FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 – Keep the Cat Free – ISSUE 1706 Felix

The Student Newspaper of Imperial College London

NEWS

In conversation with Professor Stephen Curry

PAGE 4

COMMENT

Homelessness: A Harsh Reality

PAGE 7 Tackling student debts has become a key pledge for politicians trying to secure the youth vote // Quinn Dombrowski MUSIC Augar review: what does the future hold for tuition fees?

good value for money for of accommodation and in students applying for from poorer backgrounds Joanna Wormald students and taxpayers. living costs. However, hardship funds, the uni- are less likely to pay off Bangers, bops Deputy Editor The panel, chaired by this plan would require a versity intends to halve the full amount of their Philip Augar, has also been vote in parliament to lift tuition fees for its four- student loans than their and chunes charged with looking at the £9,250 fee cap. Lec- year part-time courses. well-off peers. Lowering Suggestions include the accessibility of further turers are also reluctant to The plan to reduce fees tuition fees would not PAGE 15 lower fees and shorter and higher education, provide classes during the from £7,000 to £3,500 – for most low-earning courses. incentivising competition summer holidays, which is intended to increase graduates – make any dif- across the sector, and how would be necessary to support for part-time ference to the total amount uition fees to provide students with avoid compromising on degrees, which are popular repaid before the debt is SPORT could be cut “the skills that we need as quality and content. As among mature students written off. For graduates to £6,500 per a country”. one university leader told and those in work. The with salaries above the year as part of The universities min- the Times: “In the summer master of Birkbeck, David current £25,000 repay- Tthe latest government ister, Sam Gyimah, has holidays academics write Latchman, believes the ment threshold, however, review into higher edu- also called on universities their books. They do government would be able the amount they pay back cation. The government to provide two-year “fast- not want to spend their to subsidise the cuts at “no will reduce in line with is also urging shorter track” degrees, which summer vacations teach- – or minimal – additional tuition fees (interest rate degrees to keep overall could charge £11,150 ing undergraduates.” cost”. changes notwithstanding). costs down. per year. Overall, this Birkbeck, University As Felix has previously An analysis by The Times ICXC regains The year-long Augar works out as £5,450 of London is focusing reported, any move to suggests that low-earning review will examine cheaper than a standard on longer degrees, not lower tuition fees would graduates would save an Bannister Cup whether or not the current three year degree, as shorter ones. Following predominantly benefit average of £1 each year. funding situation provides well as saving on a year "heartbreaking" increases wealthy students. Students Cont. pg 3 PAGE 40 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX

EDITORIAL NEWS [email protected] CONTENTS EDITORIAL 2 I concede defeat Imperial students sound the alarm on fossil fuel NEWS 3-5 roducing this jaba – Felix In other news, Tuesday The Felix Team y D Ed investments POLITICS 6 week's issue of d ito sees Imperial host its An r Editor-in-Chief Felix started off first joint event with The Andy Djaba COMMENT 7 so well. So so Times. As reported in last • NEWS the climate crisis" and to the right side of history, Pwell... It was looking like week's Felix, Imperial and Deputy Editor "call out universities that removes its funding from SCIENCE 8 I might actually make it The Times have launched Joanna Wormald Andy Djaba are behind the curve on the fossil fuel industry and home in good time on a a collaboration which sees • Editor-in-Chief climate action". re-invests in our future". TECH 9 Thursday evening. Alas, staff and students receive News Editors Jeff Clark, the Presi- I must concede defeat. Joanna Wormald dent of Imperial College a year-long free digital Frank Leggett FOOD 10 After 22 years of trying, subscription to The Times • Environmental Society, “Imperial I will never beat my and Sunday Times. Tues- Politics Editors Divest Imperial joins told Felix the following: FILM 11 crippling procrastination. day's launch event, "What Avirup Banerjee universities across the "No environmental needs to take a From what was looking the Hell is Going on?" Divyen Vanniasegaram UK in protest as part issue is more pressing Juan Rubio Gorrochategui long, hard look GAMES 12-13 like the earliest I'd ever promises to be a riveting of National Day of than climate change. I am get the paper done by a affair, hosted by political • yet to hear a convincing at itself... and MUSIC 14-19 few short hours ago to satirist Matt Chorley. Uni- Comment Editors Action argument in favour of Aida Manzano Kharman me sat here frantically versities minister, Sam Charlie Titmuss continuing to fund the decide if it is ARTS 22-27 waffling once again so I Gyimah, will also be in at- • fossil fuel industry." can send the paper off to tendance and there will be Science Editors ivest Imperi- Divest Imperial has serving people LIBERATION 28-29 print only two hours after free food and drink. There Rosie Dutt al, an Imperial accused Imperial College the "print deadline". They are literally no downsides Eyad Abuelgasim College Un- of being "complicit in or profit ” C&S 32-33 should have never told me here, so come along! Henry Alman ion-affiliated this crisis for too long" the print deadline was not I've run out of things to Sânziana Foia Denvironmental campaign and is calling for Impe- HANGMAN 34-35 • a firm one. That was the Im honest, I was scepti- by the lovely journalists say now so all that's left to Tech Editor group, held an on-cam- rial to "fulfil its stated Despite over 1800 pe- first mistake. As you can cal about including the over at The Guardian and do is award Andy's section Krithika Balaji pus protest demanding purpose - working to tition signatures, manage- INVESTMENT 36 probably tell if you are Sustainability Section. they did a wonderful job of the week. This week, Haaris Asghar Imperial divests from solve humanity's greatest ment at Imperial College unfortunate enough to still One question plagued my ofhighlighting just how it's the Music section! I • fossil fuels. challenges" by ending London has previously Students occupied the Sherfield building, with chants of "no more coal, no more oil, PUZZLES 37 be reading this garbage, I mind... is it sustainable? amateurish my attempts at might be slightly biased Arts Editors The protest, which took its "uncritical support for refused to move its keep that carbon in the soil" and "divest now" // Divest Imperial don't really have anything (Pardon the awful pun, it's News articles are. but I love to see my guys Claire Chan place on Tuesday 20th climate-wrecking compa- money, claiming that, "by SPORTS 38-40 to say. Once again. late and I'm very tired). winning. Music has been Helen Money-Kyrle November, was part of the nies". The campaigners working with fossil fuel responsible for the crisis." ever more extreme forms "We're in a period of This week's issue of However, members of the awarded for putting up a Vaishnavi Gnanananthan National Day of Action wish to see "full divest- companies, Imperial helps In a statement provided of extraction incompatible ecological collapse and • Felix sees the birth of Environmental Society valiant fight against the Books Editors for Divestment. Targeting ment" of Imperial's £8.9m to solve climate change". to Felix on behalf of with the Paris Agreement global humanitarian a new Sustainability have assured me that “One day, this almost indomitable Arts universities across the fossil fuel holdings. Chris Wells, a campaigner Divest Imperial, Imperial goals". crisis, perpetuated in part Felix Office JJ Cheng Beit Quad, Prince Consort Section. This section there is a demand for section. Congratulations! • UK, including Oxford, This protest is just the at Divest Imperial, called was accused of legiti- When approached for by companies whose Road will be organised by the this amongst the student editorial will Music Editors Cambridge, Leeds, latest in a campaign of Imperial out for what he mising "climate denial, comment, Naomi Pratt, logos adorn this campus. London, SW7 2BB Environmental society body and there will be no Simran Kukran Aberdeen, Newcastle student action which has feels is hypocrisy, stating: neo-colonialism and a campaigner at Divest Imperial needs to take a Tel: 020 79548072 and aims to provide shortage of content in the be all pull Adrian LaMoury and UCL, which have a spanned four years and "As a PhD student violence" by continuing Imperial who recently long, hard look at itself Email: [email protected] news on the environment coming weeks. Henry Eshbaugh combined £600m in fossil shows no signs of abating. at Imperial working on to provide support (both gave an interview to The and its strategic relation- quote and Asad Raja felixonline.co.uk ("Going on in the world In a similar vein, this fuels, students across the Members of Divest Im- climate change, I find it financial and through re- Guardian about universi- ships, and decide if it is @feliximperial • this week"), to give a week we also reported on there's nothing Film Editors country came together to perial have promised to obscenely hypocritical search) to firms that "have ties' continued affiliation serving people or profit". Printed by Mortons Media platform for discussion a student protest held by demand our institutions "keep protesting until Im- that my university is blocked climate action for with fossil fuel compa- Group, Boston Road, Mikhail Demtchenko Horncastle, Lincolnshire and to popularise actions Divest Imperial demand- any of you can Sung Soo Moon "act on the urgency of perial College stands on funding the industry most decades" as they "pursue nies, said the following: which members of the ing Imperial divests its Aidan Chan Registered Newspaper do about it!” ISSN 1040-0711 College community can £8.9m fossil fuel holdings. • take on sustainability. If This protest was picked up Markets Editor Copyright (c) Felix 2017 Tom Alston • Food Editors Universities minister urges more fast-track degrees Eva Tadros Julia Dąbrowska NEWS year from an already over- state schools. social care services. studies. While a return to fund with a proportion of • stretched budget), caps on These considerations Still, the general feeling maintenance grants would their tuition fee income. Puzzles Editor (cont.) student numbers may be are not likely to deter stu- is that something must be put a drain on Treasury re- This could be avoided Lisa Hey reintroduced. Grants for dents. Recent years have done. If not lower tuition sources, the £500 million if universities reined in Lorenzo Silvestri Those on higher salaries disadvantaged students seen countless politicians fees, then what? cost estimated by the In- excessive spending on • could save £500 each may also be reduced, trying to win the student Sports Editor One alternative would stitute for Fiscal Studies is senior staff, which has Imraj Singh year. making higher education vote with promises about be the re-introduction of considerably less than the been well-documented Fergus Johnson Some critics suggest inaccessible for students maintaining or improving maintenance grants, rather potential cost of lowering by Felix and other media • any reduction in tuition from low-income back- the affordability of higher than loans. Almost half of tuition fees. outlets following the Head Photographer fees will actively harm grounds. As Felix wrote education. And – as cases students struggled to pay Many universities scandal of vice-chancel- Joe O'Connell-Danes students from less affluent earlier this year, Imperial of mental illness among their rent, and their mental would find ways to operate lors’ salaries. • backgrounds. is one of the worst uni- young people rise – the health suffered as a result, without a third of their The Augar review is Copy Editors If the decrease in uni- versities when it comes to prospect of graduating according to a recent Save tuition fee income. The not due to report until Rhidian Thomas versities’ incomes from recruiting students from Artur Donaldson with £50,000 of debt the Student survey. A third first cost-cutting measure early 2019 and much may Abbie Harper tuition fees is not covered lower socioeconomic exacts an incalculable of respondents also be- would likely be outreach change before then, but Isabelle Zhang by the Treasury (which backgrounds, with just cost in terms of student lieved that difficulties in schemes to disadvantaged students should not bank Shervin Sabeghi would be forced to find 63.5% of entrants in well-being and adds meeting their living costs communities, which uni- on a reduction in tuition Anand Krishnakumar an extra £3 billion each 2016/17 coming from further strain to health and adversely affected their versities are obligated to fees any time soon. Jia Tan 2 3 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX FELIX ISSUE 1706

NEWS [email protected] NEWS [email protected]

In a lot of places, aren’t really significantly are. Your A level results is and say “ok that doesn’t had my face on it! It is a that you are getting people In conversation with Professor Stephen Curry Imperial has the right different from theirs. We basically a result of your seem to be working, we’re bit odd and that is an issue in the door. You have to sentiment behind can be grateful for their innate abilities multiplied going to try something but I think there’s value, make sure that, when they existence because they by your social advantages else”. There’s an inherent at least temporarily, in are here, that they don’t what they say but it take a lot of the heat, as it or disadvantages. I think problem in any large that you have somebody feel excluded in any sense, NEWS by the institutional culture almost comes across were. We have to be very we have to recognise that organisation that people who is a white man, who that they’re not treated or review which happened as they’re paying clear-sighted and look at it’s not a matter of com- don’t know how it really is prepared to take these subject to microaggres- Andy Djaba a few years ago and was lip service to it... in our numbers and see what promising on standards. works. That’s a problem issues seriously and to sions of any sort. Things Editor-in-Chief actually triggered by an it is that we’re doing. On Increasing diversity is not of communication and it’s speak to his colleagues like that... degrade the incident that happened terms of actual things admissions for example, about saying “oh well, a problem that we need about it. One of the impor- day-to-day experience of between the Men’s and happening, there’s we know we have issues we let in a few minority to tackle. People very tant things I can do is to people who are generally Women’s rugby teams. very slow progress if with attracting certain students because it looks readily get very cynical help enable other voices from underrepresented Felix sat down with Now, in the end, although any progress is made minority groups and there good". That’s really not about “why is the univer- to be heard. I’ve been groups and that’s a hard Professor Stephen what triggered it was an is, I would say, very much the position we’re taking. sity doing this?”, “is this shocked to learn about problem to crack. We are a incident between student at all. How do you a renewed determination The strategy makes it just so we can produce a the experience of other product of a society that’s Curry, the Assistant plan to implement the Provost for Equality, societites, actually the that we’re going to have clear that there are groups nice, glossy brochure with people. From women fragmented in many ways. report focused largely "We Will" statements? to change that. of talented students out a picture of a disabled about how prevalent Everybody has a Diversity and on the culture within there that we’ve been person on the front of it or sexual harassment is in limited set of experi- Inclusion, to reflect departments and the Some of it is in the neglecting and that we’re a black member of staff?", higher education. I have ences and actually one on Imperial's Equality, working environment action plan. Some of it, “We have to not really open to and it’s "is this just PR?”. I very no experience of it what- of the great purposes of for staff here. One of the to be frank, we haven’t about recognising that, ac- much hope it’s not. I am soever but I know, from university in the modern Diversity and Inclusion things they noticed is the worked out exactly how recognise tually, they’re every bit as determined as far as I am talking to women, that it age in a big metropolitan Strategy perception of many staff we’re going to do it but good as the students that able to make sure that this is a big, hidden issue. centre like London ought is that Imperial is a highly there are certain targets that it's not come here but we’re not is about real change. Very Universities are com- to be to enable people to competitive working that we want to try and a matter of doing a good enough job much the ethos of the munities, the word uni- come together and we ith the re- environment- that’s kind achieve so we have real of recognising the talents strategy is that promoting versity means community do that. There’s a lot of cent pub- of what you’d expect action. I’m very aware compromising that they have. Now how EDI is the responsibility of students and scholars good stuff happening, it’s lication of from an institute that’s that you can write a lot of we do that is a compli- of everybody who comes and I think we have, to a not all doom and gloom. Imperial's research intensive, that is fine words in a strategy standards” cated process. Some of to work or study here. It’s degree, lost sight of that. Imperial is very interna- WEquality, Diversity and world class, that operates and nice aspirations, and it will be our admissions everybody’s responsibil- Because of the way that tional and that’s one of Inclusion (EDI) Strategy in a globally competitive I agree that in this space, processes, some of it will ity from the President to government accounta- the great things about, I and Imperial's launch market. But there was talking about EDI around We also know that be about actually going the very last undergradu- bility is now enforced, would hope, being here as of the Race Equality a sense that... what was the higher educational the reality is, we are out and doing outreach ate who’s come through universities have become a student is that actually Charter survey, Felix missing was an emphasis Stephen Curry, Imperial's Assistant Provost for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion // Imperial College London sector generally, not just losing out on talent and and showing people that our doors. It has to be more managerialist in a there is a good mix of dif- sat down with Professor on collaboration, on in the UK but across the that’s the argument that you should be aspiring about community, it has way and a bit more cor- ferent people. It’s not the Stephen Curry, for an empathy, on actually un- was changed and there are in January, which was go might say, "actually the doors to underrepresented world, people have been I would always make to Imperial College, you to be about the culture of porate, rather than a bit entire mix that we would exclusive interview. derstanding the pressures now two primary com- discussed at the strategy stuff they’re interested in minorities. If you invite an talking about these issues about striving to increase have got it in yourself. the place. We know there more communitarian and like necessarily but there that people work under mittees that oversee that. group and then it was is the stuff I’m interested MP, I kind of figured it’s a for a long time. If you diversity. We have lots There’s an issue with are many issues we have I am determined to try and is that. and the sorts of behav- There’s an EDI strategy developed and then it in" and so that becomes good way to launch it and talk to women academics, of privately educated not enough girls doing to tackle. There will be push things in the other I have a slightly funny Felix: I wanted to iours that can lead to and group, which is chaired by was discussed again at then a pull on them. show that we are really they’re incredibly frus- kids, lots of white male physics for example and endless arguments over direction. position here. I’m Assis- get your take on engender. the Provost. I sit on that the forum and then it had Over the summer it was interested in starting con- trated; we know what the students, many of whom that’s because they get this. We will not move fast tant Provost but I don’t I am really interested in but it also has the Faculty another discussion at the refined and it was also dis- versation about this and problems are to a large have had socio-economic the message early on, enough for some people. have a big team under me. the strategy for What does diversity the culture of science and Deans and there’s about strategy group in May cussed in the President’s I would like to try and extent but we don’t really advantages even if they sometimes from their We will be moving too mean to you In a way, I kind of almost Equality Diversity and how universities work and a dozen people on it, all and then a fully developed Executive groups. We got ramp up the number of see a big pace of change. didn’t go to private parents, sometimes from fast for others that... don’t see myself as being ap- Inclusion. If you could the value that they offer to quite senior. That was version was then present- a version that’s published. events that are promoting One of the difficulties is school. But there are their teachers, that “girls really understand the specifically and what pointed to a position as a give some background society. They’re supposed deliberately kept a rela- ed to the Provost’s board We’ve been rolling it out prolonging this conver- there isn’t a silver bullet many communities where don’t do physics” and different experiences that are your priorities? professional campaigner to be agents of social tively small group so that at the end of June for ap- with announcements. Chi sation and getting people that solves this. What there are lots of bright nonsense like that. But other people have. I think within the university and to it: where did it come mobility and, in a ways, it had focused discussion proval and then adoption. Onwurah came on the involved in participating we’re dealing with is a kids but, for one reason there are many other that is one of the issues Diversity is about my job is to campaign and from, the steps that they’re not really doing and executive authority. Clearly, we want to be 11th and I deliberately We now have a strat- society that has many or another, they simply areas where people get in universities - they’re recognising and valuing persuade people that this have been taken to that nearly as well as they In parallel with that, we as inclusive as possible so invited Chi because egy. There are 7 major structural inequalities don’t look to Imperial as that message and those dominated by white men. difference and the fact is important, this is why get it to the point could and should be. I’ve set up an EDI Forum and that, whoever you are, if she chairs an all party elements to it, the “We built into it and we are a a place that they would are things that we have to One of the things I want that people are different, we need to do it, there’s spent a lot of time in the that is deliberately a much you apply here and you’ve parliamentary group on Will” statements detailed product of that society. go. They don’t see other fight against. So there has to do is to make sure those bring different things to real value here and to that it’s at now and to first few months talking to more representative body got the wherewithal to diversity in STEM, which in the document. The Now, as a university, I people who look like them to be movement across other voices are heard. a university experience. negotitate that. The thing I describe the point that lots of different people at and people from all over study the courses or to is newly created this year. document also then has an would like to think that here and that puts them broad fronts, which is It’s also about us being want to really achieve is to it’s at now? all parts of the university the College, different do the research, then we She’s also an alumna of action plan and the action we were a space that actu- off and we have work to why the problem is deep You mention that much more cognisant of make sure anybody who’s to get a sense of what academic departments, want you. There’s clear this university, She was plan has owners who are ally challenged the norms do to counteract that. It’s seated, the solutions are universities are the fact that people can in a managerial position Stephen: Well the are we doing well across different administrative evidence that, if you bring a woman at Imperial; she distributed all across the of society and says, "we not College policy yet but, multidimensional and be very different from us is really invested in this. point that it’s at now is this agenda and what are departments, professors people from other back- was a black woman at College, all the way from can do better", and start personally, I would like to complex and I do hope dominated by white but have really fantastic I just want to make sure that it’s just been pub- we not doing enough and students are on it. grounds and perspectives, Imperial and she was the the President to Heads of to lead the conversation move to a situation where that the strategy gives us men. It’s kind of funny things of value to offer that everybody is talking lished. Where did it come and that was the basis of There’s lots of representa- that can help you generate only person in the room Department. Now this is in doing that. Oxford we are doing a much a framework to be more that the person in us and experiences and about these issues and from? It apparently came starting then to write the tion around the table a much more creative of those characteristics for just a piece of paper at the and Cambridge attract a better job of providing coherent and more joined charge of EDI is a perspectives and insights aware of them. Ultimately from the creation of the strategy. The strategy was there. The forum I see as approach to how you re- a lot of the time. Didn’t minute, and it was hard lot of attention because context sensitive offers up in our approach. We from their lived experi- it will be seeing a change position that I occupy. developed with lots of a representative group and search, how you teach and have a very happy time enough work to do that, let everybody’s heard of to students. I think if you are going to take various white male. ence that bring real value in number, I want to see I wrote the strategy as consultation with lots of a kind of listening post to also helps to dictate what at Imperial and is very me tell you. But the hard Oxford and Cambridge, just think about “we will steps, we’re not entirely to a university and clearly more women academics Assisant Provost for EDI different people and one basically pool information you research, what you clearly invested in this bit starts now because the so they get it in the neck take people on the basis sure that those are going You’re right, it does have every bit as much in senior positions here, and that’s a new position other thing to appreciate from ground level up. So teach. If we start asking area and had said, basi- hard bit is delivery and in the press in terms of their A level results to be the right steps to feel slightly anomalous. talent as anybody who I was to see more BME at the College. I started in is, coincident with the the forum was very much different questions then cally, that a lot of Russell that’s where we need to of numbers of women, because that’s a good take. We will remain open We produced a leaflet to conforms to the “norm” staff in senior positions October last year, so I’ve creation of this position, involved in helping to people who don’t nor- group universities simply focus now. numbers of black students measure of how good they to challenge and, if we get members of staff to view. Inclusion is really here, I want more BAME been in it just over a year. the way that the College draft it as well. I came up mally look to Imperial as aren’t doing enough yet that they have, but our are”, that’s an incomplete get things wrong, then complete the Race Equal- an important part of that students to come here. It had also been sparked oversees work on EDI with a skeleton outline a place where they might in terms of opening the numbers, I’m afraid, measure of how good they we will hold our hands up ity Charter survey and it because it’s not enough 4 5 FELIX ISSUE 1706

POLITICS [email protected] It’s been a slow week for American politics Can Gritty squeeze out six columns of content off a week where nothing happened? Or is he condemned to discuss banal details and shoehorn in bits about Brexit to pad the column? Find out now, in the latest edition of the revolutionary new column that’s got three people excited.

POLITICS questions were submitted last Tuesday, according Gritty to Trump. No news what Left Forum Chair the answers - or even the questions - were. Guess we’ll just have to wait. rit went Brit So, the probe creaks this week. further on. No new news We’ve been yet - besides the leaked so busy with Assange indictment - Gthe recent collapse of the probably so the new House UK government that US can sit, or at the very least, news seemed to have been until Whitaker recuses swept well under the rug. himselfrom the probe or This is fine by me - no is otherwise incapacitated news is good news as far (DO YOU THINK THIS as America is concerned. IS THE FIRST TIME There’s the odd morsel - I’VE CALLED FOR Ivanka Trump’s emails; POLITICAL VIOLENCE Nancy Pelosi being the IN THIS COLUMN? controversial Speaker of THINK AGAIN, PAL.) the House frontrunner; In summary, a boring Ocasio-Cortez dunking week. Very little has on people on Twitter. happened. Otherwise, the radar SURPRISE, has been quiet. Well, BITCHES. You thought hey, more time to watch this was only going to Maybot run act_human. be US news? Well, the exe - it’s impervious to Never thought this would be relevant again - this is from 2011, the last time Pelosi was Speaker. // Pete Souza Grit here is on it. Can’t satire because it couldn’t wait until Arlene Foster get more ridiculous! testify for four hours. Now not winning in districts fare - incumbent president a bar, because that’s what decides to pull the plug on Alas, this is not (yet) a that would give me some- that went for Trump; approval rating, economic it’s like to graduate from May’s life support. Can’t column about UK news. thing to talk about. In the she’s the boogeyman, the performance, and the college nowadays. Sorry, believe they’re stupid Fuck you! I’m gonna meantime, the Trumps are archetypical Limousine like - had more to do with boomers - if you fucked enough to not want funky analyze the shit out of a hypocrites and this should Liberal, come on high electoral wins than Pelosi up the economy that new rules with interacting big pile of nothing for half be a shocker to nobody. from the ivory tower to to as a figure. badly, you don’t get to with the rest of the UK - a page. If this, in fact, was a tell everyone to knock the For a brief moment, she be condescending about they could’ve been the So. Ivanka’s emails. shocker to you, I would racism off. What a bother! was challenged by Martha economics. link between the EU and Surprise! She’s been using recommend a consult Well, if Pelosi actually Fudge. Nobody can take a Here’s a good one. the UK, and made mad a private server for her with a proctologist - they adopts leftist policies, name like that seriously, Trump’s been ducking an money in the process. government business. And may be able to locate your instead of clinging to the though. She dropped interview with Mueller Unfortunately, the party is yeah, obviously, she’s in head. neolib fantasies of yes- out Tuesday after Pelosi for a year or so now, run by chucklefucks. government strictly by Okay, that’s one done teryear, she has a fighting offered her a position because obviously Trump Anyways, May is a way of nepotism, she has and dusted. Next up: chance of being decent, in Her House. Who will perjure himself the dead woman walking. no qualifications, etc etc. Pelosi. Well, turns out on a raw ideological level. would’ve seen a thing like moment he opens his My money’s on a dream That’s not the funny bit. there aren’t any good She’s also done the job that coming in politics? mouth. This is what scenario - that she tries The funny bit is that this challengers for the gavel. before; we can be assured Ah, whatever. We’ll Trump’s lawyers know, to ram her deal through is exactly what Trump was This is gonna play out of her base competence. work with what we got. what onlookers know, Parliament, resigns like shouting “Lock her up!” exactly like I don’t want. As FiveThirtyEight And we got someone and what Mueller knows. Cameron did, and we’re about - Clinton’s emails It’s not the worst - she’s points out, arguments great in Ocasio-Cortez Trump’s legal team has left with a new referen- on a private server. Hy- a competent politician, about her legislative - best Twitter feed in the been going back-and- dum or general election. pocrisy - who would’ve and fairly liberal. I mean, competency are over- House. And I guess a few forth with the investigato- No matter what, though, thought? And then she she’s occupied the post blown. It turns out - even gaffes. Who cares? I also rial team; they eventually she’s pretty fucked. has the nerve to claim that before. Chuck Schumer is back in the early Obama love watching column- settled on written ques- How’s that for insight- she didn’t know this was objectively worse. And, to years - she never really ists mansplain how the tions (because then Trump ful analysis? This is just a against policy. Fuck off. be fair to her, one of the had that much to do with economy works to her; can do what his lawyers gossip column now. Peace I say drag her in front of reasons she’s so poorly Dem performance in the she did a fucking degree say). Well, apparently, out, dudes. the House and make her liked is because she’s House. Standard polling in it, then went to work in the answers to Mueller’s 6 FELIX ISSUE 1706

COMMENT [email protected] Homelessness: a harsh reality

Ambreen Muhammed, from the Imperial Muslim Volunteer Network is aiming to raise awareness of homelessness this winter

COMMENT be ours? age of your time to think our Homeless Panel on As we enjoy the pleas- about what we can do to Tuesday 27th November Ambreen ures of this world and sit help those who can’t help in Huxley 340 at 6:15. in out cushioned lives, we themselves. Don’t get me This event is open to all Muhammed often don’t think twice wrong, I get it. We don’t and aims to explore the Imperial Muslim Volunteer about the people who are always know how to help issue of homelessness Network suffering on our streets: and honestly as students, and offer solutions to the the homeless man who we don’t always have the growing epidemic on our we rush past on our way finances to either. But the streets. To find out more into the tube station, the vision that I am proposing information on our in- he wind scratches woman whom we don’t here is bigger than that. It spiring panellists, search your face, your look twice at as we pop into is where we as students IMVN on Facebook and mouth as dry as the corner shop because volunteer our time to click going on the event parchment, the we are “so hungry” or the the homeless and give page. Tbitter cold tormenting child sitting next to the them a small part of their We really do hope to your every thought. Your bin in hopes that someone humanity back. see you there because bones moan in pain as you will drop in a half-eaten The Imperial Muslim individually we may search frantically for shel- sandwich. These are the Volunteer Network not be able to cure the ter.under a tree, behind a people who need our help, (IMVN) has a vision to problem of homelessness, dustbin, in a cardboard the people who out of increase student partici- but TOGETHER it is our box, anything that will no fault of their own are pation in volunteering for duty to chip away at this get you through the night. living a reality that they the local community and epidemic for as long as we This is just a simplified can’t escape. Yes, our time on campus. To help with need to. snapshot of the life of is spent worrying about the issue of homelessness, a homeless person. As how many lectures we we are running fortnightly Imperial students, we are have to catch up on and Homeless Drives, giving blessed to not be in this exams and lab reports, but you the chance to give position, but how often can we just give a fraction food and drink to the does it occur to us that of this time to think about homeless. In the run up this life could very easily them. Just a small percent- to this, we are holding Event Poster // IMVN

Legitimate violence?

Comment editor Charles Titmuss makes the argument that by failing to stand up to violence, you only serve to legitimise it.

account for. This varies can similarly be applied with the idea that “might based on the society in to those that take part is right,” is the way that COMMENT modern day, violence and immoral, however, given which the violence is in illegal civil disorder. the world has been run the threat of violence are that it is so crucial to the committed, for example, As long as they remain and will continue to be Charles Titmuss the fundamental under- underpinning of human in Russia and some unpunished their actions run for the foreseeable pinnings of state admin- society, the application Middle Eastern states, it is would be legitimate. future. Anyone that does Comment Editor istration, in ensuring that of the threat of and actual permissible to beat one’s The implication of the not believe that is living taxes are paid and laws violence must have some spouse and in the West it is practical legitimacy of in a fantasy. If you ever Violence, or the threat are obeyed. Many people, practical legitimacy. This highly unlikely that drone violence is that it demon- wish to live in a world of violence has been one mostly from a libertarian short opinion piece aims operators will be brought strates the need to have where that is not the case, of the governing factors of or anarchist perspective to define this practical to account for the violence the capacity to respond then you will have to be human interaction for as question the legitimacy of legitimacy. they conduct. Practically, to violence acted against prepared to fight for it. long as humans have been this violence, based on the I would argue that their violence remains oneself or the state that in existence, from the idea that it has no moral the practical legitimacy unpunished and therefore, one occupies in order to earliest social groups right legitimacy. I would not of violence is whatever by allowing the status quo deny the violence legit- through to the foundation disagree with them, in that the perpetrator of that to stand, that grants their imacy. It means that we of the modern state. In the violence is fundamentally violence is not brought to actions legitimacy. This must come face to face 7 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX

SCIENCE [email protected] Coffee? It’s in your genes! Can’t crawl up to the lecture theatre before all that caffeine kicks in? Science writer Paula Rowinska explains why exactly we fell in love with a drink that all our natural insticts should flag as poisonous.

SCIENCE

Paula Rowińska Science Writer

itter equals poisonous - at least according to our brain. BThere seems to exist only one exception from this evolutionary dislike for bitterness: coffee. Why many of us cannot even imagine a morning without a cup of espresso or latte, although its bitter taste should make our body issue a poison alert?

Researchers from the Northwestern Medicine and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Insti- tute in Australia discov- ered that, paradoxically, genetic sensitivity to bitter taste makes us even more likely to drink larger amounts of coffee. Coffee is arguably essential to start the day// Flickr “You’d expect that people who are particu- Brisbane. larly sensitive to the bitter more cups a day than people with genes respon- consumption. taste of caffeine would their friends without this They found out that sible for recognising the drink less coffee,” argues “We were genetic variant. bitterness of tonic water Taste remains one of Dr. Marilyn Cornelis, able to assess or green vegetables, for our most secretive senses, the assistant professor of Researchers studied “People example Brussel sprouts, but this study contributed preventive medicine at whether genes and daily coffee tend to prefer tea over to its understanding. And the Northwestern Univer- consumption of over with genes coffee. I will stop fighting my sity Feinberg School of those that 40,000 participants from responsible for Interestingly, in com- coffee addiction - what Medicine in Chicago and the UK. “Using the genes parison to people without can I do, it’s in my genes! senior author of the study. have a higher related to our ability to recognising such gene variants, they “The opposite results of predisposition taste bitterness, we were are also less likely to drink our study suggest coffee able to assess whether the bitterness alcohol, in particular red consumers acquire a taste to tasting those that have a higher wine. This result could or an ability to detect genetic predisposition of tonic water potentially help improv- caffeine due to the learned bitterness are to tasting bitterness are or green ing treatments for alcohol positive reinforcement more likely to prefer tea addictions. (i.e. stimulation) elicited more likely to over coffee,” explained vegetables by caffeine.” prefer tea over Jue Sheng Ong, the lead Ong admitted that they author of the paper, a PhD tend to prefer did not consider milk, This means that people coffee.” student in the Department cream, sugar or other with high sensitivity to of Genetics and Compu- tea over additions often put into bitterness of caffeine tational Biology at the coffeee.” coffee cups. They focused form positive associations QIMR Berghofer Medical on the general links with coffee - and enjoy Research Institute in between genes and coffee 8 FELIX ISSUE 1706

TECH [email protected] A new way to say ‘Hello!’ to the World of coding This week in the tech section, we will talk about an initiative lead by Imperial students to make code learning accessible and entertaining to students from all backgrounds.

TECH Whatever the reason, it is never too late to learn. Aline Buat And no need to undertake Tech Writer year-long courses that will not give a proper insight into the applica- rogramming is, tions of coding. An online for those who resource, SmartStack.me, don’t know any- developed by students thing about it, a in Imperial, is targeted Pmysterious and intimidat- at those who would like ing subject. However, at to produce their own any point in our careers, applications but may not we might be placed in have the confidence to get a situation where some themselves started. coding knowledge is SmartStack.me is needed. And not only a recent initiative. there: it is enough to look Launched at the beginning at the media, or more of this academic year, it specialized websites to be offers free opportunities if (coding = = 0) { TryOutSmartStack() ; } // StackSmart.me confronted with technical to quickly get started words, such as algorithms, and learn how to code. Biological Sciences. Point it is available online, Calculator using a simple machine learning, data Developed originally by to note: no computing accessible to anyone with “Learning program. Key to success: science. 3 Medic students in fifth student (yet).. a valid google address and “cool and trendy words”: year after spending their The concept of the is sharable on Drive. takes place Machine Learning, data intercalated Bachelor website is simple: it SmartStack.me helps analysis, all of that mixed “SmartStack ... year in the department of provides a quick guide- those with no previous by straight with the life-changing Bioengineering, they have through the concepts programming experience away tackling vocabulary of medicine, offers for free the personal experience of coding and initiates through the Google provides the perfect blend of learning a completely the user to the Google Collaboratory notebook. practical to an interesting online opportunities new subject and learn to Collaboratory text editor, Engaging, it is illustrated resource. to quickly get think “the engineering basically a free Jupyter with screenshots and very applications” Now, I would like way”. By now, the team Notebook (allows user clear and concise informa- to make a point. Not started and have expanded, and to code in Python in tion that anybody would practical applications: everyone can instantly comprises students (most code cells and mixes it wish had in labs. After the Data Science with Breast become an expert pro- learn how to from Imperial) with with text cells). Google initiation to the notebook, Cancer Data, Machine grammer, specialist in a backgrounds such as Des Collaboratory works like learning takes place by Learning with Chest programming language. code” Eng, Geophysics and most Google products: straight away tackling X-rays, SIRA Criteria However, I believe it is important to make coding more accessible, to people from all ranges and sexes. Simple programs are what separates nowadays sci- entific research to the one of last centuries. It would be a missed opportunity to spend so much time manually analysing data when super-fast comput- ers can help us make the task faster. So, to those feeling too intimidated by coding to start their own applications, do not let this slow you down. It is never too late to learn, develop your own appli- cations and projects, and, eventually, change the life of many.

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FOOD [email protected]

Juicy lemons growing on a lemon tree in sunny Italy // Phxere When life gives you lemons -12 options besides lemonade If you think lemons are only helpful in tequila shots, then you need to take a second look - read this article to update your concepts about the therapeutic powers of lemons… after all, it’s easy peasy lemon squeezy!

FOOD lemon juice to lukewarm use garlic cloves to aid bleeding, apply lemon lemon juice and apply it 2) Sore Throat water and dip your feet the miraculous benefits juice to get rid of it (it directly inside your nose Ambika Bharadwaj The anti-bacterial prop- in it. It will relax your of lemon - in this case, will sting, but for a good – unpleasant as it may Food Writer erties of lemon are helpful muscles and will help you cut two in half and let cause). Lemon juice can seem, it will stop your in curing infections and get rid of foot odour, as them soak a few hours also provide relief from nosebleed! soreness in the throat. You well as soothe tired soles in lemon juice. The toothaches and solve the We all know that the can simply imbibe lemon and heal blisters. flavor (and your breath issue of bad breath. 11) Travel best uses for lemons are juice with water or drink afterwards) will seem a Sickness those we can devour: lemon tea. Additionally, 5) Detoxification bit strong, but eating these 9) pH Balance If you tend to feel lemonade, lemon pie, lemon raises our body’s Lemons are excellent lemon-flavoured garlic To maintain and sick when travelling, and of course lemon natural immune system. cleansers for our bodies; cloves is an excellent and upgrade your health, lemon again comes to meringue... yum! But have And don’t forget lemon’s they eliminate toxins, unconventional method it is necessary to keep the rescue. Dilute lemon you thought of lemon as a high vitamin C content purify, and are undoubt- for reducing coughs. the body’s pH slightly juice with water, and you health hack? Discover 12 when you suffer from edly one of the best health alkaline, and what better have a superb solution more uses below. these illnesses! allies. Did you know 7) Immunity option than lemons to for treating vomiting and that having a large glass Its nutritional composi- do so? The alkalinity of travel sickness. Nibbling 1) Fever 3) Nerves & of warm water mixed tion composed of vitamins lemons pushes our body on a small wedge of Lemon juice aids in Troubled Sleep with lemon juice in the C, B, and E, and its many to attain the required pH lemon can also cure such curing general sicknesses At bedtime, it is ideal morning not only helps minerals, such as potassi- state, which resultantly disorders fast. such as flus, colds and to drink a lemon flower in weight loss but also um, magnesium, calcium, aids in improved general fevers. Lemons induce infusion (if you can get helps your digestive tract and sulphur make lemons heath and reduces risk of 12) Insect Bites perspiration in the body, your hands on some, that and liver? This alkaline an incredible strengthener certain diseases, such as This is an ancient which helps to break is). Put three of these in solution can be looked for our immune system. cancer. remedy where lemon juice fever. Thanks to its boiling water, let them upon as an overall body They raise our white is applied on the affected vitamin C content and sit a few minutes and you detoxifier. blood cell count in the 10) Nosebleeds area to cure insect stings antiseptic properties, it is have your infusion, ready long term. Nose bleeding is a and bites. Although the perfect for resolving lost to calm your body and 6) Cough common problem that effects are not likely to voices, tonsillitis, and all drift you away... Heat a few teaspoons 8) Dental Care occurs mainly in summer be felt instantly, lemon is sorts of other respiratory of honey and add the juice Surprising as it may due to increased pressure believed to suck out the ailments you might catch. 4) Relaxation of one lemon in half a cup seem with its acidity; on blood cells. However, poison, thereby curing Consume by drinking it Lemon is a great of hot water. Drink the lemon juice is good for lemons have shown to be itching and pain in the in a glass of warm water aromatic agent that can mixture slowly and your maintaining dental health. an excellent remedy for long term. with honey – basically relax your feet if you use it cough will disappear. In If you are suffering stopping nosebleeds. You like warm lemonade? as a tool in a DIY spa. Add addition, it is common to from problematic gum can dip a cotton ball in 10 FELIX ISSUE 1706

FILM [email protected] Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Bad Storytelling Film Editor Aidan Chan sat through the latest film in the Harry Potter franchise.

FILM nuanced plotting, you get stories that go absolutely FANTASTIC BEASTS 2 nowhere and are com- pletely pointless. The more separate plots a film has, the less time each plot gets. And Dir: David Yates. in a film like Fantastic Script: J.K. Rowling. Beasts 2, each storyline Starring: Eddie Redmayne, is assigned roughly 12 Kathrine Waterston, Ezra to 13 minutes of screen- Miller, Zoë Kravitz, time. And so, instead Johnny Depp 134 minutes of self-contained and fully-realised stories and Aidan Chan character arcs, we get ten Film Editor half-baked and lukewarm plots ranging from soapy melodrama, to misunder- walked into the standings that are more cinema with mild suitable in a 90s sitcom— apprehension. I each of which fails to knew that the critical allow any emotional Ireception was particularly attachment. At the end, unfavorable, yet I had I did not care about any hoped that this would be a of the characters or their Pirates of the Caribbean: struggles. Any tension Dead Man’s Chest scenar- presented felt manufac- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald // IMDb io, where the film would tured, underdeveloped still be immensely fun to in the distance, I did not any coherent story struc- basically nothing we have the film randomly cut watch. After two hours find an ounce of excite- ture, the nostalgic magic not seen before (the only from a comedic moment of sitting and hoping for “The actors ment within me, because that is consistently present novelty is a magical dust to Grindelwald ominously the best, I came out of I was so exhausted by the in the Harry Potter series hologram PowerPoint declaring his evil plans) the cinema, defeated. might be film. also evaporated complete- thingy I guess). When a do nothing to save this Fantastic Beasts: The the only Plot twists are one of ly. The necessity of saying magic-denying Marvel film from being part of Crimes of Grindelwald the defining aspects of the spells out loud continues flick felt more magical the “unnecessary sequel” (Fantastic Beasts 2), is redeeming Harry Potter series, and to be entirely arbitrary. than a franchise built gang. a complete mess of a Rowling migrated this The whimsy and inno- upon Harry Potter, you The credits rolled and I film. The Harry Potter factor of this tradition to the Fantastic vations of the previous know something has gone looked at the list of talents franchise has finally lived Beasts franchise. The instalments are gone, wrong. involved in the film. From long enough to see itself film. They tries “Credence is the Obscuri- The actors might be producer David Heyman become the villain. their best to al” twist is understandable the only redeeming factor (who produced many Fantastic Beasts 2 is in the first film. But in “The Harry of this film. They tried great films) to Steve directed by David Yates, make use of this one, the plot twists their best to make use of Kloves (who penned all and stars an ensemble are verging on absurdity. Potter the very little screen-time but one the screenplays cast of Eddie Redmayne, the very little I have heard many people they were assigned. Ezra for the original Harry Katherine Waterston, Zoë praise the final twist of the franchise has Miller had moments of Potter films), I find it Kravitz, Johnny Depp screen-time film on social media, so finally lived brilliance, Johnny Depp rather strange that no and many, many more. they were I was relatively excited dominated each frame he one told Rowling that her However, the bomb that about whatever surprise long enough was in and Jude Law is screenplay was poten- destroys the film is J. K. assigned” that might be. However, charismatic as a compas- tially problematic. Either Rowling’s horrid screen- that twist proves to be one to see itself sionate Albus Dumble- that, or she just did not play. It is actually quite of the most laughable and dore. The moments that care. In a film without magical that a film can and inconsequential ridiculous moments of the become the hint at the complicated re- beasts or crimes, Fantas- be so boring with around because the film had to entire film. These reveals villain” lationship between Dumb- tic Beasts: The Crimes of ten separate subplots rush off elsewhere to cater worked in the Harry ledore and Grindelwald Grindelwald is the quin- progressing simultane- to another subplot. I did Potter films because there are genuinely affecting, tessential filler episode. ously on screen (I am not not care about Newt and are carefully placed bread- instead we get more secret but the flashes of sincerity It is time for Rowling exaggerating; you can Tina’s forced romance, or crumbs that hint towards elevators, more moving are quickly replaced by to let go of her ego and count them if you want). Credence’s quest to find the twist. However, the statues, more passage- more poorly presented hire a real screenwriter to It is like watching Game his origin. Even when twist in Crimes of Grin- ways disguised as walls, stories. Other aspects of polish and untangle her of Thrones, but instead Hedwig’s Theme blasted delwald are unearned and more random spells that the film, including generic unintelligible storylines, of ten hour seasons, you through the cinema I have never rolled my do things Muggles can do CGI battles, uninspired so that this franchise can get a two hour film; And speakers and the iconic eyes harder. equally well (like strap- direction and abrupt tonal reach the potential it is instead of interesting, Hogwarts castle appeared With the departure of ping people into a chair) - shifts (far too often does capable of. 11 FELIX ISSUE 1706

GAMES [email protected] Fallout 76- I want to love you A game full of ambition and potential but whose execution falls short

Games (especially armour) in order for you to tell each Connor Winzar other apart and express Games Editor yourself. 76 manages to integrate all these new Samuel Welton designs pretty seamlessly Writer (I especially like some of the new power armours). The standard combat et me lay down mechanics are the best my biases up they’ve ever been in front. I do love a modern Fallout, and fallout; I’ve this is good since the Lclocked an irresponsible highlight of the game is number of hours in 4 and encountering and fighting New Vegas over the last the large array of new few years. I gel with the and incredibly interesting art direction, I like the monster-minibosses. In setting and I love a good my time with the game, open world. I, however, these encounters were all also ardently defended fun and unique enough Fallout 76 when it was to each leave a lasting announced. I saw the impression. The design potential in a multiplayer team clearly had a lot of only fallout and was eager- fun with these things and High quality graphics but low quality gameplay // Windows Central ly anticipating re-entering it shows. the wasteland no matter But you knew this part game runs abysmally. But drops to 0% as a ghoul must rebuild”. They Then, due to scheduling, what form that took. was coming from the title. of course it does, they walks behind a coffee stripped out the 2 core my party had to disband. Finally, the game drops, The first and most obvious broke the engine so bad to table. driving forces of the But I still wanted to play, and I find myself dumb- issue is the optimisation. force in multiplayer, it’s Unfortunately, the Fallout franchise, which so I kept on going and struck. I’m not angry. I’m I don’t care how nice honestly incredible it runs greatest issues with the you can only do if you very quickly realised that just disappointed. your car is, if you put a at all. This also means the game are those made by replace them with equally the game wasn’t fun, I was Fallout 76 is a frus- game is buggier than ever, choice. The world may engaging and substantial just doing something new trating game to discuss and the classic Bethesda be pretty but there just features. Player interac- with mates I had history because I really want to bugs lose their charm in a isn’t much to do. Quest tion is just not enough in with. Any game can be fun like it, and there are times “The standard multiplayer setting where lines are effectively just its current form. I do think with friends so that’s not a when I genuinely do. you can’t just idly reload a following post-it notes the idea of a huge map valid defence. I enjoyed But there are some fun- combat save when shit fucks up. I with limited players could aliens colonial marines, damental flaws with the mechanics could list bugs all day, but have been the right way to but that’s only because game, and I worry they one noteworthy one was “I don’t care do it, but the interactions my 3 mates and I bought may not be fixable in post. are the best an audio glitch that caused aren’t meaningful. PVP is it for £3 each so we could Let’s start by looking at loud gunshots to go off how nice your really easy to avoid and riff on it in multiplayer. the good though--I want they’ve behind me randomly. In even if you do die the lack Sure, it might be fun with to give credit where its a game with PVP, that is car is, if you of permadeath removes a group of fallout enthusi- ever been due. The game is visually unacceptably bad. put a broken a lot of the bite and ast friends, but the game stunning; this is the best a in a modern But the problems tension a survival game underneath is hollow and creation engine has ever extend past mere bugs engine in it usually has. The survival broken. If the base under looked, and it pairs beau- Fallout” and into design decisions. mechanics themselves are the multiplayer isn’t a tifully with the vibrant VATs just don’t work it’s not going serviceable, but they’re well designed game, then landscape of atomic West now. Given bullet time not trying to innovate with the experience is going to Virginia. The game has simply can’t work in to get us them so they’re not espe have no longevity. I pray a warmer colour palette broken engine in it it’s not multiplayer, VATs has cially interesting. Very support for this game is than previous games, going to get us anywhere. been re-imagined as an anywhere” quickly most people will good because I want it to making the landscape There was a no-clip doc- auto-targeting system. develop a live-and-let-live one day be great, but at very inviting. It makes the umentary released about This would have been attitude, at which point the time of writing it’s just experience of just walking 76’s development which the right decision had it from one place to another. other players barely factor a disappointment. If you around fun, but we’ll stated that the way the worked; however, without The stories might be in and you’re left with a were on the fence, hold come back to that. The creation engine worked the slow-motion the interestingly written, but lukewarm survival game off for a couple of months great visual design carries was not only not suited calculations are erratic, without actual direct in- and a pretty but empty and see if Bethesda make over to the player custo- for multiplayer but was especially with the more teractions with characters, landscape to explore. good on their claims of misation. More players basically the diametric frantic monsters, leaving they’re not engaging, and I really enjoyed my heavy patching. means there needs to be opposite of a multiplayer you doomed to miss as there is no overarching time with Fallout 76 for visual diversity in items engine. And it shows, this a 90% hit rate suddenly narrative short of “you the first 6 hours or so. 12 FELIX ISSUE 1706

GAMES [email protected] Rough times ahead for E3? Sony announces that they won’t be attending the 2019 convention In what seems to be a bizzare decision by Sony executivies the company is backing out of the major gaming convention E3 and their own convention ‘Playstation Experience’

Games are they not attending E3 they’ve even cancelled Connor Winzar their own convention, Games Editor Playstation Experience (originally planned for Kai Lawrence this December), despite Writer its four-year uninterrupted run. What could Sony possibly be thinking? he Electronic I’m glad to inform you Entertainment that Sony hasn’t gone Expo (E3) is a completely off the rails; massive gaming however, they seem Tconvention aimed at to be taking a new showcasing upcoming direction. Recent press content from major devel- announcements suggest opers and publishers. With the company is going for a its initial start-up being different approach regard- in 1995, it has continued ing both their PR tactics since with thriving attend- and interaction with their ance and popularity. Just fanbase. An example of a the mention of E3 within past success they had in the gaming community varying such tactics was Sony 2018 E3 Conference // Spidersweb is enough to get gamers the “Road to Greatness” eagerly anticipating the campaign. The campaign motion sickness. of the PS5. There may be doesn’t seem to compare of having their own con- potential announcements. entailed a semi-truck con- Sony may also be happy days for Sony, but with only 69,000 people vention both Nintendo So why on Earth is Sony taking a tactical approach that may not be the case attending this year’s and Microsoft still show not attending E3 2019? to this year and ate simply for E3. In what seems to be convention. But that’s the up to E3, because it’s Could it be that Sony isn’t reserving their IPs for a growing trend, more and thing, this is E3’s highest that potent as a platform able to afford E3, or is this “Sony is going the upcoming year; given more games developers attendance yet! So how for news coverage. Sony just beginning of the nails for a different the fact they’ve already are making their own con- exactly has E3 stayed may be missing out but that will soon be ham- announced this year’s ventions, with Microsoft, afloat for so long? The they are saving their top mered into E3’s coffin? approach heavy hitters: Last of Us EA and Nintendo being answer -- the legacy and Interested? Well, let’s get Part 2, Death Stranding examples of this. Which digital domination that right into it! regarding and Ghosts of Tsushima. begs the question, should E3 holds. Ask any regular “E3 has set the Business wise it would be we be worried about E3? gamer which convention Why is Sony not both their PR nonsensical to suddenly they watch to hear the gold standard tactics and mask over their other Is this E3’s curtain announcements of new attending? : announcements with games and hands down as a platform interaction even more announce- call? : they’ll say E3. Gamescon Let me start right off the ments, given how that may have the numbers, for the bat by saying that Sony is with their would affect sales. There With so many different but it occupies a different revealing of by no means experiencing could also be the other gaming conventions market that’s focused on financial issues; in fact, the fanbase” depressing possibility that around, including providing people with the big titles and amount of PS4’s they’ve Sony has run out of IPs, Gamescon, PAX and opportunity to actually sold is a whopping 2.5 and they just don’t have Quakecon, how is it play games that are soon IPs” times that of Microsoft’s taining VR stations and anything for E3, which possible that E3 is still to be released, as opposed Xbox One. With a clear PS4’s setting up one-day is a rather anticlimactic coping? Even looking to revealing games that landslide victory in this showcases and tryouts, reason. Either way, E3 at the attendance of the are going to come out. shelf material for later as generation’s console whilst being driven from is quite the expensive conventions E3 seems They occupied such a well as their money. Who wars, there’s no chance one state to another across and resource demanding to be in the danger zone market simply because E3 knows what will happen that Sony is having money the US. The campaign convention, so it would and not even in a good has set the gold standard to E3 in the coming years, issues. So what could it be has worked surprisingly be reasonable for Sony to ‘Archer’ way. With Pax as a platform for the but it’s likely they’ll stick then? And why are fans well, with a large amount make the cost-effective East having an attend- revealing of big titles and around... as long as there concerned? Well, Sony of support from the decision of not turning up ance of 80,000+ people IPs. With rising attend- isn’t the improbable seems to be going cold fanbase as well as a great to E3, given that they have and Gamescon raking ance it doesn’t seem like disaster that is everyone turkey on announcements amount of exposure to the their own convention in in the ticket money with E3 will be experiencing packing their bags and and releases, not only wonders of VR; and all its 2019 and pending news 370,000 people, E3 just any hardship. Regardless leaving. 13 FELIX ISSUE 1706

MUSIC [email protected] Riz Ahmed Is Synonymous With Brown Excellence or rapping (the man’s this world. It’s more MUSIC a polymath, a brown than relatable, and that’s Donald Glover of sorts) probably due to the al- Asad Raja has always been rooted ienation of seeing so few Music Editor in exploring. In fact, it all similar brown role models became comically meta on a platform as large as f you’re brown, woke when he was beaten and his. It’s for this reason, (shut the fuck up it’s interrogated about sus- seeing him perform a meme to be woke) pected terrorist motives ‘Shoes Off’ (“My shoes or from London, upon returning to Luton off at the masjid, yo/ My Iand especially if you’re airport from the Berlin shoes off at the airport”) all three, chances are Film Festival in 2006 whilst surrounded by you know Riz Ahmed where his film, The Road hundreds of brown faces to be a Desi messiah. To Guantanamo, won last weekend was a real Riz began his trajectory an award. That film was moment for me. That song towards this status after about the real-life story of is from 2016’s Cashmere appearing in 2010’s Four four brown friends from by Swet Shop Boys, a Lions, a now cult classic Birmingham who were hip-hop duo that Riz is comedy following the hi- illegally imprisoned and half of. Influenced by the lariously misguided path tortured in Guantanamo. hilariously nonchalant Check out Riz’s new single, ‘Mogambo’ and watch out for his upcoming BBC show, of a group of radicalised You really can’t make this yet impassioned Heems ‘Englistan’ // DIY Magazine Muslim men. Though on shit up. (the other half of Swet in unison with Riz: “Zayn Englistan, released the chopathic honour killings its surface the film was a Trouble at airports is Shop Boys and one third Malik’s got more than same year. The album and good old racist slapstick, brazen, satirical one of a lexicon of refer- of the former Das Racist eighty virgins on him/ dissects, narrates and nationalism. Riz sees all, statement, there was cer- ences that the perennial goofball trio), Cashmere There’s more than one di- muses on a range of feeding off the plethora of tainly a layer of essential British Pakistani Muslim was excitable, dreamy rection to get to paradise”. issues: the diverse melting cultures and perspectives nuance and dissociative identity crisis is attached and decidedly Desi If you really want to pot of Britishness, having he’s been exposed to. confusion exemplified es- to. Riz’s art, especially his without compromising on get to know the fluidity to hide yourself from your Truly, he is proof that for pecially in Riz’s character. music (which he creates realness. Best believe my and imposed restlessness traditional family, de- all its complexities and Indeed, this is a contra- under the name Riz MC) favourite moment of the of Riz’s identity and that pression and anxiety, the neuroticism, growing diction that Riz’s career, is unashamedly thorough concert was yelling out of his fans, you’d have to government’s economic brown in Britain can be a be that acting, writing and open in discussing the best line of the project listen to his solo album, shafting of the poor, psy- sociological education. The music you didn’t even know you needed MUSIC the best band ever or that that you can’t help but get are polished versions of probably better if you just ‘Dark Days’, ‘Del Fuego’, they’re revolutionaries. swept away by. Each song live performances they listen yourself so here and ’10 Feet Tall’. Only I’m simply stating that has contagious energy gave for FOUR YEARS are my recommendations want smash hits? Listen Guthrie Ruby their music is fan-fuck- and gorgeous melodies before they gathered in to get started. If you’re to ‘Ernie’, ‘Blackbird’, Music Writer ing-tastic and clearly that anyone can enjoy. the studio! The band is a looking for an album, and ‘Wandering Eye’. more people should be Dallas Tamaira (aka Joe well oiled machine that listen to Based On A If even one person ’m mad, I’m riled listening. I’m here to Dukie) is the vocalist have been perfecting their True Story. Want up-beat starts listening because up and it’s all you convince you why. and has the sweetest craft and group chemistry energetic songs? Listen to of me I’ll have done my guys’ fault. Why am Fat Freddy’s Drop caramel-like voice that over the decades. ‘Roady’, ‘Pull the Catch’, job properly. Then maybe I angry? I’ll tell you. are a seven piece dub/ has ever graced your ears, I could go on for and ‘Silver and Gold’. I can stop sulking and IThe Friday before last I reggae/soul/jazz/techno I just love it every time another half page but it’s Feeling blue? Listen to simmer down. was ecstatic because I was band from New Zealand. he starts singing. Chris going to Fat Freddy’s Drop The group started coming Faiumu ( aka DJ Fitchie) at O2 Brixton. Talking to together in the late 90s is both the bands percus- people from IC on the day but didn’t form a proper sionist and producer; he’s and explaining what glory band until the early 00s. exceptionally talented. I was soon to witness Their debut album Based The mixing of the tracks I realised not a single On A True Story, released is always spot-on and goddamn person knew in 2005, was the highest he makes the percussion who Fat Freddy’s Drop selling album ever in New not just something in the are… this is unaccept- Zealand. It stayed on the background but one of the able! I’m sure there are top 40 charts for over two best parts of each song students at IC who listen years. Since then, they’ve due to his perfect pitching to the group but my plan released three more and texture choices. to write a review of their studio albums, so don’t The rest of the band performance probably worry, there’s plenty to go make up the instrumen- would’ve meant nothing around. tal profile: saxophone, to the vast majority of The band’s mix of influ- trumpet, trombone, tuba, readers. I’m not saying ences and styles combine keyboard and guitar. that Fat Freddy’s Drop are into a truly unique sound Their first two albums Fat Freddy’s Drop looking like a goofy Oceans 11 cast // Wikipedia 14 FELIX ISSUE 1706

MUSIC [email protected]

And guess what? We got free tickets. // BBC Bangers, Bops, and Chunes The three-day event BBC Music Introducing LIVE provided a stunning variety of talks, performances, and workshops, aimed at inspiring the next generation of musicians and producers.

MUSIC unsigned musicians, art- to offer. Instead of oom- through the workflow AI, Bots & Blockchain handful of live acts. While ists can upload their music pa-loompas, we had some involved in coming up Explained’ which talked my West-Midlands heart Alex Mitcham to the service in the hope of the most well-informed with musical and lyrical of a future of robot-led was slightly crushed on that Introducing provides names of the music content. A unifying theme music and virtual reality hearing the news that Jiangxuan Chen them with the exposure industry, from employees was persistence – the concerts. In a later talk, Lady Leshurr was too ill Music Writers they desire to kickstart at industry giants to the majority of the speakers we heard Afro-Swing to perform; we were not their career. artists themselves. mentioned that it takes giant Hardy Caprio talk of left disappointed with en- o you know In the spirit of elevat- My first taste of one years of practice and how he balanced his uni- ergetic performances from what the BBC ing the freshest faces in of the masterclasses was endeavour before getting versity work with making the likes of: Geko, Shakka, in BBC Music the game, BBC Music the ‘Making it in Pop noticed. Tips to aspiring #1 records; inspirational Lotto Boyz, Donae’o, and stands for? If Introducing took over Music’ panel talk, a talk songwriters: always to say the least. Chronixx, among others. Dyou guessed ‘Bangers, Tobacco Dock in East which aimed to nurture have a guitar plugged in Stephen Taverner, The highlight for me was Bops, and Chunes’… London to hold a three- the creative direction of and ready somewhere; current manager of a performance from Nao. you’d be completely day extravaganza of live budding pop artists. While keep recording yourself Mercury Prize winning I’d best describe her work wrong, but I’d applaud music, industry sessions, initially I was drawn in by and don’t lose track of groups Wolf Alice and as a tasteful blend of Mura your guess, as this is what and interactive workshops an impressive panel which your ideas; a good demo alt-J (∆∆∆∆∆∆), brought Masa, Frank Ocean, and BBC Music provides aimed at anyone looking included Danny Jones always leaves room for about some insights on SZA, so I was excited to the British music scene for a career in the music from McFly, it quickly imagination. how these two bands dealt hear her perform songs with daily. There’s a industry: aspiring artists, dawned on me that the Ali Tant from Polydor with success, reminiscing from her new album huge spectrum of British potential producers, and advice being given would Records, who works with about the early days of a Saturn. musicians who now dom- dreaming DJs alike. We, serve helpful for when a remarkable range of cash-strapped alt-J with It was clear to me inate the charts and are on behalf of Felix, were I finally realise I should artists from Eminem to low-quality instruments that the event forms the firmly supported by the lucky enough to attend give up my maths degree The 1975, insightfully which their songwriting musical foundation for BBC, allowing them to one of the days, exploring and pursue my love of commented, “the best was distinctive enough not only the expertise, maintain their presence in the festival, and sampling music. popstars are the ones who to transcend, and Wolf but also the inspiration, the media. Interestingly, the plethora of master- Meanwhile, Jiangxu- aren’t ashamed of things Alice’s evolution in stage of the next generation’s what people perhaps don’t classes that the event had an’s reward for waiting in that fail”, which seemed presence and musical musical talents. The best know, is that many of the to offer. one of the longest queues to resonate with the room. confidence – Wolf Alice of which I’m sure were musicians we see may Imagine Willy Wonka’s for any event was a The room was jampacked recently embarked on present over the three have risen to the heights Chocolate Factory, but cramped spot on the floor full of eager faces and their first ever Asian tour, days. Many people ex- they’re at today thanks instead of endless sweets for the ‘Art of Songwrit- wide ears which appeared and Stephen was espe- changed their details and to the help of the BBC and chocolate, we saw ing’ workshop, where the to absorb all the advice cially pleased at the large Instagram handles with launching them onto the countless guitars and likes of Jake Gosling (Ed given by the knowledgea- local fanbases the band me (e.g. @alexmitcham scene via their dedicated keyboards. Instead of Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, ble speakers. This interest has garnered. ahem) throughout the day BBC Music Introducing rooms full of food-based One Direction), Kieran only seemed to heighten A climatic end to the so I hope to keep an eye initiative. With the aim exploration, we experi- Shudall (Circa Waves) throughout the day as I day brought the BBC on this flourishing talent of bringing together all mented with the newest and James Gillespie (Rag attended more talks such Radio 1Xtra Takeover in years to come. the supporters of Britain’s technology that music had & Bone Man) talked him as ‘Music & Tech: VR, which treated us to a 15 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX FELIX ISSUE 1706

MUSIC [email protected] MUSIC [email protected] No money? No problem. On the art of living life as a penniless music-lover in London. London is expensive, that much is undeniable. But this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the enormous wealth of its bustling music scene. Imperial alumna Sabina Nowakowska shares her wisdom on how to experience some fantastic live music on a tight student budget.

MUSIC favourite artists, yet they gigs in London, which I remained so out of reach. am generously deciding to Sabina Nowakowska Nevertheless, I was keen share with you, dear poor Music Writer to explore the new sonic student, in this article. landscape I found myself Here are my tips on in. My growing interest in how to get the most out hen I came world music led me to re- of London scene without to London alise that gigs of this kind spending a fortune. four years were usually pretty cheap ago, I (if not free!) and the vibe Join Alternative Wwas far more excited is always great. You could Music Society about the capital’s rich get unbelievably high music scene than I was quality for low prices, Start here. It’s the best about starting university. so of course I started society at Imperial. (I’m Naturally, I expected exploring options there. not at all biased, I definite- life in the big city to be Like with everything else ly didn’t spend half of my more expensive than the in life, the first step is all it time at Imperial being on Felix Music endorses this society // Alternative Music Society Alexa, show me photos of all the gigs I’m missing // Pexels Polish countryside. Little takes to get the ball rolling the committee…). AMS did I know, however, the and soon I learnt about sells subsidised tickets to very own student bands at Visit small venues South Ken and explore. shops like Rough Trade music is not your thing, Southbank Centre – also save some pennies. If There are a lot of websites in the audience for one of size of the difference was numerous venues offering gigs, but most importantly the Union for free or for There are plenty of pubs also host gigs, especially don’t worry, the festival warmly welcomes young you’re a classical music that try to organise your the episodes of Later… far greater than I could free gigs across various you’ll meet cool people a couple of quid. We also Enjoying live music in London that host live on Record Store Days, also features Late Night people to their buildings. geek, then get Student- free time and promote with Jools Holland (after have imagined. Having genres and ways to get who share your passion have orchestras, choirs, from the comfort of a rock/blues/jazz bands though sometimes it Proms, which I can’t They offer probably Pulse and you will get cool things to do in about 2 years of applying barely enough money to discounts. for music and can help acapella groups etc. who campus sounds like a nice and don’t always charge means you have to buy recommend enough. Over the widest range of free access to classical music London. They often have though, so be persistent!). survive as an Imperial Now, after 4 years you stay updated about perform regularly, so if option. It’s easy to limit for entry (and if they do something from them. the years I have seen the events and they always concerts across London free tickets to shows to student I couldn’t even of studies at Imperial everything music. Also, you want to experience the yourself to the Imperial it’s a very small fee), for If you fancy listening to likes of Jarvis Cocker, have a limited number for no more than a tenner. give away in competitions Work or volunteer think of buying expensive College filled with hard watch out for the events artistic side of Imperial bubble, but by all means example: The Old Blue some classical or chamber Nils Frahm, Quincy Jones, of student tickets with If you’re planning on or promo codes for dis- tickets to gigs. It felt kind work and intense research, organised by other soci- and support your friends, try not to! Once you feel Last, The Shacklewell music, then visit London Jacob Collier, Stormzy, 25% discount. Moreover, seeing big names and counts. So keep an eye out Last, but not least, if of bittersweet – I was I can say with confidence eties. Jazz&Rock holds go and explore what Beit comfortable with your Arms, The Blues Kitchen, churches which often Laura Mvula and Leo you can sign up for their decide to spend those for offers from TimeOut, you don’t have money finally so close to all these that I possess a wealth of regular events where you venues have on offer. new home and have made Ain’t Nothin But… the organise free concerts or Pellegrino playing with “under 30 scheme”. Every £60 on Arctic Monkeys, London Calling, Mr Hyde but do have time, a good iconic venues and my knowledge about cheap can listen to Imperial’s new friends, get out of list goes on. Some record visit our RCM neighbours. an orchestra as part of this two weeks you will be consider buying it through etc. If you sign up to their option is to volunteer at series. Watch out for the sent an email with the Dice if possible – you newsletters you will stay festivals. It’s not ideal, as Go to festivals shows conducted by Jules promo code to get free or will at least save a couple updated about what’s sometimes you’re not able Buckley, they are always £10 tickets for selected quid on the booking fees. happening in London and to see your favourite acts, London hosts loads pure gold! events. Dice’s fees are much know about free oppor- but you can at least watch of festivals. During the Going further east lower than other ticketing tunities. The drawback some gigs as a reward for summer plenty of open-air Join young people into more hipster parts agencies and every now is that your mailbox gets your work, and you get events happen all over the schemes of London, RichMix in and then they put on sales, filled with useless shit as the chance to be close to city and some have free Shoreditch offers a Mixer which means you can save well. But it can be worth the action and spend time entry, like the Waltham- Some of the most pres- membership for a fiver. even more money. And it - that’s how I got to in areas not accessible to stow Garden Party and the tigious London venues You can get free tickets if the event is sold out see Massive Attack for regular customers. You Korean Festival in Trafal- offer generous schemes to some of their shows, and your last resort is a free at BST festival in can also try to get a job gar Square, so keep your for people between 16 and if you’re quick enough. second-hand ticket – get it Hyde Park. Follow your at one of the venues and eyes open for those. The 25 (sometimes 30) years Although, don’t expect through Twickets – don’t favourite artists on social get paid whilst also being currently ongoing London old. Young Barbican is a any big names here. get ripped off by ViaGoGo media, they also post able to catch a glimpse Jazz Festival has the free membership scheme On the other hand, Get scammers. Twickets is a about free giveaways for of what’s happening on whole lot of free shows that gives large discounts In members can get £5 reliable reselling platform their shows. stage. This is basically in its programme. And on tickets to most events tickets for some of the supported by many artists I also strongly recom- what happened to my life let’s not forget about the and you’re never charged shows at Roundhouse. allowing tickets to be sold mend signing up for BBC after graduation. BBC Proms. The biggest a booking fee. Sometimes (I’m focusing on music only for face value or less. audiences. They record That’s it from me. Now, classical music festival they even have free events. here, but these member- concerts of all kinds go and enjoy some live in the world that offers So there you go – for very ships give you discounts Take part in compe- (ranging from classical music, there really is no 75 concerts over two little money you can enjoy on other things too, such titions and random through jazz to rock), excuse not to! summer months happens wonderful artists in one of as cinema, exhibitions and draws radio, and TV shows. just across the road. You the London’s most famous theatre). They need to fill up their can enter the grand au- venues – the Barbican “You never win these studios with an audience ditorium of Royal Albert Centre. I saw Tim Hecker Download apps things” people say, but somehow and they do that Hall for a mere £6 and be there for only £5 in Sep- you often find they’ve through random draws. blessed with world-class tember. Another pearl of You may want to actually never tried or You just need to apply. I Why not see it before graduation? Just in case... // Wikimedia performances. If classical brutalist architecture – download a few apps to gave up after one failure. was lucky enough to be 16 17 FELIX ISSUE 1706 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX

MUSIC [email protected] MUSIC [email protected] Nine Dutch Guys Bring the Heat to Blustery Camden MUSIC venues like the Duke of Cumberland in Whitstable JUNGLE BY NIGHT to renowned festivals like Pinkpop, North Sea Jazz and Glastonbury. Having spent their down time Support Artist: Project between albums scoring Karnak. Venue: The Jazz the stage production of Cafe. Date: 16th November The Jungle Book, the 2018. Ticket Price: £13.20. boys descended on the sold out Jazz Cafe last Friday, to celebrate the Tobi Ampapa launch of their 5th album, Music Writer Livingstone, having previously teased only a handful of new tracks at ungle By Night may their last London show in not be a name on March. everyone’s radar - Opening the show Jungle By Night is under no circumstances an act to be missed. // V2 Records but they more than with an incredible solo Jshould be. The nine-piece from trumpeter Bo Floor, could be taken straight off their moment to shine summer, even going so far The band closed out the instrumental collective, it seems apparent that a spy thriller soundtrack. with solos, dismantled as to record ambient bird show with a new interpre- hailing from Amsterdam, with each album, their Overall, this new album trombones, djembe sounds at the countryside tation of their thundering has a sound that lies sound has become more takes on a decidedly more breakdowns, and more house where the album classic “Attila,” proving somewhere in the middle refined and the multicul- dance vibe than its prede- jumping than is probably was made, on songs such once again why they’re of jazz, afrobeat (I’m talk- tural influences are more cessor The Traveller. advisable. as “Hangmat”. So if the worth seeing again and ing your uncle’s favourite readily heard. This album That being said, the Whilst taking a quick plan was to make a hot again. Go alone, go with Fela) and funk. The group is undoubtedly more spirit of what makes a breather to chat, trombon- album, a party album, a a crew, either way you’ll has been steadily making a global and anthemic, with Jungle By Night show a ist Ko Zandvliet explained get-up-and-dance album, have a great time, because name for themselves since songs like “The Fog”, Jungle By Night show that they wanted to capture then judging by the crowd their infectious energy forming in 2009, playing and “Spectacles”, parts 1 was still there: with the essence and the heat that night, they more than makes Jungle By Night an Kevin Parker, is that you? // Wikimedia everywhere from smaller and 2, sounding like they each member getting of the previous Dutch succeeded. act not to be missed. Courtney Barnett tells us how she really feels Marie Davidson pours out her soul Frenetic Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett tears up Brixton as part of her Tell Me How You Really MUSIC And indeed, it reads funky sounds like in ‘So a reward you get after Feel tour. Striking a balance between tenacity and tenderness, her new material stikes a chord with audiences. WORKING CLASS WOMAN as her most personal and Right’ (the type of song having suffered / love is diverse album to date. that you dance to at a a gift”. This spills out in The album begins on house party and to which between chaotic sentenc- MUSIC After an all-Australian focused largely on their in- whoops and whistles became evident that the were certainly not lost on what could first appear you don’t pay much atten- es that don’t quite make warm up roster, fea- strument, coaxing out the would erupt as Barnett crowd was not particular- her adoring audience. Artist: Marie Davidson. as its conclusion. Marie tion), and chaotic tracks sense (although her lyrics COURTNEY BARNETT turing the three-guitar most that each song could stumbled her way across ly familiar with the track, Friends exchanged Label: Ninja Tune. Top Davidson aligns, one after where the lyrics barely are so pictorial, one still jangle-juggernaut that is give, while four-thousand the stage, bent double over and a lull ensued. knowing grins at each Tracks: Work It; The the other, remarks and make any sense anymore, needs to build their own Rolling Blackouts Coastal heads bobbed along. The her guitar after delivering Passion from the lilting one-liner. Tunnel; The Psychologist. questions that could be and screechy electronic interpretation) and these Fever (think Interpol result was a powerful another unflinching verse. crowd quickly returned as After a sublimely For Fans Of: Essaie Pas; La (and probably are) made samples that make you words stand out crystal Support Artist: Rolling meets Cream), Courtney haze that simmered and Her vocal performance Barnett launched back into chosen setlist, parading Fraîcheur; Helena Hauff. 43 by her fans. On a reason- want to curl up in ball clear and strike as a punch Blackouts Coastal Fever; Barnett took to the stage bubbled beneath the cute was strong throughout her own material. ‘I’m the singer’s most beloved minutes ably chaotic background like in ‘The Tunnel’. This in the stomach. Laura Jean. Venue: O2 in front of a mostly mid- melodies and tongue in the night, capturing the not your mother, I’m not tunes, the crunching riff she asks “so, frankly, is track features French and But don’t let me give Academy Brixton. Date: dle-aged crowd at the O2 cheek wordplay for which same character and power your bitch’, the audience of ‘Pedestrian at Best’ Lucille Calmon this album about taking English in what appears you the wrong impres- 14th November 2018. Academy. Barnett has made herself found on her studio cuts. bellowed with relish, the pushed Brixton into the Music Writer risks?” and between lines to be disarticulated self sion, both the strength Ticket Price: £22 (Through Barnett’s latest album a name. In instrumental Midway through the raucous anti-snob anthem beautiful chaos of dance. that insist on the lack of reflections where she talks and weakness of Working Alternative Music Society). may brim with the same breaks the band’s energy set, opener Laura Jean clearly a fan favourite. Nothing was left to be humanity that some fans about ‘The Tunnel’, a Class Woman is the mix of high-octane energy as boiled over, wringing the returned to the stage to ‘Nameless, Faceless’ proved for Barnett and her hile Marie might have towards her, distressing dark environ- tracks that can be as fun as Miles Gulliford 2015’s Sometimes I Sit most out of their simple provide sax and vocals and its effortless handling band, they had managed Davidson’s she repeats to herself ment in which she needs ‘Work it’ (a weird poppy Music Writer and think…, but as the arrangements. (uncannily similar to of internet critics and to add something beyond albums have “Who are you?”. This to dig by herself to come song where she acclaims oozing groove of ‘Hope- Many crowd members those of Courtney herself) gender politics in one words to what was already always been seems to be what this out stronger. The power hard work and self love in She said “see you later, boi” // Ninja Tune fulessness’ emerged from were already mouthing for a cover of the Go-Be- fell swoop was another a set of very strong songs. Wpersonal, Working Class album is about. It does of this track lies in the a funny and frankly quite ourtney Barnett a cacophony of feedback; along as Barnett crooned tweens’ ‘Streets of your choice cut. Ms. Barnett’s Readers would be advised Woman leaves a different involve taking risks but it strength of the lyrics that sexy fashion) and as deep emotional rollercoaster. obvious but this freedom has been crafting it became apparent that “take your broken heart town’; another homage impossibly quotable to catch Barnett and her feeling. She said that it is is mostly a self reflective suddenly make sense as ‘The Tunnel’ or ‘The Marie Davidson offers of interpretation is part of witty, mid-paced there was more to her / turn it into art…”. Her to the Milk! record label lyrics, “Men are scared crowd next time they pass “an album where I have album where Marie takes again when she seems Psychologist’ (of which us forty-three minutes in the game. And when she indie gems for work than a casual Spotify band, feeding off the owner’s Aussie roots. that women will laugh at through London. started to work with my us on a subconscious to gain back lucidity and the topic remains left to in- her head where we get to wants us to know some- Chalf a decade; on a mild listen would suggest. energy that filled the Barnett might have been them / women are scared psyche, trying to access a poppy dream. says in French (translated) terpretation). This makes a witness everything from thing, she makes sure to Wednesday evening Barnett and her cohort academy, remained effort- better suited to cover one that men will kill them” level of my consciousness Through the diverse “I hadn’t understood that diverse record which does uplifted and carefree to say it straight. she treated Brixton to a were there not for the lessly cool, while eliciting of her peers - Julien Baker, and “I could eat a bowl of that I was not aware of track listing she alternates I can’t love if I don’t not feel especially heavy darker feelings. What well-deserved outing of vain theatrics, but for increasing excitement or long-time partner Jen alphabet soup / and spit before.” between more fun and love myself / love is not but is indeed a bit of an she means isn’t always her latest material. the music. Each member from its spectators. Roars, Cloher perhaps – as it out better words than you” 18 19

FELIX ISSUE 1706 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX

ARTS [email protected] ARTS [email protected] Gang signs and a Prayer Pinter Three: Love and longing Erica Whyman updates Romeo and Juliet for the modern age. A masterpiece of loneliness, fragility and human connection.

ARTS a misjudged remark is she is larger than life, ever-present. The stage ARTS short plays touching on before we know it. I’m not quite sure. We are answered by a flash of a brimming with bravado has been constructed by memory and loneliness, Grieg and Allen in swung from frank hilarity knife is sadly not all that which quickly collapses designer Tom Piper as a the “poverty within us” is Landscape bring out to aching sorrow in less unfamiliar. in her dying moments. brutalist concrete mauso- picked out with brilliant Pinter’s masterful ability than a heartbeat. It’s not just the Josephine with poignancy leum, cold and vast. In the Where? Harold Pinter clarity. Not explicitly, but to alternate between comic A great deal of what Where? The Barbican wardrobe that Whyman shows Mercutio for who world of these teenagers, Theatre obliquely – like the stark and tragic. Something happens in a Pinter play When? 2nd Nov – 19th Jan has updated, but the she really is – angry yes, the pretty things – the When? Until 8th Dec shadows cast by objects will be funny, and all of a happens between the lines, How Much? £10-59.50 narrative too. The pro- but also impossibly young strings of twinkling lights How Much? £15 for <30s when a bright light is sudden, without warning, behind the scenes. What gramme calls it “queering and scared. that descend in place of shone on them. a character will let some- we see is merely the tip Indira Mallik the pitch”; in practice, The great strength of stars during the balcony Claire Chan The evening opens to thing slip, and we see that of the iceberg. Scratching Arts Writer genders are a bit more Whyman’s adaptation is scenes, or the huge lush Arts Editor a phenomenal start with it is actually intensely sad. the surface of loneliness. fluid, queer themes a little its ability to strip back wall of ferns that acts as Landscape, a hard-hitting Another standout example Whether it’s a man having n their tracksuit more explicit . Benvolio’s the trappings of the Eliz- a backdrop for the Friar’s ne way of look- play which packs an is the short sketch Girls, a conversation with an hoodies and their love for Romeo is more abethan English to reveal home – are fragile, acutely ing at speech emotional punch. Tamsin with Tom Edden as a absent friend, or a pro- Adidas creps, their overtly romantic than its principal characters transient. is to say that Grieg shines here as Beth, professor relating a story fessor inventing a fantasy mesh crop tops historical adaptations as the children they are, The smash bang of the it is a constant a woman lost in a romantic about “girls who want to about a girl he’s seen once Iand skinny black jeans, suggest, though even only just blossoming into electronica-inspired score O Romeo, Romeo, stop pulling my hair // Topher McGrillis Ostratagem to cover na- reverie of the past, using be spanked”. Likewise on the street. And yet their baseball caps and here it is painfully silent, adulthood. Here, Romeo punctuates this punchy kedness.” This statement a lilting Irish accent that with comedian Lee Evans’ there is tenderness to be performative, cocksure burdened by layers of and Juliet, Benvolio and adaptation, but for all Karen Fishwick as Juliet big speaking roles and by Harold Pinter sums adds to the wistful nos- brilliant rendition of found there, too. In Night, Tamsin Grieg in Landscape // Marc Brenner swagger, the teenagers of repression and heteronor- Mercutio, are kids full its modern flourishes, is equally good. The while this is commend- up excellently the motif talgia of the play. Keith Monologue, which Evans a man and a woman argue Erica Whyman’s Verona mativity. Charlotte Jose- of their own importance, the adaptation is still young actors are ably sup- able, what is even better that is characteristic of his Allen plays her foil as came out of retirement to about the details of their Huge props to Jamie us seamlessly from one would not look out place phine plays Mercutio as kids sure of their im- classically good. The ported by a talented roster is that none of this is work, and which makes Beth’s crude, down-to- act in. Chatting animated- first rendezvous – was Lloyd for curating these scene to the next. With in a Stormzy video. In a glittering loud-mouthed mortality, kids forced to passages that will for of castmates playing the superfluous. Whyman’s his plays so powerful. In earth husband. Ostensibly ly to an empty chair, the it against railings, or eleven plays. Despite this remarkable cast of the new RSC production seventeen-year old girl grow up too fast in brutal, many in the audience be older roles, with Ishia production without pre- them, what is said is but having a conversation, an protagonist of Monologue on a bridge? Each has spanning almost fifty actors, we see the shades of Romeo and Juliet, constantly spoiling for violent ways. familiar, never feel trite. Bennison as Nurse and tension or fanfare illumi- a flimsy covering for the unbridgeable gulf yawns is trapped in old memories their own version of that years of Pinter’s work, of emotional subtlety in Shakespeare’s Italian city a fight. Josephine is Senseless rage and The hugely charismatic Andrew French as the nates this play of passion things that remain unsaid, between the two. Who and confabulations. But magical first meeting, they flow smoothly in each piece, how the nature has been built in modern luminous in the role, filling pointless acts of retribu- Barry Gill is excellent as Friar standing out as and violence for our age. revealing despite itself are they really talking to? with his jaunty demean- but in the end, it doesn’t this frankly astounding of memory is wholly day London’s image. We the stage with tremendous tion, not star-crossed love Romeo, capturing both a scene-stealing performers. The result is a wonderful the raw nakedness of Each is utterly alone in our and spring-loaded matter. Evans and Meera production. Soutra Gil- subjective. This is Pinter don’t have to suspend energy and appropriately are at the heart of this rogueish impulsivity and There is diversity of production but one that is human emotion beneath. their own recollections, mannerisms, Evans brings Syal bring this beautiful mour’s versatile revolving at his finest. our disbelief too much; mercurial physicality. production. The menacing flashes of loving sensi- gender, skin-tone, expe- rather more classical than In Pinter Three, a collec- and the darkness in the tears to our eyes – whether little piece to life with set, illuminated by a this story of streets where In first couple of acts glint of sharp blades is tivity in his performance. rience and accent in the it would first appear. tion of eleven of Pinter’s story encroaches slowly, from laughter or sadness truly believable affection. singular lightbulb, whirls Walk Swiftly and With Purpose: a debut to remember Pinter Four: Not quite hitting the standard Simultaneously playful and insightful, this play offers a brilliantly realistic and nostalgic glimpse into the lives of Despite witty dialogue and some great performances, key weaknesses let down this staging of two Pinter one-act four teenage girls as they navigate growing up in the 21st century. plays.

ARTS mately represent the un- with a script that artfully ARTS the balance of plot and family members and affil- that it doesn’t begin so. Pinteresque flavour to the kit, beating the action, flinching devotion and combines witty repartee dialogue are misjudged, iates crossing through the Night School, the whole situation. and giving a hysteric twist love between friends, between the girls with both playing and directing stage, all supposedly in second play, shifts the Fortunately the Jamie to the transitions between all the way through the serious and, at times, becomes a minefield. different places or times. focus to the theme of Lloyd Company succeed- the scenes. Jon Clark’s Where? Harold Pinter Where? Theatre503 chaotic teenage years deeply unsettling scenes The first of the two There are some standout deception in everyday ed in turning what could lighting design is mag- Theatre When? 13th-17th Nov that resonate with us all. between Mr Hughes plays, Moonlight, strug- moments. Janie Dee life. Still filled with Pin- have been a forgettable nificent, bringing into life When? Till 8th Dec How Much? £10 They’re hilariously re- and Misha – teacher and gles to find its tone. It is delivers a number of fan- terness, this play doesn’t experience, into an oppor- the actors’ actions, and latable, albeit a bit pre- student, as well as sudden How Much? £15 for <30s fundamentally an explo- tastic speeches as Maria, shine for its plot. Walter tunity for experimentation perfectly marrying the tentious, living sheltered intense monologues ration of death and family. ex-lover of both Andy and (Al Weaver), fresh out of with minimalist staging. drum’s rhythms. Stam- Shivani Ganagadia Matteo Tabaro Arts Writer lives in the comfort of an directed towards the Besides the haunting mon- Bel, fully embracing the prison, tries, exaggerating Originally conceived bollouian successfully all-girls private school. audience by each charac- Ned Summers ologues from wide-eyed characteristic snappiness his crimes, to seduce for television, its script amalgamates contempo- We meet them at the ter. This rapid switching Arts Writers and moonlight-cloaked of Pinter’s writings. Once Sally (Jessica Barden), a doesn’t describe much of rary and more traditional hree Sis- exact moment they sud- between naturally flowing, Bridget (Isis Hainsworth) up and running, most PE teacher, supposedly the setting. The director theatre, bringing some ters’ produc- denly encounter real-life light-hearted conversation Teenage turmoil: a resounding success // Three Sisters Productions f you had taken the that begin and end the of the issues disappear. studying at night school Ed Stambollouian under- refreshing courage to the tion company, problems and have to and emotional, vulnerable the play from simply resounding success of this publishing, the show will advice that ended play, the stage is centered Glenister is captivating but in fact working at a takes this challenge with West End. brainchild of learn to deal with them. soliloquys to the audience being four somewhat priv- play. I only wish it were no longer be showing, our five-star review around the bed of Andy once Andy shifts from nightclub. Solto (Glen- some interesting and risky Pinter Four is definitely TSiofra, Grainne, and No longer existing in is a bold choice – done ileged girls talking about longer than 50 minutes but keep a watchful eye of Pinter Two three (Robert Glenister) as he nonchalance and anger ister again), a stingy and stylistique decisions. On an enjoyable show. Maybe Cara Dromgoole, imme- their fantasies of what poorly it has the poten- typical teenage troubles, – with exceptional perfor- out for the next Three Iweeks ago, you would lies dying. The curtains to crisis and collapse. narcissistic ex-criminal, stage is the bare bones of not as life-changing as diately throws us into adulthood is, they real- tial to derail the entire to something much more mances from rising stars Sisters production – I can have rushed to buy tickets remain half-open and the The two brothers, Jake who fakes being a poor what could be a room: a others, but nonetheless the world of a group of ise it may not be all it’s play – but somehow the thought-provoking. with great chemistry, I assure you it is not to be to one of the shows in boxed set, complete with and Fred (Al Weaver and pensioner to evade taxes, gargantuan cubic frame the Jamie Lloyd Company schoolgirls on the cusp cracked up to be. transitions are effortless, The extraordinary could have easily contin- missed! Now, I only wish this series. Pinter Three, verbally-sparring married Dwane Walcott), who enters the competition for is at its centre, creating doesn’t fail to confirm of adulthood. Eve, Lana, When I read that this in spite of the abrupt potential of the all-female ued watching the lives of I could Walk Swiftly and also reviewed in this couple Andy and Bel appear as cut-scenes, by Sally’s hand. Within this various layers where the itself as one of the most Robbie, and Misha, is Siofra Dromgoole’s changes of tone, most crew behind this produc- these characters unfold With Purpose back to the issue, lives up to this but (Brie Brennan), initially halfway are dealing out bland frame Walter’s two action takes place. The curious experiences now despite the deep and first live play as a writer, likely thanks to the ex- tion is unprecedented; for another hour. theatre to see this show in Pinter Four we find feels like a slightly dated lyrical and absurd dialog aunties uplift the mood brilliant Abbie Finn, available on the market. powerful themes they I was surprised. Her inex- cellent direction of Imy the way I see it, the sky is Unfortunately, by one more time. that not all scripts are multi camera sitcom. – in perfect Pinteresque with their peanut-gallery always present in the back- explore together, ulti- perience is unnoticeable, Wyatt Corner. It elevates the limit considering the the time of this article created equal and when complete with various fashion. It’s just a shame commentary, giving some ground, plays on a drum 22 23 FELIX ISSUE 1706

ARTS [email protected] A Small Place and a Big Message Prepare to be exposed to the hard truth of colonialism and cruelty.

ARTS The intensity and placed on a bookshelf. At intimacy of this work is seemingly random points, incredible and stifling. the screen would turn on The clever use of light and show some image Where? The Gate Theatre and the discomforting or film without audio. Millenial anxiety // John Hunter When? Till 1st Dec use of static and noise Most confusing was the How Much? £12 for <26s surrounds the audience. inclusion of a scene from Better still are the narra- the classic Disney film, Tesni Haddon- tors themselves who truly Beauty and the Beast. This Super Duper Close Up Mcmillan carry the performance. In clip was later distorted Anecdotes from an online life. Arts Writer both Skeete and Alexis, and played at an increased there is an urgency and speed and in negative; ARTS insomnia”. Through this around this topic, about nce you enter raw emotion in face and perhaps it was actually a pessimistic ramble, we get spending your life looking the Gate voice. The pair directly very brilliant reference, a glimpse into a very real at screens, jiggling too Theatre, you entreat the audience and but it was definitely lost on person, and much of it is many open tabs, ordering are brought into under their gaze, we are me. The actors also quite Where? Sadlers Wells very relatable for a young too many things online Oa room lined with rows of left feeling quite naked, literally weaved through When? 19th – 20th Oct adult in today’s capital- and posting too many chairs and scattered with particularly when Skeete the audience, handing How Much? From £15 istic reality. Latowicki is things on your instagram seemingly out-of-place is brought to the verge members a string of red dressed in a shiny, green for everyone to see. objects. Looking around, of tears speaking of the wool as they went. This Amanda Hertzberg dress and is standing in Latowicki is easy to you see that there is no wrongs of slavery. It appeared to be a means Arts Writer the middle of the stage listen to, but can still make stage and you realise that truly is an emotional and of representing the slave very determinedly. She you feel uncomfortable the ‘show’ you believed powerful experience. trade and the red blood ne moment has this angry Piper with scenes of her panting you were coming to see As stated though, it is linking us all. However, screaming pas- Chapman (Orange Is The and screaming, or even is far closer to a private the actors that drive this I found that I was more sionately, the New Black) energy about dancing in a very sexual meeting. With no an- piece and there were what conscious of not tripping next sitting in her. The whole setting manner, with the camera nouncement, lights dim, I felt to be unnecessary up one of the narrators Othe audience eating pop- is eerie (think Stanley very close up to her. She is music blares and the and distracting additions than actually listening to corn, Jessica Latowicki’s Kubrick’s two girls in The relatable but intimidating, performance begins. to the work. The room what they had to say. creative performance will Shining). satirical and scary. At the A Small Place is an is littered with mundane Putting this aside, A feel like all of your anxi- Apart from a maybe end of the show you feel involved two-person nar- items; a projector is used Small Place had some eties embodied in front of unnecessarily dragged out like you almost know rative of the 1988 essay to focus the audience on a genuinely inspiring you. Throw in a camera, dance scene towards the her as well as you know of Jamaica Kincaid. The particular image or to en- moments and its dark some French skincare end, the whole play fits yourself. piece focuses on corrup- courage us to imagine our humour was an important, and a backdrop of a dark together seamlessly with Super Duper Close Up tion, slavery and general own, books are used to if not painful, reminder of forest and you have Super all its agendas and media. keeps you captivated from human filth and through- represent knowledge and our beastly history. The Duper Close Up. The experimental integra- the beginning all the way out, the audience is made stress the importance of wonderful description of Covered in glittery tion of technology is bril- through till the end. The to feel responsible for it the old Antiguan library. Antigua’s beauty and the props and drowned in the liant. Latowicki criticises mix of media in this play all. This confrontational But these small props are terrible account of tragedy tunes of bubblegum pop a our use of technology works together nicely. performance is given by where it should have been will certainly stay with me la Robyn, it is a one-wom- today, our ‘scrolling and Latowicki is a storyteller our narrators, Cherrelle left. There was a screen for a long time. an play written and scrolling’ through social who can really milk a Skeete and Nicola Alexis, in one corner of the room performed by Latowicki. medias, at the same time concept for all it’s worth. who take turns to tell of Despite the glitzy set up, as the play builds on the When the lights dim down the shame of tourism and her 80 minute monologue use of it. Large parts of at the end and everyone the gross English occu- is everything but sparkly the play are livestreamed starts clapping, you’ll pancy of Antigua. Skeete’s and upbeat. She manages on a screen as they are think it’s much too early character appears to be to perform the anxiety of a simultaneously taking for it to already be over, the calmer of the two and millennial career woman place right in front of you. but also realise you just although she acknowledg- all in the span of one story, Sometimes you are unsure spent 80 minutes listening es the horror of what is which she sidetracks from which one you should be to one single dragged out happening in Antigua, she and returns to throughout looking at (I mean this story and a lot of millen- is also in a state of denial the play. You could say it in the best way possible), nial anxiety. If you want and cautious positivity is a ramble, or a rant of if you might miss some- to spend a very intimate when the piece begins. It sorts, but a fun one indeed. thing by just looking at evening being entertained is Alexis, with her calcu- Latowicki’s nihilistic the screen. The camera by various anecdotes lated and hard reason, who comments will have the becomes a narrative in depicted in experimental eventually works the pair audience laughing from itself, choosing to zoom ways, definitely go over to into a rage and shows the minute to minute, things in very close, showing Hackney Wick for Made audience the true hatred like “I read the news at only selected parts of a In China’s Super Duper boiling in the hearts of night just so that I can particular scene. A lot Close Up, you won’t these two women. Nicola Alexis as narrator // Helen Murray justify my nightmares and of the play is centered regret it! 24 FELIX ISSUE 1706

ARTS [email protected] Simon Boccanegra And Then There Were The stage at the Royal Opera House morphed into the None like it streets and rich saloons of 14th century Genoa, for an A warm invitation to a performance of, arguably, the evening of political games, action-packed scenes and most popular whodunit ever. high-quality music.

ARTS England rather than a there; her original plan ARTS haunted fairground. And was for the reader never Calum Drysdale Then There Were None to find out who killed Arts Writer throws this formula out the ten people on Soldier of the window by making Island. Unfortunately, this hat if I every one of the charac- was thought to be a bit too Where? Royal Opera House asked you ters murderers. radical for the time, and When? Until 10 December what the The idea, so ridiculous probably still is nowadays How Much? Tickets nearly most pop- as to literally deserve to be honest. sold out Wular book ever written ridicule, is made to work Next week, Dramsoc was? Off the top of your by Christie by cutting will be putting on a per- Maria Portela head. Think fast. Now the whole plot off from formance of And Then Arts Writer you can feel smug if you the rest of the world on There Were None, directed thought the Bible, and an island which gives the by Ansh Bhatnagar and his season’s even smugger if you got whole experience a claus- Olivia Revans. “We hope first perfor- Shakespeare in second but trophobic and dream like to live up to the legacy mance of Simon what about third? Now quality. Fact and fiction of the book and give our Boccanegra was we can quibble about blur together as everyone audience both a night to Tdedicated to the memory Simon Baccanegra//Clive Barda figures but why don’t you suspects everyone else remember and a satisfying of Montserrat Caballé, the take my word for it or, if of being the ‘actual’ conclusion to the mystery famous opera singer in the clearly mark the transition Gabriele Adorno earned you saw the same Reddit murderer and people go on Soldier Island. We bel canto tradition. If the from one character’s line the audience applause post, Reddit’s word for it. just a lot mad. Again. would love you to come. melodic, legato lines of to another’s. And one with his solo aria, and Published in November Sound familiar or clichéd? The play will be running Verdi’s arias are a mean- can’t suppress the feeling Ferruccio Furlanetto as 1939, And Then There That is because it is, now. from Wednesday to ingful tribute to this diva’s of some details being lost Jacopo Fiesto impressed Were None is the story How many films, books, Saturday, tickets, on the style of singing, none of in translation, as often with his consistently solid of a group of people who plays, video games feature Union website or on the the cast could quite com- long lines are translated to performance, always are lured to an island by this device of a group of door, are only 7 pounds pare to her world-famous only a few English words. sounding clearly and an unknown host and are people trapped together for IC students and we quality. louder than the orchestra. killed off one by one. You and then people start should be finished just in The opera is structured The anonymous and may have heard of it; it is dying? Maybe the words time for Sports night. We, in a prologue and three “...spectacular often forgotten cast also the sort of book that you ‘the black guy dies first’ the cast, hope to see you acts and tells the story of deserves praise: every have heard about, perhaps will jog your memory? there!” a Genoese corsair who sword fights...” chorus moment brought due to its unfortunate, And it all started here. is elected Doge by the life to the stage, bursts of now unprintable, original Christie didn’t even stop people. After twenty-five action contrasting with name, or read parodies of. years, his long-lost illegit- The sets are enormous, operatic, frozen-in-time That is its legacy. imate daughter is found, with the same columns sections. Their off-stage What makes the book adopted by her unsus- and tiled floor as a lines had a dark, ghostly so special is the way that pecting actual granddad, common element for feeling that overall con- it subverts tropes and and falls in love with the every scene. Simple tributed to the intensity of genre harder than a WOC son of his greatest enemy. details were added from the drama. Musically, the parliament. Most murder Nobleman and plebeians scene to scene: the Doge’s orchestra was beautiful mysteries can be expected weave their way through personal belongings, a and precise, support- to have quota of one the convoluted political palace’s front door, some ing the scene without murderer with a potential scene of the city, rebel, scribbled Italian graffiti, becoming the protagonist. feeble assistant and a envy, commit treachery or a lone bench in a colon- In terms of collective per- superfluity of oh-so-inno- and reconcile, up to a nade. During the first act, formance, the full section cent and going on virtuous tragic finale. Care was a particularly empty stage in the council chambers is souls all dedicated to the taken to show the passing proved too hard to fill for a unforgettable, involving task of rooting out the one of time: singers returned lonely Hrachuhi Bassenz, spectacular sword fights, bad egg who is shown up from the ‘twenty-five singing Amelia Grimaldi. incredible coordination, at the end. years later’ interlude with With the entrance of alternating arias, en- The Scooby-Doo visibly whiter hair. Carlos Álvarez, as sembles and choruses, reveal, while endlessly For those who do not Simon Boccanegra, the in an exciting crescendo entertaining, has a long speak Italian, subtitles are set regained energy and of dramatic tension and history, though it was provided. Still, it is hard to interest. exhilarating music. previously associated follow the action at times, There are of course with the church halls or particularly in duets or some brilliant moments. market squares of Middle trios, as captions do not Francesco Meli as Directed by Olivia Revans & Ansh Bhatnagar//DramSoc 25 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX

ARTS [email protected]

Hunting lions and building libraries... an interesting mix of hobbies // Flickr I am Ashurbanipal, king of the world, king of Assyria The British Museum presents a narrative of the life of Ashurbanipal, a ruthless ruler with a passion for writing.

ARTS predecessors, Ashurbani- Ashurbanipal’s passion takes you slowly through has cleverly placed Most of the exhibits have pal was more than just a for writing led him to es- the history of Assyria projectors to light up bits come from Nineveh, Iraq, ruthless ruler - although tablish The Royal Library, before, during and after and pieces of the artefact, a historical site that has he certainly was that, located in the capital of the reign of its greatest with accompanying sound seen appalling destruction fearlessly impaling lions Assyria, Nineveh, holding King, Ashurbanipal. effects, while projecting at the hand of the Islamic Where? British Museum and slaying his enemies, over 30,000 tablets con- a description of the events State in 2015. Currently When? Until 24 February be they a neighbouring sisting of diverse texts in the carving nearby, the British museum team How much? Adults £17, rebellious king or his from legal documents “...wall reliefs creating a cohesive story. with the Iraqi Board of Students £14, 2 for 1 offer own older brother. The to literary compositions I am Ashurbanipal: Antiquities and Heritage for students on Fridays King of the Neo-Assyrian including the Epic of presenting king of the world, king of are rescuing the archaeo- Empire was renowned Gilgamesh. A vast number Assyria is more than just logical treasures from the Catalina Costenco for his mind, of which he of these tablets are present stories of an exhibition portraying affected sites. Arts Writer was proud, as you will at the exhibition due to an lion hunts, some long forgotten Splendour and might, notice on the stonework unfortunate (or fortunate) history. At the end of the this exhibition presents displayed at the exhibi- occurrence. During the wars, and the exhibition you will also be the peak of a civilisation o many, the name tion, where Ashurbanipal fall of Nineveh, an event presented with a surprise: the history of which Ashurbanipal, is presented with a spear recorded in Greek history relaxed life a video message from the remains unknown to will sound un- in his hand and - more and described in the Bible, women who are partaking many. Be ready to trans- familiar or may significantly - a stylus many of these tablets were inside the in the Iraq Emergency port yourself more than Tbring back distant mem- behind his belt. baked in the great fire that palace...” Heritage Management 2,000 in the past as the ories of history classes. burned down the city, thus Training Scheme. King has left many stories Assyria, one of the great- “His passion preserving them to this behind worthy to be est kingdoms in the world, day. The exhibits allow you “empowering passed down in time, so was at its peak in 631BC, for writing In this exhibition, the to fully immerse yourself come and listen to them with lands extending from British Museum presents in the castle life of the Iraqi women” passing through the ex- the modern day Cyprus to led him to the life of Ashurbanipal capital Nineveh, with wall hibition which resembles Iraq and Egypt. This ex- through over 250 exhibits reliefs presenting stories a well written narrative pansion was only possible establish The from museums all around of lion hunts, wars, and This scheme, de- with picturesque and under the competent reign the world. From stone the relaxed life inside veloped by the British captivating artefacts. of Ashurbanipal, youngest Royal Library... carvings to jewels, statues, the palace walls. In case Museum, empowers Iraqi son of Esarhaddon. holding over and tablets, some of which you are lost while trying women by providing them So how can a man have not been shown to to understand what is necessary archaeological reign over such a massive 30,000 tablets” the public eye in the past happening on the stone training in an attempt to empire? Compared to his 15 years. The exhibition carvings, the museum preserve their heritage. 26 FELIX ISSUE 1706

ARTS [email protected] Life in the Dark: a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of London An immersive experience that grabs your attention from the moment you enter to the moment you leave

ARTS “Life in caves”, and “Life family-friendly, and there removes you from the in the deep”, we are met is a clear emphasis on the bustling world outside with countless nocturnal interactive aspect, as we of the exhibition. The animals, cave-dwellers, encounter soundscapes, first room hits you with a Where? Natural History and deep-sea creatures. scents, light installations, cacophony of night-time Museum Of the array of animals and free-to-touch furry forest sounds, whilst the When? until 24th Feb 2019 covered in the exhibition, taxidermy animals, final room immerses you How Much? £12.50; £8.50 ranging from small fuzzy making it compelling and in a mesmerising simula- students aye-ayes to live Mexican accessible for children and tion of a bioluminescent blind cave fish, some adults alike. Somehow an deep-sea environment, Shivani Gangadia seem almost alien. The ideal balance has been with hundreds of oscillat- Arts Writer fact that only 5% of the struck between visual ing lights on the ceiling. world’s seas have been stimulation and interactiv- And all that’s in between nter a subterra- encountered by humans ity suitable for children, is equally as engaging. nean pitch-black makes us wonder what yet enough written infor- There’s a chance to see cave, or even else could be lying below mation to allow adults to yourself through the the vast deep-sea in the depths of the ocean engage as well. eyes of a cave boa via Eof the ocean in this new – you’ll leave this exhibi- There’s a wonderful an infrared live camera Natural History Museum tion believing anything is blend of modern interac- of the room, or smelling exhibition, which possible after seeing what tive displays with some of stations where various Magic in the dark // NHM Trustees introduces us to the aston- already exists, such as the the museum’s specimens handheld devices emit Adults may find their at £8.50 may also find the ishing lives of the elusive preserved black seadevil from their plentiful col- odours for you to guess, ticket prices a little price on the expensive animals that exist in these and dumbo octopus on lections. All your senses including eucalyptus, steep at £12.50, but with side, but if you fancy seemingly uninhabitable display. are engaged, and the lemon, mango, wood sap, children 16 and under splurging a little and environments. Divided In classic Natural dim, almost non-existent as well as the less enticing going in completely free, treating yourself, this is a into three main parts History Museum style, the lighting heightens all guano (bat excrement) I’d say it’s a decent deal great bet. entitled “Life at night”, exhibition is extremely your other senses and and worms. for a family. Concessions Courage Everywhere: And Others – Emotion-Packed to The Core ARTS lost to history” despite immersive and touching. still face in voting. In fact, fighting for suffrage, was t was clear from the first according to And Others, a brilliant opener to such a moment how passionate 17% of disabled people remarkable event. the cast was to be a part were turned away at poll- Where? National Theatre As a non-British male, of such a remarkable play. ing stations in 2014, a When? 15th – 18th Nov going into the rehearsed Despite the very specific number which astonished How Much? £15; £10 reading of this new play, subject matter, the reading me. This was due to une- students I first realised how little was inclusive throughout. quipped polling stations, I knew about the subject Being informed first hand and a lack of easy-read Ozbil Dumenci matter, which did scare the amount of difficulties voting ballots, amongst Arts Writer me. Although, I thought these women face in their other reasons. it was best to embrace day to day lives, such as Other current issues ver the last my lack of knowledge on difficulties in voting and that the women touched week, the the subject matter, and getting jobs as serious ac- upon included the gender National to learn from what I was tresses gave the reading an pay-gap, LGBT rights, A hundred years of the vote? // National Theatre Theatre has about to witness. And extra emotional punch, as feminism, men’s roles in Omarked the 100th anni- learn, I did. now the play was not just feminism and the #MeToo throughout the reading is at least as vital to know versary of (some) women The reading, which was about women who lived movement, with a not- was the importance of how far there is to go. in the UK getting the directed and performed by 100 years ago, but women so-subtle reference to the learning from our past As pointed out by an right to vote through a D/deaf (some prefer it to who live now amongst us. widely publicised sex- to avoid repeating some audience member dur- series of talks, rehearsed be capitalised) and disa- Perhaps the most shock- ual assault accusations mistakes in the future. In ing the Q&A following readings and screenings bled women, focused on ing part of the reading was towards the then-United times like these, it is of the performance, history that reflect on suffrage the D/deaf and disabled how relevant it felt to the States Supreme Court utmost importance to ap- is a narrative that we are and the fight for equality. women who fought for current world. Particular- nominee Brett Kavanaugh preciate how far we’ve writing right now. So, in a And Others, aptly named suffrage 100 years ago ly, it was eye-opening to by Dr Christine Ford. come in the last 100 years hundred years from now, to represent the women and the challenges these find out about the - chal Arguably the most sig- to establishing fair, equal what do you want the his- whose voices “have been women face now, was lenges disabled people nificant running theme communities, although it tory books to read? 27 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX FELIX ISSUE 1706

SUSTAINBILITY [email protected] SUSTAINBILITY [email protected]

Grinding to a halt – China bans imports of waste Going on in the Last year the UK exported two-thirds of its plastic waste to China. In 2018 it banned imports. What will happen? world this week

SUSTAINABILITY environment and our UK and many other coun- SUSTAINABILITY conscience? As of 2018, it tries such as Japan, Aus- Sam Owens turns out the answer is no. tralia, and the US export Artur Donaldson Sustainability Writer the majority of their Sustainability Editor Since 1992, China waste abroad may come has imported 45% of all as a surprise; few of us Monday sees the beginning of the he UK has plastic waste intended for think about what happens COP 24 conference in Katowice, declared war recycling for use in its to our plastic bottle or on single-use manufacturing industry, food packaging after we Poland. Previous conferences include plastic. Reusable taking two-thirds of the ‘recycle’ it. Apparently, 2015’s COP 21, in which 190 nations Tcoffee cups are every- UK’s waste since 2012, the UK government committed to limiting the rise in global where, with Imperial’s but in January 2018 it doesn’t either, as there cafes charging those with- announced it will stop appears to be no backup temperatures to 1.5°C above pre- out one an extra 15p, and doing this by the end of plan to deal with the industrial levels. plastic bags and straws the year. The consequenc- restriction of the world’s In other news, Felix sees the beginning are looked upon with es of this are enormous, largest market for waste, horror. The government is as the non-exported despite prior warnings of a new column on sustainability riding this wave of public waste may be diverted to that such a situation may organized by the Environmental opinion, having imposed landfill, making putting it occur. Nevertheless, this society. The aims of this column are a 5p levy on the former in in a recycling bin nothing is an opportunity for the China used to import massive amounts of waste from around the globe // Science 2015, and is in the process but an empty gesture of UK to develop its recy- Advances to provide news on the environment of implementing an out- goodwill with no positive cling infrastructure by (“Going on in he world this week”), right ban on the latter, as environmental impact. investing in reprocessing magical material has the same, as problems of is now effectively non-re- Does this get under your skin? // Celina Chien give a platform for discussion and to well as a possible charge China has also increased facilities, albeit on a much revolutionised our ability this magnitude require a cyclable, must make an on plastic takeaway con- quality controls for other shorter timescale than the to store and transport food change of public behav- effort to minimise our popularise actions which members of tainers. But the newfound waste such as cardboard, government might like. due to its low cost and iour only achievable if purchase of it. Exactly Can a tiger change its stripes? the college community (that’s you) can revulsion at these items which could cause local It is also an opportunity physical and chemical plastic-free packaging is how to go about this is take on sustainability. is primarily because they authorities to reduce their to adopt an even more properties, its use must commonplace and cheap. another story – make sure are single-use; aren’t we collection of certain types intolerant attitude towards be minimised. There has Retailers are highly re- to check back over the China postpones reversal of ban on trade of tiger and rhino products. free to purchase all the of waste due to the content plastic waste, even recently been an increase ceptive to public opinion, following weeks to find recyclable plastic we of the bins failing to meet when it is bound for the in popularity in some exercised through our out more! SUSTAINABILITY wild populations of the al- would be temporary or in TCM will alleviate the tiger farms, tigers are wait anxiously for further want, so long as we do these standards, thereby recycling bin. Single-use circles of shops offering spending habits, so we ready endangered species. permanent. the poaching pressure speed-bred like livestock updates from Beijing. the honourable thing and becoming economically food packaging makes products plastic-free, but the consumers, armed Celina Chien on wild populations, but and killed to order. Many In this age of ecocide put it in the appropriate unviable. up 89% of exported there is a need for major with the knowledge that a Sustainability Writer State Council Executive The announcement to conservationists argue are also open to the public and global biodiversity bin – a win-win for the The very fact that the plastics, and while this retailers to step up and do large proportion of plastic Secretary-General Ding allow the trade of farmed that it will only inflame under the guise of enter- devastation, it is time to hina has post- Xuedong did not give any rhino and tiger parts for the global poaching and tainment, where unknow- abandon the outdated and poned previous reasons why the reversal TCM indicates that the smuggling crisis that is ing tourists can handle scientifically invalid prac- plans to lift the has been postponed and Chinese government already threatening to tiger cubs or pose for tices in traditional medi- How trashy is your period? 25-year-old did not refer to the global values wildlife exclusive- wipe out the <30,000 photographs with sedated cines that are exploiting Cban on the sale and use response. He said the “old ly as products for human rhino and the <4,000 and restrained adults. and driving the decline of of rhinoceros horn and ban remained in force”, consumption, no matter tigers left in the wild. endangered species. Menstrual cups – why you should care about periods even when you don’t have one. tiger bone for Traditional but did not specify if this how iconic or endangered. Not only will this support Although much of the Chinese Medicine It contradicts President the fourth most lucrative demand for tiger bone for The Chinese NGO SUSTAINABILITY menstrual products were menstruates for 43 years sewers and have detri- collect blood rather than stock menstrual cups. (TCM), following an Xi Jinping’s efforts to international criminal TCM comes from China, WildAid captures the the only options I was of her life, and each year mental effects on aquatic absorb, so have never TOTM menstrual cups international furore. This “Supporting improve China’s reputa- trade after drugs, weapons Vietnam is also one of the sentiment of many with Petchara Newson told about. It was only a she has 13 periods. That’s life. What’s more, if we been associated with cost £20, have entirely announcement comes tion on the environmental and human trafficking, it largest consumers of tiger their slogan “没有买卖 Sustainability writer few years ago I stumbled 559 periods – and if she take into account that each TSS, nor do they disrupt biodegradable packaging, two weeks after the State tiger and front and the country’s will also put the lives of parts; tiger bone paste, a 没有杀害” (“When the across the idea of men- uses 20 pads a period, tampon or pad costs about vaginal pH levels like and are cruelty-free. Council’s decision in total ban on the trade of countless conservationists traditional medicine, is buying stops, the killing ince the 5p car- strual cups. that comes to 11,180 pads 13p per unit, a woman pads and tampons. They When starting off, looking October to reverse the rhino farms elephant ivory in January and rangers at risk in the a uniquely Vietnamese can too”). rier bag charge, Menstrual cups are being thrown away in her spends over £1400 on can also hold up to 3 times at a menstrual cup can be 1993 ban on the sale, will stimulate 2018. war on poaching. product. While the Vi- the thought of medical-grade silicone lifetime! In the UK alone, menstrual products more blood than a large daunting, but YouTube import, export, and use of etnamese trade in tiger throwing away cups that you fold and 4.3 billion disposable throughout her life. tampon, and only need to has a wealth of tutorials tiger and rhino products, demand The lifting of the ban, Supporting these parts is currently illegal, Sa perfectly good plastic insert into your vagina to menstrual products are I’ve mainly been be changed once every 12 for how to fold them and, in order to allow their use if it proceeds, will directly tiger and rhino farms China’s decision will “没有买卖没有 for these bag is enough to make collect menstrual blood, thrown away every year. talking about pads, but hours. Women are able like all new things, it takes for “medical research or support the barbaric tiger will stimulate demand certainly influence the – When most of us cringe. Now and which you then empty These products take 500 tampons are just as bad. to exercise comfortably a bit of practice to master. in healing” from farmed products that farming industry of China for these products that South East Asian legal 杀害 imagine unknowingly into the toilet twice a years to decompose, Tampons contain bleach wearing a menstrual cup Despite being invented rhinos and tigers in gov- and South East Asia, and will certainly exceed the atmosphere concerning the buying throwing away 80 plastic day. They’re simple to outlasting not only the which can leak into a and can go to sleep in the 1930s, sadly it’s ernment certified TCM will certainly it comes soon after South supply that farms are the commodification of bags every month. That’s maintain: wash with woman who had her woman, and the cotton without them leaking. only now menstrual cups hospitals. Environmental Africa’s recent legali- able to generate. It also tigers. stops, the how much plastic the unscented soap between period but generations fibers which can be left A menstrual cup is a are becoming common activists, conservation exceed the sation of the domestic undermines the efforts to average woman uses over uses and boil between after her too. They should inside the vagina have one-off buy lasting you 10 knowledge. Even if you’re NGOs and experts trade in rhino horn, eradicate demand entirely The latest development killing can her period if she throws cycles. never be flushed down the been linked to cervical years and is readily avail- not a woman, you can still criticised the Chinese supply that supporting rhino farmers. and could erase the stigma is only a delay in the away 20 disposables a Let’s do a calculation toilet anyway, but flushed cancer. If left in for too able in high-street stores take part in the discussion government, saying the Farming supporters say associated with exploiting possible ban reversal; too” month! I’m not trying to (we’re at Imperial, you plastics still account for long, they can even cause such as Boots, and more about menstrual cups as decision would have a farms are able that availability of farmed a globally loved, critically environmental activists make women feel guilty; gotta love the sums). 8% of beach litter found Toxic Shock Syndrome recently Tesco, being the the benefits to the envi- “devastating impact” on to generate” tigers and rhinos for use endangered species. In and conservationists must growing up, disposable The average woman in the UK and can clog (TSS). Menstrual cups first UK supermarket to ronment help everyone.

FELIX ISSUE 1706 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 FELIX

CLUBS & SOCIETIES [email protected] CLUBS & SOCIETIES [email protected] Imperial College Model United Nations in Cambridge Imperial’s Space Society launches High-Altitude

Cyber-attacks and condom attacks weather balloon Payload sadly lost over Norfolk due to GPS failure CLUBS & SOCIETIES encouraging global rear- the precise nature of the mament with lethal killer two Chairs’ relationship). Danel Medelbekova robots, despite Canada’s A different, slightly CLUBS & SOCIETIES On board, we had 2 Imperial College Model best efforts. higher-profile relation- compact cameras as well “We are United Nations Society ship under scrutiny was Medad Newman as a flight computer, Secretary of Training President Macron’s “un- Imperial Space Society relaying telemetry on planning on “To say that conventional love story”, its location, altitude, as the delegate of France temperature and pressure designing a the weekend got lightly roasted in the to our tracking station on tracker and ollowing the suc- UN Women committee n 3rd November, the ground. All looked cess of ICMUN’s was full of and the room was split in members of fine before launch with a balloon for five-man dele- surprises three by the discussion of the Imperial healthy stream of telem- gation in Oxford the #MeToo movement. College Society etry received at our base a mission Fearlier in the year, we have would be Ofor the Exploration and station on the ground. sent a delegation almost Development of Space With great anticipation to CIRCUM- twice that size to the an under- “Things headed off to Elsworth, for a High altitude balloon NAVIGATE the Cambridge International Cambridgeshire, to launch chase around the English Model United Nations statement” escalated our payload on board a countryside, we released world” conference, to once again large weather balloon. the balloon. act as representatives of when different countries saving The Human Rights delegates However, as soon as The flight computer all packed away in a polystyrene box // Sena Harayama the world. To say that Council made leaps in we let off the balloon, the weekend was full of dealing with the Rohingya began we realised that the GPS village called Reepham in towards the ground. The we managed to pick up surprises would be an refugee crisis, by some had lost lock and lost Norfolk. payload’s descent was extremely faint signals understatement, and to miracle managing to throwing track of the position of Undaunted by the loss slowed by a parachute from the payload near say that the resolutions convince the delegation the balloon. However, the of GPS data, we headed that deployed as soon as the village of Reepham. passed would at all reduce of Myanmar to give up condoms at transmitter was sending off in our van towards the balloon burst. Based However, by then it had the chances of us dying in their “not our territory, the Chairs as back pressure and temper- Norfolk. As long as the on the pressure readings, become dark and we had World War Three would not our problem” attitude. Day 2, club night after the formal dinner: Happily ruling the world, though it’s a bit of ature data over radio. We payload was in the air, we the highest altitude trans- to give up on our quest to be a blatant lie. Yet, things escalated when the committee a blur // ICMUN hoped that we could home could pick up telemetry mitted was 28.5 km, three find the payload. Our delegate in the delegates began throwing in on the signal by using due to the clear line of times higher than any Our post mortem Disarmament and Interna- condoms at the Chairs as moved on Burkina Faso and Turkey. The ICMUN delegate in has fulfilled its sacred our directional antenna sight. After around 1 commercial Jet would fly. analysis of the launch tional Security Committee the committee moved on Our delegate in the World the Historical Crisis was mission of proving that to pick the location of hour of flight, we knew After the landing, we concluded that either the was deeply shocked to to the topic of access to to the topic Health Organisation relieved to see the preven- scientists can indeed do the payload. Using data the balloon had burst could not get any signal antenna for the GPS was witness Russia working contraceptives. of access witnessed the entire room tion of World War Two, politics and contribute from the NOAA weather and started descending from the payload due to accidentally shielded by alongside the USA to lead The debate in the (with the exception of as Germany sold off its to the demolition of the service, we expected the because the pressure land features blocking the a battery pack or spurious a unanimous condem- Economic and Financial to contra- DPRK) working together colonies over the course world just as well as the Filling up our massive weather balloon with helium// payload to descend on the readings started to rise, in- radio signals. Our hopes interference from the nation of cyber-attacks. Committee was equally to eliminate medical black of the 1919 Paris Peace humanities squad, having Sena Harayama parachute and land near a dicating that it was falling were slightly lifted when cameras may have caused However, the future of heated, with the room ceptives” markets and safeguard Conference and emerged tons of fun in the process. the GPS to loose lock. humanity once again politics being “straight out electronic health records. as the richest country in We hope to do better began to look grim when of the House of Cards” as the world following World next time. We have the session ended with the terrorist financing was On the brighter side, War One. several exciting new passing of a resolution discussed (in addition to a number of resolutions “Ultimately, Ultimately, ICMUN plans for future missions. that might postpone our We are planning on certain doom were passed ICMUN has designing a tracker and unanimously, including balloon for a mission to COP24’s monster 40- fulfilled its CIRCUMNAVIGATE clause resolution on com- sacred mission the world. We are always bating marine pollution on the lookout for more and UN Women’s master of proving people to join our team. plan for protecting women Send an email to pwroject in conflict zones. that scientists leader, Medad Newman In addition, the vast at [email protected] for majority of delegates in can indeed do more information. the UN Development politics and Many thanks to the Programme voted in Imperial College Robotics favour of a resolution contribute to Society for maintaining fighting corruption in the lab for the develop- development projects, the demolition ment of our payload. with an interesting Day 1, pre-debates and pre-socials: Refreshed and ready anti-corruption alliance of the world” Day 3, after 2 days of debate and 2 nights of socials: to rule the world // ICMUN forming between Ukraine, Smiling through the sleep deprivation // ICMUN 32 33 FR IDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER, 2018 – Fake News! – ISSUE 1706 Hangman

They’re practically bursting under all the pressure...// Imperial College London Students shit selves as library toilets out of order

HANGMAN “unbelieveable”. Melissa “Shit literally hit the “If all these sad children Sources from within the Alessandro Buy, Gardeleau, a second year fan,” said Jimmy Bean, just went home at night cube say that President of Deputy President (Renu- Negafelix Medical Biosciences a final year Mechanical instead of trying to get all Imperial College, Jalice meration), expressed his Editor-in-Chief student, said, “the queues Engineering undergrad- their shit done here, we Fast, wanted to take a frustration at the incident. were longer than for uate. “Like seriously. It wouldn’t be in this damn “For fuck’s sake, this Metric on a Friday night! was raining sweetcorn situation!” place is already a shithole, Library-goers found Actually, that might not be everywhere. ” The cases were linked “If all these and now we’ve got actual themselves in a rather a great point of reference to alleged changes in the sad children turds in the library that sticky situation when for anyone, but still it was “It was library café’s offerings. aren’t medics? What the mad long.” Several of the affected [didn’t try] hell is that extra £250 on Security pulled the Available toilets were unbelievable; individuals were found our home fees going to??” plug on toilets on all found to have incredibly to have consumed fried to get shit The office of Prof the queues Fast did not respond floors. low water supply, and foods from the counter. done here, we library staff were called in were longer Further investigation to NegaFelix’s call for athrooms to operate an emergency found was that the oil used wouldn’t be in comment, rather directing across all one-in-one-out policy, than Metric on originated from a Shell us to an 0780 number levels were with Red Bull being oilfield in Guatemala and this situation!” costing £4.50 a minute. found to be offered to wash their a Friday night!” was given to the College The pre-recorded voice Bout of order, creating hands with. as assurance to gain back- bubble bath in the Ethos message was quoted as long queues for the few The situation was door access into careers swimming pool. “She had saying, “we’re sorry we available stalls and leav- further complicated by Library staff were less a long day,” said Erica can’t take your call right ing tens of hard-working many of the individuals than pleased with the events with students. Muzungu, Prof Fast’s now, but please leave a students in visible dis- involved experiencing events of the day. “We just It was later uncovered PA, “she had to walk up a message and we’ll get comfort. symptoms of violent di- got this place looking half that the call to shut of the single flight of stairs today back to you when we Eyewitnesses de- arrheoa whilst waiting for decent!” said Sybil Fre- water supply, in fact, came to get to her meeting. She actually give a shit.” scribed the scenes are toilets to be available. cature, senior librarian. from the Faculty Building. deserved a break!” 34 FELIX ISSUE 1706

HANGMAN [email protected] Help me Felicity, I’m sad and alone.

HANGMAN Felicity Felissy Agony Aunt Hi Lee! taking up a horizons Dear Felicity, course? Women love I say lower your someone they think they standards. Put yourself can have a conversation Like many at Imperial, I’m a single man looking out there! Did you know with. They’ll talk over to find a mate. It’s cuffing season and my wrists our centrefolds used to be you regardless, but it’s are bare. How do I attract someone to spend used as dating ads? Maybe important to front. Think if you write a letter to the of it like that program- these lonely, long, dark evenings with? I used to editor he’ll do you a solid. ming language on your fill them writing into Imperial College Secrets, It’s a bit old fashioned, CV that you’ve never but even that’s gone now. I’m a catch but these yes, but some old fash- actually coded in. Bullshit wretched females keep rejecting me. All my ioned attitudes are exactly your way through the as- what we need sometimes. sessment centre and deal friends are coupled up. I need a companion and You need some 20th the rest of the problem I am so sick of being a third wheel. All I need in Century tactics to go with when you get to it. my life is some symmetry. that 20th Century entitle- If all else fails, go to ment you’ve got. sports night and shout Cuffing season Perhaps some new as loudly as you can Yours, hobbies will assist you in for someone to go for a be in good company with all in this together. L. N. Lee your quest for courtship. coffee. When you inevita- the rest of the building. Big luv, Have you considered bely fail, you know you’ll We’re all alone, so we’re Felicity xoxo

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER LEO VIRGO

This week your heating This week you and your This week, the stars are This week, nature calls This week you discover This week you have your breaks down and your friends go down to the ice all out of alignment for at the most awkward of that Silwood is a real first Skype interview. room is freezing. Good rink at the NHM. you. times. Unfortunately, place that exists. Exciting! Shame you thing you took great notes Perfect; you get to ice- you’re in RSM and who decide to do it in the in first year; it makes skate and bowl people Oh wait, you just didn’t know where the damn You thought it was just library, the couple going such great kindling. over - a real 2-for-1 deal! calibrate your telescope. women’s toilets are. The what Alice Gast called at it in the background men’s can’t be THAT her off-shore bank isn’t really helping your bad, could they? account. chances of employment.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES

This week, you feel like a This week you write your This week you kick a This week it’s your first This week you protest This week, you get into million pounds. All those lab report last minute. rock at a pidgeon trying shift at the Union bar and against the sale of a fight with a Student cheeky Nando’s were Again. Imagine going to shoo it away from you. you’re confused. At no continental breakfast at Activities Coordinator bound to catch up with into debt to submit low point in the interview did the Union. over room bookings. your waistline eventually. quality work when you All his mandem gang up anyone mention mouse- Brexit means Brexit; Literally. could be Felix Editor and on you and shit on your catching was going to be none of that croissant Chairs are broken and get paid to do the same pasta. a necessary skill. bullshit! infographics are torn up. thing? 35 FELIX ISSUE 1706

INVESTMENT [email protected] Tech sell-off leads to market slump

INVESTMENT

Tom Alston Investment Editor ICIS Editor in Chief

urbulence in the global financial markets, par- ticularly in the Ttechnology sector, saw equity sell offs, oil prices tumble, and dollar swings this week as concerns over the global economy intensified as investors fear growing trade ten- sions and weak corporate earnings. FAANG stocks, which had previously powered the recent post Returns of short-term treasury bills // Financial Times crisis bull run, had more than $1 trillion wiped off higher towards the 3% of Oz, is how highly rated sheet, lifting three-month a lot of investors, a small their market cap leaving level. Rising US interest bonds are beginning to Treasury bills- the Feds group of bearish hedge “Odey Asset the tech heavy NASDAQ rates have tripped up fail to provide their usual way of increasing its cash funds managers their benchmark heading for its the global economy this safety, making portfolio reserves. time has arrived. Crispin Management worst quarterly loss since year, with a large share of protection and hedging On a lighter note, Odey, founding partner at the turmoil that ensued the bond universe losing techniques much harder. some investors note that Odey Asset Management, has made after the Lehman’s col- money in 2018. Although Interestingly, the greatest the recent volatility has has made gains of about gains of about lapse in 2008. Goldman issuance has remained example that the market been healthy, finally 50% this year and 7% Sachs cut its price target strong, the Bloomberg entering a new regime shaking markets out of this month, making it 50% this on Apple’s stock for a Barclays Multiverse has is how the “buy the dip” the dangerous inactivity one of the top performing third time this month from lost $1.34 trillion of its technique (the dominant the Goldilocks post crisis hedge funds this year. His year and 7% $209 to $182, citing dete- market capitalisation this motto of the post crisis environment, where weak view is that downwards riorating Chinese demand year. This is most likely environment) is no growth kept inflation market momentum is very this month, and a stronger dollar. due to central banks paring longer providing returns. at bay and money was difficult to halt when it is making it one Goldman analyst Rod back monetary stimulus, According to Morgan pumping out of central coupled with expensive Hall said, “The market stopping programmes Stanley, buying the S&P banks. Additionally, an equity valuations, “the of the top now points to Apple being such as quantitative 500 after a week when uncorrelated market only way it’s been halted at the limit of their price easing and rising interest returns were negative had provides potential for large has been lower interest performing premium for the iPhone… rates. Still parallel de- been a profitable strategy alpha return for hedge rates, and that’s not an when pricing power is clines in both bonds and since 2002, but recently funds. Although the stock option”. hedge funds lost, consumer technology equities are rare since “BTD” traders have been market correction over the this year“ companies tend to lose stocks do better when caught out saying “While past two months has hurt margins or market share growth is robust and fixed 2018 is clearly not a year or both”. Consequently, income markets thrive of recession, the market Apple stocks have fallen poor economic condi- is speaking loudly that 24% since the early tions. For example, in the bad news is coming”. October high, shedding 2008 financial crisis when Although few think a re- $265 billion of market the global equity market cession is coming as early value; more the market shrank by more than $18 as next year, Scott Minerd, cap of Pfizer, Wells Fargo trillion, the bond market chief investment officer and Chevron. This swan survived as investors were at Guggenheim Partners, dive reverberated through desperate for the relative says he is beginning to jog the global markets, with safety it offers. These new -albeit not run- towards the FTSE All-World market conditions have exiting the market saying, index declining 1.7% on been coined by investors “The bottom line is that a Tuesday and the Cboe as the unfamiliar “Land of recession is coming, and Global Markets Vix Oz”. Jim Smigiel, head of it is imperative to prepare equity volatility climbing portfolio strategies at SEI now for the period leading well above its long-term Investments says “It is a up to the downturn”. It average. It also had an new regime. The entropy, is no surprise then that unexpected effect on the the uncertainty, feels more the Federal Reserve has fixed income market, with acute right now”. One been increasing rates US treasury prices edging major worry in this Land and shrinking its balance FAANGs have had a hard week // Financial Times 36 FELIX ISSUE 1706

PUZZLES [email protected]
     FUCWIT 1 CHZYNo.1InMy<3 115   2 HoneybunnySnugglepuff 107 SUDOKU 3 Maxiane 106 Fill all the boxes with a number between 1 4 Luncheon Pals 104 and 9. A number can only appear once in a 5 Yeet Infection 103
row/colum, and only once in each sub-box. 6 DQ 101 6 BudgetGreg&13Whales 101
  8 Lunar Lunacy 96



 9 S.B.S. 88     10 KBLB 79 11 Sudok-urself 68  11 Computer Magic 68



 13 Cat Ladies 65  
14 Lilmonix3 54 33 Freakamathics 13    Send your solutions to fsudoku@imperial.

 
ac.uk before Wednesday midday to take    part in the leaderboard! Points available Crossword 6   Minesweeper 4 
  Sudoku 3 Nonogram 4 
Total 17

CROSSWORD Down Last week’s solutions

      
    1. Thanksgiving meal highlight (6)        
 

   Across 2. Plentiful (8)    
   
      7. Soap and air (6) 3. Sowing line (4)   
                
    


 8. It must be so (6) 4. A shot of coffee (8)      
                
    9. Protective layer around your flesh (4) 5. Show off (4)  10. Most people can’t afford to buy a house 6. It killed a lot of people in the 14th century (6) 
            
       
       without one (8) 12. They live in a boot (8)      
      

  11. Egypt has many (8) 13. Envy (8)     
 13. Off-road vehicle (4) 15. Musical entertainer (3.3.)             14. The menu option after “File” (4) 17. It has many many steps (6)      16. So cute (8) 19. Not short (4)
18. Sub-atomic particle with no charge (8) 20. A mini bassoon (4) NONOGRAM   21. Ratios defined by bookmakers (4)  
 
 22. Approximately four and a half litres (6)


  



        
23. Magical card that opens any door... on the 
        




  

  
    underground. (6) 

             
  
    






     
  
 


     
  

 
  
    MINESWEEPER
    
The number in a cell represents the number of mines adjacent to that      square (up/down, left/right, diagonal). Find and mark all of the mines
      to clear the board.     
      
      
  


  
        





     
      


   

    
      
   



 



 
 





   


 


          



 




   







37 FELIX ISSUE 1706

SPORTS [email protected] IC Triathlon take on the Hillingdon Duathlon With the incentive of a mug, sixteen Imperial students head to the Hillingdon duathlon and gain a podium spot

SPORTS headwind on the back straight was loudly Mark Pollock chastised by everyone, IC Triathlon Treasurer after all, everyone knows shouting at the wind makes you go faster. The he Hillingdon most difficult part of the Duathlon is one race was not in battling of the favourite the headwind as it turned events in the out but in counting to TTriathlon calendar, not 10. Honourable mentions only is it a nearby, be- go to Daniel Boulby and ginner-friendly, closed Wim Van Der Schoot circuit duathlon – but who both decided that you also get a mug for 10 laps were not enough entering. Win win. The and did 11 instead. The race consists of 2-mile race for the win came run, 10-mile bike and then down to a sprint finish, another 1-mile run. The with Romain coming a men’s race was an hour commendable 2nd place earlier than the women’s, by only a second. 6 of so the 10-strong male con- the top 15 were Imperial tingent had an inhumane athletes, with 5th place 5:30am alarm. With the going to Luke Whiting, Sixteen strong group of Imperial Dualthletes // IC Triathlon weather looking dreadful 6th to Matt Ryan, 8th to for the whole morning, Angus Phillips, 9th to recovering Imperial men’s came in for 2nd place and only do worse. damp duathletes needed. moral was understandably Mark Pollock and 15th team were playing their Marion in 4th. Lois Baker, Flapjacks, cakes, After dabbling in daytime low as we met cold, wet to Cedric Ormond. It was role and providing enthu- Emma Claxton, Esme gossip and race stories drinking, we then realised and tired at 6:10am. After also great to see so many siastic support and live Hotson Moore and Mari were then shared between that we were at Imperial an uneventful journey we giving duathlons a go for intelligence to the women Funabashi all had strong the victorious Imperial and we had more work made it to the race track at the first time, well done to as they went into the races. team. Whilst we were than time, so we made our Hillingdon. Undeterred by Alex Luisi, Daniel Boulby bike. About 10 laps later The organisers found recovering a few of the ways back home to relish the extremely expensive and Shravan Nageswaren. Freya was off the bike, I it very funny how STEM faster duathletes got to in a hot shower. bikes we saw on arrival, say about 10 because she students could not count stand on the podium and Despite the inclement we racked our own and actually did 11, yet still to 10, but we set our repu- claim their rewards from weather, another suc- registered. “3 out of the came 3rd. Kudos. Minty tation straight by assuring the Hillingdon champagne cessful outing for 16 of The race and predicted (who did do 10 laps) them that UCL would cupboard. Imperial’s triathletes and downpour started bang on top 4 female Following the women’s time at 8am and the men race was ‘the main event’, set off to run two laps of duathletes ‘what we woke up for’ “We chose to the track. The field was or ‘the cutest thing since strong and Hillingdon Tri- were Imperial” Charlie bit my finger’ – do even more athletes – on their home the under 8’s duathlon. turf – wanted to prove This draft-legal, stabilis- exercise and themselves against the The girls arrived ers-illegal duathlon was cycle back Imperial team. Setting off significantly better well worth staying for. at a storming pace was no rested and dryer than the The Spiderman trisuits home” deterrent for Matt Ryan as boys for their 9am start. and dinosaur helmets he showed us the quality Imperial had a strong were too much for some, in army fitness training. representation in the who decided there and good preparation for next Onto the bike and Matt’s women’s race with about then to adopt. weekend for the biggest lead became short lived as 20% of the field. Spoiler As the weather had and best duathlon of the competition arrived in the alert: 3 out of the top 4 decidedly improved, we year: BUCS Duathlon. form of ‘rocket’ Romain. were Imperial. Almost chose to do even more BUCS marks the end Romain has the aerody- sounds like an academic exercise and cycle back of the duathlon season namic footprint of a paper league table. With Freya home. Back in Ham- for the year, but do not plane, and combined with Espir leading the run and mersmith, we enjoyed a despair as come the new the wattage cottage that being first into transition, compulsory microwave year we’ll be competing his legs are, he won 2nd hopes were high that meal (courtesy of The in aquathons (swimming place. Luke Whiting, an she would take the win. William Morris). A couple and running) building exceptional all-rounder Closely following in her of soggy sausages and wa- up to triathlons around was also up in the top 5. wake were Minty Martin tered-down maple syrup Spring. The seemingly endless and Marion Artigaut. The ‘Rocket’ Romain strutin’ on the podium // IC Triathlon was just what the group of 38 FELIX ISSUE 1706

SPORTS [email protected] Imperial Sailing takes on the Wet Dream Imperial White team members introduced the freshers in Imperial Red to team racing competition events; winning the races is not a substitute for winning the social...

SPORTS walk to our host’s house. Callum at the club when No sooner had we put our we were dragged unwill- Anita Plumley bags down and dibsed the ingly from the dancefloor Sailing member sofas, we all walked to left in order to actually Co-op to buy some bevs get some (4 hours) sleep. so we could catch up On arriving at our host’s n Friday 26th with the pub crawl that house, we realised she October, most had been planned for the was still out and so we of the 2nd and night, which was already learnt of a new entrance 3rd Imperial on its penultimate pub! to the house - namely, Osailing teams met at Whilst in the pubs, older the skylight to our room. Victoria Coach Station to members of the teams This apparently became make our way to compete caught up with friends Olly’s preferred method at the Wet Dream in from other unis, and of entering the house as he Reading. Stragglers were freshers frequently got repeated it the following forced to take the train, caught out by the radical night. which ultimately proved Despite lack of sleep to be much faster (but less and with everyone safe fun) than the coach. We “After the pubs home (albeit some entertained ourselves on much later than others), the coach with food, food we all went to Saturday was a good and more food. Aidan, start to the weekend with however, was under the the club to cut Imperial White winning impression that it would some shapes” five out of our six races. Imperial White starting the race in a perfect 1,2,3 combination // Knights Sailing be a sesh bus - sending us Against Cardiff blue, a message requesting us to Imperial Red managed went home for a quick nap to various complications which we survived with be binned by the time we a take out at Mark 3 to and then started pre-ing with restarts, postpone- the help of 6Terry’s Choc- got to the house. drinking rules of Reading get 2,3,4 only to hit each for the eagerly awaited ments and broken boats! olate Orange and huddling After almost missing (“no acceptance”???). other on the reach and lose curry social. Our teams’ Due to increasing wind in a parking payment our stop, we realised we After the pubs we all 2,5,6. However, they then costume theme for the strength, the course kept booth. We arrived back in had not been dropped went to the club to cut went on to beat KNOBS night was The Nightmare on getting bigger and London safe and sound, in the town centre, but some shapes - not before on the final beat after Before Christmas, and bigger which didn’t help and altogether content somewhere by the side of Callum decided stealing their having a comfortable almost none of us stuck with the punctuality of with our performance the M4, meaning we had a mini traffic cone would lead with stable position to it strictly apart from changeovers and made over the weekend. to then take two buses be a good idea. We also for the whole race. After some questionably drawn it even easier for us to Many thanks to the followed by a 15 minute managed to leave poor a long day of sailing, we face paint. Shoutout to accidentally sail into Toby actually putting the race whilst waiting some effort in, coming for our start. The story “Overall, as “Sandy Claus” and didn’t get any better for dressing in a morphsuit Imperial Red either, with Imperial White in such cold conditions an umpire getting in the (lows of 1°C!). Callum way of Eddie when his came 7th and also deserves a mention rudder wasn’t working Imperial Red for not being drunk, “just properly in the middle of really extroverted” when one of their races. Overall, 14th out of 18 he was asked to leave by Imperial White came 7th the manager, to which and Imperial Red 14th teams, having he replied by shouting in out of 18 teams, having French. beaten a fair few teams beaten a fair Sunday, was a different that we wanted to. few teams that story for our success rate Even after the sailing - whilst nursing hang- was done, our troubles did we wanted to.” overs and battling with not end there: on our way lack of sleep, Imperial home, due to delays in the White lost three of our coach timetable, we were University of Reading four races. Gabriel and faced with the possibility Sailing Club for organis- Calvin, competing as part of waiting for an hour and ing a great event, and also of the Old Waynfletes & a half in the cold for our a big thank you goes out Friends team, managed ride home! Luckily, the to Toby (Imperial White to beat Imperial White a coach arrived after a wait Team Captain) for being a The event was wet, definitely not dreamy // Knights Sailing total of three times thanks of around 45 minutes, shuttle service for us! 39 FELIX ISSUE 1706

SPORTS [email protected] ICXC regain Bannister Cup in final LXCL of 2018

Cross Country’s medics shine to ensure it’s coming home!

SPORTS the start of the race. undulations and puddles As usual, the race later, the course led down- Aymeric Regnier began with a stampede as wards before a long climb HPR Organiser 216 runners stormed off back towards the start to at 15:15 in the afternoon complete the lap. Fergus Johnson and made their way to the Very quickly the ICXCAC Club Captain woods. runners started to reach The course is well- the finish line as after known for its technical 18:16, Imperial’s Katie ast Wednesday, terrain and has been Olding came in first in the 14th November, known to turn many women’s race, followed just two weeks ankles over the years. very closely by a St Mary’s after Mitcham This year the days athlete who spoiled an LCommon’s sunny race, preceding the race had Imperial clean-sweep London’s sturdy athletes been suitably wet, making as Alex Mundell and Dan outruns Niki to avoid being tripped again // Geoff Lowe took out their spikes once the course even more Georgia Curry came third more to compete in this technical than it otherwise and fourth place in 18:25 This allowed Imperial’s in the league this season – over the trophy for the term’s (and 2018’s) final would have been. and 18:39 respectively. Women’s A to build on gaining 36 points on UCL. medal ceremony before LUCA Cross-Country The wide start-line soon Chloe Baker rounded off their commanding lead in Overall, Imperial hastily requesting it back League race, the much-an- narrowed to an early bot- the team for Imperial, the league, with the team Men’s A remain in 4th, as it “belongs in their ticipated Wimbledon tleneck, where ICXCAC with a stunning 9th on her now on 1741 points – in- some 75 points adrift of St museum”. Common. star Niki managed to trip ICXCAC debut. creasing their lead by 62 Mary’s in 3rd and a com- The so-called “ICSM With laps being longer newbie PhDaniel who On the day, Imperial’s points to 91 ahead of UCL manding 131 point ahead A” team topped the table than average at 4.7km, the fell with a thud before A team came in first with of Reading in 5th. with just 22 points with women’s race consisted somehow making it back 587 points, St Mary’s Wimbledon Common Barts on 28 (for some of just one lap while the to his feet without being A team came in a close “For some has always been host to reason the scores are men had to go around trampled. second with 581 points, the annual University inverted in the Bannister the course twice. As the The route then took the King’s A team in third reason the of London XC Champi- Cup). hour grew near, the teams runners along the path with 537 points and UCL’s onships and Bannister Meanwhile in the gathered by the Windmill for a long straight before A team in fourth with 525 scores are Cup – two championships Mike Baggs Trophy, Tea Rooms to prepare for turning into mud. Several points. inverted in the with a separate scoring which scores points to system from the overall both men’s and women’s Bannister Cup” league. Imperial are inel- teams, Imperial remain igible for the UL Champs top with a narrow 2-point since voting for “Ixit” by lead over St Mary’s, A’s 1650 with two races to leaving the University of who themselves are just go next term. London in 2006. 1-point ahead of UCL. In the men’s race, St Imperial remained It really is all to play Mary’s athletes dominated eligible for the Bannister for with 2 races left in the the field, taking 9 of the top Cup, however, named league! 12 places, but fortunately, after late-famous for- In the individual Imperial runners Niki mer-student of St Mary’s standings, the women’s “Tripper” Faulkner and Hospital which was podium saw a reshuffling debutant Dan “Tripped” incorporated into ICSM as Imperial’s Kate Olding Mulryan broke the St in 1997. The Cup sees the overtook teammate Mary’s perfect finish as scores of the first three Georgia Curry, inverting they placed fifth and third men and two women who the order of the Imperial respectively in 31:21 and study medicine, biomed- duo atop the leaderboard 31:15. ical science, or any other with 446 and 445 points It takes more than one vaguely medical field respectively. fall to keep Dan from the forming a team. The London XC League medals! With former-captain continues in January, with On the day, SMU Alex Mundell rallying the the final two races taking placed 1st and 2nd with medic troops, Imperial place at Alexandra Palace their A and B teams, with managed to regain the and Wormwood Scrubs. Imperial Men’s A coming trophy from Barts who IC runners pose with Barts’ museum piece // ICXCAC in third – their best finish reluctantly handed 40