!!WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SILLY AMOUNTS OF GIVEAWAYS!!

SereYOUR English Language University Newspapern December 2005 UNIVERSITY OF WALES BANGOR

SEREN:SAVE DEREK LOTS OF USEFUL STUFF FEATURED : PETITION AND THINGS

ByHALLS JAMES AINSWORTH OF SHAME The halls situation has been noticeably worsening over the last three years and the signs are that further cut backs and significant increases in halls fees are to continue next year. While it is generally agreed that residents of the newer style halls, especially on the Ffridd Site, are relatively happy with their living conditions, there is a definite gulf of opinion when it comes to the satisfaction of the residents in the old style halls of the Ffridd Site, Rathbone and Normal Site. In recent weeks there have been major problems with a lack of running hot water for a period of five days and the yearly problem of leaking windows to name but a few. Without intentionally assuming a Ffriddoedd site-centric view, it is the Ffridd site that is CWB’s ‘flagship’ accommodation site. It is here that prospective students are bussed en masse for a brief glimpse into the living quarters of students. Parents and potential students alike are shown around the new style Ffridd site accommodation and led to believe that the room they are looking in is representative of ALL the university accommodation. Current students who open up their rooms for the visitors to look around are even told not to mention the “other older and unsightly accommodation” by the Marketing Department. Imagine the surprise when you arrive during Freshers Week and you step into the murky underworld of say, Emrys Evans for example, that you never knew existed from your previous visit. Rooms with just the one plug socket to cater for all your electrical needs, damp and fixtures and fittings that have been around for decades. Even some of the newer halls have problems that are neglected by maintenance staff even when several forms have been completed. On moving into Cefn-Y-Coed last year, a student was forewarned by the cleaner that their room has a terrible problem with condensation and that having the bed up against the wall may result in a build up of black residue. Advice was given to keep the bathroom fan on throughout the day to help clear the room. A representative of Greenberg Glass, >>>CONTINUES INSIDE: PAGE4>>> SPORT MUSIC FILMS OPINION INSIDEINSIDE :: BLAST FROM THE PAST HEALTH INTERVIEWS 2 December 2005 EDITOR’S BRIEF

This issue was compiled by: SoDear here we are again-itsReader Christmas and with that, another issue of Seren. Its been a while since the Freshers Issue that went Editor - James Ainsworth down so well and now we come to this shiny and somewhat [email protected] packed Christmas Issue. Inside you will find recommendations for Christmas Gifts AND, if you thumb your way through to the centre Production and Graphics Editor - pages, YOU CAN WIN EVERYTHING YOU SEE to kick start your James Ainsworth Christmas holidays. As a special Christmas treat and by popular demand (one person) i have included a Christmas Special Thing Distribution, Advertising, Finance - of Aceness. The Christmas Sudoku was lovingly created by John Chris Snookes Jackson.

Culture Editor - Chris Snookes Not only that, but this issue comes packed with approximately 83% more Student Relevance than the last issue. Features include Music Editors - Christopher Alcock the Seren Campaign to Save Derek and his ‘part of the furniture’ Burger van as well as coverage of several other & James Ainsworth local news pieces that are of relevance and importance to you the student in this University community. If you think we are still missing out on something that is of relevance to YOU the reader then you can still get involved with Films Editor - Michael Mooney SEREN. Simply e-mail me and let me know what area in which you would like to get involved.

News Editor - Keely Austin For those of you going away from Bangor for the Christmas period enjoy the good sweet tap water of home-this is possibly the first time there have been more parasites elsewhere in Bangor otherCHRISTMAS than the Meat Market SUDOKU of Academi Welfare Editor- Helen Tonge on a Saturday night. Its been an interesting few months since the last issue and scanning the Chief Proof Readers-Lecsi Hindley Intranet debates board has highlighted some of the core issues that you C I TA M CRHS I TASM & John Jackson the student hold so close to your heart. The mysterious and wonderful Iosef M I SSMRHA I CT (Get in touch: YOUR Newspaper needs YOU!) and his musings on life may A C H T A I CMSRSH with contributions from... well have to become a permanant fixture of Seren and there are several SH RCSASMTH I Dixxy, Huw Pritchards, Andrew Val- worthy and jovial petitions doing the rounds. The student voice is screaming entine, Lots of biscuits, Michael O’ to be heard! I T C MR A I T SCHMRS Rourke, Adam Isbell, R, Frankie, - HR MHS TR I SA C Gen-, The MOT Computer Centre. Thanks to everyone who signed up at Serendipity and those who have followed up their interest and contributed to this issue of Seren. Its been a S SI SMRHT SC I A long and stressful Semester for many people so take time to relax and enjoy A S HT A I SCSMR *ALL WRITERS CREDITED IN the festive period. I hope you all have a peaceful and Happy Christmas. ARTICLES* I CMA S I SCMA RHTS

The Editor Question Answers STUDENTS UNION DEINIOL ROAD by John JacksonBANGOR GWYNEDD LL57 2TH Tel: (01248) 388017

“The world is so often “With a cheer of no small cruelly robbed from delight, the children enter “Surprise league leaders, GENUINE musical and sit cross legged at Mike’s Bites FC are talent at the cost of the feet of Patrick, who in proving to be a fan’s mediocrity and samey turn closes his book and favourite as they remain commercial fodder that places it on the table. He unbeaten, even in the gains big bucks backing, takes a medicinal sip from face of University team just because it can be his brandy before leaning opposition.” packaged as a lifestyle forward and regaling the to the highly marketable Page 19 fruit of his loins with his impressionable sheep of tale.” the World.” Page 6 Page 13 NEWS December 2005 3 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM? By CHRIS BRYAN On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day University Press Officer, Elinor By MICHAEL MOONEY The rays of sunshine suddenly burst through “respect of the eleventh month in 1918 the German Elis-Williams commented, “The the clouds as men and women from all services people Armistice came into effect, signalling the University marks Remembrance Day and walks of life laid their wreaths out of who end of the Great War. The war to end all and Remembrance Sunday annually. respect for those who have served and died have given wars had left nearly eight million people Unfortunately high winds made it in battles around the world. Bangor UOTC up their lives a n d dead, wounded or missing. At this time, unsafe to place a flag at half mast on stood to attention watching with quiet respect suffered for the society we have today”. on this date, every year, a two-minute the University flagpole on Friday this as the Remembrance service took place All the officer cadets understood that it silence is held to remember not just those year- but it was raised (to half mast ) outside Caernarfon Cenotaph. Then when the was not just about a single war, but all wars who died during this war, but all those on Saturday and remained there for service ended and the sun returned behind the including the current situation in Iraq. who have died in conflict. This year saw Remembrance Sunday. The Ddraig clouds the officer cadets moved to the right the 60th anniversary of the end of the Goch (Red Dragon) was flown at half and marched around the Castle, giving an When asked if enough was done to remember, Second World War. This year it is more mast on the Memorial Arch on Sunday. eyes right to the mayor, then finally and most Elizabeth Horsley said “People’s lives are important then ever to remember, as soon too busy to bother remembering; instead The University marks the two minutes importantly gave an eyes right to the Cenotaph. WW1 will cease to exist in living memory. they spend their time studying celebrities, silence in any official meetings or Only ten British servicemen who fought The green blur of the UOTC was just one where they should be celebrating those with committees that are taking place. It in WW1 are still alive. Their average age group out of many who had turned up to true heart”. The question of whether we do remains at the discretion of individual is 109. This year, the University forgot. pay their respects to those whom they owe enough to remember is often discussed, but lecturers and office staff to mark the so much. Heath Craster described how the “even if all three hundred and sixty five days Armistice day was not mentioned on the silence in any individual lecture or office. “laying of the wreaths reinforced the idea of of the year were dedicated to those who died it intranet, there was no whisper of a two- why [they] were there”. The setting down of still would not be enough to honour someone minute silence. The University flag that had The University’s Vice-Chancellor the wreaths seemed to be important to many, who lost their life fighting for others”. Mark been raised to half-mast the day before was represented the University at the as the act embodies the sentiments of all, by Armitage mentioned how many people find it safely packed away. This institution, which Bangor cenotaph to lay a wreath, as did physically showing a sign of respect. Catherine hard to develop a link with the wars as their seems so dedicated to marking the deaths of Rob Harris, Students’ Union president. Kadus mentioned how important it is to lives are so detached from any sort of conflict. long-since retired staff, was conspicuous in its apparent apathy. While I whole-heartedly Overall the day went off without a hitch. accept that remembrance is a personal Bangor Company did the UOTC proud, with choice – forcing it down people’s throats OCDT Jennifer Smith-Harwick laying the would dilute its poignancy – the University’s wreath,. Steve Nixon describes how he thought failure to even acknowledge the occasion the day went “extremely well…considering is sickeningly disrespectful. It is a time to some were first years”. Most of the cadets remember those who paid the ultimate will return next year, with shiny boots and price; a time to reflect on the ultimate futility rock hard uniforms, but those who do not of war. To forget is to not care. It is not will surely find some way of paying their hard to see where this collective amnesia respects to the nobility of the human spirit. stems from when such an apparently proud institution can be so ignorant. Those who forget their past are doomed to repeat it. STUDENTS SAY DEREK SHALL NOT BE MOVED By STEVE MANNINGS As a student in Bangor it is your inherent right next to the end bollard. During his time Ffridd interest then isn’t it fair to say that Derek should to have heard of ‘Dodgy Dereks’. Site management have accused him of a number remain? of issues including ‘persuading impressionable ‘Dodgy Dereks’ is a small fast food business young students to eat unhealthily’ and even The Ffridd Site works to accommodate not only operating from a van positioned outside the ‘to miss out on valuable study time’! Derek the students and their belongings, but also their entrance to the Ffridd Site, near to Lys Tryfan. It responds to this issue with a fair comment, “It wants and needs, and Students WANT ‘Dodgy is positioned here so that students on the Ffridd is entirely the students’ own choice whether to Dereks’ to remain so ‘LONG LIVE ‘DODGY site will pass by the van on their way home from buy food from me”, and he does not advertise DEREK!’’ a night out. his business in any way other than its physical presence. BUT now the Ffridd Site management want him removed! The other issue is the ‘chavs’ that have supposedly been seen hanging For the past nine years ‘Dodgy Dereks’ has around next to ‘Dodgy Dereks’. The been at the site nearly every night in term time, Ffridd management believe him to be through blistering cold, wind, rain and snow. a bad influence for this reason- even The price of the food is cheap and, contrary to though the biggest problem they’ve belief, the food is pretty decent. It is safe to had with ‘chavs’ is during the summer say that students consider ‘Dodgy Dereks’ to be holidays when Derek was not there! part of the Ffridd Site culture. A huge number of students voiced Management at the Ffridd have not actually said their opinion on the subject on the anything to Derek (believe it or not the owner intranet. Messages of support for of ‘Dodgy Dereks’!) about their current wish for ‘Dodgy Dereks’ flooded in and it him to be removed. They have however dropped was easy to spot a recurring pattern: subtle hints such as: placing metal bollards in ‘cheap decent food’, ‘a friend to the place of his site, sending messages through students’, ‘a legend’. In addition the grapevine, and, one occasion, sending an to this a huge number of students officer down to photograph Dereks van from a have signed Dereks petition for the distance. approval of his position. If you have not done yet, make sure you do next However Derek is bold in his actions and time you visit! believes the ground on which he positions his van to be public property and so plans to remain Indeed, if the Ffridd Site management in the spot for the foreseeable future – he has is working in the students’ best managed to squeeze his van into its usual spot 4 December 2005 NEWS

reduced at the start of last year for reasons that can only be is being increasingly stretched. He also says that ,“CWB have things that we did not accomplish. I am unaware of how other seen as further cost cutting. The current system sees mature difficulty in recruiting new staff as their reputation goes JCRs fared in getting what they felt they needed as a Halls group. students in the position of Halls Wardens and they have to before them” He expressed his concerns on behalf of the In my position now, as SU President, I believe that if students balance the commitments of their course as well as the welfare cleaning staff at the demanding workload, given that there in halls and the JCRs work closely with each other and the of students in halls. The halls wardens are the ones who have are now no longer any floating staff who could provide Students’ Union to solve problems even more can be achieved.’ to maintain the peace in a corridor dispute situation as well as adequate cover for cleaners who are off due to illness or on be on call throughout the night in case of an emergency which holiday. In the absence of a cleaner, the remaining cleaners Perhaps the issue isn’t with CWB, and they aren’t quite could be anything from a fire to significant injury. The Halls have to complete their set work and the work of the absent the money making machine that is the abiding view of Warden position was previously carried out by full time persons cleaner in the same time and to the same high standard. many a student. A look at the funding methods of CWB who had training in all aspects of the job and retained some shows that they generate income exclusively from Rents, form of independence from the students. The job of the Halls Given the number of health outbreaks that have been Catering and Conferences. Given that CWB is,(like most Warden’s can be very stressful and is not a position to be taken seen in schools, hospitals and other public places in recent departments) operating in debt, should funding be made lightly although this appears to not be the opinion of CWB. years, it is apparent that hygiene should perhaps be a higher available to CWB from UWB in order to bring back the priority than it currently is set. Students can certainly help level of services and welfare that were in place three years Cleaning duties are the area that should perhaps cause most the situation by keeping their kitchens tidy and cooperating ago? Or is it a case of prioritising where funds go on the concern to the student body given the severe amount of cut with the cleaners by clearing ALL kitchen surfaces the day estates. At least the hedges and lawns are well kept. CWB backs that have been seen in this area.Consider if you will, before your cleaner is due in to clean down the surfaces. This were invited to comment on the article but did not respond. the situation three years ago. In most halls, the kitchens would in turn will give cleaners more time to do their work properly. be cleaned twice a week by your friendly cleaner and en-suite UWB MOVE FOR AUTONOMY By CHRISTOPHER ALCOCK As you should be aware, the University’s initials political, constitutional action. The move in the future, the University will have the power are UWB – The University of Wales, Bangor. follows those of the other UW Universities. (whether or not it exercises it) to award degrees in That is to say that the University exists as its own name. University Registrar David Roberts part of a larger, principality-wide educational The practical consequences of this are that, has assured those studying at the moment institution. However, due to uncertainty over as part of their application, the University will that “It does not affect in any way the degrees the University of Wales’ future, UWB is applying be under inspection by the Quality Assurance which our students currently are studying for.” to become its own, separate University, a largely Association over the next twelve months, and, NO LINK BETWEEN CU AND GRAFFITI By JAMES AINSWORTH The Bangor Christian Union has denied any the Main Arts complex. Bangor CU Spokesper- link between their Freshers’ Week Literature with son, Mark Hawkins explains, “The actual in- that of the anti-war graffiti that can be seen on tention was that it should be a fish; which was the pavements of Bangor. The issue arose after originally adopted as a Christian symbol because the graphic on the front of the CU leaflet; which the Greek word for fish, ‘ichthys’, is an acros- was posted under the doors of halls of residence tic for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour”. rooms during Freshers’ Week and detailed CU This is probably the most succinct statement organised events (including the well received free of Christian belief you’re likely to come across lunches) appeared to share intrinsic design simi- and something we at the Christian Union firm- larities with that of the stencil used to voice dis- ly uphold as true. By the time my housemate sent against the ongoing and unjust war in Iraq. uttered the fateful words “that looks a bit like The organisation behind the “street art” is a bomb” it was a bit too late to change.” The currently unkown. The locations of the red or Christian Union meets every Thursday at 8pm black anti war marks are predominantly on pave- in Main Arts and further information can be ments and can be seen under the SU Curved found online at www.bangorchristianunion.com Lounge, College Road, College Park and around NEWS December 2005 5 BILINGUAL CAROL SERVICE By EMMA DODD Get into the Christmas spirit at up in both languages. The readings Bangor’s very own bilingual carol will be done in both English and service. Held on the 12th December Welsh, a great chance for any Welsh at 7.30pm in Bangor Cathedral, the learners to practice their listening Christian Union event is open to all: skills. Entertainment will also be Welsh speakers and English speakers provided by Cor UMCB, the Welsh alike. There will be a mixture of Student Union choir and Christmas traditional carols, as well as some refreshments will be available at new ones with the opportunity the end. So come along and have to sing along in either language. a mince pie. Everyone’s welcome! Words for all of the carols will be put

By LLOYD CARDIFF DEMO JACKMAN

Tuesday, the 8th of November, saw our university in Wales. union make another challenge to With speeches from the the National Assembly of Liberal Democrats, By EMMA GASCOIGNE Wales to fight the Plaid Cymru and ELDERLY residents of Bangor will proposals of the Tories; it be waltzing their way to Christmas af- the UK seemed that all ter they have been to the Student Vol- government were on side and unteer’s festive Christmas Tea Dance. to introduce sympathetic to The event has been running for nearly variable top-up our cause with 30 years and entertains over 80 elderly resi- fees for a university them taking dents of Bangor with leisure and tourism education. The the time to student’s providing a buffet for the guests. scheme would come and Andrew Wilson, Chair of Student Volun- favour the more speak to teering, said: “The Christmas Tea Dance is a nice affluent students in us at our way to round off the year - it’s also great to give their ability to pay for ‘market- something back to the community of Bangor.” their education as the style Revelation will be entertaining the guests ‘top’ universities would stalls’. with live choir music and prizes from local be able to charge more; The absence shops will be given away throughout the af- leaving many talented of a Labour speaker, ternoon. Another highlight of the event in- working-class students not it was discovered, was due to a cludes a game of bingo with AU President, only looking at their A-level whip on any Assembly Ministers who Steve Connor taking on the role as bingo caller. results, but at their finances too, headed came out to speak to us; yet despite Andrew would like to thank everyone who with the possibility of hardship by our even this, one member came out in has been involved with the event and also the and ruin. The NUS believe President, Rob Harris, defiance later, disagreeing with the very 20 volunteers who are helping out on the day. that access to higher education despite torrential rain, wind and principle. The students have spoken, the The Christmas Tea Dance will take should be based solely on merit. cold, not to mention an 11 hour round politicians have listened; the fight goes on! place in the Curved Lounge on the trip, and made it just in time for the start 11th December between 3pm and 6pm. So, a Bangor contingent set off at 6.30am of the demonstration representing every FRESHERS ISSUE SELLS ON... The Freshers Week issue of Seren was sold on the By JAMES AINSWORTH world famous trading website Ebay in order to raise funds for a local worthwhile cause. The issue which saw the launch of several new features which were well received, as well as the in depth guide to Serendipity.

After being on sale to the people of the World on Ebay, the copy of Seren received one bid in the 7 day auction and sold for the starting price of 50 pence! The lucky winning bidder was a Mr Andrew T Rees from Durham. The lucky auction winner left feedback and said “What can i say? the earth moved! fantasmagorical service” and went on to comment on the quality of the issue and it’s “tremendous sense of fun”.

The funds were donated to the local Barnados Charity Shop. It is hoped that the money will contribute in some small way to the fine work that is carried out by the UK’s largest children’s charity. Barnardos run more than 300 projects nationwide and help 90,000 youngsters and their families each year.

There are no plans to auction off this issue on Ebay but future Seren related fundraisers are in the pipeline 6 December 2005 WHO KNOWS WHAT IT IS.

PATRICK With a cheer of no small delight, the children enter and sit always wanted. cross legged at the feet of Patrick, who in turn closes his book and places it on the table. He takes a medicinal sip from his But soon enough my children, Billy was to learn the brandy before leaning forward and regaling the fruit of his error of his ways. Returning home for Christmas, aged loins with his tale. 24, he arrived on his parents door step to find that they did not recognise him! No place at the table, no Patrick: Now children, pay heed as I tell you the tale of presents under the tree! They offered to house him “The Mid Twenties,” and the dangers of approaching for the night, expressing sympathy for his flummoxed said state if not fully prepared. expression, but instead of accepting this, he turned and ran as fast as his legs would carry him. He ran They listen attentively. to the old haunts of his friends, only to find them all empty of the faces he used to know. Somewhat Children, your twenties are the time in your life that confused, he decided to phone some old chums from you should set about realising your adolescent hopes university. He received nothing but messages informing and dreams. But, you see, upon leaving one’s teens, one him that that number was no longer in use. Irritated, may feel the urge, the necessity even, to grow up, or at Billy begrudgingly accepted his family’s invitation and least appear to have grown up. Let us take Billy, a young returned to the house, wondering why his friends had man who, while at university, set about growing up. It all lost touch with him. MOOREBACHOVTHE OH-SO-REAL SURREAL WORLD OF OUR LOCAL HERO was his intention to prove to his friends at home that Christmas Eve. 11:10 pm. The scene is an opulent house in the country his time at university had been particularly profound, You see Hercules, Stanton and Margot, Billy’s efforts side. We are observing an elderly, yet confidently dignified man, Patrick, that it had taught him a great deal about the world, and to demonstrate his maturity were actually borne of a that he as a result, could be considered their guru in fear of rejection by his friends rooted in a deep seated reclining in a luxurious leather armchair at the mouth of the fire place, such things. insecurity about the worth of his personality, and his a suitably academic looking book lying open upon his lap. He lets out inability to accept new experiences left him incapable a wry chuckle to himself, before stoking the fire’s glowing embers with He told them of his steady girlfriend and steady job, of communicating with his changing comrades. And his recently re-shod cane. Above the fire place hang five stockings, and and occasionally arched his eyebrows at the retaliatory he was an arrogant so and so. This is the challenge tales of his friends’ shenanigans. Such frivolity was now on the side table next to our subject’s chair, a three quarter full glass of that you will sometime face my children. To get older beneath him you see. It was this overreaching desire to and grow up is natural and completely necessary. Just brandy. Leaning back into his chair, he takes a moment to gaze around appear serious and to be taken seriously that actually, remember to not be a douchebag about it. Hercules: his study. Leather bound tomes of Baudelaire and Foucault line the believe it or not, alienated him from his friends. He Wow! Thank you papa! We shall not forget the lesson bookshelves, themselves of a mahogany hue that match the desk and other looked down on his friends’ excursions as childish you taught us today. assorted furniture. As Patrick marvels at the luxury of his surroundings, and immature, not something to be tangled with. Billy affected this detachment with no little grace, remaining he becomes aware of the pitter patter of footsteps coming from the Patrick: I know you won’t son. Now all of you aloof in social situations, shunning conversation in retire to bed. The hour of the Dark Lord’s coming is staircase. His three young children, Hercules, Stanton and Margot, soon favour of wittily scathing, yet subtle, comments. He imminent. enter the study, at first peering apprehensively around the door way. returned to university sufficiently assured that he was a developed human being. Stanton: You mean Santa? Patrick: Children! Why ever are you awake at this hour? Two years passed, with Billy furthering his character Patrick: Yes I do. Now off you trot. Margot: We’re sorry papa, but we were too excited to sleep, what through the development of his outsider stance. He with tomorrow being Christmas morn. learned constructive criticism of alternative culture, Hercules/Stanton/Margot: Good night papa! and that his singular tastes were the only ones worth : Bless. Hercules: Forgive us papa, but we desired a story from you. Mama pursuing. Upon leaving university, his 2:1 in hand, Patrick Billy swiftly used his experience in video game retail is asleep and would not indulge us. Please father? to move into an elevated position of employment. He He returns to his book, and to thoughts of the future. found that the social skills he had acquired at university Patrick: Come children, enter! Gather around the fire and I shall allowed him to effectively tell people what to do and tell you a Christmas tale to warm the cockles of your hearts. when to do it. People respected him now, just like he

BANGOR’S MARKETEERS By ANDREW WEBSTER The CIM student chapter is the latest addition Liverpool Hope University and Liverpool 20/20. to the list of Clubs and Societies and the only one associated with a professional body. CIM The society is growing all the time and new members has been set-up this year for all students in are always welcome especially ones from non- Bangor to get some real hands-on marketing marketing based degree’s (we have many psychology experience while having some fun at the same time. members!!), so if your interested in any of the areas of marketing above or want to improve your CV in The group meets up once every 2 weeks and work on a friendly environment come along and give us a try! such aspects of Marketing as PR, Advertising, Direct Marketing and Branding and everyone has a good laugh We meet every other week in LR2 (2nd floor Main working together. It’s also in the meetings that we plan Arts) at 6pm and the next meeting should be trips and events such as our recent trip to Liverpool on the 5th Dec, but just to make sure you don’t where we attended a presentation on the current miss a trick, why not add CIM to your groups list state of marketing given by speakers from Siemens, on the Intranet home page and stay on the ball! FEATURE ARTICLES December 2005 7 EXTENDED HOURS FOR BANGOR By JOHN JACKSON BARS By the time you’re all reading this, the new Licensing Act 2003 the cinema or getting home late from work, there’s nothing Certain police forces are worried that this will cause for England and Wales will be in force, in theory allowing wrong with that. We think that having hours decided much more trouble on the streets in the early hours. The alcohol to be sold and purchased 24 hours a day. The Tories and locally by local councils is absolutely the right thing to do”. government counters this by claiming that customers several Labour backbenchers were the main political opposition leaving pubs at staggered times and the newly allocated who only just missed out (by 74 votes) on suspending it until The introduction of any new law brings about much debate, police abilities in relation to this type of drunken behaviour January. So it’s happened. But is this a good or a bad idea? especially those that haven’t been changed for such a long will help ‘clean’ up the streets, but opponents worry that time, but this particular debate has completely split the again the police are being given extra unnecessary power. First and foremost the main myth surrounding the new laws country. Surveys by The Times, The Mirror and The Sun have needs to be clarified. The number of ‘establishments’ that all showed divided public opinion. The Times specifically The last of the arguments is that it works in most parts of have been granted an actual 24hr licence is had 71% of females and 52% of males against the new Europe so why shouldn’t it here? The main challenge against so far only just over 1000 measures. Maybe unsurprisingly, the vast majority of this though is that if you completely in the whole of England students in and around Bangor interviewed remove Draconian rules, then the and Wales, and only about on this subject were in favour, and the 18- public will tend not to know how a third of those are pubs 24 age group as a whole was the highest to deal with their new-found or clubs, the remainder in favour in the nationwide surveys too! freedom, especially at a time of comprising supermarkets year when more than the average and petrol stations. A national survey by BUPA has revealed population tend to go out drinking. that 1 in 4 people in England and Wales Most ‘local’ pubs are by are classed as binge-drinkers. 8 out of 10 So parliament is divided, the definition in residential people don’t keep track of what they are public are divided, the police areas and tend to be drinking on a night out, and again the 18-24 are divided, even the pub applying for only an hour age group are the worst, especially the male industry is divided! There is or two extra each night. In side. Opposition to these findings comes so much split opinion on upper Bangor for example, in the form of blame on the ‘antiquated’ this that only time will really ‘local’s like the BelleVue and The Menai are not Draconian Licensing Act for contributing to tell whether this has been going beyond 12.30, even at weekends! Some of the pubs in the binge problem in the first place through a wise move by the Government or not. Smaller areas, lower Bangor are extending slightly later than that but not by people having to drink over a shorter amount of time. similar to Bangor, will probably not be affected in any more than 1am. Time/Amser and Octagon have got occasional really significant ways. Larger cities however, with vast 3am extensions, but again only a few times per week. Those in An argument started within the alcohol industry itself is populations of drinkers walking, stumbling or crawling favour of the changes may well ask what all the fuss is about. that longer opening won’t make people spend more on the streets at (literally) all hours, especially in the lead-up drinks because they only have a finite amount of money to to Christmas, may be affected in a very different way… The Government’s Licensing Minister, James Purnell claims spend. However, citizen’s advice agencies have suggested that “If people want to have a quiet drink after going to that this may contribute to higher borrowing and debt. GET A NODDY HOLDER YERSELF ITS By KEELY AUSTIN CHRISTMAAAAAS!! It seems like only yesterday that you were The Pub - is about as charming now as it is Mistletoe - So, you’ve had your eye on that subjected to the repetitive conversations of every other day of the year (i.e. not very), girl/boy for a while, been getting good vibes distant and drunken relatives, whining children but there’s something about a decent pub form him/her too what better way to f*ck the and infinitely repeated movies blaring with at Christmas that just feels right. Maybe it’s whole thing up than by trying to get her to forced jollity and cloying sentiment. But yes because it’s an escape from the cold and wet stand under the mistletoe! Will they avoid that Christmas is almost upon us again.Upon high street, or your festively minded friends spot under the fated leaves like the plague? reaching the age of ten it seems the magic seems are buying you more drinks than they might Will you misinterpret their feelings and go in to leave Christmas. Last minute shopping, for the full-on snog when they were just inevitable arguments developing into expecting a peck on the cheek? Nightmare family feuds, the devastating realisation for one person, hilarity for EVERYONE else. that Father Christmas was made up…it all Christmas Lights - Not the tacky domestic makes you wonder why we even bother. hang-around-your-own-tree ones…those But really when it comes down to it, can rot in hell! I mean the ones that light up Christmas really isn’t all that bad. So kill the high street and make shopping that little that cynicism with a big glass of eggnog bit less depressing. and appreciate the little things… Egg Nog - Mmmm, alcoholic slime. As Christmas Parties - There’s no better Homer Simpson says, “We only get eight time than to look ultra generous and noggy weeks before the government takes it trendy by hosting your own Christmas away from us.” Enjoy. party and bringing the festive season in Christmas Movies - Love them or hate with a bang. Or, if you’re a bit tight for them Christmas just wouldn’t be the same that, then you can always feed off other without Scrooge shouting “Bah Humbug!”, people’s generosity by turning up and George Bailey realizing that his life wasn’t in drinking them dry. vain and Steve McQueen jumping over that massive fence on his motorbike. Family Time – Cheesy as it may sound otherwise do, or because the old rosy-cheeked sometimes it’s just nice to spend a bit of time bloke in the corner sipping stout reminds you And most importantly, if it all starts to get you with the folks. This leads me on to my next a little bit of Santa. Whatever it is, for some down, just remember, it only comes once a point... reason it justifies shelling out five pounds for year! a Christmas special consisting of the thinnest Presents!! – Ah the shiny, shiny wrapping slices of beef you can possibly imagine and paper! The true meaning of Christmas. roast potatoes harder than granite. Priceless. Happy Christmas! 8 December 2005 BLAST FROM THE PAST

Deep in the murky depths of the Seren office is a dark recess leading to another world. A world greater than Narnia, withDeep back in issues the murkyof every depths Seren gone of thebefore. Seren From office the dawn of the printing press to theis current a dark day recesswe bring leadingyou a glimpse to anotherinto the past world. when A animals talked and accommodationworld was greater cheap. The than extensive Narnia, archives with are back scoured issues for the weird, the scandalous and theof everyirreverent. Seren These gone are thebefore. front pages From of the yester-year dawn of that the printingshaped our press Bangor to today....the current day we bring you a glimpse into the past when animals talked and accommodation was cheap. The By CHRIS SNOOKES extensive archives are scoured for the weird, Laurel (Welfare the scandalous and the irreverent. These are Officer) the front pages of yester-year that shaped our Its 1984 and as the sun rises on another February bowl of cat litter-esque Bangor today.... Define your role in no more than 10 words morn in Bangor, students everywhere lurch out of museli and a smack To represent and provide advice to all someone else’s bed, their nostrils joyous to the tan- round the face each students on a range of matters (That’s talising spit, hiss, crackle and sizzle of a Fat Freddy’s morning. 13-Editor) Fry-up dancing through the dawn, tiptoeing across Top-tip for Freshers? a sugar-frosted city and climbing into our beds be- Freddy’s with its extro- Remember everyone is in the same boat side us whispering “You there, you look like you vert character, colossal so make as many friends as possible and need to be content in your life. Have a Freddy’s.” A choice and ‘special be there for each other mysterious force, an urge, a longing, a culinary pied evenings’ the three A LOOK BACK AT THE If you were a drink, which would you piper begging us, teasing us, inviting us to gorge keys to the success of be? SERENaway the grant OF on OLD two sausage, bacon, beans and any budget student- Probably orange cordial, cos I am always Bywhat CHRIS vaguely SNOOKES resembled a hash brown for many based eatery its devel- around, quite sympathetic after the night students provoked temptation and pushed aside opers Paul Ashley and before and almost always guaranteed not to run out on you or let you down. Behold!the guilt. ‘A Round quantum these technological parts those leapbreakfasts into engineering were Andy un- Turner main- knowns’legendary the made Charlatans with all cried the love,as the blood, flying sweat man cageand thwarpedtained. Constantly Musical taste? abovetears theand streets of course of Bangor. fat that It onlywas ana truly industrial satisfying feat of strivedmono- to push the Anything, I know nothing about music lithicbreakfast proportion demands a true topped icon by off sheer with scale two of buttered mans dominance ‘convenience come over the rugged and treacherous terrain of Bangor Moun- Plans for this year? rounds, a sachet of ‘red sauce’ and a Freddy’s nap- mid-lecture snack Run lots of campaigns which are relevant tainkin thatto salvage had proved that what almost got away. impassable for inebriatedshack’ stu- boat as far out to the student body, i.e. my Welfairy dents crawling back to the St Mary’s site for billions ofinto years. the unknowns as Campaign that starts this week (I am so Nowadays In the we months look back leading jovially up andto its cock momentous our cups unveilingpossible and then reel excited!). excitementof organic in North shade Wales grown had latte reached as we fever precariously pitch with massesit back in with cus- descendingwork our upon way the around University a ‘slightly City every sticky’ day almond- to see thesetomers ‘Sky longing for Transportationtopped pain au Podules’ chocolat as with they awere knife, known fork, spoonby locals, another hurl Cheese cob bothand thespork brave, checking the ballsy our handand of held course vanity students mirrors at speedsand Cola for 65p. It unknownevery waking to man second across the for bustling that what streets got below. away Some in maycame have looked like fromterms as far of away chocolate as Caernarfon icing around others took our Decemberto horseback alongthe inside of your theblemished A55 but lips.all who had made the pilgrimage to see the localintri- high street cate web of industrial sugar spun steel that so elegantly webbedbank and it may above Cut theto 1984 streets however of Bangor and thewere opening staggered of Fatby whatFred- theyhave saw. smelt distinctly dy’s the Itfirst could restaurant so easily to trulyhave satisfy been thea pub-lunch-back-of- ‘heart im- of ‘that guy in the the-matchboxplications on scrawlinga plate’ demands from HGof a Wellswidening himself. niche A corner tran- with all that scendentwithin the vision student into profile the future and it ofis well Student documented transportation black pudding on inin Bangor manuscripts and beyond,salvaged perhapsfrom the onemurkiest day thedepths man cagehis plate’ and the wouldof the connect Students institutions Union, that all many over a theman U.K and carryingwom- seats stu- may have to dentan wouldtypes, infactlost tourists literally and gorge practical to death jokes on thethe lengthlard andstuck to your be- breadthbased scrapings of the country. that were Needless served. to say like many greathind as if perfectly wonders of the era the dream that was the ‘Bangor Sky Lift’moulded to ones as Freddy’s first highlighted was the first. in an In exclusive the beginning report there by Seren’s was ownrump every time IsabelFreddy’s. Sim Thewill forever‘other’ fastremain food lost establishments in the eighties. we Some-but by golly wasn’t whereknow between of today Care we merely Bears and ink Thespats Goonies on the back no doubt.it great. beans and of O-LevelLets Businessnot forget Studies at the lecture time this notes was when a ground what vaguely resembled a hash brown on their breakingFat Freddy’s news storywas king. which ‘Dodgy’ flung the Derek very boundarieswas merely of stuToday- Freddy’s lives on in a reincarnation of sorts plates, a clutch of change in their tiny student dent‘Slightly journalism Crooked’ into andthe murky the word unknown ‘breakfast’ and completely was but the spirit is still there somewhere and lest shall we hands and the hopes and dreams of millions rest- eclipsedsimply manya loose of associativethe other potential term for front a half page soaked candidates. never forget where it all started. Two sausage, bacon, ing in their soul. Vive la Freddy’s. Llion (UMCB President) So hot off the press was this story infact that an artist worth his salt just could not be found to provide an adequate ‘im- So, the top ten weird and wacky 5. Golf Management Studies University of Birmingham Define your role in no more than 10 words. pression’ of the ‘Sky Lift’ and so a two-minute scrawlingconducted on by dot mobile, a University courses as voted for by students are: Run the Welsh Union, For the Welsh Students. the back of a napkin in the Union Canteen bynew the editor student mobile phone 6. Space Technology and had to suffice. It was a Jim’ll Fix it like no other for the Planetary Exploration it’s service which launched on the 1. Surf Science and Technology one small step for a Hobbies? students of Bangor who had grew tired of the conven- BSc (Hons) University of student, one giant leap Photography, gardening, reading, playing pool & snooker, 1st October, demonstrates Plymouth tionality and monotony of ‘walking’ to and from lectures for student kind at the films, watching rugby,…. The list goes on! that, while many of us are still University of Surrey. and longed only for a industrial sized ‘Tomorrow’s World’ 2. Stand-up Comedy (as choosing the more traditional Favourite Pub in Bangor? monstrosity to be dumped on the landscape to aid them in studied by Peter Kay, 7. Wine Business University of By STEPH WALDRON degree subjects, others are now star of channel 4 Phoenix Brighton Y Glôb their despair. It was left in the hands of an unknownturning and to a host of seemingly Nights) University of Kent & University of Salford rather dubious Scottish firm allegedly based inbizarre Aberdeen subjects in a bit to hone 8. Business Economics and If you were a drink, which drink would you be? to provide the financial backing, the Jim’ll of the ‘Fix-it’ Gambling Studies BSc Pint of Brains. Welsh through and through, staunch supporter As we come to the end of what is some rather unusual skills. 3. International Football University of Salford Management maybe we of the (Grand-Slam Winning) Welsh Rugby team. equationfor hundreds as it were ofand Bangor thus cast students a silver lining around should send Sven to 9. Baking Technology so how do everyone’sthe first cloud. semester But look above of your a heads new onIn the this De - survey 3000 students Buckingham Chilterns Plans for the year? University they get the jam inside the niolUniversity Road today course,and no such surveys dream is visible. and wereCables are asked to vote for doughnuts?? University I intend to increase the services which the Welsh Union mere wisps of sunlight fleeting through an Autumnfunniest sky, and most unique of Wales institute provides to its members, and build on the successes of last statistics begin to appear about 4. Brewing and Distilling year. Increase participation in the activities and democracy concrete supports are all but street lamps dispersedcourses sol- available in the complete with modules where the most popular univers- such as the A to Z of 10. Stained Glass Window Studies of both the Welsh Union and the Union, and give you the emnly along the kerbside and lifts full of busyUK students (which leads the way in BA (Hons) specialising in the students, more opportunity to tell us at the Union what you ities are and what courses we alcohol!! Heriot- architectural study of, well … areare simply choosing. clouds floating One carelessly such survey,by on a mellow wacky jour and- bizarre courses). Watt University, the new place want. ney to condensation. to be on a Friday night! stained glass. FEATURE December 2005 9

By EMMA DODD THE UNSUNG (UNPAID)UNION FOLK Mature Students’ Officer LGBT Officer Full name: Sam How he defines his role: Dealing with Full name: Andrew How he defines his role: I’m here to Charles Godwin. and sorting out mature student issues. Kenneth Owen. support and represent all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual students at Nickname: Peter The famous person he identifies Nickname: Andy Roo. Bangor. Pan. most with: Michael Cane, he’s a good cockney and a good actor. Year & course: 2nd The famous person that he identifies Year and course: year, French, Spanish & most with: Monica from Friends, 2nd year, Zoology & What plans he has for the year: room, German. because he is organised and fussy. Marine Zoology. To organise the trip to Ireland 10th11th Dec.

Disabilities Officer Union Chairperson Full name: Vincent Why he thinks Bangor is great: It has Full name: Joanna Spearing. order and that commitees Newton. fantastic fishing opportunities. adhere to the Constitutions. Nickname: JO-JO Year & course: 3rd The famous person he identifies most year, Accounting with: England Football World Cup Year and course: & Finance. Winner, Bobby Moore. Year 3 Sports Science How he defines What plans he has for the year: To How she defines her role: To his role: Students break down barriers and obstacles with Disabilities make sure that Union and Officer. to successful student experiences for Council meetings keep in students with disabilities.

Union Secretary International Students’ Officer Full name: How she defines her role: Writes the Full name: How he defines his role: To Alexandra Jane minutes and communicates with the Jesse Kasuku. represent International students to Mary Cecilia student body. NUS. To be there for the general Hindley. Year and course: wellbeing of International students. What plans she has for the year: To 2nd year, studying Nickname: Lecsi. increase student involvement. To Electronic .What plans he has for the year: Engineering. To increase the communication Year and course: make council more exciting. between International 2nd year, studying students and other students Linguistics. .

Womens’ Officer Welsh Affairs Officer Full name: Samantha Executive Committee and to head the Full name: Leila Mair for the year: To promote bilingual Jane Rowe. Women’s Committee Salisbury. policies and events.

Year and course: What plans she has for the year: To get How she defines her Year and course: 3rd year, Welsh and 1st year, studying the Women’s Group moving. To head role: To work with Music. English. an Anti-Playboy campaign, as well departments on their as an Anti-violence against women Bilingual Policy. Why she thinks Bangor is great: Is the How she defines her campaign. To highlight women’s best university in Wales for promoting role: To represent issues. What plans she has a bilingual education. women on the

Exec Without Portfolio Campaigns Officer and the weather (in the summer). Full name: Stiuart The famous person he identifies Anthony Edwards. most with: The Super Furry Animals, Full name: Alec Clyde McKenzie. because they are super and furry. Nickname: Stu. Nickname: Thinks his real The famous person he identifies name is unique enough. most with: Nobody, is quite What plans he has for the year: There happy being his own person. Year and course: are a lot, but most notably…. To save Year and course: 3rd year, 3rd year, studying JP Hall for the use of Drama students. studying Business and Marketing. History, Heritage To fight homophobia and racism. To and Archaeology. fight ‘Top Up Fees’. Why he thinks Bangor is great: The closeness of the community WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN IN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Punk:Attitude is a fantastic comprehensive documentary * film, released on DVD by Fremantle Home Entertainment, The lovely people at Student Stash are giving directed by music guru Don Letts. Charting Punk over the a lucky lady reader and a lucky man reader past 30 years, the film explores how punk has influenced the chance to stay warm this winter by contemporary music and attitudes becoming not only a winning one of the Abercrombie and Fitch noted sound and style, but a way of life. Punk:Attitude is Want to or American Eagle tops pictured. Student the definitive story of Punk from its roots, right up to the look good Stash specialise in hard to find designer but love present day… PUNK:ATTITUDE WAS DIRECTED casualwear and can be found on the web. lying in? BY...? WWW.STUDENTSTASH.COM With a set To get your mitts on these MinsitrySPECIALISE of IN WHAT TYPE OF of funky Sound and Gatecrasher* Compilation CLOTHING? Headgear CDS, featuring the best in choice * Ceramic cuts of whats been big on the Straighteners dancefloor this year simply answer from Morphy Richards you * this question... can get poker straight hair in minutes making it effortless to follow in the footsteps of Cat Deeley FICTIONAL CHARECTERSNAME THE & the multitude of other straight haired style WHO HARRY ENFIELD TOOK icons. TO IBIZA! The Headgear Ceramic Straightener from electrical experts Morphy Richards has ceramic- coated plates to give the ultimate result. Plus it’s ready to use in just 60 seconds, so you don’t have to waste any time getting ready for a hot * date or a night out with your mates. Perfect, if * your life is a little hectic and you have a long Quite possibly THE best list of Christmas parties that you are struggling* * book going that explains to fit in! It comes with a trendy accessories bag all and more on the Seren UK nightlife scene. too, which includes a sectioning comb and four CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVEAWAY hairclips. * An illustrated guide * that has featured in At just £34.99, the Headgear Ceramic If you fancy winning any of these Christmas Gift Ideas E-mail: The Guardian and Straightener from Morphy Richards has a 2- * is published by year guarantee. For stockist details call 0870 [email protected] Duckworth Publishers. 0602614 or check out www.morphyrichards.com Available for a mere with the answers to the questions. Simple! £7.99 or grab one for free if you WHAT IS THE NEW HAIRCARE RANGE just answer this... BY MORPHY RICHARDS CALLED? * With its unprecedented combination of authenticity, compelling story and squad-based action, the Brothers in Arms Road to Hill THE BOOK HASNEWSPAPER? APPEARED IN WHICH 30™ has established itself as a benchmark for military action Hooting, rapping, jiggling, burping and farting his way into the hearts of games, receiving the highest average review scores of any * console WWII game to date (www.gamerankings.com). *music lovers everywhere, this belligerent boom box has a character all his with a blobby belly balanced on bendy tripod legs and own interactive, touch-sensitive belly button controls. Brothers in Arms Earned in Blood™ adds new features Connecting to your i-Pod or any other MP3 and game modes and builds upon the elements that WIN A COPY FOR YOUR XBOX: player, iZ can be used to create three of your made Brothers in Arms Road to Hill 30™ a runaway EARNED own rhythm tracks using seven different sounds and beats or as a portable speaker unit success. IN BLOOD which reacts to your own, downloaded tunes! * Featuring a new single player narrative, new IS THE multiplayer missions, an all-new cooperative style Available this Autumn priced around £29.99, game mode, and new weapons and vehicles, Brothers* FOLLOW UP iZ comes in three snazzy shades: brash blue, in Arms Earned in Blood™ promises to lead the way this TO WHICH raging red or go-getting green to brighten HOW MANY Holiday Season. BROTHERS IN any room, desk.... or tent! ARMS GAME? * COLOURS CAN YOU BUY IZ IN? * Available on: PC DVD-ROM PS2 and Xbox WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN IN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN IN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN 12 December 2005 MUSIC Punk:Attitude is a fantastic comprehensive documentary film, released on DVD by Fremantle Home Entertainment, * iTunes’ U2; self-proclaimedThe lovely best band people in the world at StudentBono works Stash his Ego are more giving than the crowd. against the likes of ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Beautiful Day’ directed by music guru Don Letts. Charting Punk overand the other sucha unjustified lucky nonsense, lady reader have come and a lucky man reader U2~Elevation past 30 years, the film explores how punk has influencedup with a timelythe Christmas chance release of to their stay latest warm The Edge, this looking winter about by as rock and roll as Despite the impression of the whole show being snapshot of the current U2 live experience. The your Grandad reading The Guardian, is on unwrapped and repeated from venue to venue in it’s Tour DVD contemporary music and attitudes becoming not onlyVertigo a 2005 tourwinning DVD was filmed one in ofthe United the Abercrombiefine string plucking and form Fitch and the other two pristine clear cut military precision, with occassional noted sound and style, but a way of life. Punk:AttitudeCentre is in Chicago and sees the slick performances lesser knowns are so well practiced in being ad libs on religion and politics from second in line Want to or American Eagle tops pictured. Student By JAMES the definitive story of Punk from its roots, right up toof oldthe and new U2 songs performed to an energetic background members that this token mention to God himself, this is still a quality production, look good crowd of burger Stashchomping, specialise stadium rock loving in hardmay have to given find them designer more coverage than they although lacking in any form of extras that we have AINSWORTH folk who are capturedcasualwear with clinical precision and canand beare used found to and Bono’s on the ears will web. be burning with come to expect from DVD releases, An evangelical but love present day… PUNK:ATTITUDE WAS DIRECTEDlighted with just the right amount of sexified envy. Classics such as ‘New Years Day’ and the promo piece from a band that refuse to die away lying in? BY...? lens flare. The songs areWWW.STUDENTSTASH.COM tight, the cinematics awesome ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ complete with yet still have the ability to get on your nerves, but With a set are choreographed with military precision and floods of lighting still sound fresh and resilient hey, each to their own and all that. God Bless Bono To get your mitts on these MinsitrySPECIALISE of IN WHAT TYPE OF of funky Sound and Gatecrasher* Compilation CLOTHING? Headgear CDS, featuring the best in choice * precedes them. These tight-trousered rockers Ceramic cuts of whats beenGLC big on the instore Despite theat lack of Elizabeth COB Dukes jewellery, Live and let L!VE By CHRIS THOMSON By CHRIS THOMSON Straighteners dancefloor this year simply answer many of the crew are still decked out in their were always going to cause a stir and, well, trademark Adidas tracksuits. There are a let’s just say it was interesting to say the least. from Morphy Richards you Straight outta Newport, The Goldie Lookin’ For anyone with an ounce of musical taste, * this question... Chain boys bring their Welsh tour to Bangor. limited number of GLC posters scrawled with L!VE, so far this year, has provided a wealth Most recently we have enjoyed indie rockers Prior to their gig in Time/Amser, The Chain obscenities given away and those not lucky of up and coming talent from around the can get poker straight hair in minutes making it Apartment. These lively Londoners really FICTIONAL CHARECTERSmanaged to take time out of their very hectic enough to get their mitts on one are more than UK. First of all we had the fun and frolics effortless to follow in the footsteps of Cat Deeley NAME THE whipped the crowd into a frenzy and seemed schedule to pop into COB records on the high content to hand over countless other things for of El Presidente. Their brand of funky to like nothing more than a quick chat with & the multitude of other straight haired style WHO HARRY ENFIELDstreet for a quick meetTOOK ‘n’ greet and signing session. the boys to sign. There are CDs, tickets, football pop rock really kicked off the start of the the crowd (Especially the Editor) between shirts, birthday cards, and even a girl’s buttocks year and was a sign of good things to come. icons. TO IBIZA! songs. Lovely stuff. Also of very worthy In true celebrity fashion, they arrive a little late (if only she could see what they wrote!). They Next up were Cardiff-based thrash punkers mention are the several excellent support and bustle their way through the ever-growing also urge everyone to donate to Children The Martini Henry Rifles. This exhaustive The Headgear Ceramic Straightener from acts, from the feisty girls of McQueen, flock of fans. The crowd are a very mixed bunch, in Need before they leave. What nice fellas! trio certainly made a lasting impression and to indie kids International Karate Plus to electrical experts Morphy Richards has ceramic- young and old. Many, worryingly, are school showed the crowd how a live performance Welsh rockers The Heights. L!VE is without children. Quite what they are doing in town at It has been entertaining enough seeing GLC should be done. Then we come to the coated plates to give the ultimate result. Plus a doubt one of the best nights out in half one on a Wednesday afternoon I don’t know. sign posters, here’s looking forward to the gig. Towers of London, a band whose reputation it’s ready to use in just 60 seconds, so you don’t Bangor, and all for the price of a takeaway. have to waste any time getting ready for a hot * date or a night out with your mates. Perfect, if * your life is a little hectic and you have a long Quite possibly THE best list of Christmas parties that you are struggling* * book going that explains to fit in! It comes with a trendy accessories bag all and more on the Seren UK nightlife scene. too, which includes a sectioning comb and four CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVEAWAY hairclips. * An illustrated guide * that has featured in At just £34.99, the Headgear Ceramic If you fancy winning any of these Christmas Gift Ideas E-mail: The Guardian and Straightener from Morphy Richards has a 2- * is published by year guarantee. For stockist details call 0870 [email protected] Duckworth Publishers. 0602614 or check out www.morphyrichards.com System Of A Down~ Blink 182~Available~ for a mere Bob Marley and The Wailers~ with the answers to the questions. Simple! By CHRISTOPHER£7.99 orGreatest grab one forHits free~ if you WHAT IS THE NEW HAIRCARE RANGE By DAVID MARRIOTT Hypnotize just answer this... Africa Unite: Singles Collection The long awaited (well, As with all other System ALCOCK By CHRISTINA ABELMAN With its unprecedented combination of authenticity, compellingIt’s tempting to talk down to Blink 182 fans, to BY MORPHY RICHARDS CALLED? * several months) second albums, politics are To commemorate the life of of Africa Unite by will. try and channel their enthusiasm to more credible story and squad-based action,part of the the Mezmerize/Brothersthe in primaryArms focus Road here to Hill THE BOOK HAS APPEAREDBob IN Marley, WHICH Island Records i.am of the Black Eyed ends. “You should listen to TheNEWSPAPER? Buzzcocks, or The Hypnotize album by – particularly war, with have released AFRICA Peas, who was personally 30™ has established itself as a benchmark for military actionDamned, or Husker Du. Or Minor Threat. Or Bad System of a Down is finally the Armenian genocide UNITE: THE SINGLES invited to create the remix Brains. Or Pixies. Or Fugazi. Or Dead Kennedies. Or games, receiving the highesthere – andaverage is certainly review featuring scores prominently of any COLLECTION, a vital by Rita Marley, Bob’s wife. Hooting, rapping, jiggling, burping and farting his way into the hearts of Black Flag. Or The Cure. Or Rites of Spring. Or….” * console WWII game to date worth(www.gamerankings.com). the wait. A feast once again, particularly in collection of 20 past, present *music lovers everywhere, this belligerent boom box has a character all his This album could easily with a blobby belly balanced on bendy tripod legs and and future Bob Marley of dark, political songs the song Holy Mountains. But no matter how much more influential, “important” or own interactive, touch-sensitive belly button controls. await you with Hypnotize; The title track deals with and the Wailers classics. serve as a chilled out, Brothers in Arms Earned in Blood™ adds new features plain rocking those bands are, a massive point is being relaxing accompaniment the album is full of the the manipulation of the missed. People like(d) Blink 182 because they’re Blink Bob’s importance in pop or a drive-time classic. The Connecting to your i-Pod or any other MP3 and game modes and buildsoriginality upon thatthe elements made public, that along with U- WIN 182.A COPY They not FORnecessarily YOUR after punk XBOX: rock credibility or and R&B music grows soft beats and smooth voice System of a Down one Fig. Serj Tankian and player, iZ can be used to create three of your made Brothers in Arms Road to Hill 30™ a runaway EARNEDmusical innovation. They want catchy choruses, glossy greater every year. His of Bob Marley are a fine own rhythm tracks using seven different of the most popular of Daron Malakian combine production. They want bum gags. And that’s what music continues to inspire, recipe for easy listening. His success.the modern metal bands. in a risky but ultimatelyIN BLOODBlink, and especially this compilation, deliver in spades. educate and motivate people music brings back the laid sounds and beats or as a portable speaker unit fruitful combination of worldwide. I’d admit that back warmth of summer- Hypnotize is markedly which reacts to your own, downloaded tunes! Featuring a new single player narrative,raging new and lamenting ISThe THE CD in question collects all the obvious hit singles, I would complain rather he can even help with essay * different from previous which strengthens the multiplayer missions, an all-new cooperative style a couple of lesser known early tracks and a cover of loudly if my parents chose writing, as I have since works of this Armenian- Available this Autumn priced around £29.99, game mode, and new weapons and vehicles,band’s Brothers message – one thatFOLLOW The Only Ones’UP Another Girl, Another planet. I would to listen to his music, but found out! However some American band. The becomes* more obvious comment on its quality, but their press people are too I have since learned to like may find the very qualities iZ comes in three snazzy shades: brash blue, in Arms Earned in Blood™ promisesstyle of the music to islead more thewith way each this listening. TOcheap WHICH to send out full versions of the album. I imagine him and his talent is endless. of his music actually raging red or go-getting green to brighten mature – strikingly so. It it’s alright. As for the rest, the drumming is great, the irritating – as I have also HOW MANY Holiday is,Season. perhaps, not as heavy System of a DownBROTHERS guitarist’s voice IN is, um, an acquired taste and the melodies As well as all the obvious unfortunately discovered. any room, desk.... or tent! as previous works – but have the courage toARMS are strong. GAME? Their late career “maturation” (they threw classics, Africa Unite: The the vigour and energy write bluntly about the in more harmonies and strings) is actually kinda great, Singles Collection spotlights I feel that, Africa Unite: Available on: PCof DVD-ROM the metal genre isPS2 not andcontroversies Xbox of American upping the =emu=tional content and dispensing with Slogans, the first new and The Singles Collection COLOURS CAN YOU BUY IZ IN? official Bob Marley track deserves a place in any R&B, lost here. Soaring riffs politics, combining their a little of the scatology. Essentially, Blink were great at * give way to haunting poignant argument with . to be released in more Reggae, or Pop collection * what they did, and for that deserve at least a little credit. WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WINorchestral WIN pieces, WIN giving INbeautifully WIN sculptured, WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WINthan WIN a decade. WIN Another WIN and WIN his music will forever weight to the stark lyrics. passionate music. new recording is a remix be cherished by his fans. MUSIC December 2005 13 IN PROFILE: JEREMY WARMSLEY

By ANDREW VALENTINE Jeremy Warmsley has quite simply mirrored my, maybe your Jeremy Warmsley. Genius. Poet. Man. Also own existence in some way with 5 Verses, the lead track paid up supporter of the revolution no one from his 5 Interesting Lies EP which incidentally, is quite is calling “To Wear One’s Braces Outside of possibly the best 10inch release this year! It pulls at One’s T-Shirt.” Jeremy’s cheekily idiosyncratic the strings of the heart and induces a deep period of self the music of his debut EP “Five Interesting Lies.” Loosely,dress he sense writes is songs reflected with in reflection, self pity and other self indulgent nonsense. words, guitars, and electronic bits in them. In practice, this results in the joyous, Such transparency in the meaning of each and every line penned; storytelling pop of lead track “Five Verses,” and the skittering beats and cheerleading dropped with such effortlessness that makes you think “I can and backing vocals of “After The Fact.” At other times, he flirts insatiably with queasy do identify with that.” Jeremy has written this single piece of ambience and evil sounding robotisms in “The Young Man See’s The City As A brilliance that any aspiring singer songwriter would kill for. Chessboard” and “Home.” But how does one retain one’s humanity in this brave ‘She thought it might be fun to string him along” So, so true. new digitised world? Well Jeremy has the answer, with his smart lyricism, playful Girls ACTUALLY do this kinda thing. Girls at the indie discotheque melodies and really quite angelic vocals. By the time the warm blanket of “World of who manipulate their bodies into shapes that correspond to the Sound” closes the EP, you too will support the revolution. Buy his songs. Be happy. sound whilst paying you polite and intermittent attention. Digression aside, 5 Verses is a richly layered piece of floor filling loveliness with a broken dirty beat sitting awkwardly on the prettiest of post-school boy www.jeremywarmsley.com vocals which hang on the echoes of angels.By JAMES Boy angels.AINSWORTH

If Words Could Kill... By JAMES AINSWORTH i’d Spell Out Your Name I present to you a Mr Jack Johnson and his music. So so bland spellbinding encores at gigs without a PA; the weight of somewhat countrified Middle America musings. The and cutely marketed to the niche readers of the Daily Telegraph of the words is equally matched with the intensity of hero of America right now from OC teens to the anti-Bush and the army of yuppies that wish they could live the surfer’s the vocal. The self-titled debut in 2000 saw a well de- fanatics, Bright Eyes can do no wrong. Musically, Connor has lifestyle but are stuck pushing paper and “closing the deal”. served Mercury Music Prize Nomination and a Best recorded an impressive amount of songs, branching across There are quite simply better singer songwriters out there who Male Brit Award nomination, he lost to a little known genres and still in his early 20s. A classically self trained convey an indefatigable amount of emotion and soul in their Robert Williams who was riding on the wave of success finger picking master of the guitar, Jose Gonzalez is an up music that doesn’t seem as fake and naff as on Jack Johnson that ‘Angels’ brought the former Take That background and coming star with a cult following in his homeland of records, where it appears such things are clinically portioned member. Three albums down the line, the progres- Sweden. His influences are wide ranging due to his upbringing out by JJ label bosses at Universal records. “I’m sorry Jack sion in musicianship and themes has shown the depth in Scandinavia by his Argentinean parents. He is currently we can’t run with this track…it sounded too, too real, why in talent and maturity in which Tom McRae excels. the spellbinding and luscious soft vocal accompaniment dontcha run back to your shack and try that one again, Son.’ Secondly, I offer up to you the very accessible and festival to the Sony Advert on TV which has the 250,000 multicoloured bouncy balls drifting through San Francisco. In my humble, and purely subjective opinion, there is favourite of the summer, Stephen Fretwell, not just loved by Minimalistic, stripped back, one man and his guitar delights. mellow acoustic strumming and then there is insipid Radio 1’s Colin and Edith but by indie purveyors of darkness and deliciously expansive pieces, Elbow. Fretwell has kept vacuous niceness which just doesn’t show any musical The aforementioned are just a few of the shamefully unnoticed good company and out of this was born a fine debut which progression from one album to the next. I am not saying singer songwriter talents in the music scene today, a scene that displays his love for Bob Dylan on his sleeve like a proudly this from an uninformed viewpoint (Like Incubus, Razor- has been dealt several cruel blows with the deaths of the likes

“Lady lady love me “She’s a brick and I’m drowning slowly” Cause I love to lay here lazy” Ben Folds Jack Johnson

JACK JOHNSON TOM McRAE JOSE GONZALEZ

light, Nirvana etc most people have an ex who assigned earned boy scouts badge. ‘Magpie’ is one of the gems of the of Matthew Jay and Elliot Smith in recent years. The world more than a little “love and time” to these false idols). I year and has seen the status of a young chap from Scunthorpe is so often cruelly robbed from GENUINE musical talent am not merely picking an easy target. I am not jealous grow. Having lasted all of two days at Salford Uni, Stephen at the cost of mediocrity and samey commercial fodder that of the easy money one surf dude with a sponsorship deal fell in love with Manchester and the warmth of the music gains big bucks backing just because it can be packaged as a with Quicksilver has made, I am quite simply saying that scene. A troubadour of our times, with despairingly beautiful lifestyle to the highly marketable impressionable sheep of the there is unequivocally a whole bunch of better musician- tracks like hit single ‘Emily’ (The kind of track where you world. This Christmas you may just be in luck and receive ship and integrity out there. I will offer you names of don’t recognize the title but come the chorus you know it, vouchers that can be exchanged for musical goods up to and these acts and the virtues that they posses and in doing so, love it, sing it back) and ‘Lines’, a moody slow burner that including the face value. Instead of taking the easy option of weigh up their talents against those of Mr. Jack Johnson. really shows off the fragile nature of his voice that sends plumping for what is advertised on TV or on the stands of the Starting at home, we have Tom McRae, hailing shivers down spines. Music that moves you to an introspective subsidised “Artist of the Week”, have a little meander through from London and taking influences from Nick Drake emotional state without an overwhelming sense of despair. the A-Z of indie/rock sections and see if you can pick up and Jeff Buckley to name but a few. His dark, melan- one of the above recommendations. Hey, if you don’t like it, cholic and richly orchestrated tunes are mainly piano For further afield talent, then the following are all delightful swap it for something a little more Virgin Radio, but please and guitar based with the addition of a Cello and ad- artists with their own idiosyncratic styles and virtues. Ben be aware of your options this Christmas and bring a little ditional strings to add to the atmospherics. Lyrically, Folds, for those of you that prefer an edgier lyric that doesn’t cheer to your life with some *REAL* music. Jack has enough Tom McRae is succinct and stark with little embellish- take itself too seriously and for one guy to gain so much money to keep him living his little dream in Hawaii anyway. ment required on sentiment, “If songs could kill this one from one piano, give him a go for smiles all round. Bright is for you” Given his vocal range too, he often performs Eyes, the moniker chosen by Connor Oberst for his project 14 December 2005 FILM BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES

ROCKY The sixth instalment sees Rocky, a lonely fifty-something restaurant owner in Philadelphia, Dias De Futbol in mourning since the death of his beloved wife Adrian (Talia By MICHAEL MOONEY Shire). Hard-off for cash, he takes his place in the ring once more to challenge a few small- ‘Football Days’ sees six unfit troubles from girlfriends and time boxers. Rocky once again friends form a seven aside wives, and involved in ridiculous finds himself in the centre of a football team, who decide to play adventures, such as pig training. media storm when the reigning until they win. Antonio (Ernesto By STEVE MANNINGS world heavy-weight champion, Alterio) decides to set up a team This is a great film to see; definitely ‘Rocky Balboa’ is due to the series, released in 1976, Mason ‘The Line’ Dixon, to cheer up his best friend, Jorge a film to watch if you’re feeling a hit our screens in 2006! we have followed the street- challenges him to a title fight. (Alberto San Juan), who has just little sad, not because it makes wise boxer in his journey been dumped by Antonio’s sister. you sadder, but because you’ll feel Sylvester Stallone will from amateur boxer to world Can Rocky go the distance really happy afterwards. Maybe reprise his role as the heavy-weight champion – one ‘final’ time in the sport Their team ‘Brazil’ faces constant you’ll want to start up your own former street-fighter turned surpassing some true greats he loves and regain his defeat, continuously finding they seven aside football team…unlikely boxing- champ in the sixth on his way such as Apollo confidence, his status, and are miserable, bogged down with but possible. Enjoy the film. edition to the Rocky series. Creed, Clubber Lang (a.k.a his fans’ respect?... (and his Mr. T), and Soviet-Union physique come to mention it Since the first instalment of propaganda tool Ivan Drago. he is heading for 60 after all!) ZORRO LORA FUN By NATALIE PIERCE-JONES I can‘t remember the full title of the film, Swansea might not be considered part but then I was buying red fizzy laces and of the valleys by some pedantic people) Films Trivia flying saucers at the time. A girl can’t Catherine Zeta Jones is perfect as be expected to remember everything!!! Banderas’ Spanish wife. My favourite You won’t actually win anything but here are some questions to keep your movie minds I didn’t know what to expect; as I am a character though, has to be that played ticking over. Zorro virgin!!! However I was pleasantly by Rufus Sewell. Appearing as some surprised. Antonio Banderas is the French guy, his accent is spot on, with a perfect swashbuckling hero, complete very realistic “Gentlemen!” Pronounced with cape and sword! (If you close with a French accent! If you are stuck for 1. What 2005 movie, features caves in the Appalachian Mountains, and was your eyes and ignore the fighting, it something to do, e.g. can’t be bothered GUIDE TO LIFE directed by Neil Marshall? sounds like you are watching Shrek 2!!) to do THAT essay, then go see it! Despite being a Valleys Girl (although 2. Who directed the 2005 ‘Charlie and the Factory’? 3. What film does the quote, “Hey! Zip it! Rule number one: No speaky until the man speaky to you”, come from? 4. What film does Owen Wilson star in where he plays a male model called Hansel? 5. Eddie Murphy and Famke Janssen, Jean Grey from X-Men, feature in what 2002 movie?

6. In ‘Team America’ who said “Let’s go, bitch. I’ve done action films!”? Factotum (You may have to is found brutally murdered, and travel a fair bit to see this one) all evidence points to a crime 7. ‘American History X’ stars Edward Norton as which character? of passion. However her widow, We see Matt Dillon play Justin won’t stop at anything to 8. In ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ what is the name of the lead character? Henry Chinaski, the alter-ego uncover what really happened, of the famous cult novelist 9. Which film shows Al Pacino playing a corrupt government agent? using all his diplomatic power Charles Bukowski. The film and connections to get to 10. Which other famous actor plays alongside Johnny Depp in ‘Donnie Brasco’? is a very black adaptation of the bottom of this mystery. the autobiographical novel. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang The Constant Gardener An unsuccessful actor is found By MICHAEL MOONEY Based on the novel by John le in the middle of a murder Carré. ‘The Constant Gardener’ investigation, being given sees Justin Quale, Ralph Fiennes, lessons on how to be a private and Tessa Quale, Rachel Weisz eye by a gay LA detective. Alternative Christmas Film Viewing... in Northern Kenya. Tessa Quale CULTURE December 2005 15 BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES By CHRIS SNOOKES

This November saw the return of the BBC first of three pieces of this ‘Gallic’ themed National Orchestra of Wales to Bangor to night. This was then followed by followed perform one of the concerts in their Classical by French composer Saint-Saëns’s fiery Masterworks series in an evening of animation Cello Concerto no. 1 perfectly executed and passion at the Prichard Jones Hall. by Capuçon with a truly inspirational performance. The night concluded with Seldom does a concert of this magnitude spur Beethoven’s revolutionary ‘Eroica’ Symphony. such excitement amongst music lovers and Originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte

classical junkies in Bangor furthermore rarely the piece conjures up an appropriate musical do we get the chance to experience world- backdrop to the recent Trafalgar bicentenary class classical performers such as Conductor Vasily Petrenko and award-winning French I was honestly taken aback by the night and cellist Gautier Capuçon excelling in their art. would thoroughly recommend any future performances in Bangor as a must a truly Petrenko who had recently been appointed welcome break from the usual haunts in Principal Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Bangor. Even if you’ve convinced yourself Philharmonic Orchestra and who is tipped that classical concerts really aren’t your as one of Russia’s most exciting emerging ‘bag’ I’d say forget the connotations and the talents led the audience through Welsh clichés get your ticket and go experience a composer Alun Hoddinott’s French Suite the truly great night out whatever the weather.

To help visualise the next generation device, service, network or location of seamless mobility and bring the GUIDE TO LIFE next wave of mobile connectivity If you believe you have the creativity and to life, Motorola, Inc. has launched inspirational ideas to inspire those in the By LAURA HODSON MOTOFWRD, a nationwide competition know at Motorola, then don’t miss this This little book really does tell you all you “amazing” flyer showing beautiful peo- challenging budding innovators to perfect spotlight to impress. If you fancy need to know about clubbing! As stu- ple supping at champagne that this is far depict – either through words or visuals winning all of this then log on to www. dents we can sometimes feel we know it from the truth, let this guide to nightlife – how tomorrow’s society will answer motorola.com/uk/motofwrd. Entries all, buy this book and you might recog- warn you. the consumer demand to live life will be judged by a panel of today’s most nise yourself or your friends in one of the wherever, whenever and however they creative and forward-thinking minds, characters or simply marvel at the Progress onto Part 2 ‘Arriving, the car- want. Seamless mobility provides easy, including Tom Dunmore, editor-in-chief nice pictures! nage commences,’ on arriving uninterrupted access to information, of Stuff Magazine, futures director of at the club stand alert to entertainment, communication, the Future Laboratory, Martin Raymond It is divided into subsec- the female bouncer, male or monitoring and control when, where and academic and member of the tions beginning with; Part female? This book isn’t too and how we want regardless of the Global Future Forum, Liselotte Lyngsø 1 ‘Pre sure, it does however iden- club- The calm before tify every club character with the storm’ in this sec- an amusing ‘also known as’ ACADEMI’S BEST tion we meet those in- name in this case ‘Brutus Fem- dividuals who conspire mohommo’ seems the most to make the club into formidable, his/her most no- KEPT SECRET their euphoric dream torious nemesis is the Blagger By CHRISTOPHER ALCOCK which, sadly isn’t al- or the ‘Cheekie Chapus,’ neither What it is that those in the know know is that this semester, on a fortnightly (or so) ways the clubbers re- however are student friendly basis, Academi has been transformed into a cinema, showing two films a night for ality. Enters ‘the club again let this guide to nightlife two quid. The transformation is pretty sweet, the venue’s famed sofas and sound flyers designer’ shown warn you! The cartoons of club- system used to great effect, with the films projected from DVD onto a sheet on in comical cartoon form as someone land’s stereotypes are the high- the wall and the bar remaining open all night. Highlights from the season so far who is somewhat a hermit, whose only light of this book, get it...do it, it is in- have ranged from the blockbuster action of Batman Begins, to the surreal comedy personal clubbing...or rather discoing deed as the blurb suggests ‘For anyone of The League of Gentlemen film to House of Flying Daggers mesmerising experience in his life was at the Clac- who loves going out, anyone who hates martial artistry. The night has also seen an exclusive in the form of a promotional ton High school summer disco of 1987. going out or for those who haven’t made screening of the Rolling Stones biopic, Stoned. Check the intranet for updates So beware when you receive this guy’s up their minds’. on forthcoming films, on Mondays twice a month. At £2 it’s a shame not to. 16 December 2005 MEDIA

By LAURA HODSON Charity 5 a side football match between our of having played sportingly. The two teams played this very own Seren and Storm FM took place on the highly competitive game in good jest for a really worthwhile 29th October in Maes Glas Sports Hall where cause spurred on by an audience of 30+ lining the an impressive £68.70 was raised for Annie’s balcony and cheering on their preferred form of media... By HELEN TONGE Orphans. Annie’s Orphans is the charity shop on College Match organizer and all round good egg, Emma Gascoigne www.joyzine.co.uk Road that has recently opened up an extensive clothing would like to thank the Yellow pub and Mike’s Bites for A music site particularly strong on unsigned/unknown bands, this site section. In brief Annie’s Orphans manages to sustain 100 their culinary support towards the two very hungry teams includes news, reviews, interviews (notably featuring Kaiser Chiefs children monthly and helps the disadvantaged worldwide. after the match. A very big THANK YOU to Joe and and The Subways) and a somewhat London-centric gig listings page. Jessica Edwards from Upper Annie’s, who it has been Most of the site’s content is contributed by anyone who fancies a go All in all it was a very close match reaching a draw as it did a pleasure working with to raise this money, obviously at writing for it and the message boards provide a place for musicians at 6-6, leaving the match down to the drama of penalties. a MASSIVE THANKS to the players themselves, to publicise their own band or comment on other unsigned ones. Michael O’Rourke and James ‘Editor’ Ainsworth scored Steve Connor also for his (“somewhat suspect”-Editor) The site’s founder has also organised his own small festival, Joyfest. Seren’s penalties but Storm FM sealed the final victory. To refereeing and just to thank EVERYONE who turned Though clearly (and probably fortunately) created by a music lover the victor the spoils: To the runn ers up, the moral victory up and donated money. Rematch to be arranged. and not a web designer - making it confusing to navigate initially - with patience it becomes an essential addition to the favourites list SEREN 6-6 STORMFM of anyone who is passionate about new music (also ideal for those STORM FM WIN 3-2 ON PENALTIES who like to boast of their love for bands no one else has heard of).

SCORERS: www.edwardmonkton.com SEREN:James Ainsworth (4), Matthew Wright (1), Nick Baker (1) For those of you who don’t recognise the name, Edward Monkton is the bloke who designs the greetings cards with the black-and-white STORM FM:Alex Liddel (2), Sean Deltasound (1), Steve Murphey (1), Lex (1), Steve (1) doodles and surreal but very funny phrases on them. Example: “We can all fly as high as the dreams we dare to live. Unless we are a chicken” (those of you who still don’t know him, get down to Clintons now). Whether this site is useful to you depends on whether you like the DIZZY’S CORNER basic designs or not – merchandise featuring Monkton’s designs takes up lot of the site, now expanded to include T-shirts and some pretty What is better at this time of year than VARSITY: Hot Chocolate Deluxe £1.75 imaginative novelty gifts (soft toy of a “Madness Hamster” anyone?), relaxing with a hot chocolate? but you can also view and download some of his more popular designs. Good presentation and value for money – a chocolate Good for Christmas presents for anyone with a sense of humour. I like mine explosion! Came with sauce and a flake, as well as a Twix on the side, very large serving but not very hot! Actual large drink was a bit watery and tasteless. gooey 3 stars and milky COSTA (Dylans in Upper Bangor): Hot chocolate with cream & Marshmallows – £2.20 – 10% Student Discount = £1.98

Nice on presentation, came with a saucer and napkin! Good size of drink, but quite a powdery aftertaste. The marshmallows were not in the drink but on the side.

4 Stars

MCDONALDS: Hot Chocolate 79p

Actually very good quality drink for the price paid, no cream or marshmallows. Quite watery and very very hot. Good chocolatey taste though. www.nusonline.co.uk The official NUS page, this professional-looking and large site covers 2 Stars current student news and NUS campaigns (currently including, amongst others, environmental and anti-racism campaigns). As well as that, there is a great section covering all your conceivable Here are the reviews from four available So, the winner is Costa! Good welfare needs – from health, relationships and drugs through to in Bangor. presentation, a nice tasty drink and money, crime and housing – which is practical and non-patronising. student discount! There is also a very handy section detailing all the available NUS FAT CAT: Hot Chocolate with cream & marshmallows discounts and competitions, and a bilingual section for Welsh - £2.10 students. This site covers pretty much everything you could need as a student and is a great resource if you need some advice. And Good milky taste but bitter aftertaste, good size of drink if you don’t know what the NUS is about, it also provides a good and tasty toppings but no sign of a saucer or napkin! introduction to what they do – a lot more than you might realise. 3 Stars HEALTH December 2005 17 ing respiratory or flu-like symptoms, suggesting non-standard David Nabarro, told the , or “bird flu”, is a conta- Avian influenza symptoms. world, “The range of gious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect Direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and ob- deaths could be anything only domestic birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks, as well jects contaminated by their faeces, is presently considered the between 5 million and as pigs, horses, whales and seals. Reports say that even tigers main route of human infection. Exposure is considered most 150 million.” Sir Liam and leopards have been infected. Avian influenza viruses are likely during slaughter, defeathering, butchering, and prepa- Donaldson, the Chief highly species-specific, but have, on rare occasions, crossed ration of poultry for cooking. The European Union’s food Medical Officer, forecast the species barrier to infect humans. One strain of avian in- safety agency got itself in a flap when one of its scientists that a strain of avian flu fluenza, the H5N1 virus, is endemic in much of Asia and has said he could not rule out that the virus could spread through could be expected here recently spread into Europe. The incubation period is 3 to 5 food. There was no evidence to suggest that bird flu can be quite soon, that the like- days. Avian H5N1 infections have recently killed poultry and transmitted through poultry or raw eggs, which are used in ly British death toll was other birds in a number of countries. By Dr. RASHESH MEHTA mayonnaise, steak tartare and tiramisu. The risk from bird flu about 50,000, but that it is generally low to most people but an outbreak of bird flu was “not impossible” that fatalities could reach three quarters The disease in birds has two forms of virulence, the among poultry (domesticated chickens, ducks, turkeys), there of a million. Yet with the present flu threat we are simply first causing mild illness, sometimes expressed only as ruffled is a possible risk to people in contact with infected birds or buying the population an increased quantity of antivirals and feathers or reduced egg production. Of greater concern is the contaminated surfaces with excretions from infected birds. making, say 30 million doses of H5N1 vaccine available. The second form, known as “highly pathogenic avian influenza”. Government has stockpiled smallpox vaccine for the highly This form, which was first recognized in Italy in 1878, is ex- All influenza viruses have the ability to mutate, and scien- unlikely event that some scientist rushes around deliberately tremely contagious in birds and rapidly fatal, with a mortality tists are concerned by the fact that the H5N1 virus is now able spreading the virus. approaching 100%. Birds can die on the same day that symp- There currently is no vaccine available to protect humans toms first appear. against the H5N1 virus that is being seen in Asia and Europe. Research studies to test a vaccine to protect humans against Avian influenza spreads in the air and in manure. The dis- H5N1 virus began in April 2005. If there is a pandemic, the ease spreads easily from farm to farm. Infected birds shed Department of Health has promised to ensure that there is flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and faeces. Bird flu enough vaccine for up to 60 million people. But the vaccine is not the same as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). will take six months to prepare once the strain is identified. Although their symptoms are similar, SARS is caused by com- The Governments are stockpiling Tamiflu as a front line of pletely different viruses. Influenza viruses also are more conta- defence against a potential pandemic, but analysts estimate gious and cannot be as readily contained as SARS by isolating that there are sufficient supplies for less than 2 per cent of the people who have the infection. Infectious diseases including world’s population. The report predicts that a worst-case avian SARS and West Nile virus have shown us how easily, and how flu pandemic could kill from 209,000 to 1.9 million Americans quickly, an emerging virus can travel across the world. to infect humans. The most recent statistics from the World and upto 1.5 million in UK. Outside estimates of a global toll Health Organization (WHO) cited human cases of avian in- have ranged as high as 50 million or 60 million. Symptoms of bird-flu in humans are the typical flu-like fluenza A (H5N1), A total of 117 cases and 60 deaths report- The prevention of infection of Avian Influenza is of ones (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches, headaches), ed since January 2004. In addition, there are many suspected utmost importance and critical from the Public Health and eye infections (conjunctivitis), pneumonia, severe respiratory cases that have not been confirmed as H5N1 infection. It was Animal health sectors. We need to be very careful about our diseases, breathing problems, chest pains and other severe and only a matter of time before an avian flu virus acquired the dealings with natural environmental habitat. Maintaing high life-threatening complications. In studies people infected with ability to be transmitted from human to human. Economists standards of sanitisation by use of disinfectants, wearing put the cost of a worldwide bird flu pandemic at $800 billion heavy duty rubber or disposable gloves, wearing safety eyecup (£460 billion) in a year. type goggles, antiviral medications as well as decontamination On September 27, 2005 two parrots were identified have to be taken as a preventive measure. Heating premises as Britain’s first cases of the lethal H5N1 strain of bird flu more than 100 degrees C would get rid of the virus as it can and died a few days later. “Quarantine procedures are to be not surviveat that temperature and humidity. Cooking food at tightened for birds entering Britain after the event” said the appropriate temperatures and making sure not to handle raw Environment Secretary. All bird-keepers should remain vigi- poultry and subsequently bringing fingers into contact with lant. For bio-security guidance you can visit the Defra website the face. Maintaining good respiratory and hand hygiene to (www.defra.gov.uk) or contact your local animal health office prevent transmission to medical or family personnel will also via www.svs.gov.uk/ahdo_locations.htm help a great deal. Children, adults and Workers should take a vaccine as our goal is to protect people from exposure to the H5N1 virus symptoms included fever, shortness of breath, Richard Jarvis, a member of the BMA council, said that virus. For safety reasons one can opt for a human influenza cough, blood-tinged sputum, diarrhoea, and abnormal blood while the Government’s plans were among the best in the vaccine available at the local GP or local NHS Hospital. and lung function tests. In one case, a boy with H5N1 experi- world, they were not sufficient to prevent a public health cri- enced diarrohea followed rapidly by a coma without develop- sis. The UN’s co-ordinator for avian and human influenza, Dr   We all are the UK’s biggest Christmas drinkers).   know that Christmas 2) Stretch those legs: Surely no one’s  isn’t always ideal Christmas involves trips to the gym, USEFUL NUMBERS FOR THE  but try going for a walk after those big

like a

 meals instead of crashing in front of the CHRISTMAS PERIOD Hollywood

movie, television. Who wants to watch The Sound  of Music for the umpteenth time anyway? SAMARITANS 08457 90 90 90   and those   who get 3) Eat a balanced diet: one mince pie   through the Christmas not four, and try and force down a sprout or two. You know you want to. By HELEN TONGE period without NHS DIRECT 0845 4647 having times 4) Save pennies: budget BEFORE you go when they feel stressed, anxious or even shopping, and have an advanced plan of lonely can probably count themselves in what you want to buy, or you might end the lucky minority. A recent survey by the up deciding that, yes, dad would love that Mental Health Foundation has revealed a few NATIONAL CITIZENS ADVICE horribly overpriced teal cashmere jumper. (free!) tips to allow you to cope with those BUREAU moments when Granny asks you what you are 5) Sooth away stress: If it all gets too much, lock going to do with your life just once too often: yourself in your bedroom, put your favourite 020 7833 2181 new album on high volume, phone a friend (who 1) Moderate your alcohol intake: Yes, you hear probably feels exactly the same as you) or walk the it all the time, but not only will drunkenness dog. And remember, feeling low over Christmas make you feel rotten over Christmas, it also is amazingly common – don’t suffer in silence. puts you at greater risk of getting into scary situations like date rape and fights (the Welsh 18 December 2005 PRETTY PERSON IN TIME LIVE PERFORMANCE SHOCK!

WALK THIS WAY... SPORT December 2005 19

By JACK PEAT STUDENT’S GB SUCCESS FRY UPS MAKE FOR A

Marine Biology and Oceanography student Professor Fergus Lowe, chair of the sport Rosemary Cripps has recently reached the and recreation committee commented WINNING FOOTBALL heights of the Great Britain Kayaking team that “having taken up kayaking so recently, and been awarded the University’s Llew Rosemary’s achievements in the sport have Rees memorial prize. The prize is awarded been quite extraordinary. In bestowing TEAM Bangor University Football Club have making the trip, or finding out more about to a student who has contributed to their the Llew Rees Memorial prize upon her, increased chances of playing competitive the league, please contact the captain, or sport at a national and university level. the University wishes both to honour her football with the introduction of a new 7- check out the website. Peue12@bangor. hard work and determined dedication, and a- side league. After previous attempts at ac.uk/[email protected] As well as working for a year in New Zealand also to signal our own great pride in her making football accessible to everyone, the at a Kayak school, she now also coaches accomplishments. We wish her even further 7-a- side league has proved to be the most beginners at the university’s canoe club. success over the years to come”. Rosemary is successful option. The league currently Since then her paddling career has been thrilled with the award, she said “The award stands at 16 teams playing at 3-5 on Sunday rapid. After entering the National Student is a great help. Although my sponsorship afternoon on the Maes Glas Astro. The Rodeo, she twice won the expert ladies deal allows me to buy kit at a cheaper price league seems to be proving very successful competition and received a professional there is little money in paddle sports and I so far, and has also opened options (other sponsorship deal from Desperate Measures receive no money to buy kit or for travel than trials) of making it to the first three canoe shop. She has travelled to Norway expenses. This award will allow me the University football clubs. Surprise league to compete in the Voss Extreme race opportunity to train more often, buy much leaders, Mike’s Bites FC are proving to be and secured a place on the Great Britain needed equipment and replace broken kit.” freestyle team. Rosemary has also recently a fan’s favourite as they remain unbeaten, achieved 7th overall place with the Great Her success has been a real tribute even in the face of University team British team at the world championships to the University, and we wish opposition. Anyone who takes part in the in Australia, and since then taken part her the best of luck in the future. League is also eligible to travel with the club in the Eurocup even and Sjoa festival. on their tour of Spain. Players interested in COME ON DOWN... RUGBY LEAGUE: Bangor City have looked to the students in an an eye out for up and coming fixtures at Farrar Road. increasing bid to improve their attendances. Although Bangor City boasts the highest attendance records in TURNAROUND the Welsh Premier League, they feel they can increase this margin by looking towards the students for new BANGOR CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Bangor University Rugby League only been in existence for a matter support. After qualifying for Europe in 2002/03 ARE GIVING ONE LUCKY READER side have dramatically turned of years, the team have gone from season their performances have gone down, finishing THE CHANCE TO WIN AN OFFICIAL things round after suffering a very barely being able to gather a match 6th in 2003/04 due to an injury blighted season. BANGOR FC SCARF TO KEEP disappointing season last year. squad to an impressive 27 regular Since then City found Europe in 2004/05 season, YOU WARM IN THE STANDS THIS With an influx of Freshers and a players. The team have won 3 out of also making the semi finals of the FAW Premier Cup SEASON. complete squad turn around, the 4 so far, compared to their dubious with victory over Cardiff City, before been dismissed Bangor team are flying high at the single victory last season. With a by English League team Wrexham. Hopefully with QUESTION: WHERE DO BANGOR top of the table and are pulling new kit the league side appear to an increased fan-base, City can once again look to CITY PLAY THEIR HOME GAMES? out results such as an impressive be the most improved squad so far. Europe and league success. With a new stadium on win over Manchester Met. Having the way, Bangor City look to be moving forward. Keep By Bec UMWC PR Officer WALK THIS WAY... CLUB OF THE YEAR 04/05 ‘Ever climbed Snowdon before?’ …Intrigued, I wandered down to or continuing to go out walking. I’m not really sure how it the SU the following Saturday morning to be warmly introduced happened, and mostly I blame the people I met, but I have to the UMWC committee, route leaders and those ‘characters’ now found myself to be an active member of the UMWC that are clearly a renowned part of the club already. The various committee and am still enjoying making those peaks! routes were introduced, from those hardcore enthusiasts making several peaks in a day, right through to easy walks catering for those Our walks this year are as varied as they were before, covering who prefer a more gentle amble to the summit. Having not done much of Snowdonia. Recently, the club provided a very successful much walking, and having never made a mountain before, I chose a away trip to Cadair Idris, and a night-walk up Snowdon. Our medium group ascending the Pyg track and descending the Miner’s. next away trip is to the Peak District, with the club also planning several away trips and night-walks for the future. The recent Though I didn’t know anyone, I soon got talking to people in the bonfire night party was a huge success thanks to Stefan down group, as well as the leaders, finding that the club consisted of at ‘The Farm’ and with the UMWC Christmas Doo at The people as varied as the walks themselves. I found the leaders to have Bulkeley Hotel also coming up, we can look forward to much everyone’s interests at heart, ensuring that people were enjoying merry-making as well as that good ol’ slap-up turkey meal! the walks and not struggling or uncomfortable in the moistening conditions on the way up. It was a challenge, but reaching the The UMWC meets every Saturday at the Students Union at summit and seeing the World stretched out for miles and miles 9.15am, with a variety of walks catering for all abilities, as beneath your feet easily made you feel on top of the World and well as the opportunity to test those scrambling skills! You’ll gave you a real sense of achievement. I got to know a couple of also see us down The Harp, our sponsor, for our social people really well that day, and we agreed to meet up for the club every Saturday evening at 8pm to round off a days walking. social in the evening. I soon found that as much effort goes into the The club also has committee meetings down the pub every social as into the active side of the club, and was soon turning up Wednesday, which just as often will turn into a social lasting every Saturday to each of the different walks, and eagerly heading till close with a drink or two… or several, in some cases! off down the pub in the evening to catch up with everyone. Our big socials take place every two Wednesdays, including the notorious pub-golf, shot-night, quiz, and AU night so Well, that was over a year ago now. I had only gone along to far. There is always a great deal going on with the club, and the Freshers’ Snowdon walk on a whim (and to take advantage with over 130 members this year, we continue to be very of the free bus!) and hadn’t planned on staying with the club active (and very social!), catering for all tastes and abilities.