“Nigel Thrift Does Have a Say Over His Pay”

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twitter.com/warwickboar theYourboar award-winning student newspaper Wednesday 28th January, 2015 Est. 1973 | Volume 37 | Issue 7 Warwick “Nigel Thrift does have third most- targeted by a say over his pay” employers

Ibrahim Khalid

Students at the University of War- wick are the third most-often targeted by top graduate employers, reveals research by High Fliers. The annual UK Graduate Ca- reers Survey, involving over 18,000 final year students, is based on face- to-face interviews with finalists and on-campus research groups. Universities such as Manches- ter, Nottingham, Cambridge and Oxford are also among the most frequently targeted for graduate employment. The report also notes increasing confidence in the graduate recruitment market as the UK’s leading employers “plan to expand their graduate recruitment even further in 2015 with 8.1 percent more entry-level vacancies than last year”. Warwick is consistently in the top ten in this annual survey. The University’s vice chancellor Profes- sor Sir Nigel Thrift said: “Warwick is a globally connected university and our students graduate with an acute global awareness and an ability to thrive in a range of » Nigel Thrift’s pay over the past five years. Photo: Ann Yip countries and cultures. It is no surprise that they are highly sought af- al salary increased by 4.8 percent cision of their pay. recent pay rises, pay recommen- ter by many globally focused lead- Ann Yip (£16,000) to £348,000 - an incre- She pointed towards the fact that, dations have to be approved by the ing graduate employers. ment figure above the inflation rate unlike conventional practices of University Council, on which two “This is a testament to the high of under 3 percent. employee performance evaluation, SU representatives sit. calibre of Warwick’s students and In the summer of 2013 and Janu- it is the vice-chancellors themselves Ms Turhan however claimed that how they take full advantage of the Nigel Thrift can or does have a say ary 2014, there was controversy over who present reports to remunera- the proposals on VC Thrift’s pay experiences Warwick offers them over his pay and it is unsurprising Prof Thrift’s pay rises of £42,000 for tion committees which detail their were “snuck into papers presented as a university.” that people call his pay into ques- 2011/12, and of £16,000 for 2012/13. achievements and objectives. It is to University Council at short notion, Students’ Union (SU) presi- In the last three years since 2010/11, these reports that determine their tice.” Inside this issue... dent Cat Turhan wrote in a blog Prof Thrift’s salary has increased by pay recommendations. She wrote: “The two Sabbatical post last Thursday, 15 January. 27 percent. She said that in these reports, Officers who sat on this body at THE PULLOUT Ms Turhan’s remarks over the Ms Turhan argued that though any detrimental impacts or con- the time were not given a chance vice-chancellor’s pay comes at a vice-chancellors across the coun- notations in the long-run are not to review these properly, but were time when Prof Thrift’s recent try claim that they have no say over acknowledged and that no student instead told that the resolution had knighthood, and pay, has been a their salary which is set by separate representatives sit on this remuner- to pass that evening.” subject of controversy. remuneration committees, they ation committee. Continued on page 5 Last year, Prof Thrift’s annu- still have an influence over the de- In the context of Prof Thrift’s

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TF4187 The Boar Warwick 265x44 Banner.indd 1 23/01/2015 13:39 theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWS 2 2 News theboar.org Anger as Warwick refuses to participate in Green League Samuel Lovett finding that the survey has become so over ambitious and so compli- cated in the information that it re- quests that we are no longer willing Students from Warwick took to to assist with the survey in its cur- protest on January 20 following rent form.” the University’s refusal to take Hannah Smith, who coordinates part in this year’s People and the People and Planet, commented Planet League. on the demonstrations which were Alongside 68 other universities, held at Warwick, Glasgow and Ox- the University of Warwick failed ford. to submit the appropriate data to She remarked: “These actions the green league, which then ranks tell us that students want more universities in terms of their envi- transparency and more opportuni- ronmental footprint. ties to engage with how their uni- As a consequence, Warwick has versity impacts communities and been rated as having ‘failed’. This the wider world.” marks the culmination of a steady Raveena Kaur, a second-year decline in the People and Planet Politics and International Studies university league table. student, felt particularly let down Since 2009, the University has by the University’s failure to partic- slipped down the rankings. falling ipate in the green league. to 129 out of 151 universities. She commented: “I think it’s Dan Goss, Environment and poor that the University is failing Ethics officer at Warwick, led the to take seriously its environmental student rally which aimed to high- responsibilities. With millions of light how little effort the University pounds invested into our university puts into its environmental respon- each year, it should be doing more sibilities. to tackle the environmental dan- Mr Goss remarked: “Universities gers we all now face.” have a duty to lead the way on eth- Universities have attributed a ical issues and create a world that number of factors behind their de- their students can thrive in the fu- cision to not participate, including ture. the “increasing burden” of provid- “The University of Warwick is ing data and a methodology that only concerned with its reputation. doesn’t account for “the difference It has been slipping down the ta- between old and newer institu- ble since 2009 and doesn’t want its t i o n s”. shortcomings to be exposed.” For 2015, the highest ranking Peter Dunn, director of press and university was Plymouth, followed policy said in a Guardian article: byWorcester and Manchester Met- “We know that we are not alone in ropolitan University. » Green demonstrations held in Oxford, Warwick and Glasgow. Photo: People and Planet theboar Editorial Team

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WE WANT YOU! SUHQ, Floor Two theboar is printed on 100% recycled paper University of Warwick Leave your paper for someone else when finished To write for your student paper University Road Coventry theboar is the University of Warwick’s CV4 7AL editorially independent student newspaper Email the section editors above if produced entirely by and for students. Except where otherwise noted, theboar and the you want to write for the paper works in theboar are licensed under: [email protected] http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWS 3 3 News theboar.org Warwick ranks poorly for Global Health Research News in Brief Rosie Hurley Anu Roy that Warwick devotes 2.52 percent and 0.56 percent of its received research funding towards research The first UK Global Health Re- for health in developing countries search League Table shows War- and neglected diseases, respective- wick ranking 20th out of the top ly. This is compared to a national 25 universities. average of 2 percent and 1.7 percent. The table, launched by Universi- Warwick is part of several global ties Allied for Essential Medicines health research projects which aim (UAEM) and Medsin-UK, stated to invest in building future part- that although Warwick is highly nerships across both developed and commended for its contribution to developing countries and to form innovative research, it “lacks com- networks which share research to mitment to equitable access to re- help combat diseases. search and technologies”. One example includes the ET- petition of no confidence As such, Warwick was awarded AMBA project in which Warwick in Nigel Thrift has been a D+ grade by the study, and was Medical School is collaborating submitted for consider- ranked 14th for innovation, but just with GE Healthcare, the Kaolinska ation in the All Student 24th for access to its research. Institute in Sweden, the Malawian » Bwaila Hospital, Malawi. Photo: Gates Foundation / Flickr AMeeting coming up this term. The reason for this is because Ministry of Health, the University The motion, submitted by stu- Warwick has not committed to a of Malawi College of Medicine and tiative to enhance the researching on the internet, which can be ac- dents, notes Thrift’s pay increase policy which makes its research Ifakara Health Institute in Tanza- capabilities across departments of cessed for free. Even though on av- of around six percent annually, available to those in developing nia. various universities in Sub-Saharan erage, 82 percent of research from and compares this with staff that countries. This is in comparison to It aims to train clinicians to be Africa. the 25 universities can be classified have faced pay cuts of 13 percent seven of the 25 leading research in- advanced leaders and works with Regarding research that can be as “free-access”, some only allow as over five successive years. Follow- stitutions which have. the Consortium for Advanced Re- accessed online, the table showed little as 60 percent to be freely re- ing the recent protests against the However, the report does note search Training in Africa - an ini- that Warwick publishes 80 percent trieved. treatment of students at the sit-in last month, the motion also criti- cises Thrift and the University for not publicly condemning the police SU issues changes to ticket purchasing system force’s brutality. The petition can be signed on the Students’ Union Jacob Badcock will increase processing and mem- be informed later that their trans- He said: “I’m glad they’ve made website. ory capacity of the ticketing system action had not been completed, changes, it sounds like they should some 16 times. meaning purchases had to be final- work. Hopefully it will stop it hap- Warwick Students’ Union (SU) Meanwhile, the network con- ised over the phone or at SU head- pening again before Sports Ball, arwick Business has announced changes to its nection has also been upgraded, quarters. because last time, the website School has joined ticketing system in light of pur- providing ten times the bandwidth Lastly, the SU has taken on crashed before I could buy my tick- forces with the De- chasing errors that left many stu- of before. It is hoped that these board student feedback to intro- ets, which meant I had to sit at my sign Council and dents disappointed during the measures will help to reinforce the duce phased, or ‘staggered’ sales of laptop for three hours, which was WWhich? in order to help consumer sales of Freshers and Pop! tickets. website when it experiences high popular events, helping to reduce ridiculous really”. experiences. With the aim of help- The SU has highlighted the customer traffic, and avoid lengthy customer traffic. The SU has once more apolo- ing people to save money by getting re-occurrence of website fail- loading times and crashes. The SU also moved to stamp out gised for the inconvenience that the best deals, the Design for Real ures during the launch of Term The SU has also introduced a fears that problems may reoccur the website crashes had caused. Consumers partnership brings to- 2 event sales prior to Christmas stand-alone webpage to be used once more, even in spite of these Isaac Leigh, SU societies officer gether these three organisations in as a key reason for implementing during busy periods; they say that changes, by saying in their official said: “We appreciate that these im- a programme of development and the changes. The new system was this offers a “no frills” page, with statement: “We tested the new sys- provements are long overdue, and research. The scheme will look also implemented in order to cor- the intention of offsetting exces- tem when Pop! tickets went back can only apologise for the prob- to tackle personal finance topics rect ticketing issues before highly sive traffic and speeding up the up on sale recently, and it held up lems experienced previously.” such as mortgage issues, as well as sought after Sports Ball tickets go purchasing process. well with no problems.” They add- Mr Leigh also highlighted that more general areas such as varying on sale. Thirdly, the relay from SagePay ed that they “just want it to work the changes “won’t stop events broadband speeds and the increas- Four steps have been taken to has been moved to this server, re- properly”. selling out quickly due to high de- ing bundling of products by tele- improve the ticketing system; most ducing the chance of ‘timing out’ Alex Humfryes, a first-year Ger- mand”. He added: “hopefully they coms companies. significantly, a new operating sys- during the payment process. man and Business student has wel- will prevent future ‘crashes’ which tem and a brand new virtual serv- This problem was the cause of comed the changes after previously slow the website down and create er have been introduced, with the much confusion during the Fresh- being left frustrated when attempt- additional frustration or disap- he Independent Police sole purpose of hosting the SU ers events sales. Some believed that ing to purchase freshers tickets for pointment.” Complaints Commission website. The SU have said that this they had purchased tickets only to Term 1. (IPCC) has launched an investigation into the po- Tlice action during the protest on campus in December, in which CS Fewer women study STEM subjects at university gas was used on students. Deight- on Pierce Glynn solicitor Lochlinn Simran Thakral tion in universities and colleges. Parker, who is representing the stu- “It is essential that people are not dents, said: “It is relatively rare for put off from pursuing the careers the IPCC to launch an independent According to research published they want, or are denied a competi- investigation, when you consider by Information Age, less women tive advantage, due to a lack of dig- that the overwhelming majority of are pursuing IT-related subjects ital or technical skills. complaints are investigated by the at university. “Technology is at the heart of local police force. This step is en- The information revealed that every successful business, so it is couraging and a recognition of the in the 2014-15 academic year, fewer bad news all round if people, male seriousness of the allegations.” than 18 percent of students enrolled or female, feel that they cannot or in computing courses are women. do not want to study subjects like This number is down one percent computing.” Warwick Business School since the last academic year, and Despite the rise in importance (WBS) professor, Dr. two percent from the year before. of STEM subjects on the educa- Dawn Eubanks, has led Gerry Arthurs, Virgin Media tional agenda and in industry, the new research which sug- Business’ education lead, was as- research suggests that there is not Agests that leaders in certain fields tonished that so few women are much being done to encourage are being selected in part because choosing to pursue science, tech- women to pursue IT at university. their face fits the stereotype of their nology, engineering, or mathemat- profession. The research showed ics (STEM) subjects. that when participants were tasked He added: “Technology is in- with guessing which industry lead- credibly important in a modern ers worked in from their face alone, education and it needs to be across Find more news online they could successfully categorise the board, from primary schools all theboar.org/news those who worked in business, the way through to further educa- » Majority of STEM students are male. Photo: Juan Barredo / Flickr sport and the military. theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWS 4 4 News theboar.org SU issue statement on Warwick professor: low inflation ‘send home’ proposals levels are a risk for the economy Sonali Gidwani vested substantial time and money Connor O’Shea in their studies, and are coveted by UK companies for the global expe- Warwick’s Students’ Union (SU) rience and skills they can offer the A Warwick professor has warned has released a statement in re- UK economy.” that the UK’s economic growth is sponse to the ‘send-home’ propos- The sabbatical officer team add- at risk following low levels of in- als put forward by Theresa May ed: “Students from abroad are less flation. and the Home Office. likely to come to the UK in the Dr Dennis Novy, an associate The Home Office’s proposal re- first instance, and instead choose professor of Economics, has voiced quires that international students to study in competing regions like concerns that inflation has dropped leave immediately after they finish Australia, the USA and Canada.” below one percent for the first time their studies. Students would have The statement goes on to men- since 2002. to leave the country and re-apply tion that international students Inflation, as measured by the for a new visa if they wanted to con- should be made to feel welcome in Consumer Price Index (CPI), fell tinue with further study or take up the UK as they provide richness of to 0.5 percent according to official jobs or graduate placements in the diversity and contribute to the in- statistics for December 2014. The United Kingdom. ternational experience offered at last time inflation was recorded at This would mark a change to Warwick. such a low level on CPI was May the current system, which involves The team added a final comment 2000, according to figures from the applying from within the UK if the to their statement by stating: “We Office for National Statistics. student has received sponsorship believe that this attempt to pander Dr Novy suggested that the low from a potential employer. to immigration scaremongering levels of inflation could be attrib- The SU stated: “[This is] yet serves no purpose other than to uted to falling food prices caused another needless attack on inter- further alienate international stu- by supermarket rivalries as well as national students who are already dents from the British educational significant decreases in the cost of studying legally in the UK, have in- community.” fuel. These price decreases remain popular with consumers, particularly students, who will be able to make their money stretch further. » Inflation is at the lowest level since 2000. Photo: epSos .de / Flickr The low level of inflation could cause further problems for the UK’s George Osbourne. This would be Yet the Government remains op- economy, Dr Novy commented: the first letter of its kind. timistic about the fall in inflation. “The Bank of England is under Dr Novy continued: “There is a Chancellor of the exchequer George pressure. With inflation falling, in- risk for the UK economy. Inflation Osborne, urged: “Inflation is at its terest rates should normally be re- is inching close to the danger zone lowest level in modern times. We duced. But they have been at rock of outright deflation. have family budgets going further bottom for nearly six years now and “Once prices stop rising, con- and the economic recovery starting cannot be cut further.” sumers and businesses delay spend- to be widely felt.” The professor has warned that ing and can pull down the economy. The chancellor added: “We will low levels of inflation would mean If that happens, it would be time for always remain vigilant that we have that Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England to have anoth- lower inflation for the right rea- the Bank of England, would need er look at unconventional measures sons. And today is yet further proof » photo: Matt Kline / Flickr to issue a letter of explanation to such as quantitative easing.” our long term plan is working.” Students confused over new anonymous messaging app Anna Khoo ther anonymously or openly. I so. release an Android version of our really entertaining”. would say it is just for fun.” One flatmate, Alex Shaw, a sec- app,” reveals Mr Abramov, “And More information about the app Mr Abramov came up with the ond-year Politics and Economics also there’s going to be a new fea- is available at tetatet.net or on Face- A new messenger app which al- idea around two years ago when he student said: “Why would I want to ture in the app, which I don’t want book at www.facebook.com/teta- lows Facebook users to chat anon- wanted a way to get past his shyness download it? This is rubbish.” to disclose now, but it’s going to be tetmessenger. ymously has been launched by with his girlfriend. Daniel Cope, third-year Litera- first-year Warwick MORSE stu- ture student was also confused. He dent Andrey Abramov on Friday said: “Why would I want to mes- 16 January. Connor O’Shea tried to sage people anonymously? That’s a ‘Tetatet’ allows Facebook users to convince ten of his flatmates terrible idea for an app!” send text or photo messages to oth- to download the app; all Others also raised concerns that er Tetatet members on their Face- refused to do so. the app could be misused. book friend list. There is a choice “I don’t really understand the of two functions, ‘chat’ to message point of it except to be gross or abu- as yourself, or ‘tet’ to withhold your sive,” explained first-year Psycholo- identity. He described Tetatet as “a way of gy student Sara Jane Sutty. Recipients can then chose to ‘tet discovering your friends’ characters Lizzie Adsett, a second-year back’ the mystery messenger. Both from another side. It takes away any Chemistry student, expressed simi- parties are now anonymous in a hesitation, allows you to be sincere lar unease: “I think it has a lot more new thread. A ‘tet’ sender may vol- and talk about those things you re- potential to be used for bad inten- untarily reveal their identity at any ally want to talk about”. tions than good ones”. time. He added: “You never know how far your conversation may go. You “It has a novelty factor, so I “Why would I want to may end up being close friends think it could take off.” download it? This is rubbish.” eventually, as you would discov- Sarah Copping Alex Shaw er each other personalities in this non-binding way.” Using the ‘tet-back’ function Mr Abramov expressed his hope There were others who were costs points from the account that users would “use anonymity more open to the idea. holder’s personal score. Points are for good, but not for cyber-bully- “It has a novelty factor, so I think gained by receiving messages or i n g ”. it could take off,” said third-year through an in-app purchase. Many students have expressed Maths student Sarah Copping. “We Mr Abramov explained: “In confusion over the app. Deputy often don’t see the point of things Tetatet we also have a group chat, News editor Connor O’Shea tried like this until we have them and where you can invite your friends to convince ten of his flatmates to then they become really popular. and then leave messages there ei- download the app; all refused to do “In the short run we hope to » The app lets users talk anonymously. Photo: Adam Fagen / Flickr theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWS 5 5 News theboar.org SU president speaks Degrees too easy? Universities out against VC pay could face regulations on courses

Continued from front page surprising that people call this into Alex Ball a first and 70 percent with a 2:1 or sues in graduate employment. As The University responded to question.” above, causing concerns regarding increasing numbers of students Ms Turhan’s post: “As we have said Prof. Thrift’s knighthood and grade inflation. achieve firsts and 2:1s, it is becom- many times the vice-chancellor 4.8 percent pay rise also comes af- Universities could face tough- These figures reflect a fourfold ing more and more difficult for plays no part in the deliberations ter international and postgraduate er measures from the universi- increase on the number of first employers to distinguish between of the Remuneration Committee in fees increased 4.5 percent last year, ty watchdog regarding degree class degrees awarded 15 years ago. potential employees. deciding his salary. an increase which the University course standards. Furthermore, research has sug- Employers are said to be looking “The Remuneration Commit- claims to take into account the in- This news comes as concerns gested that one in six universities at other means of discovering the tee gives its report to the Council flation rate; and after academic staff are being raised by Professor Alan award more firsts and 2:1s than most employable graduates. For which has two student representa- bargained for a two percent pay rise Smithers of the University of Buck- would be expected of their stu- example, they are setting their own tives. The Remuneration commit- in the pay dispute last year. ingham that universities may be in- dents’ profiles. tests and paying more attention to tee reports to the Council have not flating their grades to improve their Some universities feel concerned the Higher Education Achievement in any way altered in their form, positions on league tables. that this increase in firsts and 2:1s Report (HEAR), an online certifi- structure or timing.” Since universities are in charge of is due to high standards of teach- cate to supplement the degree clas- Ms Turhan also said that the their own grading, concerns have ing, rather than a desire to improve sification with details of academic announcement of Prof Thrift’s arisen regarding the consistency their league table status. and extra-curricular achievements. knighthood was “poorly-timed,” of grading across universities, an Peter Dunn, director of press Mina Manik, a first-year History making reference to the potential issue that the university watchdog and policy at the University said: and politics undergraduate, said: redundancies in the Life Sciences intends to approach. “Warwick concentrates on ensur- “I hope that what I achieve reflects and the Medical School; the police As previously reported by the ing excellence in our core missions wholly on my ability. violence on protesters last year, “an Boar, at Warwick 24 percent of of research and teaching and relies “This shift from education to action which the University is still students graduating in 2014 did so on that to drive our performance in business by the universities takes yet to condemn or even apologise with a first and 51 percent achieved league tables.” away the real essence of learning for”; and nationwide disputes re- a 2:1. This compares to national fig- This alleged inflation of degree and working towards a degree and garding staff pension and pay. ures of 20 percent graduating with standards is said to have raised is- is a worrying trend.” Following a petition calling for Prof Thrift’s knighthood to be re- scinded, students held a satirical payday celebration protest on cam- University-employer links increase pus on Friday 16 January. In response to the controversy over Prof Thrift’s knighthood, Ms graduate employability Turhan said: “When people per- ceive him to be rewarded in the Arthi Nachiappan based demands of local employers. Warwick for Free Education who context of people losing jobs or Oliver Lester, a first-year Eco- campaigns against cuts to educa- other incidents of significant dis- nomics student, criticised pro- tion funding in the UK, comment- satisfaction or concern, it is un- University-employer links boost moting employability in university ed: “Letting private companies graduate employability, says re- curricula: “Focusing on employa- gain influence over the education search bility when deciding what we study system sets a worrying precedent; Engaging with employers to de- seems to suggest that we only go to should anyone with the means to Murphy’s ‘Bar of the Year’ sign curricula that hold student em- university to get a job.” do so be able to control what stu- ployability as a core priority boosts Warwick University’s WMG dents are learning? Emma Moylan its pool table and free satellite the likelihood of graduates finding (Warwick Manufacturing Group) “The introduction of any kind television, it means there is some- work, suggests new research by the recently announced that it is to en- of bias or agenda, in this case the thing on offer for all sports fans. UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for roll up to 600 employees of Jaguar desire for profit, fundamentally Leamington Spa’s Murphy’s bar Kevin Murphy who is the long- Higher Education (QAA). Land Rover in undergraduate level corrupts the purpose of university.” has been voted as the ‘2014 Bar of est serving landlord of 22 years The survey considered results in product and manufacturing en- The report precedes a primary the Year’ by local pub goers. describes the pub as “the friendli- from 200 UK universities and col- gineering. research project carried out by the The bar, situated on Regent est bar in town where everyone is leges, reviewed since 2010. Warwick’s head of press and pol- University of Warwick in collabo- Street, has become particularly welcome.” The benefits of maintaining icy, Peter Dunn, remarked: “Em- ration with market research firm popular with students and sports He told the Boar: “It’s a proper close university-employer links re- ployability for the rest of our un- IFF Research on the impact of em- teams from Warwick who are pub, a local’s pub with character portedly include gaining work-rel- dergraduate courses is developed ployability programmes offered to sponsored by proud owner Kevin and special value where students evant skills and knowledge to enter through cross-degree student skills students by universities and colleg- Murphy. tend to come in groups.” into the workforce, and being able programmes.” es. The Warwick report is due to be Wednesday evenings are used by The bar also regularly servesfood to keep up to date with the skill- Cameron Mason, a member of published in April. the sports teams for circling and with a cooked breakfast from £3.25 with “all day happy hours” and “the available Monday to Saturday and a best value in town” the bar’s popu- Sunday dinner at £5.95. It also of- larity is increasing. fers free local delivery. Its frequent events keep the bar Murphy’s has also become par- busy and thanks to the ticularly active in fund-raising. pub’s darts team, The pub has raised money for alongside numerous charities such as Myton hospice, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Leamington Rehabilitation Hospi- tal, Help the Heroes, Cystic Fibrosis and Help the Homeless. The bar was up against other pubs in the area for the title but managed to secure the victory against The New- bold Comyn Arms in Leamington, which came second, and The Old Post Office in Warwick, which came third. Visit: murphys-bar. co.uk

» Photo: Murphy’s Bar » WMG and Jaguar Land Rover on campus. Photo: Warwick Media Library 6 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 6 Warwick students use robot telescopes to hunt for planets the German Space Agency (DLR) The launch of the project marks Lewis Thomas in a bid to discover new planets in an age of increasing expenditure the universe. where space research is concerned. To fund the venture the NGTS It follows major technological A team of University of Warwick have had to seek help from the developments that have taken place science students have announced consortium institutes who are in previous years, and will allow that they are joining a global currently meeting the £2.5m cap- a deeper level of research into the search for new planets after un- ital costs of the project, whilst the brightness of stars. veiling a set of 12 robotically con- running costs are also being fund- The project will cover more sky trolled telescopes. ed by the UK through the Science than previous projects, examine The telescopes will be based at and Technology Facilities Council. a greater number of bright stars, the European Southern Observa- As a system of research, the and will find planets that are bright tory Paranal Observatory in north- telescopes are operated by the de- enough for detailed study by other ern Chile, but remotely operated tection of any dimming of a star’s instruments, such as the Hubble by a team from Warwick’s Physics light when a planet happens to Space Telescope. department. cross over it. Yusef Al- Ramah, a first-year These new telescopes will help The head of the project, Dr Pe- Physics student, commented: “The form a wide-field observation sys- ter Wheatley, and members of the NGTS project is a vitally important tem called the Next Generation Physics department explained the part of our bid in finding new plan- Transit Survey (NGTS). process: “The 12 robotic telescopes ets and seeing our university being The NGTS provides a demon- of NGTS have been designed to actively involved in this hunt is a stration of unity between UK uni- detect smaller dips in star bright- massive merit to both our Physics versities, with four universities ness than previous ground-based department and the Physics com- (Warwick, Leicester, Queen’s Bel- surveys, down to just 0.1 percent munity in general”. fast and Cambridge) joining forces of the light from the star.” with the Geneva Observatory and » Photo: Wikipedia images Sponsored by: theboar.org 8 Editor: Hiran Adhia 7 [email protected] Twitter @BoarComment COMMENT fb.com/groups/BoarComment READERS RESPONSE Molly Willis “The aftermath of Charlie Hebdo” ecently, a moving demonstra- Editors’ Letters tion of millions of French all, uniting for the freedom of Rspeech, lit up our television screens. Perhaps the most striking image was dozens of flags from around the world adorning the monument of the Place de la République, dis- playing only one message: the Mar- ianne is every shade of French, and “The textbook “The risks of we are all Charlie. World leaders united at the fore- being ignorant” front of the march locking arms finalist” and leading their cause forward, including the coming together of Raghav Bali Bethan McGrath the Israeli and Palestinian heads of Deputy Editor Lifestyle Editor state in a touching yet mildly para- doxical stance against violence. woke up in Xananas the day enjoy Bruce Willis’ animated clas- f you’re reading the Boar then leave you with knowledge of only One French leader who wasn’t after my third circle. The kind- sic ‘Over the Hedge’, that was rea- it’s plausible to assume you’re the extent of your cultural obtuse- present at the march was Marine Le hearted girl in athletics prom- son enough to miss it. I’ll go to the interested in the issues which ness. Pen, the head of the National Front, Iised it would get more special after next PPE talk. I’ll ask questions. I’ll Iaffect you and the opinions of stu- Admittedly, the Boar isn’t the who was reportedly not invited. the first two times. I felt especially be the next Russell Brand - the man dents around you. best place to target people who are Peppered with a history of islam- deceived by her. All I wanted to do that single-handedly rebranded the I’m talking now to the people politically apathetic, but it’s a good ophobia and fascism, the last thing was train for a half-marathon. Revolutionary Party out of extinc- who may have picked up this news- place to start. The truth is that not Paris needed was more division. The staff in Warwick’s premier tion and into Westminster. I’d al- paper on a whim, the people who too long ago I was pretty ignorant Nevertheless, it is near impossi- bistro were starting their day; fill- ready got his gawky smile and his skip over a few of the news and pol- to the things going on in the world. ble to deny the scale of anti-Mus- ing up the ice tray and massaging choice of initials, all I needed was itics pieces because they’re wordy It’s easy to keep your eyes closed lim acts that have taken place since the oil bucket. “What time is it?” I his sex appeal. and quite frankly, a bit boring. in the bubble, remaining oblivious the initial attack. Within 24 hours, asked. The pimple-faced first-year “Excuse me, do you know where The people who would rath- to the events involving people on police were dealing with a spike in barman answered snickering un- the Students’ Union is?”, an eager er read about music, or which is the other side of the world. Take racially or religiously motivated at- der his breath without missing a voice questioned above me. My the best lipstick to buy (which recent the Nigerian massacre; just tacks against Muslims. beat, “Time you got a watch… and head nodded to a general direc- you should definitely also know). a few weeks ago more than 2,000 The National Front, were gain- a life”. This disheartened me. I had tion, “There”. “I’m a day late to this The people who get uncomfort- people in and around the town of ing Facebook likes by the second. made an active decision to push offer-holder thing”, her voice be- able when the conflict in Syria is Baga were killed by Boko Haram. In Le Pen’s statement posted on myself into a new social scene. I’d coming clearer, her leavers’ hoodie brought up in conversation, not The enormity of this event went their YouTube channel, she calls for had enough being ridiculed by the appearing bluer. “You’ve got plenty because of its unsettling content, largely unnoticed by western me- France to not bend to those trying fact I dressed like a homeless per- to look forward to” I said, “just look but because they’re not really sure dia, thanks to the Charlie Hebdo to “paralyse them with fear and son last year. My ex told me it was behind me, some of the biggest what’s happening; and are afraid shootings which took 17 lives. Our force them to submit to terrorism,” à la mode. Day by day I’d stripped people started there”, knowing only they’ll be outed as an uneducated population as a whole ssems to be a turn of phrase I find ironic to say myself of my vagrant ways. It just of the guy who started those Lone- imposter, undeserving of a place at able to sympathise more with the the least. wasn’t enough. ly Planet travel guides. To the side, one of the top UK universities. victims in France because they were This support for discriminatory I exited the SUHQ. Immediately the newly elected Vice Chancel- But the truth is, learning about predominantly white professionals. ideals validates antagonising the hit by the smell of coffee emanating lor lingered: a ten-foot lime-green these sorts of wide-scale issues is Now I’m not saying that we non-white French population. An from the new Rootes Sustenance dodo. A controversial choice given difficult for those of us who haven’t should all know the particularities unspoken civil war has been cre- Store (now with a healthier choice the Bird flu endemic that took out been brought up in an environment of every country’s crises, but even if ated between the nativists and the of lettuce!). The cold steps of the pi- all the postgrads in Lakeside last where political discussion is en- you feel like a complete novice, it’s equally French population of black azza were comforting. It was where month. couraged; there’s no one place with better to try than to stagnate in po- or Muslim heritage. England won the World Cup. It was The cold crispened her voice, a clear breakdown of the ins and litical disengagement. In the violence of its support- were I’d had my first uni kiss. It “Could you show me around, I’m outs of, for example, Egypt’s polit- The hard truth is that when we ers and desire to displace a French was where we’d wait for the last bus kinda lost here?” I scuffled up ical turmoil. are presented with something unfa- community defined only through home, one chip at a time. slowly, my collar stained purple, For the unversed, trying to get to miliar or confusing, it’s easy to not their religious beliefs, the Nation- Head between my tails, I was transforming into a talkative tour grips with these issues is like grasp- pay attention, but as young people al Front and its evidently violent defeated. The textbook finalist guide. “This is where you… And ing at straws - googling one unfa- with the tools and opportunity to supporters have self-identified as a with nowhere to go. Maybe I’d go don’t ever go… But make sure you miliar reference leads to an article change lives, we need to make sure terrorist party. The most terrifying to that ‘Intro to hedge funds’ talk. have...”. It was as good a victory lap with ten more. The process can to stay informed about whose lives thing about their terrorism, howev- Who was I kidding? I didn’t even as any. be downright infuriating, and can need to be changed. er, is that a quarter of the population of France are validating their viewpoint. This is why the National Front The most dangerous woman in Britain? were not invited to Sunday’s march- es. The last thing an anti-terrorism Hiran Adhia the world’s attention, especially surveillance has been used in Brit- were taken aback by Chakrabarti’s march needs is a terrorist leader around snooping into personal ain over the last 50 years. Since the honesty. “Privacy, nor freedom of dressed in an expensive suit. data. war, the effort to regulate under- speech is an absolute – it is a right hami Chakrabarti, dubbed “The innocent may not have an- cover police and the secret service that we need to protect.” However, “the most dangerous woman ything to hide, but they may have in her opinion, has been reduced. in the search for votes, as our in- in Britain” by the Sun, visited something to protect” – a sim- This has ruined the lives of ordi- dustrialised democracy piles its SWarwick recently, as part of the ple thought that seems to be have nary people in the reach of “na- way into another election that will speaker series for the PPE society. slipped the minds of David Camer- tional security.” It seems to be a con change the course of the political The director of Liberty, the civil on and Barack Obama. This week, – a way to protect the interests of landscape again, we have to remain rights advocacy organisation, put they have postured encryption reg- those that exist in the shadows like informed. an emphasis on some of the issues ulations that could see services like a poorly shot James Bond film. Shami Chakrabati is the most that have been making headlines WhatsApp banned as they cannot But the shadows are disappear- dangerous woman in Britain at the recently. Edward Snowden, the In- be monitored for dubious activity. ing and the internet is being illu- moment because she is providing terview, Snapchat and transatlantic It is as ludicrous as it sounds. minated by the hackers. “I think the keys to a door that has been cyber-hacking are just a few of the Chakrabarti was extremely pes- Ed Snowden was a hero” gaining locked and bolted by the govern- privacy scandals that have gripped simistic about the way in which respect from an audience that ment. Are you ready to open it? Brought to you by: theboar.org 9 8 |

IN COLLABORATION WITH WARWICK BLACKOUT Sonali Gidwani Cartoon Corner Ijeoma Okoye “Why are we turning the lights out?” nergy consumption is one of those issues which simply grows more problematic the Emore you fail to pay attention it. Universities have become thorough- ly modern institutions increasing their responsibility to sustainability. Lots of the time, it’s the little things - those cool automatic motion-sen- sitive bathroom lights are a specta- cle to behold but they’re not entirely necessary! In January 2010 the University released a statement surrounding its commitment to enforcing environmental policy and sustainability, promising to be proactive in involving the consideration of environmental issues in teaching activities, implementing waste reduction strategies, working to provide sus- tainable transport to and from the university and maintain the campus in an environmentally friendly way. However, protecting the environment does not have to be a long struggle undertaken by the university alone, nor does it have to be restricted to certain student-run societies. Protecting the environment needs to be celebrated and activities need to be infused with elements of positive energy and fun. » “Snoopchat” Cartoon by Sophie White This is the main aim of the new initiative; Warwick Uni Blackout. The team are creating an event on a hopefully dark Piazza, involving Are you ready to give up your privacy for security? performances, food, drink and celebration. The Blackout aims to shut Samantha Hopps on David Cameron’s wish to ban Snapchat on the grounds of terrorist threats off lights in as many buildings as the university deems possible, including n January 12, David Cameron fact be diametrically opposed to Snooper’s Charter’. to appear like a strong leader, steer- Student Union Headquarters, the told us that we should “not what the response to the Paris attack The stipulation of this bill was ing the country out of the grasp of Library, external accommodation allow terrorists safe space to is all about: freedom. that internet service providers and terrorism, while targeting apps that, lights, the Warwick Arts Centre and Ocommunicate with each other”, in an The problem is that people are mobile phone companies would if banned, would primarily affect so on. address in which he announced his scared right now, and when people have to store the records of each the young. One of the biggest motivations plans to ban all forms of encryption are scared the government is able to individual user’s browsing activity, The Conservatives are happy to behind a move like this is to show that the government cannot have ac- campaign for and suggest the sorts emails, calls, gaming, and texting for alienate the young in favour of the that energy waste reduction is an cess to. of things that would never be enter- 12 months so that the government old because they know where their incremental process. The Blackout This announcement follows on tained under normal circumstances. could access it whenever it wanted loyal voters are, and we do not fall may be modest this year, but as the from the Charlie Hebdo attacks of The reasons for their ability to do to. into that category. University’s commitment to ener- January 7, in which two gunmen this are manifold: on the one hand, While the principle of this poten- gy-saving increases the team hopes stormed the offices of a satirical people and media outlets are preoc- “the government can rely tial policy change is wrong, it is also for the event to expand as well. magazine in Paris and shot 12 peo- cupied with the more “important” on the exaerbated fear of an absurd notion: several online The event allows students to par- ple. Cameron argues that attacks things happening in the world, in terrorism...in order to gain articles have demonstrated that his take in Earth Hour, which usually like this will continue to happen in this case the murder of several sa- support” ideas simply wouldn’t work. If you falls during the Easter break. It gives the future if the government cannot tirical cartoonists, and there simply allow the government a way into en- the Warwick community the op- access encrypted communication isn’t space on the front pages for crypted messages, you weaken those portunity to show support for Earth channels such as Whatsapp and highlighting the disturbing changes This issue is more relevant to stu- encryptions to other people looking Hour events worldwide and to pe- Snapchat. being suggested. dents than it seems at first, because to cause trouble, such as hackers. tition for more buildings to be shut However, the strange nature of People want exciting stories, not the services that will be affected by a On top of this, encryption is used off should the event continue in the this suggestion is that Cameron is politics. On the other hand, as pre- ban on encryption are those such as for all sorts of data on the internet, coming years. using the terrorist attack in Paris in viously mentioned, the government Snapchat and Whatsapp, apps that and not just social media: online At the same time, Blackout aims support of his argument, whereas can rely on the exacerbated fear of are primarily used by the younger banking details, credit card infor- to create a positive attitude towards his policy would in terrorism at such a time in order to generation. mation, etc. Surely the proposal saving energy, with the hope that gain support. I don’t believe that this policy is would not be to ban those forms of students can get involved in achiev- In 2012, the entirely in the interests of protecting encryption as well? ing the community’s goals for the Home Sec- us from terrorists, but I do believe A move such as this would bene- environment. retary, The- it’s a very political act. We are near- fit the government, and benefit their resa May, ing a general election, a horrendous re-election campaign, while mov- attempted and brutal attack happens in Paris ing us towards a society in which to put the and Cameron wants to look tough there is no privacy, no “safe space” Communi- on terrorism. for normal people to communicate cations Data When we consider that the typical with each other. Restrictions should Bill through par- Conservative voter is of an older age not be placed on us to appease a po- liament, a bill that demographic than most students, litical party’s core vote. was dubbed with the motives become apparent. the nickname ‘the Here’s an easy way for Cameron » Photo: zigazou96 / Flickr 7 theboar.org

“Representing Disabilities”

Jess Glass Joe Lester says YES Tom Gennoy says NO n 1945, Clement Attlee led of anti-democratic figures such as n 2011 the alternative vote (AV) time and again the political class he representation of disabil- the Labour Party into a land- Russell Brand seems to indicate an – under which the electorate is is allowed to get away with such ity in films and TV follows slide victory against Winston increasingly apathetic attitude to- asked to rank candidates - was infamy? a very repetitive pattern of IChurchill, the prime minster who wards the vote, especially among Irejected. Because as a matter of fact the Tsomeone either in a wheelchair, a had led Britain to victory during young people. Thanks to a misinformed public voters in the UK are rather less cancer survivor or some form of the Second World War. Such rhetoric may seem attrac- debate and shrewd campaign tac- than an unstoppable force. Invited mental disorder – often misrep- The massive turnout was large- tive, especially coming from peda- tics from the No crowd, the British to consent to the perpetuation of resented as crazy or dangerous. ly unprecedented, with 72 percent gogic forces which are supposedly political system resisted democra- a direly unrepresentative system, Of course, this isn’t to say that of the electorate turning up to vote external to mainstream politics, yet tisation. they are really quite impotent. In we shouldn’t be portraying per- against the expected consensus. it seems unlikely to produce any The intolerable perfidy of the 2010, 52.8 percent of the votes cast sons with these more commonly This change, although hardly rev- substantive results for the people Liberal Democrats over the issue were totally ignored. What is the shown disabilities, it’s just that it’s olutionary, was a momentous step. who are most in need of a change. of tuition fees and the gutter tactics use of voting when one can be al- a relief to see the attention finally 70 years on, the United King- In reality, if all the people who de- of the opponents of AV are per- most certain that it will be entirely given where it’s needed more. dom approaches another general sire radical change in this coun- fect examples of the nature of our inconsequential? For someone who lived with election, this time with no pre- try don’t go out to vote in political elite. Almost eight The so-called ‘elected repre- unknown illnesses, seeing the me- dictable result. However, with May, there will be no million people, many of sentatives’ inside Parliament are dia attention on a disease that is widespread disenfranchisement change at all, because them newly attracted by not representative of those who relatively unknown is a gift. There regarding what seems to be the the ability to de- that famous pre-election ostensibly elect them. The loyalty is a unique pain that comes from domination of a privileged elite termine who takes promise, voted for the that the voter professes by engag- having a disease that no one has over the average citizen, many charge will rest sole- Lib Dems in 2010. ing with this corrupt system is a heard of unless you are directly people feel that their vote is worth ly with the rest of These faithful legitimisation of it. affected, and regardless of who nothing. the population. were rewarded Refusing to approve our bro- plays the role, the simple act of They view every available op- Whether with arguably ken ‘democracy’ by not voting is representation is incredibly pow- tion as one facet of a single un- you think the the most treach- far from an apathetic act. It is a erful. changeable behemoth – an im- UK needs a erous betrayal protest. True political engagement With this in mind, Eddie movable object. Yet the voters, change, or that of recent political does not take place inside a Brit- Redmanye’s portrayal of Ste- when exhibiting their full poten- it’s still on the memory, the vic- ish polling station. It is the people phen Hawking in The Theory of tial, are an unstoppable force. right track, the only tims of which were that are the unstoppable force, but Everything is something to be In other words, something has way that you’re go- the party’s own big- directed through the channels of celebrated. There are issues about to happen. Considering the posing to make yourself gest constituency Westminster elections, they con- accessibility into acting and ‘crip- sibility of such a dramatic turn- heard is if you engage – students – demn themselves to ineffective- ping up’, but we cannot let the de- around as in 1945, I don’t think with your democracy. you. How ness. Undermining our crooked bate overshadow the simple fact that the answer to our dissatisfac- Who knows? Perhaps is it political caste by refusing to en- that representation makes for un- tion with the status quo is not to the Spirit of ’15 will t h a t gage with their risible system will derstanding, and understanding drop our most powerful weapon prove more pow- cause a crisis of legitimisation that makes for the removal of stigma. against it – yet this is what many erful than ex- can no longer be ignored; only When general society recognis- commentators are now advocat- pected… then can the calls for us to build a es your disease, life can get a lot ing. Indeed, the rise in popularity » Photo: Wikimedia Commons fairer system attain any credence. easier for you, and that is far more important to me than whether an actor has experienced the disease they portray. Will we ever see the end of the Sun’s page 3? As someone with a genetic history of Huntington’s Disease, I Nick Buxey it’s one of the most popular and is sexist. There’s no getting was not upset when Walter White widely read daily papers in the around that. anachronism. mentioned his own experiences UK. Even if it’s consensual with the disease in Breaking Bad. fter 44 years, it has recently It’s not like the women featured and not on the front In fact, I was ecstatic. I could final- felt as though it might final- would struggle for work – there page, you’re rein- ly use something in popular cul- ly be happening. Although are plenty of other publications forcing the idea that » Former ture to explain the disease that left Anothing is concrete yet, it feels that they can work with. The no- women are there to Page 3 me an orphan at the age of eleven. more and more likely that the Sun tion that a national paper is the be sexualised for model I wasn’t upset that Bryan Cranston will - eventually - drop Page 3. And best venue for this is best left in the male gaze (and Jodie didn’t go through having a parent then they went back on that deci- the ‘70s. it is always directed Marsh with Huntington’s, I was just happy sion again. Sigh. at men). Wiki- that finally, I had a popular culture For activists and feminists na- “a class without a voice Even if some reference to explain my family’s tionwide, this would have been in modern society and people are okay illness. a concrete victory amidst the politics. ” with that, more Publicity is a wonderful thing rise of laughable phenomena like and more of us for charities, as the Ice Bucket chal- “Meninists” and an Anti-feminist With the advent of the internet are becoming lenge proved. Over $100 million party. I just can’t understand is and the sheer variety of porn you uncomfortable was raised, and awareness spiked why the paper is taking so long to can find for free if you look, the with it. over the summer of Motor Neu- discard something so antiquated, feature has simply become irrele- In a world rone Disease. If that’s what good old-fashioned and sexist. vant – why bother looking at a pair where equality publicity can do, imagine what else of breasts in a paper when you can is slowly but could be done if Hollywood and “antiquated, old-fashioned view thousands of videos online? surely gain- society remembered that disability and sexist. ” That way, you can be a lech with- ing the upper is more than being in a wheelchair out having the entire bus know hand (unfor- or being blind. what you’re up to. Although the tunately for Representation of disabilities, Although people may cry at this Sun isn’t exactly the champion of the menin- particularly unknown ones, is a perceived oppression of freedom the lower classes, it’s important to ists among huge step towards ending the prej- of speech, it’s more complex than remember that the Sun has always us), topless udices that sufferers face, making a group of women forcing their been viewed as a ‘working man’s’ women in their lives easier and getting fund- views on a booby-loving society. paper by the majority of society, a tabloid ing for research. When it comes to It’s true that the women featured and will probably continue to be are be- ‘crippling up’ I think we’re missing choose to do it. It’s true that you seen as such. coming the bigger issues and successes. can choose to not buy the paper. By keeping the feature, the pa- more and It’s true that people may enjoy the per is implying that the working more a feature. But for the campaigners, class hasn’t quite found its way strange that’s not the issue. The majori- into the 21st century, further fuel- a n d How should we be ty of feminists (myself included) ling the virulent tide of abuse di- con- portraying disability? have no issue with soft porn mag- rected at a class without a voice in fusing Find out more on azines. modern society and politics. Facebook But that’s not what the Sun is – And unfortunately, the feature 10 Features Editor: Rami Abusamratheboar.org 10 [email protected] Twitter @BoarFeatures FEATURES fb.com/groups/BoarFeatures

» Photo: Warwick PPE / Face- book Shami Chakrabarti on liberty Karishma Jobanputra gives an insight into the mind of Britain’s ‘most dangerous woman’.

nce referred to as “the most her openness and lack of unctu- home students opt to take a year through reading this article, how placing enough importance on dangerous woman in Brit- ousness made her a very sincere abroad, this was a very relevant many times have you checked Fa- privacy. Whether you agree with ain”, there was certainly a speaker. The lack of audience mem- topic for the audience. Chakrabarti cebook since starting it? Twitter? Shami Chakrabarti’s opinion on it palpableO excitement amongst the bers procrastinating on Facebook eloquently used the phrase, “We are Instagram? Or messaged someone? or not, the awareness that privacy barrage of people waiting to hear or Twitter throughout the speech all foreigners somewhere”, in order The point I’m making isn’t vanity and security needs to be debated Shami Chakrabarti talk on Tuesday confirmed Chakrabarti’s enchant- to demonstrate the certain dan- on my part, but about how recent and the fact that data is being col- 20 January. The event, which was ing power as a speaker, something gers we all may face when allowing technological advances have creat- lected about us is perhaps the more part of the Warwick PPE Speaker I had the pleasure of experiencing rights to be waived for minorities ed so many more opportunities and significant fact. Series, was in line with the release myself having spoken to her before- during times of emergency such as advantages at our fingertips (quite Why is any of it worth knowing of Chakrabarti’s new book, On hand. the War on Terror. literally our fingertips), making the about? As students at university, Liberty, and is sure to have incited Her book chronicles her person- world smaller and more connected, does this affect us? We’ll still keep much thought for the Warwick Hu- al and political life, it argues in fa- becoming an inherent part of our our rights, right? It is because we man Rights Forum, which begins vour of retaining the Human Rights “Chakrabarti’s passionate lives. It’s not all bad; the day The are part of an international society, on January 31. Act, and discusses the importance speech was compelling, and Script followed me on Twitter for and part of the Google generation, The main points of discussion of rights in relation to democ- surprisingly entertaining” example was a definite highlight of that makes this relevant. It is also for Chakrabarti were her book On racy, particularly within an evolv- my existence. The problem is that relevant because human rights are Liberty, the organisation, of which ing society. After an introduction it brings with it bigger problems about human beings and humanity, she is director, called Liberty and of advocacy group Liberty, which Since her generation has concerning privacy, and even that and all of us qualify. appropriately the topic of liberty turns 81 in February, Chakrabarti “screwed the planet” (did I men- term ‘privacy’ is much more com- What is liberty? It’s the asking itself. That’s a lot of liberty. It’s no explored topics including freedom tion she was candid?), and our plicated, now that it also covers the of this question that’s the point. It’s wonder, then, that the Human of speech, freedom of expression, generation has the power to shape online world. As millennials, being this which makes On Liberty a book Rights Act and issues surrounding privacy and our belief in the spirit the path we walk, Chakrabarti used part of a generation that grew up worth reading, Liberty an organi- fundamental civil liberties were of human rights. For those who are her platform to emphasise a defi- with the internet as the go-to place sation worth knowing about, and at the core of much of the event. new to human rights, the necessity nite need to understand the human rather than books, where your pro- why it was a talk worth going to. With the recent two-minute silence of discussing its spirit may seem rights debate. With the general file refers to your online presence on the piazza in response to the redundant. Coming from western election coming up, and the Con- rather than your physical outline, Want to find out more about Charlie Hebdo attacks, as well as democratic perspective, some see servatives talking of scrapping the the issue of privacy in the online Shami Chakrabarti’s work? Visit: the controversy over the Free Edu- human rights a given, however the Human Rights Act, the way we vote world is oh-too-familiar for many www.liberty-human-rights.org. cation protest, civil liberties are a recent Paris attacks and the Free is going to shape not only the sub- students. uk much debated and provocative sub- Education controversy on our own stance of our rights but cement an Where you stand on the debate Tweet: @LibertyHQ ject on campus. campus demonstrate how relevant ideology that rights can be altered about the line between privacy and Witty, thought-provoking and the discussion is to us all. depending who is in power and security is important, but perhaps engaging, Chakrabarti’s passionate Further on, Chakrabarti’s talk fo- who is considered to be the priori- more important is the awareness of speech was compelling and, sur- cused on defining what it meant to tised concern. Not only does this exactly how much of what we do is Do you have an prisingly, entertaining due to her be foreign or a minority. Consider- mean thinking about rights for all, collected as data. The first chapter opinion on liberty that unrestrained candour. Its delivery ing such a large part of Warwick’s but also the nature and future of in On Liberty, titled “Nothing to differs to Shami’s? was almost akin to the ease of those student body is composed of inter- what these rights entail. Hide, Nothing to Fear”, explores Tweet: @BoarFeatures involved in party politics, though national students and that many Now that you’re about halfway the balance and worries about not

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744 Tara & Co Student Homes Q1 Boar Ad AW.indd 1 23/01/2015 15:51 14 Editor: Bethan McGraththeboar.org 12 [email protected] Twitter @BoarLifestyle LIFESTYLE fb.com/groups/BoarLifestyle Campus Interior Design Competition.

Winner: Jess Collett

Go from from boring to bohemian with design inspiration from this Jack Martin sanctuary f you’re looking for some in- be named the best room on cam- textures and colours, transforming and a cake stand to decorate with or look online for a cheaper alter- spiration to spruce up your pus. Congratulations to the winner, the blank canvas of a Jack Martin makeup and brushes. Lots of blan- native to home furnishing shops. room in these dreary months, Jess Collett, who’s beautiful room room to an oriental haven with a kets and cushions are a great way to Follow @BoarLifestyle on Twitter, look no further. Boar Lifestyle made it to the top of our list, and cosy feel. To recreate Jess’ look, go make the bland surfaces of campus and like The Boar on Facebook to Iasked students to enter their rooms has won her a £20 Amazon vouch- DIY and use a decorated tea tray as accommodation more interesting, keep an eye out for the other com- into a competition for a chance to er. We love Jess’ eclectic mix of a platform to display your jewellery, so why not pop into a charity shop petitions Lifestyle has coming up. Runner up: Tom Trainor Think you’re looking at just another messy room? Think again... Épave est encore à voler’. The him... abix box may suggest his distorted Postpostmodern look. Firstly the passport in the shoe at view of alcohol, that it represents The twenty first century has the lower right centre of the picture strength and energy, that he de- been increasingly moving to- is a metaphor for his restless nature. pends on it to get through the day. ‘wards the simplistic. Minimalist. It represents his need to travel, to The bear hugging an onion indi- We seek to transcend the chaos see new sights and experience new cates that he is an attachment type of our lives, casting out the clut- sensations; a strength of character. c - insecure resistant. His habit is ter, to understand and become one to associate any emotions such as with ourselves; but we have failed the love expressed by the bear, with to notice our true identity. Every negative ones as represented by the single person is a story, everyone a “The bear hugging an onion and the tears it will cause to protagonist with their own suffer- be shed. ing and their own elation, everyone onion indicates that he I find the presence of this char- a unique little snowflake. Yet each acter in my think space inspiring story is connected and as insepara- is an attachment type c - and intellectually stimulating; I feel ble as two interlaced yellow pages; a reflection of someone else’s story, to simplify this would be to deny insecure resistant.” gives us more insight into our own. our true selves. The postpostmodernist approach is I believe that your home, your about transcending our transcend- sanctuary, whatever it may be, ence, to reach a higher level of un- should tell a story. That is what I It also suggests a sense of vulnera- derstanding about our previous have tried to achieve with my room, bility; that he carries the passport, state of being. This is what I have every item is in a specific place, and which represents security, order achieved with my piece ‘Épave est for those who know how to look, it and belonging, wherever he goes; encore à voler’. tells a story about a character I have as deep down, he feels lost. Tom Trainor invented. Let me tell you a bit about The bottle of gin in the Weet- » Photos: Bethan McGrath 15 theboar.org/Lifestyle | @BoarLifestyle | LIFESTYLEtheboar.org 13 From a male perspective: Clothes Shopping Reece Goodall gives us an insight into the terrifying world of shopping, according to guys. understand that some people shoots, even though you get, to my XS and XXXXL. In case you’re un- find clothes shopping a pleas- eyes, exactly the same product. At familiar, these are the appropriate ant experience but I cannot a friend’s recent 18th party, she told sizes for dressing a Ken doll and a abide it. It’s a task I undertake me how pleased she was that her circus tent. Iwith incredible reluctance – usu- dress had only cost £120. There’s no Like most males, I buy clothes ally managing to avoid it by hav- way that was value for money – I’ve with functionality in mind. Peo- ing clothes bulk-bought for me at seen more material on a net. ple spend hours in clothes shops, Christmas (yes, I have many iden- I’m also confused by the whole contemplating which shade of red tical copies of the same T-shirts). sizing thing. Asking for assistance the poncho would look better in. I It’s far too easy to spend far when clothes shopping is some- honestly can’t understand this level too much on clothes. I went into thing to be avoided at all costs, of indecision. Just choose one, and Primark the other day, and was be- because you are inevitably asked if leave. I seriously worry about the mused by the price of socks – I’m you know what size you are. Well amount of their life people spend being charged a ludicrous amount I would know, if sizes were con- agonizing over sunch trivial mat- for a simple piece of fabric and sistent in every shop. I didn’t think ters. some elastic – and these are the that the width of an inch was open This, of course, is all when I’m cheap ones. The more high-end to interpretation, but obviously I shopping alone. But all in all, it’s you go, the higher was wrong. The sizing issue, how- tolerable enough because I can get the price ever, only matters on the off chance in and out fairly quickly. Add a fe- Pancake bum probs that the shop actually stocks sizes male to the equation, and the ordeal which fit the average male goes on for an almost exponentially human. Look- increasing amount of time. I don’t ing for a mean to generalize, but in my case, shirt in this is usually my sister (although I Have a read of Elizabeth Pugsley’s tickling anecdote the Box- once went with a friend for what I ing Day thought was a date and wound up he ever-fluctuating wave of to be happy with my body the way sales, I was hiding in a dress rack when her body positivity and sham- it is, and it turned out that many of given the boyfriend turned up). She will find ing in the media is a per- my Facebook friends had decid- choice of what she wants straight away, but fect analogy for my waist- ed the same, seeing several posts sizes then needs to compare it to every Tline at the moment. Left, right and by friends already suggesting that similar article in every shop within centre, women are putting on and women shouldn’t be exercising or a five mile radius before returning losing weight and being shamed for dieting for the New Year. The posts to the shop to buy it. doing so; when it really isn’t any- run along the lines that women I quite understand the need to one’s business. In fact, if I were to should be happy with their own clothes shop, but I wish it wasn’t the describe my body right now, the bodies exactly the way they are, experience that it is – an arduous most fitting phrase would almost Christmas weight and all. slog, designed to torment anyone certainly be “plump; like a Christ- Perhaps even more oddly, this who takes part. If you need to go mas turkey.” Hours upon hours I motivated me the most out of any time soon, I wish you luck. slaved away in the holidays, putting everything I’d seen. The statuses in valuable time avoiding reading guilt-tripping other women into » Photos: harpersbazaarus / Twit- and essays by hosting informal eat- resuming the eating competitions ter, jarmoluk / pixabay ing competitions with my father. because they shouldn’t have to lose The realisation that my jeans no weight for other people were ridic- longer fit, I had severe love han- ulous – I’m not losing weight for dles, and an extra two (non-fig) other people, I’m losing weight for rolls under my bra strap hit when myself. I’m losing weight so that I Hungry? Here are Leamington’s best cafes my boyfriend noted that my “bum can feel confident in a bikini, and was looking a little different from proud that my hard work has paid Noshin Suleman and Aashna Jaggi give some advice for when you’re bored of Costa normal.” I tensed. I sweat. I sucked off. Perhaps I should feel more in air at a rate that my abs actually confident in a swim suit with all avana: Casa de Café nana honey milkshake. Gusto Ricco ella Café (Borges Portu- surfaced for perhaps the first time my flab flapping free, but until the Address: 48 Warwick has an old building charm to it and guese Patisserie) in nearly a month. I squeezed, and day that society accepts the female Street, Leamington Spa the atmosphere is quite relaxed. If Address: 45 Regent discovered that I couldn’t actually body in all variations, I’d like to be The perfect atmos- your phone dies or you run out of Grove, Leamington Spa feel my own butt muscles whilst I able to walk up the stairs without Hphere, coffee and cheesecake. conversational topics with your BBella Café is an inviting estab- hoped to high heaven that the next feeling my fig rolls round my waist That’s why Havana makes the top ‘companion’ you can always play lishment with a cozy and relaxed words to follow from him would and extremely light headed. of our list. The menu offers tapas a game of ‘Find The Oddest Piece atmosphere (a recurring theme in be “but better! Definitely better! At the end of the day, it’s an en- which are delicious and Cuban cof- of Decoration’ (including, but not Leamington, apparently). The food Rounder, even!” Alas, this was not tirely personal decision to lose fee which is, arguably, the best in limited to, a samurai jack figurine, is excellent, and you’ll find authen- the case. What followed instead weight or not. I made the decision Leamington. Located next to the a melting pizza clock and a chicken tic Portuguese style hot dogs, cof- was an entire week of panic-squats. to trim my fat not because my boy- Duke, this charming little café also themed wall decoration). fee and pastries. The pastries are There is certainly residing within friend commented on my pancake offers live music on Saturdays (keep a real treat and merit a trip all by me a need to be “skinny”. Whether backside, but because I wanted a a look out for the Spanish guitarist oü Bisou themselves, but try out the custard through social indoctrination, or little more self-confidence. Every in the evening!) and salsa lessons Address: 20 Livery tarts if you want something differ- a simple want to not jiggle when I human body is acceptable, but if on Wednesdays. The lower floor is Street, Leamington Spa ent (and tasty). Another personal walk, it exists. There is an innate you don’t feel comfortable and con- perfect for those who want to work You’ve probably heard of favourite is the Piri Piri Chicken urge to be desired and found at- fident, then it’s also down to you someplace other than the learning ZZou Bisou or walked by it before. In Panini if you are looking for some- tractive; and this is justifiable, from to make a change. All women (and grid or their rooms, and Havana one word, it’s cute. The staff are es- thing savoury. Double thumbs up! a biological stand point, in the men!) reserve the right to be happy offers the most student friendly pecially warm and welcoming and sense that all animals are made to with their bodies, however plump, hours in leam; Till 11 pm on Fridays they have a fine selection of froy- at Birds Cafe mate. But, first and foremost, there curvy, skinny, slender, or, in the and Saturdays. This is (hopefully) os including a watermelon flavor Address: 95 Warwick is also a want to be healthy. Oddly words of Gok Wan; ‘pearshaped’, the beginning of a beautiful pa- (yum!). The menu is decked out Street enough, it took a week of groaning you want to be. Least of all do peo- tron-owner relationship. with ‘healthy’ snacks and the ‘To- Fat birds is your tradi- whenever I went to sit on the toi- ple have the right to shame others day’s Special’ is often the most deli- Ftional ‘grab a bite’ place. The menu let and attempting to crawl up the for losing weight, or shovelling pigs usto Ricco cious item on it. The setting is what has one of the widest wraps and stairs before I realised that cracking in blankets down their gullet until Address: 65 Regent makes this place different from the sandwich selections (try the B.L.T into Cossack after every truffle I ate they‘re more bacon than human. Street, Leamington Spa others though; it’s very chilled out. or the roast chicken if you can’t de- probably wasn’t helping, but every (Which admittedly sounds appeal- Gusto Ricco is a quaint Quite simply, it feels good to be cide). The lunch selections are sim- workout I googled required going ing.) It’s your choice, it’s your body, Glittle Italian cafe just off the parade. there. Zoü Bisou is located close to ple, but really well done and you outside (and therefore sweating and you shouldn’t be shamed for Although they offer a wide array of the Leamington Grid so if you need get real value for money in terms outside, where the temperature is taking pride in it, and neither will ‘light bites’ including risottos, mel- a quick break, this is the place to go. of portions. This one is perfect for so low my own perspiration would I, icicles frozen to my face or not. anzane and lasagne, our favourite is Definitely try the froyo out and/or large groups, and they do a 30% surely form icicles on my face). probably the bruschetta (they have the Belgium hot chocolate. student discount as well. The set- Every time I researched, I end- several types). The place offers ex- ting is simple, the place clean, the ed up promptly closing all my tabs Tweet us your thoughts cellent roasted coffee (with artistic staff nice and the food tasty. What’s and resolving that I was just going @BoarLifestyle foam detail) and an even better ba- not to like? to surf Facebook instead. I decided theboar.org 30 Sponsored by: Editor: Cath Lyon 14 [email protected] Twitter @BoarArts ARTS fb.com/groups/BoarArts Preview: WUDS The Glass Menagerie Sophie Dudhill chats to cast and crew of the new WUDS studio show HIGHLIGHT LISTINGS WEEK FOUR AND FIVE Warwick Societies and the Warwick Arts Cen- tre

26 January - Warwick Classics Department and Society: Aristophanes’ Thesmophoria- zusae

28 January - John Shuttleworth: A Wee Ken to Remember

30 January - Musical Theatre Warwick: The Improv Musical

31 January - Omid Djalili: Iranalamadingdong

4-7 February - DV8: John

» A tale of unfulfilled dreams and lost memories. Photo: WUDS 4-7 February - Warwick University Drama So- ciety: The Glass Menagerie his term we see Warwick Univer- Centre Studio so it will be interesting to see these two characters, Amanda, is played by sity Drama Society (WUDS) present how the actors explore and hold their own Antonia Salib. She explained to me how they 7 February - Stewart Lee: A Room with a Stew The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee in this large space. Producer Oscar Owen toiled with the idea of diction, but came to Williams. I caught up with some of commented that “In a term when there are the conclusion that “the play has such a dis- 8 February - David O’Docherty: David Tthe cast and crew to see how the rehearsal so many larger productions, with this much tinct style that lends itself so well to the ac- O’Docherty has Checked Everything process was going and what we could expect smaller cast, especially within the studio, it cents.” Particularly for her own character, from the performance. will be nice for audiences to see something who has an iconic southern belle accent, “I Birmingham Reperatory Theatre The Glass Menagerie tells the story of a more intimate and character-driven.” found as soon I got in to the accent it helped small family that are lost in their respective The set, concept and direction of Court- my characterisation so much.” It was evident 29-31 January - The Unknown Male dream worlds. Amanda, the mother, enacts ney’s interpretation seems to differ from oth- in rehearsal that the American accents really the fantasies of her girlhood when she at- ers; it is a fresh approach to the script which lifted the performance, and made it feel more 2 February - Bright Club Comedy Night tracted “gentleman callers” and lived as a includes a white studio space, something honest to Williams’ intentions. southern belle before her marriage. Tom, an which has never been done before. Court- As part of the #MemoryPlay campaign, a 6-21 February - Harvey aspiring poet, dreams of escaping his claus- ney described Hattie Collins’s set design as memory board which passers-by in the Arts trophobic existance with his mother and his something “completely different to what peo- Centre contributed to will be on display out- Crescent Theatre, Coventry hum-drum job, but is held back by a com- ple would expect from the studio.” The team side the Studio during week five. The team mitment to his sister, Laura. Laura is lost in plan to follow the script closely and use what have also been running a photo competition 31 January - 7 February - The Deep Blue Sea the world of her glass collection, and dreams Williams intended, for instance with the use in which you mimic a childhood photo. This about her unrequited school love. Each is of projection. This has been criticised in the will be open until the end of week four, with Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham trapped in their dreams, and their escape past for having an alienating effect on the au- the chance to win a free ticket to see the per- cannot come without putting the family in dience, however Courtney pointed out that formance. 6-7 February - The Call of Cthulu tumoil at the climax of the play. because they are “changing the set, it will no With so many exciting set ideas, charac- Director Courtney Buchner focuses a lot longer be alienating; the set will mimic [the ter insights, and such a fresh look at a clas- What to look out for: on the intimacy of her cast; only having four projections] in an abstract way.” sic script, The Glass Menagerie is not to be There is a big season with some great names characters allowed her to read into their in- Laura Bennett, who is playing Laura, has missed. For Courtney declares “If the audi- in comedy at the Warwick Arts Centre this depth nature in order to be able to “picture enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of rehears- ence are willing to throw themselves into this term so be sure to snap up tickets if you want each one so vividly”. It was clear that every als: “It feels comfortable and it’s really nice to play, they will leave with a great experience.” to get a seat! However don’t forget to see the character had so much to consider and work be in a small cast with people you can trust. student theatre which is also showcased in with in rehearsal that the process was inclu- The team that comes to rehearsals is so tiny it The Glass Menagerie runs from the 4-7 Feb- the Arts Centre spaces. At the Rep they have sive for the whole cast, which is one of the means you can really focus.” ruary at Warwick Arts Centre, tickets are many touring shows including Harvey, which reasons Courtney chose The Glass Menag- Playing Tom Wingfield, Angus Imrie ech- available online and at the Arts Centre box will soon be running on London’s West End erie, for its intimacy and character focus. oed these sentiments: “It’s been very open, office. and has received rave reviews. The Pulitzer- The performance will take place in the Arts liberating, and unrestricted.” The mother of winning prize comedy tells the story of El- wood P. Dows who has a friendship with a six foot tall invisible rabbit called Harvey. James Dreyfus and Maureen Lipman star, so don’t miss it! For a slightly different night, head to the Old Joint Stock Birmingham for an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s novel and enjoy a spooky night of science fiction. Alternatively, the Crescent Theatre, Coventry offers a classic tale of love and loss with The Deep Blue Sea.

For all the latest news and updates: Follow @BoarArts

» A tale of unrequited love. Photo: WUDS theboar.org 30 Sponsored by: Editor: Cath Lyon 15 [email protected] Twitter @BoarArts ARTS fb.com/groups/BoarArts Arts Column On air: an evening with RaW arts Let’s not take art too Tunes and arts-based chatter: Cath Lyon talks to the RaW arts team seriously! itting in with Amy Duffell, second-year and said my surname, I then went “Shit, which are Film Studies student, and Josh Gray, you’re not supposed to say your surname on challeng- second year Film and English student, air.” It was like that scene from Love Actu- ing and Son their weekly show Artsing Around, you ally!” in- wouldn’t think that you were far from a pro- On the agenda for week two’s show, which sight- fessional studio, with technicians popping in goes on air at 5pm every Saturday, was the f u l and out, touch screen controls as well as good new film Foxcatcher, the winners of the 2015 a n d old vinyls on the go. However, Amy herself Golden Globes and the controversy sur- y o u admits that they sometimes make mistakes: rounding Charlie Hebdo. Offering listeners d o n ’ t “I quite like it when mishaps happen, it is on the internet and AM radios the oppor- have to student radio after all. When it happens on tunity to contribute to the discussions over have a de- n 1861 John Stuart Mill wrote in his book, professional radio I find it hilarious.” email, the website and Twitter, they offer gree in Utilitarianism, that our ultimate aim Yet Josh and Amy are becoming old hats ten to fifteen minutes of breathing space to it,” they should always be to maximise pleasure. at this game now. “We took over the arts three artsy issues every week, as well as play- b o t h HeI makes the distinction between the carnal show in term three last year so this is our ing some great tunes. They even have Simon pleasures of the masses, and higher pleasures third term of doing it,” says Josh. This is not Mayo on a jingle as a result of a recent inter- - the pleasure one experiences upon con- their first experience of working on RaW, view with him! templation of fine artwork, literature, clas- as they had a show called Chitter Chatters “We try to have guests every other week, sical music, and intellectual conversation. before they were asked to take over the arts we have people reviewing and doing all Since as far back as the nineteenth century, show and become the dynamic duo that is sorts of things.” However, the rest of the engaging with art has been a reserve of the RaW Arts. time it is just the two of them discussing elite. The consumption of art has always been all things artsy. “People are unaware linked with the superior few; the few who “We are in a university that has fantastic about how many departments RaW can distinguish a Turner from a Constable, arts facilities so if we don’t have this has!” Along with news, music, speech who have read War and Peace, and can quote kind of show who will? Plus people are and sport, Amy and Josh form a part of the Shakespeare. Appreciation of art has taken genuinely interested in the arts here.” on-air team, however there are lots of oppor- on a snobbish character, a character which, Josh Gray tunities for people to get involved, both on insist. There nowadays, drives away many young people the technical side and on-air; whether a guest are no restric- before they have even had the chance to en- or a presenter. tions depend- gage with it. Although the clock may be fast, they have Although many may think that it is unusual ent on what you Growing up in the North of England, ex- a fluffy purple mascot on the decks and the to have an arts department on a radio station, study, because pressing any sort of interest in art other than vinyl player is a bit tricky to wire up, Amy Amy and Josh insist that it is important that everyone has the ‘Top 20’ put you in the category of abnor- and Josh open up the discussion over arts in a radio is used as a medium in order to discuss an opinion about mal. I distinctly remember dropping into a highly professional manner. However, when issues surrounding the arts. “We are in a uni- something to do with conversation with my friends that I enjoyed I ask them about any past mishaps, they are versity that has fantastic arts facilities,” says art, “often students from completely different listening to classical music every now and not coy in telling me: “on our Christmas Josh “we have the Warwick Arts Centre right faculties give totally different perspectives… again, and my comment was greeted with a countdown show I was introducing ‘Santa on our doorstep, so if we don’t have this kind as well as being a really good opportunity to snigger, “Oh, get you, trying to be all posh”. Baby’ by Eartha Kitt and I introduced it as of show who will? Plus people are genuinely get involved with RaW, it may even lead to So whilst a keen interest in, say, knitting was Eartha Klitt,” Josh admits. “I said shit on air interested in the arts here.” “Talking about something else in their career.” ridiculed because it just wasn’t the cool thing, once,” Amy confesses, “I was saying my name the arts offers the ability to have discussions an interest in certain art forms was completely associated with trying to be something else, something better. You were belittled because you were seen as trying to be higher class, and of course, why would you want to be one of those “snobby gits”? Now I’m at university, a place where artistic discussion is fostered, and yet I still get the overwhelming impression that the only opinions taken seriously are of those who know enough. The majority of us under- graduates are still afraid to publicly voice our opinions for fear that we’re unqualified to. The underlying assumption is that art is serious, and you have to be serious to take part in it. Isn’t this why we’re so quiet in art galleries? Why we listen to operas seated and silent? We should speak of great art with reverence; the idea of having fun is not compatible with proper appreciation. But shouldn’t we stop taking art so seriously? It’s our job as those with access and » Josh and Amy in the RaW studio spinning the vinyls on their show. Photos: Cath Lyon resources to expunge all traces of snobbery from the act of engaging with great art. Peo- ple who truly have an interest in art, and want to share it, should take note of blogs like ‘The THIS WEEK ON RAW Toast’, which posts works of art with hilarious captions (take a look at ‘Women Resist- On their week four edition of their 5pm actor who finds solace in playing the role of ing Heterosexuality in Western Art History’). Saturday show of Artsing Around, Josh and the superhero Birdman. This quirky new hit These sites are just one way we can bring art Amy will be discussing the movies Whiplash follows Riggan as he regains his family and to those who would normally never see it, and Birdman. career before the opening of a Broadway mu- and are giving them access to art in a way Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, sical. that isn’t intimidating or exclusionary. And Whiplash tells the story of a young drummer These films and many other arty-based isn’t that the aim of all art-lovers? To share who enrols at a cut-throat music conserva- discussions, as well as lots of great tunes, will what they love and help others find joy in it tory. be live on air this Saturday at 5pm on RaW. too? I say we should all stop the pomposity Starring Micheal Keaton, Zach Galifiana- Join Josh and Amy online at radio.warwick. and learn to laugh at art. kis and Emma Stone, the now Golden Globe ac.uk and on campus at radio station 1251 Bethan McGrath -winning Birdman follows a down-and-out AM. theboar.org 14 Editor: Cayo Sobral 16 Editor:[email protected] Ellie May [email protected] @BoarSciTech SCI & TECH fb.com/groups/BoarSciTechTwitter @BoarSciTech Transcending the Turingfb.com/groups/BoarSciTech Test Alex Brock examines the dangers of unrestrained artificial intelligence in the future n June it was reported that a computer The message of this open letter is clear: ulations, it would take only one rogue cor- program, known as Eugene Goostman, there is a very real risk that while AI could be poration to create self-replicating machines had become the first machine in history hugely beneficial to the human race in solv- which could threaten the human race. As to pass the Turing test. As a measure of ing global issues such as poverty and disease, Musk summarised: “With artificial intelli- Ia machine’s ability to show intelligent behav- it could also pose a massive threat if we do gence we are summoning the demon”. iour indistinguishable from that of a human, not take the time to ensure these new intelli- Concerns over the impact of AI are also it was considered an important milestone in gent machines are firmly under our control. apparent within the world of film. Upcoming the world of artificial intelligence (AI) when Their words of warning appear to have reso- titles, such as Ex Machina and Chappie, are Eugene passed the test. nated with the public, as the letter has attract- the latest films to explore the potential social However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. ed hundreds of signatures including several and cultural effects of what would happen From Google pioneering self-driving cars to researchers, scientists and professors in the when we achieve true artificial intelli- computers that are unbeatable in poker, you areas of robotics and AI. gence. But while AI and sentient machines would be forgiven for being concerned that But is this just being a tad pessimistic? have always been a popular theme within maybe AI is becoming, well, too intelligent. What exactly would happen if we didn’t films, it’s only recently that the potential We have all seen the Terminator films – are properly research our future AI? In an inter- threat of AI has begun to be taken serious- we heading towards an apocalyptic scenar- view with the BBC last December, Professor ly. Maybe because it’s only a matter of time io where robots and super computers over- Stephen Hawking grimly warned that “The before the issues explored in such films throw mankind? development of full artificial intelligence become a reality that we have to face. The Future of Life Institute is a volun- could spell the end of the human race”. He However, when exactly we will achieve teer-run organization, made up of numerous went on to detail a possible apocalyptic sce- human-level AI is up for debate. While scientists and big thinkers including Stephen nario in which AI “would take off on its own, machines such as Eugene Goostman Hawking, Elon Musk and Morgan Freeman, and re-design itself at an ever increasing rate. have passed the Turing test, they can- that aims to prevent and counter existential Humans, who are limited by slow biological not be considered to be intelligent in the threats that could result in the extinction of evolution, couldn’t compete, and would be same way human beings are. Until a ma- humanity. superseded” – therefore highlighting the ne- chine can think and understand abstract They are currently focusing on the risk cessity of ensuring that future AI do not be- things, it will be unlikely that AI will that artificial intelligence presents to our so- come an uncontrollable force. surpass human intelligence. However, if we ciety. In response to this threat, the institute Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has also com- ever do reach the stage where we can create recently published an open letter warning the mented on the potential dangers of AI. In machines that can truly think, then we will public about the misuse of AI. In the letter, October, he warned that we should be careful be entering unknown and unpredictable ter- they note that “because of the great potential about AI and stated he was becoming “in- ritory. Before that happens, we need to follow of AI, it is important to research how to reap creasingly inclined to think that there should the advice of the Future of Life Institute and its benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls” be some regulatory oversight, maybe at the ensure we can control our AI systems – or and suggest that expanded research is carried national and international level, just to make the consequences may be devastating. out to ensure that “our AI systems must do sure that we don’t do something very fool- what we want them to do”. ish”. Without national and international reg- » Photo: D J Shin / Wikimedia Commons A new dimension in printing tech Is 3D printing technology already outdated? Maria Inam looks at 4D printing and self-assembly elf-assembling cars and cancer-fight- heat, vibration and sound to modify materi- would allow the release of antibodies to spe- tact with water. Installing such materials in, ing robots might seem like something als, giving a wide scope of possibilities with cific targets. for example, underground water pipes could out of a science-fiction movie, but such a wide range of applications. Imagine Recently, the Museum of Modern Art in save the effort taken to dig them out when these are just two ideas that could be- buying a cabinet or a chair from IKEA that New York acquired a 4D-printed dress that problems occur. The material could be pro- Scome a reality with the rise of 4D printing. puts itself together, or the improved automatically changes shape. Thou- grammed to make the pipes expand, contract The art of 3D printing has already reached comfort in children’s clothing sands of compressed objects or pulsate to help move water through them. just over 30 years in age. Nowadays, printing using materials that react to were generated by a 3D Of course, adapting this technique to larg- almost anything is possible, from toys and temperature. printer in nylon, which er-scale applications, such as construction, is tools to various other household items, with This could even be then unfolded into the more challenging. It was also found that the some printers available for under £1000. Es- applied to biocom- intended shape after deformations could be applied and reversed sentially, the process works by generating lay- patible materials printing without several times, but the material degraded af- ers of material on top of each other to create that can be im- any input in the ter repeated use. The long-term durability the 3D object. Despite being a focus of cur- planted in the hu- assembly process. of smart materials is still in need of improve- rent research among many scientists, it has man body. For The dress was ment and research to expand the range of already been taken a step further with the in- example, stents reported to flow structures possible still continues. troduction of a fourth dimension, a concept placed inside ar- and conform One investor of 4D printing is the U.S. now popularly known as 4D printing. teries to regulate fluidly in re- Army, who have already been testing the Skylar Tibbits, head of MIT’s Self-Assem- blood flow could sponse to body idea of printing ammunition and parts on bly Laboratory, began this research with sim- be pre-pro- movement. Us- board their ships. The difficulty in assem- ple material deformations. The 4D printing grammed to ing 3D scanning, bling parts together is hoped to be the job process uses a specialised 3D printer made change shape, the dress was also of the 4D printer. A grant of just under a by the company, Stratasys, which can create which would less- designed to fit million dollars has been given to research multi-layered materials, combining the tra- en the need for the wearer perfect- teams working in 4D printing to help make ditional layers of plastic used in 3D printing external involve- ly, demonstrating a such ideas into reality. Imagine an adapt- with a layer made from a ‘smart’ material that ment from a surgeon. new manufacturing ap- able 3D-printed outfit that camouflages sol- can absorb water. After printing, the smart Research is also being proach to create complex, diers in different environments, or materials layer can expand and become a force that can carried out into nanoro- customised products. than can expand to build bridges or roads in bend or twist the material to make it change bots built from DNA strands Tibbits originally demon- damaged or disaster areas. The possibilities shape. With careful geometric calculations, with double-helix strated this concept are endless, though it will take time for this this change can potentially be modified to ‘locks’ that are only » Photo: Jonathan Juursema / Wikimedia using a 3D-printed proven concept to implement in real world yield any desired form. opened when in self-folding strand applications. The smart layer could also potentially use contact with specific cancerous cells, which that folded up into a cube when put in con- 8 theboar.org

“An outsider’s perspective”

Eloise Millard

s a literature student, going into a conference on technology, surrounded by Abudding young engineers, it was safe to say I felt completely out of my depth. After my inital appre- hension, I found myself immersed in issues which had never even crossed my mind. The first talk was delivered by Professor Richard Crowther, Chief Engineer at the U.K. Space Agency. It definitely reminded me that Richard, like us, was once a student and we all have infinite potential. It reaffirmed that even though I’ll never be examining the stars, I can still shoot for them. Ben Taylor, a second year engineer defintely agreed with me saying that he “really enjoyed the first speaker, Richard has done so many different things with his life and has so much to his name. I’d heard about the problems of space debris before but I didn’t know a lot about it. I’m impressed by the amount of organisations in place to deal with the problem”. I also spoke to Olli Tehran from Warwick Racing. He told of how members of Warwick Racing, usually second and third year students, are all assigned to different part of a car and they work on developing their given component before they graduate. Olli had been assigned to the nose-cone of the car, and said “it is now one of the lightest in competition. We have optimised it through experimenting with com- posite layering to make it more aerodynamic. Olli and his team will take their car to an international inter-university race competition at Silverstone. We’ve turned it around in just 11 months The conference also gave students the opportunity to meet po- Michael Andronicou, Engineering Society president, sheds some light on why the conference was a success tential graduate employers. I spoke to Jade Larkin, from Deutsche t was nearly a year ago that my my exec to not only run and scale er, we were conscious that we have our engineering finalists do. My Bank. She said “I’ve found the exec and I were elected to run up the Energy Conference, but to to cut the amount of time sat in personal favourite was Biomedical conference really enjoyable, the the Warwick Engineering So- also run this one to this magnitude. speeches. This coupled with the fact Engineering in a Box, who built students seem really engaged with Iciety. I think it’s fair to say that we My heart drops when people that engineers like to make (and a system, where you can race a the opportunities that we offer. were all pretty keen to turn around think that technology is just limited sometimes break) things, made us Scalextrics with your brainwaves. We have partnerships with sever- an underperforming society, into to smartphones or laptops. That’s run two ‘interactive sessions’, in- We had plenty of presence from our al groups at Warwick but we defi- something that most people would why with both of our conferenc- cluding building LED light towers. sponsors too, including Deutsche nitely have the strongest with the want to be a part of. es; the primary aim was to broad- Our speakers were equally fan- Bank, AB InBev, Teach First and engineers. We look forward to the 11 months later and we have en our attendees’ perspectives on tastic and included the Chief En- CoreFiling, giving handy careers technologically-minded graduates successfully turned our society the topic in hand. The Technology gineer of the UK Space Agency, advice over drinks. coming our way!” around, with an increase in spon- Conference covered matters as di- Professor Richard Crowther. The The Warwick Technology Con- Caroline Wuack from ABInBev sorship by over 450 percent. We verse as Space, Education and the audience were listening to his ference is an example of us pro- said “The event was well organised, feel that the brand new, sell-out Financial Crisis, all with a focus on speech with awe at how technology gressing from strength to strength. diverse and very interesting. We Warwick Technology Conference is the Conference theme, the ‘Future can protect our planet from space Our membership currently lies at come to various events on campus, a testament to our success. The idea of Technology’. debris, comments and asteroids, all 735 achieved in 17 weeks, versus the including the Energy Conference came from my election campaign, We knew our primary market through giant lasers and harpoons. 471 attained last year in 52 weeks. last year. I like to think our compa- where I promised to run more rele- was Engineering students, who In my opinion, what made the We cannot wait for our next large ny is quite easy going compared to vant events and gave the example of have more than their fair share of Conference a great success was event and a society first, the Won- other graduate employers and that’s running a Technology Conference. lectures (I speak from experience). the Exhibiton. This showcased the derland Ball. quite attractive to students as it When elected, I got the support of When putting the schedule togeth- diverse and fascinating work that doesn’t feel like there’s a hierarchy”. » Photos: Patrick Sambiasi / EngSoc 9 theboar.org It isn’t just about UFOs... Hiran Adhia spoke to the chief engineer of the UK Space Agency, Prof. Richard Crowther on the challenges and rewards of space xcept UFOs, Doctor Who and a vague probably have no idea about them. Through it is likely to hit an ocean which will cause a for the space industry. However, the chal- memory of something to do with a probe a series of modulations and simulations, he huge tsunami wiping out millions of people lenges extend to not just the next five or 10 landing on a comet, there is very little I showed the extent of the main issue facing and homes. I can understand that these aren’t years, but the next 50. Prof. Richard had this Eknow about space. I realise that Doctor Who the space industry at the moment: debris. A very cheery conclusions. to say: “We can burn space very quickly and isn’t a great reference, but it is clear that by piece of metal between 1 and 10cm is enough But there is so much more that space of- cheaply, but it can be cheap and dirty. The the viewing figures and investment to destroy a satellite and kill anyone fers us that doesn’t end in doom problem with that is that we only get into Hollywood sci-fi movies in its path, and the Agency and gloom. According to 50 years and the next gener- (Interstellar, Gravity etc.) are trying everything Crowther, every £1 spent ation doesn’t get access there is an appetite for they can to mini- in space generates £10 to it. everything extra-ter- mise this. The in revenue. This is “A Russian sci- restrial. size of the cap, a huge market entist came up Walking into on the water for those that to me and the Technology bottle you can invest said, “You Conference, I are drink- into it, such do real- was excited ing from, as broad- ly noble to listen to has the casters w o r k ” Professor potential and me- but we R i c h a r d to ruin dia out- will Crowther mil- lets that n e v e r – Chief lions of want to get rec- Engineer pounds bounce ognised of the w o r t h their con- for it UK Space of equip- tent off dur- A g e n c y ment in satellites ing our as well as space. The worldwide. working the UK rep- margins are A s k i n g lifetimes resentative as small as him about because on the United that. the need for what we do Nations Com- And even if space engi- will only ever mittee on Peaceful we aren’t likely to neering, he said: be realised in 40 Uses of Outer Space meet the Martians “Space is one of or 50 years’ time.” (COPUOS). In short, he any time soon – there those industries that With sustainability is biggest name in space in is plenty more out there is growing in interest; it top of the priority list, it this country. Although one of that has the potential to is growing quite significant- looks like Doctor Who might the first things he said broke » Photo: Sweetie187 / Flickr cause serious damage. NEO ly. We would expect the industry not be the only insight we get my heart a little, “When I was or near earth objects such to grow significantly as well. High » photo: EngSoc into the world outside our at- working at the MoD, we sent thousands of as comets and asteroids have the potential skilled graduates coming into this mosphere. Who knows, if Bran- images about UFOs in space…never once to wipe out the planet. A comet 200 metres is a win-win for the individuals involved as son has his way, then you might be floating did I see a flying saucer.” I am not a crackpot, across, the same distance Usain Bolt runs at well as the Exchequer. So I think it is a very in your own tin can looking down at Planet but it would have made this headline if he the Olympics, has the potential to take out healthy time to be an engineer. The people Earth. Eat your heart out, David Bowie. had seen a UFO. North America if it doesn’t burn up in the at- that are making the money these days are the Nevertheless, the things that we have seen mosphere. Yes, a continent. And if that isn’t engineers.” in space make interesting reading. And you bad enough, as most of the Earth is water, With this in mind, the future looks bright “This is the information I want from you” Nour Chehab speaks to software engineer, David North, about where coding and finance intersect

he Boar: With a degree in Computer (eXtensible Business Reporting Language). Science, how did you find yourself It’s also being extensively used in Australia, working in the financial field? Was it in the Netherlands, in France, etc. I think we Teasy to transition and to adapt? have probably crossed the boundary to the point where, especially after 2008, govern- David North: Well, it’s an interesting one. ments understood that there had to be some Because of the size of the company, we’re better way of working with all of this infor- fairly flexible about which directions people mation and so far, we’re it. So we’re starting to want to specialise in. You don’t have to know see more and more request for our services. a lot about the finance. As it happens, I am one of the treasurers of my church, in my The Boar: You say in your presentation that spare time, so I happen to have the knowl- you were part of teams that came up with reg- edge of what it’s like to run the money for an ulations that are currently implemented. Can organisation with maybe six figures of turn- you give us an example? over. But there are plenty of people in the office that only focus on the programming and DN: We’ve been involved in the technical try to be the best at that without having to » Photo: Patrick Sambiasi standards behind all of this. We’ve been part understand too much of the financial aspect. er those. I have to lead the team to get those of the bodies that have been working on that We also have accountants whose jobs it is to done. state they’re in if you were thinking of invest- going back 10 years ago. I was personally in- explain to us the financial side of it. ing in those companies or dealing with them. volved in a number of these groups over the The Boar: You say that we have to put tech- That’s a benefit to anyone. years. Most recently, I’ve been working on the The Boar: Talk to us about your job at Core- nology to use to avoid another crisis similar standard for what we call the Table Linkbase, Filing. What do you do on a daily basis? to the 2008 one. Do you have any ideas on The Boar: So do governments implement the which is the way of defining 2D tables of in- how to spread this technology to the public regulations you come up with and do they re- formation. It is used so that you can give a DN: I guess my job is fairly similar to that and make it more accessible? quire companies to come to you and use your blank table to someone and say: “this is the of a senior computer programmer elsewhere software in order to give more information information I want from you” and so that in the IT industry. I lead a team of two oth- DN: We’ve got a couple of ideas. One of the about their state to the public? you can take the electronic information from er programmers so I still get to be hands-on ways of demonstrating to the public the ben- them and display it in those 2D grids and al- myself, which perhaps you wouldn’t be able efits of using technology in the financial area DN: When it comes to pushing the benefits low it to be arranged by different dimensions. to do if you had a team of 10. But it’s also my are projects such as our company’s open data to governments, I think we’re lucky in that So when it comes to coming up with the ac- job to have the ultimate responsibility for the idea: You can go on corefiling.com, search we passed that point. The American govern- tual regulations, the EU or the government of technical side of what we do. Someone else through and look at information about all ment was the first to be persuaded that there the country involved generally gets account- in the company gives me requirements and the companies in the UK who submitted data was a value to be had here. Our own has been ants to do that but we come in and advice it’s up to me how we use technology to deliv- to that. This way, you can get an idea of what too. So we now see an increasing use of XBRL them on what’s technically feasible.

theboar.org 26 Editor: Sam Evans [email protected] Twitter @BoarMusic MUSIC fb.com/groups/BoarMusic

Shaking off criticism since 1989 Emily Nabney shares her thoughts on Taylor Swift’s recent direction »The Boar: swiftly judging Swift’s judgement. Photos: Wikimedia Commons aylor Swift’s latest album 1989 shows hate)” aren’t exactly newsworthy and the boredom-factor. There’s no real story or de- The director packs an awful lot of content that the once teen country idol has words “you could have been getting down to velopment; the video has one joke (Taylor into a four-minute video, and the story is become a full-on pop phenomenon. this sick beat” sound just plain wrong com- Swift can’t dance) and repeatedly bashes you punctuated perfectly with great editing and Gone are the days when Taylor Swift ing out of Swift’s mouth. Even when she’s over the head with it. ‘Shake It Off’ is also a lot of humour. Swift excels at playing the Tpined on balconies and wept over musical singing about her “ex-man’s new girlfriend”, simply not convincing in how it portrays overly earnest girl who quickly descends into instruments – now she has a mature sound Swift doesn’t have anything interesting to say. Swift. She tells you so emphatically so many hysteria. She’s normally one for immaculate and of course a new look to go with it. She’s ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Togeth- times and in so many ways that she doesn’t appearances, but in Blank Space we see her exchanged country and curls for New York er’ was one of the weakest songs from Red, care about the criticism she receives that it with mascara running down her face and a and red lipstick, but as the two music videos but does at least illustrate how Swift can makes it seem fake. I started asking myself wild bird’s nest of hair. It’s hard to remem- from 1989 demonstrate, the changes in Swift’s use a few well-judged details (he likes in- why she was telling me about it in so much ber whilst watching this that Swift is usually persona go much deeper than that. die music that’s much cooler than hers and detail – it just makes her seem insecure. seen as a wholesome, America’s Sweetheart The multi-award winning platinum artist keeps telling her he needs “space”) to build But where ‘Shake It Off’ fails, ‘Blank Space’ type. It works because Swift has a real flair became a household name with hits like ‘Love up a realistic and personal portrait of her succeeds. It has the same artificial, synth- for the manic and is surprisingly convincing Story’ and ‘You Belong With Me’, but soon ex-boyfriend. ‘Shake It Off’ feels heavy sound which dominates as the Fatal Attraction-style girlfriend – she after this received a hype backlash. Putting like it was brainstormed at much of 1989, but the same delivers lines like “Darling I’m a nightmare aside those who find her music too angsty a meeting for maximum sound which flattens the dressed like a daydream” in a way that is gen- and boy-focused, Taylor Swift also became commercial impact, sadder, darker emotions uinely chilling. Swift is obviously self-aware the target for a phenomenal amount of criti- and has none of the in ‘I Wish You Would’ that she’s putting on an act, but she limits it cism (often unfair) for her star image. She was confessional feeling works here. It’s be- to the occasional line delivered knowingly seen on the one hand by feminist magazine that usually char- cause Swift isn’t to camera. It’s much more effective than the Jezebel as fetishizing virginity and purity and acterises Swift’s writing as herself, constant ‘little girl lost’ act that she puts on on the other as a “slut” for the number of boys work. This is one but from the per- in ‘Shake It Off’, which rapidly becomes very she’s dated. This criticism, as well as changes of the first times spective of the frustrating. This self-awareness also brings in music style, is probably what encouraged in Swift’s career person that the a sense of satire – Swift is behaving exactly Swift to rebrand herself. She’s not the wide- that she’s made media makes as the media says she is, demonstrating how eyed everygirl writing about teen heartbreak a song that her out to be. By quick people are to caricature real people, es- and high school crushes any more, and the could have been turns whimsical, pecially women. music videos for 1989 cement what Red start- sung by anyone threatening, ear- ed: an attempt to redefine Swift’s star image. – there’s that little nest and manip- ‘Shake It Off’ and ‘Blank Space’ both ad- personality in it. ulative, Swift cap- Swift has a real flair for the manic and is dress the critical backlash which has been The music video tures every facet of surprisingly convincing as the Fatal At- directed at Swift in the past couple of years. makes it very clear her alter ego perfectly. traction-style girlfriend However, where ‘Shake It Off’ fails, ‘Blank what they’re trying to The music video is also Space’ is funny, self-aware and shows that do: re-brand Swift as a more creative, imagina- even though Swift’s sound has changed, she preppy, against-all-the-odds tive and better edited than still has the self-deprecating humour and beacon of self-confidence. It just ‘Shake It Off’, which could have Instead of telling you that she doesn’t care critical eye which made her earlier albums so doesn’t work. The video features Swift been produced by just about any moder- about your opinion, in ‘Blank Space’ Swift successful. dancing with deliberate clumsiness amongst ately talented film school student. shows you with gusto. She’s made the ulti- groups of ballerinas, twerkers, cheerleaders ‘Blank Space’ tells a story: wide-eyed Swift mate joke about her reputation better than and other dancers. Whereas the song feels lives in a giant mansion with two horses, her anyone else can, and it promises an exciting This is one of the first times in Swift’s ca- like it was written by committee and doesn’t cat and an entire gallery of portraits she’s new chapter in Swift’s evolution is to come. reer that she’s made a song that could have have enough of a personal mark upon it, the painted of her ex-boyfriends. Swift begins You may have your own opinions about Tay- been sung by anyone video goes the other way. Most of Swift’s fans a new relationship and everything seems lor Swift, but after ‘Blank Space’, she has made know that she is an enthusiastic but una- peachy – she goes on picnics with her new your criticism officially irrelevant. bashedly awful dancer and know that ‘Shake hunk, slow-dances and begins a new paint- It Off’ is poking fun at that, but the general ing. But things quickly go south when she population is likely just to see bad dancing discovers her boyfriend texting another girl Think ‘Shake It Off’ is ‘Shake It Off’, while catchy, is an example and not understand what it’s supposed to (gasp!), finally leading Swift to destroy the better than Emily claims? of lazy song writing and too much studio in- mean. painting, his car, feed him a poisoned apple Tweet: @BoarMusic put. Lines like “the haters gonna hate (hate, Another problem with the video is the and then prepare to meet her next victim. theboar.org/Music | @BoarMusic | MUSIC 21 26 theboar.org Wanna Be (Kick)Startin’ Somethin’ Miles Hunt takes a look at the fortunes of bands using the online crowdsourcing platform dapting to adversity in the modern work. This is an option I chose, and, whilst £7 music industry: this is a tale of the seems like a lot for 5 songs, my signed copy The Blackout’s successful Kickstart- of the EP arrived recently and the songs are er campaign. all absolute belters, and a lot of work clearly ASome readers may be aware of The Black- went into them. Being a part of the fundrais- out, a Welsh rock sextet, who have released a er and doing my part to help steady the future steady stream of consistently fun and well re- of a band I care about gave me a sense of sat- ceived albums and EPs over the last ten years. isfaction I wouldn’t have gotten by just sim- Unfortunately, they recently found them- ply torrenting the EP once it had come out. selves between rock and a hard place after Other options included signed merchan- being dropped by their record label Cooking dise, ranging from iPhone covers to drum Vinyl and parting ways with their manage- skins, all for reasonable pledge amounts. Of ment over the course of the last two years. course, there are inherent risks in choosing The band willingly admits that they were to take part in any kind of internet fundrais- in some serious debt because of this. After er, and a certain level of judgement needs to doing a huge tour of the UK playing some be applied, but all in all it’s one of the more fantastic intimate venues, such as Coventry’s rewarding things I’ve done this year. It opens own Kasbah for really cheap ticket prices (in- up a bigger debate about how bands and re- cidentally still my favourite memory of the cord labels could start to interact with the club so far) they found themselves roughly internet to combat torrenting, which has back at square one. become so prevalent in recent years. I’m certainly no angel, but I always try to purchase music when I feel it’s affordable and of a suit- Let this be a message to other bands able quality. that are really in it for the music and want Throughout their Kickstarter campaign, to keep going and producing great music various members of The Blackout emailed for as long as possible. those who had pledged, and this involve- » The quality puns are Kickstarting to run out. Photo: methodshop / Flickr ment in the production process was really encouraging. I certainly feel that if more shows into the digital age, they could create ing, even in the face of considerable adversi- small-to-medium sized bands involved their a better experience all round and bring their ty. Let this be a message to other bands that Instead of giving up and calling it a day, fans in the production process, their record fans even closer to them, to combat the dis- are really in it for the music and want to keep they resolved to make more new music via sales would increase. At the moment it is tancing feel of torrenting music. going and producing great music for as long an internet fundraising campaign using typical to simply preorder an album on good The positives of this can go further, with as possible. Kickstarter. The campaign finished recently faith and hear little about it in the interim. internet funding schemes such as Kickstarter with the new EP, Wolves, arriving in the post Obviously, signing items and offering rel- being a good gateway for bands just starting Are you a fan of the legal side in late October. The band offered a range of atively niche merch only works on a suitably up to reach out and try to take more of a hold of music consumption? options, such as a £7 pledge which got you a small scale, and bigger bands may struggle in securing their own futures. Either way, Comment online: signed copy of the EP, your name in the art- with this, but by bringing bands who are The Blackout have proven that they have the theboar.org/music work of the EP, and a signed poster of the art- already fantastic at interacting with fans at fan base, creativity and longevity to keep go- Live Review: Kasabian Olivia Lynch reviews the recent show at the LG Arena aving seen Kasabian live twice be- ‘bumblebee’. However, the real gems were in fore, I already knew that this would the unexpected, such as ‘Cutt Off’ from the be a great gig. However, even I, as band’s debut album. More importantly, it was huge a fan as I am, was not pre- the non-singles of 48:13 that stole the show. Hpared for how amazing this gig would be. Tom took a back seat with Serge’s funk-en- Bursting onto the scene a decade ago with thused ‘clouds’, as well as the double bill of their eponymous debut album, Kasabian have two of my favourites off the latest album, since released four solid albums, each with ‘bow’ and ‘s.p.s’, dedicated to Pizzorno’s fa- their own quirks, from the widely acclaimed ther for his birthday. When ‘s.p.s.’ opened, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum to their the guy in front of me was the most excited latest electronic influenced offering 48:13. I’d seen anyone all night. Personally, my ex- Despite criticism for simply being laddish, citement peaked with ‘treat’, which was every loud and uber-confident, it cannot be denied bit as good as live as I’d hoped it would be, that Kasabian have established a fantastic live especially with the inclusion of a prism light reputation. Frontman Tom Meighan’s cocky display. The reworking of Cameo’s ‘Word Up’ sounding assertion that their songs are ‘dirty, into Velociraptor!’s ‘Rewired’ was also effort- sexy, melodic, powerful’, I also find difficult lessly done. to disagree with. Mosh pit fever took over with stomping Once support act, The Maccabees, had left hits ‘Empire’, ‘Club Foot’ and ‘Fire’, which the stage, the 30 minute countdown started Tom admitted he didn’t think he was ready in true 48:13 fashion. No doubt due to their for, the crowd erupting at this point. incredible set at Glastonbury in June, the Serge was on fine form tonight, foxtail excitement was tangible for this entire half and all, dancing around the stage and the hour. Kasabian bring in a varied crowd, from crowd frequently chanting “Sergio”. Tom’s the football hooligans chanting and chucking stage presence was much more muted and beer, to a group of teenagers, no more than 14 controlled, in comparison to the feistier Tom years old, with their parents. Then, Serge and we saw in the West Ryder days. Even when Tom appeared at opposite sides of the stage, the band left the stage, Serge remained alone with an acoustic rendition of what soon ex- for a few minutes, sitting on the edge of the plodes into ‘bumblebee’. With ‘bumble’ ap- stage as the crowd continued to chant ‘L.S.F.’ pearing on the hot pink screen, the night When he walked off he was visibly emotion- kicked off with an insane start: everyone al, thanking the fans for their support over immediately jumping and singing in unison. the years. It was a rare and touching moment This is how you start a show. of vulnerability. The expected crowd pleasers were electric The lyric “Feels like I’m lost in a moment,” - ‘Shoot the Runner’, ‘Underdog’ and ‘Where from 2009’s ‘Underdog’, summed up the Did All The Love Go?’ all causing the crowd night for me. It was electric, a riot, a workout » Lights, cameras, action. Photo: xfm.co.uk to keep the momentum set by the explosive and musical bliss. I loved it. 20 theboar.org 22 Editor: Paulina Dregvaite [email protected] Twitter @BoarFilm FILM fb.com/groups/BoarFilm Blockbusters: Please don’t be afraid to be smart Jack Bonnamy assesses the rise of Christopher Nolan and the intellectual blockbuster he modern blockbuster has been a a blockbuster is inevitably followed by the office bombs, where they will share compa- most anticipated releases, partly due to the staple of the film industry since Jaws amount spent on the film, with the most ex- ny with films such as The Lone Ranger and success of Nolan’s Batman trilogy and Incep- first appeared on screens in 1975. At pensive film to date being the somewhat sur- R.I.P.D., and it could be this that deters di- tion. Nolan’s films stand as an example of how the time of its release, many believed prising Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger rectors from making blockbuster films with blockbusters can espouse more intricate plots TSpielberg had struck upon something new, Tides, which cost $378.5 million. The only more challenging narratives. The problem and deeper themes, whilst still making mil- something big (and I’m not just talking about thing more extraordinary (or morally dubi- with this, however, is that it works on two lions at the box-office, with The Dark Knight a 25 foot mechanical shark). Blockbusters are ous, depending on your point of view) is the rather arrogant assumptions. Firstly, that au- Rises taking just over $1 billion. now defined by their huge budgets and the amount these films earn, with the highest- dience members are too desensitised by the Film critic Mark Kermode argues that, scale of their plot, with critics often lament- grossing film, not adjusted for inflation, be- media, needing an explosion every two sec- as long as a blockbuster has a newsworthy ing the death of small-budget, narrative- ing Avatar, which took $2.8 billion world- onds to keep them entertained (I’m looking budget, spectacular visuals, an A List star driven films. But why isn’t it possible to have wide, despite naming a mineral Unobtainium at you, Michael Bay). Secondly, it assumes and isn’t a comedy, it will be successful, and the best of both worlds? Why is it that the (which, incidentally, is what James Cameron that audiences are so mentally vacuous that there are very few exceptions to this. Nolan’s directors of blockbusters don’t incorporate has found Oscar statuettes to be made of they are unable to follow a plot any more more intellectual blockbusters fulfil all four stronger narratives and deeper themes into since Titanic). complex than obvious good guys, who may of these criteria, whilst maintaining intricate their films? Directors need to ensure that they make or may not all be white males, fighting obvi- plots and dilemmas that test the audience. Primarily, blockbuster films are designed back the money invested in the film, or their ous bad guys, who may or may not represent Although I thought Interstellar was a very to make money, and the announcement of films risk being relegated to the list of box- non-Western values (I’m looking at you, Rid- flawed film, I emerged from the cinema glad ley Scott). There is a lot of evidence to imply that Nolan had tried to incorporate relatively that this isn’t the case. Having said that, there (get it?) complex theories and weave them have now been four Transformers films, the into the plot in such a way that they were un- last of which amounted to little more than derstandable, even if it did end up tripping series of increasingly large explosions inter- over its own feet later on the film. So, if this spersed with some racial stereotyping and formula works so consistently, why are direc- misogyny. Still, at least Transformers keeps tors so averse to risk? Bay away from making a sequel to Pain and On top of the success of films likeInterstel - Gain. lar are films like The Grand Budapest Hotel Bay-bashing aside, I think that directors which, although not breaking any records, fall foul of what I’ve come to term the ‘black reached number one at the UK box office and silver car fallacy’. Car manufactures pro- three weeks after its release, mainly due to duce an excess of black and silver cars, think- word of mouth. Its success shows that there ing that’s what the public want, when the only is definitely a demand out there for more reason the public ‘want’ that colour is be- unusual and testing films. I’m not saying that cause it’s all that’s on offer. What we need is a there isn’t a place for blockbuster films; they car manufacturer who is willing to make cars are entertaining, and it is sometimes nice to in bisque, vermillion and puce, and coming go to the cinema and not have to concentrate to the rescue in this rather convoluted meta- intensely on the plot. However, there certain- phor is Christopher Nolan… driving a lilac ly is a place and a demand for more films like Batmobile. Interstellar was one of last year’s Inception and Interstellar, which treat their » Photo: Warner Bros. Leviathan: Definitive, dark and devestating Sam Gray dives into the banality of corruption in contemporary Russia in this Oscar hopeful

Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev fades, and we are left with a series of decay- ther misfortune to him and his family, and in Vladimir Putin - Kolia asks if there are any ing wooden ships, so ancient that all sense of a heartbreaking story - consciously evoking current Presidents to shoot, to which another Cast: Aleksey Serebryakov, Elena Lyadova humanity has been stripped from them. Even the book of Job - we see Kolia stripped of eve- replies, ‘there’s not enough of a historical per- as we move into civilisation, the landscape rything he has, material and personal. spective.’ When there is, however, I believe Length: 140 minutes is barren - the town we arrive at is sparse, One of the best tricks this film pulls is that Leviathan will stand proudly as the de- almost dead, with the only hints of life being that, while there’s a lot going on beneath the finitive film on the subject, which never sac- Country: Russia a lifeboat in the distance and a house with a surface, it never feels cloyingly political or rifices warmth and humanity to deliver its light on in the foreground, the house we will preachy - the satire is rooted in what pro- devastating social assessment. ut of the murky waters of the Bar- soon learn belongs to our hero Kolia (Alek- ducer Alexander Rodnyansky describes as, “a ents Sea comes Leviathan, a sear- sey Serebryakov). These opening moments story of love and tragedy experienced by or- ing portrait of Russia in turmoil reminded me strongly of Calvary, which also dinary people”. Some of the most incredible by acclaimed director Andrey presented its homeland as a barren, bleak moments of the film can be read on multiple Zvyagintsev.O Simultaneously a satire on the place ravaged by nature, symbolic of a na- levels, such as the poster-worthy scene where frightening level of corruption present in tional culture ravaged by scandal and con- Roma escapes to a beach decorated with Russian politics and a straightforward story troversy. And while Russia’s problems are not the bones of an immense whale. Obviously of a man enduring a personal hell (with in- solely religious (though this is a major part it serves as a reminder of Russia’s decaying tentional parallels to the Bible), it’s unlike of it) we get a similar sense that this is a land moral fabric, yet the scene is framed around anything to come out of Hollywood in a long which has decayed, and rising from the ashes the boy’s tearful breakdown as he questions time. Where small towns are typically consid- is a civilisation built on altogether too shaky his place in an unstable family dynamic. ered the place where the communal human moral foundations. Another brilliant sequence revolves spirit shines, the coastal town of Leviathan is The story of Leviathan concerns Kolia, an around a vodka-fuelled shooting trip in the unforgiving, and the plight of the people is ordinary man who lives with his son Roma countryside. The mood threatens to sour overshadowed by an oppressive behemoth of (Sergey Pokhodaev) and his second wife Lilya when one character brings out portraits of political power and greed. (Elena Lyadova). His property has caught the Russia’s former leaders to use as shooting The film begins with a beautifully pho- eye of pig-like mayor Vadim (Roman Mady- targets, but it’s played as a joke, and reminds tographed montage depicting the coastline, anov), who wants to tear it down to build us that Leviathan is filled with people who where waves crash angrily onto sharp grey “a community centre”, and Nikolay has his treat the past with hostility or indifference, rocks, accompanied by stormy orchestral former army buddy-turned-lawyer Dmitri perhaps because the present is so bleak that music. As we move further inland, the mood (Vladimir Vdovichenkov) come down from it feels safer to blame universally recognised settles - the water becomes still, the music Moscow to help him. Yet this only brings fur- figures of ire. At one point there’s a sly dig at » Photo: Artificial Eye 21 theboar.org/Film | @BoarFilm | FILMtheboar.org 23 Birdman: Indefinable art? Concerning Violence Screening and Q+A Concerning Violence presents nine chap- Olivia Cole asks whether this much-anticipated film soars ters that document struggles for liberation in Africa from the 1970’s and 80’s overlaid with quotes from Franz Fanon’s famous work Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu remarks on individual performance. The Wretched of the Earth, a groundbreak- Throughout most of the running time, ing philosophical work that, among other Cast: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone Birdman gives the impression that it is filmed things, justifies violence by colonised peo- in one long take in and around St. James ples against their oppressors. Length: 119 minutes Theatre on Broadway, which results in a fas- Prominent postcolonial philosopher cinating new perspective of New York City. Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak introduces the Country: USA Though very convincing, the long take itself film as a ‘teaching film’, but this is a unique is a complete fabrication: whilst one might kind of lesson we learn. It is not simply a expect that the action takes place over a historical film, but one that resonates today ‘You can’t even see it if you don’t label it. 119min time period to match the running with continued exploitation of Africa in sub- You mistake those sounds in your head for true length, the narrative of Birdman actual- tle new commercial ways. The content of knowledge. Nothin’ about intention, structure, ly takes place over several days. To some, it the film ranges from a white couple watch- technique. Just crappy opinions backed up by ends up being disconcerting and misleading. ing black workers build a church, to a white crappy comparisons. You’re incapable of writ- For most films this would be a criticism, but Rhodesian insulting his black servant and ing more than a couple of paragraphs, and you that’s exactly what Birdman wants to achieve. lamenting the rise of black nationalism, to risk nothing of yourself.’ It doesn’t want you to gain a confident under- » Photo: 20th Century Fox one of the most striking shots: a woman who standing of its direction nor its motivations, has lost an arm staring blankly back at us irdman does not care about you. It instead presenting a strange and wonderful The film appears to have little concern in tar- while she breastfeeds her child, itself miss- does not exist to please its audience, creation which you want to understand but geting a specific audience, proudly failing to ing half a leg. The brutality of the imagery is nor does it exist to gain critical ac- will never be able to comfortably analyse. work out whether it is an art house or a com- some of the most powerful I’ve seen in recent claim; at least, not in the convention- There are some identifiable broad themes – mercial project. documentaries, and acts as a renewal of the Bal sense. This sentimentality is echoed in the the quest for cultural relevance and the world Riggan’s personal disdain of critics and call to throw away the false question of vio- moment featured above, in which washed-up of the theatre, for example - but overall, one reviewers is reflected across most aspects of lence vs. non-violence, one usually posed by movie star Riggan Thomas (Michael Keaton) senses that a definitive reading of the film is Birdman’s presentation and, even as I write those in power. vents his frustration at the steely New York exactly the opposite of what Iñárritu wants. this review, I am plainly aware that my read- This survey of events lends itself to a film Times critic (Lindsay Duncan) who is deter- Try to force Birdman into easy-to-digest box- ing will not, and more importantly cannot that doesn’t try to teach you about the histo- mined to destroy both his Broadway play and es and you’ll realise that it is a film in transit. comfortably relate to the interpretations of ry of African liberation struggles via dates, his desperate attempt at a career come-back. At times it is fantastical, drawing upon the other audience members. significant events and figures, but through Just as Riggan notes, there is a laziness, a superhero film conventions of Riggan’s long As I struggle to determine a comprehensive a critical arrangement of seemingly isolated slackness, in how audiences and critics make lost career, but it is often naturalistic too: one understanding of the film, I like to imagine events. These include workers strikes, inter- sense of artistry, and Birdman goes out of its particular scene in Times Square features Iñárritu and co. gathering around a laptop, views with female guerrilla fighters and eval- way to become a difficult film to define. It several real-life passer-bys watching the ac- clutching their increasing collection of tro- uations of the financial and environmental fiercely refuses neat categorisation in terms of tion take place. One cannot even rely on the phies and laughing at this entire commentary exploitation of Africa during slavery. Coloni- genre; it’s not a drama nor a comedy, but yet consistency of the long shot which gained so and how erroneous I have been in examining sation which in many ways continues today. it feels wrong to call it a hybrid. Taking Rig- much media attention, as towards the end of the film. To some degree, Birdman renders The film combines these to give a fragment- gan’s advice, it’s worth reflecting on Birdman Birdman, it breaks from established structur- my role as reviewer defunct, and that’s part of ed, nonlinear narrative that left me feeling in respect to its intention, structure and tech- al convention, switching to an abstract mon- what makes it such a fascinating production. that I needed to know more about this his- nique, rather than providing an over-simpli- tage of images during the narrative climax. Birdman does not care about you, but it’s well tory and yet that, if I did know the historical fied account of a plot and a few generalised Why might this be the case? Who knows. worth finding out whether you care about it. facts, I would be in a position that distanced these events from the present day. In this way the film navigates the problem of being a historical documentary based on archival foot- age while also being a political essay film that renews an important question about political Into the Woods: A delight action that is almost forgotten. Following the film screening at MAC Birmingham the audience participated in a Nick Buxey looks into the newest House of Mouse creation Q&A with filmmaker and theologian Prof. Robert Beckford, Dr Kehinde Andrews who proving himself to be remarkably watchable gorgeous production details and a respect for studies racism in contemporary UK and Dr Director: Rob Marshall and capable of carrying a lead role, as well as the original material, the House of Mouse Dima Saber, who studies social change and building on successes such as Esio Trot. For has produced a splendid adaptation that will digital media in the Arab world. Many im- Cast: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt an actor who started with such an iconic role be sure to delight anyone who watches it. portant questions were raised by all involved in Gavin and Stacey, his recent triumphs have including what kind of representation of Af- Length: 124 minutes proven that he has remarkable range and rica this film put forward, whether or not the ability. Even cameo roles are famous faces, film was ‘too palatable’ in order to be mar- Country: USA with Frances de la Tour and Christine Baran- ketable in the West and how, through the ski playing the Giantess and Evil Stepmother film, we can question who the filmmaker nother year, another live-action respectively. Importantly, the cast plays off was. Andrews and Beckford both endorsed Disney film. And although the an- each other – instead of relying on one star to the view associated with Fanon, that violence imation giant has had some misses carry the film, we’re provided with an ensem- by an oppressed group is legitimate, and ech- (see Maleficent and Alice in Won- ble performance that sparkles at every turn. oed sentiments in the film that violence has Aderland for examples of how not to remake It’s also worth noting the sheer beauty of always already occurred when hierarchies classics), Into The Woods is a surprisingly the film. Every costume is clearly handmade, like colonial domination are in place. Saber well-made adaptation of the award-winning although some seem to be magically cre- made an interesting point by asking why is it Stephen Sondheim musical, subtly blending ated, adding to the appeal of the characters a threat that whenever she discusses Fanon’s the charm we’ve come to expect from the and working well with the gorgeous sets. Al- work the conversation is dominated by the studio that basically created modern fairy- though we see glimpses of human civilisation question of violence to the detriment of his tales and the inherent darkness present in in the chocolatebox village and refreshingly wider work. Andrews echoed this point in the original. realistic castle, the woods are clearly the cen- a different way by stating that the question It’s the casting where Disney shine. Meryl tre of the story. Ranging from fetid swamps of violence is a distracting one, instead, he Streep’s Witch is easily the standout character to sunlit glades, there’s a variety that helps pointed out, we should ask whether or not (as always), bringing the vital presence need- reflect the different moods of the characters, we want revolutionary social change and act ed for a character often awarded to veteran many of whom are inexplicably drawn to on that basis instead. Broadway performers. But the rest of the cast them time and time again. Concerning Violence presents the only sparkle as well, although Johnny Depp’s turn Although the violence and sheer sexual- honest way to make a documentary: with a as the Big Bad Wolf is somewhat lacklustre ity of the stage production is toned down, passion and anger to reopen history, to exca- in a film populated by standout individuals this remains an immensely enjoyable film, vate stories and find in them ways of reinvig- and amazing chemistry – a song with sexual showing that Disney is still capable of pro- orating the present that open up futures that undertones just doesn’t land correctly when ducing clever and enjoyable entertainment had previously seemed impossible. you’re singing it about an actual child, so for children of all ages, harking back to what maybe we can forgive him. Walt always wanted his films to be. Through Andrew Russell James Corden is a bit of a surprise star, a remarkable combination of savvy casting, » Photo: Disney Corporation Editor: Laura Primiceri theboar.org 30 [email protected] Twitter @BoarTelevision TV fb.com/groups/BoarTV Is television shining bright gold? he 72nd Golden Globe Awards ing home the award, and deservedly so. The lowing on the streak of famous Hollywood Virgin didn’t end the night empty handed as graced our screens this month with crowd-pleasing crime saga that saw Martin actors taking over the silver screen, Maggie Gina Rodriguez won for her endearing turn ultimate female comedy-duo Amy Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Alison Tol- Gyllenhaal nabbed the award for her role as the titular Jane, beating off awards heavy- Poehler and Tina Fey returning to man and Colin Hanks battle it out against in the BBC/SundanceTV spy-thriller The weights Julia-Louis Dreyfus and Edie Falco. Thost their third and final ceremony. the snow-covered backdrop of Minnesotan Honourable Woman. The devilishly hand- The Drama category this year was filled It was only two years ago that they intro- vastness, brought the most exciting elements some and inexcusably beautiful actors Matt with a number of notable omissions. Other duced the grand event by describing it as the from a number of great Coen brothers films Bomer and Joanne Froggatt rounded off the than the always on-form The Good Wife and one place “the beautiful people of film rub without losing any of the charm. supporting wins for their roles in The Normal moody newcomer The Affair (both shows shoulders with the rat-faced people of tel- It was then particularly peculiar and funny Heart and Downton Abbey respectively. that play heavily into the older white wom- evision”. Now with an increasing number of that the other nominee in this category was The comedy nominations this year did the an demographic which mirrors the Golden Hollywood actors garnering critical acclaim Olive Kitteridge - a fantastic mini-series led fantastic job of removing stale and mediocre Globes themselves), the nominees were se- for their performances in television, it might by actress Frances McDormand, who won comedies like Modern Family vere disappointments. be time to eat those words. the Academy Award for her leading and The Big Bang Theory It’s undeniably clear that the Globes prefers In fact this year almost all the wins in all role in the original 1996 film Fargo. in favour of new, more flashier multi-million dollar budget shows the television categories came from first- I’m sure her husband, director daring and exciting like Game of Thrones and House of Cards time winners, proving that, unlike in the film Joel Coen, must have sat there shows like Jane the over arguably better dramas like Mad Men, categories, you just can’t predict this part of with the irony that he just Virgin and Trans- The Americans, Hannibal and Rectify. With Golden Globes straight from the outset. watched her lose against the parent - the latter regards to shows from across their pond, the The best mini-series award was one of very idea he created 19 years of which rightly Globes are obviously going to pick something the early openers this time and it provided ago. won the award for glitzy and Clooney-filled like Downton Abbey a hot-contest straight out of the gate: Fargo One of the biggest sur- Best Comedy on over a much more bitter and impactful pill to vs. True Detective, with the other nominees prises of the night was Billy the night. Expertly swallow like the BBC’s Happy Valley. unfortunately playing second fiddle despite Bob Thornton winning over treading the fine Nonetheless, on the night The Affair took their excellence. Matthew McConaughey. Don’t line of both comedy home the prize with Ruth Wilson and her get me wrong Thornton’s role as and drama like its fel- devilish smile following through with a Best the menacing hatchet of terror Lorne low nominee Orange Is The Actress win. A surprising but interesting win Malvo was endlessly fun to New Black, Transpar- for any Brit to witness given that the show is It’s undeniably clear that the Globes watch, but it was McConaughey » Photo: flickr / Joe Shlabotnik ent was by far the most yet to air to here, despite it including two of prefers flashier multi-million dollar who undisputably gave us one of complex and uncom- our beloved actors (the other being Dominic budget shows over arguably better dra- the most bizarrely solemn and philosophical promisingly human show of the bunch. Jef- West). After his inevitable win this year for characters this year, elevating True Detective frey Tambor’s performance in Transparent as House of Cards, after losing to Heisenberg to a higher form. the patriarch of a troubled family who comes last year, Kevin Spacey ended the night with Nonetheless, it seems to many this was not out as transgendered in his sixties was a ca- a beautiful tribute to legendary film director Fortunately for the FX show, Fargo’s ex- completely fortuitous, given the Hollywood reer best (and he’s had a hell of career) that Stanley Kramer, resolving himself to tears pansive scope and idiosyncratic cast outma- Foreign Press likes awarding new actors and opened up a humorously empathetic look and perfectly sealing this celebration of great noeuvred True Detective’s pealing grimness McConaughey had already bagged an award into a community that is often marginalised television. and nihilism all the way onto the stage, tak- the previous year for Dallas Buyers Club. Fol- and oppressed. Don’t worry though, Jane the Raghav Bali

You can’t repeat the past? Of course you can...

Four Boar writers share their choices for classic shows they want to return » Photo: Amara/ Flickr

Black Books Fawlty Towers Monk Frasier For those of you who have not had the I may be calling for a classic remake of A classic show that I would love to see Frasier is, hands down, one of the greatest pleasure of watching the show, Black Books Fawlty Towers a bit late, but the cast are all return ended fairly recently, but I am very American sitcoms of all time. There is a rea- is a series that centres around the anti-cus- alive and I really can’t imagine any other ac- hesitant simply because Monk had a perfect son that, over its run, it has won a remarkable tomer bookseller and alcoholic curmudgeon tor in the iconic role of ‘Basil Fawlty’ (John ending. 37 Primetime Emmy Awards. The fact that Bernard Black (Dylan Moran), his generally Cleese), so we might as well do it now, whilst The finale of Monk saw the OCD-stricken reruns are still played daily is further proof inebriated friend Fran Katzenjammer (Tam- there’s time. detective finally solving the murder of his that the show is in need of a comeback. sin Grieg) and his eternally optimistic live- Despite the show originally airing in the wife, and discovering that she had a secret The characters really make the show. in shop boy/‘plaything’ Manny Bianco (Bill late 70’s, it was a staple of my childhood. The daughter, giving him someone to love again. Frasier and his brother Niles are your typical Bailey). Throughout the three seasons, the complete box set was always there for me All the characters were happy, and getting on elite. From meeting every morning at Café audience follows the eccentric trio on their whenever I was ill off school or bored in the with their respective lives – Randy (with Sha- Nervosa for a non-fat cappuccino with just a hilarious misadventures both in and out of holidays and I’d often watch all of it. rona) became police chief of Summit, Stot- sprinkle of cinnamon to their weekend trips the shop Black Books. There is something incredibly simple and tlemeyer was a married man and Natalie had to classical concerts, it’s hard not to laugh at In addition to its wonderful cast, Black effective about the combination of slapstick her life with Monk sorted. them while sympathising at the same time. Books has a number of highlights which and silliness that is Fawlty Towers, which few Some one-off specials were to be filmed, A comic element that really ties the show make it one of the great classics of British titles have captured since. It may be due to its but the funding collapsed – this would be together is Nile’s mysterious wife, Maris. She’s comedy – which is hardly surprising given brevity, but Fawlty Towers never disappoint- the perfect way to do it. Monk still has so hard to forget – especially when we have that it was penned by Graham Lineham and ed and in comparison to the raft of modern much story-telling potential, and a special never actually seen her. She becomes a sort Dylan Moran. The script is lively and thor- sitcoms, it possessed a consistency, rarely would guarantee a top quality script, packed of mythological monster; just the mention of oughly quotable, whether it’s Bernard’s biting found today. with an excellent puzzle and all the Monk her name is enough to throw the characters remarks (“Look at that face! I bet his Corn Seeing as this is being written due to the charm. There’d be humour, and hopefully a into a state of panic and confusion. Flakes tried to crawl out of the bowl!”) or Vicar of Dibley having a comic relief special, few touching moments, possibly dealing with If the producers of Frasier are reading this, the ingenious touches of surrealism you find I’d like to say now that I’d donate £20 if they Monk’s late wife. He is a beloved character, take note! We’d love to see the show come in the series. In one of my favourite scenes, remade this classic and little else would make and a lot of people would be very glad to back to our screens. Bernard hides under a dinner table in order me happier. catch up with him. Sandeep Purewal to escape conversation with Manny’s parents, Miles Hunt Reece Goodall and the camera reveals a bar underneath, What classic shows would complete with a bartender. you like to see return? Ijeoma Okoye Tweet: @BoarTelevision 31 theboar.org Editor: Gabriella Watt [email protected] Twitter@Boar Games GAMES fb.com/groups/Games.TheBoar Beyond Gotham: another block in the LEGO-cy Max Elgar explains why Beyond Gotham is the LEGO game Batman deserves, but not the one he needs right now t’s difficult to talk about the latest instal- (who gave me a rare form of game-rage). since Marvel Superheroes, namely the large given a selection of suits to choose from feels ment in the franchise of LEGO games. The action during cut scenes is actually selection of cars, planes and boats included childish, but pragmatic in fulfilling a certain Especially when we try and consider pretty enjoyable. The game opens with Bat- in its free roam world. function of the game. It allows it to engage LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, with- man sweeping down on Joker’s henchmen Certain additions do serve to increase the with the cheesy representation of Batman Iout comparing it directly to its spiritual rival in the manner you would expect him to, and game’s charm, adding to the appeal for adults while not giving him over entirely to the “Ka- and counterpart, LEGO Marvel Superheroes, one of the later sequences featuring an all out as well as children. For example the replace- pow” vibe. It also allowed me to transform with its similarly ridiculous cast of characters battle between the lantern corps impresses. ment of the “Stan Lee in peril” level from the Cyborg into a huge combat version of him- and crazy amount of unlockables. Whilst the dialogue is cheesy, it gels nicely Marvel entry with the “Adam West in peril” self when I entered a fight. This comparison is not a damning one, with semi-serious fight sequences and the feature (with voiceover from the man him- I liked the inclusion of Doomsday, Bane, and yes, I am one of those fans (I hesitate only moderately goofy voice acting. self) proves to be much more amusing than Atrocitus, Mr Freeze (with imitation Arnie to say fanboy) who loves expansive content, the former. voice), and Swamp Thing, but was disap- endless exploration elements and most of all, Cheats make a return appearance as re- pointed at the lack of Sand-Man, my favour- a complete and exhaustive list of playable Gameplay has seen a marginal but wards for playing the game and are a wel- ite DC comic character. Whilst I could use characters, canon or otherwise. The LEGO measurable improvement from come throwback to my 90s gaming child- this point to illustrate how the game fails games set in the Marvel and DC universes previous Lego games hood. The soundtrack is also, as usual, above to fully represent the darkness of the comic have satisfied in giving me the experience of par for a game aimed at younger audiences. book world of DC, it actually does surpris- a universe I can play with at my own leisure, The inclusion of the original 1978 Superman ingly well considering the age rating, and never feeling that sense of disappointment music upon Superman’s entrance did coax a creates a wholly different atmosphere to the when I see a character I enjoy is not includ- Gameplay has seen a marginal but meas- belly laugh and a quiet cheer from me. Marvel equivalent. ed. In fact the opposite is true as I was sur- urable improvement from previous LEGO While I have some familiarity with DC One of my main criticisms comes as a re- prised with this game when characters I had games. There are now longer levels, more comics, I was initially worried that I would sult of a direct comparison to Marvel Super- forgotten popped up in an oddly pleasurable personalised elements to the characters have difficulty recognising many characters heroes, and is in fact one that dropped Beyond “so and so unlocked” window. (such as Flash, who actually moves at ex- and thereby attach little meaning to unlock- Gotham considerably in my estimations. Let’s My initial reception of Beyond Gotham treme speed even when not in combat) and ing them. This worry proved unfounded; the set aside for a moment the fact that the game was that it was a sort of Marvel Superheroes a much improved system of AI-controlled characters were all introduced succinctly and does at times feel rushed, ever so slightly Mark II, with improved dialogue, funnier suppo. This system allows for a smoother with explanation, leaving me in little glitchy, and even pointless in some of its puz- jokes and genuinely impressive action se- single-player playthrough without having to doubt as to who they were zles. Even given these concessions, I have a quences. The jokes are equally as silly as rapidly switch between characters mid-puz- and why big problem: despite the game purporting to those in the Marvel equivalent, but for some zle. However, these puzzles can be unusually they were contain multiple hub areas and a vast world reason they grated on me less, frustrating for a game aimed at children, and important to explore, it doesn’t. with the notable had me at times reaching for a walkthrough to the sto- Yes, it does have multiple hub areas and a exception of just so I could get on with the experience of ry and world to explore, but vast? No. The Marvel all those the game. g r e a t e r world entry had a vast Manhattan-esque delivered The introduction of space battles using universe. world to swing, fly and race through, tru- by Robin such staples as Wonder Woman’s invisible jet The fact ly realising the mini-open world vibe the and Bruce Wayne’s combat ready spaceship is that many game had gone for. In comparison the tight a welcome addition. Howev- of these spaces of Beyond Gotham feel decidedly er, these battles only serve charac- restrictive. They represent the world well to replace that which has ters are but do not fulfil the player at all. Why give been left me the power to run at extreme speeds out with the Flash but not let me actually run any large distance? The lack of an open world makes this game feel stunted and unfinished, despite what it does well. Hopefully any further sequels will include a truly vast world. Perhaps Gotham, rather than going “beyond,” is lacking the grander scale the title demands. » Photos: Above, thepaperwall; Left, Xbox 32 theboar.org Our 1080p gaming resolutions for 2015 With another year of gaming ahead, three writers share the achievements they want to unlock this year game. After the sheer amount of crit- so half-finished titles. Admittedly I’m aim for? The answer becomes apparent when Dan Ewers ical acclaim that Bioshock Infinite, and dreading finishing a few of them, such I close my browser and attempt to look at my indeed its two predecessors, received, I as those I’ve previously been too scared desktop background. ’m sure we all know the feeling: there’s a feel like 2015 might just be the year that to finish (looking at you Outlast), but My entire desktop is plastered from game that has been sitting idly in your I don my best deep-sea diving gear, and with any luck ticking off these games top to bottom with various luridly library for months now, just itching to take the plunge into Rapture for the first will provide some cathartic release, coloured sticky notes. This is a probe played. And yet, every time you con- time. whilst helping me towards my target. gram I use to make lists of jobs, music Isider even beginning to play it, you stop and My other secret weapon is a wide to listen to, essay deadlines, and most think, ‘I really don’t have time to start this Miles Hunt range of short Indie games (Limbo, importantly a sort of video game wish- now. Maybe sometime later in the year’. And Knytt Underground and alike), which all list. I haven’t counted it but I know it you leave it, gathering dust, until you find y gamer’s New require at most 6 hours play-time. Pool- contains at least 100 games that I either you never have time. And so on and so Year resolu- ing these with all my half-fin- couldn’t afford at the time of re- forth until one day you stop and tion is, quite ished titles could just get lease, didn’t prioritise in my think ‘why did I buy this if I’m simply, to me to 20% by the end of spending, or just have seemingly never going to Mcomplete a significant the year. heard good things have the time to play it?’ portion of my Steam Alas Gabe Newell about but not ac- Well, this year, I say library. For the mo- is a tricky master quired yet. Recently no more. ment I’ve settled to dupe and I may looking over this This year, after on trying to reach lose all hope next list I discovered much procrasti- 20% completion, time he waves his it contained such nation and more yet I have my sus- magical wand purported gems “next months” picions that this and conjures up as Xcom: Ene- than I can count target may be a sale, but for now my Unknown, on both hands, I subject to change optimism rests on the Dragon Age am finally going to over the year. my side, and any- games, indie make the time to As you do on way, what are New marvels like Ban- begin a playthrough Steam, I’ve Year’s resolutions ished, and retro of the Bioshock tril- amassed an ar- without a certain Playstation classics ogy. I remember, way ray of extreme- blend of hope and like Shin Megami back when I used to ly cheap, or even free, trepidation? Tensei: Persona 4. read gaming magazines games via charity bundle Whilst I will undoubt- semi-regularly, the amount sites and the now infamous edly continue my foray into of excitement within the gaming Steam Sales. This includes many recently developed and cutting community over the impending release triple A titles with considerable play times. Max Elgar edge video games, my resolution this of the first Bioshock game. The creepy, I face a rather daunting proposition year revolves around picking up the underwater seascapes; the hulking Big as I look before me towards quite a few esolutions are things that I don’t nor- games that I left behind in my per- Daddies and the downright unnerving of the bundled games I never intend- mally put much stock in. They rarely haps overly selective gaming habits of nature of the premise of the game just ed to play and the games that have no get fulfilled and generally I believe last year. I urge anyone to whom this made me think: ‘Now this is a game I appreciable end, such as Prison Archi- that if you want to motivate yourself, sounds familiar to go back to old games need to play’. And yet here I am, near- tect or Team Fortress 2. Currently my Rrelying on an arbitrary calendar date will do you might enjoy. Plus, they’re probably ly eight years later, having never picked library contains 185 titles and I’ve only nothing for you. This cynicism aside, I am cheaper now! up a controller, sat down, and actually completed 12, putting me at 6.5%. This always up for anything that may encourage played the thing. is pretty dire and with the threat of fu- me to game more, especially in areas I don’t I bought all three Bioshock games in a ture wallet-engulfing sales and tempt- normally explore. I have seen a lot of gam- What are your gaming Steam bundle about a year ago with the ing charity bundles set to expand my ing resolutions this year aimed at checking resolutions for 2015? intention of playing one through three library further, my target would appear out the vast indie gaming scene available on Tweet: @BoarGames in an extended marathon, but have yet rather challenging. Steam but this is something I already invest to actually boot up the first Bioshock One of my secret weapons is 20 or money and time in regularly. So, what do I » Photos: Flickr / CharlieNZ, Wikipedia Review: Choose your own Twitter Adventure Halimah Manan details her experience with The Wanderer adventure game on the social-networking service ou might believe that Twitter instead, following the path of at least little concept preceding the start of the is only a platform for sharing two others before him. But it is clear that game; the Choose your own Adventure opinions better left unknown, he diverges from there. While the two deals with an ominous ‘They’ chasing the over-use of hashtags and preceding CyoAs employ links which after you, whom you must escape, giv- Yslang terms like ‘bae’ but it could be- redirect the player to various tweets on ing very little information beyond that. come a new platform for the casual the same handle, allowing those with lit- As simple as it is, it does seem to work. gamer too. And, though Terence Eden’s tle patience to scroll through the scenar- It is worth mentioning, though, that Choose your own Adventure (CyoA) ios and various endings, Eden has used using Twitter does have its drawbacks; game is not the first on Twitter, it may 23 different handles instead, linking Eden is limited by the number of char- well spur on many more of its kind. them together through the @Mention acters he can utilise in each tweet, mean- For those of you who might not know, function. Not only does this remove the ing there is little he can do to really set CyoAs have traditionally been present- possibility of anticipating various out- up a scene. His use of different profiles ed as interactive fiction books where comes through scrolling down a profile, helps convey the setting but, with the you, the reader, assume the role of the it also allows Eden to customise each occasional nonsensical title and un- protagonist. Upon being given a scenar- profile to fit the scenarios presented, settling use of medieval art, it’s hard to io and various actions, you are encour- with the option to add more at any time. say whether this helps. Regardless, this aged to make a choice which will either From a glance, it is clear that not only feeds into the confusion and suspense send you further into the game, where does he make the game more accessible of the situations presented, providing you must make more choices, or write to mobile users than before, but also enough intrigue to encourage players to you off completely. The goal is to find more interesting and even challenging. go on and read the book, as intended. » Photo: Flickr / Rosaura Ochoa your own ending and thus ‘personalise’ According to his blog, Eden’s game Despite its limited number of scenar- the game rather than encounter a pre- was intended to be a ‘teaser trailer’ for a ios, they interlink enough to make it entirety means you can play it comfort- scribed ending, as is the norm for most novel, The Wanderer, but, as I have nev- near impossible to discover them all – ably on the mobile app without wanting videogames. Is your interest piqued, er heard of it, let alone read it before this, at least, I haven’t – and, while you might to throw your phone across the room. yet? Read on. it’s safe to say I can’t evaluate whether it not want to spend hours on it, you can So, for someone looking to ‘kill’ some Instead of presenting the CyoA in was an accurate representation of that. replay it without getting the same result time before a lecture, this might just be book form, Eden elected to use Twitter What I can say, is that this explains the each time. Plus, the use of Twitter in its the way to do it! theboar.org 27 theboar Your award-winning student newspaper

Fed up of writing essays? Write for us instead! Email a section editor [section]@theboar.org and get involved!

[email protected] Editor: Ife Akinroyeje [email protected] Twitter @Boarphotography PHOTOGRAPHY fb.com/TheBoarPhotography Time and Space Competition Capturing resettlement and relocation, this competition encompasses themes that will take you on a journey WINNER

Please Chew Chyue Shz

Letter that never came Linda Nagy

Liquified Linda Nagy Bokeh Stars Alex Sturtivant ur latest competition has caused our inboxes to be inundated with lots Oof beautiful images, shots harking back to younger days and some really fantastic work; all under the heading of ‘Time and Space’. We decided, as most of us have had to journey far from our homes, the theme really fit the idea of settling into university life and into new spaces which we may once Infinity Lunar line have found unusual. Alex Sturtivant Linda Nagy 2nd Place It is not happening HERE.

Black Squares #1 But it is Liam Anfield Simmonds happening 3rd Place N OW. Friday 30 Jan 2014 (Week 4)

Musical Timing Jessica Hayne 3:30pm-7pm H0.43

As part of Protect the Human Week, Boar Photography, have collaborated with Warwick’s Amnesty International to explore Human Rights Issues from across the globe to generate awareness for those issues which have far too often been ignored.

Warwick Amnesty International & The Land Before Time Boar Photography Jessica Hayne 24 Editor: Samantha Hoppstheboar.org [email protected] Twitter @BoarTravel TRAVEL fb.com/groups/BoarTravel

Happy days, expensive nights: How to see a city in a day The Temperate House Sian Elvin gives her advice on how to make the most of a spontaneous day trip abroad Julia Ostendorf

f you’ve ever looked past the bus stops of Leamington Spa, you’ll soon realise that there is more to the student town than chain restaurants and house parties. IThe Temperate House in Leamington’s Jephson Gardens is definitely an alternative to expensive nights out in clubs named after narcotic substances or chemical elements. The best part is that it’s totally free so you might as well take a chance. After all, you also took those three freshers bags at the fair and now they just collect dust in your room (they were free though!). If you don’t quite grasp the concept of a temperate house, it’s basically a very warm and steamy place for exotic plants to grow. Solo trip or date, the Temperate House will welcome you in its humid arms. A good way to impress your date is to name the bizarre plants (don’t worry they have name tags), and if the date turns out to be a huge success you might as well marry in the Temperate House, as it offers weddings too. Spoiler warning: no selfies can be taken in the premises; every lens immediately steams up. Yes, this is tested and verified. It’s open from 10am until 4pm so there’s plenty of time to pop into the small oasis of peace. Plus, entrance to both Jephson Gar- dens and the Temperate House is completely free, so if you live in Leamington it won’t cost » The view across Copenhagen. Photo: Sian Elvin you a penny, and if you live on campus it will only cost you the bus fare. f you’re anything like me, since being at Budget rigidly, but just have a rough list of what you You’ll definitely find the small bugs to university you’ll have caught the travel Check how much flights are going to cost might like to see, and adapt to the circum- your amusement, especially as the ‘bug of bug somewhere along the way. I’ve tried you, and then set a budget – generally the stances. After all, the weather might change the month’ changes regularly, but most of the a few different forms of travel over the further away you go, the more expensive it or you might find other things, but it’s best time you’ll just wonder what kind of mys- Iyears – holidays with family, holidays with will be. Very last-minute flights are much just to have an idea, because if you turn up terious plants grow on this earth, let alone friends, Jailbreak, travelling alone, travel- cheaper, too. Ideally when you’re there you with no clue, you’ll waste time trying to find Leamington Spa. ling in a group – but when a friend of mine want to keep costs down and visit as many places to go and you might miss out on the Apparently some of the plants types are suggested that we get a couple of last-minute free attractions as possible, and avoid pub- main attractions. In Copenhagen we wanted over 500 million years old. When you’ve had flights to a random city for the day, explore lic transport where you can. After all, if you to see Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid statue, and enough of the flora then there’s also some it, and then fly back in the evening, I couldn’t end up spending too much money, you may climb a tower for the views; we succeeded in fauna to admire. Don’t feed the orange fish agree fast enough. I can definitely say that it as well make a week of it and stay there on doing all three. though; they’re on a special diet. was probably one of the best spontaneous de- holiday! For more information on the Temperate cisions I’ve ever made, so, to help you do the Check out the exchange rate and see how Company House and full details of its opening times, same, I’ve outlined some top tips on how to much local currency is worth, and work from This sounds obvious but choose carefully visit http://www.leamington.co.uk/jeph- go about visiting a city in a day. there. I’d recommend budgeting no more who you’re going with. You want to go with son-gardens.htm than £100, and if you’re worried about over- somebody who has similar interests to you Location spending, just leave your card at home. Re- and wants to see the same things, and I’d also Where you decide to go will have a huge member too that you will always spend every recommend someone who is fairly calm and impact on your day and your overall en- penny you bring, so don’t bother thinking spontaneous, as it can be pretty daunting joyment of it. I would recommend choos- you’ll take lots of money and then exchange to wander around a random foreign city. I ing somewhere that is relatively small, and it back. You’ll end up losing some value by met my Copenhagen buddy while travelling easy to get around by foot: this means that doing it that way, too. across Central America on a ‘YOLO tour’, so you’ll get to see as much of the city as you I knew we were of the same mindset! can without feeling like you needed to stay Timing there longer. For example, Berlin is far too When you’re checking out locations, make What to bring big, and to move between its main attractions sure you take into account how long your Bring the bare minimum: passport, local you’d need to use the Metro, which would be flight is going to be. Don’t get one that’s currency, your phone, a camera, a map if you expensive and you wouldn’t get to see quite longer than two hours at a maximum – when can be bothered to print one out, and some as much. you include airport time and transport to the food. Maybe a book for the plane journey and We chose Copenhagen in Denmark, which airport, if it’s any longer than that you won’t a jacket if you’re uncertain about the weather. only required one 10-minute train journey to get to spend much time in your chosen city. Don’t over-plan it: if you book it very get to the city centre from the airport, and Be prepared for a very early start to get the last-minute anyway, you won’t be able to! Just then the rest of the day we could just walk most out of it, too (we got a flight at 6.30am). have a rough idea of what you’re doing so you everywhere, as Copenhagen is fairly small. can make the most of it when you’re there. Make sure you research in advance to find Attractions Enjoy it, the day will be over before you know the smaller cities. Ones I would personally Before you go, research the potential at- it! recommend include Dublin in Ireland and tractions you would like to see when you’re Edinburgh in Scotland. If you’re looking to there, and what the weather is going to be If you have a suggestion for a great student go further afield, Geneva in Switzerland, Vi- like. As well as being mindful of having Do you have any tips for day out that costs less than a night out, and enna in Austria and Amsterdam in the Neth- too much to do, you don’t want to not have seeing a city in a day would like to see your name in the Boar, erlands are all great places. enough to do! Tweet: @BoarTravel email [email protected] with your idea. Obviously don’t plan your activities too » Photo: abrinsky / Flickr theboar.org/Sport | @BoarSport | SPORT 31 25 theboar.org Absolute Boarginners: snow stopping the Canoe club Holly Wilkinson braves the elements to spend a fun weekend kayaking on the River Dart t’s the second week of term two clothing I owned, to spend a week- could easily be mistaken for a win- and you are just getting back end kayaking on the river Dart. The ter scene in ‘Pride and Prejudice’. into the swing of university life. journey fortunately went quickly After a couple of hours, and the IDragging yourself out of bed and you could tell when we were help of the friendly farmer with his for 9 am lectures, bundling on the getting closer when the roads nar- Jeep and tow bar, we finally got on layers to brace the newer, colder rowed, wild ponies started leaping the road and set off to do what we weather and swearing to anyone out of bushes and the winding lanes had actually come here to do. that will listen that it WILL snow if were making me feel like throwing Before then, I had always as- you just wish hard enough. up over my Converses. sumed kayaking was somewhat of a Probably not on the top of your Finally, a little way off the beat- solo sport because unlike football, list of things to do is making the en track, we arrived at our bunk- basketball, hockey and netball, it three to four hour long trip to house. We bundled in and after a has a presumed lack of team forma- Dartmoor to do some white water few warming drinks; we all retired tion. But I was very mistaken. The kayaking in sub artic temperatures. to bed looking forward to our kay- team spirit that got us out of this However, last weekend, that is ex- aking day that lay ahead. difficult situation, also transferred actly what I did. However, on Saturday morning, directly to the water. I only joined Warwick Canoe we were greeted with an unwel- On reaching a difficult rapid, for at the beginning of the year as a come surprise. A thin layer of snow example, the group leaders would knee-trembling fresher, so I’m not a and ice covered the countryside first get out of their kayaks and ex- true boarginner. Earlier this year at in a gorgeous white blanket. Al- amine the rapid before anyone at- the pool sessions, with the help of though, for the minibus and min- tempted it. This is so they can work much more experienced members ivan that we had driven down the out the safest route for us to travel than myself, I learnt the strokes that night before, snow and ice only down this particular rapid. Then, would most help me on the open meant trouble. It was abundantly they position themselves along water, were going to be nothing like clear that after hitting the first of the path of the rapid so they are in the unpredictability of white water. a series of steep hills that the vans the optimal position to tell you in Also, let me stress that my idea of were not getting up the icy slopes which direction you should be go- a perfect winter weekend involves on their own accord. ing. curling up with a good book and Giving up was not an option for a hot chocolate in the warmth and this group though. It was very clear safety of a heated building. So this that they were here to kayak and Yes, I got cold. Yes, I got wet. was going to be completely out of they were going to try their damn But then again the whole trip my comfort zone. hardest to make it possible. Which was more than worth the bit is how, armed with shovels leant to of discomfort. I can’t wait to us by a farmer and grit from a grit do it all again. On Sunday morning we were bucket someone had found, the your runaway kayak. I feel that it warming up by the roaring fire greeted with an unwelcome whole team set about trying to get was this sense of camaraderie that back in the bunkhouse were more surprise. A thin layer of these vehicles up to the main road. In addition, this allows them to made me enjoy the weekend as than worth the bit of discomfort. snow and ice covered the We must have been an odd sight leap into action if you fall in and much as I did. And you know what? I can’t wait to countryside. to the farmer: twenty or so students need rescuing. All in all, I had enormous do it all again. in tightfitting wetsuit ensembles, You feel completely reassured amounts of fun. Yes, I got cold. Yes, » Photos: Holly Wilkinson ratty old trainers and light weight that when you do fall in (and I did I got wet. But then again, laugh- However, I was embracing the ‘cags’ which look a bit like pullover – twice), someone would be shout- ing about it afterwards, the burst Let us know if you’d recklessness that comes after New waterproof jackets, all putting their ing which direction you should be of adrenaline you get when you’ve like the chance to be a Year, and that is how I ended up on weight into pushing a white min- swimming in and someone else actually made it down a rapid suc- Boarginner! a minibus, armed with the warmest ivan up a hill in a landscape that would be racing downstream after cessfully, the gorgeous scenery and Tell us on Facebook “As sweet as beautiful Swiss chocolate”: our favourite R Fed moments Including the shot of the century, Wimbledon victories, and being awarded Juliette the prize cow... he illustrious career of the I think Roger Federer encapsu- photos after matches. There aren’t many more super- pre-Raphaelite artisan of a player, fantastic Roger Federer has lates the beauty and excitement of As sweet as beautiful latives left to describe the career of brushing around the court as if it reached a new peak. In the one of the world’s most gladia- Swiss chocolate, Roger Roger Federer. He’s not just a ten- were his tapestry, only with an ath- Tfinal of the Brisbane International torial sports. Federer is perhaps the nis great, but a sporting great. His letic palate of lobs, drop-shots and Title, Federer beat Miles Raonic 6-4 Whilst others resort to greatest player of all 1000th win is a testament to attrib- one-handed backhands. 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 to claim a memorable power and settle for baseline time both on and off utes we often forget when discuss- What I’m trying to say is that 1000th victory. He now holds sits rallies, Federer always offers the court. ing the Swiss maestro- his longevity Roger Federer is sex on a tennis behind Ivan Lendl (1,071) and Jim- the kind of finesse and crea- and determination. court, only with fluorescent green my Connors (1,253) for the most tivity that has made him, in My favourite Federer moment balls and without the threat of a career wins. my view, the best player of all would have to be his victory over public indecency charge. Despite a somewhat surprising time. Whilst his Wimbledon Shingi Mara- Andy Roddick in the 2009 Wim- early exit from the Australian Open victories are incredible, for rike, Deputy bledon Final. Not only did it give Warren Muggleton, Deputy Sport earlier this month, many regard the me a standout point has to Sport Edi- him his record breaking 15th Grand Editor: 33 year old as the greatest ever ten- be his ‘shot of the century’ tor: Slam title, it was the most gruelling Federer has been the stalwart nis player. His 17 Grand Slam titles, against Djokovic in the US men’s singles finals ever; 16-14 in corner-stone of this sport through as well as the incredible 302 weeks Open. the final set. What a way for him to my childhood, providing so much he has spent as the world’s number cement his place in history as the entertainment! Since the start of one (with 237 of those consecutive Melissa Pearce: best ever pick up a racket. his career in 1998, Federer ascend- weeks spent at the top) certainly Roger Federer, from the ed the ATP rankings at extraordi- make a compelling case. very beginning of his career, has Luke Brown, Sport Editor: nary pace and has maintained this Federer has also won more always been a firm fan favourite in My favourite R Fed match? lofty position for over 10 years. His prize-money than any other tennis professional tennis. Probably the 2012 Wimbledon fi- stunning rate of court-coverage, player in history, and was named I think his popularity is not only nal against Andy Murray. My fa- combined with a unique one-hand- the Laurens World Sportsman of due to his extremely successful ca- vourite moment? That exquisite ed back-hand, has inspired so many the Year four times in a row be- reer but to his personality. On the carved drop shot he floated over aspiring tennis players and every tween 2005-2008. court he plays with precise move- the net, midway through the third one of those 1000 victories offered To commemorate another spec- ment and great sportsmanship, set of the game. something different in the specta- tacular peak in Federer’s career, much unlike the men’s game in Call me unpatriotic, but Feder- cle of tennis! several Boar Sport writers speak the past with the likes of John er represented the connoisseur’s My favourite moment has to be here about their favourite Federer McEnroe, and off the court he choice against the sweaty, sun- when he was awarded a cow called moments. seems dedicated to his fans, burnt, seething mass of Murray. Juliette on his return from the 2003 spending a long periods of time » Photo: Wikipedia The eventual champ (yet again) Wimbledon victory. What says Tim Arstall, Head of RaW Sport: signing autographs and posing for Commons couldn’t be more different: a champion more than a prize cow?! theboar.org 32 Sponsored by Editor: Luke Brown [email protected] Twitter @BoarSport SPORT fb.com/groups/BoarSport » Photo: UWMFC

Manley snatches friendly draw against Maccabi GB First team captain Alex Roberts gives Boar Sport the lowdown on an impressive result for the first team

arwick welcomed Mac- nating possession and confidently spite their spell of sustained pres- side prodded and probed, trying to bly, good work down the left-hand cabi GB to Cryfield on stroking the ball around, meaning sure, Maccabi failed to manufac- find that incisive ball. It wasn’t until channel from Kyprianou led to the Sunday January 11, with the Warwick rear-guard had to be ture any clear-cut chances. the halfway point of the second half ball being pulled back for Roberts Wthe visitors looking to step up their particularly diligent in their defen- This looked as if it may well that the deadlock was finally bro- to meet on the volley, however his preparations for the upcoming Eu- sive duties to keep them at bay. be costly as Warwick increasing- ken, and it was the away side who horribly sliced effort simply served ropean Maccabi Games to be held For those in Warwick shirts who ly gained a foothold in the game deservedly took the lead. A neat to confirm suspicions that his goal in Berlin in July. were not privy to the quality of as the half progressed. It was on move resulted in Alex Moss deliv- earlier in the season was nothing In a game of real quality, played their opposition and magnitude of the counter-attack that the host’s ering a sumptuous through ball, more than a fluke. in a commendable spirit through- their challenge before kick off, they threat was most pertinent - sharp and Matt Stock was the beneficiary, It wasn’t until the 85th minute out, a late equaliser from Warwick’s certainly were 10 minutes in. interchanges of passing from the demonstrating real composure as that the pressure finally told. A Joe Manley meant that the spoils attacking triumvirate of Bryan, he slotted the ball past the onrush- dangerous cross from Cohen cre- were shared. Kyprianou and Davies causing the ing Jake Allingan. ated havoc in the Maccabi six yard Following an entertaining but Warwick are provided with a Maccabi defence real concern. At this point, it would have been box, and Joe Manley was on hand goalless first half, Manley’s late winter break that would be the The home team had numerous to smash the loose ball into the strike was enough to cancel out envy of any Premier League good moments, attacking with real back of the net. For the remaining Matt Stock’s well-worked goal and manager. pace and fervour. Unfortunately, on The Warwick response to few minutes, neither team was re- earn the home side a hard fought more than one occasion dangerous going a goal behind was ally prepared to throw away what draw. attacks were halted as the final ball extremely positive – bravely they had, and on the balance of the With university term dates pro- Set up in a 4-2-3-1, Warwick’s de- proved to be somewhat elusive. On committing more forward. game, a draw probably represented viding Warwick with a winter break fensive midfield pairing of Matthew the balance of play however, War- a fair result. that would be the envy of any Pre- Tuvesson and Tom Alington were wick could consider themselves un- mier League manager, the clash having to work tirelessly to shield fortunate not to go in at the break at easy for Warwick to collapse, but against Maccabi had certainly been their back four and prevent the least a goal to the good. their response to going a goal be- Would you like eagerly anticipated, marking the dangerous number 10 from finding The second half quickly estab- hind was extremely positive. Com- one of your games first game of a hugely significant pockets of space behind them. lished a distinct pattern that would mitting more and more men for- reported on? term of football. Their work ethic and discipline be evident for much of the period ward, and exploiting the Maccabi Tweet: @BoarSport The visitors started far the was emblematic of the Warwick - Warwick content to let Maccabi vulnerability in the left-back area, #GiveMeBoar brighter of the two teams, domi- team more widely however, and de- play in front of them - as the away chances began to emerge. Nota- Cheer on Warwick during Varsity 2015: your full fixture list arwick and Coventry Cricket: Sunday 1 February. Men’s team (10:30) at Coventry Golf Club. (18:00), to be played at Coventry first (18:00), to be played at Coven- will lock horns in a num- third (13:00), second (14:00) and Rileys. try Rileys. ber of different sports in first (15:00), third and second to Ice Hockey: Saturday 7 February. Wthe coming days. In a last minute be played at Coventry University Men’s (19:45) to be played at Planet Road Cycling: Sunday 1 February. Snowsports: Wednesday 4 Feb- change of plan, the Athletics en- Sports Centre, firsts to be played at Ice. Warwick Uni transport provid- Mixed team (11:00). ruary. Mixed team (16:00), to be counter changed date to Saturday Warwick Desso Hall. ed. played at Swadlincote Ski Slope and 24 January, and fortunately our Rugby League: Saturday 7 Febru- Snowboard Centre. men and women’s teams both tri- Equestrian: Wednesday 4 February. Hockey: Sunday 1 February. Men’s ary. Men’s first (14:00) to be played umphed, bringing home the maxi- Mixed team (13:00), to be played at second (14:00) and first (20:00), at Cryfield Pitches. Squash: Saturday 7 February. Men’s mum number of points to start this Hollyfast Meadows Central Eques- women’s second (16:00) and first second (09:30) and first (10:30) year’s contest off on a winning note. trian. (18:00), all to be played at West- Rugby Union: Sunday 1 Febru- to be played at Warwick Squash Listed below are the remaining wood Pitches. ary. Men’s second (12:00) and Courts. Varsity fixtures and the location Fencing: Sunday 1 February. Mixed first (14:00). Saturday 7 February. of each match. Whenever you can, team (10:00), to be played at War- Lacrosse: Thursday 5 February. Women’s first (13:00). All ties to be Swimming: Sunday 1 February. make sure you get down to a match wick Games Hall. Mixed (18:00), to be played at Cy- played at Cryfield Pitches. Men’s (12:00) and women’s (14:00). and cheer on Warwick! field Pitches. Saturday 7th Febru- Both ties to be raced at Warwick Football: Saturday 31 January. ary. Men’s first (14:00) and women’s Table Tennis: Sunday 1 February. Swimming Pool. American Football: Sunday 1 Feb- Women’s first (14:00). Sunday 1st first (12:30), both to be played at Mixed team (13:00), to be played at ruary. Men’s first (13:00), to be February. Men’s fourth (10:30), Cryfield Pitches. Coventry University Sports Centre. Ultimate Frisbee: Wednesday 4 played at The Place. third (11:30), second (12:30) and February. Mixed team (13:30) to be first (14:00). All ties to be played at Motorsport: Friday 6 Febru- Taekwondo: Saturday 7 February. played at Warwick Varsity Pitches. Badminton: Friday 30 January The Place. ary. First, second and third place Mixed team (14:00), to be played at 2015. Men’s first (20:30) and wom- (12:00), to be raced at Whilton Mill. Warwick Games Hall. Volleyball: Both men’s and women’s en’s first (18:30), both to be played Futsal: Saturday 31 January. Men’s first team matches TBC. Check the at Coventry Sports and Leisure first (12:30) and women’s first Netball: Thursday 5 February. Tennis: Saturday 31 January. Men’s Varsity website for updates. Centre. (10:30), both matches to be played Women’s first (19:00) at Desso Hall. second (16:00) and women’s second at Coventry University Sports Cen- Saturday 7th February. Women’s (13:00). Sunday 1 February. Men’s Water Polo: Friday 31 January. Basketball: Friday 30 January. tre. second (13:00) and third (11:00) to first and third (16:00) and women’s Men’s first (13:00), to be played at Men’s first (20:30) and women’s be played at Coventry Sports and first (13:00). All ties to be played at Warwick Swimming Pool. first (18:30), both ties to be played Golf: Monday 2 February. Mixed Leisure Centre. Warwick Tennis Centre. at Coventry Sports and Leisure team (10:30) at Coventry Golf Club. Luke Brown Centre. Transport provided. Wednesday 4th February. Mixed Pool: Sunday 1 February. Men Snooker: Saturday 31 January. Men’s