Bangor University Students’ Union February 2016 English Language Issue No. 252 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk WHAT IS THE ZIKA VIRUS? WALES WELCOMES SYRIANS THE VALENTINE DEBATE

Bangor museum Storiel open to public essential to achieving this as it allowed says: “We work with local communities most important to their area. Family is ambitious project is not simply by MARINE DESSAUX the creation of a café and a bigger across the county, students and workshops have been organised and about preserving collections– it’s also shop. More room also means space regional organisations. e aim of the satellites for the museum will be about making them meaningful and he former “Gwynedd Museum for museum and art galleries as well project is not just to move to more created in the towns and villages across accessible for people today.” and Art Gallery” has moved as community workshops and meeting appropriate premises but to bring the Gwynedd. Personal artefacts, stories as For those who would like to across the road to be situated at rooms. university’s exhibitions to the public well as museum collection pieces will get involved, there are volunteer Tthe Bishop’s Palace in between Pontio Opened on Saturday 30th January, eye. is includes increasing access be displayed in an opportunity for opportunities. ese range from and the Roman Cathedral. In the cur- Storiel aims to continue giving North to the Brambell Natural History locals to share their history. supporting visitors to the museum, rent fashion for splicing two names Wales’ arts and heritage their deserved Museum opposite Asda, the geology e £2.6m project was partly guiding bilingual tours, cataloguing together, the name of the museum, space. Current exhibitions are works and damaged wood collections, the  nanced by the Heritage Lottery Fund the National History Collection and “Storiel”, is made up of two Welsh from Iwan Gwynn Parry and Vivienne Crossley-Holland collection, and Wales, Gwynedd Council and Bangor transcribing bilingual History projects, words,“oriel” (welsh for art gallery) Rickman-Poole, both Gwynedd artists. the  ne art and ceramics collections University as well as other charitable etc. For those who would simply like and “stori” (welsh for stories and de- Permanent exhibitions include Welsh as well via guided tours. We want to organisations. is partnership with to have a look, Storiel is open to the noting history and heritage). antiquities and historical objects convey the message that STORIEL the university spans back to the public Tuesday to Saturday, from 11am In order to be accessible by the from 400, 000 BC to the 17th century is for everybody and that we have nineteenth century when the museum to 5pm. More information is available greatest number of people the relevant to the county. It is also your something for everybody to see”. was established.. at www.volunteering-wales.net or museum’s challenge was to stay free chance to see the crown of the last e local community is the Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Wales, from Fiona Owens on 01248 353 368. of charge but generate enough income King of Bardsey Island. museum’s main focus, and the sta are Richard Bellamy says: “Gwynedd is an to stay open. Changing buildings was Fiona Owens, the museum manager, asking locals what stories they feel are area rich in both heritage and culture. Local protests challenges TTIP and government-backed “backdoor privatisation” by MORGANE VIALA to call directly on the European to trade for big business, such as food be used to weaken already strong help boost economic growth and will Commission, acquired over 3.2 million safety law, environmental legislation, standards for chemical management be a cutting-edge agreement aimed at n Saturday the 30th, a signatures against TTIP in 2015. banking regulations and the sovereign that exist, and are being developed in providing greater compatibility and protest was held by Siân Our local businesses, environment powers of individual nations. Public the EU and in some US states. Rather transparency in trade and investment Gwenllian (Candidate for and democracy are under threat services, especially the NHS, are in than to raise US national standards to regulation. WelshO Assembly Election 2016) in from a trade deal currently being the  ring line. TTIP is a major deal achieve higher levels of protection. is controversial agreement has Upper Bangor. She urged people to negotiated behind closed doors and could outlaw local authorities’ e European Commission said been criticized. Unions, charities, ‘oppose e Transatlantic Trade and between the EU and the USA. e support of local businesses, allow US that the TTIP would boost the EU’s and NGOs are  rmly opposed to it, Investment Partnership (TTIP) and Transatlantic Trade and Investment multinational corporations to sue the economy by €120 billion and argued especially due to the secretive and help protect our vital local services Partnership is a free trade agreement UK government in special courts if that the liberalisation of trades would undemocratic process. Indeed, the against privatisation by the back door’. with the aim of promoting trade and councils deny fracking permits, and create millions of new jobs. Indeed, content of the agreement as well as Moreover, the European Citizens’ multilateral economic growth. It is open up services to privatisation. TTIP is aimed to bolster that already the reports on TTIP negotiations is Initiative, that enables EU citizens about reducing the regulatory barriers ere is also a risk that TTIP could strong relationship in a way that will classi ed from the public. Nos Fawrth, 8 Mawrth 8pm Tuesday, 8 March 8pm

Comedy Central Live yn cyflwyno Comedy Central Live presents George Rigden Yn yr ail o’n nosweithiau comedi In the second of our monthly comedy misol, mae’r tri yma’n siŵr o godi evenings, these three are sure to raise Suzie Ruffell gwên! Oedran: 16+ a smile! Age guidance: 16+ Jim Smallman

Stiwdio / Studio £10/£8 gostyngiadau / concessions

FfilmBoed hi’n noson ddêt, cyfarfod Whether it’s date night, â ffrindiau, neu dim ond i meeting friends, or just to sit eistedd yn ôl ac ymlacio, back and relax, Pontio Cinema mae Sinema Pontio ar agor 7 is open 7 days a week! diwrnod yr wythnos! For tickets visit www.pontio.co.uk Am docynnau, ewch i or call the Box Office on www.pontio.co.uk neu cysylltwch 01248 38 28 28 â’r Swyddfa Docynnau ar Student cinema ticket price: £5 01248 38 28 28 Cost tocyn sinema i fyfyrwyr: £5

Pontio Seren Chwef 16 259x340mm.indd 1 10/02/16 12:24 February Issue 2016 | Seren 3 CONTENTS 18 16

PHILLIP MOTT EDITOR-iN-CHIEF [email protected]

As Editor of a newspaper, I prefer to stay apolitical. I have views, of course, but they tend not to overlap too much News 4-5 with the journalism I write or publish. I therefore issue this warning with Politics 6 20 careful impartiality: Question what people tell you. Not just whether or not Science 8 it is true. Question motives. Question the use of certain phrases, Environment 9 especially if they are repeated across Comment 10 whole sections of culture. A sure- re red  ag for something being wrong is Books 12 agreement between journalists on any matter. is is because the journalist’s Music 13 mission is to be contrarian for the sake of holding back the stupefying e ects Fashion 14 that certainty has on society. Question the agreement of every TV 16 national newspaper on the same topic. Film 17 It is a phenomenon that guarantees that, somewhere, some portion of society is Gadgets 18 voiceless and underrepresented. A media that agrees with itself also Games 19 cancels out one of the best things 8 about writing: Conversation. Without Travel 20 internal disagreement, there can be no meaningful conclusion. Without being Societies 21 critical of society and culture, what is Union 22 the use of journalism, except to create a convenient political backdrop? Sport 23-24 Of course, Fleet Street has always been stu ed to the creases with white, male, cisgender, middle-class, le - gone-right wing Oxbridgers, but never before has so much of the wider UK media been so samey. is means that 23 the industry has become top-heavy, and the only organisations that have the resources to dig around and get in the face of the establishment are 8 those who would prefer not to. Every viewpoint has its place, and that is the point. Because of this, there is, ironically, a 6 long and sustained critique to be made of journalistic practice in the UK, and it must begin before a new generation of journalists loses hope in an industry that once inspired them. Not just by Hacked O , Mr Anderson, and the Courts, but by everyone. I ask readers, like those young sceptics, to question the motives of any organisation that agrees on too much too quickly. You can even begin with Seren.

----- e views presented hereina er do not represent the views of Seren Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Bangor University. ----- THE TEAM CONTRIBUTORS Seren is printed by NWN Media. Editor-in-Chief Phillip Mott Games Editor Jamie Tompsett Deputy Content Editor Kayla Jones Gadgets Editor CJ Watkins Dan Turner Sasha Deacon Deputy Design Editor Emily Rimmer TV Editor Annie Patel Morgane Viala Katherine Barnes News Editor Marine Dessaux Film Editor Seb Ellis Jonathan Perons Jack Brookes Politics Editor Adam Barnes Music Editor Finnian Shardlow Emily Houlston-Jones Lizzy Dillon Comment Editor J.P. Bebbington Fashion Editor Hannah Youd Emma Debney Charlotte Howe-McCartin Science Editor Jack Greenhalgh Acting LIfestyle Editor Emma Jewkes Cristopher Crane Sarah Johnson Environment Editor Azat Kalybay Food & Drink Editor Heddwen Bethan Creaney Tiarna Armstrong Siân Williams Books Editor Jordan Glendenning Travel Editor Bethan May Sport Editor Joe Caine #252 4 Seren | February Issue 2016 NEWS WALES RESPONDS TO THE SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS

of which are unknown, created fears: taken and hosted many special Italy, and Hungary, and also to prevent found refuge in Torfaen, Ceredigion, by MARINE DESSAUX extreme and violent interpretations of meetings. Agreements and decisions illegal immigration. Eleven of them Neath Port Talbot, and Caerphilly. Islam, high birth rates, crime, and the were made, yet disagreement and lack were supposed to be  nished by the e Minister for Communities, he summer of 2015 saw the collapse of the social system are the of solidarity between the member end of 2015. In total, there are only Lesley Gri ths, who chairs the Syrian highest immigration in ux in most prominent ones. However, they states result in a fragmentation within two ready and working in Lampedusa Refugee taskforce that is leading the Europe since WWII as people are not completely founded. However, the Union. and Lesbos. A few more should open Wales-wide approach to the refugee T ed Syria’s chaotic territory. e the Syrian population was actually Measures implemented by the in the next months. However, there crisis, said: “Wales has a strong history country was the subject of Bashar Al- shrinking, not growing, before the EU and their results so far are the is still a lack of interest in the those of welcoming refugees from all over the Assad’s dictatorship until 2011 Arab civil war. following: countries, and a lack of money and world. I am proud to say this tradition Spring, when the people protested in When it comes to the EU, though, the 1. Allocation of refugees via a personnel means that the registration is continuing with every Welsh local favour of a fairer regime. Yet, Al-Assad Dublin regulation says that migrants voluntary quota. Today, from the and allocation of refugees is still authority con rming they are open refused to step down and it led to a have to stay in the states where they intended 160,000 refugees, about 300 underwhelming. to welcoming Syrian refugees to their bloody civil war. arrived  rst. It put lots of pressure on were allocated in other member states. 4. e deportation of refugees. communities, once the necessary Last December, Wales welcomed the border countries who were already 2. Investments in Turkey so that About 39% of all the migrants that support services are in place. 50 Syrian refugees, a small number e public outpouring of support for in comparison with the 1.6 million refugees from the people of Wales over who  ed to Europe in 2015. e The public outpouring of support for refugees from the the past weeks and months has been overwhelming number of people people of Wales over the past weeks and months has been heartening. I am con dent people waiting at the borders of Turkey is a in Torfaen, Ceredigion, Neath Port major challenge for the EU, and it is heartening. Talbot, and Caerphilly will provide struggling to act consistently. Some a warm welcome to the vulnerable countries such as Germany opened in economic trouble: Greece, Italy, and it can be the ‘protector’ of Europe. face deportation are returned to people and families [who arrived] and their borders, while others argue that Bulgaria. Last September, Germany Agreements were made for a tighter their home countries. is process is will help them become part of Welsh the refugee in ux should be curbed. announced it would let in without border and coastal control of Turkey rather rare since it is costly and needs life. As for every troubled situation, ISIS exception all the Syrian refugees, so that less refugees can enter Europe. personnel as well as the support of e arrival of refugees is the start saw an opportunity to create ri s, before installing border control and To compensate, the EU spent over 3 other countries. of a long-term process of ensuring cause more chaos, and eventually asking the EU for a solution. billion Euros to Turkey, including funds Meanwhile, Welsh councils and they are given all the help they need win more power. In addition to that, Germany welcomed around 1 million for the construction of infrastructures individuals have showed solidarity and to rebuild their lives and are able to rebellious group actions caused deaths refugees in 2015 and is the country to encourage refugees to stay. e empathy toward asylum seekers, with make a valuable contribution to Welsh among civilians. It led to a massive that welcomed the most refugees e ects, so far, are not visible, as still some arguing that empty shops and society.” migration of the Syrian people: a third a er Turkey. Jordan welcomed almost thousands of refugees land in Europe houses should be given to refugees. If you would like to improve the were displaced throughout Syria itself, 600,000 refugees when the UK, who every day. We can doubt the success of Others gave away clothes and goods to situation of refugees  eeing the Syrian 4 million  ed the country, and the vast has 74 times its GDP, said it will accept this measure when Turkish President charities created for the occasion. A er crisis, here are some websites you may majority had to reside in camps in the only 20,000 refugees in 5 years. Erdogan, whose trustworthiness is the image of Aylan Kurdi, the young wish to visit: neighbouring countries of Turkey, Despite the winter and harsh more than questionable, still has so Syrian boy found dead on a beach in Pobl i Bopl (North Wales Refugees Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt. and Jordan. conditions, there is still an in ux of much in uence . Turkey circulated around the globe, a Support) a Facebook page that gathers Arab states of the Persian Gulf, which refugees. Many of them are, however, 3. e creation of registration petition calling for Wrexham Council news about fundraising events; are also close to Syria, refused any not o cially registered or applicants centres. ese so called “hotspots”, to provide houses to 10 Syrian refugees NoWaRS (North Wales Refugee refugees. for asylum seeker status. e EU were planned in May last year to relax gathered more than 700 people. Support); and the Welsh Refugees is situation, the long-term e ects realized that measures had to been the situation in countries like Greece, In December, 50 Syrian people Council. February Issue 2016 | Seren 5 NEWS In Brief Explosion At Police appeal after serious collision A man in his 20’s was hit by a car on University Saturday, 6th February at 03:30 on Holyhead Road. e man was outside the “Late Shop” and was hit by a white coloured Skoda Fabia, reports said. Chemistry e driver, aged 18, is suspected of drink driving. e condition of the victim is said to be “life changing”. Sergeant Emlyn Hughes from the Roads Policing Unit said: “We Tower are appealing for witnesses and are particularly keen on speaking to by EMILY RIMMER today, a pressure build-up in a fume cupboard led to a small explosion anybody who may have seen the t around 11:30am on 8th which shattered the glass on the front vehicle being driven prior to the February 2016, North Wales of the fume cupboard and set o the collision to come forward. Fire Services and ambulance automatic  re extinguisher system. “We believe the white Skoda Fabia Acrews were called to an incident on the travelled along Caernarfon Road ere were no injuries and no  re”. 5th  oor of the Adeilad Alun Roberts ey continued: “Both the  re and before heading up to Holyhead Road. chemistry tower in Bangor. ambulance services responded and “Anybody with information that A total of three  re engines arrived the University would like to thank could assist our investigation should on the scene to deal with the incident them for their prompt and e cient contact us on 101.” with a spokesman for North Wales Fire response”. If you have any information and Rescue services saying: “ ey are ere was no visible damage done regarding the collision or if you have unsure of the situation at the moment to the outside of the building, but  re seen the vehicle being driven prior and are dealing with the incident”. crews were seen pulling large bags of to the incident, contact o cers at the A third year chemistry student at rubbish out of the building. e area Western Roads Policing Unit on 101, the scene recalls: “Someone else in around the building was taped o in quoting reference number U018040. the class smelt gas and alerted the case of further incidents. e tape was technician on hand. We then all had to taken down around 1:30pm and  re Valentine’s day with evacuate the building as is precaution crews allowed people to walk past the Campus life when someone smells gas”. building. e building was evacuated before All lectures for students and work CAMPUS life has organised events the incident occurred and everyone for sta were cancelled for the rest of for this Valentines weekend. A was told not to return until it was safe the day, as the building needed to be “romcomfest” (romantic comedy to do so. inspected. At around 1:50pm, all  re festival) will be held on Friday 12th A spokesperson for Bangor crews and emergency services le the at 7pm in Braint Common Room for University Central safety o ce issued scene and declared the building open those living in Ffriddoedd village and this statement: “At around 11:30am again. the Acapela, St-Mary’s chapel. Later in life, you will talk of how you met at university! And the grande  nale: “pudding for two” on the 14th. Castle Hill outrage PLANS to change the Castle Hill Arcade building on Bangor High Street into student  ats sparked controversy. Developers say it would ensure the renovation of the building and help developing economic and social development of the area. ey argue it would ensure the use of the building for the next 20 years, a er it was le desolate for 4 years when Debenhams moved out in 2008. Critics point out that there is already a great number of student accommodation which are le empty. e mayor, Councillor Evelyn Butler, spoke out against the plans : “I am concerned at the amount of student accommodation that is based in the city. ere are hundreds of empty houses within the city centre that are designated to students and in the university itself. Landlords are unable to  ll them. “ e loss of old buildings in the city is also very sad. ere will soon be Airshows Cancelled Across UK more students living in Bangor than other people.” by MARINE DESSAUX said: “A number of factors have led us introduced based on the number of a ected, display pilots’ authorisations to this decision. e key one being the airplays. have gone up by 100% as well.” he Wings and Wheels of recently published CAA regulations Organisers of the Biggin Hill Festival An online petition calling on the Wolverhampton, Dawlish, following the accident at Shoreham of Flight denounced the unbearable CAA to reconsider their charges Chinese New Year Manchester, and Shoreham last summer. We will need to review new costs: gathered 4,358 signatures in less than ON Saturday 13th February, the Two Tairplays have all been cancelled how these new requirements would “In 2015 if you had between 18 & 24 a week. Dragons Parade will take place from following last year Shoreham crash impact on ours and other displays display items you paid £1,497 for the British Airshows, which in the Ysgol Hirael (Orme Road) to Bangor that caused the death of 11 people. Due over the course of the year, though we CAA permission. In 2016 for 18 to leisure and tourism industry are the Town Clock from 11.15am to 12pm, to the accident, the Civilian Aviation are hopeful we will be able to resume a 24 display items you will pay £6,994. second largest sector of entertainment with a grande  nale. Two dragons Authority (CAA) had to review safety show at Llandudno in 2017.” And forget a big public show ever in the UK, is not disappearing anytime will parade their way through the rules. However these rules are heavy More than new safety rules to happening again for 31 items you will soon, though organisers said all shows streets of Bangor: one Chinese and one on the airshows organisers and many implement, CAA imposed new be asked to pay £20,390. must resume by 2017. And for 2015, Welsh. A dancer representing a pearl said they needed more time to adjust. charges that drastically increased “ is new charging policy will see in North Wales, Rhyl airplay is to go will lead the way. e procession was Edward Hiller, managing director the cost of airshows. In addition to the air shows large and small disappear ahead in August as planned. created, performed, and puppeteered of landowners Mostyn Estates Ltd, a 100% of increase in charges for the for the calendar in the UK and it’s not by schoolchildren from Ysgol Hirael. which organises Llandudno air show display permission, a new charge was just the display organisers who are 6 Seren | February Issue 2016 POLITICS Syrian Donor Conference

n ursday 4th February shelter in Syria and beyond,” said Mr to allow for the creation of new jobs. take the long-term decision to start a said that the people of Syria were in more than $10 billion was Cameron. Of the Money pledged at is move is going to be backed by new life in a di erent continent”. On need of “not just food for today, but raised to help citizens who the conference, Britain has pledged loans coming from international the Conference itself Prime Minister hope for tomorrow.” He urged both haveO been a ected by the con ict $1.75bn in aid between now and 2020,  nancial institutions as well as access David Cameron stated: “Today has sides to “get back to the table, not to within Syria. the US has pledged an additional to European markets. been and is a day of hope, a day about secure more gains on the battle eld”. e Syrian Donor conference raised $900m, which has brought the total Former Prime Minister Gordon saving lives, a day about building e War in Syria began four years the largest amount of money in one sum of US humanitarian spending to Brown called for a humanitarian futures, a day about giving people the ago when anti-government protests day as a response to a humanitarian $5bn. Germany has also agreed to give operation as ambitious as the post- chance of a future, the chance of a life”. developed into a civil war, which is crisis. David Cameron has stated $2.5bn through 2018. war Marshall plan in order to address Several hours before the conference currently in a stalemate. e Assad that the conference has WWWraised Other highlights of the conference and cope with the issue that is 12 began peace talks between the government, Syrian rebels, Kurdish $6bn for 2016 alone, with a further included providing access to million Syrians displaced from their Syrian regime and opposition were  ghters, and Islamic State all currently $5bn being spread out between 2016 education for one million children homes. Writing in the Guardian suspended, having only opened 2 holding territory within the country. and 2020. e vast amount of money who are currently not in education the former Prime Minister said: days earlier, due to rebel anger caused raised will allow for the millions of by the end of the next school year. “If we fail to rise to the challenge of by Russian bombing around Aleppo. people a ected by the war to “receive Countries in the region have also providing for families close to their Speaking at the London conference life-saving food, medical care and agreed to open up their economies homes, countless more will soon UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon

Welsh Universities hit by Corbyn outlines Labours e end of Maintenance Cameron Cuddling up to Income related child higher education cuts EU stance grants? Google? poverty measures kept THE Welsh government has cut SPEAKING on Saturday, Labour leader ON the 14th January 2016 a select PRIME Minister David Cameron has THE House of Lords voted in favour, higher education funding by 32% Jeremy Corbyn claimed that staying committee of 18 MPs, chaired by been criticised for apparently being 290 votes to 198, of keeping targets from £129m down to £88m for 2016- in the European Union is in the best Conservative MP Andrew Percy, voted too close to google due to growing aimed at reducing child poverty, 17. These cuts have been criticised interests of Britain. e referendum to abolish maintenance grants. e discontent with the government’s which has forced the Government to as they may lead to disastrous campaign will also o er a chance to vote lasted a total of 90 minutes with £130 million tax deal being seen as reconsider its plan to abolish them. implications and job losses. The push for more public ownership of 10 voting in favour of ending them and too lenient towards Google. Critics e vote against Downing Street’s Higher Education Funding Council local services. Corbyn said: “Our party 8 voting to save them. Ilfor North MP included former cabinet minister proposals was led by the Bishop of for Wales, HEFCW, warned that is committed to keeping Britain in the and Labour Member Wes Streeting was Vince Cable, Rupert Murdoch and Durham with support from both “tens of thousands of students could EU because we believe it is the best one of the committee members and Margaret Hodge. Cable claimed that the Labour party and the Liberal be priced out”. Bangor University is framework for European trade and was very critical of the decision to end Google had a “great deal of in uence” Democrats. Changes on how the expected to face costs of up to £14m. cooperation and is in the best interests grants and appealed for conservative in No 10 under the coalition with Government would measure material Sian Gwenllian, Gwynedd councillor of the British people”. e Labour members to “think very carefully” Eric Schmidt, Google’s executive poverty were set to be changed under claimed “Around 2,400 people Leader continued: “We also want to about the serious repercussions their chairman, enjoying a particularly the welfare reform and work bill. work at Bangor University and it is see progressive reform in Europe: vote would have. e Conservatives good link with No 10. Margaret Iain Duncan Smith claimed that the the lifeblood of many businesses. democratisation, stronger workers were criticised as they were seen as Hodge claimed Google “are very, very Government would change how it The 10,000 students have a major rights, sustainable growth, and jobs attempting to sneak the decision clever at building their political links. measured child poverty with the aim economic impact. These cuts could at the heart of economic policy, and through. However, Labour failed with If I am absolutely honest, they had as being to eradicate it by 2020, replacing lead to major job loss”. an end to pressure to privatise and their attempted annulment motion strong links with Labour”. it with a new duty to report levels of deregulate public services”. with the vote coming out at 306 to 292. educational attainment, worklessness and addiction. Welsh Assembly Elections: 5th May 2016 n May 5th this year, the  ve of them as one AM represents the Welsh Liberal Democrats with 5. ballot, a vote is cast to decide which unique to Wales and seek to re ect National Assembly for Wales an Assembly constituency whilst the In Bangor we are represented by Alun candidate will represent you directly. the speci c needs and concerns of the elections will take place to other four represent the region. e Ffred Jones who is the Constituency In the regional ballot, the voter chooses people of Wales. electO all the members of the Assembly. Welsh Government is then formed Assembly Member for Arfon and is a from a list of party or independent In order to vote in the Assembly is will be the   h election for the from the party/parties that hold the member of Plaid Cymru. e Regional candidates to represent a region. elections, an individual must be National Assembly with previous most seats in the Assembly and is led Assembly members are Llyr Huws But what does the National Assembly registered to vote as well as be 18 elections having being held in 1999, by the First Minister. ere are also a Gru ydd, Plaid Cymru, Aled Roberts, for Wales do? e National Assembly years of age or over, a British citizen, 2003, 2007 and 2011. is election will further nine Ministers who each have Welsh Liberal Democrats and Janet has the power to make decision qualifying commonwealth citizen, also be the third to take place under a responsibility for a speci c area. Haworth and Mark Isherwood of the in many areas such as culture, citizen of the European Union, the rules of the Government of Wales e current First Minister of Wales Welsh Conservative Party. environment, housing, social welfare resident of Wales and not be subject to Act 2006, although changes were made is Carwyn Jones of the Welsh Labour At the elections each voter will be and the Welsh language. Since the any legal incapacity to vote. by the Wales act 2014. Party who currently hold 30 seats out allowed two votes in a mixed member Government of Wales Act 2006 e Welsh Assembly is made up of 60. e Welsh Conservatives are the system. Each voter has the option to allowed for the National Assembly of 60 elected Assembly Members, largest opposition party with 14 seats, elect a constituency member and a to make laws in these areas, these AMs, and you will be represented by followed by Plaid Cymru with 11 and regional member. In the constituency are known as Assembly Bills and are COME & GET INVOLVED

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Bangor University Students’ Union October 2015 English Language Issue No. 250 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk PARTY CONFERENCES ‘15 FLOWING WATER ON MARS FEMSOC SPEAK OUT EVENT

PONTIO FINALLY OPENS ITS DOORS

After several delays over three years, the Pontio Arts & Innovation Centre looks ready to impress its opening date had been delayed delayed the opening, once more, to C o n w y ”. Bangor University’s Student Union, numerous times. December 2015. Despite the setbacks, Professor Jerry which will move to its new facilities Due to these delays, the projected The delays and rising costs led to Hunter, current Vice-Chancellor of within the building during, or costs associated with the construction criticism from AM Alun Ffred Jones Bangor University, is optimistic about after, January 2016. Student Union of the building have soared above the and members of the local Bangor Pontio’s future in Bangor: “It’s a great president Fflur Elin said of the move: original estimate of £37 million to a community. pleasure to finally share with everyone “Through our new home at Pontio, grand total of £49 million. Jones wrote to the Welsh Assembly the fantastic facilities this building is we look forward to being at the very Bangor University’s then-acting saying that the delays had led to “great going to offer for the general public heart of Bangor University life and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fergus frustration and anger” in Bangor and and students alike. designing a space that works for our by EMILY HOULSTON-JONES Lowe, originally released a statement asked that contractors Galliford Try “It has been a difficult journey, but students and provides them with the in 2010 stating that Pontio would be held to account. now we have created a transformational facilities they need.” he final countdown to the open in the Winter of 2012. Frustration over Pontio has also centre for innovation in science and Pontio will also play host to a range official opening of Pontio has The BBC then reported the reached social media; on the 23rd of the arts in Bangor”. of entertainers, with comedian Russell begun. Tours of the arts and following year that the building would October, BBC Wales reporter Huw Pontio will house several facilities Kane and vocal group Only Men Tinnovation centre are being held until be ready by the end of 2013, but later Thomas tweeted a meme which for both the student and local Aloud being announced as amongst the 17th of November after a three- statements from Bangor University referenced the long-awaited building, communities of Bangor, including those scheduled to perform in the year delay. actually confirmed an opening date of and local writer Rob Mimpriss on lecture theatres, a cinema, a venue. The tours marked the first time the September 2014. Twitter pointed out in August: “It performance space named after Welsh The Pontio website has details of general public have been allowed to It was then further delayed to has taken @BangorUni longer to singer Bryn Terfel, several cafes, and upcoming shows including music, enter the much-maligned structure. October 2015. Finally, a University build #Pontio Arts Centre than it a bar. drama, comedy, and dance and circus. It garnered public criticism after statement on the 23rd of October took Edward II to build the walls of It will also be the new home of Tickets are now available online.

THE FOLLOWING EDITORIAL POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN: DEPUTY NEWS ARTS & CULTURE DEPUTY INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE SPORT Seren Members twitter.com/ 2015-16 serenbangor 8 Seren | February Issue 2016 SCIENCE A ‘Brexit’ Would Mean Major Trouble for Welsh Science n the Conservative’s 2015 planned to limit immigration by not an EU member, Switzerland 20% of healthcare research projects fund to expand Wales’ world-class manifesto, it was stated that implementing quotas and allocating would have to contribute  nancially in spite of only making up 12% of scienti c research capacity as part of a referendum on Britain’s EU jobs preferentially to Swiss nationals to the program therefore allowing the EU populace. In fact we receive the two-phase Sêr Cymru program. membershipI would be held sometime over foreigners. Heavily supported by its university scientists and small more research funds from the EU e  rst phase, launched in September before 2017. With this referendum the Swiss People’s Party, the proposal innovative businesses to compete than any other country. We are also this year, saw a £17m joint Welsh looming it’s important to take note of would send Switzerland back to the for pooled research and innovation heavily in uencing EU policy. Dr. Government and European grant that the world leading scienti c research days before its freedom-of-movement funds in exactly the same way EU state Mike Galsworthy, program director of enabled 90 new research fellows from being produced in the UK thanks to agreements with the EU. A backing of members do. Scientists for EU, explains why being across Europe to work with researchers EU research monies, especially in the proposal with 50.3% against 49.7%, One of those state members, the part of the EU is essential to remaining in Wales. is hopes to attract and Wales. a <1% di erence worth the equivalent UK, has won £5bn in research funds world leaders in healthcare research: develop the next generation of talented On the ninth of February 2014, of just 19,526 people, caused an €80bn in the last 5 years. e UK is currently researchers in Welsh universities. Switzerland held a referendum. e science deal, called Horizon 2020, with entitled to win 20% of European Academics have responded to proposal “against mass immigration” the country to fall through. Although Research Council grants and lead the possibility of leaving the EU, suggesting that it would weaken university research and funding in the UK. “Brexit would mean disaster for top-rank science funding and weaken my current research, possibly fatally. Another concern would be the uncertainty around recruiting European researchers and sta .” explains Prof. Malcolm Levitt who works with MRI scanners at the University of Southampton. If Britain does leave the EU, our EU science participation terms will come “One major strand of scienti c down to negotiations. We would not research is in health of course and be getting such a good deal as we do issues within health, such as rare now. Scientists’ key contribution to diseases, where you just can’t study the UK economy, national research e ectively within one country, we’ve and innovation must be part of the got examples of lots of di erent areas informed debate. within health where the common 15% of scientists in the UK are EU approach really helps us be world nationals and as previously outlined leading and crack those issues that are they play a vital role in our research very important to scienti c research ecosystem, Dr. Mike Galsworthy and ultimately people’s lives.” again, “A lot of them don’t like the On the 9th November, the Economy xenophobic tone at the moment and and Science Minister Edwina Hart have said quite openly that they’re announced at Swansea University already looking at other options that more than sixty science research should we vote for a brexit.” fellowships will bene t from a £39m

Necrophilia & The Animal Kingdom re you alone this Valentine’s court the dead lizard for 5 minutes strength of the males. Additionally, Day? Well don’t worry; it’s not before a  ock of geese  ying overhead testosterone levels are highest a er all doom and gloom in the shook his sexual bravado, and he  ed. torpa (hibernation) emergence worldA of necrophilia. Nobody would be impressed with in September, which is when this Necrophilia, the rather disgusting that performance. e next day, a disgusting act was observed. North Korea Launches Long act of engaging in sexual activities smaller tegu found the female. Her However, sometimes necrophilia with the dead is typically only was now body bloated with intestinal is deliberate. An Amazonia frog that associated with humans, however, gasses, and a foul smell emanated has not yet been granted a common Range Rocket Into Orbit there are many other examples of from her cadaver. Flesh  ies waited name (Rhinella proboscidea) Destabilising and provocative” are the US military’s nervous system. necrophilia in the animal kingdom. patiently on the tip of her nose for squeeze oocytes out of dead females says the United States as reports “80% of communications that the In 1995, Kees Moeliker from the their o spring to come pouring out unintentionally crushed in mass from state-run North Korean US military send go through space Rotterdam Natural History Museum of her ori ces. e male had his way breeding events to fertilize them, thus TV“ claim that, at 9.09am on Sunday satellites.” But their uses don’t stop in the Netherlands discovered (to his for 49 minutes before a ectionately saving energy. Known as ‘functional the 7th of Feburary, Kim Jong- there. “Spy satellites take long-range extreme surprise I strongly suspect), a tongue  icking her head, and walking necrophilia’, it’s the only example of un’s nation successfully launched a photos, and the GPS network, which is male mallard duck trying to have sex o – much better, right? necrophilia that isn’t a behavioural satellite into space despite sanctions basically a network of satellites, guides with a dead female outside his o ce A mixture of strong sex pheromones mistake, and brings direct  tness gain banning ballistic missile technology. everything from cars to missiles within window. still lingering on the recently dead generating descendants. An emergency meeting of the UN centimeter precision.” e US military e fun doesn’t stop at mallard female and a series of ‘behavioural Necrophilia is a disturbing topic to Security Council is to be held in New developed and owns this GPS system ducks. In September 2013, Ivan mistakes’ have been attributed to delve into. However, many interesting York City a er Japan, South Korea and and could in theory shut it down to Sazima from the Universidade necrophilia in the lizards. e males biological adaptations and new life the US have called for a discussion gain an advantage in war. Estadual de Campinas in Brazil are strongly in uenced by chemical history strategies are being discovered on a response to North Korea’s space Although claimed to be a scienti c recorded the peculiar mating cues during their sexual activity (in year on year. Although, probably best oddity. and peaceful launch it’s perhaps behaviours of the common tegu August to April), and it’s suggested to avoid on Valentine’s Day, or any Space, and the fragile satellites possible that North Korea could lizard. Ivan observed a male tegu that the males were unable to tell that other day for that matter. that hang in it, are of key military sabotage these satellite networks approach a recently dead female and the female was dead. Female tegus importance. from space or even deploy long-range  ick his forked tongue sensuously in (alive ones that is) remain mostly inert Peter Singer from the New America nuclear missiles. her direction. e male proceeded to during coitis due to the larger size and Foundation explains that satellites February Issue 2016 | Seren 9 ENVIRONMENT BREAKDOWN: ZIKA VIRUS s so many times in the recent aegypti mosquitoesz in the Americas, Africa was observed in the Yap island Consequences “the El Niño weather pattern is expected past, we hope the trouble is the transmitter of Zika and therefore in Polynesia, followed by a major to increase mosquito populations over. e increased frequency could potentially spread across the outbreak in 2013 in French Polynesia. About 80 per cent of individuals in many areas.” El Niño generating Aand magnitude of infectious agent globe. In Europe, the  rst pregnant e last one was accompanied with warmer and rainier summers could infected with the disease have no outbreaks such as the West African woman’s case and six other cases were a rise in neural disorder and birth symptoms. e remaining 20 per cent support the distribution of the Ebola virus epidemic that took con rmed earlier this month in the malformation serving as a precursor to have shown mild symptoms such as infection to temperate countries and over 11,000 lives and now the Zika Catalonia region although the Health present advancements. e worrying rush, fever, pain in the joints and eye outbreak, which is expected to impact Ministry of Spain remarked that there factor among the specialists now is in ammation for a duration of up to a 3 to 4 million within this year is a is no spreading risk within the country. that until 2000, the infection was not week. Yet what is found to cause the big whole speci c discussion in itself known to spread widely and cause damage is that Zika could bring about and is one that arguably raises an complex implications, suggesting that a neural dysfunction, the Guillain- important question about the social the virus may have changed genetically Barré syndrome, in some cases leading cost of modern pesticide, fertilizer becoming more e cient in taking over to paralysis or death. Still, the most and pharmaceutical use. According human cells. Nevertheless, this could concern over the virus’s impact is to a report by the Global Challenges be explained by the lack of immune that it’s linked to have an in uence on Foundation, global pandemics is one response in humans where the virus unborn babies. In the whole of 2014, of the 12 threats to civilization along has never been before and at the same Brazil has had fewer than 150 cases with nuclear war, arti cial intelligence time was additionally able to develop of microcephaly, the number that has and others. Although the risk is very as it reached densely populated increased 20-fold the following year. small (0.0001% likelihood), it is regions. Babies born with microcephaly are estimated to be equally dangerous subject to su er from brain damage as a threat of major asteroid impact. and abnormally small heads and have What sets it apart is that infectious a reduced life expectancy. e WHO diseases have a long and continuous o cial Bruce Aylward said “to make accelerate the rate of reproduction history of impacting populations and History a Zika virus vaccine would be at least in the mosquito. Oliver Brady of the importantly, is responsible for more a 12-month timeframe.” e fears University of Oxford published an deaths than wars are. over Zika led to many countries in analysis focusing on travelling history Now if we focus on Zika. In Brazil Zika’s emergence began in the of airline passengers from Brazilian African continent, where it  rst the region advising women to delay alone, already between 500,000 and pregnancy. airports in the recent past presently in 1.5 million people are found to be evolved as a forest animal infection, a ected areas. e study indicated that infected with the virus. Plus at least periodically transmitting to humans El Niño more than a quarter travelled to the US 23 more countries have reported cases but could never spread until half a of which about 60 per cent live in areas century ago, when it reached South- beginning from Zika’s detection in e Aedes aegypti mosquito has where the virus could be spread. May. According to the World Health East Asia. is is when the infection was established as no longer an spread Zika in mainly hot, tropical Organization, only Canada and countries, but the WHO director- continental Chile are free of the Aedes animal but human infection. In 2007, the  rst outbreak outside Asia and general Margaret Chan cautioned that

How do we determine which pharmaceuticals are worth researching ? ontinuing the discussion of of which in total, there are approximately holistic method that had a rigorous and across the United Kingdom and estrogens, and 3 metabolites”. e how microbiological activity 1500. Since only a very small number of all encompassing structure to identify identi ed 16 pharmaceuticals that method is believed to be suitable for is a ecting humans and the pharmaceuticals currently in use have which active ingredients should be attracted special attention. Among use in other parts of the world and will Cenvironment, a recent paper published in been assessed for their e ects on birds, examined and monitored. the 16 substances were medicaments contribute to a better understanding of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry mammals, soil and aquatic organisms at is until scientists from the used as “antibiotic, antidiabetic, the interactions between organisms and journal proposed a new method of it would be practically impossible to University of York applied their new anti-in ammatory, antidepressant, pharmaceutical ingredients to provide prioritizing research on the most evaluate the entire spectrum of drugs method on 146 compounds that are used antiobesity, antisecretory, lipid protection to the environment and impactful pharmaceutical ingredients, andz. Up to this day, there hasn’t been a in both hospitals and the communities modifying agents, antiepileptics, humans. 10 Seren | February Issue 2016 COMMENT Swipe Right or Swipe Left? t’s February, so Valentine’s Day will soon be here. It’s not the most extravagant or popular festival celebrated around the world, but it is one of the most contentious and hotly-debated. Bring up the subject, and the response is either overwhelmingly in favour because “love is the most magical thing in the world”, or decidedly against the Iidea because “it supports the capitalist elite that controls our lives” - or so the stereotypes go. I can’t weigh in on this topic. Both sides have valid points, but I I never could bring myself to decide - mostly be- cause I was occuppied with cards of my own - birthday cards, that is. In order to get to the root of the issue where I couldn’t, we decided to have a debate of our own. by JONATHAN PERONS Let us know your thoughts at [email protected] by J.P. BEBBINGTON New Year dawns and a new semester blossoms, Awhile exams descend into the mists of our minds and new events hosted by RAG spring up. This month we will continue to Swipe Right raise money for our designated charities: Children’s Air Ambu- lance, Tiny Tickers, Child Brain Trust and New Life Foundation. To start this month o , we will be hosting a Harry Potter Feast in PJ Hall (Main Arts) on Friday the 19th February, where you have the chance to immerse yourself in the magical world of Hogwarts by by EMILY HOULSTONJONES that was the consensus, who was I to use. Welcome to Capitalist Society kid. joining us for a Feast and attend- feel no shame when I say that I couple celebrating Valentine’s day, argue? Does that make these occasions any ing lessons throughout the Uni- unapologetically, wholeheartedly, “that’s so lame.” I’d choke back tears At some point in time, a  ip switched less fun? Of course not! So why should versity where you can take all of love Valentine’s Day. If I could buy while watching Love Actually, because inside of me. More speci cally, the Valentine’s Day be any di erent? your favourite subjects - whether Valentine’sI Day a Valentine’s Day card, what kind of idiot cries while watching switch  ipped from “gives too many “But Emily,” I hear you whine (I have it be Potions or Charms. Tickets I would. If I could take Valentine’s Day a  lm about love? I told my teenage f*cks” to “gives literally no f*cks.” If pretty good hearing), “I’m single, and are on sale from the Student’s Un- out for a slap-up meal at Dylan’s, I boyfriend that “I’m like, so not into all I want to spend my February 14th Valentine’s Day makes me sad.” To ion for only £12. would. If I could buy a dozen red roses that, like, romantic consumerist rub- heart-farting all over Bangor, then I which I say: who cares? Valentine’s After the wands and books have for Valentine’s Day, I would. at’s bi s h .” will, because that’s what I enjoy do- Day is about relationships, yes… been put away, Rag Week will run how much I love Valentine’s Day. I thought I was so cool. I wasn’t, I ing, and life is too short to not do the but the most important relationship from Saturday the 20th to the I am what most people would call a was dumb. Because I loved seeing things you enjoy. in your life is the one you have with 27th of February. This is a week “”soppy idiot.” I prefer the term “hope- happy couples on Valentine’s Day. I Yes, Valentine’s Day is a consumerist yourself. So buy some discounted full of events and fundraising for less romantic,” but it’s hard to deny my loved romantic consumerist rubbish. holiday. So is literally every other holi- chocolates and champagne and treat the four charities (above) where inherent over-sentimentality when I And goddammit, I loved Love Actual- day in existence. Don’t tell me you’ve yourself to a romantic night-in. we o er a wide range of activities, do things like listen to Adele songs be- ly. But I pretended I didn’t because no never spent money on a Halloween Who said you need a partner to en- such as a Casino night, Bake-o cause I feel like having a cry. one else seemed to like those things. costume, or some overpriced Paddies joy Valentine’s Day? night, Karaoke night, Open-mic I spent years denying my true self. Everyone else seemed to have agreed Day drinks, or a Christmas present night and many more soon to be “Huh,” I’d sco upon seeing a happy that Valentine’s Day was terrible and if that you know the recipient will never announced across social media and the university. Following on from the excite- ment of Harry Potter and RAG Week, the travellers of Jail Break Swipe Left will set o across the globe with the sole aim to get away from Bangor as far as possible in 48 hours. This will take place on the 19th and 20th of March with the aim to raise as much money for charity as possible. Or they have a looming deadline. If you are interested in any of is truly commercialisation at its  nest couples who use the excuse of Valen- with glee! by EMMA JEWKES and for that you have to say kudos to tine’s Day to have a date. Why not go I’m not against the idea of love, that’s these events, don’t forget to here’s a brilliant Simpsons epi-  nd us on Facebook or contact the card companies. ey’ve managed out on any of the other 364 days of the not what all of this is about. I’m actual- sode in which a superstore in- to turn love into the biggest money year? In my opinion, if you really need ly a huge romantic at heart and I think a member of the RAG Team for vents, in order to boost sales, a making racket of all. a special occasion to go out and enjoy it’s for that reason that Valentine’s Day, more information. Tnew August holiday called Love Day. It’s not just about the cards, I actually each other’s company then you really or at least what it has become, annoys e overall arc of the episode is about quite like the idea of those as a way of should not be together. me so much. I don’t want an unseen the generation of waste and its dispos- projecting a ection. It’s more about Maybe I’m being a little harsh but overseer telling me when to show my al. For me that is what Valentine’s Day [email protected] the other rubbish that comes with Val- surely I have a point? It’s literally com- partner how much I love them. at’s has become. e creation of waste that entine’s Day. e cutesy little bunny mercialisation at its  nest. We all com- surely not what love is about, is it? there really shouldn’t be a need for, BangorUniRaggies rabbit toys singing bad versions of plain about the destruction of Christ- Love is more than that, it’s the truest of and the commercialisation of the most eighties love ballads, the heart shaped mas yet no one seems to bat an eyelid human emotions and experiences and @BangorRAG natural human emotion of all. Why balloons, the World’s Greatest Lover at the most blatant display of commer- it’s not something that should be used do we need, much like the characters mugs, the rubbish that we really just cialisation of all. I can literally see the to line the pockets of people in suits. from e Simpsons, a day on which do not need in the world. Also it’s the owner of Clintons rubbing his hands to declare our love for each other ? It February Issue 2016 | Seren 11 11.02.16 12.02.16 13.02.16 14.02.16 50 FIRST FRIDAY SERENDIPITY PUDDING DATES FILM NIGHT 2 FOR 2 Bar Uno: 7pm Academi: All Day Acapela/Braint:ROMCOMFEST 7pm BAR UNO: 6pm-8pm Nibbles + quick fire questions Come and see us, take your Enjoy an indulgent + new people = find new mates Vote for your favourite photo in our photo booth and pudding with a friend for Valentines’ Day! online - get there early, enter competitions for prizes! - SPECIAL OFFER we’ll bring the snacks! 06.03.16 14.02.16 WET & WILD WET & WILD KAYAKING COASTAL & PADDLE WALK BOARDING Trip: 1-5pm Trip: 1-5pm Book early to avoid Book early to avoid disappointment! disappointment!

04.03.16 15.02.16 FRIDAY CHINESE FILM NIGHT CULTURE Disney VS PIXAR Acapela/Braint: 7pm LESSONS Acapela: 7pm Vote for your favourite movie and we’ll show it - get there A fusion of culture early, we’ll bring snacks! and language 03.03.16 16.02.16 NOSH4 COME DINE STUDENTS WITH ME Reichel Kitchens: 7pm Barlows Kitchens: 7pm

Pass on the super Show off your skills in noodles and learn how this tasty competition to cook some first to be crowned class dishes head chef

02.03.16 18.02.16 HOT CHOCOLATE CLUEDO MORNING Ffridd & St Marys Halls: NIGHT 8.30am Braint: 7pm The Great Detective game Warm your fingers with comes to Life in Bangor a cup of tasty Campus Life Hot Chocolate 01.03.16 20.02.16 ST DAVIDS CAMPUS DAY QUIZ LIFE TRIP Barlows & Bar Uno: 7pm Trip: 10am-4pm Join the quiz and enjoy a free Visit the Tree-Top adventure bowl of tasty Leek and Potato rope course in Betws y Coed - Soup to celebrate! book online via Bangor Uni Shop

29.02.16 28.02.16 26.02.16 24.02.16 23.02.16 22.02.16 HOT CHINESE LET’S GO FRIDAY CHOCOLATE POOL CHINESE CULTURE FILM NIGHT MORNING CULTURE BANGOR Garth: 7pm Ffridd & St Marys Halls: NIGHT LESSONS St Marys MUGA: 12-3pm 8.30am Bar Uno: 7pm LESSONS Acapela: 7pm Come along for this week’s Acapela: 7pm Enjoy a triad of movie - We’ll bring the snacks! Warm your fingers with Battle it out to be crowned the A fusion of culture outdoor games a cup of tasty Campus Pool Champion of Ffridd Site A fusion of culture and language Life Hot Chocolate and language 12 Seren | February Issue 2016 BOOKS In Brief Is this real love? Or is it just FRESH OFF THE tragedy? PRESSES e Art of Being Normal (paperback), Lisa William – 5th of January Truthwitch, Susan Dennard – 5th of January is Census-Taker, China Miéville – 12th of January e Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain (Notes From a Small Island #2), Bill Bryson – 19th of January We Are the Ants, Shaun David Hutchinson – 19th of January e Innocent Killer, Michael Griesbach – 21st of January e Bands of Mourning: A Mistborn Novel, Brandon Sanderson – 28th of January e Romanovs: 1613-1918, Simon Sebag Monte ore – 28th of January Why Fonts Matter, Lisa Hyndman – 28th of January First Love, James Patterson and Emily Raymond – 29th of January Originals, Adam Grant – 2nd of February

IN OTHER by EMMA DEBNEY NEWS e all know the kind. e system. Why worry about all the dead where I’m going, they should just rip she a woman or a pet? When you add books we’re told are just to kids when there’s a bit of snogging to the engine straight out. I won’t even be in the uncomfortable level of alcohol Google pressured by die for if you’re looking for be had? mad. I’ll probably  nd it sweet. everyone seems to try to get Ana to US Author’s Guild aW bit of something sweet – or saucy. Sorry, did I say the Capitol? I meant Seriously though, this book is better imbibe because they really want her to e love! e drama! From Romeo our very own mass media. Slip of the read as a tragedy. Where a 100 year old become more compliant, I start to miss A large number of leading authors & Juliet to e Great Gatsby, there’s a tongue. man indoctrinates a teenage girl into a the Mormon restraint of Twilight. have joined the US Author’s Guild few persistent books that someone or Twilight cult. A lifelong cult that you can never Ana’s inner goddess needs a decent in their attempt to hold Google to other will always insist are love stories, Ah, Twilight! at paragon of escape. cup of tea and some therapy. account for digitising millions of in- when they’re really, really not. misguided novels. How many of us Fi y Shades of Grey Lolita copyright texts. e case dates back e Hunger Games have wished for our own Edwards I know this is basically Twilight Humbert Humbert is a misogynistic, to its inception in 2005, when the I’m not sure what it is about teenage and Jacobs? e stalking. e sexual 2.0, but I feel it deserves a special racist paedophile who rapes Dolores company began its work without girls  ghting against a genocidal, child assault. e honeymoon nookie that mention because it’s just that bad. Haze, whom he calls “Lolita”. “Lolita” permission. In 2013, a US circuit judge murdering oligarchy that screams nearly kills our heroine. e baby And I don’t just mean the writing in is a  gment of Humbert Humbert’s dismissed the case, citing “fair-use”. “romance” to people, but perhaps clawing out of her stomach that only general – every girl blushes the colour grotesque imagination. He is a A er a second rejection by the US I’m just being di cult. A er all, why doesn’t kill her because she’s already of e Communist Manifesto, am I horri cally unreliable narrator. court of appeals, the Author’s Guild is should you be allowed to focus on the dead. Everyone should hope for a right? – but the fact that everything Dolores is a child. Dolores gives birth now petitioning the Supreme Court. parallels to modern day America – relationship stolen straight out of an that was bad in Edward Cullen and to a stillborn baby and then dies at age shock horror, Rue is meant to be black abuser’s personal diary. I know I really co. seems to have been turned up 17. – when the Capitol can just distract want someone to break into my room to eleven here. We have the regular is is not a romance. Swindon plans to you with a forced focus on everyone’s in the middle of the night, watch me sexual assault, stalking, yadda yadda Alright everyone, to recover, I close almost 15 favourite trope; the love triangle. I sleep without my permission, and not yadda. en there’s the weird hyper- suggest you go and read some Austen; mean, everyone knows a good bit of tell me about any of this for weeks. controlling tactics, down to whether Pride & Prejudice maybe. at lady libraries romantic drama tops the  ght of the And who needs the autonomy of their or not Ana is allowed to snack. e does nothing but romance, with not a e UK’s largest body of professional oppressed against a vicious and deadly own car? No, if my partner doesn’t like contract is a whole heap of awful: is dystopia nor a cult in sight. librarians spoke out against the potential closing of libraries in Swindon, saying we could be “heading for a new low”. e unveiled plan details the need for a £1.5million cut in the £2.6million budget by 2020, forcing the libraries to be handled Amazon to open hundreds of physical by volunteers, or face closure. e McDonald’s are serving books in Happy Swindon Advertiser reported that bookshops Meals in 2016 council chiefs expect to  nd enough volunteers to prevent the closure of branches, “but have accepted there will by CRISTOPHER CRANE by JORDAN GLENDENNING need to be a ‘rationalisation’ of services f you were to pop over the pond however, as the UK McDonald’s  er opening a physical book- Parker or men’s clothing retailer if no one is found at a particular site”. and  nd yourself in a McDonald’s Happy Meal monthly toy is DC Comic shop in Seattle last November, Bonobos found success online and this week and decided upon those or Hello Kitty related and to go with closely situated near Amazon’s moved into the material world. happiestI of meals, you would  nd the that they are o ering book tokens. Pull Texan bookshop Aheadquarters, rumours are emerging ough eventually o ering ‘toy’ inside to be a book. One of four o the token and take it to your nearest offering 10% discount that the online retailer is planning on everything from groceries to original titles would be available; Paddington, WHSmith shop to purchase a £1 copy to booklovers who opening 300–400 new bookshops. TV programming, Amazon did by Michael Bond, illustrated by R. W. of either Wonder Woman: Rumble in ‘open carry’ handguns e ebook giant has neither actually start as a bookseller, 21 years Alley; Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is the Rainforest or Batman: Emperor con rmed nor denied whether their ago. It’s o en hard to describe the Brave New Books in Austin, Texas Cool, by Kimberly and James Dean; of the Airwaves. e Batman story is plans include opening hundreds of common opinion people have of Clark the Shark Takes Heart, by Bruce also available as an ebook, using the describes itself as “anti-war, anti-state physical locations or not. It would Amazon, which runs the gamut from and pro-market” and said that it’s the Hale and illustrated by Guy Francis; voucher. strike me as strange if the company love to hatred. and Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by e McDonald’s website has “only open carry friendly bookstore in o en credited with the destruction of e impact of Amazon bookshops Austin TX and now we have a special Laura Numero and Felicia Bond. additional activity sheets you can bookshops would open many of their on independent booksellers remains e Valentine’s Day themed books print out to colour in at home: www. promotion where we are o ering own establishments, but really, there is to be seen, but it is my hope that the 10% o all purchases when legally are only available up to the 15th mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/Family/ a precedent. Similar moves occurred little guys aren’t forced into dissolution February, and it appears only in the Happy-meal.html open carrying a handgun. Be sure to when the eyewear company Warby any more than they already are. recognise the four  rearms rules while USA. O ering books isn’t restricted Available from 27th January 2016 – at Brave”, it said on Facebook. to the American side of the Atlantic, 22nd March 2016. February Issue 2016 | Seren 13 MUSIC

Is love still alive in modern music? songs are not simply restricted to seem to grip the masses nowadays. love that can be expressed through cringe worthy to write that, but it’s the by TIARNA ARMSTRONG signi cant others and relationships. Perhaps it is because these ordinary song. truth. I believe it is dependent on one’s So, is it really fair to say that the idea of lyrics mirror artists of the past, or What about those who are own de nition of love. his is certainly a di cult love is really dead in music? perhaps I’m just being morbid. But reconstructing love in music? Take Someone might say that their question to answer. It isn’t It is fair to say that the dynamic of there is some hope for modern-day Twenty One Pilots for example. ree favourite ballad was written by Drake; something you think about the stereotypical ballad has changed ballads. Take Alex Turner for example. years ago the American alt-pop duo another might say e Verve or e To en. But when you do, it’s always the greatly over the years. Nowadays, Hailed as one of the greatest modern went viral with their cover of “Can’t Cure; another might say Elvis or Stevie same songs that spring to mind. ose we are so used to seeing colossal lyricists, Turner is able to woo the Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, Wonder. What must be realised here is classics such as Whitney Houston’s artists such as Drake, our very own masses with his witty, poetic and and the video currently sits on 17.8 that love songs are not like Christmas ‘I Will Always Love You’, and Elvis 21st Century Romeo of R&B, and down-to-earth take on romance: million views on YouTube. What about songs, every year the same twenty Presley’s ‘Love Me Tender’. Or perhaps Barbadian princess of dance-pop “You’re rarer than a can of dandelion Arctic Monkeys – one of the most Christmas songs are played mercilessly more modern models such as Plain Rihanna transform a romance song and burdock/ and those other girls talked about bands on the planet – and without end. Whereas love, being such White T’s ‘Hey ere Delilah’, and into, very o en, repetitive and bland are just post-mix lemonade” (Arctic their musical rendition of “I Wanna Be an achingly complicated emotion, can Jason Mraz’s ‘I’m Yours’. drivel. But lyrics like: “You’re the girl, Monkeys - Suck It and See). Overall, Yours” by poet John Cooper Clarke? be found continuously, in countless Love songs have the appearance of you’re the one” (Drake - Hold On I believe there are only so many ways Is it truly right to say that love is no di erent ways. You can  nd it across being ageless, they constantly evolve We’re Going Home) and “I feel like I’m to express romance through music. longer existent in music? Absolutely a plethora of songs, genres, and, most with time. Although o en mundane a hopeless romantic/ can’t help falling is limit has long been reached. not. So long as people exist, both love importantly, in the hearts of musicians and monotonous, the subjects of love in love” (Rihanna - Drunk on Love) ankfully, there are other forms of and music will exist. It was brutally across the globe. Three albums to listen to this Valentine’s Day by FINNIAN SHARDLOW

Miles Davis – Charli XCX – Father John Misty – Featured Artist: Sara Bareilles Kind Of Blue True Romance I Love You, Honeybear listening to this album. It provides he best Miles Davis record of his is most de nitely the alone- ow for the album that will by SASHA DEACON us with one of the most beautifully all time. The best jazz record of on-Valentine’s-Day album. keep the Valentine’s Day written songs of the year, She Used Tall time. One of THE records of TBefore Charli’s pop boom, Nhaters happy. This LP was know that this is the Valentine’s To Be Mine. is track isn’t exactly all time. If it’s a sinuous onslaught of came True Romance. Despite its reviewed last month as part of Seren’s Day special, and I know Bareilles autobiographical, but it talks about a smooth horns you want, this is the title, True Romance unveils Charli’s Top 15 Albums of 2015. So if you isn’t exactly known for her roman- girl who seems to have lost herself. It’s LP for you. Your romantic night in feverish aversions to love. Murky want to scorn all who cherish love, ticI love songs. It’s refreshing though, accompanied by a haunting, simplistic, and Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue aren’t 80s synth-pop acts as a charming rest assured that your experience in a haze of love ballads, to listen to vintage black and white video. too dissimilar when you think about foundation for themes of desire, won’t be underwhelming. I Love an artist that doesn’t want to just sing Bareilles debuted in 2007 with her it. They’re both improvised for a ambivalence, and a deeper human You, Honeybear, on all fronts, is a about the love of their life. If you are satirically ironic Love Song. ‘Sara start (be honest with yourself). On a frailty. gorgeously constructed album. one of those people who are sick of the Bareilles’ is not a name that many serious note, no jazz album grips me Make no mistake, behind the veil It sounds so operatic, but comes ‘lovey-dovey’ music that gets played people claim they know well, thus, with performance like Kind Of Blue of sadness is a direct, catchy pop across so personal. Each sneering around this time of the year, pick up leading her to be (in my opinion) does. Each melody is ingrained with album. True Romance is a genuine lyric Misty puts forward feels like one of Sara’s albums. In fact, Bareilles’ one of the most underrated stars of allure, each transition is graceful; example of beauty beneath the an in-joke between you and him. music is appropriate for any time of this generation. However, Bareilles is every second feels weightless. baron woes of love. Stay Away is the Misty’s criticism of the opposite the year. never short of celebrity fans, singing For some unknown reason, jazz darkest moment this album o ers, sex is amusingly bitter. This is just Late last year, Bareilles released her with people such as Elton John and is plastered with an intimidating parading Charli’s lyrical pro ciency: one of the few witticisms from The latest album, What’s Inside: Songs Seth MacFarlane. It is my prediction tag. The truth is, jazz is the most “I knew you were no angel/ But Night Josh Tillman Came To Our from Waitress. It displays all of the that this year, Sara will be one of the gratifying genre to explore. Kind Of god, you’re just electric blue.” The Apartment: “Of the few main things songs she’s written and composed for shining stars. Bareilles is one to look Blue is an ideal place to start. With vivid phrase ‘electric blue’ paints the I hate about her, one’s her petty, the musical Waitress. is Broadway out for in 2016, be ‘brave’ and try each listen, melodies and rhythms picture of a cold relationship that vogue ideas/ Someone’s been told musical is set to debut on the 25th something new. Let’s give Bareilles the gradually become less opaque. still possesses sketches of passion, too many times they’re beyond their March 2016. recognition that she truly deserves. or as Charli puts it: electric. years.” I would thoroughly recommend 14 Seren | February Issue 2016 FASHION

by KATHERINE BARNES him stand out from other designers, an era which was dominated by the e designer’s work has attracted furniture, perfume and even vodka. and he was soon given commissions fashion trend of minimalism, of many celebrities and pop stars such Recently he celebrated over forty oberto Cavalli is an Italian from fashion houses such as Hermes. subdued colours, and shoulder pads. as Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, who years of being in fashion. When he fashion designer best known During this decade Cavalli also His bright exotic designs struggled commissioned Cavalli to design their was asked if he is thinking of retiring, for the enchanting mix of opened his  rst boutique in Saint during this minimalist decade but he stage out ts for their world tours. He he exclaimed: “Fashion is in my blood Rbold prints in his fashion line, as well Tropez called Limbo, foreseeing the soon rose again as the king of excess has also designed dresses for Victoria - I could never tire of it”. as being the  rst designer to create idyllic  shing village’s potential as in fashion during the 1990’s. Beckham, Madonna, Beyoncé, Megan Roberto Cavalli has contributed the sand-blasted e ect on jeans and a hotspot for the rich and famous. In the 1990’s the designer had the Fox and Kate Hudson. Celebrities greatly to the fashion world with printing on leather. His regulars included Sophia Loren, idea of creating sand-blasted jeans. have described his work as: “A walk his love of extravagance, beauty Cavalli rose to fame a er he Brigitte Bardot and Countess is was the  rst time the e ect had on the wild side”, his dresses plunging and nature. e western world fell presented his  rst collection of printed Consuelo Crespi. been used and this brought great perilously low in the neckline and in love with his printed designs on leather gowns to the fashion world But this wild idea of printing diversity to the denim market. As sculpted tight to create an enviable leather, velvet, suede and denim. He in 1970. Mario Valentino, known as on leather was not at  rst wholly well as the sand-blasted e ect, Cavalli  gure, which was of course adorned will always be known as the designer the key designer of Italian leather at successful, it being so new and also developed denim with cutting with prints of nature and animal who dared to be di erent and it is this the time, thought that Cavalli’s new unusual in the fashion world. So edge styles and his love of prints, as design which are the signature of unique quality which de nes him in printing technique was “fantastic!” Cavalli focussed on creating a line of he printed designs such as snakes, Cavalli. the word of fashion. is revolutionary idea of making jeans with an edge.  owers and leopard print on his As well as creating a fashion empire, evening gowns out of leather made e designer struggled in the 1980’s, denim which was a roaring success. Cavalli extended his talent to making From Catwalk to Highstreet: Trends for 2016

Bearing Wide-leg Colour Higher Necklines Shoulders Frills Backpacks Trousers is year is all about showing Frills were everywhere in the Backpacks are appearing for Skinnies have  nally been Fancy brightening up your An unusual neckline can o your shoulders – perfect collections for Summer 2016. 2016 in all shapes and sizes. pushed aside to make way wardrobe, now is the time to make a plain out t look way if you don’t like showing too Frills add interest to summer Buying a backpack in a neutral for the wide-leg. Men should do it. Ladies, clash two bright more interesting. e hatchling much skin. Keep the rest of the dresses, and are perfect for colour means it will go with look out for wider trousers, colours if you feel con dent, or neckline is something new for out t simple, and team with making casual out ts look pretty much any out t. Chic and roll up the bottoms for a look out for bold stripes and women – just a tad shorter heels so your legs look as long feminine. and practical. more casual look. For women, patterns. All shades of green than the average turtleneck. as your arms. boyfriend jeans are still going are on trend for menswear -go Turtlenecks look great on men strong this year. brighter and make a statement. if you add a layer on top. 08.03.16 16 Seren | February Issue 2016 TV THE AGE OF NETFLIX & CHILL? as arguably the most realistic romantic comedy, then turn to Net ix Original Zombies isn’t for you. by ANNIE PATEL drama on Net ix at the moment. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Penned For all the single straight girls/gay hether you are single or in Amazon Prime o ers up a variety of by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, ever- guys/anyone with fully functioning a relationship, a duvet day romantic comedies too. Surprisingly, optimist Kimmy  nds herself in New vision, all three series’ of Luther is is probably the best way to Man Up is already available on Prime York a er escaping an underground available on Net ix, excluding the lat- spendW Valentine’s Day rather than go- even though it was only released mid- post-apocalyptic cult. e bright, col- est fourth series. If bad boy detective ing outside to face the Bangor weather. last year. e  lm takes us on a journey ourful plot, and annoyingly catchy DCI John Luther isn’t your cup of tea, Who needs to spend stupid amounts of  nding love a er divorce through a theme tune is enough of an excuse to then by all means, watch something of money on consumerist gi s, when series of hilarious misunderstandings. binge-watch this Valentine’s Day. else that he stars in. Several of his fea- the most fun you can have includes a Simon Pegg plays the lead, Jack, who Brooklyn Nine Nine is another series ture  lms are available on Net ix: both Dating Shows: laptop, duvet, and copious amounts mistakes Nancy (Lake Bell) for his that is perfect to watch if you are a fan or  lms, ‘Mandela, My Dad and Me’ of food? So curl up with (or without) blind date. e twist? He thinks she of police comedies, Andy Samberg, and Golden Globe nominated Beasts Cringeworthy your signi cant other and escape the is 24 years old, when in reality she is and Terry Crew’s muscles. e star of of No Nation, in which Elba plays a real world with these TV and  lm 10 years older. Instead of correcting the show for me however, is comedian commandant, training child soldiers recommendations. his mistake, Nancy goes with the  ow, Chelsea Peretti’s character, the obnox- in an unnamed African civil war. I or Addictive? Cheesy rom-coms are what they are: and the results are pretty predictable. ious self-obsessed Gina, who has some cannot think of a better way to spend by EMMA JEWKES cheesy and romantic, but that doesn’t However, the  lm is cute and quirky, of the best one-liners on the show. e Valentine’s Day than spiritually with mean they are inherently bad. Both and illustrates that saying: age is just a latest series in on E4, ursdays at Idris Elba, so now you know how I’m hen I was growing up in the Legally Blonde  lms are available number. 9pm. spending February 14th, don’t judge. nineties, one of the staple on Net ix and its box-o ce success Also on Prime is the Channel 4 series If you wish to be transported to an- Failing that, catch up on First Dates Saturday night television has spawned spin-o s and a musi- Catastrophe, which exempli es the other era with a few steamy scenes on All 4, what used to be called 4oD, showsW was Blind Date hosted by the cal theatre adaptation for Broadway. whole hook-up culture that we live in thrown in, catch up on all four sea- and cringe/laugh at the awkward cou- irritating yet brilliant Cilla Black. e at counts for something as a cheesy nowadays. While in London on a busi- sons of Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King ples, it is guaranteed to warm your show itself was unbelievably trashy, yet movie right? ness trip, American businessman Rob Henry VIII in e Tudors on Net ix. heart. I was quite dubious when it  rst it remains ingrained in the heads of all However, there are some perfectly ro- (Rob Delaney) gets Sharon (Sharon Without the steamy scenes but starring aired but now, every week I look for- who grew up watching it as a nostalgic mantic  lms on Net ix: French drama Horgan) pregnant. e 6 episode se- Colin Firth is the 1995 TV adaptation ward to seeing Fred’s glorious beard on view of what Saturday nights used to Blue is the Warmest Colour explores a ries is fairly witty and Sharon and Rob Pride and Prejudice on Amazon Prime my screen. be like. Blind Date, like its modern day girl’s sexuality when she meets Emma, are a hilarious couple going through a and Net ix. e classic Jane Austen Happy binge-watching folks! equivalent Take Me Out, became an an older art student. e raw emotion pretty ridiculous situation. It’s ideal to period drama is a perfect choice espe- addiction. is addiction is something of this coming-of-age drama de nes it binge-watch in one sitting. cially if the soon-to-be-released zom- that dating shows in general seem to If you want pure unadulterated bie adaptation Pride and Prejudice and have, no matter how trashy they may be. Take Me Out is truly one of the shal- lowest of shows, boosting a format in Valentine’s Fun on which contestants are rated based on their looks. It’s a pretty horrible way of basing attraction but it’s a show that is, for millions of people, an essential part of their Saturday night viewing itinerary. Late nineties Davina McCall vehi- cle Streetmate was similarly trashy and equally addictive. e show had McCall running through the streets roping in bystanders who then had to  nd a date based on attraction. e cringe factor was o en increased during the regularly awkward rejec- tions. It is possibly that cringe factor that makes these types of shows so addictive. A prime example of the cringe fac- tor is in Channel 4 hit series First Dates. e show is essentially what it says on the tin, a  rst date which has been set up on the shows website. It is o en cringe tv at its  nest with disas- trous dates played out in all their glory. Sometimes we get a glimpse at true love developing but that’s not why we tune in, not if we’re being completely honest. We watch for the cringe factor. If this cringe factor is truly the main ingredient that feeds our addiction to- wards dating shows then surely there is no  ner example than ITVs Dinner Date. e format is simple. e con- testant picks three prospective dates from  ve di erent menus. ey then by SASHA DEACON a woman who does not return his af- Attenborough type feature but with have a dinner at each of the three menu fections. e second, Elephant by Nick some very colourful language. All of owner’s houses before picking one for Helm, explores two best friends who the episodes are very funny but those a proper restaurant date. Essentially it’s n the run up to Valentine’s Day this year, the BBC have aired some are secretly in love with one another three, I personally think held more a cross between First Dates and Come but too afraid to say anything. I also “laugh out loud” moments. Dine with Me, which only goes to short, online exclusive clips called FunnyI Valentines. ey give us some believe that there is an underlying e clips vary in terms of comedic ramp up the cringe. message that Valentine’s Day is not o erings, but each one brings some- So it seems that the more a show insight into what various comedians, such as Sara Pascoe and Bill Bailey, the only day to say “I love you,” and thing di erent to the table in terms of makes us cringe, the more we keep on that the day will go by and you will storyline and plot. Funny Valentines is watching. First Dates is a prime exam- think of this iconic day of love. Out of the eight short episodes that still be in love with someone on the a fun, quirky little series which I would ple of how potentially uncomfortable 15th. Finally the third is Wild Love, plead with you to go and watch for a  rst date can be, which most of us BBC Iplayer aired, the three that I would recommend are as follows: by Matt Berry (see le ). is one is a yourself; you will not be sorry. In all can relate to in the dating world. So no documentary about reproduction in honesty, I would be lying if I said that matter how trashy the format or how episode four by Modern Toss called Lady and the Fly. If you are a fan of the animal kingdom, with the message I didn’t have a rather pessimistic view irritating the host may be, it seems we that animals do not need a special day on Valentine’s Day, and thus I was able just can’t get enough. animation this will be a favourite of yours too. e story is one of unre- to show one another their feelings. It to appreciate the satirical messages quited love, where a  y is in love with mocks the human tradition in a David that the short episodes conveyed. Seren | February Issue 2016 17 FILM

by SEBASTIAN ELLIS Remembering the Titans ith one of America’s biggest coach to the football team of recent- when Bertier is injured in a car crash e sports scenes themselves are un- Panettiere, and Donald Faison are years for its national sport ly desegregated T.C Williams High he only wanted his black “brother” inspiring. Aside from a few tense mo- amongst the biggest names that fea- of football (their version) School based in Virginia. Boone had Julius in the hospital room beside him. ments at the scrimmage area we rarely ture. Faison has the largest role out of andW the conclusion of Super Bowl 50, taken over the role from Hall of Fame e way the screenplay characterises see much action on the football side the three and acts as a major part of coupled with Britain’s ever increasing nominee Bill Yoast (Will Patton) and Boone and Yoast together works clev- despite the fact that the team are on the comic relief side of the  lm. interest in the sport across the pond, despite taking up the role of assistant erly, they are not both stereotypical an undefeated season. ere are also In the team’s championship game, I thought it was only right to look co-ordinator, there is ample disarray characters on either side of the spec- unanswered questions that cause con- whether or not the Titan’s win is of no back at a  lm that celebrates how our for both coaches to contend with, in trum. But they are both professionals fusion. Such as why the black players great importance, as the results had beloved sports can act as a tool for regards to relations between the white who are liable to make mistakes along at the start of the picture are all just nothing to do with what they were try- bringing people from all backgrounds and black players on the team. the way in what they believe is in the seemingly happy to be in considera- ing to prove. Remember the Titans is a together. Remember the Titans, direct- e two main players that we fol- best interests of the players. Boone be- tion for the new mixed side, whereas great  lm and acts not only as a mes- ed by Boaz Yakin and based on a true low throughout the  lm are Julius lieves that he needs to treat them with they must have had their own team at sage to breaking down racism, but also story, explores these common topics Campbell (Wood Harris) and Gerry a tough attitude to prepare them for their previous school, are they not also to breaking down adversity. is  lm perfectly and acts as one of Disney’s Bertier (Ryan Hurst). ey begin as growing up, whereas Yoast feels they unhappy that they’ve lost that previous is more about friendship than any- more quietly successful entries into the enemies, believing their lives are op- need to be protected during this time team? thing else. People forming bonds and sports-based genre. posed, but their friendship that bonds in their life. e  lm also has what you would forgetting about social barriers that Led by Coach Herman Boone (Denzel over sport transcends those social con- ere are obvious problems that do call an ensemble cast hid quietly in the others decided were necessary. Washington), a newly employed head structs and there is a heartfelt scene also come with this  lm like any other. background, Ryan Gosling, Hayden

by JACK BROOKES Star Wars: Episode VII he latest  lm in the long-run- essentially mirrors the plot of Episode links back to the original trilogy. the diehard fanbase. Some familiar Wars, sci- , or beautiful cinematic ning sci- classic is now with IV. Whilst this may be valid, the jaw- ere are scenes where you are taken faces return, but the heroes are  lled  lms, go and see A Force Awakens. It is us. Directed by J J Abrams dropping visuals, beautiful CGI, audio back to your childhood, back to scenes out by Finn, Poe, and Rey. Finn, played without a doubt, a worthy follow up to T— who also directed the controver- production (with another world-class of X-wings skimming a giant space by John Boyega, is a Stormtrooper un- the original  lms and already beats the sial reboots of the Star Trek  lms — soundtrack by John Williams), and station. However, as with everything, sure of his place (whose importance prequel trilogy. Abrams has given us Episode VII sees the con ict between stunning cinematography make this this space station is much, much big- in the  lm caused a stir with a num- a solid foundation to the new trilogy the First Order — the remnants of the  lm highly enjoyable. e fact this is ger. e similarities between e Force ber of racists on Twitter who opposed and we can look ahead to the next two destroyed Galactic Empire — and the a new Star Wars with modern CGI al- Awakens and the original, Star Wars: A his ethnicity). Poe Dameron, played  lms with excitement. It’s a far throw Resistance, formed from the remnants ready places it leaps and bounds above New Hope, are obvious. But, rather than by Oscar Isaac, is a crack Resistance from the misery that came a er the of the Rebel Alliance. When a map to some of the dark parts of the prequel feeling like more of the same, we are pilot on a mission to secure the map last time they tried to add to the Star  nd the hidden Jedi Luke Skywalker trilogy. It’s a very beautiful  lm, and a treated to new heroes, new adventures, locating Luke Skywalker. Rey, played Wars  lms. is found by the Resistance, the First truly cinematic experience. In regards and new villains. Adam Driver’s Kylo by Daisy Ridley, is a mysterious scrap Pontio has now stopped showing Order tries to pursue them relentlessly to the similarity of plot, this appears to Ren, is a troubled and hesitant villain, hunter on the desolate, Tatooine-esque it but the Blu-ray release is soon and through the galaxy. be a narrative choice by the writers and wielding a cross-bladed lightsaber that desert planet of Jaaku. de nitely warrants a purchase. Many have complained that this  lm J J Abrams, describing it as a cycle that has caused many an argument within Ultimately, if you’re a fan of Star 18 Seren | February Issue 2016 GADGETS Is it a bird? Is it a plane? TECH ON A BUDGET ver wanted to learn to program to programme. e Raspberry Pi area using electronic components, replace my old Raspberry Pi B as No, it’s both but were worried about messing Foundation have a nice little section they can tell you the air pressure, an entertainment system for my TV re you worried about inva- up your computer? Or maybe on their website describing how precipitation, and amount of light. running Kodi. sion of privacy by someone Eyou’ve thought of developing your to code a preinstalled version of If you are a little security conscious, is remarkable little computer will  ying their drone overhead own game, or automating your home? Minecra in order to build objects in you can also learn to turn the Pi into a only set you back around £5, mine Aor looking through your windows? Well the Raspberry Pi Foundation one click, and there is plenty out there CCTV camera or alarm system which cost me less than £10 with all the We already know that people are have recently come out with their on turning it into a Minecra server if can stream or notify your mobile necessary adapters and postage so using them illegally near airports latest iteration of the Raspberry Pi, that is something which interests you. device. If you are willing to pay a little there’s nothing to complain about. and getting in the way of emergency the Zero. You may still be wondering about more, there is also the ability for it to If you fancy your own little miracle services at disaster sites and  ood- e Raspberry Pi Zero is a 1Ghz the possibility of home automation, send you SMS status updates. computer all you’ll have to buy is a ing, but the Dutch police force have Single-core computer with 512MB by using the 40-pin header you e new Zero is not so distant micro-SD card to put the operating developed their own way of dealing RAM and a 40-pin header. Okay can control any number of things from its older and bigger brothers system and  le storage on as it’s with inconsiderate pilots. that probably means nothing to you, including relay switches to turn [excluding the 2nd generation model powered by an ordinary micro-USB but it’s a computer less than half the various objects such as lamps on B+] apart from using a mini-HDMI charger, which you probably already size of a credit card which can run and o via the internet. You can also and micro-USB ports in order to have. Linux for use as a server or to learn monitor the weather in your local save on size. I have used mine to

the impact it truly deserves, it needs a made a er WhatsApp, despite a  ne, HelpfulPeeps large audience. e more people that WhatsApp failed to comply with two judicial rul- sign up, the better the output. ere is ings to share information in a criminal by BETHAN MAY only so much help that can be given case. Dutch Police have announced that elpfulpeeps is a newly devel- in a community of 50, but imagine if ban li ed in Judge Xavier de Souza, who they will be training eagles to bring oped social networking site it reaches even 10% of the University overturned the lower court or- down Unmanned Autonomous and app. Starting in Bristol population, that’s over 1000 people, a Brazil der said: "Considering the Vehicles (UAV’s or drones) in cases butH rapidly spreading, making appear- great deal more could be achieved.  er about 12 hours, a Brazilian constitutional principles, it does not of emergency. You may have seen ances in 50+ countries thus far. It is a Speaking to co-founder Saf last appellate judge on ursday look reasonable that millions of us- one or two videos of people shoot- site that facilitates helping. month, I learnt that there are around 17th December ordered the ers be a ected as a result of the com- ing down UAVs, but this has the You sign up for free and type in a 18 million people in the UK who want Ali ing of a 48-hour suspension of the pany's inertia to provide information." danger of hitting a member of the message asking for help, whether mu- to volunteer but can’t  nd a cause that services in Brazil of Facebook Inc's However, he then recommended that a public in the head as it falls. e sic lessons or a li to the doctors. If suits them or don’t have enough time. WhatsApp phone messaging appli- higher  ne be imposed on WhatsApp. idea behind this project is to be able you don’t need any help then you can But that is exactly what this site cation, overturning an order from a e incident highlighted growing in- to disable a drone that is acting il- browse through the feed to see if there hopes to get past. You log onto the site lower court. ternational tensions between technol- legally or dangerously, for example, is anyone out there that could bene t when you have spare time and see if e interruption of WhatsApp's text ogy companies' privacy concerns and by wandering into the airspace of from your help. At no point is mon- there’s anything out there that you can message and Internet telephone ser- national authorities' e orts to use so- an airport or city centre without the ey involved. e core values are that help with. If yes, great. If not, then you vice caused outrage in Latin America's cial media to recover information on risk of it falling from the sky and of community, sharing, human can just look next time you’re largest country, where the company possible criminal activities. onto anyone below. connections, and karma. Real blessed with spare time. estimates it has 100 million personal Mark Zuckerberg (responding from old school. All this has the potential for users, and led to angry exchanges on his nursery) said: "Until today, Brazil Helpfulpeeps believe we all a huge ripple e ect, hope- the  oor of Congress. has been an ally in creating an open have skills and value – whether fully without the sad death WhatsApp is installed on 92.5% of Internet. I am stunned that our e orts that be humour, kindness, or be- Pay it Forward has (great Android devices in Brazil, making it to protect people’s data would result in ing great at playing the trombone.  lm), resulting in good deeds the most installed app in the country, such an extreme decision by a single When shared, it will add value to the and karma-based actions spreading according to SimilarWeb, an internet judge to punish every person in Brazil community. worldwide. intelligence and marketing company. who uses WhatsApp." ey believe that taking money out It is a truly great idea, still within its Rival messaging system Telegram According to Band News TV, the of the equation enables more mean-  rst year of life, but with huge promise. said on Twitter that it received 1 mil- criminal case involves a drug tra cker ingful connections to grow, ones that If you’re interested, Saf and Simon are lion downloads in Brazil in one day linked to one of Sao Paulo's most dan- ere have been Kickstarter cam- aren’t based on making a pro t out of looking for like-minded Helpfulpeeps due to the outage. Telegram was in- gerous criminal gangs. e tra cker paigns for the development of anti- each other. to become ambassadors for their area. stalled on 2.35 percent of Android de- allegedly used WhatsApp services drone UAVs, but so far none seem And they believe that this site will Check out the Helpful Peeps website vices before the blackout. while committing crimes, and the to have come to fruition on a com- help us give without expectation, for more information. A judge in an industrial sub- court wants access to his communica- mercial scale. e idea of training knowing that when the time comes I for one will be posting on there for urb of Sao Paulo had ordered tions with others. a bird is arguably far simpler and where we might be in need, the help next time Dave’s sleeping bag and the suspension of WhatsApp's WhatsApp said it was unable, not un- cheaper than developing the tech- Helpfulpeeps community will help us. meagre supplies get stolen from out- services from midnight on Wednesday willing, to comply. nology. YouTube provides a video of Of course for such an app to make side WHSmiths. (0200 GMT ursday). e order was an eagle e ectively picking out a DJI model, with the training being done by a company with the apt name Guard From Above. and apps like ‘Tinder’ have become in- e well loved traditions of e changing creasingly popular and have changed Valentine’s Day are also fading as the dating world dramatically as a date people that usually spend the even- can be found at the end of a text. With ing with their Duvet and Bridget face of dating 26 million single people using Tinder Jones can, within minutes, set up a ‘no by LIZZY DILLON every day, could the shape and tradi- strings attached date’ with a person alentine’s Day is a day for cou- tions of Valentine’s Day, and even ro- sharing their misery. But will this re- ples to show just how much mance, have been changed forever? ally make them feel better? A er the they really mean to each other Tinder’s idea of matching people date the chances are, like with many Vby showering each other with gi s and solely on their appearance has, in my before, that they will never see or Perhaps not surprisingly, they are a ection. Hearts lace school corridors opinion, made romance rather shal- speak to each other again. Surely this also looking into the ability to hack and Cupid’s arrows  ll the air as sin- low. is is especially the case when will heighten the sense of loneliness the drones in order to land them gle red roses and anonymous cards are you consider its prominence in the around the day and make Valentine’s safely, the possibility of using nets, passed under desks. People wake up younger generations. It seems to be Day even worse. 68% of people that and even a combination of the both. optimistic that their long term crush making physical attraction much more use Tinder will go on a date with one Police have admitted that they need will confess undying love for them and important to people than mental con- of their ‘Matches’. Considering that so to investigate better methods to pro- restaurants are  lled with happy faces nections and traditional ‘chemistry’ many people do this, would the spon- tect the bird’s talons from damage that clink their glasses to the exciting that people can share. Without real a cute guy’s eye from across the bar taneous Valentine’s Day date make the when taking down drones. Eagles, future ahead of them, whilst playing ‘feelings’ can love and long term rela- and  irt your way into an exchange of day any di erent to a normal evening hawks, rams, and chimps have al- ‘Footsie’ under the table. Meanwhile tionships really be found? e speed numbers when you can take o your or weekend that a regular Tinder user ready shown a natural inclination to the single population  ll their freez- and ease of Tinder has also changed makeup, put on your pyjamas and talk might have? erefore you could say attack drones in the wild, so it may ers with ice cream and make sure they romance. With all the single people to people on the sofa while catching that Tinder has not only changed the not be a bad idea so long as the ani- have a copy of Bridget Jones’ Diary to in your local area available to talk to up on last night’s Corrie? e excite- traditions of romance and Valentine’s mals’ welfare can be guaranteed. hand. But is this still the case? on your phone the traditional ways ment of romance is becoming scarce as Day but that it could be getting rid of In the past few years online dating of meeting people are disappearing. a technology obsessed generation are Valentine’s Day altogether. Why going out and trying to catch becoming lazier. Seren | February Issue 2016 19 GAMES Hatoful Boyfriend ating sims - Few people outside of the internet have heard of these games from Japan,D and even fewer have come to like, or even tolerate them. e public has a perception of these games as disgusting, pornographic  lth for those too ugly or lazy to actually get a girlfriend. So it's understandable why so few people have tried them. Yet, a few games exist out there that prove the exception. One of these gems is a little game that came out in mid-2011 known simply as Hatoful Boyfriend.w A game that takes a er such classics as Clannad and Key with an art style to match, this game easily falls within the genre of Visual Novel rather than actual game. Yet, before that scares you away, a subtitle to this game exists that will catch any man's eye: A School of Hope and White LOVE GOES BY HAPS; SOME CUPID KILLS Wings. at's right. e people you date in this game are birds. Literal, winged birds. WITH ARROWS, SOME WITH TRAPS Set in St. Pigeonations' Institute, an elite school for birds, this game n the modern game industry, refusing to come out. Now you can about anything else: getting a letter explain the whole game would need follows the legendary journey of a trend has developed. e only send your confessions of love to to santa to stop others getting the gi more space than  ts in this column. your character as they explore less digital games out there are her through other people, with your that you want, assassinating someone, To learn it, you would have to buy tasteful interspecies romance (never referredI to by one of two names: “Pen rivals-in-love trying to de ect your or just about anything. ere is little the game… which I suspect was their thought I'd say that sentence) and and paper” or “boardgames”. ese, missives and secure their own. other than the  avor text, or the love- intention, all things considered. have a surprisingly cliche high- interestingly enough, are a misnomer e plot of this game is surprisingly heart shaped points, which marks this e ultimate question here is “do I school life, albeit one with a lot as many of the games within the deep for what is essentially a card- game out as romantic. Perhaps that recommend the game?” Is it worth more birds. purview of traditional games include game with additional mechanics, was deliberate, since a larger focus is the e ort of learning the ropes and Obviously, the strongest point of neither of these things. Yet, they are especially considering the shared on subterfuge and competition than coming to care about the world just this game is it’s ludicrous sense of not simply card-games either, lacking world of Tempest that it takes place on true love. Nonetheless, it seems to have a bit of fun with friends? humor, pointing fun at romantic the simplicity of top trumps or poker. in. Yet, the game does not feel too a little inappropriate for Valentine’s e short answer: it depends. How tropes such as "the athlete" who One of these games is a gem that came simplistic when compared to its own Day. Even for a 2-4 player game, it long do you have? e game itself won't stop going on about pudding out in 2012 called, simply, Love Letter. story. Whilst a lot of its mechanics seems more likely that you’ll come out takes half an hour, but learning more or the "narcissistic noble" who Set in the kingdom of Tempest, a mirror that of top trumps with a of it arguing than you will embracing about it takes far longer. You could, of somehow got roped into becoming location which is shared by a few point-gain system similar to Poker, your love for one another. course, simply ignore the larger world a cheerleader. An absurd satire other games including Mercante and there are a lot of additional ones (such You might notice that this review and simply play the game, but it loses on anime, romance  lms, and Dominare, the game revolves around as the hidden card mechanic and the has purposefully steered away a lot of its strength when you do that. everything under the sun, the the story of the Princess Annete’s many deduction mechanic) that help to from talking about what the actual For someone who wants a half an game managed to draw your dear suitors. Young, old, ugly or beautiful,  esh out the game as not only fun but mechanics are, rather than what they hour game they can play with their reviewer into hysteric  ts multiple they all come to the kingdom hoping world-building for those interested in aren’t. is is because a lot of the friends, Cluedo is probably more times, much to the irritation of my to seduce the princess and become Tempest. game requires audience participation worthy of your money. But for a fan of roommate. the next ruler as her prince consort. at being said, for a game that with the rules for them to truly make fantasy and the dark side of romance, is, however, is only covering the However, overcome by the pressure revolves around romance, it is not sense. e hiding of the  rst card, this game excels. good parts of the game. Sadly, as a that this entails, the princess has exactly that romantic. Truly, you could for example, might seem strange visual novel compared to a 'proper locked herself in the palace and is replace the love mechanic with just out of context. e time required to game', it has no actual mechanics to speak of. Or, rather, only one mechanic: press the button to advance to the next bit of dialogue, GAME OF THE YEAR  UNDERTALE then press the same button to make a branching choice. us, those who dislike reading and have little ndertale — If you have been an intelligently written, beautifully interest in comedy should give this anywhere on the internet at developed story about either the sto- game a wide berth. any point during the last few ry of a little child attempting to  nd Furthermore, this game has a Umonths, you've almost certainly seen good in a world wracked by su ering tendency to sway towards the this game talked about incessantly. and loss, orthe story of a child who re- darker side of things. e game has e little indie game that could, as ally got out of the wrong side of bed multiple choices which transform many people seem to view it, show this morning and who's taking it out the story from a simple  u y (or, that Kickstarter actually can produce on everyone else. With a knife. A re- rather, feathery) romance into a some really wonderful things, despite ally, really big knife. brutal gore-fest  lled with your public fears to the contrary. e second selling point is that you own decapitated head, autopsies e game itself is a strange don't actually have to kill anyone if and being chased by scarecrow-like one, especially considering when you you don't want to. Whilst this isn't the abominations (get it? Because birds describe it it's almost impossible to "truly original masterpiece" of a game are afraid of scarecrows). ose do the game justice. It is, at least on mechanic that some people have prone to getting repulsed by these the surface, a side-scrolling JRPG that praised it as, with other JRPGs like subjects should also avoid this game invokes nostalgia for old games like Pokemon  ooding the market, it is at as it is entirely pwossible to lock Mother 3 or the original pokemon. least refreshing to see it actually im- yourself into the Bad Boy's Love Yet, if it was simply nostalgia bait, plemented into the story rather than path without being aware until the then the game wouldn't sell to those the mechanics. guano hits the fan. people to whom Pokemon wasn't a To mangle the quote of a great hero, is game, with all its  aws, knows big part of their childhood. disappointing or lacking, it simply has guns were used in making a truly fan- if you play this game like an actual how to play to its strengths. ose Instead, this game has two major simpler game mechanics and a simple tastic story worthy of an actual book. RPG then "you're going to have a bad who enjoy it will truly enjoy it like selling points. First of all, the game visual style to match. Instead, all the is game, like most fantastic nov- time". Also, try to ensure you don't few other games out there. Filled de es industry wisdom insofar as sac- e ort they could have used making a els, would be ruined if I went into the make any… bone-headed decisions. with shock, surprise and humor, this ri cing gameplay for story. is isn't pretty skybox or making guns that feel reasons why it's so good at any actual game will roost in your mind and to say that game-play is in any way more realistic than other non-existent level of depth. Su ce to say that it is never leave… even if you want it to. 20 Seren | February Issue 2016 TRAVEL Love Around

the World espite the long-held scepticism largest chocolate fountain in the regarding Valentine’s Day and Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas. 27 feet tall commercialism, I believe that and 2,100 pounds of chocolate. Wow. asD long as we are devoting a day each Before we get distracted by food, year to our mothers, our fathers and and what it would be like to swim Roaming Reykjavik our anniversary of birth, we are also in a fountain of chocolate, I’ll bring by BETHAN MAY entitled to devote one day a year – if you back to the romantic with a trip not the other 364 – to our signi cant to Waitomo Cave, lit by thousands eykjavik was recently ranked as pool, due to limited time we decided to ten minutes. Our  nal stop was others, be that romantic partners or of glow worms; a New Zealand the number one city destination to simply amble. ingvellir, a beautiful national park, best friends… And what better way alternative to candles. And if you are by Trip Advisor and I can now We navigated ourselves in completely in which the American and Eurasian to celebrate that than by travelling the really a er some alone time with the Rcon rm this to be a very reasonable the opposite direction to plan, but tectonic plates are pulling apart a few world? love of your life, try Huacachina Oasis, decision. stumbled across geothermal pools centimetres per year. Here, it was my Although a cliché, the Lovelock located right in the middle of a desert. On arriving at Reykjavik in Ke avik close to the sea, distinguishable by turn to fall and be laughed at, however Bridge in Paris is a classic, as long Romantic traditions di er all over the airport, a forty minute bus ride from their rising steam. I turned the moment into a snow as you’re not too superstitious: with world; on January 25th in Wales – St. the city, I was immediately struck e city itself was quaint; christmas angel. concerns over the bridge collapsing, Dwywen’s Day – a gesture of love is the by the snow, having missed out on a lights were strung on most trees, and Our tour also consisted of a dairy your lock may be cut down before the giving of engraved spoons, whereas in Yorkshire White Christmas. ere was it was accessible to us by crossing a farm for an ice cream stop, which was second visit. Japan women are in charge of handing a lot, and what struck me the most romantic, frozen lake. Our romantic perfect for the weather. Another classic is hiring a gondolier out chocolate to all the men in their life moment consisted of him falling, and Both nights we went on a Northern was the sheer normality of it. Whilst in Venice or a Horse Drawn Carriage – be that friends or co-workers – with me laughing. Lights Tour, but unfortunately we only England would have been halted still, around Central Park, New York. either ‘obligation chocolates’ for those e next day we did the popular saw a few static green lights. We did this country seemed to thrive o it, Also in New York, a man called they have no romantic interest in, or ‘Golden Circle’ day tour and then get two free astronomy talks whilst we with hunks of snow indicating lanes Tom Galle has brought the ‘Net ix ‘prospective – winner chocolates’. of tra c and thus forth. is was went lava tube caving. e company waited though, so ask me anything! and Chill’ meme to life in the form of But for those still not sold on the evident in Reykjavik itself, although I ‘Reykjavik Excursions’ o ers plenty e good part of Reykjavik an Air BnB complete with mini bar idea of Valentine’s Day, take a trip to struggled between the cycling lane of more opportunities: snorkelling, Excursions, (the company we booked and huge Net ix screen - last time I South Korea on April 14th – Black Day snow and the walking path of snow on snowmobiling, 4x4 adventures etc. e it through), is that they o er unlimited checked it was still available on V-Day. – which is a day of single appreciation, more than one occasion. Golden Circle tour however consisted free Northern Lights Tours for two Alternately, you could sleep in a 14,500 in which singles dress in black and eat Although there are plenty of cheap of visiting Þingvellir, (the waterfall years until you see the lights. So I just litre casket of wine in Hotel de Vrouwe jjajang myeon (noodles in black bean or free things to do within Reykjavik Gullfoss); Haukadalur, in which live need to  nd the money for my  ights van Stavoren in the Netherlands. For paste). I think I’ll opt for the chocolate itself, such as hike Mount Esja, see the the geysers, Geysir (a er which all and I’ll be back. the complete set —  lm, wine and fountain, though. views from Hallgrimskirkja Church, or other geysers are named a er) and chocolate — take a trip to the world’s take a dip in a geothermal swimming Strokkur, which erupts every  ve

Skiing in Seefeld by CHARLOTTE HOWEMCCARTIN f you’re looking for the perfect time Imperial Palace, the Swarovski Crystal that Bridget Jones was not actually anyone under the age of seven, they ski in these vice-gripped weights, but to go skiing February is probably Caves, the larger than life bronze that bad at skiing. e fact she could are like rag dolls, they just sit back and negotiating stairs is an almost explicit your best bet. is is one of the Renaissance statues that  ank the stay upright and get all the way to the enjoy the ride, no fear and absolutely activity. bestI months as it is nowhere near as tomb of Emperor Maximilian I, and of chemist gets an A* in my book. no tumbles. I remember watching a Snowboard boots on the other hand cold as January, yet still chilly enough course some of the best ski resorts the As for my skiing, I am so glad I three year old follow her dad all the are the sporting equivalent of slippers, to enjoy a hot chocolate. If you don’t alps have to o er. had an instructor as there were so way down the toughest slope in the but whilst I spent more time upright take to the cold too well wait until So there I was, stood at the bottom many times I ran into her or she had resort, Rosshütte (Pictured above, on my skis, (except for the occasional March however, and you can actually of the beginners slope in Seefeld, to rescue me from a pile of snow. Yet the massive one on the right), 2074m crash but nobody’s counting sunbathe whilst skiing. pondering as to why the most accident eventually I was doing small ploughs high and you needed a train just to get them), I spent 75% of the time on Flying into Innsbruck, Austria is prone girl in the world was about to to stop myself, and manoeuvring small half way up. I was going no way near my backside. So this year I have a quite spectacular, weaving through spend a week on a mountain side with turns by waving my hands from side to it with my lollipop sticks and yet she choice, snowboarding where I cannot huge, stunning mountains, the two lollipop sticks attached to her side in the air to make my body turn… wasn’t even as tall as my knees. e even stand up, or skiing. Decision, glistening snow, and rocky peaks feet. However, the holiday company it’s de nitely a digni ed activity, I can last statement I can con dently make, decisions. look close enough to touch. e Tirol sold the experience as exhilarating, so see why lawyers like it. is that ski boots are seriously the most region is known for Austrian folk what could possibly go wrong? One Another thing I quickly noticed was uncomfortable thing in the world! I traditions, historic sites, such as the of the  rst things I learnt here, was my uncontrollable resentment towards can just about walk and practically February Issue 2016 | Seren 21 SOCIETIES

Christian Union holds annual events week t's February, which means " e Penrallt, the church just next to the with all our events, it isn't just us talk- a global selection of foods and talk before asking you for your own. Toast People" are bringing you Belle Vue. ing at you while you enjoy some food. about love — it is just a er Valentine’s If you want more details or to ask a our regular Convinced? events e Lunchbars are an opportunity Once the talk is  nished we love peo- day a er all. question without a face-to-face de- week!I From Monday 15th through for you to get some answers to those ple to challenge us with more ques- en from Tuesday onwards come bate, we have a public Facebook page: Friday 19th, the Christian Union will hot-button questions you have about tions! And if we can't give you an an- to Penrallt (7pm for a 7.30pm start) search "Bangor University Christian be putting on a whole bunch of di er- Christianity: is Christianity sexist? swer there and then we're more than to enjoy a hot drink, a few puddings, Union" to  nd us. We can't stress the ent events — all involving free food Can scientists believe in the resurrec- happy to look it up for you. and some live music as you listen to FREE and FOOD enough — whatever and a short talk — focused on letting tion of Jesus? And the ever present If you're busy at lunchtime, or are our guest speaker Callom Harkrader your motivation, opinions or beliefs, Bangor's students know some of the question of su ering in the world. just really eager for free food, (or talk on some more in-depth topics. you are so welcome to join us. basics of Christianity. e  rst set, from 12pm till 1pm, are both, both works) then in the evening From wondering if life has a purpose God Bless! We've got two big items each day: in the le -hand-side of the Belle Vue, we've got even more on. On Monday (expect the requisite Hitchhikers joke) Lunchbars, split between upper and and the 1pm to 2pm set are down in we're having "Foods of the World" in to whether Christianity is just a list of lower Bangor, and an evening talk in Yellow pub near the high street. As Powis at 7pm, which is where we o er stu y rules, we'll share our thoughts Bangor University Brass Band goes to Unibrass 2016 ow that we’ve hit the new se- On the day we will leave Bangor opportunity for us to represent the mester, Bangor University by coach at around 8am to travel to university whilst doing something we Brass Band (BUBB) are busy Warwick, stopping on the way for a love. e UniBrass Foundation was Nworking towards the biggest event  nal rehearsal with several alumni created to develop the appreciation of of our year, UniBrass. On the 20th members who are returning to play brass banding, focusing primarily on February we will travel down to with us. We are due to go on stage just the promotion of brass banding within Warwick University in Coventry, as we a er lunch and are hoping to impress the student community, making bands do every year, to compete in the inter- the adjudicators, including Frank like ours possible. university competition against bands Renton, with our Welsh set which pays In addition to this it helps us get such as Oxford and Birmingham homage to our roots. involved with other charities such as Conservatoire as well as others, like e weekend always serves as a Brass for Africa which raises money Cardi , who are a little closer to home. great bonding exercise for the band as to improve the lives of impoverished Preparation for the event has been a er playing we have the rest of the af- children through brass. If anyone is ongoing since the beginning of the ternoon to socialise before the results interested in  nding out more about year and with only a few weeks le , and evening entertainment. is year UniBrass and its links with Brass for everything is really beginning to come we will be treated to a concert by the Africa, go to their website www.uni- together. We have been rehearsing famous Black Dyke Band who are an brass.co.uk and if you fancy watching twice a week, both as a full band and in inspiration to the brass banding world. our performance, the entire contest is our individual sections, in order to get We then stay on the Warwick Campus live streamed through the same link. everything up to scratch. is includ- overnight and return to Bangor the ed a long four hour rehearsal where we next day. began working out some choreogra- We love participating in the phy to go with our performance. contest each year as it is a great 22 Seren | February Issue 2016 UNION Union completes move to Pontio building After years of planning and discussions your Union has  nally moved to Pontio! We are still working to  nish the building and to ensure that Pontio is accessible to everyone, but we’re excited to have moved back into the centre of Bangor. Make sure you come and see us in our new space and remember that it’s your Union so you can call in whenever we’re open!

Welsh Higher Education Cuts Lowered his month, the Welsh Govern- e previous funding cuts would have to oppose the cuts, we fear that Labour time education for example. Is crucial to vote here so that you can use your ment will debate a dra budget been disastrous to Welsh Universities and the Liberal Democrats will allow for an economy that wishes to develop voice and your vote during the Welsh that was proposed at a stag- as it would have meant most certaintly these cuts to take place. If this cut does but in Wales there has been an 11% Assembly Elections on May 5th to put Tgering £41 million cut to the Higher a drop in students attending universi- pass, then it is very likely to have a det- drop in part-time undergraduate stu- pressure on political parties to listen to Education budget in Wales but has ties courses in Wales. At the SU we’ve rimental e ect on HE in Wales, in par- dent numbers between 2009/10 and the issues we’re facing. If you want to recently been cut down to £10 mil- been meeting with our local Assembly ticular on part-time study, widening 2013/14. Rather than tackle this de- come and ask your candidates ques- lion. e  nance minister Jane Hutt Members to discuss these cuts and access and Welsh medium provision. cline, the Assembly are currently plan- tions the SU are holding a hustings in has also scrapped the plans to transfer to ensure that they understand what is is extremely worrying news and ning on cutting its funding! MALT at 6pm on the 25th of February. £21.1 million from the HEFCW budg- the repercussions of these cuts could another sign that political parties are We will continue to call on politi- et to the Welsh Goverment tuition fee be for us at Bangor and for students thinking in the short term, rather than cians to tackle the problems that stu- grant which means Welsh s tudents across Wales. Whilst Plaid Cymru and coming up with credible, progressive dents are facing but it is also crucial having to pay more in fees in 2016-17. the Welsh Conservatives have agreed and sustainable solutions. Take part that, if you are eligible, you register Landlord Awards 2016

The Landlord Awards are organised annually by the Students' Union and the Student Housing O ce in Student Services. All the nominations come from tenants many of which attended the awards ceremony to support their landlords. 22 Seren | February Issue 2016 February Issue 2016 | Seren 23 UNION SPORT Union completes move to Pontio building Falling out of love with After years of planning and discussions your Union has  nally moved to Pontio! We are still working to  nish the building the Transfer Window by FINNIAN SHARDLOW and to ensure that Pontio is accessible to everyone, but we’re excited to have moved back into the centre of Bangor. Make frankly, an almost palpable bore-fest. sure you come and see us in our new space and remember that it’s your Union so you can call in whenever we’re open! t used to be religion. e climactic Since Sky Sports’ bulky cash pinnacle of any football fan’s injection into the Premier League, calendar. Yet, you don’t need a mid-table clubs have stopped selling ticket.I Nor is a ball even kicked. is their leading players. So now it’s not was deadline day. Requirements for just the big boys who can splash the participation: a television, a watch, cash. Instead, we’re seeing less media and the right attitude. friendly sides like Stoke City make the ough, over the years, I can’t help biggest signing of the window. but feel the aura surrounding deadline However, it’s also a ecting foreign day has dwindled somewhat. e once transfer policy. Look at the  asco exuberant Jim White is alarmingly less involving Alex Teixeira’s rumoured animated, Peter Odemwingie is far too move to Liverpool. Klopp, reluctant old to be considered a viable transfer to meet an astronomical £35m asking option, and Harry Redknapp probably price, lost Teixeira to the Chinese sticks to his bus pass these days. League - another  nancial superpower. Humorous sentiment aside, there is Money. It can’t buy you love, and it one genuine factor that alludes to the certainly can’t buy back the frenetic reason why deadline day has become, deadline days of yesteryear. Olympics to go ahead despite Zika Outbreak he Rio de Janeiro Olympics can a ect pregnant women in causing decrease in recent ticket sales and is slowly creeping up a er birth defects and in the long run, the fact that only half of the domestic many years of planning and severe learning disabilities. As a result, tickets have been sold. Tconstruction. However, the recent pregnant women have been told not to Another big question is whether Zika outbreak has put the question travel to Zika areas of Brazil if they are many athletes will turn up to the of whether it should still go ahead going to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics games, and if they do, how the in Brazil later this year. Brazilian later this year. e Zika virus also thought of the virus will a ect their organisers had reiterated that they will causes other problems such as water concentration and performance. not be cancelling the historic event pollution, which in turn a ects many e Rio de Janeiro Olympics will be because of the Zika outbreak, which key Olympics events such as rowing held this summer from the 5th to 21st has led to strong debates on whether and sailing. As the discussions have August and is said to have a record this is the right decision and whether progressed over the past days, it seems amount of competitors from countries Welsh Higher Education Cuts Lowered it should be moved to another area of as though even despite the Olympics around the world, including from Brazil. still going ahead, many people are Kosovo and South Sudan for the very his month, the Welsh Govern- e previous funding cuts would have to oppose the cuts, we fear that Labour time education for example. Is crucial to vote here so that you can use your Brazil has been at the centre of the choosing not to go to South America’s  rst time. ment will debate a dra budget been disastrous to Welsh Universities and the Liberal Democrats will allow for an economy that wishes to develop voice and your vote during the Welsh Six Nations 2016 Returns mosquito-borne Zika virus. Many  rst ever Olympics because of the that was proposed at a stag- as it would have meant most certaintly these cuts to take place. If this cut does but in Wales there has been an 11% Assembly Elections on May 5th to put he annual 2016 Rugby Six responded immediately as Carlo health o cials are investigating how it health risks. is is evidenced by the Tgering £41 million cut to the Higher a drop in students attending universi- pass, then it is very likely to have a det- drop in part-time undergraduate stu- pressure on political parties to listen to Nations Championship is Canna took advantage of France’s Education budget in Wales but has ties courses in Wales. At the SU we’ve rimental e ect on HE in Wales, in par- dent numbers between 2009/10 and the issues we’re facing. If you want to back. Wales, England, Ireland, disorganised defence, scoring a try. For recently been cut down to £10 mil- been meeting with our local Assembly ticular on part-time study, widening 2013/14. Rather than tackle this de- come and ask your candidates ques- TScotland, France and Italy will all the  rst time in the game a conversion lion. e  nance minister Jane Hutt Members to discuss these cuts and access and Welsh medium provision. cline, the Assembly are currently plan- tions the SU are holding a hustings in battle it out for the 17th time. Ireland was scored, through Carlo Canna. has also scrapped the plans to transfer to ensure that they understand what is is extremely worrying news and ning on cutting its funding! MALT at 6pm on the 25th of February. will be looking to retain their title and It took up to 15 minutes for France £21.1 million from the HEFCW budg- the repercussions of these cuts could another sign that political parties are We will continue to call on politi- win it for the 14th time and 3rd time to respond, and they did just that et to the Welsh Goverment tuition fee be for us at Bangor and for students thinking in the short term, rather than cians to tackle the problems that stu- in a row. a er some great play from Vakatawa, grant which means Welsh s tudents across Wales. Whilst Plaid Cymru and coming up with credible, progressive dents are facing but it is also crucial e tournament got under way on passing the ball out wide right to having to pay more in fees in 2016-17. the Welsh Conservatives have agreed and sustainable solutions. Take part that, if you are eligible, you register the 6th February with the  rst match Hugo Bonneval who successfully seeing France and Italy face o in went on to score a try. en Jules Paris. It was a very close encounter Plisson successfully converted to put Landlord Awards 2016 from start to  nish as both teams France one point behind Italy. Two looked like they desperately wanted to late penalties from Jules Plisson put improve on their performances in last France into the lead as they held on year’s competition. Italy were the  rst for the rest of the game to win 23-21. team to get points on the scoreboard Italy did have a chance to win with one as Carlo Canna scored a drop goal. of the  nal touches of the game, but France soon a erwards had the chance Sergio Parisse couldn’t add the  nal to go level but Sebastien Bezy missed a few needed points from a drop goal. Murray Defeated by Djokovic Again penalty. France kept going despite this, e other game of the evening saw and eventually a gap opened up for England face Scotland. England were t was one of the most exciting on his face that he is still desperately On paper, the defeat for Murray is debutant, Virimi Vakatawa, who went the  rst to gain points as George Kruis Australian open competitions to craving individual success. devastating. e game lasted three on to score a try and put his side in the scored a try, his teammate Owen date, despite seeing the familiar Murray entered the game as the hour highlights the determination of outcomeI of world number one underdog, losing his  rst four games the British number one, and Murray lead. Bezy had the chance to put his Farrell scored the conversion. Greig team further in front but missed the Laidlaw responded for Scotland by Djokovic triumphing over runner-up in just under 20 minutes and tragically did play well, especially in the last two conversion. e visitors then leaped scoring two penalties, though he Andy Murray. falling victim to Djokovic’s skill as he sets. He was just unfortunate that he back into action and the lead as Sergio also missed one. In the second half, Murray le the competition as lost the  rst set 6-1. was against one of tennis’ greatests. Parisse scored a try for Italy, but just Jack Nowell received the ball from a runner-up for the   h time in seven However, the aggressive Murray is grand slam win makes it like their opponents, they failed to very well timed Mako Vunipola pass. years, leaving him still searching for moved back into action soon Djokovic’s eleventh title win, including score the conversion. France went is put his side further into the lead his third grand slam win, his last being a erwards, winning multiple games his sixth Australian open. Djokovic back into the lead when the ball was with a try, but unlike before, Owen Wimbledon back in 2013. At least the despite losing the next set to give only has six grand slam titles to go passed out wide to Damien Chouly Farrell was not successful with the defeat wasn’t as harsh for Murray as it Djokovic a 2-0 led. By the next set, until he matches the great Roger who scored a try, but, yet again, Bezy conversion. e match ended with was back in 2011. Murray fought back even harder and Federer. A er this impressive victory, failed to put France further ahead as England winning 9-15 to put them top Although Murray did lead his David forced it into a tie break, only for the the 28 year old de nitely seems on he missed the conversion. of the overall table. cup team to success in Belgium, you Serb Djokovic to win the match and course to do so. e second half began and Italy could see from the distraught look championship in straight sets.

The Landlord Awards are organised annually by the Students' Union and the Student Housing O ce in Student Services. Varsity 2016 will Commence on 16th April All the nominations come from tenants many of which attended the awards ceremony to support their landlords. Bangor University Students’ Union English Language Newspaper @SerenSports SPORT

A Comeback to Remeber for Bangor FC espite a very disappointing was equally matched by the save from dip into the back of his net, making it in their mouths as there wasn’t long Bangor’s Next Fixtures start to the new year when Connor Roberts. 1-2 to Rhyl. of the game le . Lewis hit the ball Bangor su ered a 0-3 Just before the end of the  rst Soon a erwards in this end to end con dently and sent the ball into the homeD defeat to North Wales rivals half, Bangor had their  rst real match, Bangor played some clever top right corner and the goalkeeper Saturday 13th February - Llandudno on new year’s day, Bangor noteworthy chance of the game when football to get inside the opposition’s in the opposite direction to make the Haverfordwest vs Bangor City have redeemed themselves with a very they were rewarded with a free kick box when the ball found Damien Allen score 3-3. impressive run of form since then in a promising position. e ball who unleashed a shot from 20 yards It was in stoppage time and Bangor Saturday 20th February - by being undefeated. ey looked to sailed over Rhyl’s defensive wall but out which Terry McCormick saved, were desperately searching for the Carmerthen vs Bangor City continue this run when they welcomed was pushed away strongly by Rhyl’s but to his misfortune, the ball fell at winning goal. From a corner kick the another Northern Welsh team, Rhyl, goalkeeper Terry McCormick. the feet of Bangor substitute Porya ball found Anthony Miley who from 5 Saturday 27th February - to their ground. Bangor had previously e  rst half came to an end with Ahmadi who comfortably slotted yards out hit the ball straight against Bangor City vs Port Talbot Town played Rhyl twice this season and Rhyl one goal in head. Bangor the ball home to make the sides level the post. remained undefeated in both with a certainly looked up to scoring but again. Rhyl quickly began to attack but Friday 11th March - 1-1 draw on the very  rst day of the they weren’t making the most of their Minutes later, Bangor had a chance were stopped in their tracks by the Bangor City vs Aberystwyth season and 1-0 home victory back in chances. All in all, it was a rather dull to go ahead when the ball fell into the Bangor defence who cleared the ball October. half, but nothing prepared us for what path of winger Sion Edwards but his up forward without any hesitation. Saturday 19th March - e  rst chance of the game came to we were about to see.  rst time shot went straight to the Rhyl e ball fell into the path of Bangor Rhyl vs Bangor City Rhyl’s Corey Williams who a er a mix e second half began with a goalkeeper. forward Steve Lewis who was through up in the Bangor defence ran straight bang. From a counter attack, Bangor In the 78th minute, a mistake from on goal with only the goalkeeper to Saturday 26th March - through on goal leading to a brilliant found themselves three on three the Bangor defence let in the Rhyl beat, and unexpectedly, Lewis decided Bangor City vs Haverfordwest diving save from Bangor goalkeeper when a shot from Bangor’s Chris attackers where a beautiful low cross to lob the Rhyl goalkeeper. Everyone Connor Roberts who collected the ball Jones was punched away from Terry was driven into the penalty box which watched nervously as the ball went Saturday 9th April - comfortably. McCormick, only for the ball to fall to was calmly tucked away from Rhyl’s over the goalkeeper and fell into the Bangor City vs Carmarthen Near the 30 minute mark, Rhyl the feet of Steve Lewis who controlled Levi Makin to put his team yet again back of the net. e crowd and players swung the ball into the Bangor penalty the ball well and  red it into the back in front. were ecstatic, the  nal touch of the Saturday 16th April - area which led to chaos in the Bangor of the net, giving Terry McCormick It was getting near the end of the game and Bangor found themselves Port Talbot Town vs Bangor City defence as the ball hit o Bangor’s and his defenders no chance. game and Bangor found themselves in the lead for the  rst time, and Steve captain Leon Clowes’ foot and went Rhyl responded quickly and a goal down, a minute before added Lewis got his hat trick and the match Saturday 23rd April - into to his own net to put Rhyl into a e ectively as they attacked straight time Porya Ahmadi produced a clever ball. It was a great performance from Aberystwyth vs Bangor City 0-1 led. from their kick o , as David Mannix turn in the penalty area and was taken Bangor, who never gave up and kept Minutes later, Rhyl’s Levi Makin played an outstanding cross to Stephen down by an opposing player. A er  ghting until the very last minute and had a chance to put his side further Wright who nodded the ball home and previously scoring in the game, Steve were very deserving of their win. into the lead with a magni cent strike le Bangor’s Connor Roberts stranded Lewis stepped up boldly to take the from outside the penalty area which as all he could do was watch the ball penalty. All the fans had their hearts