The Last Shadow Puppets live at the Academ, LI LS2 interviews comedian Tim Minchin

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RMP bankrupt Elm bursary underspend Virginia Newman

Bursary budget downsized after over-estimate Student letting agent RMP • Properties has been put into administration due to • Call for a national bursary scheme to ensure fairness financial problems. Milcrack Limited, the parent Adam Richardson intended purpose of providing company and its subsidiaries, Laurie Whitwell financial support for the students including RMP Properties, were who need it most." put into administration The NUS arc also concerned that following a petition in the High University bursary spending has Universities will leave remaining Court by the company's been scrutinised further as a bursary funding unspent. Wes creditors. shortfall of £1 million in the &reeling, NUS President, said: Some of RMP's tenants, University of Leeds bursary "This is the black hole in the many of which are students, will budget appeared in Parliament. underspending and we want to see changes to their dealings The information, released in know why institutions haven't made with the company as a result of Parliament by David Tammy, more efforts to fmd the students this action. Minister of State for Higher who need and deserve this money," Jack Cullen, third year English Education, suggests that Leeds only The University has avoided such student and an RMP tenant, spent £1.5 million on bursaries in criticism by spending the unused said: 2006-07, when they budgeted for bursary money on funding for other "A man visited my house and £2.5 million. Across the country, schemes. Ceti Nursaw, Head of the told me that I had to change my bursary spending was £19 million City and Regional Office of Access standing order. Initially we were short of a projected figure of £115 Engagement said: "What we have unsure as he was in casual million. ensured is the 005,000 went to clothes however we were However, University figures supporting widening participation reassured that we could takc any revealed by the Office of Access measures such as disability, faculty problems to RMP." Engagement show that there was widening participation initiatives (of "He reassured us that Paragon only a £605,000 shortfall in Leeds which they have to monitor and are actually better off keeping bursary spending. The bursary, report) and further widening the houses for students to rent budget was actually only £2.4 participation activities in Access and rather than selling them during million and this was due to an over- Community Engagement." the current financial climate." optimistic estimate of tuition fee OFFA commented: "We think RMP are keen to emphasise income for 2006-07, the first year of that the areas that they have that there will be no drastic tuition fees. The University expected reallocated money to are entirely changes to tenancy agreements. a tuition fee income of £10.4 appropriate as all are broader A spokesman for RMP said: million, but only received 0.5 Widening Participation activities. "I want to assure existing million. This occurred due to an Incidentally Leeds are one of a few tenants that it's business as usual overestimate in the number of institutions to actually do this as and that this change will have no eligible students. Due to this, the well." impact whatsoever on their University scaled down its bursary Danny Adilypour, LUU tenancy. They will continue to budget to £2.105 million. Education Officer, however, is remain in the property until the A spokesperson for the Office of unsure about this re-allocation of end of their tenancy agreement." Fair Access (OFFA) said: "The funding. He said: "I am pleased that "Some students have had to amounts universities estimated they the University spent the £605,000 change their standing orders but would spend were always taken to shortfall in bursary money on the they have been informed of this. be predictions and not fixed widening participation agenda. I understand that this news may commitments to expenditure." However, there is still the problem be unsettling. But the facts are However, Cohn Burgon, MP for that not every student who is eligible that existing tenants will Elmet said: "It is concerning that for a bursary actually applies for experience no disruption." Leeds University isn't spending all of one. Until we create a clearer, fairer The court administrator Rod the money allocated to bursary system of allocating bursaries, we Butcher of Butcher Woods has schemes for disadvantaged students. will continue to fail to provide this been brought in to manage the The University must ensure that all financial support for even student company's affairs For the benefit of this unspent money is used for its page 2 page 2

Sport Comment & Debate News Extra BUCS begins Credit crunch: Will it affect us? My scar: living with cancer Rule changes for Rugby Union? Education: privilege or right? Open university: widening access to HE Friday, October 17, 2008 I www.leedsstudent.org I Leeds Student 02

The globe is back! Remember the get for your two gees? Well, some noticed that the Pole Dancing society Lastly, if you don't have any friends 0,000 globe from two weeks past? people arc going to bring it (maybe in a (which doesn't exist, remember) is or hobbies, you might consider going Well, the powers that be decided that van) inflate it, leave it for a bit, then handing out flyers to students to to vote for NITS delegates this week. they didn't want it. Decided to release deflate it. attend its non-society 'meetings'. Another vote, where there are 46 some balloons instead, but then didn't. Then, if some other university Very unlikely that those girls are candidates, 21 possible delegates and Well, anyway, some bright spark at wants to pledge its dedication to going to find themselves slapped with about three people who care about it, Inflatable Globes Which Represent something in an abstract form using a licensing fine, but where are they or have heard ..about it. Why don't we Important World Issues and said globe, they can borrow it from us. going to hold these meetings? And have a nomination procedure where Commitments did their market Which they won't, because rather than what will they be doing? And can I the student populus can kick oict research, and decided that a paltry vaguely understanding the concept, come too? Are they going to allow Unionees once a week? Short changed ,00I) wasn't nearly enough money their response will sound more like: boys to do this? Because if not, I don't at the till? Society meeting dashed with for a University Union to waste. It "Ha, ha, hahahaha". You can recycle think it's very inclusive. In fact, that's your daily lie-in? An iron fist ruling on must be MORE. Now the going price plastic globes, yes? no fun at all. Almost as fun as being in THAT! There'd be a pretty high turn Union Boy of an inflatable Commitment Globe is In other student news, those with a the Exec office at the moment, where out for that, I think. But then again, 0,000, we're all over it. What du you beady/wandering eye may have things don't smell too pretty at all.. my job would be on the line.. RMP bankrupt Bursaries (continued from front page ) (continued from front page) of the people and businesses it owes calmed. that needs it." national bursary scheme which an active role in trying to alert money to. The aim is to return A spokesman for RMP said: "In The amount set aside for applies to all universities and to students who may he eligible for money to the creditors. addition, the deposits of existing bursaries at the University of simplify the process of applying support, with OFFA citing Leeds' Michael Clarke, a representative tenants are protected. These will be Leeds is in direct contrast to for a bursary. This would mean example as good practise. Ceti from Paragon the mortgage lender, returned to tenants in the normal Leeds Metropolitan University that poorer students would be added: "We wrote — a total of said: way at the end of the tenancy, as who only spent £42,001) in the guaranteed the financial support three times if required — to "An administrator is a licensed long as any of the terms of the same period on bursaries. This is they need, regardless of the students we thought may be insolvency practitioner, appointed by agreement at the start of the tenancy due to them not charging the full institution they went to and eligible for bursaries, a process the court to manage a company's haven't been broken." tuition fee amount: Instead, they would halt the slippery slope which proved successful in Affairs for the benefit of its Andrea added: 'We have been charged £2,000. This means that towards a market created by alerting many would-be creditors." advised that the majority of deposits they do not need to recycle bursaries, where students would recipients." Two receivers of rent, David for tenants who vacated properties in tuition fee money into bursary choose universities based on the According to the University, flitches and Richard Shelton or June 2008 have been returned. funding, and thus do not need a financial support being offered one in four Leeds students are Redbrick Survey and Valuation However if any students have not large bursary scheme. rather than studying the course eligible for a Leeds Bursary, Limited, have been employed by received their deposits back or if any Ninian Watt, Chair of they want at the university they which is automatically paid to Paragon to collect rental payments student has concerns over the Governors at Leeds Met said: want to attend." students who have a family from tenants and pay these direct to current situation they are welcome to "The increasing number of The argument is backed by household income of £36,000 or the landlord's mortgage account. contact the Student Advice Centre students applying to study at Colin Burgon MP, who added: less. This is decided by the Andrea Kerkslake, LIT Advice for advice and assistance." Leeds Met indicates the success "Universities being able to set information provided on a Centre housing specialist, said Maintenance and other services of the University's pioneering their own bursary schemes leads student loan financial assessment "I laving met with the Receivers I am will continue to be run by RMP's low-charging, high impact to vast inequalities in the level of and is payable in every year of a confident at this stage that students existing staff from RMP's approach to fees and education in support received by students at student's degree course. There who have rented from RMP should lendingley office. Students with any general. The low fees in effect different institutions. The only are also a number of other not have any difficulties. We have maintenance issues or queries mean a bursary of over L1,000 fair solution to this is to create a scholarships available to Leeds received assurances that repairs will relating to the day-to-day for every under-graduate national bursary scheme where students. be undertaken as and when they are management of their tenancy should student." every student is entitled to the A new report titled the Impact needed and that deposits made for contact RMP's licadingley office on This has led to calls for a same support, regardless of of Scholarships and Bursaries at this year will be protected. RMP arc 01 13 224 9911. national bursary scheme. This where they study." the University of Leeds suggests still members of the Unipol Code of Any students with concerns would centralise bursary However, David Lammy MP is that choosing Leeds as a place to Standards and we understand that should contact the advice centre at payments and funding would be against such a scheme, saying: study was more important than the RMP offices arc to remain open advice(egluudeeds.ac.uk or visit the administered by the government "Under the current arrangements, the bursaries on offer. The report and fully operational. Concerns over Student Advice Centre first floor of as opposed to the Universities. institutions are required to pay a states: "Just over half of the student's deposits have also been the LUU Building. This scheme would be backed by minimum bursary to all students scholarship and bursary holders the NUS. Aaron Porter, NUS receiving the maximum grant. interviewed indicated that they Vice President said: "The current Beyond this, it is fur the had decided that they wanted to bursary system is overly complex institution themselves, subject to study at Leeds before they knew and not fit for purpose. A approval from OFFA, to decide about eligibility for national, regulated bursary how to support their students. A scholarship/ bursaries." scheme would be a better national scheme would he very However, the report does IN SIDE solution, meaning that need complex and costly to administer, suggest a finanical motivation in rather than institutional policies and would lead to reduced choosing a University. The report or attainment levels would support for students at a number states: "A majority of the determine levels of support. Such of universities, damaging .our fair scholarship holders and £300 a system would also allow access agenda." bursary holders interviewed 1-7: News students to directly compare the The bursary underspend is indicated that they would have 8: The Big Debate bursaries available at different seen as another example of the considered going to another institutions." effects of tuition fees upon the university if they had been 9: Extra: Raising the school leaving age Danny commented: "The University system. Tuition fees offered a lager 10:Students battling cancer current system of universities were introduced in 2006.07, and scholarship/bursary there. In setting and regulating their own the University had to make almost every case it was stressed, 12:Comment bursary schemes is far too calculations for a bursary spent however, that they would only 14: Leeds' Participation Scheme complex and bureaucratic. Many for which they had no have done this if the relevant of those eligible for such comparable data. course was equally as appealing 16: Sport bursaries are unaware of their The University encourages and of a similar quality to the one existence or find the process of students who might be eligible at Leeds, if the university rn applying confusing. The only way for bursaries to try to obtain one, question had as good a reputation to overcome this is for the as one in four students could be as Leeds and if its location was as government to create a single, eligible. The University has taken convenient to home."

Leeds Student Newspaper

Editor - Laurie Whitwell/ Assosociate editors - _John Puddephatt, Alex Disney/ News - Natasha Evans, Virginia Newman, Adam Richardson/ Sport - Owen Bradley, Joe I libbert, Daf Pritchard/ Coinn'.a - Rob Heath, Marys Yasin/ Features - Maddy McGartie, Clare Pidsley, Sarah Allen/ Big Debate - Andrew Rogers/ Arts - Vicky Lillis, Cullen/ Books - Rebecca Music - Helena Goodwyn, U71) Alwakeel/ Clubs KaZIM Rashid, Sam Donnison/ Televison - Evie Prysor-Joncs, Haiti Cawley/ Fashion - Alex I laddow, Hannah Vasdekys/ Photography - All Hung Designers - Katie Szadriewska, Melissa Black, Maggie L.enihan, Sam Smith, Bruce Usher/ Proof Readers - Rachel Gertis, Oliver Milburn, Frances Pratt, Mark Schick, I Stainforth Friday, October 17, 2008 - Leeds Student 03 L - Factor launches live across campus

Emma Daglish societies within the Union; this Lizzie Edmonds should bring a high standard to the competition." "As well as to aid LUUMS' This week saw the launch of "L funds the event is hoped form a - Factor", Leeds University link between LUUMS and the Union Music Society's other performing societies, by (LUUMS) imitation of ITV's X everyone getting involved with the Factor. competition." LUUMS developed the idea of Auditions, which are running the competition with the hope to until October 20 in the ARC, are raise approximately L50011 to help open LO all University students that the society's floundering finances. are solo acts, bands or groups; Participants will be eligible to win including those that just play a cash prize with a mere L,1 instruments. Chris Moyles and JIrn roy Savill. are two entrance rec. The committee are hoping that Leeds Ceiebntys that are rumoured to be The competition commences guest judges will include Radio judging L Factor. Who would you rather have as your Sailor on October 16 with a preliminary One's Chris Moyles, although this Cowell? audition round held in front of an is vet to be confirmed. These unconfirmed panel of LUUMS judges, should Mr Moyles decline judges. These judges, in the vein of the offer, will he joined by Jimmy Simon, Louis, Danni and Cheryl Savill. will rate each performance in an 16 contestants will compete in attempt to find the best of Leeds the semi-finals, held on November students' musical talent. 21 in the Riley Smith Hall. The organisers are looking for a Following this, 8 contestants will range of talent from solo acts, proceed to the final on the groups and choirs, all the way November 28. through to hands, be it rock, pop Nick Westerman added: "This or jazz. event promises to be a lot of fun Nick Westerman, President of for all involved, so don't miss out! LUUMS, said: "I'm very Sign up now!" optimistic, we have already The applications period has received interest from other hero extended. Apply in the ARC. Drug den discovered People and Planet

Virginia Newman number of what are believed to be Rob Heath asked to stop, but otherwise the protester turned up with black on cannabis plants from the address. protest passed without event. his face too.- A student resident of Manor funny Krzyzosiak, a third-year E.ON came under fire from Drive, Joseph Richardson, a third Physics student who was attending protesters earlier this year when A suspected cannabis factory year Geography studend Anti-climate change protesters the fair, said of the protest: "They Kingsnorth, an E.ON -owned coal- has been discovered in the witnessed the event: "We heard from People & Planet didn't really explain well who they fired power station, was chosen as Hyde Park area of Leeds. there was a police raid and syc descended on the Careers Fair were. They sounded like they were the location for Camp for Climate The North West Inner didn't know why, natural last Monday to campaign working fist EON and just giving Action. This was partly in Neighbourhood Policing Team rumours started circulating that against energy supplier E.ON's a bad description of them rather response to the company raided the property on Manor there had been a murder. Then we presence there, than protesting against them. I announcing plans to build more Drive, a popular student area, last got home and the police had all Forming a makeshift blockade thought the black paint on the coal-powered plants over the Saturday. the windows open, and you could in front of their stand, the peaceful guy's face was a birth mark. I only coming decade. A spokesperson for West see all the equipment and all of the demonstrators, many who had realised it wasn't when another Yorkshire Police, said: "Officers plants in every room. rubbed coal on their faces, handed attended the address on Manor "My mate's window is at the out literature and explained the Drive on Saturday morning and front of the house and the smell of reason for their disruption to arrested a 37-year-old l.ceds man weed was unbelievable, he had to students. and a 41-year-old woman from close his windows. The people Protester Jesse Harris said London. Both have been who cleared the house out were afterward: "I protested because interviewed by police and released working until really late at night what 1 know about climate change on police bail pending further and they must have filled up and its catastrophic effects mean I enquiries." around three skips." can't sit back and do nothing, Police have recovered a li.ON wants to open the first new coal power plant in twenty years, going in the completely wrong direction, and this needs to he stopped. By protesting against them, it might contribute to persuading them to change this decision. More realistically it will raise awareness amongst other students and counteract their fabricated image of a green energy company 'committed to tackling climate change'." Some campaigners had been handing out FLON's energy-saving lightbulbs to people coming to the stall without permission, and were IC:2 04 Friday, October 17, 2008 I ww.v.leectsstudentorg Leeds Student News In Brief

Amu Student's life savings lost in crash Plummet in world ranking Felicity Selcoe account had been frozen by means a lot." Bank of England will be given to Icesave soon after hearing about The internet bank Icesave, Landsbanki to help it repay British The University of Leeds has the problems of the banking owned by the Icelandic bank savers with money deposited at the plummeted 24 places in the system in Iceland. A four to five Landbankski will soon he declared bank. World University Rankings. A Leeds student has lost his life day period of no access was soon in default and it is now not The UK authorities expect that The Times Newspaper ranked savings in the Iceland banking put into effect, therfore blocking processing any withdrawal or Landsbanki will soon be declared The University as the 104th top in crisis. any efforts to withdraw his money. deposits requests. The Icelandic in default. Should that occur, the the world in the publication on Peter Abel, a third year Pete commented: "I thought Financial Supervisory Authority Chancellor has put in place Thursday. philosophy student, lost in the they had lost it, they said they were (FM hi) has taken control of the arrangements to ensure that no The University came in at 80th region of £14,000 when the not going to insure it. Pretty bank and put it into administration. retail depositor will lose any money in 2007, its highest ever position, Icelandic internet bank Icesave gutting. Its only money though, A statement from the Icelandic as a result of the closure of Icesave. meaning the University of Leeds crashed. however in the region of £14,000 it government said that they would The Treasury and the Financial has dropped 24 places in just Peter discovered that his replace all of the funds, however Services Compensation Scheme under a year. for them to do that it would cost are working with the Icelandic Despite the poor performance three times their annual Gross authorities and their Deposit in the 2008 rankings, The Vice- Domestic Product. Insurance Scheme to ensure that Chancellor Professor Michael Peter originally opened the depositors are paid back as quickly Arthur remained upbeat: account in his first year of as possible. The Chancellor has "This year's ranking is University in 2006, as it offered a also spoken to the Icelandic disappointing, particularly in view really attractive rate of interest, of Finance Minister about the of last year's place but I've no almost 7"Ao and since depositing the importance cif the Icelandic doubt that our overall money he has gained a few authorities ensuring that UK performance is improving. I have hundred pounds in interest. depositors in leesave are given the every confidence that we will, Peter claims he doesn't blame same protections as depositors in together, achieve the academic the bank, even though the money Iceland and receive their deposits standards expected of a truly inside has been accumulated over back in full promptly. world-class university by 2015." his life, via birthday presents and Fortunately for Peter, his Professor Arthur also also money saved for his tuition parents are willing to pay for his commented on this year's fees. fees, waiting to be repaid by him at National Student Survey Results Alistair Darling, the Chancellor a later date. which showed an overall student of the Exchequer, announced last satisfaction of 86%, up 4% from \ hmday that £100 million from the 2007. Hannah Harman, a first year Philosophy student said: "I came to Leeds because I thought it was one of the best Plans for more student housing halted universities in the world and Istill think it is." The QS rankings, which have Marcus Chippindale larger numbers of people living in Damiao commented: "The students, stating they are the come over some scrutiny recently properties, which produces higher demand to live in Hyde Park and victims and not the perpetrators. over its accuracy, ranked the levels of waste than a standard Headingley won't decrease, and if Damian stated: "students will be at University of Harvard of the Objections to the proposed house." there are further limits on housing risk wherever you put them." United States as the top university building of 256 student flats on The HMO Lobby would prefer then people will sign contracts The HMO Lobby have stressed in the world, with Yale, Cardigan Road have re-opened to see more students move out of earlier, prices will rise and that they are not against students Cambridge and Oxford occupying the debate about the social houses in the Headingley and standards are likely to drop." as a group, but they feel the the other top four places. implications of having so many Hyde Park area in order to free up Mr Damiao added that he does current situation is not beneficial The full university rankings can he students living in one area. room for families, creating a better not believe students are a social for the city. Dr. Tyler stated: "Our viewed at Letting and estate agent balance of residents. problem, and rhat high crime concern is for the viability and www.topuniversities.com/universi Parklane Properties had already However, this would mean levels cannot be blamed on sustainebilin of the area." ty rankings/results/2008/overall been given permission to build 86 students would be Forced to live in _rankings/fullrankings/ apartments on the site of the various private residences spread former glassworks on Cardigan across the city, a situation which Road, but have since applied to the University would prefer to construct private student avoid. "Students like anyone else Elections accommodation. These revised are entitled to choose where they proposals have led to objections live and the type of The candidates for Union from the Leeds llouses in Multiple accommodation that suits their Council and NUS conference Occupation Lobby (HMO) and needs. The University would not have been confirmed this the South Headingley Residents' and could not tell students where week. Association. They argue that the to live. The market provides a Forty-two students have put area is already overly dominated by wide range of options from which themselves forward to he NUS students and that the planned students can choose," said Mr. delegate. The position is slightly accommodation would only add to Miller. rbfferent this year as previously the problem. The idea does not sit well with there would be a vote for each "There is already a heavy Leeds students either. John, a conference whereas this time the imbalance towards students," said second year theology student said, vote stands for all the conferences Dr. Richard Tyler, Coordinator of "Headingley and Hyde Park are during the academic year. Leeds HMO Lobby. "Streets and ideal for students because they are The positions open on Union communities with a balance of near the nightlife of Headingley Council are Ethical and different types of residents would and within walking distance of the Environmental Assembly Chair, be more beneficial, as having such University. If students were General Student Representative, an imbalance changes the whole integrated into more parts of the Postgraduate Assembly Chair, character of the area." city there would be more Racial Minorities Assembly Gregory Miller, Deputy complaints." Convenor, Welfare Assembly Director of the Access, Alex, a second year history student Chair and two first year Community and Engagement stated: "Leeds is a student city and representatives. Office at the University said, without us I don't think the Voting begins next Friday "There are specific issues with Iteadingley area would be doing and the ballot is open for one waste associated with areas anywhere near as well as it is." week. containing significant numbers of LUU Community Officer Rob Sec page seven for a full HMO's, as generally there are listing of the candidates. Friday, October 17, 2008 j www.Ieedsstudent.org I Leeds Student 05 1=11 Peanuts to Union Peanut Gallery

Thomas Knowles purposes in a referendum in March meeting room." arrival of Abbey bank branch this Union from conducting business with 2007. However, this summer Abbey, However, second year Politics and space can no longer be seen as 'non- companies involved in destructive and owned by the Spanish banking branch South East Asia studies student, Guy commercial'. unethical activities. Santander declined Banco Santander, offered to pay the Mitchell, another Peanut member, The Union building already has to comment on the allegations when Leeds University Union's Peanut union an estimated 00,000 annually to questions whether this was just luck. four cash machines and several major questioned by the LUU. Gallery, the democratic social take hold of the Peanut Gallery's spot "What would have happened to the banks branches opposite the Parkinson Some LUU members fought hard centre, has been moved from its for ten years. Peanut Gallery had the union not had building. However, Matthew Rowatt, to stop Abbey building a branch in the spot in the Union to make way for The Peanut Gallery has had to another space available? Would it just manager of the new Abbey branch, space. 1.1.11.1 Equality and Diversity an Abbey bank branch. move to a new room near the Union's have been dropped? We need to make says their bank will bring more than Officer, Maryam Ahmad, said: "The sure we arc guaranteed an area without just another ATM. "At Abbey we can activities that Santander are allegedly commercialism. This cannot he give financial information to students involved in are seriously questionable allowed to happen again" he said. all week from 10am-6pm. Rather than From an ethical point of view. As a The Union's current financial telling students to come and find us, we political Union and a vehicle for problems, such as the loss of income are here available For them on their student representation we must ensure from the failing Refectory line up, seem campus." Matthew said he did not that those corporations that are given to have been the deciding factor in the know that the area was originally the LLIU stamp of approval by being move. The Executive vote was five in granted for non-commercial purposes invited into our building conduct their favour and one opposed. only, but that Abbey simply wants to business in a way that conforms with Laura McFarlane-Shopes, LUU give "a personal and helpful touch to our values, especially if we are going to Communications and Internal Affairs banking for all Leeds students". break Union policy in allowing them to Officer believes that Abbey was given Banco Santander, owner of Abbey enter in the first place. the go ahead with students in mind: and Spain's biggest bank, has "It isn't always easy to he an ethical "We had to think about what would previously attracted negative media organisation and at times the right 'benefit more students, and securing attention. The bank is accused of being decision to make is the hardest one, but upwards tit- twenty thousand pounds a responsible for funding the building of these decisions are sometimes year for the union would mean that we Four large dams and a water way on the necessary to ensure that we're doing air•reSSCra zone, an away rum wouldn't have to make cuts to vital Madeira River which could have a large the right thing by our members, and The Peanut Gallery is a non- the public eye. Nanda Van V ilet, a third student services' she said. environmental impact on Brazil and that we don't fall into blatant commercial social centre founded by year Environmental Sustainabilty In March 2007 the LUU stated that Bolivia hypocracy. A major worry is also that Leeds University Union (I.LILI) which student and a member of the Peanut democracy was one of their `core In addition, according to Rachel decisions like these set a precedent for gives students a place to discuss ideas, Gallery, said: "students are less likely to values'. They resolved that in order to Ehrenfeld in her book Evil Money, future Executive Committees. The promote grass-roots campaigns and notice us now". increase student 'interest and Santander is one of the banks "which next time LUU faces a problem it host political debates. It originally held But, the move has created some participation in the democratic the members of the Medellin drug might be R BS, Nestle or RAE that we a primary position in the Union advantages for the Peanut Gallery. structure of the Union' there would be cartel use" in Argentina to launder see opening their newly-rented space in building, next to Gear and Hiccup. Nanda continued: "The new room is a 'non-commercial space for use as a money. If these claims are true them the the building." This was a space specially granted by actually a lot bigger. We now have a hub of student-led democratic and LIJU is breaking th6r Cr nporate Social the [XI for student democratic sink, a store room, and a separate campaigning activity'. Yet with the Responsibility policy. This restricts the Light night brightens up the campus and city

Emily Dexter was that visitors were meant to be Claire Freeston offered a sense of 'hope and freedom' due to the relaxing sounds, such as birdsong, which Filled the area Leeds Light Night took place once previously used for much more serious again with the campus and city matters. busy with both students and Leeds 'Line of Sight', an interactive tour of residents. the corridor in the E. C. Stoner The event, which took place on Building, proved another popular Friday October 10, saw a lineup of event. Steve Bottoms, who ran the events which included ghost stories, tour of the corridor admitted that he music, a RAG tire walk and a tour of enjoys doing theatre in site specific Europe's longest corridor, the Red contexts, saying: "I just like the Route. corridor." 'Ghost Stories in the Brotherron Three students from the Workshop Library' was one of the most popular Theatre provided acted extracts from attractions of the evening with letters and memos From the main men performances from Lauren Garnham who were in charge of developing the and Tom Fava, both third-year Theatre campus from one which believed and Performance students. housing 5,00)) students was to be a The event took place in the great challenge, into the one we are Brotherton Reading Room. The used to today. performance was so popular that an 'Line of Sight' offered an insight extra rendition was fitted in. into how the campus was created, as Tom said: "As third years, we both well as an opportunity to discover the have very busy schedules but we were plans which never came to fruition. asked to perform on light Night again One of these was for the creation of after our success in 2007 and were 'Congregation Court, thought of by happy to do so — we're very pleased Peter Chamberlain, the University's that so many people came to see us architect. This was to be a large open tonight and we've really enjoyed the air site for degree ceremonies in the performances." centre of campus, dose to where the Another attraction was Phil Edward Boyle is now. Harding's work, 'Town Hall Old Plans are already underway for Courtroom', which used the unique 2009's event which will hopefully be acoustics of the courtroom. The idea even bigger and better than this year. Friday, October 17, 2008 I vm-v, leodsstudent.org 1 Leeds student of) Leeds Student Letters to the Editor Peanuts vast majority of people in Leeds I read briefly the article in Leeds In response to last week's opinion piece 'Light Night brightens the arc largely indifferent to the The Peanut Gallery move may has been given up without any Student (Friday Oct 10th) on the future', I think the Leeds Student student presence, and if tensions well have gone unnoticed by consultation with the organisation. new sports centre facilities, and I overstates the importance of the do exist they are limited to many students but the arrival of In a time of high apathy among noted with interest no comment was student population to the overall selected cases rather than citywide. the new Abbey back will surely voters in student politics to go raised as to the increased It's true to say that the bars and not have been. against a referendum decision membership costs that will be Leeds economy. Certainly, students make a clubs make less money during This week the work has almost highlights to students that the charged. student vacations, but it's a big been finished on yet another bank people that they have elected When another PhD Student and I welcome contribution to local leap to make out that the city in the union building. For those cannot be trusted. went at the beginning of term we businesses in Hyde Park and goes students who are fed up of the In a campaigning union that has enquired (as we were surprised by Headingley, and provide a healthy into financial freefall in the union cash machines being out of banned Nestle and other products the random 45 increase on both retail and leisure spend in the city summer months, or that the order this development may be thought to be non-ethical to levels of membership) as to what centre, but to imply that students people of Leeds resent students greeted with open arms. But welcome Abbey seems a strange fees would be this next year. We are the sustaining force of the simply because they're not always clearly this is not the real issue decision. Whether a financial were told that fees would be city's economy seems to me an around to spend their parents' here. situation is to blame or not, this increased to effectively being exaggeration bordering on cash in the Albion Street Willtts's. In a hypocritical LUU decision will cause tension equivalent of an outside gym (such arrogance. It may he surprising to learn Executive decision, the union between the union and many as Virgin Active) for full It hardly needs to be pointed that there is a bit more to this space promised previously to the campaigning and political membership, this equates to out that Leeds is the largest diverse city than the LS6 student Peanut Gallery in a referendum societies. approximately £40 a month. employer of financial and legal bubble. The city's true wealth This is hardly going to get the service jobs outside London or creators reside in the north cast tit. students through the door to use the that it has the third largest the city, not the north west. shiny new facilities is it? I would be manufacturing sector in England. interested to see if you arc informed As the commercial capital of an Bursary Budget differently if you had decided to E.U. region, it is clear the city's John Gissing. investigate this issue. This will economic base relies on rather Wigton Moor, Leeds alienate students, especially during more than the investment of the The Bursary debate was re- government. Many Universities are the current economic market. Whilst universities alone. ignited in Parliament last week against such an idea, as it removes The suggestion therefore, that when statistics showing a Li the control they have over the a swimming pool etc is nice, if they the absence of students during million shortfall in University of bursaries they give out. However, wanted to pay the increased cost, vacation periods causes "severe Leeds bursaries were aired. For students applying to University, there arc other gyms with these facilities nearby. This is an problems for the local economy" Whilst the actual figures for it would make the system more inconsiderate and seemingly doesn't appear to have a sound unspent bursaries were not as high as accessible and easier to comprehend. basis in reality. You also claim first thought, the University still had The differences in bursaries given clandestine move by the University "community tensions" between a £605,000 shortfall in bursary out are apparent within Leeds. itself. to attempt to increase revenues. students and residents "are spending in 2006-07, even after the Leeds Met only gives out 1;42,000 — Yours sincerely, apparent at big events". With the necessary re-adjustment to figures. a huge difference to that given out by D.Wrighton exception of the localized tensions The University has won praise for the Uni. This shows the problem in student areas, I would say the acting responsibly in reallocating the within the system, as different funding to other areas to allow for Universities can give out different widening participation, but surely thy awards. The Met qualify their money should have gone where it bursary spending by not charging the Was Meant to. full rate of tuition fees, claiming it I feel I have to respond to your balance- wholesome gymnastics, and destroy all the pr work I have The information for bursary benefits every student with a low- feature on the rejected pole much more appropriate for a done by printing an ill informed spending is confusing at best. charging, high impact approach dancing society,and would be university society. feature. You have my contact Different sources quote different In a time of economic turmoil, grateful if you could print a follow I am entirely in agreement that number on figures and add into the mix the for students, for Universities and for up story to educate and inform the the university should not have a file. Good journalism would have adjustment due to the lower-than- the government, the bursary issue is more ignorant parties involved in LAPDANCERS society. I never been to get a comment from expected tuition fee income, one that will be sure to re-surface this report. encourage any of my students to someone who accurate numbers arc difficult to over the coming weeks and months. I am a former student of Leeds work in the clubs. There is no actually KNOWS WHAT THEY arrive at. This means complications With the NUS and Unions across University, circa '83-87(modern stripping, no nudiry, and no lewd ARE TALKING ABOUT! to a system which should be easy for the country calling for changes to languages). After graduating, I got behaviour at my classes. The best I would be grateful if you could the average student to understand. bursary administration, maybe this into event organisation and of the lap clubs are strip bars, and give me a call and hopefully, you This uncertainty of figures fires year there will be change. community arts and dance. the could do a follow up story which further the debate that there should After the birth of my daughter worst, brothels. can inform and educate. he a national bursary scheme. This in 1999, I wanted to take up some I have a 9 year old daughter who My own pica can be seen at would give control of the form of dance which was more of a is a skilled pole acrobat- obviously myspace.com/aebraqueenpoledan administration of bursaries to the full body workout than the salsa, I want no connection with the clog. Please have a look as they samba etc. which had previously above establishments. show an been the only exercise which had For the past 9 years, I have been entirely different face of pole, and appealed to me. It was I who ran try to get Joe Public to distinguish challenge people's preconceptions. Credit Concerns the first pole classes in the UK, for between lap dancing, te stripping, There is an opportunity here to AMATEURS, FOR FUN & and pole acrobatics- skillful show good journalistic skills and a FITNESS. gymnastics on a pole, having its properly researched feature, rather The much anticipated credit future. To lose the life savings that One of my students, Mya, roots in Chinese martial arts and than ill-informed, tabloid shock crisis is fast becoming a reality would have provided the much- approached the Union about circus. Your feature made no Story. for everybody, anticipated 'positive start' is setting up a Pole Fitness Society, distinction between the two I look forward to hearing from At the risk of following the heartbreaking. It can only he but was told that someone else had (entirely different) camps. you. media trend of constantly hoped that the government stand already proposed a similar society, I have advertised with Leeds discussing the impending worries, by their pledge to rectify the so two applications would not be Student in the past. You have Rachel Anstis this weeks article concerning Peter problem. allowed. taken my money to advertise my Zebraqueen Pole Dancing Abel's loss of his lifcsavings means Meanwhile with the constant Mya's background is in acro- fitness pole classes, and then go it is now undoubtedly a relatable discussions about the lack of topic amongst the student bursaries, the lack of funding from population. the Union and the looming debt Students will be graduating, that awaits the student population, often with large amounts of debt, it seems that now more than ever and with the downturn in the everyone should do what they can To submit your letters to the editor email [email protected] or post them economy concerns are already to get the most out of their student to PO Box 157, Leeds LS1 1UH. mounting about an uncertain experience. Friday, October 17, 2008 I www.leedsstudent.org I Leeds Student 07 In the Union this week... Campus Watch Eight positions are open in the Union Council by-elections to be held next What's making the headlines at week. The positions are still vacant following the Union Council elections in March 2008 so students have been given a second chance to get involved. universities around the country Here are the candidates: Marcus Chippindale

Ethical and Environmental Assembly Chair Posq,,radiute Assembly Chair Fat Yea, Student Representative (2 positions Emma FiARGRAVE Tara JARDINE available) Sarah HOLTAM `lash MADHWANI Amy GOWER Bristol Nakul ZAVERI Daniel GRABINER Katherine BAVAGE shay, MIRZA Waal NAJJAR Bristol is not overly popular with with their experience. Rosalee DORFMAN its' own students according to In other news there was a Racial Minorities Assembly Convenor the National Student Survey. gang robbery of a shop in the General Student Representative Elliot JEBREEI. The University was ranked in middle of the student Darnel EDMONDS Alimah SITTA 92nd place in the national community for the second time Manash GANESH lalum HUSSAIN ranking after only 83% of those in two months. Damn MELLA Fist Year Student Representative (2 positions surveyed said they were satisfied Year ANSI IAIJI available) Richard ALIEN Amy GOWER Himanshu BAJA/ Daniel GRABINER Richard BERRY. Wellue Assembly Chair Shasta MIRZA Cans CLOSE Samantha 1.IMIAK Wajd NAJJAR Man DARBY levent AKBt'Lt 9 Rosalec IX)REMAN Cambridge

The CUSU has claimed that A new podcast service condoms given away for free by launched by the university will the Union are not safe to use, now allow people from around arguing that they do not meet the world to listen to lectures A brand new social group, the lot of people think that Mexico is all safety regulations. The CUSU and documentaries by Mexican Society, has been about burritos, Fajitas and chilli con have offered to swap the freebies Cambridge professors for free formed at Leeds University came - this is a total misconception for condoms they believe are up via iTuncs. and we want to show people that our Union this week, joining over 270 to standard. societies already operatingwithin country is, after all, a land of contrast, the university. tradition and culture." An unofficial association up until The Leeds University Mexican society 2005, the newly reformed citric has is the 16th of its kind in the U.K with already attracted scores of both I atin institutions such as Oxford, Exeter American and students other nationalities to join. The previous unofficial Mexican A major push to promote people to be more efficient when Society, a social group unrelated to recycling is underway in it comes to recycling. The plan the university, was dissolved just Alot of people Exeter, where volunteers have was backed up the `Freestuff under three years ago. This week, begun a campaign to raise Event," where thousands of however, the society was finally think that awareness through the donated items were given away given its long awaited official status distribution of information for free to prevent them from after a campaign by some of its Mexico is all packs to all student becoming waste, as part of the original members. Mexican Society residences, encouraging University's Re-Use scheme. The society's president, Yadira UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS about burritos, Gonzalez, is delighted that the Mexican Society is now part of the year ahead: fajitas and LLIU: "I think not only committee "We are looking forward to seeing Manchester members but also all the Mexicans in more and more people joining the chilli con carne Leeds are very happy that the LUU arc society, there are many exciting things giving us this chance; it's great that we to come!". - this is a total The Rory and Elizabeth into suspected discrepancies in are now part of the Union." The Mexican society is not entirely Brooks Foundation has Union expenses from last year. With numerous activities already based on social events. Developing misconception donated the largest ever gift to It is alleged that former organised for this academic year alone, Links between Mexican, British and development research, Campaigns Officer Andy both members and non-members arc Foreign students is the society's awarding 41.4 million to the Cunnigham signed off over to he given an exciting insight in to principal aim and when asked about University's Brooks World L1,500 on a budget of which he Mexican culture and tradition. the group's objectives Gonzalez said: Poverty Institute. was not a convenor. Christmas parties, Spanish karaoke and "We would like to foster relationships Union officials are looking story-tale sessions are just a flavour of between the members of the group. Cambridge and Warwick already the activities on the event list and We've been given the opportunity to hosting successful Mexican groups. show others the essence of Mexico. A Yadira Cionzilez is excited about the NI,thew Power

The candidates, asking for your votes, to be delgates for Leeds University at this years NUS conferences:

Daniel EDMONDS, Daisy El T IS, Abinash GAN ESH, Amy GOWER, Hannah GREENSLADE, Madeleine HARRIS SMITH, Joel HARRISON, Sophia JAMES, Maxim KIKOI ER, Samantha LISHAK, Christopher LOVELL, `Ash MADHWANI, Alia MAHDI, Ross MARKHAM, Laura MCEARLANE-SHOPES, Barry MCGUIRE, Daniel MORRIS, Jessica PARKER, Emma RICKMAN, Miriam SHAATH, Rowena SKINNER, Suzanne 'TOBIAS, Rachel WENSTONE, Dania] ADILYPOUR, Maryam AHMAD, Aiysha AHMED,Graharn AITKEN, Levent AKBULUT, Abdulralunan ALI-IADITHI, Mustafa ALKHADDAR, Richard ALLEN, Katherine SAVAGE, Richard BERRY, Chris CLOSE, Jak CODD, Gerard COLGAN, Robert DAMIAO, Max DARBY, James DOCKERILL, Rosalce DORFMAN. Voting will commence on Friday October 17 til Friday October 24. To cast your vote use the ballot boxes that can be found around the Union. Friday, October 17, 2008 I www.leedsstudent.org Leeds student Confidence Crunch Speaking on the current financial crisis, Gordon Brown asserts, The most precious asset that we have lost is confidence'. But is faith in the financial system something that we want to restore? This weeks debate asks: Faith in the sy:itern, or your money in you mattress? Faith in the System Put your money in your mattress

Caroline Browne Mark Sewards [email protected] [email protected]

" ATCHING A TAXI you are the student that should be ft P Y 0 I pill/ all the banks out of the back from the city buying all the drinks on every night money in your inferno by buying them centre a couple of out. mattress, or completely. The private sector weeks ago was an We must leant our lessons from Results from maybe reach for a can't seem to handle them, so give interesting history. The Wall Street Crash in safe. Either way, the public sector a chance. The C.experience. It was a 1929, which led to the huge ecitnomic last weeks poll: the moment ro inclination to take such action Monday evening, the day US depression in the 3(1's, was choose a new haven for your cash however, may only he encouraged congress rejected George Bush's perpetuated by panic. People rushed is now. As the financial system if we remove ourselves and nut proposal for a 700 billion dollar bail- to the banks and the stock exchange undergoes its biggest test in money from the banks. out plan for America's banking selling their shares and removing their For Army history, the time has come to But this proposal provokes an system, hence the last day of the money. We shouldn't make the same withdraw your cash from the important question; what will you world as we knew it! Or so the taxi mistake twice. The governments Recruitment on banks. Why? Well on the one hand do with your cash? As suggested driver told us as he asserted that the certainly aren't going to; they have the system could completely crash by the argument underling this world was going to end the next day. learnt to act quickly and decisively to Campus : 71% and take all your savings with it, article you could stuff it in a It didn't. I'm here two weeks later increase public spending and bail out but the real motivation should he mattress somewhere. At least the writing this article, but is our taxi the banking system. For once, for change. mattress won't lend it out driver's sort of attitude helping or George Bush seems to have taken Against Army Our faith in an unchecked free carelessly or risk it on the stock hindering the current economic history into account and his 3700 market with an addiction to debt market in these turbulent times. situation? Should we all be panicking billion baiI-out proposal has now Recruitment on has finally let us down. We have But suppose our leaders don't and stuffing whatever money we have been passed by congress. Last week proven that it is not built to last. learn any lessons and refuse to under our mantras, into a cookie jar Brown backed British banks by Campus: 29% The banks are falling like dominos, listen as the economy seemingly or behind the sofa? pledging halEa trillion pounds to prop one after another. As the recovers with their miraculous I would argue definitely not, up our banking system, effectively consequences of their subscription spending contest. You could wait although if we did it would certainly staking his premiership on this policy. to this system become all too clear, out the storm and ride the nest be advantageous for burglars. Fear Politicians arc able to make informed Don't forget to log on and it has been proven that our economic boom by depositing and panic will only make the situation decisions having learned from history, vote on this week's debate confidence was misplaced, and yet then. But what happens when the worse. As people fear that their bank and it is our duty to do so too. hundreds of billions of pounds of system crashes again, this time not will collapse, the banks begin to fear This is not the first, and I'm sure at leedsstudent.org taxpayer money is being spent in a to be recovered and with much each other, people remove their not the last economic crisis that the desperate attempt to save the more calamitous consequences? money, the banks stop /ending and world will face. For example, if in institutions and the system that Hopefully action now will save us this could indeed lead to the bank 1973 you had of put have let us down. from that kind of trouble in the collapsing. It is a self fulfilling [100 into shares in What's more, this future. prophecy, like telling a student that the London Stock huge rescue plan The best scenario would they will get a third - rnc-aning they Exchange, by the isn't guaranteed to involve you re depositing your don't try, go out every night and end of 1974 it would save us in the long cash in publicly owned banks. The therefore end up with that very have been worth term, and so dire is kind of banks that you would have degree. Gordon Brown, an expert on L34, a small dip in the situation now encouraged the creation of by the economy at least, sums up the the market. that we should withdrawing your cash from the situation very well, saying, -The most However, if you rake our money private ()nest Banks that would precious asset that we have lost is didn't panic, by 1.978 out of the failing allow the government direct confidence". So what we need is for it would have been banks as a vote of control over the economy. A individuals, governments and the worth over your nts confidence. stake that would see any future banks themselves to regain their initial [100 and by By showing our crisis tackled by those in power confidence, and we can be part of that 1982 you would have dissatisfaction in before it even became a problem. by showing ours. tripled your money. this way, we can It is possible that no matter Furthermore, the individual is the Markets fluctuate - force those in what action we take we could end least at risk as the government has they go down and political offices to up watching the system collapse guaranteed private savings in each invariably come back reconsider their before anyone saves it. But would bank up to the sum of [50 000. I up again. As long as plan of 'bailing that be a bad thing? The human think therefore that we as students you arc able to think out' the banks only race has survived thousands of can he pretty certain that the [2.50 in the long term there to sec them return years without these colossal that we have stashed away in the bank is no need for panic. to the status quo financial systems binding the will he paid back to us in the unlikely I am not that has gotten entire earth. Of course, quality of event of one of our banks actually suggesting that them into this life may be a problem, but we collapsing. If you do happen to have nothing about our mess. Perhaps should still be happy in the more than L50 000 stored away lifestyle needs to then we can get knowledge that we can find ways though, you could always just move it change. This isn't the them to provide us to survive no matter what the into two different banks meaning that time for credit driven with an alternative, financial situation. And hey, if both amounts our guaranteed. expenditure {says the more prudent things do go horribly wrong, those 110m:ever, some banks which are of girl already in her arrangement. banknotes you keep in the the same group, for example Halifax overdraft), this is a Maybe our good wasteland of tomorrow could act and the Bank of Scotland, will only time when stability PM could display as a small memento of the 'good guarantee you for the first 50 000 in and confidence arc his leftist old days'. either of their banks, so watch out if paramount. credentials and Friday, October 17, 2008 I www.leed.sstudentorg I Leeds Student 09 Extra

Cancer at University 10 LS A student's own story

Widening Participation 13

Extra LS1 explores the government's new plans for university access

Aising the school Living given the choice between taking economic costs of 733 million and protecting, nut destroying". Is it nut in Britain would lnlrv..trs. More Age will ultimately, "deny GCSEs, a diploma, or a young capital cost of 200 million to achieve ironic that the Bill disallows teachers teachers would be too frightened to freedom and apprenticeship, providing all students the government's target of 90% to promote the values of A-Level even attempt to exercise authority. autonomy," to young with the opportunity for an education seems an inefficient allocation of qualifications as a route to Higher More knives and drugs would be cople living in the UK, of their choice, whether academic or government resources. Not only do Education, when in fact these have a brought into school. More lessons Rsays Michael Gove, Shadows Schools vocational, whilst avoiding prejudice. these costs have repercussions for more preferable status to employers? would be disrupted. At present, those Secretary. The change is believed to affect up to taxpayers, many of whom are Depriving teenagers of the choice who stay on are the keener ones. They "Sixteen was an age when young 330,000 teenagers in order to tackle opposed to the changes, it seems of whether to stay in education or have it hence chance to make progress people could marry, pay tax, and rising youth unemployment, which is these costs can only be justified as training could criminalise youths and in those two years because the consent to sexual relations, and the due to unskilled school leavers benefiting government statistics i.e. lead to mass truancy. Geraldine disenchanted ones have left. That government was now floating the finding it increasingly difficult to find unemployment figures (that have Everett, Chairman of the Professional chance will be seriously endangered idea of giving them the vote. It is work. In addition, a breach of the bill increased by 5.4% since Labour came Association of Teachers (PAT) by this proposal." Would it not he of ironic that the government now could result in a £80 fine and even a into power in 1997), rather than expresses that for many disaffected more benefit to grant resources to propose to deny freedom and potential criminal record: this society as a whole. Furthermore, the pupils compulsory education until the those in earlier education, which can autonomy to young people with evidently coincides with Labour's educational reforms could result in an age of 17 or even 18 would be, provide foundations for a successful regard to education and training" he aims to decrease the youth criminal increased number of school leavers "prolonging the agony". She argues, school career, rather than expend vital also said. Given this contradiction net. However to what extent have focused on attaining employment "here is a government that has toyed resources on those who would prefer within Labours Policies, there is little these benefits been overestimated? within the skilled sector. This wilt not with the idea of lowering the voting not to be in an academic debate as to why the new Education Will British students be left with only make finding employment more age to 16 in order to promote a environment? and Skills Bill has been subject to redundant qualifications? Will competitive, it will leave other sectors, greater sense of citizenship among The question is, are the much criticism. Labour's strategies t o reduce anti- particularly the blue-collared sector, our young people. Yet it proposes to government really 'extending The Education and Skills Bill social behaviour and 'get kids off the struggling to seek employees. In extend compulsory education or opportunities' to young people, or are 2007-2008, introduced by F.dward streets' create an adverse effect, addition, it could be presumed that a training to 18, to compel the already students being deprived of the Balls of the Department of Children, leading to mass truancy and inevitably number of school leavers who choose disaffected, to, in their perception, Freedom of choice in an age which Schools and Families (DCSF), is the criminalisation of thousands of to study a diploma or young prolong the agony". The implications supposedly values individuality? As designed to make education and young people? Will the desires of apprenticeship will leave thousands not only involve mass truancy but will Alison Wolf of King's College training more robust and relevant to students who wish to do well be with supposedly worthless result in increased classroom London argues, "the government has the world that we live in. The bill shattered by the behaviour of qualifications in an increasingly disruption, affecting both staff and ludicrously over-estimated the provides a compulsory duty to disaffected students? degree-based world of employment. motivated students. In compliance benefits of raising the education and children up to the age of 17 to Given that 80% of 16 year olds As Alison Wolf of King's College with this view, James Bartholomew, training leaving age, and massively participate in education and training, and 76% of 17 year olds already London argues, "these are surely in his hook The Welfare State We're under-estimated the costs". with the aim of increasing the age to participate in recognised education exactly the sort of young people In' states that, "it is not an Keshia Thompson and Emma 18 by 2015. At age 14 pupils are now and training in England today, the whose employment we should he exaggeration to say that the crime rate Woods Friday, October 17, 2008 ,■ 10 . Leeds Student

CAN . A serious illness i not something mo students expect to come across during their time at university. Patrick Ebburdiscovered he had cer at the age of e tells IS1 about the battle for recovery, his ongoing trials, and his occasional glimpses of the funny side... LOVso E OBSER \RIMINTE STARS1GNS JAGE ■A S STA )CRFFNST LE FA LOVEBOX &PAGE MUSIC C'

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The ow own ctions not to take when drunk Society Scoop: FemSoc Lifestyle: Food and Health LS2 inside 03

october/ zero eight/ erww.leedsstudent org The LOW DOWN with Kazim and Alicia

Staying in

House Parties. with the likes of hip hop to create, in my amuse themselves. Remember: you have opinion, the wrong kind of house. These something called your imagination, Leeds is one of the few cities in this parties generally tessellate with the east endless free time and no one knows what country that has a 24 Hour party culture London migrants of the Leeds student you like better than you! over the weekend. Like London there is an population, whose taste cultures involve Alicia Michael intense feeling of 'party' from Fridays right bumping and grinding to Craig David. l'cl the way through to Mondays and probably rather have tinnitus. one of the greatest and worst elements to Two Pints of Lager and a this rave weekend are student house This archetype normally occurs in Packet of CrispsAnd another parties. Whether Headingly or Hyde Park the later stages of university, when is where you reside, there is a pretty good matured students feel they are somewhat A mystical chance that your Friday and Saturday above the dingy all night raves they Nights will be taken up by a house party or became so fond of when first arriving in umbrella of two, The problem however, is that the Leeds. It's a 'hang- up -your- coats- and quality of house party fluctuates somewhat -hats-no- smoking-inside-leave -by-2' kind and furthermore there is the added of occasion which nobody really enjoys. modern problem of something that is known in the Also, there's always one uninvited guest industry as 'bad taste'. Even more who gets the wrong end of the stick and electrical annoying than a poor quality party that double drops to the dismay of the mature has been organised with lad taste' kept in over the hill, over the drug phase crowd. mind is 'hegemony'. When I say dance music 'hegemony' I am referring to the countless The International Student House number of house parties and Djs that are Party generally almost carbon copies of their Ketamine A salient genre of house party, which induced selves. If you're new to Leeds why proliferates in the 'circles a la mode.' don't you take a moment with me over Multilingual abilities are the key to connected to herbal tea and enjoy the Lowdown's guide recognition, which from the above phrase to house parties, what to look out for and you can clearly see this is not my forte. the evolution what to avoid. Musical knowledge climaxing with Buena Vista Social Club is certainly not sufficient Drum & Bass & Techno The 'travelled' student will earn gratitude of 'house.' It's Drum and Bass and Techno are the musical in this niche, with his informed Going Travelling: preference of most of the house parties in understanding of alternative cultures and usually OK. so you may be thinking what's Leeds, which are at the musical curation of acceptance of new things. Great rewards not to like about flying around the students. If you like I are in to music that can be reaped when you manage to bag an world to places you've never been. requires some intelligence or originality intoxicated Italian and earn yourself a combined seeing things you'll never again, then Technic/ and D&B at these house budget holiday in the Riviera. such interesting things. The only parties will definitely disappoint. it is not with the likes bad thing about travelling is the the fault of Drum, Bass or Techno; I in fact The above collation of house parties abundance of dreadlocks, reggae, enjoy all of the above in some dosing, it is are just a few of the innumerable genres Aladdin pants and competitive just that there are an abundance of house available, but as you can see, some of them of hip hop to behaviour which will easily put you parties with an over abundance of bad are so bad that they'll make staying in and off seeing the Taj for example. Techno and Bad D&B, and when I say bad I watching two pints of lager and a packet of You'll see don't mean Michael Jackson bad, I mean crisps seem like a good proposition. Mainly create, in my Bewitched bad, not the retro drama I mean compiled of beer that tastes like watery the incestral Irish pop group. piss, boys that look like they've escaped opinion, the Photography Kazim Rashid from 'Faliraki uncovered, and music so I like Photography, in fact 1 love bad that you pray for your grommets to be Photography. However, what I hate Garage taken out, I mean, it's hardly surprising wrong kind about Photography are all those A mystical umbrella of modern electrical that a growing number of students have 'scene-cats' who walk around with dance music generally connected to the turned to not bothering with the whole of house their very best Digital SLR at gigs evolution of 'house.' Its usually combined going out thing at all, to just stay in to and clubs 'happy-snapping' all the people who are actually having fun instead of walking around a club and capturing other people having fun raliariP

Keeping your ear to the ground can often prove weirdly entertaining (and result in some sideways glances).

"Well at least we're not prostitutes." / "It doesn't count if there's four people involved 'cause its only, like, a quarter cheating.- I "1 tend to swith off when humour happens." I" °4 THE LIST/ ACTIONS NOT TO TAKE WHEN Most of us would agree that alcohol is the finest way to start an evening of DRUNK merriment and often hedonistic tendencies. Fast forward twelve hours, and it is a completely different story. The morning after the night before' is an absolutely classic time for piecing together a mismatch of hazy memories. Why are my shoes still on? How did I get this bruise? And who on earth is that lying next to me? These questions and more begin to get answered as distant recollections slowly filter back. Even though not remembering them at all would have been a far better option. Here is a list to help you avoid the shame and regret of the next day...

Think your housemates want to Fall asleep while everyone else is still party at 3am awake. Even though you want to carry on the party, you can usually bet that the Aft er getting hack borne, inevitably one of you is going to con ipletely pass out • rest of your housemates with Yam lectures do not. Banging on their ■on the sofa. If you are lucky, it will be a mate, If not, then prepare for epic 1 doors, turning on all the lights and howling away to 'Don't Stop Me Now' humiliation. The imagination runs wild on booze, and while you he dreaming may be your idea of fun, but it certainly isn't theirs. Expect severe away, you can soon be transformed in to a sleeping expletive that also repercussions when they see you the next morning. How does washing happens to smoke chips and cross dress at the same time. Not a particularly up for a week sound? Or thumping bass from the room next door to help good look. cure that hangover.

Argue with a bouncer No matter how much you believe you are right, you are never going to convince the bouncer you are sober, that it is your birthday so you should be let hack in, or that smoking indoors is still legal. Most of the time getting ▪ shoved to one side does the trick, but to those few who insist on carrying on 2 the argument, it can get messy. Rarely will you follow up your threat of reporting them, and let's face it, not many will win a fight against them either. So just quietly meander back home and take your anger out on something less volatile. A hedge perhaps?

Pull someone you'll later regret Three is the magic number, but there is nothing magic about pulling a rninger. Not only will there be pictures of the offence, but you will have to endure days of gloating from your mates as well. You may even be extra II unlucky (or lucky however you look at it), that you wake up next to him/her pirate 3 the next morning. Ouch. This isn't just limited to unfortunate strangers princess . either, but can indude housemates. It makes for the most awkward breakfast pickel you will ever eat the next day. bunny 05 LS2 inside www.leedsstudeetorg

Cry This one is usually reserved for the female form, and involves crying because (so I am told _ ) not everyone is having a good time, their boyfriend no longer loves them and what they are wearing just does not go. Crying rarely ceases through the night, and can often mean an early cab home along with mascara stained shirts for the unfortunate friend. As is fast becoming the theme, it will be a source of deep regret the next morning, so try and keep those emotions locked away.

Get over-friendly with your mates Getting off with your mate 'for a laugh' can make you feel sick for days 6• on end. Steal a traffic cone Around September of each year, Leeds City Council bemoans its' worst ever traffic problems. Wholly coincidentally, there is a completely innocent and misfortunate correlation with this issue and fresher's week. Nobody blames the students, as very few can remember actually • taking a traffic cone home with them. If you can't remember it then it didn't happen right? Well just incase there are any secret traffic cone abductors out there, remember a cone is for life, not just for freshers. Even though little else can replace the thrill and sense of pride you get, what use can come out of it in the following weeks. Cook food Cheesy chips? Pizza? Fish fingers? Sounds like a brilliant idea when you stumble in during the small hours of the morning. If you manage to successfully put it in the oven and turn it on, the biggest task is staying ▪ awake for the next twenty minutes to actually eat it. If you are lucky not 8 to have burnt the house down, you can wake to find either angry housemates, or very very burnt food. On the bright side, the pizza would probably make a great Frisbee. Get naked Alcohol helps to shake off those pesky inhibitions. You are at ease with yourself, friendly for the most part and full of confidence too..Just try to remember not to shake off your clothes and fully embrace nature as well • Bear in mind that for the best possible first impressions, it's usually best 9 to be clothed. Running down the road in your birthday suit doesn't conjure up the best mental images, let alone actually seeing it. Walk through Hyde Park at night We have all heard the stories and you are probably better off avoiding it. With no lights, plenty of bushes and very few people walking through, it is a squirrel's paradise. If you do walk through there, try and make sure it is in groups, and of course keep any nuts well hidden. Ring up an old flame A timeless mistake, it would come as no surprise if the devil himself created this. Either by ringing or texting, contact with anyone whom you may have feelings for is completely the wrong thing to do. At no point should you think the conversation will be a fruitful one, and never think you were better off for 'getting it off your chest.' This is the last, and in every sense the worst thing you can ever do whilst drunk. You have been warned.

Coming to the end of the 11 don'ts when drunk, it got me thinking what exactly are the do's for when you get drunk? I for one think the line between the two becomes very blurred, and before you know it, many of the above actually become things you set out to achieve before a night out! I guess from that point of view, the real shame will only come if you manage to do all eleven in one night. Actually, if you manged them all you would probably become a folk legend, and your name will be remembered for generations. words/ prijay tailor °6SOCIETIES/ Each issue we'll send out an agent to join a society and get the scoop on what really goes on in the soc'. This week.... LS2 Tries: Feminism

he word feminism is a bit before. The 27 members, seven of whom are like a grenade: dangerously men, are focusing on providing a safe-haven for loaded, potentially students to get together and share without explosive, and more prejudice, and the society wants to raise importantly, no one really awareness about sex trafficking as well as likes throwing it about. Its campaign to 'Reclaim the Night. Top of their easy to think of feminism agenda is promotion of the idea that anyone can as a movement which be a feminist, and with a strong male advocates the growing of representation the group hopes to see feminism leg-hair and the purging of being taken seriously as a political movement all men from the free world, but is that really that can cross gender as well as social and whatT feminism's about? This autumn Leeds' cultural borders. very own FemSoc has rocketed into the political After a long discussion about all things hemisphere, on an epic quest to smash down FemSoc which culminated in nostalgia about the barriers occludinggender equality. Taking all pro- feminist ex-boyfriends, Liz gave me a this on board, I felt it was time to dust off my rundown on the week's schedule of investigative trench coat and embark on a 'FemSockery', which was so jam- packed that my perilous journey of self-discovery into the hand started cramping up. With regular film (rather daunting) world of feminism. nights, plays, debates and discussions, the Feminist - me? I don't think so. Don't get me society is incredibly fast-paced and active. This wrong - I think issues of gender are really week the group are preparing for the anti-BPP important, I just have an issue with being a rally on Saturday, where they'll be joining other feminist. I'm happy to talk about the wage gap pro-freedom and pro-diversity groups, and with my mum or write an essay on gender and staging a peaceful counter-protest by handing development or have an ear-splitting row with out flyers to the public. Allying themselves with my misogynistic friend about women and their other political and social groups from across the duty in the kitchen - hell, the very idea of sexual spectrum, the sheer diversity and inclusiveness violence makes my face bum with indignation! is quite awe-inspiring; with people who come 'Why bother when women have equality!" is together not to enforce conformity but to what a male friend nearly choked on his crisps to genuinely help others. It made me wonder if all tell me the other day - which got me talking those hours spent watching I-lollyoaks were a waste of time. No, surely not! The group hopes to cross So, at the end of my FemSoc journey, gender as well as social was I finally able to call myself a feminist? and cultural borders. 26 Well the society per cent of its members certainly sharpened my awareness of are men certain issues, one particular concern of (with increasing gusto) about all the girls I know theirs at the moment being the worrying that have had to go through eating disorders. evidence around Leeds of advertising that abortion, cosmetic procedures and the like. And sexualises increasingly younger girls. But, don't we all feel a bit sketchy about walking despite the millions of reasons for being a home alone at 2am? But the word 'feminist just feminist, I still can't shake the feeling that implies so much more. It becomes less about feminism needs a makeover. As unfair as it is, your political beliefs and more about your feminism has lost a lot of its credibility among identity, and you're intimidated by the looming the Nuts and Zoo generations, and without spectre of the bra-less, hairy-legged, smooth- support its pretty hard-going. Radical acts like headed man-hating lesbian who refuses to use bra-burning- despite often being proven media the word 'him'. This image has not only been myths - have become symbols of feminism as a splattered across our highly influential media, kind of crazed, irrational lunacy. Perhaps one but its been set up against the alluringly sexy road to change might lie in the necessary and 'liberated' ideal of the femme fatale, and, differentiation between feminism as a lifestyle let's be honest, its done a pretty effective job of choice and a political movement. During my making feminism something fearfully un-cool. fleeting time as a member of FemSoc, the So this week I'm using the paper as an excuse to activist Linda Bellos spoke about the barge in on the Leeds FemSoc, in a brave monumental importance of getting men attempt to discover what's beyond that involved in feminism - claiming that issues such demeaning albeit quite funny, portrait. as sex trafficking need to be raised in 'a Liz Grashoff, founding mother of FemSoc conversation among men'. Perhaps then and one half of electropop band Idiometric, feminism needs to become a method of thought meets me at my first feminist event - a talk in that can be integrated within other political connection with the LGBT society about racism stances, thus allowing men to take a role that is and sexuality. As we wait for the speakers to active, and stigma-free. As for me, I think I arrive, Liz talks to me about FemSoc, explaining might call myself 'a political feminist from now that the mission was to create a student on. feminist group where there hadn't been one words/caitlin vandertop 23 LS2 Inside TV/ www.teedssiudentorg Cocaine anyone? Evie Prysor-Jones asks: Do we enjoy watching dramatic drug related storylines, or are they simlply a depressant?

ete Doherty. Linsay Lohan. Amy become completely addicted to heroin and Housewives. The writers could have worked I find it hard to enjoy watching the harsh Winehouse: people famous for their reach new lows in how far they would go to out the stories so everyone has a happy realities of life, maybe because I prefer to wild ways and drug taking are fund their addiction. Pushing their friends ending but in reality, when drugs are ignore it. This however is completely the constantly on our TVs. Their actions and families away, Sasha even has sex with involved, happy endings rarely happen. point, programmes like Hollyoaks remind you are reported as celebrity gossip but her dealer in exchange for more drugs. Personally, I enjoy programmes that escape that you shouldn't ignore it, or glorify it, but p Eventually, they hit rock bottom; Sasha reality entirely, or a good old murder mystery. realise that drugs are a very real problem. does this glorify what they do, or do we think they should be pitied? overdoses on the drug, almost tragically and is Young people are affected so strongly by arrested for stealing. Fletch is made homeless the celebrity life style that some resent their and has to steal to fuel his addiction. own bodies and their own lifestyle. Therefore. Everyday lives on TV do normally have to is it right for drug abuse to be shown so be made more dramatic than the norm to be frequently in magazines and on TV in case it interesting to the viewer, and Hollyoaks is no to has a negative influence, or is it is their exception. The characters are constantly in duty to report what these people do? turmoil, which does seem a bit above average. A storyline focussing on drug abuse has However, for this story line the writers were recently been shown on Hollyoaks, a determined to make it as realistic as possible. programme dubbed as the most Scriptwriter Maurice Bessman explains, "there "contemporary" soap opera. The story that was a lot of research and debate amongst the shocked many viewers was that of Sasha and writers about the characters route to heroin Fletch and their slow decline into heroine addiction." addiction. Like many young people who begin Hollyoaks is known for pushing at the as well behaved, everything-going-for-them boundaries of what can be shown in a students, but the social pressures and home programme airing before watershed and the difficulties, that reflect the lives of teenagers general opinion is that TV is one of the best everywhere, encouraged Sasha and Fletch to ways to reach out to people. This is one turn to drugs. It might have started out as example of how Television programmes are 'harmless' cannabis smoking but the taking responsibility for what they show and predictable downwards spiral that ensues there are others that reflect similar problems, conveys that nothing can be 'harmless'. They for example, Holby City and Desperate

SOAP WATCH The Argument ----- We preview the next week's soap action.. so you Who truly was the top dog in soapland? can do something better with your time Schmeichel Wellard Hollyoaks Coronation Street This week it all comes out about This week Rosie's captor is finally First some background for those not familiar Kyte, the dog who currently plays Wellard has '4, r., lnnonra.4 Chrli hnr t no TI;IrrintimrAc nnel Malachy and Kris' dad being used to revealed; John Stape. He tells her he Great Dane, was given to the adorable 14 Touch of Ernst, thus boasting a more extensive fake the death of Jack, and midweek can't release her because he snatched year old Chesney by Tyrone. Chesney then CV than Schmeidiel, and this is without Malachy feels so low that he seeks her in a moment of anger and madness has the genius idea of naming the dog after mentioning him being voted Best Pet 2008 at comfort in the arms of Mercedes and and now does not know what to do. It the Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. the critically acclaimed Digital Spy Soap Awards. ends up ill advisedly proposing. Towards was Sophie who sent the postcard Schmeichel (the dog, not the goalkeeper) goes His breed is that of Belgian Tervuren and it was the end of the week Josh uses his earlier this week and Rosie is upset that on to earn a career in his own right by Robbie Fowler who named him the equally stealing the show in many episodes of Corns: genius Wellard (which is short for well hard), infatuation with Amy to create a new he sister is hampering attempts to find for example who could forget the classic after finclirig out he was being mistreated by his song, it is as yet unconfirmed if it will be her. comedy moment when Schmeichel joined previous owner. Wellard was also truly loved by the former success of 'Amy, Josh Les and Cilla in their romantic bath, which his owner, Robbie even once dumped a girl for forever'. then came crashing through the ceiling at being allergic to dogs. One of the funnier Eastenders Neighbours no.5? However it is important to remember moments came after Robbie hadleft the square that Schrneichel is a Great Dane, a breed of and Gus was Wellard's owner. Sean Slater had Its not long before Jay is playing up and Miranda, understandably struggles with dog best known (apparently) for being gentle moved into Gus house and had been Billy is finding it hard to cope, he calls the impact of Nicola's confession that and affectionate, and there has been evidence manipulating and bullying him, this culminated social services and asks them to pick Jay she is in love with her husband and slept in the more sober episodes of this dogs in Wellard going missing and Gus was led to up. They soon have a heart to heart and with her son. After Miranda tells Steve, nature, he comforts Chesney when he finds believe lie was eating him in a spaghetti dish, sort things out, however Jay finds the he confronts Nicola, but the out Cilla has cancer and excellently creates a although these claims were later found to be confrontation results in Steve mood of pathos when he is eventually taken false. Sadly Wellard's fate, like Schmeichers was suitcase with his belongings in and is away by the RSPCA and Chesney is taken not a happy one and he was put down in 2008 in gutted. He takes his things and questioning his resolve and the truth into care. [ think I've proved his acting the Jackson house aftereating too many disappears. Elsewhere Jack tells Ronnie about his feelings for his sister-in-law. abilities and his likeability factor, so now it's chocolates. Both Wellard and Schmeichel are about his intentions to move to France Steve will make a confession to Miranda just up to Wellard to prove how 'hard' he great in their own right and in their own soapi so .,. with Tania, Ronnie decides its time Max that will rock their marriage. really is. it is too hard to say who truly is the dogs bollocks. knew. Eastenders

24 TERRESTRIAL/

Friday 17th October Saturday 18th October Britain's Best Dish Tirnewatch - Young Victoria ITV1 5pm BBC2 8:10pm

.I ust got in from a lecture but can't be both- History seems to he big on the BBC at ered to work and want something mindless the mo, what with The Tudors on BBC to stare at before Neighbours? Well this 1, and now this. Young Victoria seems could he for you The judges aren't exactly to focus more on the familial than the of Simon Cowell notoriety (Jilly Goolden carnal, though, as her relationship with was in Wife Swap though. Yes l do have too her mother is described as 'one of the much time on my hands..,) But if you sub- fiercest in history.' There could he sist on two crappy catered meals a day, be links between the shows though, as warned - it definitely induces Pavlov's dog- both Elizabeth I and Victoria ascend to style drooling in me anyway! But they do the throne clue to deaths of men - girl make standard student fare lamb curries power, 18th century style. Does Young for one (albeit 'pushed up' and these actual- Victoria constitute a refreshing break ly have lamb in...) And they've even had from the blood, guts, and beheading of Guinness ice cream! Reason enough to drag The Tudors or will it leave you saying yourself down to Sainsbury's if ever there 'We are not amused'? Take a peek then was one... decide...

words/ lauren fordham words/ lauren fordham Sui

Film of the week Sunday 19th October Monday 20th October Tuesday 21st October Wife Swap University Challenge Nature Shock Channel 4 8.00pm BBC2 8.00pm Five 8.00pm

One of the better reality Ty' programmes of This programme is a must for any stu- Somewhere in the murky depths of a our time in which two polar opposite fami- dent household, what a way to prove river in North India lurks a mysterious, lies swap the women in their household your astuteness! Alternatively, if that unidentified monster that has report- with each other, usually with predictable doesn't take your fancy you can always edly dragged three people to their and but hilarious results. The first couple, laugh at the goons with their funny deaths. Could it be a freak throwback Sunday 19 October Dawn and Demetrius follow a philosophy surnames and 'cute' teddy mascots. We to the prehistoric era? Is it an ordinary Five 8.00pm called 'Fascinating Womanhood' which are now entering the last of the highest fish grown hideously mutated thanks claitns that a woman's place is in the home, scoring-loser matches, which sees to water pollution? Perhaps its a fresh- er who got lost on their way home Forget The Exorcist, The Witch- serving her husband. Its hard to believe King's College Cambridge against the es was the film that truly scared people like this still exist, and 1 for one am University of Surrey in a bid to make from Oceana, and who's desperate for the hell out of me. Never again interested to see this relationship from the the second round of this student quiz. a kebab after their lengthy journey. would a child take sweets from a woman's point of view. This couple are The fastidious Jeremy Paxman hosts Only Channel Five knows for sure and stranger after having being sub- paired up with Lillian Fuentes who I imag- and I'm sure his witty putdowns will be no doubt will inform us of the truth jected to the horrors of this film. ine is cross between Paris Hilton and making a welcome appearance. Sadly with customary journalistic responsi- Admittedly I was about 5 at the Cagney and Lacey, as she is a police detec- no Leeds in this episode but still worth bility and lack of sensationalism. You time but Anjelica Huston's tive who gets her husband to treat her like a a watch to see how you compare to certainly won't see this on Spring- creepy performance scarred m' princess while her mother looks after the other students around the country. watch. for years; I remain suspicious of home and children. anyone wearing gloves. Roald words/ hatti cawley words/ hatti cawley words/ rim boden Dahl is undoubtedly the master of dark tales and the film remains faithful to the spirit of the original, with the exception of the typical Hollywood ending tacked on. The dark humour Wednesday 22nd October Thursday 23rd October makes this much more than a Bond: The South Bank Show James May's Big Ideas mere kids film, putting the ITV1, 10.40 pm BBC2 7.00pm Harry Potter franchise to shame, and the special effects still hold, Action, adventure, gadgets, innuendo, One always gets the impression watch- up nearly 20 years on. Perfect cocktail recipes and clingy blue shorts: ing Top Gear that James May, for all for a (probably hungover) Sun- the Bond franchise has been providing the stick he takes from Clarkson and day afternoon, though even now all this and some belting Shirley Bassey Hammond, has more intelligence, wit at my mature age I'll be watching tunes to eager audiences around the and character than the other two put with the Lights on. world for over 45 years. Our very own together, so it's encouraging to set him Chancellor and computer cluster in his own prime time TV show; words/ naomi wells namesake, Melvyn Bragg, interviews though he probably had to keep this Sean Connery, Daniel Craig and cast one a secret from Jeremy, involving, as and crew working on the latest film in it does, a quest for alternative, non- the series, accompanied by an exami- polluting means of fuelling the planet. nation of the longevity, success and This week he meets the first Dutchman impact of James Bond on popular cul- to have been into space. Surely if he ture. Maybe they'll finally tell us what hasn't got any solutions, then no-one the heck a Quantum of Solace actually has? is.

words/ tim boden words/ charles cooper 25 LS2 FREEVIEW/ www.leedisstudentarinsideg

Friday 17th October Saturday 18th October Sunday 19th October Film of the wee Friends The Xtra Factor Desperate Housewives E4 8.00pm ITV2 9 25pm E4 10.00pm If you are planning to spend Friday night Its Week 2 ofthe live shows and Holly last the fifth series of Desper- Failure to in simply because your loan is no longer Willoughby is still lurking backstage to ateAt lon Housewivesg reaches our shores and looking as healthy as you would hope at bring us all the gossip. She will have inter- he the best yet. So the end of Week Three, or you want to be views with the judges on their initial reac- itwhat looks has like creator it may Marc Cherry done to Launch bright-eyed for a full session at the library r on Saturday, why not spend it catching up theirtions, opinions alongside on celebrity the potential guests winners giving maintain our interest fo yet another with everybody's favourite Friends?! and losers of tonight's show. This week season? He's only gone arid skipped 5 Tonight's double-bill sees Phoebe worrying she is set to he joined by Emma Bunton, years into the future... Gaby hasg two lost about the possibility of losing Mike. They Kimberly Walsh, Sinitta and last year's herchildren, model Susan figure and due Mike to havin are no longer I have agreed to move in together, but could winner, Leon Jackson. Following the together (I nearly cried), the Scavo their relationship be thrown into jeopardy Saturday 18th October when Mike drops a bombshell on Phoebe shock departure of Bad Lashes last week- boys are now teenagers and also mildly arding his thoughts on marriage? end, who will be booted off the show this attractive, and to top it all - Edie's Channel 4 9.00pm reg gins to think about what she week? Whoever is booted will be joining back! Time to sit back and watch the Phoebewants for be the future and whether this Holly for the second instalment of the fireworks go off. I can't wait. includes a husband - is just Living together show. She will be comforting the unlucky The film is bout Paula (Sarah jJes-ob enough for her? act and getting everybody's opinion on the itsica is toParker), lure men a women out of whose living with night's result. their parents. do this she uses words/ claire bowman words/ claire bowman words/ emma black a number of hilarious ways which usually work, just not on Tripp. Helives (Matthew with his McConauparents andghey) it's still Paula's job to get him out. In t ical rum-corn style nothing goes. NeverMonday Mind the 20th Buzzcocks October smoothly and even though they_ Dave from 9pro. lumpsfall in loveand humpsit's not on without the way. the To 'Tonight Dave is offering up four my surprise McConaughey and episodes of vintage Simon Amstell- Parker do really work as a couple hosted Buzzcocks, including the stuff- andtimes, the real chemistry between does them. feel, at of-legend show in which Preston (of Matthew is doing what he dues The Ordinary Boys) walked out after best, comedy, and Sarah is doing Amstell slagged off his wife. If you what she is great at, relation- haven't seen it, you really must. cast is just Amstell is on top farm and completely ships.ood The to watch,rest of including unfazed by the whole event and after Paula'sas g roommate who is the moody singer walks out Bill Bailey extremely funny and provides the goes into the audience to get a Preston perfect counterpunch to Parker's replacement! Genius. There's also a character. sellfantastic Howard episode who-, withwith theBailey, lovely provides Rus- a very witty repartee. And if that was- h, Noel Fielding turns up as words/ emma chetwode n'twell. enou g words/ emma black ■

Tuesday 21st October Dog Borstal MyWednesday Fake Baby 21st October Thursday 22nd October BBC3 8.00pm More4 11 0.5pm BBC41914-1918 7.40pm This programme gives the audience a andA recycled Supernanny combination hits the of telly, Brat butCamp it's glimpse of the women who have spent Perhaps you can think of a cheerier way got an excitin and original twist - its far too much time and money looking to spend your Thursday evening than for dogs. We gget a captivating insight after their baby dolls, which look uncan- watching a documentary about the First into the minds of the toughest trainers nily lifelike. The women vary in their World War. Indeed there are many,g but con- as in the business as they go head to head lifestyles and are of all ages, ranging sciousnessthe Great War of the slips world out (theof the last livin survivor with the dogs that have reduced their from those who never got round to hav- of the trenches tamed 110 this year) owners to desperate wrecks with no ing a baby, to the women who have a other alternatives. This week make serious case of empty nest syndrome. there is a danger that people will begin to sure you don't miss the face-off as they This follows the normal rule of the forget the lessons learnt and, most struggle to keepthe unruly dogs in More4 documentaries, as we get importantly, the lives lived and lost in the check, from Xanthe, the crazy bitch, to absorbed into a remote subject that we whywar thatnot devotewas supposed an hour to of end your all week wars. to So a a Jack Russell terrier named George never knew we had to know about, which g in mind that for- with an addiction to both sex and toys. hooks us in, if only because of the nosy bit of history,g the mistakes bearin of the past is the A perfect illustration that people will fascination that we have with the lives of surestgettin way of seeing them repeated in the watch anything. Literally anything. people who are far weirder than us future. words/ serena peddle words/ serena peddle words/ Charles cooper 26 STARSIGNS/ Freddy Olympic tells your future. (Last year's resident psychic,Tommy Pockets, is no longer available for work after a motorboat accident. Freddy Olympic would like to make clear he was in Holland when the goateed assailant was seen scampering away from the boat's propeller.) Aries Leo Sagittarius A floozy such as you gets into trouble this week After imbibing 45 litres of I m Brit in a day and a You rush to aid a good friend this week as he when during the weekly shop, you buy the half your fingers begin to turn orange. That finds himself accidentally in jail. Your initial wrong type of Sicilian tomatoes for your becomes an issue when playing the piano and enthusiasm for his plight soon subsides when flatmate's bolognaise. They go crazy and end up when fingering Catholics. Wash yourself, clean you see that he has become the prison don and on the street, wanking for coins_ The flatmate, with Lilt has a velvet-cushioned cell and a 'wife who holds not the tomatoes. his ou ttumed pocket and gazes wistfully at him.

Taurus Virgo Capricorn The rain falls arrogantly against your window on The credit crunch affects you in a unique way You will survive your first night at university a cold morning and you resolve to fight against this week as your shares in all those banks without wetting the bed this week. The move the brutish bitch called Mother Nature. Whose become worthless, but your shares in the away from the Home Counties has been tough mother, you ask? You form a ragtag bunch of companies that make 'foreclosed' signs go and you miss mama terribly. Luckily, a rogue renegades and blockade a fire exit. Later, you get through the roof. 2nd year begins your love affair with Ket mixed coffee_ with MDMA_ it is called a flange-gun.

Libra Aquarius Gemini Your world is turned upside down by a A long weekend of partying takes its toll this A newspaper article you are reading suddenly spectacular glittery gentleman in a nightclub. week as you constantly believe you are spouting becomes unintelligible and rearranges itself into His meandering moves awake a fire in you that casual racism without knowing it. Your the lyrics of Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick horns like morning rashes; a dreamy pleasure catchphrase this week will be 'I didn't just use Astley. If you begin to sweat in the small of your washes through you and you awake, clays later the N-word did I?" Luckily, it is not racism but back you are the second coming of Jesus. in Aruba on a yacht. homophobia that cascades from your facebox. Pisces Cancer Scorpio As your first sexual encounter of the week A disastrous presentation leaves you feeling like Do not go gentle into that good lecture theatre. arrives at the final thnast, a foreboding sense of you're about as right for uni as a fift chunk of Finalists should bum and rave at 5 o'clocks. You patriotism seeps through you from the groin up. gammon with a mouth drawn on it with protest at the university's barbaric schedule Could they really have infected you with British crayons. Things will come around and you'll do policy and meet a handsome radical stranger pride through their juices? A quick check up is OK, but you will have to wank off your head of who takes you by the hand and touches your required if you can't get past a union flag department. bum. without saluting and crying bravely for ten minutes.

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We're sue the same tinnily-owned business that Mated out back in 1911. only now were quite a bit bigger 'MTh ittni itinnUeil turnover Of 125 talaort. 48.300 associates. and a presence in 66 colognes. we're able to offer our graduates the strength, stability and freedom to grow with fewer restrict:lams. Mars' renowned development programmes offer real resporabirty right from the very fist day camp and meet some of our people. Feld out how far they're corr* and where they're heading es a very interact, e SPAIDIA WO hatpin:our:Waver how you ocrukl becane part of the world ea Mars together. well shape our own destiny

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Is this growing up? BUS-ted! Late nights, lie-ins and libraries

ver experienced that daunting moment et's face it; most of the student population is efore you arrived at university, everyone when you realise you are getting old? Not challenged in the transportation promised you this nirvana, resided over by Saint in a glaringly obvious, grey hair, striped department. Those that own cars are either Dot and Saint Pat of Albert Square, where you pyjamas, free bus-pass way. Instead its the wealthy enough to be able to run them, too could IOU nge around all day in your pyjamas, smaller things that indicate the end of a lazy to walk anywhere, or living in halls of eating delicacies such as cold baked beans served childhood era. It takes place as a slow residences ridiculously far away from from the can. For many, this was the main processE of traumatic experiences, including campus.L The rest of us have to rely on public appealB of university. along with the cheap drinks, late nights 1ncidences such as: not being able to get away with a transport; namely buses. I have to say that, overall, I and the opportunity to fly the nest and explore a new city. 'Child cinema ticket, discovering that a Happy Meal no have been impressed by the buses in Leeds; they are However, the reality of the student experience is much longer fills you up. or the dreaded moment when you frequent, reliable and bus stops are littered around the different, especially when (shock horror) the lectures and discover the bald chubby man who scoffed the mince city in every conceivable spar. I do, however, have one seminars you paid over £3000 begin. pies on Christmas Eve was actually your dad. Besides complaint: why are bus drivers so rude to university Even though I never truly believed that student life was these, what actually is this great, miraculous change students?! all about using lectures for naps and avoiding any food that that we undergo when growing up? Is there a vast After finishing work one evening last week, I had hasn't come from a can or packet, I never imagined that I difference in our maturity? Physically, well yes I hope the pleasure of waiting for a bus in the rain. Given the would find myself chained to a desk in the Edward Boyle so, but mentally? Being gullible is a trait we normally fact that I was also standing right in front of a library merely three days into my course, surrounded hy a associate with younger people, yet I am sure there is a cemetery, this was not the most cheering of scenes precarious heap of textbooks and periodicals that threatened 19 year old out there that would believe marmalade is after a six hour shift! So, as is to be expected, I was to collapse and crush meat any moment. As an Arts student, made from goldfish. What is mare, have our tastes disproportionately excited at the arrival of a bus, albeit actually advanced or do we still take delight in the not my one. However, as a new student in Leeds, and simple things we did ten years ago. Taking an thus not fully tuned into the local bus routes, I hopped ift I never imagined incident at Glam Racket as an example, who would on and politely asked the driver if he stopped outside have thought a face-painter could cause such a wave the University. I was greeted with the rude reply, that I would find of excitement, and that despite always moaning "Fortunately for me, no I don't!" about waiting to be served at bars I happily queued Okay, one second here. Was there really any need myself chained to a amongst others for 20 minutes, all so that I could be for such a blunt response? Did the driver need to desk three days a rainbow? exhibit such a prejudiced view against university in Possibly there exists a deeper psychological need students? Given the fact that I was sporting a rather for drunken students to smoother their faces in fetching supermarket uniform. I was particularly everyone pres, Imes I have the opportunity to indulge in the paint. Could it be in fact a subconscious connection offended by his reply; I was clearly not an example of a luxury of lie-ins and daytime television. Instead, I find with our ancestors, who used face paint for hunting complete waster. There I was, attempting to balance myself locked in my mom like a recluse, frantically scribbling reasons? Well unless your flirting classifies as a mild my studies with a part-time job. Needless to say, I was notes for my next seminar whilst planning when I'm going form of hunting, I truly doubt this, The reality seems not pleased! to fit in that Spanish grammar work or how I'm going to to be we are all just big kids. It reminds me of a So you can imagine my irritation when I had manage to re-read that novel in the next three days, as well magnet that I once read in my aunts kitchen: another negative experience only a few days later. This as participating in all the societies I've signed up and paid for. "Growing old is compulsory, but growing up is time it was a morning bus driver. I asked for a return This experience is even more frustrating when your new optional". After all, why abandon a good thing due to ticket and was told it would cost four pounds. But it friends from Freshers' Week all have different timetables the simple factor of age? usually costs three pounds, I protested, to which the and you feel like you don't see them for days at time, because In the days when I would actually be conscious at driver rudely demanded four pounds once again. It the person across the hall has a play rehearsal until nine 8.00am on a Saturday, I spent the first five hours of was only after I had repeated my objection that I was most nights and the girl in the fiat next door has a lecture at the morning watching my weekly dosage of cartoons. - informed that. since it was before half nine in the ten every morning. All of a sudden it feels like you're back to Yet with programmes such as Family Guy, Simpsons, morning, I would he obliged to buy a day travel card. I square one - livingin a strange city, sleeping in a bed that South Park and American Dad on television, have we found this a ridiculous policy in itself, since I was only somehow doesn't really feel like it's yours yet, all without a really moved on? According to Sociologist Frank going to be using the bus for one return journey that friendly face there to tell you that its going to get easier Furstenburg from the University of Pennsylvania day. but that's beside the point. What annoyed me the eventually. there are several "traditional benchmarks" that allow most was the driver's derision to neglect to explain the But that's not to say that my experience of university life a person to become an adult. Out of these L have reason for the rise in cost, until after I had wasted my so far has been disappointing. Once you get over this initial clearly ticked two boxes of "Leaving Elaine" and energy on arguing that I was being overcharged. In shock to the system and get yourself organised, the 'Finishing School". The issue of becoming addition, when I sat down, the rest of the passengers satisfaction you get when you've finished your work (the "Financially Independent" is still rather shady and as were directing disapproving looks my way for holding work you've had to personally motivate yourself to do, rather for "Getting Married' or "Having a Child" frankly, it up their journey. I felt stupid. than just relying on your lecturer nagging you to get it done) scares me. So if, as university students, we are only Well, that's my rant over. The transport system in is more than worth spending all your waking hours in the ticking two and a half of five boxes, do we really have Leeds is fast, efficient and convenient. It's just a pity library, huddled over your laptop and avoiding the to be mature pillars of society? Perhaps in the that it's advertised so poorly to university students, temptation of Facebook_ However, not even this matches meantime we can sit cross-legged in a world of bliss, especially when they make up such a large proportion the feeling you get when you've finished your work just in watching SM: TV Live on YouTube. or at least I hope of its customers. time to watch Hollynaks with a steaming bowl of instant so. noodles. words/ eleanor brown words/ antoniamolloy words/ mary alien

Friday, October 17, 20081 ivw■A- -I trt sstodnnt.i n Leeds Student 11

time, it's not a nice thing to have on your mind ways of showing his love". I'm sorry? What? "We've got the test results back (quite literally). 1 wouldn't like to go through It's a very bizarre way to show love if you ask any of it again. Having an operation with a mc. Dear Patrick, here, have cancer, love from and it's a grade 3 anaplastic 9594. survival rate seems pretty high. But when God. I don't know what response I was you think about it - and luckily I didn't at the expecting really and 1 accept it was a cruel astrocytoma". These are almost time - that means one in twenty people who question to ask. But that's still a shocking have that operation don't wake up. I'm really answer. glad I was so dreg ed up, and so ill at the rune Two main factors related to the illness and certainly the most important words they told me this that it didn't really sink in. treatment affected my life at uni. The first of Believe it or not quite a lot of humour can these would be the way it affected my memory. anyone has ever said to me. But at the time come out of having cancer. Some of the My memory from before the illness is fine, but responses from my friends were fantastic after I my short term memory is a shadow of its they meant as much to me as they told them I was in hospital with a brain tumour, former self, though improving slowly. One and they really helped keep my spirits up, The example of when it let me down is when I was probably do to you reading this now No- hest one was probably from my mate who Lives in the library and spotted a hook called, in Sweden whit replied to my email with simply "Strategies to improve your short term "Patrick that terrible... 1 never knew you had a memory". So I picked it up, went off to do my one in the medical profession has ever said brain". That was so much better than the work in the cluster, left the library... and then messages of sympathy. Don't get me wrong, realised I'd forgotten to take it out. This short the words "you've got cancer" or "you've they were much appreciated too, but you know term memory problem means that new things that people care, you know they don't mean the don't go into the long term memory very easily got a brain tumour" to me. Maybe that's cruel things they say, they just do it to help you as they've got to go through the short term keep feeling as normal as possible. Others memory to get there. Most of the time this just NHS policy, I don't know, but it all means included a text which ended "P.S. Don't put provides amusement for my friends and this too close to your head as that's what annoyance for me, when I actually remember probably caused it in the first place," whilst that I've forgotten something, that is. But the same thing. Your life is another told me after my operation that when it comes to exam time this becomes far Richard I lammond's agent had been on the more serious. My department have been very going to massively change from phone and that brain operations were all the helpful in general: they granted me extra time in rage now and he'd like to sign me up. Then exams, but they refused to adjust my marks as here on in... finally, after I'd had a clear scan, one which said, they didn't feel that my memory had inhibited "This is the worst news I've had all week," and me in my exams. This despite the fact that another which said, "This just proves you were most of my exam results were around ten In October 20061 was just getting settled in my I'm sure I can't be the faking it all along". Not sum this works with marks lower than those in my coursework. new house in Headingley with my new first one to find this everyone though, so don't go taking this Surely there's nothing more important in exams housemates, when I started getting headaches. hole in the system. If you don't have parents to approach if an elderly relative is in hospital. than your memory? They justified this by Not morning-after-Tequila type headaches: I'm take you in are you just supposed to abandon I was determined to make the most of the saying that I'd actually done better than in first not sure you can believe this, but they were your course and hope for the best? Or just live opportunity to make people feel awkward. year. Well surely nobody does better in first much worse. The Student Medical Practice on the streets? Nothing cuts someone down quicker than year than second year do they? The marks Enid me it was nothing serious and to go away Having said that, the Disabled Students' giving the answer, "it's because I've got count in second year, so you actually pur some and buy some ibuprofen. Thanks. Having Allowance, paid by your local education cancer". Unless it's the bouncers in Skyrack effort in. It's like l'm being penalised for not double vision, severe headaches, barely being authority, was much more supportive. 1 now who thought I might be lying about why 1 was putting enough effort in my first year when able to walk in a straight line is not 'nothing have a shiny new laptop, printer, laptop stand wearing a hat, and made me take it off to prove put in just as much as anyone else who thought serious' at all, anyone who knew me around and an allowance for ink and paper amongst it. Or a girl in the Terrace Bar on my 21st their marks don't count for anything, so long as that time knew that wasn't the case. other things. There are also other benefits. birthday who tried to steal the bowler hat I was they're above 40. But they're not going to get Getting cancer at any time is far from ideal, Having had my driving licence revoked after wearing which I managed to hold onto my head penalised for it as they didn't get ill, which to say the least. But given the choice l'd have my operation I get a free bus pass, which covers as she made a ,g-tials for it. "Ah in let mu apparently then brings them into play. taken it later in life rather than at the :we of 20. the whole of the country until 2013. Every wear it''. 1,,clus, I Ii • The second of these would Ise the effects I had to miss a year of uni, spend 12 months cloud... chemo had on Me.. The NHS almost didn't undergoing chemotherapy, lose massive The most incredible thing that happened to fund my chemotherapy at it was 'only' a grade 3 patches of hair, put on loads of weight (due to me though ("more incredible than a but passia- tumour (on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being the steroids) and generally do very little for a year. I hear you cry), was when the Football team I worst) and I almost had to make do with Not only that, but I found there is a gaping support, Aston Villa, found out that I couldn't stopping after radiotherapy. But as they took hole in the supposed safety net that is the make it to games because of my weak immurs such a small biopsy they couldn't he sure it was benefit system, that I'm sure 1 wasn't the first to system caused by the chemotherapy. Their not grade 4, so they agreed to fund it, but only response was not a get well soon message or almost fall through. When on temporary leave because I'm young- so I'm told. It seems weird anything like that. General Charles Keulak, from uni you're no longer able to claim your to have to tight to put a poison through your former head of the US Maxine Corps, currently student loan because you're not physically body that does so many horrible things to you. ',working as an unpaid director at the club rang attending. Which is fair enough really. Until Asa lazy student ] enjoy my lie-ins as much as you find out that for the first six months of me up at home to see how I was and if there the next man. But during my twelve months of being ill you're not allowed to claim benefits was anything he could do for mc. 1 told him chemo I could sleep twelve hours a night, either, even if, as in my case, they agree you're the problems 1 had with being in crowded sometimes more. Then there was the not well enough to work. This is because places and said it would be good to get to at weakened immune system mentioned above. least one game over Christmas, saying I knew you're classed as 'attending' uni, even though Nights out for me were limited to the odd night the Manchester United and Chelsea games this isn't physically the case. Why the at a fairly empty pub. Not that 1 could drink wouldn't be a possibility or the Bolton game Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has spirits anyway. This made me realise how the next day, but maybe one of the others. a different definition of attending to the rest of much we as students spend on alcohol, Within ten minutes he had rung rite• back and the world I'll never know. Even the head of suddenly the student loan went so much the tribunal I went to said that the situation was offered me a free hospitality box for the rest of further. the season. Or for the games where all the ridiculous, but in law there was nothing she It's been tough, but 1 wouldn't describe it as a boxes were sold out, I was put in the players' 111,14 ,:1.1ph .site, I 1.1..11n11,11 could do about it. Not one person 1 spoke to at battle. There's really very little you can do other the DWP could see the logic in the situation, box with all those not playing. With the sire of cancer". The look on her face was brilliant than sit back and wait for these incredible but none of them could do anything about it. Villa's squad there was plenty of room. I'll apparently. treatments to do their job. I've not been brave, To be able to claim benefits you need to either never forget the sight of a former head of the I think an apology is also in order to the I hate the word brave. Someone who throws abandon your course or wait six months to US Marines pushingIlloyd Samuel out the way members of the Christian Union who came to them self in front of a bus to save someone else claim benefits. The first one 1 just didn't sec as asking him "where's Paddy?" as if he was a ask me if they could talk to me about God one is brave. People say I've coped with it well, an option, so I went with the second one. Even nobody. They' asked me to keep all this out of day when I was having my lunch in Game On. hence than they would have done, But do you then I really struggled. Ringing up every day the local press. "We haven't done this for We talked for a while and then at the end they ever hear a cancer patient described as coping hassling them as they claimed they hadn't publicity, we've dune it because you're one of asked if I had any questions. I felt this was too with it badly? I never have. As _lentil Murray received documents, which 1 had receipts from us". The first time I got there they had a shirt good an opportunity to pass up, so I asked said, in the best description rye read of how I signed by the whole team waiting in the box for them for. Eventually they just sent me a them "if God loves everyone why have I got feel about this whole thing: "You're not being cheque for £1400. No letter with it, just a me. For once in my Life 1 was lost for words. cancer?" Silence. Colour drains from their brave, you're just coping with the unavoidable cheque. I'm sure that cheque would never have Don't get the wrong idea though, I would faces. I guess they'd not been asked this one in the hest way you can". That sums it up arrived if I hadn't kept hassling them. Luckily trade all of this instantly to not have had cancer. before. After a long pause the first one gave an perfectly for mc. Unless there's some advancement in medical for me I had my parents to fall back on. answer I have quite a lot of respect for looking moved back in with them and lived rent free science in my life time, that tumour's there for back on it. She said "I don't know". The other and was fine. But how are students who don't life. It doesn't have cancer surrounding the one however said, "God has many different Patrick Ebbutt • have that option to fall back on meant to cope? core anymore, but it could conic back at any Comment 14 Friday, October 17, 2008 I www.leedsstudentorg I Leeds Student Party-political disconnection The apathetic student body of today has lost interest in mainstream politics for the future, out of student life. different political and campaigning groups, they the country as a whole. One argument to consider is that there have have much smaller profiles than the sports This appears to reflect disinterest in not been any real causes to 'get behind' since teams and media groups. Only a very tiny supporting a party whilst at university. Labour came into power. Traditionally, student proportion of students will be members of Undergraduates have always preferred the political activism has followed on From big political groups at university, as opposed to primary definition of a party to the political issues: the apartheid movement across South those who participate in one of the 35 sports variety, but recently numbers of party members Africa, and the rise in unemployment in Britain offered. Also, there appears to he a greater focus under the age of thirty have fallen drastically. Is under Thatcher in the 1980s. 'These were huge on inter-university politics at Leeds. it relevant to criticise the student population in issues which brought together many student Information shout becoming a hall or course this case? The 'main three' political parties in political activists across the country. There are representative, or about joining the LUU Britain are all hovering around a congested definitely serious problems in the present, but executive is much more readily available than centre ground, with only tiny policy differences unfortunately we haven't seen similar levels of information on how to get involved with a to separate Brown, Cameron, and Clegg's activism. Whilst groups like Amnesty motley crews. No one seems capable of Chris Ferguson International and Green Action do attract managing the country any better than the others, First-year English student attention and support at universities, there has Speeches, and the media's focus on mistakes, errors, sleaze en08cfableeds.ac.uk been little nationwide student interest in more and scandal has created widespread causal groups against the Iraq war or against marches and disillusionment within mainstream politics. This raditionally, universities have been Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe. I have seen should leave space for more minor parties to seen as hotbeds of political sporadic flyers dotted around campus rallies have consolidate support, and I would encourage activism, with young, intelligent emblazoned with 'Say No to ID cards', but this students to investigate such parties. Their major people getting involved with groups is hardly a concerted and united attempt at disappeared from problems are a lack of resources, media that reflected strong principles and pressurising the government. Speeches, marches recognition and longevity, which leads to them Tideologies. Without the monetary pressures of and rallies were commonplace in the 1970s and our universities being continually kept on the fringes of the children and mortgages, students were typically 1980s, uniting students across the country, but political spectrum. However, often they will be less concerned with the practicalities of everyday they have disappeared from our universities. more receptive to new ideas, and as the future of polities, instead focusing on the more romantic Whether this is to do with an uncaring student British politics inevitably seems to lie in the themes of ideology, belief and standing up for attitude or the idea that this government doesn't universities, student involvement with minor what's right. However, since the rise of New listen to its people is debatable; yet both are a political party or campaigning group, and parties could provide the fresh approach that is Labour in the mid-nineties, ideology has slipped sad indictment of our time. students seem to be more concerned with the so desperately needed. our of politics as a whole and more concemingly Whilst Leeds University does have ?5 running of the Union than with the running of `Education is aprivilege, not a right' Lord Patten's comments suggest an entrenched aristocracy trying to bounce the burden of taxes onto the lower classes

world in which parents or grandparents are for any further substantial raise in tuition fees even a small percentage more paid in tax by prepared to shell out tens cif thousands of would, in the current financial climate, themselves and those in their earning bracket pounds to put their children through private amount to exactly that. His remarks could swell treasury funds enough that extra schools to get them into universities, and comparing universities to 'social security then object to them paying a tuition fee of offices' points directly to an attitude that more than 43,000 when they are there.' views social mobility as a risk to the Whether or not he believes there might privileged and worryingly undermines recent Patten would be an objection from that not insignificant efforts by Britain's top universities to widen number for whom spending 'tens of the net of their admissions to under- rather see thousands of pounds' on private education is represented social groups. That the impossible, was not made clear. government is making it easier For higher Patten, a former Conservative minister, disadvantaged young people to enter higher also bemoaned the recent drives towards education is a matter of social justice, not Charlie Cooper education once fairer university admission processes, social security. In confusing the two Patten Second-year English student claiming the government treats universities has revealed himself to be that rather [email protected] again become like 'social security offices'. outdated stereotype of a wealthy His comments come at a time when, establishment figure quivering in his polished the privilege of he ongoing financial collapse has according to NUS projections, the average hoots at the rise of the 'masses'. That such a already proved deeply unnerving student leaving university in 201 0 will be Figure should, in the 21st century, hold such the wealthy for Britain's students. Leaving 41 7,000 in debt. an important office as Chancellor of Oxford University in the next few years With a period of bleak economic University is frankly quite worrying. alone we will find that jobs are scarce, hardship approaching, the cost of higher If some universities are struggling to cope Temployers right-fisted and mortgage rates education is simply too high for hundreds of with their present rate of income (which one climbing ever higher. In short, ours is likely thousands of potential students and their seriously doubts Oxford University is), then to be the Depression generation. How families to contemplate. At such a time the solution must lie in government funding, funding could be allocated into higher astounding then to hear that Lord Patten, the Universities and the government should be not in higher tuition fees. education. If this were the action he was Chancellor of Oxford University, is calling working together on policies that will Rather than wishing the hill for higher asking for, then he might be justified in not only for higher tuition fees, but for a guarantee that higher education remains an education be left at the door of those who calling on the government to change its potential scrapping of the cap anT1 fees option for young people from lower income cannot afford to pay it, Lord Patten might policy. His actual demand, however, altogether, a move that would open the door families. want to consider his own exceptional wealth, amounts ro the sacrifice of hundreds of for universities to name their price. Patten's comments suggest he would and that of said Families 'prepared to shell thousands' of young people's potential to 'Can there be a middle-class objection to rather see higher education once again out tens of thousands of pounds to put their succeed at University, and is very clearly not higher fees?' he mused. `It is surely a mad become the privilege of the wealthy alone, children through private schools' and how justified. Friday, October 17, 2008 I www.leeds.student.m. Leeds Student 15 Comment Out in Africa African LGBT minorities have to overcome massive social and legal hurdles to achieve even minor acceptance Africa - it is the only country in the world Uganda who insist homosexuality is an Arab condoned ostracism or even murder, which protects gay and lesbian rights in its import! There was after all once a time when furthermore contributing to the stigmatisation constitution. Gay marriage, which we homosexuality in the UK was seen as a French of Black LGBT individuals. technically do not have in the UK, was import, and in France a Getman import! Another theme was the white washing of legalised there in 2006. The LGBT assembly and society co- history. Linda Bellos was critical of the LGBT people in many African countries organised an event on Tuesday night ethnocentric education system's exclusion of (including South Africa) whether LGBT rights discussing race and I.GBT named "Agenda." diverse British history, frequently at the activists or not routinely face abuse, Simon Nelson, a speaker at the event, said expense of women, the working classes and harassment and even murder at the hands of "There are still some individuals in our ethnic minorities. She noted the example of their friends and family. Lack of awareness of community, who think that homosexuality is a the hundreds of thousands of soldiers from LGBT issues also makes it harder to get much white man's disease." After talks from the across Africa, the Caribbean and the sub- needed safe sex advice and IIIV/AIDS panel, a heated discussion ensued. There was Indian continent who fought on behalf of the treatment to gay and bisexual men. flaying consensus between the speakers that allied forces during both World Wars that are Levent Akbulut & Sophia James legal protection on paper does not guarantee homosexuality, alongside bisexuality and trans seldom acknowledged. LGBT Society Chair & Assembly Chair A question about the future of cultural 11m4la1eeds.ac.uk, s.jamesetlive.co.uk events such as Black and I.GBT History any issues arise when talking Month prompted responses that they would about a group of individuals always be required whilst ignorance of cultural as a single entity, especially diversity continued in mainstream society. The when that one group is an Panel argued that the achievements of the invisible minority within a continent containing many cultures and nations, as well as the diaspora of millions of LGBT people in people who were forcibly removed from their homeland and enslaved over many many African generations. I am referring to people of African descent countries face the world over who do not fit into heterosexist presumptions of sexuality and gender identity abuse, or expression, i.e. lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Africans, focusing on those living in harassment and Africa. According to the International Lesbian even murder at and Gay Association homosexuality is outlawed in 3t African countries. In the hands of their friends and Robert Mugabe family of Zimbabwe has described Black community should not solely be homosexuality recognised during a one month period but throughout the year and similarly, Nelson to be a Western added, until it becomes commonplace to see import individuals of the same gender freely impartial protection anywhere in the world issues were less accepted amongst ethnic expressing themselves, we will need events and there are massive cultural presumptions minority groups. The speakers spoke of a lack such as LGBT I listory Month and Prides to surrounding LGBT issues which need to be provide support and raise awareness. overcome. On the subject of multiple prejudices, Beginning with the surprising inclusion of Gay marriage, 'kilos challenged a suggestion that being a Mauritania, Sudan and some Northern gay and lesbian rights in the South African member of numerous minority groups placed Nigerian states, sex between members of the constitution we can look to other positive which we someone at a social disadvantage. Bell's, a same sex is punishable by death. examples of the acceptance of LGBT people lesbian of Jewish and Nigerian heritage argued In Gambia, Kenya and Tanzania in African history and cultures. technically do that her varied background had left her better homosexuality carries a maximum penalty of For example, among the Maale of equipped to deal with people from all walks of 14 years imprisonment, the penalty is up to life Southern Ethiopia, some biological males took not have in the life. I lowever, the panel acknowledged that imprisonment in Uganda. 'feminine roles', dressing as women. They homophobia may act as a further deterrent for individuals wanting to participate in the LGBT In May this year the President of Gambia, would look after their houses and have sexual UK, was community, in addition to the racism already Yahya Jarnmeh said that homosexuals had 24 relations with men. suffered by ethnic minorities. hours to leave the Gambia or face "serious In sub-Saharan Africa amongst the legalised in What became clear from the debate is that consequences". There have been reports of Tswana (in addition to homosexuality among South Africa in despite years of activism and challenging the the persecution of homosexuals in Gambia for the men working in the mines), it was reported status quo, the situation for LGBT ethnic years but it is believed that Jammeh's words that hack home "lesbian practices are 2006 minorities is far from acceptable. Faced with have worsened the situation for lesbian, gay, apparently fairly common among the older racism, homophobia and in some cases, hi, and trans (LGBT) Gambians. girls and young women, without being misogyny and clisablism, it is evident that Perhaps unsurprisingly, Robert Mugabe of regarded in any way reprehensible." It has been argued that it was the much still needs to change. However, the Zimbabwe has described homosexuality to be speakers were convinced that the continuation introduction of Christianity by Europeans to a Western import, describing gays as worse of activism, on both large and small scales, than 'pigs and dogs'. some parts of sub-Saharan Africa stimulated of acceptance, specifically in the Black community, in which several musicians had would lead to change. There is hope when we compare this tragic denials of its existence in the region prior to openly denounced homosexuality and situation for many I.GBT Africans to South European colonialism - there are some in Web content available at www.leedsstudent.org/lsl/comment/ 14 Friday, October 17, 2008 I .li.e(kSt%1de Lorg I Leeds Student WIDENING PARTICIPATION

this new Widening Participation and, according to the University, own business on how it sets its scheme, though, will some top-grade Leeds 'Access' graduates have on admissions policy. She did, however, students miss out simply because average performed as well as - if not allude to the fact that the government "It's not grades they have gone to the wrong school? better than -their peers. had raised the debate on social Professor Steve Smith, Vice- Is there sufficient scope to extend mobility and greater access to all, Chancellor of Exeter University and this to all university admissions, thus seemingly staring down the man behind the quote at the top however? And how will the system universities to act. that matter of this article, is a strong proponent work fairly and effectively? Although Although universities are responsible of the scheme. Whereas pupils from the scheme is still in its infancy, Iset for their own admissions policies, it independent schools are asked to about the University to gauge current was John Denham, the Secretary of obtain AAA to study English, a pupil opinion. State for Innovation, Universities but potential." from a `challenging school' might be Ceri Nursaw, Head of Access and and Skills, who announced this accepted on AAB, he explained. Community Engagement at the policy, declaring, "Universities aims to pool resources in a bid to The National Council of University, clarified the University's should accept applicants with lower jointly identify promising students Education and Excellence (NCEI9, position on these matters. So, on grades if they went to weak schools." who may have been previously which acts as a 'sounding board' for with the burning question: will This comes less than a month after VP overlooked with the more the direction of education, has applications from students with Denham insisted that Westminster straightforward A-level distinctions. recently published a report on the lower grades from poorer was not going to "start meddling" in According to the Department of issue of Widening Participation. It performing schools be accepted at the way universities choose their Innovation, Universities and Skills argues that tailoring A-level results to the expense of students from better students. (DIUS), access schemes may include a student's background will end the perforating schools who have made One undergraduate admissions "considering a student's performance "middle-class stranglehold over the the grades? Iwas told that there is no officer at the Faculty of Education, on taster sessions, time spent with most competitive university places." straightforward answer to this. Social Sciences and Law stressed that tutors, interviews or set work." It presses universities to use all Obviously there will be winners and it is already difficult to distinguish Following this, students identified as available information in order to losers in the system, and not all between applicants, so A-levels having potential according to one assess the application of potential applicants will be successful, but provide the only fair measure. She university's scheme would then be students — not simply A-level results. applications will be considered on sees this as likely to remain so in the eligible to apply to the other Indeed, the Council included not "potential and ability" - not just A- foreseeable future. institutions taking part. only government ministers and level results. The opening up of university Such 'talent-spotting' follows the educational experts but also chief The current Access scheme uses access to students of all backgrounds / twenty-eighth annual increase in A- executives of national businesses, additional pieces of work or is an admirable scheme and would be The University of Leeds joins with level pass rates, with the number of including those of Tesco and Rolls interviews to determine candidates' greatly beneficial to those previously eight other universities in a Widening top grades awarded rising for the Royce, suggesting work experience motivation and commitment. Miss unlikely to go to university. However, Participation scheme designed to seventeenth year running. The pass and promising business acumen may Nursaw makes it clear that the it does spark the debate on who are amend the criteria of A-level students rate currently stands at almost 97%. enter into consideration. selection criteria are designed to find the losers in this scheme. The student applying to university. A-level Fewer applicants are missing their The Vice-Chancellor of Leeds the best students and fits directly in jury is undecided. The admissions students applying to university from grades, which gives admissions tutors University, Professor Michael with the University's goals of tutors stewing to have a delicate and poorer performing schools will have less flexibility when considering Arthur, has said the scheme would becoming a top-rated, world-class tricky time ahead of them. the entrance bar lowered for them in pupils who fall short of their "broaden opportunities for young institution. order to give them a 'fair chance'. expectations, possibly as a result of people from disadvantaged She denied my premise that the The scheme, which unites Leeds the schooling they received. One backgrounds." At present the University must he feeling pressured Adam Cooper with other top universities, including simple solution is to adopt a new A* 'Access to Leeds' scheme does just from the government to enlarge its Bristol, Exeter and King's College grade at A-level to set apart the this, having already accepted over Widening Participation format, London, will take effect in 2010. It highest performers. As Leeds enters 300 students onto degree courses countering that it is the University's

"Universities should accept student applicants with lower grades if they went to weak schools." vox pop:

Mice Michael n Alan (former independent school studet): (forrnet state school student): (former state school student): "This seems unfair. I-tow will it be "This sounds like positive ed? "Great— finally some balancing up, a tion. detettriin discrimina more level playing ffeld nlike 13od1). the scheme of On hearing mote info this seems fairer C.onsideration should always be taken 01{.— I can see the meats work fairest — not simply looking at grades but also grades the petson behind them. After all into a student's background and tneasurebut surely and it's the work the you differenc,e. put in as whether the opportunities they had makes university is not just about academicby -ee equal towns:Theythey may haven't be alwaysmore anWhy individual should public that school students lose achievement. I missed my grades out because their parents decided to put one but because I tang up persistentlY willing to su oon-fed" was accepted on showing enthusiasm them into a fee-paying school?" and commitment." • N N

Friday, October 17, 2008 Leeds Student LStarern15 Comment The week in The importance Literally... numbers of sport? annoying There are some instances when the reels from yet another loss of a young A worrying trend has had etc &era* to testify but it does seem unlikely that 9.8%: Percentage of importance of competition seems all player. shouting at 'IV screens and radio sets a professional defender, even Titus Joe Kinnear press too trivial There are other occasions too when recently. The purveyors of this Bramble, would be seen trying to repel conferences suitable This week, the sporting world the action on a sporting field sheds a movement tend to he sports an attack naked from the waist down. suffered the loss of Wakefield Wildcats new light on a situation. Ucfa have broadcasters but the abuse is for daytime Sky Sports forward Adam Watene. The Cook been heavily criticised for their paltry increasingly evident in other aspects News airing. Islands international collapsed during a punishment of Croatia after the racist of society. The subject of this abuse is Not even Titus weights session and died, aged only 31. abuse Emile Hcskcy suffered at the the word 'literally.' Anomolics such as these — hands of the home supporters in Andy Townsend is a serial Bramble would remember, these athletes arc Zagreb recently. offender. If his ill-fated 'Tactics try defending supposedly at the peak of physical Last week there was a similar Truck' did not shame him sufficiently fitness, and above the ailments that example much closer to home. during his time with ITV's equally naked from the affect the rest of us — are becoming far The individual and team in question weak Premier league highlights too common in sport have made it clear that they do not package, Townsend has relished his waist down Watene was not the only casualty wish to have the details published latest outlet of embarrassment this week either. 19 year old Alexci further, but the gist is that during a Cherepanov, a rising star of Russian ice Varsity fixture last week, a Leeds The epidemic has spread beyond hockey, dropped dead during a game Llniversity competitor was on the end sports commentary and analysis. Radio shortly after scoring his second pal of of verbal, racist abuse. l's doyenne of irritation, Fearne the night An inquest into his death is I doubt that the issue will be taken Cotton, has a penchant for using the underway whilst the hockey world further. 1 doubt too that the human word as a form of emphasis in most being— if they can he considered such - sentences. Cotton doesn't find 3.2%: Percentage of dishing out said abuse will ever face a anything merely amusing, it must be, punishment. 'literally arnaZirle Nor can a band be viewers who would During a There is something wrong when such just entertaining — they're 'literally on actually tune in to Sky Varsity fixture actions are allowed to take place. An fire.' Sports News for inin fist should be slamming down on If Townsend's quips tend to he them, but it is likely that the streakers comically ill-conceived, there was a coverage of a Joe last week, a from Headingley will face a far harsher morbid feel us Rishi Persad's faux-pas. Kinnear press Leeds punishment. The sometime BBC cricket conference. Please, don't let us follow Uefa's correspondent introduced an England University lead and as good as tolerate these fixture in Australia as 'literally, do or individuals who bring a bad name to die' during the 2006/07 Ashes. competitior sports fans everywhere. Fortunately, the tourists were It has been a sad week. Sport In an impressive portfolio, the victorious — and the changing room was on the end suddenly doesn't seem so important, former Ireland midfielder can boast of guillotine was not required. does it? quotes such as, 'The defenders were of racist abuse literally caught with their pants down there.' IS Sport were not at the game Il Capo masterminds perfect start for England

When habit, Capeliti was confirmed "People were worrying more about England's key players were as England manager on 14th what people were wearing and where replicating their club form. Steven December 2007 he was faced with they were going, rather than the Gerrard scored a goal that he has 1: Number of several key problems. He had a England football team. That then scored dozens of times for Nuneaton-born LS group of players hailed by the media transposed itself into the team." Liverpool, and Wayne Rooney now Sport editors spotted as the 'golden generation', a much- Capcllo destroyed this culture within looks like the Wayne Rooney of hyped group of players who never the team, building professional Manchester United. No longer does speed dating this achieved their club form for their barriers of respect between players Rooney run around the pitch like a week. country. The second biggest and the manager. The players were headless chicken, under II Capo his problem the Italian faced was the no longer allowed to refer to each movement off the ball shows lack of professionalism within the other's nicknames; names like purpose. squad. Capella has cured both these "Wazza", "JT" and "Stevie G" were Hcskcy and Lampard have also ills. And because of this, England banned. The players were also made been born anew under their Italian have made their best ever start to a to wear suits when they represented boss, and tieskey's progress in qualifying campaign after beating their country, doing away with the particular has paid testament to Belarus and record four straight tracksuits that the players lived in Capello's ability. Surely the manager competitive victories. under Maclaren and thus adding a who can, as the independent put it, As Rio Ferdinand revealed this sense that the players were here to "make Hcskcy look like a latter day week, under Steve 'Umbrella' do a job. Marco Van Basten" can deliver the Maciaren the team was like a 'circus'. Against Belarus it became World Cup. As the stand-in skipper put it, increasingly evident that all of 16 Friday, October 17, 2008 Leeds Student Chatting with Kamara While promoting the his book, Tootynotes', the ex-footballer and now Sky Sports cult hero spoke to Leeds Student to discuss all things 'unbelievable'.

interview to play for Leeds. I managed to do the managerial merry-go-round both.' wasn't for him, "Football His career in management was management is 24/7 and when I was Locked in a small closet upstairs in fleetingly successful and unsuccessful manager of Bradford I actually loved Borders Bookstore I met 'legendary almost in equal measure as he it. I enjoyed the buzz but my family (according to the shop's tannoy promoted Bradford City via the Play- suffered of course, and that's announcer) Sky Sports pundit Chris Offs and was almost relegated with unfortunately the way that it is. You 'Karnmy' Kamara. A lengthy football the Potters. With such a short have to put yourself into the job lock career has seen the Yorkshireman managerial career will he ever return stock and barrel. I wouldn't have play for nine football clubs, and to the dugout? "I don't think I will wanted to do anything else. But when manage two in a twenty-three year do. No, No. I've been doing the Sky I was unjustly sacked, I thought, 'why career. Kammy is very happy with thing for nearly ten years now. I was a did Iput that much into it? Why did I life, "millions would kill to have my year freelance and then I've been nine put football ahead of my family?' I job" and proud of his career, "I years under contract. Its a fantastic then put things into perspective and wouldn't change a thing to be honest, job. It's the next best thing to being a that changes your mind a little bit. ups and downs are what life's all football manager." However his watch a lot of managers now and I about." move to management brought a can see myself in a lot of them. Today he's promoting his new premature end to his playing career, They've just got to calm down and hook that flourished from his 'I only ended the playing career treat it not as a job because its just relationship with co-writer Richard because the chairman (at Bradford) not like any other job, but it's not as Digance (Countdown regular) as well didn't want me to be on a player's serious as life or death. What's the as Kammy's nine-year media career contract as well as a manager's point of putting your reputation on with Sky. "Richard Digance and I contract. Player's contracts are the line, for something that might last have been Friends for about seven or water—tight, but if you sack a six months, a year or whatever. So eight years, I met him through Tony manager in the football league you the answer to that is no. Unless of Gayle at Sky when I wanted to get can get away without paying them a course Sky want to get rid of me, or I into after dinner speeches. Richard fraction ,,f the money. But if you've make a mistake on air, like swearing, had written a lot of Tony's speeches and I become untouchable. There s and they were very good. As soon as always that worry because it's live we met we struck up a friendship. television. And that could happen, He's (Digance) big into trivia and he I wouldn't but so far, so good. (taps wood on was always asking me questions, and table)" I'd have to work 'em out and then we change As a leading football league pundit came to the conclusion that we knew I asked Chris what he thought to what we were going to do (the book), anything about Q.P.R's recent price hike, as the club So he put most of the stats together charged fans L50 to see their team and I put the little anecdotes at the the game play Derby County, "les strange isn't bottom, to try and make it a little hit it? That, of course, doesn't affect me funny." because every time I go to a football The hook is full of football because people match it's sorted for me. But I can see statistics but Kammy is keen to keep it being a problem because a lot of them to himself as he jokes, "I can t see you biting people, certainly in this time of the give too much away, you'll have to credit crunch it s very expensive. If buy the book for 0.991" the hand that you take your family it's a week's His playing career saw him play for wages. And with Q.P.R you're talking Portsmouth, Swindon Town, feeds you about a Championship club, not even Sheffield United, Stoke City, a Premier League club, so that Brantford, Luton Town, Bradford obviously does bite. But, football City and Middlesborough, but he had got a player's contract as well you've pays my wages. In a roundabout way the best time of his career at Leeds got to go back to being a player and if it wasn't for the Queens Park United. "I was happiest at Leeds. It you've got to pay him every single Rangers and the Manchester was the best and worst time of my penny of his contract. So he (the United's, the Liverpool's, Rochdale's, career. The best time because when I chairman) got me to throw that in, and Bury's of this world I wouldn't be was a kid growing up in earlier than I should have done even in the job that I'm in. So I wouldn't Middlesborough they were in the though I was thirty-eight at the time, knock anything about the game 'Third Division and Leeds were in the I still had plenty of running left in me, because people are you biting the top division. It was my ambition to so that was a slight disappointment." hand that feeds you." play for 'Boro and it was my dream Management made him realise that HO'S MY REP? Register to www.luuonline.com and find out who represents you.

AD you need to know before registering is your university username and password. Once registered you can login to find out who to contact if you want to change something to do with your university life - from how your course is run to what C11111111 products are sold in the Union. Leeds University Union. Friday, October 17, 2008 Leeds Student Does rugby union need the ELVs?

Having been pioneered in the Southern Hemisphere, the Experimental Law j Variations have divided opinion. Introduced to encourage attacking, running / rugby, they have been met with support and scepticism in equal measure. After a first weekend of ELV-influenced Heineken Cup action, LS Sport asks;

A brave new world game?s luminaries have expressed their Dafydd Pritchard distaste at this tampering of their Defences have _Jamie Presland livelihood?s foundational rules. Springbok talisman and 2007 IRB Player of the Year ecds a rugby league hotbed — been pushed 1— is Bryan Habana feels the line between union trying to sell the union code to a The experimental law variations, the and league will become increasingly blurred local is a difficult task. What makes back at scrums ELVs, the Stellenbosch Laws. Whatever by introducing breaks in play, while you call them, their effect on rugby union is the challenge even trickier is trying England's World Cup winning captain I to make way for the same, and that is the end of the game as to make appealing aspects of the Martin Johnson is another to raise concerns we know it. No longer will overweight game such as a rolling maul, or a series of kicks over the impact ELVs may have to the to touch. However, with the introduction of attackers, bricklayers and rotund office workers be fundamental essence of rugby union. able to knuckle down to a weekend match, the ELVs, Experimental Law Variations, mauls can now There have also been voices of dissent as the sport will be restricted to those fine changes arc being made to make the spurt a from the reams of amateur rugby players, more tempting proposition for even the most physical specimens we see gracing the pitch be safely who feel these laws will make it impossible at Twickenham donning their tight white reluctant convert. for the less athletic and talented of us to jerseys. Defences have been pushed back at serums collapsed and play the game correctly and, more The International Rugby Board have to make way for attackers, mauls can now be importantly, safely. The style of play the there is less brought about these rules in an attempt to safely collapsed anti there is less of an incentive ELVs will bring about requires fronts and spice up the game, encouraging attacking, to kick the ball from the field of play. These are back to merge back and forth, demanding a incentive to offensive play rather than the dour just three of the alterations that are bringing an high level of personal fitness, which none increased sense of adventure to the game. defensive displays which have become all to This year's Tri Nations tournament was the kick common in contemporary rugby. However, there is a real danger of eradicating the style concerns loudest tend to of play which attracted the estimated 15 507: Points scored during affiliated with clubs who Cava illion viewers that tuned in to watch There is a real opening round of 2008/09 a more conservative, forward- auth Africa pip England to the World danger of based style. Cup crown in Prance last year. Heineken Cup. Last season, Players have also been The ELVs were first trailed in South eradicating the before the ELVs were sceptical but it seems that the Africa in 2006, and the IRB doubters are being won over . introduced, the total was 557. have laid out a set of style of play Leicester's Martin Corry is one such procedures to convert, "Initially, 1 would have said r 'mplement two or which attracted first international competition to be played was quite firmly against the new laws. three of the new rules with the ELVs, and its final match was a classic. Now I've accepted them and played under gradually every three 15 million New Zealand snatched a dramatic 28-24 win them, I've started to see the positives." or four years. against Australia, with both sides relishing the Glasgow Hawks coach Peter Wright is hanges include viewers that attacking emphasis placed on the new rules. another who is encouraged by the 'lowing mauls to Despite this evident success, though, the changes, "The rules give the smaller collapse in certain watched the Northern Hemisphere is not yet convinced. teams a bit of help. England and Ireland situations without a World Cup final Last weekend's opening round of Heineken don't want this one (grounding mauls) as penalty being Cup matches exposed the ELVs' strengths and they feel it takes away one of their core incurred, alterations to weaknesses in equal measure. Having the strengths. It could make the game the way scrums are set backline put back five metres at scrums, there more open." and permitting players to but the most high-profile players have, and was greater momentum for attacking sides, This view would be heartily echoed come into contact with the law allowing a maul to collapse has with centres in particular enjoying more by the Australian fans and press the corner flag while still gainfine breaks. who have been scornfull concerned amateur officials who feel that being in play. No doubt inexperienced players could suffer, or even Although the grounding of mauls critical of the 'ten man rugby this attacking incentive is inflict, serious harm on team-mates and encouraged a spreading of play, without the deployed by England in recent world all well and good for fans, opponents. maul area to suck in sixteen players at a time, cups. With the lynchpin of that system, but it mustn't impinge on Overall it seems that while development midfields often became cluttered, resulting in Donny Wilkinson, out injured again the defensive foundations and evolution is an integral part of any try-less matches such as Leicester's 12-6 over though, and the ELVs' attacking of the sport and allow it to incentives, it seems that a more sport, the experimental law variations may the Ospreys. become like basketball, change rugby union irreparably from a Saracens director of rugby Eddie Jones and expansive brand of rugby union may where the game is won or lost yet attract a new army of followers game loved by millions into a league-union Newcastle assistant coach Stuart Grimes are nor by which team scores, but Even in Leeds. hybrid with colossal scores purely for the two who have criticised the innovations. by which team fails to score. enjoyment of a few try-hungry fans. Tellingly, though, those who have voiced their Already many of the

This week, We asked: hn encouraged by what I've seen so far. The law 2. Distance from scrums: Backlines must stay at h.ingcs will make for entertaining rugby, which The key changes. Three of least five metres behind the back of the serum. old make even England fun to watch! the ELVs explained: Previously, they had to he level with the hack foot of the scrum. "Are the - Anthony Carmichael, 20, Food Science 3. Passing back into the 22 to kick for 1. Collapsing of mauls by defending warns; Rugby union is already a terrific sport. Why would territory: If the ball is passed back inside the 22 ELVs a good A maul may now be collapsed, if the player is for a tram mate to kick the ball directly into touch, those IRB chaps ever want to alter it If it's not pulled down between the shoulder and the hips. broken, it doesn't need fixing. no ground is gained. However, if the ball starts However, if the player is grabbed outside this inside the 22, it can be kicked into touch for again idea?" area, it is still an offence. of ground as normal. - Richard Savage, 19, Maths Friday, October 17, 2008 Leeds Student Leeds spike Newcastle

slightly from die Iced:, onslaught but, 'the third set started tightly with Men's Volleyball even when they tried to apply the I zeds team appearing to have lost pressure, the Leeds team were more their concentration, Newcastle took Leeds Uni 3 - 0 Newcastle than comfortable in defence. advantage of this and took an early 5- At l9-6 up Leeds resolve was 3 'lead. But they lost serve and by The University side got their new tested when Newcastle came back doing so let Leeds back in. Newcastle season off to the perfect start with a with three straight points, however showed some spirited fight by three set to nil demolition of the Uni team were ton strong and continuing to test Leeds throughout Newcastle on Wednesday at the used their superior service points to the third set, taking advantage of Sports Centre. finish the first set 25-10 winners. more sloppy play from the Uni side. Leeds served first and both sides Newcastle regrouped and started Eventually Leeds were able to cut started well, showing good defensive the second set playing their best the mistakes out of their game skills. The tentative start was volleyball so far, although this still was following a strong service display punctuated with some strong not enough to prevent Leeds from Captain Tom Colley and once attacking play fn Jm I zeds, showing dominating the second set. The only the win was in sight showed their signs of the play they were capable of. time that Newcastle looked like strength and dominance by scoring 11 Leeds took an early lead when a getting back into the match was when straight points to win the set and Newcastle spike went long. Newcastle Leeds started allowing mistakes to finish the match (25-10) (25-14) (25- scored next, increasing expectation of creep into their game. 10) winners. a tight match. A strong set of service points from A delighted Tom Colley said after However, Leeds were well Luke Bristow and excellent attacking the game, "Fantastic start to the organised and their strong defence play from_losh O'Brien and Nyan saw season, we're not going to stop until coupled with a dominant offence saw Leeds settle back into their rhythm we pin promotion." On the balance the Uni side rush to an 8-I lead, and take an 18-6 lead. Another set of of this impressive performance that following a run of seven unanswered strong attacking play at 20-10 saw the goal is well within their sights. points. Newcastle seemed to regroup llni close out the set 25-14. Sherry's sling-shot not enough for Leeds

striker down. It was a sign of things to however the Leeds appeared to lose narrowly wide. Men's Football 3rds come however as the speedy forward Man of the Match concentration, once more allowing Bradford continued to proved to be a thorn in the Uni's side Dan Sherry pima to race in on goal. With just the dominate the second half. Stifiling Leeds Uni 0 - 1 Bradford Uni all afternoon. Just moments after his keeper to beat though Duara opted for Leeds' long throws, which was there first effort the striker shot just wide He held the key to Uni's greatest power, blasting the ball straight at the only true attacking threat. On this A valiant performance and an array of having again been afforded space attacking threat. Uni goalkeeper. From the resulting performance parellels with Stoke City combative long throws weren't inside the box by a shaky Leeds corner the ball was headed across goal arc easily drawn. , enough for Leeds to stop rivals defence. It was Sherry's impressive to an unmarked Alistair Murray, who Leeds manager Joe Kichin Bradford taking all three points. Steadily du nigh Leeds found long-throw on the half-hour, which learnt from Duara's mistake and reflected after the garlic that the long The visitors made the more their feet and began to make inroads was to bring about the next genuine confidently placed the ball in the throw might well become a feature of promising start however and might in the opposition half. Uni's right- opportunity. Sherry launched what bottom corner. his side's game this season. "It's well have found themselves ahead winger, Dan Sherry, did well to evade was to be the first of many sling shot The final chance of the half definitely a dangerous weapon but we within the first five minutes. Almost his full-back before threading a ball throw-ins, allowing centre back I curls fell to the Uni though as another Dan need some new ideas from the throw- from kick off Bradford were able to across the face of goal. The resulting Morrison to rise highest and glance a Sherry long throw afforded Morrisson ins, which we'll he working on in find Ishak Duara with space inside the chance was blasted over die bar from header just inches wide of the far post. a sight of goal. Again the defender training." box, only for a poor touch to let the close range. From the resulting goal kick came close, this time volleying Seconds' second half collapse

c,intentiiiusly awarded free kick, y is the net from inside the L.;x. Men's Football 2nds the edge of the box. Captain Tyler loves the It became evident in the banter and fights numerous • Leeds Uni 1- 3 Sheffield Uni second half that the Seconds lack real individual battles across the pitch, pace in nearly every position, but perhaps this distracts him from This was a game the seconds should hindering a technically very his leadership responsibilities. The not have lost. They started the game proficient side. In contrast the leadership the Seconds needed with real intent and looked the better Sheffield strikers had pare to burn, especially at two one down, at home, side for most of the first half. against, at times, a static University early in the second half against bitter However, poor finishing and a lack defence. While the defence were Yorkshire rivals. of decisiveness handed Sheffield adept in the air, they did not deal well Sheffield looked the fitter victory. One of the few good with through balls. Showing a side in the second half, when Leeds performances was that of striker Jack susceptibility to the ball in behind. could not replicate the tempo they Palmer. lie put the Seconds ahead They were caught out more and showed in the first period. All too when the Sheffield defence was more as they became disorganised often the Seconds found themselves caught flat footed playing a high line, after Leeds conceded a second early guilty of over play, too much football Palmer ran onto a through ball in the second half and searched for in the wrong areas at the wrong time. played from within his own half to an equaliser. Better communication between the race ahead of the defence and clip a As Leeds pushed on, centre hacks would allow the back neat finish past the keeper. The Palmer once again managed to four to deal with the opposition far striker remained the home side?s engineer an opening, only to be more efficiently and without the only real outlet. He worked well all brought down by a clumsy challenge. chaotic scrambling that is all too across the line and challenged for a Captain Drew Tyler?s penalty was common in the English game. • lot of the hall. Despite this he is not struck low to the keepers left, but it Congratulations to the men's football merely a target man and showed was hit poorly, slow and weak, the first team who managed a superb 4-0 glimpses of very good footwork. But keeper gathering easily. That was the away victory against Loughborough. Leeds fell asleep son after they last real chance they got. Sheffield Read Leeds Student Sport next week scored and Sheffield did not wait went on to score a third, for all the reaction to the memorable long to equalise. They capitalised on counterattacking swiftly to create a win. the Goalkeepers spillage of a two on one, before scoring high into Friday, October 17, 2008 - Leeds Student 19 Profligate thirds falter

dominated by Newcastle, showing art important confidence boost. Women's Hockey 3rds flair and composure in midfield and The second half saw an keeping possession of the ball. unconvincing start from Leeds who Leeds UM, 1 - 3 Newcastle The second goal came within two looked eager to reclaim a second minutes of the first. The bail slid goal, but Hannah Copley's attempts A lack of creative opportunities cost through a gaggle of Leeds defenders, at creating opportunity down the Leeds women's hockey thirds, as who swarmed the goal mouth in an wing were left unsupported by her they lost 3-I to Newcastle. Leeds attempt to get the ball clear. Two team-mates. Uni's frustration was opened up play with an eager surge summed up when a UM midfielder (roan opening goal and the first few Woman of the Match cried, 'Come on Leeds - let's talk a minutes of the game looked Kayleigh Walker hit more!' The periods of promising. miscommunication were to However, Newcastle stood Leeds' sole attacking threat. eventually cost Uni the match, as comfortably in their own half and Took her goal well. Newcastle slid away a third with ten were confident in breaking down minutes to go. various Uni chances. One scrappy goals down, Uni weren't ready to Hayley Noblett led by example, attempt from Kayleigh Walker throw in the towel, and after a few continuing to rally the troops in the tapped the crossbar after a promising runs from Lucie Michell, final minutes through several deflection off the Keepers stick. who was proving a menace for the explosive shots from the twenty-five Newcastle were quick to settle Newcastle Left Back, a penalty yard line. Hayley summed up the and put away their first on the break, corner was awarded. From this Leeds performance explaining that with a poetic assist across goal to the penalty corner Walker, proving in the first half, 'We played well, Newcastle forward that was left integral to the Uni offence, came after we got our heads hack up: but unmarked, setting a frustrating tone from taking the set piece, only to after the third goal went in, all our for the remainder of the game. The reclaim the ball on the edge of the heads dropped, especially mine.' latter period of the first half was shooting circle and slide it home for Green Galacticos continue great form

conceded the first points of tli almost embarrassing case. In the area the point were they reached the half Netball 4ths match. Leeds found they could take shots way point of the match 42 points Leeds made better use of Leeds added to freely as they were the more likely down having not really come close to Leeds Uni 89.0 York St Johns movement and found space amongst team to get the ball on any rebounds, scoring since the opening moments the St Johns defence chalking up ten their points this was helped by the completely of the match. In a very one sided game Leeds points in ten minutes with no static defence that St johns put up. Leeds put on a display of demolished York St Johns with a response from the opposition. As tally with In a moment typifying the fantastic team work and their passing virtuoso display that left the visitors York pushed forward Leeds whole match Leeds were able to hit at times was a joy to behold, many shell shocked. exploited the space adding another embarrassing the rim 5 times in a row without moves switching from wing to wing York started seeming like 10 points to leave the first period challenge before getting the point on with ease cutting open the visiting they could make a mark on the game with a 20-point lead. ease...helped by the 6th attempt. York's heads defence with every attack. When the with good communication leading The second and third dropped soon after the beginning of final whistle went the 89-tt scorelinc them to a couple of chances early on, periods followed roughly the same York's static the period and their movement was thoroughly deserved. unfortunately for the away side there pattern with Leeds opening up and gradually became more laboured as was no coming back after they adding points to their tally with defence the points racked up against them, to Basketballers humbled on home court

and unusual clumsy play, they going into the final quarter was not Men's Basketball lsts allowed their opposition back into enough, as the energy and pace of an -1-'1W11111111 the game. invigorated Bradford proved ton Leeds Uni 68 -77 Bradford much for Leeds to handle in the concluding minutes of the game. After an encouraging start to the Bradford attacked relentlessly and season in last weeks Varsity event, We have a long confirmed their success by scoring 3 Leeds were feeling confident about points as the final whistle went, to tic their dash with Bradford University season ahead up the match 77 points to 68. on Wednesday afternoon. Men's basketball captain Unfortunately, after a promising but this wasn't Martin Whalley was visibly start, it wasn't to be their day, as disappointed by Leeds's loss, and Bradford clawed themselves to the strong start seemed confused as to what had victory in the closing stages, happened to his team after such a snatching an important win away that we would good performance against a much from the home team, in what was a higher class of opponent the previous tight and tense encounter. have liked... week. Leeds certainly made the Afterwards he said, "The better start, Joe !Pall opening the effort from the team just wasn't the sconng for Leeds and giving his team At this point the contest was same this week as last, perhaps we an early lead. Leeds went on to anyone's, as the lead bounced were a little over-confident after how dominate the first quarter, staying backwards and forwards between the we played against the Met. We have a ahead of Bradford, and playing to the two teams. long season ahead but this wasn't the level that had seen them come close Leeds managed to edge in strong start we would have Liked. We to beating Leeds Met. Despite this, as front for a second time however, really need to win the rest of our the second quarter got underway, with Chris Goalby and joe Hall once games now." Bradford gradually ate into the Leeds again, scoring crucial points for their advantage. With a series of misses team. But the small lead of 56-50 LS First win for two years comes as Uni resolve breaks Leeds Trinity

game that was thrilling, but at times the Titan's defence, drawing the point lead of their own into the frustrating to watch. man and passing to Fairhead who final minutes. In a tense final The Uni were the better team streaked away to score, and shortly period, Leeds kept the Titans at for the majority of the game but after convert his own try. bay with some excellent last ditch too many try-scoring passes went The Titans continued to lay defending, holding the Titans at astray and disciplinary errors siege to the Uni end, but a sturdy the the line to avoid what would allowed the Titans, themselves a defence ensured that the half came surely have been a heartbreaking decent enough team, into the to an end without any further defeat. match. scoring. This was an epic performance The game started with some The second half kicked off with from the Leeds team, who put their bone-crunching hits on both sides, Leeds once again under heavy bodies on the line in order to with the first real chance of the pressure. This time it told as the clinch an important first League game coming for the Titans. The Titans once again were able to win in their first ever BUGS breakaway was stopped in its tracks score in the corner. fixture. only by a brilliant covering tackle Leeds responded with some by Johnny Headington. sustained pressure of their own, The Uni though came right back with a solid team effort being with a nice break themselves, scored by George Heath, and This was an sending Johnny Heaton over for converted once again by Fairhead. the first try of the match, promptly The Titans hit back hard, and a epic converted by Adam Fairhead. fresh six tackles were awared when The Titans fought back hard, Leeds conceded a penalty in their performance eventually driving over the line own half. In a back and forth after a period of prolonged affair, the visitors forced their way from the Uni pressure deep in the Leeds half. under the posts, and upon team, who put ways heiiind them and achieve Converting the try, then taking converting the resulting kick, Men's Rugby League their first league win in over two advantage in the dip in form of the moved two points ahead. their bodies on years - with a narrow yet well- home side, the Titans sent the ball Leeds though kept their cool Leeds Uni 24 - 20 Leeds All-Saints deserved victory over fellow city wide to score in the corner. and continued to stream forward. the line to team, Trinity All Saints Titans. Down 6-10 heading for half Another slick move culminating After last week's brave yet heavy In a fiercely contested match the time, the Uni responded with a with Jez Coldrey collecting a little clinch an defeat in Varsity, Leeds uni rugby home side bested their opponents brilliant break as Johnny Sloane offload and powering over the line. league side managed to put losing by a narrow four point margin in a broke the line at pace to get behind The home side then took a four important win Uni not at fault for athletics cancellation, says Robinson secunng officials tor the event competition because of issues in the "I got my vice-captain involved, "We asked if it could all lx done on interview `The Friday before the competition Met camp. and he verbally agreed with their head the track. We thought that we'd be WC were told that the officials weren't Whilst I.ecds Uni were playing of Athletics at that time that officials happy to let that go ahead, as there's in place. Me and my vice-captain spent hosts to this year's event, the would be sorted out their end. less health and safety issues. Men's athletics captain John Robinson all day Friday trying to son things out. arrangement of officials was once again We were left in their hands, waiting I think it probably could have gone spoke out this week about the last On Monday we spent three or four left to the Met, who it appears failed to for their Head of Athletics to sort the ahead with the track events. It was all minute cancellation of the 2008 Varsity hours trying to sort things. Tuesday honour their side of the agreement. officials out" sorted, the race numbers, we had the track and field contest lunch time we had to postpone the "There was a verbal agreement Furthermore, Robinson — who had stewards in place. Theoretically, it The competition had been slated to competition." between our vice captain and their managed to secure some officials even could have gone down as just track take place at the Met's Beckett Park Accusations had been made that it head of athletics," said Robinson, who at late notice - believes that a reduced. events so at least some of us got a taste Campus, where the Uni side also train was the Uni who were at fault, but has been making plans for the event schedule contest could have taken of competition, but the Met wanted a — but was called off due to problems Robinson insists that members of both since before the Beijing Olympics this place had it not been for further full programme or nothing at all." Universities lost out on the summer. reluctance by their opposite numbers.