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twitter.com/warwickboar theStudentboar Publication of the Year 2013 Wednesday 5th February, 2014 Est. 1973 | Volume 36 | Issue 8

Travelling in Books to fall Essay season: your backyard asleep to Brainboosters p. 28 p. 18 p. 26

FEATURES page 13 LIFESTYLE page 14 MUSIC page 23 SPORT page 30 Scotland’s future for students A guide to Valentine’s Day Boar Jukebox: Alt. Lovesongs Women and sports at Warwick

» Photo: Warwick Media Library and Liam Simmonds Frats at Warwick

Lucy Broughton

DIVIDED One of the first American-style fraternities, Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE), has been set up in the UK at Warwick University and the University of Edinburgh. Both Warwick and Edinburgh are being visited this week by an American representative to help the transition from ‘colony’ to ‘chapter’, from an unofficial American frater- nity to an officially-recognised one. Recruitment to DKE relies on potential members exhibiting three qualities – those of ‘the gentleman, the scholar, and the jolly good-fel- low’. There are, however, concerns surrounding the nature of the DKE Students cross the picket line by organising own lectures fraternity brand. The DKE fraternity at Yale Uni- History students for “manning up The student-led lectures have have emphasised that they are nei- versity was banned for five years in Selina Sykes and running their own lecture pro- caused controversy on campus and ther ideological nor against the May 2011 for promoting rape cul- gramme” on Twitter. have been accused of being an- strikes. ture by chanting “No means yes! She also tweeted: “Lecturers – ti-strike. Remy Osman, a second-year Yes means anal!” across campus. A group of History students have get your idle arses off strike and Ms Gill said: “Under any other History undergraduate, said: “We This has led to student concern at been organising their own lec- back in lecture theatres pronto. Be circumstance, I would be hugely try not to be ideological and respect the University of Edinburgh, the tures after concerns over missed w ar n e d .” supportive of student-led initiatives the right of lecturers to strike.” Independent has reported. contact time during strikes. Lucy Gill, postgraduate officer at in the classroom […] However, I “However, we also feel that as Tomas Kolina, new member co- Organisers arranged for students the Students’ Union, told the Boar: am disappointed by the timing of fee-paying students we should not ordinator and co-founder of the from higher year groups to cover “Comments from Katie Hopkins these lectures and the political mo- constantly miss contact hours.” Warwick fraternity, defended the basic material in order to reassure and others that suggest lecturers tives behind what could be a laud- Alexander Bunzl, a second-year concerns surrounding the DKE: undergraduates worried about un- are ‘idle’ ignore the wider issues at able action.” History student, said that they are “The actions of the Yale chapter’s covered topics coming up in exam stake. “I understand that it is disap- not replacing “the hard work of our members were independent and papers. “We should be supporting and pointing to miss a contact hour, but excellent lecturers and tutors” but not sanctioned by DKE. Katie Hopkins, a Sun newspaper not undermining staff fighting for to camouflage what might other- are demonstrating “entrepreneurial “DKE and our colony strongly columnist, has also publicly backed fair pay. wise be interpreted as a positive step spirit”. condemn the occurrence of such the student-led classes. “Teaching staff, some of whom under the auspices of campaigning He added that the response from incidents as they are in direct con- Ms Hopkins, who cancelled her are postgraduate students them- for ‘our fees’ and ‘our experience’ is students who have attended the lec- trast with our fundamental beliefs planned talk on feminism at War- selves, deserve to be paid fairly for divisive and disappointing.” tures has been positive. and morality.” wick on January 30, praised the the work they do.” Students organising the lectures Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6

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Sponsored by: TF2897 The Boar Warwick 265x44 Banner.indd 1 18/12/2013 16:37 2 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 2 theboar.org News 3 Students banned from SU club Leam post office to be stay off the premises. makes me wonder why there has Ann Yip The SU, however, denied having been such an increase [of recent made listed building? ever banned any groups or societies Copper Room bans].” ROCK UP & from the Copper Rooms. Naila Waseem, a second-year Warwick Students’ Union (SU) Cosmo March, SU democracy Economics undergraduate, said: Hannah Howard UV SPORT PLAY has banned a total of 26 people and development officer, said: “We “Considering that it’s majority OPEN TO ALL from the Copper Rooms, the Boar do not exclude any groups at all, freshers who’ve been away from Our casual social sessions are can reveal. incidents are resolved with regard home for the first time and are test- Leamington Spa’s 150 year-old In the last three and a half years, to specific people involved in those ing the boundaries, I’d expect the post office building is currently open to everyone of all shapes, from 2011 to 2014, ten of the 26 peo- incidents. number to be higher.” being considered by English Her- BADMINTON sizes and abilities. For more ple were banned from the Copper “If the incident involved a whole Bans are usually given for up to itage as a potential building of Sat 8th Feb information, visit us at: Rooms. group of people, they may all re- four weeks if the person under- historic status. The SU clarified that not all of ceive the same punitive measures stands their behaviour was not ac- Marianne Pitts submitted the ap- warwick.ac.uk/services/ them are permanent bans. imposed.” ceptable. plication on behalf of Leamington ZUMBA sportscentre/ The majority of permanent bans Isabelle Ng, a second-year Ac- “For the vast majority of people,” Society to prevent development to th are due to incidents that involve counting and Finance undergrad- Mr March stated, “this generally the historic building after company Mon 10 Feb serious violence or abuse to staff uate, responded to the figures of works and quite often people are bosses announced that the building members or to customers. Copper Room bans: “Really? So embarrassed about their behaviour on Priory Terrace would be put up SPINNING Some are due to drug offences few? I would have expected the SU to ensure it does not happen again for sale. th and a few are persistent repeat of- to have banned more people. I don’t any w ay.” The Victorian building’s future » Photo: Benjamin Edmonds Fri 14 Feb fenders of unacceptable behaviour. support permanent bans though.” Longer bans are given to offenc- came into the spotlight after the RUNNING The SU admitted that they did Joanne Sarginson, a second-year es involving violence, but the SU post office’s recent move from its Opening in March 1870, its devel- get persistent offenders who, after Literature student, also comment- insists this depends on the incident original home to Spar supermarket opment was a part of the expansion SQUASH GROUPS three or four times, are warned to ed: “I guess I’m quite surprised. It and the level of violence. in Bath Street in December 2013, of the Post Office between 1840 and Fri 14th & Sat 15th Feb leaving the Priory Terrace building 1913 designed by James Williams. It Join us for a social, weekly unprotected. has been the head office in Leam- run, we cater for everyone. The report, constructed by Eng- ington until last December. There’s no commitment lish Heritage after inspection of the Matt Peckham, a first-year Eco- BUY TICKETS site, is currently undergoing discus- nomics undergraduate said: “If an- ONLINE needed, just Rock Up & Run! sion. It will then be recommended ything happened to the building it warwick.ac.uk/services/ to politician Maria Miller, the Sec- would ruin the aesthetics of Leam- retary of State for Culture, Media ington in that area with the Church warwicksport.warwick.ac.uk/warwickactive/events/ sportscentre/ and Sport. and the Pump Rooms so close by. Ms Pitts said to the Leaming- Leamington is a town that displays ton Observer: “It is a fantastic site the importance of conservation of right in the middle of town and is buildings. It is a part of Leaming- therefore attractive for developers. ton’s history.” I want to make sure the outside of While waiting for English Herit- UNLIMITED CLASS the building at least is preserved as age’s decision, the Victorian build- COUPLES » The SU has banned a total of 26 people from its club the Copper Rooms. Photo: Alex Sturtivant it was.” ing’s future is still uncertain. PASS FOR £35 Personal Training theboar Editorial Team Book your session for just £30! Available for up to two Editor George Ryan NEWS Sian Elvin ARTS Rebekah Ellerby [email protected] [email protected] Georgina Lawton [email protected] Julia Dorrington couples per session. 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Deutsche Bank Financial support can only take you so far db.com/careers SU president launches defence of controversial street marshals Agile minds know how to go further dents living in Leamington, and to ered in the Leamington Courier, likely to be the victims of crime and should welcome this.” Selina Sykes respond positively to the concerns which stated that the marshals were anti-social behaviour than the per- Nick Buxey, a first-year Italian expressed by some members of the brought in due to the disturbance petrators. It is beyond infuriating and English student said: “[Stu- local community. caused by Warwick students during when someone is happy to sensa- dents] tend to go out a lot, but to Ben Sundell, president of the “The scheme is one of a number nights out. tionalise the real situation in order make us all out as disruptive is un- 5566_011_DB_Banner_265x36_B.indd 1 24/10/2012 17:23 University of Warwick Students’ of investments the University is to sell papers, and jeopardise all the fair.” Union (SU), has criticised the making in Leamington, to the ben- “[It’s] lazy, typical anti-student good work we’ve actually been do- Warwick is understood to be the SU launches feedback survey Former lecturer passes away News in brief misrepresentation of the street efit of students and other residents.” rhetoric.” ing in the local area.” first university in the country to marshal scheme introduced in Starting in term one of last year, Ben Sundell Mr Sundell said that student re- support a street marshal scheme. despite a generally high level of in many of the countries he visit- Euan Long Leamington. the scheme aims to protect students action has been wholly positive. Mr Sundell said: “I’m proud of Eloise Stocks student satisfaction across the de- Emily Stevenson ed, and in particular his efforts in Working closely with the District and curb anti-social behaviour in Mr Sundell said: “The facts and Students have reacted to what the my University for funding this partments, feedback was an area Uganda and the Commonwealth, Council over the past year, the Uni- Leamington. reasoning behind the scheme have SU president called the Leamington scheme because it cares about our that continually scored lower than he was made an MBE by the British versity agreed to fund the exten- The roles of marshals includes been completely misrepresented in Courier’s “lazy typical anti-student students’ welfare.” The University of Warwick Stu- others. Professor Patrick McAuslan MBE, Government in 2001. sion of the current street marshal helping students usher taxis, call- order to get a snappy headline.” rhetoric”. dents’ Union (SU) launched its Final-year History and Poli- a former lecturer at Warwick Law Dorrette, his wife of 43 years, scheme operating in the town cen- ing the ambulance service if a stu- Denying the Courier’s claims Miguel Costa Matos, the Under- ‘Hungry for Feedback’ scheme on tics undergraduate, Eliza Fleming, School, passed away on January 11 said: “He had a great sense of com- tre on student nights out. dent requires to be taken to hospi- that the marshals were introduced graduate Social Sciences faculty What do you think Monday 27 January. thought that the scheme was an after a short illness. mitment to social justice. A lot of Ken Sloan, registrar of the Uni- tal, walking people home who are to “control” disorderly students, he representative at Warwick SU told of the street marshall A new survey on the SU web- “important step” in responding to Prof McAuslan was a world ex- the work he did saw him commit versity of Warwick, said: “We have alone or feel unsafe and resolving emphasised that the scheme was set the Boar: “This is not about noisy scheme? site aims to find out what students’ the NSS findings of previous years. pert in land law, sustainable de- to making changes, which he did in agreed to fund the street marshal any conflict. up to protect student welfare. students. It is about making people Tweet: @BoarNews views are on the quality of feedback Ms Fleming highlighted signif- velopment, and the alleviation of many countries all over the world. scheme in order to support our stu- The scheme was recently cov- He added: “Students are far more safe on nights out […] everyone that they receive for their work. icant differences between the two poverty. “I think sometimes you don’t re- The survey covers how long it departments, particularly in terms During his career he advised 35 alise how important those closest takes to get feedback, one’s under- of the promptness of feedback and countries on land management to you are to the rest of the world, Business School shoots up global rankings at Financial Times standing of the marking methods, the manner in which it is given. and land law, as well as lecturing until you take a moment to think arwick students are to how well marks are justified and Tom Martin, a fourth-year En- at Warwick University, the London about it.” launch a satellite into UK institutions. completed the programme three dedication, talents and efforts are journals. explained, and how helpful the gineering student, noted the dif- School of Economics and Universi- space in 2015. Warwick Hannah Fitzgibbon Utilising criteria such as career years ago. the foundation for this success.” The MBA is a continued source feedback is for your improvement. ference in quality of feedback even ty College London. WUniversity Satellite Team (WUSAT) progress as well as teaching and re- Questions posed to former stu- He added: “It is significant that of accomplishment for WBS, with Education officer at Warwick within departments. His interest in land law was will send the WUSAT2 – designed search excellence, the rankings take dents include their current average the criteria in which we have risen around 2,000 participants, most of SU, Erin Davies, has commented “It’s all relative; it depends on the sparked when he was sent to Nige- and built by third and fourth-year Warwick Business School (WBS) into account a wide range of aca- salary, and the percentage increase show our strength across a good whom have already achieved suc- on what the SU aims to gain from tutor.” ria as an officer during his nation- Engineering students – 100 kilo- has risen to 25th position in the demic and practical benchmarks. between their salaries before un- range of measures – from teaching, cess in their respective studies and the scheme. Fourth-year History undergrad- al service, and during this time he metres into space. The team beat Financial Times annual global dertaking the MBA, and three years careers services, and meeting the careers. “Hopefully I’ll be able to build an uate, Pamela Chinwe Nnajiuba, witnessed perceived injustices, in- off competition from undergrad- ranking of full-time MBA pro- afterwards. This gives a measurable demands of our MBA graduates.” WBS offers a distance learning idea of what a ‘Warwick Standard’ expressed her concerns about the spiring him to help bring about so- uate, postgraduate and PhD teams grammes, published in January. “I would like to thank out idea of what an MBA is ‘worth’. This refers to WBS’s particular MBA which is studied in over 100 of feedback would look like and be helpfulness of feedback in her de- cial change. He was an active policy from all over Europe to be one of This cements WBS’s position students, graduates and staff.” Speaking on the news, the dean rise in MBA rankings for criteria countries. able to pass that onto the Universi- partment: “The feedback is okay, maker and worked for several dif- nine student projects selected to be among some of the top business Professor Mark Taylor of WBS, professor Mark Taylor, such as ‘Placement Success’, which In early 2014, the QS global t y.” but I wish I was given more con- ferent international organisations taken into space by the European schools internationally, remaining acknowledged the input of both rates the value of a school’s careers ranking of Distance Learning and Ms Davies emphasised that she structive advice of exactly what to and governments. Space Agency rocket, REXUS, next in the European top ten, and beaten It works by reviewing both the teachers and those studying, say- service; and ‘Research Rank’, which Online MBA programmes placed would be “really keen to read” any d o.” Among other roles, he was land year. only by London Business School, business schools and teaching staff, ing: “I would like to thank our stu- measures the work of teaching staff WBS as second in the world for its examples of what students think is The aim of the SU’s investigation management co-ordinator for UN Oxford and Cambridge amongst as well as surveying those who dents, graduates and staff whose published in international business distance learning MBA. “particularly good or bad feedback”, is to get the opinions of a wide range Habitat in the 1990s, as well as to help the scheme achieve the best of students heard by the University, working as an advisor for the Euro- he Sochi 2014 Winter Olym- possible results. with an additional commentary pean Union. pics will be screened live UCU members walk out Last year’s National Student box at the end of the survey that In recognition of his role in in- from the Big Screen on the Survey (NSS) results revealed that offers space for more specific ideas. stating legal and industrial reform » Photo: Warwick Uni Insite TPiazza, outside the Students’ Un- fat surpluses, and big salary in- ion. BBC coverage will be shown Mehak Saluja creases for vice chancellors and throughout the event – February other senior staff. Study challenges ‘grade inflation’ Schools undergo Transformations 7-23 – starting with the Opening “What is particularly annoying Ceremony at 3.30pm on Friday 7 The University and College Un- est hint of pressure to award higher The programme appears to be February. It is the second time that ion (UCU) members in the High- Ben Gallaher grades.” James Ashton well-received among Warwick stu- Russia have hosted an Olympic er Education (HE) sector walked dents as a CV-boosting opportuni- Games, following the Moscow 1980 out for the third time over inad- ty, as well as an opportunity to aid Summer Games. equate pay since October for two £19,500,000 A recent study has revealed that English Literature students from younger students in following in hours on Thursday 23 January. rising university grades are due to 70 percent the University of Warwick have their footsteps. A further two-hour strike took Warwick University’s surplus students being better prepared for taken part in a scheme to educate Laura Primiceri, first-year Eng- ucceed in Your Studies Week place on Tuesday 28 January from for last year their degrees. The number of students who their younger counterparts in lo- lish Literature undergraduate, is to take place on campus be- 2pm to 4pm, which also saw action The study, conducted by Lancas- gained a 2:2 or above last year cal schools and sixth forms. signed up to join the programme at tween February 3-7, hosted by from the Warwick University UCU ter University, has challenged the The Transformations Tutori- the start of term, and is now an en- SMy Warwick Journey, part of Stu- representatives. supposed problem of grade infla- al Programme was established by thusiastic member of a two-student dent Careers & Skills. Students can The action was to oppose a tion within the UK. Paul Whitehouse, widening partic- teaching team. learn how to work efficiently, try meagre one percent rise in the members, is that Warwick It argues that the improvement In agreement with the research ipation officer for the English and Ms Primiceri stated that the out new ways of studying and learn the staff’s salary, which University is refusing to in students’ degree grades comes study, Mr Parkinson said: “I do Comparative Literary Studies De- Programme’s main aim is “to help how to put their skills to best use. have otherwise pay even the mini- as a result of the better quality of think the quality of student work is partment. [pupils] at their current level and There are drop-in sessions every gone down by 13 mum amount of students – based on a summary of getting better. The effort that goes Teams of undergraduate stu- to teach them skills that will help day – from ‘Making the most of percent in real money, i.e. 2.5 A-Level entries. into this across the board, from dents are sent to give a series of ten them in the future.” reading week’ to ‘Being enterpris- terms since percent, it budg- learning skills to teaching quality, is after-school lessons on important She also added: “It has a second- ing: see a problem, create a solution’ 2009. eted for pay ris- “I have never had the merest enormous, so I’d be worried if the literary aspects, namely representa- ary purpose, which is to encourage – held at various locations around The pay es in its finan- hint of pressure to award outcomes were not improving. tions of magic and the undead. these students to pursue higher ed- campus. Follow @WarwickSkills cuts have cial plan, and higher grades” “I sleep-walked my way through These lessons are similar to univer- ucation later in life.” for more. been sus- instead paying Professor John Parkinson my first degree, only waking up half sity seminars, designed with the in- tained de- only one per- way through third year. You can’t tention of aiding pupils’ GCSE and spite the fact cent. get away with that now.” A-Level studies, while at the same Monash-Warwick alliance that Warwick An open let- The rise in degree grades, which time preparing them for university. joint professor has been University de- ter signed by 827 highlighted that 70 percent of stu- In addition, a Transformations awarded a Wolfson Research clared a £19.5 students and staff dents gained a 2:2 or above in the Summer School has been estab- AMerit by the Royal Society just two million surplus has been sent to vice 2012-13 academic year, has been at- lished, narrowing the programme’s months after receiving the Le Fèvre last year. chancellor professor tributed to the more positive analy- scope to focus on students in years Memorial Prize from the Austral- Academic staff say Nigel Thrift to express the sis that students are improving. nine and ten, aged 13 to 15. ian Academy of Science. The for- they are expected to deliver staff’s concern over the matter. This combats the view that uni- The summer school engages its mer award recognises outstanding more, teach bigger classes and raise Another one day strike is sched- SPA ESTATES versities inflate grades to safeguard participants in both creative writ- scientific achievement while the teaching standards despite unsatis- uled for Thursday 6 February in RENTING STUDENT ACCOMMODATION FOR 30 YEARS their reputation. The findings, ing and drama-based workshops, latter is for outstanding research factory increases in pay. which all three campus unions however, claim that top universities culminating in a series of perfor- in chemistry by scientists under Dennis Leech, joint president of (UCU, Unison and Unite) involved are more likely to award their stu- mances for parents, pupils and staff. 40 years of age. Professor Sébas- Warwick UCU branch commented in the dispute will take part. 2 Clemens Street [email protected] dents higher degrees. The programme’s contributors tien Perrier divides his time be- on the issue. When asked if this was the case aim to have a society up and run- tween the University of Warwick’s “Universities can easily afford to Leamington Spa www.spa-estates.co.uk for the University of Warwick, ning which new members are ex- Department of Chemistry and the pay decent wages. Politics lecturer John Parkinson pected to join in the next academic Monash Institute of Pharmaceuti- “Most of them raised student CV31 2DL Tel: 01926 425774 claimed: “I have never had the mer- » Photo: Lauren Rosewarne year. » Photo: Paul Whitehouse cal Sciences. fees above cost, which resulted in » Photo: Warwick Media Library 6 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 6 theboar.org News 7 History students lead Woman rescued from River Leam Gary Phillips, the deputy chief “I urge people to take great care lectures during strike Megan Bower fire officer, commented on the in- around water particularly when cident. there has been heavy rainfall and Continued from front page on the organisers’ Facebook group “This incident could have had a rivers are more dangerous.” Andrew Burchell, a French and with one incident of a threatening A woman was rescued from River much more tragic outcome had it Flood warnings for the River History finalist said: “While I un- image being posted. Leam at around 7.20am on Friday not been for the quick thinking and Leam were issued by the Environ- derstand these students’ frustra- Matt Davies, a Politics postgrad- 24 January. bravery of all the emergency servic- ment Agency the day after the res- tions, there is nothing stopping uate, commented: “I feel that many The emergency services re- es who attended her rescue.” cue. them from doing the work them- teachers deserve security in their sponded to reports from bystand- selves, at home, or meeting up with wages because they do have this ers who had been alerted by the friends”. extra level of knowledge, that is the screams of the 20-year-old woman. “It is somewhat disingenuous for very reason they are lecturers and An on-the-scene paramedic had them to claim that going a step fur- seminar tutors. gone in to the water himself to at- ther, and actually trying to organ- “This strike breaking then... tempt to reach her. ise replacement lectures, is in some undermines the idea that many Two fire crews from Leamington way a neutral desire to help their lecturers, especially postgraduate and a water rescue team from Rug- fellow students. teachers, deserve better.” by responded, alongside the local “It’s clearly a political act, and I The group of History under- police and ambulance services. doubt they would be quite so keen graduates are encouraging students The crews used triple extension to put on replacement classes if the from other departments to do the ladders and throw lines to suc- lectures had been cancelled for oth- same. cessfully pull the 20-year-old and er reasons.” Larissa Quinn, a second-year the paramedic from the river. The Members of ‘Protect the Public History student, said: “I am very casualty was taken to hospital by University’ have repeatedly posted proud to help this happen.” Warwickshire Ambulance. » The River Leam from the bridge. Photo: Benjamin Edmonds Cambridge to ask for A*s in science-related courses

» Photo: mariosp / Flickr plicants had already scored A*A*A three years ago to students who top tier of A-Level examinees. Adrian Ortuno-Guendell or better in their A-Levels, and received 90 percent on their sec- The change in entry require- to predict whether their pupils will therefore, does not consider to be ond-year A-Level papers. It was an ments at Cambridge comes at a achieve an A* or not. raising the bar for any prospective attempt to distinguish the best stu- time when students are demand- Bonita Chung, a second-year Cambridge University has in- students. dents in their examinations. ing higher value for money in their Life Sciences undergraduate at creased its entry requirement for In an official statement, the The grade attracted controversy education, most notably since the Warwick, was not surprised by the all science-related courses from University claimed that the new when introduced; its critics pre- introduction of the £9,000 tuition raise in entry requirements at Cam- the current A*AA to A*A*A. requirement will strive to show ap- dicted that it would favour students fees. The raise in entry require- bridge, as they “show how competi- Where are you At Warwick University, the new plicants “a clearer indication of the from private schools. ments also hints at the nation-wide tive science-based degrees are now- A* grades at A-Level were intro- level of attainment realistically re- Supporters of the grade, how- issue of grade inflation and grade adays. duced for courses including Math- quired to compete for a place, and ever, found that it actually helped prediction. “I can understand how it’s useful ematics and Warwick Business to thrive on science courses”. raise the percentage of university Many universities have expressed for Cambridge as a refining filter living this term? School courses. Cambridge was among the first students from state schools in 2011. concern for the expansion of the A* for applicants”, she said, “but am The entry requirement for Life universities to ask for A* grades in Since the introduction of the A* grades in entry requirements, as glad I don’t have to worry about Sciences at Warwick is AAB-ABB. 2010. Oxford University followed grade, leading universities have they rely on teachers’ predictions A-Levels anymore.” Cambridge insisted that 92 per- in 2012. introduced hikes to their entry re- to give out conditional offers. They Ms. Chung received grades cent of their successful science ap- The new grade was introduced quirements, seeking to target the realise that it is hard for teachers AAAAB in her five A-Levels.

American fraternity at Warwick Students campaign for Fossil Free Warwick Continued from front page be used to make a positive impact the cause through campaigns and the industry.” Keval Amin, a third- both within the university and the Medha Shah activities to raise awareness of the However, divestment is not prop- year MORSE student, surrounding area.” climate crisis. erly understood. In simple terms, it commented on the Ms Eade, however, ex- On Fossil Free Friday, which falls is a reduction in asset for financial American-style pressed some concerns As part of the upcoming Go on Valentine’s Day, Fossil Free War- or political gains – the opposite of fraternities com- that “it could lead to a Green Week 2014, members of wick University are encouraging an investment. ing to Warwick: negative increase in Fossil Free Warwick University students and staff to send action Some students believe the divest- Student List “After having cliques and exclu- are encouraging students to join cards to the university’s Vice-Chan- ment will have a negative financial seen sever- sionary behaviour” their campaign calling for divest- cellors, urging them to ‘break-up’ impact on the university. al films with and that “the divi- ment from the use of fossil fuels with the fossil fuel industry. However, Mr LeQuesne said: fraternities, I sion of the sexes on campus. Along with 311 signatures on a “The point of this campaign is not believe being is an archaic con- Following recent announce- letter to Nigel Thrift calling for a to get the University to stop using 10% a part of one cept”. ments last week that indicate the fossil free campus, the group hopes fossil fuels overnight. We want to OUT NOW! would not just DKE’s alum- University of Edinburgh may be a couple hundred of these action create a message, so that in the long help me party, ni have included the first UK University to invest its cards will help shed light on this run it is a lot easier for everyone off admin fees but also make five presidents, £235 million endowment in renew- pressing issue. in society to move away from fos- 25 High Street, Royal Leamington Spa, CV31 1LN valuable friend- members of the ables, this year’s Go Green Week at Theo LeQuesne, a third-year sil fuel use without the influence ships and contacts first expedition the University of Warwick will fo- Politics and Sociology student and of the fossil fuel industry hanging when you present for life.” to the North cus on fossil free action. the Fossil Free Warwick University over us.” Alexandra Eade, Pole and the first Hosted by People & Planet, Go co-coordinator said: “Divestment 01926 470022 a Politics and Sociol- manned moon Green Week (February 10-16) is a is about creating a public dialogue. this Boar advert ogy finalist, also added: landing. week of action tackling issues of When 300 universities across the To read more news www.dhesiestates.com “They could be a really climate change in schools, colleges world decide that they are longer articles and stories good thing, they can help es- and universities across the country. going to put money into the fossil visit: to us [email protected] tablish strong social bonds and » Photo: Flickr/ jennandjon In 2013, 211 institutions backed fuel industry, the blame will fall on theboar.org/news 8 Sponsored by: theboar.org 8 Editor: Daniel Cope [email protected] Twitter @BoarComment COMMENT fb.com/groups/BoarComment STUDENT SOAPBOX Ezgi Aslan theboar “Fresher injustice” Although Warwick SU claims to recruit ‘students’ within the univer- sity for student jobs, my one term at the university has enabled me Editors’ Letters to oversee how things are run on the campus and in general, I really don’t feel this is true. I feel as though there is a very elitist structure in the way jobs are both structured and given out to students. I mean to say that jobs are “Beyonce and “Part-time systematically given to second and third years since it is perceived that they naturally know the campus feminism” empowerment” better than first years. It feels as if those who do recruit on campus for campus-based jobs basically disre- gard first year undergraduates as inexperienced. Georgina Lawton Joshua Murray I think I now understand the Deputy News Editor TV Editor term ‘fresher’ in a different light than I did previously. The day I first he dark, eponymously-titled, gerian feminist Chimamanda Ngo- hether it be ensuring any other societies, sports and vol- moved to the university, I was ap- sexually-charged album is zi Adichie’s TEDx talk “We should you make the most of unteering you do – is a feat worth proached and given a leaflet about dripping with innuendo and all be feminists” with Beyoncé de- the university’s count- mentioning. a student caller job on campus, as Tthinly-veiled metaphors: “Rock claring “We flawless ladies.” If you less societies, gaining A job can also be a great way to they were recruiting at the time, right up to the side of my moun- thought ‘Bow Down’ sabotaged Wthat all important work experience, escape from some of the stresses and I applied to this as well as other tain/climb until you reach my peak her female empowerment efforts or just saying YOLO (or WAMM, and that university life can impose jobs in one of the many food out- babe,” Beyoncé purrs in ‘Rocket’. (it didn’t) then she’s made up for it see Issue 6) once in a while, there on you. As much as we joke, there lets the SU provides for students And then there’s ‘Blow’: “I can’t wait by actually using the F word! In a are many things that make our per- can come those moments when around campus. However, I did not for you to turn that cherry out/can song! What other global superstar sonal university experience. There essay deadlines, grad scheme appli- receive any response or feedback on you eat my skittles.” Whoah. is drawing attention to the endless is one aspect, however, that seems cations and food-thieving house- any of the applications I submitted The accompanying music videos quest for social, political and eco- to go under the radar: the old ‘ball- mates begin to take their toll. to the SU for a part-time job and have done little to dispel criticism. nomic equality? and-chain’ of a part-time job. They can also offer opportunities feel trapped within a “second and 17 X-rated films in which Yonce And if Beyoncé wants to strip It is a common argument that for great new experiences – not all third years are more responsible in (fiercer than Sasha by far) is seen off, then power to her. She is mar- the only reason you’d get a job at the best uni memories are made at what they do” scenario. writhing around half naked, or gy- ried with a child and employs more university is to help fund your lav- Pop! For me, serving a pint of beer Although I may come across as rating in gem-encrusted G-strings. women than any other artist in ish student lifestyle. Let’s face it; a to Miss Hooley (of Balamory fame) cynical and extremely agitated to- She can’t possibly be a feminist, can the music industry; she’s earned student loan only goes so far, so if during my second year will forever wards the lack of responses and she? the right to celebrate her sexuality you’re the type of person who rev- stand out as one of my lasting uni- declined job applications I have re- In the past, Beyoncé has been in whichever way she wants. This els in three nights a week at Smack, versity highlights. ceived, I know that many first year praised for supporting the emanci- album is an expression of what it perhaps a few hours work on the And finally, it goes without say- undergraduates can relate to the pation of women in songs like ‘Ir- means for ONE woman to be fe- side is a necessary evil. ing that these jobs give you yet an- trap I feel stuck within. It seems as replaceable’, but critiqued for taking male, but not everyone subscribes But a job at university should not other chance to meet new people. though the connotations of ‘fresh- Jay-Z’s name for her last tour ‘The to the same definition of femi- just be seen as a means to earning Perhaps more importantly, these er’ can sometimes attract both neg- Mrs Carter Show’. nism and that should be fine. She some extra cash on the side – it can people might do completely differ- ative and false assumptions. We, However I simply view this underlines that feminism is not offer so much more than that. First- ent things to you, or maybe don’t a subspecies called ‘freshers’, are as a great way of expressing her about pleasing everyone; Yonce sits ly, as clichéd as it sounds, a part- even go to Warwick at all. This can unaware of any responsibilities or pro-woman AND pro-man stance, on the threshold between virgin time job really does look great on provide a nice break from the con- the layout of the campus, or indeed which continues on this album. and whore, wife and vixen and she your CV. Not only can it offer you trived discussions of course mod- are incapable of making coffee and For too long, feminism has been won’t be pigeon-holed. a wide variety of skills that you may ules and give you the time to make providing a fast and efficient ser- tainted by anti-men ideas, and this If you critique a woman’s choic- not otherwise acquire on your de- a whole raft of new mates. vice for customers. causes prominent female figures to es because they aren’t your choices gree course, but employers will also There will always be the argu- Furthermore there is a basic as- shy away from the label. Indeed in then you’re making feminism even be impressed by your capabilities in ment that, if not financially re- sumption that ‘freshers’ are incapa- 2010, Beyoncé told the Daily Mail more exclusive than it needs to be, time management. After all, con- quired, a part-time job at univer- ble of holding down a responsibility that she was just “feminist in a way.” and if that’s the case we’ll never get tinually working 10 or more hours sity is just taking up your valuable because they are too caught up in But now look how far she’s come! everyone using the F-word. a week whilst maintaining study socialising time, and this is by no trying to be a stereotypical, par- Her track ‘Flawless’ samples Ni- for your degree – not to mention means wrong. ty-hard or study-hard fresher. We ‘freshers’ really are sometimes re- garded as the daftest of the under- graduate clan. I believe that the SU should en- sure that there is a level playing field in terms of opportunities for all students, regardless of how long they have been studying at the in- stitution for. Then again, is my opinion regarded as biased or relia- ble for being a first-hand account? I mean I am only a fresher at the end of the day. theboar.org 9 9 | Breaching privacy and the heartstrings of 9/11 Lucy Webster reflects on the One World Week forum and evaluates its success arwick’s One World interesting talk; if only because his in Iraq and Afghanistan. Perhaps the government’s spying. Would sible. After all, the world has had to Week Forum kicked off argument went against the grain this is what made me sceptical openness about the NSA’s activities move on. last Monday with a de- of the liberal discourse on privacy about his claim that collecting me- really have undermined its work? I Nevertheless, it was refreshing Wbate on the meaning of privacy in which we have all become accus- ta-data did actually help the NSA don’t think so. to hear opposing viewpoints, and it the digital age, what we can do to tomed to over the last six months. stop attacks, especially as he had In a country like America, which was undoubtedly brave of Mr Gioe protect it, and who should be able David Gioe, a former FBI and CIA to concede that other methods had is known for its ideals of account- to take on the consensus. In much to access the information we put analyst who currently studies and been more useful and that he could able government, such secrecy is of the media, the NSA is dehuman- online. teaches at Cambridge, argued that not think of any instances where unacceptable. The government has ised, but he provided an insider’s The focus, predictably but justly, the loss of some privacy was a very abused the trust of its own citizens, account towards the reasons be- was on the Snowden revelations. small price to pay for security and and lost credibility when lecturing hind its ethos. The first three speakers spoke per- that, by turning public opinion foreign regimes on the subject of Mr Gioe’s absence would have left suasively about keeping our infor- against the NSA, Edward Snowden civil liberties. the forum bland and conventional; mation safe; with Jean-Michel Cor- was nothing but a traitor. Mr Gioe’s apparent lack of un- instead the audience was definitely reiu of IBM arguing that internet Gioe made his argument well, derstanding for these viewpoints left with food for thought. Being users need to take personal respon- showing us images of the falling was shocking. It was also some- forced to critique your own opin- sibility in being aware what infor- Twin Towers as he described the what ironic that he could defend ion is one of the benefits of going mation we provide about ourselves continuing threat of terrorism. the programme on the grounds to debates, so the One World Team and understanding what happens But he underestimated his au- that it protects values which it should be congratulated on achiev- to it. He again and again made the dience, arguing that we are too fundamentally undermines. He ing this. The event was undoubted- point that we do have some control, young to remember the horror of saw no problem with the admin- ly a success. an idea that has been lost in the re- 9/11 and how the world changed istration’s use of secret courts, in a single day. In reality, we are the ignoring a core component of jus- 9/11 generation. tice which is for it to be done it has The audience seemed Although we were perhaps too to be seen to be done. unconvinced by Mr Gioe. His young to understand at the time, The audience seemed largely institutional bias was clear. there was no chance of us escaping unconvinced by Mr Gioe’s argu- the endless media returns to those » photo: Flickr/ marsmet549 ments, with the majority of ques- haunting images of the towers fall- tions from the floor addressed to ing. this had been the case. him. His institutional bias was all cent media hype. We have grown up in a world Moreover, even if one accepted too clear. Someone even asked if Do you feel your priva- But it was the final speaker who, where Western foreign policy has this argument, Mr Gioe refused to he has used pictures of 9/11 to “pull cy being invaded? despite fundamentally disagreeing centred on a war on terrorism, epit- address a further issue which was on our heartstrings” – a charge he Comment online: with him, I think gave the most omised by failed and bloody wars the lack of public knowledge of denied but which seemed very pos- theboar.org/comment

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While Hollande is population’s position towards scan- becoming a thing of the past, al- sworn in as President of France no stranger to relationship issues, dal. The previous three Presidents, though evidently with a long way h, the cost-benefit analysis. in 2012, Francois Hollande has having left his partner of 27 years, Francois Mitterrand, Jacques Chi- to go. Great for deciding where to Ihad a turbulent ride. Memorably, former presidential candidate Seg- rac and Nicolas Sarkozy all had Valerie Trierweiler is a case in go on holiday. Great for de- on his inauguration day, Paris was olene Royal for Valerie Trierweiler sexual indiscretions and not one point of how the previously defined Aciding what to cook tonight. Not so drenched by torrential rain and in 2006, his position as President of them experienced decreased role of ‘First Lady’ has become ar- great for politics, justice, and de- his plane was delayed after being makes his personal life all the more popularity due to it, even when it chaic. Trierweiler never officially mocracy. Political decisions must struck by lightning. Some said at scrutinised. It appears that the became public knowledge, suggest- held the title, due to cohabiting not be left up to the flawed meth- the time that it was a bad omen for scandal will die down after ing that Hollande would with Hollande rather than being odology that consists of weighing his presidency and nearly two years the news that Hollande not suffer. Another married to him and maintained her up quantified costs and benefits. A later, it looks as if they were right. and Trierweiler have possible reason is career as a journalist, fulfilling her vision is what we need. Since 1979, Hollande, the former General separated was an- the unpopularity First Lady duties alongside. How- most of us in this country decided Secretary of the French Social- nounced, but of Valerie Tri- ever, it seems that while there is no that holidays, food, and politics are ist Party, who came to power on a what is most erweiler, who actual good reason for a political one and the same. And the result platform of tax rises for the wealthy, interesting has never en- leader to have a spouse or partner has been the unleashing of the free increasing employment and boost- about the en- joyed pub- on parade as a First Lady or Gen- market and the atomisation of indi- ing economic growth through state tire debacle is lic support tleman, there is an ever present de- viduals and their private interests. intervention, has presided over a the response due to re- mand for the spouses and partners The principle-less assume that waning economy with unemploy- of the French placing the of our leaders to be on show and everything can enter a cost-ben- ment rising and entrepreneurs population. more belov- judged, which I feel is a sad reflec- efit analysis. Yet politics involves abandoning France in protest at the Hollande’s ed Segolene tion of society. things that cannot be quantified. 75 percent tax rate that Hollande personal popu- Royal and for While Valerie Trierweiler and They’re self-proclaimed modernis- has instituted. larity has actual- causing public others, including Cherie Blair, have ers of politics, shunning the old left In addition, he has been forced ly increased, going arguments with bucked the trend and shown how and right for a “third way”. But re- to backtrack on key pledges to from the low twen- those she disliked. outdated the First Lady role is by ally they let their prejudices slip in avoid austerity and has instituted ties to the low thirties in The entire af- pursuing careers alongside, it ap- through the back door, because any spending cuts. Similarly, the Presi- percentage terms fair has also pears that the expectation of a po- political trade-off requires ideas of dent has divided France with other and he has even »photo:flickr/com/FrancoisHollande raised ques- litical spouse or partner standing value. I cannot decide between sav- policies, such as introducing gay seen his job ap- tions about silently beside the leader is here to ing public libraries or making tax marriage and intervening militarily proval rise after a particularly dis- the role of a ‘First Lady’ in modern stay. This is a great shame. cuts unless I decide on the value of in Mali, with opinion polls showing mal few months of polling. Many times. Usually, the role would be education versus that of economic a near clean divide of the French agree that this is unusual, consider- performed by the wife of an elect- liberalism. And I’d rather devel- populace on these issues. With such ing reactions to other political sex ed political leader with their job op and defend a theory of what a situation, it is not surprising that scandals. The personal popularity usually encompassing tasks includ- Is the response to is valuable – principles – than let his approval rating has dropped to a of leaders such as Bill Clinton and ing being a silent support to their Francois Hollande’s half-formed, incoherent prejudices record low 22 percent, with 77 per- Silvio Berlusconi plummeted af- husband, overseeing domestic ar- alledged affair fair? influence my politics. The princi- cent disapproving of his presidency. ter their indiscretions were made rangements and leading campaigns Tweet: @BoarComment ple-less like to present themselves Therefore, he could not afford the public, while Hollande has seen his on ‘feminine’ issues. In recent as reasonable, down-to-earth indi- viduals. ‘I have just one principle: maximising good outcomes’. Real- ly? Well the problem is, my idea of good outcomes could be very dif- PETA expose the rabbit in the headlights ferent to yours. You can’t just turn society’s prob- Chloe Wynne shares the horrors that occur in the Angora wool industry lems into an endless Excel docu- ment with two columns. You have or months, everyone has been own waste’. If it wasn’t bad enough turers, adding to the brutality of it make use of angora fur in their gar- to ask: Whose costs? Whose bene- investing in snug and cosy that we still continue to treat ani- all. Western importation of more ments. Unfortunately, it seems that fits? Why is there a clash of inter- Topshop jumpers, thick John mals as inanimate beings by forc- cheaply-made products from Chi- the age-old correlation between ests? There are ideas about how FLewis scarves and other comfy ac- ing lots of them into the smallest na is problematic with regard to demand and supply will stipulate we can live well together that tran- cessories to keep warm and stylish box possible to allow for maximum animal torture because Chinese cit- that the shops don’t ditch angora scend cost-benefit analyses. Benev- for winter. Why not? profit, the rabbits are stretched and, izens do not stand to face any pen- just yet. olent slave-keepers could increase One ingredient in the material as noted, plucked of their fur. alty for such abuse. Small progress has been made our well-being. But we don’t allow mixture of such garments, ‘angora’, Thus, when considering that though as many high-street retail- that because of core beliefs about is something that we should seek over 90 percent of the angora fur ers such as River Island, Topshop, living one’s own life. to avoid when buying our clothes Farms of rabbits are trapped on our shop shelves originates from Next, New Look, H&M and Acne Cost-benefit analyses force you though. Angora is a breed of rab- into ‘filthy cages, surrounded China, whenever you buy a piece of have stopped production of all an- to find a common unit of benefit. bit, one that is particularly soft and by their own waste’ clothing with it in, it is most like- gora products. These retailers all It’s normally money. So we have to woolly, making it a desirable ani- ly that the fur would have been used to sell the cruelty-ridden gar- reduce everything – the value of mal for Chinese manufacturers to collected in such a harsh way. You ments, but have stopped thanks to education, life, the environment– pluck, and for our retailers to use in may be surprised to know that your PETA’s campaign. The angora ban to a single, exact, neat, quantified their winter collections. According to PETA, the process favourite shop probably stocks an- evoked a celebratory response from amount of money. This reflects The well-known animal rights that the rabbits are involved in dur- gora products, as many do. Most of the animal rights group who shared these people’s materialism, this organisation PETA have recently ing which their fur is extracted re- the fashion websites that I visited how “grateful” they are to “compas- idea that nothing matters but the uncovered the totally abhorrent sults in ‘extreme shock’ that most show results for ‘angora’, and some sionate retailers who have either material prosperity of the country. and inhumane process involved in can’t handle. Well cared-for ango- even promote it in their products’ pulled angora products from their Forget social cohesion and fairness. collecting angora fur in China. ra rabbits usually live for seven to names as a luxury quality. shelves or halted production of Forget the non-material atmos- They collated their findings into twelve years, yet around 60 percent Laura Ashley, for example, list clothing and accessories that con- phere in which you live. Even if a truly disturbing video titled EX- of those whose fur is used don’t live one of their cardigans as ‘Beige An- tain this vile ‘fabric.’” you agree with the materialists, the POSED: The Agony Behind Ango- for more than two. In a way, maybe gora Touch Faux Fur Collar Cardi- So, what can Boar readers do to cost-benefit analysis breaks down ra. I must warn you that watching this is the lesser of two evils seeing gan.’ The fact that they deliberately help? Simply boycott sales of an- when you ask who is included in it makes quite a haunting impact; as each time the rabbit’s fur grows state ‘faux-fur’ so as not to be crit- gora fur. Wherever you see angora or whether we should take account after seeing only twenty seconds I back it has to undergo the experi- icised seems ironic when, besides featured in the material list, don’t of pre-existing inequalities. had to turn it off. ence once again. This shouldn’t be the faux-fur, the fabric was so cal- buy the garment. Additionally, bare Some people must lose out in However, we shouldn’t cower the case though. The process is a lously collected. in mind that it is not just jumpers politics. We must decide who draws from the reality that some of the needless one that sees an animal Many designer brands are guilty that contain this fur but also dress- the short straw using consistent clothes we had wrapped up as gifts as a commodity sacrificed for our of using angora – in my searches es, socks, scarves, gloves and hats. values, principles, and morals, not, for Christmas, or even that we are style. I found that Alexander McQueen Please join PETA’s campaign my friends, one dollar sign against currently wearing, include fur col- Even if an angora rabbit survives and Ralph Lauren are among the against the use of angora wool in another. It’s down to our generation lected in such a ruthless process. a few rounds of this torture they higher end retailers who stock the fashion industry. As a student to reverse this political trend, and Farms of rabbits are trapped into face certain death after two to five products using angora fur. Even community we have a duty to stop breathe humanity back into poli- ‘filthy cages, surrounded by their years at the hands of the manufac- high street giants Urban Outfitters this injustice. tics. Let’s start on campus. theboar.org 11 11 Editor: Benjamin Shaw [email protected] Twitter @BoarMoney MONEY fb.com/groups/BoarMoney What’s the deal with... Economic Cost?

raditionally defined, an op- portunity cost is the cost of something in terms of an Topportunity forgone. It refers to the benefits that could have been Crisis Point: Is the worst behind us? obtained by choosing the best al- ternative opportunity. Opportunity costs include both explicit (direct Alexander Bunzl explores the emerging economies of the West monetary charge) and implicit (al- ternative use of a readily available resource) expenditure. 014 is predicted to herald the to carry the heat of a new set of not necessarily true of the emerg- to have a bad day. Warwick’s own A sunk cost is a past cost that end of the Great Recession. seasons for the western world. Dis- ing markets. China has modestly Emerging Markets Forum featured cannot be recovered and rational The last six years have been de- course of deterioration is absent revised its growth targets from 8 speaker after speaker who were economic agents should not be in- 2fined by demand-deficient decline, from current affairs, which is typ- percent to 7.5 percent. Several of its unreservedly confident that these fluenced by sunk costs. Fancy an headlines hammering home the ically a sign that things are on the provinces have been a little more economies will plough ahead in alternative explanation? Read on. implications of credit rating down- mend. Britain, having seemingly modest, suggesting rates of 7 per- the years to come. The ambiguities Ken has it all figured out. He grades, rampant unemployment suffered the return of stagflation cent growth. India and Brazil both created by political concerns wants to write the first in a series and unsustainable debt. with reports of negative growth and came under fire in 2013 while polit- and declining growth, how- of autobiographies entitled “The Political disunity struck as in- 5.2 percent inflation, finds itself in ical unrest in Turkey cause the loss ever, are enough to make the Magnificent Story of Ken: A Brief terparty disputes brought Wash- an increasingly comfortable posi- of 28 percent of its stock bench- relatively stable western bloc all the Overview: Part 1.” He reckons that ington D.C. to a halt, the scene no tion with predictions of 2.7 percent mark. Emerging market growth more appealing for short-term in- more is always better and intends less concerning in Europe where levels remain impressive and are vestors. to surpass the Harry Potter saga in the European Union edged upon expected to contribute to 70 per- Whatever S&P have said of the pages and popularity. Let us track breakup. Every day brought the Winter 2013, however, seemed cent of global growth in the years British and American likelihood of his progress. same news stories, warning of a to carry the heat of a new set to come. Investors are not solely in- default, the economies continue to 1st month: Ken goes to work Grexit (Greece’s exit from the EU). of seasons for the western terested in the world of 2050 when grow and inflation is still decreas- during the day, composes his mas- It seemed plausible that Germa- world. the splendour of these aforemen- ing. The respective currencies are terpiece in the study at night. His ny, France and Britain, econom- tioned economies is assumed to testament to international demand wife, Barbie is content, has no com- ic champions of the EU, may be outdo that of the western camp. for goods and services from these plaints, allows him to indulge in his next in line after Portugal, Ireland, Amongst the lessons to be economies. 2014 paves the way for passionate writing. Greece and Spain. growth in 2014. learned from 2008 is how abruptly the re-emergence of developed 3rd month: Ken’s performance at The rise of Europe’s nationalist The picture is positive for much conditions can exacerbate even in economies, the signs evident in work deteriorates, his boss threat- parties including France’s Front of Europe with Greece and Spain Gordon Brown’s Golden Age of ‘no every economic indicators from ens to sack him. Barbie feels over- Nationale, Britain’s UKIP and both projected to grow in the New more boom or bust’. There is great employment to house prices. It is looked, seeks solace at Teresa’s. Ken Greece’s Golden Dawn were a dark Year. The political climate is far potential in emerging markets, but in this acceleration, as symbolised knows he ought to take a break imitation of the 1930s. Riots and from peaceful, this year featuring which firms within these econo- by the latter, that progress bears from the writing but thunders on. protest further served to drain the European Elections and a Scottish mies show excellent prospects and the ominous tremors of familiarity 6th month: Ken loses his job, his national coffers, the greatest pro- referendum. Investors seem con- when results will materialise is reminiscent of 2008. boss hires a howler monkey as his test of all emerging in France with tent with economic factors, none- uncertain. Therefore it is not alto-  To get more from the Warwick replacement. Barbie yields, seeks the election of socialist economics. theless, and the Dow Jones indus- gether surprising to observe that Investment Club, check out www. permanent solace at Blaine’s. Ken In light of false statistics allud- trial average and the S&P 500 ended Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has wfsocieties.com believes he has passed the point of ing to a Triple-Dip recession, leg- 2013 with record highs. When end- suggested investors cut allocations no return, his obsession intensifies. islation discouraging banks from of-year optimism is reinforced by in developed economies by one 12th month: Ken’s unemploy- lending, and journalistic self-ful- such excellent GDP predictions, it third. ment benefit runs out, he is no filling prophecies, it is surprising may not be too early to speculate Most intriguing about investor longer receiving any income (his that demand accelerated at all! another boom in the west. patterns is that bad news is not vital sustenance is provided by Winter 2013, however, seemed The same prosperous picture is essential for emerging markets the plentiful of rodents that scur- ry about the forsaken house). His appearance is akin to a zombie, yet his mind is flourishing, the steady Tesco left out in the cold this Winter? stream of words, now a torrent. Nth month: Ken has done it! Part Ali Ceurvorst reviews what’s in store for this company, with an icy reception from shareholders one of his masterpiece will soon be unleashed onto the world. But at esco, the UK’s largest food This news hasn’t gone down well consumers’ taste for brands that ing advantage of customers for too what cost? retailer, reported that like- with shareholders who are grow- helped Tesco grow to be the num- long by charging too much, and Assuming Ken loves his job, his for-like sales fell 2.4% over ing ever more disgruntled at CEO, ber one player, however some since people’s pockets have tight- wife and his health equally (do not Tthe 6-week Christmas Holiday sea- Philip Clarke, and the failure of doubts remain over its Giraffe Res- ened due to the economic down- tell the wife), these are his next son, when compared to the same his turnaround strategy to de- taurants and Bakeries initiative, turn, they’ve been paying attention best alternatives and therefore the period in 2012. liver results. Tesco shares and whether this diversi- to prices, where previously they opportunity cost he must bear for The 2013 calendar year proved a are down ca. 10% over fication is a positive for had been turning a blind eye. If this not allocating his time for them. An troublesome one for Tesco; facing 12 months versus the shareholder value cre- is the case, then perhaps we can ex- opportunity cost is considered be- numerous problems inclduding FTSE100 that is up ation. pect a trimming of profit margins, fore making a choice. A sunk cost Aldi and Lidl muscling in on the ca. 10%. They’re At present then from Tesco so more money ends is realized after. Indeed, we often discount retailer end of the spec- not buying-in to it appears then up in the pockets of the consumer. neglect or choose to ignore the true trum, Waitrose and M&S tempt- the story that the that Tesco is be- Whatever the case, Tesco is skating economic cost of making a deci- ing customers away from the Fin- UK grocery sec- ing under-cut in on thin ice when it comes to share- sion. est* range and the small matter of tor is struggling as the budget grocery holder relationships and more So what happened to Ken? Obvi- horse meat turning up in a few fro- Sainsbury’s, the 2nd department by Ger- drastic action is required. ously, his book became a bestseller. zen-meat products. Not even the largest retailer, posted many’s Lidl and Aldi, At least if prices drop then stu- Now wealthier than J.K. Rowling, Christmas period managed to turn an improvement in like- and Walmart’s ASDA, dents will able to waltz past the he has no regrets and has willingly around their fortunes as like-for- for-like sales of 0.2% over whilst Waitrose and M&S grumbling store clerk in Canon accepted all the costs and lives hap- like sales (a comparison that ig- Christmas. have been stealing the top end of Park or Leamington with a rea- pily ever after. nores the sales from any new stores This isn’t to say that Tesco isn’t the market with superior offerings son to smile, a spring in our step Aiz Mza Tesco has opened in the previous trying; a relaunch of the Finest* in, arguably, more pleasant shop- and a few extra quid in our pock- 12 months) fell by 2.4% across its brand and the ‘Healthy Living’ ping environments. The ‘bear’ ar- et. Shareholders might not be so stores in the UK. range are attempts to revitalise gument is that Tesco has been tak- lucky. 12 theboar.org theboar.org Features 13 12 Sponsored by Editor: Roxanne Douglas 13 [email protected] Twitter @BoarFeatures FEATURES fb.com/groups/BoarFeatures The lion and the unicorn to divorce? Tackling rape culture on campuses Bethan Riddell provides a student’s guide to Scottish Independence outherners, if any of you have ing. ventured past that barren land There is currently controversy Anna Rivers investigates how students are fighting against rape culture in the UK north of the Lake District, surrounding the treatment of Eng- SGeordie Shore and Blackpool Pier lish students that wish to study in by a culture constantly warning us and Bath as well as Warwick. The you would come to a wall. This wall, Scotland post-independence. Sal- not to get to that point where men response has been amazing but the commissioned by Hadrian, marks mond claims that there would be won’t want us anymore. battle to keep this pornographic the boundary between Scotland an influx of English students (if image out of the pop culture world and England. It appears that the they were counted as EU) to Scot- is not yet won. Right now Warwick aforementioned Roman felt it nec- tish Universities as our tuition students are petitioning to boycott essary to mark the divide between fees would be significantly lower sales of the Sun at Costcutter on lands – a divide that in 1707 was than the £9000 currently charged 1 in 10 campus. deemed redundant when the King- in England. There has also been Despite the massive differences dom of Scotland and the Kingdom brought into question whether a The number of women in between the Dark Ages and now of England became ‘Great Britain’. residency test would have to be Britain who have been forced in terms of culture and mindset, If any of you have read a newspa- designed to determine if you are into having sex against their our societies still share, at the fun- per other than the Boar in the last ‘Scottish’ enough to be allowed the will. damental level, that Medieval no- two years (but then why would you free tuition and if not then you are tion of women being little more have any need?) you will know that subject to EU fees. than bodies. Now cultural forces this September there will be a ref- University Scotland stated it’s The recent No More Page Three like advertising and the movie in- erendum, in which the Tartan-clad legal opinion in the Guardian: campaign has been taking the uni- dustry are pumping up this same will vote whether or not they wish “RUK students will require to be versity world by storm. In the for- idea: nobody is putting the picture to remain part of the UK. “Why treated no differently from other ty-three years since its initiation, of a naked woman on a billboard wouldn’t they?” I hear you cry! A EU students in a post independent Page Three has traditionally been for any other reason than that she good question, and one the oh-so- Scotland and if we are to be able the magazine page with a woman’s looks physically alluring enough highly reputable Scottish tabloid to retain the ability to charge RUK breasts plastered across it which is to sell their product. As that image writers have been wracking their students then the situation for EU meant to be somehow liberating. becomes normalised, it becomes pun-riddled brains to demean and students will require to change and, The argument goes that this helps objectified and degraded. This im- purely proffer the Braveheart quote in effect, only those students satis- women to be more confident with age becomes the ‘woman’ of our ‘FREEDOM’ in response. fying the residency requirements their bodies and their sexuality, but society. If women are constantly Now, this is all very well and would be able to benefit from the the effect is to reinforce this idea portrayed by the media as sexual good, I hear you think, but what more beneficial terms offered to of a woman as first and foremost objects, eventually that is how they has it got to do with me? ‘Scottish resident’ students.” a cute and mindless doll for male will come to be seen. Well dear readers, it may come This would not implement much » What you imagine Hadrian’s Wall looks like photo: via http://highlighthollywood.com/ enjoyment. Men do not buy these Movements like the Page Three as a surprise to you that there are change from the current situation magazines and look at these wom- campaign and voices speaking out Scot-folk at this very University. in which English/Welsh/Northern en’s chests for the sake of admiring against incidents such as the Kas- Yes, we are an elusive creature, to Irish students attending Scottish their courageous feminist state- bah events are the only way our be encountered very rarely in such University do pay tuition fees – but ment. This page at the most basic society is going to properly stig- a Southern and flat location but there is around a 7-8 grand differ- level employs the frozen image of a matise rape culture and move out we are here nonetheless. You will ence per annum for what EU citi- woman posing, silently, in order to of this supressed, but very present stumble upon us when you least ex- zens pay and what English students please and draw in a male reader- discriminatory rut. Women are hu- pect it –overhearing the utterance pay for Scottish Universities- a ship. The woman on Page Three of man beings and have the right to ‘a wee bit of milk’ at Curiositea, highly controversial and criticised the Sun is an objectified body, and choose. A culture that diminishes requesting haggis (what’s that?) on element of the Scottish University seen as nothing more, rather than that right in any way, openly or via our full English breakfasts and re- System. » Beth, women’s officer atUCLSU and ULU’s women’s officer Susuana photo: Oscar Webb a person. the more subtle vehicles of ideol- member that girl who gets too lairy Apart from the potential loss of 26 UK universities have banned ogy, is a culture gone wrong, and and shouts incoherent profanities students in your education system, rape culture is a society as Edinburgh, Leeds, and Brighton my coffee; without a hearty helping the selling of the Sun magazine on it is the responsibility of everyone at the bouncer in Smack? Yeah they there would also be a chance that whose ideology condones in a banning the song.. of sexism.” campus in reaction against the Page within that culture to fight to repair aren’t Scottish, now you’re just be- you would need to change currency or trivialises sexual vio- At an event last term at the Kas- This is not a phenomenon Three phenomenon, and it has also it. ing stereotypical. to the ‘Merk’ or Euro if you wanted Alence: the term originated during bah nightclub in Coventry, the pre- unique to club life, either: a recent generated massive student protests Well, kind reader, if Scotland be- to visit Edinburgh for New Year, or the second-wave feminist move- senter got two girls up on stage and Guardian survey states that one and debates in Nottingham, Leeds comes an independent country- not pop by Aviemore for some skiing. ment of the 1970s, when campaign- tried to get them to stuff bananas in ten women in Britain has been only would you lose terrorist appre- There would also be the movement ers were trying to raise awareness down their throats; then, when one forced into having sex against her henders (Glasgow Airport 2007*), of the nuclear submarines from the about sexual assault. This issue is of them actually did so, she was will. We are living in a world in pay more for whisky and lose this Clyde to some currently undecided no longer so taboo, but even now hailed as ‘slut’ and ‘filthy bitch’ by which sexual assault, minor or oth- delightful writer as a citizen, but location further South. In terms of there are probably not many female the crowd. Warwick student Josie erwise, has become a fact of life. as University education is free in politics, England would see a huge students in the world who haven’t Throup denounced this scene in a Kasbah nightclub advertises its Scotland for Scottish residents, you loss of Labour voters and the fur- experienced some kind of sexual letter to the owner of the Kasbah, Friday ‘Kinky’ night with the ‘i’ would undoubtedly lose plenty of ther dominance of the Conserva- assault first hand. It varies in de- stating: “You made them simulate a replaced with the figure of a pos- the Scots here at Warwick., and tives – good or bad depending on grees and it varies in context, but it sexual act then proceeded to abuse ing naked woman. What more do indeed at many universities across what floats your boat. is everywhere and it affects every- them when they did what you we need to know about the image England. After all, why pay £9000 Imagine if Scotland did become one. Although it’s presented far too wanted them to do.” The stage pre- of women that the evening will be when you could pay nothing at all? independent successfully, would often by the media as a joke, it is a senter has since been dismissed for propagating? This is how rape cul- Warwick is known for the diver- the current 10 percent of Wales serious issue. sexual discrimination. ture develops: in the symbols and sity of its students – people travel crying for their own independence A video was posted recently by The stories are everywhere: an images we become accustomed to from all over the world to study increase? Would Northern Ire- students at the University of Stir- anonymous second year English accepting. Pop culture has a lot to here, and we gain a better social land decide to emulate their Celtic ling, exposing a drunk hockey and Creative Writing student de- answer for – we are bombarded education from it. However, here’s a cousins? Having moved across the team’s misogynistic display on a scribed how “every guy in a club, with images of highly sexualised little food for thought – would na- border myself, I can safely say we public bus, a charming chant jok- they just want to get you to go home women: underwear models and tional relations revert to pre-1707 if are not so different. It has taken ing about groping and molesting with them. They make the whole sci-fi heroines in Lycra. Women Scotland split from the UK? Would some time to adapt to the London- » What Hadrian’s Wall actually looks like photo: Velella/WIkipedia women, incorporating such hilari- clubbing experience kind of scary.” are conditioned not to value them- I be an immigrant if I continue my centric slang Warwick specialises ous lines as “A lady came into the When asked if she finds the atten- selves highly enough to say no – re- University education and Scotland in (jokes, shabba, cotch etc.) and – I am Scottish yes, but I am British If this article hasn’t raised your a chance at winning Wimbledon if store one day, asking for some ma- tion flattering, she replied, “they fusal is barely considered a right. isn’t accepted into the EU? Would have mourned at the loss of Scot- too. Ever since Britain’s ‘glory days’ awareness on the issue of Scottish you lose us. terial … felt, she got.” Girls left the could at least be classy enough to Far too frequently the word “no” is future students be subject to inter- tish slang (some of the crudest yet and Imperial ways we have built a independence, or inspired you to bus to try and get away from them ask us for our numbers.” It’s not that interpreted as a joke, a game, and national fees? I may be biased, but greatest in the world I can assure national identity together and if research the matter further then let *John Smeaton stopped a bomber University College London has women don’t enjoy sex; it’s just that consequently ignored. The whole I believe that the cultural mix of you. For me it comes down to na- this falls apart surely we would all me summarise the matter in terms in Glasgow Airport accompanied by joined 20 other univeristies in ban- sexual abuse, harrassment, coer- point is we’re all different: we all Warwick needs Scots in the offer- tional identity more than anything suffer the loss. you’ll understand: you won’t stand the phrase ‘f*cking ‘mon then’. ning Robin Thicke’s contravercial sion or intimidation is not the same want different things out of life and Blurred Lines. Warwick university as sexuality. As Josie Throup said so should be able to choose them for has yet to do join universities such pertinently, “I like my sex how I like ourselves, without being crushed » One campaign aiming to change attitudes photo: nomorepage3.org Want to write for Features? Let us know! E-mail [email protected] to pitch your ideas 14 theboar.org 14 Editor: Joanna Harwood [email protected] Twitter @BoarLifestyle LIFESTYLE fb.com/groups/BoarLifestyle What not to do on Valentine’s Day Danesh Sethna tells singletons everywhere how to avoid being humiliated on ‘that’ day of the year very year, Valentine’s Day is when I say this: make plans at least pretty rough, especially if you’re a either plan too much or too little: absolutely sure that running out- by far the most depressing a week before V-day or else risk be- socially awkward introvert like me. no one gets it right. For instance, side in the freezing cold after set- day to be single. If love had an ing pulled into one of your family’s However, having a date is not the treating your girl to a family pack ting of the fire alarm is your idea Eexam, it would be on February 14th endless social affairs. of KFC chicken wings is prob- a romantic day, I’d suggest you stay and I would definitely fail. There If somehow you manage to ably not the most romantic away from the kitchen. Homemade is no crueller punishment than actually go out with friends way to spend Valentine’s gifts are like miniature time-bombs watching everyone else as happy as (tell me the secret to your (in fact, if she still dates just waiting to go off. The stress of can be and showering each other success), you should be you after that – marry actually creating those intricate with ridiculous, overpriced tokens wary of what kind of her). Similarly, plan- little things is worse than having of affection. In all honesty, paying plans these are. Take ning a bit too much three finals due the day before va- £10 for a stupid rose has got to be me for example. You can be quite hectic to cation. For those of you out there worse than highway robbery. Still do not want to go out manage and problem- who know me and are reading this, we go through it year after year on a friendly group atic if you’re lazy like everything I’ve given you claiming in an endless parade of cheesy ro- date where some peo- me. First of all, make it was homemade was ordered off mance. However there’s a lot of ple think it’s make-be- sure your budget can Amazon. I never specified whose pressure riding on making this day lieve and others think accommodate all of the home it was now, did I? special and any small mistake is it’s not. There is nothing elaborate plans you’re con- So that’s my take on the holiday sure to set it spiralling down into more hilarious that watch- sidering. Limo and restau- that potentially breaks more hearts disaster. So here’s where I share my ing your friends shoot looks rant bookings are not only hor- than it makes. Still it’s a great day experience of Valentine’s fumbles, at each other wondering whether rendously expensive, but also need to go out, have a bit of fun, and be faux-pas, and frustrations. the guys pay for the meal or not. to be booked at least three weeks a part of the joys that are human For starters, it’s a major downer For any future plans that may oc- in advance if you plan on getting a emotions. Just don’t do what I did, when any one of your close rela- cur: GUYS ALWAYS PAY. Bit of reservation at a suitable time. or you will regret it. tives has a birthday on this day – additional advice – do not have If you’re planning on doing you surely do not want to be stuck your mum drive you and your date something unique or special, such at McDonald’s watching a 3-year when you go out, it’s quite possibly as cooking your Valentine her fa- old rip apart a Happy Meal just be- the surest route to social suicide. easiest thing to handle either. vourite meal, make sure you know » Photo: Flickr/@Doug88888 cause it’s his ‘special day’. Trust me So being single on Valentine’s is One thing every guy does wrong is what you’re doing. Unless you’re Keep love alive - but do it cheaply Emma O’Neill and Megan Hills tell us how to date on a student budget Dates under £20 Dates under £10 No More Mr Nice Guy Megan Hills Emma O’Neill Dan Mountain on the ‘Nice Guy’ phenomenon

If you don’t mind eating early, Boots meal deal picnic in Jeph- like to think of myself as a nice And what’s more, this thinking order at Le Bistrot Pierre in Leam- son Gardens! Okay, it’s not exact- guy, a lot of guys do. A lot of guys mistakes being nice for genuine af- Food ington Spa before 6:45pm. Not only ly picnicking weather, but what’s are also aware that the world of fection – there is more to attraction will you be able to enjoy two cours- more romantic than snuggling up Ilove and dating can be very fickle than simply being friendly. es for £14.50, there’ll be enough left warm on a bench by the lake and and that it doesn’t always work out. This thinking doesn’t at any over for a cheeky glass of wine. sharing a Twix? Sometimes things will click right point consider what the girl wants. away, sometimes you’ll be waiting Maybe she’s not sleeping with you for years. because she doesn’t want to? May- The chic elegance of The Glass- I extend the above Jephson Gar- But then we have the Nice Guys. be she’s more interested in another house always impresses and lucki- dens date to sharing a bottle of Nice Guys are not simply guys that guy because he’s more interesting to Drinks ly, the masterminds behind the bar wine. Don’t opt for white wine since are nice, but a specific type of per- her than you are? And maybe she’s make stunning cocktails. Priced anything under £5 will taste like a son. What unifies this type is the not interested in a relationship at at two for £12, they’re pricier than dog’s piss. I find red is usually a saf- fact that they “finish last”. all. Maybe girls do just want to have drinks at Smack, but they pack a er choice! Now I can truly sympathise fun. classier and more romantic punch. with this idea. I get where it comes My advice for all the Nice Guys from, I understand how there can out there would be to stop mistak- be so many guys that can feel this ing confidence for being a douche- Escape the bubble and grab a Get into bed, chuck a film on, way, but I also understand that it’s bag. Start talking to girls like the £7 train to The Leisure Box in Bir- and then… well… you know… a harmful crock of shit. The over- three-dimensional human beings mingham on a Thursday night. whelming sense you get from the that they are. Stop lingering at the Entertainment You’ll be able to ice skate (£6) or Nice Guy is entitlement. “I deserve fringes of your current obsession’s bowl (£5) at a special student rate, to be liked by that girl,” they cry, life, hoping that one day your “boy- or you can even do the lot (£7) if “I’m nice, I’ll treat her well!” And friend material” vibes will trick the mood takes the both of you. then this is followed by pointing them into falling in love with you. fingers at the other guy, the guy that If you want to get the girl, then gets the girl. go get her, and if it doesn’t work Put a spin on a box of chocolates Make something! Take inspira- But they fail to realise that dat- out then move on and don’t bitch Gifts and pick up a bottle of Thornton’s tion from that episode of Friends ing is not a transaction. You can’t about it. Nice Guys only finish last chocolate cream liqueur (£13). with the sock bunnies and make insert Nice tokens into a girl and because they don’t even try putting Don’t worry – you’ll still be able to something that your Valentine can receive sex or affection as your re- themselves in the race. score flowers off the florists near cherish. Photo collages are cool, but ward. Girls don’t owe you anything Zizzi’s. steer clear of mixed tapes… cringe! in return for being nice - it’s simply » Photo: Flickr/Susann Jehnichen a quality of a decent human being. Photography theboar.org theboar.org/Lifestyle | @BoarLifestyle | LIFESTYLE 15 Too soon: should you have sex on the first date? When is the right time? Eloise Millard questions the outdated taboos around having sex on the first date eeting someone new can the first time since you were last night and you don’t want to rip on, it’s obvious you only began to matter. However, choose who you be one of the most ex- seeing someone. their clothes off, chances are there interact because of sexual attrac- tell about your first date wisely. citing things to happen On top of all this, you’re won- was no spark to begin with. Save tion. Although it may seem it when If your flatmate comes knocking Mamong the banality of student life: dering if you even should take your yourself the embarrassment, and you’re drunk, you never truly had on your door the minute you get work, sleep, drink, repeat. Once budding relationship to the next finish the evening with a goodnight a connection with someone in the back, wanting to know all the de- you’re past sweating palms, stilt- level. Before you do, make sure kiss; go home and think about what darkened smoking area in which tails, don’t always oblige. You’re in ed conversation, and the awkward you’re completely comfortable, and you really want. There are pros and you discussed the EU and shared dangerous waters if the people you first kiss, the question really is: you trust the other person. Wheth- cons to having sex on the first date, an ambiguous drunken view before tell about your date know the per- your place or mine? er the date is a success or not, you and whatever you decide is entirely getting off. It’s much easier to sleep son you went with. The last thing You’ve been drifting between don’t want to leave regretting what dependent on the relationship you with someone who you’ve already you want to do is for word of your “Will I or won’t I”? You have been you’ve done. If you do end up hav- already have with the other person. interacted with on a sexual level. amorous activity (or lack of) to get ever since “We should go out some- ing sex with someone and you’re Say you’ve known this person a The short answer is there isn’t a around. Your date may be hurt by time” was first mentioned. Here not completely sure you want to, while now, you’ve been friends, and right or a wrong way to end a first a lack of trust between the two of comes the dilemma – do you pre- the entire experience is going to be now you’re more than that. Having date. If you do choose to sleep with you, and you could end up alienat- pare to have sex? You may think an anti-climax (no pun intended), a romantic or a sexual relationship the other person, it doesn’t make ing them by appearing as if sex was coming ‘prepared’ to a first date and just generally awkward, poten- with this person could jeopardise you ‘easy’ or suggest you’re only in your main concern. seems a little forward. By prepared, tially forfeiting any blossoming ro- your friendship entirely. Let’s face it for sex. Much like if you choose I mean, gentlemen packing a con- mance that once was! Sex shouldn’t it: “We can stay friends” is a spoken to abstain, it doesn’t make you bor- Would you have sex on dom in their wallet (safety first, be a formality. If it gets to the point formality rather than an actuality. ing or frigid. Choosing to have sex your first date? folks); and for the ladies, whipping when you have to decide whether However, if you met this person in is a personal decision, it’s your body Comment online: out the Venus and finally bothering or not you’ll be sleeping alone that a club, swapped numbers and so and no one else’s opinion should theboar.org/lifestyle to find underwear that matches for Dress to impress: what to wear to win them over! Dressing up for a date or just keeping it cool? Charlie McKnight tells the men of Warwick what to wear et’s suppose that by some you need to make an impression. Colour Camo Checks freak of nature Tinder After all, if the story of how you Forget the dog, colour and pat- However, if it’s originality you But if you are feeling more com- actually worked and two fell in love was ever turned tern are a man’s best friends this are going for, good news: camou- mando than Casanova in camo, Lthat this Valentine’s Day into a blockbuster chick-flick spring. Rich blues and floral pat- flage and safari/military style print then you’re in luck, because the you’re meeting with your entitled “Love me Tinderly”, the terns are the kinds of designs you’ll is returning from 2013. This fashion biggest move in pattern is the re- potential spouse for din- last thing you want is to be played expect to see on the high street. Ex- can be for some like Marmite – or turn of the classic block check and ner. You’re just about back by a poorly-dressed Seth Rogen. pect denim to stay in too, but gone Vegemite for our international gen- thick stripes. Expect to find this on in shape after Christmas, So whether you are taking her is the darker, navy blues in favour tlemen – and often hard to pull off. everything from t-shirts to socks but you’ve neglect- for a lemon and herb chick- of bolder, brighter shirts and sweat- This year, the designs are taking because gone are small print blue ed to pick up any en, or something a little ers. Be careful though, there is a inspiration from its sister trends and white check, in favour of bold- new clothes over bit pricier, here is a quick fine line between bright blue and ditching the earthier forest greens er block colours like black and red. the holidays hav- rundown of this season’s electric blue – you don’t want to in favour of brighter more abstract Your local vintage store should be ing just got used fashion trends to make look like you’re fresh out of Knight arrays. If you are planning on trying in plentiful supply of thick felt buf- to throwing any sure you’re looking Rider. Boots won’t be going out of this for a date, it’s not recommend- falo shirts in this style – they are old jumper on sharp no matter what. fashion any time soon either, so ed you fashion the camouflage the ones that smell like your grand- as long as it was You never know, if all maybe for that date, go for a bright trousers as much as the hipsters at mother’s loft. Otherwise expect to warm and saved goes well, you might blue Oxford-style shirt, some skin- the vintage stores might want you find this everywhere from Topman you money on not need those clothes ny black jeans and some brogue too. Your best bet is in T-shirt or to Next. the heating bills. this Valentine’s Day. boots to rock the contemporary Crew Neck Sweatshirt form, cou- The problem, gentleman look. pled with a plain black leather or however, is that varsity style bomber jacket. » Photo: Flickr/beckyjohns7

Valentine’s Day: Love it or loathe it? Did you know... All you need is love Worst holiday ever! 13% of Warwick students Christine Wong VS Scott Harris are virgins ne of the greatest things can seem like a dark and horri- alentine’s Day is categor- My issue with Valentine’s is not about being human is the ble place. But on the fourteenth of ically the worst holiday that I’m single (although that does fact that we are aware of February, just one day every year, ever. There are innumerable make it a bitter pill to swallow). My 52% of Warwick students Oand embrace love. We talk about it, people have a specific reason to put Vreasons – the commerciality, the disconcertion rests in that there is have used a sex toy write songs about it, share stories away whatever negative emotions cost, the pressure, to name but a the gross misconception that love about it, cry about it… and the best are in their lives and to simply cel- few. It’s a divisive topic, separating is measurable in spectacular ges- part is that we even have a signif- ebrate love. And Valentine’s Day out those who do from those who tures, that love must be paraded 36% of Warwick students icant day when we celebrate love! does NOT have to be just about cel- don’t, branding the latter with ei- in front of all to be legitimate, and have tried anal sex The mere act of loving is tough. ebrating romantic love! Valentine’s ther cynicism or lovelessness. that ultimately love is just anoth- Love is difficult for people; Day can also be used to cel- The holiday, like most er tickable box on your life it comes naturally to ani- ebrate loving yourself, or contemporary holidays, is trajectory. 57% of Warwick students mals, but people have to loving your family and/or a distortion of a religious If Valentine’s Day have tried or would like to try work for love. We have to friends. It’s a day where Holy Day. It was first as- were a private affair, if bondage in the bedroom work to get it, and then people everywhere pull sociated with romantic it remained between to keep it, and it’s such a out all the stops for the love by our old friend, couples and loved- See the full results of the Lifestyle wonderful thing to be in people that they love. Geoffrey Chaucer, in ones, then I would sex survey at theboar.org to find love so why not celebrate So what if it’s a little the middle ages. Then, have no trouble. That out more! it? Why shouldn’t we have commercialised – so is in the 19th century, it be- love need be recognised a special day where people Christmas, but does that came fashionable to send by anyone other than those are reminded of how much love stop the Christmas spirit from anonymous cards, assorted box- ‘loving’, through public displays there can be in the world? infecting the winter air? es of confectionary, and odorous of affection, lavish gifts, and in- Think about it like this: we live So fall back in love with love this flowers. This brings us to the pres- finite posts on Instagram – it goes Shocked? Let us know! in a world of cynicism, anger and February 14, and spend time with ent day, with Hallmark having their to show that Valentine’s Day isn’t so What you think fear. Violence is everywhere, con- your loved ones, whoever they may way with just about every holiday much about displaying your love to Tweet: flict is more common that we’d like, be. (And hey, Valentine’s chocolate and turning Love into simply an- someone, as it is about displaying @BoarLifestyle and everyone experiences pain and is always a good way to go!) other public spectacle. your love to everyone. loneliness. Sometimes the world » Photos: Flickr/JayCayadona, NoellaChoi2 16 Sponsored by: Editor: Rebekah Ellerbytheboar.org 16 [email protected] Twitter @BoarArts ARTS fb.com/groups/BoarArts Ghosts haunts Trafalgar Studios with tragic sincerity Rebekah Ellerby reviews Richard Eyre’s modern adaptation of Ibsen’s shocking and tumultous drama

» Lesley Manville and Jack Lowden in Ghosts at Trafalgar Studios. Photo: Tristram Kenton he heartbreaking performances at olive green upholstery. Everything about the chucking her writing implements into the the modern stage, writes in his programme the core of the Almeida’s production set is intense in the way it regulates the char- draw and shoving her chair under the table that the play faces the greatest of life’s en- of Ghosts have created a production acters’ behaviour in the space and is regular with terrifying assurance. She is strong in emies, which are not only ‘social repression that pairs emotional suffering with in terms of aesthetics. Significantly, the only her challenge to the Pastor’s moral goodness and superstition’ but ‘to be bored with life and Tintimate scrutiny. It is the only production props to move about repeatedly are the books in upholding the sanctity of a marriage that indifferent to its suffering’. Eyre forces this on in the current repertoire to have received a that Helene Alving (Lesley Manville) has be- built a facade around suffering. But yet it is as us in a very real way, with the cathartic gen- Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards last week; Les- gun to conceive her own ideas by, the books she struggles and fights this inner strength, esis of a blood red dawn concluding the play. ley Manville won the award for Best Actress that prompt the Adam Kotz’s hilarious but while the world she has built up - and it is Red and orange suffuse up the backdrop, like for her role as Helene Alving. The show also pitiful assertion as the Pastor that everything her world, we believe with all certainty that a perverted tequila sunrise, which recalls the recently announced it would be extending he says is what someone else has said first. this Helene maintained the estate through destructive glow of the fire, as part of Peter its transfer run at Trafalgar Studios until 22 And on that note, the consensus of eve- her husband’s sustained drunken debauchery Mumford’s elegant lighting design. This vivid March. ryone else on this production is unanimous - breaks down. This struggle produces our ut- sunrise is attended simultaneously with bird Even as the audience takes to its seats, praise. Something profound happens to your ter sympathy for her, in the strength it takes song heralding a new beginning. But a new arranged close together in the tight rows at conception of humanity, suffering and art in to confess her years of pain. Her self-effacing beginning of what? We are suspended in a fi- Trafalgar Studios, the set feels oppressively relation to this play. The first performances sacrifice for a son she sent away, towards a nal moment on the edge of destruction with small and close to the audience, beautiful in were deemed obscene and revolting; today husband she couldn’t love and against herself, the rest of Helene’s life indeterminably ahead its design by Tim Hatley. The stage is layered they continue to challenge. Ibsen considers is upheld by Manville in a performance that of her. In response to the production, it feels three spaces deep, divided by glass screen the legacy of the late Mr Alving’s debauchery, is difficult to give justice to. impossible to be bored with life, having been walls. A living room is exposed downstage, both on the ten years of isolation and suf- Even as the lights came down and the confronted with the possibility of such emo- with the tarnished glass wall partially obscur- fering experienced by his wife, Helene, and audience began to pay their respects in ap- tional suffering and perhaps redemption. ing a dining room behind and another wall in the inheritance of his son (Jack Lowden), plause, I felt unbearably unable to participate The publicity shows Lesley Manville in a that looks beyond to the outside; to the vil- who had held his father in a position of es- as Manville’s tears pooled down her cheeks solarised photograph like a Man Ray por- lage; to everywhere beyond this claustropho- teem. while the cast took their bow. At the same trait, her ghostly, black and white dress fad- bic, private sphere. These semi-transparent Lesley Manville plays Helene with ex- time, heartfelt respect for the cast and the vi- ing into the title: Ghosts. And like the ghosts walls allow the audience a perspective denied traordinarily bold inner strength that has sion that made a production so terrible and of Helene’s stifling past and the effects carried to the characters on stage. Even the furniture, produced a defiance against her own vulner- exhilarating made applause the only expres- through into the life of her son, this produc- which leaves little space to move about, is ability. At times, she is strong in being flip- sion possible in response to it. tion affects you with haunting sincerity. dark hardwood and made up with saturated pant, as she signs deeds to the orphanage, Richard Eyre, who has adapted Ghosts for What’s on The Ayckbourn The Vanity of Small Propeller does The Sunflowers Candide Baselitz and His Sun Sensing Spaces Ensemble Differences Shakespeare Generation

11 -15 Feb 4- 5 Feb 11 - 15 Feb Until 27 April Until 1 March Until 31 Aug 4 - 5 Feb Until 6 April WAC Birmingham Art Belgrade Theatre National Gallery Menier Chocolate British Museum WAC, Royal Academy of £12 for U26s Gallery From £10.25 FREE Factory FREE £11 for U26s Arts Britain’s most FREE Propeller presents Two versions of From £29.50 Modern German Shechter’s emotive £14 (con) prolific and exciting Grayson Perry’s a double bill of Vincent van Gogh’s With music from art from the work and often angry Installations and living playwright celebrated series of comedy with The Sunflowers are Leonard Bern- of six of the key world emerges a works in various comes to WAC to tapestries continues Comedy of Errors reunited in London stein, Candide has figures who helped bright white light media by leading present a trilogy of its UK tour and A Midsummer for the first time in extended its run by transform graphic dancing out of the architects and urban his plays Night’s Dream 65 years. a week practice smoke and chaos designers theboar.org 17 17 Uncommon Ground: unearthed treasures Helene Kleih treads on the ground of Land Art at the Mead Gallery’s current, landmark exhibition ncommon Ground is a exhibition evaluate our position in regards to our envi- an artistic creation, Lamelas work proves to currently at the Mead Gallery, ronment, instead depicting our normal inter- be a success, instigating essential discussion which showcases various medi- actions with nature as explorations of creativ- through an unassuming platform. ums of British Land Art between ity and the boundaries which we live in. Sculptural installations such as Anthony U1966 to 1979 from the Arts Council Collec- John Hilliard’s ‘Across the Park’ (1972) fea- Gormley’s ‘Flat Tree’ (1978) feature as centre tion, Southbank Centre. tures one image of a man walking through pieces in the exhibition space and provide Land Art was a movement of the late 1960s, the park is repeated and paired with a set the public with a more concrete experience where artists from both Britain and America of photos depicting random acts, altering of Land Art. In Gormley’s piece, the symbol- broke out of the studio and adopted a new the everyday activity of a walk in the park. ism of man’s ability to deconstruct and recon- stylistic approach, using ‘natural matter to Another work also keeping to this scope of struct organic forms is shown through the ar- forge new forms of art.’ Uncommon Ground manmade natural spaces is David Lamelas’s rangement of a thinly sliced tree, as it adopts deals with the reciprocal way humans affect photographic triad, ‘Signalling of Three Ob- the form of a spiral pattern. and are affected by the natural environment jects’ (1968), which explores how the public Acclaimed land artist, Andy Goldswor- they inhabit, whether the consequences are utilises parks. His objects seem randomly thy, portrays the transition between seasons » Andy Goldsworthy, Forked Twigs in Water negative or positive. The relationship be- selected but we can also identify the evolu- by contrasting a white snowball and a soil - Bentham (1979) (photo: Arts Council tween man and nature is manipulated with tion between them. The triad starts with a covered snowball (1979). Like Gormley, he Collection, Southbank Centre London) the notion of the artist investigating, altering, simple tree signifying nature, goes on to the revises the original properties of his environ- and recording various aspects of nature. deckchair – an object being used in natural ment and changes the organic appearance photo, therefore challenging our conception The exhibition boasts an array of differ- conditions – and lastly it pictures a man sit- of natural matter, addressing man’s involve- of water as something basic and simplistically ent forms of Land Art such as photography, ting in the deckchair: the beneficiary of the ment with nature as an artist and a sculptor. natural. Barry Flanagan also highlights the sculpture and film. The exhibition asks us to collaboration of both man and nature. As Anthony McCall’s film ‘Landscape for Fire’ importance of the otherwise mundane, in his (1972) pairs ritualistic fires with the natural close-up microscopic portrayals of grass. He conditions of a heath. By using a surreal, in- forces us to question our existence in accord- teractive medium it shows the way nature can ance with nature, as our ordinary perspective be used to project an artistic vision of medi- is distorted. Grass is no longer minute and tative mystery. The sound of a resonating taken for granted, but is rather captured and horn against the wind, in McCall’s sequence magnified, highlighting its utmost impor- and pattern of man-made fire constructions, tance in our daily lives. evokes a cathartic quality. The healing prop- The exhibition sustains an appreciative erties of nature are also addressed in David stance towards nature, showing humans to Nash’s construction ‘Fletched over ash dome consistently benefit from its therapeutic, – 23 Trees’ (1978) as pencil and chalk sketch- practical and aesthetic qualities. Nature bears es envisage a ‘meditative chamber’. the possibility of bringing people together, A great deal of preliminary, investigative as shown in Joan Hills, ‘Seeds for a Random work is exhibited, with various sketches and Garden’ where a sense of community was es- notes by unknown artists. Susan Hiller pays tablished through the haphazard collection homage to the unknown environmentalists of random seeds by a random selection of who, in their photographic records of crash- people. ing waves, displays a genuine passion for the The positive qualities of nature in the ex- physical properties of nature. The analyti- hibition urges us to protect our environment cal element towards their outlook of nature, whatever the expense, and assess the way that contrasts with John Hilliard’s approach to a we affect it in everyday life. As seen in Tony lake overlooked by Basalt crags near Hadri- Cragg’s collection of plastic debris found an’s Wall. ‘Basaltic Intrusion’ (1977) features along the River Rhine, the human impact photographs from different focal points in on nature comes at a cost. Using these land order to deduce the properties of water. The artists as exemplars, we need to recognise ‘structural division of landscape’ is evident the faults of man in order to adopt a more through the labelling of ‘over’, ’under’ and conscious and nurturing approach towards ‘through’ as the perspective changes in each nature in the future. » Anthony McCall, Landscape for Fire II (1972). 16mm film still. photo: Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre London The art of the critics review Josh Payne reflects on the three star review and the sway that critics have on audience attendance modern day theatre-goer need only of what can only be described as atrocious a show has. We Will Rock You was handed count the number of stars a pro- reviews. The influence of critical opinion on some ignominious reviews, not least by The duction receives before deciding the general public was clear for all to see as Guardian. A 2 star review in 2002 didn’t whether or not to part with their the show was reported to have lost £5 mil- seem to hamper the show’s success and it Acash for a ticket. From a local theatre com- lion. Judy Craymer, the producer of the show, soon reached the milestone of 1 million tick- pany at the Warwick Arts Centre to a West made the announcement just five months ets sold. It is currently the longest running End musical, a review of less than four stars after its premiere in the West End. This isn’t production at the Dominion Theatre and is could make a potential spectator invest their the only show to become known as a ‘West widely regarded as an audience favourite. money elsewhere. So are there any glimpses End flop’. Gone with the Wind was criticised It is obvious that reviews are often the de- of hope for three star productions? as ‘extravagantly pointless’ by Michael Bil- ciding factor when choosing between plays to In short, there is little hope for such pro- lington in The Guardian and the show closed spend your money on. Foremost, it mediates ductions. Three star plays and musicals tend 3 months earlier than anticipated. risk; you know to expect a great show, but to resort to reducing the prices of their tickets These sorts of issues don’t just affect pro- the critic’s opinion should be read with some in order to increase their attendances. Shows ductions in London, reviewed in the nation- degree of caution. Unfavourable reviews can such as The Wind in the Willows, which has al broadsheets. Local plays and even local lead to poor ticket sales for particular shows, fallen short of the four star mark, are offering theatres can be put under serious threat by whether critical opinion matches audience up to 30% off their ticket prices. Although below-average reviews. The Royal Spa Centre reception or not, putting even enjoyable this is great news for cash-strapped audienc- in Leamington Spa came close to closure in productions at risk of closure. However, We es, the show is unlikely to meet its projected 2010 after a high level of scrutiny was placed Will Rock You has proved that reviews don’t revenue. If the musical Viva Forever! is any- on the productions and the theatre itself. It always reflect public opinion and that they thing to go by, then three star shows are in took a change of management and an injec- shouldn’t be used as the deciding factor on serious trouble. tion of money to save the theatre from the whether or not to buy a ticket. Poor reviews After an only 6 month run, this musical brink of disaster. can constitute a lack of success, but that does » Sensing Spaces, until 6 Apr at the Royal about the Spice Girls announced its closure It’s not all doom and gloom though. Re- not mean that the curtain will fall on every Academy Blue Pavilion by Pezo von Ell- in June of last year, following and as a result views don’t always reflect how much success harshly reviewed production. richshausen photo: Royal Academy of Arts 18 Editor: Poppy Rosenbergtheboar.org theboar.org theboar.org/Books | @BoarBooks | BOOKS 19 18 [email protected] Twitter @BoarBooks Pint of purple BOOKS fb.com/groups/BoarBooks Audio killed the paperback star? Two writers go head-to-head in their defense of reading vs. audio books Money Editor thoughts. True, I often drift from the page like them to be or not. For me, reading is that Ben Shaw takes Books at Bedtime: who do you go to sleep with? Reading rules! - Nicole Davis too – a scandalous conversation on the bus, time when you can tune out and not tune on our bookish and suddenly I find I’ve skipped 20 pages in when you can utterly lose yourself in the questions in this Writers at the Boar give the intimate information on which books they’re going to bed with at night... eading is, for me, a distinctly ma- without absorbing a single sentence – how- world that someone has created. terial pleasure. I enjoy thumbing ever, I personally find it more rewarding to Reading is my private sanctuary. With week’s column through the pages and checking to turn each page and savour each line. There’s book in hand and often in front of face, it The Happy Prince – Oscar Wilde across the town. Winter arrives and after car- see how much I’ve read and how no turning back to re-read a brilliantly craft- says, ‘sorry world, but I’m indulging in some- rying out the Prince’s final request to pluck Rmuch I’ve left to go. I like seeing creases in ed piece of prose without the task of pausing thing far more exciting’, ‘I am a literary soul What book are you reading at the moment? y perfect bedtime story is one of the jewels from his eyes, the swallow dies. In the spine, indicative of a novel well-perused. and rewinding, and there’s no folding down and I wish for you to know it’, ‘Yes I have Despite studying a Finance degree, I actually Oscar Wilde’s short stories. Wil- the morning the townspeople are shocked to And I take great satisfaction from publicly the corner of your favourite moment and made it 250 pages into Ulysses and I’m still do quite a bit of reading. Yeah, we read too. de is most commonly known for see the shabby statue and declare ‘as he is no reading a book wherein the cover is returning to it months, years later, with going’. Unfortunately, most of those books are to do his satirical plays and his only longer beautiful, he is no longer useful’. They available for all to see. Yes, yes I that personalised touch. Another problem I see with audio is that with stock market crashes. In true Money Mnovel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Sadly, his melt down the statue, leaving his lead heart in am reading (insert intellectual Academic studies and surveys someone else’s voice, their intonations and Editor Style, I’m reading: ‘The Game: How fairy tale-like stories are quite often over- the dustbin alongside the swallow. This short title, or daunting classic). have confirmed that there is no interpretations intrude on your perspective the world of finance really works’ by Alex Bu- looked. The most well-known collection of story, much like Wilde’s later work, criticises If you’re merely listening to significant difference in com- of the novel. I don’t particularly want to expe- chanan. and despite the boring title, it’s not Wilde’s short stories is The Happy Prince and the materialistic attitude of the aristocratic the material, however, will prehension of a text whether rience a book with the added emphasis that too shabby. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis were our reality, where riddles need not have Other Tales. One might suppose that these class and the importance they place on beau- people know that you’re enjoyed aurally or visually Stephen Fry gives it; I want to see it through Carroll answers and croquet is played with flamin- short stories were meant for children, howev- ty, whilst ignoring those in poverty. If you not just caressing your and those that listened to a my own eyes and infer from it what I will. Who is your favourite literary character? gos. As an older reader now, I can still laugh, er having read The Happy Prince as a child I enjoy reading any of Wilde’s more famous ears with some Kanye or book were able to summarise Furthermore, reading is more educational. Hmm. That’s a tough one. Since I have to bedtime book should never be dull. perhaps more so, at the novel’s silly surrealist would argue it is much better suited to adults! works you will also love his short stories. The catching up on a radio the plot just as capably. But it’s Teaching a child to read is one of the great- choose, I’ll go with Absolem from Alice in As much as we want to relax and humour, the endless reams of sophisticated His stories read like fairy tales, yet include Happy Prince, as well as other tales in the podcast? How will that not understanding that I dis- est gifts you might ever bestow on them; if Wonderland. For those of you that don’t watch as the print fades into the word plays and unabashed mockery of mod- much darker endings than the ‘happily ever collection like The Nightingale and The Rose, cute guy approach you in a pute that reading a book privi- they think they can be lazy and just listen to know him by name, he’s that crazy-ass cat- page while snuggling up and pre- ern mathematics. after’ that a child might expect. give a short example of Wilde’s famous satire cafe because you’re reading leges, it’s that which is otherwise the novel, you’re taking away the chance to erpillar who is smoking shisha all the time. Aparing for sleep, we would only be mad if Late at night, beneath lamplight, it does The Happy Prince is about a beautiful gold and social criticism. They leave a lasting mes- Dorian Gray and he recently en- gained. see words, to learn how they’re spelt and see It was toss-up between him and the one & we settled for anything less than the fantas- what it is meant to do – it sets the imagina- statue that is constructed in memory of the sage with the reader and are a perfect quick joyed it immensely?! I often listen all day long. To music how sentences are formed. Sight is sense of- only, Fantastic Mr Fox. He was my favour- tical. Because whatever sticks in your mind tion running wild. In dreams I have replaced late Prince. The statue of the Prince, however, and thought-provoking read before bed if But even in the safe confines and privacy on the bus journey into campus, to a lecturer ten taken for granted, and to neglect reading ite character of all time. That is, until George has ample opportunity to revisit you in your Alice many a time, chasing rabbits and paint- is far from happy. When a swallow befriends you’re not in the mood to tackle a full novel. of my bedroom, I find I engage more with summarising Nietzsche’s theories, to friends would be to render it somewhat useless. But Clooney butchered him in the film. Come dreams. We’ve all, on occasion, been in the ing roses red – Through the Looking Glass the statue, the Prince asks him to pluck out a book if I approach it as a tangible experi- piecing together antics from the night be- don’t take my word for it, pick up a book and on, George. situation, surreal but intriguing, of finding had me holding aloft the Vorpal Sword to the the jewels he is decorated with and take them Jodie Marsden ence. I would find it too easy to tune out of fore. My ears are assaulted with melodies see for yourself. parts of our reality folding into night fancies. snarling head of the Jabberwocky. The small to the poor and suffering families that he sees an audio book and start indulging in my own and sounds throughout the day, whether I’d What is the first book you remember read- But I admit, I’ve a bit of a taste for the poten- disappointment I can’t help but feel as I wake ing? tiality of dream-shaping, and nothing carries puts me in mind of Caliban’s lament for the quite tricky to keep up another manual ac- sure that any seasoned reader such as myself Shadow of the Minotaur. It was a book about so well into my sleep as the weird and won- dream world. The Perks of Being a Wall-flower – Stephen overcomes his problems and is able to find Listen Up! - Carmella Lowkis tivity in the meantime. Even digital devices, is familiar with the difficulty of finding a com- a guy, Phoenix, whose Dad had built a virtual derful Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Why not let Wonderland play havoc with Chbosky himself with the help of the true friends that such as the Kindle, require a hands-on ap- fortable reading position. Sitting, slouching, reality gaming system. They gaming system As hard as I try to discover a similar gem, the unconscious landscapes of your mind? he makes. What I love about this books is the will always be one of the first in line to proach. Because of this, you are often forced hunching, reclining – every possibility leads came to life & tried to take over the World. it is pretty apparent that Lewis Carroll struck That’s half the fun. Take the time to delve into or me the best books to read before fact that it does not glorify anything, but nor defend books: books are brilliant. How- to put down your book when it’s time to do to some form of discomfort. With an audi- Here’s the best part, it was all based around the teapot on its head – there is, and perhaps Wonderland before bedtime, and you may bedtime are the ones which are im- does it mask anything. It is all about real life, ever, brilliance is not synonymous to the chores – a problem which doesn’t ex- obook, you can flop down any which-way; Greek mythology. I’m just so cool. never will be, anything like Wonderland. The just believe as many as six impossible things possible to put down, the ones that and in fact Chbosky based Charlie loosely on convenience. ist when it comes to audiobooks. With the no compromise need be met. With a couple majority of us have tumbled down the rab- before breakfast. block out any awareness of the world himself. All the characters have problems: IHave you ever tried to multitask whilst hands-free nature of headphones, of iPod speakers, the audiobook even What is your all-time favourite book? bit-hole in some shape or form, sat beguiled Faround you and engulf you in their fictional Charlie’s love interest, Sam, has a dark past reading a book? It’s next to impossible! In or- iPods, and even CD players, an solves the age-old problem of how Given I betrayed him with my earlier an- at the table of the maddest tea party (ever – Gabriella Watt paradise. Of course these are disastrous for and Patrick is bullied for being gay. This is der to read, you have to devote your entire audiobook allows you to per- to read in the bath. Say good- swer, I’m going to have to go for Roald Dahl’s it’s official), wishing this topsy-turvy world tiredness levels, but this aside, the way I tell if why the novel is so believable to me – as ocular attention to the page; one glance up, form tasks which a physical bye to wet books, and hello to classic, Fantastic Mr Fox. Not quite the Great a book is good is by looking at the clock and Charlie says, it is “both happy and sad” and and you’ve lost your place. This isn’t an in- book prevents. Arduous maximum comfort. Gatsby-esque answer you usually get, but I realising it’s 3am and an incomprehensible Chbosky has got the combination just right. trinsically bad thing – in fact, getting lost in a activities like ironing, vac- Finally, there is no shame love that book. amount of time has passed whilst I have been Perks is undoubtedly one of my favourite book is part of the joy of reading – but there uuming, and tidying are in admitting the obvious engrossed in what I am reading. bedtime books because it pulls you into the are some situations where it causes problems. far more interesting when benefit of audiobooks: they If you wrote an autobiography, what would One such example which fits this descrip- story and holds you there until the very end. Missed stops on the bus; burned dinners in they come hand-in-hand require less effort. It’s so be the title? tion is The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Ste- It is one of those novels that makes you think the oven; a dog which has taken advantage of with fiction. Moreover, this much easier to sit back and For those who know me, you know that I phen Chbosky. I read it in one sitting, taking and makes you feel a little bit changed after your distraction to steal the last slice of cake: provides a fun new way of let another person do the just can’t resist a pun. I would just see this as it up to bed with me and planning an early reading it. I felt it taught me some important all of these are the potential dangers of read- measuring time. How long hard work – especially when it another opportunity to showcase my talents. night but not getting to sleep until the ear- lessons, one being that, “Things change. And ing. Audiobooks are far less hazardous. Once does it take me to do the iron- comes to dense or difficult texts. Something like ‘Ben: A Shawt Story, Sub-Ti- ly hours because I was simply astounded by friends leave. Life doesn’t stop for anybody.” you remove the visual dependency, you are ing? Five chapters of The Prison- I know that, as a literature student, tle: Shaw to be a good read. this novel. Narrated by 15-year-old Charlie, it granted simultaneous access to reality and er of Azkaban. This information is I shouldn’t say this, but I would never is formed of a series of letters spanning his fiction. invaluable when assessing the relative worth have made it through Wuthering Heights if Kindle vs. Book? first year of high school. This was a starkly Lucy Skoulding Another factor preventing the reader from of chores. it wasn’t for the audiobook! Perhaps audio- Hands down, Kindle. Don’t get me wrong, real story of an introverted teenager who multitasking is the demand that reading There even some times when, although books are the lazy option, but whoever said books are great, particularly that smell they makes upon your hands. If you have to turn reading a physical book is possible, I would that it’s wrong to be lazy from time to time? have when you first flick through them. That the page every few paragraphs, it becomes argue that an audiobook is preferable. I’m said, I am an absolute sucker for a good bit of tech. Plus, I can check my emails on the Moby Dick – Herman Melville Putting aside the linguistic majesty kindle. Good luck doing that with your pre- The Blue Castle – L.M. Montgomery The Blue Castle is the perfect book for bed- of Melville, the subject matter and imagery is Re-Kindle passion for literature with eBooks cious books. time because it is escapism of the best kind ost of my friends will attest to the enough to make this a fantastic bedtime read. n my opinion, there is no book better at – funny, heart-warming, comforting and ro- fact that I never miss an oppor- What more could you want before going to Sandeep Purewal convinces us why eBooks are king and why they’re here to stay How much is a pint of purple? making you forget about the stresses of mantic. You can spot most of the plot twists tunity to talk about how much I bed than to be inspired by beautiful image- Given that I live with the keenest Pop! go-er the day than The Blue Castle, one of Anne a mile away, but that’s not the point. What love The Whale or Moby Dick - ry of the sea and fantastic descriptions of the have always been a lover of reading. And ble. Furthermore, many people are now using the efficiency and convenience of a Kindle in Leamington town, I have no reservations of Green Gables author LM Montgom- makes this book so great are the likeable Mso all aboard as I finally put in writing why I most mysterious and magical of sea animals? by that I mean a lover of good old fash- their tablets to read news articles, reducing cannot be denied. When packing for a holi- in answering, £1.50. Seriously, this guy has Iery’s only book for adults. The story follows and eccentric characters, and Montgomery’s love it and why it is, in fact, the perfect bed- Add to this a host of eccentric characters and ioned books. However, I have also dis- the amount of trees being chopped down dai- day, the hardest decision that I have to make a season pass. I didn’t even know they did shy Valancy Stirling, who is twenty-nine, un- warm, humorous style. It’s a joy to watch Val- time book. you have the perfect storm. Captain Ahab, covered that a good book doesn’t need ly to produce newspapers. is which books I will take with me, and which those. married and still living with her mother. Her ancy blossom from an awkward, self-doubt- You’ve probably heard that this epic Amer- the monomaniacal captain of the ship (and Ia fancy cover and a certain smell. Rather, I admit that I had reservations when my ones I must leave at home. But with a tablet, only escape from her monotonous existence ing girl victimised by her mother to a confi- ican novel is about a boat, a crazy captain arguably, the novel) is an utterly compelling a good book just needs to be a good book. parents bought me my first tablet a few that’s no longer an issue! is the books she reads and her fantasies about dent girl actively pursuing her own dreams. and a slightly pale fish. Well I guess that cov- literary character. His impassioned speeches There are many reasons why we should months ago. I thought that reading a book If you are sitting at home and feel the sud- a castle and its romantic inhabitant. As you might expect, a happy ending is ers the basics but it really is so much more. and imposing figure will literally haunt your support the Kindle, along with other E-read- on a mechanical device would ruin the whole den urge to read a new book, it’s unlikely that When she is diagnosed with a terminal guaranteed, but as the book states, it’s not Whilst its size may be intimidating, the book dreams and leave you thinking about him ers. experience of getting lost in your favour- you are going to rush off to the nearest Wa- heart condition, Valancy decides that it is the destination which matters but how you is broken down into so many chapters, mak- well into the next day. Can we really ignore the damage that we ite novel. Oh, how wrong I was. My tablet terstones. But with a tablet, you have a vast time for her to stop dreaming and seize the get there. The Blue Castle is an absorbing and ing it the perfect novel to read in installments What I love most about Moby Dick is that are causing to our world, just so that we can turned out to be a pleasure to use: as I glid- collection of books – including a reservoir day. She scandalises her relatives by her new charming story, the literary equivalent of a each night. More importantly, it deserves to you will get out of it as much as you want to enjoy that ‘feeling’ of a good book? I don’t ed through the pages of Wuthering Heights, I of free classics – at your fingertips. It’s not outspoken behaviour and “loose ways” (this cup of steaming hot chocolate, and the per- be read slowly. Melville uses a lot of words invest. You can take the experiences of your think so. How many trees are used to pro- realised what a smooth user experience it in surprising that studies have shown that more book was written during the social upheav- fect read to give you wonderful dreams and a to tell this 500 page story but boy does he day (and life) and work them into the sym- duce a year’s worth of books? It’s hard to say, fact provided. Think about those windy days people are reading thanks to the eBook. al of the Roaring Twenties). When helping a great night’s sleep. choose them well. The language in Moby bolism, revealing hidden depths and making however one source suggests that the USA in the park when you are trying to read, but I acknowledge that change is always hard dying friend, one who has been ostracised by Dick is lyrical, philosophical and drenched in the story your own. So give this classic a go alone consumes thirty million trees every your book is trying to fly away! With the abil- to accept, however progress shouldn’t be society for having an illegitimate child, she Emily Rose Nabney meaning. But this does not mean to say that it and you will not regret it! year to make books. National Geographic has ity to change the text size and screen bright- shunned. We should all support the switch to encounters another outcast – one who owns a is a particularly challenging book to read; the estimated that the carbon produced when ness on most tablets, the eBook is not to be using eBooks to help fight deforestation. But home on an idyllic island much like the blue sentences ebb and flow as beautifully as the Poppy Rosenberg creating one physical book is equal to the passed over lightly. that doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself castle of Valancy’s imaginings. sea upon which the Pequod sails. carbon produced by fourteen e-books. Thus, Now, don’t get me wrong: my bookshelf is to the odd hardback every once in a while… the benefits of buying eBooks are innumera- still the source of my pride and joy. However, 20 theboar.org 20 Editor: Raghav Bali [email protected] Twitter @BoarFilm FILM fb.com/groups/BoarFilm 2013: The year the Brits went bust? Jacob Mier voices his disappointment that fewer truly Brtish films are being produced hile many British names will internationally successful lead roles. Beyond releases, more often than not it was in roles as land and everything directed by Gurinder crop up in the announcements the strong number of Oscar-nominated per- customarily reserved for the British as Cum- Chadha spring to mind – it is still an event in at the BAFTAs and Oscars cer- formances, the likes of Idris Elba, Benedict berbatch’s Khan (the stereotypical English the United Kingdom to go to the cinema and emonies this year, not many of Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman also won villain); to serve as the exotic foreign other watch a film that feels like it came from the Wthe actors they belong to will have earned plaudits for major Hollywood lead in an American context (Emma country it’s being shown to. While there were their reward for service to a British story or roles that will go overlooked at Thompson in Saving Mr. some notable exceptions – Filth, Philomena in the pay of a British financier. On one hand, the awards. Banks) or provide the air – it seemed to me that the majority of 2013’s I will watch the broadcasts proudly as some As British as these of medieval old-world- British films commodified themselves to talented Brits receive some much-deserved actors are by origin, liness that British some degree through the casting of Ameri- accolades; on the other, I will bemoan the however, just how accents typically cans: About Time, one of 2013’s most com- overall absence of Britishness from cinema at British have their lend to realms mercially successful UK-produced movies, large in the year just passed. I get the distinct successes in 2013 of fantasy (The placed American actress Rachel McAdams feeling that The World’s End might be the been? In most Hobbit: Theat the centre of their promotional appeal. only film that will ever be made with Doom- cases, Brits Desolation of The implication is, then, that not only are bar on draught in its mise-en-scène. The have adopted Smaug, Thor: the Hollywood studios unenthusiastic about multiplex feels more like a saloon bar serving accents to The DarkBritish protagonists on the big screen, pro- only Budweiser than it does a friendly local. portray non- World). The duction companies and audiences over here It is true that British filmmaking has en- Brits: Elba British ac- are just as favourable to characters and sto- joyed great success at the Academy Awards and Naomie cent is so ries from other lands. in recent years. In 2009, Danny Boyle Harris as often found The British talents behind 12 Years a Slave claimed the Best Director gong for his work South Africans marginalised might well take the spoils at the Oscars this on Slumdog Millionaire, which took Best (Mandela: The thus, if not to year, but if the tale of American slavery does Picture. Tom Hooper and his film The King’s Long Walk to fantasy then to end up winning Best Picture, the statuette Speech achieved this same feat in 2011. But Freedom); Chi- the floppy rom- will be going on a mantelpiece somewhere perhaps no year in recent memory saw quite wetel Ejiofor and com or stuffy pe- in Los Angeles. Whether the backing comes so much British involvement in the produc- Cate Blanchett as riod drama. In the from Brad Pitt or Harvey Weinstein (The tion of award-nominated films as 2013 did. New Yorkers (12 Years successes of Harry King’s Speech), it seems to be a recent trend After all, many of the nominees in the Os- a Slave and Blue Jasmine); Potter, Jane Austen, Hugh in successful cinema that British talent only cars’ Best Picture category are also nominees Cumberbatch, famous for his Grant and Roger Moore, has Academy Award-winning potential with for BAFTA’s Outstanding British Film award. portrayal of popular culture’s most there’s more of what constitutes American money and interest behind it. The correspondence between the two lists resoundingly ‘British’ icon Sherlock Holmes, the Hollywood imagination of Britishness on Given the persistent popularity of EastEnders illustrates the impressive role British pro- found himself down under (The Fifth Estate), offer than authentic cultural representation. and Coronation Street, surely there is some duction companies played in making some in the deep south (12 Years a Slave) and in While other years have seen refreshing kind of market out there for truly ‘British’ of the year’s best films, ranging from Grav- deep space (Star Trek Into Darkness) but nev- deviations from this trend – Edgar Wright’s storytelling on the big screen to match the ity to Philomena. Even more attention was er in his home territory. If UK actors were to work with Simon Pegg, Richard Ayoade’s demand for it on the small one? garnered by the triumphs of British actors in be found using native accents in 2013’s major Submarine, Shane Meadows’s This is Eng- Cowboys and Samurais draw Box-Office Bombs Daniel Kelly covers the runt of the finacial litter from last year’s cinematic offerings ccording to Box-office statistics, that the final cut wasn’t up to snuff. 47 Ronin whilst 47 Ronin sunk even lower to 12%. The don’t often lead to masterpieces. Competi- 2013 was a pretty stellar year for the endured an even patchier road to multiplex- fact neither film is as terrible as those scores tion might’ve been too steep: 47 Ronin had to film industry with theatres tallying es. The Samurai epic began shooting in 2011, suggest seems irrelevant (The Lone Ranger is open mere days after juggernauts Frozen and a record-breaking $10.8 billion in but the budget quickly ran amok (final deeply flawed but offers some rousing ac- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Or per- Arevenues. If 2014 were to repeat those num- estimates put it at $175 million) and tion and 47 Ronin was one of last year’s haps Depp was correct, and spiteful reviews bers, it’s unlikely many executives would be debut director Carl Rinsch speed- prettiest tent-poles), but to what de- are to blame for this flock of box-office -tur crying into their coffee. Yet despite the im- ily fell out of favour with his gree does such a media battering ac- keys. Whatever the reason for this clutch of pressive overall grosses, the year vomited for- higher-ups. Rinsch’s vision ad- count for failure? Not much, I reck- blockbusting outcasts (I haven’t even touched ward several ginormous flops, films with tri- hered to a more traditional orien- on. If Rotten Tomatoes has any effect on R.I.P.D or Pacific Rim in this article – al- ple-figured budgets, unable to recoup basic tal aesthetic and Universal growing on the Box-office it’s incredibly hard though the latter did booming trade over- production costs, much less turn a profit. The antsy at his increasingly lavish to detect; hefty derision didn’t stop seas) it’s clear that simply throwing money at most noted example was Disney’s The Lone expenditures resulted in even- other 2013 features like A Good Day a production is no guarantor of success, and Ranger; star Johnny Depp blaming its failure tually locking him out of the to Die Hard and Identify Thief accu- that building a positive standing in the year on critics, as opposed to the hedonistic $225 edit in 2012 following extensive mulating healthy totals. Audience before release is crucial. None of this seems million price tag and scrappy screenplay. reshoots to try and bolster the polling grades actually suggest like rocket science, and yet the studios con- However, that’s only one of 2013’s colossal film’s Western appeal. Add- that the contingent who both- tinue to fall foul of such trappings. Audiences underperformers with the financially bloated ing to its woes were release ered to see The Lone Ranger and clearly have a sixth sense (or so they think) 47 Ronin posting similarly dire returns. Why postponements (the film was 47 Ronin quite liked them (they when it comes to sniffing out damaged goods, are these films failing? Is the market overly originally set for Christmas both racked up solid B+ Cinema handily disposing of anything that limps saturated? Is the buzz too sour? Or are they 2012, it arrived a full-year Scores), so the subjective qual- rather than strides its way onto our screens. simply not good enough to get bums in seats? and one further delay later) ity of the movies isn’t the issue. In future Hollywood might want to apply When it comes to promotion and stand- and the fact much of its mar- Viewers were clearly ready to re- more thought in promoting and producing ing in the trades, both of the aforementioned keting relied on Keanu Reeves, ject both Ronin and Ranger before its seasonal MVPs instead of publically try- pictures carried toxic reputations long be- an actor whose marquee value journalists had a chance to damn ing to spend their problems away. It would fore they opened. The Lone Ranger entered has waned considerably since the them – but why? appear post-recession viewers aren’t fans of pre-production in 2011 but was temporarily 2003 heyday of his Matrix sequels. Maybe audiences are tired of executives dousing their rabid product with cancelled in August of that year, with Disney Both flops suffered hard journeys to Johnny Depp, and letting Keanu cash in the style of a capitalist antidote. Who uncertain about the escalating costs. Even- the screen, but is that enough to ex- Reeves open a feature in 2013 knew? tually the production was reignited, but the plain their lack of fiscal bounty? could kindly be described as brave. budget remained at a dizzying $225 million. Critics turned on both movies It’s very possible that the spotty pro- Things weren’t helped by the death of a crew swiftly, The Lone Ranger accumulat- duction histories of both films played member during principal photography – sul- ing a sorry 31% approval rating on into their negative performance – after » photos: Top: contrordine.it, Botttom: lying its reputation prior to word breaking critical aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, all, on-set deaths and multiple delays c.o0bc.com theboar.org theboar.org/Film | @BoarFilm | FILM21 21 Review: The Great Beauty Top Five Awkward Oscar Moments Paulina Dregvaite reflects upon Paulo Sorrentino’s exploration of Italian excess A Breast-tacular Opening Number In a bid to make the ceremony a little less pompous, Seth McFarlane was chosen by the Academy to host the 2013 Academy Awards. Titled ‘We Saw Your Boobs’, McFar- lane recounted in song the various actresses who exposed themselves for the big screen whilst the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles pranced in the background. Although he cer- tainly changed the mood for the Oscars, he also managed to piss off many feminists and a few unhappy film stars. An Award Winning Kiss Adrian Brody was overwhelmed when it was announced that he won Best Actor for his role in The Pianist. But not as over- whelmed as Halle Berry, who unexpectedly received an intimate and painfully long kiss from Brody in exchange for the Oscar she presented. Brody’s attempt at making light of the subject by saying to Berry ‘I bet they didn’t tell you that was in the gift bag’ may have been charming, but it certainly didn’t excuse him from trying to eat Berry’s face without her consent. Alas his poignant com- parisons of the dehumanisation of war ex- hibited in both WWII and the Iraq War in his acceptance speech are forgotten.

» photos: Left: om.files.wordpress.com, Right: businessinsider.com

f The Great Beauty’s protagonist, Jep Coliseum, Gambardella casually glances at it to convey, but never reaching a full clarity of Gambardella (pictured above) had lived whilst lying in a hammock on the terrace of thought and turning the film into a feast of fifty years ago, he would have been Mar- his apartment. infantilism. cello Mastroianni - black suit, fedora hat, Of course, The Great Beauty cannot engulf In contrast, The Great Beauty is a solid work Ihorn-rimmed glasses and the eternal, “I will the whole of Rome – and it doesn’t even try. without a trace of infantilism. If it wasn’t for be right back” attitude. And The Great Beau- In his 2008 film Il Divo, Sorrentino explored its exquisite beauty, I would accuse the film ty (La Grande Bellezza) would be a film by the Italian political elite, whereas The Great of not leaving any breathing-space for the Frederico Fellini, possibly even his master- Beauty analyses the existence of another type viewer. The density of its text is reminiscent piece. However, since both Mastroianni and of people: artists, aristocrats, the rich and the of the novels of Marcel Proust. Yet contrarily Fellini have been frequenting the restaurants clergy. All of them are uniquely miserable and, to Proust, the film largely varies rhythmical- The Academy’s Lowe Point of Heaven for almost twenty years, Rome is as Gambardella says, can only share each oth- ly, swinging from the elegies of Arvo Pärt to The 1989 Academy Award’s opening num- steered by director Paolo Sorrentino and his er’s company, a drink and a laugh. These peo- party anthems. This juxtaposition is prompt- ber was an absolute travesty. It is still the only muse Toni Servillo. Though the glasses and ple are the actors of the Roman high society ed right from the beginning of the film: af- opening to have resulted in a petition calling the mood haven’t changed. and he is their director. In his 1972 film Rome, ter witnessing the choir of wom- e n it ‘humiliating to all of Hollywood’ and a law- The film is almost begging for a compar- Fellini argued that one of the most marvellous lamenting the nonsensical death suit from Disney. The problem? Rob Lowe ison with the works of Fellini, especially La aspects of this city is that its size and diversi- of a tourist in the background of and Eileen Bowman kicked off the Academy Dolce Vita and 8 ½. Again, a refined deca- ty guarantees complete anonymity; however, grand Roman monuments, we Awards with a terribly cheesy opening num- dence, chaotically elegant parties and elite Gambardella pursued the exact opposite. Ever are immediately transported to ber as Snow White and her ‘date’. Complete Italy is shown. This mosaic is bound together since his arrival, he wanted to become the rec- Gambardella’s birthday par- with an atrocity to the ears from Lowea and by the already mentioned figure of Jep Gam- ognised king of Rome, destining his subjects’ ty. It’s a contrast worthy of a menagerie of cameos from decaying film bardella, who gained the status of a legendary lives with a mere flourish of his hand. And yet 15th century Dutch artist stars everyone in the audience was wonder- writer with his one and only novel, published king Gambardella is the only one who knows Hieronymus Bosch, sug- ing what mastermind-behind-the-disaster several decades ago. We meet Gambardella at that his kingdom is the vanity of vanities and gesting that life and death Allan Carr had been smoking. the party of his 65th birthday, a feast on a roof- it is exactly because of this knowledge that he go hand-in-hand in the top. Whilst the camera is slowly approaching suffers and searches eternally. timeless city of Rome. There An Unforgettable Streak his face, the orgy of sweaty bodies and music It may sound obvious, but The Great Beau- is no respite and there never The 1974 Academy Awards occurred when blur into a locomotive patch; Gambardella is ty is very beautiful. Sorrentino’s long-term will be. the USA was experiencing a tidal wave of slowly smoking, his tired eyes staring straight The Great Beauty is Paolo counter-culture and going against authority into the audience. The unmercifully wrinkled Sorrentino’s best film yet and was the norm. Despite this, audiences were face of actor Tony Servillo is whispering: “sic I will not be surprised if in the still completely unprepared for when pho- transit gloria mundi. What have I become, my The Great Beauty is Paolo Sorrentino’s upcoming Academy Awards tographer Robert Opel ran across the stage sweetest friend?” Gambardella dives into the best film yet and [should] get the Oscar it gets the Oscar for the Best naked before co-host David Niven; now im- search of the long-lost colours of life in the for the Best Foreign Language Film. Foreign Language Film. The mortalised with Niven’s quick-witted and manner of Proust, constantly returning to the Great Beauty is Frederico Fel- iconic save: “Isn’t it fascinating to think that crystal clear memory of his first love. The elite lini wandering through Berlus- probably the only laugh that man will ever of Rome are still dancing around him. Glasses coni’s Rome. And even though get in his life is by stripping off and showing and destinies are broken, but, alas, thus dawns cinematographer Luca Bigazzi has reached Sorrentino’s cynicism towards his shortcomings?” the morning. After all, everything is a trick. the peak of his skill. The excess of unneces- this city is undeniable, it is also One of the most vivid characters of the film sary scenes and the ungracefulness of shift a dedication of love to Leave the Oscar, Take the Indian is Rome itself - relentless, weary, tremendous, from scene onto scene that tormented Il Divo the city so old. After all, The Godfather is arguably one of the and mysterious. It has recently become fash- have been solved. In general, I think that this morning always dawns, greatest films ever made, so it is unsurpris- ionable to analyse Rome as a cultural con- film demonstrates the growth of this director, and Gambardella will ing that Marlon Brando won the Oscar in struct – I am thinking about Woody Allen’s both technically and thematically. The Great write a new novel, most 1973. What was surprising however was his To Rome with Love – but the city remains Beauty is stark improvement on Sorrentino’s likely about time irre- decision to use this opportunity to protest complicated. To Rome with Love was a mere This Must Be the Place (2011), in which the trievably lost, and against Hollywood’s stereotyping of Amer- collection of postcards, decorated with char- premise was good, the plot, acting, direc- those rare glimps- ican Indians by sending Indian Rights ac- acters, vaguely searching for love. The secret tion, and music were excellent, but the whole es of beauty in our tivist Sacheen Littlefeather in his place to doors of the eternal city are closed to Allen. lacked an in-depth connection. Each scene lives. Just don’t give a 15-page speech about Hollywood’s in- Whereas Sorrentino, in contrast, demon- required massive dedication and patience look at everything considerate portrayal of Native Americans. strates access to the most discreet Roman from the audience, who were kept on the so seriously from behind your cigarette, Littlefeather was met with a combination of corners, literally unlocking the doors that are verge of comprehending what, was it that the Jep Gambardella – everything is but a tri cheers and boos from the audience. closed to mere mortals. Instead of visiting the duet of Sean Penn and Sorrentino was trying ck. Casey Davison theboar.org/Music | @BoarMusic | MUSIC 23 22 theboar.org theboar.org 23 22 Editor: Sam Carter [email protected] Twitter @BoarMusic Local Talent: Jordan and the Sketcheads Boar MUSIC fb.com/groups/BoarMusic Following his One World Week performance, vocalist Jordan Charles speaks to Sam Carter about music, studies, and the Bread Oven... Jukeb x arwick’s Jordan and the Sketc- heads certainly aren’t lacking Alternative Love in energy. Fresh from per- forming at One World Week, Songs The Very Best of British Wthe band will be taking on Heat II of Battle of the Bands this month. Sam Carter caught Because sometimes Westlife just Our writers argue the case for four homegrown nominees at the upcoming BRIT Awards. up with lead singer Jordan Charles to discuss won’t cut it. their progress ahead of the competition. ove them or hate them, the Brit The National: ‘Slow Show’ Awards offer a chance to reflect on BRIT Awards Factfile Boar Music: What made you want to start At the heart of the bruised, torment- the state of popular music within our making music? ed Boxer, Matt Berninger’s armour finally shores. Ahead of this year’s show, our Jordan Charles: I’ve been writing stuff since cracks. ‘Slow Show’ traces his fragile, alone- Lwriters have chosen their favourite artists When is it? I was 16. When I came to uni, I put some in-a-crowd confessional through a range of within four of the ceremony’s homegrown Wednesday 19 February, 8pm. posters up around BandSoc asking if any- insecurities, before sinking into a simple categories. body wanted to play together and Sean [the plea for company: “I wanna hurry home to Where is it? band’s original drummer] approached me af- you / Put on a slow, dumb show for you / British Male: James Blake Live at the O2 Arena, on ITV1, and on BBC ter a gig, while Ed and Tim came as a package » Jordan Charles (second from right): hummus fan. photo: Klara Moozova Photography Crack you up.” It’s possibly the most candid Roxana Şoica Radio 1. later on. With previous bands, it’s taken ages Berninger has yet sounded on record, and to get on the same page, but with these guys BM: How would you describe your style? BM: Next up: Battle of the Bands? such straightforward yearning hits home Mercury prizewinner James Blake has Is it actually worth following? it just worked. JC: When people ask me, I usually say rock JC: Yeah, we’re in Heat II. It’s great to watch like a sledgehammer, especially in that final grown to be a prominent name on the elec- Yes, if only for the talking points it provides. soul, which I feel describes our sound quite the other bands and see the amount of tal- refrain. This love isn’t found in sweeping tronic music scene, juggling dubstep beats, Over the years, the awards have produced BM: Do you set aside time to write? well. The music itself is very guitar-led and ent that we have at Warwick. We got to the gestures; it’s in finding someone with whom soulful gospel, R&B and heavy, emotional- some truly memorable moments, including JC: I have to – otherwise it never gets done! I the instrumentation is kind of bare – there semi-finals last year, but I’m hoping for at you can feel truly comfortable – and com- ly charged lyrics. His second album, Over- Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack dress, Chum- always have my phone or iPad on me in case aren’t a lot of harmonies or strings. But my least the finals this year and maybe even a forted. grown, has received universal critical acclaim bawumba chucking water at John Prescott, a random melody or lyrics come to me out voice, just because of the music I grew up win. Michael Perry and is one of the most intricate, engaging and and Liam Gallagher just being Liam Gallagh- of nowhere. I’ve lost count of the number of with, is very soul- and gospel-influenced; I heart-wrenching 40-minute musical experi- er. With James Corden set to return as host, times I’ve had weird looks from people on like that kind of emotion, and feeding intense BM: Finally, what’s your favourite sand- Peace: ‘Lovesick’ ences of 2013. Yes, it’s a heavy listen and yes, it expect more of the same this time around. the train because I’ve been singing into my stories through the song. wich at the Bread Oven? Yes, it sounds exactly like ‘Friday I’m In may not be the sort of thing you would listen phone! JC: Hummus and roasted vegetable! Love’, yes, it’s over in barely two minutes, to on the go, but then so is the music of other  For more information on the BRIT BM: Performing seems like a big part of and yes, the lyrics could be lifted from the artists he’s been compared to, such as Thom Awards, visit www.brits.co.uk. BM: Any recurring lyrical themes? your work...  To find out more about Jordan and the diary of a slack jawed, smitten tween. But Yorke or Karin Dreijer. JC: The songs are usually about a moment JC: I’m influenced by people who put on a Sketchheads, check out their Facebook page: Peace make this sugar-sweet pop nugget I would say it’s Blake’s classical training as opposed to a long, sweeping story. ‘Never big show: Beyonce, U2, Bon Jovi. I feel like facebook.com/jordansketcheads work through sheer dedication to the cause. that puts him ahead of his contemporaries, » James Blake and his Overgrown fringe. photo: Flickr/NRK P3 Your Home’ is about having enough of some- performing is the most fun you have being Harrison Koisser’s heart-wrenching vocals and it’s his work as producer that makes him one taking you for granted, taking everything an artist and a singer because you get instant Read the full article online: make you feel like he really means it when a better singer-songwriter. The 24-year-old cism. It confirms the ingenuity that deserves slowly been making an impact nationwide, you have and never giving anything back. feedback from the audience. I’d love to have theboar.org/music he sings “I just wanna lay down dead and Londoner doesn’t shy away from going off- to be heralded as a standard by which future Laura Marling revives the folk tra- appearing on television shows such as Jools pyrotechnics and sparks at every show! get lovesick with you.” road, pushing genre boundaries, and making commercial artists might be judged, meas- dition while avoiding the tedium of Holland’s Later Live and The Graham Norton Patt Gill his work greater than the sum of its parts. ured and criticised. Mumford-esque folkpop. Show. These have showcased her soulful vo- It’s not only about the wide range of genres A victory for Laura Marling would not cals and sparse orchestral soundscapes to a Steel Panther: ‘Community Property’ he plays with, but also the sense of intima- only mean success for her as an artist, but wider audience. Hands up if you need a gentle reminder cy he infuses into every piece, from gritty, also for us as a media-consuming public, for This new-fangled maturity and acceptance Starting off from humble roots as a sec- of the futility of love this Valentine’s month! auto-tuned openers like ‘Unluck’ to tangy, what we want to be represented as the best, of their position as the greatest British rock ondary school teacher in Birmingham and Relationships are complicated, but Steel memorable collaborations with RZA and what we want to be revered and what we want band of the moment is paralleled in their conducting a gospel choir in her spare time, Panther make them simple. The sensitive Chance the Rapper. to excel. Let us allow achievement to lie with new album AM. Their blend of sophisticated Mvula began recording songs on her laptop. Californians play delicately with romance art that champions innovation. rock and sensual American hip-hop influ- It’s this humble, home-grown recording pro- in their heart-warming ballad ‘Communi- British Female: Laura Marling ences grabs the listener from the very first cess that makes her so important as a break- ty Property’, reminding us that traditional Sam Hardy British Group: Arctic Monkeys note. This would be their third win for Best through act. courtship is far from dead with lines like “if Esther Davies British Group, and deservedly so, as there is In the process, she has coined the new Crazy Little Thing Called Love you were a hooker, you know I’d be happy The Brit Awards have always been an un- currently no other group that is so quintes- term “gospeldelia” to describe her dreamy, Patt Gill and Kat Burdon debate the merits of love as a source of musical inspiration to pay” and “I see your face every time that ashamed celebration of popular music – a In the wake of their recent first ever No. sentially British while managing to win over jazz-tinged music, as well as breathing new I go out and cheat.” Pop this classic love an- salute to the fashionable and the trending. 1 in the US Billboard Alternative Chart with the rest of the world. life into the soul scene as a whole. She has be- » Love hearts: the food equivalent of a One Direction song. photo: flickr / Barb Steinacker them on your V-Day playlist and your sig- Laura Marling, while a fitting nominee in a ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ it seems there’s no stop- come one of the most exciting female artists nificant other will be putty in your hands. category of predictably pop-centric artists, ping the Arctic Monkeys. Starting with their Breakthrough Act: Laura Mvula (a category for which she is also nominated) If music be the food of love, play on.” So another type of love song really. clichéd first-dance wedding number to the Probably. undoubtedly surpasses the expectations of spectacular headlining gig at Glastonbury Miranda Wilkie around at the moment, and it’s high time she says Shakespeare’s Orsino at the begin- And what is the break-up song if not the personalised mix-tape unashamedly mixing Sam Hardy commercial music. last year and then continuing with the release gets the recognition she truly deserves. ning of Twelfth Night, but are love songs unhappy ending to the same story? From Whitney Houston with lisping boy-band bal- Marling revives the folk tradition while of their stunning fifth studio album AM, Laura Mvula has had a fairly muted break- really all they’re cracked up to be? With tear-jerking Adele numbers to fist-pumping lads and the ubiquitous ‘Wonderful Tonight’, Massive Attack: ‘Angel’ judiciously avoiding the calculable tedium it’s undeniable that they dominated 2013. through compared to the ubiquity of fellow “Valentine’s Day looming, our writers argue “I’m over you” anthems, the break-up song is love songs are like Kommissar vodka: cheap ‘Angel’ is one of the most unusual love of Mumford-esque folkpop. Her latest album What’s more, despite having publicly mocked nominees Bastille and London Grammar. Do you agree with our whether musical romance deserves its prom- the other side of the love coin. It reflects on and vomit-inducing. songs of the 20th century; its incredibly ro- Once I Was An Eagle combines avant-garde- the BRIT Awards in recent years, they have Even so, her debut album Sing To The Moon choices? inence in songwriting. the same moments and relationships in our Along with sickness and regret, every mantic lyrics are at odds with the ominous, meets-Dylan lyricism and elegiac didacti- agreed to perform at the event this year. was one of the highlights of 2013. She has Tweet: @BoarMusic lives with equally compelling results. hangover (actual or musical) is accompanied foreboding, and uneasy atmosphere that Love Is All Around The desire to connect with someone in by a feeling of inadequacy. You can see it in the song evokes. This contrast is confusing Patt Gill that special way, in some way or another, the tear-filled eyes of every lonely-hearts am- and suffocating, perhaps pointing towards Album Reviews is the ultimate song writing muse and has ateur karaoke performer; you can hear it in Massive Attack’s view on the matter. Either Love songs, whether high-minded or lusty forged some of the greatest music the world the cracking voice of every teenage boy, prop- way, the song is rich and compelling, and Bruce Springsteen Mogwai Skindred Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks in inspiration, are one of the best examples of has seen. ping an acoustic guitar on his knee in hope of anyone who listens will be in thrall to its High Hopes  Rave Tapes  Kill the Power  Wig Out at Jagbags     music’s ability to express what most of us are becoming the next Jake Bugg. Love’s total do- hypnotic spell. unable to put in words. Without meaning to The Bitter Cynics’ Mixtape minion over our musical consumption serves Andrew Sztehlo Following recent mas- Rave Tapes reframes Mog- Skindred’s fusion of met- Stephen Malkmus doesn’t come over like the philosophy student I am, Kat Burdon only as an unwelcome reminder of your most terpiece Wrecking Ball wai’s familiar post-rock al, punk, reggae, and matter anymore. And it’s what makes love so perfect for music is that recent fight, your last break-up, of the fact Biffy Clyro: ‘Many of Horror’ would never be easy, but formula, embracing a electronic influences has a shame, because Wig Out both are at once completely universal and en- Nearly forty years ago, The Wings chose to that the person in bed next to you isn’t, in “I’ll take a bruise, I know you’re worth Springsteen does it with slightly gothic, synth-lad- carved a niche in the UK at Jagbags certainly does a tirely personal. open their ‘Silly Love Songs’ with perhaps the fact, Lana del Ray or Ben Howard. it” is one of the most sincere sounding sen- the ambitious High Hopes. en sound. The heavy elec- rock scene. Kill the Power fine job of matching Pave- We think about love most in those private truest words ever spoken: “You’d think that The real reason we should stop listening to timents I’ve ever heard put to music. The The mixture of quiet and tro presence expands the quickly transitions be- ment’s legacy. Malkmus moments of deep contemplation: on those people would have had enough of silly love all these silly love songs, however, is the fact soozingly Scottish sound which Biffy Clyro understated moments and intense feeling and im- tween genres, but great- addresses his perceived long bus rides to campus with your head- songs.” Alas, no. A glancing shuffle through that they, in all their hauntingly cheesy beau- so easily instilled into Only Revolutions only traditional Springsteeni- pulsive aesthetic of songs er variation also creates irrelevance head-on in phones sealing off the outside world, with the average iTunes library confirms that we’re ty, don’t sound like real love. Real love sounds adds to the effect. It’s one of those songs an anthems is an album such as ‘Remurdered’ and greater inconsistency. the album, with charac- music providing the perfect companion to all still obsessed with love, love, bloody love. like the sleep-filled voice patiently soothing which makes me wish I could play guitar highlight; ‘American Skin (41 Shots)’ is utter- ‘Deesh’. Some tracks meander a little aimless- The album contains big hooks and even big- teristic verbosity. It may not top that band’s wondering if you’ve found the one. Resistance is futile, overindulgence in- your incoherently emotional drunk phone- and sing, and even Matt Cardle’s hideous ly beautiful. Including Tom Morello on guitar ly, but this hardly detracts from the album’s ger breakdowns, but this variation in styles releases, but it’s still very good; far better than The strength of the love song lies in how evitable. This peculiar fascination with love call, or the muffled, phlegmy apologies of heteronymous cover failed to ruin an orig- provides a fresh, modern twist, and the re- mesmerising cinematic textures and awe- makes it unlikely that all of these tracks will the reception to his latter day work would wide an umbrella it casts. Singing about set- permeates every genre, every artist, every last someone who you adore even in all their inal which pretty much saves me from hav- cord reminds us who’s still the Boss. some instrumental presence. appeal to any one person simultaneously. have you believe. tling down in suburbia with two point four syllable on Adele’s 21. It seems that gorging fluey glory. Until Celine Dion can capture ing to write my own alternative love song. MP3: ‘American Skin (41 Shots)’ MP3: ‘Remurdered’ MP3: ‘Open Eyed’ MP3: ‘Lariat’ kids? That’s a love song. Singing about eyeing on this potent, sickly sweet emotional cock- that elusive feeling, the only love song really Robin James Kerrison Tom Hemingway Jacob Mier Joe Wallace Sam Evans someone up across the club and taking them tail has created the musical equivalent of a worth listening to is the sound of a Domino’s home for the night? Some call it lust, but it’s particularly aggressive hangover. From the delivery arriving half an hour early. 24 Editor: Tolga Kuyucuoglutheboar.org 24 [email protected] Twitter @Boar Games GAMES fb.com/groups/Games.TheBoar

An Anniversary worth waiting for? Gabbriella Watt and Stephen Smith go head to head this week in their assessment of Fable Anniversary For Against n all things, including games, the craze recently began to cash in on this (relatively) n a world where films such as Jurassic game. for old-but-new paradigms has un- simple scheme with Kingdom Hearts and Fi- Park are being remade in 3D, it comes as If what you are after is a nostalgic gaming leashed a remastering of games that nal Fantasy X. no surprise that games companies have experience I highly suggest downloading the shaped the child and adulthoods of Moreover, why should Fable Anniversary also started to cash in on consumer stu- original Fable from the Xbox 360 market- Imillions of us. With Lionhead Studio’s new be frowned upon for the simple fact that it is Ipidity. place for £6. Anniversary edition, Fable now joins this not a new game? To disregard it, and all these With Lionhead Studios’ latest release of Fa- However if you are heavily into the graph- ever-expanding compendium of games re- other games, would be ridiculous. Personally, ble Anniversary, a remaster of the 2004 game ics of a game and have too much money to stored to present glory. I would (and have almost) bought all of these Fable, this could not be more evident. know what to do with it, go and pick up a Some consistently argue against remaster- new editions. To my mind, Lionhead Studi- As a game that allowed you to be good or copy of Fable Anniversary for £25. ing, calling it a cop-out, a last resort and an os is nothing short of ingenious. The gamer evil, marry a town mayor and fart in front Stephen Smith affirmation that the developers have quite who lived and breathed Fable, as I did, would of everyone you meet, Fable quickly became simply run clean out of inspiration (and, yes, gladly part with cash for Anniversary, but one of the best games of this century. Fable I grant, Fable: The Journey was awful). How- these remastered games are hardly niche – in Anniversary continues to allow this, except ever, they forget that this process is reserved, fact, it would be wrong of us to think so. It now Lady Grey’s bosoms are in HD and your much like the platinum system for the PS2, isn’t a question of Lionhead’s apparant capi- farts sound crisper and clearer than ever. for the elites of their generation. Pokemon talist motives. These games pave the way for As a game that brings no new content, What’s your take on Fable took their best-loved classic regions, Kanto a generation who missed the originals to dis- apart from a revamped interface and short- Anniversary? Let us know! and Johto, to fuse a lovingly recreated Soul- cover the worlds we used to revel in. er loading times, all Fable Anniversary has to Have your say Silver and HeartGold, and Square Enix also Gabriella Watt offer is a slightly more aesthetically pleasing Tweet: @BoarGames Appy days: King’s New Crowning Glory Candy Crush was special. a reload. Boosters are included though, as but rather pure luck. You don’t really feel Chloe Wynne Yet, not satisfied with raking in in Candy Crush, to try and make the tar- like you’ve accomplished anything when you over $600,000 a day, the developers, gets more achievable. complete a level. Everything is just a fluke. King, have been hard at work in cre- This leads onto my main criti- When your friends brag they’re 60 levels he game Candy Crush Saga exploded ating a new game. cism of the game. Admittedly, I got ahead of you, not only do you want to tell onto the Smartphone gaming scene Their latest saga, Papa Pear, hooked on the simplicity of Papa Pear them they have too much time, but also that in late 2012, and since then we’ve all is simply an evolved form of its and soon played for as long as the five their getting ahead was more down to chance been victim to its baggage: hundreds predecessor with vegetables in the measly lives would hold out. Reluctant to than it was hardcore gaming skill. Tof Facebook requests from demoralised place of sweets. The visuals are vi- seek help on social networks though, I hit a All in all, Papa Pear Saga is an amusing friends desperate for a (virtual) life. Then brant as ever from King with a dis- rock in a hard place and only a booster priced and addictive game to play. The interface is again, we’ve all been there, and being stuck at play reminiscent of a 5-a-day poster, at eight gold bars could save me. However, the well designed, the colours pop out from the level 70 with no foreseeable solution is pretty and pretty groovy sound effects. The awkward developers at King are predictably screen, and the sound effects are pretty lift- dismal. interface sees five buckets with faces that re- disinclined to give away such bullion; thus, ing. Its simplicity is both a benefit and a flaw. The game boasts some impressive feats as it semble the creatures of Monster Munch line to carry on I am ashamed to admit that I suc- I’d recommend it as an app to download for has outrivaled Facebook giant Farmville, and the bottom of the screen opposite a cannon at cumbed to the pressures of in-app purchases when you’re stuck on the U1 or stood in the is reportedly used by around seven million the top– a very similar scenario to that of the and wasted/utilised £1.49 on three fireballs. Bread Oven queue, so long as you remain people. Meanwhile, it seems that they classic Sky game Beehive Bedlam. For me, downloading an app for free, conscious that King are much more duplic- are unique in their brag rights Although King weren’t going building up an appetite for it with count- itous and lucrative in their money making to the statistic that one in sev- to make it that easy for you less enticing and easy rounds, then being strategies than originally thought. Be a gam- en Hong Kong citizens to progress, were they? Letting forced to spend money to play overshad- er, but not their free advertiser. play it. Indeed, you shoot pears from one edge of ows any of the positives that Papa Pear Saga the screen to the other would be far has. too simplistic. Naturally the no man’s King somewhat lull you into a false sense land between the cannon and buckets is of security and exploit your desire to play packed with obstacles, which, unsurprising- as a way of making money and marketing ly, become harder to tackle as the game goes their own product. We fell for it with Candy on. Crush; once one person had deemed it so- Captivating challenges such as ‘hit 40 cially acceptable to beg for a life on Facebook acorns’ or ‘light up the buckets’ are set for the snowball started to roll and soon it was each round, whilst the player also has to ful- a phenomena to request Willy Wonka style fil the points tariff of at least one star’s worth golden tickets from people you barely know per round, all with a limited number of pears. online, all the while promoting King’s game. When the pears run out so does the game; My next complaint is one that haunted me then, when the five lives waste away you are with Candy Crush. The game is simple, bullied into buying more or forced to wait for so simple that it doesn’t require skill, theboar.org 25 25 Editor: Josh Murray [email protected] Twitter @BoarTelevision TV fb.com/groups/BoarTV The death of traditonal television? Two our of writers go head-to-head about people’s changing viewing habits in the 21st century Online Television Traditional Television n the past decade, One key reason why hatever happened to just an essay, or do some reading, or watch one the production and Netflix can only be a watching TV? More specifical- of your housemates attempt to eat a cactus - consumption of good thing is due to ly, what happened to curling up all more worthwhile pursuits than watching TV has been rev- the buzz it generates on the sofa with friends, loved every season of The Office USA on Netflix in Iolutionised due to one around certain shows. Wones or a big tub of Ben and Jerry’s, while one go. I only had the free trial and yet I did thing: on-demand ser- Vince Gilligan, creator the opening credits of the show you’ve been virtually no work for a month. Yeah, it was vices. of Breaking Bad, has waiting all week for blare out amongst whis- a funny month, but if I hadn’t been doing a It is now easier than credited Netflix with pers of “Shh, it’s starting…” Humanities degree I’d have been absolutely ever before to watch keeping the show on air This would of course be the question of screwed. television programmes for so long, a factor that my article if I actually believed that tradition- with the beasts of Love- may have lead to the al telly watching was dead. You’d be forgiven Film and Netflix lead- great awards success for thinking otherwise, you Netflix noobs TV programming is still at its best ing the charge, being that the show enjoyed. and Lovefilm lovers - but no; TV program- when watched live, whether its on a hailed as the future of Furthermore, the avail- ming is still at its best when watched live, big black box or a brand new HD LCD television and, arguably, ability of whole seasons whether its on a big black box from the 90s 1080p thingamajiggy one of the best inven- can increase viewership or a brand new HD LCD 1080p thingamajig- tions of the last decade. for a show during the gy, and here’s why… With apps for smart- hiatus between seasons. As a student, it may be more convenient phones and tablets, all For example, all eight for me to watch TV shows portably on my My point is that all these streaming sites you need is an Internet seasons of 24 being computer. It may well save money that would may look good, but I’ve seen the kind of im- connection and voila – TV at your fingertips. available on Netflix will surely have a posi- otherwise be spent on a TV license. But practical hedonism you can get lost in as they Convenience is the main attraction to Net- tive effect on ratings when it returns in May. where is the humanity? The anticipation? do everything to get you to watch one more flix, with its lack of adverts and no waiting Of course, it can’t be forgotten that such ser- Where is the time one puts aside each week episode. The best way to live is by balancing time. It automatically plays the next episode, vices reduce illegal streaming and torrenting, to sit down with friends and have a laugh work and play, and I’ll admit that watching enticing you to watch more, leading to end- ensuring that the money goes to the right at Jeremy Kyle (meaning the monstrous TV TV is unproductive, but at least it’s easier to less ‘binge-watching’ of TV shows. places. personality himself, rather than the people break yourself away once in a while. At least it The vast variety of shows is another major Despite the radically individualistic view- he ridicules), or to get your fix of Made in actually feels special when you take time out draw to video on-demand. ing method, Netflix is still fairly social, as Chelsea, a show so crap that it goes full circle to savour it, rather than spending day after everyone can watch shows incredibly quickly and becomes brilliant - even more so if you day in an unhindered film binge while your and then talk about it when bar conversation watch with someone from Bluebell as they housemates knock on your door to check With apps for wireless devices, all you is running dry. During Fresher’s Week, it was sheepishly glower into you aren’t dead yet. need is an Internet connection and an essential icebreaker to asl, “do you watch their caviar. Give yourself some voila - TV at your fingertips Breaking Bad?” - everyone was talking about In my opinion the moderation. Take time it due to the sheer buzz around the show, brilliance of TV is between slices of TV thanks in part to its exposure on Netflix. that it is not on-de- to reflect and anxious- Netflix’s creation of original shows — the mand, and therefore it ly await the next one. Netflix and LoveFilm broadcast pro- award winning House of Cards and Orange is doesn’t come to domi- Many Netflix users grammes no longer shown on UK TV net- the New Black — is also undeniably positive nate every waking mo- may be getting value works as well; The West Wing, Prison Break for the television industry from a creative ment of your existence. for money for £5.99 a and Dawson’s Creek, to name but a few. De- perspective. It’s questionable how much pub- Just like life, television month, but they won’t spite one major complaint being that on de- licity the same programmes would receive on has its ups and downs be getting value for life. mand services lack content, it would be im- a smaller viewing platform. (which is a polite way possible to include every show on British and of saying that some of Joe Baker American TV – not to mention the issue of Ellie Campbell it is god-awful) and it’s licensing costs and sheer manageability. always at that point that » photo: flickr/pan08 you leave to go and write » photo: flickr/KendallKaos Miss Sherlock? The solution is elemantary counterparts; you don’t feel as if you’re cheat- ing any of the crime and detective procedural We see both the lead roles undergo signif- Laura Primiceri ing on Sherlock when you devote a few hours nature of the programme. icant character development, without it feel- to watching Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal in The success of Miller’s Holmes is in no ing rushed or inconsequential to the main Sherlock Holmes. small part due to the on-screen chemistry plot. eeling a Holmes-shaped gap in So, let me explain to you why even the die- between Miller and his co-star Lucy Liu, who And therein is the greatest reason to watch your heart at the prospect hard Sherlock fan could love Elemen- plays a (gasp!) female adaptation of Elementary - its wonderful plot. The of a Sherlock hiatus? El- tary; and why someone who didn’t John Watson, Joan. first series sees the show build up ementary may just like Sherlock shouldn’t swear off A lot of people have found both Holmes’ relationship with Fbe the perfect formula. the detective just yet. the idea of a female Watson Irene Adler, and the criminal The two series are both con- The first string to Ele- deterring - don’t. Liu’s Wat- mastermind Moriarty. temporary re-imaginings mentary’s bow is its cast. son is clever and capable, I can’t talk much about of Conan Doyle’s original Johnny Lee Miller makes far more than usually seen this without spoiling the books, and were released a fantastic Holmes, con- in this role. This provides show’s chief credential, within a few years of each sistently delivering his a new Holmes-Watson re- but know that the run up other. Comparisons are in- often complex and poet- lationship. to the first series finale was evitable, as is competition ic dialogue perfectly, and In true accordance with absolutely devastating. between the two show’s re- presenting a character that American television, Ele- So that’s the show. Come spective fanbases, and even is not only a genius, but en- mentary has gone big, with for the name of the great amongst the shows’ actors and gaging on a human level - this 24 forty-five minute episodes detective, stay for the superb producers. Holmes is markedly flawed in a in the first series alone. characters and story line. It’s ele- But I think rivalry between the number of ways Now in the middle of its second mentary, my dear readers. two shows is unnecessary. There have been The series sees him battle with his past season of the same length, the advantages of countless Sherlock adaptations over the years ghosts in more than one way, a plot-thread having this sort of time to play with are ob- that don’t have any conflict with their various neatly woven into the series without sacrific- vious. 26 theboar.org 26 Editor: Ellie May Editor:[email protected] Ellie May [email protected] @BoarScience SCI & TECH fb.com/groups/BoarScienceTwitter @BoarSciTech fb.com/groups/BoarSciTech

Boost your brainpower Read your way to a healthy brain Aid your memory with a coffee Harry Manners reveals the benefits of reading novels Hayley Simon recommends a coffee to help revision recent study by Emory Universi- concerned with immediate satisfaction, con- ate nights, countless cups of coffee However, when this was raised to 200 mg ty indicates that reading a book ditioned to respond to tense musical cues and too many hours in the library can performance significantly increased. No dif- boosts brain power for several days. and pensive looks into the middle-distance. mean only one thing: exam season is ference was observed when the amount of Published in the journal Brain Sweeping soliloquies and mellifluous prose approaching. caffeine was upped to 300 mg. As a result, AConnectivity, the study involved 12 stu- seldom knead the knots in one’s back after a LAs we near the middle of the academ- dents, participating over 19 consecutive days, hard day. ic year, the looming dread of exams draws each working their way through the same Books may define much of what make us closer. Soon, revision will take over and the It was shown that at least 200 mg of page-turning thriller: Pompeii, by George human: stories allow us to delve into another sight of the sun will become a distant mem- caffeine was needed for a memory- Harris. person’s mind, to imagine the impossible, to ory. In this time of need the student brain, Lead author Gregory Berns, of the uni- live lives that will only ever exist in the mind’s overworked and starved of sustenance, will enhancing effect. The amount in versity’s Centre of Neuropolicy, said, “We eye. But they involve input, concentration, inevitably turn to its greatest ally - caffeine. grande Americano from Starbucks already knew that good stories can put you and, sometimes, perseverance. Now it seems as if our old friend may have in someone else’s shoes in a figurative sense. So far as many students are concerned, sit- hidden benefits. Now we’re seeing that something may also be ting with a cuppa and a dog-eared paperback Better known for its effect on alertness, a happening biologically.” comes fairly low on the list. There are sourc- recent study by scientists in Baltimore sug- it was shown that at least 200 mg of caffeine Using functional Magnet- es of escapism that require far gests that drinking caffeine after studying was needed for a memory-enhancing ef- ic Resonance Imaging tech- less effort. Most make do with could enhance long-term memory. Previous fect. In real world terms, that’s similar to the niques to scan the students’ a pint of purple and a slurred studies showed a link between caffeine and amount of caffeine in a grande Americano brains each morning, they rumination on the divine pur- long-term memory in honeybees, but it was from Starbucks. found that reading increased pose of the koan. unclear whether a similar trend would be Normally, caffeine is consumed be- brain activity in a similar And yet, the evidence in- observed in humans. fore an exam. To investigate manner to physically car- dicates that reading clears To test their hypothesis, whether caffeine has any rying out tasks, and also the cobwebs in a way that Daniel Borota and col- benefit after the consol- primed regions associated other stress-relievers fail leagues at Johns Hopkins idation process has oc- with language processing. to replicate. The study’s University presented a curred, the team ran So diving into the latest morning-after fMRI scans group of participants a second experiment. release from Waterstones showed increased temporal with a series of im- Here, they held may prove beneficial to our cortex activity for up to five ages. Each picture off adminis- mental health. It may one days after completing the showed a differ- tering coffee day be tipped into the realm novel, an area of the brain ent object, such until one hour of adage: a page a day keeps connected to language re- as a saxophone before the test. the therapist away. ceptivity. This bears the or four-leaf Under these But who can find time for hallmark of a kind of clover. After circumstances, reading in today’s world? muscle memory, called seeing the pic- no effect was Even for those who love ‘shadow activity’. tures, half the seen on memo- nothing more than to bury This is due to the group received 200 ry retrieval. Un- their heads in a good brain’s ability to be- mg of caffeine, while fortunately, that book, finding a gap in come stimulated by the other half received means downing a cup the schedule can be the mere thought of a placebo. A day later, of coffee before entering hard. And carving out an activity; think- the volunteers were shown Butterworth Hall won’t be quiet time for yourself ing about riding another series of images. These much help! doesn’t get any hard- a bike can induce included some items they had already seen Students should also be wary of drinking er than when you’re a the same mental (targets), some new items (foils) and some too much coffee. Volunteers who were given student. states as actually that were similar to previous objects (lures). a higher, 300 mg dose reported side effects riding one. And reading is certainly apt to get The participants were asked to label each from the caffeine. These could negate any one thinking of activities the reader, loung- image as “old”, “new” or “similar”. Results benefits of memory consolidation. The study’s morning-after fMRI ing on the sofa, is certainly not doing – scal- showed no difference in accuracy when Yet, as the summer exams approach it is scans showed increased temporal ing Mt. Everest to deactivate a tactical nuke identifying old targets and new foils. This nice to know there may be an advantage to cortex activity for up to five days after being chief among them. was to be expected because this part of the all those coffee breaks. It’s not a waste of time completing the novel Such a lingering boost in brain power task was easy. The harder task – identifying after all – it’s revision! could certainly prove useful, not only for lures – was performed significantly better those enrolled on arts degrees, but in any by the volunteers who had received caffeine. field of study; the ability to interpret and pro- From this, the team concluded that caffeine cess language not only in a mechanical, but increases long-term memory consolidation. Whilst being swaddled by a blanket of im- creative manner, is paramount ubiquitously. But how much caffeine is needed to see » Photos: Flickr/widdowquinn, Flickr/ agination has been among the few constant So, whilst that episode of Strictly seems these effects? To discover the optimal dose, lwr, Flickr/amanda28192 comforts of people the world over since time to eat up the long hours before bed just fine, researchers varied the amount of caffeine immemorial, the pace of today often means perhaps think about what else you could be given to volunteers. They experimented with Have any tips to boost that the written word no longer holds sway doing with your time, something that just 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg of caffeine. Per- your brain power? as it once did. might mean an extra deciding mark that formance in the tests was no different to pla- Tweet: @BoarSciTech Our culture has become one overly visual, ropes you that coveted First. cebo when using a dose of 100 mg. Would you like to write for Science & Tech? Contact us to find out more! theboar.org theboar.org/science-tech | @BoarSciTech | SCI & TECH 27 3. Lust at first sight?

Psychologists have conducted exten- The rules of attraction sive studies on the physical preferences of both men and women when it comes Ellie May reveals the science behind sexual attraction and flirting to a potential partner. The colour red has been shown to have a significant effect on how attrac- tive someone is found to be. In one study, men found women wearing red to be more desirable than women wearing blue, and women percieved men wear- ing red to be of a higher status and more powerful – traits often associated with a man’s attractiveness. Another study has also been conduct- ed on the most attractive amount of facial hair a man can have. The study showed a clear correlation between the amount of facial hair and maturity, dominance » photo: flickr/gregoryjordan and aggression. Women rated men with heavy stubble to be the most attractive, alentine’s day is soon approaching, 1. The nose knows 2. The look of love as opposed to clean-shaven men or men and many will soon be in the throes with a full beard. of love – or lust. Lust is the first The smell of sweat is also a contrib- Numerous studies have shown that When it comes to preferred eye and stage of falling in love, and is fueled uting factor to the level of attraction looking in to someone’s eyes increases hair colour, researchers at the Universi- Vby the hormones testosterone and estrogen. we feel for someone. The awful smell of their attraction to you. One psychologist ty of St. Andrews have uncovered that These two hormones are the reason that we sweat under someone’s armpits may not asked two strangers to talk and reveal inti- people tend to be with partners that have have a sex drive, as they motivate humans seem particularly appealing, but scien- mate details about their lives to each other a similar eye colour and hair colour to to achieve sexual gratification and seek out tists have revealed that it may boost our for an hour and a half. After this time was their parent of the opposite sex. a partner. Not just confined to men, women attraction to them. up, they were asked to stare in to each oth- Another recent study has revealed also release testosterone when experiencing Androstadienone, a chemical pres- ers eyes for four minutes. Afterwards, the the ideal facial structue of a woman. attraction. This hormone has been shown to ent in male sweat, was found to boost majority of the couples admitted to feel- Men were found to be more attracted boost risk-taking behaviour, suggesting that a woman’s mood and increase her sexual ing a high level of attraction to the other to women with a smaller chin and a less it is what gives us the confidence to approach arousal. It also sparked the release of two person. Two subjects felt such strong at- prominant brow, as these signal high- a potential partner. chemicals in our brains, called serotonin traction that they later got married to each er estrogen levels. However, another After these hormones are released, another and dopamine – chemicals that leave us other! study found that it was more complicat- hormone comes in to play. Phenylethylamine feeling ‘loved up’. The way we position the rest of our ed that just finding an ideal facial ratio. (PEA) is stimulated either by someone’s However, the level of attraction we body can also have an impact. Although men were found to be more touch or simply just thinking about them, feel when exposed to the smell may vary It’s only a very momentary movement attracted to women with feminine faces, and can lead to a loss of appetite, an inabil- depending on the person. Psychologists and lasts just a fifth of a second, but when this was only in cases when a man was ity to sleep, the ability to notice tiny details conducted a study where women were encountering someone who we are at- looking for a short-term fling, and the about someone and giddiness – all the signs asked to smell unwashed t-shirts worn tracted to, our eyebrows rise and fall. opposite was more attractive when faced someone exhibits when they are falling in by a group of men and rate them accord- Another method that we subconcious- with a long-term relationship. love. The decrease of PEA when a relation- ing to which smell they preferred. It was ly use to attract others is the mirroring Although science has attempted to ship ends is also responsible for the feelings discovered that the women consistantly of their movements. The theory behind determine what makes us attracted of depression. preferred the smell of men whose im- mirroring is that we are attracted to those to someone, it is not always accurate. Psychologists have shown that it takes be- mune systems differed significantly from similar to ourselves, so by unwittingly Everyone has a different opinion on tween just 90 seconds and 4 minutes to de- their own, suggesting that we choose our mirroring someone’s posture or gestures what they find attractive, and it can be termine whether you are attracted to some- mate to ensure that our child has a wide we are trying to increase the person’s at- hard to quantify exactly what has drawn one. So what causes this attraction? range of genes for immunity. traction to us. you to someone. Botox - The world’s deadliest poison Helen Thomas looks at the deeply frightening nature of botox and the multiple dangers it can pose hat’s your poison? How about bodies. This poison is Botox. wrinkles cannot be seen. It is commonly used to treat achalasia, a condition which is char- the most acutely poisonous Botox is a particular form of the botuli- to reduce frown lines and crow’s feet, but the acterised by muscle spasms in the oesopha- natural substance known to num toxin which is found in soil, dust and effects are temporary, generally lasting be- gus causing difficulty swallowing, vomiting, man? It can be injected, inhaled contaminated food. It works by attacking the tween 3 and 4 months. Such a small amount and chest pain, and to help suffers of cerebral Wor ingested and quickly causes paralysis and nervous system causing paralysis in those ex- of Botox is used for these procedures so that palsy, improving movement control. consequential respiratory failure. The toxici- posed. In order for muscles to move, the risks are low when administered Despite its uses, the dangers of Botox are ty of any substance can be measured using a neuron communication must by a trained medical profession- very real. It has been classified as a category scale known as the median lethal dose which occur. To contract a muscle, a al. However, Botox has been A substance by the centre of disease control measures the amount of that substance need- neuron in the brain or spinal known to sometimes spread and poses a very serious risk as a biological ed to kill half the people it was given to. This cord will generate an elec- from the site of injection, weapon. Its potency far exceeds that of VX: particular poison has a median lethal dose of trical pulse which signals causing the FDA to re- the most toxic nerve gas ever synthesised. 1.2-1.3 ng/kg when injected. To put that num- the release of a chemical lease an official warning The working group on civilian biodefense ber into perspective, one gram of this sub- known as a neurotrans- in 2009. In extreme cases, released a consensus statement in 2001 out- stance, equivalent to the mass of one raison, mitter. The neurotrans- this spreading of the neu- lining the dangers of the botulinum toxin would be enough to kill over 5.5 million men mitter will travel to the rotoxin can cause speech and the measures to be taken in the event of (averaging weight 70 kg). receptor site of a motor problems and breathing a bioterrorism attack. Both aerosolised and This can be compared with other well- neuron, where it binds difficulties. Less severe side foodborne attacks are possible, causing the known poisons for a measure of toxicity. For causing muscle contraction. effects include muscle weak- paralysing symptoms of botulism to occur example, hydrogen cyanide is the deadly gas Botox will target muscles near ness, blurred vision, drooping 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Botulism will used to carry out mass murder during the the sight of injection, binding eyelids and difficulty swallowing. end with respiratory failure unless those ex- WWII holocaust. Under the same condi- itself to motor neurons and hence However, before Botox expanded posed are treated promptly with an antitoxin, tions, cyanide has an estimated median lethal taking up the space meant for the neuro- into cosmetic fields it was, and is, used to in which case they may still require assisted dose of 1.1 mg/kg, meaning that one gram transmitter. If the neurotransmitter cannot treat a variety of debilitating medical condi- ventilation for weeks or months. could be used to kill around 6 men. bind to the motor neuron, the signal for tions. It has proved itself to be an extremely Botox has been labelled as a miracle poi- Since 2002 this particular poison has been muscle contraction cannot be communicat- effective drug which can provide temporary son. Its therapeutic and cosmetic applica- licensed for cosmetic applications. It has be- ed. The muscle is paralysed. relief from ailments such as excessive sweat- tions are vast and effective, but the risks it come a multi-million pound industry, where Botox can hence be used for cosmetic pur- ing, migraines, uncontrollable blinking, an poses are clear. Its use should not be taken people pay vast amounts of money to have poses, as it can be injected to paralyse facial overactive bladder and being crossed-eyed. the privilege of this toxin injected into their muscles. If the muscles cannot move, then Botulinum toxin injections are also be used » Photos: Flickr/oceanviewmedspa 28 theboar.org theboar.org theboar.org/Travel | @BoarTravel | TRAVEL 29 28 Editor: Robert Demont [email protected] Cardiff, Wales Norwich, England independent bookshop The Book Hive. De- cakes and sandwiches, and decked out with Twitter @BoarTravel scribed by Stephen Fry as “The kind of place bunting and old crockery, this is definitely fb.com/groups/BoarTravel nly two hours from Birmingham, s the signs welcome you into ‘Nor- I dreamt of existing when I was growing up the place to be if you fancy somewhere cosy TRAVEL Cardiff is a beautiful melting pot wich: a fine city’, you should banish in Norwich,” it is well worth a visit. and quaint. of Victorian and modern architec- all preconceptions of six-fingered Just one street across from here is the huge Another favourite is The Bicycle Shop ture; the city centre has undergone farmers and instead prepare for a Norman castle, built 900 years ago as a royal on St Benedict’s Street, reached via a walk Omassive renovations in the last few years. Afriendly, fun and historical place. palace, and today used as a museum. through the charming Norwich Lanes: a On top of boasting the highest concentra- A lot of people see Norwich on a map and Continuing down London Street will take group of tiny streets home to an abundance tion of Victorian, Edwardian and contempo- question how worthwhile a visit is because of you to the marketplace, and if you want to of independent boutiques and gift shops. Destinations on your doorstep rary indoor shopping arcades of any British its proximity to precisely nowhere, but the really embrace being in Norfolk, you should Whether you’re after breakfast, a big din- city, the huge development completed in lack of nearby cities ensures that Norwich go and get a bacon roll and a cuppa from ner, or some evening tapas, the Bicycle Shop 2009 has completely overhauled the south has everything that you need for an enjoya- Reggie’s stall. will provide you with a mouth-watering Just a short journey from campus, our writers discuss the best day trips in and around the British Isles end of Cardiff, turning St David’s into one of ble visit. However, if you are after something a little meal. If it’s too late for food, the ‘Handlebar’ the busiest shopping centres in the EU. It is a city of contradiction, being declared more substantial, then Norwich has plenty to downstairs is a little dark cavern of alcohol These are only two examples of the vast It’s amazing what you can find hidden the most secular place in England in a 2011 offer. The idea of having a whole restaurant and good music. Manchester, England chronology of Mancunian radicalism which away in the depths of the Victorian arcades. census, despite boasting the largest num- dedicated to the humble waffle may seem After a cocktail or two, pop up the street has proudly challenged mainstream opinion In Duke Street Arcade is Garlands – a cheap ber of churches within its city walls in all of strange, but, after a visit to The Waffle House to Norwich Arts Centre, a converted church or a city described as ‘Hell upon Earth’ throughout history. tea room/coffee house specialising in local Northern Europe. on St Giles Street, you will be fully convinced which now hosts intimate gigs, comedy and by Friedrich Engels, it may seem that If such seminal contributions aren’t im- food the local way. The hot chocolate is great An easy afternoon can be spent wandering otherwise. art shows. any attempt to pay homage to Man- pressive enough, however, Manchester can with a slice of fresh homemade cake, but if around the cloisters of the most impressive of Get a small main course, so you have room If you’re visiting Norfolk, a trip to Norwich chester is doomed from the start. It is also lay claim to some more quirky firsts. your hunger is a tad larger than that then these churches, Norwich Cathedral, and the for dessert; the hot Dutch apple waffle is not is a must. If not, it’s less than two hours from Fa destination which in many people’s minds Vegetarianism, waterproofs, lonely hearts Garlands does an array of Welsh dishes. surrounding area, known as Tombland. to be missed! central London to Norwich by train, so make conjures up the image of perpetual drizzle, columns and UFO landing pads all find their Welsh rarebit, Glamorgan sausages and Walking up the ancient cobblestones of For something quintessentially British, a brief stop and see what this fine city has to incessant rows of crumbling chimneys and spiritual home in Manchester. From ground- cawl are all on the menu, worthy of filling Elm Hill, the oldest street in the city , will Biddy’s tearoom is unbeatable. With over 30 offer - you won’t leave disappointed! the dubious glamour of Coronation Street. breaking industrialisation, through pioneer- up the hungriest of bellies. If it’s earlier in lead you on to London Street, home to the different types of tea, an array of delicious Flo Page For a lad born in Bury, best known for its ing social movements, to the trusty ‘Mack’, the day they also do a great Welsh fry-up. It’s Black Pudding, the sentiment ‘it’s grim up the saying ‘what Manchester does today, the rarely full and quietly set away from the busy north’ is one with which I’m all too familiar. world does tomorrow’ is far from misguided. main streets, an ideal place for a casual lunch. Yet somewhere between the slippery cob- Yet in no other field is Manchester’s pen- Cardiff is also an ideal location for sports Some other sights these shores have to offer... bles and the grey skyline, there is much more chant for redefining boundaries more prolif- fans interested in adding to the visited list. to Manchester. It is by very virtue of its harsh ic than in music. If the city’s venues could tell Alongside the multi-purpose Millennium aesthetics that Manchester hides a patchwork a story, all would tell of the part they played Stadium, there are major venues dedicated to of rich history, vibrant culture and not least in creating legendary fertile ground for the all manner of sports, from cricket to athletics an endearing spirit, waiting to be explored. emergence of generation-defining bands. to motor racing. An odyssey through the vast array of what Out of Manchester’s bustling punk scene This year is the second time that the Welsh Manchester has to offer must naturally begin of the late 1970s came the brutally dark lyrics capital has been awarded the distinction of with its incredible history. Often credited as of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, later becoming European City of Sport, having first held the being the first modern industrial city, Man- New Order of ‘Blue Monday’ fame, the big- honour as recently as 2009. Whichever sport chester was the beating heart of the Industri- gest selling 12-inch record of all time. you follow, Cardiff has a stadium for it. al Revolution, becoming synonymous with Along with Tony Wilson, members of New The city also holds seasonal events progress and innovation. Order went on to found Factory Records throughout the year. In December, Cardiff’s and the Hacienda nightclub, infamous for Winter Wonderland opens, with a skating its sweaty baptism of the ‘Madchester’ rave rink and a Christmas market overlooking the What this jewel in the northern crown scene of the 90s. beautiful National Museum, which has been lacks in looks, it makes up for in its And who could forget vegetarian contrar- standing since 1927. captivating personality ian Morrissey? As lead singer of The Smiths, The museum, with free admission, is Mozza’s sarcasm and lyrical genius resonated worth a visit, especially in winter. Its high- with a generation of Mancunians. lights include permanent exhibitions on nat- Yet for the romantic in me, who, on hear- ural history and geology, and one of the best The abandoned factories that still loom ing the opening riffs to the Happy Mondays collections of Impressionist art in Europe. mysteriously across the cityscape remind the anthem Step On, convulses with civic pride, During the summer, Cardiff city puts on a visitor just how integral the area’s soot-filled hope is not lost. The music may have gone, whole array of events as part of Cardiff Festi- past is in understanding the city of today. but that Mancunian spirit it embodied, of » Catholic churches are a prominent feature in the Irish capital val from June through to August. Sampling the abundance of museums dedi- chirpy attitude, convention-defying creativ- photo: Amy Pickett There’s a multicultural festival, celebrating cated to the city’s industrial heritage is thus a ity and steely determination, can still be seen. Cardiff’s diversity, live music (Athlete and rite of passage for any intrigued tourist. From the 1819 massacre at St Peter’s Fields Dublin, Ireland Making our way back into the city centre, Feeder played the festival a few years ago), However, it is not only in industrial terms to the fabled Stone Roses gig at Spike Island we stopped off at Christ Church Cathedral - open air theatre productions, an internation- that Manchester demonstrates a tradition in 1990, what links these events in Manches- aving only one day in the city, we one of the city’s oldest surviving structures al food and drink festival, the Welsh proms, of leading the way. The city also gave birth ter’s history is that same distinct identity of were determined to make the most - Dublin City Hall and Dublin Castle; all of carnival, Mardi Gras… The list goes on. » Tintern Abbey: a spectacular historic ruin in south Wales photo: Katherine Price to numerous political movements that have pride, resolve and heart. of our time there. which demonstrate the fantastic architecture Cardiff Bay is an exceptionally beautiful shaped modern Britain. What this jewel in the northern crown The best way to start a trip to the of the city. spot during the evening. An empty mudlfat In 1844, the Rochdale Pioneers opened a therefore lacks in looks, it almost certain- HIrish capital is by purchasing Dublin Cards, We finally came to Bewley’s Café and Res- twenty years ago, it is now unrecognisable af- store selling food at fair prices in their home- ly makes up for in its captivating person- which offer great value for money. The perks taurant, the oldest and largest café in Dublin. ter a ten-year regeneration plan. Since 2000, town, unknowingly foregrounding a modern ality, which can only be fully appreciated if include free entry to over 30 of the city’s big- This lovely eatery is located right in the city it has become home to Roald Dahl Plass, the co-operative movement that now has 1.4 mil- you stand amongst this redbrick jigsaw and gest attractions, plus loads of food, drink and centre, overlooking its busy shopping streets. Senedd, the Welsh Millennium Centre and a lion members worldwide. marvel at its stories, characters and immense shopping offers too. Here our Dublin Passes came to good use, waterfront full of restaurants, bars and cafés. The city further exemplified its role as a contribution to Britain, if not the world. Our first two stops were the Jameson Dis- providing us with a free drink and cake as we My personal favourite is the Turkish res- hotbed of subversion when, in 1903, it pro- As one of city’s most famous sons, Ian tillery and the Guinness Storehouse, both watched the world go by. taurant Bosphorus, a family-run establish- vided the setting for the founding of the Brown, wryly commented ‘Manchester has of which are must-sees when in Dublin. At Next stop was National Wax Museum Plus. ment on top of a platform a few metres out Women’s Social and Political Union under everything except a beach’. Come and see for both, you are able to see how the drink is Spread over four floors, the museum is not into the water, allowing you to watch the sun the leadership of Emmeline Pankhurst, a yourself. brewed and how this process has developed aimed to contend with Madam Tussauds, but set over dinner and the waterfront light up. Manchester native and future Suffragette. Lewis Holden over time. has a fantastic range of works nonetheless. The Senedd, the Welsh assembly building, At the Jameson Distillery, you’re given the These range from the Simpsons to Irish po- is very visitor friendly. It is also a fine exam- tour by a local, which really gives you a feel litical characters, with audio descriptions of ple of what a building would look like if Ikea Hidden Gem: Le Coquelicot, Paris for the city; whereas at the Guinness Store- the events they are portraying, to terrifying did government-building design. house you take yourself on a more detailed horror rooms like scenes from Hannibal! The city is full of arts and music venues for veryone knows breakfast is the most the place to savour French breakfast at its walkthrough, with many interactive areas. There is no better way to top off an event- post-dinner entertainment. In the Bay itself important meal of the day. As the very best. And of course there’s plenty of alcohol avail- ful day in Dublin than by making your way is the Welsh Millennium Centre, which puts home of croissants, pain au choco- As well as the selection of delectable baked able in both! to a quaint traditional bar. Come nightfall, on the biggest shows leaving London’s West lat and, of course, the baguette, the goods, continental breakfast and an indul- The top floor of the Guinness Storehouse Temple Bar is the best part of the city to be End. For smaller, less mainstream produc- EFrench revel in this morning ritual. gent choice of pâtisseries, a healthy range of boasts the Gravity Bar, with spectacular in, as there are countless bars to be found, tions, there is also the New Theatre, the Sher- As the home of croissants, pain au choc- fresh fruit smoothies and salads will assuage views of the city. each hosting a live band playing charming man and Chapter Arts Centre, among others. olat and, of course, the baguette, the French any gluttonous guilt. After a relaxing spell there, it’s just a short Irish folk music. And of course, there’s the Doctor Who ex- revel in this morning ritual. I still always opt for a croissant and hot walk to Dublinia: a museum with exhibitions Sit back with a beverage, and simply take perience, and the Torchwood shrine at Car- The streets of Paris are lined with baker- chocolate! on Viking and Medieval times in Dublin, as in the world-famous aspects of Irish culture, diff Bay. Groups of Americans pilgrimage to ies, cafes and patisseries, so much so that it As a quaint, friendly eatery which remains well as an archaeological history exhibition. before you head back home. Wales every year to lay flowers at this shrine. is often a challenge to stay loyal to a firm fa- a rare secret from the capital’s hordes of It may be listed as one of Dublin’s top vis- And, on the way, make sure you walk down Cardiff is ultimately a cheap trip and offers vourite. tourists, Le Coquelicot offers a true taste of itor attractions, but this museum is proba- the River Liffey, to see the fantastic views of the opportunity to experience a unique cul- Tucked away around the corner from the France, just at the other end of the Eurostar. bly aimed primarily at children. Even so, it the city at night. ture right on your doorstep. humdrum of Montmartre, Le Coquelicot is Selina Sykes makes for a great time. Amy Pickett Katherine Price » As the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon boasts a rich cultural heritage photo: Robert Demont 30 theboar.org/Sport | @BoarSport | SPORTtheboar.org 30 How can we solve sport’s gender divide? Chloe Wynne interviews five high-flying sportswomen to discuss skewed gender representation in sport

omen were only accepted Boar Sport: With there being problem with female participation into most sports, or rath- far more men in your respective in cricket at the moment, but from er had their own, sepa- sports, including both athletes and my experience there are increasing Wrate clubs created in the nineteenth spectators, why do you think that numbers of female juniors taking century. fewer women take part? Is it be- up the sport now compared to a Female tennis, hockey, swim- cause they’re restricted? few years ago, which is fantastic. ming and athletics teams were set up despite such groups existing for Ann: Actually, there are probably Boar Sport: Finally, do you have men centuries before. as many girls working behind the any tips for women interested in In horse racing, women were es- scenes as there are lads in horse pursuing careers in male dominat- tablished as jockeys as late as 1804. racing. There are not so many lady ed sports? Even then, publications such as jockeys or trainers because a lot of ‘Exercise for Ladies’ did not sup- women aren’t prepared to sacrifice Ann: If you truly want to make a port their participation, claiming being a mother for sport. As for the real success out of being a jockey that sport would cause damage to spectators, racing is second only to or trainer then you have to work the ‘delicate’ female body. football in terms of spectators but I beyond hard, and make huge per- Suffragette Susan B. Anthony am certain there are far more wom- sonal sacrifices in your private and subsequently claimed that sport en going to the races than go to see working life. had ‘done more to emancipate their local footie team play. women than anything else in the Camilla: Get your name out there, world.’ Nevertheless, the gender Camilla: For lady spectators, race- do as much work experience as you gap persists. courses are not glamorous. The can and network. If you show an Women are still a minority in the » Formula One journalist Natalie Pinkham. photo: Chloe Wynne cold, wet fields on a Wednesday interest and put in the effort then field of professional sport, which is afternoon simply aren’t appealing. you will get far. Actively seek work, somewhat a man’s world. You go racing if you have an inter- ring someone up and ask for some Only a handful of jockeys in them?” It is tough, but girls have to F1. You only need to have a strong est, insight and knowledge. Gen- experience. It annoys me when modern day horse racing are wom- be tough and battle to get rides. neck, which is easily achievable. erally, women are attracted to the people don’t try, and also when en. The same goes for Formula One With horse racing being so ex- concerts and ladies’ days instead. women blame their gender for not racing, where only two women pensive, owners who pay to have Amber: When comparing women The main reason I think that few- getting far. If you love the sport, have ever started a Grand Prix. a jockey on their horse won’t say, and men competing at a similar er women go is because they don’t you will put the effort in and get Suzie Wolff has seen this defi- “actually, can I have the girl rider?” level, e.g. international level, men understand the sport, which is the something out of it. ciency as a result of there being no There is an ongoing battle with per- are faster and stronger. It would be same for anyone if they don’t follow female role models in F1 to look up ceptions. I suppose girls get a lot wrong to say that every man is bet- it. Natalie: Believe in yourself, work to and inspire young girls. of extra publicity and respect for ter at Cricket simply because he is a hard, apply yourself and if you are Meanwhile, in football and their job though; the public thinks man though. Natalie: In motorsport, things are passionate about it you can and cricket, female participation can they’re really brave and tough, even changing - I truly believe it is only will get there. To quote Eleanor be traced back to the sixteenth and if this is actually unwanted. Football spokesperson: I agree a matter of time before we have a Roosevelt, ‘no one can make you eighteenth centuries respectively. Sportswomen don’t want to be sin- that women are weaker, but not woman on the F1 grid... and that is feel inferior without your consent.’ Yet in this modern age, men’s sport gled out, but rather just be accepted that they can’t play sport as well. one in a car, not holding a driver still receives substantially more and integrated. If you are playing against women, number at the front of one! Finally, ‘Sport England’ found in coverage than the women’s equiv- and hence your competition is of a their studies of general female alent. Ann: For me, the main challenge similar strength, so I don’t think it Football spokesperson: I think sport participation that in the UK Is this more because of interest, is actually just the age old problem makes much difference how strong society imposes a ‘normal practice’ 6.7 million women play sport once opportunities or even biology? of finding the balance between be- women are compared to men. Plus, - i.e. women play netball, and men a week by choice, compared to 8.5 Then again, should we even both- ing a wife and mother, and being a strength isn’t the only component play football. Lots of women may million men. er to focus on the lack of female sportswoman. of a good footballer; you may have opt out because they think playing Furthermore, their study sug- participation in some sports as an different qualities i.e. good foot- football is manly. gests that women mostly opt for issue? Natalie: Formula 1 is an incredibly work or speed. ‘Keep Fit’ classes, swimming or I interviewed five sportswomen forward-thinking meritocracy, so Boar Sport: So, is there actually a athletics as their weekly exercise. who offered varying perspectives actually it’s all about challenging Boar Sport: Natalie, what do you problem of female participation There seems to be a lack of inter- on the issue of female participa- yourself to work hard regardless of make of Stirling Moss’ comment then? est from women in racing and ball tion in sport. Responses were giv- gender. Yes, women are outnum- that women haven’t got the mental games in the data collected. en by Ann Duffield, a successful bered but it’s not something you aptitude to race wheel-to-wheel? Camilla: There are lots of women So, maybe the fact is simply that horseracing trainer, and the ama- notice that much. It’s difficult to choosing to participate. Speaking fewer women want to participate in teur jockey and sports psychologist know how different life would be Natalie: I respect Sir Stirling im- very generally, men are always more Formula One, horse racing, cricket Camilla Henderson, daughter of if you were the other gender in a mensely but I feel very strongly interested in sport. In racing, it isn’t or football than men, rather than the Queen’s horse trainer, Nicky sports environment. As a woman, that he is wrong on this one. This a massive topic of discussion. There there being obstacles prohibiting Henderson. Formula 1 journalist you certainly want to work hard to view is archaic and undermines are plenty of women out there do- them from doing so. Natalie Pinkham offered her ex- prove that you know your stuff - but an otherwise fluid, dynamic sport, ing really well for themselves with Now that women have the right planations for motorsport. I think I would put that pressure on which is always moving forward. It their sporting careers. to play, the reasons why men still From the University, Amber myself anyway. is a self-fulfilling prophecy: if girls seem to dominate the sporting Capewell, President of Warwick don’t think there is a place for them Ann: We should all be doing world are not immediately obvious. women’s cricket team, and an Football spokesperson: In Foot- in motor sport they won’t try to everything we can to encourage Ultimately, all of my interview- anonymous spokesperson from ball, there is less support, less mon- find a job there. Perception makes both men and women to race either ees arrived at the conclusion that the female football team also ey, less respect and constant dis- the world go round, and it is down for pleasure or a career. It can take interest does not come with gender, shared their views. crimination against women. to people in the sport to change the you all over the world as a specta- and gender does not come with in- Chloe: More generally, what do perception that F1 isn’t a place for tor, owner or worker. terest, as far as sport is concerned. Boar Sport: Based on your wide you think about the argument that women to flourish. These women have shown that scope of experiences, what are the women are weaker than men as a Natalie: From my experience a successful career in sport is pos- fundamental challenges that wom- reason for why the men’s leagues Boar Sport: And do you think hy- women do have a lot of interest in sible based on the same criteria as en face when working in a male get more focus? pothetically that, as there is in foot- motorsport. There’s a huge amount men: hard work, determination dominated sport? Is there still prej- ball and other sports, there should of female F1 fans, and that number and talent. udice in 2014? Ann: I believe that lady jockeys be a women’s league in Formula 1? is growing year on year. Most of the Let’s hope that these criteria Camilla: I’d say that horse racing are naturally weaker than men – Natalie: I think to create a sepa- tweets I receive are from women shape our next generation of sport- is a little bit behind in terms of although there are some very fine rate league would be a step back- interested in knowing more about speople, rather than whether the accepting girls perhaps because of lady riders around. Sometimes wards - not forwards. The likes of the sport. person in question is male or fe- the danger factor. You also see prej- though, racehorses prefer the fem- Susie Wolff, Monisha Kaltenborn male. udice a lot in betting with punters inine touch. and Claire Williams are helping to Amber: It is more readily available thinking, “oh, there’s a girl on that prove that it is possible to thrive as to men especially because the stere- Is Warwick doing horse; they’re not strong enough, Natalie: Physiologically there is a woman in F1. otypical image of a female cricketer enough women? so what is the point in betting on nothing to stop a woman driving in puts many girls off. So, there is a big Tweet: @BoarSport theboar.org theboar.org/Sport | @BoarSport | SPORT 3131 New players, a new system and a new division Charlie Coe investigates the recent changes undertaken by the Men’s first-team basketball squad fter a four year stint in the up until last season, when the team highest regional division, were relegated to the Midlands 2A during which they got to division. According to coach Chi- Awithin a game of reaching the lofty famba, their demise was largely heights of the Premier South divi- down to the fact that they had be- sion, the Men’s first team now find come a smaller team, no longer able themselves having to adjust to life to overpower the opposition with in the Midlands 2A division in their size. more ways than one. He said: “Up until last season, Not only must the team attempt we had two 6ft 7 Lithuanian guys – to meet expectations and achieve and we were a very big team. Last instant promotion back to the Mid- season, however, we only won one lands 1A division, but they must game all season and that was main- also deal with the inherently unsta- ly because of the height. ble nature of university basketball. “Our tallest guy now is 6ft 6, Unable to attract recruits which is really small for basketball. through sport scholarships, like Whenever we play big teams like some of the more high-powered Staffordshire, they have big players programmes, the team must in- who post upon us, and there isn’t stead rely on the new crop of un- much we can do about it.” dergraduates – whose experience For this season at least, promo- can vary and whose style of play tion back to Midlands 1A division may not necessarily suit the team’s seems unlikely. In order for the established system. men’s team to get promoted, they It is this latter issue which has need to win all of their last four forced the team to adjust their style » Warwick’s Basketball team has undergone some large changes this season Photo: Warwick Basketball games and hope for losses from the of play completely. After pre-season teams above them. trials in which the two most talent- “Every year guys graduate and we prestigious Gran Canaria academy before. Despite this, coach Chifamba ed freshers happened to be back- have to start over. Now, the two and studies English Literature and Former captain Tom Care, who remains optimistic that the team is court players, players and coach- best players on our team are guards Creative Writing at Warwick Uni- graduated from the university last just one good player away from get- (backcourt players) and we have versity, can see a clear distinction year after four years with the Men’s ting promoted, and perhaps from had to adjust.” between this year’s style of play and basketball team, remembers how being a real force in the region. This year’s team has become This has led to what can only be that of the previous season. the team used size rather than This final piece of the jigsaw may far more speed-orientated described as a total refurbishment He said: “We had more ‘bigs’ last speed to dominate in the Midlands not have to come from outside of with a greater emphasis on the of the team’s style of play. Where- year, but this year we have become 1A division back in the 2008/2009 the team, however. With raw talent fast-break as in previous years the team relied a guard orientated offense - and a season. down low in the form of players like on big lineups, who did the bulk lot faster. We gamble on everything, He said: “We were fairly big for Ventislav Georgieve and Paulius of their scoring down low in the and we look to push the ball and the league – the team picked up Rimavicius, it may only be a matter post, this year’s team has become score on the fastbreak.” players such as me (6ft) at 2 guard of time before the men’s team find es admit to having been forced to far more speed-orientated with a When you look back even fur- and Joe Francombe (6’1) at point that crucial vein of form and fight mould their system around their greater emphasis on pushing the ther, however, you begin to realise guard. Tadas Jonusauskus (6’5) their way to the top. rookies – rather than the other way ball and scoring on the fastbreak. that this run-and-gun offense is not played forward and we had Harold around. Second year guard and team cap- only a break from last year’s style, Bjorn (6’9) at centre.” Coach Gerald Chifamba said: tain Phil Reeder, who played for the but also from that of many seasons This size dominance continued Wawrinka beats the tennis elites to Australian Open win

might see himself taking a set. on his way to glory. Sam Hardy Nadal had recently seen off Is this a transition into a new era the now sharp Roger Federer in for the sport, one characterised by straight sets and had earlier played more open competition? he dominant ‘big four’ of what critics called the best match of I’m not convinced. Whilst we Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, his career against Frenchman Gael should of course celebrate the suc- Novak Djokovic and Andy Monfils. Victory for the Spaniard cess of the underdog, we can’t ig- TMurray have done so much in the seemed inevitable. nore the circumstances that led to way of owning the ATP tour that And yet the unfathomable hap- such a shock victory. for the last nine years it has seemed pened. But why? And how? Did It wasn’t ideal for the competi- like the rest of the Top 100 have Wawrinka find some key to un- tion as a whole that Nadal, Feder- been playing a different game. locking the mystery of tennis’ leg- er and Murray all wound up in ends? Perhaps. the same half of the draw. Of these Unfortunately, it was a final three, Nadal struggled with a nasty For a brief moment in this marred by the misfortune of inju- blister and back pain. Murray had year’s tennis calendar, the ry which saw Nadal break down in recently returned from major back Stantastic Swiss will become a tears and serve limply into the net surgery and Federer was testing the » Unlikely candidate Wawrinka takes the Open title Photo: Mirasha like a child at the park. waters with new coach Stefan Ed- household name Whether or not Stan would’ve berg. These are issues that will sure- ing, compromising caverns. victory with the mental fortitude of gone on to lift the Norman Brookes ly be ironed out as the weeks pro- Murray has dropped to sixth and a champion. Challenge Cup if Rafa was fighting gress though, and we might expect Between them they share 36 of Federer to eighth in the ATP rank- Impressive, yes, but completely fit is another article in itself, but the to see a return to business as usual. the last 38 Grand Slam titles. Tip- ings, while Nadal and Djokovic suf- unexpected? Not entirely. Spaniard’s decline in form certain- The situation echoes Juan Mar- ping any player outside that upper fered streak-breaking losses at the What nobody saw coming, how- ly gave his competitor the space tin del Potro’s success at the 2009 echelon to take a major would or- hands of lower-ranked Wawrinka. ever, was what happened next. Af- he needed to swing harder, serve US Open, which similarly opened dinarily seem ambitious, unfound- Is this the end of the top four as we ter brushing aside higher-ranked smarter and oust the world number the floodgates of discussion sur- ed and far too romantic for reality. know it? Tomáš Berdych, Iron Stan set him- one. rounding the infallibility of the So when their authority is sincere- In the middle two weeks of Janu- self up for a clash with Rafael Nad- Undoubtedly, Wawrinka’s victo- very best. Some expected a new era ly questioned, as when Stanislas ary, Stan ‘the Man’ played top-level al, who was competing for his 14th ry is a step forward in the world of of tennis back then. It’s taken five Wawrinka clinched the Australian tennis. That much is certain. Grand Slam title. tennis. For a brief moment in this years and a whole lot of luck for it Open title one week ago, it becomes He stood strong on the baseline, Pre-match punditry touted that year’s tennis calendar, the Swiss will to even come close to happening very tempting to see those chinks injected variety into his ferocious if Wawrinka could play consistently become a household name: that again. in the armour of the elite as yawn- backhand and pushed his game to and control baseline exchanges, he guy who beat Nadal and Djokovic theboar.org 32 Sponsored by Editor: Isaac Leigh [email protected] Twitter @BoarSport SPORT fb.com/groups/BoarSport Results Sochi Winter Games are on thin ice 29 January 2013 Joshua Murray predicts that the sporting action in Russia will prevail over the controversy Badminton n the lead up to an Olympic but James Woods will be vying for Games, the sense of anticipation Olympic gold in the ski-slopestyle Men’s 1st A L’borough 2nd 1 7 usually surrounds the athletes, event – a sport making its Games Men’s 2nd A Bedfordshire 1st 6 2 Iand their chances of winning the debut in Sochi. Women’s 2nd A Aston 1st 2 6 most coveted of sporting prizes: an The freestyle contest involves Olympic gold medal. skiers and snowboarders perform- Basketball It is a shame, then, that with this ing tricks while travelling down an year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi assigned course of bumps, jumps Men’s 1st A Nott Trent 1st 78 53 just around the corner, most of the and rails. Women’s 1st A Cambridge 1st 43 76 press is focussing on issues away And Woods, who picked up sil- from the slopes and ice-rinks. ver at last year’s World Champion- Football Instead of concentrating on the ships, has been hotly tipped to go sport, an uncomfortable amount one better this month. Mens 1st H L’borough 3rd 4 1 of attention is being turned to the Katie Summerhayes is also worth Mens 3rd A Coventry 2nd 1 3 apparent danger that athletes and keeping an eye on in the women’s Women’s 1st A W’hampton 1st P P spectators alike may be in. event – she became the first British The Russian government, in- female in 19 years to make the po- Golf cluding president Vladimir Putin, dium after winning slopestyle silver passed ‘anti-propaganda’ laws in last February. Mixed 2nd A E Anglia 3rd 6 0 June, an act which has resulted in Other medal hopefuls include questions over the safety of gay and Elise Christie in the speed-skating, lesbian people in the country. and the women’s curling team, led Hockey by Eve Muirhead, who are the cur- rent world champions. Men’s 1st A Oxford 2nd 3 3 Team GB are travelling with The consistent success of recent arguably their strongest team years does offer some optimism for Lacrosse in the history of the Winter British winter sports enthusiasts, who are often consigned to one or Men’s 2nd H Notts 3rd 14 0 Olympics two medals in a single Games. Women’s 1st A Ox Brookes 1st 16 2 Sochi will inevitably provide a Women’s 2nd A Leicester 1st P P » Just one sight you can expect to see in the Sochi Games. photo: IOC fortnight of pure sporting enter- The law officially bans the “prop- tainment. Netball aganda of non-traditional sexual that more attacks are “very likely” Bolero, or Amy Williams’ stun- The Winter Olympics has a relations to minors”, but has been during the duration of the Games, ning gold in Vancouver four years rich history of upsets and shocks used as motivation for a host of immediately placing doubt into the ago are indicative of how great the – watch a replay of Australia’s Ste- anti-gay attacks, and the placing of minds of those with plans to travel Games can be. ven Bradbury sneak in to steal Women’s 1st H Worcester 1st 32 37 limitations on homosexual rights. to the event. Whilst names such as Jeanette speed-skating gold at Salt Lake City Women’s 2nd A Nottingham 3rd 42 42 Whilst there is little chance of Many have suggested that the Altwegg and Rhona Martin don’t in 2002 for all the proof you need Women’s 3rd H Staff’ 1st 18 20 any athletes being directly affected psychological repercussions of run off the tongue as easily as Sir – and it will provide endless thrills by the new laws, the safety and free- these issues could affect the athletes Steve Redgrave or Dame Kelly along the way. Rugby Union dom of gay spectators, travelling on display – most notably gay ath- Holmes, the Winter Olympics have The BBC are providing unri- from all over the globe to experi- valled coverage, supposedly incor- letes, who will surely feel uncom- spawned some British sporting he- Men’s 1st H Worcester 1st 13 15 ence this massive sporting contest, roes over the years – and there is porating up to 650 hours of Winter fortable with the new climate of Men’s 2nd H Harper A 2nd 38 15 is under serious scrutiny. Russian homophobia. a good chance that that list could Olympics events. The ambiguous nature of the As necessary as personal safety is have a few additions in the coming Don’t let all of the bad press fool term ‘propaganda’ makes it very at these events, it is a shame that the weeks. you. With several British med- Squash hard to interpret, but foreign cit- combination of safety threats has Team GB are travelling with ar- al hopefuls and an endless list of izens could be liable to receive overshadowed the run-up to one of guably their strongest team in the heart-stopping sports on offer, the Men’s 1st A B’ham 3rd 0 5 fines, 15-day prison sentences, or the most eagerly awaited competi- history of the Winter Olympics, 2014 Winter Olympics is going to Men’s 2nd A Coventry 1st 2 3 even face deportation if they are in tions in the sporting calendar. with realistic medal hopefuls in be a memorable one. Women’s 1st H Notts 2nd 0 4 breach of the law. The Winter Olympics offers us several sports. And, as a final note, here’s a bit Even more recently, concerns a chance of spectating sports oth- Williams’ 2010 skeleton success of a tip from me to you: look out have been raised about the pos- erwise neglected in favour of the could well be repeated, with Lizzy for the ski-cross – it is not worth Tennis sibilities of terrorist attacks at the mainstream examples of football, Yarnold, currently top of the World missing! Games. Cup standings, likely to challenge rugby et al. Men’s 2nd H Oxford 2nd 10 2 More than 30 people were killed Events such as downhill skiing, for a podium place. Shelley Rud- in a twin bomb attack on the Rus- speed skating and bobsleigh are man is also in with a decent chance Men’s 3rd H Derby 1st 8 4 sian city of Voldograd at the end virtually non-existent in the Brit- of claiming a medal, a year on from Women’s 1st A Oxford 2nd 12 0 of December, less than six weeks ish sporting media for almost four becoming the first British woman Will you be watching Women’s 2nd A Oxford 3rd P P before the opening ceremony in years at a time, but these Games re- to win a skeleton World Champi- the Winter Olympics? Sochi. mind us of how enthralling winter onship with victory in St Moritz. Comment online: Volleyball A recent meeting of Whitehall sports are. It is rare to expect any home- theboar.org/sport officials resulted in the verdict Memories of Torvill and Dean’s grown success in a skiing event, Men’s 1st H B’ham 1st 3 0

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