FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 – Keep the Cat Free – ISSUE 1702 Felix

The Student Newspaper of Imperial College London

NEWS

Felix meets the new Provost!

PAGE 4

MUSIC

Looking at the White Album's legacy 50 years on PAGE 22 Imperial after dark // Imperial College London ARTS Imperial's Dodgy Dealings

NEWS much-maligned Sackler Greenwich, which re- addiction and overdose over their activities in Trust, receiving £2.5m ceived £1.5m. A student at crisis that kills more than the UK. A spokesperson last year. Imperial College London, 100 people in the US. for Imperial College said The Sun: Living Andy Djaba The Sackler family who asked to remain Data has revealed that US it received charitable With Our Star Editor-in-Chief has come under recent anonymous, told Felix: drug overdose deaths rose donations from a range scrutiny amidst the US “Imperial being the to a record 72,000 last of sources that helped PAGE 27 opioid addiction and largest beneficiary of year. Purdue Pharma and strengthen its research overdose crisis. Last year, this dodgy money, who members of the Sackler and education through Imperial College the family donated £7m would’ve thought?”. family, including Theresa scholarships, academic London amongst UK through its philanthropic The Sackler family’s Sackler, a director of the positions, research centres SPORT beneficiaries of UStrust to British institu- influential philanthropic Sackler Trust and one of and capital projects. The tions, including the Old role has come under the the UK’s most prolific source added: trust embroiled in Vic, the National Theatre spotlight after allegations arts philanthropists, are “All donations are con- drug crisis and several other UK that the transatlantic dy- being sued by the US sidered carefully under cultural and educational nasty’s fortune has been state of Massachusetts. our relationship review institutions. As reported tainted by the US opioid The Massachusetts case is and gift acceptance mperial College by numerous national crisis. Much of the fami- being watched closely by policies, and we keep all London has been newspapers, including ly’s wealth has come from some UK institutions, as relationships with third Cross Country revealed to be the The Guardian, Imperial OxyContin, the prescrip- pressure from US activists parties under continuous runs for largest UK benefi- College London was the tion painkiller launched in on galleries and museums review”. Iciary of donations from largest beneficiary, fol- 1996 that has been a major funded by the Sacklers in- Parliament the controversial and lowed by Royal Museums aggravator in the opioid creases, casting a shadow (Hill) Cont. pg 3 PAGE 40 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 FELIX FELIX ISSUE 1702

EDITORIAL NEWS [email protected] CONTENTS EDITORIAL 2 A rather uneventful week... NEWS 3-6 jaba – Felix don't even want to y D Ed change. Of course, that The Felix Team POLITICS 7-8 tell you what time it d ito means nothing because An r Editor-in-Chief is right now but just nobody is still reading Andy Djaba COMMENT 9-14 know that this is by my incessant rambling • Ifar the latest I've written anyway... Deputy Editor SCIENCE 15 my editorial. Every week I'd like to end my edito- Joanna Wormald I tell myself that it's the rial this week by thanking • News Editors TECH 16 week that I will get or- everybody that reached Joanna Wormald ganised and do things in out after reading my Frank Leggett FILM 17-19 advance and, every week, editroial last week. The • I flop the set... kind words, condolences Politics Editors MUSIC 22 With the excitement of and heartwarming offers Avirup Banerjee graduating last week, this of support have kept me Divyen Vanniasegaram ARTS 23-27 week feels like it's been going through what's been Juan Rubio Gorrochategui really dull and uneventful. a tough few weeks. I found • Comment Editors BOOKS 28-29 I'm genuinely wracking it incredibly difficult to Aida Manzano Kharman my brain trying to write my letter to Lauren Charlie Titmuss FOOD 32 remember if anything of but I felt slightly better af- • note happened this week. terwards and I really hope Science Editors GAMES 33 As you can probably tell, that it was able to be some Rosie Dutt I still don't know how to comfort to anyone that Eyad Abuelgasim HANGMAN 34-35 write an editorial. At this knew and loved her. The Henry Alman point, I don't think I ever College is organising a Sânziana Foia • INVESTMENT 36 will. Alas, we ramble on... motion to stop the stocking recorded by Felix... Book of Condolences for Tech Editor It's perhaps quite de- and display of racist In all seriousness, us to take up to her family Krithika Balaji PUZZLES 37 pressing and embarrass- tabloids, such as The Sun, although Council overran, in time for the funeral Haaris Asghar ing that the most eventful the Daily Mail and the was slightly tedious (so next week. Anybody who • SPORTS 38-40 thing that has happened Daily Express, sparked a much so that ended my would like to contribute Arts Editors to me this week is attend- particularly heated debate self-imposed football can send their thoughts Claire Chan ing my first ever Union which somehow spiralled boycott and was driven and messages via email to: Helen Money-Kyrle Council meeting. After into a wider discussion to watching Mourinho's engteaching@imperial. Vaishnavi Nathan Felix Office • Beit Quad, Prince Consort succesfully skipping the about censorship and free Manchester United team's ac.uk. Lauren also re- Books Editors Road first meeting of the year speech on our campus. attempts to play football quested that, instead of London, SW7 2BB JJ Cheng (I'm sure I had a good It made for enthralling for entertainment), the flowers, people should • Imperial's Dodgy Dealings Tel: 020 79548072 excuse), I could no longer viewing, with personal discussions had at Council donate to http://www. Music Editors Email: [email protected] dodge my responsibility attacks flying across the were very important and thealexandrasalestrust. Simran Kukran felixonline.co.uk as the resident fly-on- room left, right and centre. raise further interesting co.uk/ways-to-donate/ Adrian LaMoury @feliximperial the-wall. With no voting I was on the edge of my points about the sort of Henry Eshbaugh NEWS the hand of the museums of the brothers, Mortimer al’s investments in oil and holdings in pharmaceuti- Asad Raja Printed by Mortons Media rights, I sat there and seat and the only thing I community and envi- and other institutions to and Raymond Sackler, gas companies by Divest cals, tobacco, arms and oil Group, Boston Road, • (cont.) “Imperial Horncastle, Lincolnshire watched riveting discus- regret is not bringing my ronment we want to be a Film Editors refuse future funding.” who grew Purdue Pharma Imperial, an Imperial and gas companies. sions and spirited debate popcorn. There were even part of at Imperial. I urge being the Ryan Hampton, a US into a pharmaceutical College Union-affiliated Registered Newspaper Mikhail Demtchenko ISSN 1040-0711 about topics including some afters between two anybody reading to get Sung Soo Moon Accounts filed this campaigner who is in empire. Forbes mag- environmental campaign Union penalties for sexual Union Council members more involved in Council Aidan Chan month by the Sackler largest recovery from a dec- azine estimates that a group, intensify following Copyright (c) Felix 2017 misconduct and Ethos' which may or may not and to attempt to effect • Trust show 12 entities beneficiary ade-long opioid addiction, core group of 20 family the university’s involve- squash court pricing. A have been accidentally Markets Editor received grants last year said that the only accept- members in the Mortimer ment in GB Green Week, Tom Alston • of more than £150,000, of this dodgy able philanthropy for the and Raymond Sackler as reported by Felix. Food Editors along with 53 miscella- Sacklers to pursue was in branches of the family are Last year, Felix re- Eva Tadros neous donations of less money, who “supporting resources and collectively worth $13bn vealed that analysis of Julia Dąbrowska than that figure. Benefi- would've finances that will end the (£10bn). Imperial’s investments Felix is recruiting! • ciaries included the Royal opioid crisis that poured showed significant Puzzles Editor Court’s resident company, thought?” billions into Purdue Lisa Hey the English Stage Pharma”. He added: “The “The Sacklers Lorenzo Silvestri Company (£700,000), Sacklers are the direct • are the direct Sports Editor Alexandra Park and beneficiaries of the vast Imraj Singh Palace Charitable Trust Among the most active and profound suffering beneficiaries Fergus Johnson (£500,000), the Old Vic critics of the Sacklers and created by purposefully • (£300,000), the National Purdue Pharma has been misleading doctors about of... vast and Head Photographer Theatre (£250,000) and the artist Nan Goldin, who their company’s products. Joe O'Connell-Danes the Roundhouse arts and recently recovered from Co-opting our cultural profound • concert venue (£225,000). a near-fatal addiction to institutions is reputa- Copy Editors While it is unclear if neg- OxyContin and has staged tion-laundering and it’s a suffering” Rhidian Thomas Shervin Sabeghi ative publicity had been a direct actions inside US distraction.” We want you – yes, you! We’re looking for writers, photographers, editors, illustrators, report- Artur Donaldson factor, the Sackler Trust’s arts institutions funded by The Sackler family ers, computer experts and grammar nerds to join our team. No experience needed – we’ll teach Calum Drysdale grants last year have the family. Nan provided members being sued in This news comes in a Fred Fyles dwindled in comparison comment, saying: “One of the case include Theresa week that saw the ongoing Much of the Sackler family's wealth has come from Oxy- you everything you need to know. If you’re interested, send us an email on [email protected] to the £21m given in 2016. our goals is to try to force and Beverly, the widows campaign against Imperi- Contin // Toby Talbot 2 3 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 FELIX FELIX ISSUE 1702

NEWS [email protected] NEWS [email protected]

that the students and learning environment and needs to be a valued part research engagement is the Equality Diversity young people has just New Provost in Town academics are part of the an education where the of the institution, that’s important for the UK. and Inclusion strategy been fantastic. Wouldn’t same community and that best students and best ac- certainly true for the staff With a forward plan that’s (EDI). For the last change it. people know one another. ademics are learning side as well and the pensions based on an industrial ten years there have NEWS Figuring out how to find by side. That seems to me are clearly a part of that. strategy, you just can’t study space for students where we should be. We Of course I wasn’t here afford not to have world been less than 5 black “If you look at Andy Djaba and things of that kind. already have a really fan- when the discussion was leading ideas generation lecturers. In terms Editor-in-Chief has structured its senior All of these I think are tastic set of academics and going on earlier but what and exploitation in this of speaking more our diversity leadership so it’s an ex- about building the stu- some really great students we’re now going to take country. So I hope that we ploration for me as well dent-academic interaction so I think the core of that forward is we’ve got... a come to a position where broadly about EDI profile in but what I found attractive and making sure that is there and our challenge consultation from USS we can continue to par- and also tackling this academics, not Felix sat down with about it was that it was a what is being asked of is now how do we invest and UUK coming up. ticipate in the framework direct issue where Ian Walmsley, the new position where develop- the students is reasonable, in that to really ensure that We’re going to talk with programs in some way. there’s not that much only in terms Provost of Imperial ing the overall academic without shirking on the we are globally visible academics about their re- diversity in the senior strategy of the institution expectation that they’re and globally competitive. sponse to the recommen- Do you have any plans of race but also College London, to lecturer position, what and figuring out how you going to have to work dations or the suggestions for Arts at imperial? in terms of reflect on his firstwould implement that and hard to do well. In terms of investing that have been made and are yours and the month on the job resource it was key. So in that, what do you how we respond to that This morning I was College’s plans? gender, there's whether that's around our consultation. I think it’s a just meeting with Ollie global research position “I think there's see as your input in whole College conversa- at the Blyth centre and I think you’re abso- clearly much or the student experience. shaping how Imperial tion so that we can come learning about what lutely right. If you look rofessor Ian Doing this is quite an no reason why becomes more spoken up with a plan that is good fantastic contribution that at our diversity profile in work to be Walmsley FRS, exciting opportunity about on a global for individuals and good makes to College life. We academics, not only in who started every student for the College as a whole. talked a little bit about terms of race but also in done” his new role Is there a typical day here shouldn't scale that aspect of what the terms of gender, there’s Pas Provost of Imperial Taking our academic Blyth Centre might be clearly much work to be for the Provost or is How is the university College London on 1st really feel strategy and vision and looking for in the future done. The strategy and every day different? preparing for Brexit, What advice would September, sat down making that into a very and may be looking to do. its implementation I think you give to a student with Felix for an exclu- I’ve only been here that they are clear narrative that we what do you think I cannot say I have plans are one way we get started or someone just sive interview. a month so no typical getting not can use externally to will be the effect of yet but that part of the on that but we do need to The Imperial alumnus day yet! I haven’t got show how Imperial is a no-deal Brexit on College, coupled with the be very active in looking starting out in their and world-renowned to that point yet but, at pushing the boundaries location that we’re in, this at ways to change that only a good Imperial? career, in academia or expert in ultrafast and the moment, what I’m of knowledge and using fantastic agglomeration balance. Again, I don’t a wider career? quantum optics, who spending my time doing education that knowledge for the Clearly Brexit is a of museums and colleges, have a detailed plan for joined the College from is going around getting Ian Walmsley, Imperial's new Provost // Imperial College London benefit of the world and major change coming has got to provide some you at this stage but we’ll Keep at it. Work hard, his role as Pro-Vice-Chan- to know people, getting but are part providing people with up in the next year and really cool opportunities. certainly do that in the have confidence in your- cellor (Research and to know the Heads of opportunities to learn it would be silly to think The Dyson School of context of world leading self and just push along. Innovation) at the Faculty and Heads of what the job would What inspired you to satisfaction. Do things. Simone, the of a thriving within that is a core it won’t have an impact Design Engineering and excellence in research University of Oxford to Departments, visiting all be like and have they study Physics? you have any plans Vice-Provost (Education) environment thing. Drawing together on the College. I think a that joint masters course and education- that will Which was your fav succeed Professor James the departments over the changed? Have you to tackle the low is also working with that that strategy and making key issue, probably the between Imperial and the be the benchmark and Love Island couple? Stirling, lets Felix know course of the next few Certainly I found the group to understand how and it into a strong external leading issue, is how does Royal College of Art is we’ll work within that what makes him tick. months, academics, junior been surprised by idea of learning about student satisfaction, we share best practice vision. Also, figuring out it affect people. We’ve just a wonderful example framework and the EDI I have to say I did not researchers, students, staff anything since you the way the world is at particularly in Physics, across the College. Places community.” how we implement that. got a lot of European of the kind of things we strategy to make sure that catch Love Island so I Felix: Not to be blunt and getting a feel for the started working here? its fundamental structure but across other that have done extremely We’re not going to be able staff and students and we can do. There’s joint we increase representation can’t really address that but… what does key issues and aspirations. just fascinating so I got subjects? well, like some of the to do everything at once so want to make sure that programs with the Royal from those groups question. I have only very Learning a bit about that I had had quite a number really fired up about it. I Engineering departments, how do we plan that out, they consider themselves College of Music, Physics recently really briefly the Provost do? The What would you say will help inform how we of research collaborations had some good teachers It’s really disappointing what are the things that is the single biggest prioritise and move along absolutely part of the and Maths I think. That’s How do you spend understood the concept of statement on the develop the academic with colleagues, mainly in school that, when I was that we’re in that circum- they’ve been doing and that trajectory? You’ll community and valued. great as well. The raw your free time? Do you Love Island. strategy in the future. in Physics, and also on thinking about what to do stance and we absolutely how do we determine problem that Imperial be aware of the great op- We will continue to work material we have is really website says, "the have any? Provost is Imperial’s other projects with senior with that, pointed me to have to fix it. I think there’s whether those will work in has and your biggest portunities around White to make sure that happens. fantastic and I’m sure leaders here so I had a Imperial and I’m really no reason why every other places? That’s now City, around the Master- We’re going to remain a there’s something that can I like to cycle. I try to go chief academic officer How would you challenge in taking describe your firstsense of the place and glad they did because the student here shouldn’t getting underway and it’s up the role? How do plan for this campus and globally facing institu- happen. out on weekends and ride and provides the the sort of dynamism and idea of a university where really feel that they are absolutely the case that all of the plans that the tion. That’s not going to around the countryside. leadership to ensure month? agility that it has, which I you could study with getting not only a good we need to get this right. you see the future of faculties have. change in intent. So all Will Freedom of My wife is the Director of excellence in Imperial’s Very exciting. It’s think was quite attractive. world leading researchers, education but are part of Imperial and how you we’re doing is navigating Speech on campus be Chapel music at Wadham always great to be in a Learning about how that’s living in London, was a thriving environment our way through when in Oxford so I sing in her core academic mission You say some of the can help to shape that Last year there were protected? new place and learn about working and how one absolutely the right thing and community. I think plans are already future? the UCU strikes. What the new legislation comes choir when I can. in education, research what’s going on. But cer- might help improve that for me to do. The course that’s the way we need to down the line. In terms of Yes absolutely. It’s and translation" but, tainly there’s a lot of stuff sort of thing has been the here, the people I worked roll here. I met with the getting underway, I think the opportunity are your thoughts on other impacts, we do get crucial that people are Do you enjoy being an In layman’s terms, coming at me so trying to new sort of things that I’m with, the people I met, Head of Physics just this which specific plans that Imperial has is as the fallout from the a considerable amount of able to speak their minds academic? get some of that to stick beginning to see. In terms continued to drive that. morning to learn about the a world leading higher research income from the and we should do that in what does that mean? are already in place? strikes and what is and start figuring out how of surprises, only that it I felt I had a really great plans that she is putting education institution that the College doing to EU and it may be that that an environment of dignity Yeah I do. I’ve really Ian: It’s a very good things fit with one another always looks more ex- start here and I’m really in place to really change Looking at ways to really is globally compet- changes in some way. It’s and respect for that dis- had a career that I’ve question because it’s not has been the challenge I citing than you think it’s grateful for that. the dial and engage with change the workload itive. That’s mentioned up ensure that something still up in the air entirely course. really enjoyed at every a job that I was v ery think. going to be but nothing students to understand so you still get to learn there in the same breath as like the strikes doesn’t just what our relationship stage and the idea that you familiar with from my that has made me think Here at Imperial, what it is that’s missing, the things you need to MIT and the places that happen again? with the European Union October is Black can think about the world time at Oxford, which has You were a student that I have at all made the Physics has how they might fix it and but in a way that gives are driving the forefront of will be. It’s a little bit History Month. I just and think about the way a very different structure. here. Did you have any wrong decision. I’m impressed that has a bit more time for research, coupled together Just as we talked about crazy but the signs from in which your ideas can Imperial is unique in the unfortunately got happened rapidly and thinking. Student-staff with a cutting edge, really the student experience and government have always wrote about the Race impact it and work with UK in the way that it impressions about quite a low student with intention to change interaction- making sure vibrant teaching and the student community been very positive that Equality Charter and great young students and 4 5 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 FELIX

NEWS [email protected] Union Clamps down on Lockpicking Workshop

NEWS event were dashed when the Union asked them to Andy Djaba "indefinitely postpone" Editor-in-Chief the event. Imperial Left Forum, which launched three years ago and has faced Imperial Left Forum opposition from the Union saw their Lockpicking in the past, describes itself Workshop, which as "a broad and inclusive political society, with had 1.5K people party affiliation, that dis- "interested" in the cusses general politics in Facebook event, both national and interna- cancelled by the Union tional scopes." Amongst its various events, the society hosts talks and reading groups, holds n Monday screenings of political 22nd October, films, and has a "mighty" Imperial Col- pub crawl, as well as "an- lege Union ything else" its members Ocancelled Imperial Left believe is a "good event Forum's Lockpicking for discussing left wing Workshop amidst vari- politics." Clearly, the ous concerns regarding members of Left Forum the potential numbers believed this Lockpicking that the event had at- workshop to be one such tracted. good event. Imperial Left Forum's Lockpicking Workshop was sure to be a hit // Odditymall The event, which had A spokesperson from Members of Left Forum initially been scheduled to Left Forum told Felix: described themselves as emerged: really do us any favours with various restrictions. take place on Tuesday 23rd "While we have been "disheartened" to see that "It was too great a risk either", said the spokes- Left Forum commented, October in Blackett 630, steadily growing over the the Union had cancelled for the College and the person from Left Forum. "we're planning to run garnered a large amount past year, we've never had the event, especially at Union, because someone Left Forum is accusing more security-related of interest on social so many people interested such short notice. The might learn from us how the Union of "bowing events, as we think it is of media, with up to 1.7K in any one event. Entry to initial reasons provided to lockpick, then go down to undue pressure". prime importance at this people "going or interest- the event was completely for cancelling the event, ahead and get arrested for In a statement provided point in time. We'll also ed" in the Facebook event. free, we don't ask for any which have been described picking a lock and call us to Felix, members of Left think very seriously about Members of Left Forum funding from our members as a "joke" by members of out for teaching them, and Forum said: the future of this event. described themselves as and we don't get any from Left Forum, were that the then newspapers like the "The event itself is However, we feel obligat- "amazed" by the "over- the Union either. We are Union deemed the event Daily Mail might pick it completely legal, and ed to report the Union's whelming response" to the all volunteers, putting in to be "incompatible" up. We can't say it never much more detailed unjust behaviour to the workshop, which was a time and effort because with the society's values. crossed my mind that the information than what student community". public event on Facebook. we love what we're doing, However, after members Union wouldn't really like we were going to teach However their hopes of we love being part of this of Left Forum met with our event. The fact that we is available online, like hosting their largest ever society." the Union, further reasons are a leftist society didn't the famous MIT guide “We see to lockpicking. Alas, the Union has decided to a student censor us, to curb the free flow of information that organisation should - supposedly - exist that cares within a university. We see a student organization more that cares more about PR, tabloids, and shareholders about PR, than its own members, especially considering the tabloids and response to the event". shareholders Although the future of the event remains than its own uncertain, the Union has assured Left Forum that members” they would eventually be Imperial Left Forum has faced problems from the Union in the past // Imperial Left Forum allowed to run the event, 6 FELIX ISSUE 1702

POLITICS [email protected] How to avoid a mess like Brexit: let’s adopt a new voting system The contradictions in our electoral traditions have only become stronger since the referendum. Here is a modest proposal that could help to solve the issue.

POLITICS clearly entirely undem- ocratic and a poor way “Brexit has of running a country. It Divyen also means that minor been an issue Vanniasegaram parties such as the Lib Politics Editor Dems, the Greens and that has UKIP get far fewer seats divided both than they deserve. Even Since the Brexit if one doesn’t agree with parties for referendum we’ve seen their politics they still Brexit come to dominate deserve fair representa- decades and British politics. It has tion. been incredibly divisive it is time that and has created more It is now time to re- we introduce problems than it has consider voting reform. solved. It has sent both There are several a system that of the major political models that would lead parties into turmoil. We to far more satisfactory can cope with need to ask ourselves outcomes. One of these how we got here and is the single transferra- it !” more importantly how ble vote (STV) system. can we avoid this kind This system works by of anarchy in future. electing multiple repre- divisions within both sentatives to represent parties. Parties are able The fundamental one area. On the ballot to stand multiple candi- problem of Brexit is Voting could become a more efficient process // Wikimedia you list the candidates in dates in one area under that there is a clear your order of preference STV; therefore, they disconnect between the anathema under a Par- the first place. The due to a landslide effect and then candidates could stand a leaver and Members of Parliament liamentary system and simplest solution would which in turn should that get above a set a remainer and leave it who are meant to rep- will ultimately lead to be to make sure there is allow for the formation threshold (i.e. a fifth of to the public to decide resent us, and the will an outcome that nobody a far better correlation of a strong and stable the vote if 5 candidates which candidate/opinion of the people. The vast will be particularly between the views that government, as Theresa are to be elected) and they prefer leading to a majority of MPs are are held by the general May would say. The any additional votes are far better representation natural remainers and public and the views landslide effect means transferred to second of people’s views in yet the public voted “Brexit that are held within that the larger parties get preferences. If at any Parliament. to leave the EU. This Parliament. This is ob- a dividend for getting a point no more candidates represents an obvious has been viously the best way for higher percentage of the have crossed the thresh- Brexit has been an flaw in the system and a democracy to function. national vote. A simple old the candidate with issue which has divided David Cameron tried to incredibly However, under the thought experiment the lowest vote share is both parties for decades fix this by way of a ref- current UK system demonstrates this; if removed and their votes and it is time that we erendum. This evidently divisive and this currently doesn’t every constituency voted are redistributed based introduced a system hasn’t worked and one has created happen. 51% for party A and 49% on next preference. that can cope with it. of the reasons why is for party B then their The public have a right because the UK system more problems The system used at national shares would This system has some to have their voices isn’t geared towards the moment is first past be 51% and 49% respec- key advantages. It will heard and referendums referendums. Referen- than it has the post (FPTP) where tively. However, party A lead to a far more pro- clearly don’t work dums introduce another the country is split into would win 100% of the portional representation either. The time has mandate which can and solved” tiny constituencies and seats and B none. Whilst of the popular vote and come to abandon FPTP will come into conflict each constituency elects exaggerated this demon- maintain the constit- and to bring in STV as with the mandate that happy with. For this one person to represent strates the fundamental uency link. Further, our voting system for MPs gain when they are reason, it’s best to avoid them in Parliament. problem that parties if you believe one of general elections. elected to the Commons. referendums and leave it This has some benefits that have a large share your MP is not doing a This can be seen now to those who we elect to such as ensuring a local of the vote will win in a good job of representing as remainers in the make decisions on our constituency link so that higher number of seats your interests then there Commons are being behalf which is precise- local problems can be at a local level and this are other local MPs forced to enact some- ly their job. raised and dealt with can be seen in the 2015 who should represent thing they see as fun- at a national level. The election where the SNP you. STV would be far damentally wrong and There must be another system also increases got just over 50% of the better at dealing with an damaging to the country. way to avoid this kind the chances of a single vote in Scotland and yet issue like Brexit which This is a complete of problem arising in party gaining a majority took 56/59 seats. This is has caused internal 7 FELIX ISSUE 1702

POLITICS [email protected] Jamal, the Martyr

Something terrible happened in the Saudi consular office in Istanbul. The murder of Jamal Khashoggi reveals the dangers that journalists face everywhere.

POLITICS a warning to other dissi- dents, a reminder of the “It is strongly fate faced by those who Juan Ignacio Rubio don’t toe the line of the suspected that Politics Editor state. he was killed in But the action back- n 1170, four English fired. Ironically, by an extremely knights murdered removing one of the the archbishop of voices that denounced macabre way, Canterbury, Thomas the corruption and crimes involving IBeckett, following the of the Saudi government, orders of king Henry the perpetrators have torture and II. The assassination of attracted the attention of Beckett had ramifications the mainstream Western disection that reached continental media, that had till then Europe, and less than two not given much attention with a bone years after his death he to the foreign policies of was declared a saint by the kingdom. Khashoggi saw while he the Church. Henry had to has become the face of was still alive.” publicly repent, and the Saudi oppression, of the murderers were exiled massacres in Yemen, of to the Holy Land. The the plight that the female Saudi legation, insisting worship of St. Thomas of Saudis have to endure that the Saudi government Canterbury grew strong every day. had nothing to do with the among Christians, who European governments murder. saw him as the poor have started taking action, Is Jamal Kashoggi victim of a ruthless ruler. with Germany leading the a modern day Thomas He became a symbol, a A journalist that said too much.// Wikimedia way to stop the trading of Beckett? The killing of martyr of a bigger cause. weapons to the country. Beckett caused such an What does this have to a political and religious kingdom, taking impor- behind the throne in the The involvement of outrage that it forced do with Jamal Khashoggi, group that defended a tant editorial positions in country, Crown Prince elements of the Saudi state the king of England to a Saudi journalist born very rigorist interpretation diaries such as Al Watan, and Defence Minister has become more and issue a public apology. It 788 years after the murder of Sunni Islam. There he where he achieved the post Mohammad bin Salman. more clear, as the suspects provoked universal con- of Beckett? To understand of editor in chief. He was He became a bigger threat of carrying out the as- demnation in medieval the relationship, we have however under constant when his international sassination have been Europe, and the kingdom to explore the life of a “A talented pressure, as the more profile started to rise as he identified as members was in risk of complete man that had to endure conservative elements was hired as columnist by of Bin Salman’s closest isolation for a time. Centu- throughout his life the journalist, he in the Saudi government the Washington Post. circle. The evidence was ries have happened since tension of being a critical were displeased by his He had become too still denied by Saudi then, centuries that have voice of the Saudi estab- worked with criticism of the extreme dangerous and soon the Arabia, which argued for seen massive advances lishment while coming the reformist religious policies of the trap was set. Khashoggi two weeks that Khashoggi in human rights and the from an elite family state. Khashoggi was also intended to marry a had disappeared after rule of law. While our himself. A life that was media of critical of Saudi Arabia’s Turkish national, and in leaving the consulate. governments comply with cut short in a dark room in action in the Yemen order to do so he had to They had the support of the march of progress? Or Turkey on October 2nd. the Saudi War, which has led to a obtain a set of documents Donald Trump, who has instead, will they ignore Jamal Khashoggi’s famine that is threatening from the Saudi consulate never hidden his disdain the matter in the long family was deeply linked kingdom.” the lives of millions of in Istanbul. It is not clear for the free press and his term, proving that they to not only the Saudi people. He also opposed what happened once he cosiness to the House of have lower standards than royalty, but to the master befriended Osama bin the attempts to isolate stepped into the building. Saud. But not even the the feudal monarchies of classes of the whole Laden, and defended him Qatar from other Muslim We know he was killed, backing of the American Europe. Time will tell. Middle East. His uncle when the future Al Qaeda nations that the Saudi because the Saudi state government was enough Until then, we aspiring was the infamous arms leader went to Afghani- government enacted after has admitted it after two to hide the truth. Saudi journalists can only mourn dealer Adnan Khashoggi, stan to fight alongside the the schism between the weeks of waffling. It is Arabia admitted that the life and work of a man and among his cousins Mujahedeen against the two countries in 2016, and strongly suspected that Kashoggi died, though that stood against powers one could count Dodi Soviet army. advocated Saudi women’s he was murdered in an according to their version that wanting him gone, al-Fayed, the tragical Later, he moderated rights. Thus, he was extremely macabre way, of the story it was follow- and achieved so in the companion of lady Diana to more liberal positions. increasingly becoming involving tortures and ing a brawl between him most gruesome fashion. Spencer. During his uni- A talented journalist, he a thorn in the House of dismemberment with a and the Saudi consul. The Assalaamu ‘alaykum wa- versity years, he joined worked with the reform- Saud’s side, and one of the bone saw while he was latest line of defence is rahmatullah. the Muslim Brotherhood, ist media of the Saudi biggest foes of the power alive. He was to become blaming the crime on the 8 FELIX ISSUE 1702

COMMENT [email protected] Should the Monarchy be Abolished?

Farhat Eamon argues that the monarchy should be abolished as a relic of a past that we should be ashamed of.

COMMENT stands in the Business School, watching every Farhat Eamon student scurry by, she Comment Writer sees many of us not as international students but as colonial students. What do Ellie Having a lady who Goulding, Ricky Martin contributed to horrors and the Queen have in in the home countries common? Other than the of many of the students fact that they all used to here standing so proudly be much more relevant 3 is bound to send a few years, 20 years and 800 shivers down a few years ago respectively, spines and for this very they also all took part reason, British colonial in the royal wedding history and the crowns celebrations over the part in it must be ad- weekend. Very much dressed. overshadowed by the While many see spectacle of a ginger Meghan Markle as a man actually finding a symbol for change in wife earlier this year, the British monarchy, this royal wedding bringing in a little of was between Princess racial diversity. Is it not Eugenie and a rich white too little too late? Can man. Whenever an this new African-Amer- event like this happens, the age old question about the legitimises “The horrors and appropriateness of a monarchy in modern enacted Britain arises. The opulence of the in Queen royal family in an aus- Victoria’s name terity induced poverty stricken Britain is The crown is a traditional symbol of royalty // Wikimedia must send reason enough to abolish this institution entirely. by running open days. something much more harvest is still plentiful. royals grew richer and shivers down Even without looking As a prospective student destructive: racism. As Britain went around more powerful. Queen into the nitty gritty of enters the glass castle The British policy of the world and oppressed Victoria went on to be international costs versus benefit of that is the Business colonialism and imperi- the local people, its named Empress of India students having a royal family, School, the first thing alism reached it peaked actions created the in 1876 despite never this symbol of elitism they will come across under her reign and can image of the strong and visiting the country and spines.” has no place in modern is a statue of Queen be attributed to much of powerful white man. such irony is but a short Britain. Institutions, Victoria looking down the racism, xenophobia Additionally, it became summary of much of such as universities, are at them. This monarch as well as the plethora clear that to justify this what colonialism went ican royal change the trying hard to combat had a role in the creation of wars and problems oppression, the idea on to become. A white deeply rooted racism elitism and increase of Imperial College, which we have faced in that these local people European, ruling with which sits in many? social mobility. A rich placing the foundation the last century as well were inferior had to be little to no knowledge or Or is abolishing the family who have found stone for in 1888 and as ones happening today. solidified in not only regard to what the local monarchy and confront- themselves at the apex going on to open the When it comes to the minds of the people people wanted, and the ing its colonial past the of British society due to building in 1893. She racism, it may seem far being colonized, but royals were at the centre only way in truly tearing circumstance alone will lay the foundations fetched to link it back to also in the minds of the and embodiment of this. down the entire idea of not help in inspiring. for one of the greatest events which happened British public at home. Imperial College is racism? One of the ways scientific institutions 150 years ago, however As Britain pillaged much a very international Imperial tries to encour- in the world, but also it is clear that the seeds of Asia and Africa of its university with students age students from all during her lifetime she of racism were sown a resources and created from across the world. backgrounds to apply is lay the foundation for long time ago and the this racial hierarchy, the But as Queen Victoria 9 FELIX ISSUE 1702 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 FELIX

COMMENT [email protected] COMMENT [email protected] Trust your Trustees? in the relevant Constit- viewing marking criteria. uent Unions (CGCU, The full documents are Our Union loves touting its democratic credentials, but how much of what goes on do we ICSMSU, RCSU, RSMU) available on the Union which currently solely website. really know about? cater to undergraduate students. This would not Summer Ball affect their membership of the GSU. A discussion on Given concerns this matter will take place around space and student COMMENT of the Ethos price hike marcations in the budget at the next Union Council numbers, it is possible where (lest we forget) the and questioning the meeting November 13th, there will be a search for Abhijay Sood university broke its word underlying assumptions 6.30 in RSM G.01. These an alternative (off-cam- Comment Writer to all returning students College uses to decide meetings are public, so pus) venue for the 2020 and increased the charge where its money goes. feel free to attend. Summer Ball. from a one off £40 to This is far from a com- ne month, £30/year. This would be a Pay rises for student Graduation Speech. prehensive list, and some and one more great rate for consumers, bar staff key issues such as the record-breaking but we aren’t consumers, Union President Rob fight for a common room election, has we’re students. Imperial Last year, the bar staff Tomkies was prevented for Life Scientists and the Oalready passed here at as a whole, runs a sig- organised a petition for from giving his own Counselling Service will Imperial. Last week, new nificant surplus (£119m pay to be increased to speech at the graduation appear in future articles. student reps were elected in 2016-17), orders of the London Living Wage, ceremony this year and Nonetheless, I hope this in every department, and magnitude greater than in line with other major was instead compelled to has been a useful window though turnout figures are its projected gains on London universities deliver the same prepared into goings-on in the certainly worth celebrat- this price hike. It is also (notably UCL, KCL, remarks as in every prior Union. If there’s anything ing, today I want to talk worth noting that direct LSE). This petition year since 1949. While you want further clarifica- about what comes next. student contributions still garnered over 900 signa- there’s nothing necessar- tion on, or anything you Every day decisions tures, though at the time ily wrong with tradition, are made in our name the Union and the then the existing address’ that we never really hear “Providing Deputy President (Finance appeals to monarchism, “Societies about: at College and de- and Services) rejected the imperialism and nation- partmental meetings, by fairly priced move to a Living Wage. alism (in both Latin and should be Union Council (made up Their rejoinder was that English) miss the mark for of elected student reps), services for money could be better a cosmopolitan university able to host and by the Union’s Board students may spent elsewhere and price in the 21st century. Rob events without of Trustees (a handful of rises should be avoided, is currently working with students and externally involve a though it should be noted College to ensure future interfence if appointed ‘laypeople’, and prices did end up rising speeches of this kind our sabbatical officers). different way anyway. better reflect our values. Where the real power lies // Imperial College Assets they’re not Even when items are This year, agitation technically public, there’s of allocating around pay increases has Penalties for Sexual able to take for granted and the Union will take undue interference, and not sure one was neces- violating any a limit to the amount of the budget” restarted, citing the taxing Misconduct that their fellow students a more active stance in hope and expect for Union sary in this case). My own rules” digging its reasonable to nature of the work - par- in positions of power raising complaints against backing to this end. view is that, once any expect full time students Where the union’s power lies // Imperial College Assets ticularly in conjunction Daniel Wigh, Chair of haven’t acted abusively. inflammatory articles. practical considerations to be doing in their off- with full time study, the the ‘Knowledge Sector’ Left Forum Event around e.g. numbers are hours, and mass emails do anything about them for “Imperial College are currently taking place constitute a relatively pay at other student bars, (which handles admin for Stocking of Tabloids Divest Imperial. resolved, the event should would like me to raise, are far from perfect (does without being informed. Representatives” if you around automating the small proportion of the and potential alternative the set of clubs focussed on in the Union Shop A “Lockpicking go ahead. Our societies please get in touch at: anyone read them?). don’t know who they are. former to leave more time Ethos budget, begging the sources of funding (i.e. careers, debate and educa- Twice in as many Workshop” event organ- should be able to host abhijay.sood15@ Last year I was elected for the latter. Hopefully, question – why increase without raising prices tion, such as FinanceSoc Ansh Bhatnagar, weeks, students from ised by the Imperial Left their own events without imperial.ac.uk to Trustee Board on a Course content in Room bookings this approach and the these rates at all? in the bar). Thus far, the and Debate) successfully Undergraduate Rep to Divest Imperial, the Forum was this week interference if they aren’t platform of transparency, every department is Deputy President (Clubs Considering this, one outcomes of this remain passed a paper at Council Council from Natural campaign pushing indefinitely postponed by violating any rules around and with that in mind I will being reviewed This has been the cause and Societies)’s focus on of the most important to be seen. toughening punishment Sciences, proposed College to withdraw the Union. The organisers (for example) inclusivity be writing articles period- of a lot of frustration for “improving processes” points raised at Council for those found guilty of a paper mandating its investments from were told this was because or financial responsibility. ically to let any interested I’ve mentioned this many societies so far this will help ameliorate this challenged the idea that Postgraduate (PG) non-minor instances of the Union to cease its Fossil Fuels, have been the content of the event did students know what’s before, but its probably year. Consternation at the issue, and I intend to keep in order to fund (for Representation sexual misconduct. Going stocking and selling of the displaced by Campus not match up well to the NSS/PTES Response going on in the Union the single most impor- slow pace of change here raising it until there is a example) cheaper squash forward, in addition to Daily Express, Daily Mail Security for handing aims and objectives of the and more generally at the tant thing happening on is understandable, given real solution. courts, Sport Imperial Physics PG Rep and other sanctions, these and the Sun, due to their out fliers and holding society, while at a Trustee Responses to the university. I won’t pretend campus this year. Depart- that this isn’t the first time would have to take money Natural Sciences PG Rep individuals would be explicitly racist content. up placards near where Board meeting the sabbat- National Student Survey to be impartial, but I will ments have until March to there have been issues Squash Courts/Ethos from one of their other to Council Lloyd James prevented from holding This led to an impassioned events with government ical officers also cited the and Postgraduate-Taught try to explain things with finalise their proposals on around room bookings. offerings. These budgets has been working on the any elected office in the debate on free speech vs. and fossil fuel companies large number of responses Experience Survey were which I disagree in good changes to their curricula, I’ve been told that part of A paper was brought to aren’t zero sum games, issue of PG engagement Union (i.e. as a rep or on what we’re comfortable are being held on campus. on the Facebook event produced (in record time) faith. I’d encourage you to and though your academic the problem this year has the last Council meeting each service doesn’t exist and representation at any society committee). promoting, with a com- Given that their protests in (1.6K going or interested) by this year’s Deputy at least skim these pieces; reps should already be been that clubs’ annual discussing pricing at in a vacuum. Providing Imperial. His proposal Given issues in this area promise that these papers these cases were not dis- as a concern, as well as the President (Education) there will almost certainly aware of and involved in bookings took so long to the Ethos squash courts fairly priced, comprehen- consists of steps that in the past, this is a highly will remain in stock but ruptive, and that we have large numbers of non-stu- Alex Luy. The responses be at least one or two this process, it wouldn’t validate that start of term relative to other venues. sive services for students would give PG students commendable step. As any proceeds from their a mandate to protect free dents responding to the include recommendations things in here that matter hurt to nudge them if you ad hoc bookings were Naturally, the debate may involve reaching the opportunity to par- was said in the meeting, sale will be directed to an- speech, I will be working event and the lack of an on training for weaker to you, and it’s difficult to have any concerns. Search disrupted. Conversations touched on the wider issue beyond preordained de- ticipate more actively any student should be ti-racist campaign groups, to lessen this kind of event budget (though I’m members of staff and re- 10 11 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 FELIX

COMMENT [email protected] Is feminism still relevant?

An anonymous studet argues that feminism is more relevant than ever.

remember the bad. to be more attractive. I’m writing this down That’s true: we biologi- COMMENT because I knew if I tried cally want to reproduce. saying this out loud, Our generation likes Anonymous I would probably let referring to it as ’being Comment Writer myself get angry and horny,’ but we’re smart, completely ruin my evolved creatures too, point. This way, I know who can control primal At this point, you’re where I’m headed. biological needs with probably tired of I’m going to tell you a this mysterious thing hearing, seeing, listen- true story. This summer, called reason (also ing to and arguing about my sixteen-year-old referred to as common feminism. I’m not too brother told me with sense, education or big of a fan of the word disappointment, and normalcy). I was either so please don’t go some sadness too, that angry, it didn’t mean I ballistic just yet. Read he didn’t understand punched anyone, I was on, try to keep an open the women’s rights sad and disappointed, it mind, which I know movement. He told me didn’t mean I cried or is crazy hard, but how he felt a bit disheartened shouted. The same way ’bout we try for just one that it was all about that just because you sec? equal rights but not like someone you don’t Things are better for equal responsibilities. have sex in the middle women now. I mean, He said he had a hard One of the enduring symbols of feminis, Rosie the Riveter// Flickr of the freaking hallway. of course they are, any time understanding the The same way that just woman can walk to movement when every and science alike) and I’m not here to hate or that. Those two replied because you ’think’ the bank and open an time he looked at the seeing fifty-fifty ratios. blame them. I’m here with something similar it is manlier to be the account, any woman truth, he was faced with It also means looking to say that it’s sad that to, “society? That’s just provider doesn’t mean can walk up to a uni- hatred for being a man at the top earners and conversation happened. bullshit excuses to fuel you’re emasculated by versity’s admissions or the veil of politically seeing as many girls as You see, they told me, bullshit causes.” Ain’t having a successful and apply... I could go correct limitations that dudes and not having to amongst other things, that bullshit? It’s like an wife! I mean, watch the on and on. However, has come to surround choose between career that women made the old Dove advert that my Intern! Anything wrong I’d first like to make most big social chal- and kids. Men never choice by themselves to friend pointed out: kids with a stay at home dad? sure we’re all on the lenges. I was sad to hear have to, they never put family before career of both genders were Let’s speak the truth, same page: I’m talking him say that, but also even consider that pos- because it ultimately asked to run like a girl: boys and girls, we’re from limited experience proud to see that he had sibility! I have nothing made them happier, that the eight-year-olds all all at fault here! We as a white woman in been able to, calmly against men, particu- it was ’natural’ and ’bio- ran the same, and four- don’t have to be sheep. Western Europe. I don’t and rationally, give larly shirtless ones. Oh logical’ for women to be teen-year olds ran like But I mean feel free to pretend to know about voice to the opinions wait... How does that closer and more involved constipated dodos. wrap yourself in curly anyone else in any other a lot of people, women feel? But... I’m not here with their kids than men, I swear to you all white wool and move to position. This doesn’t included, hold. to hate. I really want and that it was OK for those guys assured me a field of grass and do make what I have to say He was factual, he to make a fair, rational women only to make the it was true girls ran what all the others do. any less relevant, but it was calm, he was also point, and if anger is choice between children weird. I don’t know if Well... What the fuck. makes it my own: I just open-minded. When I part of what sparked and career. They told me they thought that maybe We can do better. It’s not have a thought to share. told him he was mostly this piece, it has no the feminist discourse of I just wanted to run their even about rights, re- We keep letting anger thinking of what people place in its realization. equal rights and oppor- faces through a wall sponsibilities, choices, get in the way of these like to refer to as I was recently in one tunities was backwards, at that point? Wait. I freedoms, whatever. important discussions, ”femi-nazis’, he kind of the most frustrating, overturned, antiquated. promised no hate. Much It’s about respect. For too concerned about of agreed. I told him anger-inducing, dis- I’m going to give you a less violence. yourself, for others, how we get personally the ’real’, ’original’ appointing, saddening moment to let that sink This actually brings those who are like and offended by what people feminists wanted to arguments I have ever in too. me to my last point: unlike you, those who have to say instead of re- have opportunities and been in. I was told by I’ll admit that sexism biology. So yes, there came before and fought membering we all have choices just like guys privileged white young is no longer an issue of is a biological factor for change, those who opinions, right or wrong did. I told him I was a men that inequality men against women per to the whole male-fe- come now and fight as we may consider them feminist, and to me that between men and women se, and truth be told I male dynamic. This is for change, those who to be. It’s tiring to want meant being allowed to didn’t exist anymore. think equal rights do Imperial, and while we will come to fight for to explain something to go out at night without I’m going to let that - theoretically - exist. love making fun of our change. Because things someone and having to being scared, sitting sink in. Sunk in? They Sexism is a matter of bio friends, we do rec- are never fine, they yell to make yourself wherever I want on said that. Now, I think society now, of precon- ognise their existence. never will be. But that heard, it’s tiring to focus the bus without being they meant they didn’t ceived ideas that we, Guys buffing up at doesn’t mean we stop on the bad and forget the subjected to lecherous understand shit about young men and women, ethos, girls dieting, guys making them better, and good, and it’s tiring to stares, walking into any women’s minds and impose on ourselves dieting, girls buffing a little less bad. focus on the good and university (humanities position in the world. for some reason. I said up at ethos, we do it all 12 FELIX ISSUE 1702

COMMENT [email protected] It’s time for students at Imperial to have real opinions It’s ridiculous that at such a politically volatile time Imperial students are happy to just sit there with their curly fries. The time for change is now.

COMMENT in the country. Indeed, the content “Pages need Andrew Melville on many of these pages Comment Writer is of a similar nature to find a to that published by student newspapers, way to stay ast week, operating outside the afloat while Loughborough influence of the faculty. University Often critical of their monitoring announced they university, or faculties Lwould be launching an thereof, they are mostly the content investigation into two free to post and publish of its students, result- whatever they want. Yet posted” ing in the immediate these pages don’t benefit suspension of one. This from the protections was the University’s and rights extended to away is such a shame. response to what it them by the unions that With student newspa- referred to as a “racist fund these institutions. pers and student unions and misogynistic” post Perhaps unions adopting seemingly unwilling or on the “Loughborough their related pages unable to fill this niche, Towersposting” Facebook would solve this issue, meme pages are able to group, a student run providing protection for tap into an undercurrent meme page. The offensive the admins of the pages, of the student experi- picture was posted to the while adding some nec- ence that adds a new “Discussion” section of essary checks on what dimension to university the meme page by one of Loughborough Meme Page’s current profile picture // Loughborough Uni Memes is and isn’t posted in the life. Perhaps that is why the students, an area where universities name. Imperial is so willing the posts are not vetted by visitor posts section. students is awful. suspend the students? The actions taken by to allow Memeperial the admins. The student Crucially, posts in this I can understand Would Anglia Ruskin Loughborough Univer- to continue posting its that made the post was section do not require taking action against a take legal action? sity have resulted in shite, as long as it does suspended, and the other admin approval to be student who intention- While University student pages being shut nothing to damage their student was an admin for shared on the page, and ally posts content that should be a place where down, and this a trend bottom line. Whether it the page. Should both can bring the college students are able to that we’re beginning to is adoption by the union, receive the same punish- into disrepute. The express themselves see in universities across or some other solution, ment? Perhaps not, but the “The admin college has a reputation freely, an important part the country. That a large these pages need to find incident sets a scary prec- to uphold and donations of being a student is part of the community a way to stay afloat, edent for how Universities should not from alumni and associ- being treated as a pro- and modern student ex- while monitoring the should deal with student ations with companies fessional: this is where perience has been taken content posted. Facebook groups made in be held to protect. But what your career begins. their name. accountable if a graduate posts Student activity can and Memeperial, Imperi- damaging or offensive does affect the bottom al’s own meme page, has for what the content? How about line of universities, around 10,000 likes at a student of another either through donations time of writing. College user publicly university? Without the from alumni or affecting is obviously aware of option of suspension, admissions. That pages the page, as they have posted” would these institutions expect freedom to “borrowed” content opt for a legal route to publish anything they from them on multiple punish such pages? The want while using their occasions. However, so the same issue could latter example is not just University’s crest badly no action has ever been occur here. That the a thought experiment: photoshopped to include taken against the admins admin for the page is Anglia Ruskin Memes Pepe the Frog is unrea- of the group, nor has being held accountable (a page about Anglia sonable. But freedom any contact been made for what a user has sub- Ruskin University of all to criticise the uni you between the admins of mitted is ridiculous, but things) is run by Cam- pay so much to attend the page and College universities should have bridge Uni students. is equally a vital part of staff, despite some posts some influence in what Who is supposed to the student experience, erring on the edgy side. is posted using their punish them if they as shown by the wealth Similar to Loughbor- name and image. That post unsavoury content? of media run by and ough Towersposting, the influence should Would Cambridge Uni- presented to students in Memeperial also has a extend to suspension of versity take action and almost every university The offending meme // Loughborough Uni Memes 13 FELIX ISSUE 1702

COMMENT [email protected] Revelling in the chaos of American politics There’s a lot up in the air right now. This is a brief survey - I’ll be back next week with much more detail. The one thing I know is when I come to power Trump’s first against the wall.

ture is a bicameral system, Senate, it’s not looking so be played - Trump wants enjoyed a good working on all this? Trump’s pro- featuring the House (one good for a majority. to bring back asbestos, relationship). ducing some hilariously representative per district, The good news is that forfuckssake. His admin- This means that spicy rhetoric because COMMENT by population) and the FiveThirtyEight (the most istration is a trainwreck, previous GOP obstruction he’s shitting himself about Senate (two senators per accurate and reputable obviously. He must be of executive oversight, the midterms. Have y’all Henry Eshbaugh state; this is the senior election forecast besides rendered impotent as and, say, releasing details seen that stuff about the Music Editor house). Senators are the surprisingly spot-on quickly as possible; a about the Mueller probe, Caravan? Watch out, there elected to six-year terms; proclamations of the Democratic house will will be counteracted. This, might be Middle Eastern- representatives are elected infamous Carl “The Dig” yield this result. in turn, will help build ers in it. It’s definitely not he midterms are to two-year terms. Hence, Diggler, a creation of Moreover, the House momentum for the 2020 just Hondurans who hope nearly upon us, in these elections, 35 satirists Felix Biederman and Senate intelligence race. for better living condi- and this is no Senate seats and all House and Virgil Texas) ... ok, committees are currently Speaking of the 2020 tions and shelter amidst fun for anybody. seats are up for grabs. sorry for the long paren- controlled by Republi- race, candidates are the growing threat of TAnd before you get excit- Unfortunately, the thetical - FiveThirtyEight cans, who so far have angling for their runs fascism in South America ed about a possible radical election cycle is not con- predicts about a 6 in 7 been primarily interested now, though nobody will (see Brazil). change in the US federal ducive to giving Trump (85%) chance of Demo- in covering Trump’s ass, announce until next year. It’s typical Trumpian government, take a dose the complete BTFO’ing he crats taking a majority in rather than do any kind There are tells, though - rhetoric, and can obvi- of reality, bud. Shit slides so desperately deserves. the House. Sorry for the of serious oversight. In and it looks like Sanders ously be waved off as slowly. But, with luck, 23 Senate seats held run-on, Charlie, I’m tired. particular, Devin Nunes will run again. This time hyperbolic racism. I hope shit will slide the right by Dems are not up for This is good news is a bastard who should through, he’ll curb-stomp he’s panicking right now. way. reelection - compared to because this will be suffi- be taken to the wall and the establishment Dems Come to think of it, he Quick refresher for 42 on the GOP side. This cient to produce two years shot for his abandonment (many are running, and should be taken out and those of you not knowl- is problematic - while the of legislative deadlock. of bipartisanship (he and they’ll split the field like shot, too. edgeable about the US Dems are expected to pick The unfortunate game ranking Democrat Adam the GOP did in 2016). civic process: the legisla- up a seat or two in the of obstructionism must Schiff had previously And the orange take Want to be on the Felix team this year?

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SCIENCE [email protected] Pick and Choose While all-you-can-eat buffets always sound like a great idea, our bad choices can quickly turn them into much- more-than-you-can-eat sources of stomach aches and guilt. How do we choose between a juicy burger and mouth-watering lasagne? How do we figure out how much of this tempting apple pie is enough?

SCIENCE understand which neurons get activated when rats Paula Rowińska realised which treat they Science Writer received. They registered increased activity in the euroscientists ventral pallidum, one of from Johns the pleasure centres of the Hopkins brain, whenever rodents University got excited about sucrose studiedN how our brains and disappointed about help us make spontaneous maltodextrin. food choices at buffets, in In the second part restaurants or in front of of the study the rats our own fridge. The re- were offered either the search on rats helped them previously less-desirable identify a brain region that could be responsible for our food decisions, “They according to the paper in registered Nature Communications. Researchers offered the increased rats two types of sugary drinks: one sweetened activity in with sucrose and one with maltodextrin. Rodents got the ventral much more excited when palladium... given the first option: they licked it faster. whenever Just remember: when you eat too many sweets this Halloween, it’s all the ventral pallidum’s fault... // Wikimedia People react similarly to rodents got delicious food, “the dish The researchers conclud- “Food choices Alternatively, it could be exciting in one scenario that’s the favourite will excited.” ed that food choices are encourage us to pick one and disappointing in likely be eaten faster and likely to depend on the are likely to type of food over another another, ventral pallidum with bigger bites”, says context: rats picked the in the future. could be the key.” David Ottenheimer, the maltodextrin drink or just best option available. depend on “Our data suggest that This study could be lead author of the paper. plain water. This time Neuroscientists still do further investigation of the first step to new For a few days the team the activity in the ventral not fully understand the the context: ventral pallidum will be treatments encouraging from Johns Hopkins Uni- pallidum when animals purpose of such ventral critical for understanding healthy eating. For now, if versity gave the rats one received the sweetened pallidum’s activity. Ac- rats picked the how we make decisions you eat a bit too much at of the two sweet drinks. drink resembled their cording to one hypothesis, best option about eating,” claims Ot- the upcoming Halloween Researchers monitored reaction to sucrose drink it is supposed to reinforce tenheimer. “If we want to party, you can blame your their brain activity to in the first part of the study. our current food choices. available.” figure out why a food can ventral pallidum.

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Hi! We’re Jacqueline and Aoife, the current Editors-in-Chief of I, Science. Never heard of it? Well...

I, Science is an exclusively student run science publication made right here at Imperial. We’re on Radio, TV, Online and In-print. We’ve covered everything from artificial intelligence to “female viagra” to what exactly death looks like. Needless to say we’re prepared to tackle anything and all things Science.

That’s why we need you!! For our very first issue of this academic year we’ve chosen to focus our theme on that planet we all know and love: Earth.

We are looking for a whole bunch of pitches (200 words max) on any stories you’d like to write for us within the theme for our online and news features. The more meta the beta.

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TECH [email protected] Free this weekend? Go to MozFest! Mozilla, of Firefox fame, is hosting their annual Mozilla Festival for the Open Internet movement.

TECH Artur Donaldson Tech Writer

his weekend will mark the biggest party on the World Wide Web Tnot on the World Wide Web – Mozilla Festival or “MozFest”.

“This weekend

will mark the Mozfest - the event that people from all walks of life can go to // Mozilla Festival

biggest party movements in cyberspace. how to get them into every and journalists eager to devices in the developing life. In 2017, the director on the World research laboratory” to improve the web. world, there has never of Wikimedia asked for a “BRRRAAaaaaiiiiNNN- been a time when the show of hands from the Wide Web “For those for NZZZZZ!!!!” (the latter “When I freedom and openness audience to see how they one encouraging you to of the World Wide Web identified themselves – as not on the whom loving become a neuroscientist attended last has been more pertinent. a technologist, journalist, and not a zombie). For As well as being a cel- artist, scientist, activist, World Wide the internet those for whom loving the year the only ebration of the World or just an average internet Web - Mozilla equates to Internet equates to endless regret I had Wide Web, MozFest is an user. The audience was hours of Overwatch, there exploration and reaction split almost equally Festival, or endless hours will also be throughout was that ... I to the potential harm that between the categories. the event a large-scale, it can have. Last year, the When I attended last ‘Mozfest’” of Overwatch, dynamic game called can’t have a first festival after the 2016 year the only regret I had “Tracked”. US presidential elections, was that technology has there will also Alongside this will be digital clone talks included “What not progressed sufficient- Organized by Mozilla, be throughout talks by leading figures to attend the happened to the internet?” ly that I can have a digital the creators of that web from the open source and “Debunking Fake clone to attend the other browser with the fire- the event a movement including a other events News and Fake Science”. events happening simul- tailed fox as its logo, talk on Saturday by the This year will almost cer- taneously. Mozilla Festival is a large-scale founder of the World Wide happening tainly focus heavily on the If MozFest sounds like festival like no other. Web, Tim Berners-Lee, effects of the Cambridge your kind of party be sure Mozilla Festival will dynamic game: about what he has been simultaneo- Analytica case with a to grab tickets for the be split into six zones – Tracked” doing since then. usly” panel discussion, “Who event from the website Decentralization, Digital If this isn’t enough, the Controls the Internet?”, https://mozillafestival. Inclusion, Openness, tickets are only £45 for the on Sunday and workshops org/tickets. Tickets: £45 Privacy and Security, entire weekend, with over With the increasingly on how to use Facebook for the weekend, £20 for Web Literacy, and the Each zone invites you to 300 talks, unlimited hot tangible influence of the without compromising Saturday (including night Youth Zone. These are explore the theme through drinks, entry to a party on internet on the offline your privacy. party at the RSA), £25 for physical spaces (each workshops, discussions, Saturday night, and break- world, from its part in the The Internet is part Sunday. Doors open at occupies an entire floor of art, and mini-hackathons. fast on Sunday where you election of Donald Trump of everyone’s lives and 8:00 Saturday, 9:00 on the building) embodying For a taste, the titles range will get a chance to talk to blockchain technology equally Mozilla Festival Sunday. some of the most innova- from “Lab CoC: Why we with some of the other and the sudden explosion is open to and attended by tive and radical ideas and need codes of Conduct and hackers, technologists of internet-connected people from all walks of Interested in writing about MozFest?

Tech Felix have a free ticket we can offer you if you would like to go and write about the festival. If you are interested, please email at [email protected] Please email us before 14:00 today (Friday) FELIX ISSUE 1702

FILM [email protected] Don’t Burn Your Bridges Before You Get To Them! The BFI London Film Festival ran from 10th to 21st­ Oct, with 14 cinemas across London previewing some of the most exciting new upcoming movies. Among Widows, Roma, Shoplifters, and Sorry to Bother You featuring on the festival programme, is a South Korean indie movie, Burning.

FILM to catch Burning, a South in Africa; he obliges but Murakami short story, the brim of water, slowly so succeeds in making the Korean noir directed by never manages to catch a Barn Burning – the coming to the boil from a modern Korean landscape BURNING Lee Chang-dong. Lee glimpse of the cat itself. film takes liberties with low heat – before someone as big but isolating as offers a three-handed On her return from Africa, the original plot, but comes and turns it off to possible with the limited hypnotic and tense drama Jong-su finds Haemi Murakami’s sombre and stop it overflowing. It cast. A short motif score with impressive perfor- with a mysterious man, melancholic tone survives liberally takes its time to of a deep bass and hand Dir: Lee Chang-dong mances from the central Ben (Steven Yeun). Ben in the already bittersweet breathe and ponder, and drums weaves back and Script: Lee Chang-dong, three characters. claims to have never shed tale. This adaptation is keeps its cards close to its forth into the story, but Oh Jumg-mi . Starring: Yoo Burning is about an a tear, and hardly feels realised with modern chest throughout; when where it is most effec- Ah-in, Jeon Jong-su, Steven aspiring young writer, sadness; he drives a fancy noir-thriller elements; the moment did come, tive is the silence it lets Yeun. 148 minutes Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) sportscar and lives in a traces of psychopathy, Burning finally revealed occupy in the scene – it’s struggling with various luxurious apartment, yet distrust, the unreliable what kind of a film it sound design done with Sung Soo Moon jobs trying to write his doesn’t seem to work; narrator play a big part really is. It subverted my confidence. Burning takes Film Editor first novel. By chance, he smokes weed and in this film. Moments of expectations, but not in a a naturalistic approach he meets an unrecog- burns greenhouses for tension are done effec- wholly satisfying manner. in its production, in line nisable Haemi (Jeon fun – one every 2 months tively – characters merely In some respects, you with its central debate of he BFI London Jong-seo), a supposed is his optimum ‘pace’. talking to each other could read the film as what’s real and not. Film Festival childhood friend. Jong-su When Haemi suddenly become an increasingly a straightforward psy- Many Korean films, last week drew is entranced by Haemi’s vanishes without trace, uncomfortable watch. We chological thriller, but are rooted in politics and to a close, show- flirtatiousness and she Jong-su wonders if Ben expect something to snap it clearly sets its target Burning is no exception. Tcasing films from newbie seduces him back to her has anything to do with and the gears to grind into higher than that. The cin- Trump is on the news filmmakers and seasoned flat. Haemi asks Jong-su her disappearance. place but it never happens ematography for a start, channel while the protag- veterans from around the a favour – to feed her shy Burning is a reim- in the way we expect. The is unusual for a noir: its onist urinates; it’s set in globe. I was lucky enough cat while she is travelling agining of the Haruki film is like a pot full to muted pastel tones and Paju, near the DMZ, where natural lighting supports North Korean propaganda its realism, as well as broadcasts chirp in the employing a hypnotic background of the sleepy gaze, especially when countryside; it talks of the the frame dances around rising levels of youth un- the cursed freedom that employment, while high- Haemi embodies. Focus lighting misogyny and mistreatment of women, classism, and hereditary “The film is personality traits. While it never succeeds to fully in- like a pot full tegrate coherent points on these issues into the main to the brim of body of the film, you can water, slowly easily interpret the finale as something other than coming to the literal. I enjoyed Burning boil from a thoroughly; it was never boring or dull, keeping low heat—and me on my toes until it then someone revealed itself, albeit with a whimper. Steven Yeun comes and gives an impressively measured performance, turns it off Jeon Jong-seo confidently expresses the melancholia before it of her character, and while overflows” Yoo Ah-in plays to our sympathies, his character is mostly unlikeable. It’s easy to lose yourself in is tight and intimate on the frame and let the en- the characters, rarely on trancing current take you “Top TEN pranks gone wrong gone SEXUAL” // IMDb their surroundings, and on this trip of reflection. 17 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 FELIX

FILM [email protected] Venom: The Worst Kind of Bad Film

The latest superhero blockbuster with a dark edge to it hits our screens, and although doing incredibly well in the box office, fails to convince the critics. Film writer Sam Welton tells us more.

FILM found really engaging. VENOM It’s the worst kind of bad film: passion and talent are on display and at some point this thing Dir: Ruben Fleischer could have been truly Script: Jeff Pinkner, Scott great. But it isn’t. Let’s Rosenberg, Kelly Marcel. talk about why. Starring: Tom Hardy, There is some good to Michelle Williams, Riz be found here. Tom Hardy Ahmed, Scott Haze Reid is as brilliant as always, Scott. 112 minutes and he brings depth and charisma to Eddie Brock Sam Welton through his performance, Film Writer despite some poor script- ing. Michelle Williams I’ve got a voucher for Teeth Whitening on Groupon, I’ll send it to you // Baltan does a fine job as Eddie’s enom is a ex-girlfriend Anne. Their cliché dodge as he seems I’m sure would have been excellent and does an bloated mess. chemistry is decent and like a genuinely good explored if this film had a adequate job establishing “The first few The spectre of is a defiance of cliché; person and never feels more adult rating. Venom’s powers. There studio compro- you never get the sense like his relationship is Venom himself looks is also a pretty good fight scenes after Vmise looms over it in a big she secretly wants him threatened by Eddie. In very comic-esque in a scene with a SWAT team way. It has some glaring or would take him back. fact, you get the feeling really good way and the later on, though the films Eddie and flaws but I can’t entirely I found Anne’s new this new relationship is design of the loose symbi- climax is an incomprehen- Venom merge hate it, since there were boyfriend Dan, played by far healthier than Eddie otes is suitably weird and sible mess with absolutely elements and sequences I Reid Scott, to be another and Anne’s, a dimension alien . There is the occa- no stakes. are genuinely sional animation quality And with that let’s dip, but for the most part segue into the bad. A excellent” it does the job. There are huge amount of this film some solid action beats is taken up following too. The motorcycle chase Carlton Drake, a painfully than the protagonist so we featured in the trailer is generic villain playing the don’t have to deal with any ‘humans are imperfect, complex morality. This is I will bring a new age of also probably why, by the “Carlton Drake, evolution’ card. Puddle end of it, Venom (a classic deep, in no way relatable, comic book villain) is just a painfully the worst type of villain. another defender of earth. Drake is the head of Stock Oh, and the final boss is so generic villain Amoral Corporation dull and underdeveloped I who made millions... can’t even be bothered to playing the somehow. Like, they’re discuss him. ‘humans are a pharmaceuticals de- I could talk specifics velopment group who forever, but I think it’s imperfect, I illegally test on homeless worth taking a look at people, but they also have the tone as a whole. In will bring a multiple high tech space the Stock Amoral Cor- shuttles that they use to poration scenes the film new age of search asteroids because tries for that Alien style of evolution’ maybe there is a miracle sci-fi unknown horror, but cure in space? It’s clearly fails spectacularly given card” a case of trying to create Drake’s cartoonish level “Tom, Tom... It’s not your fault, you were good” // Sony Pictures an antagonist more evil of evil. Frankly every time 18 FELIX ISSUE 1702

FILM [email protected]

you’ll start to forgive its mistakes up to this “There is good point. Unfortunately after to be had, but Venom’s voice develops he ceases to feel in any do yourself way threatening. He spends most of his time a favour and making quips to Eddie, at which point all tension wait till you melts away. Eddie and can stream it” Venom’s interactions aren’t strictly bad – in fact they’re probably the most consistently entertaining Stock Amoral Corpo- element of the film – but ration is involved the film they play in stark contrast dive-bombs in quality. to the film at its best. The non-Venom Eddie Venom is both too long scenes do a good job of and too short. Clearly establishing the charac- content was added at ter as grim but good at the studio’s request and heart and the first few there wasn’t time left scenes after Eddie and for all the content the Venom merge are genu- director wanted. The inely excellent. He hears film is 2 hours and 40 voices and has strange minute and everything Uh-oh, someone has just seen the Rotten Tomatoes score // Sony Pictures and disgusting urges he with Stock Amoral Cor- explored a cool idea can’t control leading him poration drags, yet there and developed multiple you’ll know exactly what with his humanity as an This could have been a to start questioning his is some painfully obvious characters. It’s absence I mean. alien parasite threatens to smash hit, but instead it sanity. During this time cut content. Without is clear by how abruptly I could pick apart this turn him into a monster, makes me worried for the you can see the semi-hor- spoiling, the worst case an event occurs and how film all day, but in the end, but in reality, it’s the tale upcoming ‘Into the Spi- ror tone they were clearly occurs near the end significantly the charac- this is the overarching of a grumpy reporter and derverse’. There is good aiming for shine through where there is clearly an ters change afterwards. problem: Venom should his dark comedy sidekick to be had, but do yourself and the film comes alive entire sequence missing This might sound vague be the story of a down on fighting an 80’s cartoon a favour and wait till you to such an extent that what would have both but if you do see the film his luck man wrestling villain to save the world. can stream it. Want to be on the Felix team this year?

Felix is recruiting new section editors and copy editors for this year! If you’ve enjoyed reading the paper, and want to help create it each week, apply to join the team! All training is provided, as well as weekly cake, so come and join us! If you’re interested, please email [email protected]

19 IC Netball FELIX ISSUE 1702

MUSIC [email protected] Everybody wants to change the world: Looking at the White Album’s Legacy 50 Years on

MUSIC Lennon’s cheeky treading it was, pissing off almost on both sides of the issue as many as Lennon’s Martin Flerin “But when you talk about famous quip about the Music Writer destruction // Don’t you band being bigger than know that you can count Jesus. His arrogance may me out (in)” shows that have been justified by xactly fifty the Beatles were not ready their past three albums, years ago, to put their full weight but the opener on this the year 1968 behind the aggression one lacks the grandiosity was to be the brewing in the air. This to do so, perhaps giving Ebeginning of the end may have garnered a jet-engine-roar-tinged for the Beatles. Lennon accusations from both glimpse at why many had finally escaped the the radical left – “elitist doubt this album. clutches of chronic acid nonchalance in light The mix of songs is tripping, partly due to of injustice” – and the almost kaleidoscopic. his burgeoning love for radical right – “Maoists Many are either stories re- Yoko Ono, partly due to in disguise condoning counting Rishikesh drama the retreat the band made the red apocalypse” – but (‘Dear Prudence’, ‘Sexy to Rishikesh where they they remained unmoved, Sadie’) or echoes of their were meant to have sworn perhaps helped by them folky guitar-picking in the off drugs forever in favour having quit touring. What Indian north, like ‘Wild of transcendental medi- they would do instead Honey Pie’, ‘Mother tation. But while the trip of bowing to political Nature’s Son’, ‘Julia’ and to India had given them pressures, was produce an ‘Blackbird’. The last two new spiritual élan and album more varied than are Lennon’s and McCa- innumerable new acoustic anything they’d made rtney’s respective odes to material due to the tech- before, using it to show the opposite sex; ‘Julia’ nological limitations of that the virtue of music being Lennon’s way of living in the foothills of can transcend earthly telling his mother that he the Himalayas, all was not chaos. has finally replaced her White on White - Kazimir Malevich (Oil on canvas, 1918) // Apple well when they returned with Yoko, while ‘Black- to the studio. Many of the bird’ was McCartney’s ‘Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da’ (a brought the concept of recording sessions were “An album way of showing empathy song loved both by me “random”, Dada-like tense, with Lennon and for the civil rights “An important and Murakami, isn’t that collage art into music. McCartney often pulling more varied movement and helped him an esteemed fanbase), Oh, and it also features in opposite directions, than anything win his future wife’s heart insight into a ‘Rocky Raccoon’ (who Ringo’s first composition while Ringo even quit the the first time she came to confusing time doesn’t enjoy a wild west for the band, ‘Don’t Pass band for a short while to they’d made his house. ‘Blackbird’ is love story) and ‘Honey Me By’. go chill out on a boat in an especially impressive for the band” Pie’ (a warm-soup-like The album that devel- Sardinia (the hiatus yield- before... to piece as it was recorded feel-good song in the oped from a single jam ing one of my favourite and mixed in six hours. vein of ‘When I’m Sixty session which was half an Beatles songs, ‘Octopus’s show that the The poignant simplicity not entirely free-flowing, Four’), are some of my hour long and powerful Garden’). of it only underlines and offers an important favourite Beatles songs to enough to spawn two Although the spirit virtue of music McCartney’s genius and insight into a confusing listen to. songs (Revolutions 1 and of The Beatles, their can transcend single-mindedness. time for the band. Even An unfair criticism 9), proves that the Beatles penultimate “proper” While many claim that the songs that many love levelled at the album is were still able to produce album, was borne out of earthly chaos” the mixed bag of songs to to hate, be it the hard- that all the songs are too magic even when at odds the spirit of revolution, have found themselves on edged attempts by the simple and complete with each other, drugged the songs bearing that the album are the reason foursome to keep up with nonsense. ‘Happiness Is out (the drug hiatus only name show that they Continuing in the why it cannot be counted the heavier, screeching A Warm Gun’ stands out lasted while in Rishikesh; were not completely in tradition of all their amongst their best, I am sounds springing up from as an incredibly complex Lennon actually ended tune with what the world efforts from Help!, the inclined to disagree. The the UK underground in and powerful song. The up on heroin), and out of had in mind. The French monstrous 95-minute uniqueness of the songs the late 60s, like ‘Helter lyrics on ‘Glass Onion’ favour with the hysterical student protests, MLK’s double album kicks off means that one can pick Skelter’ (which helped set are at once revealing and political youth. If even death, and the Vietnam on an unexpectedly fast out any one of them for a off Manson’s killing spree completely opaque (a their gibberish ad-libs protests meant that the thumper of a song. The single listen and not feel in sunny California) and Lennon trademark), while can have this kind of counterculture had a new tongue-in-cheek ‘Back like they’re missing out. ‘While My Guitar Gently ‘Revolution 9’ was some- pop-culture influence, it urgency which would, in the U.S.S.R.’, which Despite their ability to be Weeps’ (featuring hard thing very revolutionary only shows why they are almost a decade later, lead had the working title ‘I’m stand-alone listens, the rock’s morally contentious in music indeed – Ono’s the greatest of all time. to the punk counterpunch backing the U.S.S.R.’, whole that they form is daddy, Eric Clapton), or influence was responsi- to flower power. But incited enough outrage as still somewhat coherent, if the sugary nonsense of ble for this piece which

22 FELIX ISSUE 1702

ARTS [email protected] The Wider Earth: a magical voyage of scientific discovery Young Darwin’s odyssey brought to life.

ARTS mapped. Photography storm-tossed deck of 1984 was not yet invented. The HMS Beagle. This is tectonic movement of the made possible by a wide Earth’s crust remained but screen running overhead an inkling in the writings across the stage, on which Where? The Natural Histo- of Charles Lyell. And as stunning moving back- ry Museum for living creatures? Few drops are depicted – wa- When? 13th Oct- 30th Dec would dare challenge the tercolours of the rolling How Much? from £17.50 biblical view that God English countryside; had created each living maps tracking the journey being in its present form. of the Beagle; thunder- Claire Chan It was in this scientific storms, volcanic erup- Arts Editor and religious climate that tions, deserts and oceans. HMS Beagle set sail, with Lighting and sound effects one enterprising naturalist match the backdrops with wo years old, on board. precise timing – a flash of fresh out of uni The production, envi- lightning is accompanied and off on a sioned by the Australian by thunder rumbling five-year journey theatre company Dead throughout the theatre, Tcircumnavigating the Puppet Society, is a immersing the audience world. That’s the story of masterpiece of digital within the scene. Charles Darwin and his animation, soundscape, However, the most historic odyssey on the puppetry and traditional unique feature of the pro- HMS Beagle – a fantastic theatre. Most of the action duction is the inclusion tale that receives an en- takes place atop a large of over 30 extraordinary Cast of The Wider Earth // Mark Douet thralling dramatisation in revolving wooden struc- puppets, showcasing the with lifelike skill by the The Wider Earth. ture, which undergoes a diverse animals Darwin seven-person cast and add Beagle. While admirable, stereotypically idealistic, The Wider Earth takes breathtaking number of saw on his voyage. From yet another dimension of this attempt at meaningful enterprising adventurer. us back to an age of transformations: from a skittish iguana to two reality to the multilayered political and social com- This stylised version discovery and uncharted barren rock to Brazilian ponderous Galapagos scenes. Looking at the mentary seems somewhat of Darwin, however, is waters. The coastlines rainforest, from a stuffy tortoises, the mobile jewel-coloured butterflies out of place. Despite sufficient to convey the were yet to be fully library at Oxford to the puppets are operated fluttering around the rain- being based on real events message of scientific forest, or the odd shape and people, the characters curiosity and sheer wide- of a duck-billed platypus, of the play come across eyed wonder that makes one can almost begin to as quite one-dimensional. The Wider Earth such a understand how awe-in- Darwin, for instance, is magical experience. spiring it must have been played with unrelenting Darwin’s theory to encounter these crea- enthusiasm by Bradley opened a path to new sci- tures for the first time. Foster, who depicts the entific discovery. Since In addition to showing young naturalist as the his time, great leaps and off the wonders of the strides have been made in natural world, another “One can our understanding of life theme heavily explored and the natural phenom- in The Wider Earth is the almost begin ena on earth. Yet with conflict between accepted all our technological and Christian beliefs and the to imagine scientific progress, there implications of Darwin’s how awe- is often a sense of fatigue budding theories. Darwin, – the idea that we are who was originally slated inspiring it making only incremental to become a pastor on his progress on theories that return from the voyage, must have were established centuries struggles internally ago. The Wider Earth is a against his own religious been to much-needed reminder beliefs and externally encounter of the spirit of scientific against proponents discovery, the beauty of of Christian dogma, these creatures the world around us, and represented by Captain the importance of looking Fitzroy and Christian for the first at old things with fresh missionaries on board the eyes. Bradley Foster as Charles Darwin // Mark Douet time” 23 FELIX ISSUE 1702 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 FELIX

ARTS [email protected] ARTS [email protected] We are all individuals: The Turner Prize 2018 The Turner Prize is awarded to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition in the preceding year. This year the shortlist features four films, each tackling pressing issues in society today. Arts Writer Calum Drysdale gives his take on the shortlistees for one of the world’s best known awards for visual arts.

ARTS A large, square and wonderfully sound-in- sulated room greets you as you come through the doors. On the walls are Where? The Tate Britain panels providing brief When? Until 6th January descriptions of each of How Much? £13; free for the films and wonder- members fully suggestive open doorways that lead off Calum Drysdale into the darkness. It feels Arts Writer like quibbling but I would recommend reading up before going as the panels Is love really all around? Maybe far far away... // The Cockpit Theatre friend and I had are rather heavy on niche a conversation film and technical jargon recently about and proportionally light Find love, be happy: The Distance You Have Come whether there on content, but it is a Awas something fundamen- miser’s complaint. tal to non-conforming (he The films themselves Depression, alcoholism, and fairytale romance: all this and more told through the medium of song in a star- is into that sort of thing). certainly showed me the “By going outside of what error of my ways. The spangled production of The Distance You Have Come at the Cockpit Theatre. is socially acceptable one prize, given each year, is Luke Willis Thompson examines life through a magnifying glass // Andy Keate defies. That act of inde- intended to recognise and pendence and definition celebrate art produced use of small handheld made of human skin and Split Second has the most with baubles on. ARTS cycle’ – yeah, me neither writers do what is right references (‘Once upon retire for the interval and everything as Samurian of oneself not by others’ or first exhibited the cameras that allow a quiet dressmaker’s pins. The immediate and visceral Finally, there is Naeem – a play done purely and proper? I include it a time’, ‘I’m a Star’ and drinks. cop themselves a baby and standards but by one’s year before. This is art to permeate the film, even sculpture exists as an appeal of the four films. Mohaiemen. His two in song. The ‘story’ is as important and relevant ‘Magic’ to name the first This is a trendy place Anna the “stereotypical own is the greatest sign of as contemporary as it is over the amazing sound independent piece of art – Like a thriller, it jumps films had, if truth be told, about six people who do and in recognition of the three). This makes the so date and I get a tumbler lesbian in recovery” meets self-liberation possible.” possible to be and, with track. The long non-mov- My Mother. My Father. My between light and dark, an incredible soporific love in various ways. In world we live in. cast feel petulant and of red on the house. This “stereotypical alcoholic “Sure, I get all that, a few notable exceptions, ing shots work to draw in Sister. My Brother 1996-7 action and silence, and effect on me. Watching an Where? The Cockpit The Distance You Have immature. These are is why one becomes an in recovery”. She looks at but don’t you all just roll it bursts with life and the audience and, rather (The Estate of Donald G. unlike the other three the immaculately linen-suited Theatre Come there are plenty of “This is why grown adults making poor art critic; opportunities his arse and, get this, the your jeans up and wear ambition. than growing dull (some Rodney, London) – and is content feels necessary man smoke cigarettes in When? Until 28th October positive moments. The life decisions and singing for accepting bribery female jogger’s and your non-functional shoes?” go on for 10 minutes), made of the skin removed and even vital. The real an abandoned airport, How Much? £32; £26 singing was pretty good, one becomes about going to Neverland. abound. Potentially aided heart melts a little bit as Reading up about what they pulsate with tension by surgeons during world, normally very cradling dressmakers’ students important as the whole The first half continues by the wine or loose they go for a walk. Top was on at the Turner prize and danger. Add to this Rodney’s treatment for far away in those dark manikins – it felt like there ‘song cycle’ is done ‘Les an art critic...” in this way, lurching journalistic morals, the the whole thing off with before going did give me “This is art as the piece’s tying together sickle cell anaemia. showing rooms, rushes in was meaning floating Calum Drysdale Miz’ style, though the between the sugar sweet second half begins strong. yet another anthem called a certain sense of valida- contemporary of the ancient Yatesesque Uncomfortable is not and cannot be denied. around somewhere, but Arts Writer music system sometimes This leaves what is happiness of Brian and The show tunes feel more ‘The Distance You Have tion. All four of the short- magic and myth of Aber- a strong enough word The film tells the story it was too amorphous to failed to keep up with the less successful about the Samuel as the post-racial, appropriate to the second Come” to tell us all to listed artists are exhibiting as it is possible deenshire Scotland with to describe the feelings grasp. The second one, an hen the actors’ gusto. performance. The whole post-hetero power couple half spirit of ‘it’ll all be keep going, find love and films, certainly enough modern gender-question- evoked. As the film goes ode to Asian socialism, reviewer The theatre was close play comes across as a and the unfulfilled misery alright in the end’ and the be happy. Love Actually to drive the annual Daily to be... it ing identity and this is a on, the house begins to “Like a thriller, affected me even less. writes, he and intimate, the stage mix of Into the Woods of the rest of the cast. cast actually feel united in and Shrek come together Mail think pieces asking bursts with life film that makes worth the resemble a body itself, it jumps Wonderfully filmed vistas must re- round and simple. The and Bridget Jones’ Baby What is the point being recovery, Brianuel having in the end and we never ‘Is this really art? Really?’ whole trip worthwhile. steel bones holding up are not enough to justify Wmember that many, if not props, a bench and a and the hybrid is less than made here? The two fallen into some easily saw it coming. into overdrive. How dif- and ambition” Luke Willis Thompson an incredibly tiny and between light radical and extreme all, of the people that read swing, were often well successful. The whole lesbians sing about one resolvable strife. Drunk This could be some- ferent, I asked myself, can takes a different approach fragile creation. Where he change. his words will not actually used, though there is a thing opens with a series of them walking out and gets picked up and dunked one’s cup of tea. The cast you possibly be if you all in his submission. He very overreaches is his portrait and dark, The Turner Prize, get to see it themselves. limit to how many times of characters expressing leaving only a note. They in the magic cure-all is star spangled and the insist on being different The Charlotte Rogers closely examines five of Diamond Reynolds, smarmy as ever but He has incredible power one can stand up on a general discontent with still look pretty happy in bench whose seat lifts up music bounces along. together? film is a bizarre mas- separate lives and takes the girlfriend of Philando action and maybe, just maybe, a to influence how a play is swing and it still be en- their lives in trans-At- comparison to the other to reveal a trough of all Some of the songs are Getting to the right terpiece of mashed this magnifying glass Castile, shot at a traffic good day out. perceived and received. dearing. There are funny lantic show-tune style woman, who, failing au- things. Quick wipe of the finger tappingly good gallery requires further together footage, but it approach to extremes, stop in 2016. The film is silence” He must remember that parts and Jodie Jacobs as anthems that seem at ditions left and right, has magic sponge and clothes (though I can’t remember hiking than expected, avoids sinking into kitsch investigating human meant as an accompany- his own perspective is Anna was exceptional, odds with the search for pulled a disappearing act, back on and he is ready any of the lyrics) and the through ambiguously through the relentless bodies – with an emphasis ing piece to her Facebook of the killing of a villager subjective and that his funny and endearing. a partner, descent into and the remaining bloke for a meeting with his ex, actors are all very cute. sized rooms that all humanity that powers it on people of colour Live video shot in the af- in Umm al-Hiran, a prejudices are his own I can’t decide whether alcoholism and a long- who takes his clothes off who lo and behold is the The Cockpit Theatre is squeeze in one and a half throughout. The audience and their historical and termath of her boyfriend’s Bedouin community in and must not be allowed to include in this list the term relationship breaking to reveal an incredible woman who magically/ close in Marylebone, and identical acrylic and steel is welcomed in to Char- current reality. In his most killing, but it feels cheap the Negev/Naqab desert to impact the review. fact that LG and B is down. body in a lovely set piece conveniently gets her if the mood took you this sculptures intended to lotte’s life and can often surreal piece he moves the and profiteering. which the Israeli army Let’s start with what represented in a touching What is more, these involving generic hooded Broadway part. could be a very fun night confound any sense of see exactly what Charlotte camera around and inside Forensic architecture’s was attempting to destroy. The Distance You Have and non-tokenistic way. early songs all feature a figures. Depression never Love is amazingly out. Go if you want to, go direction or taste. xeself saw through xe’s a house-like sculpture The Long Duration of a This is modern activism Come is. It is a ‘song Should we cheer when superfluity of fairy tale looked this good and we revealed to be the cure to if you don’t. 24 25 FELIX ISSUE 1702

ARTS [email protected] Pinter Two: a masterpiece of dialogue and discomfort

One of the two parts kicking off the Pinter at the Pinter season artfully displays everything that Pinter did so well.

between these characters a distinguished job, doing ARTS is smaller than between justice to the complicat- 1984 Suchet and Tovey, and ed analysis which the the choice to ignore that London writer carried out is exploited to great throughout his work. In effect), the play revolves Pinter Two we see how a Where? The Pinter Theatre around those impacted by high-level script is com- When? Pinter Season con- Bill’s carelessness. Tovey plemented by incredible tinues through 2018 stretches each action to its technical work: from the How Much? from £15 maximum, with perfect usage of lighting in The awareness of his physical Collection to create levels presence. The end result is on stage, to that pink set, Ned Summers a play dripping, in every to the prop choices, these Arts Writer aspect, with overt and details play a fundamen- covert eroticism. tal role in both stories. The ‘Pinter at the An honourable mention f you didn’t know Pinter’ is more than a has to go to the director that you were at commemorative season Jamie Lloyd himself for The Harold Pinter of one-act plays; it is a his skill in preserving Theatre to see ‘Pinter unique opportunity to and, many times, high- ITwo’, a double bill of delve into the fascinating lighting the scenic details Harold Pinter one-scene mind of this beloved so dear to Harold Pinter. plays, the monolithic playwright. Starting now As expected, the cast is stage curtain resembling until February, the theatre nothing less than excep- a tombstone for PINTER Russell Tovey in Pinter Two // Marc Brenner hosts seven ‘parts’ or tional: they are able to would certainly inform a screen but without the different shows, covering convey emotions in such you of that fact. With canned laughter, just a gredients of this explosive complex. On the other a total of 19 of Pinter’s a unique and passionate this introduction, this little disquieting. story, whose captivating hand, Harry’s housemate plays, all performed by way that it’s impossible to staging of The Lover and The couple played by narration, witty humour, Bill, played by Tovey, undoubtedly talented and remain unmoved by their The Collection throws Macmillan and Squires and continuous innuendos is young, quippy and well-known actors. The characters. Our advice: itself emphatically into make for an equally un- successfully analyse short. Caught somewhere quality of direction and run to the Harold Pinter everything for which comfortable centrepiece the intricacy of human between an adolescent the creative team meet Theatre and grab a seat, Pinter is known best. It is of the performance. As relations. Written in 1962, pushing boundaries and that of the cast. The Jamie you won’t be let down by entirely bizarre, uncom- the single act develops, this play remains scarily an adult fully aware of Lloyd Company, thanks this sensational show! fortable and filled with the depth of unexpressed relevant today. No true his allure (in the original to the actors’ personal silences. tension existing between feeling is ever explicitly script, the age gap twists and liberties, does It is clear why these two these two characters expressed, and characters plays have been chosen to becomes clear, and as it regularly refuse to state be performed together. comes to a climax, with the crude reality of facts. Both are wonderful, un- their increasingly manic What results is a hilarious settling examples of the attempts through stilted comedy of errors. Unlike frailty of reality, particu- pauses to find stability, The Lover, the dialogue larly within interpersonal it is difficult not to shift here is often as playful and relationships. a little uncomfortably energetic as it is witty, and The Lover opens with in your seat through the David Suchet and Russell a husband asking his laughter. Tovey are outstanding as wife with only upbeat Still ruminating over they join Macmillan and intrigue, ‘Is your lover unsettling questions Squires for a four-person coming today?’. Through after the interval, we are act. its twists and pauses, the projected into a classy, The Collection, though play delicately paints a posh London; two houses, just as full of pauses as portrait of the equilib- one in Belgravia, one The Lover, also has its fair rium of roles between a in Chelsea, coexist on share of longer speeches, couple. The bright pink the stage with only one and Suchet’s silk-robed set, with flush doors, a connection point: a black Harry hurls lines with fold-down bar and an art rotary phone. Communi- vivacity. Suchet shows deco sunburst clock, feels cation, or more precisely extraordinary control of eerily impersonal; the incommunicability, is diction, and, at the same role of costume further the underpinning theme time, showcases Pinter’s stands out in the space. in The Collection. An ability as writer. Through- The stage curtain remains affair, a woman’s pride, out the performance, half-closed, leaving it a hotel room, sexuality, this character’s speeches feeling like a sitcom on and boredom are the in- are mesmerising and Hayley Squiresin Pinter Two // Marc Brenner 26 FELIX ISSUE 1702

ARTS [email protected]

Here comes the Sun, doo doo doo doo // Solar Dynamics Observatory/NASA The real star of the show Things are hotting up in the Science Museum. This dazzling and interactive exhibition takes us through the history of humanity’s relationship with our star, and features several contributions from Imperial College.

ARTS a giant golden archway, National Physical Labo- staying indoors, or better of its powerful magnetic model of the Solar Orbiter THE SUN: LIVING WITH you are immediately ratory in 1955. As always still, buying a range of field. A charming an- probe which, upon its OUR STAR plunged back in time to with the Science Museum, protective products. This imation tells the story scheduled launch in 2020, begin a chronological interactive displays take culminates in a television of astronomer Richard will carry a magnetometer exploration of mankind’s centre stage, and at this ad from the much-loved Carrington and the great built here at Imperial all relationship with the Sun. point we’re treated to a Australian 80s campaign solar flare of 1859 which the way to the Sun. Sitting Where? The Science Mu- Figurines, pottery, and fun game involving the Slip-Slop-Slap. At the caused aurorae so bright far out on the back of the seum. trinkets – each golden use of different kinds of close of this section, we’re that people were able to spacecraft, the instrument When? 6th Oct – 6th May piece glistening in the low sundials. given the chance to try on read at the dead of night is designed to withstand How Much? £15; £13 light – depict some of our Next up, we view the historical sunglasses, from without a lamp. The temperatures ranging students earliest fascinations with Sun from the perspective Inuit wooden goggles to potential for a large solar from 80°C to -140°C. A the Sun, and its likening to of health and medicine. 50s fashion glasses, in a storm to massively disrupt prototype sits in a glass Adrian LaMoury various deities. The dawn Sunlight as a treatment for virtual mirror. all technology on Earth is case, beneath a video Music Editor of science comes swiftly, tuberculosis is a prominent From here we enter explained; there’s a game interview with instrument however, and you’re feature, including some more modern times, with where you can attempt to manager and department ollowing the suddenly surrounded quaint advertising cam- displays on how the Sun save the planet by spotting of Physics’ very own launch of the by intricate hand-drawn paigns promoting beach can be used as an energy active regions on the Sun Helen O’Brien. long-awaited books of sunspot obser- holidays, and a rather resource, and our attempts which threaten to erupt, The grand finale is a Parker Solar vations, and an elegant horrific looking mirrored to recreate its power in and a ‘survival kit’ for a cinema room showing FProbe by NASA in August, replica of Copernicus’ sunbed for children, nuclear fusion projects geomagnetic storm. While stunning footage from the focus for many in On the Revolutions of designed by John Harvey such as JET and ITER. A the dramatization is fun, it NASA’s Solar Dynamics the scientific world has Heavenly Orbs – the Kellogg, of Cornflake stark yellow “sunbeam” is perhaps overstated to Observatory, where the shifted heavenwards, seminal text in the devel- fame. A manmade beach installation punctuates the extent of fear-mon- Sun can be seen up close towards the most undeni- opment of a heliocentric in neon and chrome offers and illuminates the room, gering, painting the Sun’s in a variety of wavelengths ably omnipotent giver of model of the solar system. viewers brief respite and and there are yet more awesome power as a – turbulent and eruptive as life we know – our Sun. In the absence of the chance to recline while hands-on experiences deadly threat to life on its fiery plasma coils ele- The Science Museum physical understanding, listening to the sounds of such as a giant LED screen Earth. While not untrue, gantly around its complex celebrates our local star one of the major things beaches around the world where you can watch the it is perhaps at odds with network of magnetic field with a highly interactive that could be learned through handheld coconut sun rise in a location and the tone of the rest of the lines. While quite short and immersive exhibition from the Sun was a speakers. The juxtaposi- season of your choice, and exhibition. for a relatively steep price, that explores both the sense of timekeeping. tion is frank, however, and a challenge to charge a This segues into a this is an informative and underlying physics of the This is reflected in the worship turns to warning giant battery by directing a brief history of space enjoyable exhibition that Sun, as well as its pro- exhibition via an array upon the realisation of beam across the table with missions to study the Sun, covers everything about found impact on culture of clocks, ranging from the dangers associated rotating mirrors. From including Skylab, Helios the Sun from our earliest and humanity throughout delicate orreries, through with overexposure to here we learn about the and Ulysses. Perhaps a understandings to the history. to the first accurate atomic sunlight. Now the posters Sun’s structure, and its in- personal highlight of the cutting edge science of After entering through clock, built at the UK’s promote covering up, fluence on Earth by virtue exhibition was a scale today. 27 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 FELIX FELIX ISSUE 1702

BOOKS [email protected] BOOKS [email protected] More than just a memoir: Gurmit Singh K.S. on his environmental and social activism in Malaysia

Environmental Quality mental quality through Like most people who are passionate about their work, Act in 1974, Gurmit had appropriate use of tech- met people from various nology and sustainable Gurmit Singh K.S. is brutally honest about his causes but scientific backgrounds development. during his job at the His decorated CV humble in nature. Memoirs of a Malaysian Eco-Activist Rubber Research Institute speaks for itself; of the and was ultimately drawn many awards he has details his lifelong journey as a recognised fervent voice to environmental affairs. received, notable ones That was also the year include the 2013 MDG of sustainability and human rights in Malaysia, hoping he founded his first NGO 7: Ensure Environmental – Environmental Protec- Sustainability Award from to inspire a new generation of like-minded activists. tion Society, Malaysia United Nations Malaysia, (EPSM), from which he the Green Catalysts Award officially began his envi- in 2015, and most recently the 2018 Merdeka (Inde- “With a pendence) Award in the one can only wonder what ness has significantly environment category. book she would come up improved in the country, population His outspokenness with if she were alive to the lack of genuine action about environmental witness the present devel- and individual initiatives of 32 million, and social causes led to oping world. to address the situation is a turbulent relationship Thankfully, her life’s alarming. The few, inef- it takes with the authorities; work inspired a generation fective, individual efforts tremendous nonetheless he maintains of staunch environmental- to tackle environmental his humility outside his ists around the world over issues do not mask the collective field of work. I had the the next few decades. Yet general “selfishness” pleasure of attending one in a world where politics, regarding the issue, points effort to of his speeches during a celebrities and other out Gurmit Singh K.S., a Malaysian eco-activist Gurmit Singh K.S. // ASEAN Affairs CETDEM public forum Gurmit with his wife, Tan Siew Luang // Sheila Sri Priya matters dominate the prominent Malaysian en- produce in 2015, and although we news and social media, vironmentalist and social results” had only a brief exchange maintenance. Perhaps he of 32 million, it takes minimal ecological foot- course, he doesn’t expect renowned environmental- activist. eventually the cover for message he tries to deliver frequently went out with of words, he came across is also pointing out the tremendous and dedi- print. He resides with his everyone to live exactly ists and their efforts are It was World Environ- his memoir, Memoirs of a extends far beyond envi- his friends on bicycles to ronmental activism career as a relaxed and caring “one-off” projects and cated collective effort wife, Tan Siew Luang, an like he does. BOOKS neither attractive nor of- ment Day on June 6, 1979, Malaysian Eco-Activist. ronmentalism. He took discover new places in and never looked back. individual. practices regarding the to produce results on organic-farming advocate, “We can all make a dif- fensive enough to garner when he donned a gas The book is obviously almost five years to finish the environment. From a About 10 years later in What about the current environment that have improving environmental in a house equipped with ference in however small a J Y Gan public attention. mask and raced a car with unlike Carson’s Silent the manuscript amid his young age he was taught 1985, he would establish situation in Malaysia? surfaced in the past. matters. Beneath the cel- solar panels, a rainwater way. Don’t buy too much Books Writer This is also the case his bicycle for 12 miles Spring, which is focused busy schedules, constant- by his mother not to waste another NGO – Centre Environmental NGOs are “Everyone thinks ebrated multiculturalism, harvesting system, a and refrain from buying with Malaysia, my native across Kuala Lumpur to on environmental science. ly dogged by concerns by recycling cloth flour for Environment, Tech- on the rise, awareness planting trees is great. But biodiversity and great composting site and unnecessary things, bring country, blessed with highlight air pollution and Rather, it is an honest that nobody would want bags into bedsheets. nology and Development, campaigns are overflow- they forget that trees have food, there are political recycling spots. Today, your own bags when you he publication of tropical biodiversity and traffic problems in the account of Gurmit’s to read such unexciting Initially an electrical Malaysia (CETDEM) ing, and countless projects to be maintained.” He said scandals, discriminations with heavy traffic obstruc- go shopping and so on. Rachel Carson’s ample natural resources Malaysian capital. Nearly life and journey as an subjects. He feared that – which he chairs to this are being introduced to during his book launch in and selfishness. How are tions a trademark of the People always tell us they Silent Spring but under threat from 40 years later, the photo- environmental and social the average individual day. CETDEM’s slogan, address the unending 2017. “I now tell people we supposed to focus on capital, he owns no car admire us, but they do not back in 1962 continuing urban devel- graph of him on his bike activist. While it is a short, would turn indifferent “Although ‘Always Promoting Sus- issues. Yet the results are that ‘I will support your maintaining individual and depends on public do anything on their part Tlaunched the international opment. Although public with the gas mask became straight-to-the-point once the word “environ- tainable Development’, still to be seen. He reiter- effort if you check every environmental respon- transportation, walking to save the environment.” environmental movement; environmental aware- his most iconic photo and account of his life, the ment” is expressed. public sums up their ambitious ates that Malaysians are six months to see if your sibilities with so many Memoirs of a Malay- He tells his tale from but challenging objectives very good at starting new trees are alive’”. other distractions playing sian Eco-Activist was the moment he was environmental – to improve environ- things but are dreadful at With a population behind the scenes? “This is published almost a year born in 1942 to Punjabi “Too many people are a sincere ago in April 2017, and parents in Penang Island, awareness selfish. But we must look though concise, the core during World War II when has improved, beyond ourselves. And account from message is still significant the Japanese invaded we must all take action for readers: Malaysia Malaysia (then Malaya). the lack of to solve environmental one who needs to overcome self- “I never really picked problems, because gov- ishness and tackle envi- up Punjabi as a language.” genuine action ernments alone cannot do witnessed ronmental problems with He recalls during an inter- it. The power is with the his country’s determination. Whether view in 2009, regarding is alarming” people.” you are a fledgling envi- his roots. “If you want to On social issues, he march towards ronmentalist or someone believe in the importance hopes “that a day will with an ambition to better of your mother tongue, engineer by profession, come when we have real industria- the world, this book is fine – but I don’t feel he graduated from the multiculturalism, when a sincere account from deculturalised. In fact, I University of Malaya in you don’t have to specify lisation” someone who witnessed resent being reminded that 1970 after encountering your ‘race’ and ‘religion’ his country’s relentless I’m Indian, or Punjabi. a few impediments due in a government form.” and cycling as modes of march towards industri- People should be dealt to his zealous activism Now 75, he is still travel. Continuing what alisation, and how his with as individuals.” in university affairs. By visible on the activism he started nearly 40 years resolute passion shaped During his school days, the time the Malaysian front and is a man of his ago, this is clearly some- his journey. Can you see the twin towers?// The Star Malaysia he was an active scout and government enacted the Neverending cars// Azhar Mahfof word – living a life with thing close to his heart. Of 28 29

FELIX ISSUE 1702

FOOD [email protected]

Guiltily delicious autumn hot chocolate and cake at Peggy Porschen Cakes // Ambika Bharadwaj Five Decadent Hot Chocolates For Autumn As the temperatures have started to drop, what better way to spend frosty nights than by wearing fuzzy sweaters & having a hot cup of cocoa, ‘cause baby it’s cold outside…

FOOD has an array of chocolates with friends makes for an they have a pink skull for it! and cakes. amazing weekend. (full of flowers) outside Jaz and Jul’s Ambika Bharadwaj If you like your hot The venue is also their window - how satis- The Peckham Food Writer chocolate with a side of known for its unique ice fyingly pastel-grunge, am Jaz and Jul’s has a novelty, head to Soho cream flavours, there is I right? . Pelican killer range of hot choco- where your favourite cozy a lot of variety and the Found on Ebury Street, late options. Having their his time of the drink comes in three vari- prices are quite student only a walk away from You can easily hang “Raspberry Dream Hot year is not only eties – white, milk & dark friendly! Sloane Sqaure, Peggy out all day at the Pelican; Chocolate” was basically perfect for flan- – and the bottom third Porschen Parlour makes a cosy and beloved like a warm hug! nels, plaids and of the cup is pure melted Peggy Porsche Cakes for a great hot chocolate gastropub/arts venue in When you visit them Twoollen hats; hot choco- chocolate. The menu has date! If you go there Peckham. With a unique at Broadway Market, late is a perfect drink for a wide range of items, and Ltd around 7PM, you might spin on hot chocolate, this have a look at their hot transitioning into winter the prices are decent. have to wait for an hour, place is something you chocolate options - they season. In this article, I’ve It is vital that you bring but you could easily get a must not miss out on. have everything from a written about some of the The Chin Chin Labs your camera to this whim- place before their closing Their thick and rich classic hot chocolate to a most decadent hot choco- sical pastel café - the pink time (which is 8:30 P.M.). hot chocolate is a local masala and chai infused lates I’ve had in London. Chin Chin does not and white colour scheme There is always a long favourite and pairs well concoction. mess around when it along with the pink-flow- queue outside the parlour with any of their delicious If you happen to be free Choccywoccydoodah comes to decadent hot ery façade makes the so it is advisable to go baked goods. When you on a rainy weekend, you chocolate. The ice cream place one of the most at an off-peak time or be order hot chocolate, you might have to pop in and Choccywoccydoodah parlour has branches in Instagrammable places in prepared for *a lot* of will get a mug literally check out their scrump- is definitely one of the Soho and Camden. If you London. waiting. dripping in flavour and tious Weekend Chocolate most quirky boutiques happen to find yourself The bakery is popular I recommend having nothing will ever taste as Brunch. Did we mention I’ve been in. The fiery-red in Camden, then visiting for its gorgeous cakes, hot chocolate with mini good again. Located in it’s bottomless drinks? walls and the mismatched this trusty parlour is must. cupcakes and biscuits. marshmallows and the Peckham, when you visit Prosecco, here we come! furniture, coupled with Drinking hot chocolate It’s a spot your taste buds raspberry and lime dry the place, you won’t be Their fantastic prices the vibrancy of Carnaby with the veggie-marsh- shouldn’t miss out on cake - both of the these able to resist checking out and the lively ambience Street, adds to the whole mallow fluff while with its extensive range are awfully delicious! The other chocolate-y stuff. theme going on really experience. Located in walking in vinyl stores of baked goods! To get place is a bit pricey but makes the whole experi- Soho, the boutique shop and snapping silly photos spooky for Halloween, the lovely food makes up ence amazing! 32 FELIX ISSUE 1702

GAMES [email protected] Halloween Horror Game Recommendations You’re in for a fright this upcoming halloween with our personal recommendations on horror games! GAMES

Connor Winzar instinct. In this game, you Games Editor see and experience dif- ferent things which make Kai Lawrence you uneasy and put you Writer on the edge. The game is brilliantly designed to Saad Ahmed achieve this effect with Writer visual and audio distor- tions as well as clever fourth wall breaking here ith and there. You literally Halloween need to reinstall the game right around to play it again. the corner, If you want something Wthere’s always plenty of short, free and unique, this scares including: course- is the game to play this work deadlines, peer Halloween. The trigger pressure and our very own warning at the beginning Horror game recommen- may seem odd and out dations! We thought we’d of place, but believe me, give you a fright this Felix things will turn when you issues with our personal least expect it, and they selection of horror games old and new, that you can enjoy this upcoming “ Personal // Capcom Halloween. So here’s our list: selection of to ensure that the eldritch you as if they witnessed to draw it away? It learns regenerating serial killers horror stays down. None you kill their dog, in a to recognise distractions and not to forget Zombies; Doki Doki Literature horror games of these give you the exact John Wick rage you will and it traces them to you! this is a resident evil game old and new, power fantasy you get in have androids, humans In what seems to a game after all ;) . Returning to club many sandbox games, but and xenomorphs hunting of you against a hyper its original true horror that you can it does deliver a fantastic you down. Androids intelligent military AI. roots, this installment in Let’s get two things sense of survival. and humans may be a If you truly want to feel the resident evil series out there. First of all, this enjoy this You faced a threat, you hassle, but Xenomorphs like you are in a Alien does not disappoint, with game is absolutely free. were afraid, you had no ... nothing even comes film, then by all means, it easily being the scariest Incentivised yet? The upcoming means of beating it and all remotely close to the this game will leave you game in the series due to second point is that this Halloween” you could do was crawl sheer terror this creature, dreading the overwhelm- its close quarter nature game is short. It should away in terror. But what and I do mean creature not ing difference in league setting as well as its spec- not take you more than was once prey, has now enemy or program, gener- that lies between you, tacular stealth and running 5 hours to complete, and become a badass engineer; ates. Everything you do and the stealthy behemoth sequences. that’s including the time complete with a huge has a grave consequence: that stalks you. Never has Armed with handguns, it would take to get the arsenal of weapons and the Bear Grylls phrase shotguns, flamethrowers ‘good’ ending. will turn for the weird. enough telekinetic power “Survive, Overcome, and explosives you pretty From the looks of it, to make professor Xavier “TL;DR Adapt” been more suitable much macgyver weapons this game looks like a Dead Space 1 & 2 envious. By the end of the for a video game. together in a more horror colorful visual novel with game you’re pretty much Engineering Writer’s Note- Also intense version of dead pretty 2D girls. You let You’d think that this a walking apocalypse, you play as an engineer. rising, as you scrounge down your defences and game sounds horrifying, making the undead wish degrees help Why is every horror game for anything that you play what seems to be an exploding babies, cultists, they stayed dead. you learn how protagonist an engineer can get your hands on. innocent dating simulator. horrifically messed up TL;DR Engineering you ask? No idea, but they All in all, just like the But, when you least expect corpses, and a intention- degrees help you learn to mow down a survive, and that’s why I regenerative abilities of it, the game does a 180 ally limited number of how to mow down a super chose engineering. the monsters that dwell and throws in something resources. But there’s a powered zombie horde super powered in the household, you’ll which takes you com- quiet power behind this Resident Evil 7 find that Resident Evil 7’s pletely by surprise. From lovecraftian simulation of Alien Isolation zombie horde” extremely tense atmos- that point on, the game black friday’s aftermath. Consider yourself phere doesn’t stay down shows its true colours and A sense of satisfaction It’s behind me. Those You try to find out one of the family, in for long . From its creepy things become more weird that can be found in three words are what it where it is, using the this extremely horrible soundtrack to its in depth and distorted as you keep exacting vengeance upon feels like to play this game, scanner? It can hear you simulator of meeting story, you’ll find yourself on playing. jump scaring monsters, once you meet the Xeno- scanning. You try to wait your SO’s parents as you constantly on the edge of A lot of classic horror as you stomp on their morph there are few so it out in a hiding place? Go find yourself in a decrepit your seat as you attempt relies on shock and crawling bodies, having called “safe zones”. Even ahead, wait too long, it’ll house in Dulvey, Lou- to unravel the mystery scare tactics, preying on tactically dismembered more so with practically still hunt you down. Use isiana running for your that is the Baker family. people’s fight or flight them and used telekinesis everything wants to kill weapons and distractions life from wolverine style 33 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 – Fake News! – ISSUE 1702 FELIX ISSUE 1702

HANGMAN [email protected] Hangman Shock as Prominent Political Leader Involved in Blueface Scandal

HANGMAN of making gunfingers at with his partner in crime, Pepperonardi. the camera in what ap- Big Fluffy Unicorn. When DocSoc President, Paul Belushis pears to be a gathering approached for a comment Instagramji, declined to CEO @ Memeperial of more than 5 students on the leaked photos, comment on the dealings in the Metric nightclub. BFU stated that “I can of her minions. A series of When approached for hereby confirm that none However when ap- compromising images a comment, Peng replied on the blue substance on proached directly, Don involving the leader “There’s no way you’re my colleague’s face has Pepperonardi himself getting a quote from me any connection to unicorn spoke of his fondness of the “Vote me, Tony for your article”. body fluids”. for carbonara, confirmed Peng, to be your next Peng rose to fame During our investiga- the authenticity of the bio social president” during his tenure as tion of the matter, further images, the presence of campaign have DocSoc President, in- images from the night former-boss Peng, and volved in numerous acts in Metric were found, requested that the private emerged of miscellaneity. Most giving us clearer pictures conversation between Peng can be seen dressed in blueface // Paul Belushi famous of these was the of the marks on Peng’s Pepperonardi and our- he photographs Nuggetpocalypse that face - hexagons, perhaps selves “better not go on into retirement, Peng may not yet granted the rank of show the titular terrorised upper Dalby a hint of his connection Felix”. be on the brink of a career Master. political figure Court during his run for to DocSoc. He was also Although initial reports renaissance. This scandal It remains to be seen if and member of Union President in the pictured with engineering following his failed therefore arrives at an Tony Peng will blue-face TUnion Council, Tony Leadership Elections last Mafia boss and DocSoc presidential campaign in- unfortunate time for Peng, the consequences. Peng, engaging in the act year, organised in tandem events officer, Alasgna dicated that he had moved who is now on council but

Freeze Peach // Imperial College London ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER LEO VIRGO

Union Shop Extra to stock Der Stürmer This week you hear This week you’re Deputy This week, to save This week you’re a This week you go all out This week, Venus, is in rumours that Council is President (Welfare). money you decide to start returning member to at the Farmer’s Market retrograde, and your love banning the Daily Mail. Everyone is the Union cycling. Union Council. You’re because you deserve. life is in jeopardy. HANGMAN to stop the Union from abhorrent?” When Barmdinger was anything, we need to stock Robinson – Anjem You sell the story to the office is watching you. Unfortunately your happy they moved to The pidgeons in SAF, stocking and selling approached for a response, MORE racist newspapers Choudary event is taking paper. Unfortunately, it campus is White City a room with moveable however, feel your pasta Coincidence? It’s more Negafelix “racist tabloids” such as he quietly mumbled “idk – 3 isn’t nearly enough to place. doesn’t happen and the They all know you’ll be and you end up getting chairs - maybe we’ll get could use an extra bit of likely that you’re just Editor-in-Chief The Sun, The Daily Mail, “I don’t know man, maybe we shouldn’t end all racism. What? The DM want their £50 back. the first to crack. thrown off your bike by some WWE style brawls seasoning. The shit gives an average Imperial and The Daily Express. be displaying ‘immigrants Union doesn’t stock the an Imperial shuttle bus. this year! it an organic crunch, no? undergrad engineer. After a debate on Tuesday man, maybe are cockroaches and need best-selling newspaper night that went on for far to die’ especially after that of Nazi Germany, Der “If anything, Students have made too long, the motion was we shouldn’t whole Union blackface Stürmer? I’ll get on it at thier voices heard - rejected. be displaying incident?” before walking once!” we need we need more racist “Look, we can’t just away, head held down. The debate briefly ban things we don’t like” ‘immigrants Lynsey Dickerson, touched upon the idea of to stock newspapers on our said Worzel Gummidge, a Deputy President (Freeze controversial speakers. shelves defender of liberty. “I per- are Peach), issued the fol- Tom Pilfer, Deputy Presi- MORE racist sonally find these views lowing statement: “This dent (Best Ideas), told the newspapers he Union Shop absolutely abhorrent – are cockroaches attempt to turn the Union room that the best way to Extra, on Sher- you writing this down? and need to into Soviet Russia has deal with a society inviting - three isn’t LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES field Walkway, Absolutely abhorrent. But thankfully been defeat- a controversial speaker is due to stock like, you can only defeat die’, especially ed,” she said. “I mean, is to invite an opposing nearly enough Tand sell Der Stürmer abhorrent ideas by bring- just look at the science: if speaker. “Look, if we This week you’re a This week you’re still This week you’re the This week you’re Alice This week you’re a This week you decide to following arguments ing them and shoving after that you’re exposed to a virus invite Tommy Robinson, to end all former Sabb Officer. pissed you didn’t make Editor for Breitbart. Gast. You think you’re ill College counsellor. apply for a grad scheme. made at Union Council it in front of everyone’s you become immune to it. then it’s fine so long as we racism” You miss the office. You the cut for the Techtonics. You’ve heard the Union (not freshers’ flu because A month in and you You don’t realise you’re this week regarding face while repeatedly whole Union So if society is exposed to offer an opposing view – long for the respect you might be stocking a eww not the commoners) already know so much still suffering from PTSD racist newspapers. screaming “ISN’T THIS blackface more racism, it becomes someone like, idk, Anjem once garnered from the On the bright side, at least spectrum of print papers but actually every time about these students after all your summer Aaron Barmdinger, DISGUSTING?”. Did more immune to it, right? Choudary?” student body. Then you you don’t have to wear to be ‘inclusive of free a student mentions your they’re coming up as internship rejections until a concerned student, I mention that I find incident?” It’s a racism vaccination It is unclear when the remember Union Council. those tacky red chinos. speech’. Might be time to salary in Council you recommended friends on you end up on the library brought forward a motion these views absolutely – a public service. If Union’s joint Tommy You get over it quickly. Deffo not your colour. hit up the printing press. sneeze uncontrollably. Facebook. What the hell. floor rocking yourself. 34 35 FELIX ISSUE 1702

INVESTMENT [email protected] Investment banks relish in hawkish environment

INVESTMENT

Tom Alston Investment Editor ICIS Editor in Chief

t is a well-known fact that when inter- est rates are hiked, investment banks Iincrease their profitability due to their massive cash holdings. Increasing the interest rates directly increases the yield on the cash it holds, and the proceeds go directly into the income statement. Furthermore, interest rate hikes tend to occur in environments where eco- Goldman Sachs quarter 3 earnings exceeded analysts expectation// Daily Crypto nomic growth is strong and consumer and cor- that it will merge with number of millionaires based in the States) continues to impact are worried about at the porate demand for loans its investment manage- generated record profits whose shares plummeted investor sentiment and moment. The business spikes. It is not surprising ment unit. Solomon of €15.4 billion for 111 after its long-term net our financial markets, cycle peaking. Despite that with the current strong claims the new division private banks in western flows- a measure of how leading clients to reduce strong growth results economic climate in the will launch a “broader Europe, with an annual much money investors risk in their portfolios”. there is an underlying USA, powered by the wealth-management of- increase of 14.1% are handing it, excluding However, BlackRock realisation that this is no tax cuts imposed by the fering combining Marcus’ according to McKinsey more short term volatile is facing a seismic longer sustainable, and Trump administration in digital capabilities with the consultancy. UBS, cash management longer-term shift in the that this is as good as it addition to the recent rate the more established sales the main player globally vehicles- have hit a two investment industry. The gets. What is worrying hike by the Fed, that bulge channels and products in private wealth year low. BlackRock CEO global asset management is that the debt load for bracket banks are starting currently housed within management, reported Larry Fink, laid the blame industry is facing US corporations has to reap the rewards. One the investment manage- that adjusted pre-tax on choppier financial intensifying pressure from reached a record $6.3 clear example of this is ment division”. profits for its non-US conditions, which have cheap, index tracking trillion, with increasing Goldman Sachs. The bank On the other side of wealth operations rose caused investors to scale funds, which have drawn yields and what looks like reported $6.28 earnings the Atlantic, European by 15%. Compare this to back their exposure hundreds of billions of choppy waters ahead will per share (EPS) exceeding banks have also recorded BlackRock (the world’s to the market saying, dollars since the financial everyone be able to meet the $5.38 analyst estimate, strong growth. Barclays largest asset manager with “Divergence in monetary crisis. their liabilities? with revenue exceeding published third quarter more than $6 trillion of policy and macro and I think, however, this $8.4 billion estimate results with revenues assets under management geopolitical uncertainty shows what all investors coming in at $8.65 billion. from equities and fixed- The business had bene- income trading up by fited strongly from high almost a fifth. Jes Staley, demand for initial public Barclays Chief Executive, offerings (IPO), where said “There has been a revenues for equities comment that European underwriting had more investment banks can’t than doubled and fears compete with the US, that fixed-income would and I would just point be hit were cushioned by out that for four quarters higher revenues from FX in a row we have gained and commodity trading. market share”. The strong David Solomon, CEO performance of Barclay’s who took over on 1 Oct, trading desks compared is also broadening the well with the larger banks banking and trading client like Goldman and Morgan base, finding growth in Stanley, but its revenues smaller markets including are still dwarfed by its US pushing into retail bank- rivals. However, it looks ing. Marcus, the new retail like European private banking arm of Goldman banks are the highlight. Sachs, hit the UK high Selling lucrative streets earlier last month products and services and it has been announced to the world’s growing Trading revenues at bulge bracket banks have increased in 2018 // Financial Times 36 FELIX ISSUE 1702

PUZZLES [email protected]

      CROSSWORD FUCWIT It’s Halloween soon! Leaves are falling, vam- 1 Maxiane 54 pires are teething, and Felix has prepared a 2 Sudok-urself 50 spoooooooky crossword for your consump- 3 Yeet Infection 43  tion. Boo! 3 CHZYNo.1InMy<3 43 Across 5 Cat Ladies 39 1. Children’s door-to-door request (12) 6 HoneybunnySnugglepuff 35 7. Reach full potential (7) 7 Luncheon Pals 33 
 8. It’s upon us. (5) 8 KBLB 30 10. Master of Ceremonies (5) 10 Budget-Greg & 13Wales 16 11. Yummy when grated (7) 11 Computer magic 15 12. “X marks the spot” for a vampire (6) 19 The Indoor Sundial 12     14. One-room house (6) 22 Sleepy Honey Badger 6 17. Ghost (7) 22 Snails 6  19. Fearful air intakes (5) Send your solutions to fsudoku@imperial.

   20. Send to Coventry (5) ac.uk before Wednesday midday to take 21. Poached egg’s most fashionable friend (7) part in the leaderboard! 22. A must-have Halloween event (12) Down Points available 
 1. Typical seasonal treat (11) Crossword 6 2. Unlawful (7) Nonogram 4 3. A chef’s weapon of choice (5) Slitherlink 4 4. Religious artifacts (6) Word Pyramid 4  5. Butchers and werewolves alike rate it (3, 4) Total 18 6. Trophy (5) 9. Told around a campfire (11) SLITHERLINK 13. Escape to a safe place when the Connect horizontally and vertically adjacent dots so zombies attack... (7) that the lines form a simple loop with no loose ends. The NONOGRAM 15. ...and then, lose all hope. (7) number inside a square represents how many of its four Colour in some of the squares to make a picture. Each number 16. Prepare a mummy (6) sides are segments in the loop. represents a block of consecutive black squares within that row/ 18. Your Spanish friend (5) column. Each block needs to be separated by at least one white 19. A set of people (5)   
square.                  
                                
          
              
            

     

         
  
    
      Last week’s solutions                  
              
       
     
    WORD PYRAMID         Each row is an anagram of the previous, plus or minus         one letter. 
               
Clues, from top to bottom:              Exists (2) – Grab a chair (3) – Strikes (4) – An ambitious        robbery (5) – You wash them separately from your colours          (6) – Children dress up as them on Halloween (7) – Morals         (6) – Upper body part (5) – Engrave (4) – Most used word          in English (3) – Male pronoun (2)               

37 FR IDAY, 26 TH OCTOBER, 2018 FELIX FELIX ISSUE 1702

SPORTS [email protected] SPORTS [email protected] Imperial College Lawn Tennis Club heads to Nice for summer tour! Nice. Very nice indeed.

SPORTS was all up for exploring but it wasn’t long before Arnaud Legrand, a hungry bunch of tennis Diego Vargas Ortiz, players wanted to devour Bartu Akcaba, and some traditional French food. The night carried Philip Mogul far after dinner - and what IC Lawn Tennis Members better way to end it than a dip in the Mediterranean his summer we in the early hours of the set out to Nice, morning. France, for our On Saturday, southern summer tour. French sunshine filled the John, Marcus, Alan and Jack at the Catford CC Hill Climb - the oldest bike race in the world // ICCC TAiming to experience hostel, and we rose up and clay-court tennis (a sur- headed to breakfast. This face we never get to play was followed by a trip to Cycling reach new heights at BUCS Hill Climb on in London) we took Nice’s beautiful castle. this opportunity to spend The team were doubtful it some time together after a Imperial’s fastest club on two wheels journeys to the oldest bike race in the world successful season. The excitement to play “Shout-out to SPORTS often question whether it good time to start getting setting a very quick early Hill PB’s (the universally new course record on a on the top-quality clay Doesn’t look like a lawn to me... // IC Lawn Tennis is worth driving 4 hours the excuses in and moaned time of 7:51, next was accepted form indicator) climb that has previously courts in Nice was clear as the beloved Miscellaneous each way for a 6-minute about how Sheffield Julian who clocked 10:35, in the week leading up to been used for the national soon as squad assembled everyone was delighted to members. Soon, however, the squad their mission and brought Imperial Cycling Club race and, to be honest, University had an unfair then Zach at 10:02. Alex the event. championships. at around 9am at Liver- President for try Socca, a type of crepe As we began the final found themselves tiring: to Nice the best of so we were as we set advantage having this on was next off stopping pool Street station. But being late, made from chickpea flour morning, the sun forced its legs were slogging, Imperial culture: a swirl of he bikes had been off at 7am. A journey their doorstep while we the clock at 8:32; at 6’3 Marcus was first off Post-race comprised a that had to wait, the first native to Nice. rays through the shuttered shoulders were slumping, high-performance tennis, stripped; bottle made worse by the fact have Exhibition Road. Alex was always fighting and, despite making lot of calories and excuses stop was the Spoons at thankfully we As soon as the team windows of the hostel feet were dragging on the a whole lot of “oui-ouis” cages removed, we couldn’t eat (some a losing battle against it abundantly clear to and in the manner of Liv- Stansted Airport for a pre- made it to the hostel it dorms. No one stirred: rich red clay of the French and “Ouhlalaaas”, plenty handlebar tape dubious physics from We went for a quick gravity but averaged anyone he spoke to that erpool fans we all agreed flight breakfast. Shout-out didn’t miss our was time to bash some they slumbered on through tennis courts. Needless of growling stomachs and Tgone, batteries only half Marcus suggested 100g recce of the climb which a huge 380W up the this “wasn’t his sort of that next year would be to the beloved President tennis balls. Flip-flops the first hours of the day. to say, the French were parched throats and, most charged, and we’d been in weight cost 1s on the didn’t tell us much we climb – definitely one to hill”, clocked a 7:31. Alan our year. Morale was for being late, thankfully flight!” were switched for tennis As a few of the chaps thoroughly impressed by importantly, a belched surviving off sparkling climb). didn’t already know from watch in the time trials. Slatter was next and on buoyed slightly by seeing we didn’t miss our flight! shoes, rackets were started to slowly wake our grand display! rendition of Country water and lettuce for some extensive street- Jack Hagger, who had an the legendary pink bike that a UCL rider had Advice to anyone heading gathered and heads turned up, heavy-lidded eyes Following training, Roads that undoubtedly the last three days. The Morale was low and the view-based research the incredibly detailed pow- could be spotted a long come last. We went over to Nice, don’t sleep on the would be worth the steep west towards the Nice were slowly prised open, the group went for a last universal sign of an up- signs for Woburn Safari night before. There was er-based pacing strategy, way off. Worryingly for to offer our condolences plane unlike most of us - climb to top of the hill, Lawn Tennis Club. The and hands gently rubbed quick swim in the sea coming hill climb. Park were tempting but it a 18% ramp straight out was understandably Marcus he seemed to be and ended up getting the landing is spectacular. but the views proved them scorching sunshine did throbbing heads and and sunbathed, clearly “Shout-out only opened at 10am so of the start gate, with the gutted to see his power going quite well and he roped into taking one of With the French sun wrong. What followed not stop the fierce tennis roiling stomachs. Others uncomfortable on the The BUCS Hill Climb, we pressed on. Finally the gradient easing off (by meter decide to re-cali- crossed the line in 7:13 – their riders back after showing its might instant- was a little promenade lovers from enjoying two lay completely still, heads pebble beach but too lazy to James held this year on the climb crept into view and easing off we’re talking brate itself on the start line a standout performance. they’d forgotten to book ly, the team took a bus to around the gardens, water- full hours of clay-court heavily slumped against to move. The evening infamous Mam Tor in the the mood was summed up single-figure gradient) though he still managed John was last off for transport for the return the city centre and walked falls and gorgeous views tennis as everyone got to the sides of bins, unwill- slowly reared its head and for serving Peak District, marked the by Jack who said, “That with the gradient kicking to clock an incredibly Imperial and, after a solid leg. The invoice is on the down to the hostel. After of the Mediterranean. On hit with each other. Shout ing to move lest the world the team finally decided into Bartu’s end of the road season for looks quite big”. We to 12% again for a brutal impressive 7:26. ride in the hill climb last way to UCL as we speak. some time to relax, Nice the way back to the hostel, out to James for serving start spinning anew. A soft to wander the city for a the cycling club. People thought this would be a mid-section before a year, was amongst the into Bartu’s head during stutter escaped from the well-deserved last meal in head during couple of hairpins into the There had been a huge big-hitters at the business It’s been an incredibly doubles. As the whole lips of one slumping form: France. And what better finish. Overall stats were amount of competition end of the event. Aided successful year for the squad was on the verge of “Totally worth it”. to enjoy in this country doubles” 2.2km at 10% (think Box between Imperial’s final by some huge cheers from club. There have been ups, a heat stroke by the time The group eventually of exquisite local cuisine Hill but twice as steep) – three riders (Alan Slatter, the rest of the team he also such as Matt Langworthy tennis was finished, it was moved - the tennis courts than a pineapple pizza in essence it starts hard John Shroff and Marcus stopped the clock in 7:31 winning the BUCS 10 time to hit the beach once were booked for 2pm after fresh from the oven (the still reverberates through- and gets harder. Halson) - beginning on (later confirmed to be an mile TT, and downs such again. all! On court, movements man was looked down out the whole town. the recent training camp all-important 0.3s behind as missing out on the As the sun set over started sluggish, weak, upon and sentenced to an If you enjoy playing We headed back to the to Girona. With one win Marcus). glory, and more impor- the French Riviera, the pitiful. But, as the team evening of judgmental tennis or want to learn minibus and talked very apiece in their previous tantly the £160 each, of clay covered shoes were recovered, the hits gained looks). how to play, get in touch loudly about tactics and three hill climbs this was The standard of the winning the Catford and dusted off and shirts were in strength and vigour (if And thus our trip ended with us through social power numbers to give off very much the decider event is always very Bec Team prize by the worn. The night continued not precision) and balls here: the team dashing media and we’ll be more a vibe that we knew what as the last race of the high, and this year merest of margins but as the crew embarked on a went zooming through through town to grab than happy to get you we were doing. season, and their last hill was no exception. The we’ll be heading into the bar crawl around Nice; the the air in yellow streaks, their taxis, leaving for involved in the club - and climb for ICCC. Form winning time of 6:12 at off season with morale details of which won’t be filling the air with the the airport, and bellies see you with us next year Roy Miles was the was looking good with an astonishing average high ready to push on for discussed to preserve the comforting sounds of wobbling with their last for our upcoming tour! ICCC captain John gurning his way to the top // ICCC first rider off for Imperial all three clocking Box speed on 18.7km/h was a next year. Sun, sets, and suspicious serves// IC Lawn Tennis dignity of certain (all?) rhythmic tennis rallying. meal. They accomplished 38 39 FELIX ISSUE 1702

SPORTS [email protected] Cross Country Runs for Parliament (Hill) 50 ICXCAC athletes head to Hampstead Heath for the start of another season

SPORTS facing the intrepid ICXC runners was the famous Henry Hart Parliament Hill, which ICXCAC HPR Organiser would need to be tackled Fergus Johnson at least twice by all during ICXCAC Club Captain the course of the race.

he first few After a hot debate over weeks of October the route to get to the race always seem to start, the runners arrived have surprisingly to Hampstead Heath in Tgood weather to put the dashing new spikes and new freshers at ease, but vests (for those who eventually the first day of managed to snag one rain comes. before they sold out!).

For years, engineers and Following a brief scientists have been trying to refine the Navier-Stokes equations enough to be All smiles before the race // Oliver Siddons able to predict weather “Imperial accurately. One thing that - with over international scholarship before anyone else. Mary’s (who, unlike IC, D-team 2nd (because St. should be kept in mind is talent) were on the right were not missing any star Mary’s only had 3 teams), that there is nothing more 50 athletes of the start line, flanking Initially it looked like a athletes due to graduation and the E-team top of the certain to cause miserable the strong showing from Bart’s runner would take ceremonies). E-league (out of 1). weather than the looming - fielded the Imperial who – with the crown, but in the end Imperial’s B-team top advent of the first cross over 50 athletes – fielded they were no match for the B-league, finishing The team looks forward country race of the season. largest team of the largest men’s and Imperial’s heroic James in 4th overall ahead of to getting some of their any club” women’s teams of any Millett. An 800m man A-teams from King’s, “big hitters” competing in This year as the leaves club. by trade, he used his Reading, LSE, RVC, the upcoming fixtures to turned brown (and wet) superior speed endurance RHUL, St. George’s, and complement their admira- Imperial’s fittest and warm-up and the tradi- As is tradition at the to overtake the fledgling Bart’s. Following hot on ble strength-in-depth. finest journeyed to North tional chanting on the annual season opener, all offerings from Bart’s and their heels, Imperial’s C-, London for the first in the start line to drown out the colleges had selected Mary’s to bring back the D-, and E-teams top their series of 5 races in the the health and safety their respective “King of (metaphorical) King of the respective leagues too. London Cross Country instructions from the the Hill” contenders. Hill crown for Imperial. League. race director, the 200- In the men’s competi- strong crowd of runners This strange competi- The success for IC’s tion, Imperial have a bit The grass was definite- from across the capital’s tion involves completely band of merry runners of work to do to catch ly slick, but the conditions student population were ruining any prospect of did not stop there. Niki the 2 Mary’s teams and - unlike some races in on their way. having a good race for Faulkner, strong from the UCL ahead of them in the previous years - were far the victim as it involves gun, finished a clear 2nd rest of the season as they IC medallists Georgia & from apocaliptic. The St. Mary’s (a team sprinting to get to the top place behind “really fast” finished 4th team. Niki // Oliver Siddons true challenge of the day absolutely rammed with of the mammoth first hill steeplechaser from St. Mary’s. While only Niki (2nd) Naturally, the race was broke into the top 20 on followed by the mass-sam- On the women’s side, this occasion, the depth of pling of all-manner of Georgia Curry made a the men’s squad is looking baked goods made by triumphant return to finish encouraging for the members, with some new an excellent 3rd, taking season ahead. Imperial A faces putting in early bids home the bronze medal placed all of their runners for club “Baker of the just ahead of teammate in the top 35 with strong Year”. Kate Olding in 4th. runs from Daniel Garcia, Fergus Johnson, Charlie The next race is widely In terms of team perfor- McFadzean and fresher regarded as the flattest in mances, in the women’s Lucas Kreifels. the LXCL calendar, and competition, Imperial’s takes place at Mitcham A-team packed well to put Imperial’s B-team Common on Halloween. 5 (Georgia Curry, Kate finished 3rd in the LXCL races are open Olding, Alix Vermeulen, B-league, ahead of to all abilities (F-team Liv Papaioannou and A-teams from Bart’s, anyone?), so if you are in- Steph Hewitt) in the top 16 LSE, and RVC. Imperial’s terested in coming along, to place a close 2nd in the C-team are also 3rd in find us on Facebook and/ Millett (white T-shirt) storms to “King of the Hill” // Oliver Siddons team competition behind their league, with the or email [email protected]. 40