Film Science

Devil Physics and Wears 13 Feminism Prada 5 12

 e student newspaper of Imperial College

No. 1,358 •  ursday • 5 October 2006 • ffelixelix felixonline.co.uk A free student press? Andy Sykes The changes were pushed Editor-in-Chief through by the previous holder of the Vice President of Communica- Recent events have thrown the po- tions post, Sneha Solanki, and the sition of London’s student newspa- ex-President, Daryn McCombe, pers into doubt, with some raising along with several other unnamed doubts over whether there will still members of the Union’s execu- be a free student press in the city. tive, and announced suddenly to Two student newspapers, including the Roar staff in June. All but one Europe’s largest, London Student, of the eight members of the Roar are facing threats from their unions editorial team have questioned the with regards to their freedom and rationale behind the changes, one continued existence. complaining that it would result in The student newspaper of Kings “utter, utter chaos”. College London, Roar, has had a Ed Drummond, the new VP Com- number of changes enacted upon munications, has accepted that it over the summer by the previous the changes may not have been year’s executive, with what the Roar necessary, but that they prevented team have referred to as “minimal Roar from becoming “stale”. Felix consultation”. Prior to the summer contacted Mr Drummond with a vacation, Roar was printed every number of questions; a reply came three weeks during term time; the too late to make it into this issue. new Roar team will only be produc- However, on the KCLSU website, ing four issues a year. The make-up Mr Drummond has posted in the of staff has also been modified; the sabbatical’s blogging area, asking editorial team no longer have their people to make comments about own individual sections to edit. The the future of Roar on a KCLSU ‘managing editors’, full-time stu- message board – to date, there dents who run the paper on a day- have been a total of 8 replies. One to-day basis, no longer exist. It is comment read: “Maybe the offic- The closure of London Student would leave Felix as the only independent student newspaper in London not clear how the paper will be run ers/staff/Roar editorial team could in future without the work of these figure out exactly what Roar is for, ULU’s college grant at a time when experienced volunteers. and exactly what kind of students it many other ULU services have The removal of the editorial team is aimed at. Maybe then the content been disestablished. The options Freshers’ Fair Success is reportedly the result of 64 stu- would become obvious.” Mr Mc- offered in the presentation were ALEX ANTONOV dents signing up at Freshers’ Fair, Combe has refused to comment on financial independence, becom- with none going on to contribute the changes or the reasons behind ing “SU focussed”, or shut down to the paper, though no facts have them, leaving the staff to guess completely, with the money being emerged related to how many of what the purpose was. channelled into other ULU cam- the 64 simply chose not to write. In London Student have also faced paigns and projects. The original comparison, Felix has in past years the threat of closure, or at least presentation stated that no dras- had more than three hundred peo- damage to their printing numbers tic changes would take place until ple sign up to write for the paper, and frequency. ULU, London Stu- 2008, with a period of consultation and has often only added five or six dent’s publisher and part-funder, with London Student contributors permanent volunteers to its edito- has recently completed a huge Con- before proposals were made to rial team. The outgoing managing sultation Project on ULU’s serv- ULU Council. These stipulations editor, Lauren Thompson, in com- ices, involving officers from student were removed by Vicki Slater, the ments made to London Student, unions across the city. London Stu- new ULU President, in a later revi- stated that “KCLSU are trying to dent received a mixed response; sion of the document. gag their student press”, and sug- out of fifteen unions surveyed, only Asked why she removed these gested that the removal of the edi- five unions were positive about conditions, Ms. Slater responded torial team was in fact linked to the the newspaper, whereas four were that there was no particular reason. poor relationship between the sab- fiercely critical of it. Imperial Col- In a comment to London Student, batical officers and the newspaper’s lege Union were one of the five that she said: “I don’t really know why I editors. There have also been alle- rated London Student positively. took it out to be honest, I did it about gations that the Kings College man- A presentation by one senior ULU midnight”. She reassured the paper agement leant on the Union to re- manager stated: “The situation that all parties involved will be con- Freshers’ Fair this year was a success largely as a result of the move the editorial team, after what with London Student cannot con- sulted prior to changes being made. hard work of Eric Lai, Deputy President (Clubs & Societies). the management felt were factual tinue in my view”, referring to the See more pictures from the day on page 10. inaccuracies in several articles. fact that newspaper receives 5% of Continued on page 2 2 felix Thursday 5 October 2006

NEWS [email protected] Threat to London’s free Chinese Soc goes on student press by unions Matty Hoban Emily Chow did not contact Fe- remain suspended until the matter Continued from page 1 other newspapers. At the moment, lix directly but got her solicitors, is resolved. the newspaper receives almost After last week’s cover story on the Rochman Landau, to send a short It appears, from the solicitors’ let- In a rather furious statement to £30,000 from ULU, which is just 3% suspension of Chinese Soc there email to say that they she was not ters, that Miss Chow has entirely Felix, John Kenchington, the Lon- of the Union’s £1m available grant. have been a mixed bag of updates prepared to make a comment. This dropped any threat of legal action don Student editor, said: “ROAR Mr. Kenchington questioned the on the matter. The society have had email was not read until after Felix against the Union or the individual should be seen as a shining ex- logic of the cutting of this expense, their accounts frozen because they was sent an e-mail on September sabbaticals involved in the disci- ample of what not to do to student saying: “It is astonishing that that sold multi-year membership which 29 from the same solicitors to con- plinary proceedings against ICCS. journalism. We want to make sure it [the cost] is being targeted so is illegal, and as yet, the missing firm that the Chinese Society would The letters refer to reaching an that London Student does not go strongly”. money from the memberships has have a stall at the Freshers’ Fair. amicable agreement with the Un- the same way as ROAR; our edito- Felix costs the Union about not been recovered. The accounts This was a day after the last issue’s ion. Felix hopes this farcical situa- rial independence should be seen £7,000, not including the sabbatical of the society are still suspended, print date. The reason for the first tion will be resolved soon. as paramount.” Commenting on editor’s salary, which brings the this means they cannot trade or or- email not being read is because it the somewhat odd behaviour of cost up to around £28,000. Howev- ganise any events that will require was seen as junk mail, as it had a the removal of clauses from the er, it made nearly £50,000 last year money being transferred to or from file attachment that appeared to be presentation by Vicki Slater, Mr. in advertising, with print costs be- their account. We reported that they similar to a virus attachment. Kenchington said: “It is nothing ing around this amount. Because would not have a stall at Freshers’ The matter of the money for mul- short of scandalous that Slater told of the highly targeted nature of the Fair. This was overturned by the ti-membership being missing has us she didn’t know why she made newspaper’s readership, Felix is Union and they had a stall, though not yet been resolved. At the time the changes”, adding that this re- able to charge substantial sums for it was however closely monitored in Felix went to press, the solicitors moval from a document tailored by advertising to corporate entities. case they sold membership. The so- for Emily Chow have not met with Ms. Slater for ULU management London Student, with a far larger ciety’s stall was also monitored for the Deputy Presidents for Clubs & “does not bode well”. distribution and readership, is the selling of membership via wire- Societies and Finance & Services Felix also caught up with Chief likely to be able to command even less internet connections, as were to discuss any action to be taken. Subeditor of London Student, Jer- greater fees than this. other stalls at the Freshers’ Fair. The society’s accounts are likely to The solicitors’ letter to Felix emy Harris, at Freshers’ Fair. Mr. In comparison with ROAR, the Harris said that financial inde- Union has received far more com- pendence seemed to no longer be plaints from the College authori- on the table with regards to Lon- ties about Felix in the previous don Student’s future, and was very year, though no threats have been pessimistic at the chance of it not made by the Sabbs to close the pa- NUS protest stunt at Fair being closed in December, when per down, or neuter it in a similar ULU Council will meet to discuss way to the KCLSU newspaper. the proposals: “they want to close The idea of having a “Media & us down!” Speaking about the pos- Communications” Deputy Presi- sible independent role of the news- dent, responsible for Felix’s over- paper, he commented “you just try all content, but not its day-to-day running a student newspaper with- production, has been mooted nu- out collegiate support”. merous times, and was allegedly He also discussed the possible discussed in the sabbatical team removal of the paid sabbatical edi- last year. This setup operates in a tor position, saying that it would number of other universities; most be “disaster for the newspaper”, notably at LSE’s Beaver. However, and adding that he and three other in place of a dedicated sabbati- members of the unpaid volunteer cal editor, there is a large team of staff had spent the entire summer editors, graphics assistants, and vacation getting London Student designers. The freedom that such ready for publication, expressing systems allow varies from year regret that Felix and London Stu- to year according the personality dent are the only two London stu- of the overseeing sabbatical and dent newspapers with independent their closeness to the President sabbatical editors. Mr. Kenching- and other officers. Felix, on the ton’s statement to Felix also com- other hand, has its independence mented on the possible removal of guaranteed by the Union constitu- the sabbatical position, saying that tion, making the editor responsible it would “paralyse the newspaper, only to Union Council for the con- A number of students took part in an NUS stunt at Freshers’ Fair; the gagging is supposed to which needs twenty-four hour tent of the newspaper. represent the fact that, with the Union leaving ULU, the students will have no voice unless they management”. It remains to be seen what this gain national representation through the NUS. A petition at the Fair calling for an NUS referendum ULU’s serious financial prob- year’s sabbatical team will make received 675 signatures, above the required 575 (5% of the student body) needed for a referendum. lems are now widely known, as of Felix’s slightly odd status in the reported in London Student and Union’s structure.

felix 1,358 felix Thursday 05.10.06 Editor-in-chief Andy Sykes Managing Editor Alex Antonov Deputy Editor Tom Roberts Tone deafness Science Editor Krystyna Larkham “Whistling a merry tune whilst Politics Editor Matthew Hartfield walking gaily down the street on Business Editor Michael Olymbios a crisp autumn morning, do you Music Editors Matthew Hoban, find that that the reaction is often Jenny Gibson, Tom Whitson children running screaming in the Film Editor Angela Lee opposite direction rather than an Arts Editor Emily Lines appreciative smile from a fellow Food Editor Hannah Theodorou pedestrian? Congenital amusia is Fashion Editor Dolly Delaney a disorder that results in sufferers Nightlife Editor Gregory Mead being unable to either perceive or Comment Editor Stephen Brown produce music.” Clubs & Socs Editor Kirsty PAGE 5 Patterson Bad vs good Copy Editors Andy Mason, Chinese whispers “In this music section we like to be Robert de Bilder “Rather than starting the year controversial so we gave a good and having Felix talk about review to a new electronic the activities and indeed the album and a bad review to The Felix, Beit Quad, Prince Consort Road, whereabouts of students during Young Knives album. It would London SW7 2BB. Tel 020 7594 8072. Fax fresher’s week, this year has be good to get feedback from 020 7594 8065. Printed by The Northcliffe started with very interesting news other people who have heard Press, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby in the form of Emily Chow and the these albums so that we can get a DE1 2DW. No 1,358, Thursday 5 October 2006. Chinese society.” discussion going.” Registered newspaper ISSN 1040-0711. PAGE 7 PAGE 11 Copyright © Felix 2006. Thursday 5 October 2006 felix 3

NEWS [email protected] New NUS Extra card Tanaka students miss Fair

Matty Hoban

The National Union of Students (NUS) have scrapped discounts on their card, which is freely available to all students of affiliated student unions, and introduced a new paid- for “Extra” card that carries the discount capability. The NUS Extra card costs £10, and can only be purchased by stu- dents of a union which is fully af- filiated with the NUS. The income from sales of the card is divided between the NUS and the affiliated union, with £4 being received by the union for each card sold. When students buy the Extra card, they Felix has learnt that students at the Tanaka Business School had also receive an International Stu- lectures scheduled from 9am until 6pm on Tuesday, forcing them to dent Identity Card (ISIC), issued The new NUS Extra card, which includes ISIC branding miss the entire Freshers’ Fair. There is a College-wide agreement by the International Student Travel in place that lectures are suspended during Freshers’ Fair. CGCU Confederation (ISTC). This popular who are registered with the NUS The introduction of the card has President, James Fok, alerted the sabbaticals to the problem, but card is accepted internationally as and so non-members of the NUS prompted questions about the state unfortunately it was too late to take any action. proof of student status, and gives cannot see the results, and hence of the NUS’ finances. A report sub- the holder discounts on travel, hos- reporters at Felix were unable to mitted by Salford University’s Un- tels, hotels, restaurants and attrac- view these as well. Deputy Presi- ion President, Stephanie Walker, tions, as well as providing access dent (Education & Welfare), Ben submitted to USSU Council, states to the services that ISTC provides, Harris, also could not gain access that in the year 2004-5, the NUS was JCR complete and on time such as a 24 hour emergency hel- and would not be able to use this indebted to the tune of £700,000, and pline for students abroad. Bought information in any campaign mate- was suffering an annual shortfall of separately, the card costs £7. rial provided to students during the £200,000. Various measures have Ben Harris, Deputy President upcoming referendum. been enacted in order to attempt (Education & Welfare), has said to The old and free card is now to reduce costs, such as relocating Felix that the annual cost of mem- known as the Democracy Card and to the northwest, and selling offices bership of the NUS would be “about it denotes membership of the local on Holloway Road. The report also £30,000”, but that the amount could and national union. It only provides states that the purpose of the NUS vary, though it would rise no higher access to “democratic processes Extra card is to “recuperate costs… than £50,000. Imperial College has and to some areas of nusonline. which would secure the future of around 11,000 students; should, co.uk” without any discounts avail- not just the NUS but individual stu- say, 50% of these students decide able with it. The card can be pur- dents’ unions as well.” The report to purchase the “Extras” card, this chased online, but only at those also contains a number of interest- will bring the Union an additional universities that have chosen to ing points, including the fact that af- £22,000 in revenue from the com- participate in the scheme. ter tax, VAT, and various production mission on card sales, thus reduc- NUS claim to be committed to the costs, NUS will only receive around ing the net amount the Union would smooth transition of the NUS Extra £2.50 per card sold. Felix could not be paying the NUS to around £8,000, scheme and will keep members up- gain access to this material first- if Mr. Harris’ ballpark figure is to be dated with the “latest information, hand, as Imperial College Union is believed. case studies and updates.” King’s not affiliated to NUS. The card was initially trialled College London Student Union is do- The introduction of the NUS Ex- at thirteen Student Unions in the ing it’s utmost to promote the card tra card is adding to the debate on northwest of England during the but it has found some hostility with whether Imperial College Union academic year of 2005-6, and follow- other unions. Clare Solomon, SOAS should join the NUS. Many still re- ing a decision made at the NUS An- officer, said to London Student that ceive student discounts by showing nual Conference in April, the card the scheme “…totally contradicts their Imperial College swipe-card is due to launch nationally for 2006- both our value statements and our and so may see the NUS Extra as The redevelopment of the JCR finished on time, much to the relief of 7. The results from the original ethical supplier policy.” This was in unnecessary thus the NUS only the sabbs, who had been worrying that the area would not be usuable pilot scheme in the northwest can reference to the companies provid- having national representative for Freshers’ Fair. With several rooms in the Union out of use, space be found on the NUS online sup- ing the discounts being large busi- benefits. for this year’s Fair has been tight. The JCR now has a brand new fast port site: www.officeronline.co.uk. nesses, which “…make too much The NUS referendum is anticipat- food bar at the far end. Felix enjoyed a rather tasty burger during a However, it is restricted to those profit.” ed to take place in November. rather busy afternoon. QT’s is back, and much better looking. College rejects RCSU, Da Vinci’s lukewarm opening CGCU, ICSMSU names

College Council, the highest body ICFoNSSA (Imperial College Fac- President is the only student that in the organisation, has rejected ulty of Natural Sciences Students sits on College Council, his word changes to the Union constitution Association) and ICSMSU was trusted. Unfortunately, in the summer vacation that would becomes ICFoMSA this has left the names of have settled the names of the (Imperial College Fac- the constituent faculty un- three constituent faculties of the ulty of Medicine Stu- ions in disarray. Union to Royal College of Sci- dents Association). The RCSU, CGCU and ence Union (RCSU), City & The last time ICSMSU names were Guilds Union (CGCU), and the names chosen through student Imperial College School of were taken to referenda, and have strong Medicine Students’ Union the Council, historical significance. In (ICSMSU). Any changes the infamous the College Centenary to the Union constitution Mustafa Arif year, in which the College must be passed by Col- was Presi- is attempting to attract do- lege Council. As the dent. He nations from alumni (many changes have been reported of whom have strong fac- rejected, the new back to Un- ulty affiliations), some have Da Vinci’s was open for Freshers’ Fair; however, the resulting decor names of the faculties are ion Council that questioned the wisdom of left something to be desired. Those responsible have insisted that now somewhat unwieldy. C&G will the names had been this rejection. It is likely that the bar is not yet finished, and that new furniture will be arriving become ICFoESA (Imperial Col- accepted - however, the campaigns will take place next week. However, freshers didn’t seem to mind, and the bar was lege Faculty of Engineering Stu- reality was that the names this coming year to attempt to crammed throughout their first few days at the College. As long as a dents Association), RSCU becomes had been rejected. As the reverse the ruling. bar is open, Felix is happy. one opportunity limitless possibilities []17th October 2006

Are you ready to test your limits?

Join us for teasing questions, some surprising answers, and a revealing insight into the culture, roles and opportunities that make Merrill Lynch the first career-choice for many first rate graduates. We'll be excited to meet you. ‘Discover Merrill Lynch’

Date: Tuesday 17th October 2006 Time: 6.30pm Venue: Merrill Lynch, 2 King Edward Street, EC1

Register online at:

ml.com/careers/europe

Merrill Lynch is an equal opportunity employer

ml.com/careers/europe Thursday 5 October 2006 felix 5

SCIENCE [email protected] Physics is a Feminist Issue As the gender balance in Science continues to tip towards men, we ask: where have all the little girls gone?

Emma Turner ity of fashion students are female has long been the subject of debate, Pick a random member of the phys- and some suggest the root of it lies ics department at Imperial College. in our childhoods. When selecting Go on, any one will do. There may toys scientists have observed that be a lucious and free-flowing mane little boys will gravitate towards covering the troubled individual, a ball or toy trucks whereas little but delve a bit deeper and I bet girls will tend to pick a doll. But is you’ll find a Y somewhere in their the reason nature or nurture? Stud- chromosomes. It is statistical likli- ies have shown that in general men hood that the baryon-informed be- do slightly better in mathematical ing standing in front of you is not a problem solving and spatial rea- woman. It’s not sexist; it’s an un- soning than women suggesting an disputable fact. So, why do so few of in-built mental difference between the fairer sex grace the corridors of the sexes. This is not to say that Blackett? Is the lack of ladies some- women cannot learn these skills thing we should worry about? to the same ability, but it may take Variety is the spice of life and if we them longer. Although there is in- are to believe the proverbial nurs- creasing evidence that this is due to ery rhyme (‘What are little girls cognitive differences in the brain, made of?’) then physics is missing the jury is still out. But there is no out on a lot of spice. In order to pre- escaping the evidence that there is vent extinction of this endangered a deficit of totty in the physics de- species, a government initiative partment. Physics requires those labelled ‘A Strategy for Women in ‘male-favoured’ skills that the ma- Science, Engineering and Technol- jority of women shy away from thus ogy’ was launched in April 2003 to female physicists are few are far try to coax women into science. A between. month later the Institute of Phys- So how would you ever recognise When I grow up, I want to be… ics jumped on the bandwagon and such an elusive creature if by some launched their own ‘Women in miracle you were to stumble across Tutor for the physics department, of educating his daughter reason- by women and from the evidence it Physics’ group whose efforts in- one? She is often to be found in the the highest percentage of girls the ing that, “To make women learned doesn’t look like the stats are going cludes a ‘how to attract women’ library or computer room, beaver- physics department has ever seen and foxes tame has the same effect to even out any time soon. However, guide for physics departments. ing away on her projects and prob- currently resides in the fourth year, - to make them more cunning.” It is without any sign of gender bias it The Institute’s repertoire of hot lem sheets. A female physicist is hitting the heady heights of 25%. a relief that this theory is no longer doesn’t seem that there is anything tips includes advice to mechanics always working hard. She is more ‘But unfortunately it’s been trick- believed (by the majority at least) for the feminists to get testy about lecturers like: ‘Make sure that ex- likely to be surrounded by a gaggle ling down to just under 20% since or we would be lacking some vital in the Blackett lab. If a girl wants to amples given reflect modern socie- of men than to gather with her own then’ he says regretfully. contributions to physics today. For get with the physics program then ty and are gender neutral. e.g. a bi- kind. For some unknown reason, fe- A 1:4 ratio may not seem like much example, without women in physics IC welcomes you with open arms. cycle is neutral, a car – particularly male physicists spread out over the but even this is a veritable battalion we would not have the nuclear shell As always in life you can lead a a racing car- is more male.,’ and male student body evenly like a thin of girls compared to earlier times. model. Maria-Goeppert-Mayer won horse to water but you can’t make even lecture theatres themselves layer of oil on water. Finally some Looking back in history the ratio the Nobel Prize in 1963 for her dis- it do a physics degree. On a positive must take note, ‘Do you have pho- studies over extensive periods of of female to male physicists expo- covery of ‘magic numbers’ (certain note however, being in the gender tographs of physicists on the walls? time have shown that in some spec- nentially decreases. You’d be hard numbers of nucleons in an atom minority can have its advantages. – if so what fraction are women?’ imens traditionally female traits pressed to find the female version that cause it to be extremely sta- After all anything rare is generally Political correctness gone mad? become reduced over years of male before the 20th century as they were ble) and their explanation in terms considered valuable. You don’t have Certifiable, by the sounds of things. exposure and in extreme cases are forbidden access to higher learning of the shell model. to be a spice girl to have girl power Why men are lured by the seduc- lost altogether. and laboratories. In the 16th cen- Granted, the number of achieve- in the physics department. Sisters tive call of calculus and the major- According to Bob Forsyth, Senior tury King James I rejected the idea ments by men far outweighs those are doing it for themselves.

How do you solve a problem Best of like…congenital amusia? the Rest What? More Science? Well, seeing as you asked so nicely… Dean Veall cal evidence to support this theory. matter is thought to reflect a larger Firstly, those fun loving math- Hyde’s study is the first such in- reduction in the connectivity be- ematicians at the American Whistling a merry tune whilst walk- vestigation into neural correlates tween the pitch processing centre Association of Mathmaticians ing gaily down the street on a crisp of congenital amusia and appears of the inferior right frontal cortex are currently looking for contri- autumn morning, do you find that to have discovered the area of the and the auditory centre of the brain. butions to the 4th annual Math that the reaction is often children brain responsible for the disorder. Ultimately this revealed the link Art Exhibition. For more infor- running screaming in the opposite The investigation consisted of two between the anatomy of the brain mation visit http://www.ams. direction rather than an apprecia- tests based firstly on the ability of and musical behavior that eluded org/amsmtgs/2098_intro.html. tive smile from a fellow pedestrian? patients to detect if and when they researchers. The Gresham Society is hold- If so, Krista Hyde and colleagues were singing out of tune, and sec- However, far from having inher- ing a free lecture on London’s at the Montreal Cognitive Neuro- ondly on musical memory. The dif- ited that toneless crooning from Ecology at 1pm on October 9 in logical Institute may hold the key fering brain anatomical responses your dad, this disorder could po- Barnards Inn Hall. to this most distressing condition. between the two groups of patients tentially be the result of environ- If you are having trouble mak- You, like some 4% of the population, to the tests were quantified using mental conditions. The integrity of ing sense of the universe, then may suffer from congenital amusia, weighted magnetic resonance im- white matter in the frontal hemi- Michael Frayn, novelist and or what our friends at the Royal aging (MRI). sphere of the brain is thought to be playwright, and Paul Davies, College of Science refer to as ‘tone Comparison of images from the vitally important to normal musical cosmologist, are talking about deafness.’ two groups revealed the inferior competence. just that, also on October 9 at Congenital amusia is a disorder right frontal cortex to be responsi- A possible lack of extensive expo- IPPR, Southampton St, WC2. that results in sufferers being un- ble for pitch encoding and melodic sure to music it is suggested may And if that doesn’t seem to able to either perceive or produce pitch memory and therefore ulti- result in a reduced myelination rate help, you can always come music. These symptoms often man- mately amuisa. In particular a de- of the connecting nerve cells and home to the Sir Alexander ifest themselves despite apparent crease in the concentration of white as a result the connectivity of the Fleming building at 6pm on Oc- normal neurological history, edu- matter was observed in amusical two musical centres of the brain is tober 12 to hear Bernard Carr, cation, intelligence and memory. It patients. impaired. Hopefully, Krista Hyde’s (Queen Mary, University of Lon- is a lifelong musical affliction. Be- White matter is composed of research will now go some way to don), Paul Davies, (Macquarie havioural studies have previously myelinated nerve cells and serves helping all those talent TV shows University) and Rodney Holder, associated amusia with a severe to transmit information within hopefuls understand why their mu- (Faraday Institute) explain ‘Why deficit in pitch processing but until the brain and the spinal cord. The sical efforts are not appreciated by is the universe so uncannily fit recently there was no neurologi- changes in concentration of white the other 96% of the populace. Mariah Carey: congenital amusia? for life?’. Enjoy! WIN

A PORTABLE DVD PLAYER

Shell Careers Presentation

If you are interested in a career at Shell, then come and take a closer look. You will discover which ‘route’ is best for you and be able to ask our recent graduates and representatives plenty of questions. Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer www.shell.com/careers

Time and Date: 18:30, 19th October 2006

Location: Holiday Inn, Kensington Forum, 97 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4DN

Achieving more together Thursday 5 October 2006 felix 7 Comment&Opinion Chinese Whispers again Letter(s) John Sargent applies some good old-fashioned common sense to the laughable to the prospect of Union Officers being sued by one of their constituent clubs. Editor ather than starting the the Union contacted the president individual such as the president year and having Felix and treasurer in August. What last or treasurer, so here’s my honest talk about the activities week’s article didn’t mention, how- question: where the hell does the Dear Editor, and indeed the wherea- ever, was that the first contact the lawsuit come into play? bouts of students during Chinese Society had with the Union I should also point out, for eve- In his opinion piece on joining Rfresher’s week, this year has start- President John Collins regarding ryone’s benefit, that if you infer the NUS, Mr Guite argues his ed with very interesting news in the the matter was the letter from a or claim that you have no internet case in favour of affiliation, but form of Emily Chow and the Chi- law firm in Hong Kong threatening access, it is wise not to go posting he completely fails to consider nese society, seen on the front page a lawsuit over the suspension of the publicly on Facebook. the other side of the issue. of last week’s Felix, after solicitors society; I thought this was slightly Let’s look at it from another per- Mr Guite talks about a free acting on her behalf threatened the impolite to say the least. spective. This year, I am a commit- ICIS card and discounts one Union’s President, ex-President, It is very likely that I’ve missed tee member of the CGCU Motor can get with the NUS card; and two sabbaticals with legal ac- about thirty steps worth of bureau- Club, and we can’t get our funds re- however, he fails to mention tion unless they reverse the deci- cratic councils, committees, tri- leased because we have yet to elect that the NUS card itself is no sion to suspend the Chinese society bunals, assemblies, directorates, a president and treasurer (whoops). longer free but costs £10. No John Sargent from any and all activity including conventions, panels, and governing Because this isn’t directly my fault, NUS card, no discounts. the Freshers’ Fair. bodies before the situation gets ex- perhaps I should sue the union of- This is in addition to the sub- The Union informed the society treme enough to take the issue to ficers so I can get this year’s budget stantial affiliation fee the Union that they would not have a stall at court – clearly Miss Chow had oth- released. There are two problems, will have to pay. In the last “She probably Freshers’ Fair or be allowed to run er ideas, but this author thinks that though – since clubs and societies referendum on NUS affiliation their society until several monetary she probably should have thought are not actually legal entities, it at Imperial in 2002, 72% voted should have issues are cleared up, including this one over a bit more carefully would mean it’s me suing rather against affiliation. This large charging £10 for multi-year mem- before she brought in the suits. than the club suing. Additionally, by majority is even more impres- thought this one berships when it’s illegal to do so, I could refer to the Union consti- suing officers of the union I’m not sive considering that at that taking money from freshers at tution, the charter, and all sorts of just taking the Union to court as an time the NUS card was free for over a bit more Freshers’ Fair last year which is rules governing clubs and societies, entity, but also involving Imperial students. also illegal (whoops), and very in- but it boils down to this: the DPFS College. What chance would I have We just did not want to affili- carefully before terestingly organizing an event in can freeze the budget of a society if facing the wrath of College, suing ate to a body whose politics are Hong Kong which cost £13 to attend, there are monetary problems, such for something I can’t sue for in the so far removed from ours. ICU she brought in without the Union’s knowledge or as, let’s say, taking money from first place? has always been an apolitical consent (double whoops). Most im- people associated with your society So in conclusion, Miss Chow has organisation, focussing their ef- the suits.” portantly, a lot of this money, includ- and not banking it into the society’s done nothing wrong, unless you forts on issues directly affecting ing the money from the Hong Kong bank account, otherwise known as count the whoopsie on Facebook Imperial students as students event and the extra money from fraud. The DPCS can suspend a and seeking legal action in the first and not getting encumbered the multi-year memberships, has society for incomplete documen- place – but neither has the Union. with general politics. According never been banked into the ICCS tation. And since the President is Surely, then, everyone can start to the their website, the NUS account – thrice whoops. responsible for all Union activities, working towards a solution instead spends quite some time in front So, because of all this, and I he can do all of the above and more. of being at each other’s throats of embassies, demonstrating promise not to mention the almost This action was taken against the when it is certain that this conflict against wars etc, which is fine £2000 debt as an additional reason, society, and not against any one will result in no gain for anyone. in general but really not their job, instead of concentrating on student issues such as tuition fees which they spectacularly failed to prevent. Things like this happen when For those who enjoy their suffering... people are only interested in climbing the political ladder and see the NUS as a first step or the majority of their from which you can receive no gain, an action that has no reward, not to do so, as has been the situ- lives, human beings usu- none whatsoever, yet still consist- in this world at least, yet I have a ation for quite some time. Mr ally try to avoid unneces- ently undertake the very same certainty that there is a much more Guite himself agrees that the sary suffering. Perhaps action? intangible reward and satisfaction. NUS needs reform. However, I this is slightly different at For every act there is most cer- It is not done simply for a material think that he is somewhat over- Imperial,F where the proportion of tainly, most definitely, a desired re- reward or for the hope of a better optimistic when he says that those with a masochistic tendency ward no matter who undertakes it. living. we would be at the forefront of is higher, but I would hope that this The difficulty arises when trying to So today is the 9th day of fasting reforms if we joined. We would basic part of human character still asses the nature of that reward. Dif- in Ramadan. Just to refresh – that’s be the new guys, with little stands within us. Let’s just hope it ferent people from differing views, no food, nor water between sunrise influence. We would be just one does, it’s not like the first week of for instance atheists, Jews or Sikhs, (about 5am) and sunset (around voice, lost in the noise. term isn’t hard enough! So why, all may agree on the same action 6.30pm). Furthermore, lying, cheat- Now, let me assume for a then, is there a great proportion being ‘good’; charity for instance. ing, backbiting etc, are actively dis- moment that the NUS did of- of campus that is deciding to go Charity has no overt reward. You couraged by individuals who are fer the benefit of lobbying at deliberately against the grain and don’t really even know that your fasting, while supplications and the highest political levels on search for pain? money will reach the needy due meditation over one’s purpose in student issues, disregarding Omar Hashmi OK, so maybe it’s your first day, to the thousand obstacles in the life increase. There is no fear about for a moment the question of first year or perhaps coming back way. Yet, you give that coin or note loss or hunger. If you consider to- whether it is effective at this or after a long summer where you nonetheless because you feel some day’s political climate, there isn’t not. Do we really need to spend missed out on that addictive uni at- sort of gain – perhaps the world will any concern about the attitudes or £50,000 for this to happen? The “But sometimes mosphere. You come (back) to your benefit from it (or if you’re really possible actions of other people. NUS would campaign on the friends, get ‘chillaxing’ and let the clever, to impress someone and get And there is no material reward, most important issues anyway, we act in a good times roll. That is what life’s a bonus, or a raise, brownie point except the certainty that God will and we would reap the benefits about. Each and every action per- or some other deviant material re- be happy with you, and that makes whether we are affiliated or not. way that defies formed by you this week will prob- ward). But sometimes we act in a you quite happy. It is your view And for the rest we would not ably be aimed at acquiring some way that defies temporal logic. Per- about what happens after life that have the power to push them temporal logic.” sort of benefit, be it material or haps there is something in human changes how you acts in this one. To in a direction they did not want not, like making a friend or new ac- nature that pushes each individual many, this is a dangerous mind-set, to go. So why join and spend all quaintance soon to become a “net- to strive for more than one’s land, liable to corruption and the worst that money that could be put to work” contact. In fact, if you were flock or pride. But this lifelong push forms of extremism. But, to others better use increasing the fund- to perform an action that resulted towards being more than what it represents a liberation from one’s ing for our clubs and societies, in no gain, yet lost time and energy, one already is rests on two factors own weaknesses and fears, and be- directly benefiting all students then you would probably class your- that seem to be infinitely variable comes the centre of life’s purpose at Imperial? self as a grade A idiot. Right? Now between different individuals; cer- itself, and a satisfaction with what – let’s think. What actions are there tainty and purpose. I may perform will come after. Daniel Sauder unionpage Welcome from the President

Freshersʼ week has been incredible! Our entertainments venues at South Kensington, Charing Cross and Wye were packed to the rafters on most nights, indicating (I hope) that our members are impressed by our newly refurbished facilities. Freshersʼ fair was a huge success and credit must be given to the dozens of Faculty and CSC people who worked tirelessly alongside Staff and Sabbaticals before and after the event to make it run smoothly. John Collins President Of course Freshersʼ Week would not be the same without the offi cial freshersʼ welcome talks, which were attended by nearly [email protected] 3000 students on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. If you were lucky enough to make it to one of these events and witness the Collegeʼs extraordinarily cheesy promotion video, then you may remember hearing one or two representatives from the Union speak as well!

I appreciate that the speakers at these talks have an irritating tendency to throw a lot of facts and fi gures at their audience in a short amount of time, and I am just as guilty of this sin as any other. TFL Discount So, for the benefi t of those who didnʼt make it to these talks and for the benefi t of those who did but would like to see more information in print, here is a summary of the welcome speech I gave to 30% discount on Oyster cards our incoming students earlier this week. Transport for London is off ering 30% discount on

Oyster travelcards for students at Imperial. What is Imperial College Union? Imperial College Union is many diff erent things to diff erent people but in essence it is what you, A Student Oyster photocard entitles the holder to our student members, want it to be. buy student rate Bus Passes and Travelcards valid for 7 Days, one month or longer periods of up to one We are the voice of the students of Imperial College: we run a large network of student year. Students will get 30 per cent off the adult rate. representatives and welfare offi cers across the whole College. All of these people work tirelessly to raise studentsʼ concerns to the College and external organisations about any subject ranging from Student Oyster photocards are only available by the quality of lectures and food outlets on campus to campaigning on national issues such as top application and a fee of £5 applies. Please ensure up fees and student debt. that you read the eligibility criteria before you apply as the application fee itself is non-refundable. Please We are a community of 11,500 students: we exist to bring our students together through our note that if you are registered on a part-time basis comprehensive events programme and our plethora of student clubs and societies. you will not normally be eligible for a photocard and cannot apply online. We are a federation of clubs, societies and constituent unions: our international societies, departmental societies, faculty and campus unions represent the diversity of our students at In order to apply, you will need: Imperial and tailor events and activities to their needs and interests. We run over 270 well funded • Your credit/debit card number and expiry date specialist clubs and societies at Imperial College and if none of those interest you then we can help • A digital photograph of yourself saved as a jpeg you set up a new society. • Your Imperial College London ID card.

We are part of a wider student movement: we are part of the London student community and are Apply online here: presently a member of the University of London Union (ULU). As Imperial College becomes an http://www.tfl .gov.uk/tfl /fares-tickets/2006/ independent university in its own right this academic year, we will be forced to disaffi liate from ULU photocards/18.shtml and seek alternative means of representation – indeed there are rumours that a petition is being prepared to organise a referendum to affi liate to the NUS this autumn…

We are an advice and support resource: if you have any concerns about your course, your Union Website accommodation, your health, student debt or employment then please come and visit our professional student advisor at the Information and Advice Centre in our South Kensington Building Join online now! who is always happy to help. The Sabbatical team, too, are always willing and able to help you. Donʼt forget you can join

Clubs & Societies online at We are often referred to as a building: when in fact we operate in three buildings (South imperialcollegeunion.org. Kensington, Reynolds and Wye) and have a presence on almost every campus in the College. The Beit Building, which is our main building in South Kensington, is presently undergoing a large and Did you see anything at the exciting refurbishment programme that may cause limited disruption over the next couple of years. Freshersʼ Fair that took your

fancy? Then have a look We are 100 years old this year! So we will be co-ordinating a wide range of events throughout around the Clubs & Societies 2007, climaxing with our extravagant Centenary Ball, which will be held at the South Kensington A-Z for them and join up, it is Campus on 16th June 2007 (put that date in your diaries!). simple, quick and secure!

Imperial College Union exists to help all of the students of Imperial College to get the most out Also online we are selling of their time at Imperial College. It is an entirely student led and governed organisation, run by eTickets to all the big students for students. If you have any ideas about how we can serve our student members better entertainment events at the or want to fi nd out a little more about how the Union works and how you can get involved in its Union. So, again, have a look activities, then please come along to our Freshersʼ General Meeting on Monday 9th October at 6pm around and see if there is an in the Union Concert Hall. event you would like to attend.

Imperial College Union, Beit Quadrangle, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BB imperialcollegeunion.org Tel: 020 7594 8060 at the union october 5 - 18th Wednesday 11th & 18th Thursday 5th HHarryarry HillHill and the caterers

Every Wednesday At The Union! Carlsberg, Tetley’s & Blackthorn only

£1.30 a pint only Free entry before 9pm, £1 thereafter, free cloakroom for sports bags

Tuesday 10th & 17th Friday 6th freshers’ball qquizuiz Jo nnightsights Whiley in da vinci’s

Also on this fortnight Coming Up Next Week Sun 8th DramSoc present Fresh Tue 10th Da Vinci’s - Quiz Night Wed 11th Acc Bar Night Thu 12th Alternative Music Society Event Fri 13th Felix Live Tue 17th Da Vinci’s - Quiz Night live! Wed 18th Fight Club - Bouncy Boxing! Feat: Ross Copperman

The Union EncouragesImperial Responsible College Drinking Union, Beit Quadrangle, Prince Consort Imperial College Union, Beit Quadrangle, Road, London SW7 2BB imperialunion.imperial.ac.ukcollegeunion.org/ents Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BB Tel: 020 7594 8060 10 felix Thursday 5 October 2006 FRESHERS’ FAIR 2006 Thursday 5 October 2006 felix 11 eviews RMUSIC [email protected] Editorial Young Knives stab eardrums Rant Where other more reputable newspapers praise The Young Knives album, we slate it

bum from Oxford-based The Young and the band discuss what to do next you’re left with something truly Knives, and past form initially re- mid-song – falls flat, mainly due to mystical. The surreal Half Timer vealed a band which is lively and the weakness of the surrounding leads into the genuinely funny She’s fun. Unfortunately, for the main elements. A crack at evoking the Attracted To, showing that when part, this album is anything but. spirit of Syd Barrett-esque whimsy they put the effort in, The Young When you press play, you’re greet- suffers from the general malaise in Knives can be a stand-out band. ed with a drum crash which fills the lyrics. Some interesting guitar Besides, I defy anyone to not crack the headphones. Good start. From work pops out in Mystic Energy but up at a song which starts “Who are there it’s all very much downhill. then mutates into sub-Sonic Youth these people? They are too stupid Like most bands of the moment, noise. Whilst taking this in, I can- to be your real parents!” The Young Knives the music consists solely of choppy not help but think that if you give After that it falls back to the same Matty Hoban Voices of Animals and Men guitars bereft of any rhythm, melo- a three-year-old a Tommy Tutone state as before, albeit with some (Transgressive) dy or originality in a crass attempt and record what happens, it would melody and the surprising heart- Music Editor ★★✩✩✩ to copy the post-punk era. Lyrically, be more complex then this. Some felt Loughborough Suicide. I’m not it’s nothing exciting; in fact it’s just of it is catchy; but then again so is going to explain the album further; Maybe I should cheer up; it could plain lazy. syphilis. trees have been killed to create this elcome to the be worse. If I’m given an album Lead singer Henry Dartnall just Halfway through, however, there’s newspaper and I’m not letting their second music featuring a brightly dressed farmer barks out almost randomly-com- a glimmer of hope. After the rocker pulp be used in vain. section of the standing alongside a man made posed lines, consisting of three Here Comes the Rumour Mill, Despite some promising mo- year. I didn’t get entirely of straw, I should be grate- words each with no poetic cohesion there’s the delight that is Tailors. ments The Young Knives have many objections ful that I’m not reviewing “Generic whatsoever. When he can’t be both- Taking the rather esoteric noise of showed themselves to be another Wto the album list last week so I as- Indie-Rock Group (Number 107)”, ered it generally degrades to shout- scissors cutting as its basis, along sub-standard band with few ideas. sumed that I am 100% correct. I for whose style consists entirely of tat ing the same thing over and over in with a doleful acoustic guitar, this If I hear another release like this one am not sure about this. from Camden Market in an entirely an effort to fill airtime. simple track about haberdashery is soon – which is likely – I’ve a feel- Anyway, this week I wish to tell witless and unoriginal attempt to The early songs are full of faults; one of the rare moments where the ing my brain will melt. Or maybe I of the wonder of FREE CDs and be edgy, with music to match. an attempt at humour in the opener whimsy pulls off. Topped off with should cheer up; it could be worse. FREE GIGS. I repeat, FREE CDs So here we have the debut full al- Part Timer – where the music stops Henry Dartnall's delicate vocals, Matthew Hartfield and FREE GIGS. If you would like FREE CDs and FREE GIGS then come along to our Music Felix meeting. This meeting will take place today (Thursday 5th October) at 12noon in Da Vinci’s Warp electronic album actually good or some part of the union. There is a picture above of me so that you have a visual reference. I also formed piffle about "oh, he's moved of city nightlife about this record - fect formula; emotive, overdriven have said FREE CDs in my hands. on, this is new, blah blah fucking in the same way that dubstep has Rhodes chords, and a skittering, If you can’t make it to the meeting blah." Here's the one-liner, so those taken the UK garage sound and thundering breakbeat, building up- and haven’t tracked us down at the impatient internet-grabbers among pushed it out into darker territory, wards and onwards with ever-thick- Freshers’ Fair then e-mail us (look you can go ahead and queue it up in incorporating dance and hiphop ele- ening washes of static and faraway at the top of the page). your Bittorrent clients; this record ments along the way, Clark's record city samples, gradually losing all Also this week we have two al- is a fucking stormer. draws together a veritable shedload coherence and crashing into thick, bum reviews. One of these albums Clark's motif is big, crackly synths, of genres and shoehorns them into Hecker-like washes of reverb. is already out and available for huge hiphop breaks, and a dash of his own dark vision. The papable I love this record. I love the op- your consumption; the Clark album DSP crunch. The opener, Herr Bar, sense of tension about most of the pressive aura. I love the dark, in- is brand spanking new. In this Clark rides stuttering, chunky beats with tracks, and the sheer overwhelm- strumental hiphop influence (yeah, music section we like to be contro- Body Riddle pretty xylophone patterns, with a ing darkness of the record, conjure like Prefuse). I love the incredibly versial so we gave a good review to (Warp Records) middle eight whose burbling synths up the essence of urban decay, of detailed production that almost, a new Warp electronic album and a ★★★★✩ recall Nathan Fake's My Bloody a city lit up at night by neon glow. almost lets the tracks overflow the bad review to The Young Knives al- Valentine impression. Just when I'm reminded of the recent fuss sur- speakers and set them crackling. bum. It would be good to get feed- Warp is one of the world's best- you're happily bobbing around on rounding the Burial record; this is Most of all, I love that the album back from other people who have known and most respected labels, your chair, Clark cracks open the actually a much better representa- flows almost perfectly – from the heard these albums so that we can and has consistently put out records track with swathes of white noise tion of late night London than the wake-up call of Herr Bar to the get a discussion going. What we over the last decade that have come surrounding the already dancefloor overhyped dubstep release. gentle fade-out of Autumnal Crash say shouldn’t be the be-all and end- to be looked on as genre standards; humping beats. My final words are reserved for – this feels like a perfectly formed all, so we want to know what you c.f. , Autechre, Black In a similar vein is the superb the last track on the album, the epic piece. This thing was made for think about these albums. Dog. Whoever sits and listens to Vengeance Drools, which is crying (in a good way) Autumnal Crash. night listening with headphones. We are also helping to organise demos at Warp has got to have out for an MC like Ghostface Kil- Here Clark hits upon the per- Andy Sykes an event in the union. This will be golden ears. lah, or maybe Aesop Rock, to come next Friday, which is October 13th. In the last couple of years, we've along and throw some reasonably Union Events are providing two seen a diversification in Warp's intelligent gangsta flow over the acts who are called Ross Copper- output. Gone are the faceless elec- top. Setting filmic strings atop a man and Rushmore. tronic stars of the early 90s, and in clunky vintage drum loop, Clark ex- Ross Copperman has been come signings like Maximo Park. pertly conjures up bad boys cruis- receiving some attention recently At the same time, new electronic ing the city at night, top down. from the radio and is touring uni- releases have been faltering, with He isn't all crotch-grabbing, pos- versities across the country. Along only Jamie Lidell in recent years turing beats, though – a few tracks with these two bands, we at the managed to bust through the ob- eschew beats entirely, and come music section have selected a band scureness barrier and get some out sounding like Tim Hecker with called The Sailplanes. This band mainstream press inches (he was a taste for melancholic melodies. sound somewhere between Sonic in the Observer Music Monthly, Frau Wav flirts with jazz breaks at Youth and Sleater Kinney. We like f'god's sake). The underground times, but drifts almost arhythmica- the sound of them and hope you stuff has left a lot to be desired, ly around big (yet far from cheesy) will too. Watch this space for more with Black Dog's newie just rehash- violins and broken, fuzzed out ana- information. ing early Black Dog (man, that stuff log synths. Springtime Epigram Also look out for Alternative Mu- sounds dated) rather than attempt- fixates on a burbling sine wave sic Society nights on October 12th ing some kind of new shit. and microshifts in the surround- and 21st. On October 12th there isn't exactly unknown, ing sounds to create its reflective, are four acts with a beautiful, me- and Warp devotees are sure to have almost morbid mood. lodic edge and it will £1 entry and his back catalogue. I'll confess to be- I dropped in a facile comment free for members of the society. Go ing a relative virgin when it comes about cruising round a city at night, listen and enjoy! to Clark, so don't expect a lot of in- but there's actually an undercurrent The many faces of Clark; Warp’s latest electronic genius 12 felix Thursday 5 October 2006

ARTS [email protected] Are you bored of science already? Just because you go to Imperial doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be a geek. Read on to discover a more of an all-round education that happens to be right on your doorstep (Okay, maybe a bit further).

Emily Lines it’s also always completely rammed It sells tickets for up to half price, Arts Editor with tourists and kids on school so you can expect to pay £15-£25, al- trips, which do tend to detract from though it will never have tickets for To all the freshers reading this, well your enjoyment. Also, some of the the best shows (Billy Elliot, Guys done for getting to Imperial, and I works are downright weird. and Dolls etc.) or any of the new don’t mean because its a great uni- So for a much more relaxing in- ones (Wicked, Daddy Cool) so can- versity. No, I mean well done for troduction, head to the Tate Britain not be relied on. Go with no fixed coming to London, because its such (Victoria), where the collection has ideas, preferably on a weeknight, an amazing city. some of the best of British Art from and you might get a good bargain. If, like me, you love art, theatre, 1500 right up to the present day. It The only other option for cash- dance, opera and comedy, then is also currently hosting the Turner strapped students is last-minute you’ve picked the best city in the Prize exhibition (£5). standby tickets. These are sold country (if not the world) in which Another amazing and sometimes from the box-office, usually an hour to live. If you don’t, then you’ve overlooked gallery is the National before the performance, although picked the easiest city to acquire Portrait Gallery (Trafalgar Square). not all shows offer them. The Na- cultural knowledge without much Its fantastic collection provides tional Theatre sells tickets for £10 effort, and being able to talk about a unique record of public figures, for all its shows 45 mins before such things might even help to get from monarchy in the Middle Ages performances. you laid (well, you can live in hope, through to rock stars of the modern Opera and ballet have a reputa- anyway). day. It is currently running an exhi- tion for being expensive and inac- So for all those who are new to the bition of David Hockney’s portraits cessible forms of entertainment, but city (and all those who’ve never left (£6 for students). this doesn’t have to be the case. South Ken) here’s a little guide to The West End houses arguably The ROH and Royal Ballet (Cov- some of its highlights. the most famous theatres in the ent Garden) have a student standby London is full of galleries. Eve- world, and chances are Mum and scheme that sells tickets for £10 and rywhere you look there are posters Dad will want to ‘see a show’ when advertises to students via text mes- advertising exhibitions at the Tate, they come to visit. Take full advan- sages (register online). The ENO National, Hayward and Serpen- tage of this and make them pay as (St Martin’s Lane) sings entirely tine, to name just a few. Though it tickets are outrageously priced (£40 in English, and is often much more all seems a bit overwhelming, the plus for many shows). contemporary that the ROH. Con- great thing to remember is that Although Leicester Square is full temporary dance performances most galleries and museums are of ‘discount’ ticket booths, they are can also be found at Sadler’s Wells completely free (at least for the (in my opinion) largely rip-off mer- (Angel). permanent collection). chants, selling mostly tickets for Of course, London has much Try to avoid the Tate Modern the least popular shows at full price more to offer than I can list here, so (Blackfriars tube) being your only with a hefty (£2.50-£5) agent’s fee. don’t be confined to South Kensing- cultural experience in London. Yes The TKTS booth is the only official ton. Go out and explore the rich- it’s big and exciting and all that, and discount agent, and sells tickets for ness and variety, and you might find the Turbine Hall is breathtaking, but a lot of shows on the day. Rodin’s The Thinker, at the Royal Academy of Arts from October 10 there’s more to life than science.

Two left feet? Try your hand at handball!

Sign up for our free handball taster afternoon on Sunday 8 October 2.00 to 4.00pm Want to experience London’s Arts There’ll be drill practices and technique scene? Living on a student budget? instruction fi nishing off with a big match! Like free tickets? Write for Arts Felix! forms are available to download from the [email protected] website or pick one up at reception www.imperial.ac.uk/sports Thursday 5 October 2006 felix 13

FILM fi [email protected] The devil wears Prada? Innocent Anne Hathaway’s encounter with the darker side of fashion...

Yuen Ai Lee multitude of interesting charac- Film Editor ters. A stylish gay man is as crucial to the fashion world as clothes are. The Devil Wears Prada is a screen In this movie, Nigel (Stanley Tucci) adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s is the man with the taste that even novel with the same title. However, Miranda agrees with. Mild-man- Film times from Friday, what is it about the book that has nered and a complete gentleman, October 6 to Thursday, caught the eye of the masses? What he assists Andy in her fashion October 12, 2006 is the tipping point of the novel that choices with generous helpings catapulted it into a novel with film from Runway’s fashion wardrobe. Paid Previews rights? It is undeniable that the The costume designer for this film classic my-boss-is-a-monster lines is none other than Patricia Fields, Open Season (PG) (RT 1h50) are rather funny. However, it is the who is well known for her work with Sat/Sun only: 10.50 13.10 rumour that the story’s monster, Sex and the City. And I guess that 15.20 Miranda Priestly is loosely based explains the extremely gorgeous on Lauren Weisberger’s experi- green Calvin Klein dress which I Subtitled Shows ence when working as an assist- am still hankering after. ant for Anna Wintour, US editor of Back to the movie, another inter- World Trade Centre (12A) (RT Vogue that sealed the deal. esting addition would be Christian 2h30) Sun @ 15.10 and Tue This is the new generation of Thompson (Simon Baker), a suc- @ 18.20 chick-lit books: The kiss-and-tell-all cessful writer. While he helped her genre. on an impossible task i.e. to obtain Audio Description In this film, Anne Hathaway takes Harry Potter books before they the lead as Andrea Sachs, a fresh were even published, they share Little Miss Sunshine (15) (RT graduate from Northwestern Uni- more than a favourable working re- 2h5) Daily: (10.20 Sat/Sun versity. A serious, aspiring jour- lationship. The constant flirtations only) 12.40 nalist with stereotypical prejudice and Andy’s personal attraction for towards fashion, she winds up at his curly blonde hair and generous World Trade Centre (12A) Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep) build make him the most unwel- (RT 2h30) Daily: 15.10 18.20 office without a clue to Miranda come and yet the most welcome 21.10 Priestly’s position in the fashion threat to her domestic life with world. Despite her odd-ensemble, Alex, her live-in boyfriend. she gets hired as Miranda Priest- Adrien Griener plays her down- ly’s co-assistant. In the beginning, to-earth boyfriend. A one-dimen- she rebels against the general wave sional character just like her two New of expensive clothes at Runway. friends, Doug and Lily, they were However, she soon crumbles to col- all quite impressed with the side releases league pressure when she realized gains of Andy’s career at Runway that she wanted to win Miranda at first. However, when it seems Priestly’s approval. that Andy was changing and losing The Devil Wears Prada (PG) Why does Andy (Andrea) want her personality just to win Miran- (RT2h10) Daily: (10.30 11.30 to stay in Runway, a magazine she da’s approval, the friendship and Sat/Sun only) 13.00 14.00 doesn’t care about? Quoted as ‘the her relationship with Alex slips into 15.30 16.30 18.00 19.00 job millions of girls would kill for’, a downward spiral. 20.30 21.30 Sat Late: 23.15 the belief is that once Andy has fin- The movie is definitely not a strict ished one year as Miranda Priest- abider of the book. However, it is a The Departed (18) (RT 2h55) ly’s assistant, Miranda will help her very neatly-sealed movie that gives Daily: (10.00 Sat/Sun only) to get into any magazine or news- it a simple and easy-to-follow sto- 13.20 (14.20 Not Sat/Sun) paper she wants. ryline. Unlike the book, which gave 16.40 17.40 20.00 21.00 Helping Andy along the way is a in detail Miranda’s various and pe- Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway starring in The Devil Wears Prada

culiar demands, the movie simply storyline. Unfortunately, I disagree used a shortened slide-show meth- because stereotypes are for Disney od to explain Miranda’s vicious- films. General ness. An aspect that I disagreed While Anne Hathaway did a great with would be the fact that they job as a girl who got lost in the evil showings miss out how Miranda discarded drift of fashion, I think she needs her Hermes scarves as if they were another film that can rid her of her tissue paper. Miranda’s wasteful Disney-princess qualities. Perhaps World Trade Center (12A) habits have to be highlighted if the it is a personal cynicism issue, but (RT 2h30) Daily: 15.10 18.20 movie is to generate more revenue I think the film had a more fairy 21.10 for its controversial likeness to tale-like quality than a sleazy tell- Anna Wintour. all film. Click (2006) (12A) (RT 2h10) According to popular opinion, The film reaches its pinnacle when Daily: 12.20 15.00 17.50 Meryl Streep did a great job as Andy realizes that her decision to 20.20 Miranda Priestly. In fact, the title go to Paris as Emily’s replacement ‘Devil wears Prada’ could not be has changed her into a corporate The Queen (12A) (RT 2h5) accurate as trivia tells us that 40% honour-less person. Without giving Daily: 12.10 14.50 17.30 of her shoes in the film were from away the ending, I have to say that 20.10 Prada. And of course, nobody could this is another Disney aspect of the miss the obvious scene in the begin- film. While unreasonable demands Hoodwinked (U) (1h45) Daily: ning when the camera zoomed in such as Miranda’s might not exist in 12.30 14.40 16.50 on Miranda’s bag of choice for the the real world, it is naïve to refuse a day. There are many opinions that job promotion because your friend The Children of Men (15) state that Meryl Streep gave her wanted the same promotion. Poetic (RT 2h15) Daily: 12.50 15.40 character an unquestionable sense justice is for fairy tales and frankly, 18.10 20.45 Sat Late: 23.30 of grace and style. Despite the fact the Devil wears Prada should not that I agree with their opinions, I be a fairytale. Little Miss Sunshine (15) (RT have to digress on this portrayal of Lastly, I always have a lot of ex- 2hr05) Daily: (10.20 Sat/Sun Miranda Priestly. pectations from films. I have read only) 12.40 In the book, not much is known the book two years ago and hence, about Miranda Priestly. While we I have my own opinions of it. There- Talladega Nights (12A) (RT know she is unreasonable and dif- fore, to be fair, the film is indeed en- 2hr10) Daily: 18.50 21.20 Sat ficult, her personal life remains an tertaining and it is quite a treat for Late: 23.50 undisclosed issue. In contrast, the the eyes. When there is Paris, New movie gives a perspective of Miran- York, beautiful clothes and shoes The Black Dahlia (15) (RT da Priestly as a hardened woman in the mix, it is a sure-win for eye 2h25) Sat Late: 22.45 in her career with a broken family. candy. Nevertheless, be forewarned The movie has softened Miranda that it is a comfort-film as it is filled Life And Lyrics (15) (RT 2h) Hathaway’s lawyers refused to sue Starbucks for taking four Priestly into a common stereotype with common stereotypes and an Sat Late: 23.00 attempts to make the perfect latte maple macchiato. that might have helped with the easily-digested storyline. 14 felix Thursday 5 October 2006

NIGHTLIFE [email protected] Party Planning a Our Disco is back? house party? time Our Disco set to move into a new venue, perhaps, maybe Don’t. Alex Baldwin & Greg Mead Uffiesaurus Nightlife Editors Many of you new second years mov- With news that everyone’s favourite ing into houses of your own for the alternative electro clubnight may very first time may have had the soon be finding a permanent new revolutionary idea of throwing a home after several months in limbo, housewarming party in your fancy we at Nightlife are rejoicing. After new abode (which is unlikely to be being kicked out of Plastic People, so fancy the morning after). In our their regular home in Shoreditch, experience, this is a horrifically Our Disco have been keeping their bad idea unless you know some name alive with a number of one-off interesting and attractive people, events around London. which is fairly unlikely (I don’t). If Back in their heyday at Plastic you absolutely insist on hosting Greg Mead & People, Our Disco attracted such one of these parties, you could do big-name DJ’s as Mylo, Erol Alkan worse than to pay heed to this brief Alex Baldwin and 2 Many DJ’s, as well as live and poorly-constructed selection of bands. All this was on top of a sturdy hints and tips. Nightlife Editors backbone of resident DJ’s (includ- Most people will tell you that the ing Rory Phillips of Trash-fame). most important part of hosting a Although in a similar vein to house party is inviting the right ell, we still Trash, Our Disco did without the May’s Parisian Invasion event at Our Disco people, but these people are wrong. haven’t been ‘fascist fashionista’ door-policy and Invite everyone in your phone mem- able to get rid too-hip clientelle. Musically, there Following a couple of events at ue, cheaper drinks and an excellent ory and all your e-mail contacts of Greg com- tended to be a more electronic bent the overpriced and oversized Can- line-up resulted in a great night for and get your housemates to do the pletely, so this to the tunes on offer, making for a vas in King’s Cross, things did not all present, the dancefloor being same. Invite your next door neigh- Wweek’s Nightlife page comes to lower proportion of Indie Kids on look good for our beloved clubnight. packed out for the entire night with- bours and their childen, hell, why you courtesy of both of us again. the dancefloor. Despite attracting huge crowds, out the annoyance of sweaty people not just invite the whole street? Next week, Greg really will be Canvas has none of the cave-like Right, now you have some peo- leaving us for a while, but never charm seen at Plastic People and ple to attend your party, we come fear, he will still be prodding me Trash, without on top of this, the entry and drinks Awesome-a- to the single most important ele- from behind the scenes. prices soared well beyond what ment: dips. One flavour of dip will We hope all you new arrivals the fascist Our Disco regulars were used to, licious parties not usually be enough, although have been having a wonder- the promise of cheaper drinks for there’s no need to expand your se- ful Fresher’s Week and haven’t fashionistas. the second Canvas event made for stuck to you. Since the events at lection beyond red and white, but been too busy to check out some a considerably better night, the fact Canvas, the Our Disco crew have for heaven’s sake remember to pro- of the clubs we recommended The final event at Plastic People that it wasn’t free entry also dis- been on the road this summer, ap- vide enough crisps, which must be last week, but if you have, rest attracted so many people that by suaded random people just looking pearing at a number of venues sturdy enough for dipping. assured that for the rest of the midnight the queue snaked most of for a free night out from attending, around the country and are soon to Free booze will also help to keep year we shall be reviewing and the way down the street, much to which is probably a good thing in be jetting off to Barcelona. your house guests interested. Pro- recommending a plethora of the dismay of anyone hoping to ac- that part of the world. Wherever the folks at Our Dis- vide some beer for the gents and lovely clubs worth your attention tually get in. We, however, did man- The club’s stint at Canvas cli- co do eventually decide to set up some tasty punch for the ladies. (or maybe telling you to avoid the age to negotiate our way in at a rea- maxed with a night featuring the camp, be it Canvas or anywhere In conclusion, the only thing you less worthy ones). sonable hour and enjoyed a fitting best in recent French Electro acts else (please be Plastic People!), we need to throw a great house party Our main feature this week send-off for what had, for the past including Justice, Mr. Oizo and a have no doubt that they can further is drugs, yes lots and lots and lots of sees us reminiscing over the his- three years, been a staple Friday brief live performance from petite raise the bar with some utterly awe- drugs. Get everyone coked or ketted tory of a favourite club of ours, night outing. Miami rapper Uffie. A packed ven- some-a-licious parties. up and it’ll be a blast. I promise. And Did We Mention Our Disco, which may soon be in a new permanent home much to our de- light. With a friendly atmosphere and great music, we hope that some of you will be able to enjoy More Competitions! it in its new guise in the not too distant future. In addition, we have a feature for those of you condisering throwing parties in your beauti- ful new houses, with a few tips to help party go off without a hitch. If you didn’t enter our competi- tions last week, you still have until Friday next week to email in Win one of 10 pairs Win entry for and bag yourself some great priz- es. Just email us saying which of tickets for Happy yourself and competition you would like to Mondays, Switch two friends for enter and we will select winners and Steve Smart at StereoSushi at randomly. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to make these emails a bit Papadiso at Egg on Ministry of Sound more interesting, as Greg and I October 14th. Plus on October 13th, do get bored sometimes. Above all, don’t get too attached free entry to Jaded Plus three Hed Kandi to the union, since there are plen- afterwards. double albums. ty of other places out there, just get some friends together and try Hosting the Terrace this month In the main room the legendary out some clubs. If you happen to is the Happy Mondays Collec- CJ Mackinstosh will grace the enjoy one of these outings, why tive (messy) busting out a DJ-Set turntables, dropping an array not write a review and email it in, alongside the Papadiso residents of soulful, intoxicating rhythms. we may even print it. Frisky DJ’s & Kiss FM’s Steve Joining him on the night is an- On that note, if you are a bud- Smart. In the Loft Sub-Mission - a other of London’s leading soul- ding journalist and enjoy going DJ collective dedicated to the elec- ful-house DJ’s - Glyne Braitwaite, out to clubs around London, tronic sounds of funky, deep, tech ready to deliver one of his infa- email us and we can get you free and electro house music go head mous deep and anthem led sets. entry and guestlist places into to head with Chocolate Groove Andy Norman and Jamie Rich- clubs in exchange for the lovely who will be playing their mix of ard take care of proceedings in reviews you will write. Soulful, Deep, US House/Funky, the Bar, with the finest selection Well, that’s it for this week. We Chunky, Jackin House (with a bit of disco grooves and Soul Logic hope you thoroughly enjoy read- of electro & disco-funk). host the Baby Box. ing this page and have fun during what remains of Fresher’s Week. E-mail [email protected] to win But not that illegal kind of fun. Thursday 5 October 2006 felix 15

FASHION [email protected] This is the winter of dress content Missing fashion shows, size 00 and the end of What Not To Wear’s Trinny & Susannah… whatever next?

Dolly Delaney that wearing a 7 year-olds kilt re- they have a much better fashion life they sell themselves so cheaply? have called me the “Mystic Meg” stricts ones breathing somewhat than us. They get way more materi- I am outraged and only hope that of the fashion world; some have Another year, another set of rules (I’m a singer, didn’t you know, and al for their money’s worth and nev- they return to their rightful home just called me lucky. Whatever your to learn. I’ve been getting rather I breathe from the diaphragm). But er have to worry about their arses soon. stance, here are my top 5 predic- bored of my wardrobe recently, the recent rise of tartan and plaid filling trousers. They have wonder- tions for this autumn: same old skinny jeans with flat has made me re-think. If, like me fully voluptuous breasts and are a 1) Gaucho Bag, by John Galliano shoes and variations on the theme you have the same idea, be warned. damn sight more intimidating that for Dior. As seen on Mischa Barton of a tight top. So, this year’s resolu- Overdosing on the Scottish rag myself when it comes to shouting at and currently being advertised by a tion is to wear outfits that cost no could make you look like a Bay City the editor, because he won’t make make-up less Kate Moss. It’s a steal more than £50. When I mean outfit, Rollers fan (a bad, bad thing). Keep you tea. So you see, Size 00’s are the at £915 (as in most girls will have to I mean, shoes, underwear, top, bot- it simple, ie only wear kilts. real victims here. steal it). toms, bag, jewellery, the whole fuck- If you are reading this and are ut- 2) French Connection’s Serpent ing lot. Should be interesting and terly incensed at my words because Dress; a bronze-sequined striped I’m sure I’m going to end up looking Galliano’s you’re a larger woman and find it number. Every girl’s been talking like some kook from the local mar- hard to dress yourself; then never about it, but at £130 it’s time to start ket, but at least mornings will be new collection fear. What not to wear (WNTW) is getting yourself a rich and gener- filled with mental maths, (£3.99 plus back. However, singer Mica Paris ous boy. £1.50 plus…), instead of: “hmmm, looked more and “supermodel” Lisa Butcher 3) The Little Black Dress. It’s could this pink nail varnish possibly have replaced the duo of Trinny and back, it’s black and it’s strapless. go with my red shoes?” like a homage Susannah. Last weeks’ episode of Prada have the perfect one for WNTW had the same format as the £1,160. to Axl Rose… last episodes T&S presented, but 4) Gold is lighting up the catwalks I’m afraid that’s all it shared with French Connection, Serpent this season, for the ultimate ghetto To perfect the the former shows. The clothes were Dress £130 chic, get down to Asda and buy a mediocre and the advice was nei- gold dress for £14 from George! look, think sliver ther helpful, nor intelligent (flared You may remember my first arti- 5) Chunky knits are warming trousers make you look taller?!). cle of the 2005/6 year. I talked about up every the hardest of fashion’s skulls, leather T&S have now moved over to the the new trends of that autumn and hearts. Stand out from the grey dark side, ITV, and are presenting also about a dress. “The Galaxy”. crowd with Joseph’s Blue jumper, and bandanas. their own new show. How could The dress of 2005. Many people £209.

By far the best look of this sea- son is the Tailored look. Many of the catwalks have tried to keep it simple, with tailored dresses and leather gloves. But I say the more androgynous your look the better. Even though it pains me to say it, Christian Dior, Gaucho Bag, £915 Kate Moss works androgyny better

I was recently given tickets to London Fashion Week, but being a social recluse, I decided that gal- livanting in Yorkshire was much more interesting. During a visit to Whitby Abbey I instantly felt the need to don a nice black dress and go hunting for Dracula, strange girl you might think, but at least the cat- walks agree that everyone’s inner goth should be celebrated; the Goth- ic Look is back! But for me the look should really be called “rock’n’roll groupie.” Galliano’s new collection looked more like a homage to Axl Rose (read Oral Sex). To perfect the look, think sliver skulls, leather and bandanas. However, if like me you’re on a budget, Camden Mar- ket, famous for the weird and won- derful, will supply your every need for the Gothic look. Anna Sui, Strapless Cocktail Dress £285

than anyone I know: grey waistcoat avec matching suit trousers and a crisp white shirt. But, if you aim on becoming a Moss-follower, make sure that the trousers fit your arse. Many a time I’ve seen women with saggy, unfitted bums and it looks awful. This is a particularly sore point for me. I am one of those Size 00’s and believe me, it’s crap. No I’m not anorexic; I just have crappy genes (or should I say jeans?). At 5”1, I was always the smallest at school. I Alexander McQueen, gave up ballet classes, so I could be STUDENT SHOP AT TOPSHOP OXFORD CIRCUS! Assymetrical Tartan Kilt £995 with the rest of my year on Thurs- day evenings; playing netball. The Fashion favourite Topshop is holding two shopping evenings for students at its Charity shops have long been worst decision of my life, as no one one of my favourite haunts. I once passed the ball (well they couldn’t Oxford Circus store on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th October. found a child’s old school kilt for see me) and my graceful walk start- £1.50. It belonged to Marianne ed to deteriorate. But then this year, Students are invited to enjoy 20% discount, quickie style advisor appointments Hartley-Brown, and every time I a revolution happened. Size 00 jeans wear it I wonder what she’s up to, appeared in Gap (albeit, in Japan) and a free gift with every purchase over £15. The evening events run from and whether she’d approve of her and I quickly shelled out £45 to get kilt going to indie club nights and them. So long saggy bum, hello tight 6pm – 10pm and valid student ID will be required for discount. getting drenched in beer. I haven’t arse! Larger people often complain worn it for a while, due to the fact about Size 00’s, but quite frankly 16 felix Thursday 5 October 2006 Clubs&Societies Stoic TV is on the air IC Radio Watch too much television? How about you get off your backside and create it! welcome

Mania Hormozi Head of Advertising & Publicity Stoic TV

If you have often sat in front of the TV and thought to yourself that what you are watching is actually pretty rubbish, then you are part of a huge society of different nationali- ties who every day complain about Michael Higgins what they watch, but yet they still watch it. If you are one of these Station Manager people, and think to yourself that you could make a TV programme Hey you. Welcome to the wonderful that would be much better than world of ICRadio. First things first, this then you need to be part of an- throughout this I will be quoting other society too. I welcome you to five songs, whoever comes to our the Student Television of Imperial freshers’ beer and biscuits evening College; we like to call it stoic tv for next Monday from 6pm (we are in short. Beit Quad in the basement mixing We at stoic tv work together as up the medicine) with all five an- a team to make a wide selection swers first will win a mystery prize of programs such as news, light worth around £25. Just to help I’ve entertainment, short films, the already done two of them and for news, and so much more. These the most part do not make sense in are then broadcast across campus the sentences. in the Junior Common Room on So, now for the serious stuff, we the walkway, and Da Vinci’s (from broadcast 24/7 at www.icradio.com 1-2pm each day, so keep a lookout and on 1134AM in Wye. We have over lunchtime!). And all our pro- award-winning shows covering grammes (including those from the more types of music than you’ve last two years) are available 24/7 on Filming on The Matt And Dave Show. Join stoic tv and you can make television programs too. ever heard of, from rock to pop to our website, at www.stoictv.com. hip-hop with some ska, punk and All these programmes are creat- jazz, and a whole host of speech ed by members of our society who of shiny, technical material in your a go at being a presenter, which is if it’s a live show). There’s also a based programs. We run all our are generally interested in making hand then this is the place for you. great fun if slightly nerve-racking! sound mixer who does a similar training and within 3 hours can a program or broadcasting in our It’s loads of fun! Just like real TV, The ability to talk non-stop is help- thing for audio, and VT operators have you presenting your own state of the art studio located at the we have a national awards ceremo- ful, but you are largely at the mercy who play in video footage such as show. In the two years I have been West Wing of Beit Quad. You will be ny we get to attend every year. Our of the rest of the crew to feed you the music videos and interviews. They doing this I have gone from pathet- surprised to know that a lot of the station won the Best Male, Best Fe- information you need and do what also need to press record at the ically poor to unbelievably average, effort that goes into a successful male and Best Broadcaster awards you are expecting. There’s nothing start of the show, otherwise people but that’s the point: anyone can broadcasting is not just a good pro- last year (so you could call us offi- quite like introducing a segment will get very upset when you tell have a go. gramme idea or a good show; there cially the best student broadcaster and then looking in horror into the them that they have to it all again. IC Radio gets all the latest are many behind the scenes tech- in the country!) Who knows, maybe camera as you realise you still have albums and singles before the nicalities that are very interesting. you can help us win something next fifteen seconds left to talk. Editing shops from major and independ- But that isn’t the only point of stoic year? For the more reserved among us, Most programmes need to go ent record labels that our music tv - mostly we’re seeing how much The first step to getting involved why not have a go at controlling a through post-production after be- team get to review and sometimes we can get with and how many celeb is attending a freshers workshop camera, as instructed by the pro- ing recorded before they make it to receive free invites to gigs. We parties we can gatecrash just be- (whether you’re a fresher or not!). gramme’s director. Or you could be the screen. At its simplest, editing have top-notch DJ equipment we cause we’re holding a TV camera! If you like what you see then be- the floor manager – this person is is simply rearranging bits of video hire out to other societies, clubs We offer a range of different shows come a member, sign up to a few essentially in charge of the studio into the right order and length. and bars for events. We own a and events throughout the year and programmes or start one of your and is responsible for making sure Then you add captions, music, professional level recording facility there are new programmes this own. There will also be more formal everyone knows what they are do- graphics, special effects and more for any band on the run to rent. year too, including “Ask The Presi- training sessions so that you can ing, from telling the presenters – the list is endless. It can take a We can help you achieve your dent”, an interactive debate show use our kit to its fullest potential. which camera to look at to counting very long time but the results can greatest dreams, God only knows with the Union President, and a So we look forward to seeing you into and out of video segments so be spectacular. what you’d be without us (now that comedy sketch show. Our live news at stoic tv in the West Basement of that the presenters know when to To give you a taster, we’ll produce quote was quite poor and not even shows, where we keep the College Beit Quad, or e-mail info@stoictv. stop and start talking. a trailer for a film or TV show from correct). up to date with the latest goings-on com for more details. a set of clips we’ve prepared. You’ll We need presenters, technical and events, are also very popular. Gallery get to call the shots, deciding what guys and gals, producers and a We’re holding a few workshops Workshops The gallery is the nerve centre of goes where and how to make it look bucket full of others. We welcome to introduce you to our kit (which Our renowned workshops run next any recording. It’s here that you’ll perfect. any ideas and are able to make is pretty hot), our studio, and show week, on both Sunday and Wednes- find the boss, or the director. The If editing is your chosen art, then (almost) anything happen. So get you some of the stuff we have day, and give you a unique introduc- director’s job is to keep the whole we’ll give you dedicated training on started and you can play to the done – from films to news – or more tion to the world of stoic tv, and TV show on track from deciding what the use of our suites so you know world over and over and over and importantly, what you can do. All of studios in general. The workshops the cameras should do to cueing in how to do all the basics. All you over, like a monkey with a mini- us are approachable and some of us consist of three sessions, each last- video segments, or just telling the need is creativity and imagination. ature cymbal… Anyway, I’ll see you aren’t even technical wizards – me, ing about an hour. The first two presenters to wrap it up because for beer and biscuits. for example! involve producing a short light en- they’re being dull. If you like shout- Interested? If you are interested and you There is a place here for every- tertainment programme; it tends to ing and bossing people around then If all that sounds like fun, then come darn well should be, email man- one. We need ‘front-of-camera’ peo- be quite chaotic but it’s always good this is the job for you, but at the along and get involved. We’ll be [email protected]. Oh, on more ple as much as technical staff. It’s a fun. We’re not trying to produce a same time you need a cool head running two workshops. The first thing, remember to check out really good conduit for an ego that BAFTA award-winning entertain- as you have to be thinking not just on Sunday October 8 and again on icradio.com – especially ‘The needs a little massaging or a crea- ment show, just give you an idea of about what is happening now, but Wednesday October 11, both from Moon Unit’, IC’s premier rock and tive writer with a crazy idea for the how things work at stoic tv. also about what is happening next. 2 to 5pm. And because we all know alternative show presented by next Blair Witch Project. Alterna- The director works closely with that bribery works, there’ll be free me and my emo housemate (don’t tively, if you like lots of attention be- Studio the vision mixer, who controls which food, beer, soft drinks and whatever worry, he doesn’t get a say in what cause you’re holding a large piece In the studio you’ll be able to have pictures go to tape (or to broadcast else we can tempt you with. we play!). Thursday 5 October 2006 felix 17

CLUBS & SOCIETIES [email protected] TIM SCARBROUGH

Fellwanderers scale Swiss Alps

Tim Scarbrough Jungfrau triple, we were relieved After the usual procedure of pitch- setting the place on fire before we’d very poor visibility. After spending to pitch our tents and cook dinner, ing tents and cooking dinner, we even eaten. a few minutes cursing our luck, we A very early start on a miserable with the stunning Staubbach water- visited ‘Andy’s Pub’ in Lenk, which The next day, after a promising were rewarded with clearing views Monday morning in late June sig- fall illuminated in the background. was exactly as the name indicates. start, the weather again turned of Lake Geneva some 1200m below. nalled the start of the Fellwander- Unfortunately, later on the follow- With a relatively early start, and against us and we joined a herd of Our destination that evening proved ers Summer Tour in the Swiss ing day the weather deteriorated the absence of a reception, we left cows in a shed for our lunch. In the to be a perfect penultimate conclu- Alps. The Alpine Pass Route (APR) and we had to change into our wet Lenk unable to pay for our night’s afternoon, we crossed the Col des sion to our journey - we reflected makes a complete East to West weather gear before continuing our stay. We had already accomplished Anderets, and after a welcome hot on our journey, as we wined and traverse of Switzerland, from Sar- ascent to our rest point for the day, the highest sections of our journey, chocolate at Isenau, the brighten- dined watching a delightful sunset gans to Montreux, and it was our the Rotstockhütte. The remote hut, but nonetheless, today required the ing weather tempted us to carry sat 800m above the Lake, with the aim to tackle a significant chunk of at 2039m, is only accessible on foot. crossing of two passes. Truttlisberg on a little further, to Col des Moss- city street lights glowing in the dis- this epic journey. After a not insignificant pass fol- pass at 2038m was our first, with our es. An amazing walk contouring tance, and the occasional sample of We awoke in Meiringen to a glori- lowing the Rotstockhütte, we tack- ascent livened by climbing steel lad- around the mountainside provided the vibrant Montreux Jazz Festival ous morning, and we were able to led the highest (at 2778m) and the ders beside a waterfall. After a brief spectacular views of mountain tops climbing to our ears. truly appreciate our amazing sur- most demanding of all passes on the pause, we had to prepare ourselves poking out above the clouds, with Our final base in Vevey acted roundings. After a gentle ‘introduc- APR. Descending, steeply at times, for our second pass of the day, the the Mont Blanc massif visible in more as an expensive baggage tory’ day’s walk we, spent the night above glaciers we dropped to our Krinnen pass at 1659m. Upon our the far distance. On arrival at our storage facility than a cheap hostel. in Grindelwald,, pitching our tents nights rest, overlooking the amaz- approach to this wooded ridge, the intended campsite, it became ap- We celebrated the final night of our with views of the Eiger. The enter- ing Oeschinensee. We were joined weather deteriorated, and flickers parent that it was not aimed at peo- tour, enjoying drinks and dancing to tainment for the night was provided by some Swiss fishermen who had of lightning and rumbles of thunder ple with tents. Too tired to carry on the live bands at the festival. After by trying to light our cooking stoves travelled up to the Oeschinensee for were evident in our surroundings. any further, we found a quiet area two weeks trekking across Switzer- using ethanol instead of the recom- a weekend of fishing, and seemed When the rain caught up with us, of the site and pitched our tent in land, accomplishing over 10,000m of mended petrol, much to the amuse- amazed to find us there. They could it really made up for the glorious somebody’s garden, ensuring that ascent, and over 180km of mountain ment of eight hungry people. not understand what we were do- weather that we had received so we would have an early start in trails we travelled back to England. After a restless nights sleep due ing there if we weren’t fishing! far. Very heavy thunderstorms ac- the morning in case the owners Whilst hard work at times, we could to heavy rain and thunderstorms, They made us feel most welcome, companied our descent to Gsteig, arrived. all reflect on the magical scenery we packed up and began our day’s offering us their special homemade where it was decided that in our We awoke with great determina- and the good times that we had all walk. The walk was described as ‘firewater,’ which ensured a good sodden state, we should seek al- tion. Today we would tackle the last had together. The memories of the ‘surprisingly steep’, which we were nights sleep. ternative accommodation. The one significant chunk of our trek. We summer tour will remain in our soon able to verify. Nonetheless, After a rest day paddling in the open hotel in Gsteig, the very nice had great expectations of an amaz- minds for a long time to come. superb weather and scenic views lake, we climbed to the Bunder- looking Hotel Baren, took sympathy ing view of Lake Geneva, with Mon- more than compensated for the chrinde pass – a magnificent gap on us, and Tim negotiated an effec- treux remaining hidden behind a To become a member email tim. physical exertion needed on this in a craggy ridge – and then down tively half-price deal. A superb meal final spur of hillside. However, after [email protected]. The section. After more than 10 hours, to Adelboden. The following day to in the adjacent restaurant didn’t several hours’ walk we were pre- full report is available at www. having passed the Eiger/Mönch/ Lenk was ‘relatively undemanding’. disappoint, despite Evelyne nearly sented with a blanket of haze and union.ic.ac.uk/rcc/fellwanderers Clubs Diary IC String Ensemble Imperial College String Ensemble 2005 we’re heading off to the Peak (ICSE) is now entering its second District for more barn-dancing and riotously successful year as a soci- watersports. Plans for 2006/7 in- ety. Last year we built on an already clude a student concerto, collabo- impressive foundation, branch- rating with Leosoc for Artsfest 2007 ing-out with staged performances as well as regular concerts slots of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and at Holy Trinity, Brompton. As the challenging repertoire such as college’s only small ensemble for Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Flor- string players we offer a different ence and Grieg’s Holberg Suite. We experience to Symphony Orchestra have also been working on our rep- and Sinfonietta, both socially and in utation for wild-partying, posing a terms of repertoire. serious threat to many established college music groups with the sheer To find out more about how to volume of our social events – we’ve become involved in Imperial even developed groupies! After College String Ensemble contact brilliantly successful tours in the Tiffany Fan at [email protected] Summer and Christmas holidays of or check out the union website.

Something exciting to say? clubsandsocs.felix@ imperial.ac.uk 18 felix Thursday 5 October 2006

TV [email protected] Summer break television The good, the bad, the legend, the cavernous mouth pieces, the manic depressive, the podgy bloke havin’ a laff and the ugly, as well as numerous other clichés. Tom Roberts whilst particularly paying attention so stupid, he/she has forgotten the TV Editor to seeing how many tiny fragments rules? So stupid, he/she has forgot- you can tear my emboldened name ten that Edmunds has previously I never thought I would slip into the into, hear me out. spoken to the banker who has of- stereotypical habits of student tele- I congratulate Noel Edmunds fered a wodge of cash? No, just like vision viewing. I’ve nothing against for bursting back onto the televi- the endless rapturous applause, those of you who rush home to get sion scene. Hopefully, this is just a this is just a device to stretch out your fix of life on Ramsey Street the proceedings before the in- or family friendly detective evitable conclusion is reached, shows played out on balsa wood for this is a game show where sets starring old, white haired, the prize has already been de- should-be-by-name porn stars. cided before a cameras have I just never expected these begun to roll! brain disengaging, and obvi- Deal Or No Deal is a mo- ously I mean that in a relaxing notonous game of probability sense, programs could be so disguised by the black phone compelling. that has reset the cement on Waking up at 9:25 during the Edmunds career. Rarely do the week will never be the same contestants accept the banker’s again for me thanks to The offers more out of fear of being Jeremy Kyle Show during infinitely booed rather than out the holidays. Taking over from of sensibility and therefore the Trisha ‘get-in-da-kitchen-an’- game is over before it’s even get-me-some-chicken-and-rice- commenced. and-peas’ Goddard, Kyle has One man that can present a brought his straight down the game show is Stephen Fry. QI line approach to daytime chat is a quiet triumph nestling in shows. just beyond the primetime slots Various ogres sporting bigger of BBC2. Whilst QI provided gaps between their teeth than plenty of summer evening’s the yellow enamel ridden pegs entertainment, Fry’s two-part themselves bound onto the documentary The Secret Life stage spouting nothing audible, Of The Manic Depressive was literally, in order to meet pre- easily the best viewing during watershed requirements. But the holiday. Fry suffers from bi- whereas you get a sense Jerry polar disorder along with 4 mil- Springer’s audience are actu- lion other people in the UK. In ally the ones out for blood car- the documentary Fry discussed rying 6 inches of serrated steel his condition with incredibly on their belts, Kyle keeps a se- personal insight, as well as vis- rene atmosphere in place at all iting friends and folk who cast times. Calming his audience by light on the subject. requesting boos and jeers are The program blew away the withheld, a bodyguard is rarely naïve clouds covering my eyes summoned. Not that Jezza K, and probably many others as his homies should call him, throughout the UK. I fell into would ever need them. His com- the category of people imme- The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive: Stephen was feeling bination of brick-shithouse stat- diately addressed by Fry as be- particularly pleased with himself after successfully leaving his red ure, chav hypnotism and “two lieving manic depression was a boxer shorts in a white wash. sides to every story” attitude simplified way of saying you’re ensures smooth runnings. just really, really low. Here lied or Closer or Cosmopolitan during lets the story of come to the fore. It is this final point that makes the programs biggest success. the week. So, the content doesn’t Andy is rising through televisions The Jeremy Kyle Show tower In similar fashion to Pete win- exactly match up to Question Time, ranks where reality is not all rosy. above the competition. The ning Big Brother and success- but one thing the women do have in Major changes to his script are initial guest is not necessarily fully drumming up awareness common with the politicians on that made by those ‘in the know’ and the one who walks unchanged for toilettes, The Secret Life has program is that the waffle spewing somehow the hollow gap between or unscathed. Often having Stephen Fry largely to thank for from their mouths is unbelievably his agent’s ears has become even despaired that they’ve been its success because of his will- hard to comprehend. more vacuous. wrongly done in their life, the Loose Women: Giant axe wounds. ingness to open up so much of ‘Feminism’ is the first word that Until the third episode with an hi- accused guest enters stage left his life, which could not have springs to mind when viewing the lariously ‘macho’ Daniel Radcliffe and Kyle deftly probes his way to platform for higher prospects, but been easy. program, but even this isn’t accu- and a dwarf known to me as none the bottom of each story giving his I severely doubt Deal is a short- Not since last terms Tony Robin- rate as the opinions are tinged by other than ‘Him from Willow’, Ex- measured advice that the ‘victim’ term affair. My main qualm with son: Me And My Mum, have audi- a sense of misandry that lies within tras suffered slightly from Gervais’ scowls at. Prejudice is thrown out of the program is the audience’s need ences had the chance to relate and some of the loose women. Occa- slightly heavy handed attempts at the window, then down the nearest to clap every bloody time anything empathise with well known faces so sionally a special guest of the lesser telling us how much of a struggle cliff and into the cave at the bottom at all happens. The contestant asks closely. Having been expelled from sex is brought out and at this point the television industry is. Still, Ger- on The Jeremy Kyle Show. There is Edmunds for ‘The Question’ in the school and imprisoned largely due we may expect a tip in the balance vais continues to produce comedy a real sense final part of to his extremes of mood, Fry came of the man hating fuelled conversa- that is a cut above the competition that the the round. through all of this to get to where tion, but this adds fuel to the fire as and each episode is over faster than riff raff out Inevitably, he is today. Even more surprisingly the women out do each other and si- Stephen Merchant can unsuccess- there aren’t the smug he thanks his manic depression for lence the poor bloke with their end- fully chat up a pair of women. all bad and git in the this success. The program is due less talking. I’ve already spent too The Charlotte Church Show can change high chair to be repeated in the near future long on this and I feel I’m treading deserves no tenuous link however. their ways. replies: according to the BBC website and into dangerous territory but televi- I’m going to put as much effort into This is “No deal!” I urge you to watch if you missed sion would be a better place without this summary as it takes to give a certainly to which out. a live version of OK magazine. chavette her own television chat a positive the audi- Moving from one intellectual From one program to next via show. The show begins with some point. ence claps, extreme to the other, we arrive at a tenuous link, we arrive at a pro- stat about Cardiff’s crime rate and Unfortu- cheers Loose Women. Riding high on the gram not afraid to offend for the depicts brawling Welshmen, which nately, my Deal Or No Deal: Noel Edmunds spots an and even recent wave of independent women sake of comedy with Extras. Andy is not something I’d be promot- taste for audience member with no hands or voice. ‘woops’. attitude largely thanks to Sex And and Maggie make a welcome return ing if I was constantly pushing the all things This is not The City and possibly a certain song but this time the tubby wannabe fact I’m obsessed with the coun- student didn’t completely change an American game show! Why do by Destiny’s Child, a group of forty- actor has got his own show com- try I originate from. Why the fuck overnight. The success of Deal they shout like they’re at an NFL somethings sit around a table run- missioned, whilst the dapsy blonde doesn’t she shut up about Wales? Or No Deal remains a mystery to match where there is a vast open ning their mouths about all sorts of continues to basically dig holes for Borat talks about Kazaksthan less me. I have never witnessed such stadium for their cola induced topical views. The conversation is her best friend to fall into. than she does Wales and he is liter- a self-congratulatory, patronising wooping to gush out of? about as intellectually stimulating The hook for the first series was ally a joke! We get it Church! You and downright daft premise for a Taking a step back, why does this as talking to a bottle of botox and the chance to see famous stars are the offspring of beastiality! Now game show. Please, before you re- insistence on requesting The Ques- is comprised of whatever bullshit parodying themselves but this has kindly watch the door on the way move this page of the newspaper, tion even exist? Is the contestant has been written in Heat or Hello taken a back seat as Ricky Gervais out in case it hits your hind legs. Thursday 5 October 2006 felix 19

PUZZLES [email protected] Sudoku 1,358 This Week’s Horoscopes

Complete the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 Scorpio (23 Oct – 21 Nov) Pisces (19 Feb – 20 Mar) Cancer (22 Jun – 22 Jul) square contains the digits 1 to 9. E-mail your solution to sudoku. [email protected] by Monday 9am. We will randomly select a Freshers’ Fair fills I’ve been watching You’ll be struck with winner to receive either a 128MB USB stick or a crate of beer. you with a sense of you. I know where you ideas this week. In You must claim your prize within a week. dread. Every year, at live. In fact, I know fact, so many ideas this time, you sprout where you went with will flood your skull weird, curly hair in Ben on Tuesday night. that you’ll forget your tufts on your neck. In Unless you want your name, where you live, 1 2 4 order to avoid the stares of fright- current boyfriend to know, please your parent’s faces, your fuck bud- ened and lonely freshers, you take mail me a minimum of £50 to IC dies private parts, and your very to wearing scarves. Later, a dog Blackmailers Anonymous, c/o the first dog’s name (he was called 3 5 6 bites your eyebrows. Felix Office, Beit Quad. Leo, by the way). Sagittarius (22 Nov – 21 Dec) Aries (21 Mar – 20 Apr) Leo (23 Jul – 22 Aug) 9 7 This week, a rein- There’s no escape Woof woof woof. Woof carnation of Ronald from paranoid psy- woof woof-woof. Woof 9 1 8 Reagan will visit you chotics this week. woof snarl. Woof while you’re in bed. They all want to talk to woof woof, woof woof; Unfortunately for you, you about their prob- WOOF woof woof. 2 4 8 you’ll be in bed with lems; they say you’re Woof snarl: snarl, your significant other at time. Coi- the only one that can understand woof woof-woof-woof bark. Whine, tus interruptus or what? Reagan them. You’ll end up spending a for- bark snuffle woof-woof. Snarl snarl 2 6 3 will explain how only you can save tune on self-help books for them, snarl, woof woof woof bark-bark Reagonomics. Laugh. and get a giant stress ulcer. woof. Snarl. 4 3 Capricorn (22 Dec – 19 Jan) Taurus (21 Apr – 21 May) Virgo (23 Aug – 22 Sept) I hate you. I hate you. Beards don’t scare If you’re actually 3 1 8 I hate you. I hate you. you. Only the ghosts enjoying these horo- I hate you. I hate you. of beards do. Every scopes, then please let I hate you. I hate you. time you see a recent- me know. After all, I 5 7 9 I hate you. I hate you. ly shaved man, you’ll sit here on a Tuesday I hate you. I hate you. begin to weep. The night (a day before I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. beard ghosts don’t rest; instead, deadline), drink a pint, and listen Solution to 1,357 Jotting pad I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I they whine in your ears with voices to hardcore just to dream these hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I like Gilette Fusion razors over soft, up for you. Feedback is welcome, 9 8 2 5 4 7 6 1 3 hate you. I hate you. I hate you. supple skin about death. morons. 5 7 1 9 3 6 4 2 8 4 6 3 2 1 8 7 9 5 Aquarius (20 Jan – 18 Feb) Gemini (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Libra (23 Sept – Oct 22) 8 5 4 1 6 9 2 7 3 3 1 7 4 8 2 5 6 9 A sixties starlet Crosswords are evil. You can’t stand people will rise from her In fact, by looking at who say the word 2 9 6 3 7 5 1 8 4 grave this week, and the one below, you’ve “ledgers” this week. 1 2 5 7 9 3 8 4 6 progress towards condemned your- When you hear it, 7 3 8 6 2 4 9 5 1 your humble student self to a afterlife of blind fury will grip 6 4 9 8 5 1 3 7 2 digs. Enthralled by blood-soaked, skinless your soul and force her grave-rotted beauty, you’ll offer nightmares, rather like a Tesco’s you to cram your pint glass into Thanks to everyone who entered. to do her bidding. Six counts of meat aisle, except with less grand- their mouth. Unfortunately for you, The winner this week is Scott Fraser. animal mistreatment later, you’ll mothers and rather more angry you’re an accountant. Don’t drop Keep those entries coming in! awake from your trance. demons with seventeen arms. the soap in the prison showers.

Felix Crossword 1,358 Rawden

1 2 3 4 5 6 ACROSS DOWN Greetings, crossword fans, and 1 Newly known headless bird 1 Diamond mob rush in chaos (7) other less important people! aimed with no eye (7) 2 Sodium tail lacking one relating Now that you’ve experienced 4 Correct Don again (7) to birth (5) the joys of freshers’ week, I know 7 8 9 7 Above the rest in Amazon 3 Phone ET about C jargon (7) you’ll have lots of time to avoid topiary (2,3) 4 Revive her serf, collapsed (7) lectures and do my crossword 9 Lay to rest between (5) 5 Regarding ten mixed up: don’t instead. I realise you might be 10 Letter I code cryptically may leave! (5) feeling a little fragile after all that 10 reveal the truth (3,8) 6 A fish missing tea is called Mr, drinking, so I’ve made it quite easy 11 We say tend to Anthony, lackey not Dr (7) for the most part. (7) 8 Evade troubled Peter, a vicar This week’s puzzle has a bit of a 12 David’s shield spell agony (11) geometric theme running through 11 12 without reason (7) 9 Smashed in deadly topless it (and I don’t just mean the grid 13 Country mare confused baffled hat – Ed. (11) design - although isn’t it pretty? I CIA (7) 13 Ring University of London made it myself, you know). 15 Due to see a cub distraught (7) Unions after Ann (7) For extra bonus points, see if you 13 14 15 16 17 War-torn Malaga joined 14 Sharp sounds like a fisherman can work out which clues I wrote together, united (11) (7) while 9 down. Have fun! Rawden 19 Lord, that is, with leg (5) 15 Yokel relations follow bump (7) 20 Wilt? Oh, in fall (5) 16 Shape assorted pie, sell at 17 18 21 Outsider fixed society magazine random (7) without thank you (7) 17 Silver tarnished cross might be Solution to Crossword 1,357 22 Presently at this location, an secret (5) C S I R E Y E S N A W L E A R item here doesn’t exist (7) 18 “Cease,” we hear, “poem is one S C H U B E R T U C H O P I N 19 20 way only” (5) L H C N N M P A L C T C U R O B E R G U E L G A R E O R F F N M R C I N S U S E R E L R T P A G A N I N I E D V O R A K 21 22 S K I S N E D V T I A U P M R K R E I O S A I N T L S L E R A E N D S T A E H O L E O F F Send your answers to [email protected] or bring this R A M E A U C S I B E L I U S page down to the Felix office in the West Wing of Beit Quad. Each M T O S E N E U P I R A T N S week, we’ll choose a winner and print their name, thus providing S T R A R S A E N S O B A C H them with almost unlimited kudos and self-satisfaction. Everyone N A T U A A O L F T B E A L O who provides us with a correct solution will get an entry into our R I M S K I N K O R S A K O V prize draw at the end of the year. C N R S U L E S L O N U E G N CROSSWORD & SUDOKU Sport page 19 ICURFC Canada Tour 2006

Daniel Lindsley the Calgary Irish after our lesson in Edmonton. The match looked like This July saw 25 of Imperial Col- it may not have gone ahead, with a lege’s rugby club head to western fierce thunder storm raging above Canada in search of fame, fortune, our heads and interrupting play glory and perhaps a little liquor. The minutes in, but eventually it got un- tour began in Edmonton. Stepping derway. The Irish took advantage off the plane into blistering heat of the rain delay and immediately we realised that things may not be pushed over for a try from a lineout. quite as straight forward as we had This sparked IC into life and start- hoped. However, rugby boys being ed a very tight match, dominated rugby boys, little time was wasted by forward play due to the stormy in exploring the local taverns and conditions. This limited IC’s attack, eateries, despite our first match be- being out muscled up front and un- ing the following day. able to play the fast running rugby The second evening presented us we wanted. A solitary try came from with our first fifteen a side match, a Quincy Allen intercepting a miss game that we were told was against pass from the Irish 10 and running a team made up of a mixture of play- to the line. The score in the end was ers from the local clubs. It just so 12-7, but we left feeling that it was happened that this representative a match we could and should have team was the Edmonton Gold, a Ca- won. nadian Super League team who fin- Next was the sevens tournament ished second this year. The team in at the Stampede Sevens. The IC front of us contained an awful lot of first squad qualified for the semi talented looking players, including finals having put out the previous several internationals such as the year’s champions. This led to a Canadian try scoring record holder match against a side from British Dave Lougheed and ex Leicester Columbia, Meraloma. After a half of ICU Rugby Football Club on tour in western Canada. Tigers winger Winston Stanley. possibly the best sevens ever played However, we started with optimism by an IC side we led 25-0, however the Olympic Park, something that lano, a top ranked British Columbia After another few days R&R at and found ourselves only four tries a Meraloma fight back saw them only Rob survived. side. The game saw the best rugby Victoria on Vancouver Island, where to two down at the half, thanks to score three tries leaving the score The next five days were rugby played all tour, with the forwards the traditional Kangaroo Court was some great play from the half back at 25-19 with only a couple of min- free, spent in the glorious surround- fronting up against physically big- held – much to the amusement of pairing of Rob Robinson and Jim utes to play. But IC always looked in ings of the Rockies. One night was ger and stronger opposition and the Canadian locals, it was time to Pedder. A lack of fitness and match control and victory seemed secure spent in the middle of nowhere at the backs running fantastic lines. head back to Vancouver and the practice as well as extreme condi- when Robinson crossed the line Canmore before moving on to Banff The game was close throughout twenty fifth Simon Fraser Univer- tions drain saw IC walking off af- late on, only for his try to be disal- where the lads enjoyed white-water but first half scores from Quincy sity Sevens tournament, where our ter 80 minutes of fast paced rugby lowed for time wasting after pres- rafting, mountain biking, canoeing Allen and Rob Gaskell gave us the old enemies Meraloma lay in wait. and a comprehensive drubbing at sure on the referee from the Mer- and the surroundings of the Lake edge heading into half time before Again the first squad looked in good the hands of Edmonton. The game aloma coach. This let Meraloma Louise as well as the never ending Jim Pedder stretched the lead soon form heading to a meeting with ended, 57-12. The score line does back in the game and a converted hospitality of the Banff locals. Af- after the break with a run from Meraloma. Rob Robinson looked not reflect how we had played in the try in the last play handed them ter Banff we started the long jour- halfway. Capilano scored two of to seek some personal revenge match, and in fact there were hints victory, much to the dismay of the ney to Vancouver with one night’s their own before Raphael Diguisto against the side that denied him at of potential in the scratch squad tour party. Meraloma went on to stopover at Shuswap Lake, where put the game beyond doubt with the previous tournament scoring all comprised of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and even meet our old friends the Edmonton accommodation was in the form of another try under the posts. The fi- five of the tries in a 27 to 12 victory. 4th team players. Gold in the final where they were Cabooses (railway carriages) and nal score was 24-12, testament to a This time we reached the final, los- Having enjoyed a few more days comprehensively beaten. However a boat house. We enjoyed an open squad that had developed through- ing out in a close encounter to the in Edmonton the journey south to revenge would be had on Meraloma campfire, local beer and a few of the out the tour to become a very good Bayside islanders, a team made up Calgary was made for another fif- before the tour ended. A further guys sweated in a traditional Native outfit. Choruses of Sylvia were sung of Fijians that had won the tourna- teen a side match, the first sevens couple of days were had in Calgary American sauna before an invigor- with gusto and new songs were ment a total of 17 times. tournament and of course the leg- enjoying the stampede and rodeo, ating swim in the ice cold lake. learnt thanks to the good lads from That was the final night of a tour endary Calgary Stampede. It was a highlight of the tour for many, as The last week of the tour was the Capilano side. Be warned, those that had been successful on and business as usual for the lads as we well as a great final night in Cow- spent on the west coast at Vancou- of a sensitive disposition may need off the pitch. Western Canada had explored Calgary, but we were a lit- boys. A special mention has to be ver and Victoria. Our final fifteen a to cover their ears next term as the proven a tough rugby test for IC but tle more wary for our match against said for Rob Gaskell and the luge at side match was to be against Capi- rugby boys sing the S&M man. it certainly was an enjoyable one.

www.tevong.co.uk