News Student HMO’s

Sport Scene2 targeted as The Edge looks at ways How can you Southampton Your guide to you can be a make the most comes under the local music bit different and out of sport in the scene just got explore new things Southampton? eye better in Southampton

16th October 2008

Since 1936 th Freshers Week in 17 pictures 12th According to a recent NUS Survey first year students are unaware of ba- th sic living costs and have a lack of guid- 15 th th ance when it comes to financial man- 17 16 agement. The survey conducted by the NUS reports that the average cost of stu- dent life is nearly £450 higher a year than expected. Many prospective stu- dents were “unrealistic or overopti- mistic” of the financial help they are entitled to, with basic living costs such as for groceries underestimated by al- most £200 a year. YouGov also report- ed that 75% of students they surveyed were unaware that they were entitled to maintenance grants if their house- hold income was less than £60,000. NUS president Wes Streeting has said, “It is extremely worrying that so many students expect to receive fi- nancial support, yet do not go on to claim it. At the moment, each univer- sity is left to administer its own bur- sary system, and students tell us that the application process is often very Southampton 12th confusing.” Philip Reynolds Lucy Payne, HSBC’s Youth and Stu- dent Manager added, “It’s clear stu- The University of Southampton has at this excellent endorsement of the 2002 Cube nightclub opens dents have no idea of the cost of liv- been ranked 12th among the coun- quality of the education and the stu- 2005 Solent University is born ing when going to university. And let’s try’s 126 universities, according to dent experience provided here at the Philip Reynolds ECS burns down in face it, how many of us knew the price the 2008 edition of the Sunday Times University of Southampton.” 2005 of a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs and University Guide. The Sunday Times University Guide, 2006 New College closes a packet of Penguins when we left The guide, which scores univer- published yearly is regarded as the flames school?” sities out of a possible thousand, one of the most comprehensive in- 2007 With the credit crunch, it is likely awarded Southampton 786 points, dicators of the respective quality of New VC Announced, Don 2008 Dolphin jumps ship students’ financial situation will wors- an improvement of almost a hun- universities nationwide, thanks to the en without proper financial planning, dred points on last year’s score of nine key variables used to determine Nutbeam and many students may have to rely 696. Last year Southampton came a university’s final score. found work after graduating. on their parents or commercial loans joint 16th with the University of Not- These variables include the findings According to the league ta- for finance. tingham but has this year surged of the National Student Survey and in- ble, 75% of graduating students ahead, as well as scoring fractionally formation provided by the Higher Edu- achieved a degree classification of behind The University of Loughbor- cation Statistics Agency on drop out a first, or upper second class hon- ough, the Sunday Times’ University rates, percentage of first and upper ours, and 76.3% of Southampton’s of the Year. second class honours awarded, head 2008 leavers expressed satisfaction Vice-Chancellor of the Univer- teacher assessments, research quality, with the University. sity of Southampton, Professor Bill teaching excellence, student-staff ra- Wakeham, said: “We’re delighted tios and the number of students who ...Continued on page 4 www.wessexscene.co.uk Page 2 News We take on Paxman ...and Brighton Four young students represent Southampton to take on the might of the infamous Jeremy Paxman Sophie Evans It was only the second time the Uni- versity of Southampton has taken part On September 15th avid and acciden- in the prestigious show, last qualifying tal viewers of University Challenge in 2003. saw four students from University of First timers Brighton, the only ‘new Southampton take on former poly- University’ in the series, won “fair and technic the University of Brighton. square” though according to Chainey. The team, consisting of Captain “There wasn’t really much we could Peter Chainey, Richard Lee, Hannah have done as you can’t really train for Coates and Tom Ellison, were unfortu- University Challenge.” He graciously nately knocked out, losing to Brighton added that Brighton “deserved their 130-195. All aged between 19 and place on the show”. Ellison wished to 22 our students were young by Chal- add that although getting a few more of lenge standards, with all four study- the bonus questions could have made ing for degrees in the humanities and all the difference, in the end they were sciences. just relieved to make it through with According to Captain Peter Chainey a bit of dignity. “We were relieved we the team had no specific roles or pre- didn’t set a new lowest ever score and defined expertise, and their tactic was I think we held our own.” simply, “if we knew the answer, we Hannah Coates, one of the young- buzzed in”. est members of the team at 19 said

Presenting Professor Donald Nutbeam... University Council have announced the identity of the new Vice-Chancellor and successor to Professor Bill Wakeham

Emmeline Curtis Don Nutbeam is an alumnus of the University of Southampton; he com- Professor Don Nutbeam, a renowned pleted his Postgraduate Education expert in public health, has been an- here in the 1980s, and describes this nounced as the new Vice-Chancellor time as “stimulating”. His career has for the University of Southampton. spanned positions in universities, gov- His appointment was announced by ernment and health services, and his the University Council at their meet- research career has included public ing on the 25th September, and he will health intervention research in schools take over the role when the current and communities. He holds dual British Vice-Chancellor Bill Wakeham retires. and Australian nationality, and is cur- Dame Valerie Strachen, Chair of the rently Academic Provost at the Univer- University Council, commented that sity of Sydney. “Don has an outstanding background Speaking about his recent appoint- in both health and education and an ment, Don Nutbeam said “I feel very impressive track record in leadership privileged to be returning as Vice- and management. Under his guidance, Chancellor to the University where I Southampton will further enhance the completed my postgraduate education. international reputation it has built Southampton is a world-class Univer- up under Bill Wakeham as one of this sity and I admire and respect the suc- country’s, and the world’s, leading re- cesses that the University has enjoyed search universities.” under the leadership of Bill Wakeham. News www.wessexscene.co.uk We take on Paxman ...and Brighton New Job Cuts Four young students represent Southampton to take on the might of the infamous Jeremy Paxman Nervous MSA staff await news of job losses she was “obviously disappointed” at elite group of participants, including Lucy Hawes InEx the ‘Inexcusable Review’. Con- their loss but enjoyed her day. “It was many famous names such as Stephen cerns have been raised about the rapid strange to go from watching it on TV Fry, Clive James and Sebastian Faulks. Recent reports suggest that the pace with which the review has moved. to then actually be taking part! It was All of the team agreed taking part in University of Southampton may cut While staff has been kept informed by a really interesting glimpse behind the programme was a great experience up to 400 jobs from management, frequent meetings over the last six the scenes.” and vitally, all expenses were paid by specialist, and administrative staff months, there is a perceived lack of As for the verdict on Paxman, the “TV people”, Granada. in the next month, in a bid to save negotiation over proposed changes. Chainey commented “he was hardly Another bonus enjoyed by the four money. UNISON, the trade union which rep- like a real person; he’s just the guy was that “all manner of people you It was a report in the Southern resents many of the MSA staff affected, who asks the questions and occasion- haven’t spoken to in years congratulate Daily Echo that sparked this concern, claims that ‘morale is pretty low’ among ally scoffs at your answers, which by you, even if you lose!” and although the university states employees. Staff are also surprised at and large you know are stupid, but Chainey urged students to get in- that it “does not recognise the 400 the quick succession of this latest re- you might as well say rather than volved when the opportunity arises figure, and does not yet know the structuring project after witnessing the nothing”. again, as you never know how good you number of jobs at risk”, there is un- large scale reorganization in 2004. Tom Ellison also revealed he didn’t could be, and it is a worthwhile experi- doubtedly the possibility that staff University Management are keen to find him quite as expected. “He ence. may go. stress that nothing is yet certain as was really tall and quite orange. He So, when you see auditions adver- Southampton currently employs to the numbers of jobs which will be did compliment us on our mascot tised around campus next year, don’t around 1,400 MSA staff who fulfil a lost. It points out that while particu- though!” forget how easy it is to be on University number of diverse roles around the lar jobs may go, it will combat redun- Despite defeat our team have Challenge. You could be a part of the university. These employees now dancy through redeployment of staff. A much to be proud of - they join an next team and make us proud. face uncertainty as University Man- spokeswoman said ‘we will be looking agement will decide whether some of to redeploy staff to other posts that their jobs must go later this month. may become vacant’. A scheme has Staff have faced this insecurity for been in place since November to re- months however, as the university duce future redundancies by capping has undergone the long term ‘InEx’ recruitment through redeploying to, or review. leaving vacant, positions when they The review was launched in April are left. as a university-wide evaluation of The proposed job cuts reflect the income and expenditure. InEx was position of the University of South- implemented because of the worry- ampton as a whole. SUSU are feeling ing financial position of the univer- the effects of the financial difficulties, sity, which admits “our expenditure with proposed cuts in certain key ar- is currently outstripping our income”, eas, and it has also been suggested and aims to reduce this overspend. that the safety bus team be replaced Escalating expenses at Southamp- by an outside firm if prices could- re ton are blamed in part upon previ- main the same. For a similiar reason Presenting Professor Donald Nutbeam... ous deals about staff pay. The wage other departments have been restruc- bill has become unexpectedly high tured: ISS has become iSolutions, and University Council have announced the identity of the new Vice-Chancellor and successor to Professor Bill Wakeham due to the early implementation of changes involving small scale job loss- a national pay settlement, which es have been made to Business and Building on this foundation, I look for- believe he will make an excellent Vice earned substantial media attention. Community Services. ward to working with the many highly Chancellor as he is a well respected ac- The university can no longer sup- Although the jobs of academic staff talented staff and students to achieve ademic, director and student focused port this pay, and aims to reduce its are not at risk, UNISON has raised con- continued improvements in the quality, individual. I strongly feel that he will staff costs from 60% of its overall cerns that if administrative staff do go, relevance and impact of our teaching have a strong commitment to work- expenditure, to around 56% in four the workload of academics will greatly and research.” ing closely with the Students’ Union in years time. The Southern Daily Echo increase. Coupled with the reports in After a successful campaign by stu- helping us to improve the student ex- suggests this would be a saving of the last edition of the Wessex Scene dents and the previous Union President perience.” around £13 million. that lecturers may begin to strike Sarah Moore, current Union President Professor Nutbeam will take over in Claims from some quarters em- over pay, more stress upon academics, Alex Tanfield was part of the commit- September 2009, and has stated that phasise that this type of ‘poor man- which could affect the degrees of many tee that appointed Don Nutbeam to his his goals as Vice-Chancellor are “to agement’ has added to the financial University of Southampton students, new position. When asked about the work with the University community to difficulties. However other major fac- seems possible. selection process and the new appoint- maintain focus on continuous improve- tors, like a reduction in income from Nervous MSA staff must now wait for ment Alex said, “due to everyone’s ment in our academic performance, to research grants, and the unstable the verdict of the University Manage- hard work and determination in the play an active role in development of economic climate, have also contrib- ment Board, which meets on the 23rd ‘Student Voice Silenced’ protest the our reputation, and to ensure that we uted to these financial problems. of October, to discuss the proposals of student voice was represented equally achieve our ambition in ways that are While University Management job cuts in the future. The University on the Vice-Chancellor selection panel, financially sustainable.” Hopefully with emphasises the importance of a re- states that if income does increase, and perhaps just as importantly the his experience of universities and gov- duction in costs in order to protect then the plans for restructure and re- student body made a stand for demo- ernment, he will be the right person for the future of the university, anger dundancy may become unnecessary, cratic governance. After meeting and the job, and continue to improve the has been expressed at the plans to and that any ‘redundancies will not be interviewing Don Nutbeam in July I University of Southampton. cut jobs by staff who have dubbed considered until late October’. Page 4 News

Universities Create Student Ghettos Southampton 12th continued from page 1.... Residents’ fury over “Ghost Towns” in student areas Graduates expressed particular sat- isfaction with the European Languages Bonnie Sung Housing Minister Caroline Flint said: ulation has increased by 2.5 million. and Area studies, Physical sciences “It is not acceptable that in too many Southampton alone has more Houses and English-based studies, which were A recent Government report has urged areas, people living in multiple occu- of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) than awarded satisfaction scores of 85.1%, tougher legislation concerning student pation and local communities alike are 76% of other communities have pri- 84.3% and 83.5% respectively. housing in university towns, to tackle having their quality of life affected. vate sector houses in total. The University was also one of only the “issue of studentification”. “Current rental practices allow un- One group who supports the pro- five shortlisted for the Times’ Universi- The report proposes changes to plan- planned student enclaves to evolve to ty of the Year award, an accolade con- ning laws to increase council control such an extent that local communities local communities are left ferred upon an institution which dis- over houses with multiple occupancy, are left living as ghost towns following as ghost towns following the plays particular advances in a certain to prevent the trend towards student the summer student exodus.” summer student exodus field. Southampton was nominated for “ghettos”, as well as advising councils With the Government’s target of its continued commitment to research, to target problems of litter, fly posting 50% of the UK population going into Caroline Flint an area in which it was awarded a and landlord accreditation. higher education, the UK student pop- 77.2% mark of excellence by the Sun- posals is the National HMO Lobby. The day Times University Guide survey, lobbyists believe that the increased ranking it 8th among the top twenty student population has meant a loss in universities for research nationwide. A typical looking road, could be students, might not be. community, believing that students are The nomination will come as wel- driving away families and leaving be- come news to Southampton, which hind ghost towns when they leave for already enjoys membership in the the holidays. prestigious Russell group – a coalition They argue that: “Poor management of twenty universities that, taken to- of individual HMOs can give rise to gether, receive two thirds of all UK uni- problems for tenants and neighbours. versity research grants and funding. Poor management of numbers of HMOs can give rise to problems for whole Universities encourage investment communities.” into the towns, with students bring- These “student enclaves”, and the ing over £45 million a year, creating stereotypes that belong to them, cause 89 knock-on jobs locally for every 100 much tension between the students student on campus. and local authorities. Many local resi- The stereotyped problems associ- dents blame students for an increase in ated with students are only a minority. petty crime and vandalism, as well as Students bring many social, economic antisocial behaviour, ignoring the fact and cultural economical benefits to that landlords are also to be blamed for their university towns. These not only creating these “enclaves” in which stu- include those for local businesses such dents reside. as bookshops, cafes and bars, but also A spokesperson for the housing char- the benefits of the student volunteers ity Shelter said: “Students are often and student doctors and nurses. some of the most exploited people in Although it may be argued that this the private rented sector, having to live “studentification” has driven away fam- in poor but expensive accommodation ilies without students, university towns because it’s located near the college would truly be ghost towns without or university. If the Government really student housing and students. wants to tackle the issue, it should be looking at the sector as a whole and not just blaming students.” News in Brief Wheelies at 88mph KFC Nurse Fined Pornstar Hunts for Palin Pedestrians Perplexed A motorcyclist caught in the city A trainee nurse and her friend were LA based porn mogul Larry Flynt Lack of road markings is not the endangered his own life and public fined £150 this week for spending is advertising for a lookalike of US only thing confusing Southamp- safety as he performed wheelies at too long in KFC. Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah ton residents, as London Road re- speeds of up to 88mph. Natalie Jackson claims she was Palin. opens after a year of works and Captured seven times by dif- unaware of the 75 minute time The online advert offers the disruption. New benches have ferent cameras over a period of restriction on parking, as KFC ex- successful applicant £1700 and been placed there, with bizarre months, the man was disqualified ecutives estimated the average undoubtedly controversial fame. wording that is perplexing many from driving for 18 months and eat time was around half an hour. Palin, who many argue has rein- passers-by. had 39 points added to his licence. Gorging on a 5,456 calorie fam- vigorated John McCain’s Presiden- The design relates to St Paul’s The magistrate commented that ily feast bucket, the 24 year old tial campaign, has been received Church which was destroyed by in fifteen years he had never seen branded the fine “disgusting” and, well by US women. Evidently the bombing in 1940. These words such reckless speeding or so con- perhaps for everyone’s benefit, Alaskan Governor’s killer heels and are all related to the history of the sistent a disregard to the public. claimed she would “never be going red lipstick have also had their af- church, and the clubs and societies back”. fect on men around the world. that met there.

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www.wessexscene.co.uk “I don’t want to spend my entire graduate scheme staring at the same four walls.”

News in Brief Bring your aspirations to LIFE. KPMG LIFE is our on-campus event. It’s your chance to learn the facts about who we are, what we do and how we offer an exciting range of graduate opportunities across Audit, Tax and Advisory. Discover the true meaning of LIFE. Come and see us on 28th October in Garden Court between 6.30-8.30pm. Pre-register at kpmg.co.uk/life for fast-track entry. Page 6 Politics Foreign Students are “Soft Target” for ID Scheme As the Government reveals the first UK ID card in more than 50 years, NO2ID Coordinator Phil Booth gives an exclusive interview about the political implications

Welcome! James Thompson which will link this information to their the scheme if elected. Furthermore, This issue the Politics section is health, school and other records. the Trades Union Congress (TUC) this concerned with the issue of the gov- On 26 September, the Home Secretary Each person will be given an ID card. year promised to oppose the NIS with ernment’s proposed National Identity Jacqui Smith unveiled the first UK iden- When the card is scanned, the infor- “all means at its disposal” if the govern- Scheme, which has become an in- tity card. This event marked a major mation concerning that event (such ment attempts to force its members to creasingly controversial issue in West- development in the Labour govern- as time and location) will be recorded enrol on the database as a condition of minster and beyond. The scheme will ment’s National Identity Scheme - the on the database under the individual’s employment. soon affect hundreds of Southampton cataloguing of the British population profile, thereby creating a comprehen- The Wessex Scene managed to se- University students from outside the on a massive centralised database sive audit trail of interactions with vari- cure an exclusive interview with the EU, when the rules on visa applica- known as the National Identity Regis- ous public and private agencies. national coordinator of NO2ID, Phil tions change next month. ter (NIR). Although the NIR database has yet Booth. As a non-profit and non-par- I managed to meet with Phil Booth, As a consequence of the National to be built, the issuing of the associ- tisan organisation which campaigns National Coordinator of NO2ID, who Identity Card Act 2006, every person ated ID card will begin next month. against “ID Cards and the Database let me ask him a few questions re- in the UK will eventually have to attend Initially, non-EU foreign nationals will State”, NO2ID has support from across garding the political implications of a government centre where they will have to register for a card, although the entire political spectrum. the National Identity Scheme. Many be asked a range of personal questions eventually the government wants the Phil Booth was recently denied entry thanks to the Art House in Bedford and have to submit various biometric entire UK population to be enrolled. to the Labour Party Conference where Place and NO2ID’s Southampton details (including fingerprints and digi- Hundreds of overseas students at the he was due to speak because, ironical- branch for facilitating the interview. talised facial scan). This information University of Southampton will have ly, there was a mix-up with the event’s If you would like to contribute to will be permanently kept on a govern- to pay a registration fee and attend a ID card application system. the politics section, please get in- ment database. Citizens will be as- government centre to have their per- I caught up with NO2ID’s National touch: [email protected] signed a unique identification number, sonal details logged when they apply Coordinator in the Art House in Bedford for a visa, otherwise they will be un- Place, where members of the South- able to study in Britain. ampton branch had met to discuss the The government has also said that anti-ID card campaign. Although Phil “young people” more generally are a Booth had just flown in from Belfast “preferred target group” for the im- where he was involved in government plementation of the scheme. The gov- discussions, he was kind enough to an- ernment has argued that ID cards will swer some questions. “make it easier” for students to open Why do you think the govern- a bank account or apply for a student ment has chosen university stu- loan. dents as one of their “preferred Although the government under target groups” for the implemen- Labour has been keen to stress the tation of the ID card scheme? progress it has made with its ID card They are a soft target. It is really as policies, the scheme is still shrouded simple as that. The government has in uncertainty. IT contractors are still singly failed to make the case to the in procurement stage, meaning the general population. All the polls have database infrastructure is yet to be de- shown that for quite some time, more signed and built. Cost to the tax-payer people in the country think that ID is also a highly contentious issue, with cards are a bad idea. So the govern- estimates ranging from anywhere be- ment has been forced essentially to tween £4 billion and £40 billion for set- pick on those people who it feels either up costs alone. Furthermore, critics won’t have a choice – so some students are concerned about the privacy impli- like those coming from abroad, initially cations of such an intrusive system of outside the European economic area – mass surveillance. but students more generally are easy The government has also been picking. Young people also are going criticised for its poor track record on to be less aware of the scheme itself keeping citizens’ information secure. A and the broader consequences so may number of data loss scandals, includ- not see past the “Oh well, just apply ing the disappearance of disks contain- for an ID card, it will make things easy” ing banking details of 25 million people argument that the government is try- last year, have called into question the ing to spin. They won’t realise what the government’s ability to look after the lifelong consequences are. nation’s personal information. Once you are on the National Identity Opinion polls consistently show Register you will never get off. Getting widespread opposition to UK Identity one of these ID cards because its being Cards. Both the Conservatives and Lib- sold as a glorified proof of age card will eral Democrats have promised to scrap expose you to a regime not only of the Politics www.wessexscene.co.uk Foreign Students are “Soft Target” for ID Scheme As the Government reveals the first UK ID card in more than 50 years, NO2ID Coordinator Phil Booth gives an exclusive interview about the political implications

cost of your card and renewing every many things we keep secret. Privacy is does this tell us about the EU’s sive governments since 1952, when ten years, paying fees, fines, charges, about information control, if you like; involvement with the UK Identity the last ID scheme was repealed, to penalties… It also means every single what you choose to reveal, what you Card scheme, or indeed, the UK’s have another ID scheme. time you use your card through your choose to keep secret. Secrets are ab- involvement with the European This scheme has fantastic poten- life the government will take a record. solutely essential in people’s lives. Union? tial. The Home Office, if it got an iden- There is no predicting what any fu- Jacqui Smith and many others The EU on many levels is used as an tity scheme like this up and running, ture government might do with that, have argued that ID cards will excuse; the government says we have would be the only agency outside of what people who get access either protect against terrorism. Is she international obligations. We don’t. the Treasury able to raise a revenue. It through authorised or unauthorised right in any way? There is no obligation in any of these would be the gate keeper of all govern- channels may do with that information, No, she’s not. In fact, the day after things to have a population register. ment business and quite a lot of pri- what consequences that information the London tube bombing attacks the What is happening is that our minis- vate sector stuff as well. This would be may have if it gets sold or passed on. home secretary at the time, Charles ters and officials are actively launder- a fantastic power base for the Home The Home Secretary Jacqui Clarke, said that he didn’t think that ing their own policies through Europe. Office machine. This is arising from Smith has repeatedly stated that ID cards could stop that or any other They are going over there, pressuring many consequences of institutional, we need to “prove we are who we terrorist incident. various bodies of the EU to issue di- organisational, commercial and politi- say we are”, and that a centralised In reality, ID cards are highly divi- rectives that fit their agenda. cal behaviour. record of our biometric details is sive and they break apart community We’ve seen one quite classic case Also, there is the simple thing of egg- essential for this purpose. Isn’t cohesion. Certainly the riots in Paris in where under Charles Clarke’s watch, on-face. We’ve passed the point where there some truth to this claim? 2005 were prompted by over-aggres- all the EU Justice Ministers were put Brown had the opportunity to scrap the No. None whatsoever. I don’t think sive, repetitive ID checking of Algeri- together and said, “we must retain scheme. He made a big speech about many people – except possibly some ans youths. everyone’s telephone, and internet liberty when he took over from Blair, people with very serious mental ill- Young people on the streets are and email records” – this was the UK’s but that moment has gone. I seriously nesses - have any difficulty working already more targeted for stop and agenda. Germany and Spain resisted. do think that the government is press- out who they are. searches. That will only get exacer- And yet this year we find we have a di- ing ahead from residual bureaucratic Who we are is no business of gov- bated. At a point when conceivably rective coming from Europe where our desire, residual political momentum ernment, at all. If the government the best ways of tackling terrorism is government immediately takes that and the sheer embarrassment factor of thinks that it can be the arbiter of iden- intelligence, getting the community on maximal powers while Germany and having pushed a policy so hard on so tity, that its copy of our information will side, trying to support the more mod- others take the minimal powers. many different excuses and then hav- be the master copy, then I think we’ve erate side of things, you would be do- Given that Labour has not been ing to say: “Actually, no.” stepped way beyond what is reason- ing precisely the opposite. You would doing very well in recent opinion Are you optimistic that the ‘da- able and we are into a very, very wor- be radicalising youth. polls and ID cards are a largely tabase state’ can be stopped? rying and potentially very sinister sort The UK ID card un- unpopular policy with wide- What we want - what we campaign of place where you are only a person if veiled by Jacqui spread opposition from prac- for - is the repeal of the Identity Card the government says you are. Smith for non-EU tically every other political Act 2006, which is dangerous if it is on A common response to op- foreign students party, why do you think the statute books. It declares “the Sec- ponents of identity cards is: “If does not display the the government is still retary of State shall establish a regis- you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve Union Flag, nor has pressing ahead with the ter.” To start with, this is what we have nothing to fear.” Isn’t this a rea- any mention of Brit- scheme? got to get rid of. sonable argument? ain. It does display The government is both an When I started this campaign I knew The government has demonstrated an image of a bull administration and an execu- they couldn’t win, because I have a that everyone has got something to though, in common tive. It is certainly the case huge optimistic faith in the people of fear from personal information that it with other identity that the Home Office has Britain. I think that Britain, if told: “Oi! holds, because it will lose it. The gov- cards in the EU. What been pushing succes- Go! Line up! Be fingerprinted!” will just, ernment lost mine and my wife’s bank- at some point, turn around and say ing details and our children’s details. no. This is what was at heart of the And it seems to have just done a few scheme. The point where they’re go- enquiries and sort of thought: “Oh well, ing to have to drag people - pensioners, we might have to tighten up here and young people, whatever - kicking and there, but actually let’s push ahead screaming to the fingerprint readers… and get more information.” that’s not going to happen. It’s certainly the case that when I’m The poll tax kicked off when the bills up against a Minister or an MP, they started hitting people’s doormats. Lots trot out this piece of frankly authori- of people just refused to pay, which tarian claptrap. Yeah, I just simply ask ended up with riots on the streets. But them: “Right. Tell me now, on air or in this is: “You will report to a processing print, your bank account number, your centre. You will be fingerprinted. You mother’s maiden name and the last six will hand over all this personal informa- prescription drugs you’ve had.” Not a tion. And furthermore, you will pay for single person has ever given me that it!” They were on to a loser, right from information. The reality is there are the start. They will never ever win. Page 8 Comment Scene: Come Join Us Emmeline Curtis any of it. I love writing my thoughts We are in a privileged position in many down on paper to share with everyone ways, and we should take advantage Editorial This past week has been busy, stressful, who cares to read the paper, even if of it. The ‘Student Voice Silenced’ pro- and also confusing at times. I haven’t they won’t like it or agree with me. I tests last year show how easy it is to Team had time for much sleep, to relax with love reading everything I get sent, and lose our voice, so we need to speak up. my housemates, or even occasionally seeing something from someone else’s If you have something to say then say Editor-in-Chief Adam Parker to eat. All this because of student jour- view. When the issue comes out, hold- it! [email protected] nalism. ing the final copy that you have worked Putting the paper together I am Writing articles, talking to writers, so hard on, and seeing your name in never going to please everyone, and if Editor Emmeline Curtis and then editing submissions and try- print, is something that will never lose you think there is something missing, [email protected] ing to make them look good on the its excitement for me. Even if no one instead of just thinking it, why not do page, all while starting a new year of says anything to me about it, I am something about it. Write an article, News Bonnie Sung lectures, made me wonder whether I happy. take a photograph, try your hand at Sophie Evans had let myself into a year of pure mad- To some of you this will still sound designing…you could even draw a car- [email protected] ness. The fact is though, I probably like madness, but the rest of you may toon. The great thing is that you can do have; even if this is the case though, I be able to understand my love of work- whatever you want, and let your im- Politics James Thompson love it all the same. ing on the Wessex Scene. Anyone can agination go mad. This is perhaps what [email protected] You may be thinking I am actually write, so why don’t you give it a go? I love most about the Wessex Scene, mad, after all, who would love volun- Words are a powerful thing; everyone the fact that I have 24 blank pages to Science teering for no sleep and no free time? has something to say, but they do not play with, and I never know what they [email protected] You may be right, but I wouldn’t change always have the opportunity to say it. will end up looking like.

Arts Holly Hargreaves [email protected] A Fresher Perspective Fashion Hannah Pratt [email protected] Sophie Novak Three weeks ago I was a lost soul, Features Carla Bradman about to experience university life for Rachael Sigee the first time, and greatly anticipating [email protected] freshers’ week. Now I am sitting in my halls, having survived solely on pasta Lifestyle Bethan James and alcohol for a week, writing for the Lydia Teague Wessex Scene. [email protected] With my Lemsip in hand and freshers’ flu in full swing, I find myself - reflect Travel Gareth Brading ing on the completely crazy, but also [email protected] most fun week I have ever had. From witnessing someone licking whipped Sport cream off of my friends’ back, to being [email protected] on Surge radio, there hasn’t been one minute where I’ve felt alone or home- sick. Although it might sound like a cli- The Wessex Scene is available in ché, I have met the nicest people; eve- other formats. ryone, and I really do mean everyone, Email:[email protected] is helpful, welcoming and fun. After meeting what felt like a hun- dred people on my first night whilst venturing into Portswood, I thought We need... Sunday was time for our first breather. Southampton had other ideas for us a Sports Editor! however, with the evening being spent potatoes from dinner, which undeni- ready to go at 10am, I was shocked listening to brief halls talks, and warn- ably did get burnt! After four nights in to see the queues winding all the way ings about an imminent fire alarm. Of a row spent out on the town, and by down University Road, just for entry! course this had to happen at 2am on now looking like zombies, we decided But it did not disappoint. Free pizza, Wessex Scene monday morning, where all the halls to have a pizza night and use our nu- condoms and discount cards; what Highfield gathered sleepily in the freezing cold merous vouchers. Despite the many more could a fresher want!? Southampton outside; lucky for me I was not yet discounts, it turned out to be our most All in all, I can say without a doubt SO17 1BJ dressed in my sheep pyjamas! expensive night so far, spending a total that Freshers’ Week is something eve- As the week progressed with event of £50! ryone should be fully involved in. Al- after event, I found myself confronted The Freshers’ Party was the high- though a bit of a blur in parts, it will Advertising queries: by a hall warden on day three claiming light of the week for me; with a manic stay with me as one of my fondest James Howells there were “smells of smoking”. Con- countdown and a fully packed Cube, it memories, and the start of what will 023 8059 5486 sidering that none of the flat smoke, was an amazing night. Another high hopefully be my amazing Southampton [email protected] we decided to put it down to my fried point was Freshers’ Fayre; being up and experience. lifestyle features fashion travel art 8 11 14 15 17 travel Travelling Abroad What do to before you go and making the most of your trip Gareth Brading where the nearest embassy is. This is local customs, laws and/or dress re- Treasure Island author Robert Louis also useful generally if you happen to quirements. Trust your instincts, and Stevenson once wrote; “I travel not In these crazy days of budget flights, lose your passport whilst abroad. don’t take any risks that you wouldn’t to go anywhere, but to go. I travel financial crises and cut-price holidays, *If you are travelling inside the Eu- when at home. for travel’s sake. The great affair is to getting any solid advice about travelling ropean Union, don’t forget your Euro- *When on the move, always keep move.” I would tend to agree with him. can be as difficult as finding a piece of pean Health Insurance Card (EHIC). your valuables close. Never openly Whilst we all have a specific destina- straw in a stack of needles. Fathoming This replaced the old E111 form in display electronic equipment such as tion in mind whenever we start out on the important from the irrelevant has 2006, and entitles you to free or re- digital cameras, mp3 players or mobile a journey, we often fail to realise that become uphill work. Thankfully, we’ve duced cost emergency healthcare phones, as these are prime targets for half the fun of the trip is the journey it- ferreted out the very best guidance out within the EU. thieves. self. Just read Oli Bynoth’s rundown of there, and condensed it here into an *Always tell someone where you his adventures in Rome for a great ex- easily digestible form. are off to and for how long. ample of this fact. Even something like *First off, always consult the Foreign Be sure to give out an a car journey or even a bus ride can and Commonwealth Office (FCO) web- itinerary along with a count as travel, but what you get out of site at www.fco.gov.uk for detailed in- contact number for it will depend on the mindset you have formation relating to the country you emergencies. when you start it. are visiting. The website lists recom- *If you are plan- People often complain that they lack mended vaccinations and health de- ning to drive, make the time to invest in travelling. I be- tails (if any), travel advisories, visa sure your current lieve that if something is genuinely im- requirements and updates on any po- licence is valid and portant, you will always make time for litical situations. that you are aware it, so there is no excuse not “to move”. *Be sure to take out comprehensive of the driving laws On a more down to earth note, be sure travel insurance. Not only does this in the country to email me your assorted tales of trips cover you in the unlikely event of an you’re travelling here, there and everywhere, as I would accident or becoming ill, you will also to. love to hear from you. be covered if you decide to take part in *When you’re Enjoy this issue, any extreme sports. away remember Gareth *If you are going to a far-flung or to act accordingly. [email protected] insecure region, be sure to find out Find out about any The Unconquerable Rome Despite problematic sleeping arrangements, the Eternal City astounded one writer Oli Bynoth At this point my emotions were mixed. The evening had turned cold, We sat at Florence train station impa- and inhospitable for one who must tiently waiting for the hunger pangs make a home of the streets. On the to turn into a numb longing. We had other hand I would have been furious hoped to arrive in Rome a few hours if I returned home without spending at earlier, but the train’s heat was such least one night on the streets of an his- that we had all fallen asleep, arriv- toric, European city such as we were ing in Florence with perfect contempt in. We made ourselves comfortable on for Italian trains and their lack of air the roadside outside a big park. (In conditioning. This could all have been hindsight we probably could have done avoided. considerably better. It wasn’t cosy at We were the only passengers on the all.) train back from Florence, or at least the We all agreed to do shifts staying only passengers that we knew of. The awake in order that we wouldn’t get carriage lights flickered on and off and killed or worse robbed of the small we lay spread-eagled out on the seats amount of money we had remaining. - a mute sprawling of bodies. When the more than happy to taunt us. them please,” we said. This being done Hunger plagued me like I’d never felt train finally got into Rome the chimes RemainsWhen we of gotthe Templeto the hostelof Saturn we at were the Romanto no Forum avail, we asked where they’d either before or since, and every siren of midnight had already sounded so we met by a pair of smiley Aussies, who sat sleep if they had to, you know, sleep and rustle of a nearby tree was ampli- rushed to the hostel we had been rec- at reception clutching bottles of Peroni. rough. They told us anywhere away fied by my cruel imagination. Suffice ommended by friends, passing by the They told us they were fully booked from the train station, which helped to say I’ve slept much better, but this universal sound of the homeless and and that they would ring other places us a little but not a lot. So at that we being said, the next day Rome was re- the agonizing smell of Pizzerias and to see if they had any beds, but at this thanked them for their help, booked vealed to me in all its splendour, mak- other such restaurants that seemed time you’d have to be lucky. “OK, ring for the next evening and left. ing it all worthwhile. travel On Our Lonesome World Lonely Planet Guides founder Tony Wheeler discusses his various worldly travels Maire Bonheim What was your worst holiday ex- the stuff we’d left was still sitting there scare visitors away due to trouble, po- perience ever? untouched and unmoved, certainly litical or otherwise. Haiti in the Carib- In mid 1972, Tony and Maureen Wheeler Years ago, before mobile phones nobody had reported that we’d been bean is a good example. set out on a year-long trip around the and internet cafes, I was in Indonesia, missing for the past week. world, following the ‘hippie trail’ from phoned home one day to say I was Although I’ve certainly done some 4. Lots of places in the Pacific where England across Asia to Australia, with fine and then was totally out of com- package trips which you really couldn’t transport difficulties cut the visitor the intention of getting the travel bug munication for the next 10 days. A few do any other way, a boat trip that numbers. Even Tahiti (which is easy to out of their systems. More than thirty hours after I’d called the news came started at Valparaiso in Chile and went get to) has island groups like the Mar- years later their passion for travel is through that my younger brother had via Easter Island, Pitcairn Island and quesas where visitors are surprisingly stronger than ever. We quizzed Tony died, a heart attack at 37 years of age. a bunch of other weird and wonderful infrequent. about his top travel recommendations, By the time I was next in touch I’d islands to Tahiti for example. When I his worst holiday experiences and the missed everything including his went to North Korea that was a pack- 5. Albania – wild and wonderful changing face of travel. funeral and I’ve never been age trip, and a stranger bunch of pack- country, some beautiful old towns like forgiven for that. To- age tourists you couldn’t ask Gjirokaster, Roman and Greek ruins, How have travel trends changed day, of course, to meet. and nobody has realised it’s no longer since you started Lonely Planet in there are a danger zone. the 70s? very It’s easy to say the internet and few Where have you come across the jumbo jets and low cost carriers, but most intriguing cultures and peo- there’s also ATM machines, so no more ple? carrying around travellers’ cheques Papua New Guinea. There are more and wasting hours in banks filling in languages than any other country on paperwork to change money, email, so earth (including some where wom- no hit and miss poste restante services, en and men speak different dialects), and also modern phones, so you can amazing art, WWII wreckage, some of just pull out your mobile with no wait- the best scuba diving in the world, and ing hours at phone offices and then not very few visitors. be able to hear a thing. On the other hand in lots of places the bureaucracy What are the top American desti- is as bad as ever – if anything, getting nations Brits should visit? a visa for India is more medieval than Well Disneyworld seems to be the it was 30 years ago and modern Rus- place where they all go. New York City sia is just as hopeless as the old Soviet is the most ‘city’ of all modern cities, Union when it comes to handling visi- San Francisco, where I left my heart, tors. and the Southwest has those amazing parks and desert landscapes of Arizona Where are your favourite travel plac- and Utah, and some of the great Na- destinations? es What tional Parks like Yosemite and Yellow- That would be like having a favour- in the would stone. ite meal; it would soon become un- world you say favourite if you had it too often. So I where you are the top 5 What are your top tips to avoid any like somewhere new, not somewhere could be out of touch off-the-beaten- holiday disasters? favourite. If you wanted the place I’ve like that. track places around the Simple precautions such as photo- been back to more often than any- world to visit and why? copying your passport info page just in where else it’s probably Nepal. And I Do you always go backpacking or Oh, quickly, here’s 5, not necessar- case it gets lost. Take another credit have still got lots of walking that I want adventuring, or do you sometimes ily ‘the’ 5, however: card or ATM card packed somewhere to do there. enjoy a beachy package holiday? entirely different from everything else. I’m not locked in to anything; often 1. Mali in Africa - if Rajasthan is In- And the most important big precau- How important do you think the in- extremes pop up in the same trip. One dia with extra colour and noise, Mali is tion of all – good travel insurance, not ternet will be for the travel indus- week you’re in the wilds and hanging ditto for Africa. for minor spills and losses but for that try now and in the future? out for the next shower and some once in several lifetimes real disaster. It will continue to grow, in part be- clean clothes, and then you’re in some 2. Western Tibet – until they build cause a younger generation is always luxurious boutique hotel. But my only the planned airport in Ali. Meanwhile Finally, do you think low cost budg- much more wired than an older one. recent experience of a ‘beachy pack- it’s one of the places where you’re a et airlines are a good thing? So the backpackers who are always age holiday’ was a disaster. We’d ar- week’s solid driving from the nearest Not for the environment, but cer- booking hostels on the internet now, ranged to meet Maureen’s brother and airport, and places like Tsaparang are tainly for the LCCs and for some of the will inevitably go on to always booking his family at a beach-package-place eye opening, while the three day walk strange places they fly to. 5-star hotels on the internet as they in the Canary Islands, and after about around Mt Kailash wipes clean a whole get older. Ditto for anything else they 48 hours couldn’t stand it any longer, lifetime’s sins according to the Tibet- aren’t doing now, but will as they get rented a car and drove around the is- ans. For further information, check older and more affluent, trading shar- land for the rest of the stay. When we out: ing rides to renting cars and so on. came back to the package hotel room 3. Anywhere that has managed to www.travelconnect.co.uk fashion Brains over Brawn Get ahead with the style stakes this season and adopt a new look Rachael Sigee was firmly of the view ‘wow, people about on her bicycle looking like she really should wear bow-ties more’. probably should be being Dressing for lectures isn’t some- I have a confession. I’m a nerd. But Effortlessly cool is great, but bullied by the cool kids in thing that usually requires much con- more than that, I fancy nerds. When nerdiness says vulnerability, a 1950’s American high sideration. The thought train required I see a good-looking boy, I quietly ap- quirkiness and brains. Embrac- school. Take inspiration is more of a ‘roll out of bed, throw preciate the eye candy. When I see ing your inner nerd (and eve- from public school uni- on a hoodie and run without trying to said good-looking boy in nerdy glasses, ryone’s got one) means playing forms (that’s inspira- throw up last night’s jesticle’, than it is my knees are trembling at the thought Tetris and seeing your inhaler tion; not encouragement a taxing issue. Or so we thought. For of him fixing my computer. It began as an accessory. The fash- to dress like an actual mature students however, perhaps with Seth: ultra-cute, socially inept, ion icons of the geek revolution school girl, geek chic is the this is a different matter. Paul Mas- and Jewish to top it all off. include Moss from the IT Crowd, antidote to slutty) but layer sey enlightens us to the pressures of This summer saw the invasion of Jarvis Cocker, Napoleon Dynamite knits and prints to avoid dressing appropriately when thrown geek-chic and I’m backing the trend and Flight of the Conchords. looking too preppy. in amongst the younger generation, all the way. It’s not just the boys; For girls, Chloe Sevigny Now I’m off and how judgmental we can all be. the angular specs, Luella’s ditzy floral is Queen Bee, to find my Rachael Sigee takes judging to skirts and dresses, satchels, knee-high but Agyness very own a new level, confessing her love for socks and shirts done up to the top Deyn is regu- Eugene - everything that spells L.O.S.E.R and button…possibly not all at once, but a larly photo- a bow-tie I fully support her quest to enforce nerdy twist is edgy and bang on-trend. graphed wearing, dressing like Brains in Thunderbirds. George Lamb has spent the summer out slapstick guy Boys, get those top buttons done up… presenting Big Brother’s Little Brother and with a goofy wearing over-sized bow-ties and while laugh…be still Hannah Pratt I’m sure plenty of viewers thought my beating [email protected] ‘wow, he looks like a complete prat’, I heart. Teen Aged Highfield Honeys Highfield Honeys Older and possibly Wiser... but still Fresher? returns! Paul Massey a) You’re not; This issue’s fashion darling is b) You ain’t ever gonna be; Alex Wickham, a 3rd year Man- As a new, yet mature, student at c) Your face looks like the grim agement student who lives in Southampton (it feels strangely incon- reaper has already had a few swipes Bedford Place. I loved her old gruous to be simultaneously ‘mature’ with the old scythe, and made a bit of school comic style t-shirt paired and ‘fresh’) I was wondering what to a hash of it; with the waistcoat and ultra long wear. d) Your body also lets you down leggings. Alex shows that by tak- This turned out to be quite a sarto- – it functions like the body of an eld- ing simple, plain items and lay- rial dilemma... It seems that there are erly person (which it is) and looks like ering them, a casual yet quirky the following options: it doesn’t function at all, and hasn’t for look is easily achieved. The red 1 Don’t give a fcuk... some time. You’re faced with the per- nail polish and long line pendant This amounts to dressing as one nor- petual quandary of trying to work out if completes the look perfectly and mally would and sticking out like the you are dead from the neck up...or the add a personal touch. proverbial sore thumb. waist down (quite often both). Alex’s ‘Where the Wild Things 2 Try desperately to fit in... So, what to do? I decided to boldly Are’ tee is £28 from Urban Out- Trying to look like everyone else - but go (because splitting infinitives seems fitters. She says “It was my sadly this also entails certain problems. to be ok these days) to GAP, buy stuff favourite book as a child and I Firstly, having not been to university that says “I’m honestly NOT trying too love Urban Outfitters, so it was yet, you don’t know what everyone will hard, but I do give a fcuk” and hope definitely worth the money!” look like. One has to rely on the casual that some kind of happy compromise The waistcoat is a classic from observation of students before joining will pass muster. Topshop, whose fine knit collec- university, or risk desperate and hope- Only time will tell. I have not yet tion of jumpers, cardigans and lessly off the mark conceptions. Ad- witnessed the fashion police patrolling waistcoats is gaining quite a fol- ditionally, there is the worry of seem- the grounds and handing out fines for lowing. In a neutral colour like ing too desperate and, consequently, such mishaps, but we mature students this it can see you through sea- somewhat SAD. constantly live (that’s a big split to that son after season for as long as Finally, you run the risk of: infinitive) with this Damoclesian sword it lasts. Just keep it away from 3 Trying to look 18 years old... hanging over us. And that’s all before moths as holey knitwear is more There are several drawbacks to this we start the actual studying part of gypsy than bohemian chic. strategy:- university life... features

There is nothing wrong with doing the same routine every week, but if you are craving more than the ordinary, read on for some great ideas to inject a bit of difference into your Southampton life. Brains over Brawn Fashion Editor Hannah’s Hints Get ahead with the style stakes this season and adopt a new look 1. It’s unlikely that you’re sick of Southampton already, but if you do fancy a change, get out to Winchester for some small town charm. Solent Bluestar buses are around £5 and run every 20 minutes. The town hosts some great bars and restaurants and some quaint one off shops Welcome back to regular Wessex and boutiques, a refreshing change from West Quay. When the sun goes down, Lonely Hearts Scene readers and hello to all the Club at The Railway is a fun time indie disco with cheap drinks and entry. new freshers! We had so much to 2. Many a gothic lined eye watered when Unit 22 was forced to close last year, but due to cram into our first issue that you popular demand, one of the best alternative night’s Southampton has to offer is back. Re- were deprived of an editors’ column, location has meant the waterfront scenery has been swapped for a less attractive view so here it is - our chance to introduce of St Mary’s, but hey, who’s looking out the window when the music’s that good? The Track ourselves. We are your new Features club aims to extend it’s clientel this time around, introducing Tuck Shop, a pic-and- editors, Rachael and Carla, and are mix music night for everyone, hardcore on Thursday’s and my favourite, the classic very excited to be here. indie/electro disco on a Saturday. Free entry with a Joiner’s ticket stub promises In this issue we’ve asked around for an excellent post-gig party spot. tips on things to do in and around 3. Bedford Place is best known for a drunken night at Rev’s and then on to Southampton that are a bit different, Chick O’Land. During the daylight hours however, it’s an altogether different and we’ve stuck in our favourites as experience. The Art House Café is a tiny room with big character, and don’t well. We also look at the ever present forget the amazing home made cakes! Have afternoon tea with a friend on demand to produce ID for anything a rug outside, or curl up on one of the gorgeous vintage sofa’s and enjoy and everything, and why love letters a light mezze. Attached to the Gallery you’re free to wander around the should not be a thing of the past. exhibition rooms afterwards, or perhaps the Trash Cocktail Boutique While putting together this issue, for some second hand treasures. we’ve been watching Strictly Come Dancing (and trying to work out how News Editor Sophie’s Suggestion we can be famous enough to go on it), Beaten listening to lots of strange new mu- Peter Rhodes Books, at 21 Portswood Road, has Features Editor sic, worrying a little that John McCain secondhand books, obscure magazines and a Rachael’s might not stay alive long enough for cup of coffee to while away a winter’s af- Recommendations: any election (grandad), buying too ternoon. much Cath Kidston new house stuff, 1. Head to Harbour Lights Cinema down by getting back into the student routine thethe docks for Orange Wednesday on student tick- Highfield Honeys of late-night cheese toasties, and be- ets. It’s a classy little independent cinema showing a moaning the fact that WE CAN’T BE diverse range of English and foreign language films, so you FRESHERS AGAIN!!! can find something you might not otherwise get to see. Our main message to you in this is- 2. The Mayflower Theatre in town gets tours of some of the sue is to encourage you to send in Offbest West End shows, and every run has a student night where all tickets your own contributions. This is a stu- are £12.50 – sit in the front row and pretend to be rich. dent paper and it only works if we 3. Saturday nights at Lennons = £1.50 rum and cokes and two bands before hear from you. In the Features sec- the regular indie clubnight. Can’t complain. tion, you can write about anything 4. A lost afternoon in the Stags Head playing darts and pool is always fun, especially (within reason.) If you want us to if you’re not very good at them and have to resort to bending the rules heavily. cover a topic tell us, and if you want 5. You can’t beat a trawl through the Portswood charity shops. They’re on your doorstep, to write but don’t know what about full of bargains, and you’re doing something for a good cause. (Check out the Lifestyle section for then drop us an email. The paper a more in-depth look at the miracles of charity shops) will be a far more diverse publication the more varied its contributors, so please get in touch. Features Editor Carla’s Comments:

Rachael and Carla 1. Head down to Joiners to hear the next big act – with bands such as Oasis, Coldplay and Radiohead having graced the intimate venue before, you can’t really go wrong. features 2. Friday and Saturday nights at the Frog and Frigate in Ocean Village. Open until 4am, The Hobbit’s @wessexscene.co.uk sister pub with frog related cocktails has an upstairs bar for a more relaxed drink, and tables downstairs with a live guitarist and DJ playing the best music from the sixties and seventies, and some more recent stuff thrown in for fun as well. 3. The 800 year-old monument in the middle of the high street? An art gallery. Take a visit to the Bargate monument gallery in town to infuse a little culture into your life. 4. Take a walk around the 1km circuit of medieval walls down by the sea, with plenty of information boards and artworks to keep you entertained. 5. Visit the Turner Sims Concert Hall on Highfield campus for free lunchtime concerts. features P.S. I Love You The perfect love letter - why did we ever stop penning our feelings?

Carla Bradman ple stuck in a relationship rut yearn for Recently I have been participating something more than the odd ‘I love in an exchange of love letters. De- The notion of romance has always you’ apologetic text. spite our frequent use of technology: been something that, especially in re- It appears the main issue some text, email, and the long phone call, cent years, has had its sceptics. The women have about adopting the tradi- the letter is in a different league en- rising belief now being inbred in many tional gender roles in these situations, tirely for truly being able to express females, that men are not necessary is that the positions of action are au- how you feel when you are unable to for happiness and contentment, has tomatically assigned to the man, for be together. While whether it is bet- meant that the traditional idea of reasons we know not. Perhaps if the ter to give or receive continues to be courtship has been abandoned in fa- view of romance changed and was disputed, it is only possible to add to vour of a more equal dalliance. The consequently seen as something that the debate with the highlights of both recent Sex and the City movie how- works both ways, it would be regarded sides. ever, made women worldwide desire a as a joint contribution to a relationship, Throughout life there is often a proc- partner who was truly romantic. The rather than being considered a predict- ess that is followed from childhood be- fabrication of the book ‘Love Letters able attempt by a man to woo a wom- fore the actual writing of a letter. Re- of Great Men’ undoubtedly made peo- an into doing what they want. gardless of why the letter is written, Late Nig ht Politics Wendy Oloya rences of the evening, we put on the debate was between Mr. Brown and television and watched the American Mr. Cameron, I’m not so sure that I Whether you are a fresher or already Election Debate between VP candi- would be up at ridiculous hours of the half way through your course, the two dates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. At morning, watching them wax lyrical weeks in freshers’ fortnight are all 3 o’clock in the morning we sat and about the state of our economy. The about the three d’s: drinking, danc- watched the whole debate from start reason for this being that although the ing and dodging lectures! I believe it to finish - no word of a lie. The silence bombardment of American politicians should be made compulsory that we of our living room was filled only with parading their children on stage dur- self indulge and partake in such things, Palin’s tactical winking and Biden’s ing conventions, while dressed impec- as after all you can only be a student for chuckles. We were engrossed. Don’t cably accompanied by dazzling white so long. I can’t help thinking however, get me wrong, I’m not a budding poli- smiles, is stomach churning, it’s also that sometimes our generation is so tician or some self righteous 19 year both gripping and fascinating to watch. wrapped up in a student hub it forgets old who thinks they know everything. I am aware that it’s all meticulously that there is a bigger world out there. I just think that as a young person planned out by a huge PR machine, A world where people are making huge growing up in today’s climate, it is but it has to be said that not only did decisions that will affect the course of fundamental that we take interest in I listen to every word said, the debate history, right before our eyes. world politics. Not only because it is so also instigated an interesting and in- After a night out with my flatmates, captivating, but because it is history sightful discussion between my flat- unlike our usual tradition of sitting by in the making. It’s true that you won’t mates and I, that we wouldn’t usually the table eating suspect takeaway and know where you’re going unless you have. Afterwards I felt just a little bit remembering the embarrassing occur- know where you’ve been. Now if the more cultured. Whistle while you work... Dominic Falquero whistling inept, preparing myself for whistle is because I have never been and with their understanding that I in- the conversation I have had hundreds shown how; that they will show me deed can’t whistle, the conversation By the logic of whistling while you of times. “No,” I say, “I can’t whistle”. how simple it is, and I will join the un- comes to an end. I can only come to work, I have never done a day’s work Now bear in mind that I have already afflicted masses, conforming by join- one conclusion; my failure to whistle is in my life. I have though. It seems I told them once that I can’t whistle, so ing them in squeaky exhalations. “You empirical evidence that not only am I am among a subclass of people who to elicit the response of “You can’t whis- just put your lips together, and blow”, a non-whistling freak, I am no longer are discriminated against. We non- tle?” I get a little bit annoyed. The next they say, so I do...and nothing comes worthy of a chat. whistlers are not a marginalised group, thing people say is “but it’s so easy!” out. I’m not surprised. By this stage So what do I hope to achieve, by like gingers, or men who prefer to pee which should be issued in as surprised in my life, having gone this ridiculous writing down this laborious process sitting down. and patronising a manner as possible, display and blown enough air to pow- which so often blights my life? I answer University brings new people, and followed by The Demonstration. er a thousand wind farms, I’d be less you this, what did Martin Luther King new people means that eventually I’m What gets me is that people take it surprised if I blew a cockroach out of seek? Or the Suffragettes? Or Ghan- going to have to face that question. upon themselves to demonstrate how my mouth than if I blew out a whistle di? All I want is equality for the blow- “You can’t whistle?” people say with one whistles. Is this really necessary? I (although I’ll admit I would be more ingly challenged! Though to be honest, a mixture of concern and pity, before don’t like the idea that people honestly grossed out). Suddenly, the other per- I’ll settle for not being patronised and I dutifully take up my mantle of the think the single reason why I cannot son in this ritual will look very confused treated like a moron. features

either as a request (or two) to Santa, Every choice you make has to be con- morning excited about the possibility a thank-you for a birthday present or sidered, as the person receiving the of mail reverts you back to the childish as notice of your resignation, thought letter makes assumptions just as much excitement of your birthday morning is put into what you want to say and on what is not said, as what is. Yet the and the arrival of a stack of cards. The how you are going to say it. Yet be- process of writing is one that can bring anticipation felt during the wait for the fore that point is even reached, you great joy as well as a set next instalment keeps you hopeful and may consider what type of paper you of decisions to make. excited for what is in store, and to read will write on, what colour ink will Knowing you can on paper words that have been specifi- be used, and nowadays, wheth- truly express how cally chosen to convey honest truths is er it will be hand-written or you feel without hav- a truly wonderful feeling. typed. ing to hold back in ac- Letter writing is a personal and inti- The inane deliberation cordance with modern mate way to express yourself in a crea- begins as pen (in my day conventions is liber- tive manner, and although they are a case a black biro) hovers ating, and certain unwritten more traditional approach of commu- above paper as the decision rules about the exchange of let- nication, that doesn’t mean you have of how to address the future ters allows for the minimum of po- to shun modernity entirely. Experiment reader begins. To? Too distant for tential embarrassment. Unwritten rule with styles, draw funny pictures, and somebody you are in a relationship number one is that letter content can add a little wordsearch to lighten up with. Hey? Too colloquial. Dear? Too only be discussed and referred to in the tone. The best part about writing conventional. My one and only true future letters, to spare the writer hav- love letters though, is that after a few love of my life? Definitely not; I’m ing to explain verbally when they are exchanges you have enough to re-read a modern woman who doesn’t need more articulate on paper. on cold and lonely nights, and so does to be dependent on a man you know. On the other side, waking up every the other person you care about. Can I see some ID please? Should we be offended by the demand for proof of age, as the ID crackdown continues... Rachael Sigee and ask anyway just in case. Ask- stores caught selling alcohol to under- In reality though, ridiculous ID stories ing around, more people than I real- 18s three times in three months face are closer to home than the national In a slightly drunken moment this sum- ised are regularly asked for proof of fines of up to £10,000. Many bars and newspapers; nearly everyone has one. mer, one of my friends launched into age and most are irritated by it. The event organisers have imposed their This summer more than one 20-year a 20 minute rant about how offended novelty has worn off. But would we own fines on individual members of old I know was asked for ID to buy a she was that someone had thought she rather go through the hassle of pull- staff to encourage workers to ask for lottery ticket, see films at the cinema, was 17, when she is clearly a sophisti- ing a driving licence out of our bag, or proof of age before serving. and even to buy hairspray. cated and mature 20 year old. I never have clubs and bars full of underage In June this year, The Telegraph re- It doesn’t seem like authorities will really understand when people are of- kids who can’t hold a drink? ported that a Tesco store in Flitwick re- relax their ID policies any time soon, fended by people misjudging their age: Most off-licenses, bars and clubs fused to sell a 25-year old woman a so we may well still be producing ID give it 10 years and we’ll all be desper- currently operate the Challenge 21 pol- bottle of Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce, with into our thirties. I can only suggest ate to be mistaken for teenagers. But icy asking ID from anyone who looks an alcohol content of 2%, because she that we take it as a compliment that I’m only 5ft1in and well used to people under 21. Some however, including had no ID on her. This is yet another we look youthful, be grateful that the looking straight over my head for the Asda, have over the last year been in- example of bureaucracy being taken member of the opposite sex chatting adult taking care of me; I’m past em- troducing Challenge 25, increasing the too far until it becomes a caricature of us up probably isn’t 15, and get over barrassment. The nights when I don’t range of people asked for ID. In its its original aims. It is difficult to take the fact that we look like someone with get asked for ID, I’m so visibly excited attempt to reduce underage drinking, seriously a law which wastes time on a serious illness/a criminal/a complete about it that they change their mind government penalties now mean that such minor and insignificant incidents. goon in our ID photos.

arts Keep it off the Stage Editor’s In the age of DVD, is there any point in taking a film to the stage? Column creates a gritty atmosphere (similar stage, but that’s because it’s so upbeat With this issue, I questioned who draws Caroline Evans to that of the film) but the darkness and cheerful. It was a hit due to the the line in art; is it up to the artists Films are increasingly being adapted means you can’t quite make out the songs and story, rather than specific themselves to say what can and can’t for stage and the list is endless, but in crucial facial expressions, and so it’s actors within it. be classed as art, or is it those who ad- the age of the DVD what is the point? not half as moving. Any actor in an adaptation is bound mire, critique and purchase the art that These theatre productions are usually At the moment Rain Man is on at to be criticised because his/her per- ultimately have the upper hand. My fo- of a much lower standard than the rest the Apollo, London. The fact that it formance is different to the original; cus was solely within the art sphere, of theatre because many of the aspects stars Josh Hartnett makes it an attrac- the creative license is lost. The audi- however these questions can be put which made the film successful just tion for much of the female popula- ence expects the same again, and if it to the rest of the arts, such as litera- don’t translate to stage. tion, but Anthony Lane described the isn’t received then the play is bound ture, music, even language too. In my Take for example the recent adapta- film as “rancid corn”, so why was this to fail. opinion, when it comes to the arts, it tion of High School Musical; not exactly script adapted for stage? The is hard to be narow minded about ex- high brow theatre or screen play, but director has stuck relatively plosive ideas and new visions that are what made it such a hit was the use close to the outline of the film, brought to the scene. You don’t have to of a real school and a young cast. It but the script is about a road be involved with a particular medium was of course a hit at the box office, trip, making it difficult to show of art, or even like it, but I do ask you with reluctant parents traipsing in af- the changing American land- to consider it... ter the brat pack, only to discover that scape. Also the timing of the I’ve also included an article that Zac Efron had been replaced by Ashley play is a little off; Charlie’s questions the need for films being Day, who can’t even be found on Wiki- struggle is practically over by adapted for West End productions; a pedia. the interval, which is unfair on very relevant article as Josh Hartnett It’s not only the unfamiliar cast that Hartnett’s perfectly competent is making his West End debut in Rain let down these productions, but also performance. Man. the limited locations. Rent is a fantas- The problem with adapting If you’re interested in the arts or tic film, with great music and a grip- a film for stage is that it will al- simply have any ideas or any complet- ping story, yet on stage so much of the ways be compared to the orig- ed articles, please send them in. meaning is lost because it just doesn’t inal; if the chosen production work in proscenium arch. You’re dis- was a successful film then it’s Holly tanced from the characters, the dark bound to disappoint. Hairspray [email protected] lighting and set built out of rubbish was a hit both on screen and Endless Artistic Vision... In the dynamic art world where styles are broad, should a line be drawn at all? Holly Hargreaves art, and that was in the early 1900s. et’s painting, with the juxtaposition of It thus shows that for as long as there a female nude with fully dressed men, Can art be defined? Can one partic- has been traditional artists, there have sparked controversy as can well be im- ular style be deemed correct and one also been those wanting to push the agined. dismissed? Who decides what is art? boundaries. Closer to home, within the univer- There can be so many questions One of the most well known artists sity poster sale, we can see evidence posed in this sector of the arts, and yet to all generations that broke the mould of all forms of art sold alongside each who can argue against art being per- of his time is of course Andy Warhol, other. From Warhol’s Monroe to various sonal? who became famous worldwide for his landscape scenes, the dynamic differ- There is continual controversy sur- work as a painter, avant-garde film- ence in taste allows for such a dynamic rounding the conceptual art of the 21st maker and record producer. His bold difference in art. Century, which is argued to not be art designs and brightly coloured prints, in- I feel that it is unfair for new art because of its focus on concepts and cluding arguably the most recognised, to be dismissed just because it is not ideas rather than traditional aesthet- Campbell’s Soup, became popular but the start of Modern Art, which refers deemed conventional, after all, who is ics and material concerns. Take Simon was also highly criticised. Warhol took to the artistic works produced during to say what should be considered art Starling, for example, who in 2005 won everyday objects and made them into the period from the 1860s through the and what is considered a mere idea, the Turner Prize for Shedboatshed, art; art that is still enjoyed today, but 1970s. It denotes the style and phi- just a flurry of colours, or a collection a wooden shed which he had turned also questioned. It’s definitely worth losophy of art, deferring the tradition of objects stuck on white walls? into a boat, floated down the Rhine, watching Factory Girl, starring Sienna of the time and experimenting with Ever since the beginning of art, art- and turned back into a shed again. Miller, who plays Edie Sedgwick, the ‘it’ new styles and techniques. The date ists have experimented with ideas, Anyone who argues that this concep- girl of the 1960s. Her relationship with perhaps most commonly identified as putting into practice their visions and tual art has crossed the line however, Andy Warhol was both explosive and making the birth of modern art is 1863, making them art. For me, an artist is really needs to look further back in destructive. the year that Edouard Manet exhibited not something that can be defined, but time. Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain, for Indeed, art that shocked the public his painting Le dejeuner sur l’herbe in someone that is bold enough to make example, was criticised for not being can be dated back to the 1860s with the Salon des Refuses in Paris. Man- their vision into a reality. lifestyle A Slice of Perfection Mono- We review one of the most popular Friday evenings in Soton Lydia Teague & Bethan James Hello again! The freshers’ among you should know your way around by now, Pizza, originally the cheap snack of the and have tried a few places to eat and scnugnizzi (street kids) of Naples and drink (probably looking less fresh than the subject of heated culinary debate. you did a few weeks ago). Keep trying Italian: soft, thin dough, simple fresh new places though, variety is definitely toppings? Or American: deep-pan, the spice of eating out! Our restaurant cheese-filled crust, heaps of ingredi- review is back, rating the best (and ents on top? It is easy to get hold of a worst) of Southampton’s eateries. deep-pan loaded with cheese and meat Now you’re settled in, it could be a which can hit the spot at the right time, good time to think about getting in- however, finding a more authentic slice volved with some volunteer work, or of Italy can be a struggle. Chain res- make an effort to support fair-trade. If taurants like Bella Italia and Pizza Ex- you can’t find the time, you could al- press are a commercial, uninteresting ways just try shopping more ethically. option, but in Southampton there is a Halloween is also approaching, so surprise Pizza gem. we’ve included a couple of articles to Mono is a stylish bar in Bedford Place: celebrate the spooky season. We’ve it has a relaxed atmosphere, modern also got some lovely tips on how to yet comfy interior, good music (some- keep those utility bills low, especially times a DJ) and experienced, friendly as the nights get longer and colder and (and attractive) staff. It offers a simple the price of energy continues to rise. lunchtime and evening menu of Panini, And, for the little money left over, sug- jackets, salads and, of course, pizza. gestions on how to spend it in charita- Friday night is 2-4-1 on both pizzas ble ways! and cocktails. Who could resist?

Please give us an email if you fancy writing for us. Stuck for ideas? Then “2-4-1 on both Have a glass of glamour and a taste of class just ask! pizzas and cocktails... who could resist?” popular establishment and it does get disappointed. All the old favourites like [email protected] pretty busy. This also affects how long mojitos and cosmopolitans are avail- your pizza will take. If you turn up at able, as well as an exciting selection of Bethan and Lydia 9 and order six pizzas, be prepared to new cocktails. Why not try a few if you The menu is varied and exciting, wait for them. It is however, definitely can’t make up your mind? providing for those who like to pile on worth it. Another great thing about Mono Monthly recipe the toppings and the pizza purists. We Mono isn’t just worth a visit for its is the service. The bar staff expertly A cheap but tasty recipe for pork went for some very different choices. amazing and varied selection of pizzas. make your cocktails right in front of stroganoff. You can subsitute mush- Two simple; the Godfather (sundried It’s also one of the top places in South- you. They don’t rush to serve you: rooms if you want a veggie option. tomatoes, mozzarella and olives) and ampton to go for a drink. Last year it every drink is carefully and painstak- the Sicilian (Parma ham, artichoke pet- ingly poured and mixed. On the down- Shopping List - £1.61 als and pesto). Two more creative; the “The cocktails are some side, there can be a bit of a queue at 200g rice – 26p Daffy Duck (duck, spring onions, hoi the bar, but it’s a chilled out atmos- 3 pork steaks – £3.44 sin and cucumber) and the Roast Beef of the best around” phere to wait around in. 1 onion – 18p (beef, onions, Yorkshire pudding, broc- I’d definitely recommend the Abso- 300 ml crème fraiche (soured coli and gravy). Each pizza was won- won the awards for Best Bar and Best lut Unkle cocktail, which is a mouth- cream) or double cream – 99p derful, in their different ways. Techni- Venue in the city, and it’s easy to see watering combination of fruity flavours cally, the bases were soft, with lightly why. Mono is modern and stylish, and like mandarin orange, lime and cran- -Slice 1 onion and gently brown in crisped edges – perfect; the toppings its cocktails are some of the best I’ve berry. Or why not try the Birds of Para- a little oil and butter. were flavourful but not heavy-handed. ever tried in my life. Plus they’re made dise? It’s a deliciously creamy cocktail -Dice 4 pork steaks into bite-size We have differing opinions on ingredi- with real fruit, which adds to the qual- with berry and vanilla liqueur, mixed chunks and cook with the onions un- ents that should be allowed on pizzas ity of their taste. together with fresh raspberries. Also, til meat is sealed. but we were both surprised, satisfied Friday night is the best time to try you can’t go wrong if you order Mono’s -Begin cooking rice as directed on and thrilled with our platefuls. out their drinks menu. You can have Long Island Iced Tea or their classy packaging. This bar is the perfect option for an 2-4-1 cocktails then, which is the and innovative take on the martini, the -Add the cream, stir and season evening out or for pre-drinks before perfect accompaniment to your 2-4- Nate’s Tuscan. to taste. Leave simmering on a low heading on to a club. We thoroughly 1 pizzas. The huge choice of drinks Expect to pay at least five pounds for heat for 10mins. enjoyed the food, the music and the on offer can be overwhelming at first, each cocktail. The price might make a -Finish rice as directed. atmosphere. This is an evening that but there’s something for everyone bit of a dent in your bank balance, but -Serve. comes highly recommended. It is a at Mono. Whether you want a gener- no student should leave Southampton good idea to ring up and book a ta- ous glass full of fresh fruit daiquiri, or without sampling the delights Mono Price per portion – £2.44 ble if you intend to sit and eat, it is a a sophisticated martini, you won’t be has to offer! lifestyle Going Green on a Budget Lifestyle shows how to mix student-life with environmentally-friendly and ethical living

Bethan James third world countries have been given you the opportunity to carry out a va- the quality of the local environment. good deals for their produce. Ethical riety of local conservation tasks. Or What else is our university doing Ever thought about doing products worth sampling include Di- you could join Green Action, a society to promote ethical and environmental your bit for the environment vine chocolate bars, Halo cereals and which promotes the aims of charities causes? A spokesperson comments or supporting fair trade, but Ubuntu soft drinks. For information such as Green Peace and Friends of the that: “Both the University of South- weren’t sure where to be- on what fair trade means, how to get Earth. ampton and the Students’ Union are gin? This month, Lifestyle involved, and where to buy fair trade Alternatively, have a go at volun- committed to supporting, using and £ teering. Southampton University’s Stu- promoting Fairtrade wherever pos- aims to show you exactly what you products, visit www.fairtrade.org.uk. can do to go green and make a differ- Check that the food you buy in su- dent Community Action website (www. sible.” Incredibly, there are over 70 ence to the world around you. permarkets, such as eggs, are free sca.susu.org) offers you the opportu- Fairtrade products sold on Highfield A simple but effective way to mix range. It’s worth paying a few pence nity to help out on a variety of projects, campus alone. For more information student life with ethical living is extra to be sure that the animals have which include environmental and on what action the university is taking, through what you wear and where you been reared humanely. Supermarkets conservation schemes. For example, visit www.enviro.susu.org. shop. Pay a visit to the many charity like Waitrose are now only offering Groundwork Solent aims to improve Good luck going green! shops you can find in Portswood, such free range products, so changing your as Help the Aged, Tenovos and British shopping habits can make an ethical Heart Foundation. Look at our article difference. below for more info. Not only can you Uni-fruit, held every Monday in the grab a great bargain, but you’re giving Students’ Union, is the perfect place to to charity at the same time. stock up on organic produce. It sells Alternatively, why not try shop- local fruit and vegetables, which helps ping online to find fashion and acces- the environment because it reduces sories that are both ethical and stylish. the emissions caused by transport, For example, www.thenaturalstore. and you’re also supporting the local co.uk sells clothes that are organic, economy. fair trade, recycled, and even suitable There are various other ways that for vegetarians! That should make students in Southampton can get in- people green with envy. volved in going green. For instance, Another way to make your lifestyle why not join a society? You can meet more green is through being more new people, get some impressive skills careful about the food you buy. Look for your CV, and help the environment out for packaging with the Fairtrade all at the same time! The Conserva- logo on it, as this ensures farmers in tion Volunteers Society (SUCV) gives Champion CharityGuilt-free shopping - bargain huntShops and support charities at the same time One man’s trash is another man’s treasure: a guide to the best of second-hand bargains Lydia Teague levi’s for £4.50) she was hooked. Oth- £3 and if you are prepared to rummage games, glassware, just about anything. er great buys have included a silk GAP then decent work really does turn up. It’s perfect for stocking up on student For the majority of students funds are camisole for £3 and a brand new pair The same applies to CDs, DVDs and essentials at low prices. Yes, it is a bit low, and after the money for accom- of red Faith ankle boots for £5.20. You even old videos if you have an old of a mixed bag, and sometimes you’ll modation and food (and booze) has can also find some interesting and low player knocking around. At around 50p find nothing or come home with rub- come out, there is little left for simple priced antique jewellery if you look for a video and no more than £5 for a bish you’ll never use, but it is definitely luxuries like clothes, DVDs and books. hard enough. recent DVD it’s generally cheaper than worth it for the bargains. High street sales and the internet of- renting and it’s yours to keep. Again, Shopping in this way is also doing ten offer reduced prices, and shops like “A mixed bag - worth it Oxfam have a specialist music/film your bit for charity. Don’t forget, if Primark offer a quick retail fix, but I for the bargains” store, this time at the bottom end of you’re having a clear out the shops al- feel that many of us overlook the hum- Above Bar Street. It is once again a ways need replenishing with new items. ble charity shop. Charity shops are also treasure little pricier than the general charity The volunteers are always grateful for I have a friend who refused to en- troves for book lovers. Oxfam has an shop, but is clearly set out and you are anything clean and undamaged that ter these lucky dip stores, put off by entire store dedicated to books on Lon- more likely to find something decent. you can donate. You can even volun- the idea of buying pre-owned goods don Road (can be priced up a little) but Another brilliant charity shop buy are teer yourself (also getting first dibs on and perhaps by the rather depress- pretty much every shop will have a few old records; for DJs, as collectables the new stock). Portswood High Street ing smells of stale cigarettes and cats. shelves, stacked with everything from and they also make great wall art. is lined with charity shops, so don’t Once she was persuaded in however, old Mills and Boon romances (good for Charity shops are the poor man’s just walk past, pop in and have a rum- and had purchased her first bargain a laugh) to cookery books or modern department store. Keep an eye out mage. (a pair of practically new, low slung fiction. Rarely is anything priced over for cheap kitchenware, fancy-dress, Happy hunting! lifestyle Traditional Trick or Treat? Halloween Games All Hallows Traditions from around Europe You’re never too old to play tradi- Lydia Teague do not harm themselves, and children tional games. Get some of your are given special bread (called striet- flatmates and friends together and It originated in the UK as the celtic fes- zel) by their Godparents. In Czech- have a go at these - perhaps use tival Samhain, but Halloween is now oslovakia extra chairs are tra- them as pre-drinking game forfeits. a fairly commercial and Americanised ditionally left by the fireside Warning: play before showering or festival here. Fancy dress, trick-or- for the spirits, and a lamp, doing make-up - it will get messy! treating and lots of sweets are the bread and water are left main “traditions”, but this is pretty dif- out on the table by the Bobbing for Apples ferent to the way it is celebrated by Austrians for their re- Easy - apples into a bucket of our European neighbours. There the turning ancestors. In water/kitchen sink. Try to bite and origins of this celebration are still kept Poland doors and win- pick up an apple without using your alive and the traditional customs are dows are left open to hands. The more people trying to still practised by the children. welcome the ghosts. do this at once, the more fun it be- In Spain and areas colonised by Jack O’lanterns are comes. Spain, Halloween is a festival to hon- said to have originated our the dead and celebrated over three in Ireland and pump- Sweet Hunt days, ending on the 2nd of Novem- kin carving is popular in Stick a load of sweets on a tray ber, and called ‘El dia de los muertos.’ most countries today on and cover with flour. Try to find the Whole families take food, candles and Halloween. Interestingly, sweets. Again, no hands! Do this flowers to the graveyards, and picnic France does not celebrate straight after bobbing for apples - by the graves of their ancestors. In Halloween, except in the great for facebook pics. Germany all knives in the house are increasingly popular American hidden away so that returning spirits sense. Energy Saving Advice Simple tips for hard-up students on how to clip the wings of high soaring energy bills! Lydia Teague attempt to turn everything off at night. er. Boil water in a kettle before cooking from freezing is expensive. A low but However, don’t worry about turning with it. You can always use the oven or continuous setting will keep you just as We are all aware of the rising energy lights off every time you leave a room grill for a couple of seconds after the warm. charges, and after the sheltered com- for two seconds, as it uses more ener- microwave if you hate the soggy tex- Do – turn the gas down and put lids fort of University halls, cooking, clean- gy for the bulb to relight that it would ture of food heated up in one. on saucepans. The temperature will be ing and generally being seems to send if it was just left on. Do – wear jumpers inside and have just as high whilst using less energy. the meter ticking up madly. Whilst it is the heating on less. If your house is amazing how quickly the charges can Gas well-insulated, keep the heating on Water mount up, it is also however, surpris- Don’t – use it for everything. Micro- a low setting 24 hours a day as the Don’t –overuse the washing ma- ingly simple to keep them low. It takes wave food, the electricity will be cheap- surge needed to heat the radiators chine. If there’s only a few bits that a little effort but will lower your bills need doing, either hand wash or find and also make your house a little more housemates who have washing to do eco-friendly! at the same time. Use the quick cycle whenever possible. Electricity Do- have dripping taps/showers Don’t – overuse the tumble-dryer, fixed. The wasted water will add up. they use a ridiculous amount of ener- Do – turn the tap off when brushing gy. Clothes are lovely warm out of the your teeth, the shower off when shav- machine but try to use the radiators ing your legs etc. or washing-line as much as possible. The weather doesn’t help, but even if It is hard to do all this all the time, it is freezing, as long as there is wind but it does help and also helps you do clothes will dry! your bit to help save energy. Don’t for- Do - watch television together! Don’t get to check your bills and meters and sit in different rooms, watching the ring up if the estimate is too high, this same thing. Also much more sociable! will spread out your payments more Do – turn lights, TVs, stereos, lap- evenly. Also it can be worth shopping tops off at the plug. This may be im- around for a different supplier. Here’s practical through the day but at least to lower bills! Distraction www.wessexscene.co.uk

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failed at least five times so ideas! This page has be- The Chief’s Section far. Freshers’ Week is over for come a distraction to me, another year - although it was which is ironic as the idea Adam Parker crazy times, everyone seemed was for it to distract you. As I write this small piece, the dead- to be having fun. I’m really Have a great year, enjoy line is a mere hour away. You could say pleased with this Wessex your lectures, and possi- this small chunk of text is to fill space, Scene, but would love to hear bly this small chunk might but actually it’s kind of just to keep me what you think. You can email return. Keep SUSU tidy - happy. I keep saying I’m going to write me on [email protected] to recycle your an actual article, but have somehow voice opinions, concerns or Bon Voyage Wessex Scene October Horoscopes Susan Soo

Libra - The Scales Aries - The Ram Stand up to negative forces, you are Things may seem unfair, sometimes stronger than you think. You may need you just have to take it on the chin. to make a difficult choice soon, keep your Don’t try to make a mountain out of options open. a molehill.

Scorpio - The Scorpion Taurus - The Bull People may accuse you of being aggres- Stop wasting money on inconsequen- sive, ignore them, sometimes offense is tial purchases. You will need it soon the best defense. You won’t have much for something much bigger. Start time to relax this month. packing your bags.

Sagittarius - The Archer Gemini - The Twins It’s time to make long term plans, things You may feel like you’re leaving peo- may seem calm now but the future holds ple behind. Make a decision, slow stormy waters. The chasm may seem down for them or be prepared to Where will your ideas end up? In hospitals? In schools? On the six o’clock news? vast but a leap of faith will pay off. leave them behind. Become a Civil Service Fast Streamer and the answer could be all of the above. One thing’s for certain. Every different area you work in (and there will be many), you’ll be finding solutions Cancer - The Crab to some of society’s most important issues. Some of which need answering right away. Capricorn - The Goat-Fish Be a bit more spontaneous, some- Romance may come naturally to you Come and see us at the following events at the University of times rash decisions pay off in ways you but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t Southampton: wouldn’t anticipate. It feels wrong, but try harder. Relationships thrive on Tuesday 21st October – Business, Management and Finance Careers Fair, Highfield it’s a good skill to learn. unexpected surprises. Campus, 11am - 3pm. Wednesday 22nd October - Engineering, Science and I.T Fair, Highfield Campus 11am - 3pm. Aquarius - The Water Bearer Leo - The Lion faststream.gov.uk Sometimes other people may be annoy- Oh, how the mighty have fallen. ing but arguing isn’t going to get you an- Time to stop feeling sorry for your- ywhere. Compromise and you may find a self, dust yourself off and get back in way forward. the game.

Pisces - The Fish Virgo - The Virgin Consider the feelings of others. You may Cheer up! Smile and the world smiles feel invaluable to everyone but some- with you. You may not be convinced times you need to take a step back and of the kindness of strangers but it’s let others deal with their own problems. not all about you.

Page 22 Sport Girls, Don’t Fear the Iron Weights are not your enemy, even if slimming down is your desperate goal in exercising much lower production of testosterone cle, but muscle is denser than fat, so ing endless sit-ups – which won’t help David Howell than males, and this in turn greatly re- you’ll fit into smaller clothes sizes (and make your tummy tinier, sadly, but are So, you’ve paid your £95 for SportRec duces the potential for growing large look healthier in them). good for maintaining a healthy back. membership, you may or may not amounts of muscle – and males can The only problem is that if you’re One final point to leave you with - have used that as a means of prevent- have enough trouble doing it when doing weight training, chances are fear if endless cardiovascular endurance ing you from full-on participation in the they try, so what chance have you got over becoming ‘bigger’ is leading you training is the way for women to look Freshers’ Week drinking games (hope- of becoming ‘too muscular’ by accident into lifting tiny weights dozens and attractive and strength training isn’t, fully you did, but that’s another article in a short space of time? dozens of times – and having been how come Paula Radcliffe hasn’t been right there), and now you’re wonder- What you will get out of adding a to a few of the group exercise classes seen as a sex symbol and javelin ing what the hell to do. Here’s a hint; bit more muscle is twofold. Firstly, you SportRec run, I can say safely that this thrower Goldie Sayers has? it’s not what you think. can reshape your body a bit. While conception is at the heart This assumes that what you’re think- you can’t target fat loss, you can tar- of what weight training ing is what most people – certainly fe- get muscle growth a bit more – for in- (or other strength train- males – are thinking when it comes stance, if you’re top-heavy, you could ing) there is in them. The to a gym routine, namely that it’s all emphasise lower body weight training. best thing to do is to find about being a hamster on a treadmill Secondly, and this is the key one, you a weight that you can (or equivalent on something else) to can actually use weight training to in- lift no more than twelve melt those calories away. It’s a piece crease your fat-loss efforts, because times (and be prepared of the puzzle for sure, and if you’re (and now, the science bit) muscle is to push the weights up already overweight probably the most active tissue which burns calories just as you progress). The important – but weight training is also to maintain itself. This is where the av- machines in the gym are important. “Really?” I hear you cry in erage crash-diet falls apart, by the way good for this, and dumb- horror, fleeing into your copies of Heat – invariably both muscle and fat is lost, bells are also a good op- magazine, and thinking that muscles meaning the dieter is slimmer but now tion – especially if you are only for the guys on Torso of the has a lower metabolism, and the in- are relatively short. The Week. With images of Amazonian she- evitable resumption of old eating hab- machines are designed males and Amelie Mauresmo (who in- its leads to greater weight gain than for average-height men, cidentally is losing matches faster than before! Weight training (and the main- and while they are ad- Atkins dieters lose their marbles) now tenance of a sensible calorie intake) justable it can be a bit in your head, let’s knock them out of will lead to an increased metabolism tricky to do so. There are it. Biology students should know this and thus a reduction in fat. The scales dumbbells near the mats better than me, but females have a might not budge if you’re gaining mus- where everyone’s do- 5 Reasons to try TriathlonHave a go on the weights...it could work magic! Christina Bridge No 1: - The gym is boring; it is a No 2:- Unlike all those gruelling time in the pool preventing the Hogan long-standing fact. Everyone is con- team sports, heading off to a triathlon shoulders, yet burning every calorie Being a relatively new sport, Triath- stantly seeking a form of exercise that competition doesn’t mean turning up they digest through being continually lon unfortunately lacks the universal doesn’t involve the same routine week to a mud bath on a cold winters morn- active. recognition that other athletic sports after week. Well Triathlon is the solu- ing. Triathlons take place at a beach No 4:- As a traithlete it makes sense attract. The mediocre performance of tion - it is virtually impossible to get or park in the peak of summer. There- to dabble in cross country or swimming Britain’s triathletes at Beijing did little bored when you have the choice of a fore you can compete in beautiful sur- galas during those long winter months. to inspire interest or participation in swim, cycle or run, or any combination, roundings, safe in the knowledge that Being a triathlete it is impossible to the sport. to choose from. If an hour run bores enough skin is exposed to get a decent feel intimidated at these events de- An Olympic distance triathlon con- you, why not try a 15min run followed tan while you race. What more can you spite not being the best because even sists of a mile swim, usually in a by a 30min cycle finishing with another ask of a sport? if you are competing against Michael lake, river or the sea, and is directly 15min run? With all the varieties avail- No 3:- Let’s face it, most of us ex- Phelps himself, you can always comfort followed by a 40KM cycle. Yes that’s able to you, and just a little imagina- ercise to stay slim and look good. Once yourself that you could beat him on a right, no shower or change of cloth- tion, it is possible to find exercise fun. again triathlon comes up trumps by cre- bike. Therefore even finishing last fails ing. The 40KM bike ride is conducted ating the ideal figure. Everyone knows to destroy a triathlete’s pride and self in a swim suit whilst dripping wet, as that runners are skinny and suffer ter- assurance. is the 10KM run that follows. Admit- ribly from knobbly knee syndrome. Cy- No 5: - The University of Southamp- tedly, faced with these facts, triathlon The gym is boring; clists develop the unavoidable thunder ton has a Triathlon club, and it’s free! doesn’t seem too appealing, but there it is a long standing thighs, and serious swimmers suffer It is a small club and constantly seek- are many perks to the sport that keep, fact...the triathlon is from having shoulders that wouldn’t ing new members. Sessions are very believe it or not perfectly sane people, the solution! look out of place on Hulk Hogan, and lei- relaxed and welcome all abilities; you returning to the sport year after year. surely swimming just doesn’t burn the needn’t feel embarrassed turning up at Here are just some of the benefits, in calories. A triathlete however, avoids the pool in arm bands. Although you an attempt to spark your enthusiasm the thunder thighs from running and may be surprised to discover that the and understanding of seemingly crazy knobbly knees through cycling, whilst club isn’t full of bronzed beauties all triathletes. spending only a reasonable amount of preparing for 2012, we try. Honest. Sport www.wessexscene.co.uk Trials and Tribulations Bunfight The truth behind sports trials, and what selectors really think! ...Continued from page 24 Emily Hogan & Graham Pavey The University of Southampton provides the Athletics Union with a It’s that time of year again - back to considerable amount of funding and uni and time for sports trials, in this facilities for the provision of sport case for the Colours Badminton Squad. clubs, nevertheless, the Athletics Always a controversial event, in Union’s ability to cope with the large which someone will undoubtedly be numbers signed up at the bunfight, put out and complain; it is something if they all did take up the sports that all involved in have a love-hate permanently, would be question- relationship with. Those taking part able. If all 800 people who signed have the nervous wait to find out if up for badminton came along they they’ve made the cut, combined with could not possibly fit on the 8 courts the excitement of potentially being that the Jubilee Sports Hall provides, part of a squad of (mostly!) nice peo- however in reality only a fraction of ple. Many friendships and relationships these will actually attend and keep have been formed over the years and coming back. will continue to do so in future; those Trials will also prove difficult for running the trials have to sacrifice two several clubs, with the limited space hours of badminton, but they do get and time available. Take the netball to meet up with each other, possibly team who are trialling 260 people for for the first time in a while. Then there a mere 20 places. This will be a chal- is always the possibility of gaining a lenge for those organising, and per- player who is County or even National haps not give some individuals the standard. chance to prove their true skill level. It’s Sunday at 3pm in the Jubilee This does however assume all those Sports Hall and slowly people amble in, who sign up attend, which is never dividing sub-consciously into groups the case, raising the question: how that can be roughly distinguished by many of those who signed up will clothing. From fully kitted out pro’s that actually turn up for trials? Prepar- have been preparing all week, to those ing to try out 260 people and then who look like they’ve really made the only having a 100 turning up can be most of freshers’ week. Let the mass a frustrating process, but one which warm up commence! The pace starts must be planned for nevertheless. off at a slow jog in an orderly fashion, In sports where trials are neces- but then as soon as the first lap is com- task but I feel like I’m up for the chal- committee member who hasn’t played sary to make the team, one question pleted chaos begins to descend, with lenge!” In an ideal world several selec- for a while and shows the rest up. This often asked is what happens to those the show offs sprinting to the front tion sessions would be held, however year a backwards trip over a stationary who do not make the team? Do they and others on their knees gasping for with looming tournaments and match- shuttle was the highlight! still get the chance to participate? breath. es from the start of October, this is just Badminton is the most participated Frequently the answer here is yes. There is always a few who you proba- not possible. Over the years several racket sport in the country and always For sports such as badminton those bly could just turn away without seeing methods have been tried and failed, attracts a wide range of personalities; who do not make the team are able play, knowing already that jeans, black but this years half court singles knock- there is always the one who just won’t to join RecBad. Many clubs such as school shoes and lack of a badminton out system proved to be better than leave having been told politely that hockey have a variety of teams in racket mean they’re not likely to be previous attempts. Whatever method RecBad might be a better option, and several divisions, and consequently quite the squad standard hoped for! is used however, it is inevitable that the guy who has been along for the last the ability to cater for all. In addi- Quote of the day from a selector was, people will have to sit out for a pro- two years and not made it, but comes tion to alternative teams the Athlet- “they’re not allowed to play in jeans longed period of time, and it is surpris- back just incase. The best has to be ics Union has set up intramural sport, are they?” This was closely followed by, ing just how quickly “eager and enthu- the guy who claims he is the world’s offering individuals the opportunity “Crikey, I’ve never lent clothes to any- siastic” turns to “grumpy and angry”. number one player though, when in to compete on their own accord. one before!” Then when you’re asked Mismatches are also unavoidable, and reality he is the world’s novice of the When questioned many students whether you can lend them a racket, some poor soul will end up picking up year. In previous years he would have admit that although they would like out comes that racket you’ve had since the shuttle, and sometimes physically blamed the use of plastic shuttles but to participate, they never actually get you were 12; although way past its having to remove it from themselves, this year had to find another excuse. round to doing so. Unlike the many best it still has some sentimental value after it has been hammered at them On a more serious point however, other individuals across the U.K and you’re rather unwilling to lend it to from the guy that believes the faster trials are difficult for all those involved, though, here at Southampton stu- someone who might in 5 minutes have and harder he can hit the shuttle, the and as a parting note I leave you with dents do not have the reasonable ex- smashed it to pieces on another poor more likely he is to make the final cut. this thought: which is worse, hearing cuse that there are not the facilities, soul’s racket! We must be fair though Several of the more experienced you’re not good enough or having to provisions or opportunities. The work - rackets are lent and everyone gets selectors are repeatedly told off for tell someone? of the Athletics Union here must be their allotted 10 minutes to prove the pointing and talking more loudly than Disclaimer: The above article is praised for its good work, fantastic selectors wrong. they should in an effort to speed up based largely on fiction rather than re- facilities, and top quality coaching. Now for the big question: How to get the process, and therefore get to have ality and events and individuals have A big thank you to all of the teams 20 from 180 with 8 courts in less than a hit themselves. When their chance been modified to (hopefully) provide that responded, helping this article. 3 hours? El Presidente states “it’s a big finally does come there’s always one increased reading pleasure. News There’s a new Sport Don in town, doesn’t Games Bored? What did you his tie look nice! You We decided to put sign up to at the can find him in the in some fun stuff bunfight? Vice-Chancellor’s for you to do, office. aren’t we nice! WessexSport Did Your Buns Fight?

up students. Southampton offers one opportunities to become involved, and their size. The most interest was gen- Emily Hogan of the largest sports and societies days through my correspondence with many erated by the racket sports however, Every year the Bunfight is a highly in comparison to other universities of the teams, it seems that the bunfight with once again a considerable number anticipated and exciting event, offering across the U.K, with an extensive va- has been a success on a massive scale! of people signing up for tennis. The the opportunity for clubs and societies riety on offer. In particular Southamp- In comparison to last year the amount most outstanding result was from bad- to showcase what they offer, and this ton offers a total of 82 sports clubs for of interest in the various clubs has in- minton though, with RecBad having an year was no exception. There were over its students to join, putting other uni- creased significantly. The Archery club amazing 800 people sign up! Such a 220 clubs and societies with exciting versities such as Newcastle (52), Bath commented, “last year we had a stupid figure is a fantastic achievement, and stands all over Highfield, trying to cap- (49) and Manchester (42) to shame. amount of leaflets left, but this year although not all of these people are ture the attention of the student body, This clearly indicates the importance saw us having to run out and photo- guaranteed to join, the figure suggests and the day was awash with an array of the Athletics Union to the university, copy more!” Martial arts clubs, such as that students do not always fit the of marketing techniques from posters and the popularity of sport amongst Judo, also performed well, receiving a general lazy stereotype. to pole dancing displays in a bid to sign students. With such a wide variety of large amount of interest in regards to Continues inside... www.wessexscene.co.uk