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twitter.com/warwickboar theStudentboar Publication of the Year 2013 Wednesday 16th October, 2013 Est. 1973 | Volume 36 | Issue 2

Happy 40th Birthday to the Boar! Turn to page 15 for our 16-page anniversary pullout souvenir special

FEATURES page 13 MUSIC page 38 TRAVEL page 42 SPORT page 43 New dating app: is it crap? Concerts in Curiositea Volun-tourism: work or play? Warwick Judo get Olympic coach Travel chaos Hall-rific behaviour from freshers in Leam Students complain of unpleasant activities in campus accommodation Sam Hopps

Roadworks in Leamington Spa are currently being undertaken by Severn Trent who are investing over £10 million to improve the sewer system. According to their website this will protect 30 properties from sewer flooding, but will result in road restrictions for months. The work involves several main streets in Leamington and has been split into five phases, starting in November 2012 and continuing until July 2014. Severn Trent are currently in the third phase which is mainly taking place along the High Street, but with some work also being carried out in Forfield Place and St Mary’s Crescent. Work on this area of Leamington is due to finish in November of this year, but it may take longer. When this phase is completed, » Whitefields has encountered problems: is the behaviour of Freshers this year worse than in previous years? Photo: Warwick Media Library the sewage works will be moving east to Radford Road and are in- windows have chains to stop them too bad.” that we won’t do anything but we tended to remain there from De- Georgina Baker opening too far. They [the culprits] When asked if they retaliated will retaliate if necessary.” cember until March of 2014. broke that chain so they could open they replied: “Indeed. There was Jamie Hardwick, a first-year These road works have affected the window and throw it in. some revenge... urination through English Literature undergraduate the U1 bus route from Leamington A number of freshers’ pranks “You’ve got to remember that… their letterbox.” living in Jack Martin, said: “I heard to campus. have been causing controversy in pretty much everything [at White- The miscreants were thought to from some older students that there The U1’s route through Leam- halls this year. fields] can be broken easily. In the have been the occupants of a rival is a culture of one-upmanship on ington has now changed along New students have reported cas- past 10 days we’ve had the mainte- flat. campus with each year competing with its timetable, affecting how es of stolen alcohol, trolley racing nance guy in six times.” However, a few days ago, a truce against the one that came before it. students commute to and from the in corridors and rude behaviour Sanitary pads, thought at the was called after a meeting with “They said that as far as they University. towards resident tutors. time to have been used, were also their resident tutor. knew, the recent stunts are nothing Lai Kay Man, a second-year Bi- The highlights of the past week stuck to windows and tampons had An anonymous student said: “I n e w.” ochemistry student, told the Boar: have been showcased on the ‘War- been posted through letterboxes at think things will calm down now. However, students living in “The roadworks in Leamington wick Uni Freshers 2013-14 - OFFI- Whitefields. People actually have work and Westwood accommodation seemed have made the journeys getting to CIAL’ Facebook page. A victim of the jovial joke re- can’t just party the whole time. Plus to be less affected by the general be- and from campus a bit longer than In one case, Whitefield residents marked: “The tree had me in stitch- we’ve already been warned by our haviour of freshers. usual. woke up to find an uprooted tree es. wardens to stop.” Alice Griggs, a first-year English “Instead of getting on the U1 at in their kitchen on the morning of “I couldn’t stop laughing as it was However, another student who Literature undergraduate living in a stop on Radford Road, I have to Thursday 3 October. just so unexpected. also wished to remain anonymous, Westwood, said: “We’ve been egged walk 15 minutes in the morning to One Whitefields resident, who “However, the sanitary towels said: “...it wouldn’t surprise me if but that’s the worst we’ve had as the church. wished to remain anonymous, ex- were pretty disgusting, although it [the rival flat] did hit us again. Our who can be bothered with West- “It is a bit of a pain.” plained how it happened: “The was ketchup in the end so it wasn’t flat is very much of the mind-set wood?” Continued on page 4

Sponsored by: 2 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 2 RAG campaigns Uni part of Social Sciences Executive Team for cancer research development programme members, with the best efforts Euan Long shown on social media and voted Lucy Webster stitutions. on for a top prize. Modern societies generate vast Wednesday 23 October will see amounts of data, which could be Warwick RAG is taking part in the Pop! Takeover: “There’s a Party The University of Warwick has used to their advantage if it was a national rebranding campaign in our Pants and you’re invited!”. been selected to run a ‘Q-Step’ analysed properly. This is why for the Association for Interna- As well as campaign-led events programme, aimed at improving quantitative skills are being seen tional Cancer Research (AICR), on campuses, SmartyPants has the use of quantitative skills in the as increasingly important. [email protected] alongside nine other ambassador encouraged students to take on a study of social science. Such importance is reflected in George Ryan universities. challenge in their pants to raise The University was one of 15 in- the additional £4 million which has Nicole Davis The campaign, named SmartyP- sponsorship. stitutions to be selected to run the been allocated to the project, taking Abbey Lewis ants, funds local researchers across Warwick Jailbreak is working in programme from 48 possible can- the national Q-Step budget to £19.5 Helena Moretti the country looking into “new ways association with the SmartyPants didates. Q-Step Centres will also be million, to be spent over five years. to prevent, diagnose and treat can- campaign and will be raising mon- established at other leading institu- The scheme is a collaboration [email protected] cer”. ey for the AICR this year in the an- tions such as UCL, Edinburgh and between the Nuffield Foundation, Sian Elvin It supports research on any type nual ‘escape’ event. Oxford. the Economic and Social Research Georgina Lawton of cancer and funds the scientist’s Events across other universities On the University’s website, Ni- Council (ESRC) and the Higher Ann Yip time in the lab, not the buildings include a zumbathon at Bourne- gel Thrift, the vice-chancellor, de- Education Funding Council for that the work is carried out in mouth University, a safer sex ball at scribed the programme as “quite a England (HEFCE). It also has the [email protected] SmartyPants started at the Univer- the University of Nottingham, and coup”, bringing with it £1.34 million backing of David Willetts, univer- Dan Mountain sity of St Andrews on September 14 a roller disco at Leeds University. in funding. sities and science minister. Daniel Cope and will travel to ten universities, At the start of September, War- This money will go towards the He said that the programme will Charley Kai John arriving at Warwick on October 21 wick RAG took part in the national development of new courses and “help employers build long lasting for Week 4. RAG conference in Birmingham reworking of existing modules in relationships with universities” by [email protected] Warwick RAG will be running where a new world record was set degrees like Politics. Q-Step War- providing them with appropriately Roxanne Douglas a range of events throughout the for the highest number of people wick aims to position the UK as a skilled graduates. He summed up week including piazza pants par- in one pair of pants – 307. The global leader in the social sciences. the scheme as a “step in the right [email protected] ties on Wednesday 23 October and 10ft pants will feature in Warwick’s There is also money for wid- direction”. Benjamin Shaw Thursday 24 October in which they SmartyPants week. er social science education, both will be dancing and selling pants on Pants can be purchased on cam- at the postgraduate level and in [email protected] the piazza. pus from Warwick RAG during schools. The support programme Want to write for Maya Westwick The week will also be full of SmartyPants week or online for which accompanies Q-Step works the Boar? dares, or ‘pantics’, given to willing £4.50, which can then be registered to promote the sharing of knowl- facebook.com/ [email protected] students by the AICR and RAG for the chance to win a prize. edge between higher education in- groups/BoarNews Rebekah Ellerby Chloé Booyens [email protected] Delay of SU online book sale causes concerns Poppy Rosenberg Jess Devine Technological problems have prevented a start-of-term site launch Lillian Hingley [email protected] Sian Elvin October, but this is not set in stone.” risk to the SU.” be able to receive a 95 percent profit Raghav Bali Flo Forster Jordan Wyatt, first-year Com- Last year’s system meant the SU instead of an 85 percent profit un- Hayley Westlake puter Science student, complained: had to collect 5000 used books der last year’s profit charges. “Essentially the delay of the book from students in under six hours. Potential buyers will be able to [email protected] The launch of the Students’ Union sale is a massive hassle... because The books were catalogued, some- search for a specific book, their Tolga Kuyucuoglu (SU) new-format online book sale we haven’t actually been informed times inaccurately, and stored in course or a module, and the system Richard Brown has been delayed due to technical as to what’s going on. the Copper Rooms. Books were will return all the relevant books in problems. “We’ve had more information also sometimes lost, stolen or sold stock. If the supplier is a student, [email protected] The system was meant to be about plant and poster sales as op- for the wrong price. the buyer and seller will be put in Michael Perry ready for the beginning of term, posed to information about books Previously, the SU took 15 per- contact in order that they can com- Sam Carter so new and existing students alike often needed to help advance in our cent of the profit from each book in plete the transfer between them- could buy their course books. course. order to offset the costs of the book selves; if the supplier is a company, [email protected] In previous years, there had “Paying £50 for a textbook I’m sale. This year, however, the seller the book will be delivered to the Ellie May been one overarching book sale in not guaranteed to even use at this will be required to pay a £1 admin- buyer’s home. Cayo Sobral Week 1, Term 1. This year, however, point isn’t really an option for me. istration charge. Mr March added: “I hope that there will be the opportunity to buy “When a lecturer repeatedly ad- In most cases, this will mean an lots of students use the system, [email protected] books all-year-round, and to easily vises you to buy a book which... you increase in profit for sellers. A stu- making their lives a lot easier and Robert Demont view which books are available for could have already got relatively dent selling a textbook for £20 will saving them money.” Katherine Price purchase. Students looking to sell cheaply, it’s a bit frustrating being their books may also find it easier left in the dark.” [email protected] to locate potential buyers. However, Mr March insisted that Joshua Murray Cosmo March, democracy and the new system will be a benefit Sam Steiner development officer at the SU, said: once in place: “A flaw [of the old Chiara Milford “Like with any newly-developed system] was that it was just at the software, a lot of testing is required start of term, and was incredibly [email protected] to make sure it runs without prob- congested with huge queues. Isaac Leigh lems. “The online system means stu- Tom Ward “Given that the system will ben- dents can buy and sell books when- efit hundreds of students and will ever without enduring the endless [email protected] run all-year-round, we want to queuing. It also removes the issue Ellen Buckerfield make sure we get it just right and of students stealing books from Louise Machin don’t rush the job. We hope to have other students at a second-hand Clare Crossfield the system launched on Monday 14 book sale that was a huge financial » The sale launch has been delayed. Photo: somegeekintn / Flickr Unnati Shah Rachel Knight

Students’ Union, (SUHQ) The Boar is the University Except where otherwise noted, [email protected] The Boar is printed on University of Warwick Aditya Pappu of Warwick’s editorially the Boar and the works in the recycled paper. University Road Alexander Bunzl Coventry independent students’ Boar are licensed under: Alessandro Pressa CV4 7AL newspaper produced http://creativecommons.org/ Oliver Siemek [email protected] entirely by and for licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk Warwick students. theboar.org News 3 theboar Student Publication of the Year 2013

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Connect with your student paper 4 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 4 Student raises housing concerns at conference At a regional Labour Conference, a Warwick student spoke of a housing crisis Freshers’ have cut housing investment by creating hundreds of thousands of In 2003, the Monetary Policy round-up Ibtisam Ahmed 60 percent, helping to bring house jobs and apprenticeships.” Committee’s review of UK housing Ann Yip building to its lowest level since the John Parkinson, associate pro- policy suggested that a surplus of 1920s.” fessor at the Politics and Interna- demand for housing was causing a Aakanksha Jaiswal He explained the problem of tional Studies (PAIS) department, rise in prices. Daisy Sibun At a Labour Conference, Warwick ‘rogue’ landlords in contributing commented: “It is difficult to come It concluded that the govern- student James Handy raised con- to the housing crisis: “Rogue land- up with one single solution for the ment needed to do more for af- cerns about the housing crisis af- lords take advantage of high de- housing crisis because it is not a fordable housing and suggested in- Freshers’ Fortnight was off to a fecting Warwick and Leamington mand, so it isn’t surprising that it’s consideration of just one sector. frastructural changes such as more flying start as thousands of first residents. a real problem. “It is far more complex than just land allocation. years poured into Warwick ready James Handy, second-year His- “At the Labour Conference, I an- saying ‘housing’ as one thing that James was the Warwick and to start their university experi- tory undergraduate, criticised the nounced when in government we’ll needs to be solved. Leamington delegate at the La- ence. coalition government as a ‘coalition introduce a statutory national reg- “That being said, this is definite- bours 2013 Conference and helped The Students’ Union (SU) or- for the privileged’ in his speech to ister of landlords and letting agents ly a problem that needs to be tack- to draw up and propose Labour’s ganised a range of events for new Labour delegates in Brighton. with the power to ban those who led, but it needs to be approached Housing motion. students which kicked off with the The price of a home in the UK is are abusive. As it stands, even con- practically.” He is also a student member of MTV Welcome Parties. now six times the average wage and victed landlords can carry on just According to the BBC, the cur- Warwick Labour and is a Youth and The fortnight also saw a perfor- investment in housing has been cut the same.” rent average UK housing price in Student Officer for Warwick and mance from DJ Jaguar Skills, the by 60 percent. He supported the Labour Party’s Coventry, Leamington, Kenilworth Leamington Constituency Labour rock-metal night Crash and the re- James said: “In Warwick and plan to build new homes: “We will and Earlsdon is £145,769. Party (CLP). turn of cheesy tunes in Pop! Leamington the number of house- also tackle the long-term problem Laura Sparks, a first-year En- holds who privately rent has dou- by building 200,000 homes a year gineering student, told the Boar bled in the last ten years, but there along with giving councils the pow- about her experiences of Arrivals remains a chronic shortage of af- er to buy land off developers, telling Weekend. fordable rented accommodation.” them to use it or lose it.” “The first two nights were the He also told the Boar: “Previous He explained his own experience funniest because everyone was get- governments of both colours are of dealing with ‘rogue’ landlords: ting nervously drunk.” partly responsible for the housing “...myself and my housemates are However, she also added that the crisis. The current crisis is a prod- currently being charged hundreds drinks at the Copper Rooms were uct of market failure to build suf- out of our deposit for the need to so expensive that it put her and her ficiently, made worse by the short dispose of rubbish bags. This, by a flatmates off going back to many sighted ‘Right To Buy’ scheme.” landlady who has tried to threat- more events. At the conference, he explained en us into paying her own energy that the government was wast- bills!” “I came home with bruises ing money on the ‘Right to Buy’ Shadow housing minister Jack and a nose bleed, but it was scheme, helping bankers earn mon- Dromey said: “The next Labour still a good night!” ey instead of helping ordinary citi- Government will tackle Britain’s zens find a home. housing crisis by building homes Lizzy Denny He added: “To make matters on a scale no government has done First-year History student worse, this Tory-led government for a generation, and in doing so » James Handy speaking. Photo: West Midlands Labour Conference Some students complained about the boisterous nature of the crowd in Monday’s Paint Party in the Cop- PolSoc gender representation controversy per Rooms. However, first-year History stu- dent, Lizzy Denny, was more posi- WASS has complained that there is a lack of women on the Question Time panel tive: “I came home with bruises and a nose bleed, but it was still a good Sian Elvin panel should have a female repre- McKnight told the Boar: “I don’t Vice-president of Warwick La- night!” sentative. want this to be a battle of statements bour, Mariam Tafsiri, comment- Others didn’t manage to snap up Third-year English Literature – it’s just an unfortunate situation. ed: “As a principle featuring very tickets in time for the events. Concerns about gender equality student Abbey Lewis said: “It’s ter- Perhaps it simply shows something prominently in the wider Labour Ben Kercher said: “I couldn’t have been raised over the Warwick rible but unsurprising that PolSoc about the nature of student politics. movement, Warwick Labour is even go out on campus on my Politics Society (PolSoc) Question wouldn’t even realise an all-male “We reached out to Politics soci- committed to mixed panels. birthday because tickets were sold Time event, which is to take place panel was unacceptable. eties asking for people to chair the “Whilst it is an unfortunate re- out .” on Wednesday 16 October. “They follow a long tradition panel, and only men came forward. flection on politics that all four The sports, societies and volun- Issues raised at the event will in- of politically-minded people who “We had informed the societies political club chairs [were] men, it teering fairs this fortnight also gave clude the use of chemical weapons don’t value women’s voices and that there would be no women on was fitting to have them on the first students the opportunity to im- in Syria, the party conferences, and don’t understand the importance the panel a month prior to this con- Question Time event of the year, as merse themselves in university life. the Robin Thicke controversy. of promoting women’s voices in a troversy. suggested by PolSoc. Some of the most obscure soci- The Question Time panel was male-dominated discipline. “Speaking as vice-president and eties such as the Hummus society, originally made up of five men, “As hosts, PolSoc have a respon- “They follow a long tradition with half of our exec members with Skydiving society and the Cheese including Jack Rankin from the sibility to make sure that their of politically-minded people portfolio being women, Warwick and Chocolate society made an Warwick Conservative Associa- event is representative, and they’ve who don’t value women’s Labour has upheld its commitment appearance, hoping to attract new tion, Warwick Labour president failed.” voices...” and our social secretary Amy will members. Robert Ankcorn, Theo LeQuesne WASS released a statement on Abbey Lewis take the place of our president on There have also been reports of from the Warwick Greens and Tom the issue: “We feel that PolSoc has a Third-year English student the panel.” a mysterious Power Ranger paying Diamond of the Warwick Liberal duty as a representative student so- Warwick Greens has also re- visit to various kitchens on campus. Democrats. ciety to be inclusive, and this means “Our aim is to facilitate campus placed its representative with a The identity of this sociable vigi- Stuart Shevlin was also to sit on ensuring adequate female and mi- politics and we apologise to anyone woman, Helen McNamara, so the lante has not yet been confirmed. the panel as an ex-campaign advi- nority representation at events such we have upset in this miscommu- panel is now gender neutral with Although the excitement of sor, who was not affiliated to any as Question Time. nication. two men and two women. Freshers’ Fortnight has subsided, party. “We believe that failing to have “We will endeavour to take this A second-year student who first-year MORSE student Nishil PolSoc academic officer Aidan women’s voices represented further into account for the next Question wished to remain anonymous said Bathia had some words of advice Press is to chair the event. encourages the marginalisation time. that she thought WASS had taken for all new students. However, a number of students of women’s opinions, a problem “We are looking forward to the the issue too far: “It’s not like Pol- She said: “It’s not the places you complained on the event page and which is rife throughout society event and in light of the situation Soc deliberately set out to leave go, or the things you do, but the in the Warwick Anti-Sexism Socie- and one which certainly should not we will aim to be as transparent women off the panel. people you’re with that makes all ty (WASS) group about the lack of be accepted in any situation. and open as possible by including “Clearly no female representa- the difference.” female representation. “While we appreciate that this the said issue as a topic of discus- tives came forward originally, so They said that if the panel is to act of sexism was not intentional sion with the audience and panel.” they had no choice but to run with discuss an issue which affects wom- by any one individual member and As a result of the controversy, an all-male panel. What did you think of en – the controversy over whether that there was no intent to offend, third-year Politics student Stuart “I just think it says a lot about Freshers’ Fortnight? the song by Robin Thicke Blurred the incident cannot be excused on Shevlin stepped down from his po- student politics; women just don’t Tweet: @BoarNews Lines should be banned as it has these grounds.” sition in order to make way for a want to be involved with politics as #WarwickFreshers been at other UK universities – the President of PolSoc Charlie female representative. much as men do.” theboar.org News Deutsche Bank Financial support can only take you so far 5 db.com/careers 5 | Agile minds know how to go further

Sociology5566_011_DB_Banner_265x36_B.indd 1 students refused Leamington road24/10/2012 17:23 feedback for assessed work closures cause chaos Continued from front page normally be a simple journey from Students on first-year Sociology modules were left disappointed Max Van Der Post, a second-year point A to B has become a compli- Maths student, said: “It is annoy- cated diversion in a place none of was unclear to most students as to only as a trial last year with a view ing because the journey now takes my friends know that well yet.” Georgina Lawton the fact that we weren’t going to be to getting efficient systems in place longer. I keep being late for my lec- On the other hand, David Lin- getting feedback.” whilst the university is developing tures because the bus takes so long derman, a second-year Accounting Miguel Costa Matos, undergrad- the Tabula Coursework Manage- to get through all of the traffic in and Finance student, who lives in Students in the Sociology depart- uate social sciences faculty repre- ment system, before implement- Leamington.” North Leamington, has been large- ment have been left angry and sentative at Warwick Students’ Un- ing written electronic feedback on Olivia McLaughlin, a sec- ly unaffected by the South Leam- disappointed after being refused ion commented on the issue. all assessed work from September ond-year French and History stu- ington road closures. feedback for assessed work last “Departments need to forget the 2013/2014. dent, told the Boar: “The road He commented: “The road clo- year. days when they could get away with “This policy was made quite clear works affected a lot of my friends, sures have not affected me person- The Boar has learned that stu- not giving quality feedback on es- from the outset in the Undergrad- who weren’t sure where to get the ally, though I would say I hope they dents sitting the first-year modules says, let alone any at all. I sincerely uate Student Handbook 2012/13, bus from or how long it would take are closed for worthwhile improve- Researching Society and Culture, hope this was all just a big misun- made available to all students.” to get onto campus at the begin- ments. International Perspectives on Gen- derstanding.” I did not receive any complaints ning of term. “Otherwise it would be better der, Social Welfare in Britain and from students, and would have “It’s just been really inconvenient focusing on roads elsewhere where Media Sociology did not obtain “[It’s] annoying. Especially as it been very happy to hear them and and has meant that what would work is more needed.” feedback for coursework when was unclear to most students as respond to them through the ap- they asked after Easter. to the fact that we weren’t going propriate mechanisms.” One second-year Sociology stu- to be getting feedback.” However, the second-year Soci- dent who did not want to be named Anonymous student ology student believed the depart- told the Boar: “I emailed one of my ment has another reason for refus- tutors, as did other students, asking When the Boar contacted the ing feedback. why. Sociology department, they said no The student said: “I’ve been in- “I was told that the reason we students had complained directly formed by a postgraduate student/ were only given [feedback] for one to them and that their policy was seminar tutor that the number of [out of four modules] is that they within the rights of the Undergrad- hours needed to thoroughly mark are trialling a system to see if they uate Handbook. papers mean that if tutors do so can give constructive feedback on Catherine Lambert, director of they are effectively earning less all at a time when obviously there undergraduate studies in the So- than minimum wage per hour. is an intense workload for marking ciology department said: “We ran “Hence why postgraduate tutors essays.” the process of giving feedback on are reluctant to sometimes give full “[It’s] annoying. Especially as it assessed work on core modules feedback.” » Roadworks by South Leamington. Photo: Severn Trent Water Students win award for allotments Warwick hosts World which can also be used by students “This means that people come Robin Kerrison to relax and make friends which is down for a number of different rea- War One workshops also important.” s on s .” Last year, the Allotment Society He added: “Whatever they were Two Warwick students’ outstand- began selling its produce at War- initially expecting, however – and I Derin Odueyungbo The first of the workshops, ‘Re- ing contribution to the Allotment wick University food cooperative include myself in this – participants cords from the Great War, 1914- Society has won them a regional stalls at their allotment every Tues- often realise they are on quite a dif- 1918’ will look at material obtained award. day. ferent journey than the one they from record offices, newspapers Chris Maughan and Laura Bu- Mr Maughan explained to the thought they were on.” The University of Warwick is and the well-known Imperial War chanan were named as the West Boar the manifold reasons for The Allotment Society at War- marking the 100th anniversary of Museum. Midlands Local Food Heroes 2013 which students flock to the allot- wick is part of a National Union of the First World War by hosting a Students will then be introduced and were presented with a trophy ment: “Growing food provides a Students scheme known as Student series of specially commissioned to the work of a number of artists by representatives of Local Food, simple way in to a lot of compli- Eats. workshops which will be open to in ‘Painting the Great War’. This a £59.8 million cross-organisation cated and often disconnected is- It received £315,337 in grants the public. workshop looks at how artists de- programme managed by the Roy- sues: health, the environment, land from Local Food in 2012, £8000 of The series of four workshops are picted the events of the war, with a al Society of Wildlife Trusts which rights, labour conditions, commu- which went to the project at War- designed to delve deeper into the session on how war art was collect- distributes grants to food-related nity engagement, horticulture, etc. wick. war period and will look at various ed after the First World War. community projects. documents and artifacts from the The workshop ‘Ode to a Rat’ will Maughan and Buchanan were conflict. take a look at how war poets are initially nominated by a fellow These workshops will be held traditionally viewed. member of the Allotment Society at Warwick’s Centre for Lifelong The ‘Animal Farm: humans and and senior research technician at Learning (CLL). animals in modern European his- the School of Life Science, Carla Dr Will Curtis, director of the tory’ will give students an insight to Sarrouy, for their outstanding con- Certificates programme at the CLL, how animals were used in the Great tribution, enthusiasm and commit- told the Coventry Telegraph: “We War, with a concluding discussion ment to the Allotment Society and are really excited to be offering this on George Orwell’s famous novel food-growing in general. series of workshops to mark this Animal Farm. The pair were shortlisted by a nostalgic anniversary. The Certifi- Edward Biondini, president of Local Food panel before an online cate programme offers a vast selec- Warwick’s HistSoc, expressed his public vote determined them Lo- tion of subjects including History, delight with the commemorative cal Food Heroes 2013 for the West English Literature, Child Psycholo- workshops: “These workshops are a Midlands. gy and Film Studies.” fantastic means of commemorating “I gained a passion for grow- Dr Stuart Jennings, coordina- the centenary of World War One. ing after volunteering on organic tor for the series of the workshops They seek to ameliorate the histor- farms in the UK and abroad which added: “1914 will always be memo- ical curiosity amongst both War- opened my eyes to the importance rialised across the UK. Most fami- wick students and members of the of local and sustainable food grow- lies have their own personal history wider community, exploring such a ing,” Miss Buchanan told the Boar. of the war and 2014 will be a year pivotal part of peoples’ lives, family She added: “I also think the al- in which many will seek to fit these histories and the patriotic fervour lotment is a beautiful tranquil place » Laura Buchanan and Chris Maughan. Photo: NUS into the wider context.” of our nation.” theboar.org 2 Editor: Dan Mountain [email protected] Twitter @BoarComment COMMENT fb.com/groups/BoarComment Boris Boar theboar Boris’ views on campus news.

t’s the North and South divide made larger, but in reverse: where the northerners live in Itheir large white, bourgeois hous- es and the southerners live in their Editors’ Letters more modest climes…ROYAL Leamington Spa. As you’ve heard, the divide has been worsened re- cently by a wall of Hadrian propor- tions: the terrible, terrible pipework on Bath Street. I’ve even heard of a tragic, yet beautiful, story where “Work hard, “Life lessons two lovers, the man from the top of the Parade, the woman from St Hel- play hard” with Miley” en’s Road, had to brave the arduous Sydenham redirection that meta- phorically and physically divided their love, just to get to and from campus. What heroism. I mean, Sian Elvin Maya Westwick it’s basically a tale of two cities, News Editor Lifestyle Editor what with Leamington being such a colossal size that a walk from one “Second year is serious,” they said, Why? I don’t know. Perhaps be- here comes a point in every and mentally judging me for being bus stop to the next rivals that of “you need to start settling down.” cause I don’t quite know where my girl’s life where you just #TeamMiley, but before you start the laughably so-called ‘metropol- With this advice in hand I trotted boundaries lie yet – if that bungee need to style your hair like sharpening your pitchforks, I will itan’ areas of London. High Street out of my final class and proceeded jump didn’t kill me, surely nothing Angelica Pickles’ favour- say that if I’ve learnt anything from redirection: you may be getting a to attempt my own version of “set- can – or maybe I just want to get Tite Cynthia doll and crassly gyrate Cyrus-gate, it’s that people are go- pipe dream, but you’re ruining the tling down” over the summer. Of the most out of my uni experience. with Robin Thicke whilst vigorous- ing to criticise you no matter what dreams of divided Leamington lov- course, this involved flying to Cen- Why should I pay £9,000 a year ly rubbing your vagina with a foam you do. You have to make a choice ers everywhere. tral America, travelling halfway just to get exactly the same degree finger. For Miley Cyrus, that time between living to please other peo- across the country to go to a music as someone a year older than me for was August 25 2013. ple and living to please yourself. am an advocate of a totally equal festival and launching myself into a third of that price? Why shouldn’t Ever since that fateful night Taking the focus off Miley and society as much as the next per- as many (unpaid) writing projects I spend every penny of that student many celebrity scandals ago, Mi- speaking more generally, choosing son but I sometimes think per- as I possibly could. loan the government has given me, ley suddenly became social media’s to live as you please, to do what you Isistently defensive campaigns can The result? I was left with a bunch if they have the cheek to charge that most wanted and has faced an array want and damn the world is proba- err on the side of rashness. Let us of mind-blowing, life-changing sort of money in the first place? of criticism. The paparazzi seem to bly the most courageous thing any not, after all, rush to the conclusion memories, but also a bunch of... Many say that university is be waiting for her next move with young adult could do at this stage that PolSoc deliberately exclude well, nothing in my bank account. meant to be the best three years bated breath as she actively does of their life. We are so conditioned women’s voices: mistakes can be Dragging my empty savings box to everything in her power to destroy to want to fit in and so fearful of made very easily. Having said that, the small town of Leamington Spa, her Disney girl image. breaking the mould that we’d rather on the surface it does seem a daft it then suddenly dawned on me University is meant to be the Straying away from trying to suppress our desires than give in to move not to have a gender-mixed that yeah, life really has started to best three years of your life; tame the girl that clearly can’t be them if it means avoiding criticism. panel, especially when you consid- get serious. I intend to make it so. tamed, let me be the first to say, I Being 20 should mean having the er that the issue of Robin Thicke’s Faced with the daunting pros- absolutely LOVE Miley. She en- freedom to be as adventurous as we evidently misogynistic ‘Blurred pect of bills, buses and hundreds of tertained me growing up and now like. Who knows, we could be the Lines’ is a topic of discussion. The books to read a week, you’d think of your whole life, and I intend to reassures me that 20 doesn’t mean generation to bypass the mid-life issue of fair and equal representa- that I would have laid my exciting make it so. Even though it counts turning into an adult overnight crisis because we’ve already acted tion is one of paramount impor- summer to rest and just got on with this year, that doesn’t mean that but rather experimenting with all on every impulse and taken every tance and is something this inci- my degree, quietly studying and my degree has to become the be-all things dirty and reckless. So what chance. I’m not saying we do a to- dent should prompt a reflective saving money at the same time. and end-all of my life. Fun doesn’t if she lives on the wild side, forgets tal 180 and end up in rehab like the and sober recognition of. The issue Take two: I get myself a job end after Freshers. to cover her nipples and sticks her majority of rebellious celebs; what I is one of Blurred Lines itself but working a ridiculous number of So I’ve taken on a clichéd yet, tongue out at every given opportu- am proposing is that next time we hopefully one which will result in hours over Freshers Week, start a for me, new motto: work hard, play nity? She’s a young girl loving life find ourselves in a situation where Warwick campus emerging from it new project and join yet another hard. I am taking my degree seri- and quite frankly I think we could we have a choice to make, why not with clearer vision. new society. I just can’t help my- ously. You’ll see me in the library by all do with a slice of Cyrus pie. I make the wrong one? self; I constantly have to be busy (a day. But I really can’t promise you mean who doesn’t want to lick a There’s no law that tells us we umping thousands of en- reason why I’m boring you all with that I’m locking myself in all night hammer and swing naked from a have to be perfect all the time. So thusiastic freshers on cam- this article), setting myself new too. wrecking ball? let your hair down and remember, pus was never going to be a challenges and pushing my limits Settling down? Pah. That cer- You’re probably reading this now everything in moderation…even Dsqueaky clean experience. Most are as far as I possibly can go. tainly isn’t what university is for! shaking your head in disapproval moderation. very hygienically challenged. The average pre-drinking session on campus produces twelve leftover bottles of dubious contents, eight chairs in random places and a lot of new places in which to be sick. This year’s freshers will go through the rite of passage that is an alco- hol-fuelled rampage through their halls. It probably seemed like a good idea to prank someone by hiding their plates until it gathered mould. Basically, for Warwick students, fun tends to equal mess. All I will say is that the Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays when cleaners come will be the best days of your life. Alterna- tively, you will have been locked out of the kitchen with a biohazard sign on the door. theboar.org 3 7 | Image is everything Andrew E. King

mage, seems to me, more impor- tant than integrity in the current climate. The multitude of messi- Iah-like individuals with a mission to change the world means that a just cause is no longer ‘enough’ to warrant interest. Messages need to be marketable to get off the ground – the content of what you’re trying to say, whether it’s “buy my brand” or “save Syrian soldiers” – needs to be assisted, if not propped up, by a catchy slogan and a pretty face to be taken seriously. Political parties seem pretty in- tune with this: the Conservative Party have long been trying to get rid of their image as “the nasty par- ty”, and politicians seem to be get- ting younger, prettier, slicker (and arguably making the public sicker) by the day. Even Warwick SU politicians got on board with the idea: “Stick with Nick” was written on flyers around the university all of term 2. This makes voters, or at least some vot- ers, sit up and listen when they talk and remember their face as well as their name. Some charities also seem to be catching on: Help for Heroes have »Cartoon by Charles MacDonald managed to market themselves more successfully than, say, Blind Veterans UK by making their name alliterate and their mascot a bear with a broken bone. This allows US Gov Shutdown: Warwick Style them to not only capture attention but offer them the opportunity to retain it: you are turned onto them The shutdown is a travesty that will affect America’s most vulnerable by their name, allowing them to de- support for the economy which all publicans have become more and cease as the DC government runs liver their message. Will Tucker this government spending provides more unreasonable, fuelled by their out of cash to pay for them. To go Indeed, the main group of mes- risks a return to recession. extreme-right faction, the Tea Par- back to our analogy, it may be bad sengers who seem to be missing the The sad thing about this is that it ty, who see ‘big government’, Presi- enough for students and staff living importance of marketability is po- Stop! Who goes there!” – the could all have been so easily avoid- dent Obama’s very modest health- off-campus that they cannot use the litical causes. Particularly, in-uni- shout startles you as you are ed. An ancient measure designed care reforms, government spending library or attend or give lectures, versity petitioners – some external used to near silence and desert- to control government spending and liberal social attitudes as re- but for those on campus (DC) their groups such as Surfers against Sew- “ed streets. The rubbish remains un- means the federal government is sponsible for the US’s relative de- cleaners, repairmen, wardens and age have made themselves mar- collected, piled in heaps outside the only allowed by law to be funded cline as a superpower. even the night bus will all be out of ketable, for example – are clueless halls, which have not been cleaned one year at a time and so a new Things have got so bad that it action. to this cause. They use arguments in a week. Only the security vans funding law has to be passed every seems some Republicans would That it has come to this is a sad such as this: “sexualizing/trivializ- are seen, circling endlessly making year. rather see the US economy tank, indictment of some on the hard- ing ourselves would dampen our sure people aren’t actively doing Passing an annual budget is a and citizens go hungry or wanting, right’s reaction to the challenges message”. anything. “What are you doing try- formality in most countries. For than President Obama be a success facing America. And just like Root- This may be true, but particu- ing to get into that lecture hall?” example, in Britain the Houses of as President. His supposed left- es with no cleaners, America with- larly in a university environment, Whilst this scenario may seem Parliament have to vote on the gov- wing values, the existence of which out help for those who need it most the number of people your mes- far-fetched, this is a metaphor for ernment’s budget, but the govern- seems highly questionable, and to a is too horrible to contemplate. sage reaching is also important to exactly what has happened in the ment’s Commons majority makes certain sad extent, his colour, are a consider. A dead-end slogan will United States over the last week. All defeat all but impossible. However, source of much ire amongst some reach only the people you manage services carried out by the federal the US system makes this quite a lot Republicans, and it appears clear to make awkward eye-contact with government have been suspended, more complicated. they will do literally anything to at the Societies Fair. A pop-out per- bar a handful that count as ‘essen- The two chambers of Congress, stop him. sonalized image will be a talking tial’, such as national security, de- the House of Representatives and So, whilst in the 50 states the point, causing a butterfly effect and fence and air traffic control. the Senate, each have to approve temporary shutdown of the nation- reaching many, many more. This means that for many Amer- the bill. It also has to be signed by al government seems bad enough, My question is this: is your un-al- icans, their jobs in the public sec- the President. Because these are all there is one place where matters tered identity of message worth a tor, and some social security pay- elected separately, it is quite possi- are even more perilous. The Dis- stunted audience? You’ll likely find ments that they rely upon will be ble for them to be controlled by dif- trict of Colombia, in which the more people believe in your cause immediately halted. National mon- ferent parties. Currently, President capital Washington is based, is not than you know: you just have to uments will be closed and some Obama’s Democrats control the in a state, so the regional and local find a way to reach them, and the food and environmental standards Senate, but their rivals the Repub- functions of the government are easiest way to do that may be an al- will not be checked. licans control the House. not carried out by such a body, but teration of brand. The problem could not be more Historically, this has led to some instead directly by the federal gov- I’m not debating whether image serious. The US is slowly crawling horse-trading, but normally a com- ernment, as is the case in England being worth more than integrity out of recession, but continuing promise is met, as the American with our unitary state. is a good or bad thing, I’m merely uncertainty over the shutdown, system’s famous checks and balanc- This means that literally any- stating that it is, and that political and (as much as some Republicans es are intended to restrain abuses of thing the government does, from people of the university might gain might like to believe otherwise) the power. But in recent years the Re- sanitation to firefighting, will soon from adapting to that. »photo: Flickr/spornographer theboar.org theboar.org/Comment | @BoarComment | COMMENT7 8 STUDENT SOAPBOX A game of republicans The notion of nation Lauren Clarke Chris Hyatt At the time of writing, the Re- Jack Simpson undue attention to the difficulties “Rude Mother publicans aren’t giving Obama in manufacturing popular identifi- any satisfactory options. Political cation with their institutions. Duckers” s an eight-year-old I would suicide or watching your country e live in an increasingly This is not to deny that there is never let my little brother haemorrhage upwards of $300 globalised world, and so a rationale for nation states acting aving worked in The Dirty touch my Pokémon Game- million dollars a day isn’t reason- often hear that the very as collective ‘blocs’ in areas where Duck for the last three years, Aboy game. Never. As harsh as it able. The opposition’s objection Wconcept of nation is becoming in- they share common aims with one I’d say I was well versed in may sound, I realise now that it to the law was duly noted a long creasingly less relevant. It is para- another; this is undoubtedly an Hpretty much all the goings on at the was the cornerstone of my author- time ago, yet they sit there, con- doxical, then, that Scotland is under eminently sensible response to the old watering hole. However, this is ity over my young sibling. If he got tent in their perceived moral high a year from considering a question challenges that globalisation brings not going to be a gushing review his grubby mitts on it would have ground, while public spaces close that goes to the very heart of their to individual states. Notwithstand- of our pub. Instead, I am going to unleashed an irreparable torrent of down pending a resolution to their national identity: whether or not it ing this, it appears overwhelmingly use my limited inches in this paper deleted games and playtime com- petty power plays. should stay a part of the UK. unlikely that such ‘blocs’ will ever to moan profusely about the worst promises. But it’s hard to blame a The stunt reeks of desperation. While polls indicate that the ‘Bet- possess the ability to usurp nation- kind of customers in the Duck. four-year-old for anything. I like Not the fear that the bill might ruin ter Together’ campaign maintains a al institutions that intuitively com- From the customers who don’t to think that both he and I have their country, but the consistent lead, it is striking that, as mand the trust and authority of understand that a queue is indeed matured enough to settle fear that Obamacare the 2011 Census reveals, most Scots those that they serve. a queue, to those who think that our differences without might work. That it see themselves as ‘only Scottish.’ waving at me is going to make their ridiculous demands might genuinely im- This is despite the fact that England food arrive any quicker, union out- However, the U.S. Oba- prove quality of life for and Scotland have been unified for Few would deny that lets are not short of people who macare dispute suggests millions of Americans and over 300 years. globalisation is reshaping the think that being rude to the estab- that such a reality may never ultimately hand the Demo- That most Scots regard them- world around us. lishment staff is going to make an- be the case. crats yet another term. They selves as Scottish alone is perhaps ything happen other than make us Since its conception, Obama’s seem to be working from a timely reminder that one’s sense wish you hadn’t walked in the door. healthcare law has been hounded the position that, irre- of nation is highly organic. Indeed, Few would deny that globalisa- Union staff are unanimous that by angry Republicans who spective of any good the far from nations amounting to ‘im- tion is reshaping the world around working in the union is, overall, demand it be consigned to » photo: Flickr/ bill might achieve, they agined communities’, the product us. Nevertheless, the fact that the a great thing to do and a pleasant oblivion. Worse, like a petu- Loren Javier won’t let it through. of arbitrarily imposed boundaries trend in recent years has been to- experience. However, it is the tiny lant child, they have instead What is possibly most alone, the national identity that one wards greater devolution of powers minority of rude customers who elected to let the country frustrating is that they has affinity with is instead based on to Scotland and Wales, with the can make your six hour shift feel fall to pieces around them in some don’t see how much harm they do the deeply held ties of shared cul- former now considering complete like one of the seven circles of hell. sort of vindictive bid to show the themselves by pursuing this course tural histories and values. independence. This shows how Something as simple as barking Democrats that they mean busi- of action. Denying OAP’s their The massive difficulties expe- historical ties of nation are residual your order at a member of staff ness. holidays and shutting down the rienced in governing artificially and often unbreakable. without even a hint of a ‘please’ or Obamacare has long been the NASA cataclysmic asteroid alert constructed states like Iraq and Nations are therefore not mere ‘thank you’ is just bad-mannered. Obama administration’s most aus- Twitter isn’t going to do their 2016 Syria is further testament to how a social constructs, but the basis for I’d like to hazard a guess that if picious policy. It is tied so inextri- campaign any good. common set of cultural ties under- the entire identity of many. They some students’ mothers saw how cably to the broadcasted values of Unfortunately we can only sit pinning a state is highly critical in will continue to play a hugely in- they treated some union staff that the current administration that its and wait, all the time hoping that ensuring that state’s social and po- fluential role in determining how they’d be dragged home by the ear abandonment would do irrevers- the Republicans just settle for a litical stability. Consequently, when citizens see themselves – and from to wash their mouths out with soap. ible harm to the integrity of the turn on Crash Bandicoot before bodies such as the European Union which source they wish to be gov- As a cautionary tale, I am going party. This is clear, so how can the their country lies in tatters or we’re respond to globalisation by request- erned – irrespective of globalisa- to share my worst experience with Republicans rationally expect their wiped out by a dirty great space ing ever greater powers; they pay tion. you all. Picture this: busy shift, food adversaries to withdraw? rock. being taken to tables left, right and centre. One table of students had been waiting for their food, but Angola Three’s Freedom came too late for me rather than sit quietly decided that rattling their table number at me was going to magically make their Jamie Sims laments how America cannot be considered ‘post-racial’ order next. When called over to arack Obama’s rise to be- ana prison system to a successful not been released; he too will die in of racism on class and criminal their table, I told them that because come the first black president Black Panther organised against prison if the state of Louisiana con- justice in America; it is clear that we were so busy food was taking sparked claims that the Unit- prison rape, poor conditions and tinues to re-convict him. Last week African-Americans get a poor deal longer than anticipated and then Bed States had become a “post-ra- brutal abuses by guards. It is no Herman Wallace, who had been from the “justice” system. The Drug apologised profusely. I’m sure we’d cial” society, a colour-blind utopia coincidence that these three Black weakened by terminal liver cancer, War imprisons an obscene number all agree, a situation handled rath- where the long legacy of slavery Panther leaders were framed for was ordered released by a judge of blacks, far out of proportion to er well. However, when I turned to and segregation had been overcome a crime at a time when the move- who had to threaten the prison their percentage of the drug-us- walk away and heard one of them and people were judged by the con- ment within prisons was garnering warden with a second court order ing population. One-hundred-to- say “well she’s probably not even tent of their character, rather than outside media and political in order to secure Herman’s one racial disparities in crack and a student, with no GCSEs, work- the colour of their skin. Meanwhile support. The warden immediate release. On powder cocaine sentencing laws ing here.” Actually, I have GCSEs, in Louisiana, in a prison built on said on record that his deathbed, Wallace were only corrected in the past few A-Levels and a degree from the uni- a former plantation where prison their solitary con- was released, to die years. The death penalty, like the versity whose pub he was currently work details pick cotton, a travesty finement is neces- days later in hospi- rest of the prison system, exhibits a sitting in. However, rather than say of justice has been perpetuated for sary, not because tal, a free man sur- racial bias. This leads to travesties anything, I just had to walk away more than four decades on three of their alleged rounded by loving like the execution of Troy Davis by with a smile and take it. innocent black men. crime, but be- and committed the state of Georgia despite seven As staff we are just doing our The tragic case of the Angola cause they have supporters. De- of the nine non-police witnesses jobs and most people probably Three demonstrates that claims of a shown “no reha- spite this last act recanting and many accusing an- don’t realise how much impact society that has moved beyond rac- bilitation” from of “mercy” for Wal- other of the nine as the real killer. their actions or words can have. I ism are far-fetched. Albert Wood- “Black Pantherism”. lace, justice delayed By all accounts that case was a ju- understand that ‘the customer is fox, Herman Wallace and Robert The Angola Three was justice denied; in dicial murder of an innocent man always right’, but that doesn’t give King were accused of murdering a have paid dearly for a last act of spite, pros- and a racially motivated one at that. a customer the right to act out – prison guard and convicted in the their political consciences, ecutors sought to re-in- Ultimately, the Angola Three courtesy costs nothing. 1970s. No physical evidence was collectively having spent » photo: Flickr/ dict him as he lay dying. illustrate all too clearly why those presented, the widow of the mur- over one hundred years OldShoeWoman The Angola Three who call America ‘post-racial’ are dered officer believed them to be in solitary confinement, have inspired many: incorrect. When evaluating race in innocent, a bloodied fingerprint a practice considered abhorrent by documentaries have been made America we must look, not at the apparently left by the killer matched the UN and by many psychologists chronicling their plight, a broad race of the figurehead in Washing- none of the three men and the men who have studied the impacts of movement has consistently fought ton but at the nation’s prisons, inner had solid alibis for the night of the confinement in a box for twenty for their release and Scott Crow’s cities and at the Deep South states murder – these are among numer- three hours a day on the human activism was inspired by Ango- where Jim Crow is not as far be- ous other evidences of corruption psyche. To call forty years in soli- la Three campaigning, includ- hind as many would like to assert. and facts that tell against their guilt. tary torture is not mere hyperbole. ing the Common Ground Col- The campaign to free them al- Robert King’s conviction was lective which helped thousands Have stories like leges that their conviction was po- overturned in 2001 and he was re- of Hurricane Katrina victims. this to share? litically motivated – the response leased. Albert Woodfox has been No case more completely Email: of an institutionally racist Louisi- acquitted by multiple courts but has demonstrates the enduring impact [email protected] 8 theboar.org 9 | Get involved in Post-Debate Round-Up “This house believes that the Arab Spring has done first year Aaqib Javed more harm than good” Nadeine Asbali o after a tense, informative and Munn MP, who have studied and he premise was flawed from rights. It is naïve to assume that here’ve already been a couple at times controversial debate worked in the Middle East respec- the outset, and the course of such ingrained issues within the of articles this term that have I’ve had time to digest the myr- tively, argued against the motion, the (albeit engaging) debate culture will be uprooted and revo- advocated doing as much in Siad of opinions and experiences stressing that any change in a re- Tdid little in the way of proving oth- lutionised so swiftly, and even more Tyour first year as possible, getting shared by panel and audience alike. gime must be met with caution and erwise. so to assume that misogyny has involved in societies, sports and The motion was flatly rejected by nurtured rather than be expect- A centralised Arab voice was grown worse as a result of the Arab other things. Here I’m also taking the audience, which should come ed to instantly appear successful. certainly lacking. To discuss in Spring. Given that sexism has long that stance, but for a more depress- as little surprise given the stereo- Meg Munn MP argued that a new such a blasé, arrogant manner just been an issue within the region, it ing reason. typically liberal attitudes that most found ability in the region to de- how wrong the Middle East has got is completely unfounded to reason Not everyone you meet at Uni is students possess. However, with a mand rights would increase the it, all from a very limited Western that the Arab Spring has caused going to be your friend for life. significant number of the listeners amount of autonomous activism paradigm, can (and arguably did) more harm than good for females. It’s sad, but true. You might think opting to agree with the proposi- citizens undertook, which would appear patronising and counter- Despite doing little in the way of it’s obvious to say, but let me level tion, it is evident that what started lead to an increase of political and productive. To exclude the very massively emancipating women, with you, and I’m especially talk- as a brave and passionate push for social rights. Dr. Brehony stressed subject of this discussion, is to re- it has, at least, allowed a platform ing here to those in their first year freedom and justice has now be- that the presence of non-secular duce a fiery, passionate movement for public discourse and leeway for here at Warwick. Often you don’t come a far more pessimistic affair. political elements within Tunisia, to mere cold facts and figures. What small gains in the battle for female choose who you live with, and that Barak Seener, a RUSI expert in Egypt and Libya did not mean that is a very human movement was equality. Contrary to the picture can cause problems. the Middle East, and Dr. Maria the Arab Spring could be construed stripped of its human element, and of rife female genital mutilation, When you arrive you often want Holt, a specialist in Middle East- as a failure but instead displayed a rendered detached and secondary. rape and child marriage painted by to get involved in as much as pos- ern politics, attempted to uphold newfound political freedom now An idea that seemed to resonate some, a shift in thinking is certain- sible. That’s why so many freshers the proposition by painting a pes- present in nations that had been amongst those who supported the ly beginning. There are now more leave the societies fair with a lot simistic picture of the stagnant ruled by dictatorships. motion, was that the success of women in Tunisia’s Congress than of barcodes and far less money revolution. Citing the dangers of Although one can easily de- the Arab Spring should be deter- our own equivalent. A matter of than they did when they entered. “Islamism”, both Seener and Holt termine that the Arab Spring has mined by just how ‘pro-West’ the years ago, in Libya, it was seen as However, when you arrive, often highlighted the apparent failure of brought about a great deal of suf- post-Arab Spring governments are. scandalous for a woman to pursue the first people you meet are your the ruling non-secular AKP party fering and political strife, the very It is highly ethnocentric to force a a Law degree, yet now the highest flatmates. It’s a little daunting at in Turkey to maintain a stable de- fact that the seedlings of change grassroots movement, conceived in position in Benghazi’s judiciary is first, but then you remember that mocracy as an example of religious have now been planted in the North Africa, to adhere to Western held by a woman. they’re in the same position, prob- based politics failing to succeed in minds of those who now believe templates of geopolitics, society and Having experienced both a pre- ably living away from home for the a viable democracy. Though this their voice, once suppressed, has laws – or else be deemed a failure. and post- revolution North Africa, I first time, just as eager to make new claim is contentious as the AKP has value and power, is enough to de- As long as we continue to compare find it difficult to accept the motion friends as you. been in power in Turkey for more termine it a success. If we were to our own long-entrenched liberal, (which was rejected by the House). The first few weeks are great. than 12 years, both panellists were judge revolutions on the grounds of democratic norms with countries The Arab Spring has not rendered You all go out together, get vary- keen to stress the dangers of reli- suffering, then both the French and who are only just experiencing the the Middle East a hopeless vacu- ing degrees of drunk, spend lots gious-based ideology interfering American revolutions should be dawn of democracy after decades um, but it has not revolutionised and lots of time together, and of- with the Arab Spring. Dr. Holt also deemed as failures. No transition of autocracy, then discourse will it beyond recognition either. What ten you think “this is it, I’ve found cited the decision of Libya to allow from a bloodthirsty dictatorship to continue to be unconstructive and it has, crucially, achieved is the al- those friends for life, and this is so polygamy in a post-Gaddafi era a peaceful democracy has ever run riddled with superiority and judge- leviation of iron fist suppression of awesome.” You don’t go to societies. as another indicator that the Arab its course peacefully. Whether we ment. discourse, which is already begin- Why would you need to? You have Spring had failed those who have are pessimistic or optimistic, the Another recurring theme was ning a much anticipated paradigm your friends already. Then things strived to topple regimes. Arab Spring will be no quick fix to the ongoing issue of women’s shift, clear to anyone open-minded can sometimes go wrong. Dr. Noel Brehony and Meg a more democratic Middle East. enough to see it. Just like any sort of relationship, too much too fast can lead to burn- Say “No!” to Student Squalor house and that it would be quite I beg you to give some George Ryan nice to have hot water for more than societies a go. You’ll have far an hour a day. But maybe you’re more in common. just moaning and being fussy. o you’re out in the real world Whilst student accommodation now. You’ve chosen to live in is never going to compare to the out, sometimes to spectacular de- one of Coventry or Leaming- houses you were imagining whilst grees. You begin to slowly realise, Ston Spa’s student areas, surrounded daydreaming to Location, Loca- as you spend more and more time by countless other Warwick schol- tion, Location, you still have rights with these people and the after- ars. There were many expectations as a tenant that you shouldn’t ig- glow of Freshers has worn off…you of leaving the sanctity of ‘the bub- nore. Neither should your landlord. don’t really like these people. They ble’. Spending the summer flicking Just because you are a student, might not even like you (no idea through the IKEA catalogue, you doesn’t mean you should spend a why, I think you’re great, they’re had it all planned out for the year year living in squalor and misery. just wrong.) Suddenly you panic, as ahead. You’d picked out that perfect If you discover your property is the time comes to pick accommo- BOBBY bookcase for your room, damp, tell someone. If your freez- dation and you realise…you might maybe a ALFHILD FÅGEL or a er stops working and the landlord not want to live with any of these TRÅDTÅG or two. says it’s fine, it’s not. Speak to your people. You’re not sure who your The days before you picked up letting agent. When you sign your friends are at university any more. your keys were full of excitement, contract, there are obligations not Suddenly everything’s not so great. with little trepidation. For you were only upon yourself and your house- That’s why I’m writing this now going to be in charge of your own mates, but on your landlord to pro- to implore you to give some soci- kingdom, and everything would be vide you with somewhere that is eties a go. More often than not, rosy. Then you move in. safe and fit to live in. the people in the societies you’re The first few days are spent com- It is too easy to shrug off prob- interested in will have more in ing to terms with how overblown lems as being part of the student common with you, even if only for your dreams were. You realise that experience. But living in a damp that shared interest. It gives you an IKEA is an hour away by bus and house with no hot water is not what opportunity to meet a wider variety you don’t really need cushions to you are paying £X,XXX pounds a of people. You can identify the peo- be happy. After you’d spent five year for. Don’t just put up with it. ple in the societies who are your minutes looking round your future If your landlord is uncooperative best mates, without being forced to house back in December or so, now, then speak to your letting agent if spend all your time with them. instead of planning the wild under- you have one. The Students’ Union Then, who knows? You might ground parties for it, you start to and the University also have servic- even find one of your friends for wonder what that persistent smell es that can help you if your living life, and not just ‘til Christmas. of feet is coming from the cellar. situation is not what you expected. Matt Davies You notice that your freezer is Don’t suffer in silence, speak up »How to explain the Arab Spring to a Dead Hare warmer than most parts of your for yourself. Cartoon by Charley-Kai John theboar.org Editor: Benjamin Shaw 9 [email protected] Twitter @BoarMoney MONEY fb.com/groups/BoarMoney What’s the deal with... Mergers & Acquisitions?

Welcome to ‘What’s the deal with?’ Boar Money’s new column. Here, Boar Money will explain different issues in Finance in a dif- ferent, unique way. Consider this Overworked, Unpaid: Placements to die for? column the salt & pepper canisters offside rule equivalent. Here goes… Warwick University is rife with Laura Bird takes a look at the today’s working culture for interns wannabe bankers. One phrase that you will hear thrown around is ‘M&A.’ Everyone wants to be an leepless nights, constant head- exploitation, but UK internships, thing altogether unhealthy. a plea to all prospective interns for Investment Banker, and everyone aches, non-existent lunch paid or otherwise, foster exactly the A particularly tragic case of the the coming year: take care of your- wants to go into M&A, but what breaks and immense strain on same working environment. Why? desire to impress prospective em- selves and be realistic with your does this mean? Syour closest relationships. Unpleas- Applicants’ desire for a job leads to ployers occurred this summer in work ethic. We all want to land a Traditionally, M&A refers to ant aspects of working life reserved a feeling of obligation to live the life London: Bank of America intern placement to die for: at no point inter-company consolidation. A for those of us who roost within of unpaid overtime, all in the name Moritz Erhardt was found dead in should this statement become lit- merger is a combination of two the chrome, marble and glass of of that endorsement on LinkedIn. his flat after allegedly working 72 eral. companies to form one new entity, the corporate world as a graduate. Internships might better be hours straight without sleep or a whilst an acquisition is the pur- Right? Right? Wrong. considered week, month or year substantial break. It later transpired chase of one company by another. The phenomenon of being an long job interviews. We’ve all that he had suffered an untimely Advisory is a closely related phrase. intern has been under intense come across job interview comedy epileptic fit. Bank of America com- Usually a function within an invest- media scrutiny over the past few sketches as well as a fair amount mented on the issue, highlighting ment bank, M&A Advisory is con- months; global headlines coining of real-life shockers (a personal vi- amongst other duties of care their cerned with providing advice for unpaid schemes ‘slave labour’ ex- ral favourite being the woeful tale policy of an in-house ‘buddy’ sys- the execution of a proposed M&A isting hand in hand with UK ‘ze- of Alan Bacon, a graduate forced tem to look out for interns. deal. Need a little more explaining? ro-hour’ horror stories. This week, to “dance like a robot” during an The fact is, interns like Moritz Okay. Picture this: Chinese electronics giant Foxconn, interview for Currys). Apply the are not forced to work so late: they You’re out in Smack. Vodbulls who produce products such as the choose to. The tragic loss of such an are £1, and pre-drinks were a suc- Playstation 4, admitted to student The fact is, interns are not intelligent, motivated and success- cess. Time to get on the pull. Prove intern labour violations including forced to work so late: they ful young mind can’t be attributed to yourself that you are capable of allegations of employing 14-year- choose to. to any single company. Instead, enticing a member of the opposite olds, forcing graduate interns to to blame is a universal, poisonous sex, and forget about it the very work on assembly lines and com- anxiety, pressure and unnecessary working culture that has embedded next morning. pulsory overtime. You would as- over-preparation for your average itself within our generation in re- When two people hook up, that’s sume that UK employment law graduate job interview to a longer sponse to ever-increasing graduate a merger. Both parties consent to safeguards against these types of period and what results is some- unemployment rates. Consider this the combination. As with mergers, there is the element of target selec- tion. Some people prefer blondes, Closed for Business: US Government Shuts Down. whilst others, brunettes. Some companies prefer high growth pro- files, others prefer companies with Concerns grow as US Government remains in shutdown after budget proven track records. Mergers also he US government has com- ing spending cuts and changes to down would have “a very real eco- Furthermore a report released come in different forms. You can menced a partial shutdown as Obamacare in exchange for voting nomic impact on real people, right on Thursday by the US Treasury have a merger of equals, when two its two Congressional parties to re-open the government, and away,” it appears, however, that the department said “negative spillo- companies of the same stature join Thave failed to agree a new budget. raising the debt ceiling before the severity of the consequences will vers could reverberate around the together, or when two 7s get with Recent disagreements between Ba- October 17 deadline. depend upon how long it takes to world”. They also added that there each other, or they can be unequal, rack Obama and Congress over the With neither side looking to reach an agreement. are potentially catastrophic ramifi- when two companies of different US budget, has left the government budge, the deadlock remains, and If a conciliatory approach is tak- cations to credit markets, the value levels of power combine, when a 9 in a state not seen for 17 years. the US government ceases to run en and a compromise between the of the dollar and US interest rates if gets with a 2. Acquisitions on the TheDemocrat-Republican at full capacity. All ‘non-essen- Democrats and Republicans can be both sides fail to resolve their dif- other hand come with a little more standoff stems from the refusal of tial staff’, estimated at more than made within the next few days, the ferences. reluctance. When you wouldn’t the Repulicans to pass a budget 700,000 people, have been told to recovery of the US economy will Alice Cobb normally get with someone, but, which contains Obama’s health- stay at home, whilst national parks, not be jeopardized, with ramifica- with sufficient vodbulls, or a valua- care reforms, dubbed Obamacare. museums, federal buildings and tions being fairly limited. tion premium, you are a little more Obama has accused Republicans of services have also been closed. Yet, if the shutdown lasts longer, up for it. blackmailing America by demand- Obama has warned that the shut- the effects on confidence and con- Have something to Of course, you would never go sumer spending will be far greater. say about the U.S. ‘on the pull’ without your trust- Goldman Sachs have already esti- shutdown? Tweet: @BoarMoney ed sidekick, your partner in arms, mated a fall of around 0.9% in US your wingman. This guy is your In- GDP this quarter if the dispute con- vestment Banker. He is your M&A tinues for more than two weeks. advisor. He is there to weigh up the There is also a more pressing pros, and the cons, and to assist you matter arising too: the US govern- in any way he can. Value the goods, ment must reach an agreement in and advise you on your plan of ac- order to rise their debt ceiling. Need a little extra tion. Your wingman does all of the As the US is already up to its bor- origination work, scouting out po- rowing capacity, the money will run for your CV? tential targets, and markets you as out should both sides fail to resolve best he can. If you exchange terms the deadlock by the ever-looming Write for us! and conditions, and the deal goes deadline of October 17th. through, the banker receives his fee Indeed, Christine Lagarde, head [email protected] – Vialli’s on the way home should of the IMF, has said it is “mission do the trick. critical” that the US agrees a new There you have it: Mergers & debt ceiling in order for the country Smack. to continue paying its bills. Benjamin Shaw Deutsche Bank db.com/careers Is there space for creative thinkers in investment banking?

Agile minds think there’s space for no one else

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100686_Warwick Boar ad_332x265.indd 1 09/10/2013 17:42 theboar.org Editor: Roxanne Douglas11 [email protected] Twitter @BoarFeatures FEATURES fb.com/groups/BoarFeatures Your town, your choice Ben Sundell reports on the new Street Wardens scheme in Leamington Spa onday of Week One this term was marshals onto the weekday student nights as one of the best times I’ve had as an well as the weekends. Already the benefits officer of the Students’ Union – and have been seen to vulnerable students – with Mit all started off with a discussion about dog the marshals being there to help people into poo! taxis, usher first aid support, diffuse poten- Now granted, that in particular, wasn’t my tial conflicts and even to walk people home personal highlight of the day… but it was if they need. They go around in pairs – with actually part of something much wider and a male and a female marshal always together, much more exciting. Those of you who know and they carry welfare cards listing all of what I’ve been working on over the last cou- the available support services from the Uni- ple of years will know that a big priority of versity and the Students’ Union, to give out mine is to do everything we can to better en- should someone need it. Having heard the re- gage with the local community. ports of how their first few nights have gone, The launch of the Love Community cam- and having had the opportunity to meet with paign has heightened our presence in the them, they are all very friendly and it seems local area. One way this has happened is like they are already making an impact in through substantially increasing the number helping students feel safer. of community forums we attend. Going to » High-viz on the raz photo: Ben Sundel I was really happy with how the night these – as some of us did on Monday – is a went as a whole. Most of the students who great opportunity for us to engage with the cil’s Community Safety team and Warwick- of alcohol over a period of time, the breath were going on the night out ended up com- issues that are affecting the areas we live in. If shire Police – and they are some of the most test – where you can see how much you’ve ing over and engaging with the Your Town you think discussions about dog mess are my student friendly people I’ve ever met. Their consumed and make a plan for the rest of Your Choice event. While they were probably favourite way to spend a Monday night you’d team have run a number of events in the past the night, and freebies like condoms, attack enticed by the glowsticks, queue jumps and be wrong, but these forums also help build called ‘Your Town Your Choice’ – and after alarms, lollipops and plenty of bottled wa- lollies more than anything, it was great to just a much needed bridge between students and working closely together last year, we were ter. Neon were also really helpful and got in- get people having a little think about what residents, helping us to listen to any concerns able to agree a partnership where this event volved with our event. They gave us a num- they are drinking on a night out to make sure that they have, but also giving us the chance would be run on a student night. And what ber of free queue jumps, which we were able that everyone has an enjoyable and safe time. to show just how much students give to our better option than the Monday night of Week to give out to anybody who could success- For me too, it was culmination of a whole lot local area and a platform to stand up for, and 1, outside Neon? fully put someone in the recovery position in of unseen work that has been going on for represent you. It was an absolute pleasure to have been one of the stalls. over a year now, and it is great to see some Students are an amazing and vibrant part involved in it – and I’m really excited about In addition to this, there was a really ex- of it come to fruition. Students are absolutely of the community and should never be re- the next one! The aim of these events are to tensive welfare presence on the night. If you incredible and are a great part of any com- garded as a subgroup, or made to feel unwel- promote safe and responsible drinking when go to an event in the SU you will notice that munity and I won’t let anyone say otherwise come because their residence is more short people are on a night out, and to help peo- we have a high provision of first aid and – it is a joy to be able to be involved in some term than others. You might not know for ple get the best out of their evening, without stewarding to help in the event of something of this stuff, in supporting our students in the example, that students living in Leamington letting drink ruin their first night out of the going slightly wrong on the night. Unfortu- local area. There is a lot more that we want bring in £64.5 million a year as a contribu- year! nately, most other venues don’t offer this kind to do in developing the Love Community tion to the local area. You might not know During the evening we ran a number of of care, and often this can leave people very campaign with things like the social action either that students are actually a high risk events. We had a great team there includ- vulnerable if they are leaving when they’ve projects – but for now, I’m delighted that group of being a victim of crime or anti-so- ing Cat, our Welfare and Campaigns Officer, had a bit too much to drink. So it was really we have made some great partnerships with cial behaviour and are very rarely the perpe- Erin, our Education Officer, and some of our great to see our local services giving up their some really student-friendly teams. We’ve trators. It is things like this which we are ever staff. Spencer Street was shut off completely, time to cover the event and make sure our done some good work to help promote safer keen to make sure we convey to you and the to make sure everyone was safe and to avoid students are safe with extra ambulance and drinking and now you can genuinely feel saf- rest of your area, so we make sure that both any repeat of the overcrowding incidents of first aid support drafted in specifically for the er on nights out. you and your neighbours have the best living last year. In the big space that we had then, in evening to partner in the event – the work experience possible. partnership with the local police, ambulance done on this night really was invaluable and See more photos at theboar.org/features As we have developed our community and council services there were lots of differ- could well have saved lives. strategy over the past year we have realised ent stalls and gazebos put up, with loads of It was also exciting to see the work of the this more and more – and have been deter- different features and freebies in each. The Street Marshalls in action for the first time. It Have you seen the Street wardens around? mined to develop what we are doing in the main stall had games like the ‘drinks time is really encouraging that the University are Tweet: @BoarFeatures local area. We have developed a fantastic machine’ – where you can project what you funding an extension to this already exist- partnership with Warwick District Coun- would look like if you drink certain amounts ing Leamington scheme in order to bring the

» Meet the team photo: Ben Sundell 12 Features theboar.org Tinder: What’s love got to do with it? Frankie Bond investigates the latest trend in social networking

fridge you’d have been sectioned. Now, how- ever, it’s become commonplace to look so far back through the photos of some girl from your old school you never really spoke to that it becomes unclear whether she’s using a retro instagram filter or you’ve genuinely reached a point in her timeline before the advent of digital photography. In the run up to many an essay deadline there are people I’ve stalked so intensely it would probably be less weird, though admittedly more legally problematic, if I’d just followed them home that night and watched them sleep. Now Tinder is allowing us to trawl through photos of people we’ve never even met. It can be done anywhere, anytime, around any- one. My personal preference is a large park or public space with the distance set to half a mile; then if you are to encounter rejection you can at least walk around and ask for some feedback afterwards. The founder of this emerging cult is a man called Justin Mateen, who himself has appar- ently found dates through Tinder and coin- cidentally is also someone I sincerely hope dies alone. Justin claims he is reinventing the way people meet: ‘In the real world you’re ei- ther a hunter or you’re being hunted’ he says, perhaps allowing for the possibility that the slightly creepy, Hunger Games lens through which he views relationships may have con- tributed to his status as a single man. Yet despite all this, with young people hav- ing rated each other over 4.5bn times, the » Seedy or sexy? Tinder’s pixelated advertisments leave everything to the imagination. photo: courtesy of gotinder.com Tinder train seems unlikely to be stopping anytime soon. It seems we’ve given up wait- I WANT TO GO OUT WITH YOU’ Skype, where ‘sometimes they strip for each Out’ on a never ending loop until you really ing for that magical moment when the clash- screams Rachel McAdams at Ryan Gosling other or masturbate together’; a description cant stand the sight of another mildly attrac- ing forces of fate and circumstance collide, in in the Notebook, as he hangs precarious- frustratingly at odds with my own experience tive blonde girl called Jess. According to the favour of trying to sleep with most people in ly‘ from the fairground wheel dressed like a of Skype, which typically involves tidying my Huffington Post students can even be found a ten mile vicinity who can take five decent cross between Tiny Tim and Lenin. For our Uni room for twenty minutes before my par- referring to ‘Tinderitus’ – the sensation of selfies. According to Mateen, there’s even generation, steeped in popular culture, love ents shout ‘you’re going to have to speak up’ having a sore thumb from swiping so much, Hollywood celebrities who use Tinder regu- was what Ryan taught us it was; a momentary as they stare scared and confused into the though it’s worth noting they definitely made larly, though he can’t say who. That’s prob- spark between two soulmates, occurring for webcam like the subjects of a hostage video. that up. ably what Ryan Gosling does these days. He’s just a brief second in the unlikeliest of places. Tinder’s genius is that it has managed to Even more worryingly , Tinder has taken given up scaling fairground rides in search of It might be a fleeting glance at the fairground, pull off the most unlikely of tricks; making the great social problem of our age and man- love and settled for just sitting in a darkened a second hand bookstore in Notting Hill, an internet dating socially acceptable. It’s easy to aged to make it fundamentally worse: Face- room scrolling Tinder , messaging girls about awkward meeting in a biology class (Bella & forget this was a medium once considered by book stalking. Ten years ago, if you crept in how much he wants them, all of them, for- Edward) or even on the subway with another young people to be solely the preserve of pae- through someone’s front window and started ever, him and them, everyday, until he swipes man (although I’ve never heard another Eng- dophiles and elderly women with cats (the ruffling through the holiday snaps on their to the left and starts on the next one. lish person call it that, I’m willing to assume Saville and Boyle demographic, if you like). James Blunt meant the tube and not the roof ‘Tinder works because it has managed to des- of a nearby sandwich shop). tigmatise online dating’ says Doug Haines, The point being that the intertwining of from the dubiously titled London School of fate and chemistry was rare; like Ryan we had Attraction. Today, almost every student is on to seize our moment to turn an accidental Tinder, and the question as to why a demo- collision of eyes into hand-holding picnics, graphic that goes out several times a week walks in the park and long conversations and comes into contact with thousands of about feelings. And then along came Tinder. new people every year would need an iPhone Tinder is an unstoppable juggernaut that is app to help them meet has largely faded into fundamentally changing the way young peo- the background. ple approach each other. Within six months of Tinder is different to most dating sites. its launch the app had 500,000 users and was Rather than bothering with the usual series growing by five percent every day. Although of preferences, Tinder opts instead for an it won’t reveal official numbers on members, aggressive form of aesthetic egalitarianism, Tinder now has 50 million matches and over where users are distinguished only by five 50 marriages to its name (and presumably a carefully chosen Facebook photos and their few divorces as well). This has all come with rough geographic location. The annoyingly a predictable helping of moral panic from addictive function of allowing users to swipe the media. The Telegraph noted alarmingly left and physically discard hundreds of pro- that Tinder was ‘making it easier for teenag- spective suitors every minute gives the app ers to have casual sex’ whereas Vanity Fair the feel of being kidnapped at gunpoint by fingered it as a culprit in the on-going dig- Paddy McGuiness, shoved into a van some- itised sexual revolution amongst teenagers. where on the outskirts of Bolton and being This apparently also includes Snapchat and forced to be the male contestant in ‘Take Me » Don’t you wish? photo: via YouTube, The Notebook copyright of New Line Cinema Want to write for Features? Let us know! E-mail [email protected] to pitch your ideas theboar.org Editor: Rebekah Ellerby13 [email protected] Twitter @BoarArts ARTS fb.com/groups/BoarArts The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Issac Leigh finds the seven Olivier Award-winning production works a curious magic in bringing autism to the public eye

» Mike Noble (Christopher Bone) in the National Theatre’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time(photo: Brinkoff/Mogenburg) t’s that book that everybody says they’ve ones to touch him, he convincingly rendered comes his lack of independence and fear of onto Noble. read. When telling people that I was go- the quirks of living with Asperger’s. the unknown to find a way to get back to her. Clunky? Not at all. In fact, it brings the ing to see Apollo Theatre’s seven-time It was Treadaway who admitted that be- This powerful human element is neatly acted scenes into sharper focus. As a result, OlivierI Award-winning production of The fore playing the role of Boone, he knew enhanced by the innovative theatrical ele- you could feel the suppressed emotion when Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night- “pretty much nothing about autism.” Many ments of the production. Playwright Simon Christopher played with his train set in an Time, the reaction was universal: “That’s the of us would admit that we are in the same Stephens had originally talked of the “adap- attempt to shut out the anguish caused by one about the boy with autism, right?”. That, boat. When confronted with a teenager in tation problems” he feared when first trying his father and mother’s separation, and his and so much more. obvious distress, how many of us would try to translate the original novel to the stage, father’s attempts to erase her from Christo- For those who are only acquainted with to understand Christopher rather than re- but director Elliott dealt superbly with these pher’s consciousness. the plot in these very simple terms, Curious ject him as “weird”? How many of us would challenges. The explosion of figures appear- Make no mistake, making this produc- Incident is a novel released in 2003 by Mark condemn a boy who actively repelled any ing onstage when Christopher is distressed tion work cannot have been easy. The book Haddon about a 15-year-old boy with Asper- attempt at physical contact as rude, rather – he calms his troubled mind by repeating remains revered, and an insensitive or lazy ger’s named Christopher Boone. Christopher than trying to find the reason why? the geometric sequence – visually conveyed play would have taken some of the shine attempts to solve the murder of his neigh- Aside from the characteristics of Asper- his mathematical thought process; don’t we out of Haddon’s original creation. Instead, bour’s dog, Wellington, while trying to adapt ger’s Syndrome, one of the more educational all think of certain comforts or memories to it offered something deeply moving which to tumultuous family circumstances. In the functions of the play was to show just how assuage our angst? The artificial black box both demonstrated Christopher’s unusual meantime, he develops astonishing abilities much of Christopher there is in ourselves. set, too, conveys a sense of claustrophobia, qualities and also the characteristics we all in mathematics, eventually securing an A* in He understands the world in simple and fac- which frustrated children and parents every- possess: obstinacy, curiosity and sensitivity. his A-Level exam amid the mayhem. tual terms, breaking down information into where can identify with. The only difference is that those of us who The protagonist of Marianne Elliott’s regimented blocks and absorbing it: often Most significantly, the dramatic conceit did not understand Asperger’s might not performance was originally played by Luke to humorous effect. And yet he is remark- of the play works seamlessly. Elliott tweaked have noticed the brilliance in Christopher, Treadaway, who scooped the award for Best ably calm in the circumstances when it tran- the original plot of the novel slightly, making only a “difficult case”. As well as providing a Actor at the Olivier Awards in April, before spires his mother (Amanda Drew) has left to Christopher’s special-needs teacher Siobhan thrilling spectacle, Curious Incident has done Mike Noble took over in September. These shack up with neighbour Mr Shears (Daniel (Rakie Ayola) decide to transform his story everything in its power to change societal at- were giant shoes for Noble to fill, but he was Casey), a truth Christopher’s father (Trevor into a play. The result is a mixture of narra- titudes to autism. superb. From sliding to the ground in moan- Fox) attempts to skirt around by telling him tive and action, as Ayola reads us segments ing distress to repelling all attempts by loved she died of a heart attack. He simply over- of the plot before handing pivotal scenes Currently booking until October 2014.

» Rosalie Craig as Princess Althea in The What’s on Light Princess (photo: Brinkoff/Mogenburg) The Light Princess 1984 Hamlet: NT Live Shunga: Sex and Roots Tomorrow: The Positive Hour Julia Dorrington Pleasure in Japenese Art Elmgreen & Dragset reviews a new, fairtytale musical 15-19 Oct, 22 October, until 5 Jan 2014, until 30 Nov, until 2 Jan 2014, 16 - 19 Oct, at the NT. WAC, WAC, British Museum, Donmar Warehouse, V&A, WAC, Read online at from £6 £15.50 £5 for students from £10 FREE £7.50 for Students theboar.org/arts. Risk-taking Rory Kinnear stars Explicit and beauti- The centrepiece of A site-specific WUDS present Headlong explore in this dynamic fully detailed work, Wesker’s postwar installation by April de Angelis’ Until 9 January, Orwell’s ever version of Hamlet, exhibited to shed trilogy where Scandiavian duo; a play that brings a £5 with Entrypass relevant, perhaps shown for the NT’s light on a taboo ideas clash with do- stage set for new perspective to for Students. timeless, dystopia 50th birthday form of Japenese art mestic rural life unrealised drama gender and sexuality Music through The history of the Alumni the decades Koan memories p. 25 p. 19 p 23

COMMENT page 16 LIFESTYLE page 18 BOOKS page 20 SCI &TECH page 26 40 years of headlines Fabulous fashion or faux-pas? What will be you reading in a decade? The rise of technology

The Boar turns the big 4-0

» Looking as fresh as ever, despite being nearly as old as Warwick university itself.

Sponsored by: theboar.org 16 Editor: Dan Mountain [email protected] Twitter @BoarComment COMMENT fb.com/groups/BoarComment 40 Years of Headlines Chris Hyatt

1973 - Mobile Phoney? Martin Cooper invents the first portable mobile phone 1974 - Watergate scandal. Nixon “impeaches” himself by resigning 1976 - First Bite of the Apple. Ste- ve Jobs and Steve Wozniak found Apple 1977 - Light Speed. Star Wars be- comes highest grossing film fran- chise in history 1978 - Grave Error. A laughable attempt is made to steal Charles Chaplin’s coffin. It is recovered 15km away 1979 - Dawning of a New Era. Margaret Thatcher becomes first female Prime Minister 1980 - Let It Not Be. John Lennon shot dead 1982 - Heartfelt Recovery. First permanent artifical heart implant- ed in a human 1983 - Any space for women on the shuttle? Sally Ride becomes first American woman in space 1984 - Off The Wall results! MJ wins record of The Year for “Beat It” and Album of The Year for » “The Morning After” Cartoon by Charley-Kai John “Thriller” at Grammys 1986 - Clouded Judgement: Cloud of Judgement. Nuclear disaster at Chernobyl The State of the Boar Address 1989 - Chinese get Square. Tianan- men Square flooded with students in a pro-democracy protest We’ve come a long way, and we’re only going to bigger and better places 1990 - Another Brick Out of the ditioning in the office (oh, one can Another great mystery, one un- into a stupid amount of debt, but Wall. The Berlin Wall finally falls. Dan Mountain only dream!) likely to ever be solved, is just how through some hyper-intelligent East and West Germany are united Print journalism isn’t dying. we came to acquire our name. De- money-management and business 1994 - I-rish this happened soon- There is still plenty of room for de- ciding to call the campus newspa- accumen, we’ve managed this year er. IRA declares ceasefire in North- 0 may seem like a grand old cent newspapers, put out by ded- per of a university renowned for its to finally get our balance on the ern Ireland. age for a newspaper that oper- icated teams that have a good eye ducks, and with both an elephant right side of zero. 1996 - Bull-ied by the hype? Brit- ates on nothing but the blood for detail and a good ear for stories. and a bear on its crest, the Boar It’s hard to express just how cool ain panics about Mad Cow Disease 4of freshers, the sweat of finalists But print journalism certainly is is something that seems doomed it is to be part of a team that pro- 1997 - Titanic Success! Titanic and caffeine, but we’re still prac- changing. There is no better train- to be one of the great mysteries of duces the paper that you’re hold- released in theatres and becomes tically suckling at the journalistic ing ground than your campus rag all time, up there with ‘what was ing in your hands right now. The highest grossing film in history at teat. While other campus publi- and we’re definitely going to have Stonehenge all about?’ and ‘just amount of hours that we put in to the time. cations at your old and wise uni- to change and evolve in order to what exactly happened to Cuba this paper instead of our degrees is 1999 - Worst Y2Case Scenario? versities may be paying taxes and keep up with the industry. What Gooding Jr’s career?’ probably a good indicator of just Y2K bug panic spreads round the spending their week nights con- this means is more online content Across all 14 sections of the pa- how stupid we all are. But I suspect world on New Years Eve. sidering whether to watch Antiques (like our rather beautiful website), per, the editorial team have been that producing a year’s worth of 2003 - Hussein We Can’t Get An- Roadshow or Bake Off, we’re only movement on to other mediums trying to deliver you only the best fantastic journalism will probably ything Done? Saddam Hussein ap- just finding our feet. (like our radio show) and more possible content. Sometimes this bring us far more pride than a de- prehended by the U.S military The Boar seems to have come integration with social media (I’m takes the form of an exposé on some gree anyway. 2007 - Browning Street. Gordon on leaps and bounds in the last few not lying when I say that the Boar seriously screwed-up kebab ingre- So next time you pick up a copy Brown replaces Tony Blair as prime years, even going so far as to win literally ceases to function without dients in Leam, or sitting down and of the Boar, know that it’s been sent minister Student Publication of the Year! Facebook). talking with the latest occupation there with love. Know that a lot of 2008 - Van Goght away… 3 Men in This is certainly something you’ll movement. And sometimes this people have sat and thought and ski masks steal 4 paintings worth a hear us brag a great deal about over Print journalism isn’t dying. takes the form of whinging about scratched and stressed over line total of $163 million from the Zu- the next few years (or decades) but messy freshers, Vice-Chancellors placements, typography, grammar rich Museum in broad daylight. There’s still room for it. But it that fail to be Thrifty, and reviews and all sorts of other nonsense that it truly is a monumental achieve- certainly is changing. 2009 - Obama Self in the History ment and would not have been of the latest Made in Essex Shore. would probably never occur to you. books. President Barack Obama is possible without a long history of It’s also worth taking a moment Know that there is a group of sworn in as the first Black president fantastic writers, editors and busi- to mention the unsung heroes of brave souls wandering the campus in history ness people just like you. The Boar There are some moments in the the Boar – the business team. With- this very second, bleary-eyed and 2010 - “Oil Fix it I Swear”. An ex- is your campus newspaper and its publication’s history that seem ut- out them we wouldn’t be able to thirsty for a story. Just waiting for plosion on a BP oil rig releases an successes only ever reflect the cali- terly baffling. 60 page issues being produce what you’re holding right that moment when we discover estimated 42,000 gallons of oil per bre and commitment of the people printed weekly sounds like an ideal now, we wouldn’t be able to acquire what exactly has been living in the hour into the Atlantic Ocean. who choose to take part. recipe for a failed degree and a tear- sponsorships and advertising, and Koan all these years, or how exactly 2011 - No mar Gaddafi. Col. Over the next 40 years I’m pre- soaked office. Getting in to £10,000 we’d be far more reliant on the SU. Costcutter keeps their prices so un- Muammar El-Qaddafi killed by re- dicting a torrent of awards, publi- of debt is enough to make us sorely We really pride ourselves on our reasonable. bel troops in Surt cation on five different continents, regret ever having the audacity to editorial independence from the Student journalists are an odd 2012 - Lon-done with the Olym- a wing of the library named after even consider purchasing a brand SU and our ability to be self-suf- bunch, but we really do care about pics. The offical closing ceremony us and, ooh, maybe some air-con- new pencil. ficient. Granted, we got ourselves giving you a good read. marks an end to the London Sum- mer Olympics theboar.org Editor: Roxanne Douglas17 [email protected] Twitter @BoarFeatures FEATURES fb.com/groups/BoarFeatures In the Boar-gining From the online archives, first published in the Warwick Boar - Week 9, Spring Term 2004 - A bit of Hist-boar-y Volume 26, Issue 17 Roxanne Douglas relays the highlights of the last forty years ncorporating the newssheet known as Campus, Godfrey Rust and Kasper De Graaf could hardly have chosen a more excitingI time in the history of the Students’ Union to launch the Boar. The five year battle to place under student control the soon-to- be constructed ‘second Rootes social build- ing’ (modern day Union South) was nearing a thrilling, and ultimately victorious end. “If we don’t do it this time we can look forward for many years to being no more than an inefficient and rather petulant youth club”, boomed the Boar’s first ever editorial. The voice of the students was clear – a week later the Boar pictured over 1,000 students crammed into the Workroom (later the Air- port Bar and now ‘the Bar’), with all but three voting in favour of “nothing less than full Union control of the Second Social Building.” However consensus had failed to spread to the University – Pro-Vice-Chancellor Scars- brick had dismissed the Warwick Union as the “centre of barbarism” and the “phalanx of ignorance”. Boar’s Droppings (the first recorded incarnation of Mysterons) noted scathingly Scarsbrick’s alleged reputation for being a doodler in meetings. Fortunately various University committees were more charitable, by Christmas the students had their building. By Issue 3 things were really in full swing – Editor Godfrey Rust had resigned – front page news at the time. Not content with ed- iting one publication, new editor Kasper De Graaf set about launching “the Broad Left Journal.” By the end of November he too had left, scholarly pursuits winning over. A year later he became the only man to serve for two years as Union President. ‘Democracy and the EEC’, ‘The Break- down of Consensus Politics’ and ‘Democratic Socialism in Britain’ may hardly set the pulse racing on the student of 2004, but in 1973 they were deemed worthy enough for Tony Benn, Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to occupy the majority of page » Shots of campus in the 1970s photo: sunion.warwick.ac.uk/boar and warwick.ac.uk/alumni/news/warwickconnect2012 two for three consecutive weeks. In Issue 12 Barry Russell returned to War- ne might say that any good stories And lo, on the 11 October 1973 the first was £30,000 in debt. However, due to the fab- wick for the second year of his French degree, should start with the phrase "So they Boar was published as a merge with the stu- ulous business team, the publication is now the previous twelve months having been were drinking 13 pence pints…", and dent paper known as Campus that was circu- in positive figures, and is proudly one of a spent as “Theatre Editor of London’s radical- Onot just because it is rather telling about the lated around the 1960s. 23 editors, 40 years, few papers in the whole country that finance chic ‘Time Out’ magazine.” – a few months state of inflation (or at least the SU’s pric- a website and countless printed papers later our own publishing, existing both financially later Education Secretary Margaret Thatcher ing policy). Incidentally, this is exactly how and the paper is still going strong. Since then and editorially independent from the Stu- was welcomed onto campus. the Boar story begins. Picture the scene: two the publication has gone from strength to dents' Union. Of course, there were some similarities enthused and slightly drink-addled under- strength, but it has not always been plain With this said, the paper has gained much with the Boar of today – fees protests, hous- graduates, Godfrey Rust and Kasper de Graaf sailing. critical acclaim; the first recorded award is in ing crises and the indiscretions of the Rugby sitting at the bar, probably in 70s-tastic bell- 1990, the paper won the Impact Award for club all had their place (see Issue 4, page 3). bottoms and mullets (we don’t actually know most improved publication at the Guardian But its not just the parents making it up – stu- due to lack of documentary evidence, but it After experiments with other fauna we Student Media Awards. In both 1994 and 1998 dent life in the 70s was that little bit more ex- is fun to imagine), mulling over what their stumbled on the idea of a boar. Exactly it was nominated for Newspaper of the Year. citing. It was to be rent strikes in the summer recently conceptualised student newspaper whose the idea was I no longer remem- Ones to Watch Media have recently given us of 1975 that prompted a three week occupa- should be called. ber, but beer was only 13p a pint. more Boar-love and awarded us Student Pub- tion of Senate House – with Union officials Founder Godfrey Rust once wrote: “We lication of the Year this year. The competition supposedly promising to withdraw when a wanted something that would convey a sense had two rounds: firstly the public voted on- police force of 30 or 40 turned up. of instant history to cover up the (then) ap- line (and the Boar received the most online Ultimately, the University had the last palling newness of the place (and encourage For some foolish reason for a brief period votes), then there was a panel of judges who laugh. Five hundred boys in blue were or- more Americans to invest)… Coventry, we in 1988, the Boar changed its name to Mer- also selected the Boar as their favourite – so dered and at an alleged cost of £12 the Boar thought, had an elephant as its symbol, and cury, though by the end of the academic year really we won twice. estimated a near skint Union being left with a Warwick had a bear. Or perhaps it was the it thankfully reverted to the Boar. Puns are It’s been a great 40 years, let’s raise a 13p financial headache totalling £8,000. other way around. Anyway, neither of these a staple of the Boar’s identity: can you imag- pint to 40 more! Today we laud an electoral turnout of un- had the required cachet. After experiments ine how many fewer puns we would be able der 20 percent. In 1974, almost 40 percent with other possible fauna we stumbled on the to make with a name like Mercury? (I tried of students came to the polls, and the Boar idea of a boar. Exactly whose the idea was I to think of a Mercury based pun at this stage claimed: “almost inevitably indifference tri- no longer remember, but I am certain that to illustrate my point, but I couldn’t, case in umphed.” draught bitter was only 13p a pint. The pun Let us know any campus point). In the late ‘noughties’ the Boar re- history that you know was dreadful, but it was my round and there duced publication from weekly to fortnightly Tweet: @BoarFeatures Jake Morris seemed to be no one to stop us.” due to financial troubles, and five years ago theboar.org 18 Editor: Maya Westwick [email protected] Twitter @BoarLifestyle LIFESTYLE fb.com/groups/BoarLifestyle Fabulous fashion through the ages From bell-bottoms to Juicy Couture, Scott Harris navigates 4 decades of fashion

hen you come to university, it’s clear to most people that it’s a pret- ty diverse and liberal place – so- Wcieties, sports, international student body. In terms of fashion, students feel they can dress however they like (and rightly so!) in a bid to express themselves in ways their high school never allowed. Fashion sense becomes a personal thing, a way to communicate indi- viduality and independence. Look under the desk in a seminar and you’ll notice a variety of creepers, trainers, flip-flops. Celebrate, for the days of uniformity and homogeny are be- hind us! But you can forget about that as I wade my way through the last forty years of fashion, making as many sweeping generali- sations as possible. 70s 80s 90s 00s

‘70s fashion is undergoing a revival at the Leg warmers? Sweat bands? No, thank Considering I like to think of the ‘90s as Abercrombie and Fitch. Superdry. Von moment, with platform shoes becoming once you. Since when did we look to exercise vid- “mine”, I know virtually nothing about what Dutch. Jack Wills. Tiny hand bags. Massive again part of everyday gear, along with tor- eos for support when it comes to fashion? people wore. I spent most of the decade hand bags. UGG. Juicy Couture. In the ‘00s, toise-shell glasses, eccentric knitwear and Come on, fashionistas of ‘80s, sort it out. The wearing blue dungarees with a red car on if it had a logo, you bought it. And in a fort- paisley shirts. Anyone who’s seen That ‘70s casual look of the ‘70s and the legacy of Fame the front. Didn’t everyone? Denim was once night, when it was no longer trendy, it was Show will have a solid stereotypical view of were shortly overshadowed in the UK in the again taking the world by storm. GAP began out with the old and in with the new. No what the ‘70s looked like – and I say embrace wake of Punk, as obscure fashion statements branding itself as “staple” clothing – no one’s one really knows how to define the general the stereotype! It’s serving as inspiration for became more and more popular. Boy George wardrobe was complete until it contained style of the ‘00s, and that’s because even at new trends and styles. Having said that, flares and the Culture Club is the obvious example at least seven pairs of jeans, a denim jacket the time no one knew what was cool. Now and bell-bottoms can stay in the past where of 80s experimental fashion. But did peo- and numerous denim shirts (all in different it seems we’ve outgrown the constant need they belong; nobody needs to see that. The ple really wear that stuff? It quickly became washes, of course). Apart from this, no single to cover ourselves with brands. With the decade also saw the rise of denim jeans – lit- cliché, and young people moved on – to trend really tied the ‘90s together. Look at the growing popularity of ‘thrift-shopping’ and tle did they know that twenty years down the shoulder pads! Dynasty actresses and Prin- Spice Girls: even on stage they didn’t co-ordi- the resuscitation of vintage styles, we’ve al- line “double denim” would become a thing cess Diana give good examples of “the career nate their dress sense, what with Scary’s ob- most decided to take the best bits of the last courtesy of JT and ‘N Sync. And that’s why woman”, whatever that means, and aspects of session with leopard print. 40 years’ worth of fashion and created a hy- the ‘70s were great. this fashion are starting to show through in brid sense of style. And I’m pretty happy with recent styles. Just check out Rihanna or Miley that, aren’t you? Cyrus’s Instagram. » Fashion has gone through countless changes, and back again, since the first issue of the Boar hit Warwick campus photo: wikimedia commons and Flickr/ Retrospective: Dating through the decades Megan C. Hills talks through the changes that have taken place in the world of romance hether it be 1974 or 2013, when you stick a few thousand young adults 80s 90s Present day in a confined place (e.g. universi- Wty), there’s a high probability that the major- The very first dating sites were set up in Two words: mix-tapes. Men and women And that brings us to the present day, ity of them are going to date. We’ve charted the 1980s and video-dating became an actu- everywhere were meticulously crafting the where a cheeky Facebook stalk is an unspo- how the dating world has changed since The al thing, masses of mulleted men and Farrah perfect cassette tapes for the people their ken pre-requisite if you fancy someone and Boar first started back in the 70s and broken Fawcett wannabes were uploading recorded hearts had settled on, hoping Nirvana, Radi- it’s not uncommon to have had sex before down mating rituals decade by decade: dating profiles in horrifically embarrassing ohead and even the Spice Girls butterfly-in- your first date. Courting rituals include: attempts to impress the opposite sex. (You ducing lyrics could say everything they want- scanning Grindr for anyone in your immedi- 70s can find some relics on YouTube, I cannot ed to say. Internet dating was easier than ever ate area, smashing your body against another recommend them enough.) Everyone now before as the first instant messaging plat- person’s genitalia/butt in what is known as The seventies kick-started the sexual rev- had to compete with the relationships they forms were created and meeting new people a ‘grind’, Facebook messaging into the early olution; dating was no longer chained to saw at the movies, whether it be a Break- was as easy as entering a chat room. Phones hours and instagramming sickeningly sweet prim and proper courtships and gender roles fast Club-esque love/hate infatuation or an were revolutionizing the way that dating photos of you and your date at the zoo or less everywhere were in glorious crisis with the all-encompassing Dirty Dancing passion- worked- before the 90s, you had to arrange to sweet photos of the two of you eating each rise of second wave feminism. Unlike the expectations were putting pressure on every- see someone face-to-face to talk to them. You others’ faces. That said, relationships get a dating courtesies of nowadays in which it’s one. Moving in with a boyfriend/girlfriend didn’t have to physically be with someone lot more serious a lot sooner on- which may frowned upon to date more than one person was no longer seen as taboo as people put off to ‘be with’ someone, you could now drop have a lot to do with the ease of being able to at a time, it was standard to see a few people marriage in favour of their careers, women someone a text or a phone call in your spare contact someone at any point in the day with at a time- you dated to get to know someone were taking control of their own sex lives as time and flirt the hours away. the tap of a few keys and a send button. If you rather than to cement your new relationship. pornography and sex settled into the realms haven’t already, wander over to 40daysofdat- Fewer people were getting married and, un- of normality. However, the tide of sexual pro- ing.com where two best friends commit to happily, divorce rates were on the rise. At clivity and acceptance began to slow as AIDS dating each other for forty days to see if their least everyone had disco, glitter and gloss by came into the picture, bringing condoms and relationship will go anywhere, detailing their the bucket load and (most importantly) John abstinence groups with it. experiences in boldly honest interviews and Travolta in platform shoes to keep couples quirky illustrations. swaying to anthems of sex and love. theboar.org Editor: Rebekah Ellerby19 [email protected] Twitter @BoarArts ARTS fb.com/groups/BoarArts From Boar to Frogmore A short history of the Arts Centre Warwick alumni Jeremy Page, re- Katherine Price traces the conception of Warwick campus’ cultural hub turns to The Boar 30 years on

ack in the day – and my ‘day’ was 1976-1980 – everyone read the Boar. Or so it seemed to us. On publication day volunteer sellers wereB a familiar sight around the campus, and stopping to buy a copy on the way to a morning lecture was a ritual observed by most. My brief was to write reviews of plays » The Arts Centre in the 70s, photo: MRC staged in the Arts Centre theatre and studio and occasionally in Benefactors ust a year after the Boar was created and wickshire in a green environment. Billing in Later into the 1980s, the Mead Gallery Lounge by the likes of WUDS (Warwick newly toddling, Warwick Arts Centre was at £1 million, in October 1974 the Warwick was built, making space for the cinema, University Drama Society), SAG (the So- opened in 1974. And it’s a privilege that Arts Centre was opened by names like play- the University bookshop and a new restau- cialist Arts Group) and others. As with weJ have on our university campus the largest wright Eugene Ionesco, actress Dame Peggy rant. The expansion and improvement of most areas of activity in the late 70s, Arts Centre in the Midlands; indeed the larg- Ashcroft, West Side Story composer Leonard the glass atrium, current cinema and Mead politics tended to be a consideration. The est venue of its kind in the UK, excluding the Bernstein and composer Sir Michael Tippett. Gallery were then undertaken in 1997. Drama Society itself was bedevilled by Barbican. Not many universities can boast of During the 1970s the Arts Centre set its Former Boar arts editor David Leves- factionalism and prone to collective hissy having such a venue on their doorstep. Today precedent for being a platform for thought- ley, now studying at Columbia Journalism fits. Different groupings would periodi- it stands proudly in the shadow of the Koan, provoking, quality material, challenging the School, fondly remembers using the Arts cally charge rival groupings with partiality presenting all Warwick students with the op- boundaries of the arts. In the first few weeks, Centre dressing rooms as ‘private revision in awarding the coveted slots available for portunity to avoid their degrees in whichever a double-bill of Tom Stoppard plays graced its chambers.’ Because of the amount of time student productions in the Arts Centre. artistic manner they choose. You’ll hopefully stages, as well as the famous Amadeus Quartet he spent there, he even got a special fare- The occasional coup was staged, the odd even graduate there in the Butterworth Hall performing Mozart, Bartok and Beethoven. well from the Arts Centre café staff at his splinter group formed. Toys were thrown one day. But how much do you know about The Butterworth Hall, perhaps best known graduation. ‘It’s a weird, erratic family who loudly, sometimes histrionically, out of this great Warwick institution? to students as the most daunting venue for know everybody… As proven when I was prams. The Arts Centre came about as a venture exams, was completed in 1981. It had a further selected out of the blue by the music cen- between the University of Warwick and a £6.9 million redevelopment in 2008/9. Its tre to impersonate David Attenborough for Against this backdrop, to praise a pro- mysterious anonymous benefactor, who do- opening performance back in the 1980s was a Christmas concert voice-over,’ he said. duction by the ‘official’ Drama Society nated £400,000 towards its development. Warwick Symphony Orchestra and Chorus’ could, in itself, be seen as a political act, The intention was to provide an arts resource rendition of Beethoven’s IX Symphony, which especially if the reviewer himself – as in to the local people of Coventry and War- cost 50p a ticket and sold out completely. my case – was someone actively involved in student drama, albeit without any pro- fessed allegiances. There were times when I resorted to publishing my contributions to the Boar under an alias. Rather unim- It came, it saw, it Koanquered aginatively, Jeremy Page would occasion- ally masquerade as Ymerej Egap, the lat- don. It is intended to represent the Buddhist Julia Dorrington ter’s contributions tending to be more quest for questions without answers, the controversial than the former’s. Kōan, to test a student’s progress in Zen prac- tice. It promotes peace, calm and thoughtful- At some stage in my time at Warwick s a icon of Warwick, the Koan has ness while also exploring light and motion in a rival publication, Vixen, which prided huge student interest surrounding a hub of social and artistic activity. itself on taking an independent line (all it but despite being a potential al- Perhaps the Koan has failed in its quest too often, in reality, a rather predictably ien space ship, having a mind of its to illicit Zen practice but it certainly has right wing line) emerged, and several Boar Aown via Twitter and looking kind of pretty at provoked the ‘great doubt’ in a number of contributors, myself included, were per- night, how much do we actually know about students. Over the years it has become the suaded to moonlight, mindful of the lack this enigmatic and notorious sculpture we centre of some student myths including that of any necessary connection between the walk past everyday? it stands over a tunnel which allows senior world of journalism and tiresome abstrac- As part of Lilian Lijn’s Koan series it is staff to escape from their neighbouring head- tions like loyalty or honour. But Vixen the first of its kind, constructed in 1971, and quarters, that it was the nose cone of a failed petered out after a few issues, seen off by it utilises highly original combinations of Apollo mission, and that someone lived in- a resurgent Boar, and things returned to industrial materials and artistic processes. side it. So much speculation has led to the normal. Lijn is recognised for pioneering the interac- Koan becoming one of the most iconic pieces Post-Warwick I co-founded a maga- tion between art, science, technology, east- of art on campus and thus in the age of social zine, The Frogmore Papers, which publish- ern philosophy and female mythology. Lijn networking, the Koan has been personified es poetry and prose. More than 30 years writes that her work is ‘a constant dialogue through Twitter (@warwickkoan), created later I’m still editing it. It’s a very different between opposites, [the] sculptures use light into memes and placed into comic strips. Its publication from the Boar, but my expe- and motion to transform themselves from popularity also sparked a petition to change rience on the paper has proved nonethe- solid to void, opaque to transparent, formal the university logo to include an image of the less useful. When required to review a to organic.’ Koan. Its presence is at the heart of Warwick collection of indifferent poems by some- Standing at 6m tall, our White Koan was student life. one who, inconveniently, happens to be a installed outside the university in 1972 after known associate, I know just what to do. moving from the Hayward Gallery in Lon- » An alien spaceship, or a work of art? photo: Flickr/GilesStephenson Ymerej Egap taught me. theboar.org 20 Editor: Poppy Rosenberg [email protected] Twitter @BoarBooks BOOKS fb.com/groups/BoarBooks What will you be reading over the coming decade? Helena Skinner looks ahead to what we can expect from the next deacade of books, and towards the 50th Boar anniversary

he next few years promise to be Helen Fielding Mad About the Boy Haruki Murakami His Years of Happy Birthday, Boris Boar hectic in the literary world; the Pilgrimage well-publicised release of several Hardly worth mentioning, the latest in- Boris Boar blew his candles out, making a continuations of literary favourites stallment of the Bridget Jones franchise has Ever increasing in popularity, Murakami’s wish with all his might. Tis expected to divide critics. Indeed the nov- caused a ruckus on Mumsnet as author Field- latest novel has been well received by critics Bored of birthday bashes in Birmingham elty of celebrity authors imitating the style ing divulged her decision to kill off the one-di- in Japan. Owing to the success of Norwegian zoo, Boris longed to look at the world beyond. of deceased writers is beginning to wane. mensional character of Mark Darcy. Anyone Wood, Wind Up Bird Chronicle and 1Q84, Mu- He couldn’t help but wonder what was out There are also a few surprises in store for immoderately distressed by this exposé may rakami has consolidated an extensive English there in those un-munched meadows. fans of America’s cult classic Catcher in the find solace in the fact that Colin Firth ‘had to language fan base. The translation of His Years He’d spent the year asking the animals Rye. Here are just a few highlights that we process’ Fielding’s disturbing plot disclosure. of Pilgrimage is still being composed, but the where their feeders fed themselves and where anticipate will usher us into the next dec- release date is anticipated for September 2014. the children went when the world was dark, ade with great excitement and controversy! but none of them knew the answer. But Boris J D Salinger Margaret Atwood and Howard couldn’t keep his mind off these questions. He The Last and Best of the Peter Jacobson had decided: if he was going to find out, it was Pans Hogarth’s Shakespeare Project going to be down to his own two tusks. So he blew his candles out, and when As a consequence of Salinger’s compulsive In line with the seemingly fanatic trend brother boar asked, he said yes, he had made need for privacy, his huge body of unpublished in a continuation of works by much loved a wish. Then he said no, he couldn’t tell, oth- works is relatively unknown. Salinger’s desire literary figures; Shakespeare is naturally the erwise it wouldn’t come true. Boris smiled to to have his work posthumously published next victim. To commemorate the 400th an- himself as the other boars slipped into sleep. Sophie Hannah Poirot Series has elicited much speculation about The Last niversary of the sonneteer’s death, 2016 will Boris bid his good-byes by tracking his and Best of the Peter Pans (1961), which fea- see the release of a compilation of modern tusks across the tarmac in symbols some of The decision to allow popular crime nov- tures Catcher in the Rye’s protagonist Hold- adaptations of his best-loved plays. Mar- his family would understand, then set about elist Hannah to continue Agatha Christie’s en Caulfield. The opportunity to ascertain garet Atwood and Howard Jacobson have his work. He bit into the fencing, with the in- legacy was a revelation. Due to be published a greater understanding of the literary enig- taken on the task of respectively adapting tention to bore through it. It didn’t taste good: September 2014, the media coverage will at- ma of Caulfield is set to rouse huge renewed The Tempest and The Merchant of Venice for like the tablets he’d had to take when his tum- tract a legion of fledgling fans to Christie’s interest in Salinger’s work. Four other titles ‘modern times’. Jeanette Winterson and Ann my had worms – but he kept biting anyway. work. With the final installment of the ITV are to be released between 2015 and 2020: A Tyler have also been attributed to the pro- By sunrise, the hole was big enough. Silent- adaptation of Elephants Never Forget coming Counterintelligence Agent’s Diary, A World ject launched by Hogarth publishing house. ly he stumbled through the hole, trying not to our screens next year, if Hannah’s work is a War II Love Story, A Religious Manual, and to wake anyone, and suddenly he was free. success, evidently David Suchet will be sport- The Complete Chronicle of the Glass Family. His birthday was over but his wish had been ing the infamous ‘tache for a few more years. What are you looking granted – Boris escaped from the zoo, Boris forward to in 2014? Tweet: @BoarBooks bored his way through. Andy King A book-blast from the past...our picks from the past 40 years Review: The Handmaid’s Tale genre, Atwood has been keen to label The Carmella Lowkis Handmaid’s Tale, instead, as “speculative fiction”. The distinction here is that sci- Often hailed as a figure-head novel of fem- ence-fiction deals with what might happen inist dystopian fiction, Margaret Atwood’s if we possessed new, fantastical technolo- The Handmaid’s Tale is both exciting and gies, whereas speculative fiction makes its thought-provoking. For many, sci-fi is seen projections based on what already exists as a genre that caters primarily to men, with in our world. Because of this difference, female characters reduced to side-line love there is an unsettling normalcy about At- interests. Atwood’s novel breaks this mould, wood’s vision; every feature of Atwood’s delivering a cutting critique of gender expec- Gilead is entirely feasible in the present day. tations, while remaining true to the pessi- Above all, the novel is a cautionary tale, mistic projections of the dystopian tradition. particularly dealing with the injustice of A book from the 80s redwoods and swimming in the river and no- Atwood’s vision of the future is set in a bare- traditional gender roles; the danger of a Harley Ryley ticed that in nature purple is everywhere,” she ly-distant version of America, where familiar society ruled by religious dogma; and the had mused in a radio interview in 2012, “and locations such as high-schools, libraries, and problems that arise with political interven- I first read The Color Purple aged 17. I hat- it’s interesting because we tend to think that in theatres are re-appropriated for more sinister tion in sexuality. Perhaps Atwood’s view ed it. I hated Celie, I hated feminism and I nature you would see more red, yellow, white uses, including the repressive ‘re-education’ of fundamentalist religion is over-criti- hated that my English A Level teacher was [...] but actually, purple is right there. And of women. Now called the Republic of Gile- cal, but there are still obvious elements calling feminism ‘womanism’. I hated that in that sense, it’s like the people in the novel. ad, America operates under a strict caste-sys- of truth in her observation of the social I was forced to analysis gender roles, and I You think that [...] what’s happening to them tem, which puts women right at the bottom. problems in the modern western world. didn’t understand the way it was written. is unusual, but actually it’s happening some- The protagonist, Offred, has been assigned Despite a publication date of 1985, the No longer forced to study this novel, I re- where on your block almost every minute.” the position of ‘handmaid’ – a woman whose worries of gender inequality and polit- turned to it this summer with the aim of read- And she’s right. As I’ve grown up, I’ve sole duty it is to conceive for a wealthy couple. ical prejudice are still alarmingly con- ing it anew, with no preconceptions. I didn’t seen again and again the pressures of race In Gilead’s society, women are the property temporary, which is perhaps why the hate it all. In fact I found the dialect and the and gender plague even in the playground. of men – even Offred’s name cleverly reflects novel enjoys an enduring readership. endearing nature of the novel’s protagonist, What I didn’t understand then, I do under- this, being a portmanteau of the classifica- Celie, to be utterly engrossing, and sudden- stand now: just how important The Color tion “Of Fred”. If she fails to conceive, she ly realised that the uprooting of stereotypical Purple really is. Since its publication in faces a future as an ‘unwoman’, and deporta- gender roles was actually fascinating. I par- 1982, it has caused controversy and out- tion to a radioactive wasteland. If dystopian ticularly love the subtlety of Walker’s com- rage, which has continued to tiptoe on the fiction is the result of asking “what if X hap- ment on Christianity. Celie soon abandons edge of censorship issues. I even, I proba- pened?”, The Handmaid’s Tale begins with the the white, patriarchal ‘God’ that she addresses bly shouldn’t admit, own a ‘I Love Banned question “what if feminism was reversed?” early in the novel, and replaces her faith with Books’ bracelet which sports the cover. Although Offred is the novel’s protagonist, something closer to home, something which Whether its allure is its controversy, or she isn’t perfect: she lies, she has affairs, she I hadn’t noticed back when I first read it. whether it is the cathartic final pages, one thing can be cowardly. She’s human. This complex, It was at this point that I recalled something is certain: Alice Walker was writing in the multi-dimensional quality to Atwood’s char- » photo: flickr/smiteme Alice Walker, the author, said about the actu- 1980s, with a resonance that rings even today. acters is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. al colour purple: “I went walking through the Normally placed in the science-fiction theboar.org Editor: Raghav Bali21 [email protected] Twitter @BoarFilm FILM fb.com/groups/BoarFilm

The Exorcist: A retrospective Hayley Westlake reviews the film that still creeps us out, 40 years on

» The inaugural issue, October 1973 photo: MRC cinemas across the United States, nervous the horror genre, but also in cinema history, the infamous head-spinning-spider-walking- our months, four weeks or even, in tremors pulsating through the queues, as is the silhouetted figure of a man, strikingly crucifix-debasing moments, which have so some unfortunate cases, four days is people desperately anticipate the on-screen stood below the glowing bulb, amongst an al- far failed to fade from cinematic memory in enough time for a demanding audi- adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s best-sell- most tangibly dank gloom. The man, Father the 40 years since the film’s release. ence to see and soon forget a film ing novel. The experience proved too much Merrin (Max Von Sydow), an elderly priest churned out from Hollywood’s cinema pro- The Exorcist was one of a number of demon- F for some. As the film’s success climbed and and archaeologist, has arrived at the Wash- ic-child horror films to be produced around duction line. Perhaps we offer a few chuck- the speculation spread, newspapers began ington home of successful actress Christine les, jerk a couple of tears, puff out a few sighs, the late 1960s to the mid 1970s, which includ- reporting hysterical audience reactions to MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and her daughter ed the equally hair-raising Rosemary’s Baby (“not another Michael Bay catastrophe...”), the film, with some members fainting or Regan (Linda Blair). After witnessing some but it takes real emotional impact for a film from Roman Polanski and Richard Donner’s vomiting in the cinema aisles. Despite being deeply disturbing behaviour from Regan, in The Omen. It is still, however, The Exorcist to remain with us way after we’ve reached the met by mixed reviews after its opening, The her desperation Christine seeks some more bottom of the popcorn box. How then has that frequently, and deservedly, claims the Exorcist undoubtedly struck a quavering “specialist” help, believing her daughter to be title of best horror film of all time. William Friedkin’s The Exorcist survived an chord with the public. Fast becoming one possessed by a demonic spirit. expanse of forty years, a time in which the of the highest grossing films of all time, the The Boar shares its 40th anniversary with film has found its impact stretching right the More than just a horror film, The Exorcist a cinematic and cultural phenomenon, and audience’s response to The Exorcist was, and has left an impenetrable legacy in more ways way through an international cinema culture? often still is, one of extraordinary shock and far from fading into four decades of history, than one. Audiences still remember their both have become more vibrant with age. Simply enough, this is an example of how captivation. our fascination for horror and controversy intense first experience of the little girl pos- matched with cinematic genius and a mastery Not often in cinema is the image of a glow- sessed and the unforgettable piano solo of ing streetlight enough to send bubbling Mike Oldfield’s tantalisingly chilling Tubular of the horror genre have produced a film able What’s your favourite film to withstand the erosion of time. nerves through the stomach, and bristling Bells. Equally as enduring is the film’s cin- chills running down the neck. Perhaps one ematic influence; it’s highly likely that even of the 70s? The date is 26 December 1973. Record- of the most iconic images, not just within if you haven’t seen the film, you will know of Tweet: @BoarFilm breaking crowds fill the streets outside The 70s anti-hero... Ibtisam Ahmed takes us back to the 70s, when the streets were mean and the heroes meaner he 1970s saw a resurgence of the the frustrations facing the world today. And, Of course, in both cases, we cheer on every cape from reality, but woe betide anyone who mob film genre that had taken off in contrary to the word ‘hero’ in their name, effort to thwart the elite. In Scarface, we are thinks film-makers are simply here to make a the 1930s. With films like The God- they are as much an expression of discontent genuinely satisfied when Tony Montana be- quick buck. The 70s saw the rise of anti-Viet- father, Mean Streets and The God- as their gun toting predecessors. comes the head honcho of his operations nam sentiment, the rapid growth of the civil father:T Part Two coming out in successive Their emotional similarities – flawed, despite our better judgement. And Iron Man rights movement and a general feeling of hos- years and reshaping the cinematic landscape, scarred and usually selfish – aside, there are 2 would not be half as entertaining with- tility towards power figures post-Watergate. it would not be a stretch to call the 70s striking resemblances that make out Senator Stern’s comeuppance Fast forward to the present, and Oc- the decade of the anti-hero. At a both gangsters and super- at the hands of one Tony cupy, the Arab Spring and the deba- time when the world was coming heroes strongly anti- Stark. Even the big blue cles of government scandal after up with new ways to challenge authority. They are Boy Scout himself is government scandal dominate the status quo, these on-screen both reviled by the considered a threat the socio-political landscape. If troublemakers were becoming status quo. This is in Man of Steel. And life truly is the muse of art, then the perfect artistic expression easy enough to un- yet we never side it should be no wonder that of anti-authoritarian sentiment. derstand when con- with the govern- we will always be ready to root Forty years on and audiences are sidering the Corleone ment. As the down- for the ‘underdog’, not the ‘es- now enraptured not with the likes family, for instance, trodden masses, we tablishment’, never mind the fact of the anti-hero, but with the super- whose actions are directly are much happier to side the person we root for might not hero. Men in capes, spandex and iron antagonistic to local government. with the outcast, the everyman, appear to be the same all the time. Or suits are the new saviours of cinema. Similar But consider superheroes for a moment. never mind that we might not be able or maybe we just really hate taking direction. to the steady rise of the gangster genre, the You would be hard-pressed to name a single even willing to do the same things they do. superhero genre had its beginnings in the film in this genre where the word ‘vigilante’ It is worth pointing out that these charm- Have we grown up or noughties but became the dominant form in is not implied, if not directly used. The po- ing, steel-jawed and, yes, violent, anti-heroes are we just as bad as our the 2010s. Similarly, the gangster genre, su- lice are notorious for their bumbling failure have become popular in times of discontent. parents’ generation? perheroes have become the latest conduit of to capture the protagonist in these stories. We might go to the movies in order to es- Tell us on Facebook 22Birthday messages from across the Boar-dtheboar.org theboar.orgALUMNI 23 The Boar’s Class of 2013 Six recent graduates chart their experience of student journalism and where it’s taken them since...

I used my experience at the Boar to secure various intern- first started writing for the Boar in my second year at number of fantastic section editors at the paper. I was given ships in journalism, including one with the New Statesman Warwick. At first, I found the idea of writing for a print the feedback and encouragement that I sorely needed. political magazine. More importantly, I met many wonder- publication quite unnerving. Not only did I find the The more I wrote for the Boar, the more I enjoyed the ful people who will surely remain friends for many years. Iprocess disconcerting, but I significantly doubted my own process and the more I started to believe my articles were I owe the Boar a passion for writing and a huge amount of abilities. Why would anyone want read, let alone print, the not entirely insufferable. I got increasingly involved in the self-confidence. I also owe it biscuits. In the thousands. unintelligible drivel I had the audacity to submit for publi- editorial side of things and found this equally rewarding. James Evans cation? But in due course this self-doubt was banished by a

So far my journey has taken me to journalism hotspots, into uring my time at Warwick, I slowly but surely ascend- the somewhat exclusive art world and down some relatively ed the arts journalism ladder from naive exhibition irrelevant avenues. I’ve done work experience at the Guard- reviewer to deputy arts editor to arts editor proper. ian and the Evening Standard, which were most useful for DMy editorship was short but sweet and only came after initial their names’ inclusion on my CV thereafter. I’ve been a guest disappointment in the boardroom. Was it TLC who said, ‘if at journalist for Citizens UK, and am currently working for first you don’t succeed...’? No, Aaliyah. an architectural organisation as their press assistant, as we;; Outside of student journalism, the route into arts journalism at a magazine publishing house. In the coming months I’ll is less straightforward. My advice: don’t just ask writers and be writing the literature for an exhibition, which is held in editors at the Nationals what they do in their flashy-sound- Cologne, and curating my second exhibition. ing positions; ask them how they got there. Not only should Remember, hitting the jackpot for you may not mean this give you ideas of how to get to your end goal (by tradi- working for a national. And with that ironic turn of phrase, I tional, but also alternative routes), but it ought to encourage should mention – at present, when payment is offered to me, you that, for the most part, their path hasn’t been straight I feel like I’ve won the lottery. forward either. Rachel Guthrie ence in student media. y time at the Boar utterly transformed my universi- Currently I’m working as a reporter for a publishing website, ty experience and shaped my career in journalism. I and editing at Wannabe Hacks, and I’m hoping to secure jumped straight in as soon as I got to Warwick and some freelance work with the BBC soon. I’m due to start an Mtotally fell in love with it. It became my life for three years, MA in newspaper journalism in London in the autumn, and and I loved every opportunity, from reporting, live-blogging I can’t wait. and taking photos, to editing, sales, working with the union, university and a range of other news organisations. Someday I’d love to edit and manage again, but I can’t wait to get out into the world as a reporter and really make a My work with the Boar led me to cement some fantastic difference to people’s lives. I loved every second at the Boar, friendships, invaluable knowledge and work experience and wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you for a perfect start to across the media, from the Coventry Telegraph to The Times. my career! It honestly wouldn’t have been possible without my experi- Natasha Clark

student rag is like your first car: a special, cossetted the office that asphyxiated you the longer you laid up were place to knock off rough edges before you buy some- essential experience for clinching work higher up. It meant thing more serious. Missed typos are minor scratches; by the time I began as a reporter intern for Bloomberg News Aa lousy headline, a smashed wing mirror. You work hard and in London this summer I was comfortable in a frenzied strive for perfection, but nobody ultimately gets hurt – or newsroom. Hitting deadlines, writing concise copy, getting fired. My first ‘go’ at journalism began in March 2010 when ‘scooplets’; these were all skills initially developed at War- I wrote for the Money section and crossed off another of my wick. Bloomberg’s puritanical banning of throat-clearing first-year objectives. I wrote on the spectre of a hung parlia- words like ‘but’ and ‘however’ was a step-up, but I adapted, ment ahead of the general election hammering the pound’s as you did in those tight parking spots in your Corsa. value. Somebody must have read it, and it was thankfully bang on, so there was much to rejoice. It spurred me to write more articles in that vein, and I soon progressed to edit the Alex Pashley section twice, either side of a year in Madrid. Afternoons in he Boar seemed, to me, utterly impenetrable. I want- Between this and other experience I wangled I was able to ed to get involved so badly but the only contact I had convince Columbia J-School in New York, one of the best was the fact my flatmate was music editor and I did journalism schools in the world, to take me on for their Ta panto with the editor in which I wore a binbag as a cape. Masters. Tash, who was editor for most of my time on the Between them I discovered when the editorial board was to paper, wrote one of my references and I owe her the world bring in new editors and, not knowing what I really wanted for that. After accepting my place and whilst producing to do, I just sort of asked to apply for arts. I was up against a play in Scarborough, I managed to convince the Sun- my eventual successor and absolute goddess Rachel and day Times to give me an internship and I’m still writing somehow won it. Nineteen months later and I was so hap- elsewhere in an increasingly wide spectrum of fields. This py with everything I gained from the position: through it I would never have happened without the Boar. I owe them was recruited to write for Broadway Baby at the 2011 Edin- New York. I owe them everything. burgh Fringe and in 2012 I was their theatre editor, planning schedules for 94 writers, scheduling in 800 reviews and then editing them throughout the festival. David Levesley

started at the Boar in my first year in 2010. I knew I wanted The Boar gave me such great groundings for the world of writing and getting stories. to do news writing so got stuck in, going to the weekly journalism. I went on to do placements at local newspapers I met some of my closest friends on the Boar and I have so news meetings and writing as often as I could. I became and radio stations including the Coventry Telegraph and now many happy (and stressful...) memories. My time at Universi- Inews editor with Rozina Sabur in my second year and then I am doing a Masters in Broadcast Journalism at City Uni- ty wouldn’t have been half as good without the Boar. finally editor in my third year with Jordan Bishop. Both were versity London. There is little doubt that my experiences at great to work with and I was very lucky to get the chance to the Boar helped me get on to the course – it demonstrated have such prominent roles in the paper. a passion for journalism and dedication, even just through Chris Hackett theboar.org 24 Editor: Tolga Kuyucuoglu [email protected] Twitter @BoarGames GAMES fb.com/groups/BoarGames Gaming through time Tolga Kuyucuoglu, Tom Kane and Richard Brown travel through gaming history

1981 - Mario s the video games industry grew 1965- University’s inception Originally conceived as the character ‘Jump- 1982 - Pac-Man and the market became increas- man’ in Nintendo’s 1981 arcade game Donkey Buckner & Garcia’s 1982 song “Pac-Man Fe- ingly saturated and competitive, It was a lonely desolate world in which the Kong, the lovable Italian plumber has gone ver” sums up this arcade favourite perfect- games and series that had fantastic gaming universe laid dormant, waiting to on to star in more than 200 games across four ly. If you haven’t heard it, I implore you to Apotential fell by the wayside. So, we at Boar explode. Rest assured though, the first steps decades. From high-end platformers Super search it out. The song conveys both how ad- Games decided to take a look back at some of were being made to develop the industry we Mario 64 back in 1996 and Super Mario Gal- dictive and incensing this game can be – as the franchises that have weathered the storms all know and love now today. The world’s first axy in 2007 to spin-offs like Mario Kart and well as how 80s it is. It’s easy to forget, but the of time and remain as popular today as they ever computer, the PDP-1, created in 1959, even Mario Tennis, it is the adaptability of original Pac-Man was released 33 years ago. were when they were born. hosted one of the earliest digital games on re- Nintendo to constantly re-imagine the world Since then there have been more than 30 Pac- cord in 1963; space war. Its influence can still of the Mushroom Kingdom that has made it Man and Pac-Man spin-off games, yet the be seen today in arcade games such as Space the best selling video game franchise of all original format remains largely unchanged Invaders. Thankfully the days of the PDP-1 time. It is a testament to the popularity of the and is extremely playable. Many people will are far, far behind us, and we can enjoy the character that more than any other, Mario have spent considerable amounts of time try- fruits of the earliest gaming pioneers today. has become a pop-culture icon, spawning ing to outrun Blinky, Pinky, Inky and the bi- TV shows, comic books and even a feature zarrely nicknamed Clyde before they turned film, the horribly ill-planned live action Su- blue and it was our turn to chase them, but per Mario Bros. For a concept that is so solely the temptation to play one more game al- BG: (Before video games ) character-centric, it seems stunning that a ways proves too much. Pac-Man has huge series can have such longevity, but as long as replay value, arguably more than the most the Nintendo creative team control the future astonishing open world games, especially if of our portly protagonist, the outlook seems you’re attempting to achieve a perfect score as bright as ever. which as of 2009 had only been achieved six times. The challenge the game presents sure- ly means that Pac-Man will endure for many years to come.

1985 - Tetris 1988 - Madden 1991 - Sonic Today The music. The colour scheme. Tetris oozes While a sports series may not have the same Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog, created as a mascot Gaming technology just keeps getting bet- a nostalgic vibe from start to finish yet re- romantic allure of a memorable adventure to rival Nintendo’s Super Mario, has featured ter, with the cinematic worlds in RPGs, the mains one of the most played and loved video series or the simple charm of a successful in more than 40 games since his eponymous- real-time combat in war games, and the 3D games of all time. There is something eternal arcade game, Madden NFL is more than de- ly named inception in 1991, as well as starring technology pioneered by Nintendo. Who and timeless about Tetris, yes retro, but as serving of its place on this list. Since 1988, the in a comic and television series. Although knows where games will go next? With brilliant a way to waste an hour now as it was American Football franchise, named after critically acclaimed in the 90s, Sonic games Google Glass in development, could we see back in 1985. While many of the games on former coach and commentator John Mad- have fared less well in the world of 3D gam- virtual reality before the Boar’s 50th anniver- this list have had many incarnations, in var- den, has monopolised the arena of sports ing; the series’ lowest point arguably came in sary? Only time will tell... ious states of evolution, Tetris has managed, gaming. It is the relationship between the 2006 with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog according to Guinness World Records, to be series and the real-world sport that has al- on the seventh-generation consoles. For this the most ported game of all time, appearing lowed Madden to have such a long and suc- reason its perhaps best not to dwell on the on more than 65 different platforms. The fact cessful history. The NFL publicise the game present but to look to its heyday and to happy that a variant of Tetris can be found on mo- as a means of recruiting young players and as memories of playing Sonic on the Sega Mas- bile phones, calculators and even, at M.I.T, such, as the popularity of American Football ter System II, which despite its infuriating on the side of a building can only be testa- has grown around the world, so the prosper- D-pad, was the period in which Sonic was at ment to its addictive simplicity, global appeal ity of Madden has increased. It is fitting that his Chaos Emerald chasing best. We will have What’s your favourite and uniform brilliance. as, in 2013, the Boar celebrates its birthday, so to wait until the next installment to judge the game from throughout does Madden with the release of Madden 25, future health of the Sonic brand, but it is safe the ages? a landmark moment in the history of sports to say that Sonic’s legacy is ensured because Tweet: @BoarGames gaming. We can but hope that both carry on of the quality of those early games. long into the future. » photo: Warwick SU, sanfrancisco.cbslocal, myopera.com, wikimedia commons, wikimedia commons, deviantart/trunks24, flickr/easportsfifa theboar.org Editor: Michael Perry25 [email protected] Twitter @BoarMusic MUSIC fb.com/groups/BoarMusic Good Times, Bad Times...... you know the music industry has seen its share. And, thanks to the wonders of artistic license, we’re able to appreciate the peaks and troughs of a lifetime in music, from a campus-based perspective The booming ’70s The body-popping ’80s The flag-bearing ’90s

h, how I wish I had lived my Fresher days in the ather predictably, Starter for Ten comes to mind he year 1999 is drawing to a close, and brings with it 1970s! The long hair of my teenage years would only when thinking of university in the ’80s, replete with the dawn of a new millennium. However, within the have been welcome, although my beard might have political protests, perms and ‘Pictures of You’. But last decade, the musical world has provided students been more frowned upon, being some 30 years be- with or without James McAvoy, it would still sound across campus with enough discussion to last a life- Ofore the release of Iron Man (I’m alluding to RDJ here, as op- Rawesome. This is, after all, the decade which spawned The Ttime. It therefore feels right to revel in the moments which posed to the Black Sabbath song). Cure, The Smiths, The Jam, Joy Division, and Echo & The defined the musical life of Warwick University in the ’90s. I imagine rolling up to campus with Rumours in the col- Bunnymen, and personally, it feels like the most appropriate Nirvana emerged at the turn of the decade, and since the lective consciousness even more so than era to soundtrack the university experience. Here’s why... release of Nevermind in 1991, they have been the stock fea- it is today, while the music-based eve- ’80s music became distinctly political. Songs voiced ture of every student’s music collection. No other album from nings would surely have been dominat- opinions on unemployment, war, the environment and the following eight years quite caught the angst which goes ed by psychedelia and blues rock. As The gave a platform for the disenfranchised youth to channel hand-in-hand with student life. Clash boldly claimed on the title track of their anger. Similarly, university is a time when most of us There can, however, be too much of a good thing: a sen- London Calling, phony Beatlemania had engage with politics for the first time, and come in con- timent voiced by Damon Albarn in reference to the sea of bitten the dust, and the resultant pow- tact with that scary thing called the “real world”, perhaps grunge flowing out of the USA. What followed was the er struggle in the British music scene best epitomised by The Replacements’ haunt- uniquely British phenomenon of Britpop. The spawned a decade flooded with albums, ingly true lyric: “dreams unfulfilled, graduate movement gripped Warwick students as cam- rock symphonies and anthems which re- unskilled”. (Not to put a dampener on things.) pus appeared to swarm with oversized Doc main among the greatest of all time. Lest we forget, the ’80s also saw the re- Martens, excessive utilisation of plaid, and hair By the time the Boar arrived in 1973, lease of The Breakfast Club and Simple Minds’ transforming into colours more commonly T-Rex’s ‘Get it On’ and Elton John’s ‘Crocodile Rock’ were ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, epitomising the noticed in rainbows. Fandom reached boiling already classics, and the albums of the summer included whole “identity crisis” shebang that many of us point when 1995’s “battle of the bands” be- Aladdin Sane and Dark Side of the Moon. The ancients of the undoubtedly suffer during our three (or more) tween Blur and Oasis resulted in a public brawl time – those bands you thought had gone, but kept coming years of negotiating romantic dilemmas, essay cri- amongst impassioned students outside the SU. back for more – why, they must have been The Who and Led ses, and ruminatng on what the hell we’re actually Despite its popularity, the Union Jack-clad Zeppelin! Both titans had established their respective sounds going to do with our lives... musical movement wore thin fairly quickly during the reign of John, Paul, George and Ringo, and were Whatever we end up doing, there’s nothing like among students. The phenomenon eventually now branching out into more artistic directions. shimmering synth lines, angsty lyrics and effervescent dance- gave way to more guitar-driven (and arguably, more mature) However, the boom of great music always has its plagues, floor fillers to see you through the transition. After all, what music, thanks to the likes of Radiohead, Pavement and the and we admittedly did see the dawn of the one-hit wonder, better way to sum up a night out at one of Leamington’s fine Pixies. Even Blur dramatically changed their style with the alongside the horrible influence of the Eurovision Song Con- establishments than hearing the Pixies muse about having releases of Blur and 13, which provided some of the most test: arguably the X Factor of the day. “your feet on the air and your head on the ground”? powerful music to ever have come from these isles. Robin James Kerrison Nicole Davis Flora Havelock The confusing ’00s The hashtagging ’10s The prospective ’20s

hilst the Millennium bug might well have been t’s hard not to be envious of music fans from the past hange is a strange mistress to go courting. Whenever a myth, undoubtedly, some dark lurgy was con- sometimes. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen; I’m re- we attempt to track certain progressions or achieve- tracted by the music world when the fireworks minded of a question I often hear at Pop!, as yelled over a ments across a particular timespan, rather contrari- went off… and it didn’t visit the GUM clinic in frenzied rendition of ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’: why don’t they ly, we are always made more aware of what has re- Wtime. Imake music like this any more? Cmained constant, rather than the advancements made. In the year of our lord 2000, A1 were In fairness, the contemporary music industry does The U1 still clatters and exhales noisily as we hop aboard to at the top of the charts whilst Radiohead seem to be producing new phenomenons, almost on a depart campus in the winter of 2023. The guy I end up sitting released Kid A. Then things just got daily basis. So far in the decade of hashtags and YOLO, behind is skimming through the latest edition of the Boar weirder. The internet happened; atten- students around campus have brushed up on their Ko- (still just about clinging onto its status as a printed publica- tion-spans and music scenes contracted; rean to learn the words to ‘Gangnam Style’, while asking tion, even in the wake of its 50th birthday). I catch a glimpse Craig David had a career. It was impos- two vital questions: “what rhymes with ‘hug me’?” and of the Music section before it’s flicked aside: there’s a heated sible to fully process such madness as “what does the fox say?” debate feature regarding Oasis’ reunion tour. everything began to give way beneath us From Wiley’s SU no-show – his sudden onset of jetlag There are a couple of big albums out this month. Arctic all at once. so short-lived that he managed to muster the fortitude to Monkeys are on the cusp of releasing their twelfth record: a Warwick couldn’t escape, of course, play London’s Ministry of Sound the same night – to in- funktronica effort, which NME has already given 10/10. Also, so it spent the decade tossing wildly be- flat arguments on the merits of twerking David Bowie is finally ready to release his follow-up tween the sublime (Squarepusher ’03, Tinariwen ’05, Amerie and the best time to finally stop playing ‘Get to The Next Day, just in time to qualify for this year’s ’07, The National ’10) and the ridiculous (The Hoosiers. Pen- Lucky’, the twenty-tens (or is that “teens”?) (Barclaycard KPMG Ginsters) Mercury Music Prize. dulum. Headlining the 2008 Freshers’ Ball. Dear God). With have had their fair share of talking points. But in spite of such veterans still thriving, the world bookings increasingly restricted by music promoter chains, In more optimistic news, stellar releas- of music has moved on in its own quiet way. The intro- each new ENT digivolution was forced to get creative for es like Channel Orange and AM continue ductory question of “what kind of music do you like?” their music fix, throwing an extra shade of bizarre onto the to adorn the airwaves of Radio Warwick, seems to be dying out. With the ever-increasing need canvas (e.g. the “new rave” era of 2009; Eliza Doolittle and the while Bombay Bicycle Club, Feeder, Noah for artists to appease their fans through the consolida- robo-gorilla in 2010), in a vain attempt to hide past traumas and the Whale and, latterly, Katy B have tion of various sounds, genres (or conventional ideas and make their mark. All we could do was watch (and listen) all helped brighten the (typically British) thereof) have become a thing of the past, as bound- as this splatter of colour hit the walls; sometimes bemusing, weather at Warwick’s Summer Party over aries are blurred with almost every new release. It’s sometimes beautiful, always fascinating, in its own unique the last few years. quite nice, albeit in a mind-bendingly chaotic fashion. way. Coupled with recent acoustic gigs and on-campus shows The U1 is finally pulling away. Looking out at the vast range So we beat on, kissed goodbye to Final Fling and said hello from the likes of Wild Beasts and Nicolas Jaar, there’s certain- of new accommodation blocks (and the 2017 goose reserve), to Warwick Summer Party. It was the best of times; it was the ly no shortage of new talent at a time when artists seem to I idly fish my headphones out of my bag, settle back into the worst of times. The music was bloody awful. The music was have more avenues than ever to make a name for themselves. dusty seat, and tune into the sound of the times on my iPhone wonderful. Here’s hoping the next few years prove just as fruitful. 9. Things aren’t too bad. Christopher Sharpe Sam Carter Michael Perry theboar.org 26 Editor: Ellie May [email protected] Twitter @BoarScience SCI & TECH fb.com/groups/BoarScience The rise of technology in forty years Five writers look at the rapid advancement of technology since The Boar’s founding in 1973

The 1970s The 1980s The 1990s The 2000s The 1970s was possibly the greatest pe- Forever remembered as a time of big S-Club 7 and Viagra aside, Tim Bern- Although the first commercially avail- riod for innovation since World War Two. hair and even bigger shoulder pads, the ers-Lee’s invention of the World Wide Web able mobile phone, Motorola’s DynaTAC To put it into context, everything that has 1980s was a decade marked by change. at CERN, developed from the 80s concept 800X, was launched in 1983, the Nough- happened since Tim Berners-Lee intro- While Frankie said “Relax” and Harry of interconnected TCP/IP networks, ticks ties were the decade of the mobile phone. duced hypertext-transfer-protocol in 1991 met Sally, scientists were beckoning in all the boxes in terms of advancing in leaps They evolved exponentially during the has been slow progress; the rapid rise of the modern technological age. 1982 saw a and bounds. decade, with phones packing more and the smartphone since the early ‘00s has revolution in personal music ownership, Still unknown to most, Berners-Lee has more functionality and becoming centre- been snail’s pace next to the rapid progres- with the release of CDs to replace vinyl managed to retain relative anonymity the piece to people’s lives with each passing sion of the home computer in the ‘70s. LPs and cassettes. The brand new Sony world over, despite having instigated what year. Federico Faggin, Ted Hoff and Stan- Walkman allowed tapes to be played on- is arguably the greatest upheaval since The first ever mobile call, made using ley Mazor took the integrated circuit of the-go, straight from pocket to ear via the agricultural revolution ten-thousand- a prototype that weighed two pounds and the ‘60s and shrunk it down into the In- personal headphones. And the advance- years ago. had a battery life of 30 minutes, was made tel 4004, the world’s first microprocessor; ments didn’t stop there. Whilst telegraphs and telephones suc- in April 1973, a whole decade before the Alan Shugart of IBM introduced the flop- With the invention of the VCR, TV ceeded in reducing the inconceivable vast- DynaTAC and only six months before py disk and ethernet was developed by programmes could be set to record. It ness of the world, and made the concept the first ever edition of the Boar was pub- Robert Metcalfe of Xerox. Between them, suddenly became possible to nip to the of man’s domination over nature seem less lished, in October. they laid the foundation of modern com- pub without missing Corrie. The same than utter fantasy, the internet has in two The year 2000 saw the launch of the puting, allowing transfer of data through technology gave birth to camcorders, short decades collapsed the planet Earth classic Nokia 3310, which featured a mag- networked wires. Physical media and the which let people capture and relive fam- to a mere pinprick, and opened myriad nificent 84x84 pixel monochrome display microprocessor allowed computers small ily memories. Devices such as the fax doors hitherto unforeseen by even the and now-legendary battery life and overall and cheap enough for home use. By the machine, answering machines and brick- most fantastical futurists. sturdiness. In comparison, the most popu- end of the decade, video games were into sized mobile phones led to profound We now benefit from instantaneous lar phone of 2010 was the iPhone 4, a de- their second generation and printing be- developments in the communications communication, live-feeds from the midst vice that just ten years ago would be con- came accessible for the home user too, industry. of disasters and warzones alike, and access sidered by many to be deep in the realm of with the invention of both laser printers A new generation of PCs brought to the sum-total of mankind’s accrued science fiction. and inkjet during the decade. Software computer technology deeper into the knowledge; giving anybody the power to We now use our phones for so many developed alongside hardware: the C heart of the home. In 1984 Apple released learn, to connect, and to be heard. different things that their original purpose programming language and the gorgeous the Macintosh 128K. With its new-fan- And we accept this marvel without a has almost faded into the background. Unix operating system both made their gled mouse and user-friendly system, it blink, without a moment’s thought to the Your mobile phone has become your debut in the early ‘70s. proved an instant hit. Meanwhile, around sheer magnificence of the resources at our guide to unfamiliar locations, a fountain Spacecraft technology also had a strat- the world, academics had begun to com- fingertips; the internet has become wholly of knowledge when a burning question ospheric rise in the ‘70s: the Voyager 1, municate using a system of computer subsumed into our lives, and fundamen- has to be Googled on the spot, a friend to which passed into interstellar space this networks that would one day become the tally altered what it is to be a citizen of the keep you entertained on those long bus summer, was launched in 1977. internet. modern world. rides. It can be whatever you want it to be.

Robin Kerrison Hayley Simon Harry Manners Cayo Sobral What’s in store for the future of technology? ply ‘print’ out the object by laying down suc- forever having to face the risk that they may Ellie May cessive layers of material, then fusing these lose their life if one is not provided quickly layers together to create the final product. enough. Instead, 3D printing could com- This could revolutionise the mass pro- pletely reform the world of medicine and The current decade has produced tech- duction of products, such as clothing or save lives! nology that the generations before us could mobile phones. But there are even more So, in the 40 years that the Boar has been not have dreamed of, and the future holds exciting possibilities. By printing layers of producing its issues, technology has devel- even more exciting prospects. One of the living cells, using 3D printers to produce or- oped beyond our wildest dreams, making most promising of these is the invention of gans may be a real possibility in the future. the once-impossible a reality. And, as sure 3D printing - a concept which could change The new organs could then be transplanted at it is that the Boar will carry on its legacy, the world as we know it. in to humans to replace failing organs; A technology will continue to advance at an By creating a digital model of an object, a huge improvement on those with illnesses ever increasing rate. 3D printer can then be programmed to sim- currently waiting on an organ donor list, theboar.org Editor: Josh Murray27 [email protected] Twitter @BoarTelevision TV fb.com/groups/BoarTV TV in ‘73: The Invention of Ceefax TV in ‘13: The Netflix Conquest In the age of iPhones, Wi-Fi and rolling of the Teletext system was the adrenaline- On Sunday September 22nd, 39 years and evision that stars a Texan, camera-winking news channels, we are never more than a few fuelled moments of news-browsing it could 49 weeks after The Boar was first distributed Kevin Spacey, blow all the out-dated compe- metres away from an immediate source of in- evoke. I am confident I am not the only per- across campus, Netflix became the first non- tition out of the waters? formation. But what preceded these 21st cen- son to have spent many an hour sprawled in TV network to win an Emmy. In fact, it won But to an older audience, say a 1973 au- front of my TV, waiting with bated breath three. And was nominated for many more for dience, the idea sounds a little strange. Tel- tury inventions? In the same year that this for my team’s football result to appear and the delightful Kevin Spacey-starring, House evision back then was organised very much very publication came into being, the BBC then frantically searching for the ‘Hold’ of Cards. One of these awards was none around family viewing, around event TV. began their first test transmissions button before it scrolled away other than the prized Best Direc- Netflix has killed event TV. Event for the Teletext system Ceefax and resigned me to a twenty tor award for David Fincher, TV is slain. Beyond all possi- – a name derived from its minute wait until it reap- surely one of the great- ble resurrection. No longer proximity to the phrase peared. est directors working in does a family sit around “see facts”. Don’t worry, Greater minds than modern film. Netflix, the TV in pyjamas on I didn’t realise either! mine were regular as we all know (stu- Saturdays to watch The innovative users as well, with dents make up a the latest episode of resource, which of- ex-Prime Minister good proportion of Happy Days. Net- ficially began run- John Major admit- their target market), flix has not only ning on BBC tel- ting to regularly is an online stream- changed the screen evision a year later, checking the crick- ing sight aimed at we watch TV on, in 1974, suddenly et scores on Ceefax “binge watching” it has changed the provided TV view- in between Down- whole seasons of entire way we think multiple shows at about the medium. ers with a wealth of ing Street meetings. knowledge at their once. A future in which fingertips, granting Sadly for Teletext programmed televi- access to breaking news enthusiasts such as my- Netflix’s success sion descends almost and sports stories, weather self, the Ceefax service seemed, upon its concep- completely into quasi- closed down in October of tion, inevitable. Iplayer, 4OD biblical On Demand listings and travel. For audiences re- last year, to coincide with the and all other copycats already is not unforeseeable. We’ll get signed to waiting for the 6 O’Clock final digital switchover in Northern made the “unmissable, unmissable”. back to you on The Boar’s 80th. News as an up update on the day’s events, This is a world in which the only thing worth Ceefax’s constant stream of information was Ireland. But whilst it may be gone, it will watching live on an actual television, in the a new and exciting introduction to the televi- never be forgotten. You can keep your BBC historical 1973 sense, is a sporting event or, News channels and Internet TVs – Ceefax sion experience. if you lack social life and/or literacy, the Big will forever remain as one of the true innova- Brother results show. Why wouldn’t a site Perhaps the most entertaining aspect tions of television history. that lets you watch both old and original tel-

The Good Life, 1975-1978 Some Mother Do ‘Ave ‘Em, 1973-1978 Fawlty Towers, 1975-1979 Cheers, 1982-1993

Blind Date, 1985 -2003 Saved By The Bell, 1989 - 1993 Friends, 1994-2004 The West Wing, 1999-2006

The Sopranos, 1999 - 2007 The Wire, 2002 - 2008 Games of Thrones, 2011 - ?? Girls, 2012 - ?? theboar.org 28 Editor: Robert Demont [email protected] Twitter @BoarTravel TRAVEL fb.com/groups/BoarTravel Around Europe in 40 years: Now and then With the EU, we can see more of Europe than our Boar ancestors - Abbey Lewis tells us more

ost people travelling this year buffs, young people stream from the UK to ly rich history was overshadowed by Com- er had nuclear weapons with Berlin in their will take easy intra-European Dubrovnik or Split every summer. Even the munism in the 1970s. At the height of the range: not the ideal atmosphere for a week- travel for granted. No visa re- King’s Landing set in Game of Thrones is nation’s period of “normalisation”, any signs end break. Today, Berlin is easy to get to and quired, just a ticket; for just over Dubrovnik’s coast! But as recently as the early of opposition to the regime were persecut- cheap to stay in, and maintains its status as M£300 a young person can by a train ticket that 1990s, Croatia was embroiled in a tragically ed with violence. While Prague wasn’t com- a young tourist’s favourite for its mixture of allows them in and out of almost every coun- violent War of Independence as the former pletely out of bounds, it was considered one stunning architecture and thriving nightlife. try on the continent. Yugoslavia broke up into the many countries of the more dangerous places for young peo- Berlin, Prague, and Dubrovnik are just three that now make up Eastern Europe. The war ple from Western Europe to travel to. Only highlights of a Europe that would have been It wasn’t always the way. In 1973, when the was characterised by violent sieges, battles, four years prior to the Boar’s foundation by difficult for this paper’s founders to cover for illustrious Boar was founded, there was no and horrific ethnic cleansing. Tourism to Warwick students, a Charles University stu- their Travel section. As today’s young travel EU travel laws and no Schengen Agreement Croatia has been instrumental is the rebuild- dent in Prague committed suicide in Wenc- writers, we are incredibly fortunate to have to make border crossings smoother. Some ing of its economy and its perception of itself eslas Square, setting fire to himself in protest. the access to Europe that we do. From East countries in Europe were off limits to trav- as an independent nation; and, of course, the to West, North to South, don’t overlook the ellers from the UK. So where should intrepid sun-baked orange roofs of Dubrovnik are 3) Berlin, Germany beautiful and diverse continent just across Boar travellers venture to this year that our one of Europe’s most beautiful sights. In 1973 the Berlin Wall was still 16 years away the ocean. predecessors couldn’t? from destruction. Travel from one side of the 1) Dubrovnik, Croatia 2) Prague, Czech Republic Berlin to the other was, in the vast majority of In the last ten years, Croatia has become a Now considered one of the most beautiful cases, impossible, and the city existed in the What’s your favourite top destination for both city and beach junk- cities in Europe and a must-stop on any back- shadow of one of Europe’s greatest symbols European destination? ies. From sports teams on tour to history packer’s itinerary, Prague’s long and cultural- of Cold War fear. Every Cold War superpow- Tweet: @BoarTravel

» The old town of Dubrovnik, setting for Kings Land- » The astronomical clock in » Then and now: the protests at the Berlin wall in 1989, and the mes- ing in Game of Thrones photo: wikimedia commons Prague’s old town square Pho- sages of peace that can be seen today. photos: wikimedia commons to: wikimedia commons WINNER of The Boar’s ‘Guess the Headline’ competition “Armed forces defeated in campus battle”

Headline first published in TheBoar in November 1973. The nearest correct answer was given by Matthew Chesher, who has won 2 tickets to see comedian Richard Herring perform live at the Royal Spa Centre on October 17th. Tickets can be picked up on the day of the performance; Marston’s PR will be in touch with the winner to arrange. theboar.org Editor: Isaac Leigh29 [email protected] Twitter @BoarSport SPORT fb.com/groups/BoarSport From Shankly to Simpson: this is 1973 Josh Murray takes a look back at sport 40 years ago, from the Five Nations tournament to US winning the Ryder Cup hether an interview with ing Poland at Wembley - but they baller of all time, Bobby Moore. England. Despite having 35 shots, ed food poisoning at the end of the men’s hockey captain should take heed of England’s com- Arsenal midfielder Alan Ball was only Allan Clarke managed to beat the first day to cut his tournament ahead of a Varsity clash placency in 1973. also sent off. Tomaszewski. A few months later, short, whilst the great Jack Nicklaus Wwith Coventry or a nostalgic look On June 6, Sir Alf Ramsey’s side In October, Poland put paid to Ramsey was sacked by the Football amassed 4 ½ points for Team USA. back at the London Olympics, The slumped to a 2-0 defeat against England’s hopes of qualifying for Association. Tennis: Margaret Court won Boar has been providing insight- Rugby Union – Five Nations: three of the four Grand Slams in ful articles on the biggest stories in The annual Five Nations Champi- the 1973 calendar year, and in doing sport for 40 years. onship (which became the Six Na- so became the first mother to win So let us cast our minds back to tions Championship in 2000 with the French, US and Australian titles the first year of this very publica- the addition of Italy) ended in an in the Open era. tion, and take a look at the main historic five-way tie – the first time Court, who went on to become a events that made the back page in in the tournament’s forty-four year Christian minister, previously won 1973. history that the entire quintet of all four titles in 1970, and still holds Football: Liverpool began their teams ended on the same number the record of most Grand Slam ti- domination of English football un- of points. tles (24). der Bill Shankly as they claimed the Between January 13 and April Despite this, fellow tennis play- First Division title. 14, the five participating nations of er Billie Jean King was voted the The Reds’ strike-force of Kevin England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland female Athlete of the Year by As- Keegan and John Toshack scored and France won both of their home sociated Press, while O.J. Simpson, 39 goals between them to help fixtures and fell to defeat in both the American football player, was their side edge out Arsenal by three away fixtures to ensure every side recognised as the male equivalent. points and Don Revie’s Leeds Unit- finished on four points. And finally… ed by seven. England lifted the Calcutta Cup At a time when Manchester Unit- It was the first time that Liver- after Peter Dixon’s brace of tries ed fans are beginning to fear their pool had been crowned champions helped them to a 20-13 victory club’s invincibility, perhaps this sto- of the top tier since 1966. against Scotland at Twickenham. ry will ease some of the worry. At In Europe, Shankly’s men add- Golf – Ryder Cup: The Old the end of 1973, United goalkeeper ed the UEFA Cup trophy to their Muirfield course in East Lothian Alex Stepney was joint top-scorer league title after beating Borussia played host to the Ryder Cup as the for his side with two goals after a Monchengladbach over two legs. US overcame Great Britain and Ire- torrid start to the season. Moaning In the European Cup, Brian land by a score of 19-13. about David Moyes? It could be so Clough’s Derby County reached the The American team, led by cap- much worse. semi-final stages, defeating Euse- »Former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly. photo: Andy Nugent tain Jack Burke, Jr., were locked 8-8 bio’s Benfica on the way, before be- with their opponents at the end of ing controversially knocked out by their Eastern European opponents the tournament with a 1-1 draw at the second day’s play, but provided Juventus – it was later proven that in Chorzow in a World Cup qual- Wembley. a dominant display in the Saturday the Italian giants had bribed the ifier. Brian Clough had branded op- singles event to maintain an in- Is sport better now referee. Perhaps the most astonishing position goalkeeper Jan Tomasze- credible unbeaten streak stretching than in 1973? At the time of writing, England element of the match was that it wski a “clown” before the match, back to 1957. Tweet: @BoarSport can seal qualification to the 2014 contained two glaring errors from but the custodian pulled off a num- Great Britain and Ireland’s star World Cup in Rio, Brazil, by beat- arguably the greatest English foot- ber of spectacular saves to defy golfer Bernard Gallacher contract- Season ticket to see Coventry City? That’s £17, please Isaac Leigh tent that it only cost £14 for adults League, and reached an FA Cup League One season, and replaced the start of the League One season to see the Sky Blues each week, and quarter-final. by Mark Robins. by the Football League - a lenient a mere £7 for the younger and older The club moved to the Ricoh Robins then left for Champion- punishment given that the stock ans often complain that the generations. Arena in 2006 after 106 years at ship side Huddersfield Town and sanction for clubs in administra- cost of watching football It was probably worth it, too. In Highfield Road, bowing out with a was replaced by Steven Pressley, the tion is 15 points. matches is extortionate - and 1973, City were in the old Division 6-2 demolition of Midlands rivals former Heart of Midlothian and But City’s first ‘home’ game has Fthey’re probably right. One alongside the likes of Liver- Derby County and won their first Scotland international. set the tone for a promising start to If you’d like to see Mesut Ozil pool, Leeds United and Manchester home game 3-0 against Queen’s Pressley has had a lot on his the season. They edged Bristol City and Jack Wilshere strut their stuff United (who were actually relegat- Park Rangers at their new venue. plate since joining the club. I actu- 5-4 in a televised thriller, and after for Arsenal every week, the cheap- ed in the 1973-74 season). However, it was with this relocation ally spoke to him in April after his Sunday’s 3-2 victory over mana- est season ticket price is frozen at They won 48 per cent of their side’s 1-1 draw with Brentford, and gerless Sheffield United, Pressley’s £985. home games, although a shaky he was optimistic about mounting men sit 16th (and they would be Tottenham Hotspur and Liver- away record meant they could only The cost of watching City a promotion challenge this season. fifth were it not for the points de- pool are widely praised for their finish 16th in a 22-team division. today is almost ten times as Little did he know what was duction). attractive football, but many would It was still well before the club much as in 1973 round the corner for Coventry City. So what deals are the club of- baulk at the cost of over £700 to see embraced the likes of Cyrille Regis, The club had been embroiled in a fering to entice back their disillu- them play every other week. Dion Dublin and Steve ‘Oggy’ Og- row with Arena Company Limited sioned fans? But in 1973, the cost of watching rizovic - club legends all - but Cov- (ACL) for over a year over unpaid Tim Fisher, the club’s chief ex- our local team Coventry City in the entry were a powerhouse in English that their problems really began. rent totalling £1.3m, but the dis- ecutive, has offered season tickets Sky Blue Stand was a maximum football. In 2007, Ray Ranson and hedge pute came to a head this summer. for adults in the Standard Zone at of £28, compared to £171 in 2013 So what went wrong? fund managers SISU took over the Stunned supporters were told £171 - almost exactly ten times the - when the club don’t even play in Contrary to popular opinion, the club just 20 minutes before they that due to the club’s inability to amount of the cheapest season tick- their own stadium. Sky Blues have only recently fallen were due to go into administration. pay back the loan, their club would et in 1973 ‘Juveniles and OAPs’ could buy into the lower reaches of the Foot- They briefly stabilised and be moving to Northampton Town’s In fairness to the club, they have their tickets for just £13 - and that’s ball League. achieved a string of mid-table fin- Sixfields to play their home games - been inventive in attracting young- before you take into account the They were relegated from the ishes in the renamed Champion- a relocation of 35 miles. er members. Junior Sky Blues difference between covered and Premier League in 2001 after 34 ship, but were eventually relegated Fans vociferously opposed the (JSBs) who are under seven years uncovered seating. years in the top flight - a record that in the 2011-12 season after a tu- move and there were fears that the old have a season ticket for free in In 1973, City were clearly wor- only Everton, Arsenal and Liver- multuous campaign. club would cease to exist in its cur- the Family Zone, if they want it. ried about their fans shivering in pool could match at the time. Manager Andy Thorn, who had rent form. But £17 for a season ticket? We the winter, for season tickets in the In 1998, they ended in 11th, their replaced Aidy Boothroyd in March After going into liquidation, the will surely never see anything like open air were subsidised to the ex- highest-ever finish in the Premier 2011, was sacked at the start of the club were deducted 10 points for this again. 30The Boar through the yearstheboar.org theboar.org Editor: Poppy Rosenberg17 [email protected] Twitter @BoarBooks BOOKS fb.com/groups/BoarBooks Books I hate that everyone loves Our writers reel and rant about writing that is all wrong

10 things I hate about Holden – Jess Devine The not-so-great Gatsby – Richard Brown

ow, hate is a strong word and while there are many books I dislike, such as the Harry efore my vitriolic rant begins, a quick disclaimer: Fitzgerald is a stunningly talented Potter series (I know – I’m a monster) there are very few that irritate me so much that writer. His prose is some of the best I have ever read, especially in the party scenes, but I would confine them to Room 101. However, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger a good set piece does not make a good novel. Nis one. BAs an English Literature student, I love a bit of symbolism as much as the next man, but Now many people may read this and just decide that I don’t ‘get it’; that I’m missing the spark Fitzgerald takes it to punishing levels. EVERYTHING is a symbol, most of the time relating of brilliance that has made the novel one of the most treasured books within contemporary to the breakdown of the American Dream. Whether the symbols mean something or actually American Literature. But there is just something about this novel that makes my blood boil. nothing isn’t particularly relevant. What is relevant, however, is the sacrifice that Fitzgerald I can appreciate the fact that it was a breakthrough, an innovative voice of its time and that made in this pursuit. Any sense of depth of character is lost, along with the possibility of a it helped pave the way for Young Adult fiction to be viewed in a more respectable light. morality that we can challenge, discuss and interpret rather than just accept. Nevertheless, I can’t help feeling that I am reading the thoughts of an utter moron. I don’t have There is nothing in The Great Gatsby to make the reader properly think or, perhaps more any sympathy for a privileged white male who, in my opinion, is moaning about how hard it importantly, care. We, like our narrator Nick, become passive. The characters themselves is to be a privileged white male. My heart truly bleeds. become little more than symbols, vacuous objects that it is, I would suggest, actively difficult Maybe I’m just fed up with reading about angst-filled teens having an existential crisis. to care about. Even the one driving force in the novel – the relationship between Gatsby and A friend said to me the other day that Catcher reminded her of The Bell Jar; I was outraged Daisy – where we would expect to see some investment in emotion, is cold, lacking, empty. by this comment as Plath’s novel happens to be one of my favourites. It got me thinking, The Great Gatsby is not a bad book, but in the context of the reverence with which it is perhaps the reason I hate Salinger’s novel so much is because it didn’t do what I wanted it to – treated, it is hugely underwhelming. The language is beautiful, but it is missing any excitement, reading it as a fifteen year old I wanted to relate, to empathise but I didn’t. I could completely any vibrancy. As Ruth Hale said in a contemporary review in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, “Find identify with Esther Greenwood’s feelings of apathy, listlessness and lost sense of purpose as me one chemical trace of magic, life, irony, romance or mysticism in all of The Great Gatsby an eighteen year old. and I will bind myself to read one F. Scott Fitzgerald book a week for the rest of my life.” I So maybe I hate the novel not so much for what it is but for what it isn’t, or maybe I just would make a similar promise, but I have some symbolism to decipher. hate it. I cannot deny its popularity and influence within literature, and for that I am grateful. However, it has led to the publication of another novel I would gladly throw on a fire, that being Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of being a Wallflower. I severely dislike this novel for many reasons, namely its constant reference to other ‘cool’ American novels and writers and its downright worship of Catcher which Charlie, the protagonist, is recommended by his English teacher. Firstly, I refuse to believe any fifteen year old American student had never heard of Salinger’s novel, but also I didn’t believe in Charlie. Much like I didn’t believe in Holden Caulfield. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - Harley Ryley I am possibly being unfair to these two well-respected novels and I can see why people would like them, but I just don’t. However, I think it’s a good sign if a novel can divide opinion he Boy in the Striped Pyjamas was recently revealed as the most popular book for KS3 and provide debate; it is not negative to be hated. What an author should really fear is not teachers to use in lessons on the Holocaust, both in Religious Studies and in History. It is being thought about at all and Salinger’s novel will be talked about and read for many years to a book that has been praised as the most honest and accessible book for young children come, just probably not by me. Tto begin their education about the Holocaust. A book that has been lauded internationally for But we could always just put it down to me being a phony. its excellent portrayal of the ignorance of many civilians as to what was going on. A book with one fatal flaw... it is built on a completely false concept. The truth of the matter is that the whole premise upon which The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is based is in itself a fallacy. There is no way that Bruno would have been able to ‘sneak’ into Auschwitz, as occurs in the book. For, if this 9-year-old boy could sneak in, why couldn’t other What put Sam Steiner OFF The Road boys sneak out? The description of Auschwitz, as a wasteland with its tin huts, is a description of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The commandant’s house, in which Bruno lives and which still stands ruman Capote said of Jack Kerouac’s most “seminal” work: “It’s not writing, it’s typing”. today, is situated at Auschwitz I, a few miles away in the town of Oświęcim. Bruno would And, to Kerouac’s credit, he is a darn good typist. He typed out the whole of On The Road in less than three weeks on, if Wikipedia is to be believed, a single 120-foot roll of “Historically, it sits in the ranks of the dubious historical fiction that seeks to TTeletype paper. But you already know this. Because it is this mythology of youthful spontaneity, rather than shock or to entertain, not to offer truths” the text itself, that has given birth to the cult of On The Road. A cult founded on an infatuation with aching cigarette smoke, jazz music and quasi-bohemian New York pretentiousness that have had to walk a little further than to the bottom of his garden to reach Shmeul. Coupled On The Road so handily impersonates. The truth is that the novel fulfils a fantasy. It’s a novel with the sad truth that most children of a young age were sent to be exterminated upon about a kid who really wants to be cool meeting a group of really cool kids who do nothing all arrival, the seemingly beautiful idea of “though lines divide us” would never, and could never day long except wax lyrically about how cool they are and how excited they are for the next happen. Historically, it sits in the ranks of the dubious historical fiction that seeks to shock or stage in their cool lives. It’s an exercise in self-indulgence, yes, but the reason we still read it is to entertain, not to offer truths. because we’re fantastical about the setting. It’s the history and culture behind it that makes the I am not, however, criticising the way in which the book is written. On the contrary, I found book popular not its literary worth. the way in which John Boyne used Bruno’s misunderstanding of words, such as “Out-with” However, Catcher in The Rye and The Great Gatsby rank among my favourite novels, both and “The Fury”, made this book one of the most uncomfortable reads I’ve ever experienced. of which share similar story aspects. And, to be less literary about it, The OC basically got me So with this too to consider, what are we left with? A book that is beautiful, moving and through my teenage years which, similarly, can be plotted as uncool people becoming cool and almost entirely implausible. Undoubtedly, the innocence which is portrayed is heartbreaking, then rejoicing in their equally isolated coolness. This is not why I hated On The Road. I hated the fate of Bruno truly thought-provoking and the message poignant. Taken as a fictional it because it was empty. The relationship between Sal and Dean could have been incredibly representation of the horrors of the Holocaust, this book does its job impeccably. It is not, tender and interesting but instead it seems dull, unexamined and annoying. Similarly the however, a history book. It should not be used to teach young people about the Holocaust, treatment of women, other than being sexist, is devoid of any true meaning or emotional and it should not be praised as one of the most honest books about the Holocaust. There are connection and thus elicits no emotional response. It’s typing, not writing. Kerouac’s gone and so many memoirs, so many true stories of the Holocaust that are far more haunting than this had himself a great road trip and he’s decided to tell us about it in such a way that makes me one. And those stories are true. Why are we not teaching young people with these stories wish so much that I was there if only to escape the mundanity of this recount. instead? theboar.org 14 Editor: Maya Westwick [email protected] Twitter @BoarLifestyle LIFESTYLE fb.com/groups/BoarLifestyle

Retail Rescue » photo/Flickr: RickChung.Com Anna Laycock shares her thoughts on an envious Top-shopping experience ersonal stylists are no longer reserved After booking my appointment online, displayed. There was a little armchair in the During my appointment I tried on so for celebrities. The latest big thing to Topshop sent me a form to fill out asking for corner, and two mini Lola’s cupcakes and a many beautiful clothes and learnt how to hit high street favourite Topshop is my measurements, clothing size, hair and couple of bottles of Evian on the side. Sur- style them to suit my body shape. The styl- personal shopping. Now regular peo- skin colour, my budget, and what I was look- rounded by gorgeous clothes and with cup- ists were lovely and did not pressure me into Pple like you and me can be styled for free by ing to get out of the appointment. I wrote a cakes, I knew I could easily stay in this room buying loads; in fact they were the ones re- professional fashion stylists. couple of sentences explaining that I was a long time! minding me to keep to my budget! I ended As a self-confessed shopaholic and mas- looking for new autumn clothes, that I am The stylists talked through the outfits, up purchasing three outfits and a pair of sive fan of Topshop, I have been very eager to quite feminine in my style and that my icons asked me which ones I liked the look of shoes, all of which I have found myself try out this service for a while but had been include Keira Knightley and Kate Middleton. and recommended which ones I should wearing frequently. waiting until I had enough money to make On the day of the appointment I went to try on first. After trying on each Personal shopping is a sophis- the most of it. Luckily, I finally saved enough the specially designated personal shopping outfit, the stylists gave their opin- ticated way to shop. Away from cash and attended my first Topshop Personal area on the lower ground floor and checked ions on how the clothes fitted the crowded sales floor and Shopping appointment at their flagship Ox- in with the receptionist. The waiting area and what to wear them with. with a personal stylist on ford Circus store. had comfy sofas covered in brightly coloured They told me about the lat- hand to attend to your Although I was incredibly excited about cushions and an array of current editions of est catwalk trends and fashion needs, the the experience, I was also a little apprehen- the best fashion magazines displayed on the how to wear clothes experience makes sive. What if I did not like any of the clothes coffee table. It seemed like a world away from to suit your body you feel like a ce- picked out for me? What if I felt pressured the manic crowds on the shop floor. Soon shape. They em- lebrity. However, into spending money I did not have? Thank- my two personal shoppers came to meet me, phasised that it is this does come at fully, I need not have worried. The personal shook my hand, offered me a cup of tea and important to identify a price. The service stylists tailor the appointment to suit your then took me through to my changing room. which body shape you are may be free, but if you needs, and are more than happy to go and get Inside the room was a collection of outfits, from your measurements – are anything like me you alternative items from the shop floor. jewellery, shoes and accessories beautifully apple, straight, pear or hour- will probably end up spend- glass – and then style your outfits ing an awful lot of money. Yet, to accentuate your best assets. Topshop do offer 10% off for stu- For hourglass and straight types dents which can take quite a bit off it is best to emphasise your waist by the bill when you are making a large cinching it in with a thin belt over a dress, purchase. Overall, I would completely or a high-waisted skirt. Apple shaped wom- recommend Topshop personal shopping: it en should go for v-necked tops and empire is perfect for a special occasion or when you waists, and pears should opt for long, flow- feel the need to update your wardrobe! ing tunic tops and wear trousers or jeans that have a slight flare at the bottom. Whatever your body shape, it is always good to elon- Share your shopping gate your legs by wearing low or mid heels experiences rather than flats and matching the colour of Tweet: your trousers/tights with your shoes. @BoarLifestyle »Oxford Circus Flagship Store photo: Flickr/ Magnus D Sex & the uni girl Sex & the uni boy Maya Westwick Andy King

ating can be a truly enjoyable pas- Honestly, when it comes to dating, espe- efinite rules on dating lead, unfail- Advice-wise, the only definite thing I can time for all those involved. The cially at university, it’s safer to assume that ingly, to disaster. Whether you’re offer is this: it should not be an emasculating idea of spending quality time with you’ll be splitting the bill. Being pleasantly told to never, erm, ‘consummate’ thing to have the woman pay. If your girl- a person you may or may not be in- surprised if your date does reach for the bill the relationship before the third friend wants to treat you, let her! A healthy Dterested in opens up the door to a world of first is far better than having to awkwardly Ddate or that the man should always pay, if you relationship is one of mutual respect and in- possibilites. phone a friend to ask for a piggy-bank raid. try and follow advice to the letter, your dating put, whether that be financial (physical) or Society has wrongfully enforced the idea If a guy does make it clear that he’s taking life will be constrained by it. time (mental) input. that when it comes to dating, or more so me out – it’s his night, he’s planned it, and I’m As such, my advice as to whether or not The man should pay if he can afford it and courting, the female should be this passive his special guest – then I would probably ex- the man should pay is to pay close attention if he wants to. He shouldn’t pay if he’s merely object waiting to be invited out and asked pect him to pay. In any other circumstance, to circumstance. Circumstance, and ‘winging doing it out of social obligation. If you intend if she has any relevant opinions. Society has it’s further into the student loan I go. it’, are what make relationships work. Com- on seeing the person again, you can always also constructed the idea that the man should munication, honesty, trust and great sex also pay the next time – or conversely, let them pay. I object to both of these things. deserve a special mention. take a turn at it: go with the (cash) flow, baby. theboar.org theboar.org/Lifestyle | @BoarLifestyle | LIFESTYLE 15 Fashion Forward: Student Style Bible Lydia Rose Bright offers an alternative way to make first impressions that count this year at Warwick

uring the first few weeks of uni- out your loan in Zara either – high quality need to look like it. a girl feel more confident than a little lace versity you’ve got a lot to think skorts can be found on eBay for a fraction of Ladies, try overall shorts with a sheer shirt paired with a red lip. about: there’s learning how to get the price. underneath, they yell out ‘I’m sophisticat- Guys: you don’t always have to play it safe along with your flatmates, running If monochrome isn’t your thing, printed ed’ much louder than your favourite pair of with a t-shirt and jeans. Polkadots, tartan and Daround all the various fairs, signing up to so- trousers are easy to style and look amazing jeans. A midi skirt is a great option that still quirky prints are everywhere right now, and cieties, and sussing out your new campus. with a leather jacket and boots. Those dress- lets you look sharp. Tartan is everywhere this make a much bigger statement than a plain University is about making your first con- es sitting in your wardrobe are easily dressed A/W, so why not try a tartan dress with a Fred Perry t-shirt. If you’re not one to sway nections for later life and finding friends that down too – throw a chunky knit jumper over casual coat thrown over the top? towards a more eclectic colour palette, go for will last all year, not so much about stressing them or an oversized t-shirt. Jeans and a nice fitted jumper work well an open dark denim shirt with over what skirt co-ordinates perfectly with Monochrome doesn’t have to be exclusive for men – it shows you’ve made a plain tee underneath, or what t-shirt in the morning. to the female population of campus. Guys an effort to make a good first button it up and roll up your But let’s face it: although there may be wanting to work that lecture chic look that impression but could also im- sleeves for a more preppy more to life than clothes, first impressions do has all the fashion blogs going crazy should ply that you’re off to the library look. If you’re heading to a count. How many times have you struck up invest in a few statement jumpers. H&M afterwards and not back to bed formal event, you can nev- a conversation about the band t-shirt offer a wide range of knitwear for men that like most of us are. If you’re er go wrong with a suit on someone was wearing? Clothes are won’t break the bank and will take your feeling adventurous, prints a night out; try a slimline how people first come to find some- wardrobe from dark and dreary to are also very in this season. grey jacket and trouser thing out about you and might even be eye-catching and updated. Jazz up any outfit with an combo from River Is- your first talking point. Blazers seem to steal the show animal print t-shirt or sim- land. Jumpers are always Most students see their time at War- when it comes to menswear on ply add a burst of colour to a safe bet but stay away wick as the opportunity to reinvent campus – they offer the easiest the staple outfits you have from v-necks unless themselves. Nobody knows how you way to class up an outfit and make in your closet. you want to look like dressed in school or over the summer, it seem like you didn’t just jump out an extra from Geordie and most importantly, nobody cares. of bed 20 minutes ago to make it to 3. Going Out Shore. I’ve got some tips on how to dress for your 9am. Invest in versatile hoodies your new student life… that you can pair with anything from Make sure you dress your favourite pair of skinnies to your appropriately for the 1. Lectures most comfortable sweatpants. event you’re attending: It seems like guys at Warwick like to don’t show up to the Paint You’ll probably notice that every- wear flip flops all year round, but don’t Party wearing something you one is ‘all lipstick and effort’ for the give in to this trend until the weather care about getting ruined, and few first weeks, but as the days go by, is appropriate for full-on toe exposure. don’t turn up to Altoria wearing trainers it’s back to hoodies and skinny jeans. Instead, whip out your trainer collec- and a snapback, chances are they won’t let Lecture wear is all about minimal ef- tion or whatever footwear takes your you in. Autumn/Winter ’13 is all about trying fort but if you still want to look styl- fancy…just stay away from the flip flops! A kimono should be every girl’s staple something new, so don’t be afraid to rock ish, look no further than the mono- piece this season. They look effortlessly something out of your comfort zone. I ex- chrome trend. 2. Meeting Your Tutors glamorous paired with high-waisted jeans pect to be seeing a lot more stylish people on A simple black and white palette and strappy shoes, or thrown over a cocktail campus! is the epitome of casual cool. Start with sta- If you want to make a decent dress. A black cami dress is easy to style too. ples: a black skirt from Missguided, crop tops start to your academic career then Wear it with leather boots or sky scraper from Primark, and skater dresses. Skorts have forming good relationships with your heels. If these fashion choices don’t float » photos: Maya Westwick been huge this season and are easily dressed tutors is key. Your tutors know that you your boat, why not a lace playsuit? Un- down with a plain t-shirt, ankle boots, and probably spent the night before getting derwear as outwear never gets old, » photo/Flickr: jessycat_techie, 5oulscape, some gold jewellery. There’s no need to burn obliterated playing beer pong, but you don’t and there’s nothing that makes xubangwen, amasc theboar.org 18 Editor: Raghav Bali [email protected] Twitter @BoarFilm FILM fb.com/groups/BoarFilm Filthy/Gorgeous Though the story has multiple threads, the Filth film remains cohesive by placing emphasis Jon S. Baird on what its events say about the monstrous James McAvoy, Eddie Marsen, Jaime Bell anti-hero at the centre of it all. The film de- 97 mins  velops a surprisingly strong emotional core U.K as it delves into Bruce’s troubled mind to re- veal a psyche wracked with deep-rooted feel- ings of guilt and inadequacy. ow much are you allowed to enjoy On his second feature film, Jon S. Baird a film like Filth before you ought to directs his own fantastic script with confi- accept that deep down you just might dent energy and excess, brilliantly mirror- Hbe a slightly terrible person? Granted, there’s ing Bruce’s own sense of drug-induced un- nothing wrong with a little schadenfreude, rest. Even if some of Baird’s stylistic quirks but I really have no excuse for how hard I was can be a little smothering, he clearly has laughing during a scene in which an officer of fun exploring Bruce’s delusions, creating the law blackmails an underage girl into per- some enjoyably surreal sequences that range forming fellatio. I blame James McAvoy and from the aforementioned therapy sessions that delightfully cloying smirk of his. I can’t to the overly glamorous, fourth wall-break- say I’ve ever had aspirations to be a crooked ing monologues of Bruce’s wife. The rest of cop, but McAvoy’s Detective Sergeant Bruce the off-screen team certainly do a similarly Robertson is at least as bad as Harvey Keitel’s sterling job to uphold the film’s sinister, hal- Bad Lieutenant and he makes it all look like lucinogenic feel, particularly Mark Eckers- so much fun. Even in the film’s final third, ley whose smart editing is always on point. where the ugliness of Filth at last overwhelms However it’s James McAvoy’s erratic perfor- its humour, the laughter doesn’t catch in your mance which anchors the film by providing throat because you feel that Bruce has gone the essential human element. Those used to too far. It catches because you realise the ex- seeing McAvoy playing respectable leading tent of the inner turmoil which causes Bruce men like the young Charles Xavier in X-Men: to lash out at those around him. This is a fun- First Class may be surprised by just how well ny, grotesque and surprisingly sad portrait of he disappears into this role. A lesser actor a truly sadistic sociopath – and it’s covered would have been content to put on a suitably in the fingerprints of its source material’s au- menacing performance and call it a day – and thor, Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh. there’s no doubt that McAvoy does menacing The plot exists largely to provide structure extremely well – but I also found myself pit- to what is essentially a character study. The ying him like one might pity a cornered rat. of the text which are narrated by a tapeworm ply has too much humanity to be dismissed corrupt, bigoted, womanising, sadomaso- On top of this, McAvoy is accompanied by in Bruce’s intestines. For better or worse, this as a work of shock cinema. It takes a lot of chistic coke addict Bruce Robertson is in line a terrific assortment of supporting players, device doesn’t make it into Baird’s film adap- empathy to create a film with this much com- for a promotion, which he believes will help most notably Eddie Marsan as Bladesey, the tation, but I bring it up because I consider it passion for someone so malicious. You may him win back his estranged wife and daugh- insecure, neurotic focus of much of Bruce’s to be as good an encapsulation as any of the laugh at many of Bruce’s cocaine-fuelled ex- ter. He attempts to get this promotion by un- wrath, and Shirley Henderson as Bladesey’s film’s pervading sense of ickiness which is ploits, but you rarely forget the bloody, beat- dermining all his competitors through lies wife Bunty, whom Bruce frequently harasses sure to put off many cinemagoers – and per- ing heart which that same cocaine is quietly and manipulation, while applying question- with obscene phone calls. haps even some fans of Danny Boyle’s Train- pushing to its limit. able methods to crack a brutal murder case. In Irvine Welsh’s novel, there are sections spotting. Yet as sleazy as Filth may be, it sim- David Pountain

expected comic value. Fairbairn creates these situations with real flair but unfortunately, he is content to let his characters wander about with not much to say or do for the majority of Soho Cigarette the running time. Lead actor David Galea’s performance is often clumsy but can also show a hint of grav- Matthew Kent shares his thoughts on itas. He is unable to completely overcome the clichéd and one-dimensional nature of his the Raindance selected indie feature character but his natural talents, like his di- rector, show that even if his skills aren’t per- shot so assertively and the mood of London fected as of yet, he is still one to watch. The oho Cigarette, the debut feature by Jon- is captured so beautifully by monochromatic same can be said for the supporting cast who athan Fairbairn is a difficult film to ap- shading and stylish music, it’s difficult to view all possess natural charisma. proach. It’s both frustrating and original, this as a flaw – at least not one that severely Danny Boyle once commented that: “Al- Sits script meandering whilst also featuring affects the quality of the feature. though your first film may not be your most moments of genuine inspiration. It’s a film The script is perhaps the film’s main fail- successful or your most accomplished, it has a that puts story second to style but isn’t too ing. It is often ham fisted and fails to make sense of guesswork, inventiveness and fresh- burdened by this because it’s made with such the characters particularly interesting. One ness that you never get again”. Watching Fair- confidence and precision. Above all else, the can’t help but imagine what it would have bairn’s debut feature, it is easy to see where film displays a great deal of talent even if the been like if Fairbairn had spent as much time he’s coming from. Soho Cigarette is imperfect pieces aren’t yet coming together perfectly. perfecting his story as organizing his shots. and its focus on womanizers who never seem The film follows D (David Galea), a cocky However, even this has undeniable moments to go anywhere without a cigarette in their young Italian man who after being kicked of brilliance. At one point Luc explains the mouth can be frustrating. However, it’s hard out by his girlfriend (Andreea Padurara) is parallels between D’s ex-girlfriend talking not to be drawn into a film where its director forced to sleep on his friend Luc’s (Jean Bap- about their relationship and a description of has such a natural eye for the composition of tiste Fillon) couch and earn money by taking a car accident. It’s an unexpected, oddly af- a shot and is coming to grips with his art. tourists on rock n’ roll tours around the back- fecting interaction and perhaps sensing this It’s easy to see that Fairbairn still has a streets of London. is one of the stronger sequences of dialogue, lot to learn, but a sense of a genuine talent It’s clear from the outset that Soho Ciga- Fairbairn keeps the camera in one place and emerging combined with a few scenes of in- rette could be labelled as a film that priori- lets the scene naturally unfold. This poten- spiration is enough to make Soho Cigarette an tises style over substance. The direction and tial is shown again on one of D’s rock n roll interesting watch. » Photos: Top - filmvocal.com ‘cool’ music used are almost always the main tours where an absurd argument between a focus of the scene. However, when a film is group of tourists and himself occurs with un- Bottom - sohocigarette.com theboar.org theboar.org/Film | @BoarFilm | FILM19 19 Interview: Soho Cigarette director Jon Fairbairn

» Matthew Kent discusses inspirations, shooting difficulties, and the intrigue of foreigners with Soho Cigarette director Jon Fairbairn. photo: jamesednaycox.wordpress.com What was your main inspiration for Soho colour is too important not to manipulate if way, or changes the colour of it. There’s a kind that, I’ve never tried to write to a specific gen- Cigarette? the film is in colour. We didn’t want to make of limitlessness to the mixing of foreign peo- re, maybe I’d surprise myself! Jon Fairbairn: The main inspiration for Soho a film in colour just because there was colour ple in film that I find really exciting. Cigarette was the streets, the energy and char- there. It would be like getting Javier Bardem What directors have influenced you the most? acters of Soho. I’ve been working in a great to be in your film and then not getting him to How was the experience of working with this JF: There are loads but of the top of my head restaurant in Soho for six years and through act. What would be the point? But you know group of actors? I’d say Wong Kar Wai, Alan Clarke, Jean Luc that place I’ve got to know the fabric of Soho, apart from all that, we just felt like black and JF: Great! Working with professional actors Godard, Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, the underside of the place that makes it what white was right. The film looks great in black is always the fun part! And good actors make Milos Forman, Richard Linklater, Martin it is. I think most places in London have a and white and it feels right for the subject. your job as a director so much easier and on a Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Ci- kind of transient surface that to the visitor budget this small you really need that. I’d love mino, Bertrand Blier… creates a certain impression, but that impres- Why did you choose to center the film on to work with them again. sion sits on this kind of more stable underside Italians in London? You directed from your own script for this that maybe isn’t so immediately recognizable JF: Actually there’s only one Italian in the One of the most interesting aspects of the film film. Would you ever consider directing some- and might actually be quite different from the film, but there are lots of non-British peo- is a girl having died in the backseat of the one else’s script? surface. That’s what the film grew out of, an ple for sure. I think the simple answer is I Mercedes. What motivated you to include this? JF: For sure, I already have and would love to attempt to capture some of the energy and find there’s something refreshing, and exotic JF: I love the idea of a character not actually again (I made a short film called The Bastards characters that make up that underside. about meeting people and listening to people being in a film, you know exerting an influ- by Graham Kibble White – 12 minutes inside from other places. And that is the reality of ence purely by their absence. And it’s similar a Glaswegian debt collection office) What was the hardest thing about directing the London I know, a lot of other places as in a way to how the Mercedes is a character in your first feature? well. I think there’s something fundamental- the film. I mean you have this young dude, D, Are you working on anything new at the JF: The physical logistics of organising the ly exciting about someone who comes from the central Italian character in the film, who moment? shoot, making it happen in so many differ- somewhere else – its like meeting someone for want of a better word is a bit of a dick re- JF: Yeah, we have a few projects we’re de- ent locations with so many different actors. from another planet – I want to know what ally, and everything he tries to do is based on veloping but the one we’re focusing on right Every filmmaker I respect has always said, its like on that other planet! And the most bravado and trying to prove something but at now is based around a restaurant and a “keep your first feature simple, shoot in one immediate trigger for that interest is their every turn he fails, it’s as if life is laughing at slightly crazy chef. It’s really a progression of place or shoot close to your house!” And accent – its like a trigger for an adventure him. And the only two characters he has any lots of ideas we had for Soho Cigarette that that’s what we wanted to do, but the story just into the unknown – maybe it sounds a bit kind of meaningful interaction with are the didn’t end up in the film. I love taking an au- didn’t want to be simple, and we had access over dramatic to say that but that’s kind of Mercedes and the dead girl in the backseat. dience into a cinematic version of a real en- to these great locations. I mean pretty much how it feels, this person knows things you There’s something kind of funny about that vironment – something Fellini did so well in anything is possible if you have a realistic feel don’t know, they’ve seen things you haven’t but also very human, I think we get to see his La Dolce Vita and Martin Scorsese in Mean for what it involves, the question is simply seen – hanging out with foreign people is like human side and therefore learn to care for Streets – two films that had a big influence on whether you’re prepared to do it. travelling without moving. So there’s some- this guy through them. us in making Soho Cigarette. You know Soho thing really refreshing about a mix of accents is so rich for the imagination, there’s so much Why did you decide to shoot the film in mon- that I love, I always think accents are a bit like The scene where D argues with the tourists is cinematic potential there, and I think making ochrome? music. I mean I love listening to foreign peo- surprisingly funny, have you ever considered Soho Cigarette showed us a way to enter that JF: We shot in black and white because we ple talking in their native language. You don’t doing a comedy? world so we now want to go back in there. wanted to create a visually cinematic film. know what they’re saying so you’re free just JF: Yeah I’d love to write or make a film that Black and white is relatively simple to con- to listen to the sounds, and its like listening people considered a comedy. I tend to ex- Will you be rushing to see trol, but on a budget of £20,000 there is really to music, and I think it’s a bit like that when plore ideas quite loosely and see where they Soho Cigarette? no way to control colour and both Gavin (the you hear a foreign person talking English, the go so I think it’s safer to label something a Tweet: @BoarFilm director of photography) and I both felt that altered accent changes the meaning in some comedy after I write than before. Having said theboar.org 20 Editor: Tolga Kuyucuoglu [email protected] Twitter @BoarGames GAMES fb.com/groups/BoarGames Grand Theft Auto V: REVIEW Joeseph Baker reveals why there has been so much hype surrounding GTAV

t’s official: Rockstar Games are the masters of gaming different approaches. Switching is extremely fluid and can also be hype. If there was ever an example of a game having done at any time when free roaming the world. You can be driv- a huge amount of expectation surrounding its release ing down the road as Michael, and then switch to Trevor who is after months of trailers, press releases and fan baiting, passed out on top of a mountain wearing a dress. It’s seamless, IGrand Theft Auto 5 might be it. Lucky then that this, the often humorous, and gives the game a cinematic feel you can latest installment in one of gaming’s most iconic series, see the developers are striving for at every turn. hits the sweet spot in nearly every aspect of its design, If there were to be any criticism of GTA 5’s 30-hour long and is therefore difficult to stop playing long enough to campaign, it will be that you will miss all the satirical jibes, review it. But, I digress… entertaining characters and madcap heists when there are no Taking place in the dazzling city of Los Santos, GTA 5 missions left to complete. Or, this would be the case if Los immediately distances itself from the serious, colourless Santos weren’t so full of distractions; there’s activities ranging Liberty City of GTA 4, with a world that is vibrant and from golf and tennis to flying lessons and base-jumping. And fun to explore. Whether it’s the deserts and ramshackle this isn’t including the character-specific side missions you’ll settlements to the north of the map, or the sandy beach- encounter as you explore a city filled with unusual people with es and skyscrapers to the south, Los Santos manages to even more unusual requests. achieve what many open-world games cannot: it feels alive. However, the biggest distraction of them all has to be the long You’ll marvel at how far gaming has come just by walking awaited GTA Online, which takes the experience to a whole new down the street and seeing how much traffic is on the roads, level. Expanding on GTA 4’s multiplayer has been a refined and how many pedestrians are making phone calls, taking photo- well thought out affair, to the extent that it often feels more graphs or simply relaxing. Amazingly it’s the small touches that like an MMORPG than an action adventure game. Drop- make such a large and varied world feel populated, rather than ping you into an online server with up to 16 others, it is the “empty shell” feeling you might get playing a Bethesda up to you to make money and level up to unlock more game. accessible items. You can do this by engaging in on- And it’s also a world where it is hilarious to cause utter line missions, deathmatches and races with others, or mayhem. This is a Grand Theft Auto game after all, and just by robbing a fast food outlet and making a swift what would a Grand Theft Auto game be without all the getaway. Either way, the message that “crime doesn’t crime, controversy, and crazy capers usually involving pay” continues to be the antithesis of the experi- fast cars and hordes of angry police officers. The good ence, although you will have to work hard to earn news is that police chases have become significantly your keep, as unfortunately the big-paying heists of harder, emphasizing the need to either hide from the cop- the solo story have not yet made their way across pers down an alleyway, or somehow find another vehicle to multiplayer. Nevertheless, most of the time you to replace the “hot” one you’ve been using to escape. It’s will be having too much fun blowing things up with definitely more authentic than in past outings, in which your friends to care. driving in plain sight into a garage and having a paint-job And that’s the thing: it’s typically quite difficult was enough for police to drop all charges against you. But to find a game where any real criticism sounds it does present a new challenge for veteran players, who in pedantic, easily dismissible or not worth car- lieu of being “wasted” will have to gauge their stupidity (to ing about. GTA 5 is essentially the same wacky, some extent). provocative derisive experience that has defined Were it that the same could be said for the story mis- Grand Theft Auto, but with a beautifully diverse sions which, while not as insane as the Saints Row games, world, exciting gameplay and an extensive online still veer towards the outrageous at times. The most in- suite, it transcends that definition to have anoth- teresting twist is that the player now has control of three er: one of the best games of this generation. The different characters: Michael, Trevor and Franklin. To- hype is well and truly justified. gether the three prepare for and undertake a series of daring heists, which are easily the game’s highlights as they incorporate almost every mode of transport by Write for us! Join our land, air and sea, and often have you switching be- Facebook group www. tween characters as they carry out different tasks. facebook.com/games. Even the gunplay, which has generally played second theboar fiddle to driving in past games, is given a boost, as often you’ll need to switch between characters to cover one another, or assault a position from three theboar.org theboar.org/Games | @BoarGames | GAMES 2137 Editors’ Standoff: FIFA 14 The Games editors tell you all you need to know about the latest FIFA For Against Richard Brown Tolga Kuyucuoglu o quote everyone’s least favourite makes for here is very little to add to the The first touch no longer enables precise Harry Potter character, Dolores Um- a game comments that have already been control of that beautiful 40 yard through bridge, “progress for progress’ sake that should made about FIFA 14. The typi- ball, the best ‘right bumper and Y’ you’d ever must be discouraged.” FIFA 14 has satisfy both cal, subtle alterations of gameplay performed. That inspired vision-of-a-pass Tarrived, and while the reception has been hardcore vet- Tthat still manages to captivate a will rightfully lead to goal scoring opportu- good, as expected, the same old tired clichés erans of the football mad nation leaves us nities no more. The sprint system has also have begun to emerge, a rhetoric that talks series and grasping at straws as to what been debunked. Theo Walcott cannot enjoy of stagnancy and boredom. FIFA is not Pro fresh- has changed- what makes accelerating instantly past his defender be- Evolution. It is widely accepted, and com- eyed gam- this game better than the fore majestically misplacing a cross to the far mercially and critically supported, that EA ers mak- last? Tell me? Accord- post. Sports’ ultra-realistic style wins out over the ing their ing to other gaming These are but a few of FIFA’s develop- arcade stylings of Konami’s offering and yet, first foray publications, FIFA ments, another year, another football game a people complain about a game that has got into the ad- 14 gets a 9/10, with little more like ‘real life’. After all, as so many closer than ever before to an accurate rep- dictive and “great graphics” people will tell you, how much can really resentation of ‘the beautiful game’. At this time-con- and “improved change in a game designed to imitate anoth- point in time, any changes that need to be suming gameplay.” er game? There are only so many directions made are minimal, tweaks rather than an world of Come on that FIFA can take. Right? overhaul, evolution not revolution. That is FIFA. now IGN, In fairness, EA have tried to innovate and simply the nature of the beast that FIFA has So to the you said improve various aspects of the game. A more become. naysayers, that last detailed carear mode system, and a promis- With that in mind, I would suggest that the I would say year. Is it ing new ‘legends’ mode adds a fresh look to, tweaks made to this iteration by EA do justi- this. If you all rep- what some would argue, is a proven formula. fy the widespread critical success FIFA 14 has want radical etition However, it is in trying to innovate so received. Aside from another development to change year on though, much each year that FIFA have slipped up. the heightened realism of the gameplay, the year, buy Pro or is The ‘for’ section will argue that there’s no redesign of Career mode has freshened up a Evo. But in doing t h e r e need to fix what isn’t broken, and in some concept that was in danger of being left be- so, you will be miss- s o m e ways I agree. But the truth is that in attempt- hind. This improvement has been coupled ing on what has become a merit to ing to gently change an already impressive with the continued growth and popularity of seminal series in the history claims of gameplay system, EA has gone backwards. Ultimate Team, one of FIFA’s biggest USPs at of sports video games, a series annual high the moment. The addition of ‘UT Legends’ that looks set to carry on its s c a l e improvements? featuring the likes of Pele, Dennis Bergkamp, dominance for years to come. I’d be lying if I told you that the Marco van Basten and Lothar Matthaus will gameplay has not furthered FI- only further Ultimate Team’s reputation and FA’s pursuit of perfect ‘realism’. Review: Pokemon X & Y Deputy editor Helena Moretti gives us the first look at the new generation of pokemon

okémon X & Y are the franchise’s few battle scenes and evolutions, most of the all Pokémon involved in a battle shared the to competi- first foray into the third dimension, game is still in 2D. Though many Nintendo experience between them, but now they all tive bat- released on Nintendo 3DS. You are aficionados are sceptical of the 3D feature, I get the full amount. This is especially handy tling. For greeted by Professor Sycamore (who personally love it and I think that much more early on in the game, as you can level up all the first Pstill can’t tell if you’re a boy or a girl) and he could have been done. Perhaps it will begin your new catches easily, whilst still raking time in 6 introduces you to the Kalos region, and the to shine later in the game. That being said, in a decent amount of experience for your generations, world of Pokémon. As ever, you have moved the 3D scenes that are shown are brilliant, all-important starter. Not only that, but you the dragon type to a new town and are just about to begin and in some respects, the sparse use of the can now gather experience when you catch has a weakness be- your Pokémon adventure. You have a motley technique works for the game. The 3D scenes Pokémon as well – even more of an incentive sides itself. crew of four new friends to join you on your never feel forced, and you don’t get the im- to catch ‘em all! Generation VI journey, and with the choosing of your start- pression that they’re only there for the sake of Something that has really surprised me at brings us up to er, your story begins. It feels very much like using the technology. Whether at the start of the beginning of the game is the vast array of 718 Pokémon, the same Pokémon formula that we all know a trainer battle or during a fireworks display, types available straight off the bat. The three and perhaps the and love, but it brings a few changes to the the third dimension is carefully woven in to elemental monkeys from Black & White are geniuses behind table to keep the franchise fresh. enhance, rather than dominate, the action. easy to find in the first forest, Pikachu is lurk- the franchise have The whole game in general has been given Something that Pokémon fans have been ing in the grass, and there’s even an Azurill come to the conclusion that more is not al- a massive graphics update, and I’d even dare clamouring for is character customisation, for quick access to water gun. The three new ways better. I would prefer to see this trend to say that it’s the biggest visual change in the and X & Y have brought it to the table. Al- starters begin with a move of their type as continue throughout the next few genera- main-series Pokémon games so far. From the though it’s no sims-style character builder, well, which comes in handy, as your very first tions – a handful of new, well thought-out flashy introduction, to the changing camera you get to choose between three basic looks at battle is against the starter weak to yours. I Pokes and a reshuffle of our old favourites. angles in battles, the game just looks more the start. There’s also the opportunity to buy chose Fennekin, and took down Shauna’s Finding Pokémon early on that are general- advanced. The biggest shock for me was the different outfits throughout the game, giving Chespin in just two hits. No more waiting ly found later in the game is quite exciting if fact that your in-game mother finally has you a little bit more control over your sprite. until level 10 for ember. you’re a Pokémon veteran, and really does a bedroom – a real In the first town, you even have the opportu- Though this generation doesn’t bring as make the game feel different. break from tradi- nity to grab roller skates, allowing your char- many new Pokémon as others have, the ones I was excited that my copy of Pokémon X tion! acter to move even faster than before. When it does bring are interesting. Honedge and landed on my doorstep a day early, and now My one you reach the first big city, you can visit the Klefki (amongst others) are based on inani- that I’ve had a chance to get acquainted with complaint salon for a cut and colour, giving you a wide mate objects, which has caused controversy it, I can’t wait to get stuck in. As a Pokémon on the range of looks to choose from. Although it’s amongst players, especially those who are enthusiast, I was worried that six generations graphics pricey at 3,000 credits a go (money better die-hard Gen I fans. To those who complain in, the Pokémon team would be running out front is spent on pokéballs in the early stages of the about the newer Pokémon, I must remind of ideas. I needn’t have worried. I’ve said it that the game), it’s nice to be able to model your sprite you: you are defending a generation that had before and I’ll say it again, Pokémon has a 3D func- after yourself, at least a little bit. a rock with arms and a pile of sludge. This formula that works, so why change it? Just tion is, so Fans of the bait-and-switch training rou- generation not only brings some new ideas in throw in a new type every decade and some far, underuti- tine will be overjoyed, as the experience terms of Pokémon shapes and styles, but it also new creatures for us to catch. That will keep lised. Barring a system has been given an overhaul. Before, introduces the fairy type, an exciting change the fans happy for generations to come. theboar.org 26 Editor: Michael Perry [email protected] Twitter @BoarMusic MUSIC fb.com/groups/BoarMusic Freshly brewed talent Sam Carter scopes out Curiositea for a smooth acoustic performance from Lucy Mason

» Fancy a brew? photo: nicecurve.com Curated by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, the Coffee House Sessions is a new innovation currently sweeping 40 universities up and down the British Isles. The project entails up-and-coming musicians touring circuits of campus-based tea-rooms and coffee shops, and our very own Curiositea will be treated to the company of such talents every fort- night for the remainder of term. Artists confirmed for the Coffee House Sessions thus far include:

• Al Lewis (26/09/2013) • Lucy Mason (03/10/2013) • Ben Goddard (Date TBC) • Dougie Crosbie (Date TBC) • Kerri Watt (Date TBC)

Follow the Boar website for online cov- erage of this term’s shows, including inter- views with the artists, as arranged by RaW and Warwick TV. If you’d like to get involved with future live reviews or interviews with the acts, please contact the Boar Music. Otherwise, » Lucy Mason: loves Kodaline, coffee and Phil Collins. Has officially endorsed Curiositea as “cute”. photo: coffeehousesessions.com we’ll see you in Curiositea! t’s raining outside over the Piazza, but “I find it really hard to do stuff I don’t like. scene in London is so different – it’s great. people around.” that doesn’t deter Lucy Mason from the I have to hear a certain quality that reminds Growing up, we’d go to shows all the time, Mason’s honesty is matched with a quiet task of providing Warwick students with me of myself,” she explains when discussing and when I returned, I forgot how much I’d ambition during our interview as she discuss- some much-needed warmth during an the cover. “The Kodaline song had the most loved that. I think that’s always been a part es her future plans. “I have a plan to release Iintimate gig in Curiositea. The singer-song- amazing chords and the right melodies, and of me since then; coming back here feels just Christmas songs for ten years in a row, and writer – described by Q Magazine as “a gifted the lyrics were so smart. The more that we like coming home.” to do something really lame like a Christmas performer in the making” after supporting cover that song, the more I fall in love with And what about her music? “I love layer- album!” In non-festive news, meanwhile, Jamie Cullum in 2011 – is the latest artist to it .” ing instruments and experimenting, but I Mason is looking to release a new EP and a perform in our SU’s café as part of the Coffee As far as her second cover goes, taking on still don’t know how to define it.” Either way, single early next year, after playing more uni- House Sessions tour. ‘In the Air Tonight’ is a bold move by any- it certainly carries emotional panache in the versities as part of the Coffee House Sessions. After a long and measured soundcheck, one’s standards. Happily, Mason’s adaptation campus café, opening with a refrain of “just For now, though, there’s no doubt about her Mason appears to relish the challenge of an of her “favourite song of all time” is a high- remember, I was just like you” amongst some next port of call. acoustic set. With the clink of crockery serv- light of her set: there are no ’80s tendencies intricate work from her guitarist companion. “I’m going to get a coffee!” ing as the only source of percussion, Mason’s As Mason sings about putting on a “brave simple introductions and grateful “thank- face for you” on the highly-personal ‘Roses’, For more information about Lucy Mason you”s quickly make way for consistently With the clink of crockery serving as Pablo’s deft plucking shifts into robust chords and her music, find her official page on smooth vocals, echoing The Civil Wars as she the only source of percussion, Mason’s that reverberate around every table in the Facebook here: harmonises over the mellow rhythms of her simple introductions quickly make way room. en-gb.facebook.com/lucymasonmusic guitarist, Pablo. “It was hard at first, because for consistently smooth vocals. However, the biggest opportunity for Ma- your voice is centre-stage. You can’t screw son to show off her vocal chops comes in the ... and to keep abreast of everything com- up,” she confides in the Boar after the show. form of her latest release, ‘Sirens’, as she cries ing to a Curiositea near you, make your “But now I’m getting more confident, and I’ve (or Cadbury gorillas) on show here, but this “I will not bow down” with the perfect assur- way to the Coffee House Sessions page: grown to like the simplicity of it.” incarnation carries enough atmospheric ance inherent in any great flagship song. The www.facebook.com/CoffeeHouseTour During our conversation, it’s clear that punch to do Phil Collins’ classic justice. “I’ve chorus, catchy and tuneful, pours into the SU Mason is the consummate music fan, recall- been covering that song since I was 16, and atrium as students funnel into the café from ing memories of writing songs in her bed- it’s one of the only songs that I really wish the closing Societies Fair next door. room and lining up for artists’ signatures at I could have written. I’m so attached to it. I “I’m really grateful that I get to do this,” HMV. Little wonder, then, that she opts for would love for Phil Collins to hear my cov- she tells me, revealing her excitement at be- two cover versions to form part of her Curi- er!” ing part of the Coffee House Sessions tour. ositea set. Her adaptation of Kodaline’s ‘High Compared to these musical tastes, Mason’s She goes on to wax lyrical about Curiositea Hopes’ is a confident take on the Irish band’s life and work proves rather more difficult to – “It’s so cute!” – and marvel at the university recent hit, stripping back some of the song’s summarise. “I’m Australian – very much so,” environment as a whole: “It’s actually quite radio-friendly production without dampen- she replies when asked about her migration intimidating. When I walk into a university, ing its soaring pop melodies. to England and back again. “But the music I kind of freak out because there are so many » Y’know the one. photo: warwicksu.com theboar.org/Music | @BoarMusic | MUSIC 39 theboar.org 27

Album Reviews Danny Brown Factory Floor Boar Jukebox: Old  Factory Floor  limey, 2013 has been a great year for music. The Cover to Cover various scribes of the Clocking in at 19 tracks, Factory Floor boasts Boar’s Music team have and broadly split into two ten tracks of glistening We’re now approaching that time alreadyB dished out top marks for parts in terms of beats physicality: music which when assignments begin to form the likes of Jon Hopkins, Lau- and subject matter, Old painstakingly builds a the crux of university life, meaning ra Marling, Vampire Weekend, is certainly an ambitious towering sonic Siduhe plenty of redundant reminders that Kelly Rowland and These New project. As epitomised on between forebears Carter PLAGIARISM IS WRONG. Puritans. ‘Dip’, what really elevates Tutti and the legions of And things show no sign of this album above its hip- DFA. Compositionally, But even though we might not be slowing down anytime soon. Hothop on peers the this year is its production. Brown the band thrive on propulsive, enervating permitted to revamp the works of heels of a five-star album review forhas Danny recruited a wide range of producers, in- structural assonance, trapping listeners in a others, here are some artists who Brown’s Old (eyes right), we’re still cludingcounting grime beatsmith Darq E Freaker and mesmeric web, glued in place as the melan- are certainly justified in doing so. down the days for the fourth albumPaul from White, the whose work on ‘Wonderbread’ choly vocal arachnid that is Niki Void circles mighty Arcade Fire. In addition, withsounds rum as- left-field as anything you’ll hear a ever closer. Listen to this record until your Radiohead: ‘Nobody Does it Better’ (Carly blings from the camps of The Blackrapper Keys, spit on this year. ears bleed. Then dance until your feet match. Simon) Wild Beasts and Eminem, we’ve gotMP3: every ‘Side A (Old)’, ‘Dubstep’, ‘Float On’ MP3: ‘Here Again’, ‘Two Different Ways’ “Sexy” is not a word that springs to mind reason to be excited for the quality of those Aidan Riley Christopher Sharpe when thinking of Radiohead. So, when Thom Yorke describes this as the “sexiest song that was ever written”, you really have to wonder Alter Bridge Chvrches Haim what they have to bring to the table by cov- Fortress  The Bones of What You Believe  Days Are Gone  ering it. The truth is that Radiohead manage to turn this into a song not of love, but of heartache. Despite this not being explicitly The aggressive sounds of The Bones of What You Quite delightfully, almost referred to in the lyrics (nor is such a con- Fortress are evidence that Believe makes good on every track lining Haim’s cept distinguishable in the original), Yorke’s even fourth albums can the promise of Chvrches’ debut is as good as – if not wrenched vocals suggest that, whoever this sound refreshing and dy- early singles. Each track better than – its preced- incredible figure is, they aren’t there to hold namic. The title track is defies and transcends ex- ing clutch of singles. him anymore. mysterious and melodic, pectations, beginning as These vignettes of broken Patrick Gill and (like many songs on if building to a frenetic hearts and hollow pleas the album) it builds until climax, before U-turning utterly captivate, under- Jamie T: ‘If I Were a Boy’ (Beyoncé) it reaches a heroic solo, courtesy of the mas- into something more restrained and intro- pinned by irresistible melodies, breathless As a massive Queen B fan, I was a little ter guitarist himself, Mark Tremonti. Their spective. Lauren Mayberry’s voice perfectly inflections, and sumptuous girl-group har- dubious before I listened to this rendition new style could well be considered as more accompanies these soundscapes; childlike monies. It’s not an “important” album by any via the Radio 1 Live Lounge, but Jamie T mainstream, but what really matters is that and playful, yet hauntingly ethereal. Believe stretch, but we should be embracing Days nails it with a surprisingly intimate cover. Alter Bridge are breaking their own stereo- in these bones, because I suspect they’re Are Gone for what it is: a truly excellent as- Raw vocals and stripped-back acoustics are types while still producing energetic music. something special. semblage of immaculate pop songs. combined with subtle lyric changes to create MP3: ‘Fortress’, ‘All Ends Well’ MP3: ‘Gun’, ‘Lies’, ‘Recover’ MP3: ‘Falling’, ‘Honey & I’, ‘Days Are Gone’ a clever reworking of Beyoncé’s ballad. The Kerry Wallace Nicole Davis Michael Perry original rendition critiques the hypocrisy of male and female roles in relationships, but this cover changes the perspective to that of spectrum of colours exploded and melted a badly behaved lad, and the song cleverly down the screen. The bass began to kick in, becomes a heartfelt apology. and the hypnotic charisma of Jaar – who re- Flo Page mained shrouded in darkness throughout – strengthened. Chromatics: ‘I’m On Fire’ (Bruce Spring- The show, initially intended to be a sit- steen) down affair, quickly saw the audience reject When ‘I’m On Fire’ turned up as a B-side their seats and begin to groove to warm puls- on 2007 single ‘In the City’, Chromatics were es of deep house and soulful melodies. Jaar not the first ethereal synth-pop artists to cov- and Harrington exposed new material, too er Springsteen’s classic within the space of a (DARKSIDE’s debut album Psychic was re- year. But while the gothic keystrokes of Bat leased earlier this year) and the audience re- For Lashes’ 2006 version cooled the song’s sponded well to the pair’s improvised jams. erotic urgency, Chromatics retain the Boss’ Once an Ivy-League student – Jaar studied smouldering guitar palpitations and gender comparative literature at Brown University pronouns. In a gesture towards the origi- - the 24-year-old demonstrated the intelli- nal’s greatness, these Springsteen-ian flour- gence at his core by responding well to the ishes are dexterously transplanted into the crowd, and capitalising on the acoustic prop- seemingly native climate which houses Ruth erties of Butterworth Hall. Radalet’s arresting female vocal and those Jams of Jaar Famed for having a masterful ability to billowing curtains of tremulous synths. seam together genres from across the board Sophie Monk Paul McLoughlin discusses the mind-blowing powers (be sure to listen to his 2011 debut, Space is Only Noise) Jaar managed to fuse togeth- Madonna: ‘American Pie’ (Don McLean) of Nicolas Jaar and the Joshua Light Show er saxophone solos with minimalist techno In the spring of 2000, the Empress of Pop thumps while finding room for tribal chant- unleashed her latest movie offering unto » Nicolas Jaar & Joshua Light Show at the Barbican, London. photo: blog.songkick.com ing, without any of it sounding too busy. the world. But all that her hoard of hun- In the end, the set seemed to close all too gry fans actually cared about was the cover aving scheduled just four UK dates beautifully sporadic electronic motifs. soon, leaving the audience hungry for more. of Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’ gracing its for 2013 – only two of which fea- Initial anxieties that the whole event would After a collective cry of “encore”, the two men soundtrack. With a William Orbit co-pro- ture acclaimed visual artist Joshua verge on pretentious nonsense were imme- reappeared and continued with the Joshua duction echoing soft electronic musings, this White (creator of the Joshua Light diately dashed, as the performers revealed Light Show for another half an hour, extend- was during the peak of yet another turning HShow, a liquid-based live art show that has their creative ingenuity and zest for expres- ing their wonderful hallucinatory vision for a point in Madonna’s career. “She has mur- been making psychedelic visuals since the sion. As the musical layers strengthened and little longer. dered a true American classic!” screamed the 60s) – Nicolas Jaar’s captivating performance took shape, a rhythmic beat surfaced within For some, though, this was still not haters. Well, to them, I say she made it better. at the Warwick Arts Centre provided spec- the milieu of sounds. Jaar began toying with enough. The stars aligned for a few lucky Faizan Sadiq tators with an experimental dreamscape that his keyboard, creating rippling beats which Warwick students, and Mr Jaar found him- was nothing short of cosmological. looped and intertwined alongside fragments self in a kitchen in Leamington Spa, churning Jeff Buckley: ‘Hallelujah’ (Leonard Cohen) The show began by dispensing mellow, of violins and guitars, while forming dense out a secret three-hour set which proved to (Obviously.) celestial vibes, harmonised by White’s imple- textures that were akin to those of the most be just as surreal, incredible and magical as Michael Perry mentation of blooming, oily nebulas (which skilled jazz musicians. his “official” performance. quietly swirled across the large screen behind The visuals also began to intensify when the artists). Jaar and fellow guitarist Dave Jaar stirred ‘Too Many Kids Finding Rain in To find out more about the works of Nico- Which other tunes have Harrington (both of whom recently collabo- the Dust’ into the melting pot, and a pleth- las Jaar and the Joshua Light Show, check benefitted from a fresh rated together on a new musical project, en- ora of organic shapes bubbled in and out of out their respective websites: perspective? titled DARKSIDE) appeared comfortable as focus. Geometric patterns flashed for a sec- www.nicolasjaar.net Tweet: @BoarMusic they intuitively blended eerie guitar riffs with ond before disappearing forever, and a fierce www.joshualightshow.com theboar.org 28 Editor: Ellie May [email protected] Twitter @BoarScience SCI & TECH fb.com/groups/BoarScience Life on Mars: A reality show like no other In 2023, twenty-four regular people will embark on the first ever trip to Mars – with no return Boost your mood

Ciaran Goold

he first term of university can be a tough time for a lot of students, par- ticularly freshers, for whom it will be the first time living away from home. THomesickness, combined with the effects of alcohol, can lead to some pretty agonising lows. Luckily, there are some great ways to boost your mood, and one of the best of do- ing this is through exercise. You would have to have been living in a cave (or perhaps in Westwood) to have missed out on the many sports and activities on offer at Warwick, with events such as the Sports Fair taking centre stage. All sorts of physical activities are available but for those of you who are undecided, the gym is open to all students, for an annual fee of £135 (just £11.25 a month!) on top of your Warwick Sport membership. So why does exercise boost your mood? Extensive research has shown that a getting a good level of exercise elevates the levels of serotonin and dopamine within the brain. These are neurotransmitters that are impor- tant for regulating mood. Neurotransmit- ters help electrical signals within the brain ‘jump’ between nerve cells, and the more neurotransmitters you have, the easier this becomes. » Several rovers have reached Mars, but this is the first mission where humans will step foot on to the planet photo: flickr/tj.blackwell When a signal reaches the end of the nerve cell, it causes neurotransmitters to be re- walks of life, from a Canadian high school ple responded best to. Freeze dried fruit and leased, which bridge the gap between cells. Emma Mckeown teacher and a Pakistani business graduate, vegetables were considered, by team com- At the edge of the receiving cell, the neuro- to a Brazilian Air Force member and a Lon- mander Angelo Vermeulen, to be almost as transmitters bind with proteins known as re- don-based engineering student, and they all good as fresh produce. However, the most ceptors. Once enough of these receptors have ust two years from now, twenty-four could stand a chance... provided the public popular item? Nutella. It seems likely that, bound with a transmitter, a new signal will people will begin a gruelling seven-year likes them enough. even on Mars, you’ll be able to get your hands be released, and will propagate through the training regime for a one-way trip to the That’s right, after applying and attending on the student staple, but it will be used very receiving cell, starting the process off again. red planet, with the first group of four an interview, it goes to a vote. There will be sparingly. So if you love a daily dose of choc- Millions of these ‘Synaptic Transmissions’ Jexpected to arrive by 2023. Every two years, a regional selection, where the local audience olate spread, maybe this trip isn’t for you after take place every second within your brain – another group of four will arrive on the plan- will get to choose who will be their represent- all! just think how many will have occurred just et, eventually growing a small community of ative as the first person on Mars and in the Although luxury food being limited cer- while you have been reading this paragraph. people who will live out the rest of their lives final round, which will be broadcasted in- tainly sounds unpleasant, there are far more In short: the more neurotransmitters pres- on the hostile planet. ternationally, the final few are chosen by the serious challenges that the astronauts must ent within your brain, the easier it is for sig- Despite the fact that the world’s image of Mars One selection committee. This is where overcome. The risk involved in space travel nals to be transferred; the more signals that astronauts is an elite group of scientists - peo- the hard work begins, as those chosen head is estimated to be similar to that of climbing you have bouncing around the areas respon- ple who have studied for years and whose job out to train at a copy of the proposed Martian Mount Everest, where for every ten success- sible for positive emotions and moods, the outpost, where those who can’t hack it will ful climbs, there is one fatality. The threat of better you’ll feel. see themselves booted out of the programme. injury or death will be constantly hanging So how much should you do? Government Over 200,000 candidates applied They will also have to get used to the idea of over the astronaut’s heads. They must be guidelines state that young adults should do from all walks of life... and they being watched 24 hours a day, and not just by constantly vigilant, as just one tiny mistake at least two and a half hours of moderate ac- could all stand a chance, provided the control team. could have huge, deadly consequences for the tivity (or 75 minutes of intense activity), plus the public likes them enough Applicant Erica Meszaros from the USA whole team. two muscle strengthening activities per week. is excited at the prospect of going, even if As reality shows go, this is likely to be the This may seem unreasonable as the workload it means leaving behind her parents and most expensive ever produced, costing ap- piles up, but even getting a decent amount of is considered to be an impossible profession her husband of only 9 months, stating that proximately 6 billion US dollars to the Dutch exercise a few times a week can have a great for many - it is a different story for the un- it would be “tough” but that she had “100% company responsible, Mars One and Inter- effect on your health, but don’t go mad! Ex- folding Mars One project. The “Key Charac- confidence in humanity” that humans would planetary Media Group, who plan to film the haustion will make your body and mind feel teristics” an applicant must have are: resilien- make it onto Mars and is determined to be a first few years of living on Mars and broad- worse. cy, adaptability, curiosity and creativity. No part of it. However, she won’t quite be leav- cast it worldwide. Among other instructions, What other things could you do to raise former “space-training” necessary. ing everyone behind, as she is quite intent the astronauts are advised not to ‘attempt to your serotonin levels then? Well, the term If you were considering it, you’re a tad late, on bring a beloved toy, a stuffed mongoose, have children’ for the first few years. Howev- ‘Cabin Fever’ came around for a reason. as the deadline was the 31st of August this which is sure to bring her comfort if she is er, when a child is finally born on Mars, they Long periods spent in a confined space (your year. But don’t worry if you didn’t submit an indeed chosen to start a new life up to 100 will technically be the first ‘Martian’, which room, for example) can have a detrimental application form, having the ability to walk million miles away from home. has to be one of the most exclusive claims to effect on your mood – try getting outside, outside without a spacesuit and to watch the To help recreate a livable environment in fame any human will ever have. explore the campus. This also helps to relieve cramped astronauts get cranky with each the harsh terrain, and prevent the astronauts stress, which is another factor that can inhib- other on a laptop surrounded by your favour- from going crazy – which would be a disaster it serotonin production. However, the most ite food will be a lot more comfortable than in such a small space – a study was recently Would you go on a one- important piece of advice anyone can give anything the astronauts are likely to feel once conducted on a barren Hawaiian lava field way trip to Mars? you is to do something you enjoy. With the they’ve broken Earth’s atmosphere. to find out what food should be brought to Tweet: @BoarSciTech opportunities presented to you at Warwick, Over 200,000 candidates applied from all Mars, how it should be stored and what peo- there’s something for everyone. theboar.org Editor: Josh Murray25 [email protected] Twitter @BoarTelevision TV fb.com/groups/BoarTV Sex Box, Sex Box, you’re my Sex Box Rebecca Webster bares all on Channel Four’s groundbreaking new ‘no-holds-barred’ sex show

» The Channel Four programme is breaking boundaries in the airwaves of British television f anyone has been perusing Channel 4 close to the 9pm watershed. Furthermore, course, with a red light constantly showing whilst I’m all for choice and making the vol- recently then you may have recognised it doesn’t take a genius to recognise that the that they are ‘busy having fun’ to a live studio unteers feel comfortable and at ease, why go the resurgence on our television screens country’s obsession with porn is also having audience. There are no cameras, and no re- on a very frank sex show and not be okay to of that dreaded English taboo: SEX! a potentially disastrous effect on young Brit- quirements. The plan hoped that the volun- talk about it in detail? Ultimately, it seems IThe BBC have tried documentaries on ons’ relationships with sex, although at least teers would then happily discuss their time in like they all just got a cheap quickie out of the young Brits’ sexual education and, more re- there appears to be room to explore this fur- the box, provoking debate and radical hon- programme; let’s just hope that they changed cently, ‘Unsafe Sex in the City’ – a documen- ther. But with the launch of the controversial esty about ‘real sex’. With a panel of judges, the sheets. tary following several sexual health clinics disguised as ‘sexperts’, you couldn’t help but When the final couple were given the and focusing on the reckless sexual prom- expect them to hold up a scoring card like a opportunity to be given some advice at the iscuity amongst 16-30 year olds. Channel 4 It seems like they just got a cheap bizarre version of X-Factor: Sex-Factor. end from the experts, all of them gave pretty have now realised that they too can prosper quickie out of it - let’s just hope they Sadly, I was disappointed. As you would mundane quips about mixing up your sex life from a frank talk about sex. After all, it cer- changed the sheets expect, the giggly couples hardly shared by changing the position each time. WOW, tainly attracts the viewers, with an incredible much at all. The final couple said, “we’d rather shocking! 900,000 recently sitting down to watch the not discuss what we did, it’s personal”. After While dull in parts and certainly not what supposedly scandalous show Sex Box. volunteering to go on a sex show where the Channel 4 had promised, the show was re- Channel 4 claims to have ‘pioneered’ a new Sex Box on British televisions on Thursday, whole point is to discuss your most intimate markably amusing, if sadly for the wrong rea- honest series for a ‘Campaign for Real Sex’. and with Good Morning America across the activities. Great – so what was the point in sons. Whilst I certainly don’t feel that Chan- The intention is to “reclaim sex from porn” pond almost shrieking at the depravity of that!? Instead, we listened to some awkward nel 4 has just yet revolutionised the lives of by of exploring our apparent addiction to such a programme, I was pretty excited to see patter that was neither progressive nor even thousands of porn-obsessed teens across the available and increasingly violent internet if the show was finally going to have a frank mildly interesting. UK or really taught us much at all, it did give pornography. C4 points out that with “hard- talk about bumping uglies. Whenever the hour long television show us a laugh. core porn just a click away” our generation Instead, it was all rather dull. The PR appeared to finally be saying something new, Despite all this promise to embark on a has been born into a violent, dysfunctional promised open discussions encompassing most notably with a severely disabled cou- new frontier of sexual discussion and de- and distorted version of sexual relations. heterosexual, homosexual and disabled re- ple, they explored it in little detail. It may bunk old taboos, it retained the stereotypical The series promises to pioneer a discussion lationships across all ages and races, and so have been some TV ploy to make me tune in awkwardness of a group of 12 year old boys forum for Brits where we can finally have far it’s hardly offered much of a pioneering next week, but it was incredibly frustrating to laughing at Playboy behind the school bike a frank ‘chat’ about sexual intercourse and exploration of sexual intercourse, even if the watch a frank couple discuss their obviously shed. “what really happens behind closed doors.” volunteers were supposedly post-coital. challenged sex life only for them to be cut off Whilst their intentions appear honourable, Sex Box is a simple concept. Three couples 3 minutes later. Even the homosexual couple their plan falls short. It doesn’t take a scientif- throughout the show are encouraged into an seemed to be evasive with questioning de- ic study to prove that sex on the television is oddly sci-fi, Scandinavian looking box and spite initial appearances that they would be Would you have sex in a box on Channel Four? on the rise, and more importantly is becom- are expected to perform together multiple open about their time in the box. Tweet: @BoarTelevision ing increasingly graphic and precariously varieties of their preferred foreplay and inter- The presenters were just as awkward, and theboar.org 28 Editor: Robert Demont [email protected] Twitter @BoarTravel TRAVEL fb.com/groups/BoarTravel Strewth! Saving in Sydney Alice Cornelius gives her tips on visiting Australia’s most expensive city on a budget aving lived in Australia for nine an early afternoon ferry to Manly from the months of this year, I would happi- Rocks and you will get that iconic view of ly accept the argument ucityguides. the Bridge and the Opera House at the same com gives that it is the fourth most time. Manly is a great little suburb, with Hbeautiful country in the world. Beautiful beaches, nature reserves, shopping and plen- beaches, gorgeous rainforests, stunning de- ty of nightlife. serts and, of course, lively cities like Sydney Now you are going to want to go to Bondi are just part of what makes Australia great. Beach, which is filled with lovely cafes and However, tainting this glorious image I bars, and there is usually some sort of festival have put before you is the fact that, accord- there. However, if you are feeling energetic, ing to the Telegraph, Sydney is the world’s do the Bondi to Coogee beach walk along the sixth most expensive city. Having made it my cliff faces; it is a stunning walk and along the home for most of 2013, I can safely say that way you come across the much nicer beach- every city in the UK, including London, is far es such as Bronte and Tamarama, where the less expensive. However, as a self-proclaimed locals go (so there are plenty of bronzed Aus- Sydneysider, I can share the tips and tricks to sies in speedos). It takes a good two hours, so enjoying Sydney without breaking the bank. best to set off in the morning. The return flight from London to Syd- If you need a break from beaches, Sydney ney costs around £1,000, so you won’t want houses some fascinating museums and art to spend unnecessary dollars on things like galleries, my favourite being the Art Gallery trains and buses. Everything in the CBD is NSW, which, refreshingly, is free to visit. within walking distance, but you are going to Because it is so spread out, it is also worth want to catch the ferry to Manly, the bus to booking a tour around the Blue Mountains. Bondi and the train to the Blue Mountains. This usually costs about $60. Your whole day Pick up a ‘my multi ticket (zone three)’ as will be surrounded by a blue haze created by soon as you get to the city. This costs around the forests of Eucalyptus trees in the valleys, $60, which may sound expensive, but it lets which makes everything feel very ethereal. By now you’ll probably be very tired (espe- » Harbour Bridge and the Opera House; best viewed together you go as far as the Blue Mountains, and photo: flickr/crouchy69 works for every mode of transport. It also cially if you’re still jetlagged), so I’ll quickly lasts a whole week, so if you take advantage touch on the two types of hostel you can stay ing in the day and watching sport, so join the Aero Café and Bar on George Street. of it, it can save you a lot of money. at. For $36 a night, you can go for a big par- locals at The Three Wise Monkeys and have a Chinatown is a prominent part of the city, ty hostel, such as Wake Up! Sydney. You’ll be few schooners (smaller Australian version of which you will inevitably wind up in, but sleeping in a ten-person dorm, so don’t wor- a pint) of Tooheys Beer. don’t be sucked in by the hawkers on the ry about not making friends on your holiday. Clubbing in the city is varied. If you want street. Head straight to Dixon House Food I wouldn’t bother going to the Wake Up has a huge itinerary of activities for to save money, stay on George Street, where Court, which has awesome, cheap Asian cui- Opera House itself unless you guests, as well as its own bar, Side Bar, which there are cheap clubs like Scubar and Bar sine. For a nice dinner, I would recommend want to pay $10 for a Corona tends to pack out due to the cheap drinks. Century. With $2 drinks, they are usually full pretty much all the restaurants in Darling at Opera bar The other type of hostel is the more homey of backpackers. The best nights out, however, Harbour. They can be pricey, but look out for type, which I went for seeing as I was stay- are in Kings Cross, the party district. They the meal deals which usually include a main, ing there for a month. Casa Central Accom- have everything, from the urban beats of drink and coffee. Now you’ve got your ticket, where do you modation is a cosy hostel with a big kitchen, Soho Club, to the multi-levelled attraction of I will conclude with a line I found in the go with it? The Opera House and Harbour living room, free Wi-Fi and free washing. World Bar, to the sophistication of Goldfish. Sydney Morning Herald, “Can you visit the Bridge are the iconic images of tourism in ‘Casa’ costs $30 per night for its largest dorms Prices vary around ‘the Cross’, but you won’t Emerald City without the cost going up and Sydney, but I wouldn’t bother going to the which have beds for four people. find a drink for cheaper than $5. over? – Too right, mate.” If you manage to Opera House itself unless you want to pay Finally, we get onto the most important When you get up, you will be craving a avoid breaking the bank, you will agree that $10 for a Corona at Opera bar. Instead, get section: food and drink. Aussies love drink- greasy breakfast, which you can get for $4 at you have found the best place on earth. A year abroad is a year of opportunity Robert Demont But there’s also the opportunity to really Year 9 students and teaching an extra-curric- for interns or employees proficient in English add some punch to your CV. Whilst it’s im- ular English debating class. Having since be- (it is the international language, after all), so pressive enough to be able to say you’ve lived gun to apply for jobs and postgraduate study, there are plenty of positions out there for you. s good as a year abroad might look in another country, it looks even better if you I’ve found these skills and experiences have Some companies will even be so keen to on your CV, there will always be can say you’ve worked there. transferred perfectly, and easily, onto the CV. have you that they’ll come looking for you. those doubters who look on it as It’s not even difficult to find work place- If that wasn’t good enough, there is also the Join Erasmus Facebook groups, keep an eye one long party. After all, it doesn’t ments, particularly for language students, to obvious perk of earning a salary, and a ridic- on job listings and sites, and keep an open Aactually count towards your degree, right? whom the option of working as an English ulously inflated one at that, to ensure you can mind to things you can do outside of your re- The temptation is always to go for the uni- Language Assistant in local schools is pre- make the most of this year of opportunity. I mit as a year abroad student, to give your CV versity option: if the year doesn’t count, it’s sented as an equally straightforward alterna- personally used my monthly 800 euro income that something extra. essentially a repeat of first year, in a new, tive to studying. to travel just about everywhere: I ran a mar- Even those who do opt for the university more exciting environment. It’s hardly an increase in workload either. athon in Hamburg, hopped on a bus to enjoy route, why not look for a part-time job on the But, rather than a big party, I prefer to Those taking on these positions are contrac- a weekend in Prague, and spent a shedload of side? Tutoring local school pupils is an easy think of a no strings attached year abroad as tually limited to twelve working hours a week money on beer at Munich’s Oktoberfest. way to start, but there are plenty of other av- a window of enormous opportunity. by the British Council, a number fairly close Lest we forget, this wage comes on top of a enues to pursue. Firstly, and most obviously, there is the to familiarity for arts students, with those generous Erasmus grant, so I even came back Remember, just as you’d say yes to any ability to improve your language skills, irre- pesky essays no longer an obstruction. In- at the end of the year having made a profit. social occasion whilst abroad, virtually any- spective of your level before you moved out stead, you may suffer the occasional bout of Thank you, European Union. thing else is a great opportunity too. Say yes there. What better way to learn a language marking or lesson plan – but there you can be You’re only there for a year, and you don’t to work as well! than to be completely immersed in it on a creative, and get pupils as excited about stud- want to miss the opportunity to go out and daily basis? ying languages as you are. see what your new hometown has to offer be- Then there’s the opportunity to try living With such generous hours, I couldn’t help cause of a tight budget. Where did you work on but offer myself up to do more at my school For those looking for other work place- your year abroad? somewhere else, to experience a new culture Tweet: @BoarTravel and to make more friends internationally. in Berlin. As a result, I turned to tutoring ments, companies abroad are often desperate theboar.org theboar.org/Sport | @BoarSport | SPORT 3129 Investigating the Paralympic Legacy A Man talks to all the people he can and then writes an article about it. arlier this month the chair- bled athletes have to contend with, because of its close proximity to He refers to Job King, coach and been donated by other racers or woman of disabled charity he’s currently seeking sponsorship the track and the university’s good founder of the group set up in have been paid for by Job out of his Scope, Alice Maynard, de- for a 3,500 replacement to his cur- reputation for disability sport. 2011. Unassuming and understated, own back pocket. Eclared that the ‘jury was out’ on the rent racing-chair ‘Bruce’ (‘I spend Warwick doesn’t seem to share this Job tells me that when the group His enthusiasm is constant as he ‘legacy’ of the Paralympic Games. more time with him than I do my positive reputation, which can’t be started, they had only about 3 or 4 speaks with a quiet and firm con- Her verdict, delivered so soon after family, so I had to name him’, he helped by a total dearth of informa- members, and that the team was in- fidence about the future of the an entire nation rallied around the told me). It appears these finan- tion regarding disability sport on formal and amateur. Now, Job pre- group. I ask him about the legacy, achievements of our Paralympic cial implications can be overcome, both the Warwick SU and Warwick sides over an eclectic and dedicated initially the point of this article, but heroes, seemed particularly damn- however. He has competed in plac- Sport websites. team of athletes. He’s coached Ben he shakes the question off. ‘People ing and surprising. So I decided to es as far afield as Abu Dhabi and In just the session I attend, Ben from his first race to international speak about the ‘legacy’, but if there undertake an investigation of that Switzerland, and travels to campus completes around 30 laps of the tournaments, and he tells me that was a legacy it happened before much-fabled ‘legacy’ here on cam- from Shropshire twice a week, as track, explaining why his biceps this is one of the aspects of his job the games’, he says. ‘I try to ignore pus. well as training in Kenilworth on are about the same size as my neck. that he enjoys the most. ‘It’s nice to the political stuff and focus on the Fortunately, the Warwick Wheel- Monday nights. And I thought get- Unsurprisingly, Rio 2016 is a seri- see athletes being successful when sport’. He does, however, believe chair Racing Academy agreed to ting up for a 9am lecture showed ous target for him. I asked Ben why you’ve seen them start out’, he says. attitudes to disability sport have have me attend one of their train- commitment. he traveled to Coventry instead Of course steering the group to changed for the better, an opinion ing sessions, held at Westwood In his final year of A-Levels, Ben of staying closer to home. ‘This is success hasn’t been an entirely that would challenge Maynard’s running track. I joined them on a is currently navigating the UCAS a career for me’, he said. ‘I travel painless endeavor for Job. Initial- more pessimistic outlook. ‘Disabil- cold wet Sunday, slightly regretting system, far tougher than any race from so far away because this is the ly competitions and racing chairs ity sport is no longer seen as a hob- the fact I hadn’t elected to remain at for sure. He tells me he’s aiming quickest track around, as well as were hard to come by; the chairs by, and the people who train here home. But by the end of the session for a place at Coventry University, because of Job’. the club currently own have either are now seen as athletes’. I was delighted I had braved the el- My conversation with Job brought ements, such was the infectious en- my time with the group to an all thusiasm of everybody I spoke to. too soon conclusion. I came to the The group pride themselves on training session with the intention their inclusivity, and I first spoke of learning everything I could about to the parents and grandparents of the Paralympic ‘legacy’, believing it two junior racers: 9 year old Hollie to be the biggest issue in disability and 10 year old Jessica. A common sport. However, I now realize this theme of these discussions was the to be too naïve an intention. After hefty financial implications of dis- the conversations I had with peo- ability sport. Hollie’s grandmother ple, it struck me that the ‘legacy’ told me of the difficulty in winning seemed nothing more than media sponsorship for the construction hyperbole, a political statement and of a custom-built racing chair for concern, with little relevance to the Hollie, ‘it feels like begging’, she sport itself. The extreme enthusi- told me. The need for better chairs asm and commitment disabled ath- was typified by Jessica’s continuing letes demonstrate has not changed, struggles, it took a good 20 min- nor, unfortunately, have the fund- utes for her borrowed chair to set ing issues that preceded the Games. up properly according to her needs. It seems then, that we should move This was 20 minutes well spent on from this cyclical discussion however, for she later set a personal of ‘legacy’. Rather than repeatedly best of 30.7 seconds in the 100m. discussing this issue in a context 17 year old Ben Rowlings also men- » Olympic coach Darren Warner giving some tips. photo: Robert Demont removed from grass-roots sport, tioned the financial struggles disa- it seems to me more important to Winning Olympic coach gets to grips with Warwick Judo Robert Demont discusses the Warwick Judo session headed by the coach who garnered team GB a silver lead their training session. clothing, and introduces the exer- work with Gibbons at the Olym- I was invited to take part in the cise that clarifies the whole premise pics. session myself, to observe just how of the sport in one fell swoop: use Like a skilled judoka who has My first impression of taking the club benefits from having such your opponent’s body weight and just been sent crashing down onto part in a judo is a reminder of a decorated judoka as a guest at the balance against them. the mat, he is laid back about it all. club. In other words, if they’re push- “It was a great experience, espe- just how scrawny I am Prior to training a variety of ing you back, pull them further. If cially being at a home Olympics. Olympic and Paralympic athletes, they’re tugging at you, give them The crowd is more behind you and he himself was a British champion, a push. The esteemed coach has there is more riding on it. But the competing for many years at inter- made it all clear in one simple matchday routine has to be the verybody has a special mem- national level. demonstration. same as any other. ory from the Olympic Games. “Having worked at such a level, I observe as Warner gives one “Obviously we were delighted for Perhaps you’re thinking of he just sees things differently to pair a tip as to how they can tweak Gemma. She went from having 30 EBert Le Clos emotionally gushing everybody else,” says president An- their throw. Even the more experi- Twitter followers to about 30,000 about his son’s achievements, or of toine Remond-Tierez. enced have so much to learn from overnight. Instead of desperately Usain Bolt once again seeming to “It’s especially great for those such a top-level trainer. rooting around for money to go break the laws of physics. who haven’t tried judo before – Despite now being based in out, she was being paid to be seen One of mine is the semi final of who better to give you your first Brighton, Warner spent much of in places. As a coach, it suddenly the women’s 78 kg judo competi- impressions of judo?” his professional judo career in Cov- becomes a case of keeping them in. tion. Great Britain’s Gemma Gib- My first impression of taking entry, and says he relishes the op- “But the athletes deserve that re- bons defeated her opponent to se- part in a judo training session is a portunity to come back each year ward for the hard work they put in.” cure her place in the final and, with reminder of just how scrawny I am, to lead the students at Warwick - Perhaps he trained the judo star it, a guaranteed silver medal. as I put all my weight into a push, although he admits that coaching of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games Judo was not an event I expected which my opponent shrugs off as a beginners is actually harder than at Warwick last week – only time to stick in the memory, but Gib- dog might shake off a particularly internationals. will tell. bons’ performance was one of the irritating flea. At least it’s only the “You have to be so technically most iconic of the entire Games. warm-up. perfect,” he explains. “You’re the Last week Warwick Judo Club Warner steps in, heralded by his only one who has to have all the Can you balance benefitted from the same quali- call of “matte!” Apparently, that answers. It’s not like at internation- sport and a degree? ty of coaching as Gibbons herself means ‘stop’. Lesson number one. al level, where you’re working with Tweet: @BoarSport received, with her coach, Darren He explains in more detail how three different tiers of coaches.” Warner, coming to the university to to correctly grip your opponent’s I ask Warner what it was like to theboar.org 30 Sponsored by Editor: Isaac Leigh [email protected] Twitter @BoarSport SPORT fb.com/groups/BoarSport Warwick coach leads GB to silver medal Director of Warwick Sport James Ellis managed GB footballers at the 2013 World University Games

t is a common perception that the education. gulf between supporters and play- “After Warwick, I went to the ers is ever-widening in this age of University of Nottingham to study Icelebrity. Geography, he said. So often, sportsmen and women “Whilst I was completing my forget where they have come from. degree I played both at the Uni- As players sign more lucrative con- versity and for Nottingham Rugby tracts, they become more out of Club, but I wasn’t exposed to that touch with the people who support much game time at Nottingham them every week. and was unfortunate with injuries.” This, though, is not the case with It is clear that whilst Nottingham Wasps centre Charlie Hayter, who formed a part of his sporting edu- was more than happy to talk to The cation, loan spells at Stourbridge Boar in an exclusive interview about and London Scottish were ex- his career. tremely significant for his career. The 24-year-old former Warwick He only made one Aviva Premier- School student has come a long way ship appearance for Worcester in a short space of time since lifting Warriors after leaving Nottingham the Daily Mail Cup in 2007. - against Northampton Saints in After studying Geography at 2012 - before temporarily drop- Nottingham University, his career ping down to the lower leagues. has taken him from Nottingham to “I believe that (the loan spells) Worcester Warriors, and then from were both a huge part in my devel- Moseley to playing alongside the opment,” he said. likes of Christian Wade and Tom Var- “I felt I needed to be playing ndell at Adams Park. regularly to get some much needed game experience.” After starring on loan, he was “Fabio Capello wanted to signed by Moseley, an RFU come into our changing room Championship club based in Bir- to congratulate the players. mingham. The players were amazed” He quickly established himself as the star player there, and head coach Kevin Maggs admitted “It has been a really enjoyable that he couldn’t stand in his way time,” he said. when the call came from Wasps in “Having signed with Moseley for January 2013. the start of the 2012/13 season I “He has done fantastically well for had a goal to gain a Premiership us but you can’t stop him pro- contract through exposure in the gressing,” he told the Birmingham Championship. Mail after Hayter’s departure. “When Wasps came in and offered “Put him in a team with Christian me the chance in January to sign Wade and Tom Varndell and you for them I jumped at it. They are a are developing a very dangerous fantastic club and have a really ex- backline.” citing set of players to be involved And Hayter himself has confessed with.” it was difficult to leave Moseley Hayter has a connection with the after just a few months there. local area, too. He was captain of “It was hard, because it was a the 1st XV at Warwick School, good club up there,” he said. scoring the winning try against “Kevin was an excellent coach to Barnard Castle in the 2007 Daily have, especially for me as he has vast international experience for Mail Cup final at Twickenham to A close-up shot of where GB’s finest student footballers lived in Russia. photo: wikimedia commons secure a 24-23 victory. Ireland at inside centre which is » He also opened the scoring after my preferred position. Fortunately I didn’t have to do any though we lost!” he said. “The feet on the ground throughout his less than a minute with a drop “It is also difficult to leave a side kind of initiation!” dizzying recent journey. halfway through a season. Having Daily Mail Cup win with Warwick goal, and was widely praised for Hayter has locked horns with the Who knows where the boy from driving his team on to victory. said that, the opportunity with is also high up on the list.” likes of Leicester Tigers centre Warwick School could be in a And he admits he has fond mem- Wasps was one I couldn’t turn For Hayter, though, it is time to year’s time? ories of his time there, and still down.” Manu Tuilagi and Sale Sharks fly- look forwards rather than back- keeps in touch with his former Hayter scored his first try against half Danny Cipriani, but admits wards. Although Wasps have made team-mates. Sale Sharks in February in a 33-30 that he can’t decide who has been LV Cup defeat, and admits that a slow start to the season - they “My time at Warwick was a mas- his toughest opponent during his are currently second-bottom, with sive aid to me, especially the Daily playing at Premiership level has Mail run we had,” he said. helped him to enhance his game. time at Wasps. With a smile, he only Hayter’s old club Worcester “Having that pressure of a Cup “I think being in a full time en- describes it as a “tough call”. below them - he has high hopes environment with friends you have vironment where you have great But he is a little more decisive for the rest of the season on an about his proudest moment in grown up with was awesome. players and coaches around you to individual basis. “I still keep in touch with the boys help develop your game has been rugby. from school, a lot of them live in the most rewarding thing,” he said. He was named in the RFU Cham- “Personally I think this season is pionship XV team of the season about getting as much game time London now so it is easier to get to “It has been good settling in. see them.” after star performances for Mose- as I can under my belt with Wasps There is a good team spirit down ley, and played against the New and try and establish a position After leaving school, he did not here and the boys helped me to fit What to you dive straight into professional Zealand Maoris in November 2012 within the team,” he said. in straight away even though I was in a 52-21 defeat. think of GB’s silver? rugby, but went to complete his A modest reply from a player who Tweet: @BoarSport new half way through the season. “That was a really good day, even has clearly managed to keep his