Bangor Students’ Union’s English Language Newspaper

ISSN 1755-7585 Issue No. 220 October Issue 2011 INSIDE: THE END OF AN ERA Competitions!

Πe low down on Movember!

St David’s College • University of Wales ends amid new scandal • Degrees braced for impact on reputation Jez Harvey ity and granting of awards was up to However, the University of Wales Caul‹ eld, Students’ Union President is standard and in line with regulations. released ‹ gures showing that almost keen to see these students are informed  is is the second such embarrass- all the other universities in Wales have of thir rights. ast week the University of Wales, ment for the University of Wales, a er bene‹ tted ‹ nancially from the univer- “I have made representations to an institution that until 3 years it was recently revealed that the head sity, and argued that it was sta„ from the Vice Chancellor and other senior ago our own university was part of one of their validated colleges in the institutions such as Bangor and New- University sta„ about the importance Lof, closed its doors in a  urry of scan- Far East was in fact a pop star, with two port who were directly responsible for of reminding all those students cur- dal and shame.  e move came a er fake degrees. the validation and monitoring of both rently studying on University of Wales  e news of the scam came a day the high pro‹ le scandals. courses that they are entitled to switch Œ e latest album the university was subject to an under- a er the university unexpectedly an-  e ‹ gures released showed that to a Bangor University award.” she said, cover investigation by the BBC, which nounced that it would stop validating Bangor bene‹ tted by far the most from “our concerns were listened to and reviews! unearthed some serious fraudulent ac- all degrees delivered through other the validation system, making over the University now inform me that all tivity happening at one of its university providers and focus on its own stu- £2.2 million between 2004 and 2011. those students eligible to switch de- Rowena climbs colleges: Rayat London College. dents in Trinity St. David’s & Univer- A spokesperson for Bangor University grees have been contacted.” Sta„ at the college, including the sity of Wales Institute, Cardi„ . stated that “Bangor University as an It is fair to say that this controversy senior Registrar, were caught on cam-  e fall-out from the revelations has institution plays no part whatsoever in will go down as a sad day for higher Snowdon! era explaining to overseas students how not been pretty. A er criticism from these validations or moderations”. education in Wales and the rest of the to cheat on exams to receive diplomas the Welsh Education Minister Leighton  is drama obviously has implica- UK. For decades, the University of so they could apply for a UK visa.  e Andrews, who said that the institution tions for graduates of the University of Wales was a leading light in the provi- College then took a fee for this ‘service’ deserved “a decent burial” and that it Wales, many of whom will have gradu- sion of higher education to those pre- & the student was able to apply to work had “let Wales down”, others followed. ated from Bangor with University of viously thought of as too poor to de- in the United Kingdom, thanks to their A statement from the Saint David’s Day Wales degrees, and will be looking to serve it, and it should be remembered quali‹ cation. Group, the vice-chancellors of Bangor, their alma matter for some guidance as such.  e University of Wales comes un- Aberystwyth, Cardi„ , Glamorgan and on the perceived value of their quali- If you have concerns about your stuck in all of this because the College Swansea, stated that they were appalled ‹ cation. degree programme or wish to clarify was issuing quali‹ cations in their name at the revelations and wanted the name Bangor University currently has at which institution you are registered and the university was legally respon- scrapped as it brought disrepute on to least 200 students registered on courses with, contact the Academic Registry at sible for ensuring that teaching qual- the other universities in Wales. with the University of Wales and Jo Bangor at: www.bangor.ac.uk/ar/ By train... 2 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Editorial Hiya! Welcome to Seren’s second issue of the year, and what an issue it is! A massive 40 pages full of all the wonders Aaron and delights you could possibly imagine. My own personal highlight has to be the picture of our Travel Editor Rowena on page 36, words cannot describe the joy our team had when working on the issue. I also quite Wiles enjoy the Film and TV pages in this one; we have two copies of Bad Teacher on DVD to give away so be sure to enter the competition to be in with a chance of winning! We have some new features in this issue, our Classics page (17) features cool book reviews from some of your favourite authors, and our Environmental page (36) has some interesting articles and we’re also giving away a book from there too! We spoil you rotten! Don’t forget to check out the centrefold either, there’s a massive feature on Movember, the huge yearly campaign in which you boys can grow some pretty snazzy facial hair whilst helping to raise money and awareness for men’s health. Now we want you all to get involved with Seren, whether it be writing arti- cles, helping us design pages or proofreading the pages. If you want to get involved, our weekly meetings take place in the Students’ Union every Wednesday at 6pm. I hope to see you there! I’m going to fi nish by saying that Florence and The Machine’s new album is very good and it has gotten me through the all nighters. See you next Contents month! News 3-5 Politics 6-7 The Seren Comment 8-9 Features 10-11 Editor: AaronTeam Wiles Societies 12-13 Deputy Editor: LJ Taylor Union 14-15 News: Steven Freeman Creative Corner 16 Politics: Anna Hatfi eld Breaktime 17 Features: Rosie McLeod Creative Corner: Gemma Ellis This month’s contributors Centrefold 20-21 Music: Joe McNally Food & Drink 22-23 Food and Drink: Joe Russell Jez Harvey Will Osborn Film 24-25 Film & TV: Heather Boyles & Jack Armstrong Georgia Mannion Alex Thomson Rob Young Music 26-27 Amy Westlake Yousef Cisco Joe Horne Fashion 28-29 Music: Joey McNally Gemma Ellis Bob Chatterley Fashion: Kaden Wild Matt Ison Nicola Hoban Health & Beauty 30 Health & Beauty: Emily Tearle & Adam Morris Rhys Dart Advice 31 Sara Royle Katrin Lloyd Games & Gadgets 32-33 Tom Sayer Advice: Ashleigh Garnett Adam Farrand The Sabbs: Travel 34-35 Travel: Rowena Nathan Rachel Helsdown Jo Caulfi eld Environment 36 Sport: Tom Knott Sean Talbot Danielle Buckley Sport 37-39 Secretary: Luke Dobson Matt Cox Danielle Giles Design: Dan Turner Matt Jackson Rich Gorman October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 3 Local News Man Charged A’ er Attempted Skate Bowl Opens To Commemorate Teenager Steven Freeman HeatherKidnap Boyles Of Bangor Student new skate bowl has opened on group of skaters saw great success in round 10.30PM on 27th Sep- tempted kidnap and suspected sexual earphones and remember it doesn’t Bangor’s Beach Road in mem- getting plans approved for the skate tember a female student was assault. hurt to be wary. It is also advisable to ory of an inspirational Bangor park and work started on the building followed by a car along Ffrid- During a brief hearing before mag- travel in groups at night, and if you’re Ateenager Darren Rhys Frost. of the park in August a er supporters Adoedd road to the corner of Belmont istrates in Holyhead, prosecutor Diane tempted to walk alone in the dark, why Darren who was aged 18, died for the project worked incredibly hard Drive, where she was confronted by a Williams applied for the case to be sent not get a taxi instead for the sake of a whilst cycling home from work on to get the park opened as quickly as male who tried to abduct her. to the crown court and that Royle be few pounds? boxing day in 2009 a er he had moved possible.  e student, who wishes not to be remanded in custody. Remember there are martial arts to his fathers  ere are named, managed to shake the man o„ , Royle will receive his preliminary societies available to join and the house in further com- obtain a good I.D. on the vehicle and hearing for the next stage of the trial Greek pub in Upper Bangor has a gym Shrewsbury to memorations alert the police. on October 7th. and advertises karate classes. Maybe ‹ nd employ- to be added Friends told Seren “She is recov- DCI Iestyn Davies has said that it’s worth enquiring about when you ment a er he to this memo- ering well from the incident but she North Wales Police are pleased with are next there with your friends? had found rial a er the would like to urge fellow students the arrest but urged anyone with any Whilst this incident may come as a no success in project manag- of Bangor to be vigilant when out at information to contact North Wales shock, we must remember incidents Bangor. er in charge of night”. Police on 101. like this are very rare in Bangor, and Since her the bowl from  e police identi‹ ed him as Ei- As the nights draw in, it would be that it still has one of the lowest crime bereavement, Wheel Skate ‹ on Wyn Royle, 45, who was already wise to remember to be vigilant when rates in the UK, and is still one of the D a r r e n ’ s Skate Parks died known to the police for similar o„ enc- walking in the dark. safest university cities. mother Hazel 3 weeks prior to es and they swi ly arrested him for at- Try not to get distracted by wearing has been busy A friend of the family speaking the bowl oª - f u nd r ais i ng cially opening for the skate at the opening said that “Out of in a motorcycle bowl and has bad things happening, something accident. Olympic Torch Comes To had much sup- positive has risen from the ashes  e concrete port from lo- for the young people of Bangor”. skate bowl is cal businesses one of a kind Bangor Uni With Help and received many donations to that in the surrounding area and there has e„ ect. been positive feedback from the skat- From Œ e Students’ Union Family, friends of Darren and a ers who have so far used the facility. LJ Taylor Goodbye Grazia ith the Olympic Games of the Students’ Union’s societies to meant for Bangor; “ e arrival of the Jack Armstrong just around the corner, get in on the action, music for the day Olympic torch at Bangor University pon returning to Bangor, stu- remained the same, the shop was again Coca Cola have kicked o„ was provided by Storm FM who were is a truly historic occasion for us. It dents may have noticed a new locked and deserted, and nobody had Wtheir Olympic Torch tour with Bangor situated up on the top deck of the bus is a privilege for our community to appearance on the high street. been successful in contacting Matt and being one of only twenty cities to be blasting out tunes to keep the crowd be part of this torch journey which JustU across from where  e Works sits, Aleena. visited. On  ursday, 20th October entertained. serves to promote world interest and lies Grazia, and for those of you who’re  e employees met on the Monday the bus pulled up on the university’s  e dedication of the Students’ Un- passion in all areas of sport and physi- wondering, it’s already been and gone. to discuss their concerns. By this time halls of residence, Ffriddoedd Site, to ion to bring the torch to Bangor not cal endeavour”. Opening in late June, some students they were worried, and decided to go give students and locals alike a chance only provided a memorable day for Following the torch’s visit Ban- may have had a chance to check out the to the police in case some misfortune to hold the torch. many who took part but was a prime gor Student’s Union will be continu- sandwich bar, and many of the locals had befallen the owners. Not only did Bangor Students’ Un- example of how it’s not always just to ing to promote next year’s Olympics became familiar with it over the sum- Jack Armstrong and Danny Shaw ion arrange for children from local big cities that get the attention. through a range of di„ erent sporting mer. proceeded to the police station to ‹ le schools to take part but shuttle buses Bangor Students’ Union President, events, along with taster sessions for O„ ering well priced, high qual- a report, and were told that they’d hear were running from Dean Street in Jo Caul‹ eld, spoke on the university’s school children to get involved in. ity food and drink, Grazia became a back later. Lower Bangor to not only transport website about what being chosen favourite amongst the remaining stu- In an encouraging display of the ef- students to the bus but locals too. dents and locals alike, and additionally, ‹ ciency on the part of the North Wales “I think that the Olympic bus was a proved itself to be highly pro‹ table. police, they were contacted very quick- huge success in joining both the com- Much of its success was owed, no ly, and informed that in the Locality, munity and the students together un- doubt, to the two owners/managers, a Matthew Humphreys and Aleena Tay- der one agenda. We hope to continue Ms Aleena Taylor, and a Mr. Matthew lor owed just over £10,000. And that all working with the schools this year on Humphreys, both locals of the North signs pointed to them having ‘done a promoting the Olympics.” Said Dan- Wales area, and the business grew to runner’. ielle Giles of Bangor Students’ Union. the point where additional sta„ were Additionally it was discovered that Amongst the school children, stu- required. they’d done this before, in Liverpool. dents and locals making their way up So why did it close so abruptly? Be- Essentially, they set up a business, saw to Ffriddoedd to see the bus was the fore most students even had a chance how long they can go without paying Mayor of Bangor, Councillor Hugh to become familiar with it? overheads, i.e. rent, bills, and then le Williams, was also in attendance. On Friday 23rd of September, a sign without paying the last set of wages, re- “I applaud the university and its appeared in the window of the premis- sulting in a sizeable pro‹ t. students for getting the Olympic es saying that it was closed due to sta„  e sta„ should all have been paid Torch to Bangor, especially since its illness, and employees were informed on the previous Saturday, and since one of only twenty universities to do via text message that they would be they were paid monthly, they were so.” He said. contacted with regard to whether they owed over £2000 between them. Another attendee was Bangor Uni- would be working the next day. Sta„ were then told by the police versity’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Since the owners did not contact that it was a civil matter, so they con- John Hughes, who posed with the sta„ , on Saturday, Becky Owen and tacted citizens advice. torch on the day. Jack Armstrong turned up for work to  ey can take their former employ- “It’s great for the University and the ‹ nd the shop still locked and deserted. ers to court, but that’s dependent on city to have a part in the Olympics. Matt and Aleena were nowhere to be them ‹ nding them ‹ rst. We’ve actually been working quite seen, nor were they answering their  e lesson? Be very careful when hard to see if we can get a slick of the phones. getting employed by an independent Olympics next year, perhaps with a Employees assumed that the owners business. If possible, get paid weekly, big screen” he told Student Cut Films had family problems, and at this stage and be careful in whom you place your at the event. had no reason to be overly concerned. trust. Student Cut weren’t the only one  e following Monday, the situation 4 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 UK News Dale Farm: Man Murdered In Brutal Attack A Rocky Journey Yousef Cisco Alex Œ omson olice in Ayrshire, Scotland are those responsible and bringing them investigating the murder of Stu- to justice.” ou may have heard of news the travellers. nal judgement in order for the council art Walker a er his burned body Mr. Walker was last seen alive by a Pwas found near an industrial estate in family friend two hours before he was about Dale farm but be unsure  e travellers then applied for a to give a clear plan of how it would of what was really happening, judicial review. A judicial review is a carry out the movement of the people Cumnock. killed. soY here is a descriptive timeline of the procedure in which a court examines and the taking down of the existing It is thought that the 28-year-old  e police are appealing for help story of this traveller site so far. an action or decision of a public body structures on the illegal part of the site. was beaten and burned. Contrary to in piecing together the ‹ nal hours of Dale Farm, located in Cray’s Hill, and decides whether it was correct and  e council ‹ nally got the judge- speculation in the local community his life. Detectives are checking CCTV Essex, at its height housed over 1,000 has the power to change the decision ment that it was ‹ ne to go ahead and there has been no evidence to suggest footage and making door-to-door en- people, the largest Traveller concentra- made, if they deem it necessary. could carry out the eviction of the that this is a homophobic crime but quiries in an e„ ort to trace Walker’s tion in the UK.  e travellers however lost the ju- travellers, and thus proceedings went detectives refuse to rule the possibil- last movements. It was essentially a lack of planning dicial review with the judge believing ahead to do this. ity out.  e death has shaken the local permission, which is the permission that the council did have the legal right  is is just a roundup of the year’s Det. Insp. John Hogg, of Strathclyde community. Adam Ingram, the SNP required in the UK in order to be al- to evict them; they then went to the ap- action on the site, there has been a site Police, said “ ere have also been re- MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon lowed to build on land, or change the peal court to appeal against the judge- since the 70’s which was mired in legal ports that Mr Walker was tied to a Valley, said that “Stuart was a very nice use of land or buildings which is grant- ment of the judicial review, which diª culties with the government and post, this is not the case.” Although young man, very popular and well- ed by a local authority, that caused a again, caused delays to proceedings. local council, but most recently, this is details about the cause of death have known within the Cumnock commu- stir in proceedings.  e judge at the Court of Appeals how the situation stands in more sim- not been released, the police have said nity, and their thoughts and hearts are For half of the Dale farm site there also believed that the judicial review pler terms. that “it was an extremely violent crime going out to the family at the moment.” was planning permission granted for was indeed correct but delayed the ‹ - and our focus at this time is ‹ nding the travellers and this was not an issue. It was for the other half of the site which is covered by the Green belt policy, a policy preventing building £1bn To Be Spent On work to be carried out for environ- mental reasons, which caused issues as the travellers had breached plan- British Army ning regulations. You need planning permission to Warrior Vehicles pitch caravans on a permanent ba- sis which was what the travellers had Steven Freeman done, so the travellers were living il- legally on the site. he government has announced - sustaining jobs, skills and capability  e travellers were warned by plans to fund £1bn for the army within the UK’s armoured vehicle sec- Basildon Council that they were there to upgrade their Warrior ar- tor.” illegally and that they should move on, Tmoured vehicles.  e Warrior has, throughout recent and in the process, the council made  e plans were announced when history, played a major part in British preliminary plans for the eviction of the Prime Minister David Cameron warfare and Mr Cameron has praised and Defence Secretary Phillip Ham- its usefulness and crucial presence in mond visited Lockhead Martin UK, Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. in Bedford, which is the company that  e new upgraded Warrior will A Step By Step Account: will be primarily in charge of the up- boast a larger 40mm cannon on a tur- grades. ret that is designed for more accurate 2005 2011, March 2011, 19 September  e Prime Minister announced that shooting whilst the vehicle is in transit. he hoped the upgrade would help see  e Warrior will also have a varied A public inquiry is held. Dale Farm Basildon Council votes to go ahead Baili„ s and the police arrive at the vehicles to be used in service until array of new armour systems, which travellers hold a vigil outside Westmin- with the eviction.  e Council is the main gate of Dale Farm to start 2040 and beyond. the MoD can adapt to suit ‹ ghting ster as the government discusses new backed up by Prime Minister David the eviction of the travellers living  is news provides reassurance conditions, terrain etc. guidance on gypsy and traveller sites. Cameron, who says it is an illegal de- on the unauthorised plot on Dale to the army that defence cuts are not  e announcement comes at a time velopment and “those people should Farm. But then the residents win a necessarily so stringent, and the big when government spending cuts worry move away”, but Ed Milliband (Labour last-minute injunction preventing 2006 £1bn budget to spend on the Warrior many public services, but the MoD will leader) believed that the Council hadn’t the council from clearing struc- Travellers are ordered to leave Dale upgrades are warm welcomed by the for a while be happy with the fact that made any attempt to help the people to tures from the site pending a fur- Farm a er a planning inspector de- MoD who are constantly asking for the government still realise the impor- ‹ nd alternative accommodation.  e ther court hearing. clares the development illegal. Basildon government agrees to pay for part of new vehicles and equipment. tance of not cutting defence spending Council votes to bring enforcement ac- the eviction process carried out by the Defence Secretary Philip Ham- by such drastic measures. tion, but a travellers’ delegation goes to council. 2011, 26 September mond said that “Not only is this fan- Number 10 Downing Street and a two- tastic news for the Army, it also repre- year reprieve is granted. 2011, July Residents win a temporary sents a great boost to British industry pause in their long-running battle 2007 Eviction notices are served by Basil- to stay on the site. A judge rules don Council.  e council gives resi- that residents are entitled to an ex- Basildon Council votes to evict 14 dents occupying 51 unauthorised pitch- tension of an injunction stopping families on the site that were currently es 28 days to vacate the land. their evictions until the courts living there illegally. have ruled on the legality of their proposed removal. 2008 2011, August Travellers celebrate the opening of a Lawyers for the travellers fail in a 2011, 17 October new community centre in de‹ ance of High Court bid to halt the eviction. Basildon Council and its rulings to try Residents are refused permission and evict the travellers. to appeal against a High Court rul- ing that gave Basildon Council the 2011, 21 September 2009 go-ahead to evict them.  e Court of Appeal rules that an Travellers  ee the site amid fears earlier judgement in the High Court - of eviction with some staying and the 2011, 19 October longer the Court action goes on the which quashed Basildon Council’s de- Supporters clash with baili„ s travellers begin to return in belief that cision to take enforcement action - is and riot police as the planned evic- they will be allowed to stay.  awed. Lord Justice Pill ruled the deci- tion ‹ nally gets under way. e British Warrior Vehicle in action. It’s agile but sturdy nature makes it a sion to clear the site is lawful. neccessity for the MoD during war. October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 5 World News Devastation Hits Turkey End Of An Era For Libya As Gadda¢ As Earthquake Ricochets Is Given An Inglorious Burial Steven Freeman Œ rough Œ e Country Steven Freeman ibya’s ex leader Muamar Gadda‹ was earlier this received an inglorious burial. month killed by rebel forces and most of Libya cele-  e NTC said they were following religious laws and n Sunday 23rd October an demolished in the quake, refuge brated the joyous occasion, were bound by a FAT- earthquake measuring 7.2 on shelters and tents are being set up forL their oppressor was now well WA which prevented the Richter scale struck the throughout the cities of Ercis and Van, and truly quashed. Gadda‹ from being OErcis region of Turkey causing havoc and Turkish authorities have said that  e news came a er Gadda‹ buried in a Muslim and devastation. a further 12,000 tents would shortly be continually lost his hold over the cemetery for fear of a  e quake is thought to have killed on their way to the region. country to a point where his sup- shrine being created in 432, at the time of print, and 1352  is devastation comes at a time porters were extremely outnum- the light of an evil dic- casualties have been reported injured. when political unrest is present in bered. tator. Turkish emergency rescue services Turkey and opposition politicians are It had been thought that Gadd- Nevertheless, Gadd- are in full operation and are attempt- taking every opportunity to criticise a‹ may have  ed Libya a er the a‹ has been buried and ing their best e„ ort to try and rescue the Turkish government’s actions in rebel forces had taken the capital the NTC are glad that survivors as time races on. dealing with the crisis. Tripoli, but the death of Gadd- Libya can once again Sni„ er dogs, cranes and other spe- Some citizens of the region are re- a‹ on Libyan soil has surprised be a nation free from cialist equipment along with much ported to have complained that help is many around the world. fear and ruthless dic- manpower have descended upon the not reaching the region quick enough. Since his death at Sirte on 20th tatorship whilst the crisis area and Turkish emergency res- Deputy Prime Minister Besir Ata- October, the National Transi- future of Libya looks cue services are systematically trying lay commented that by Monday the tion Council have been quizzing promising. to get through the rubble. region had all the best resources pos- about what to do with the body of Miraculously, a 14 day old baby was sible. Gadda‹ , his sons and advisors, found alive and well, along with her  e region is rather prone to earth- as the NTC needed to take many mother and grandmother, a er being quakes because of its position in rela- measures to ensure that his burial trapped under her fallen home for 48 tion to geographical fault lines, but did not become a shrine. hours. nevertheless, it is foreseeable that the It was decided that Gadda‹  e baby had been protected by the rescue operation will take much long- was to be buried at a secret des- mothers cradling arms. Shortly a er er yet and the restoration even longer. sert location and on the 25th Oc- the baby and her mother were rescued For rescue services, it’s a race tober, and NTC oª cials Libyans celebrate Gadda ’s death and an end to a generation the grandmother was pulled out from against time. For the families of those con‹ rmed that Gadda‹ of brutal dictatorship. the rubble and all have been re-united a„ ected, they wait and pray that their with one another. loved ones will be safe and ok. For those whose homes have been Weird and Wonderful: Man Gets Mummi¢ ed In Œ e Name Of Science Steven Freeman

A taxi driver from Torquay who was a documentary series showing the an- He also said that it would be a good diagnosed with terminal cancer decid- cient Egyptian techniques of mummi- story to tell the grand children and ed to allow his body to be mummi‹ ed ‹ cation is to be released sometime in during the process, his grand children a er his death to help with medical the near future. drew pictures of him as a mummy to and archaeological research. Alan found out about the search leave next to his body, and this surely Alan Billis, who died in January, is for a donor to be mummi‹ ed in an took some of the sadness away from the ‹ rst person to be mummi‹ ed in ad in a newspaper and said that since the death of their grandfather. around 3000 years and it seems Alan he saw it, he was intrigued by the idea During the procedure, his brain was and his wife Jan seemed to be excited and wanted to donate his body for this le in place as Mr Billis wished for this by the idea, being fans of historical purpose. to remain, but other organs such as documentaries as they are. Despite having a terminal illness, his lungs and intestines were removed Turkish citizens try to pull the trapped from the rubble.  e procedure was performed by Mr Billis seemed in good spirits when from a small cavity in the side of his Dr Stephen Buckley of York University, interviewed by Channel 4, the produc- body. and watched closely by Archaeologist ers of the documentary and he said “It His body was then covered in spe- Dr Jo Fletcher. was a shame he wouldn’t be around to cialist oils and immersed in a salt bath Kenyan Police Arrest Man  e procedure was also ‹ lmed and see it”. for a month to withdraw the remaining water from his body before he was then wrapped in Caught With Grenades Follow- linen, to protect his corpse from light and insects. ing Bomb Blasts In Nairobi A er 3 months, the process was complete and Steven Freeman Mr Billis’ corpse repre- sented one of a pharaoh enyan police have arrested a Citizens are fearing for their lives from over 3000 years ago. man caught with a cache of and scared to go out in crowded pub- Such a marvel episode grenades and a gun following lic places, meaning that day to day life in medical and archaeo- blastsK in the capital on 24th Septem- in the city is coming to a halt. logical history may prove ber, which killed 1 person and injured Reuters reported that a Halloween to be of great use in the 20. Festival due to take place in the city future regarding the un-  e blasts are thought to be linked at the weekend has been cancelled for derstanding of mummi‹ - to Somalia’s Al Qaeda military links, public safety reasons given the cur- cation, and such academ- however, Kenyan police have not con- rent situation and there is de‹ nitely a ics have Tutan-Alan, as he ‹ rmed this at this time. feeling of threat throughout the city. is being dubbed, to thank In downtown Nairobi, security  e future is uncertain, but the for this. measures have been stepped up in the Kenyan Police and Army seem to be fear that another attack may be im- dealing with the matter and Kenyan minent a er the Somali paramilitary troops have been dispatched across group launched an o„ ensive on Nai- the border in pursuit of Somali mili- robi over 10 days ago. tants. Mummi ed Alan Billis with Dr. Stephen Buckley. 6 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Politics Defence Secretary Conservative Catastrophes Name: Philip Hammond his has not been an excellent few the government or the Party. Position: Secretary of State for Defence weeks for the Conservative Par- He was, however, funded by sev- Since: October 2011 – succeeded Liam Fox ty in terms of decent press. First eral secret groups (including ‹ nancial Age: 56 To„ , the ill feeling between two Cabinet backers linked to Israel and a private Marital Status: Married with 2 children Ministers, the Home Secretary  eresa intelligence ‹ rm) to travel with Mr Fox Background: Studied at Oxford’s University College May and Kenneth Clarke, the Justice on some of his visits. Funnily enough, A European Referendum? Relationship to Leader: Former Minister for Transport Secretary.  en the Defence Secre- this hasn’t been viewed in the most Expenses Scandal: Claimed mortgage interest of up to tary’s best mate was found to be both generous light by the Labour Party The European Union question £2000 per month a lobbyist of right wing lobby groups and the press, nor, unfortunately for has been gathering apace in the Extra: He is worth around £9 million Westminster. Monday October 24th and an attendee at oª cial meetings he the now former Defence Secretary, saw the House of Commons faced held. And if that weren’t enough Oliver as an inquiry into the case has been with a vote on whether there should Letwin, Cabinet Oª cer Minister and launched. be a referendum on whether the Shadow one of the major ‘brains’ of the Party, And ‹ nally Oliver Letwin, a man UK should stay, leave or was photographed dumping oª cial with a PhD who has been referred to renegotiate Britain’s membership Defence Secretary documents in park bins. Not the most as “Gandalf” for his central role in the of the European Union. The vote sensible move. 2010 General Election, was roundly follows on from a petition for a Name: Jim Murphy referendum signed by 100,000 Position: Shadow Secretary of State for Defence It all started at the Conservative Par- criticised a er being photographed on members of the public. However Since: 2010 ty Conference a few weeks ago.  eresa 5 di„ erent occasions over a period of the petition was not welcomed by Age: 44 May stood up and announced that “I months dumping oª cial Government all of the Commons. David Cameron Marital Status: Married with 3 children issued a statement to his party Background: President of NUS 94-96 calling for them to reject the motion Relationship to Leader: Came in with Ed – if defi ed any government positions held would have to be resigned. Expenses Scandal: Claimed mortgage interest and food But why such hostility? Surely the Extra: He le his degree half way through to work for NUS Conservatives are known to be the most Euro sceptic? This is true, however David Cameron has said how this is not an appropriate time for such a referendum when the Euro zone Miliband’s Ministers is in crisis. He even went as far as ctober seems to have to say that it “could cause great been the month of uncertainty and could actually change in Cabinet damage our prospects of growth”. Opolitics! Despite Liam Fox’s With this clear and decisive action resignation as Secretary of taken by the PM, the Conservatives, State for Defence, his was not and all Parties for that matter, went the only change, with two into the vote knowing that their leaders were in deep opposition to high pro‹ le Labour ministers its very existence. Yet 111 MPs still stepping down. John Denham voted in support of the referendum, and John Healey, both senior compared with 438 who voted Labour politicians le their against. roles as Business and Health Ed Miliband has immediately Secretaries respectively early cast doubt over Cameron’s support on in October.  ere was am not making this up” – and then papers into park bins near Downing within his party and his ability to unfortunately was a little economical Street. On one occasion he handed the lead over unruly members, saying great speculation as to who that “If he can’t win the argument would take over from their with the truth. Talking about perceived documents over to a park warden to with his own backbenchers, how roles, particularly as they are problems with the immigration system bin them for him. I don’t think it needs can the country have confi dence such respected and weighted and the Human Rights Act she referred to be explained how this probably isn’t that he can win the arguments that politicians. However, through to the case of a man a judge refused to the most sensible thing to do, regard- matter for Britain?” the Party Conference, the rule throw out of the country because he less of how con‹ dential or not the pa- Even with the threat of that Cabinet members were owned a cat. pers might be. forced resignations in the air for Conservative MPs, two re-elected every two years Sadly for her, this wasn’t the case. Political scandal, especially scan- parliamentary private secretaries, and that they were chosen by Even more sadly for her, Ken Clarke dals based largely on stupidity such as Stewart Jackson and Adam a ballot of party MPs has been knew that this story wasn’t true and at these, is nothing new or limited to any Holloway still defi ed their leader and removed, meaning that Mili- an event made a few jokes at her ex- political party. However, to have three have since been “removed” from band has complete freedom pense. It being conference season, this occurring in such short order is noth- their unpaid government roles. This over who he chooses in his was taken as a sign of fractures in the ing short of embarrassing for David demonstrates Cameron’s strength Cabinet. Cabinet. As opposed to just two minis- Cameron.  e big pitch of his leader- in his actions yet also indicates the And how his choices have ters at opposite ends of the Tory Party ship campaign and the General Elec- strength of MPs belief in withdrawing Rachael Reeves as Chief Secretary to the proved controversial! To replace long who have never really liked each other. tion campaign was that the Tory Party from the European Union. Treasury.  e new cabinet re-shuµ e has In total, 81 Tory MPs, 19 Labour standing Denham and Healey he has re- And in the interest of Coalition part- had turned a new leaf – no more ‘nasty seen 11 out of the 27 positions taken by MPs, 1 Liberal Democrat, the Green shuµ ed and appointed new MPs Chuk- nerships, Chris Huhne (the Lib Dem Tories’. If he had won the election out- women, including Deputy Prime Minis- Party MP, all 8 DUP MPs and an ka Umunna as Business Secretary and Energy Secretary) was found to be se- right, these stories would probably independent supported the petition ter Harriet Harman taking over as Cul- cretly pushing the story to a Guardian have less attention paid to them and for a European referendum. ture, Media and Sports Minister journalist to try and embarrass them have less of an impact on the voters. But, even after Cameron calling alongside her existing duties. both.  e election results show however that for his party MPs to oppose the Not only have women become petition, why did 111 decide to start  en we come to the case of Liam most people still can’t shake that image a more prominent feature in Mili- Fox. Since becoming Defence Secre- of the Tory Party from their heads.  e such a mutiny? Well, membership band’s Cabinet but he has also of the European Union has always tary last year his best friend, former latest poll from Populus for  e Times proved a controversial topic, with appointed 6 MPs who were only housemate and best man at his wed- carried out a er these scandals shows many calling for a referendum over elected in 2010. His response to ding Adam Werritty had visited Mr support for the party down to 33%, the years, as they see Britain’s this radical shake up ‘’My decision Letwin at his oª ce 22 times and joined their lowest ‹ gure since coming back deeper integration into Europe and to appoint half a dozen members the Secretary on 18 overseas trips. As into government. Unless Cameron can the loss of sovereignty to the EU of the 2010 intake shows the tal- as an undermining of British law. well as that, he had been handing out do something to ‹ nally shake this o„ , ent that Labour has and the way business cards to people describing even if the economy miraculously re- Despite this ongoing opposition, in which this new generation can with the Eurozone embedded with himself as an Adviser to the Secretary, covers, will people give them a second severe economic problems, it is not join us in taking Labour’s agenda despite him not being an employee of term? Seems not. the right time to be questioning our forward.” Yet this is another re- membership, but once everyone is shuµ e, despite only winning the in recovery, this issue should not be leadership last year. forgotten. Despite only taking over last Anna Hatfi eld year, Miliband has repeatedly been besieged with problems amongst his ministers, with Alan Johnson being appointed Shadow ContemporaryC.H.I.P.S Historical Issues and Politics Society Chancellor despite admitting his economic knowledge was mini- Interested in Politics, Debating or Current A„ airs? mal, only to resign due to his Get down to Main Arts Lecture Room 1 on Tuesdays at 6pm. wife’s indiscretions with a former police protection oª cer. We talk about anything and everything from current issues both domestic, and international to problems in the past. October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 7 Politics The Conservative Party Conference, held in Manchester this year from 2-5 October, saw Cameron, Osborne , Hague and the Tory heavy hitters deliver speeches which proved successful and heartfelt. May’s speech proved most controversial with her desire to scrap the Human Rights Act in favour of a British Bill of Rights culminating with a spat with Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke, as the example she used, about a man being kept in Britain as he had a cat who depended upon him, was slapped down es enormously by Clarke. This sparked rumours about the state of Conservative consensus politics and became the memorable moment at Conference. Yet Cameron’s speech was interesting as he talked about the Unity of the UK and what we have to offer the international community. “Some say that to succeed in this world, we need to become more like India, or China, or Brazil. I say: we need to become more like us. The real us. Hard-working, pioneering, independent, creative, adaptable, optimistic, can-do. That’s the spirit that has made this United Kingdom what it is: a small country that does great things; one of the most incredible success stories in the history of the world.” Conservatives

The Labour Party Conference took place on the 25-29th September in Liverpool. The memorable moments from the Labour Party Conference this year includes Yvette Cooper being named “leader in waiting” while Ed Miliband suffered embarrassment when he was unable to name a senior Scottish front runner.

Yet Ed’s speech was a much more lighthearted affair than Cameron’s or Clegg’s with references to the rift with his brother David and to his “nose job” as he calls it. “I had a deviated septum and it needed repositioning.Typical Labour leader. He gets elected and Labour everything moves to the centre”

This year the Liberal Democrats met in Birmingham from the 17 -21 September. The highlights include Andrew George MP warning that the NHS Reforms could turn into a “catastrophic train crash” if the Coalition is not more careful. Nick Clegg pledged to defend the Human Rights Act against the Tories and, most memorably, told his party that their electoral collapse will be worth it to save Britain’s economy. “We’ve lost support, we’ve lost councillors, and we lost a referendum. I know how painful it has been to face anger and frustration on the doorstep. Some of you may have even wondered: Will it all be worth it in the end?” With all three Party Conferences over for another year, the key note speeches will be forgotten and life will continue as normal for all party politicians and members. Yet with the economic situation worsening and the position of the European Union still unknown, alongside the Middle Eastern discord, the next year will really turn the Party Conferences into a talking point once again as people will continue to refer back to what the Leaders said about the economy, about Europe and about international politics Party Conferenc Party Liberal Democrats

Iranian Politics How does it work? Despite making Supreme Leader Œ e President Parliament So the Supreme Leader is equivalent to a reigning monarch with full execu- the headlines over  e main executive power in Iran is Next in line a er the Supreme Lead- Unlike Britain which has both a tive power, with his President beneath their Supreme Leader, which is not an er is the President. To ‹ rstly nominate House of Commons and House of him. Alongside these are the Vice Pres- its wars, its nuclear elected position. Since the revolution in yourself to run for the Presidency you Lords, Iran only has one legislative idents, the Cabinet and lastly the Par- weapons and its oil, 1979 which saw the end of the Iranian must be on the Council of Guardians, chamber, which is known as the Parlia- liament. It has a great many members monarchy and the start of the Repub- a board of Judges, whom the Supreme ment of Iran. It has 290 members who at its political centre, yet, with the Su- not a lot is known lic of Iran, there have only been two Leader helps to pick. Once they have are elected on a four term basis. Its preme Leader e„ ectually having abso- Supreme leaders, Ruhollah Khomeini been approved to run, they are directly powers include approving the national lutist power, are these people just there about Iranian and his successor and current leader, elected by the Iranian people but even budget and ratifying international trea- to show the international community Ali Khamenei.  e supreme leader of a er being democratically elected they ties. But all Parliamentarians must be that Iran does have democratic ele- politics and their Iran has many posts and responsibili- must be appointed by the Supreme approved by the Council of Guardians. ments? Yes, the people are able to elect form of government. ties, including being the Commander Leader.  is overrides the general elec- Parliamentarians and vote for their of the Armed Forces alongside the post tion result.  e Presidency has many Council of Guardians Presidents, but only a er they are ve- Never fear, Seren of Director of the Islamic Republic of similarities to our Prime Minister, with toed ‹ rst. So to what extent is the Irani- Iran Broadcaster. Not to mention his the roles of electing ministers and su- With all this power, of deciding who an Parliament democratic? Lets just say is here to give you role as President of various national pervising them in the Council of Min- is allowed to run in Parliament and who it is on the long road to full freedoms a breakdown of security councils. With such large re- isters, whilst also ensuring that the can run for the Presidency, it is a vital and it is only at the beginning. sponsibilities, the Supreme Leader is constitution is being upheld. However, political organ in Iranian politics.  e some of the main the most pivotal in Iranian politics yet there is no supreme leader in the UK Council comprises of twelve jurists, Anna Hat‹ eld it is undemocratic and unaccountable which overshadows the work of the 6 of whom are picked by the Supreme structures and to the Iranian people and their parlia- PM, as here, David Cameron and his Leader and the remaining 6 are elected ment. government hold all executive power. by the Iranian Parliament. positions within  ere are currently 21 ministers in Iranian politics. Iranian government. But it is not only Cabinet Ministers who share the power. Don't say we never Iran also has 12 Vice- Presidents who have responsibility for organisations re- try to educate you... lated to the Presidency. 8 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Comment The Rise or Demise of the Gay Village? And our students

Aaron Wiles said... “I think it’s vital that we have a safe haven where same sex partners can walk freely without fear of discrimination which is still prevalent in society today”

Sara Royle “Originally I think gay villages were built for the wrong reason – to boost the economy with the pink pound. I think gay villages should be outdated because it shouldn’t be an issue anymore. Being gay is as normal as Are offi cial gay quarters outdated and unnecessary or are they the LGBT stamp on an being right or left handed.” otherwise ‘straight’ society? s Leeds residents push to establish a city as ‘gay’ instead of just letting gay bars zine which suggested that gay villages in- Matt Cox an ‘oª cial’ gay quarter in the city and restaurants be that we may in fact be crease LGBT visibility and allow gay peo- “I think there is defi nitely a gay subculture centre Seren considers whether contradicting the integration into ‘straight’ ple to actively seek out a safe haven when Agay villages are really in the past or the society that most of us strive for; the kind visiting a new place and this point got me so it makes sense for there to be a gay future. that encourages equality. thinking. I realised that not only have I quarter too just as there has been for a lot Most of us are familiar with the concept Pre 1960 the concept of a gay village visited local promotionally gay areas but I of other subcultures in the past.” of a ‘gay quarter’, an area which usually was unheard of, we had very little in the HAVE sought them out. I revelled in the houses gay friendly bars, speci‹ cally gay way of real representation or safe spaces opportunity to be the majority and was shops and restaurants and attracts LGBT in which to just ‘be’.  erea er of course, pleased to see gay and straight people in Luke Dobson people from across the UK. the gay village became the concrete LGBT the village. “I still fi nd gay villages a little Manchester’s Canal Street and Cardi„ ’s stamp on an otherwise ‘straight’ landscape Gay villages are a popular destination intimidating but I understand the need for Charles Street both boast thriving gay and served a highly important and worth- for more than just the LGBT community them in larger cities. If gay villages pop quarters heaving not only with the LGBT while purpose. now, with hen parties being the obvious community but also wider society. Now however, it seems that some mem- example, so has their place in the city up that’s fi ne but I don’t think we really  e success of these existing villages bers of the gay community feel the gay really become outdated? Surely as an in- need to ‘build them.’” has recently encouraged the residents of quarter is an outdated and unnecessary creasingly popular destination for straight Leeds to campaign for an area of the city accessory, but is that really the case? parties as well as the LGBT community, Kaden Wild to be formally named the ‘gay’ area, to of- Even as an openly gay woman there gay villages are just beginning to thrive ‹ cially mark Leeds’ support for the LGBT are still times when I think twice about with a gay majority and support from our “I like the music and atmosphere but community. holding my girlfriend’s hand in public or straight neighbours. Not to mention that fi nd myself not enjoying certain attitudes While Leeds city council considers the giving her a kiss in the street and not be- as unique energetic areas, gay quarters are whilst there. I do enjoy gay villages and proposal from residents, Seren considers cause I am ashamed or in fear but because great for the economy. think they are important but think people the divided opinion on the subject. We every now and again I feel uncomfortable. So the residents of Leeds appear to be exploit them.” have two considerations for you: I mean, society has come a long way but campaigning for a good cause and while  e ‹ rst is, are gay villages really nec- I’m not sure I feel fully comfortable outing some believe that we do not need to ‘of- essary? In 2011, with an increasingly tol- myself in front of the older generation or a ‹ ciate’ a gay area to make it so, formally Eleri Holmes erant and educated society do we need group of young males. naming an area makes it more visible not “I personally love the Manchester Village, a speci‹ c area to feel represented in our So is this where the gay village comes just to the gay community but to the wider though that may be because of the various, community? Does creating boundaries into its own? Is it the sacred essential for straight one too, which can only be a good slightly fuzzy but very happy memories.” and outlining speci‹ c districts encourage our community?  e one place we can feel thing. a ‘them and us’ attitude?  ere is an un- 100% comfortable? Gemma Ellis derlying fear here that by labelling parts of I recently read an article in Diva maga- HOUSING: STUDENT HELL? think it’s fair to say that a lot of stu-  ere are large 5-8 bedroom houses will only ruin them. But this is jumping ing to accommodate everyone. For example, in my house last year, dent housing is either barely live- in some cases that are still with origi- the gun a bit and throwing all students It seems this is not just a problem we had no adequate kitchen  ooring, able, or totally inhumane. nal Victorian features, not because they into one pot. that a„ ects Bangor. I have a friend at just a concrete surface, which the land- IBut why? Student housing probably look nice and are period, but because If for whatever reason, (house par- Reading Uni who lives in a 5 bed prop- lord said in September that it would be brings in the most revenue for land- in most cases the landlords cannot be ties etc.) the nice living conditions did erty and her house pays £360 rent per sorted within a week. When we moved lords and ladies and so they should bothered to take a slice out of their get a bit battered or ruined, well then person, per month and their house is out in June it had still not been done, reinvest some of that money into the pro‹ ts to brings properties into 2011. I think any student would realise that no palace; they don’t even have central even a er the council had told him he house shouldn’t they? Personally, I think it’s disgraceful. I obviously, they’re not getting their full heating! had to sort it out for hygiene reasons. Well, the fact of the matter is, that mean if a large family was to live in a deposit back, surely?  ese sort of conditions are what Luckily, I now live in a much nicer half the time they don’t.  ey seem to 5 bed student house I bet the council In many cases however they just ex- gets me mad, I mean central heating house though there is still room for im- think that students are some lower life would be on the landlord like a tramp pect us to live in o en squalid condi- is no luxury, it’s really a bare essential. provement. But I think many students form and that we can live in damp, cold on chips to severely improve the prop- tions, and we have to lump it or leave it, But still, landlords think they can jus- will understand where I’m coming houses, which could be described as the erty. because what’s the alternative option? tify not installing central heating and from and will be stuck in this catch 22 slums of the 21st century. I mean, yes And yes, some landlords may say, I guess we could try and ‹ nd nicer think they can stall for a few more years situation, which quite frankly, shouldn’t ok, maybe that’s a bit over exaggerated, well we’re not going to provide luxury, accommodation, but I’m convinced without making improvements. It’s like be happening! but you get what I mean. modern living spaces because students there is not enough nice student hous- a waiting game for them. Steven Freeman October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 9 Comment Œ e Cost of Dale Farm The most recent figures show that 90% of planning applications from travellers are rejected - as opposed to the average of 20%

he recent history of travellers changed and councils no longer had to tre, built on the site, with no in the UK is one that, when perform this act. Since then, travellers planning permission either. It considered against the history have found themselves consistently is important to remember that Tof other groups that have su„ ered dis- moved on away from sites. Apart from the Council doesn’t dispute crimination, should cause us all shame. being fairly discriminatory, this can that the travellers are the legal Civil rights and equality have come a have negative e„ ects on the education owners of the land, just the long way for black people, women, gay of their children and access to health- building of properties on half people and a host of others. Travellers care. the site. are one of the few groups who, if any-  e case of Dale Farm is compli-  e estimated costs of deal- thing, are actually in a worse position cated, certainly more complicated than ing with the ‘problem’ over than they were several decades. Basildon Council or certain parts of the the years currently stands at Local councils previously had a legal press would have it known.  e coun- roughly £18 million; it has re- Critics of the camp, and of travellers nowhere else to go, and the statistics obligation to provide sites for travel- cil’s case is that the camp is illegal; it quired the use of over 100 riot police, generally, argue that travelling is a way show that they have a point. Since the lers to set up their sites on. Whilst this has no planning permission and is in a led to criticism from a ra of national of life that has had its day and that the change in the law, whilst the number wasn’t a perfect solution it ensured that green belt area (i.e. new buildings are and international human rights groups camps lead to a rise in crime and anti- of travellers has increased, the number councils had to take account of both highly restricted). However, this argu- and has le 400 people, including 100 social behaviour (such as fly tipping). of legal plots for them has decreased the travellers needs and that local peo- ment is not a particularly strong one for children, without homes. All for the Whether or not there is truth to the ac- significantly. Arguments that the travel- ple could raise objections under certain the council. In 2008 the County Coun- breaking of a law that the Council itself cusations, and whether it is possible to lers should club together and buy cheap circumstances. In 1994 however the law cil spent £12,000 on a community cen- seem to disregard. generalise an entire group is debatable - plots of land make little sense, as they’d what is not how- still require planning permission.  e “It is impossible to think of another ethnic group where it would be so acceptable ever is that these most recent figures show that 90% of accusations ig- planning applications from travellers to treat people so poorly” nore the deeper are rejected - as opposed to the average problem. of 20%.  e case of It is impossible to think of another Cottenham in ethnic group where it would be so ac- Cambridge is a ceptable to treat people so poorly. It is good example understandable perhaps that a group of this. Prior to so discriminated against by society see 2003 there was little issue in acting anti-socially.  e a small travel- government must reintroduce the duty lers site on the to councils to find sites for travellers, or outskirts of the enforce some fairness into the planning village that had system. Further instances like that of been there for Dale Farm will do nothing to improve decades. During relations between wider society and 2003 though, a without an improvement, problems large number will only increase. What will benefit the of new families travellers will benefit society at large. joined the camp, As ever, all that need happen for the causing anger situation to improve is for prejudice to amongst the be le behind. villagers.  e travellers argued A home ablaze after supporters and riot police clash in the battle for Dale Farm that they had Jez Harvey Œ e View From Œ e Queue hen I was seventeen in bering. I can assure you it’s not through give everything short of an anal swab his life, and then we have Iain Duncan is that if you do more than sixteen 2006, my 6th form ran a a lack of aspiration or motivation and to have my ‹ nances scrutinised Smith as Work and Pensions Secretary. hours of voluntary work per week, you prospects day, where, with either. I am currently s e a r c h - for over a n hour.  eir approach to unemployment are deemed by the state to be in em- Whindsight, my school attempted to ing for work; try- thus far has been seemingly ployment. shoehorn the majority of us into uni- ing to end this to tell people, “If you don’t Of course, any smug preconcep- versities. A nice lady from Leicester’s u n e m p l o y - have a job, just get a job.” tions I had about higher education De Montfort University came and ex- ment blip and  is comes nearly a year have now been shattered. I don’t see tolled upon her impressionable audi- do something on from George Osborne’s higher education as the be-all and ence the virtues of higher education. that plays si- announcement of more end-all, but at the same time there is She said many nice things, but the multaneously to than 500,000 public sec- still obscene prejudice towards anyone message indelibly scraped on my brain my impeccable tor redundancies and considering anything with the slightest was this: eloquence and huge graduate unemploy- whi„ of being vocational.  e key is to “People who go to university will dashing good ment. It is challenging to o„ er choice, not to stigmatise and that earn on average £400,000 more than looks. I joke of fathom how these people, goes for both education and employ- those who don’t.” course. I’m just who are so profoundly and ment. Such a statement was designed to jobless and bald. proudly divorced from real Providing comfort at the moment is both whet our youthful capitalist ap-  e process people, can be elected into an the realisation that I’m actually good at petites and also instil in us a sense of has been both in- oª ce wherein they have the housework and the mantra of my girl- profound arrogance and you can rest sightful and drain- power to gamble with the lives friend’s family: assured, I felt incredibly smug. At the ing. I ‹ rst visited the Job Centre It would be a colossal ‹ b to say of others.  at said, the use of the “What’s for you will not go by you.” time of writing, I am claiming £106 per in late August in the midst of a ‹ re drill. I didn’t feel ashamed, particularly a er word ‘divorced’ would imply even a It may be strange placing things in week in jobseekers’ allowance. I have a Standing in the rain with the other un- having worked in some capacity since semblance of a relationship to be begin the hands of fate, but I’m still positive 2:1 degree in Journalism and Media employed folks evoked in the mind’s the age of thirteen. with. and I’m still looking. O„ ers would be Studies, two years as manager of Storm eye scenes from 1930s ‹ lms where What frustrates is the government’s Iain Duncan Smith, presumably graciously received. FM and a year as a sabbatical oª cer in dockworkers arrive to see if they have cavalier attitude to unemployment. We towing the Big Society line, has tried the students’ union. work for the day. Following this was have David Cameron, who has never to ease jobseekers into employment Writing from the dole queue is so- a phonecall where I was required to had to claim jobseekers’ allowance in through voluntarism.  e kicker here Matt Ison 10 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Features Dylan Thomas; Wales’ national poet his 27th October would have been Dy- is made evident by his extremely pictorial ref- intellectual and critical forces I possess; let it lan  omas’ 97th birthday, or as the very erences to the low-budget “useless presents”, breed another, let that image contradict the man himself would call it, his “97th year smoking pipes, attending church on Christmas ‹ rst; make of the third image, bred out of the Tto Heaven”. Born in Swansea, Glamorgan and morning and “the same uncles at Christmas”. other two together a fourth, contradictory im- a pupil of the local grammar school where his  omas, in this piece, conveys with undertones age, and let them all with all my imposed formal father was the headmaster,  omas was a con- of complaining the very ‹ ne line he senses be- limits, con ict.” In his poem Prayer and Vision, tributor and later editor of the school newspa- tween the traditions of British life a er the First the lines of words take the shape of a diamond. per. He carried his wordsmith abilities over the World War and the monotony (and, by attach-  e critic Edith Sitwell, writing in 1936 main- threshold into the adult world: he le school at ment, boredom) inevitably carried therewith. tains; “the form of many of the poems is su- the age of 16 to work for the South Wales Daily However, a reader of today would have to be ei- perb.” Here, form may refer to either formation Post. His poem ‘Before I knocked’ is about a ther a complete philistine or über-technophile or syntax and layers of words in the poem. In child in utero and is not the only  omas poem to read this piece and not visualise with fond- both cases, Ms Sitwell is most certainly correct to be published when its author was still in the ness, desire and a„ ection the traditional Brit- in her assessment. neo-childhood teenage years.  is poem uses ish Yuletide that  omas paints with his pen. It is no secret that Dylan  omas was clever imagery of ironmongery and nature to  erefore, this piece causes a reader of today an infamous alcoholic and adulterer, his famous convey coming into being; “ e leaden stars, to question whether we in Britain really are any last words being; “I’ve had eighteen straight the rainy hammer”. Here, the references to happier with more variety in our lives. whiskies tonight. I think that’s the record.” His ironmongery symbolise a traditional male ado- It is curious how a poet who writes wordsmith abilities evidently had the ability lescence in “rainy” Wales, for they conjure up so fondly and at length about childhood was a to form not only expressionist verse but also an image of the household tools that will later prodigy, wise beyond his young years. He must unique de‹ nitions that many dictionary writ- replace the childhood toys.  is is an example have had a child’s thought process for a very ers would fervently dispute; “An alcoholic is of expressionism, a poetic approach which  o- short time span. His prematurely developed someone you don’t like who drinks as much as mas used unabashedly. adult mind was able to gage, assess, beautifully you do” is another of his most famous quota- Childhood is also the subject of  o- de‹ ne and express the experiences of childhood tions. However, we must not allow these words, mas’ famous short story, A Child’s Christmas that most children simply undergo unawares. though highly amusing, to overshadow those in Wales. It can now be said that he wrote of a  omas said of the expressionist and that make up the lines of his landmark poetry. traditional British childhood; the childhood of surrealist movements; “I let an image be ‘made’, Rosie MacLeod his generation in the post Great War era.  is emotionally in me and then apply to it what The Manchester Museum

t may be in a rainy and industrial city, but inside you could be escape into a huge Lepidoptera (moths and butter ies) col- anywhere; Ancient Egypt, the Bronze Age, the jungle or un- lection, featuring butter ies from all over the British Isles as der the sea are just four possibilities.  e Manchester Museum well as a display of every beetle under the sun.  e museum Iholds displays on all manner of things from ancient and far away has seemingly made great e„ orts to acquire a stu„ ed version worlds. It exhibits not only ar- of every animal and tefacts from the natural world Mummi¢ ed bodies and mummi¢ cation cases, bird on this earth, but also the relics (literally, in papyrus bearing the original, artistic hieroglyphics from a tiger displayed some cases!) of human history in hunting mood to from yester- millennia. Terry are waiting to greet you parrots and owls, as Deary, (below le ) who wrote well as their skeletons. the Horrible Histories books and has made a fortune from an ability You can additionally enjoy an extensive array of replicated sea to hold the attention of young history pupils, greets you with a wel- urchins. You can get lost in the collection of living animals; come talk on a modestly-sized cinematic screen as you enter. What some scaly and slimy greets you therea er is an Ancient Egypt exhibition; mummi‹ ed reptiles are waiting bodies and mummi‹ cation cases, papyrus bearing the original, artis- to welcome you such tic hieroglyphics that as frogs of all colours the Egyptians used for and sizes, chameleons everyday writings and and snakes. You can some very primitive- ‹ nd it on Oxford Road though easily identi- and the opening times ‹ able- kitchen equip- are 10am -5pm Tues- ment. It is nothing Sat. Do something short of breathtaking cultural of a weekend and my year six his- for a change and just go - - tory came  ooding -entry is free. back to me like the Rosie MacLeod Nile Flood upon al- luvial silt. Memorably, there is the skeleton of Terry Deary: Author of the an elephant that was bought for £30,000 Horrible Histories books in Scotland. You can WELL DONE ROSTRA! n the 7th and 8th of October, back- sketches were all self-written by the group must be made of the show’s longest sketch, stage in JP Hall, the warmth of ac- (by members long since graduated, past and about a batty and terribly Eeeenglish (sic!) tors’ pre show conversation (“Good present) and included an idiot too stupid “admirable admiral”. David Lorminer, the Olu- I mean break a leg!”) and last-minute to be an idiot, carrying on the tradition of writer of the sketch, shone as this mad Eng- run-throughs once again spread over the anarchic and Young Ones-like humour fa- lishman, whom he played as a caricatured cold of falling autumnal Welsh eventide. voured and by the group. Confusion is an collage of General Melchett in Blackadder,  is was Rostra’s ‹ rst show of the year; a emotion on which most of the sketches drew UKIP and Gilbert & Sullivan.  e admira- sketch show entitled Bang On!  ere was for comic e„ ect and included a car mechan- ble admiral’s fervent upholding of tradition theatre already being practised by the cast as ic bewildered by ‹ xing Dr Who’s TARDIS causes him to stumble over his words as he the audience entered. I’m not sure whether and, in a sketch set amid the recent riots, a curses the French and takes tea and cake an- this commencement that led seamlessly on gangster perplexed by the health foods his grily. Rostra’s upcoming shows include the from the audience’s arrival helped to cure or gang members had sought ‹ t to “loot”, in a pantomime Dick Whittington and Dr Faus- intensify the nerves of the actors backstage, curious situation in which carrier bags had tus. Stay tuned! knowing the show had already begun.  e been supplied to “looters”. Special mention Rosie MacLeod October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 11 Features Curious scenes from the Poetry Please: Back How northernmost region of our archipelagic nation: Here’re some peculiar... strange sights your Features editor in the USSR snapped on a summer walkabout of northern Britain.

Find love in Edinburgh

n Tuesday, 18th October, Blue formed ‹ rst by its creator in their native Sky Café played host to an ex- language and then in English transla- tremely atmospheric evening tion by an interpreter. Hearing the po- Oof poetry from Eastern Europe.  e etry performed by its creator means the published poets attended in person and audience was able to hear exactly how hailed from two regions of Eastern Eu- it is intended to sound. For this reason, rope: Latvia, a former USSR member even if, or perhaps because, there exists state and Macedonia, a regional area a language barrier between listener and Just in case the excitement of that includes the Republic of Macedo- reader, the poet becomes utterly mes- nia, Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia and Kos- merising and hypnotic, so much so that Glasgow goes to your head! (Again.) ovo.  ey travelled to Bangor via Man- every member of the audience feels as chester ‘‘Given the recent troubled history of the regions, if they are airport alone with North Wales mania spreads to and a these themes were particularly poignant and hard- the recit- l o n g ing writer. the Scottish capital. delay at hitting, and all poems were read with emotion’’  e emo- C h e s - tion in ter station to share their poetry with which the poem was written and the the poetry lovers of North Wales. Dur- tone in which it was intended to be ing the ‘90s, the areas of Eastern Eu- performed are rendered transparent. rope were notorious in news headlines  erefore, the need to imagine this is for being very troubled lands and, for removed, thus drawing more attention anyone who remembers this period, the to the content of the poetry and, when names of some of the aforementioned coupled with a translation, its message. countries still carry severity and bleak For poetry lovers and those whose connotations. In their work, the poets minds run on translation alike, the touched on issues such as homeland, evening was extremely enjoyable. travel and melancholic solitude. Given the recent troubled history of the re- Rosie MacLeod gions, these themes were particularly poignant and hard-hitting, and all po- ems were read with emotion; some in Hair straighteners at Edinburgh Waverly Station? anger, others moroseness.  is cerebral selection of poesie and verse was per- Just another great service provided by ScotRail.

We don't allow faster than light neutrinos in here, said the bartender... A neutrino walks into a bar

any geek points to anyone when they do. Travelling faster than covery has spurred scientists to come me put my money where my mouth As Antonio Ereditato, coordinator of who gets the joke, but for light essentially means travelling back up with a few alternative explanations. is: if the CERN experiment proves to the experiment at Gran Sasso puts it those who don’t, read on. in time, making the cause and e„ ect It’s possible, for example, that the neu- be correct and neutrinos have broken "We are very much astonished by this MFirst, some background; scientists theory completely obsolete. It’s been trinos passed into extra dimensions the speed of light, I will eat my boxer result, but a result is never a discovery at Gran Sasso laboratory in Italy re- likened by Adam Frank, astrophysicist on their passage to Italy, making it shorts on live TV." until other people con‹ rm it.” cently detected neutrinos, subatomic at the University of Rochester, to ‘be- simply appear that they were faster And even in such top-notch institu- So while a repeat experiment gets particles, travelling just faster than ing shot before the trigger is pulled’. than light, or maybe they move faster tions, an error is not impossible. Ro- underway at Fermilab in Illinois to the speed of light (0.0025% faster, ac- Time travel also  ies in the face of through Earth than through space, it’s nald van Elburg at the University of test the theory, we are le wonder- tually) from the CERN laboratory in an old favourite of philosophers, the even been suggested by scientists at Groningen has suggested that special ing, do these results herald a new era Switzerland, where they were created. Grandfather paradox.  is states that, King’s College, London, that the speed relativity, the very same rule it was sup- in science? In which the Einsteinian  is might all sound fairly dull and if time travel were possible, you would of neutrinos varies with their direction posed to break, caused the clock syn- rulebook is torn up and time travel be- certainly not newsworthy, but it’s got be able to go back in time and kill your and the time of day. chronisation between the two labs to comes possible? As CERN physicist Ig- scientists around the world very agi- grandfather, before he and your grand- Or, maybe, they’re just wrong. get messed up, meaning the neutrinos natios Antoniadis sums it up “For the tated because, as Brian Cox put it; it’ll mother could ever conceive children, Professor Jim Al-Khalili from the would appear to arrive 64 nanoseconds moment, we don’t have an answer.  at require ‘a complete rewriting of our but this would mean you, yourself, University of Surrey thinks so; "If the early, almost precisely the time di„ er- doesn’t mean an answer doesn’t exist”. understanding of the universe’. could not have been born and there- neutrinos have broken the speed of ence observed.  e reason is this; nothing can fore could not have travelled back in light, it would overturn a keystone Proper science depends on check- Adam Morris travel faster than the speed of light, time to commit the act. Mind-bending theory from the last century of physics. ing your results obsessively, as well as Einstein’s Special  eory of Relativity stu„ .  at's possible, but it's far more likely waiting for someone else, somewhere says as much, and weird things happen Creepy paradoxes aside, this dis- that there is an error in the data. So let else, to get the same results you did. 12 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Societies Student Cut Films plans to screen  ve  lms Student Cut Films a semester, free of charge. ast year Bangor University’s ‹ lm making Student Cut Films plans to screen ‹ ve ‹ lms a screenings are yet to be decided but the society Everyone is welcome to attend the screenings and society, Student Cut Films, won the award semester, free of charge.  e society kicked o„ members will chose three of the screenings and spread the word about Student Cut Films being for Best New Society at the 2011 soci- their screenings with a showing of the documen- the ‹ nal two will be decided by facebook polls. the most successful ‹ lm society that Bangor Uni- Lety awards for their constant work and e„ ort at tary ‘Senna’ and look to follow suit by continuing A er a triumphant ‹ rst year, the society hopes versity has ever seen. bringing their society to people’s attention. screenings every few weeks.  e society currently to continue their success by bringing in a new Now, the society has decided to embark on free has the following screenings planned: audience with these screenings. student screenings every few weeks to promote 3rd November, 7:30pm – Monsters their society even further. A er a few successful 16th November, 6:30pm – X-Men: First Class screenings last year, Adam and his committee 23rd November, 6:30pm – Secret Cinema decided to provide somewhat of a mini cinema 7th December, 6:30pm– Harry Potter and the for Bangor sta„ and students. “Obviously we are Deathly Hallows: Part 2 predominantly a ‹ lm making society but not eve- All of the screenings will take place in the ryone wants to make ‹ lms. By hosting a number Main Arts lecture theatre and will include a raf- of screenings we get our name out to those  e for prizes donated to the society by Momen- who have no interest in the production side of tum and Paramount Pictures. “Momentum and things” says Adam, chair of Paramount kindly donated a number of things the society. to us including DVDs, posters, t-shirts and ‹ lm merchandise so we are looking at raising money by giving these things away as prizes” says Adam who found the sponsorship via twitter. Looking to the future, Student Cut ‹ lms hopes to carry on the screenings into Semester two and hopes to screen ‹ lms such as ‘Drive’, ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ and ‘Warrior’.  ese The Conwy Feast nce again Bangor Uni- fashions, to cooking authentic volvement of the societies in the versity societies turned recipes there was no shortage festival, Anthony Butcher, told out in force to take of educational displays to get Seren “A er an amazing inter- Opart and strut their stu„ in the the public involved and teleport society event in Beuamaris last extremely popular Conwy Feast them back May, we Festival. in time. were per- Bangor University Medieval On top s o n a l l y Re-enactment society, BEDS of the liv- invited to Transgender Rememberance (Bangor English Drama Society) ing his- take part in n 1998, a transgender woman called Rita cratic systems and society at large is the best and the Cadi Ha Morris Dancing tory, there the Conwy Hester was found murdered in her Boston tactic we have to save trans* people from what Troupe were all invit- Feast - a apartment.  ere was an outpouring of they su„ er at the hands of the violent. As well ed to the festival a er m a s s i v e Igrief in her community, where she was known as educating people in our immediate circles, the highly successful food fes- as a performer and a civil rights activist, and there is something else that we can do to remind Medieval Day Out in tival that 250 people attended a candlelit vigil to remem- the world that we are watching. We can Beaumaris at the end takes over ber her and express their grief and re- member them. of last week. was of Conwy for a weekend, drawing fury that her life was taken Rita’s vigil has grown and  ere were a wide c o u r s e in up to 30,000 people.” based purely on her gen- der. metamorphosed into some- range of activities and the bat- He also commented about We may have made thing incredibly special. things to see and do tle and BEDS saying, “All of the actors enormous legislative Friends and families of throughout the week- c o m b at have done an amazing job, weav- strides against homo/bi- victims, along with their sup- end, and aside from the univer- demonstrations which fuelled ing a tale of misdeeds, entertain- phobia and transphobia since porters, were inspired to hold their sity society’s participation, there the atmosphere with adrenaline ing families, and selling relics.” her death, but have we changed an- own vigils to commemorate those were many other dance, music, and allowed the public to see Daniel Goodall the Captain ything that would have saved her we’ve lost, and the growing global performance and re-enactment re-enacted battle situations and of the Medieval Re-enactment life? Despite stronger laws against movement became known as the groups providing entertainment tournament ‹ ghting. society quoted “Our guys have hate crime, it’s no secret that it’s on Transgender Day of Remembrance. and education for all. BEDS, who were street per- done amazingly well and CADW the rise; as is o en the case in times of It is observed every November, with Not forgetting, of course, the forming at the festival, had an oª cials were extremely im- hardship, some communities turn in on similar vigils held all over the world. At- abundance of food stalls selling array of acts going on through- pressed with our displays and themselves and those who are di„ erent are tendees hold candles and read out the great food and drink from local out the town, and were dressed educational entertainment at the o en the ones that su„ er. Between 2008 names of every transgender individual and far and wide which really in true fairy tale style and were castle”. and the present day, there have been 681 murdered in transphobic attacks over seemed to usher in the warming as dramatic as ever. From telling Overall the event was hailed a recorded trans*- related murders, and experts the past year, to remind their friends and winter feeling. jokes to selling relics they light- huge success for Bangor SU soci- believe the true ‹ gure could be far higher. 116 family that we care about their su„ ering. Bangor University Medi- ened the spirit and brought a eties and the level of community of those murders took place in 2011 alone. It’s Unity will be holding our own vigil on Novem- eval Re-Enactment Society set laugh to the festival. partnership between students clear that the law alone is not enough to prevent ber 20th. We hope to see you there. up a living history camp inside  e student who had organ- and the local population of this abuse. Conwy Castle and lived for the i s e d t h e north Wales only con- Changing hearts and minds, tackling the ig- weekend in authentic 15th cen- i n - tinues to rise. norance and bigotry at the heart of our bureau- Becca Hemmant tury style. From dressing in period Calling all societies! Seren provides you with two pages every issue for you to tell us all what you’ve been up to, so why not use them? You can keep Bangor students up to date by sending articles to: [email protected]. October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 13 Societies Students Go Green For Gwynedd reener Gwynedd Anglesey Area of Natural Beauty and tree growth and to create habitat piles. North Wales Wildlife Trust nature re- education projects. is a conservation the North Wales Wildlife Trust as well We also started putting in a fence to serve, Mariandyrys. A er Christmas we plan to start project within the as creating links with the conservation prevent sheep grazing on the coppiced  is term we have a residential at conservation tasks on the ‹ rst weekend Bangor StudentG Volunteering society. society at our neighbouring university, stumps and new growth. Coppicing the Felin Uchaf on the Llyn Peninsula, in February. If you fancy giving it a go Greener Gwynedd carries out conser- Aberystwyth. promotes growth which reduces the a community orientated environment on a free Sunday a ernoon check out vation tasks in the local area, working In the past we have tree-felled...built footpaths, centre which will involve sustainable our timetable, which can be found on with local groups and organisations building techniques, mud walling and Facebook – just search ‘SVB’s Green- throughout the year at various sites laid bridges...and much more. a spot of organic gardening! Here we er Gwynedd Project - Prosiect GMB around Anglesey and Gwynedd. It is will be staying in the beautiful round- Gwynedd Wyrdd’ and drop us an email organised by two project leaders who  is year we are planning more nutrients in the soil. In this area the houses built by volunteers. We will to sign up for the task when it is adver- recruit between 5 and 15 volunteers for work with the North Wales Wildlife soil contains too many nutrients, for also be out every Sunday in November tised: [email protected]. each conservation task. Trust, the RSPB, the Aberystwyth Con- the ground to be healthier the level where we will be doing scrub clear- ac.uk. Or sign up to the SVB mailing We have been running since Oc- servation Volunteers and the Country- of nutrients needs to be lowered so a ance at the North Wales Wildlife Trust list where you will be kept informed of tober 2010 and volunteer with local side Council for Wales. Our ‹ rst task of seemingly destructive action such as nature reserves and building a willow all of the volunteering opportunities groups such as the Snowdonia Society, this year was on the 9th October where chopping down trees is actually bene‹ - tepee with the RSPB as part of their that Bangor has to o„ er! we went and cial for the area. children’s environmental worked along- We go out most if not every side Gwynedd Sunday equipped with wellies, tea County Coun- and biscuits with the aim of having cil at the Morfa lots of fun in and around Bangor Aber Nature whilst putting something back into Reserve, on our local communities. the coast near In the past we have tree-felled, to Abergwyn- litter picked, built footpaths, laid gregyn. Here bridges, removed tree guards and we did hedge- much more. Last year we saw the laying which introduction of cows as a conserva- involved cop- tion management technique, which picing willow prevents the development of scrub to stimulate the and encourages biodiversity, at the No Slowing Down for

hough it’s taken a while to and although a ban on stoning was de- Bangor Comedy Society! re-establish Amnesty Ban- clared by the Head of Judiciary in 2002 gor we are back in business. it is still used as a method of punish- o, just over a week ago we were again, the whole thing is on our along for some time o„ from the li- TWe’re going to be running Amnesty’s ment. on stage with the wonderful Phill YouTube account, and will be posted brary/pub/bed.  en on Friday the monthly campaigns as well as running Iranian law speci‹ es the size of the Jupitus in Venue Cyrmu...and on our facebook page.  ere’s also 18th of November we’ve got our ‹ rst larger events in the coming months. stone to be used during an execution. Swhat a show it was! Not only was it some great photos, and a lovely behind full length all-singing all-dancing If you want to get involved then ‹ nd Article 104 of Iran’s Penal Code states one of our best shows ever, Phill was the scenes shot of us, Phill and the show in JP Hall – always one of the best Amnesty Bangor on facebook or email that “ e size of the stone used in amazing, friendly and up for any- £933 we raised for St. David’s Hospice. shows in our calendar, and it’s only £3! [email protected] stoning shall not be so big as to kill the thing. We played some of our favourite So, what’s next? Well, lots more We’re also making an appearance at  is month Amnesty International person by one or two throws, nor so games, resulting in: a happy ending in comedy! By the time that you read this the Academi comedy night on the 24th is campaigning to put an end to the small that it cannot be called a stone.” a hairdressers, a party guest “made” of we’ve done another two shows – but of Nov, and then Saturday the 3rd of death penalty in the USA, Iran and A Stoning is usually done under medi- ghosts, and Phill & Phil parenting a there’s plenty more to come! We’ve got December see’s us welcoming some ex- Belarus.  is comes a er the state of cal supervision and can reportedly parasitic growth on Phil’s face.  en, another show in  e Menai on Mon- students and their 5* reviewed comedy Georgia decided to ‹ nally execute take anywhere from 20 minutes to two at the end, Phill (that’s the famous day the 7th of November – so if you’re show from the Edinburgh Fringe Fes- Troy Davis against international pres- hours. one) introduced a brand new game so stuck up in Bangor tival in MALT, with lots more comedy sure to reconsider the case a er seri- Belarus is the last executioner in complicated that we don’t even know for your reading week, thrown in. We’ve also got ous doubts about his guilt surfaced. Europe and the former Soviet Un- how we managed to make it work. Just c ome our ‹ rst stand up night, People sentenced to death are nor- ion.  e whole process of the death to clarify for those who were lucky and a gala showcase of mally poor or marginalised from soci- penalty is shrouded in secrecy which enough to get tickets – we everything funny at ety. People from poorer backgrounds means there are no oª cial statistics had never, ever seen the end of the year. For are less likely to be able to a„ ord good on the number of executions that take or heard of it be- more info, more shows legal representation and so will most place. Some information has been fore! and videos like likely be assigned overworked and un- leaked over the years and If you didn’t get us on facebook derpaid legal representatives. statistics on death sen- a chance ( w w w. f a c e - Although the USA is ‹ rst to con- tences have occasion- to see the b o o k . c o m / demn human rights infringements ally been provided show, or bangorcom- around the world it still allows some to Amnesty Inter- just want edy), follow states to carry out the death penalty. national. Prison- to see it us on twitter In 2010 46 people were executed. ers on death row ( @ b a n g o r- Over the years there have been 39 are told they will comedy), or miscarriages of justice where peo- be executed only just come and ple were wrongfully executed. Pro- moments before have a chat with ponents of the death penalty argue the sentence is car- us a er a show! that it can be a good deterrent, this is ried out. Facebook also has not true. Studies have found that the info on all of our number of violent crimes is higher in sessions – improv, Yousef Cisco states that have the death penalty. sketches and stand- Iran is currently reviewing their pe- up – so if you want nal code and Amnesty is campaigning to give it a go, why for them to remove the death penalty not come along? See and particularly stoning. In Iran ston- ya round! ing is still a legal method of execution 14 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Union university challenge trials your chance to get on tv with paxman!

fancy yourself as a bit of a brain box? come to our university challenge tryouts and your beautiful face might just make it on tv!

Bangor Students‛ Union and Bangor University are looking for the brightest of undergraduates and the smartest of postgraduates to represent us on national television! Our University Challenge tryouts give you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get yourself on the nation‛s most prestigious quiz show in the name of your very own university. Come along as a th team of 5 or just show up on your own and 15 november show us what you‛re made of! powis hall, main arts - 7pm

@Bangorstudents Bangor Students Union October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 15 Union Are you a PG student who teaches? ...then your SU would like to talk to you! We’re looking to run a focus group about the experience of Postgraduate students who teach in addition to their studies. We’re really interested in how it’s been for you, what works well and where you’d like to see improvements. The focus group itself will take no more than an hour and we’ve got some free food to coax you in... If you’re interested, email SU President Jo Caulfield on: [email protected] Please do!

Don’t miss your last chance to win 1 of th 10 iPad 2s! Survey closes 5pm Friday 11 EIN NovemberManiffesto 2011! deg ymrwymiad allweddol y byddwn yn ymdrechu i’w cyflawni .dros y f lwyddyn academaidd nesaf Cwblhewch ein harolwg am gyfle i ennill iPad 2 OUR Manifesto EINten key Maniffestocampaign pledges that deg ymrwymiad allweddol y byddwn ynwe ymdrechu will be striving i’w cyflawni to achieve .dros y f lwyddynover the academaidd next academic nesaf year. CwblhewchComplete einour harolwgsurvey amto gyflewin ian ennill iPad iPad 2: 2 bangorstudents.com OUR Manifesto ten key campaign pledges that we will be striving to achieve over the next academic year. Complete our survey to win an iPad 2: bangorstudents.com 16 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011

Tom Haynes

Kaden Wild

Meeting you Catching The Wind for Coffee “How do we catch it?” “Dunno.” Sunshine with a chance of falling in love under a corktree “And what we gonna do with it?” the perfect weather for free-verse poetry. “Dunno.” Not haikus or sonnets “It was your idea!” structured forms should be kept in your antique locket for a rainy day. Photography by His eyes rolled. Aaron Wiles “Well if you’re scared…” I stop and wait “I’m not scared.” halfway between where I keep my shoes “Go on then!” and you keep yours “I’m thinking.” always tied up neatly like the end of a Hollywood movie. “Nobody got anywhere by thinking.” His stupidity lingered. Leaning forwards, he tried catching the wind. “Take your umbrella” you said “it’s fourteen line weather our there.”

Poem by Katrin Lloyd

Free Fall I am in free fall. There are only seconds left. Why am I here? I didn’t need to take this train. I should have stayed home. The rusty rails tripped the train and toppled it on the bridge. There was no chance I’d survive. My heart, a wet brick, is ricocheting frantically in- side my chest. Everyone around me is calm. I want to be anyone else. My tongue feels fi ercely foreign: its last words were wasted, worthless. I stand still, at a standstill, expecting, any second now. “Yes” She throws me a parachute. Safe landing, somehow.

Short stories by Tom Sayer October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 17 Classics How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran aitlin Moran, despite also working for 18th birthday, so I can have your room. Only 5 really rolling in on ity at all levels of society. Seren’s lower quality rival  e Times, is years to go now! Unless you die before then! Love the Mull of Kin- But nor is it the fault one of my favourite journalists writing Caz”), she displays an unquali‹ ed level of love tyre tonight”. of men.  is isn’t a call today.C Despite her stu„ being locked away behind and a„ ection for her family. And yet, you to arms for women, not the mighty Murdoch paywall I take the chance to  ose of you who are squeamish may want to can’t help but be against men at least. If read her work whenever I can, so I was massively skip the ‹ rst chapter, but the rest of us are treated drawn into her anything, this book is pleased when I heard that an entire book of her to two coming-of-age stories that are de‹ nitely arguments about about what equality re- particular wit and wisdom was being released. not going to become the focus of an eight part abortion, body pol- ally is. No one, she says, Called How To Be A Woman, this book acts as multi-million movie franchise with the new itics and the whole is arguing for the whole a memoir for the ‹ rst part of her life and a chance generation of Harry Potter wannabes. Do not plethora of gender world, just their share. for her to lay out her stall on the state of feminism attempt to eat a jam doughnut for the ‹ rst 100 politics. It is fasci- As she points out, af- in this day and age.  is is no dry, jargon laden pages is all I will say about them. nating, insightful ter 100,000 years the polemic or mother-earth diatribe, though she Despite it hitting all the high points of what and always, always patriarchy is probably does like to shout at times.  is book is funny. you might expect from a book that describes it- realistic. Why was a bit tired by now.  e I made the mistake of reading it it so diª cult for world wouldn’t neces- in a station and on a train and re-  is is no dry, jargon laden polemic or mother-earth Melody Maker to sarily be a better place if peatedly had people asking me if diatribe, though she does like to shout at times.  is get more women we were all just human, I was feeling ok. book is funny. featured in the but there’d be more tea Starting at age 13 (“I am 13 early 90’s? Because breaks. stone, have no friends, and boys throw gravel at self as being part of the ‹  h wave of feminism women had sod all How To Be A Wom- me when they see me”) to 35, it covers a relatively (underwear, being fat, children, abortion, mar- to say apparently. an isn’t so much a book small amount of time, but packs in a lot.  e eld- riage, sexism all have chapters dedicated to them) Why didn’t women about feminism, or est of eight children in a small council house in this isn’t, as I made clear above, the standard fem- discover the Ameri- even the biography Wolverhampton and home schooled from age 11, inism text book. I have yet to read any other book cas? Because there (and I hope the ‹ rst of she began writing for Melody Maker (previously on feminism where the author states that she was no treatment a few) of a particularly a rival to and now a part of NME) at age 16 and likes the word ‘ aps’ as a word for vagina because for cystitis then. Not oddball and hilari- a column in  e Times at 18. Despite it seem- it’s funny, but not ‘bush’ because, “the band of the that this was the fault ous woman, but about ing relatively obvious why she might want to be same name are tiresome.  e vegetation has spi- of women of course, what life should be. self-suª cient sooner than most young people ders in. No”. She takes this theme and eventually nor is it the fault of “Everyone being polite (her 13th birthday card from her sister read “Re- ends with, when referring to good times involv- women today that to each other”. member, you promised you’d move out on your ing the “number one vestibule” that “the mist is there is still inequal- Jez Harvey Snuff by Terry Pratchett o u ing has always been very embracing in its treatment of newcomers. case isn’t helped by the fact that their religion requires them to w o u l d It is to be noted, however, that many of the characters featured in store all bodily excretions in jars (for sensible living only snot and t h i n k Snu„ have a lengthy history in the Discworld canon and it does toenails areusually considered in need of being stored). thatY by the 39th build upon the story if you have made a previous connection with  e world view which Pratchett presents in the ‹ rst few pages is novel in a se- them. almost immediately overturned by the de writing as he destroys ries the setting  e main character, for example, is Commander Sam Vimes of each prejudicial barrier held by the characters for these creatures. would be tired the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. Having gone from a drunk, loner  rough Vimes’ unwaivering moral compass and his investiga- and stale. You policeman to a happily married Duke across the course of the se- tions into why he was framed we build a picture of a vastly misun- would think ries, Vimes is here being sent away from the city that he loves in derstood species and Pratchett manages to subtly wag his autho- wrong. Sir Terry order to have a holiday in the rial ‹ nger at you for Pratchett’s lat- countryside. It is a testament to a writer who has a virulent form of ever feeling prejudice est addition to Vimes is a streetwise city Alzheimers yet keeps producing wonderfully cra€ ed stories against those you did the sprawling dweller and rural areas do not understand. Discworld se- not, as he puts it, get on with him. He much prefers walking the He has been known to do this quite a bit throughout the series ries, Snu„ , is si- streets as a copper rather than being dragged to Balls or whisked as he presents a modernising world slowly integrating o disre- multaneously a away to the desolately boring country. Of course it doesn’t remain garded species and destroying old views. We’ve had dwarfs, trolls, splendid, hilari- boring for long. Vimes soon realises that you are never not being vampires, golems and orcs all becoming accepted because of the ous and thought- watched by someone in the countryside and whenever he meets actions of a small number. provoking romp. the local upper classes they appear on edge. Something has hap-  ough his works are, at their core, humorous works of fantasy As with every pened and that something is still having repercussions up until they have progressed over the years into satirical works of ‹ ction other book in the Pratchett’s deeply moral yet tarnished hero is framed for murder. which entertain and educate. series it is not From here on out the story turns from a comedy of dislocation into Snu„ is, then, the culmination of over twenty years of character, necessary for you a darkly funny moral play about the subjugation of a species which setting and authorial development. It is a testament to a writer who to have read any had been considered vermin by the citizens of the Disc. has a virulent form of Alzheimers yet keeps producing wonder- of the previous Goblins, as is revealed in the ‹ rst pages of the book, are lowly, fully cra ed stories that will be loved until the written word has stories. Indeed disgusting creatures who seem to exist to scavenge, and make de- gone the way of the dodo. Pratchett’s writ- cent upstanding folk feel dirty even thinking about them.  eir Luke Dobson World Book Night 2012 Last year saw the establishment of a project with the sole aim it will be to make sure the books are disseminated then you can To enter you merely have to register as a ‘book giver’, pick a of propagating the love of reading. World Book Night works as choose one of the 25 books and apply to give out copies of it. book you have a particular aª liation for and write a 100 or so a joint operation between everyone involved in the industry of Titles this year include Good Omens, Misery, Notes From A words on why you feel they should pick you to hand out copies. books. From the author and publisher right down to the average Small Island, Pride & Prejudice and a collection of Roald Dahl sto- Go to www.worldbooknight.org now because if you love books reader, the whole system was based upon spreading good books as ries among many more. what other incentive do you need ? far as they could go so as to interest more people, be they children If you are selected it will then be up to you how you get the cop- or adults, in the pastime of sitting down with a book and getting ies out into the world. You can leave them in co„ ee shops, donate lost in its pages. some to schools or hand them out to strangers on the street; the  is year will be little di„ erent, though the date will be chang- point of the project is that anyone can and should be able to read. ing to coincide with the UNESCO international day of the book. Indeed in the back of the each book is a space where each succes- So, how does this actually work? Authors and publishers donate sive reader can put their name as the books are designed to be read hundreds of free copies of their books to the project and the good and passed along, like a geographically complicated game of pass people at WBN take it from there. the parcel. A few months before the actual event, the application process Why is Seren writing about this now if it isn’t happening un- opens on the website. If you want to be one of those whose job til April next year? Well, the application process is open now. October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 18 Breaktime crossword Across Down

1. Man’s felt hat (7) 1. Empty (6) 5. It was (4) 2. Morning (4) 8. Radical (7) 3. Unfasten (7) 9. Wool fat (7) 4. Valleys (5) 10. Spendthrift (7) 5. A tenth part (5) 12. Loud, rushing noise (6) 6. Removing faults (8) 15. Encroach (5) 7. Erodes (5) 18. Instructed (6) 11. Agreement (4) 20. Yorkshire town (7) 13. Cloudy (8) 23. Rotate (7) 14. Sharpen (4) 25. Thin coating of metal (7) 16. Dividing into two equal 26. Pace (4) parts (7) 27. Nightgown (7) 17. Silhouette (5) 19. From that place (6) 21. Scrimp (5) 22. Inert elemental gas (5) 24. Ultimate (4) Sudoku 1 2 7 6 7 9 2 1 8 2 6 3 6 7 4 2 9 5 4 6 8 7 2 3 4 1 6 7 2 9 1 6 2 6 5 8 7 3 5 4 1 3 5 8 2 9 12 9 7 9 3 4 YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION VENUE BangorAcademi.com www.bangorstudents.com

Welsh Bar Talk for DUMMIES A few simple phrases to get you going…

Shooting the Breeze Ordering Booze Hey, how you doin’? 2 pints of lager and a packet Hei, sut wyt ti? of crisps. (Hey, sit oot tee?) Dau beint o lager a phaced o grisps. You look good on the dancefloor! One of those please. Ti’n dawnsio’n dda! Un o’r rheina plîs. (Teen downshaw’n tha!) (Een or rhine-nah please.) Playing Nice Thanks Diolch Good night Nos da No worries Croeso (Croysaw)

YOUR EVERY TUESDAY EVERY MONDAY 2Oth SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY OFFICIAL 18th OCTOBER Doors open Doors open 9:00pm 9:00pm 8th NOVEMBER STUDENT £4 / £3 NUS £4 /£3 6th DECEMBER with AU card NIGHT CLUB Doors open 9:00pm SUPPORTING AND ENTERTAINING £3 BANGOR’S STUDENT POPULATION WITH THE WIDEST VARIETY OF NIGHTS IN THE CITY.

THE FRIDAY PROJECT Fruit Salad is Bangor’s longest Wednesday night is the biggest night of the Fancy a Supa Dupa night out? Supa running LGBTQ club night. week. Anyone who is anyone is there. Come Dupa brings you the very best of the Boasting some of the most celebrate your success or commiserate 80’s, 90’s and 00’s with the best tunes eclectic sounds of any night your loss with other athletes and students from the times and songs that rocked out with a relaxed atmosphere at our AU night. All door takings go Come find us on facebook their era. We’ll be playing the best of and an attitude-free ethos. directly back into the AU clubs to further the best, nothing more, nothing less. unitybangor.co.uk improve our sporting achievements. THURSDAY THURSDAY THURSDAY EVERY 22nd SEPTEMBER 13th OCTOBER 29th SEPTEMBER SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER 27th OCTOBER 6th OCTOBER Doors open 20th OCTOBER 8th DECEMBER 24th NOVEMBER 9:00pm 3rd NOVEMBER Doors open Doors open £4/ £3 NUS 17thNOVEMBER 9:00pm 7:00pm 1st DECEMBER £2 £4 15th DECEMBER Doors open 10:00pm £4 /£3 in fancy dress/ UMCB Card

An evening of Welsh music with mix of music in both Welsh and a different fancy dress theme English – there’s something for The return of Mayhem Bringing you the latest and greatest Play is the pinnacle of to every night! Every other everyone’s taste and if you’re brings around a new age stand-up comics on the UK pro. weekend club style. Thursday night during term not familiar with the Welsh of metal goodness, no circuit with special appearances Overflowing with the latest time. A very busy and lively rock scene then this is your cheese, no chart fluff, just from Bangor’s own student comics. dance floor fillers and chart evening, so come and enjoy chance to have a taste of it. quality metal all night long. Prepare yourself for some side splitting toppers, this is the place to an excellent night with a great Gods of metal be praised. sketches with these comedy geniuses. dance the night away in style.

7th OCTOBER 23rd september 28th OCTOBER 14TH oCTOBER THE FRIDAY 18th NOVEMBER 4TH NOVEMBER 9th DECEMBER 25TH NOVEMBER PROJECT There will be a mix 16TH DECEMBER of alternative tunes, dubstep, electro and drum’n’bass with a guest appearance Unique club nights will be from exclusive DJs playing a massive selection of Andy & George at 11th NOVEMBER music. There will be a mix of Loud Candy’s end 2nd DECEMBER alternative tunes to suit all ears of term party. Loved for its festie so get your dancing shoes on vibe and independent and start the weekend in style. music policy Racubah has become a feature Doors open at a number of UK 30th21st SEPTEMBER OCTOBER music festivals. From 9:00pm Funk, Soul and Latin Lost Property is to ‘Reggae’, ‘Ska’ and £4 ‘Dancehall’, Vintage Bangor’s Indie ‘Jazz’ to ‘Electro Electro night, playing Swing’, Bollywood an eclectic mix of Beats to Balkan Brass, classic alternative Tropical heat to African ‘bump and hustle’... If anthems and brand- it’s hot it’s in the pot! new electronic Find us on Facebook to tunes. We love it, we stay in the loop... reckon you will too, so come and join us for a night of musical appreciation! Drink Responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk 20 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 21 Centerfold Centerfold WHAT SHOULD YOU DO Movember 1st Your diet and lifestyle choices can dramatically influence these statistics. Regardless of age, the most important things you can do to stay healthy are...

Shave it all off and register EVERY HAVE AN ANNUAL CHECK-UP EAT A HEALTHY DIET Find a doctor and make a yearly appointment each Movember for a Fill up with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and eat lean meats, poultry, physical. Men typically don’t see a doctor for an annual check or when fish, beans, eggs and nuts and eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, they feel sick. Getting regular checks and immunisations are amongst cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars. the most important things you can do to stay healthy. — online at movember.com — DRINK ALCOHOL ONLY IN MODERATION DON’T SMOKE Alcohol can be part of a healthy balanced diet but only if it’s in moderation, MO BRO If you do smoke. Stop! Compared to non-smokers, men who smoke which means no more than three or four units of alcohol a day – that’s the are about 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Smoking causes equivalent of 1.7 pints. join the Bangor University about 90% of lung cancer deaths in men. — — BE AWARE OF YOUR FAMILY HISTORY BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE Make sure you take the time to find out about the medical history of your If you are not already physically active, start small and work up to family; a number of health issues are hereditary and being informed can network a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days make all the difference. SHOULD of the week. — STAY AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT Balance calories from foods and drinks with calories you burn off through physical activities. uring November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on Movember 2nd KNOW thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds You don’t have to HEALTH CHECKS AU Night at Academi 9pm With each decade of your life come new health concerns. It’s worth equipping yourself with the facts Dand awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. wait until you are sick so that you can be aware of what you need to talk to your doctor about at different stages of life. From what started as a small idea in Melbourne, Australia, Movember grew to become a vastly Register your baby face to see a doctor; the inspirational worldwide movement with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, fact that in the UK S S S the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and Ireland and is currently being expanded into 20 30 400 Germany. In these countries alone there are over 1.1 million Mo Bros annually growing well-groomed Get your hands on some cash over 40% of men are wonders to raise both funds and awareness to support numerous men’s health causes. diagnosed with cancer Movember’s main goal is to change the attitudes that men have concerning their health, aiming to for your tash in their lifetime, increase the chances of early detection and treatment of testicular and prostate cancer; ultimately Ask your friends to sponsor you should highlight resulting in higher recovery rates. However, contrary to popular belief Movember also aims to raise the importance of Testicular cancer - it’s the most common cancer Testicular cancer - it’s the most common Prostate cancer (particularly if there is affecting young men cancer affecting young men a family history or if you’re African Caribbean) awareness about other health issues that men face, for example mental health. Skin cancer Skin cancer Colorectal cancers (particularly if there is a family history) staying on top of your Weight and blood pressure Weight and blood pressure Weight and blood pressure In Movember 2010, over 112,000 UK Mo Bros participated and managed to gather a hair-raising Cholesterol Harmful alcohol, tobacco and other drug use Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) Buy a Movember t-shirt Harmful alcohol, tobacco and other drug use Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) game when it comes Blood tests to check kidney/liver function £11.7 million. Suicide Sexually transmitted diseases and iron Sexually transmitted diseases Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions On Movember 1st, guys start with a clean-shaven face. On Movember 2nd at the first AU night of On sale in the SU and on AU nights to your health. Mental health: depression and anxiety Mental health: depression and anxiety Mental health: depression and anxiety Skin cancer the month and for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, Men are 40% more likely to die of cancer than women, and 16% more likely to develop the disease in the first place trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsor- even though men live, on average, 4 years less than women. — ship for their Mo-growing efforts. Movember 30th In the UK death rates among men suffering from the most S S + Whatdeadly form of skin should cancer have doubled in theyou last 30 years. do 50 60 70 Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through — their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the AU Night at Academi 9pm A man’s life span is affected by genetics (24%) and modifiable Yourrisk factors (75%).diet Evidence and suggests lifestyle that about a third choices(39%) can often ignored issue of men’s health. of the 12 most common cancers in the UK could be prevented Show off your tash and bring all through diet, physical activity and body weight. At the end of the month, Mo Bros and their friends celebrate their gallantry and valour at the last AU dramatically— infuence these statistics. Two thirds of British men are overweight or obese – night of the month. Pictures of all the great tashes will be taken on the night to show our Bangor pride your friends Regardlessincreasing their chances of manyof diseases.age, the most important — and the true magnificence of this effort. More than 5 men die prematurely each hour from potentially Prostate cancer Prostate cancer Prostate cancer Colorectal cancers Colorectal cancers Colorectal cancers £1 for every person will be donated thingspreventable illnesses. you 1 man can will die do every hourto in stay the UK healthy are... Weight and blood pressure Bowel cancer Bowel cancer from prostate cancer. Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) Weight and blood pressure Weight and blood pressure to the Movember Foundation — Blood tests to check kidney/liver function and Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) iron Blood tests to check kidney/liver function and Blood tests to check kidney/liver function and HaveEvery cigarettean annual you smoke check-up takes 8 minutes off your life. Tetanus booster (every 10 years) iron iron Smoking a pack per day for 20 years reduces your life Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions Pneumonia vaccine (from 65) Pneumonia vaccine Findexpectancy a doctor by 13 years. and make a yearly appointment each Mental health: depression and anxiety Bone density Bone density Movember— for a physical. Men typically don’t see a doctor Skin cancer Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions Men account for two thirds of alcohol related deaths. Mental health: depression and anxiety Mental health: depression and anxiety Skin Cancer Skin cancer RULES for— an annual check or when they feel sick. Getting regular checks40% of men and drink immunisationsmore than the recommended are amongstdaily the most important FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS limit of four units at least once a week – which can lead thingsto long term you brain, can heart do and to liver stay damage healthy. and increased LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR MATES DON’Trisk of cancer. SMOKE Some guys need a bit of encouragement to take their health seriously; so it’s important that guys learn — to look out for each other. Here are a couple of tips on how guys can look out for each other... If75% you of suicides do smoke. in the UK Stop!are by men. Compared to non-smokers, men ONE who— smoke are about 23 times more likely to develop lung 80% of people with diabetes die from cardiovascular diseases. PICK UP THE PHONE NUDGE THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION — One of the early symptoms of depression is withdrawal from social Remind your mates of the importance of having an annual check-up EACH MO BRO MUST BEGIN THE 1ST OF MOVEMBER cancer. Smoking causes about 90% of lung cancer deathssituations. in If you haven’t heard from your mate for a couple of weeks, with their GP. Only 26% of men go to their GPs for regular check ups. pick up the phone and check in. — Snap a picture of your tash with men. — LEND THEM A HAND WITH A CLEAN SHAVEN FACE. TAKE THEM FOR A KICK-ABOUT Depression can impact on the way people go about their work, often Or run or ride, or whatever sport you prefer. It’s a great way to tick a lot making it difficult to concentrate or get on top of the usual work demands. BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE of boxes – catch up with mates, get outdoors and increase the feel good — hormones. GET OUT OF TOWN a copy of Seren and email it to If you are not already physically active, start small and— Everyone needs time out occasionally. Take a break from the pressures INVITE HIM OUT of work, family, partners and mowing the front lawn. It’s a great way TWO work up to a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physicalPeople who are experiencing depression often miss events they’d typically to catch up with mates and give you a much needed rest. attend. If you’ve noticed your mate has been absent from a lot of the usual — [email protected] activity most days of the week. social activities with no good reason, get him out again. LOOK OUT FOR A MATE… AND KEEP ON YOUR GAME FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF MOVEMBER EACH MO BRO MUST — No matter what your age, looking out for your mates is an important CHECK IN AS A FAMILY job and one you shouldn’t take lightly. STAY AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT Dads and sons are often best mates too. Encourage your old man or son, GROW AND GROOM A MOUSTACHE. uncle or brother to be aware of their health and visit their doctor if they Balance calories from foods and drinks with calorieshave you any concerns. burn o‚ through physical activities. FACTS ABOUT MEN’S HEALTH FURTHER INFORMATION CHANGING THE FACE OF MEN’S HEALTH The Prostate The Institute Movember Supporting prostate cancer and testicular cancer initiatives. THREE EAT A HEALTHY DIET Cancer Charity of Cancer Research movember.com THERE IS TO BE NO JOINING OF THE MO TO YOUR SIDE BURNS. prostate-cancer.org.uk icr.ac.uk 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime Fill up with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and eat lean (THAT’S CONSIDERED A BEARD) meats, poultry, ƒ sh, beans, eggs and nuts and eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sald (sodium) and Only 26% of men go to their GPs for regular check-ups added sugars. FOUR DRINK ALCOHOL ONLY IN MODERATION THERE IS TO BE NO JOINING OF THE HANDLEBARS TO YOUR CHIN. Alcohol can be part of a healthy balanced diet but only if (THAT’S CONSIDERED A GOATEE) 1 in 4 men in the UK will experience a mental health problem it’s in moderation, which means no more than three or four at some point in their lives. units of alcohol a day – that’s the equivalent of 1.7 pints. BE AWARE OF YOUR FAMILY HISTORY FIVE Make sure you take the time to ƒ nd out about the medical EACH MO BRO MUST CONDUCT HIMSELF LIKE A TRUE 1,990 men aged 20-50 were diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2007 history of you family; a number of health issues are WELSH GENTLEMAN. hereditary and being informed can make all the di‚ erence. 20 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 21 Centerfold Centerfold WHAT SHOULD YOU DO Movember 1st Your diet and lifestyle choices can dramatically influence these statistics. Regardless of age, the most important things you can do to stay healthy are...

Shave it all off and register EVERY HAVE AN ANNUAL CHECK-UP EAT A HEALTHY DIET Find a doctor and make a yearly appointment each Movember for a Fill up with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and eat lean meats, poultry, physical. Men typically don’t see a doctor for an annual check or when fish, beans, eggs and nuts and eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, they feel sick. Getting regular checks and immunisations are amongst cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars. the most important things you can do to stay healthy. — online at movember.com — DRINK ALCOHOL ONLY IN MODERATION DON’T SMOKE Alcohol can be part of a healthy balanced diet but only if it’s in moderation, MO BRO If you do smoke. Stop! Compared to non-smokers, men who smoke which means no more than three or four units of alcohol a day – that’s the are about 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Smoking causes equivalent of 1.7 pints. join the Bangor University about 90% of lung cancer deaths in men. — — BE AWARE OF YOUR FAMILY HISTORY BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE Make sure you take the time to find out about the medical history of your If you are not already physically active, start small and work up to family; a number of health issues are hereditary and being informed can network a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days make all the difference. SHOULD of the week. — STAY AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT Balance calories from foods and drinks with calories you burn off through physical activities. uring November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on Movember 2nd KNOW thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds You don’t have to HEALTH CHECKS AU Night at Academi 9pm With each decade of your life come new health concerns. It’s worth equipping yourself with the facts Dand awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. wait until you are sick so that you can be aware of what you need to talk to your doctor about at different stages of life. From what started as a small idea in Melbourne, Australia, Movember grew to become a vastly Register your baby face to see a doctor; the inspirational worldwide movement with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, fact that in the UK S S S the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and Ireland and is currently being expanded into 20 30 400 Germany. In these countries alone there are over 1.1 million Mo Bros annually growing well-groomed Get your hands on some cash over 40% of men are wonders to raise both funds and awareness to support numerous men’s health causes. diagnosed with cancer Movember’s main goal is to change the attitudes that men have concerning their health, aiming to for your tash in their lifetime, increase the chances of early detection and treatment of testicular and prostate cancer; ultimately Ask your friends to sponsor you should highlight resulting in higher recovery rates. However, contrary to popular belief Movember also aims to raise the importance of Testicular cancer - it’s the most common cancer Testicular cancer - it’s the most common Prostate cancer (particularly if there is affecting young men cancer affecting young men a family history or if you’re African Caribbean) awareness about other health issues that men face, for example mental health. Skin cancer Skin cancer Colorectal cancers (particularly if there is a family history) staying on top of your Weight and blood pressure Weight and blood pressure Weight and blood pressure In Movember 2010, over 112,000 UK Mo Bros participated and managed to gather a hair-raising Cholesterol Harmful alcohol, tobacco and other drug use Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) Buy a Movember t-shirt Harmful alcohol, tobacco and other drug use Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) game when it comes Blood tests to check kidney/liver function £11.7 million. Suicide Sexually transmitted diseases and iron Sexually transmitted diseases Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions On Movember 1st, guys start with a clean-shaven face. On Movember 2nd at the first AU night of On sale in the SU and on AU nights to your health. Mental health: depression and anxiety Mental health: depression and anxiety Mental health: depression and anxiety Skin cancer the month and for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, Men are 40% more likely to die of cancer than women, and 16% more likely to develop the disease in the first place trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsor- even though men live, on average, 4 years less than women. — ship for their Mo-growing efforts. Movember 30th In the UK death rates among men suffering from the most S S + Whatdeadly form of skin should cancer have doubled in theyou last 30 years. do 50 60 70 Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through — their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the AU Night at Academi 9pm A man’s life span is affected by genetics (24%) and modifiable Yourrisk factors (75%).diet Evidence and suggests lifestyle that about a third choices(39%) can often ignored issue of men’s health. of the 12 most common cancers in the UK could be prevented Show off your tash and bring all through diet, physical activity and body weight. At the end of the month, Mo Bros and their friends celebrate their gallantry and valour at the last AU dramatically— infuence these statistics. Two thirds of British men are overweight or obese – night of the month. Pictures of all the great tashes will be taken on the night to show our Bangor pride your friends Regardlessincreasing their chances of manyof diseases.age, the most important — and the true magnificence of this effort. More than 5 men die prematurely each hour from potentially Prostate cancer Prostate cancer Prostate cancer Colorectal cancers Colorectal cancers Colorectal cancers £1 for every person will be donated thingspreventable illnesses. you 1 man can will die do every hourto in stay the UK healthy are... Weight and blood pressure Bowel cancer Bowel cancer from prostate cancer. Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) Weight and blood pressure Weight and blood pressure to the Movember Foundation — Blood tests to check kidney/liver function and Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) Blood cholesterol and glucose (diabetes) iron Blood tests to check kidney/liver function and Blood tests to check kidney/liver function and HaveEvery cigarettean annual you smoke check-up takes 8 minutes off your life. Tetanus booster (every 10 years) iron iron Smoking a pack per day for 20 years reduces your life Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions Pneumonia vaccine (from 65) Pneumonia vaccine Findexpectancy a doctor by 13 years. and make a yearly appointment each Mental health: depression and anxiety Bone density Bone density Movember— for a physical. Men typically don’t see a doctor Skin cancer Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions Eye checks for glaucoma and other conditions Men account for two thirds of alcohol related deaths. Mental health: depression and anxiety Mental health: depression and anxiety Skin Cancer Skin cancer RULES for— an annual check or when they feel sick. Getting regular checks40% of men and drink immunisationsmore than the recommended are amongstdaily the most important FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS limit of four units at least once a week – which can lead thingsto long term you brain, can heart do and to liver stay damage healthy. and increased LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR MATES DON’Trisk of cancer. SMOKE Some guys need a bit of encouragement to take their health seriously; so it’s important that guys learn — to look out for each other. Here are a couple of tips on how guys can look out for each other... If75% you of suicides do smoke. in the UK Stop!are by men. Compared to non-smokers, men ONE who— smoke are about 23 times more likely to develop lung 80% of people with diabetes die from cardiovascular diseases. PICK UP THE PHONE NUDGE THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION — One of the early symptoms of depression is withdrawal from social Remind your mates of the importance of having an annual check-up EACH MO BRO MUST BEGIN THE 1ST OF MOVEMBER cancer. Smoking causes about 90% of lung cancer deathssituations. in If you haven’t heard from your mate for a couple of weeks, with their GP. Only 26% of men go to their GPs for regular check ups. pick up the phone and check in. — Snap a picture of your tash with men. — LEND THEM A HAND WITH A CLEAN SHAVEN FACE. TAKE THEM FOR A KICK-ABOUT Depression can impact on the way people go about their work, often Or run or ride, or whatever sport you prefer. It’s a great way to tick a lot making it difficult to concentrate or get on top of the usual work demands. BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE of boxes – catch up with mates, get outdoors and increase the feel good — hormones. GET OUT OF TOWN a copy of Seren and email it to If you are not already physically active, start small and— Everyone needs time out occasionally. Take a break from the pressures INVITE HIM OUT of work, family, partners and mowing the front lawn. It’s a great way TWO work up to a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physicalPeople who are experiencing depression often miss events they’d typically to catch up with mates and give you a much needed rest. attend. If you’ve noticed your mate has been absent from a lot of the usual — [email protected] activity most days of the week. social activities with no good reason, get him out again. LOOK OUT FOR A MATE… AND KEEP ON YOUR GAME FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF MOVEMBER EACH MO BRO MUST — No matter what your age, looking out for your mates is an important CHECK IN AS A FAMILY job and one you shouldn’t take lightly. STAY AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT Dads and sons are often best mates too. Encourage your old man or son, GROW AND GROOM A MOUSTACHE. uncle or brother to be aware of their health and visit their doctor if they Balance calories from foods and drinks with calorieshave you any concerns. burn o‚ through physical activities. FACTS ABOUT MEN’S HEALTH FURTHER INFORMATION CHANGING THE FACE OF MEN’S HEALTH The Prostate The Institute Movember Supporting prostate cancer and testicular cancer initiatives. THREE EAT A HEALTHY DIET Cancer Charity of Cancer Research movember.com THERE IS TO BE NO JOINING OF THE MO TO YOUR SIDE BURNS. prostate-cancer.org.uk icr.ac.uk 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime Fill up with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and eat lean (THAT’S CONSIDERED A BEARD) meats, poultry, ƒ sh, beans, eggs and nuts and eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sald (sodium) and Only 26% of men go to their GPs for regular check-ups added sugars. FOUR DRINK ALCOHOL ONLY IN MODERATION THERE IS TO BE NO JOINING OF THE HANDLEBARS TO YOUR CHIN. Alcohol can be part of a healthy balanced diet but only if (THAT’S CONSIDERED A GOATEE) 1 in 4 men in the UK will experience a mental health problem it’s in moderation, which means no more than three or four at some point in their lives. units of alcohol a day – that’s the equivalent of 1.7 pints. BE AWARE OF YOUR FAMILY HISTORY FIVE Make sure you take the time to ƒ nd out about the medical EACH MO BRO MUST CONDUCT HIMSELF LIKE A TRUE 1,990 men aged 20-50 were diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2007 history of you family; a number of health issues are WELSH GENTLEMAN. hereditary and being informed can make all the di‚ erence. 22 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Food and Drink Restaurant Review: Bangor Take-Away Guide: Upper Bangor Blue Sky Café Upper Bangor is the hub of Bangor student life. It’s also home to some don’t like umbrellas. Not be- bacon and bananas sell for £5.65, dudno Smokery, feta cheese from take-aways. Here, we look at some of those places: cause of their ability to make a home baked chicken, chorizo Anglesey and bread from local the person walking round and tomato sandwich for £5.85 bakers are all prepared in a visible Pizza House (Tŷ Pizza) withI one look priggish for having and a salad of locally smoked duck kitchen surrounded by beautiful ocated next door to Paddy’s Bar and the complement the great value of their standard the foresight to bring one out just breast with fennel and orange chairs and the warmth of a crack- post oª ce on Holyhead Road, Upper prices. A 10” pepperoni pizza from Pizza in case. I dislike them because they with a sesame dressing will cost ling ‹ re. Hell, they even use local Bangor. Whilst Bangor plays host to House will  y the  ag for rain. As soon as you you £7.25. Drinks aren’t cheap ei- salad leaves, what’s not to like? It La Domino’s (down by Neuadd Willis past cost you just see one in October, may be an increasingly the train station) it’s always best to support £4.50. Its you know you’re em- tiresome sentiment but local, independent companies and Pizza 9.5” brother barking on months of eating fresh and local food House probably represents better value for from Dom- miserable, intermina- really is better.  e stand- money. Whilst Domino’s will undoubtedly ino’s will set ble rain. Suddenly you ard of food was fantastic. be o„ ering special deals this Freshers week you back a can’t leave the house We opted for the Blue Sky and throughout the rest of the year, Pizza cool £12.49! without covering your platter, which consisted of House is invariably the cheaper option. Pizza House head; you constantly organic smoked salmon, Like Domino’s, it delivers to your door. has its own run the embarrassing smoked duck breast with Unlike Domino’s, the menu consists of F a c e b o o k risk of smelling like homemade red onion burgers, too. O„ ers such as Tuesday specials page where there are several messages eulo- a wet dog and most chutney with little  ecks like buy one get another half price (10” or 12”) gising Bangorians’ love for this small pizzeria. importantly, you’re of dried fruit running consigned to stay- through to combat the fat- ing inside as much as tiness of the duck.  en Tai Sing possible. there was an intense ar- ne of two Chinese takeaways in Up- cheery front of house, mumsy character that It was this fact, the rangement of feta cheese per Bangor, it beats its competitor takes orders.  e menu is vast (no duck op- need for shelter dur- with olives and con‹ t gar- Ying Wah on the sole premise that I tions, unfortunately) and awash with Chinese Ocan only vaguely remember one of the latters takeaway favourites – chicken and sweetcorn ing rain, that brought lic to rub over your bread me to the Blue Sky and butter. dishes – lemon chicken that had an unpalat- soup is okay with things picking up through café on Bangor’s high  e fact that (except the able washing up liquid  avour (that aside, dishes such as crispy chilli beef but dropping street. A er ‹ nish- chips - good chips) little of Ying Wah does o„ er some good lunch time again with a one dimensional Wonton soup. ing uni for the day, a friend and ther. Speciality teas all cost £2.25 this was cooked in house shouldn’t o„ ers that are worth checking out). Tai Sing Honourable mentions go to Singapore noo- I made the journey down to Ban- and a bottle of beer or cider costs diminish Blue Sky’s reputation as ‹ nds itself nestled between the crêperie and dles and beef curry which are hopefully more gor with the intention of going to around £3.50. a powerhouse of Northern Wales health food shop on Holyhead Road. Inside, indicative of the menu’s overall quality. 1815, a competitor of Blue Sky’s. But, predicament prevailed and cuisine. I must confess, I probably you’re likely to be greeted by the delightfully However, on the way down, the we decided to get out of the rain wouldn’t come here for a quiet heavens unreasonably opened and and took the stroll up the alley- co„ ee - not because the ambi- The University Plaice poured scorn on those designs. way (it’s well sign posted so you ence isn’t perfect (it really is better acky ‹ sh puns aside,  e University 1815 was full, full of people want- can’t miss it) to the café. Situated than any other café I’ve been to in Plaice is a takeaway located on Ho- ing shelter from the rain, looking in the heart of Bangor, this café Bangor) but because it just isn’t af- lyhead Road, Upper Bangor. Not as Theavily populated as local rival Bella Bella, for somewhere warm to go. epitomises everything that is fan- fordable to do so.  is is more of a Where to now? I’d heard about tastic about local produce. Wales ‘parent’s visiting’ place or if you’re the food is very typical of most kebab-centric Blue Sky café before; it’s the only has some of the best ingredients in going on a date. All I’ll say is when takeaways; a range of meat kebabs served with eatery in Bangor that’s listed in the Britain and eating at Blue Sky, you you’re soaking wet and looking the typical salad and choice of sauce are ‹ ne Good Food Guide (a fact they’re fully appreciate just how outstand- for somewhere to cheer you up, but little more. Indeed, on my last visit, I ar- rightly proud of - seeing sev- ing this quality is. Indeed, Charles, Blue Sky café might be what you’re rived just before closing time (o en around eral editions of the guides’ dotted the Prince of Wales, is an advocate looking for. midnight) and received an extra portion of around the café, post-it notes on of Welsh producers and such is 8/10: You’ll struggle to ‹ nd a lamb kebab on the house.  ere’s nothing par- their page ‘n’ all reminded me of the loyalty of Blue Sky to use these better café in Bangor. ticularly wrong here, it just isn’t as good value seeing an actor desperately plug- sources, I’d imagine it’s the sort of as Bella Bella and for that, it will always be in ging their new ‹ lm.) But I’d almost place he’d enjoy to eat in. its shadows. Joe Russell been reluctant to go because of its As soon as you read the menu, As far as ordering food online is concerned, websites such as justeat.co.uk is a commodity that has price.  e food isn’t cheap; break- you realise the commitment to lo- yet to reach Bangor. As far as I’m aware, there are currently no takeaways that use any service like fasts such as a Belgian waµ es with cal ingredients - duck from Llan- it but with Bangor’s gradual improvements, that day is hopefully on the horizon. Pay What You THE MADNESS OF Can Restaurant THE MICHELIN GUIDE Rock star and all-round good egg, Jon Bon Jovi, opens a ‘pay what Guide printed for second time in a year to little fanfare. you can’ restaurant in New Jersey. The reputation of the restaurant industry’s most respected guide, the Michelin Guide, is coming under increasingly vociferous threat as a he Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, located in the heart of New Jersey, is a T legion of food critics question the point of it.  e 2012 guide brought few community kitchen built upon the premise of serving food to locals that can’t surprises - Tom Kerridge’s Hand and Flowers in Marlow became the ‹ rst a„ ord to eat out. Customers are encouraged to pay what they can but if, like pub in Great Britain to be awarded two Michelin Stars, joining Restaurant many in America, they can’t a„ ord to eat in restaurants, they can work as a Sat Bains in Nottingham as the only two notable changes to the guide. volunteer in lieu of any cash arrangement. For a chef, the Michelin Guide is still highly important. Indeed, it can Of the restaurant, self-professed by Bon Jovi to be the “hottest-looking make or break an establishment’s reputation and has been known to restaurant in town”, the lead singer of Bon Jovi said: reduce hardened chefs to tears (in an extreme example of how Michelin “One in  ve households are living at or below the poverty level...this a restaurant a„ ects people, a French chef called Bernard Loiseau infamously killed whose time has come.” “ is is a place based on and built on community - by himself due to rumours his restaurant was to lose its third michelin star.) and for the community.” Japan currently leads the way with 26 three star restuarants, one  e menu, aimed at o„ ering something di„ erent and healthier to the usual ahead of France, the country that ‘invented’ the guide. Great Britain fast-food eaten by Americans, includes dishes such as pork chops with ‹ g currently has four, all of which retained their stars in the 2012 guide. and apple chutney and homemade carrot cake. In essence, it’s a soup kitchen  e nearest Michelin starred restaurant to Bangor is Tyddyn Llan, owned by a very rich man with very honourable intentions. If all goes well, an hours drive away in Denbighshire. A three course set lunch there this venture may set a precedent for other high-pro‹ le ‹ gures to replicate. costs £23.50 and could include dishes like con‹ t of duck with braised Will we be seeing a Danny Boyle soup kitchen in Bangor soon? butter beans or roast plaice with leek risotto and a red wine sauce. 22 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 23 Food and Drink Food and Drink Restaurant Review: Bangor Take-Away Guide: Pub Review: Upper Bangor Blue Sky Café Upper Bangor is the hub of Bangor student life. It’s also home to some The Antelope Inn Recipe Central don’t like umbrellas. Not be- bacon and bananas sell for £5.65, dudno Smokery, feta cheese from take-aways. Here, we look at some of those places: ub food is very much hit and miss. Belgian chocolate and clotted cream cheese- cause of their ability to make a home baked chicken, chorizo Anglesey and bread from local  ere are some pubs that serve great cake was ruinous. It came with, as the menu the person walking round and tomato sandwich for £5.85 bakers are all prepared in a visible Pizza House (Tŷ Pizza) food -  e Tap and Spile opposite Ban- describes it, a ‘chocolate  avour sauce’. Not In this edition of Recipe central, the focus is on using gorP pier has a reputation for serving a very chocolate, chocolate  avour. So basically a lit- withI one look priggish for having and a salad of locally smoked duck kitchen surrounded by beautiful ocated next door to Paddy’s Bar and the complement the great value of their standard classic French techniques to produce food that will good version of the classic ‘stottie’. So good, tle bit of chocolate powder and an abundance the foresight to bring one out just breast with fennel and orange chairs and the warmth of a crack- post oª ce on Holyhead Road, Upper prices. A 10” pepperoni pizza from Pizza in fact, is some pub food in Britain that the of sweet rubbish to bulk it out and cheapen its warm you through a cold November. in case. I dislike them because they with a sesame dressing will cost ling ‹ re. Hell, they even use local Bangor. Whilst Bangor plays host to House will Hand and Flowers in Marlow was recently production.  e cheesecake itself was served  y the  ag for rain. As soon as you you £7.25. Drinks aren’t cheap ei- salad leaves, what’s not to like? It La Domino’s (down by Neuadd Willis past cost you just awarded its second Michelin star. with ice cream.  e ice cream was warmer see one in October, may be an increasingly the train station) it’s always best to support £4.50. Its At the other end of the spectrum, it can be than the cheesecake which was stone cold - you know you’re em- tiresome sentiment but local, independent companies and Pizza 9.5” brother a pretty dire a„ air.  e Antelope is neither of the fork wouldn’t go through it when it did, barking on months of eating fresh and local food House probably represents better value for from Dom- these - it’s  oating comfortably somewhere it shattered the clotted cream mixture into a miserable, intermina- really is better.  e stand- money. Whilst Domino’s will undoubtedly ino’s will set inbetween. Set in a beautiful location next to texture reminiscent of snow. Our meal of two ble rain. Suddenly you ard of food was fantastic. be o„ ering special deals this Freshers week you back a Béchamel sauce Anglesey, it isn’t actively bad food but it does main courses, two desserts and two drinks can’t leave the house We opted for the Blue Sky and throughout the rest of the year, Pizza cool £12.49! s much as British food has improved over recent years, there is no dying the im- leave you slightly disappointed. It has every- came to £24. If you’re lucky enough to get a pact that French cuisine has had on the world of food. Béchamel, more com- without covering your platter, which consisted of House is invariably the cheaper option. Pizza House thing going for it - perfect positioning next table over-looking the bridge and the Menai monly known as white sauce, was invented in the 17th century and has been used head; you constantly organic smoked salmon, Like Domino’s, it delivers to your door. has its own Aadoringly ever since. Its use marks the advent of winter such is its potential to compliment to the Menai Bridge, surrounded by brilliant straits, this price is probably just about justi‹ - run the embarrassing smoked duck breast with Unlike Domino’s, the menu consists of F a c e b o o k ingredients ready to be served by the warm able. But, without scenery, you’re le with an  avours found in heart-warming dishes such as lasagna and moussaka. It’s so important risk of smelling like homemade red onion burgers, too. O„ ers such as Tuesday specials page where there are several messages eulo- sta„ but it falls foul of the mistake so many empty feeling, one borne out of the lack of to make a good béchamel sauce. O en they can be  oury and lacking in any real  avour. a wet dog and most chutney with little  ecks like buy one get another half price (10” or 12”) gising Bangorians’ love for this small pizzeria. importantly, you’re of dried fruit running pubs make. good food inside you. Method consigned to stay- through to combat the fat- I’m always a little bit sceptical of pubs or  e Antelope is a bit of a walk outside of 1) Begin by imparting  avour into your ing inside as much as tiness of the duck.  en Tai Sing restaurants that have special o„ er promo- Bangor and if food’s what you’re a er, it isn’t milk. To one pint of milk, add in one bay leaf, half a chopped onion and a clove of possible. there was an intense ar- ne of two Chinese takeaways in Up- cheery front of house, mumsy character that tions - two for £10.99 being  e Antelope’s. worth the journey from what I experienced. per Bangor, it beats its competitor takes orders.  e menu is vast (no duck op- Very o en it’s a sign that the food won’t be  ere is better, and by some distance, pub garlic. Bring to the boil and immediately It was this fact, the rangement of feta cheese take o„ the heat and cover with a lid for Ying Wah on the sole premise that I tions, unfortunately) and awash with Chinese cooked fresh on site instead being brought in food to be found within the immediate vicin- need for shelter dur- with olives and con‹ t gar- half an hour. Ocan only vaguely remember one of the latters takeaway favourites – chicken and sweetcorn ing rain, that brought lic to rub over your bread and warmed through for service.  e scampi ity of Bangor town centre. If you’re walking to 2) Melt 25g of butter in a saucepan. me to the Blue Sky and butter. dishes – lemon chicken that had an unpalat- soup is okay with things picking up through and chips with tartare sauce and beef burger Anglesey, however, and ‹ nd yourself in need When fully melted, add an equal quantity café on Bangor’s high  e fact that (except the able washing up liquid  avour (that aside, dishes such as crispy chilli beef but dropping with onions paid testament to this.  e food of a drink or a snack,  e Antelope is a good of plain  our and mix in with the butter. Ying Wah does o„ er some good lunch time again with a one dimensional Wonton soup. was ‹ ne. Nothing wrong with it but nothing destination.  e interior is nice, the walls are Make sure the heat isn’t too ‹ erce or the street. A er ‹ nish- chips - good chips) little of 5) Simmer the sauce for ‹ ve minutes o„ ers that are worth checking out). Tai Sing Honourable mentions go to Singapore noo-  our will burn. ing uni for the day, a friend and ther. Speciality teas all cost £2.25 this was cooked in house shouldn’t right beyond a ‘meh’ appreciation.  e chips adorned with historical images from Bangor’s until smooth. If it feels a little thick, sim- 3) Stir briskly until the mix is smooth. ‹ nds itself nestled between the crêperie and dles and beef curry which are hopefully more weren’t homemade, nor were my beef patties. past and they serve local ales. ply add in more milk until you have the I made the journey down to Ban- and a bottle of beer or cider costs diminish Blue Sky’s reputation as It will probably be ready when you can’t health food shop on Holyhead Road. Inside, indicative of the menu’s overall quality.  e scampi was served in a sweet, mock fryer But, I went there for a meal. Not to look at desired texture (it should be similar to a gor with the intention of going to around £3.50. a powerhouse of Northern Wales smell  our from the pan. At this point you’re likely to be greeted by the delightfully with a little handle to boot but the gimmick the walls. McDonald’s milkshake). 1815, a competitor of Blue Sky’s. But, predicament prevailed and cuisine. I must confess, I probably you have a ‘roux’, a classic French tech- didn’t make up for its mediocrity. 4/10: Not deserving of the walk there. However, on the way down, the we decided to get out of the rain wouldn’t come here for a quiet nique. Di¨ culty: heavens unreasonably opened and and took the stroll up the alley- co„ ee - not because the ambi- The University Plaice  e table next to us seemed equally dissat- 4) Turn the heat back up to full and grad- poured scorn on those designs. way (it’s well sign posted so you ence isn’t perfect (it really is better acky ‹ sh puns aside,  e University is‹ ed by the meal. In response to ‹ nishing his Joe Russell ually stir in the milk, beating through the 1815 was full, full of people want- can’t miss it) to the café. Situated than any other café I’ve been to in Plaice is a takeaway located on Ho- chicken main course, one of the butter mix as you go. Bring to the boil ing shelter from the rain, looking in the heart of Bangor, this café Bangor) but because it just isn’t af- lyhead Road, Upper Bangor. Not as men eating summed up the dish once all the milk’s been added and season Theavily populated as local rival Bella Bella, and pub perfectly: with salt and pepper. for somewhere warm to go. epitomises everything that is fan- fordable to do so.  is is more of a Where to now? I’d heard about tastic about local produce. Wales ‘parent’s visiting’ place or if you’re the food is very typical of most kebab-centric “It’s just a bit average, really.” Blue Sky café before; it’s the only has some of the best ingredients in going on a date. All I’ll say is when takeaways; a range of meat kebabs served with I can forgive things like these. eatery in Bangor that’s listed in the Britain and eating at Blue Sky, you you’re soaking wet and looking the typical salad and choice of sauce are ‹ ne A er all, it is maybe a little re- Good Food Guide (a fact they’re fully appreciate just how outstand- for somewhere to cheer you up, but little more. Indeed, on my last visit, I ar- miss to expect fresh food when Chicken Œ ighs with Marmalade and Soy rightly proud of - seeing sev- ing this quality is. Indeed, Charles, Blue Sky café might be what you’re rived just before closing time (o en around you’re not paying too much. eral editions of the guides’ dotted the Prince of Wales, is an advocate looking for. midnight) and received an extra portion of However, any remaining a„ ec- hicken thighs are normally lauded for their ability to impart much more  avour than the blandness of white around the café, post-it notes on of Welsh producers and such is 8/10: You’ll struggle to ‹ nd a lamb kebab on the house.  ere’s nothing par- tion for this lovely little pub di- breast meat. Here, they’re a necessity and not just for their cheaper price - the darker meat can compete with their page ‘n’ all reminded me of the loyalty of Blue Sky to use these better café in Bangor. ticularly wrong here, it just isn’t as good value minished with desserts. A sticky Cstrong tastes like the umami-rich soy and sweet marmalade, making it perfect for this dish. seeing an actor desperately plug- sources, I’d imagine it’s the sort of as Bella Bella and for that, it will always be in to„ ee pudding with custard was ging their new ‹ lm.) But I’d almost place he’d enjoy to eat in. its shadows. exactly that - comforting stodge, Ingredients Joe Russell and good stodge at that. But a been reluctant to go because of its As soon as you read the menu, As far as ordering food online is concerned, websites such as justeat.co.uk is a commodity that has price.  e food isn’t cheap; break- you realise the commitment to lo- • Two chicken thighs (skin on) yet to reach Bangor. As far as I’m aware, there are currently no takeaways that use any service like • Two tbsp marmalade fasts such as a Belgian waµ es with cal ingredients - duck from Llan- it but with Bangor’s gradual improvements, that day is hopefully on the horizon. • 250ml warm chicken or vegetable stock Big Competition • Four baby shallots, peeled and cut in half • Two tbsp oil • Salt and pepper Pay What You THE MADNESS OF For Local Bakers • Two tbsp soy sauce igh street bakery Greggs is to open its doors on Bangor High Sreet, much to Method Can Restaurant THE MICHELIN GUIDE the bemusement of established local rivals.  e shop, due to open on the 3rd December, will be located in a free space directly opposite Topman. For the 1) MethodPre-heat your oven to 1600. Heat your oil in a heavy Rock star and all-round good egg, Jon Bon Jovi, opens a ‘pay what Guide printed for second time in a year to little fanfare. based saucepan (preferably one that can be put in the 7) If you have any hard herbs like rosemary or thyme, Hhigh street’s clout, it’s a great coup; Bangor still has a relative dearth of brand name you can’ restaurant in New Jersey. oven). add them now. he reputation of the restaurant industry’s most respected guide, the high street giants and in its ‹ eld, Greggs is undeniably the biggest. Of the opening, 2) Season your chicken with salt and pepper and place 8) Bring the liquid to the boil till the quantity has re- T “ Michelin Guide, is coming under increasingly vociferous threat as a Bangor councillor Doug Madge, said: It might prompt other big chains to come to in the hot pan, skin side down. Don’t be tempted to duced by half and thickened.  en add in the rest of he Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, located in the heart of New Jersey, is a T legion of food critics question the point of it.  e 2012 guide brought few the High Street.” “You have got to look for the long term.” Local bakery’s such as the move it. It’s ready when it comes away from the surface your stock. community kitchen built upon the premise of serving food to locals that can’t surprises - Tom Kerridge’s Hand and Flowers in Marlow became the ‹ rst Castle bakery may struggle to cope with the popularity of Greggs. Hopefully they are with ease. It should take two minutes to get a golden 9) Put your lid on the top and place in the oven for twen- a„ ord to eat out. Customers are encouraged to pay what they can but if, like brown skin. ty-‹ ve minutes. pub in Great Britain to be awarded two Michelin Stars, joining Restaurant established enough to fend o„ opposition but given the cheap food on o„ er at Greggs, many in America, they can’t a„ ord to eat in restaurants, they can work as a 3) Flip over and cook for thirty seconds. Place your 10) Taste the liquor a er cooking and adjust the balance Sat Bains in Nottingham as the only two notable changes to the guide. it may force them to change tact and business approach. A taste test will be in the next volunteer in lieu of any cash arrangement. edition of Seren with breath baited as to the whole of Bangor wonders - whose steak chicken onto a plate and turn your heat o„ . of soy and marmalade to your palate. For a chef, the Michelin Guide is still highly important. Indeed, it can 4) With the pan still on the hob, add your onions and 11) Serve with either braised lettuce or mashed potato. Of the restaurant, self-professed by Bon Jovi to be the “hottest-looking bake is better? make or break an establishment’s reputation and has been known to garlic along with a little bit of salt. restaurant in town”, the lead singer of Bon Jovi said: reduce hardened chefs to tears (in an extreme example of how Michelin 5) Once the onions are translucent, turn the heat back “One in  ve households are living at or below the poverty level...this a restaurant a„ ects people, a French chef called Bernard Loiseau infamously killed on and return your chicken to the pan (skin side up). whose time has come.” “ is is a place based on and built on community - by himself due to rumours his restaurant was to lose its third michelin star.) 6) Top each thigh with a tablespoon of marmalade and and for the community.” Japan currently leads the way with 26 three star restuarants, one add 50ml of your warm stock and your soy sauce. Di¨ culty:  e menu, aimed at o„ ering something di„ erent and healthier to the usual ahead of France, the country that ‘invented’ the guide. Great Britain fast-food eaten by Americans, includes dishes such as pork chops with ‹ g currently has four, all of which retained their stars in the 2012 guide. and apple chutney and homemade carrot cake. In essence, it’s a soup kitchen  e nearest Michelin starred restaurant to Bangor is Tyddyn Llan, owned by a very rich man with very honourable intentions. If all goes well, an hours drive away in Denbighshire. A three course set lunch there this venture may set a precedent for other high-pro‹ le ‹ gures to replicate. costs £23.50 and could include dishes like con‹ t of duck with braised Will we be seeing a Danny Boyle soup kitchen in Bangor soon? butter beans or roast plaice with leek risotto and a red wine sauce. 24 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011

ith a long list of re- MacCormack alongside Ju- and the new cast helps to refresh Are Re-Releases Œ e Way Forward? boots, re-makes and lianne Hough (Burlesque, Danc- the initial idea.  e director in- n the midst of Hollywood remaking al- in February of next year.  e re-releases also re-franchising hap- ing With  e Stars) as Ariel jects a light-hearted atmosphere ready established ‹ lms, another trend mark the ‹ rst time the ‹ lms will be released Wpening within the ‹ lm world, Moore and Dennis Quaid ( e to the story and doesn’t alienate has come to light:  e Re-Release. While in the cinema, in chronological order.  at’s Footloose adds to that list as the Day A er Tomorrow) as Rev. fans of the 1984 version. Overall Ithe Re-Release isn’t an entirely new concept, right, forget about arguing with your friends latest ‹ lm to be given the Holly- Shaw Moore. each actor gives a strong per- it seems studio bosses have put their think- about which order the ‹ lms wood re-make treatment. With this being a re-make, it formance and Jullianne Hough’s ing caps on and decided that showing a should be For those who haven’t see the is clear to see that the director ‹ rst lead role grows and grows ‹ lm to a new audience can be a pro‹ table screened original ‹ lm, Footloose follows is trying to aim Footloose at a throughout.  e dance scenes move. In 2002 when Disney reissued  e in, the the story of Ren MacCormack as completely new audience.  e are great to watch and the songs Lion King in IMAX, the decision proved 3D ver- he moves to a small town. A er ‹ lm has a feel of ‹ lms like Step add to the new feel. Audience successful as it bagged the ‹ lm an extra s i o n s the deaths of some local teenag- Up and Stomp  e Yard and will enjoy the rebirth of this $15 million.  e Lion King was once again will be ers, the town bans dancing and brings an R&B feel as well as in- classic and an old dance ‹ lm has re-released in October 2011, this time in released Ren’s rebellious side shakes up troducing new country versions found its place within a new and 3D, and it again proved to be pro‹ table as in numeric order. Some light has also the town as he tries to bring back of the original songs. Overall younger generation. it grossed another $79 million. It seems Hol- been shed on the 3D conversion process as dancing. there is an ultimate mix of musi- lywood have two main reasons for reissuing it’s reported that each of the Star Wars ‹ lms Kenny Wormald (You Got cal genres throughout. Elements ‹ lms: to make use of new 3D technology or takes a whole year to be converted. Served) takes the place of Ren of the original ‹ lm are present Amy Westlake to support a digitally remastered Blu Ray re- While Hollywood may have their own de- lease. Whilst  e Lion King falls into both cision to re-release (Blu Rays & 3D) it seems of these categories, there are some ‹ lms that cinema chains are willing to make their follow one reason rather than the own decisions. Earlier this year, Cineworld other. screened Dirty Dancing on Valentine’s In October Night and they haven’t stopped there. 2010, Back To  e Rocky Horror Picture Show made  e Future its triumphant return to the big screen found a new as part of the chain’s Halloween festivi- home in the form of a ties and it has recently been announced 25th anniversary 2D re-release on the big that the company are looking into a Mid-Nov screen. Only a few months a er this, the one o„ screening of Ghostbusters. Cineworld original trilogy was digitally remastered and aren’t the only multiplex chain to screen clas- released for the ‹ rst time on Blu Ray. A simi- sic ‹ lms as ODEON have been well known lar thing happened in September 2011 when, for hosting various clubs such as Senior Jurassic Park was given the glossy redo and Screen & Director’s Chair which feature ‹ lms showcased on the silver screen once again. returning to the screen and also some special Whilst Simba and the rest of Pride Rock may one o„ screenings to appeal to older audi- have only been re-released to support its Blu ences. Ray release, Disney have pulled the trigger on Say what you will about re-releases but it’s even more 3D reissues and soon we will see evident through the money they make that it Beauty &  e Beast, Monsters Inc., Finding is a wise decision.  ere’s also nothing wrong Nemo &  e Little Mermaid re-released. in giving a new audience an old ‹ lm but Even George Lucas is on board with the with an added reissues as the entire Star Wars Saga will be dimension. coming back to cinemas starting in 2012.  e decision to reissue Star Wars in 3D was Adam made in 2010 when Lucas announced that Farrand  e Phantom Menace will be hitting screens WIN! For your chance to win 1 of 2 copies of Bad Teacher on DVD, just answer the question correctly and send it to: [email protected] Cameron Diaz recently starred in which other

movie? rive tells the story of a Hol- while to really get into the overall story. number 128 in the IMDB top 250 ‹ lms lywood stuntman who moon-  e ‹ rst forty minutes of the ‹ lm simply so if you get chance to see Drive then I 1. Green Wasp lights as a getaway driver. introduces the audience to this myste- suggest that you snap up the chance. WhenD a heist goes wrong and a contract rious driver and the world he lives in. 2. Green Hornet is put on him, the tables are well and Even though we spend all of this time Amy Westlake truly turned. Ryan Gosling stars as the getting to know the main character, it is 3. Green Bee unnamed driver who falls for his neigh- questionable if we really need to know bour, Irene (played by Carey Mulligan) all of these aspects of his life.  e last who is bringing up her son whilst her hour of the ‹ lm is by far the most mem- husband is in prison. orable but beware that it is slightly gory It is no argument that Drive is a beau- and possibly unexpected from what we tifully shot ‹ lm and comes across as a ‹ rst see. To ‹ nd something extremely neo-noir masterpiece. It is a slick and wrong with this ‹ lm would be picky and brutal twenty ‹ rst century Hollywood unnecessary. thriller which is driven entirely by Gos- Overall the audience is presented lings stand out performance. With a with a beautiful piece of ‹ lm, which is great supporting cast and great perform- a masterpiece of style and substance. ances from Mulligan and Bryan Cran- Ryan Gosling plays the driver character ston (Shannon, the drivers employer) brilliantly and the audience is bound to the ‹ lm stands out from anything being fall for his broody and emotional side. shown at your local cinema.  e ‹ lm is accompanied by a brilliant At one hour and forty minutes long soundtrack, which adds to the beauty the ‹ lm  ows nicely but does take a of the overall ‹ lm. It’s already sitting at October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 25

rom the creators of Peep Show comes place when it comes to more serious issues. ookie’s back! America’s attempting to lure her into an this series was equally as satisfy- a comedy drama series on Channel 4 Josie played by Kimberly Nixon (Wild Child, bloodiest television series eternity in their realm. It is only ing and entertaining as the last about the hilarious and o en painful Cranford) is the slightly more normal of the exploded onto America’s when Sookie is reunited with her three (and signi¢ cantly better Ftruths about being a student. A er failing girls, she also will do her best to look cool, screensS during the summer for a long lost father that she realizes than the second). Œ ere are mul- to get into Uni halls, freshers Kingsley, Vod, including sleeping with a random guy she fourth serving of fantasy good- the peril she faces and escapes. tiple continuous story lines to Howard, Oregon, Josie and JP are all put into meets in a pub on the ‹ rst night, that turns ness. Œ e show brings together On Sookie’s return, however, keep viewers hooked, shockingly a University house together.  e vast ma- out to be J.P her fellow housemate...he just a concoction of fantastical crea- everything has changed. She unexpected deaths and a few un- jority of us at Bangor were lucky enough to hadn’t found the house yet. Joe  omas you tures varying from vampires, has been missing for a year, her wanted returns from previous get guaranteed accommodation in halls of might recognise as Kingsley, a character who werewolves, fairies (not the regu- brother Jason (Ryan Kwanten) series. My only criticism is the some variety, making isn’t that far from his lar, nice kind) and all manner of is selling her house and Bill whole Sookie, Eric and Bill love it easier to quickly other alter ego Simon other-worldly beasts. If you’ve (Stephen Moyer) is president of triangle thing, which has gone on make friends. Im- from the Inbetween- never watched an episode of True the American Vampire League. far too long now and really eve- agine if you hadn’t ers. Bit of an underdog Blood and are now imagining a As a whole, ryone is just praying that Sookie had that? To begin he falls hopelessly for Twilight-esque fairy-fairy tale, ¢ nally sees the light and gets your only friends are housemate Josie. A er think again. Œ e quiet town of with new, shiny Eric who is far your housemates. No ‹ nding out she has a Bon Temps is shaken to its very superior looks and personal- popping over to your boyfriend, he’s will- core this season with more cli¬ - ity-wise, come on woman! I course mate’s  at ingly seduced by Ruth, hangers and gruesome deaths de¢ nitely recommend this for drinks, no party a drama student, who than ever before. to anyone who enjoys fan- invites. Well this is even persuades him to Œ e series kicks o¬ with tasy with a dark twist. what our Freshers in Fresh Meat ‹ nd.  ey all change courses. Sookie (Anna Paquin) being struggle to make decent social lives and only Finally there’s Oregon. A good student forced to face the reality of her slowly start to get along. in private (she got straight A’s at A level) she new fairy lifestyle, that her new Rachel Helsdown We may all very well recognise characters sees University as her chance to completely fairy friends aren’t as perfect or situations within the comedy. Howard is reinvent herself. Rebelling in every way she as they seem and are actually the weirdo of the lot, preferring to stay in his can while not getting that bad a reputation, room and an ultimate nerd, but hilarious. she tries to follow in Vod’s footsteps, but does J.P played by Jack Whitehall is a stereotypi- something Vod wouldn’t and starts to have an cal public schoolboy who will do anything to a„ air with a lecturer. look cool. Zawe Ashton is Vod, a self con- Tune in to Channel 4 Wednesdays at 10 fessed junkie, who manipulates people into to sympathise with misunfortunate students getting what she wants sometimes, she looks and laugh as you recognise your friends. and acts scary, but has a her heart in the right Heather Boyles

lee returned to our screens in Sep- rive as a relative of Puck. As for Damian ing Glee too and is in talks to return later in tember, airing on Sky One much to we’ll be seeing his character in the next epi- the series. One thing’s for sure this series is the outrage of many non-Sky cus- sode “Pot O’ Gold” due to air 3rd November shaping up to be the meatiest series of Glee tomers.G I’m sure however fans have found in the UK. He’ll be keeping his Irish charm yet. other means of watching the new series... as an Irish foreign exchange student Rory.  e season opened revealing who out Why the 4 week break? Well when episode 3 Heather Boyles of the club are seniors and juniors, mean- last aired the cast and crew were still franti- ing that not all are going to graduate at the cally rehearsing and ‹ lming episode 4, so in end of this season. With a large section of other words they’re making us wait while the cast graduating soon it does call for new they catch up. What better point to blood. In episode 1, we met Sugar, a tal- make us wait too before the arrival entless girl with self diagnosed Asperger’s of an eagerly anticipated new star. Syndrome, who is determined to become Director Ryan Murphy has a star even if Mr Schue won’t let her in to revealed this season will be con- New Directions. Fans of the show may have centrating more on character seen or heard about  e Glee Project, a real- storylines, with only 1 tribute ity show that aired over the summer on Sky episode “with an artist we’ve to ‹ nd Glee’s new stars.  e show’s direc- been trying to land for two years.” tor Ryan Murphy, decided the ‹ nal 4 con- Could Coldplay have ‹ nally said testants were too talented to choose from. yes? Everything’s not plain sailing Joint winners were Damian McGinty and for Klaine with the new arrival of gay Samuel Larsen who were awarded 7 episode Warbler Sebastian who Murphy hints story arcs with runners up Lindsay Pearce may be a new rival for Kurt for Blaine’s and Alex Newell with 2 episode story arcs. a„ ections. What’s going to happen to In episode 1 we saw Lindsay perform a Mercedes? A er being fed up of not getting number to Rachel and Kurt as in intimidat- the spotlight, last episode she shocked view- ing N.Y.A.D.A applicant. Winner Samuel ers by leaving New Directions and turned to Larsen’s character according to Ryan Mur- the dark side. Missing Trouty Mouth Sam? phy is “a man’s man” and rumoured to ar- Well it turns out Chord Overstreet is miss- October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 26 Music Featured Artist: Music Editor, Joey McNally, brings you what’s hot and what’s not in music this month

Charlie Simpson- Cem- LMFAO- Sexy and I he Subways hail from Welwyn Garden City (no, I don’t know Best tracks: etery Know It either), and offer their own unique brand of punk infused Oh Yeah This is an absolute travesty of a rock, managing to fl irt between soft ballads and crushing Good song, even though it does T Rock N’ Roll Queen sound suspiciously like Embrace’s song. The joke is well and truly anthems effortlessly. The lead singer Billy is ably assisted by ‘Ashes’, but aside from that, good over. bassist Charlotte on backing vocals (they used to be married, Turnaround solo effort from the Fightstar but don’t mention that), and drummer Josh completes the set. frontman. They’re a band you need in your life, and as they’ve just released For fans of: Beyonce- Countdown a third album, the time couldn’t be better to grab yourself a piece WU LYF- We Bros of the action. Ash I’m not Beyonce’s biggest fan as it The Vines This band are scarily good. Not is, but this song is a jumbled mess. everyone’s cup of tea admittedly, It sounds like 4 different songs have but an exciting band in a dull been mashed together. industry. They even recorded their album in an abandoned church! Cher Lloyd- With Ur Noel Gallagher- AKA… Love Classic Album: What a Life! Apart from the frankly offensive spelling of ‘Your’, this song has Excellent song, probably the best literally no heart, and no soul. A bit thing to come from a Gallagher like the X Factor. Green Day- American Idiot brother since ‘The Hindu Times’. his album changed modern protest music forever. If that doesn’t get your earbuds tingling, then maybe the fact that this turned Green TDay from a great pop-punk outfi t who looked done and dusted into globe-straddling megastars will. An epic in every sense of the word, this album is one that will defi ne our generation in years to come. Simply outstanding. Best tracks: For fans of: Holiday Rancid St Jimmy The Ramones Letterbomb

two albums in that they seem a lot di„ erent and not neces- sarily in a good way. ‘What It Is To Wonder’, the eighth track ihanna stunned Man- on stage, to a point where she gown she belted out Unfaithful, of the album, however brings chester earlier this month picked a woman out of the audi- Hate  at I Love You and Cali- us right back to the angsty am- with her Good Girl Gone ence and grinded on top of her. fornia King Bed, which I hate biguity we’ve come to expect BadR brand of hard-edged pop to “ is isn’t the Cute Tour, this to admit I started crying to (I quite nicely. wo years a er their songs relate to, focuses on the a sell-out crowd who were lap- is the Loud Tour,” shouted out a LOVE Rihanna). Midway Rih My main criticism of second studio album, band’s dislike for the media’s ping up every on-stage bump, ‹ red up Rihanna as she was per- had a little chat with her the au- WWIII though, is simply ‘Attics to Eden’, Chi- obsession with fame. grind and grope, of which there forming. With RihRih seductive- dience which she likes to refer to that at least four of the tracks Tcago rock four-piece Madina WWIII introduces a rough- were plenty! as the “Rihan- had been previously released Lake return! When bassist, er edge to the o en pop-rocky RihRih arrived on na Navy” and through the band’s website or Matthew Leone, was injured style of Madina opening with stage in a circular mentioned her 2010’s EP ‘ e a er intervening in metal lightbulb look- latest number Dresden Co- a domestic violence ing contraption, which one ‘We Found dex’ and so I felt incident back in June revealed the raunchy Love’, the col- I wasn’t really last year, doubts be- popstar wearing a bright laboration with getting all that gan to surface around blue raincoat to belt out Calvin Harris much new ma- the future of the band ‘Only Girl In  e World’, who performed terial. All in all and the release of the crowd were scream- an excellent DJ World War III their next album. Fol- ing out the lyrics, and support slot at is a good album, lowing tremendous the atmosphere was the show, with admittedly it did support from fans and pretty intense! With the the mass sin- take me a few lis- fellow musicians alike sweltering heat of the galong of Cheers tens to adjust to who raised money Arena on the Sunday (Drink To  at) but once I had it to pay for Matthew’s night, raunchy Rih in- in which she was on par with hospital bills, the advertently picked the chucked out the everything else bassist is ‹ nally back on his the aggressive ‘Howdy Neigh- most sensible ensemble in the ly mincing around a stage that ray-bans that sat on her face for I’ve heard from this young feet and ready to continue bor’; something I have to ad- place as she revealed a bikini included metal cages, huge pink that song. band. Now that the three al- what they started back in 2007 mit took a little while to adjust covered in liquorice allsorts. tank guns and a quasi-sex dun- She topped o„ the show with bum spanning Adalia concept with their debut album ‘From to. It’s the second track on the Hit a er hit followed; the likes geon, I don’t think we were ever her biggest UK hit Umbrella, and is over though one has to won-  em,  rough Us, To You’. album, ‘Imagineer’, that really of Disturbia, Shut Up and Drive going to mistake this for cute! as much as we heard it all over der what new direction the  e band’s ‹ rst album set shines through though. With and Man Down got the crowds She showed she can bring a sense the place on the radio, tv etc it next release will bring. What- up the ‹ ctional 1950’s town just the right mix of anger, grinding on each other. Rihanna of humour to it all when she then felt like I was listening to it for ever the future holds I know of Madina Lake and the story rhythm and political ambigu- then head back onto stage for the turned up on stage riding a huge the ‹ rst time again. Umbrellas I’ll be pushing my way to the arc of Adalia, one of the town’s ity it’s the epitome of Madina more risque segment of the show pink tank to Hard, complete with went up in the crowd in a rath- very front of their gigs for a most renowned socialites, go- Lake. that included a slipping and slid- military-style dancers. er ‹ tting salute to the amazing long time to come, continuing ing missing; World War III is As the album progresses ing romp through her naughty And then it was on to the Rihanna. this November as they begin the concluding chapter.  e the songs become calmer and single S&M.  e 23-year-old emotional songs, dressed in a their UK tour. concept, which many of the reminiscent of the previous goddess worked her sensuality glamorous  oor-length yellow Kaden Wild LJ Taylor 27 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Music he unwitting darling of British folk music, Laura Marling, question and answer session about her favourite cat or brand of the  oor and let the song do everything. is currently enjoying a love a„ air with her adoring fans - it cigarette could. It’s her voice, the power of her Leonard Cohen- But now, like this album, there is visible progress and a sense seems she can do no wrong, and her ability to be so overtly esque turn in Night A er Night and the constant references to a that Marling is now comfortable with her age and position as the Tpoetic and beautiful without true reveal saw her claim this years’ ‘beast’ crowding the album, that really catches you. Indeed, this voice of folk music in Britain. With roots in America, ‘ e Muse’ Brit award for Best was Marling’s apparent intention. Asked how the album was pro- ‹ nds itself opening a collection of songs that travel through dif- Female Solo Artist. duced, she said: “I’ve got the con‹ dence now, I know what I want ferent emotions in a brave new world. Previous albums took you ‘A Creature I Don’t it to sound like, so before anybody else gets their grubby mits to England on a bitterly cold, o en depressing December but now, Know’ is a self- on it, why don’t I put my stamp on it?”  at much is clear.  e ‘Salinas’ et al provide you with a refreshing change of scenery. prophetic title; it instruments are de‹ nite garnishes to ‘A Creature I Don’t implies, especially the main event - Marling. ‘Such is the power of this album, the disparity Know’ concludes with the given her notority Such is the power of this album, line ‘Now all my rage been as a tentative inter- the disparity between the words and between the words and music is more gone I’d leave my rage to viewee, that we’ll music is more cavernous than ever cavernous than ever before’ the sea and the sun’. For the never truly know before.  e music - the folky so thousands of fans going to who Laura Marling guitar at the end of ‘Night A er Night’ to the jazzy undertones see her on her tour in cathedrals around the country this month, is. in ‘I Was Just A Card’ - could quite easily forge a career as eleva- there is no doubt that for the good of British folk music, Laura’s And yet, lis- tor music whereas ‘Alas I cannot Swim’, her debut album, was an time at the top can’t end here. More rage, please. tening to this al- even balance of gentle words with backing music paying attentive bum, you realise homage to pop. Joe Russell that you don’t re- It’s not just in ‘A Creature I Don’t Know’ that this new-found ally need to know assurance manifests itself. I saw Marling perform at the Cam- who she is. Lines bridge Folk Festival this summer and there was nary a whisper such as ‘I count from the crowd other than the very generous ripple of applause no one, hold no- and respectful sing-a-long. Performing a solo ‘ e Muse’, you body’s ear...I don’t could genuinely hear the noise of nature around you as the audi- stand for the devil’ ence found themselves captured by the illuminating intensity of resonate more than Marling. A criticism o en levelled at Marling was her inability to any super uous look at the crowd while performing, instead preferring to look at

passionate and atmospheric start that certainly gives the cautiousness and inability to dri far from Oasis, this great the album li . Sadly this strong lead is let down by the attempt at a ‹ rst solo album could have been brilliant. But with an- input of what feels like stale, Oasis le overs. ‘Dream On’ other album already announced, a collaboration with Amorphous doesn’t fall far from the tree, somewhat similar to ‘Lyla‘, Androgynous (AKA…  e Future Sound of London) , you should it’s a catchy, repetitive tune described by Noel himself as de‹ nitely watch this space. “pop for pop’s sake”. It is a stark contrast to the following track, ‘If I Had A Gun’, which, making the similarities to Sean Talbot hat would you hope for from a solo album by the true Oasis ever more apparent, sounds mastermind behind one of Britain’s most successful suspiciously similar to ‘Wonderwall’.  is bands? A new direction? A new sound? Or more of slow and powerful entry is certainly lost Wthe (morning) glory days? A er listening to the self titled, ‹ rst between the bland and up-tempo beats of solo album from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds it would seem ’Dream On’ and ’ e Death of You and that Noel himself was unsure Me’, but is none- of which direction to go in. It ‘It comes across both haunted by the past theless a song to comes across both haunted by and yet gi€ ed with new freedom’ listen out for.  e the past and yet gi ed with new new sound and the freedom, but is this not to be expected? A er all, this is Noel’s fresh feel that the album longs for fully music, he’s been writing stu„ like this for best part of 20 years and comes alive with (and follows) ’AKA… it’s what he does best. Still, any fan of Oasis will notice a divide in What A Life!’, which gives you a taste of the album. Many songs would suit (and actually cry out for) Liam’s what can be done without sibling rivalry vocals and would ‹ t right into previous Oasis records, yet others holding you back, and it certainly leaves have a freshness and a brilliance to them that give this solo career you wanting more. If this single is any- great promise. thing to go by, Noel’s solo career will cer-  is album has been brewing for two years now; Noel choos- tainly be high  ying. ing to take a slower approach to his solo debut than the younger However, for now, I’d say Noel has Gallagher brother, and it shows.  e opener is an instant hit, a de‹ nitely took o„ . And If it weren’t for

own style.  ey inject a bit of Northern where the quality dips ever so slightly. ‘Feels Good’ and ‘Love Soul into proceedings (Good For Noth- Song’ are both uno„ ensive songs, but overall they do serve as ing), play about with ELO-esque pi- the ‹ ller. Also, the album can be slightly tricky to listen anos (Killer Sounds) and out-funk to in one sitting, as the quality of individual songs is Prince (Sweat).  ey even get somewhat marred by the fact each track is so mark- techno, with the chaotic anthem edly di„ erent from the last. It’s still Hard-Fi, but not that is ‘Fire in the House’. Ad- as you know them. mittedly it will be (as it always Overall though, this is an album that you real- has been) hard for people ly should buy, if only to restore your faith in to accept this album mainstream guitar bands. Bands such as as anything but the Vaccines, Mona and Viva Brother another o„ ering have been clamouring for your atten- ometimes, it’s easy for a band to pass you by. Black Rebel from a band tion this year, but it can sometimes Motorcycle Club and  e Seahorses slipped past me almost that is always there, but never at cen- take the return of the old guard to unnoticed, and then there was a magical day where I re- tre-stage. However, it would be a dis- make you realise what was good Salised what I’d been missing. Hopefully, today will be that day aster if you were to let this album go about modern indie in the ‹ rst with you (yes, you) unappreciated. My personal favour- place. Sometimes a break of a few and Hard-Fi. I know, I ‘It’s worth persevering with this album, as it’ll of- ite song on years can do the world of good know, slightly patron- the album, for a band, and it seems to have ising to suggest that fer you pleasant rewards for doing so.’ ‘Give it Up’, h a s made all the di„ erence to Hard-Fi. you haven’t heard of shot into my top 25 most played Far from being a band content with making good Hard-Fi (of course you have), but have you really given them a songs on my iPod, mainly due to music that their fans will like, they’ve changed their chance? I mean, really given them a chance? I urge you to do so, me listening to it repeatedly for about 3 days. It’s worth per- direction, and are appealing directly to you to sit up and this album should be what you start with. severing with this album, as it’ll o„ er you pleasant rewards and listen to them. Don’t ignore them. Hard-Fi have torn the rulebook up on this album. Gone are the for doing so. formulaic indie-synth pseudo-anthems that permeated their past  at’s not to say the album is perfect though. With a di„ er- Joe McNally albums, and in are swaggering, con‹ dent songs, each with their ent style emanating from each song, there are a couple of tracks 28 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011

Breakfast AT TIFFANY’S I could hardly believe my eyes when we saw this pic of Lady Gaga. It would seem the meat dresses and lobster headdresses are on hold while she channels an unlikely style hero – Audrey Hepburn. Donning an LBD, long gloves and, most importantly, a whole load of bling, Gaga looked rather amazing. We love this new look on Gaga – her signature quirks are still present, like the leather gloves, bug-eye sunnies and green streaks in her hair, but overall she is giving Audrey Hepburn a run for her money. Breakfast At Tiffany’s anyone?

Beyoncé VS BEYONCÉ Kate Moss for Louis Vuitton ready to wear Spring 2012. Serene, all white, carousel in the background, super cool. The expecting Beyoncé has been lucky enough to represent both the American and UK covers of Harpers Bazaar for the upcoming September issue! Both very different and beautiful. So if there was a Beyoncé inspired war between the UK and US editions of Harper’s Bazaar, who’d win? You may not agree with us but we believe that the UK version (Left) has that extra push! Her outfi t looks nicer and her make up looks fi erce! Tyra would be proud of our Beyo here as she sure is working those eyes! for

Versace for H&M: The Review The collection infl uenced by the East. hits stores Nov. 15, The accessories are pretty fun, but dont go including chunky bracelets expecting it and chokers, sculpted fl ower in the Bangor rings, silk scarves and s t o r e . purses with heavy chain However if handles and palm tree prints. you plan on heading to Moving onto the men’s stuff, you’ll have to be pretty any big city daring to try Viva stores to get and pull off your hands on the menswear a piece of the collection! I La Diva collection you dont think I can bet there could manage MRS PIGGY is going to be it, although IN STYLE a stampede. the more I look With all the news surrounding The collection at the black the long-awaited new movie, will also be and white The Muppets, Miss Piggy is making a v a i l a b l e print outfi t her comeback in a big way! In online, but the more I the November issue of In Style, only limited actually like it. featuring Gwen Stefani on the cover, stock will be Other vibrant the beloved puppet siren puts all allocated to beauties in previous high-fashion centerfolds to the website. the menswear shame with looks by designers like a On to the collection, the bright baroque patterns c o l l e c t i o n feathered fl apper dress by Jason Wu, and sexy body-conscious cuts refl ect the include a tight a romantic LWD (little white dress) by signature of the Versace brand in its palm tree Parabal Gurung, and many more! heyday in the 1980s and ‘90s. The print top and It’s been a whole twelve years since we mixed tropical prints on skintight some leather saw the Muppet crew on the big screen, but pants and minidresses are right on glad biker Miss Piggy is making every effort to steal trend for spring. (Until the weather pants and the show, especially after an impressive 35 warms, shoppers may have to rock buckled boots. years in the entertainment business. In the their Versace for H&M on the dance I will be opting out of the biker clad but magazine, she discusses her relationship fl oor instead of the street.) will certainly opt for the print boxers! with Kermit, her fashion sense, what it was like to fi lm with her old friends, and The collection is a greatest hits Will the collection be as big a seller as Lanvin exactly what she thinks about her co- of sorts, with the slinky black for H&M in 2010 which Seren wrote about? stars Jason Segel and Amy Adams. Not gown with gold hardware Possibly. But Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz’s to mention that all of the looks that repping for Gianni’s famous designs were more forgiving. H&M makes the famous pig models were custom safety pin dress from 1994, clothes for the masses, and not all the masses made for the diva, including strappy made famous by Elizabeth have the bodies for a Versace body-con. leopard pumps by Brian Atwood, gold- Hurley. The collection also plated jewelry by Philip Crangi for Giles features garish print Kaden Wild & Brother, a fl oral belted Suno dress, dresses and cardi’s heavily and sweet Opening Ceremony halter dress with ankle strap heels. October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 29

Discover a new take on autumn dressing and layer up pieces in an assortment of texture and prints- more is more! Pile on Aztec Fashion Tribe prints, blanket capes and faux fur shawls adding textured coat to AW11  nish off the look!

£40

£16

£32

£22 £22

£80 £90

Coat by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti; sweater and skirt by Emilio Pucci; earrings by Versace and Isabel Marant; necklace by Erickson Beamon; ring by Oscar de la Renta. RIVER ISLAND

River Island WhatWere Clutch £25 Heels £65 SWAGGER Dress £35 They JAGGER Thinking? DISLIKE! The usually Seriously what is this?! fashionable but very Swagger Jagger is our brand new Jared Leto, the man that boring Taylor Swift feature! It brings you student style never ages attended the looked vile in this lace from stores in Bangor! You can get Yves Saint Laurent and number at the Rodarte inspired by our fashionable students Givenchy runway show Spring 2012 fashion or you can just go to River Island or during Paris Fashion Week show during Mercedes- TopShop and “Jagger their Swagger!” wearing a string vest. WTF! Benz Fashion Week. Bad Our fi rst fi ttie is Ashleigh Garnett, a Buy some nice clothes with move Swifty! Matches law student at Bangor! She is 22 and all your millions! your personality mind! probably the loudest person on the Seren Team! Check out our shopping trip with Ash! WILD SIDE “I have to suck in my £20 belly because I had a vast amout of doner £38 meat last night!” £18

£10

£45 TopShop River Island Beanie £14 Clutch £25 Wedge Shoe £68 Wedge Shoe £45 Denim £38 £22 Denim £32 Knitwear £28 RIVER ISLAND Top £30 Coat £70 30 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Health & Beauty 4 Speedy Tips for Great Skin After all, you are what you eat... Make up bag must haves...

Max Factor Max Colour Effect Gloss Cube in Sweet Vaseline Cassis £5.99 £2.55

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Purity Skincare Mascara Organic Conditioning £9.99 Cleansing Lotion Not only is porridge a great start to the day £4.99 thanks to the slow release energy it provides, but it’s fantastic for your skin too. Combine it with a strawberry smoothie to help combat unwanted blemishes Revlon Nail Enamel before you’ve even brushed your teeth! in Smokey Canvas Grab some sushi for lunch and you’ll be £6.29 helping your skin, too. Oily fi sh contains essential fatty acids and avocado is rich in vitamin E. Sorted! Radiant skin just in time for that big night out! Bourjois Smile Enhancing Gloss £8.99 Seren Loves... Farewell Lynx... We’ve always loved Simple’s Hello Ladies! Top 3 Kind to Skin Facial Wipes, and thanks to their charitable efforts this November there’s even more of an excuse for us to stock up!

Simple are donating 10p to Macmillan Cancer Support for every pack that they sell of Boss Bottled by Hugo Un Jardin Sur Le D&G 11 La Force Boss these essential face wipes. Toit by Hermès A perfect blend of spice and bourbon that’s perfect Elegant without being A perfect unisex daytime If that isn’t enough of an incentive to buy the for the day or a night out. overpowering and can be fragrance with enough wipes, TOWIE star Lauren Goodger is The driving note of this worn any time - formal identity to make it stand reportedly a big fan. If they can get through all or informal. scent is pimento. Pimento. out. that slap, then they can do anything! Google it. xoxo £29 for 50ml. £55 for 50ml. £38 for 100ml. October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 31 Ashleigh Answers It’s been about 6 weeks since you arrived at the glory that is Bangor University, you feel that you should be completely settled and panic free at this stage, not always the case. So here are 3 main worries or issues that may arise during the ‘settling down’ period which may be at the back of your mind. We are here to help so take a pew, put those young fresh feet of yours up, get a cup of Tetley’s and read on. Have a problem you’d like me to help answer? Whether it’s tips for a successful fi rst date or wondering what the heck that rash on your ‘lady garden’ is; Ashleigh’s always here to help. Just send me an email: [email protected] Deadline Dread. Part Time Jobs. ou’re eight years old, you run like Forest advice centre give free expert, impartial and ou may well be enjoying your new jobless they may even offer you a permanent weekend Gump to get that Screwball ice cream confi dential advice on lots of issues including freedom as a university student but those position, Yey! Yfrom the Ice Cream Van and you fall over studies, accommodation, fi nance, personal is- YCheeky Vimto’s are not going to buy The best places to go for job vacancies are; and scratch your tiny young knee on the an- sues and many more. themselves, well they might do if you’re Megan Jobzone (link on Bangor University website), Job gry, rough concrete and your mum cleans the One idea to help ease the worry of dead- Fox. Centre Plus (jobseekers.direct.gov.uk) and check scratch and makes you better. ‘I want to help fi x lines is to ‘buddy up’. Yes, I know you’re not The kind of jobs available for students at the out local shops websites as a few advertise po- people when I’m older’ you say. twelve but in my experience meeting up with moment in Bangor are retail, bar and waiting- sitions only on their websites. If you want to fi nd So ten years later, you’ve hurled the entire a friend (preferably not in Academi at 11pm on staff and these don’t always require previ- stuff to do in the meantime, then check out the contents of your life up four fl ights of stairs to mid-consumption of a Kryptonite cocktail) in the ous experience meaning you can go straight Students’ Union’s page on volunteering where your shiny new halls room, 6 weeks of lectures library in your free time to go over notes. into them if you haven’t had a job before and there are endless schemes to choose from to in your Nursing degree have passed, you have Another person you can always go to with they will teach you the way. The majority of these get you going and will look great on your CV three essays around your neck and you then any problems or worries you have is your Per- positions are weekends and evenings meaning too! decide you’d would rather be an electrician, sonal Tutor, they are there to help you and can you can still fi t in university work without the worry If your nine pence chicken noodle sandwich bit of a difference. be found in their offi ce or via e-mail if you don’t of it interfering in your studies. Lots of places is satisfying your needs then that’s fi ne (not fi ne The initial truck load of Uni work may be rea- feel comfortable approaching them initially, have temporary jobs over Christmas and sum- for your arteries) but if you want to learn a skill son for your drastic change in occupation, but these are the bodies you should try contact- mer periods which can be ideal for those Aloe like team building or meet new people then a ‘do not fear, the SU are here’, well, the advice ing fi rst. Blacc’s who ‘need a dollar, dollar, dollar is what part-time job or volunteering is where you need centre of the Students’ Union are there on the Visit the Student Union website for more you need’, and if you work your butt off then to hunt. second fl oor in the building next to Ffridd site, details on the advice centre, E-Mail advice- so that’s pretty much ‘here’. You may be hop- [email protected] or call 01248 ing to change course or might just want a few 388015. extra days completing that essay, either way the Dirty Dorms! ou’ve just fi nished a full day of lectures, you haven’t eaten for hours and all you want to do is 1) It may seem easier just to suck it up and clean up their mess, but if you carry on cleaning whack a pizza in the oven and sit reading a magazine in the kitchen, but no, no chance of up after them, they will let you continue to be their slaves so this will be a bad move in the long run. Ythat. Sticky Peach Schnapps stained kitchen chairs, tomato sauce on the fl oor squelched into 2) Try bringing it up in conversation as a joke while there’s a few of you in the room and hope the bottom of your sock and furry coleslaw stinking out the fridge. A nightmare you say? No no, just for your sore, dry, washing-up liquid-ridden hands that they get the hint. another day living with seven newly parent-free students. 3) A tip I used was to wash up your things as soon as you’ve fi nished with them, this saves you Another yellow note perches itself amongst the crusty unwashed dishes; ‘Once again this mess in time when making another meal, makes sure your stuff doesn’t start growing things on them and also unacceptable and I will be back to check tomorrow at 7pm to make sure it is tidied’. You’ll prob- shows your fl atmates that you respect them because they don’t have to eat around your mess. ably be missing out on this joy if you’re lucky enough to have the parents cleaning up after you if 4) And fi nally, if this ridiculousness continues, have a quiet word with your warden the next time you commute. you pass them or give them a call and have an informal chat about it. Explain that it is not your mess How do you solve this? Do you take two hours out of your life to engage in a Monica Gellar from and perhaps they will suggest a little meeting with all your fl atmates to see how things can be sorted Friends style cleaning frenzy? Do you refuse to tidy another’s mess and cook on a festering hob? without causing any rifts. Due to my recent memory of scraping three day old mayonnaise off the kitchen window sill, I am My mother always used to say to me; ‘A clean home is a happy home’, but surely it’s just nice to going to help you! Here are some tips on getting around this kerfuffl e; not skid on spilt bean juice when you arrive home right? Anonymous Letter: Trust I’ve never realised the importance of trust and being aware body. I had no reason not to trust this person and couldn’t help that trust takes years to build and seconds to destroy. Just be until a few months ago. To think that one of the people you con- but blame myself; ‘what if I hadn’t been so trusting’. careful. Yes, university is a chance to let your hair down, get drunk sider a friend and someone in a position of trust, would do some- Then with help from the police and counsellors I came to real- and stumble home in the early hours- but just remember you never thing so serious and frightening, through violence and force. ise that no one has the right to ignore the word ‘No’ at any point. know who is around. Always let someone know where you are and Humans, we are all simple beings. Made of the same stuff and The lesson I have learnt is how important safety is. I always used just always be careful off putting yourself in positions where you deserve a chance to be equal and trusted. But what happens to roll my eyes when people gave me the same lecture, but after are on your own with someone. when a person, a friend, abuses that trust? going through such a frightening assault with someone I consid- The important thing is with the right help I will get through this Trust is a funny emotion. Take something like trust away from ered a friend I now strongly preach the same lesson to you. I and not let him win and will hopefully come out a stronger person, someone and it takes time to rebuild. Someone broke my trust, didn’t tell anyone immediately, but now I have also learnt that but I would never wish it on any of you and urge you to just stay leaving it in pieces and me feeling ashamed and alone. there is always someone to talk to if you or someone you know is aware. The frightening situation I managed to get myself in, led me to in same situation. be held around the neck while someone took advantage of my You never fully know what someone is capable of and it is true Ashleigh xx 32 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011

n a society where video games are quickly becoming the seek to recapture some of the magic the Sonic series has lost by biggest money making industry, GAMEfest was always remaking levels from previous games in both 2D and 3D, and going to be a hit. Hosted by Europe’s largest games re- what we played - the City Escape and Green Hill Zone levels - Itailer, GAME, the event was the ‹ rst of its kind to take place was delightfully nostalgic. on British soil. Delving further into the hall we found some more impres- Seren took the opportunity to attend the event back in Sep- sive technology. A state-of-the-art 3D television showcased tember to get a sneak peek at what you gamers have got to look the remastered HD remakes of Ico and Shadow of the Colos- forward to in the coming months. With exhibitions ranging sus, both of which bene‹ tted hugely from the upgrade.  ese from the highly anticipated Call of Duty MW3 to Rage and two were somewhat overshadowed, however, by what was next Sonic and Mario at the Olympics we were not short of choice. to it; a dramatic display dedicated to Uncharted 3, designed in Arriving in Birmingham on the very ‹ rst day of the event, the image of the plane hull from which Nathan Drake has been to get the ‹ rst pick at all the freebies of course, we were sur- shown hanging from in various trailers for the game. prised at the scale of the festival. It was the ‹ rst time either of Inside there was a disappointing lack of a single-player us had ever attended an event of this kind and had no idea demo; however, the multiplayer we played instead was still what to expect. Of course GAMEfest was never going to be on very good.  ough in many ways similar to its predecessor, it the same scale of the US’ Comic Con or E3 but it was impres- seemed more polished, easier to control. Obviously, Seren won sive nonetheless. the game, ‹ nishing ‹ rst and second.  at’s how we roll. Taking place at the Birmingham NEC the event, which has A variety of interesting-looking Kinect games and a decent already taken o„ in Spain, looks to become a regular appear- demo for the new Goldeneye Wii game followed, before we ance in the diaries of British gamers. moved on to Rayman Origins.  is played similarly to the As we entered the hall, the ‹ rst game on display was a stand classic 2D Rayman from the mid-90s, but it included drop-in/ dedicated to the upcoming Sonic Generations.  is title will drop-out co-op and neat set-pieces that could not have been accomplished on the PS1. We ‹ nished with a playtest of Pro Evolution Soccer 2012, which was as solid as ever, and a look at a variety of ‹ ghting games including Street Fighter X Tekken.  is mish-mash of two time-honoured beat-em-up favourites was very accom- plished, and incredibly sharp graphically. All-in-all GAMEfest exceeded the expectations we had coming in. It showed higher production values than we could have anticipated, particularly the aforementioned Uncharted 3 set, as well as an impressive display for F1 2011 and Assas- sin’s Creed: Revelations. Content-wise it was not lacking either, with all the big upcoming releases represented at the event.  e month of November 2011 has long been shaping up to be one of the most high-quality of this generation, and what we saw at GAMEfest indicates it will not disappoint. The Reveal Trailer: 2-11-11 Matt Cox and LJ Taylor www.rockstargames.com

e followed the pursuits of Altair as he fought the Tem- more with a number of new locations, characters and gameplay plars and rose in the Assassin’s Order.  e adventures modes. of his ancestor, Ezio, took us to historical Italy and Due for release on November 15th, on both Xbox and Play- Whave so far spanned two games and now it’s time for the end.  e station 3 (with a Windows version to come on the 29th), As- end for Ezio at least. sassin’s Creed Revelations comes in a variety of di„ erent Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, the fourth in the series, brings editions.  e Animus edition  aunts an in depth encyclo- together all three protagonists to have spanned the series so far. paedia which spans the entirety of the Assassin’s Creed Desmond’s story in the modern day is continued as he searches universe.  e Collector’s Edition comes complete for even more clues from his ancestors’ past in order to defeat the with a 50 page art book and the Special Edition contemporary Templars. with exclusive artwork and in game downloads. Ezio’s story continues in the Renaissance period as he travels  e fourth instalment of Ubiso ’s award to Instanbul in search of the old Assassin’s stronghold in which winning series promises to wrap up the he discovers is hidden an ancient artefact.  e artefact, it is said, story of Ezio Auditore De Firenze which can ‹ nally end the war between the Assassin’s and the Templar’s. only brings a lot of questions to mind. Sounding familiar? Isn’t that what the Piece of Eden from AC2 Who will be the next assassin we’re and AC: Brotherhood was meant to do? introduced to? What will they Either way fans of the ‹ rst game will be happy to learn that bring to the war with the Tem- Altair, the original’s protagonist, will not only be back in spirit plars? Where in the world but will also be playable for certain memories throughout Revela- will they be ‹ ghting from tions. and when? Expanding on 2010’s Brotherhood, Revelations equips Ezio with a new weapon called a hookblade. With the hookblade, LJ likely designed by Ezio’s good friend Leonardo Da Vinci, the as- sassin can grip his enemies and pull them to him for assassination Taylor or even zipline across the vast expanse of the cities featured in the game. Along with the hookblade Ezio now has a number of bomb’s at his disposal. Multiplayer has become a must have for most games these days in order to increase the replay value and last year’s Brotherhood was the ‹ rst Creed game to feature it.  e multiplayer was imagi- native but sloppy and in all honesty le a lot to be desired. Repeti- tive was a word used to criticise the ‹ rst Assassin’s Creed, Broth- erhood’s multiplayer unfortunately brought it back into play.  e multiplayer in Revelations, however, promises much 32 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 33

n a society where video games are quickly becoming the seek to recapture some of the magic the Sonic series has lost by Steve Jobs: Businessman, Entrepreneur, Inspiration. biggest money making industry, GAMEfest was always remaking levels from previous games in both 2D and 3D, and o many people Steve Jobs is a genius; a creative mogul, a stealing their technology. 1998 saw Jobs unveil the iMac; the ‹ rst personal computer going to be a hit. Hosted by Europe’s largest games re- what we played - the City Escape and Green Hill Zone levels - visionary and an inspiration. However the former Apple Steve Jobs’ next major break came when he decided to pur- to use USB. It also was the ‹ rst Macintosh computer to reject a Itailer, GAME, the event was the ‹ rst of its kind to take place was delightfully nostalgic. CEO and Pixar co-founder sadly passed away on the 5th chase part of Lucas‹ lm’s graphics group as part of his next com-  oppy disk drive and only supported CD-ROMs.  is is where we TOctober. Widely recognised as the creative inventor of the iPod puting adventure, the initial focus for Pixar was to sell the Pixar started to see the new style Steve Jobs releasing more and more on British soil. Delving further into the hall we found some more impres- Seren took the opportunity to attend the event back in Sep- sive technology. A state-of-the-art 3D television showcased and iPhone, Jobs contributed many revolutionary ideas in an al- Image computer to the authorities however this almost put innovative products for apple.  en we all know when Jobs and tember to get a sneak peek at what you gamers have got to look the remastered HD remakes of Ico and Shadow of the Colos- ready saturated market whilst managing to keep Apple the company out of business. It was Jobs’ decision to not Apple hit the big time, global competitor, with those small music forward to in the coming months. With exhibitions ranging sus, both of which bene‹ tted hugely from the upgrade.  ese a forerunner in the computer market; presenting themselves shut down Pixar’s struggling animation studio that eventu- players no bigger than a pack of cigarettes; the iPod.  is saw Jobs from the highly anticipated Call of Duty MW3 to Rage and two were somewhat overshadowed, however, by what was next as the only real contender to Microso and Windows. ally paid o„ though when a deal was struck with Disney, this and Apple launched to the top of the portable music market. Sonic and Mario at the Olympics we were not short of choice. to it; a dramatic display dedicated to Uncharted 3, designed in One thing o en overlooked when talking about the career would ‹ nally realise Pixar’s dreams with a block- Steve Jobs was unfortunately diagnosed with a rare form of Arriving in Birmingham on the very ‹ rst day of the event, the image of the plane hull from which Nathan Drake has been of Job’s is what he did for the way in which in we buster ‹ lm made entirely on computers.  e re- Pancreatic Cancer and this was announced to his employees in to get the ‹ rst pick at all the freebies of course, we were sur- shown hanging from in various trailers for the game. use computers.  e ‹ rst Macintosh (128k) was sult of this deal was Toy Story for which Steve 2004, since then he was forced to take time o„ for medical reasons prised at the scale of the festival. It was the ‹ rst time either of Inside there was a disappointing lack of a single-player the ‹ rst computer to use a mouse as its input Jobs received a credited title of executive producer. before eventually stepping down from his CEO post full time a us had ever attended an event of this kind and had no idea demo; however, the multiplayer we played instead was still device, as well as being the ‹ rst mass market, Jobs decided it was time to take Pixar public fol- mere 6 weeks before his death.  is in itself shows how deter- what to expect. Of course GAMEfest was never going to be on very good.  ough in many ways similar to its predecessor, it commercially successful computer to use a lowing the release of Toy Story, this is a move that mined Steve Jobs was, that he decided to stick to working for one the same scale of the US’ Comic Con or E3 but it was impres- seemed more polished, easier to control. Obviously, Seren won Graphical User Interface as the main way of would cement him not only as a creative genius but of the world’s major digital companies for so long a er being di- sive nonetheless. the game, ‹ nishing ‹ rst and second.  at’s how we roll. navigation; making computing much easier as a serious businessman, whilst he was still a agnosed. Taking place at the Birmingham NEC the event, which has A variety of interesting-looking Kinect games and a decent to be used in the mass market. multi-millionaire the decision to take Pixar Following the announcement of Jobs’ death several high pro‹ le already taken o„ in Spain, looks to become a regular appear- demo for the new Goldeneye Wii game followed, before we Jobs’ time at Apple however was not al- public and renegotiating of pro‹ t distribu- digital age and world leaders took to their twitter to o„ er a trib- ance in the diaries of British gamers. moved on to Rayman Origins.  is played similarly to the ways fun, games and success. In the mid 1980’s tion made jobs a billionaire, and Pixar, well ute to such a great man. Barack Obama said “He transformed our As we entered the hall, the ‹ rst game on display was a stand classic 2D Rayman from the mid-90s, but it included drop-in/ Mac sales were being out done by the Apple II Pixar was now worth millions as opposed to lives, rede‹ ned entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest dedicated to the upcoming Sonic Generations.  is title will drop-out co-op and neat set-pieces that could not have been and sta„ became increasingly frustrated with Jobs the huge debt that had followed it prior to Toy feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the accomplished on the PS1. and his relations with then CEO John Sculley were Story.  is paved the way for new deals with Dis- world.” Bill Gates, Microso founder and once Job’s main market We ‹ nished with a playtest of Pro Evolution Soccer 2012, at an all time low.  is eventually led to Sculley remov- ney. competitor said “Steve and I ‹ rst met nearly 30 years ago, and which was as solid as ever, and a look at a variety of ‹ ghting ing Jobs from his post as head of Macintosh and, 5 months later, 1995’s release of Window’s 95 started the path for Jobs return have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of games including Street Fighter X Tekken.  is mish-mash of the resignation of Steve Jobs followed. In 1995 at the Stanford ad- to Apple, Microso hadn’t quite had the pull of Macintosh before more than half our lives.” He then went on to add “ e world rare- two time-honoured beat-em-up favourites was very accom- dress Jobs described leaving Apple as “the best thing that could then but this easier to use GUI version of Windows was an instant ly sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, plished, and incredibly sharp graphically. have ever happened to him”. hit. Jobs’ NeXTSTEP OS was everything Apple needed and Jobs’ the e„ ects of which will be felt for many generations to come”. All-in-all GAMEfest exceeded the expectations we had Following his departure from Apple Jobs started a new venture himself miraculously managed to convince the Apple giants that coming in. It showed higher production values than we could called NeXT Computers, taking several key ‹ gures from his Mac- it was worth $400 million.  is reunited Steve Jobs with the com- Matt Jackson have anticipated, particularly the aforementioned Uncharted intosh team with him. However once again for Jobs things did pany he le in the 1980s and eventually led the Apple board to 3 set, as well as an impressive display for F1 2011 and Assas- not start particularly well with Apple accusing their co-founder of o„ er Jobs the CEO role once again. sin’s Creed: Revelations. Content-wise it was not lacking either, with all the big upcoming releases represented at the event.  e month of November 2011 has long been shaping up to be one of the most high-quality of this generation, and what we saw at GAMEfest indicates it will not disappoint. Samsung Galaxy Nexus very year, Google release a new Nexus device; the top in previous android phones. The Reveal Trailer: 2-11-11 Matt Cox and LJ Taylor of the range Android phone that sets the standard and www.rockstargames.com Eshows just what they are capable of. Connectivity  is year, Google has partnered with Samsung, and As well as the now standard Wi‹ , they’re taking it seriously. With the iPhone 4S just be- Bluetooth and 3G connectivity, the ing released, they knew they’d have to deliver impres- Galaxy Nexus sports 4G connectivity sively and it looks like they may have pulled it o„ with (Although we don’t have a 4G Net- the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. work in the UK yet) and Near Field With a 720p HD Screen, a 1.2Ghhz Dual core proc- Communication (NFC).  is tech- essor and brand new so ware, this phone has a lot of nology allows you to transfer infor- potential, but how does it stack up? mation quickly over short distances, e followed the pursuits of Altair as he fought the Tem- more with a number of new locations, characters and gameplay Android’s Very sending ‹ les between phones and plars and rose in the Assassin’s Order.  e adventures modes. Display of his ancestor, Ezio, took us to historical Italy and Due for release on November 15th, on both Xbox and Play- even soon being able to replace your  e screen on this phone features a massive 4.65 Whave so far spanned two games and now it’s time for the end.  e station 3 (with a Windows version to come on the 29th), As- credit card with your phone thank to Own Siri inch 720p HD screen, the ‹ rst of its kind in the world, end for Ezio at least. sassin’s Creed Revelations comes in a variety of di„ erent ho are you? upcoming Google Wallet. challenging the iPhone’s retina display for both ac- Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, the fourth in the series, brings editions.  e Animus edition  aunts an in depth encyclo- “I am Iris. Yeah that is Siri in together all three protagonists to have spanned the series so far. paedia which spans the entirety of the Assassin’s Creed curacy and colour. By using an AMOLED display, reverse” replies the new Android So’ ware Desmond’s story in the modern day is continued as he searches universe.  e Collector’s Edition comes complete they are able to provide greater contrast with even Wapp set to rival iPhone’s critically acclaimed  e Galaxy Nexus boasts the lat- for even more clues from his ancestors’ past in order to defeat the with a 50 page art book and the Special Edition less power consumption, meaning better pictures for voice recognition so ware. est version of Android, Ice Cream contemporary Templars. with exclusive artwork and in game downloads. longer Ezio’s story continues in the Renaissance period as he travels  e fourth instalment of Ubiso ’s award Following the release of Apple’s latest Sandwich (ICS) 4.0.  is is the most to Instanbul in search of the old Assassin’s stronghold in which winning series promises to wrap up the  agship phone, the iPhone 4S, and the praise intuitive and advanced version of Speed he discovers is hidden an ancient artefact.  e artefact, it is said, story of Ezio Auditore De Firenze which that they have received for the innovative the so ware yet, allowing for easier  e 1.2Ghz dual-core processor is one of the fastest can ‹ nally end the war between the Assassin’s and the Templar’s. only brings a lot of questions to mind. Siri; a small team of developers at Dexetra multitasking and simpler layouts, as available and can easily handle everything from day to Sounding familiar? Isn’t that what the Piece of Eden from AC2 Who will be the next assassin we’re decided to give it a go too. In just 8 hours the well as completely new features such and AC: Brotherhood was meant to do? introduced to? What will they day tasks to running intense games and programmes. team, who had originally started it as a joke, as supporting facial recognition for Either way fans of the ‹ rst game will be happy to learn that bring to the war with the Tem- had a good layout and voice input had been unlocking your phone. Early reviews Altair, the original’s protagonist, will not only be back in spirit plars? Where in the world Memory added, as had text-to-speech functionalities of this so ware praise it highly and but will also be playable for certain memories throughout Revela- will they be ‹ ghting from  e Galaxy Nexus will come in two  avours, 16GB and what they claim to be ‘a lot of heuristic say it is a huge step from Androids tions. and when? or 32GB.  is should be enough most people’s music Expanding on 2010’s Brotherhood, Revelations equips Ezio humour’. “geeky” past. and photos. Sadly, the phone doesn’t let you expand with a new weapon called a hookblade. With the hookblade,  e application, whose name stands for LJ the memory with an extra memory card. likely designed by Ezio’s good friend Leonardo Da Vinci, the as- Intelligent Rival Imitator of Siri, still needs  is phone clearly stands out as a sassin can grip his enemies and pull them to him for assassination Taylor quite a bit of work to get it up to the same leader in the market and it looks like or even zipline across the vast expanse of the cities featured in Size standard as its Apple counterpart. What the Android has ‹ nally developed to the game. Along with the hookblade Ezio now has a number of Although it has a huge screen, the phone itself is team at Dextera have achieved in so little the point where it not only matches bomb’s at his disposal. slim, squeezing in at only 8.9mm thick, even thinner time, though, is impressive to say the least. iOS devices but actively challenges Multiplayer has become a must have for most games these days than the iPhone. Although not the slimmest phone on Iris is now available on the Android Mar- them. in order to increase the replay value and last year’s Brotherhood the market, it’s still more than slim enough for your was the ‹ rst Creed game to feature it.  e multiplayer was imagi- ket as an early alpha release and will no doubt It may not be the very fastest or pockets. It’s also one of the lightest high end smart native but sloppy and in all honesty le a lot to be desired. Repeti- soon be receiving a number of updates. the slimmest Android phone, but for phones on the market, weighing in at only 135g tive was a word used to criticise the ‹ rst Assassin’s Creed, Broth- Will this free (at the moment at least) app a pure Android experience, with fast erhood’s multiplayer unfortunately brought it back into play. provide Android with just what they need to updates and all round features, this is  e multiplayer in Revelations, however, promises much Camera stop the iPhone 4S dominating the mobile a great device and for early adopters  e 5MP camera on this phone isn’t the best on the market? Only time will tell. it is very tempting. market, but will shoot 1080p High De‹ nition video LJ Taylor and has scored well in early reviews of the device.  is is particularly good as it was an area that was lacking Will Osborn 34 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Travel Students’ Summer’s We look at what you guys have been up to this summer Scotland - Walk About he physiognomy of the Scottish the Roseleaf cocktail bar, which serves history lesson from the mannequins in including radio, natural history and Glasgow’s answer to the Underground, capital is not only very beauti- cocktails in teapots and jam jars (sic!).  e Royal Palace, where Mary, Queen the popularity of country and western the Subway, is a very clean and eª cient ful but also highly atmospheric; Edinburgh Castle is built on the of Scots gave birth to her son, James, music in Scotland.  e artefacts are so mode of transport. Tthe décor of the main site of an extinct volcano. in 1556. diverse; the range of the artefacts is just Getting there: Direct train lines street, Prince’s Street, is Entry for students is £15  e peak that is Arthur’s seat is to as breathtaking as the very form they from Crewe and London Euston, both extremely ornate and ba- or £11.20 o„ -peak. At its be found in the Holyrood Park area. If take.  e displays are also not afraid to to Glasgow Central. roque.  e town clock, summit, you can see all the weather permits (and that’s a BIG confront very sensitive issues such as Rosie MacLeod the gilded tops of build- over Edinburgh and enjoy ‘if’ in Scotland!), it makes for a relax- sectarianism and domestic violence in ings and statues would the breathtaking views. ing day’s climbing; steady slopes and Scotland. ‹ t in perfectly in Vienna You can get lost in Scot- lush grass. Climb as much or as little  ere are some great and reason- or York. St Giles Cathe- tish history by looking at as you like; you will still be able to gain ably priced places to go out in dral, near the castle, is the Honours of Scotland, a beautiful Edinburgh view so take a Glasgae (sic!).  is city is the home to some beauti- if your eyes can actually fully charged camera. home of the tallest Cineworld ful artwork and stained focus on the ‹ ercely glint- Getting there: Edinburgh Direct in Europe, (it has three [yes, glass windows.  e Uni- ing gold and jewels of the train lines from Manchester Picca- three] escalators), a must for all versity area is, too, very swords and crowns.  ere dilly, Crewe and London King’s X. All ‹ lm bu„ s!  e restaurant DiM- picturesque and de‹ - is a poignant yet mesmer- train lines will call at both Edinburgh aggio’s, named a er the baseball nitely worth a visit.  is isingly beautiful war me- Haymarket and Edinburgh Waverly player himself, is very popular city is the site of many morial in the castle to all stations. Edinburgh Waverly is the fur- with students. stylish yet a„ ordable the Scots who died in both ther of the two by a matter of minutes. Buchanan Street boasts the cocktail, music and wine bars, not least World Wars and the One It is far more central and will exits onto statue of Donald Dewar (ap- in the Lothian Street area, which also o’clock gun is ‹ red every day (except the main area of Princes Street, parently wearing a pair of Len- has some top music venues. Leith, on Sundays). You can take a moment of Glasgow.  e Kelvin Centre is a free nons!) and many a TARDIS, I the outskirts of Edinburgh, is home to peace in St Margaret’s Chapel before museum next to Glasgow University mean police box. Although you enjoying a with displays on all manner of topics, cannot travel in the police boxes, Australia - Working Abroad to the slopes we were immediately sent and early I set o„ to the meeting point out there! I could ski every day, push to meet the head of Perisher, who gave where we were given our groups who myself as a teacher and a skier, and try us a welcome talk and instructions for we were teaching for the week. I was things I have never done before. One of the season. We were then sent o„ to get given a school group of all beginners these was to do a 180 ° twist in the air, t i o n our uniform, which felt great to be in! who had travelled down from Sydney. land backwards and not fall over. But I with the ski school I was due to start work on the Sunday  ey were a mixed group between 13- came across a problem. As an instruc- I started to get excited and plan my which gave me a few days to settle in 16 years old. My entire group seemed tor if you ever got caught falling over spent this summer working as a ski whole trip. and get to know the slopes a bit before pretty nervous, but then again so was you had to pay a one dollar ‹ ne into the instructor in Perisher Valley, Aus- I A er a twenty-three hour  ight I teaching. I. However when the week was up we ‘idiot’ box, which went straight to the tralia. (Yes there is snow in Australia!) arrived in Sydney. I had a few days in So on Sunday morning bright were all very close and I was very proud sta„ party. So a er about ‹  y dollars I had the most amazing time there, and the city to explore and re-live some of of the progress they had made. later, and few bruises I landed my jump met the most amazing people. my memories that I have as a child, I feel that my most memorable and ‹ nished the season on a high. Before I could go anywhere I ‹ rst (I spent a great deal of my childhood group, other than my ‹ rst group of the I do not have one bad word to say needed to get a work visa.  e applica- growing up there). It was also a great season was a small group of 6 year olds about my experience working abroad tion process is fairly simple online, but opportunity for me to meet some of who knew no fear.  ey were all so cute as I loved every minute of it! So if you it can be a lengthy process. If you are the other ski/snowboard instructors and I loved every second of teaching ever get the chance to work aboard I planning on working abroad make sure that I would be travelling down to them. When teaching younger children would say de‹ nately take it, you will you look into the work visas with plenty Perisher with. All were around the I got to become a child myself again, al- have the best time of your life, or I can of time as you may need to supply evi- same age and as equally excited.  ese ways the best excuse! guarantee you will be saying “what if” dence of who you are and what you are people have now become my lifelong Other perks to being a ski instructor the rest of your life. planning on doing. However once I had friends. is the lifestyle. I had such a fast paced, secured my visa, and was o„ ered a posi- Rowena Nathan So a er a 4 hour coach ride down relaxing, best three months of my life Lyon - Learning a New Language his August I spent four weeks in last year’s 3rd loan instalment and two considered the food capital of the coun- usually Lyon on what was part French month’s wages to a„ ord the cost of my try – having many signature dishes full of language course; part ultimate course, accommodation, and spend- and many incredible, and reasonably p e o p l e Tholiday.  at’s not to say that the lan- ing) it was entirely worth it.  e course priced, restaurants in “Old Lyon.” It was d r i n k - guage learning wasn’t fun, nor that go- (with ESL), taught in a beautiful old the home of the Lumière brothers, two i n g , ing to an international school in the building between the Rhône (one of of cinema’s great innovators, and one of t a l k - on the middle of a fantastic cosmopolitan Lyon’s two magni‹ cent rivers) and the Lyon’s many museums, which happens ing, and river), cheap beer, old books, great ice city didn’t create ample opportunity city centre, was both incredibly well to be in their grand house, documents generally enjoying the night, and look cream, and the latest fashions. to be eternally occupied. Obviously taught and excellent fun. Of course, you their life and work. As well as the Lu- across the river to the beautifully lit city. For the football inclined, Olympique for me the educational side of the trip may have absolutely no interest in tak- mière musem there are a number of Drinks are admittedly quite expensive Lyonnais are frequent high  yers in was the primary reason I went to Lyon ing a French course as a holiday and if other excellent museums, perhaps the (between 4€ & 6€) in the bars but as you both France’s own football league and in the ‹ rst place and although expen- that’s the case you can ignore the previ- most interesting of which is the Roman can buy 26 bottles of beer for 10€ in the the Champion’s League. For 15€ you sive (it cost me ous paragraph. amphitheatre on which construction supermarket it’s usually pretty easy to can get a ticket for any of their home With that ignored, Lyon is still one began in 15BC.  ere’s also the Basil- cope. As well as those on the river there games and experience good football, a of the most exciting cities I’ve ever been ica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, built are a number of great bars in the city great atmosphere, and Lyon’s famous to. Being just small enough for every- high up on the hill overlooking the city, centre, each with its own distinct party Stade de Gerland. thing to be in walking distance yet with this incredibly beautiful building has atmosphere – Cosmopolitan, a New Getting to Lyon is fairly cheap and a metro system so excellent (punctual, a fascinating history and is also a key York themed bar, does a euro a drink very easy. Most of the UK’s budget clean, and 25€ a month for a student) location to Lyon’s Festival of the Lights night on a Monday, featuring great mu- airlines  y to Lyon and once there the that should you be feeling particularly every December 8th. sic, and many, many people dancing Rhône express drops you right in the lazy you can always get anywhere you If you’re looking more for a party at- on any elevated surface. Lyon features city and right by the metro station for want in no time at all. mosphere then Lyon still has plenty to a great number of shops and markets less than 15€. Lyon is famous for many things: as o„ er. Many of the best bars are boats on to spend hours hunting for fresh food, well as being France’s second city it’s the Rhône, docked against a grassy bank original art (at the weekly artist market Tom Knott October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 35 Travel Gone in 60 minutes Each issue I will be travelling to a place within one hour from Bangor and telling you the places you must visit before you leave this city! s I am now in my third year at Ban- you will be able to reach the top, or it unusually clear weather conditions. views looking down Llanberis Pass So before you leave Bangor I would gor, I feel that this is my ‹ nal chance will be a steep climb to the summit. But one great fact is that the ‹ rst snacks are no less than spectacular and the highly recommend that you make the to go out and explore what is on our  e whole trip on the train will last were sold on Snowdon in 1838, see you views from the train as you are carried journey up Snowdon. If you want to Adoorstep. two and a half hours. One hour up and wouldn’t get that if you walked! along a ridge to the Summit are truly ‘cheat’ like I did, a return ticket will I chose to come to Bangor because another back, with thirty minutes at the On this particular day that we trav- breathtaking. You will have one of the cost £25pp. However if you would like of its beauty and stunning surround- stop to soak up the majestic views the elled up Snowdon it was a clear sunny world’s most spectacular panoramas at to join the millions who have walked ings, and yet I have not gone out and Snowdonia range has to of- day, perfect conditions to the your feet. On to the summit, seen any of this. So in my ‹ nal year I am fer.  is time, looking journey. On the way up very clear days then there are six planning on going to see the best sites back,  ew by. On the on the train you will at the Sum- di„ erent paths around Bangor that you have to see be- journey up there pass the 1/4 mark mit you can you can take. For fore you leave. was a commen- loop in the track at see as far as more information I will be starting my travels with the tary with some Hebron. At this the Wicklow on that, go to the most obvious one, Mt Snowdon. In my i n t e r e s t i n g point you will Mountains in Snowdon web page three years here I have never been up facts about the be able to see a Ireland and where there is a lot and seen the views from the summit. So small the Isle of of advice given on when an opportunity arose to head to Man. ‘choosing the right the summit I took it. You are route for you’. Or if I was booked onto the 12pm train, now at the you want, why not (yes, ok, so I never walked up it, I took summit of check out Bangor’s the train).  e train started in Llanberis mountain range, r u - Snowdon.  e Walking Club, who and pushed up the hill with a rear coal and Snowdon it- ined Chapel at cafe at the top walk up Snowdon powered engine. I was pretty excited by self.  ere were Hebron which provides relief for the walkers who have and many other mountains in the sur- this point and eager to see what I had also some held its last successfully made it. However the train rounding area. been missing out on. Now during some rather awful service in cannot take you completely to the sum- Top Fact:  e Welsh name for Snow- months of the year the train cannot jokes. One the 1950’s. mit, so most people will disembark the donia, means “Land of Eagles”. travel to of which Its name train to walk the very short distance the sum- consisted o„ the conductor saying still lives on. You will also pass the to the summit which, on this particu- Rowena Nathan mit - it “We o en get asked how many peo- majestic waterfall, which is a beautiful larly clear day, held some unbelievable must stop ple fall of the mountain? Well nor- sight to see. As you then head further views, including someone proposing! half due to mally we ‹ nd it is just the once.” A up the mountain you will begin to see the snow ripple of laughter ‹ lled the carriage the mountain in all of its glory. on the I was in, however my parents (this is You will next reach the half way tracks, so why I couldn’t walk up, I went with point. At the half way point on the if you are my parents) and I weren’t overall im- mountain your train will move into pl an n i ng pressed with this particular one. the second loop in the track and this is on going However the majority of the com- where steam locomotives will take on up by train mentary was good, for example did water.  ere are three passing points on make sure you know that Snowdon is the oldest the mountain in addition to one each at you know mountain in Wales and that in the- Llanberis and at the Summit.  e jour- ory on a ney between each loop takes approxi- very clear mately 15 minutes. A er this brief stop, day you the train will make its ‹ nal ascent up Snowdon can see the the steep Rocky Valley.  is is where, if bottom of you were walking, it would be the most Scotland diª cult part of your journey. 144 miles Beyond halfway rises the black vol- away in canic rock face of Clogwyn du’r Arddu. the dis-  e Station at Clogwyn is the termina- t a n c e . tion point prior to the Summit opening. However From March to the end of April trains this will will normally stop at Clogwyn due to Setting off for summit of Mt Snowdon, with some unbelievably r e q u i r e the snow on the upper mountain.  e amazing views along the way! But yes it was absolutely freezing up there, so please ignore my face! This issue of Seren has Around the made it to... world with Connah’s Quay or the new issue of Seren we have de- but set a bench mark with 58.3 miles for the 58.3 miles away from cided to set a to you, the readers of our next issue. I travelled to Connahs Quay, North Bangor! newspaper, a challenge. Wales. FAs you already may be able to see we want  e small town is just over an hour drive to see how far we can get Seren away from Ban- away from Bangor. It is the largest town in gor. So no matter where you are travelling to Flintshire, North Wales, lying on the river Dee take a copy of Seren, your camera, some mates and near the border of England. It can be ac- and join in. So even if you’re going up the road cessed by road from the A550, by rail from the WIN! to the cinema or travelling back home to Scot- nearby Shotton station and also lies on the Na- If you become the person who takes Seren land, we want you to take Seren with you! It tional Cycle Network Route 5. furthest ‘Around the World’, then you will win can be just you, or with your mates, but make It is situated near the region’s industrial cen- a fantastic meal for 2 at a selected restaurant sure there is a sign or something in the back- tre, Deeside Industrial Park.  e major part of in Bangor, including a bottle of wine! ground to indicate where you are. Corus Steelworks lies on the town’s border on Once you have then taken your pic- the north bank of the River Dee. Wepre Woods, ture send it to us here at Seren, with your an ancient woodland in the town, is controlled All entries made will automatically be entered into name, location and why you are there to: by Flintshire County Council’s Ranger Service the draw.  e winner will be announced via email a er [email protected] and includes Ewloe Castle which dates from the ‹ nal Seren of the year! So get going, and see how  is issue I have travelled not too far away, the 13th century. far we can get Seren ‘Around the World!’ 36 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 We’re Going To Need A Bigger Boat! Carrier Costs Why Jaws is more scared of us than we are of it. here has been a smattering of stories evolve over millions of years because they’re this summer of “killer sharks” attack- so e„ ectively designed, so why do we think ing holiday goers around the world. we own the oceans? Sharks should be ad- T(I’d like to point out that the word “killer” is mired and thriving, doing a good job of ags have been a big concern to environ- the bags from where they are stored and some are unnecessary in describing any carnivore as it keeping ‹ sh stocks healthy, but they’re being mentalists for a while now with the amount even pulling old ones out of the bag recycling bins is necessary for their survival and something slaughtered (much like their food supply) people were using. Major stores around that the store provides. of a tautology.) Oh what could be causing at an astonishing rate, mostly for shark ‹ n Bthe country have been charging a small price for “What about China?” Asks Seren’s very own these attacks?  e idea that large, wild ani- soup. For every human killed by a shark we stronger, longer lasting carrier bags for a number of Features Editor, Rosie McLeod, “For poorer coun- mals might kill something for food in their kill 8,571,428 sharks in return. It’s like that years and, recently, their use has become increas- tries such as China the lower demand for bags will own environment – which even includes our scene in Jaws where the whole of Amity Is- ingly encouraged. result in higher rates of unemployment.” holiday beaches! – is apparently unimagina- land gets on boats and starts stabbing at the In a further attempt to increase the amount of Some larger retailers have somehow managed to ble.  ese tragic occurrences are sadly pre- ocean, but on a mind-blowing scale. How- bags re-used the Welsh Assembly passed a law that evade the charge up until now. Zara, the clothing dictable. We over‹ sh the oceans to the point ever this isn’t some 1970s gore  ick; the ma- means that all retailers in the country must charge brand, was not charging for bags in their Cardi„ of no return (removing the natural food sup- jority of sharks are killed for their immensely at least 5p per bag, with all proceeds going to char- store as of October 23rd. Whether they have found ply); animal carcasses are thrown from ships pro‹ table ‹ ns. ity. a loophole or they are willing to take the conse- near busy beaches (because it’s just easier for It must be said, most animals don’t get  e motion came into e„ ect on October 1st and quences, they are a sign that not everyone is willing us that way); we don’t think to ‹ nd out what’s an especially fair deal out of meat produc- has been received with mixed responses. “I think to conform to the new law. in the water where we are (because who’s go- tion but I would say sharks have it pretty it’s a great idea, we’ve got to start somewhere.” Said  is decision isn’t about pro‹ t making at least, ing to deter lucrative tourists with a sign say- bad comparatively speaking.  eir ‹ ns are one Bangor University student on the changes. but about the environment. Due to their once dis- ing “Warning: sharks”?) cut o„ as soon as they are landed and, still It seems that a lot of people do seem happy with posable nature the plastic bag has become a huge Speaking of informing the public: Do you alive, they are thrown back into the ocean the charge, understanding the reasoning behind it environmental mess. As it is well known, plastic know there are sharks in the Menai Strait? to drown in the sea they are designed domi- and happy to pay just 5p if they need to. Of course does not degrade for thousands of years and the Not always, but they’re de‹ nitely around. nate. Without their ‹ ns they can’t swim to it’s not everyone’s opinion. Since the charges have process by which they are made is highly toxic. It is  ey likely won’t be too interested in you if get water  owing through their gills and they been implemented Asda, Llangefni have reported a good, albeit slightly naïve, sign then that studies you go for a dip though. We also have the sec- drown. It takes a number of years for sharks that they had forty baskets stolen by customers show that this new measure should cut the use of ond largest shark in the world in our waters. to mature to reproductive ages and they can- who could simply not be bothered to pay for a bag bags in Wales by 90%. Basking sharks more than 40 feet long have not compete with the rate at which they are or bring in their own.  is has resulted in security Another pro is that most retailers will be donat- been seen in Europe, although not recently; being ‹ shed.  e ecological impact of over- tags being put on all the baskets in the store causing ing the pro‹ ts from bags to charities of their choos- but again, they won’t consider you appetising ‹ shing, ‹ nning, and human in uence (both even more problems. ing. Whilst the Welsh Assembly have not stated either.  ere is a real ignorance about sharks industrial and holiday) on our oceans (and  e self-scan tills at the store are also struggling that retailers must donate they have suggested it is among the seaside-loving public; this leads on the public’s perception of sharks) mean with the new practice. To ensure that customers what they’d prefer. to both frightening holiday encounters and that one of the Earth’s greatest engineering pay for their bags the sta„ are having to provide It may only be a tiny step but it does seem to be a the depressing abuse of shark populations. feats may simply be pushed to extinction. them upon request and verify them rather than the step towards helping the environment but whether Sharks are fascinatingly well evolved. To ‹ nd out more you can head to shark- customer being able to just pick up a bag and scan it will work however is yet to be seen.  e bizarre sawshark has existed since the trust.org. it themselves. A number of customers are taking Jurassic period. Sharks have barely had to

o Impact Man is the story of Colin Bea- has decided to take a reusable jar to Starbucks possible, what is comfortable and what you can they rush to and from places. van’s year-long experiment to have no instead of getting a paper cup.  e baristas may honestly expect people to do.  is book is easy going. It’s not full of statis- negative impact on the environment. laugh at him but sometimes they give him free Some of my favourite parts of this book are tics or banal details of daily routine. His stories of N at is, he, his wife and two year old don’t use co„ ee for it. when he talks about his family. His two year old his wife Michelle’s work scooter and his oblivious any transport that isn’t self-propelled, they don’t Beavan explores the idea of the “good life” and daughter cries when it’s raining and he’s carrying and gung-ho daughter are genuinely interesting, use electricity and they create no waste; not even whether you can have it (whatever it is) at the her home under an umbrella. He feels a crush- funny and touching to read. toilet paper. Yes that’s right, no s a m e ing guilt because he can’t get a taxi and keep his I thought I lived a fairly ecofriendly life be- toilet paper! t i m e daughter from b e i n g fore reading No Impact Man but it’s inspired me  is isn’t a gruesome step by as hav- rained on. He to strive for something bet- step guide to how to have your ing no soon realizes ter because it’s possible and a friends avoid you and your bath- n e g a - she wants to be challenge and totally worth it. room habits, nor is it the preachy t i v e rained on and is If you’re proud of riding your guilt tripping clip round the ear impact crying because bike to work, your turtle bags that I half expected it to be.  e on the she doesn’t want or your eª cient recycling you truth is that this book is really planet. the umbrella have to read this book! heartwarming. Beavan doesn’t H e up. He stops know that much about the envi- f i n d s and lets her Georgia Mannion ronment when he starts this mis- t h e splash around sion, other than that he is worried b a l - in puddles and about the polar bears.  at’s the a n c e they laugh and real hook. He’s honest and at ‹ rst f o r get soaked he bumbles around wondering h i m - through while what the hell he’s gotten himself self but people rush WIN! into. His writing style is almost admits past with In the book, Colin’s family conversational in the way he talks it is n e w s p a - can only buy second hand about his exploits, not skimming differ- pers on their things or get them from Freecycle. What’s your best over the rather embarrassing de- ent for heads, jump- 2nd hand ‹ nd? Email your tails but also looking back with every- ing into yel- story to [email protected]. reassuring wisdom about the what happened in one. You might think you can’t live without mak- low cabs.  is, ac.uk and the best will win the end. ing at least some rubbish, but have you ever tried? he claims, is a copy of No Impact Man. He’s not smug or a know it all. He’s like you and Do you even want to?  is is the whole point of the life peo- Good luck! me but he’s in the middle of New York City and his experiment; to push the boundaries of what is ple miss when RECYCLE ME! Seren is made from 100% recycled paper so get in on the action and recycle me when you are done! October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 37 Sport NEW ZEALAND END 24-YEAR WAIT FOR WORLD CUP Rob Young but I wasn’t,” said Welsh winger Shane tralia provided the closest contest in opment of second and third tier rugby ally going on to ‹ nish the tournament Williams. the quarter ‹ nal stage, with a typi- nations has closed the gap considerably in fourth place behind Australia while he knockout stages of the Rug- England’s matchup against France cally physical Springbok side being between the top  ight and lower levels France prepared for a ‹ nal against by World Cup 2011 began in went less well for Martin Johnson’s dominated at the breakdown by the of international rugby. hosts New Zealand. Wellington, New Zealand, be- team, whose campaign has been Wallabies with  anker David Pocock’s New Zealand went on to beat Aus-  e ‹ nal at Eden Park was an almost Ttween an Ireland side with a sporadic marred by well publicised (and o en contribution in particular leading to an tralia 20 – 6, the hosts dominating the exact duplicate of the inaugural Rugby run of form and a Wales side that had exaggerated) antics o„ -‹ eld, with un- early exit for the winners of the 1995 Australian team in all aspects of World Cup ‹ nal in 1987, from the par- been steadily improving and 2007 tournament the game with Australian  y- ticipants to the stadium, even down to throughout the tourna- “France’s 9 – 8 victory over Wales was marred winners, mean- half Quade Cooper seem- the result.  e tournament favourites ment. by the controversial sending o‘ of the Wales ing that no team ingly unable to settle into didn’t have the easiest time of it how- Buoyed by a victory captain Sam Warburton in the 18th minute” has yet won the his rhythm. France’s 9 – ever, with an obstinate French defence over Australia in the pool Webb-Ellis trophy 8 victory over Wales and several probing runs threatening stages, Ireland entered the knockout in consecutive tour- was marred by the to prevent the All Blacks from end- stages with con‹ dence. A youthful forced errors and the untried combi- naments. controversial send- ing a remarkable 24 year long wait Wales side proved too much for them nation of Jonny Wilkinson and Toby  e last quarter ‹ nal saw the ing o„ of the Wales for the Webb-Ellis trophy. Denied the in their quarter ‹ nal matchup however, Flood at Fly-Half and Centre respec- end of the Argentina’s campaign captain Sam Warburton in opportunity to play their usual free- when Warren Gatland’s team stormed tively landing the team on an early at the hands of the favourites the 18th minute. Wales contin-  owing game, an under-strength All their way to a 22 – 10 victory and their  ight back home while Marc Lièvre- New Zealand, though the ued heroically for the rest of the Blacks side ground out a 8 – 7 victory ‹ rst semi-‹ nal in 24 years. “Some peo- mont’s France deservedly progressed to Argentinean contribution match but were unable to breach over France, running out the clock in the semi-‹ nals. to the RWC 2011 has the French defence and missed the last ‹ ve minutes of play to win the ple thought I was being funny when I ‰ e Webb Ellis Trophy South Africa’s ‹ xture against Aus- shown that the devel- several crucial kicks, eventu- RWC 2011. said that we were coming here to win it, stayed in New Zealand DRAMATIC DERBY DAY AS UNITED AND CHELSEA SUFFER  omas Knott his antics; ‹ reworks in the bathroom ed to showcase plenty of aggression for the ball. for the ‹ rst one and two excellent goals and passion; one they did not expect  e prob- nce the last day of the Premier providing the catalyst for United’s un- to feature 2 red cards, a penalty, and lem with the League season rolls in May expected downfall. It wasn’t all Balotel- some incredibly suspect refereeing. It penalty for the footballing world will li’s show though; United’s own defence was de‹ nitely a game of two halves: most was not Oprobably still be looking back on this also played a starring role. Jonny Evan’s  e ‹ rst 45 minutes were QPR’s for the the decision Sunday as one of the most dramatic was sent o„ shortly a er the restart taking with 10th minute penalty giving to give it – days this term. Old Tra„ ord hosted for a silly challenge on (who else, but) them the lead and Chelsea being down the unneces- its second shock result of the season, Mario Balotelli as he got through on to nine men by the end of the half. sary shove the ‹ rst being United’s 8-2 thrashing goal. With that it only went from bad Come the 90th minute Lo us Road in the back of Arsenal.  is time saw Ferguson’s to worse for United as they hit the self- should have been dreamland, but as it from Luiz men on the wrong side of a battering, destruct button, forever throwing play- was Chelsea’s nine men took the game was prob- going down 1-6 to local and title rivals ers forward against a playing at their by the horns. Despite running out de- ably deserv- Manchester City. A team featuring the unstoppable best. feated by Helguson’s ‹ rst half goal it ing – what ever perfectly timed Mario Balotelli  e defeat leaves United ‹ ve points seemed as though they were going to irked many who this week has set both his house behind City at the top of the table and take all three points as a valiant per- however was and the city of Manchester alight with although it’s still early days there’s no formance was topped o„ with a beauti- Foy’s incon- Drogba is dismissed for his two-footed lunge on Taarabt doubt about ful  owing move culminating in David sistency in who’s staked Luiz’s bicycle kick being de ected over the opposing sion, blaming Villa-Boas’ age for his the ‹ rst the bar by an unlucky Frank Lampard. box as David Luiz and Frank Lampard comments against Foy. claim. Referee Chris Foy had some very both felt that they should have been QPR did incredibly well, holding F u r - big decisions to make, and whilst it can awarded penalties for being hauled on until the bitter end to for three ther south be argued he got them right, it was his down. points few would have expected them in London inconsistency that had Chelsea man- Come the ‹ nal whistle in a derby to take. But it was nine man Chelsea, there was the age Villas-Boas furious at the ‹ nal hotly contested by both teams, Chelsea who put in the shi of the weekend Chelsea vs whistle. Didier Drogba’s red card was had received 7 yellow cards to follow and earned their pride if nothing else. QPR derby. undoubtedly the right call as the Ivory the 2 red, whilst QPR had received just It’s unfortunate that the headlines and A game peo- Coast international  ew in two footed 2 yellow cards for their troubles.  e talking points will all be focused on the ple expected against QPR’s Taarabt.  e others how- post match interviews were equally in- red cards, the penalty, and the unex- to be heated ever, were less clear-cut; Bosingwa saw teresting as Villas-Boas slammed Foy, pected result. Villas-Boas will ‹ nd out and enter- red as the last man for dragging down perhaps fairly, for his inability to keep on Wednesday whether the FA have taining; one Wright-Phillips although it did seem control of the game, and Neil Warnock charged him for misconduct for his United’s De Gea can only watch as the City fans celebrate they expect- to be 50/50 as both players fought displayed some managerial tunnel vi- comments a er the game. UNLUCKY FOR SOME: EURO 2012 Joe Horne QUALIFYING DRAWS TO A CLOSE England gained automatic quali‹ ca- Scotland’s faint hopes of a Euro 2012 Nigel Worthington saw ‹ t to call Victory over third-placed Armenia A er winning three of their last four tion to next summer’s European Cham- playo„ place were dashed in a 3-1 away time on his management of Northern has ensured Ireland a playo„ spot for competitive games, Wales’ future looks pionship with a characteristically nervy defeat to Spain, with the Czech Re- Ireland following their poor qualify- Euro 2012.  eir chances of automatic bright once again under manager Gary ending to their qualifying campaign. public picking up second place ing campaign. Poor results against quali‹ cation were damaged by two Speed, Wales have now jumped to 45th Despite l e t t i n g in their group. It Estonia and two defeats to d r a w s w i t h in the FIFA w o r l d a two goal lead wasn’t a nega- Serbia put paid to their S l o v a - k i a , r a n k - ings - a s l i p to draw t i v e c a m - c h a n c e s of quali‹ - though w i t h consider- a b l e 2-2 in M o n - p aig n, cation – a far Russia goi ng a c h i e v e - m e n t t e n e - gro they d e - s p i t e c r y f r o m through a s c o n s i d - e r i n g s e a l e d t h e i r s o m e o d d t h e i r heroic g r o u p w i n - their be- ing an place in Poland & forma- t i o n s , 2008 cam- paign in ners, sec- ond is a e m b a r - rassing Ukraine, f i n i s h i n g and com- ing up which they beat eventual more than respectable 1 1 7 t h b a c k unbeaten at the top of Group against the world cham- winners Spain 3-2. Two wins ‹ nish for the team unlucky in August. W i t h G. Pre-emptive crisis talks have already pions need three points is a big ask. from ten games this time around how- to miss the World Cup. Ireland face Es- promising young talent coming good begun however, as Wayne Rooney takes  e Scots will rue a number of missed ever, means Worthington’s resignation tonia in a two legged ‹ xture, with the within an already fair squad, the Welsh a three game ban to the tournament. chances throughout their shaky cam- leaves them looking for a replacement games taking place on the 11th and fans will await the World Cup quali- Whether he boards the plane or not is paign. Scotland play Wales in the up- that can make a better attempt at quali- 15th of November. A ‹ rst international fying campaign, where they will face yet to be decided despite the expected coming World Cup quali‹ ers next year. ‹ cation for the 2014 World Cup. tournament for ten years beckons for Scotland, with newfound and entirely national debate. Giovanni Trapattoni’s men. justi‹ ed optimism. 38 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk October Issue 2011 Sport Football Fans Ayre Œ eir Grievances Amid Slew Of Proposed Changes To English Football Matt Cox sickeningly self-serving; put forward Lewis is wearing knuckledusters. In rejection of the idea by the footballing still tended to undervalue players. For solely because of personal bitterness this case, it doesn’t really matter how community is probably what forced instance, Tottenham’s purchase of John Suggested changes to the Premier that they have been supplanted at the many steroids the local guy takes. All such rigorous denials by the foreign- Bostock was marred in controversy. League setup have been met with top of English football by the money of it does is help him take the punches a owned clubs involved, but it will sur- One of Crystal Palace’s most promis- anger from fans and managers alike. Chelsea, Man City and to some extent little better. face again, maybe in one year, maybe in ing youth prospects in years, Bostock t seems all at once football reached Man Utd, and fueled by a desire to “‹ x” Alright, so it’s pretty grim in either ten or twenty. was valued (a er various add-ons and the twisted future that every fan things.  is plan would certainly give case, but at least right now there’s still a You can see the logic; look at Ameri- clauses) at around £4m by Crystal Pal- dreaded.First, Liverpool Chief Ex- them the money to compete - it’s surely chance for change. Knuckleduster Len- ca’s system.  e NFL, essentially a league ace.  e tribunal set the fee at a mere Iecutive Ian Ayre said he wants Premier no coincidence that Liverpool would nox turns the entire thing into a dull, of superteams, is almost sustainable by £700,000. I will freely admit this was League clubs to be able to sell their TV be the ones that have the most to gain uncompetitive procession.  e gap will de‹ nition. From the pure moneymak- farcical (it even led to Chairman Simon rights individually. from this. widen further and at that point Gart- ing perspective it makes some sense. It’s Jordan’s departure from the club), but Discussing everything wrong with Right now, it’s comparable to a nev- side’s two-tiered Premiership might not just sad that, when it gets to the point this propsed system would likely do this would take an unholy be such a bad idea. that clubs are so desperate to stay in the even more damage to Football League amount of time, but I’ll try Fortunately the proposal Premiership to secure their own long- clubs. anyway. Firstly, Ayre brings was shunned by both Man t e r m  e most up a comparison to the Span- Utd and Chelsea, which f u - It was farcical but the proposed system would damning part of ish model, where Real Ma- would indicate it is o„ the t u r e , like do even more to damage Football League this vote was not drid and Barcelona currently agenda - at least for now. But when clubs simply the piti- make billions on selling their this is just the warning shot. t h e ful numbers that TV rights abroad.  ey are Ayre says it’s a “debate that Football League becomes that hazard- football league clubs can now expect two of the hottest tickets and has to happen”, and, inevita- ous to a club’s self-sustainability, the for their best young players, it was this: biggest draws in the sport, so bly, it will. Championship and below will be cut “Had clubs rejected the plan, the subsequently foreign stations A er that we have Rich- o„ . Premier League would have withheld pay vast sums to secure the ard Bevan claiming that for- Almost as if to expediate this proc- their funding for youth development rights. eign owners want to put an ess, the last and probably most dis- – a fee currently over £5m per season.”  e result? In the last two Ian Ayre’s proposal is as self-serving as they come end to relegation.  is has heartening story - though the one that  is is essentially blackmail, a seasons Real Madrid and Barce- been far more widely shunned seemed to receive the least coverage - “know-your-place” jab. Admittedly, the lona have ‹ nished over 20 points above er-ending ‹ ght between Lennox Lewis and is less of an immediate threat. Dave will almost inevitably lead to major in- Premier League was never obligated to everybody else in the league, with them and Audley Harrison.  e best Harri- Whelan, chairman of Wigan - a club frastructure changes in a lot of Football provide said youth funding, but that both getting over 90 points. In com- son can hope for is that he gets some that would certainly bene‹ t from there League clubs. the Premier League can bend over the parison, the 90-point barrier has only medical excuse to legally pump himself being no relegation - said he would  e Football League has overhauled rest of the Football League by simply been breached six times since the Pre- full of steroids (read: a massive cash in- pull Wigan out of the Premier League the system by which young players are threatening to take their ball and go mier League switched to a 20-team, 3 jection like Man City and Chelsea re- if it was removed. bought and sold.  e tribunal system home is indicative of the twisted nature points-per-game format. Real Madrid ceived); something that might redress Much like the discussion over TV - whereby a tribunal would decide the of money in football. and Barcelona have done it 4 times be- the balance a bit between the two com- rights, this is in no danger of happen- fee for a youth player when another Yes, it would be foolish to ignore all tween them in two years. petitors. ing in the immediate future, but the club wanted to buy him - has been the advantages of these ideas. Sadly, Ian Ayre’s TV rights proposal is a If Ayre’s proposed changes were to mention of it by a higher-up like Bevan scrapped. though, those advantages all seem to self-serving as they come.  at Span- be introduced? It would still be like indicates that there has been some sort Now, the tribunal system itself favour the moneymen rather than the ish model really keeps a league com- Lewis/Harrison, but now Harrison’s of discussion on the subject.  e total wasn’t perfect - it was still  awed and common fan. petitive, doesn’t it? Ayre’s plan is so arms are tied behind his back and NFL Wembley: Still Going Strong Bob Chatterley drawn between it and Rugby, the non- being introduced in 2007 there is an in each previous quarter. IN true of 5-2-0. On the  ip side of these armoured European equivalent, how- average of half a million people that American Football style the game bright starts is the unfortunate start merican football is a fast ever, the two sports are completely apply for tickets to the NFL visit an- wasn’t over as the Buccaneers rallied to the Indianapolis Colt’s season as growing sport in Britain, fur- di„ erent. nually. in the 4th quarter scoring 2 touch they su„ ered an embarrassing 7-62 thered by the introduction A game of American football  e teams that put the show on downs to get within 3 points of the loss against the New Orleans Saints, Aof a single league game every season consists of 4 quarters of equal 15 this year were the Chicago Bears and Bears, until a late ‹ eld goal made the to give them a 0-7-0 record, no wins, being played at England’s Wembley minute periods, despite only techni- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa ‹ nal score 24 - 18 to the Bears, who 7 loses and no tied games.  is season Stadium. American football is a mix- cally being an hour long games tend to Bay coming across the pond for a went on to gain their second win in a prom i s e s to be one of the ture of sports and a show, with enter- last for up to and beyond 2 hours.  is second time since the annual slot be- row and seem to be turning their sea- m o s t interesting of tainment being one of the key parts stop start nature can put people o„ gan. Tampa Bay went in to the game son around, albeit still early on. recent seasons, of the sport. Previously the use of ar- the sport, yet, the short bursts of en- as probable favourites having started In other American football news with all eyes mour as been scrutinised in the UK ergy which can be witnessed in these the season with a 4-2-0 run, which the Green Bay Packers gained a 7th set on making and Europe, with comparisons being periods can be incredible to watch is 4 wins, 2 loses and no tied games, successive win to start there the Super Bowl and consist whereas the Bears went in 3-3-0, a fur- season with a record of 7-0-0, now. of crunch- ther reason why the Buccaneers may whilst Detroit Lions who start- ing tackles have wanted the win is due to events ed brightly with a 5-0-0 to incred- in English football earlier in the day su„ ered a second close ible runs where Buccaneer’s owners, the Glazer loss in a row despite that game family saw their other investment the newly found Ford Field q u i c k l y Manchester United face a crushing energy to sit in second d r a w s 1-6 home defeat to bitter rivals place in their confer- crowds in. M a n c h e s t e r City.  ings e n c e with a  e Wem- seemed to g o bley ‹ xture from bad r e c o r d is probably to worse one of the for Glazer o w n e d most highly T a m p a anticipated Bay as games out- they saw side of the themselves 21 - 5 down going Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers Superbowl into the ‹ nal 4th quarter with 3 Bear Wide Reciever Arrelius Benn at Wembley ‰ e Wembley game has proven a massive success with UK fans. ‹ nal, since touch downs and 1 point conversions October Issue 2011 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 39 Sport BASKETBALL TEAM HONOUR LATE TEAM MATE Nicola Hoban fundraising for Llanberis Mountain Rescue in lot to the team and to Andrea’s parents.” memory of their daughter, and the tradition has  e Bangor Basketball team won approxi- he Bangor Basketball girls’ team hon- taken hold with the members of the Basketball mately 65% of their games last year, playing oured late team mate Andrea Watton team, who last season managed to raise a stag- 10 games during the BUCS season annually, last week in a charity Basketball match. gering £1000 for the charity, playing memo- as well as any friendly matches they managed TRaising money for Llanberis to schedule. Mountain Rescue, the team “Andrea was an incredible person. We want to thank everyone who Training takes place three played against the University turned up to the event and supported us. I know it meant times a week on Mondays at Normal Site (7.30-9.30pm), of Central Lancashire on Tues- a lot to the team and to Andrea’s parents.” day 18th October in an e„ ort to Tuesdays at Maes Glas (7- raise money for the charity in 10pm), and Saturdays at Maes remembrance of Andrea, who passed away last rial matches as well as taking part in sponsored Glas (2-4pm), combining a mixture of exer- summer. Even though the team lost 64-63 a er backpacking, sponsored silence, and 3-on-3 cises, drills and skill work, and have weekly going into over-time, they still managed to raise tournaments.  e team have also set up a web- socials which the team ‹ nd extremely enter- an amazing £300 at the match, which over 500 site where members of the public can go and taining, and would welcome any newcom- people attended to cheer on the girls, including place donations, which so far has raised £170. ers who wish to join. Anyone wanting more Andrea’s parents.  e coach of the girls Basketball team, Vicky information can contact the Girls Basketball Andrea, who had been a student at Bangor Gottwald, who previously used to play for the team coach Vicky Gottwald at pep601@ban- University for two years studying Sports Sci- team alongside Andrea, said of her: “Andrea was gor.ac.uk or go along for one of the sessions. ence, sadly passed away in an accident at 21 an incredible person. She loved basketball and Also anybody wishing to donate money years of age whilst on a mountaineering ex- was passionate about sport and mountaineer- to Llanberis Mountain Rescue can do so at pedition gathering data for her third year dis- ing. She died doing something that she loved. http://www.justgiving.com/Andrea-Watton. Andrea Watton was honoured in a charity match last week. sertation. At her funeral, her parents started We want to thank everyone who turned up to the event and supported us. I know it meant a ATHLETICS UNION BUCS RESULTS: 19TH OCTOBER Badminton: Men’s 1 5-3 Manchester 3 Badminton: Men’s 2 7-1 Salford 1 Badminton: Men’s 3 6-2 Salford 2 Badminton: Women’s 1 1-7 She‡ eld Hallam 1 Basketball: Men’s 1 69-39 MMU Cheshire 2 Basketball: Women’s 1 64-63 Central Lancashire 1 Fencing: Men’s 1 113-114 York 1 Fencing Women’s 1 134-85 Liverpool 2 Football: Men’s 1 4-2 MMU Cheshire 3 Football: Men’s 2 2-2 MMU Cheshire 4 Hockey: Men’s 1 13-0 Central Lancashire 2 HOME AWAY Hockey: Women’s 1 5-1 Manchester 3 TEAM TEAM Lacrosse: Men’s 1 7-4 York 1 Netball: Women’s 1 53-32 Salford 1 Netball: Women’s 2 24-29 Central Lancashire 3 Rugby League: Men’s 1 10-18 MMU Cheshire 1 Rugby Union: Men’s 1 5-19 Keele 1 Rugby Union: Men’s 2 0-60 Central Lancashire 2 Squash: Men’s 1 2-3 Manchester Met 2 Table Tennis: Men’s 1 0-17 Liverpool 2 Tennis: Men’s 1 0-12 Leeds Met 2 Tennis: Men’s 2 4-8 Liverpool 3 Tennis: Women’s 1 0-6 Central Lancashire 1 Quarter pounder move over! 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