Bringing you the best news on campus since 1897 14 November 2014 thegryphon.co.uk Controversial rugby society social causes chaos • Taps ‘trashed’ •‘They act like they’re untouchable’

Jasmine Andersson EXCLUSIVE Editor-In-Chief One staff member said: ’We’ve dealt Storm Jameson Halls with their behaviour before, and we’re one Members of University Union’s of the only places that will. They don’t society have taken part in a have any common courtesy. They con- controversial social that saw them cause stantly try to urinate in our pint glasses, havoc across the city. and leave us to clean it up. It’s beyond a An army gear-clad group of the so- joke. ciety’s members took part in an ‘They act like they’re untouchable. Run on Wednesday night, which saw No other society behaves like that here. I them ‘cover’ the Headingley Taps in eggs, have not once heard them say thank you. smash a window of Storm Jameson halls, They don’t understand that we’re actually and excrete in front of Charles Morris res- doing them the favour.’ idences. The sportsmen then proceeded to set A manager of The Headingley Taps off several smoke bombs in Devonshire said: ‘They trashed the place. Halls, resulting in several fire alarms ring- ‘They were fine when they were get- ing around the site. Photo: Anna Lawson ting their drinks, but once they got what Devonshire’s warden, Darron Dix- they wanted, they turned. on-Hardy, said: pitalised. ‘They began jumping up and down ‘The incident that happened was dealt Charles Morris Halls refused to on furniture, and some tried to rip down with by the duty Sub-Warden and Night comment on the incident. our licensing signs. I told them off, and Porters and I am acting on their reports The society is also under fire for their they just ignored everything I said. to ensure a proper investigation can take recent conduct at Varsity, which saw some ‘By the end of it, the walls were coat- place and the correct action taken.’ members throw drinks at international stu- ed in egg. They had thrown them. The Reportedly leaving a trail off eggs in dents as they tried to enter part of the sta- cartons were left on the floor for the staff the Hyde Park corner area, the group later dium, leading them to run off after some of to pick up.’ emerged on campus, defecating in front the group chanted ‘no girls allowed’. Concerned by the group’s behaviour, of Charles Morris Halls. It has been reported that the society’s the public house rang other bars in the One member of the party then broke behaviour is under strict review. Allegedly, area to warn them of their antics. The a window on the seventh floor of the the group’s conduct will be reassessed over Original Oak also served the society Storm Jameson residences, leading him the Christmas period. members, saying that they ‘did what they to sever his achilles tendon to the bone. wanted.’ The person in question is currently hos- 2 Contents Editor’s Letter

With just six weeks left until Christmas, the an- nual showcase of cynical marketing has returned to the nation’s television screens. From the same old 14.11.14 Coke ad to the Famous Grouse’s familiar strut, every

commercial break is now jam-packed full of gift Weather ideas and retailers’ pleas for the viewer’s custom.

HI LO John Lewis, the flag bearer for tear inducing Friday rain 11 6 cynicism, has gone down the same pulling-at- Saturday cloudy 9 8 “ the-heartstrings route as usual with the story of a rain 10 8 Sunday young boy and his favourite toy penguin, Monty. Tweet of the Week The penguin becomes lovesick - his jealous stare aimed at various couples enjoying the build up to Thank you to those who are the holidays - and so the child receives a female now speaking out & to the companion for his favourite toy on Christmas Day, other patrons of United for recognising their Mable. Tears a-plenty follow for the viewer, and for responsibility to the the unsuspecting real life parents too, who now face community the inevitable begging for a toy Monty/Mable/both -Charlie Webster, TV for Christmas. presenter, on resigning as Photo of the Week - Sam Broadley Patron of Sheffield (Un)fortunately for them, John Lewis has gone The University of Leeds commemorates its former students who lost “ United all out in 2014 with an accompanying gift set, con- their lives fighting for their country. sisting of 41 Monty and Mable themed stocking fill- Contents ers for the entire family. Cuddly penguins will set 3-7 News you back at £35 each, and that’s before the two are joined under the tree by the storybook Mon- 8-10 Features ty’s Christmas (£8.99) and the pyjamas (from £16). That’s the kids’ christmas sorted then, but there’s 11-13 Comment also cufflinks, a onesie and slippers for the older Monty fan in your life. Remarkably, John Lewis has 14 Debate created a money-sapping brand based on a televi- sion advert, just in time for another Christmas in the 15 Letters era of austerity. Perhaps even more remarkable though is that 16-17 Science this ploy isn’t the most grossly cynical advert on the box this year. That accolade goes to Sainsbury’s. 19-24 Sport The supermarket giant is cashing in on the cente- nary of the First World War - a tragedy that ended Credits the lives and devastated the families of over 16 mil- Editor-In-Chief ~ Jasmine lion soldiers - with its rendition of the 1914 Christ- Andersson mas Truce. The advert was made with the support Associate Editors ~ Phil Mann, Ste Topping of the Royal Legion, a point made at the end of the three minute epic, but it appears as an afterthought News ~ Abla Klaa, Charlotte Mason, Jake Hookem to prevent this type of criticism. Features ~ Ruby Lott- Rather than promoting peace or supporting our Lavinga, Brigitte Phillips troops, the message is one about giving gifts (in Comment & Debate ~ Philipa Williams, Ella the ad, the British soldier donates his Sainsbury’s Healing branded chocolate bar to a German). The sentiment Science ~ Alice Hargreaves- leaves a bad taste in the mouth - one worse than Jones and Michael Owen own-brand confectionary - as the viewer realises Sport ~ Adam LeRoux, Peter White, Alex Bowmer the purpose of the advert is the same as any other. It seems the cynical marketing bandwagon has no Head of Photography ~ Sam Broadley limits, and companies will use any tool possible to Photographers ~ Lucie get customers to part with their cash at this time -Duce, Alice Greenfield, Will Stanley, of year. Anne Wyman and Sam Lewis Ste Topping Illustrator ~ Danny Wilson Associate Editor Designers ~ Frazer Sparham, Ben Sandin and Sophia Kossoski

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK News 3 Eddy B takes a leak University Challenged Valeria Popa

More than fifty brainboxes have gone many students jumping at the chance to head to head for the change to represent represent Leeds on the UK’s biggest quiz Leeds in the next series of University show. It will be a tough job narrowing Challenge. them down to the final team but I’m ex- Students were questioned on subjects cited to see how far they go in the com- as diverse as chemistry, politics and an- petition!” cient mythology. The highest scoring five will go to the First-year Philosophy student Maddy second round likely to be held next week. Watt said, ‘The tryouts were really inter- It is hoped they will then be invited to esting and a lot more relaxed than I orig- audition for the TV show. inally thought. The questions were hard Leeds last appeared on the academic but that was to be expected’. quiz show in 2011. Union Affairs Officer Bradley Escor- The forty-fourth series of University cio told The Gryphon, ‘It’s great to see so Challenge will air next April on BBC Two. Dapper Laughs pulled

Jasmine Andersson On The Pull’, which was said to trivialise Editor-in-Chief rape. Greg Whitaker The petition, which had already ac- Suhail Dhanji Online News Editor cumulated over 80 signatures before the Izzy Bourne, 19, a first-year Fashion official nationwide cancellation was an- Students in the Edward Boyle Library Design student, witnessed the leak whilst Leeds University Union’s Socialist Stu- nounced, argued that O’Reilly’s TV show were disrupted by a water leak last Fri- in the library and recalled the staff ‘rush- dents found themselves at the forefront ‘featured him sexually harassing wom- day. ing about, trying to find anything to hold of popular opinion as it was announced en in public, as if this is acceptable, and The water damage occurred at the water in.’ that the UK Tour of ITV2’s controversial even funny’. around 1:30pm on Friday 7th November, The leak was caused by a damaged presenter, Daniel O’Reilly, has been can- The news comes just days after Car- near the lifts on the first floor level, level cistern in one of the toilets. It was fixed celled. diff University’s Student Union became 10. within an hour of being reported. Mary Finch, the coordinator of the the first venue to ban the controversial A student using the library at the A University spokesperson told The Rape Is No Joke Campaign started an ITV personality, after a petition was set time described witnessing a ‘large gush Gryphon, online petition earlier this week, ask- up in response to his derogative attitude of water which came pouring from the ‘Apologies to those students whose ing the O2 Academy in Leeds to cancel towards women and accusations of glo- ceiling, just above the lifts’. work was interrupted by the leak in the O’Reilly’s upcoming stand up show ‘The rifying rape. Library staff hurried to fetch buckets Edward Boyle Library. The incident was Full Length Tour’, which was due to take Mr O’Reilly appeared on Newsnight to and anything capable of containing the caused by a problem with the plumbing, place in February of next year. This is on apologise for his actions on the show, cit- ‘heavy flow’ of water. but this has now been rectified.’ the back of Mr. O’Reilly’s controversial ing that his ‘attempt to push the bound- ITV dating advice show ‘Dapper Laughs: aries’ and he got ‘carried away’.

Campus Watch News from campuses around the world

Stephen Sutton honoured by Coven- Aberdeen to buy castle for homeless Harvard secretly photograph students Topshop mannequins criticised try Teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Students at Aberdeen University have Harvard University is facing backlash A Hull University student sparked a Sutton is to be awarded an honorary degree launched a campaign to buy a £6m after secretly photographing students in Twitter campaign calling on Topshop by Coventry University. mansion to house asylum seekers. lectures. to use more diverse mannequins. The 19-year-old student, who died from They argue that the 38-bedroom The footage was taken as part of an Becky Hopper posted a photo, cancer in May, raised over £5m for Teenage Scottish castle should not ‘become anoth- experiment to measure attendance. Re- which has been re-tweeted over 10,000 Cancer Trust. er playground for the mega rich’ and they searchers did not inform staff and stu- times, comparing the legs of her size The award recognises his outstand- want to see the building go to good use. dents, claiming this would have caused ten friend to those of a supposedly size ing contribution to highlighting cancer in The group hopes to raise the money biased results. Harvard professor Harry ten Topshop mannequin. The photo young people. Stephen’s mother Jane col- on a crowdfunding site by Christmas. Lake said it should not have been done was accompanied by the hashtags of lected an MBE on his behalf this week. without the consent of students. #poorbodyimage and #irresponsible.

Charlotte Mason Charlotte Wilson Charlotte Wilson Elli Pugh

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 4 News Lecturers risk pay Undergraduate cuts over boycott success rate rises Charlotte Mason Charlotte Mason News Editor News Editor the past five years. need to deduct pay. Undergraduates are performing better Over 58% of students graduated with The University has warned lecturers The news comes as several universi- in their degrees than recent alumni. a 2:1 this year, the highest percentage in taking part in the ongoing marking boy- ties across the country threaten to dock The percentage of students achiev- recent times. Less than 1% of students cott that they could face pay deductions, the pay of staff taking part in industrial ing a first-class degree has risen steadily achieved a Third. as industrial action against proposed action, some up to 100%. from 15% to 22% over the past five years. It is thought the changes reflect a na- pension cuts continues. Members have agreed to move to Students who graduated this year tional improvement in degree classifica- Staff and employers have failed to a new, proposed scheme on the condi- achieved more First and 2:1 degrees on tion, as Russell Group universities such as reach an agreement since discussions tion that staff receive a more generous average than five years ago. The number Leeds aim to recruit students with higher began last Thursday. monthly benefit after retirement. Howev- of Thirds has also fallen. A-level grades. President of Leeds University’s Uni- er, tensions continue as employers want A Freedom of Information Request by The Higher Education Statistics versity and College Union (UCU) Mark to impose a salary cap on this allowance. The Gryphon found that the percentage Agency claims that the number of stu- Taylor-Batty told The Gryphon, ‘The It was confirmed this week that De- of students achieving a first-class degree dents achieving a first-class degree has University has threatened to remove cember graduations should proceed has risen steadily from 15% to 22% over risen from 11% in 2005/6 to 19% last year. 25% of the salary of any member of as planned, despite UCU claims that staff participating in the boycott, which ‘thousands of submitted essays are now members of staff are seeing as a puni- stalled’. tive measure’. The University statement concluded, Victoria’s Secret In a statement, a University spokes- ‘We are monitoring the impact of the person said, ‘Any decision on pay de- action closely and will intervene as nec- duction will be informed by the impact essary to protect student interests and to petition goes global of the industrial action on the work of maintain our reputation for high stand- the University, in particular its impact on ards in student education’. students. We are keeping the position under review, but we hope that we won’t David Miller case closed in Thailand

suffered drowning. It is thought Metropolitan Police officers were concerned about the verification of DNA evidence of suspects and allega- © Frances Black tions of mistreatment. A Metropolitan Police report said, ‘De- Abla Klaa international medias such as France24 © YEP News Editor tectives from the UK who are currently and US Today. Emily Willson in Thailand reviewing the investigation A campaign led by three Leeds stu- In an update to the petition site, the into the murders of Hannah Witheridge dents against Victoria’s Secret’s contro- students wrote, ‘Victoria’s Secret have British detectives investigating the mur- and David Miller have completed their versial advert ‘The Perfect Body’ has at- changed the wording on their website der of Leeds student David Miller and work, as far as possible.’ tracted global media recognition since its from ‘The Perfect ‘Body’’ to ‘A Body For friend Hannah Witheridge in Thailand ‘They will now be returning to the UK to start up last month. Every Body’. This is amazing news! We are to return to the UK, having complet- compile their findings. The police team Students Frances Black, Gabriella were not notified by Victoria’s Secret or ed their work ‘as far as possible’. wish to thank the Thai authorities for Kountourides and Laura Ferris formed the press about this, we found it out our- Police flew out last month following facilitating the visit’. a petition calling on the world’s leading selves.’ concerns about Thai authorities’ han- Two Burmese migrant workers allegedly lingerie brand ‘to apologise and take re- Despite this, Victoria’s Secret have dling of the case. confessed to the killings, although Thai sponsibility for its unhealthy and damag- not contacted the students or issued an David Miller, a Civil Engineering student police have denied rumours that the ing message’. The petition has success- apology. Frances Black said, ‘We find this at the University, and Ms Witheridge men have since withdrawn their confes- fully amassed over 32,000 signatures disappointing and (personally) I think it’s were found dead on the Thai island of sions. They could face the death penalty worldwide since. rather shameful and embarrassing of VS Koh Tao in September. A post-mortem if found guilty. The campaign’s success has drawn to not engage with a topic that has had examination found they had died from Officers will now compile a report into much attention to debates around wom- so much world wide press coverage and head wounds, with Mr Miller also having their review of the case. en’s image and gained coverage from support’.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK News 5 Sex attack suspect Trolleybus could ‘make revealed on CCTV dangerous’ Emily Willson provide a quieter alternative to other Charlotte Mason forms of transport. News Editor However, Leeds Cycling Campaign told the recent inquiry, ‘Not all cyclists The Union has agreed to support con- will be happy sharing their space with cerns that the trolleybus scheme ‘could NGT, which will be a very quiet articu- make cycling in Leeds dangerous’. lated vehicle’. A Better Union forum last month The Campaign added that the trolley- pledged to back opposition from the bus may block an access lane to Moor- Leeds Cycling Campaign on the grounds land Road and Woodhouse Moor, with that the project does not take cyclists’ students cycling to and from University needs into account. A public inquiry into required to use an alternative route for the proposed £250m trolley bus scheme turning manoeuvres. ended this fortnight. spokesperson Col- ©WYP Speaking to The Gryphon, the Un- in Dickson told this newspaper, ‘Where Charlotte Mason to a serious sexual assault. ion’s Community Officer George Bradley cyclists will share lane with NGT and/ News Editor Detective Constable Tony Thewlis explained, ‘If the scheme is put in place, or buses, the lanes are designed to be of Leeds District CID, said, ‘We urgently the Leeds Cycling campaign thinks that at least 4.2m wide. This width is suffi- An investigation has been launched need to identify these men and I would cycling sharing a bus lane would be more cient to allow vehicles to overtake cyclists into the serious sexual assault of a stu- urge anyone who recognises them to con- dangerous than what’s currently in place’. without passing into other lanes’. dent who was targeted after a night-out tact us immediately’. However, the Union has no official Second-year French and German stu- in the Union last Friday. A Union spokesperson said they stance on the project and will ‘lobby to dent Emily Bagshaw said, ‘As a cyclist, I Police have released CCTV images of hoped someone would recognise one of get the best deal for students’. would feel intimidated if I had to share a two men they want to trace in connection the man from his distinctive t-shirt print- If approved, a segregated roadway bus lane’. with the incident, which took place in a ed with the words ‘Brooklyn’. would be built to accommodate the to- A Union statement described the pro- house in the local area. The Union has not been able to dis- tal nine miles of track along Otley Road, ject as ‘one of the biggest changes to The 19-year-old woman had met the close further details about the incident as joining the city centre to Headingley and transport Leeds will see in coming years’. men in the Union after becoming sepa- an investigation is ongoing. leading to a park-and-ride site at Bod- The trolleybus scheme has now been rated from friends in the early hours of Officers are urging anyone with infor- ington. put forward for consideration by the Saturday morning. The three went to a mation to contact DC Thewlis at Elland Leeds City Council claims the trol- transport secretary. If approved, con- nearby house, where she was subjected Road via 101 or call Crimestoppers anon- ley-bus scheme would reduce journey struction is due to begin February 2017. ymously on 0800 555 111. times, support the local economy and Dentist investigated over student death Charlotte Mason News Editor Mr D’Mello failing to wash his hands be- the death of another woman who also tween patients, reusing disposable gloves died in August last year after visiting Mr Police are investigating whether a and failing to sterilise equipment. D’Mello’s surgery. No evidence was found Leeds graduate who died last year was A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire which related her death to the treatment the victim of a dentist now suspended for Police said, ‘We are making further en- she received there. allegedly breaching hygiene standards. quiries, on behalf of the Coroner, into A Care Quality Commission inspec- Amy Duffield died in August last the death of a woman in August 2013. tion in July, which was prompted by the

year, the same month she received treat- The 23-year-old had received treatment whistle-blower’s footage, found that Mr © Telegraph ment from Desmond D’Mello at his dental at the former Daybrook Dental Surgery D’Mello also stored equipment in a staff practice in Nottingham. earlier that month. Detectives are now toilet. for the superb care given to Amy by Around 22,000 former patients of Mr working to establish if there are any links The report said, ‘This posed a risk the NHS in the last days of her life. They D’Mello have been advised to take blood between the death and the dental treat- of these items coming into contact with did their very best to save her, but it tests for HIV and hepatitis because the ment she received’. body fluids which may be contaminated. wasn’t to be. We will of course be inter- alleged lack of hygiene may put them at Former Leeds student Amy Duffield This risk had not been identified by staff ested in the findings of the investigation, risk of infection. It is said to be the big- was admitted to hospital with flu-like at the dental surgery and no action had whatever the outcome, but it won’t bring gest NHS patient recall in history. symptoms and heart palpitations in Au- been taken to minimise it’. Amy back’. The General Dental Council is look- gust 2013. She later died of viral acute Questions are now being asked as to Desmond D’Mello has been suspended ing into claims by a whistle-blower who myocarditis. why authorities took four months to act for 18 months while a full investigation secretly recorded apparent medical mal- Amy had recently graduated in Inter- on the inspection’s findings. takes places into the allegations. practice. The footage is believed to show national Relations from the University. In a statement, Amy’s mother Sharon Police have conducted enquiries into said, ‘I have nothing but admiration

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 6 News

12th NovemberJasm20ine An14dersson © Memorial Service for Trisha Lad

Students gathered in memory of Trisha Lad, second-year Biochemistry stu- dent at Leeds who died tragically last month. The service in the Union foyer was led by Leeds University Chaplain Rev’d Kim Chan. ©Sam Broadley

Breaking down the stories that matter. The Digest.

©theguardian ©HuffingtonPost ©Radio Sweden ©nydailynews

Life for pupil who murdered teacher Arrests made over plot to kill Queen Cameron backs EU referendum plan Kidnapping of students lead to riots

Sixteen-year-old Will Cornick has Four men have been arrested for in- Prime Minister David Cameron has Members of a drug gang responsi- been handed a life sentence for the volvement in an alleged terror plot to kill pledged to continue with plans for an EU ble for the kidnapping of 43 students in murder of his teacher Ann Maguire in the Queen. Officers believed the men referendum, rejecting claims that a vote Iguala, Mexico have allegedly admitted Leeds. The student admitted stabbing planned to attack the 88-year-old mon- would harm the UK economy. At a recent to killing dozens of students ,according her seven times in the back and neck arch on Remembrance Sunday when she conference, Cameron announced plans to to reports. Outrage has erupted across at Corpus Christi Catholic College in appeared at the Albert Hall. Last Friday, secure investment in the British economy, the country following allegations of the April. The court heard that the teen- counter-terror police detained the men, despite fears a referendum would be bad town’s Mayor Jose Luis Abarca links to ager, who was 15 at the time, killed aged between 19 and 27. for business. He also said he would tight- organized crime. Mrs Maguire before returning to his The conspiracy was reportedly uncov- en immigration controls. It is feared that It is believed that four Leeds stu- seat and commenting, ‘good times’. ered following suspicions raised during the prospect of a referendum could deter dents are currently on their year abroad He must serve at least twenty years routine surveillance. Earlier this month, companies from seeking to expand. Both in Mexico.. The University told The in prison. The judge chose to waive senior MPs and police officers said there Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Gryphon, ‘We are in contact with the Cornick’s previous right to anonymity was likely to be increased security at the Labour leader Ed Miliband argued that institutions and will, of course, be in due to his age, stating that it was in Remembrance Sunday commemorations the UK would be better off remaining in direct contact with our students should the public interest for his identity to be amidst fears of a terror attack on British the European Union. A referendum is due the situation develop further.’ revealed. soil. to take place in 2017.

Emily Willson Emily Willson Emily Willson Abla Klaa

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK News 7 Lecturer to MP: ‘It’s been at the back of my mind for a long time’ The Gryphon spoke to Pharmacology lecturer, Dr Steve Clapcote who is campaigning to become MP for Shipley

©Charlotte Mason

Hugh Baillie-Lane and we helped on the successful Wirral vote on scientific issues such as fracking showed that if there’s an issue that south by-election. The party after was without having any prior knowledge and really engages people, then different age Why are you running to be an so exhilarating that I kind of caught science is entering public debate a lot groups get involved and they’ll vote. MP? the bug! Apart from a five-year break more, especially around health. I’d also working in Canada, I’ve been a Labour speak up for more money for research, What do you think are the It’s been in the back of my mind member since I was fifteen. I’m running especially in the north. main issues facing students at the for a long time. Having been interested for Shipley because I know it reasonably moment? in politics since a young age, it’s not well, and I feel that it’s quite a winnable “The parties often tend necessarily a big change for me. People seat. If I don’t get elected, I think I would to have very conventional At the moment, it’s not clear what may be surprised but I think as a probably want to stand again in 2020. ways of doing things Labour’s policy is. Ed Miliband has lecturer, you have to be comfortable that... it can all be quite talked about a graduate tax but there’s talking to a big room of people and What do your students think boring” no official announcement. The Lib Dems being the centre of attention so I think about you running? promised they would scrap tuition fees there are some skills that I can transfer What do you make of the current and they’ve gone up so they’ve lost their to being a politician. People entering I don’t think many of them know relationship between politics and credibility. I would say that you cannot Parliament are getting younger and yet! I hope they’d be please that students? trust the Lib Dems as they let you down younger so if I’m going to do it, then I someone in a relatively normal job last time though. should go for it this time and see what is running, as far as being a science People aren’t really members of happens! lecturer can be classed as a normal job! I political parties any more, not in the How are you planning to attract feel that you don’t need to be a solicitor numbers they used to be. It’s tended voters? “I want a fair society or a trade unionist or labour party to become the people who are really where there’s an equal official to become an MP. interested in politics who still join, I’d ask them what kind of country opportunity for people to rather than becoming a normal thing they want to live in - do you want fair get on in life, no matter How will your background in that a lot of people do. I think part taxes and investment in public services what their background is” science help you as an MP? of it is the parties often tend to have or do you want to live in a country very conventional ways of doing things where there are tax cuts for the richest It depends on whether I get elected! that aren’t all attractive to people. It and cuts in public services? I want Do you have any experience in But during the campaign, I will focus can all be quite boring. When I was a a fair society where there’s an equal politics? on the NHS and how it shouldn’t face student, there was political apathy and it opportunity for people to get on in life, further privatisation. If I entered certainly wasn’t cool to be a member of no matter what their background is. When I was at Liverpool University, Parliament, I would focus a lot on a mainstream political party like Labour. I was a member of Labour students science. I think a lot of MPs have to However, the Scottish referendum

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 8 Features Zwarte Piet: Santa’s Dutch, Black Slaves The Dutch national holiday Sinterklaas is now under international scrutiny. St Nicholas, an old white saint who hands out presents, has a servant by the name of Zwarte Piet. Despite obvious connotations with the slave trade, many traditionalists are striving to keep the character alive. The Gryphon examines the controversy of ‘Black Pete’ in a multicultural Netherlands.

Loren Snel hate, we have seen that in the past,’ said Shepherd. placed on the National Inventory Intellectual Cultural 2014 seems to have gone down as the most suc- Heritage. ‘We want to prove Black Pete is not a stere-

For many Dutch Antillean or Surinamese people, the cessful year for the Black Pete opposition. Official plans otype in its current form,’ said a spokesperson of the Dutch holiday of St Nicholas can be problematic. As have been made to change Black Pete’s skin into a Dutch Centre of Culture and Intellectual Heritage, ‘Plac- every school, retailer, and television channel indulges in variety of bright colours, and to modify his subservi- ing it on the Inventory is a supporting argument to us’. the festivities, you will find St Nicholas and Black Pete ent character as well as the lyrics of some traditional An argument put forward by lawyer Jan Visser in everywhere. Any parents or children wishing to avoid Sinterklaas songs. Yet ignorance, or whatever other newspaper de Volkskrant stated that the Black Pete the tradition, wishing to escape it, will surely fail. forces are at work, does indeed seem to be feeding debate is encouraging racism rather than fighting it. Black Pete features heavily in the ‘Entry of St hate. Many Dutch people object to the ‘slander’ of their ‘If Black Pete were prohibited“ , it would make sense for Nicholas’, a festival occuring in Mid November, which tradition. ‘It knows such a long history after all,’ said an the vast majority of Dutch people who have no prob- features Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) and his various older woman to Een Vandaag upon hearing that the lem whatsoever with the tradition to once again turn Petes arriving into town on a boat, and then parading Dutch supermarket Albert Heijn would remove Black against the Dutch people of colour,’ said Visser, a state- through the streets giving candy to children. The entry Pete from their television ment which insulted of St Nicholas’ signifies the day he arrives by boat from adverts, ‘People from out- Dutch ethnic minori- Spain together with his Black Petes. Every Black Pete side shouldn’t be bothered Ignorance feeds hate, we have ties, and ignored the has a certain ‘characteristic’, with Petes such as Presents by it.’ many of them who Pete, Finding The Way Pete, and Reading Pete. According to a survey seen that in the past do not find Black Pete Dutch author Robert Vuijsje told newspaper Trouw by Een Vandaag in which offensive. Visser said about how he asked his only black primary school 28,000 people participated, it would mean no classmate whether he had been called Black Pete and 83% of the Dutch are opposed to changing Black Pete’s Dutch person would be able to look at a Surinamese what he thought about the festival of St Nicholas. The looks. For many Dutch people“, Black Pete has nothing person and not think of how they ‘ruined the party’. answer was negative. ‘I was bullied at school,’ said to do with racism, and is instead a beloved children’s Vuijsje compares the Black Pete struggle with an a participant in a Black Pete survey performed by character. ‘Why would you remove such a piece of unhealthy relationship. ‘A wife asking her husband to news service Een Vandaag, ‘I was called Black Pete cultural heritage?’ asks one woman to Een Vandaag. stop doing something because it hurts, and her hus- and slave. No one showed any understanding when I To fight its removal, the festival of St Nicholas has been band answers by saying “What I do is not hurting you objected.’ Comedian Quinsy Gario also mentioned on his Tumblr about his mother being greeted at work with ‘we wondered where our Black Pete was hiding’. It is these remarks and incidents that makes the festival of St Nicholas not a holiday but a horror to many.Gario was a salient instigator of the anti-Black Pete cam- paigns that sparked the current national debate. Accusations regarding the holiday’s racist charac- ter and reference to the Dutch slave trade are however not new. In 1982, as a response to the addition of red lips and golden earrings to the look of Black Pete, the Dutch Surinam community began campaigning for a Sinterklaas celebration without reference to slavery. In 2011, Gario demonstrated against the holiday during the entry of St Nicholas in Dordrecht, wearing a t-shirt reading ‘Zwarte Pete is Racisme’ (Black Pete is rac- ism). His campaign attracted many followers, including Dutch celebrities, with many of them now wearing his t-shirt. Black Pete was also met with an international slat- ing. Last year, UN officer Verene Sheperd labelled the tradition as a return to slavery. A UN investigation into the nature of the holiday in July of this year deemed the festival of St Nicholas racist, outdated, and recom- mended that Dutch education had to actively pursue Tumblr: Zwarte Piet Is Racisme © teaching the Dutch colonial history. ‘Ignorance feeds Quinsy Gario and Kno’ledge Cesare wearing a T-shirt with ‘Zwarte Piet is racism’

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Features 9 A Brief History of Zwarte Piet Teacher Jan Schenkman (1806-1863) creates Black 1850 Pete, a black young man and squire-like assistant of St Nicholas. Before this time, St Nicholas was celebrated without him.

Black Pete is now being referred to as Peter and 1859 looks older.

Initially Black Pete is not portrayed as child friendly. 1885 He owns a birch rod and threatens to stuff naughty children in his gunny sack.

St Nicholas still has only one squire. Black Pete still 1930 owns a rod, but also hands out candy to children. He does not have an afro nor golden earrings.

During the first official entry of St Nicholas, six Spanish nobleman and six Black Petes are present on the steamship. In reality, the Black Pete men are Surinamese sailors from another ship in the same 1934 harbour. The story goes that they were cold and asked St Nicholas whether they could join in on the entry. Ever since St Nicholas has had multiple Black Petes.

Mid-twentieth century, Black Pete‘s angry dis- position disappears and he gradually becomes a child-lover. Scaring children was considered irre- 1949 sponsible from an educational point of view. Black Pete becomes a funny and happy servant. He own a gunny sack, but is filled with candy. Some of them now have afros.

Wikimedia Commons © In the 80s, Black Pete’s way of dressing becomes more vibrant. Some of them wear golden earrings

and red lipstick. The Dutch-Surinam community

and I don’t care what you think of it, I Popular Dutch website Geen Stijl wrote 1982 will continue”’; an analogy that seems an article titled ‘Of Course Black Pete criticise the celebrations for its ‘racist characteristics’. apt in light of other Dutch racial issues. is Racism’, and many Dutch journalists The community starts campaigning for a St Nicho-

When the Dutch version of chocolate and politicians have openly supported las celebration without Black Pete.

marshmallows known as Negerzoenen change. The official entry of St Nicholas (negro kisses) was rebranded Kisses. in Gouda will feature both Cheese and St Nicholas now owns a huge number of Black “ Many “ Cookie Petes. Petes. A lot of them have their own separate tasks. objected, Vuijsje is 2004 There is a Buying Pete, a Warehouse Pete, a Wrap- saying I was bullied at school. I was hopeful and ping Pete, a Show the way Pete and a Head Pete. there was believes that Their looks remain the same. no offense called Black Pete and slave. the Dutch in an old people are at Comedian Quinsy Gario demonstrates against the what he considers racist character of Black Pete confection- No one showed any under- the brink of a 2011 ary name. monumental during the entry of St Nicholas in the town of Dor- When standing when I objected turn in Dutch drecht. Dutch “ history. ‘For glossy the first time, VN-researcher Verene Sheperd calls Black Pete magazine Jackie described pop star Ri- white Dutch people realise they live in 2013 racist. Because of this, the Black Petes do not wear hanna’s style as ‘Niggabitch’, the formal a country with fellow countrymen who golden earrings anymore, as they would refer to the apology stated that it had been ‘a bad come from a different background, who slave trade. joke’ and that the magazine had meant have different opinions and feelings and no harm. look at things in a completely different The mayor of Amsterdam announces more changes Luckily, a growing 13% of main- way.’ After talking to his former class- to the look of Black Pete. A quarter of them will ly young and highly educated Dutch mate, Vuijsje realised that it was not the 2014 be white with soot-stained cheeks. His subservient people understand the offence and way he experienced certain things that character changes; he will be a ‘CEO’ to St Nicho- would like to make a change to the matters, but the way that black people las. During the entry in Gouda there will be eight Cheese- and Cookie Petes. appearance of the Black Pete character. do.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 10 Features We meat again: vague-etarianism Editor Jasmine Andersson talks returning to meat after seven years of being a staunch veggie

‘And you’re going to do it for the rest of ond in slaughterhouses around the world. Although it can veer into the anecdo- myself with a chicken salad meal deal your life?’ asked my friend. These figures do not even include fish tal, it is worth noting the social pressures in my hands three times during the fiery and other sea creatures whose deaths of opting to be just that little bit ‘funny’. torrents of campaigning. I never once ‘What?’ I said, slightly baffled. are so great they are only measured Adam Richardson of 8 Out Of Te n Cats made it to the till. The sentiment alone in tonnes. These statistics alone would fame once said, ‘Yeah I’m a vegetarian. was enough. ‘You’re going to be a vegetarian for the make the most hardened carnivore curl People don’t like it. Do you know why? Once these sentiments were consoli- rest of your life?’ he said. up in a ball, never mind a character who Because people think that being moral is dated with graduate life, I found myself cries at some of the more petty thefts a way of saying that you’re better than entering a zone in which consistency of ‘I hope so. That’s all I can hope for, isn’t displayed on Crimewatch. Although I felt them.’ Every single day, without fail, any kind was a mere byline in an old it?’ powerless in the face of such a system- someone had something to say about a yearbook. As friends come and go, cities atic operation of brutality, I was assured decision that was made by me, for me. change, and the people you love move The rest of my life seemed like a very that at least I was doing my part in say- Endless ‘jokes’ became echo chambers away, an arduous transitional process long time. is made that means that sometimes, you Stoic and assured that giving just have to be a little up meat was the right option for bit less hard on your- a multitude of reasons, the entire self. Lost in the gulf of journey began on a less moralis- the process known as tic note. When my Head of Year ‘growing up’, testing the wielded a notepad to collate yet waters became an affair another meal list for the prom, he of self-affirmation; a started asking if I had any ‘funny’ quest to track down dietary requirements. Funny sat what pieces of yourself oddly with me. Spending my teen really are relevant. life as an awkward and gangly So, if you ask me individual operating in a sports whether I’m going to college with the worst GCSE PE eat meat for the rest grade the school had ever had, of my life, the answer laughs came my way more often is uncertain as the one than most. It was with that in above. Attaching our- mind that I decided to be abso- selves to an ideology is lutely hilarious and inform him an impressive feat that that I was a vegetarian. takes courage and con- In reality, there were several viction, and we should valid reasons to stop eating meat. aim to support what we The SSiimmppsosons © As someone who would never be believe is right. However,

prepared to slaughter an innocent sometimes it is okay to creature, it was somewhat hypocritical ing no to something that was so oddly of eyeball rolling, passing my ear, never test the waters. Humans are humans, not

of me to purchase beef mince in a nicely status-quo. to be processed. ‘Ethical reasons’ became bastions of ideology. This period, that

packaged tray without thinking of the Midnight visits to the fridge were not a precursor to an essay for every keen made. Drunken kebab stopouts were not passerby who wanted to know a little

my thing. Gelatine was a dour note on a bit more about the person who said no I slowly began to sweet packet, and even certain tooth- to the bacon, regardless of my apparent I had an existen- “ pastes had to be avoided. Everything and social behaviours that said there couldn’t “ ascertain that being “ anything contained an element of meat. be anything less I wanted to talk about. tial crisis when an Relatives would buy me leather satchels The end came in an effete combo: a vegetarian itself for Christmas. I had an existential crisis exhaustion, popular opinion and exis- ex-boyfriend bought wasn’t exhausting - when an ex-boyfriend bought me my tential apathy. I am incredibly irritat- “ first pair of Dr Martens. Others would ed by the fact that I was an anaemic “me my first pair of forget to mention goose-fat swimming vegetarian. Every single time I informed it was the attitudes potatoes that they were feeding me, and someone that I was tired -- and I spent Dr Martens one friend thought it would be hilarious seven years of my life being tired -- I that came with it to throw a piece of meat at me every felt that biology had reigned triumphant, time we went in for our weekly Subway claiming me for instincts that my sickly lunch. I slowly began to ascertain that constitution failed to properly handle. I’m living in, right now, is just made that consequences. Over 56 billion farmed being a vegetarian itself wasn’t exhaust- After taking the most perverted graduate little bit easier through the presence of animals are killed every year by humans. ing - it was the attitudes that came with option available and campaigning to be bacon and chorizo wrapped dates. More than 3,000 animals die every sec- it. Editor of this beloved newspaper, I found

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Comment 11 Comment Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Dapper Laughs Marking boycott US midterm elections Samuel Lewis looks at why Eleanor Pugh discusses why Dapper Rod Ardehali on how the marking Daniel Levy investigates what the alcoholic mothers should be given Laughs represents the growing UK boycott should stir up our support, midterm elections will mean for help, not a prison sentence ‘lad’ culture not resentment Obama’s government Alcoholic mothers need help, not prison

Samuel Lewis Cinema and Photography [email protected]

he responsibility of a mother for her unborn child seems to be an undisputed fact in ourTsociety, and, recently, a question has been posed as to whether the mother of a child born with Foetal Alcohol Syn- drome (FAS) can be punished by law for excessive alcohol intake whilst pregnant. The child in the case is now aged seven and living with a foster family, and the mother accused of a ‘crime of violence’ in court, for drinking up to ‘half a bottle of Vodka and eight cans of strong lager a day’ whilst pregnant. The idea that ‘if you drink, your baby drinks’ is extremely emotive. The amount of alcohol consumed by the mother in this case is certainly shock- ing. However, building a legal case to prosecute her for her actions is not pro- sponsible for her own actions, and also help the baby before it is born, the sug- mean for abortion laws? If we can pros- ductive - the mother had for a long time the safety of her unborn child, then by gested solution to this in this case is to ecute a person for having a disease like suffered from alcoholism, something we drinking and harming her baby, she criminalise drinking whilst pregnant- if alcoholism, do we then have grounds to accept as a disease, an addiction. This has, in effect, failed. this were so, we are essentially accept- prosecute someone for becoming preg- on its own is generally looked upon with However, it is arguable that she can- ing a dual responsibility for unborn foe- nant who has a different disease? sympathy and compassion, and is also not be attributed full responsibility for tuses between the state and the parent, Of course this is merely conjecture, generally thought that the addict is ulti- her actions if she was suffering from al- with the judgement of the state able to but in a society where we consider mately only hurting themselves. This is coholism. This, then, raises the question: override the judgement of the mother. addiction to be beyond an individuals rarely the case. who exactly is responsible? This is why bringing the law into control, it seems draconian to prosecute Alcohol is, of course, a drug, and The foetus itself has no legal rights this matter is so complex, messy and, someone for it. Certainly, this case high- dependence upon it should not be as it cannot survive independently of ultimately, not the answer. Of course it lights that something has gone terribly viewed any differently to any other form the mother. Once the baby is born, how- is evocative to demand justice for the wrong, but it is not with the justice sys- of drug addiction. In this instance, sym- ever, it gains legal status as a person. A child, and to assure that no child needs tem. pathy is being drawn away from the to be born with FAS. It is another thing More needs to be done for people mother, who normally would be seen as Alcohol is, of course, a drug, to suggest that pregnant women have with any form of addiction, and treat- a victim, due to the fact that she was and dependence on it should different and diminished rights to other ing them as criminals does not help. pregnant. not be viewed any differently people; rights that can be so easily over- It is terrible that the child now has to The responsibility that society attrib- ruled by the state. live with FAS and the developmental utes to mothers for their own child, par- to any other form of drug It would seem backwards and un- issues that brings. Rather than devolve ticularly when in the womb, is thought addiction necessarily punitive to prosecute some- into knee-jerks of prosecution after the of as a sort of common sense. It seems “ one for being an alcoholic in any other damage is done, more time and money beyond doubt that the pregnant mother baby can be taken away from an alco- circumstance. This case seems to give ought to be invested with health work- is ultimately responsible for the child’s holic mother’s care, but a foetus cannot rise to a snowball of consequences. If ers and councils to help people with se- well-being- this appears to be the basis be removed from an alcoholic mother’s we can prosecute for harm done to a rious addiction, so that this kind of case of the prosecution. If the mother is re- womb“”. As the state has no power to child before it is born, what does that never occurs again. ” THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 12 Comment Dapper gets no Laughs at all Elli Pugh triviality of entertainment justify the “She must be on the blob”. Most shock- his influence onto our screens. I do not History intimidation of women? Dapper Laughs ingly, some of these vile comments deny that it is still a victory. The sheer [email protected] has previously been filmed shouting have racked up hundreds of likes, and amount of support in favour of the ax- n Monday 10th November, “are you moist?” and “get your gash support has even spilled over into day- ing proves this is not a small minority ITV released a statement out” to female strangers on the street. to-day life. When Cardiff University of people without a sense of humour, announcing the axing of ‘On He has also stated that “she’s gagging student Vicky Chandler petitioned to but a genuine public outcry big enough theOPull’, the show created by and star- for a rape”, to a member of the audience cancel Dapper Laughs’ performance at to sway the decision of a body such as ring ‘comedian’ Dapper Laughs - real at a stand-up show. her SU, she was recognised on the street ITV. But the victory is small. ITV still name Daniel O’Reilly. Yet despite the For anyone wanting to view the sex- by men who shouted phrases such as made the decision to broadcast misog- numerous triumphant proclamations ist abuse that Dapper Laughs encour- “are you moist?” at her. ynistic ‘comedy’, and such broadcasting posted across a variety of social media, ages, look on Facebook or Twitter at As for resistance, the mass an- still influences and encourages the lad- the axing does not actually mark any the responses by his supporters to those ti-Dapper support is the only form of dish culture that is disgustingly fester- major successful development. It is in- who are arguing the same line that any hope we have against ‘laddism’. As well ing in the UK. stead signifies the mere removal of one intelligent human being would. A se- as Vicky Chandler’s successful petition, So thank you Dapper Laughs. Thank single output of the ‘lad culture’ Britain lection ranges from “Just another fem- 44 comedians have signed an open let- you ITV. Thank you for contributing is alarmingly openly accepting. inist student” and “Dappa is the man. ter branding Dapper “entirely sexist”. yet another openly misogynistic form We have to question why our socie- Think you skets wanna calm down”, to In addition, over 68,000 people signed of encouragement to a society that al- ty is so open to sexist, degrading forms the more crude comments of “Fuck her the petition to remove Dapper Laughs ready degrades women to humourless of intimidation; the reason lies behind right in the pussy dapper mate” and from the platform allowing him to emit walking vaginas in the name of ‘ban- the guise of ‘banter’, a term thrown ter’. I am in quite a desperate state of about between ‘lads’ as a means to of- hopefulness that the mass response to fend each other, and everyone else, for the issue has sparked an anti-misog- that matter. This is why the flip side ynistic revolution, so the next time a of the Dapper Laughs debate baffles sexist fool attempts to gain some lime- me: it simply stretches no further than light from devaluing one half of the sheer, narrow-minded idiocy. His inno- world’s population, such attempts will cence apparently lies behind the excuse be quickly quashed. of comedy. Yet why should the mere Supporting boycott is supporting security game of ‘What Do I Need For a 2.1?’ will through avant-garde interactive teaching. degree. Rod Ardehali become even more clouded. So whose side should we be on? Well And that’s exactly what our degree Politics UUK intend to make significant it doesn’t take a big leap of logic to real- is - world class. The QS World Univer- [email protected] changes to the pension scheme which ac- ise that most academics aren’t in it for the sity Rankings places Leeds in the Top cording to the UCU (University and Col- money. As someone who previously spent 100 globally. We didn’t get that place by As we reach the middle of term and lege Union), will lead to “the loss of thou- a short amount of time at a ‘newer’ univer- having a top quality gym or by serving a those bitter, cold Leeds nights greet us sands of pounds every year”- changes that sity, whose lecturers could be described at range of local ales in Old Bar. We got there again, students everywhere are already have been described as “devastating”. One best as lacklustre, here at Leeds we have on the strength of the research our aca- fully immersed in essays, exams and the lecturer, who asked to remain anonymous, at our disposal academics at the forefront demics produce in their respective fields. new John Lewis Christmas advert. This stated that he hoped the action “stresses of their fields, with students at the fore- Take that away and our global standing hectic time of year means that many may the seriousness of the situation we find front of their concerns. is weakened. Without satisfied staff, the not have heard of a significant dispute ourselves in”. The University staff I’ve met are hard- entire institution of the University ceases being fought between vice-chancellor Sir In response, a student wide email from working, engaging and passionate about to function as well. Alan Langlands and Leeds University ac- their subject. That may not be the case Maybe I’m naive but I don’t believe ademics over a proposed change to their It probably isn’t the most for you, but it has been the case for me academics would stop doing a part of pension scheme. glamorous job in the world, and many others across my programme. their job unless they felt they had no Academics from Leeds have now but that doesn’t mean they It probably isn’t the most glamorous job, other choice. Whilst our Vice Chancellor joined York, Sheffield and Imperial don’t deserve security and not every lecturer has the Brian Cox received a reported salary of £313,000 amongst other ‘pre-92’ universities in in- ‘star’ quality to make the primetime TV in 2010/11, plus a 5.1 per cent increase in itiating a university wide boycott which crossover, but that doesn’t mean they don’t salary this year alone, it’s fair to say not will directly affect the whole student pop- “Vivien Jones, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for deserve security. To initiate such drastic everyone is feeling the squeeze. So while ulous. Lecturers are keen to stress that this Student Education, stated that she was actions offer a clear indication that our it would be easy to direct our anger at our is a boycott and not a strike. While lec- “extremely disappointed that the UCU has lecturers have been backed into a corner, tutors, we need to offer them our collective tures and seminars will continue as usu- decided to take industrial action”. ” and ultimately it is our responsibility to of- support. The sooner they get the security al, members of the union will now cease And so here we are - stuck in the fer them our support. If paying 9k a year they deserve, the sooner we can get back marking or setting assignments until the middle. The sole bargaining chip of pan- for our studies was bad enough, then just to complaining about their harsh marking dispute is resolved. The knock on effect is icked professors. We have unions and imagine if the standard of teaching then and early office hours. that midterms and submitted assessments vice-chancellors locked in battle, as if try- dropped too - leaving us deep in debt but will not be marked, and that familiar ing to demonstrate modern Marxist theory without the justification of a world class

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Comment 13 US elections mark new instability

farm girl who could be counted on to for their pragmatism or bipartisanship But having said all of that, all Daniel Levy slash away Washington’s excesses. once elected. the above pales in comparison to the Middle EasEastern StStuuddiieess anandd PoPolliittiiccss The star of this election, Ms. Ernst For President Obama, the priority ongoing debate over the possibility of [email protected] was until recently a virtually unknown should not be on pushing through new sending a second Clinton to the White State Senator in Iowa. How she will rise reforms but protecting and entrenching House. Although as of now unan- he inevitable has happened: to the challenge of Federal representa- those that are already in place. The nounced, Hillary’s presidential ambitions in his final midterm election tion remains to be seen. She could be Supreme Court will be crucial for this. certainly exist. Once they are an- President Obama was reduced another Ted Cruz: a reactionary whose Although somewhat conservatively nounced, then this round of speculation to laTme duck status as the GOP took knee-jerk response to any new proposed inclined, the current Roberts Court has can end and a new one will begin: this the Senate and added to their majority administration spending is righteous hardly been a major hindrance for social time, will she be able to capture the in the House of Representatives. These fury and filibustering. Alternatively, her reforms such as Obama and a widening White House? results are not unexpected but a fun- unique combination of skills and life acceptance of gay marriage. As long as damental question still stand: how will experience could feed into the Senate’s a liberal Associate Justice does not leave America be governed with a Democrat business with President Obama ensuring their office, then the current balance of in the White House and Republican that both her constituents in Iowa and power there is unlikely to change. The Congress? America as a whole benefit from any use of executive orders to circumvent a For the most part we can expect new legislation. It should not be forgot- hostile Congress are also a possibility, America to look much as it did during ten though that Ms. Ernst was backed and can be expected to become more George W. Bush’s final years in office for by the Tea Party movement, whose common in the next two years than the next two years: politically stagnant candidates are not exactly well known much of the previous six. and unproductive. Then and now the US’ economy was on shaky ground, the incumbent president’s foreign policy was wildly unpopular and Congress was dominated by the opposition. Although new Majority Leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell, was quick to reach across the aisle and assure President Obama of his willingness to promote bipartisanship in the upper chamber, this is unlikely to achieve much of real substance. At 72, Mc- Connell is a wise elder whose voice is likely to be drowned out by the younger upstarts within his party. Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul have been constant thorns in the Obama administration’s side and there is no reason to suggest that they will cease being so. Both may have presidential ambitions for 2016, and although neither have formally an- nounced their intentions to run, the extra publicity generated by noisy anti-ad- ministration grandstanding can hardly be of harm. Likely to join them is Iowa’s new Senator: Joni Ernst. An antidote to the commons.wikimedia.org GOP’s alleged “war on women”, Ms. Ernst ran on the platform of being a Midwest Frances Black ©

1 in 3 68,000 69 women report drinking people signed the Senate seats lost by the when pregnant petition to have Dapper Democrats since coming Laughs’ show axed to power in 2008

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Debate 14 Debate Is societyfinally standing againststreetharassment? Theissue of street harassmenthas returned to themedia’sattention with aseriesofYouTube videos chronicalling women’s experiencesindifferent cities.Responses have beenmixed,some calling forchangeand others statingthatcatcalling is a‘compliment’.Sodowestill have along waytogo, or is society really beginning to take astand againststreetharassment?

Illustration: DannyWilson Yes Eleanor Healing rememberthe firsttimemyfriends feminine beauty.Today,noadvertlike whostill claim thatstreetharassmentis worldand is still nother faultorrespon- and Iwerecatcalled on thestreet. thatwould surviveonour screens. The merelyintendedto‘compliment’ women, sibility.The recent YouTube videos show- We were walkinghomeinour numberofcomplaintsfromanincreas- andthatmisogynyisabig,laddyjoke ingwomen’s experiencesinNew York and schoIol uniformswhenalorry driver ingyattentive andengaged audience show amarkedsocietaldiffer- honked hishornloudlyatus. wouldensureitwas removedassoonasit Thefactthatviolence and ence betweencertain cities. This experience wasterrifying, but hadbeenaired. harassmentagainst women is We must celebate thefact thatwom- what wasinspiring wasthe fact thatmy Thereisstill alongway to go,the beingmet with such an outcry is a en arefinallyfreetowalk some streets male friend walkingwithusshoutedand fact thatviolence andharassmentagainst positive change. withoutharassment, butnot ignore the cursed afterthe driver,demandingto women is being metwithsuchoutcry is a places inwhich women aremostatrisk. know howtheydaretreat hisfriends that positive change. So-called comedian Dap- If we cancreate acultureasadverse to way. perLaughshas hadhis ITVshowcan- rather thanblatant misogyny. street harassmentasNew Zealand, then Since then,I’veseencountless men celledafter complaints aboutrapeapol- “Ther eisstill much work to be done. we candrive forthe same attitudeselse- andwomen standupfor each other, and ogy, anditisbecomingthe norm nowto Theviolence thatcan ensuewhena whereinthe world. themselves, when facedwithstreethar- speakout againstmisogyny, rather than womandares to turn aman down,or Women arestill catcalled on thestreet assment. Thematterisdebatedonna- make excuses forit. standuptoher harassersissymptomatic everyday,but thanks to achangeinour tional TV when we wouldhaveonce cast Women arenow being taught to stand of acultureofaggressiont”hat‘innocent’ attitudesand thedrive forbetter treat- themattertoone side anddisregarded it. againststreetharassment, when years catcalling perpetuates. mentofwomen,the wholecultureof As recently as the1980s,adverts per- agotheywould have beentoldto‘take Women have beenmurderedfor re- street harassmentisbecomingcomplete- petuatedamyththatbeing whistled at it as acompliment’.Men arealsobeing fusing theadvancesofmen,meaning ly unacceptable, rather thansomething on thestreetwas theultimate compli- recruitedasalliesinthis, andmanygive many will live in fear of being catcalled. to ‘shrug off’. mentfor awoman, asignthatyou had theirvoiceswillingly. Awoman’sexperience with harassment succeeded in becoming thepinaccle of However, we must notignorethose oftendepends on whereshe livesinthe

No BeckyShortt atcalling hasbeeninthe news ingher role in society well enough –she is ship.Why wouldyou want to make JeanneMarie Ryan waspunched in the this week afteravideo docu- notbeing attractive, available, andcheer- friends with astranger whoispurposeful- face seventimes fortrying to stopaman mentingawoman’s experience fullyableto‘take acompliment’. ly ignoring you? gropingher. of Cstreet harassmentonasingleday in If it isn’tabout power, whydomen of- SteveSatagati, theauthorof‘Code of Women areconditioned to be cau- NewYorkwentviral. tenget so aggressivewhenwomen reject Honour’ and‘TheMANual’ triedtoclaim tiousofmaleattention because younever Numerousnewsshows andwebsites them?Inthe video, thewomanignores a this week thatwomen wouldn’t mind if all know when apolite‘no’could lead to ver- have posed thequestionofwhether it’s a mantelling herthatshe’s being “acknowl- of thecompliments came from attractive balorphysicalintimidationand abuse. form of sexual harassmentorifwomen edged forbeing beautiful” andistold“you men,and thatifwomen felt intimidated There’satimeand aplace forcompli- reallyenjoy gettingpositiveattention on should saythank youmore’” by catcalling then they should carrya ments.Obviously it canbenice to be told, thestreets. gun. politelyand by someoneyou know,that Many have triedtoclaim thatwhen In Detroitthisyear,a Others have alsotaken thefact that youlooknice today. Butbeing told it by they commentonawoman’sappearance, womanrejectedaman’s request women oftenpolitelysmile at peoplewho randompeopleinthe street,often in an they aresimplytrying to be nice.Maybe forher phonenumber. As aresult, approach them to be proofthatwom- aggressive or sexual way, reinforces the some are. Nonetheless, they areplaying he shotherr.. en reallylikecatcalling.But in asociety feeling thatwomen arethere to be looked intoasocialnormwhich objectifiesand wherewomen canbeattackedoreven at,not appreciatedaspeople. oftenintimidateswomen. It’s notenough to have your personal killedfor rejectingmen’s advances, isit As JessicaWilliamsarguedonThe Catcalling is notabout compliments, appearance anddemeanourcommented anysurprisethatwomen sometimesfeign DailyShow,‘sincegoing to work is not it is aboutexpressing power. If tellinga on“by at ota lstranger when you’re just appreciation? aperformance,we’re notlooking forap- womantosmile is just arandomact of mindingyourown business –you have In Detroitthisyear, awomancalled plause’. kindness,why don’tmen do it to other to be gratefulfor it too. At anotherpoint, Mary Spears rejected aman’s requestfor men? What it really is to tellawomanto aman asks herifthey“cant be friends… herphone number. As aresult, he shot smileistotellher thatshe is notperform- nothing?”. Butitclearly is”n’tabout friend- her. In Oxford last year astudent named

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Crossword 15 Current Affairs crossword The week’s affairs in black and white squares

As glamourous as ever, just follow the clues below

ACROSS:

2. Convicted rapist at centre of footballing controversy

5. Retailer which released its much-awaited Christmas ad this week

6. European Arrest - MPs furious over deal to vote on this

8. David Moyes’ new football club

9. Inquest into this 1989 tragedy reached its 100th day this week

10. Former Newsnight Economics editor who ranted about banks

DOWN:

1. Comet landing robot

3. Controversial comedian axed by ITV

4. Bared (nearly) all this week for cover of Paper magazine

7. Jazz musician whose funeral was held this week

Last issue’s answers are available online

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 16 Science Space tourism: a magnifying glass on the growing inequality inflicting society

© Business InsInsider

Evan Canwell far. After the accident, 20 of the 700 of gases which contribute to climate a decision not taken lightly. However it ticket holders cancelled their flights but change so the introduction of another is a decision that will ultimately benefit Last week saw the tragic crash of there is still high demand with a waiting fuel-hungry, greenhouse gas emitting the human race; the world would be a Virgin Galactic test plane SpaceShipTwo, list boasting the likes of Brad Pitt, Ange- form of transport can’t be defended from different place if the pioneers of flight a commercial vehicle designed to fly lina Jolie, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga. an environmental standpoint. had cancelled the development of the passengers to the edge of space. The Looking at Virgin Galactic’s star-studded Since the incident, Richard Branson aeroplane because they saw it as a form plane broke up over the Mojave Desert waiting list of the super-rich begs the has pledged to find the cause of the of transport that was too risky. Perse- when the aerobrake system activated too question: could space tourism become a crash and remains dedicated to carrying vering with the development of projects early, killing co-pilot Michael Alsbury social divider? on the progress towards viable space like Virgin Galactic brings humanity ever and seriously injuring the pilot, Peter Sie- The ticket price alone is enough to flights. This endeavour has already closer to the prospect of exploration of bold. Th e Gryphon honours the memory ensure that only those with a high level claimed the life of one pilot and seri- the stars and other worlds – a pertinent of Michael Alsbury by taking a closer of disposable income can afford one. ously injured another, therefore this is journey for the future generations of our look at the space tourism industry, wish- Of course, the cost of space travel will planet. ing Peter Siebold a healthy recovery. decrease with time, but unfortunately ‘Space tourism’ is a modern term, space flights still - and always will - coined to assist ambitious companies require a hefty amount of fuel, meaning with future plans to offer commercial there is a limit to how far those costs can flights into Earth’s orbit for a hefty fee. fall. There are several companies such as Consider the recent blockbuster Boeing, XCOR Aerospace and SpaceX ‘Elysium’, which saw the upper echelons currently working on space tourism of society living high above the Earth in projects, but Virgin Galactic remains the a Utopian space environment with the most famous. rest of the population left behind on the Virgin Galactic is a British commer- surface of the planet. While this situa- cial spaceflight company within the Vir- tion was exaggerated for the purposes gin Group, founded in 2004 by Richard of Hollywood, it now doesn’t seem so Branson and Burt Rutan. The company far-fetched to claim that space above hopes to provide suborbital spaceflights our planet is in danger of becoming the to space tourists, suborbital launches private playground of a very select few, for space science missions, and orbital living (literally and figuratively) above launches of small satellites. While the and beyond the rest of society. idea behind viable space flight is an ad- Virgin Galactic has also drawn atten- mirable one, it is hard to be as supportive tion from environmental agencies which when viewed from a social perspective. criticise the implications of space flights Virgin Galactic tickets cost up to regularly burning up large amounts of £150,000, with the company having rocket fuel in the atmosphere. Aero- collected over £50 million in deposits so planes already produce large amounts SpaceShipTwo Flight Plan

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Science 17 Botox: All fill and no thrill Philae Probe Landing Hilary Robinson absorbed into the neurone. Once it reduction of these changes in the facial has entered the neurone, it cleaves a muscles may possibly dampen the Cosmetic surgery is a very hot protein known as SNAP-25, which feelings of emotion. Plastic surgeons topic in the news at the moment normally enables vesicles to release the would argue that this is a good thing – – whether it concerns the almost neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This the lack of ability to frown will reduce unrecognisable Renee Zellweger, Kyle neurotransmitter would usually diffuse feelings of disappointment or depression. Jenner’s ever expanding lips or Kim across the cleft, bind to post synaptic This theory can be extended to Kardashian’s infamous rear-end. Most receptors, and stimulate contraction suggest that ‘Botoxed’ individuals may articles superficially focus on the moral of the muscles. The cutting of SNAP- struggle to empathise. Empathy is © ESA dilemmas implicated with surgery – i.e. 25 prevents acetylcholine release, and often considered to be displayed by two The surface of the comet, seen from Philae these celebrities are supposedly among therefore prevents muscle contraction. people’s micro expressions mimicking Alice Hargreaves Jones the most beautiful and successful people However, it has recently been one another: these are our brief, Science Editor in the world, but are still made to feel as acknowledged that – whilst many say involuntary expressions which show our though they aren’t quite good enough in Botox increases their confidence in their unconscious emotions. The mimicry On Wednesday humanity made the public eye, resulting in undergoing appearance – certain unconsidered carried out by the listener stimulates history as Philae landed on the painful (and sometimes risky) procedures psychological effects may occur. In a signal to feel similar emotions to the surface of comet 67P. to feel confident. However, the science 1884, William James and Carl Lange teller of the story, allowing empathy. The robot probe is now stable behind the procedures, and the scientific derived the theory that ‘motion is A recent study carried out by Drs. and sending pictures, however there implications, are rarely touched upon. emotion’. Common sense suggests that David Neal and Ta nya Chartrand for remains concerns about its battery Botox, as of 2013, is the most the physical display of our moods (e.g. Social Psychological and Personality life. popular cosmetic procedure worldwide. smiling, frowning, crying) is a result of Science compared the identification Upon landing, the solar-powered It is derived from the neurotoxin our emotion. For example, if we see a of emotions by an experimental probe bounced around 1km back Botulinum, produced by the bacteria wild bear we feel afraid, so our heartbeat group (16 recent Botox patients) and a into space before settling back Clostridium botulinum. There are 7 rises and we look scared. control group (individuals who had not on the surface of the comet. types of botulinum toxins produced: However, James and Lange suggest undergone Botox). This occurred by the Unfortunately, this landing was 1km A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Despite the that these events occur in a different viewing of 36 different photographs, from its intended target site, sitting toxin being lethal, minute quantities of order: we see a bear, our heart rate rises, and the selection of the emotion being in the shadow of a cliff. several different types of toxins (Type A: our face looks scared, and it is this that conveyed by the photograph, out of four Philae arrived at the icy comet Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, and type tells our brain that we should feel afraid. options. On average, the experimental on the back of Esa’s Rosetta B: MyoBlock) can be used cosmetically. Scientifically, an external stimulus evokes group got 70% of answers correct, whilst satellite after a 10-year, 6.4 billion- The toxins are used to paralyse the a physiological response, which causes the control group got 77%. Whilst this km (4bn-mile) journey, which muscles in an individual’s face, reducing you to feel an appropriate emotion. is not an overwhelming difference, reached its climax on Wednesday the appearance of wrinkles. Whilst the theory has been criticised it does support the idea that Botox afternoon (GMT) with a seven-hour The facial paralysation occurs many times, it is extremely difficult to impairs emotion recognition, which this drop to the surface. due to the injection of Botox into disprove. study generalised through the ability to Pictures taken by Philae show it the neuromuscular synaptic cleft How does this theory link to Botox? empathise. is pressed up against some form of (the extracellular space between two Well, if the feeling of emotion is caused a hard wall. The telemetry received neurons), where the neurotoxin is by physiological changes, then the from the probe indicated it is sat on a slope, or perhaps even on its side. Certainly, one of its three feet isn’t in contact with the surface. Due to it’s current position, the probe is receiving around 1.5 hours of illumination per 12-hour rotation of the comet. It is believed Philae will not have sufficient battery power to operate in its present state beyond Saturday. Team engineers are now examining methods to re-orientate the robot to gain maximum light exposure, however the current priority is to acquire as much information as possible about the comet. Regardless of what happens in the next few days, the mission is already assured of its place in ©The SuSuggaarrHHuubb history.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 18 Sport England fall short in autumn international James Candler possessed more than a subtle whiff of the game away from England, as their very highest level. This week certainly Rugby Union a double movement. Despite Courtney aggressive rush defence was penetrated promises to be exciting for rugby Lawes being subbed due to concussion with frustrating ease. fans, as Scotland look to build upon In some respects it was a weekend halfway through the first half England Despite this, England demonstrated Saturday’s impressive performance of unexpected upsets and in others remained physical for the remainder of encouraging resurgence, grinding out by testing themselves against the All one of ‘same old same old’ as the 2014 the half and were able to maintain an a penalty try in the dying moments of Blacks and Wales will no doubt wish autumn internationals kicked off last impressive physicality which saw them a match which had, until then, seen to end a period of Southern hemisphere Saturday. hold a 14-11 lead at half time. England as the worryingly ill-disciplined woe by beating a dangerous Fijian side. Whilst Ireland and Scotland were Following a promising start the side. However, perhaps most tantalisingly able to upset the odds with impressive second half seemed all too familiar for The mood to adopt it seems, is both England and will wins against South Africa and England fans as New Zealand tore the one of cautious optimism; England both be hoping to put their defeats respectively, both Wales’ defence to shreds just five minutes into appear to be very nearly ‘there’ and behind them in what is sure to be a southern hemisphere frustration and the second stanza, leading to a well certainly capable of competing at the bruising, breath-taking encounter. England’s ensuing battle to once again worked try from man of the match, beat the All Blacks continued. Richie McCaw, who continued to prove England began strongly, with their his invaluable worth as the game aggressive rush defence right from the progressed. off acting as a statement of intent for The uncanny resemblance to past the rest of the match and a blistering England defeats against the All Blacks try from wing Johnny May with only was added to by some poor positional five minutes on the clock. These kicking from Danny Care, who despite positive displays were shortly followed undeniable pace and tenacity, was by another attacking threat in the somewhat agreeably substituted for ninth minute, which failed when Mike with 20 minutes to play. Brown failed to take a fine pass from an After an unexploited 10 minute sin- impressive looking Kyle Eastmond. bin period, which saw New Zealand New Zealand made the most of their dominate possession and territory, let off as Aaron Cruden was somewhat Charlie Faumuina scored a pivotal try dubiously awarded a try, which in the 71st minute and seemingly took © Marquez eases to MotoGP championship Tom King his winter crash. No one foresaw that leaving the rest of the field struggling to Valentino Rossi, a record 18 years after MotoGP this pace would continue for as long keep him in sight. his first win in 1996. A poor decision to as it did. By the end of Round 10 in A fourth place in Brno ended the stay out on dry tyres at Aragon when Sunday’s race at Valencia was Indianapolis, Marquez had achieved an young Spaniard’s historic winning streak rain began to fall highlighted his relative the final round of the 2014 MotoGP astonishing 10 consecutive race victories, however, and with the realisation that inexperience in premier class racing, championship season, and what a eight of these starting from Marquez was, in fact, a mortal after despite his successes. season it has been for 21-year old Marc pole position, and all, he lost the psychological Second place in Japan was enough Marquez, who secured victory three edge that he had over his for Marquez to secure the title for a weeks ago in Japan. competitors. second consecutive season with three Back at the start of the year A crash in San races remaining, and his victory at doubts were raised as to Marino handed the the final round in Valencia was the whether Marquez could race victory to end of an incredible year for a young retain the title he won MotoGP racer who looks to dominate the sport in his rookie year in legend for many years to come. Other racers 2013, especially when finished the season strongly, with the he broke his right leg in 35 year old veteran Rossi finishing a crash six weeks before second in the championship with 295 the season started. This points to Marquez’s 362. To put this into meant that he had virtually perspective, Rossi won the championship no time to test the new Repsol in 2004 with just 304 points, which Honda machine he would be goes some way to explain the riding. consistency he has achieved. These doubts were soon put Next year will be a season to to one side however; with a pole watch, with riders knowing they position and race victory in the first will have to push themselves to the race in Qatar, it was clear that Marquez very limit in order to beat the young had lost none of his blistering pace from Spanish sensation.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Sport 19 Non-League sides provide FA Cup shocks Nancy Gillen Other highlights of the round no stranger to an FA Cup run of course, through to the second round of the cup Football included Conference North side after reaching the third round back include City - who came from Worcester City beating Coventry City in 2008/09 after victories over both behind to secure their place against The FA Cup returned last weekend of League One 2-1, the team that had Shrewsbury and Bournemouth and rivals Halifax - Scunthorpe with the prospect of some potentially previously won the competition in even went as far as the fifth round United, Chesterfield, Colchester, famous shocks. 1987. Coventry manager Steven back in the 1970s. Gateshead and Wrexham. Maidstone Whilst the modern, corporate game Pressley described the defeat League Two team Portsmouth, United and Stevenage will play again can leave some fans feeling cold, as ‘one of the worst in the who lifted the trophy in after a 0-0 draw, with the same score the first round of fixtures provided club’s history.’ 2008, were nine minutes line in the Notts County and Accrington supporters with moments of true FA Blyth Spartans from from suffering an upset Stanley match also producing a replay. Cup magic, the Northern Premier against Conference club The draw for the second round The weekend’s opener produced League, the 7th tier Aldershot before Danny has produced some tough fixtures for a classic shock, as non-league of English football, Hollands managed to nod the lower league teams. Underdogs Warrington (the lowest-ranked team in also made it into the home an equaliser to Warrington and Worcester face the competition) beat Exeter, a team second round after force a replay and Gateshead and Scunthorpe United 100 places above them. If that wasn’t comfortably beating spare the blushes of respectively, both away from home. enough to reignite a sceptic’s love of cup Conference side the Portsmouth Their fans can only hope for even more football, the scorer of the winning goal Altrincham 4-1. players. thrills and surprises, the type of which also works as a plasterer. The Spartans are Other teams you can only get in the FA Cup. All Blacks hunting Four Nations glory Peter White getting carried away after just scraping record try haul to 24 in just of the world now turns to Rugby League past England last weekend. 23 appearances, while an the final between the two highest ranked Despite some commanding exciting, explosive brand teams in the sport. New Zealand skipper The rugby league season comes performances in their three games, there of rugby has been present Thomas Leuluai is set to miss out with to a close on Saturday with defending is no place for Steve McNamara’s men throughout the campaign. a shoulder injury and will be replaced champions Australia and their arch-rivals in Wellington. After their controversial With some exciting talent by in the side’s only change, New Zealand facing a bruising encounter defeat to Australia earlier this month such as while Australia coach Tim Sheens in search for the 2014 Four Nations title. in which a last-gasp Ryan Hall try was and has stuck with the XIII that thumped New Zealand enter the final stage cruelly ruled out, they pushed New coming through the Samoa 44-18 last Sunday. While a unbeaten in their three games so far Zealand all the way last Saturday but fell ranks, England’s breath-taking in the competition and they will be just short despite a late flurry. future certainly match is confident that they can claim their McNamara has since vented his looks bright. anticipated, it is second Four Nations trophy after they frustration about coming so close to While our hoped that the comfortably beat the Kangaroos 30-12 in glory, but throughout the tournament boys prepare game befits the Brisbane at the end of October. However, there have been vastly encouraging signs for the long occasion that will the Kiwis will be wary of the world about this young England side. Leeds journey home, mark the last rugby champions and will certainly not be Rhinos winger Ryan Hall extended his the attention league action of 2014. England looking to past Slovenian test Daniel Nixon pre-match build up has once again a blink of an eye. There may also be a two home games against Norway and Football concentrated on the condition of the start for new boy Saido Berahino. The San Marino, FA officials claim a crowd Wembley pitch. Last week’s American Baggie has been in supreme form of over 80,000 will be present this time Having cruised through their group football match seems to have left this season and after having scored out, a statement that seems hard to so far, England play host to a high flying the field in an unacceptable state. seven goals so far this year, he has believe after the disappointment of the Slovenia side on Saturday. England coach Roy Hodgson has truly earned his England summer’s World Cup. Perhaps the top- Following their victory over expressed his disagreement with the call-up. In fact, so far of-the-table clash is just too tempting Switzerland last month, the Slovenians timing of the game and has stated this season the for the country’s population. pose potentially the greatest threat to that he is angered by FA officials. England head into the match as England’s hopes of clinching top spot. However, if England can’t strong favourites as they look to keep They sit a rosy second in group E with roll the Slovenian team young starlet has their handsome qualification run six points - three behind England. The over comfortably at home, scored more goals than alive, within which they have not yet Three Lions, however, will certainly be something is surely significantly Rooney, Danny Welbeck conceded. A win would see the home hoping for a victory that would take worse than the condition of the pitch. and Rickie Lambert side sit six points clear at the top of their record in the campaign to four Captain Wayne Rooney is set to combined. group E, which even at this early stage wins on the trot make his 100th cap for England - After disappointing would all but seal qualification to the Despite the importance of the game, something which has flown round in attendances at the last 2016 European Championships.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 20 Sport Snowriders shine in season opener

then went on to qualify for the final of the slopestyle. Day two kicked off with the giant slalom. Again, Leeds’ skiers produced some great results with Finnerty and Jake Hauser progressing to the finals of the big air. In the ski dual slaloms, the second team were knocked out quickly by a very strong team who eventually made it to the top four. Leeds’ first team made it all the way to the final eight, but were knocked out by Manchester in a hard fought and very close race. Both teams are showing huge potential for the rest of the year with several big race competitions coming up. Wastelandski © The close of the competition on Saturday night saw some big results Andrew Ness Championships proved to be the most Amy Young, Emily Pocock, Pete Wyatt, from the freestyle team. Hauser finished Leeds Snowriders successful competition in the club’s Chris Rushton and Simon Venn in the 11th in the big air, Cosway finished 10th recent history, with the squad taking individual slalom events. The team’s in the slopestyle and Finnerty ran away Last weekend 40 Leeds Snowriders home more BUCS points from this one first success came in the board team from the competition to take home gold made the journey up to event than they have done in the last slalom, where Leeds claimed fourth in both competitions. for the British University Dry Slope five years combined. place following good work from Gillian This great performance demonstrates Championships (BUDS), the first Friday saw strong performances from Finnerty, Ben Cosway, Jake Hauser and that things are looking really good this national competition of the year. The Chris Debonnaire, Lucy Plenderleith, Rowan Hargreaves. Finnerty and Cosway year for both the racers and freestylers. Try something new with Adam LeRoux

In a week that puts sport into approach - as I was said to have your opponent’s momentum thinking you now finish off the attacker, perspective, as thoughts turn to those - you won’t be as effective as if back by pushing their head but Krav isn’t like your other martial who died in battle to protect their you strike your attacker more back by the nose. arts where you try to defeat your country rather than the celebrity icons accurately. From there you opponent with violence. The aim is, in we look up to today, I tested my arm at Although it tests you may be instructor James Walker’s own words, ‘to Krav Maga. physically, it’s worth it, and it really make a bad situation less bad’. So after Krav Maga in itself offers up a new makes you think about scenarios the quick fire moves stun your opponent perspective to sport; whereas some you may face when you aren’t in you can scarper, because you never sports might be joyous in celebration of the comfort of a sports hall in know if your attacker has a weapon or victory and others may be great as part The Edge. Learning to escape mates lurking round the corner. of a team, Krav offers something more a headlock was another Compared to other sports I’ve - Krav has the ability to save your life. challenge in the tried, there is a huge feeling With 810 crimes reported within session, something of accomplishment after Hyde Park and Headingley in September that could happen completing a Krav Maga alone, skills picked up in Krav sessions to anyone after session. Not only had I tested could well be what saves you if you a few too many myself physically and gained ever have to deal with an attack. Jägerbombs fitness, it was confidence The art of self-defence is something in Fruity or an boosting knowing you can everybody should do given the chance, argument with a protect yourself if there was as the manoeuvres learnt will stay with neighbour. Within four ever a situation that required you for life. easy steps you’ve escaped the it. If you get the chance, get Take the first drill as an example; a headlock and can get yourself yourself along to a session simple exercise hitting pads it may look out of the situation; a turn of the on Thursday nights 8-9pm like, but learning to position yourself head to stop the choke, turn of the at The Edge, I couldn’t effectively to catch your opponent off- body to stop the attacker moving, recommend it enough. guard makes it a more testing practice. a hit to the crown jewels to loosen If you go in with the ‘gunslinger’ their grip and finish off by pushing Got a sport for Adam? Email [email protected]

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK Sport 21 Leeds’ fightback squashes Bristol’s hopes

Sara Merchant On court two Charlotte Humfrey Women’s Squash fought well in her match with Rachael Leeds Uni 1s 3-2 Bristol 1s Hamp, despite losing 3-0. Hamp was a strong and accurate player, and Humfrey Wednesday at the Gryphon Centre battled well with some close rallies. Next, saw the women’s squash 1s play their Joelle Fry had a similar match with her most important match of the season opponent Kimran Bajwa. Fry played some so far against the University of Bristol strong and well-placed shots but Bajwa to determine whether they would be was also playing well, moving Joelle placed in the top or bottom half of the around the court and leading Bristol to a Premiership division. Some fantastic win which gave them a 2-1 advantage. squash saw Leeds narrowly beat their The atmosphere was tense as Leeds’ opponents 3-2, meaning that they number 1 Sam Ward went on court with are now ranked as one of the top four the team 2-1 down and number 2 Jess university squash teams nationally. Watson being held 1-1 in a close battle. Anna Davies kicked off the day with Watson held the pressure brilliantly - her Sam BBrrooaaddlleeyy © her 1st team debut against Sophia Keen volley boasts and precise drives put her Sam Broadley © and her strong serve took her to an easy opponent Katie Lloyd under stress and 11-0 win in the first game. She continued despite losing the third game, she fought Sam Ward to bring home a Leeds win. now find themselves in the top half of to play with precision, dictating the match back tirelessly to win the fourth and fifth Ward played confidently, taking control of the Premiership division. This was a great and achieving two more quick wins 11-2 games to take the overall score to 2-2. the T and achieving a well-deserved 3-0 result and a truly fantastic performance and 11-0 respectively. It was now all down to team captain win. This meant that Leeds won 3-2 and from all five players. Cup heartache at hands of arch rivals Kayley Dickinson the form that they had shown in the on 65 minutes through a superb lob each other, with neither side willing to Women’s Football opening periods of the match. over Beckett’s keeper from the edge of give up. Early on in extra time, Beckett Leeds Uni 2s 2-5 Leeds Beckett 3s The Gryphons went into half-time the box. This seemed to lift Uni’s spirits scored with a superb strike from the 1-0 down, and the frustration was as they continued to push forward. edge of the box. Following this, they A thrilling local derby saw University evident amongst the players, who knew They began forcing Beckett into more adopted a more defensive formation, of Leeds 2s knocked out of the Cup by that they had been the better team in mistakes as the match wore on, and which paid off as Uni’s chances were Leeds Beckett 3s after extra time. the opening half. The beginning of the took advantage of one of these on the limited. The game continued to be end- Uni dominated the opening 20 second half mirrored the end of the first 75th minute to draw level. to-end, but Beckett were now in the minutes of the game, but couldn’t as Beckett came out firing, looking to Following this, Uni were the better ascendancy and scored two late goals to convert any of their chances. They went extend their lead, and they duly did so team and had several opportunities put the game beyond a wonderful Uni on to rue this as Beckett then opened on 50 minutes. Uni keeper and captain to put the game to bed. They failed team. Captain Gaby Noe spoke after the scoring ten minutes later with a Gaby Noe pulled off some wonderful to capitalise however, and a thrilling the match of how proud her players had goal that came completely against the saves to keep her side in the game, and game went to extra time. At this point, made her feel from start to finish; this run of play. Uni heads consequently the rest of the team seemed inspired by the fatigue of both teams was evident, sense of pride was fully justified by the dropped and they struggled to regain her performance. They got a goal back but they continued to battle hard for performance. BUCS review: Strong week for Gryphons Adam LeRoux mustered a victory in the league this year compounded their misery. girls were superior in every single area of they came away from Humberside with a Things couldn’t be more different the pitch as they eased to victory. This week saw many cup fixtures for well-earned 3-2 victory. for the netball 2s, as they added to their Attention now turns to next week the Uni sides, with mixed success across In the league, the men’s badminton 1s three game winning streak in the league and the men’s volleyball side will be the board. are still searching for their first win of the by thrashing Salford 1s 62-24 in the looking to continue their unbeaten start The rugby union 4s made the most season after defeat to Liverpool 1s which cup. Strong shooting performances by to the season at home to Newcastle, of their weak opposition by strolling to leaves them rooted to the bottom of the Clare Steele and Sarah Hayne saw the whilst the men’s fencing team will also a 60-10 victory against a poor Leeds table. Gryphons ease comfortably into the next be looking to remain undefeated in a Trinity side. A more difficult fixture The women’s lacrosse 1s are finding round. tough clash with Liverpool 2s. Match of was in store for the hockey 2s as they life similarly difficult after promotion to The performance of the week has to the week has to be the Varsity rematch travelled to Hull to face their first team, the Premier North division this year and go to the netball 5s after an amazing in the rugby union as the Gryphons look and although the Gryphons haven’t an 18-1 defeat to league leaders Durham 85-0 victory against Teesside 3s; the to avenge their defeat at Headingley.

THEGRYPHON.CO.UK 22 Sport Leeds meet their match in netball Charlotte Stones confusing Manchester’s defence. court was a risky strategy for Leeds, loss for Leeds, who looked like a well Netball Determination and high quality netball as they pushed closer to Manchester’s put-together team, remaining focused Leeds Uni 1s 31-47 Manchester 1s put Leeds ahead at half time with a attacking third. Manchester began to on their own performances despite score of 20-18. Falling just short of a look stronger and stronger and mistakes aggressive play from their opponents. The University of Leeds netball 1s win has been Leeds’ downfall in recent from the Gryphons gave them several The side must now take these positives fell short against a tough Manchester weeks, yet another close score left chances to break away, bringing a final into their next match at home to side in a game that could have gone everything to play for. score of 47-31. Loughborough 1s as they look to get either way. Leeds got off to a strong start in The result proved an unlucky their season back on track. A high scoring match was on the the third quarter with goal cards from the off after Manchester’s shooter Crosbie scoring in high speed saw the ball travel straight the opening minute. Clever through to the semicircle and into the passing in the semicircle net within the opening seconds of the between Crosbie and goal game. Leeds came straight back with attack Horridge avoided the three goals, unfazed by the intimidating issue of Manchester’s height height of their opponents’ defence. advantage, with expertly Patience proved a successful technique timed passes bringing for Leeds, winning them valuable space further goals. on court. However, stern Manchester Returning to the court pressure left little chance for goal for the final quarter, neither defence Gray and goal keeper Potter team was ready to give as Manchester scored six goals in the up. Leeds showed their closing minutes of the first quarter. fitness as they kept up with Leeds came out fighting at the an unusually fast-paced start of the second quarter and started game set by Manchester, to focus properly. The Gryphons but it was to their credit once again used their patience to that they slowed the game their advantage, with dummy passes when in possession of the and long balls across the semi-circle ball. Playing high up the Anne Wyman © Sunderland seen off in cup clash

Nancy Gillen victory against all of his opponents and This topped off a brilliant afternoon progress even further. For now, the Men’s Table Tennis the other Leeds players all managed to for the University of Leeds 2s, and it team’s attention will turn to next week’s Leeds Uni 2s 12-5 Sunderland 1s win at least one of their games, with is hoped that the team can bring that league fixture away to a competitive many notable victories in straight games performance into the next round and Salford 1s side. The Leeds 2s are through to the occurring throughout the afternoon. next round of the BUCS Northern However, despite the initial forfeit Conference Cup after recording an which set them on the back foot, impressive victory over Sunderland’s the Sunderland players did not give 1st team in the table tennis, winning up and showed real perseverance to 12 games to Sunderland’s five, and either run Uni close or win a game showing real skill in doing so. themselves and grab a point back The afternoon started off well for for their team, which they managed the Gryphons, when the Wearside several times. Nonetheless, the Leeds outfit turned up with only three players players’ superiority still shone through instead of the required four, meaning and managed to mostly overcome this that Leeds were already 4-0 up before resistance. the fixture had even started, providing The most closely-fought and the team with an extra boost of entertaining contest came right at the confidence. end in the final game, when the fixture The team of Bobby Crossley, was rounded off with a doubles match. Reza Kalantar, Harry Morris and Matt The Sunderland duo facing the Leeds Hazelwood then went on to dominate pairing of Crossley and Hazelwood put proceedings in a calm and assured way up a good fight, and were determined to to ensure their progression through to gain another point, but were beaten 3-2 the next round. Crossley powered to in the end after an excellent encounter. Sam Broadley © Sport 23 Newcastle stay unbeaten Results as Leeds suffer heavy loss

Badminton 1s (M) 3-5 Liverpool 1s Badminton 2s (M) 7-1 York 2s Badminton 3s (M) 0-8 Sheffield 2s (Cup) Badminton 1s (W) 2-6 Birmingham 1s Badminton 2s (W) 6-2 Liverpool JM 1s (Cup)

Basketball (W) 40-77 Newcastle 1s

Fencing (W) 129-122 Manchester 1s

Football 1s (M) 3-0 Sheffield 3s (Cup) Football 2s (M) 3-2 Huddersfield 1s Football 4s (M) 3-2 YSJ 2s (Plate) Football 2s (W) 2-5 (AET) Leeds Beckett 3s (Cup)

Hockey 1s (M) 0-5 Durham 1s Hockey 2s (M) 3-2 Hull 1s (Cup) Hockey 5s (M) 0-10 Northumbria 1s (Cup) Hockey 1s (W) 0-3 Durham 1s Hockey 5s (W) 3-2 MMU Cheshire 1s

Sam Lewis © Lacrosse 1s (W) 1-18 Durham 1s Lacrosse 2s (W) 17-2 York 2s (Cup) Adam LeRoux an 11-4 lead, but an exceptional three- through her. The Leeds defence were Women’s Basketball point attempt from Poppy Jenner kept understandably drawn to Robinson, Netball 1s 31-47 Manchester 1s Leeds Uni 1s 40-77 Newcastle 1s the hosts within touching distance. but her quick hands almost always Netball 2s 62-24 Salford 1s A Newcastle timeout followed, and managed to find a free teammate for a Netball 3s 46-39 Keele 1s (Cup) The women’s basketball team’s from then on they never looked back. scoring attempt. Netball 6s 85-0 Teesside 3s (Cup) promotion dreams suffered a major The Tyneside outfit were much more With the half-time score 37-19 the setback this week, after a dominant effective with the ball in their hands Gryphons weren’t completely out of it, Rugby League 1s 48-18 Liverpool JM 1s display by visitors Newcastle saw the than their opponents, springing from and a few early baskets from Sophie Gryphons fall to a 75-40 defeat. one end of the court to the other within Jordan saw the home side close the lead. Rugby Union 2s (M) 36-8 Lancaster 1s Leeds’ season had started brightly seconds. This fast-thinking approach Leeds must have been hoping the small Rugby Union 4s (M) 60-10 Leeds Trinity 1s (Cup) with two wins out of two, but defeat was ultimately what led to Leeds’ size of the Newcastle squad would work last week to Bangor and another here demise, as a hard-fought basket for in their favour as the half went on, but Squash 1s (M) 4-1 (12-6) York 1s leaves the side in third, having played a the Gryphons would be cancelled out despite only having two substitutes the Squash 2s (M) 0-3 (4-9) Leeds Beckett 2s (Cup) game more than the two teams above almost immediately. visitors pushed on throughout the third Squash 3s (M) 3-0 (9-1) Manchester Met 2s (Cup) them. Before the half-time hooter had and fourth quarter. Squash 1s (W) 3-2 (14-8) Bristol 1s (Playoff) Newcastle came into the game even sounded the deficit was already As the Gryphons got more desperate unbeaten, and it was clear to see why; 20 points, as the visitors capitalised on for points, it played right into their Table Tennis 2s (M) 12-5 Sunderland 1s (Cup) right from the off they put the pressure errors by the home side with clinical opponents’ hands, as with each missed on Leeds, sinking a three-point attempt finishing. attempt they broke and added to the Tennis 1s (M) 12-0 Chester 1s seconds after the tip-off. Within the first Newcastle were moving the ball lead. Isobel Johns was instrumental in Tennis 2s (M) 12-0 Sheffield Hallam 2s (Cup) two minutes the visitors had established superbly once they reached the top of the game plan, as her excellent close Tennis 1s (W) 8-4 Manchester 1s the key, with Kelly dribble control would time and time Tennis 2s (W) 4-8 Liverpool 1s (Cup) Stats Robinson pulling the again carve through the Leeds defence. Tennis 3s (W) 2-10 Durham 5s (Cup) Leeds Newcastle strings. To make a no- Some cheap baskets towards the look pass seem so easy end added a bit of gloss to the scoreline Volleyball (W) 3-1 Huddersfield 1st (Cup) 24 Defensive Rebounds 11 shows the immense for Newcastle, although it is hard to talent she possesses, say they didn’t deserve their win here. Waterpolo (M) 16-5 St Andrews 1s 13 Offensive Rebounds 7 and Newcastle made Leeds, meanwhile, will be looking to Waterpolo (W) 8-14 Sheffield Hallam 1s the most of her regain their early-season form and get 5/14 Free Throw Success 9/17 quality, as a lot of the their campaign back on track when play seemed to go they face Lancaster next week.

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The women's England narrowly miss Could the netball Giant killings and basketball side out on final as 1s kickstart their upsets, the FA faced a stern test the Four Nations season against a Cup never fails to when Newcastle comes to a close tough Manchester entertain came to town on Saturday side? - p. 22 - p. 19 - p. 23 - p. 19

Carlotta Grimaldi © Leeds progress after convincing Northern Conference Cup victory • Danny Cunningham continues great goalscoring form • Away trip to Bangor awaits for victorious Gryphons in last 16 Euan Cunningham goal after 31 minutes. second half could be fatal. failed to pose any serious problems to Men's Football A ball through midfield eventually fell The Gryphons started the second the Leeds defenders. Alex Davies was in Leeds Uni 1s 3-0 Sheffield 2s to Cunningham around 35 yards from half well, with the defence constantly good form at the heart of that backline, goal, with only the two centre-backs to taking the ball off the Sheffield forwards and they made sure that there were On a sunny autumn afternoon at beat. Accelerating into the penalty area, and then starting attacks, meaning the no late scares for the home side. The , Leeds football men’s 1s fought he twisted and turned past the defenders pressure was soon back on the ever-busy Gryphons were also looking good on their way past a dogged Sheffield 3s to to find a yard of space before clipping a opposition rearguard. the break, with several late substitutes progress to the next round of the Cup. very neat finish past the Sheffield goalie, It was ironic then that the vital combining with 10 minutes to go and After a cagey start, with both teams who had no chance. second goal came from a Sheffield set- setting up a late third goal. A ball across solid at the back and cautiously testing Instead of then keeping it tight in the piece. After the cross was cleared out the six-yard box caused havoc amongst each other’s midfield, Leeds gradually 15 minutes before half-time, Uni looked to a Leeds forward, a slick and pacy the Sheffield defence, and with the began to take control after around 20 keen to go and get that second goal counter-attack brought the play right to defender facing his own goal, an attempt minutes. The midfield were regularly which would surely end the game as the edge of the Sheffield box, where a at a sliding clearance went horribly spraying the ball out to the wings, and a contest. Stockdale, Cunningham and neat through-ball from Stockdale sent wrong. striker Danny Cunningham was buzzing winger Archie Christie were all taking Christie one-on-one with the keeper. Although Uni perhaps lacked around up front, causing the Sheffield the game to Sheffield, but were just A controlled, curling finish into the far the fluency up front that they have defence all sorts of problems. After two unable to produce that final pass or shot corner did the rest and made it 2-0. displayed at various other points in the thumping Mike Stockdale headers from that was needed to double the lead. Half- From here on Uni had the relatively season, Leeds were easily good enough inswinging corners which just cleared the time arrived with the score at 1-0, but simple task of seeing off a Sheffield to beat a lower-league Sheffield 3s, and bar, Uni scored that all-important first with Uni well aware that a slip-up in the attack that worked their socks off, but advance to the next round of the Cup.