FELIX GRADUATION PULLOUT INSIDE

Subtitle PG

“Keep the Cat Free”

18/10/13 Issue 1556 felixonline.co.uk

Prince THIS ISSUE... Harry Visits FEATURES Imperial

Aemun Reza Project Wild News Editor Thing 4

he Royal British Legion Centre of Blast Injury Studies (CBIS) offi cially opened COMMENT at Imperial College today (Oct 17). Th e CBIS held its Tsecond networking event in the Royal School of Mines and invited HRH Prince Harry to unveil the centre. IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON Th e CBIS is a charitably funded IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON research centre between the Royal Prince Harry Harry giving giving a speecha speech about about how howhe wouldnʼt he wouldnʼt have gotten have intogot Bioengineeringinto Bioengineering but settled but forsettled the army. for the army. British Legion, Imperial College and the Ministry of Defence speech addressing how important the and was established in 2008. research is at the centre. He was also under the name ‘Imperial Blast’. given a tour of the Imperial Labs in Th e aim of the centre is “to improve the Royal School of Mines building. The Prince Harry the mitigation of injury, develop and Th ere was also a poster competition advance treatment, rehabilitation for research for PhD students and Conspiracy 12 and recovery in order to increase post-docs with a £100 fi rst prize lifelong health and quality of life after and 2 runner-up prizes of £75. blast injury”. as quoted by Professor Th e second half of the event Anthony Bull, the Director of CBIS. included lectures given by Surgeon Th e networking event also Captain Mark Midwinter CBE, Wing TECH included lectures about blast Commander Alex Bennett, Dr Tobias injuries and diff erent aspects of the Reichenbach and Dr Spyros Masouros. research taking place at the centre. Topics included defence rehabilitation Professor Anthony Bull opened research, lower extremity blast the event with an introductory talk injuries, the eff ect of blast induced discussing the aim of the centre. traumatic brain injury on hearing and Th e morning half had lecturers such measuring injury burden and outcome as Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Dr parameters in combat trauma. Mazdak Ghajari and Major James Th e event was open to all students Singleton. Th e talks ranged from and staff who expressed an interest to myths of military mental health and attend and that registered for the event. Get rich quick, traumatic brain injury to battlefi eld One famous attendee was injury clinical research at CBIS. Bobby, Charton, the former YouTube style! 38 During the intermission, HRH came England football player and to unveil the centre and said a short former Manchester United player. continued on page 3... 2 FRIDAY 18 OCT EDITOR’S PICKS

SCIENCE COMMENT ARTS Alzheimers This week Christie’s Delving into the developments Confessions of a GTA Part II: Our “undercover” reporter in neurological research, is a GTA means Graduate Teaching goes to an auction at Christie’s! possible cure for Alzheimers Assistant. Our columnist is back on the horizon? with more tales from the land of tutorials...

COMMENTSUB STREAM Prince Harry! So you think you could be a Th is Friday enjoy a live DJ set from Tom Fitzgerald and Jordan Ford, better GTA? Th ink again! Like available to stream on STOICTV.com and ICRadio.com from 21:00. riding a bicycle it’s not as easy Looking at house music from its disco roots through to modern UK as it looks! bass. Joseph Letts IC Radio and STOIC members can join us live in the studio for the set in our studios in the Union’s West Basement. Teach First! Editor-in-Chief Do you want to change live Live music is becoming a big part of your studentand make radio society station better? at Imperial. If you want to get involved as a performer, web developer, sound engineer or nother week gone, hardware engineer contact [email protected] or [email protected]. another issue produced! I think we’re starting to get the hang of this newspaper thing! ATh e big story this week of course was Prince Harry’s visit to the South Erratum Kensington Campus (see page 1). We had a few errors in last week’s paper. Of course while HRH Prince Harry Do you want to help catch the errors before they’re printed? was visiting the Centre for Blast Join the copy editing team :) Injuries studies our very own Tessa Comment email [email protected] Davey ( ) was sent away by her department so she couldn’e even see her work being presented to the Prince, how unfortunate is that (page 12). LOLCAT OF TEH WEEK: More from teh Lolcat editor Aside from visiting royals and lots of rain the other big thing in the Felix offi ce this week was our preparation for next week’s Commemoration day IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON ceremonies. Inside this week’s issue you’ll fi nd a Graduation pullout, begin tonight (for more information because you truly do have a chance to something you should give a read go to imperialcollegeunion.org/ make a diff erence with your vote. even if you’re not graduating this year, elections. As indicated by our previous NSS it contains many pearls of wisdom. Th e elections (see page 3) are to performance many students with Of course if you’re not interested you elect a variety of part-time offi cer roles grievences against the system keep could always pass it on... at the Union including the Ordinary to themselves over the course of thir In addition to all of this excitement Members of the Union Council (giving degree and then complain bitterly at the Union has had some activity of the winner a say on the formation of the end. However if you would prefer their own, as well as getting ready Union policies; more important than to highlight problems you are having for their careers fair and hosting you might think), Liberation Offi cers, and trigger changes that will happen “Th e Great Soc Off ” on Th ursday Course Reps and Year Reps. You during your time at Imperial, this can (yesterday) night the Union are should vote, not because people (like only be achieved if you vote the best preparing for the commencement me) tell you to, and not because of the candidate into offi ce, so give it a shot! of this terms elections. Th e elections gentle prods you receive by email, but

Felix, Beit Quad, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BB. THIS BROUGHT Email: [email protected]. Tel: 020 7594 8072. Fax: 020 7594 8065. Printed by Iliffe Print Cambridge, Winship Road, Cambridge. Registered newspaper ISSN 1040-0711. Copyright © Felix 2013.

WEEK WASTO YOUBY

Editor-in-Chief Joe Letts News Editors Aemun Reza, Nida Mahmud Features Editors MAYBE YOU? Business Editor James Tsim Science Editors Philippa Skett, Keir Little, Fiona Hartley Politics Editor Kartikeya Rana Food Editors Carol Ann Cheah, Michael Chung Comment Editors Eoghan J. Totten, Tessa Davey Arts Editor Arianna Sorba Books Editors Maciej Matuszewski, Eva Rosenthal Music Editors Simon Hunter, Riaz Agahi, Stuart Masson, William Stocker Television Editors John Park, Emily Fulham Film Editor John Park Games Editors Maximilian Eggl, Calum Skene, Imran Rashid Technology Editors Maximilian Eggl, Yong Wen Chua, Sam Arawa Travel Editor Chris Richardson Sports Editors Kunal Wagle Online Editors Philip Kent, Annina Sartor, Stephen Ball Puzzles Commanders Kingshuk Dasadhikari, Oliver Price Copy Chiefs Annina Sartor, Stephen Ball Copy Editors Stephen Ball, Thomas Heaven, Iulia Gherman FRIDAY 18 OCT 3

Editors: Aemun Reza, Nida Mahmud [email protected] NEWS

Higher Education First Union Union Elections News Council now open Warwick Session of the Year

Maciej Matuszewski

Reporter Nida Mahmud Th e fi rst meeting of the Union Council was held in the Union Dining Hall last News Editor Monday. Th e Council, consisting of Last year, feminist students at Warwick University over exaggerated over two dozen student representatives their uproar in response to a semi-naked calendar produced by – including the Management Group nion elections are kicking female student rowers to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer chairs and Constituent Union off again on Friday 17 at Charity. Th is year, they shed the remaining garments in defi ance! presidents, is the main policy making 12pm, they will be open body of the Union and is subordinate till Tuesday 22 at 12pm. to only the Trustee Board. While most of the meeting consisted UTh ese elections are for Reps and of start of year reports from senior Union Council. Th is year 464 students student views are expressed to the Union offi cers there was also a in total have stood for elections for right bodies to make changes for the Labour discussion on the Union’s policy 115 positions. Th is shows an increase benefi t of students. Whether you want towards under 18s. Campaigns Offi cer to the number of total candidates that to be involved with representing your Christopher Kaye raised the point that ran last year, which was 390, even Year Group or Master’s cohort to your. current Union policy of barring under though last year there were more Department, or be one of the ‘voice of 18s from the Union for ticketed events positions available at a total of 139. the students’ in Union Council, we such as the Freshers’ Mingle might hope this guide will help you.” leave them feeling left out. A number Rebecca Coxhead the returning of Council members who started their offi cer stated “Th is is a brilliant way to So make sure you vote if you want courses at 17 confi rmed that they had get involved and be part of ensuring your voice heard. often felt isolated and secluded from the wider student community in their fi rst year. Sponsored Editorial Union President Paul Beaumont, however, said that the policy was in place as a safeguard against any Student Discounts At incident with underage drinkers. Yesterday, Labours new spokesperson for women discovered that a He reminded the Council of the national newspaper was off ering a handsome cash sum for pictures of her strict government alcohol licensing Fresh Hairdressers from a previous life! It appears that Gloria de Piero has also indulged in a regulations, saying that “if there was an spot of artistic clothes shedding. She raises the concern that something incident with a 17 year old the Union’s 70m from South Kensington tube she did when she was a young student may stand in the way of her license would be taken away”. Marissa serving her community and becoming successful in politics. Or will it? Lewis, Deputy President (Welfare), said that every eff ort was being made to make younger freshers feel included – pointing in particular to the success of this year’s Alternative Mingle – Men’s cuts £22 (normally £35) “a free event with ... non-alcoholic All over clipper cuts from £10 Degrees from top institutions refreshments”. Beaumont also added Women’s cut and rough dry £28 that the Union is keen to have events Women’s cut and salon fi nish which appeal to both drinkers and blow-dry £38 (normally £55) non-drinkers – confi rming that he Highlights from only £40 You’ve graduated; the future’s looking good, the world is your does not want to see a divide form oyster. Or is it? Political commentator, Anna Claeys says a degree between the two groups. Sorry CASH only! from a top university doesn’t open more doors…. anymore. Being Th e next meeting of the Union an intern has become a possible rite of passage to the job you want. Council will be held at 18:30 on FRESH hairdressers are offering But be warned! You may land your perfect intern position with a Tuesday, October 29 in the Union the best haircuts, prices and Appointments available Tuesday to leading law fi rm only to discover that they have forgotten all about Dining Hall. All member of the Union service in South Kensington. Saturdays 9.30 to 6.30 you and no one knows what to do with you. Excellent CV material! are welcome to attend and contribute 300 applications later, you fi nally get an interview and they ask you to the discussions, though only Please call 0207 823 8968 to We are only 70 metres from to engage in a dance-off for the position. Or another interviewer members of the Council have votes. book an appointment and ask for South Kensington station at 15a tells you that you don’t look right for the job. Still, it could be worse, Nominations are open until Sunday, a student discount. Please bring Harrington road, South Kensington, you could be asked to compete in a Boris Bike Race to win a job. October 13 way for the 16 Council your student ID we look forward to SW7 3ES 0207 823 8968. Ordinary members, the directly seeing you. elected student representatives on the We use the best styling products Check out our website: Council. Voting itself opens Friday, from Wella, Moroccan Oil, L’Oreal. www.freshhairdressers.co.uk October 18 and closes on Tuesday, October 22. 4 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editors: VACANT FEATURES [email protected] Project Wild Thing - Coming to a

George Goldberg Reporter

avid Bond is a worried man. When he was a child, he spent his time outdoors in the natural world, but now all his Dchildren do is stare at screens and obsess with big brands. He sets out to change things, appointing himself Marketing Director for Nature. Th is witty and irreverent documentary follows his antics as he attempts to launch a national marketing campaign to get children back enjoying the great outdoors. Described as “Like David Attenborough and Morgan Spurlock got drunk and had a baby” by one watcher at the Sheffi eld Doc Fest where the fi lm premiered this summer, it’s sure to be an interesting watch.

Felix caught up with the man himself, GREEN LIONS fresh out of the BBC newsroom where he’d been preparing an edit of the fi lm for Newsnight. I’ve got two young kids, so I noticed actually not true, in fact it’s slightly the European documentary fi lm festival us. We have some researchers, which that they are much more into the other way round according to a study in Sheffi eld (Sheffi eld Doc Fest). Lots is why we worked with people from Th e fi lm release is quite soon now, telly and computer games and toys published on Wednesday by the RSPB. of buyers came and saw it there, Imperial, although Andrew was also so how are the preparations going? than going outdoors. When I get it was a packed house, and people assistant producing. And then now, them outdoors, they really love it. Also, the discovery how universally reacted really well. It’s funny because obviously, we’ve got publicists. So it’s It’s going really well. We’ve got over As a product, they love consuming loved it is as a product, how weirdly people laugh when they watch it. I a really long and diffi cult process, but 50 cinema screenings, which for a it and they really enjoy it, but they we don’t choose it as it has been don’t think people were expecting the core team is really quite small. documentary is really an amazing don’t choose it, and that struck me displaced by these other better it to be funny. I think we were quite release, and we’re going out all over as probably a branding problem. I marketed products. lucky that we managed to pull that What would you say inspired your the country, which is really amazing. wanted to compete with the brands off , because it’s a really serious issue documentary style? We’re really pleased to be playing that they do choose, even though they Th ose were the two big things that about how we are going to connect at Imperial. We’ve had a couple of don’t enjoy them as much as going struck me – that nature is a product, with the environment in the future, I really love documentaries that are interns working on the fi lm who outdoors. Th ey do choose Disney and a thing to go and consume, (there’s and whether our kids are going to give irreverent, and fell like an adventure. were at Imperial, so we feel quite Nintendo and Apple and CBeebies. something weird about describing it a toss whether species die out or not. I really like what Morgan Spurlock connected. Noah Baker and Andrew Partly that’s because the stuff that as a product because it’s free and we’re So it’s a heavy subject and it’s also got and Michael Moore do, and I’m Mehigan were both interns with us. those guys have got to off er is not part of it in a sense), but at the same an element of heaviness in it because really infl uenced by that kind of So that’s one of the reasons we rang necessarily good for them but quite time, being able to set it up and talk it’s about what we ought to do, it’s got campaigning, active fi lm making. I’m a Imperial Cinema – “you should screen addictive, but its partly because there’s about it as an option for enjoyment. a bit of a government information feel big fan of the Yes Men. On TV I really it as your guys have been working on a lot of advertising and branding that A kid would have a pie chart for what to it – that you ought to eat 5 a day, love Louis Th eroux. In terms of the it”. goes on, around, well in the case of they do, and nature, the outdoors, you ought not to smoke, you ought to look, we’re just so lucky with cameras. Disney they own Marvel now, so would be one chunk of that. And I go outdoors, but I think we managed We shot it all on a C300 camera, which Th e preparations are good, we’ve everything my son’s got is Spider Man guess what I saw my job as doing was to avoid it feeling like a fi lm that does is around £10,000. Ten years ago it got loads of events going on at the now – he’s kind of saturated with the to try and grow that segment of the pie either of those two things, either that would have been a £200,000 camera. diff erent screenings. It’s been a hell of Marvel Brand, so I guess I wanted to chart. And I just loved discovering just is really heavy about the issue, or feels And then of course we chose the visual a ride. It’s been 3 years in the making, see what it would look like if I tried to how much children love it, and adults really preachy, by just having a lot of style of the animations – there are so it’s been pretty terrifi c. saturate his life with the nature brand, of course. Everybody loves being fun making it. And also cooking up animated sequences which are very whether it would have an eff ect. outdoors, but people don’t choose this slightly crazy caper where I tried lively and quite humorous and light, I love the style of the trailer, the idea it, and I’m convinced that’s a kind of with no money and not very much so rather than going through a series of socking it to the big brands in a When you were doing all this, did marketing and branding problem. time, to do a nationwide marketing of documentary scenes to explain the language they understand. Since you fi nd anything very surprising campaign for a nonexistent product scientifi c benefi ts of nature, we just go you are setting yourself up as the with your experience? Th is fi lm has got quite a wide release which we cooked up. Well, it’s out into a 90 second animation about it. Marketing Director for Nature, for a documentary? How did you there, but we employed ourselves as what’s your elevator pitch? Th ere’s some things that people think manage it? it’s marketing directors. What is the big goal of what you about nature that really aren’t true. want this to achieve with this fi lm? It’s the ultimate product. It’s fun, it’s People think that it’s the preserve of We came up with the idea, and Apart from you, who’s the team free and it’s good for you. And there’s the wealthy, the middle classes, to raised money from various sources, behind it? Th e creation of this fi lm has brought almost nothing in the world you can go frolicking in nature. Actually we including BritDoc and Channel 4, into existence this outfi t called the say that about... except maybe sex, discovered that the disconnection of and some private places, including It’s me and my longtime producer who Wild Network. It’s a network of although that’s not always true for sex children from nature cuts across class, the National Trust, the RSPB. We I worked with on a number of fi lms, organisations and individuals who even. wealth and geography. You’d like to were tremendously lucky in raising Ashley Jones. Th en the core team is all want to campaign to get children think that people in rural places are the money to release it. In terms of Lorraine O’Donovan and some camera more connected with the outdoors. It Why did you take the approach of a really well connected with nature and getting the release, it’s just got to go people and editors who come and go, includes the National Trust, the RSPB, big brand to the idea? that people in cities aren’t, but that’s down well. We played it at the big but really the core team is just three of the NHS some big brands like Arla FRIDAY 18 OCT 5

@feliximperial FelixImperial FEATURES an Imperial Cinema near you...

and Lurpak, and advertising agencies, it. it is for you to spend some time and 300 other organisations. Th ey connected to the outdoors. I mean, You are a fi lm maker, so I can’t resist kind of fl avour. It wasn’t bad... it was a are going to campaign to reconnect Imperial is a Science and the science is really compelling, it’s asking, 35mm or digital? little bit wet and cold, which is always children with nature, and they are Technology University, so we love good for your blood pressure, your a bit of downer when you are licking using the fi lm as an awareness-raiser. our screens. What would you say to stress hormones, patients with a view We shot this on the C300, which is something , but it was pretty good. So what I hope to achieve is that Imperial students? of nature recover faster than patients digital. But I’ve shot on fi lm before lots of people see the fi lm, and start with an urban view, exam students and I love it. Th e trouble with fi lm is We hired it from an outfi t called thinking about how little time British I think all the Imperial students I’ve who study with a view of nature that when you press the record button Celebrity Amphibians, and that frog children spend outdoors. And just by met are very well balanced. Th ey perform better in exams than those on the camera you can just hear the had been on Casualty. thinking about that and being aware interact with technology at their who study without. Th ere’s a huge money burning. It’s so expensive of it, I’m pretty hopeful it will help it work and their study because it’s a and growing body of peer-reviewed shooting on fi lm, and the joy of digital to change it. And especially with the fundamental part of what they do. But scientifi c evidence that you should is that you can do lots of takes. We Project Wild Thing opens Wild Network following that up with maybe the ones we’ve spent time with get yourself a dose of nature, so I’d shot 180 hours to make this 90 minute in Cinemas nationwide recommended things, so they are are the ones who are interested in the say to Imperial students, if you life documentary. If you did that on fi lm, on Friday 25th October. going to announce to ask every British issue and therefore more connected has become balanced away from that you’d have to have a very, very, very big It will be screening at child to try and swap half an our of with the outdoors? I’d say, just and into a very serene heavy existence, budget. So I think, as a documentary Imperial Cinema on screen time for outdoor time every watch the fi lm. If you come and see don’t stress about it, but at least fi nd maker, my answer is digital. Friday 25th October at day. It’s basically the Wild Network it – obviously it’s playing at Imperial out about it, fi nd out what you are 5pm. Tickets £5 students saying “Go Watch the fi lm, but then – what we’ve found is that people missing out on. Finally, how did the frog taste? / £7 others available try and swap a bit of the time we all don’t necessarily make some massive online at spend staring at screens”. We support change, but it’s just the awareness of I don’t think screens are bad for you, It actually tastes pretty good. Once bit.ly/wildthingimperial that, but the fi lm doesn’t ask anything the overwhelming scientifi c evidence but they displace something that’s you get over the texture it has quite a of you other than to enjoy it and watch that’s out there now to say how good really, really good for you. nice earthy, maybe even mushroomy All rights reserved. © 2013 Accenture. Bring your talent and passion to a global organisation at the forefront of business, technology and innovation. Collaborate with diverse, talented colleagues and leaders who support your success. Help transform organisations and communities around the world. Sharpen your skills through industry-leading training and development, as you build an extraordinary career. Discover how great you can be. Visit accenture.com/graduateevents

Date: 28th November 2013 Time: 6:30pm Location: The Gore Hotel

Come to an evening with high performers at Of course, you can learn a lot about Accenture on It could be an introduction that evolves your career. The Gore Hotel to discover how you can evolve our website, in our graduate brochure and from your yourself with a career in consulting. Accenture careers advisor. But we think nothing beats a first- Be the first to know the latest news: excels at helping its clients achieve higher hand introduction from someone who already works ‘Like’ Accenture Careers UK performance. It’s why we’re recognised as one of the here. That’s why we’d like to invite you to join some leading management consulting, technology services of our people for dinner. It is a chance to meet Follow accentureukjobs on Twitter and outsourcing companies in the world today. potential colleagues and mentors, ask questions and Watch us on YouTube AccentureUKcareers discover more about life at Accenture. Visit accenture.com/graduateevents 6 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editors: Philippa Skett, Keir Little, Fiona Hartley SCIENCE [email protected] Higg’s-tory through the ages: Philippa Skett gives us an exciting history lesson about the Hig

François Englert and Peter W. Higgs at Cern before a conference about the search for the Higgʼs boson CERN

ast week saw the Nobel Prize not confi rm some of the key ideas that at Utrecht University, based in the question as either the God Particle second slower than the speed of light in Physics go to Peter Higgs underlie theoretical physics. Netherlands, built on this by proving or the Higg’s Boson – displaying and them making 11,000 complete and Francois Englert for their Peter Higgs was the fi rst of several it mathematically. more than a modicum of modesty revolutions of the main ring per theorisation of the Higg’s researchers to publish a paper Hooft went on to win the Nobel often undetected in today’s scientifi c second. Boson, only months after its theorising the boson’s existence, Prize for this in 1999; the boson, even researchers. It seemed that the fi nal hurdle to Lconfi rmed detection at CERN. Th e including our very own Professor Tom though still theoretical at this point, As speculation and controversy overcome in this theoretical physics controversially named “God Particle” Kibble from the Blackett laboratory. was already demanding international surrounding the so-called “God race was to actually detect the boson, has delivered excitement (and mass) Unfortunately, the paper Tom Kibble interest and delivering awards unlike Particle” ebbed and fl owed through although this was categorically easier to both the scientifi c community wrote, alongside other researchers any other. the media, scientists were now said than done. To do this, two and the general public, with the Gerald Guralnik and Carl Richard It was in this time that the term burrowed away from prying eyes separate, opposing teams of scientists tale behind this unassuming boson Hagen, was the last to be published “God Particle” was coined by Leon and had began to design and build huddled away at CERN in Geneva, featuring the twists and turns of a race in the Physics journal Physical Review Lederman, an American experimental the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Switzerland, to independently in science never seen before. It is also Letters about the topic, costing him physicist. He coined the term “God Th is was to become the largest, most discover this elusive particle. Th e two a story with many leading roles, but the Nobel Prize. Although he stated Particle” in the title of a popular powerful particle collider, and, with teams, Atlas and CMS, were named who deserved the prize at the end is that he regards “[his] treatment as science book he wrote because that, a price tag of $8 billion, was the most after the two gigantic detectors built still a matter of debate. the most thorough and complete,” he “One, the publisher wouldn’t let us expensive too. Its overall function was into the Large Hadron Collider that It all began in 1964 when Peter sadly was a few months too late. call it the Goddamn Particle, though to test and predict various theories could measure the outputs of proton Higgs, a physicist from the University After the theorisation of the boson, that might be a more appropriate title, within particle physics, but excitement particles being smashed together at of Edinburgh, suggested particles take more scientists stepped forward to given its villainous nature and the around the LHC was centred on the high speeds. mass from an invisible energy fi eld, contribute to the function of this expense it is causing. And two, there idea that one day it could allow for the Th e collisions were predicted to and, as this fi eld needed an associated mysterious particle. Steven Weinberg, is a connection, of sorts, to another creation of a Higgs Boson. produce the boson that would then particle, he suggested that a boson an American professor of physics book, a much older one...” Th e LHC was constructed between immediately decay into a multitude must also exist. Detection of the boson at Harvard University, suggested Th e media loved it, much to 1983 and 1988, and crossed between of diff erent subatomic particle would in turn provide affi rmation of the idea that the boson will provide the dismay of Higgs himself; not Switzerland and France at four combinations, including lots of excess the Standard Model, a theory of the the unifi cation of electromagnetic because his name itself became points throughout its 27km long energy in the form of gamma rays. A fundamental interactions between and weak forces, two of the four somewhat neglected, but because circumference. It offi cially went boson is an elementary particle that subatomic particles. Th e boson was fundamental interactions within of the sensationalist connotations live on the 19th of September 2008, can mediate forces between other essentially a missing piece of a large nature. Not only that, but Gerard ‘t this presented. Humbly, he himself sending protons whizzing through the bodies, such as the electromagnetic particle puzzle, that without it could Hooft, a Dutch physicist and professor would rarely refer to the particle in tunnels at speeds of only 3 metres per fi eld, or the strong force that binds FRIDAY 18 OCT 7

@feliximperial

FelixImperial SCIENCE fifty years yields Nobel prize gs boson and how its existence was fi nally confi rmed last year

The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS), one of two detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) used in the search for the Higgʼs boson CERN

atoms together from nucleons and occurring are above a certain CMS were also seeing important brought all the datasets together and discovery should be heralded with the protons. Th ey often break down into quantitative threshold, it is considered fl uctuations of energy, this time in combined them to produce a result greatest accolade that mankind has to lighter particles in an attempt to to be a truth, and the highest threshold the form of a “four-lepton” signal. Th e of a signifi cance level of 5.08-sigma. off er, whilst others are still squabbling attain stability; the Higg’s Boson was for this determination is considered to results were almost at a 3-sigma level, Th ey had fi nally found the boson. about the theoretical history of the predicted to break down into a W be a “5-sigma level.” Th is means that if and it seemed that both Atlas and CMS Th is result was the combination particle and who exactly should be boson, which could then break down the odds of something taking place by had simultaneously and independently of datasets spanning 1,000 trillion recognised for theorising the boson in further into a lepton, among other chance are less than 1 in 3.5 million, cracked the code. Neither could boast proton-proton collisions, resulting the fi rst place. combinations. then you can confi dently state that a 5-sigma signifi cance however, so the in the formation of 240,000 possible Th e Royal Swedish Academy of Th ese breakdown products were what is occurring the other 3,499,999 race was still on. Higg’s Bosons, 350 pairs of gamma Sciences announced last week that what the LHC was trying to detect, times is the norm, and can be heralded Dr Heuer, the Director General rays and 8 sets of lightweight Peter Higgs and Francois Englert had and would be measured by Atlas or as the truth. of CERN, revelled in these fi rst particles from the lepton channels. won the prize “for the theoretical CMS- they manifested as anomalies in A persisting bump on the graphs of hints of particle discovery, so set up Th e two teams presented their discovery of a mechanism that data output, represented as “bumps” one team corresponded to a gamma a symposium in CERN. Dr Heuer work simultaneously at the CERN contributes to our understanding on an otherwise consistent line on ray of mass of around 128 billion reasoned that a sigma signifi cance symposium on July the 4th , 2012, with of the origin of mass of subatomic a graph. Th ese bumps represented electron volts. Th e gamma rays of 4.9 would not be enough to call the whole world watching. CMS went particles, and which recently was an unexpected excess of gamma rays produced by the Higg’s Boson decay something a discovery, but two fi rst, followed by Atlas, and then Dr confi rmed through the discovery of or other decay residuals; possibly were theorised to lie between 115 experiments boasting such a value Heuer declared that they had indeed the predicted fundamental particle, by from the aftermath of a Higg’s Boson billion to 200 billion electron volts would combine to make a sigma value found a previously unknown particle. the ATLAS and CMS experiments at disintegration. of energy, so as the bump persisted that would be enough to tilt the scale Dr Higgs was present in the audience, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.” Bumps in the data were common, in the datasets produced by particle in favour of statistical signifi cance. was seen to be crying as the ripples of CERN was not attributed with but through repeated collisions were collisions, excitement, coupled with It was now a matter of combining the news began to spread from the the Nobel Prize for its role in this smoothed out as they disappeared the characteristic skeptism all good data in the right way to produce that CERN epicentre to right around the marathon, and it could be humoured through the realms of statistical researchers harbour, started to grow. statistically sound support for the world. Follow up data analysis was whether or not Higgs would have even averaging. It was only when the bumps It was team Atlas that was fortunate boson’s existence. done, and on the 14th of March, 2013, got the prize if the particle’s existence remained, and became less anomalous to nurture this bump throughout It was a solitary graduate student that it was tentatively confi rmed to be the had not been proven. Needless to say, and more predictable, that the two repeated tests until its occurrence had fi nally produced results that breached Higg’s Boson. the unfolding of the discovery of the teams started to sweat. reached a 3-sigma level: the chances of the 5-sigma level, but the discovery So who really did deserve the Nobel boson is a great story to tell, and no Truth in science is all about statistical it being a systematic fl uke were only 1 was not ultimately confi rmed until Prize? Some people suggest that in doubt will become one of scientifi c signifi cance. If the odds of something in 740. another pair of graduate students had reality, those at CERN who made the legend as the years pass. 8 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editors: Philippa Skett, Keir Little, Fiona Hartley SCIENCE [email protected] Breakthrough towards curing Alzheimer’s... Utsav Radia on a new step to neurodegenerative disease treatment

Th e MRC Toxicology Unit research hence the build up of these can team, led by Professor Giovanna disrupt and damage the cholinergic Mallucci at the University of Leicester, neuronal cells within the brain that has managed to successfully control carry messages to and from the CNS, the progression of Prion disease, a gradually destroying them. Slowly, neurodegenerative disorder, in mice. this disease can spread to other areas Th e study, published in Science within the brain, further damaging Translational Medicine, shows great our ability to process thought, speech promise for human neurodegenerative and memory. disorders such as Alzheimer’s, which Professor Mallucci confi rms that aff ects around half a million people in the “compound has completely the UK. prevented neurodegeneration” in the In Prion disease, the build up mice studied. However, there were of abnormally folded proteins certain prominent side eff ects on over-stimulates cellular control the mice, including damaging eff ects mechanisms within the brain that on the pancreas which caused mild switch off the production of all diabetes and weight loss. Th e next big new proteins. Without certain vital challenge is to transform this method proteins, the nerve cells within the of treatment into human patients with brain struggle to send and receive minimal side eff ects. messages and eventually become Professor Morris, of King’s College starved. London, says that, “Th is fi nding [...] will Th is control mechanism is supposed be judged by history as a turning point to be self-regulated, so that protein in the search for medicines to control production ‘turns on’ again when ALZHEIMERʼS DISEASE EDUCATION AND REFERRAL and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.” So the misfolded proteins have been method using proteins that blocked the same pathway that switched off abnormal proteins, thereby restoring far, we have only been able to control removed. However, in mice with the pathway for the ‘off switch’ all new protein production within some brain function and preventing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s through Prion disease, the abnormal protein so that new protein production the brain. Th e compound worked by further memory loss. AChE inhibitors such as donepezil levels continually increased, resulting could continue in presence of other inhibiting an enzyme, PERK, which In Alzheimer’s disease, parts of the and NMDA receptor antagonists like in protein production being kept abnormal proteins. Th is time, the team in the presence of high levels of brain start to atrophy causing the memantin. ‘switched off ’. Th is would eventually was able to use an orally administered misfolded protein, would trigger cell formation of beta amyloid protein Whether this new research will trigger the death of the brain nerve drug-like compound which, once in apoptosis (controlled cellular death). plaques and neurofi brillary tangles, enable us to revolutionise the way cells. the bloodstream, was able to cross Th is enabled the nerve cells within known as tau tangles. Amyloid Alzheimer’s can be treated, only the Th e team had previously trialled a the blood-brain barrier and block the brain to survive in the presence of proteins are abnormally folded and coming years will tell.

allows vesicles to merge with target bodies to transfer their Nobel prizes announced Physics contents, Randy Schekman discovered a set of genes that are instrumental in directing vesicle traffi c, and Th omas Südhof Researchers and experimenters of CERN, working at the unearthed how electrochemical signals are processed by Chemistry LHC in Geneva, Switzerland, capped nearly 40 years of vesicles to release their contents accurately and precisely. theoretical study and experimentation to fi nd certain physical Th e signifi cance of their work, though apparently simple Th e Nobel Prize for Chemistry this year was awarded to three evidence for the existence of the Higgs boson, a particle and fundamental in nature, is crucial in understanding this scientists for their work in multiscale modelling of complex included in the Standard Model. It was hypothesised by delicate system within the human body. Any disturbances or chemical systems. Martin Karplus of the University of modern particle physics to be crucial in giving all elementary inconsistencies in the vesicle traffi c system can lead to long- Strasbourg and Harvard University, Michael Levitt of Stanford particles the property of mass. Its discovery proved the term adverse eff ects upon general health, and are known University and Arieh Warshel of the University of Southern existence of the Higgs fi eld, which bestows this property, to contribute to many major medical conditions such as California, began their work in the 1970s, using computational achieved by attempting to produce the boson by accelerating diabetes, immunological problems and neurological disorders. models to simulate and study chemical reactions. Over the two streams of particles to extremely high energies (in the years, the methods became more sophisticated, and their region of Teravolts) and causing them to collide head-on. applications expanded to include well-known biomedical Th e awarding of the prize has been controversial as a multitude Peace problems such as protein folding and drug design. of people had been involved in establishing the Higgs boson in When applied to large biological systems such as theoretical physics, and more involved in the experimentation Th e Organisation for the Prohibition and Control of proteins, however, most computational methods encounter to obtain physical evidence. Th e Nobel Prize’s policy is to Chemical Weapons (OPCW) received this prize not for one a problem of scale: the diffi culty in simultaneously only allow up to three people to share an award, which this particular campaign but a cumulative eff ort over decades in modelling both the atom-level chemical properties and year went to Peter Higgs and Francois Englert. Besides trying to eliminate and outlaw the use of chemical weapons the large-scale behaviour of the overall system. Th e work them another colleague, Robert Brout, was also considered internationally. Such weapons were infamously deployed in of the Nobel winners provided a way to bridge this gap, to be a frontrunner to share it, but he passed away in 2011. both World Wars, and have also been more recently used combining quantum mechanics with classical physics. by terrorist organisations, with current media focus on the Computational methods and their advocates, unfortunately, alleged use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people. often meet with scepticism from experimental scientists. Medicine Since their formation, the OPCW has led eff orts to prevent In Imperial’s own Life Sciences department, there are manufacture, ensure destruction and eradication of chemical reports of early-career academics having had to play Vesicle traffi c is the transportation system of molecules weaponry, receiving the support of over 180 countries to down their interest in theoretical research when applying within our bodies at the cellular level, in packages called date. Although heavyweights such as the USA and Russia for jobs, with one senior lecturer dismissing the entire vesicles. Th ree researchers shared this prize, although have not acceded to the OPCW’s strong recommendations, fi eld as ‘nonsense’. Th is historic award should fi rmly they did not directly collaborate on a specifi c study: James there is growing international pressure for this to change, all establish the importance of theory in modern science. Rothman unscrambled the protein machinery which thanks to their eff orts for a peaceful and more secure world. FRIDAY 18 OCT 9

@feliximperial

FelixImperial SCIENCE ...and releasing a vaccination for malaria

ceptionally diffi cult to detect. It is thus sponse. Th ey must be combined with Lauren Hoskin essential for the vaccine to protect another antigen to do so. sciencesays.co.uk against something permanent on the Th e vaccine in question creates a hy- surface of the parasite. brid of circumsporozoite antigens Th e imminent vaccine aims to defend with Hepatitis B surface antigens and Results released on the 8th of Octo- against Plasmodium falciparum, cur- an additional immune booster. It is ber revealed that scientists are making rently the deadliest strain of malarial this combination that prompts the promising progress in the develop- parasite. P. falciparum, like many oth- necessary immune reaction. ment of an eff ective malaria vaccine er protozoal parasites, follows a spe- Trials so far have been promising. Th e called RTS,S. Th e vaccine could po- cifi c lifestyle once inside the body. recently released results indicated that tentially save millions of lives as it Injected through the bite of a female young children (aged 5-17 months at aims to combat one of the world’s anopheles mosquito, the parasite en- the beginning of the trial) experienced deadliest diseases. ters the bloodstream and is carried 46% fewer cases of malaria than those Th is mosquito-borne disease kills ap- straight to the liver to infect liver cells. immunized with a control vaccine. proximately 660,000 people a year, At this stage of its lifecycle it is called Infants (aged 6-12 weeks at the begin- mostly children, and almost all in Af- a sporozoite and expresses a surface ning of the trial) were reported to ex- rica. Th e nature of malaria makes it protein called a circumsporozoite. perience 27% fewer cases of malaria. extremely hard to vaccinate against Researchers are using this circum- Initially designed in 1987, it has been since it is caused by protozoal para- sporozoite molecule to act as part of a long time in the making. It is hoped sites, which are considerably larger the immunization. It will be this mol- that it will be available for use by and more complex than bacteria and ecule that the immune cells become 2016. Whilst not providing complete viruses. sensitive to and seek to destroy when protection, the sheer number of peo- Th ese unwieldy organisms are capable next detected within the body. ple suff ering and dying from malaria of wearing a number of diff erent pro- Unfortunately for researchers, cir- worldwide, estimated at over 300 mil- tein coats to disguise themselves from cumsporozoites alone are not enough lion cases, means this is a huge step PATH MALARIA VACCINE INITIATIVE the immune system, making them ex- to provoke a suffi cient immune re- forward. Jet lag resistance in mice They donʼt suffer like you after a long fl ight, Fiona Hartley explains

Jet lag is one of those annoyances be signifi cant to many. that stems from living in the modern Jet lag was fi rst studied in 1965, era. Anyone who has fl own to Asia over a decade after the advent of or come home to the UK after an passenger jet services. Since then American holiday recognises its the condition has eluded a cure. But unpleasantness. You just have to wait Hitoshi Okamura and his colleagues for your body to adjust to the new time at Kyoto University have made a zone. When evolution was working on breakthrough in understanding how humans, it had no foresight regarding the neurons in the SCN communicate. the development of the aeroplane, or Th is gives scientists greater hope that that it would play havoc with our body there could one day be a treatment for clock by enabling us to travel across the symptoms of jet lag. Th e group the planet in one or two journeys. published their study in Science last Th e suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) week. acts as the ‘master clock’ of the human Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a body. In the SCN there are thousands hormone released by around half of of neurons that regulate the numerous the neurons in the mouse SCN and bodily functions that run in a 24- detected by several receptor proteins. hour cycle, which are called circadian Th ere are also AVP receptors in the rhythms. Th ese include your core human SCN. In a population of mice, body temperature, urine output, and the researchers deleted two AVP expression of genes that aff ect the receptor genes: V1a and V1b. Th is CaptiveBredReptileForums circadian clock (unsurprisingly called made the mice unable to respond Sheʼs obviously taken a red-eye fl ight recently clock genes). to AVP. Th e group then placed this Th e SCN also synchronises these genetically-modifi ed population and a light-dark cycle at least twice as their internal clocks. Th eir circadian drug disrupting the receptors in the rhythms with the outside world. When wild-type population of mice on a 12- quickly. When the V1a and V1b rhythms maintained a normal 24-hour SCN would also disrupt receptors we pass through several time zones on hour day, 12-hour night light cycle for receptors in wild-type mice were cycle. As with a mechanical clock, the that control blood pressure and water a jet plane, our internal clocks become two weeks. temporarily blocked with chemicals SCN was able to uphold good time- retention, the better-known functions misaligned with external time. Shift- When the light cycle was changed to they too recovered from their induced keeping internally whilst being easily of AVP. But the hope is there, and the workers have a similar problem. mimic an eight hour time diff erence, jet lag quickly (though not quite resettable in response to external solar knowledge should help scientists to Since some studies suggest that as occurs when humans suff er from as quickly), confvwirming that the time. further investigate the intricacies of shift work increases the risk of heart jet lag, the ‘normal’ mice took many missing receptors are responsible for It will still be very diffi cult to create the SCN. disease and certain cancers, a way to days to readjust to the new rhythm. the accelerated rate of recovery. a magic pill capable of treating jet combat the physiological eff ects of However, the mice lacking in AVP In addition, the mutant mice did lag thanks to the presence of AVP misaligned circadian rhythms would receptors re-entrained to the new not suff er any obvious ill-eff ects to receptors throughout the body. Any DOI: 10.1126/science.1238599 10 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editors: Eoghan J. Totten, Tessa Davey COMMENT [email protected] Nintendo’s Ethical Legacy

console is recurrently misconstrued as an instrument of detriment. National surveys in England estimate that three in ten two-to-15-year-olds are Eoghan J. Tottenotten overweight . It has been suggested that @eoghantotten the reversion of children to sedentary Comment Editor pastimes (including television and games) is the core reason for the phenomenon. I categorically believe omputing power is that the blame lies elsewhere. evolving at a relentless In an attempt to vindicate the games pace. Th e gaming industry console I want to analyse Nintendo moves in tandem with products. For decades they have this tempo. Unfortunately invigorated innumerable dynamic C(and for some, regrettably) its viability and lofty thoughts in children, the concept of innovation and rebirth expresses analogous content to that of with a sleek model over time (and has waned in recent years having come promoted logic and injected moral within a rational and predictable the most successful Pókemon masters. yet teleportation has always been under pressure from a burgeoning allegories into the plots of their world. It might be argued that this Man’s relationship with nature possible). One might draw from this smartphone market and a reversion games. One might even stretch to say can encourage resolve, enthusiasm (Pókemon) is inherent, and rooted as that the game, despite its enclosed to the PC as the preferred platform of that Nintendo introduced children and optimism in a child. It may even a central tenet of society. Academic ambiance of insulation, further choice. Playstation serves as a suitable to the philosophical concept of self- evolve to become a transferable and research appears to wholly revolve encourages a player to compare and allegory, experiencing a 15% like-for- determination and utopian aspiration. indispensable skill in later life. around Pókemon. One could list many contrast. Pókemon is more relevant like drop in revenue of US $1.19 bn To begin with, let us consider Th e Legend of Zelda saga is more desirable facets however reality than ever. In our world of vigorous for the April-June quarter. Likewise the Mario video game franchise. saturated with material from which tells us that such a utopian existence expansionism, the game brings Nintendo, despite a market valuation Elements of its world and adventures one can draw inference. Taking is unattainable. Th e restlessness of the attention to a need to live within of US $85 bn, faces fl agrant criticism are simultaneously dynamic and yet inspiration from a blend of (to my human id fails to surface. our means. Sustainable trimming, for failing to suffi ciently ‘move with fi xed. Children are introduced to mind) Celtic, Scandinavian and Th e trainers don’t get mugged in rather than development, may the times’. Avid enthusiasts can expect the confi nes of Euclidean geometry Oriental lore, children are introduced the dark. Th e Pókemon battle on a indeed be the way forward. Man’s a turbulent future. I fi nd it all slightly through the recurrent appearance to the fundamental challenges and regular basis and yet blood is never enmeshed relationship with animals, depressing. of recognisable shapes (mushrooms, questions relentlessly pondered by drawn. Emotions of anger, lust and as illustrated in Pókemon, promotes In spite of this all hope is far from man-eating fl owers and gold coins to civilisation for millennia. Enclosed jealousy are rarely, if ever, presented connotations of the current lost for Nintendo as a perennial name but a few). A child familiarises within the framework of quests in the plot. For me this is of signifi cant European policy of ‘Rewilding’. Japanese multinational. Th e recent themselves with this concept with and interspersed with ‘temples’ and importance; children may notice that To close, Nintendo provides release of Pókemon X & Y has served relative ease. Upon achieving this, ‘bosses’ to thwart, children can fi nd the incongruities of the real world more than a desirable legacy but a to brighten the horizon. A notable the child is now free to explore the themselves engulfed in mimesis. are excluded from the adventure. fully-fl edged set of blueprints for 1.26 million units were pre-ordered in opportunities presented by the Th eir eagerness and anticipation to Th ey may well extend this inference a benefi cial gaming industry. In a Japan, with a similar reception to the fi ctional ‘world’ with its given set of discover further twists to the plot to a collection of other Nintendo world where many fail to raise their franchise emulated around the globe. parameters. A reader might be able morph with the unfolding tragedy games. Th ey are presented with the eyes from their phone or tablet to Th e event served to spark memories to relate to the awe instilled in the recounted by the game. It might be opportunity to compare and contrast look at the stars in the night sky, a of my childhood. I recall infi nitely catacombs of the mind when playing debated that children are introduced and ultimately, build an informed revitalised approach to technology many afternoons spent in euphoric Super Mario 64, Paper Mario or Super to the concept of catharsis, a form of opinion. would be desirable. In the past it has bliss levelling up my Pikachu, seeking Mario Galaxy. Th e crux of Nintendo’s cleansing or emotional renewal. Th e Despite the mediation of the taught children to look treat their counsel with Th e Great Deku Tree in franchise is its predictability. Despite wider relevance of this is to stimulate a Pókemon world, each successive technology as a mere catalyst for the Th e Legend of Zelda or tripping out this, by interchanging the parameters child’s awareness of the essential place generation has refl ected contemporary awnings of the mind. I simply hope on Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 64. to 2D graphics or by giving Mario the of culture, art and identity in society, technology. Professor Oak’s chunky that it has a place in future markets I fi nd that the modern games ability to fl y, a child is introduced to unveiling a new dimension to human computer has gradually been replaced to do the same in the future. existence. While the world may be full of physical wonder there is also, however, a world buried deep within the catacombs of our minds. In this realm reasons for our identity and our actions, that universally preoccupy each and every one of us, dominate the everyday machinations of the world. From this we can identify the presence of ethics within the thread of games produced by Nintendo. Bearing this in mind we might choose to address Pókemon. It is a world where society is centred on pre-meditated parochialism. Walking is the preferred mode of transport. Vehicles are only used when necessary. Th e economies appear to be planned and seem to benefi t all citizens. With a mart and health centre as the principal business establishments, consumerism has no place in the towns. Th e larger cities are sparsely populated and exhibit luminous, clandestine walkways. Characters encountered during the

NINTENDO course of the plot all exude a sense of well-being; the man in the street NINTENDO FRIDAY 18 OCT 11

@feliximperial FelixImperial COMMENT

Ralph Miliband: A Benefactor of Slander (just twelve yards from that of Karl most disgraceful colonial record in ‘problems’ to be ‘solved’. Th e hidden Christy Kelly Marx!) and the subdued eloquence of history, despite the attempts of the assumption is that confl ict does not, his epitaph ‘Writer Teacher Socialist’. Japanese, the Belgians, the Americans or need not, run very deep.’’ Th is Writer Th e Mail’s argument does not make etc. Finally, who really cares whether is always the assertion on a ruling, sense; fi rst they attack Professor someone hates ‘their’ country or not? complacent class and it is with only a Miliband as a dangerous socialist Th e second would be the remarkable little exaggeration that I claim every espousing a ‘poisonous ideology’, consensus across political parties ground-breaking political advance he recent Daily Mail ‘essay’ then they criticise some dubious about the incorrectness of the Mail. in history has been based on the (to use Daily Mail sketch tax aff airs (an issue that is genuinely Th ere is evidence that Th e notion of antagonism and committed writer Quentin Letts’ concerning) as “hardly the behaviour Conservative Party (despite Vince struggle. wonderful euphemism) on of a tax-loving socialist.” Th is reminds Cable’s warnings) are still human, Th is is why I see the recent Professor Ralph Miliband me a little of Freud’s old broken kettle perhaps a sign, even, that the entire ‘polarization’ of politics as a good Thas demonstrated once more, in no joke: I fi nd that a kettle I had lent to political class is able to transcend the thing; for all his faults (and they are uncertain terms, the vicious and a neighbour is now broken. Th ey petty rivalries of partisan politics and many) Ed Miliband has fi nally started quite frankly lunatic nature of some explain that: 1) they had returned the achieve a ‘third way’ perspective on a movement away from that fi ctional elements of the British Press. Th ey kettle undamaged; 2) the kettle was both matters of ‘national importance’ ‘centre’. ‘Fictional’, I say because of “That the article have, quite rightly, come under the broken when they received it; and 3) and basic human ‘decency’. It is when Tariq Ali’s point about an ‘extreme was written to strictest censure and condemnation they never borrowed the kettle off me we arrive at this conclusion that alarm centre’, extreme because this ‘centre’ for what can only be described as anyway. Th e Mail’s argument lacks the bells ring. unquestioningly accepts principles vilify is in no a hateful and fear-fi lled piece. On sophistication for three excuses: You Th e fi rst point of concern was made that good ‘centrists’ like Margaret doubt. The actual the other hand (this is not to defend get the point. in an otherwise deeply stupid article Th atcher had to fi ght tooth and nail ‘Th e Mail’ in any way) I could hardly More important than internal by Tim Stanley in the Telegraph for. Th e recent anti-Blairite ‘witch- result has been, describe the article as a ‘smear’. inconsistencies in the Mail, however, (an article that, relying only on ad hunt’ is also a good thing by my on the other hand, Th at the article was written to vilify (or indeed the negative attitude hominem and tu quoque, compared book (if that is really what it is) and if is in no doubt. Th e actual result has behind the article itself, which is, let the journalistic integrity of the Mail accompanied by a change in face is an positive.” been, on the other hand, positive. us be honest, simply business as usual and the Guardian), noting that the equivalent change in policy. After all the Mail has introduced for a rag) is the manner in which the Mail has given ample reason for the I mentioned earlier that it was us all (be honest, how many of you Mail has been criticised. Th e fi rst is Government to push forward moves to the credit of the Mail that they Harold Laski in New Left Review: knew of Marxist academic Ralph the remarkable inanity of the very for press regulation. Th e point was had revived Professor Miliband for ‘‘Philip Rieff has a nice phrase about Miliband last month?) to an erudite criticism that “it’s unfair to attack brought home to me by Tory MP another generation. He is perhaps Freud having ‘disturbed the sleep of and redoubtable intellect. Some of the a dead man”. Th is may be so, but I Grant Shapps, whose approach on the one subject whose actuality has mankind’. No such large claim can Mail’s statements sound like praise, would suggest dead people do need question time left me musing that ‘‘the been somewhat eff aced in the whole be made for Harold Laski. But he at least to my ears, be it “Miliband vilifying, not least Lord Northcliff e, MP doth protest too much, methinks.’’ discussion, appropriated as it has did greatly disturb the sleep of many was taught politics by Harold Laski, founder of the Daily Mail. “Seventeen Th e second point was already being been for political purposes (not least people in Britain and the United States a giant of Labour’s Left” or “He was year olds write stupid things”. Yes, made by none other than Ralph by myself). It is therefore with great in the thirties and forties. He was an already on his way to becoming a they do, but the excerpt quoted by Miliband in his 1977 book, Marxism admiration that I close with the fi nal exemplary public intellectual. Th ere is heavyweight thinker”, and I positively the Mail seems reasonable – we must and Politics: “In the liberal view of lines Professor Miliband’s own short great need for more such intellectuals envy both the position of his grave not forget that Britain still has the politics, confl ict exists in terms of encomium to the aforementioned on the Left today”. Confessions of a GTA: Part Two “GTA does not stand for Grand Theft Auto!”

compulsory for all students wanting to What did surprise me is the The GTA help out. If you don’t go, you don’t get university’s opinion of us. Th ey see us paid, which of course means we all go the front line of student interaction. Anonymous but our interest is obviously driven by We are the shield that stops students wanting to assist the future Imperial totally embarrassing themselves by graduates. We are just those kind of asking a stupid question of a slightly people. It is three hours; what could crotchety lecture, who has had all adly, this is true. In fact it they have to say that could possibly their solutions stolen by some post- is an acronym for ‘graduate take that long? grad. We stand doggedly in the cold teaching assistant’. You Well, there is a lot of jargon, like and wet preventing students walking know, the ones standing learning styles: after a questionnaire, into large machinery on fi eld trips. We at the front chatting to I turned out to be a refl ective, visual, guide them through the fi rst few days Sthe professors instead of helping you sequential, sensor learner. Th ese are of hellish programming where nothing out. Yep, I’m one of those and as far words meaning that I like to learn with make sense and 1+1 no longer seems as I’m aware we do not steal cars, pictures, not words, in an organised to work according to the computer. only solutions to questions when manner by learning step by step, not We are on the front line of feedback the lecturers truly overestimate as part of a group. How I got through to tell students what isn’t and what is our abilities. We do not get chased Imperial I have no idea! Apparently defi nitely a stupid question. down by cops but by students in the they cater for the completely opposite Th us, we may not be manic gamers last minute of a two hour tutorial, person. Th is strange species are convinced that what Felix really needs deciding that they don’t understand active and intuitive. Th ey like dealing is a low down on what we do in a the entire subject so far. And we don’t with lots of theory in text and enjoy virtual reality each week, but we do go to glamorous parties. Well okay, working with other people. Th e test have our uses. So next time you see maybe we do... basically said that I was, in eff ect a us chatting away at the front, ask us a On the other hand, this week we genius, as I managed to do a course question, because if there is one thing found out in our training that we do taught entirely wrong for me. Th is GTAs are good at is answers; we stole something pretty cool. GTA training is clearly did not surprise me. the solutions. Th e GTA 12 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editors: Eoghan J. Totten, Tessa Davey COMMENT [email protected]

My Royal Conspiracyy Robin Thicke: Trivialising Rape?

Tessa Davey Comment Editor

Kensington Palace fi nally revealed last week that the mysterious VVIP guest who’s attending the grand opening of the “new” Centre for Blast Injury Studies is none other than my favourite eligible bachelor, Prince Harry. As part of the opening, they’re holding a Network Event, a day full of talks from scientists and soldiers alike. And the best part is, anyone can go. STAR TRAK, LLC Anyone that is, except for me.

I spent six months this year (ab)using the CBIS do not want to hear it. bar running for profi t. Th e Union is the equipment, and as a favour to one of the postdocs We need to ask our union bars, and hub of student activity at Imperial and fi elding our red headed royal’s visit, I spent the fi rst few Kirstin Hayay those using the Union to think about has to be a welcoming environment days of my PhD avoiding any relevant work, and making Writer what they are playing. Do you want to for all students. a poster of my old project, to be handily displayed in be the person responsible for playing a You could highlight that the in- the lab throughout the visit. I even resisted the urge to song that makes a number of people in tended meaning of songs like Blurred put my phone number on it (just in case, you know, he your bar uncomfortable? Do you want Lines is more complex than just being has any questions). Hours of my time in the lab were to play a song with lyrics veering into a bit “rapey”. Robin Th icke has said disrupted by hordes of people in suits coming and You know you want it. sexual assault or homophobia? that his song is designed to challenge going, being briefed on the itinerary, and scribbling You’re a good girl. the negative treatment of women by in their notebooks, without so much as an apologetic “Break a motherfucker’s making fun of it. He has also said that glance in my direction. Certainly an inconvenience, but hese are lines taken from table over the back of a it was a pleasure to degrade women in anything for Harry! Project Unbreakable, where couple faggots and crack the video, so you can believe which- survivors of sexual assault ever version you choose. Despite my begging, I’d been told fi rmly that I are photographed holding it in half.” – Eminem, Whatever the meaning of the song wouldn’t be able to cadge a spot in the lab during the a poster with a quote from Rap God, 2013 (intended or not), the language is demonstrations, but I was very much looking forward Ttheir attacker. Th ese two lines come still problematic, and makes a large to fi nding any and every excuse to walk the halls of RSM up again and again. Th ey are also oft- number of people uncomfortable. I and Bessemer while he just so happened to be around. repeated lyrics in Robin Th icke’s song, You could argue that listening to do not want to sit and listen to a song I’ve always had this fi rmly held belief that if we were to Blurred Lines. songs with off ensive lyrics or meanings telling me that when I say no, I might ever meet, he would fall immediately in love with me, I could tell you about the seven is not a problem in our student union mean yes, while having a quiet drink and that would be that: my happy ever after. I know that “banning student unions across the country since we are all adults and can think in our student union. I’m in South Ken. every day, and I could just frequent one song... (from Edinburgh to Kingston), who for ourselves and not be infl uenced I don’t want to listen to the language Boujis if I really wanted to meet him, but as far as I is not the have decided that listening to the by it, which for most of us, I am sure of rapists. was concerned, this was it. I was fi nally (and literally) solution” “language of rapists” is not appropriate is the case. On the other hand, is that I am not calling for a ban of the song going to meet my prince. Th is Cressida wouldn’t be a for their student unions. I could say really the point? If someone were to in the Union, but I am asking you to problem. After all, who’s he going to prefer: a socialite, that we should do the same. I won’t use that kind of language to me in think about what you are listening or a scientist? And her last boyfriend was also called because there’s little merit in banning person, I would justifi ably complain. to, and if you do like the song but not Harry - who does that? one song, when commercial music is Is it then okay for that same language the lyrics, perhaps you could always full of highly objectionable lyrics – to be playing for everyone to hear? play one of the parody versions, or But then I got an email. Suddenly I had to attend an violence against women, homophobia, You could say that if I don’t want to an instrumental version instead. Th e all day meeting on the 17th! And as if they knew racism. hear these songs, then I should just problem is much wider than Blurred that I would try to sneak out, just for a little bit, I Banning one song (however bad) is stay at home with a cup of tea. I do love Lines. Be aware of what you are was scheduled to present at exactly the same time as not the solution if those who want to a good cup of tea, so this is tempting, listening to, particularly in a public my beloved HRH’s address. Despite all my eff orts, it play it do not understand why others but the Union is not a central London place. became completely impossible for me to be on campus at all during the delightful Captain Wales’s visit. A bit too convenient, I think.

And this is why I think it’s a conspiracy. See, I might LETTERS have mentioned my plan to someone who might have been a little bit in charge, and I may have inadvertently Dear Felix Editor, come across as a bit “fanatic” or “obsessive”. Th at seems like a subjective observation to me, and I certainly I am writing to you, to inform of wasn’t “sinister”, but there we have it. Out of the blue, you of a tremendous crime against “Disagree with any of my plans were scuppered, and I lost out on the chance humanity. Just last week I was in to brush shoulders with His Highness. the Union and asked if they had ice cream so I could have an Ice Cream this week’s articles, or Doesn’t that seem like a bit of a coincidence to you? fl oat, the greatest of all beverages. I was then informed that they had in fact no ice cream. How can this be? just want to be as cool How can the union spend so much money on various poisons to add to as The Druid? coke but not Ice Cream? Sort this out please. Th e Druid Write in!

P.S. And it better not be any of that frozen yoghurt shit. [email protected]”

TELEGRAPH P.P.S. Or Sorbet. Union Page

Don’t forget to vote in Your Rep & Union Council Elections

Voting opens in Your Reps & Union Council Elections this Friday at 12:00 and runs till Tuesday 22 your reps October at 12:00.

You can decide who becomes your Year Reps, Course Reps, and who becomes your LGBT Officer elections and International Officer. You can place your vote at imperialcollegeunion.org/vote. Find out more about the elections and read the candidates’ manifestos at and union council imperialcollegeunion.org/elections. You can also tweet us during voting - just include #voteicu in your tweets. imperialcollegeunion.org/vote

RAG Bike Auction, Thursday 24 October Firefighter Each year a huge number of bikes are left unclaimed at the Imperial Strike this cycle stores, and each year RAG Saturday, 18:30 - gets to sell these bikes to the highest bidder. Come along to Beit 23:30 Quad on Thursday 24 October, 12:00 - 14:00 and grab a bargain and help A strike has been called by us raise a ton of cash! the Fire Brigade Union and is between 18:30 and 23:30 on Saturday 19 October 2013. Join us at Thorpe Park with Give It A Go College security will be on hand to deal with any emergencies you Thorpe Park is transformed with may have, but the service of calls Halloween horror entertainment to 999 will not be at the normal and a late night opening. Join us at level during this time. one of the UK’s biggest and best theme parks for thrills, scares and Please take extra care and rollercoasters! Coach transport sensible precautions during and park ticket included in price. the strike to keep yourself safe. The What’s On calendar on our If you do have any problems website also has more details and on campus, please call 4444 even more events and activities that (internal) or 020 7589 1000 you can take part in. Have a look at (external). imperialcollegeunion.org/whats-on.

imperialcollegeunion.org 14 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editor: Arianna Sorba ARTS [email protected]

Undercover at an auction ARTS RECOMMENDS

Musical Theatre Society’s Time & Again @ Union Concert Hall, Beit Quad Jiaqi Shi investigates Christieʼs The fi rst completely original musical performed by MTSoc, ‘Time & Again’ is an intimate story about second chances and what might have been, written and directed by Imperial alumnus Shamini Bundell. ’ve always been intrigued by 16th and 19th Oct at 7.30pm, 20th Oct at 2.30pm, £6 non students, £3 students the mystery which surrounds the highly opulent-looking Iestablishment that is Christie’s in South Kensington, never more so Drama Society’s Gasping @ Union Concert Hall, Beit Quad than when I traversed past it in my Ben Elton’s ‘Gasping’ explores a world in which air becomes a commodity, as fi rst year as a fresher on the route to greed forces the price up until the oxygen industry is privatised. And if you campus from Evelyn Gardens. When can’t afford to pay, you have no right to live… one of its most recent sales came 18th and 20th Oct at 7.30pm, 19th Oct at 2.30pm, £6 non students, £3 students up on “Travel, Science and Natural History”, it seemed to be too good an opportunity to miss. Christie’s was founded by James The Inside Out Festival 2013 @ venues across London Christie in the late 18th century, and A smorgasbord of performances, debates, workshops, lectures and exhibitions has grown into a household name for those excited by knowledge in all its guises. Includes a mini Festival of across the world. However, they are Failure, a crime-writing workshop and The Maths and Computing Magic Show. not what you would expect from GETTY IMAGES See insideoutfestival.org.uk/2013 for more details. many hours of watching daytime “£3000 from Japan! £4000 from Moscow! £5000 from the little old 21st- 27th October, many events FREE TV such as Treasure Hunt (yes, I man in the front!” know, but I couldn’t be bothered to change the channel). Everything is conducted with precision and a hint such a bad idea! Th e staff at Christie’s kindly pointed to see the Japan-themed collection went for a whopping £7000, more than of ruthlessness. Five minutes into the bidding, I it out to me: there is a small screen and they have some amazing stuff ! triple the estimate! I simply love their catalogue, which was already baffl ed. Th e auctioneer facing the auctioneer with online bids To the scientists amongst you (yes, You could feel the tension in the is beautifully printed in a glossy frequently addressed the online from buyers across the globe who has you), the name Ivan Petrovich Pavlov air when bidding started, and watch magazine which can be picked up by bidders, somehow knowing exactly registered prior to the auction online, will not be unfamiliar to you. I was open-mouthed as people battled to the counter in the foyer, continuous where they were from (“£3000 from displaying their country of origin and mesmerised, with bated breath, as the get what they wanted. Th e added with the main auction area. On one online bid in Japan”) whilst taking their bidding amount as the auction was bidding started for the fi rst edition bonus of seeing the collections before side it is lined by high tables where bid to the telephone bidders and those being streamed live on their website. manuscript of Pavlov’s celebrated they are sold off to private collectors Christie’s trained telephone staff in the room. He spoke at lightening If you happen to have saved money lectures on physiology of digestion, was worth the time, and if you happen sit, whilst the other side had framed pace and fi red questions at those in since the start of term, you might have for which he won the Nobel Prize to be around the area, go to Christie’s paintings hung at eye level for you the room as well as the staff who were been interested in a 1719 early Italian in 1904. With just a fl ick of a wrist, and step into another world. You to peruse at leisure, of which many on with bidders over the phone, whilst binocular telescope, a bohemian a click of a mouse, the buyers faced never know what you will fi nd in the would be sold during the day. simultaneously acknowledging the tellurian, or even an early English stiff competition from all sides as they treasure trove. I was tempted to register for a presence of these online bidders. I terrestrial globe. Th e problem is in clamoured to obtain ownership of this paddle (the numbered plate you make was perplexed. Where was he getting order to see the actual collections, you rare collection. With each exchange, Christie’s South Kensington is located a bid with), but seeing a 28cm wide the information from? Unless they have to come before the auction day the price increased: £2500, £3000, on 85 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 3LD. meteorite go for an astounding £3500, were speaking in tongues, I hadn’t the to the galleries at the back of the offi ce £3500.... And with a fi nal shake of Auctions are free to attend, with no I decided window-shopping is not foggiest idea. where they are displayed. I happened the head in the room, the manuscript need to register. An algebraic love affair at the Science Museum

Y then enters and shatters this here was not the acting but rather the Edward Leggett illusion, setting the premise for a construction of the dialogue. Writer discussion about the possibility of an If your maths knowledge is limited infi nite amount of cubes, life after then perhaps this could serve as an death and the meaning of nothing. stimulating night out to test your mind arcus du Sautoy and Th e play picked up multiple themes – but it came across a bit patronising Victoria Gould recently and ideas only to immediately drop to an audience of mostly adults. Th e starred in a short run them that lead to a very disjointed and concepts were interesting but they Mproduction of “X&Y” often confusing piece of work. It felt needed to be woven together better, at the science museum, more like a series of lectures rather and overall it was disappointing. a story of two algebraic variables than a cohesive piece of storytelling. It would work perfectly for a teacher apparently falling in love. Together Th e scatterings of humour throughout to take their class to on school trip and they explore and tackle some of the however did have the audience have their minds blown by some cool biggest questions out there. What laughing and kept it light-hearted and maths tricks, getting them interested is infi nity? Is there an edge to the fun. and talking about maths and science universe? Are mathematics and Marcus du Sautoy’s acting in the process. Unfortunately however theatre the same? All played out on a nevertheless was powerful and very it fell fl at as a work of art trying to small, sparse stage somewhere in the convincing, troubled and confused combine theatre and mathematics. back room at the Science Museum. by the sudden realization that all he Maybe too much was expected from Sounds interesting right? knows may not be true. It truly was a this small production. Th e ‘play’ takes place pretty much BENJAMIN EALOVEGA great performance from him. Victoria entirely within a cube outlined with Gould showed some opening night X&Y will be performed at the neon lights - this is X’s home and Marcus Du Sautoy and Victoria Gould as X and Y, puzzling themselves nerves, occasionally forgetting her Manchester Science Festival 30th whole world, and he is content with it. and the audience with a very long piece of string lines, but also did well. Th e problem October - 3rd November. FRIDAY 18 OCT 15

@feliximperial

FelixImperial ARTS Die Fledermaus goes batty Emiel De Lange reveals the disastrous results from ENOʼs operetta

What: Die Fledermaus with the he must be disguised. Dr Falke also English National Opera invites Eisenstein’s wife, his maid and Where: London Coliseum the prison governor, all in disguise. When: Until 6th Nov 2013 At the ball there are some awkwardly Price: Various funny encounters, but overall the mood is celebratory and the company sings a tribute to the “king of wines”, ie Fledermaus, the Bat, is champagne. By the fi nal act, everyone an operetta by the king of fi nds themselves in prison where the the Viennese waltz, Johann jailor too is drunk, but the prank is DStrauss Jr. Operetta, the revealed and everyone lives happily ancestor of today’s musicals, ever after. is an entirely diff erent aff air from Usually this is a hugely funny and opera. Th e plots are frivolous and cheerful event, but not so at the funny and mostly carried through English National Opera. Director dialogue with punctuating musical Christopher Alden has tried to elevate numbers. Th rough its development in this operetta into the ranks of the the 19th century it became extremely most profound of German opera, with popular for its crude humour, which disastrous results. Th is is a production bordered on the pornographic. in complete confl ict with itself; the Eventually even professional and tension between the light-hearted ‘serious’ opera houses began to stage plot with its sparkling waltzes and operetta, albeit in a toned-down style. the dark and serious aesthetic of the When Strauss entered the scene and production are stark and irresolvable. made the operetta famous in Vienna, Th e ever-present bed and the the plots were less crude; they were immobile hands of the clock suggest funny for their parodying of social that the action is taking place in values. Th e music he wrote was more someone’s dream. From this pours refi ned and typically Viennese with forth a series of bizarre sequences, ROBERT WORKMAN waltzes, polkas and other dances in always surreal, occasionally funny, but watch police offi cers (suspiciously am sure the fault for the rather cold textbook and a pen, but the ENO has the style that brought him fame in the sometimes actually horrifying. Large resembling the Gestapo) beat people interpretations lies with the director. published the greatest possible of casinos and ballrooms. sections are confusing, the dialogue and point guns threateningly. Alden has tried to fi nd and present a untruths in their own description of Die Fledermaus is his masterpiece barely making sense given the on- Given the staging, the music hardly psychological subtext where perhaps the production: “Light-hearted and of operetta and the plot is suitably stage action. Larger stretches still are seems worth mentioning; though there isn’t one, and in the process has colourful”. Th at is everything it was absurd; in revenge for a past practical bleak and depressing. Th e entire fi nal played well enough it could hardly assassinated operetta. It may have supposed to be, but also everything it joke, Dr Falke invites Eisenstein, who act is a black abyss through which be called a waltz at such fast speeds. been possible to fi nd interesting truths wasn’t. My advice would be to avoid is wanted by the police, to a ball where any trace of humour is sucked as we Th e cast performed admirably, and I here if I’d taken my psychoanalysis this. Liolà gets frisky in Irish Sicilian Gypsy Musical

century Sicily, and the assumed- Italian source informs me was a classic they occur in? Lily Le sacrifi ce, Mita, is in fact the young author that many studied at school, It is probably best not to think about Writer wife of rich ‘Uncle Simone’, forced to there is not really any need to be it too much. In fact, there is little need dance because she is blamed for his able to compare it to Tanya Ronder’s to think about much at all during the lack of children. adaptation for the National. Th e play play – but this is no bad thing. In a nutshell, without giving away really is what it is. Although it is easy to imagine it What: Liolà too much of the very little story that Which is, a bunch of Irish actors could have been controversial in its Where: The National Theatre there is, Uncle Simone’s niece, Tuzza, running on and off the stage in song, day, there is little else that invokes When: Until 6 November 2013 is jealous that she was not chosen as his laughter, tears – but mostly song much pondering. Th ere seem to be Price: £12 to £34, £5 with the 16-25 wife and mother of his children. After – with Sicilian hair (mainly dark no hidden meanings or metaphors, Entry Pass Scheme getting pregnant by the charming but curls), old-style Italian dress, and a and even the songs are so literal slimey Liolà, who already has three Mediterranean backdrop. Th e fact that I was slightly taken aback when

sons by three diff erent women, Tuzza that it obviously was not an Irish CATHERINE ASHMORE one character started singing about persuades Uncle Simone to declare production that was so well-acclaimed peeling potatoes for her dinner irst, a disclaimer: for those with the child as his own in order to stake a that it had to be shipped over to us Song, dance, laughter, tears... Aside from the very few and very a strong aversion to musicals claim in the inheritance that the child Londoners, but actually Irish culture and Sicilian facial hair. A recipe slight GCSE Drama cringe moments, avoid this play at all costs. would one day gain. Liolà, being Mita’s as a centre-point to the adaptation, for musical success! it is a very well directed play. Its F Liolà opens with a group childhood friend and star-crossed makes it slightly bizarre. light-heartedness is humourous and of gypsy musicians providing lover, helps her to prevent Tuzza I have tried to work this one out. charming, and although it borders on music to what looks like a strange getting away with the devilish plan. Obviously, British actors squabbling have been very PC. the cheesiness of what many musicals village sacrifi ce. One point to director As demonstrated by the plot, this in thick Italian accents and cries of Is the Irish element supposed to are known for it never falls directly in, Richard Eyre for immediate audience is not a very profound piece of work. “Mamma Mia!” or whatever we expect allow us to relate to the social values and even I with an aversion to them captivation. Although I am unfamiliar with the Italians to do based on our viewing of considered by the piece yet emphasise managed enjoyed it. It turns out that this is early 20th original by Luigi Pirandelli, who an Dolmio adverts probably would not the foreign and anachronistic context 16 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editor: Maciej Matuszewski, Eva BOOKS Rosenthal [email protected]

Student Picks Smart and Funny Maciej Matuszewski picks: Dracula by Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is one of the most famous works Calum Grant explores a nefarious plot to in the English literary canon and it has served as inspi- ration for countless other works, yet surprisingly few people that I’ve met have the book itself. Th is is a great educate cartoon viewers shame since this is a truly fantastic novel. Given how deeply the story has penetrated into the public consciousness I think there is no need to give Simon Singh has returned with a lovely new an outline of the plot. Dracula, however, is a far deeper book all about the role that mathematics has and more profound novel than most of its adaptations to played in the longest running and arguably convey. Th e fi gure of the Count himself is a constant most successful animated television show shadow over the proceedings of the novel, appearing ever. What that means exactly is far from ob- both suave and charming but also appealing to our vious, but in reading the book it appears as deepest, primal fears. It is no secret that it is this char- though the whole show may have actually acter – a complex creation who has generated countless been fi ller whilst high level mathematics has analyses from the literary establishment – is the main been subtlety broadcast for years with few reason for the lasting appeal of the novel. people noticing. Th e book is also helped by its style – which, even Indeed, when looking at the academic back- today, many would consider at least somewhat avant- grounds of the people who came together garde. Th e story is told entirely in the form of diary en- make Th e Simpsons the credentials read more tries, newspaper clippings, letters and even transcripts like those on the roster of some start up tech of phonograph recordings. Th is presents the goings on company: maths majors, computer science from many diff erent viewpoints – not only maintain- Masters, PhDs in applied mathematics and ing the reader’s interest but adding to the depth of the research scientists. All these brains walked characters and setting – allowing Stoker to build up a away from their dreams careers in cutting very dense mythology and backstory for his tale in a edge research and instead took the cowards way which seems very natural. way, out opting for an easy life writing for a Th is is a rare treat – a book combining tension and cultural phenomenon. But the appreciation intrigue with genuine literary merit. In recent years and itch to continue playing with their intel- vampire fi ction has become, for many, a laughing stock lectual roots lead to the whole Simpsons back but the original, and best, story remains untarnished. catalogue being littered with some advanced equations and numeric concepts. After chronicling how all these geeks found themselves in Th e Simpsons writing team Sin- gh goes on to explore some of the interesting and out-there topics that found their way in Flash Fiction to episode and passed the non-maths-mind- ed by. A great many of the maths motives de- mand a much greater explanation, and Singh Unrequited by Evelyn Craven is all too willing to provide it in insightful and often humorous ways. One splendid example is the episode ‘Wiz- I had spent months obsessing over you – but I ard of Evergreen Terrace’, in which Homer be- didn’t feel able to tell you. When I saw you last comes partly obsessed by Th omas Edison and night holding hands with another, all I felt was decides to take up invention. Between work- joy. Finally, it was over. ing on the electric hammer and the make-up application device (which is essentially a shot- gun loaded with make-up) we see his black- board littered with equations. One predicts a mass for the Higgs Boson, another the cur- vature of the universe and a third scrawling is a solution to Fermat’s last theorem. Th is is the same theorem that plagued mathematics Send your submissions for hundreds of years and was only demon- strated to be unsolvable as recently as 1995. on Trial I honestly can’t say I was expecting narcissistic numbers, the use of statistics in for our newest regular However, this episode was broadcast in 1998 anything like this. With the knowledge Singh baseball and topology would seem like a far and seems to contradict Andrew Wiles proof. must have racked up campaigning for libel more appealing thing to be getting on with. features! Testing Homer’s solution on a pocket calcula- law reform and appealing his libel case I was He wastes little time in reasserting his new- FLASH FICTION: Ultrashort tor reveals it to work, which is very troubling. rather hoping he’d present us with a whim- ly found rights that he was instrumental in fi ction up to 200 characters It turns out that David S. Cohen wrote a pro- sical history of just that, packed with hilari- bringing about though. Th e Defamation Act gram to sweep for solutions to Fermat’s last ous anecdotes, which would both inform and became law in April of this year, though only STUDENT PICKS: Send us up theorem to within 0.000000002% accuracy, entertain. One can empathize with his not time will tell the extent to which its powers to 250 words on your favour- just enough not to show up on the ten digit doing so however, as it clearly wasn’t a bat- will be asserted in the courts. Nevertheless, ite book and how it changed readout of most calculators. Sneaky, and fun- tle he sought, but rather was dragged into Singh references one episode in which Hom- you ny on a entirely diff erent level for doing little more than calling a spade a er is forced to abandon a spinal manipula- Together with a raft of mathematical jokes spade. Th ough in his case it was actually call- tion device he invents by the chiropractors of requiring varying levels of maths ability, the ing chiropractor’s treatments bogus. Despite Springfl ield so they can, in Singh’s words, get [email protected] book was a real pleasure to read from start to having all the scientifi c evidence on his side back to ‘happily promoting their own bogus fi nish. Sometimes informative, sometimes hi- British law came down on the side of business treatments’. Th e particular reference doesn’t larious and often startling to learn what con- interests rather than empirical demonstrabil- actually serve as a set-up to any larger math- cept and ideas made it into the show. ity. Going back to his own roots of popular ematical point, but is something that Singh Having read Singh’s previous publication mathematical writing, using Th e Simpsons as must be happy seeing hitting the shelves up Trick or Treatment: Alternative Medicine a jumping off point to talk about things like and down the country right now. FRIDAY 18 OCT 17

@feliximperial FelixImperial BOOKS An interview with Simon Singh

could explain it in the book. CG: Did you ever set out to become a Calum Grant science writer? Writer CG: Were there any maths references you were taken back by, at the sheer SS: No. I took a gap year before my Calum Grant: Having written about incredibility of them being smuggled undergraduate degree and went and the history of mathematics, code in? worked in industry. Th at year at the breaking, the Big Bang and Alter- SS: I just fi nd all of them astonishing - research centre I worked on semi-con- native medicine, was this book on because there’s no reason any of them ductors and integrated circuits. Th en maths Easter eggs in the Simpsons should be there! when I was at Imperial I did a summer the easiest book you’ve written? placement in Delaware at an electri- CG: Did you make any suggestions cal engineering lab, a position I got Simon Singh: I think so. You see there’s for Maths jokes or ideas they could mostly due to my gap year job. Th en I no real theme, no rhyme or reason to explore in any future episodes? got a PhD working on semi-conductor what I do. Both of the maths books I’ve detectors at Cern, helped enormously written I would like to revisit and have SS: No. I did ask if they have a moun- by my previous placements. I got the another run at some of the chapters. tain of ideas they are trying to get in, job at the BBC because I had the PhD, For students at Imperial they may be but most of these ideas just come from and I wouldn’t have got into writing if I fi ne, but my audience is the general nowhere during the writing process. hadn’t been at the BBC. Looking back reader. Th is book was pretty easy, but Jeff Westbrook said he had wanted to you can see a path, but there was no the big challenge was working out the get undecidability into an episode of grand plan. make-up of this one. Th e fi rst draft had Th e Simpsons, but hadn’t worked out six big chapters covering topics like how to. CG: Do you have any rules or your Lisa and her more rational approach own approach to conveying some- in the show, and another chapter on CG: You talk in the book about the times heavy-going scientifi c ideas to the role of pi – which turns up now writers and producers having regrets the greater public? and then in various episodes. However, about walking away from a life in when I was on the plane to the USA to academia and research, and most SS: I write the books that I would meet the writing staff of the show I de- people would be fl abbergasted that want to read. I’m interested in history, cided to reconstruct the entire book it given the careers they would feel this stories, people and heroes; things that into eighteen shorter chapters to make was about not following up on sci- make me smile and laugh. I only write it more pacey and digestible. I had to ence. Did you fi nd that surprising? about things I fi nd interesting, and I make sure it had the write balance of really maintain my sense of interest the writers stories, the history of the SS: No, I didn’t actually. I left Physics and wonder of things long after their maths involved and why maths minded and went to join the BBC where I’d be novelty has passed. I assume my read- Were you intimidated or nervous to money in the future. writers may be funny. visiting great laboratories, meeting Ste- ers are bright and curious, but don’t be writing and releasing that book? CG: Did you consider writing a book phen Hawking, going to volcanoes with assume they are in any way experts. about your libel case and subsequent CG: As someone with a PhD in par- geologists and just seeing so many sci- SS: No. My co-writer Edzard Ernst legal reform? ticle physics, and having written sev- entists doing real science, something I’d CG: Are there any writers who you did warn me, as he’d been a profes- eral popular science and maths best- always wanted to do. And I still think grew up with, who got you into sci- sor in that fi eld for ten years. He got SS: Yes, I thought about it. It’s a great sellers how much did you yourself there can’t be anything more wonderful ence and who you aspire to be? hate mail, people called him very story of grass roots activism, and a learn about maths purely through than making a new discovery, of com- nasty things. He wouldn’t get invited to great story of how you can change the researching all the Simpsons Maths ing up with a breakthrough of making a SS: I think Richard Dawkins is the most conferences, or get his work accepted laws within a political system. In a way Easter eggs? new invention. But for me I clearly did beautiful writer, and I really admire at them. It never really bothered me I wish somebody had written it, but I the right thing; if I had stayed in sci- that. If anyone asks me to read I always though because I don’t have a job. I don’t think it’s the right book for me. SS: I had never really thought deeply ence I wouldn’t have been a very good refuse because fi rstly I’m not good at really appreciate the fact that I can say For this kind of adventurous story you’d about what fractals were before. When scientist. My skill set is pretty perfectly reading, but mostly my prose...its just and do what I want; I can stand up at a need someone who could bring out explaining how, in an episode of Fu- matched for what I’ve ended up doing, doesn’t sound very good. I admire that, science communication conference and the emotion, and the personal angels turama, Leela and Prof. Farnsworth go and I think it’s the same for them. What but I don’t aspire to it. Reviews of my say ‘that was an appalling example of involved. from being in three dimensions to two else could they have done but be the work often say ‘clearly written’, they science communication, it was waste- dimensions after a scientifi c mishap. greatest comedy writing team in the never say ‘beautifully written’. ful, pointless and society X should be CG: Why don’t Maths jokes work in Th is meant they went through a fractal world? But I can see why there is a little ashamed of itself ‘ because I’m not base 8? Because 7 10 11. landscape on the way, and so it took me bit of them that is sad they that never CG: You courted a lot of controversy someone who has to work with such some time to fully understand it so I got to solve any great theorems. going after alternative medicine. a society or apply to them for grant SS: Very good. Point your face at this

ture) to a man walking a fish. etri Martin as a comedian from his the-wall equations like ‘spray tan= Emma Wills It is a book that is easily dipped many television broadcasts and (vanity + stupidity)aerosol’, this Writer into and out of, with the sheer num- stand-up shows, will recognise his book comes across as the doodles ber and diversity of the sketches charming trademark mix of cheer- of someone trying to make sense of Demetri Martin’s first book of draw- meaning that it can be read from ful, somewhat silly one liners and life, albeit someone who doesn’t take ings is an utterly beguiling read from cover to cover over and over again, slightly more satirical and thought- it too seriously. start to finish. Perhaps it isn’t ac- each time finding something new. ful sketches. For anyone who isn’t, I found myself laughing aloud curate to say ‘read’ as there are few Most of its comedy is light-hearted he can be described succinctly by many times at this book and insist- words in it- each page is taken up by and observational, so appeals to a his list on influences on Wikipedia, ently passing it around to share my a new simple black-and-white line wide audience, though some of it which includes Eddie Izzard and So- favourites. Point Your Face At This is drawing of charming hilarity, rang- leans towards the slightly more ma- crates. sure to make you smile, laugh, and ing from a graph of melted cheese cabre, like the double page spread of With its Venn Diagrams, enter- think a little, and would make a per- temperature against time (with a skulls ending in your own. taining questions such as: ‘why do fect gift for almost anyone, especial- discontinuity at perfect tempera- Anyone who is familiar with Dem- the lions have to be tamed?’ and off- ly for yourself! Find your career here The annual Union Careers Fair is the largest careers event held in College each year. With over 50 companies attending, the fair is your opportunity to meet the many different companies that want you, an Imperial graduate, C to work for them! CAREERS Monday 21 October 2013 F 11:00 - 16:00 | Queen’s Lawn FAIR 2013 Imperial College London

Accenture 3-4 Allen & Overy 36 Bae Systems 44 Bae Systems Detica 46 Bank of America Merrill Lynch 40 Barclays 09-10 49 50 51 52 Bloomberg 15-16 Bristows LLP 37 Buro Happold 38 Cambridge Networks Ltd 42 Careers Service 52 48 47 46 45 44 43 Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) 31 CHP Consulting 35 Citi 41 37 38 39 40 41 42 Deutsche Bank 34 dunnhumby Limited 11 FTI Consulting 13 Glencore 19 Graduate Recruitment Bureau 47 36 35 34 33 32 31 Help Desk 5 IBM 25 25 26 27 28 29 30 ICAEW 22 IMC 6 Inside Careers 51 London Business School Masters in Management 1 Macquarie Group 24 McKinsey & Company 18 Metaswitch Networks 32 Microsoft 33 Milkround 45 Operis 12 P&G 48 24 23 22 21 20 19 PA Consulting 23 RateMyPlacement 43 13 14 15 16 17 18 Rolls Royce PLC 27-28 Royal Bank of Scotland 7 RWE npower 2 Societe Generale 21 Standard Chartered 39 12 11 10 9 8 7 Standard Life 30 Stem Graduates 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 Target Jobs 17 Teach First 50 The Ministry of Defence 14 Towers Watson 26 UBS 29 Unilever 8 Wiki Job 49 imperialcollegeunion.org/careersfair FRIDAY 18 OCT 19

@feliximperial FelixImperial MUSIC Chillin’ in fanboy heaven Stuart Masson reviews Mountain Goats at the Union Chapel

he Mountain Goats are to end all shows. game meant that they were about to probably my favourite For this show they had been play my favourite Mountain Goats musical artist. From the reduced to just John Darnielle and track: Fall of the Star High School early years of just John bassist Peter Hughes. Th is limited Running Back. An incredibly rare Darnielle with a guitar and the set somewhat, since several performance of early cassette-only aT tape recorder right through to the tracks (including most of the choice EP track Going to Monaco (I did say current three piece iteration I am an cuts from the new album) don’t I was a huge fanboy…) was also pretty embarrassingly large fanboy. So, a few really work without drums, as John spectacular. Th ere were also stunning months back, when they announced himself admitted to one particularly performances of Up the Wolves, Woke they were playing at the Union Chapel, adamant heckler. It did mean we were Up New and See America Right. I was one of my favourite venues, I snapped treated to a few more old numbers also blown away by some tracks I’m up tickets the moment they came though, which is always a good thing. not obsessed with. Both Maybe Sprout on sale. So last Tuesday I descended Considering the total repertoire Wings and Wild Sage were far more upon Islington with a heavy sense numbers around 600 songs, I was beautiful in the live setting whilst of excitement. After an excellent overjoyed when I realised that an intro new album track Th e Diaz Brothers all shows. Peter Hughes’ bass guitar ise that I absolutely loved every single opening set by singer-songwriter describing at length the role of the fi nally clicked for me. Th ere was also refused to make sound during the second that John was holding a guitar. Alessi’s Ark, I was expecting the show running back in an American football a fi rm reminder that John is yet to fi rst track, which proved distracting It was just this tepid rendition of a few to John as well as the audience. It did songs off the extremely boring Th e lead to an impromptu solo perfor- Life of the World to Come that didn’t mance of Jenny though, so I suppose hit the spot with me. I can’t be too annoyed about it. What All in all, it’s obvious that I’m nev- AMS album of the week I maintain my right to be annoyed er going to enjoy the perfect Moun- about is the piano portion of the show. tain Goats gig unless they let me pick Capital Cities – In a Tidal Wave of Mystery I don’t know whether it’s because John the setlist. In terms of “big hits” we isn’t as good at writing for piano, or as got Dance Music but there was no good at playing piano, or if I just don’t Th is Year or No Children, which was a Whilst we were all fussing like the three songs he played on pi- bit of a shame. Of course, once you’ve over the hottest and driest ano (it’s defi nitely the last one) but the written 600 songs, you’re always go- summer since 2006, something complete lack of energy during these ing to have to cut some of them, so it’s radiant happened on the infi- songs really killed off the momentum a bit stupid of me to complain about nitely more weather-blessed for me. Th e fact that I felt bored at tracks that weren’t played. Th e setlist West Coast of the US. I’m not any point of a Mountain Goats show that was played was great, and the talking about the small yet pro- put out the best song he’s written in a would be a shock to most of my clos- performance was top of the range. I gressive steps our darling cous- few years in his ode to a bullied kid at est friends, but that’s how it was. I left suppose when you love something ins are taking for gay rights, school, You Were Cool. the show feeling a bit disappointed, this much, it’s hard not to be upset but I am in fact referring to the Sadly, this wasn’t the show to end but looking back on the setlist, I real- with the smallest fl aw. release of Capital Cities’ true gem of a debut album, Iwn a Tidal Wave of Mystery. The lyrical duo of Capital Cities, Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simo- nian (a fabulous name only rivalled by his cracking beard), have pro- duced an album in which you will be taken on a veritable journey of upbeat and feel-good electro inspired creations paired with languid and well-written indie tunes. Their success in producing a diverse al- Music Newsround bum makes for an interesting and refreshing listen with great prom- ise for their future. [Inb4 jack of all trades] Our opinion of music is often affected by the everyday, non-sonic Snoop Dogg/Lion has re-branded himself as Snoopzilla for a funk project with Stones Th row maestro, Dam stimuli. For example, if we are experiencing the joys of love there Funk. Th e duo are calling themselves 7 Days of Funk and will are certain songs that appeal to us and if the artist has fallen on release a self-titled album on 10th December. hard times then that can very much be apparent in the music. In this case, I believe my opinion of the vocals is buoyed somewhat by the Coolio dropped in on a student fl at in Preston to cook a three- palpable bond between Ryan and Sebu. In fact, this album is chock course meal and perform an extra special rendition of “Gangster’s full of jaunty, get up and go tunes which make you just want to grab Paradise”, accompanied by some bloke on a guitar. your bff (Safe and Sound, Origami). If you end up liking this album’s vibe, check out their really funky covers of the classics Stayin’ Alive, Th e fi rst band performing at Glastonbury 2014 has been an- Holiday and Nothing Compares 2 U. nounced. Stanton Warriors, the Bristol-based DJ duo will be For those interested in music videos, Safe and Sound is certainly playing their 10th Glastonbury festival. worth its weight in gold. [On a charming aside, if anyone is a fan of vsauce you will be familiar with how one might weigh a music Death Grips cancelled a tour and festival appearance this Au- video] Ok I digress. Anyway, at first you think, “Ah! Dance styles tumn. No reason was given. from throughout the ages and two chaps dancing ecstatically cel- ebrating their successful foray into the music scene; that’s cool.” But Death-Row affi liated rapper and producer Daz Dillinger has is- upon further investigation (and I owe this insight to a particularly sued Rockstar Games with a cease and desist order over alleged observant and savvy West Coast gal) you realise that there was real copyright theft on the sound track to the new GTA game. talent behind the elegant and seamless combination of the footage for the music video which produces a simply incredible visual feast. Metalcore titans Trivium and Killswitch Engage have announced I will bring this review to a close with a tip of my top hat to the a double-headline tour in February next year. promising Ryan and Sebu for this joy, thank you. George Spence-Jones 40 years on, we on RCS

Want to get more “exposure Email centrefolds@imper

22 FRIDAY 18 OCT THE GRADUATE

Congratulations from So, you’re the Vice Provost Education graduating!

Professor Debra Humphris Vice Provost (Education) So, youʼve survived the Imperial Maze!

Commemoration Day is one of the most exciting dates in my diary. It is Congratulations! Finishing your degree fantastic to see the South Kensington Campus fi lled by returning students and proud relatives and friends. Th ere are over 2,000 people graduating is a huge achievement, especically when but that impressive number shouldn’t obscure the individual achievements of each and every graduand who will be sitting in the Royal Albert Hall. youʼre at Imperial. I’d like to thank all of you for many the diff erent ways you’ve contributed to, and shaped, College life during your time here. I hope you see this as simply a new chapter in your continuing relationship with Imperial, as you take the skills you’ve developed, the experiences you’ve had and the friendships you’ve made into a bright and successful future. Today will undoubtedly be an interesting

Very best wishes day, full of a wide range of emotions, Debra Humphris happiness, sadness, excitement and nostalgia, and for a chosen few, a longing to return to the academic world.

Regardless of how you spend your last “We’ve just got to time as a graduand we hope that this make sure we lift pullout will stay with you. Weʼve got lots ourselves and finish of information about post-university life what we set out to as well as a few tips to help you make do. We have to keep the most out of the Commemoration Day our standards high festivities. and make sure we give it everything We hope you have great day, one that we’ve got.” you will be able to remember for years to come.

Ian Foster PhD, 1988 High Performance Parallel Logic Programming Languages Happy Commemoration Day Class 2013! FRIDAY 18 OCT 23 THE GRADUATE A lifetime of alumni rewards Your relationship with the College does not end when you graduate. As an alumnus, you will be joining a lifelong community of over 170,000 alumni in 192 countries, and have access to an exclusive range of benefi ts and networking opportunities.

Exclusive alumni benefits Alumni email service

Membership of the alumni community is lifelong and free. Make sure you You can display your Imperial connection after you leave the College with register online to receive the Imperial magazine, special events invitations a free alumni email address ending in @alumni.imperial.ac.uk. Easy to set- and other alumni news. In addition, alumni can access the Central Library up and manage, the service includes calendar and chat functions. and make use of the Careers Service.

Global networking Alumni Visitor Centre

Stay involved by joining one of 60 alumni groups and associations Alumni visiting South Kensington can make use of a dedicated alumni worldwide, giving you the opportunity to take part in alumni reunion lounge and meeting space in the College’s main entrance. Facilities activities, ranging from dinners and adventure trips to lectures and guest include complimentary refreshments, free Wi-Fi, a bookable meeting speaker events. room and a left luggage area.

Join us on LinkedIn Get involved Being an alumnus opens up fantastic opportunities for you to develop a Over 1,000 alumni volunteer their time to support Imperial, ranging from global network of professional contacts. Join the Imperial College London speaking at student recruitment events to providing careers advice. Visit alumni group on LinkedIn and be part of the online alumni community. our website to fi nd out about the latest alumni volunteering opportunities. 24 FRIDAY 18 OCT THE GRADUATE Your time at Im

Union PresidentCGCU President RCSU President RSM President ICSMSU President

David GoldsmithLejon Chua Plabon Saha Emily Pennington Steve Tran ICU President CGCU President RCSU President RSM President ICSMSU President 2013-142013-14 2013-14 2013-14 2013-14

hink back to the Hearty congratulations to all t’s the end of an era as uge hether person that accepted graduates of the CGCU! Time really for many of us university congratulations you are that place at Imperial fl ies and you’re now a fully-fl edged plays a defi ning part in our are in order for qualifying College and compare engineer. Over the coming months, moulding. It is with mixed all Royal School as a full- them to the one you’ll have to come to terms with emotions that one must of Mines students fledged Treading this column today. I the question: “How did I manage to Isay goodbye to one’s beloved Hdue to graduate in the upcoming MBBSW Doctor or a PubMed- can say, without a doubt, that accomplish so much over the past university but an end is where commemoration day ceremony! savvy Bachelor of Science, I wish these will be two very diff erent few years at Imperial?” A great sense a new beginning is born. A new I hope that the past three or four to congratulate you on achieving people- the former may very of fulfi lment must come from all world waits out there, where it years have left you with only the a considerable milestone in well have been slightly awkward, the knowledge and skill sets you’ve is more than just exam grades, fondest memories of the RSM. your life so far. Even if you are anxious and overly excited. acquired, and even more so when you more than solving equations or You have helped support the not graduating, make sure you On accepting this place you consider how much you’ve grown coursework deadlines. RSMU student body by being embrace the euphoria of this probably heard rumours about as a person during your time with active social members who took year’s Commemoration Day, the impossibly heavy workload, us. Such a wonderful feeling is well- No matter what your degree pleasure in getting to know as it won’t be long before it is how diffi cult the course was deserved given all you’ve undergone result is, it neither defi nes students of all ages and showing you having the constant fear of going to be, and perhaps you as an Imperial student, pushing you success nor you. Th e building true RSM spirit at all the events being labelled as THAT student doubted yourself. Today is beyond your limits. Th is, I strongly blocks of success are within through the years. who tripped up on stage. the day that you can proclaim believe, has prepared you to face any all of you and it is up to you to that you triumphed over all of challenge you’re about to encounter fi nd a way to build the wall with Now, the good times don’t Although it is a relatively young that- the person reading this out there. decency and dignity. In that stop here. Th e applied nature alumni networks at Imperial, column today is now a fully With all the rich experiences and journey, don’t be afraid to fail. of the science and engineering the ICSM Alumni Association formed Imperial Graduate- insightful advice they have to share, It is impossible to live without degrees gained from the Royal in recent years has gained a lot highly skilled, well rounded and don’t underestimate the value our failing unless you have lived School of Mines departments of of momentum and with their exceptionally employable, and alumni can bring to your working life. cautiously all along. In which Earth Science and Engineering help, there is now additional now even more excited, at the Th e City & Guilds College Association case, you haven’t lived at all and and Materials lead into a wide support for our clubs and prospect of taking on the world. (CGCA), the largest constituent thus have failed by default. range of industries, careers and societies as well as blossoming college alumni body of Imperial, research; RSM graduates can joint projects on career advice It is important to recognise now has more than 4,000 members I am sure many are happy to be found on all corners of the and academic tutoring between that this journey was not solely around the world from a myriad of fi nally leave this institution but globe, both in bustling cities and students and alumni. So if you one of academic achievement. professions. Joining the CGCA after like many before us; we will in the back of beyond. Th e skills haven’t already, please consider Along the road you will have graduating is an excellent way to be a part of it as much as it is you have gained during your giving back by joining the ICSM formed numerous bonds: in forge and maintain links with other a part of us. Th ere is no better time at Imperial will be used to Alumni Association. your hall of residence, with your members. Its informal network way to feed one’s nostalgia benefi t the world in all aspects year/faculty group, with your can prove extremely worthwhile than through the Royal College of modern life, from resource For those who are leaving us, I club or society. It is important as a source of information and of Science Association, the extraction to the creation of dearly hope you have enjoyed to note that the Union, as well contacts in this increasingly alumnus group for RCSU groundbreaking technologies your time with us. As a parting as the College, facilitated these fragmented commercial world. For a students. It’s a fantastic way to and products. message on behalf of everyone exchanges- it brought you membership fee no more than that of keep in touch with your former at ICSM, I would like to thank together as a true community, a college society, you will also receive classmates and Imperial College In the future, when you are each and every one of you for equipped with a voice and biannually a copy of the Association’s itself. Th ey will be running all super successful and have your fantastic contribution to empowered. Th is community Journal, “Th e Imperial Engineer”, gain various events through the incredible life stories to tell you life at the medical school and will have connected you with access facilities at the New Cavendish year including annual alumni can reconnect with your fellow at Imperial. You have all helped like-minded people, allowed Club and enjoy a full range of social, dinners. Please visit www.rcsa. graduates and reminisce about to shape ICSM as the medical you to explore your passions, networking and re-union events. org.uk to fi nd out more. the great times you had and the school we are so proud to be and to shape yourself into the Finally, let me share a quote from Best of luck to you all. memories you made here. As a part of. You will be sorely type of person that you truly Ralph Emerson which truly embodies you all know, you will be missed missed and I wish you the very wanted to become. I wish this my sentiments and sincere wishes for Plabon and are welcome back any time. best of luck with your careers newly developed person the all of you: “Do not go where the path Congratulations again, you and I have no doubt in your best of luck in their exploration may lead; go instead where there is should be so proud. future successes. of what is to come. no path and leave a trail.” I bid every one of you Godspeed and Steve may you always stay positive, keep an open mind, and fi nd for yourself the drive and determination to enrich the lives of your peers in all possible ways.” FRIDAY 18 OCT 25 THE GRADUATE mperial College

If you haven’t been up the Queen’s Tower at least once so far then you’ve certainly been missing out. With amazing views of London and huge bragging rights if there’s a chance to climb it during Commemoration day and you’re too busy showing your parents the Dyson hand dryers Queen’s Tower in your department, you’ve defi nitely missed out! Did you Know: Th e Queen’s Tower used to be the central tower of the Imperial Institute and has a total of 325 stairs?

Up until this week you might have only visited Princes’ Gardens while on they way to Ethos or Princes’ Gardens the Eastside bar but this time why don’t you visit the area with family? It’s surprisingly beautiful and green, no?

It’s hard not to remember the Library whenever you think back to your undergraduate days. Either as a place to run away from, or a second home during tough coursework and exam seasons, the Library will always be recalled, especially the orange pods facing the windows. The Library If you’re ever lucky enough to live in the South Kensington area again you can always join the library as a local resident, especially useful for those who like textbooks!

Th e Union Bar (and the artfully named FiveSixEight) is also another top location you’re likely to remember as your memories of lectures fade with time. If you’re lucky enough to have your name engraved on a tankard or two (or three) you’ll probably be back sometime soon to drink Union Bar from them.

Last but not least, your department. You’ve spent many a year between these four wall, learning lots of things you might forget later on. However, over the last few years you’ve also developed as a person and a student, improvements that can last for a very long time. Try to avoid the Your Department awkward introductions between your parents and your lecturers, this isn’t school after all. Visit again in 10 or twenty years you might be in for a treat, or at least a lovely champagne reception as a part of a reunion. 26 FRIDAY 18 OCT THE GRADUATE

The Careers Service: Supporting you beyond graduation

Congratulations to Imperial College London class of 2013! We wish you the best of luck and prospertity for the years ahead.

Of course, not all of you will be fi xed Imperial has an excellent record in instructions they have given. Often that you will have to become familiar up yet. Th is could be due to you wishing graduate employment and the annual on your fi rst day you will need to with. Some of it may involve days, half Careers Service to travel and explore the world a little Destination of Leavers from Higher bring in various forms and documents days or a few hours out of your normal Imperial College more before you settle down. You Education that the Careers Service to enable to you become a formal place of work. Smaller organisations may want to gain further experience manages consistently shows Imperial member of staff . Usually this will may not have such a formal structure by volunteering or getting involved Graduates outperforming the rest involve a trip to the Human Resource but you should expect an introduction in your local area to enhance your of the UK both in terms of graduate Department to drop of forms and to colleagues, systems and all the raduation is a time for transferable skills further while you employment statistics and graduate collect your identity card (and you relevant health and safety information celebration. To refl ect take a bit more time to decide on your starting salary. thought you had left that all behind that are required to keep you safe in on the years you have career path. Whatever your reasons you when you took your College card the workplace. spent working hard Th e Careers Service does not stop We know many of you will have off for the last time!) to achieve your goals supporting you after you graduate. secured yourself graduate level 4/ Be realistic. You will have only Gboth academically, personally and Imperial alumni can make use of Th e employment and are excitedly waiting 2/ Be yourself, but be your positive just started and you cannot expect ultimately to move onto the next Careers Service for up to 3 years after to take up your new roles wherever self. Your fi rst few days in your new to know it all. Show a willingness to stage of your life. Your time with us you graduate. Th is will enable you to that may be. Congratulations on workplace will involve meeting people. undertake tasks but don’t be afraid to at Imperial will have equipped you continue to access Jobslive and the navigating the process and succeeding Lots of people. Be friendly and polite. ask for help and clarifi cation if you are with a world class education and also thousands of opportunities that are on in what can be a stressful process in It will be tiring but the impression you unsure. Your new colleagues will be exposed you to lots of opportunities there. You can also continue to use the your fi nal year of study. Moving into give to your new colleagues during willing to explain more and help you to develop your key skills that will range of on-line resources available on the unknown can be daunting but you your fi rst few days will last. gain confi dence in your new role. make you employable in the future. the Careers Service webpages. If you should look ahead positively. To help Your fi nal year will have been a need to speak to a Careers Consultant you prepare for your new challenge if 3/ Show a positive attitude toward 5/ Enjoy. You will be exposed to a time of consolidation of all the hard this can be arranged, either in person you are going into the workplace Th e the tasks that you are given. It is likely lot of new experiences, people and work you have put in, and will also or by making a Skype appointment. To Careers Service has produced a few that your fi rst few weeks will involve an systems. Take some time to refl ect be time to look forward. Forward to continue to benefi t from the support tips for you to consider: induction and this will vary according on your fi rst few months in your new the opportunity that now presents that the Careers Service can off er you to the size of the organisation you have role and look forward to building itself in terms of your future career, simply need to register as an alumnus 1/ Th e basics. Reread your joining joined. It could be a full programme a successful and rewarding career. whether that is in the workplace or via the Careers Homepage (www3. instructions from your employer. lasting weeks where you will undergo Before long you will be meeting up remaining in academia. imperial.ac.uk/careers). Make sure you know your starting specifi c training on the systems in use with your fellow alumni for a 1 year get time, work location and any special and the various diff erent procedures together! It really will go that quickly. FRIDAY 18 OCT 27 THE GRADUATE

Tessa’s Top Ten Tips for Graduation

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

Ede and Ravenscroft dress you in it, this at all costs. If you must date at around midday. Classy. probably paid for the tickets, right? so you don’t need your parents to do someone in your class, try and stay Deciding not to brave the Eastside Tessa Daveyavey anything, and they’ll really just clog away from your end of the alphabet) 7. Th ere are photographers in Beit “celebratory menu”, I had to fi nd Comment EditorEditor up the system. While Mother Hen I’ve never been more grateful for the Quad all day, but as anyone who’s ever somewhere to eat that wouldn’t cause might still love to help, the faster sort-of-acquaintance on my other braved the Union on Commemoration my father to grumpily mutter, “it’s all everyone can get through the Great side, who kept me entertained the Day will know, the queues for the same anyway, foreign food, isn’t Hall, the more time you have to take whole way through. Just because you’ll graduation photos are insane. Th ere is it?”, which is surprisingly challenging jumping pictures in front of the Albert never speak to them again, it doesn’t plenty of time to get one taken either in London. With that decided in ommemoration Day at Memorial. mean that you can’t be graduation before or after your ceremony, but if advance, I just had to navigate the Imperial is pretty well BFFs. you’d rather not stand around for ages, non-perpendicular streets of Covent labelled, signposted and 3. It can’t be emphasised too much regressing to a sulky child who wants Garden to the restaurant in Covent explained, and it’s pretty that girls need to bring safety pins to 5. You might be worried about falling to go off and play with their friends, Garden while suff ering the aftereff ects diffi cult to fail to do any secure their gowns. Bring lots, bring over on stage. You’ll be trying to juggle there are also photographers in the of the vast quantities of champagne, Cof the essential parts. But as with spares for your friends! Unless you a lot of things: keeping your gown Queen’s Tower Rooms the day before, which was enough of an achievement anything else, it’s good to be aware of can pin your gown, it’s going to be a straight, the handshake-walk (at all where they lend you a gown for the for the day. any potential stumbling blocks so that pain in the arse all day. Th e staff giving costs, do not pause!), and possibly photo. For less traditional photos by you can streamline your day. And so you the gown can’t pin them for you, inconvenient clothing like heels, or a camera wielding parents, classic spots 10. Going to the Union in the evening as a voice of potentially embarrassing so get a friend to help you (unless sari. It’s a big ceremony, and a lot of are the steps in front of the Albert can be a fun way to get all your friends experience, here are some tips that I you’re exceptionally skilled and can pressure. But what I fi nd reassuring, is Hall, the lions by Queen’s Tower, and together when you might not have wish someone had given me. do it yourself, of course), or head out that if you trip, it will be with all eyes in front of RSM. seen them in a while. Most people of the hall to get your parents to do on you, in the Royal Albert Hall, one of will still be in fancy clothes from 1. Get your gown as early as you it. It gets pretty frantic in the Great the most well known buildings in the 8. It’s tempting to keep wearing the graduation, and anyone who can drink can. It might seem like overkill to Hall, so the last thing you want to do world. Th at doesn’t sound like a good gown as long as you possibly can, just from a tankard will be drinking from a get there the full three hours before is add to anyone’s stress by getting in thing, and while most Imperialites will to make the most of it. As long as you tankard. It’s really nice to see everyone, the start of your ceremony, but with the way. You should also remember fi nd that kind of attention terrifying, return it by 8.30pm, there don’t seem but expect the Union to be like a your parents and younger sibling in that you’re going to be wearing an after a few years (or a few pints) it to be any restrictions with running sports night, but worse. Th e queues tow, all good intentions can go out extra layer of heavy material all day, so will be a fantastic anecdote. If you do off with it. Whether you want to take at the bar will be horrendous, and as the window, and you’ll end up leaving ditching your jacket with your parents stumble, and someone will, remember a whistlestop tour of London in your well as the recent graduates, there will late. Th ey’re grown adults, and can is a good option. It gets pretty warm to style it out. A full-on fall requires bat-cape, or just go out for dinner with be a lot of too drunk athletic types in (probably) make their way to Imperial in those gowns, so don’t forget to put a bow, and if you pull it off , you’ll your parents, you have to make the all- ties. I wouldn’t recommend the Union by themselves, so why not run ahead on deodorant! be a hero. Almost worth doing it on important decision of whether or not if you just want to chill out with your and pick up the gown by yourself? It purpose, isn’t it? to return it before you leave. Especially close friends, but if you want to bump gives you more time to run around 4. In the Royal Albert Hall, you’ll be if you’re coming back in the evening, it into every acquaintance you’ve made pretending to be a bat/wizard before seated alphabetically by degree type. 6. After the ceremony, there is the might be tempting to keep it on, just during your time at Imperial, and their judgemental eyes arrive, and As you’ve been studying with these highlight of the day: the champagne to let your parents eke out the pride make vehement promises (that you you can make them super proud by people for years, you’ll probably know and canapé reception. I can’t a bit longer. Remember that you will won’t keep) to add them on Facebook meeting them at the tube in your full the people you’re sitting on either side remember the canapés, but I can attract a lot of attention outside of and stay in touch, then it’s the best regalia. Th e key thing that you want to of you, who you can nudge and giggle remember the champagne. My key South Kensington, and you might get place to be. avoid is going the cross-London sprint with throughout the ceremony. But if advice here is to remember that while a bit fed up of it after a while. in your graduation clothes. I had to you don’t, it’s never too late to meet it is free alcohol (woo) and you’re with make this run in heels, and the race new people. If the person you’re sitting all your friends who you might not 9. A lot of people will go out with a meal Commemoration Day marks the end induced sweating made my hair go next to looks a bit sad and lonely, or if have seen since exams fi nished (double with their family on Commemoration of your stint as an Imperial student (or frizzy. Your proud parents are going you need to talk to someone new out woo), your parents are also there, Day, which is a minefi eld of things at least an undergraduate one) and you to whip out the photos from your of necessity, you can still have a great and it is not appropriate to attack to watch out for. As there are several should absolutely make the most of it. graduation for the rest of your life, so time. Can’t think of anything that the champagne with your usual zeal. ceremonies, this could be lunch or It’s a diffi cult combination of friends it’s important to make sure that you would necessitate overcoming your You will be very overexcited, and may dinner, and either before or after the and family, but with a bit of care look your best. social awkwardness to talk to someone not have managed to fi t in breakfast, champagne reception. Although you you can easily appease your parental new at this point? I happened to be so it will go to your head. A bit of might just want to go and hang out responsibilities and catch up with all 2. If you do manage to wrangle your sat next to my recent ex-boyfriend, good spirited tipsiness is perfectly with your friends, your graduation is your friends. Massive congratulations whole family to College nice and early, who didn’t seem to be overly keen acceptable, but getting full on wasted also for your parents, and so you’re to everyone who’s graduating this leave the ‘rents outside the Great on chatting with me. (If you’re not is not. I managed to drink enough to fairly honour-bound to spend a bit year, and good luck in whatever you’re Hall while you pick up your gown. graduating yet, I recommend avoiding do my usual 2 or 3am drunk texting… of time with them. After all, they’ve doing with yourself next! 28 FRIDAY 18 OCT THE GRADUATE Farewell Class of 2013 Goodbye from FELIX

Felix Joseph Letts Editor-in-Chief 2013-14

ongratulations graduates! You’ve made it! Over the last 3/4/6 years you’ve struggled and stressed over coursework, problem sheet, labs, and exams and look at what you’ve achieved! And while you’ve spent your time studying here you;ve also taken part in non-academic acivities and joined clubs and societies, which hopefully helped to enrich your university experience.

CNow you’re through the University gauntlet it’s time to look ahead to the future and look forward to what the future will bring. Some of you will stay in your fi eld of study, while others will take the skills they’ve developed and apply them to a new area of study or commerce, one of the great benefi ts an Imperial College London degree provides.

As you all spread out into the world, I for one hope that you can look back on your years at Imperial with some warmth, I’m sure it’s much easier to be happy about it if you earn a generous salary! Even so, Imperial leaves it’s mark on every graduate, akin to a blacksmith creating a new blade. And thus you become ambassadors of the Imperial brand as you progress throughout your career.

We at Felix hope that you’ve enjoyed reading the paper during the years you’ve studied here, and don’t forget even though you’ve graduated you can still read Felix online, so if you ever have a burning itch to see the Rector being pied, or want to see how Imperial has progressed since your departure I openly invite you to read each issue online.

We hope that we’ve enriched your student experience while you’ve been studying at Imperial, from last year’s coverage of #AgainstActon and the potential closure of Garden Hall to the protest against Life Sciences cuts several years ago, as well as weekly content (including the ever so gentle Hangman and the facinating debates in the Comment section each week). I think the centrefold might deserve a separate mention, a unique section that brings greater exposure to diff erent student groups. If you ever get around to looking at this week’s centrefold you’ll be treated to the rather unique sight of the longest surviving incarnation of the RCSU mascot (Th eta the thermometer) being joyfully displayed by members of the CGCU Executive committee.

Looking around you on Commemoration day you’ll see so many happy faces of friends and stragers alike sharing excitment (and free drinks) with their families and course mates. Graduation is an exciting time and it’s irreversible, after you’ve graduated you can never go back, so make the most of it while you can!

Th e Felix team and I would like to extend our congratulations to you one last time and wish you all the best for the future. We’re sure you’ll have some great triumphs in the years ahead, even if you might have to hand your gown back after at the end of Commemoration day.

Best of luck for the years ahead!

Felix 5 FRIDAY DD MMM

“Keep the Cat Free”

DD/MM/YY Issue 15XX felixonline.co.uk

THIS ISSUE...

finally got our hands SU's bits... /ic.cgcu e” for your Club, Society or Project? ial.ac.uk and bring your smiles 30 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editor: John Park FILM fi [email protected] The Old Men and the Sea

John Park Film Editor

Captain Phillips

Director: Paul Greengrass Writers: Billy Ray, Richard Phillips (novel), Stephan Talty (novel) Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Catherine Keener Runtime: 134 minutes Certifi cation: 12A

Leave it to Paul Greengrass, the man start chasing their target with no sign not against heavily armed Somalis production to be given much more ning, but his performance hits a real behind United 93, to direct another of slowing down despite the unkind who will stop at nothing to grab as depth and screen-time than what is high point in the film’s final moments, taut, claustrophobic thriller, but this waves, it certainly marks one of the much as they can. The strategy for the typically shown. as everything crescendos in scale and time set on the choppy sea waters best things Greengrass has done in crew is to remain hidden at all cost, as The cast of the Somali pirates, all of intensity along with his portrayal of instead of inside a plane. Based on his already admirable directorial ca- Phillips doesn’t want a hostage situa- them non-professional actors in their the real-life character on screen. the real-life Captain Richard Phillips reer. The shoddily defended cargo tion. There are many tense moments motion picture debuts, are simply There is an issue with pacing to- (Tom Hanks) whose cargo ship was ship does what it can to protect itself where the cast plays the most deadly stunning. Muse (Barkhad Abdi), the wards the end as the film tries to sus- boarded by Somali pirates wielding and repel outside invaders, under the version of hide-and-seek, one that one spear-heading the operation is in tain its tension for as long as it pos- machine guns, Captain Phillips, is a calm, level-headed command of the escalates to something of a far higher particular excellent – he is as menac- sibly can, for around two hours. The survival drama in which Phillips needs Captain (he even proves to be an ex- stake that won’t be spoiled here. ing as he comes across in the trailers United States government takes ab- to muster up the courage, strength cellent shot, attempting to derail their What’s intelligent about Greengrass’ (“look at me…look at me…I’m the solutely forever to get a plan in place, and intelligence required to make it plan by firing flare-guns), but after an approach to what may have been a captain now” he says. And we’re all which is both worrying (good) and through this tough ordeal. Suddenly extended scene of unbearable tension simple, straightforward idea is that his inclined to believe him), and his hos- frustrating (bad) for the audience, the thrust into the role of having to pro- that sees the pirates play around with “villains” are never as black and white tile one-on-one face-off with Hanks latter feeling taking over as the res- tect his crew as well as look out for their access ladder, they eventually as you would initially have expected works exceptionally in the film’s fa- cue mission starts rolling out a touch his own life, this ordinary family man board, which is where the stand-off them to be. The pirates live in a village vour. There is a certain level of hu- too slowly. The sun rises and falls at with no particular skills when it comes begins. where residents are constantly pushed manity each pirate shows throughout warped speed, making the timeline to dealing with terrorists faces the Keeping his cool and trying to come and harassed to hijack profitable ships the film, and it’s in these character difficult to fully get your head around, most challenging task of his life. up with a plan is Captain Phillips, us- to pass on to their elders and leaders. interactions the film becomes unique but given the note-perfect ways in Shot in authentic locations (the ing his ship knowledge to cleverly nav- It’s evident that this is the only kind of in showing us a balanced look at both which the film opens and closes, this ships, the ocean, the whole lot), the igate his way around the pirates with life they have ever known, and it’s re- sides of the story. shows you can count on anything Paul film’s heightened realism is what gives his words. None of the crew on board freshing to see a portrayal of the non- Hanks is of course as effortlessly Greengrass and Tom Hanks get their this the extra kick, as once the pirates are trained in fighting, most certainly American antagonist in a blockbuster convincing as ever from the begin- hands on.

That Robert Redford is 75+ and ac- compelling thriller of man vs. nature to be genuinely concerned and fright- All is Lost tually walked away from this film set where it’s the man’s resourceful resil- ened for Our Man’s safety. The camera alive is unbelievable in itself. The or- ience that shines through. follows him around in whatever situa- Director: J. C. Chandor deal he’s put through for J. C. Chan- Slight damage to the side of his ship tion and this strangely documentary- Writer: J. C. Chandor dor’s survival thriller looks positively turns out to be the least of Our Man’s like style is a compelling one, closely Starring: Robert Redford insane, and although the credit men- problems. Yes, there’s a hole through observing each and every step of his Runtime: 106 minutes tions the use of a stunt double, there is which sea water is entering, but after fight. Certifi cation: 12A no doubt this must have been a daring, some precise, methodical repair work, It’s an uplifting, triumphant tale of physical shoot for the veteran actor. he’s back on track out in the open sea. the human survival spirit, overcom- A couple of things to be aware of This is of course until a massive storm ing whatever seemingly impossible before going to see the film: there is decides to strike. With sinister sound obstacle that comes your way, with a only one person in the cast. Only Red- of the wind and heavy rain, things get muted yet powerhouse performance ford stars in the film and really, that’s worse and worse for Our Man as he’s from Redford. Essentially this can be more than enough. He has plenty of hit with one back luck after the other. summed up as 2012’s Life of Pi except that old-man star power and charisma The poor old man is tossed and without the animals, and with more to power through the film. Something turned around time after time as disaster ship-wreck scenarios. else to bear in mind: there is virtu- mother nature proves to be a force too The scope may be a narrow one for ally no dialogue. Aside from the open- powerful for any skilled man at the sea sure, but you won’t find yourself wish- ing narration and a couple of scenes can realistically handle. The alarming- ing for more faces to make up the where Redford quite understandably ly high waves and hail-like rain is a ter- cast - because Redford on his own can uses curse words, Our Man (that’s rifying sight to behold, and the scale more than hold his own, in this thrill- the credited character name) says not of every disaster is simply astonishing, ing new adventure from a very young much else. And yet All Is Lost is one which makes it easy for the audience and promising director. FRIDAY 18 OCT 31

@feliximperial FelixImperial FILM

John Park No one can hear you scream Film Editor

The Fifth Estate John Park Film Editor Director: Bill Condon Writers: Daniel Domscheit-Berg (novel), David Leigh (novel), Luke Harding (novel), Josh Singer Gravity (adaptation) Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Director: Alfonso Cuarón Daniel Brühl, Laura Linney, Stanely Writers: Alfonso Cuarón, Jonás Tucci Cuarón Runtime: 128 minutes Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Certifi cation: 12A Clooney Runtime: 91 minutes Certifi cation: 12A

Who knew a fictional retelling of the biggest leak of classified information in history could be this boring and tedious? According to Bill Condon’s Get ready for the cinematic experi- on a mission in space. The details sur- ing, the extremely tight atmosphere the events unfold, going so far as to new WikiLeaks movie, Julian Assange ence of the year. Hopefully you’ll be rounding this aren’t so important, as in which the characters communicate take the camera inside Bullock’s astro- (England’s favourite new bachelor, the seated in the biggest 3D screen you soon they are bombarded with debris via message transmissions, this alone, naut helmet, seeing the narrow view rising Sherlock star Benedict Cum- can find with the best speakers sur- from a Russian satellite that jeopard- combined with that view of Earth of everything she sees, truly adding on berbatch) and his partner Daniel Berg rounding you (hint, hint: go to the BFI ises not only their mission (screw that) is enough to send shivers down the the fear factor. The flawless special ef- (Daniel Brühl) make their website an IMAX). There is loud music, with cap- but also their lives. With zero gravity spine. fects, the fantastic music notched up international sensation by standing tions reading “life in space is impos- Dr Stone finds herself spiralling wildly With every crash and bang the sus- to maximum volume are all technical around and arguing with ego trou- sible”. The music grows louder...and out of control, and with her oxygen pense builds to epic proportions, and accomplishments worth mentioning, bles sometimes getting in the way of louder...then suddenly, nothing. And levels falling drastically with every when the helpless humans are flung and it’s no wonder James Cameron things. with a beautiful yet equally terrifying panicked breath she takes, she and the about, the desperation for survival is was floored by this film. Despite the incredibly sensitive na- shot of the Earth from outer space, more experienced astronaut Kowalski felt through the two effective perfor- Yes there may be scientific inac- ture of the information the protago- begins Alfonso Cuaron’s much-hyped, need to work together to even dream mances; particularly that of Bullock’s - curacies. And yes, the rousing finale nists are dealing with, there is no real box-office-record-breaking sci-fi of landing back down on Earth. and hers is one the film’s finale hinges backed by a loud vocal chorus is with- sense of tension, not even when the thriller, Gravity, easily one of the best From the get-go Cuaron’s film is an on to make a real emotional impact, out doubt corny and 100% what Holly- United States government (comprised films of this year. adrenaline machine that churns out which it most definitely does. wood is all about. But so what? All that of Laura Linney and Stanley Tucci in Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and scene after scene of nail-biting ten- Cuaron always finds the perfect van- is completely overshadowed by the what must be the most thankless roles Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are sion. Even when very little is happen- tage point for the audience to witness impeccable filmmaking at work here. of their careers) gets involved; the only highlight that comes out of this is when all the embarrassing transcripts from within Th e White House are released. It’s a light, but a surprisingly long recap of what sort of happened: and Assange’s image remains relatively intact, thanks to Cumberbatch who rocks the bleach blonde hair and a competent Aussie accent.

Your hair looks sexy pushed back? You drink your milkshake? You drink it up? Are you not entertained? You shall not pass? Fish are friends, not food? You have unfi nished business? With great power comes great responsibility? You want to play a game? Tell us all about it: fi [email protected] 32 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editor: John Park FILM fi [email protected] BFI London Film Festival

caping the priest, insidiously inserts fortunately Borgman, despite much Fred Fyles himself into an upper-middle class promise at the beginning of the film, Writer household. Playing with themes of doesn’t manage to reach the dizzy- power and powerlessness, Borgman ing heights of Haneke’s work. The manages to be both the victim and tension never quite reaches breaking the controller, being savagely beaten point; the humours elements of the Borgman by the householder in one scene, and film, while amusing, don’t quite feel having dinner served to him whilst bleak or sardonic enough to count as Director: Alex van Warmerdam in a bathtub in the next. Cutting a gallows humour; and while the ma- Writer: Alex van Warmerdam Charles Manson-esque figure, Borg- lignant, underlying darkness that lies Starring: Jan Bijvoet, Hadewych man, played by Jan Bijvoet, manages at the centre of many seemingly-cosy Minis, Jeroen Perceval to gain the sympathies of Marina, the families is an interesting theme to ex- Runtime: 113 minutes artist wife of a TV executive, who lives plore, van Warmerdam showcases this in a luxurious modernist villa with her idea with very little subtlety or nuance three children and their nanny; seem- - in one scene the husband tells his In the opening scenes of Borgman, ingly imbued with shamanistic pow- children ‘we shouldn’t have to apolo- the latest film by Dutch director Alex ers he - along with a gang of equally gise for being better off than others’. van Warmerdam, a priest and his two odd accomplices - manages to turn the These shortcomings make the film accomplices hunt down a mysterious household against each other, creating ultimately disappointing, and mean bearded man living in a subterrane- an atmosphere of tension and fear. that the sense of menace that per- Miele exists in the grey areas of mo- an hideaway; after they crash down Of course, when talking about home vades the film throughout the first Miele rality, and makes a show of breaking through his ceiling, the forest-dweller invasion it is near impossible not to half doesn’t continue into the finale, down the walls of absolute morality; only just escapes, throwing gas canis- think of Michael Haneke’s 1997 work making it seem bloated and dragging. Director: Valeria Golino Irene is upset that Carlo is not ill, be- ters behind him, emerging through a Funny Games, and Borgman shares Borgman is visually brilliant, and ap- Writers: Valeria Golino, Francesca cause that means she has broken one trapdoor, and running away through this film’s lashings of black humour; pears to be utterly realistic in captur- Marciano, Valia Santella of the multitude of ‘rules’ she must the trees clutching a briefcase. The however, van Warmerdam also seems ing the trappings of the bourgeoisie, Starring: Jasmine Trinca, Carlo follow when doing her job: she must film just gets stranger from hereon in. indebted to Haneke’s 2005 film Ca- but a failure to maintain pacing means Cecchi, Libero de Rienzo, Vinicio not use the word ‘wish’, she must stay Borgman is a surreal, darkly hu- ché, and both films explore how the that it feels a bit like an amuse-bouche Marchioni, Iaia Forte until the end, she cannot use any fu- morous home-invasion style film, in security of the middle-classes can be stretched out into a full three-course Runtime: 100 minutes ture tense verbs. Irene’s views on the which the titular character, after es- undermined by a single outsider. Un- meal. topic of euthanasia are clear cut, but as she gets to know Carlo, she begins In some ways, film festivals like the one to question what she is doing. currently being held in London, are a While such a topic is controversial, godsend to films like Miele; where not least of all in Italy, the film man- the time period. Non-professional ac- films; while Bujalski could have easily else, other than the festival circuit, will ages to avoid becoming a polemic, Computer Chess tors, who make up around 90% of the used the ready-made narrative of the we be able to watch a French-Italian subtly navigating the issues surround- cast, remain uncompromisingly awk- chess tournament to drive the film, he film, made on a miniature budget, that ing euthanasia. However, in doing so Director: Andrew Bujalski ward on film; every ‘umm’ and ‘ahh’ is seems to have resist this temptation, tells the story of a young woman who they rob the film of some of its energy, Writer: Andrew Bujalski accentuated, creating an atmosphere instead creating a winding, non-linear assists in the suicide of terminally ill meaning that - after a promising start Starring: Patrick Riester, Wiley of nerdish anxiety. In fact, the realism film that delights and astounds. patients? And yet, despite a descrip- - the plot stagnates in the middle. Fur- Wiggins, Myles Paige, Robin is so convincing that producer Alex A film that consists of a mainly non- tion that makes it sound like any num- thermore, Golino has a habit of avoid- Schwartz Lipschultz has stated that most peo- professional cast, that was mainly ber of European arthouse films, Miele ing the heart of the action; whenever Runtime: 92 minutes ple believe it to be a documentary for improvised (Bujalski only wrote 8 manages to retain a sense of warmth Irene ‘helps’ a patient, we never actu- the first 15 minutes - something I can pages of script), and spans such a wide and pathos, thanks to confident per- ally see the patient dying. We never completely understand. range of genres - from documentary formances on and off the screen. see the aftermath. Instead, the cam- Andrew Bujalski’s film Computer Chess It would be easy to describe the to comedy, arthouse to sci-fi - could The first directorial effort from vet- era, almost without exception, will fol- is a humorous, experimental look at film as a mockumentary, but that easily descend into a complete mess, eran Italian actress Valeria Golino, low Irene, and music will fade in over the early days of chess programming. description would be too simplistic, crushed under the weight of its own Miele revolves around the double life the sound of crying. While such ac- First screened at Sundance, where it as it doesn’t take long for the film to ambition, but Computer Chess doesn’t of 20-something year old Irene (Jas- tion may seem logical, if we compare won an acclaim and accolades, it then explore bizarre tangents, essentially have this problem. The multitude of mine Trinca), a young woman with it to Haneke’s Amour, another film bounced around festivals, and finally making Computer Chess seem like a plotlines have been edited down into an active social life, who swims every that revolves around assisted suicide it has touched down on these shores series of miniature shorts, strung to- a streamlined 90 minutes, creating morning and has athletic sex with (and does so in a much more visceral with a reputation that precedes it. It gether by circumstance. We have Mi- a product that is well-paced, snappy, her lover. But every week she takes a and horrifying manner), Miele seems is therefore perhaps no surprise that I chael Papageorge, a surly, confronta- and incredibly amusing. plane into LA, where she then trav- quite laconic, almost trite. This is a find myself, despite the fact that it is a tional programmer whose hotel room It is fascinating, in a world that els to Mexico in order to buy banned difficult topic we are dealing with, and gloomy Friday afternoon, in a sold out has been booked out to someone else; seems in thrall to the fetishisation of barbiturates; after taking them back by directing it in such a way Golino auditorium, filled with people excited we follow his surreal nocturnal wan- analogue technology, to have a film to Italy, she becomes ‘Miele’, and uses does not show us the full picture. to see this strange little film. derings trying to find a room, roaming that explores a world that has been them to help terminally ill people end That being said, the film does pick While the concept of the plot - pro- the corridors and knocking on every- forever lost. Bujalski has called the their lives. An angel of death, dressed up again towards the end, and is driv- grammers in the early 80s coming one’s doors; when he finally does get programmers who inspired the work in skinny jeans and with a multitude en along by Trinca’s stunning turn in together in a hotel to pit computers a room he finds that it is inhabited by ‘a different breed...who saw this moun- of piercings, Irene/Miele resembles a the role of Irene/Miele. Beginning as against each other in games of chess cats. And then we have the coming-of- tain and insisted on climbing it’; while sort of Italian Lisbeth Salander. Slight- cold and aloof, the character slowly - may not sound like the most en- age tale of Patrick Reister, a cripplingly today the world of technology re- ly distant to those around her, and opens up to the viewer. We discover thralling of films, Bujalski’s frequent awkward young programmer for the volves around Apple and Silicon Val- harbouring dark secrets, Irene car- why she chose the career she did, and tangents give this film an incredibly Cal-Tech team, whose failure to com- ley, the origins of computer program- ries on living this double life, until she how - despite her tough, tomboyish experimental edge. The most striking prehend social interactions is tested ming could not be further removed meets Carlo Grimaldi (Carlo Cecchi), exterior - inside she is just as scared thing about the film is how authentic when he runs into a couple who are at from this idea of ‘geek-chic’. Bujalski an aging engineer who asks for help and alone as those she helps kill. This it is; Bujalski filmed the entire thing the hotel for a ‘self-help’ retreat, and reminds us that the vanguards of the in ending his life. When she finds out skill in front of the camera, combined on video recorders made in the 1970’s, is invited into a menage-a-trois with programming movement were - much he is not terminally ill, her carefully with Golino’s developing skill behind and the majority of the computers used them. It is stories like these that mark like this film - odd, awkward, endear- ordered world comes crashing down it, make Miele a film to see - if it ever in the film are authentic artifacts from Computer Chess apart from other ing, and utterly brilliant. around her. breaks out of the festival circuit. FRIDAY 18 OCT 33

@feliximperial FelixImperial FILM

the ‘animated zone’, where everyone is Fred Fyles free to live out their wildest desires. Imperial Cinema Writer It is at this point, around the halfway mark, that the film takes a sudden left turn, plunging us into an animated We’ve got a busy week planned for world of rainbow seas, robot butlers, you! First up as a special postgrad The Congress and famous personalities; as Robin screening night-including a free enters her hotel, she sees Frida Kahlo bag of popcorn/ice cream may I just Director: Ari Folman taking a bite of Magritte’s apple, while add-we’ll be showing the newest ad- Writer: Ari Folman Ziggy Stardust chats to John Wayne, aptation of The Great Gatsby with Starring: Robin Wright, Harvey and the receptionist informs her that an all-star cast featuring Leonardo Keitel, Jon Hamm, Paul Giamatti, she is the sixth Robin Wright today. DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby and Carey Danny Huston Such mediations on who owns a per- Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan. Baz Runtime: 120 minutes son’s image may seem abstract, but Luhrmann brings plenty of glitz and raises important issues about whether glam to this classic tale about the the actor is a person or a brand. This dark trappings of a life of luxury. The Congress is a film about Holly- idea is taken further when the head Next up is the visually awe-in- wood. It is about the effect new tech- of Miramax - who I suspect is some- spiring Pacific Rim for your view- nologies will have on the centuries-old what based upon Steve Jobs - reveals ing pleasure. Guillermo Del Toro movie industry; it is about the nature that the next step in their develop- (creator of the extraordinary gothic of copyright, and the ownership of an ment is to distill ‘Robin Wright’ down fairytale Pan’s Labyrinth) brings his actor’s image; but most of all it is about into a single molecule, which can then unique blend of visceral imagery how older actresses are treated in a be ingested, allowing the consumer and technical brilliance to life in a world where youth is king, and you’re to place the character in any situa- huge blockbuster with spectacular only as good as your last facelift. ‘How tion they can think of. Although this results. And as for the plot, in brief: old are you now? 45? 48?’, asks Jeff, a is clearly extreme, it draws a parallel cities across the globe are coming slightly sleazy executive at ‘Miramax’ with how much free choice the actors under attack by mythical beasts so Studios, played beautifully by Danny actually have, and how much is dic- mankind creates colossal robots Huston. ‘44.’, replies a defensive Rob- tated by the studio. to fight back. If this all seems a lit- in Wright, who plays an alternative When all these philosophical quan- tle similar to a certain Michael Bay version of herself. In this film, Robin daries have been stripped away, what inburgh. The film focuses on the trib- franchise, think again; Pacific Rim Wright, rather than continuing her we have left is a breathtakingly gor- Michael S. Martin ulations of Ally’s resumed relationship is devoid of the cynicism of recent ascent to stardom following her por- geous film; the animation style is Writer with David’s sister Liz (Mavor), Da- blockbusters: it’s irresistibly fun as trayal of Jenny in the 1994 film Forrest somewhere between 1930 Disney, vid’s new one with Yvonne (Thomas), an overt ode to Del Toro’s love of Gump, has stagnated; let down by her George Dunning’s Yellow Submarine, and David’s parents Rab (Mullen) and anime as well as having a heart of quick temper and neurosis, she has and Satoshi Kon’s Paprika - a beguil- Jean (Horrocks) 25 year old one. gold. made a series of poor decisions and ing mixture of whimsy, humour, and It’s an interesting second effort from And now for something a bit even poorer films, that eventually lead riotous colour, that stands as a marked north London actor-turned-director different: we’ll be screening a her to the door of Miramax Studios. contrast to director Ari Folman previ- Sunshine on Leith Dexter Fletcher; a Scottish musi- documentary of the documentary It is here that she is offered a deal ous film Waltz With Bashir, a gritty, cal isn’t a natural stepping stone for Project Wild Thing by local she cannot refuse: the studio will scan stark feature about the Lebanon War. Director: Dexter Fletcher someone best known for his role in filmmaker David Bond. We follow every part of her, completely own- The Congress is a feast for the senses, Writers: Stephen Greenhorn cockney crime film Lock, Stock and Bond as he explores the growing ing her image, and freezing her at the with an incredible attention to detail Starring: George MacKay, Jason Two Smoking Barrels. As far as mu- disconnection of British Children golden age of 34, but in return she will that merits it a second viewing. Flemyng, Antonia Thomas, Peter sicals go, it’s a competent attempt. from nature. As he witnesses the be banned from acting for the next However, in making a film with Mullan, Freya Mavor, Jane Horrocks, He gets the characters broadly right, detrimental impact that marketing 20 years. Fearing for the financial se- such a complex and meta plot Folman Kevin Guthrie, Paul Brannigan though the only one who stands out and endless hours of TV have on curity of her children, one of whom seems to have stretched himself a lit- Runtime: 100 minutes -Art museum manager Harry (Lock, his own children he decides to is going slowly blind and deaf, Robin tle thin; towards the end of the film Certifi cation: PG Stock co-star Jason Flemyng)- gets take action with simultaneously agrees, allowing her essence to be con- things are left unexplained, and ma- far too little screen time. On the other humorous and shocking results. densed into a computer chip. For the jor plot points seem to pass us by too hand, a friend of David and Ally’s who We’re showing a free screening next 20 years the studio make films us- quickly. Despite being over two hours lost both legs in the roadside bomb of The Gamers: Hands of Fate, ing this ‘virtual Robin’, catapulting her long, The Congress leaves us with (Brannigan) is a misguided attempt at for anyone not familiar with The into the ‘highest-earning computer more questions than answers, but per- hamfisting an extra dose of drama into Gamers series, they’re a series of star’ in the world, until she is invited haps this is to be expected in a work the film. comedies set in the role-playing back to the studios for the ‘Futurologi- so wide in scope. It still remains that Musicals based on a band’s songs The film does succeed where far too gaming universe with plenty of in cal Congress’ alluded to in the film’s The Congress is a film that isn’t afraid -’Jukebox Musicals’ as they are known- many jukebox musicals fail: the tran- jokes about the gaming world. If title. This congress is a chance for Mi- to bite the hand that feeds, working as have become a staple of the musical sition into song feels natural, as op- you’re a gamer or this has interested ramax (who have since made a move a vicious satire of the movie industry, scene since ABBA-based Mamma posed to going to ridiculous lengths to you come along, remember it’s free! into pharmaceuticals and changed while boasting some of the most trip- Mia! debuted at the West End in 1999, fit in as many of the band’s songs (We The Great Gatsby (Free Ice their name to MIramax-Nagasaki) to py visual feats this side of the 80s, and having since grossed $2 billion world- Will Rock You has characters named Cream/Bag of popcorn): Monday show off their latest creation - a hal- a powerhouse performance by Robin wide and $610 million with its 2008 Galileo Figaro and Scaramouche). 21st October 19:00pm Tickets £5 lucinogenic drug that sends users into Wright - A definite must-see. film adaptation. We Will Rock You It presents itself as a tongue-in- online/£6 on the door (based on the songs of ‘Queen’ and cheek take on Scottish culture; with Pacific Rim: Tuesday 22nd / written by Ben Elton) and Jersey Boys jokes on Scottish nationalism, Leith- Thursday 24 th October 19:00pm (based on the songs of ‘The Four Sea- based football club Hibernian, Anglo- £3 for members and £4 for non- sons’) have since followed to enduring Scottish relations and a liberal use of members, buy on the door. success. Sunshine on Leith, originally “Aye”. But beneath this charismatic Project Wild Thing: Friday 25th a 2007 Dundee Repertory Theatre Caledonian veneer; at the film core’s October 17:00pm Tickets £5 stu- production, takes on the more mod- is a standard musical with all of its dents/£7 others est body of work of 80s Scottish band quirks, tropes and style, a bombastic The Gamers: Hands of Fate: ‘The Proclaimers’. Broadway style that The Proclaimers’ Friday 25th October 19:00pm Free The film starts in a grim land torn folksy songs do not lend themselves screening apart by religious sectarianism. No, well to. £5 Membership includes one free not Scotland; Afghanistan. David If you dislike musicals you might film and cheaper ticket prices all (MacKay) and Ally (Guthrie) are sol- take solace in the snappy dialogue and year! Buy it here: tickets.imperial- diers sitting inside an armoured ve- chemistry between the characters, but cinema.co.uk hicle that takes a hit from a roadside ultimately it’s an fulfilling outing. For bomb. It then cuts to David and Ally musical fans it’s an enjoyable, albeit Next Week: The World’s End/ returning to families and friends in forgettable musical. Unfortunately for Thrillseekers Adventure Film their hometown of Leith in north Ed- me, I am in the former. Festival 34 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editors: John Park, Emily Fulham TELEVISION [email protected] 2012-13 Television

dramatics, and loves to take absurd what Olivia is trying to keep buried. (Bellamy Young), and the Vice- Scandal: Season 2 ideas and turn them into feverishly It’s no secret the show wouldn’t President, the bible-bashing, rigor- entertaining guilty-pleasure. Pope’s be able to survive without Wash- ous Christian Sally Langston (Kate affair with President Fitzgerald ington’s non-stop confidence and Burton) who is constantly plotting to Grant III (Tony Goldwyn) was es- charisma, which explains her Emmy overtake the Presidency. All of them tablished early on in season 1, in the nomination for her work on the se- truly excellent in their roles, mak- show’s pilot no less, but the follow- ries (although her deserving win was ing their endless juicy drama all the up season takes on a whole new level snatched up by Claire Danes). No more watchable. of scandalous (pardon the pun), as matter how ludicrous the dialogue, The constant plot twists and re- Pope’s past involvement in a deep- no matter how uncomfortably inva- veals make it difficult at times to John Park Television Editor level political conspiracy comes back sive the close-up, Washington truly fully keep up with everything that is to haunt her. is a force to be reckoned with, and going. Someone you believed to be Whereas the first season was not many actors would be able to a traitor one week is quickly exon- here is absolutely nothing mostly episodic in nature, the series handle the dizzying amount of ma- erated the next, and the entire plot Olivia Pope (Kerry Wash- renewal must have given the writers chine-gun-like script constantly fir- moves at warp-speed. Those who ington) and her team of confidence to build in a large season- ing off words in endless arguments. don’t appreciate the pathetic Presi- fast-talking crisis manage- long story-arc into the show, thus Pope’s team of self-proclaimed dent of the United States never com- ment consultants can’t han- forever ending episodes in cliffhang- “gladiators” consist of Harrison ing to grips and always aiming his Tdle. Pope rocks her flawless outfits, ers, making its ever-growing audi- Wright (Columbus Short), Abby tired puppy eyes to Olivia will not speed-walks everywhere, goes in and ence figure beg for even a minute Whelan (Darby Stanchfield), Huck find their little high-school romance out of The White House as if it was more of the next episode. Olivia’s big (Guillermo Díaz) and Quinn - all of drama in the least bit entertaining to her holiday pad, always with a clear secret involving several powerful fig- them doing their bit to chime into watch, but “Scandal” has a whole lot strategy in mind, and ultimately she ures in the government is the main the rapid game of who can say the more to offer that more than makes gets things done. Handling the press? focus, and the more ridiculous eve- most words as dramatically as pos- up for the little strands that it could Done. Getting ahead of your op- rything gets, the more irresistible the sible in the least amount of time, do without. It’s no wonder the sec- ponents? Check. Helping the next show becomes. Almost everyone is and it’s not only her employees who ond season finished with a record- President-hopeful secure his votes? somehow connected in this vast de- can speak like there’s no tomorrow. breaking high in terms of ratings and Of course. She sure must charge big ception, and remember the season 1 Within The White House itself is an audience number. Pope & Associates bucks for her services and she’s cer- finale in which Quinn Perkins’ (Katie internal power struggle that is hap- are here to stay, and they’ll keep fix- tainly worth every penny of it. Lowes - increasingly more useful as pening that involves the President, ing problems, half of which will no As with any Shonda Rhimes dra- the series progresses) identity was his Chief of Staff Cyrus Beene (Jeff doubt be their own doing through ma, Scandal too, has a flair for the left up in the air? This is also a part of Perry), the First Lady Mellie Grant reckless lifestyle choices. FRIDAY 18 OCT 35

@feliximperial FelixImperial TELEVISION Sophomore Spikes

on this more. (Kevin Chapman) are both valuable Person of Interest: With Finch, his relationship with additions to the cast providing solid an equally brilliant colleague of his, support in terms of back-up during Season 2 Nathan Ingram (Brett Cullen), who action sequences as well as when is now dead, and the many unan- it comes to information-gathering. swered questions regarding the There is playful banter between all creation of the machine are fully ad- four in the group, although it’s the dressed, with intermittent flashback growing bromance between the lead sequences embedded within appro- pair that is the most entertaining. John Park Television Editor priate episodes to shine some light The initially mismatched duo of a on the complicated past. Govern- socially awkward billionaire comput- ment secrecy and conspiracy, as well er-nerd with an ex-military, ex-CIA Whilst most procedural crime dra- as the powerful people who fear for agent is a pairing that gets off to an mas start with a body/bodies, Harold the legality issues that arise with this entertainingly rocky start in season 1 Finch (Michael Emerson) devised a all-knowing machine all contribute but now they operate like a well-oiled clever anti-terrorism machine that to create a fascinating season-long machine, having excellent dynamic sees all acts of potential violence that story arc that puts both Finch and and chemistry that evolve as each kicked things off in season 1. What Reese in danger. Carrie Preston, season moves forward. Harold and his ex-CIA buddy John an underused and under-awarded Recurring guest stars make wel- Reese (Jim “Jesus Christ” Caviezel) actress who constantly features in come returns: starting from Zoe receive every week is a social secu- small supporting guest roles, who Morgan (the excellent Paige Turco - rity number...and when the writers also happens to be Emerson’s real- it’s always a pleasure to see her back), are feeling extra bold and ambitious, life wife, features as Finch’s rather a helpful, resourceful ally who has more than one...and with no idea sweet love-interest, the development many rich and famous friends, Carl whether this “person of interest” is of which serves as a nice distraction Elias (Enrico Colantoni) a crime boss the victim or perpetrator, it’s up to from the otherwise more serious with useful knowledge on many of Finch and Reese to track the person crime drama. New York’s underground operations down and solve the mystery. The Reese and his darker, morally am- who is currently in jail, amongst machine is never wrong, and not biguous days are further explored others. every case turns out to be as simple here, more specifically relating to the The complexity and intriguing as it seems in the beginning, which is two ladies who had quite the impact premise related to every weekly case why each stand-alone episode takes on his life; Agent Kara Stanton (An- is variable with some hitting the up 40+ minutes to come to a close. nie Parisse) and Jessica Arndt (Susan spot, whilst a couple seem a little too Putting a nice, original twist to the Misner). Softly-spoken yet intense in rushed and serve as merely filling in well-worn genre, Person of Interest all the right moments with dry, sar- another weekly slot in their 22-epi- was off to a flying start on the CBS castic humour thrown into the mix, sode season. But with its second se- network up against the long-running Caviezel is perfectly suited for the ries Person of Interest has certainly ABC’s sappy medical drama Grey’s role of a skilled agent back in action. gained confidence in its footing Anatomy. Throughout season 1 More help is available to them and with a helpful introduction of a there were plenty of hints and teas- within the NYPD who now know a snarky, psychotic villainess (the won- ing alluding to the characters’ origins thing or two about how these two derful Amy Acker), the climax does story: both Finch and Reese had fas- men go about their crime-solving start building until a satisfying finale cinating stories to tell, and season 2 business. Detectives Joss Carter that sets things up nicely for season 3 gave the writers a chance to expand (Taraji P. Henson) and Lionel Fusco which is well underway in the States.

FRIDAY 18 OCT 37

@feliximperial FelixImperial GAMES Far Cry 3: Pirate Infested Tropical Dystopia

spit it out all with one hand on the You can also hijack radio towers to Unfortunately, the weapons and this game; it really makes me feel Imran Rashid wheel. Th ere are plenty of other uncover more places in the map, collectibles inventory was diffi cult in control when Jason can take out Games Editor refl exes and scenes spread through take control of pirate coves, trials to use and this did take a toll on the pirates one by one at a distance. the game that give the player a of the Rakyat. Th e skills, equipment gameplay as the game progressed Th ere are plenty of other good feeling that they are adapting better and knowledge of the island you into more challenging zones - weapons to purchase and unlock too. artying. Hostages. Drinks. into the environment with Brody. gain from these extra missions perhaps most annoying was my Vehicles can be used in and outside Machetes. Skydiving. Th e overall plot of Far Cry 3 is undergird the story line missions mini-expedition to hunt dangerous of missions from buggies to cargo Friends. Pirates. Th e engaging and the characterisation which become increasingly diffi cult. and rare animals for special leather trucks to jet skis to handgliders game starts off with a and development of the cast are for a promised upgraded pouch (pretty fun). Your vehicles can take montage of you (as Jason impressive. Vaas’ famous question to store four weapons but I could damage from enemy attacks and PBrody), your brothers and your on insanity rings in the players ears still only hold a maximum of two. bashing into trees and falling of friends having the time of their when we start to see suspicious Th e accessibility and simplicity mountain sides - a fun experience. life on a large island in the south and creepy stuff around the Island. of the rucksack inventory is Vehicle control is not too demanding pacifi c. Th e nightmare quickly Insanity permeates through this defi nitely a room for improvement to frustrate the game play and not begins when Jason wakes up to fi nd Island. Th ose who learn to embrace for the rumoured sequel to this too simple to use to break away himself imprisoned in a bamboo and adapt to the Island turn more game set to come out in 2014. from the realism of the game. cage by indigenous pirates, and it’s vicious, tribal, angry, dehumanised Jason has a good range of weapons Th e music and sound eff ects not long before you meet the fi end and animalistic. We follow the once at his disposal that he can purchase deserve merit too. Th e realistic himself, the psycho pirate lord Vaas. scared twenty-something frightened, at a Rakyat shop or he can unlock and frightening sound tracks truly You are now tasked with missions Jason Brody turn into a ruthless for free by claiming radio towers. capture the suspense of the moment in service of the Rakyat leading to skilled killer. It is a theme that Th ere is a huge scope to be clever and I still fi nd myself listening to rescuing your friends, taking over culminates to an epic conclusion and creative with how you use some of the legendary soundtracks the Island, and assassinating Vaas. where the player is granted a choice weapons to conquer pirate coves off YouTube. All this combined Th ere is a lot of fun in watching that decides the ending of the game. or complete missions in general. with stunning graphics will Jason progress through the game Far Cry 3 really beautifully couples Take your short-range fl amethrower captivate you for hours of pure joy. as he self-teaches himself ways to the story parts of the game with the to set nearby enemies on fi re or be Far Cry 3 was released in November survive through the jungle including non-story parts. Here’s why: When more strategic and beset pirates 2012. It can currently be bought his extraordinary methods of healing you are roaming the Island, you can by setting a whole cove on fi re. Th e for around £16.99 on PS3, £17.99 himself! A shot to the arm while hunt diff erent animals, forage rare sniper rifl e is man’s best friend in on XBOX 360, and £12.99 on PC. driving will prompt Brody to ‘bite plants that you can use to upgrade the bullet’ as he clenches the bullet your pouches and weapons rucksacks, out of his fl esh with his teeth and health potions and other recipes. “Did I ever tell you the definition of insanity?” – Vaas Windwaker turns over a new Deku Leaf The Windwaker HD is a welcome addition to the Wii U (discounting the DS ones) that uses the start. All the items you get in this the gamepad screen in the middle I may achieve my lifelong goals at last! a cartoon art style, which looks game are used again and again and of a fi ght, or sailing on your boat. Despite being amazing in nearly Calum Skene beautiful remastered in HD. Although don’t feel like gimmicks, with the best Sailing around is even more of a joy every way I do have some very minor Games Editor the game looks diff erent it is still the obviously being the Deku Leaf! Th e with the addition of a fast sail that complaints. You can now move while game many of you will remember combat system is arguably the best of enables you to sail faster, and always aiming items, which can be great in and will provide many moments of any Zelda game and your character have the wind behind you. Fans of certain situations but often it can be here are few new games that nostalgia. Everything that originally always responds how you would like. the original may be glad to hear that awkward. Try aiming and shooting an hold my attention for very made this game mothertrucking Th e Wii U version does add more the Triforce collecting at the end item while moving and the item is not long anymore. I’m bored of amazing is still here. Th ere is so much than HD graphics. Link controls has been shortened, causing less bound to a trigger for example. Also games like Assassins Creed that this game does well; the plot is even better than before on the frustrating encounters with Tingle the game is too easy. I completed my and Halo with their endless engaging and often full of humour, the gamepad or pro controller. Pausing (the Jar Jar Binks of Zelda). For the fi rst playthough (around 18 hours) Tsequels that seem to off er nothing world is open and big and apart from the game to look at maps or switch completionests out there, the game without dying a single time, and I even new except better graphics (even a short “tutorial” at the beginning is items has been made unnecessary off ers a gallery where you can turn had my fairy I collected just before though I still buy them). However open for you to explore right from as you can do all that seamlessly on photos into fi gurines. When I was the fi rst boss still in its bottle. Th ese there is something about Nintendo young, playing the original, my goal problems however are so minor and that makes me forgive them for in life was the complete this gallery, you could argue aren’t problems. Th e doing just that. Every new Mario, but it was frustrating as many of aiming can be made good by binding Zelda and Donkey Kong game that the pictures are missable causing aimable items to a trigger, and I comes out always get me excited, a complete gallery to take many actually found it extremely useful to and Windwaker HD is no exception. playthroughs (there is a second quest move and aim at times. Th ere is also As a massive fan of the original after you fi nish the game). However, a Hero Mode which makes the game Gamecube version I was pretty sure the remake, as well as off ering an harder and I will defi nitely be using I would like this one too, but I didn’t expanded memory to your camera this during my second playthough. expect to like it as much as I do. (12 pictures), has Tingle Bottles: Overall I believe Windwaker HD Windwaker, for those who didn’t bottles you can throw in the sea with is still the amazing game it was and play the original, is a game in the messages and pictures. As well as this version just improves it to near Legend of Zelda series. You play being a nice and often funny addition perfection. It is defi nitely my most as Link, the hero of time, and must to the game, it now means you can played Wii U game already in just complete dungeons and solve get the pictures from other people a week, and I see myself putting problems in order to rescue princess making the Nintendo Gallery a more many more hours into it before I Link realises heʼs been here before in a previous life. Zelda. Windwaker is the only game achievable and enjoyable experience. get tired. Th ere’s just so much to do. 38 FRIDAY 18 OCT Editor: Maximilian Eggl, Yong Wen Chua, Osama Awara TECHNOLOGY technology.felix@imperial. ac.uk NSA: Peeling the skin off TOR Layer by layer, the controversy surrounding the NSA increases! web, posting on forums and general Th is all may seem like a far-fetched it. Th e NSA justifi ed its actions by recently invested in $9.5 Billion for internet communication; a great way conspiracy theory but as more and claiming that it only targets criminals security alone after their experience Osama Awara to aid journalists or even the average more revelations on the NSA’s privacy such as terrorists and human with NSA’s cyber-espionage. Technology Editor person in countries that prohibit breaching activities comes to surface, traffi ckers. It is without a doubt that In a statement by a representative certain sites and topics of discussion. it seems they would do anything to certain shady individuals may use of the EFF (Electronic Frontier Th e methods the NSA has indulged get their hands on sensitive material. Tor or other such online utilities, but Foundation) and previously a funder itself in, in order to circumvent a Tor, formally known as ‘Th e Onion claiming that the NSA ‘….collects of the Tor product, Cindy John says, Th e NSA known for its privacy variety of NET encryptions, are Router’, works by layering signals only those communications that it ‘Of course the government should breaching of internet users across arguably controversial. Hacking sent online with encryption, these is authorized by law to collect for get to go after bad guys, but they the globe has been found ‘peeling’ into private companies in order ‘coated’ signals are then sent through valid foreign intelligence,’ as they shouldn’t be able to break the security the encryption that Tor provides to steal their server’s encryptions a random path through a network said in a statement to the Guardian, and trust promises of the internet for its users’ information sent is one example. Another as stated of routers which in turn, each peel has been proven to be untrue. to do that.’ Indeed the US and any online, in order to gain access to by the New York Times involves off a layer of encryption until the It’s common knowledge now that other country for that matter should sensitive information. Tor is a piece collaborating with tech companies signal has reached its destination. the NSA spies on individuals and have the right to defend itself from of software, ironically funded by the to build in backdoors in computing Th is method prevents any one of the organizations that have nothing to do cyber-attacks or malicious users of US government, which enables the systems and covertly introducing routers from having access to all the with crime. Take Brazilian Oil Giant the web, however the methods used anonymity of its users surfi ng the weaknesses in encryption standards. encryptions at once hence the signal Petrobras as an example; they’ve should at the very least be regulated. can’t be tracked back to its original sender. Unfortunately for the NSA this method of ‘anonymisation’ has foxed their hackers as they stated themselves through documents The News Bubble leaked by Edward Snowden, ‘…de- General news from around the tech world, so you can keep up to anonymize a very small fraction of date with the newest, wierdest and most futuristic things around users.’ In a way this is great for a Tor developer, personally if I was one of them I’d have a big grin on my face. Snaphack, saving one pic at a time When it comes to tackling Tor, the NSA has no reservations, from utilizing fl aws in one of the Mozilla If you are a fan of the photo messaging app you should be slightly Firefox versions to directing user concerned. Th e advantage of using snapchat is that your innocent photos traffi c to their NSA operated servers and videos (or maybe not so innocent ;-)) are deleted within a set time in order to degrade the service to after being viewed. However with the release of Snaphack this deletion reduce the number of people using process can be stopped without the knowledge of the sender. Th is app, currently available in the apple App store. Should worry all those of you who are sending pictures that they actually want deleted! Get rich quick, Youtube style! Maybe color ainʼt so good after all people who really just want to able to upload any videos, get on to entertain you, but apart from that that. Now think of a creative name Apple’s iPhone 5C, the colourful variant of their new generation has not Maximilian Eggl have you ever thought, what’s in it for that will stick in peoples minds as sold as well as their more expensive featured fi lled brother the 5S. In fact Technology Editor them? Cash. Cold, hard cash. YouTube well as perhaps describing what some statistics suggest that the plastic phone is being outsold almost 2 to makes money from ads, and so that you do. Th erefore don’t call yourself 1. Th is has lead Apple to cut orders of their slightly cheaper model. Th e they encourage more clicks/views, Ramalama-dingdong unless you plan fact that the 5C does not really off er any diff erence apart from the exterior they need to share some of the loot. to talk about bells or report on the to the 5, may explain this disappointing trend in sales. All of you spend a signifi cant amount Now I know exactly what you are Dalai Lama. of your life on YouTube, be it watching thinking. You are sitting there reading Next you will need to come up with handy tutorial videos, lets-plays, this, munching on your sandwhich/ original content. Trust me the people music videos and/or videos of cute- homemade pasta, wanting some of who repost other peoples content Maximilian Eggl ass kittens (the last being the most that glorious dough. Well in fact that will never get to the upper echelons Yong Wen Chua time intensive). However have you is not hard as long as you follow this of youtube aristocracy. Th ink of Osama Awara ever wondered why some of these absolutely patented fail safe acme something that no one has done Youtubers, more often than not just cashtube plan! before. It can be funny (usually the Technology Editors average Joe’s, actually do it? Yes of Firstly, make yourself an account. best), serious or something course they are all kind, considerate Without an account you will not be totally weird. It doesn’t really matter, as long as its new and you are good at it! However if you do not have any you can get anywhere between $2.5 to money (where you could just go into ideas, usually putting up videos of $7 per 1,000 views. While this does banking like most imperialites do), your kittens or puppies doing cute not sound like much, it can certainly youtube is a platform to put yourself stuff is a good start. If you do not own add up. out there and give you the chance to any pet, you can always try remixing So wow, now you are a up and earn a living with what you really love nyan cat! coming youtube celebrity. Th e cash to do. While this may be a very hard Once you have a certain amount of ain’t the only benefi t that will come thing to do for us socially impaired subscribers (500) is a good number, your way. If you are a gamer, you may students, once you have gotten over and are churning out good content get free games etc., if you do comedy, the trolls and jerks that the internet on a weekly basis, you should start you may get off ered a movie role (niga seems to spawn en masse, it can be an thinking about becoming a youtube higa) or if you sing....oh wait, thats extremely positive experience. partner. With this program the money Justin Bieber. Actually please don’t Now I am off to repost that totally can start rolling in. Depending on your sing. hilarious college humour video on my popularity and/or viewing numbers However on a serious note, more totally successful youtube channel, (which are usually very closely related) than being interested in making Peace out! FRIDAY 18 OCT 39

@feliximperial

FelixImperial FOOD Winter: Prime Time For Pies Michael Chung made a classic with organic vegetables from London

A few weeks back we mentioned the Ingredients: (Serves 4-5) and milk, season with salt and pepper. Farmers’ Market, but that is not the - Olive oil Pour the meat sauce into a large ov- only place to get fresh vegetables on - 3 garlic gloves, peeled and fi nely enproof dish. It should fi ll about half campus! Th e ICU Co-op has a new chopped the dish. partnership with Sutton Community - 3 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes Farm, which is about 13 miles from - 500g lamb mince over the top. South Kensington. Fresh, seasonal - 2 large potatoes vegetables are harvested every week - 3 carrots, chopped Season, then sprinkle with grated and distributed around London via its - 2 sticks of celery, chopped Cheddar cheese. VegBag scheme. All the vegetables are - 400g chopped tomatoes farmed organically and it is quite en- - 1 red onion, peeled and chopped Place on a baking ray in the oven for vironmentally friendly because of the - 110g butter 30-40 mins until golden and bubbling. low carbon footprint. Th e content of - 200ml milk the bag is also kind of a mystery - since - 250g grated cheese To go with my shepherd’s pie, I also all the goods is seasonal, but typically stir fried some of the kale with oil and it will contain potatoes, onions and Preheat the oven to 200oC. Heat the garlic - couldn’t be simpler! carrots at the very least! olive oil in a large saucepan over a me- And there you have it! And if you Here at Felix Food, we ordered a dium heat and add garlic, chilli, onion, don’t like lamb, you can also use mince medium VegBag to try. For £11.50, we celery and carrots. Cook on the me- beef to make a cottage pie. You can also got some kale, half a pumpkin, dium heat for about 5 mins until soft. also add diff erent vegetables into the Whatʼs in the bag I hear you ask? Itʼs full of yummy fresh vegetables! some pea pods, courgettes, garlic and pie, such as mushrooms and peas. Th e soome lovely tomatoes. Up the heat and add the mince when opportunities really are endless! And what exactly can you cook with the vegetables are soft. Cook for an- the VegBag? Let’s be honest, winter other minute. has arrived. After a long day of lec- tures, problem sheets and tutorial, all Add Worcestershire sauce and Want to try we want to do is to have some hearty tomotoes, season well. warm food and watch the One Show. (Okey, none of us at Imperial will be Cook for up to an hour - the longer a VegBag? back at home at 7pm, perhaps just in you cook it, the more meaty and suttoncommunityfarm.org.uk time for EastEnders repeat at 10...) delicious it will taste! One of the traditional winter dishes Order the bag you want and select are pies. Th e English have been enjoy- While the meat is bubbling away, ICU Co-op as the pick up point. ing meat pies since the Middle Ages bring a large pan of water to the boil You will have to order by and there was even a poem written and add the potatoes. Cook until soft, Sunday midnight for a Th ursday about it in the 14th century. With the around 15-20 mins, depending on the pickup at the Co-op in Sherfi eld lovely vegetables from the Veg Bag, it size. Building foyer from 4:30pm. was easy to make a healthy shepherd’s Any questions please email pie - which in fact dates back to 1870s! Drain and mash well, add the butter [email protected] Warm pies will help you battle the British winter! Seven More Years of chocolate eating Soaring demand in emerging markets meets lower production

It is the London Chocolate Week that much of the space used for cocoa of chocolate confectionery will gain this week and many chocolate-related production are replaced by rubber 2% this year and 2014. BRIC contries events took place across the capital. plantation as farmers get a better takes a major role in this growth, de- While the public is enjoying the new yield. mand in China is projected to expand variety of chocolate, the industry ex- On top of that, major cocoa pro- 11% annually in the next 5 years, 13% perts who met at the British Library duction countries has experienced in Brazil, 22% in India and also 8% in have some bad news for the chocolate bad weather, along with growing Eastern Europe. lovers. Th ey predicted the world will demand has led to a 17% increase So next time when you want a offi cially run out of cocoa beans on in cocoa over the past 12 months Mars Bar with your cup of coff ee, October 2, 2020 - that is in 7 years’ - which contributes to the rise of you might have to pay more than you time. chocolate bar production cost by 25% think! Chocolate taster and expert Angus in the same period. Kennedy reportedly said there will be In fact, the demand for cocoa beans a chocolate shortage in the near fu- is so high that it is now the second Your thoughts? ture since experts have projected that best prfomer in the Standard & Poor’s 2.3 globes worth of land is required GSCI gauge of 24 raw materials, after Email to accommodate the world’s needs of oil. Euromonitor International has [email protected] Might have to stock up while you can! chocolate. Kennedy also mentioned estimated that global sales volume 40 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Editor: Chris Richardson TRAVEL [email protected]

The land where the sun forgets to set Epic countryside and Reykjavikʼs charms: a different sort of summer in Iceland

Natalia Petrou

ell, from reading the heading, you might assume that I visited a swanky summer resortW somewhere glamorous and warm. But you would be grossly mistaken. Th is summer, despite my initial reservations (an admission to appease my persuaders, just in case they’re reading), we travelled to Iceland. I initially complained about the lack of sun, summer, and activities on off er, but from the moment I stepped foot on Icelandic soil, I fell completely in love. Contrary to my complaints, the sun stays up in Iceland for around twenty hours per day, and in the summer it never really gets dark at all. Th e people played a massive part in changing my attitude. Everyone I met was helpful, calm and easy- going. One Icelandic attribute I came to admire is patience, something that is severely lacking in our hectic London lifestyle. To say that the scenery left LOUKAS PETROU me speechless would be an understatement. It’s surprising how “Yo listen up hereʼs a story about a little guy that lives in a blue world. And all day and all night and everything he sees is just blue” - Björk, 1999 much green a country called ICE- land can have, and the variety seen than sand or rocks, the coastline is a easily reached by public transport or in and out that really makes you shiver. penguin: the puffi n. across the country is astounding. plethora of rich, volcanic ash. free minibus. Th e National Museum Still, it’s an unforgettable experience, Overall, it’s an experience that will One can admire the magnitude of the Aside from the beautiful countryside I one of the most organised and well- and one you ought to try at least once. stay with me for the years to come. icebergs, which change formations truly adored the capital city, Reykjavik. presented museums I have visited to Th e element of the city that made Iceland is a truly breath-taking everyday due to extreme weather It’s a fairly small city with around date, and it is well worth a visit. me fall in love the most with was destination, and so diff erent to many conditions and global warming. Th ere 120,000 residents, and everything is Of course, it would be impossible to the seaside. One can walk by the sea other places you might encounter. I are also many mountain formations within walking distance. Th e city is talk about Reykjavik and not mention for endless hours and admire the suggest planning a visit during the where waterfalls suddenly make their comprised of a well-presented centre its countless swimming pools. I’m not mountains that surround the area. summer season, as the cold is more appearance. Iceland is a country with many shops and restaurants. entirely sure what crazy, adventurous Th ere are also boat tours that take you manageable, and the chances of sun susceptible to volcanic eruptions, Th ere are also two huge shopping spirit possessed me, but I decided to from the city into the more remote are much higher. It might not be your and volcanoes have contributed to malls just outside of the city, ideal visit two of them. Th e water itself is areas of the ocean, to encounter stereotypical summer, but the endless the formation of the ground: rather for the colder and wetter days and lovely and warm, but it’s the transition whales and Iceland’s answer to the adventure is not to be missed.

LOUKAS PETROU LOUKAS PETROU Rumour has it that Björk runs naked across these rooftops, but only when youʼre not looking And this waterfall: beautiful, right? Think again. Itʼs actually connected to Björkʼs toilet FRIDAY 18 OCT 41

@feliximperial FelixImperial CAREERS

Alumnus Profile bring to the table. As I’m sure a lot of the decisions we make together have relate these narratives to the core approach. In fact I’d say that this is students at Imperial fi nd when it comes the greatest impact they can, as if we competencies of the company you’re the strongest thing my degree gave Ravi Pall to making your fi rst career choice, it’s were spending our own money. When applying for. Unilever has 5 and in me, so be sure to draw from it. Imperial Collegee incredibly tempting to go and work for you consider we own brands such as every answer to a question I thought Physics MSci a big city bank or continue into further Ben & Jerry’s, Walls, Magnum etc you about not only how to answer the In the future I look forward to (2007-12) study. I personally wanted to work in begin to realise that the responsibility competency they’re asking for, but working in diff erent parts of the Unilever an interesting sector that made a real you’re given from day one eff ects how the other 4 as well. Many people are organisation, working on both a tangible impact on peoples everyday well we do in such a competitive and well rounded, especially if you’ve global and national level. Th ere’s lives. Not many companies can say large category. I cannot stress enough been active outside of academia, and also potential to work abroad, which ’m currently a Finance graduate over 2 billion people use one of their how much this job is basically the it’s just as important to demonstrate in itself bring a new challenge and on the Unilever Future Leaders products on any given day. Unilever win-win scenario of corporate fi nance this as it is to align with a company’s breadth of experience. I’d highly Program (UFLP). At Imperial I could, and that’s something I wanted without “selling your soul.” core competencies. As always it’s recommend applying now if you’re studied Physics (MSci) which to be a part of. also a wise idea to read as much interested in working on something isn’t necessarily the most When applying for the job, like any about the company as possible. I diff erent yet career building. Iintuitive career fi t. Not really having My fi rst role on the UFLP is business job, it’s important to highlight your had Google alerts set up just on the Unilever invest a lot in you (for any fi nancial background hasn’t partnering for Brand Building in Ice strengths as a rounded individual. It’s word “Unilever” for example. What’s example paying for you to qualify in been a hindrance though, where the Cream. I’m going to say right now hard to come across arrogant when also important is how you highlight CIMA) and this in turn really helps view is you can learn fi nance, but that this is literally the most fun thing you simply talk through a experience that as a student from Imperial place you in a great position by the your attitude and way of approach I’ve ever done. I work with brand or story which you know like the back (predominantly STEM) you have end of the scheme, where you’re is something you as an individual managers every day to make sure that of your hand. It’s also important to strong analytical reasoning and logical placed in a management position. 42 FRIDAY 18 OCT CLUBS & SOCS

Project Nepalp Go west, young student

Ben Fernando Charity Editor RAG Treasurer

t seems that most Imperial students have some sort of pipe dream about being able to travel the world and help people. Th e huge costs and overheads in fundraising, as well as the need to give up an entire summer are off - IC ENTREPRENEURS Iputting factors, and it seems to have taken a while for charities to get their heads around this. Th is technique is also used by other to participate in a joint discussion Patrik Lei companies we visited such as Google session with the Business Association Project Nepal was set up in 2011 with the aim Writer and Facebook, housed on large of Stanford Entrepreneurial Students of off ering an alternative –exciting, low-cost corporate campuses in Mountain and were impressed by the way volunteering opportunities to help out with View. As these two companies are the university has managed to school building in Nepal. Situated in the Tanahun barely older than a decade, great integrate entrepreneurial skills district of Nepal, their chosen school, the Maya eff orts have been invested to retain training and projects into its core Universe, off ers education for children up to age n April 2013, a study trip was the feel of a small company. Both engineering curriculum in a close- of 12 from local villages. organized jointly by the Imperial companies off er a great wealth of knit collaboration between students, College Entrepreneurs Society employee benefi ts including vehicular faculty and local companies; Th e Maya Universe group of schools operate in and the Kings College Business maintenance, free food and computer something that British universities rural areas where access to education is limited Club to allow a delegation of gadgets as well as laundry services have a lot to learn from. and the incidence of poverty is highest. Th eir Istudents of which the author was in order to incentivize and motivate Th e fl ow of people into and out of philosophy is that parents should not have to part of to visit startup companies employees to stay late and to work universities and between companies pay for their children’s’ education, but rather and educational institutions based hard, just like back in university. also helps to foster a relatively stable can contribute to the cost of running the school in Silicon Valley in California, the Google have their unique offi ce working environment by American by doing maintenance, cooking, gardening and world’s foremost IT cluster. Th e design with colorful plastic slides standards, as well as ensuring that cleaning. Whilst this maximises educational purpose was to allow the students replacing stairs between building skills, ideas and know-how are opportunity, it does mean that there is very little to educate themselves about the way fl oors and colourful bikes used as channelled to the right location in the money available for expansion. innovation is managed in large and campus transportation in Googleplex; technological ecosystem where it has small technology based companies and tFacebook have their fortnightly the most potential to succeed. Th is is where Imperial’s volunteers come in. as well as in the design of university hackatons for sparking new ideas and Th e great journey west to Silicon Th roughout the year, they fundraised through a curricula in the hope of bringing to keep the creativity fl owing. Valley has been very inspiring and number of events, from Mulled Wine evenings back the knowledge to enhance our We also had the opportunity taught me to dream big and to think to charity collections and Krispy Kreme sales. remaining time at university as well to visit some small but up and and approach general problem solving Th e £8,000 that they raised went toward the cost as to explore potential future career coming companies to witness the in a hands-on and entrepreneurial of construction materials and supplies for the paths. inner workings of a company in the minded way. It will greatly enhance the three classrooms that they built over the summer After descending upon San transition stages between being a way I do things in my future student whilst in Nepal. Project Nepal is diff erent from Francisco after a long fl ight from venture capital funded small fi rm and engineering career. As I return most overseas projects in that the volunteers pay London during a weekend, many were that is just taking off and a profi table back to Imperial College to fi nish for their own fl ights, and all the money raised keen to visit the Haight-Ashbury area large corporation. Dropbox Inc. that my education, the experiences and goes straight to the people who need it. Th is of downtown San Francisco, famed is based in the downtown harbour lessons I bring back will have a real transparency and effi ciency is sadly lacking in for the summer of love in 1967 as area of San Francisco is the typical impact in aiding me to think and work other, similar trips. described in the song “when you example where the interiors are in a more innovative and free minded are going to San Francisco, be sure full of gadgets, game consoles and way in my involvement with projects Over the course of three weeks, the volunteers to wear some fl owers in your head” musical instruments lifted straight in the Mechanical Engineering stayed with local families, who they say were by Scott McKenzie in the hope of out of your average boys childhood Department. As I write these lines incredibly friendly. During the day they worked immersing ourselves in the pioneering room. Th e company has expanded and refl ect upon the trip in a corner of on the classroom building, and the evenings were spirit and get in the right mood before so fast after its recent breakthrough the Vesuvio Café where Jack Kerouac left for socialising. Paul Zhu mentions that one the long week of activities began. that the helium balloons hovering and the beat generation movement of the highlights of the trip was playing a sort of It was disappointing to see that the over a new employee’s desk, which met and on my last day in the city, it version of ‘capture the fl ag’ on the mountainside, famed hippie district of decades past were the majority of desks; were still seems after all that the revolutionary in the middle of the jungle covered Himalayan was only a reminiscent of its former fl oating in the air during our visit. It and pioneering spirit that could not foothills. Weekends were left free for travelling, self, with tourist shops dominating was also especially inspiring to visit be found in Haight-Ashbury has including a trip to the amazing town of Pokhara the street front. If the city still had its the offi ces of Inkling, a producer of moved across town to SOMA (South in the Annapurna Range. pioneering and liberal spirit intact, it digital interactive science textbooks of Market Street) and Mountain View, was not to be found here. for university students; of which the living on alive and well in the many Th is year 17 volunteers went out with Project Th e week started with a visit to founder is a recent Imperial College innovative startup companies and Nepal and the team hope that even more will be Microsoft in Silicon Valley. Retaining graduate that moved west to the valley educational institutions based there able to go out next year. Flights were around £600, the spirit of innovation as a small where VC funding and IT expertise that are driven by the desire to make so the cost to each person was minimal compared company expands into a big one is a were more plentiful than in the UK. a profi t and the aspiration to have an to similar trips that Imperial students go on. If challenge facing many fast growing Th e backbone of Silicon Valley are impact on the world. you are interested in going, or just looking for a startups and corporate divisions. the people working in the various small and friendly group to volunteer with, why Microsoft has attempted to solve companies, and the valley would not contact them? this problem by keeping product not be the IT supercluster it is today *Th e author would like to extend divisions separate from each other without the educational institutions his gratitude to the sponsors of the [email protected] and housed in small and open offi ce present in the local area such as Imperial College Entrepreneurship buildings around its campus as Barry Stanford University and the University Society and Kings College Business Castle; the product manager for Skype of California Berkeley that produces a Club, as well as the International explained on our tour of their Silicon signifi cant part of the human talent Offi ce at Imperial College London for Valley facilities where Skype and Xbox and spinoff companies present in the providing fi nancial support to realize technologies are developed. valley today. We had the opportunity the study trip. FELIX is still looking for editors for features clubs&socs careers what’son arts politics business and news reporters Want to write for ? YES NO

How about How about copy writing News? editing etc?

NAH, YES SOUNDS NO WHAT IS THAT? SHIT

WOOP!Email: YES How about writing Fair enough. Keep It’s basically where [email protected] Hangman? on reading then you proof read to check for peoplse mistaeks NO HMMM. I KNOW SOUNDS FUN WHICH ONE NO Okay. What section?

WHAT DO YOU HAVE? Great! Email: Well. There’s: Features, [email protected] Business, Science,Politics, Food, Comment Fashion Arts, Books ONE OF THEM , , , NO Music, Television, Film, Games, Technology, Coffee Break, Hangman (again), Travel, Sports, Puzzles

NONE OF THEM...

FINE. I WILL NO Make a new one?

COME ON. WE’RE DYING OVER HERE. HELP US OUT!

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@feliximperial FRIDAYFRIDAY 18 OCT 45

@feliximperial FelixImperial HANGMAN

UNION SOC OFF EVENT USA’s Student Overdraft the turnip GENERATES NUISANCE increases by $400 Hangman’s Finest College News Source COMPLAINTS

After a mix-up in communications, Th ursday’s “Great Soc Off ” event at IC UNION MEDIA GROUP PLOTS the Union deviated from it’s usual programme as several confused WORLD TAKEOVER engineers and mathematicians used a more liberal interpretation of the event. After the success of the SubStream event 200 undergraduates from the department of Civil Engineering the IC Radio and STOIC societies take on arrived wearing their Personal Protective Equipment, including their Hollywood steel reinforced boots. After an hour of mild dancing in Metric the students After this week’s SubStream event ICR: But what next? We have to have decided to take of their shoes and (October 18), IC Radio and STOIC a grander plan, after taking over the socks, waving their socks in the air managers began a plot to take over Imperial campus next week we’ll need with wild abandon. the world. Our reporter overheard the something to keep us busy between Th e poor mathematicians, following conversation between the lectures....” bewildered by the crowd and lack managers of the media outlets: Meanwhile in the West Basement, of decent wine, followed suit, also “ICR: Now people have seen how the Felix team carefully planned the removing their socks to take part in successful our events we can be, next steps of it’s goal to become “the the Civils rave dance. hopefully we’ll break the 100 listener Voice of the Students” by subverting As more students participated in barrier and move onto bigger and the Union Council to their will. this new dance, an opportunistic brighter things. To highlight his dislike of magenta member of the bar recorded the video ST: True, but we must tread carefully, and cyan the Editor decided to run while a less than impressed Deputy our step should be to neutralise our for every possible position in the President of Education hurried to the closest opponents which means that Elections, writing manifestos for each exits to open the windows. we need to take over the TV signal role including a unique headshot for Despite the DPE’s swift response that broadcasts to the televisions in each role and an amusing anecdote Metric proceeded to smell worse until REPUBLICAN’TS TO PAY the Student Hub as well as changing involving a cabbage, a shoe and a copy eventually the Embassy of Rich Country the speakers in all public areas on of the movie Helvetica. Meanwhile made an offi cial nuisance complaint. COUNTRY’S COUNCIL campus so they only play the IC Radio PhotoSoc and A Global Village Th e police, unable to stand the smell audio. preferred subliminal messaging. referred the case to the RSPCA. TAX. CANCER GEMINI TAURUS VIRGO ARIES LEO

This week, you decide that This week, you have to decide This week, some drunk idiot This weeks, you forgot your abili- This week, still suffering from This week, you cannot seem to you’ve had enough of imperial, on having Uggs as ears breaks into your fl at. You try ties using good grammar. How- fresher’s week hangover, and stop talking in rhyme. I mean it and try your hand at being a or having Crocs as hands. to fend him off with your penis ever as no one saying anything tired of the horrible headaches happens all the time. beach bum. After hitchhiking While the Uggs are certainly statue, and kill him in the process. to you ever, you not notice and you decide to check out a to Spain, you lay down in the comfortable, they would make Next thing you know you have to end up writes a autobiography “cure” you found on the internet. After you’ve lost all your friends warm sand, just to be decapi- fi nding a potential make out pick up the soap in a women’s no ones could ever understand- It consists of chewing on the and your sexless spell extends, tated by a horde of sea gulls. partner nigh impossible. On prison. Pint? ing. Well, at least you does not ears of every fresher. After going you decide that you have had Maybe your coursework wasn’t the other Croc, self-pleasure have croc’s for hand. through the gruesome task you enough, I mean Imperial is just that bad after all… would surely be painful with fi nd that it hasn’t helped at all, too tough. The only option is plastic appendages. and instead just down a galleon hermit life, ending your rhyming

CAPRICORN of milk. (Responsible drinking!) strife. AQUARIUS SAGITTARIUS SCORPIO PISCES LIBRA

THISWEEK,THEWEEKYOU- This week, after a particularly long This week, after splashing in This week, a demon granny This week you come back from the This week you try to get in to HAVETOHANDINSO- dry spell and reading 50 Shades the Ethos pool, you decide to stabs you to death with her Gloucester Arms mildly tipsy and see Prince Harry’s speech on MEIMPORTANTCOURSEWOR of Grey, you decide to accept the join your scaly brethren. As a knitting needles because you armed with a fantastic array of Fluid campus. As you try to sneak in K,HAPPENSTOBETHEWEEKW male strip club voucher the Felix medicine student, you know didn’t give her your seat on the Mechanics puns. You laugh to you are greated by HRH himself HEREYOURSPACEBARANDC Editor offers you. You go there half exactly how to surgically add bus. GET THE FUCK UP, MAN. yourself merrily as you unlock your who promptly stares at you with APSLOCKDECIDESTOBREAK. naked, ready to be pleasured, and gills to yourselves. You jump into You also have no money on your room door. Unfortunately you trip as hearts shining in his eyes. As YOUHANDINYYOURWORK- fi nd out that the address is actually the Atlantic, marry a wonderful oyster card. Ever. Because you you go inside, fall on your viscosity you jump into his arms you slip ANYWAYANDYOURSUPERVI- an old persons’ home. Well you Blue Tang called Dory and live are shit at life. constant and end up phoning an but he catches you anyway. You SORFAILSYOUONTHESPOT. think, while you’re at it… happily ever after. ambulance with a pitot tube in an both smile as you ride of into the uncomfortable area. Your injury is sunset, classifi ed as sub-critical. 46 FRIDAY 18 OCT

Puzzles Commanders: Kingshuk Dasadhikari, PUZZLES Oliver Price [email protected] Sudoku Crossword FUCWIT Each row, column, and 3 x 3 box must contain all the numbers from 1 League to 9. Thatʼs all. Enjoy... Nick Prouse 5 Jia Choo 4 Harder: Gabriel Quek 4 Yufan Zhao 3 Crossword Clues Across: 2. ʻFʼ in NATO speak 7. Rivulet 8. The EU plus 3 associates 9. Copʼs patrol zone 10. Sombre bell 11. Destructive Freudian energy 12. Indian appellation 13. Tough job 14. Core 17. Sumerian writing 18. Contrast closely 26. Gulf metropolis 27. Mythical Chinese beast 29. The 30. Doctorʼs business 37. Element 39 38. Graceful 39. US fiscal agency 41. Dickensian square 43. A quadrillion 44. Banking tool 46. Celestial bear Nonogram 48. A safe Killer: 49. Alarm The lengths of runs of shaded squares in each row and each col- 53. Landlord No clues! Instead, the numbers in each cage must add up to the umn are given. Squares can only be shaded or unshaded. Solve 57. Nuclear apocalypse survi- number in the top left. Numbers cannot be repeated in a cage. Tips: the puzzle to unveil a pretty picture. vors The numbers in each box, row and column must add up to 45 58. Modern theocrat Look for cages with only one possible combination e.g. a two wide 59. Make sense cage total 3 must contain 1 and 2 . 61. Spanish ʻchao fanʼ 62. Incomprehensible language

Down: 1. Consumed 3. Accident-prone airline of film 4. For adults 5. Uneasy 6. Thickening vegetable 8. Exclamation of horror 15. Reviled 16. Gaze maliciously 18. Zeusʼs wife, to Romans 19. ʻNotʼ prefix 20. Xenon 21. Lunar effect 22. Distant 23. Half a cheerleaderʼs aide 24. URM opposite 25. Little 27. Line 28. Asia Minor region 31. A pessimist 32. Surveillance device 33. Suffix hinting diminutiveness 34. ʻIn real lifeʼ internet slang 35. A fortress 36. Magnetism healthcare applica- Last Week’s Solutions tion 40. Elmer Fuddʼs problem 41. Card playerʼs ritual 42. Possesses 47. Prescription abbr. 49. Star Trek protagonist 50. Noahʼs landing spot 51. Annoy torturously 52. Colloquial affirmative 54. ʻpxʼ alternative 55. Scandinavian ex-carmaker 56. Burn to the ground 60. Self-reliance FRIDAY 18 OCT 47

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FelixImperial SPORT Imperial trounce UCL in friendly Jack Robinson reports as Imperialʼs 1st XI football team put UCL to the sword.

ICUAFC Th e Imperial 1st XI arrived at a delightful left-footed cross to an the usual 11-man set up so that one of order, he calmly slotted it in the bottom reasonably happy, with something Harlington for their fi nal pre-season unmarked Dale at the back post, who them could be situated in their goal as left hand corner to fi nally open his approaching a smile appearing on friendly with one objective: annihilate calmly nodded it in without even a dedicated ball boy to fetch it out of account for ICUAFC. Unfortunately some of their faces. Captain Robinson the opposition. Th e opponent in nodding. Th e pace had been set. the net. he immediately closed said account, noted this and told his team that question was UCL’s 2nd XI. Extra Th e fl oodgates immediately opened, Th e next third wasn’t quite as stating on the form that he couldn’t he wasn’t having any of it, before emphasis was placed on this fi xture, and before the UCL keeper could riveting, as Captain Robinson took accept the goal due to the fact that subbing himself on to score four goals as the 1st XI would be playing UCL at even wipe the sweat off his brow, the opportunity to try out an un- it was a friendly. Whether he will in the last thirty minutes. Amongst least 3 times this season. A message Murphy had put 4 past him. One tested 3-5-2 formation. Only two regret his decision later in the season Robinson’s run of goal-scoring form, needed to be sent out, loud and clear. in particular was an exquisite fi rst goals were plundered. Th e fi rst came remains to be seen. Later in the third, fresher Maximilian Vieweg scored However, not even Mystic Meg could time curler into the bottom right- from Murphy once again skinning the midfi elder Ahmed Cherif received a a lovely goal on the turn, beginning predict what happened next. hand corner, reminding spectators of right back alive, before going down swift but brutal knee to the buttocks with his back to goal, swiftly pivoting Th e pitch was in good condition, Southampton forward Ricky Lambert. in the box in a way that would bring from an understandably aggravated 180 degrees before burying it in the despite being as damp as Omar Fresher Alexis Bellot switched up a solitary tear to Gareth Bale’s eye. UCL player, ending his afternoon, and bottom corner. Amjad’s back after a brisk walk, due to from his handy hold-up play up front Some say Mick the grounds man had forcing two squads of players to watch Th e match ended 13-0, with UCL heavy rain the night before. Imperial to latch on to a through ball, reaching picked him out with a rifl e all the him hobble off the pitch, whilst trying sent packing with their tails fi rmly kicked off , and initially UCL were it just before the chasing keeper and way from the Pavilion, others say he to hide his identity. Another goal soon between their legs. Some say it was strong, battled well, and held their dinking it through his legs and into had a sudden ridiculous urge to take came as a result of an absolute blunder comparable to the mating of ducks. ground admirably. However their the net. Th e game had been set up as a closer look at the diverse range of from their keeper, spilling a simple Th ere may have even been a few resistance was ended as early as three three 30 minute thirds, and when the wildlife in the grass, which he had pick up, allowing Bellot to pounce and retirements from association football minutes into the game. Good work whistle blew to signal the end of the so informatively told us about many send him back into his net to pick the that day. from Pete ‘iNuge’ Nugent released fi rst period, the score stood at 6-0. a time last season. Will Wilson was ball up for an eighth time. As for Imperial, it was job done, and winger James Murphy down the left Talk could be heard amongst the UCL handed the ball and stepped up to do Due to the fact that only two goals they head into their fi rst competitive wing, who ate his opposition right players – they may as well have been the job. After checking his hair was in had been put past them in the second match of the season in the best form back for breakfast, before putting in debating whether or not to abandon third, UCL went into the break possible. “Keep the Cat Free” SPORT Editor: Kunal Wagle [email protected] 18/10/13 INSIDE Issue 1556 felixonline.co.uk Imperial slot 13 past hapless UCL Imperial rally in defeat to UCL Luke Armitage reports as Imperialʼs 6th XV rugby team lose 42-12.

BUCS Home Fixtures 23rd October 2013

BADMINTON LACROSSE

MENʼS 2ND VS SUSSEX MENS 1ST VS ESSEX 13:00 14:00 ETHOS HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND

MENʼS 3RD (MEDICS) VS CHICHESTER WOMENS 2ND VS ESSEX 17:00 14:00 HARROW CLUB HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND

BASKETBALL NETBALL

MENʼS 3RD VS WEST LONDON WOMENS 4TH VS HERTFORDSHIRE 15:00 17:00 ETHOS ETHOS

WOMENS 5TH (MEDICS) VS FENCING QUEEN MARY TIME TBA WOMENS 2ND VS QUEEN MARY VENUE TBA 14:00 ETHOS WOMENS 6TH VS BRUNEL TIME TBA VENUE TBA FOOTBALL

MENS 1ST VS ESSEX RUGBY UNION 14:00 HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND WOMENS 1ST VS CHICHESTER 14:00 MENS 4TH VS BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND ICURFC 14:00 Playing for the fi rst time as the newly but were pegged back by their main Pattern’ making full use of the pitch. HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND MENS 1ST VS BRIGHTON branded Imperial 6th XV, ICURFC’s rivals almost instantly. UCL made After some clever kicks from Fly- 14:00 MENS 6TH VS CARDIFF MET HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND 3rd team made a slow start to the around 40 yards and, after some savvy half Alex Leonard, Imperial found 14:00 season, suff ering defeat at the hands offl oads, scored their fi rst try. Th e themselves inside the UCL 22m HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND MENS 5TH (MEDICS) VS of an organised UCL outfi t. Imperial back line was overwhelmed line. After many strong phases of ST GEORGEʼS 14:00 Scoring from their fi rst attack of the by the strong running of the huge traditional attacking rugby later, a GOLF HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND game, UCL immediately put Imperial centres who looked as though they ruck formed close to the UCL try on the back foot with strong running were capable of playing higher level line. A crash ball from Jasper popped MIXED 1ST VS MERRIST WOOD COLLEGE MENʼS 6TH VS 11 : 3 0 and good link-up play. Despite brave rugby. Th e fi rst half was a generally by the ‘short controller’ Armitage BPP UNIVERSITY COLLEGE EALING GOLF CLUB 14:00 defensive work the pressure did not disheartening encounter for Imperial, was enough to send UCL defenders HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND let up and Imperial went into half time with UCL running in 3 more tries to fl ying and Jasper touched down to HOCKEY four tries down. leave the score 26-0. give Imperial a consolation try. With SQUASH Putting the result out of their minds, At half time some impact substitutions spirits visibly lifted Imperial gave WOMENS 2ND (MEDICS) VS UCL TIME TBA Imperial’s players refocused in were made, with the chemical everything in their power to not MENS 2ND VS SURREY the second half and, with the help (engineering) brothers themselves concede any more points and pushed INDIAN GYMKHANA 14:00 ETHOS of senior players coming off the - ‘fl air pair’ Colin Matthews and hard again. Some minutes later IC WOMENS 5TH (MEDICS) VS BRUNEL TIME TBA bench, produced a much-improved Alex Ruff man - coming on as the constructed a rolling maul very near MENS 3RD VS QUEEN MARY performance. Organisation and two centres to give some much- to the UCL try line, with Jonno ‘top INDIAN GYMKHANA 16:30 discipline paid off as Imperial scored needed experience and attacking scorer’ Stancombe holding onto the ETHOS MENS 1ST VS CANTERBURY twice late in the game and at the fi nal prowess. Imperial showed signs of ball like a bear to honey at the back. 13:30 whistle left the fi eld in positive spirits. improvement, but despite this UCL As he has done so often for Imperial, HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND TENNIS Following this summer’s BUCS ruling managed to score again. Stancombe spotted the big white line, MENS 5TH VS READING WOMENS 2ND VS LSE that forced the merger in name of With heads going down, singer/ and made a dive for it, putting the ball 15:00 13:00 Imperial and the Medics, Imperial songwriter Hayward stepped in with safely on the fl oor. Leonard slotted the HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND BISHOPS PARK College 3rd XV arrived at Shenley some rousing words and stirred the conversion, leaving the fi nal score 42- MENS 6TH (MEDICS) VS SURREY MENS 3RD VS UCL Sports ground in their new guise as boys up for a fi nal push. Prop Hugh 12, a better-looking score than what 16:30 13:00 Imperial 6th XV shortly before the MacKinnon had to come off injured, looked likely at half time. HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND BROCKWELL PARK monstrous convoy of UCL coaches. forcing disgruntled Italian bus driver An unfortunate result to open the MENS 7TH VS LSE Th e Imperial line-up featured many Edoardo ‘Bunga Bunga’ Cavallazzi to season but with plenty to build 18:00 WATER POLO fresh faces, all of whom were keen come on as a replacement Loosehead on, Geordie Captain Armitage HARLINGTON SPORTS GROUND to prove their credentials. After a Prop. Th is was despite his pre-game congratulated the team on a ‘canny WOMENS 1ST VS SOUTHAMPTON warm up led by new captain Luke declaration to his captain that if he decent’ performance. TIME TBA VENUE TBA ‘Th e Angel of the North’ Armitage were forced to play in the front row he Congratulations on an encouraging and part time rugby coach/full time would resign. performance to all the freshers, MENS 1ST VS SOUTHAMPTON Techtonic crooner James Hayward, Th e forwards pulled together and including debut fl anker and man of TIME TBA the game started. Imperial kicked off started to play the famous ‘Imperial the match Yix Lin. VENUE TBA