ISSUE 1612 FRIDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2015
The Student Newspaper of Imperial College London
An astronaut in You get a Nobel Prize, you get a Nobel our midst Prize, everybody gets a PAGE 3 NEWS PAGE 8 SCIENCE Nobel Prize!
UNION TO CUT TIES WITH IMPERIAL HUB • Volunteering charity to continue work without union backing • Students complain they weren’t consulted • Funding confusion at root
mperial College Union has chosen to end its formal agreement with the student volunteering scheme, Imperial Hub. This means that the Hub will Ino longer work with the union or have office space within the building. Not to be confused with Student Hub, which is the college’s student support service, Imperial Hub is a national charity that specialises in coordinating social enterprise projects and volunteering for students. It was founded in Oxford and now has bases at several universities. This decision was made by the union during the summer, by which time a new committee had already been elected. The committee are keen to convey that their projects will not cease because of this decision. The union quietly announced the drop in a cheery post on the 29th of September. Snappily titled ‘Introducing our New Approach to Student Development and Volunteering’, the post discusses continued on page 4 th PAGE 2 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk
Contents News 3 Editor-in-Chief Grace Rahman Comment 6 News Editor A word from the Editor Cecily Johnson Science 8 Comment Editor i there all, and welcome for me, even though 100 copies of Tessa Davey Music 11 to your brand new FELIX are obviously much heavier Science Editor FELIX. What d’you than say, a baby. Film 14 Jane Courtnell think? Wait, don’t tell As always, it’s not too late to get me, I can’t hear you. involved with FELIX this year. Arts 19 Arts Editors What a week we’ve had. It was our Whether you’re a newb to Imperial, Indira Malik, Jingjie H first legit issue after the Freshers’ or just hadn’t got round to writing Games 27 Cheng and Max special, which we managed to put for us yet, drop [email protected] Falkenberg in almost every hall bedroom. This a message saying hello. Even Puzzles 28 Music Editor involved a handful of us minibussing better, if you want to meet section Cale Tilford it around London and throwing editors, generally quiz us and have Hangman 31 copies out of the window like in the some pizza while you’re at it, come Film Editor beginning of a film set in American along to our social. It’s in our Sports 32 Fred Fyles suburbia. Well, not quite, we were shiny new newspaper office down helped by loads of hall seniors, in the basement of West Beit on Welfare Editor who we have hella love for. At one Monday 12th at 5pm(ish). There Noor Mulheron point I was taking copies of FELIX are no hierarchies to infiltrate since Puzzles Editor between Xenia in Waterloo and most of our editorial team are new think we’re missing something, FELIX, Beit Quad, Cem Hurrell Parsons House at Charing Cross this year, and we’ll offer you all the point it out, and most importantly, Prince Consort Road, Hospital on the tube, which made training you might want, so do drop if news is happening in front of London SW7 2BB Sports Editor for very bizarre travelling. Everyone by. We’re well friendly. Well, I am. your eyes, take a picture and let us Tel: 020 7594 8072 Kunal Wagle thought I was some sort of Evening Also, as a final reminder, don’t know, via Twitter (@feliximperial), Printed by Iliffee Print Standard distributor gone rogue, forget to use and abuse us. If you Facebook or the good old fashioned Cambridge, Winship Road, Copy Editors so no one would give up their seat have a complaint, tell us. If you email above. Don’t be a stranger! Cambridge Jack Steadman, Cecily Registered Newspaper ISSN Johnson, Ahmed Ibrahim 1040-0711 & Mattin Mir-Tahmasebi Copyright © FELIX 2015 Technical Babe Luke Granger-Brown
Come and say hello! We’re having a social on Monday the 12th of October. 100% casual, meet and greet good times at 5pm. It’s in the FELIX office, in the West Basement of Beit. Come along if you’re a writer, photographer, web editor or programmer, potential puzzle maker, illustrator or pizza fan. We’re having pizza. felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9th OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 3
NEWS [email protected] Real life astronaut to join Imperial staff The former chemist was born outreach, doing talks on her experiences of space travel. She in Yorkshire, went to space and was recently awarded a science outreach prize from the British now works for the College Science Association. With David Nutt, the Imperial academic sacked Grace Rahman as the next British recruit to be as a government advisor for saying Editor-in-Chief trained as an astronaut. that ecstacy was less dangerous than Now Dr Sharman will be riding a horse, returning to do a dealing with chemists at Imperial. Horizons lecture, could Imperial his week, Imperial Although the role is managerial, be banking on their new resident announced the she told college in an interview on astronaut to do a few talks herself? appointment of a new their website that, “the fact that I The trip that blasted Dr Sharman Operations Manager enjoy chemistry means I just feel to fame, and space, was a joint in the Chemistry department, who right having a home in a chemistry venture by British companies and happensT to have been to space. department”. the Soviet government. When In the late 80s, Dr Helen Sherman After returning from space, British firms didn’t have the was working for the confectionary Sharman focussed on science finances to complete the project, company, Mars, when she heard a and the British government would radio advert appealing for wannabe not invest, Russia made up the rest space explorers. By 1991, she was Dr Sherman of the money. aboard the Mir space station, Dr Sharman has spoken out on conducting experiments with was the first the British government’s reluctance Russian cosmonauts. to spend on space flight, saying that Dr Sherman was the first there are long term gains. In a 2009 Briton in space, and remains the Briton in interview with The Telegraph, she only one, since all other British said that space flight gives people astronauts have had to change their space, and “the feeling that Britain is not adds Imperial to her enviable CV. citizenship, and make the trip under getting left behind when it comes to the American flag. She is likely to remains the technology and worldwide status”. remain the only British woman This sounds pretty Imperial to us. to do so for a while longer, since Having worked for a chocolate the European Space Agency has only one company and then going on to be Only five hundred and thirty-six people have been to space, automatically chosen a male helicopter test pilot an astronaut, Helen Sharman now qualifying Sharman for BNOC status. Photo Credit: amsat-uk.org Imperial supercomputer is named ‘Helen’ Competition to find name honours first female professor at Imperial, Helen Kemp Porter
Grace Rahman An analyst from the IT science throughout history”. Editor-in-Chief department, Kay Barrett, won the The supercomputer’s rebrand competition. On choosing the name, coincides with its recent upgrade. she said that Helen “really stood Opening up the naming process to he winning entry in a out” and that “as a woman working the college community has reminded competition to name in the technology sector, I thought everyone that Imperial does in fact one of Imperial’s it was important to recognise the have several supercomputers, and supercomputers has been contribution women have made to that they are available to Imperial announced, and it’s Helen. academics to test their models THelen Kemp Porter joined It was before asking for time with other Imperial’s Biochemistry department more powerful computers. in 1959, making her the first female important to The supercomputer, formerly professor at Imperial. This was a full known as CX2, has just been given ten years after Oxford and twenty recognise the more memory, with the competition after Cambridge appointed their being launched in celebration. first female professors. If Imperial This high powered computer is feels male dominated now, imagine contribution used to generate big data, analyse what it was like then. multifaceted models and predict the Porter was already a fellow of the women have outcomes of complex mechanical, Royal Society when she got the medical and structural set ups. job. The research group she headed made to After retiring from her post up at Imperial was one of the first at Imperial in 1964, Professor few to use chromatography to study science” Porter went on to the Agricultural metabolism in plants. Research Council. This Helen joined Imperial in 1959. Photo Credit: Smithsonian Institute Archives th th PAGE 4 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 5
NEWS [email protected] NEWS [email protected] Goodbye, so long and thanks for all the Imperial says goodbye to popular academic Cecily Johnson in establishing a new laboratory. News Editor After a brief stint at the University volunteering of Oxford, Professor Segal returned Imperial Hub is no longer affiliated with Imperial College Union. But Grace Rahman to Imperial for a Fellowship. By Editor-in-Chief ELIX was saddened to hear 2001 he had been promoted to why, and how will it affect students? of the death of Professor Senior Lecturer, then Reader and Danny Segal, who was finally Professor in 2011. His continued from front page five student trustees, lay trustees College for any funding. The union Senior Tutor of the colleagues from this time knew him ...the union “increasing our and every sabbatical officer bar the said it attempted to “soften the Department of Physics, at the end as an “admirable, sociable and good volunteering and student FELIX Editor (who take a year out tone” of this new clause by asking Fof the summer. Professor Segal was humoured” man. development services” before of their studies and are paid by the that Imperial Hub “consult and a popular figure in the department, While he was passionate about mentioning that their “strategic union). The Trustee Board is legally agree with [the union] any proposed having been at Imperial on and off his research, Professor Segal also partnersgip with Student Hubs has responsible for the union. agreements with college”. since completing his undergraduate proved popular as the first Warden come to an end”. The hub’s central office employed The union went on to say that degree in Manchester in 1983. of the Clayponds Hall of Residence The reasons behind this decision a member of staff to coordinate while these negotiations were Professor Segal’s research for postgraduate students. Later he are contested. Although Imperial their activities at Imperial and the going on, Imperial Hub had “been employed spectroscopic techniques took on the role of Senior Tutor Hub did not receive any funding hub’s statement says the decision approaching senior college staff...for to study the physics of atomic within the Department of Physics, from the union, and had not sought has the potential to cause three direct support for their activities”, collisions. He achieved his doctorate supporting the entire student body any, a union trustee board agenda redundencies. which they found out after being under Keith Burnett in the with a reputation for understanding makes the point that there was a At least one Imperial Hub staff “copied into an email response Spectroscopy Group – now called and compassion. Professor Danny Segal passed away last month after a short battle with cancer. Photo Credit: Imperial College London percieved “risk related to Student member was was given office to [Imperial Hub] from the Vice the Quantum Optics and Laser Professor Segal was diagnosed Hubs attempting to raise funds space in the union building, and Provost (Education)”. Imperial Science Group – where his talent with a serious brain tumour in treatment before ultimately passing the age of 55. He inspired his he “retained his unique character” from College Resources”. society level privileges for room Hub’s statement disagrees, saying for experimental physics helped him September 2014, undergoing away on 23rd September 2015 at friends and colleagues in the way throughout this period. Imperial Hub continues to make booking within it. With this, the that these meetings were arranged the point that students were not union was able to include Imperial by the student committee to consulted on the decision. The union Hub’s successes in its reports on celebrate their achievements and says that after discussion between volunteering, since the hub was a raise awareness with college, rather “union management and officer partner of Imperial College Union. than ask for funding. At a meeting trustees [i.e. sabbatical officers] the Imperial Hub elected a 2015/16 with Alice Gast, the president of Hubs were welcome at last year’s Freshers Fair. Photo Credit: Imperial Hub view was taken that the partnership committee last academic year, as they the college, Imperial Hub said it should come to an end as the had no idea their future partnership was “invited” to bring a proposal Development department. It’s no terminating the partnership before intentions of Student Hubs were with the union was under threat. In to college, which would include a secret that they’re looking to hire they had even notified [us]”. New postgraduate research student becoming clearer”. Members of an official statement released by the request for funding. two new recruits in this sector, but Dominic Falcao, of Imperial the Trustee Board were “not asked hub, they said that the union had The union said it knew the Imperial Hubs protests this. In a College’s Create Lab, wrote an at Imperial? Get some genius advice. formally to approve this decision “made it as difficult as possible for central hub charity had been set a statement seen by FELIX, Hubs open letter expressing dismay at the but all responses were supportive”. the student committee to continue” fundraising target of £135k, and wonders why the union didn’t invest decision. “For the meantime, I chose The union’s Trustee Board is and have “refused to have discussions the union’s worry seemed to be the money they had for these new to ignore your decision,” he said, made up of an appointed chair, about considering them as a student that the hub would attempt to staff members into Imperial Hub “I will continue to send Imperial The Graduate School + research skills + currently a professor at the college, society, and have offered support raise this from College, presumably given its “proven track record”. students to Imperial Hub”. only if the committee no longer jeopardising the union’s own In the same statement from Hubs, It’s too early to tell what this thesis milestones + working relationships works with Imperial Hub”. funding applications. Imperial Hub which contests several points in decision will mean for Imperial At Freshers’ At Tuesday’s Freshers’ Fair, the maintains this figure was taken “out the union’s Trustee Board agenda Hub, its volunteers and the projects + professional development + committee were not allowed a of context” and would not all have (which is freely available online, its been working on. With open work/life balance + and more… stand, posters or banners, and were been requested from the college. albeit deep within the throngs of letters, contradictory statements Fair, the instructed by the union not to The union currently employs two the website), Hubs say that the and agendas flying, this is one hell wear their Imperial hub branded members of staff in its Student union “spoke to partners about of a break up. committee clothing. Some of their flyers were taken away by union staff, but they were still managed to get four hundred sign ups. Michael Chung is Community In an open letter to the president Imperial Connections Volunteer of the Year 2014, instructed of the union and several union staff members, the President of the hub, CAG Chair 2014-15 and a general EEE by the union Daniel Chipchase, described how BNOC SUCCESS the union had left the hub members feeling “betrayed and undervalued”. I have to say I was terribly shocked when I heard not wear The agreement between Imperial the news. Whatever the reasoning behind the Union’s Hub and the union has been official decision, nothing speaks more about “building a student GUIDE since 2011, and was formalised by community” and “enhancing student experience” [the their Imperial a Memorandum of Understanding union’s slogans] for me than Imperial Hub. I have learnt between the two parties, essentially a great deal from working with the organisation, I just Take the first step to research success: Hub branded agreeing on the terms of their hope Imperial students wouldn’t be denied this unique partnership. In July, the union opportunity to achieve the same, if not more. www.imperial.ac.uk/success-guide sought to add a clause stopping clothing Imperial Hub from applying to the th th PAGE 6 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 7
COMMENT [email protected] COMMENT [email protected] I cry male tears for Bahar Mustafa Your Instagram faves are awful A cis white man on what he thinks about the welfare officer who said #killallwhitemen Back by popular demand, and more bitter than ever, this week ahar Mustafa is the disgusting violation of this, and Welfare and Diversity although my own personal views are the angry grad is coming for the most liked photos on Instagram. Officer of Goldsmiths, in direct contention with hers, it is University of London and possible to support her whilst she for the second time whilst in her undergoes this process. t’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, Bposition she has come under fire for First of all what must be dealt it’s a new comment piece comments made through twitter. with are the views she holds; I from me this week, and I’m She previously entered public do not agree with her brand of glad you’ve returned for some consciousness after requesting that feminism remotely. I perceive it fresh rage! For the newbies amonst no white men attend a BME non- as an aggressive, alienating, and, Iyou, as the Angry Grad (AG from binary and women’s meeting, and frankly, insidiously nasty personal now on, because acronyms are hip, then because of various activities on brand. However, it is unacceptable The Angry Grad and who has time to speak in full Jonathan Masters social media. An image posted to that she is not allowed to express Columnist sentences these days - not me, Comment Writer twitter displayed her mock crying in these views in whatever way she I’m too busy looking for a job) I front of a sign reading “no white cis- sees fit, and with social media being When the media scrolled back through Bahar Mustafa’s tweets, they found a endeavour to rant about all things men pls” and now her tweeting using the quickest way to convey your treasure trove of “stories”. of utmost importance. My topic this the hashtag “#killallwhitemen” has views, Twitter would seem like a fair week is far more pressing than the surfaced once again. The reason she option. sexism still lingers within our been followed up to the extent that presidential election, more stressful has resurfaced yet again is that she To put this into balance I think society. Although there is definitely it has been. than junior doctor contract reform, Feast your eyes on these, the greatest has been charged for these actions: it’s worth considering the various progression within all sectors, the Her case also raises the issue of and yes, more heart-wrenching than achievements of our time. Clockwise the first being that of sending other social figures that continually idea of new schools of thought twitter as a platform for ideas and Zayn leaving 1D. This week, we from top left, Kenner graduates, a communication conveying a send communications carrying within a movement that too many views. If you want to share your discuss why humanity violates my Kardashian-West snoggage, Taylor- threatening message between 10th threatening and grossly offensive perceive as a homogenous idealism personal philosophy with the world, soul, based on the most liked photos Harris horseplay, Taylor’s humblebrag messages, who continually spew are reflected here. For example, the why not use a network that can on Instagram. and the most liked picture on all of Insta their verbal faeces all across social change.org petition to have Bahar convey this instantly? Because if At number five, with 2.3 - Kendall Jenner, who couldn’t even The ever media and in print, who receive no Mustafa removed from her position million likes, we have Kylie Jenner keep her eyes open for the photo. Photo comeuppance. Of course I’m talking was started and campaigned for by a graduating from high school. To Credit: Instagram / Kylie Jenner / Kim about the woman who says offensive white man at a completely different We deserve be fair to the kid, I’m suprised Kardashian / Taylor Swift / Kendall Jenner present things instead of mustering the university, citing that he worried she bloody got there. She’s had a energy to come up with anything “about the future of Britain, free pretty tough year, and I’m not even spectre vaguely insightful to say: Katie speech and the ability to be whom freedom of talking about the whole Caitlyn fully aware that I can’t moan too king and queen, so why the world is Kanye after she presented the Video Hopkins. From refusing to speak you are”. As a result of her tweets thing. Balancing that mega pout much because in a way, this picture trying to fuck with the monarchy, I Vanguard Award at the MTV music to fat children, to comparing and the publicity of the whole with organic chemistry sounds does promote education, especially do not know. awards. Evidently, give a girl some of sexism asylum seekers to cockroaches, episode, Mustafa received numerous speech, no more stressful than BSc finals, and for women, but it just pisses me off Of course Taylor ruddy Swift flowers and she’ll Shake It Off; ‘It’ this woman has built a career out death threats, as well as rape threats, combined with the fact that her lip that this photo is more appreciated has to feature somewhere, and she being any past beef. Kanye may have of being grossly offensive, and yet and the fact that none of these have matter what fillers get more publicity than the than snaps of Oprah Winfrey or nabs the number three spot with some serious Style when it comes to still lingers she seems to become more and been followed up by the police/ USA’s drone strikes, means that this Hilary Clinton getting up to their a totes adorbs snap of her and bouquets, but for god sake Taylor, more successful the more vitriol been publicised in the media seems lady has had one arduous fucking own ground-breaking antics. The stand your ground! You know the within our she emits. On the other side of extremely odd. that speech year. But hey, she made it, and you fact that kids these days, and myself guy was trouble when he walked in, the spectrum, the grossly offensive I would rather see the culture, guys rooted for her. included here, know more about the I mean, so don’t encourage him and keep the ‘Dapper Laughs’ goes from rape perpetuated by the likes of the Oh sorry, what did you say 12 year Kardashians than they do about the Bad Blood between you two. My society joke to leery objectification in a aforementioned Dapper Laughs, is old girl? Who do you want to be like Korean crisis makes me despair. life is far more entertaining when blink of an eye, and yet there is no targeted more proactively, rather when you grow up? Indra Nooyi, Number four boasts Kimmy Kan-ye not? shit listers have feuds. November, 2014 and 31st May, form of prosecution towards him than this particular brand of certain people disagree with your the female CEO of PepsiCo? Edith and Kanye playing tonsil tennis on Drum roll, please, for number 2015; and the second is for sending either. I believe that the reason feminism. For some reason he views it could land you in Bromley Wharton, the writer who exposed their wedding day, which received her bae, Calvin Harris. With 2.5 one which goes to Kendall Jenner a grossly offensive message via a Bahar Mustafa is being singularly doesn’t seem to be a priority when magistrates court. Social media has class conflict and social hypocrisy? 2.4 million double taps. Well done million likes, this super candid pic sprawled on the floor, with her locks public communication network persecuted is a lack of understanding targeting grossly offensive messages. brought a new age of connectivity Oh, Kylie Jenner, rocking the duck world, that amount of appreciation makes me want to vom. Yes, they arranged into hearts. 3.1 million between the same dates. Ms Mustafa and a stubbornness to progress I feel as though if this hadn’t been and broadcasting content has almost face on graduation day? Okay, I’m must have gone straight to Yeezy’s both look fit as fuck, and yes, the likes, people. THREE. POINT. is set to appear before magistrates at socially. given the publicity it was by the accidentally ushered in an ominous already hyper-inflated ego, but at reason I hate it is because I am most ONE. MILLION. Um, what? Bromley magistrates court on the The ever present spectre of media, this case would not have cloud of censorship, ready to strike least Kim’s arse can balance it out. probably jealous. But more likely, I Firstly, this photo should, if anything, 5th November. down those that hold risky looking Evidently, This photo is quite sweet really, but believe I hate it because this is just be reported as it breaks the first and Now as you might imagine, as a cis views, leading to a general anxiety the miserable douche in me finds more celebrity relationship fuel most important rule of Instagram: white male (that is, identifying with over whether or not we should ever this amount of class unsettling when Tay will fire another whiny, chart manufactured spontaneity. Maybe the gender I was asigned at birth) it tweet an opinion. give a girl it comes from the Kardashian-West topping hit with. I speculate, the I’m being ignorant, perhaps this is with great trepidation that I write The final point I want to make clan. I mean, Kan-ye not? siren in her next ballad will declare shot conveys some deep meaning this article. However, I feel that in all is this: a platform for sharing flowers I want to see Kanye ruining her spinsterhood, seeing as she’s other than promoting Basic Bitch honesty, although her actions within ideas does not give credence or award shows, or talking about how now exhausted almost every male culture. Maybe she’s replying to the the public eye were idiotic, I do not incitement to those deemed ‘grossly he invented leather pants in Latin in show biz, who she will never ever Black Eyed Peas, answering their believe that she should have been offensive’, moreover it provides a and she’ll times and sold the idea to Virgil. ever get back together with. age old question, that the love is charged for these acts. For me the bigger platform to ridicule, discuss, I mean, if this photo declares that It’s number two, and FFS here’s with her. Perhaps this is her way of crux of the issue comes under the and even perhaps understand them, Kimye are modern day advocates another Tay Tay hit, and to make encouraging world peace, to fill the almost cliché value that we deserve which is far more than sending Shake It of matrimony, we must also assume things worse, Yeezy is also involved. (h)air with love, not war. Or maybe, freedom of speech, no matter what someone to court over a tweet can that the league tables are right, and The weirdest looking bouquet ever most likely of all, she’s trying to nab that speech is. The fact that Bahar Bahar is a sabbatical officer at Goldsmiths. Can you imagine one of our ever do. UCL is better than Imperial. We nabbed a healthy 2.5 million likes, a life time supply of those Love Mustafa is being prosecuted is a sabbs being this controversial? Off. all know that Jay-oncé are the true and was presented to Swifty from Heart sweets. Who fucking knows. th th PAGE 8 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 9
[email protected] SCIENCE [email protected] Cecily JohnsonSCIENCE Science Writer Physics – Takaaki Kajita and Arthur B. McDonald he Nobel Laureates who will receive the Nobel Prize winners for 2015 announced “for the discovery of neutrino oscillations, which 2015 Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry Physiology or Medicine – shows that neutrinos have mass” and Physiology or Medicine were revealedT this week. The annual William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura he Royal Swedish early 2000s, which showed that in Ontario and the other in Gifu awards are widely regarded as the Academy of Sciences has neutrinos are not massless particles. prefecture, McDonald and Kajita most prestigious in their respective “for their discoveries concerning a novel therapy awarded the Nobel Prize First predicted in 1930 by were able to determine between fields. in Physics for 2015 to Wolfgang Pauli, neutrinos have zero them that the particles can oscillate Recipients receive a gold medal against infections caused by roundworm parasites” Takaaki Kajita of the University of electric charge and were believed for between three types – muon, tau and diploma; each prize is also TokyoT and Arthur B. McDonald of many years to also have no mass, and electron. worth £631,000 which is split evenly Queen’s University in Canada. passing through normal matter This mysterious behaviour means between the winners if several he Nobel Assembly at William C. Campbell and Japanese parasites associated with domestic is a certain amount of hubris in The two physicists were recognised almost undetected. that the particles have mass – albeit share the award. The Laureates Karolinska Institutet microbiologist Satoshi Ōmura. and farm animals. humans thinking that we can create for their key contributions to the By constructing two neutrino an almost immeasurably tiny mass. often donate their prize money to has chosen to split the The pair were behind the discovery The team headed up by Campbell molecules as well as nature can”. experiments in the late 1990s and detectors deep underground, one The new discovery was hugely scientific, cultural and humanitarian awarding of the 2015 of new drug Avermectin, derivatives was able to isolate the compound Satoshi Ōmura said that he was important for physics. “When you causes. Nobel Prize in Physiology or of which have proven to be effective Avermectin, developing it into an “very surprised” to be receiving the do not know whether they have The prizes were established in Medicine,T with one half jointly treatments for a number of diseases entirely new class of drugs to treat prize, but would “humbly accept” it. mass, it’s otherwise difficult to 1895 by Swedish inventor Alfred going to Irish parasitologist caused by roundworm parasites. the parasitic worm infections in “It’s a very happy day”. understand how to incorporate Nobel, who bequeathed his fortune Their work has radically lowered the humans. The US-based company them into those theories that give us incidence of River Blindness and Merck, which housed the team, a more fundamental understanding Lymphatic Filariasis. announced in 1987 that it would of the world of physics,” McDonald Laureates Combined, these two diseases make the drug Ivermectin available said in an interview. affect more than 100 million people to all free of charge. “We are very satisfied that we often donate worldwide. Those who contract Campbell initially did not believe have been able to add to the world’s Lymphatic Filariasis can suffer from the news of his prize after being knowledge at a very fundamental their prize disabling swelling, in some cases woken by a call from a reporter. level. This recognition is a including elephantiasis. In a statement to the press he The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory in Ontario. Photo Credit: LBL, Roy Kaltschmidt tremendous accolade for our group”. Satoshi Ōmura made an initial emphasised the significance of the money to breakthrough after studying soil rest of his team’s contribution to the samples, growing bacteria that were discovery. scientific, found to produce anti-microbial He also urged scientists to compounds. William Campbell continue to search the natural world Chemistry – cultural and then found that a particular strain, for inspiration in developing new Streptomyces avermitilis, was treatments: “One of the big mistakes Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich and Aziz Sancar particularly effective against the we’ve made all along is that there humanitarian “for mechanistic studies of DNA repair” causes Physiology or Medicine – over 2000 ancient Chinese remedies researcher from China. By splitting n a second announcement, the times from the time of conception “In fact, you ought to have been a to found the Nobel Foundation to try and find a cure for the the award, the Committee chose to Royal Swedish Academy of to adulthood, each time unravelling chemical chaos long before you even after reading an unfavourable Youyou Tu devastating disease. honour two different research teams Sciences awarded the Nobel and recreating the strands of developed into a foetus,” they added. prematurely released obituary for Eventually a recipe entitled fighting a common battle against Prize in Chemistry for 2015 DNA within their nucleus. It was The trio of scientists who were himself. “for her discoveries concerning a “Emergency Prescriptions Kept parasitic infections. to Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich long considered incredible that awarded this year’s Nobel Prize in His legacy created a series Up One’s Sleeve”, written more “The two discoveries have provided Iand Aziz Sancar for their work in the genetic information could be Chemistry resolved this conundrum of awards for individuals who novel therapy against Malaria” than 1600 years ago, was found humankind with powerful new mapping how cells repair damaged duplicated so accurately each time. bestowed the “greatest benefit on and tested. It described the DNA, safeguarding the genetic “From a chemical perspective, mankind” with their work in in preparation in water of Artemisia information. this ought to be impossible,” the This year’s physics, chemistry, physiology or nother pioneer in the from the infected patient’s blood. annua, commonly known as sweet [This prize] is Together the three scientists Nobel committee stated at the medicine, literature and peace. A field of parasitic disease Tu headed up a team assigned to wormwood. provided fundamental knowledge prize announcement. “All chemical prize is Members of the Nobel Assembly at the announcement. Photo Credit: AP related Nobel Memorial Prize in will receive the second “project 523”, searching through Tu’s research determined the not an honour of how living cells function, which processes are prone to random Economic Sciences was added in half of the 2015 Nobel active ingredient which was highly is now used in a number of fields errors. Additionally, your DNA great enough that it ought to make recognised for his demonstration 1968. Prize in Physiology or Medicine. effective at treating the disease. just for me, including the development of new is subjected on a daily basis to about the the development of life on Earth of a mechanism called mismatch Each Nobel Prize is awarded by an ChineseA scientist Youyou Tu was Initial tests in 21 humans with one cancer treatments. damaging radiation and reactive impossible. He went on to discover repair, which explains how living institution and chosen from a list of the discoverer of highly effective of two forms of malaria found that but an honour Human cells divide billions of molecules. cell’s toolbox a piece of molecular machinery cells correct those errors that occur names recommended by the Nobel malaria treatment Artemisinin. the extract was effective in wiping called base excision repair, which when DNA is replicated during cell Committee after nominations Tu was working on a secret out both types of parasite. continuously counteracts the division, reducing the frequency of have been received. The decision is military project during the Professor Tu described her prize- for all Chinese for repairing collapse of DNA. mistakes. announced immediately after the Cultural Revolution in China winning discovery as “a true gift Aziz Sancar went on to map The secretary general of the Royal vote takes place. when she discovered the drug. from old Chinese medicine”. In an scientists DNA another mechanism, nucleotide Swedish Academy of Sciences, There is often a significant time lag Previous malaria treatments such interview after the announcement excision repair, which cells use to Göran Hansson, announced the between the scientific discovery or as chloroquine had become less she said: “I was a little bit surprised, means to combat these debilitating repair the damage caused by UV winners of the prize in Stockholm work recognised by the Nobel Prize effective over time as malaria but not really … because [this prize] diseases that affect hundreds by figuring out how cells are able to rays from the Sun. Those born saying: “This year’s prize is about the and its awarding, as the granting parasites had developed resistance is not an honour just for me, but an of millions of people annually,” repair the inevitable mutations that with defects in this repair system cell’s toolbox for repairing DNA”. of prizes is typically delayed until to them. honour for all Chinese scientists”. the Nobel committee said. “The occur during DNA synthesis. develop skin cancer when exposed He explained that the new Nobel the achievement has been widely Artemisinin works by blocking This is the first time in history consequences in terms of improved It was Tomas Lindahl who first to sunlight, making the discovery Laureates have each “provided accepted. the cycle through which malaria that the Nobel Prize in Physiology human health and reduced suffering demonstrated in the 1970s that the crucial to cancer research. fundamental insights into how cells Inset Photo Illustrator: Niklas Elmehed parasites propagate, clearing them or Medicine has been awarded to a are immeasurable”. rate of decay of DNA molecules was Finally, Paul Modrich was function”. 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Accredited by ➔ www.imperial.ac.uk/studentblogs felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9th OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 11
MUSIC [email protected] Chvrches - Every Open Eye Cale Tilford being anthemic fall flat. Opening parts of ourselves / And make them Music Editor track ‘Never Ending Circles’ is gold” - a good metaphor for an albvm vnderwhelming with a bvild-vp that so often hides its flaws vnder nternet trolls and misogynistic a shimmering layer of synths. abvse seem to have done little ‘Clearest Blue’ is easily the star to slow the rapid ascendency It relies far of the show. Whilst there’s initially of the scottish electronic trio. a feeling of hopelessness “Tied, Having tovred the world, they retvrn too heavily to the shifting ground”, when the Iwith their sophomore albvm which drop finally happens a sense of continves where 2013’s The Bones of evphoria takes hold as “You’ll meet What You Believe left off - a record on the me halfway” evolves into “Will you that pvshed synth-pop back into the meet me more than halfway?” mainstream in spectacvlar fashion. ‘High Enough to Carry Over’ Early single ‘Leave a Trace’ formula and ‘Down Side of Me’ take a more promised a slight departvre from laid-back approach with the former endlessly bombastic natvre of the marking Martin Doherty’s retvrn to band’s debvt, taking a more delicate they vocals bvt vltimately both feel ovt of approach to song making whilst still place and vninspired. The dreamy conserving the catchy hooks that ambient synths on ‘Afterglow’, the have made them so popvlar. There’s establised closing track, give hope to the fvtvre an anger here that is immediately sovnd of Chvrches. It’s an evolvtion obviovs as she takes aim at a two years that is massively welcome, althovgh former lover, “You talk far too one that comes far too late. mvch / For someone so vnkind.” Whilst Every Open Eye is more Vnfortvnately, mvch of this is ago polished than its predecessor, it Photo Credit: Virgin Records lost on the rest of the albvm; tracks relies far too heavily on the formvla ‘Keep You On My Side’, ‘Empty that never resolves. ‘Make Them they established two years ago - a vpon their signatvre sovnd (Taylor svccess we can only hope that any Threat’, ‘Playing Dead’ and ‘Bury It’ Gold’ delivers a more empowering formvla that by the albvm’s end feels Swift’s 1989 seems like the most fvtvre projects take a new direction. feel like filler and their attempts at message in “We will take the best tired and hollow. As others encroach obviovs offender) to svch massive Ovt now on Virgin Records Deafheaven - New Bermuda a once inaccessible genre to between the darkness of black metal opens up into dreamy guitars and thousands of new listeners. and the deep moody moments there are rare moments where you The cover of New Bermuda of beauty that intersperse it. can just about understand Clarke’s stands out in stark contrast to its The harsh trash metal of ‘Luna’ screams as he describes a nightmarish predecessor; gone is the warm pink suburbia “There is no glamour / of Sunbather now replaced by dark Only the mirage of water ascending uneven strokes. Whilst the album from the asphalt … Sitting quietly in feels angrier and more abrasive, Gone is scorching reimagined suburbia”. the overall structures and sounds ‘Baby Blue’ almost leaves death have changed very little. Thrashing metal behind with grungy solos black metal always seamlessly the warm layered over throbbing guitars. transitions to the uplifting melodies The visceral ‘Come Back’ provides that Deafheaven are famous for. some of the album’s most intense ‘Brought to the Water’ begins pink of moments contrasted with its with a growling rumble as church most calm. Its riffs will put you bells ring. Angry guitars and noisy Sunbather in a trance before it descends into drums permeate the air. It’s black lush twangy guitars. They finish metal at its finest but what follows is with ‘Gifts for the Earth’, a song arguably the record’s finest moment. now unlike anything they’ve released The cinematic chord progressions before with power chords blending here laced with George Clarke’s seamlessly into a beautiful piano, inaudible screams exceed even the replaced guitar and tambourine outro. greatest moments of ‘Dream House’ With New Bermuda, Deafheaven on their previous record. As before by dark almost match the greatness Photo Credit: ANTI- you’ll need a lyric sheet to discern of Sunbather. They’ve crafted Clarke’s screeching but when you something that’s a little darker eafheaven’s Sunbather fans loved to hate. It combined do everything begins to make uneven and a little less shoegazing was one of 2013’s black metal and shoegaze (call it sense - “A multiverse of fuchsia / whilst still delivering so many of defining records and an blackgaze if you wish) in a way few And violet surrenders to blackness strokes their signature melodic highs. Dalbum that black metal had dared to do before, introducing now” echoes the epic struggle Out now on ANTI- th th PAGE 12 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 13
MUSIC [email protected] MUSIC [email protected] Libertines: Renewed and Raging Drake / Future - What a Time to Be Alive Peter Munton Barât which ultimately led to the Aslan Sayfimehr across bass-heavy production, subject matter and deliver, Future Writer end of the band 11 years ago. The Writer his signature raspy cadence and and Drake had the capacity to make media’s coverage of Doherty’s drug top class melodic talent (he gave something really special. obody would have addiction and involvement in crime Collaborations between hip-hop Beyoncé ‘Drunk In Love’) has Which is why I was pretty thought that after the destroyed the band’s reputation, artists in their prime rarely see the underwhelmed after noticing that split of The Libertines making it almost unthinkable that light of day. Delays follow delays, if you leave off the last two tracks, back in 2004 they the music industry (or the public) followed by furtherly delayed delays, Worry not, WAT T BA is a really, really good would ever perform again, let alone would ever welcome them back into leaving ample time for the novelty Future tape with Drake featuring Nrecord another studio album. Pete mainstream music culture. of the idea to fizzle out (Kanye/ on every track. The fact that even Doherty’s (vocals/guitar) descent However, after a series of Pharell/Lupe Fiasco) or for artists the staple this disappointment is still one of into a serious crack cocaine and successful reunion gigs in 2010, to sufficiently diverge artistically the best pop-rap releases of the year heroin addiction caused tensions including both Reading and Leeds (Kendrick/J Cole). It should then is a testament to the duo’s ability. festivals, a reformation looked come as little surprise that the themes of Future pushes himself lyrically for increasingly likely. It was not until existence and masterful execution Drake’s audience (no odd orifice The media’s the beginning of 2015, after it of What a Time to Be Alive’s release strippers, insertions or homophobic slurs this was announced that Doherty had was not at all expected. Drake time around), delving further into successfully completed his rehab and Future, two members of ’15 his drug use as a coping mechanism. coverage of treatment in Thailand, that The hip-hop’s top echelon of rappers, heartbreak Worry not- the staple themes of Libertines returned to the studio to released their joint mixtape a week strippers, heartbreak and crime are record their third album. after rumors first hit the internet, all still very present. Throughout the Doherty’s The anticipation surrounding and only months after bagging a and crime tape Future displays his unrivalled the band’s reunion led to a critically acclaimed #1 solo album talent for conveying emotion drug unprecedented hype focused on each. The first official announcement are all still through auto-tuned vocals; his their headline slots. Questions were of the tape, live on Apple’s Beats 1 hoarse croaks of despair on ‘Live being asked: has Doherty’s and radio, was immediately followed from the Gutter’ draw instant Photo Credit: Epic / Cash Money addiction Barât’s relationship finally been by its leak-free debut, providing a very present empathy. The penultimate track, recovered? Will they ever be as The suprise replacement headliners seemed triumphant after their career-spanning set. Photo Credit: BBC shared listening experience rarely Future’s solo effort ‘Jersey’, has him the more impressive by the minimal on ‘Diamonds Dancing’, albeit good as they used to be? Will their seen these days. If nothing else, it made nearly everything he’s done in confessing his regrets in a defeated, beat. to stunning effect (that is before destroyed performance live up to the hype? special guest would be, with most them, as replacement shows have a themselves worthy to be back at the should serve as an example of how the past year downright addictive. gritty panic, and although it’s no The first thing heard on WAT T BA Drake embarks on two minute rant With a ticket for the Sunday suggesting that The Libertines reputation of not always living up top. The intro of Vera Lynne’s ‘We’ll to release an album in the social- A mixtape three-peat followed by ‘Codeine Crazy’, the song ranks is Metro Boomin’s iconic producer to an ex peppered with scoffs and the of Reading Festival, I was would play. On a sunny Somerset to standards. It was going to be very Meet Again’ softly hummed out media age. What if The Weeknd July’s stellar DS2 cemented Future’s among his best to date. tag, followed shortly by Southside’s, harrumphs). Maybe the distance overwhelmingly excited to see them evening, crowds lined the field interesting to see The Libertines of the speakers, consequently the circa 2011 and FKA twigs delivered reputation for consistency and Drake continues to do what he and the two clearly deserve the is put there for a reason; Drake for the first time. But this would waiting expectedly for a special headlining Reading, a night that packed crowd chorused along to the an EP out of the blue, sans irritating dedication to his fan-base. Hip hop does best. Jumping on and then recognition. Handling the majority frequently raps about his rich- reputation happen before expected. guest worthy of the Pyramid stage. they had prepared and rehearsed for famous lyrics. The air of anticipation pre-release promo run? Or Frank purists be warned- lyrical content developing flows lain down by of the production, their infectious womanizer woes immediately after In June, they performed as special The rumours did not disappoint was at its highest. Ocean and James Blake? Or Jay-Z takes a backseat to phonetics among Future, he delivers quotable after synths and punchy drum patterns Future’s laments over a dark and guests on the Pyramid stage at as the likely lads charged onto the As the band members made their and Kanye West (still not over ‘New Atlanta’ artists, and Future quotable with undeniable confidence are guaranteed to incite awkward troubled past. An amalgamation of the band Glastonbury, replacing the hole that stage blasting out ‘The Delaney’ Madness way onto stage kicking off with ‘H.A.M.’)? regularly uses auto-tune to further and precision. The absurd hook on head-bobs in public. The hazy lean- of their two individual styles would the Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl’s with such enthusiasm that they ‘Horror Show’, the audience erupted Future is the powerhouse at the gruff-up his voice. Plus, I’m pretty ‘Big Rings’ begs to be belted out influence seen on other Future have been to die for, but I think broken leg had left. Throughout received a huge roar from the tens into a series of mosh pits, crowd helm of hip-hop’s Atlanta-birthed sure Future freestyles most of his loud, and his sing-song rapping releases is polished and toned down I’m expecting a bit much from in the band, particularly between the day rumours spread across the of thousands in the crowd. ensued as surfers and red hot burning flares melodic renaissance. Known for lines; I refuse to believe anyone is used to expert effectiveness on for Drake’s audience, but the beats something recorded in 6 days. himself and other front man Carl Glastonbury site about who the They thundered through their set lighting up the night sky. Madness hypnotically mumbling his way could actually write down “I put my ‘Scholarships’. The inflections at the remain very much typical of Future. If you enjoy well-made contagious which included songs from their ensued as the likely lads made thumb in her butt.” end of each of his lines are nothing Other personal highlights include bangers, listen to What A Time To new album such as the live debut of the likely their way through the hit heavy Drake’s been running the rap short of delightful. The tape closes Neenyo’s ethereal stripper ballad Be Alive. Filled with hard-hitting ‘Anthems for Doomed Youth’ (the set long into the night. The energy If nothing game since 2013. The Lil Wayne with ‘30 for 30’, a strong contender in 3/4, ‘Plastic Bag’; even if I don’t pop-rap songs from the biggest in title track) as well as old classics lads made and precision of the performance protégé’s presence on a track has for Drake’s most technically fully understand the stripper/client the game, pre-existing fans won’t like ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ to the renewed their previously damaged become so synonymous with brilliant song yet, in which he dynamic, it’s smooth as hell. be left disappointed. Dominated upmost joy of the festival goers. reputation and earned them a place else, it a hit that making it without a glides through gentle pianos over a Unfortunately, Drake and Future by Future’s aesthetic but discernibly They finished off their set with a their way at the top of raging rock music. Drake feature is considered an muffled soul sample punctuated by don’t interact nearly enough. Bars elevated by Drake’s Midas touch, rendition of ‘Don’t Look Back Into Their third studio album Anthems achievement in its own right. He’s muted drums, effortlessly switching are never traded, and the two WAT T BA raises some questions the Sun’ which left fans chanting for for Doomed Youth was released on serves as also a soppy, manipulative middle- between impeccable flows made all capable singers only harmonize about the Toronto pop-star’s future. more. through the the 11th of September. The chaotic class Canadian former child actor Is WAT T BA a tactical play, tapping The crowds left the stage certainly sounds of their 2004 album The an example who really likes his sandwiches into Future’s notoriously loyal fan feeling surprised. The appearance of hit heavy Libertines has been replaced by (YouTube it). Drake’s initial foray base as a safety net for a well overdue The Libertines may well have even a more mature and witty elegiac into aggressive chest puffing with experimental solo record, or is it been a surprise to the band members sound, perhaps an indication of all of how to Worst Behavior felt a tad awkward, merely asserting his position as the themselves as the replacement set long into they have been through. but after a year of braggadocios prince of rap by releasing what could would’ve been so last minute and Some argue that it is their best features and the rapid fire slew be his second platinum record of the potentially rushed. album yet; whatever the case it’s release an of bangers on this years If You’re year? Either way, Drake’s strategy of This was somewhat evident in the the night well worth a listen. The Libertines Reading This It’s Too Late, I think I’m jumping on buzzing songs has now band’s first live festival performance start their tour at the beginning of album in ok with bearded gym-rat Drizzy 2.0 evolved into latching onto another of the year; their set seemed a little 2016 and they’ll be playing at the and ex-drug dealer Future ‘Hendrix’ artist’s sound, a far cry from 2013’s clunky and chaotic, lacking the heavily in advance. O2 arena in London on the 30th of side by side. Both products of the irrefutable boast of: “Give these polished look and sound that one When the moment finally came January. If you are a Libertines fan social media emotionally transparent melody- n*ggas the look, the verse and even would expect from such a skilled for their performance at Reading, this is a show not to miss. infused rap pioneered by Kid Cudi the hook/That’s why every song quartet. Being such an unexpected there was the feeling that the newly Anthems for Doomed Youth is & Kanye West back in ‘08, yet Is this image a metaphor for the powerplay on this mixtape? No. sound like Drake featuring Drake.” Photo Credit: Virgin Records gig, this could not be held against reformed band had to fight to prove available now on Virgin Records age separated by their widely distant Photo Credit: Williams / WireImage Out now on Epic / Cash Money th th PAGE 14 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 15
[email protected] [email protected]
FILM James FILMWhite work involves rearranging existing videos into new works of visual art. This practice has clearly played into this feature, allowing Fast Suffragette: Oscar Bait? Dir: Josh Mond. Script: Josh Mond. to convey the film in a new visual Suffragette Starring: Christopher Abbott, language – a similar case can be seen Cynthia Nixon. 85 minutes. with other directors who have made the move from contemporary art, he hype surrounding such as Clio Barnard, or Miranda Dir: Sarah Gavron. Script: Abi Josh Mond’s debut July. Morgan. Starring: Carey Mulligan, feature, James White, Like it or loathe it, Remainder Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl largely stems from the is certainly a film that provides Streep, Ben Wishaw. 106 minutes. fact that this is the final member questions to ponder on, for which of production collective Borderline perhaps there are no answers. Call it Fred Fyles T Films – responsible for Martha pretentious if you will, but I think it Film Editor Marcy May Marlene and Simon was sublime. Killer – to step into the driver’s seat. o call Suffragette ‘Oscar However, there is much more to be Grandma Bait’ would probably be excited about here, as James White a tad unfair. The term proves to be a solid, confident piece conjures up all kinds of filmmaking. of negative imagery: a mawkish, The titular character is a hard- Dir: Paul Weitz. Script: Paul Weitz. Dollar and Tao (Zhao Tao), in Jia Zhangke’s masterful Mountains May Depart Photo Credit: New Wave Films overbearingT soundtrack that tugs drinking, fast-living New Yorker, Starring: Lily Tomlin, Julia Garner, at the heartstrings; a star-studded played by Christopher Abbott of Marcia Gay Harden, Laverne Cox. cast in which someone pretends to Girls fame, whose life is brought China follows the Pet Shop Boys’ life – has forgotten Chinese, and call it is derivative. 80 minutes. have a disability; Forrest Gump. But to a halt, first by the death of advice, hurtling into a new world has problems communicating with Based on the novel by Tom if we look at the elements that make his estranged father, then by his of state-controlled capitalism at the his traditionalist father, while Tao McCarthy – who, incidentally, has hose who are rightly up director Sarah Gavron’s latest mother’s development of terminal emotional expense of its citizens. languishes alone in Fenyang. been nominated for this year’s Man worried about the feature, it is difficult to come to any cancer. Abbott manages a tricky Split into three parts – 1999, 2014, A thoughtful, evocative mediation Booker Prize – Remainder is a dark, number of current films other conclusion. balancing act: creating one of the and 2025 – we follow the life of on the passing of time and the nature twisting tale, involving a young man failing the Bechdel A historical drama that focuses most self-centred characters I have Tao, a woman from Zhangke’s own of change, Mountains May Depart who is crushed by an object falling Test (are there two named female on the history of the women’s seen on screen, only to turn things hometown, Fenyang, whose path is is built around the emotional core from the sky. After an uncertain charactersT who talk to each other suffrage movement in the UK at around in the closing half-hour shaped by China’s economic destiny. provided by long-time collaborator period of time, he returns to the about something other than a its height, Suffragette manages to with some emotionally devastating In 1999 she spurns Liangzi (Liang Zhao Tao, whose performance of world, without his memories, but man?) will take solace in the release conjure up the theme of the march scenes. Jingdon), a coal miner, in favour of Tao is wonderfully nuanced. While millions of pounds richer thanks of Grandma. A breezy comedy of progress coming up against the His performance is supported the wealthier entrepreneur Zhang lacking the Tarintino-esque energy to the settlement case. As old from writer/director Paul Weitz, ideas of the past. Beginning with by a nuanced turn from Cynthia (Zhang Yi), and has a son called of his last film, A Touch of Sin, and memories begin to filter through, Grandma passes within the first steamy shots of a cramped laundry, Dixon as his mother, who manages Dollar, a mark of the influence of suffering from a sudden change of the man becomes obsessed with minute, as aging lesbian poet Elle whose conditions resemble those to convey the agony of cancer with Western consumerism. tone in the last section (which can recreating the visions he believes (Lily Tomlin) breaks up with her Violet (Anne-Marie Duff) and Maud (Carey Mulligan), in Sarah Gavron’s Suffragette. Photo Credit: Pathé of Milton’s dark satanic mills, we great physicality. By 2014 Tao has divorced, and perhaps be explained by the fact hold the key to unlocking the past. much younger girlfriend Olivia are introduced to Maud (Carey Mond’s years in the producing seat meets up with her son one last time that it is mostly in English, leading Cats tied to rooftops, old women (Marcia Gay Harden), calling Mulligan), whose short life has plays Edith, the well-educated life into the story, creating largely- The film avoids falling into the the characters’ side, seeing universal has clearly equipped him well for before he emigrates to Australia to clunky dialogue that feels much frying liver, faceless stand-ins, their relationship ‘just a footnote’ largely been spent washing others’ chemist whose shop becomes believable characters, only some of typical costume drama trap of suffrage as a sacred right (although, this feature, and his direction style with his father, now a powerful less naturalistic than the previous whose role is to inhabit rather than in the tale of her life. While such clothes, to the detriment of her a nexus for the movement, and whom – such as Emily Wilding feeling staid, thanks largely to the statistics at the end of the film is certainly assertive, with Abbott’s magnate. sections), Mountains May Depart express an idea. These all feature in callousness seems be par for the health. While her home life is international treasure Meryl Streep Davison (Natalie Press) – were real- Gavron’s direction; up to four showing the dates that different face in extreme close-up for much Finally, the action jumps forward is a clever, exploration of the effect his scheme. As the film progresses course with Elle, it is understandable happy – with Ben Wishaw playing stars as the movement’s leader, life figures, the rest standing more handheld cameras were used at one countries adopted this policy would of the film, creating a disconcerting to 2025, where Dollar – having lived of Westernisation on China, seen we seem to get closer to the truth, in context: she is still reeling from her initially-loving husband, Sonny Emmeline Pankhurst. Streep’s for concepts of femininity. However, time, creating an atmosphere that indicate otherwise); right from lack of distance between him and in Australia for most of his adult through the microcosm of a single but the goalposts keep on being the recent death of her long-term – she seems to yearn for something role in the film is a small one, but it would be an achievement to make never seems dour, but instead rightly the get-go, we can empathise with the audience. James White is a woman’s life. Now entering his moved, and really nothing in this partner. more. Finding a new life within the her natural charisma means every a limpid script, given the fascinating holds up the work of the Suffragettes Maud, a character for whom the film that is difficult to enjoy, but Mountains middle age, Zhangke has clearly lost world is certain. The plot’s drive is introduced in the Women’s Social and Political Union second counts. Anne-Marie Duff ’s subject matter, and there is a slight as vital, vibrant, and fresh. The forces of patriarchy have been near- impossible not to admire. none of the energy that directed his Tom Sturridge is brilliantly form of granddaughter Sage (rising (WSPU), she begins to take part in character of Violet, the fellow sense of déjà vu with the pacing of colour palate of the film, based on literally crippling. Hit then with early works, and remains probably brooding as the unnamed man, and star Julia Garner), who comes to civil disobedience and violence. laundry worker who turns Maud the film. In the past couple of years the movement’s now-iconic purple, a series of excellent performances, May Depart the most important Chinese with his prominent jawline and Elle asking to borrow money for an Mountains May Depart While there was concern from the onto the movement, is a highlight, we have seen a formula developed white and green flag, is noticeable, and a visit from Streep herself (by filmmaker working today. heavy intonation, reminded me of abortion. What follows is a road-trip initial trailer that hearing Mulligan forming a solid pillar upon which for period pieces that centre a but never overpowering. now the closest thing cinema has shows us that Iwan Rheon’s character in the TV around friends and acquaintances, give her best attempt at an East the film rests. ‘controversial-at-the-time’ issue, While the film’s focus on the to Jesus), and we have little choice series Misfits. The comparisons do calling in old favours in return for Remainder End accent would be toe-curlingly The script, penned by Abi Morgan, and Suffragette seems to follow it working-class heart of the suffrage but to stay glued to our seats. On Jia Zhangke not stop there: the entire production cold cash, that generally follows the embarrassing, her performance is who is fast becoming a British to the letter: we are introduced movement is very welcome, the reflection, however, it is possible to Dir: Jia Zhangke. Script: Jia seems to be imbued with the same route that similar odd-couple actually quite believable. Her time institution, manages to breathe to the action through an initially lack of women of colour strikes a notice things that don’t sit right: Zhangke. Starring: Zhao Tao, familiar-yet-unfamiliar spirit that comedies have furrowed in the past. on stage – recently starring in a reticent figure with whom we can discordant note, especially when the formulaic story arcs, the way Zhang Yi, Llang Jingdong. 126 remains one Channel 4 productions manage While the film has a light, revival of Skylight – has clearly paid sympathise (see: Pride); the film we know that South Asian women characters stand more for ideas than minutes. Dir: Omer Fast. Script: Omer Fast. to capture so well (think Misfits, convivial atmosphere – aided off, and her acting style is incredibly A solid, but works its way to an emotional and in particular did contribute to the people, and the oversimplification of the most Starring: Tom Sturridge, Cush Utopia, or Black Mirror). Fast takes by a naturalistic palate from naturalistic. It is also interesting to physical climax that, with the gift of pressure on government. I am sure of the background characters (we n the opening scene of Jumbo, Ed Speleers, Arsher Ali. 97 a look at the decay that lurks at the cinematographer Tobius Datum – see how physical she has become as not staid film, hindsight, we know is coming (see: that in the coming weeks there already know that the laundry Mountains May Depart, a important minutes. heart of modern society, taking it the subjects discussed are a different an actor, imbuing her character with The King’s Speech); and before the will be a deluge of thinkpieces on owner is evil, do we really need to group of young Chinese people apart with scalpel-like precision. matter: abortion, sexuality, and grief a series of jerky movements, which imbued with credits roll we are given a glimpse this issue, so I will not dwell on it see him sexually assault a child for dance to the Pet Shop Boys’ here are perhaps many The script, with its heavy, evocative all form key motifs. This depth, and seem to develop into psychological of real-life news footage of the era any longer. Suffice to say: if you’re the message to be clear?) – these all hit 1993 single Go West. The year is Chinese labels that you can place language, seemed to be perhaps the astonishing performance from tics as the strain the establishment a sense of (see: Selma). That’s not to say that looking for BME women, they ain’t add up to a film that is solid, and, I1999, and a sense of optimism is in filmmakers of on Omer Fast’s first better suited to the stage, but it Tomlin, makes this film more than places on her increases. this is a bad thing, or that the film there. while not staid, definitely imbued the air, as China heads into a new feature film, Remainder: works nevertheless. the sum of its parts. Mulligan’s performance is doesn’t work, just that we seem to Suffragette is an instinctively with a sense of worthiness. It will millennium; director Jia Zhangke’s haunting; unnerving; perhaps, if Where Remainder really stands supported by a strong cast of worthiness be heading down well-trodden appealing film to watch. By and win a lot of Oscars. eighth feature documents the our time you’re feeling dispirited: pretentious. out is in Fast’s unique vision; a FRED FYLES th T women: Helena Bonham Carter territory. large, the audience is already on Suffragette is released on 12 October changes over the next 26 years, as But one thing you definitely cannot contemporary artist by trade, his Film Editor Want to experience the thrill yourself? Introductory meeting at 7pm on Monday 12th October, Skempton 201 [email protected] your reps elections
and union council
Get involved in making your student experience the best it can be.
This year we are electing Year and Course Representatives, the 16 Ordinary Members of Council and the Graduate Students’ Union Reps simultaneously. This is a brilliant way to get involved and be part of ensuring student views are expressed to the right bodies to make changes for the benefit of students.
Nominations close 23:59, 15 October. For more information, visit imperialcollegeunion.org/elections
imperialcollegeunion.org/elections felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9th OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 19
ARTS [email protected] Arts & Society
Jingjie Cheng, Indira Mallik & Max Falkenberg Arts Editors
Monologue for an Onion Greetings again! It’s been a frantic week since the start of I don’t mean to make you cry. freshers and we’re sure you’ve all I mean nothing, but this has not kept you had the chance to get properly From peeling away my body, layer by layer, trashed. Now that you’re hungover and have nothing better to do, maybe it’s time to The tears clouding your eyes as the table fills start indulging in our wonderful With husks, cut flesh, all the debris of pursuit. Arts Section! If you’ve already seen all Poor deluded human: you seek my heart. the cracking shows that we recommended last week and Hunt all you want. Beneath each skin of mine are hungry for more, fret not! This week we’re at it again and Lies another skin: I am pure onion – pure union have another six shows for you Of outside and in, surface and secret core. from the list we forgot about last week. It was great meeting many of Look at you, chopping and weeping. Idiot. you at Freshers’ Fair on Tuesday, Is this the way you go through life, your mind but you can’t back out now. We A stopless knife, driven by your fantasy of truth, received a tremendous number of sign ups and we hope every single one of you will find the Of lasting union – slashing away skin after skin time to write for us at least once From things, ruin and tears your only signs this zear. Yeah you’re all busy, we know that, but we promise Of progress? Enough is enough. you, nothing beats the Arts in London! You must not grieve that the world is glimpsed This week, we explore the relationship between society Through veils. How else can it be seen? and artistic expression - how How will you rip away the veil of the eye, the veil far should we go to insist on freedom of expression, and how much censorship should be That you are, you who want to grasp the heart permissible, if at all? Of things, hungry to know where meaning Art can serve as a force for Lies. Taste what you hold in your hands: onion juice, positive change in society, often bringing across issues in a more effective way. Here we introduce Yellow peels, my stinging shreds. You are the one the Poetry Cafe and its activities, In pieces. Whatever you meant to love, in meaning to in particular the Exiled Lit Cafe of migrant poetry. You changed yourself: you are not who you are, We also feature an interview with Tritan Sharps, the Your soul cut moment to moment by a blade incredible artistic director of dreamthinkspeak. Of course Of fresh desire, the ground sown with abandoned skins. we’re also proud to present our And at your inmost circle, what? A core that is most recent 1 star review this week, so if you’re up for a good scathing, turn the page. Not one. Poor fool, you are divided at the heart, With the plethora of shows Lost in its maze of chambers, blood, and love, around London, we expect these A heart that will one day beat you to death. pages to only get busier. We hope the reviews we publish Suji Kwock Kim each week will help you make wiser choices regarding your entertainment, and perhaps provide you with some entertainment in themselves. If they don’t, there’s always a poem about onions as an alernative. th th PAGE 20 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 21
ARTS [email protected] ARTS [email protected] MICE-IS: Too Dangerous To Display Absent: Tristan Sharps in Conversation Censorship reaches new levels; artwork featuring Sylvanian toys dressed in black Max speaks to the artistic director of dreamthinkspeak, the critically acclaimed company robes removed from exhibition after being considered a security threat revolutionising site specific theatre
Indira Mallik when self-censorship arises Max Falkenberg company after college, Tristan Arts Editor from a desire to offend religious Arts Editor spent a number of years acting and orthodoxies and other cultures. directing on the fringe. By the mid Choosing not to celebrate the artists 90’s, Tristan had found himself ar away, in the land of and writers who bravely create work hile I’m not with a group of people all kicking Sylvania, all woodland they know will put their lives at risk generally a fan of their heels as to what to do. Given animals have overcome slowly erodes the freedom we all phone interviews, the opportunity to create a piece their differences to live in have. It draws the line a little tighter there’s something using a whole theatre, not just the harmonious peace and tranquillity. around the things we are allowed quite fitting about not being with classic black box studio we’re used FUntil Now. Thus reads the catalogue to say or allowed to think, it feeds TristanW Sharps for our conversation. to, Tristan seized on a radically note on Isis Threaten Sylvania, a the environment of fear we live in. Tristan calls himself a dreamer, and different style of theatre. All the series of tableaux by artist Mimsy. Speaking eloquently on the topic, I’m just imagining all the amazing little areas around started to interest The work features scenes of Michael Attenborough, the artistic spaces he could be while we’re Tristan – the woodland around the fuzzy toy woodland creatures in director at the Almeida Theatre having our conversation. A man theatre, the windows looking out idyllic anthropomorphic scenes of said “the conscience and the soul whose work stems from the space on that woodland, the backstage classrooms and beaches. Just beyond of the country consist within the he inhabits, the idea that he could areas and the little garden the the windows or over hills lurk artistic community of this country,” be anywhere quite appeals to me. public would never otherwise see. ‘MICE-IS’, black clad Sylvanians adding “once we compromise that, Having been completely The result of this experience wasn’t in balaclavas, a pun-filled reference we compromise something very absorbed by Absent earlier in the exactly the beginning of Tristan’s to the terror group ISIS. serious.” week – Tristan’s new installation steps into site specific theatre, but The artwork is surreal enough Unfortunately, self-censorship in at Shoreditch Town Hall – I am the culmination of all the artistic already; the circumstances under MICE-IS threaten to spoil a picnic.. Photo Credit: Mimsy the arts is becoming an increasingly only too aware of this man’s creative endeavours he’d always really loved which they came not to be exhibited common issue in Britain. In 2014, power. There are many wondrous, and had never been able to connect are so surreal as to beggar belief. It time to worry when a pro-freedom atrocities occurring across the highlighted work was humorously Exhibit B, a show which aimed powerful artworks that can captivate together. was to form part of the Passion of expression organisation starts world, the magnitude of what is mocking the despised terrorist to recreate the ‘human zoo’, a an audience, but few art forms are as With a clear direction and for Freedom exhibition in the censoring art. Passion for Freedom happening can become too large organisation that causes suffering 19th century phenomenon, using fresh inspiration to create art in Mall Galleries a couple of week are far from alone, over the summer, to fully comprehend. When these to many, not only in the Middle black actors was closed because spaces with no connection to the ago. Passion for Freedom is a the National Youth Theatre pulled events go on for years, even the East, but also here, in Europe and of protests. Jude Kelly, artistic Part of the joy theatrical context, Tristan founded not-for-profit organisation which out of staging Homegrown a play reporters leave, it is simply not news the America”. The artist, Mimsy, director of the Southbank Centre dreamthinkspeak and has been claims to “create space for artists exploring the paths that lead young anymore. We need the jarring and who has adopted this pseudonym to has said that there is reluctance making thought provoking, unique and writers who discuss subjects Britons to become fundamentalists. slightly ludicrous juxtaposition of protect her family, is surely acutely amongst the powers that be within is how little work ever since. Having dreamed omitted in politically correct circles” In the case of Homegrown, the toy pandas, bears, and rabbits in tiny aware of the costs of exercising the artistic institutions to put on up work in a Moscow paper factory and “invite people to open and National Youth Theatre pulled the handstiched school uniforms who freedom of expression. To dismiss politically challenging productions. and reimagining an underground uninhibited discussion”. When performance after 10 days, citing an sitting at the desk, with the threat of her work as being flippant would be Institutions such the National feels forced abattoir in Clerkenwell, the scope the police claimed that the art issue with quality. The writers of the unlikely terror just outside. It brings a mistake. Isis Threaten Sylvania is Youth Theatre and others prefer to of Tristan’s work is staggering. Part was too inflammatory and would play made it clear that they thought back the issues to the forefront and a poignant and ultimately chilling err on the side of caution and play of the joy of experiencing Tristan’s cost an extra £36 000 in security, their voices had been silenced. The reminds us exactly what is at stake. satire that mocks the innocence, it politically safe rather than risk upon the work is how little feels forced upon Passion for Freedom decided not short run was plagued by last minute The curators of the Passion for and false safety that we live with losing in funding from the state. the audience. From collecting to show the piece. You know it’s changes. The site specific production Freedom event have argued that “the in the West. The scenes of girls in Self-censorship is a slippery slope. tickets at the venue to having a Tristan Sharps Photo Credit: dreamthinkspeak was forced to change venue when the schoolrooms and toy sunbathing The more that institutions veto audience drink at the bar afterwards, there Tower Hamlets council expressed it on beaches which were created productions to avoid controversy, is an impressive consistency and a his chosen building with a specific installation created for the Royal force this point. Isis would be ‘insensitive’ to stage the You know between December 2014 and May the blander the work will become. freeing and individual as site specific dedication to fitting each part of the idea and allows the building to Opera House in 2009. A piece The result of the endless performance at a school close to the 2015 have since then tragically Society as a whole, not just the art theatre. The ability to take part in a setting into the dreamscape Tristan define the detail to a piece. in response to Powder Her Face, overthinking of personal Threaten one in Bethnal Green from which it’s time played out in the real world, first world, will be poorer and less free work and be surrounded by it, has has generated. The transformation Of course, the ideal venue isn’t the opera by Thomas Adès, the obsessions, the work on display schoolgirls flew to Syria. In August, with the kidnapping of schoolgirls for it. We may not always agree an effect on people that observing a of Shoreditch Town Hall from always available to dreamthinkspeak. Duchess of Argyll spent many is evidently that of a wonderfully Sylvania is several signatories, including Anish to worry in Nigeria, and then on the beaches with what an artist has to say, but work from afar cannot match. This arts venue to hotel for Absent With a number of ideas at any one years in a central London hotel, dedicated artist. Never satisfied Kapoor and Liberty director Shami of Tunisia. it is important that we defend their is the brilliance and skill of Tristan’s is all encompassing and wholly time, it is a testament to Tristan’s extraordinarily because she had with his own work and constantly Chakrabarti, wrote a letter to the The opposition to Charlie Hebdo right to say it, otherwise we can creations. The designer of these convincing. artform that he is able to hold off run out of money. Blagging her tweaking current creations, Tristan a chilling National Youth Theatre expressing when a pro- receiving the freedom of expression hardly complain if we are silenced wonderful worlds, Tristan has found Speaking to Tristan about the a project and keep it on the back way through her time at the hotel shows continuous ambition but their worry that the theatre had award from the American in the future. himself a niche in which all aspects creative process, there is a unique burner until the time is right. and living on credit, Tristan has with great modesty. Turning every satire that been put under pressure to cancel freedom of association of Poets, Essayists and Passion for Freedom and other of the creative process can come thoughtfulness in how he describes Although I can’t judge the suitability fictionally extrapolated her story pound of funding into five, Tristan the production. Novelists (PEN) highlights the organisations aiming to uphold together and form something larger his relationship with different of previous chosen locations, my to describe a young girl moving to acknowledges the difficulty of mocks the Safety of the artists and the public expression difficulty inherent in discussing the right to freedom of expression and more impressive. Although diverse venues. Rather than experience at Absent suggests a the hotel in the 1950’s and being achieving huge artistic dreams should of course be of paramount freedom of expression issues. Those should do so wholeheartedly, site specific theatre can fly under creating a work and placing it in a particularly refined patience. With evicted in the present day. A view on a finite budget, but inherently, importance, however, galleries and who thought Charlie Hebdo should without fear. The state has a role the radar, the quality and joy of venue, Tristan dedicates himself to detail going into every little corner less into the individual and more Tristan lives to create. His work false safety organisations curating exhibitions organisation not have received the PEN award to play, in order to make sure that work like Tristan’s should not be dreaming in a space and allowing his of Shoreditch Town Hall - the into the development of the hotel is incredible and should not be should not be so quick to err on cited that condemning the violence our rights to freedom of expression understated. work to naturally slip into its chosen signs, the reception, the bar and the and how it mirrors the increasingly missed. that we live the side of caution. Censorship starts perpetrated against them was one do not slip away. The police should With his dream to be an artist location. Progressing into the details lobby – it is hard to believe this isn’t globalised and homogenised world Until 25th October. Student tickets only serves to shut down discussion thing, actively celebrating cartoons work to supporting organisations halted by his inability to draw, of the piece, the space develops in really a hotel. we live in. Tristan’s criticism of from £10 with ID Mon-Fri 9pm with in the about important issues that artwork, censoring designed to be inflammatory was creating thought provoking and Tristan’s early love for art and a way few other practitioners have Based on the life of the Duchess corporate power is obvious, but it & 9.15pm and Sunday 12.30pm, such as that by Mimsy, provokes. quite another. It can be a difficult controversial work, not discouraging architecture fuelled a move into consideration for. In a solitary, time of Argyll, Tristan’s initial inspiration is impressive that he has created a 2.30pm & 4.30pmQuote “STHH” West After months of watching the art and often emotive line to negotiate them with financial burdens. the theatre. Founding a theatre consuming process, Tristan inhabits for Absent came from a small work which doesn’t obnoxiously at Checkout. Subject to Booking Fee. th th PAGE 22 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 23
ARTS [email protected] ARTS [email protected] The best in budget stand-up A disgrace of epic proportions Hammersmith’s newest comedy club shows great potential but has work to do The National Youth Theatre knows no boundaries in this dire depiction of rape
Max Falkenberg unrivalled price. an experience second tier clubs set. Southern is a wicked wordsmith little and his pace drops towards Max Falkenberg excuses a lack of professionalism Arts Editor Having left their Putney venue can’t match. The Comedy Tree has with an entertaining mix of comic the end, but the overall result is Arts Editor in Consensual is debatable, but after thirteen years, The Comedy a sharp young line-up, but three rap and dirty charm. His pedigree impressive. the fact that these hugely talented Tree still needs to find its feet but weeks into their new venue, the club is obvious and he holds himself Without going into detail, I young people are forced to perform oung, fun and edgy, The inklings of long term potential are hasn’t found its groove. The space is must commend Tom Lucy for an s Head of Year 11, this painfully stereotyped, rancid Comedy Tree’s rebirth there. While the laughs will always flash but the room feels a little large exemplary set by a young comedian. Diane is meant to be material is a real tragedy. I was in Hammersmith shows be the focus of a good comedy club, for an under filled club. Would I just It’s early days With perfect timing and a superbly implementing the new proud to be a member of NYT – this flashes of brilliance at an the buzz of the best venues offer chill in a room like this? Probably clever progression, Lucy has an ‘Healthy Relationships’ production leaves me disappointed not. Of course this will improve almost unrivalled ability to lure his curriculum. But then Freddie arrives. and embarrassed. Y as The Comedy Tree solidifies its for this young audience into a laugh and subvert SheA hasn’t seen him since that night Written by the award winning crowd and learns how best to use its our expectations – I’d be amazed if six years earlier when he was fifteen. Evan Placey, Consensual claims space but they aren’t there yet. we don’t see a lot more of him in the She thinks he took advantage of to be an explosive, thought- With a changing line-up, each club but I years to come. her. He thinks she groomed him for provoking piece about sexual week will of course vary, but the acts The lasting impression from The months. But neither is sure. consent, but it’s not. This play I saw suggest a knack for booking Comedy Tree is somewhat mixed. Never before has a work of art made systematically trivialises rape and quality up-and-coming young expect drastic It‘s early days for this young club but me as angry, disgusted and upset as depicts the average teenager as comedians. With the eighteen I expect drastic improvement pretty Consensual. An utterly disgraceful rude, uncontrollable and stupid. year-old Tom Lucy standing quickly. The bar is expensive, so any depiction of young people and The premise isn’t necessarily out as a future star, the line-up improvement trip requires a substantial pre-drink, sexual assault, the National Youth unworkable and I am in no way was rounded off by newcomers but the ticket price is as good as it Theatre (NYT) should be appalled averse to controversial theatre, but Francis Foster, George Lewis, and gets. Realistically, The Comedy Tree and ashamed at this production. the execution is ethically all over the headliner Gordon Southern. Foster pretty quickly isn’t something I’d make a date out Pushing the boundaries of poor place. Jokes are thrown in left right and Lewis both show signs of their of, but if you’re free on a Thursday, taste and acceptable behaviour, this and centre and it seems impossible inexperience but the laughs are there aren’t many better things to do. is miles past anything I have ever for any character, not just the kids, frequent and well judged. with confidence. With a sharp, Every Thursday from 7.30pm seen on stage. to go two minutes without making Members of the NYT Rep Company. Photo Credit: National Youth Theatre Foster is funny but can feel on the money set, Southern is Tickets for Students from £6 I joined the NYT in 2013 and my some obnoxious, unnecessary quite simple and Lewis has an an entertaining comedian who’s experience with them was one of remark for comic effect. What’s witnesses this work. unacceptable and unjustified. It is and no question about relationships Tom Lucy. extraordinary knack for one liners not too far from being fantastic. the most rewarding and enjoyable funny about rape? Nothing – but There are glaring inconsistencies a real shame because I can honestly is ever simple. But execution is but lacks the filler needed for a full Occasionally his material drags a times in my life. The primary somehow the audience can’t stop running throughout the script and say that the performance of Lauren everything and Consensual lacked it ambassador for young theatre in laughing. character development is completely Lyle as Diane is outstanding and all. The approach this play has taken Britain, NYT represents thousands To end the play, in a decision unbelievable. Classic moments of the rest of the cast work well with is horrific, and no good intentions of aspiring actors and many of the that continues to baffle me, Diane NYT ensemble work and a number the material they are given, but they can excuse the end result. With stage’s greatest names have passed and Freddie are shown having sex of scene changes are accompanied can in no way redeem the travesty no moral path, no boundaries through their doors. on stage. Whether in good taste or by the year 11 class rapping are which is Consensual. and no respect, Consensual is an From their vast numbers, sixteen not, the production continues to to an extent impressive, but to In his programme notes, Placey embarrassment. members are chosen each year to invite laughter to an image which which purpose I do not know. The mentions how he wanted to Consensual is on at the Ambassador’s British Museum appoints new Director take part in the NYT Rep company, is frankly horrifying. I do not doubt direction at the start of the second explore the complexity behind a Theatre until December a free of charge training scheme that Placey had the best intentions half shows some potential, but teacher/student relationship and I Museum appoints first foreign which ends in a series of west when writing this play, but I fear most moments feel forced and the understand why. As wrong as the act director since 19th Century end performances. Whether this for the victim of sexual assault who actions of multiple characters are is, nothing is ever black and white
Indira Mallik Arts Editor the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen (State Art Collection) in Dresden, and previously the Folkswang Museum in Basel. This will have r Hartwig Fischer has given him the experience of looking been appointed the new after historic priceless collections, We want YOUR work! director of the British but being at the helm of the Your Arts Editors are always looking for fresh talent to fill these pages. Whether Museum, he replaces British Museum will quite another Neil MacGregor, who stepped eperience. you’re an aspiring poet, a budding artist or an avid photographer, we would love to Ddown at the end of September. Fischer will have big shoes to fill Dr Fischer is the first non-British at his new role. MacGregor has see your work and share it with the student population. director of the museum since the presided over something of a golden 19th century. age in the museum’s history. The Absolutely any submission is welcome! We run a Your Art section especially for Fischer may be most familiar to British Museum has become one of Dr Hartwig Fischer Photo Credit: British Museum British audiences as the co-curator the world’s most visited museums, this purpose. It could even be a commentary on a poem you have recently read, or of the Kadinsky exhibition at the surpassed only by the Louvre; it approach to improving relations bedrock of the British Museum’s MacGregor’s was in classical art, Tate Modern in 2006. However, welcomed 6.7 million people visited with the economic giant. collection, their would be disastrous it will be interesting to see how a critique of a particular artwork. If you have anything to express at all, do drop us most of his career has taken place in in 2014. Macgregor was also instrumental to the organisation. this difference manifests in their his native Germany. The History of the World in 100 in resisting the return of antiquities, Fischer will have to find new approaches to setting the direction an email at [email protected]. Until his appointment at the Objects exhibition will be touring particularly the Parthenon marbles. ways to maintain this success. His for the future of the British British Museum, he was director of China as part of the a soft power These foreign antiquities form the expertise is in 20th century art; Museum. th th PAGE 24 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 25
ARTS [email protected] ARTS [email protected] Words that bridge cultures Recommended: Things we forgot last week The Poetry Cafe is the perfect stop for a light dose of poetry - this month, we cover a group of writers who discuss their experiences transitioning between cultures. Ahir Shah: Distant (Soho Theatre, 19th - 24th October ) The former Cambridge Footlight returns to London’s premiere comedy venue after a stellar month at this year’s Jingjie Cheng the voices of those who hail from Family relationships and vignettes so easily morph everything else to work. There were poetry enthusiasts Edinburgh Fringe. An odd mix between the classically stereotyped Oxbridge elite and a young shaky political Arts Editor foreign lands, the ones trying to of childhood seemed to be a popular fit into our adopted homes. “How and even some tourists who had smart arse. Wickedly funny with a biting political repertoire, Shah’s material is rarely easy watching but some find their place in a land they still theme of the night. Perhaps, when is that possible,” she asks, “when happened to pass by. of the sharpest, wittiest and most current comedy on the scene. Some will hate Shah’s work, but if you can bare hesitate to call their own. These are our physical surroundings keep the root of the sound of my name the intensity of his set you’ll be in tears by the end of the hour. ituated merely a couple the members of Exiled Writers Ink, changing, we identify “home” is Hebrew?” of minutes away from the a group of artists mostly living in It is often said intangibly - it is our most important Even as these poets write of the hustle and bustle of Covent exile in the UK and Europe, as well relationships and our fondest search for a coherent identity and Garden, Betterton Street as the descendants of those who fled that art is memories. a sense of belonging, their words with its petite shopfronts and their countries. Having grown up outside of the have crossed cultures and shared Staging a Revolution (Young Vic, 2nd - 14th November) Srelative quiet seems like a world The organisation was set up in universal, and UK myself, one of the poems I hold their personal struggles with the away. 2000 by Jennifer Langer, herself close to my heart is Originally by rest of the world. This, I feel, is the A series of ten productions over two weeks, the critically acclaimed Belarus Free Theatre present a collection of Yet, almost every night, from a the daughter of Holocaust survivors Carol Ann Duffy: beauty of words and art – both as controversial works on the theme of revolution. Banned in their own country, the production moves each night humble unit along this street, words from Germany. It aims to support its appreciation an articulation of emotion and a performing at undisclosed locations and at the Young Vic. The viewer is subject to the fear and bravery that emerge, carried by the wind and the work of exiles, migrants Do I only think force for a common understanding. goes into consuming and creating art under a totalitarian regime. Ranging from discussions on hacking and heavy with emotion. and their descendants through is common I lost a river, culture, speech, sense of Within the theme of exile literature, surveillance state to two nights of King Lear, BFT display a breadth and a creative courage rarely seen on stage. It is easy to miss the Poetry performance, publishing and first space then, the words of the dispossessed, Café. Its nondescript shopfront is training, encouraging integration in across cultures and the right place? Now, Where do especially those of the newly settled identifiable only by a plain sign: the process. you come from? migrants, is as important as a tool for “The Poetry Place”, and the bright, Each poetry reading is themed strangers ask. Originally? And I integration and understanding as it cheery interior of the café when one – this month, it was ‘Daughters Yet, the words of the poets were hesitate. is a way of dealing with the complex th th peers in. The glass front is plastered of Migrants’, while the upcoming relatable to anyone – it is fair to emotions of such a displacement. Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Donmar, 11 December – 13 February) over with leaflets and posters November reading is themed say that everyone has felt some Displacement has always been Like every production at the Donmar, Les Liaisons Dangereuses is sold out two months before opening night. advertising poetry events all over “Writing out of War and Exile”. displacement at some point in their a favourite theme of poets, and Discord is With the feisty Dominic West taking up the lead role, it is unlikely that he lives up to John Malkovich’s London. It is small and cosy, a place Often, they are opened with music lives, whether it is a child not fitting language especially is a recurring lightning performance in the 1988 film, but the play oozes enough sex, sass and wit for West to work with. I where one might enjoy an afternoon by the gypsy music group Le in at school or an adult moving into motif. Linda Black, another poet of not always have little doubt that this production will be extraordinary. Day tickets are available but getting them can be a with a book and coffee. Gazhikane Muzikante, a longitme th another city for work. the night, described the confusion pain. For those of us with better things to do, NT Live will show the production on January 28 . The stairs to the basement open collaborator of Exiled Writers Ink. Aviva Dautch, one of the poets with the pronunciation of her into a small space; on one side there This month, they performed music reading on the night, brought grandfather’s family name when unpleasant – is an open area where poems are form the Jewish community of 15th up the concept of a “harmonious he moved. Language is probably read and music played, on the other century Spain, in the spirit of poetry discord”, which she raised as the one of the first things that reveal in fact, it can a couple of rows of red plastic chairs by the daughters of Jewish migrants. common experience of any migrant. one’s foreign origins, and one of the for the audience. It is often said that art is universal, As a foreigner among people who first obstacles that a new migrant sometimes The Amazing World of MC Escher th th It is this basement that is the heart and its appreciation is common are different to yourself but largely has to overcome. Language is also (Dulwich Picture Gallery, 14 October – 17 January) of activity, with different poetry across cultures. Of the audience who similar to each other, there is both a connection to one’s roots. In the add colour and Escher’s lithography and woodcuts, based on the work of leading mathematicians such as Roger Penrose are events happening all the time. These went to hear the October poetry an unwillingness to completely words of Ms Dautch: surrealism at its most distilled. Whether you want to admire the mathematical concepts that underlie the art, include open mic poetry readings, reading, only a handful were exiles change yourself to fit in, and the excitement or the brilliance of Escher’s technique and imagination, this exhibition featuring nearly 100 of his drawings “poetry clinics”, where established themselves. Some were third, fourth physical impossibility of doing so. “We brush off dust, but who can brush and prints spanning his career is not to be missed. poets are invited to critique the generation migrants, on all accounts The best solution, then, is a positive off pain in Hebrew?” works of aspiring poets, poetry born and bred British, but interested integration of your differences into our lives slams and even combined jazz and in their own ancestry and how their into the fabric of the community. Being a third generation Jewish poetry performances. forefathers must have felt, having Discord is not always unpleasant – migrant, she questions the extent With the refugee crisis constantly On the first Monday of every left their homes for unfamilar in fact, it can sometimes add colour to which we can shed the history on the news and spilling right onto th th th th month, the basement fills with land. Others were interested in aid and excitement into our lives. of our people even as we seem to our doorstep, it is not enough to Carmen (Royal Opera House, 19 October – 30 November, ballet from 26 October – 12 only be thinking about the logistics November) and politics of where and how the This is the classic tragedy of Don Jose who sacrifices everything for Carmen, the woman he loves. When she refugees should be distributed. It is leaves him for another man, his love turns to hatred. It has everything you could want from a blockbuster opera; perhaps worth thinking about how passion, betrayal, a raucous Spanish atmosphere with unforgettable music to boot. For a two-week run, the our societies can integrate those ROH will also be staging a dance adaptation of the classic Bizet opera by The Royal Ballet. that eventually settle in kind ways – Exiled Writers Ink, for example, are making a trip to the Calais refugee camp to bring them books, poetry and company. Migration, after th th all, has been a fixture throughout Frank Auerbach (Tate Britain, 9 October – 15 March 2016) history and we are living in the Frank Auerbach is considered by some to be one of Britain’s finest painters. He has worked a very narrow set of resulting richness and diversity that subjects for many years, charting the change in the streets around his home in Camden Town over decades. He makes the world so interesting – and is notorious for simply painting over his previous works until the finished piece emerges. This exhibition is an of course, enjoying the whole genre opportunity to see the collected works of an artist who, along with Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon, has had a of literature that human migration profound impact on British art. The Poetry Cafe. Photo Credit: The Poetry Society Exiled Lit Cafe. Photo Credit: Exiled Writers Ink has inspired. w ...... REYNOLDS ...... 09 ...... 09...... October ...... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ...... 20:00...... - 03:00 Sunday 11 OCTOBER dOORS OPEN: 6.30 ...... alex ...... mytton METRIC...... £12.00...... IN ADVANCE ...... £13.00...... ON THE DOOR (made in chelsea) With a fantastic line up of professional ...... cabaret ...... acts and a transformed venue, enter into a 1930s .The Freshers’...... Ball is the final party of Welcome Week for Undergraduates circus-themed evening of endless surprises! ...... and a great way to celebrate with...... your new found friends. Alex Mytton ...... (Made In Chelsea) is your headliner for the night alongside ...... a host of DJs...... Get your ticket now at: ...... imperialcollegeunion.org/whats-on A huge range of ...... cocktails available ...... 09 October ...... £2.50 oNLINE / £3 ON THE DOOR ...... pgi friday ...... silent disco imperialcollegeunion.org/whats-on ...... 20:00 - 01:00 ...... h-bar Celebrate Friday at the h-bar with...... our Silent Disco! ...... There will be two channels of music you can listen ...... FREE to on your own set of headphones - which will you AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...... 11 October ...... POSTGRADUATE ONLY choose? ...... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ...... DRI ...... 10 October ...... 19:00 - 23:00 ...... The Postgraduate fivesixeight ...... free ...... 10 ...... DRI is Imperial College Union’s alcohol free club night...... From 19:00, ...... 19:00 - 02:00 FiveSixEight, Metric and the Union Bar will be serving only ...... non-alcoholic drinks for the rest of the evening...... All union bars ...... £10.00 in advance ...... Entry for DRI is free. All students are welcome at DRI, including ...... those...... under 18. It’s a great chance to meet with new and old ...... buy one get one free friends, watch the Rugby ...... World Cup live on our big screens in ...... POSTGRADUATE ONLY dj yoda FiveSixEight or listen to Guitar Soc’s open mic night ...... in The Union ...... Bar. There will also be a carvery from 17:00 seving beef, turkey or a ...... nut roast for vegetarians. All will be served with Yorkshire puddings, The Postgraduate Mingle is Imperial College Union’s official welcome ...... roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy for only £6.00...... party for all new incoming Postgraduate students. DJ Yoda...... will be ...... headlining the largest PG social event of the year...... imperialcollegeunion.org/whats-on felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9th OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 27
GAMES [email protected] UnderTale is this year’s indie masterpiece Tobyfox’s debut delivers the most subversive JRPG of the decade so far
Cale Tilford one in unique ways. You can steal, Music Editor hug, touch, sing and sometimes even flirt (skeletons make great dates). If and when you console a nderTale takes place in monster correctly you can spare a world that has been them – making an entirely pacifist divided by a war between playthrough possible. There’s still the humans and monsters. option to fight, like in conventional In their victory, the humans sealed JRPGs (which requires you to time Uthe monsters underground. You play as a child who has fallen into the underworld as they seek to to return UnderTale to the surface. It’s a set-up that’s instantly familiar but in UnderTale it’s merely the backdrop to a far has one greater and more personal conflict. The first character you meet noticeable is Flowey the Flower. At first, Frequent save points make the game a frustration-free experience. Photo Credit: Steam this seems nothing more than a harmless introduction to the game’s difference – mini-game where you control your The writing in UnderTale is that you make. UnderTale feels mechanics but Flowey’s happy heart as you avoid projectiles. Add often hilarious and at other times different, not only in the way that demeanour and the accompanying in more enemies and this becomes shockingly depressing. It’s littered it forces you to make decisions playful chiptune hide something far the freedom increasingly chaotic. Bosses add with awful puns and self-aware so often but also in how essential more sinister. The music stops and interesting twists to this mechanic, jibes aimed at the JRPG genre. these decisions are to its themes and Flowey cackles, “in this world, it’s kill to be providing some of the game’s The dialogue in battle and whilst mechanics. You can kill everyone or BE killed”. This would be true for most memorable experiences. exploring the underground is just in the underworld or spare every any other JRPG however UnderTale When you’re not battling one part of the game’s fantastic monster you come across and has one noticeable difference – merciful monsters, you’ll be solving characterisation; lo-fi spritesyour experience will be drastically the freedom to be merciful. environment based puzzles. These reminiscent of Earthbound or Random encounters and boss your key presses to deliver optimal are easily the weakest part of the Mother 3 (and the SNES-era in battles are where UnderTale damage), but the game is most fun game – they’re wholly unoriginal general) create characters that are Chiptune innovates the most. The four options when you leave your foes uninjured. and offer little challenge. In the impressively diverse and unique. available in each ‘battle’ are FIGHT, Even when you’re being nice, context of the story they make Tumblr is already full of fan-art ACT, ITEM and MERCY. When monsters will still fight back and sense but they quickly become giving testament to the popularity tracks are you ACT, you can converse with you’ll have to dodge their attacks tiresome and you’ll wish there was and originality of these designs. The ‘enemies’ and interact with each in a top down bullet hell style an option to skip these sections. different colour palettes throughout mixed with each of the game’s environments are matched perfectly with the epic and haunting soundtrack. Toby Fox expertly has composed music for popular webcomic Homestuck (along with a number of other projects) in the layered past and his experience shows here. Catchy chiptune tracks sampled are mixed with expertly layered sampled instruments. At times, this mish-mash of genres feels instruments jarring but the consistent quality and originality of the compositions different. Ultimately, UnderTale makes this one of the year’s makes the statement that there is best videogame soundtracks. another way: not all battles can or Recently there has been a trend need to be resolved with violence. of superficial choices in games. It recognises that understanding Save one character and let another and compassion are essential if die or say something that might we truly wish to resolve conflicts offend an NPC and they’ll hold – a message that is all too obvious that against you forever. In most of and yet so commonly ignored. these situations the outcome at the end is still the same and there’s very UnderTale, by tobyfox, is available Each monster design is impressively unique – it’s a shame you can’t catch ‘em all. Photo Credit: Steam little emotion behind the decisions now on Steam. TH TH PAGE 28 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 29
PUZZLES [email protected] PUZZLES [email protected] Colour Eyes Closed Sudoku Hands Tied MegaFuckingNonoGram Wheel Each section in the wheel below is one of the following colours: Beige, Blue, Crimson, Gold, Green, Orange, Purple, or White. Given the following rules, what is the colour of each section?
1. Only colours containing an even number of letters are in even numbered sections.
2. The colours in sections 4 and 5 begin with the same letter.
3. The colours in sections 7 and 8 begin with the same letter.
4. The colours in sections 3 and 8 end with the same letter.
5. Green is immediateluy between gold and purple.
Coffee Needed Mind Melter
FUCWIT
Points available this week: 15.5 Sudoku: Eyes Closed 1 points Hands Tied 2 points Coffee Needed 3 points Mind Melter .5 points
Colour Wheel: 3 points
Nonogram: 6 points
With a tremendous three (3!) LEADER BOARD entries from last week’s freshers edition, the FUCWIT Leader =1st. Grace Chin 3 Board glory / shame is here for the =1st. Jeremy Ong 3 taking. =1st. Sach Patel 3 You should take it. Have you You’re all winners (yay!), but you are thought about taking it? Think also all last. Take what you can get. harder. Then think about the puzzles. No group entries as yet, so everybody loses on that one too. Just more so. Then email your answers to From last week, obviously. Didn’t Didn’t obviously. last week, From be that easy did you? think it would Solutions [email protected]. Union Page
Your Rep and Council Elections - nominations close 16 October Get involved in making your student experience the best it can be.
This year we are electing Year and Course Representatives, the 16 Ordinary Members of Council, Ethics and Environmental Officer and the Graduate Students’ Union Committee simultaneously. This is a brilliant way to get involved and be part of ensuring student views are expressed to the right bodies to make changes for the benefit of students.
To find out more about the positions up for election, visit our Elections website imperialcollegeunion.org/elections
Join us at our Volunteering Fair, Tuesday 13 October
#helloicu
11:30 - 14:00 in the Great Hall, Sherfield Building, South Kensington campus.
Looking to make a difference and gain valuable experience? Then attend our Volunteering Fair! Come along and Volunteering Fair to meet with projects and charities and find out about the thousands of different volunteering opportunities you can get involved with at Imperial, across London and overseas. More information about volunteering with and through the Union can be found on our website. imperialcollegeunion.org/volunteering CONNECTION Check out our ThePIMLICO Welcome Week Inspire blog, full of pictures Volunteer with Imperial’s Encourage and posts from our leading tutor programme, The Pimlico Connection. Motivate
hastag #helloicu! Visit To apply or for more information, visit imperialcollegeunion.org imperialcollegeunion.org/pimlico
Linking Imperial students with the local community to find it. C mmunityConnections
Pimlico Connections A2.indd 1 02/10/2015 13:39
imperialcollegeunion.org felixonline.co.uk FRIDAY 9th OCTOBER 2015 PAGE 31
HANGMAN [email protected] Uni Survival Tips (But Just the Tips) Hangman continues to neglect actual journalism in favour of this rubbish ecause we’re nothing if but we’re not sorry. Hangman has ever), here is one of those. About cave. ignoring people (or just winding not lazy, we’re reviving no time for regrets. whatever we were just talking about. Apparently people enjoy them up). the ol’ advice column for All this (necessary) violence mindlessly staring at a screen as Our favourite is reading people’s another week. Go us. against those new to Imperial got Drinking the pictures on it change and noises messages, then deliberately not Traditionally, this sort of article Hangman thinking: how, after the Hangman has noticed an awful come out. This is what counts for answering. Their increasing panic/ B(or ‘listicle’, thanks for that gem, sweaty, alcohol-infused buzz of lot of people spending time in the entertainment now. What a world anger as they watch you read every internet) would open with some the first few weeks of university, Union. The only possible reason for we live in. single message and respond with sort of anecdote. Hangman doesn’t does anyone survive the crushing this must be the relatively cheap deafening silence is one of life’s much care for tradition, but here we boredom and pressure of doing an alcohol (only one arm and half a leg, Drinking greatest pleasures. go anyway. actual degree? compared to most London pubs’ While watching TV? Who knows. If only you could just block So. Hangman made the mistake Hangman would have asked other multiple-limbs-per-pint pricing Hangman doesn’t. everyone (or report the particularly of going to the Freshers Mingle last students what helped them make structure), and the ability/need annoying ones as spam) in real life. weekend. it through the year, but that would to consume large quantities of it. Social Media We didn’t mean to. We were just have been too much like actual Hangman can think of no other Because there’s nothing quite Drinking trying to get this page done early journalism. reason to come to this godforsaken like the thrill of seeing what other While on social media? Probably. and we got trapped by hundreds of We’ll have none of that in the place. people are doing in their equally Hangman has to do it to cope with freshers. Hundreds, we tell you. Hangman section, thank you very pointless lives, but all from the the inanity of it all. Maybe not hundreds. We’re not much. TV comfort of your own home/bed/ really sure. All we saw was a bunch Instead, we just made some ‘Netflix and chill’ is the latest sofa/cage without actually having to Reading FELIX of drunk, gropey people in our way. observations about life, safe in our piece of nonsense that has wormed go to the effort of doing those things Hangman is a big fan of the classic Hangman would apologise if you cave under the West Basement. its way onto Twitter/Tumblr/Social or seeing those people yourself. ‘joke entry on a serious list’ style were one of the freshers we pushed, And because Hangman bloody Network 7 - yes, Hangman uses Believe it or not, Hangman is of doing these things. Consider shoved, growled at or generally loves listicles (“love ‘em, can’t get social media. We’re not a bunch of actually quite fond of social media, this that joke entry. Nobody reads looked at with a withering glare, enough of the things,” said no-one cave men. Although we do live in a thanks to its suite of tools for FELIX. Not even you. CANCER TAURUS GEMINI VIRGO ARIES HOROSCOPES LEO
This week you go to the This week you find yourself This week you lose your This week your new boy/ This week you make the This week you question Freshers Ball, hoping to absent-mindedly flickingID card, in the hope that a girlfriend from halls suggests fatal error of going to the the choice of image for the score with all the naive through back issues of popular celebrity will find it it’s time to take things to Union during the day time, ‘Virgo’ horoscope. For some young freshers. After several FELIX, because apparently and tweet about it to give it the next level. Thrilled that in an attempt to see what it reason, it just makes you unsuccessful attempts, you you have no life. In issues back to you. they share your passion for really looks like without beer uncomfortable, but you’re realise that maybe your dorsal from years ago, you stumble Unfortunately, the local coke video game all-nighters, you goggles. not sure why. Is it the heavily fin and rows of serrated teeth across a centrefold featuring addict is the first person to buy new controllers for the There’s no punchline, we just implied nudity? Whatever might be putting them off. your mum. Good luck find your card, and it’s never occasion. They dump you for really don’t advise coming to the woman is holding? Or do unseeing that one. seen again. being a massive nerd. the Union when sober. you just hate the colour red? SCORPIO AQUARIUS SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN PISCES LIBRA
This week you are called This week you go to the Health This week you loudly tell This week you are Hangman. This week you decide that This week you are a fish. Helen. Your roommate is Centre to get registered. The anyone who will listen that You try and write horoscopes the horoscopes aren’t as good called Helen. The hall senior queue stretches back outside immigrants are all thieves that are as weird and mildly as they used to be, and that Shut up, we have a paper to on your floor is called Helen. and into Prince’s Gardens, and murderers, and that we horrifying as the ones your you could do a way better job finish. Your warden is Helen. Your and is so long that you are should build a wall to keep horoscopes writer usually than this bunch of wankers. computer is Helen. Your there for two weeks. You them all out. sends you. Unfortunately, You email your horoscopes to personal tutor is Helen. All catch pneumonia and die. You instantly rise to the top you’re just a sentient, [email protected], and women are Helen. Everyone of polls in the US Presidential incorporeal mass of anger demand that they are printed. is Helen. All hail Helen. election. Oh, America. and hatred, and so can’t You’re so needy. actually type anything. th PAGE 32 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2015 felixonline.co.uk
SPORT [email protected] Cross Country take on Welsh hills Lily Battershill, Liam Smith and Will Jones Smith organised music to encourage Vyrnwy; a lovely 18km loop that Cross Country everyone to push up the hills. A big we would return to for more runs roast dinner was a welcome treat later in the week. Back at the house and the last night of some departing Social Secretary Anna Lawson led a n Friday 19th club members was cause for some tough circuits session to prepare us September 22 ‘minor’ celebrations. for the arrival of our strength and members of Cross The hardier among us were up conditioning master Rob the next Country and Athletics day. A chilled evening was spent boarded minibuses, cars and trains Alex preparing for Anna’s birthday the toO begin our summer tour training next day. week in Wales. Some hours later The next morning we all drove we had arrived at our destination: subjected us back over to Lake Vyrnwy. Some the beautiful Castell Courtyard of us ran a full lap with the three in North Wales. Situated on a to a brutal Chrisses laying down the pace picturesque hillside (well, mountain, and others getting a lift half way. technically) this huge holiday home Women’s captain Sarah came along had every comfort we could possibly core workout on her bike to provide some passing need – including a ten person hot motivation as she smashed a couple tub – and this was a welcome that began of laps. We rejoined at the end to addition considering the gruelling have a nice picnic in the sun by the week’s training coming up! On with an “easy lake shore before heading back. arrival most got straight to it with a After a group stretching session led run. A hearty dinner set the tone for by club veteran Alwyn, Rob made the rest of the week, with big meals warm up” of sure we hadn’t been slacking on the needed to supply big appetites! circuits which suitably knackered The trip proved Instagram friendly. Photo Credit: ICXC Alumnus Jack, arriving late, decided a four minute anyone who wasn’t already too to get in on the running action tired to move. Surprise birthday we tried to use up all our remaining we spent the afternoon and evening despite it being dark, and only ran plank. brownie cake was as good a cure as food. enjoying the last of the holiday by, into one fence. any and kicked off a fun night of The final day meant it was time of course, finding out just how many The next day Jack and Ellie drove early on Sunday morning for the celebrations. for a race! We returned to Lake people we could fit into the hot tub! over to Snowdonia to do some traditional long run. Jack, Ellie and Tuesday morning was a more Vyrnwy one last time for seven A huge amount of work from a training for an upcoming two day Will ran up the highest mountain in relaxed affair with the big focus kilometre handicapped time trial lot of people went into organising mountain marathon. Fellow runners the area – Berwyn – which turned of the day being an afternoon trip with start times determined from the tour and making sure it went off Lily and Lucie also joined them, out to be quite an epic as it required to the Queensway Stadium in five kilometre personal bests – the without a hitch, particularly from running up Snowdon and back climbing another mountain just Wrexham for a track session, which intention being that if everything Liam, Will, Matt, Sarah, Duncan with enough time to watch the end to get to it! Chris Bannon and handily coincided with an urgent went right we’d all finish at the same and Alex. of the British Mountain Running Chris Thomas also went mountain request for the minibus to get an time. This made for an exciting Championships. Back at the house a running and had a surprise meet up MOT. finish and with everything coming If you’d like to join the club please morning run was followed by a core with Jack and Ellie on the way back. The club split into two groups – down to the last kick, experienced email us at [email protected], we’d love to session and then a brutal hill sprint Others went in search of flatter one doing a long distance session club member Duncan took the win. hear from you. After all, we didn’t in the afternoon. Club captain Liam running ground and found Lake of kilometre reps and the other A post race BBQ was a welcome win Sport Imperial Club of the Year doing a middle distance session treat for everyone, and once packed for nothing! consisting of 300m sprints with reducing rest between each one. Strong winds couldn’t get in the way of some seriously fast running and encouragement from Liam and Tom resulted in everyone leaving it all out on the track. ‘GB Boy’ Chris Olley ran so many laps that the rest of us started getting dizzy! Minibus returned, we headed back for the house for a chilled out evening. With the end of the week nearly in sight, Wednesday morning started with some more relaxed runs. Ophelie, Lily and Lucie took the chance to explore some picturesque waterfalls nearby. Rob, still not satisfied, put on another circuits session before secretary Alex subjected us to a brutal core workout that began with an “easy warm up” of a four minute plank. Dinner was baked potatoes with The whole gang. Photo Credit: ICXC just about every imaginable filling as Pretty sure taking this picture slowed the runner down. Photo Credit: ICXC