny votive or a massive Step 1: Wash with Water speci c skin concern such as wrinkles, church candle, light it up. Yankee Wash your face with only water, no dehydrated skin, or tiredness. Candle votive gift set is only £6.00 at cleanser. Water works wonders on ASDA. removing the impurities that embed Step 6: Eye Cream Loco For themselves into your face during the An eye cream should be applied night. around the brow and socket bone to the inner and outer corner of the Step 2: Toner eye (be careful not to get any in your Coconut Oil Toner helps balance the skins pH eye). levels and is an important step in any skincare routine. Without toner Step 7: Moisturiser oconut oil can be used for an abundance of things but even more so skin can become dehydrated and Apply all over the face in a medium in your beauty regime. It is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, with occasionally dry. Its role in this to light layer for all day hydration. Cheaps more bene ts. From hair, skin, face and teeth, coconut oil has routine is imperative as it works as endless possibilities and it’s about time we used this natural wonder. You’ll Step 2: A Giant Mug an extra layer to absorb any products Step 8: Sunscreen nd this product in many a celebrity’s cupboard, from applying a mask to your There’s nothing more hygge – or you follow on to use. A step many of us don’t incorporate hair to using it as a moisturiser, this product has so many uses in our routine. necessary – than a huge mug to into our routines but perhaps why Here are a few ways you can incorporate this budget and nature friendly prod- ll with your favourite tea/co ee/ Step 3: Essence Koreans are doing it right. Sunscreen uct into your life: hot chocolate/hot drink (delete as What is essence you ask? Well, it is should be used for more than applicable!). I’m sure you already a hybrid between toner and a serum. just holidays, the suns UV rays are HAIR born stains and to purify the skin be- have a favourite mug, but if not, This product works to hydrate the harmful to our skin and by protecting Conditioner: Soaking your hair in fore bed. there is a cute copper mug that skin and force cellular turnover to our skin we are reducing the likes of coconut oil before a shower works Eye Cream: Wrinkles and ne lines could be a contender! Get it from TK improve a more youthful appearance. dark spots, wrinkles and ne lines. wonders, not only does it diminish tend to appear here rst but coconut Maxx for £6.99. dry, damaged hair but it can make oil has hydrating properties that can it look and feel healthier than before help banish these lines away. (psst … it’s also rich in vitamin E, K, REVIEW: Jaclyn and iron). TEETH Frizz Fighter: Using a pea sized Whitener: Oil pulling works to re- amount from middle to tip you can move stains on your teeth, swill a lit- Hill x Morphe ght frizz prone hair and adopt a tle around your mouth for 15mins a sleeker looking style. night and watch the di erence. Super Shine: Coconut oil will give Lip Balm: No one likes chapped you an all- natural shine that silicone and dry lips so double up and use based products wont. coconut oil on your lips whilst you’re Step 3: A Cosy Jumper Keep It Clean: The antifungal and swilling away. Get rid of those cracks, This is more of a life essential than a antibacterial properties of coconut ASAP. hygge essential, but your hygge life oil can help rid our heads of the high would be incomplete without a huge bacterial content that we would rath- comfy jumper. Chunky cable knit? All er forget about. the better. Dandru No More: Do you have dandru prone hair? Then this is what you need! The fatty acids quick- Step 4: A Cosy Blanket ly rid you of your damaged and dan- Okay, so you’ve got your candles lit, dru -prone hair. your mug full, and your jumper on… but there’s something missing. Cosy SKIN up or snuggle down with a blanket Moisturizer: Coconut oil works that’ll keep you toasty all night long. he Jaclyn Hill palette has with the previous matte palettes; I’d wonders for the skin as it replenishes delivered everything and nd that it would go patchy which is the skins natural oils. more. Every colour you could why I diverted towards the shimmer, T Soother: Your hero for outbreaks Step 5: A Cute Film possibly need in one palette; mattes however this is not the case with and irritated skin, apply as needed in The nishing touches to your hygge and shimmers, a variety of transition Jaclyn’s palette. The only issue I have the a ected area. overhaul are found in something shades to ensure a well-blended is that when I blend the shimmer Nails: Use as a cuticle oil to soften personal that you know you’ll love, crease, your two essential highlights shades, they blend a bit too well and the skin but also strengthen your and a lm is exactly that! My pick and more brighter shades for when I’ve lost the pigment, so it’s a bit of nails. would be When Harry Met Sally – you need that pop of colour. They’re ‘pigment over blending’. Apart from Nora Ephron’s rom-com masterpiece, easy to blend which is always the that, this palette delivers wonders FACE available on Net ix! case with Morphe but even more and suits my awkward oily eye and Makeup Remover: Sweep over at so with the new formula. To be very minimal creases. the end of the day to remove stub- completely honest, I struggled a lot November Issue 2017 | Seren 35 LIFESTYLE Let’s Talk: CRPS Humanities Awareness Month Notebook by MILLIE HICKLIN heard things no daughter or son become aware of this condition, should ever hear from a parent. and become educated to help those ovember is CRPS/RSD (chronic a ected as there currently is no cure, regional pain syndrome/ So What Is CRPS? only pain management. Nre ex sympathetic dystrophy) This condition can be caused by awareness month, please wear injury to all areas of the body, or in Know The Symptoms? orange in support, my name is Millie some cases for no reason at all, it C – Changes in skin colour, Hicklin and I study ocean science and a ects mainly arms, legs, hands and temperature, excess swelling and this condition a ects my family, this feet and frequently accompanied sweating is for my mum who has CRPS. by swelling, colour and temperature R – Regional, usually beginning Imagine being in constant pain changes to the a ected areas. CRPS speci c to one area where an injury everyday of your life, having a hot can also go by another name “the occurred poker jabbed on your skin while suicide disease” as the pain a icted P – Pain, often described as the another is like jamming your hand in is the most severe chronic pain that most severe chronic pain that exists a bucket of ice and leaving it there. exists on the McGill pain scale, it rates S – Sensitivity, hypersensitivity to Wanting to do things with your the pain of CRPS higher than that of touch, sound, vibration, wind and friends and family but your body people with cancer, amputees and temperature won’t physically allow it, and smiling childbirth, 90% of people a ected through the pain as no one can see or have admitted to thinking of ending Links to groups and for further feel it but you. Many people with this their life during the condition. CRPS information: condition are going through it every can a ect anyone, but generally day, but it hasn’t been diagnosed or has a higher dependency to a ect Facebook: Colour the World Orange doctors believe it’s something else. women. This condition is very well But also their families go through known in the United States but not Facebook: United in the Fight for the pain with them, the amount of very well known in England, older CRPS Awareness events, plans and birthdays we have doctors are unaware of this condition missed because my mum has been prescribing wrong treatments Facebook: Burning Nights – CRPS ill, in hospital or having an operation. and diagnosing wrongly. New and Support The amount of times my mum has younger doctors are only recently been in that much pain she hasn’t learning of this condition and slowly Twitter: @UNITED4CRPS wanted to live any longer and I have changing the way they treat people. Therefore, it is vital that people

The ‘Let’s Talk’ segment is a section I hope will reoccur. This section will act as a platform to discuss areas including health and wellbeing, as well as raising by RORY FORMSTONE end when they leave. They learn life awareness for particular areas. If you have anything you would like to highlight in ROBERTS lessons and can better their lives and this section then please get in touch with your ideas at [email protected]. those around them. They do not get amp is a place full of heart. the same education as school, they I have worked at a camp get something much better; a vast Cin Minnesota for over two knowledge of life and a family. I am years and have given countless blessed to have been able to come hours to help, support and nurture to camp for the time that I have. It What You Need to every unique camper that comes. has impacted my life in more ways Camp relies on volunteers and than I can imagine. Showing me a donors, as it is non-pro t; like community, beauty and harmony many across America. It caters for that is not always present in life. children and young adults of all In camp we follow SPARC. S for Know About categories and was founded on the safety, P for participation, A for idea that everyone should be able acceptance, R for respect and C for to be themselves. Whilst working compromise. The counsellors try in America, I have been able to to have the campers absorb SPARC develop my career goals and support into their everyday life, making the Microbeads network, but unknowing to myself I campers able to progress in more have been diagnosed with the ‘Camp’ positive ways; helping them to icrobeads have come to them to do. Around 1 millimetre in vent further damage to the environ- bug. This bug hooks and pulls you get the most out of life. SPARC, to light in the past couple years length, they were created as an ef- ment. Although talks have been held back to camp repeatedly. It starts o me, can also mean; S for security, Mas a potential hazard to the fective method to exfoliate without and mention of the UK introducing a slowly then rushes into your system P for passion, A for ambition, R for environment. Whilst we all enjoy an damaging our skin whilst we scrub strong ban, no o cial ban has been like a re burning; you feel warm and rejuvenation and C for connection. exfoliator; the environment is sadly away. Some products that feature made in the UK. All involved need to happy, like your favourite memory Everything that I have learnt and paying a higher price for our beauty the microbead include, facial scrubs, take action and responsibility in or- keeps coming back to you again encompassed from Camp. Camp needs. These tiny balls of plastic are moisturizers, sunscreen and makeup der to work towards a greener future. and again. I have had the chance to has changed me, and day by day I increasingly lling our oceans and products. What makes these tiny impact campers and counsellors lives become a better person in myself are risking the lives of the creatures balls of plastic so desirable in beauty in ways people can only imagine. and I am now able to be comfortable that live there. As beauty and envi- products is also the reason as to why I found comfort, support, energy, in my own body, because at camp ronment conscious individuals mov- they are hazardous to the environ- con dence, uniqueness, love, and you can be completely yourself and ing towards banning microbeads will ment. family. no one will judge you. If I did not ensure the safety of the ocean and A singular shower can lead to al- There is a term discussed in the come to camp I would be entering its critters as well as a move towards most 100,000 microbeads into the education system called Educational my career as a regular teacher, which educating ourselves on what trends ocean, according to British MPs. Bulimia. The disease scatters terri es me, but now I am a Camp we should be ditching for the sake of They were created so that they did through schools from childhood teacher and both meanings of SPARC society. not dissolve in water, but this precise to Adulthood, to homes through run through my veins. It makes me But how these tiny balls of plastic reason is why they have ended up be- education and through your life. laugh, it makes me frustrated at are causing such havoc you ask? Well, ing some troublesome. They cannot We go to school to metaphorically times, it makes me dream about the whilst washing our face daily with be ltered out of wastewater treat- eat and absorb the knowledge, only times I shared with campers and microbead infused products, these ment plants and therefore end up in to go into a test and throw it all up it makes me cry every time I must beads begin their journey down the the streams that lead to oceans and before moving onto the next one. say bye. Camp changes lives and sink and on their travels to the sea. lakes. Calls have been made for com- At camp the campers can learn and the community you meet accept They are designed to simply wash panies to stop using microbeads. It is experience things that they would you with open arms, love and care. away but this is what scientists and an issue that needs to be addressed, never have done and felt before; from People search forever for their home, environmentalists alike do not want swift action needs to be taken to pre- nerves on the rst day to tears at the but I have found my home in Camp. 36 Seren | November Issue 2017 FOOD & DRINK Fresh cuts for YOU NEARLY MADE ME Freshers DROP MY CROISSANT ampus life caters for a wide range of activities, but if alf eaten packets of croissants have sounded the alarm over a scarcity has not been able to ful l orders your fridge is ever running are going for €250 on ebay… of butter in France. The reasons for from Lebanon, China and Vietnam C No, I’m serious. Thanks to the current shortage are complex. because of the shortage. “I’m looking low these are a few key dates you H should keep in mind. the shortage of butter in France Falling levels of milk production, for butter everywhere,” she said, she Run by the Campus Life Men- this week, with French newspapers combined with a poor yield in 2016 has cut her workers’ hours by 70% tors, these events aim to make warning of the worst shortage since and growing butter demand across because she cannot source enough integrating into a new environ- the Second World War, the crisis has the world, have resulted in a drop in butter to maintain output. “We’ve ment more fun and more relax- turned political as the government supply and rising wholesale prices. been on rationed supplies since mid- ing too. Making new friends and seeks to reassure consumers. The price of industrial butter has risen August. We are only receiving a tonne learning new recipes could never The result is that pastry-makers from €2,500 a tonne in April 2016 to a week when we need three tonnes be easier! and bakers cannot obtain enough €7,000 this summer. ... We cannot go on like this for much Be sure to check them out wholesale butter to maintain normal Dominique Charge, head of longer.” around University and ask any production levels. Some French the national cooperative of dairy This has even led many shoppers to questions, John loves questions. supermarkets – including in historic products, told French radio RTL butter bulk buy the ingredient and freezing Remember to book in advance butter-producing areas like Brittany was “more and more in demand in it, digging the hole deeper in the if necessary but you can nd all and Normandy – have had to put emerging economies like China and supermarket stocks. The agriculture details and more events on a apologetic notes on empty butter the Middle East”. minister has even played down Campus Life poster or online at: fridges. Honestly, I’m not sure how we Claude Margerin Francois, who the suggestion of acute shortages, bangor.ac.uk/campus-life/index. will all make it through these pressing runs a small company specialising in but he told parliament this week php.en times. pastry dough in central France and that retailers and suppliers should Meanwhile we’ve been utterly has been buying Poitou-Charentes agree price adjustments in order to unaware for months. Bakers, biscuit- butter from a local producer for 15 maintain deliveries. BAR UNO makers, farmers and food producers years, told The Associated Press she

• Sunday 19th November Free Sunday Roast (booking campuslife@bangor. Honey? OH Sugar Sugar ac.uk) ry this wild new substitute for re ned sugar! So for all you sugar lovers out there, you don’t have to give up your diet to have dessert. All of these are easy to use and are probably in more things you already eat than you realize. Plus, if you use natural sweeteners, you don’t feel as guilty after eating an entire loaf of banana bread in one sitting, which is a reason in itself to give these alternative sweeteners a try. BARLOWS T • Tuesday 7th November Learn to vegan. A key trick for using maple sweeteners. Many recipes call for cook - Sweet Treats syrup as a healthy sweetener sub- coconut sugar as a replacement for • Thursday 9th November Board stitute is making sure you get pure brown sugar, so it’s easy to use for games and biscuits maple syrup rather than many kinds many treats. While regular granulat- • Tuesday 21st Learn to Cook – that are loaded with extra added ed sugar doesn’t contain any vital nu- Soup! sugar. trients, coconut sugar is made from • Monday 11th December Board the coconut palm and maintains games and Biscuits many of the key nutrients that the • Tuesday 12th December Learn Honey is one of the most popular coconut palm has to o er. A great to Cook – Mince Pies! natural sweeteners, but many peo- way to use coconut sugar is in warm cookies or gooey brownies. Fruit is a great natural sweetener ple don’t know that choosing raw that many people forget about. This honey is an even better substitute. is the prime healthy substitute for BRAINT COMMON ROOM Raw honey contains zinc, iron, and re ned sugars because it’s just fruit, other bene cial qualities that pro- which means no added sweetener • Thursday 2nd November Board mote health while also sweetening Dates, yes really! They may not be at all. This substitute works best for games and biscuits your food. It also has many helpful the most aesthetically pleasing sub- recipes that already include fruits, • Thursday 14th December Board uses besides being a sweetener, so stitute, they’re actually really sweet but adding pureed bananas or gs games and Biscuits investing in a jar is always worth- and tasty. They also have lots of ben- in place of sugar works for many while. e ts such as reducing blood pressure baked goods (if you’re okay with and promoting heart health. Dates a new, fruity taste). A great way to ACAPELA are great healthy sweetener substi- implement this substitute is in dishes tute for re ned sugar, but they’re just Erythritol - While this name sounds such as banana bread. Adding more • Friday 3rd November Campus as yummy eaten as a snack. Having a (providing you can pronounce it) fruit than the recipe calls for and life and IEC world music & food date with a spoonful of peanut but- scary and exotic, it’s very frequently cutting out the sugar will sweeten night ter is a delicious and healthy dessert. used and is an FDA-approved sugar your food and boost the  avour. alcohol that looks and tastes like sugar. Low in calories, this a great healthy substitute for re ned sugars FRIDD & ST MARY’S VILLAGE Maple syrup is another common because not only does it reduce your healthy substitute for re ned sugar. sugar intake, but it also reduces the • SATURDAY 4TH HOT CHOCOLATE AND Honey and maple syrup have many calorie consumption. BONFIRE NIGHT WALK of the same uses in cooking, but • Monday 6th Hot Chocolate some people will opt for maple morning syrup instead of honey because it’s Coconut sugar is another diverse • Monday 20th Hot Chocolate Morning! Deliver Wooooooooooooo! eliveroo now does unlimited a week. Perfect for students right?! 45 towns and cities across the UK, deliveries for £7.99 a month That’s because you would need to including Brighton, Edinburgh and D– yes! Man vs Food just got use Deliveroo four times per month London, in the initial phase of the real with this Deliveroo plus. The to spend £10 in delivery costs over rollout. In November, subscribers will new service was trialled in six cities the period - more than the £7.99 also have access to discounts from earlier this year, allowing half of its you would pay for the subscription restaurants like Gourmet Burger customers to save nearly £25 over a service. Kitchen. two months, while some saved up If you’re still tempted like I am, you Deliveroo plans to extend the to £75 a month. can sign up for a free trial for a month service to more locations in the In order to truly bene t from this here online: https://deliveroo.co.uk/ coming months. exquisite o er you would need to plus be ordering takeaway at least once The service will be available in November Issue 2017 | Seren 37 FOOD & DRINK AU NIGHT TURNING TO AYE YOUS I’M NOT MAKING THAT 9AM? ere’s some top tips to continue board, so red wine and beer are also Again this comes down to drinking bubbly drinks had an drinking water prevents dehydration, the party but avoid the likely to contain more congeners. congeners, those bad chemicals average of 0.54 milligrams of alcohol a by-product of drinking, but it Hhangover, crazy. Selective with your Mixer. An that your body can’t process. The per millilitre of blood. Those drinking won’t prevent things like nausea. Dr Make sure it’s clear - So if you’re innocent choice nonetheless, does general perception is that because  at champagne averaged just 0.39 Verster added: ‘Dehydration is an going to have alcohol, it’s best to impact on your hangover. Sugar lower quality alcohol begins with milligrams of alcohol. e ect of alcohol, but not the cause make sure it’s clear. A few examples or carbonated drinks cause your lower quality ingredients more Water Theory. Drowning in the H20 of the hangover. It’s more likely that include: Vodka, Gin, Tequila. Yes as stomach to bloat and empty faster. chemicals will be produced during after a night out may not dampen the immune system is involved.’ But much as I hate to say it drinking spirits What that means is you absorb fermentation. that hangover the next day. A drinking something like coconut will give you the best chance of a alcohol faster, feel its e ects sooner, Usually drink, usually dance, usually Dutch study found last year that water before or after you start minimal hangover, vodka especially. your blood alcohol level increases bubble. Bubbles are bad! I repeat, those who drank water alongside drinking could have a positive e ect, A study by the British Medical and so does dehydration, Professor bubbles are bad! Much like the alcohol only experienced marginal nutritionist Yoko Inoue suggests, Association found it to be the best of Jim Schaefer told Men’s Fitness. mixer theory, the carbon dioxide in improvements. Researchers asked because coconut water contains an obviously bad bunch, because it Therefore, the more sugar your mixer champagne helps absorb alcohol. 826 students about their most recent potassium and other electrolytes. contains few congeners. Congeners has the worse your hangover is likely Boris Tabako , a pharmacology heavy drinking session, how severe Kebab and cheesy chips? Heavy are impurities in alcohol that come to be. The best option? Vodka and professor at the University of any hangovers were and whether or carbs and greasy foods aren’t all about as a result of fermentation and water. Add a slice of lime (not cordial, Colorado, told ABC News: ‘You get not they had food or water after the they’re cut out to be, that’s because that the body struggles to process. as that’s pretty much pure sugar) to a faster rate of absorption, higher alcohol. A total of 449 of the students those carbs cause a big spike in They also contribute to the sick make it more palatable. blood alcohol levels — and brain (54.4%) reported eating or drinking blood sugar and then an inevitable feeling you get the morning after. A Avoid the Darker drinks. Red wine levels — if you drink champagne water after consuming alcohol. The crash. Key ingredients to watch out Brown University study in 2009 found is typically worse for a hangover as opposed to something non- lead researcher, Dr Joris Verster, for would be turmeric, beetroot, kale, that dark alcohol contained more than white wine, and that dark beer carbonated.’ A study at the University said students reported consuming berries, garlic and lemon; not too chemical congeners than lighter is worse than light beer. The quality of Surrey found that alcohol levels food or water also reported a slight sure if you can grab that at the local ones. For example, researchers found of the drink can also a ect the rose much faster among people statistical improvement in how they food joint at 3am but worth a shot I that on average bourbon has 37 hangover, with low quality wines given carbonated drinks than those felt but that this did not translate suppose? times more chemicals than vodka. more likely to contribute to a bad that weren’t. The study found that into anything meaningful. The The same rule applies across the hangover. after just ve minutes, the people water myth may come from the fact Top Take Away Deal of the Month CHIPPY AND SPICE Chicken or the Egg; who really gets the last laugh?

Kung Pow holding a bigger punch it’s only around 500. • Foods containing eggs, beans, than you expected? About a mil- Good ways to avoid this while cook- nuts or other protein-rich foods lion people every year in the UK get ing is cleaning and washing the such as quiche, soy bean prod- food poisoning - half from their own chicken before cooking, and when ucts and lentil burgers cooking (with summer barbecues cooking to do it thoroughly to ensure Stay safe, and stay cool kids. Set Meal for One £9.95 and Christmas leftovers being the all bacteria is killed. Yet, what about biggest culprits). Around 100 peo- the next day? Let the chicken cool ple each year (mainly the very young down before putting in the fridge. his Top Takeaway deal of the Kebabs, Burgers, English Dishes, and the very old) get it so badly they By not doing so, you are in fact put- month: and even their very own section die from it. ting the rest of your fridge at risk by TSet Meal for One on the In- of Garlic Bread. With a free Mar- Food poisoning - your rst thoughts raising the temperature inside fridge. dian Menu, housed at 108 High garita or garlic bread with every being bacteria contaminating your This creates an ideal incubator like Street, Bangor. 3.5 rating on Tri- order above £25. FREE PIZZA! food. However, this is not the biggest environment for the bugs to spread. padvisor, lands 44% of reviews They ask every customer with an perpetrator, in fact it’s called Campy- Foods which are commonly reheat- as excellent. Welcome to the order over £25 to leave a note in lobacter. According to the FSA (Food ed and which the Food Standards wonderful world of Chippy and the comment section regarding standards agency), Campylobacter is Agency list as potentially hazardous Spice. their choice of free item. Now for present in more than 65% of chick- include: The Set Meal is inclusive of: those of you on Upper Bangor, ens on sale in the UK. Campylobacter • Cooked meat or cooked food Poppadom and Chutney never fear, for delivery is free on can survive up to a couple of hours containing meat, such as casse- Onion Bhaji orders over £10. Working hours on a kitchen surface, so it’s easy to roles, curries and lasagne Pilau Rice are Sunday – Saturday 5pm to spread it around. It can also make • Sauces containing cream or milk Naan Bread Midnight, who could ask for you ill even in very low doses. Where- • Seafood including patties, sh Choice of one main meal more? as you would need to consume tens balls, stews and sauces contain- All for a total of £9.95, their cui- If you’re already tempted you of thousands of Salmonella bacteria ing seafood and sh stock sine consists of Indian, Pizza, can call up on 01248 345799. to become sick, with Campylobacter • Cooked rice and pasta 38 November Issue 2017 | Seren FASHION Freddie Mercury - Iconic out ts he rst look is probably the On the 24th November this year, it will be the 26th anniversary of Queen front man Freddie Mercury’s death. The legend sadly lost his life most famous of Freddie Mercu- due to complications with aids on the 24th November, 1991. In his honour, here are a few of his most famous and iconic out ts/looks. Try’s looks; the yellow jacket with the buckles across the chest, and the white trousers with red stripes is the out t he wore for Queen’s last ever tour. It is the out t that comes into mind when thinking about Freddie Mercury . Queen began in the 70’s, and the out t choices were slightly more un- orthodox. They dressed slightly like every performance was a theatrical performance. They seemed to paint their nails and wear leotards, which seems bizarre, but it is memorable. This is another of Freddie’s most iconic looks. This is the look that Freddie took to Live Aid. Arguable the most famous of Queen’s perfor- mances. This is another memorable look and of course, who can forget the entire audience clapping along to Radio Gaga. Freddie may have sadly passed away before his time. We do how- ever, have these photographs to help us remember these iconic ‘cosumes’, that Freddie wore whilst performing with Queen. It will be interesting to see if the biopic of Freddie’s life with the band, will recreate the out ts of the 70’s and 80’s. Dishevelled Dec think not. Earlier this month, TV operation on his knee, which Ant documented him, saying, ‘’I’ll be favourite Declan Donnelly was described as ‘botched’. sure to wear a tux next time I pop Iscrutinised for the way he was Nobody dresses up to go food to Sainsers’’. This seems like a nod to dressed. Well, that is actually an shopping, and celebrities are no the fact that nobody wears anything understatement, he was scrutinised di erent; they are just people too, special when nipping out. for his overall appearance. The ‘I’m after all. Why should Dec been Fortunately for TV viewers across A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here’ host penalised for what he was wearing? the country, Ant and Dec will be had ‘popped’ out to the shop and He didn’t plan on being in front of the back on our screens on the 19th of had been photographed sporting a camera, so why can’t he just throw on this month for I’m A Celebrity Get ‘shadow of scru ’, as well as being a hoodie to pop out. Just because he Me Out Of Here. The golden boys dressed down in a black cap, jeans is dressed down, doesn’t mean he will be bringing back the show that and a black jumper. is having some sort of meltdown; has us all xed on a small group of The press jumped on this and he is being human. There shouldn’t celebrities being put through all reported Dec as looking dishevelled have needed to be an article on this, sorts of nightmares. We will see the and in need of, not only a shave, but because he hasn’t done anything duo look their normal bubbly selves his best friend and co presenter Ant wrong and reporters have made proving that being dressed down McPartlin. As you may know, Ant was unfair assumptions about him. was just being a regular person. admitted into rehab this summer due True to form though, the TV to an addiction of a deadly cocktail of presenter made a quick witted painkillers and alcohol after a failed joke about the reports that had

Freddie Mercury Biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” his is more of a shout out more Freddie Mercury. He looks absolutely than anything else! I was just incredible. The costumes are exact Tscrolling through the news and and they look so true to form. I am I came across the article about the really excited about this and I am updates on the lm about Queen, so pleased with how the actors are the band. Unfortunately, I can’t get looking, especially when it comes a photograph on here because the to the out t choices; the moustache ones available online are sneaky that Malek is supporting is fantastic, snap shots caught on set. However, because, let’s face it, Freddie I would strongly encourage you to Mercury’s moustache was a fashion have a look at the rst shots available statement all of its own. of actor Rami Malek, dressed as Seren | November Issue 2017 39 FASHION Who wore it better? The Christmas Jumper

is the season to start buying realise it’s November and the feeling Christmas jumpers! I’m going may wear o by the time we actually Tto be honest, I have never really get to Christmas; but honestly, jumped on this band wagon, and it’s fun and I’m excited now. If you I suppose that could be because are starting to get into that festive I prefer plain clothes rather than spirit already, then I would really pattern or slogan jumpers. However, recommend buying one. Nobody is there are some really nice ones out saying you have to wear it yet, just this year, whether they are pretty buy it and hang it up ready for the or funny, there is a large range of 1st of December. Some people say Christmas jumpers and t-shirts they have a birth month rather than around. just a birthday, well I believe that I have even seen ones that sing. Christmas is the whole of December That’s a rst! I have to admit though, with the end of November in there as I did buy one this year and I really well. feel Christmassy for it and yes, I do

Iconic out ts of lm

arilyn Monroe: The seven John Travolta: Grease: year itch: Whereas not many people could M This is quite possibly one place which lm Marilyn’s white dress of the most famous photographs in is from these days, there is no doubt- KATY PERRY WINNER the world, fashion aside. Like the lady ing where John Travolta’s Danny KAT GRAHAM herself, it really is beautiful and so Zuko look comes from. Even though iconic. The dress being blown from the lm was released in the 70’s, eve- This dress looks equally as  attering Kat Graham : Kat seems to have This version has a ‘sexier’ element below creates a  are of her halter rybody knows that this character and on Katy as it does on Kat. However, been able to show o this dress in to it, as Kat displays her leg through neck white dress. The moment was his trademark T-Bird leather jacket Katy doesn’t seem to be  aunting a natural way. The dress is clearly the slit. Her ombre hair is spilling so memorable, that there are profes- look comes from Grease. It is such a the dress as much as Kat is. Katy supposed to be a  irty dress, and over one shoulder, which really sets sional photographs of her recreat- memorable look, and is really iconic seems to be wearing the dress as an yet, Katy doesn’t seem to want to the out t o . She is completely free ing the moment in the same dress. to the lm. John Travolta has actu- everyday piece, rather than making show o her gure with it so much. of accessories, which makes sure that The photo also inspired the phrase, ally brought a few classic lm fash- sure everyone know she knows she Kat is showing the dress o to its full the out t is the sole focus. The stripes “having a Marilyn Monroe moment”, ion looks forward, the other most looks good. However, Katy looks very potential. However, they both look really set o her complexion. She which is basically saying, my dress/ memorable being from Saturday at ease with herself in this dress, and beautiful in the dress, Kat just seems looks natural as she wears this out t, skirt blew up in the wind. The lm it- Night Fever. Maybe, because the lm the colours set o against her bright to know how to work it a little better. and it makes her seem as though she self maybe not as memorable, and to has been redone and is still done on bleached hair. The red in the dress This really is a close call though looks this elegant on a daily basis. a younger audience, some may never the stage, that this look has stayed so really sets o her freshly red painted because both of them really know The choice to have minimal make up have heard of it. The thing that has popular. However it’s remembered, nails. The glasses slightly take away how to make this out t work. It looks also doesn’t distract from the dress really stood the test of time, is that the fact that it stays in our minds, from the dress, they aren’t needed in really lovely on both ladies and it was itself. gorgeous white dress. tells us it’s memorable. my opinion. a hard one to choose. Fashion trends for men and women this winter MEN MEN WOMEN WOMEN BOTH

eret: This is really interesting ur: Fur or faux fur coats have eathers and frills: I have already elvet: Goodbye suede, hello eather trousers: It is a really fun look for men this winter, but been seen a lot in the high street noticed this a lot in all of the velvet. I am not complaining, look, especially in the brighter, BI really, really like this look. Fshops this year for men. This Fhigh street shops. Feathers and Vpersonally ladies, I nd that vel- Lbolder colours like red and There are many di erent hat styles, look, I think, is making a comeback frills seem to be very in this year. This vet is a really comfortable material to green. Of course if you’re not really but this one is a really chic look for from the 90’s as this look reminds me look is very 1920’s and kind of looks wear and it looks great. It is a material a bright colour sort of guy or gal, men. It’s not the usual go to, and of Take That’s music video for ‘Back as though it is a variation of the  ap- that looks better in dark or pastel col- then you can of course, go for black, that’s what I like about it. It seems to For Good’. However, this year, a lot of per look. It also seems as though it ours, I tend to nd. This is also quite a brown or grey. These stray away be paired well with baggy jumpers men has been seen wearing these. should be a summer theme. How- Christmassy look, as we think about from the conventional look, which or heavy coats. They seem to look They are most popular in brown or ever, the shades of colour and the Santa’s out t, the red part is made of I really like. You would have to be best in a brown or a black colour, grey. This isn’t a bad look at all. This little bit of sparkle changes the look velvet. A lot of dresses are made with con dent to wear them in the rst but bright colours work really well style isn’t for everybody, but when it and creates a more wintery feel to velvet this season. It looks really el- place, however, you could nd that with bright coloured trousers. This does suit an individual, it really does it. This also feels a little Christmassy egant as well as being really soft and you can really rock this quirky look. is really fresh and exciting. fashion suit them. you never know, you may and, therefore, would make a bold comfortable. I also nd that velvet is This isn’t a look that I would wear item for men. It it not the usual style love it. So give it a try this year, you fashion statement at your Christmas a really  attering, slimming material myself, this is the type of look that for men, but it is one that looks re- may be pleasantly surprised! party this year. that looks great on all body types. I see other people wear and wish I ally good. could ‘pull o ’. 40 November Issue 2017 | Seren MENTAL WELLBEING Playlist of the month: Insomnia Vibes This playlist is for those struggling 15. Requiem- 32. Fever to the Form- to sleep and to therefore function A Blaze of a Feather Nick Mulvey daily. These are some songs that I 16. Vapour- 33. All or Nothing- Ryan currently nd relaxing and slow my Vancouver Sleep Clinic Montbleau, Tall Heights racing mind. I hope they can help 17. Runaway- 34. Go Solo- you too. The National Tom Rosenthal 18. A New Beginning- 35. Delicate- Damien Rice 1. Holocene- Bon Iver Alexandre Desplat 36. Stone Cold Daddy-O- 2. The Breach- 19. Old Friends- Juliana Jonny Fritz Dustin Tebbutt 20. Winter- Matt Corby 37. We Circle Through 3. Cologne- Haux 21. Wolf Larson- The Night Consumed By “1 in 5 4. Asos Model Crush- dné Kitchen Door Fire- Max Richter 5. All The Pretty Girls- 22. Dancing In The 38. Diaphanous people have Kaleo Moonlight- Paula Davis Dreamcoats- Silver Maple 6. Darlin’- Houndmouth 23. Melancholia II- 39. Equal Curiosity- Alan dandruff. 1 7. If You Need Me- William Basinski Ellis Solomon Burke 24. Sebastian- Adrian 40. Somewhere In in 4 people 8. Carry You- Novo Amor Johnston Between- 9. Denouement- 25. You’re The Best- Wet August Wilhelmsson have a mental Lo Mimieux 26. I Know All What I Do- 10. I’m Excited To Ask Her Jack Garrett health A Question- 27. Still- problem. Rob Simonsen The Japanese House 11. Brandy Alexander- 28. Sea of Love- 22 Feist Cat Power I’ve had both.” 12. Brambles- Jónsi 29. The Road- Nick Cave Ruby Wax 13. In Quiet Rooms- 30. Harry and Ginny- Ollie MN Alexandre Desplat things 14. Slow It Down- 31. Heartbeats- José The Lumineers González remember when discussing self-harm my therapist told me Ito distract myself, to “paint your nails or bake a cake.” Upon follow- ing her advice I had blue nails, a Victoria Sponge, and I still wanted to hurt myself. Here is a quick list Putting an end to of 22 things to do instead of self- harming that will release a similar sensation:

· Rub an ice cube on your skin ‘Man Up’ Culture · Snap an elastic band on your skin that “being a man” is synonymous symptoms. hundreds of male suicides could be · Draw on your skin with felt tip or with power, wealth and athletic One place this is particularly impor- prevented. We’re a campaign for all nail varnish prowess. Boys are taught that any- tant in would be in the military. The men, not just ‘service users’. All of us, · Scribble hard on a piece of paper body who shows even a modicum military’s attitude to mental health at one time or another and regard- · Moisturise your entire body of interest in a pastime that is not is undergoing a much needed over- less of gender, can hit a crisis and so drenched in testosterone is obvi- haul. Soldiers, sailors and airmen are we could all do with support when · Pop bubble wrap ously wrong or too sensitive to be being encouraged to work on their things get tough.” · Rip up paper a “real” man. As a result, emotional mental resilience as well as made But this isn’t enough, a change · Throw a ball hard against the wall sensitivity is rigorously socialised out to feel they are able to seek help. needs to happen at home, at school, · Clap your hands repeatedly of young boys, and never allowed to Military mental health campaigners at university, at any and every work- · Bite a hot pepper sneak back in. Therefore, some boys have stated that the ordeals of the place. Why are we shaming men for grow up feeling emotional stresses Afghan and Iraq wars have caused their mental health? In 2015, 75% of · Take a cold shower or mental problems make them a surge in veterans seeking help for all UK suicides were male. We need to · Put PVA glue on your hands weak which reduces the likelihood of anxiety, depression and post-trau- put an end to it before more boys are andthen peel it them openly talking about it, which matic stress disorder. born in a world of emotional repres- uicide is now the leading cause · Wax your legs in some cases, can kill. A clear exam- In addition, one organisation at- sion. We must teach that it’s perfect- of death in men under 50, but · Tear up old clothes ple of this could be depression, an tempting to change the way we view ly okay not to be okay. most men still won't admit illness which can be eased by talk- male mental health would be the · Put gloves on and scratch your whenS they have mental health prob- ing through the negative thoughts. Campaign Against Living Miserably skin lems. There is an expectation for men Yet if we continue to berate men for (CALM). They o er support to men · Brush your teeth to be mentally strong; to never cry, to speaking out about their ailments, struggling in a crisis, from their own not complain about small things that · Pull the hairs on your arms invisible ones in particular, men will mental health or the mental health/ bother them and that showing emo- · Put plasters where you want to end up silent. Silently learning to be- suicide of a loved one, to homeless- tion makes them weak. Therefore, rate themselves for becoming ill in ness, learning di culties, and even cut some men are conditioned to feel the rst place. legal advice. On their website they · Use a pore strip on your face ashamed, guilty or less masculine for Just as men are being shamed for say: · Smash up a watermelon crying and feeling scared, let alone showing emotions, we as a society “We believe that there is a cultural for having a mental illness. We need · Apply permanent marker and are learning to become unfeeling barrier preventing men from seek- to realise that sexism is wrong not wash it o and unsympathetic to men’s prob- ing help as they are expected to be only because it limits women eco- lems. The harmful stereotype of the in control at all times, and failure to · Crumble something up nomically and socially but also be- unfeeling, alpha male makes it not be seen as such equates to weakness cause it limits men emotionally. only harder for men to speak out, and a loss of masculinity. We believe From a young age, we are taught but harder for people to be sympa- that if men felt able to ask for and the crucially misguided associations thetic which thus exacerbates the nd help when they need it then 40 November Issue 2017 | Seren Seren | November Issue 2017 41 MENTAL WELLBEING MENTAL WELLBEING Playlist of the month: Girl, Interrupted: a memoir, a review, a classic navigate life on the ward with her for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ in 2000. “Comin’ Back to Me” by PHOEBE JONES fellow patients. Over the course of 7. Them performing “It’s All Over Insomnia Vibes the lm we meet various memorable Despite the lm deviating from the Now, Baby Blue” This playlist is for those struggling 15. Requiem- 32. Fever to the Form- hen discussing movies and enchanting characters including book slightly, it nonetheless captures 8. The Chambers Brothers perform- that deal with and educate Polly who after setting herself on re the confusion and disorientation of ing “Time Has Come Today’” to sleep and to therefore function A Blaze of a Feather Nick Mulvey about mental illness, it is has regressed into a childlike state, her stay in Claymore. The context 9. The Band performing “The daily. These are some songs that I 16. Vapour- 33. All or Nothing- Ryan W often di cult to nd one that isn’t where she wishes to remain. There is of the interesting title is told in the Weight” currently nd relaxing and slow my Vancouver Sleep Clinic Montbleau, Tall Heights a horror such as Psycho or a psy- also Georgina, a schizophrenic, Daisy book coming from a painting by Ve- 10. The Mamas & the Papas per- racing mind. I hope they can help 17. Runaway- 34. Go Solo- chological thriller like Jacob’s Lad- who has both OCD and bulimia and meer called ‘Girl Interrupted At Her forming “Got a Feeling” you too. The National Tom Rosenthal der. Despite being good movies in Lisa, the sociopathic, drug addicted Music’ which accurately describes 11. Wilco performing “How to Fight their own right neither exactly cap- ring leader whom the protagonist how Kayson felt, constantly inter- Loneliness” 18. A New Beginning- 35. Delicate- Damien Rice ture what it is really like to be in the Susanna becomes enamoured with. rupted in her own thoughts. 12. Simon & Garfunkel performing 1. Holocene- Bon Iver Alexandre Desplat 36. Stone Cold Daddy-O- throes of mental illness. However The strong bonds forged in this fe- Whether it’s the enthralling act- “Bookends Theme” 2. The Breach- 19. Old Friends- Juliana Jonny Fritz one lm which I have often taken male lead lm highlight the need for ing or beautiful instrumental score Dustin Tebbutt 20. Winter- Matt Corby 37. We Circle Through comfort in is Girl, Interrupted, a roller understanding and acceptance of courtesy of Mychael Danna, Girl, In- 3. Cologne- Haux 21. Wolf Larson- The Night Consumed By coaster of a picture lled with com- mental health. terrupted is a fascinating and lively plex characters, intriguing dialogue Nevertheless I will not lie to you, this watch putting a spotlight on the “1 in 5 4. Asos Model Crush- dné Kitchen Door Fire- Max Richter and an oddly realistic premise. lm has a no holds barred depiction treatment of mental illness during 5. All The Pretty Girls- 22. Dancing In The 38. Diaphanous Girl, Interrupted began as a memoir of how mental wellbeing was viewed the 1960s and the e ect this had on people have Kaleo Moonlight- Paula Davis Dreamcoats- Silver Maple written by Susanna Kayson written in in the sixties and not all characters young women. 6. Darlin’- Houndmouth 23. Melancholia II- 39. Equal Curiosity- Alan 1993 and detailing her experiences make it through. In my opinion it IF YOU HAVE ANY dandruff. 1 7. If You Need Me- William Basinski Ellis as a young woman in a psychiatric makes the lm all the more powerful Soundtrack: COMMENTS, IDEAS, OR hospital in the 1960s. It was then and intriguing pulling you in so you 1. The Doors performing “Road- WOULD LIKE TO WRITE Solomon Burke 24. Sebastian- Adrian 40. Somewhere In in 4 people turned into a lm in 1999 starring can really feel for the characters you house Blues” FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH 8. Carry You- Novo Amor Johnston Between- Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie are watching. The best performance 2. Merrilee Rush performing “Angel AND 9. Denouement- 25. You’re The Best- Wet August Wilhelmsson and containing nearly an all-female in this lm is courtesy of Angelina of the Morning” WELLBEING SECTION have a mental Lo Mimieux 26. I Know All What I Do- cast. Jolie who steals every scene she is in. 3. Petula Clark performing “Down- THEN PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT 10. I’m Excited To Ask Her Jack Garrett The prospects of a 1960s USA are She is a dangerous charmer who stirs town” all too much for Susanna Kaysen, up her fellow patients similar to that 4. Skeeter Davis performing “The ME LIV AT health A Question- 27. Still- bullied by her parents and her thera- of Jack Nicholson in One Flew over the End of the World” MENTAL.WELLBEING problem. Rob Simonsen The Japanese House pist into an eighteen month halt at Cuckoo’s Nest. She is played by Jolie 5. Aretha Franklin performing SEREN.BANGOR.AC.UK 11. Brandy Alexander- 28. Sea of Love- 22 a mental institution after a bungled with passion, understanding and in- “Night Time Is the Right Time” Feist Cat Power suicide attempt, she attempts to sight rightly earning her the Oscar 6. Je erson Airplane performing I’ve had both.” 12. Brambles- Jónsi 29. The Road- Nick Cave Ruby Wax 13. In Quiet Rooms- 30. Harry and Ginny- Ollie MN Alexandre Desplat things 14. Slow It Down- 31. Heartbeats- José “There is The Lumineers González remember when discussing self-harm my therapist told me Avoidant/ Restrictive incidentally, no Ito distract myself, to “paint your nails or bake a cake.” Upon follow- ing her advice I had blue nails, a way of talking Victoria Sponge, and I still wanted to hurt myself. Here is a quick list Food Disorder about cats that Putting an end to of 22 things to do instead of self- harming that will release a similar towards most food. It is commonly crucial stage (0-18/24 months) when patient to overcome their fear with sensation: misinterpreted as ‘extreme picky eat- a child is still getting acquainted with and has a high success rate. enables one to ing’ however there are some crucial new and di erent foods, the toddler If you’re struggling from Avoidant/ · Rub an ice cube on your skin di erences. For example the choice may become xed in eating only the Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, come off as a to eat something (despite not liking “safe foods” (which are usually beige please know you’re not alone and ‘Man Up’ Culture · Snap an elastic band on your skin it) is removed because the repulsion in colour and of a non-o ensive taste that however hard and bleak it may sane person.” that “being a man” is synonymous symptoms. hundreds of male suicides could be · Draw on your skin with felt tip or felt is so strong that the sight, smell as well as crunchy in texture). ARFID all seem there’s help out there for with power, wealth and athletic One place this is particularly impor- prevented. We’re a campaign for all nail varnish and even thought of a certain food is therefore established as a problem. you. I implore you to contact your GP Dan prowess. Boys are taught that any- tant in would be in the military. The men, not just ‘service users’. All of us, · Scribble hard on a piece of paper is enough to make the su erer retch As with all eating disorders, they and they will refer you to a specialist body who shows even a modicum military’s attitude to mental health at one time or another and regard- · Moisturise your entire body and even vomit. ARFID is a hard diag- take a toll on the su erer’s physi- in order to begin the process. Greenberg of interest in a pastime that is not is undergoing a much needed over- less of gender, can hit a crisis and so nosis to come by because, since the cal health. For example those with drenched in testosterone is obvi- haul. Soldiers, sailors and airmen are we could all do with support when · Pop bubble wrap condition manifests in childhood, ARFID are usually (depending on the ously wrong or too sensitive to be being encouraged to work on their things get tough.” · Rip up paper psychologists and doctors tend to severity of the restriction) substan- a “real” man. As a result, emotional mental resilience as well as made But this isn’t enough, a change · Throw a ball hard against the wall confuse it with fussy eating. Plus, be- tially lacking in key nutrients and sensitivity is rigorously socialised out to feel they are able to seek help. needs to happen at home, at school, · Clap your hands repeatedly cause some ARFID su erers are also chronically malnourished and may of young boys, and never allowed to Military mental health campaigners at university, at any and every work- · Bite a hot pepper on the Autistic spectrum, medical experience other health conditions sneak back in. Therefore, some boys have stated that the ordeals of the place. Why are we shaming men for professionals tend to see it as a co- as a result or not develop as well as grow up feeling emotional stresses Afghan and Iraq wars have caused their mental health? In 2015, 75% of · Take a cold shower morbid condition (a condition that those without it. It also has a psycho- · Put PVA glue on your hands or mental problems make them a surge in veterans seeking help for all UK suicides were male. We need to By N.T.A. goes hand in hand with another) logical impact on the individual as weak which reduces the likelihood of anxiety, depression and post-trau- put an end to it before more boys are andthen peel it more than a standalone disorder. meal-time, something so basic and them openly talking about it, which matic stress disorder. born in a world of emotional repres- ARFID is not that well understood elemental to our daily life, becomes uicide is now the leading cause · Wax your legs he lesser known mental illness in some cases, can kill. A clear exam- In addition, one organisation at- sion. We must teach that it’s perfect- and research only dates back about a traumatic and distressing event of death in men under 50, but · Tear up old clothes for this month is an eating dis- ple of this could be depression, an tempting to change the way we view ly okay not to be okay. order, only introduced recently 20 years but so far, the research sug- every time. This can be particularly most men still won't admit · Put gloves on and scratch your T gests that ARFID could be the result stressful in social settings since the illness which can be eased by talk- male mental health would be the whenS they have mental health prob- by psychologists into the DSM 5. ing through the negative thoughts. Campaign Against Living Miserably skin of being a ‘supertaster’ which is an in- su erer cannot really engage in that lems. There is an expectation for men When you think of an eating dis- Yet if we continue to berate men for (CALM). They o er support to men · Brush your teeth dividual that is extremely sensitive to part of life and has to work around to be mentally strong; to never cry, to order your rst thought is probably speaking out about their ailments, struggling in a crisis, from their own di erent tastes and may nd complex the disorder. not complain about small things that · Pull the hairs on your arms anorexia or bulimia, but the list is invisible ones in particular, men will mental health or the mental health/  avours too overwhelming. Being a However bleak this disorder may bother them and that showing emo- · Put plasters where you want to long. Of the many eating disorders end up silent. Silently learning to be- suicide of a loved one, to homeless- ‘supertaster’ is not always the case seem, there are various treatments tion makes them weak. Therefore, perhaps one of the lesser known rate themselves for becoming ill in ness, learning di culties, and even cut however, and may represent a small available. Cognitive Behavioural some men are conditioned to feel and least widely understood by both the rst place. legal advice. On their website they · Use a pore strip on your face percentage of su erers; another Therapy (CBT) consists of working ashamed, guilty or less masculine for medical professionals and the wider Just as men are being shamed for say: · Smash up a watermelon theory suggests that during the very with a trained specialist to slowly ex- crying and feeling scared, let alone population is Avoidant/Restrictive showing emotions, we as a society “We believe that there is a cultural early stages of infancy all children are pose the patient to the feared food for having a mental illness. We need · Apply permanent marker and Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) previ- are learning to become unfeeling barrier preventing men from seek- instinctively cautious of food (food through small and careful steps. to realise that sexism is wrong not wash it o ously known as Selective Eating Dis- and unsympathetic to men’s prob- ing help as they are expected to be neophobia) and are reluctant to try- This could start with similar foods to only because it limits women eco- order. lems. The harmful stereotype of the in control at all times, and failure to · Crumble something up ing new things which is when “safe those that are already tolerated and nomically and socially but also be- ARFID is a disorder characterised by unfeeling, alpha male makes it not be seen as such equates to weakness foods” are established. Although aiming to increase the range of foods cause it limits men emotionally. a signi cant restriction in the food only harder for men to speak out, and a loss of masculinity. We believe most children grow out of this phase, the person can eat. There’s also hyp- From a young age, we are taught categories one can eat not because but harder for people to be sympa- that if men felt able to ask for and if some traumatic event surrounding notherapy, which involves a few ses- the crucially misguided associations of allergies or intolerances but be- thetic which thus exacerbates the nd help when they need it then cause of a strong feeling of repulsion food or eating happens during this sions of hypnosis in order to get the 42 November Issue 2017 | Seren CREATIVE CORNER An Evening Of Public Performance, Pints, & Pushy Bouncers An Interview with BEDS director Mike Burrows on bouncers

Which actor do you think is going to steal the show? Naturally I want to say Elliott (El- liott Aboagye) because he plays Eric who, if there is a main role, it would be him. I also have a lot of confi dence with Ben (Ben Cookson). He plays the bouncer Judd, and a very funny Elaine. His smaller characters, which we don’t see very often, are fantastic. He absolutely commits himself to it. What was it that drew you towards BEDS as a drama society? We have an excellent attitude towards the productions as a whole, there’s an amazing level of professionalism here. Everyone takes the process seriously in a by LEIA TEWNION makes you feel as though you are It feels as if many people in the way that made BEDS stand out over-hearing the personal, drunken audience can relate to the fear of as the drama society I specifi cally wanted to be a part of. alking up to the Bellevue ramblings of a shamefully entertain- youth being corrupted with pub I could really feel at every re- for nothing. It genuinely taste like on a cold November night, ing couple of drunk people on the ta- culture, young people growing up hearsal that everyone wanted it to I couldn’t wait to sit down ble next to you. Except, this time, you too fast. The sadness and concern is paraffi n. I tried my best with the W be a fantastic show that they were Stroh but now I can’t remember and meet some of the members of don’t have to feel ashamed. This time expressed in a way that Eric can’t do putting their name to. I think if you much of that… the cast. During the trek from my instead of hearing anything about it, it’s a simple, un- want to put yourself into a serious “Ah, I’ve heard Johnny Vegas is ac- changeable reality. I’ve seen videos of myself. Trying house I imagined how accommodat- performance and have ambitions to stand up for two minutes and ing it would be. Polite conversation, a tually quite a sad man in real life. My From this mixture of anger and for this as a career then BED’s then falling right back down again few drinks (I was on a job, remember), mate worked with him. God, it really desperation for change he becomes would be an excellent choice of in the snow. It was a good even- society. and a look into the sophisticated dia- puts a damper on the PG tips advert defensive. ing! logue awaiting to be performed by now” …I woke up on the mountain. I you are watching the scenario  ow “I’m not thick. You think that we’re Without giving too much had gone the wrong way and that BEDS in a few weeks’ time. I’d never away, what is your favourite been invited to a press party before into something profoundly moving. thick. We’re not.” lift had closed. It was a dead end Something that sheds a light on the It feels as though the fourth wall is line? so I was trying to walk back up, and it sounded extremely fancy. I This play is so full of one liners that was a professional now. hardships of working class life. completely knocked down. We’re no taking my skis off , staggering back to pin one down is diffi cult… up the mountain and I must have Turns out, my expectations were oh Later on, after the interviews with longer observers to the intoxicated *few minutes of careful considera- director Mike Burrows and actor El- ghts. We’re involved now, sat down just fallen over and fallen asleep. I so wonderfully wrong. This was not a tion* woke up, I don’t know what time predictable night. Just like all good liott Aboagye (who plays Eric, his with our drunk friend listening to Ok...favourite line… it was, but a rescue helicopter drama, the unpredictability made it interview will feature alongside a them spilling their heart out. Without a doubt- “Good centre of fl ew over my head and I kind of, so much more exciting. review of the production in the next This is the power of BED’s produc- gravity, Chickens.” like, came to a bit. I was absolutely About to enter, I was approached month’s issue of SEREN) I realised that tion of the play ‘Bouncers’ by John My favourite scene would be blind drunk and I looked up and by four extremely intimidating there was a group merging around in Godber. The cast is incredibly tal- defi nitely the fi ght scene where it I thought “There’s a helicopter. kicks off in the club. We actually bouncers. Not being fond of any the pub garden, to what seemed like ented to the point that they are able Woah, it’s dark. All the lifts are choreographed that last night shut! Where is everybody?” form of confrontation I tried my best the alcohol fuelled slurring of a four to convince you, through improvi- with the props for the fi rst time. to get away with a happy nod upon men in suits. sation, that they are intimidating I had just passed out on the We had a lot of fun with that. side of the mountain and basically, meeting. The public performance managed bouncers in a real-life scenario. Then, to capture the attention of an incred- they have this incredible ability to if that helicopter hadn’t fl own “Uh uh uh, Miss. I don’t know who What are the props? over me, I don’t know where I you think you are, trying to walk in ible amount of drunken people. I shapeshift into various smaller, co- Ohhh, now that would be giving would have been. ‘ere like you don’t have to show ID stood up on a bench chair to be able medic roles without any need for set- too much away. ….it’s…at least a like the rest of ‘em.” to look over the many heads of Belle- ting and costume change. foot long. Last question now, have you I scrambled around my bag desper- vue customers. They had now been The play is set to be performed *laughing* Do you mind if I ever gotten into a tricky situa- ately looking for my ID. I only had a transformed into the audience of a on the 17th November at 7pm, and put that in the interview? tion with a bouncer? few notebooks that held the crazed drunken spectacle. again on the 19th at 10pm. It will be Go for it. Bouncers hate me! Bouncers don’t scribblings of interview questions. Eric steps out, beginning a mono- held in JP Theatre and ticket prices like me whatsoever. This Christ- Oh god. I didn’t have it. logue about the gruelling cycle of a are £5 (students- £4). In the spirit of the play, what mas just gone I went out of the Upon realising my error, I half-whis- young girl’s small town life. Before It is not a play to be missed. The bal- has been your craziest night club with my mate for a bit and per “…I’m with the student newspa- this, the beer garden was loud and ance between the comedic aspects out? because I had slipped on a step per; Seren. I’ve been asked to write a rampant with slurring conversation. and thought-provoking dialogue When I was doing two ski- and the bouncer said “Oh, you’re too drunk mate. feature?” I’ve never seen so many genuinely is incredible. Also, I fear that I’ll be seasons in the Alps, around three drunk people go so quiet. tracked down by the bouncers if I years ago now, we had Thursdays You’re not coming back in.” “Oooh, well now. Look who we off . All week we’d be cleaning and I replied, “I’m not drunk. I just have ‘ere. She says she’s with the stu- “Some of them are younger than don’t insist you go. I’m still not sure working at the resort. When it slipped on a step.” dent newspaper!” the others. It worries me, it does” where I placed my ID. came to our time off , we’d either He walked away so I just walked He looks with a mocking grimace ski or drink. Some of the resort back into the club. Five minutes to the bouncer next to him. His co- workers arranged an event called or so later, no less than the entire worker responds with an expression “the Valley Rally”. Everyone gath- door staff , came over to me and of irritation. ers to the bottom of this particular one put me in a headlock. I was “Leave ‘er alone. You’re just an- lift at ten o’clock and is given, in just in a circle with my mates. They pretty much just guillotined me noyed that you can’t spell, you illiter- teams of people in fancy dress, an egg and a bottle of Jäger. You’ve out of the back door. One threw ate dimwit” got to make the egg survive. You me on the fl oor and said “Using big words like ee-lit-rit now also have a mascot which you “If you come back in here there’ll are we, eh?” have to take pictures of doing be trouble” I stad there for a while whilst they all these challenges. It’s just a argue. Eventually they are left with massive, alcohol themed treasure Oh my god! nothing more to say and result in hunt. It was really good fun. staring one another down. My team got separated and Yeah, I thought ‘ok, little bit of Unsure whether I was uncomfort- it ended up being me and this lit- overkill.’ I don’t get along with… able or entertained, I reasoned that tle…slightly lightweight girl going actually, bouncers don’t get along with me. I have nothing against maybe that was exactly the aim. to one of the challenges to fi nish a bottle of 80% rum. It’s called bouncers! The ability for the actors to trans- Stroh. They sell it in spar in Austria port you into this position of voyeur- ism is a new experience in itself. It 42 November Issue 2017 | Seren Seren | November Issue 2017 43 CREATIVE CORNER CREATIVE CORNER An Evening Of Public Performance, Pints, & Pushy Bouncers A Glimpse Into Soda’s Cinderella Rehearsals An Interview with BEDS director by LEIA TEWNION t all begins with a room occupied with Mike Burrows on bouncers people similar in that they are full of Ienergy and an exhilarating desire Which actor do you think is to perform. ‘Rock of ages- harden my going to steal the show? heart’ plays, signalling for the warming Naturally I want to say Elliott (El- up exercises to start. Running around in liott Aboagye) because he plays a large circle, there is laughing and oc- Eric who, if there is a main role, casional skipping. This is how the cast it would be him. I also have a gets into the mindset of rehearsals. As lot of confi dence with Ben (Ben the show’s date grows closer, there does Cookson). He plays the bouncer not seem to be any anxiety but a simul- Judd, and a very funny Elaine. His smaller characters, which we don’t taneous excitement. see very often, are fantastic. He The rehearsals are split into two di er- absolutely commits himself to it. ent areas. I stay with the chorus rstly, and watch the work of SODA’S choreog- What was it that drew you rapher, Tash Puttick. She demonstrates towards BEDS as a drama to the cast how to waltz, showing how society? e ortless it can seem. This will surely be We have an excellent attitude a spectacle in the nished production, towards the productions as a with so many cast members coming to- whole, there’s an amazing level gether to dance so beautifully the stage of professionalism here. Everyone will be full of movement and colour. takes the process seriously in a However, this was their rst try. It may way that made BEDS stand out by LEIA TEWNION makes you feel as though you are It feels as if many people in the take a bit more practice to reach Tash’s over-hearing the personal, drunken audience can relate to the fear of as the drama society I specifi cally wanted to be a part of. level of e ortless elegance. alking up to the Bellevue ramblings of a shamefully entertain- youth being corrupted with pub She asks for the room to split between I could really feel at every re- for nothing. It genuinely taste like on a cold November night, ing couple of drunk people on the ta- culture, young people growing up hearsal that everyone wanted it to boys and girls. I’m standing next to I couldn’t wait to sit down ble next to you. Except, this time, you too fast. The sadness and concern is paraffi n. I tried my best with the W be a fantastic show that they were Stroh but now I can’t remember SEREN’S photographer Danny Mo at, and meet some of the members of don’t have to feel ashamed. This time expressed in a way that Eric can’t do putting their name to. I think if you much of that… as he quietly says to me the cast. During the trek from my instead of hearing anything about it, it’s a simple, un- want to put yourself into a serious “Wait, do you see how their split up?” “Ah, I’ve heard Johnny Vegas is ac- changeable reality. I’ve seen videos of myself. Trying house I imagined how accommodat- performance and have ambitions to stand up for two minutes and I noticed that both rows still had both ing it would be. Polite conversation, a tually quite a sad man in real life. My From this mixture of anger and for this as a career then BED’s then falling right back down again boys and girls, yet they all seemed con- would be an excellent choice of A 9AM few drinks (I was on a job, remember), mate worked with him. God, it really desperation for change he becomes in the snow. It was a good even- society. tent with the way they were organised. and a look into the sophisticated dia- puts a damper on the PG tips advert defensive. ing! It took a shamefully long time for me to logue awaiting to be performed by now” …I woke up on the mountain. I think to myself “Ohhh, it’s a pantomime”. by ROWAN HART you are watching the scenario  ow “I’m not thick. You think that we’re Without giving too much had gone the wrong way and that BEDS in a few weeks’ time. I’d never away, what is your favourite That’s the fun of productions such as been invited to a press party before into something profoundly moving. thick. We’re not.” lift had closed. It was a dead end this. To be free to break outside of pre- Something that sheds a light on the It feels as though the fourth wall is line? so I was trying to walk back up, and it sounded extremely fancy. I This play is so full of one liners that conceived notions the audience may was a professional now. hardships of working class life. completely knocked down. We’re no taking my skis off , staggering back to pin one down is diffi cult… up the mountain and I must have have because, well, anything can hap- Am I late? Probably. Turns out, my expectations were oh Later on, after the interviews with longer observers to the intoxicated *few minutes of careful considera- pen in a pantomime. Characters are director Mike Burrows and actor El- ghts. We’re involved now, sat down just fallen over and fallen asleep. I so wonderfully wrong. This was not a tion* woke up, I don’t know what time full of exaggeration and their costumes Oh good, a seat- Oh god there’s someone next to me predictable night. Just like all good liott Aboagye (who plays Eric, his with our drunk friend listening to Ok...favourite line… it was, but a rescue helicopter full of colour. It’s freeing to take a break drama, the unpredictability made it interview will feature alongside a them spilling their heart out. Without a doubt- “Good centre of fl ew over my head and I kind of, from the sort of performance that de- (hi) so much more exciting. review of the production in the next This is the power of BED’s produc- gravity, Chickens.” like, came to a bit. I was absolutely mands a realistic setting. The amount of About to enter, I was approached month’s issue of SEREN) I realised that tion of the play ‘Bouncers’ by John My favourite scene would be blind drunk and I looked up and Oh god they ignored me - play it cool, crap- did I bring a pen... defi nitely the fi ght scene where it otherworldly escapism that comes from by four extremely intimidating there was a group merging around in Godber. The cast is incredibly tal- I thought “There’s a helicopter. this sort of production can be seen by kicks off in the club. We actually Woah, it’s dark. All the lifts are No…(Oh) bouncers. Not being fond of any the pub garden, to what seemed like ented to the point that they are able the sheer amount of fun SODA’s cast has choreographed that last night shut! Where is everybody?” form of confrontation I tried my best the alcohol fuelled slurring of a four to convince you, through improvi- with the props for the fi rst time. in rehearsals alone. I’m looking forward right okay, I have a highlighter- this is to get away with a happy nod upon men in suits. sation, that they are intimidating I had just passed out on the We had a lot of fun with that. side of the mountain and basically, to see just how entertaining Cinderella meeting. The public performance managed bouncers in a real-life scenario. Then, will be as a nished production. (fi ne, yeah, how are you? Yeah, I did the reading-) to capture the attention of an incred- they have this incredible ability to if that helicopter hadn’t fl own “Uh uh uh, Miss. I don’t know who What are the props? over me, I don’t know where I After interviewing Tash and Lee, I move you think you are, trying to walk in ible amount of drunken people. I shapeshift into various smaller, co- Ohhh, now that would be giving would have been. onto the next rehearsal area to watch I did NOT do the reading - why am I- ‘ere like you don’t have to show ID stood up on a bench chair to be able medic roles without any need for set- too much away. ….it’s…at least a the main cast. I was so impressed with like the rest of ‘em.” to look over the many heads of Belle- ting and costume change. foot long. Oh, it’s started, what class is this? Wait, what did that slide sa- Last question now, have you how much personality the actors bring nevermind then I scrambled around my bag desper- vue customers. They had now been The play is set to be performed *laughing* Do you mind if I ever gotten into a tricky situa- to their parts. Contrary to serious plays transformed into the audience of a on the 17th November at 7pm, and ately looking for my ID. I only had a put that in the interview? tion with a bouncer? where complexity is desired, the ability Oh god, oh goodie, I’m already lost, I should have done the few notebooks that held the crazed drunken spectacle. again on the 19th at 10pm. It will be Go for it. Bouncers hate me! Bouncers don’t to maintain a particular archetype is re- scribblings of interview questions. Eric steps out, beginning a mono- held in JP Theatre and ticket prices like me whatsoever. This Christ- markable. Sara Wilson plays Cinderella (reading? Yeah, it was really interesting) Oh god. I didn’t have it. logue about the gruelling cycle of a are £5 (students- £4). In the spirit of the play, what mas just gone I went out of the with an innocence and sweetness ex- Upon realising my error, I half-whis- young girl’s small town life. Before It is not a play to be missed. The bal- has been your craziest night club with my mate for a bit and pected of such a well-known princess. was it? I don’t know! Nice, a sheet, more reading It looks way because I had slipped on a step per “…I’m with the student newspa- this, the beer garden was loud and ance between the comedic aspects out? Bazil Shahriman is Prince Charming, harder than it is, I’m sure per; Seren. I’ve been asked to write a rampant with slurring conversation. and thought-provoking dialogue When I was doing two ski- and the bouncer said seasons in the Alps, around three “Oh, you’re too drunk mate. whose charisma brings liveliness to the No it’s harder – feature?” I’ve never seen so many genuinely is incredible. Also, I fear that I’ll be performance. drunk people go so quiet. tracked down by the bouncers if I years ago now, we had Thursdays You’re not coming back in.” “Oooh, well now. Look who we off . All week we’d be cleaning and I replied, “I’m not drunk. I just From simply observing the rehearsals, (Yeah, I get it!) No I don’t have ‘ere. She says she’s with the stu- “Some of them are younger than don’t insist you go. I’m still not sure working at the resort. When it slipped on a step.” I was able to feel the amount of e ort dent newspaper!” the others. It worries me, it does” where I placed my ID. came to our time off , we’d either He walked away so I just walked and care the cast has put into their pro- Check my phone? 20 minutes in. Slide 14? I’ve done 4 notes. He looks with a mocking grimace ski or drink. Some of the resort back into the club. Five minutes duction of Cinderella. The pantomime to the bouncer next to him. His co- workers arranged an event called or so later, no less than the entire will be performed November 30th at Maybe I should check Facebook for the answers- (I’m just looking worker responds with an expression “the Valley Rally”. Everyone gath- door staff , came over to me and 2pm and 7:30pm in Pontio. Tickets are at the time) one put me in a headlock. I was of irritation. ers to the bottom of this particular £10 (£7 for students). This show is sure “Leave ‘er alone. You’re just an- lift at ten o’clock and is given, in just in a circle with my mates. They Don’t look at your phone. pretty much just guillotined me to lift the spirits of all weary students noyed that you can’t spell, you illiter- teams of people in fancy dress, an egg and a bottle of Jäger. You’ve out of the back door. One threw dealing with assignment deadlines. It Smile, don’t make eye contact, wait did she ask me a question- ate dimwit” got to make the egg survive. You me on the fl oor and said is being performed by people so en- “Using big words like ee-lit-rit now also have a mascot which you “If you come back in here there’ll thralled with musical theatre that it is (Well, you see...) You’re so dead(I think that...) You’re SO dead (That are we, eh?” have to take pictures of doing be trouble” guaranteed to be hilarious and charm- the development of this....) You’re so DEAD (…so yeah) I stad there for a while whilst they all these challenges. It’s just a ing from start to end. argue. Eventually they are left with massive, alcohol themed treasure Oh my god! Read next month’s issue of SEREN for nothing more to say and result in hunt. It was really good fun. an interview with Cinderella, one of You’re not dead, well done, I think you deserve a break. staring one another down. My team got separated and Yeah, I thought ‘ok, little bit of the ugly stepsisters, and SODA’s cho- overkill.’ I don’t get along with… Unsure whether I was uncomfort- it ended up being me and this lit- reogrpaher alonglside a review on the The break’s in 37 minutes. able or entertained, I reasoned that tle…slightly lightweight girl going actually, bouncers don’t get along with me. I have nothing against production! Great. maybe that was exactly the aim. to one of the challenges to fi nish a bottle of 80% rum. It’s called bouncers! The ability for the actors to trans- Stroh. They sell it in spar in Austria port you into this position of voyeur- ism is a new experience in itself. It Student Accommodation for 2018/19 is now online

01248 35 35 44 www.DHstudents.co.uk

Little Wolf The Light Princess Cinderella – SODA Yn seiliedig ar Ibsen / After Ibsen Theatr Bryn Terfel Theatr Bryn Terfel 24+25 Tachwedd, 7.30pm Nos Sadwrn 25 Tachwedd Dydd Iau 30 Tachwedd Stiwdio 7.30pm 2pm a 7.30pm £13/£11 gostyngiadau £10/£7 myfyrwyr a dan 18 £12/£10 gostyngiadau Thursday 30 November 24+25 November, 7.30pm Saturday 25 November 7.30pm 2pm and 7.30pm Studio £10/£7 students and under 18s £12/£10 concessions £13/£11 concessions

Dakha Brakha Cerddorfa Bangor University Gig Gwrth-hiliaeth Symffoni Symphony Rock Against Racism: Nos WenerAD 1 Rhagfyr, 8pm Prifysgol Bangor Orchestra Friday 1 December, 8pm Nos Sul 3 Rhagfyr, Sunday 3 December, Hope not Hate Theatr Bryn Terfel 7.30pm 7.30pm £15/£13 Neuadd Prichard- Prichard-Jones Jones Hall £12/£10 dros 60 / £5 myfyrwyr a £12/£10 over 60s / £5 students dan 18 oed and under 18 Nos Sadwrn 16 Rhagfyr, 7pm Saturday 16 December, 7pm Theatr Bryn Terfel £14

Pontio Seren 259x170mm Tachwedd 17.indd 1 02/11/17 12:12 November Issue 2017 | Seren 45 SPORT First win of the season for Women’s Rugby

BANGOR’S rugby women got o to a  ying start by getting their BUCS 2017/18 season o to a win against LJMU 2nds, recording an astonishing score of 67-0. e girls started out strong and  nished stronger, scoring the  rst four try’s in the  rst 20 minutes. A er a cracking  rst half the girls continued to dominate the  eld securing 11 try’s Student Accommodation for at full time with 6 conversions. Well done to everyone who played. You made Bangor women’s rugby union 2018/19 is now online Men’s Handball begin University proud. Woman of the match was Molly Shuttleworth, forward of the match was Elle Troisi and back of the match Championship campaign was Jo omas. Fantastic e ort and skills level talent they possessed. As a recently e second team faced a Leeds coming from a Steve ornton team shown, congratulations angor University Handball formed team, Bangor struggled to Beckett side littered with GB talk. Rejuvenated, the side went on to Club began their campaigns stop the key Liverpool players whose representatives, a tough test for any  re in 5 goals which included Mike in the National University quality put them 5 goals ahead at half university side. Our new team battled Corf adding 2 to his tally of 3 as well BChampionships this month, with time. heroically with a superb defensive as hitting the frame twice. e game two men’s teams making the trip to e second half began just as well performance. Will Gosling o ered  nished 33-13 to Leeds but there will Ultimate Manchester on Saturday 28th October. for Bangor as the  rst, with two attacking  are throughout the  rst be a lot that Bangor can take from e  rst team began with a game quick goals from Club Captain, Steve half, including an electric counter their performance as they look to Frisbee reach against Liverpool, a team Bangor have ornton, and an audacious chipped attack with Harry Harper, who also improve on a solid foundation already played in recent years. As such, Bangor penalty from Matthew Handley went on to grab his  rst competitive established. tournament were aware of their experience and which reduced the de cit. A fantastic goal of the new year. First team Goals: Matt Handley (5), strong ability with the ball. defensive performance from Bangor e lads didn’t fail to impress in Joel Dench (4), Steve ornton (3),  n a l 01248 35 35 44 www.DHstudents.co.uk It was a quick start for Bangor and shut out the impressive Liverpool the  rst half of the game against an Jake O’Leary (3), Max Duprez (2), Sam soon found ourselves 4-3 in front just players and actually deserved to experienced Leeds side, going into the Bentley, Josh Gooding WELL Done to the Bangor Ultimate 10 minutes into the game. Notable go on and win the game. However, break only 12-7 down. e side from Second team Goals: Mike Corf (5), Frisbee Team for their successful goals came from Josh Gooding and as Bangor attacked in search of an West Yorkshire went on to increase Will Goslin (4), Alvaro Borrallo (2), weekend away in Manchester! Owen Middlemas who were making equaliser, space was le for Liverpool the score line early into the second Harry Harper, Nathan James. Bangor Ultimate sent 2 teams to Little Wolf The Light Princess Cinderella – SODA their debut appearances for the  rst to pull away and  nish the game 25- half before a Bangor time-out was Manchester beginners this weekend, team. However, Liverpool came back 19, a result that very much  attered the called at 25-8. is appeared to give and what a weekend of frisbee it Yn seiliedig ar Ibsen / After Ibsen Theatr Bryn Terfel Theatr Bryn Terfel into the game thanks to the individual scouse side. the team an explosion of inspiration was! Bangor 1 - captained by Quinn Dydd Iau 30 Tachwedd Kuiper,  anked by Carly Owen, 24+25 Tachwedd, 7.30pm Nos Sadwrn 25 Tachwedd Rhys Goodwin, Elle Gi, and Charlie Stiwdio 7.30pm 2pm a 7.30pm Hersant - won all of their games on £13/£11 gostyngiadau £10/£7 myfyrwyr a dan 18 £12/£10 gostyngiadau Saturday, topping their pool. Bangor 2 - consisting of Trevor Gardner, Mollie Saturday 25 November Thursday 30 November 24+25 November, 7.30pm 2pm and 7.30pm Brooke, Hannah Kelly, Dan Middleton 7.30pm and Adam Wilkins captained by Josh Studio £10/£7 students and under 18s £12/£10 concessions £13/£11 concessions Camilleri - came a respectable 2nd

in the pool still qualifying for the quarters. With both teams winning their quarter  nal, the Bangor teams were drawn head to head in what was going to be a high intensity game. Bangor 2 came out on top in a battle of tactics. Bangor 1 went on to win the 3rd place play o vs LJMU and Cerddorfa Bangor University Bangor 2 narrowly losing to UCD in Dakha Brakha Gig Gwrth-hiliaeth the  nal. A great tournament for all Symffoni Symphony Rock Against Racism: beginner players to hone in on their Nos WenerAD 1 Rhagfyr, 8pm Prifysgol Bangor Orchestra game management and in game skills. Friday 1 December, 8pm Nos Sul 3 Rhagfyr, Sunday 3 December, Hope not Hate Theatr Bryn Terfel 7.30pm 7.30pm £15/£13 Neuadd Prichard- Prichard-Jones Jones Hall Gold and £12/£10 dros 60 / £5 myfyrwyr a £12/£10 over 60s / £5 students dan 18 oed and under 18 Nos Sadwrn 16 Rhagfyr, 7pm Women’s Football face dissapointment silver for Saturday 16 December, 7pm Indoor Rowing Theatr Bryn Terfel against York £14 AFTER an early 6am start the Bangor but crisp November a ernoon. Despite didn't continue unfortunately, and the during the match which allowed them rowing team headed for the BUCS Match Report: having a good amount of possession match  nished 5-2 to York. to take a number of shots at goal. Indoor Championships at Leeds and a few shots at goal, the  rst half Overall, the match was pretty start- Unfortunately, most were either saved University, the  rst event of the year . Bangor 2 - 5 York didn't got well for Bangor with York stop with a York player being injured by the York keeper or o target. ere For many it was there  rst opportunity taking an early lead and going into and eventually taken o in the  rst half. are good elements on display though to race. A er a successful but tiring angor University Women's half-time 2 nil up. e same thing eventually happened so hopefully they can build on these to day Bangor came away with a gold in Football Club (BUWFC) played Despite York scoring again at the to a Bangor player in the second. is win some of their upcoming matches novice men’s 1k by Gabin montagne, the University of York 1st team start of the second half, Bangor made meant that any momentum Bangor and move up the league table. Lightweight silver 2k by Hannah Bin a BUCS Northern 1A league match somewhat of a comeback, scoring their built up was lost. Skaife and silver by women’s novice 1k, at the Nantporth 3G pitch on a sunny  rst goal of the match. is success Bangor did have good possession Kaylee Brooker.

Pontio Seren 259x170mm Tachwedd 17.indd 1 02/11/17 12:12 46 Seren | November Issue 2017 SPORT

Bangor Cycling: Mud, Mud and More Mud the Women’s. Before the competition Matt used his newfound free time to they called breakdown recovery and carry your bike, and remount without by DAN STRETCH even started the  rst problem of the attempt to change the wheel on the went to the pub! A er 4 hours dying losing much speed. ey are mass start day was encountered. A  at tyre on car. A er much e ort (and swearing) o and eating excellent food in the events, 70 in this event, so the racing Fergus’ car. It was decided that this the wheel would not come free. As the pub the recovery truck arrived. ey is high intensity and competitive. We y forest. A place that even would be dealt with a er the race. race started, Storm Brian turned for attempted to pull the wheel o using had two riders competing, George during the driest times of e practice laps began and soon the worse, making an already di cult the winch but this just dragged the car Holland and Will Mapus-Smith. e the year is still completely the enormity of the task ahead was track near impossible. Heather had to across the car park. ey loaded the course was tough with many technical sodden.D A place that if you took most revealed. Everyone managed the retire on the  rst stage a er her wheel car onto the truck and headed back and o camber sections. Both riders people to they would take one look at  rst two stages with little to no issue. was completely clogged with mud to to Bangor. By the time they reached made good starts both entering the the trails and say, ‘there’s no way you However, the third and  nal stage the point it wouldn’t turn. F on  ew Bangor the wheel had come free on  rst corner in the top 10, with George could ride a bike down that’. Claimed was a di erent ball game. It was through stages one and two recording its own. e wheel was swapped and in 3rd. George made good time by many as the hardest place to ride steeper and more slippery than the the fastest time of any woman in the everyone headed home having a great on technical sections thanks to his a mountain bike in Wales. All this  rst 2 stages, which were already lite category (the  rst two stages) but day despite the conditions, broken mountain bike background. Whilst makes for a very di cult event on hard enough. Only Fergus made it had to retire before stage 3 putting  nger and broken car. Will’s raw power from road cycling the Welsh Enduro Series - even in the down this stage without crashing or her out of the race. Fergus smashed e other event taking place in held him in good stead. George entered best weather. However, this year the having to push sections. Matt crashed through the race, being the only October was a cyclocross race. is the second to last lap in 4th place but event happened to fall on the same going over the handlebars, landing  nisher from the club. Coming in at is a discipline that is raced on ‘road faltered and ended up  nishing 6th day as Storm Brian. is produced on his  nger which he broke only the a very impressive 14th overall in the bikes’ with wider knobbly tyres out of 33 in the category. Will  nished conditions of biblical proportions. e previous day. is put him out of the senior men’s category. around a circuit. is circuit is usually in 9th, a fantastic result for his  rst club had 4 riders competing. Fergus race and unfortunately o the bike for A er the race runs were  nished, very muddy and involves obstacles ever cross race. Both George and Will Funnell and Matt Duley in the Men’s; 3 months. another attempt was made to remove including stairs and logs which are thoroughly enjoyed the event and are Heather Marples and F on Brutnell in As the others began their timed runs, the wheel but with no success. So designed so you have to dismount, looking forward to the next one. Reasons to join a sports club at uni

1. Make lots of friends - don’t forget the Wednesday socials! 2. Stress Release 3. Fitness - remember a lot of other people will not have played before or know what to do- you are in the same boat (especially if you’re rowing!) Bangor Karate Union Takes On  e 100 Kata Challenge 4. Have fun, relax and took on the challenge valiantly. A er and karate spirit and it was an absolute the time better. Five members of the refocus by LIZZY DILLON doing around ten Katas every one of pleasure to see. We will undoubtedly team individually performed their us realised just how challenging it was be doing the challenge again next year. favourite Katas to the crowd, including 5. Remember you can going to be, especially considering a member that has only been doing join a team which is more casual ctober has been an incredibly that the guidelines allowed us only karate since September. Our Chief if you do not want to compete busy and exciting month very short breaks to rehydrate. For Karate Union also Instructor, a second dan black belt, 6. Gain new skills and for Bangor Karate Union. the lower grades who only knew two appeared at the and the beginner then performed employability, for example: O e 24th October was World Karate Katas, it was a hard, mental challenge the  rst karate Kata in sync with International Cultural teamworking, communication Day, and we decided to celebrate by as they repeated their Katas   y times each other, which was followed by taking part in Challenge Okinawa’s each. For the higher grades who Fair an impressive and exciting display of skills and it demonstrates your ‘100 Kata Challenge’. A Kata is a knew ten Katas or more, it was an self defence. e team displayed their commitment pre arranged combination of karate invaluable opportunity to perfect basic Bangor Karate Union could not abilities to defend themselves against techniques arranged in a series of Katas and refresh the more complex resist the opportunity to show o their knife attacks, drunken men in clubs, 7. The societies are FREE, consecutive body movements. is ones in their minds. A er two, skills at the International Society’s and taller, stronger people that would so have fun without spending forms defending techniques that physically draining hours all eighteen Cultural Fair. e fair was held in PJ usually over power them. Done at such any money and you do not use both hands and feet against a participants completed the challenge, Hall on the 3rd November and aimed high speed meant this section of the have to worry about not being number of theoretical opponents who and although obviously physically to increase awareness of di erent demo was particularly impressive. e able to a ord it. This also means attack from every possible angle. It and mentally drained, our pride and societies and opportunities that the group brilliantly showcased the best you can try out lots of di erent is a fundamental part of karate that sense of achievement was impossible University has to o er, as well as allow and most useful techniques that we sports and nd something you is important to every grade, so we to miss. Members walked out of the clubs to raise money. A huge amount are taught during almost every lesson. enjoy were very keen to take part, especially Dojo con dent as they now knew their of talent was showcased throughout e full video of the performance is because it was a challenge that was challenging Katas like the back of their the fair’s demonstrations. Each society available to watch on our Facebook 8. See the world - training taken on by Dojos all across the world, hands, and as Captain my adoration was given ten minutes to show the group ‘Bangor University Karate camps and competitions take including the prestigious Dojos that for the team increased massively. Each audience what they do and Bangor Union’. you to new places founded karate in Okinawa. e team member showed true determination Karate Union could not have used 46 Seren | November Issue 2017 November Issue 2017 | Seren 47 SPORT SPORT Women’s Netball progress to next round of the cup

Bangor Cycling: Mud, Mud and More Mud the Women’s. Before the competition Matt used his newfound free time to they called breakdown recovery and carry your bike, and remount without by DAN STRETCH even started the  rst problem of the attempt to change the wheel on the went to the pub! A er 4 hours dying losing much speed. ey are mass start day was encountered. A  at tyre on car. A er much e ort (and swearing) o and eating excellent food in the events, 70 in this event, so the racing Fergus’ car. It was decided that this the wheel would not come free. As the pub the recovery truck arrived. ey is high intensity and competitive. We massive congratulation to centres and kept their heads despite y forest. A place that even would be dealt with a er the race. race started, Storm Brian turned for attempted to pull the wheel o using had two riders competing, George the Women's Netball 2's unsportsmanlike attitude from the during the driest times of e practice laps began and soon the worse, making an already di cult the winch but this just dragged the car Holland and Will Mapus-Smith. e for beating Chester 2's and other team. Although there were a Women’s Basketball produce hard Aprogressing to the second round of the few mistakes in the last quarter due the year is still completely the enormity of the task ahead was track near impossible. Heather had to across the car park. ey loaded the course was tough with many technical sodden.D A place that if you took most revealed. Everyone managed the retire on the  rst stage a er her wheel car onto the truck and headed back and o camber sections. Both riders cup! to pressure mounting, the girls were people to they would take one look at  rst two stages with little to no issue. was completely clogged with mud to to Bangor. By the time they reached made good starts both entering the fought win against Liverpool e girls went into the match feeling extremely happy to come away with the trails and say, ‘there’s no way you However, the third and  nal stage the point it wouldn’t turn. F on  ew Bangor the wheel had come free on  rst corner in the top 10, with George optimistic despite Chester 2nds being the win,  nishing 38-32. could ride a bike down that’. Claimed was a di erent ball game. It was through stages one and two recording its own. e wheel was swapped and in 3rd. George made good time ongratulations to Bangor 27 by half-time. out to Beth and Karen for showing two leagues above them, coming out by many as the hardest place to ride steeper and more slippery than the the fastest time of any woman in the everyone headed home having a great on technical sections thanks to his Women’s Basketball team on Bangor began the third quarter unwavering commitment and support of the  rst quarter leading 14-7. A er a mountain bike in Wales. All this  rst 2 stages, which were already lite category (the  rst two stages) but day despite the conditions, broken mountain bike background. Whilst their hardly fought victory with renewed con dence and shut to the team. e game was not an easy a wobbly start, they found their pace Match Report: Cagainst University of Liverpool 1sts! down every single attack Liverpool victory and all 11 players and Coach of play. With defence from Hannah makes for a very di cult event on hard enough. Only Fergus made it had to retire before stage 3 putting  nger and broken car. Will’s raw power from road cycling the Welsh Enduro Series - even in the down this stage without crashing or her out of the race. Fergus smashed e other event taking place in held him in good stead. George entered Wednesday brought the  rst away produced, with some amazing e ort Vicky showed extreme determination Whittaker and Katie Evans, Chester Bangor - 38 best weather. However, this year the having to push sections. Matt crashed through the race, being the only October was a cyclocross race. is the second to last lap in 4th place but game of the season for the Women’s shown from Shimmy on both o ence and fought hard for the win. Once were struggling to score. Going into event happened to fall on the same going over the handlebars, landing  nisher from the club. Coming in at is a discipline that is raced on ‘road faltered and ended up  nishing 6th Badgers against Liverpool 1st and defence, helping Bangor pull again, I’m a very proud captain of the second quarter it was Bangor's Chester - 32 day as Storm Brian. is produced on his  nger which he broke only the a very impressive 14th overall in the bikes’ with wider knobbly tyres out of 33 in the category. Will  nished team. A er a bitter loss last season, ahead for the  rst time. K and Angel everyone involved in the club! match to lose and the girls continued conditions of biblical proportions. e previous day. is put him out of the senior men’s category. around a circuit. is circuit is usually in 9th, a fantastic result for his  rst every player was fuelled with the showed great skill  ghting through Congratulations to MVP Charmaine, to  ght for every ball, settling into club had 4 riders competing. Fergus race and unfortunately o the bike for A er the race runs were  nished, very muddy and involves obstacles ever cross race. Both George and Will determination to bring home that  rst Liverpool’s defence producing some for the unwavering e ort shown the game as the time passed. A er MVP: Olivia Porter Funnell and Matt Duley in the Men’s; 3 months. another attempt was made to remove including stairs and logs which are thoroughly enjoyed the event and are away victory. Bangor travelled with a great opportunities for our post on court from start to  nish, with half-time, the girls made the match Heather Marples and F on Brutnell in As the others began their timed runs, the wheel but with no success. So designed so you have to dismount, looking forward to the next one. strong squad of 11 players, who were players Katerina and Mairead, who amazing work on both o ence and theirs with strong attack from Ayisha Captain’s Player: Sarah ready to  ght together from start to had some lovely baskets. defence. Ramkelawan, Olivia Porter and Becki  nish! Rebounding was an integral part of McLean. ey turned over more Bates and Becki McLean Reasons to A er the  rst whistle, Liverpool this game and Mairead, Charmaine took an early 6-0 lead, but Bangor and Jordan worked tirelessly to try Mixed results for Women’s Netball join a sports soon found their rhythm. Charmaine, and get every single one of Liverpool’s Match Report: Mairead and Jordan produced some rebounds. During the fourth quarter, Bangor - 53 overall. Within the second set it was well executed baskets and ended the girls were hungry for the ball evident players were working together club at uni Bangor’s dry streak bringing the and K, Katerina, Jordan and Shimmy Match Report: Liverpool - 42 and team cohesion was a stronger as it two teams level again. Both teams extended Bangor’s lead with some Bangor - 1 had ever been before. fought throughout the  rst half to amazing baskets. Finally, the game Bangor’s second game was against 1. Make lots of friends gain an early lead, but neither could ended with a Green and Gold victory Edge Hill. Unfortunately Bangor lost - don’t forget the Wednesday pull ahead. Bangor trailed during the 42-53. Liverpool JMU/Edge both sets despite the points being socials! second quarter, but Marichi, Charlotte Support from teammates both on MVP: Charmaine Koh Hill - 1 ridiculously close. All the girls fought and Charmaine showed some  erce and o the bench was a key part of the for every point and defended the ball 2. Stress Release hustle to help Bangor draw level to 27- team’s success, with a special shout as if it was the last. With every single angor’s  rst tournament of point the team grew stronger, louder 3. Fitness - remember a the season took place in Keele and more con dent. lot of other people will not have University. Morale was high Everyone played to the best of their played before or know what to Band everyone was buzzing to get into a ability and there is great reason to be do- you are in the same boat game. Bangor’s  rst game was against proud. Keep up the work girls and (especially if you’re rowing!) Liverpool John Moore’s, they won both bring on the next game against York. sets (25-19, 25-22) winning the game Bangor Karate Union Takes On  e 100 Kata Challenge 4. Have fun, relax and took on the challenge valiantly. A er and karate spirit and it was an absolute the time better. Five members of the refocus by LIZZY DILLON doing around ten Katas every one of pleasure to see. We will undoubtedly team individually performed their Bangor University Sailing Club 5. Remember you can us realised just how challenging it was be doing the challenge again next year. favourite Katas to the crowd, including more challenging for the sailors. With going to be, especially considering a member that has only been doing join a team which is more casual if you do not want to compete by OCTAVIA OWEN the tide running the opposite way we ctober has been an incredibly that the guidelines allowed us only karate since September. Our Chief had a few sailors swimming in the busy and exciting month very short breaks to rehydrate. For Karate Union also Instructor, a second dan black belt, 6. Gain new skills and angor University sailing club chilly straits. for Bangor Karate Union. the lower grades who only knew two appeared at the and the beginner then performed employability, for example: meet at Morrisons 1pm every Team racing is short exciting races O e 24th October was World Karate Katas, it was a hard, mental challenge the  rst karate Kata in sync with Wednesday and Sunday a er- which last between 12-15 minutes long International Cultural teamworking, communication Day, and we decided to celebrate by as they repeated their Katas   y times each other, which was followed by Bnoon. ey’re a friendly group and with tricks and tips up their sleeves. taking part in Challenge Okinawa’s each. For the higher grades who Fair an impressive and exciting display of skills and it demonstrates your commitment welcome any sailing ability or even Teams battle it out to get their team ‘100 Kata Challenge’. A Kata is a knew ten Katas or more, it was an self defence. e team displayed their if you want to try something di er- mates across the line  rst. A Team pre arranged combination of karate invaluable opportunity to perfect basic Bangor Karate Union could not abilities to defend themselves against 7. The societies are FREE, ent. e sailors have had a successful consists of three boats and six sailors. techniques arranged in a series of Katas and refresh the more complex resist the opportunity to show o their knife attacks, drunken men in clubs, month of training in varied condi- e aim of the race is to get your team consecutive body movements. is ones in their minds. A er two, skills at the International Society’s and taller, stronger people that would so have fun without spending any money and you do not tions to prepare themselves for events mates through with a score under 10 to forms defending techniques that physically draining hours all eighteen Cultural Fair. e fair was held in PJ usually over power them. Done at such ahead this year. ey’ve had some ex- win. e sailors use their skills to take use both hands and feet against a participants completed the challenge, Hall on the 3rd November and aimed high speed meant this section of the have to worry about not being able to a ord it. This also means tremely light wind practise which was the opponent out and get their team- number of theoretical opponents who and although obviously physically to increase awareness of di erent demo was particularly impressive. e BUCS short course championships goes swimmingly challenging to keep the boat moving mates through very small gaps which attack from every possible angle. It and mentally drained, our pride and societies and opportunities that the group brilliantly showcased the best you can try out lots of di erent sports and nd something you forwards and not sideways, using the o en disappear very quickly. Team is a fundamental part of karate that sense of achievement was impossible University has to o er, as well as allow and most useful techniques that we controls on the boat and the weight racing is a great aspect of sailing as you enjoy angor University Swimming competitors per event, our swimmers came out with 46 PBs. Despite only is important to every grade, so we to miss. Members walked out of the clubs to raise money. A huge amount are taught during almost every lesson. of the sailor. ey’ve also had some learn lots of new skills which you will Club travelled to She eld to stood out with an incredible number being swimming together for 6 weeks, were very keen to take part, especially Dojo con dent as they now knew their of talent was showcased throughout e full video of the performance is breezy weather which was extremely be grateful for along with some amaz- 8. See the world - training compete at the BUCS Short of personal bests (PBs), with some the bond the team has was emphasised because it was a challenge that was challenging Katas like the back of their the fair’s demonstrations. Each society available to watch on our Facebook fun and testing of the sailor’s ability. ing socials where you get to know peo- camps and competitions take BCourse Championships. placing  rst in their heats! Out of a by the unbreakable teamwork in relays taken on by Dojos all across the world, hands, and as Captain my adoration was given ten minutes to show the group ‘Bangor University Karate As the breeze begun to build slightly, ple from other university sailing clubs you to new places With competition from over total of 59 swims, in 30 di erent events and support for each other both on including the prestigious Dojos that for the team increased massively. Each audience what they do and Bangor Union’. returning to the starts proved to be across the country. founded karate in Okinawa. e team member showed true determination Karate Union could not have used 50 universities and around 100 across Friday to Sunday, our team and o poolside. Bangor University Students’ Union English Language Newspaper @SerenSports SPORT

Match Report: Bangor 32 - 8 Liverpool Bangor MudDogs trounce Liverpool on home soil by CALLEN LOFTUS Liverpool found themselves losing unanswered scores, Bangor then chose allowing a single sack or hit on the Player (MVP), the second award went yards on two of their  rst three plays to get a many rookies some playing quarter back and over all put a brilliant to Ewan Davies as Defensive MVP. he Bangor MudDogs Ameri- and, on the resulting poor clearance time as possible with the rookies and sustained performance right from e rookies who won the awards were can football team opened their punt kick, found themselves 6 – 0 showing some good performances start to  nish. With the conditions of Joe Short as Rookie Defensive MVP, 2017-18 season with a resound- down within minutes of the start with and plays and really impressing the pitch and it paying homage the and Robert Burgo Rigby as Rookie Ting 32-8 home win against the Univer- Bangor running back Wahab Alfeleej supporters, veterans and coaches MudDogs name sake the Defence O ensive MVP. e  nal award was sity of Liverpool’s Raptors! strolling in from 1 yard for the home alike. However unfortunately for the made their side of the game theirs for biggest hit many players were With Aberystwyth Tarannau side’s  rst touchdown of the day. Both MudDogs Liverpool to made a solid with a dominate display punishing an in contention for this however Nat cancelling the week earlier combined teams then struggled through the mud sustained drive which resulted in them o ence that hadn’t adjusted to playing Johnson received the award for his big with the UK’s leading gridiron media for the rest of the 1st quarter with scoring a touchdown and making a 2 on the condition of the Treborth hits on Liverpool’s Quarter Backs. predicting an away win for the any further scores but Bangor then point conversion to make it 26 – 8 to pitches as Liverpool who train and is coming Sunday, 19th Liverpool Raptors following their 39-7 took control in the second quarter Bangor. However Bangor were able play on 3g AstroTurf never having November, will hopefully see Bangor demolition of Edge Hill last Sunday, starting with a wide receiver Tyrone to control Liverpool for the rest of trained to play in the mud struggled host the Keele Crusaders (check before the MudDogs were already  red up Phillips catching a deep pass from the  nal quarter, with linebacker Nat to start to get their O ence going and travelling to the game as the pitch is before the game and enjoyed a good veteran Quarter Back Jacob Baldwin. Hatch-Johnson dropping Liverpool’s the defence pounced many a times on not in a good way) before then meeting home crowd in sunny conditions. Bangor dominant defence quickly got fourth Quarter Back of the day for a shaky o ense forcing four turnovers the University of Manchester Tyrants e Muddogs came out of the gates the ball back and Wahab Alfeleej had what should be in the running for which set up the Muddogs O ence in another home  xture on Sunday with full force right from the start another easy walk into the end zone Sack of the Year. With time running in brilliant positions. As a team the 26th November in what should be eager to show what they as a team for Bangor’s third touchdown before out, Bangor again rotated the squad MudDogs played brilliantly showing the title deciding game of the season. are capable of and to make the game half-time.] onto the  eld to maximise game time; plenty of heart, passion and grit. With Bangor’s remaining schedule is then theirs. Despite winning the coin toss e second half then say Bangor fresher and back-up Quarter Back this resounding and deserved beating away against Aberystwyth on 3rd Liverpool decided to defer the toss to increase their lead again with Baldwin Alex King saw his  rst ever game pass of Liverpool the Muddogs have sent a December, away at Chester on 28th the Muddogs who decided to receive throwing to the opposite corner for successfully caught by Harry Fryer clear signal to the rest of the Division January, at home against Edge Hill on enabling them to get their o ence wide receiver Harry Fryer to grab a who then weaved his way down the as having beaten one of their two rivals 4th February and then at home against on the pitch early on and the chance spectacular diving catch in the corner Liverpool side line for about 38 yards for the Division 2A North title. Bradford on 11th February. Bangor to get points on the board early on. of the end zone. Bangor had been to score another touchdown in the A er the game  ve awards were will now expect to have a deep play- However e Bangor Muddogs were unable to convert any of the PATs so far closing seconds of the game! given out for great performances two o run in March 2018 and, having unable to score and turned over the but went for a fake this time and Jacob roughout the the game the of those awards went to veterans in the made the semi- nals last year, will ball. However with a strong, dominate Baldin threw a 2 point conversion to O ensive line performed brilliantly team the  rst of which went to Wahab be looking to make and win the 2A and physical performance meant that slot receiver Nick Mishenin. With four protecting their Quarter Back and not Alfeleej as O ensive Most Valuable Northern  nal.

Men’s Volleyball win three in a row to go top of the league

olleyball men’s team, mostly them). Each team winning one set at easy victory on their track record. e was a good cohesion between all the formed by new players, the end of the second one: 25-23, 21- “supposed” third game was against players. is probably helped to lead Match Report: performed stunningly at 25, Bangor’s boys gave everything for Keele 1sts, one of Bangor’s main rivals them to the victory. Congratulations Vhome on Sunday 20th of October the third one and managed to reverse last year. e result stayed close until to all the players for their entertaining and increased their position in the the trend by winning this last set ; 15- the last set, where Bangor managed to games, we wish them the best of luck Bangor - 3 Northern 3A league. 10. ey became the champions of the strongly impose themselves, winning; for the rest of the tournament and Bangor challenged Manchester 3rd game with 2-1 sets won. 24-26, 25-21, 15-8. hope that they will perform as good as Manchester/Bolton/ for their  rst game, a considerable A erwards, they expected to play Everybody noticed that the Volleyball today. team who they played against last year against Bolton, but this team dropped men’s team, made of two teams, was Keele - 0 (but unfortunately lost once against out, which allowed Bangor to get an having fun when playing and there