Issue1005.02.16 thegryphon.co.uk

News p.5 TheGryphon speaks to University SecretaryRoger Gairabout PREVENTand tuitionfees Features p.10 Hannah Macaulayexplores the possible growth of veganism in 2016

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S [Image: AndyWhitton] Sport TheGryphon explores theincreasing In TheMiddle catchupwith p.19 Allthe lastestnewsand resultsfrom •similaritiesbetween sciencefiction •MysteryJetsbefore theirrecentgig thereturnofBUCSfixtures and reality p.17 at HeadrowHouse ITMp.4

[Image: Jack Roberts] Property Developers Leave Students In TheLurch accommodation until December 2015, parents were refusing to paythe fees for Jessica Murray and were informed that the halls would the first term of residence, or were only News Editor have abuilding certificate at this point. paying apercentage of the full rent owed. Property development companyPinna- According to the parent, whowishes to Agroup of Leeds University students cle Alliance have faced critcism for fail- remain anonymous, the ground floor of have also contacted TheGryphon after ing to complete building work on time, the accommodation wasstill completely they were forced in to finding new accom- leaving manystudents without accommo- unfinished and open to the elements, with modation in September due to their flat on dation or living in half finished develop- security guards patrolling the develop- 75 Hyde Park Road still being under de- ments. ment at all times to prevent break ins. velopment by Pinnacle. Pinnacle began development of Asquith Theparent also stated that the building Thethree students, whodonot wish to House and Austin Hall, twopurpose built had afire safety certificate for habitation be named, signed for the three-bedroom private halls of residence situated next to on the floors above the ground floor,but flat in March 2015, and they state that at Leodis, in January 2015, and students who afull building certificate had not been the end of July they were informed that the signed contracts were to move in Septem- signed off. property had been sold to Pinnacle, and ber 2015. Speaking to TheGryphon the parent some minor refurbishments including new However,according to the parent of a said, “If USL and Pinnacle had been up furniture and painting wastobecarried student tenant, aweek before the start of front with parents in September 2015 or out by the developers. term students were informed by Urban earlier,then alternative accommodation Theflat wasnot readyintime for the Student Life (USL), the letting agents for could have been found; we would have tenants’ planned move in date on 1st Sep- the property whowere not responsible for had achoice. tember,and one tenant wasforced in to the building work, that the accommoda- “But ever since September 2015, we sleeping on afriend’ssofa until Pinnacle tion wouldn’tbereadyfor afew weeks have been let down by the developers, organised hotel accommodation for the and they would be provided with hotel time and time again, and it has become girls. accommodation in the meantime. an experience that is hugely regrettable.” Students were unable to move in to their He went on to state that anumber of Continuedonpage3>>>>> 2 News It’s TimeToTalk

I’mwriting to youall on 4thFebruary help.But youdo. Ijustwant youtoremember–you Contents –TimetoTalkday.Onthisday,weare Mental health is aspectrum though, deservetobehappy.You deserve 3-7 News encouraged to talk aboutour mental andit’snot eitherall fineorall terrible. to treatyourselfwell. And, as a health, to have aconversation.Mental We canhavebad days,weeks,months, shamelessworkplug, theUnion 8-11 Features health shouldn’tbeataboo, butthe andgooddays, weeks, andmonths! areputting on theirfirstwellbeing sadtruthisthatitstill is.Westill have So what canwedotomakesurewe festival called ‘MindYourself’ on 12 Society aproblem as asociety though –not havemoreofthe good?Justoverayear February16th. There’llbecooking only talkingabout it,but dealingwith ago, Iwas having abit of ashittime. classes,workshops,freehaircutsand 13-15 Views it.For some people,talking about it is Notthe worst, butyou know,itwasn’t massages.Whether youwant to come away of dealingwithit. Butwhatelse allsunshineand rainbows.SoIstarted checkitout or not,justrememberto 16-17 Science canwedobut talk? to thinkabout howItreatedmyself. do thethings that make youhappy. Acrucialthing to remember is that IrealisedIneededtodomore things 19-24 Sport youdeserve help.You areentitled formyself. To be honest,Ialways to help.Wecan be down foralong thoughtof“wellbeing” as some kind Credits time,hopingwe’ll just snap out of it, of patronising, unhelpfulclap-trap. FreyaGovus Editor-In-Chief ~Benjamin Cook or thinking that ourproblem isn’tbig ButIgavethings ago. Honestly,I’m enough.But reallyifyou’refeeling not abeaconofhealth-Istill don’t LUUWelfare Officer Associate Editor ~Greg Whitaker bad–that’s abig enough reason to exercise,Istill eattoo much pizza, I gethelp. Remember,there’s loadsof still smoketen aday,but I’mbetter. News ~Elli Pugh,JessMurray, ShamimaNoor, SamRobinson help out therefor students –whether Ilistentomyselfmore –ifIwantto you’re experiencingill mental health be on my own, I’ll cancel plans. If I Society -Avigail Kohn directly,orsupportingafriend. We gethomefrom work at half sevenafter Features ~Stephanie have theStudent AdviceCentreinthe arubbishday,I’llmakesureIcook Uwalaka,Molly Walker-Sharp Union, student-ledsupport groups,the myself somethingnicefor dinner.If Views -RachelKing, Freya Counselling service, thementalhealth Ineedsometimetothink, Idrawin Parr advisors,there’sthe LeedsStudent my notebookand putarecordon. If Science ~Sam McMaster, Medical Practice (withanew team Ifeelstressedorsad,I’llget my guitar DougiePhillips of mentalhealthworkers), andIAPT out andplayasong(even though I’m Sport ~AlexBowmer, James (Improving Access to Psychological pretty badatit).Thismight sound Candler, NancyGillen,Fiona Tomas Therapies).Accessing supportcan be corny, or like some worn out words hard,and if you’re in abad placeit from alifeadvicecolumn, andI’m Photography ~JackRoberts Roberts canbehardtothinkthatyou deserve sorryifitseems like this.

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*Terms and conditions apply Endsleigh InsuranceServices Limited is authorised and regulatedbythe Financial Conduct Authority.This can be checked on the Financial Services Registerbyvisiting their websiteat www.fca.org.uk/register Endsleigh InsuranceServices Limited. CompanyNo. 856706registeredinEngland at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, GloucestershireGL51 4UE. News 3 Rape Advocate’sMeet-up in Students Leeds Cancelled Affected Elli Pugh News Editor By Building Plans for an international meet up dayorganised by “pick-up” artist Roosh Vhavebeen cancelled oversafety fears. The‘neomasculine’ group Return of Kings had planned Work Delays to gather in eight major UK cities on 6th February to mark their first ‘International Meet Up Day’, with meet ups >>>>>Continued from page 1 organised in 42 countries. However,Roosh Vhas since called off the events, citing “the safety of privacy”ofthe men due to attend and that “While Ican’tstop men who On 10th September,the revised moving in date, want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be the girls were informed that their three-bedroom no official Return Of Kings meetups.” flat wasbeing converted in to afour-bedroom Organiser Roosh V, whofounded the Return of Kings property,with the open plan living area being cut website in October last year,has been widely criticised in half. for his sexist and homophobic views in the last decade. As aconcession, Pinnacle offered to temporarily He had alreadymovedanumber of the meet ups to se- furnish the fourth bedroom as aliving room and cret locations, stating “This meet-up wasnever intended [image:www.rooshv.com] only charge rent for three tenants, but the prop- as aconfrontation with unattractive women and their en- women should be legal if carried out on private property, erty still wouldn’tbereadyuntil late September, ablers, I’m moving to save as manyofthese meetups as I saying “less women will be raped because they won’tvol- leading the girls to decide to find accommodation can before Saturdaysothat men can still meet in private untarily drug themselves with booze and followastrange elsewhere. awayfrom aloud, obnoxious, dishonest, and potentially man into abedroom, and less men will be unfairly jailed Speaking to TheGryphon,one of the tenants said violent mob.” for what wasanything but amaniacal alley rape”. of their experience “Wehavefelt quite alone in Protests had been organised at several of the organised Emma Healey,Women’sLiberation Coordinator for all this, being students with no prior experience of meet up points, and over 40,000 people signed apeti- LUU, and aPolitics student at the University of Leeds, this kind. tion, created by Katie Pruszynski, to lobbythe police and wrote an article about the meet ups for TheTab and has “Weturned to Unipol, LUU Student Advice Cen- Home Office to ban the events. had her details have been published in what has been tre ad LCC Housing Options team, none of which As apro-rape self-styled ‘pickupartist’, Roosh V, full described as ‘Operation Bullhorn’, Roosh V’sfirst ‘coun- we feel have pursued the issues to afinal conclu- name Daryush Valizadeh, published his first book, ‘Bang’ ter-operation against the enemy’. sion. in 2007, describing it as a‘textbook for picking up girls Speaking to the TheGryphon,MsHealey stated “I think “However,weare grateful for the help we have and getting laid’. He has since been slammed for his con- the whole thing is pathetic. receivedand hope our story might help other stu- tinued misogynistic and homophobic comments, includ- “They have awful views and Ididn’tevencriticise them, dents facing similar problems.” ing comments that awoman’svalue should be judged Ijust stated facts and they have gone and leaked all my Aspokesperson from Pinnacle Student Develop- based on her ‘fertility’ and ‘beauty’, and that “male ho- details; it’sscary that they can find out that much, but it ments (Leeds) Ltd said: “Asdevelopers, we would mosexuals have become apublic health threat”. just makes me more determined to showhow pathetic like to apologise for the disruption caused by the More recently,ina2015 blog post, he wrote that rape of they are.” delays to the construction of Asquith House and Austin Hall. We fully understand the frustration and inconvenience caused by these unforeseea- ble and unavoidable setbacks in the construction phase. Is Your Deposit Protected? “From the start, working with our partners, Urban Student Life, we have done everything possible to Olivia Adu lord to paycompensation of up to three times your orig- manage all issues as quickly and as smoothly as inal deposit. However,itis up to tenants, not the police, possible, while supporting students. New research from the Centre of Economics on behalf of to prosecute their landlords, as there are currently no gov- “Weoffered arange of alternative high quality ac- money.co.uk has shown that 1in7landlords do not pro- ernment measures in place to police the issue. commodation to those affected including 3and 4 tect their tenant’sdeposits through athird party,despite Hannah Maundrell, Editor-in-Chief at money.co.uk said: star city centre hotels, apartments and refurbished government intervention to make it alegal requirement. “Renters must take control and ask landlords whichpro- student accommodation with allowances for It is estimated that £514 million worth of deposits are tection scheme their money will be stashed in before sign- meals, laundry and transport. We also accommo- not protected, earning landlords almost £8.5 million of ing on the dotted line. dated individual requests wherever possible and interest per year -enough to payoff over500 student’s “Existing tenants must ask for proof their money is pro- have spent significant amounts of money to help debt. tected if their landlord hasn’tgiven them the correct writ- rectify this difficult situation. Landlord’suse the term ‘reservation fee/ deposit’ when ten documentation. “Where requested we voided contracts and re- asking for deposit money from tenants, allowing them to “It’snot right that tenants are left responsible for taking funded associated rents paid in advance while keep the money unprotected until the tenancystarts. their landlord to court if their deposit hasn’tbeen protect- throughout this period aUSL team has been avail- Normally deposits must be protected 30 days after it is ed. able to handle anyissues. receivedbythe landlord; by using this loophole landlords “The government needs to step in and take decisive ac- “Students have nowmovedinto Asquith House, only have to protect the money until 30 days after the start tion. Introducing acompulsory register listing every land- but limited areas of the development are still un- of the tenancy. lord that rents out property in England and Wales would der construction and so we have taken measures This can equate to up to 7months of interest if tenants be astart. to ensure that the construction team remains sep- sign acontract in January. “This works for Scotland and Northern Ireland and it arate from the students and access to and around Unprotected deposits mean that, if acompanywere to seems crazy this hasn’tbeen brought in across the UK. the building is fully secure. Further,the USL team go bankrupt, tenants would not get their money back. “Add in tenants’ ratings and reviews to this too and you is nowbased in the building liaising with students ShadowForeign Secretary and Leeds Central MP Hilary have both the beginnings of asolution that helps renters every day. Benn has recently been made aware of this loop hole and make an informed choice about whothey’re handing over “Wehaveatall times been committed to support- is currently petitioning the issue to parliament. buckets of cash to; and the foundation for policing land- ing students and addressing their concernsand we If youfeel your landlord has failed to protect your depos- lords that are currently going unchecked.” will continue to do so until the situation is fully it in agovernment-backed scheme, or has taken longer resolved.” than 30 days to do so, then the court can order your land- thegryphon.co.uk 4 News

Campus 1 Oxford University CecilRhodesStatuetoRemainDespite ‘RhodesMustFall’ Campaign

OrielCollege, Oxford University have decidedtokeepthe statue of theCecil Rhodes despitethe Oxford Unionvoting Watch in favour of itsremoval. OrielCollege have stated that they will take “substantivesteps”toaddress thechallenges highlightedbythe campaigns regarding therepresentationofethnicminoritiesatthe university.

CallyCollier

3 2 CambridgeUniversity 3 University of Tulsa 4 Oxford University

CambridgeIntroduce StudentFitness Levels More AnimalsTestedon Admissions Tests TrackedbyUniversity at Oxford than AnyOther

The decision tointroduce awritten Students at Oral RobertsUniversityin Oxford hastopped anotherleague admissions test at CambridgeUniversity Tulsaare beingrequiredtowearaFitbit table; this time forthe amount of hassparked outcry, withmanyfearing device that tracks theirsteps andheart animalstestedonintheir labs.Figures it will only furtheralienatestate school rate at alltimes,datawhich will be used show they tested on 226,739 animalsin pupilsand students from disadvantaged to determine20% of theirgrade in a 2014.These includedmice, monkeys, backgrounds. Theuniversityclaimsthe health andfitnessclass.The University guinea pigs andsheep.The data, 2 test is nownecessary to gaugepupil’s commentedthatitenables students to gathered by CrueltyFreeInternational, 1 4 skills level, since AS levels have been “beinAfricafor spring breakand the foundthat Edinburgh, University abolishedbythe government. system will stillberecording data”and CollegeLondon,King’sCollege London that will allow theuniversitytosee if andCambridge followed closebehind, JessicaMurray there is a“correlation betweenexercise each testingonover150,000 animalsin andacademicsuccess.” thesameyear.

JessicaMurray ZoeBancroft TheDigest

[Image: Moises Castillo] [Image: Mike Blake] [Image: Alamy] [Image: John Stillwell] US Scientists: Zika Cruz Trumps Trump in Gene editing approved UN rule Julian Assange Vaccine ‘A Decade Away’ Iowa Caucus forfirst time in UK “unlawfully detained”.

Avaccine for the Zika virus sweeping Donald Trump came second place in In aworld first, UK scientists have been AUNpanel has ruled that the Wikileaks across the Americas could be overten Iowa Republican caucuses, the first of granted approvalbythe Human Fertilisa- founder,Julian Assange, has been “un- years away, according to scientists in Tex- votes that will determine the presidential tion and Embryology Authority (HFEA) lawfully detained”. Mr Assange claimed as. This news is of great concern to the candidacyfor both parties. Trump’srival, to genetically modify human embryos to asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in World Health Organisation (WHO), who Texas Senator TedCruz, won28% of the provide adeeper understanding of the 2012 in order to avoid extradition to have predicted over3to4million new vote, replacing Trump as the presidential earliest stages of human life. Research- Sweden overalleged sexual assault. In cases of the virus in the next 12 months frontrunner.The caucuses determine ers will look to alter genes to investigate 2014, Assange launched acomplaint to alone. whichcandidates will stand for the two what roles they have,how they may the UN. He said that he could not leave Passed on by the Aedes Mosquito, the main parties in the November election. guide our early development and what the embassy without being arrested. As- pathogen has shown aclear connection Hilary Clinton wonthe majority of votes goes wrong in cases of infertility and mis- sange had stated that he would accept with Microcephaly,adisease whichre- in the Democrat vote, with 22 delegates carriage. Thedecision has attracted fierce arrest if the UN panel ruled against him. sults in the underdevelopment of babies’ in total, beating her rivalBernie Sand- debate and controversy as manyfeel that He also said that if the UN panel voted brains. ers in a‘virtual tie’. Thecloseness in the it is opening the door to the world of de- in his favour,the warrant for his arrest In 2014 the number of babies affected voting in Iowa is likely to be repeated signer,orgenetically modified, babies. should be dropped. London Metropoli- by Microcephaly in Brazil wasapproxi- across the country,with support for the TheHFEA have stressed, however,that tan Police have said that Assange will mately 150, but since October this fig- leading candidates being too close cur- ‘ethical implications have been carefully still be held if he does leave the embassy. ure has risen to almost 4,000. With the rently to distinguish between. considered’. Rio Olympics only fivemonths away, the WHO is also worried about apossible global pandemic. Shamima Noor JonnyChard Mike Johansson Zoe Bancroft thegryphon.co.uk News 5 TheBig Picture: TheUK’sFuture with the EU

Sam Robinson

David Cameron entered negotiations with demands in four key areas that he claimed would protect Britain’s interests in the EU. ThePrime Minister has said that if he felt the EU had done enough to meet his demands he would support acampaign to stayinthe EU.

What Were Cameron’sDemands?

Immigration: Cameron hoped for afour-year ban on access to in-work benefits or social housing for those coming to the UK from the EU, to deter further immigra- tion. He further pushed for aban on people being able to claim child benefits for families living in other EU states, and wanted more action against sham marriages. Sovereignty: Eurosceptics have long worried about the autonomyofthe UK in the context of the EU. Cameron aimed to allaythis fear by requesting the UK be allowed to opt out from “ever closer union” –inother words, to ensure the UK is not dragged into further political inte- gration. Other demands included greater powers for na- tional parliaments to blockEUlegislation, astrengthen- ing of the “principle of subsidiarity” –that EU decisions should only be taken at EU level where strictly neces- sary –and recognition that national security remains a matter for member states. Economic Governance: Negotiations here centred on the place of countries outside of the eurozone (coun- tries that do not use the Euro) within the EU. Cameron pressed for assurance that the UK will not have to con- tribute to eurozone bailouts; safeguards that prevent further financial union being imposed on non-eurozone countries without their consent; and an explicit recogni- tion that the EU is aunion with more than one currency. Competitiveness: Cameron wanted the EU to take steps to cut red tape, reducing the “burden” of exces- sive regulation and making astronger commitment to bailouts. What Cameron didn’tget in terms of economic self-delusion is breathtaking”. the free flowofgoods, services and capital; in short, governance wasanexplicit recognition of multiple cur- Several prominent Tory MPs also attacked the deal in further consolidation of the single market. rencies. the Commons. Leading eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg Finally,Tusk sets out along-term commitment to bet- claimed the deal amounted to a“thin gruel” whichleft What Has Tusk Offered? ter regulation, reducing administration and enhancing the PM twoweeks to “salvage his reputation as ane- competitiveness, more or less along the lines Cameron gotiator”, as former defence secretary Liam Foxsaid Regarding immigration, Tusk’sproposals water down asked for. the proposals had been “watered down in every area”. Cameron’sdemands substantially.The UK will be able Boris Johnson, seen as apotential leader of the Leave to request an “emergencybrake” on in-work benefits Reaction to the deal campaign, claimed the PM was“making the best of a for migrants for up to four years –however this would bad job”. be subject to approvalfrom other EU states on the basis Cameron said, “If Icould get these terms of British Most worryingly for Cameron, asnap poll by Sky on an “exceptional situation”, where immigration is ad- membership, Isure would opt in”, arguing that all four News found that 69% of the public see the deal as versely affecting social service provision. Limitation of pillars of his negotiation strategy had been addressed. “bad for Britain”; only 31% said it wasagood deal. benefits would also be “graduated” to “take account of In effect, the PM has all but givenhis backing to acam- This, combined with the hostility of the press, indicates the growing connection of the worker with the labour paign to stayinthe EU. an uphill battle for Cameron overthe next few months market of the host member state”, rather than complete- However the deal has been lambasted by the press and if he is to campaign to stay. ly banned for four years. It wasnot made clear howlong Tory eurosceptics. Muchofthis has focused on the pro- Cameron can take heart from the endorsement of The- the UK could implement the emergencybrake. posals regarding benefits and immigration. Indeed, the resa May, whodescribed the proposals as a“basis for On child benefit, the UK will not be able to ban child proposals fall well short of what Cameron went for; EU adeal”. Maywas considered most senior minister who benefit being sent overseas, although the amount will migrants will not face atotal ban on benefits for four might potentially oppose the plan. Amidst speculation be limited to levels appropriate to the country where years and the UK will not have unilateral control on the that several of Cameron’scabinet could campaign to the child resides. “emergencybrake”, and it is undecided howlong the leave the EU, this is awelcome boost to his author- On sovereignty,Tusk recognises “the United King- UK could apply it for.That being said, other areas of the ity.Labour have also indicated they want to remain dom... is not committed to further political integration agreement have also been subject to intense criticism. in the EU, as Chuka Umunna suggested the deal was into the European Union”. Although “ever closer union” Almost as soon as the draft proposal waspublished, one “the left can support”. TheFinancial Times also got still lurks in Tusk’sphraseology,ithas been decoupled Vote Leave tweeted: “In his manifesto, PM said he’din- behind the deal, saying it was“reasonable” and made from political integration. Additionally,a“red card” sist on afour year ban. Nowit’sconditional and won’t “tangible progress”. mechanism has been proposed wherebyagroup of na- last four years. He’sfailed to deliverthis key promise”. Despite this, things appear to be very muchagainst tional parliaments making up more than 55% of votes Meanwhile the press have slammed the deal, with the Cameron, and it looks as though the PM lots more on the council could blockEUlegislation. Theprinciple Guardian saying that of the pledges made on the issue work to do to persuade other EU nations, his party and of subsidiarity also gets an affirmation. by Cameron since 2009, “only ahandful” have been the public that this deal is worth endorsing. Cameron’s Changes in the eurozone (suchastighter financial in- achieved. TheSun and TheExpress went further,de- first hurdle is the EU summit on February 18th, where tegration) will be voluntary for non-eurozone countries, scribing the deal as “a dismal failure” and “a joke” re- he hopes other EU members will ratify the agreement. while the UK will not be liable to support eurozone spectively.The Mail concludes Cameron’s“capacity for

thegryphon.co.uk 6 News “When youtreat people like suspects they’ll become suspects.” TheGryphon speaks to University Secretary,Roger Gair,totalk Prevent, freedom of speech, and what Leeds can be doing to widen particpation.

Benjamin Cook Could youtell us what the University’sofficial stance on the Prevent Strategy is?

Ithink the first thing Iwant to sayisthat actually the Prevent duties have applied to universities for about a decade now. What’sdifferent, and has been different since September of last year,isthat the Prevent duty has statutory force for the first time. This means that the whole area of Prevent has gone from being discretion- ary,tosomething we are obliged to do. Themost important point Iwant to make is that our whole approachisfounded upon three judgments.These three judgments are, first of all, that in the UK people are more prone to being drawninto terrorism if they are alienated or marginalised from society and their local communities. Thesecond judgement is that the greatest protection against students being drawninto terrorism is to ensure that as acommunity we celebrate diversity and difference, and that through our curriculum and our culture, we inculcate and celebrate the values of global citizenship and tolerance. Thethird judgement that we [Image: Tammi Nowell] have made is that as ainstitution of learning, the most effective wayofcountering views whichmight drawn What we’re determined to do here is to guard against Universities seem to be being expected to shut down individuals towards terrorism is actually through open that risk by trying to look to foster promote develop the certain kinds of speakers and events, whilst being crit- debate, dialogue and discussion. right kind of university culture. Ithink that’samore pro- cised for nowallowing enough freedom of speech. What they mean in practise is that while we will be ductive waytotry and prevent students being drawninto What do youmake of the media’srecent accusations of rigorous in doing what the lawrequires, we are not go- terrorism than anykind of surveillance. But yes, its arisk Leeds as an enemytofree speech? ing to be heavy handed, we want to avoid alienation and as I’ve said we need to avoid being heavy handed. in particular groups of students. We want to avoid any Let me just saythat we will not be treating students Spiked did this so-called index of free speech, how- sense of disenfranchising anyindividuals. with mental health issues anydifferent todaythan we ever,Ican find no serious basis of fact underlying that We will remain as committed as ever to freedom of would ayear ago. We have built up what is becoming report. Okay, so the student union has made aperfectly expression and to promoting free debate. We have a quite asophisticated support service to help students legitimate decision not to sell particular things in the freedom of expression protocol whichsaysthat we even with all kinds of vulnerabilities and it would be ill-ad- union shop, however,that’shardly banning free speech. encourage protest. vised for us to do anything to undermine this. Similarly,the University itself has been criticised for We won’t, as Ihavealreadyindicated, be targeting par- making it clear that we do not accept antisemisim. The ticular groups of students. If we were to that would be Yousaid that youthink that the right to protest and lawmakes it clear that we shouldn’tpermit racist propa- counterproductive.Weare not spying on students, and the right to freedom of expression should be protected. ganda and if i’m being criticised for being amember of we are being open and consultative,wehavebeen talk- However,just afew weeks ago we had the media re- that club then Itake some pride in it just as Iwould do ing to staff groups, we have been talking to representa- porting on howthe University of Leeds was‘not com- for not tolerating islamaphobia. tivesofthe Union, and having this interview is part of plying to PREVENT’. Howdoyou make sure that you’re that commitment to debate. not pressured into cracking down more than youwould Last week the Prime Minister said universities are fail- like too? ing BME people, do youfeel that he is right to laythe You’re trying to get rid of the urban legend that you’ll blame at the door of universities? be spying on students. An issue in particular that re- What Iwould sayisthat first of all we have to have ally worries students is that you’re obligated to monitor the courage of our convictions and, as Ihavealready Idont think its appropriate to laythe blame at the door prayer rooms. Is this the case? indicated, we do have some deep rooted values in our of the universities. It is appropriate for universities al- University.Values that most university students and staff ways to be asking themselves ‘Can we do more?’ then No. Unequivocally.AsIhavesaid we will not be spy- would have no problems with, and we have and we yesitis. I’m not up to date with all the stats but let me ing on students and one of the urban myths relates to have got to be, as University officers, firm with our ad- give youone to indicate the university’sgenuine com- this notion of surveillance and actually the prevent duty herence to those values. We must have these values at mitment to widening participation -the usual measure to give it its due, and Idohaveproblems with some of the forefront of our mind at all times and be prepared to used in the sector is the participation rate of students it’slanguage, but to give its due it says specifically that resist untoward pressure from government and the tab- from lowsocio-economic groups and we at Leeds have prevent programmes must not involveany covert activ- loid newspapers. movedfrom just over18% participation rate in 2011/12 ity. We were mentioned in arecent Daily Mail article be- to just under 23% last year.That’squite asignificant rise cause aparticular speaker has spoken to the Islamic and it reflects the huge effort that we put into widening Another concern for students is the relationship be- Society here at Leeds, and elsewhere. We had done a participation. tween students and tutors. Do youthink it could un- proper risk assessment, we worked very closely with the Can we do more? Can we be better ?Ofcourse we dermine these relationships if students feel they need students union, but on this particular occasion, we made can. Theres alwaysroom for improvement but the im- to be more watchful of what they say, especially as Pre- arisk assessment and concluded there wasnoreason for portant thing is that we are both committed to widening vent labels relevant mental health issues as cause for us to prevent that particular speaker for speaking, and participation and challenging ourselves all the time. concerns. Could that stigmatise the mental health of actually we would have made the same decision if the students? event washeld yesterday. thegryphon.co.uk

8 Features

Golden Balls: ARecipe for Success TheGryphon speaks to the Golden Balls team –co-founders Francesca Taylor and Rebecca Peartree and their business director and housemate, Louise Barton, all final years at the University of Leeds –about the street food industry and balancing their business alongside their studies.

[Image: Francesca Taylor and Rebecca Peartree]

Molly Walker-Sharp Ihad recently had Arancini, so we were just howfar it’scome since then…it just sort of fell talking about it and we ended up trialling it. into our laps.

Living in France on their year abroad, Ces- C: It wasfor adinner party and we invited all ca and Becky would never have thought that our friends round and all of them liked it –it’s What’sbeen the most exciting part so far? their dinner party food would become their so moreish and comforting and vegetarian. life. But ayear on and their street food busi- B: And then we made it again –itwas just so C: Thelaunchparty in mid October.

ness, Golden Balls, has made quite the name noveland something youdon’treally get that B: Yeah because that’sthe moment when we for itself –winning an enterprise scholarship muchinthe UK, aside from maybe as astarter knew this wasgoing to work. We’d had all with Leeds University’sSPARK initiative,se- inafancyrestaurant, but in Italy it’smore of a these ideas and then when we finished the curing gigs at the Belgravefeast and summer “ “ “ “ “ “ launc“ hparty we just looked at eachother and festivals. With street food becoming more and we were like, we could actually do this. more popular,wesat down with the young C: We served decent portions, no one was foodie entrepreneurs to talk about their jour- WeW reallyre want to showpeople that waiting, everyone washappywithit. These ney so far and what the future holds. youcan have deep fried, comforting were our friends and family so we were ask- vegetarian food –it’snot just heealthl hy ing for honest opinions, and they said they Howdid Golden Balls come about? couldn’tfault it. “ salads. B: And we’ddone so manytest kitchens. We Cesca: Me and Becky knoweachother from didn’tjust make it one day, we’dtried all dif- first year,welived in halls together,and then it street food. ferent flavours, different rice, different chees- so happened that we both had our year abroad C: So we started experimenting –the fillings es; everything to make sure it wasareally in Montpellier.Weare both quite strong veg- can change from season to season, as it’sba- good product and something that we could gies and we are both really into cooking, so sically just ashell and youcan put whatever be proud of. That wassoimportant to us. And we just started cooking loads together in our youwant in it. so at the launch, that wasthe moment that we house –wehad areally amazing kitchen – B: And we both knew we alwayswanted to realised that this could be areally good thing. Becky:Like acute little Frenchkitchen. work in the restaurant industry –wedidn’tre- C: Theenterprise launchwas really exciting C: It just made youwant to cook there. So we ally go to France with the intention of start- too. started getting really inventive. ing anything but really it just became away B: We got abig grant from uni. B: ‘Cause youwent on that trip to Italy and of spending our spare time. It’sweird thinking Louise: £3000 and then £1000 in training and thegryphon.co.uk Features 9 development. SPARK is amazing. field. stage is amillion pounds for the pitch, so the B: Yeah, I’dencourage anyone reading this C: And Katie and Kim [of Katie and Kim’s moneythattheymake is probably about ten whohas abusiness idea to go to Spark be- Kitchen] wonthe British Street Food award in times that. Further into the future, we’ve also cause they’ve helped so muchand we’ve 2013 and they’ve just opened an amazing res- been talking about little arancini bar franchis- made so manycontacts and met so manyin- taurant in Bristol -they started as just twobest es. dustry experts through them. friends with avision as well. We also name all B: We want to do pop-ups in the future too. C: Yeah Imet the guy that owns Taste Card –I our arancini as strong female characters, like And we also want to keep building the prod- wassat next to him at dinner.He’samultimil- ‘The Green Goddess’, ‘The God Mamma’, uct and testing the product and making dif- lionaire but he got the spark grant from Leeds and ‘The Angry Nanny’. ferent arancini and keep working on that be- uni too. L: That’sthe great thing about street food - cause that’swhy we started –because we love everyone helps eachother out, it’snot com- food! We want to reachmore people because What have been the most challenging petitive at all. we really want to showpeople that youcan aspects? have deep fried, comforting vegetarian food – it’snot just healthysalads. C: Probably money and keeping records – L: I’m ameat-eater and Idon’tevennotice the that’swhy Lou is helping us. lackofmeat. B: Yeah, the more challenging bit is definitely C: In the short term, we also want to make a all the nitty gritty legal stuff. It’sall very well vegan option and we’ve got gluten-free op- having an idea and the drive and the pas- tions available too. sion but there are so manylittlethings you B: We want it to be accessible to as many wouldn’teventhink about –pat testing elec- people as possible, because as vegetarians trical equipment and food hygiene checks. we’ve often been faced with menus that aren’t It’sbeen challenging but at the same time so accessible to us. rewarding, like todayweput so muchinto our food hygiene review and then we got a Anyadvice for other student or young entre- 5*. Sometimes when you’re scrubbing your preneurs? cooker youwonder if it’sevenworth it but the moment youhear agood review and see that B: It’scheesy but just go for it. There’snot customer satisfaction it just makes everything muchtolose and we’ve met so manypeo- so worth it. ple through SPARK. Take as muchhelp as you L: It’sall background stuff. can, it’shard enough as it is. B: Everyone alwaysthinks it’sjust mak- [Image: Francesca Taylor and Rebecca Peartree] L: See whocan help you. People get scared ing Arancini and frying it but they don’tsee about asking for help but others are always everything that’sgoneonbehind that. happytodoit–somake the most of places C: Also, in away what’smost challenging is Howdoyou find balancing it alongside your like uni, because Spark have been great. getting people to take youseriously and get- uni life? C: Don’tbeafraid to get others on board, ting gigs. don’tkeep your idea for youand keep it ase- B: Ask me after Iget my January exam results. cret because there’snopoint in that. Youneed That leads nicely on to my next question. C: It’skind of been fine, we try to balance other people, firstly to tell youthat the idea is Do youeverfeel as though youaren’tbe- things. We all live on the same floor in the good and worthwhile, but secondly because ing taken seriously in the industry,asyoung, house so we have ato-do list in our hall to they might be able to help you, whether fi- students and females as well? keep trackofwhat we need to do. We try to nancially or creatively or business-wise, like space our events out and do them when we Lou has with us. B: We’vehad suchawelcoming network. The have less on –soFebruary and March we are B: Listening to people is key.The launchwas people that are in the street food industry in trying to do as manyevents as possible, and suchabig learning curvefor us –originally Leeds, other people that are doing the same then in April and Maywewon’tdoasmany. we were going to do twoarancini balls but thing as us, have been so supportive –one L: With street food youcan really do as much people said they were happywithone as a guy offered to lend us his generator for an as youwant to do at that time. portion. Youdoneed to staytruetoyour vi- event, people have been answering anyques- B: And everything kicks off in June, July,and sion, but other people see things from adif- tions we’ve had, they’ve helped us get gigs. August –that’swhen alot of the events are. It ferent angle and perspective and that is so C: Women-wise, Becky works for Noisette is achallenge sometimes. helpful. Bakehouse and Iwas doing some work for C: But it keeps us more organised with our C: Feedbackfromthe launchand test kitchens Bánh mì, Booth and they’re both run by work in away because we have to be so strict has been so important. Believeinwhat peo- amazing street food women, whohaveonly with our time. ple tell you–that you’re good or that it needs wanted to help us, and the whole street food to change. community in Leeds is amazing. Where do yousee yourselves taking Golden B: There are so manystrongwomen whohave Balls in the future? If youwant to try the Golden Balls themselves, been really inspirational –Dim Sum Sue, and youcan catchthe girls at BelgraveonFebru- then Sarah [Lemanski of Noisette Bakehouse] C: So manyideas. We want to be doing festi- ary 13th. Youcan keep up-to-date with their wonthe Young British Foodies award and vals and we’re in talks with one for this year, future events here: https://www.facebook. Manjit [of Manjit’sKitchen] wonthe British whichwillbeareally good foot in the door as com/goldenballskitchen/. Street Food award in 2012 -that’sour inspi- that’soften where the big money is. Forexam- ration. Ithink it is becoming alevel playing ple, the bar next to the Glastonbury Pyramid thegryphon.co.uk 10 Features Veganism –Fad or Future? TheGryphon explores the possible growth of veganism in 2016, the use of it as afad diet as well as an environmental action.

Hannah Macaulay lead to weaker bones, as well as prostate cancer and where we are facing climate change more imminent- even ovarian cancer.The studyrecommends not hav- ly than ever before, ‘Veganuary’ maybeagood start Formany, New Year’ssymbolises the turning overofa ing more than one or twoservings of dairy per dayand in trying to care for the planet; by being aconscious new leaf, the promise of new resolutions, and the be- advocates getting calcium through other sources such consumer and being careful with what we buy.Eating lief in finally changing your life for the better.Itcan be as leafy greens, broccoli, certain beans, and plant- vegan can also be made extremely cheap and student everything, from getting in shape to being less stressed, based milk. friendly,with foods suchasrice, beans, and potatoes, and is often forgotten and neglected by the third week Manymore studies have been conducted in the field whichare currently some of the cheapest products on of January,with the excuse of not having time or simply of plant-based eating and health and they are attack- the market. It is not only good for health, environment, not feeling motivated enough. ing the agricultural sector.Last year,the WHO took the and from an ethical perspective,but also for private 2016 is shaping up to be the year of going vegan –or first shot by going after one of the most popular foods economy.

at least amonth of going vegan for some, by partici- on the planet: bacon. They announced that not only Could veganism become the future of something pating in ‘Veganuary’. It is away for people to start bacon but all processed meat is linked to cancer as more than just aNew Years resolution for the average the New Year out on ahealthynote, whilst also spar- muchastobacco. Modern science and organisations person? Could ‘Veganuary’ perhaps become ‘Veg-year’ ing the environment. Some claim to have found the are clearly becoming increasingly interested in investi- for some? Veganism has often been criticised for being

solution to the healthiest possible diet, by excluding gating howanimal products affect our bodies. damaging to mental health, by making people obses- all animal products and focusing on plant-based foods. It is not only good for our health to go vegan, but also sive with the fear of eating animal products by mistake Movements suchas‘rawveganism’ are examples of di- benefits the earth. First of all, the meat and dairy indus- and the purity of their products. Moreover, it has been ets that pursue optimising health through plant-based try uses athird of all fresh water on the planet. It has strongly accused of being restrictive and difficult, espe- eating. These diets are used as fads by some, but for been estimated that the water use of one hamburger“ cially when wanting to travel and try local, traditional others they form alifestyle change –anew wayofliv- cuisine in new countries. Vegans often get stereotyped ing and thinking. By looking into the reasons for going as very radical and angry as well, and are often blamed vegan and the philosophybehind it, it seems to make for being preachy and not respecting meat-eaters’ increasingly less sense whymore people are not con- the water use of one hamburger is choice to eat meat. While going vegan is of course vinced by its ethics; even if it is just for amonth. equivalent to twomonths of showers most favourable for the movement, aslight change in TheUNhas named 2016 ‘The International Year consumer habits, while still not labelling yourself one of Pulses’ in order to raise awareness of agriculture’s for the average person. or the other,may be enough to make abit of an altera- large carbon footprint on the planet. Furthermore, tion. It maynot be possible or necessary for everyone the movement underlines howplant-based protein is to go fully vegan, but ashift in mindset and awareness crucial to obtain ahealthydiet, whichdebunks the “ could contribute to alot of positive change. Thinking common misconception that animal-based protein is is equivalent to twomonths of showers for the aver- about swapping chicken for veggies once in awhile in essential to human beings. In addition to this, modern age person. Additionally,51% of global greenhouse your shopping basket or trying out vegan cakes in ca- nutritional science is also slowly beginning to attack gas emissions are aresult of livestockand their by- fés could influence the market tremendously if enough the dairy industry.AtHarvard University,arecent study products; stark contrast to the transport industry,which people did it once in awhile. Every little thought or reveals howdairy maynot be the best source of cal- contributes only 13%. Also, according to the film Cow- action is amove in the right direction. And maybe a cium for humans after all. It also shockingly reveals spiracy, animal agriculture is responsible for 91% of small move,made by many, is just exactly what the howanexcessive amount of dairy can paradoxically destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Surely,inatime world needs. thegryphon.co.uk

12 Society In TheSpotlight: Belly Dance Society This week, TheGryphon speak to Mel, the belly dance instructor for the society,who explains that despite people’smisconceptions about the dance form, belly dancing is more than just shaking hips LUU’sLeeds Belly Dance society provides members with the opportunity to become masters of the traditionally North African and Middle Eastern dance form. On the 26th of January,the society held aGiveItAGo session in the Treehouse, allowing curious students the chance to experience anew kind of sport.

Elsa Amri that part of the world, although other countries practice What is your role in the society? it as well, suchasGreece, Tunisia and Morocco. If you’ve previously assumed that youcouldn’tbea Sometimes people have the idea that belly dancing is belly dancer because youdidn’thavethe right body Iaman instructor.However,myfirst ever belly- sleazy or wrong. I’m very lucky to be in acountry and type or because youwere aguy,now youknowthat dancing class wasactually in this society.Icontinued go to auniversity that doesn’tsee it in that way. It’sjust that is far from the case. taking classes here and in the city centre and then really fun and people come here to make friends. I’ve started teaching here for free, as avolunteer.However, met some of my best friends through belly dancing. It overtime, it became quite successful and paid for itself; keeps youfitand builds up your core muscles. It’slike Whydid youbecome interested in belly dancing? so I’m still here afew years later! ballet in that the more youdoit, without realising, the more youbuild up strength and stamina. Iwas studying Philosophyand IamTurkish myself, so What are some elements that youthink people should Take that first step and attend aclass. Youmay be sur- when Isaw that aBelly Dance society existed, Ithought, keep in mind when practicing belly dancing? prised at what youlearn. Classes start next week, and “Wow,really?” Ithought Iwould just go to the GIAG there are four levels: beginner,returning beginners, im- that they had backthen and see what it wasall about. When they come to class or even when they perform, provers and advanced. Theinstructor wasanolder ladycalled Wendy, and she they don’thavetoshowtheir belly.This society does really inspired the beginners. Ialso found afriendly provide coin belts, and Idoinmyexternal classes as Further details can be found on the society’sLUU page group of girls to learn with, whichmade getting involved well. It’sopen to men and women, all shapes, sizes, ages and details on upcoming events, like the dance showin with the society easier.Itwas just by chance. Ididn’t and backgrounds. Belly dancing is just aWestern name March,can be followed on their Facebook page. look it up. Ididn’tevensee astall at the Refreshers’ Fair. for an Eastern dance: it’sanEnglish name for what is essentially aTurkish-Egyptian-Lebanese dance. It’sfrom BigBand End Exam Period With ABang

and vocals involved are carefully chosen to create a overLeeds and the North. They also go on aweeklong Natalie Cherry balanced and full sound: fivetrumpets, four trombones, tour to Bergerac in the south of France every year dur- Fortop-quality,atmospheric, live music, look no seven voices, one keys, one drums, one percussion and ing the Easter holidays, representing Leeds at arange of further than LUU Big Band. On Sundaythe 24th of abass all blending together to create an uplifting swing venues and concerts. January,Big Band held an end of exams party in Old and jazz vibe. President of LUU Big Band, James Gregg explained Bar that wassolively it chased awayall memories of Once the initial auditions, held every September that: exams. Thesociety had the place packed, attracting a during fresher’sweek, are over, the band gets to work “Tour is one of the highlights of the year for the band, massive crowd whowere all there to hear the authentic straight awaywith rehearsals. However,asMusical Di- as well as playing at Leeds Summer Ball and at the Ri- sound of aband that knew what they were doing. rector Ciaran Diston says, being part of Big Band isn’t leys. To be honest though, all of our gigs are like socials Theband, made up of twenty talented musicians, only about rehearsals: because we all enjoyplaying music together.It’sagreat prides itself on its diverse range of music and pitch-per- “We’re avery sociable society,and while we rehearse society to be apart of. We’reholding an informal jam fect performances. They playgigs across Leeds, belting once aweek we also like to have agood time. It’sim- session for our GIAGonthe 20th February in Terrace. out anything from Frank SinatratoMichael Jackson to portant that we all get to knowone another well too, as Anyone is welcome!” Adele, and all within one set. it makes the music better.” Formore information about Big Band and upcoming Becoming part of LUU Big Band is acompetitive pro- In addition to Sundaynight sets at Old Bar in the events, visit the society’sFacebook page. cess -this year alone one hundred and twenty students Union, the band have manygigs at private functions, tried out for the elusive twenty places. Theinstruments clubs (including HiFiand TheWardrobe) and bars all thegryphon.co.uk In TheMiddle

Issue10 05.02.16

Music•Clubs •Fashion •Arts•Lifestyle andCulture •Columns 2

Credits

Editor-in-Chief In TheMiddle Music Clubs Fashion Benjamin Cook Associate Editor Alex Fowler Chris Caden Emma McCormack Beth Galey Charlotte Bickley FloraTiley Faye Buckland editor@ inthemiddle@ Stasi Roe Molly Shanahan thegryphon.co.uk thegryphon.co.uk Catherine Dowie Rukaiyah Dadhiwala Sarah Hamond

Arts Lifestyle and Blogs Head of Creatives Cameron Tallant Culture Amelia Chloe Photography Megan Chown Hannah Tomes Emma Bowden Dunton Jack Roberts ZaraPeterson Mark McDougall Hannah Holmes Hannah Lewis Paul Turner Zoe Delahunty-Light Front Cover Jodie Collins 3

Contents

4 14-15

We speaktoThe MysteryJetsbefore Areyou aRocky Balboa fan? Regardless, theirgig at Headrow Houseabout their he’sbackinCreed, which we review upcoming albumand changing members. alongisdeaslightlymoreobscure Australian filmabout drug smuggling.

7 16

The #OscarsSoWhite conversationhas So far, January’sbeenhard-we’ve lost garneredmore attention this awards DavidBowie,Lemmy andGlenFrey, so season than any other year -wheredoes we take alookatwhether or not thedeath theproblem stem from,and howdowe of an artist makesachangetotheir public stop it? image.

8-9 21

Penguin Random HouseUKhas madea Alongwithour usualWeeklyChart,we suprisingmove by gettingrid of adegree speaktothe co-founder of theButterzand as arequirementtoworkfor them.Will Jamz labeltakinggrime back to itsroots. this effect thoseofuswho will getdegrees at all?

10-12 22-23

Ourfashion shootthisweekisinsupport In columnsthisweek, Amelia looksatthe of RAG’sFashion Show,and we speakto sheerembarrasmentofengaging withyour thestylistsofthe show to seewhatinspires parents on socialmedia. them mostand what they’reexcited to see. In The Middle with Mystery Jets

Before their gig at HeadrowHouse,BlaineHarrison and Kapil TrivediofMystery Jets sat down with Stasi Roeand Jessica Heath to chat buttons, vinyl and DNA

Having been confined to my bedroom for weeks, thing we tried to do in our previous album, whichwe physical CD or vinyl copy: “I think streaming and You- frantically cramming in last minute revision, I’dbegun recorded in Austin, Texas.”Blaine reflects. “It’savery Tube has facilitated that people can listen to the song to resemble abrain-dead and lifeless vampire. What difficult thing producing arecord, maintaining ob- that’stheir favourite. In that sense we weren’tpres- better wayisthere though to emerge from astate of jectivity is almost impossible because youwrote the sured with this record to do that.”Byencouraging peo- living death, than chatting to half of the Mystery Jets, songs themselves and its inevitable that you’re going to ple to buy aphysical copyofthe album, areal love is Blaine Harrison and Kapil Trivedi, after the release of be very close to them at all times.”The studio, whichis put backinto the making and producing of music; it’s their fifth studio album, Curveofthe Earth.Sat comfort- located just opposite Blaine’shouse in adisused but- as if yousay to the band, Irespect youand your music ably amongst the hustle and bustle of the stage crew ton factory in North London, allowed the band to store so Iwant to give something backtoyou. As Kapil ex- setting up at Leeds’ ownHeadrow “all the gear (they’d) collected over plains, “anyone who’sinaband they’re most excited House, our conversation began. “Wefelt an the years” and create aperfect little about the vinyl. That’sthe thing that attracts everyone.” hub to write and record music. Theprospect of afan respecting youenough to buy a It’sbeen four years since the Mys- element of physical copy, as opposed to easily listening through tery Jets released their fourth album, disappearing was It wasinthis very studio, amongst streaming sights, is sadly,something that has been lost Radlands.Blaine explains that the all the buttons (and Kapil notes that in the music culture today. Bands like the Mystery Jets reason for the longer gap between important forthis the buttons definitely inspired a by going on tours suchasthe one they have just com- the twoalbums wasbecause, “we “cyclical” feel to the album), that pleted, strengthen the relationship between band and felt an element of disappearing was one, to come back the masterpiece, Curveofthe Earth, fan, putting the soul backinto the music that is lost important for this one, to come with anew sound.” wasborn. As with previous albums through streaming: “people talk more and more about backwith anew sound.”The longer suchasSerotonin,there is ascien- howmusic has become atrack by trackculture…that’s time to work on the album allowed tific theme that resides throughout whyIreally respect people whocome to events like the band to “make sure” that they the album; Blaine explains, “I was these, there’sasort of vested interest there and that’s were completely happywith it before, Blaine lovingly rubbish at Science at school but in our songs there to be encouraged.” adds, “we packaged it to the whole world.” has been asort of scientific illusion…with ‘Telomere’ the song came from asong that I’dwanted to write In the society we live in tracks are becoming defined In this time, it is undeniable that alot has changed for quite along time, exploring the idea of ancestry by the peoplewho sing them and howthey appear for the band. After the exit of founding band mem- and if there’straces of the people whocame before within the public eye, and we risk forgetting what it ber,Kai Fish, in early 2012, the bright-haired Jack us, in us. Like asking the question of where youcome means to make and enjoymusic. Speaking to Blaine Flanagan took overasthe band’sbass player. “When from.”Itisonly when Blaine “I think streaming and and Kapil however,there is a Kai left it wasquite difficult and dynamics definitely found this word ‘Telomere’, a hope that this love of music from changed” Kapil remarks “but having Jack in the band tinystructure found on the end YouTube have facili- an artistic perspective still lives has definitely changed our gang mentality.We’ve got of achromosome, that he felt tated that people can on. Curveofthe Earth is incred- our brotherhood backagain, whichisnice.”Later on this idea of questioning human ibly put together and the love and when the boys playedtheir hour-long set at Headrow identity could really begin to listen to the song that’s attention put into the album can House, this new “brotherhood” that the band have cre- come to life through music: “It their favourite. In that be heard in every single track. I ated is echoed through their stage presence. Between felt like this idea and song was told Blaine that this album is per- songs, the band interact with their audience, making Telomere. It’sabout the idea sense we weren’t pres- haps their most ‘mature’ piece of jokes and even quizzing them on David Bowie’stop that the veins carry not only sured with this record work (whichhedidn’treally like UK hits. When playing, the audience is respectful and blood, but the very essence of because it “makes me think I’m still, completely at one with the sound of beautiful gui- whoweare as humans.” to do that.” agranddad”). But perhaps abet- tar riffs, Blaine’sunique voice and some cracking bass ter word is complete. Mystery Jets and drums. Theunity of the band members both musi- Theclear thought and passion are complete in their brotherhood, cally and affectionately,isnoted by the audience and that has been put into the album is undeniable and complete in their newfound psychedelic sound and, they in turn become apart of the “brotherhood” that echoing this, the boys talk to me about the renown most importantly,complete in their understanding of Kapil so fondly describes. vinyl revivaland what effect the likes of Spotify and what it means to make music and be abloodygood shuffle culture have on listening behavior within our band. As well as anew band member,the Mystery Jets society.Aspart of celebrating the release of the album, have also ventured on anew and exciting adventure the Mystery Jets playedfree gigs up and down the [Stasi Roe and Jessica Heath] between albums: opening their ownstudio. “It’ssome- country,but only offered tickets to those whobought a 5

This is Acting by Sia

Aftersayingshe’d prefer to only writesongs forother chordprogression andsomegreatproduction by Kanye. artists, andthat herpreviousalbum ‘1000 FormsofFear’ Theclosing track–‘SpaceBetween’–ismorestripped wasmostlyacontractual obligation,Sia returns. back andconclusive whichsuccessfullyemphasizes theend of theLP. However, thereare also tracks which With this LP,virtually allthe songswereoriginally resemble typicalmainstreampop-fillerssuchas‘Alive’ written forother artistsbySia –suchasAdele,Rihanna, and‘Unstoppable’.Other tracks leavethe listener bored Beyoncé –but were rejected,leading Siatorecord andindifferent through theirrecycling melodies,beats them forherself.The albumtitle wouldsuggest that she andstructuresalong withratherbland lyricalthemes. is singingfrom theperspective of someoneelse, hence ‘Acting’.Aninteresting concept,and Iwould presume Whilst there aredecenttrackson‘This is Acting’that are that Siawas trying to minimalise herown personality worthreturningto, very little on this LP makesmefeel by havingfun ‘acting’ in these songs, butitleavesthem differently about Sia’sartisticexpressiveness or general feelingdisconnected from each otherand thealbum talent as asinger/songwriter.Onfuture releases, hopefully feelingmore like acompilation. we will seeareturntoher rootswithmoreacoustic, lessover-produced instrumentation,lessreliance on Some of themore enjoyabletracksare ‘Sweet Design’ electronicsand more personal,authenticlyrics. –aninsanely catchy 2000sR&B-esque track–‘Bird SetFree’ and‘OneMillionBullets’–power ballads [FredSavage] withpleasant, well-layered backingvocal harmonies andgoodcontrastbetween verses andchoruses–and ‘Reaper’–abouyant trackwithafun beat,show-tune

HYMNSbyBlocParty

Let’sget onething out of theway:thisisn’t thesame wouldbecommendably self-assured.Instead, they’ve Bloc Partyasyears passed.Not only have twooriginal settledfor neitherand endedupwithascatteredhotch- members left theband–drummer Matt Tong andbassist potchofanalbum where Kele channelshis innerSeasick Gordon Moakes –but musicallythere’salackofanything Steveon‘The Good News’aswellasdabblinginsome similar to Silent Alarm. Infact,it’sprettyapparentfrom gospel vocals on ‘OnlyHeCan HealMe’.That quasi- theopening trackthat there’sadistant lack of anything religioustheme is theonlyrealconnector of theLP, and vaguely substantial, really. ‘The Love Within’wants to even that has to be blared out in capitalletters in the be adance track, butinstead itslacklustreelectronic album’stitle.‘Eden’, at track12, finally brings thebeatthat staccatosfluttermeeklyoveratame4/4 drum beat.Kele HYMNS hassodesperatelywanted andthendesecrates Okereke’spiningof“Don’tyou want to gethigh?”could it with hopeless lyrics.‘Standwithmenaked by the actually be very sharpsatire, butsadly Idon’t thinkit’s tree /Feedmepoisonapples,’sings Kele withabout as intended. much subtlety as Donald TrumpataTexangun rally. It’s complete pseudo-house bollocks. The complete absence of aweighty rhythm sectionis completely detrimentaltoBloc Party’snew direction. HYMNS doesn’texactly screamfinesseorcohesion – This is abandthatusedtohaveits foundation in intricate they’venever been Bloc Party’sdefiningcharacteristics andarticulated drum beats, andit’snot present here. –but this time,it’sanespeciallymessy finalproduct. It’s notlikethey’ve gone completely theother wayand immersedthemselvesfully in electronicaeither, which [CarlWhite]

OurMothers by FatWhite Family

Amere glance at thesongtitlesonthe albumaddresses whichremains in theirsecond album, particularly in themood andtonefor whichFat WhiteFamilythrive ‘Tinfoil Deathstar’,which consults drug addictionvia in.‘When Shipman Decides’ and‘GoodbyeGoebbels’, heavydistortion. Yetfollowing thescreechingopenerit thelatterofwhich is sang from theperspective of a becomesdifficulttodifferentiateone trackfrom another. certainAdolf Hitler,are particularly provocative titles that Insteadyou aretaken on asombrepathwithaneerily, encapsulatethe five-piece’smotivationfor angst. Songs carnivalesqueatmosphere as the FatWhite Family screech forour Mothers is thesecondalbum released by the andgrunt about theirdiscontentwiththe apparentfascist south-London quintet, andFat WhiteFamily’sdistain for culture we arestuck in. contemporary cultureisprominentthroughout thealbum. The lo-fi stylethat FatWhite Family represents provokes The albumopens withthe single ‘Whitest Boyonthe an unenthused responsetotheir disjointed,miserable Beach’ andthe band’s distinct inconsistency andlack worldthatissignificant in theirlyricsand sound. Songsfor of coordination is apparent. Accompaniedbyadreary, ourMothers blends distortedguitars,primitive drumming almost inaudible voice, theopeneriswithoutdoubt andbleak electronicatoformanamalgamationof thehighlight of thealbum.The grimness of ‘Satisfied’ desolation anddarkness. Despitelacking standout tracks, is particularlyeffective at harnessing dark andshrieking theuninvitingtoneisinfectiousand dominant leadingto guitarswhilst‘When ShipmanDecides’has ahypnotic an albumseeping withdistain. rhythm andenchantingvocalsthatinstilaneerie presence.The distorted natureofFat WhiteFamilyiswhat [NathanDale] helped them grow in popularity alongsidetheir chaotic live performancesand theircondemnation of electronica, 6

ANTI by Rihanna

Rihanna’slastfew albumshavetendedtofollow a little. relatively similar format:acoupleofbombastic, soaring singlesdestinedstraightfor thetop of thecharts, afew Unfortunately, ANTI is an albumwhich takesoff with slow,crooney balladsthatwill neverquite match theraw incrediblespeed butslams into abrick wall abouthalfway powerof‘Unfaithful’, andsomelamecollaborationswith through.‘Woo’ triestobeatmospheric butendsupplaying whicheverEDM giantsher labelcan get their handson. like abad remixofFKATwigs’ ‘Figure8’, whilst ‘NeededMe’ Butinthe threeyears followingher last album, Rihanna and‘Yeah ISaidIt’ keep themoody production butdon’t seemstohavethrownthisformatcompletelyout of the reallygoanywhere exciting.TameImpalacover‘Same Ol’ window.Instead shegives us ANTI,effectively an anti- Mistake’ sounds great, Rihanna’s vocals weaving in andout popalbum whichfeels more like awoozy drug-fuelled of thepsychedelic production with graceand elegance, mix-tape than itdoesthe latest hitfrom oneofthe world’s but it’s so similar to theoriginalthat it’s very difficult to biggestpop stars. What’s nice about this is,for thefirst attributemuchartisticvalue to it.The experimentswith time,itfeels like we’remeeting therealRihanna,whose throaty, Winehouse-esque vocals towardsthe end of the publicimage (weed-smoking,beef-instigating, bad-ass albumwith‘Love on theBrain’and ‘Higher’ areinteresting bitch) hasoften jarred with alot of herprettyordinarypop butneitherofthe songsare well-written enough to really outputs.From themomentthe creeping,tinny percussion fly.It’sintriguingtohearRihanna beingherself andnot just of ‘Consideration’hits, Rihannapulls us into herworld of ablank canvas forRoc Nation todecoratewithwhatever’s drugs, darknessand heartbreak.The opener’sassolid as sellable,but only as long as shehas somethinginteresting it gets,pairing Rihanna’sbased out, Barbadianflow with to say. It begs thequestionofwhat has more validity:an SZA’sairyvocals, whilst ‘Kiss It Better’keeps thetempo entirely manufactured yetbrilliant popalbum such as butadds sweeping guitar solosand amoretraditional herseminal Good Girl Gone Bad or theinterestingyet popchorustothe mix. ‘Work’ is theclosest thingonAnti inconsistent collection ofsongs we have here? resembling ahit,which sees Rihanna literallyslurringover apseudo-dancehall beat –it’sastunningsingle,although [Max Roe] Drake’slazyauto-tunedverse at theend dragsitdowna

CitizenatBrudenell 28/01/16

Ifound it surprisingthatone of themost anticipated gigs Citizentakethe stagenot long afterTurnover’sdeparture. of themonth wasbeing held at theBrudenell Social Club. Although theirset is relatively short, it is by farthe most Ifeltlikebothbands couldeasilysellout amuchlarger energeticofthe night; openingwith‘The Summer’, vocalist venueinLeeds;however during theshow, theinitimacy MatKerekesdeliversarawand emotional performance paired well withthe soundscapes that they strivedto that ismirrored in thecrowd’s enthusiasm.Songs being create.Citizen andTurnoverhavemultipletimes proven played from theirmostrecentoutput, Everybody Is Going themselvestobeacut above many otherbands in their To Heaven, receiveamoresubdued response; however, genres,withtheir reputationsbeingcemented in my eyes theoverall ambience ofCitizen’sset is neverdiminished, by this first date of theirUKtour. withthe energypicking up forother songsthe band play offtheir previous album, Youth.Bythe endoftheir set, I Fellow labelmates andVirginia rock band,Turnover, -and much of thecrowd -are physicallyand emotionally take to thestage as the second supportofthe nightafter a drained. The band endwithone of theirmostpopular set from localalternativerockband, Fade.Havingrecently songs, ‘The Night IDrove Alone’, with the majority of the gone through adramatic change in stylewiththeir 2015 crowdshoutingthe lyrics back at Kerekesinasentimental releasePeripheralVision-subduingtheir earlierpop punk endtoone of thebestgigsof2016sofar. tinged soundwithelementsofdreampop,indie rock and shoegaze -theycommand thestage with theirnoveltake [Zygmund de Somogyi] [Image: Georgia Rawson] on theemo revivalgenre,primarily performing songsoff Peripheral Vision as well as acouplenew numbers.

The Magic Gang at HeadrowHouse 30/01/16

TheMagic Gang bounced into HeadrowHouse on TheMagic Gang themselves filled the stage with aper- Saturdaynight, bringing agenerous portion of south- formance full of bounding puppy-like joy. Although they ern charm to abitterly cold northern night. Thebubbly were missing their bassist, Angus, this merely increased Brighton quartet’sconcoction of light and fluffy indie their enthusiasm as away to encourage replacement rocklit up the stage and the room. It’scertainly not a bassist Connor.Their enthusiasm wasinfectious through- totally ground-breaking musical formula, but they do it out their set, passing from eachband member and then well enough so that it’sengaging, even enough to make through to the audience. They breezed their waythrough several die-hard fans bob from one side of the room to an eight-song set, ranging from old favourites like ‘She the other,screaming every lyric loud and proud. Won’tGhost’ to the lighter songs from the new EP,such as ‘All That IWant Is You’. Theband wassupported by three others, all similarly soft and indie. TheOrielles kicked off the evening, add- To see aband with suchuniversal appeal as the Magic ing their brand of soothing guitar rocktothe mix. Next Gang in suchanintimate venue as HeadrowHouse, you wasNatalie McCool, whowas rather astounding in that get the feeling that you’re watching aband on the edge of she held the stage alone, yetmanaged to establish an un- something big. It’sexciting, and makes youwish youhad deniably powerful presence. With just her voice, aguitar acrystal ball, just to be able to sayyou called it all first. and aMac, McCool created aswirling atmosphere, suit- ably edgy to fit with her sharp blackfringe and undercut. [Jemima Skala] [ImageSian Blewitt] Then it wasthe turn of Trudy: aLibertines-esque trio with quivering vocals and adoo-wop beat. [Image: Neal Preston/Corbis]

Death of an Artist

Heather Nash andNiall Ballinger discuss whether the death of an artist changes their public image

When apromi- awkward moment in acareer.Onthe Therecent passing of fixture on the New York and worldwide YesNnent figure in the other end of the scale, the combination othe great David Bowie Hip-Hop scene. Thecircumstances sur- arts community of death and celebrity can help obscure prompted an outpouring rounding his death were not falsified dies, it is devastat- the worst part of the person behind the of emotion from contem- or kept from public knowledge, and it ing. So manypeople seem to have a art. Paul McCartney often talks about poraries and fans touched by his work. serves as astrong message highlight- connection to people in the arts. If you howJohn Lennon’sdeath made him a This isn’tuncommon in the event of any ing the dangers of drug abuse. His be- growuplistening to an artist for years, ‘martyr’. McCartney argued in an in- person’sdeath, but is our perception haviour wasn’tcondoned whichshows or followanactor’scareer through all terview with Esquire last year that Len- of an artist drastically altered through artists don’tautomatically assume mar- their starring roles, you’re obviously go- non’sdeath changed public perception death? Perhaps causing us to forget all tyr status when dead, even if the sound ing to feel emotional when the sad news of his former band mate. Whereas alive whichwas negatively spoken of said art- does take its owninfamous status. Close of their death is announced. January he wasone quarter of the Beatles, with ist in the press. friend and long term collaborator A$AP got off to apoor start for the British art ‘great’ and ‘not so great’ solo stuff too, Rocky revealed that he had alwaysstrug- scene. Both David Bowie and Alan Rick- McCartney thinks that after his death he In my opinion the answer is simple: gled with drugs, stating ‘that washis man died within ashort space of each became the embodiment of the Beatles, no. Although artists mayindulge in drug thing’. other,and we also suffered the loss of the frontman that they never had be- taking or have scrapes with the law Motorhead’sLemmyand TheEagles’ fore. McCartney talked about arguing whichare subsequently plastered over Furthermore, judgement overanartist Glen Frey.Itseemed like everywhere oversong-writing credit for songs like the morning papers, their impact on their is not reserved for beyond the grave. Re- youlooked (mostly on social media) ‘Yesterday’ that McCartney wrote on art form is what endears us to them and cently American artist Future has been there were special messages of mourn- his own, but wasattributed to Lennon- causes us to remember them so fondly. heavily criticised for promoting adrug ing, people clamouring to tell eachoth- McCartney instead, and howLennon In Bowie’scase we not only revere him addled lifestyle to those whoperceive er just howsad they were. wasmore than fine with taking credit. for his obvious musical genius, but we him as arole model. He has even gone Although McCartney’sinterview mostly too laud him for the work he did outside as far as to saythat he largely exagger- Almost as soon as Bowie’sdeath was just voices frustration with the ‘revision- his of his field. Upon his death following ates his drug consumption on his re- reported his record companystarted re- ism’ that occurred after his death, it also aprivate battle with cancer,the German cords and it’snot atrue reflection of his printing his backcatalogue, preparing hints at the more sour side of Lennon’s government paid tribute to the man who lifestyle, leaving his adoring fans some- for the inevitable spike in demand for all character.Weremember him nowasa had movedtoBerlin in the mid-1970s what bemused. his classic albums. Bowie movedfrom peace-promoting musical genius, but for helping bringing down the wall. an interesting current artist with an un- it’sawell-worn controversy that in real- Heroes released in 1978 drawsheavily Artists just like regular people are im- deniable string of successful albums and ity Lennon wasanything but. He openly from inspiration of living in Berlin dur- perfect; the only difference is that their iconic hits with afew dodgy moments admitted he had atendencytowards ing the midst of the Cold War, alongside mistakes are scrutinised and debated in between, to aproclaimed out and out violence, and all but abandoned his son musician and close friend Iggy Pop. whilst ours are enjoyedincomplete pri- legend of music. Not that I’m arguing by his first marriage. Although by the vacy.Death doesn’tabsolvethem of any that Ipersonally think he isn’t, but in a time the Beatles were recording their It is certainly true that artists experi- wrongdoing, we just choose to focus on flip of aswitch, it wasimpossible to be last album relationships were already ence asurge in popularity in the after- finer moments. ambivalent towards Bowie. If youdidn’t fractured, Lennon wasavolatile person math of their death, in some cases sur- think he wasthe greatest artist ever,you to be around, and made things unbeara- passing their popularity when they were [Niall Ballinger] were wrong. ble. So it’strue he wasnosaint, but with alive.Rather than this representing a his place in music history firmly set, the ‘free pass’ from anywrongdoing they’ve That’swhat an artist’sdeath does, of word will probably continue to side step committed in their life, it is acelebration course. It elevates them to apoint be- the more unpleasant truths behind his of the legacythat they have left us with. yond criticism, and affords them all sorts character.After all, we cannot speak ill If we focus our minds on the great musi- of titles. ‘Prince of Pop’ for Michael Jack- of the dead. cians whohavedied early: Jimmi Hen- son, Elvis ‘The King’ Presley.These titles drix, Kurt Cobain, Notorious BIG, among give the artist amyth like status, mov- Perhaps, however,this line of thought notable others, their lifestyle wouldn’t ing them from the living to the land of is wondering into another territory –can be that of sound morality but their music legend. Most of the time this collective we separate the artist from the art? A touched us and that’swhat we’re mourn- worship isn’tabad thing; it’sjust an in- different can of worms all-together.But ing. We appreciated their musical out- teresting look into our psyche and the it’scertain that after his death Lennon’s put while they were alive and will miss cult of celebrity. popularity rose, as fitting with the pat- it greatly nowthey are gone. tern we nowknowsowell. But often it obscures the reality of an This time last year A$AP Yams of A$AP artist. Least harmfully,bad albums are [Heather Nash] MOB died via asuspected drug intoxi- forgotten and flopped songs become a cation. This wasaman whowas influ- point of nostalgia, rather than just an ential in making A$AP MOB aregular 8 Weekly Chart

After along and arduous month of exams, essays and unhealthyspells in one of the University’s24hour facilities, Deep Fever’sfinal soiree last Friday served as afantastic opportunity to end the month on ahigh in what will surely be remembered as one of the best parties of the year.With aconsistency in high-class and original bookings the student favourite went out with abang by bringing Tief’sHesseltime and everyone’sfavourite house music elder, David Moufang, aka Move D, to Mint for one last time under the Deep Feverbanner.Hesseltime’sdelivery of fine disco edits and heavily sampled house groovers did muchtoget the packed out Mint in full swing during the early hours of Saturdaybefore David Moufang found time –inbetween large glasses of Red –todisplayanimpeccable ability to inject afeel-good atmosphere into aclub. Here are TheGryphon’s picks of the evening.

Suco Edits-Mum Said ChocolateIsn’t Good For Dogs (FIO Edit)(SuperconsciousRecords)

Aussie producerFrancis InfernoOrchestra hasbeenquietly butfruitfullygoing about hisbusinessfor thelastsix years. Lyingsomewhereinbetween pumpingdisco edit and acidicbangeristhiseditofhis whichseemedto perfectlycapture themood of Mint’s dancefloor.

Borrowed Identity -You Can’tChangeAMan (Homework)

Ahighlight of both Move D’sset on Friday andhis afternoondisco set at Gottwoodlastsummer. Surprisingly, its just as effectivebeing played inside at theend of acoldJanuary as it is when heard on oneofthe sunniest days of theyear.

TheOrgan Grinder-Living In ABottle(FINAWHITE) Nathan Fake -

Throughout thenight,snippetsofrecognisableand familiar samplescould be heard throbbingthrough Mint’s Funktion OneSystem, perhapsnonesoeffectively as this delightful useofGil ScottHeron’s ‘The Bottle.’

Jamie3:26&Cratebug-Hit It NQuitIt(Lumberjack In Hell)

MarcelVogel’s LumberjacksInHell imprintrecentlycelebratedfive yearsofpressingoutstanding musicontowax andreleasing it forthe enjoymentofits many fans.Its impressive back cataloguestill hasastand-out anthem from allofits choice however. This Jamie3:26&Cratebugrecordprovidesabasslinewhich is enough to give anycrowd akickintoaction, allbefore theever-effectivevocal sample comescrashingin, demanding theattention of allon thedancefloor.

KoljaGerstenberg-Sand(Move DRemix)(SmileFor AWhile)

An understateddeephouse groove characteristicofthe texturefound in manyofMoufang’s sets. Released this month, it’s not onetobemissed.

[Chris Caden] Feature

[Image: James Gould] AToast to Butterz: The Label Taking Grime Back to its Roots in Conversation with Butterz Co-Founder Elijah

Theexplosive re-emergence of the genre once hailed to be the UK’sanswer to hip “There were alreadygrime nights, with an MC, Warm up MC and aDJ. That’sit. hop has been astronomical and well documented. Most put this down to the work “Webring more energy.They weren’torientated around aparty.Ifelt we could bring of aselect few huge personalities, but for ascene to turn into amovement; to cause that, and with people like Flava Dand PMoney,that’swhat we’re doing.” change and bring longevity,egos need to be cast aside, in favour of returning focus to the cultural shift that started it all. Last year wasdominated by the usual suspects, Theemphasis on party is key for Elijah and Skilliam. They are not characters or the legends of the game, the mainstays in Florence from Bromley’s‘Unay2015’ Spo- figureheads, they are Butterz. They are the drivers, the managers, the PR team, the tify playlist. But if grime is to be taken seriously for years to come, the future belongs label heads and the resident DJs. They are modest and they are honest, and youcan to apair working tirelessly to reconcile UKG with the rave culture that spawned it. I alwaysrely on them to turn Wire into amadness. sat down to discuss the future of grime with co-founder of Butterz and Jamz, Elijah. “The emphasis on “Wekeep it small, keep it local, Backin2014 Meridian Dan, with his precursory single ‘German Whip’ said: ”It’s party is keyfor Elijah and look after ahandful of people we all the same scene; house and grime is all dance music.”Say that now, and self- knoware sick.” proclaimed UKG purists would queue up to disagree with you, but historically, and Skilliam. They are emceeing wasnever aperformance art. Harshly accented punchlines delivered at not characters or fig- Skepta, Kano and JME never stopped breakneckspeeds were intended to bring even more hype to the, hardly lethargic, working, and have be duly rewarded garage and rave crowds that populated the underground scene. Of course, people ureheads, theyare But- by Grime’sreturn to favour.Stormzy, chose favourites and the MCs outgrew the DJs, outgrew the music and inevitably Novelist and Jammz are leading the left to pursue careers in their own terz.” line for the new boys under the spot- right. They blew up and burnt out “Towards the end of light, and now, embarrassingly,MCs quickly.This time around, the But- last year,the pair spent 6 whoseemed to turn their backonthat fiercely underground world in favour of terz label are here to ensure that mainstream success are crawling back, begging for some relevance and economic history doesn’trepeat itself. weeks marauding round reward. Chipmunk left Alvin and the boys, shortened his name and started aslag- ging matchwith anyone whobothered to cast him asidewaysglance. Tinie Tempah Elijah and Skilliam, names syn- with no stage, no spotlight joined in, even with ahuge pop single with Jess Glynne sitting at the top of the onymous with the rise of Rinse FM, andjust aserious sound charts. Famously Greek Dappyused the Nword, and it all smacked of desperation. renowned for their travelling UKG Elijah and Skilliam don’tcare about all that; their ambition and vision encompasses and bassline carnival, Jamz, met system and an old school the good of the scene, and they’re under no illusions about what the spotlight on at University and bonded overthe attitude, changing the grime means for them. similarities of their left-field record collections: This wasafter the ini- game by taking it back.” “Skepta is doing well and smashing it in America and he should take the credit tial fall of grime, around the time of for that. But there’snoscene overthere. People get caught up in specific artists and Roll Deep Crew’sdystopian anthem ‘Good Times’. They started in music with a view their success as ascene success. ASkepta win helps Skepta, and whoever he showontheir student radio station, playing cuts that they spent time and effort rip- chooses to work with. It doesn’thelp Butterz.” ping from DJ sets and bootlegging from demos. This extended past grime, for them as for Meridian Dan, it wasall the same scene, the only thing important to them Luckily for Butterz and luckily for followers of the scene, Elijah and Skiliam have wasthe energy. awork ethic that is simply unparalleled, they’re alwayslooking for opportunities to throwaparty and instead of waiting for the movement to spread, they’re out there Towards the end of last year,the pair spent 6weeks marauding round Leeds, Liv- spreading it themselves. Even if Grime dies out, Butterz will be raving through and erpool, Manchester and London with instalments of their club night, Jamz, bringing beyond 2016. with them the DJs and MCs whomake up the Butterz crew,and select guests who make up the extended family.DDouble E, Flava D, PMoney,Royal T, Spookyand Grime 2015 is out nowonthe Butterz Label. Swindle all featured at events that go off just like they used backinthe day. No Jamz 2016 001 kicks off at Wire on February 23rd. stage, no spotlight, just aserious sound system and an old school attitude, changing the game by taking it back. [Robbie Russell] 10 Leeds RAGFashion Show: Talkin’bout aRevolution -The Preview

Theannual RAGfashion showconsistently supports arange of local chari- We aim to use the clothes as waytosubvert stereotypes about howclothes ties, and the 2016 showisinaid of Leeds Mencap and the Refugee Council. are typically worn as away of promoting equality through fashion. Each Forthe feel of this photo shoot, we wanted to touchupon the different eras look embodies adifferent movement ultimately reflecting the relationship and their representations within the show, without giving awaywhat is in between fashion and politics. store for the big night. With the help of clothes from Accent Clothing, Blue Rinse and Lambert’sYard we put together adiverse but representative selec- Tickets for the showare available online and from stand in the Union now. tion of our looks. Having local designers on board the clothes highlight an It is set to be agreat evening and is the biggest RAGevent and one of the eclectic and eccentric mix of styles and trends typical of revolutionary eras most highly anticipated events on the Leeds University Union (LUU) social that will be revealed in the show. Themixture of high street vintage stores to calendar. high-end designers enables us to represent howground-breaking moments in history are still influential within todays trends epitomized through per- [Ellie Pandya] sonal style. Astereotypical men’ssuit conveys an androgynous and power- ful look, used here to portray feminism. [Stylists: Emma McCormack&FayeBuckland]

Thelocation for the shoot is that of agrungy,urban outdoor setting, sym- [Photographer: Ryan Blackwell] bolising the forward thinking theme of the show. Thejuxtaposition of the sleek clothes against the gritty background allows the clothes to stand out, [Make-up: Harley Wild &Grace Ennis] while also signifying the community origins of the movements we’re illus- trating. [Models: ZaraShasore, AmyBevis, Otto Lyons &Baile Beyai]

Green Tassel Cardigan: JLindberg Scarf: ASOS £6 Velvet Flares: Rat &Boa £36

BlackSuit: JLindberg Bra: Topshop £10 (SALE) Metallic Brogues: Zara£25

Leather Fringed Jacket: Blue Rinse £35 11

Aztec Shirt with Acid Collar: Blue Rinse £18 Trousers: Model’sOwn

Multicoloured Jumper: Lyle &Scott £54.99 (worn inside out) Trousers: BlackLevi Jeans

White T-Shirt: Model’sOwn Leather Jacket: Blue Rinse £35

Waistcoat: Remus Uomos Jeans £74.99 (worn underneath) Cardigan with zip detail: Gro aLive

[A big thank youtothe RAGstylists for sourcing the clothes for the shoot, and ahuge thanks to the brands for supporting the cause] 12 Leeds RAGFashion Show: Meet the Stylists

The theme has been released and we can’t wait to see member of RAGbeforehand, and this wasanamazing waytomake loads of new Talkin’ bout aRevolution in its full glory on Thursday friends. the 11th of February.Wemet up with the Leeds RAGstyl- ists to get the lowdown on the upcoming show. What have youmost enjoyedwhen preparing for the show? Christa: Theopportunity to meet so manyamazing designers, hair stylists and What has been your favourite fashion revolution to date? makeup artists, build up so manygreat connections and contacts -wewouldn’t have ashowwithout them and they have all been great to work with. Christa:The roaring twenties; lace, feathers, swinger dresses. Ijust love this fash- ion revolution as it wasatime for women to absolutely embrace the changes in Ellie: Thestylist team, definitely.Webonded perfectly from the beginning and I society through the expression of their clothes. couldn’thaveasked for better girls to work with.

Beth:Ilovedthe androgynyofthe 90s -itbrought awhole new aesthetic to fash- What should we all look forward to on the day? ion combining grunge and minimalism, whichliberated women in away which hadn’tbeen fully explored before. Christa: Hmm… the finale.

Is there aparticular erayou favour in terms of fashion? Naomi: Thevisuals -beprepared to be amazed.

Ellie: Ireally like the 60s Ithink everyone looked great, particularly Jane Birkin’s Beth:The clothes, of course. style and make up is just flattering. Ialso love what the Scandinavians do. Al- ways look so effortlessly chic whichIthink is what everyone ultimately wants to achieve. Naomi: Iagree -the 60s wassuchaniconic period in fashion. But my favourite eraisthe contemporary minimalist fashions we see todaywhichuse the structure we begin to see in the 60s, but also the real androgynous angles that came about in the “power” eraofthe 80s.

What made youwant to get involved with LRFS?

Ellie:Myinterests have alwaysbeen in the creative industry.Ilove meeting and working with new people so it seemed like an unmissable chance to become a part of the LRFS family.

Naomi: I’dlovetowork in the fashion industry; LRFS is essentially amicrocosm of the fashion world, so I’ve had the perfect chance to see every possible angle and career option because of it! Imean, whodoesn’twant to browse at clothes online and it being actually for ajob not just library procrastination?

Christa:Ihavealwayshad alove for fashion and would like to pursue acareer in the industry after university,sothis wasaperfect opportunity.Also, Iwas a [Images: Ryan BLackwell] Brand Focus

“When we started Bolongaro Trevor,wewanted to produce atotally different aes- BOLONGORO TREVOR thetic to what we had created at All Saints. We were 28 years old when we started All Saints and it wasall about what we wanted to wear then. This next venture gave Founded by British designers Kait Bolongaro and Start Trevor,Bolongaro Trevor us the opportunity to create an new,higher level, more beautiful and original prod- juxtaposes contemporary streetwear,vintage military and British Victorian styles. uct -what we want to wear now-clean, crisp and neat, yetworn-in and slightly Thebrand’sindividuality in its approachtofashion is incomparable. Both design- more classic.” -Stuart Trevor ers boast remarkable industry creativity and dedication; having worked as Head of Menswear at Reiss for seven years, Stuart Trevor founded All Saints in 1994, where JACKSON’S FASHION Kait Bolongaro joined him twoyears later to develop their vision of awhole new kind of style. After catching her incredible designs in last year’sshow, we were determined to get Liverpool-based designer Jackson’sFashion backonboard again for LRFS 2016. Following on from All Saints, the duo looked to expand on the brand’seffortless Her amazing collections include an array of unique styles, whichenhance and aesthetic. Working with arange of textures, fabrics and cuts, collections look to challenge fashion’sconventions, driving colour and embroidery to its very limits. push the boundaries of modern fashion through incorporation of timeless, cutting edge detail to cater to their eternally cool customer. Thedesigner is inspired by her desire to be unique, living by the rule that life is too short to blend in and #fashion is for the braveand achannel for self-expression. Thebrand takes inspiration from existing growing collections and inspirations From her rainbowhair to marvellous Instagram page, where she models her own from prior decades, alwayslooking to reworking pieces and creating new looks. garments, she has been so muchfun and suchaninspiration to work with. Inspired by revolutionary style movements suchasPunk, Mods, New Wave,Teddy and Skins, Bolongaro Trevor encapsulate so manyinfluences crucial to this years Not only is she featuring in LRFS for the second year running, she has worked with show. Customising, over-dyeing, creating original prints and adding buttons, pock- the stylist team to create brand new designs to incorporate into the show. Jackson’s ets, zips and trims has made for an incredibly diverse collection. pieces are absolute wrecking balls powering through the showsure to get youemo- ji-nal, along with depicting one of the greatest female empowerment movements of Their store here in Leeds’ Thortons Arcade is aplace of inspiration, it oozes origi- all time and afinale piece that will definitely get heads turning. nality and cool from their quirkydisplays to immaculately dressed staff. [Beth Arthurs] [Images: Jodie Collins] Film

[Image: Warner Bros] Creed: Comeback of the Year

We enter the fray in Juvie, where atroubled youth of the fighters and really get apersonal feel that is mi- by the name of Adonis Johnsonn (Michael B. Jordan) But Stallone makes aheroic return as Rocky with ssing from theearlier fights, and allows youtotruly is being held. He is picked up and taken in by Mary an exceptional return performance, winning him the care about eachhit givenand taken and the blows Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad) who goes onto inform Golden Globe, and getting him nominated for an Aca- traded betweenthe fighters. Cinematographer Maryse him of his true parenthood, something the title of the demyAward for supporting actor.It’saheartfelt per- Alberti really went above and beyond the call of duty film hopefully makes clear to yoou. Jump to seventeen formance, and one that certainly brings the franchise to provide an excellent feel to the fight, whichmirrors years later and Adonis has estalished quite the reputai- full circle. Whether it’ll be the last is yettobeseen, the excellent work of Southpawlast year. ton as aprofessional boxer in Tijuuana, Mexico with an although if it was, it certainly would be finishing on excellent record of 15 to 0and has anever-explained ahigh. His chemistry with Jordan, and also his love All in all, this is an extremely faithful, yetentertai- job, although all he really wantss to do is fight. So he interest, Tessa Thompson is clear to see on screen and ning reboot to this hugely popular franchise that really travels to Philadelphia and trackss down Rocky Balboa really brings asense of reality to the picture that rea- encapsulates what the Rocky films were about from and talks him into training him. lly grounds it for the rest of the audience. Jordan, as the start: the underdog story.Itisafairly old fashioned Creed puts down afine performance that really brings idea, yetone that resonates with the audience, mirro- Thefilm has some fantastic direction from Ryan Coo- together both the story arcofthe character and the ring that of thefirst Rocky but with the benefit of the gler,who also collaborated with Aaron Covington for emotional curve. history of the old films. Thesuperb performance from the excellent screenplay. It certaiinly provides an exci- Stallone bringsthe film together,right up to an ending ting story for those whoaren’tfammiliar with the Rocky Thecinematographyofthe fight sequences is fantas- that will have youwanting to jump up and punchthe films, but is an exceptional soft reeboot of the franchise tic, variying between fights depending on the significa- air. for the more initiated. It providesasubtle but effecti- nce. Thefirst fight we see Creed take part in in Tijuana, ve balance between focusing thee story on Creed and the cameraprovides alow,slow, sweeping, single-take [Matt Bolland] Rocky.Itallows the story of Creeedtoflourish without shot of the ring, giving us areal sense of being in the being overshadowed by the star ofthe franchise. crowd. Later on it changes, and we get close-up shots Exposed:: ACollection of Shallow Archetypes

Declan Dale does not exist. Deeclan Dale is apseu- pernatural events that Isabel (de Armas) continues to gious kooks. Perhaps it is agood thing Declan Dale donym for the director whoabanndoned this film after witness. Yes, the plot is as bewildering as it sounds. doesn’texist because he would have alot to answer Lionsgate Premiere edited what wasmeant to be a Characters come and go, with minimal development for in using such clichéd characters in 2016. Come on bilingual, surrealist drama (sounnds promising so far) and almost no explanation as to their relationship with Hollywood, wewant to be challenged, not insulted. into ageneric detective thriller (ccue unenthused sigh). eachother.Itissoobvious that the on-screen action These shallow archetypes are as disheartening as all Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas lead the action in this is not what the narrative wasintended to be. Forabout the #newyearnewme selfies at the gym. confused picture. Thepair worked together last year half an hour in the middle of the film, things happen on KnockKnock, an erotic horroor. Iimagine that the that don’tseem to go anywhere or to have anyrelation Don’tget mewrong, if it’sathrow-awaypolice dra- original director wanted to workk with that supposed to anything earlier in the story.Nonetheless, Lionsgate ma you’re looking for then this is the stuff. However,I on-screen ‘chemistry’ in Exposed.Unfortunately thou- attempt to tie it up at the end, but for me this only rai- couldn‘t see past the potential of what this film cou- gh, we will never knowbecause,, in the final edit, the sed more questions than it answered. ld have been if the original, surreal-thriller route had stars share only one scene and noo dialogue. been pursued. On top of this, the film reeks of worn out stereoty- Thefilm simultaneously followsDetective Galban pes. Thewhite guys are the cops, the blackguys are [Cameron Tallant] (Reeves) in the hunt for his partner’skiller and the su- the suspects, and the Hispanics are, obviously,reli- [Image:Trinity Films] Review:The Smuggler

Not manyfilms can boast suchanintriguing plotline as Angus Samp- In tracing Ray‘s development, this passive,unseeming character who son’s TheSmuggler (named TheMule in Australia),inwhichthe simple possesses the perfect attributes for amule quiickly becomes embroiled in yetdistressing notion of someone being unable to go to the toilet is asituation that is both beyond and equally within the boundaries of his transformed into atense comic thriller that keeps both mind, and espe- control. His gullible and humble nature inhhibits him yetequally allows cially body, on edge throughout. This straightforward yetelaborate crime him to bypass the manipulations of criminnals and police alike, whilst story centres around the unfortunate Ray(playedbySampson himself), his submissive character undergoes atellling development in the face of whose attempts to smuggle twenty condoms of heroin from Bangkok to suchextraordinary odds. With the Amerrican-Australian sailing compe- Melbourne via his stomachresults in agruelling stand-off between the tition working as abackdrop throughoout, Ray’sstruggle epitomises the police and Ray’sdelicate orifice. It’safilm whichtruly encapsulates the underdog story and encourages our sympathyfor his uncompromising darker undertones of toilet humour whilst creating graphic suspense out position caught between the brutal powers of the lawand the criminal of acommonplace experience, and it does so in away that is both gro- underworld. tesquely laughable at times whilst retaining it’scritical integrity through a neatly stylised plot. Through the simplicity of the pllot interweavedwith elaborate and int- ricate developments throughoutt,Sampson provides awickedly macabre Following Ray’send of season football team touring of Bangkok and his comic thriller that is gut wrencchingly captivating from start to finish. conviction to smuggle heroin backtoAustralia, the police quickly iden- Thefilm creates suspense outt of practically nothing in centring the plot tify him as amule following aluggage mix up and propose to detain him around the simple yetequalllyunsettling concept of constipation, as we for several days until he excretes the drugs from his system. Unable to are led on an erratic journeeyinRay’s boots whichisboth light hearted prosecute, however,without the drugs out of his stomach, Raytenaciou- and thrilling in its critical achievement. Theanticipation surrounding sly decides to stickitout with the help of his erstwhile lawyer (Georgi- Ray’shold out maykeep youtransfixed, yetthis is afilm whichcontains na Haig) to avoid going to jail, but to also avoid the retribution of the plenty of other plaudits for its stylistic values, and deserves recognition criminal gang whoset him up for the job. Pitted against federal agents in for its genuine ability tograbyour attention in away that provesincredi- the form of good cop Paris (Ewan Leslie), and bad cop Croft (Hugo Wea- bly entertaining throuughout. ving), what ensues is asiege mentality where the slightest of movements in Ray’sintestine is mirrored by the subtle developments in the plot as the pressure builds on Raytodefecate and release the suspense which [Oscar Ponton] pervades the film throughout. [Image: Armando Arorizo] The Oscars 2016:Not so Black and White

Here we are again; for the second year in arow the- one actor in those communities deserved to be among people of colour,asSelma’s David Oyelowo encapsula- re’soutrage overthe whitewashed Oscar nominations. those acting nominations for twoyears in arow.What tes, are ‘celebrated more for when [they] are subservi- TheAcademyhas churned out another bleached list of about Idris Elba’scritically ent’, never ‘being in the centre of [their] own nominees. Considering the backlash they receivedlast acclaimed performance in “If we arereally narrative driving it forward.’Recent examples year,you would expect achange. But 2016 is repeating Beasts of No Nation,orIan talking about suchas12 Years aSlave and TheButler only history and writing out the achievements of people of McKellen’soutstanding per- prove Oyelowo’s point. Perhaps this lackof colour in the film industry.The ongoing debates overthe formance in Mr.Holmes? diversity,itis leading roles, or just roles in general, is the lackofdiversity have highlighted howmanycomplex Unfortunately,Boone’s about all people of root cause of the AcademyAwards’ peroxide facets there are to this necessary conversation. Perhaps claim becomes superficial nominees. this year we can try to grasp howthis controversy isn’t and futile, abid to calm the colour,the LGBTQ+ just about alackofacknowledgment or internalised ra- racial media storm. community However,The Oscars are undoubtedly the cism. Paradoxically,it’sabout the howthe industry itself most prestigious and influential award ce- has caused this, and yetthe Oscar nominations encour- But should we really be and those with remony. According to Box Office Mojo, the age their practices, creating avicious cycle. surprised by this lackofdi- disabilities“ nod of approvalfrom the Academysaw last versity when we consider year’snominee’sbox office revenue increase In response to the 2015 controversy,the Academy’s whoitisthat votes? Astudy by more than 69%. Their endorsement leads president Cheryl Boone Issacs said that the organisa- by the LA Times found that in 2012 nearly 94% of the to wider audiences, financial success and ultimately tion were ‘committed to seeking out diversity’ in all Academy’s6,000 members were caucasian, 77% were more popularity.Electing all white nominees conveys their nominees. Interesting, especially since all twenty male with amedian age of 62: an overwhelming amount adangerous message that diversity is expendable in the of the acting nominees this year are white. Furthermo- of white voters followed by an overwhelming amount of industry,perpetuating and confirming that white, strai- re, films that have either actors or directors of colour, white nominees. This correlation doesn’tindicate mem- ght actors are what achievesuccess for studios and their suchasCreed and Straight Outta ber’sracism, but rather that these parent companies. This entirely shuts out anecessity or Compton,only receivednomi- “Electing all white older,white men are less likely encouragement of diversity within the filmindustry. And nations for their white stars. It’s nominees conveys a to identify with or experience a yet, the majority of white roles within films are represen- almost taunting. Of course, there film in the same waythe ethnic tative of ablank space that aperson of diversity could is the matter of meritocracy, the dangerous message that landscape of America and other have more than adequately filled. very principle the Oscars are es- diversity is expendable in countries does. These members tablished upon. It is possible that the industry,perpetuating are hardly representative of the Although appalling, this repeated episode has re-spar- these white actors deserved the their diversity. ked adialogue about the painful lackofdiversity within nominations more. During an in- and confirming that the film industry.Boone Issacs responded to this year’s terview with the BBC, actor Mi- white, straight actors are Former president of theAcade- controversy with the pledge that ‘the Academyistaking chael Caine said ‘you can’tvote my,Frank Peirson, argued that dramatic steps to alter the makeup of [their] member- for an actor because he’sblack.’ what achieve success for there is no reason for these in- ship’ to engender ‘much-needed diversity’. Let’shope Firstly,astrue as this is Michael, studios and their parent dustry professionals to represent this year’spromise of dramatic change isn’tasempty as we cannot just talk about black companies.“ the entire population and aver- the last and that it has apositive knock-on effect for the actors. Themedia seems to have age film viewer.Byvoicing this industry as a whole. piggybacked onto this idea of it opinion he only highlighted the only being an issue with the lackofblacknominees. If whitewashing within the industry itself. TheAcademy’s [Rebecca Newson] we are really talking about diversity,itisabout all peo- responsibility for their choices is almost dispelled by the ple of colour,the LGBTQ+ community and those with limited roles and jobs open to people of colour in the disabilities. Secondly,Ifind it difficult to believethat not industry.Ifnot cast as peripheral, secondary characters, Stage

Preview: Opera Soc‘s The Magic Flute

From 10th -13th February 2016, performance Theidea to put on suchashowcame about society OperaSoc will be performing abrand when musical director,Simon Pratt asked Fred- new adaptation of Mozart’s TheMagic Flute. die to collaborate with this new adaptation. However,this will be no ordinary re-telling After 5months work, OperaSoc are readyto of the classic operaasdirector and president, submerge the 21st century audience into a Freddie Brook, takes on the creative challenge post-apocalyptic world with audience involve- of creating anew adaptation of aclassic opera ment and the occasional pantomime element. that promises to be full of variety -eveninclu- ding a’20 ft giant snake’ (puppetry,thankfully). Tickets for the event are priced from £4-£8 and will be performed at Stage@Leeds from Working with alarge cast of around 45 stu- 10th-13th February,starting at 19:30 eacheve- dents, this version will see the story set in the ning. 21st century,using an abundance of pop cultu- re references. “It’skind of like afairy tale that’s Foranexclusive preview,visit OperaSoc’s flipped on its head”, Freddie tells us, adding Youtube channel, LUU OperaSoc. that the showitself will be broken up by dialo- gue unlike manyother traditional operas. [Mark McDougall] The Student‘s Theatre Guide Will Reece -Arnold gives us his round up of the Theatre hotspots in Leeds

West Yorkshire Playhouse ced team behind the theatre, its programme continues Slung LowTheatre to challenge and boost Leeds’scultural scene as well as Fresh on the fringe scene in Leeds, Slung Lowaim to offering amemorable night for anyforward-thinking stu- produce “unlikely,ambitious and original adventures dent. for audiences”. Thecompany-come-venue took overthe Student value? Prices are in keeping with the ethos of impressive HolbeckUnderground Ballroom (The HUB) the space, offering an affordable theatre experience. recently and with them brought theatre’sgreat new idea: Best upcoming events? Daniel Oliver–Weird Séance & paywhat youwant tickets. This interesting technique of Long Table (5th Mar) &FAILUR Lab (20th-21st Feb) converting audience into critic epitomises Leeds’sinno- vative artistic ethic and suits Slung Low’svaried programme, whichoffers new writing, reworked classics and performance [Image: Michael Taylor] workshops. Student value? The Cruising swiftly towards its fiftieth birthday, the Play- ideal student ticketing house is without doubt Yorkshire’sfinest arts centre. Spre- arrangement (although ad out across several auditoria, the programme here is just paying 50p is slightly renowned for its size and diversity,featuring some of the stingy). country’sbiggest names alongside its ownaward-win- Best upcoming events? ning productions as well as fringe shows. ThePlayhouse Macbeth (21st Feb) & recently announced a£6.6m renovation project which Alaska (6th Mar) [Image: Michael Taylor] will see the theatre transformed into an even bigger spa- TheCarriageworks Theatre ce and allowing it to develop its role as one the country’s Leeds Grand Theatre and OperaHouse most important artistic centres. TheCarriageworks is perfectly placed for students, situated in the Electric Press on Millennium Square. TheGrand wasopened in 1878 and in its acclaimed Student value? Big names mean big prices, but their of- history has seen the likes of Julie Andrews, Sarah Bern- fer of students tickets combined with an excellent, chea- Known for its diverse and particularly accessible pro- gramme, TheCarriageworks is actually run in connection hardt and even Laurence Olivier tread its boards. With per fringe programme still makes ThePlayhouse great for this sort of heritage, it’snowonder that the theatre con- students. with Leeds City Council whose mark on the theatre is vi- sible through their take-part initiativesand ticket prices. tinues to host some of the city’sbiggest artistic events. Best upcoming events? Phoenix Dance Theatre (17th- Shows coming direct from the West End fuel TheGrand’s -20th Feb) &The Damned United (4th Mar-2nd Apr) Plenty of up-and-coming theatre companies make their wayhere and, if youcan shuffle through the extensive reputation for appealing to masses (expect Blood Bro- children’sprogramme, there are several gems at TheCa- thers, Guys and Dolls…) but its strong connection with Live Art Bistro rriageworks every season. the esteemed OperaNorth and Northern Ballet ensure Thefringe scene in Leeds is strong, regularly playing Student value? Givenits link to the council, tickets are there’ssomething for every student. host to new writers and some of the finest talent Edinbur- noticeably subsidised to appeal to all. Newcomers are Student value? Massive touring shows fresh out of gh has to offer.Leading the packofdedicated fringe spa- obviously welcomed. London are never cheap, but student discounted tickets ces is the Live Art Bistro, avoluntarily run performance Best upcoming events? Owen Jones: ThePolitics of are available for most shows. venue that has been based on Regent Street since 2015. Hope (25th Feb) &Three Generations of Women (10th Best upcoming events? Swan Lake (3rd-12th Mar) & Push backthe huge blacked-out doors of its warehouse Mar) Alan Bennett’sSingle Spies (12th-16th Apr) frontage and you’ll step into aunique creative space: all faded sofas and tricky lighting. Thanks to the experien- [Will Reece-Arnold] VideoGames TV KidCriminals: ANew Approach

Questionssurroundingthe exemptionofjustice appear in a somewhat more exaggerated form in theUS, where children arelockedupatarateseven timeshigherthaninthe UK. KidCriminals is an explorativeand informativedocumentary following anew,progressive approach to this problem, as it is trialled in Indiana.

The approach embraces psychological individualism–a method whichlooks set to revolutioniseeverythingfrom cancertreatment, to tackling obesity. Ourown Department of Justicehas asimilarlypositive, ‘child-centred’approachto juvenile rehabilitation,which encourages academic or voca- tional qualificationsand teaches childoffenderstoengage productively with society,ratherthanbetrapped in acycle of punitive temporary exclusions from it.Thismeans that the ideasand problems seen in thedocumentary areeasilyap- plicable closer to home. [Image: philraptor] Although Iwatcheditonits own, this is thesecond episode in thetwo-partseries. It seemssubstantiallylesscontentious TheWitness: than theone on youngsex offenders, butitstill used the techniqueofdelayed revelationstojolt viewers outoffeeling toomuchempathy. In agirl’scorrectional facility,Amanda Artyamsoal stropped like an immature seventeenyearold, ALostWorld of Puzzles protestinginahurttone, “peoplethinkI’m abad person, buttheyjustdon’t know my story”,and CyleinaBriggsis endearingly childish in aphone conversationwithher step- Let’sfaceitweall need asource of inspiration, Imyselfambynomeans aserious gamer, nor father.Ittranspiresthat Artyamsoal wasinvolvedinahouse abeacon of hope in this dreary mid-winter.As have Ihad anyrealpassion forany quick-fire firewhich killed threechildren; Briggs wasconvicted of the theglowingfaces of freshers grow aged andtired gamessuchasCall of Duty,but surely people armedrobbery of aneighbour. andfinal-year students pushthrough theirlast must getboredofthe same stuffthatcomes out ounce of childhood,one might question where monthafter month. So if you’re boredoflaying When thenarratorinforms us that they,along with the boy this inspirationcan be foundorwhether it will siegeonaNaziVillage(or whatever happensin we witness pulveriseanother boyinafrenzyofblows,could ever appear.Tomany, a100-hourpuzzledoesn’t CoD)then whynot give TheWitness achance? be released from thejuvenilefacility within months as op- soundlikethe answer,but look more closely-it Whoknows,itmay even open your square eyes posed to theyears an adultorchild in adifferent system just might be. to anew gaming world. wouldexpect,the scheme seemsdangerouslyambitious. Unfortunately, thesystem’snovelty means that statistics Nowyou mayhave “TheWitness Giventhatthe only whichcould help to evaluatethe system aresparse. sensed some form of is an intricate people whoare ironyfrom my opening probably goingtorelate Instead, thechildrenthemselvesare ourprimary source andbefore actually taking explorationofalost to this articleare going ofevaluation. Theproducers wisely decidedtofocus ona thetimetosit down and to be gamers, Ishould fewindividuals, givingusmoreofawindowintotheir psy- research Jonathan Blow’s puzzle worldand maybebeabit nicerto chologicalstate.Thisisneededfor us to engagewiththe TheWitness,itwas hard thegamingworld and difficult balance which must be madefor thosewho have to findagenuineinterest is so detailed and attempttoexplain what committedserious crimes butwhose developmentmay still in thegame. In aworld of complexthateven thegenuineattraction be constructively directed.Interviews withfamilymembers quick, meaninglessgames to thegameis. Basically, roundsout theirprofiles andhelps us seethe ‘students’,a where theplayerisleft Blowhimself has thegameisanintricate moniker chosen to emphasiserehabilitation andisbalanced sedatedfor afew days explorationofalost by thevoice-over’sdepersonalising insistence onsurnames, afteranimpulse purchase, troubleexplaining puzzle worldand is so as humanbeingswithpotential. someonelikeBlow, who detailed andcomplex at leastoffersgenuine hisown game.” that even Blow himself As such,the staff-all realisticbut hopeful-require lit- dedication,passion and hastroubleexplaining tlefocus,but aBBC Panoramaexposingabuseinteenage skill to hisworkcan often hisown game,which prisonshighlightsthe importance,and difficulty, of finding slip underthe radar. only adds to themystery.The intricacyofeach people like thosewesee in Indiana, andisaworthwhile puzzle is in-depth anddependsonthose ‘a-ha’ supplementarywatch. TheWitness is afollow-up toBlow’s first game momentsinwhich thegamer eventually works Braid whichsaw theprotagonisthavetoclimb and out thesolution, which Blow ensures is avery KidCriminals is an engaging treatmentofanissue we don’t makeits waythrough puzzle challengeswhilst rewarding moment,and Idon’t doubt that. oftenhearabout.The cautiousoptimism it displaysfor a answeringphilosophicalquestions at thesame consideredapproachfor youngoffenders,and theequally time.Inadditiontowinningthe Independent This game hasthe potentialtobegenuinelyvery consideredproduction,certainlydeservesmorethanthe GamesFestivalaward in 2006 andbeing selected special; Blow hashired out real-world architects lazy shockheadlines whichaccompanied thefirstepisode. by GameSpotfortheir ‘BestOriginal Downloadable andthe attention to detail throughout thegameis Console Game’award, Braid wasnominated for astonishing.Hehas spent£5million andmultiple [Sarah Berry] fiveXboxLiveArcade2008awards. TheWitness yearscreating thebestpossiblegamingexperience is Blow’s attempttoemulate this successand one foryou,soIthink£40 sounds like areasonable hastowishsomeone showing originalityinthis price-maybe. seemingly repetitive industrythe bestofluck. [LukeGiles] [Image: Getty] TheMad andTerrifyingWorld of Donald Trump

Channel4sentMattFreionthe campaigntrail of Forbesmagazinewho revealsthey’ve been in astale- shewas on herperiod. When facedwitharematch controversialbillionairetycoon-come-celebrity, Don- mateoverTrump’s true net-worthfor over thirty years. against‘lightweight’Kelly atThursday’sdebate, he was aldTrump,inthe race forthe Republicannomina- ano-show.And let’snot forget that he wantstosleep tionand hisbid forthe WhiteHouse.The title, The ThebreakdownofaTrump rallyisasfollows:‘Eye withhis owndaughter. Themostsinisterrevelation MadWorld of Donald Trump,may soundlikeacar- Of The Tiger’ music, creepy nineyearold child-pag- wasthat in hersworn deposition hisfirstwifeIvana ac- toon aboutaduck, butthisduckwithadoublecomb- eant cheerleaders,and aroutine bashingfor thepress cusedhim of rape.Despite this, he’sseemingly anddis- over is in therunningtostand forthe presidency of -it’sstandardpracticetohaveanenemy in theroom, turbingly untouchableinthe face of such allegations. arguably themostpowerfulnation in theworld. andMuslims aren’t allowed.AsDonaldhimself says ‘isn’t aTrump rallymore fun?’Itmight be morefun but The common Trumpvoter is white, male,not col- Donald Trumpissooutrageousinall he says and none of it amountstoabig idea forrunning America. lege educated,and feel that they arebeingmarginal- does he is easily dismissed as acomical caricatureof Trump’sagendaissooutlandish, it’s easy to forgethe ised.TheymakeFrei’sjob easyastheydon’t need to an extremistpolitician. Theprogramme openswith reallyisrunningfor President. The rallying cryfor Oba- be askedtwice to speaktheir mind.Worryingly,Frei clipsofhim appearing larger than life,grappling at a ma was‘Hope andchange, yeswecan’but at Trump’s tellsusthat thelasttimehesawvoterssoenthusiastic wrestlingmatch, andmakingfun of himselfonCom- rallyFreiisdrownedout by whoops of ‘We’re going wasfor Obamain2008. Trumpisvulnerable as aRe- edyCentral.Doessetting himselfuptobesoeasily to buildawall.’That’s to keep Mexicanpeople-and publican candidateashedoesn’t have anyChristian satirisedactuallyworktohis advantage? Canitbethat so we’retold drugs, crimeand rape -out of theUS. values to speak of,but he’s been endorsed by Sarah encouraging sane,liberal people nottotakehim se- Palinwho is lovedbythe evangelicals.However,there riouslyultimatelygives himmoreleewaytowin vot- Trump’sability to offend is unrivalled.Mostshock- is an issuewithpoorer people notvoting,ifyou’re ersonthe extreme right? Trump’s candidacystarted ingly theRepublicanforerunner is calling foraban on aTrump voterwho doesn’tdrive Iwonder wheth- as anovelty butthe more ridiculous he becomes, the Muslimsenteringthe US.Muslimactivist Jibril Hough er Donald will spendsomeofhis billionsoncabs. higher hisprofilerises.So, coulditbethatthisself- likenedthe hatredofthe crowdwhen he wasthrown fuelling PR machinecould ultimately propel himselfall out of thelastTrump rallytobeingablack maninaKlan TheMad WorldofDonaldTrump hadsubstance and theway to thepresidentialelection. Hiscriticssaidit rally. Channel4has alreadysecured accesstomem- Matt Frei wasmorethanqualifiedfor thejob,asthe best,he’sa“buffoonthat hastobetaken seriously”. bers of active whitesupremacistgroups in theSouth. former Washington correspondentfor theBBC.Donald Trump’spolicypanderstoracistgroups on thewider Trumpisundeniably agifttoTVcriticsbut Frei showed Trump’sUSP is that he’s abusinessprodigy.Well, fringesofAmericanpoliticsand whipsupred-neck us thesoberingly dark side beneaththe Trumpcarica- notreally, seeing as he inherited allhis wealth and racist sentiment, whetherherunsaspresident or not. ture. Iknowthat if hisbig orange handsare ever hang- four of hisbusinesseshavegonebankrupt andwork- ingoverthe nuclearfootball, IwillbejoiningAlexSal- ingclass Americans, hisvoters, werethe ones who The other groupthatTrump hasnorespect foris mond in thelastplace radioactivity reaches -Antarctica. hadtobailhim out. Ihaven’t watched TheAppren- women. During thefirstpresidentialdebatewhenFox tice USA,but surelythese aren’t thecredentials Trump News presenterMegyn Kellygrilled himabout hismi- [HannahHolmes] looksfor in theboardroom. Frei speaks to theeditorof sogynistic rants, he sparked outrage by implyingthat My Kind of Cop-Out: Brooklyn 99 Season 2

Although it’s actually in themiddle of airing itsthirdseasonoverinthe US,the These momentsare,ofcourse, what makesthe show,combiningwitty dialogue award-winningcomedyseries Brooklyn 99 is back all-guns-blazingwithseason withjustthe right amount of slapstickand absurdity.Nocharacter is ever solely twoavailable on Netflix forthose of us stillayearbehindinthe UK.For thoseof thebuttofajoke(except, perhaps, Hitchcock andScully),makingthe banter seem youunfamiliar withthe show, Brooklyn 99 followsanonlymildly dysfunctional very real. Themaincastaren’t clowns at theirjob,either—they’regood cops,and groupofNew York cops,and thevariousand hilarioushijinks they getuptoat theshowreminds youofthismoreoften than not. It manages to carveout itsown the‘Nine-Nine’.Verymuchintheveinofco-creatorMichael Schur’sother pro- unique styleamidasea of cop-show comedies,realistically balancingcompetence jects(Parksand Recreation; TheOffice), theshowstars comedian Andy Samberg andincompetence in away that we canall relate to. (Saturday NightLive; TheLonelyIsland)and cop-show veteranAndre Braugher (Homicide:Lifeonthe Street), to name just afew of thetalentedand diverse cast. That said,while Brooklyn99mighthaveit’sown distinctive tone andstyle,it’s onethat isn’t immune to change. The first seasonestablished thetonefar more Iwas afan of season oneright from thestart,but thenew season reallyopens effectivelythanthe premierseasons of Parksand Recreation and TheOffice,but up full-throttleonthe relationshipsbetween theleadcharacters. Thelaughskeep most importantly, seasontwo offers somethingsubtlynew,ratherthanmoreof coming,but more importantly,there’sarealsense of progressionand changein thesame. Showswithsmall castsofcharactersare notoriouslydifficult to write many of thecharacters. Stoic CaptainHolt (Braugher) reallybeginstoshedhis for, since writershavetofindahalfway pointbetween writingthe characters impenetrable facade at crucialmoments,leading to some trulyenjoyable bonding people know andlove, andbeinginnovativeenoughtokeeppeopleinterested. with the rest of thecast. Accordingly,‘Payback’was by farone of themostenjoy- Brooklyn99certainlydeliversonthis, andlike Parksand Rec before it,has a able episodes of season two, finallyseeingDetective Santiago (Melissa Fumero)get promisingfuture ahead. So if you’re alreadylooking to procrastinatethissemester, herchance topartner-upwithHolt,withratherdisastrousconsequences. Notable whynot ‘cop’-out with Brooklyn99?It’sokay, I’ll show myself out afterthat pun. shout-outsgoto‘The JimmyJab Games’,‘HalloweenII’,and ‘Chopper’, though every episodehas some greatmoments. [JohnCraige] Food

More Than Just Breakfast [Image: LS6 Cafe] As LS6takes anew directionfor 2016,wejointhemtocelebrate anew erafor the much-loved restaurant.

LS6caféhas always been astudent staple.You only need to venturetoHydePark LS6isnot just forbreakfast, or even muffinburgers.The venueholds thetitle for Corneronaweekendmorning to seethe placepackedwithblearyeyedstudentsnurs- thelongest runningJazznight in Leeds, held everyWednesday,withthe house- ingahangover. Therestaurant-come-barhas experiencedanumberofchangesover band performing from 9pmand ajam session boogying on from 10pm untilmid- thepastfew years, as it adaptstothe ever-evolvingfoodand drinkscene that makes night. LS6has proudlycreatedahub of creativity in thecommunity,orchestrat- Leedsthe distinctivecitythatitis. With the ownershipchanginghands in Marchoflast ingeverythingfromexhibitions to open micnights. Theversatile useofthe space year,the newowner hasaclear visionfor 2016:tocreate asocialspace forstudents hasbeenmadeeasierbytheir newlyrefurbishedevent space,which features andsocieties alike, as an eveningvenueaswellassomewheretoenjoy greatfood. three‘movablewalls’which makes it an all-round function room forany event.

From theoutside,it’sclear to seeLS6 is moving in anew direction. Thebar has On re-launchnight they hadblack andwhite films playinginthisspace,withcandles moved, becoming afocal pointofthe room upon entrance,and openly displaying the in bottlesdrippinginwax andbowls of toffee popcorn on tables around theroom. It’s vast selectionofbeers,spirits andcocktails available–cocktails are2-4-1 between theperfect placetoscreenfilms, with stacks of pillowsand throws to prop yourself up theprime libraryleaving hours of 5-7pm. Priding themselvesonsustainability, envi- on -film society we’relooking at you -but wouldbeconvenientfor anysmall socials. ronmentalawareness andethicalfarming,the newbar is made of reclaimed wood, If you’re fedupofwatchingfilmsonyoursmall laptopscreen, there’sadocumentary andLS6 remainapartner of theRealJunk Food Project.They’re aimingtocontinue filmnight everySundayevening between 7-10pm.LS6 hasbeengiven anew lease this ethos by growing andmanaging aherbgardenonthe roof terrace, andplacing an of life anddownstairshas been lifted withshiningnew lightfittings andfeatures. emphasis on theimportance of sourcinglocal produceand recycling, as newlunch specialmenus will be dependentonusing theingredients already in thekitchen. LS6undeniably does adamngoodslap-up breakfastbut thereisdefinitely more to Those already familiar withLS6’s breakfastmenushould become moreacquainted this café than eggs benedict andhashbrowns. withtheir brunch anddinner options; thesandwiches andwraps offerdelicious fill- ings until4pm,and from 5pmburgers served in aYorkshiremuffin take centre stage. [EmmaBowden&HannahHolmes] TheTurk’sHead: Victoriana Revisited

Theone thingIhavealways thoughtthat wasmissing from theLeeds nightlifescene sixtoeight pounds,there were some oldfavourites,among them Negroniand aclas- is aplace that lookslikethe set foracontemporaryDickens fashionshoot,prob- sicgin andhop tonic served withthyme,alongside cocktailsIhad nevercomeacross ably thekindthatwould be featured in VogueorTatlerwithmoody dark lighting before:The FivePointsSpritz,consisting of Aperol, abitterorange aperitif,and pale andcopious amounts of smokyeyeshadow.Found just be- ale; TheSeasonalShrub (which we had some difficultywith, hindWhitelocks, TheTurk’sHeadtakes itsnamefromThe as we couldn’t discern whether it wasalcoholic or not); the Turk’s Yard that sits on itsdoorstep. As if servingalcohol “The kind you Boulevardier, publicisedas‘theNegroni’s American cousin’ since 1715 isn’t enough of apedigree, upon walkinginwe withbourboninstead of ginand lastly at themore expensive were facedwithbottles in glasscases that linedthe bar mighthavefound endofthe spectrum,The Turk’s Head OldFashioned,made andwalls, sapphireblue, crystalclear andbottlegreen like in aperfumery in from theirown smallbatch bourbon. cutgems, which were labelled as sodium,zincoxide, deep oceansedimentoreucalyptus, like thekindyou might have the18thcentury, Findingaseatwas difficult as TheTurk’sHeadisquite an in- foundinaperfumery in the18thcentury,which drew me timate,small venue, butwhilstIwas there Iquicklyfound my- into fitsofdécor rhapsody (asIamsureyou cantell).Aswe whichdrewme self fantasisingabout what aperfect placeitwould be to host leantonthe marblebar afterhavingshouldered through the abirthdaybash. Theinsideproving toocramped forus, we jostling crowd, my fellow editor deftly pointedout that the into fits of décor movedoutside to theheatedseating area where to ourexcite- bartenderswereusing rose gold utensils to mixour cock- ment we managed to snaffle some canapés from therapidly- tails, theingredients of whichwerepouredfrom heavy rhapsody ” emptying silver platters that were beingpassedaround.The corked glassbottlesdevoidofany labels, insteadembossed Turk’s Headmight not servefood, as it sits beside Whitelocks, withleavesand fruit. butitsells itself not just as abar butasavenue; this is thekind of placeyou go when youwanttoimpress someone, or spend From thehalf-tiledwalls to thedeepbluevelvetbooths, TheTurk’sHeadisamas- averysophisticated nightsipping cocktails. terclass in thepotency of aesthetics anddécor andthe effect it canhaveonyournight out.Presented withanembossedcardfor free drinks when we steppedthrough the door,weput it to liberaluse andconsulted thecocktailmenudiligently. Priced from [Zoe Delahunty-Light] Books

Anew direction forpublishing?

PenguinRandomHouse UK axes degree requirementfromrecruitment process [Image: Quentin Blake]

In an unprecedentedmove forthe publishingindustry, Penguin KittyinBoots: Random House hasrecentlydecided to scrapthe need foradegree to entertheir workforce.Theysay it will enablepeoplefromawider rangeofbackgroundstoenter thepublishingindustryand will help TheCat’s Outofthe Bag theircompany to maximise itscreative potential. On thecompany’s website, theirHRdirector, Neil Morrison,statedthat“to publish the best booksthat appeal to readerseverywhere,weneedtohavepeo- plefrom different backgrounds(…) that trulyreflect today’ssociety”. KittyinBoots,anunpublished BeatrixPottertale, hasbeenrediscovered Morrison’s statement echoes theneedfor thecreative industries in museum archives.JoHanks,apublisher at Penguin Random House Chil- to welcomepeoplefrom differentsocial, cultural,and educational dren’s pavedthe waytothisexcitingnew discovery.With2016marking the backgroundsinorder to remain competitiveinaglobalmarket. 150thanniversary of Potter’s birth, KittyinBoots is set to be an exciting new editiontothe much-lovedPottercollection.Hanks discoveredreferencesto Though revolutionaryfor thepublishingindustry, it is not an en- KittyinBoots in an out-of-production Potter autobiography earlyin2015 tirelyuniquedecisionsince severalmajor financialfirms, including whichcontained original letterswritten from Potter to her publisher referenc- PwCand Ernst&Young,havealreadybegun to reduce theempha- ingthe tale. Furtherinvestigation revealed that theoriginalmanuscriptwas in sisplacedonacademic achievement.However,withasaturated job storageatthe Victoria andAlbertMuseumarchives. market andanincreasing need to standout from thecrowd –per- haps withthat elusiveFirst class degree –Penguin Random House’s Born into aprivilegedKensington family in 1866,itwas Potter’s childhood decision will, undoubtedly, have left some soon-to-be graduatesdis- holidays to Scotlandand TheLakeDistrictthatinfluencedher stories, and heartened.Atthispoint,itisimportant to look at thebiggerpicture: laterinspiredher permanentmovetoHillTop Farm in TheLakeDistrict. The adegreeissomuchmorethanapiece of paper.Itisabout allofthe TalesofPeter Rabbit,and TheTale of Jemima Puddle-Duck areamongst her experiencesthatyou have outside of thelecture theatres:the socie- most well-loved stories. Potter’s love forwildlifeand passionfor conservation ties youjoin, therolesofresponsibility youtakeon, andthe oppor- is evidentinher writing, andit’sclear that The Lakesheldaspecialplace in tunities youtaketodevelop thoseall-important soft skillsthat areso herheart.Tothisday,Windermere boastsaPottermuseumand touristattrac- well-lovedbyemployers. tion,’TheWorld of Beatrix Potter Attraction,’ whichwill be reopeningtothe publicinearly February. This decision in no waydemeansagood degree;all it meansis that studentsmustseekout opportunitiestobroaden theirhorizons Potter’s original publishersFrederickWarne andCohavepublished ashort in order to gain theskillswhich will demonstratetheir suitability for extractofKittyinBoots online.The tale followsthe adventures of a‘well- ajob at Penguin Random House.Manypeopleoften feel as though behavedyoung blackcat’leading adoublelifemoonlightingasMissCath- theiryears of academia do not translateintoreallife, so this decision erineStQuintin, otherwiseknownasKitty in Boots. Naturally, herelderly mayserve to underlinewhatmanyalready know to be true:that an lady ownerisblissfullyunaware of Kitty’snighttime antics, even remarking individual’s ability to writeexceptional essays on abstracttopicsdoes on ‘how willinglyMissKitty went to bed’.With‘double identities,colourful not necessarilymeantheywill excelinthe worldofwork. Morrison villains,and anumberoffavouritecharacters’ Hankshails KittyinBoots as confirmedthis, statingthat “there is no simplecorrelationbetween ‘the best of Beatrix Potter’. It seemsthat KittyinBoots hasall theclassic Pot- having adegreeand ongoingperformance in work”. tertrademarks;humour, wild imagination andmischievouscharacters. The release of this charming tale in Septemberthisyearwillbegreatlyanticipated Penguin Random House’s choice to remove degreesasaprereq- by youngand old alike. Hanksevenhints that theinfamousPeter Rabbithim- uisite forfuture jobapplications should not be seen as adeterrentto self makesanappearance! graduates;theyare simplyopeningupthe poolofpotential appli- cants, in order to offer everyone an equalchance of achievingtheir Anotherintriguingfactorofthisnew discovery is theabsence ofillustrations. potential. Thosewho have adegreewill not be disadvantaged,for With theexception ofone rough pencil drawingbyPotterherself,thisstory if they have accruedenough extra-curricularexperienceswhilstat hasgoneunillustrated,undiscoveredand unpublished forover100 years. It university they should be able to clearlydemonstratethe attributes hasbeensuggestedthat theoutbreakofthe FirstWorld Warmay have inter- whichPenguin Random House arelooking for. rupted Potter’s illustration process.Consequently,ithas been decidedthat QuentinBlake illustrate this newbook. Blake, famous forhis work in in Roald Ultimately,thismove will not deterthose whotruly wish to be- Dahl’s many children’s books, is said to be ‘fascinated’bythe opportunityto come apartofthisthriving,dynamic industry; it will only dissuade illustrate KittyinBoots.Hereportedly ‘likedthe storyimmediately-it’sfullof thosewho remain satonthe fence,and whothink that this change incident andmischief andcharacter’and he even believes that this unillus- decimatestheir chancesofsuccess.All that remainstobeseenis trated tale ‘might have been waitingfor [him]’. whethermore publishinghouses will follow suit. FrederickWarne andCoare duetopublish KittyinBoots in September [Rosemary Maher] 2016tomarkthe 150thanniversary of Potter’s birth.

[Isobel Hughes] 22

Columns

The Dangers of Parents and Social Media

finally arrivedhome for Christmas to my little Welsh mented, “It looks like you’re giving adouble wank!” town that none of my uni friends can spell. Mum has Terrible. ahabit of taking pictures of the seals in the bay— we counted 100 last weekend! We’re so countryside. Any- It’snot only Facebook that they need to be banned way, there Iamlooking through her phone photos to from, my mother’sInstagram comprises of no profile see the latest from the ‘bob’ of seals (yeah, that’sthe picture but she follows atotal of 12 people; myself, my word) and find at least twenty screen-shots from my friends and the all of the various National Geographic Facebook. They were all from various nights out. “Oh, accounts. Theproblem being that, as she follows so few Ilove this one of you(photo of me in Canal Mills) its people, every time Ilike apost, it will inevitably end up suchashame those people all have Zombie eyes in the on her homepage prompting atext ten days later telling background!” And that’snot the end of it; those photos me that she’sseen it— as if Ineed to be informed! were all printed off and sent in frames to various rela- tivesfor Christmas presents! Afriend’sGrandma didn’tquite get the hang of Insta- gram either; “She has it to followour family but kept I’ve complained to anumber of friends about this bla- saying all she wasseeing wasphotos of football related Text from ‘Mother’: “Whywon’tyou accept me on Fa- tant invasion of my privacy;liking aphoto is one thing, things and amodel. So Iwent on her account and she cebook? *sad, crying face*.” but transferring it to iPhone then to actual paper is an- had accidentally started following a‘football gags’ page other.They responded with aseries of anecdotes that, that my brother and cousins follow. The‘model’ turned Here we go, after about ayear of protest she just to be honest, showed me that Mum really isn’tthat bad. out to be this girl from my cousin’sschool whoposts wouldn’tlet it go. I’m hit with along list of her friends Of course, there wasthe classic “myDad didn’treal- loads of selfies!” whose daughters have accepted them and howunfair ise awall post wasn’taprivate message” but these fol- Iwas being. Its not that Ihad anything to hide, Ijust lowing examples really do take the biscuit: it turns out Ican’tcomplain, and no doubt Iwill irreversibly hurt didn’twant her knowing where Iwas and what Iwas that Family Facebook Faux pas are aproblem that affect my Mum’sfeelings with this article, and for that Ican doing. Ifinally cracked when Iwent on my year abroad, roughly 100% of young adults. Probably. only apologise. To be fair to her,this is indeed apro- “but younever call me! At least if something happens gression from those days when Ihad to explain what to youIcan contact one of your friends!” Facebook, Firstly,some can actually be really adorable, as one the difference is between ‘green text’ and ‘blue text’ therefore became anew platform allowing my parents friend said: “myboyfriend’sMum is so cute, she prints not to mention when every iPhone update caused com- to stalk their children for ‘safety reasons.’One positive out pictures of us and sticks them on the fridge.” plete panic in the household. My mother’slatest pen- thing I’ve noticed since finally accepting my mother’s chant for emojis is in fact to be admired! Whenever I Facebook friend request is that Iamalwaysguaranteed Another admitted that: “myGranddad alwaysused the send aneedy‘I’m ill :(’ text, she’sthere on hand with a‘like’ from her on every single post that Iamtagged wrong emojis… he congratulated me on my A2 results love hearts, flowers, stars, clouds, dogs, cats and what- in. Don’tget me wrong, Iappreciate them on my pro- with aseries of angry faces.” ever else she feels is an appropriate response. file pictures and not to mention my rare Facebook sta- tuses that no one else seems to find quite as funny. The Then this classic mix up: “myMum’sfriend’scat died Maybe I’m just alittle spiteful about that whole problem was, before Ihad been able to teachher ‘Fa- and trying to be sympathetic, my mum wrote “Sorry ‘plugged in generation’ rhetoric. Those same people, cebook etiquette,’almost immediately after me having to hear about youcat, LOL”thinking it meant Lots of whocomplained about young people living their lives ‘accepted’ her,she started this habit of going through Love.” through ascreen, nowhavebanal food blogs (usually my friend’sphotos and liking them from as long ago as just blurred pictures of their dinner) and have been able 2010. Imean, seriously— this wassix years down the And onto my personal favourite: “My Dad used to to get backintouchwith old school friends. Imean, it line and none of us made very good choices at age 15. think that everything on his Newsfeed wastohim, so wasall so sensationalised and nowparents are jump- would comment on it all… One time, he sawthat I ing on the bandwagon! Atouchhypocritical methinks. It’sbeen ayear and luckily nothing tragic has hap- had clicked attending to an Otley Run and commented; Stanger danger is obviously ahuge threat to Internet pened. My facebook photos are pretty tame compared “but, youdon’trun?” users, but ‘Parental Controls’ should work both ways. to my siblings’. Idostill get the odd text from her with a classic “look at your brother’sdisgraceful piccies! He’s Family members can also be naughty too, “There was [Amelia Dunton] wearing aleotard. Lol!xxxx” My ownpersonal Face- apicture of my sister sitting crossed legged with her book related trauma did however take place when I arms in the air in ameditating position. My Auntie com- 23 Mental Health A-Z: Nisfor Normal

flickering light. nary once more.

Theunordinary are punished; left to struggle against Look to the Oxford English Dictionary,and youwill the dominance of the popular,normal ones. Last week, find that anormal adult is simply ‘physically and men- that boywith chubbycheeks waspunched behind the tally sound, free from anydisorder,healthy.’ science blockuntil he bled. This week the girl with freckles wasteased then spent the afternoon hiding in Adulthood is obsessed with this idea of ahealthymind the toilets. and body; the ideal of whichisaperson with no diag- nosed issues or negative emotions. Which, considering Kids like these are thrashed at by words, bullied by the sad happenings within today’sworld, is fairly unre- fists and left silenced among bookshelves. Only the or- alistic and excluding. dinary can prevail. In short: if we are mentally ill, we’re strange. If we are Yet, suddenly,wereachastage when normality is no quiet among others, we’re antisocial. If we are wear dif- longer desired. This is where differentiation creeps in, ferent clothes, we’re weird. And so on. as we discoverour identities. Throughout our livesweare thrown to and from this Normal: conforming to atype or standard. That quirkyblue-haired kid from high school is sud- concept of normality.And yetweare never told what denly able to come out of her shell, admired by the normality means. We’renever shown adiagram or giv- Initially,during our school days, all we want is to fit indie crowd. Creativity and funkyoutfits burst from the en achecklist, nor do we learn about it in classrooms. in. We want to blend in with the rest of the crowd; lik- school gates, as difference is embraced and explored, Instead, we are simply pointed towards what is abnor- ing the right kind of music, writing with the right sort of new trends clashing and syncopating with and against mal. pen and owning the right sort of pencil case. Being ac- one another. cepted into agroup is of paramount importance in our By exaggerating traits deemed to be unusual and small social circles, constantly altering our identities to Being normal, however,becomes synonymous with strange, ‘normal’ has emerged as apolar opposite, drag- fit the mould. being bland, nerdy, and lacking interest. Here the teens ging generations of us towards this unspecified state. without different or abnormal traits become the less In its humble beginnings, normality is simply acase popular ones. Put bluntly; the concept of being ‘normal’ simply does of following aseries of trends. Wearing knee socks not exist. Therefore, our yearning for normality should, or wearing skin-coloured tights; growing hair long or But quickly the tables turn again. Upon reaching likewise, become extinct. cutting it short. Whatever the tendency, we are told - adulthood, the opposites reverse as we digress backto screamed at, even -tofollowitblindly,asamoth to a childhood, with the world telling us to become ordi- [Charlie Collett] It’s Worth it to Take the Risk and Travel Solo

Thefeeling of achievement that youget from navigat- written down exactly what buses to take, what coach ing anew city in an unfamiliar language by yourself to get once Iarrived, my booking references, and had a is unrivalled. Youcan go wherever youwant, whenev- copyofmytravelinsurance policytohand. Ididn’tget er youwant. If no one wants to spend 4hours going my phone back, but because Ihad prepared so muchit around the European Parliament in Brussels with you— didn’truin my holiday. that’sfine. Only having to followyour agenda and sat- isfy your ownwishes is liberating. No longer do you Thepart of solo travelling that Ifind the most in- have to have long discussions in the Hostel planning timidating is the increase in the number of men who your day–wake up, packyour bag, and go! think they deserveyour time and attention. In Lisbon Iencountered far more creepymen when Iwas alone, Last year Iwent to Brussels, Lisbon, and Alicante by than when Iwas with friends. Whilst in Leeds, Iwill, myself and had the best year for holidays ever –because perhaps unwisely,walk anywhere by myself –except if Iwanted to go, Iwent. Spending aday hiking around maybe through Woodhouse Moor at night –inLisbon, I the castles and palace gardens in Sintrastands out as made sure to sticktowell-lit streets, get public transport one of my best memories; Ihavenever felt so content. where possible, and wasconsciously aware of my sur- Equally,chatting with astranger about the beauty of roundings. London overabowlofmussels, some chips and abeer Last year,one of my New Year’sresolutions wastogo is an experience Iwould not have had were Ialone. You So travel solo –you will learn more about yourself travelling by myself. Ihavealwayslovedmyown com- become so muchmore observant and absorb so much than youcould ever imagine, and your confidence in- pany, but the fear of being judged or appearing lonely more of the city,culture, and experience. creases overnight. Whyshould your ability to see the has alwaysdeterred me from doing things on my own, world depend on other people? from going for dinner,tothe cinema, or on holiday. Of course, when travelling by yourself, especially as a woman, youare more vulnerable –and it can be scary. If youwant anyadvice on travelling by yourself, go to I’m generally pretty rubbish at keeping New Year’s Whilst travelling to Eindhovenairport on the train Ihad https://www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo for some great resolutions, but this challenge is one Ihavestuckto my phone stolen whichmeant Iwas uncontactable for travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Of- and Iamsoglad Idid. Travelling by yourself is one of the entire time Iwas in Murcia and Alicante. It waster- fice, look up individual countries travel advice on the the most empowering things youcan do –and Iwould rifying and Iended up on the train platform sobbing FCO website and followand like @FCOtravel. urge anyone whohas not travelled solo to book yourself whilst being shouted at in Dutch. Fortunately,Iplan some flights as soon as possible. everything to death. Iamananxious traveller but Ifind [Emma Healey] that when travelling, anxiety can be really helpful.Ihad *** OPEN TO PAST AND PRESENT STUDENTS&STAFF *** Search‘the hyphen between-’on facebook formoreinformation Views 13 Views ThequestionDavid Cameroncan afford to ignore. TheGryphon asks: Should BritainEnd It’s ‘Special Relations’ With SaudiArabia? [Image: Stefan Rousseau] Yes Rory Claydon

SaudiArabiaisacountry that is known openly about sex, beingfemaleand theability to hack emails, wiretapcalls themoral shameofmaintainingrelations for, amongst many othersins, dreadful drivingacar,insulting Islam, andeven andhackmobiledevices.Ontop of this with acountry that arreststhose who libertiesand poorfreedom of thepress. beinggay canlandanindividual in jail grosshuman rights violation,British- thinkdifferently, that killsits ownpeople, This distaste fordemocracythat is in SaudiArabia, hardly thehallmarkof madeweapons mayalsobecurrently that deploysweapons on civiliansand adoptedbySaudi Arabia leadsmeto anationthataliberal countryshouldbe used on civiliansinYemen, used by that enacts medieval punishments. Our question -why do we have ties with doingbusinesswith. However, they are theSaudis.AU.N report foundthat a relationshipwiththemonlygives this theminthe first place? Butit’snot just also knowntoenact thedeath sentence destructive Saudibombingcampaign repressive regime more toolstocommit theirlackoffreedom that alarms me – tosuchanextentthat theIndependent wasindirectviolationofhumanitarian atrocities,and ourapathyinmaintaining there is reams upon reams of evidence revealedtheythe thirdleading country law –and withaflowingarmstrade this relationship sendsout ableak showingthat SaudiArabiahas scores of forexecuting theirown citizenry, and beingadopted betweenSaudi Arabia messagetothe worldthatsuchatrocities policies andpractices that wouldmake thenumberthat areexecutedisrising andthe U.K(almost£6billion worth arefine -providedthe nation in question theaverage despot shudder. steadily with each passingyear-quite of arms hasbeensold to SaudiArabia is trading withus. Indeed,Saudi Arabia is knowntoenact theaccomplishment. by theU.K), it’s hard not to fathom that If we areserious abouttackling barbaricpunishments forminor crimes, It’s quiteplain to seethat SaudiArabia weaponsmadehere arebeing used on tyrannyinthe Middle East, then let’s andmoredisturbinglythings that aren’t maintainssomeobjectionable practices innocentsinthe Middle East by theSaudi startbycutting ties with oneofthe crimes at all–for instance,onlyafew –but hasour historyofrelations with government. Although Hilary Benn and mostoppressivestatesthere.The U.K, months agoanelderly Britishman was them giventhemthe meanstodomore JeremyCorbynhavecalleduponDavid as aliberal democracy, should stop sentencedto350 lashes forowning evil?Itcertainlyhas –through trade Camerontourgentlystopthe arms trade, dealingwithone of themostilliberal homemadealcohol,apunishmentso agreements, invasive spyequipment no action hasyet been taken. nationsonthe planet if we aretotake fiercethat hisfamilyfeared he would from Britainiscurrentlybeingusedbythe Whatever benefitsweget from having ourcommitmenttofreedom andliberty dieasaresult. As well as this, talking Saudigovernment,givingSaudi officials ties with SaudiArabiacannot outweigh seriously.

No MichaelEverritt

There is good reason forusto thepromiseofabettertomorrow. That Britisharmsindustryisone of a No rational personcould possibly find condemnthe humanrightsviolations wastrue in 1945 anditisnolesstrue diminishingfew to have held strong in good reasontocondonehuman rights of SaudiArabia. Much,for example, now. an increasingly erratic global economic abuses.Nonethe less,ifwewant to hasbeenmaderecentlyofthe warin It is sadly naivetothink that breaking climate. It provides stable employment bringabout lastingchangeinthe world “”Yemen, unsurprisinggiven that it is being ourspecialrelationshipwithSaudi andsolid tax revenues,bothofwhich it will notbethrough idealistic thinking. waged withBritishweapons.Itisall too Arabia wouldchange anything.Weare a wouldleave agapinghole in our Thekindofculturalshift whichwould easy forustocondemnthe conduct tiny island nationwitheverdiminishing economy. Arms manufactureis, loathas bringSaudi Arabia’s human rightsrecord of SaudiArabiafrom ourpositionof influence on theworld stage. If we were we aretoadmit it,anecessary part of more in line withour owntakes decades relative security.Saudi Arabia is on the to condemnthe humanrightsviolations ourculturalheritage. The branch of the to come about,ifnot centuries. The frontlines of thewar againstviolent ofthe Saudigovernment ourcomplaints RoyalArmouries locatedinthisverycity Arab Spring serves as apainful reminder extremism. The last time we were in a wouldfallondeath ears.Saudi Arabia displays countlessexamples of weapons of what happenswhenwellintentioned comparableposition, ourgovernment is astablepower andadependable ally manufactured in Britainthroughout the people trytochangeanation’s sanctioned thebombingofGerman in aregionslippingdeeperintoanarchy centuries. Just as theFrench areknown culturetoo quickly. To endthe special cities.Theywere under no illusions as witheachpassingday.Dowereallywant forproducingpastries, weare knownfor relationshipwould be to sacrifice much to thelikelyextentofcivilian casualties. to squander friendly diplomatic relations producingarms. If oursmall nationisto in exchangefor very little. Much more Indeed,the bombingofDresden could forpreciouslittlegain? prosperinaglobaleconomy,weneed will be achievedifweuse ourgood be considered awar crimebymodern Letusbeinnodoubt as to thecost to tradeoff that reputation.Unpalatable relations withSaudi Arabia to influence standards.Inwar difficult decisionshave of breaking away from ourspecial arms manufacturemay be,but so is the them towardsamoreenlightenedfuture. to be made as humanlives aretradedfor relationship withSaudi Arabia.The prospect of an economic crashinBritain.

thegryphon.co.uk 14 Views

Adam Mohammed:AnOpenLettertoMy Fellow Muslims

Adam Mohammed oppositiontoher fellow classmates. IslamisvictimtoISIS then what hope do we have in BA Politics andSociology Why? It’s simple. The‘silent majority’ arenot readyto preventingyoung people from beingradicalisedand publiclyacknowledgethatitisour religionofIslam that AnyscepticismoverISIS’sabilities were quickly is beingstrategically utilisedbyISIS.Itisour holy book FaF iling to recognisethatISISis quashedbythe ruthless,unprecedentedactsthat a that is beingreferred to,our godthatisbeing named abusing Islamisfailing to recognise quietNovember night in Parisfellvictimto. This death andour spiritualbeliefs that arebeing undermined. theexistence of ISIS. UntilISIShears cult wasdrivenbythe belief that ‘any ‘infidel’ should be They believeiftheyacceptthat ISIS is referringtoIslam “it loud andclear that Muslims,all enslaved andexecutedand sawthemselvesas‘Islamic 1.6billion,are no longer willing martyrs’.Understandably,thishas createdasense fortheir religion to be used in this of fear,anger andconfusion amongst asignificant fashion, they will flourish. amount of non-Muslims acrossEuropeand theUK. ButasateenageBritishMuslim, Ihaveadaily unique insight into howBritishMuslims reallyfeelabout flyingtoSyria,itisvital to distinguish between thetwo theatrociousactscommitted by ISIS.And Ideem identities.Islam teachesyou to vociferouslyc”ondemn there is no otheroptionbut formyfellow Muslimsto thosethat misinterpretyourreligion. Islamteaches that vocalise theiroppositionorfacefurther isolationand thedeath of innocent people should be condemned prejudice. to thehighest pointand yetyou cannot face reality. To my fellow Britons. It is vitalfor Muslimstoaccept it is theirreligionwhich is beingabused.ISIS wasnot TThhe‘silent majority’are notready creatednaturally –itisanartificialorganisationwhich tto publicly acknowledgethatitis hasemboldened everythingIslam opposes.Making ourreligionofIslam that is being sure Muslimsdenounce these acts whilst distinguishing “strategicallyutilisedbyISIS.Itisour ISLAM will quieten thewhispersofright wing media, holy bookthatisbeingreferred to, organisationsand even thegrowing amountsofrefugee ourgod thatisbeingnamed and sceptics that argueall Muslimsfrom theMiddleEastare ourspiritualbeliefsthatare being manicmuggers.ModerateMuslims arethe solution to undermined. this problem. Failing to recognise that ISIS is abusingIslam is failing Letmefirst statethis, beingaMuslimliving in the [Image: PA] to recognise theexistence of ISIS. UntilISIS hearsitloud Western worldtomeisagiftfrom god. Iamable andclear that Muslims, all1.6 billion,are no longer to enjoythe basic values andrightsthatnatio”ns such then they themselvesare jihadists. Well Igivebackmy willing fortheir religiontobe used in this fashion, they as SaudiArabiawould deprivemeoff.Mymother is ‘silentmajority’ membershipcard. Yes, theperversion will flourish.The only waywecan defeatthe barbarism able to drive. AndIdon’t havetolisten to my guilty of IslambyISIS is erroneousand my religion hasbeen is by collectively workingtowards thedestruction pleasure that is DuranDuran in secret.Iamthankful. I manipulated to fit theircalculatedrhetoric. But Iam of ISIS.Since thetragiceventsinParis11weeks ago, thinkall of us areappreciative –including most British awareasaMuslim, as aBriton it is my duty to publicly ISIS hasmurderedhundreds, enslaved thousandsand Muslims. Butsomenon -MuslimBritons arebecoming denounce theirinterpretations andnot only defend displaced whole communities. If we don’tdosomething increasingly fearfulofthe Muslimswho reside here in Islambut to condemntheir actionsasitismyreligion now? Simple.More innocent people will be subjectto Britain. that they refertofor theirown disgusting andtwisted slavery, rape andmurder. Allthings that go againstIslam. Politiciansand commentatorsoften usethe term objectives. ‘silentmajority’ when referringtothe average‘peaceful To my fellow Muslims, refusing to accept that it is Islam andlaw abiding’BritishMuslim. Butthat is theproblem. that ISIS areusing to furthertheir means is only going The ‘silentmajority’ is toogoodatremainingsilent. For to lead to unfortunate consequencesfor yourselves, for example, aMuslimfather, in therealmsofhis home is your families andfor your spiritualway of life.Ifyou able to shun theawful scenes he sees before himduring areunabletostand up andspeak out then youare part thenightly news butisapprehensive to joinsolidarity of theproblem,you arethe fuel that is keepingISIS marches. Thehijab wearingschoolgirlisintelligent alight.The sick ‘Jihadi Johns’ of theworld know that enough to dispute theideology advocatedbyISIS in they have no obstruction, even from thefollowersof frontofher Muslim friends butrefrains from voicingher thereligiontheyare abusing. If yourefuse to admit Views 15

AndWeWould’ve Gotten Away With It Too, If It Weren’tFor YouMeddlingLords

Liam Kerrigan whichis60% or morebelow theUK’s absurd. Afterall,unemployment,low of cheating thepublicintothinking that BA Philosophy average, andtheyestablish atargetto educationalattainmentand addiction they have improvedlives whilst turning eradicatechildhood povertybythe year arehighlylinkedtopoverty,though it is public opinion againstthose whosuffer Iwas greatlymoved recently when 2020.Figures publishedinJune2015 arguably povertythat leadstothese things themost. reading about theworries of afatherwho showed that child povertyremainedat andnot these things that lead to poverty, Thefactthat this government thought feared hischildren might neverbeableto around 2.3million or 1in6children– so thegovernment is actually ignoring that they could decimate socialhousing, afford theirown homesand maystruggle about thesameaspreviousyears.Itis theunderlyingproblem andtreating the slashbenefits,introduce thebedroom to live independentlyontheir wages. I foortthhisreason, many have suggested, symptomsinstead.But there is alarger tax, introduce aNationalLivingWage wasmoved nottotears,but to laughter, probleminthatthe Institute forFiscal that is actually belowthe reallivingwage as theconcernedparentinquestion ChChanging theway in which Studieslastyearreported that nearly two- andthenproudly proclaim that they had wasmultimillionaire DavidCameron. youmeasure povertysothat thirds of children livinginpoverty come significantly reducedchild poverty at the This is thesameDavid Cameron whose thefocus is on lack of work from workingfamilies, up from 54%in endofthisisextraordinary. We must not government hadits attack on taxcredits “does notbetterthe lives 2009-2010to63% by 2013-2014. When allow them to continue theircampaign defeated in theHouse of Lordslastyear and living conditions of the two-thirds of thenumberofchildren of persecuting thevulnerable whilst (nothingdemonstrates one’sconcern impoverished. considered to be living in poverty under they give themselvesand -inaweek forchildren more than cuttingchild tax thecurrentmeasurementscomefrom where gettingGoogletopay 3% taxwas credits, surely?), andthenlastweekhad workingfamilies,simply changingthe paradedasanastoundingsuccess- their itsproposaltoscrap themeasurement of that Iain Duncan Smithannounce”da wayinwhich youmeasure poverty so friendsafreepass. childpovertydefeatedinthe Houseof government proposal in July 2015toscrap that thefocus is on lack of work does not Lords. the2020targetand to alterthe ways in better thelives andliving conditionsof The latter of these twodefeats prevent whichchildhood povertyismeasured so theimpoverished.Thispernicious attempt thegovernmentfrom overturning that thefigureswould decrease. to achievesomedecentPRwithout measures putinplace by thelastLabour The proposalswere to replacethe makingany actual changes demonstrates government. These measuresare two- currentsystemofmeasuringpovertywith thelevel of contemptthisgovernment fold.Theyestablish themeasurement of adutytoreportlevelsofunemployment, hasfor thevulnerable citizens of this childpovertyasbeing that of anychild educationalattainmentand addiction. country. It is yetanother reprehensible wholives in ahousehold theincome of This might not, at first,seemcompletely attack on thepoorest,withthe sole aim 16 Science Science-Fiction Versus ScienceFact

[Image: 20th Century Fox]

StevenGibney geneticallymodifyhuman embryos. This research aims as skilfullyand flexiblyasahuman can, as observed in to investigate thedevelopment cycleand understand last year’s film Ex Machina.Currently, it is still something We live in thefuture. This isn’tmeant to be philosophical theprocesses involvedinmiscarriages, infertility,and we arestriving to achieve butwiththe inventionsofSiri, or grandiose; when youconsiderthe incredible IVF success rates. Whilealteringthe genetics of an Microsoft’sCortana andGoogle’sAlphaGo,weare on technologicaladvanceswhich have occurredoverthe embryo couldtheoreticallyallow theselection of ourway to creating artificialintelligence.But Ithinkwe last fewdecades thetruth in that statement should be characteristics such as sex, hair colour,and eyecolour, have away to go before we reach thestandardofThe obvious. Some of thegreatest science fiction storieshave thesteps required forthatlevel of modifications arestill Terminator or 2001:ASpace Odyssey. imagined technologieswhich were considered beyond alongway off. There arealsoregulations in placein therealm of possibility. Nowscientistsand innovators preparationfor this kind of development; forinstance Space,the final frontier…for now. areeither developing or havealready developed many thereisalready aban on selectingthe sexwhen using Human curiosityisanincredible thing. From theearly of theseonce imaginary inventions. Thequestionis, IVF.Soitislikelythat if gene editingwere to progress days of mansteppingout of acavetoman’s first steps howdoesscience fictioncompare to what we have in to thepoint where children couldbegeneticallyaltered on themoon, thedesiretoknowwhat is out there has themodernera? furtherregulations wouldbeimposed.Hopefully, these driven us pretty far. Thehuman race wantstoexplore regulationswould help avoidthe creation of aworld space,thisisonlyreinforcedwhen youlookatthe Would youlikeblondehairorbrown? which resemblesHuxley’s BraveNew World. historyofscience fiction,it’sone of thekey plot points in manysci-fi stories. The technologieswecurrently use BraveNew World,byAldousHuxley, imagines aworld Come with me if youwantartificial intelligence... to explore space aren’t quietasadvancedasthe faster where nearly identicalhuman embryosare conditioned than lightorwarpdrivesseeninStarTrek, yetsomeof usingartificialcompoundstoalter developmentin “A robotmay not injure ahuman beingor, through thestuff we have achievedisjustasincredible.It’ssaid ordertocreate different classes of society.The result is inaction,allow ahuman beingtocometoharm.”- that ourphoneshavemore technology than theentire asociety of segregatedclasses which praisesuniformity, TheFirst LawofRobotics.The laws of robotics were Apollomission andwestill managed to navigate to the predictability,and consumptionofdisposableconsumer conceivedbyscience fiction writer IssacAssimov in moon andback. The ApolloGuidance system relied on goods. We mayliveinanage of consumerismbut that hisbook I, Robot.Since then interest in robots and astronauts entering commands usingpairsofnouns and is adiscussionfor another time.The mostintriguing thedevelopment of artificialintelligence hasincreased verbs, andthat alonewas used to navigate the952,700 concept in Huxley’s BraveNew World is thecontrol to thepoint it is quickly becoming apartofeveryday milesround trip.Given they achieved amoonlanding overphysicaland mental characteristics usingamyriad life.When people hear theword“robot” some picture withthat technology,it’snosurprisethanwithcurrent of scientificapproaches. Previously,the only medical aloveable machinelikeDisney’sWall-E, whileothers technology ouraspirations aresignificantly greater. advance which wouldbeconsideredsimilarwould be pictureaTerminator styledeath machine, it dependson NASA’s current plan is to land humans on an asteroid in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Theprocess of IVF involves your perspective.Currently they still struggle to walk by 2025 andMarsin2030. Likewise,private companies thefertilisation of an eggoutside of thebody. Currently, up thestairsconfidently, nonetheless, automation is arenow investing in space travel withVirginGalactic in theUK, IVF is strictly regulatedand availableonlyfor becoming asignificantpartofsociety.From vacuum nowofferingtrips into spaceand theMarsOne group thosewho fail to getpregnant aftertryingfor overtwo cleaners to self-driving cars,weare finding ways to looking to establishahuman settlement on Mars.These years. However, thedevelopment of IVF hassparked automate almostevery aspect of ourlives.However, achievementsmay not directly compare to thosein thedebateoverdesignerorgeneticallymodified babies. some wouldargue that these aremerely stepping stones Interstellar or Galaxy Quest butthese arethe first steps. This is particularly relevantaslastweekUKscientists on theway to designingtrue artificialintelligence.The Whoknows wherewecould endup, theuniverseisour have been givenpermission,bythe fertility regulator, to aim is to buildamachinecapable of exhibiting behaviour oyster. thegryphon.co.uk Science 17 Does Your PetLove You? Science In Focus

Fracking In TheUK: TheDash ForGas Olivia Adu in supply associated with in- creased global production via During the last fortnight, three fracking. Continued develop- of the ‘Big 6’ energy compa- ments to the hydraulic fractur- nies – E.ON, SSE and Scottish- ing technique have resulted Power, have announced cuts to in the successful recovery of their gas prices by 5.1%, 5.3% higher quantities of gas; this and 5.4%, respectively. After has been particularly fruitful in years of continued rises in gas the Gulf of Mexico. As such, prices, what has prompted this the World Energy Outlook es- recent reversal? The answer, in timates that, “the US could be part, is aresult of fracking. approaching gas self-sufficien- The process of fracking in- cyby2035”. [Image: Sarah Holst] volves drilling a vertical hole As consumers, this is great for in to the ground, before drilling our bank balances; reductions horizontally in-between lay- in gas prices should mean we AmyWardle and modern evolutionary data, are in those brains as well.”For ers of rock for many miles. The can finally afford to use our coupled with more detailed Safina, we should utilise the produced well is then pumped heating. Unfortunately, the re- Over recent years, academ- analysis of animal behaviour in fact we are so similar to other with a “fracking fluid”, consist- duction in wholesale prices ics from around the world have natural environments, are pav- species in order to understand ing of sand, water and chemi- could have much greater im- been paying the question of ing the waytonew,objective them. As Dutchprimatologist cals (700 being carcinogenic), plications – things that seem non-human emotion the atten- and accepted studies of animal and ethologist Frans de Waal at a high enough pressure to too good to be true, tend to tion it is due. Manyofus, (my- emotion. concludes, “Toendowanimals fracture the surrounding rock, be. When the value of a com- self included) would happily MRI scanning, for instance, has with human emotions has long releasing the trapped gas. The modity falls below the cost of testify; Ilove my dog and my contributed to howweunder- been ascientific taboo. But if we gas then migrates to the sur- its production, like with the dog lovesme. But for science, stand ocean mammals. Orcas do not, we risk missing some- face where it is captured. The current global price of oil, then this kind of thesis has been off- have an emotional range and thing fundamental, about both process of injecting high pres- additional financial support is limits to even pursue for fear depth that is, as yet, unfathom- animals and us.”Safina uses the sure fluid into rock has caused required to keep it economi- of simply anthropomorphising. able. They have an extension of example of an elephant fam- earthquakes (albeit small ones, cally viable. While increased Forinstance, recording that a the emotional part of the brain, ily.In particular the fascinating equivalent to a large lorry going shale gas production could aid dog can ‘smile’ would not be the paralimbic cleft, whichwe discovery that wild herds react past your house), and in certain in the UK’s security of supply, approved–attributing ahuman do not have.Asquoted from differently to the pre-recorded cases severe water contamina- establishing an additional sup- expression and emotion to a the popular 2013 documentary voices of different groups of hu- tion bythe released methane. ply line into an already flooded behaviour,rather than trying to Blackfish,their sense of self and mans: behaving calmly around Last year it became apparent market, may have further reper- objectively understand the be- social bonding is “muchstrong- the sound of tourists and fleeing that David Cameron had am- cussions on global prices. This haviour and its related causes er,muchmore complex than from the speechofpoachers. bitions to allow for increases could ultimately impact upon and consequences. in other mammals, including They knowus. of onshore fracking, including the UK’s plans to increase gas However,in2013, neurosci- humans”. Laurel Braitman has Seeing atwo-way level of controversial proposals to in- production. entist Gregory Berns published chronicled whyand howani- understanding brings humans clude national parks within the Regardless of the price and abook based on the work of mals suffer extreme emotions, down from ourpedestal. Mere- remit. As aresult, his stated aim increased extraction of gas, himself and his team at Emory anxiety,depression and mad- ly having sentience, the ability was to create 150,000 more the UK’senergy infrastructure University,titled HowDogs ness, just as humans do. to empathise and interpret, is British jobs whilst reducing gas is facing asupply crisis, due Love Us.Embarking on are- In aTED talk in October 2015, not what distinguishes us as hu- prices. These claims caused to the impending decommis- markable journey with his own Carl Safina overturned science’s man. It is becoming clear that it great scepticism, with even the sion of all coal power stations dog, Berns trained his canine aversion to comparing humans is the depth and range of these chairman of Caudrilla –the by2023. TheUKwill therefore companion to sit calmly during and non-humans. He stated, qualities whichmakes species UK’sleading shale gas com- require alternative sources of MRI scanning. Thepair over- “attributing human thoughts distinct. In this way, scientific pany–stating that fracking was energy generation, with the came manyobstacles to reveal and emotions to other species is insight is questioning the ways unlikely to cause areduction in growing likelihood that the re- for the first time the intricacies the best first guess about what we relate to animals, and more gas prices. sponsibility will fall on natural of the canine brain, confirming they’re doing and howthey’re philosophically,how we con- However,wholesale gas pric- gas power stations. TheUKis howdogs empathise with hu- feeling, because their brains sider ourselves in relation to our es have dropped by 32% over on the cusp of another ‘Dash man emotions and do consider are basically the same as ours. ethical –and unethical –treat- the last year,afactor partially for Gas’ however the outcomes us more than animated treat- They have the same structures. ment of other species. attributed to the glut of gas and its costs are littered with givers and belly-scratchers. Thesame hormones that cre- entering the market –the rises uncertainties. Advancements in neuroscience ate mood and motivation in us R IVE ING EL D 24HRS K 7 E * D E PIZZA, AY S A W BUYONE GETONE FREE** Medium &large pizzas only ONLINE CODE:ONEFREEE Type in code when prompted at thecheckout dominos.co.uk DELIVERED

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Student ID required* At regular menu price. **Free pizza must be equal or lesser value than the first. Premium bases &crust charges are extra. Not valid with any other offer.Subject to availability.Valid at participating stores only.Offer expires 31/05/2016. Restricted late night availability,ask in-store for details. Sport 19 January Transfers Hit Record Heights James Felton and NancyGillen Football as an obvious example. After manytwists and turns, coming in in the summer for Premier League clubs, Aitor Karanka’sside finally completed the £9 million all twenty sides will be doing all they can to achieve In arecord-breaking season, the Premier League clubs signing of Jordan Rhodes from Blackburn Rovers. It is their goals. If the opening 24 matches of the season have,combining the summer and the winter transfer additionally true that manysides kept to loan deals in have been anything to go by,weare in for an exciting, windows, spent over£1billion on recruiting new play- England’ssecond tier,with players like NickPowell go- entertaining and perhaps surprising finish to what has ers in this increasingly financially dependent league. ing to Hull City and Aiden McGeadymoving to Shef- been one of the most competitive seasons in recent TheJanuary transfer window, whichwas very much field Wednesday memory. astory of the bottom-half clubs doing business, It hasalsobeenaninterestingtransferwindow saw£175 million spent; some impressive signings, forthe FA Women’sSuper League,yet to close. some alast desperate attempt to beat the drop. Just As theleaguebecomes more competitive, the to put figures into some sort of European context, transfer of high-quality playerstorival teamshas Stoke City’simpressive signing of Giannelli Imbula become morecommon. at £18 million, is ahigher amount than that spent Fara Williams’stransfer to Arsenalhas been one by La Liga as awhole, where Augusto Fernandez’s of themoves of thewindow. Williamsiscurrently move from Champions League chasing Celta to oneofthebestmidfieldersinthe world, as seen second placed Atletico Madrid, at €6.5 million, in the2015Women’s WorldCup,and shewill wasthe highest fee paid by Spanish clubs. In short, only strengthenanalreadyexcellent Arsenal Premier League clubs are nowvastly ahead of their side.Liverpool have actedwelltofill thespace European counterparts in terms of finances. left behindbyWilliams however, signingarange Newcastle United were the big spenders, sign- of players, including Englandinternationals Alex ing Swansea City’sJonjo Shelvey for £12 million, [Image:Sky Sports] Greenwood andSiobhan Chamberlain. Andros Townsend for the same figure and Seydou Anotherkey signingisKaren CarneytoChelsea. Doumbia on loan. Fans will be hoping that Steve The Blueswon thetitle last year andthisaddition McClaren can get the best out of these players as, at An honourable mention must go to China, where per- will help in theircampaigntowin it again. the point of writing, Newcastle are still in the bottom haps we have seen the surprise story of this window. An interestingaspectofthistransfer window is the three, despite all their financial investments. Granted, players suchasPaulinho and Demba Ba were increase of international playerscomingintothe Thedeal of the window, surely,has to be Southamp- alreadythere, but household names suchasRamires, FAWSL. This is asignofthe increasingcompetitiveness ton’s£4million capture of Charlie Austin, whowill be Jackson Martinez and Gervinho have left some of the ofthe league anditisbecominganattractiveplace to aiming to get on the plane for Euro 2016, although he top leagues in Europe to playinthis ever-growing play forfootballers around theworld. faces stiff competition from Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Asian market. The window shuts on Friday 18th March, anditwill Wayne Rooney,DannyWelbeck, and, if fit, Daniel Nowthat the transfer windowhas gone, clubs can be intriguingtosee if anymorebig signings aremade. Sturridge. nowconcentrate on the remainder of the season and It is not, however,just staying in the Premier League work with what they have got. With the league title, whichhas motivated clubs to spend big but those wish- European places and avoiding the relegation zone still ing to promote to the top flight, with Middlesbrough very muchupfor grabs, and with the huge TV deal Is Officiating Technology Football’sFuture? NO JAMESCANDLER YES KATIE WHYATT

Since Raheem Sterling managed in the competition. Consequently, Raheem Sterling’sLeague calls areferee must make. Forto- to execute abeautiful yetfortuitous the same effect (in terms of effective Cup semi-final cross for Kevin De tal transparency, the system must be cross in arecent League Cup semi- matchofficiating) has been achieved. Bruyne’sdecisive Manchester City extrapolated, with the net cast wid- final match, the issue of goal-line So, if the twooptions produce the goal once more underlines the need er.This is not acall to an over-steri- technology has once again been in the same outcome, then whynecessar- for further development to the pre- lised game precipitated by aone-off spotlight. Theapparent reaction to the ily are additional matchofficials bet- sent officiating structure. event: IFAB,football’srulemaking decisive goal has been aswift and col- ter than the implantation of goal-line Knee jerk reactions are rarely the board, gave the green light for fifth lective uproar whichcan essentially technology? Well, the introduction of best reactions, but increasingly,it officials in 2012, and they were used be summarised as eloquently as: goal- technology is by its very nature, the seems imperative that referees are at the final stages of the Euros that line technology is the future, human removalofthe human element and givenfurther support in order to year.Why has this not been built referees just make mistakes, we need this is aslippery slope. One only has minimise the possibility of error.The upon? That these incidents are often to let go of the past’. to look to rugbyunion to see asport long overdue utilisation of goal-line rare or isolated is of scant consola- Of course, upon initial inspection, in whichtechnology has taken over technology in the Premier League tion when human error irrecover- the implementation of more tech- and ultimately slowed down the top has provenpivotal without disrupt- ably changes the outcome of agame nology in the refereeing of football, matches to grinding halts. This asport ing the pace of the game, and foot- as important as this one. would serveonly to eliminate the in whichevery decision is endlessly ball’sleading sporting bodies have On Sky’sMondayNight Football possibility of human risk and there- scrutinised and the euphoric celebra- previously trialled methods that, if last season, Howard Webb revealed fore create aflawless game, where tion of tries is undercut by twomin- employed, would have stopped Ster- top-flight officials generally make skill not decisions determine the out- utes of watching it again on alarge ling in his tracks last week. the right call in 90% of cases. Even come of matches. However,itmust screen. Is this the future that football Backin2009, UEFAtested addi- so, fans, players and managers are be be noted that the same effect can fans envision? One in whichthe beau- tional assistant referees –one be- justified in their discontent in cases be achieved without resorting to tech- tiful game that is known not just for hind eachgoal –to“ensure that the as blatant as this. Anythingtoreduce nology.AsmyfellowGryphon writer its frenetic pace, but also its ability to Laws of the Game were upheld and ambiguity andthusoffer increased quite helpfully points out in her ar- spark endless debates, is undercut by informing the referee of incidents of protection to referees is beneficial gument, UEFAmade the decision to tedious and irrefutable computer gen- anykind that he mayotherwise have to all parties. add twoadditional assistant referees erated decisions. Personally,Iwould missed.”The original emphasis was behind the goal-line, in 2009 and rather sacrifice the occasional goal, on ruling out so-called ghost-goals, since then there has been nary an in- then my pure enjoyment of awhole but it is obvious nowthat goal-line stance of goal-line based controversy sport. technology is insufficient for all the

Sport 21

Curtain Rises ForSix Nations

James Candler only months earlier lifted the World cal as it is competitive significance. Women’sRugby Cup. However,captain Sarah Hunt- Thefinal matchbetween France er insists that her side have learned and Italy is an old rivalry,and one With all the recent hype surround- from the mistakes of last year and whichissure to be made even live- ing Eddie Jones’ England squad se- have shifted from what she deemed lier by the sheer determination that lection and the first Six Nations since a‘development period’ and into the will fuel this Frenchside. Theteam the RugbyWorld Cup, one would ‘performance period’. Plus, with an finished second last year,losing to perhaps be forgivenfor forgetting impressive-looking Hannah Gal- Ireland only by points difference, that this year’sWomen’sSix Nations lagher nowakey playerinthe back- and Gaelle Mignot has made no se- is just as tantalising aprospect and row, England look to have the talent cret of howmuchthis has inspired will surely result in some equally and the hunger to succeed this time the team. However,whilst this may (if not more) entertaining rugby. In around. sound intimidating to aItalian side regards to this, The Gryphon gives Next up is the titanic clash of Ire- that historically has not fared well in Badminton1sts (W)2–6 Birmingham 1sts youanin-depth preview of what to land against Wales, whichwill take these competitions, it must be noted Badminton2nds (M) 8–0 Teesside 1sts expect from this year’scompetition, place at TheDonnybrook in Ireland. that this Frenchside is arelatively in- Badminton2nds (W)2–6 Beckett 1sts with apreview of the Men’sSix Na- Thereigning champions are once experienced one –with manyplay- Badminton3rds(M) 2–6 York 2nds tions competition available on The again looking like aformidable force, ers in key roles, suchasRomane Gryphon website. as Niamh Briggs provides an assured Menager making their debut. Though Fencing 1sts (W)111–94 Newcastle 2nds Thecompetition is kicked-off by platform both as captain and in the Mignot has stated that the new play- Fencing 1sts (M) 113–126 Northumbria 1sts the alwaysentertaining rivalry of front row. However,the side will be ers have integrated perfectly into the Scotland and England, as the twona- missing JenMurphyand Allison Mill- squad, Italy will surely be looking to Football 1sts (W)8-0 Manchester 1sts tions face-off against one another at er as pivotal backs, for this first en- exploit this inexperience at the very Football 1sts (M) 1-1 Manchester 1sts Broadwood Stadium. England most counter.Asaresult, Wales will surely highest level. Football 2nds (W)6-1 Teesside 1sts certainly have alot to prove,with the be looking to cause some damage to Football 2nds (M) 0–3 Durham 2nds side finishing in abitterly disappoint- adepleted Irish side, in amatchthat Football 3rds (M) 3–1 Beckett 5ths ing fourth place last year,having is going to have as muchpsychologi- Football 3rds (W)5-2 Sunderland 2nds Football 4ths (M) 0–0 Hull 3rds

Golf 1sts 2-4 Durham 2nds

Hockey 1sts (W)0–9 Birmingham 1sts Should VanGaal Go? Hockey 1sts (M) 0–1 Edinburgh 1sts Hockey 2nds (M) 0-5 Northumbria 1sts Hockey 3rds (M) 4-1 Beckett 2nds John Gibby Hockey 4ths (W)1-4 Newcastle 4ths Football Lacrosse 1sts (W)23–8 Beckett 1sts When former league champions Lacrosse 1sts (M) 1–27 Sheffield Hallam 1sts struggle to gain ten points from as manygames, high profile petitions Netball 1sts (W)48–32 Durham 1sts are launched against the manager Netball 4ths (W)31–40 Durham 3rds and season ticket holders can be Netball 5ths (W)32–35 Huddersfield 1sts heard heckling the players during Netball 6ths (W)48–53 York St John 2nds the games, youmight not expect their chief to last muchlonger in RugbyLeague 1sts (M) 24-22 Newcastle 1sts the job, especially in an industry [Image:MathewPeters] where managers are often dismissed RugbyUnion 1sts (M) 0-71 Durham 1sts as quickly as England in apenalty With all this to consider,why is er-manager Giggs is said to be Van RugbyUnion 3rds (M) 23-45 Northumbria 2nds shootout. it then that Ed Woodward and the Gaal’spersonal first choice for the Not so for Louis VanGaal, how- board have not lost patience with role, but maylackthe experience to Squash 1sts (M) 5-0 Beckett 1sts ever,who has gained notoriety for the former Bayern, Barcelona and take on suchahigh profile job in Squash 2nds (M) 3-0 Beckett 2nds his direct wayofdealing with the Netherlands manager? Perhaps as what would be his first permanent media as well as his style of pos- aname with suchanimpressive list role in management. Mourinho on Table Tennis 1sts (M) 3-14 Lancaster 1sts session football, whichhas been la- of credentials they want to see if his the other hand is said to be keen to Table Tennis 2nds (M) 3-14 York 2nds belled ‘shambolic’ and ‘rubbish’ by experience will eventually shine take up the mantle in Manchester members of the Old Trafford faith- through, and undoubtedly United’s and regain his ‘Special One’ status Tennis 1sts (M) 10-2 Durham 3rds ful. The64year old has promised satisfactory FA Cup form has been in English Football, but perhaps the Tennis 1sts (W)0-12 Durham 3rds both the fans and his wife that he ahelp in ayear when they’ve been Man Utd board maybeless enthu- Tennis 2nds (M) 6-6 Northumbria 1sts will retire at the end of the next sea- relegated to the Europa League after siastic about amanager largely as- Tennis 2nds (W)6-6 Newcastle 2nds son, when his current contract with failing to progress from their Cham- sociated with close rivals Chelsea Tennis3rds(M) 12-0 Sheffield Hallam 2nds the Red Devils expires, but arecent pions League group -muchlike Sir taking up the role. Tennis 3rds (W)0-12 Beckett 3rds poll found that 79% of Man Utd Alex Ferguson during his times of That all aside though, there will be Tennis 4ths (M) 6-6 Bradford1sts fans want to bring in afresh face turmoil with the Reds this could be no new manager down at the Thea- as soon as possible and it’seasy to giving VanGaal time. tre of Dreams until VanGaal leaves, Ultimate Frisbee 1sts (M) 3-15 Durham 1sts see why. 13 times the side has failed And what of the possible candi- and with 18 months left on his con- to score in the first half, only once dates to take overduring suchan tract and the club’sexecutivesre- Volleyball 1sts (W)3-0 Bradford1sts have they found the net before the important time in the club’shistory? luctant to make anyhasty decisions, break in ahome league game and Theshortlist is generally said to perhaps United fans are stuckwith WaterPolo 1sts (W)15-12 Manchester 1sts even David Moyes’ ill-fated period have twonames nowPep Guardiola the eccentric Dutchman for alittle WaterPolo 1sts (M) 3-24 Edinburgh 1sts in charge wasmore fruitful in terms is out of the picture; Ryan Giggs and while longer. of league performance. Jose Mourinho. Former interim play- thegryphon.co.uk 22 Sport Ice Hockey Skate to Stunning Success

Ciaran Lennon and Jason Tzouriadis puckand raised the score to 0-4. Soon, Samuel Stagg ond had ended, with us cheering for our captain Ice Hockey got the puckonthe right wing, dodged his opponents scoring agoal. Irish got apass from OliverGeorge, and with cold blood and asmile on his face scored and from close range he outwitted the enemynet- against the combined efforts of the enemydefenders minder once more. After 48 minutes, aKings player, After a6.00 am wake up and atwo-hour journey, and net-minder. TimThomas, beautifully dodged our defences and we were readytotake part in our first awayfixture Twominutes before the second period ended, dur- scored the first and only goal for the home team. ever.Wewaited eagerly to get onto the ice at Whitley After 51 minutes of play, our captain got the Bay, arink that had seen the rise and fall of the puckwhile defending and took it all the wayto Berlin Wall. the other end of the ice and scored his sixth and Thefirst period didn’tfollowthe same path final goal. In the last fiveminutes of the game as our other fixtures this year,taking awhole twoenemyplayers were ejected with two-min- 6minutes for the pucktopass into the oppo- ute penalties. Our forwards rotated and took sition’snet. Thegoal wasscored by our cap- advantage of this, with Wilson, Stagg, Burnham tain and president Josh Irish, with the assist by and Irish bombarding the enemynet-minder Thomas Wilson. with shots. It waseventually Stagg who, four Thesecond goal of the period came from Wil- minutes before the end, and after agreat team liam Tate on his debut for the team. Will won defensive play, scored the last goal of the game. the puck, swiftly counter-attacked alone, shot Thereferee whistled and the game wasover. and scored against the enemynet-minder. We had wonour first ever awaygame with a Theopponent team waspressing, trying to get score of 1-9. Everyone had givenall they had. spaces to attack, but fifteen minutes in the game On the coachbacktoLeeds all Icould see were it wasour captain that made the goal buzzer tired but happyfaces. Everyone had played sound again. Fiveminutes later,hescored his [Image:LUU IceHockey] their part, and deserved to be proud. Theday third goal for the night, out-skating all of his op- wasours, and we are undefeated, and aweek ponents before executing arapid shot into the later,wehavetodefend our streak. enemynet. ing aswift attack, Stagg also assisted our captain with It only took aminute of the second period for the asmooth pass, and Irish increased our goals and his captain to remind everyone whyheisaforce to be personal record. reckoned with. After abeautiful defensive playby Thethird period started in the same waythat the sec- Nina Brown and Daniel Rodriguez, Irish got the British Tennis Success Down Under

Ryan Kirkman In the women’sside Angelique Kerber triumphed Tennis overSerena Williams 64, 36,64toclaim her first ca- AndyMurray.Novak Djokovic. Melbourne. Afamil- reer Grand Slam. iar scene with an all too familiar ending for the Scot, Williams, as ever,was aheavy favourite but served nowwinless in fiveAustralian Open finals and forced poorly and hit 46 unforced errors toKerber’s13. Ker- to watchhis rivalhoist his sixth Australian trophyto ber used her great defensive skills to prolong rallies make it eleven career Grand Slams with a61, 75, 76 and passed Williams regularly when the American straight sets victory. came into the net and clearly deserves immense cred- Djokovic is nowatalevel where he simply has to it for her win. be discussed as one of the greatest ever.His defensive Williams is one the best of all time and boasted a playismasterful, his groundstrokes are so consistent- scarcely believable 214 Grand Slam finals record ly deep that his opponents have no room to breath, coming into this one, so beating her is afantastic and physically he can outlast anyone overfive sets. achievement. That said, this should be viewed as one Murray needs to find something extraifhe’sgoing to that got awayfrom Williams. Victory would have lev- regularly threaten Djokovic since Murray’s triumph at elled her with Stefi Graff on 22 career Grand Slams, Wimbledon in 2013 the rivalry has been ridiculously but she did not playaswehave become so accus- onesided, with the Serbian winning 11 of the last 12 tomed to seeing in major finals. meetings. From aBritish perspective Johanna Konta’simpres- Outside of the usual suspects Milos Raonic wasthe sive march to the semifinals wasadelight to watch. the most impressive performer.The powerful server She is nowranked in the top 30 for the first time and has long been spoken about as the next guy to chal- showed that she has the potential to challenge for lenge at the top of the men’sgame, but at 25 he can’t slams. Her combination of agility and intelligent shot afford to wait for Murray and Djokovic to go away. selection means that she can alwayspose athreat With the title at the Brisbane International already when playing well. There wasalso amen’sdoubles under his belt in 2016, the Canadian has started the victory for Jamie Murray and his partner Bruno Soares, year well and must continue his development, and it and Scot Gordon Reid woninthe men’swheelchair is imperative he avoids injuries that have troubled his singles as well as reaching the final of the doubles. career so far. Reid delivered an exceptional tournament and has set Other young talents suchasGrigor Dimitrovand his sights on Wimbledon and the Rio Olympics. NickKyrgios both fell in the third round, while Na- dal continued his troubles in Gran Slams with afirst round exit. [Image:EPA] thegryphon.co.uk Sport 23 L.U.R.LBeatNewcastle in Nail-biter

James Candler were too often caught napping. Shortly after,asecond RugbyLeague try wasscored by Newcastle, whowere able to create University of Leeds 1sts 24 -22Newcastle 1sts an overlap to whichLeeds were too slowtorespond. Leeds were clearly struggling, as their handling and de- Leeds’ RugbyLeague 1st team secured their place in fensive errors began to mount, leaving the score at 6 the top division next season, after an excruciatingly –10when the first half came to aclose. close showdown with their nearest league rivals, New- Thesecond half began with the Gryphons conceding castle. Thematchwas agame of constantly shifting mo- yetanother penalty at the breakdown and (though ad- mentum, whichensured ahighly competitive contest mittedly the home side were treated somewhat harshly throughout, in whichvictory wasfar from assured. by the referee all day) it looked as if Leeds’ discipline Thematchappeared to get off to aperfect start, with would lose this game for them. However,L.U.R.L soon Leeds’ attacking structures boding well and the home hit back, by reclaiming possession and working their side making swift advances into the Newcastle 22-me- wayupthe field with acouple of hard penetrating runs tre area. After just twominutes, scrum-half Josh Board- from the likes of powerful first-year Brad Cook. Leeds [Image:Gryphon Sport] man danced his waythrough adisjointed Newcastle had set themselves up beautifully for their fifth phase defensive line and scored the first try of the match, visibly more visceral and frenetic. Every hit wasloaded and executed an inside ball with immaculate precision, whichhelater converted to make the score 6–0.The with ferocious aggression and every pass wasperilous- whichallowed prop forward Ben Finder to go overfor Gryphons then proceeded to enjoyaperiod of sustained ly close to the defensive line, with Leeds risking every- atry.Following this equaliser,replacement prop Jack dominance over the visiting side, keeping them pinned thing to win-backthis match. Suddenly,abreak down Blaggs went overfor athundering try of his ownand backintheir ownhalf for most of the 15 minutes that the right-hand side from winger Matt Wright afforded as aresult, the game seemed to assuredly belong to the followed. Newcastle were forced to defend punishing his team some crucial territory.The team grabbed this Gryphons. run after punishing run and at one point, another try opportunity with both hands and awell-executed in- However,soon after the re-start aLeeds penalty failed wasalmost scored by full-backand club captain Harry side ball from loose forward George Milton, allowed to make touch, whichallowed Newcastle to make pro- Purnell, whowas held up just short of the line follow- Blaggs to crash overthe line for his second, pivotal try. gress right through the middle of the field. Some intelli- ing some excellent interplaybetween hooker Ollie Thefate of the matchrested on the shoulders of Josh gent interplayand ascintillating run from the Newcas- Vickers and centre Dan Bent. However,itwas shortly Boardman, whose steely composure enabled him to tle full-backmeant that the game wasonce again equal after this that Newcastle were able to equalise from an kickthe conversion. As the ball soared through the up- at 18 –18. When aNewcastle second rowwent over unexpected breakawaytry,making the score 6-6. The rights, the final whistle blew and the Leeds Gryphons for atry of his owninthe 76th minute, the intensity try highlighted some of L.U.R.L’s worrying defensive erupted into aflurry of exuberant, deserved celebra- and excitement reached fever-pitch. Thegame became weak points, as their markers around the breakdown tion. Women’sVolleyball Vanquish West Yorkshire Rivals

John Gibby They fell victim to qual- Women’sVolleyball ityserving from Manon University of Leeds 3-0Bradford Demoyenand skilful strikesfrom Yvonne LeedsWomen’s Volleyball team continuedtheir Chiang,asLeeds closed so-far perfectseasonwithanother 3-0victory on out theset 25-21. WednesdayatThe GryphonSportsCentre, this time At thebeginningof againstastruggling Bradford side. thethirdset it seemed Theerror-prone localrivalstothe Gryphons gave like away allofthe first fivepointsinthe game duetoer- Leedsmight runaway rors, as thehomesidecruised into an unassailable to winthe matcheasily, first-set lead.Impressiveefforts from Lara Hudson especiallyafter some andexquisite servingfromJenna Machin meantthat topnotch play during Bradford,who remained in loud voicethroughout an acrobatic rallyto thematch,never gotcloserthanwithin fivepoints makeit4-1.Bothsides of thehomeside. They were lackingcohesivetactics experiencedspellsof andtechnical accuracythroughout thefirstset,whilst badluck, withHudson Leedslookedsharp andwell-rehearsed. puttinginmuchofthe Thegamebecamemorecompetitiveinthe second work as Bradford crept et however, withthe Bradford coach’swords seem- up to getback into the [Image:JackRoberts] ingtoworkwonders on herplayers,and they found setat8-11. themselves9-1 up againstaslightly complacent but Afterthe ensuing Leedsdeservedtheir victoryfrom agamewhere they also unluckyset of Leedsplayers.Theyregainedform time-out therewas some sloppy play from Bradford, were mainlydominant,other than snatches of thesec- afteramuch-needed time-out however, andgot the whoseemedtohavelefttheir often excellentspell in ond set. Bradford,incontrast, seemedbyfar themore score back to 12 points allthankstomore sterling play thesecondset behind them,astheythrew away the disorganised side,and though thehomeside’scon- from Machin. lead to leaveLeeds to lead 20-15. Despitetheir enthu- centration lapsed on occasion,the Gryphons found From that pointonLeeds refusedtolet theirlocal siasticchantingtheir morale wasclearly dented,and theholesintheir opponents’gameplanand exploited rivals take agriponthe set, emergingvictoriousfrom they only managed onemore pointasLeeds went on them to full effect forawell-earnedwin. acoupleofthe game’s longestrallies as Bradford’s tac- to closeout theset,and thematch witha3-0 score- tics seemedtofallapart onceagain,asinthe first set. line.

thegryphon.co.uk Issue1005.02.16 thegryphon.co.uk

[Image:LUU IceHockey [Image: Carl Recine] [Image: Jack Roberts][Image: Mathew Peters]

LeedsGryphonscontinue100%start to Should theuse of technology in Straight-setswin overWestYorkshire Should United look elsewhere?p.21 season p.22 football be extended?p.19 rivals p.23

[Image:Lucia Vilajoana]

Sunderland Sunk by SensationalLee[mdsage J ck Roberts]

• CaptainJadeLordbagsabrace • FirsttimeinLUUWAFC’s historythatall threeteams winonsame day

NancyGillen Women’sFootball thegoalhad neverhappened, they resumedtheir Sunderland strikerhit thecrossbarand theLeeds University of Leeds3rds5-2Sunderland 2nds attackingplay. This pressureeventuallypaidoff,with defence clearedthe ball away,retainingtheir two-goal theSunderland‘keeperspillingafierce Leedsshot, lead. whichNatalie Espelidplacedintothe back of thenet The 60th minute marksaw theintroductionofLeeds There wasalot of pressure on theLeeds University on what washer Leedsdebut.Reliefspreadthroughout captainJadeLord, whomadeanimmediate impact. Women’sFootball3rd team as they arrivedin theLeeds teamand spurredthemontoget another With herfirsttouch sheneatlytookthe ball around Sunderland to face offagainst theUniversity’s2nd goal. thefinalSunderlanddefenderand kept hercalm in a team.Despite aseriesofgood performances earlier This came in theformofanown goal,but credit must oneonone withthe Sunderland keepertomakethe in theseason, Leedshad failed to winagamethis liewithdefender Brydie Greenwood. Afterclearing score 4-1. Afew minuteslater andshe hadscoredher campaign. Sunderland were in thesameposition, and up aSunderland attack,she went on an excellent second,securingLeeds’s first winofthe season. so thestakeswerehighasbothteams looked to record run, beatingnearlyall of Sunderland’s midfieldand With theenergyofthe playersrunningout,the game theirfirstwin. defence.Asshe bore down on goal,the last Sunderland againslowedinthe final 20 minutesofthe game.With Upon arriving at Sunderland’s playingfields it was defender challenging her inadvertentlykicked theball tenminutesleft, Sunderland scored aconsolationgoal. immediatelyobvious that thechallenge wasgoing to into herown net, puttingLeeds 2-1up. Afterthis, Leedssat back to ensurethat they did not be made harder by thestate of thepitch. Badweather This wasthe score as thewhistle blew forhalf-time, concedeagain,and thegamefinished in this defensive had made thepitch extremely boggy, especiallyin with theremainder of thefirsthalfconsistingmainly manner.Asthe final whistleblew, theelation on the thecentreand around thegoalmouth. During the of Leedspossession, with afew good savesfrom the Leedsplayers’faces wasclear. warm-upitwas noticedthat theballoften bobbled or Sunderland ‘keeper. Thegamebegan to slow as both Leedsfully deserved theirthree points afteran stopped unexpectedly. teams startedtotire, withthe muddy pitchtakingits excellentand resilientperformance,where they came Despitethis, theLeeds teamwere still confidentand toll. from behindtowin confidently. It wasabrilliantday for in high spirits. As thegamekickedoff,Leeds were Leedswentintothe secondhalfmotivated to extend LeedsUniversityWomen’s Football in general, withall immediatelyonthe frontfoot, withwingerCourtney theirlead. Within fiveminutesofthe kick-off they threeteams winningonthe same dayfor thefirsttime JayDee striking thecrossbarwithin thefirsttwo had achieved this,withCourtneyJay Deescoring an in theclub’shistory.The 1sts wonagainst Manchester, minutes. HoweverSunderlandcounteredand their excellentgoalfrom outside thepenalty box. This was having respondedtoslanderousremarks from earlier strikerscoredanexcellent goal,lobbing thekeeperto well-deserved afterher many chancesinthe first-half. in theweektoemerge8-0 victors. The 2nds also puther team unexpectedly ahead. Leedswere 3-1upand playingconfidently. recorded an excellent 6-1win againstTeesside1sts. The disappointmentwas obvious amongthe Leeds Their dominance wasnearlyshakenbyadubious Overallthe club scored19goals this week,showing team buttheir response wasexcellent.Actingasif Sunderland penaltygiven by thereferee. Luckilythe that it’s only on itsway up.