Kohnfused About Classical Music?

KEEP THE CAT FREE Founded 1949 [email protected] Felixonline.com The top 5 David Fincher films* Page 15 *according to Felix ISSUEFelix 1756 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 KOHNFUSED ABOUT Read Imperial University Challenge team captain Michael Kohn’s new column about classical music CLASSICAL MUSIC? Read more in the Music section on page 13

Credits: Dave Guttridge Imperial College Hammersmith and Fulham council roll out 30 minute test Calum Drysdale Editor-in-Chief

ammersmith and Fulham council Hhave become the first in the capital to provide 30 minute COVID-19 tests. These are faster than the PCR tests done by Imperial Testing hub. The lateral flow swab tests which works similarly to pregnancy tests uses a paper platform that holds a number of assaying SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal anti- body. If COVID-19 antigens (fragments of genetic material or proteins) are present in the sample being tested then a colour changed occurs, alerting people of a potential COVID-19 infection. The council authorities have said that Neil Ferguson was fired in May for breaching lockdown regulations they will soon receive enough testing kits from the Government to be able to carry out 20,000 tests a week from now until the end of March 2021. These tests will be made available to key workers such as teachers and social Neil Ferguson back workers and the council has expressed hope that they will be able to offer tests to people wanting to visit elderly at risk with more bad news CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Science 3 Editorial 7 Calum Drysdale Editor-in-Chief reporters that evidence showed that es numbers rising again. Ferguson was Hangman 19 the restrictions imposed by Tier 2 and speaking to the Science and Technol- Music 13 rofessor Neil Ferguson has warned 3 rules were having an effect on COV- ogy Committee about how modelling Film 14 Pthat despite the month-long lock- ID-19 rates before 5th November when informed the UK’s response to COV- down new tough restrictions on move- a national lockdown began. ID-19. Books 16 ments and contact will still be necessary Speaking by video link to the House He said: “We now have clear evidence Puzzles 17 as Christmas socialising might spark a of Lords Science and Technology Com- that Tier 3 measures were working to Investment 19 “third wave” mittee Fergusson told the Lords that re- bring down infection rates in some ar- Sustainability 21 Ferguson whose modelling has been strictions would have to remain in large criticised for being too alarmist has told parts of England in order to prevent cas- CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 2 [email protected] Felixonline.com KEEP THE CAT FREE NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Neil Ferguson threatens third wave eas. Tier 2 was also having an impact, but a answer”. WHAT IS FELIX? smaller one. The decision is a political one, Dr Grady drew attention to the difficul- but if we don’t want to see infection levels ty of ensuring that transport services are Felix is the newspaper of Imperial College Student rebound from December 3 my assessment not overly full during this very short period Union. We provide entertainment, information is that measures between Tier 2 and Tier saying that “allowing just a week for around and news while also being a space that members of 3 will be necessary in the great majority of one million students to travel across the locations.” country leaves little room for error.” the Imperial College community can use to pub- Ferguson’s words come as universities She added: “If the Government instead lish their views and respond to the views of others. prepare to send students home for Christ- told universities to move online now it mas. would provide much more time to stagger With all face to face teaching ending the movement of students and better pro- on the 9th December students have been tect the health of staff, students and their CAN I WRITE FOR FELIX? asked to travel home between the 3rd and wider communities.” 9th December during the so-called “travel Imperial has not yet provided any details Yes. We welcome all submissions and aim to pub- window”. on how students should return home but lish everything we are sent. An editor will work Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny experts are suggesting that the density of with you to make sure your article is in the best Harries said that the travel window” will students living in the capital might make help minimise that risk and help students additional staggering of transport neces- condition it can be for publication. We also pro- get home to their families as safely as possi- sary, raising the possibility of Imperial stu- duce video and audio content if that interests you ble for Christmas. It is crucial that students dents having a shorter widow of travel than more. follow the guidance in order to protect the official nation week. their families and the communities they Union President Abhijay Sood has sug- return to.” gested instead, however, that the large However, the plan has been criticised amount of transport links coming out of HOW DO I SUBMIT AN by academics and their union. Jo Grady, London means that London is less impor- the University and College Union general tant than smaller university towns whose secretary, said the plans were “riddled with transport could be overwhelmed by a surge ARTICLE TO FELIX? holes” and “raise as many questions as they of student departures. Neil Ferguson threatens third wave • If you already have an • If you want to write CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 but don’t have a topic relatives living in care homes. “With the continued high infection rates, article in mind or have These tests have also been distributed to we will do everything possible to protect written one already then in mind, check out or twenty five other London boroughs and people by stepping up the fight against send it to the section section specific writers form part of the government’s mass testing Covid-19 with local targeted testing allied Facebook groups that we drive. with robust track and tracing. editors via email. These Hammersmith and Fulham have also “I want to thank all the partners who are email addresses can be update every week with announced that they will be expanding its helping us deliver this service and appeal found at the top of each topics we would like local test and trace programme. Separate to everyone in the borough to continue to articles about or email from the national version run by the NHS stick to the advice to stay at home to save page in a section. and Serco, the local authority will attempt lives during this lockdown. We can limit the section editors to avoid the issues that plagued that na- the dreadful effects of this pandemic if we tional version. all pull together.” Send your article to us by 8 o’clock on Tuesday and Council leader Stephen Cowan, said: we can then have it ready for publication that Fri- day! Royal Albert Hall to reopen We are also always recruiting editors, for first event since March copy editors, photographers, artists Calum Drysdale Editor-in-Chief when it shut as part of the national lockdown. and more. If you would like to get he Albert Hall is hosting a trial event Groups will be limited to two tickets Tto test the processes developed for re- which cost £10 and the hall will operating invovled in Felix in a regular capacity, opening safely. at a limited capacity. The organ recital on 3rd December, the The recital will feature a repertoire rang- email [email protected] day after national restriction on movement ing from J.S. Bach’s to Eric Coates and Ed- and socialising end, will be the first public ward Elgar and will be played by the organ- event held in the Hall since 17th March ist Thomas Trotter on the Hall’s 9,999 pipe [email protected] Felixonline.com 3 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 SCIENCE Rolls-Royce announces plans for 16 mini nuclear plants Lily Shepherd Science Editor of its electricity from seven nuclear sites, nuclear plant would be built from a set questioning why this investment is not all of which are owned by EDF Ener- of “modules” made in factories and then being directed towards renewable en- he engineering giant announced gy. However, six of these seven sites are transported to the site for assembly, ergy, which would not pose the same a consortium with the Nation- due to go offline by 2030. EDF are con- turning nuclear power plant construc- risks associated with radioactive mate- Tal Nuclear Laboratory and construc- structing two new reactors at Hinkley tion into something like life-size Lego. rials. Others are sceptical about wheth- tion firm Laing O’Rourke to build Point C, and are They also argue that er the short time scale for construction 16 “small modular reactors” (SMRs). expected to be giv- of UK electricity this will increase and low cost are actually achievable. The consortium, known as UK SMR, en the green light from seven safety, as mak- That being said, the project is pro- were awarded £18m by the UK Govern- for two further re- nuclear sites ing lots of smaller jected to create thousands of jobs ment in 2019 to design SMRs and are actors at Sizewell C 20% modules will mean over several decades, and while nu- now asking for a further £217m for the soon. But there will that there is great- clear energy is certainly not perfect, next stage of the project. Prime Minister still be a reduction in the nuclear ener opportunity to practice con- it has a much lower carbon footprint Boris Johnson is expected to announce at ergy supply without further action. struction and learn from mistakes. than the fossil fuels that make up least £200m for the project as part of a Rolls-Royce and their partners claim Like most new nuclear projects, UK the majority of the UK energy mix. larger green plan for economic recovery. that the use of SMRs will significantly SMR are facing criticism, with envi- The UK currently gets around 20% reduce the cost of construction. Each ronmental groups such as Greenpeace Are the UK Government right to be investing in new nuclear? As the UK government continues to pump millions of pounds into the development of new nuclear facilities, Science Editor Lily Shepherd discusses whether this is really the right approach for the UK energy mix.

Picture credits: Shutterstock Lily Shepherd Science Editor also suggested that it creates significant national security issues, particularly with n 2018, I spent three months working the risk of terror attacks on nuclear facil- for EDF Energy, who own the UK’s ities. These are all very valid arguments. Iseven nuclear sites. I started with a fair- It is unsurprising that we are fearful of ly limited knowledge of nuclear power, nuclear energy. Most of us have seen the only familiar with the introductory the- disturbing impacts of the nuclear power ory of nuclear and atomic physics (from station accidents at Chernobyl and Fuk- my degree) and the negative portrayals ushima. However, those of us who have of nuclear power in the media (from seen HBO’s stunning drama Chernobyl the Simpsons). After months calculating will know that this accident was prevent- the incredibly low radiation doses that able, and the same has been said about would result from incredibly unlikely re- the Fukushima tragedy. In both cases, actor faults, I came out of that job with experts have said that the tragic deaths a strong sense that nuclear in the UK resulting from the accidents could have is both safe and necessary. But should been prevented if the governments re- it be the future of energy in the UK? sponsible had followed international A nuclear power station. Environmental groups have long been best practices and standards. The UK critical of nuclear power in this country. nuclear industry is independently reg- safe and secure. However tiny, there is ty issues and are more climate friendly. Greenpeace UK describe it as “expen- ulated by the ONR (Office for Nuclear always some risk involved – particularly A recent study in Nature Energy from sive, hazardous and slow to build”, and Regulation) and has some of the strictest when external safety issues such as nucle- the University of Sussex analysed nu- argue that it creates problems for future nuclear safety regulations in the world. ar terrorism are factored in. Renewable clear programmes in 123 countries over generations who have to deal with dis- Despite this, it is difficult to make an energy sources such as wind and solar 25 years, and found that countries with posal of radioactive waste. They have argument that nuclear energy is entirely do not create the same level of securi- large scale nuclear programmes do not 4 [email protected] Felixonline.com KEEP THE CAT FREE SCIENCE

CONTINUED investment. For example, consultancy tomorrow, we would still be left without several new nuclear initiatives in recent firm LucidCatalyst calculated that using energy for potentially years, as we waited years, and I cannot help thinking that at show significantly lower carbon emis- solar power to replace oil demand alone for the research to bring more efficient least some of this would have been bet- sions than those without. They found would require around 23,000 square or storable renewable energy. Given that ter spent elsewhere. Renewables may not that countries which operate an en- kilometres of land – roughly 10% of UK we have got a very short amount of time be able to provide us with all the ener- ergy mix that is partially nuclear and land area. Wind, geothermal and tidal to turn climate change around, we really gy we need today, but our government partially renewable are less efficient, energy all require similarly large areas. need an alternative to fossil fuels that we should be investing much more heavily as the nuclear and renewables “crowd There are two solutions to this prob- can use right now. Using nuclear power in research so that the UK energy sec- each other out”, resulting in the high lem. One is to increase the efficiency of provides an intermediary stage on our tor can decarbonise as soon as possible. levels of national investment required renewable energy sources, and the other way to complete decarbonisation – a step- for successful renewable programmes is to find ways of storing energy so that it ping stone – and it is therefore necessary. being misdirected towards nuclear. is not wasted (e.g. so that solar energy is That being said, nuclear should not It is clear, then, that a 100% renewable stored on sunny days, when there is more be the long-term future of energy in this energy mix is the ideal approach to elec- than we need). Both of these solutions country. We should be seeing a gradu- tricity supply in the UK. But the UK cur- are focuses of worldwide energy research. al phasing out of nuclear energy in the rently uses an average of 1873 TWh of en- However, research does take time. If next few decades, and a rapid growth in ergy per year, and to produce this amount the UK Government directed all their in- renewable investment. The UK govern- requires significant land area, as well as vestment in nuclear towards renewables ment has awarded billions of pounds to Felix’s tips for Black Friday tech shopping

Shrey Bohra Tech Writer intended. The deals page on websites is only returning a product to its orig- often not covered by the manufacturer’s are the digital equivalent of window inal price before it had been increased warranty, leaving you at the mercy of the lack Friday originated in the US, shopping, without the physical limi- to make the deal look more impressive. seller. Another thing to remember is that with the day following Thanksgiv- tations the real-life version presents, Retailers sometimes have manufac- extended warranties are only as good as Bing signifying the start of the Christmas making it easy for you to convince your- turers bid to build special products to the companies offering them – a 10 year shopping season. Despite the fact that self you need something you do not. warranty is no good if the company you the UK does not celebrate Thanksgiving, Before the deals start, make a list of CHECK WHAT YOU buy from goes bankrupt in a month. the event has crept onto our shopping things you actually want. It is best to If you are making a purchase of over calendar, with American companies such not be too specific when doing this – BUY £100 (and below £30,000) you should as Amazon and Asda (then owned by while a TV is almost definitely going fit in a price budget. These products are also pay for a portion of it – however small Walmart) introducing the event in the to be on sale, a specific model may not then given model numbers that are ex- – using a credit card. Thanks to a power- early 2010s, and major British retailers be, and limiting your choices to a single tremely similar to existing products. Not following in 2014 for fear of missing out. product might lead to disappointment. only does this make it more difficult to USE A CREDIT CARD Although many firms had misgivings - While we associate pressure selling compare retailers, as they are technically with John Lewis’ CEO calling Black Fri- selling different models, it makes it easy ful piece of legislation known as Section day “bad for business” in 2015 - the event IS IT EVEN A DEAL? for you to inadvertently purchase an in- 75, credit card companies are jointly li- has clearly been a success for retailers. ferior product. While the products will able for any purchases you make, even Shoppers in the UK spent an estimat- with the dodgy man in the van on Rogue still keep their headline features, smaller if you pay off the balance immediately. ed £8.29 billion over the Black Friday Traders, the subtle tricks digital retailers things – such as the number of HDMI This means that if something goes wrong weekend in 2018 – an average of £346 use are no less effective. A great example ports on a TV – might have been cut in the – for example, if something you ordered per person. This year’s Black Friday event of this is Amazon’s “Lightning Deals”, process of making the product cheaper. never arrives – the credit card company will undoubtedly be different to what with their countdown showing that the The obvious rules apply here – if a has to refund you if the retailer does not. has come before; an economic downturn number of discounted items is limited, price is too good to be true, it probably It is important to note, however, that caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the and the timer forcing you to hand over is. Companies that offer a price signif- this protection does not apply if you pay second lockdown and severe shortages of your money in the next 15 minutes or for something via PayPal or other third popular products such as games consoles lose out on the deal altogether. What BUY FROM A party; wherever you can, pay directly. and laptops threatening to dampen the this means is that you often do not get retailer’s takings. With that in mind, it is the opportunity to compare prices across REPUTABLE more important than ever to make sure the market, or even against the retailer RETAILER you get the best out of your spending. itself. It is important to not let yourself Scrolling through pages and pag- get caught by the tactics of the retailers icantly cheaper than their competitors – take your time researching the product are often shipping from a warehouse DECIDE WHAT YOU and find out if it can be found cheaper outside the UK, marking your parcel as elsewhere. The short-term deals offered a “gift” and hoping it is not inspected NEED BEFOREHAND are often not that impressive, which can during transit, thereby reducing costs es of deals is a great way to make sure be seen if you use a price tracker such as by avoiding VAT. Even if it does get past your wallet ends up lighter than you camelcamelcamel – sometimes a deal customs, the items from these sellers are [email protected] Felixonline.com 5 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 SCIENCE COVID-19 VACCINE TRACKER: Felix Edition Julia Dabrowska Science Editor production usually takes multiple whether the vaccine elicits an immune Phase III – thousands of volunteers years, a coronavirus vaccine is hoped response. to confirm safety and efficacy vs. a pla- In order to put an end to the glob- to be developed within 12-18 months. Phase I – healthy human volunteers cebo. al coronavirus pandemic, researchers to determine safety and evaluate im- Phase IV – studies on adverse effects, around the world are working tire- Vaccine testing can be split into 5 mune response. long-term mmunity and vaccine usage lessly to develop a vaccine to protect stages: Phase II – hundreds of volunteers to following the approval and licensing against COVID-19. While vaccine Pre-clinical – animal testing to see identify correct dosage. of the vaccine. The WHO is currently tracking the progress of over 170 candidate vaccines; at Felix, we’ve chosen 5 of the most promising candidates to follow, so watch this space!

New Update: This week, Pfizer/Bi- oNTech confirmed the 95% efficacy of their vaccine, initially proposed last week, while Moderna became the second compant to release an eaely analysis of their Phase III trials. Read more below!

SpaceX Crew-1 Moderna reveals 94.5% efficacy for successful launch its coronavirus vaccine and dock with ISS Photo credits: Wannapic.com

Julia Dabrowska Science Editor The danger is that the public will be using both signed large deals for (200m and Ansh Bhatnagar Science Editor this % to ask for what they think is best.” 40m, respectively), Moderna’s largest nother week, and another coro- Despite the similarities in study size, deals thus far have been with the US for hortly after midnight UTC navirus vaccine manufacturer has efficacy and technology, this vaccine has 100m doses (and an option for 400m Son Monday 16th November, Ashared news that preliminary results a solid advantage over the previous can- more), Japan, Canada and Switzerland, the first operational crewed mis- from their Phase III trials are over- didate, in that it can be stored in temper- with the EU commission only having a sion from American soil successful- whelmingly positive. This time, the atures of -20C over a 6-month period, ‘potential purchase agree- ly launched and subsequently docked vaccine is being developed by Moder- and in typical fridge-like temperatures ment’ (that is, nothing set with the International Space Station. na Inc., a US-based biotech firm, and of 2-6C for up to a month. In in stone). The UK, mean- On board the Crew Dragon space- the efficacy from the study of 33,000 comparison, while, scrambled to secure craft were NASA astronauts Com - people was shown to be over 94%. Pfizer/ a mere 5m doses on Mon- mander Michael Hopkins, Victor Moderna’s vaccine is designed using BioN- day when the news of Glover, Shannon Walker and JAXA the same concept as Pfizer/BioNTech’s Te c h’s efficacy was announced. (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agen- vaccine, i.e.. mRNA that drives the in- vac- Moderna’s vaccine is cy) astronaut Soichi Nogushi. They dividual’s cells to produce antigens and cine also the most expensive will join Russian cosmonauts Sergey generate an immune response (read can only of the frontrunners, Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchk- about it in last week’s issue if you hav- be stored costing around £40 for ov, as well as fellow NASA astronaut en’t already!) and requires two doses. in these the two required shots, Kathleen Rubins, onboard the ISS for Similarly to last week, the results have temper- in comparison to Pfiz- a planned mission duration of 180 days. not yet been peer-reviewed, however a t u r e s er’s £30, or Oxford/ This followed an earlier mission, Crew they still allow for cautious optimism. for about AstraZeneca’s £3. Demo-2, that succeeded in delivering It must also be noted that while 94.5% a week and must be stored at -80C Nevertheless, as NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley and and 90% seem like different numbers, otherwise – a real obstacle for low- the mood around the Robert Behnken to the ISS. This mis- the vaccines they represent are likely to er-income countries around the globe. world improves, it will still be sion onboard a SpaceX craft is expected have the same, or even reversed, efficacy. However, while the vaccine may have months before the vaccines will have to be just the first in a long line of pri- As Imperial’s coronavirus vaccine lead better shelf-life and storage conditions, an effect on day-to-day life – so it is up vate-public collaborations as part of NA- Prof. Robin Shattock tweeted: “[We it might be more difficult to access in to governments and individuals to act SA’s Commercial Crew Program, which have] no idea what the efficacy will be the first place. Unlike last week’s vaccine responsibly to control the spread of the also involves aerospace company Boeing. at 6-12m. Could be considerably lower. candidate, which the EU and UK have pandemic until they are widely available. 6 [email protected] Felixonline.com KEEP THE CAT FREE SCIENCE Charity CEOs plead for more support as research funding dwindles its budget for this year, down from £100 which represented just over half of the funded by charities expressed a desire to Patrick Chan Science Writer million. Meanwhile, Cancer Research total investment in publicly funded leave the field as a result of the recent edical research charities in the UK has cut £44 million from its budget, medical research in the UK. They also cuts. UK are facing a critical mo- as well as postponing all decisions on support over 17,000 scientists and their However, it does seem that the gov- ment:M as revenues plummet, many have new research ideas for 6 months - mean- work to advance our understanding of ernment is aware of the impact. In their been forced to make huge cuts to to their ing that no new re- diseases and search for latest UK Research and Development research budgets. In a recent commen- search projects cures. Roadmap policy paper, published in July tary published in the Lancet, a leading were approved or Moreover, chari- 2020, the government noted that the medical journal, CEOs of major health funded in the first ty-funded research pandemic has “exposed the fragility of charities warn of the threat to UK med- half of 2020. has led to numer- the funding system, with large sections ical research and development, likely When the ous breakthroughs of our national research activity depend- causing delays to medical advances and government an- IN 2019, CHARITY over the years, such ent on third-party funding sources, in- deployment of next generation treat- nounced a £750 FUNDRAISING as the development cluding international student fees”. They ments for patients. million package of radiotherapy for have also vowed to “stabilise the system” Due to the pandemic, funding for to support chari- BROUGHT IN AN cancer treatments in the next spending review, which is due research by charities has fallen precipi- ties back in April, “ and life-saving med- to be published later this month. ESTIMATED 1.9 tously. Many fundraising events like the medical research ications for heart As a result, charity bosses have called London Marathon have been cancelled, was excluded. In- BILLION POUNDS attacks and strokes. for the government to use the review as while charity shops remained closed for stead, money was reserved for front-line These treatments have aided in the pre- an opportunity to bridge the gap. They extended periods of time. This has led to services to patients, leading to calls for vention of an estimated 830,000 cancer propose setting up a new life sciences a 38% drop in fundraising income be- more funding to keep research and de- deaths in the UK since the 1980s. charity partnership fund, which will en- tween March and May 2020 and a pro- velopment going. With funding not expected to recov- able improvement in patient outcomes jection of a fall in research spending by The effect of a lack of funding will er for at least 3 to 5 years, charities have and help protect careers. With spend- up to £368 million for 2020/21. be keenly felt by patients and scientists also warned of the long-term risks, such ing and financing policies being debated As the financial impact starts to bite, alike, as charities play a crucial role in as delays in bringing new treatments for now more frequently than ever, perhaps charities have already taken drastic ac- supporting medical research in the UK. patients. Furthermore, there are signs there is hope that the ever-important tions in anticipation of further losses. In 2019 alone, their fundraising efforts that researchers are also feeling the pres- medical research can continue. The British Heart Foundation has halved brought in an estimated £1.9 billion, sure. In a recent survey, 40% of scientists A conversation with Tom Whipple, Science Editor of The Times Alana Cullen Science Writer known as the leap second which causes delving into the paper and getting to a paragraph to the scientist to sign off havoc on Wall Street to the people who grips with the science yourself is a much on technical accuracy – but no need for Last Friday, Imperial students were refuse to leave the Chernobyl exclusion more thorough source of information. copy approval. And if you find yourself lucky enough to have a conversation zone. His job has also allowed him to 3. Science is received better as a feature writing in complex jargon, it is probably with Tom Whipple, Science Editor of travel, taking him across the world to - not hard news. Try and go deeper with- a sign you do not understand the science The Times, during an online event organ- chase the latest science stories. in your story than the classic headline, fully; go back and research more so that ised by Felix. Interested in journalism yourself? Dur- breakthrough, pyramid structure. Hu- you can explain it in layman terms. Speaking to aspiring journalist stu- ing the interview, Tom offered 3 tips to manise and write a richer, more detailed For those who aspire to be a science dents, Tom recounted how he first got writing a good science story: piece. journalist like Tom, in his opinion, the into journalism an interest alongside 1. Interview the scientists. Getting the A good science journalist is also a re- commonality in journalism is those who his Mathematics degree. For this work human voice into your story is poten- sponsible one. Science stories appear persevered – it isn’t an easy field to break he was named the Guardian Student tially much more interesting than the similar across most outlets because they into, but persistence is key to getting to Feature Writer of the Year. From there, canned quotes that the press release of- are constructed by objective journalists where you want to be. Take up all the Tom’s began his career as a freelancer, re- fers. Ask why the author of the paper is trying to get the science right. Unlike opportunities you can – graduate train- sulting in a job at The Times, where even- interested in the finding, and how the some aspects of journalism, science sto- ee schemes or getting your name on a tually he became Science Editor. science was done. ries tend to be the least subject to edi- few national by-lines (or even writing for In this role, Tom has written about a va- 2. Read the paper. Press releases are a torial pressures. If you are concerned your student newspaper *cough cough*) riety of topics: from the bizarre concept great resource for finding the story, but about accuracy, it is acceptable to send is a good place to start. [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk 7 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 EDITORIAL This edition was The Felix Editor on produced thanks to Statement the work of The immense joy of seeing Deputy Isabelle Zhang editor of Intent Maeve Johnston News writer someone you sort of know Nick Manrique News writer We here at Felix believe that it is al- Comment I went onto campus this or to nod politely and to ways in the interests of the students to Andrew Melville editor week in order to do walk on by. However, know. That cover-up and paternalistic Comment something in the Felix this time, as I walked obfuscation is never right and that Sung Soo Moon editor office. My plan was through South Kens- as intelligent people students should a quick in and out ington I felt like all be treated with respect and given the Comment Eamon Farhat visit. Arrive, do what my filters had been ability to make up their own minds. editor needed to be be done switched off. I was Therefore, I, the Felix Editor, on be- Comment Khama Gunder and leave. What I never speaking to everyone. half of the team promise that: editor appreciated is how many Anyone whose name I Science Ansh Bhatnagar people whose acquaintance knew I greeted with huge We will to the best of our abil- editor I had made that I would see. excitement delighted at the oppor- ity tell you the whole truth and Science Julia Dabrowska I am an outgoing person. I like to tunity to see anyone. nothing but the truth. editor meet people and talk to them. Yet I I wonder what will happen when we Sudarshan do not think I am alone in saying that can all move around freely again. I Tech editor Sreeram there are a huge number of people like to imagine that other people will We will keep your confidence Ozbil Dumenci Arts editor that I know that with whom I have experience, the same feeling, at least and will only publish something Amanda never spoken. Maybe they are on for a while. A whole country expe- you say to us if you have explicitly Arts editor Hertzberg my course or I know them through riencing immense joy at just seeing said that we can. someone else. In any case my instinct and talking to someone will be lovely, Vaidhiswaran Head of Arts would once have been to ignore them however, quickly it is over. Ramesh We will work to expose unfair- Head of ness and discrimination in all Jia Qi Tan Books forms that it takes both at the Hari Kumarak- Maybe some sort of pulley College and elsewhere. Books editor uruparan Miles Gulliford Music editor We will treat fairly any article Martin Flerin Music editor device? sent to us, regardless of point Head of This week has been the first time that possible and this situation is still long of view and do our best to work Guthrie Ruby I have properly felt the despair of from finishing. Music with you to prepare it for publi- Asad Raja Music editor lockdown. In the spring and sum- Alternatively it could be that the mer, when I was revising for exams , frustration stems from no longer cation it in our pages. Maeve Head of being stuck at home was helpful. It feeling that the social distancing re- Hutchinson Puzzles allowed me to work harder without quirements no longer seem to match Signed by Calum Drysdale Matt Wright Puzzles editor distraction. I was living alone with the severity of the problem that the Editor-in Chief Zahra Abiola Food editor my girlfriend and I would get up country is facing. Ahmad Danesh Games editor in the morning, exercise and work Neither of these two reasons particu- Felix Office Monami Sustainability through the day and then we would larly sits right in my head though. Beit Quad, Prince Consort Road Miamoto editor cook together in the evening. Yet our I am forced to consider whether the London, SW7 2BB Head of Sus- situation at the times seemed so much reason that I was more productive in Flora Dickie bleaker. We had no idea when our the March to July period was because Tel: 020 79548072 tainability Email: [email protected] Oliver Weir Film Editor confinement would end and far less of I was being kicked out of bed every a reason to feel optimistic about the morning and being told to go and Konrad felixonline.co.uk Sports editor future as we can now thanks BioN- make a cup of tea. @feliximperial Hoendorff Tech, Pfizer and Moderna. What I need is some sort of machine Amanda Barden Sports editor I wonder if this is because the end that can replicate this function. Some Printed by Iliffe Medial Enny Tran Copy editor Winship Road, seems both so near and so far away. kind of machine that would only turn Milton,Cambridge Head of With full immunisation predicted to off when the liquid volume of one Kavan Clark CB24 6PP Copy still be over 6 months away am I just mug is poured into it and would re- Jeremy Cohen Copy editor facing the realisation that many of my activate if I got back into bed. Please Registered Newspaper ISSN 1040-0711 peers have already been clever enough send suggestions to [email protected] And our numerous Copyright (c) Felix 2020 contributors to figure out a while ago. Namely, that with detailed blueprints or completed things you want to do are no longer machines to the Union. 8 [email protected] KEEP THE CAT FREE HANGMAN Management consultants: “Hire more consultants” Credits: wikimedia Gideon Osbourne Consultant Correspondant Like any good naval ship, the Hangman headquar- aged to get me a job interview with the head research ters has a bridge, and under that bridge live some trolls. engineer at the company he owns and I lost it to this e interviewed Hangman employees for their One troll, Hrangnir the Ugly, explained some things he other guy just because he was in a wheelchair. My dad tips on growing a busi- learnt working for the Dark Mage told me it was because the guy had 4 PhDs and a Mas- ness.W In the race to get into the of the East: “You really need to ask ters but I think we all know what’s really going on. 1% before robots replace us, yourself three questions: when’s These multimillion dollar companies are getting more starting a business is a tried a good time to start planning fi- Marxist by the day.” and tested strategy. IN THE RACE TO GET nances, what’s the optimal finan- Hangman’s writers also contributed: Trevor Say- We visited the Hangman cial goal, and trevor told us “surroubdn headquarters, located in a TO THE 1%, STARTING how should I go ytourselkf with smart peo- lake resort on the Moon, to A BUSINESS IS A about my finan- pyle”, Erin Onthesideof- get some tips for young entre- cial plan? Then caution told us “never jeeo preneurs. The natural place to“ TRIED AND TESTED you’ll need to toue eggs in one basker”, and start is with those whose job it STRATEGY start thinking THESE MULTIMILLION Sharin Iskarin told us “ex- is to give this sort of advice, so about growth DOLLAR COMPANIES oasnd your pirtvolio”. We we consulted the Hangman management consultants, and protecting your investments. didn’t have time to talk to any most of whom told us to hire more management con- How involved with them should ARE GETTING MORE editors. On the shop floor sultants. Hangman executives following this strategy you be? Is it better to be flexible or MARXIST BY THE DAY we spoke to Darryl ‘Long Fe- were weary when the fifth new division of management stable?” “ mur’ Jones, who told us about consultants were still giving the same counsel, but the Another troll, one Chase W. some of the smaller details of consultants explained that you can’t make money with- Phillips, had this to say about busi- running a business, like arti- out spending money and the best way to do that is to ness: “There’s no point even thinking about it because cle word limits. “You’ve got to be careful when writing “hire more management consultants”. all the minorities are just taking the jobs. My dad man- something like this that you don’t run out of page spa- Credits: wikimedia / Robert Scobel

Hangman Consultancy HQ “All quiet at Wilson” say Wardens Alpha Beta Private School Wanker Correspondant al fanfare around the freshers’ experience, but clearly brief moment of what I pray will be a long and fulfill- students have found their own ing life”, at which point the group ubwardens and hall seniors at Imperial College introspective ways to deal with of socially distanced students London’s Wilson Hall have reported unexpectedly this. behind him nodded wistfully in Shigh levels of quiet and respectful obedience among Speaking to some of the res- unison. Another student, this residents, sources confirmed this week. idents we found that, while a time physicist Dalum, did how- In an exclusive interview with Hangman, warden majority felt inconvenienced IT’S IRRITATING TO ever have a complaint, saying that Samuel Norton explained that the students under his by the consequences of a glob- BE ABLE TO HEAR “it’s irritating to be able to hear supervision had risen to the challenge of lockdown ad- al pandemic, all invariably felt the hum of the streetlights out- mirably. He opined that “going into this, many people that such grievances paled in THE HUM OF THE side” when trying to sleep. The thought that being forced to spend days on end locked comparison to their “responsi-“STREETLIGHTS hall leadership team have been in would provoke students to rebel, but no!” He went bility as citizens, classmates, and quick to respond to this, prom- on to express that such docility “honestly left [him] friends”. First year biochemist OUTSIDE ising to provide more therapeu- with very little to do”. Mandrew said told us “sure, I’d tic ambient noise at night in the The behaviour is especially surprising given the usu- rather be out drinking right now, but this term is but a form of the early work of Enya and Brian Eno. Felixonline.co.uk 9 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 HANGMAN Caption Contest Results NegaFelix Hangman-in-Chief

ast week, we challenged you to send us your funniest captions for the comic on the right. Whilst there can only be one winner, we recieved lots of funny Lresponses (and some less funny), so here are some honourable mentions:

“You will be able to fly back to Earth in the travel window from December 3rd to 9th.” “I don’t think apples go very well with cheese.” “You must self-isolate here for 14 days.”

Of course, our very own Hangman editors couldn’t resist cracking a wise one. Here are some of their ideas to be lambasted at your discretion:

“The Moon? Yeah, keep going 100,000 miles and it’s on your left.” “You’re not here for the oil, are you?” “Excuse me sir, do you have a moment to talk about our lord and saviour Jesus Christ?”

Don’t want to miss out on our next Caption Contest? Then watch this space- and follow us on instagram @felix_imperial where you can keep an eye out for the next competition on our story. Remember, we are not the cat food brand. Winner: “Fancy an apple? It’s 1/6th as forbidden up here.”

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER LEO VIRGO This week you finally This week you can’t be This week, in the modern This week you live it up This week, while your This week your flat mate manage to tell a tasteful sure, but you think the day version of the a little and have a wank landlord isn’t pleased throws a wet blanket on cancer joke. spider in the corner of Narcissus myth, you try with the nice shower gel. about the blu-tac marks your grease fire party. your room just winked at to kiss the little preview left by the poster on your you. window on your MS wall, it’s really the gaping Teams call. escape tunnel behind it that sets him off.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES

This week’s eviction This week new fire This week you find out This week you find out This week surprise your This week capital gains notice will pale in safety regulations require your boyfriend has been that ice cream sundaes significant other with a tax is increased to comparison to next everyone to tell the trying to do Movember. can be eaten any day of rock in a sock. capital punishment. week’s crack addicition. truth whilst sitting on the week. flammable materials. 10 [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk KEEP THE CAT FREE ARTS Blyth Centre 2020 Art

A DAMP NIGHT Awards digital oil painting, 32.1 x 42.8cm t’s been a less than subtle year in so many ways. Seems like everywhere we turn – news of the pandemic and the impending vaccine is all This piece is made Iwe hear. But on the other side, it is often the most using the Procreate turbulent of times that encourages and unleashes app. It only took defining Art. While the rest of the world, bustles me a week to finish about, Art goes about its humble duty in silence – to whereas actual oil awe and inspire. paintings would Blyth Centre of Music and Arts has been quite ac- take a lot longer. tive amidst the flurry of lockdown and remote learning I experimented routines of 2020. Online classes and workshops have a lot with the continued per usual drawing great involvement and brush parame- excitement from the student body. Bespoke opportuni- ters to mimic ties are currently available – including a free 20 minute, the textures 1:1 tutorial across the academic year with a range of pro- and tones of fessional artists, open to all students and staff at Imperial real paint- College (More details regarding these can be found on the ings, and Blyth Centre website). I think it In that spirit, this year we bring to you features of the turned out awardees of Imperial’s Blyth Centre awards and fellowships. quite real- The following column will run through the coming weeks in- istic. troducing the Blyth Centre fellowship holders and awardees along with their artwork. We wish the awardees the best of luck and congragulate them on their accomplishments, and hope Credits: Cleo Zhang that this space will inspire readers to tap into their creative side and utilize the Blyth Centre resources. About the Awards Blyth Art Fellowship

The fellowship is presented to students who have shown both exceptional talent and incredible commitment to their creative practices alongside their study at Imperial College. The fellowship offers each holder £500 materials bursary, a free place on 2020 Winners the Arts/Short courses drawing class, a free Tate card and professional mentoring support from a range of artists Blyth Art Fellowship

1. Photographer Louie Hext (Physics UG) Blyth Art Award 2. Artist Cleo Zhang (Life Sciences UG)

The award is presented to students who have shown great talent and dedication to developing their creative practice alongside their Blyth Art Award study at Imperial College. Each Art Awardee receives a £50 materials budget and a mentoring tutorial with a professional artist. 1. Artist Freddie Hong, (Engineering Research PG) 2. Painter Grace Zhang, (Earth Science & Engineering UG) 3. Photographer George Dixon Dray (Mechanical Engineering UG) Unlike any other professional Art Fellowship, the tutors are bespoke 4. Painter Santhosh Thavarajasingam (Medicine UG) sourced after the interviews in response to each student’s work to maximise on developing each individuals’ creative practice. Written by Vaidhiswaran Ramesh Arts Editor with input from Mindy Lee [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk 11 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 ARTS

Cleo Zhang Blyth Art Fellowship

y name is Cleo and I’m in my third year of Biotech. I first heard about this award from a friend who was one of the awardees last Myear. She encouraged me to apply and so I started gathering up my art pieces to make an online portfolio. I also made new artworks during the summer to prepare for the interview. So before receiving this award, it has already inspired me to create more art. And I believe this award will continue to push me forward while providing me with plenti- ful resources and support. I’m also excited about the tutorials with different artists as I’ve always been curious about other people’s creative process. Although many things have been different due to COVID, it gave me the excuse to finally experiment with digital Credits: Santhosh G. drawing. During lockdown, I learnt various software such as Pro- Thavarajasingam create, Illustrator and 3D modelling tools such as Blender. And I really came to love the versatility and convenience of digital art which I will continue to explore in my future work.

Santhosh G. Thavarajasingam Blyth Art Award SHAKTHI 2020, y name is Santhosh G. Thavarajasingam, Acrylic on wood, and I am a 5th year medical student. I 150 cm x 50 cm Mwas born in Sri Lanka and grew up in Austral- ia and Germany. My art practice started three years ago, when I found some acrylic colours Shakti, a Sanskrit in my parents’ cellar during a summer break word meaning femi- and painted a little something with my two nine power, is the pri- brothers. We loved how painting brought mordial cosmic ener- us together and enabled us to express our- gy and represents the selves, so we kept painting. dynamic forces that are My paintings reflect what I have thought to move through been, I am, and I am becoming. Some the entire universe. Shakti inspiration comes from my Hindu is the concept or personi- heritage, from the places I grew up in, fication of divine feminine German poetry and aboriginal art. creative power. The painting That said, most of my ideas come depicts a female and male at a from my brothers. I would not be beach. The stark but comple- painting without them. Further- mentary colours represent the more, I would like to thank Mindy contrast and connection of male Lee for the Byth Art Awards which allowed me and female. The outstanding pur- to expand my fine art practice alongside my medical studies. ple symbolises Shakti, female ener- I got to know about the Blyth Centre Awards through the Imperial gy, without which the earth and this Art Society. The award allows me to practice art with less financial constraints and it painting would lose its beauty. extremely motivates me to continue creating art. The pandemic has not affected my art practice. But my art has changed, it has become more abstract. 12 [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk KEEP THE CAT FREE ARTS Pour away the ocean and sweep up

the wood Credits: Cleo Zhang Credits: Imgur/Mathew Photoman Vaidhiswaran Ramesh Arts Editor the constant chatter of tourists. Howev- er, as England is dragged into a second rt is an interesting aspect of life. lockdown this opportunity is alas taken While we consume it every day, away. Awe fail to articulate and define its remit. Pushing for a last rendezvous and And even the boundaries, if any, be- seeking to resolve my dilemma before tween the ill-defined definitions we the curtains close, I find myself here provide for say Arts, Music, and Theatre on the 4th of November, a cold grey are ever so blurred in the 21st century. London evening in Manchester Square, In another world, in a world without standing before the old townhouse COVID-19, a busy world that is, we of the Seymour family, now housing wouldn’t have had time for such seman- The Wallace Collection. If I am being tics. But in this current expanse of time, honest, I chose this one, half indulging courtesy of the pandemic, the mind in an incoherent intuition that if I were wanders for such introspection. to find any definition/resolution, it was London is truly blessed in that to be in an old school collection such as accord. A modern-day bridge between this, and - well - because they were the The Wallace Collection the old world and the new one, both lit- only one who had a last-minute ticket cabinets from Louis XV’s court, the my opinion anything that satisfies that, erally and metaphorically. Tucked away available the day before the lockdown. intricate clock pieces with their marble would be the bounds of its definition. It in its quaint neighbourhoods, museums Seems like I was not the only Art enthu- sculptures, and the paintings by Old seems to be the same across platforms, in London offer a quick getaway to any siast in town, but perhaps certainly was Masters, reflecting another time. The whether you are in the stands in an op- part of world, from full blown head- the laziest. Venice Canal, busy with activity, paint- era, or before a Bernini or in a humble liners such as The National Gallery or One-way paths, reduced occupan- ed by Canaletto in his trademark style drawing room of a 19th century town- British Museum to the quaint personnel cies for each room, hand sanitiser tills - I wonder if dolphins swam in the canal house, looking at Rembrandt. collections of every few yards, and in his time? The Laughing Cavalier I sat outside following this line of famous Britons the works. Noth- by Frans Hals was still smiling nearby, thought a bit, watching the staff close such as The Wal- ing changed and yet despite the dearth of tourists wanting a the gates. The relevance of semantics lace Collection or everything did. A selfie with him now. Anyway, a pensive disappeared further, and a stark reality Apsley House. little less than half the few moments accorded and I moved emerged as I watched this somber pa- Considering ONE-WAY collection had been onto the European armour collection, rade. The reality of the lockdown and that, I realized boarded up, owing to the least interesting to me personally the needed shift in consumption of ‘Arts’ that I was better PATHS, safety measures, but but it struck a realisation. Most of the for the next few weeks. I was remind- placed now, in REDUCED enough indeed for its appreciation stemmed from the exhibits ed of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s verse diverse London, “ quarters. I wandered history, albeit as short as it was. Perhaps from the ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ than in my earlier OCCUPANCIES by all the famous stops, that’s the point of these institutions isn’t - ‘Water, water, everywhere, and all the years, to address FOR EACH consciously reflecting it? The contextualization of the creation boards did shrink; Water, water, every- this predicament this time on the cause of Art? I strayed a bit further, moving where, nor any drop to drink’. In that What is the ROOM, HAND of any appreciation. back and forth, savouring all I could, moment this captured my thoughts per- definition of Art? SANITISER The grand staircase aware of the lockdown, but I could fectly well. There stood on the other side If not a compre- with its famous never put my finger on what constituted of me, some of the greatest collection of hensive, articulate TILLS EVERY wrought iron balus- Art. Art ever accumulated, available to all un- one, at least a per- FEW YARDS, trade, made originally Coming out, however, the last thing til just a few minutes ago. sonal one would for the Royal Bank in that registered in my mind, was that the The internet is indeed a cruel thing, do for now. For AND THE Paris in the early 18th definition I was seeking was and is by tantalising us with the prospect of replac- the better part century, stood as ever, itself meaningless. In hindsight, I might ing this physical experience ever since. of 2020 while WORKS. overlooking the en- have done myself a disservice by visiting Memories of the hours spent scouring the COVID-19 trance — It certainly a collection with a narrow gambit, but the scores of online museum catalogues situation ravaged had allure. But was it then again, whatever we call it - Art during the first lockdown came to mind. all over, the absence of prolonged local the history, or its inherent beauty or was doesn’t itself articulate, or at least good Perhaps it’s time we all give the internet lockdown meant that you could almost it a realisation that it’s a perfect the em- Art doesn’t, but it begs articulation and another try, but when that fails, we shall make up for the lack of international bodiment of the turbulence of time? I discourse. So, at the end of the day, it is find ourselves here again when the cur- travel and enjoy these exhibits like was not sure. But I stood and I watched. what you make of it. The common con- tains and the doors reopen, only at that never before, away from the crowds, the I followed the trail there on, gazing sensus however must be that it evokes a time, there isn’t going to be enough wa- glistening frenzy of Instagrammers and and ogling at the umpteen drawers and thirst, a desire if any to be awed, and in ter for our thirst. [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk 13 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 MUSIC Felix Recommends Kohnfused About Classical? Freedom

Artist: Amen Dunes Each week Michael Kohn introduces us to one old and one new classical For fans of: Oasis, Mazzy Star composition, attempting to break down barriers and make the genre more Run time: 47 mins accessible. Guthrie Ruby Music Editor

Ravel - Three years of production produced this master work from the band Amen Pavane for a Dead Princess Dunes. Drawing influences from Tom Petty, early Oasis and Late Nirvana, In 1899 (so basically the 20th Cen- the band reinvigorate and restore their tury), Ravel, who you might know usual lo-fi dark style. Freedom is a pop lead singer McMahon’s childhood. from his Bolero, was commissioned by rock record for those who prefer to be Using either real or fictional characters, a princess to write a short orchestral understated. McMahon explores topics such as his work. He chose to write a slow Baroque At first listen the album is solid but father, masculinity, and his mother. (early 17th century) dance, called the not outstanding. Repeated listening is Ranging from silky to raspy, clear cut to Pavane. In a change from last week, the only way to truly appreciate the sub- riddled with vibrato, McMahon’s vocal this is very still and serene, open- tle genius at work. This is an album that performance is endearingly tender; ing with a solo for what is (in really rewards you for taking a second exactly like that of a man returning to my biased opinion) the best to pay attention, getting you caught on days gone by. instrument of the orchestra- its hooks and sucked into its pulsing Freedom is likely to be off the beaten the French Horn. Character- forward momentum. Picture yourself path for most Imperial listeners, but I istic of impressionism, this driving down a dusty road in a converti- employ you to give it a chance. I believe short work develops just two ble with a chilled milkshake and fries. it to be a perfectly gentle ray of summer themes, but it’s the harmonies Lyrical focuses is on moments from sun that can break up the increasingly that make it very interesting, dark dismal winter days. and the music really builds and swells to some chords that can only be described as delicious. GREEN It’s best to opt for shorter recordings here- there’s a (wrong) tendency to play Artist: Hiroshi Yoshimura this very slow, which ends up making a 20th Century British composer For fans of: masterpiece into a bore. Ravel wouldn’t 2 8 1 4, Khotin is really something. Written for Brit- Run time: 43 mins have been happy with this, describing ten’s lover Peter Pears, and undoubt- slower performances as “Dead Pavane edly the greatest French horn player of Guthrie Ruby Music Editor for a Princess”. But if the tempo is right, all time, Dennis Brain, this work sets 7 it’s really a magical poems by great names such as Alfred, Way back in the 1980’s Japanese five minutes, incredibly sad music lord Tennyson and John Keats to artists were pioneering their own style tinged with hope. music that spotlights both the singer of ambient electronic music inspired by and the horn, often with the singer sounds in nature. Artists like Hiroshi

having the melody that is responded Yoshimura made it their goal to cre- Benjamin Britten - to by the horn. There’s a deeply serious ate music that could fill buildings the synthesisers, Yoshimura delicately places Serenade for Tenor, Horn and gut-wrenching Elegy based on way natural sounds fill a forest, river or notes into space. It has the same calming “the Sick Rose” by William Blake, or desert – music that is ever present, never effect as white noise but is loaded with and Strings a slightly more playful Hymn based overpowering, but still pleasing to the artistic expression and is filled with on a poem by Ben Jonson, both about human ear. heart-wrenchingly ingenious moments. Sticking with this week’s last-minute 3 minutes long. The best recording is As a genre, Japanese ambient envi- It wasn’t until last year that the genre and tenuous theme of French Horns, of the original dedicatees Brain and ronmental music is very distinct. Tracks was paid much attention. An archivist this minor work by a very famous late Pears. move at a snail’s pace. Usually, only one team called “Light in the Attic” com- or two repeated motifs are present with piled tracks from the 80’s into an album occasional variation. There is never any that received widespread acclaim. Sadly crowding of sounds, it sounds the way Yoshimura died in 2003, but two of his Disagree with me completely? a breath of fresh air feels. In many ways albums were rereleased last year, allow- Is there a specific theme you want me to recommend classical music it sounds very spiritual, the perfect ing his music to spread across the world. for? soundtrack to meditation or yoga. Or do you have music for me? GREEN is one of the all-time mas- Email me at [email protected] terpieces of Japanese ambient environmental music. Using a small range of 14 [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk KEEP THE CAT FREE BOOKS Imperial student by day, writer by night. Books Editor Hari Kumarakuruparan interviews Devyani Saini on her recent work – The Serpents Veil.

Hari Kumarakuruparan Books Editor The Wrath and the Dawn, a (young adult) YA fantasy Sapkowski, and I am loving it immensely. by Renée Ahdieh. It retells the story of Scheherezade What made you want to start writing? and Shahryar (the story is more commonly known I also make a point to read famous novels in differ- as 1001 Arabian Nights). I did some research about ent languages translated to English. You get a lot of When I would read books and watch films, I would Scheherezade, and found out that her character was insight into the culture (literary and general) of other always ask questions and come up with ideas on how I based on a real Queen named Al-Khayzuran. Origi- countries when you read their most renowned books. could change the story – e.g. What if so-and-so event nally, I was going to write a story similar to 1001 Ara- One author in particular whose work I always read went differently? What if there was a new character bian Nights, but the history surrounding Al-Khayzu- and enjoy is Han Kang, who won the Booker Prize who took the plot in a different direction? What hap- ran intrigued me and I decided to write a book that for her novel The Vegetarian. I even managed to get pened before this story started? What will happen af- told her story with some semblance of accuracy (and through the colossus that is Anna Karenina, only to ter it ends? At some point, I decided to put these ideas of course a little magic thrown in because learn that Russian literature isn’t really my cup of tea. on paper and I ended up writing a bunch of fanfiction. why not). One which I wrote based on Lord of the Rings is now When you see your book attracting more and more 80,000 words and counting – I was really obsessed attention, how do you feel? lmao. After a while, I tried to write my own contemporary stories, but they weren’t very good. I realized I feel really happy and validated when people leave my strength was in writing fantasy, so I decided to comments on my work, either praising it, or trying to stick with that for the long run. predict what’s going to happen. At the same time, when I receive criticism (especially about cultural/ What kind of research do you do, and how historical aspects), I know what to avoid and long do you spend researching before begin- what to include instead, which is really helpful. ning a book? In that sense, I do cater to my readers, but I don’t feel any pressure to change the plot or It depends on the genre, but for historical anything extreme like that; it’s more about fantasy you have to do a lot of research cultural sensitivities and making sure I don’t about the time period and the society you offend anyone. are writing about. You don’t have to research everything before you start writing, Tips for an imperial writer? but it’s good to look at a map, look at the main cultures, and possibly the structure I’m pretty bad at following my own advice, but of the society (e.g. monarchy, democracy, I would say schedule a regular time and dura- oligarchy, etc.). If you’re doing a completely tion to write (e.g. Thursday 6pm for 45 min- original setting, then you need to spend time utes). You shouldn’t write when you ‘have time’, building the world before you write. but rather make the time for it like it’s a lecture or a tutorial that you have to attend. This kind of takes Wikipedia is probably the best resource for infor- the fun out of it, but if you want to make significant mation about history, and is the first one I looked at progress and you’re really passionate, it’s the best way. when researching for The Serpent’s Veil (TSV) – the Writer’s block is a real issue for me (once I didn’t write novel I’m currently writing. I spent about a week for 6 whole months), and sometimes the only solution researching and compiling information before actu- is to force yourself to spit something out, even if its ally putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard lol). I get constant inspiration mainly complete shit. If something is there, at least it can be It’s good to write everything down – I use Evernote by reading other books in my genre – so mainly YA/ edited! Also consider joining the Writers Society – to keep track of my research. Sometimes you get lost historical/high fantasy. When you read successfully they have really useful weekly workshops and write in a rabbit hole with research though – once I found published books you get an idea about what sells, and ins. myself knee deep in some obscure article about Saudi also how to improve your writing. I don’t mean by Arabian agriculture because one of the characters copying other authors’ technique but more by under- Where can we find your work and describe The Ser- was eating a fruit and I wanted to make sure it was a standing what constitutes good dialogue, sentence pent’s Veil for those who haven’t read it. fruit you could find in that region at precise time. It’s structure, plot pacing, character arcs etc. Reading also important not to let research override the actual writ- gives me new ideas for plot points. The Serpent’s Veil is set in the Arabian Peninsula during, and usually readers don’t take notice of such tiny ing the 8th century, and follows the story of Khayzu- details (which is sad). What sort of books do you read? ran, whose world is turned upside down when she’s kidnapped and sold to a travelling caravan belonging I read a bit of everything, but mostly fantasy and to the Caliph (‘King’). The story is filled with decep- What inspired the book, where do you get constant contemporary novels. I like anything that has an tion, royalty, intrigue, and war, catering heavily to fans inspiration to make sure the quality is sustained? adventure or quest type plot, and plenty of swords. of The Wrath and The Dawn, Prince of Persia, and Romance is nice to have, but not necessary. Right now Aladdin. You can find it online on Amazon and other The source of my idea for TSV was from a book called I’m reading The Witcher: Blood of Elves, by Andrzej online booksellers. [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk 15 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 FILM Editor Recommends David Fincher: Top 5 Films Credits: Columbia Pictures Oliver Weir Film Editor and Kirk Baxter (who both won Gone Girl (2014) an Oscar for their work)—creates 4 n anticipation of Fincher’s new film Mank, out on 4th what could prove to be a modern Credits: 20th Century Fox IDecember, I’ve compiled the top 5 movies from his il- classic. The wit of the dialogue, Nick Dunne searches for his lustrious career thus far: the smoothness of the picture, wife Amy after she disappears one and the slowly-building drama morning. As the film progresses, Fight Club (1999) 1 that barely announces its pres- we discover that Amy may not ence, could maybe be overlooked be as disentangled from her own Credits: 20th Century Fox I can’t think of a more fitting upon first viewing. However, as disappearance as we previously end to the twentieth century rewatches reveal, this film is beautifully economical in its thought. than a crazed man referred to plot, and exquisitely sharp in its presentation. It is hard The first act is an exquisite, only as ‘The Narrator’ tell- to concisely describe its efficacy, although the word ‘uni- slow burn which tonally feels somewhat similar to Den- ing an equally crazed woman: fied’ captures most of it. Every single element, from the is Villeneuve’s 2013 film Prisoners. However, this film is “Trust me, everything is go- central performance to the Oscar-winning soundtrack, not at 3 because of its frankly fanciful resolution. That ing to be fine... You met me at feeds into the cold and cynical atmosphere that so often the FBI and scrupulous police investigators find no holes a very strange time in my life”, festers in the ranks of prestigious institutions, and in the in Amy’s easily disprovable claims when she returns is in- as ‘Where is My Mind?’ by The minds of those too rational for their own good. credibly frustrating, especially given how rigorous and Pixies plays in the background, and skyscrapers holding detail-oriented the film is up to that point. important records are blown up in a hopeless attempt to Se7en (1995) 3 erase debt. Zodiac (2007) 5 With God slain and chucked to the roadside, politi- Credits: New Line Cinema cians seen as corrupt and incompetent, and inequities A clumsily-titled crime thrill- Credits: Paramount Pictures/Warner Bros. numbed with rampant consumerism, the ‘everyman’ of er about two detectives chasing a A great movie that shows the the twentieth century (played by Edward Norton) has killer whose crimes take inspira- Zodiac Killer-terrorised world of “nothing to overcome, nothing to explore” as Fincher tion from the seven deadly sins. 1970s San Francisco Bay Area. said. He is forced to create an übermensch, called Tyler The colour palette for this film While Zodiac is highly effective Durden (Brad Pitt), to create his values. The result is bears a striking resemblance to in absorbing you into the era, the brutal, rebellious, hate-filled, explosive, relieving, and the sludge one sees on the banks movie’s suspense is contingent on desperate. It is David Fincher’s magnum opus. of the River Thames: it is dark, the audience’s prior knowledge of squalid, feculent, and, well...mesmerizingly disgusting. both the killings and of the fate The Social Network (2010) 2 The more we look, the more we are repulsed. Every plea of the key suspects. Those familiar with the case may find we make to watch from a distance is denied. Our only that while chewing on the atmosphere for 160 minutes In what is Jesse Eisenberg’s best ever performance, Da- options are to either turn the movie off, or to embrace keeps them busy, the flavour does start to fade. Howev- vid Fincher—helped by a clinical, fast-paced script by the heinous brutality and pray that whatever was in that er, the “Not many people have basements in California” Aaron Sorkin, and some sublime editing by Angus Wall Thamesian sludge does not cause lasting damage. scene will scare even the hardened true crime enthusiast. Classic Film of the Week Breathless the French film magazineCahiers du cinéma, critics like quite jarring jump cuts—most of which are there because Directed by: Jean-Luc Godard André Bazin, as well as Truffaut and Godard, cemented a Godard removed parts and didn’t feel it necessary to patch Starring: Jean-Paul Belmondo; Jean Seberg new theory of filmmaking calledLa politique des auteurs, up the remains. The New Wave was not a movement, Reviewed by Oliver Weir Film Editor or, as English speakers know it today, ‘auteur theory’. The Truffaut said, it was “a quality”. If the movie comes off as Credits: UCG New Wave wanted films to be imprinted with the mark of impromptu, that’s because it is; as Richard Balducci said: bout de souffle (‘Breathless’) their maker, to express emotions and ideas in the same way “Shooting ranged from 15 minutes to 12 hours, depending came as something of an that a novelist creates with their pen—so-called caméra-sty- on how many ideas Godard had that day”. inevitableÀ explosion in the world lo. There was admiration from these French critics for While I have no time for the modern Godard movies like of French cinema. Before the the non-conformist streaks in Renoir and Vigo. Beyond Le Livre d’image or Film Socialisme—which mask their lack release of Breathless in 1960, and France, they established an admiration for American of vision with flourishes and needless abstractions—Breath- of other nouvelle vague pictures auteurs like Welles and Hitchcock in many ways before the less is different. Although it is not a film I deeply cherish, it such as Truffaut’s The 400 Blows Americans did. Breathless was one of the ground-breaking would be disingenuous of me to downplay its authenticity or Resnais’s Hiroshima mon outcomes from those decades of discontent—“We barged and its impact on cinema. 60 years on, modern directors amour in 1959, there had been into the cinema like cavemen into the Versailles of Louis have still not squeezed Breathless of all its nourishment, its a growing dissatisfaction among XV”, as Godard put it. technique, or its flair. [If you can find it, there’s a new 4K French critics and directors. In Breathless is loose and fluid; it is full of tracking shots and restoration out now to celebrate its anniversary.] 16 [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk KEEP THE CAT FREE FASHION IMPERIAL’s BEST DRESSED Anisia Talianu Bringing haute couture to Imperial Check out her Instagram for more fashion inspo @anisiatln

Elizabeth Tong Fashion Editor Her jacket is thrifted (we love a sustainable queen!) and her small shoul- alking the streets of Fulham der bag is from Mango. Wto Charing Cross Hospital or working (hardly) in Central Library. She paired her clean fit with black Be sure to catch Anisia taking full ad- tights and a pair of leather knee-high vantage of a happy hour near you. boots from ASOS. Her gold chunky hoop earrings compliment her tan A strong believer of look good to feel perfectly. good. Anisia is in her third year at Im- perial, the French-Romanian biomed When asked who her style icon is, she student is an incredible dancer, well- replied with “I guess Lissy Roddy or known in Imperial’s Funkology Socie- Bella Hadid, pretty basic”. Follow- ty. Her other talents include making a ing the famous fashion goddesses of mean Espresso Martini, extra frothy. Instagram, Anisia is definitely a style inspiration herself! She’s got the drip. Her fits are always on point. And you can count on her to outshine anyone else in the room. How to look like me The brands: Her black mini dress is from Spanish Dress : Zara retailer brand Zara, complimenting Sweater : Missguided her model-like figure. Overlayed with Jacket: Thrifted a cosy white sweater from Missguided. Shoes: Asos Bag: Mango It’s A Sign of The Times Elizabeth Tong Fashion Editor a time when he had to wear tights during school plays. ration from music artists David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix Perhaps kicking starting his creative and eclectic style. and Mick Jagger. Born and bred in Worcestershire, he former One Direction star Harry Styles has This is not the first time Styles has the singer songwriter has also graced us with his presence and has marked his collaborated with Gucci’s creative di- stepped foot in the film indus- Tmoment in history by being the first ever solo male to rector Alessando Michele. The pair try, with his acting debut in feature on the December cover of US Vogue. first met in 2014, with Michele de- Christopher Nolan’s 2017 war The 26-year old singer is breaking barriers with fash- scribing Harry as “the image of a new LOVER OF film, Dunkirk. ion. Shot by Tyler Mitchell, the gender-fluid shoot set era, of the way that a man can look”. Known to push the conven- in West Sussex blurs the lines between conventional The Gucci muse has worn Michele’s PEARL EARRING tional gender norms. Harry gender clothing. Harry can be seen styled in a Gucci floral suit, part of the spring/sum- AND ELIOU further states that “clothes are dress straight from the Fall 2020 runway, designed by mer 2016 collection to the Ameri- there to have fun with and ex- his friend and creative director Alessando Michele. can Music Awards. Styles was then “NECKLACES, periment with and play with” In his interview with Vogue, Harry notes Pilates and seen to become the face of numer- STYLES HAS and “once you remove any bar- meditation have both brought him calmness to the “tu- ous Gucci campaigns and part of the riers, you open up the arena in mult of 2020”. Styles exclaims his devout appreciation gender-neutral scent, Mémoire d’une BECOME A which you can play”. of Alain de Botton’s writing, leading him to under- odeur, a bedtime necessity for the FASHION ICON Harry is marking his mo- stand the importance of vulnerability in relationships. singer. ment in history by rewriting The star looks back on his time with the group, the big A big lover of pearl earrings and the rules of masculinity. He is move to London and the pivotal moments in his life éliou necklaces, Styles has become a fashion icon redefining what it means to be a man with confidence, which have shaped who he has become. Harry states amongst his 13 million followers. In earlier interviews, wearing his own and unique style. “As a kid I definitely liked fancy dress” and remembers Harry has stated his androgenous look has taken inspi- What’s on this week

ICRS Talk: Robot Vision Tuesday 24 November | 18:30–19:30

This guest lecture in robotics is an insightful talk on robot vision with Dr. Andrew Davison from the Faculty of Engineering.

Into the Wilderness Wednesday 25 November | 19:00–20:00

Speakers Dr Daniel Grace and Captain Scott Pallett will be sharing their inspiring experiences and wealth of knowledge in remote, wilderness and expedition medicine to take you on an adventure.

ICSM Dance: Online Contemporary Class Thursday 26 November | 18:30–19:30 Join ICSM dance for their Online Contemporary Class, taught by a professional teacher. The class is aimed at an intermediate level but is also suitable for complete beginners so, sign up and have a go – you might be surprised at how good you are!

Move Imperial Virtual Class Friday 27 November | 12:15–13:15 Free class on Move Imperial’s Instagram channel. Whether you’re working from home, self-isolating or just heading out less, we’re all faced with challenge of keeping active whilst spending more time in our houses.

Details here: imperialcollegeunion.org/whats-on/event/8085

More events: imperialcollegeunion.org/whatson Union Page

“You can’t sit with us!” Last week of Bake Off! Mean Girls came out in 2004 (that’s 16 years ago...), but bullying is very current. What a season! We’ve had such amazing entries to our Union Bake Off Bullying is not always straight forward. Anyone who laughs along and joins in, competition we don’t really want it to end. We’re so very proud of you all, we or even turns a blind eye, makes a decision to do so. So joining in with bullying think you should consider a career in baking if that last exam put you off... is just as bad as initiating, and anyone who sees unfair things going on has a responsibility to try to stop it. The Great British Bake Off final is next week and it also marks the final round of our Union Bake Off competition. As usual, we’re looking forward to receiving If you are experiencing bullying while studying at Imperial (or anywhere else) it is photos of your bakes via direct message on Instagram (@icunion). You’ll be in for important to know that you are not alone, and it’s important to ask for help. the last chance to win a £10 voucher to redeem at FiveSixEight (as soon as we’re We have put together a few resources to help you deal with this. From the able to reopen, of course). Advice Centre to the College’s harrassment and bullying support line, or even companies like Mind or No Panic! there’s always someone there who can listen You all deserve a prize but there can only be one winner, which you will be able to you and help you out. to vote for, following the Bake Off final! Thank you for being so involved and Find details and resources here: imperialcollegeunion.org/anti-bullying sharing your yummy stuff with us.

Your officers first hundred days in office Grab your bundle!

On Monday 9th November, we reached a big milestone: 100 days since the beginning of the academic year! And that also marks the first 100 days for our full-time sabbatical officers at the Union. They’ve been working really hard for the past months and so we thought you’d like to know what they’ve been up to.

“COVID-19 has made our jobs more challenging, but it also highlighted their importance.”

Each of them (your four Deputy Presidents, and your Union President) have reflected and written about their experiences of the first 100 days in office. You can read all about it on our website: imperialcollegeunion.org/our-first-100- days. [email protected] Felixonline.com 19 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 PUZZLES

Mild cZeus Medium cZeus Hot cZeus × 21 + + + + 15 23 19 21 × × × × × 9 8 63 80 1296 × × × 18 28 28 + + + + 18 16 28 20 × × × × × × × 144 6 16 48 36 96 27

+ + + + + 16 17 20 30 19 × × × × × × × × 96 3 108 30 48 14 40 9 × × 54 8 Felix is proud to announce a new type of puzzle. Never before seen in a newspaper in Rules the world, cZeus was developed by the Mathematical Games company and provided to cZeus is a mathematical Felix. puzzle formed of four Last Week’s Answers simple rules - follow this QR code for an explana- × × × × × 2 4 2 9 54 6 8 56 7 7 63 9 4 24 6 5 7 + + + tion of how it works. 25 20 24 × × × 140 10 45 × 7 5 5 3 2 5 4 36 9 9 6 3 9 + + 3 23 × × × × × × × × 28 200 30 6 80 108 108 72 Gogen 4 8 1 2 1 8 3 1 1 2 2 9 + + Rules 17 27 × × × × × × × 16 24 216 72 128 90 10 Write letters into each circle to form the listed words. Letters × × × 4 3 9 36 4 4 16 4 6 5 1 5 8 64 8 can be linked by moving between adjacent cells horizontally, vertically or diagonally in any direction. You may use each 6 7 3 9 5 2 8 4 1 6 7 4 8 5 1 2 3 9 4 2 1 8 5 6 9 7 3 letter in the alphabet only once. 8 1 9 4 3 6 7 2 5 3 1 8 9 2 6 7 4 5 3 8 6 4 7 9 2 5 1 4 5 2 8 1 7 3 6 9 9 2 5 7 3 4 6 1 8 9 5 7 3 1 2 4 6 8 5 8 6 1 7 4 9 3 2 4 5 3 2 6 9 1 8 7 6 7 3 5 2 8 1 4 9 7 3 4 2 8 9 5 1 6 2 8 1 4 7 3 9 5 6 5 1 2 6 9 4 8 3 7 G S X 9 2 1 3 6 5 4 7 8 7 9 6 5 1 8 3 2 4 8 9 4 7 3 1 5 2 6 3 9 5 7 2 1 6 8 4 5 6 7 1 4 2 8 9 3 7 4 9 2 8 3 6 1 5 2 4 7 6 9 8 1 5 3 8 3 2 6 9 5 4 7 1 1 6 5 9 4 7 3 8 2 1 6 8 5 4 3 2 9 7 1 4 9 3 8 7 5 6 2 2 3 8 1 6 5 7 9 4

N D C S E D R E L I S H T E M P E H V M C P L Q X K W S O R M L A S A P W E E T A B I X C O U N T O E U C G U I N N E S S D H A L J Y A V G T S G E A T G H E E G U L L I V E R S I R E F W P Q S W L N P A N G O L I N U R S A B H D W M L A A E I E P E C T I N C O R O N A FAIR-FUME-GHOST-JUMPY-LIMBO-NECK-PYX- S E T K I S SQUALID-TOMB-VAMPIRE-WAIL 20 [email protected] Felixonline.com KEEP THE CAT FREE PUZZLES

Concise Crossword 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Across Down 1 Styling of keratin (7) 1 Wild pink or purple 5 Italian herb (5) flowers (7) 2 Material of elephant tusks 8 9 8 Fruit of an oak (5) 9 Red fruit often used in (5) crumble (7) 3 Distrusting or disparaging 10 Horse food (3) of other people (7) 10 11 11 Nuts often roasted (9) 4 Thanksgiving meat (6) 12 To make noise like leaves 5 Opposite of sharp (5) (6) 6 Shoulder blade (7) 12 13 14 15 16 14 A small amount of liquid 7 Part of the ears (5) (6) 13 To strengthen or support 17 18 Direction on the tube (7) (9) 15 Dessert (7) 18 19 20 20 A portion of corn (3) 16 To gather (7) 21 A state of no change 17 One of the seasons (6) after a period of progress 18 Disposable cleaning 21 22 (7) cloths (5) 22 Vapid; lacking sense (5) 19 Nickname for dark red 23 Nasal cavity (5) vegetables (5)

23 24 24 To fail to care for (7) 20 To rub out (5)

Points Available Leaderboard Clue Writing Cryptic Crossword: 10 1. The Flots (71 Points) Competition Concise Crossword: 5 2. Mr Puzzles (52 Points) Hot: 3 3. Cryptic Ed (10 points) Your word is THANKSGIVING! Medium: 2 Mild: 1 Send in an original cryptic clue to Gogen: 3 Send in a picture of your solutions and your entry [email protected] for a chance for it to be to the cryptic clue writing competition by Tuesday published in next week’s issue. Points are available for partially solved cryptics! 12pm to [email protected] to take part.

Mild Sudoku Medium Sudoku Hot Sudoku

8 4 2 1 7 6 2 7 8 2 3 8 6 5 7 6 3 4 2 9 7 8 8 2 9 3 1 2 4 7 3 6 7 6 8 3 5 6 3 8 4 2 9 3 6 7 3 1 9 5 2 6 5 7 2 7 9 6 2 1 8 9 2 5 1 2 6 8 2 9 8 4 7 5 8 4 7 1 3 7 2 7 2 4 6 9 8 4 3 5 4 3 8 [email protected] Felixonline.com 21 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 INVESTMENT Precious Metals and Oil During the Pandemic

Credits: Will Stoffberg Will Stoffberg Investment writer backed by silver and gold. Addi- arren Buffett once said, “[Gold] tionally, the re- Wgets dug out of the ground in covery of indus- Africa, or someplace. Then we melt it trial activity has down, dig another hole, bury it again led to the return and pay people to stand around guard- in demand for ing it. It has no utility.” silver and platinum. So what exactly happened to gold earli- Supply of pre- er this year? cious metals was also affected. On August 6, gold reached an all- Recycling was time high of $2,067 an ounce. Soon restricted due to after on August 31 silver surpassed $28 concerns of the an ounce, a seven-year high. Safe haven virus spreading assets such as precious metals have been through the la- popular during the pandemic. Figure 1 bour force and shows the relative performances of gold, for similar rea- silver and platinum over the last year. sons mining was Lows can be seen in March, just as the disrupted. Gold pandemic began taking hold and affect- mines in Mexico, Figure 2: Brent Crude Yearly Relative Performance ing markets globally, but since then have Peru and South been growing, significantly so in Q3, be- Africa were dis- particularly jet fuel which fell more than Market Summary fore stabilising. rupted, and in the case of South Africa 60 percent as a result of the collapse in The jump in this quarter arose due to being the largest producer, platinum was air travel. Diesel consumption was the Riccardo Pierre Investment writer major banks also affected. least affected given its main use is to Nikhil Narayanan Investment writer maintaining The World Bank Group transport goods by road and ships, but 1. Pfizer’s vaccine news got everyone their expan- is predicting stable prices still declined by nearly a quarter. jumping for joy this week- well, that is, sionary mon- for gold and platinum in In response to this, global oil produc- everyone but Zoom and the other stay- etary policy WORRIES ABOUT 2021 as the economy re- tion dropped by 12% in May. OPEC at-home tech stocks that fell. stances and A SECOND WAVE covers. Silver is expected and OPEC+ collectively agreed to pro- 2. E-commerce penetration is expect- long-term to drop around 14%. duction cuts of 20% (9.7mb/d). Non- ed to grow by a whopping 30% in 2020 bond yields IN SEPTEMBER Global consumption OPEC countries such as USA and Can- thanks to COVID-19, but this is only falling and CAUSED PRICES of crude oil plummeted ada also cut production by 20%. The actually two years ahead of what ana- approaching “ in 2020 Q2 by 16 percent OPEC group increased production by lysts predicted. negative terri- TO FALL SLIGHTLY as a result of COVID-19 2mb/d in August and plan another in- 3. The U.K. economy expanded 15.5% tory. While jewellery and, in the case of lockdown measures, severely affecting oil crease in January 2021, depending on in the third quarter, a weaker pace than gold, bank purchases were down, there prices (Figure 2). The fall in consump- the rate of economic recovery. its peers in Europe. was record investor inflows into ETFs tion was most notable in transport fuels, Oil consumption has started to re- 4. The Trump administration grant- cover as lockdown measures are lifted. ed ByteDance a 15-day extension of a Credits: Will Stoffberg Crude oil prices were nearly 40 percent divestiture order allowing a little bit higher in 2020 Q3, although they re- more time for TikTok to be sold. main around 30 percent below their 5. Costco is selling $17.5k private jet pre-pandemic levels. Worries about a membership that lasts 1 year show- second wave in September caused prices ing the extent of the companies’ rich- to fall slightly. es, and analysts predict that Costco Oil prices are expected to average $44/ Wholesale will submit a $9.62 EPS for bbl in 2021, still significantly lower than the current year. their 2019 level of $61/bbl. Demand 6. On Thursday, the International En- will be lower in almost all countries in ergy Agency cut its forecast for global 2021 than in 2019, with the notable ex- oil demand saying that it doesn’t ex- ception of China. However, oil prices pect demand to rise significantlytill and consumption are very sensitive to late 2021 despite Brent Crude, the in- economic changes and vaccine progress. ternational benchmark, up 8.11%.

Figure 1: Precious Metals Yearly Relative Performance 22 [email protected] Felixonline.com KEEP THE CAT FREE INVESTMENT Uncertainties in Oil Prices Beyond 2020

Credits: Worksite Ltd. Yanda Wong Investment writer were the novel coronavirus that caused oil demand to halt, and the supply cut from the Organization of the Petroleum he year of 2020 is probably one of Exporting Countries (OPEC) that had the worst years in history that oil not scheduled to come into effect weeks Texecutives had hoped to find themselves later. With Pfizer and BioNTech report- in. Just seven months ago, the West Texas ing success of their coronavirus vaccine Intermediate (WTI) crude has shocked trial earlier this week, the oil industry the world with an almost 300% drop in supposedly looks brighter ahead. On the index price, trading at around negative contrary, various entities suggest that the $37 per barrel. global oil demand remains low, and oil industry prospects heading into 2021 are extremely weak. What does it mean really? Earlier this week, the International Energy Agency (IEA) cautioned that a Well, in short, you are actually pay- COVID-19 vaccine is unlikely to come ing the person with the oil to not give to the oil market’s rescue until late 2021 you the oil! The reasons behind this at the earliest, as the effect of the vaccine will only show towards the end of next I’m too embarassed to ask: year. Oil demand would come lower than what are commodities? initially forecasted due to the surge in number of COVID cases across Europe Oil, alongside other products such and the US, and social distancing meas- as metals (copper, gold), livestock ures governments have implemented to and meat, energy (oil, natural gas), halt the spread of the virus. In the mean- and agricultural (grains) are clas- time, global oil supply rose by 200,000 sified as commodities, the basic barrels/day from 91.2m barrels/day in Oil prices are unlikely to recover easily well into 2021, given the weaker demand outlook, coupled goods in our daily life. October, with production expecting to with rising oil supply. Commodities are one of the most rise further after the US recovers from important asset classes for invest- the Hurricane Zeta, and Libya restoring The uncertainties in oil price is re- ket, the gold industry is doing more than ment. While they are not generally production of 1m barrels/day within flected in the oil futures market. For just fine. Barrick Gold, the world’s sec- suitable for individual investors, four weeks after the eight-month block- example, the Brent crude contract for ond biggest miner recorded a significant commodities do provide an impor- ade. The macroeconomic contributions December 2023 threefold rise in adjusted tant way to diversify investment from weaker demand and increasing oil can be bought third-quarter profits portfolio beyond traditional se- supply will potentially deteriorate oil today at $48 on the backdrop of curities for institutional investors, prices further, deeming the December 1 per barrel, just the surging price of such as hedge funds and private OPEC meeting in an attempt to curb oil over $3 a barrel gold. equity funds. There are numer- production and rebalance the market for over the next WEAKER DEMAND Gold prices set a ous ways to invest in commodi- slow progress crucially important. three years from AND INCREASING new record nomi- ties, including futures, options, Biden administration’s victory in the the current oil nal high this year of contracts, and exchange-traded US presidential election might further price. The De- OIL SUPPLY WILL more than $2000 per funds (ETFs). Within the oil mar- complicate the oil industry, sending off cember 2025 troy ounce, amid sus- ket, there are few most common “POTENTIALLY multiple contradictory market signals Brent crude tained investor de- oil benchmarks, which represent and uncertainties. Under president Bid- contract, which DETERIORATE OIL mand for gold, which crude oil from different parts of en, if the US and Iran manages to return seems distant PRICES FURTHER, has pushed prices up the globe, including: Brent Crude, on the path of diplomacy, there is chance away from now 26 per cent. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), that strict US sanctions on Iran’s oil ex- and the COV- The above average and Dubai/Oman. ports could be eased, paving way for ID fear, is barely just $49 per barrel. performance of gold is understandable The supply and demand of crude around 2m barrels/day of oil supply, fur- Consequently, shares from BP and Exx- given that gold has always been in the oil, and thus its price have huge im- ther weakening oil price. However, some onMobil have both plummeted to be- past considered a natural hedge against plications on the global economy, of his other proposals such as limiting low their April 2020 lows, with oil exec- economic recessions and currency vola- affecting not only the daily lives new drills on federal territory could on utives struggling to find solutions, be it tility. of individuals, but also industries the contrary, shave off US oil produc- investing more in renewables or praying Well, maybe now might be the right ranging from aviation, transportation. More importantly, US under Biden for the oil traders’ sympathy or the so time to move from investing in oil fu- tion, consumer discretionary, con- might potentially be able to recover oil called “oil cycle” that supposedly cannot tures to buying gold after all. sumer staples, and automobiles. demand given his commitment to tackle be broken. COVID with his COVID-19 task force. Contrary to the pessimistic oil mar- 23 [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk KEEP THE CAT FREE SUSTAINABILITY Public finance funds fossil fuels How might UK achieve net-zero? Flora Dickie Sustainability Editor UK was also ranked as one of the highest in showing signif- ccording to figures from the UK icant support to fossil fuel use Action steps government, the carbon dioxide (per unit of GDP). Flora Dickie Aemissions produced from 1990 to 2018 The global energy policy Sustainability Editor declined by 43.5%, which it thought tracker found that since the he UK government has commit- principally to be due to the shift away beginning of the pandemic un- ted to reducing greenhouse gas from coal as an energy source. To en- til the 11th of November, the Temissions so that by 2050 the country sure that emissions continue to move in UK government has given £30 produces net-zero emissions. A lim- a downward trend, in 2008 the Climate billion to support oil and gas ited number of steps have been taken Change Act was enshrined in UK law, fossil fuel industries, which is over the last few years to support a just committing the country to reduce all approximately £446 per cap- transition to a net-zero economy. Next greenhouse gases emissions by 80% (rel- ita. Some of these funds went month, the Sixth Carbon Budget is ative to 1990 levels). This Act was then to projects such as the oil and to be published by the UK’s Climate updated in 2019 to reduce all green- gas energy sector in Scotland Change Committee, which is expected house gas emissions by at least 100% by or national road-building pro- Since the beginning of the pandemic, the UK has committed more to advise to the government on how money to fossil fuel industry than renewable or nuclear energy. 2050. These commitments may seem grammes, and other funds Source: Energy Policy Tracker we may get to net-zero greenhouse gas that everything is on track for reducing went to bailing out huge com- emissions in the UK. Here are some emissions in the UK, however, in 2019 panies such as Honda, Nissan, Baker to climate disaster.’ This will involve re- actions that will likely be in the plan: a report from the UK Climate Change Hughes (oil industry company) and moving oil and gas subsidies away from § Energy supply : Quadruple amount Committee stated that the UK’s policy Schlumberger (oilfield services provid- the budget and redirecting money into of energy production by renewable actions fell ‘well-short of those required er). The government also committed protecting the most vulnerable affect- sources, such as wind and solar powera for the net-zero target’. £12.16 billion to clean energy (renew- ed by subsidy removal and into support § Business : Move towards a circular One of the pledges that the UK has ables), 40,5% of the money put into oil healthcare and social support. It is vital economy, bring in carbon taxes and start made, as part of the coalition of G20 and gas industries and £182 per capita. to ensure that poor and vulnerable con- a reskill/retrain programme for green countries, is to Looking at our COVID sumers can still access and afford energy jobs end ‘ineffi- response on a broader as subsidies are reduced. § Residential : End the use of gas, cient’ fossil scale, compared to 30 In the UK, 78% of current emissions and convert boilers to be able to use fuel subsidies. major economy oth- are produced by transportation, business hydrogen or electric power, design and A recent re- er countries, the UK (commercial use), energy supply (burn- retrofit homes to be energy efficient, port from the THE UK IS AT ranked in 2nd place ing fossil fuels) and residential heating. climate-resilient, re-design neighbour- Overseas De- (the USA in 1st!) in To reach net-zero by 2050 the UK gov- hoods to provide all necessary goods and velopment In- RISK OF NOT fossil fuel fund com- ernment needs to put into place much services, decentralisation of work zones, stitute, a UK ACHIEVING mitment during the more action on the pledges and policy § Transportation : Ban the sale of based think “ pandemic. promised and needs to stop providing petrol and diesel cars by 2035, reduce tank, tracks ITS PLEDGE The UK’s Climate support for coal exploration and trans- the number of flights, stop subsidies for the progress of OF PHASING Change Committee portation with a quicker shift to renew- companies intensively using oil and gas G20 countries recommends that the able energy sources. We will see how the without commitment to transitioning in phasing out OUT FOSSIL government uses this government plans to manage the situ- to renewables, funding for research and government FUEL SUBSIDY moment of crisis to creation in the new carbon budget, which innovation for electric aeroplanes, more support and ate a just transition and will supposedly be presented by June electric vehicle charging points, invest public money COMMITTMENTS a green recovery from 2021. in electric battery recycling, promote commitments active travel such as walking and cycling to fossil fuel production and consump- COVID-19 to de- § Food system : Reduce consumption to increase transparency and ac- fine the fight against tion of beef, lamb and dairy, promote countability. Along with every other climate change. more plant-based diets, reducing food G20 country, the UK is at risk of not Green Party MP and packaging waste at industrial, com- achieving the pledge of phasing out fos- Caroline Lucas also mercial and residential levels sil fuel subsidy commitments. Strangely, highlights the im- § Landscape : Nature recovery by the UK government denies that it pro- portance of a green converting current farmland into for- vides any fossil fuel subsidies, under its recovery: ‘This really est, planting 1.5 billion trees across the definition of the concept. Yet, between is a once-in-a-gener- country, peatland restoration, green in- 2014-2018 the amount of public mon- ation opportunity to frastructure, more flood defences ey going to the fossil fuel industry in- us on the path to a § Systems : A sustainable and re- creased. The report found that the UK greener, fairer future. silient food system, healthy models of and Russia provide the highest levels of Going back to busi- work which allow remote working and direct transfers and tax exemptions (per ness as usual would The G20 countries (shown) have pledged to reduce fossil fuel subsidies lower carbon behaviours unit of GDP) of all G20 countries. The be a one-way street from public money. Image from website The Conversation. [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk 24 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER2020 SUSTAINABILITY Microplastics in our plants? Monami Miyamoto Sustainability Editor importantly, the roots were isolated in a recent paper published in Nature hydroponic culture – far different to sustainability studied the poten- the natural conditions in the soil where Atial uptake of microplastic by plants. We other the presence of microbes, fungi, all know that microplastics are present symbionts and nutrients could yield dif- everywhere around us – in the rain fall, ferent results. the soil, the oceans and the fish we eat. The takeaway from this study, though, There’s even a term for this widespread is not the specifics of which species un- phenomenon – the ‘plastic cycle’, just der which conditions might be vulnera- like the carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle. ble. These are things that will hopefully But could plastic pieces also be found in- be explored in future studies. For now, side our salad leaves? it’s about understanding the dangers Well, it turns out that the possibili- and potentials of microplastic invad- ty is there. Li and her team found that Plastics have been found both on Everest and in the Marina trench ing, quite literally, every square inch of microplastic beads below a micrometre because, during this process, there is a move throughout the rest of the plant. life on earth. If the idea of eating foods (0.2 μm) and even larger beads of 2 μm, small, vulnerable gap between plant cells But as with many scientific studies, containing fragments of plastic doesn’t could enter the roots of wheat and salad where external organisms such as para- there’s a caveat – the study was only con- set off alarms in societies that something leaves species. This occurs at the junction sites (and now plastic) can enter. After ducted on two species of plants, so we must change, I’m not sure what will. where new lateral roots begin to form gaining access inside, the tiny beads will can’t be certain that this is the case. More Responding to climate deniers You say: ‘Yes, carbon dioxide is an essen- emissions throughout history. Secondly, especially the USA’. Flora Dickie Sustainability Editor tial compound for life on earth, and the many climate solutions will benefit us You say: ‘Oh dear…’ The level of learn- limate change deniers: we all know greenhouse effect keeps us alive, but with directly, like reducing air pollution, cre- ing and unlearning needed is too high. Cone. They are randomly inter- the quantities that have been emitted an- ating jobs, and improving food security.’ Leave the conversation; you don’t need spersed amongst our friends and family. thropogenically the earth is warming When they say: ‘The Climate Cult is this today. So, this holiday season prepare yourself They say: ‘Sunspots are causing warmer ready to declare on the developed world, by getting your facts straight. We know temperatures.’ how frustrating it can be and how un- You say: ‘Since 1978 there has been no comfortable it is when your great-un- upward trend in the amount of the sun’s This week’s cle is divulging endlessly that climate energy hitting Earth.’ change is a controversy or a scam. So, on They say: ‘The Climate Cult is ready to that note, here’s what to say when… declare on the developed world, espe- inspiration They say: ‘Climate change is just part of cially the USA’. the natural cycle’. You say: ‘Oh dear…’ The level of learn- Monami Miyamoto Sustainability Editor Luca - Image source: electrive.com You say: ‘Yes, the earth’s climate has al- ing and unlearning needed is too high. ways changed. However, in the last 150 Leave the conversation; you don’t need Just last week in Eindhoven, a group hold products such as toys and TV). years, we have recorded exceptional this today. of Dutch students managed to build The final product, a car named Luca, changes in climate and modelling shows They say: ‘Climate change is good for us the first electronic vehicle out of waste is a two-seater capable of running up that the temperature is likely to contin- as it will make farming more productive’. materials. This includes everything to 90km/hour. Also, the six batteries ue to increase. Plus, the warm tempera- You say: ‘Perhaps in the Global North from the interiors, the seat cushions, taken from disused cars can run Luca tures of the Medieval Warming period there will be higher agricultural pro- and the chassis – a feat that has never for up to 220km when fully charged. were only in some parts of the Northern ductivity; however, this benefit is likely been accomplished before. Whilst companies are transitioning hemisphere, not the whole earth which to be offset by the losses in the Global Over 18 months, they integrat- towards sustainable materials for their is happening now.’ South, as warming temperatures cause ed various forms of waste, including interior parts, these changes feel like They say: ‘There is no evidence that we more frequent weather events and deser- household products, plastic from the nothing compared to the students’ im- are causing catastrophic climate change’. tification.’ ocean, and even coconut shells and pressive feat of building. There is still You say: ‘There is a clear consensus from They say: ‘We have other problems to built the car from scratch. With the plenty of room for technical improve- thousands of scientists across over 100 solve; first, this isn’t a priority’. support of several companies, they ments to be made. Still, it’s exciting countries that we are causing climate You say: ‘Firstly, countries in the Global constructed a chassis out of flax fibre to see that with a shift in perspective, change which will affect the lives of al- North, such as the UK, have a respon- combined with ocean plastic, along what we perceive as ‘waste’ can turn most everyone on the planet.’ sibility to act now to reduce emissions with a body comprised of recycled into valuable materials capable of re- They say: ‘Carbon dioxide is a gift of life, and the impact of climate change as ABS (a hard plastic used in house- placing the harmful ones we use today. not a pollutant’. they have contributed to the most of [email protected] Felixonline.co.uk 25 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 SPORT Lockdown advice: recovery Amanda Barden Sport Editor fatigued and that you should take some ing as you aren’t moving as quickly as on YouTube that are really helpful and time out to recover. If you have a smart you wish), but it puts low stress on your easy to follow along! One of the main his week’s article we wanted to try watch that can measure heart rates, joints, and you can go very far with- tips I learned when stretching is tak- covering something slightly dif- then this will make this resting heart out feeling too fatigued but still feeling really deep breaths. For any stretch Tferent: rest, stretching, and active re- rate tracking ex- ing accomplished. The you’re working on, once you’ve hit your covery. For anyone doing sport, we’ve tremely easy. We weather outside hasn’t limit of how far you’re stretching, take always been taught practice make per- do understand gotten too cold yet a deep, full body breath in, and as you fect, and pushing yourself to the limit is people take (but that doesn’t mean breathe out push your body further to what will make sure you get better. Re- recovery dif- IT’S BEEN FOUND it’s always pleasant to stretch more. It always surprised me how cently, it’s been found that rest and re- ferently: some walk around) and all much further I could go. Do make sure covery days are just as important as the enjoy stretching THAT REST AND of the parks are just go- however that you don’t overstretch and exercise days; they allow your muscles and meditat- RECOVERY DAYS ing through autumn, accidentally pull something. As always, to regrow, it helps prevent injury, and ing, while other ARE JUST AS so all the colours are remember to listen to your body, if it is help your body not go into fatigue. Of people enjoy “ stunning. One of the telling you rest than that is exactly what course, the amount of rest and recovery moving around IMPORTANT AS THE downsides to COVID you should be doing to get the best re- is dependent on each person individual- more/doing has been the fact that sults! ly, however, since everyone does require lighter exercis- EXERCISE DAYS life has moved indoors it at some point, we thought we might es; both of these and online, which does How has your sports provide some ideas to help. If you can, it forms are good and just as important make it much harder to get outside both is a very good idea to measure your heart and beneficial. One of the easiest things due to fear of the virus and also due to team kept going through rate first thing in the morning every day, to do that can encompass both is walk- the extra motivation needed to go out- lockdown? We would or every few days, and that way keep a ing. You can walk as quickly or slowly as side purely for the purpose of exercise. love to hear from you and track of your resting heart rate. If, while you want, listen to good music, and en- Yoga is a great activity to do that can you are in a phase of heavy exercise, your joy some of the lovely views of the city be both a very high intense exercise or see what Imperial’s ath- resting heart rate increases by five to ten (wherever in the world you are!). It’s a a really good stretching and meditation letes have been up to over beats per minute than this is a very good great way to let off some energy (even session. If you’ve never done yoga before, lockdown! sign that you are either getting ill or over though it sometimes may be frustrat- there are so many websites and videos

Felix cryptic Crossword No. 8 Horatio Across Down 1 2 3 4 5 1 Muddied circlet hides variable 1 Stuff mail’s contents into tan idol 6 wheeled machine 2 Onetime free thinker now book- 6 Clever rodent goes to sleep at dawn keeping 7 8 7 Melt solid ponds 3 Respect appears oldly ersatz, even masking hostility 9 9 Girlfriend finally bares buttocks on romantic getaway 4 Century of tremores leads to 10 10 After 5 I am in the middle of copu- breakdown lating? 5 Noodles made of mud only stick 11 12 13 11 Smallest part of a machine running together backwards? 8 Hush falls over inactive Muslim 14 15 16 14 Second highest loss of time in total sect 12 Grease does not quite work 17 18 16 King follows day before eternity 17 Appeal to jumping insect. Softer! 13 Female ward reformist spured on 19 19 Saint takes iodine to help posture by drugs 20 Top coin 15 Requested alternative red mirror 20 21 Pluck out first the worst American 18 Relative calm as BBC is cut off nasal groaning 19 Tread water with Irish teacher 21 22 University romeo slips into beauti- 20 Noodles served on girlfriend’s 22 ful office plane home 23 Promising sign 23 Think our clues are too easy? Too hard? Write crosswords for Felix puzzles See page 20 for more information on our clue writing competition