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Bangor University Students’ Union May 2013 English Language Issue No. 232 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor Seren.Bangor.ac.uk IRON MAN SPECIAL WHAT TO DO NEXT... INTERVIEW: LJ TAYLOR

Student Summer Sessions

Students’ Union organise summer activity sessions Various activities available including sports, days out and geo-caching by LJ TAYLOR tivities Development Co-ordinator at to take part in activities that may not team, making sure that everyone’s looking forward to launching this the Students’ Union. be readily accessible to them” said Mr equipment was up to scratch and that project and making the most of the new Bangor Students’ Union e project is the brainchild of the Barnard. there were no language barriers in resources that we now have available.” scheme hopes to keep Ban- Union’s activities team: AU President Strong links have been formed with the way. Quali ed coaches taught the Other planned activities include gor students active during the Emyr Bath, VP Societies and Com- the International O ce in preparation group the basics of kayaking before Geo-Caching and trips to Pu n summerA months. munity Ash Kierans and Clubs and for the scheme which hopes to attract they toured the sheltered parts of the Island as well as a range of more Summer Sessions, which will launch Activities Development Co-ordinator International students who may be lake. traditional sports. at the end of term, will consist of a Steve Barnard. e team have worked staying in Bangor over summer and “Facilitating this activity had a fan- number of di erent activities which solidly throughout the year on in- may have less options during the qui- tastic reception, students from many will be available to any remaining stu- creasing participation and access to all eter part of the year. diverse backgrounds all came and dent once a week. the activities that the Union currently A kayaking session has already taken took part in the session we put on. Its IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE “ e activities team are really keen has to o er. place, at Llyn Padarn, with a number fantastic that for the rst time ever AROUND IN THE SUMMER AND WANT TO GET IN to provide for those that remain over “What is really exciting is that this of International students getting in- we’re planning a programme of activ- program of events will give great op- volved. e day was hosted by the ity to provide for students that live in VOLVED SEND ASH AN EMAIL: Summer such as International stu- [email protected] dents, postgraduate students and any portunities for students of di erent Athletic Union’s Canoe Polo Club. Bangor over the summer” said Ash other person who wants to get or re- departments and backgrounds to Routine safety brie ngs were fol- Kierans, “We’ve already had interest main active” said Steve Barnard, Ac- meet new people and get the chance lowed by Graeme Haigh, who led the from a number of students and are

May, 2013 | Seren 3 CONTENTS LJ TAYLOR EDITOR [email protected] This has been a fantastic year for Seren and the team and it has gone much too quickly. I can hardly believe that as I write this I am about 6 to send my nal issue of Seren to 4-7 48 print. I’ve had an amazing time, Pages we’ve achieved some really great News 4-7 things together and I hope you guys have enjoyed reading this Comment 8-9 year’s issues. For this nal edition Editor Interview 10-11 we have taken things one step fur- 38 ther, or maybe just gone insane, Environment 12-13 and printed 64 pages! My rst issue Co ee 15 as Editor was only 48 and back then that was huge. In fact this 64 page Science 16 beast is more than double the num- Business Awards 18-19 ber of pages we used to print in my rst issue. Union 20-21 Last week Seren were awarded Society of the Year at the Soci- Societies 22-23 ety Awards, which is a fantastic Society Awards 24-25 achievement and I’m very proud of my team. It felt like the crowning Summer Ball 26-27 achievement in this successful year. Year in Review 28-29 This issue we have focused a little on Seren and information on What’s Next? 30-31 how we put it together such as the TV 32-33 God awful interview with me, our gadgets and our fascinating Year in Film 34-35 Review infographic. Iron Man 35-37 There’s more great content too so make sure you check it all out. We Games 38-39 announce the winners of Seren’s Gadgets 40-41 rst ever Business Awards and give some advice to third years on what Music 42-43 you can do next. Fashion 44-45 52 18 We also realised that we want to buy a ying car for Seren to ease Health & Beauty 46-47 distribution! Oh and there’s two whole pages Books 48 on Marvel Phase 2 that anyone who Arts 49 knows me will know I love! I’ve said this a lot now but I’ve Creative 50-51 had a really great three years here Travel 52-53 at Seren and if I’m around next year I hope to get Seren TV up and Food 54-55 running. So if you’re interested in Breaktime 56-58 broadcast journalism get in touch. Thank you to all our readers, thank AU 60-61 you to my amazing team and good luck to everyone leaving, every- Sport 62-64 one with exams and to next Editor: Becki and her team with next year’s The views presented hereinafter do not represent Seren! the views of Seren Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Bangor University. #64 Emma Asberg Luke Smith Ida Vaisanen Callum Hulme Kevin Gri n Kris Humphries Tom Edwards Sophie Thiele Alison Cross Anne Muth Gemma Simmons Jonathan Spencer TEAM Editor LJ Taylor Games LJ Taylor Richard Dallison Raychul Standen Deputy: Content Becki Watson Gadgets LJ Taylor Al Hulley Ana Victoria Rachel Ward Mark Stanley Deputy: Design Laura Jones Music Tom Bickerdike Jez Harvey Elena Neophytou News Charlotte Parker Fashion Aaron Wiles Gemma Ellis Scott Willey Nicola Hoban Health & Beauty Laura Jones Becky Sage Tom Vincent Environment Will Johnson Books Becci Jameson Yousef Cisco Alex Baxendale Science Adam Morris Arts Rosie MacLeod Matt Cox Jodie Williams Comment Sinnead Towey Creative Tom Haynes Philip Mills Ben Walker Food Joe Russell Travel Jordaine Hulse Joe Keep Eddy Reynolds Becki Watson Ali Keshtmand Becky Smith TV Sport Matt Jackson Ailish Bumpus

Film Becci Jameson Kev Gri n THE CONTRIBUTORS 4 Seren | May , 2013 UNI NEWS In Brief Bangor at enterprise nals A TEAM of Bangor University students will be representing Wales in the UK nals of the Young Enter- prise Start Up Programme in Canary Wharf, London on Wednesday 15 May. Callum Jones, a Business School Undergraduate student at Bangor University said that he hopes that the event will encourage more students to set up and run their own business, and enable students to graduate with a successful business that they could jump straight into. In March, the team also won the Bangor University Santander Entre- preneurial Awards and will also be representing Bangor University in the national Santander competition. Bangor Lecture theatre renamed University music festival in memory of Professor THE School of Music’s INTER/ actions Festival of Interactive Elec- tronic Music has been selected for the PRS New Music Biennial and Professor Edward-Jones was a ‘pioneer’ in agricultural eld awarded £20,000 to commission a by NICOLA HOBAN inter-disciplinary research, making riculture at Bangor. He set up the Cen- than he could possibly accept to give new work by American composer substantial contributions to ecology tre for Hill and Upland Management talks to academic, industry and com- Arlene Sierra. ceremony to name a oday and economics as well as the applied and managed to obtain funding for munity groups. In addition, the School of Music lecture theatre a er the late disciplines of agriculture, conserva- capital, research and knowledge trans- e plaque also depicts how Pro- has also been awarded £26,000 from Prof. Gareth Edwards-Jones tion and sheries science’. fer projects at Henfaes, the School’s fessor Edward-Jones ‘saw the impor- Awas held this week (Monday). the Benefactions Group, towards pi- Born in 1962, Professor Edward- lowland farm site. tance of engaging with everyone from ano restoration. e gathering, held in the now Ed- Jones was raised on a farm in the Vale Professor Edward-Jones was an ac- farmers to policy makers’. A profound Xenia Pestova (Bangor University’s ward-Jones Lecture eatre, preluded of Clwyd, Denbighshire. Gaining a tive teacher who inspired both his thinker, he was considered to be ‘an School of Music) said: “We are very the unveiling of a plaque outside of rst class honours degree in Biology undergraduate and PhD students who inspiring teacher and mentor’, who excited as this means we will be able the lecture theatre and was attended from the University of Manchester worked with him on his research pro- when speaking to his PhD students, to invite professional concerto solo- by sta and students, past and present, in 1984, he then went on to receive a jects. He was also highly regarded as told them that it was essential ‘to take ists to perform in PJ hall on the re- as well as members of Prof. Edwards- PhD from the University of London in an expert on the environmental im- science seriously, but never yourself’. conditioned Boesendorfer Imperial. Jones’ close family. A number of his 1988. pacts of food production, and he had Professor Gareth Edward-Jones was is instrument is very rare, having colleagues made speeches before rais- Following this, he worked for a peri- recently developed an interest in the diagnosed with cancer at the end of nine extra notes in the lower regis- ing a toast in his name. od at the Scottish Agricultural College global challenge of food security. is 2010, and passed away shortly a er ter, and we are overjoyed to be able e Professor in the School of Envi- where he became Head of the Rural expertise was highly value and meant on August 14 2011, leaving behind his to save it and bring it into playing ronment, Natural Resources and Ge- Resource Management Department Gareth was a member of several im- wife and two children. e School of condition”. ography (SENRGY) passed away two in 1995. portant national committees and ad- Environment, Natural Resources and years ago at the age of forty-eight a er Professor Edward-Jones was ap- visory groups on various aspects of Geography commented at the time a battle with cancer. pointed a professor of Agriculture and agriculture and land use. He also how the professor would be missed by Celebration of e plaque, describes how Gareth Land Use Studies in the School of Ag- made numerous appearances on tel- all colleagues, but would be remem- Edwards-Jones, who died in 2011 and ricultural and Forest Sciences - now evision and radio, wrote regular press bered for his energy, enthusiasm and employability was a professor of Agriculture and SENRGY - in 1988, and for the next contributions and, as a charismatic achievements. schemes Land Use Studies, was a ‘pioneer of 13 years he led the development of ag- speaker, received far more invitations BANGOR University recently held an event to celebrate the success of Employability schemes. During the event, Excellence Students win ‘Best Translator’ Award Awards were presented to six students taking part in the Bangor Em- ree students awarded in European competition ployability Award (BEA) and the Un- dergraduate Internship scheme, both by CHARLOTTE PARKER coe, Christina Les and Liu Changjing Sharon Stephens said ‘We were so sity of Nottingham, Christina took a run by the University. are among 13 students who received a truly impressed with all the partici- chance to move to North Wales and hree students from Bangor ‘Certi cate of Translation Excellence’. pants’ knowledge and e ort.’ teach languages. Currently halfway e BEA recognizes skills gained University have been awarded through extra-curricular activities Dr Laura Rorato, Head of the School Mature student Christina Les, study- through her MA, Christina is now with the title of ‘Best Transla- of Modern Languages said, “We’re de- ing an MA in Translation Studies won adding Welsh to her long list of lan- and is designed to teach students Ttor’ in a European Competition. Uni- how to successfully promote them- lighted to see that our students are so her award for translation from Ger- guages. versity Challenge is a European trans- successful and they stand out amongst man to English. She said: “It’s really e development of their languages selves to future employers. lation competition o ered by Veritas Alexander Aldred, a Bangor Uni- competitors from universities across exciting to be recognised for a skill I has impressed many people including Language Solutions. Eu rop e .” hope to use professionally, and I’m Doctors at the University. versity student, said “I would recom- e three students have all won mend the BEA to others, the scheme Liu Changjing won her award in grateful for the support of our course Dr Yan Ying Lecturer in translational separate awards in their respective the English to Chinese category and tutor, Dr Yan Ying, who works really Studies said: “ e source texts of this provides you with the support you language, and set individual tasks to need to gain skills and have experi- is originally from East China. Having hard to promote Translation Studies competition are very demanding. To be show their talent in the linguistics. e studied her MA in Translation Stud- at Bangor and always encourages us to the ‘Best Translators’ of three language ences outside of the lecture theatre, pieces included spelling and grammar, at your own pace.” ies, she was also awarded an Interna- get involved.” combinations in this competition tes- use of appropriate language, under- tional Scholarship at the Modern Lan- Having experience of studying in ti es the language pro ciency as well standing of provided text and cultural guages School. French and German at the Univer- as translation skills of our students.” knowledge. e students; Matt Jelli- May , 2013 | Seren 5 LOCAL NEWS In Brief Man su ers ‘life-changing’ crash injuries

A 25-YEAR OLD man has su ered serious injuries a er his car crashed in a eld. e incident took place on the A497 at Llannor between Pwllheli and Boduan just before 5am on 13th May. Paramedics arrived and asked police o cers to attend, also inquiring about air support for the casualty to be airli ed to hospital. e police can reveal that the man was the only oc- cupant. A spokesman from the Welsh Am- bulance Services NHS Trust said that the man was conveyed to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor with a back injury. Accident experts closed the road for Photo by Laura Jones ve hours to carry out a detailed ex- amination. Call for more witnesses as suspects are Police search for Cathedral granted bail vandals

NORTH Wales Police are asking Man falls from skylight in ‘suspicious’ incident for information concerning a van- by NICOLA HOBAN further inquiries according to the 20, a second year studying English knocked on my door, asking for a dalism of Bangor Cathedral. North Wales Police. at Bangor University, described the routine follow up. ey asked us [my Coping stones opposite New Look orth Wales Police are renew- Detective Chief Inspector Andy scene as she saw it when walking to housemates and I] where we were at were pushed over and damaged over ing an appeal for witnesses Williams con rmed this, saying: “ e the Main Arts library: “As I was walk- the time of the incident, and did we the bank holiday weekend. a er a man fell to his death two men and a woman have been ing down College Road, I saw two re know anybody who lived in the house. PCSO Arwel Pritchard, the investi- Nfrom a skylight on May 3. gating o cer, said: “Sometime over- bailed, and we are particularly keen engines leaving the scene and thought We all felt like suspects.” e unnamed man, aged 50, ap- to trace anyone who was in the area that there had been a re. But when I “We were driving by the scene the night between Sunday, May 5 and parently fell 30 feet from a top- oor of the junction with College Road got to the corner of Princes Road I saw next day when we saw the forensic Monday, May 6 part of the Cathedral at on Princes Road, Upper Bangor. and Prince’s Road between 10pm and the police had cordoned it o and that tent being set up,” said George Clarke, Walls in Bangor have been deliber- Police were alerted to the incident at 12 midnight, who may have seen or a white forensics tent had been set up.” 26. “No one knew what had happened ately vandalised.” 23:35 BST and the man was taken to heard anything they believe may be of Kevin Gri n, 20, a Journalism and and the police were redirecting traf- Bangor police station has urged Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital, where he interest.” Media Studies student, described how c .” anyone in the area between Sunday later died. Students were alerted to the incident he was questioned a couple of days North Wales Police are asking for night and early Monday morning ree people were arrested in rela- the next day as they went about their a er the incident by police: “I was anyone with information about the and saw any suspicious behaviour or tion to the ‘suspicious’ death, but have daily routine. Student Becki Watson, watching television when the police incident to contact them on 101. knows who was responsible to con- since been released on bail pending tact North Wales Police, quoting incident reference P070771. Burglar jailed a er preying on Body found in Pengroes house elderly r e Suspect broke into home as 99-year old victim slept A BODY was recovered a er a house re on Tuesday 14 May. by EMMA ÅSBERG jewellery box containing the victim’s Prosecutor Gareth Preston told how tect the elderly and other members Fire crews were alerted to the in- late wife’s jewellery which was of great Buckley was arrested a er his nger- of our society. I have no doubt that cident just a er 3pm and arrived at 99-year-old man was sleep- sentimental value. Some of the prop- prints were found in the rst oor at each and every right thinking person the scene, a house in Pengroes, as the ing as Bryan Anthony Buck- erty had been recovered apart from of the victim. Judge Rowlands called would view your behaviour as being road was closed o by police o cers. ley snuck in through the a ring she wore on special occasions. Buckley a career criminal, determined quite, quite deplorable. You must now A North Wales Fire Service spokes- Ainsecure front door of his sheltered Judge Rhys Rowland stressed that to ignore the law, and also said that he take the consequences.” woman said: “Crews entered the accommodation at Penycefndy Sup- the elderly had to be protected from “presents a serious risk to the elderly”. When the burglary was discovered, property using breathing apparatus ported Accommodation in Rhyl. Buckley, as this was the eighth time In addition to the jail term, the Judge the victim was physically sick and and hose reel jets, and sadly discov- Buckley has been jailed for ve he targeted the elderly. Mold Crown made a 15 –year Anti Social Behaviour too upset to provide the police with a ered a body in the kitchen area. years – and banned from visiting an- court heard how the previously inde- Order which bans Buckley from visit- statement. He had not eaten for three “ ere are no more details available yone over the age of 70 for 15 years. pendent and active victim has been ing the home of anyone aged over 70 days, and said he felt it was a “whole- at present.” He has also been banned from go- traumatised to the degree that he who is not related to him – apart from sale attack on his independence”. Fire service investigators were still ing within ve metres of any OAP has lost weight and rarely goes out his own Godfather. He’s also banned e prosecutor stressed the impor- at the scene trying to discover the home, sheltered or warden con- on the bus or his mobility scooter from going within ve metres of OAP tance of the man’s previously active cause of the blaze. trolled accommodation for the el- any more. Before the incident, he homes or sheltered accommodation. lifestyle, and the extent to which he derly anywhere in Wales or England. would go to the gym three times a “It is a mark of a civilised society that had now been traumatised, with ef- His latest haul le the 99-year-old week and frequently went to see his the elderly are respected and looked fects on his sleep, social life, appetite traumatised, and £1000 poorer. e friends at Rhyl harbour, where he a er,” said Judge Rowlands. and experiencing vertigo attacks for stolen goods included bank cards, £100 until recently owned a shing boat. “ e court has a duty to try and pro- the rst time. cash, a mobile phone, a bus pass and a 6 Seren | May , 2013 LOCAL NEWS In Brief New hygiene scheme for tattooists

TATOOISTS in Wales will be introduced to a new voluntary hygiene rating scheme in 2014. is scheme will be the rst of its kind to be used in the UK and will enable the artists to gain an award for their levels of hygiene. Local councils will be approach- ing tattoo artists towards the beginning of next year to invite them to take part. e survey will help promote safety in the industry and will hope to persuade customers on their choice of where to get a tattoo done. Uninsured drivers face Evidence given in April crushed cars

NORTH Wales police are launch- Jones murder trial ing a two-week crackdown on il- Forensics say Bridger attempted to clean away evidence of April’s blood legal driving. A warning was issued to anyone driving without licence by NICOLA HOBAN unpleasant smell of cleaning products talking. A er that she just got into the a collision with a body. or insurance stating that they could resonated from the property when van and they just drove o in the same When arrested, Bridger was appar- murder trial jury at Mold face having their vehicles seized and they entered it the day a er April’s way that the man had come into the ently ‘an emotional wreck’, and when Crown Court heard earlier crushed. disappearance. A concentration of park.” She continued, “She didn’t say told by the arresting police o cer that this week how police were able North Wales Police said uninsured the ve-year old’s blood was traced that she was going to go in it. e man he was being arrested on suspicion of Ato nd a concentration of blood that drivers are nine times more likely to around the wood burner in the living didn’t take her in the van. She got in child abduction, he said: “I know what matched the DNA pro le of young be involved in a collision, three times room, where fragments of bone – in- the van. She had a happy face. She was it is all about.” e o cer immediately April Jones in numerous sections of more likely to have been convicted of cluding the remains of a child’s skull not upset.” asked, “Where is she?” defendant Mark Bridger’s living room driving without due care and atten- – were found in the ashes. e friend had previously said that Bridger allegedly said when ques- Forensic scientist Emma Howes ex- tion, six times more likely to drive April went missing from her home she did not know why April had got- tioned: “It was an accident. I crushed plained that while the blood found an unsafe vehicle and 10 times more town of Machynlleth, Powys, on Oc- ten into the vehicle, as her parents had her with the car.” at Bridger’s home in Ceinws was not likely to have a drink drive convic- tober 1 2012. She had been playing on told her not to get into cars. He continued, “I didn’t abduct her. I easily detectable against the red carpet tion. her bike with friends when she was However Bridger, 47, denies ab- did my best to revive her. I panicked. - and that there had been attempts to Chief Inspector Darren Wareing believed to have been abducted. duction, murder, and perverting the I didn’t even know who she was until clean it - traces of blood on the under- urges the public to report any illegal An unnamed friend of the school- course of justice by disposing of April’s I saw the television. I just wish I knew side of the carpet that had transferred drivers, and asks anyone with infor- girl gave evidence at the murder trial body. He claimed that he accidentally what I had done to her, where I put onto the oor suggested that the car- mation to call 101 or Crimestop- earlier this month, describing how hit her with his Landrover Discovery, her. I would not have dumped her. She pet had sustained lengthy contact with pers Wales on 0800 555 111. April had a happy face when she was and that he placed her in the vehicle is a human being. I would not have April’s blood. e size of the stain fur- taken by a man in a grey Landrover. to get medical help. He added that he done that. ther indicated that the child herself In the video recording the girl, aged does not remember what happened He stated: “I want to say sorry to the would likely have been lying there for seven, said how April had willingly next or what he did to her. family.” Prison wanted an extended amount of time. gotten into the vehicle smiling: “ e However, forensic experts have e trial continues. According to police, Bridger’s home man was waiting outside. I didn’t hear found no evidence showing that by Gwynedd was uncomfortably hot, and the strong what they were saying but they were Bridger’s vehicle had been involved in Council

GWYNEDD council leader reiterates his aim to get a prison built in the Zip-wire death leads to enquiry county, providing a suitable venue can be found. Coroner calls for stricter regulations a er young boy dies from fall injuries During last ursday’s full council by EMMA ÅSBERG Bailey. ards, but added: “ ere is currently Philip Lonsdale, said a er the inquiry: meeting in Caernarfon questions re- Park owner Stephen Bristow told no speci c guidance in place which “I think it’s very important that the garding the project were raised, and he death of an eleven-year old the three day jury inquest that the fact relates to the circumstances which led government should step in and make according to Cllr Dyfed Edwards, boy who died in 2011 on a zip that the boy wasn’t strapped in prop- to Bailey’s death.” sure that there are regulations that leader of Gwynedd council, they: wire ride has inspired investi- erly should have been noticed at safety He continued to say: “ e tragic cover these xed zip wires.” He added “were within a hair’s breadth of get- Tgations into zip wire regulations. checks. death of Bailey has deeply a ected and that the family did not blame the park, ting a prison at Caernarfon’s Ferodo e fall, which occurred on Easter e coroner’s court in Dolgellau saddened everyone at Greenwood. We but that lessons needed to be learned. site back in 2009”. Sunday at Greenwood Forest Park heard how there was “top-quality are so sorry that this terrible accident e deputy coroner of North Wales Some critics oppose to Edwards’ al- near Y Felinheli, was ruled as acci- equipment” in the park, and that sta happened at our park. [...] We can stated that there were few regula- leged supporting of projects in other dental, and an jury heard how young members had been trained to check assure visitors that the park is a safe tions for zip wires and that needed to parts of Wales, and ask why no loca- Bailey Sumner had been wrongly at- the equipment. Independent experts place to visit.” change. Gwynedd council is investi- tion can be found when Gwynedd tached to the ride during an inquest had additionally come in to set up the Bailey had been visiting the park gating possible regulatory breaches. covers the second largest geographi- trial conducted earlier this month. zip wire. However, the jury was also with his parents when he fell from the Deputy coroner Nicola Jones said cal area of all Welsh authorities. e 145m SwampFlyer ride has told that such rides do not need to be newly installed ride and su ered seri- she would write to Health and Safety Obtaining a suitable location is since been dismantled, and had only licensed, that there is no government ous head injuries. He was airli ed to Executive and a range of other bodies the be all and end all of the project, been open a week when the accident body responsible for overseeing safety hospital but died later in the hospital. a er receiving the jury’s ruling of the which is part of Gwynedd coun- occurred. e inquest was told that of such rides and that there are inad- Pathologist Dr Anthony Caslin con- incident as accidental. She would ask cil’s strategic plan for 2013/2014. one of the reasons for the accident equate regulations on how to best at- rmed that the boy died a er su er- for a wide range of changes, including was that a mountaineering clip, called tach people. ing a brain injury due to a fractured licensing and guidelines on how rides a carabiner, had been passed through Bristow said that the park had always skull following the fall. should be built, sta ed and equipped. a “false loop” in the rope supporting maintained the highest safety stand- e grandfather of Bailey Sumner, May , 2013 | Seren 7 LOCAL NEWS In Brief Teacher suspended for Ched Evans tweet

A 26-YEAR-OLD teacher has been suspended a er re-tweeting an in- sulting comment concerning the victim of footballer rapist Ched Evans. Holly Price was a biology supply teacher at Llan- drillo College, North Wales. e tweet called the rape victim “money-grabbing” and said “poor little victim”. e presenting o ce question Miss Price’s attitudes by not appearing before the regulatory body. She had been one of 10 defend- ants prosecuted a er the victim was named online. A district judge has ordered her to £624 compensation. Gwenno Hughes-Marshall, the presenting o cer, described the language used as “most unpleasant and Life sentence given for unprofessional”. Bitten police Prestatyn murders o cer seeks Smith imprisoned a er 5 killed in at re hospital care by CHARLOTTE PARKER they became engulfed by the ames. nounced dead at the scene along with nurse. Her prosecution spoke about Smith, Mother of ve, denied any Lee-Anna. how she con ded in her friend the A POLICE o cer was bitten ve elanie Smith has been sen- part of the re and stated that the 21 Her partner Liam was seen trying evening before, telling of how a voice times on his hand as he was trying to tenced to life in prison for witnesses, including neighbours and to force a window with a vacuum in her head was telling her to kill. arrest a drunk man, and now needs the murder of ve people in remen, were in fact lying. hoover, but was nally rescued by the Smith had threatened to damage the hospital tests. Ma at re in Prestatyn. e 43 year old Continuing her lies, she claimed that re ghters. He died 3 weeks later in house just weeks before the blaze, stat- Darren John Hughes, 43, admitted was found guilty of murder and will she was also a victim in this blaze and hospital. eir son Charlie died 3 days ing that she would burn down the house to stealing three bottles of whiskey serve a minimum of 30 years for her that her only escape was through a a er the blaze. Moments before Liam with Lee-Anna and the children in it. but can not remember attacking the cowardly acts last October. bedroom window.Her victims varied passed away, he was reported to have It was reported that she had a strong o cer. He also admitted to damag- Smith set a child’s pushchair alight in age; Liam Timbrell, 23, his part- told emergency services at the scene hate for Lee-Anna, for being a noisy ing a police vehicle so much it had to in a communal hallway of Maes ner Lee-Anna Shiers, 20, their son that Mel did this to them. He also told neighbour and for constantly leaving be professionally cleaned. y Groes. Despite portraying no 15-month-old Charlie and his cousins police o cers that he heard Smith her pushchair in the shared hallway. Hughes admits full responsibil- guilt guilt during her 14 day trial, Skye aged two and Bailey Allen aged shout through their letterbox saying Judge Mr Justice Gri th-Williams ity for his actions but says he can the majority verdict found Smith four. that she was going to burn their house spoke of how Smith didn’t seem remember very little due to his guilty of ve counts of murder and Mold Crown Court heard the case down. like a likely candidate to do such a intoxicated state. He will be sen- one count of threatening, destroy- on May 8, with details of the vic- e jury heard how Melanie Jane thing to her neighbours, but that tenced on Tuesday a er being as- ing or damaging of a house in a re. tim’s deaths and desperate attempts Smith was a very troubled character she was taken over by pure jeal- sessed by the probation service. e victims found themselves trapped to escape the inferno. e youngest who depended on alcohol and had ousy and anger, and they pushed her in di erent rooms of the at when victims, Bailey and Skye were pro- previously been seeing a psychiatric to carry out such a malicious act. Man su ers Unemployment gures reach broken leg in car crash

new high A BIKER su ered a broken leg a er a crash with a car. MPs question Queen’s support for the unemployed person e crash occurred at lunch time outside e Albion Social Club in by CHARLOTTE PARKER year or longer. actually been seeking jobs as opposed assisted with the help of the Deregula- Pen Y Llan, Connah’s Quay. Police Unemployment is a never ending is- to just being unemployed. tion Bill on cutting the red tape to help said that when the rider, who was in ew gures have revealed that sue in the UK, with it being the feature Despite the e orts being made by all Welsh businesses grow”. over 4,000 people are unem- his 50s, was knocked o his bike the of many public speeches. e recent Ian Lucas MP, Welsh Secretary David In spite of these developments, g- road was closed. ployed in North Wales. is gures for Wales sparked Wrexham Jones feels that Lucas played a vital ures still show the unemployment Ncontributes to 3% of the total gures “We were called at 11.44am to- MP Ian Lucas to criticize the Queen’s role in the ‘appalling economic legacy’ policies are not working and in terms in Wales. day to a road tra c accident be- lack of concern for the subject. He which was le by the previous Labour of the relationship with Europe, there tween a motorbike and car in Vale of Clwyd has been shown to be said it was a “missed opportunity” government: “We need to get people is a chance of more companies being the worst hit county in the North East Connah’s Quay”, said a Welsh when the UK Government could have into work, and to make work pay.” a ected. Ambulance Services NHS Trust with around 535 people out of work. unveiled proposals that would get Mr Lucas responded: “Mr Jones e total number of unemployed Wrexham also proved to be su ering spokesman. He was later brought to people back into work. claimed that many small and medium persons in the UK is now at an aston- the Countess of Chester Hospital. with 475 long-term unemployed per- Although these gures have been sized Welsh businesses will be helped ishing 2.56 million, with an increase sons, whereas Anglesey had the worst increasing over the last three years, out by the National Insurance Contri- of 20,000 under-25s adding their 12-month gures with a staggering Lucas feels the Queen’s speech should butions Bill in areas such as cutting names to the register. 695 people being out of work for a have re ected how many people have the cost of recruiting new employees 8 Seren | May , 2013 COMMENT OPEN ALL HOURS

by ALI KESHTMAND AND all year, and it is fantastic that we the cold of frugality in my Bangor environment at least helps stu- brary purely economically? And CHARLOTTE PARKER have been able to bring forward house, with a comfortable room to dents feel a little less stressed, won’t the unmanned hours just plans to bene t students this year.” read, work, and think. It wasn’t only which indirectly helps their work. force more responsibility onto the o this week has seen the wel- Well I can con rm the warm open me that was happy with the exten- Although the trial only began students that choose to use it? coming of a trial 24-hour open- arms of the 24-hour library service sion, Butcher informed us, “I have on the 6th May, the gures show I think the 24-hour service is an utter- Sing at the Main Arts library. are second only to that of mother’s. I had lots of positive feedback with just how e ective the new open- ly fantastic idea, and it’s only a shame Many students have asked for this to was sat in the main arts stack which, people using it until 2am, coming in ing times have been. For the rst 5 it wasn’t around earlier. It’s much be a feature, and it was the focus of with its low-ceiling bunker-esque at 6am and even staying all night!” days, between the hours when the more than a useful facility for possi- the Student Elections, with the votes aesthetic, could very well Yes, perhaps the 24 hour-library library would normally be closed, bly only a minority of students. It’s a being won by the promise of a 24/7 “I HAVE HAD LOTS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK WITH over 2,700 students logged on. No symbol that helps us move towards library. Anthony Butcher, President one expected such a urry over the idea that we are a developed of the SU said, “The students union PEOPLE USING IT UNITL 2AM, COMING IN AT the extra hours, but surely this university city, and not just a small has a history for campaigning for 6AM AND EVEN STAYING IN ALL NIGHT!” means we have a success on our Welsh town inhabited by students. longer library hours, I remember hands? And will this be enough Despite not having anything o cial sitting down with the University li- double as a subterranean strong- doesn’t exactly discour- to make these trials permanent? yet, our sources tell us that it is high- brarian to discuss having a 24 hour hold during a zombie apocalypse. age last minute behaviour, but But do the bene ts outweigh the ly likely as of September the library library before I was elected last year. In the quiet shelter of the stack, the nothing less than a world of work running costs? And who will sort will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a The Union has been working with space away from friends and my bed would permanently change how out general library issues during week. Finally! the library and gathering evidence pushed me into blasting through all students go about their dead- the unmanned hours? Then again, work at 3am. There I was safe from lines. Giving a work-conducive should we really think of the li-

EMAILTHREE DAY CRASH OF WEBMAIL PROVIDES FURTHER MOTIVE BLACKOUT TOWARDS A REFORM OF EMAIL SERVICES.

by KEVIN GRIFFIN great invention of electronic mail. tial information. This unfortunate end, and they did it on their own down, or the service is full, and so Suddenly, the great e-mail service turn of events caused stress and back. This is one of the many reasons on. Right now we just don’t have the he worst thing that could ever provided by the University, which worry among the third year stu- we’re moving to O ce 365, because infrastructure in place, we don’t have have happened for third year had been so reliable all year, crashed. dents whose dissertation deadlines it comes with a 24/7 guarantee. We enough sta . When we are here, we Tstudents doing their disserta- The system crashed on Friday even- loomed over them. understand Webmail isn’t the best, can and do x the service quickly.” tions happened at the beginning of ing, leaving students in the lurch for A spokesperson from IT services as students and sta are mentioning Hopefully the move to O ce 365 May. There they were, quite stressed the weekend until it was xed on stated: “The University doesn’t fund about how di cult it is. We do eve- will solve these issues, but in the out from drafting their dissertations Monday. us at the moment to recover services rything we can, but occasionally it meantime, we can only hope an over and over again, happily meet- Students were left in the dark out of hours. However, the service does go down. event such as this does not trip any ing with their tutors and keeping a about meeting times with tutors, was still recovered by a member of Quite often the problems are multi- students up, especially during dead- constant correspondence using the essay feedback and other essen- sta who logged in over the week- factorial, because either the power is lines and exams. 8 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 9 COMMENT COMMENT

OPEN ALL HOURS BANGORALI’S AN ANGRY SOUL AND THIS ISSUE HE WONDERS IF HE’S THE ONLYANGER ONE by ALI KESHTMAND I realised recently that I get angry really easily with people who talk about themselves too much. I mean, people who interject mid-conversa- tion with their own anecdotes; people who use themselves for examples, you know. I’ve always thought it would be much more useful to whoever is speaking to prompt them based on what they say, not give a vaguely similar experience that might not connect to them. But it’s a Rule, Britannia! Ida is an international student work- totally stupid, unnecessary anger, and it is actually less helpful to your relationships to not talk about yourself; it just seems like you’re this dis- ing in liasion with the tant, cold inhuman… thing. It’s a balance of talking about yourself and listening to others that helps build that rapport and mutual trust. international o ce . Every issue she’ll write about her Anyway, to try and counter this unnecessary tendency to get angry with people, I decided to ask some of my comrades at Seren what makes them angry, and experiences in Bangor. to try and empathise with this confusing and often irrational emotion. Which Seren gears have been ground? by IDA VÄISÄNEN My rst year in Bangor is almost over. In September I’ll be a second year student instead of a scared fresher. For my last column as a scared fresher, I thought I’d share the things I’ve learned so far in Ban- gor to educate the future international students. They might never read this, but I have always wanted to give advice. First of all, prepare for the apolo- gies. You’re going to hear them. A LOT. People have apologized to me even for dropping their phones. The lea et for the international stu- BECCI: JOE: CHARLI: SINNEAD: dents didn’t lie. No nation apolo- gizes more and means it less. FILM FOOD CONTENT COMMENT You must have heard that the weather is rainy here. You might “Alright, so there’s this car alarm “People with poor bar etiquette. So “Patronising people, you know “The roads around here, they have also wonder why people don’t use that goes o every morning on let’s give a scenario: you get to the those ones who are about the same loads of those nightmare paving their umbrellas. It’s not the rain Holyhead Road. Just x the damn bar and two other people come up to age as you and talks down to you. stones! You know the ones that look that’s the problem, it’s the wind. car! It’s the worst on a Sunday at it after you. Let’s say the bar sta go Like when people call you ‘love’, I can like they’re perfectly ne but when You’ll see lots of abandoned um- like half 10 in the morning. I know to serve the other two people before not stand that.” you actually stand on them you fall brellas everywhere when their I should be asleep but I’m not… you and they don’t have the decency through and your foot drowns! This is owners have realized they’re use- because the car alarm is going o ! to say ‘No, that guy was here rst’. Es- never cool, especially if you’re having less. If you want to stay dry, I recom- Then by the time I get to the win- pecially when you’re in a quiet bar, a fake tan day.” mend staying indoors. dow to try and nd out whose car then there’s no excuse.” If you don’t understand some it is, it’s o .” word, just ask what it means. I’ve Conclusion had some of my best conversations From my short adventure around Seren, I’ve come to realise that anger is strangely fun. There are in nite things out there to get angry at and I’m wasting here when asking what words like my time being angry at people before they’ve even spoken. I need to be on trains, having my blood boiled by parents who, perhaps intentionally, bring their ‘assonance’ mean. Not only you by ALI KESHTMAND AND all year, and it is fantastic that we the cold of frugality in my Bangor environment at least helps stu- brary purely economically? And bank of loud o spring onto the single quiet carriage of a 12-carriage train. I need to work in a club and have drunk people pay for a drink by throwing their learn new words but watching peo- CHARLOTTE PARKER have been able to bring forward house, with a comfortable room to dents feel a little less stressed, won’t the unmanned hours just coins onto an alcohol-drenched bar, instead of neatly placing it in my hand. It is far too much fun to sit with people and recant, shout, and communally shake ple squirm is half the fun! plans to bene t students this year.” read, work, and think. It wasn’t only which indirectly helps their work. force more responsibility onto the sts at our rst world problems. Also, make the most of being an o this week has seen the wel- Well I can con rm the warm open me that was happy with the exten- Although the trial only began students that choose to use it? international student. Laugh at the coming of a trial 24-hour open- arms of the 24-hour library service sion, Butcher informed us, “I have on the 6th May, the gures show I think the 24-hour service is an utter- weird everyday things, ask ques- Sing at the Main Arts library. are second only to that of mother’s. I had lots of positive feedback with just how e ective the new open- ly fantastic idea, and it’s only a shame tions, wonder and marvel! It’s OK Many students have asked for this to was sat in the main arts stack which, people using it until 2am, coming in ing times have been. For the rst 5 it wasn’t around earlier. It’s much to also feel homesick. Remember be a feature, and it was the focus of with its low-ceiling bunker-esque at 6am and even staying all night!” days, between the hours when the more than a useful facility for possi- to laugh, because it’s going to be a the Student Elections, with the votes aesthetic, could very well Yes, perhaps the 24 hour-library library would normally be closed, bly only a minority of students. It’s a lot of fun. You have been brave to being won by the promise of a 24/7 “I HAVE HAD LOTS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK WITH over 2,700 students logged on. No symbol that helps us move towards come this far. You’ll be ne. library. Anthony Butcher, President one expected such a urry over the idea that we are a developed PEOPLE USING IT UNITL 2AM, COMING IN AT ATTENDANCE If you’re in Bangor this summer, of the SU said, “The students union the extra hours, but surely this university city, and not just a small 6AM AND EVEN STAYING IN ALL NIGHT!” would you like to make it easier for has a history for campaigning for means we have a success on our Welsh town inhabited by students. the new international students to longer library hours, I remember hands? And will this be enough Despite not having anything o cial settle in? Would you like to have sitting down with the University li- double as a subterranean strong- doesn’t exactly discour- to make these trials permanent? yet, our sources tell us that it is high- CRACKDOWN fun, build your skills and enhance brarian to discuss having a 24 hour hold during a zombie apocalypse. age last minute behaviour, but But do the bene ts outweigh the ly likely as of September the library WHY HAS SINNEAD FELT THAT THERE’S BEEN AN INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE MONITORING? your CV while meeting people from library before I was elected last year. In the quiet shelter of the stack, the nothing less than a world of work running costs? And who will sort will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a just become a situation that senior gor, I can unfortunately say that this have to register in any form at all last di erent cultures? Why not become The Union has been working with space away from friends and my bed would permanently change how out general library issues during week. Finally! by SINNEAD TOWEY an Elcos Summer volunteer buddy? the library and gathering evidence pushed me into blasting through all students go about their dead- the unmanned hours? Then again, sta have decided to address. attitude slowly goes right out of the year. However, this year, they have The Bangor University and Moni- window. If early mornings in our glo- been expected to use their student The volunteering role includes work at 3am. There I was safe from lines. Giving a work-conducive should we really think of the li- lthough the university has al- befriending international students ways encouraged full attend- toring Policy states, “The University rious Costa del Bangor weather isn’t cards to adhere to an electronic has a duty of care to its students; already a good enough reason to based system. Smaller schools, such who are taking part in English Lan- Aance, it seems to be general guage summer course and help- consensus that over recent months, ensuring that each student makes stay in bed, then the option of home as the linguistic department have the most of the learning opportu- learning on good old trustworthy actual in class registers making it ing to set up and run events. No there has been a sudden crack down previous experience required, all on poor attendance. Many students nities available to them. In line with Blackboard de nitely makes it hard- far easier for lecturer’s to monitor the Student Charter, students will be er to nd the motivation to leave attendance, harsh right? Well no, it you need is enthusiasm! Useful ex- have received the generic e-mail: tra skills include communication/ “It has come to our attention that encouraged to attend all timetabled the house. University is an optional could be worse for you poor-attend- teaching sessions for their degree choice; one most of us put ourselves ers, some courses provide modules group/event management skills, EMAILTHREE DAY CRASH OF WEBMAIL PROVIDES FURTHER MOTIVE BLACKOUT TOWARDS A REFORM OF EMAIL SERVICES. you’ve missed many sessions and/ foreign languages (especially Man- programme. Your School will also in year’s worth of debt for, therefore where attendance actually goes to- or submission deadlines and this is darin and Arabic), interest in sports becoming a serious cause for con- undertake a random sampling of at- it is our choice whether or not we ac- wards the overall grade! This is a dis- tendance at lectures. Any unauthor- tually attend our lectures. Or at least pute within itself. and arts and crafts experience. great invention of electronic mail. tial information. This unfortunate end, and they did it on their own down, or the service is full, and so cern” then ending with the warning, by KEVIN GRIFFIN ised absences will be recorded by that’s how I’m starting to feel. In many ways I understand why You’re required to commit a mini- Suddenly, the great e-mail service turn of events caused stress and back. This is one of the many reasons on. Right now we just don’t have the “If we do not hear from you within mum of 20 hours over the summer, two weeks, and/or your attendance your school.” If we are being monitored, it then attendance is monitored but at the he worst thing that could ever provided by the University, which worry among the third year stu- we’re moving to O ce 365, because infrastructure in place, we don’t have starting on July 2nd and ending on does not improve in that time, then It appears that the overall push on only seems fair that everyone’s at- same time the sudden crackdown have happened for third year had been so reliable all year, crashed. dents whose dissertation deadlines it comes with a 24/7 guarantee. We enough sta . When we are here, we 19th September, and attend a half we will have to move this procedure attendance is more concerned with tendance is taken into considera- felt out of the blue. In my rst year students doing their disserta- The system crashed on Friday even- loomed over them. understand Webmail isn’t the best, can and do x the service quickly.” day induction. T onto the next stage.” student welfare rather than facts and tion and monitored in the same way, this attendance monitoring system tions happened at the beginning of ing, leaving students in the lurch for A spokesperson from IT services as students and sta are mentioning Hopefully the move to O ce 365 Everyone is welcomed to join in, It has been questioned whether or gures. We are paying a lot of money raising yet more questions. Many didn’t appear to be in place and so May. There they were, quite stressed the weekend until it was xed on stated: “The University doesn’t fund about how di cult it is. We do eve- will solve these issues, but in the especially the UK students are en- not the rise in tuition fees has any- for a higher level of education; it lectures have completely di erent I guess the real question is why did out from drafting their dissertations Monday. us at the moment to recover services rything we can, but occasionally it meantime, we can only hope an couraged to take part. Please email thing to do with the crackdown, as seems pointless to then not actually forms of monitoring attendance. this all of a sudden happen? over and over again, happily meet- Students were left in the dark out of hours. However, the service does go down. event such as this does not trip any either [email protected] or people are probably expecting more attend the lectures and seminars, Psychology, probably the largest ing with their tutors and keeping a about meeting times with tutors, was still recovered by a member of Quite often the problems are multi- students up, especially during dead- [email protected] for more de- for their money, or if, in fact, it has right? Well as a student here at Ban- department here in Bangor, did not constant correspondence using the essay feedback and other essen- sta who logged in over the week- factorial, because either the power is lines and exams. tails or to register. 10 Seren | May , 2013 INTERVIEW SEREN EDITOR

LJ TAYLOR Three years ago LJ came to Bangor and joined Seren and now she’s about to send her last issue, as Editor, to print. Seren reporter, Joe Russell, managed to take some time aside from the hectic all-nighter and speak to LJ about Seren and how it has changed in the last three years. She also gives her opinion on the state of the British media and what Seren has taught her being a journalist is about.

by JOE RUSSELL AND KEVIN so it’s important to be there for eve- Oh my! It di ers. Occasionally Chancellor) but as long as you’re re- ferent part of the paper at once. GRIFFIN ryone if they’ve hit a brick wall or something stupid comes up and we laxed you’ll be ne. Over here I tend to read the Guard- something like that. get distracted watching something You’ve got to be willing to get the ian because it looks nice. Describe the average day of the You’ve basically got to be able to on YouTube, like the Avengers de- story and pursue it; you can’t just re- editor during all-nighters. do one-hundred things at once, re- leted scenes; things that relieve the write something. That’s not a story, Describe your career with Seren. ally. stress are a big help at that time of that’s just something you’ve taken I aim to get to the o ce for around night. There’s always a point where from BBC. Find a new angle and I joined Seren in Freshers Week 12pm in the hope that people will be When you’re not working on I kind of have to take whoever’s left make it your own. three years ago. I remember being coming in at the same time to start Seren, what do you most enjoy on a trip to Tesco just to give eve- at the rst meeting in Bar Uno and I their pages. Ideally I like to have my doing? ryone a bit of a breather. We have own content ready before I arrive so been known to dance on the table YOU’VE GOT TO BE WILLING TO GET THE STORY that I can get it all up onto my page. Apart from sleeping? I like to watch to Madonna. Things get a bit mental AND PURSUE IT; YOU CAN’T JUST RE-WRITE I usually have a good idea of what I movies for my own enjoyment at that time of night; you lose your want them to look like so I get that but also for my course; I don’t get sanity. SOMETHING done pretty quickly. enough time to do that though. I just Then, from about 2pm it’s just a like doing normal, chill-out things What advice would you give to didn’t know anybody. I sat at a table constant ow of tra c into the of- but I only really have time for Seren, aspiring journalists? with two girls –Becky and Heather – ce with people asking for help with university and work at the moment. What’s your favourite newspa- and they went on to become two of their pages. At some point in the af- That you can nd a story out of per? my best friends. We looked through ternoon I take a break to assess what nothing but what makes you a good the list of vacant positions and I sort stage we’re at. journalist is making it credible. You Er, the Guardian. Actually, no, it’s of knew I wanted to go for the page always need to nd the person or Seren. which is now known as Film and TV AT SOME POINT IN THE AFTERNOON I TAKE A thing at the root of the story and I kind of enjoy reading USA Today because I’m a media student and identify that otherwise no-one cares because it’s so far removed from the that’s what interests me. BREAK TO ASSESS WHAT STAGE WE’RE AT AND about reading it. British style of print media; like, our I remember going to Bar Uno when THEN GENERALLY GO TO TESCO If you do want to pursue journal- best selling papers are the Sun and I rst arrived in Bangor with my dad; ism but don’t feel con dent, don’t the Daily Mail and they’re just full we were reading Seren and I didn’t Later on I check the layout to see How do you get motivated to let that put you o . Two years ago of crap content. I really like the way really appreciate how much work how everyone’s doing with their keep going at 4am on a Tuesday of I wouldn’t have done some of the some American newspapers are split went into it. Now that I know how pages. Sometimes people are a bit print week? interviews I’ve done for Seren (such into sections so that, for instance, a much action there is behind-the- reluctant to come and ask for help as interviewing the university’s Vice- whole family could be reading a dif- scenes I appreciate it so much more 10 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 11 “I REMEMBER GOING TO BAR UNO WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED IN BANGOR WITH MY DAD; I WAS READING SEREN AND I DIDN’T REALLY INTERVIEW SEREN EDITOR APPRECIATE HOW MUCH WORK GOES INTO IT. NOW I KNOW HOW MUCH EFFORT ACTUALLY GOES IN AND HOW MUCH THERE IS BEHINDTHESCENES.“

than I did way back then. cles isn’t going to be what gets the despite our main purpose is to print THE So I got the position I wanted – paper out looking good and reading newspapers which was known as ‘What’s On?’ well. It’s about getting the standard And your lowest point...? then – and got content from Becky of journalism and design to the best SIX and Heather. After that I ran for level it can be and for that to happen I’d have to say the February issue. There’s always going to be a bad is- HAVE YOU EVER HAD SEREN’S BASICALLY BEEN MY UNIVERSITY LIFE sue, according to my former editor A NICKNAME? AND I KNOW IT MIGHT SOUND A BIT SAD TO SAY Gemma, and February was mine. I Iron Man and Lauri don’t know why, it was just hard to THAT BUT I’VE HAD SOME AMAZING EXPERIENCES do. I don’t really remember the lows FAVOURITE MOVIE? deputy editor and from there run- you need to sacri ce your own writ- because being a part of Seren has ning for editor was the natural pro- ing to an extent and do what’s best just been so good. The Avengers gression. Seren’s basically been my for the whole paper. university life and I know it might FAVOURITE BAND? sound a bit sad to say so but I’ve had What’s your favourite Seren Do you have a favourite article Madina Lake some amazing experiences with it page? from your three years? and I don’t regret any choices I’ve THREE ITEMS YOU’D TAKE made with the paper. I’ve really enjoyed all the Inter- I hope he doesn’t read this, be- ON A DESERT ISLAND? view pages this year (except for this cause it would go to his head, Tom So what advice would you give one). That’s a di cult one because Davies’ comment article on Justin A pad, a pen and a photo to anyone aspiring to run for a po- last year there were some pages Beiber a few issues back was quite sition in the future? that I could identify things I wasn’t funny. Last year my friend, Ashleigh, album of my mum keen on but this year I look through did some advice pages that I just en- I know it can be daunting trying to a copy of Seren and think, ‘no, I’m joyed reading. She basically got the CAN YOU SPELL THE FULL sell yourself to loads of people who happy with this’. advice from her mum and it was like VERSION OF LLANFAIRPG? are already really committed to the It di ers from issue to issue but I re- she was talking at you. paper – or any other society or club ally like what’s happening with the I feel like I should have a more Llanfairpwllgwynll...gogogoch for that matter – but basically, if you don’t do it you’ll always regret the day you chose not to go for it. If you A TOP HIGH WAS DOING 90S NIGHT. IT CAUSED A WHAT WOULD YOU WEAR get a position it opens up so many LOT OF STRESS AMONG SEREN, ESPECIALLY ME TO SEREN 90S NIGHT? doors and you can progress from there. Crash Bandicoot Some people are really con dent Film pages. I’m sort of invested in substantial article, I may have to get and have no issues with public them because that’s where I started. back to you on that one. speaking or making a speech but it’s More than anything I just like how My favourite one that I wrote was Bangor? not necessary. As long as you prove each section is becoming standard- ‘5 Million de cit hits Bangor’. We Well, if you’re a pig you don’t know you’re committed and good for the ised and looking better. found out that the University was Gotten out a bit more. I joined anything else and you’re gonna get position then you’ve got a chance. making £5 million worth of cuts and quite a few societies at Serendipity eaten by the unhappy human. So, I’d LJ TAYLOR Just have faith in yourself. were not telling students about it. but once I joined Seren that was it. rather be the unhappy human eat- Three years ago LJ came to Bangor and joined Seren and now she’s about to send her last issue, as Editor, to print. Seren What’s the biggest high you’ve So we made our rst proper contact No room for anything else, which is ing the happy pig. What qualities do you need as had with Seren? with the university and told them reporter, Joe Russell, managed to take some time aside from the hectic all-nighter and speak to LJ about Seren and how it why I’m excited for next year when editor? we were going to write about it we start up Seren TV. Broadcast jour- How do you cope with Uni and has changed in the last three years. She also gives her opinion on the state of the British media and what Seren has taught There have been quite a lot of highs and asking for a comment. We read nalism would be a great thing to get work? I want to say patience because it’s this year. A 64-page issue to be sent through Government statistics and going. her being a journalist is about. very easy to lose your head. I’m not to print is incredible! When I joined, lost a lot of sleep. There was a lot of Not sure I do. You feel better about sure I’m full of patience, though. You doing a 32-page issue was huge so research put into it and I was really Is there anywhere speci c that yourself in the current climate when don’t necessarily need to be the best this is just remarkable. Seren does a happy with how it was written. you want to live or settle down? you have a job. I’m glad I have work- writer or designer. As long as you’re lot and the fact we were recognised ing experience, managing experi- by JOE RUSSELL AND KEVIN so it’s important to be there for eve- Oh my! It di ers. Occasionally Chancellor) but as long as you’re re- ferent part of the paper at once. competent you can devote yourself this year as the ‘Society of the Year’ What do you think your lasting I’d love to move to Chicago. I think ence and a Uni degree. So it’s hard in GRIFFIN ryone if they’ve hit a brick wall or something stupid comes up and we laxed you’ll be ne. Over here I tend to read the Guard- to motivating your team at 5 in the and I got to go up and collect it with e ect as Seren editor will be? it’s because it’s in Prison Break. That terms of how much time you have. something like that. get distracted watching something You’ve got to be willing to get the ian because it looks nice. morning when they hate life. You 14 other hard-working members of Describe the average day of the You’ve basically got to be able to on YouTube, like the Avengers de- story and pursue it; you can’t just re- need to make people feel good the Seren team has to be one of my Seren’s re-brand this year. It has editor during all-nighters. do one-hundred things at once, re- leted scenes; things that relieve the write something. That’s not a story, Describe your career with Seren. about themselves and make sure top highs. really helped towards being more SEREN’S RE-BRAND THIS YEAR. IT HAS REALLY ally. stress are a big help at that time of that’s just something you’ve taken they’ve got what they need. A top high was doing 90s night. It recognised by Bangor and we only HELPED TOWARDS BEING MORE RECOGNISED BY I aim to get to the o ce for around night. There’s always a point where from BBC. Find a new angle and I joined Seren in Freshers Week Having a clear vision of what you caused a lot of stress among Seren, get minor complaints now. There THE UNIVERSITY 12pm in the hope that people will be When you’re not working on I kind of have to take whoever’s left make it your own. three years ago. I remember being want each issue to be is really vital especially me. I was genuinely ter- are people high up in the university coming in at the same time to start Seren, what do you most enjoy on a trip to Tesco just to give eve- at the rst meeting in Bar Uno and I because without focus it can be a ri ed we wouldn’t do everything in who discuss Seren in their meetings. seals it for me. I feel like I don’t want their pages. Ideally I like to have my doing? ryone a bit of a breather. We have disaster. Being able to identify what time. But after hating life, everything I’d also say the re-design of Seren. It to live in Britain anymore, as nice as You have to make sure you don’t own content ready before I arrive so been known to dance on the table YOU’VE GOT TO BE WILLING TO GET THE STORY you need to pay attention to is prob- was made a lot better when the looks a lot more professional. it is I would like to be in a bigger city. agree to too many shifts. It’s hard to that I can get it all up onto my page. Apart from sleeping? I like to watch to Madonna. Things get a bit mental AND PURSUE IT; YOU CAN’T JUST RE-WRITE ably more important than being the numbers of over 790 people who manage, but it is worth it. movies for my own enjoyment at that time of night; you lose your best writer because at the end of the attended the night we hosted were Is there one thing that you I usually have a good idea of what I SOMETHING Would you rather be an unhappy want them to look like so I get that but also for my course; I don’t get sanity. day, my ability to write the best arti- announced. We sold out a nightclub wished you’d done in your time in human or a happy pig? done pretty quickly. enough time to do that though. I just Then, from about 2pm it’s just a like doing normal, chill-out things What advice would you give to didn’t know anybody. I sat at a table constant ow of tra c into the of- but I only really have time for Seren, aspiring journalists? with two girls –Becky and Heather – ce with people asking for help with university and work at the moment. What’s your favourite newspa- and they went on to become two of their pages. At some point in the af- That you can nd a story out of per? my best friends. We looked through ternoon I take a break to assess what nothing but what makes you a good the list of vacant positions and I sort LJ’S TOP JOURNALISM TIPS stage we’re at. journalist is making it credible. You Er, the Guardian. Actually, no, it’s of knew I wanted to go for the page always need to nd the person or Seren. which is now known as Film and TV AT SOME POINT IN THE AFTERNOON I TAKE A thing at the root of the story and I kind of enjoy reading USA Today because I’m a media student and BREAK TO ASSESS WHAT STAGE WE’RE AT AND identify that otherwise no-one cares because it’s so far removed from the that’s what interests me. about reading it. British style of print media; like, our I remember going to Bar Uno when 1. Get all the free stu !! 4. Be prepared to put in the hours. They’re worth it in the end to THEN GENERALLY GO TO TESCO If you do want to pursue journal- best selling papers are the Sun and I rst arrived in Bangor with my dad; ism but don’t feel con dent, don’t the Daily Mail and they’re just full we were reading Seren and I didn’t 2. Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from an article see your name in the paper. Later on I check the layout to see How do you get motivated to let that put you o . Two years ago of crap content. I really like the way really appreciate how much work 3. Don’t just copy the words o a news website. Do your own 5. Don’t let a lack of con dence put you o getting involved. It how everyone’s doing with their keep going at 4am on a Tuesday of I wouldn’t have done some of the some American newspapers are split went into it. Now that I know how pages. Sometimes people are a bit print week? interviews I’ve done for Seren (such into sections so that, for instance, a much action there is behind-the- investigation and nd the personal angle. can be daunting but take the leap. reluctant to come and ask for help as interviewing the university’s Vice- whole family could be reading a dif- scenes I appreciate it so much more 12 Seren | May , 2013 ENVIRONMENT IN BRIEF WATER VOLE BANGOR SAVING POPULATION CRASH THE RAINFOREST THE UK Water vole population has decreased by 90% since 1970 due to habitat loss and predation by mink. is makes the water vole one if Brit- ain’s most endangered species. e Canal & River Trust are aiming to create 1.5km of new habitat, for these water-loving mammals. e project aims to green canal banks along the Grand Union Canal in London and Leicestershire, the Ru ord Branch of Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Lanca- shire and the Erewash Canal in Der- byshire. is will hopefully provide more vole burrows and protect other species, such as water shrew, dragon- ies and damsel ies.

by TOM EDWARDS and Voahirana Randriamamonjy or- cluding Dr Alison Jolly who has been All the money raised this year will his year Wales became the rst ganised fundraising events with vol- has been studying lemur biology since support the conservation work of SCIENTISTS country in the world to help unteers from BFSA, HOG Soc, and 1963. Guests were able interact with the Malagasy charity Madagasikara protect an area of tropical for- STAG. Co-organiser and student lemurs, sample a Malagasy meal and Voakajy who work with communities BREED Test equivalent to its size by reaching omas Edwards said “we managed enjoy Madagascan music and dancing. to tackle bushmeat hunting, deforest- a £2 million target set by the national to raise £772 in one month which is Alison and omas managed a team ation in the Mangabe forest (a newly SUPER charity ‘Size of Wales’. Our green na- a fantastic achievement! We wouldn’t of volunteers from Bangor University designated protected area). Bangor tion has a history of leading the world have had such a successful campaign who helped run a ra e, sell drinks, University has a well-established link WHEAT on environmentalism; Wales was the without the help from the volunteers serve food, and wash-up! e e orts with Madagasikara Voakajy. Sta BRITISH scientists at the National rst Fairtrade Nation and the rst na- and Dr Phil Hollington – a big thank or the organisers and volunteers made from this charity have received spe- Institute of Agricultural Botany tion to DNA Barcode all of its native you to you all!” the event a huge success and raised cialist training in the School of Envi- have bred an ancestor of wheat with owering plants and conifers which e campaign for Size of Wales has £2996 for Size of Wales. Volunteer, ronment, Natural Resources and Ge- a modern variety to produce a new has eased research into biodiversity grown from strength-to-strength. is Amy Cryer, said “I had a great evening ography and sta and students from strain which has an increase in yield conservation. year Dr Julia Jones, a senior lecturer in and got to meet some amazing people, the University have worked closely of 30%. Crop breeding to maxim- Sta and students here in Bangor conservation, joined the organisation all whilst raising money for Size of with them in the eld in Madagascar. ise yield has been around since the have played their part in achieving the committee along with two of her post- Wales, to aid in forest conservation. In total Bangor sta and students domestication of plants thousands £2million goal. roughout October, graduates; Josil Murray and Sarobidy My favourite part of the evening has have raised £3768 and received the of years ago but as techniques and sta , students, and the local commu- Onjamirindra. to be the dancing! It was so much fun, campaign of the year award from the knowledge has grown and devel- nity were encouraged to wear green On 27th April, a special event was and I was so thrilled to see so many of students union. You can help support oped there has been a surge in new and donate money to the cause. Stu- held at the National Zoo of Wales in the guests get involved and enjoying the Bangor University Students by do- varieties over the last 100 years. e dents Alison Cross, omas Edwards, Colwyn Bay. e ‘meet the lemurs’ themselves so much! A great night for nating online at http://sizeofwales.org. “Green Revolution” as this has been night was attended by 100 people, in- a great cause! Win win!!”. uk/tribes/bangor_university/ coined happened across the globe and continues to improve agricultural crops to this day. LOCUST EU PESTICIDE BAN PLAGUE HITS ISLAND TO SAVE THE BEES by ALISON CROSS Commission decided to ban the pesti- e ective. is might therefore cause Farmers and crop experts are still A PLAGUE of biblical proportions n April 29, the European cide from crops that attract bees with- more pesticides and old fashioned arguing that there is insu cient data has come down on Madagascar. Union passed a two year ban in all European countries. is is great treatments to be applied to keep up about the link between bee declines With millions already on the brink of on neonicotinoid pesticides. news for bees, bumblebees and bee- with food demand. ( is may perhaps and the nerve-agent pesticide. Bayer starvation the locusts have descend- O ese nerve-agent pesticides (used to keepers, who will hopefully see pop- cause other issues to bees in the fu- Cropscience, one of the chemical ed on this year’s crops. e swarm of kill crop pets such as aphids) are sus- ulations and pro ts increase. (Bees ture, if monitoring is not kept up by companies which produces these insects is being monitored via aerial pected to be the main cause of the bee were being a ected by this pesticide Defra and other environmental or- now banned pesticides, said: “Bayer drone and estimations from the FAO colony collapse disorder. Neonicoti- due to low exposures from crops such ganisations.) remains convinced neonicotinoids have put the cost at £22 million for noids are the world’s most widely used as oilseed rape, which led to a decrease However, this rise in pesticide costs are safe for bees, when used respon- the control over the next month, insecticides, which scientists have in the ability for a bee to gather food, will be insigni cant compared to sibly and properly … clear scienti c with rising costs for future control. linked to a decline in the number of navigate and learn.) Friends of the £1.8bn a year UK farmers would have evidence has taken a back-seat in the queen bees produced and a big rises Earth said the vote was a “signi cant to pay to pollinate crops if bees didn’t decision-making process.” Overall, if in the numbers of bees that are con- victory for bees and common sense”. exist. e ban on neonicotinoid in- this pesticide turns out not to be the sidered “lost”. e ban is possibly bad news to secticides is therefore an advantage main cause, the ban on neonicotinoids A er a long voting session (of which farmers though, who might see their to farmers and saves them pollinating at least provides some hope for our the UK was one of 8 countries who costs rising due to paying for alterna- crops by hand in the future, which is most vital pollinators in the future. voted against the ban), the European tive pesticides which might not be as what parts of China is currently doing. May , 2013 | Seren 13 ENVIRONMENT SEAL HUNTING IN BRIEF ELEPHANT DISASTER! TAKES A BLOW CONSERVATIONISTS have reported that men armed with ri es in central Africa have massacred 26 elephants. e massacre took place in Na- tional Park and World Heritage Site, Dzanga-Ndoki Park, which is located in the Central African Republic (CAR) where conservation groups such as WWF have withdrawn their sta due to increased levels of violence. Fears were initially raised that ivory poachers were using a scientist’s platform to shoot animals, with warn- ings later being issued by conser- vationist groups that 17 individuals armed with Kalashnikov ri es had entered the park, with the Bai being their aim. WWF stated that the end result of the massacre led the once “village of elephants” to instead resemble an “elephant mortuary”. e blame for these killings has been placed on Sudanese ivory poachers. Jim Leape, WWF International Direc- tor, has expressed the importance of the Central African Republic taking action to secure the World Heritage by GEMMA SIMMONS are targeted. 98% of the seals slaugh- they go on to say that a post mortem ly that sealing countries are actually site, and prevent such brutal violence he annual seal slaughter that tered are younger than 3 months old survey has proven that at least 42% of losing money, making the slaughter reoccurring. Emphasis has also been takes place from late March and the average age is thought to be the pups are actually skinned alive. seem more senseless. is year pro- placed on the intervention of the to early May in countries such around only 25 days. In Canada, it is A er this was lmed by animals rights tests have taken place at the Brussels international community’s involve- Tas Canada and Norway is o en de- illegal to kill harp seal pups when they activists the sealers defended this European seafood show, which is the ment to support the Central African scribed as being inherently inhumane still have their white fur coats, how- movement as “post-mortem re exes” world’s largest, and at the Boston sea- Republic. and the largest mass slaughter of ma- ever this begins to moult a er 12 days and still claim that their harvesting food show. A boycott of Canadian sea- rine mammals in the world, with more at which time the animals become fair methods are ethical. food continues to gain momentum as than 2 million seals being killed in the game. e slaughter method involves e 2011 Canadian hunt yielded many major companies and celebrity last 10 years. is year the sealing the use of a hakapik, which is a club 40,000 seals which although high chefs take the pledge that has so far RHINO industry has been dealt a huge blow with a metal spike in it, used to tempo- was a steep fall from the 2006 quota been signed by 6,000 restaurants and as it emerged that the price of seal rarily stun the seals before the sealers of 354,000, as well as an additional 800,000 people. is shows that com- BABY products had dropped and that the go on to bludgeon them to death with 10,000 seals for new aboriginal initia- panies have the power to shi Canada European Union’s highest court was minimal damage to the fur so they can tives as Inuit people have long relied toward responsible marine steward- BOOM going to uphold a ban on the import- be sold for maximum pro t. Animal on sealing for oil and meat before ship and activists encourage the boy- ing of seal products. is ban was rst rights group Sea Shepherd describe it became commercialised. In 2012 cott until sealing stops. 60% of all SCIENTIST Katie Edwards at imposed in 2010 and has since been the slaughter as an “annual obscenity” Canada set a limit of 400,000 seals and seafood consumed in America comes Chester Zoo has achieved a rhino adopted by countries such as Russia. and say that 67% of bludgeoned seals this year it has been set at a stagger- from the Canadian shing industry, baby boom within the park. A team e seal slaughter is run by the share not tested for unconsciousness being 100,000. e campaign to stop the making it a $2.6 billion industry, and of researchers have spent the last ing industry and mostly harp seals fore being ga ed with hooks, thrown slaughter by activists has driven down without its customers it is worthless. ve years carefully observing the into boats and skinned. Furthermore, the price of seal products and it is like- hormone levels of their female rhinos so they can work out the perfect time to introduce them to a potential partner. is comes a er a decade in which the zoo had no new baby rhinos and now there have been four FRACKING THE births in as many years. During her research Edwards had to spend every day measuring and monitoring rhino dung. e zoo’s newest baby rhino, Dakima, is just over two months old. is research is being pioneered FUTUREDurham University’s FOREnergy Institute, dressed. ENERGY?top estimate being enough to heat UK by RICHARD DALLISON throughout Europe and hopes to cientists at the University of in the Journal of Marine and Petro- e report is published just days homes for 1,200 years. Generally only bring breeding success internation- Durham this week published re- leum Geology, suggests that although a er Chancellor George Osborne’s one third of deposits are extractable, ally. search into the potential impacts a risk of fault reactivation does exist, Budget, which announced tax breaks however even this amount would be a ofS hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, compared to other human activities, for companies investing in shale gas signi cant boost to energy security in on seismic activity. e controversial such as mining and reservoir building, extraction and ‘bribes’ for communi- the United Kingdom. technique, to extract shale gas from it is minimal. ties that allow fracking to take place Issues relating to seismic activity and sedimentary rocks, uses a high-pres- While this research does ease the in their areas, signalling the govern- water contamination will need to be sure combination of water, sand and fear of signi cant seismic impacts be- ment’s backing for fracking opera- addressed if fracking is to be seen as chemicals to release gas otherwise ing caused by fracking, it also raises tions. e government’s backing could a viable future source of energy by the inaccessible by conventional drilling, other important environmental is- be well founded if early indications on public, in addition, although small, and has been linked to a small earth- sues in relation to the practice, namely the soon to be released report by the many new wells will be needed to quake in the northwest of England in groundwater contamination by chem- British Geological Survey (BGS) on make the most of the resource avail- 2011. Two further earthquakes, one icals used in the fracking processes. shale gas levels in the United King- able. New developments are likely to in the US and the largest (magnitude Professor Richard Davies, lead-author dom are correct. Insiders in the shale be unpopular in areas where the larg- 3.8) in Canada have both also been of the paper, explained how contami- gas industry have said that the cur- est deposits are found, in the Home attributed to fracking exercises in the nation from fracking chemicals could rent estimate of 5 trillion cubic feet Counties, the Northwest and parts of vicinity. be a real risk to local groundwater could be upped signi cantly in the Wales, for example. However, the report, published by sources if current issues with cement report; some suggesting it could be fatigue in drilling wells are not ad- 1,200 – 1,800 trillion cubic feet, the

May , 2013 | Seren FEATURE 15

THE STUDENT’S SAVIOUR

We’ve all had those days and nights where a little boost of ca eine has helped us through, but what does the world’s most popular drug get up to in your head? by AL HULLEY Kola nut (from western and central ca eine peak 30 minutes a er inges- a eine is the most popular psy- Africa) e Kola nut can be chewed in tion, and then halve every 6 hours, AFTER 7 chiatric drug worldwide to the order to release its stimulating e ects, people therefore have to keep drink- point where society is willing but was originally used in the western ing in order to maintain the e ects. Cto pay more for 12 ounces of it than world as a avouring for the products ough some worry about addiction 10HRS MILLION for a gallon of petrol. is helps to that still bear its name. to the ca eine drug, repeated use is explain why currently an average 260 So, how does it work? Ca eine, or more due to habit than true addiction. pounds of ca eine are ingested by the 1.3.7 Trimethylxanthine, is a stimu- Ca eine is extremely di cult to over- TONS globe every year. Arti cial colours and lant with a similar molecular structure dose on, but professionals advise keep- 75% sweeteners are added to most products to adenosine, a molecule which plays ing ca eine intake below 300 mg per however ca eine itself is a bitter white an important role in energy transfer day, to put this in perspective the aver- OF THE OF COFFEE powdery alkaloid (hence why decaf- in the body. When the body starts to age can of red bull contains 80mg, and feinated and ca eine free ranges di er feel tired, adenosine moves to recep- 200mg are contained within one tablet in taste). tors located in the brain, forming a of No-dose. In other words (depend- CAFFEINE PRODUCED When most people think of ca eine, substrate-complex and resulting in ing on your weight) 6-7g of ca eine a tea springs to mind, but the product feelings of fatigue. Ca eine prevents day is considered lethal. If anyone is GLOBALLY which society has grown to love is the onset of fatigue by binding to these still uneasy about this situation it is the IS GONE OR extracted from a range of sources, in- receptors rst, blocking adenosine, re- equivalent of drinking 50-100 cups of IN 2010 cluding the two South African plants sulting in increased heart rate, blood co ee a day….which I doubt anyone METABOLISED Yerba metta and Guama, as well as the pressure and alertness. e e ects of could stomach anyway!

RECOMMENDS - EXAM TIME BOOST

by BECKI WATSON by KEV GRIFFIN by WILLIAM JOHNSON by LJ TAYLOR by RACHEL WARD

IT’S not the kind of beverage I’d usu- MY journey across Bangor to the WORKING late into the night on FOR some reason I really like Star- NEED a break from revision? Ky n ally drink, but in an emergency, I al- management centre was a drudg- assignments, revision or that ever pre- bucks. It is my favourite of the co ee is perfect for a light lunch and place to ways go for Relentless. It has a range ing one. I was on my way to my lec- sent dissertation and you need your shops and I'll go to any length for it, revise in a peace. Quiet and relaxing, of avours which, surprisingly for an ture when I remembered there was ca eine boost to get you through until even if it means the 50 minute drive you feel like you could be holidaying in energy drink, don’t all taste like chemi- a Costa that I haven’t been to in the dawn. Stick the kettle on, grab your fa- to Flint. e caramel macchiato is my the south of France. Speciality tea and cals (I tend to go for Tropical Juiced), management centre. I also hadn’t had vourite mug and open a Nescafe 3 in favourite (unless I go for Strawberries fantastic co ee served by trained ba- and actually does what it says on the any co ee for my 9am start. So I was 1 sachet. Co ee, sugar and milk pow- and Cream frappuccino) and luckily a ristas provides a high quality, friendly can - it keeps you going that little bit overjoyed to know there was co ee ders all ready to go, no messing and cold version of it is now stocked in all service. e café specialises in having longer. I’ll never be one for casually next to where I had to be. I walked in you’ve got just what you need to nish local supermarkets. If I know I have a restricted menu to o er fresh home- consuming energy drinks, but in a last to this nice looking place got myself a o that last paragraph. Working out at some work that I need to get on with, cooked meals. Ky n pays speci c at- minute all-nighter panic, Relentless black co ee and I am happy to say it approximately 10 pence per cup this that I need to focus, then I'll have one tention to using fresh, seasonal and is my ca eine boost of choice. Some- was not terrible! It was a standard cof- is a cheaper alternative to the univer- of those. At home I have a co ee ma- local produce. Why not also indulge thing tells me that with a 64 page Seren fee, not amazing but quite good; it also sities co ee shops so long as you can chine so we buy the already crushed in a scrumptious selection of home- and an essay deadline this week, I’m allowed me to concentrate during my nd hot water. beans from Starbucks and couple with made cakes, chocolate selections and a going to be needing it! lecture. Starbucks hazelnut syrup is a delight! variety of fair-trade gi s. 16 Seren | May , 2013 SCIENCE World’s rst 3D-printed gun red IN BRIEF Earth’s water on moon

TRACES of water found in moon rocks are identical to those on ancient Earth. By examin- ing tiny glass crystals in rocks brought back from moon mis- sions, scientists found evidence of water with the same chemical signature as that on early Earth. is suggests Earth was already damp when the moon was formed 4.5bn years ago, from the debris of Earth’s collision with a Mars- sized planet, and not all of the water was vapourised in the impact. DSM-5 rejected THE h edition of the controversial pyschiatry “bible” DSM has been met with un- he world’s rst gun made us- gun available to anyone is about pro- But the untraceability and relative islation is too late to stop the spread. precedented concern. e book ing 3D printers has been suc- viding power and liberty, as it’s head, ease of creating 3D printed weap- While the ability to 3D-print rearms aims to provide common lan- cessfully red. e gun was self-described “crypto-anarchist” ons has provoked fast reaction from is technically available to anyone, the guage standard criteria for clas- Tdeveloped by Defense Distributed, a Cody Wilson told the BBC, “it’s not legislators; California senator Le- cost of 3D printers (Defense Distrib- sifying mental disorders, but has controversial group who made the 3D up to the political players anymore”. land Yee has promised to introduce uted’s model cost around £5,000) and been criticised for the reliability printing “blueprint” for the gun avail- e release of the gun design online legislation to stop the manufacture the unproven reliability of such weap- and validity of its diagnoses and able online. Named “Liberator”, the coincides with growing debate around of guns which are invisible to metal ons means that it is unlikely to be a symptom-based approach, and gun is made almost entirely of plas- gun control in the US. In theory, any- detectors and made easily without popular method of obtaining rearms is associated with problems of tic parts created using a 3D printer, one with a 3D printer and the right checks. e US government, writing for criminals. But as 3D printing of over- and false diagnosis from save for a metal ring pin. 3D print- materials can print their own gun, to Defense Distributed, claimed that undetectable and untraceable guns psychiatrists and self-assessors. ing involves depositing many layers of making the regulation and monitor- publishing the gun blueprints may becomes more feasible, law enforce- ough largely similar to the 4th material, o en plastic, to build solid ing of such rearms almost impos- breach arms-control regulations, and ment agencies will have to act fast if edition, DSM-5 has been reject- three-dimensional shapes accord- sible. Yet, the practice of manufac- ordered that they be taken o ine. they are to control the situation. ed by the US government’s Na- ing to designs created on a computer. turing one’s own gun is legal in the However, with the designs having al- tional Institute of Mental Health. e group, Defense Distributed, be- US, provided the weapon is not au- ready been downloaded over 100,000 lieves that making the design for the tomatic, and is not intended for sale. times according to Forbes, such leg- Antibiotics cure back pain UP to 40% of patients with Bangor Science Research chronic back pain may have be cured by antibiotics. Recent discoveries have revealed that many of the worst back conditions were caused by bacterial infections, but scientists at the University of Southern Denmark have found that it may be as many as 20-40% of cases. How- ever, the cure will not work for all back pain, and risks increased antibiotic resistance. UCL sur- geon Peter Hamlyn described the work as Nobel prize-worthy. However, he and 3 of the paper authors have undeclared nan- Sugary drinks make you fat revealed that sugary drinks can desen- evolutionary response to favour small- colleagues in the Centre for Health cial interests in the treatment. sitise the sensation of sweet taste and er adult sh, which mature later in life. Economics and Medicines Evalua- New research has revealed that regu- increase preferences for sugary food is has implications for commercial tion, funded by the Medical Research Highest-pitched larly drinking sugary drinks can in- and drink, the danger of sugary drinks sheries, which will have to harvest Council, conducted an indirect com- hearing crease fat gain, and cause muscles to for obesity and health is signi cant. higher numbers of sh to compensate. parison of the new drugs, nding that prefer using sugar than fats for energy, ere is also the risk of smaller sh los- apixaban was most e ective, followed even in otherwise healthy partici- Shrinking sh ing other adaptations, associated with by dabigatran and rivaroxaban, all THE greater wax moth has pants. Research leader Dr Hans-Peter colder waters or migratory routes. more e ective than warfarin. ese been found to have the highest- Kubis, of Bangor’s School of Sport, e common shing practice of re- ndings can help inform treatment pitched hearing ability of any ani- Health & Exercise Sciences, says that moving only the largest sh has result- New anticoagulants options for patients at risk of stroke, mal. eir hearing range extends regularly drinking sugary drinks ed in genetic changes in sh popula- and suggest that new anticoagulants to 300,000Hz, far beyond human makes it harder for the body to burn tions. e research, conducted mainly New anticoagulants tested by Ban- may present more e ective alterna- hearing and the range of most mi- fat, altering the muscle metabolism by Bangor post-doc Serinde van Wijk, gor University may be more e ective tives. crophones. Moths use their hear- through gene activity with results sim- has revealed that removing only the at preventing strokes in people with ing ability to detect the presence ilar to obesity and type 2 diabetes. In largest sh in a population, intended atrial brillation than the current of bats, who use high-pitched addition to previous research, which to conserve sh species, induces an drug, warfarin. Dyfrig Hughes and echolocation noises to hunt.

RICHARD FEYNMAN MAY 11, 1918 – FEBRUARY 15, 1988

It is in the admission of ignorance and the admission of uncertainty that there is a hope for the continuous motion of human beings in some direction that doesn't get conﬁ ned, permanently blocked, as it has so many times before in various periods in the history of man.

18 Seren | May , 2013

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS, NOMINATED AND VOTED FOR BY YOU:

BEST PUB

BANGOR’S FAVOURITE BUSINESS

BEST TAKEOUT

BEST LOCAL BEST RESTAURANT INDEPENDENT

BEST CHARITY SHOP

BEST NIGHTCLUB BEST SUPERMARKET May , 2013 | Seren 19

SOME COMMENTS FROM OUR VOTERS: “ROGUES GALLERY IS THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO BANGOR” “G. WILLIAMS & SON- THE COOKED FOOD AND SANDWICHES THEY DO ARE AWESOME” “LOVE A GOOD BLUE SKY BREAKFAST”

“TAP AND SPILE DO SUCH AWESOME HANGOVER FOOD - AND SO CHEAP!”

LATE STOP

BEST VALUE MOST STUDENT FOR MONEY FRIENDLY

BEST HIGH STREET BEST TATTOO STUDIO

BEST HAIR SALON

VOTERS’ CHOICE AWARD: BEST GARAGE G.WILLIAMS & SON BUTCHERS 20 Seren | May , 2013 UNION In Brief AGMWhat you’ve been tellingand the SU andManifesto how your voice is being heard Results Landlord Survey THE Student Housing O ce are conducting a survey on Bangor landlords so that you have have your say on your experiences of looking for a house. Your comments will help them improve your experience and the experiences of other students next year. Your name will go into a ra e as a way of saying thank you. e lucky person’s name will be pulled from a hat and will win Amazon vouchers worth £30. e survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ HM7MN8S and will close on June o, it’s only a few weeks since our tors and Student Trustees (the results (see what we did there?!). You’ve told improvements, and will continue to 7th. second, and last, AGM of the year. are now on our website). us that the two biggest issues are get- lobby for change in this area. We also All of the Sabbs gave updates on We also presented the results of ting more detailed feedback, ready in asked about the postgraduate expe- what’sS been achieved over the last year, our Manifesto survey, which gives time for your next exam/assignment. rience, and got some great evidence and took questions. Pontio came along us the evidence we need to make key e feedback on Course Reps was re- about the amount of time they spend to give an update on the project, what’s changes on some issues over the next ally positive, although not everyone is teaching, their access to personal tu- Healthcare going to be in the building, and what year. We’ve had some of the results getting the chance to elect their Rep. tors, and other issues. We’re going to the arts programme is going to look in, and already started to make some We asked whether you had access to be conducting a research project into Survey like. We discussed the Student Char- changes. One of our big focuses was excellent resources and facilities at a the postgrad and international student ter, which sets out what you can expect library opening hours, and as a result time that is convenient for your stud- experience over the next year, speci - THIS year the Students’ Union is from the University and the Students’ of the work we’ve done in identifying ies, and here there are some issues cally looking at what the Union can running the healthcare satisfaction Union, as well as what you are encour- and highlighting the need for 24 hour that we’ll continue to campaign on – provide, and what we can lobby for. survey again. It’s a great opportunity aged to do to make the most of your opening, a short trial is currently tak- the majority of you have been unable We’ll be keeping you updated through to voice your opinion on the health- time in Bangor, and we’ll be giving ing place, and we’re looking at what to access a computer in a University Seren, our Facebook and twitter, and care that you’ve received whilst at your feedback to the University. We the plans are for next year. We’ve got building, and unable to access a book occasional e-mails – as well as next Bangor. Your comments will be launched the referendum on this page, some great feedback on the quality of or journal that you needed. We’re al- years AGM’s! See you there… passed on anonymously to the sur- and we held the hustings for our Sena- feedback you get from the University ready involved in some upcoming geries in the area so they can improve the services that they o er students. e survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ health2013 and will close on June Academi Clubs and 7th. Heroes Societies Charges Referendum Wanted LAST year, Bangor Students’ Un- ion Heroes’ helped make Welcome Week even better for rst years across Bangor – and this year its back, bigger and better! Bangor Stu- dents’ Union is looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to help us out during Welcome Week with a variety of tasks. In exchange for your hard work, you’ll get a lovely t-shirt, lunches on days you’re helping and lots of appreciation from your Sabbs. We’ll also give you free entry to Academi during Welcome Week! is is a great chance to get to meet new people and help students settle in Bangor. As well as this, you’ll gain a whole range of skills, helping make you even more employable when s part of our changes to Senate, entry fee goes to your club or society you leave Bangor. You’ll also get Argument for: Argument against: the elected group of students Currently the student nightclub Academi is a commercial venture whichever night you decide to come to BEA points. who hold Sabbs to account, Academi is charging a large amount that will contribute to all clubs and so- the venue. Academi are also o ering Applications are still open – if Aand create Union policy, any Ideas that the opportunity for clubs and societies of money for students to run nights. cieties if it ever makes a pro t. Hosting you’re interested, please email an- don’t get 3/4 majority for or against get Approximately if Academi’s manage- one-o nights can be very risky and to work as the promotion team for a [email protected], sent to a University wide referendum. ment believe the night will attract 400 it is Academi that is taking the risk at night and then take a share of the door brie y explaining why you think We’ve got one of these on at the mo- patrons the student or students will be present, and £200 covers a fraction of money. you’d make a good hero – we’ll select ment, so you can cast your vote to set charged £200 plus VAT. e reason for the operational costs most nights, costs Heroes based on the information Union policy on the following ques- this is for Academi to regain money, made up of Security, Technicians, Bar contained within your application. tion: Should the Union lobby Academi but it has instead forced students, clubs Sta , Cleaners etc. Academi is com- We’ll be in contact to let you know Who wins? You decide! Head to to stop it from charging student clubs and societies to use alternative venues mitted to supporting student clubs and if you’ve been successful, and what vote.undeb.bangor.ac.uk now to and societies to host club nights? for club nights. We want Bangor Stu- societies, to help them to make their the next stages are. If you’d like more have your say! Here are the arguments for and dents’ Union to lobby Academi to stop nights successful and also by o ering information, head to www.bangor- against, written by students.: charging students to host nights. other deals. Recent initiatives include students.com/heroes. making sure that a proportion of your May , 2013 | Seren 21 UNION

ecently, Bangor Students’ Union held well as most service departments, and the its second annual Student Led Teach- student panel had a really tough time pick- Ring Awards in PJ Hall together with the ing some of the winners from the shortlist. Course Representative Awards. The panel, one student from each of the Every student was given the opportunity ve Colleges, have steered the awards, pick- to nominate any member of sta in a range ing categories, criteria and nally the win- of categories from “Supervisor of the Year” ners. I want to thank Marta (Arts & Humani- to “Support Sta Member of the Year” to ties), Vicky (Health & Behavioural Sciences), “Teacher of the Year”, and they did so in their Craig (Natural Sciences), Martyn (Physical & hundreds! An amazing 290 nominations Applied Sciences) and Kieran (Business, Law, were received, spanning the full range of Education & Social Sciences) for all of their sta positions and departments – from Es- hard work and support with the awards. I tates & Facilities to Academic Schools. also wanted to thank all of the students who Shôn Prebble, Bangor Students’ Union Vice sent in nominations, and all the sta nomi- President Education & Welfare said, “This is a nated for helping make this evening such a great chance for students to really acknowl- success.” edge the dedication and hard work of sta Finally, congratulations to our highly de- at Bangor to improving their student experi- serving winners for 2013. ence. It is a chance to say thank you. We had nominations from every single School as STLA WINNERS 2013: Course Representative of the Year: Nerys MacDonald New Teacher of the Year: Ms Thandiwe Gilder Postgraduate Teacher of the Year: Mr Stephen Clear Teacher of the Year: Dr Lucy Huskinson Student Engagement Award: Dr Chris Collins Promotion of Welsh-Medium Education: Ms Sian Beidas International Award: Ms Manuela Vittori Fantastic Feedback Award: Ms R. Lyle Skains Award for Outstanding Pastoral Support: Mrs Gillian Gri th Student Service Department Award: Money Support Unit Support Sta Member of the Year: Mrs Liz du Pre Innovation Award: Dr Pedro Telles Outstanding Achievement: Dr David Evans Bringing Teaching to Life Award: Mr Nigel Brown Supervisor of the Year: Prof Judy Hutchings 22 Seren | May , 2013 SOCIETIES In Brief BEDS PRESENTS SPRING AWAKENING Student Cut Films Upcoming Screenings

ursday 23rd May - Cabaret ursday 30th May - Django Unchained ursday 6th June - Seven Psychopaths

ey'll all be held in the Academi cinema room (shop entrance) and are free for Bangor students. Student Cut Films are also hosting their second 12 Hour Movie Mara- thon on Friday 17th May to raise money for Diabetes UK. It is an excellent cause and they aim to raise £250, there is a Facebook event where there are details for you to donate. Here is the line up for the twelve hours: Brave - 7pm to 8:40pm Silver Linings - 9:10pm to 11:10pm Life Of Pi - 11:30pm to 1:30am Rubber - 1:45am to 3:15am by CHARLOTTE PARKER story is of sexual repression in the early and curiosity for the opposite sex and ing consequences of rape, suicide, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail - 1900's which leads to devastation and reproduction, while their elders face the question of does the youth bene t 3:30am to 5:10am EDS will be presenting an excit- questions authority over the knowledge inner turmoil over whether or not to from knowing all the facts of life? BEDS Ruby Sparks - 5:20am to 7am ing and innovative portrayal of that is ltered to the preadolescence. continue protecting them from what will be performing at JP eatre from the original play Spring Awak- Schoolboys Melchior and Moritz bat- they deem as unnecessary truth. eir 17th-19th May at 19:30pm, tickets just Bening written by Frank Wedekind. e Donations can be made online or tle with their "stirings of manhood" curiosity and actions lead to devastat- £4 with a NUS card! on the door, and people can stay for as many movies as they like. Mikado Performance THE Bangor University Gilbert and Sullivan Society would like to invite you to their production of the Mi- kado, the rst of Gilbert and Sulli- van's Savoy Operettas. e Gilbert and Sullivan Society was set up this year, and have been working hard on our version of the Mikado. e production will be on 5th, 6th and 7th June in JP Hall, and pre-bookings of tickets are now being accepted. To pre-book nd us on Facebook and indicate your interest. Can Ko-Ko bring himself to execute FMOR - Fforwm Myfyrwyr Ôl-radd someone, can the Mikado work out what is just, and more importantly, can Nanki-Poo get the girl? PGSF - Postgraduate Students’ Forum Come and nd out! THE Postgraduate Students’ Forum Dr. Gjalt Huppes (Institute of Envi- sity) 5th, 6th, 7th June in JP Hall Postgraduate Conference brings you this exciting interdiscipli- ronmental Sciences, Leiden Univer- Dr. Peredur Glyn Davies (School Tickets £4 Bangor ‘Visions’ – Paradise Lost? e World in nary conference, where our future is sity, Netherlands), of Linguistics and English Language, 2050. debated through the research of fellow Dr. Karlheinz Steinmüller (Scien- Bangor University) Bangor University, postgraduate students from across the ti c Director of Z Punkt e Foresight Entry is free to all students. Please Society 8th and 9th of June 2013 UK and beyond. We have prominent Company, Germany) register to get access to a conference Main Arts Lecture eatre keynote speakers addressing our con- Dr. Eben J. Muse (School of Creative pack and lunch by emailing us on: Summer Ball ference: Studies and Media, Bangor Univer- [email protected] THE Bangor University Northern Society is having a summer ball for their society in Anglesey. Hi, Dafydd the Nightline bear here! ey are having a three course carvery meal at a local farmhouse It’s almost the end of this academic year, and with restaurant in Bodedern, and there is exams and deadlines it can be a very stressful time a fully stocked bar. e society are for students. Nightline will be open during these taking around 20 members, but the grizzly weeks to provide information, like exam full capacity is 55/60 people. So, if timetables, and listening support for those who need any societies want to hold a summer it. I’ll even be around Bangor o ering free hugs! Re- ball at a cheap price, let BUNS know member, Nightline is here to listen, not lecture! and they can allocate a share of tickets to you as well as coach seats, for If you want to talk, give us a call on: around £18-£20 per person for the meal and transport. ere is also have a disco in the converted barn 01248 362121 a erwards. Lines are open from 8pm – 8am, every If you're interested, please email the society or nd them on night of the week. Bear hug! Facebook. 22 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 23 SOCIETIES SOCIETIES In Brief BEDS PRESENTS SPRING AWAKENING Student Cut Films Opens Upcoming Screenings

ursday 23rd May - Cabaret ursday 30th May - Django Unchained ursday 6th June - Seven Psychopaths for ey'll all be held in the Academi cinema room (shop entrance) and are free for Bangor students. Student Cut Films are also hosting their second 12 Hour Movie Mara- thon on Friday 17th May to raise Seann money for Diabetes UK. It is an excellent cause and they aim to raise £250, there is a Facebook event where there are details for you to donate. Here is the line up for the twelve hours: Brave - 7pm to 8:40pm Walsh Silver Linings - 9:10pm to 11:10pm Life Of Pi - 11:30pm to 1:30am by MATT JACKSON her win in late April. A brilliant Rubber - 1:45am to 3:15am idea between Bangor Comedy by CHARLOTTE PARKER story is of sexual repression in the early and curiosity for the opposite sex and ing consequences of rape, suicide, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail - 1900's which leads to devastation and reproduction, while their elders face the question of does the youth bene t t’s been a good year for Ban- and Pontio was that anyone who 3:30am to 5:10am EDS will be presenting an excit- questions authority over the knowledge inner turmoil over whether or not to from knowing all the facts of life? BEDS gor Comedy, as they’ve per- bought a Seann Walsh ticket Ruby Sparks - 5:20am to 7am ing and innovative portrayal of that is ltered to the preadolescence. continue protecting them from what will be performing at JP eatre from formed with not one, but from Pontio also got in free to the original play Spring Awak- twoI nationally renowned come- the Bangor Comedy Stand-up Schoolboys Melchior and Moritz bat- they deem as unnecessary truth. eir 17th-19th May at 19:30pm, tickets just Bening written by Frank Wedekind. e Competition. at’s a lot of com- Donations can be made online or tle with their "stirings of manhood" curiosity and actions lead to devastat- £4 with a NUS card! dians. Starting the year at the edy for only £8, right? on the door, and people can stay for Giddy Goat Festival they graced Walsh himself was very good as many movies as they like. the stage with Phill Jupitus, who took part in Impsoc games, and and it was de nitely an exciting this month they were the open- time having someone nationally ing act for Seann Walsh’s Pontio recognised perform in Bangor; Mikado gig. it’s not o en someone you could e rst half Bangor Com- see the week before on TV ven- Performance edy favourite Impsoc performed tures into Bangor, but when they THE Bangor University Gilbert and some of their usual favourites, do, it’s always a treat. Sullivan Society would like to invite and as normal asked for audi- His set was quite student cen- you to their production of the Mi- ence participation. A mix of tric as well, although not entirely kado, the rst of Gilbert and Sulli- veteran performers and some as he had to appeal to the public van's Savoy Operettas. e Gilbert of the newer regulars put on a . It was good to see him alter his and Sullivan Society was set up this solid composed show, consid- performance to t the major- year, and have been working hard on ering that they were preparing ity of his audience, even mak- our version of the Mikado. e pro- the stage and crowd for Seann ing jokes about the surround- duction will be on 5th, 6th and 7th Walsh. ing areas such as College Road, June in JP Hall, and pre-bookings of Following the interval, we showing us that this show wasn’t tickets are now being accepted. To saw Bangor Comedy’s “stand- simply a regurgitation of another pre-book nd us on Facebook and up champion” Lauren Court- performance. indicate your interest. Dobson perform her set, a er Can Ko-Ko bring himself to execute FMOR - Fforwm Myfyrwyr Ôl-radd someone, can the Mikado work out what is just, and more importantly, can Nanki-Poo get the girl? PGSF - Postgraduate Students’ Forum Come and nd out! THE Postgraduate Students’ Forum Dr. Gjalt Huppes (Institute of Envi- sity) 5th, 6th, 7th June in JP Hall Postgraduate Conference brings you this exciting interdiscipli- ronmental Sciences, Leiden Univer- Dr. Peredur Glyn Davies (School Tickets £4 Bangor ‘Visions’ – Paradise Lost? e World in nary conference, where our future is sity, Netherlands), of Linguistics and English Language, 2050. debated through the research of fellow Dr. Karlheinz Steinmüller (Scien- Bangor University) Bangor University, postgraduate students from across the ti c Director of Z Punkt e Foresight Entry is free to all students. Please Society 8th and 9th of June 2013 UK and beyond. We have prominent Company, Germany) register to get access to a conference Main Arts Lecture eatre keynote speakers addressing our con- Dr. Eben J. Muse (School of Creative pack and lunch by emailing us on: Summer Ball ference: Studies and Media, Bangor Univer- [email protected] THE Bangor University Northern Society is having a summer ball for their society in Anglesey. Hi, Dafydd the Nightline bear here! ey are having a three course carvery meal at a local farmhouse It’s almost the end of this academic year, and with restaurant in Bodedern, and there is exams and deadlines it can be a very stressful time a fully stocked bar. e society are for students. Nightline will be open during these taking around 20 members, but the grizzly weeks to provide information, like exam full capacity is 55/60 people. So, if timetables, and listening support for those who need any societies want to hold a summer it. I’ll even be around Bangor o ering free hugs! Re- ball at a cheap price, let BUNS know member, Nightline is here to listen, not lecture! and they can allocate a share of tickets to you as well as coach seats, for If you want to talk, give us a call on: around £18-£20 per person for the meal and transport. ere is also have a disco in the converted barn 01248 362121 a erwards. Lines are open from 8pm – 8am, every If you're interested, please email the society or nd them on night of the week. Bear hug! Photos by Ben Walker Facebook. 24 Seren | May , 2013 SU SOCIETY AWARDS 2013 PHOTOS BY: EDDY REYNOLDS

SEREN (THAT’S US!) WIN SOCIETY OF THE YEAR

PSYCHSOC WIN EVENT OF THE YEAR Y LLEF WIN COMMUNITY AWARD

STAGE CREW JAZZ BAND WIN WIN MOST BEST NEW SOCIETY IMPROVED May , 2013 | Seren 25 SU SOCIETY AWARDS 2013 PHOTOS BY: EDDY REYNOLDS

PHOTOSOC WIN NIGHTLINE ACHIEVEMENT WIN WILDCARD OF THE YEAR AWARD

CHRISTIAN SOCIETY WIN BEDS WIN INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE AWARD OF THE YEAR

ZOOSOC WIN ACADEMIC SOCIETY OF THE YEAR 26 Seren | May , 2013

Along with all the usual Summer Ball entertainment, this year there’s some really great talent lined up in Bangor to keep you dancing all through the night.

James Arthur is a singer who, after winning the ninth series of the X Factor in 2012, went on Professor Green, aka Stephen Manderson, is an English rapper to release a debut single entitled ‘Impossible’. He then as well as singer-songwriter who won the 2008 JumpO MySpace saw it go on to reach number one in the UK Singles Chart £50,000 battle rap tournament. Following this, Green joined fellow in its rst week of being released. Since then it has sold artist Lily Allen on her 2009 concert tour. In 2010, he released his 1.3 million copies and has become the best-selling X Fac- debut album ‘Alive Till I’m Dead’ which featured the voices of guest tor winner’s single yet. performers such as Lily Allen, Labrinth and Example, and the next year released his ‘At Your Convenience’ album.

K Koke, originally known as Kevin Georgiou, is an English rapper who is part of one of the UK’s more popular underground rap crews, U.S.G. His rst mixtape was an underground success and was given away for free on many online outlets. He obtained critical acclaim within the UK rap scene, and was soon signed with Roc Nation of Sony Music EntertainmentRCA.

This year, the Summer Ball will be hosting a Ministry of Sound dance room. Ministry of Sound was created in 1991 and became a world famous nightclub in London before turning into one of the biggest dance brands in the world, with many claming that Ministry of Sound is the home of dance music. May , 2013 | Seren 27 Where does the money go? Venue: £2.63/6% Marketing: While it’s unfortunate that Main Arts doesn’t come free, it’s worth it to have the Ball in such a great venue, with this charge also helping towards clean up and licensing. £1.13/3% The last 3% goes towards marketing the Summer Ball, as well as printing the tickets that get you Staff: entry into this amazing event! £3.37/7% Acts: The Summer Ball would be impossible to put on without the amaz- £21/47% ing sta that keep it all running The biggest part of the ticket smoothly. This pays for the people price goes towards booking the en- to set up the venue, security to tertainment. The increase in fund- keep you safe, and the bar sta to ing from acts from last year has keep the drinks owing until the helped to provide a higher quality early hours! and wider variety of acts, plus you get a free ferris wheel trip out of it! Tax: £7.50/17% Production: 20% of the ticket price has to be put towards taxes, leaving £37.50 per ticket to fund the actual event. £9.37/21% Producing an event like the Summer Ball is a huge undertaking. It involves the staging, lighting, wiring, music, and all the other technical set up, so it’s easy to see why this takes up a good chunk of the ticket price. Win a ticket to the Ball! For your chance to be entered into a random draw to win a ticket to this year’s Summer Ball, send in your name and email address to this link: www.seren.bangor.ac.uk/competitions/ball2013 The competition closes at midnight on the 25/05/2013, and winners will be noti ed via email and our Facebook Page. Good Luck! 28 Seren | May , 2013 2012 2013 IN NUMBERS 105 38 MEMBERS CONTRIBUTORS

795 ARTICLES 313,059 words 320 pages 330 PHOTOS

Bangor University Bangor University Bangor University Bangor University Bangor University Students’ Union May 2013 Students’ Union October 2012 Students’ Union December 2012 Students’ Union January 2013 English Language Students’ Union Freshers’ 2012 Issue No. 232 English Language Issue No. 226 English Language Issue No. 227 English Language Issue No. 228 Newspaper FREE English Language Issue No. 225 Newspaper FREE Newspaper FREE Newspaper FREE Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor Seren.Bangor.ac.uk @SerenBangor Seren.Bangor.ac.uk @SerenBangor Seren.Bangor.ac.uk @SerenBangor Seren.Bangor.ac.uk @SerenBangor Seren.Bangor.ac.uk IRON MAN SPECIAL WHAT TO DO NEXT... INTERVIEW: LJ TAYLOR CREATURE TAKEOVER INTERVIEW: ASH JAMES GIFT OF EXPRESSION RETURNS THE END OF THE WORLD? INTERVIEW: VC THE HOBBIT: IN DEPTH HOUSING HORROR STORIES FASHION: YSL OUR FRESHERS' GUIDE SEREN TO THE RESCUE THE REAL OLYMPIC COST NSS BREAKDOWN

RETURN Foundations of stone Student Summer Sessions OF FRANKseren £5m De cit Minister for Education joined Not in by musicians. TURNER Hits Bangor Pontio celebrates reveal of the Olympic Ceremony performer to play gig in foundation stone. Bangor Academi this December 200 Less Students for Bangor by JOE RUSSELL from his side venture, Möngöl Hörde, which promises to be more reminiscent VC Launches Saving Scheme t wouldn’t be an unfair slight on Ban- of Turner circa 2001 than 2011. by LJ TAYLOR mation from across the university and bers, HEFCW are unable to continue gor’s recent history with music to If that wasn’t enough to convince you and SEAN TALBOT have an indirect result on students. funding the increased tuition fees. suggest that it’s struggled to attract of Bangor’s burgeoning reputation as an Savings are expected to be received Bangor’s choice to charge the full our club Inotable acts to visit. However, a grow- appealing haunt for artists - or if Turner new savings programme will by redeploying a member of sta to a £9000 tuition fees has had a detrimen- ing number of caveats have appeared in just isn’t your bag - then perhaps the force Bangor University to re- di erent area of the institution when a tal e ect on its HEFCW funding and Homosexual couples reprimanded for showing a ection the last three years that dispute such a news that Kissy Sell Out, Jaguar Skills think their internal structure. vacancy arises rather than employing was an important factor towards the contention; in May 2010, Radio One’s and Jack Beats are all at Embassy in Oc- A e proposed three-year plan will someone new. loss of the 201 student places. is is Club Manager keen to nd root of problem Big Weekend was held in Bangor; inter- tober, November and December respec- see saving strategies brought into A er a recruitment freeze was an- because, for each Welsh student at- nationally acclaimed opera singer, Bryn tively, will. It’s my job to try and be as place to counter a projected £5 mil- nounced a number of months ago, tending the University, the HEFCW by SINNEAD TOWEY “managerial issue” forced Embassy to of discriminative behaviour, in any Terfel, performed in the university’s informative as possible so I researched lion shortfall. e University have set concerns arose that the e ect of this must subsidise their fees. change their door sta . establishment, is strongly advised to Jaguar Skills to try and get a feel for this Pritchard-Jones Hall late May of this up a team to analyse and identify de- would instead leave sta spread thinly. “ ese cuts are the fault of West- number of Bangor University Mr Lewis said, “We do not tolerate take further action. facet of Bangor’s musical identity. Jag- year and recent Summer Balls have wel- partments which could be made more However, Mr Learmont believes that minster. is is why we are organising students have revealed that those kinds of views. We welcome “If people have any problems we are uar Skills o en dons a ninja mask on comed well-known artists such as Rizzle cost e ective and e cient. is comes this will provide the university oppor- a group to go to the National Demo they were asked to leave Em- anyone, from any background or with here to listen,” said Martyn Curzey, stage in order to drum up an air of mys- Kicks, Feeder and Maxïmo Park. Frank a er the Higher Education Funding tunity to grow organically. in November – now is the time to get bassyA nightclub last year. any view, as long as it’s a reasonable Secretary of Unity, Bangor’s lesbian, Turner has recently released live favour- tery in his performances. His style con- Council of Wales announced cuts to An email sent from Vice Chancellor, the student voice heard.” said Antony view, to come to our venue and en- gay, bisexual and transgender society. sists of a blend between energetic and e students were approached by ite “If Ever I Stray” which has been tak- the subsidiaries they provide to stu- Professor John Hughes, outlined the Butcher, President of Bangor Students’ security in what they described as joy themselves. I hope that people do Unity o er a wide range of events, e Pontio construction site Photo by: LJ Taylor ing audiences by storm. entertaining performances which make dents’ tuition fees. savings scheme and a rmed the stu- Union. homophobic related incidents. that...We encourage feedback and es- including meetings at 2:30pm every So news of Frank Turner’s gig at it understandable why so many nd him David Learmont, Director of Busi- dent experience would be kept at the e 201 student de cit reduces Ban- A 19-year-old music student said pecially the issues you’re bringing to Wednesday and “Identity nights,” by LJ TAYLOR September of last year but following a con dent that this signi cant develop- building day in, and day out, so its go- with both Pontio and the University to Students’ Union organise summer activity sessions Academi on the 4th December repre- so appealing. ness Improvement at the University, forefront of their operations. It also gor University’s income by £5 million, she was approached whilst kissing our attention. ey have no place in held on the last ursday of every number of complications has had to be ment - which the Welsh Government ing to be fantastic for the Students’ Un- make sure the building does meet the sents yet another signi cant coup for ough disingenuous to claim that inister for Education, this will be overseeing the ‘programme of states that with £5 million in savings hence the introduction of the savings another female. She was told to stop this business and no place in the com- month. delayed. e laying of the foundation has supported - will provide a major ion to be back at the heart of student needs of students.” said Mr Butcher. the university and Bangor as a whole. Turner, Jaguar Skills et al are house- month, laid the foundations Various activities available including sports, days out and geo-caching change’. to be made by 2014/15, £3 million of it scheme. what she was doing as it wasn’t al- munity as a whole.” “Identity is Bangor’s only attitude stone has been the rst real evidence boost to the arts and to innovation not life in Bangor. Its a shame that its taken e centre is now scheduled to be Admittedly, Turner played here in 2006 hold names, they are undoubtedly big for a new Bangor. “Its an opportunity to re ect on how must be identi ed this nancial year. e scheme has only just started lowed. e same student also wit- e incidents all involved an in- free night where people can come of work commencing and a reason to just within the university, or in Bangor, so long but its nice to see that its nal- tted out in July next year. with an of- by LJ TAYLOR tivities Development Co-ordinator at to take part in activities that may not team, making sure that everyone’s looking forward to launching this but his reputation has risen exponen- enough to encourage more acts of a MIn a celebration of hard hats and New requirements from the HE- and will continue over the next three timate nature but the club doesn’t and are encouraged to completely celebrate. but in the region more generally.” said ly on its way, I look forward to seeing cial opening to take place in Septem- the Students’ Union. be readily accessible to them” said Mr equipment was up to scratch and that project and making the most of the tially since. In the intervening six years, similar ilk to follow their footsteps into we currently operate, a unique op- nessed a homosexual friend, on a FCW, announced in January, mean years with a promise of no radical de- believe that should be reason for dis- be themselves.” said Mr Curzey. e homegrown music, the foundation Pontio, which will be o cially re- Mr Andrews. the completed building. e Students’ ber of the same year. e project is the brainchild of the Barnard. there were no language barriers in resources that we now have available.” Turner - whose punk roots strike a dis- north Wales’ premier music scene. e portunity that we can grab with both separate occasion, being told directly new Bangor Students’ Union that Bangor University will have to cut cisions being made. Before roles that missal from the premises. “We have society also provides a strong sup- stone for Bangor’s Pontio building was named in March, is a £44 million Despite the delays in building, the Union will be working predominantly Union’s activities team: AU President Strong links have been formed with the way. Quali ed coaches taught the Other planned activities include ISSUES parate chord to the resonant acoustic relatively discordant facets of both Skills hands” he said when asked about the by a bouncer to “Leave before some- scheme hopes to keep Ban- nally revealed. scheme. the number of Welsh students able to directly engage with students are af- thing was done about it.” a heavy petting policy but kissing port service, encouraging anyone development which will o er state- Pontio project has continued to pro- gor students active during the Emyr Bath, VP Societies and Com- the International O ce in preparation group the basics of kayaking before Geo-Caching and trips to Pu n tones that have more or less de ned and Turner illustrate Bangor’s capacity Unveiled by the Minister for Edu- Mr Learmont and his team will rst enrol in the 2013/14 academic year, by fected, Business Improvement will be “I was told stop or you’ll have to for me isn’t an issue. It’s a display of who needs help or a friendly ear to of-the-art facilities for the use of the vide a range of events to give a taste of summerA months. munity Ash Kierans and Clubs and for the scheme which hopes to attract they toured the sheltered parts of the Island as well as a range of more his post Million Dead (the punk band to lure diverse ranges of music; they also cation, Leighton Andrews, the stone look into ways in which ‘behind the a total of 201. is gure was calcu- working closely with Bangor Students’ leave” said Amelia Anderson, a Ban- a ection that we’re all used to.” said contact the Unity Guide Coordinator, university and the community. what the nished centre will o er. Summer Sessions, which will launch Activities Development Co-ordinator International students who may be lake. traditional sports. he was a founding member of) career Nick Grimshaw’s ill-fated dalliance with represents the hope for a new union scenes’ departments could be used lated from a range of di erent criteria. Union to involve the student body and gor Media Student. “I was annoyed Mr Lewis. “We do warn rst and ask David William Blake Broadhurst, at Miller Construction recently won “We want to spark people’s’ imagina- at the end of term, will consist of a Steve Barnard. e team have worked staying in Bangor over summer and “Facilitating this activity had a fan- - has released four albums, been nomi- Bangor’s music scene may well be an between students and the community. more e ciently with the possibility of e factors included the number of cater to their needs. by it because there was a heterosexual people to resist. ere have been oc- [email protected] the contract for the centre which will tion [...] by giving a avour of things number of di erent activities which solidly throughout the year on in- may have less options during the qui- tastic reception, students from many nated for NME awards almost as many anomaly. Bangor Student Robyn Jones “ is is going to be a focal point for students currently enrolled on prior- “We’ve been liaising with the Uni- couple kissing but they were never casions where people have taken it receive funding from not only the to come. e centre will be home for will be available to any remaining stu- creasing participation and access to all eter part of the year. diverse backgrounds all came and times as he’s appeared at the Reading said “having such a contemporary art- mergers. ere are currently no inten- the local community and the Univer- ity, For Our Future courses (as out- versity to make sure that there are no approached.” further than that and we’ve asked Welsh Government but the European all sorts of creativity, from drama and dent once a week. the activities that the Union currently A kayaking session has already taken took part in the session we put on. Its IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE and Leeds Festival), not to mention a lit- ist in a small venue like Academi is very tions to change frontline areas at this sity alike - a place to meet, learn and AROUND IN THE SUMMER exciting, and shows a lot of promise” lined by e Welsh Assembly Govern- cuts to the student experience.” said Embassy themselves were not them to leave, politely. It’s just a case Regional Development Fund, the Arts cabaret to aerial theatre and classical “ e activities team are really keen has to o er. place, at Llyn Padarn, with a number fantastic that for the rst time ever tle gig he played at this summer called point, so as to ensure that any services HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED be entertained as well as a home for AND WANT TO GET IN and with the arrival of Pontio expected ment as vital to the country’s future). Mr Butcher. “We sit on the decision aware of the problem. “No one has of trying not to o end people, what- SOMETHING LIKE THIS? GET Council of Wales and Bangor Univer- concerts.” said Elen ap Robert, Pontio’s to provide for those that remain over “What is really exciting is that this of International students getting in- we’re planning a programme of activ- the Olympics opening ceremony. at provided directly to students are not innovative research, design and learn- VOLVED SEND ASH AN EMAIL: for 2014, Bangor students are all look- When the UK Government decid- making board, and if there are going come to myself to make me aware ever their sexual orientation.” IN TOUCH WITH SEREN SO WE sity. Artistic Director. Summer such as International stu- program of events will give great op- volved. e day was hosted by the ity to provide for students that live in same man, glittering CV and all, is com- disrupted unnecessarily. ing. It will be a unique place with the [email protected] ing hopeful for similar acts in the not so ed to raise the cap on tuition fees to to be any changes to front line serv- of any issues. Certainly my own sta Embassy is keen to ensure that CAN CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A “I am delighted to play a role in the Bangor Students’ Union President, dents, postgraduate students and any portunities for students of di erent Athletic Union’s Canoe Polo Club. Bangor over the summer” said Ash ing to Bangor to play at a comparatively “We want to think about how we potential to transform Bangor.” said tiny venue; imagine hearing the haunt- distant future. provide services to students. We want £9000, the Welsh Assembly made the ices, we’ll be making sure that the Uni- haven’t come to me,” said Clive Lewis, nothing of this nature happens again. VOICE FOR STUDENTS. inauguration of this major new devel- Antony Butcher, is keen to highlight other person who wants to get or re- departments and backgrounds to Routine safety brie ngs were fol- Kierans, “We’ve already had interest [email protected] Professor John G. Hughes, Bangor ingly poignant ‘Long Live the Queen’ or Tickets for the Frank Turner gig are Frank Turner last played in Bangor during 2006 & was a big decision to subsidise Welsh students’ versity consults you rst.” the club’s manager. It goes without saying, that prejudice Bangor Students go to Demo opment.” said the Education Minister. that the nished building will mainly main active” said Steve Barnard, Ac- meet new people and get the chance lowed by Graeme Haigh, who led the from a number of students and are fan of Seren when we interviewed him in 2010 (inset) to start with a student coming to Ban- University’s Vice-Chancellor. punchier tracks like ‘Imperfect Tense’ in available from www.kililive.com and gor and think; is this the best experi- fees in order to bu er the impact it All of the reported incidents oc- of any form should not be allowed. 18 “I am always pleased to highlight be used by students. e building had been due to open in Bangor. It might also manifest itself as went on sale on the 31st August at a cost ence we could o er them?” he said. had on their students. As a result of 22 curred before March this year when a Anyone who is witness to any form and celebrate Welsh success, and I am “Students are going to be using the Lord Dafydd Elis- omas with the Pontio foundation stone 8 an opportunity to hear some material of £16 plus booking fee. e programme will capture infor- this, combined with growing num- May , 2013 | Seren 29

Bangor University Students’ Union October 2012 EnglishYEAR Language IN REVIEWIssue No. 226 2012 13 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor Seren.Bangor.ac.uk CREATURE TAKEOVER NSS BREAKDOWN INTERVIEW: ASH JAMES SEP NEW SEREN TEAM £5m De cit Hits Bangor OCT 200 Less Students for Bangor SEREN’S VC Launches Saving Scheme FIRST 56 by LJ TAYLOR mation from across the university and bers, HEFCW are unable to continue and SEAN TALBOT have an indirect result on students. funding the increased tuition fees. PAGE Savings are expected to be received Bangor’s choice to charge the full new savings programme will by redeploying a member of sta to a £9000 tuition fees has had a detrimen- force Bangor University to re- di erent area of the institution when a tal e ect on its HEFCW funding and ISSUE think their internal structure. vacancy arises rather than employing was an important factor towards the A e proposed three-year plan will someone new. loss of the 201 student places. is is see saving strategies brought into A er a recruitment freeze was an- because, for each Welsh student at- place to counter a projected £5 mil- nounced a number of months ago, tending the University, the HEFCW NOV lion shortfall. e University have set concerns arose that the e ect of this must subsidise their fees. up a team to analyse and identify de- would instead leave sta spread thinly. “ ese cuts are the fault of West- partments which could be made more However, Mr Learmont believes that minster. is is why we are organising cost e ective and e cient. is comes this will provide the university oppor- a group to go to the National Demo a er the Higher Education Funding tunity to grow organically. in November – now is the time to get Council of Wales announced cuts to An email sent from Vice Chancellor, the student voice heard.” said Antony the subsidiaries they provide to stu- Professor John Hughes, outlined the Butcher, President of Bangor Students’ dents’ tuition fees. savings scheme and a rmed the stu- Union. David Learmont, Director of Busi- dent experience would be kept at the e 201 student de cit reduces Ban- ness Improvement at the University, forefront of their operations. It also gor University’s income by £5 million, will be overseeing the ‘programme of states that with £5 million in savings hence the introduction of the savings change’. to be made by 2014/15, £3 million of it scheme. “Its an opportunity to re ect on how must be identi ed this nancial year. e scheme has only just started we currently operate, a unique op- New requirements from the HE- and will continue over the next three portunity that we can grab with both FCW, announced in January, mean years with a promise of no radical de- hands” he said when asked about the that Bangor University will have to cut cisions being made. Before roles that scheme. the number of Welsh students able to directly engage with students are af- Mr Learmont and his team will rst enrol in the 2013/14 academic year, by fected, Business Improvement will be DEC look into ways in which ‘behind the a total of 201. is gure was calcu- working closely with Bangor Students’ scenes’ departments could be used lated from a range of di erent criteria. Union to involve the student body and more e ciently with the possibility of e factors included the number of cater to their needs. mergers. ere are currently no inten- students currently enrolled on prior- “We’ve been liaising with the Uni- ASDA tions to change frontline areas at this ity, For Our Future courses (as out- versity to make sure that there are no point, so as to ensure that any services lined by e Welsh Assembly Govern- cuts to the student experience.” said provided directly to students are not ment as vital to the country’s future). Mr Butcher. “We sit on the decision disrupted unnecessarily. When the UK Government decid- making board, and if there are going OPENS “We want to think about how we ed to raise the cap on tuition fees to to be any changes to front line serv- provide services to students. We want £9000, the Welsh Assembly made the ices, we’ll be making sure that the Uni- to start with a student coming to Ban- decision to subsidise Welsh students’ versity consults you rst.” gor and think; is this the best experi- fees in order to bu er the impact it ence we could o er them?” he said. had on their students. As a result of 22 e programme will capture infor- this, combined with growing num- JAN SEREN’S FIRST JAN ISSUE FEB VC INTERVIEW

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SEREN’S SOCIETY OF FIRST PAGE THE YEAR JUN ISSUE 30 Seren | May , 2013 FEATURES What’s Next?

Congratulations! You’ve written your last essay, passed your nal exam, and (nearly!) graduated university with your sanity relatively intact. But question now is... what’s next? Luckily, Seren here is to help you on your way, with hints on how to get employed, information on post-grad education, gap year ideas, and some advice from Seren members of days gone by. Jez’s Master Plan! by JEZ HARVEY there’s no system of loans (apart from tions tend to be more employed than those run by banks, called career de- the rest, and earn more as well. You’ve submitted the dissertation, velopment loans) for postgraduate If the idea of carrying on in higher nished all the essays and exams, com- study, but there tends to be a lot more education is something that you can plained about the price of the drinks in the way of bursaries, scholarships stand to think about, have a word at the Summer Ball and are wondering and other funding available. e main with your supervisor, or assuming you when you get given that career thing ones are those run by your school and are no longer on speaking terms with you’ve heard so much about. But wait! the University, as well as the Welsh them, any friendly academic you can Why not spend another year or four Government’s Access to Masters pro- nd wandering about. You’ll almost hanging around the University, taking gram. certainly need a 2:1 to get onto a course, more exams, writing more essays and Carrying on into postgraduate study but it’s not unheard of for those who researching even longer dissertations is making more and more sense. As get a 2:2 to do one, if you can demon- that will never be read, even by your well as giving you the chance to ac- strate some sort of super magic power Mum, whatever she said. tually do that further research you (or you had a particularly strong dis- You may have noticed that getting might have mentioned at the end of sertation/torrid love a air with a a job isn’t the easiest of things at the your dissertation, generally speaking senior member of the University). moment, so why not consider carry- people with postgraduate quali ca- ing on and doing a Masters? Sadly, Job Hunting Tips by BECKI WATSON Once you’ve done that, get applying! While you’re going through this pro- Some of the best job search websites cess, it’s important that you don’t stay Let’s be realistic - unless you manage include Directgov (https://jobsearch. inactive. Volunteer work looks great to guess the winning lottery numbers direct.gov.uk/Jobsearch), Monster on your CV, and shows employers sometime soon, a er you graduate (www.monster.co.uk), and Reed that you’re willing to gain more expe- you’re going to need a job. is is a (reed.co.uk). Once you’ve applied, be rience. Try and get a few hours a week daunting prospect for any graduate; persistent, and don’t get downhearted at a local charity shop (they’re always even for people who already have a if you get rejections, it happens to eve- looking for more sta ), become a good CV, it can feel like you’re a tiny ryone. Try to broaden your horizons; leader at a local Scout or Brownie sh in a very, very big pond. So if whether this means looking for jobs group, or try to look for work expe- you’re feeling a little swamped, here outside your chosen eld, or away rience more relevant to the eld you are some quick job-hunting tips to from your home city, don’t be afraid want to work in, such as internships help you on your way. to step out of your comfort zone. in local newspapers. ere’s always e key to getting an interview is a Once you get an interview, make something out there, and whatever great CV. Make sure you alter your sure you prepare well for it. Make the you do will be teaching you skills that CV for every job you apply for and e ort to look smart, as rst impres- make you more attractive to prospec- tailor it for the speci c role. Try not to sions are crucial. Be con dent and tive employers. ramble, and emphasise the experience enthusiastic, but try not to appear Don’t expect to get a job two weeks you have, as well as the skills you have cocky. Prepare answers to stock inter- a er graduation; it’s a tough market at gained from it. Remember that your view questions (What has been your the moment, as the news constantly cover letter is just as crucial as the CV, biggest achievement? When have you reminds us. Be yourself and you will and most importantly – sell yourself! worked as part of a team?), do your re- get the employment you want, even If you don’t think you’re any good, an search on the company and have some if you start o small, moving up the employer won’t either. relevant questions of your own to ask. ranks of business is always available. May , 2013 | Seren 31 FEATURES

GRADUATE e End is just the Beginning: DESTINATIONS Taking a Gap Year IN NUMBERS working in a di erent world. hardly new, and took him up on the I was on my gap year in China o er. A er long hours working extra - among other places. Sick of a er teaching my beloved kids in the studying I decided to go on day, I managed to rustle up enough 12k the greatest adventure of my money to get myself there. We lived life, so I took my chances and with his relatives on a tiny budget went straight to the other side (easier said than done in Oz), but I average amount of the earth. And I can hon- loved every second of it. Australia was more that estly say it is the best thing I so much more than I thought it would have ever done. Whilst travel- be, and it brought about a whole new graduates earn than ling I tried snake, bugs, made kind of culture shock than life in Chi- those who didn’t go friends for life, discovered na, because I didn’t expect it. to uni new passions, and met the So don’t be scared of what comes love of my life. Among other next - embrace it. One of the biggest things. things I learnt from my time in China I got my Teaching English is that everything will work out ne as a Foreign Language cer- in the end. Just trust me on this one. ti cate in China, a country With common sense and an open that captivated and fascinated mind a gap year can change your life me from the second I set foot in ways you can’t even imagine here in there, and still does. Learn- rainy Bangor. 86% ing the language and expe- I went to China with Teach and riencing the culture there Travel China (TTC), who are a employment rate have opened up the doors branch of Work and Travel (http:// to a whole new world, and www.statravel.co.uk/gap-year-travel. of graduates in although a gap year can be htm) and were good as a support October 2011 quite expensive it is worth network for the most essential health by EMMA ÅSBERG scary at times, if you think about it every penny. and organizational issues. Other op- in terms of how Life As I Know It Is e people you meet on your gap tions include RealGap (http://www. realgap.co.uk/), STA Travel (http:// With little time le of university life, About To Change! But then I thought year are also eye openers, and if you www.statravel.co.uk/gap-year-travel. I am sure I’m not the only one who is back at what I was doing before I start- keep an open mind they can quite lit- htm) and ICEF (http://www.icef.com/ a little worried about life a er gradu- ed university, and relaxed a little. erally change your life. I got invited to Before moving to Bangor I was travel around Australia with a man I workshops/work-travel.html). £15.86 ation. e real world can seem really the median hourly earningsfor Alumni graduates Where are they now? 16% We’re a pretty close knit bunch here at Seren, so we got in touch with some of our old members to of 2010 graduates nd out what they’re up to, and asked them for some advice on life a er university: went into further study 2.5m estimated number of young Gemma Ellis - Ex Editor people planning a Graduated: 2011 Becky Sage – Ex Health Yousef Cisco - Ex Designer Matt Cox - Ex Sports gap year Currently: Journalist at and Beauty Editor Graduated: 2012 Editor Daventry Express Graduated: 2011 Currently: Front End Web Graduated: 2011 “Get as much work experience as Currently: Content Editor possible. If you can’t nd work keep Developer Currently: Teacher training yourself busy with voluntary work for an e-commerce company “I’m not gonna sugar coat it, it’s gonna or interning, anything that could “I did my degree in English with “My main advice to recent graduates be depressing and you’re going to make your CV stand out. Make sure Journalism, but a er a couple of is not to be too picky. Of course you have lots of ups and downs but if you your CV is up-to-date, on as many internships decided being a should try your best to get that dream set a goal and stick to it then you’ll journalist wasn’t for me. I always 51% job sites as possible and contains no job, but don’t turn your nose up at eventually get there. If you need a spelling errors. When you land your liked the idea of being a teacher and those that don’t quite t the bill. I plan B it will come along in time, number of rst job don’t take your foot o the that’s what I’m currently pursuing- I worked freelance for six months a er don’t fuss about that right now.” gas. It might not be perfect or what should be starting teacher training in graduates who said I graduated, which wasn’t ideal, but you expected but it’s a foot on the September, all being well. Don’t get the experience really boosted my CV volunteering helped ladder and you can carry on look- worried if you come out of Uni and and gave me something to talk about them secure ing for something else while you gain decide you don’t like it as much as you in subsequent interviews.” more experience and learning in thought you would, I guess? It’s always employment your rst job.” easy to change.” 32 Seren | May , 2013 TV IN BRIEF COULSON LIVES Marvel’s hotly anticipated new show, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, has been picked up by American studio ABC. The programme, overseen by Avengers director Joss Whedon, will follow the activities of the mysterious agency S.H.I.E.L.D, and will feature fan favourite character Agent Coul- son, who appeared to have been killed by Loki in Avengers As- semble. Although there’s been no news about a future air date, a thirty second preview (featuring all of the Avengers) has been released to whet the fans’ appetite. GAME OF THRONES

BAFTA By NICOLA HOBAN Lannister, who is none too happy have not read that far into the series from ear to ear, as I realise that she about it either, we’ve nally had Jon yet, and still need to read ‘A Storm has understood the Master in previ- RESULTS merican fantasy television Snow’s infamous cave scene and of Swords’’, which is the third book ous episodes when he has tried to Olivia Colman was the big winner drama series Game of Thrones then seen him scale the Wall (cue in the series that the third season of play her and when he has verbally at the BAFTA awards this month. Ais still reigning strong as it be- heart-in-throat syndrome). We’ve Game of Thrones is based on. abused her. Bad move on his part! The Broadchurch star picked up gins to approach the nale episode also met some new and interesting Another scene which will forever be Her betraying the Masters and hav- the award for Best Supporting of season three. characters: Jojen Reed, Mance Ray- my favourite and had me replaying at ing them killed by the Unsullied, as Actress for her role in Accused, Based on the best-selling fantasy der, Ramsay Snow and Lady Olenna least six times over after the episode well as her having Drogon barbecue as well as Best Female Perfor- novel series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ by Tyrell are just a few of these. (and then going back to re-watch the Master, was such an epic scene mance in a Comedy Programme George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones We’ve also been given some pretty several times later on) was Daenerys that I was struck wordless and could for the BBC Olympics satire has managed to gain a broad and amazing and thrilling episodes that Targaryen’s scene at the end of ‘And emit nothing but squeals of joy. My Twenty Twelve. Other award extensive international fan base over have left viewers reeling by the time Now His Watch Is Ended’, where we nal thought on that scene as the winners include Ben Wishaw and the years, and it is not di cult to see the credits come around to play. saw her buy the Unsullied, a group of screen darkened to play the credits Simon Russell Beale for their roles why. When talking about such episodes, legendary slave warriors, using one was that everyone else in Westeros in the Shakespeare adaptation, This season we’ve seen how our fa- one’s mind is automatically cast back of her dragons as payment, and then had better watch out, because Daen- The Hollow Crown, and Sheridan vourite characters are being thrown to scenes like those in episode three, in an unexpected move reveals the erys Stormborn of House Targaryen, Smith won Best Leading Actress into further turmoil: Arya is currently ‘Walk of Punishment’, when in the fact that she can actually speak Val- Khaleesi of the Dothraki and the for Mrs Biggs. Michael Palin was travelling with the reputed Brother- last minute of the episode Jaime’s ryian and that she has been playing Mother of Dragons is coming for you! presented with a BAFTA fellow- hood without Banners, Sansa is be- hand was cut o . This I can person- the Master the entire time. This mo- ship by fellow Monty Python star ing forced into marriage with Tyrion ally say took me by surprise, since I ment particularly had me grinning Terry Jones, and Clare Balding was honoured for her coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. DR WHO DVD LEAK DVDs of the latest Doctor Who series have been mistakenly released early. A ‘small number’ of US Whovians have received their copy of Season 7 Part 2 despite the fact that the last episode of the series has yet to air. The BBC have asked that details of the episode not be shared online, so as to keep the surprise for the rest of the fans, and is promising to release special footage of Matt Smith and David Tennant together if nothing is leaked. GRINT THE APPRENTICE LOSES HIS by PHILIP MILLS the losing team red each week, tained throughout each episode. lousness of the candidates keep MAGIC until just two candidates remain. Karren Brady and Nick Hewer are pulling us back every week, as do Harry Potter star Rupert Grint’s rom the second the iconic Lord Sugar then chooses a winner. as hilarious as ever. Nick’s ‘suck- Lord Sugar’s witty comments (tell- new programme has not been horns kicked in, and Lord Sugar At the time of writing, two epi- ing on a lemon’ face has now being Jaz her leadership style was picked up. Grint was set to star in Fjabbed his nger in the open- sodes have been broadcast. Whilst in come classic, and Karren’s rolling like the coach on the sidelines of a new comedy ‘Super Clyde’, foll- ing sequence, it was back. The Ap- episode one, the audience watched eyes and withering put downs a school netball match – brilliant). wing a young man working in a prentice has returned for its ninth aghast as candidates attempted to have lled a gaping hole left by On the whole, I would de nitely rec- fast food restaurant who dreams series, bitchier and funnier than ever. sell products such as lucky cats to the brilliant Margaret Mountford. ommend this programme to viewers of being a sueprhero. The show For anyone that doesn’t know, an unsuspecting public, episode However, some could argue that both old and new. Despite the pre- was also set to star Stephen Fry. The Apprentice sees 16 candidates two saw them making their own this is where the show has become dictability, it’s great entertainment Unfortunately, American network from all walks of life compete for beer. It is these crazy antics we have somewhat predictable. Featuring to ick on after a boring day in the CBS has declined to continue with the opportunity to win £250,000 grown to watch and love. Hilarious the same grey cafe and lone black library, and for new viewers, it’s easy the project, as it has already lled worth of business investment from moments such as exploding beer cab in every closing credits, it does to pick up mid-series without feeling its quota of new shows for the Lord Sugar. To earn it, they must kegs, and over-quali ed candidates sometimes feel like each series too lost. Lord Sugar – you’re hired! coming year. compete in two teams to win vari- being unable to add up simple has become somewhat repetitive. ous tasks, with one person from numbers kept the audience enter- Luckily however, the sheer ridicu- 32 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 33 TV TV IN BRIEF COULSON THE REVOLUTION WILL LIVES Marvel’s hotly anticipated new show, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, has been picked up by American studio ABC. The programme, BE TELEVISED overseen by Avengers director by BECKI WATSON what to do with your life until the ten cost over £50 and aren’t released Sarandos, Net ix’s Joss Whedon, will follow the ac- next episode comes out. The in- until months after the season nale, Chief Content O cer tivities of the mysterious agency We’ve all been there; you’re stuck ternet has undoubtedly changed why wouldn’t you just watch the stated recently in an S.H.I.E.L.D, and will feature fan our viewing habits, but how big entire series on putlocker instead? interview, “I think favourite character Agent Coul- with nothing to do one afternoon, and you decide to watch the pi- an e ect will this have on the TV Although it’s technically illegal, and people do want a son, who appeared to have been industry as a whole? the sites are constantly in danger of great experience and killed by Loki in Avengers As- lot of that show your best mate won’t stop banging on about. Sud- The internet has had a revolution- being shut down (a minute of silence they want access – semble. Although there’s been ary e ect on the way we live our for Megaupload), the sheer size of people are mostly no news about a future air date, a denly, you’ve watched all 3 seasons in 48 hours, you‘ve barely slept, lives. Nowadays we can order a piz- the online television industry means honest. The best way the BBC have started to take notice. thirty second preview (featuring za, buy some new shoes and even it’ll never be totally shut down, no to combat piracy isn’t legislatively all of the Avengers) has been re- and you don‘t know Programmes such as Doctor Who chat to people from across the matter how many times the televi- or criminally but by giving good op- have started releasing extra clips or leased to whet the fans’ appetite. GAME OF THRONES world without ever having to leave sion studies sue for copyright. tions.” prequels to the show on iPlayer or our beds, and this culture of being But lately, the internet’s seen a It de nitely seems like the people the BBC’s youtube channel, and it’s able to get things in an instant has rise in legitimate sites where you behind Net ix know that the way recently been announced that the BAFTA inevitably spilled over into how we watch thousands of lms and TV people consume media has mas- BBC are planning to release six short By NICOLA HOBAN Lannister, who is none too happy have not read that far into the series from ear to ear, as I realise that she watch television. People will now programmes legally online - for a sively changed, and are actually about it either, we’ve nally had Jon yet, and still need to read ‘A Storm has understood the Master in previ- lms exclusively for iPlayer. If these merican fantasy television live tweet the latest episode of Doc- small fee. The king of these is Net ix. willing to listen to their customers, are successful, it’s possible they RESULTS Snow’s infamous cave scene and of Swords’’, which is the third book ous episodes when he has tried to tor Who, create high quality gifs of Although many people, especially which will be extremely valuable in Olivia Colman was the big winner drama series Game of Thrones could follow in Net ix’s footsteps then seen him scale the Wall (cue in the series that the third season of play her and when he has verbally New Girl on Tumblr thirty minutes students, will balk at having to pay the next few years. Now more than at the BAFTA awards this month. is still reigning strong as it be- and release exclusive online content A heart-in-throat syndrome). We’ve Game of Thrones is based on. abused her. Bad move on his part! after the episode’s aired, and down- for a service they’re already getting ever, fans use the internet to get The Broadchurch star picked up gins to approach the nale episode in the future. also met some new and interesting Another scene which will forever be Her betraying the Masters and hav- loads of Game of Thrones are avail- from PirateBay for free, the popular- their voices heard in highly e ec- the award for Best Supporting of season three. So, where does the television indus- characters: Jojen Reed, Mance Ray- my favourite and had me replaying at ing them killed by the Unsullied, as able online before its even been ity of Net ix is on the rise, and the tive ways; a Kickstarter page hoping Actress for her role in Accused, Based on the best-selling fantasy try go from here? It’s becoming more der, Ramsay Snow and Lady Olenna least six times over after the episode well as her having Drogon barbecue broadcast in the UK. numbers for tormenting are falling. to raise $2 million to fund a movie as well as Best Female Perfor- novel series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ by and more clear that unless big corpo- Tyrell are just a few of these. (and then going back to re-watch the Master, was such an epic scene The rise in downloading, The company recently took the revo- of the cult hit series Veronica Mars mance in a Comedy Programme George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones rations embrace these changes, they We’ve also been given some pretty several times later on) was Daenerys that I was struck wordless and could streaming and torrenting lutionary step of funding an entire hit its target in less than a day, and for the BBC Olympics satire has managed to gain a broad and will not survive the digital age. With amazing and thrilling episodes that Targaryen’s scene at the end of ‘And emit nothing but squeals of joy. My over the past few years has series exclusively for Net ix with Scrubs star Zach Bra recently used Twenty Twelve. Other award extensive international fan base over Net ix gaining more in uence on have left viewers reeling by the time Now His Watch Is Ended’, where we nal thought on that scene as the been extremely in uential the political drama House of Cards, the site to fund his new lm as it winners include Ben Wishaw and the years, and it is not di cult to see the industry, and a media giant like the credits come around to play. saw her buy the Unsullied, a group of screen darkened to play the credits in both television and in- which has been followed by the would mean he would keep creative Simon Russell Beale for their roles why. BBC starting to take notice, it looks When talking about such episodes, legendary slave warriors, using one was that everyone else in Westeros ternet culture, and it’s not hard to production of a fourth series of cult control of the project. in the Shakespeare adaptation, This season we’ve seen how our fa- like online television is here to stay. one’s mind is automatically cast back of her dragons as payment, and then had better watch out, because Daen- see why. When season box sets of- comedy Arrested Development. Ted Even a corporation as massive as The Hollow Crown, and Sheridan vourite characters are being thrown to scenes like those in episode three, in an unexpected move reveals the erys Stormborn of House Targaryen, Smith won Best Leading Actress into further turmoil: Arya is currently ‘Walk of Punishment’, when in the fact that she can actually speak Val- Khaleesi of the Dothraki and the for Mrs Biggs. Michael Palin was travelling with the reputed Brother- last minute of the episode Jaime’s ryian and that she has been playing Mother of Dragons is coming for you! presented with a BAFTA fellow- hood without Banners, Sansa is be- hand was cut o . This I can person- the Master the entire time. This mo- ship by fellow Monty Python star ing forced into marriage with Tyrion ally say took me by surprise, since I ment particularly had me grinning Terry Jones, and Clare Balding was honoured for her coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. DR WHO RECOMMENDS:COME DY DVD LEAK To celebrate the return of comedy classic Arrested Development on Net ix, the Seren team are sharing their all time DVDs of the latest Doctor Who series have been mistakenly favourite funny programmes. From British political satire to geeky pop culture references, these shows will have you belly released early. A ‘small number’ of laughing all night long. US Whovians have received their copy of Season 7 Part 2 despite the fact that the last episode of the series has yet to air. The BBC have asked that details of the episode not be shared online, so as to keep the surprise for the rest of the fans, and is promising to release special footage of Matt Smith and David Tennant together if nothing is leaked. Matt recommends... Thomas recommends... Becci recommends... Nicola recommends... Ida recommends... Community The Thick of It Spaced Friends Parks and Recreation While it’s been nished for nine GRINT A criminally underloved show, Created and co-written by Arman- Before Shaun and Fuzz, there was Just nishing its fth season, THE APPRENTICE Community focuses around a mixed years now, Friends will always be do Iannucci, The Thick of It satirises Spaced, perfect for a lazy student my favourite comedy television pro- Parks and Recreation is de nitely bunch of students at an American the inner workings of the modern- with no direction in life. It was writ- one of the funniest shows on TV LOSES HIS community college. Filled with pop day British Government. It is most gramme. It’s needless to say why re- the losing team red each week, tained throughout each episode. lousness of the candidates keep ten by and starred Jessica Hynes at the moment. The documentary- by PHILIP MILLS culture references and brilliant lit- recognised for its storylines which and Simon Pegg, and directed by ally, but I’ll do so anyway. until just two candidates remain. Karren Brady and Nick Hewer are pulling us back every week, as do A successful TV series that ran for style portrayal of adventures of the MAGIC tle one liners, Community really have mirrored, or in some cases pre- Edgar Wright. It followed the lives Parks and Recreation Department Harry Potter star Rupert Grint’s rom the second the iconic Lord Sugar then chooses a winner. as hilarious as ever. Nick’s ‘suck- Lord Sugar’s witty comments (tell- ten years, Friends created six charac- makes the viewers understand the dicted, real-life political moments. of Tim and Daisy as they found a in the ctional town of Pawnee is new programme has not been horns kicked in, and Lord Sugar At the time of writing, two epi- ing on a lemon’ face has now being Jaz her leadership style was ters whose lives were easily relatable characters whilst still managing to The near-constant, creative swear- at together and had to pretend to lled with hilarious characters and picked up. Grint was set to star in jabbed his nger in the open- sodes have been broadcast. Whilst in come classic, and Karren’s rolling like the coach on the sidelines of and often comical: they lived, loved, F be light-hearted and violate almost ing from the brilliant and terrifying be a couple so they could live there. witty dialogue, rising from the neg- episode one, the audience watched eyes and withering put downs a school netball match – brilliant). a new comedy ‘Super Clyde’, foll- ing sequence, it was back. The Ap- every TV convention; at one point a Malcolm Tucker, arguably one of the laughed, cried, had their hearts bro- aghast as candidates attempted to have lled a gaping hole left by On the whole, I would de nitely rec- Their friends are just as mad as they ative feedback of its rst season to wing a young man working in a prentice has returned for its ninth Claymation episode is slotted into greatest comic characters ever cre- ken, had stints of unemployment, sell products such as lucky cats to the brilliant Margaret Mountford. ommend this programme to viewers are and it all plays out like some acid become one of the most popular fast food restaurant who dreams series, bitchier and funnier than ever. the story arch. Mimicking other TV ated, is also a key feature of the show. got married, got divorced (some of an unsuspecting public, episode However, some could argue that both old and new. Despite the pre- fuelled daydream. It’s made all the shows on NBC. The secrets of the of being a sueprhero. The show For anyone that doesn’t know, show styles is something the pro- However, perhaps its greatest them, ahem Ross, several times), had two saw them making their own this is where the show has become dictability, it’s great entertainment more amazing by the cameos, nota- show’s success are the unpredict- was also set to star Stephen Fry. The Apprentice sees 16 candidates gramme has down to a tee. Across achievement was getting a word into children... It is these aspects of the beer. It is these crazy antics we have somewhat predictable. Featuring to ick on after a boring day in the bly David Walliams as a transvestite able plot twists and characters you Unfortunately, American network from all walks of life compete for four seasons, we’ve seen docu- the Oxford English Dictionary. It is show that make it worth owning the grown to watch and love. Hilarious the same grey cafe and lone black library, and for new viewers, it’s easy named Vulva. It has more pop cul- grow to love so much that you can’t CBS has declined to continue with the opportunity to win £250,000 mentaryception, a lm noir style now thanks to The Thick of It that we box set. moments such as exploding beer cab in every closing credits, it does to pick up mid-series without feeling ture references than you can shake wait to see what happens to them the project, as it has already lled worth of business investment from episode, and even the characters have the word “omnishambles”. kegs, and over-quali ed candidates sometimes feel like each series too lost. Lord Sugar – you’re hired! a light sabre at so it was perfect for next. its quota of new shows for the Lord Sugar. To earn it, they must transported into a video game; no a sad lm geek like me. Flat out the coming year. compete in two teams to win vari- being unable to add up simple has become somewhat repetitive. doubt the production team have a numbers kept the audience enter- Luckily however, the sheer ridicu- best comedy on British television in ous tasks, with one person from eld day. the last decade. 34 Seren | May , 2013 FILM

eing new to Star Trek doesn't is doesn't go down well back in San aged to not have it rain in London for questionable at times but we forgive but that doesn't make him any less mean that this lm can't be en- Francisco and the crew get disbanded. once. you Simon. John Cho as Sulu and An- brilliant. He is more ruthless and still joyed to the fullest, especially Cue the terrorism, courtesy of John Newcomers Alice Eve and Peter ton Yelchin as Chekov are good sup- unperturbed even a er being repeat- Bwhen you have the cast of a lifetime Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) Weller slot in well as Dr. Carol Marcus ports and each have their scene steal- edly punched in the face. Just see the and the whole of space to set your who blows up a very futuristic and and her father the Admiral, function- ing moments. Zoe Saldana's Uhura is lm for Benedict and his ridiculously adventures. Fans of the rst lm will mildly Dubai looking London, watch ing as a possible love interest for Kirk still with Spock and it’s good to see the deep voice. not be disappointed either with more out for Noel Clarke (Doctor Who's and a mentor who has a link with Har- di erence in their relationship to that I thoroughly enjoyed Star Trek Into character development and a lot more Mickey Smith). As superhuman and rison, respectively. of Spock and Kirk, whose bromance Darkness. I thought the interplay be- peril to keep the ball rolling, also there mildly crazy our Harrison is, Kirk and If I hear 'Damn it man, I'm a doc- seems to have stepped up a notch. In tween Spock and Kirk was spot on, are enough nods to the original series Spock head out to capture him and tor, not a..' one more time, my phaser one memorable moment Kirk asks the use of colours and scenery encap- to keep many a Trekkie happy. madness ensues. won’t be set to stun. I just found Bones Uhura, 'You two are ghting? What is sulating, and Benedict Cumberbatch e lm begins with the crew of the Even with the excessive use of cam- (Karl Urban) really irritating, it was that even like?' played his part like a hummingbird Enterprise saving an aborigine tribe era ares, J.J. Abrams manages to almost like he was sticking his oar Sherlock fans will be intrigued to see would it between owers, e ort- planet from the eruption of a giant create a visual masterpiece, all made in for the sake of it. Everybody is on Cumberbatch don the villain's role lessly and sublimely, thoroughly put- volcano. Spock's (Zachary Quinto) life greater by the 3D, the ying arrows the edge of dying but here is a sarcas- which he wears with relish. Many a ting Kirk in his place time a er time. is threatened and it actually plays like in the opening scenes even made me tic comment to help us on the way. fangirl self-combusted in their seats, I Overall, an excellent lm to watch and the climax of a movie rather than its recoil on the back row. Space is deep- Other than that the returning cast may or may not be included in that. enjoy. opening. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) er than ever and the jump to warp were excellent, Simon Pegg's Scotty is He is an incredibly dedicated and se- has to reveal his ship to the locals, con- speed almost glitters, the alien planets as bright as ever, it’s like he still can't rious baddie with none of the tongue travening Star eet law, to save Spock. looked stunning and they even man- believe he's there. His accent was a bit in cheek of Tom Hiddleston's Loki

For many these are the nal days and possible hours of University and it is now time to be catapulted into the adult world whether we want it or not. Here are Seren's favourite Coming of Age lms, that last blast of teenage freedom before reality kicks in:

Becki Watson omas Bickerdike Will Johnson Nicola Hoban Tom Haynes Legally Blonde Ferris Bueller's Day O Stand By Me e Breakfast Club e Perks of Being a (2001) (1986) (1986) (1985) Wall ower (2012)

LEGALLY Blonde is the story of so- MATTHEW Broderick plays Fer- WHEN four best friends set o on a THE Breakfast Club is my favourite BASED on the cult novel, e Perks rority girl Elle Woods (Reese Wither- ris Bueller, who decides to take the pilgrimage to nd the body of a local ‘Coming of Age’ lm, for reasons such of Being a Wall ower follows Charlie, spoon), who is dumped by her boy- day o school with his girlfriend and boy known to have died on the train as the fact that it is awesome, funny, a shy een year old, as he begins his friend, Warner, the night she thought best friend. ey spend the day doing tracks, they have little idea of the chal- comical, meaningful and enlighten- freshmen year of high school, makes he was going to propose, and decides a variety of activities in Chicago, try- lenges they’ll face along the way. From ing. e lm follows ve high school new friends, and discovers himself. to follow him to Harvard Law School ing to avoid their principal. It is cer- angry junkyard owners, leech infested students, all from di erent ‘cliques’, For me, this lm was great. Whilst to win him back. A er being looked tainly Broderick’s most famous role. swamps and knife wielding teens, the who meet in detention and whilst the setting and plot were fairly con- down on for her naivety, Elle be- Director John Hughes was renowned road is far from smooth and the nar- at rst practically loathe each other, ventional, the acting and direction comes determined to succeed on her for getting the best out of his young cast ration by the adult main character particularly Judd Nelson’s character, of the lm really stood out, making own. As well as being laugh out loud and gave the characters real person- along the way adds to the lms depth. they soon start to get along and get for a sharp, concise, and highly mov- funny, the evolution of Elle’s charac- alities. He treated his cast not as chil- is was rst 15 rated lm I watched up to all sorts of shenanigans. Pour- ing body of work. It even made my ter is the best part about this lm; it’s dren but as young, developing adults. as a ten year old with my two broth- ing out their hearts to each other, housemate cry! Particular applause a movie about nding yourself and “Life moves pretty fast. If you ers and my cousin, and was a coming they discover they have more in com- to Logan Lerman as Charlie, and proving that you can still love mani- don’t stop and look around once of age lm in more ways than one. mon than originally thought, and Mae Whitman as Mary Elizabeth, for cures and fashion while being the in a while, you could miss it.” it is this breaching of stereotypes their performances. Emma Watson’s smartest person in your class. that makes this such a brilliant lm. American accent isn’t bad either! May , 2013 | Seren 35 FILM

With the big ol’ summer looming, here is something for everyone to escape the inevitable British weather:

e Great Gatsby e Hangover: Part III A er Earth Despicable Me 2 Now You See Me 16th May 24th May 7th June 28th June 3rd July

AN adaptation of F. Scott Fitzger- IN the a ermath of the death of WHEN an asteroid storm leaves GRU is recruited by the Anti-Villain A HEIST thriller with card tricks. ald's Long Island-set novel, where Alan's father, the wolfpack decide Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his fa- League to help deal with a power- An FBI agent and an Interpol detec- Midwesterner Nick Carraway (To- to take Alan (Zach Gali anakis) to ther Cypher (Will Smith) stranded on ful new super criminal. Steve Carell, tive track a team of illusionists who bey Maguire) is lured into the lav- get treated for his mental issues. But Earth, 1,000 years a er cataclysmic Russell Brand, and Miranda Cosgrove pull o bank heists during their ish world of his neighbour, Jay things start to go wrong on the way events forced humanity to escape, will reprise their roles. Kristen Wiig, performances and reward their au- Gatsby (Leo DiCaprio). However, to the hospital as the wolfpack is as- Nova Prime has become mankind's who played Miss Hattie in the rst diences with the money. Isla Fisher, Carraway will soon see through the saulted and Doug is captured. Now new home. With Cypher injured, Kitai lm, will this time be voicing agent Morgan Freeman, Jesse Eisenberg cracks where obsession, madness, they must nd Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) must embark on a perilous journey to Lucy Wilde. New cast members in- and Woody Harrelson are the ma- and tragedy await. Directed by Baz again in order to take him to the gang- signal for help. His whole life, Kitai has clude Benjamin Bratt as Eduardo who gicians/Robin Hood thieves, with Luhrmann who brought us Moulin ster who kidnapped Doug in order to wanted nothing more than to be a sol- was originally going to be played by a frantic Mark Ru alo as the FBI Rouge, it should be stunning to look save him. is time, there's no wed- dier like his father. Today, he gets his Al Pacino and Steve Coogan as Si- agent trying to capture them. Fast at and with music from JayZ, its go- ding. No bachelor party. What could chance. Directed by M. Night Shyama- las Ramsbottom, head of the Anti- paced and magical with a twist. ing to feel contemporary and vintage go wrong, right? But when the Wolf- lan, so expect strange goings-on and Villain League. Expect more melt- Expect slight of hand a plenty, at the same time. Long awaited. pack hits the road, all bets are o . hopefully a mind shattering twist. ing hearts and cute as a button kids. should be an interesting watch. With Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms.

e Internship Monsters University Kick Ass 2 e World's End Catching Fire 4th July 12th July 19th July 19th July 22nd November

BILLY (Vince Vaughn) and Nick TWELVE years a er the original AFTER the insane bravery of Kick THE hugely awaited nale to the JENNIFER Lawrence is back as (Owen Wilson) are salesmen whose lm, our favourite monsters are back Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) inspires a Blood and Ice Cream trilogy from the Katniss Everdeen in the sequel to the careers have been torpedoed by the with the tale of their university years. new wave of self-made masked crusad- great Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg. hugely successful Hunger Games. digital world. Trying to prove they Mike Wazowski and James P. Sulli- ers, led by the ridiculous Colonel Stars Twenty years a er attempting an epic e Girl On Fire has returned home are not obsolete, they defy the odds van are an inseparable pair, but that and Stripes (Jim Carrey). When these pub crawl, ve childhood friends reu- safe a er winning the 74th Annual by talking their way into a coveted wasn't always the case. From the mo- amateur superheroes are hunted down nite when one of them becomes hell Hunger Games along with fellow internship at Google, along with ment these two mismatched monsters by Red Mist (Christopher Mintz- bent on trying the drinking marathon tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutch- a battalion of brilliant college stu- met they couldn't stand each other. Plasse) only the blade-wielding Hit again. Gary King, (Pegg) a 40-year old erson). Winning means that they dents. But, gaining entrance to this Monsters University unlocks the Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) can prevent man drags his reluctant friends to their must leave their family and friends utopia is only half the battle. Now door to how Mike and Sulley over- their death. Uncertain what to do, Kick home town and once again attempt and embark on a victor's tour of the they must compete with a group of came their di erences and became Ass decides to start the world's rst to reach the pub that got away, e districts. Rebellion is simmering, the nation's most elite, tech-savvy the best of friends. Maybe too much superhero team with her. I hope its as World's End. ey soon realise the real but the Capitol is still very much in geniuses to prove that necessity re- time has passed for this to work well violent and hilarious as the rst one. struggle is for the future. Reaching e control as President Snow (Donald ally is the mother of re-invention. as a prequel but it should be funny World's End is the least of their wor- Sutherland) prepares. e Quarter and heart warming as the original. ries. Remember to look out for those Quell, a competition that aims to mint Cornettos. subdue the masses once and for all. 36 Seren | February, 2013

47 SUITS

by BECCI JAMESON seems like more than a match for and refreshing, to see Tony meet his justi ed in his revenge for a second AND LJ TAYLOR our Tony. Iron Man originally seems match in a 10-year-old boy. or two. Extremis has made him su- to have very little to do with this Whilst Tony is o rediscovering perhuman and he wears it well, not resh from stealing the spot- at the start but as the lm moves himself, and rebuilding Mark 47, many people can pull o breathing 6 light in last summer’s block- on his involvement grows until it a super sleazy Guy Pearce is busy re. The Mandarin is full of theatrics FORBE’S Fbuster The Avengers, Tony becomes his sole aim to stop The getting close to Pepper. Aldrich Kil- something that Ben Kingsley obvi- Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has re- Mandarin. lian who originally was shunned by ously relished. His over the top por- turned for another bout in his Iron Whilst DC’s Batman is doing every- Tony at New Year’s 1999 in Switzer- trayal of the epitome of the Western FICTIONAL Man suit. thing he can to keep his secret safe land, is now a tour de force in the terrorist ideal is delightful to watch. “Nothing’s been the same since and his Batcave hidden, Tony Stark gene manipulation eld with his Many of the comic book fans will be New York” says Stark hauntedly set- is giving his home address to terror- company A.I.M. Thirteen years later, disappointed that this Mandarin is RICH LIST ting the tone for the movie. Plagued ists on live TV. A brave but bad move he has truly come out of his shell not exactly what was expected but by nightmares of his near-death that ends in Stark’s Malibu island and with the help of a team of sci- he works well as he is. experience in The Avengers, the home being completely destroyed entists, one who happens to be an One unusual part of this lm is billionaire superhero is not quite by the Mandarin’s forces. Also in the ex- ame of Tony’s, he has created that it is inexplicably set around himself. It turns out that saving the explosion are his assistant turned Extremis. Christmas time. There’s the songs, world from an alien army led by a CEO turned girlfriend and all of his Extremis is revealing the potential the gifts, watch out for a very large Nordic demi-god can have that ef- Iron Man suits! of the human race, participants are rabbit and even a Christmas dinner fect on you. His panic attacks are A malfunctioning JARVIS ies an stronger, faster and can heal at a ri- at the Vice President’s house. I’m not getting worse, he can’t sleep and unconscious Tony, in his latest Mark diculous rate but not everyone can sure whether they ran behind or n- 50 his relationship with Pepper is suf- 47 suit, to Tennessee of all places. take to it. It is seen as almost a drug ished really quickly but it is odd to fering. Poor JARVIS, he was only following with subjects having to ‘regulate’ have a lm that comes out in Spring Iron Man 3 sees a new director, his last command, ‘but sir, I made a but what happens if they can’t? Has but is set at the end of December. Shane Black, take the helm (though You can’t explain that! Jon Favreau reprises his role as GWYNETH PALTROW’S PEPPER PHYSICALLY The ending has a nality to it that Stark’s bodyguard, Happy) who hints at this being the last Iron Man brings a new grittier feel to the fran- SMOLDERED IN SOME SCENES... outing for a while. We look forward chise. Iron Man is known for Stark’s to his return in the second Aveng- YEARS wisecracks and subtle but intelli- ers due out in 2015. A very action- gent humour and so the best part ight plan!’ With his home in pieces The Mandarin somehow got hold packed and thrilling ride, bring on OLD about the darker lm is how Black and a criminal mastermind to take of this research? Why are there no phase two of the Marvel Universe has been able to integrate it with- care of, Tony must drag his broken bomb casings found at his terrorist take over. As always the post cred- out losing any of the joking. suit through the snow. He has lost attack sites? it clip is worth a look, this time a The lm gives us a closer look at what he clung so hard to in the af- Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper physi- drowsy Bruce Banner turns up, con- the rarely acknowledged past of termath of New York, stranded with cally smoldered in some scenes but tinuing the bromance that Iron Man the metal-clad playboy merging his no suit and no back up plan. that was rare. She is the CEO of Stark and the Hulk started when they as- past mistakes and his more recent Iron Man 3 is very much about Enterprises so I wouldn’t expect her sembled. attempts at leading a normal life Tony Stark where the others fo- to be such a victim. Eventually she Overall, a job well done. It is quite into one epic nal showdown. cused more on building up the Iron does pull her nger out but its not long, with a running time of 130 This latest instalment sees the rise Man character. Now that we know of her own free will. minutes, giving it the title of the of comic book Iron Man’s arch nem- the man in the suit so well it is in- A shout out to Paul Bettany as longest lm in the Iron Man trilogy, esis; the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). teresting to see him stripped of his JARVIS, who has some of the best but it doesn’t go soft in the mid- Depicted as a terrorist, the Man- technology and home comforts. It lines in the lm, ‘As always, a pleas- dle and it won’t let you relax for darin’s quest for world domination really gives us a new perspective on ure watching you work, sir.’ For ar- a second. Robert Downey Jr. is as sees him hacking into American the usually over-cocky genius who ti cial intelligence JARVIS has got fantastic as ever, reminding us that TV with his Ten Rings terrorist mes- nds himself having to put his trust sarcasm down to the ground. I ac- no one could be Iron Man but him. sages which prelude attacks around in a 10-year-old boy called Harley tually got upset when he malfunc- He added more depth to Tony this the world and o er a reason for the (Ty Simpkins). tioned, ‘I think I’m going to sleep time as his character goes through destruction. He addresses America A lot of the lm’s humour comes now, sir.’ Bless him. a rollercoaster of emotions, and he 100 with the mannerisms of a stern from Tony’s banter- lled relation- Newcomers Guy Pearce and Ben bends subtly around the fast paced TONNES SUIT teacher and a baptist preacher, very ship with Harley. And Trevor. Tony is Kingsley were excellent. They get dialogue like a pro. menacing and quite intelligent, he the last man you would ask to look the feel of the Marvel villain perfect- CAN LIFT after a kid and so it is quite touching, ly, I even felt that Aldrich Killian was February 2013 | Seren 37

November 2013 WHEN Jane Foster is targeted by tain America to the general public, the inhabitants of the dark world of but people who skipped the rst Svartalfheim, (try saying that after a one saw him in Avengers and will few drinks) Thor sets out on a quest be more likely to see this lm. This to protect her at all costs. Tom Hid- movie had a bigger budget than dleston returns as a very straggly the previous, so it's also going to looking Loki, who is needed by have to perform better at the box his brother to ght against Male- o ce. It's going to take a lot of kith (Christopher Eccleston) and good adverts and creative market- his army of dark elves. I’m quietly ing but I don’t think they have to cautious, although Loki is popular, worry. A lot of people will be go- the new threat is a little less known ing for the wonderful Chris Hems- to mainstream audience. Thor is a worth. harder sell than Iron Man or Cap-

April 2014 AS Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) ern life that was left out of the Aveng- struggles to embrace his role in the ers will be included in this lm. modern world he teams up with Emily VanCamp plays Agent 13 Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), or Sharon Carter who is an ex- to battle a powerful yet shadowy S.H.I.E.L.D agent and happens to be enemy in present-day Washington, the granddaughter of Peggy Carter, D.C. The villain is rumoured to be the woman who the Cap is seventy The Falcon/ Sam Wilson, who has years late for his date with. Brothers the power of telepathy, an a n- Joe and Anthony Russo (Commu- ity with birds and may be able to nity) will be taking over the direct- y, all thanks to a Red Skull type ing reigns from Joe Johnston. Ed experiment. The quest for Doc- Brubaker, Marvel comic writer has tor Erskine’s serum is getting a lot said that the script is fantastic and of people in trouble. I mean look that it was, ‘The best Marvel movie.’ what happened to Bruce Banner. A lot of Steve’s adjustment to mod-

August 2014 US pilot gets catapulted into an intelligent, talking raccoon a battle across the Universe created on Earth to be an expert Aand dragged into the ght. marksman and master tactician. The Guardians include Drax the This movie will be part of the setup Destroyer/ Arthur Douglas who for The Avengers 2. It will take place is brought back to life and turned largely in outer space which makes into a huge green warrior. Gamora sense with a title like that. The vil- (Zoe Saldana) a lone survivor of lain is yet to be announced but Tha- her alien race. Star-Lord/ Peter nos is the best adversary the Guard- Quill, a half human, half Spartan ians faced in the comic, this and the intergalactic soldier. Groot, an fact that his little red face appeared extraterrestrial tree-like creature in the post credit clip of Avengers who is royalty on his homeworld Assemble, it can be guessed that and can regenerate, well he is a he will be playing some part of this plant after all. Rocket Raccoon, lm and in the Avengers sequel. 38 Seren | May , 2013 GAMES

by LJ TAYLOR Pogo and Le Trumpet are currently the resident dogs at Naughty Dog Studios. Renamed from Jam Software in 1989, Naughty Dog has gone from strength to strength as a games developer in the last decade. They were founded in 1984 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin and were bought by Sony Computer Entertainment in 2001. During the earlier years the company was responsible for a number of moderately successful games but became most known for the breakthrough hit Crash Bandicoot.

Being a Sony owned company meant that Naughty Dog’s games would only be released on Sony consoles. This has worked out well for them in recent years however, with their UNCHARTED series becoming Playstation’s agship franchise. This month they have their next, highly-anticipated, Playstation 3 exclusive coming out: the post-apocalyptic The Last of Us.

ith a release date of 14th ght o The Infected as well as avoid styles including melee and a June, the gaming world is re- the scavengers living outside of the range of di erent weapons. It Wally starting to get hyped up camps. will also feature the Dogs’ newfea- over Naughty Dog’s latest game. Just to put a little added pressure on ture ‘Balance of Power’. This will see Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, the two, the military are hunting down enemy AI’s becoming much more The Last of Us will follow the story of the escaped teenager in a desperate real with them not just running into smuggler Joel and teenager Ellie as bid to get her back. Why are they so battle with you but instead hiding or they attempt to escape the rabid city. interested in one girl? Is there more to calling for help! After a cordyceps-type fungus kills Ellie than meets the eye and does Joel The game promises to be much millions of people the United really know what he’s gotten himself darker and grittier than the States government have to into? Uncharted series but no doubt we’ll take things into their own All trailers released for The Last of come across the typical humour the hands. Quarantining all sur- Us have been very narrative-driven, studio have given us in the past. vivors into camps they hope something which has become typical For anyone with a Playstation 3 we to salvage the human race and of the games company. The beautiful reckon this is going to be one of, if keep out The Infected. graphics show Naughty Dog at their not the, games of the year. It’s going Joel however, nds himself best, once again pushing not only to have action, suspense, a range of agreeing to smuggle Ellie out their boundaries but those of the Play- di erent gameplay and we esti- of their quarantine zone and station 3 system. (Just imagine what mate it to last around 10 hours. to The Fire ies, a resistance they will do once they get hold of the This doesn’t seem a lot for a video set up against the govern- Playstation 4!) game but for replay value the ment’s regime. From early gameplay videos, and team have added some mul- The survival, action-ad- the demo which was released with tiplayer to the game; venture, will see the player Playstation’s God of War: Ascension, though not a whole take on the role of Joel as it seems that The Last of Us plays lot of information is he and Ellie make their a lot like Naughty Dog’s hit game available on it. way through Naughty Uncharted. Dog’s beautifully con- Much like its predecessor, The Last structed world. They will of Us will feature a range of combat

hen Nathan Drake made his has hung up his holsters for good. As have really cared about the story Playstation 3 debut back sad as this is to accept we will always and making the characters loveable Win 2007’s Drake’s Fortune, have the three amazing games that (rogues). Amy Hennig has done a Naughty Dog didn’t really anticipate the Dogs have given us. fantastic job as Creative Director on the reaction. For those of you who have a Play- the games and I feel sorry for the Since then Uncharted has become station 3 but have never played the studio that’s trying to pick it up as a the PS3’s agship game and Nathan Uncharted games you are seriously movie. The story is already perfect, Drake has become almost as promi- missing out! This was the franchise the enthusiasm and determination nent in the gaming world as that got me back into gaming and of all those involved (including the Sonic or Naughty Dog’s now I’m stuck in it. voice actors), coupled with Naughty Crash Bandicoot. Nate is a younger Indiana Jones Dog’s amazing graphics has meant The demand and a male Lara Croft. He’s a treasure that Uncharted is so close to being for Uncharted hunting thrillseeker who has more a movie, a playable movie, that I’m games was lives than a cat and always seems not sure that it could ever be done huge and to nd himself in the sort of trouble justice. Drake’s fan- which has him saving the world from Here’s to hoping the Dogs manage base was more than intense. some kind of psychopathic villain. to bring Nate back again one day! Three games down the line and Most refreshing about the Un- there’s a very good chance that Nate charted games is that Naughty Dog 38 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 39 GAMES GAMES Game Bits PS4: November? by LJ TAYLOR THERE’s a good chance that Sony will be launching the Playstation 4 on the 22nd November this year. Pogo and Le Trumpet The rumours that are circulating are based on Ubisoft revealing that their upcoming game ‘Watchdogs’ are currently the could be one of the rst to launch on the next generation console. Sony have yet to release images of how the highly anticipated system resident dogs at and are continuing to ‘tease’ gam- ers with images of just the control- ler. Other news surrounding the PS4 Naughty Dog Studios. con rms that it will continue to display games in 1080p. Renamed from Jam Software in 1989, Naughty Dog has gone from strength to strength as a games developer in the last decade. They were Last issue we previewed what we hoped to be the next big thing in the founded in 1984 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin and were bought by Sony Computer Entertainment in 2001. During the earlier years the Era of the Superhero. This issue Alex reviews Injustice. company was responsible for a number of moderately successful games but became most known for the breakthrough hit Crash Bandicoot. by ALEX BAXENDALE The story mode itself doesn't have shell-shocked from all that has gone almost impossible to avoid, but now New njustice seems like your regular a lot to o er and is essentially an on. you needn't worry! Being a Sony owned company meant that Naughty Dog’s games would only be released on Sony consoles. This has worked out well for them in re- beat 'em up game, similar to that introduction to how you play each The only downside I could really Overall this game is aesthetically cent years however, with their UNCHARTED series becoming Playstation’s agship franchise. This month they have their next, highly-anticipated, Iof Mortal Kombat or Tekken; this character e ectively, preparing you nd in the game is that not all the pleasing, with fast paced and action Pacman Playstation 3 exclusive coming out: the post-apocalyptic The Last of Us. game itself is part of a series in which for the online brawl. The story lacks characters are well balanced, with packed ghts. The story mode lacks previous instalments were made on depth due to the frivolous jumping the DC Comic 'Superman' being left an interesting narrative. Ultimately older platforms. from character to character, which over powered in various aspects, as its strengths lie in the multiplayer WITH Disney set to begin airing a ith a release date of 14th ght o The Infected as well as avoid styles including melee and a The recent version follows the muddles up the straight lined theme well as other characters having their and online experiences that will new show named Pacman and the June, the gaming world is re- the scavengers living outside of the range of di erent weapons. It new comic timeline bringing in an that would make more sense. imbalances. most certainly push you to the edge Ghostly Adventures the games com- ally starting to get hyped up camps. will also feature the Dogs’ newfea- W alternate reality clashing our well On the other hand, the multiplayer These imbalances are being re- and have you putting hundreds of pany Namco Bandai have revealed over Naughty Dog’s latest game. Just to put a little added pressure on ture ‘Balance of Power’. This will see loved Superheroes against their evil/ capabilities of this game are excel- viewed and patches are being re- hours in to perfect that 98% damage that a new game will hit the market Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, the two, the military are hunting down enemy AI’s becoming much more twisted counter-identities. This in lent. The characters are exciting and leased online to help x the issue, combo. based on it. The Last of Us will follow the story of the escaped teenager in a desperate real with them not just running into itself sounds really interesting from wild with a large variety of moves which means you don't have to This game is de nitely worth The game will be released towards smuggler Joel and teenager Ellie as bid to get her back. Why are they so battle with you but instead hiding or the start, and without spoiling any- and 'super' attacks each and every avoid competitive ghting yet! checking out, and I'm going to give the end of the year and will be avail- they attempt to escape the rabid city. interested in one girl? Is there more to calling for help! thing for you, it's not as exciting as character bene ts from throughout For example Superman's special at- it four and a half stars out of ve! able on Playstation 3, X Box 360 and After a cordyceps-type fungus kills Ellie than meets the eye and does Joel The game promises to be much you would think. the battles which lead to high speed, tack is being slowed down as it was the Wii U. The Nintendo 3DS will also millions of people the United really know what he’s gotten himself darker and grittier than the action packed ghts that leave you previously overpowered rendering it receive a sidescrolling version of the States government have to into? Uncharted series but no doubt we’ll game. take things into their own All trailers released for The Last of come across the typical humour the The show is set to air this year and hands. Quarantining all sur- Us have been very narrative-driven, studio have given us in the past. from rst looks of the game it will be vivors into camps they hope something which has become typical For anyone with a Playstation 3 we a lot like Mario’s format. to salvage the human race and of the games company. The beautiful reckon this is going to be one of, if keep out The Infected. graphics show Naughty Dog at their not the, games of the year. It’s going Joel however, nds himself best, once again pushing not only to have action, suspense, a range of agreeing to smuggle Ellie out their boundaries but those of the Play- di erent gameplay and we esti- Sony split? of their quarantine zone and station 3 system. (Just imagine what mate it to last around 10 hours. ONE of Sony’s main investors has to The Fire ies, a resistance they will do once they get hold of the This doesn’t seem a lot for a video suggested that the rm split itself. set up against the govern- Playstation 4!) game but for replay value the This comes after the success of the ment’s regime. From early gameplay videos, and team have added some mul- latest instalment in the James Bond The survival, action-ad- the demo which was released with tiplayer to the game; franchise, ‘Skyfall’, which Sony’s en- venture, will see the player Playstation’s God of War: Ascension, though not a whole tertainment division was responsi- take on the role of Joel as it seems that The Last of Us plays lot of information is ble for. he and Ellie make their a lot like Naughty Dog’s hit game available on it. “To maximize Sony’s overall suc- way through Naughty Uncharted. cess, we believe the Company Dog’s beautifully con- Much like its predecessor, The Last should change the structure of its structed world. They will of Us will feature a range of combat ownership of Sony Entertainment. Doing so will strengthen Sony by re- ducing its burdensome debt, there- by providing additional resources and capital to focus on revitalizing the resurgent Sony Electronics.” said a letter sent to the company by their investors. hen Nathan Drake made his has hung up his holsters for good. As have really cared about the story A New Playstation 3 debut back sad as this is to accept we will always and making the characters loveable Win 2007’s Drake’s Fortune, have the three amazing games that (rogues). Amy Hennig has done a Hope? Naughty Dog didn’t really anticipate the Dogs have given us. fantastic job as Creative Director on by TOM BICKERDIKE by masks in battle stances. It has company the fast-paced action. challenge modes as well. the reaction. For those of you who have a Play- the games and I feel sorry for the been updated to include the stra- Activision are planning to further Last year’s release for the franchise, FOLLOWING the closure of Lucas Since then Uncharted has become station 3 but have never played the studio that’s trying to pick it up as a nce again, Activision and In- pline “The Ghosts Are Real”. It will expand their marketing and ad- Black Ops II sold around 12 million Arts last month by Disney a new the PS3’s agship game and Nathan Uncharted games you are seriously movie. The story is already perfect, nity Ward are teaming up take place in a modern setting and vertising budgets, in an attempt to copies worldwide. As for Ghosts, Mi- deal has been made in relation to Drake has become almost as promi- missing out! This was the franchise the enthusiasm and determination Ofor another release to the is already being dubbed “the next- counter the upcoming release of crosoft have announced it feature the Star Wars games. nent in the gaming world as that got me back into gaming and of all those involved (including the Call Of Duty franchise. Call Of Duty: generation Call Of Duty”. This has Battle eld 4. They will both be re- prominently during their new Xbox The games company EA have Sonic or Naughty Dog’s now I’m stuck in it. voice actors), coupled with Naughty Ghosts is rumoured to be released raised speculation that Ghosts will leased on similar consoles and at system reveal in the coming week or signed an exclusive multiyear deal Crash Bandicoot. Nate is a younger Indiana Jones Dog’s amazing graphics has meant on 6th November, although this is launch on PlayStation 4 and the next roughly the same time. so. It will also be released on Xbox to work with Disney on Star Wars The demand and a male Lara Croft. He’s a treasure that Uncharted is so close to being yet to be con rmed. However, gam- Xbox, as well as current consoles and Multi-player features for Ghosts 360. video games which have proven for Uncharted hunting thrillseeker who has more a movie, a playable movie, that I’m ers are hoping to expect the usual PC. include a new range of terrains, but Will this new instalment bring popular over the years. At this point games was lives than a cat and always seems not sure that it could ever be done mix of ingredients that worked pre- There is the possibility that it could also some classic maps which have something di erent to the table or is nothing has been con rmed about huge and to nd himself in the sort of trouble justice. viously in this brand new subseries. focus on the Ghost character from been updated for a more authentic it going to be business as usual (run- whether Star Wars 1313 will be tak- Drake’s fan- which has him saving the world from Here’s to hoping the Dogs manage The teaser was launched recently Modern Warfare 2. Therefore, there experience. In nity Ward is sure to ning around, shooting everything en over by EA but it seems unlikely base was more than intense. some kind of psychopathic villain. to bring Nate back again one day! included numerous historical war- could be an element of stealth to ac- introduce a number of brand new and bragging about it online)? with its fate still up in the air. EA Three games down the line and Most refreshing about the Un- rior- gures with their faces covered have stated that they will be mak- there’s a very good chance that Nate charted games is that Naughty Dog ing new Star Wars games. 40 Seren | May , 2013 GADGETS

OUR ESSENTIAL GADGETS THIS ISSUE WE’VE BEEN PRETTY KEEN TO LET YOU GUYS IN ON THE SEREN SECRETS, TELLING YOU WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE SENDING AN ISSUE TO PRINT. SO TO KEEP WITH THAT THEME WE’VE DONE A LITTLE BREAKDOWN OF ALL THE GADGETS THAT GET US THROUGH THE ALLNIGHTERS. by LJ, CHARLI AND DAN Software Adobe InDesign CS6 WITHOUT InDesign there would which is very similar) and since I be no Seren to read and no Seren began using it to create Seren have to keep us up all hours making. found that any piece of design can Adobe’s software is everything be done easier in it. that Publisher could have been We also like how easily it inte- had it not been made by Microsoft. grates with the other software in InDesign is the the industry the Adobe Creatuve suite that we standard (though some use Quark, use like Photoshop and Illustrator. Camera Computer Canon EOS 650D with Apple 27” iMac EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens THANKS to the Students’ Union’s back is that Mac’s are much quicker FOR years Seren has been relying Activity Development Fund, Seren at handling tasks, especially mul- on other people for photographs has been able to get an iMac this tiple tasks and have a cleaner look so this year we’ve managed to get a year. and feel. When doing design work, camera of our own from the Activity Before having the iMac we would of any kind, Mac’s really shine. Development Fund. send the issue to print from one of For Seren the iMac was the rst Already we have put the camera to the computers in the Union’s media step towards getting Seren TV o of use at this year’s Varsity event, taking room which often slowed things the ground. We want to be able to hundreds and hundreds of photos. down as they couldn’t handle all of use the Mac to store video les from We are also hoping to take advan- the work and the late nights! The our new camera and then edit them. tage of its video recording capabili- iMac has made things a lot easier in We have also downloaded Light- ties with the hope of launching Seren this respect and has been easier for room onto the iMac so that we can TV next academic year. designing some of the more ‘maga- edit photos as well. The STM lens is the perfect choice zine-y’ pages, This has been an important ad- for this as its continuous silent fo- Apple’s range of computers are be- vancement for us as it means that we cusing is really helpful when lming coming increasingly popular at the are able to provide our own photos video. The is a vast improvment of moment with more people not only with articles and that we can delve the semi-manual focusing that other being aware of what they are but into a new genre of news media. lenses require. owning them. General user feed- Document Collaboration Website platform Google Wordpress 3.5.1 SEREN moved its website to the Wordpress blogging platform over a year ago now and we haven’t looked Drive back since. The setup was a doddle and even BEFORE joining Seren I had never customising the look was easy by heard of Google Drive, let alone nding a theme we liked and with a used it. The notion of inputting few clicks the look of the website was work and without clicking any- transformed. thing, everything is saved. How the The beauty of Wordpress is that it is mind boggles. With the support of easily extendable using plugins writ- Google and all the other available ten by Wordpress’ large worldwide applications, it really does allow to the articles for the latest edition. user base. We use 28 on our website you to have all your les saved in Copying pieces onto Drive auto- that give us functionality like: com- the one place. With so many people matically means that a draft is saved petition forms; changing the photo using Google on a daily basis, I can onto the Seren website, ready to be upload system; automating backups understand why this would be their posted online. This not only saves and managing user capabilites for rst choice for storing documents. time, but also ensures that all arti- the 100+ users we have on the site. Google Drive is ideal for Seren. It cles on the website are the same as For our writers uploading content enables us to save all of our articles in the newspaper. Once the articles happens automatically from Google into one le, where it can be proof are saved onto Google Drive, they Drive (thanks to a plugin) and they read and accessed by the sub edi- can be copied into InDesign, where just need to upload some photos tors. Therefore everyone has access we begin to make Seren. and publish their article. 40 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 41 GADGETS GADGETS Car of the future by CHARLI PARKER control panel and autopilot, similar to those found in your average car. ave you ever imagined Just simply tell the vehicle your des- what it would be like if tination and it will do the rest. Flying OUR ESSENTIAL GADGETS someone invented an o any distance up to 500 miles before THIS ISSUE WE’VE BEEN PRETTY KEEN TO LET YOU GUYS IN ON THE SEREN H the need to refuel, Terrafugia TF-X is SECRETS, TELLING YOU WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE SENDING AN ISSUE TO PRINT. the wall creation? This week see’s the launch of the very rst ying also tted with an emergency para- SO TO KEEP WITH THAT THEME WE’VE DONE A LITTLE BREAKDOWN OF ALL chute for emergency landings. THE GADGETS THAT GET US THROUGH THE ALLNIGHTERS. by LJ, CHARLI AND DAN car! Don’t believe it to be true? The Terrafugia TF-X is the updated Despite years of research, the Ter- model which follows on from the rafugia TF-X won’t be available to buy rst design, Terrafugia Transition until 2021. However its Transition and is due to go on sale in 2015. brother will appear on the market Software The latest model boasts twin in 2015. Obviously an impressive car rotor blades on each wing, and comes with an impressive price tag. is able to take- o and land verti- With a pricey $10,000 deposit, and Adobe InDesign CS6 cally, so on this occasion you won’t a further $120,000 to pay, it isn’t the be needing your own runway to average price for a car. WITHOUT InDesign there would which is very similar) and since I get going. With top speeds of Although this dream car will most be no Seren to read and no Seren began using it to create Seren have 200mph, this really is the ultimate likely always be a dream, you can to keep us up all hours making. found that any piece of design can Give it a few years and we’ll be delivering Seren straight to your door from this beast. Bond car of the future. check out more images and videos Adobe’s software is everything be done easier in it. The vehicle boasts an intelligent on their website - www.terrafugia. that Publisher could have been We also like how easily it inte- com had it not been made by Microsoft. grates with the other software in InDesign is the the industry the Adobe Creatuve suite that we standard (though some use Quark, use like Photoshop and Illustrator. Snapchat Camera by BECKI WATSON As an app, Snapchat is very easy to Computer use. The interface is clear and simple, Canon EOS 650D with t the time of writing, I’ve had allowing you to take photos and edit Snapchat on my phone for them with ease, as well as letting Apple 27” iMac EF-S 18-135mm IS STM Lens Aapproximately 24 hours, and you set how long each image can I’m already an addict. Snapchat, a be used for, and you can quickly nd THANKS to the Students’ Union’s back is that Mac’s are much quicker FOR years Seren has been relying free app designed by four Stanford the people you know and send them Activity Development Fund, Seren at handling tasks, especially mul- on other people for photographs students, is the latest smartphone your snaps with instantly. There are has been able to get an iMac this tiple tasks and have a cleaner look so this year we’ve managed to get a phenomenon, and is a way for users also security settings that let you de- year. and feel. When doing design work, camera of our own from the Activity to send photos, videos, messages cide whether anyone can send you Before having the iMac we would of any kind, Mac’s really shine. Development Fund. and drawings to their friends almost photos, or just the people you add send the issue to print from one of For Seren the iMac was the rst Already we have put the camera to instantly. What makes Snapchat dif- as friends. the computers in the Union’s media step towards getting Seren TV o of use at this year’s Varsity event, taking ferent is that any image that’s sent Snapchat is marketed as being 10 room which often slowed things the ground. We want to be able to hundreds and hundreds of photos. can only be viewed for a time be- times as fast as MMS, which is the down as they couldn’t handle all of use the Mac to store video les from We are also hoping to take advan- tween 1 and 10 seconds, and is then main selling points of its adverts, the work and the late nights! The our new camera and then edit them. tage of its video recording capabili- deleted forever. As a photo sharing but if you’re anything like my friends iMac has made things a lot easier in We have also downloaded Light- ties with the hope of launching Seren app, the idea initially struck me as and I, this app is not used for faster throughout the day. rensics rm in Utah has proven that problems with it, I genuinely enjoy this respect and has been easier for room onto the iMac so that we can TV next academic year. pretty pointless; what was the point chatting, but purely to send ugly Unfortunately, there has been it is possible to retrieve snapchat this app. It’s free, fun and easy to use, designing some of the more ‘maga- edit photos as well. The STM lens is the perfect choice of sharing photos with your friends sel es and embarassing videos to some controversy surrounding sur- images o of Android phones, po- and anything that lets me watch a zine-y’ pages, This has been an important ad- for this as its continuous silent fo- when you won’t be able to keep each other. By the very nature of the rounding the app. Despite the de- tentially causing breaches of privacy video of my best friend badly sing- Apple’s range of computers are be- vancement for us as it means that we cusing is really helpful when lming them? But after being severely peer app, where you can’t share anything signers telling their users that no and reminding users that nothing ing The Lion King is something that coming increasingly popular at the are able to provide our own photos video. The is a vast improvment of pressured into downloading it, I be- publicly for longer than ten seconds, one, not even the company them- can be truly deleted forever. I’ll wholeheartedly support, even if it moment with more people not only with articles and that we can delve the semi-manual focusing that other gan to see the appeal. it encourages private exchanges and selves, can retrieve the photos, a fo- However, despite some of the is only for 10 seconds. being aware of what they are but into a new genre of news media. lenses require. provides small moments of humour owning them. General user feed- Document Collaboration Website platform Free to Google Wordpress 3.5.1 SEREN moved its website to the play? Wordpress blogging platform over a year ago now and we haven’t looked by IDA VAISANEN tem of ‘tickets’, that you use a certain Drive back since. amount to watch each of the scenes The setup was a doddle and even ot owning an Android phone and therefore make progress in the BEFORE joining Seren I had never customising the look was easy by myself, I rely on the kind- game. heard of Google Drive, let alone nding a theme we liked and with a Nness of other people when it After a really long intro I nally got used it. The notion of inputting few clicks the look of the website was comes to Android games. And when into the actual story, but then my work and without clicking any- transformed. downloading a dating sim called game was interrupted. I had ran out thing, everything is saved. How the The beauty of Wordpress is that it is Forbidden Love with my friend’s of my tickets for that day. Around mind boggles. With the support of easily extendable using plugins writ- phone, I certainly wasn’t impressed. 4AM tomorrow I would get a new Google and all the other available ten by Wordpress’ large worldwide This game was free to download day’s dose of tickets but I could also applications, it really does allow to the articles for the latest edition. user base. We use 28 on our website on Google Play. It was the highest purchase coins with my credit card you to have all your les saved in Copying pieces onto Drive auto- that give us functionality like: com- rated sim date on the site, advertis- so I could continue playing straight that this is not cheating. Purchas- the players hooked and frustrate well, o ering chargeable additional the one place. With so many people matically means that a draft is saved petition forms; changing the photo ing itself as ‘basically free’. This was away. ing tickets isn’t required to play the them enough to take out that credit services to make your playing easier using Google on a daily basis, I can onto the Seren website, ready to be upload system; automating backups the word that should have stood out This, if anything, is basically trick- game, it’s simply o ered in case the card. Maybe it’s too harsh to blame and faster, even though not as ex- understand why this would be their posted online. This not only saves and managing user capabilites for since the game ended up being free ing a customer, and not even in a players get frustrated being taken the company for taking advantage tremely as in this game. It seems like rst choice for storing documents. time, but also ensures that all arti- the 100+ users we have on the site. to download but not really free to subtle way. These type of games are out of the game after ve minutes of the player’s ability to dwell in to that in the world of free games the Google Drive is ideal for Seren. It cles on the website are the same as For our writers uploading content play. mostly designed for young girls hun- and made to wait for the next day so the game’s world, but it certainly playing part is de nitely free. Just enables us to save all of our articles in the newspaper. Once the articles happens automatically from Google The game itself is a love story gry for romance, who are more likely they could make a little advance. seems like an asset. slightly more di cult and frustrating into one le, where it can be proof are saved onto Google Drive, they Drive (thanks to a plugin) and they where your choices a ect the out- to actually use their parents’ card to With such a heavy reliance on cli - Needless to say, I removed the than the paid one. read and accessed by the sub edi- can be copied into InDesign, where just need to upload some photos come. The game works with a sys- buy those virtual tickets. hangers, this seems more like pro- game that same evening. I have no- tors. Therefore everyone has access we begin to make Seren. and publish their article. Of course the company would say viding just enough suspense to keep ticed this in other Android games as 42 Seren | May , 2013 MUSIC Kanye attacks photographer NOAH AND THE WHALE From folk to pop; accoustic to electric Has “growing up” and smartening up come at a price? by BECKY SMITH angst riddled tracks characterising red wine from a bottle on a patch this one’s circling the drain. It has to the pop charts back in the early 80s. of soggy grass at a festival because be said it isn’t a dreadful album and hen I think of Noah and The Their title track features Anna Calvi you’re trying to rekindle the youth is wonderfully created on a musi- Whale, I think folky acoustic who adds a hint of Nico-esque tones you happily squandered. Can I see cal level; it’s just not a sound I nei- Wri s and uplifting melodies. to the otherwise upbeat vibe. I didn’t this album being bought based on ther expected nor particularly liked Their fourth album, Heart of Nowhere quite understand Calvi’s place in this the title track? Maybe? But I can’t from my old favourites. Come on remains energetic, though they seem song and couldn’t help comparing see them getting another out after chaps, is growing up really that bad? to have taken a turn from the folky that on the basis of this one because WHILST out walking with his girl- sound we’re familiar with. They’ve her to Laura Marling who featured in friend, Kim Kardashian, in Beverley chosen instead to tread lightly into their song Five Years Time and added Hills, rapper Kanye West attacked a a more contemporary and poppy rather than detracted from the qual- photographer after being snapped sound, exchanging acoustic guitars, ity of their song. banging his head on a street sign. and ukuleles for electric guitars and a The cacophony of strings is initially He shouted at him, before being bucket load of strings. Noah and The thrilling in this album; however it ushered into a nearby restaurant. Whale’s new album isn’t dissatisfying de nitely wears thin and even be- Afterwards he returned to the but it’s not packing the punch of their gan to grate my nerves after a short street and charged down one pho- last platinum selling album, Last Night while. I couldn’t listen to this string tographer, shouting “stop taking on Earth did. bloated album more than twice in f****** photos”. He continued to rant The boys appear to have trans- one sitting. It feels like they’ve gone at the photographer: “Don’t take an- formed from a scru y indie folk band overboard on strings and the musi- other f****** photo man...All of you into peppy, tailored pop rockers. cal composition of this album feels mother******* stop it”. Heart of Nowhere speaks of a jour- absurdly over-produced despite re- The previous week, West was in- ney from adolescence to adulthood taining some of the ‘folky’ feel we’re volved in speculation that he was (The ol’ metamorphous gambit that used to. As a result they’ve neglect- to have a cameo appearance in the Kings of Leon pulled o with much ed the lyrics; lyrics which are paper upcoming Anchorman: The Legend more aplomb a few years back) and thin and clichéd. In the title track Continues movie, after being spot- of course the limbo between, a jour- ‘Heart of Nowhere’, Fink croons “He’s ted on the set. ney we’re not so shy of ourselves. laid down on the ground and now West recently played a new song Frontman and lead vocalist Charlie you’re standing with your nger on called ‘I Am A God’ at the Met Gala Fink attempts to force feed us emo- the pulse”. What pulse? Certainly in New York, which is believed to ap- tional and nostalgic lyrics, no longer not that of the track, it never really pear on his forthcoming album. This merrily singing ‘Five Years Time’ but gets going; I found myself hoping it will be a follow-up to My Beautiful rather placing dour emphasis on the would end. What happened to the Dark Twisted Fantasy, which was re- nature of aging and leaving things delightful wistful all too knowing leased in 2010. behind with tracks such as ‘Now is lyrics of ‘Five Years Time’? Lyrics that Exactly the Time’ – which frankly feels made you visualise a future utopia just a tiny bit formulaic and tired. where you’re still stupid enough to YouTube The new album is reminiscent of the be smoking cigarettes and chugging reinstate Bowie video PARAMORE New album. New look. New sound? by JOE KEEP aged to nd a fantastic balance within the album. This is found through aramore are back, sporting a the interludes on the album, which self-titled release. This latest of- allow for a signi cant change in Pfering comes 4 years after Para- sound without making the di er- more’s last release; Brand New Eyes. ence apparent to the listener. This Old fans of the band will hear echoes allows very strong tracks, like ‘Proof’ of past Paramore songs in tracks like YOUTUBE have reinstated the latest to be found next to ‘Hate to see your Part II and Proof, whilst o ering a re- music video from David Bowie after heart break’ which bring the tempo freshing shake up following Zac and it was temporarily blocked. Featur- down and do o er a stark contrast. Josh leaving the band. ing much religious imagery, it was On the whole, the album is a very With singles ‘Now’ and ‘Still Into banned for violating their terms and strong production, still leaning to You’ o ering the only insight into the conditions, but YouTube admitted what Paramore fans know from earli- album prior to its release, there was making a mistake. er days, but not afraid to incorporate a fear that the band hadn’t been able The video, for Bowie’s title track new sounds and ideas to the exist- to decide on which sound the album from his comeback album, ‘The ing framework. This is a must buy for was meant to have, with ‘Now’ of- Next Day’, co-stars Marion Cotillard Paramore fans, but also those who fering a more rock based guitar line and Gary Oldman. Cotillard plays are looking for a fun album which with strong vocals from Hayley Wil- a dancing girl who starts bleeding will get you dancing and singing liams and ‘Still Into You’ appearing to from stigmata marks on her palms; along within one play through of the have a lighter tone and more upbeat Oldman plays a priest who dances album. feel to it. However, they have man- with her. Bowie appears as a Christ- like gure fronting a band in a seedy basement bar. Directed by photographer Floria Sigismondi, it also includes a self- agellating monk, SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY along with other characters dressed as clergymen. Beatle invaded by grasshoppers at concert YouTube said: “With the massive by THOMAS BICKERDIKE the insects. followed by “it certainly is now”. volume of videos on our site, some- He was able to continue for almost This concert was part of McCart- times we make the wrong call. When three hours, even though one grass- ney’s Out There! tour and he is due it’s brought to our attention that a hilst performing in Goiania in Brazil, Sir Paul McCart- hopper rested on his shoulder dur- to appear in six countries over the video has been removed mistakenly, ing the show. He later introduced next few months. His setlist featured we act quickly to reinstate it.” Wney’s concert was invaded by a swarm of grasshoppers. McCa- him to the crowd as “Harold”. Whilst material which had not been per- At the end, the characters are ar- singing Hey Jude, he turned to Har- formed live previously, including Be- ranged in a tableau and Bowie says: rtney was able to complete his performance in front of 47,000 people, old as he sang the words “the move- ing For The Bene t Of Mr Kite and All “Thank you Gary, thank you Marion, ment you need is on your shoulder”, Together Now. thank you everybody.” despite being buzzed by a cloud of 42 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 43 MUSIC MUSIC Kanye attacks photographer NOAH AND THE WHALE A REASON TO LOVE ED SHEERAN From folk to pop; accoustic to electric Our former Music Editor’s nal swansong by TOM DAVIES Personally, I’ve never been able to like pastries’. Call me literal, but I’m ger’, where a middle stand the bloke. But I thought, in picturing a woman that has a face of the night re ection Has “growing up” and smartening up come at a price? fter a heated discussion over the interests of half decent jour- like a proverbial choux bun. It simply that ‘the dark of the by BECKY SMITH angst riddled tracks characterising red wine from a bottle on a patch this one’s circling the drain. It has to noodles, rice and chopsticks nalism, I’d give his music a second doesn’t compare to a modern clas- street/ is no solace to the pop charts back in the early 80s. of soggy grass at a festival because be said it isn’t a dreadful album and Afollowing our Seren Awards, I chance. Where better to start than sic such as Arctic Monkeys’ ‘When me’ is followed by an hen I think of Noah and The Their title track features Anna Calvi you’re trying to rekindle the youth is wonderfully created on a musi- was advised by our lovely Environ- his award-winning debut album, The Sun Goes Down’, which is writ- uplifting, heartbreak- Whale, I think folky acoustic who adds a hint of Nico-esque tones you happily squandered. Can I see cal level; it’s just not a sound I nei- ment Editor, Will Johnson, that Ed ‘+’? In ‘Drunk’, our jolly little friend ten around largely similar themes. ing ad lib ending Wri s and uplifting melodies. to the otherwise upbeat vibe. I didn’t this album being bought based on ther expected nor particularly liked Sheeran has some excellent, emo- Ed questions: ‘Should I?/ Should I?/ It appears that the general British where dawn breaks Their fourth album, Heart of Nowhere quite understand Calvi’s place in this the title track? Maybe? But I can’t from my old favourites. Come on tionally and lyrically deep songs. Maybe I’ll get drunk again?’ in what public have swapped the sharp wit to ‘you know in a year remains energetic, though they seem song and couldn’t help comparing see them getting another out after chaps, is growing up really that bad? clearly is his absolutely best Dido and dark humour of Turner for a wet things will be better/ to have taken a turn from the folky that on the basis of this one because impression (guilty pleasure alert) blanket in human form. you know in a year WHILST out walking with his girl- sound we’re familiar with. They’ve her to Laura Marling who featured in but there is something about the But this is exactly why I love Ed I’m gonna be happy’. friend, Kim Kardashian, in Beverley chosen instead to tread lightly into their song Five Years Time and added whole a air that is just lacking in... Sheeran. Instead of making other Of course, emotion Hills, rapper Kanye West attacked a a more contemporary and poppy rather than detracted from the qual- sincerity? Perhaps it is the sheer artists look amateur with his superior doesn’t necessar- photographer after being snapped sound, exchanging acoustic guitars, ity of their song. overproduction of what would ap- songwriting skills, he’s simply so bad ily mean love songs, banging his head on a street sign. and ukuleles for electric guitars and a The cacophony of strings is initially pear to be a relatively straightfor- that he makes the rest look brilliant. and folk-soloist Grace He shouted at him, before being bucket load of strings. Noah and The thrilling in this album; however it ward acoustic track, but I’d wager Emotional depth and lyrical quality Petrie provides a ushered into a nearby restaurant. Whale’s new album isn’t dissatisfying de nitely wears thin and even be- it’s just pretty bad songwriting on simply can’t be measured in popu- stunning example of Afterwards he returned to the but it’s not packing the punch of their gan to grate my nerves after a short the whole. Other gems from ‘Drunk’ larity in the current musical climate. this. ‘Farewell To Wel- street and charged down one pho- last platinum selling album, Last Night while. I couldn’t listen to this string include ‘I wanna hold your heart in Noah and the Whale’s sophomore fare’, from Grace’s ‘Tell tographer, shouting “stop taking on Earth did. bloated album more than twice in both hands/ not watch it zzle at the e ort, ‘The First Days Of Spring’ is a Me A Story’ is a socio-political dag- out there and nd something new, f****** photos”. He continued to rant The boys appear to have trans- one sitting. It feels like they’ve gone bottom of a coke can’. Lead single ‘A prime example of this, where musi- ger of a track, its paranoia stabbing nd something that an over-zealous at the photographer: “Don’t take an- formed from a scru y indie folk band overboard on strings and the musi- Team’, despite probably being the cal dexterity and nesse is matched at the current establishment, with record company isn’t marketing and other f****** photo man...All of you into peppy, tailored pop rockers. cal composition of this album feels closest Sheeran comes to writing a by a looking-glass approach into Petrie bellowing ‘you tell me that merchandising to death, and cherish mother******* stop it”. Heart of Nowhere speaks of a jour- absurdly over-produced despite re- decent track, doesn’t fare much bet- break-ups and depression. Instead of this is democracy/ you tell me that it it, regardless of the genre. I can only The previous week, West was in- ney from adolescence to adulthood taining some of the ‘folky’ feel we’re ter. Despite winning an Ivor Novello taking the Ed Sheeran approach of ain’t no old boys club’. Half of music wish Seren’s new Music Editor and volved in speculation that he was (The ol’ metamorphous gambit that used to. As a result they’ve neglect- award for ‘Best Song Musically and vomiting cringe everywhere, Charlie is the joy of discovery, and on one contributors the very best in shar- to have a cameo appearance in the Kings of Leon pulled o with much ed the lyrics; lyrics which are paper Lyrically’, Ed laments that the lady in Fink crafts a delicate tale of despair. hand, the internet has done won- ing with you what they consider es- upcoming Anchorman: The Legend more aplomb a few years back) and thin and clichéd. In the title track question has a face that is ‘crumbling This is epitomised in the song ‘Stran- ders. I can only implore you to go sential listening. You’re in safe hands. Continues movie, after being spot- of course the limbo between, a jour- ‘Heart of Nowhere’, Fink croons “He’s ted on the set. ney we’re not so shy of ourselves. laid down on the ground and now West recently played a new song Frontman and lead vocalist Charlie you’re standing with your nger on called ‘I Am A God’ at the Met Gala Fink attempts to force feed us emo- the pulse”. What pulse? Certainly in New York, which is believed to ap- tional and nostalgic lyrics, no longer not that of the track, it never really pear on his forthcoming album. This merrily singing ‘Five Years Time’ but gets going; I found myself hoping it will be a follow-up to My Beautiful rather placing dour emphasis on the would end. What happened to the JOY OF FOUR Dark Twisted Fantasy, which was re- nature of aging and leaving things delightful wistful all too knowing Favourite album: leased in 2010. behind with tracks such as ‘Now is lyrics of ‘Five Years Time’? Lyrics that Our new Music Editor gives his Exactly the Time’ – which frankly feels made you visualise a future utopia Red Hot Chili Peppers - By The Way just a tiny bit formulaic and tired. where you’re still stupid enough to choices YouTube The new album is reminiscent of the be smoking cigarettes and chugging BEFORE I heard this album, I did not band anymore, but I have recently have much time for music. It was welcomed them back into my heart reinstate something that passed me by and and this album was a major contribu- I had no care for. However, the rst tory factor. That and seeing them Bowie video time I heard this, my views changed perform live. The other Peppers al- PARAMORE completely. It was made by a band at bums I would de nitely recommend the top of their game, with attention are Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik and Cali- New album. New look. New sound? to detail and care applied to every fornication. song. They may not be my favourite by JOE KEEP aged to nd a fantastic balance within the album. This is found through aramore are back, sporting a the interludes on the album, which Most embarrassing album: self-titled release. This latest of- allow for a signi cant change in Bonnie Tyler – Faster Than the Speed of Night Pfering comes 4 years after Para- sound without making the di er- more’s last release; Brand New Eyes. ence apparent to the listener. This I feel dirty and uncomfortable about I’m familiar with. Part of the rea- Old fans of the band will hear echoes allows very strong tracks, like ‘Proof’ the fact this is on my iPod. Techni- son I am bit embarrassed is the fact of past Paramore songs in tracks like YOUTUBE have reinstated the latest to be found next to ‘Hate to see your cally though, I should appreciate that my sister’s boyfriend is a mas- Part II and Proof, whilst o ering a re- music video from David Bowie after heart break’ which bring the tempo this because of my fondness for sive Bonnie Tyler fan as was one of freshing shake up following Zac and it was temporarily blocked. Featur- down and do o er a stark contrast. power ballad music from the 1980s. my friends at my old school; their Josh leaving the band. ing much religious imagery, it was On the whole, the album is a very Yes, it does include Total Eclipse of tastes in music are generally awful. With singles ‘Now’ and ‘Still Into banned for violating their terms and strong production, still leaning to the Heart, written by Jim Steinman Maybe this album will grow on me. You’ o ering the only insight into the conditions, but YouTube admitted what Paramore fans know from earli- who collaborated with Meat Loaf. album prior to its release, there was making a mistake. er days, but not afraid to incorporate But, that’s the only song on it that a fear that the band hadn’t been able The video, for Bowie’s title track new sounds and ideas to the exist- Favourite album artwork: to decide on which sound the album from his comeback album, ‘The ing framework. This is a must buy for was meant to have, with ‘Now’ of- The Clash - London Calling Next Day’, co-stars Marion Cotillard Paramore fans, but also those who fering a more rock based guitar line and Gary Oldman. Cotillard plays are looking for a fun album which with strong vocals from Hayley Wil- a dancing girl who starts bleeding will get you dancing and singing DESIGNED by Ray Lowry, London convinced by Lowry and Joe Strum- liams and ‘Still Into You’ appearing to from stigmata marks on her palms; along within one play through of the Calling was a homage to the design of mer. Good call, guys. Nothing better have a lighter tone and more upbeat Oldman plays a priest who dances album. the self-titled debut album from Elvis epitomises the lack of control in punk feel to it. However, they have man- with her. Bowie appears as a Christ- Presley. However, his did not depict a rock. Part of me wants to re-enact like gure fronting a band in a seedy man smashing a guitar on stage. The that iconic image; my humble £100 basement bar. Directed by pho- photographer, Pennie Smith, origi- Fender Squier Strat thinks otherwise! “As the new Music Editor for Seren, I hope to continue the standard that my nally did not want to use it, but was tographer Floria Sigismondi, it also predecessor has left behind. I will start by giving you guys an idea in my taste includes a self- agellating monk, SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY in music. However, it is kind of biased for me to review my own selections along with other characters dressed Beatle invaded by grasshoppers at concert for this feature, so someone else will deduce whether or not I have a good as clergymen. selection. Personally, it’s alright...” - Thomas Bickerdike An album you have borrowed/nicked: YouTube said: “With the massive by THOMAS BICKERDIKE the insects. followed by “it certainly is now”. Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon volume of videos on our site, some- He was able to continue for almost This concert was part of McCart- Nicola Hoban, Seren’s News Editor, rated Thomas’ music taste by saying: “It’s times we make the wrong call. When hilst performing in Goiania three hours, even though one grass- ney’s Out There! tour and he is due easy to say that Thomas’ taste in music is varied. His iTunes library is made up THE majority of my taste in music was discuss it. Rather than decide to buy it’s brought to our attention that a hopper rested on his shoulder dur- to appear in six countries over the from a selection of genres, and he’ll entertain the Seren team through the in uenced by my dad, both the stu it, I emailed my dad and asked him video has been removed mistakenly, in Brazil, Sir Paul McCart- ney’s concert was invaded ing the show. He later introduced next few months. His setlist featured all-nighters with some awesome song choices. Which is why we voted him that I really like and heartily detest! It to post it to me. Since then, I haven’t we act quickly to reinstate it.” W our ‘Resident DJ’ in this year’s in-house Seren Awards!” is because of him and his music col- given it back. It is a must-have for him to the crowd as “Harold”. Whilst material which had not been per- At the end, the characters are ar- by a swarm of grasshoppers. McCa- rtney was able to complete his per- singing Hey Jude, he turned to Har- formed live previously, including Be- (The point was knocked o for his playing ‘Sur n’ Bird’ during this month’s lection that I enjoy listening to classic anybody who cares about music. The ranged in a tableau and Bowie says: old as he sang the words “the move- ing For The Bene t Of Mr Kite and All all-nighter. No, Thomas, no!) rock from the 70s and also trashy 80s’ lunatic has found his new asylum. “Thank you Gary, thank you Marion, formance in front of 47,000 people, despite being buzzed by a cloud of ment you need is on your shoulder”, Together Now. pop. Last year, one of my modules re- thank you everybody.” quired me to listen to this album and 44 Seren | May , 2013 FASHION SHOES! PLAYING DRESS UP: Heels are de nitely the way forward with your Ball dresses, LADIES’ SUMMER BALL SPECIAL with such a massive variety of e Summer Ball is one of those few times in the year that you can go all colours and styles it can be hard out, ending the year (and for a lot of you, your time in Bangor) in style! to nd that perfect shoes. Here If you need help on what to wear or where to shop your out t, read on! ASOS CAMI are the styles that we’d go for! STRAP WRAP DRESS WITH DEBENHAMS BAR BELT £45 NAVY HIGH HEELED WOVEN TOE COURT SHOES £38

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ASOS PARADE PLATFORMS £40 TOPMAN ALAMAK BLACK STUD LACE UP SHOES £40 NEXT ORANGE SLEEVELESS CREPE DRESS £35

Looking elegant and classy are the key points when it comes to picking your Summer Ball dress, edgy and bold out ts are ne when it NOTHING WRONG comes to your standard night out in Peep but we need something a bit more understated for HIRING? this event. Here’s some dresses that we’ve seen Burton’s are renowned for their impressive suit collection and are currently o ering 5 suits for the WITH GOING LONG! that more than t the bill. BURTON price of 4 on hire, so if you’re having a bit of trouble 2 PIECE pop into the store on Bangor High Street and they BURGUNDY should be able to get you and your friends looking SLIM FIT £99 snazzy! ASOS LITTLE MISTRESS STRAPPY AX PARIS A Summer Ball out t doesn’t have to be about expensive BLACK BACK MAXI DRESS CHIFFON GODDIVA £65 matching suits. e perfect blazer can be the key piece of CHERYL COLE JUST WANT your out t mixed with a di erent coloured trouser, or even STRAPLESS DRESS £35 MAXI DRESS £25 a darker jean if you’re headed for the day bar saving you a OASIS CHAIN bit of cash yet still having you standing out in a crowd. NECK MAXI A JACKET? DRESS £70 H&M LINEN JACKET £39.99 e Summer is all about bright col- NEW LOOK ours and this Raspberry Red blazer BLUE & PALE RED from H&M ts the bill. It’s only £39.99 OXFORD SHORTS and will certainly draw some attention, £17.99 it’s not for the shy so be bold and try something new! NEW LOOK PINK STRAPPY DIP HEM CHIFFON DRESS £19.99

ese Oxford Blazers are currently on sale at New Look for £39.99, they’re perfect for the Summer and would make a great alternative to a matching suit at the Ball. TOPMAN GREY OXFORD You can even pair them with SKINNY BLAZER £70 the matching shorts which is Topman Blazer is de nitely something would look great at the day a bit di erent. It’s a gorgeous shade of grey, bar for an extra £17.99. A looks a bit vintage and is a skinny t. It’s £70 NEW LOOK further 10% o with your which may seem a bit expensive but consider BLUE & PALE RED student card makes this an it as an investment piece, you can wear this OXFORD BLAZERS absolute bargain! over and over. £39.99 46 Seren | May , 2013 HEALTH AND BEAUTY SUN PROTECTION by LAURA JONES ference with the body’s immune system. fact that it has a ‘best before’ date and you’re ing some of your holidays away from the UK, as The thought of summer, however, may be far never entirely sure how often you will use it. well as the rest of us who plan on going out- veryone knows the importance of using from many of your minds due to the fact that However, the summer holidays are approach- side every time the sun reappears from behind sun cream, with it providing various lev- Britain is usually lucky to have more than two ing, and those of you who have managed to a cloud, it’s important to know all your options Eels of protection against harmful UV rays days’ worth of sun a year. People also generally save enough of your Student Loan may be for sun care and what is essential this summer. which threaten sunburn, skin cancer, prema- hate the thought of having to spend money on planning on jetting o to somewhere sunny. ture ageing, and even in some cases an inter- sun cream as it’s pretty pricey considering the So for those of you lucky enough to be spend- SUN CREAM FAKE TAN GENERAL WHEN in the sun for a long period of AS many of you know, a range of FOR those people who aren’t able to time, it is important to do more than SPFs are available and are important get any sun exposure this summer but protect your skin. Make sure you stay to understand in order to ensure that still want a tan, a safe way to bronze is hydrated by drinking water regularly, you are receiving the right amount to fake it. Many brands are available for and try to spend some time in the of protection. Generally, the paler fake tan in di erent shades based on shade to reduce the risks of sun stroke. and fairer your skin, the higher SPF your preference, and all o er a healthier If you’re going on a day out you often you will need. However, this does solution to pasty skin than sunbeds. will not realise the amount of UV rays not mean that anyone is free from There are also options to get a fake you are being exposed to, so make damaging their skin, and everyone tan with a sun protection factor, but sure you still take a bottle of water and should take precautions when ex- these are not long-lasting and still re- hat so you don’t cause any damage. posed to UV rays. quire later application of sun creams. TANNING OIL WITH SPF SPF MAKE UP AFTER SUN CARE

FOR those of you who aren’t plagued A common issue with sun protection is that IF you do happen to get sun burnt, it with ginger skin and don’t have to cover many people either forget or don’t bother to is important to treat the burn with the yourselves in Factor 50 sun cream, tan- put sun cream on their face when they are proper care too. Go easy on the sun ex- ning oil is an option. Oils such as Piz Buin wearing make-up. The sun is still harmful to posure, and make sure to use a good contain an SPF that will allow you to ac- skin when wearing foundation and tinted quality moisturising after sun lotion (the celerate and enhance your tan whilst still moisturisers, meaning that the delicate skin ones with aloe vera are usually the most providing a level of protection for your skin on your face is lacking in the necessary pro- soothing). By using good post-sun care against harmful UV rays. It is important to tection it needs. Many foundations from you reduce the risk of skin blistering and ensure that the SPF count they provide is both high-end and high street brands now peeling, which can be both unpleasant enough for the needs of your skin, but if contain an SPF, which mean that you are able and painful. Sun burnt skin is often left you nd they are there’s no reason to not to protect your skin while gaining coverage dry and damaged, and the extra surge take advantage of being able to use them! at an a ordable price. of moisture will encourage your skin to heal more quickly.

DW VS MAES GLAS by AILISH BUMPUS your mind o the sweat and pain. There is also tainly get what you pay for and may actually though the sta to member ratio is signi cantly a lovely large low-lit pool, two hot-tubs and a look forward to going! larger and it is sometimes hard to nd anyone t this time of year, getting in shape or steam room, giving the gym a very luxurious For those looking for a more laid-back, and sig- except for the o ce sta . There are also usu- just becoming healthier is a common spa-like feel. Although membership is a pretty ni cantly cheaper, gym, the university-owned ally groups of school children hanging, or run- Athought. Bangor may not have the big- steep £29 per month (cheaper for o -peak Maes Glas is the best bet. For £10 a month ning, around due to Maes Glas being used by gest range of gyms, but the two most popular times) this does include access to any of the (£15 including access to classes) the gym of- schools in the area, which can be a little annoy- (Maes Glas and DW) o er both pricey quality large range of group classes, from easy-go- fers bright and spacious, albeit plain, exercise ing. This is the same for DW, but with a lesser and a cheaper, student friendly alternative. ing yoga to hard-core circuit training and, of rooms with basic equipment. Classes (such as extent as the gym only o ers childrens swim- DW is a little further away from the University, course, the popular dancercise class Zumba. spinning and Zumba) are taken in gym halls ming classes. with its situation on Caernarfon Road, but for The sta are generally friendly and helpful, al- similar to those at school, which may be more Overall, Maes Glas is a gym that does what those who are serious about a lifestyle change though can seem a little aloof now and again. appealing than the smaller studios of DW, and it says on the tin and is very good value for DW is great. It’s equipped with a large weights The place may be a little daunting at rst but subsequently the larger classes feel a lot more money. It will be exciting to see the levels of area and plenty of treadmills and other exer- you feel at home within a few days. You cer- relaxed. The sta are very approachable al- success it reaches following its refurbishment. cise machines, with TVs in front of you to take 46 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 47 HEALTH AND BEAUTY HEALTH AND BEAUTY DID YOU SUN PROTECTION KNOW... by LAURA JONES ference with the body’s immune system. fact that it has a ‘best before’ date and you’re ing some of your holidays away from the UK, as The thought of summer, however, may be far never entirely sure how often you will use it. well as the rest of us who plan on going out- veryone knows the importance of using from many of your minds due to the fact that However, the summer holidays are approach- side every time the sun reappears from behind sun cream, with it providing various lev- Britain is usually lucky to have more than two ing, and those of you who have managed to a cloud, it’s important to know all your options els of protection against harmful UV rays FRUIT & E days’ worth of sun a year. People also generally save enough of your Student Loan may be for sun care and what is essential this summer. LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX which threaten sunburn, skin cancer, prema- hate the thought of having to spend money on planning on jetting o to somewhere sunny. ture ageing, and even in some cases an inter- sun cream as it’s pretty pricey considering the So for those of you lucky enough to be spend- VEGETABLES PEOPLE who eat more fruit FAKE TAN GENERAL & vegetables are not only SUN CREAM more likely to be slimmer, WHEN in the sun for a long period of AS many of you know, a range of FOR those people who aren’t able to time, it is important to do more than but have been found to be SPFs are available and are important get any sun exposure this summer but protect your skin. Make sure you stay more optimistic, too. to understand in order to ensure that still want a tan, a safe way to bronze is hydrated by drinking water regularly, 66% 26% 49% 22% The reason for this is that you are receiving the right amount to fake it. Many brands are available for and try to spend some time in the of protection. Generally, the paler fake tan in di erent shades based on OF STUDENTS HAVE OF STUDENTS ONLY USE OF FEMALE STUDENTS HAVE TOOK EMERGENCY CONTRA- they have higher levels of shade to reduce the risks of sun stroke. UNPROTECTED SEX CONDOMS WITH A NEW TAKEN THE MORNING AFTER CEPTION AFTER THEY DIDN’T cartenoids such as beta- and fairer your skin, the higher SPF your preference, and all o er a healthier If you’re going on a day out you often you will need. However, this does solution to pasty skin than sunbeds. will not realise the amount of UV rays PARTNER PILL USE PROTECTION carotene in their blood. All There are also options to get a fake not mean that anyone is free from you are being exposed to, so make measures so that you are sure you’re in the the more reason to eat more tan with a sun protection factor, but by LAURA JONES damaging their skin, and everyone sure you still take a bottle of water and clear. healthily! these are not long-lasting and still re- WHERE TO GET TESTED should take precautions when ex- hat so you don’t cause any damage. The Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance posed to UV rays. quire later application of sun creams. ccording to the Student Beans Sex Survey from 2012, Bangor University (SHAG) week promoted safe sex in Bangor A GUM (Genitourinary Medicine) clinic is held on Mon- Ais currently ranked in 1st place in the earlier this year, giving out free condoms and days and Wednesdays between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. University Sex League, coming above 100 holding events which raised awareness of Family Planning Clinics are held on Tuesdays between TANNING OIL WITH SPF SPF MAKE UP AFTER SUN CARE other Universities (pardon the distasteful the importance of safe sex and the dangers 5pm and 7pm, and on Thursdays from 10am to 12noon, NAIL pun). Most of us are aware of the dangers of not practising this. and at 5.30pm to 7.30pm. FOR those of you who aren’t plagued A common issue with sun protection is that IF you do happen to get sun burnt, it of catching STIs if proper precautions aren’t However, we know that there are students Both of these clinics are held at Ysbyty Gwynedd VARNISH with ginger skin and don’t have to cover many people either forget or don’t bother to is important to treat the burn with the taken, with programmes like Embarrassing who are still unsure of the facilities available (Gwynedd Hospital), with regular buses to this location yourselves in Factor 50 sun cream, tan- put sun cream on their face when they are proper care too. Go easy on the sun ex- Bodies broadcasting horrifying images and for sexual health care in Bangor, and for these leaving from the main bus station in town. To ensure you FOR those with more sensi- ning oil is an option. Oils such as Piz Buin wearing make-up. The sun is still harmful to posure, and make sure to use a good facts as a constant reminder for why using people Seren has looked into the locations of are able to get an appointment, it is recommended that tive skin, there is a risk that contain an SPF that will allow you to ac- skin when wearing foundation and tinted quality moisturising after sun lotion (the condoms is important. clinics that are available to provide testing. you ring ahead on 01248 385385. wearing some nail varnishes You’re welcome. As it’s close to the summer, some of you may prefer to celerate and enhance your tan whilst still moisturisers, meaning that the delicate skin ones with aloe vera are usually the most This considered, this same study shows will result in periorbital der- that 66% of students have had unprotected We know this is a scary subject which is of- get tested over the holidays at home (not forgetting that providing a level of protection for your skin on your face is lacking in the necessary pro- soothing). By using good post-sun care matitis - a rash around the against harmful UV rays. It is important to tection it needs. Many foundations from you reduce the risk of skin blistering and sex, with the risks being evident and show- ten brushed o due to the fact that people clubbing holidays may have their consequences). If you are ensure that the SPF count they provide is both high-end and high street brands now peeling, which can be both unpleasant ing how crucial it is to ensure that you are are worried about their sexual health, but it is wanting to nd a clinic in your area, information on your eyelids. This is mainly due enough for the needs of your skin, but if contain an SPF, which mean that you are able and painful. Sun burnt skin is often left safe and tested. Though we encourage that incredibly important, and for this reason we local sexual health facilities can be found on www.nhs.uk, to the fact that the average you nd they are there’s no reason to not to protect your skin while gaining coverage dry and damaged, and the extra surge the precautions are taken, we know that ac- encourage you take the plunge and visit the under ‘Services Near You’. person touches their face clinics. It’s better to be safe than sorry. take advantage of being able to use them! at an a ordable price. of moisture will encourage your skin to cidents happen, and for those occasions it is 200 times a day! important to ensure that you take the correct heal more quickly. Clinique are releasing a dermatologically tested new nail enamel on the 17th May ONE WAY TO SHAVE MONEY for those with this problem.

by WILLIAM JOHNSON It’s good economy when compared to the fter using canned shaving foam MAGNESIUM for 5 years, I decided to spend a cheaper, but shorter Agift card I’d been given on some lived alternatives AROUND 70% of us all de - ‘Body Shop, For Men Maca Root Shave tening the bristles and protecting the cient in Magnesium, which Cream’ and a shaving brush. Although skin extremely well and the ritual of ap- can lead to high stress levels, expensive on my student budget, at £8 plying the lather with a brush is particu- poor sleep and bad skin. To per pot, I was promised that a little goes larly therapeutic, although not particu- a long way and that it’s good economy larly time e cient! get more magnesium in your when compared to the cheaper, but This is a brilliant buy and although the diet, eat more foods such as shorter lived alternatives. price is high it lasts over 6 months, even spinach, dark chocolate, and I found it gives a fantastic shave, sof- when shaving every day. certain nuts and seeds.

CLINIQUE 3 STEP SKINCARE EXERCISE by LAURA JONES that in order to keep your skin and body As it turned out, the woman I spoke to at its healthiest it is crucial to maintain a was incredibly friendly and helpful, and = SMOOTH t is a well-known fact healthy balanced diet and drink lots of explained to me about how the 3-Step amongst students that water, I still believe that skincare is really Skincare regime they o er is catered to SKIN Irevision and essay dead- important. With many students still re- your personal skin type. They ask you a lines lead you to grab energy covering from the e ect that puberty had number of questions to make sure that drinks to see you into the ear- CHALLENGING workouts on their complexions, you are matched to the correct products, could prevent psoriasis, with ly hours of the morning, and so you know that you will bene t from us- DW VS MAES GLAS chocolate to pro- research nding that women You know that you ing them as they are catered speci cally by AILISH BUMPUS your mind o the sweat and pain. There is also tainly get what you pay for and may actually though the sta to member ratio is signi cantly vide you with the a lovely large low-lit pool, two hot-tubs and a look forward to going! larger and it is sometimes hard to nd anyone will beneﬁ t from using to you. who worked harder in the t this time of year, getting in shape or necessary comfort Currently on o er at Debenhams, the 3 gym had 25-30% less risk steam room, giving the gym a very luxurious For those looking for a more laid-back, and sig- except for the o ce sta . There are also usu- food to get you them as they are catered just becoming healthier is a common spa-like feel. Although membership is a pretty ni cantly cheaper, gym, the university-owned ally groups of school children hanging, or run- required elements of the regime (facial of developing the disease. thought. Bangor may not have the big- through. How- speciﬁ cally to you soap, clarifying lotion, and moisturising A steep £29 per month (cheaper for o -peak Maes Glas is the best bet. For £10 a month ning, around due to Maes Glas being used by ever, this incred- Exercise is believed to have gest range of gyms, but the two most popular times) this does include access to any of the (£15 including access to classes) the gym of- schools in the area, which can be a little annoy- it is important to have a good skincare gel) are available in a sample sized set for (Maes Glas and DW) o er both pricey quality ibly healthy diet routine. As a person that has tried many £20. Though pricey on a student budget, an anti-in ammatory e ect large range of group classes, from easy-go- fers bright and spacious, albeit plain, exercise ing. This is the same for DW, but with a lesser (note sarcasm) and a cheaper, student friendly alternative. ing yoga to hard-core circuit training and, of rooms with basic equipment. Classes (such as extent as the gym only o ers childrens swim- products in an attempt to clear up my the products last for a long duration de- as well as an ability to rid DW is a little further away from the University, has a detrimen- face from blemishes, I place a lot of value spite being used twice daily, and are de - you of stress and anxiety, course, the popular dancercise class Zumba. spinning and Zumba) are taken in gym halls ming classes. tal a ect on with its situation on Caernarfon Road, but for The sta are generally friendly and helpful, al- similar to those at school, which may be more Overall, Maes Glas is a gym that does what on good products that work for you as an nitely worth the money for the change both of which are known your well-being, you will see. I would absolutely recom- those who are serious about a lifestyle change though can seem a little aloof now and again. appealing than the smaller studios of DW, and it says on the tin and is very good value for individual. causes of skin are-ups. DW is great. It’s equipped with a large weights including the Out of sheer desperation, I decided to mend visiting Debenhams for a consulta- The place may be a little daunting at rst but subsequently the larger classes feel a lot more money. It will be exciting to see the levels of condition of area and plenty of treadmills and other exer- you feel at home within a few days. You cer- relaxed. The sta are very approachable al- success it reaches following its refurbishment. try my luck and visit the somewhat intimi- tion, so you can see the e ects for yourself. cise machines, with TVs in front of you to take your skin. dating Clinique counter in Debenhams. Though I know 48 Seren | May , 2013 BOOKS

By NICOLA HOBAN ough I have not (yet) read any of his other ter, who is living on borrowed time with termi- John Green’s superb writing skills allow his works, including ‘Paper Towns’, ‘Looking for nal cancer despite the medical miracle that has readers to look upon the lives of Hazel and Au- t is not very o en that I can say that it was Alaska’ and ‘An Abundance of Katherines’, I have allowed her to live a few more years of her teen- gustus and their love for each other, and see how an absolute privilege to read a book. Whilst I been seeing reviews, discussions and recommen- age life. Having resigned herself to her inevitable their cancer a ects their lives and the lives of o en nd them to be interesting and some- dations for John Green and ‘A Fault in Our Stars’ fate Hazel is forced to go to a weekly Cancer Kid those around them. whatI captivating, a lot of the time they tend to all over, and I nally decided to get myself to the Support Group and it is here that she meets the Beautifully written, ‘A Fault in Our Stars’ is be missing that special something that has me nearest bookstore and purchase myself a copy. handsome and charismatic Augustus Waters. guaranteed to have you laughing one sentence reading all through the night. It is a rare thing to Best. Decision. Ever! is tale is a heart-wrenching one as we see two and sobbing the next as it tells the story of two nd a gem in a bookstore, but that is what I man- Described as being John Green’s “best work young characters fall in love with each other, all young lovers and their struggle between life and aged to do when I bought myself a copy of John yet” by Publishers Weekly, ‘A Fault in Our Stars’ the while knowing that either of them could die death. Green’s ‘ e Fault in Our Stars’. tells the story of sixteen-year old Hazel Lancas- at any passing moment. SEREN’S SUMMER READS

omas Bickerdike Ida Väisänen Ailish Bumpus e Good, e Bad and Luke Smith Callum Hulme When God was a Rabbit Chocolat e Multiplex e Gone Series Good Omens

YOUR brother uses your mother's I rst read Chocolat during a pretty MARK Kermode is arguably the THE ‘Gone’ series is dystopian science DARK, witty and morbidly funny, clothes, the man next door is a miserable and wet holiday. Upon best lm critic around at the min- ction with a twist. Centred around a Good Omens is the result of a collabo- creeper, your Aunt might be in love opening the book I was whisked away ute. His previous book, It’s Only a ctional American town in which eve- rative e ort between Terry Pratchett with your Mum and your pet rabbit to a pictureqsue French village, lled Movie, displayed the strange life ry human, een and older, vanishes, and Neil Gaiman. Both e ectively says obscenities. Sarah Winman's with mysterious characters and the he lives as a critic. In his most re- the action packed pace drags you into stamp their trademarks on a book wonderfully absurd novel makes scent of chocolate. e story is about cent book, e Good, e Bad and the world of the ‘FAYZ’ from the get that you won’t soon forget. A captivat- you laugh when it doesn't make you Vianne and Anouk Rocher, a young e Multiplex, he tries to answer go. Getting progressively darker and ing story about the end of the world, cry. It lays out a colorful and humor- woman and her daughter who move what is wrong with modern movies. more sinister, the protagonists are Good Omens never fails to amuse – ous portrait of a child's mind, turn- around a lot but then happily settle It begins with a brief acknowledg- forced into a Lord of the Flies battle for a reluctant duo are sent in search of ing even the most awful events into in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. Con ict ment to projectionists, how their role survival against mysterious supernatu- the anti-Christ and in their attempts a comedy. Life takes Eleanor Maud, arises as she opens up a chocolate was once the most important person ral forces and each other as society to avoid the apocalypse, almost un- Elly for short, from Essex to Corn- shop during Lent, and the controlling in a cinema. He also questions why begins to collapse. e ultimate story wittingly bring it about themselves. wall and from there to New York, parish priest is not happy. But a sexy blockbuster movies should be better, of friendship, the series centres around Witch hunters, Angels, Demons, At- from childhood to adulthood. It's a gypsy man (played by Johnny Depp in whether or not there is still a role for one ultimate question; when there are lanteans and Aliens – Good Omens beautiful description of a family, love the movie adaptation) is happy to help. lm critics and the “inevitable” decline no rules and no answers, just who can almost dares you to believe in it all and life's little hilarities. A must-read for lovers of romance, ex- of 3D. Perfect for any movie lover… you trust? on this hilarious ride to the end of the citement and indulgence. world. 48 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 49 BOOKS ARTS AND CULTURE DOUBLE, DOUBLE, TOIL AND TROUBLE

Strutting their hour upon the stage: BEDS in their performance of e Scottish Play.

In light of BEDS’ recent - and fantastic - production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Rosie MacLeod takes a look at the historical context of the play’s writing. aphael Holinshed produced a ruling both England and Scotland si- the practice of witch hunts and witch for power and desire for the crown nently marked and dirtied by murder factual work known as ‘Chron- multaneously and in union. It is be- trials led to an overwhelming major- and an inability to resist this tempta- she and her husband committed. is icles of England, Scotland lieved that Shakespeare began writing ity of women being tried as witches. tion, they murder King Duncan and scene was memorably performed by Rand Ireland’, which served as a valu- Macbeth in 1603, the very same year is has led to an increased percep- promptly descend into madness. At Dame Judi Dench and contains the omas Bickerdike able and fruitful point of reference for that King James began ruling England tion of a witch as an evilly feminised the time when the English and Scot- line “all the perfumes of Arabia will William Shakespeare; he used it as a in addition to Scotland. e perfected gure. How ironic it is that misogyny tish crowns had just been merged, this not sweeten this little hand”. Ida Väisänen Ailish Bumpus e Good, e Bad and Luke Smith Callum Hulme source of inspiration and historical version of the play is accredited with a was ardent enough to mercilessly try was Shakespeare’s way of delivering When God was a Rabbit Chocolat e Multiplex e Gone Series Good Omens accuracy for many of his plays. ese date of 1606. women as witches and yet in the same the stern, rm and uncompromis- OATS? OATS?? DAMNED SCOTS! ‘Chronicles’ reveal that the killing of Shakespeare intended for Macbeth age and land a woman – Elizabeth I ing message: “Do not kill your king!” More comically, the witches’ spell YOUR brother uses your mother's I rst read Chocolat during a pretty MARK Kermode is arguably the THE ‘Gone’ series is dystopian science DARK, witty and morbidly funny, King Duncan, the central plotline in to appeal to the new king of England. - reined England for forty- ve years. Shakespeare portrays Macbeth and in the latter stages of the play is com- clothes, the man next door is a miserable and wet holiday. Upon best lm critic around at the min- ction with a twist. Centred around a Good Omens is the result of a collabo- Macbeth, is based on fact. As such, it was tailored to the interests It is King James’ interest in witches Lady Macbeth as plagued and haunt- prised of revolting ingredients; “Eye of creeper, your Aunt might be in love opening the book I was whisked away ute. His previous book, It’s Only a ctional American town in which eve- rative e ort between Terry Pratchett –political and apolitical- of the new and spells that explains Shakespeare’s ed by guilt, completely unable to sleep newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and with your Mum and your pet rabbit to a pictureqsue French village, lled Movie, displayed the strange life ry human, een and older, vanishes, and Neil Gaiman. Both e ectively WHEN SHALL WE THREE MEET monarch. is play focuses on blood- choice to open the play at the Weird and relax and becoming increasingly tongue of dog”. Macbeth was written says obscenities. Sarah Winman's with mysterious characters and the he lives as a critic. In his most re- the action packed pace drags you into stamp their trademarks on a book AGAIN? IN 1603, UNDER A COM- baths and sword ghts among the jeal- Sisters gathering: To grasp the atten- enslaved by the crippling weight on at a time when Scotland was rmly in wonderfully absurd novel makes scent of chocolate. e story is about cent book, e Good, e Bad and the world of the ‘FAYZ’ from the get that you won’t soon forget. A captivat- MON REIN. ous and vindictive aristocracy and be- tion of the monarch from the outset; their shared conscientious. ese may the English psyche, for the two crowns you laugh when it doesn't make you Vianne and Anouk Rocher, a young e Multiplex, he tries to answer go. Getting progressively darker and ing story about the end of the world, e Union of the English and Scot- gins at a meeting of...peasant witches? the whole play is punctuated with ap- appear normal responses for people became uni ed. en, the Scots’ diet – cry. It lays out a colorful and humor- woman and her daughter who move what is wrong with modern movies. more sinister, the protagonists are Good Omens never fails to amuse – tish crowns played a huge part in the e inclusion of the witches through- pearances from the ree Witches, de- who have ended someone else’s life. oat porridge and haggis- varied sharp- ous portrait of a child's mind, turn- around a lot but then happily settle It begins with a brief acknowledg- forced into a Lord of the Flies battle for a reluctant duo are sent in search of conception of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. out Macbeth may seem incongruous; signed to hold the King’s attention for However, these depictions of trauma ly from the English one and was con- ing even the most awful events into in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes. Con ict ment to projectionists, how their role survival against mysterious supernatu- the anti-Christ and in their attempts Queen Elizabeth I produced no o - they gure in the play because the new the entirety of the play’s action. and insanity by guilt were in fact all sidered strange by many English. is a comedy. Life takes Eleanor Maud, arises as she opens up a chocolate was once the most important person ral forces and each other as society to avoid the apocalypse, almost un- spring and so no heir or heiress to in- James I of England was massively in- intended to warn the audience against witches’ spell of grotesque spell-stu s Elly for short, from Essex to Corn- shop during Lent, and the controlling in a cinema. He also questions why begins to collapse. e ultimate story wittingly bring it about themselves. herit the English throne a er her de- trigued by witchcra and the folklore DAGGERS IN THE SMILES. treason and designed to intimidate is widely believed to be Shakespeare’s wall and from there to New York, parish priest is not happy. But a sexy blockbuster movies should be better, of friendship, the series centres around Witch hunters, Angels, Demons, At- mise. When Good Queen Bess died in and hysteria surrounding it. At this As well as attering King James them in favour of the monarchy. One insolent jibe traditional Scottish cook- from childhood to adulthood. It's a gypsy man (played by Johnny Depp in whether or not there is still a role for one ultimate question; when there are lanteans and Aliens – Good Omens 1603, James 6th of Scotland succeeded time of huge interest in these paranor- into watching Macbeth, the play also such episode that intensely incites fear ing. beautiful description of a family, love the movie adaptation) is happy to help. lm critics and the “inevitable” decline no rules and no answers, just who can almost dares you to believe in it all the English crown from Elizabeth in mal and mystical beings, witches were served a more political purpose, con- is Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene; and life's little hilarities. A must-read for lovers of romance, ex- of 3D. Perfect for any movie lover… you trust? on this hilarious ride to the end of the March 1603: James VI of Scotland was regarded, on an artistic and folklore veyed through the ill fate of Macbeth “Her eyes are open. eir sense shut” citement and indulgence. world. therefore James 1st of England as well, level, as genderless gures. However, and Lady Macbeth. Seduced by a lust as she soliloquises feeling perma- 50 CREATIVE Seren | May , 2013 Banksy Unmasked

Jonathan Spencer Raychul Standen Raychul Standen Words In the darkness I found you, remember And my face turned your heart in embers Whilst re ecting in maybe too much smoke Glowing lights hung on every word we spoke

I gazed down upon your twisted mind Of many things that make you blind Of reckless thoughts and maybe too much smoke But you know I heard every word you spoke

The outline of the cigarette glows Kris Humphreys Anne Muth In the darkness of unwanted woes Lost in details of maybe too much smoke You took for granted every word I spoke.

Over thinking Miles start to matter as I start counting seconds, The distance between us changes things, I reckon I’m wide awake while you’re chasing the night But I’ll be fast asleep by ickers of twilight

I trust your good intentions that you’ll let Anne Muth Sophie Thiele me know In one message too much that you won’t let me go But I’m too tipsy and I’m staying way too late I need to nd a reason to escape this faith

I made it through the door and I’m in one whole piece, I knew something was missing and it was your kiss The distance between us makes it hard, I reckon Miles start to matter as I start counting seconds.

- Poems by Ana Victoria Kris Humphreys Kris Humphreys NEW PORTRAIT OF THE TATE BRITAIN SCRAPS TEXT CHINESE PAINTINGS Arts News! QUEEN UNVEILED EXPLANATIONS NEXT TO ART COMING TO V&A A new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has been The Tate Britain has stopped putting texts be- A major new exhibition at London’s V&A will unveiled in Cardi , and has divided critics. side artworks to explain what the works mean, see historic Chinese paintings go up on public The painting (left) was created by Cardi born as part of an overhaul of the gallery. display this Autumn. artist Dan Llewelyn Hall, 32, the youngest person It is hoped the change will encourage visitors The exhibition, “Masterpieces of Chinese Paint- to ever paint the Queen o cially. to think more freely about what the works mean ing”, will feature images from the years 700-1900 But whilst Llewelyn was thrilled with the re- to them, as well as create space on the walls for AD, some of which are so fragile they have never sults, the general public have been less than more artworks. The move is part of museum di- previously left Asia. Works included are a 14m complimentary, with many taking to Twitter to rector Penelope Curtis’ vision for the gallery, who hand scroll painted by 17th century artist Bada express their disappointment. hopes to revolutionise the way in which their im- Shanren, as well as natural paintings from 950 One user, William Hanson said: “Horri c new ages are displayed. AD portrait of HM The Queen. She is such a beautiful The gallery’s latest exhibition, BP Walk Through Martin Roth, museum director said: “It is an woman yet no “artist” is capable of capturing it.” British Art, described as a “presentation of the honour to present this once-in-a-lifetime experi- Another, David Frazier said: “I’ve never seen a world’s greatest collection of British art,” features ence of seeing the greatest examples of Chinese royal portrait like that. It is a shocking portrayal; works displayed in chronological order from painting together and understanding how they she looks like a caricature of her Spitting Image over a 500 year period, with the aim of o ering were created.” puppet.” visitors an educational “walk through art time.” 50 CREATIVE Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren CREATIVE 51 Banksy Unmasked

See more great content online! seren.bangor.ac.uk

Jonathan Spencer Raychul Standen Raychul Standen Words by TOM HAYNES With Rocket Launcher” began be- erating fresh interest in street art as In the darkness I found you, remember coming noticed around Bristol and a genre. And my face turned your heart in embers o many Bangor students, Bank- London, he began exhibiting in the However, whilst Banksy’s fame Whilst re ecting in maybe too much smoke sy is the artist with street cred. early noughties, leaving before the continued to rise, so did his notori- Glowing lights hung on every word we spoke TThe one whose name made us public entered to avoid the spot- ety. In April 2007, the London trans- sit up and listen in class, and whose light. port painted over his image from I gazed down upon your twisted mind work o ered a rebellious alternative Of many things that make you blind The themes of his work became the lm Pulp Fiction, in which the Of reckless thoughts and maybe too much to the stu y Pre-Raphaelites. But increasingly prominent as his pro le guns were replaced with bananas. smoke behind the spray paint is an artist of escalated; anti-war, anti-capitalist, The police felt the piece depicted “a But you know I heard every word you spoke real depth, whose work o ers a wry anti-establishment. His 2005 exhibi- general atmosphere of neglect and comment on contemporary culture. tion “Barely Legal,” billed as a “three social decay which in turn encour- The outline of the cigarette glows Born in Bristol, he rst began spray Kris Humphreys Anne Muth day vandalised warehouse extrava- ages crime.” In the darkness of unwanted woes painting in early nineties, when ganza,” featured a live elephant in It is this un inching hutzpah, Lost in details of maybe too much smoke he became part of the Bristol Un- You took for granted every word I spoke. the room, painted pink and gold, in combined with the wit, mystery, derground Scene. He began using order to draw attention to the “ele- and commercial appeal of his work, stencils after almost getting caught phant in the room” of world poverty. that has catapaulted Banksy to the Over thinking spray painting onto a passenger However it was in 2006 that “the iconic status he holds today. Whilst Miles start to matter as I start counting train, and realised he needed to “cut Banksy e ect” really began to take the work of other gra ti artists will seconds, my painting time in half or give up The distance between us changes things, I hold. Christina Aguilera famously fade away, his will continue to be ad- reckon alltogether.” bought his original painting depict- mired for years to come (unless the I’m wide awake while you’re chasing the After early works such as “20 Min- ing of Queen Victoria as a lesbian for establishment get their hands on it night utes, District Line”, and “Mona Lisa £25,000. He was applauded for gen- rst!) But I’ll be fast asleep by ickers of twilight

I trust your good intentions that you’ll let Anne Muth Sophie Thiele me know Interview with Rebecca Kitchin In one message too much that you won’t let ebecca Kitchin is an award I mainly use watercolours but in- to pick the lock 10 years later but life drawing and complete demos) me go But I’m too tipsy and I’m staying way too late winning illustrator living in creasingly I am mixing my medias there is hope and don’t ever lose it so it’ll be somewhat out of my com- I need to nd a reason to escape this faith RGwynedd. Tom Haynes gets - watercolour base with Indian inks because, I was told by a famous il- fort zone, especially when my studio the lowdown on her work. and colour pencils over the top. I lustrator just before I graduated, is at my house! But I hope people I made it through the door and I’m in one The subject of many of your illus- occasionally dabble in oils, though never give up your dream because will come and view my work and see whole piece, trations are animals and people. I nd the process of oils a long and one day someone will see your work my inspiration of the amazing views, I knew something was missing and it was What draws you to these subjects, tiring as I tend to work very quickly. who likes it and slowly the ball will the animals and how I produce my your kiss and what else inspires you? A hairdryer helps! gather speed! I would recommend work. Hopefully there will be tea and The distance between us makes it hard, I I suppose I get inspired by char- Which artists do you feel have building up a really good body of cake and of course, lots of art work reckon Miles start to matter as I start counting acters of the animals and people I inspired you? work of your style, get a good, well at a ordable prices. Just watch out seconds. draw. I don’t want to produce just Turner, without a doubt. To me, designed website and up-date it (I for the lamb who likes to say hello! any old portrait, I want to capture he was the rst impressionist. His must up-date mine!) Get experience Finally, what are you currently - Poems by Ana Victoria the character of the subject; their bold use of watercolours and oils, where you can, even if you work for working on, and as an artist, what Kris Humphreys Kris Humphreys beauty, their strength, their weak- his ability to emphasis the light in free - I gained experience in web- are your ambitions for the future? ness, their passion. I suppose I am an his work is just incredible! I am also design and photoshop (which were Currently I am completing several NEW PORTRAIT OF THE TATE BRITAIN SCRAPS TEXT CHINESE PAINTINGS old romantic really. I want people to inspired by illustrators such as Paul my weakest subjects) to be able to animal portrait commissions, which QUEEN UNVEILED EXPLANATIONS NEXT TO ART COMING TO V&A enjoy my paintings and illustrations, Davis, Dave Mckean and of course, add to my CV. Don’t be afraid to do are my ‘bread and butter’. I hope to Arts News! I don’t want to question, to make a Fashion Illustrator David Downton. something wacky or ‘out there’ to be commissioned to illustrate some A new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has been The Tate Britain has stopped putting texts be- A major new exhibition at London’s V&A will statement, to cause o ence as so My Father, Peter Kitchin, was my make an impression. Try and get a more informative Children’s Books unveiled in Cardi , and has divided critics. side artworks to explain what the works mean, see historic Chinese paintings go up on public many modern installation artists do, rst chance to be inspired though good agent, although be warned after the success of the Welsh Lan- The painting (left) was created by Cardi born as part of an overhaul of the gallery. display this Autumn. who work on concepts, concepts - he was working as creative group they will take their slice of the cake! guage book ‘Cyne n yr ardd’ Writ- artist Dan Llewelyn Hall, 32, the youngest person It is hoped the change will encourage visitors The exhibition, “Masterpieces of Chinese Paint- should be kept for advertising and head of Saatchi when I was a child, I often nd, once you have received ten by Iolo Williams and Bethan Wyn to ever paint the Queen o cially. to think more freely about what the works mean ing”, will feature images from the years 700-1900 marketing campaigns not for art. Art his magic marker pens were far to ir- one commission, that one commis- Jones. Maybe in the future to write But whilst Llewelyn was thrilled with the re- to them, as well as create space on the walls for AD, some of which are so fragile they have never sults, the general public have been less than more artworks. The move is part of museum di- previously left Asia. Works included are a 14m should be something that illustrates resistible to ignore, so I would sneak sion often leads to more. and illustrate my own Children’s complimentary, with many taking to Twitter to rector Penelope Curtis’ vision for the gallery, who hand scroll painted by 17th century artist Bada a point, or something of beauty you into his studio to draw. In September, you will be tak- Book about the naughty animals I express their disappointment. hopes to revolutionise the way in which their im- Shanren, as well as natural paintings from 950 can hang on your wall. On my wall You’ve previously been commis- ing part in Helfa Gelf. How are you seem to have acquired on my small One user, William Hanson said: “Horri c new ages are displayed. AD I want portraits of my animals and sioned to produce artwork for feeling about the event, and what holding! portrait of HM The Queen. She is such a beautiful The gallery’s latest exhibition, BP Walk Through Martin Roth, museum director said: “It is an the things I enjoy - I am a keen horse Debenhams’ Bullring store. What can visitors expect of your studio? woman yet no “artist” is capable of capturing it.” British Art, described as a “presentation of the honour to present this once-in-a-lifetime experi- rider, therefore equines play a huge advice would you give to aspiring I have never taken part in an ‘open Another, David Frazier said: “I’ve never seen a world’s greatest collection of British art,” features ence of seeing the greatest examples of Chinese role in the art I produce. illustrators hoping to break into studio event’ I am looking forward royal portrait like that. It is a shocking portrayal; works displayed in chronological order from painting together and understanding how they Which materials do you most like the industry? to it but with some trepidation, I she looks like a caricature of her Spitting Image over a 500 year period, with the aim of o ering were created.” to use to create your illustrations, It is a very di cult industry to am quite a private person when it puppet.” visitors an educational “walk through art time.” and why? break into, in fact, I am still trying comes to my art (although I do teach 52 TRAVEL Seren | May , 2013 A DAY IN THE

BERLINER BERLIN WALL by LJ TAYLOR day in Berlin. of Berlin and discounted entry to the a packed-out Italian by the name of unfortunately made us all look ridicu- For someone who actually knows museums on Museum Island, a bar- Vapiano which boasted a serve your- lous. hen you think of Berlin the very little about the war, for me the gain we would recommend. self service. is had you waiting e interesting part, for me at least, last thing you think of is walk of the wall was really interest- Hopping on a train in Berlin is just twenty minutes for food whilst your came next as we headed over to Ber- sun. In fact I was looking ing and informative. e second point that; hopping on and hopping o . friends waited at the table. e food lin’s Natural History Museum (Mu- forwardW to our two day trip to Ger- on the walk, at Zimmerstraße, al- Perhaps it’s down to the tragic Arriva was good though. seum für Naturkunde) and met some many’s capital, over Easter, because lowed us to get up close properly to Trains Wales that dare to call them- We nished o our night in Berlin’s dinosaurs! I had never been on a holiday that what remains of the wall. It was actu- selves a ‘service’ that we were so im- Sony Center which is a really nice part I always thought that natural his- hadn’t been sun-centred. And then I ally quite intimidating up close and pressed with the e ciency of the Ger- of Potsdamer Platz with a number of tory museums were free, apparently got sunburnt. we couldn’t believe how it must have man rail system: the S-Bahn. shops, restaurants and even a cinema not, but the dinosaurs were cute. ey Sunburn aside, Berlin was an intense been for the people living in Berlin at Later that day we found ourselves complex. even had cool visual e ects binoculars and informative trip back in time the time it was constructed. To wake by Berlin’s TV Tower which, at 368 On our second day we decided to which focusing on a certain dinosaurs to World War II and Cold War Ger- up one morning and not even be able metres, is Germany’s tallest structure. visit Museum Island on the North of skeleton with them would bring it to many. It sounds a little cliché but it’s to go to work because a concrete wall Unfortunately it was closed the day we the Spree River. We got into the Perga- life and tell you about it. true. Berlin seems to market itself in is suddenly in your way, to not be able visited but that didn’t keep the pesky mon Museum for free with our Berlin All in all Berlin was a fantastic desti- this way and once you’ve read the in- to visit your family for years, is com- tower from invading our holiday. No Pass. e rst room showcased the nation for my very rst city break. We formation panels around the wall you pletely insane. matter what part of Berlin we found Pergamon Altar, the museum’s name- were able to t in everything we want- can kind of see why. e building and A er a few hours of walking around ourselves in, no matter how many sake, which has been reconstructed as ed to do in the two days but longer the deconstruction of the Berlin wall the wall’s main locations, in the trains we got on thinking we were much as possible though there are still would have been nice too. e public is such a huge part of the city’s history. scorching heat, we realised that Ber- miles away from our start point, the many missing pieces. e altar depicts transport made tting everything in We stayed in a really nice hotel by lin is actually a lot bigger than we TV tower would pop up in our view! a great battle between the Ancient possible with its e ciency. Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous had originally thought. We found e remainder of our day was spent Greek Gods and the Titans. is was ere were plenty of tourist destina- checkpoint built by the U.S. to en- ourselves by the Brandenburg Gate, a at Berlin’s East Side Gallery which is by far the best part of the museum, tions, as would be expected in a capital able diplomats to cross between East beautiful piece of architecture rebuilt a section of the wall decorated with though our love of Greek mythology city. Whilst a lot of Berlin did centre and West Germany. e hotel was lo- in the late 18th century, where one brightly coloured artwork. It stretches helped. e next room displayed Ro- on the war, for obvious reasons, there cated just a two minute walk from the of our company decided to tell us all three quarters of a mile past the river man architecture followed by a recon- was enough other things to see if you checkpoint which was a perfect spot about the three di erent types of col- and so, was a nice walk in the sun. struction of the Ishtar Gate of Baby- wanted to avoid all of that. I reckon we for the tourist photo, as well as the rst umns. Eventually we realised that we Our worst experience in Berlin was lon. e Pergamon museum provided could de nitely see ourselves visiting point on the Berlin Wall trail. is was had bought a Berlin Pass for €36 each probably trying to choose a restaurant a free audio tour which informed us again and this time maybe we’ll even what took up the majority of our rst which gave us free travel in all areas that we all liked. Eventually we found about some really interesting facts but use our German! VIENNESE Our Arts and Culture Editor gives you a tour around the Austrian capital. by ROSIE MACLEOD remind tourists of Edinburgh or York breathtaking, especially by night, and of Queen Victoria in e Mall in Lon- perform music. at house was a site and some, more modern, Viennese ar- its impeccably-kept gardens house don. of his musical artistry and gambling he Austrian capital, Vienna - eas heavy in Victorian decor resemble several statues, including one of Mo- Tourists and pilgrims alike ock to and debauchery in equal amounts. otherwise known as Wien - has London. Most of Vienna’s buildings zart. e Ho urg itself holds regular visit the Viennese central focal point e audio tour describes the mystery a City Airport Train ‘CAT’ ser- are so beautiful they can be appreci- art and museum exhibitions, and the Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. It was vis- surrounding the composer’s death. A Tvice to take passengers from the air- ated externally, such as the ‘Rathaus’ entry fees are always student friendly. ited by Pope John Paul II and there is (non-musical) note written by Mo- port and directly into central Vienna. and the eatres. e Austrian capital e ‘Stadtpark’ is on the banks of the a plaque inside to commemorate his zart’s own hand survives to this day A ‘CAT’ return ticket is cheap at €17. is rich in museums, notably the Jewish Danube and boasts a statue of Strauss visit, as well as some beautiful paint- It has turned pink with time and is Vienna is a city that changes in museum and lm museum, and these and a clock face comprised of owers ings. housed in the ‘Haus am Mozart’. character as you traverse through it; have a ordable entry fees. in bloom. Near the ‘Museumsquartier’ e ‘Haus am Mozart’ is worth a some quarters are Florentine in am- e Ho urg was the Habsburg’s – is a formidable statue of Empress Ma- visit whether you enjoy music, history bience and architecture, others look the last Austrian royal family - sum- ria eresia. It, (perhaps) surprisingly, or both. Although born in Salzburg, extremely Eastern European, others mer residence. e building itself is bears much resemblance to the statue Mozart moved to Vienna to write and 52 TRAVEL Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren TRAVEL 53 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A... FINN Ida takes time out of commenting on Britain to tell us a little about her home country.

by IDA VÄISÄNEN in the gorgeous Esplanadi’s park. You can take your time deciding what you here is crowd everywhere want to do next. ere is no bustle of around you. Still, the swarm- the city forcing to make quick deci- ing is nothing compared to sions. Tthe buzz of the European metropolis. is city pushes itself a lot. And why People walk past you, not looking at shouldn’t it? It ghts for the tourists you. Usually the rst shock to some- against much bigger cities with much one who is visiting Helsinki, is that warmer climates. You might sneer at no-one takes any notice of you. the Lapland junk sold everywhere, e people are silent as well. In the but the battle is erce. Without many trains and buses there is unbreakable international attractions (we have a silence scaring many of the foreign- Hard Rock Cafe now!), Helsinki has ers, intimidating them even further to do its best to get the tourists to when realizing that the silence isn’t come and watch the midnight sun limited only to transportation. Still and be puzzled how absolutely every- there is something soothing in that thing closes down during the national silence. It allows you to blend into the holidays. BERLIN WALL city, since no-one gives a damn. And still this place has its charm. It BERLINER You don’t run out of things to do in is peaceful in its own disregard. Ce- Helsinki. You can just take your pick. lebrities and other well-known g- by LJ TAYLOR day in Berlin. of Berlin and discounted entry to the a packed-out Italian by the name of unfortunately made us all look ridicu- Want to go shopping? ere are three ures, including the current president, For someone who actually knows museums on Museum Island, a bar- Vapiano which boasted a serve your- lous. shopping centers in the central area. wander among the ordinary people. hen you think of Berlin the very little about the war, for me the gain we would recommend. self service. is had you waiting e interesting part, for me at least, Fancy museums? Helsinki has over 80 ey even stop in once in a while for last thing you think of is walk of the wall was really interest- Hopping on a train in Berlin is just twenty minutes for food whilst your came next as we headed over to Ber- great museums. eatres? Got seven. a chat. No secret service, no army of VIEW OF HELSINKI sun. In fact I was looking ing and informative. e second point that; hopping on and hopping o . friends waited at the table. e food lin’s Natural History Museum (Mu- Amusement park? You’re covered. bodyguards. forwardW to our two day trip to Ger- on the walk, at Zimmerstraße, al- Perhaps it’s down to the tragic Arriva was good though. seum für Naturkunde) and met some Name pretty much any activity, you While doing a concert in Helsinki, many’s capital, over Easter, because lowed us to get up close properly to Trains Wales that dare to call them- We nished o our night in Berlin’s dinosaurs! can get it here. Unless it involves sun, Madonna ended up spending almost I had never been on a holiday that what remains of the wall. It was actu- selves a ‘service’ that we were so im- Sony Center which is a really nice part I always thought that natural his- then you might have a problem! a week there a erwards, able to walk hadn’t been sun-centred. And then I ally quite intimidating up close and pressed with the e ciency of the Ger- of Potsdamer Platz with a number of tory museums were free, apparently As a local I don’t need to see all that down the streets and take rides at the got sunburnt. we couldn’t believe how it must have man rail system: the S-Bahn. shops, restaurants and even a cinema not, but the dinosaurs were cute. ey in one day. I have also seen the fa- amusement park without any fuss. It’s Sunburn aside, Berlin was an intense been for the people living in Berlin at Later that day we found ourselves complex. even had cool visual e ects binoculars mous landmarks, the Sibelius monu- merciful that way. You can be anyone and informative trip back in time the time it was constructed. To wake by Berlin’s TV Tower which, at 368 On our second day we decided to which focusing on a certain dinosaurs ment and the Olympic stadium. I can and just BE. Because seriously, no one to World War II and Cold War Ger- up one morning and not even be able metres, is Germany’s tallest structure. visit Museum Island on the North of skeleton with them would bring it to concentrate on buying strawberries gives a damn. many. It sounds a little cliché but it’s to go to work because a concrete wall Unfortunately it was closed the day we the Spree River. We got into the Perga- life and tell you about it. from the street stand and eating them true. Berlin seems to market itself in is suddenly in your way, to not be able visited but that didn’t keep the pesky mon Museum for free with our Berlin All in all Berlin was a fantastic desti- this way and once you’ve read the in- to visit your family for years, is com- tower from invading our holiday. No Pass. e rst room showcased the nation for my very rst city break. We formation panels around the wall you pletely insane. matter what part of Berlin we found Pergamon Altar, the museum’s name- were able to t in everything we want- can kind of see why. e building and A er a few hours of walking around ourselves in, no matter how many sake, which has been reconstructed as ed to do in the two days but longer the deconstruction of the Berlin wall the wall’s main locations, in the trains we got on thinking we were much as possible though there are still would have been nice too. e public is such a huge part of the city’s history. scorching heat, we realised that Ber- miles away from our start point, the many missing pieces. e altar depicts transport made tting everything in We stayed in a really nice hotel by lin is actually a lot bigger than we TV tower would pop up in our view! a great battle between the Ancient possible with its e ciency. Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous had originally thought. We found e remainder of our day was spent Greek Gods and the Titans. is was ere were plenty of tourist destina- checkpoint built by the U.S. to en- ourselves by the Brandenburg Gate, a at Berlin’s East Side Gallery which is by far the best part of the museum, tions, as would be expected in a capital able diplomats to cross between East beautiful piece of architecture rebuilt a section of the wall decorated with though our love of Greek mythology city. Whilst a lot of Berlin did centre SIBELIUS MONUMENT ZACHARIUS TOPELIUS and West Germany. e hotel was lo- in the late 18th century, where one brightly coloured artwork. It stretches helped. e next room displayed Ro- on the war, for obvious reasons, there cated just a two minute walk from the of our company decided to tell us all three quarters of a mile past the river man architecture followed by a recon- was enough other things to see if you checkpoint which was a perfect spot about the three di erent types of col- and so, was a nice walk in the sun. struction of the Ishtar Gate of Baby- wanted to avoid all of that. I reckon we for the tourist photo, as well as the rst umns. Eventually we realised that we Our worst experience in Berlin was lon. e Pergamon museum provided could de nitely see ourselves visiting point on the Berlin Wall trail. is was had bought a Berlin Pass for €36 each probably trying to choose a restaurant a free audio tour which informed us again and this time maybe we’ll even what took up the majority of our rst which gave us free travel in all areas that we all liked. Eventually we found about some really interesting facts but use our German! PARISIAN Ali advises you on how to survive the hustle and bustle of Paris.

by ALI KESHTMAND with a tub of Pringles where, across mented for hours staring at old Ital- VIENNESE the space of 20 minutes, ve brim- ian paintings of Jesus (and there are Our Arts and Culture Editor gives you a tour around the Austrian capital. arisians don’t go to the Ei el ming boat restaurants went past; I of loads). But if you really want to know Tower. To them it’s a big, bor- course, waved to the diners all ve Paris, go through Couchsur ng, like by ROSIE MACLEOD remind tourists of Edinburgh or York breathtaking, especially by night, and of Queen Victoria in e Mall in Lon- perform music. at house was a site ing, iron triangle host to stu- times. Along the river walkways, tall I did. e people walking around are pidlyP loud tourists and weirdly smart and some, more modern, Viennese ar- its impeccably-kept gardens house don. of his musical artistry and gambling French couples laugh together eating too distant in their daily lives for you he Austrian capital, Vienna - eas heavy in Victorian decor resemble several statues, including one of Mo- Tourists and pilgrims alike ock to and debauchery in equal amounts. pickpockets. I went to Paris during the baguettes of tomato and mozzarella, to be able to get anything other than otherwise known as Wien - has London. Most of Vienna’s buildings zart. e Ho urg itself holds regular visit the Viennese central focal point e audio tour describes the mystery Easter break, and le with a taste of a sweaters over their shoulders. e a super cial tourist look on the city. a City Airport Train ‘CAT’ ser- are so beautiful they can be appreci- art and museum exhibitions, and the Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. It was vis- surrounding the composer’s death. A city that is paradoxically both colder women are beautiful, and the men Go stay in the houses of the trench- Tvice to take passengers from the air- ated externally, such as the ‘Rathaus’ entry fees are always student friendly. ited by Pope John Paul II and there is (non-musical) note written by Mo- and more romantic than my home- intimidatingly cool. But what do Pa- coat wearing, jazz-listening, cigarette port and directly into central Vienna. and the eatres. e Austrian capital e ‘Stadtpark’ is on the banks of the a plaque inside to commemorate his zart’s own hand survives to this day town, London. Without making this risians do? Well, besides eat out in smoking landscape architects and A ‘CAT’ return ticket is cheap at €17. is rich in museums, notably the Jewish Danube and boasts a statue of Strauss visit, as well as some beautiful paint- It has turned pink with time and is too London-speci c, in many ways very expensive restaurants, they go photographers. It’s a city that seems Vienna is a city that changes in museum and lm museum, and these and a clock face comprised of owers ings. housed in the ‘Haus am Mozart’. they’re similar in that they are very and consume some of Paris’ eternally pretentious and unfriendly, but a er character as you traverse through it; have a ordable entry fees. in bloom. Near the ‘Museumsquartier’ e ‘Haus am Mozart’ is worth a busy cities full of people who just secreting culture. Both the Louvre you get over the clipboard-holding some quarters are Florentine in am- e Ho urg was the Habsburg’s – is a formidable statue of Empress Ma- visit whether you enjoy music, history mind their own damn business. Yet, and the Orsay are saturated with art pickpockets, you won’t want to leave. bience and architecture, others look the last Austrian royal family - sum- ria eresia. It, (perhaps) surprisingly, or both. Although born in Salzburg, PARIS the cold air in Paris is stained with and are free to Under-25 EU citizens, extremely Eastern European, others mer residence. e building itself is bears much resemblance to the statue Mozart moved to Vienna to write and romance. I sat along the river Seine and thus you might nd yourself ce- 54 Seren | May , 2013 FOOD WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS: A POINTLESS EXERCISE IN GASTRONOMIC PRETENSION?

RESTAURANT MAGAZINE RELEASE LIST OF WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS TO A MIXTURE OF FERVERENT INTEREST AND QUESTION MARKS OVER THE RANKINGS’ RELEVANCE AND ACCURACY

by JOE RUSSELL futile exercise that goes no further ultimately discomforting. little more. Menzel’s Hunger Planet: What than gastronomic posturing. Gastronomically, its pretence is so There are also nancial issues the World Eats book. Menzel trav- Essay writing is an invariably This year’s list – released on 29th heavily reliant of individual palates highlighted by the list. eater.com elled the world, capturing images of cathartic process that takes you April – was initially met by my furi- and preferences that it shouldn’t published an excellent graph that families and their weekly shopping through the mill of wild despera- ously indignant patriotism in view have any semblance of authority. demonstrated the average cost of a (accompanied by how much it cost). tion, ts of nonsensical ramblings of their sparse recognition of Brit- While the academy partially agree tasting menu at each on the guide’s Unsurprisingly, the book exposes via social media and can after can of ish restaurants; just three – Brett with this notion – they note how the socioeconomic dis- the latest kooky, edgy brand of en- Graham’s The Ledbury and Hes- its reliance on personal experi- GUARDIAN FOOD WRITER MATTHEW parities that make Restau- ergy drink on o er at Morrison’s. But ton Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck ence means it can’t be construed FORT ONCE CALLED THE LIST ‘HUMBUG’ rant Magazine’s decadent through all the pain and heartbreak and Dinner – made it into the top as a de nitive arbiter of the world’s awards ceremony seem of lost words, ill-thought out phras- fty. That exasperation was quickly best establishments – their ‘cred- remarkably out-of-place es and poorly planned arguments, replaced by a gentle reminder that ible indicator of the best places to top fty. The most expensive – Hes- in this austere world. Images of west- there is one constant: the emphatic I’m not even remotely nancially eat around the globe’ caveat makes ton Blumenthal’s 33nd rated The ern consumption of chocolate bars, knowledge that what you’re doing, equipped to subsidise a lifestyle me wonder whether they are in fact Fat Duck – costs nearly £200 per bottles of wine and bags of crisps jar while presently stressful and inter- that would enable me to criticise taking this process very seriously. guest. Conversely, the cheapest – with the depiction of the Sudanese minable, will someday be worth it. the academy’s decisions with any To an extent, this is hardly surpris- Nahm of Thailand – averages out Aboubakar family whose weekly That in the end, it won’t be an en- ing; gastronomes all over the at just under £40-a-head. Interest- shopping costs just 79 pence – who tirely feckless exercise. I FORGAVE THE ‘INTERNATIONAL world congregate to masticate ing, Nahm’s position as the 32nd knows how far that would get them And it’s with this in mind that I RESTAURANT INDUSTRY EXPERTS on social media throughout best restaurant illustrates the sort in an establishment recognised by wonder: do the ‘Academy’ of 900 the event, twittering away at of ‘positively democratic’ nancial Restaurant Magazine’s list. professional chefs, food critics, blog- modicum of personal experience. the minutiae of the list’s order. At representation visible in this year’s In their defence, Restaurant Maga- gers and ‘foodies’ that work together And then, consequently, I forgave least Joan Roca, one third of the list, according to critic Felix Salmon. zine do acquiesce to the existence of to produce the annual list of Restau- the ‘international restaurant indus- Roca brothers trio whose restaurant And yet, the list still contains twenty- these disparities. Their website notes rant Magazine’s World’s 50 Best try experts’ for the blatant prejudice El Celler de Can Roca was voted as six restaurants that cost just under how, although food should be cel- Restaurants ever stop and think, against British restaurants and their this year’s number one, isn’t taking £100 per tasting menu. ebrated ‘far too many families will go ‘what’s the point?’ Their annual an- harmless, arbitrary opinions. Not the rankings too literally. Asked how These lists are only democratic to to bed hungry each and every night’ nouncement never fails to induce a before, I should add, I spent an hour he felt about the award, he said: this year. In response to plethora of disparaging sentiments THE LIST STILL CONTAINS TWENTY-SIX spent reading and salivating my way “We don’t think we are the best in RESTAURANTS THAT COST JUST UNDER these contrasting eating from the gastronomic world; some through the menus of most of the the world”. £100 habits, their o cial char- of it is evidently born out of under- listed establishments only to return For every excited tweet about ity partner is Farm Af- standable jealously at the voters’ to last night’s pizza (which, in reality, the latest rankings, there is a voice of the same extent as they are appli- rica, who raise funds to help Africa’s fortunate position as guinea pigs to I feel guilty about referring to derog- dissent. Guardian food writer Mat- cable to the world that supposedly families feed themselves. Farm Af- some of the world’s nest chefs. And atorily. We all know it’s king). thew Fort once called the list ‘hum- represent; there are very few people rica’s emphasis is on sustenance and yet, there’s also an awful of entirely Yet, once I was done admiring the bug’; a contemporary of Fort’s, Ali who can actually food to eat here. ensuring the availability of food and justi ed criticism that always re- self-deprecated back-slapping and Kurshat Altinsoy, said the awards Praising the awards for its egalitarian water for generations in Africa sults in the same conclusion: trying pictures of champagne imbibing were just ‘about what’s cool’. On a posturing seems wide of the mark. Perhaps next year, while we should to compile a list of just fty brilliant chefs and critics at the awards night, similar chord, Bonjwing Lee depict- Indeed, with perfect ironic tim- be grateful for what we have, we restaurants across the globe is so I returned to my initial state of incre- ed the awards as at best illustrative ing, on the same week as the guide should call it a day on the practice of clearly feckless that wouldn’t be best dulity at the many reasons why this of the ‘ fty trendiest (or most-pub- was released the Guardian printed listing fty places in the world that to just not bother? Really, there are practice is entirely redundant and licized) restaurants in the world’ but a collection of images from Peter cook better food than others. so many reasons why the guide is a May , 2013 | Seren 55 FOOD

SPRING DINING ROAST SAUSAGES WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BRAISED PICTURES AND PITCHERS: LENTILS LENTILS aren’t immediately identi able as THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF FITZGERALD’S CLASSIC ‘THE GREAT suitable fodder for springtime noshing. Yet, when introduced to the sharp kick of red wine GATSBY BRINGS WITH IT A CHANCE TO PARTAKE IN SOME SPRINGTIME vinegar they undergo an uplifting transforma- tion that makes them light and appropriate for DRINKING this time of year. What’s more, when you com- aving recently nished a dissertation for a drink’ in the morning while Tender is the tive. As luck has had it, though, we should all bine them with deep, porcine sausages whose addressing the importance of food Night’s Albert McKisco ‘had a thin vinous fur rejoice in Gatsby’s fortuitous attendance at our avour bene ts from long, slow roasting to car- Hand drink in the work of Ernest Hem- over him’. The Great Gatsby frequently enter- spring-time party. To this, I propose a toast: amelise its skin, you nd yourself creating a de- ingway and F.Scott Fitzgerald, I feel duty tains scenes of ‘ oating rounds of cocktails’ and if you haven’t already seen Gatsby (it was re- licious meal using modest produce that doesn’t bound to watch the upcoming cinematic ac- long swills of ‘gin rickeys that clicked full of ice’. leased on Wednesday) then take some time break the bank. The sage and thyme aren’t count of Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby only It’s tting, in a way, that the delayed release away from deadlines and exams and invite particularly essential; they do add a pleasant, after a heavy session of imbibing all manner of Baz Luhrmann’s lm coincides with the nas- some friends over. Mix up a few of these sim- heady depth to the dish’s cooking liquor but of lethal cocktails laced with potent, hango- cent spell of beer garden weather we’re cur- ple cocktails and pretend you’re in New York in I wouldn’t go as far to say they’re a necessary ver-inducing spirits. This is the only state that rently experiencing. Had it arrived as planned the ‘20s. Then and only then should you travel ingredient. The red wine vinegar, on the other be ts the experience. Fitzgerald’s characters in December of last year, the thought of qua - to Llandudno Junction to soak in Luhrmann’s hand, is a must. Without it you’ll feel like you’re were invariably drunk; Anthony Patch in The ing ice-cold cocktails in a bar a la circa 1925 take on Fitzgerald’s enduring classic. back in December. Beautiful Damned stumbled ‘into the pantry wouldn’t have been anywhere near as attrac- Remember to pre-heat your oven to 180 ° at Each recipe serves one the start.

Raspberry Rickey Dark and Stormy (Serves 4)

Combine four raspberries with two shots of vodka, one shot of lime Fill a glass with ice and pour in two shots of dark rum. Add 250ml • 8 pork sausages juice, a dash of Chambord and top up with soda water ginger beer and the juice of half a lime. Stir well. • 1 butternut squash • 250g green lentils Gin Rickey Sidecar • 1/2 can tomatoes • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar Fill a glass with two shots of gin and the juice of half a lime. Top up Rub the rim of your glass with lemon juice and sugar. Pour one shot • 4 sage leaves with ice cold soda water. each of Cointreau and lemon juice with two shots of cognac over ice • 1 sprig of thyme and stir. • 1 pinch chilli akes • Olive oil by LAURA JONES • Salt and pepper hen you reach third year, it’s very RESTAURANT REVIEW: di cult to come across a restaurant 1. Rinse the lentils under cold running wa- that you haven’t eaten at in Bangor. TABLE TABLE W ter and place in the largest saucepan or So, when it came to choosing a location last casserole dish you have. Cover with wa- week I decided to broaden my horizons and 4 OUT OF 10 ter and the tinned tomatoes. make the trek to Table Table on Parc Menai. 2. Bring to the boil before simmering until On rst appearance I was impressed, the res- tender. (This process should take forty taurant looked like its other chain counter- minutes. To be sure, stir them occasion- parts with a rustic and high quality appear- ally and taste after the forty minutes. If ance. This good impression didn’t last very they’re chalky when you bite them, leave long, however. The service was, if possible, them to cook for a while longer until too attentive with our waitress complain- they’re tender.) ing that we took too long to place our order. 3. Meanwhile, to cook the sausages and It may seem like a bit of an overreaction, squash, pour two tablespoons of olive oil but I was rather perturbed by the fact that into a roasting tray along with salt, pep- there was no tuna on the menu. Yes, that per, the chilli akes, thyme and torn sage probably seems pretty ridiculous when causing the waitress some inconvenience. always feel uncomfortable when my more leaves. Add the sausages and squash and most people will veer towards the burg- coat well in the avoured oil mix. Place ers, curries, or hunter’s chicken, but for peo- When the meal came, I was seriously dis- vocal friends make their opinions known appointed. The jacket potato was dry, and with the sta in establishments. On this oc- in the oven and roast for around thirty ple trying to aim for a slightly healthier or minutes. less expensive option, tuna is important! though it included a fancy side salad, I felt casion though, I couldn’t help but express as though it wasn’t worth the money I paid. my distaste (but not to the sta obviously, 4. When the lentils are cooked, drain any Anyway, due to our over enthusiastic wait- excess cooking liquid and incorporate ress poking us with a stick to get us to order, The two people that I was eating with en- god forbid I was ever negative to anyone). joyed their meals, but agreed that they Overall, I wouldn’t recommend going out of the red wine vinegar and two table- I ended up ordering a jacket potato with spoons of olive oil. Season with salt and sour cream. Why that is even an option in the could probably have received a similar your way to eat at Table Table. I’ve eaten at standard from a supermarket ready meal other branches of this restaurant and have re- pepper and keep warm. rst place when tuna was completely void 5. To serve, pile the lentils in to generous from the menu is beyond me, but I ordered (which are tasty, but that’s not the point). ally enjoyed the food in the past but based on I’m not the kind of person to complain, and this experience I wouldn’t go back again. serving bowls and dish out the sausages it anyway because I awkwardly felt like I was and squash evenly. 56 BREAKTIME Seren | May , 2013 This is the Puzzler. If you’ve found him in this and every other edition of Seren this year, let us know at editor@ seren.bangor.ac.uk and you could be in for a chance at winning a prize!

THE SEREN CROSSWORD

Take a good look through this month’s Seren to discover the answers to this issue’s crossword Across: 5. _____ Johnson, Seren’s Environmental Editor. (4) 6. Men’s Basketball won _____ team of the year at AU Awards. (7) 10. e Gilbert and Sullivan society present ‘ e _____’. (6) 11. _____, our favourite Mother of Dragons from ‘Game of rones’. (8) 14. Where was voted Bangor’s Best Nightclub? _____. (7) 17. e end of the world has been and gone in Will Smith’s upcoming lm ‘A er _____’. (5) 18. Bangor students win ‘Best _____’ in European competition. (10) Down: 1. Creative Corner discusses the works of artist _____ in this month’s issue! (6) 2. Where did Emma travel to in her gap year? _____. (5) 3. Ali reminisces about his time in _____ during the Easter break. (5) 7. ‘Double, Double, Toil and _____’. (7) 8. John Green’s critically acclaimed book, ‘ e Fault in Our _____’. (5) 9. Sir Paul McCartney’s concert was invaded by _____. (11) 12. What TV comedy programme did Becci reccomend to readers? _____. (6) 13. e _____, the world’s rst successfuly red 3D-printed gun. (9) 15. ‘_____ Bueller’s Day O ’, omas’ favourite coming-of-age lm. (6) 16. Seren Editor LJ professes to be Marvel superhero _____ Man. (4) WORDSEARCH

BERLIN CAFFEINE SUDOKU CHOCOLAT COMEDY DANCE FASHION EASY FRIENDS INJUSTICE MARVEL PITCHER PONTIO ROGUES SEX SOCIETIES SUMMER Garth Road, Bangor

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY 58 BREAKTIME Seren | May , 2013

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE! Spot the di erence between these two photos from this year’s Societies Awards! ere are six to look out for!

BEFORE

AFTER MOST STUDENT FRIENDLY 60 Seren | May , 2013

AUSpecial mention goes out to all ofAwards the Half Colours, Half Honourary, Full Colours and Full Honourary award winners. There were, in total, 123 Half Colour winners, 2 Half Honouary winners, 66 Full Colour award winners and 4 award winners who got the Full Honourary award. The main awards followed the individual awards and were each met with rapturous applause. Here are the winners:

Fresher of the Year (Men): SIMON TAYLOR • Fresher of the Year (Women): GEORGIA MITCHELL Sportswoman of the Year: SARAH CASKEY • Sportsman of the Year: LEWIS FISHER AU Club of the Year: ROAD CYCLING • AU Team of the Year: WOMEN’S FOOTBALL • Spirit of the Union: LACROSSE Varsity team of the year: MEN’S BASKETBALL • AU Presidents’ Award: IZSI CULLIS • Best Dressed: MEN’S FOOTBALL

Varsity Team of the Year: Sportsman of the Year: MEN’S BASKETBALL Best Dressed Team: LEWIS FISHER MEN’S FOOTBALL

AU Club of the Year: ROAD CYCLING AU Team of the Year: WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

by JOE KEEP respectable 66th place in the BUCS ture of building a ‘fresh team’ which received the award. tently, with no one speaking over he one night of the year where league with events still to come over can ‘strive for even more than the The end of the awards left AU him at any time. As Emyr nished, he the sweat covered, energetic summer. With a display of exquisite year we had’. They also o ered sig- Team of the Year, the biggest award handed over to his successor, Nicola Tand all round tremendous food on display, the night kicked o ni cant praise for the leadership up for grabs, the one that all the Pye. Nicola had a hard act to fol- members of the Athletic Union trade well. With the various clubs socialis- and involvement of Emyr Bath, the teams wanted. As the announce- low, but managed to match Emyr’s in their kits for dresses, suits and ties, ing, o ering each other congratula- AU president, who had been able to ments were made, some rejoiced, speech, promising to do as much as the AU dinner provides a glimpse tions on the year as well as pointing manage the vast amounts of teams whilst others applauded the winner, Emyr and expand upon the ground- behind the immense amounts of ef- out particular incredible feats of fairly. However, this feeling was re- Women’s football. With the awards work he had made in improving the fort left on pitches and courts into bravery, or stupidity in some cases, placed by one of a high raised ten- out the way, Emyr took to the stage. sports facilities including Maes Glas. what the members are like o the providing a friendly atmosphere in sion as the time for the awards came As he did so, he was met by a stand- The evening was tied up by Emyr, pitch. which the contest of the individual around. With each team vying for ing ovation, with the whole AU let- wishing everyone a ‘fantastic year’ The night is there to celebrate their teams was lost. individual bragging rights, as well ting him know what he means to and commenting that he was ‘proud successes, which are numerous over Many teams, such as cheerleading as members being in a similar posi- them. As his speech went on, he to have been president of this year’s this year, with a valiant and close af- and the American football teams, tion, each award was greeted with picked up on the key elements of AU ’. fair at Varsity whilst also achieving a o ered comments on the ‘fantastic rapturous applause, even more so the AU, such as their teams work and year’ they had, with views to the fu- by the members of the team which togetherness; the teams listened in- May , 2013 | Seren 61 62 Seren | May , 2013 SPORT AU In Brief Gwynedd Cup BANGOR Football team this month reached the Gwyendd cup nal. Bus- es took students from Main Arts to watch the nal which unfortunately saw the Bangor team lose 2-0 to LLanerchymedd FC. It was a great achievement for the club to reach the nal and they can hopefully go one step further next time. AU AGM

THE AU again held their annual Bangor Student Runs Marathon general meeting in which they elect their new committee. is year all by KEVIN GRIFFIN of his life goals now: run the marathon. account of me wearing my Yaya Toure What charity did you run for? Any positions were up for reecletion. e I managed to ask him a few questions Manchester City shirt. Also, the girls particular reason? he London Marathon is a well AU executive committee will work and these are the responses I got: holding a sign that read “Motivational ‘I ran for Ronald McDonald House known event throughout the alongside next year’s VP Sports & How much preparation did you do Sign” was pretty epic.’ Charities. I work for McDonald’s and whole world. It has a track of Healthy Living Nicola Pye, who was, for the London Marathon? Was it your rst marathon? What have done for 4 years now and the Tjust over 26 miles. If you are familiar this year’s BUCS o cer. ‘All the preparation! I trained for time did you nish in? charity build ats near hospitals so with London, then you will know it about a year, there is a training guide ‘Yeah, it was my rst. I completed it that parents can stay with their chil- is pretty much a completely at track. to follow on the London Marathon in 3 hours and 48 minutes.’ dren when the children are ill. It’s a Every year, tens of thousands of peo- website so i followed that for a bit and How many other marathons or half- worthwhile cause.’ ple partake in this event and run for a then kind of just ran all the time to- marathons have you competed in? is is a great achievement for any- charity of their choosing. People run wards the end and did my own thing.’ ‘I have only competed in two half- one to do, especially for running for a it dressed in fancy dress where others What was the support like through- marathons before the London Mara- charity. People are still able to donate Badminton run it competitively. In this case, one out the marathon? thon. ere was the half-marathon to this cause until June 1st 2013. If of our own, a Bangor University stu- ‘ e support was awesome. It was in Blackpool, my hometown, and the you want to donate, go to this web- dent, ran it last month. just like being at a football game. I Anglesey half-marathon, which was site - www.justgiving.co.uk/shauncur- SINCE the last issue of Seren we’ve Shaun Fleckney is a second year psy- loved the fact that everyone was giv- four weeks before London. I ran that tis eckney. Shaun is aiming to raise seen Bangor University Badminton chology student who has a desire to ing out jelly babies and whenever I distance around 30 times but only £1000.00 for the charity and has so far club take part in a 24 hour marathon better himself in running and decided ran past they shouted “Go on Yaya”, on competitively twice.’ raised £364.14. A great achievement. Badminton session in order to raise it would be a great idea to tick o one money for Cancer Research UK. e team played from 5PM to 5PM on Normal Site. Called the 24 hour Bangor Pole Fit badathon it was another excellent example of the charitable work done by AU clubs this year. e club wants to add more students by ELENA NEOPHYTOU run at a fully equipped studio in town with professional, quali ed instructors, and stu- ole is a new sport in the Athletic Un- dents are able to get involved in the world ion that gives students the chance to of pole for a fraction of the original studio participate in a sport that incorpo- price thanks to an agreement between the Summer ratesP dance, gymnastics and acrobatics, al- club and the studio owner, Tracy Huck eld. lowing them to express themselves in a wide One of the club's main aims was to create Sessions variety of styles whilst performing amazing a safe and fun environment where any stu- tricks and getting surprisingly strong sur- dent could get involved. We believe we have THIS summer Bangor are putting prisingly quickly! Bangor Uni Pole (BUP) de nitely achieved this as our classes are on a series of Summer Sessions for was envisioned and created by two Bangor made up of an impressively diverse group any student who is in Bangor to try University students that had been attending of people who come together to take part in activities that they may not have had classes at a pole dancing studio in Bangor the sport, breaking down the negative ste- the chance to try before. In the past – Pagan's Pole Dance and Circus Academy reotypes traditionally associated with 'Pole'. this happened when a group of Inter- for two years. e aims were twofold: To set With three club members receiving their national Students went Kayaking. up a community for students who are pole half colors and the two founders receiving dancers and an a ordable avenue to the op- their full colors at the end of this year, we portunities that other sports have through are expecting BUP to quickly become an the AU, and to set up an approachable club established and successful member of the that would encourage students that don't Athletic Union. Other plans for the club Club know about pole or can't a ord it to give it a starting next year include planning an- try. In November 2012 the rst set of cours- nual shows and fundraisers, collaborating es started running with 20 students joining with other clubs and societies to plan per- AGMs immediately, almost selling out the entire formances, competing in inter-university class. Now, six months on, the club can competitions as well as working to establish A lot of clubs will, by now had their boast an impressive increase to 40 members o cial inter-university leagues and com- AGM, if you want to feature in the – just 20 members short of full capacity, and petitions for the numerous pole clubs and freshers’ issue of Seren you can two levels/courses to accommodate both societies in universities all around the UK. e-mail [email protected]. beginners and more experienced dancers. e club's e-mail is: pole [email protected]. Seren is a great way to publicise your We are certain that next year with our cur- ac.uk, our Facebook group is Bangor Uni club and your achievements. rent members and new recruits, the club Pole, and a website is under construction will reach full membership capacity, and so containing more information about pole, one of next year's aims will be to expand the FAQ's and lots of cool pole news and me- current capacity and o er more classes and dia. Get in touch if you want to know more extra training to members. e classes are about pole and if you want to get involved! 62 Seren | May , 2013 May , 2013 | Seren 63 SPORT SPORT AU Memorial In Brief Basketball Match e game started with a silence Gwynedd by KEVIN GRIFFIN the most entertaining quarter of the game with both sides having plenty n epic tribute to Andrea of opportunities. However, the New Cup Watton, a student of Ban- Girls were largely wasteful in their gor University who unfortu- chances where the Old Girls were BANGOR Football team this month Anately passed away a er an accident clinical. It nished there at 27 - 3 to reached the Gwyendd cup nal. Bus- in the Alps three years ago, was held es took students from Main Arts to the Old Girls. is was followed by at Maes Glas in the form of a bas- an impressive display by the Ban- watch the nal which unfortunately ketball game. It occurred between saw the Bangor team lose 2-0 to gor Dragons cheerleading squad. the current basketball team, or New e third quarter was underway LLanerchymedd FC. It was a great Girls in this case, and the Old Girls. achievement for the club to reach the with the New Girls completely up In a game that consists of four quar- against it. Both sides ended up cancel- nal and they can hopefully go one ters, this basketball game was very en- step further next time. ling each other out in what was a low tertaining to say the least. With dance scoring quarter where it ended 39 - 9 to groups entertaining the crowd a er the Old Girls. Again, this was followed

BANGOR LEAVERS PLACED 3RD, NARROWLY AU AGM MISSING OUT ON 2ND PLACE BY GOAL DIFFERENCE

every quarter, this event has to be de- by a dance routine, this time a street THE AU again held their annual Bangor Student Runs Marathon scribed as being very successful and dancing crew! In order to win the general meeting in which they elect did well in honouring the memory of game the New Girls had to go mental of his life goals now: run the marathon. account of me wearing my Yaya Toure What charity did you run for? Any their new committee. is year all by KEVIN GRIFFIN Andrea. It started with a minute si- if they wanted to win it. However, they positions were up for reecletion. e I managed to ask him a few questions Manchester City shirt. Also, the girls particular reason? lence for Andrea and anyone could feel he London Marathon is a well had trouble scoring despite a number AU executive committee will work and these are the responses I got: holding a sign that read “Motivational ‘I ran for Ronald McDonald House the emotion in the hall as it happened. known event throughout the of opportunities. e game’s full time alongside next year’s VP Sports & How much preparation did you do Sign” was pretty epic.’ Charities. I work for McDonald’s and e rst quarter was a tense a air with whole world. It has a track of result was: New Girls 11 - 53 Old Girls. Healthy Living Nicola Pye, who was, for the London Marathon? Was it your rst marathon? What have done for 4 years now and the both sides sizing each other up and Tjust over 26 miles. If you are familiar In what was an incredible event, this year’s BUCS o cer. ‘All the preparation! I trained for time did you nish in? charity build ats near hospitals so seeing how each other play. It was with with London, then you will know it the stand was full with people there about a year, there is a training guide ‘Yeah, it was my rst. I completed it that parents can stay with their chil- no surprise then that the score at the is pretty much a completely at track. to support the cause and hon- to follow on the London Marathon in 3 hours and 48 minutes.’ dren when the children are ill. It’s a end of the rst quarter was relatively Every year, tens of thousands of peo- our Andrea’s memory. ey raised website so i followed that for a bit and How many other marathons or half- worthwhile cause.’ low at an 8 - 3 lead to the Old Girls. ple partake in this event and run for a money for e Mountain Rescue then kind of just ran all the time to- marathons have you competed in? is is a great achievement for any- In the break between the rst and charity of their choosing. People run Charity. From all of us at Seren, we wards the end and did my own thing.’ ‘I have only competed in two half- one to do, especially for running for a second quarters, the audience were it dressed in fancy dress where others congratulate everyone who was in- What was the support like through- marathons before the London Mara- charity. People are still able to donate entertained by a hip hop dance rou- Photo by Jodie Williams run it competitively. In this case, one volved in what was a great event! Badminton out the marathon? thon. ere was the half-marathon to this cause until June 1st 2013. If tine. e second quarter was by far of our own, a Bangor University stu- ‘ e support was awesome. It was in Blackpool, my hometown, and the you want to donate, go to this web- dent, ran it last month. just like being at a football game. I Anglesey half-marathon, which was site - www.justgiving.co.uk/shauncur- SINCE the last issue of Seren we’ve Shaun Fleckney is a second year psy- loved the fact that everyone was giv- four weeks before London. I ran that tis eckney. Shaun is aiming to raise seen Bangor University Badminton chology student who has a desire to ing out jelly babies and whenever I distance around 30 times but only £1000.00 for the charity and has so far club take part in a 24 hour marathon better himself in running and decided ran past they shouted “Go on Yaya”, on competitively twice.’ raised £364.14. A great achievement. Badminton session in order to raise it would be a great idea to tick o one money for Cancer Research UK. e team played from 5PM to 5PM on Normal Site. Called the 24 hour Bangor Pole Fit badathon it was another excellent example of the charitable work done by AU clubs this year. e club wants to add more students by ELENA NEOPHYTOU run at a fully equipped studio in town with professional, quali ed instructors, and stu- ole is a new sport in the Athletic Un- dents are able to get involved in the world ion that gives students the chance to of pole for a fraction of the original studio participate in a sport that incorpo- price thanks to an agreement between the Summer ratesP dance, gymnastics and acrobatics, al- club and the studio owner, Tracy Huck eld. lowing them to express themselves in a wide One of the club's main aims was to create Sessions variety of styles whilst performing amazing a safe and fun environment where any stu- tricks and getting surprisingly strong sur- dent could get involved. We believe we have THIS summer Bangor are putting prisingly quickly! Bangor Uni Pole (BUP) de nitely achieved this as our classes are on a series of Summer Sessions for was envisioned and created by two Bangor made up of an impressively diverse group any student who is in Bangor to try University students that had been attending of people who come together to take part in activities that they may not have had classes at a pole dancing studio in Bangor the sport, breaking down the negative ste- the chance to try before. In the past – Pagan's Pole Dance and Circus Academy reotypes traditionally associated with 'Pole'. Photo by Jodie Williams this happened when a group of Inter- for two years. e aims were twofold: To set With three club members receiving their national Students went Kayaking. up a community for students who are pole half colors and the two founders receiving dancers and an a ordable avenue to the op- their full colors at the end of this year, we portunities that other sports have through are expecting BUP to quickly become an BU Dancing on high the AU, and to set up an approachable club established and successful member of the that would encourage students that don't Athletic Union. Other plans for the club BU Dance sell out JP Hall in Summer show know about pole or can't a ord it to give it a starting next year include planning an- o that the 100+ dancers had put a dia critic. However this time Antony about) the sheer amount of e ort put e show also saw the debut perfor- Club try. In November 2012 the rst set of cours- by MATT JACKSON nual shows and fundraisers, collaborating lot of time and e ort into the show, Butcher and Dan decided to have an in by the BU Dancers. e club hosts mance of BU Dances Burlesque dances started running with 20 students joining with other clubs and societies to plan per- ever one to leave a show with- something that their teachers, most of on stage dance o to PSY’s newest hit around 320 members and has 16 class- ers, an art form that has in recent times immediately, almost selling out the entire AGMs formances, competing in inter-university out an audience BU dance whom also cho- es, that’s more this year than gained credibility and popularity; it class. Now, six months on, the club can competitions as well as working to establish once again packed out JP reograph their ever before and this doesn’t went down a storm with the crowd and A lot of clubs will, by now had their boast an impressive increase to 40 members o cial inter-university leagues and com- Nhall for their latest Summer O ering. FROM THIS SHOW WE RAISED ROUGHLY own dances will look likely to slow down. was a solid performance. e summer – just 20 members short of full capacity, and AGM, if you want to feature in the petitions for the numerous pole clubs and Dance is one of Bangor’s most substan- be proud of. £230 FOR HOPE HOUSE Dance Captain Victoria show consisted of 16 dances includ- two levels/courses to accommodate both freshers’ issue of Seren you can societies in universities all around the UK. tial AU clubs and despite not being eli- Host Dan Kirk said “From this show we ing BU Dance favourite the Jazz dance beginners and more experienced dancers. e-mail [email protected]. e club's e-mail is: pole [email protected]. gible, was still nominated for a society Short was, on raised roughly £230 for Hope that made up the ashmob in Decem- We are certain that next year with our cur- Seren is a great way to publicise your ac.uk, our Facebook group is Bangor Uni award 4 times. the opening night, graced with the Gentleman; it’s only been seen by a few House and over the whole year, we've ber, and the dance that the team took rent members and new recruits, the club club and your achievements. Pole, and a website is under construction Once again hosted by the ever im- presence of SU president Antony hundred on facebook. raised nearly £1500 for 5 di erent to Varsity. will reach full membership capacity, and so containing more information about pole, peccable Impsoc favourite Dan Short, Butcher, and still haunted by the However the hosting was just one charities and we're still collecting more A varied show saw a range of dances one of next year's aims will be to expand the FAQ's and lots of cool pole news and me- the 3 hour dancing extravaganza was memories of his Christmas Gangnam tick on the number of positives from money in”. e amount raised for char- from contemporary to ballet, and bur- current capacity and o er more classes and dia. Get in touch if you want to know more full of disciplined dance and light outing; something that was no doubt the show. Whilst no dance expert ity by the BU Dancers has been quite lesque to street. ere was de nitely extra training to members. e classes are about pole and if you want to get involved! hearted hosting. It was clear from the noticed by his number one social me- myself I can tell (and have been told staggering this year. something for everyone. Student runs marathon inside

page 62 SPORT Handball score in Wrexham e club started out with tape on the walls Bangor “Stayers” maintained a 100% success rate by SCOTT WILLEY angor University Handball Club, a club founded only two and a half years ago, won their B rst competitive tournament recently. e club, whose numbers have swelled from 10 to 45 in the last year, won Glyndwr University’s Invitational Tournament, a round-robin tournament entered by both university and local teams from the North West. Ban- gor elded two teams, one comprising of 3rd year and Masters Students who were playing their last matches for the club, and the other a team of players staying at the university next year. Bangor “Stayers” maintained a 100% success rate throughout the tournament, not dropping a single point, for which they were crowned champions. Bangor “Leavers” placed 3rd, narrowly missing out on 2nd place by goal difference, and having lost only to Ban- gor “Stayers”. Even Jon McTaggart, a player who only went to support and has never played in a competitive handball match before, was called into action when a rival team was short of numbers. is tournament marks the vast development of the club from its humble beginnings playing with tape on the wall for goals, no handball lines on the oor and only a few poor quality handballs. Bangor Handball now trains with borrowed goals, but are still without handball lines, making training extremely di cult. e current committee hope to resolve this problem during the redevelopment of Maes Glas, although much work is still to be done on this. Bangor University Handball Club are continuing to grow and develop, and are always looking for players for the next academic year. Training has ended for this year, but Handball will be represented at Serendipity, so come and say hello! e grass is greener at Bangor Tennis Club e club is due to get new facilities in the Maes Glas refurbishment by TOM VINCETT ticipation numbers to show for it, has little sign of becoming more clement Friddoedd site and Bangor Tennis ers to their social doubles on Tuesday to raise a few questions. Why are there but facilities and clubs really should Club. Maes Glas is due to erect a cover and ursday nights. e club’s teams ritish tennis is looking sur- so few great over their multi- compete across North Wales and are prisingly good at the elite level tennis play- purpose courts this always looking for new recruits. As a these days with Andy Mur- ers from the summer which will club member myself I can vouch for Bray rmly established at the top of THE CLUB’S TEAMS COMPETE ACROSS UK? Why isn’t nally enable the the friendly atmosphere and lack of the men’s game and Heather Wat- tennis more NORTH WALES AND ARE ALWAYS LOOKING playing of tennis on superciliousness so typical at many son and Laura Robson both in the popular in the those occasional wet tennis clubs. top 50 women. Once you look away UK? Clearly FOR NEW RECRUITS. Welsh days. Ban- So, when the sun comes back out from these heights though, the situ- the problem gor Tennis Club on and Wimbledon fever builds, dust o ation in the UK is less impressive. is with participation, if more people improve and become more welcoming Buckley road also has plans to enhance a tennis racket and hit some balls be- e recent resignation of Roger played there would be more champi- if tennis as a whole is ever to expand. their facility with repainted courts and fore the game diminishes any further. Draper as CEO of the Lawn Tennis ons. e main hurdles in the UK are Fortunately here in Bangor we are a new clubhouse. ey currently o er With the average age of the top 100 Association (LTA) a er 7 years of big the weather and de cient facilities or seeing positive movements in these a very reasonable student member- men’s players at 26, it’s not too late to spending and no real rise in tennis par- exclusive clubs. e weather shows directions at both Maes Glas on the ship at £55/year and welcome play- become the next Andy Murray.