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twitter.com/warwickboar theStudentboar Publication of the Year 2013 Wednesday 19th February, 2014 Est. 1973 | Volume 36 | Issue 9

Increasing Oscars Photo pull-out access to Uni predictions ‘Winter’ themed competition results p. 16 p. 15 p. 25

COMMENT page 12 LIFESTYLE page 19 BOOKS page 22 SPORT page 30 Opinion Matrix - new SU rules The crack on drugs at Warwick Literature and the Page 3 debate Sport Allies against homophobia Stagecoach accused of discrimination to increase the number of Unibus “The wheelchair user who was Tom Lewis services they provide. already on board the bus had no Welfare and campaigns officer legs and could not get out of his at Warwick Students’ Union (SU), wheelchair and fold it up. An employee working for a major Cathryn Turhan, was unhappy “The second wheelchair who bus company serving Warwick about the treatment of the disabled wished to board had a large motor- students has been accused of dis- student in question. ised wheelchair which could not be crimination against a disabled Speaking to the Boar, she com- folded. student. mented: “We are shocked by the “Had the second passenger had a A Stagecoach employee is alleged account of a disabled student dis- normal sized wheelchair and been to have denied a wheelchair user criminated against by Stagecoach able to fold it and board the vehicle access onto the 10.50pm service staff. unaided, then our inspector would from Warwick University to Leam- “The University have made a have made room for it. ington Spa on 6 February 2013. complaint to Stagecoach and we are “All the new vehicles which A wheelchair user was among a eager to see the outcome of this. Stagecoach Midlands orders are number of individuals attempting “Above all, we want to see a bet- fully Disability Discrimination Act to board the crowded Unibus at the ter deal for people with disabilities.” compliant.” Arts Centre stop, but was alleged- Sam Fry, disabled students’ of- Second-year Maths student Ste- ly prevented from boarding by the ficer for Warwick SU, agreed with phen Smith commented: “It’s hard- employee due to the presence of Ms Turhan. ly discrimination; the employee another wheelchair user already “I am very disappointed that was clearly just following the rules aboard the service. Stagecoach have such limited ac- of his job.” An argument took place between cess arrangements for wheelchair Joe Baker, a second-year Phi- the employee and student, with the users. losophy undergraduate, added: “I several options put forward, such as “In addition, buses come very in- think the wheelchair user is within temporarily storing the chair whilst frequently when it’s late, so if a bus his/her rights to claim there should its owner made use of one of the isn’t accessible it means a long wait be more space on Unibuses, but not chairs reserved for disabled passen- for the next one. that they should have been let on in gers, dismissed. “This situation isn’t acceptable this instance, particularly if it was After insisting only one wheel- and I hope Stagecoach change their unsafe for the inspector to do so.” chair user could board the service behaviour quickly.” President of Warwick Enable, at any time, the Stagecoach em- Steve Burd, managing director Andrew Thompson, responded. ployee then permitted able-bodied for Stagecoach Midlands, was quick “Myself and the SU disabled stu- people to board the bus, leading to to defend the decision of the Stage- dents’ officer are bringing a motion accusations of ableism. coach inspector. to the Student Council on Monday Further issues students have “Although our inspector was not which will mandate our sabbatical found include a lack of services able to allow a second unfolded officers to lobby bus companies between Warwick University and wheelchair to board, he was in a po- to make sure that they adequate- Leamington Spa, despite efforts sition to permit further able-bod- ly cater for disabled students, so made by Stagecoach at the begin- ied passengers to get on the bus as that they are not treated like sec- » Students who live off campus use Unibuses. Photo: Jessica Hayne ning of the current academic year it was not yet at its full capacity. ond-class citizens.”

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Sponsored by: TF2897 The Boar Warwick 265x44 Banner.indd 1 18/12/2013 16:37 2 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 2 theboar.org News 3 The Boar bakes cakes

Boar bake sale raises money for Warwick Youth Phab

cluding games, crafts and themed graduate recruitment stall dishing Selina Sykes events. out free cupcakes!” Daniel Mountain, former Com- Mr Mountain said: “The work ment editor at the Boar who has done by the Boar in fundraising for A bake sale organised by mem- been involved in the charity, said: us is going to make a huge differ- bers of the Boar raised £66.56 “Our hope is that the club will con- ence. for Warwick Youth Phab, a stu- tinue for a very long time and we’re “The money will be going to- dent-run youth club for disabled always looking for both student wards ensuring we can continue to and able-bodied young people in and local volunteers to come and rent out the centre we operate in, as Leamington. help out.” well as taking our young people out While handing out the latest is- He added that the bake sale, held on a day trip.” sue of the newspaper, organisers in the Students’ Union atrium on 6 Raghav Bali, film editor at the offered passers-by the opportunity February was a “huge success”, es- Boar, second-year Economics un- to donate to the charity in exchange pecially as it took place on a strike dergraduate and organiser of the for home-baked goods. day when campus was largely “de- bake sale, has confirmed that a Set up a year ago, Warwick Youth serted”. Boar pub quiz will be running on Phab runs five nights a term in- “We even had to compete with a Week 8 to continue fundraising. theboar Editorial Team Editor George Ryan NEWS Sian Elvin ARTS Rebekah Ellerby [email protected] [email protected] Georgina Lawton [email protected] Julia Dorrington Tom Lewis Josh Payne Deputy Editors Nicole Davis Euan Long [email protected] Maya Fowell Derin Odueyungbo BOOKS Poppy Rosenberg Helena Moretti Ann Yip [email protected] Jess Devine Lillian Hingley Sub-editors Ellen Buckerfield COMMENT Daniel Cope [email protected] Louise Machin [email protected] Hiran Adhia FILM Raghav Bali Clare Crossfield Nadeine Asbali [email protected] Hayley Westlake Josh Denoual Jack Simpson GAMES Tolga Kuyucuoglu Director of Business Aditya Pappu FEATURES Roxanne Douglas [email protected] Joe Baker [email protected] [email protected] Rami Abususura Richard Brown Desi Ekzarova Gabriella Watt Head of Sales Alessandro Pressa Bethan Riddell [email protected] MUSIC Sam Carter LIFESTYLE Joanna Harwood [email protected] Sam Evans Head of Marketing Oliver Siemek [email protected] Scott Harris [email protected] Ailsa MacLachlan SCIENCE & TECH Ellie May Bethan McGrath [email protected] Cayo Sobral Treasurer Alexander Bunzl [email protected] MONEY Benjamin Shaw TRAVEL Robert Demont [email protected] Alice Cobb [email protected] Melissa Paniccia Photography Editor Giulia Zecchini Oshin Menon Rebecca Webster [email protected] Harshini Singh TV Josh Murray Webmaster SPORT Isaac Leigh [email protected] Chiara Milford [email protected] Ben Hayman [email protected] Luke Brown Laura Primiceri Tom Ward Chloe Wynne

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WE WANT YOU! SUHQ, Floor Two theboar is printed on 100% recycled paper University of Warwick Leave your paper for someone else when finished To write for your student paper University Road Coventry theboar is the University of Warwick’s CV4 7AL editorially independent student newspaper Email the section editors above if produced entirely by and for students. Except where otherwise noted, theboar and the you want to write for the paper works in theboar are licensed under: [email protected] http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk 4 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 4 theboar.org News 5 © 2013 Accenture. All rights reserved. Deutsche Bank Financial support can only take you so far db.com/careers Agile minds know how to go further

5566_011_DB_Banner_265x36_B.indd 1 24/10/2012 17:23 Staff equality Fascists on campus Uni leads way in research campaign liberties and the comfort of a large Rose Carr section of the student body, I think Kristina Drake it is unacceptable and offensive.” Euan Long So far no-one has been caught Stickers from the fascist youth distributing National Action’s ma- Science minister David Wil- group National Action were terial and at this point there is lit- letts has announced £8.5 mil- A successful staff equali- found around campus last week. tle that the Students’ Union can lion funding for medical micro- ty campaign at the Univer- Students alerted the Warwick An- do, despite evident violation of bial bioinformatic research led sity of London , Tres Cosas, ti-Racism Society after finding the the Equal Opportunities by-law by the University of Warwick. was the subject of a guest talk stickers in the ground floor library and incitement of racial hatred. The Medical Research Council you at the University of Warwick. toilets and on lamp posts outside Rumours have been circulating (MRC) has made an investment The campaign is fighting Tocil and the Humanities building. that suggest members of the group of £32 million across five major three areas of disparity be- The group is a small, clandes- may in fact be connected to the Uni- awards in order to improve capabil- be tween the University of Lon- tine organisation of students, versity; in reality the nature of the ity, capacity and capital infrastruc- don staff and contract workers: committed to far-right activism group is still shrouded in mystery. ture in medical bioinformatics. imagined sick pay, holidays and pensions. and are currently recruiting white Various students have howev- Professor Mark Pallen, Warwick It is claimed that there is a dis- males between the age of 15 and 29. er decided to make a stand, and a Medical School, will lead the MRC parity in rights between staff at the Their previous stunts have coalition of Warwick’s many libera- Consortium for Medical Microbi- University, with cleaners and out- included banner drops in Bir- tion societies will hold an anti-fas- al Bioinformatics (MRC CMMB) sourced workers at a disadvantage. mingham and a flash demo in cist demo in the coming weeks. which will receive £8.5 million. The Warwick event was hosted by Coventry against halal meat, The medical bioinformatics Protect the Public University (PPU) which they contend is “not initiative will build new ways of and is part of a national speaker tour. fit for human consumption”. linking across complex biolog- » Medical School. Photo: WML It took place on cam- Their website includes a de- National Action oppose so- ical data and health records to pus on Monday 17 February. tailed program aimed at appealing called moderate nationalists solve key medical challenges. was happy with the investment: Tres Cosas achieved some suc- to “generation hate…. desensi- who don’t openly identify as The five major strategic awards ‘’The new Division of Microbiol- cess when the University of London tised, brutalised, and completely racist aim to strengthen collaborative ogy and Infection [launched April agreed to grant sick pay and holi- irreverent of their parents’ values”. links, improve tools and infra- 2013] is the ideal home for this, day to contract workers, includ- It berates, amongst other things, structure for researchers and hope with the state of the art facilities, ing cleaners and agency workers. ‘cultural Marxism’, liberal politics, to support the safe use of biolog- academic talent and ambition to and so-called moderate nation- Ayesha Mittal, Campaigns Of- ical and patient data for medi- make the Consortium a success.’’ alists who don’t openly identify ficer for Warwick’s Anti-Racism cal research across all diseases. Professor Pallen discussed Tres Cosas as racist. The articles also con- Society stressed the need for co- The MRC CMMB will be led by the significance of the de- can be translated to “three tain highly anti-Semitic senti- operation and counter-action. Warwick Medical School along- velopment on a global scale. things” in Spanish ments and various racial slurs. She said: “Incidences like this side co-applicants Swansea Uni- “We think that this will prob- The group’s presence on campus make clear we need to have more versity, Cardiff University, Pub- ably be the largest computa- – whether in the form of stickers of a dialogue on race and rac- lic Health Wales NHS Trust and tional facility dedicated to med- Bring your talent and passion Graduate opportunities in Consulting and Technology or indeed members – has ignited ism at Warwick. Societies need the University of Birmingham. ical microbial bioinformatics These changes followed a number fears amongst the student, and es- to work together to combat such Universities and science minister anywhere in the world, which re- to a global organisation at the of strikes from more than 50 out- pecially its many ethnic minorities. negative, dangerous attitudes. Rt Hon David Willets said: ‘’Mak- flects recognition within the UK We are in business to help our clients achieve Wherever you join us, you can rely on getting sourced staff who were joined on the Chinwe Pamela Nnajiuba, a “Hopefully through a collab- ing the most of large and complex of the importance of infection forefront of business, technology higher performance. It’s why we’re recognised the training you need, when you need it. picket lines by supporting students. third-year History and Spanish orative, sustained approach, we data is a huge priority for govern- on the national and global stage.” as one of the leading management consulting, The Tres Cosas speaker tour be- student said: “I am appalled that can remove this group from cam- ment as it has the potential to drive and innovation. Collaborate with Be the first to know the latest news: gan February 17 and covers 15 UK such a group is being allowed to pus – no matter how big or small research and development, in- To see more news technology services and outsourcing locations including the Universi- advertise itself on campus, I am their influence might be at War- crease productivity and innovation articles companies in the world today. ty of Oxford, Edinburgh Univer- all for freedom of speech, howev- wick – and make it a safe space and ultimately transform lives.’’ Visit us online: diverse, talented colleagues and ‘Like’ Accenture Careers UK sity and Nottingham University. er when this infringes upon the for ethnic-minority students.” The University of Warwick theboar.org/news leaders who support your success. Join us as an Analyst within our Analyst The talks will help to “spread Consulting Group (ACG) or as a Technical Follow accentureukjobs on Twitter awareness of and build support Specialist with Accenture Technology for the Tres Cosas campaign, Help transform organisations Watch us on YouTube AccentureUKcareers and to promote discussion of re- Staff Assembly calls on University to settle pay disputes Solutions (ATS), and you’ll discover how cent student-worker struggles”. and communities around the you can evolve yourself. A second tour for late Feb- £7,800 per student on average. The plan, dependent on the Uni- Visit accenture.com/ukgraduates ruary covering the south of Derin Odueyungbo “So they have made versity meeting its funding goals, world. Sharpen your skills through As a guide to help you decide, our Analysts England and London is to a profit of £1,200. proposes a £4 million investment be announced at a later date. “That is why they have so to improve centrally timetabled industry-leading training and must have a strong interest in technology plus The name – Tres Cosas – is A Warwick Staff Assembly much money in their surplus- rooms on campus; new sports fa- good commercial awareness, and Technical translated to ‘three things’ in meeting has passed a motion es and to pay big increases for cilities; a new Humanities build- development, as you build an Specialists will need a technical degree. Spanish which is the primary calling for the University to vice chancellors and the few at ing and new student residences. nationality of the University of use its influence to help re- the top earning over £100,000.” London’s outsourced workforce. solve the national pay dispute. Peter Dunn, spokesperson at the extraordinary career. Discover The University is expected to University, responded to the As- do this through its influence with- sembly’s motion: “Most staff have how great you can be. Visit in the Universities and Colleges University earning over £100,000 seen salaries rise in real terms as the £ 70 m accenture.com/ukgraduates Employers’ Association (UCEA). » Dennis Leech. Photo: WML majority will have had increases of The University surpluses in The meeting, held on Tuesday 11 around four percent in the last year, February, passed the motion through are not subject to the same including their base pay increase the last three years a majority of 104 votes to four, pay decreases as all other staff. and their normal annual movement with an additional 20 abstentions. Professor Dennis Leech, branch up each point of their salary scales.” The Assembly acknowledged president of Warwick University Despite concerns over national the University of Warwick’s fi- and College Union, said: “The pay pay, the Assembly was presented Nigel Thrift, vice chancellor at nancial successes, noting that dispute is very damaging because with the University’s outline capital the University, supported the plan. the University “consistently the staff of universities are very an- plan, which plans to invest £250 mil- “This is a bold programme produces healthy surpluses”. gry that their pay is being kept down lion of capital investment into the that builds on our confidence According to the Assembly, these when we know the universities have University over the next five years. that Warwick’s success will con- surpluses in the past three financial put up fees by much more than they The Assembly heard that tinue to allow us to generate the years are in excess of £70 million. need to pay the costs of the courses. the plan will seek to invest in income required to reinvest a The Assembly also voiced its “To break even the level of home/ a range of areas including new quarter of a billion pounds in our » UCL. Photo: Flickr; Selket R. concerns that staff members at the EU fees would have been about teaching and research spaces. campus over the next five years.”

318527_TheBoar_332x265[+3mm].indd 1 27/09/2013 13:25 6 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 6 theboar.org News 7 Beyoncé degree introduced Student visa fraud in language tests at University of New Jersey 700 colleges have been stopped from bringing in non-EU students called on the educational sector to would need to clamp down on ille- headlines for their Harry Potter Ann Yip do more to tackle fraud. gal immigration. University of Warwick April Roach module, while a 12-week course at A BBC researcher who went un- “But I feel like the immigration Josie Throup Staffordshire University allows un- dercover at an immigration consul- rules can be quite intimidating dergraduates to study David Beck- The Home Office has suspended tancy called Studentway Education for non-EU students, as if it’s say- Coventry Mile 2014 The University of New Jersey in ham’s changing hairstyles and sex government-approved English in Southall, west London, was told ing that they are required to speak the US has recently announced symbol status. Other options range language tests run by a major firm that a “guaranteed pass” would cost good English. The restrictions on that they will be offering a degree from Heriot-Watt’s course in brew- after systematic fraud in the stu- £500 – about three times the origi- the amount of paid work may also in the politics of Beyoncé. ing and distilling to the Central dent visa system was uncovered. nal exam fee. be interpreted as a constraint on The class uses Ms Knowles’ ca- school of speech and drama’s highly The fraud was discovered af- The BBC was told that Student- the amount of part-time work they The University of Warwick invites you to be part reer to explore American race, gen- competitive puppetry course. ter the BBC’s secret filming of the way could get around compulsory can do.” der and sexual politics. Students Amy Guest, first-year Theatre TOEIC (Test of English for Inter- English tests even if the applicants Home secretary Theresa May of the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in Coventry! will also analyse her lyrics along- and Performance undergraduate national Communication) tests spoke no English. BBC researchers told the BBC: “I’m grateful to Pan- side readings from black feminists. commented: “some of these courses showed candidates having answers were also sold fake bank details to orama for the work they have done Unconventional courses are not may be more relevant when you put read out for them and tests done for show they had enough funds to stay in showing this abuse.” Dust off those trainers and walk, jog or run (or hop, a first at American universities. The them into a contemporary context, them. in the UK. She said that the government prestigious Berkeley University of- especially things like the sociology Non-EU students are restricted was taking action to change the im- skip, jump) around the beautiful campus grounds fers a module that uses philosophy aspect of it is what is relevant to- on the amount of paid work they migration system. and stunning lake. Don’t delay; snap up your to analyse hit show The Simpsons. d ay.” Secret filming of TOEIC tests can do and require a bank state- Shadow home secretary Yvette Meanwhile the University of Bal- Emily Stevenson, first-year Lit- showed candidates having ment to show they can cover fees Cooper said: “This investigation place today! timore offers a whole degree in erature student was positive about answers read out for them and and living costs. shows Theresa May is presiding Zombie studies, and a range of US the idea of studying Harry Potter: tests done for them Henry Smith, a fourth-year Me- over a failing immigration system universities offer courses in under- “it might seem like quite an easy chanical Engineering student, said: which too often focuses on the water basket weaving. module to do if you really love the “If people are cheating in the exams wrong thing.” Choose from 1, 3 or 6 miles! Find the UK universities have their fair book and it is quite interesting to and are caught out, then that’s a University of Warwick Coventry Mile at: share of unusual subjects too. War- study it in a broader context.” The government has stopped good thing. It’s a bit worrying that wick’s neighbour Coventry Univer- Stephen Perry, second-year 700 colleges from bringing in non- the BBC had to find out for them sity hosts a degree in Parapsychol- Medical Microbiology and Virol- EU students and has suspended all though.” ogy, a course which questions the ogy student, however, said: “Most further TOEIC tests done in the Isabelle Ng, second-year Ac- existence of ghosts, haunted houses of these degrees have no real-life UK through ETS, the major firm counting and Finance undergradu- www.sportrelief.com and life after death. use and sound to me like a waste of which hosted the fraudulent tests. ate, commented: “I can sort of sym- Durham University has made money.” Home Secretary Theresa May pathise for why the government » Photo: Flickr; A2Z School Sign up now! Reports of students unable to sit down in overcrowded lectures the administration is “currently ac- ies also explained that they do not Josie Throup tively reviewing the teaching time- use probability-based allocation for table”. timetables. She specifically mentioned “short “In Law, we book for numbers Following reports of students term investment” in “a number of subscribed for a course and then WARWICK ACTIVE warwicksport.warwick.ac.uk/warwickactive unable to sit down in lectures, teaching spaces across the campus” add some for external students” numerous Warwick heads-of-de- and also the long-term “design and claimed Professor Alan Norrie, partments (HoDs) told the Boar construction of a new £15m build- HoD for Law. last week about their difficulties ing on Tocil field.” with timetabling. The HoDs responses revealed “If 100 students are registered ROCK UP & RUNNING Some complained that the Uni- that timetabling problems can also a lecture room of 95 will be versity does not have enough large be caused by the underestimation big enough. And with room to PLAY GROUPS lecture theatres, while others ex- of student turn-out to lectures. spare if it is a 9am slot!” plained that they are forced to Departments have been forced Dr Mark Hadley Our casual social sessions are Join us for a social, weekly make estimations about module to guess the popularity of a module run, we cater for everyone. popularity and later face problems based on previous experience. open to everyone of all shapes, of overcrowding. Many HoDs such as those of Psy- Despite this, Salome Apeawin, sizes and abilities. For more There’s no commitment Most HoDs agreed that the cur- chology and Life Sciences admitted first-year Law and Sociology stu- information, visit us at: needed, just Rock Up & Run! rent timetabling system is problem- that this has caused problems in the dent explained that for her legal atic. past when more students enrolled theory module there is “not enough warwick.ac.uk/services/ warwick.ac.uk/services/ The Maths HoD, Professor Colin than expected. space, have to get there early just to sportscentre/ sportscentre/ Sparrow, explained the need to “ac- First year PPE student Daniel get a space otherwise you’re sitting commodate two or three hundred Parker confirmed this. He said: on the floor, you’re standing.” people” for core modules and cited “Lecture rooms were so full [at the The department of Physics ex- “the availability of rooms that are start of the year] that the depart- plained their advanced probabil- large enough” as “the major con- ment had to run two lectures on the ity-based-allocation system, and straint”. same day to accommodate all of the representatives from Maths and students”. Engineering admitted that they saw Some departments also assume the benefits of such a scheme. Warwick was compared to that a percentage of students will Professor Ball, the HoD for phys- other universities where not attend lectures, and this is re- ics explained that students are per- Win a flected in room allocation. mitted to register for many modules HAVE YOUR SAY! “room utilisation is better and Dr Hadley admitted that: “We are at first, and later “de-register when lecture clashes are systematic” always aware that if 100 students are their preferences have crystallised”. www.warwick.ac.uk/services/sport mini tablet. registered on a module then a lec- He claimed that students “appreci- ture room of 95 will always be big ate this”. Physics academic Dr Mark Had- enough. And with room to spare if Maths and Physics masters stu- ley admitted that he is often forced it is a 9am slot!” dent Luke Smith agreed: “it gives We value everyone’s opinions and this is your opportunity to have your say and help us improve to choose between “a good timeta- However, HoDs such as those you the chance to have an expe- ble slot in a room that is technically of Statistics and History were ada- rience in a module and choose our offers for the future. All completed questionnaires get entered into our prize draw to win a too small” and a move “to an un- mant that all students registered for whether you still want to go ahead popular slot in a larger room.” a module should be able to attend with it or not.” Brand New Mini Tablet, 1 of 3 £50 Warwick Sport Vouchers or 1 of 10 Class or Gym Vouchers. He compared this to other uni- their lectures. Third-year Engineering student versities, where he believes that The head of Statistics, Professor Eduardo Giardino commented: “room utilisation is better and lec- David Firth commented “it’s im- “Since Italian Universities are state ture clashes are systematic.” portant to us [and to our students, run, the problem of overcrowding Kelly Parkes-Harrison, the senior we believe].” in lectures is even worse. We’re warwicksport.com www.facebook.com/warwicksport @warwicksport press and communications manag- Departments such as Economics, lucky that it’s not that bad at War- er for the University explained that Law, and Film and Television stud- wick.” » Students have had to stand up in lectures. Photo: Giulia Zecchini 6 News theboar.org/News | @BoarNews | NEWStheboar.org 8

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5566_011_DB_Banner_265x36_B.indd 1 24/10/2012 17:23 Plans for new high-speed railway scrapped News in brief Sian Elvin Government MPs announce economic shortcomings of the plan While she acknowledged that Connor O’Shea the UK needed to invest in trans- port and communications, Bennett suggested that this should be based The economic case for High around “local ‘active’ transport” Speed 2 (HS2), a planned high- such as walking and cycling. speed railway, has fallen apart, a leader of the Green Party claimed at this year’s Warwick Economics Summit. Natalie Bennet, the Green Party 49 mins he ‘U’ at the top of the main leader, answered questions con- Students’ Union (SU) build- cerning energy and transport as ing on campus blew off last part of a panel of politicians, which Time it would take to get Tweek, after the extreme wind and also included Chris White, Con- between Birmingham and rain from the UK storms. The let- servative MP for Warwick and London using HS2 ter has still not been replaced and Leamington, Lorely Burt, Liberal the incident has received a lot Democrat MP for Solihull and Jim of attention on the Overheard at Cunningham, Labour MP for Cov- Warwick Facebook page, with one entry South. She also added: “We need good » High-speed trains at London St. Pancras. Photo: Flickr; J. Curnow student commenting: “Please let a In response to a debate related to local and regional bus and train candidate for democracy officer (or the HS2 project, Ms Bennett stat- services, and links between the since being elected. which will increase labour mobility whatever it’s called these days) run ed: “The economic case for HS2 West Midlands and other regions, HS2 will provide faster rail links and reduce unemployment in the with ‘Putting U back in the SU’...” has fallen apart. One of their ini- not just links centred on London.” between London and major North- are a .” tial claims was that business people Other panel members echoed ern and Midlands cities. However, Ms Mangat agreed don’t work on trains. Then, the HS2 Bennett’s concerns about the rail The journey time between Lon- that priorities should be given to irefighters from Canley were consortium’s own figures showed project. Conservative MP Chris don and Birmingham will be cut local transport links: “Compared called out to rescue a woman 72 percent of its journeys would be White noted: “We are a south east to just 49 minutes from the current to London where there are buses who got stuck up to her waist into London.” centric economy and there is a fear one hour and 21 minutes. every five minutes, Coventry and Fin mud last week. She was walking Ms Bennett clearly felt the pro- that the development of HS2 will Saveena Mangat, a first-year Leamington buses are a nuisance: her dog in a field off Pound Close ject would not benefit the business- simply add to this focus”. Economics student, disagreed with the council needs to improve the in Berkswell, and many places in es of the North as she argued that Ms Bennett viewed the West Bennett’s stance: “The HS2 scheme long waiting times and perhaps in- the field had turned into a bog. HS2 would not help to “rebalance Midlands as an important area for is a brilliant mechanism for the troduce a scheme like the Oyster The fire officers were called to the regional development towards the the future of this country as she i tegration of the West Midlands C ard .” scene at around 2pm on Thursday North and the Midlands”. has visited the region several times to London and other major cities 13 February, who also had to avoid falling in the bog themselves. The woman had to be checked over by New blood preservation method paramedics, however her family re- Pregnancy ‘entrance exams’ ports that she is now fine. Recurrent miscarriage – losing Lucy Broughton three or more pregnancies in a row Rosanna Hiscock – affects one in 100 in the UK. he Warwick Climate Forum Professor Brosens explained: “If 2014 is to take place on Sat- Warwick Medical School re- the lining of the womb is not well Researchers at the University of urday 22 February. It aims to searchers, Professor Jan Brosens prepared for pregnancy you may Warwick have recently discovered Toffer a debate platform so students and Professor Siobhan Quenby, find that abnormal embryos will a method of preserving blood for and others alike can enrich their have discovered an “entrance implant or high quality embryos longer than the limit of 42 days. understanding of climate change exam” of the womb which is es- will not be supported. A polymer that holds a similar as well as prompting action around sential to a successful pregnancy. “Both scenarios can lead to preg- structure to wood glue is shown to the issue. This year’s forum has This “entrance exam” determines nancy loss or even late pregnancy disrupt the behaviour of crystals in the theme of “Market Solutions or the success of an embryo implant- complications.” a non-damaging way, which allows Revolution?” and will feature talks ing to the lining of the womb. “Speaking in terms of an en- blood to be kept for significantly by professionals, panel discussions, Understanding this process trance exam; a poorly prepared longer periods of time. and workshops. It will take place could help improve success rates womb will either make the test too Currently, donated blood can in L4 on the Science concourse. with IVF which most often fails due rigorous or too lax – decreasing the only be refrigerated for a short pe- » Photo: Flickr; tyfn Tickets can be purchased at www. to implant failure. chances of a successful pregnancy.” riod keeping the demand for blood eventbrite.co.uk. The research shows that high Professor Quenby said: “This donors high. The emergence of during thawing. quality human embryos secrete a work adds to a growing body of more stem cell therapies and the It can remain in the blood whilst chemical, trypsin, which renders evidence that assessment and opti- growth of bio-banks constantly call it is defrosted, so can be used rap- irmingham, Leamington Spa the lining of the womb supportive misation of the lining of the womb for technological advancement and idly. and Coventry trains were se- of implantation. may be the only effective way in new blood-preserving methods. Dr Matthew Gibson, assistant verely disrupted last week as In low quality embryos this preventing infertility and pregnan- In countries such as the United professor from the Department of Ba result of the UK storms. Trains chemical signal is deregulated and cy complications.” States, methods such as cryopres- Chemistry at Warwick University between Birmingham New Street causes an alarm response in the Professor Brosens added: “What ervation are used, but this requires believes that the discovery is revo- station and Coventry were the womb, leading to either rescue or we’re looking at now is how to alter large quantities of organic solvent lutionary: “It reduces the need for worst affected, with a vast number elimination of the embryo. the lining of the womb so it can set in order to prevent the growth of organic solvents, and crucially, it of trains cancelled after problems The study began in 2012 in col- this entrance exam at the right level ice crystals which detrimentally reduces the time between defrost- with the power supply. Services on laboration with University Hospi- and prevent miscarriages.” tear the cells apart. ing and having transfusion-ready London Midland were suspend- tals Coventry and Warwickshire However, researchers at the Uni- blood.” ed, with delays on Cross Country NHS Trust and was supported by versity of Warwick have used poly- and Virgin trains. Line problems researchers at the Universities of What’s your opinion vinyl alcohol (PVA) to great effect. caused knock-on delays elsewhere, Southampton and Utrecht. on pregnancy PVA is a common polymer that To read the full article however these issues have now Approximately 15 percent of ‘entrance exams’? mimics the antifreeze properties Visit us online: been mainly resolved. Students are pregnancies end in miscarriage. Tell us on Facebook found in certain fish, and works by theboar.org/news advised to travel with caution and inhibiting the growth of ice crystals expect delays. 8 Sponsored by: theboar.org 9 Editor: Daniel Cope [email protected] Twitter @BoarComment COMMENT fb.com/groups/BoarComment STUDENT SOAPBOX Lewis Holden theboar “Lectures missed, lessons learnt” hen your university is gripped by the militant Editors’ Letters leftism of ’lazy lecturers’ Wand the inconvenience of industrial action, you almost certainly need a dedicated team of principled fellow students fighting to save your edu- cation from oblivion. At Warwick, our prayers were answered, by a “It’s a real “A little bit group of History students bravely stepping in to limit the damage (to our pockets at least) of our lecturers sport, honest” more kindness” decision to strike. However, the intentions of the group claiming to stand up for stu- dents was laid bare. As comforting as it would be to know that this Sam Carter Joanna Harwood attention-seeking storm remained Music Editor Lifestyle Editor resolutely in the campus teacup, the organisers were instead given noto- hen I tell people I play of friends, an outlet away from hen I was growing up, the It is suddenly not only accept- riety in both the local and national Ultimate Frisbee, their coursework, and, vitally, an excuse one phrase I remember able, but also easy, to take cheap press. They got their 15 minutes of response is usually a mix- to go to the SU dressed as a charac- hearing the most was ‘if shots at people based on their gen- fame... but our academic staff? Still Wture of confusion and laughter. You ter from The Lord of the Rings. Wyou can’t find anything nice to say, der, religion, sexuality or their race, underpaid. won’t be shocked to hear I had no Work and time constraints are don’t say anything at all’. Honestly, and this has spilled over into our We were reassured that the moti- such issue when I played football or a factor, of course, and there are I rarely took it to heart. But as I’ve behaviour in the real world, par- vations of the group were not ideo- tennis – two sports that are sensible times when getting involved in gotten older – and a little bit wiser ticularly the world of comedy. Rac- logical, but merely stirred by a gen- enough to involve things that are stuff at uni can feel as awkward – I’ve realised that this phrase isn’t ist, sexist and homophobic jokes uine concern for students’ learning. spherical rather than disc-shaped. and frantic as boarding the U1 at always as dismissive as I thought it are a common part of everyday life. Yet the logic behind this apparent- I try not to get involved in the rush hour. In my year of inactivity to be. The problem I have with this kind ly altruistic mission is painfully whole “my sport is better than your I eagerly signed up for everything Now, I’m not saying that every of behaviour is that it’s completely short-sighted. sport” argument. Instead, what I am from Rowing to Real Ale, only to occasion requires you to bite your disrespectful. Dark humour can The organisers have oversimpli- trying to say is that sometimes the be stopped in my tracks by the re- tongue. Holding in your opinions is be a way of coping with the most fied the current debate in higher things you do in your free time – be minder that essay deadlines are still only going to get you so far: within depraved aspects of humanity, but education. Their populist hyperbo- it the sports you play, the societies a thing. two weeks of keeping quiet you’ll you don’t have the right to belittle le may have brought some students you’re part of, or your post-Ne- Committing to a single sport or probably be a seething, bubbling someone else’s personal experienc- to their replacement lectures, but it on fast food choice – make people pastime can become even more dif- mess of pure frustration. However, es just because you’re telling a joke. failed to mention the complexities think about you in a certain way. ficult when you’re presented with in a world where anonymous bul- Empathy and compassion have of what the recent dispute means. It’s the same reason I waited un- literally hundreds of options here at lying over the Internet has become gone out of style. People no longer Once again, egos were satisfied, the til my degree was half-over to start Warwick. Still, I wonder how many an international pastime, I have to care about the negative impact their real issues, ignored. writing for our student paper: “But of our readers are holding them- wonder if we could do with becom- words can have if they know they’ll Like most students, I’m disap- it’s so Boar-ing! [chortle]” And so selves back simply because they ing a little bit kinder. get a laugh out of it. When did we pointed to be missing lectures, they is that joke, but that doesn’t change worry that it’ll change how people Unfortunately, trolling has be- start to value a cleverly-constructed are after all the reason we’re here the impact that other people’s opin- perceive them. I know I certainly come a global phenomenon. Look insult over the feelings of the per- and ongoing industrial action will ions can have when you’re 18 and so did. at the comments of any given news son it is levelled at? no doubt disrupt my timetable. Yet many of your decisions are based I doubt I’ll be able to avoid the article published online and I guar- I don’t pretend to be a saint. I’ve I don’t blame the academic staff for on one question: “What will people reactions I mentioned earlier. The antee that you will find at least two been guilty of valuing my own pithy this, whose conscious decision to think?” fact of the matter is the sport I people spewing vitriolic, hateful insults over the feelings of others withdraw their labour was under- Instead of signing up in first choose to play has a name that, garbage. This number increases in the past, and it’s something that mined by the student-run lectures. year I resolved to do what many admittedly, sounds quite silly. My when articles deal with issues sur- I deeply regret. But as I move for- Rather, as students, we should be other freshers do and avoid soci- conclusion? When it comes to clubs rounding racism, sexism and hom- ward in life, I want to make sure channeling our frustration at the eties altogether – a decision I still and societies, do whatever the hell ophobia, and it is by no means lim- that the one trait I value most of obstinacy of the university elites regret today. I’ve since learned how you want. And if somebody finds ited to news sites. It’s everywhere: all – kindness – is something that who refuse to dignify the academic important clubs and societies can that amusing, laugh along; they on YouTube videos, in the occa- I can find in myself, and that will profession with sustainable pay. be during the few years you spend don’t know what they’re missing. sional ‘edit-war’ on Wikipedia and, always be much more important to Maybe we owe the organisers here. They give you a new network of course, all over social media. me than some cheap joke. some thanks. I completely agree that the ‘learning will go on.’ War- wick has learnt one very important lesson: a group of untrained under- God Bless America (but only if you’re white and speak English) grads (who claim Katie Hopkins as languages I didn’t recognise... This an ad glorifying a country which the employee who launched it. The their spiritual leader no less) can Casey Davison was a truly disturbing commercial has depended on the success of im- reasoning behind this attack was never replace our lecturers. Com- for me, what say you?” I say that the migrants. that it was unfair to label a bunch paring my loss of an hour–long man’s bigotry is astounding, given What annoys me is that the me- of politically unaffiliated internet lecture with an interest for the live- ecently, Coca-Cola launched that he’s living in the 21st century dia have failed in calling out con- trolls as people of a specific polit- lihoods of the academic staff who a powerful advert celebrat- and in a country once famously de- servatives on their racist bullsh*t. ical persuasion. Yet weeks later we work to give me opportunities – I ing multi-culturalism during scribed as a cultural melting pot. Weeks prior to this ‘controversy’, have right-wing-affiliated pundits know where I, and the majority of Rthe Super-Bowl. The ad, featuring Unfortunately, he’s not alone. Cheerios launched an ad with a doing exactly the same thing! students, will stand. a rendition of ‘America the Beau- The fact that someone can argue bi-racial family which was met with It is depressing that people are tiful’ sung in multiple languages, that an ad which promotes ethnic torrents of online abuse. When still so openly racially intolerant in seems to have ironically divided diversity is trying to politically di- MSNBC tweeted “Maybe the right- a country that was founded on pro- the USA, as outraged right-wingers vide the country boggles my mind. wing will hate it, but everyone else gressive principles and cultural co- have criticised Coca-Cola for ‘tar- Inadvertently, I suppose the ad has will go awww: the adorable new hesion. Yet I find it even more de- nishing’ an iconic American song. divided us into people who were #Cheerios ad w/ biracial family”, pressing that few have the courage Former Congressman Allen West genuinely charmed by its message the Organisation of Conservative to take a stand against this bigotry took his anger to Facebook, posting and racists who couldn’t stand the Americans bullied the news group in the USA and that those who do “The words went from English to fact that other races are present in into deleting the tweet and firing take a stand lose their jobs over it. theboar.org 7 10 | Race, Religion and Is it time to abolish immigration control? Rationality

ally have a positive impact for both benefit prices and wages. trafficking or slavery rings which Demelza Griffiths those seeking better working and It would also encourage cause vast suffering to many peo- Hiran Adhia living conditions, and for the coun- trans-national companies to stay ple. Thousands die in transit, have tries in which they arrive. based the UK, to recruit interna- their passports taken and are im- mmigration: a topic constantly A principally economic stand- tional labour but still contribute to prisoned in the UK. This is a hu- am the prisoner of hope’ were in the media, used by the gov- point can easily deconstruct these our economy. manitarian and ethical travesty that the words spoken by Rev ernment in an attempt to create unreasonable fears of overcrowd- The true economic issue in the should not be justified for econom- Reeves, founder of the Soul of Imuch needed popular policy and ing and ‘benefit scrounging’. Rahila UK today is the aging population: ic self-interest. IEurope initiative, as he discussed exploited by the far-right as an ac- Gupta, the first speaker at the con- stress on the welfare system is not The fear of immigrants ‘steal- how difficult it is to break down ceptable form of mainstream rac- ference, argued that migrants only caused by immigrant families, ing our livelihoods’ is by no means deep–rooted barriers of faith and ism. The fact that immigrants are seek work overseas if they have to but the pension and health care a new concept – just look back race in Eastern Europe. Listening to made scapegoats for the latest do- and many aim to be able to return bill of aging generations. The en- throughout Jewish history. But his missionary work in Bosnia and mestic problems, from unemploy- home. If strict border controls did couragement of a larger young, this is currently being exploited Serbia gave me deep reservations ment to a burgeoning benefits bill, not limit movement so vociferous- skilled working population (31% by far right groups, exacerbated about the ability of human beings is no new phenomenon, but as the ly, then workers could arrive and of UK doctors are already educat- by the economic downturn, to cre- to respond to peace, when peace it- next general election draws closer leave according to job demand, ed abroad) could only support this ate a arena of sociably acceptable self is considered a dirty word. this issue needs to be re-evaluated. contributing to economies in the system. This truth lies very far from racism. For example, changes to The discussion, run by the in- What if there were no illegal short term without being forced to the stereotype that immigrants put Bulgarian and Romanian immigra- imitable One World Week Forum immigrants? What if all migrants settle permanently. extra pressure upon the welfare tion rules this January led to mass team, was one of the most intel- were able to work and contribute system. In fact, EU migrants have hysteria about the expected influx lectually stimulating two hours of to the economy? What if there was to wait three months before access- of migrants. This did not occur, my time at Warwick. There was no a way to end the human traffick- It is unreasonable to blame ing job-seekers allowance and ille- once again reiterating the level of room for rhetoric or dogma in the ing and slavery of foreign workers immigration for over- gal immigrants would struggle to inaccuracy that envelops percep- packed out Woods-Scawen Room in the UK? All these issues have a crowding access benefits or healthcare at all. tions about immigration. Econom- of the Arts Centre, as each speak- common solution: the abolition of A 2013 report actually reflects that ic self-interest is not an admissible er eloquently gave a unique and immigration controls. EU migrants contribute a net fiscal form of racism, and yet 47 percent intellectual take on the topic. One Due to the plethora of myths impact of 0.46% of the GDP and of the UK believes that immigra- of my personal highlights was the surrounding immigration, it is al- non-EU migrants pay 2% more tax tion has a negative economic im- presentation by Hull PhD student, most understandable that this sug- Furthermore, it is unreason- than they received in state services, pact. Neither is it permissible for Zhaleh Boyd, who discussed the gestion would be met with horror. able to blame immigration for unlike natives who, on average, pay government to form policy based ever–present danger of slavery or I dismissed this question myself ‘over-crowding’, or to even per- 11% less than they receive. Migrant on popular, and frankly racist, mis- trafficking in our society. when it was first raised at the 2014 ceive a large population as a neg- populations do not drain our wel- conceptions nor to allow these un- She commented: ‘The existence One World Week Conference but, ative asset. Monaco is one of the fare system, they help to fund it. truths to go unchallenged. We need of slavery is dependent on the pro- in reality, this proposition actually richest, but most densely populat- The Morecambe Bay Trage- facts, not fears. cess of constructing otherness – the makes genuine humanitarian, eth- ed cities in the world: clearly a pro- dy and more recent cases of UK use of these differences allow cer- ical and economic sense. Far from portionally large population is not slavery reiterate that immigration tain minorities to have power over the irrational fear of a tidal wave of irreconcilable with a flourishing controls force the desperate to Are open borders others.’ Her conclusion reflected unskilled immigrants burdening economy. The basic economics of risk their lives in order to merely the answer to the the fact that race and religion were an already over-populated coun- increased supply and demand re- access better living conditions. If immigration problem? tools to differentiate individuals try and taking advantage of welfare flects that more migrants working immigration controls didn’t exist, Tweet: @BoarComment from their common values, and to systems, open borders would actu- and spending in the UK will clearly neither would smuggling, human focus on obscure, physical details in order to manipulate them. It was a frightening thought that some- one’s name, skin colour, strength, Faith without God: is atheism a religion? place of birth, sex could be used to dehumanise them, and it is even Harrison Coldray explores the controversial idea of a religion for atheists more frightening that in some soci- eties it is more commonplace than n an age of theological scepti- lates this exact debate, suggesting outweighs belief in God, and only come its own religion? Seems pretty we think. cism, the question I feel needs that he has been liberated by his 15 percent of individuals attend absurd I know, but that isn’t to say The most interesting aspect of answering is: “Can we be reli- being religious without believing church at least once a month. Ac- it’s not already happening. The ‘Sea the debate for me was the idea that Igious without subscribing to su- in any supernatural power or force. cording to Botton, this shouldn’t be of Faith’ promotes exactly this, as religion and rationality could be pernatural beliefs about a God (or This takes a moment to sink in, the case. Why should religion need does Botton’s ‘Religion for Atheists’. used in the same sentence. It has Gods)?”. Much religious discussion but it certainly isn’t uncommon to fall along with theism? If one Of course it clashes with what we been clear to me, especially living in the modern day focuses on how commonly perceive religion to be in a secular society, that those who religion can extend beyond belief – a belief in a transcendent power have religious or spiritual beliefs in God and so why one doesn’t – but religion has adapted enough are deemed to be irrational. It was need to believe in the supernatural over the last few centuries to dis- refreshing to sit in a room with ac- in order to be religious. It sounds miss this. ademics that could see the merit or ideal to the modern day spiritual In my opinion, there is of course religion in a world that seems to be sceptic, who can reap the benefits an underlying contradiction which constantly fighting it. of religion without wholeheartedly keeps me from accepting the idea There is rationality in race and endorsing its content. that religion can be at the centre of religion even if we choose to ig- Undeniably, religion is a fantastic an atheist’s life. How can religion nore it. Our very own chaplain, Rev civil unifier, binding communities aid one in being moral if the mo- Dr Alistair Kirk said: ‘The world and creating a sense of social trust, rality which they follow is of no ob- is a religious place’ and we cannot as the great atheist Emile Durk- jective value? It seems a stretch too continue to undermine this fact. heim once argued. It also guides far to coalesce these two seemingly We have to learn to embrace the us morally and gives a marker by opposing forces in the twenty-first fact that religion and race contin- which to judge our actions. Sounds century. ue to do good in parts of the world perfect doesn’t it? Well, perhaps » photo: Flickr/ murdelta Botton’s book certainly provides that we have no contact with, with not. It’s all well and good following says ‘NO’ to God, then one doesn’t a compelling case to suggest oth- work that is funded on pittance and the religion without accepting its to combine ‘atheism’ with re- need to say ‘NO’ to religion! erwise. Atheism isn’t as simple and beans. Where only faith endures. roots, but can we truly be religious ligion. Don Cupitt’s ‘Sea of Faith Perhaps this is unrealistic. An straightforward as non-belief, nor Even from the prosperity of One if we don’t have anything to believe Programme’ speaks from the same individual who adopts ‘non-belief’ should religion be so deeply rooted World Week itself, we can see that in, or rather, if we ultimately have script as Botton. The aim of this or- in the supernatural generally tends in theism. He remarks, quite pow- diversity is celebrated and promot- “non-belief” at the centre of our ganisation is to “promote religion not to attend church on a regular erfully, that “religions are in the end ed at a multicultural university. It is “religion”? Is this all just one big as a human creation”. For these basis. However, if religion benefits too complex, wise and fascinating now time that our attitudes shifted contradiction? We can’t seriously atheists, religion has a continuing communities in terms of bring- to be abandoned simply to those towards maintaining these atti- advocate religion as a moral guide- importance in everyday lives even ing individuals together through a who happen actually to believe in tudes throughout the year. This is line if we don’t accept the objective if it is merely a human construct. common belief, why can’t atheism them”. Whatever you believe, you the legacy the co-ordinators hope core from which these guidelines Scientific thought is providing do this exact thing? For centuries have to admit – he’s got a point! to create. stem. an incessant challenge to ortho- religion has congregated people This certainly is a timeless debate, Alain De Botton, in his recent dox belief in God. We are living in who all have a core belief in com- but never has it seemed so relevant. book ‘Religion for Atheists’, stimu- a world where belief in aliens now mon. So why shouldn’t atheism be- 10 theboar.org 11 | Why Tom Perkins infuriates me so much: A tactless fiasco that any time a minority is attacked nore the obscene riches of Mr Per- travagant lifestyles instead of put- py to tolerate criticism, especially if Ibtisam Ahmed by a majority, it is just plain wrong. kins’s type and focus their attention ting it to good use. it is warranted. And, with the top one percent of on rebellious child stars, a charis- Mr Perkins also forgets how There is also the added fact that the US population clearly being a matic but weak head of state, and much influence his persecuted mi- I find Mr Perkins’s equation to the t has been a few weeks and the numerical minority, it is unfair that the grandeur of a sporting event nority really wields. It is no exag- rich being a mistreated minority world has moved on to more the remaining 99 percent should held halfway across the world. geration to say that in a capitalist insulting to the very real harass- pressing matters since then, bully them so. The top one percent are not all world, the rich have more power ment that minorities around the Ibut I still have a bone to pick with My short response to this state- representatives of greed and ego- than the poor, but this is even more world have to face. a certain Mr Tom Perkins. For an- ment is a snort of derision accom- centricity; consider the philan- so in a place like the US. It is bad enough that Perkins then yone who needs reminding, he is panied by a few choice words too thropic work of Bill and Melinda Individual donations can in- goes on to whine about the fact that a venture capitalist who made the colourful to print. The longer ver- Gates for instance. However, the fluence legislation and financially people who are now struggling to exceptionally offensive comparison sion has a few points to it. fact remains that the richest 85 powerful groups can sway Con- make ends meet – many due to the between the “demonised” Ameri- First of all, what Mr Per- people in the world have gress away from doing what is mor- financial meltdown precipitated by can upper class to the Jews of Ger- kins has so wonderful- the same amount of ally correct. Examples include the the upper classes – would naturally many during Kristallnacht and the ly glossed over is the wealth as the poorest influence of the tobacco lobby with not be happy about the situation. Holocaust. fact that the top one 3.5 billion. And most regards to smoking legislation and It is far worse that he then dares Before anyone accuses me of percent is not vilified of them are quite hap- the NRA with regards to squashing to compare himself explicitly to a flogging a dead horse, I want to ac- nearly as much as py to play the victim attempts at gun control. historically persecuted minority knowledge the fact that Mr Perkins he thinks. Celebrity whenever someone Consider further the economic and, in his apology, implicitly to the has indeed apologised profusely culture being what it raises even the faintest arguments against something as countless racial, national and sexu- about his tasteless analogy. In fact, I is, the majority of the of objections, while desirable as universal healthcare al minorities facing prison, torture am not going to talk about the com- world, and certainly splashing their money (the Affordable Care Act) or sexu- and death day in and day out. parison at all. It is the statements he the majority of the US, on ex- al minority worker rights (ENDA), I do not know Mr Perkins. I have made during his apology that have are quite happy to ig- and you realise exactly no right to judge him on a personal got me so worked up. how deep the influ- level. But I have no qualms in une- ence of Mr. Perkins quivocally despising his comments and co. really goes. and what they stand for. Mr Perkins calling the rich a If I was able to have If Mr Perkins thinks that he mistreated minority insults so much power over has managed to get away with his the real struggles of minorities what my country shambles of an apology, he has an- does, I would be other thing coming. And while I quite hap- doubt this is going to grab his atten- tion, I hope that others in his posi- Mr Perkins said that while he » photo: Flickr/ jdlasica tion do not make the same ignorant deeply regrets the comparison he mistake. made, he still stands by the essence of his initial statement. Namely,

Please mind the gender gap » photo: Flickr/ jdlasica It is important not to criticise Alistair Drennan Warwick just yet, given that these numbers predate the news given Considering further study at Warwick? by UCAS in January. While many Why not apply to take our one-year taught MA in ast month it was revealed that may simply say that Warwick’s women are now a third more nigh-50/50 ratio is balanced and ‘Culture of the European Renaissance’ with the first likely to apply to university just, the question is: how fair is too term’s studies taken in situ, at our Palazzo in Venice? Lthan men. One of the main reasons fair? In other words, shouldn’t we for this is that women are grossly expect to see more female students outperforming their male counter- in October? If so, then a potential- The Centre for the Study of the parts at both GCSE and A-Level. ly detrimental gender gap may be Renaissance is offering a new Postgraduate The number of female applicants created. If not, then our student de- Venice Programme, a unique initiative by a rose by almost 2,000, whereas male mographics would appear to be at British university, giving our applicant numbers plummeted by odds with the statistics in order to postgraduate students the opportunity nearly five and a half thousand. maintain the appearance of gender to spend a full university term in fairness. In other words, it’s a lose- Venice studying the city's art, history and “Universities should now lose situation, whereby equality admit men on lower grades culture together with History and Art and inequality are inextricably and History students. Classes taught in – although I suppose at the paradoxically entwined. moment that could be illegal.” But considering social ‘conse- English and places are limited! Professor Alan Smithers quences’ of a female-dominated Warwick in, say, three or four years’ The course covers the period c. 1300- The gravity of these figures even time is absurd. To wonder wheth- c. 1650 across Europe and provides a led Professor Alan Smithers, direc- er there will be implications within foundation in the art, literature, tor of the Centre for Education and Warwick gives the impression that philosophy, religion, and science of the Employment at Buckingham Uni- more female students pose detri- period, exploring their interconnections versity, to comment, “universities mental effects. Universities and with the social and political context. should now admit men on lower their students are proponents of Strongly interdisciplinary, this MA is grades – although I suppose at the equality, so in order to enforce the taught by academics from the departments moment that could be illegal.” notion of gender fairness, it should of Classics, English, French, Italian, Warwick prides itself on gender not matter whether there are more History, and History of Art. equality. According to the Com- or less students of either sex. plete University Guide, the make- Questioning social effects upon More info on our PG Study page at up of our student population this the dynamic of Warwick further http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/ren/ year is 51 percent to 49 percent in separates men and women, as or email our Director of Graduate Studies, favour of the men. This is an in- though students of different sexes [email protected] crease in women students in the bring with them different penal- 2010-11 academic year, when the ties. Although Warwick plays part percentage stood at 47.61 percent. in this topic as a university, it is Even though this latter percentage important to separate it as an edu- still seems fair, it was actually the cational institution and as a social Centre for the Study of the Renaissance third-lowest percentage of female community when the question of a students at Russell Group univer- potential gender gap arises. sities. 14 theboar.org 12 | SU: Don’t speak Opinion Matrix for me ASM: Clarifying Rules Regarding Themed Events Nicholas Buxey Max Ethan Rodgers Michael Wrench he recent motion at the ASM intelligent and tolerant individuals n simpler terms this motion made clear during the debate itself to make rules surrounding can identify these. Trying to im- would allow the SU to mandate and until such an important point themed events stricter in plement legislation on this subject the rules concerning sports club is cleared up, any successors of this f I hear one more terrible use of Tterms of anti-discrimination, whilst would lead to rules that are almost Iand society members dressing up motion must also be voted down Nigel Thrift’s surname I think I noble, are ultimately misguided. unworkable and impossible to im- at SU events to be a lot clearer and until it is clarified. might scream. ‘Thrifty by name, The first thing that has to be tak- plement, as the very idea of what is thus dictating what can and cannot I remember being horrified to Inot by nature’, ‘thrifty with the en into account is that stereotypes, tolerant would be dictated by sub- be worn. see instances, shown in the me- truth’. But since I’m a student I am whilst sometimes offensive, are a jective judges. The motion does aim to prevent dia, of people in both this country a left-wing liberal automatically, fact of life. There is literally a stere- Most stereotypes, especially discrimination against characteris- and America dressing in costume and as a matter I object to anything otype for everything and everyone, those based on a country, tend to tics that can offend people such as of those such as Jimmy Savile, the that damages my preconceptions of and to try and deny these would be only mildly offensive at best, gender, age and race; however Twin Towers and a Boston Mara- free-speech, morality and equality. make any kind of themed event and have some basis in the way in which thon bombing victim and I think it And therefore I approve of terrible very hard to see through. truth. Albeit some labels the motion would can be readily agreed among many punning, I attend all the strikes and There are some stereotypes that can encourage an up- have done this that such costumes are undoubted- demonstrations, I do not respect are more offensive than others, but leasant discriminatory is questionable. ly offensive and penalties should Thrift’s authority. most societies and Unions would atmosphere. Howev- This con- be instituted. However, my main This is all a tad exaggerated but it recognise which stereotypes are er, it’s unlikely that fusion concern is that while there are cos- is overwhelmingly true that the SU more likely to cause mass offence, dressing as a Mexi- w a s tumes that seem unanimously of- and other student run bodies of- and legislation wouldn’t make any can would cause an inten- fensive, we also differ on other defi- ten release political statements on difference. Rather, it would create atmosphere that was sified nitions of offensive. For example, behalf of ‘the students’. And even an environment in which com- unpleasant to them. at the is dressing up as a priest offensive then, when statements aren’t writ- plaints and accusations run rife, Many minority groups meeting, to atheists or not? Is dressing as a ten on behalf, they’re written by distracting the Union from dealing have conflicting or with the ‘nerd’ offensive to the academically the body that represents students. with actual issues of discrimination overlapping views, and proposing intelligent or not? The SU’s mission statement states within the university. it would be difficult to speaker advo- Until we can all agree on what is many things, including that it is Themed events are the most define what is truly offensive cating that students offensive and what is not, (which representative, a voice to Warwick popular at the SU since they offer in everyone’s eyes. vote down the motion, which sure- will never happen because we are students, welcoming and tolerant. unique experiences. In banning the The proposition has good inten- ly must be a first in ASM history. all different), decisions about what Tolerant, that is, I feel, unless you possibility of themed events, the SU tions and seeks to create a more har- Both the proposing and oppos- is offensive or not are likely to be disagree with something vaguely runs the risk of making the chances monious student body but it runs ing speakers put forward the view left in the hands of a small minority left-wing. For example there are of students going even less likely, as the real risk of having the opposite that the meeting was not the time or go through a long, bureaucratic student councils which boycott the surrounding clubs would likely effects. Effects such as; creating a or place to discuss the motion and process which will also not work. things for their own moral purpos- compensate, luring more students paranoid and suspicious student that it should go back to Student We should stick to the current es - how many of Warwick Univer- away. It would also make the stu- body that has no wish to engage Council, which is probably the best system of complaints about cos- sity’s 22,944 students realistically dent body more apathetic towards with the council, whilst driving outcome considering the confusion tumes being forwarded to the Sab- stopped drinking Bacardi because the SU thus resulting in an ineffec- many students away from what is from many ASM speakers regard- batical officers rather than seek to the SU told them that that was a tive student council. actually a very-well equipped SU, ing the motion’s exact intent. regulate costumes based on the in- terrible thing to do? We’re all adults What may be considered gross- seeking themed events off-campus. In my view, one key question, dividual views of some. here, ladies and gentleman, and if I ly offensive by one person may be Ultimately, seeking to minimise which needs to be clarified before don’t like something I’ll choose not considered a harmless joke by an- discrimination through legislation the motion is to be re-presented, is to buy it, thank you. other. Although there are some la- is futile, and is unlikely to produce who decides what themes and cos- This matters very little to me. bels that are universally unpleasant, the desired effect. tumes are offensive? This was not Normally I’d dismiss it as the petty machinations of student politicians Cindy Asokan Cartoon by: Luke Brown who chant their own socio-polit- ical beliefs like a war cry, but now hilst I agree with the only be voted on by elected repre- education is being damaged. I am, stance that the motion sentatives of council. From the out- of course, talking about the stu- required some amend- set, the motion was never given fair dent-run lectures debate. In fair- Wments, I am defending it fully on consideration due to the misrep- ness I can see the arguments from principle. Often, ethnic minority resentation of the motion through both sides of the political spectrum, students who need the most help social media. but I think, in reality, many of our will not come forward. Even after There was nothing in the mo- 22,944 students don’t care about facing some form of discrimina- tion that does not already exist in strikes, they care about the educa- tion, they don’t want to be accused the SU’s By-Laws. The proposal was tion they are paying for. Some peo- of ‘kicking up a fuss over nothing’ simply meant to clarify these rules ple use university as a springboard or ‘playing the race card’. I fear that and create a simpler complaints for jobs, some choose courses that the arguments made in the ASM procedure. they find interesting, and some, like only serve to reinforce those fears The motion was actually read me, are just escaping the real world and dissuade students from speak- and understood by very few peo- for as long as possible - some man- ing up on issues of race and seeking ple. It was misrepresented as ban age to do all three at once (kudos help. on all forms of cultural dress, cre- to you). But by and large, they don’t What message are we sending to ating an environment of fear for really care as long as they get what international students and individ- societies, when most have little to they pay for - education. uals from minority backgrounds worry about. I would like to point Here’s a brutal fact - the SU is a when members of the student body out that nowhere in the motion is students’ union, not a teachers’ un- argue, completely straight-faced, the word ‘ban’ used, yet every argu- ion. It should have solidarity with that their ‘freedom of expression’ is ment against was based on the no- its pupils; with the University’s pur- more important than the safety and tion that students’ ‘freedom of ex- pose of providing education; and welfare of other students? To me, pression’ would be impinged upon with the student’s right to that said it speaks volumes that some stu- should the motion pass. However, education. dents are more concerned that the ‘freedom of expression’ simply So yes, I’m tired with awful puns. variety of circling themes for ‘Pop!’ means that an individual is allowed What Thrift is paid matters little. would be compromised, than the to hold opinions and express them If he used his money to conduct welfare of students from minority without governmental interference. orgiastic parties at which he chant- backgrounds. Every student has a It does not mean that students can ed, naked, demonic rituals whilst right to feel safe and welcome on act and dress as offensively as they standing on his head, I still wouldn’t campus. like without facing any repercus- care. It’s my education that matters I feel that it was inappropriate sions form the SU or their peers. and that should matter to the SU that the majority of the student This motion would have gone and other student bodies. It’s those body was given a say on minority some way towards challenging ig- organisations that are thrifty with issues by being allowed to vote on norance and prejudice on campus the truth when they try and speak the motion. The motion should and I am disappointed that it has ‘for’ students. have stayed in Student Council and been disregarded in such a manner. theboar.org 13 13 Editor: Benjamin Shaw [email protected] Twitter @BoarMoney MONEY fb.com/groups/BoarMoney Perplexing Productivity Economics summit reaches new heights he Office of National Statis- Hundreds of students packed into the Ramphal Building for the weekend event tics’ (ONS) recent numbers for labour productivity and Temployment illustrate the “pro- ductivity puzzle” facing the UK at this time. There are 30.15 mil- lion people (aged 16 and above) in employment, up 280,000 from the previous quarter. However, on an output per hour basis, la- bour productivity decreased by 0.3%. This fall is reflected by the sluggish output growth towards the level before the global finan- cial crisis. What is baffling is why firms continue to employ workers who are producing less in a con- tracting economic environment. Rather, the financial crisis was a prominent factor in the makings of this tradeoff between employment and productivity. We observe pro- ductivity continuing to fall, with brief periods of improvement to- wards the pre-crisis benchmark serving merely as glimpses of yes- teryears. The latest output per hour decline of 0.6% in manufacturing doesn’t lend a helping hand to the situation as firms struggle to fi- nance new investments that neces- sitate high productivity. It would seem that banks are still scarred by the events in 2008 and reallocation of capital from less to more produc- tive firms is unlikely to happen until the credit concerns are addressed. A firm would only have the in- » We knew it was going to be a good one. The Warwick Economics Summit exceeded expectations! photo: warwickeconomicssummit.com centive to hire more disinclined workers if the wages they paid to insightful and topical presentation. also gave the chance for students Summit organisers Chloe Hon- them take consistent dips. That is, Alice Cobb As the day progressed and the to articulately grill and remon- eyborne (Deputy Talks Coordina- firms will give a higher nominal audience sizes began to grow the di- strate with the politicians - an op- tor) and James Sullivan (Talks team wage so long as inflation thins real versity of the students attending the portunity many seemed to relish. member) said ‘this year’s summit pay. The UK’s considerable con- onths of preparation and Summit became apparent. Students The award for the best speech of has been absolutely fantastic and sumption demand will motivate thousands of miles trav- had descended on Warwick from all the day had to go to Professor Sam has been the smoothest event run firms to do this. This fall in real elled from students and over the globe and one such attend- Potolicchio who closed Saturday’s to date. We have laid some of the wages played a role in reducing Mspeakers alike had brought together ee was Segun Adegemi who had proceedings. His animated and en- best foundations for future sum- labour productivity by allowing a group who now, standing in the travelled all the way from Nigeria. gaging talk on ‘what makes a great mits by really engaging with ex- firms to employ more workers than Ramphal foyer, were eagerly antic- Segun, who had been looking to political leader provided the perfect ternal delegates and building great they would otherwise have done. ipating a weekend that is known come to the Summit for five years, finish for what had been a great day. relationships with some of the Some firms would continue to to be the best academic event of was finally given the opportunity Despite the infamous Sum- world’s leading academics’. Neither hoard labour through a down- any campus. There was a tangible in 2014 after winning the Warwick mit ball continuing into the ear- could agree on a single highlight trend with the promise of readi- excitement filling the room and a Economic Summit Scholarship. ly hours of Sunday morning, the with James opting for ‘the lively ly available human capital when palpable buzz of optimism as stu- lecture theatre was still full for the speech Professor Sam Potolicchio growth resumes. In a competitive dents looked forward to the many first speech on the final day deliv- gave’ whilst Chloe said that she ‘re- world this makes sense, with the engaging speeches and debates that Despite the infamous Summit ered by Luke Johnson. The former ally enjoyed the live panel debate’. firm employing the larger work- lay ahead. The Warwick Economics ball continuing into the early chairman of Pizza Express gave an However one thing they were force being able to respond quickly Summit had began. hours of Sunday morning, the inspiring and refreshing talk on both adamant about was the im- and take full advantage of a boom. The 2014 proceedings were start- summit room was full next entrepreneurship and encouraged portance of the 50 member strong Should we be worried about ed by Simon Gaysford who deliv- students to pursue their dreams. Summit coordination team and the productivity puzzle? In short, ered an interesting talk on ‘bring- The penultimate talk of the said that ‘although at times or- yes in the long run and no in the ing microeconomics to life in the Summit and the most eagerly an- ganising the event was hectic and short run. Over time, the cost to commercial world’ and the impli- The economics student at La- ticipated was Eric Maskin’s pres- hard work it had all been worth- the economy may be severe. A cations of behavioural economics gos University said ‘the Summit entation about game theory. The while and a very rewarding expe- high productivity economy is im- for business. Gaysford’s fascinating has been really fun so far and I’m American economist and Nobel rience’. They added that ‘the whole portant not only for sustained talk certainly raised the standards enjoying every moment. I par- laureate had flown in from Har- team must take credit for what output, growth and competitive- from the off and enlarged many ticularly enjoyed Dr Nasser Saidi’s vard to cast light on the interest- has truly been a thrilling event’. ness but also for the development expectations for the weekend. In- talk and I’m very much looking ing topic of mechanism design. Indeed, the 13th Warwick of technology which further en- deed no student felt any opportuni- forward to the remainder of the The keynote speaker didn’t fail to Economics Summit certainly hances workers’ ability to produce. ty cost of missing a Friday night in weekend’. He also added ‘the event disappoint and provided an en- eclipsed the success of previous We can continue to live with Kasbah for the start of the Summit! has been really well organised and lightening talk on the ‘engineering years; economics was brought this tradeoff because the im- Saturday morning and the high- I have had a great experience here parts of economic game theory’. to life, students left enriched mediate tomorrow is one with light was Dr Nasser Saidi and his at Warwick. The five year wait As the event drew to a conclu- by academic insights and the people doing jobs, earning a liv- talk on the often neglected sub- has definitely been worthwhile.’ sion, the buzz of optimism that Summit reached new heights. ing and (slowly) contributing ject of economic performance in As well as engaging talks the had been present on Friday and to the economy. The worry is Arab countries. Proposing new Summit also provided a panel de- indeed throughout the week- what will happen the day after. growth enhancing policies and bate which saw four MP’s from end was replaced by a sense of ‘game changers’ for these countries, the leading political parties dis- sadness. 18 esteemed speakers, 7 What did you think of Aiz Mza the former Lebanese Minister of cuss a variety of issues from Eu- informative seminars and a live- the Summit? Economy and Trade delivered an ropean immigration to HS2. It ly panel debate had all flown by. Tweet: @BoarMoney 14 theboar.org theboar.org Features 15 14 Sponsored by Editor: Roxanne Douglas 15 [email protected] Twitter @BoarFeatures FEATURES fb.com/groups/BoarFeatures Access for all: Widening Participation May the odds be ever in your favour Claudia Zink interviews Christina Hughes about University Widening Participation

Edward Clark reviews the UK student’s experience of gambling on the Superbowl their lives because all of the mobil- for diversity but at the same time Are the rising tuition fees and ity aids that they use come from recognising the levels at which we the phenomenon of qualifica- those areas. So to encourage them require students to be at to thrive tion inflation factors discouraging to think about that as possible ca- at Warwick is that our strategy is young people from low-income reer routes, we have been working actually focused towards raising backgrounds from going to univer- with them on 3D technologies. achievements.” sity? The statistics do not suggest They are doing adaptations to their that this is the case and Hughes assistive aids, and in this area small stressed that not only people from things make huge differences.” [Warwick] is enabling low-income backgrounds decided Giving the example of the War- students, the first in their that it was not worth going to uni- wick RSA partnership, Hughes em- families to go to University, to versity from a purely economic phasised the need to have a long- both work and take a degree perspective. term orientation to the projects: She said that the increased tuition “We will be working with young fees had affected the considerations people from year seven. From that of people from all social groups and age they will be exposed to univer- As an example she mentioned that it had challenged the automatic sity all the way through their school the programme Transformations presumption that young people had career and every faculty is engaged in English which aims at preparing to go to university. in this. And by the time these young pupils for university by having uni- Hughes also proposed an in- people get to 16, 17 or 18, the idea is versity students teach them addi- creased role of the state in the fi- that university will be a normal part tional skills after school. Improved nancing of higher education: “All of their lives.” skills and also grades in English will of these things cost an awful lot But Widening Participation qualify the students not only for a of money, they have to be paid for is not only a success story, there wide range of different subjects but somehow. Personally I prefer to pay are also lots of problems. Hughes also for different universities across more tax and fund higher educa- stressed that because the issues of the country. tion through a collective societal low participation were complex With regards to figures suggest- effort. If you vote for paying less and multiple, it was better for uni- ing a relatively poor performance taxes, you get what you get.” versities to work collaboratively: “It of Warwick in attracting students In this regard she stressed that is very hard for one institution to be from manual occupational back- both taxation and education policy able to be able to make the societal grounds, Hughes highlighted the were very much about ideology and change that relies on sustained, in- new WMG programme with ap- that there was still a huge battle to depth work, but we aspire to do it.” prentices in Jaguar Land Rover. be fought. This is enabling students, all of With regard to the problem of “We will be working with whom are the first in their families qualification inflation, she stressed young people from year seven to go to University, to both work the importance of supporting stu- [...] every faculty is engaged in and take a degree. dents in their attempts to enter uni- this.” She also noted, however, that versity: “Our concerns are to actu- Christina Hughes much of the outreach work that ally think about the life course of » The NFL Superbowl is huge across the pond photo: via podcast.co.uk Warwick does benefits the sector as the student and to ensure that they a whole. As she maintained: “Our are supported all the way through. “We can have Manning for MVP they were more concerned with the from the throwing and catching of yton Manning, star of the season, ago, when he reminded us that But she also highlighted prob- programmes, such as Realising Op- So we help to get students in, make at 2.8, and if we place on a Sea- hundreds of pounds of spread bets an odd-shaped ball, then gamblers failed to bring in the cash for my the things we lose through gam- lems in both the school sector and portunities or Pathways to Law, re- sure they are supported while they hawks-Seahawks ten point lead they had on the game. Now, I don’t madness really had descended on housemates or their buddies. In ing are “our time and treasure: two education policy-making. She said sults in many of these pupils going are here and then ensure that af- and victory we can have fours. Ed, intend to paint a picture of me in Leamington. The national anthem, fact, I was surprised that all bets things most precious to the life of that due to the disaggregation of to other universities. And of course ter the graduation they are further do you want a piece? A tenner on complete innocence, abstaining apparently, was a certainty to be weren’t off when he started throw- man”. Under the excitement and the school sector and the plurality these don’t contribute to our own supported.” the winning margin being less than manfully against the debilitating sung in over 2 minutes 25 seconds, ing the ball directly to the opposi- anticipation of fractions (whatever » Claudia Huges photo: via www.warwick.ac.uk of types of school, it was a difficult figures.” This support can include specific 11.5 points?” world of gambling; even though and anyone not placing money on tion. The living room was split then, happened to proper odds?) being terrain to negotiate with the aim of “In that kind of way what we are programmes for postgraduate stu- my father has called any form of such a patently incalculable oc- once the five-hour TV marathon of traded across the room, behind the ccess for everybody or de- said there were so many successful reaching more universal solutions. doing is raising achievements for dents including financial support all me unappreciative of for- a flutter “a mug’s game” each time currence was barely worth being ‘English commentators showing veneer of expertise on yards, passes grees as an elite qualifica- programmes being pursued, it was Moreover, she criticised the gov- society. Of course we want students but also bursary support for low- eign sports, but I didn’t even the topic has come up in my twenty included in the joint bet being run barely more knowledge than me on and potential unnecessary rough- tion? As has been reported rather difficult to pick one. ernment’s unreliability: “The way to come to Warwick, but that is not income students doing internships. know you could score half years on Earth. No, I enjoy a wager on whether or not Anthony Kiedis the subject of the Superbowl’ was ness (what a name for punching Aby the Boar recently, Russell group Among other examples, she the government changes policy why we are doing it fundamentally. In addition to efforts of universi- Ca point in the NFL. Yet such was as much as the next man. Just not if would be performing with or with- over, between winners and losers. someone), lies the old truism that universities have been accused of mentioned the Assistive Technol- overnight does not help. The na- We are doing it because of our civic ties, she also stressed implications the impenetrable mix of American the next man was someone else at out a shirt. The sartorial choices of Or rather, those ‘up’ or ‘down’. That gambling is destructive. Dress it up being too exclusive and not doing ogy Project, which has been de- tional scholarship funding was responsibility.” about our society gained from the Football know-how and gambling that party. For whilst I was buzzing the Red Hot Chili Peppers aside, phraseology has always been in- on the internet, hand out free bets, enough to attract students from veloped by the Warwick Manu- changed overnight, and so it is very With regard to the widening qualification inflation debate: “You terminology that overtook my from the pure adrenaline released Barack Obama was guaranteed to triguing to me, for it suggests that, entice the uncorrupted into the low-income backgrounds. At the facturing Group (WMG) and the hard for us to plan. We responded gender gap in university applica- have to question what kind of soci- house on Sunday evening. Our res- by a ten pound bet on the Seahawks be a Broncos fan. Or was it Sea- even though events might not have world of few highs and many lows. same time fears of qualification Department of Computer Science quickly, we have done everything tion which lead to widespread fears ety we are living in which requires ident American has, to my mind, to win (I was intrigued, having nev- hawks? I forget. One of the tensest gone the gambler’s way tonight, to- But just walk into any bookies in inflation and rising tuition fees in cooperation with Hereward Col- to support our students. But the of young men being left behind, you to be doing more and more. infected the rest of my housemates er seen a sea hawk before – turns moments of the entire night came morrow he’ll be bouncing back, for the country, and wince at the sight threaten to make going to univer- lege. problem is not only policy change Hughes was rather more reflective: “I think we overweight the eco- with an obsession for the world’s out it’s an osprey, but the ‘Seattle when Joe Namath tossed the coin he’s heard of an absolute guaranteed of yourself in thirty years. sity less attractive. The aim of the programme is to but also policy vacuum. We have “I think it is a great success story nomic argument for education. slowest moving game, and in true Ospreys’? Please.), my friends set to decide ends for the start. One result in the NBA, or on the football Not that I have too much time to I have talked to Christina use the expertise of disabled stu- been promised a national strategy for young women.” She stressed I think we should rebalance it in U.S. of A fashion we were having a to work on spreading bets wider housemate is enthralled. “Come pitch, or anywhere in fact. Forget worry about that. One of Resident Hughes, Pro-Vice Chancellor for dents from the college with regard for Widening Participation since that the University had a general some way, so that we recognise the Superbowl party. The Seattle Sea- than Manny Ramirez’s pass to Pe- on, tails! Tails never fails!” he bel- the money lost today, tomorrow it’s American’s friends has introduced Teaching and Learning and a pro- to assistive technologies and the October. We have not seen it yet.” responsibility to have a diverse stu- social and the cultural contribu- hawks took on the Denver Broncos yton Manning after twelve seconds lows at the screen. And despite the coming back with interest. It’s the us to a new card game called ‘gootz’. fessor of Women and Gender, potential of 3D design and printing Hughes also pointed to the di- dent community – with regard to tions that we make when we are in what was billed as ‘the biggest (zing). maths disagreeing with him, tails it endless and boundless optimism of I presume it to be of Germanic ori- about the University’s efforts in the for developing new devices. Moreo- lemma of Warwick being one of socioeconomic factors, ethnicity, educated. Only thinking about get- world event since last year’s Super- The bets placed ranged (to my is, netting him the princely sum of those who constantly try to beat the gin, until everyone else points out field of Widening Participation, ver, the students are encouraged to the UK’s most renowned universi- disability and also gender. ting a good job is such a transac- b o w l ’. luddite mind at least) from the nor- two pounds. The room erupts. odds; always down, but never out. that it’s called ‘guts’, making me specific programmes, the gender access higher education by working ties and trying to secure this status But in addition to this, she also tional mode, while what we really “Remind me what a ‘first and mality of result and score, through The game itself barely lived up to For me, the whole experience was racist against northern accents. I gap in university applications and at university and discovering new while at the same time attempting emphasised: “There are pipeline ar- want is our students to be transfor- seven’ is again, please”, I ask for what the intricacy of total completed billing of any sort. Even I could tell summed up by a housemate turn- am mortified. To make up for it, I larger political issues with regard to talents. to improve the diversity of the stu- guments about getting women and mational.” will be the first of many times in the passes or yards made by individu- that when you have to perform a ing to me, eyes burning with the continue to play cards well into the access to university. Hughes pointed to the specific dent body. also men into specific disciplines. night. Coupled with such insightful als, to the frankly bizarre of how sort of touchdown in your own goal gleam of a man who has found ‘an night (including, as Peyton Man- Being asked about the biggest importance of the project: “We “We want to maintain the high But what is actually still happening, observations as “so actually they many times ol’ Peyton would say area within a few seconds of the edge’. ning would approve of) Omaha. success in the field of Widen- want to engage those students in standards that we have at Warwick. when you look beyond university, What do you think of never even touch the ball down” “Omaha” in his team’s huddle. Ap- match starting, things aren’t going “I can get odds on who the MVP In fact, I won’t sleep until Tues- ing Participation, Hughes had to understanding that science and So one of the ways in which we are is that you still have that pyramid these schemes? or “that’s not a proper scrum”, the parently it refers to an offensive to go your way. The Broncos were will mention first in his post-match day morning, and when the cards think for some time because she technology informs and supports attempting to meet our aspirations where men are at the top.” Tweet: @BoarFeatures other seven members of the party play by the Broncos, not Manning brushed aside by the Seahawks speech”, he cries, “and God’s at are put away, I seem to have lost a would surely have had reason to ask asking whether any of his team- (hooray for my tenner), and hardly three to one!” load of money. Oh well, I’ll make it me to leave, were it not my house mates want to play cards after the any bets came in for those who had Perhaps Owen Feltham was back tomorrow, I think. I might be and all. Oh yes, and the fact that game. Once the bets veered away wagered on the Broncos. Even Pe- right, even four hundred years down, but I’m certainly not out. Want to write for Features? Let us know! E-mail [email protected] to pitch your ideas 16 theboar.org theboar.org theboar.org/Photography | PHOTOGRAPHYFeatures 17 16 Editor: Giulia Zecchini [email protected] Twitter @BoarFeatures PHOTOGRAPHYfb.com/TheBoarPhotography Second Place Third Place First Place

Winter’s Warm Glow The Way Up Curvature Emily Matthews Jeremie Amoroso Liesse Yodsapon Chirawut

Writing with light Our Photography Editor explains what the new section is about

students. Hopefully this will become an on- Giulia Zecchini going tradition and a way for students to ex- press themselves with different means and see their art published. his isn’t just the literal meaning of The photography section at the Boar is a Liam Simmonds Monica Mylordou photography, it is the way we now growing part of the paper and we pride our- use to tell stories, to keep memo- selves in having a small but passionate team ries and to document moments. who every fortnight supplies the editors with TThe photography section of The Boar has quality images to go alongside stories. To en- finally seen the light. With the hard work of hance our enthusiasm and participation we our website designer and the contribution of have decided to start a section purely dedi- many photographers we now showcase a sec- cated to photography, where each fortnight tion on the website and we will have the cen- we will assign a theme that will allow photog- tre spread in alternate issues which will serve raphers to express their artistic side. as a platform to announce the winners and There are several ways of keeping updated runner ups of the competitions set up each on our regular competitions; through the fortnight. Boar website directly, by emailing photogra- With the announcement of these regular [email protected] or by joining our Facebook competitions such as the ‘Winter’ one which group “Photography at the Boar”. On these Giulia Zecchini has just terminated, we expect to rapidly fill different pages you will find updates regard- the website with beautiful images and allow ing the Themes assigned, winners of the everyone with an interest in photography and competition and how to participate. artistic expression in general to contribute to Theme: Winter our content. Don’t fret if you aren’t a profes- Winter Solitude sional photographer, none of us are! We are Check out our new photo site Winter is the season of pure whiteness. The by Matsuo Basho looking for a wide variety of shots and dif- online: world seems to go to sleep. The ground is ferent perspectives on the themes that will theboar.org/photography hard, the air is cold. This months theme is Winter solitude – be assigned, creating an assorted gallery with to represent the current season, the frozen in a world of one color Jessica Hayne Benjamin Edmonds contributions from all Warwick University nature, the slow running of time. the sound of wind.

14 theboar.org 18 Editor: Joanna Harwood [email protected] Twitter @BoarLifestyle LIFESTYLE fb.com/groups/BoarLifestyle So you fancy a uni wedding? remember my course induction at university, where a good four hundred students were herd- Cruelty-free living Ied like cattle into a lecture thea- tre at Ramphal building. There was a man who greeted us with a Ailsa MacLachlan considers the cost of maintaining a cruelty-free life half-hearted smile before directing our attention to everyone else sit- ant to live your life with- alternatives following the horse- ly, choosing meat substitutes over We are bombarded by celebri- ting around us. out buying anything that meat scandal. The range of vegetar- the real thing and buying the more ties taking their clothes off for the “Look around you. You could be may have harmed the ian food amazed me and made me expensive cosmetic brands can all newest PETA campaign and vid- sitting in the same room as your fu- Wenvironment or animals? This can realise that becoming vegetarian add up. It’s true that most students eos on Facebook of animals being ture husband or wife.” include following a vegetarian or would not be as much of a chore as would rather be economically cau- subjected to horrific treatment all When you’re in your first week vegan diet in order to avoid con- I had first believed. tious than ethically minded. in the name of testing new make- at university, that seems ridicu- doning unethical farming practices It’s a nice thought, but the prac- Getting help from flatmates who up. However, wouldn’t you rather lous. In reality, 10% of all Warwick and avoiding certain fabrics, such ticalities of actually carrying the may not be aware of living animal an animal showed a reaction in a graduates will marry someone that as fur or leather. You can take living whole concept through can be cruelty-free can also pose prob- controlled environment than for they met here. If you scroll through cruelty free further by boycotting tough. The question is whether you lems, as you have to make even you to buy a new product to find it the Warwick Weddings webpage, certain companies that may be as- want to spend your shopping trip more of a conscious effort to not was not safe? It’s a hard choice but you’ll find story upon story about sociated with testing their products holed up in Boots, digging through be led astray by those eating meat at the end of the day the cosmetic how people met each other during on animals. It can be hard to find the shelves to find a product that or buying cosmetics that have been companies are doing it because of Freshers or at the long-retired Top acceptable substitutes, as living an- wasn’t tested on animals, or do you tested on animals. However, this the health and safety rules that the Banana SU night, and in a couple imal cruelty free is still a relatively want to nip into Boots, get whatev- can be a test for strengthening your government impose on them; it’s of cases even just on the way to lec- unknown phenomenon, but on the er is cheapest and save your money will power, and who wouldn’t want sometimes a necessary evil. tures. dietary front it has become more for a night out? to strengthen their will power? That While your conscience may I’m graduating this year and widely publicised and accepted that As university students, we are increase in will power might even take a battering, it’s the time and there’s been some twittering a significant portion of society are losing our naïve views tainted by spill over into other aspects of uni- money involved that can really in our ranks about what’s go- either vegetarian or vegan. the rose-tinted glasses of adoles- versity life. It might be ideal to fi- put people off making an ac- ing to happen to couples in our The horsemeat scandal of last cence and becoming more aware of nally kick the habit of leaving essays tive effort to live an animal year once we leave university. year made people reassess the reli- the cruel ways of the world. There until the last minute. Who knows? cruelty free life. It would be Who’s going to break up with ability of what companies say they are a number of societies at War- The small print on cosmetic nice to think that society has who? Who’s going to get en- produce and what they actually wick that are dedicated to raising packaging can also hinder those made it easier for us to car- gaged? Who’s going to move produce. Although there have been awareness of animal cruelty and wanting to buy products that hav- ry out an animal cruelty free in together? no actual studies to see whether advocating living a cruelty-free en’t been tested on animals. Some life, but it is ultimately the Regardless of what any there are links between the pub- life. Yet it is at university that we companies don’t declare whether economic angle that, par- of those answers might be, licising of the horsemeat scandal are released from the safety net of their products have been tested on ticularly as students, we I personally don’t think and an increase in vegetarianism/ our parents’ bank account and sent animals, while some cosmetics are would struggle it’s a good idea for anyone veganism, I say from personal ex- into the world of deciding wheth- packaged in too small a way to allow with. to get married straight out perience that it definitely made me er alcohol or food will benefit our space for the fine print telling the of university. Everything question what meat I was going to life more. As students, should we consumer that a product has been is laced with uncertainty, buy (Tesco’s Shepherd’s Pie was off look to uphold our morals or pre- tested on animals. It’s also a very » Photo: Flickr/ job applications and CVs. the menu). I didn’t become a prop- serve our bank account? Again, time-consuming business looking epSos.de, jerryfer- You’re going to move er vegetarian, but I would say that this brings up the practicalities of at numerous labels – wouldn’t you gusonphotgraphy into new jobs and new I saw myself looking for meat-free living cruelty-free; living organical- rather just go home and have a nap? environments, you’ll be surrounded by new peo- ple and there’s going to be much more demanded of you. There’s no Fashion: Who cares what’s trending? knowing how that will change you (or if it will even change you) but Get creative with trends What’s all the fuss about? it seems like a mistake to marry someone when you’re both at such Emma Jones VS Christine Wong a crucial transitional stage in your he idea of following the lat- windows, fashion magazines and ashion has always been some- of our lives, surely not engaging in life. est trends often seems sur- blogs are often the best places to thing that has confused me. I another one – and only to do with By all means, continue dating rounded by a certain neg- look. They will point you in the di- have never been a person that’s what you’re wearing – would be a and being generally in love. I’m Tativity, that is to say, the image of rection of clothes which will remain Ffollowed any trends, and I only got wise choice? not saying that you should never us all becoming Topshop clones, popular throughout the season the ‘Florals? For spring?’ joke in I wear things that make me get married, but rather that you completely broke and devoid of any (it’s a misconception that follow- The Devil Wears Prada about a year happy. I’m totally okay in wearing should allow each other the chance individuality. However, following ing trends means weekly shopping after I watched the film. a t-shirt and jeans everywhere, to explore the nooks and crannies fashion does not really have to in- sprees and excessive spending!) The fuss over following whatever because they’re comfortable and I of your own lives. When you marry volve any of this, and can sim- and, although admittedly latest trends there are doesn’t can layer hoodies and jackets someone, you’ll have to make con- ply be an enjoyable way to there are some very ques- really make sense to me. and jumpers over them in cessions in order to orbit around keep your wardrobe up- tionable trends, if some- Why should you decide the cold English weath- each other and it’s not fair to ei- to-date and limit those thing is the must-have what to wear based on er. That doesn’t mean I ther of you at such a young age. Let last minute ‘what shall item of the moment, what someone else don’t love dressing up yourself change and be changed by I wear?’ panics. it’s probably because it thinks is ‘fashionable’? once in a while, but everything around you; sometimes Following the looks pretty good and Maybe I’m just a I’m just not interested it’ll be for the worst but know that trends does not mean is suited to the cultur- more practical kind of in having ‘pure fash- sometimes it’ll be for the best, even sacrificing your in- al environment at the girl, but I’d rather wear ion alchemy’, as Vogue if it means that you start spinning dividual style. Instead, time. something comfortable, puts it, on my body. If in different directions. If you’re still the trends suggest a se- Following the trends or something that makes keeping up with fashion together after a year out of univer- lection of staple items, and is ultimately one of many me feel pretty; following a makes you happy, that’s cool sity when you’ve both learned what leave you to get creative in terms ways to engage ourselves and our trend for the sake of being… well, – but I’ll stick to my bunny-eared it actually means to be a working of how you wear them, what you identities with the constant devel- ‘on-trend’ seems very impracti- hoodie and pyjama shorts, thanks. adult, maybe then you can talk wear them with and how you acces- opments in popular culture which cal. Not to mention, these fashion about getting married. Don’t feel sorise. There’s still plenty of room influence the dynamic nature of trends are created by designer la- like you have to rush into anything for expressing yourself through fashion. We take an active interest bels and fashion magazines looking though, you’re only in your twen- what you wear, which is, of course, in the latest music and films, and to cash in on the people who will » Photo: ties. what fashion is about. When you’re there’s no reason why fashion needs buy their products in order to keep (left) Flickr/hartlandmartin; Megan C. Hills struggling for inspiration, shop to be any different. up. There are enough rat races in all (right) Flickr/martineno theboar.org theboar.org/Lifestyle | @BoarLifestyle | LIFESTYLE 1915 ‘Dairy’ of a born-again vegan Shaan Jindal reflects on the trials and tribulations of being a vegan on campus

or those that do not know, vegan-friendly. Thankfully, Xanan- vegans ‘‘partake not in the as does specify which dishes are meat, nor the breastmilk, nor vegan but I fear this may only be Fthe ovum, of any creature with a because it is in the SUHQ where face’’ (a quote from Scott Pilgrim everything must be politically Where the party at? where vegans have telekinetic pow- correct and accessible to every- ers – mine haven’t developed yet). I one (hence their ‘Gender-Neu- Danesh Sethna looks at alternatives to clubbing came to university as an omnivore tral Accessible Toilet’), not that and soon evolved into a herbivore that’s a bad thing. therefore experiencing campus life As there’s a strange obsession lubbing here at Warwick caution though, go easy on the UV following both lifestyles. with slapping cheese on any- is a lot different compared Rollerblading, it’s not that gentle There is no better time than uni- thing without meat, most restau- to back home in the sunny on the rear. versity to go vegan as you can cook rants have only one vegan option Clands of Dubai, the main differ- Speaking of rears, why not sit for yourself without the guilt of (usually vegetable noodles which ence being I never left my room down and relax at Curiositea with rejecting your parents’ (question- I could cheaply and easily make). over there. My first few weekends a giant mug of hot chocolate and ably) delicious cooking. Actually Although sometimes it’s feasible to here were spent endlessly trying to couple of friends and cascade living on campus makes veganism order vegetarian options without test my ability to go without sleep yourself into a dangerous game of easier as you can prepare hot meals cheese, it leads to a frankly bland (there are no vegan sandwiches as I partied the night away with a monopoly that’s sure to ruin your in halls between lectures and meet- meal. I appreciate that restaurants unlike the Library Café). Ironical- multitude of random strangers, friendship while the rain outside ings. Commuting onto campus don’t have to attend to everyone’s ly, lunch ‘Chez Costcutter’ can get who danced like they were having crashes against the glass windows. each morning, however, results in needs as it’s ultimately your deci- pricey. Thankfully, the Bread Oven spasms, to the beats of every other It sure beats getting soaked while more of a reliance on campus cui- sion to visit, but these are outlets has an almost infinite sandwich person in the UK who was given a waiting to buy a queue jump ticket. sine. designed to provide an accessible range comprised of different com- ‘Be your own DJ’ set for their 15th If you’re still hungering for the club Unfortunately, veganism on and diverse range of food for stu- binations of hummus, falafel, salad, birthday. atmosphere, why not simply throw campus can be difficult. For some, dents. roast vegetables and caramelized While that was all well and good, a house party, where you can de- no markings on vegan options To actually eat a varied diet I onions. In terms of satisfying your it got quite boring after a while and cide who can come. Just remember means they avoid certain outlets. bring leftover dinner, reheated sweet tooth there are few vegan I thought I’d take a break from par- to go easy on your bank balance or Although you’d assume it’s obvious and stored in a thermos, to cam- options leaving nothing to compli- tying and see what else this univer- it’ll be the one with a hangover in if something is vegan, this isn’t al- pus making me look like a creepy ment my soy latte when at Curios- sity has to offer. Hoping that you’ve the morning. ways true; the vegetable thai green adventurer extraordinaire. Failing itea. Fortunately, the student-run recovered from the initial shock In all honesty, clubbing isn’t curry in Bar Fusion and the hum- this, I venture to Costcutter where Food Co-op provides ethically that there is something else to life such a bad way to spend your night mus wrap in Costcutter both con- couscous, hummus and bean sal- sourced products including vegan besides clubbing I thought I’d share out. Simply make sure to go with tain fish paste despite sounding ads can be purchased individu- snacks. with you what there is to do besides a bunch of friends, stay within ally for extortionate prices be- Despite these problems, people simply going out every other night. your limits and don’t go out when fore being assembled into a meal seem open-minded about a vegan Listing out the stereotypical ‘al- you have class the next day or you lifestyle especially as it is cheap, ternative’ such as watching movies will regret it. Still once in a while, healthy and makes you part of an is a bit 80s so I’d thought I’d give there’s nothing wrong with just excellent community. For more in- you guys something more ‘inter- kicking back, relaxing and stream- formation on veganism there is a esting’. For starters, Warwick Sport ing endless episodes of Friends in Go Veggie Campaign in Week 7. has got a bunch of UV activities the comfort of your own room, or that are simply out of this world. as I like to call it ‘my weekend’. If you ever wanted to feel like Tron » Photo: Flickr/Fitness Emu, Leo and test your cyborg abilities then » Photo: Flickr/Elentari86 Reynolds this is the place for you. Word of

Ready for the drop Drugs at Warwick: all it’s cracked up to be? Henrietta Bennett investigates

hile the drug scene in occasional drug users, the night life to be named harness these pres- drugs seem to be, when you step have their priorities under control. Warwick isn’t as ded- at university can greatly affect both sures to be seen as cool or different back and ignore this factor these The odd lecture may be missed due icated as London and your exposure to, and the pressure and it is often here that the drug places can be seen in a different to a lazy day in and there might be WManchester, illegal substances un- to take, drugs. culture truly flourishes in Warwick. light. It is due to the stereotypes some more trips to Tesco than an- deniably play a prominent role in There are some clubs (that do On a club night where drugs are of what a high is and what doing ticipated but it is very rare to see a university life. not need to be named) where enforced there is a different vibe. drugs implies about you as a person sad case of drug overdose on stu- There are different levels of drug everyone can have a good time. Wide eyes scan the dance floor that creates a dingy environment. dent nights. takers in Warwick. Just as you The top ten radio hits are on, girls for someone to say ‘I love you so I have never seen a fight in these The level of pressure to drink al- could work for a month on an es- are dressed to impress and guys’ clubs, never even a disagreement. cohol is incredibly high due to our say and cram a module into a week eyes are prowling the dance floor. Idiots hugging each other and chat- sports culture and in comparison before an exam, drug users in War- There will probably be a fight, at The night-life at university can ting for hours on end is a common I would not say the drug scene in wick often take varied approach to least one major fall and a genuine greatly affect both your expo- occurrence, but it is often the peo- Warwick demands as much. Every ‘partying’ where the drug culture is distaste for one bouncer or another. sure to, and the pressure to ple that do not take any substances university has their dealers and on often inconsistent and sparse over While the negative implications of take, drugs at all that enjoy these environments the whole, common sense appears months. Going out in Leamington many party drugs are obvious, it is most. For a non-drinker, being able to prevail over reckless and de- you can find yourself on several at these please-all events that drink to have a lengthy conversation with structive hedonism. nights out with sweaty revellers becomes your demon. I have never much’ to. There will be a person someone can be a breath of fresh and drunken photos on the Neon been offered drugs in these clubs in a trance in the corner staring at air. » Photo: Flickr/Katie Sara dancefloor without ever encoun- and the pressure is (to my knowl- lights with a slow fist pump and to As Warwick students we are Anderson tering an illegal substance. edge) non-existent. When you are some this is unsettling. It is easy to supposed to be strong willed inde- However, you can just as easily drunk you want to sing along and feel uncomfortable around people pendent learners; not only academ- What’s your experience find yourself amongst wide-eyed, allow the music not to overpower on drugs when you see zombies be- ically but socially as well. of drugs at Warwick? clammy-handed and sleep-de- the night, but to be a backing track ing created out of usually loud and How each individual chooses to Tweet: prived students. for your ever-occurring adventures. lary drunks. experience university is entirely up @BoarLifestyle While some students are only Other clubs that also do not need However dehumanising the to them, and I feel many students 16 theboar.org 20 Sponsored by: Editor: Rebekah Ellerby [email protected] Twitter @BoarArts ARTS fb.com/groups/BoarArts In Conversation An art form we should subscribe to? Boar Arts sent Katherine Price to find out what Alan Ayckbourn says about YouTub e should be considered a platform for creative exploration, says Hannah Bettison theatre success and the director’s role n eruption of applause broke out as Sir Alan Ayckbourn, British theatre legend, entered Warwick Arts Cen- Atre’s Woods-Scawen theatre. When described as “the greatest British playwright living” by his biographer and interviewer Paul Allen, he grimaced and swept away all pretensions with a wave of his hand, as if embarrassed to have such praise heaped upon him. Com- ing off as approachable, modest and good- natured, he did seem to be one of the nicest characters I have encountered in theatre. With over 50 years of playwriting and di- recting under his belt, and 78 productions to date, Ayckbourn is one of the most successful and esteemed living playwrights and direc- tors. He chattered on good-naturedly, like a grandparent recalling a story, chuckling to himself occasionally on recalling a humorous » Daniel Gordh and Ashley Clements as Darcy and Lizzie in The Lizzie Bennet Diaries photo: YouTube - Hank Green, Bernie Su anecdote from productions past. or most people, YouTube is the home raw, untethered talent, a place where we can Tube has enabled creators and artists like One of the productions at the Arts Centre of the ‘Harlem Shake’ and sneezing engage, create and experiment in a way TV Alex Day to buy a house, thus allowing the was a re-visitation of Ayckbourn’s 1992 play pandas which, although entertaining, can only dream of”. Any art that is offered artist to thrive and live off their creative out- Time of My Life. Paul Allen questioned the are somewhat the equivalent of what to the world on traditional platforms, TV puts. Similarly, Hit Record on TV (an expan- decision to allow it to resurface, and whether FToddlers and Tiaras is to TV. Yet despite this for example, remains as a monologue inso- sion of www.hitrecord.org) has announced it was due to an unsatisfactory first run. This generalised and rather degrading view, this far as although open to interpretation and its proposal to divide, based on percentage did happen to be the case. Without divulging article focuses on YouTube as a form of new engagement, it cannot respond in the way contribution, $50,000 per episode among all too much, Ayckbourn described a ‘feud’ that media; YouTube as a platform for the arts. that YouTube can as a ‘conversation’. The feel- those who contributed via the internet. The developed once the play was taken to Lon- “At the core of it [YouTube] is always ing of a one-to-one relationship between the beauty of such platforms is the utter freedom don’s West End and the insistence on ‘star something creative” says Phil Lester (Amaz- creator and their viewer is constructed in the of the artist, over both what they create and casting.’ ingPhil), who is featured in Becoming You- way videos are both made and watched on how they do it, which means such platforms ‘My plays were written for five or six peo- Tube (ninebrassmonkeys), a YouTube docu- the platform, which seem to imitate that of a seem likely, as one of the first YouTube con- ple, not one plus four,’ he stated, criticising mentary exploring the website as a creative video call with a friend. This intimacy works tent creators John Green said, to “remain rel- the overshadowing that can occur with a ce- platform. The film captures what is thought with the wider YouTube community estab- atively independent while people run in and lebrity addition to a cast. He felt a ‘terrible to be the main motivation behind making lished through communication via YouTube’s try to take the money.” sense of betrayal’ at the removal of two of the YouTube content and suggests that the user comment and tag features. Some students are already beginning to get original cast members, and defined the play uploaded videos are worthy of being consid- YouTube ‘conversation’ uses the internet involved with this expanding platform. In- as ‘a family play’ that ‘relies on intense team- ered artistic. Vlogging, or ‘video blogging’, to be both instantaneous and global which spired by The Lizzie Bennett Diaries, a mod- work.’ He discussed how the use of a ‘celeb- is perhaps what YouTube is best known for often creates rather special opportunities. ern interpretation of Jane Austen’s Pride and rity’ actor in a play, which was meant to have (aside from its videos of hilarious cats) and Jack Harries began vlogging as a gap year Prejudice broadcast as a web-series in vlog fairly equally balanced characters, it can be- which gives people an outlet to share their project, but now, alongside his brother Finn, format, members of Warwick’s Freshblood come imbalanced, which was unfortunately views and opinions on camera, enabling works on ‘curating the best of the web’ on drama society, Emily Nabney and Olivia what happened in this case. them to reach a huge audience. One of the jacksgap.com: a platform for people to find, Cole, have adapted Austen’s Sense and Sen- Ayckybourn attributes J B Priestley to his most famous vloggers is Charlie McDonnell share and interact with the best of global art sibility into a similar format which is due to interest in the theme of time. One anecdote (charlieissocoollike), who after setting up his in all its varying forms. Take this a step fur- feature online (queen-marianne.tumblr.com) shared was the first time Ayckbourn met YouTube account as a bored teenager, has ther and you get the platform www.hitrecord. around May or June of this year. Pristley, early on in his career. Being intro- managed to capture the attention of over 1 org, created by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his Our student years offer us the chance to duced, Priestley reportedly said: ‘You’re a million subscribers. Since then, he has had brother. The open-invite website encourages doodle in lectures, meet and be inspired by very good writer,’ to the then young play- the opportunity to make short films – his and enables collaborative art projects which a diversity of people, and find ouselves bored wright, ‘…or so I’ve heard,’ he then added. audience providing him the perfect platform result in a variety of merchandise, books and in front a computer; we can ramble on about Ayckbourn laughed heartily at this recollec- for showcasing his art. Likewise, Bertie Gil- YouTube videos, without breaching anyone’s the meaning of life, wine bottle in hand, at tion. bert (BertieBertG) has also made short films, copyright. The website is a gold mine of crea- 2am in a way that we will probably never He emphasised the importance for him whereas PJ Liguori (KickThePJ) has com- tive people and pieces; it exhibits anything experience again. Surely, that in itself makes of actor-led performances, with the direc- bined art and video making to create imagi- from traditional, fine art to the doodles of a these moments worth recording, in all their tor acting only as a sheepdog figure, guiding nary animated adventures, while Jack How- student bored in a 2010 University of War- messy creative glory. After all, as clichéd as it the production and actors into place. ‘What ard’s comedy sketches have also caught the wick lecture. The power of collaboration can sounds, life is art, right? Nonetheless, the rise you say is very important,’ he said, suggest- attention of YouTube viewers. With such a be seen in the instant transformation of one of YouTube: the arts platform; YouTube: the ing that a good director tries to resist instinc- range I expect even the most sceptical might voice recording (which shares similarities new media, is identified by John Green as be- tively exploring actors’ methods. find them self accepting at least one as a form with someone who has drunk too much pur- ing part of a ‘decentralisation’ of existing ar- Talking about his younger days under the of art. ple) into a profound animation regarding the tistic platforms that “will be good for media tutelage of the late director Stephen Joseph, The uniqueness of the YouTube platform independent nature of society. but also quality of discourse on the planet” Ayckbourn said his mentor once challenged seems to be best described by Ben Cook, Among all the creative content being pro- and surely that is something anyone would him: ‘Why don’t you write a well-made play creator of Becoming YouTube, as “a hub of duced, it is important to consider how You- want to be a part of. with all the rules you know?’ Rebelling against traditional theatre, Ayckbourn re- » Richard Stacey and Emily Pithon in Time fused, preferring experimentation to confor- Of My Life (photo: Tony Bartholomew) mation. That is, until it became a bet. That What’s on bet became his first West End hit. Once he learned the ‘rules of theatre’ he was able to A Taste of Honey Moore Rodin RSC Student Moon on a Rainbow successfully break them, seemed to have Conference Shawl been the lesson he learned. But what exactly does Sir Alan Ayckbourn Until 11 May, Until 31 August, 3-4 March, 20-22 February, write for? According to the man himself, he National Theatre, Compton Verney, The RSC, Birmingham Rep, writes characters that we can recognise in £5 with Entry Pass £13.50 for Students £35 £10-£12 those around us. Here he recalled how one Taboo-breaking 50s Reopens after winter Talks and practical Tawala Theatre couple left a theatre commenting, ‘Well at play about female closure. Ground- sessions exploring Company and the NT least our marriage isn’t as bad as that!’ He spirit, premiered by breaking exhibition Wolf Hall and Bring tour Errol John’s witty continued: ‘I’d like them to know more about Joan’s Littlewood’s of Henry Moore and Up the Bodies. Hear play about Trinidad the human race… another perspective… and Theatre Workshop. Auguste Rodin. from Hilary Mantel. and London. have a bit of fun on the way.’ theboar.org Editor: Tolga Kuyucuoglu21 21 [email protected] Twitter @Boar Games GAMES fb.com/groups/Games.TheBoar Worth getting in a flap about?

Sam Carter looks at the legacy left by irritating sensation Flappy Bird » The gaming sensation was removed from online stores by its creator. Photo: flickr/ThanhPham lappy bird, we hardly knew ye. For the day that he was removing it from the market. that you never truly beat until you delete the score on games like Temple Run or Dots? Not past few weeks the internet has been So how did this ugly, awkward game become app, others immediately resort to the familiar until you've spent enough gems/coins/actual scarcely able to talk of anything but the most-downloaded app on the Google mantras of “just one more go” and “I've got cash on the extra upgrades that you'll need to this free mobile game – a combina- Play store? a good feeling about this one.” The latter is get there. There has been a backlash of sorts Ftion of frustrating gameplay and crude Super Gameplay-wise, there are a couple of things understandable given that, in theory, players against this model, and Flappy Bird's com- Mario knockoff visuals that make the protag- that made it a little bit different. can always improve. No pipe is more plete disregard for in-game purchases and onist's bulbous beak look more like a giant Instead of scores that reach difficult than the others, and if you micro-transactions feels like a welcome trip pair of lips. the thousands or millions, can pass one, you can pass a hun- back to gaming's past. It was hardly original, either: the formula most people do well dred more. Really, the game's swift end seems fitting. of navigating a bird through a series of green to reach double All of which helped level Just like the on-screen bird we've learned to pipes by tapping the screen to flap its awk- figures, one pixel- the playing field when it came loathe, Flappy Bird finished its flight without ward little wings aped everything from old lated obstacle at a to the frenzied pursuit of warning. Still, out of death comes life, and arcade titles like Lunar Lander to the heli- time. In fact, the bragging rights. For a Rory Cellan-Jones might just have a point copter games that once dominated school lack of any kind of while, all you've been able when he called Nguyen's shock decision 'the computer science classes. margin for error (the to hear in my house is fin- birth of a marketing genius'. bird perishes at the mere gers tapping away at phone The developer has culled his prized asset suggestion of a collision) screens, followed by the before it lingered too long and in doing so The lack of anykind of margin for er- means that every minor im- occasional muttered expletive he has elevated it to the status of a collec- ror means that every minor improve- provement requires a Herculean a n d the sound of smartphone hitting tor's item. With Nguyen set to keep creating ment requires a Herculean effort. effort. Few things are as nerve-wracking as carpet at terminal velocity. Even now, the games, it seems that even Flappy Bird's re- watching your score inch slowly upwards be- sheer endurance required to leapfrog your moval from the market can't stop it making fore the familiar, disheartening sight of your friends' totals is worth it – if only because people come back for more. feathered companion plummeting to earth. doing so ensures that, until you're overtaken, And yet Vietnamese developer Dong For those who still own the game on their you no longer have to play the damned thing. Did you get hooked on Nguyen was reportedly making $50,000 a phone, this development generally elicits two But I suspect the appeal is also down to Flappy Bird? Let us know! day from the game's ad revenue before he types of response: while some players quite something else entirely – namely the avoid- Have your say made the sudden announcement on Satur- sensibly realise that Flappy Bird is a game ance of clutter. Want to post a competitive Tweet: @BoarGames Breaking free of ‘freemium’ gaming cient imps of the old Dungeon Keepers could be likened to cynically-designed cash courier artistic vision and earn good money through Aaron Lee accomplish a decent-sized chamber in a few systems, only without the effort to even dis- the goodwill of the players. Free-to-play minutes, a single block of rock can take be- guise the fact. To define these forms of pre- works when a studio is focused on delivering tween four and twenty four hours to dig out mium software as games will be to do injus- a game to a player that is worth their time. It early everyone with a clout of fa- in this version. The solution around this stag- tice to many other games in the App or Play works when the player gets something out of miliarity with the videogames gering case of ransom is of course to open up stores because there is no ounce of gameplay the game and offers to support the endeav- market will understand your wallet to Electronic Arts to dial involved in Dungeon Keeper. There our of the developer by paying mon- the concept of “free- down on the waiting. You do is no satisfaction in accumu- ey for fairly apportioned optional Nmium” software where only this by purchasing gems, the lating large amounts of in- content that does not drastical- the very basic veneer of the only currency in the game game currency which ly alter the game unfairly for game is provided for free, of any intrinsic worth. turns out to be worthless non-payers. while enhancing features Successfully circum- because the real cur- The model becomes a are barricaded behind venting this temporal rency of any value is farce when the player is paywalls. At what point barrier, reality hits that attained through real besieged, cajoled and psy- however, does freemium there is an abundance money transactions. chologically pummelled software blatantly cross of other blocks to dig There is no accom- into paying for virtually over into the territory of out, each one about to plishment to be had in nothing. There is some- transparent exploitation? psychologically pummel paying for something to thing appropriate about a Where can we draw the you with timers of its own. happen when the inher- demon doing the cajoling line? Given the recent on- This prompts immediate ent nature of videogames in Dungeon Keeper, mind line furore over it, Dungeon questions. Where is the game? since their inception is to you. EA’s newest demon child Keeper for mobile may well be Where is the actual gameplay? accrue reward through mean- is an excellent representation of one of the best places to start. Where is the core of enjoyment that ingful interaction and effort and the dukes of decadence and the gran- Attempting to replicate the feeling of the warrants this to be called a game, unless one’s conquering challenges. dees of greed that sit on top of the company’s classic PC games of its namesake, the new idea of fun is to foolishly offer their wallet as Free-to-play is not inherently scammy as corporate ladder. They seek a glorious green Dungeon Keeper maintains the dark, satirical if a chalice of tribute to the gods of avarice? a business model. You can see the folks of Jerusalem, albeit one composed of dollar humour and the ability to command a horde It is perhaps apt to dispense with the idea Tribes: Ascend, Path of Exile and Warframe as bills, attained through the most despicable of of toiling imps to dig out tunnels and caverns of Dungeon Keeper and its similar ilk such as examples of developers who have been able methods. and build intricate dungeons. While the effi- Simpsons: Tapped Out as games. They should to successfully produce games adhering to » Left: flickr/srjm Right: flickr/emabulator 22 Editor: Poppy Rosenbergtheboar.org theboar.org theboar.org/Books | @BoarBooks | BOOKS 23 22 [email protected] Twitter @BoarBooks Pint of purple BOOKS fb.com/groups/BoarBooks Free books for all? No-way Norway! Norway announces a free library of 135,000 books, but where does this leave Sports Editor us? Issac Leigh takes Sensory fiction: succsesful mimicry or sheer gimmickry Free Norway Books – Sandeep Purewal The demise of the books - Karishma Jobanputra on our bookish questions in this Two of our writers give their take on the latest sensory craze literally sweeping the literary world... ue to a new initiative by the Norwe- eing a writer is notoriously difficult, this gian National Library, more than is an undisputed fact. Therefore being a week’s column 135,000 books will be going online for successful writer is even more difficult hen I first heard about the phe- piano, and the emotional thrust intensifies ubbed ‘sensory fiction’ by the sci- customers… free in Norway. Those lucky Norwe- and an admirable feat, one which thou- nomenon of sensory fiction, dramatically. Why shouldn’t the same mul- entists and researchers at the Mas- On this (rather fitting) note, it is impor- Dgian citizens will have free access to most books Bsands of aspiring writers wish for as they endure What book are you reading at the moment? I must admit I was nothing if ti-layered immersion be applied to literature? sachusetts Institute of Technology tant to remember that such a move towards published before the year 2001! I am seriously the pointed questions about when they will get not alarmed. But the more I Credit is still given to the reader’s emotions; (MIT), the ‘wearable’ book is de- these limiting pre-programmed stimuli considering applying for citizenship… a “real” job and no longer have to be a waiter/ At the moment I’m reading The Acid House, Wthought about it, the more I began to appre- they are simply given an extra nudge. No Dsigned to produce physiological effects in would, in essence, be to equalise the entire What does this mean for the authors? Well, it barista/assistant to make ends meet whilst they a series of short stories by Irvine Welsh (the ciate the potential advantages and ambition one ever ruined ice cream by putting choc- tandem with the protagonist’s own emotions literary spectrum (regardless of the texts’ seems that the scheme will be of great benefit for work their way to literary success. So whilst al- guy who wrote Trainspotting). They’re abso- of the concept. olate sprinkles on top (if this newspaper was or feelings, thus augmenting and supposedly quality). Since the degree to which a novel them. For a start, authors will be paid for partak- lowing some books to be put up online and ac- lutely great – once you get your head around These MIT (Massachusettes Institute sensory, a puff of Eau de Chocolat would enhancing the experience of reading. is well-written hinges on its capacity to con- ing in the initiative: Kopinor, the organization cessed for free may have a lot of benefits does it the Scottish dialect, there’s few better writers of Technology) inventors are by no spritz out of the page right now, It is the major premise of the project, how- vey complex emotions to the reader, to adopt which represents authors and publishers, will be not undermine the achievements of authors by out there. means mechanical of mind and and we’d all feel better for it). ever, that represents my main point of depar- sensory fiction on a wider scale would be to paid four pence per page until the online collec- allowing access to their hard work for free? This cold of heart; they understand Above all, rather than shun- ture, with the said researchers’ claim that the consign every work to the same intellectual tion reaches its target of 250,000 books, when moral dilemma is also compounded by the very Who is your favourite literary character? that reading is primarily an ning the wearable book as technological tools ‘can be wielded to create plane- ultimately, that of mediocrity. the sum will decrease to three pence. real detrimental effect on book publishers and emotional experience, of- another example of the an immersive storytelling experience tailored Finally, a book’s unique charm (grounded While this sum of money may not seem very bookshops. I really love Willy Wonka in Charlie and the ten heavily informed by the over-technologizing of lit- to the reader’ seeming improbable at best. In within its simplicity) would be found dis- impressive, Moe Skarstein, the head of the Nor- It is possible for certain books to be removed Chocolate Factory. What a man. He had cha- contexts we find ourselves erature, I propose that it fact, the sensory element it prides itself upon tinctly lacking in the cumbersome vest suit wegian National Library, makes a great point: from the initiative (being carried out by the Na- risma coming out of his ears. in. Where I imagine the paradoxically achieves represents not only an unnecessary addition provided. Although it is important to regis- when the novelty of books wears out, ‘they sink tional Library in Norway) and publishers have ‘wearable book’ comes into the opposite. In taking the but one actively of detriment, reductive in its ter that the model is merely a prototype, it into oblivion’. The scheme will give a new lease decided to do exactly that with some 3,500 What is the first book you remember read- its own is in allowing ac- technology to the next lev- production of faux-emotional responses. remains true that, no matter the degree of life to previously forgotten books, giving au- books being taken off the online list. Surpris- ing? cess to reading environments el, we are moving away from How conceivable does the read- of refinement, the vest will never thors an opportunity to profit. ingly, this has not included best selling novels that are no longer commonly the blank impersonality of er suppose it is for the supple- capture the simplicity required Furthermore, there are warning signs that the but rather school books and children’s books, I have a really vivid memory of reading available. When reading gothic e-readers towards a renewed mentary belt’s heartbeat and of it. Put simply, I can’t envis- rise of the eBook will lead to wide-spread pira- two genres which are incredibly profitable for a book called Cool by Michael Morpurgo fiction, for example, not everyone appreciation of the book as an ac- shiver simulator to replicate age people casually whipping cy of books. According to the research company publishers. Therefore, the removal of such prof- when I was quite young. It was about a boy has the option to consume it as it was tive, physical entity. Traditionalists rev- the blood-curdling horror out their sensory simulation GfK, a whopping 90 percent of Dutch eBooks itable genres from the list indicates the worry called Robbie who was hit by a car and sur- popularly composed: in a dark and sinister el in the scent of a second-hand novel, the of Shelley’s Frankenstein, vest mid-transit on the un- haven’t been paid for. It ‘s not far-fetched to publishers have of losing out financially. Whilst vived against all the odds. I’ve read it a few manor house by the light of a single flick- coffee stains on the cover, everything that for instance; for its local- derground any time soon. suggest that the initiative will help fight piracy: those in favour of the scheme assure authors and times since and cried every time (I’m just too ering candle. If the next best thing is hav- takes the reading experience beyond solely ized temperature fluctua- Whilst this prototype people will have access to books for free, while publishers they will be paid when their book is cool…) ing the book literally send a shiver up my the words on the page, which – so it seems tions to mimic the biting does undoubtedly consti- authors will continue to get paid for their works. accessed there are still concerns over what this spine, I’d say we’re doing Mary Shelley proud. – sensory fiction delivers to the nth degree. cold of Wuthering Heights; tute an impressive scientif- It seems that everyone can, for once, be happy! means for the publishing industry and book- What is your all-time favourite book? A sensory book read in public is its own I can’t say whether or not this will catch or its body compression to ic and technological feat, a Authors do retain the right to pull out, however shops in particular. marketing strategy. If the person sitting across on as a mainstream way of consumuing lit- capture the physical restraints means of provoking fascinat- only 3500 books have been removed from the Whilst it could be argued that the project en- I’m going to follow up on what I said earlier from you on the train starts having palpita- erature, but for those particular evenings placed upon the protagonist in ing discussion if nothing else, its collection. Most of these are children’s text- courages reading as books will be free and so about Irvine Welsh and go for Trainspotting. tions as a result of the novel they are so des- when you fancy turning your reading ex- Gulliver’s Travels? Realistically, the employment on a wider scale would books, a major source of profit for publishers. available to more people, it is perhaps not taking It was on one of my modules last year and perately clutching, you know it’s worth a read. perience up to eleven, I’d consider reaching calibre of writing sensory fiction would be nothing short of a literary travesty. But authors won’t be the only people to benefit into consideration the fact that libraries also pro- I couldn’t get enough of it. The film’s pretty Moreover, films and television shows cre- for both the ice cream and the sprinkles. have to resort to in order to yield some suc- On reflection, despite its merits, ‘sensory fic- from the scheme. Life can be hectic, and many vide this. In addition, although the scheme will good too – although it’s pretty grim in places, ate remarkable atmosphere precisely by play- cess would be akin to that of E.L James’ Fifty tion’ should remain exactly that: a fiction. simply cannot find the time – or the energy – to mean books can be accessed more quickly, easily I’ve got to admit. ing off more than one sense at a time. A shot Pheobe Demeger Shades of Grey- that is, writing with an emo- take a trip to the library in search of something and conveniently, it does not take into account of a character staring out to sea is effective tional complexity tantamount to a spanking Thomas Bell to read. When people have a spare twenty min- the fact that buying a copy from a bookshop or If you wrote an autobiography, what would enough; underpin it with some minor key paddle. Now, this really would pull in the utes in the evening, it can be easier to just stick online website, or even visiting the library is not be the title? » photo: weburbanist.com » photo: geeky-gadgets.com the telly on rather than hunting for a book. How- an overly difficult or laborious process. ever, this scheme will allow citizens to browse Perhaps driven forward by good intentions, it Hmm. I have never thought myself worthy through a large collection of free books from seems this is just another way to ensure the end of an autobiography! It would probably be a the comfort of their own homes. With access of good old-fashioned books through the pro- lazy rhyme with my surname: ‘Isaac Leigh: A Boobs and books: the Page 3 debate in literature to works from crime writer Jo Nesbø, as well as motion of digitised reading, another nail in the Story about Me’ with ‘I’m Sure You’ll Agree’ translations of non-Norwegian literature such as coffin for actual, physical books. All those (my- as the subtitle. Man, that’s awful. Sorry every- Stephen King, people will be reading more. This self included) who will forever be on the side of one. Rebekah King considers how we, in the world of literature, should tackle this fierce debate... can, of course, only be a good thing, especially books when it comes to the books vs digitised following recent reports that reading really does reading debate will be disheartened but perhaps Kindle vs. Book? or many of us, there is nothing more century. Here, our protagonist dashingly res- some modest Venus.” How then, in light of ly thrilled or appalled by its contents; when make people smarter. understand the inevitability of the situation as harmlessly enjoyable than Page 3. It cues a woman from a male assailan, but isn’t these examples, can one be a believer in the we pick up the Sun, we already know what This scheme claims innumerable benefits and we are truly living in a digital age, where paper- As an English student, I’ve got to say books – seems barbaric to object to it, this at- quite heroic enough to introduce himself be- uncensored expression of literature—even is waiting inside. Sexism exists in books, but advantages, and should certainly be trialled in » photo: ntnu.no, olimex.files.word- less takes priority over tradition. I’ve never been able to get into a Kindle, hard tractive diversion from our mundane fore having a good ogle. “Her clothes being that which objectifies the female body—and is far from a part of their DNA. In fact, the other countries (take the hint, Mr Cameron). press.com, tqn.com as I’ve tried. I’ll have to go with the cliché Flives which we peruse with pleasure in the torn from all the upper part of her body, her simultaneously call for an end to Page 3? Is very nature of the novel is to be variable and, about there being nothing quite like a living, living room, the doctor’s surgery, or the te- breasts, which were well formed and extremely this not the very worst sort of middle-class as many modern writers have done, one can breathing book. dious morning bus ride. Yet that beguiling white, attracted the eyes of her deliverer.” O ut - hypocrisy: “down with The Sun but up with bend the form to the opposite approach. third page of which I speak belongs not to the rage, naturally, ensued. The controversy did painted Aphrodites and juicy pornographic Whilst one author scribbles furiously on the How much is a pint of purple? The Sun but to the novel, the first side beyond little to deter a nineteen year old Matthew descriptions?” subject of ‘beauteous orbs’, another might well Fooling Some of the People All of the Time the frontispiece and title sheet on which the Lewis from penning a similar scene several There is, of course, a difference. And it is be reporting on a mother breastfeeding her I have to admit that I had one last week, so I text itself begins. decades later in The Monk, a tale which reads by no means a trivial one. Neither art nor child. As one tale acts the peeping Tom on its A review of the biography whose story has scandalized the financial world have absolutely no doubts in saying that it’s We may safely scrutinise the Page 3 of a rather like a teenage sexual fantasy. As a girl literature requires misogyny, Page 3, as it heroine in her various stages of undress, the £1.50. A bargain, in my book! book in total isolation from the gaudy images tears open her clothes and threatens to stab stands, does. If every book or painting offered next may offer the woman’s own perspective ost great stories are completed reputation of their company for his own per- – including the honourable taxpayer – for a of naked girls and long worn out misogyny. herself, the repressed cleric Ambrosio cannot a reductive view of women and a voyeuris- and a condemnation of a purely lustful gaze. before their publication. This sonal financial gain. ride then there’s plenty of material here to Or can we? One party-pooping technicality help but linger lecherously on the sight she tic mode of sexuality, many would shun the In an ideal world, opening the Sun would re- one couldn’t wait. ‘Accounting and Finance 101’ it ain’t; it reads fuel your impassioned disdain. which is often raised against plans to end thus reveals. “The weapon’s point rested upon gallery halls and library shelves. When we veal a page dedicated to human beauty in all Some of the People is an infu- like a carefully constructed detective story, Regardless, for a 400-page tome it is high- the Sun’s most famous feature, comes in the her left breast: and, oh! That was such a breast! choose a book at random we may be equal- its forms, sometimes erotic, sometimes even Mriating, sickening (at times) and unbelievable made only more gripping and jaw wrenching ly readable and the story unwinds at a per- accusation that one cannot object to the sex- The moon-beams darting full upon it enabled questionable, but open equally to a panoply account of one man, David Einhorn, and his by the fact that all the events are true. You’ll fect pace. There’s enough detail included for ualised exposure of breasts in a newspaper the monk to observe its dazzling whiteness: of visions just as art has always been. But for struggle against corporate America and a be tearing your hair out over Government those with more than a passing-interest in in- without simultaneously taking a pitchfork his eye dwelt with insatiable avidity upon the now, those of us who believe in liberty of ex- multitude of Governmental organisations. inaction, shaking your head in disbelief at vesting, whilst those just seeking an account to the contents of the average art gallery. It’s beauteous orb: a sensation till then unknown pression must campaign against the fixity of Einhorn is a talented analyst who, at 27, Wall Street’s actions and incredibly inspired of the shenanigans, you won’t get bogged a tricky accusation to counter; one has to filled his heart...and a thousand wild wishes a feature which has proved itself incapable of leaves a job to start his own hedge fund. Six after witnessing the hard work of a talented down and bored in jargon. be a fairly grim sort of cultural Puritan to bewildered his imagination.” Indeed. mutability, of transformation and of progress. (highly successful) years later he’s giving a group of individuals relentlessly pursue the The extended second version of the book argue that art—from Emin to ancient stat- Even the twenty-first century novel makes For those who continue to support the Sun speech at a charity dinner on investment ide- truth. This is a man who nine months before sees the story through to its conclusion and uary—ought to be censored too. To be per- no great digression from the theme. In Rob- I have only this to say: if you want a Page 3 as and talks about an American corporation the Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy called in to you’re left in no doubt as to the desperate fectly frank there aren’t enough fig leaves to ert Harris’ 2003 bestseller Pompeii, the oblig- which truly represents uncensored freedom, he believes to be pulling the wool over the question the quality of their financial report- need for regulatory overhaul in financial ser- go round. But what of literature? When we atory damsel is unknowingly gazed upon as take a walk in the aisles of your local library eyes of investors, via aggressively-generous ing. There are no prizes for guessing how this vices and more stringently enforced conse- examine the history of breasts in the novel, she steps out of her bath.“She was wearing a and trust me, you’ll find thousands. accounting practices. story unfolds. quences for securities fraud and Government we find that books, like the visual arts, are as shift of thin material that came down almost What the subsequent pages guide you If finance floats your boat then what Ein- theft. guilty as Page 3. to her knees and as her body emerged from the » photo: weburbanist.com through is the backlash of a management horn pulled off is the stuff you dream of. If Consider Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones, one water she placed one dripping arm across her team adamant that Einhorn is playing a nothing grinds your gears more than hearing Ali Ceurvors of the great early novels of the eighteenth breasts and the other between her thighs, like game, trying to unscrupulously damage the of corrupt individuals take innocent people 20 theboar.org 24 Editor: Raghav Bali [email protected] Twitter @BoarFilm FILM fb.com/groups/BoarFilm REVIEWS Her

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Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twom- bly, a professional love letter writer suffer- ing from an imminent divorce. To cope he buys himself an Operating System that ca- ters to all of his needs. Beautifully voiced by Scarlett Johansson, the OS calls herself A genius or a joke? Samantha and has the ability to evolve and grow psychologically. Naturally, they fall in love, and the plot progresses from Theo- Will Jesse Eisenberg play a faithful adversary as Lex Luthor in the Man of Steel sequel? dore’s mixed feelings towards this. Given the world we already live in, it’s not too far-fetched to imagine falling in » photos: Top: zdeai.com Right: static.squarespace.com, smcinema.com love with your computer or mobile. As well as being concerned with the transient na- ture of love, Her shows the ways technolo- gy, although obviously enriching our lives, leads us to disconnect as people. Her is a “A perfect update of Luthor’s origins” “I said Heisenberg, not Eisenberg!” film that bravely explores its themes with- out the need for irony. This is cinema at its Andrew Sztehlo Casey Davison most beautiful and moving. hilst I had my problems with Man of Steel, I believe Zack irector Zack Snyder alienated comic-book fans and Redmond Bacon Snyder is showing some great knowledge of the inherent cinephiles alike when it was announced last week that actor source material in casting Eisenberg as Luthor. Whilst Jesse Eisenberg was cast as Lex Luthor in the Man of Steel se- this casting means we will never see Luthor become the quel. Why all the animosity? Well there are multiple reasons, The Book Thief WPresident (one of the comics’ best storylines), it is a risky move none- Dactually. The first lies with Eisenberg himself, who arguably doesn’t theless, bute one that I believe will pay off. have the look, age or personality to adequately pull off the role. Lex Luthor, at his core, in all of his various incarnations, has always been Luthor is commonly portrayed in films and graphic novels as a me- one thing, and one thing only - a self-made man. Luthor as mad scien- thodically sinister yet charismatic older man. Eisenberg has a history tist, occurrent in the 1940s, relied entirely on his own work. Luthor as of being typecast to play neurotic and socially awkward characters. He fascist CEO, prevalent in the 90s until today, made his billion dollars also looks like a 20-year old despite being in his thirties. Combine this entirely on his own. So what is the modern image of this self-made with the fact that he’ll have to be bald for his performance as Luthor man? None other than the modern youth moguls, particularly those and you get a rather comical image of a dysfunctional, almost infant- such as Mark Zuckerberg. like, man-child. Not my idea of an evil genius. Luthor as a youthful, arrogant, intelligent, and wealthy genius makes Secondly, there are multiple actors out there with the chops to do so much sense, and is a brilliant update of Luthor’s origins. Eisenberg the role justice, chief among them being Bryan Cranston. No stranger has displayed all of these characters brilliantly in David Fincher’s The to playing bad guys in need of follicle implants and/or hair restorers, Social Network, so it makes a lot of sense to cast him in the role. Perhaps Cranston left his mark on the small screen and popular culture in gen- because of his turn in films such as Zombieland, ostensibly targeted at eral through his portrayal of Chemistry-teacher-turned-meth-dealer  a younger demographic, popular culture has an image of Eisenberg Walter White in Breaking Bad. The winner of 3 consecutive Emmy as a teenager. However, oddly enough, both he and Henry Cavill are awards also made clear his interest in playing the villain in an interview Once the announcement was made that the same age - 30 years old! It makes so much sense for Luthor to be with Metro last year, saying “Give me a call. I like Lex Luthor”. I guess The Book Thief, the New York Times Best- remodelled in this form, and Eisenberg is perfect for the role. Warner Bros. have been living in a cave for the last decade with only a seller, was to be adapted into a feature film Furthermore, it will provide an interesting contrast to the elder Bat- copy of Zombieland to keep them entertained. there was great potential for the project. man/Bruce Wayne as played by Ben Affleck. From what is known of Of course, this isn’t the first time that Snyder’s casting choices for the The much beloved story is set in war-torn the plot so far, this Bruce Wayne will be a recluse, and a leftover from project have come under scrutiny. Casting Ben Affleck as the Caped Nazi Germany, and features a family qui- this previous era of business - a business styled by CEO capitalist dom- Crusader left fans divided, at best, due to his mediocre portrayal of etly undermining the principles of Adolf inance. This remodelled Luthor will be completely at odds with Wayne the Batman-clone Daredevil. Seriously Zack: he’s a better director than Hitler and his enforcers. But what should Enterprises, and perhaps more brutal. actor. Then there was the announcement that Gal Gadot, a slim and have made for a wonderful, touching film, To address Bryan Cranston - or shall we call him Heisenberg - as virtually unknown actress, would be playing Wonder Woman. I don’t is sadly an attempt that ultimately falls flat. Luthor: he simply would not have been right for the role. I think Cran- know about you, but I don’t want to be thinking about how Wonder It feels as if the film was too afraid to ston’s performance as Walter White would have bled too much into the Woman could really do with a sandwich when I see her on-screen. truly explore the nature of Nazi Germany role, and would have added menace, but not the right type of menace. I’ve wanted to be really hopeful about this film. I loved Man of Steel. in order to maintain the family friendly ap- Cranston would have been a gruffer, older, and grimier Luthor, where- But Snyder’s casting choice for Lex Luthor has been the last straw for peal of the film. It opts to present a bomb- as Eisenberg perfectly captures the manicured version of the character me when it could have been an act of redemption. I am aware that fans ing, which marks the film’s most violent that we see in the comics. He may be violent, but Luthor is distinct criticised Christopher Nolan for casting Heath Ledger as the Joker be- moment, as a surreal non-violent montage from other villains in that he has never been a street character; he op- fore he epitomised the role. I have to retort by saying that bold choices of sleeping citizens. Even in the aftermath, erates from his kingdom on the top floor of the Lexcorp building. Es- only work out when everything around them is solid – director, cast, the surviving characters seem strangely sentially, he believes himself not a man, but a god; and this dimension studio – all on the same page. The Dark Knight ticked these boxes. I disaffected, leaving the audience unfortu- of arrogance will be brilliantly performed by Eisenberg. think this sequel is going in the opposite direction. nately in a similar state. Olivia Cole  Read the full reviews: theboar.org/film theboar.org theboar.org/Film | @BoarFilm | FILM21 25 The Boar’s 2014 Oscar Predictions

» photo: becksmithhollwood.com

The Film team places their bets on who’ll be taking home a golden statue on the night of March 2

Best Actor in a Leading Role Best Actress in a Leading Role Best Actor in a Supporting Role Best Actress in a Supporting Role s is typical during awards season, ast year was the best year for complex t’s been a long time since the category his past year has seen a fantastic va- prediction trends change up until and intelligently-written female char- for Best Supporting Actor has been this riety of brilliant and intriguing per- the very last minute. For example, acters in a long while, and I sincere- star-studded or exciting and if it was up formances by women in film. The towards the end of 2013, Bruce ly wish that all the nominees – Amy to me I would pick at least three winners. nominations for this year’s Acade- ADern was hot property for the Oscars: after LAdams, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Judi IThe nominees are as follows: Michael Fass- Tmy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting winning Best Actor at the Cannes film fes- Dench and Meryl Streep – could go home bender for 12 Years A Slave, Jared Leto for Role is a testament to such a range of female tival for his career-defining performance in with an Oscar statuette. Considering the Dallas Buyers Club, Jonah Hill for The Wolf talent. While I loathe thinking only one of beautifully melancholic Nebraska, he seemed pool of talent, picking a ‘Best Actress’ feels of Wall Street, Bradley Cooper for Ameri- these brilliant actresses must ultimately win, a shoe-in to win. A few months later, nobody like a slightly arbitrary choice. However, I can Hustle and Barkhad Abdi for Captain I believe it will be Hollywood newcomer, seems to know he exists. Using this theory, believe Cate Blanchett’s performance as the Phillips. Perhaps the most frustrating thing Lupita Nyong’o who walks away with the Matthew McConaughey is currently tipped fragile, egotistical Jasmine in Woody Allen’s about this category is that despite the quality Oscar. Her performance in Steve McQueen’s to win the award for Dallas Buyers Club but latest offering is likely to net her the award. of the performances on display, it appears to 12 Years A Slave is one of visceral, raw emo- I’d like to suggest, once the ceremony arrives, Although Dench gave a pitch-perfect turn as be a relatively simple prediction at this point. tional power; a performance deserving of the 12 Years A Slave will sweep the board and Philomena, the Academy have a habit of pri- Jared Leto has picked up almost every pre- numerous awards she has already received. Chiwetel Ejiofor will take home the gong for oritising flashier performances, which I be- cursor award so far and it looks like he’ll con- While Nyong’o must contend with Holly- a brave, soulful and endlessly inspiring per- live gives Blanchett the advantage. She has al- tinue this streak through to the end of awards wood heavy-weights such as Julia Roberts formance as Solomon Northup. The moment ready won the Golden Globe, and it appears season. Jared Leto is truly revelatory and and Jennifer Lawrence, she is already clear- he joins in singing ‘Roll Jordan Roll’ with his her only serious competition is Amy Adams transformative in the role and is certainly de- ly a favourite amongst the film community, fellow slaves is a crippling, heartbreaking – nominated for four Academy Awards, and serving of a win. It is a slight shame though with Brad Pitt reportedly aiming to take her moment of acceptance and his face expresses winning none (so far). But since Adams gets that Fassbender isn’t a bigger favorite con- under his wing in order to support her career. this perfectly. Christian Bale and Leonardo overshadowed by Jennifer Lawrence and the sidering his portrayal of racist slave owner Indeed, Nyong’o is an actress whom I hope DiCaprio may be the most prolific actors in cast’s outrageous hairdos in American Hustle. Edwin Epps is, to my mind, one of the most will have every success! the category but unfortunately, the perfor- I believe it’s unlikely that anyone will triumph transfixing and frightening performances I mances in their respective films are either against Blanchett’s dominant and memorable have ever seen. too safe or wild respectively for the academy. performance in Blue Jasmine Tom Hemingway Emily Nabney Matthew Kent Alexandra Ricou

Best Picture Best Director Best Original Screenplay Best Adapted Screenplay ach one of the nine finalists this Os- n the Best Director category, there are hile American Hustle and n interesting category this year, with car cyle encapsulated their own cor- two outcomes to be wary of. Neither Dallas Buyers Club are ma- each screenplay displaying unique ner in our cinematic minds. In any consider Alexander Payne or Martin jor contenders elsewhere, my strengths that make it hard to de- other year, any of them could rise Scorsese (despite past pedigree). The bet - acknowledging the histo- termine a frontrunner. It would be Etriumphant, but alas there can be only one. Iwinner should be Alfonso Cuarón for his Wry of winners in this category - is that their Afair to rule out The Wolf of Wall Street due to Despite some heart-breaking performances audacious work on Gravity. Steve McQueen’s screenplays will go overlooked in preference some of the Academy’s reaction to the film, from old-timers, the blurring of genres from 12 Years A Slave is many people’s favourite to of Nebraska’s understated realism. Her is a as well as the far too quiet and reserved, yet Nebraska and Philomena may hinder their win big on the night, but this is one of the strong competitor but will possibly prove too no less elegant, Before Midnight. Out of the chances. Edge-of-the-seat thrillers like Cap- few categories where I see the movie slipping. offbeat, while the unfortunate likelihood is nominees present here, I would be inclined tain Phillips and Gravity never fail to arouse No, should Cuarón fail, it will be at the hands that recent media controversy surrounding to say that this is John Ridley’s for the tak- the academy, but I see them partial to land- of David O. Russell, whose American Hustle Woody Allen will compromise his chances ing. His script for 12 Years A Slave is pow- based film this year. ‘Actors acting awesome- is the weakest of the nominated features, yet with Blue Jasmine. I still fancy Nebraska to ered with emotion and delivered with a play- ly (but not much more)’ should be the tagline has found forceful favour with awards’ bodies emerge victorious. If so, Bob Nelson’s screen- wright’s grace, balancing the tragedy with for both American Hustle and Dallas Buyers this year. If Hustle wins it’ll be a case of a split play will owe victory to its humanity and bal- moments of human emotion and reflection Club. After the second sex scene and the for- vote between Gravity and 12 Years, but with ance. Protagonist Woody is characterised as (if the film is to take the top prize, it needs tieth cuss, The Wolf of Wall Street lost half the The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook still ‘a man of few words’, yet he is as vivid as any an accompaniment such as this). Its greatest voters and while Her proved to be infinitely visible in the rear-view mirror, that’s more hyperbolic Tarantino construct, and infinite- threat is probably in the form of Billy Ray’s more than its concept, those old academy fo- likely than you might think. A conservative ly more real. The sparse dialogue between tightly structured Captain Phillips, which geys are still stuck on dial-up. The film that gambler would make Gravity his horse, but dysfunctional characters is broken up by hi- took home the Writer’s Guild of America will take the prize is 12 Years A Slave, a re- those fond of risk should consider the genu- larious non-sequiturs. For its relatable char- prize last month, while the wit and warmth markable dissection of slavery that depicts its ine possibility of O. Russell emerging as the acterisations and sparing dialogue, Nebraska of Philomena could make the film somewhat subject matter at its most terrifingly human. night’s victorious underdog. is my pick for glory. of a dark horse.

Raghav Bali Daniel Kelly Jacob Mier Andrew Gaudion theboar.org/Music | @BoarMusic | MUSIC 27 22 theboar.org theboar.org 23 26 Editor: Sam Carter [email protected] Twitter @BoarMusic Is Spotify harming the music industry? Local Venue MUSIC fb.com/groups/BoarMusic Michael Perry and Sam Evans weigh in on the debate surrounding the music streaming service The Assembly t’s the music streaming app which grants almost immediate access to a hither- The Nominees to-unthinkably broad library of music, Ife Akinroyeje takes a look at one of Boar but after the company’s fifth birthday in Leamington Spa’s hottest nightspots Best Original Score IOctober, the jury is still out as to whether or • The Book Thief (John Williams) not Spotify is a negative force in the industry. • Gravity (Steven Price) • Her (William Butler, Owen Pallett) Lynchpin detractors like Thom Yorke seem Jukeb x • Philomena (Alexandre Desplat) to think the Spotify issue is “simples”: a • Saving Mr. Banks (Thomas Newman) case of The Man crushing the little guy into ‘Best Original Song’ penniless submission. Best Original Song But it’s this dogged insistence on binaries Winners • ‘Happy’ (Despicable Me 2) which is so flippantly unhelpful. Spotify need • ‘Let It Go’ (Frozen) not exist in opposition to traditional forms of Caution: may contain Celine Dion. • ‘The Moon Song’ (Her) accessing music; instead, it is a springboard • ‘Ordinary Love’ (Mandela: Long Walk which allows greater access and distribution Henry Mancini: ‘Moon River’ (1961) to Freedom) in economically limited times. Especially for ‘Moon River’ is a unique song in the an- earworm-hungry students who are already nals of Oscars’ history in that it has become  For more information on the Academy attempting to scrimp and save in every other » The Assembly. photo: welovecoventry.com as iconic as the film itself. Henry Mancini – Awards, visit oscar.go.com. facet of their daily lives. one of the great film soundtrack composers – Consider the benefits which have been There’s a revolution within Warwick’s wrote the song to fit the vocal range of Audrey wrought by the advent of legal streaming student nightlife and it’s happening in one Hepburn, and the result sways you in its pure sites. There has been a downshift in music of Leamington’s finest venues: The Assem- emotion. Despite the Hepburn version not and film piracy in recent years, and while bly. This multi-function venue has recently being included on the film’s soundtrack, it legal businesses such as Spotify and Netflix opened its doors to those who are craving a has nevertheless gone on to become on of the aren’t wholly responsible for such a change, » Spotify founders Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon. photos: musicjobs.com change in atmosphere, different from the ar- most iconic film songs of all time. the correlation is interesting to observe. ray of sticky student clubs Leamington usu- Andrew Sztehlo Furthermore, isn’t assuming that Spotify quet) offer as much as a 50:50 split. of ‘Porcelain’ alone. ally has to offer. will bring about the death of the industry While the debate rages on about how ben- The figures become more worrying when The first of The Assembly’s regular fix- Isaac Hayes: ‘Shaft’ (1971) rather insulting to the loyalty of listeners? eficial/detrimental Spotify is to the music you drop down a tier in popularity. Grizzly tures is the vibrant Nana’s Palace, which of- No theme out there quite encapsulates Has Yorke himself forgotten the successful industry as a whole, it’s clear that there are Bear, who are arguably one of the bigger fers a fresh burst of funk, soul, hip-hop and the super fly vibe of the 70’s blaxploitation response to the honesty-box release of In more integral issues elsewhere which must names in alternative music, and thus osten- house. However, with a mix of DJ’s at each flick better than Isaac Hayes’ funky-as-hell Rainbows? Even though a good proportion of be addressed; namely, in how fair the rela- sibly more comfortable money-wise, have event who really know how to target the track for the endearingly cool Shaft. Driv- customers paid bobbins for the new material, tionship is between artists and their parent around 31 million streams of their ten most crowd, this event is one for everyone. en by sharp violins and the sexiest bass line Sing when you’re winning let’s not forget how many copies of the £40 labels. popular Spotify tracks. This works out to Charlie Sammonds – one of the organisers this side of Harlem, Hayes’ soul & funk in- deluxe discbox also got shifted. If the quality Michael Perry generate about $220,000 in revenue. Factor- behind the event – says Nana’s is about ‘get- fluenced theme is tailor made to its character is high, real fans will do more than listen pas- ing in label costs, managerial costs etc. this ting good people together with good vibes and is guaranteed to make anyone feel like a Andrew Gaudion and Tom Hemingway assess the best of the Oscars’ music nominees sively – and this also applies to Spotify. “You’re just like an old guy yelling at fast represents a minimal per-member profit for for a good time,’ so if you are up for a night bad-ass should it come on their iPod while Instead, if there is one problem which trains,” said Moby of Thom Yorke last No- the band, especially when you consider this that caters to your music needs, gives prof- strolling down the street. Can you dig it? must be addressed, it’s the same issue which vember, who had in turn attacked Spotify is a few years’ worth of streams. Andrew Gaudion » Gold; always believe in his soul. photo: flickr/Dave_B_ afflicts almost all avenues of distribution: for the somewhat questionable structure the It’s hard to turn down as much music as the cut taken by labels and managerial music streaming service has in place you want for £10 a month. But looking deeper Whether you’re tired of student nights Alan Menken: ‘Under The Sea’ (1989) ejoice! The latest (and, some would establishing a sense of unnerving threat as to companies. Spotify allegedly works for recompensing artists. The com- into the economics, it becomes much more of or just fancy something new, The As- We all need to revisit our childhood some- argue, greatest) instalment of awards where exactly the sounds we are hearing have ‘Ordinary Love’ is a fitting tribute to on a meritocratic basis, with 30% pany has since become slightly an issue. Between the two camps of artists big sembly should be top of your list. times, and there are few better ways to do so season is finally upon us. Ahead of originated from: the diegetic or non-diegetic the legendary legacy left by Nelson of total revenues distributed to more transparent on its pays-per- enough to make money off the service and than by sitting down with an old Disney film. this year’s Academy Awards, our space? It is an incredibly important compo- Mandela. Spotify itself, while the 70% bulk is stream system, but the figures still those who are just happy to get their music From Snow White to Frozen and everything Rwriters discuss who they think should win nent to the film’s overall effect on the audi- doled out to those in possession of suggest it’s hard to deny Yorke’s out there, there’s a decently sized collective of its to charity and goes above and beyond any in between, the company has consistently the prestigious event’s music categories. ence. As a result, Gravity’s score is arguably the music rights. Of that percent- point. Spotify gives a figure of artists who lose out in the end. And your fa- other in Leamington then get grooving to the stuffed its releases with stellar songwriting, the only nominee that is truly integral to the start. Following the death of Nelson Mandela age, the cut which goes to the art- around $7,000 per million streams. vourite band might just be one of them. palace. and The Little Mermaid is no exception. Se- Best Original Score film as a whole, marking it as the one to beat. in December, this song is a fitting tribute to ist depends on his/her contract with This isn’t a problem for musical heav- Sam Evans The Assembly is also home to Leaming- bastien the crab’s calypso steelpan backing Andrew Gaudion the legendary legacy left by the anti-apart- a label. Some labels offer as little as a 5% yweights like Moby: these figures suggest » [Left] Thom Yorke. ton’s newest night, SWITCH. This melting morphs into an entire fishy orchestra of bass, Best Original Score this year is quite clear- heid revolutionary after appearing in the film share, whereas others (such as Beggars Ban- he has made just shy of $100,000 for streams photo: flickr/radioedit pot of Leamington’s finest DJs is definitely flute and brass, carrying a message that’s both ly a two-horse race. The respective scores of Best Original Song Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. stirring up the nightlife scene. Josh Chin, one poignant and joyfully simple: “the seaweed is Thomas Newman, John Williams and Alex- Above all, it’s a great song – Bono delivers of SWITCH ‘s coordinators, claims it ‘sets a always greener in somebody else’s lake.” andre Desplat are simply too familiar to their The academy has an odd relationship with a superb performance, masterfully accessing precedent with a club night that represents Sam Carter previous works to truly make them worthy of big musical acts and rock stars when it comes his higher vocal register while the rest of the Beginner’s Guide to: The Blues great electronic music’ to the calibre of big acknowledgement. to picking the nominees and winners in the band provides the classic sonic U2 sound. cities such as Bristol, London and Manches- Celine Dion: ‘My Heart Will Go On’ (1997) The competition then boils down to a Best Original Song category. Huge artists Nominated in 2002 for ‘The Hands That ter. Say what you will about the theme for Ti- clash between Her and Gravity. Arcade Fire’s such as Sting, Bryan Adams and Jon Bon Jovi Built America’, 2014 may be the year U2 win Our writers look back at some of the definitive albums of a historically influential genre Chin’s words ring true once you step foot tanic, but ‘My Heart Will Go On’ is without a effort for Her is an offbeat and sweet affair have been nominated in the past only to win the award. With the soaring ‘Ordinary Love’, into The Assembly and experience it for doubt one of the greatest power ballads of all that embodies a unique musical identity, but nothing on the night. So in 2014, why U2’s they’ve certainly earned it. yourself. Their last event brought to Leam- time. Composed around James Horner’s in- I would be inclined to say that Steven Price’s ‘Ordinary Love’? Tom Hemingway Howlin’ Wolf Skip James The Gun Club ington two of the UK’s best underground strumental motif that runs throughout James atmospheric score for Gravity is the deserv- 2014 is the year of U2’s comeback follow- Moanin’ in the Moonlight Greatest of the Delta Blues Singers Fire of Love electronic DJs, Bok Bok and Girl Unit, cul- Cameron’s film, the song is full of breathy ing nominee. ing a five year gap since their last studio al- More music news, reviews minating in a fantastic night out that had you vocals and arguably over-dramatic lyrics that It skilfully blends in with the exceptional bum, No Line on the Horizon, and beginning and interviews online: dancing till the late hours of the next day and brilliantly fit Jack and Rose’s romance. With sound design of Alfonso Cuaron’s space epic, the year with an Oscar win might be a good theboar.org/music With the signature Skip James is now Fire of Love is per- feeling disappointed that it ever had to end. the mother of all key changes rivalled by few, slide guitar twangs widely recognized as haps one of the most So whether you’re tired of the same old the song ultimately monumentally peaks in a and vocal smorgas- one of the greatest of interesting albums of student nights or just fancy trying some- soaringly beautiful manner. Shock disqualification in ‘Best Original Song’ category bord, the Delta Blues the Delta Blues art- the 1980s, fusing two thing new, The Assembly should be top of Eleanor Campbell were not only a major ists, and yet he was genres together to your list. It’s not your average night out; it’s a Even more suprising, however, was the pared to the large-scale promo work of his influence on the gen- basically unheard of create an entirely new venue which is all about the music, offering a Eminem: ‘Lose Yourself’ (2002) Sam Carter Academy’s decision to remove the film’s title competitors. re, but the entire mu- until his rediscovery sonic experience. night of great fun, a stunning interior and ex- Attempting to file ‘Lose Yourself’ under song from the running altogether. The deci- It wasn’t the first time a musical nominee sic industry. in the 1960s during Lead singer Jeffrey Lee Pierce’s gothic plosive music while remaining affordable for a single banner is a futile task. Eminem’s in- sion came about after songwriter Bruce had been shunned by the Oscars – The One of the best things about the blues the United States blues revival. southern punk blues is chaotic, grimy, us students on a budget. Trust me – if Disco stantly recognisable masterwork is anthemic, wards ceremonies are rarely with- Broughton allegedly used his posi- Godfather’s score was disqualified in is undoubtedly the names of the artists, James, who was unfortunately hospi- violent, and – essential to all blues music Dave ever pulls a night as good as theirs, I’ll raw, emotionally urgent, technically sharp, out their controversies, and this tion as a member of the Academy’s 1973 because writer Nino Rota was and acts like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ talised for many years after largely retir- – full of soul. It reflected the incredibly eat a copy of the Boar. and fist-pumpingly cool all at once. His para- year’s Oscars have already provided music branch executive committee said to have recycled music from Wolf were at the centre of the movement. ing from the music industry, was brought turbulent life of its writer, whose use of ble of aggression and hope is stretched across a source of heated debate around to promote the film’s title track, his earlier work. While both were giants in their field, back to prominence and began recording opiates and heavy drinking led to an ear- five minutes of such relentless vigour that it Athe film industry. which features hymn-like vocals There’s a silver lining for Howlin’ Wolf captures in my mind the again in spite of his poor health. ly and tragic death at the age of 37.  To find out more about what’s on at The touches a universal nerve, appealing to hip Lana Del Rey’s ‘Young & Beautiful’ and from performer Joni Eareckson Broughton’s song, though; the add- true spirit of the Delta Blues. His vocal This album, released in 1965, best dis- However, he leaves a musical legacy Assembly, visit leamingtonassembly.com. hop fans, rock nuts, teenage heel-kickers, Taylor Swift’s ‘Sweeter than Fiction’ both Tada. ed publicity from this controversy range goes from tar-coated growls to tru- plays his iconic, skittery playing in a mix behind him that’s unlike any other – and disenfranchised clock-punchers, and every- missed out on Academy Awards glory this Broughton, however, claimed has boosted sales for ‘Alone Yet Not ly soulful highs; just one listen to Smoke- of old and new material, while the pass- whilst he utilised different genres, his body in between. Fuck ‘Fack’ and its ilk; ‘Lose year, so many followers of the awards were that his actions – in which he reportedly Alone’ on both iTunes and Amazon. stack Lightnin’ and I promise you’ll be ing of time has only made his voice that music is the definition of late 20th cen- Yourself’ is testament to Marshall Mathers’ perhaps understandably surprised to see the emailed fans and fellow members to raise hooked. much more haunting. ​ tury blues. What’s your favourite ability to pen truly stunning music. comparatively unknown indie film Alone Yet awareness for the song – represented little » ‘Alone Yet Not Alone’ singer Joni Eareck- Download: ‘Smokestack Lightnin’ Download: ‘Sick Bed Blues’ Download: ‘Sex Beat’ local venue? Michael Perry Not Alone appear among the competitors. more than a “grass roots campaign” com- son Tada. photo: flickr/Rachel Ford James Dan Mountain Miranda Wilkie Andrew Sztehlo Tweet: @BoarMusic 26 theboar.org 28 Editor: Ellie May Editor:[email protected] Ellie May [email protected] @BoarScience SCI & TECH fb.com/groups/BoarScienceTwitter @BoarSciTech fb.com/groups/BoarSciTech Sad music can make you happier Ellie May discusses how listening to sad songs can actually lift your spirits

» Studies have shown that listening to sad music when your mood is low can have a positive effect on your mood photo: flickr/luizfilipe hen you’re feeling down, are you hancement - but only when the listener per- that the participants gave included “the mu- psychological effects of music can be very the type to wallow in your sad- cieved the song to be of high aesthetic value! sic reminds me of a person”, “the music con- complicated and do vary for different people. ness, listening to the depressing The study surveyed 220 people, asking each tains lyrics that give me hope” and “the lyrics It is also not simple to label a song as a ‘happy tracks from The Smiths. Or do one the reason that they chose to listen to a relate to my situation”. song’ or a ‘sad song’, as some may not clearly Wyou crank up the volume of Beyonce’s upbeat particular song after. Participants who said The latter two reasons had a positive ef- fall in to a certain category. anthems in order to blast away the blues? that they listened to a song “to experience the fect on the participants, with their mood So next time you’re feeling down and Recently published research that looks at beauty of sad songs” experienced the great- improving after listening to the songs. How- browsing your itunes for something to dis- the psychological effect of music has shown est change in mood, and were far more likely ever, when participants gave the first reason tract you, choose carefully. Don’t choose the that the former method - seeking out sad to feel happier. But the opposite was true if a for listening to a sad song, the song actually song that reminds you of an ex or a sad time music when your spirits are low - is the most song was percieved to be of a low standard. had a strong counter-productive effect. So, in your life, but do give in to the temptation effective method and can be a highly useful The researchers who conducted the study ex- if you’re going through a break up, don’t feel to listen to tear-jearking ballads and wallow method for banishing sadness. However, it’s plained this as arising due to it beng easier to afraid to wail along to Adele’s heartbreak-in- in self-pity and sadness - you could feel sur- not as simple as labelling a song as ‘happy’ concentrate on a beautiful and well-written spired melodies, but avoid at all costs those prisingly better for it! or ‘sad’ and expecting it to cheer you up. The song, serving as a better distraction from the memory-loaded songs that you sang along to choice of song and the reason that you have participant’s sadness. So if you’re a music en- together. chosen it also makes a different to how it af- thusiast, listening to Miley’s ‘Wrecking Ball’ For those that swear by lively, happy music What do you listen to when fects your mood. may do far more harm than good. to drown your blues, this all may seem very feeling down? In the study, there was a clear correlation Other factors can also contribute to a counter-intuitive, and you may not be entire- Tweet: @BoarSciTech between listening to a sad song and mood en- song’s effect on mood. Severeal other reasons ly wrong. The researchers cautioned that the Memorise using the Method of Loci Ben Hayward reveals how both Sherlock and The Mentalist have incredible memories, and how you can too ith summer exams not far triggered by the loci. For a collection of re- by location and therefore have imprinted an be as large as an entire city. The same meth- away, students will spend hours lated items it is sometimes referred to as the advanced spatial memory system, which as od is then applied in the same way as before. trying to commit equations, “Journey Method”, with the term “Roman modern day humans we can use for other Compared to the conventional approach, it case studies and definitions to Room” for storing random information. purposes. A number of English phras- has a more taxing setup but it provides the Wmemory. But what is the best way to remem- An experiment was conduct- es, such as “in the first place”, are freedom to implement a sort of filing system ber things? Many psychologists and memory ed where scientists scanned thought to make reference to as well as a convenient path to take. Seperate experts would claim that this title belongs to the brains of people with method of loci techniques cities or regions can hold related information the Method of Loci. exceptional memories, and the spatial signifi- and therefore form distinct categories. It was first developed through ancient revealing an activation cance of our learning. Many memory champions claim to have Greek and Roman rhetoric literature, and is of spatial awareness The ancient Latin used this method, including Clemens Mayer now often merged with earlier established regions of the brain, treatise, Rhetori- who used a 300 loci journey through his house principles that were given the collective name including the ret- ca ad Herennium to memorise a record 1040 random digits in a ‘The Art of Memory’. Commonly called the rosplenial cortex (anonymous), is half hour. The feats of these champions has Memory Palace, this method is a mnemon- and medial pari- the earliest sur- little dependence on a well structured brain ic that uses a deliberate association between etal cortex. viving rhetoric or intelligence, but primarily based on their familiar locations and the content being re- There are a aged at around ability to apply the spatial learning regions of membered. Practically, the method involves number of expla- 2100 years old. their brain to memory tasks. someone recalling the layout of a place, per- nations for this re- Most notably this Experts claim that a normal person using haps their home or any well acquainted place markably effective book, but also this technique could remember the sequence that has a number of individual ‘stopping use of our spatial most other sourc- of a deck of cards within an hour, given time points’ - loci. learning, the most es, encourage the to establish a route and associate the infor- In its simplest form, a person would im- prominent theory method of loci to be mation (Simon Reinhard can do this in 21.19 agine themselves walking through their claiming that as primor- ‘elaborately encoded’; seconds). Memory Palace and individually relating an dial human beings we used incorporating visual, au- As an accessible tool for students with em- item of information with an identifying as- our brains in a fundamentally ditory, or any other detail that pirically proven results, the Method of Loci pect of a given locus. For example this could different way. Mere survival was a adds clarity to the Memory Palace. may be worth the consideration. Patrick be linking a digit of a phone number with a much greater task and relied upon remem- However for smaller blocks of informa- Lane from the ‘The Mentalist’ as well as Sher- framed picture that you have on your desk. bering information like where food could be tion, just the spatial connection is considered lock Holmes have been known to use a Mind To recall the items, one simply walks through found, water sources, and places for shelter. to be sufficient. More modern variations of Palace, so why not give it a go? the Memory Palace and the information is All these key requirements are characterised the method use imaginary places which can » photo: BBC/Hartswood Would you like to write for Science & Tech? Contact us to find out more! theboar.org 29 29 Editor: Robert Demont [email protected] Twitter @BoarTravel TRAVEL fb.com/groups/BoarTravel Without a paddle: students canoe across Europe Katherine Price talks to James Warner-Smith about his record-breaking voyage through the continent

en countries. 3000 miles. 146 days. “When we were walking with these guys Ten countries. These are merely the back to the headquarters we could hear the statistics of an amazing adventure guns firing on the firing range.” that two Warwick graduates under- They also had some pretty bad luck – ar- Ttook during the summer – by canoe. riving in Tours by pure coincidence they hap- James Warner-Smith and Nathan Wilkins pened to arrive on the same day that the Tour canoed all the way from Nantes, France, to de France ended, and were keen to catch Istanbul; the Atlantic to the Black Sea, and the end of it. Hiding their canoes and bags were the first in the world to do so. They may amongst bushes and trees in a nearby field, have capsized, had all their gear stolen, been taking the valuables with them, they spent arrested, and James even missed his gradu- the day in the city. ation ceremony, but despite a few pitfalls, it Although they caught the tail end of the was a fantastic adventure that neither of them Tour, their luck was not to last on their return. will ever forget. “Our bags had been opened and everything After canoeing around Canada during had been taken.” The canoe was untouched, his gap year, James got thinking about the but the sleeping bags and tents were not. possibilities Europe offered. “I wanted to do something more original,” he said, “and then found that Europe had never been crossed 146 days of paddling, and before before, so from there I started looking more that he had never been canoeing or and more at the rivers of Europe and how camping: you don’t need experience they all link up and if it was possible.” Nathan had in fact never camped before, nor had he ever been in a canoe. “We spent maybe ten days practising in Leamington They were left with only one sleeping bag Spa, on the River Leam,” said James. “It was and tent between them, and it was too late at 146 days of paddling, and before that he had night to replace anything. “We were worried never been canoeing, never been camping that someone was going to come back and before… you don’t need experience to do it, take the canoe.” So, they took it in turns al- you don’t need to be professional.” ternating sleep every two hours. “We did that all night.” They then had to canoe into the city come morning. “In one day we just went around on 3000 miles buses to every sports shop we could find re- placing all the stuff that was stolen.” They also filed a police report but, with James and Nathan canoed this far very little French between them, they had across ten countries in 146 days to resort to e-mailing and Facebooking all friends that could speak French. » Views along the French waterways photo: James Warner-Smith Thankfully, Nathan and James had had the foresight to take a note of contacts living in For James and Nathan, it made up about pretty vital.” The highlights for them were the random every country they were crossing that could 75% of the money they spent. Without it, Applications must be submitted in the first kindnesses of strangers: “The best bit about speak the local language, and this precaution they would have had an incredible amount of week of the autumn term, for Christmas/ it is meeting friendly people, and the further was incredibly useful on this occasion. fundraising to do. Easter projects, or early January for summer away from home you get the more helpful Part of the reason the trip was possible “We would not have found the equivalent projects, including a project proposal, a full people are.” While the pair were in Bulgar- was due to the Lord Rootes Memorial Fund of what they gave us in terms of commercial financial plan and an academic reference. ia they got lost and, in asking for directions, at Warwick. The Fund awards financial sup- sponsorship, the money they gave us was were offered dinner and a place to stay by a port to Warwick students wishing to pursue friendly local. creative, challenging projects of personal de- However, the trip did not go entirely ac- velopment and research. Grants range from cording to plan. “We had a couple of really £100 to £3,000 to support a huge variety of Hidden Gem: Ciudad Perdida, Colombia tough days,” James admitted, recalling a few projects. lder than Machu Pichu, and sub- bad days in Serbia with high winds and a cur- Other projects last year alone included stantially less crowded, Ciudad rent manipulated by a nearby hydroelectric kayaking from England to Finland, produc- Perdida or ‘Lost City’ is the site of dam. “We had to stop for a while and hope ing a photographic report of the effects of an ancient settlement in Northern the waves passed. We nearly got capsized, the 2004 tsunami on Sri Lanka and studying OColombia. And there is no train to Ciudad that was the scariest bit.” great white sharks off South African coast. Perdida - you have to use your legs. The duo also had some pretty near misses. “My advice would be for anyone who The five day round trip, departing from the At one point the river they were traversing in wants to do it to start getting a proposal well nearby towns of Santa Marta and Taganga, Bulgaria became too choppy to be safe, so the in advance, not to have an idea and leave it to sees you traversing rivers, sleeping in ham- two landed and headed to the nearest village. the fund to kind of see your idea and think mocks, meeting the sack-clothed indigenous James noticed a line of uniformed men in the it is good. It is up to you to show them it’s tribes and being bitten to pieces by mozzies. distance. Then they came across scattered cut good.” Several drafts and re-drafts later, “we In fact, the mosquitoes are only outnum- out targets. Dotted with bullet-holes. ended up with something that was really pro- bered by the exhausted, menacing-looking “We did not say anything, we just quietly fessional.” government troops patrolling the area. got everything and started moving so quick- They supplemented their proposal with These days, only guided groups are al- ly.” However, they were picked up in the vil- endorsements from other adventurers, in- lowed into the National Park, and numbers lage after exiting the firing range. “They took cluding Mark Beaumont, who holds the are capped at low levels to ensure both the us back to this navy base, took us inside the world record for the fastest circumnavigation conservation of the jungle and, inadvertently, base, and kept us there. I went to the toilet of the globe by bicycle. the feeling of exclusivity for the backpacker. with a guy with a gun following me, and I James also contacted author Robert Twig- The trek is physically challenging, particu- think we were there for seven hours.” ger for endorsement, who was the first to larly as the frequent tropical rains leave the Amazingly, the boys were not particularly complete a 2,000-mile journey across North hilly paths like mudslides. And if you can’t scared. “It was crazy, but at the same time by West Canada by canoe since 1793. live without Twitter, this isn’t for you, as there that point we had had to cross a lot of borders With these endorsements and a fully re- is no electricity along the route. But for those and we had got stopped by customs people searched proposal, they were awarded the looking for an off-the-beaten-trail adventure, and border police quite a lot, so we had dealt full amount of financial support for their en- Ciudad Perdida doesn’t disappoint. with a lot of police by that stage.” deavour. Matt Toms » The trek offers stunning scenery photo: Matt Toms 30 theboar.org 30 Editor: Josh Murray [email protected] Twitter @BoarTelevision TV fb.com/groups/BoarTV (Doctor) who are you wearing?! Are costumes an integral part of television programmes? Ibtisam Ahmed fashions a response ne of the least appreciated jobs in that he wears are just as much a part of his qualities when we already know where the Ottoman-era Persian feel, and the Targaryens the television industry is that of the personality as his catchphrases. world in question is headed. After all, Tom have Ancient Grecian cuts. In addition to al- creative production team - despite Consider this: Christopher Ecclestone was Baker’s scarf was just the result of a quirky lowing us to visually differentiate between the fact that their contributions are the brooding, guilt-wracked Timelord, so it costume designer deciding to use all the characters on every level, the mix of time pe- Oarguably more visible than the director’s or made perfect sense for him to be in yarns available to them rather than the quirk riods and cultures creates a sense that West- the writer’s. sleek black, with rough textures of the Doctor himself. Nonetheless, it would eros really is a totally different universe. Viewers might be able to discern a par- like leather. Perky and cheerful are be foolish to think that costumes play no part There is even more to it, though. Look ticularly Steven Moffatish turn of phrase or not exactly the words that come to in shaping how we view characters. The Doc- closely and it is possibly to see how clothing an Alan Tayloresque sweeping shot, but the mind. tor is an alien, which might explain his odd defines individual relationships. King Rob- efforts of the production teams are constant- Contrast that with Matt taste in patterns, but it helps to identify with ert, despite being a Baratheon, dressed more ly there, frame after frame. Whether we are Smith, someone who need- him when we see him in “human” clothing like a Stark, underscoring his upbringing and aware of it or not, what we see on screen ed to pointedly add gravitas instead of something more outlandish. closeness with Ned. Sansa Stark began to alongside the character shapes our views of to his role due to his youth, Take another well-loved example. De- dress like Queen Cersei initially, but adopted the shows as much as elements like acting, with a bit of tweed and classic ciding to put Sherlock into a modern set- a more muted colour scheme and less opu- writing and directing. cut trousers while balancing that ting would not have worked half as well lent designs as her captivity became clearer. with the exuberance of his col- if he was not wearing contemporary All subtle, often lost in the larger scheme of There are those shows who are quite ourful suspenders and his wor- silhouettes. His coat’s slightly raised things, but each one a conscious decision. rying love of bow-ties. collar and the dark palette hint at an Costumes do not make or break char- blatant about their use of costume as a Barring the amusing post-re- introverted personality, while acters. They are hardly enough to make us means of character development generation speeches, the first the scarf seems to have become change our opinions of how we view shows. real image we get of the Doctor a modern-day stand-in for the However, they are an integral part of the cre- is of his outfit. Peter Capaldi’s deer stalker, although the hat does ative process and it would be naïve to assume navy overcoat, matching cardi- make a few memorable appearances. we do not acknowledge that on some level. Which is exactly why considering some- gan and trousers (right) were Of course, there are those shows Just think about dressing up as a character at thing like costume design is such a fascinat- recently revealed and they seem who are quite blatant about their Halloween and tell me the clothes don’t mat- ing thing to do. Think about Doctor Who for to hint at a more serious Doctor use of costume as a means of char- ter! a moment. The eponymous Doctor has gone than his predecessor, albeit with acter development. Perhaps the through multiple incarnations and the most an adventurous edge given the most intricate at the moment is obvious way to tell these apart is to identify coat’s red lining. Game of Thrones. On a basic level, » photo: BBC, HBO the thespians who brought these versions to Admittedly, there is a risk each region and associated family life. But can we honestly imagine Tom Baker of reading too much into cos- has its own style. Broadly speak- What is your favourite without thinking of his scarf? Or David Ten- tumes, and it might be easier ing, the Starks have a medieval costume on television? nant without his suit? What about Sylvester to give them world-building English tilt, the Lannisters Tweet: @BoarTelevision McCoy without his sweater vest? The clothes and Baratheons a more Inspector Gently does it TV’s Biggest Rivalries This creates tension between the two char- Lauren Howard acters, as Bacchus angrily accuses Gently of Warwick and Coventry are set to reignite ‘not feeling anything’ through his ability to their fierce rivalry when Varsity 2014 kicks distance himself from the memory and move off this week, so Boar TV have trawled fter a tense two year hiatus, the with his life. It comes as no surprise when through the archives to pick out some of the much-loved detective series makes Bacchus offers his resignation at the begin- best face-offs in television history. a return to our screens, finally re- ning of the episode, only staying to work out vealing the outcome of last series’ his month’s notice. It’s down to Gently then » photo: Simpsons Wiki Adramatic cliff-hanger. to solve the crime and entice his partner back The poignant final image of the two de- into the world of policing. There’s definite- tectives lying wounded in Durham cathedral ly some great amusement to be found in the  Tom vs Jerry (Tom and Jerry): The  Bart Simpson vs Sideshow Bob (The left fans unsure of the detectives’ fates, and new dynamic between the two - from Bac- quintessential television rivalry, Tom Cat has Simpsons): There’s bound to be bad blood anxiously anticipating their return. chus’s childish reluctance to follow been desperately trying to catch Jerry Mouse between a pair if one is responsible for having Happily however, this new series Gently around, sulking in the since the 1940s - with limited success. The the other imprisoned, and Bart Simpson has a hasn’t disappointed. corner and smoking, to Gen- pair have got into countless scrapes whilst mighty track record for outsmarting the dev- Taking place one year after tly’s cheeky attempts to make trying to outwit each other, and the show’s ilishly charming Sideshow Bob. Whether the the incident, we are imme- him realise that he was prop department has used more mouse traps target of Bob’s villainous schemes is Krusty diately thrown back into born to detect. than every other show in history combined. the Clown, Springfield’s political system, or the world of the Durham Gently is, as always, Deep down, though, we all know they love even Bart himself, such plots always result in police force during the tu- proven right, as Bacchus each other really. fierce contests of intelligence, violence, and multuous sixties. becomes more and more extravagant haircuts. But at least Bart can The opening scene de- involved in the case and  JD vs The Janitor (Scrubs): Ever since rest easy in the knowledge that he’s not hated picts the police attempting flashes of his former impet- John ‘JD’ Dorian’s harmless comment about nearly as fiercely as those blasted rakes... to evacuate people from uous, fiery character begin there being a penny trapped in the automatic their homes in order to de- to resurface, finally facing up doors at Sacred Heart Hospital in the show’s  Walter White vs Gustavo Fring (Break- molish the community under to his fears and recognising that pilot episode, the Janitor has been hell-bent ing Bad): In a series fraught with tension and the council’s orders. However, the though the violence of their occu- on having his revenge on Zach Braff’s hilar- trauma at every turn, the roster of adversar- situation quickly escalates when a police pation may affect him, he shouldn’t let it ious character. In fact, it is a surprise that he ies chalked up by Bryan Cranston’s anti-hero officer is discovered, having been attacked ‘change him’. Indeed, the partnership is again keeps his job as long as he does really - he is as sweeping as the plains of Albuquerque. and struck on the head. reformed as they work to solve the original spends much more of his time trying to trap Undoubtedly, however, Walter’s greatest en- The ensuing drama provides the perfect crime of the episode. JD in water silos than he does actually clean- emy throughout Breaking Bad is the chilling opportunity to reintroduce Gently and Bac- This series then promises to further devel- ing the hopsital. It’s almost as if it is only a TV figure of Gustavo Fring: efficient business- chus, but it quickly becomes apparent that op and complicate the dynamic between the programme... man, lovable public figure, and ruthless kill- everything is not as it was before. We find two, although it is likely that the amusingly er. An alliance between these titans of the Gently and Bacchus estranged from each characteristic love-hate aspect of their part-  Eastenders vs Coronation Street: These meth underworld gradually churns into a other, as Bacchus struggles to put the inci- nership will remain prominent! The new dy- are the two most popular British soaps by chilling, elaborate game of chess; one which dent behind him, haunted and psychologi- namics combined with the traditional struc- some distance, and they endure annual bat- leaves terrible collateral damage in its wake cally scarred by the violent episode which he ture promise an exciting new series ahead. tles for the title of Best Serial Drama at the and culminates in one hell of a face-off. only just managed to survive. » photo: BBC, HBO NTAs. theboar.org theboar.org/Sport | @BoarSport | SPORT 3131 Ford bridges the gap for Lancaster’s England Joe Thompson speaks to his old school friend George Ford – now fly-half for Bath and England

ath and England fly-half to get more game time. George Ford has come a long JT: To what extent has Bath devel- way in a short space of time. oped you as a player since your ar- B The 20-year-old was deservedly rival? called up for the first time by Stu- GF: Coming to Bath has helped me art Lancaster into England’s Six develop massively. It’s a great en- Nations squad on the back of a fine vironment with great coaches and season in Somerset. players, and when you couple that His selection is not surprising. with regular game time, it’s been He was nominated for BBC Young brilliant. Sports Personality of the Year in JT: Who is your favourite player 2009, and became the youngest and to play with and toughest to play first Englishman to win IRB Junior against, and why? Player of the Year in 2011. GF: My favourite player to play with Many saw it as only a matter of is Francois Louw because he never time before he received full inter- takes a backward step. The toughest national honours. to play against is Tom Youngs. He’s However, some predicted his rise so powerful and strong. even earlier. JT: How do you feel about replac- I will never forget playing along- ing Flood? Does replacing an expe- side Ford at school. One game I re- rienced player add extra pressure? member being down and out until GF: I haven’t really thought about George took matters into his own it like that. Floody has obviously hands - literally. decided to go to France and an op- portunity has arisen for me, but I “I turned and said to my don’t feel like it’s any extra pressure friend: ‘one day we’ll be on me. watching George play for JT: What would you consider to England’” » George Ford, in action for Leicester Tigers. Photo: Fearless Fred be a successful Six Nations for the Joe Thompson team and for you? GF: Winning the Six Nations and the pub watching George play for I am ready to play in a Test match. league? Or any other sport for that gaining some game time of some Handing off defenders on the E n g l an d .” The run of games for Bath this year matter? sort. way, he got us back in the game I just wish I’d put money on it! has helped me massively. GF: I enjoyed rugby union better, JT: Any advice for our rugby union (‘us’ being somewhat loose with the So after his call-up I got in touch JT: What has been the greatest and just felt that there was more Varsity match against Coventry? truth). to ask him a few questions for the highlight of your career so far? Be- to be achieved and experienced in GF: Go out and enjoy it. The team In the next piece of action, Boar. ing called up to the England Six Na- union. that keeps their discipline best will with the clock running down, he Joe Thompson: Firstly, congrat- tions squad must be right up there? JT: How much do you credit Leices- win! chipped the ball over the top of ulations on your call-up to the GF: Being selected in the EPS is up ter Tigers as a platform for your ca- the opposition defence,, ran onto it England squad for the Six Nations. there but also winning the Premier- reer so far? Was it hard to leave? himself and scored the winning try. Having represented your country ship with Leicester (last year, with GF: I credit Leicester a lot. I’ve had Do you know anyone Impressive considering we were 13. at U18 and U20 level, are you ready a 37-17 win over Northampton a great four years there with some who is involved with After that game I turned and said for your first full cap? Saints) and playing for Bath. great people and it was very hard to sport competitively? to my friend, “one day we’ll be in George Ford: Yes, I definitely feel JT: Why rugby union? Why not leave, but I felt I needed to in order Tweet: @BoarSport Michael Sam: brave and courageous in intolerant society gay NFL competitor. Daley’s coming out can already reports that unnamed NFL execu- I want to end this article by wish- Steve Dunne While some before him have be seen, with female professional tives believe Sam will no longer be ing Michael Sam the best of luck. come out in retirement, Sam would soccer player Casey Stoney citing picked in draft because of his an- Radio host Michael Brown may be the first active player to admit him as her inspiration to go public nouncement. have called your actions “selfish” here have been many occa- his homosexuality publically if about her own sexuality. This is not the first time Sam has and suggested that your raging hor- sions which have prompted picked as expected. While understandably I wish to faced hardship to play the sport mones may make teammates un- controversy in American With protests cur proudly highlight the Texan roots he loves. His mother, as a Jeho- comfortable “walking around na- Tsport. vah’s Witness, disagreed with his ked” near you in the locker room, The 1968 Olympic Games in decision to play organised sport, but many people applaud you. which Tommie Smith and John prompting him to live at friends’ You have sacrificed family and Carlos made the black power salute houses as a teenager. possibly a highly lucrative and suc- on the podium is one: Mike Tyson According to these executives, a cessful career, and you have done biting part of Evander Hollyfield’s gay player wouldn’t be welcome in what no American in football has ear off is another. an NFL locker room, as it’s a man’s dared to do before you. You have world. Given he came out to his publically admitted your homosex- teammates a year ago, and accord- uality. Sam has done what no ing to Sam they rallied around him You have opened yourself up to American in football has like brothers to support him, such abuse from a nation divided over dared to do before him rently on-going at the Winter of Michael Sam, it is important to arguments appear weak. the issue of gay rights and where Olympics in Sochi over gay rights consider that until 2003 homosex- I encourage everyone to watch the majority of states have constitu- in Russia, with some violent conse- uality was technically banned in Dallas sports anchor Dale Hansen’s tional bans on gay marriage. quences, Sam’s announcement is a the state as ‘sodomy’, when the Su- impassioned defence of Michael I pray one day you can look back On February 9 2014, a new con- further reminder that homosexual- preme Court ruled in Lawrence v. Sam. Hansen likens Sam’s situation and say that you inspired a genera- troversy was born when Michael ity should not be repressed but ac- Texas such legislation was uncon- to that of African Americans, who tion of gay Americans to embrace Sam – the best defensive player in cepted. stitutional. when attempting to break into the and accept their sexuality, and that college football - admitted on ESPN Naturally this announcement Coming out is not an easy ex- professional leagues were faced our country agrees with you and that he was gay. should be a cause of celebration. perience. Sam’s father has already with similar arguments by oppo- celebrates your contribution to our Sam, who originates from Texas Sam has taken a brave step towards voiced opposition to his son’s sex- nents. nation. and has just finished playing foot- a more open life, and one which uality, stating “I don’t want my It is an uncomfortable reminder Sadly that day is not near. If you ball for the University of Missouri, hopefully could inspire many oth- grandkids raised in that kind of that in America there is a need for are not picked in the draft, I will was likely to be a third or fourth er American figures, sporting or environment”, and to do so having a second Civil Rights movement – burn every piece of NFL merchan- round pick in the upcoming NFL otherwise, to be open about their been raised in Texas deserves par- urgently, as Kansas is about to make dise I own. Draft in May. If this happens, then sexuality. ticular attention. it legal to refuse to serve a gay per- Sam will become the first openly The effect of British diver Tom Unforgivably, Sports Illustrated son. theboar.org 32 Sponsored by Editor: Isaac Leigh [email protected] Twitter @BoarSport SPORT fb.com/groups/BoarSport Results Sport Allies looking to go global 12 February 2014

Isaac Leigh interviews the co-ordinators of the hugely promising anti-homophobia charity Badminton omophobia in sport is a otherwise. global problem, and is “We want a world where it’s eas- Men’s 1st H Leeds 1st 8 0 discussed at length by pro- ier for people to come out. A ma- Men’s 2nd* H Derby 1st 4 4 Hfessional sportspeople at an elite jor aspect of this is language. For Men’s 3rd A Notts Trent 1st 1 7 level. example, it would be easier for a For example, leading figures gay man to come out if asked the Basketball such as former Professional Foot- question “Do you have a partner?” ballers’ Association (PFA) chair- rather than “Do you have a girl- Men’s 1st A Leicester 1st 57 51 man Clarke Carlisle and former friend?” Women’s 1st A Lincoln 1st 48 30 Bolton Wanderers manager Owen “Between us we’ve been part of Coyle contributed to a captivating a few different sports clubs, and Fencing live debate on BBC Radio Five have realised the differences be- Live about homophobia in foot- tween them and how the culture Men’s 1st A Queen Mary 1 109 124 ball. of one club can be different from Most recently, American Foot- another club in terms of how in- ball star Michael Sam revealed clusive they are.” Football that he is gay - an announcement Julia agreed, clarifying that Men’s 1st H L’boro 3rd 2 1 which trended on Facebook and “we’re not saying there is a prob- was an unprecedented move in lem everywhere – there might not Women’s 1st H Derby 1st 5 6 American sport. be a problem – but it’s just about Women’s 2nd A Leicester 1st 0 7 But the challenge has always making people aware in general. been to educate young people We’re not going into it with a neg- Hockey about the issue, enforcing positive ative attitude.” and inclusive attitudes from the The team have a stall at the an- very beginning. nual National Student Pride event Women’s 1st H B’ham City 1st 56 5 at the University of Westminster Women’s 1st A East Anglia 1st 15 57 “We want people to be next week, which is supported by proactive rather than reactive all the major political parties. Netball They even hope that British co- - we want someone to find it median, actor, writer and present- really easy to come out” Men’s 1st A Leicester 1st 57 51 » Just one sight you can expect to see in the Sochi Games. photo: IOC er Stephen Fry will be in attend- Women’s 1st A Lincoln 1st 48 30 Lauren Rutter ance. And it is clear that they have Sport Allies, a new student-led a plan to spread their influence Squash charity started at Warwick, are at- across other universities. tempting to do just that after their “Our route into other univer- Men’s 1st A UWE 1st 0 5 hugely successful launch in week » Making a difference: Sport Allies on campus. Photo: Sport Allies sities is through different student Men’s 2nd H East Anglia 1st W O five of this term. unions and sports officers,” Lauren Men’s 3rd A Loughborough 0 5 The charity was born out of the the message reaches as many young 2nds ities with established brands? said. “We want to work with them Women’s 1st A Bristol 2nd 0 4 Warwick Rowing naked calendar, people as possible. It is clear that the Rowing cal- to work out ways to incentivise and the club have continued to “We want to work with univer- endar showed Sport Allies the way sports clubs. fund their progress. sities to create a list of Sport Al- forward. “We’re running an event in Lon- Table Tennis Chair Lauren Rutter, website lies-accredited clubs,” said Lauren. “We had people coming up to us don in the next couple of months, content co-ordinator Julia Dor- “If you have ten sports clubs who saying that thanks to the work we and inviting sports officers from rington, treasurer Sam Hewlings are Sport Allies-accredited, then did with the calendar, they were across the country from various and PR and marketing co-ordina- they’ll be rewarded. able to come out to their parents. universities to tell them what we’re tor Josephine Lee – all students at “Once sports clubs become ac- We got a really good response from doing and get backing from them. Tennis the University – were brimming credited then they can do their own the gay community,” said Sam. “We’re still in the process of de- with excitement when I spoke to outreach projects with secondary The club have used this positive veloping workshops, but the idea Men’s 1st A Bristol 1st 1 4 them about the future of Sport Al- schools using workshops designed response as a springboard to deliver is that we’ll launch it all as soon as Men’s 2nd H Stoke 1st 12 0 lies. by Sport Allies and registered char- a unique appeal. we’re ready to.” Their vision clearly goes far be- ity EACH (Educational Action “What we’re creating is some- The message is clear: Sport Allies Women’s 2nd H Notts 3rd 10 2 yond their series of workshops and Challenging Homophobia). thing totally different to anything are doing their bit to ensure that events on campus. “If five of these sports clubs did that exists because it uses students homophobia is never allowed to Volleyball “We haven’t even scraped the outreach projects with three local who are close age-wise to the sec- take hold amongst young people. surface of what we have planned,” schools, assuming there’s 120 stu- ondary schools they’re delivering said Lauren. Sam agreed, stating dents in each year group, then that’s the message to, which makes the Women’s 1st A Ox Brookes 1st 3 0 that “we haven’t actually started 18,000 secondary school students message stronger than if a teacher yet. It’s all about building a name hearing the message. And that’s a said it,” explained Lauren. How big can Sport and a reputation.” conservative estimate.” “We’re not going in saying every- Allies become? The idea is for multiple universi- But what made them want to one’s homophobic or not inclusive, Comment online: ties to found outreach projects with found their own charity rather than but some people hold the mentali- theboar.org/sport local secondary schools to ensure just donating heavily to other char- ty that you’re straight until you say

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