Festivals 2008 Cinematic summer Our pick of this summer’s music events treats previewed
THE NATIONAL inside this month’s STUDENT magazine FREE The independent national paper for higher education students in the UK May 2008 UCLAN SU president kicks off pub brawl after head butting student in union bar DRUNK
NUTTEShocked drinkersR saw their union by Ricki Dewsbury president head butt a fellow student. Hundreds were packed into University of was his president fighting. “It was a pretty rowdy THE Interview Central Lancashire campus bar Source when soz- night with the boxing on,” he said. zled Students’ Union president Chris Lowden “Somebody barged in, pushed to the front of the lashed out. queue then somebody tapped him on the shoulder NATIONAL Stocky Lowden was knocking back pints of and nutted him. Cult indie rocker Guinness before Joe Calzaghe’s boxing match “The guy didn’t really stumble much then there against Bernard Hopkins on April 19. was a big scuffle. It was quite eventful because STUDENT Darren Hayman The rugby player then started his own heavy nothing like that happens and I had never seen weight bout after head butting a reveller who any fighting in there.” pushed in at the bar. Lowden worked from home during his suspen- magazine The scuffle involving around ten people had to sion from 5pm on Monday April 21 to 3pm on be broken up by bouncers and bar staff. Lowden Wednesday April 23. He has been banned from was then thrown out - of his own Students’ Union. Students’ Union bar Source and nightclub 53 Golden Now outraged students have slammed Degrees until the end of the year. He also received UCLAN’s decision to suspend him for just two a final warning from university bosses, meaning days. he could be expelled if he steps out of line again. Law student Corbin Luby said: “I think it’s Final year broadcast journalism student Craig Joystick appalling. He should have been suspended for a Laycock thinks the punishment is not harsh lot longer. It should have been months rather enough. He said: “Maybe the boxing on the TV than days. spurred him on and he had a rush of blood to the Awards “It’s disgusting and the police shouldhave been head. But for him to head butt somebody is total- told because it’s an assault.” ly wrong.” It is the latest example of alcohol fuelled vio- “He’s supposed to be in a position of responsibil- 2008 lence at the university. In the first semester 10 ity and power setting an example. He should have males were suspended in similar circumstances. found a peaceful resolution.” Eyewitness Mike Grady, who was a few feet Lowden said he will continue working as SU VOTING LAUNCH! from the brawl, was shocked when he found out it president until June 31. talking booze and Brain Surgery and Studies It wasn’t until the final bruises with Be Your weeks of the Christmas semester in Rebecca’s Own Pet front-woman second year that things began to go wrong. Jemina Pearl page 15
Custom essays 3 / Water rampage 4 / Reclaim the Uni 5 / Fizzy pop record 10 / Sport 18 The National Student, May 2008 2 UK NEWS
The National Student Student stripper found not guilty of carrying an offensive weapon welcomes all contributions. The National Student works closely with student publications to bring UK ‘Cops’ weapon not offensive students news and views. We are happy to accept news, A STUDENT stripogram has comments, features and escaped being banged-up after judges reviews on any subject. ruled his weapon is not offensive. In May last year The National Contact us at: Student reported on Stuart The National Student Kennedy’s run-in with police. Known 58 High Street as Sergeant Eros, the dirty dancer’s Lincoln policeman act attracted the attention LN5 8AH of Grampian Police in Aberdeen who charged him with impersonating a or email: police officer and carrying an offen- [email protected] sive weapon. or telephone: But a sheriff seems to have no 01522 521 521 problem with Eros’ truncheon as the charges of carrying an offensive The National Student is the weapon in a public place without a independent, monthly newspaper reasonable excuse were recently for higher education students in thrown out. the UK. The Crown appealed, but judges at the Justiciary Appeal Court in Published by Edinburgh backed the sheriff in a Defender Newspapers, move that Kennedy described as 58 High Street, Lincoln, LN5 8AH ‘excellent’. © 2008 All content is the On hearing the news Kennedy Eros performing services for the community copyright of Defender said, “It was a silly prosecution in the Newspapers unless otherwise first place. The points the prosecu- performance at a bar last year. The ing went unchallenged it could create carrying a flick knife,” he said. stated. tion were making were silly. It’s a charge of impersonating a police offi- a legal loophole for carrying Neither Kennedy or his legal rep- work uniform.” cer was later dropped by prosecutors. weapons. resentatives were present at the “I am glad that’s the end of this Sheriff Kenneth Stewart said: McConnachie said that criminals hearing, and immediately appealed national-student.co.uk case, it was wasting court time let “There is no evidence at all which should not be allowed to flout the that they were not informed of the alone appeal time, the money could even hints at the suggestion that he offensive weapon law by claiming hearing and given the opportunity to CCoonnttrriibbuuttoorrss be spent in better ways. I still cannot had any intention of causing harm or they were on the way to a fancy dress express their opinions. A new date believe it ever got to this stage,” he injury to other persons.” party, and that there was an ‘impor- was to be set for the hearing but WWaanntteedd added. Advocate depute Brian tant principle’ at stake. judge Lord Johnston said there was Eros was questioned and later McConnachie QC, for the Crown, had “We could have ninjas carrying no need as Kennedy had already won email: charged by Grampian Police after a argued that if Sheriff Stewart’s rul- nunchaku sticks or going as a ned the case. [email protected] The National Student, May 2008 UK NEWS 3 News analysis Custom essays: For cheats or not for cheats Top custom essay company answers our questions on their controversial services
BY FAR the biggest academic issue at the moment is the purchase of custom essays by students. Many of these students are looking for an easy ride to scholastic excellence. Companies providing bespoke essays to students have been uni- versally condemned by lecturers, student groups and the majority of students for profiting from aiding lazy or below-par students to cheat. Yet many students, in particular foreign students, are parting with their cash regularly on such essays turning this market into a multi- million pound industry. On being contacted by popular custom-essay site UKEssays.com UK Essays offer custom-written essays to students about a story regarding disparities in university marking systems, own research, by giving them a list The question is why would hard- Undressed for The National Student took the of sources and references we are up students spend hundreds of opportunity to pose some difficult probably increasing the amount of pounds on obtaining a simple questions regarding their services research they have to do! But ‘research-tool’ when these are so success and the morals involved. because we give them sources they readily available for free and why Since the beginning of 2008 the might not have otherwise seen, would anyone choose to pay extra FOUR MANCHESTER help them regain control of their company have seen a 300% rise in they are able to produce a much for a guaranteed 2:1 or first class Metropolitan students are hoping lives,” explained Moxham. business and UKEssays founder more specific and balanced piece of essay if they still had to produce to be an ‘Undressed’ success with Managing director Charlotte Barclay Littlewood claims the mar- work,” stated Hallam. the work themselves. The evidence their new venture. Kearney (pictured above) is hoping ket is now worth an estimated In complete contradiction to this suggests that money spent and the Fashion buying students to make it a double success by set- £320 million. UKEssays refute the claim on their website there is a quality guarantees offered are only Charlotte Kearney, Matthew ting up a successful business and allegation that they are profiting quote from Barclay Littlewood worthwhile if a student intends to Moxham, Anna Temple and Sarah being crowned Miss Manchester from helping students cheat on boasting, “Want to get a better hand the work in themselves. Martin have set up their own 2008 next month. The 21-year-old, assignments. Company spokesman degree and do less work? We have But even this doesn’t guarantee underwear company. who is sponsored by her company, Jed Hallam said, “The allegation helped thousands do it and we can success: universities are taking a Undressed was formed in is up against 39 other women in that we profit from dishonest stu- help you do it too!” strictly hard-line with this kind of September last year as part of an the final this month. dents is something that we firmly This quote is a perfect example ‘cheating’ and academics claim assignment for their course and The students have embarked on stand in opposition to, and such an of the contradictory nature of the that essays from custom-essay began full trading in January. a massive publicity push to accusation is purely based on spec- custom-essay industry. The justifi- sites are usually substandard They produce ‘slogan’ printed announce the range. Kearney ulation.” cations from UKEssays show that (often using chunks of others work) vest and knickers sets for women stepped in to model the range for Regardless, vast profits are whilst they go to great lengths to and easily detectable with anti-pla- emblazoned with “strong empower- the brands first photo-shoot aided being made by UKEssays, deny that their essays are, whether giarism software. There is also evi- ing messages” such as ‘Venus by Manchester based stylist to the Littlewood was a new entry in the intended to be or not, largely hand- dence that many essays are writ- favours the bold’; ‘History is her stars Sian Lloyd Jones and fashion recent The Sunday Times Rich ed in by customers as their own ten by unqualified undergraduates. story too’ and ‘Being a lady is an photographer, Tony Ward. List; being placed at 71 on the work they fully understand that Despite the allegations and attitude’. Other promotional activities Young Persons Rich List with a this is the case and operate a on- issues surrounding their services Matthew Moxham, spokesperson have included models walking wealth of £7million. your-head-be-it policy that places UKEssays are keen to become an for Undressed said; “We wanted to around central Manchester in The company, and those provid- the blame on everyone but them- accepted part of academic life, do something unique and make a nothing but their underwear hand- ing similar services, claim that selves. blaming the universities for being difference with our project.” ing out lollipops, kisses and advice they offer a legitimate ‘research “While we must accept that a unreceptive and preventing their “We’ve designed something that to encourage the city’s men to treat tool’ to students with Littlewood minority of our customers use our students from using a legitimate we know appeals to girls with their girlfriends to Undressed recently stating to University of service dishonestly, these are the academic service. strong opinions - whether worn as goodies for Valentines Day, and a Nottingham magazine Impact that very few that slip through our vet- “We’ve repeatedly called for underwear or outerwear, everyone search for Manchester’s own they are no different to ‘journals or ting process. If at any point during talks with universities, but every should get Undressed and raise Carrie Bradshaw. Google’. Hallam said, the enquiry or sales process, we time we have been ignored. We money for a worthy cause.” Moxham added, “All in all, [it is] “UKEssays.com is simply a search believe that the customer is plan- have never said that we are unwill- The students have pledged to a fantastic experience, the process engine for academia, we find and ning to use the work dishonestly ing to work with universities, a fact donate 10% of all the profit made of developing and delivering the explain all of the appropriate we inform them that the sale can- that many people overlook. We to Refuge, the charity for female Undressed brand has given all of sources, and put them into a model not continue and we ban them from believe that the core reason for this victims of domestic violence. us involved an invaluable insight answer format. This serves two all future transactions with the is that universities make huge “Nobody should have to live with into the world of business, has purposes; firstly, the student can company. This is something that profits from the current system violence yet one woman in four will thrown up some interesting chal- see how they should respond to the we enforce ourselves and we have and if it were to change, those prof- experience domestic violence at lenges and given each of us a fan- question, and secondly they can no obligation to do so. We also have its would fall and students would some point in her life. Refuge sup- tastic set of skills to take to a then take the references that have a ‘fair use’ policy on the website begin to actually learn something ports women and their children potential employer upon gradua- been used and explore them them- that highlights the proper use of important from their university every day, to keep them safe and tion.” selves.” our service, it also includes com- education, not just how to write an They deny that even with their prehensive examples of what con- essay,” explained Hallam. services being used in this ‘legiti- stitutes plagiarism, something that The industry’s justifications Manchester dissertation debacle mate’ manner they are still allow- universities seem to lack support aside, most students agree that the STUDENTS AT Manchester had under three days to make the ing students to skip the majority of with,” said Hallam. use of custom-essay sites to cheat their dissertation deadline and changes. the process on which their final On questioning their vetting is morally reprehensible and word count changed just days “Personally, I ignored [the new grade will be based, basically doing processes UKEssays admitted it is should not be encouraged at all. In before the work was due in. word count],” said Jennie Killip, the research stage for them. ‘difficult’ to spot those wanting to the end the massive cost and huge Third-year Religion and who had to cut a massive 3,000 “Not at all, because a student cheat with their services and could risks of using a site like UKEssays Theology students were sent a sin- words from her dissertation. must still perform their own offer little assurance that they can is simply not worth it. gle-line email informing them the “It was just too late to change it, research. Our essays act as a start- in any way prevent their essays deadline would be one day earlier it would absolutely have affected ing point for students to begin their from being used to cheat. by Mary Stott due to a ‘typo’ on the course page. the quality of my dissertation.” On enquiring whether the rest of Adding to the confusion on the More news and features at the information provided was accu- day of the new hand-in another rate the astonished students were note was sent to students saying informed that their footnotes were that those handing their work in on now to be included in the final the original hand-in date would not national-student.co.uk word-count, leaving them with just receive a late penalty. The National Student, May 2008 UK NEWS Leeds water rampage
Youtube footage shows the park over-run with students as police look on Social networks under fire as bank holiday fun gets out of control Social networking sites have come under fire generating interest in the event of ‘unsustain- after thousands of students joined in a Leeds able levels’, with more potential future water- city centre water-fight which damaged the city’s fighters being created with each viewing. newest park and may result in charges for the Organisers have apologised for the thousands student organisers. of pounds worth of damage caused by their What was meant to be a bit of bank holiday gathering. fun turned into a riotous and expensive civil Councillor John Procter, the city’s executive problem. member for leisure, said: “We welcome people The revelry, which lasted almost an hour, having fun in Leeds and there are opportunities resulted in fountains being drained and a prize- in all our many parks for that to happen. But winning park dedicated to Nelson Mandela this just shows total disregard for others. Our trashed. parks staff were distraught when they discov- West Yorkshire police have been sent CCTV ered the wreckage.” images of the watery-rampage which spread The students who ran a smaller fight last around the streets near Millennium Square year, had attempted to limit potential problems where motorists stuck in traffic jams were also by posting instructions on the internet banning targeted. Further evidence was provided by the balloons and warning, “No attacking civilians - organisers themselves after they posted images it’s not nice... it’s fairly easy to tell who’s and video of the event on Youtube and involved... they’ll be the ones with water guns.” Facebook. The two sites have been accused of by Sophie Mathers Student complaints rise for third consecutive year AN INCREASING number of students are lodg- ‘Today there are more graduates and older stu- ing complaints against their universities. A dents, more foreign students, more with disabili- report released by the Office of the Independent ties and an increasing number from non-tradi- Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIAHE) tional backgrounds. This year alone, 64% of the revealed that the number of complaints had risen complainants were mature students over 25, and 25%, an increase for the third consecutive year. more than a third were postgraduates. The According to the OIAHE, almost two-thirds of largest groups of complainants were medical stu- the received complaints were regarding academic dents.’ results, while disciplinary matters and plagia- However, Deech supported the need for British rism accounted for the remaining majority. One institutions to uphold high standards when of the reasons for the friction between students marking student’s work claiming it would be and their universities is the desire for value for ‘unrealistic’ to reduce conflict over grades. money, at a time when student’s fees are set to The adjudicator recommended that a total of increase. £173,000 be paid as compensation to the com- The OIAHE was set up in 2004 to review stu- plainants. Last year, just 26% of complaints were dent complaints from the 146 universities in upheld or deemed eligible for consideration. England and Wales. The independent adjudicator Despite this figure being a 7% increase on 2006 Ruth Deech, called on universities to cater better most student complaints are not serious enough for the changing make-up of the student popula- for OIAHE to take further action. tion. by Tom Tainton Finalists evicted without warning FIVE STUDENTS have been evicted from their The students were told that if they did not home in Oxford without warning because the move all their possessions out of the house then landlord failed to keep up with his mortgage they would not be able to access their belongings. repayments. This has caused massive disruption the stu- The third-year students returned home one dents final exams. Tegan Gill said, “It has been evening to find that their door had been kicked in such a stressful week and has disrupted our revi- and the locks had been changed. A note had been sion. It also means that we have nowhere to stay left on the door telling the students to contact over the summer.” Allen Harris Estate Agents. Jonathon Bruce, PR manager for Allen Harris On contacting the estate agents the next day described the situation as the “fault of the land- the tenants claim they were treated badly. Claire lord” for failing to inform the students that he Chambers, one of the students, said “When we was unable to pay his mortgage. spoke to an estate agent, he just laughed and told He said that the landlord had not informed us that we had to move out by five.” anyone that there were tenants occupying the The students rented their house from a land- property and that Allen Harris had been acting lord, but their only means of contact was through purely on the orders of Halifax, with whom the a letting agency, which was apparently unaware landlord had his mortgage. that there were tenants occupying the accommo- Halifax said that repossession of a property is dation. a last resort. The National Student, May 2008 UK NEWS 5 Manchester campaigners stop traffic and invade uni building during standards protest Reclaim the Uni STUDENTS IN Manchester made The protest, the largest on the their voices heard last month when campus for years, is thought to be a protest over standards brought the culmination of students growing rush hour traffic to a stand-still. sense of frustration about standards On Tuesday April 22 over 200 stu- at the university. dents from newly-formed pressure Suzanna Bret a second year Social group Reclaim the Uni marched Anthropology student said, “”I think around the University of the University’s preoccupation with Manchester campus, breaking research and raising money is at the through several lines of police before expense of the quality of our educa- holding a sit-in in the university’s tion.The main issue I have personal- Arthur Lewis building. ly is the cuts in contact hours, but Speaking to The National Student lots of other people here today have Daniel Lee from Reclaim the Uni many other varying reasons for explained why the students were protesting.” protesting, “The protest was under- “Hopefully with the turnout today taken to highlight the many inter- the University will realise just how linked problems we have at the many people are bothered about University of Manchester, due to the these things,” she added. increasing commercialisation of edu- During a three-hour occupation of cation by the management of the the Arthur Lewis Building, seen by University. People took part for many students as a symbol of the many different reasons, but common university’s attitude towards its stu- amongst them were concerns over dents, the protestors produced a list contact hour cuts, resource short- of demands entitled the ‘Arthur ages, especially in IT and library Lewis Declaration’ which were services, staff cuts (famously lectur- intended to be presented to universi- ers Terry Eagleton and Sheila ty management the following day. Rowbotham, but especially adminis- When a small group of the cam- Over 200 students marched for Reclaim The Uni trative and other non-academic paigners went to hand the demands staff), the increasing arms length to the vice chancellor they were told police. Quite a few people were were bound to develop in a system We’ve done this, and we can do it approach to education (increasing he was ‘unavailable’. knocked around (and a cyclist that has gone on doing the best it again, and do other things, until our online learning at the expense of one Local police intervened to try and knocked off), and they tried to hem can, by more or less traditional demands are met.” on one teaching) and the lack of halt the protest and student protes- 300 or so people into a street with means, while class sizes burgeon “The collectivity of many students accountability of the administration tors have criticised their handling of nowhere to go, it was ludicrous. and student/staff ratios deteriorate.” from across the campus and differ- to students in it’s spending or deci- the event. Daniel Lee said, “The Whilst inside the building, where Prof. Gilbert vowed to `re-person- ent political persuasions coming sions. This all ties into what is seen police complained that they weren’t they then had no right to be, they alise’ learning stating that “The uni- together was hugely important. as a business approach to education, properly informed of routes of the caused more disruption by seeming- versity has recently undertaken a Whilst inside the occupied building and the campaign also seeks to march, and they had to increase ly consciously setting off the fire root-and-branch review of under- a list of demands to the university address the increasing push for numbers for the ‘safety of the alarm on a fire door, causing much graduate education and is now pro- were formulated democratically, higher top up fees, and wishes to see protest’, but the only dangers chaos. A much more level-headed ceeding to make quite radical and these are in the process of being an end to tuition fees.” incurred were at the hands of the approach would have been better, as changes.” presented to the university, specifi- they should be on side with us.” “We are determined to re-person- cally VC/President Alan Gilbert, A Facebook group for Reclaim the alise the student learning experi- with the demand of a quick response Uni now has over 700 members and ence, and provide all students with and commitments.” carries the groups demands which the kind of one-to-one learning that Lee also encouraged other stu- include better communication has become increasingly notable by dents with grievances to take this between the vice chancellor and the its absence. We are committed to kind of direct action, “There will be student body. making optimal use of the potential other people like you who feel the In response to the protest vice of highly interactive on-line learning same way. Find them, speak to chancellor Prof. Alan Gilbert, environments and to providing all them, plan something, and get blamed government funding for a students with world-class class- noticed and get things sorted. decrease in standards. rooms and laboratories,” he added. Whether it’s effecting you directly or “As I have made clear over recent Of the success of the protest Lee standing up for someone else, the months, this downward trend in said, “This is just the first step in a more people that are involved in teaching hours has occurred over long line of steps. This is, regret- these kind of direct actions, the big- the past 20 years in almost all tably, a long term process, however ger the effect. This shows that there British universities.” the day achieved much. Firstly, it are many people who will join you in “Decades of diminishing per capi- showed that there are common prob- these things, and for ourselves, ta investment in undergraduate lems with students and staff across there were many that couldn’t make learning is having the slow, the university that need to be it, or even more that had yet to hear inevitable consequences for the addressed. We also showed that we about it.” Police handling of the protest has been criticised quality of student learning that are a force that must be listened to. by Sophie Mathers Public ban for Diana musical A SATIRICAL musical about than anything.” offence.” Princess Diana was banned from “I kind of hoped it would provoke Margaret Funnell, from opening to the public last month some discussion as it is trying to Brighton’s Diana Circle, said: “I due to fear of causing offence. make a point about the spectacle of think this is a distasteful, disgust- The University of Brighton ruled celebrities. It is not criticising her ing thing really, and to joke about that Rupert Dannreuther’s contro- as a person. It is criticising her the accident happening in the tun- versial musical, which was created being made into a fairy tale.” nel - I don’t know what the world’s for his degree course, should be The Theatre and Visual Art stu- coming to.” shown to select guests only at a uni- dent added, “I do not wish to be On the website for his musical versity owned theatre-bar. unfair to Diana’s memory, merely to Dannreuther has received many Publicity for Diana The Musical make a piece of theatre.” messages of support for his per- shows a line drawing of a skeletal In a statement, the university formance with members of the pub- princess wearing a tiara. said: “We fully support freedom of lic urging him to look for another Dannreuther said, “It’s about the expression but we also recognise venue and post a video of the pro- The musical’s website featuring a cartoon depiction of the princess spectacle of show business more sensitivities regarding possible duction on the internet. Advertorial Cambridge University Technology and Enterprise Club Aspiring Entrepreneur? panel discussions: “The Future of Biofuels”, “Personalised Medicine” and “What’s beyond Web Enthusiastic about Technology? Looking 2.0”. The conference also includes a showcase for a good investment? session of the latest technologies in the respective areas by companies requesting to take part. Interested in participating or demonstrating your Then the Technology Venture Conference technology in the show case session? Visit (TVC) is the event for you! www.cutec.org for more information and to register. We’ll look forward to meeting you there for what will The Cambridge University Technology and quite possibly be, the most enterprising networking Enterprise Club (CUTEC) hosts the TVC event in opportunity of the year. June on an annual basis to enhance entrepreneur- This year the TVC is part of Enterprising ial spirit amongst academics and facilitate interac- Cambridge. This is a series of events from 11th tion between industry experts, investors and stu- June to 13th June all of which promote enterprise dents. in the Cambridge area. This year, the TVC is taking place on the 12th The aim is to inspire novice entrepreneurs, raise June in The Cambridge University Arms Hotel from awareness of activities in Cambridge and bring 8:45am through to 5:30pm and will feature keynote together a rich mix of aspiring and experienced speakers Garret Camp (co-founder & chief product entrepreneurs with members of the academic and officer, StumbleUpon), Michael Liebreich (founder business community. & CEO, New Energy Finance) and Peter Hartzbech For more information visit (co-founder & CEO, iMotions) and 3 stimulating enterprisecambridge.com or cutec.org The National Student, May 2008 UK NEWS 7 Chinese students protest ‘media distortion’ HUNDREDS OF Chinese stu- by Carl Freeman dents gathered in Manchester and London to protest against as a result of these misleading what they see as ‘media distor- reports. The protest would also tion’ in the reporting of Free aim to undo any media distor- Tibet protests during the tion through the showcasing of Olympic Torch relay and Lhasa evidence and talking with mem- riot. bers of the public during the They claim the reporting is event.” biased towards the Free Tibet The Manchester protest start- movement and the Tibetan gov- ed at 11am with silent demon- ernment in exile. strations and was followed by In Manchester more than the organisers reading an open 1,000 people, including students letter to BBC Director-General and professionals, wearing ‘I Mark Thompson condemning Love China’ t-shirts gathered the BBC for ‘double-standards’ outside BBC Manchester, with in their reporting and claiming around 300 protesting outside that they had ‘failed to provide the Houses of Parliament in credible and independent cover- London. age of the events’. In correspondence to The The protestors later paraded National Student prior to the towards Albert Square outside protest, organiser Tian Yang of Manchester City Council, said, “The protest will focus on where they promoted Beijing Protesters in Manchester denouncing a number of UK Olympics 2008 to by-passers. mainstream media organisa- During the protest Yang said, “We will try our best to elimi- been extensive, fair and bal- end to China’s occupation of the tions for one-sided reporting “The way they frame the story is nate any racial prejudice and anced. The same is true of our country is popular and has and manipulation of the truth. biased. There is only one side of welcome everybody to celebrate reporting of the Olympic torch many high-profile supporters. We feel this action is necessary the story and that’s from the the Beijing Olympics with us,” relay and the protests that have Between 1996 and 2001 rappers and fear a certain section of the Tibetan Government-in-exile. he said. accompanied it.” the Beastie Boys organised media is trying to silence the We fear that the media silencing In a response from the BBC, In the west the Free Tibet worldwide rock concerts to high- voice of the Chinese community; the voice of Chinese people the corporation said, “Despite Campaign which supports the light the cause attracting big there are also concerns over the would constitute to increased restrictions placed on journal- right of Tibetans to determine names including U2, the Foo potential rise in racial hostility racial prejudice and hostility.” ists, our coverage of Tibet has their own future and calls for an Fighters and Radiohead. The National Student, May 2008 8 UK NEWS
Lower rents now STUDENTS FROM the University of St Andrews have protested the closure of one of the university’s budget halls of residence. On May 2 around 150 students joined the demonstration against the closure and demolition of Fife Park. Despite a replacement hall being planned, protesters from the Lower Rents NOW! campaign are unhappy with the announcement that rents in the new block will be dou- ble that of Fife Park rising from £52 to between £110 and £130 per week. Campaigners claim this will dramatically increase the price of private accommodation and have a negative effect on social diversity at St Andrews which already has a reputation for exclusivity and elitism. The protest was sparked when a petition on the closure signed by 1,000 students was presented to the university by the students’ association and rejected. This action appeared to get the attention of the universi- ty administration. In addressing the assembled students University Rector, Sir Simon Pepper OBE, said “Your views are being heard.” The Lower Rents NOW! campaign has received over- whelming support from the students’ association. Former SRC Representative for University Accommodation James Pollard, who recently resigned said, “I think this movement has shown its strength by being able to mobilise students in St Andrews without the vast institutional resources or funding that we might have hoped for”. Terry Fulton, Representative for Postgraduate Accommodation, “The university’s decision to demolish Fife Park will undoubtedly increase the cost of private accom- modation in a town that already has the third-highest cost of living for students in the UK. This will decrease social diversity and make it even harder for students to study than it already is.” Campaigners claim that the University of St. Andrews administration has become increasingly hostile to both its lecturers and its students in recent years. They cite a com- ment from Deputy Principal Keith Brown at an SRC meet- ing on March 25, in response to how he intended to increase student involvement in university decisions, where he said, “The university is not accountable to its students - and nor should it be”. The group are now calling for further action to put pres- sure on the university over the closure. by Mary Stott Grads earn £30K a year from custom essays AN OXFORD university graduate has revealed how gradu- ates can earn up to £30,000 a year writing essays for cus- tom-essay sites. The writer who wishes to remain anonymous said he was commissioned by a firm that sells essays by Oxford gradu- ates on the internet. The graduate said he gets paid about £500 for an under- graduate essay. “I’ll do a 2,000-word essay in about two or three hours,” he said. “I don’t have a problem with it - it’s not selling drugs, just using your brain. I went to private school so I see it as recu- perating some of those costs.” “I’ve spent a lot of money on my education. It’s only fair enough if I can make a little bit directly off it.” Students at Oxford University are forbidden from buying custom-essays or for working for companies which supply them. The controversial custom-essay business is an increas- ingly profitable one. Barclay Littlewood, founder and owner of Academic Answers, which owns many ‘academic services’ sites including UKEssays.com recently entered the young persons section of The Sunday Times Rich List with a wealth of £7million. national-sstudent.co.uk
The National Student, May 2008 10 WORLD NEWS Key to happiness? Don’t have children
A HARVARD professor has explained the key to long-standing happiness in a relationship: get married and don’t have kids. Daniel Gilbert, professor of psychology at Harvard University, claims that studies across America and Europe show that happi- ness spikes during the early years of marriage, dropping dramat- ically after having children with couples only recovering former joy when their offspring have left home. He told a Happiness and its Causes conference in Sydney that parents’ desire to get a return on the time and money they have invested in their children is part of the reason they persuade themselves that their offspring are enhancing their lives. Prof Gilbert said: “Figures show that married people are in THIS IS the kind of science experi- physical, not chemical. sweets and when it sinks to the bot- almost every way happier than unmarried people - whether they ment that everyone can get excited The most popular cause is believed tom it causes the carbon dioxide to are single, divorced, cohabiting.” about. to be the thousands of tiny pores on whoosh out of the bottle. “Married people live longer, married people earn more money Belgian students have set a new each Mentos Mint, which act like An urban myth claims that eating per capita, married people have more sex and enjoy it more.” world record for the most Mentos nucleation sites allowing carbon Mentos directly after drinking Coke But he added that happiness levels plummet after having chil- fountains by firing 1,360 simultane- dioxide bubbles to form in the drink. can result in death, although to date dren. ous Coke geysers. The bubbles form all over the no fatalities have been reported. “Children do seem to increase happiness [while] you’re expect- After they each dropped a tube of ing them, but as soon as you have them, trouble sets in,” he told the mints into a bottle of Diet Coke, the conference. Ladeuzeplein square in Leuven was “People are extremely happy before they have children and washed with soda, with some car- then their happiness goes down, and it takes another big hit bonated streams shooting up to 29 when kids reach adolescence. When does it come back to its orig- feet high. inal baseline? Oh, about the time the children grow up and go Internet footage of the attempt away.” has attracted over 10 million view- Repeated studies have shown that the period immediately sur- ers. rounding childbirth can be the most stressful that couples expe- The previous record was set in the rience. US, when 973 Cola bottles were American psychologists have also found that couples with chil- launched simultaneously. dren are less satisfied with their marriage than those without. This craze has been a dream come Research in the Netherlands in the 1990s showed that couples true for the makers of Mentos with who had two children were less happy than those with none. them recording a 20% increase in sales of Mentos Mints last year. Although there is no exact scientif- ic explanation for the phenomenon, scientists agree that the reaction is TV show cancelled after student protest A TURKISH television show was called off after a group of students who were barred from the audi- ence held a protest. The programme called ‘Siyaset Meydani’ (The Political Arena) was due to hold a debate on fertility and birth rates whilst being filmed at Harran University. The Turkish military stepped up security meas- ures around the university campus before the film- ing and students were not allowed in as spectators. A group of 300 students began a demonstration Storm blows car onto roof against this decision, chanting slogans and calling A CHINESE driver got the shock was down to the lie of the land, as for the host of the show, Ali Kirca, to leave the cam- of his life when the car he was driv- well as the wind. pus. ing was blown onto the roof of a “The road is actually a bit higher In response Kirca said his programme wouldn’t be building during a fierce storm. than the house roof,” a police able to host the students as the hall where the His car landed on a house roof spokesman said. recording would take place was not large enough. during heavy storms in Lu Feng. Local meteorologists said the “We are supposed to discuss fertility in the region The driver said he had just city had suffered an unusually with our guests. That’s why we wished to talk to turned a corner when it suddenly fierce windstorm, with gusts reach- locals,” he stated. felt as if his car was flying through ing up to 31.5 metres per second. Students continued their protest. “If you weren’t the air. Many motorists said their wind- planning on listening to the young people, then why “Before I realised what was hap- screens were blown in - not by fly- did you choose to hold your show here?” asked one of pening, my car had landed on the ing objects but by the force of the the students. roof,” he told the China News wind alone. Kirca then announced the show’s cancellation due Network. One garage said it had fitted 30 to the student protest and left the campus. Police said the bizarre accident new windscreens in a single day. Death threat student now faces child porn charges AN AMERICAN student accused of threat- ening to blow up a professor, placing a hand grenade on the desk and forcing a class to be cancelled has now been indicted on charges of child pornography possession. Harvie David Hensley, who graduated from McLennan Community College in 2003 with an associate’s degree in criminal jus- tice, has been jailed with $20,000 bail since November, when he was arrested on terroris- tic threat charges. At the time of his arrest, Hensley was tak- ing criminal justice classes through another university at McLennan Community College. Hensley’s trial on the terroristic threat charges was postponed because of the new indictment. According to records filed in the case, the porn was found after a campus police inves- tigator obtained a search warrant for Hensley’s computer while investigating com- plaints against Hensley. At least two female students reported that Hensley was stalking and harassing them, including leaving intimidating notes on their cars, according to courthouse records. Hensley threatened a fellow student claiming A month later, a professor and two stu- he would put a grenade on her desk dents reported that Hensley told a student reportedly shoved an instructor against a that he was going to blow up the lecturer’s wall in 2003 and threatened to kill him, car with her inside. He reportedly told the although the professor declined to file other student not to be afraid if she saw a charges, said campus police chief Larry grenade on her desk because it would be a Radke. “dud.” In the next few weeks the college will start She said he told her that he has real a system in which students are notified grenades and guns at home. Other records through e-mails, text messages or phone filed in the case indicate that Hensley messages if there is a security concern on reportedly told fellow students that all of the campus, said school spokeswoman Lisa teachers “deserve to be shot.” Hensley also Wilhelmi. The National Student, May 2008 12 FEATURE Comment
his month Jacqui Smith announced that in a Labour policy u-turn she is Tgoing to reclassify cannabis from a class C drug back up to a class B, meaning tougher measures against users and suppli- ers. The home secretary said she wanted to reverse Tony Blair’s 2004 downgrading of the drug because of ‘uncertainty’ over its impact on mental health, amidst fears that Blair’s original reclassification has led to a social acceptance of the drug which has fuelled higher usage numbers amongst young people, putting more at risk from mental health problems. On the surface then this appears to be a sensible political decision and Smith’s sug- gestions that she is not willing to ‘risk the health of young people,’ are commendable. However, the recent decision has seen the government completely ignore the findings and recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), commissioned by Gordon Brown to look into the links between cannabis use and mental illness. This group of experts decided by 20 votes to three to recommend that cannabis remain a class C drug. Its nine-month review concluded that while more potent, homegrown strains of herbal cannabis, such as skunk, now dominate the British market, the evidence of a substantial link with men- tal illness remains weak. Supporting this statement from ACMD a recent report on mental health links with cannabis stated that ‘to prevent one case of schizophrenia in men aged 20 to 24 about 5,000 men would have to be prevented from ever smoking cannabis.’ Whilst there is no denying that the use of cannabis, and other mind-altering drugs, can in some cases exac- erbate or cause mental problems, the find- ings and research of experts constantly find that statistically the chances are low - even ‘The government should follow the as low as one in 5,000. It could be easily suggested that this move by a Labour government in electorial despair following their drubbing at the advice of the experts rather than recent local elections is a reactionary pop- ulist change in policy and an attempt to bring back voters. that of the tabloids.’ Fuelled by swathes of media-misinforma- tion in certain areas of the press there is a widespread condemnation of the drug. Much problems caused by its use? gests that Smith’s decision may have little to of the public believe that use of the drug has In practice Smith confirmed that the do with combating the problems of cannabis increased since 2004 and is responsible for police approach to those under 18 found in use. many problems in society including mental possession of small amounts would remain Taking a long-hard look at the facts and health issues, violence, crime and a general unchanged and that the police will continue evidence it becomes clear that Labour’s decrease in societal standards. to have the discretion to issue warnings to recent reclassification of cannabis is not In terms of press scaremongering most adults found with small amounts of built on knowledge, research and expert cannabis is an easy target. Unlike alcohol, to dope. findings but on little more than speculation, much of society it is a largely unknown Sir Michael Rawlins, ACMD chairman, hear-say and press-fuelled public fear. As quantity, the drug of shadowy figures in the has also claimed that the move will make ‘no someone who isn’t a cannabis user, this leg- darkness - so it is easy to believe the press difference’ to the level of cannabis use. He islation affects me very little, but I still speculation regarding it. may have a point considering most users believe that our government should act on In reality things are a little different: as won’t care about it becoming a little more fact not fiction - it is not their job to give into explained before on the question ‘does illegal especially when much of the policing public pressure if the views of the public are cannabis cause mental illness’ the answer is of such crimes will go unchanged. wrong. ‘we don’t really know, but the evidence sug- Interestingly enough figures suggest that In this case they claim they are acting in gests it does in a minority of cases’ - not the since the reclassification of cannabis in 2004 the public interest but yet cannot prove this colossal problem the government, and the the drug has seen a 28% decrease in its claim, making it look like they are doing lit- press, want us to be afraid of. usage by 16-24 year olds. tle more than acting in the best interest of Should cannabis be proven to be linked to In decreasing the notoriety of the drug it winning more votes. all these things then I for one would support seems that most young people appear to As Labour MP Chris Mullin, who dis- new legislation but the fact of the matter is have largely lost interest it in. Following agrees with the reclassification, said: “The that statistical evidence either doesn’t sup- this evidence it could be claimed that government should follow the advice of the port the press claims or there is very little or Smith’s move could actually be the cause of experts rather than that of the tabloids.” no data to support it at all. an increase in cannabis use amongst young Comment by Chris Marks A big question regarding the reclassifica- people as she increases the drugs notoriety tion is will it deter people from using the and ‘cool’ factor, making it more appealing Have your say on this and other issues at: drug and will it solve any of the supposed in certain quarters. This point alone sug- national-student.co.uk/forum FEATURE WRITERS WANTED Email - [email protected] The National Student, May 2008 FEATURE 13 Conflict and compromise
This month marks the tenth anniversary of the ratification of the Good Friday Agreement, the catalyst behind Belfast’s recent econom- ic and social transformation from bomb town to boom town. At the heart of this conflict were the individuals who took up arms and became members of the dense patchwork of paramilitarism that came to define and dominate what is known as ‘The Troubles’. The National Student met with two former paramilitary prisoners to dis- cuss their reasons for volunteering, what they think of the current peace agreement and to learn how they have traded conflict for compromise.
n August 13, 1969 the sim- by Franck Martin Ireland was to have with the mering religious tensions Republic of Ireland and the rest of Obetween the Catholic the United Kingdom. A copy of the nationalist and the predominantly 1993 for killing British soldiers. Agreement was posted to every Protestant unionist communities He highlights that while his household in Northern Ireland and exploded, and rioting broke out nationalist upbringing played a the Irish Republic, and referen- across the country. Some of the major part in his decision to join, it dums the following May gave sub- most violent exchanges took place was the events of Bloody Sunday stantial support by voting 74% and in the interface areas of west that proved to be the final catalyst 94% respectively for ratification. Belfast where the communities for him becoming an IRA soldier: “I Regardless of its complex success lived side by side, particularly on joined the Republican movement in and failures, it has been responsi- the now infamous Falls, a national- the early months of 1972 when I ble for the most prolonged period of ist-dominated area, and the union- was 23; a decision driven by a basic relative peace since the current ist Shankill estate. Within this cli- sense of Irish nationalism - but the manifestation of the Ireland conflict mate of fear and hostility individu- events of Bloody Sunday were some began in 1969. als on either side of the religious of the main reasons for my mem- To date 450 prisoners have been divide joined militant organisations bership. We were involved in a war released under the terms of the in an attempt to defend their com- against the British army and the Agreement and, as with any con- munities from attack - The forces that supported them. That is flict, the disarmament and reinte- Troubles had begun. what we did and no apology.” gration of former prisoners is essen- William Smith, a founding mem- Similarly, William describes how tial if the conflict is to be effectively activists. We are continuing that “The youth of today,” he says, “has ber of the Red Hand Commandos, a both personal and community resolved. No amnesty for their role in a new way and try to make a ready-made enemy because of group affiliated with the Loyalist tragedy saw many young Loyalists crimes has been given, a con- sure that no more people lose their The Troubles, but much of it is a Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), volunteer for active service: tentious issue even today, and some lives.” gang culture and is different to the spent 5 years in prison for attempt- “Personal encounters with death ex-prisoners have drifted toward Within this new climate of peace, violence of that time.” ed murder. He explains that he stimulated some people to join criminality. The Police Service of foreign investment has greatly Like any scar, the troubles - the became a member because of his paramilitaries while others did so Northern Ireland (PSNI) estimates increased, rising by 300% in the latest chapter in an 800 year con- upbringing: “Many of us were born because of events like Bloody that the money made by paramili- last year and attracting nearly one flict - will never disappear from into it and when I was 18 in 1969 Friday”. Roughly six months after tary organisations through illegal Northern Ireland, but if left to heal the Shankill, the street I grew up Bloody Sunday on July 21 1972, the then over time its effects will fade on, started to fight with the Falls. It IRA planted 22 bombs across until it becomes a distressing mem- was this violence that motivated Belfast, killing two British Soldiers, Much depends on unionists and ory rather than a defining charac- me to become a founding member of seven civilians and seriously injur- teristic. the Red Hand Commandos. We did- ing 130 others, a day which became republicans working together and Paramilitarism will inevitably n’t take a decision to join on a par- known as Bloody Friday. play a part in this healing process ticular day; back then we saw our- Within the 28 year period of the that is best for Northern Ireland. and its hold within elements of both selves as reacting to the IRA. It troubles 3,289 people were mur- communities will remain a norm for seemed the right thing to do at that dered, representing 0.3% of the the foreseeable future. Yet the work time.” population, and 40,000 people were activity is in the millions. billion dollars. Unemployment is at of organisations such as Coiste and As the conflict gathered momen- injured. There were 35,000 record- Despite the problems that have an all time low. Epic can at least turn some of this tum, the ranks of Loyalist and ed shootings, roughly 15,000 bomb come with reintegration and the Within this storm of change stub- energy into a positive element of a Republican organisations swelled explosions, and it would be utterly decommissioning of paramilitary born politicians have been uproot- secure peace. as more and more young men and impossible to even guess how many weapons, many former political ed, army barracks have been dis- William, a leading figure in the women from both communities bullets were fired - the shocking prisoners have crossed the religious mantled and property prices have Loyalist attempts to secure peace became actively involved in conflict. numerical summaries of a quag- gulf to work with their former ene- been thrown sky high as the coun- and ratify the Agreement, is cau- Michael Culbert served a 16-year mire conflict that destroyed the mies. Coiste na n-Iarchimí, working try has been transformed from tiously optimistic about the future: prison sentence from 1978 until lives of thousands of people. to reintegrate IRA ex-prisoners, being the owner of the world’s most “We have a good opportunity to However, if they are extrapolated and Epic, a parallel organisation on bombed hotel to being the UK’s become one of the best countries in to reflect the population of the Unionist side, are among sever- most popular stag weekend desti- Europe but the government must Britain in the same period al schemes that regularly organise nation. However, this storm has not leave the working class people then over 110,000 people cross-community events and work been unable to topple Northern from these communities behind in would have been killed and to integrate youths from both sides Ireland’s three divisive pillars; the ghettos. Belfast has the oppor- 1.4 million injured, a figure by focusing on the common ground polarisation, distrust and sectari- tunity to be great but only if every- equivalent to half of all the that unites them. Each organisa- anism. one shares in the prosperity, other- British deaths during the tion receives a range of funding According to the Sutton Index a wise it is difficult to say what might Second World War. from the European Union and the further 121 people have been killed happen.” It was within this context British or Irish government. since the ratification of the Michael too is aware of the great that the Agreement was rati- Michael explains that many for- Agreement, and paramilitarism potential for hope to turn to divi- fied. The culmination of thou- mer prisoners have swapped active remains a powerful provincial force. sion and vice versa: “I feel strongly sands of hours of debate and conflict for cross-community Numerous riots and acts of violence that the peace is stable, though it is concession, it contained pro- activism: “There are a lot of group- have taken place but, in compara- not satisfactory from a Republican posals dealing with a range of ings involved in the peace-making tive terms, Northern Ireland has perspective.” complex issues, including the and building process. Political ex- improved dramatically. What has “Much depends on Unionists and decommissioning of paramili- prisoners tend to be heavily superseded the troubles is a mirror Republicans working together and tary weapons, the early involved in these activities. The of the drug and gang violence that that is best for Northern Ireland. I release of paramilitary pris- main reason why it is political ex- exists within the rest of the UK, firmly advocate supporting the oners, the future of policing prisoners is that we were in prison though William explains that vio- peace process, you have to try the and criminal justice, and the because we cared about own com- lence in Northern Ireland will best option and make it work and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams relationship Northern munities and we were political always have a sectarian undertone. that is people not dying.”
The National Student, May 2008 FEATURE 15 BRAIN SURGERY AND STUDIES ‘I was told that if I wanted to survive this I had to fight for myself, because although the doctors could give me medication to alleviate the pain there was nothing that would cure me’
SURVIVING THREE years away certain medications. Although by Hannah Moore or down stairs because my spatial from the comforts of home, juggling Meningitis can cause this the awareness was being affected. I was the mind numbing tasks of clean- chances of this occurring are even that your body doesn’t want to move ill over Christmas again and had to ing, food shopping, and laundry is a more remote. “When I was first and all you want to do is sleep, yet go into hospital. Because of the feat in itself, something most uni- diagnosed they tried to solve the an incessant roaring in your ears severity of my headaches I had to versity students will testify to. But problem with medication, and con- keeps you awake. It’s strange see my professor because they were surviving all that with a rare ill- tinued to up the strength of the because it is something you have worried there was a problem with ness is unthinkable to most. drugs until it was clear it wasn’t absolutely no control over, in a way my shunt. I had been told that Rebecca Daniels started at the working. At this point they told me you know when your brain is mal- shunts can last between 10 and 25 University of Lincoln three years that surgery was my only option if I functioning, and you know you have years, so it wasn’t something I had ago studying Criminology and wanted to have any kind of normal absolutely no say in what it makes been prepared for. But unfortunate- Psychology, literally months after life at all. At that point I was spend- your body do. I don’t think anyone ly, something was wrong so I had to having brain surgery. ing one to two weeks a month in who hasn’t suffered from this can have surgery again just 18 months “Just before Christmas the year hospital, and although the brain ever really understand.” after my first one. The valve that before, I found a rash that didn’t surgery wasn’t guaranteed to work, “Everything was fine to begin drains the fluid had malfunctioned; disappear under the tumbler test. for me it was the only option. I was with, being away from home took it was still draining fluid but not The doctor diagnosed it as a fungal determined to continue with my A- some getting used to, but we were nearly enough.” infection, but a week later I was Levels and come to university.” all in the same situation. “My shunt was replaced and re- having blurred vision, sensitivity to “After investigatory surgery and a Depression is common among BIH sited, it wasn’t quite as scary as the light and intense headaches that battery of tests I finally went in for sufferer’s, as it is with anyone who first time because I knew what to left me screaming in pain.” At this surgery on July 4 2005. I was hav- suffers from a long term illness, but expect, but it was just as painful. Rebecca Daniels point Rebecca was taken to hospital ing a shunt fitted that would drain I think my determination to keep This time though, I was out of hos- where she was diagnosed with some of the fluid from my brain, Two months later Rebecca was going helped me get past that. So I pital and back at university within Meningitis C. “I was told that if I thus relieving the pressure. I can’t moving to Lincoln to start universi- went out with my friends and con- two weeks.” wanted to survive this I had to fight describe how I felt before surgery; I ty. tinued to have a normal life. The “I had to work extra hard to make for myself, because although the was so scared, especially after hav- “It was daunting because if I got only things that differed between up the work I missed while I recov- doctors could give me medication to ing to sign forms that stated I knew ill again my parents were so far me and my flatmates was that I ered from surgery, and in the end alleviate the pain there was nothing what could go wrong, and that I away. Also I was worried that peo- generally had to and still have to do had to apply for mitigating circum- that would cure me”. could be left with all kinds of dis- ple would think I was disabled or more work.” stances for one of my essays. “After the symptoms didn’t disap- abilities afterwards. I woke up after treat me differently because of my “Because of my condition I have Thankfully, I managed to pass with pear after two weeks I was diag- the surgery in the Intensive Care condition. But I had to tell at least problems with concentration and a 2:1 which I was pleased with. Now nosed with Benign Intracranial Unit, while people asked me what one of my flatmates about it just in my short term memory, but this just I’m in my final year, I still have to Hypertension.” BIH as it is abbrevi- seemed like stupid questions like case. I was also worried because it’s means I have to repeatedly read work just as hard. Some days I won- ated, displays symptoms so similar ‘What’s your name?’ ‘Who is the hard to explain what it feels like for things so that I learn them. Dealing der if it’s all worth the effort, and if to Meningitis that it was impossible prime minister?’, while people me. The best way I can describe it is with my concentration span is choosing to come to university was to know when one started and the shone lights in my eyes. It seemed if you imagine your head feels as another problem, particularly in lec- the best decision. But then I remem- other ended. “It was literally like especially insensitive since my con- though it’s been crushed by a vice, a tures, but I have learnt to just per- ber the time I spent in hospital, and one day I woke up and I had gone dition means I am extremely sensi- headache unlike anything you’ve severe and work through it” know I made the right decision. If I from being told I had Meningitis to tive to lights. Eventually I was ever felt before, where every part of It wasn’t until the final weeks of had not come to university I would having this new, daunting illness.” moved back to a ward, and was your head hurts and the pressure is the Christmas semester in not have met so many people who I BIH is the build up of high pres- finally allowed to leave on July 7. I unbearable, and it’s a pain no-one Rebecca’s second year that things now know will be friends for life. sure within the fluid around the had the surgery at Addenbrooke’s can see. The world becomes soft began to go wrong. “I still get Hopefully all this effort will pay off, brain; it can be treated by medica- Hospital in Cambridge, and because focus, where things come in twos, headaches even though I have the and I will get the first I am hoping tion or in more extreme cases sur- of the bombings in London they and you can’t tell how deep a step is, shunt in place; they just aren’t quite for, and be able to go out into the gery. The condition occurs in one in needed the beds, so I was dis- bright light is a pain you can’t as bad. But they seemed to be get- world and help people. I know that 100,000 people, and is usually charged under the conditions that a stand. Things sway around you, you ting worse, lights were becoming at some point in the future I will caused by obesity, or from a hor- district nurse would visit me every- feel seasick - yet you’re standing increasingly bright again, and I had have to have surgery again, but monal imbalance caused by taking day.” still. You’re so totally exhausted to hold on to things when I went up hopefully that is a long way off.”
Ricki Dewsbury looks deeply into the What you lookin’ at? problems of staring “OI, WHAT you looking at?” A psychotherapist Jim Bamber, from around staring - especially when it “The Chinese have different cul- gender or culture you are,” added stout-swilling brute’s reproach to an Grastang. comes to different cultures. ture and politeness values so they Mr Bamber. unwanted gaze. Mr Bamber’s analogy of English Whether riding a bus, or travelling don’t care if they upset you and they So staring can be offensive, crimi- In haut-couture the response may law with a gorilla’s primal instincts on the London Underground, just carry on staring.” nal, incendiary and sexual - not to be more refined but the reason the is understandable. The intimidated British people prefer averting eye According to Mr Bamber this type mention a sign of drug-crazed same: nobody likes being stared at. Italian woman contacted police contact. Yet the Spanish and of staring is natural. He said: insanity. It’s all about the right It’s a lesson learned by the Italian rather than beat her chest. French are comfortable holding a “Staring is usually because some- place and time. As the Italian gent man jailed recently for staring at a “I guess some people have fear. slow gaze over fellow commuters. body is unusual either physically or found - it’s not with the women sit- woman on a train. He’s spending 10 We are basically animals and if “In some ways I think my country in the way that they dress, exam- ting opposite you on a train. days in prison and is being fined 50 somebody stares at us then that is is more open minded,” says Spanish ples of which are people with I was in Italy a couple of years euros after a 55-year-old woman sit- threatening,” he adds. mature student Alex Garzon. strange growths; the elephant man ago and people were running ting opposite him complained of sex- English law has no legal provi- “Staring is the normal thing to syndrome, almost.” around pinching people’s bums. My ual harassment. sions dealing with sexual harass- do.” “Then there’s also a kind of star- girlfriend was pinched on several Is it political correctness gone ment, but the European community You’d think that being used to ing when people slow down on occasions. mad or a shining example of human says it includes any “non-verbal Spanish starers he would be pre- motorways to look at a crash and I have been guilty on hundreds of rights and sexual equality? conduct of a sexual nature with the pared for Asia. Not so. When Alex horrible things.” occasions of staring at beautiful Staring intensely can create fears purpose or effect of violating the and his partner holidayed in China Elephant man syndrome? This is women but I have never been of violence. English law deals with dignity of a person when creating an they were shocked by gaping a bit unfair on the innocent stare - arrested. it under the Protection from intimidating, hostile, degrading, natives. especially when a flirting gaze is the I have been on the underground Harassment Act 1997. humiliating or offensive environ- “My girlfriend felt violated. She cupid’s arrow of many Saturday and nobody even makes eye contact. “In nature a silverback gorilla ment.” So sonny-jim’s staring was in could not even go to the supermar- night discos. That’s the complete opposite. will rush at you and start beating the wrong. ket because she felt intimidated by “If you are gob-smacked by some- I had a person on the tube open his chest if you have encroached on The grey-area surrounding sexu- everybody looking at her with their body sexual attractive you’re going their magazine and put it between his territory,” says counsellor and al harassment is like the grey area mouths open. to stare at them what ever race, us after saying ‘hello, how are you?’
The National Student, May 2008 PAUSE 17 Crossword by Granite SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Award winning documentary In The Shadow Of The Moon tells the story of the Apollo mission astronauts... But can you spot the ten differences in the images below?
Across Down 8 I’m back into books to 1 I am fabric, of no impor- exclude (4) tance (10) 9 Soap needs a rest, per- 2 Raucous student leader’s haps (10) missile (8) 10 Five sign changes (6) 3 Weaken a castle, 11 Game to allow in the destroyed underneath river path? (8) (2-8) 12 Some in race decided to 4 Emperor initially seen to give up (4) be taken in by sailor (4) 13 Voice to catch her com- 5 Be a universal lover! (4) pletely (10) 6 Notice air coming (6) 17 Plant I’m turning to 7 Move at a fairly fast pace books (4) in Metro/Tube (4) 18 Somewhat glamourising 14 Soldiers run out in best affair? (5) surroundings (5) 19 Transmit ray (4) 15 Members of a youth 20 Oddly, he slept with cog organisation dig uglier for holding on the line (7,3) mess on Saturday (4,6) 22 Manage company with 16 Former snake-eater gym (4) cooked incense (10) 23 Fuel made from tin-age 19 Company initially misin- oil (8) forms in being attractive (8) 27 Lock up funny mime in 21 Cancer, perhaps, is right ancient city? On the con- to be included in theme (6) trary! (6) 24 Haunter’s relative? (4) 28 Keep an eye on those 25 Plant is under tax collec- taking a 26 with one self- tors (4) appointed policeman put- 26 Test rising weapon mass ting pole first (10) (4) 29 Record bill (4)
Image taken from documentary In The Shadow Of The Moon - out on DVD and coming soon to Channel 4 WORD SEARCH B E A C H Q W M A E R C N U S CAPTION CORNER N U F P O O L E R B T Y U I O Feebly crow-barring a theme into a word search every month can be a thankless task... O P E B L A S D T F R G T H T so with a well-earned break just around the L Z S E I X C V R B N O K J O corner our thoughts turn to summery holiday type things... hey presto a theme is born!! M Q T W D K E R O T U Y A U H Holiday Passport I O I T A S I V P R T A H D P Ice Cream Tickets Sun Travel H T V I Y W G N R O O P C R A Sea Sun Cream S R A C D I N F I G U U H A I Sand Visa Beach Currency J O L K T M I K A L R Z X C C Tan Abroad S P S E R S P C V R I B N T E Pool Camping Bikini Hotel H S M T A U M Q E W S E R S C Swimsuit Festivals A S T S V I A N Y U T A N O R Shades Postcard Hat Photos D A I O E T C P A S S D U P E Tourists Fun E P F G L Y H S T H G I S E A Tour Guide Book Airport Sights S A N D J G U I D E B O O K M The National Student, May 2008 18 SPORT MCC universities aiming to unearth the Freddy of tomorrow THERE ARE many educational by Michael Devine to play frequent competitive cricket institutions that provide excellent from April to June, as well as the sporting opportunities for their stu- opportunity to receive technical dents, but few can match the pack- play three fixtures against first- coaching in the winter. age offered by the MCC Universities class counties, a privilege previously “As a result, many of the players - the collective name for the six exclusive to students at the from the scheme are regular county University Centres of Cricketing Cambridge and Oxford Universities. players by the age of 21, and don’t Excellence (UCCE’s) in the UK. “The ECB put the UCCE’s into find themselves stuck behind their Introduced in October 2000 by the the structure of first-class cricket, fellow pros in terms of fitness and England and Wales Cricket Board which has certainly helped the play- match practice. (ECB), the UCCE’s are comprised of ers to develop their game,” said “They still have to work very hard thirteen academic institutions, who Stewart. to make it in the game, but this aim to provide students with the “Cambridge and Oxford were scheme ensures they are given the best possible opportunity to fulfil involved for many years, but the best possible chance.” their cricketing and academic UCCE’S have opened it up to a The Cardiff/Glamorgan centre potential. much broader academic spectrum, currently boasts four young bowlers Successful graduates include and provided more students with who are contracted to county sides. Essex captain Mark Pettini and the chance to pit their wits against Glamorgan captured the 19-year- England spin sensation Monty the professionals.” old trio of Will Owen, Chris Ashling Panesar, ensuring MCC Lords and The most successful UCCE in and Alex Jones, while 20-year-old Universities manager Fraser 2007 was the Cardiff/Glamorgan Tom Allin became Ashley Giles’ first Stewart is content with the centre, who claimed the MCC signing at Warwickshire, giving him scheme’s progress so far. Universities Championship for the the opportunity to work with leg- “There have been quite a few first time, as well as the One-Day endary South African paceman players who have come through the Challenge Trophy following a 14- Allan Donald. system and we’re very keen for more run Duckworth-Lewis victory over However, Stewart believes more of our graduates to make the break- Durham UCCE at Lords. of the UCCE students deserve through into first-class cricket,” he Coach Kevin Lyons is no stranger recognition, and has called on the said. to the professional game following a county sides to provide further “It’s also a very good opportunity successful career with Glamorgan, opportunities for the MCC’s young for young cricketers to get a degree and he feels the MCC Universities students. behind them, which is very impor- offer a much-needed boost to the “If they’re not good enough then tant as a relatively low percentage prospects of home-grown young- fair enough, but they have to be make it into the first-class game.” sters. given a chance,” he argued. “We The UCCE’s have been solely “The MCC invests a lot of money strongly believe there is untapped funded by the MCC since the begin- into this scheme, and it provides an talent within the scheme, and we ning of the 2005 season, and each excellent opportunity for young are desperate for this to be recog- centre currently receives a basic cricketers,” said Lyons. nised. We have introduced a scheme entitlement of £70,000 a year, with “When I was at Glamorgan, the this year with two counties, to allow an additional £100,000 available for likes of Steve Watkin took much the best non-contracted players to the maintenance and upgrading of longer to make the breakthrough go out on loan from July to facilities. into the county and national side, as September at the MCC’s expense.” The centres face each other in they weren’t able to work on their “It will effectively be like a sum- two-day and one-day matches in the game and play regular cricket in the mer contract for them, and will give first half of the summer, while each first half of the summer. more of our players the chance to centre also gets the opportunity to “This scheme allows youngsters prove themselves.” Panesar is a graduate of the MCC scheme
that the team’s preparations for Panter aiming for the competition will include warm weather training, 10 days at a training camp in Macaw and heat a medal in Beijing chamber sessions during which the climate can be controlled in a In our final Road to Beijing interview George Kotschy small room containing treadmills caught up with Anne Panter of the Great Britain and exercise bikes. With such a young team head- women’s hockey team. ing to the Olympics (the average ay is a stressful time for by George Kotschy age is 22), Anne is philosophical every student; with but optimistic about their chances Mexams, essay deadlines year in the European this summer; “I think it will be a and dissertations looming large Championships by winning the learning curve but if we play at and it’s an equally busy time for competition. our best we could sneak a medal. 23 year-old Loughborough Maths Anne’s progression to playing at It’s a case of us playing to our and Economic student Anne the elite level of European hockey potential every game.” She is also Panter. Unlike her fellow academ- and competing for a place in the well aware that Holland will be ics though, Anne is not fretting Great Britain Olympic team is the the team to beat in China; about the result she wants in her latest chapter in a passion-filled “They’re ranked number one in degree. She is flying out to career that began at the age of 9. the world and they’re a very diffi- Cologne with her club side Anne joined national league divi- Panter watching on as a team mate strikes the ball cult team to overcome.” Leicester to compete in the sion two outfit Kettering Hockey Beyond this summer, the obvi- European Championships and Club at the age of 13 and then week with the GB squad at schedule it is vital, especially with ous goal is the hugely exciting preparing for the Beijing Olympics moved on to Premier League side Bisham Abbey and, with individ- a degree as challenging as Maths opportunity to play in the first with the Great Britain team. Leicester where she won the ual strength and speed workouts and Economics, that Anne has the Olympics in London in over sixty Anne has deferred her exams league last year. Anne attributes as well as club training, she support of her lecturers and years. Anne states that the future until next year to allow her to pre- this success to her parents and, undertakes a total of 11-12 ses- tutors. Fortunately Anne’s tutors is bright for British hockey what- pare for the Olympics, explaining most of all, her “hockey fanatic” sions a week. Anne admits that, “have been really understanding. I ever happens this summer; “The “the final selection for Beijing is P.E. teacher, an England junior with it being an Olympic year, her spoke to them about it and they’ve thought of playing in an Olympics done at the end of June so I didn’t team goalkeeping coach. club have consequently missed just let me suspend all my exams in your own country is massive. want to be worrying about exams Having reached the high stan- out; “I’ve managed to play in three and stuff until next year so they’ve Obviously we’re going to Beijing that close to the selection.” But dard she now enjoys, Anne admits games and we’ve only done two been really supportive over it all.” with aspirations there but also, in Anne has other things on her it is tough to balance a student life weeks of club training prior to this With her exams suspended four years time I think we’ll be in mind as she attempts to help her with training and preparing for tournament.” Anne is free to concentrate on a good position to be challenging club side go one better than last hockey. She trains three days a With such a heavy training Beijing in August. She explains for the gold medal.” The National Student, May 2008 SPORT 19 UWE Hartpury complete the double UWE HARTPURY walked away stopped the fluid passing and occa- with the BUSA Men’s Football sionally the teams resorted to the Championship on May 7. The soar- long ball. Bath got back into the ing heat and humid conditions game in the 75th minute when Matt played an integral part at Loftus Cooper slotted home from close Road, QPR as Bath once again lost range. Hartpury pushed forward for out in the final to Hartpury by a sin- the winner and were rewarded in the gle goal, this year 2-1. 85th minute when Man of the Match It was Hartpury who made the Marc Richards drove a low shot past early running with some quick shots Cooper after some good work from and precise passes. Seconds before Will Morford. the half time whistle Hartpury UWE Hartpury have enjoyed struck, Bath keeper Simon Cooper another successful season and have couldn’t hold a Mike Symons shot completed a historic double. and it was left to Steve Davies to Both the UWE Hartpury rugby tuck home the rebound. and football men’s teams have won In the second half Hartpury the respective titles for two consecu- looked to kill the tie off but the heat tive years.
Continued from back page Loughborough swimmers Loughborough maul. Grant of the game for Loughborough as Pointer’s missed conversion left they seemed to run out of steam the score at 5 - 3 to Loughborough. and, in contrast, Hartpury went While Loughborough’s first try from strength to strength. have month to remember was the result of some sturdy for- The tide began to turn with a ward play, Hartpury’s was a free superb try from Hartpury. THOSE RESPONSIBLE for third-place finish in the 100m by Ore Oduba flowing move from their backs. Stevenson jinked past a couple of denying Loughborough the Breaststroke final in Sheffield - Paul Havea beat his man before Loughborough tackles and found chance to accommodate Great an event he claimed silver in at dened and produced an aston- offloading to Andries Pretorius Andries Pretorius who was tackled Britain’s Olympic hopefuls for the 2006 Commonwealth Games ishing swim. Tancock set a new who found the on rushing Peter just short of the line but managed the London Games in 2012 may in Melbourne. With 37 year-old World record in the 50m Swatkins with a perfect flat pass to feed flanker Andrew Rose from well have had an eye on a select Mark Foster on the road to Backstroke, smashing the pre- for the winger to score the try. The the ground for the try. Stevenson’s bunch of swimmers from the Beijing, it’s not a question of vious best by almost half a sec- missed conversion made the score missed conversion meant that the Midlands club plying their age. ond with a time of 24.47 sec- 8 - 3 to Hartpury. game was still finely poised at 16 - trade over the last few weeks. Former BBC East Midlands onds. Tim Stevenson atoned for his 15. Loughborough’s swimmers Sportswoman of the Year, 22 The School of Sport and conversion miss with a penalty to The decisive try came fifteen put on a stellar show in April, year-old Caitlin McClatchey, Exercise Sciences student from extend the Hartpury lead to 11 - 5 minutes from the end after Peter competing at the specially laid down a statement of intent Exeter had earlier swapped just before half-time but there was Swatkins had again utilised his erected pool of the MEN Arena, in the build-up for Beijing with Commonwealth records with still time for Loughborough to pace to get within inches of the Manchester, and the Sport a new British Record in the club team-mate James Goddard snatch the lead back once more in Loughborough line. Replacement England-funded base of Ponds 100m Freestyle. Double in the 200m Individual Medley, this see-saw first half. Matt Gilbert was on hand to pick Forge, Sheffield. Commonwealth gold medallist eventually taking a silver Loughborough captain Steve up the ball and drive over the line The representing athletes McClatchey stated, “Today was medal in the final, but no one Collins flicked the ball to centre and this time Stevenson made no sealed GB Olympic qualifica- just about making sure I quali- could deny the West-country- Giles Pryor who was tackled just mistake with the conversion to put tion in the British fied, I knew it was going to be a man his elevated status at the short of the line before second row daylight between the two sides at Championships at the latter tough race as everyone is swim- World Championships just days Jon Ashton scooped up the ball and 23 - 15. location at the beginning of the ming so well.” later. Twelve of GB’s 24 medals drove over. Grant Pointer’s conver- With the final in such a month and then competed on In the men’s events, 2006 were won by Loughborough sion ensured Loughborough went grandiose surrounding the stan- the international stage at the Commonwealth Silver winner swimmers and four of those into the break 12 - 11 up. dard of this final could easily have World Championships in Euan Dale set a lifetime best were hoarded by Tancock. Loughborough started the sec- not lived up to the location but the Manchester less than a week and club record in the 400m “When I came here I would ond half in the same manner as two sides gave a great account of later. Individual Medley, while have been happy with one they finished the first and this BUSA university rugby. With sev- Less than 100 days remain Olympic bronze and medal. To get four is unbeliev- pressure produced an early penal- eral youth internationals and pro- until the opening ceremony, Commonwealth gold medallist able and I’ve had a great time” ty. Pointer was successful with his fessional academy players on dis- and Loughborough’s swimmers and European record-holder said Tancock, whose World kick once again, extending his play some of the players in this more than excelled themselves David Davies, set a new Welsh Record is the first in the pool by side’s lead to 15 - 11. final may not have played their in their efforts to be flying the record set in the 400m a Briton since 2002. Those would be the final points last match at Twickenham. GB flag at the Beijing Freestyle heats before he with- McClatchey also matched the Olympics. It says something of drew to concentrate on his feat of four medals at the Short the standard of performance Olympic event, the 1500m Course in Manchester. that 28 year-old former Freestyle. Loughborough’s memorable More sport news and features at: Loughborough student and Yet all the plaudits must be April has helped to ensure that Queen-honoured athlete James reserved for Liam Tancock (pic- 11 of the 37 swimmers repre- Gibson MBE will not add to his tured). Having attained a senting GB in August will be national-student.co.uk/sport Olympic appearances this year much-coveted place on the from Loughborough, five of after failing to qualify with a team, Tancock arrived unbur- those current students. Stirling launches first football scholarships FOR THE first time in the UK, a univer- accident. sity is to join a professional club in offer- Stephen Morrow, Head of the ing football scholarships. A unique ini- Department of Sports Studies, said: tiative between the University of Stirling “This is an exciting and ambitious initia- and Falkirk FC will allow talented young tive for Scottish football. These scholar- footballers to combine their sport with a ships are designed to help students with university degree. exceptional football ability to become Scholarship players will benefit from better players, acquire coaching skills, up to £2,500 a year throughout their and study for a university degree.” degree, which will cover the cost of “The University of Stirling is widely essential requirements including accom- regarded as a national centre of sporting modation and equipment. The first four excellence, and has a long and distin- scholars will take up their place in guished record of supporting talented September 2008, and to give added sup- sportsmen and women. We start by port and raise the standard of play, the recruiting winners and then encourage university is investing in professional them to fulfil their potential.” coaching staff, and is applying to join the Falkirk FC operates an Academy pro- East of Scotland League. gramme with over 200 players training The scholarships will be called the at the University of Stirling. The club Craig Gowans Football Scholarships in has produced 15 youth internationals in memory of a talented young Falkirk the last three seasons, while a third of its player who died in 2005 as a result of an first team squad are Academy graduates. The National Student, May 2008
Loughborough SPORT REPORTERS swimmers have WANTED month to remember email: SPORT [email protected] - Page 19 English Universities win British University Games AFTER FOUR days of intense com- petition across five sports between April 7-10 it was English Universities who returned home from Edinburgh with the Home Nations Festival Trustees Trophy. English Universities retained their 2006 title with some outstanding performances across a variety of sports. With maximum points obtained from football, badminton and basketball, English Universities finished on an impres- sive 26 points with Scottish Universities finishing second with a 20 point haul. English Universities took gold in the men’s and women’s football competition which helped them on their way to the overall British University Games title. English Universities were made to work for the points in the men’s champi- onship as, with only three minutes of the last game remaining, it looked like Scottish Universities would be taking the gold. It was Exodus Geohaghan (Wolverhampton) who popped up in the 87th minute with the vital goal to ensure England won the gold by a solitary point after a 1-0 victory over Scotland. In the women’s com- petition the key result took place on the first day as English Universities, coming from 2-1 The English Universities football team in action against Scottish Universities behind at half time, secured a 4-3 victory over Scottish Universities. Universities and Welsh a miserable week in the basketball pared with Northern Ireland their only gold from the Games. This result, along with a win and a Universities respectively. This tournament finishing the Games Universities’ solitary draw, it was The pivotal game came on day draw against Welsh Universities three win sequence meant English with no points and a -169 goal dif- the latter that ultimately lifted the three as English Universities and and Northern Ireland Universities Universities retained their 2006 ference. trophy. In the women’s tourna- Welsh Universities shared the respectively, ensured England took title, and with England ‘Select’ tak- The hockey championships high- ment it was Scottish Universities points in a thrilling 45-45 draw. the title with 2006 winners ing the silver spot it was success all lighted the strength of university who dominated with three victo- With Northern Ireland Universities Scotland settling for silver. round for the squad. hockey across Great Britain with ries, 16 goals and three clean winning all their games, defeating The Badminton competition also A similar story was evident in Northern Ireland Universities win- sheets. The other three nations English Universities by only two gave English Universities maxi- the men’s & women’s basketball ning the men’s title and Scottish couldn’t get close to Scotland’s pace, points 44-42, it ensured they mum points as English competition as English Universities Universities winning the women’s power and precision with English retained their 2006 title. Universities and England ‘select’ remained undefeated to bring both title. Northern Ireland Universities finishing scond, Welsh English Universities took the sil- (replacing the absent Northern titles back across the border. Universities successfully defended Universities third and Northern ver medal by a solitary point from Ireland Universities) dominated Scottish Universities battled hard their 2006 title with an unbeaten Ireland Universities fourth. Welsh Universities after they proceedings. English Universities in both the competitions but ulti- three game run. Welsh The netball competition was defeated Scottish Universities by a dropped only two games all week, mately to no avail as they finished Universities also remained unde- arguably the closest of all the greater margin than Welsh winning 9-1, 9-1 and 10-0 over in runner-up spot in both leagues. feated across the three games but sports as Northern Ireland Universities had, warranting a England ‘Select’, Scottish Welsh Universities women suffered having drawn two matches com- Universities returned home with bonus point. Hartpury retain BUSA Championship ers who created a rowdy atmosphere by George Kotschy UWE Hartpury 23 prior to kick-off and the players seemed inspired as the match started Hartpury’s fly half and Captain, per- Loughborough 15 at breakneck pace. formed well throughout with a fine ON APRIL 23 UWE Hartpury and It seemed as though Hartpury had display of passing which maintained Loughborough’s rugby players ful- really given their vociferous fans his side’s attacking rhythm and some filled the dream of every rugby play- something to shout about after just vital points with the boot. er by playing at Twickenham, the five minutes as winger Daniel Norton Stevenson’s penalty seemed to home of English rugby. The two beat his man at the line but he could kick Loughborough into life and teams were meeting in the BUSA not ground the ball and they finally achieved a spell of con- Rugby Union Championship finals Loughborough narrowly escaped. certed pressure in the Hartpury with Hartpury looking to retain their Hartpury did manage to open the half. This produced the first try as crown. scoring just five minutes later as Tim openside flanker Jamie Thompson Both sides had been followed into Stevenson kicked a penalty for the went over the line after a strong Matt Gilbert scores the decisive try for Hartpury London by a noisy group of support- west england university. Stevenson, continued on page 19 Image: Nick Kotschy