C.1uardian Student Ne,vspaper of the Year

EEDS TUDENT w:ww. eedsstuderat.or;g ; __ , · ,·_J;ridii 29th Ja_nuary 201 o

National condemnation for anti-strike stance LS News Team

Anti-cuts campaigner have hit out at a Leeds University Union (LUU) campaign that aims to per­suade lecturers not to strike over possible job rcdundancie , claim­ing that it does not represent the views of the majority of mdents.

The 'Fducauon First' campatgn, sci up eai:lic.:r th.ts mo11tl1, urgt:d Leeds students co end an automau:d email to their deparnm:nml staff in a hid ro an·tt :1 possible campus-wide suike by members o( th<.: L'ni,·ersitv and Col-lege L1nion (UC ·

·n1e results of a LCU ballot to its members on:r mdustrial action are due to he rcle:tsed toda\.

'J11e Ll' LT campaigii \\'ebs1te slates that stdke action could mean "gi~tdua­tions for final ) car swdents being threatened." I lowe,Tr, UCll mem­bers ha,·e Jerned that tl11s could hap­pen, poinnng out that no srudents did not .~raduatc as a result of mdustrial acrion in 200(>.

\ statement on the UCU website said: "\'Cc decide democratically what we do, ru1d wed<> not interfere i~ what othcr unions do. I lowc,·er, I , have acrcd in contempt of this code of respect with their blanket e-mail cam­paign. \'('e disagree with what the, have clone, but now we mu. t seize on ir as an opportunity to talk c.lirecdy to students. \X'e houlc.l be encoura1,rcd by me LJOO students signing up to a Pacebook sire LO upport u, in the fight to defend education at Leed .. "

111c LU executive has defended their campaign. Jak Codd, LUU Com­mumcations and Internal Affairs Offi­cer, aid: "The Education First cam­paign was set up to defend the inter­ests of students throughout the Uni­verSJt:y's economies exercise.

'The [campai~] enc~>mpasses a whole host ot things - trom repre­senting student concerns ro the ni­versit:y, to opposing strike action thar negatively impacts upon tuc.lents. Education First is all about students, a.nd making sure that our Yoicc is hearc.l loud and clear on campus."

AGAINST CUTS: Students campaign against possible s taff redundancies

However, mcmbe~ of Universic, staff have condemned the emails sent to them, saying d1at it is the quality of students' educallon tJ1at is their con­cern.

DrJu.lia Read, a lecrurer in Victori­an Literature, said: "On the question of the automated email, I was . truck by the very i.ndiYiclualistic tone of the ~equest that we m·oic.l triking: it was 1n order to safeguard 'my education'. 0[ course damaging individual Stu­dent ' education is the last d1mg the UCU want to do, but the whole point is that s~iking 1-r:ay be the only way of protecnng the iututc education of a generation of srudcnts. The aumrnat­ed email seemed not to realize that concern for current anc.l future ru­c.lents' quality of ed_ucation wa at the heart of any putenoal st:nke action."

Codd denied that the automated email fom1 was taken clown from the ite chi week because of pressure

from anti-cuts campaign groups. Leeds

\111dentalsc> understands tl1at tJ,e email was onlv available in awomatcd fotm as part of the University's I.T. rq.,'Ula­oons, preventing irrelevant or abusive mass emails being sent to staff.

TI1e Education First campaign has also been condemned by former LUU D.ccutives and student union officials from across the countr1. A national petition against the Leeds campaign has already been signed by ~ I ind Has­san, fonner L Equality & Diversi­ty Officer and LI ational Execu­tive, Chris Marks, ] lull niversicy

nion Education Vice-President and Assed Baig, President of tafforcl. hire University Students' Union.

LL remains plit over tJ1e stance ir should rake over possible strike action from staff, with some student executives arguing that action would have a det:riment.al effect on students' education. I lowevcr, orhers argue that accepting potential job losses will cause harm. ·

I !annah G rccnslade, LUll um­m1.1 nit y Officer, commented: "My take is that we need to be consulung as ~-icl<:ly as pnssible with student~ about what UlC\' make of the cut~ and what they expect us to be doing.

"It's crucial that as tl1e exec we pass on all information mat we have to sru­dents in nrde1- for them co make up their own minds. l\h view is that whatever the outcome of strike acti n, it's LUU's role to be challenging the um,·cr icy throughout tl1is process to ensure that the va lue education at Leeds is preserved and docs not suc­cumb to a market-ba~ed modd tlmt is being pushed onto tl1e HE system by cenrral government. It is student. that am be the most powerful ,·oice within this cleban:."

A Leeds University spokesperson

Continued on page 4 >

Somehow, Leeds L 111, 1.:rs1t\ has becomL the n,ttiunal epi -cnt.rc of the cr1s1s tn I lighcr Education funding.

Something must be <lonl". Th.it a 111a1cir academic\ union should c,·cn Ix considering a st Like 1s ' Jndicativc <>f how 1-,'T:l\'C I he situation has hcc(lme. In rhc face nr the biggest threat ro Higher J ·,ducation in recent years, en·r,·ont' at Leeds - man;igemu1t, lecturers, unir,ns, stud ·nr uninm and students thL"mselvc, - all seem to ht pulling in cliffercn1 <lircction,.

\\'h.lt needs tu h.tppcn nuw ts for all the diffrrent _1..,11·nup, ,rnd agendas lo put then heads together, and recogrnsc that ,,·c neec.l to Ix· on thL ·:um, sidl" in thb matter.

\'C 1th I he incrcnsingly mess) disputes between staff and management, hemc<.'n sruLknts and their L nmn, it Ls easil} forgotten how we gflt here m the first place.

Two ye::irs ago a generation uf excess pro\cd tnst1pporr:1hl1.: and came cr:1shing down. Tod.1y the fall-out from th.it linancial ccJlbpsc is bitting home hc:re at L eds LTnivcrsitY.

Perhaps l rtiYers1ty managcme111 "·as, m tlK lmum 1:ra, guilty ot the ,tme econom1c tendencies that, at :1

national len·l, bmughr ::ibou1 the credit crunch; imprudt·nt spemling and invcstmt:nt, tying up funds in long- term prnjccts ,uc-h as build.mg and dl'\ clnpmc:nt on the as umptions that the good tunes would continue· to roll. J lo,,'e\"er nt>· one was complaining as tbe L'niversity steadiJ)' climbed th..: le~"l.1c table~.

But now the bonm that Gordon Brown assured us ,,,ould never turn to bu t has, by the laws of capitalist ..:ennomics, inevitabh done so. To saYe the econnm1c si•stcm as we know it, our government wa forced tn dig \'Cf)' deep inm I he public purse. \X11ether or not it \, .is an economic system worth S:tV1t1g

was never gi\·cn enough dc:batc ac the time.

I .ike ir m nrn, it's now academ ic. Tht: b:mkt:rs arc back 111 business, :ind tl1e bole in public G.n:U1ce is being slowly refilled by s:ivtngs nude throughout the public sector.

Thar's where the University comes in. J..:2.5 hill1on; that's the figure guotcd by our Vice­Chancellor that the gowmmcnt 1s looking to save over the next three years - one third of the amount the govt:rnmenr currendy spends annual!)' on Higher Ec.lucation.

Continued on page 2 >

02

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THELS TEAM

"You can't cell us what to do!" Sketch was rad1er taken aback lO hear mese words roared from the foaming mouths of furious T. U Exec members.

Continued from page 1

Under such incense financial pres. un:, the bread and bµttcr ex pen cs o( the University; wages, chat U1 better times could expand andmultiply happily, sudden!) represent a burden that, according to manll!:,rcmcm, might need to be lightcm:d if the instituoon is to n:mam financiallv solvent.

Cuts arc a n:1oonal probk:m, and thc fall-out will soon be felt everywhere. But here at l £<:(Is, man)· lecturers and student.,, ro dieir credit, have taken the mitianve to defend the cxcdlem jobs I .ceds staff du. Our l -niversity U mon responded ·wid1 a campaif:,'11 that opposed budget cut , but also opposed stnkc actinn from lecturers. It was a can1paign that m its dehcry seemed to pir srudcnts against d1eir lecturers, causing widespread outcry from other student's unions nationwide.

udJcnly the eyes of the nation arc upon us.

Puttmg together this issue of Leeds Studt:nt. our writers and e~litors have been e>..posed to eVCC) one of the myriad vic\vpoints and ll!:,>endas that have been drowning one anomcr out in this dispute. Inadvertentl) die newspaper ~as become d1c only fon11n in which all point., of Yicw :-ire represented.

We p ropose that it is just such a forum chat is needed now; a meeting of all concerned partieR; mru1agcmcnt, LUU, ac.1.dcmic and teaching unions, srudent representative . D isputes need to lx: clarified, divisions repai red. \X'e arc mam .md we arc diverse, but we arc all Leeds University.

[f Leeds is to be d1e epicentre of me funding crisis, let it also be me ep1centn:: of resistance to a government that blincil1 insist, upon crippling an 800 year o·adition of excellence in I !ighcr Education. It is time to stop squabbling, settle o ur difference::s, and unite in defence o f mis university, and of Lmivcrsioes nationwide.

EDITOR Virginia Newman editor<gleedsst.udent.org

ASSOCIATES Rob Heath Dafydd Pritchard associateS(Q1eedsstudenLorg

PHOTOS Sarah Greene, Charlotte Slntrat, Richard Smith photos@leedsstudent.org

Curio uslv, chis diatribe was aimed at Leeds students, the verr people who pay mese folks' wages ::ind, by proxy one ma) argue, do indeed hold the right to voice their opinions on how the Exec is run.

The Exec's rampantly successful and eminently wcll - rccc1vcd "Education rirst" campaign has gone down a storm, both localh and in students unions 11cross the C<>unu,.

ln a letter entit led "LUU Condemn ation Pctiuon ", former fa1uality & Diversity Officer J find I Iassan alongside nine other union officers from fi"e union (and four from the atiuna l Union of Swdents) condemned the Union' campaihm and demanded the reversal

Friday, J anuary 29, 2 009 I www.leedsstudent.01 g I Leeds Student

of meir stance. Sketch think the Exec are

definitely working for their own careerist interests once more, and is beginning co wonder if anyone will ever run the Union that isn t entirely self-absorbed. ketch thinks not.

ln other news, Sketch was not entire!) surprised co learn that the Univer ity, in a cw Labour-style effort to increase the beaur1 of the are11, has cut clown the trees· outside the nion ... m order to plant more trees.

The money for this rampant construction comes from a pot that, 1f rou don't use it, is taken away, which set-Yes as a partial explanation, but it still seems somewhat

bacb~mrds. i\s fo r the love!)' gra s area aero s from the nion building that has now been turned into a tarmacked car park, worry no t : rumour is d1ey've dug it up to plant more grass.

\'qith such tumulr at tbe Union, ketch decreed that a drink was in

order. I laving salivated profusely at me siglit of E entials' arsenal of fine ales, ketch w11s ala rmed that 1dcntificat1on was required to purchase mcsc ambrosial brews.

1 eeciles ro sav, ketch carries no such documents. , ketch, in a haze of flattCC)' imd mild mitation, proceeded to The O ld Bar, where a crisp pint of alcoholic lager beer was produced wimout any questions.

-'---- -----

Israel talk fuels controversy Virginia Newman

tu ents attempte to orce entry into a controversial talk on campus called 'Why you shouldn't boycott Israel'.

,\ member of me protest explained their actions: "\X'e were protesting outside because we don't believe d1at rcprcscmativcs of rhe I raeli \ panheid state should be allowed to speak on e,'UTlpus.

"\X'e are willing to debate 1Yith 1ndividt1als whom' we disagree with politically but mi - is quite different to giving a p latform to a goYernmem guilty of committing war ccimes, cdmic cleansing an<l Apartheid.

"\X' c take heart from the fact d1at m an) members of the Israeli government cannot , ·isit die UK for fear of arrest, but we believe more should be done to ensure chat anv representative 0f this government is denied a placfom1 ll!1ti11 racl confonns wim the norms of international law.

1nc speaker, lshmacl Khaldi, is an ex Israeli defence force oldicr and current deputy consul of the ' tate of Israel.

P rotesters repeatedly banged o n die doors of ilie lecture theatre and their chantS were ckarly audible from inside. At one paint protesters broke into me room and were restrained by sccunty.

'The talk, hosted by LU 's Jewish

NEWS Marcus Chippindale, Tom Knowles. Laura Mackenzie, Matthew Power. Joey Severn news@leedsstudent.org

SPORT lfor Duncan. Michael Glenister, Joe Short sport(~leedsstudent.org

Society QSOq and chaired by nion pcaker lark Seward , was cur short

due ro d1c Khaldi' ttmc comminnenrs and security issues.

There has been some dispute as to whethi:r the name of rhe event was changed.

One student wrote to Lel'ds Sh1de11t ro air her concerns: "I was really tnterested in the event on Tuesday. ·r think in an academic environment, events on born sides of the debate are really important for moderates like myself. We should be able to :mend, to educate and inform ourselves w1d1ouc necessarily taking sides in what is a massively divisive and tense issue o n our campus.

·'J was d1crcforc disappointed to get U1to Uni on Tue clay to sec the posters advertising the e,·cnt as: '\X'hy bovcomng Israel is an absurd idea.'

'"We're all cducared, intelligent people and should not be ~tliculed for our diverse Yicws. one ot us have me right to di. miss another's ,ic,vs as absurd. By doing so, you arc adding ro the animosity felt on campus, and excluding people like myself from what I'm sure was an interesting talk."

J ames Wallis, president ofJ OC and first year student Politics srudent, said: "There was no change of event, we used two tides in response to the p receding event on cam p us. We simply wanted to express an alternaave side to me StO!'\'.

" I fe lt th~ event had a lot of

COMMENT Charlie Cooper conunent@leedsstudent.org

FEATURES Suisse Osborne-James. Evelyn Prysor-Jones. Adam Richardson, Chris Stevenson features@leedsstudent.org

DEBATE James Legge debate@leedsstudent.org

potential, we im·ited a really interesting speaker who had been warmly received on many other c11mpuses. L'nforrunatel) the speaker was undoubtedly disrupted, which created a tense atmosphere. I feel mat had he spoken 1n a more peacefu l environment, the event would have nm smoother and more tmportamly, he would have been able to convey his me sage.

Protesters, however, disagreed: "The ttuation in Gaza is now even worse. One year ago Palestinians faced a brutal braeli assault during which hundreds of school , hospitals and ocher buildings were dcstrovcd and damaged and 'm ·er 1,400 Palestinians murdered with many more injured.

" A ll this is ori top of [srael 's continurng siege wh ich has denied Palest.irnans such ba ic foodstuffs as pasta, lentil. and baby fond as well as d1e basic building materials needed to rep:ur d1c dani::1/-,>C caused by l srael.

"Given me severity of me sirnation we believe mat pressure must be put on lsrad to halt these acoon . More broadly we believe in ju ace, equalit) and peace fo r the Palestinian people. D ue to me failure of our government ro pre sure lsrael, we are calling fo r a politica l, e::conomic and cu lrural boycott in order to achicYe d1is.''

·students were advised to leave campus ,~a a certam path to avoid any potenbal confrontations. Univer ity secu1ity were joined by Khaldi' own sccurit1· made up of Communit}

ccU1it) Trust (C. T), an organi ation which \vorks to protect J ewish comn1uniaes.

Wallis added: "It wasn't our aim to create conrroYCr5) despite it being such an exrremely sensitive issue. \X'e truly wanted ro encourage open and frank debate from both s ides of the argument. \X'e hoped that it would encourage di:barc ratl1er man protests.

''ln me future we plan on working ,\~th oilier societies m ilie hope iliat we can create harmonious relations wim everyone on can1pus. I fee l mat such aspirations are achievable and we should be walki ng with each other rad1er man against each oilier.

DESIGN (in collaboration wl SODS) Laura Crane. Tom Jtvanda. Tom Reilly. Katie Szadziewska, Rachel Wyncoll destgn@leedsstudent.org

COPY EDITORS Mark Sellick, Stephen Beckett, Victoria Gray copy@leedsstudenLorg

To advertise in LS please email: l.J.hartley@leeds.ac,uk

+

Friday, January 29, 2009 I v. Jt, sstuden m Leeds Student 03

Walking in a Winter warland Jay Smith

Hundreds of students and Leeds residents took advantage of the huge snowfall this month by taking part in an enormous snowball fight in Hyde Park.

The event, v. hich was organised th rough Facebook, had mTr I 0,000 confirmed ntcendaots on the website.

Organiser Judd \X'righton, 18, said he nc,er thought the e\·enc would attract so many people. "I invited 111\' friends, and they mvited theirs. Suddenly over 60,00!l people had been invited to m, snowball fight. I didn't expect thar:" he said.

De pirc extreme weather ccmdioun;; as wdl as ,vam.ings b) the Pohn: not to attend the eYcnt, over a thousand people braved the condit10ns to take pan in what is being described as rhe biggc · t snowball fight Leed. has ever seen.

\X' righton said: "Random!) the police turned up one mornmg to

warn me chat if anyone got .injured or killed it would be my fault, but by chat point 1 realised it would go ahead even if T tried to stop it.''

Fortunately no major injuries were reported during the fight, of v.·hich the aim was to acquire tbc

, ictorv Christmas tree from the opposf tc team, and Wrighton wa · pleased \\'irh the way the event rurncd out.

Several people bravely ran the "gauntlet of doom" - a JOO meter­long djdde do\\'n the middle of the warnng sides whilst one young man ran through scream111g and barc­chesred. He sustruncc.l severnl direct. Jurs to his exposed flesh from hanc.1-thrown snow and snm\- Jauochcd b:, man-si7.ed catapults.

"lr's great that people 111 Leeds can get together and have a laugh," said \X' righton. '"I think tbis is the jusr the tart of more e\·encs that are random and fun."

Sno~ ~ay out fron1 cross country lock-in James Strother

Stocks of alcohol are still being replenished after the 'ultimate lock-in' with Leeds students at England's highest pub.

The Tan Hill Ion, which stands at 1,732ft above sea level, sheltered 30 students from LU Cross Country Club as they were left stranded for 3 days over the r ew Year amid colossal snowdrifts.

Planned festivities, including a barn dance witJ1 a DJ, were cancelled following the extreme weather which saw tbe entire country under snow over the Chrisona period.

Faced with isolation, hypothermia and possible boredom, the 30 runners did the only thing they could do given the circumstances, and the sea on,: huddle clown and start drinking.

upplies for three out of the four special draft beers were drunk dry, leaving only Black Sheep Brewery's Riggwelccr Ale still on tap by the time they escaped on the Sunday morning.

direct!) outside the door, spirits remained b.igh as studencs and fellO\\·' reveller all chipped in with preparing food and th.inking of way to get out. But by late afternoon, according to Burchall, the c had "generally just failed," so they "sat down, ate some food and started on the beer again."

After a q'uick phone ca ll to the BBC on the Saturday evening, tenants awoke to fi nd a convoy of plows ready to take them borne again.

Hands up for Haiti Nicholas Blair

Students and lecturers across the university have put on fancy clothes, grabbed some· buckets and starting raising money for aid in Haiti.

Lecturer Dr Hasseeb habbir and Kathrine Parker established 'The Univcr itv of Leeds Student and taff Haiti Campaign' (UL HC), in support of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), to help ,·ictims of the Haiti Earthquake the moment they heard about the disaster.

The campaign hopes to raise .{20,000 for the people of Haiti. Dr Ha ecb Shabbir is urging people to donate, stating: "This is an opponuniry for campus students to show thejr pro ­social side and demonstrate the great giving tradition of the University. The faculty deans were critical in supporting cbe campaign whkh now enter it seconJ phase seeking support from the rest of the university's stakeholders."

di cussing the possibtlitv of an official event 10 addition tO the cake sale held on Thursday.

Another tudent has used her contacts with clubs and bands to

raise money for the Haiti aid fund. ina Reece, a studem of Sociology

at Leeds University knew plcnt) of artists, mu icians, humanitarians, promoters 110d DJs who would be willing to help misc money for Haiti survivors. She organised 'Hands Up For Ilaiti', a day-long event of music and arc with a free venue being provided by the Faver ham.

She aid: "I decided co organise something bigger, something with the potential to yield a substantial um, a well as bring together the

artistic community of Leed . Tho e who party hard, and those who like it acoustic, and those who are physically creative and those who just like to watch."

ina and her friend contacted all those they knew in the Leeds music cene. Within a week they had cw Bohemia, Vag:ibood~ and Subdub on board, and The Faversham had given them a date and a venue.

"As word got round, more and more event and businesses showed upporc'' ina said .

poured in and the event got bigger and bigger. \Xlhac had started as an idea for a small gig had ballooned into a massive 11 hours of music and art, and absolutely everythtng offered for free."

Ocher students dnmkcoly came up with fondraising ideas at house parrte but then decided to go through with it the nexr day.

Three student fund - rai ers shaking money buckets in cbc Union explained their story: "'\':(/e

were at a house party and thought let's do something noble! But tl1en we woke up sober the next clay and figured it was actually still a good idea," said Doug Hamilton as be scood dressed in a pink t-shirt and co,vbo} hat.

The three students will be giving all their money to Red Cross. The group had not counted up their money when Leeds Student talked to them but were feeling positive about how mucb they had rai ed.

"Lots of people have beeo pretty generous, some have even given t,venry pounds", said third year student E!Ja Foskeet. , ' ' le really reaffirms your faith in the human being" third year English student Alice Rowell cheerfully added.

The unusual story has attracted high degrees of attention from across the British media and even from acros the Atlantic, with the club's Chri~ Burchall appearing on Washington DC's public radio to explain his group's experience.

Despite 7ft snow drifts and 2ft

Leeds University Union (LUU) bas assured UL I IC that it wi!J share resources in efforts to raise the campaigns'

Wiiiiiiii--profile; and RAG is

"The most heart-warming thing has been how eager everyone is to help - printing suggestions, volunteers, bands and ideas all

'Hands Up For Haiti' will take place on Friday 5th February at the Faversham. Minimum donation at the door will be £5.

04 Friday, January 29, 2010 Leeds Student

LUU defends anti-strike email Anti-cuts groups

From front page

re ponded co calls for the institution to intervene in the di pute between umons, commenting: "University management took the view at the ourset that it was not for us to facilitate or block communicat.ions that the Union wanted to send between students and their lecturers, provided rhat all communications ,vcre consistent with our IT policies."

Lerdr Student understand char 250 emails were cnt by students as pan of the Education rirsr campaih>n.

\X'hen aske<l whether he regrets running the mmpaign odd said: " lo, we <lon'r regret it. It ha created a dcbatc on campus an<l that is incredible. 111e amount of . upport we have received from or<linarv sLUdcnr. has been 6-reat.''

l lowewr, Mike \.X'ood, a member of the Leeds University \gainst Cuts group and a thir<l year Poliocs student, believes Ll'LJ hould not have launched the emru.1 campai1",rn. I le said: "The 'Education First' campaign is misi,ruided and inappropnare.'' "\\'e should be . ceking to stand alongside our lecturers and campus staff."

fikc Gla<lstom:, LCU Educaoon Officer, said of campus anti curs g roups: "Can they honest]) say to chem. elves that what they an: doing is rroductive? ls rhrovcing pa1nr on people outside rhe Union building r<.:ally gomg LO stop curs? \\'e need a m,uure discussion a. to how we can move forward, and when the\ ar<.: rcadr to eni,,age in that then we \Vill be waiting.''

The clash between Unions comes in a week in which Unison, which represents 1000 members of taff at Leeds Univer icy, ended irs formal dispute with the institution.

However, a Leed University

spokesperson told Leed tudent that "talks are ongoing" between the UC and the Univer iry. egotiation arc being mediated by The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Aca ).

Mandelson: Universities cannot escape squeeze Marcus Chippindale

Universities will have to accept their fair share of savings in order to be successful in the future, according to Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, who has been forced to defend proposed cuts to higher education. ·

In recent weeks tl1e cabinet minister has come under attack from unions and members of the Russell Group of u01versitics, which is headed bv Un1vers11:y of Leeds \'ice hanccll ·r Professor Michael \rthur, who believe that proposed cuts will damage the country's "gold standard'' higher education system.

\X'ntingin lhrGuurr/;,1110n behalfoC the Russell Group earlier tlus month, Profe or .\rchur and rhe group' s Director General \'('endy Piatt clain1ed Lhat aCccr SOU years of hard work to create a world ·class ystcm, "it looks like ir will take ju t si., months to bring ir ro its knees."

The government plans ro cut £950 million from university funding over three years, but this figure could run to well over £1 billion. Arthur and Piatt said: "Such huge cuts in umversicy

budgets would ha, e a devastating effect not on!)' on student and staff, but also on Britain's inrcrnauonal competltJ\'encss, economy and abiliC) to recover from rccc sion.''

In re I onse, Lord landel. on claimed that the effects of cuts will not be as devastating a critics are claiming. "The rca!Jty is different," he aid. ''While universtacs cannot escape the coming squeeze on public finance., nor arc they under an~ kind of threat.

"It 1s for univcrsites themselves ro identify where sa\lngs should be found, and thc1 arc as free as ever to focus on their research excellence and mstitutional strengths."

Despite these reassurances, the Russell Group is concerned chat higher education is being unfairly treated, especially when compared ro the level of investtncnr m other nations. Barack Obama has recently commmed $21 billion into federal ciencc ·pcndmg, Gennany has pledged €18 billion to research projects and France is to have an €11 billion investment in higher cducaoon.

The Russell Group commented: 'There seems to be a greater focus on cutting higher education funding than almost anything else. The health service, police and schools are aU

current!) "protected", presumably due tO their perceived importance at the ballot box."

J\fandelson rejected these claims and defended the Labour government's record of investment in higher education, stating that the government has increased state funding of uru\'crsioes by 25 per cent ince commg to power in 1997.

He said: "The government's credentials JO investing in higher education should not be in doubt. \X'c arc ab olutcly committed to increasing the opporturutJcs for young people to study at university, and we arc clear that excellent research and teaching arc vital to this country's compeutivenc s and character."

De pitc chi , Mandclson ha made It very clear tl1at universities need to "change an<l reform" is they arc to

SLl[VJVe, and has been uncompromising on the issue of job losses, , taring tl1at if 1obs have to be cut in order to meet the demands of the econom\' tl1en " o b<.. it." ~

Speaking to bosses at Leeds Univcr 1ry, he said: "If you think you can srand still, you can't You will just roll backwards into relative decline. People have LO change and ometimes tl1at means changes in jobs as well."

The C is the onl,, urnon to have balloted its members o;cr a trike.

The other union that represents staff, Urncc, has never been m formal dispute with the University.

C 0 ·-

Joey Severn

In .response to LUU's apparent lack of support for trade_ unions on campus and the belief that the position did not represent the views of other students, a student led anti­cuts group was created.

'Leeds University against cuts' JSa politically ~verse group that oppo.e cuts but, CrJocally, also suppon strike acnon. Rcpre ·entativcs have been present at . onhem Planning Me~tings that have included members ot groups from across the north of England including

heffidd, Liverpool ancT Hull. Chris farks, Education Officer at

Hull, passed a motion at refercndwn to budget £300 to groups with un­ympathetic Unions. Connor Whelan,

from 'Leeds University against cuts' said that this money had been allocated with "Leeds and Birmingham in mind"

Whelan told Leeds Smde,,, that the 1-,rroup has been told they will receive 'cclebrit, status' at the Nauonal Conventi'on g:unsr Fees and Cut:;. The convention will be held b, University College London on February 6, Whelan 'hope~ that the 'cuts group' can work more closely with the Executive on the "issues that they have common grmmd with." l loweYcr, there arc plan for an emergency referendum to force the Union to drop their "vote no tn strikes" camprugn. To do chis thcr mu;t garn 600 signatures from the regular studeor membership.

Biological Sciences update Joey Severn

Further controversy has surrounded the Faculty of Biological Sciences (FBS) as the University and Colleges Union (UCU) iaunched an attack on the University about their conduct regarding the ongoing ACAS talks.

\\'hen asked why the UCL! had gone into ACA talks whil t al o balloting for industrial action, a

CU press officer said: "Before hristmas, we asked chem [the

Lln1Yers1tyj tn go into /\CA talks. We said to members that chis was the lase resort before balloting, :md that we wou)d arrange to go into ballot onl) 1f tl1c University acted in bad faith.

"90 . mmucc after agreeing ,vich tbc U to go to talk with A AS, they brought forward the Job matching process in FB by ov<.:r a week to end at 9am on the day of tbe first meeting with AC , so they could continue to make dec_isions about sacking people without any agreement under ACAS.

"That wa an act of bad faith,

so we started the ballot process then."

Job matching inYolves staff shm1:1ng their job profile conforms t the positions that will be left after the economic exercise.

But the n1vcr ity denies the claim statmg: "The job matching process for Biological ciences was not brought forward by a week.

"On 18th December 2009, rhe niver ity circulated job_

descriptions to professorial sta~t and asked chem co submit expresstons of interest b) Monday 11th January 2010, tn line with the published timclinc.

"Job matching meetings wc~.c due to cake place later that week.

The Univer itv sav that onl} one clement of the ;eview was bought forward and according to 3

LniYersiLY Press Officer "This wa before A~as talks had even started-

" Draft versions of the professorial job de criptions we; sent out in December, the finalrs professorial jobs descriptions were sent ou c the 18th December as scheduled in the timeline." CL'

ACA talks between the U and University are still ongoing.

Friday, January 29, 2010 leed student.or Leeds Student

English under scrutiny Tom Knowles

A review of the SchooJ of English has worried staff and students who believe it will mean job losses, merged departments and outside influence over all decisions made.

Facebook gr up have been formed, staff member threaten ro strike ruid staff arc working within ''a climate of fear". This is due co the School being under a 'Faculty Management' (Rv!G) review.

The F IG review looks into departments where the chool's academic ruid finanaal mission might not be sustainable O\·cr a fin: year period. sually one school faces n:view c,·ery year. The School of English was projecting deficits and had already lost £300,000 in re earcl1 funding from the goycromcm. The FMG review will involve interviewing staff, analysing data and making suggestions about bow co restructure the School.

.'\ statement i ued by the University of Leeds savs the revic..•w will help the School's furore: " \Xie wam to ensure Engli h at Leeds is secure for the future and, to do this, it needs to have a refreshed academic strategy that is financially su tainablc."

Bur many srudcnts and staff at the chool have asked to be removed from

the FMG review. Thev fear it will lead to co1upulsory rcclundancic , and that sections within the ·chool, such as Theatre Studies and English Language, will be merged with other departments, or even closed down.

\ enior staff member who ,rished ro remain anonymou said staff mornle i "at rock bottom" due co the FMG renew.

"l've never k"!lown it as bad as this, people are afraid for thClf futures, they are caking out mort~?ge insurance protection'\ they ·aid. They d n't feel

the university's being transparent"

Referring to UC . 's .trike ballot, the source said: "I think there will be an historically large 'ves' vote. People in the cliool have been asking me when they will get their ballot papers and that' never happened before. People are prepared to cake action because they don 't feel supported b) the university."

early 500 students have joined the Facebook group 'Defend Leed School of Engli h from review and cuts', set up by students worried that the FMG review and cuts will mean redundancies for their lecturers. Many have written "Take the School of Enf;lish out of Fl\IG review' on top of thClf essays after the group law1ehed a campaign urging students to do so.

The creator of the Facebook group, Henry Raby, third year Engli.;h and Theatre tudies student, now wants to spread the word against cut even further. ''We are thinking about some form of newsletter with all the information conden ·cd into one handv sheet or other methods of support for our staff', said Rabv.

"Our key cnem~ is apathy, but with the dghr motivation I'm confident students will rail) to try and stop these deva taring curs."

But the Univcr. ity insists that no decision over redundancies has been made.

spoke person told 1.eeds Student "Given the review i in its early stages, it is too early to speculate on any possible changes, indudin~ any impact on jobs or courses offered u, the future. Any possible options for clianges will only Ge developed after the analy is bas been completed."

Many within the School think they should be removed from the FMG review because the chool's buc:4tet is ba ed on false assumptions about planned pay rises that are no longer taking place.

But Pranci O'Gorman, head of the Scliool of English, says such a claim is

ba ed on an inaccurate understanding of figures tnvolved and the assessment of the Scliool's financial outlook is still ongoing. He has promised taff will be informed and consulted throughout the review.

LS's source clainls this is nor good enough and the FMG review should be stopped for the benefit of staff in d1eU" day-to-day work, . taring: " Remove that dimatc of fear, remove the revic..w, then we can continue to make sound academic judgements about how we deliver our teachin~ and how we manage our research within the Scliool, without the fear of someone coming and imposing something."

The chool has already proposed savings sucli as single-marking degree work, increasing the number of students tn a eminar group, more lecturing and less tutoring, and more PhD students teaching second and third rear.

;Gorman t Id students and staff in a recent student-staff forum that the

chool is part of a largc..'"f organization and cannot act a an autonomous outfit, yet maintains that "the quality of the student experience (education) i. central to the School's cornmiunent during this difficult financial time."

lo~ the same meeting O'Gorman could not guarantee whether the furure ofTheacre tud.1es was afe. He told d1e forum that there could not be '"any guarantee around the nature of an\' structures in the chool."

These statements has worried Theatre tudies s1Udents that their course will be closed or merged with anotl1er department Jak odd, LUL Communicaoons and Internal Affairs officer, prorrused the student executive would upport Theatre Studies srudents m the issue:

"If the majority of tudcnts don't want co be meq.,red with the d1ool of Performance and Culture lndustnes, then it's up to them, and we would support d1em in fighring that"

LS's guide to funding cuts What's acrually going on? Due to the reces. ion the government is looking at places where it can save money and bas dtaded that higher educuion is one of them. It pLms to cur higher education funding by up to £7..5 billion, lmlikc othu European counterparts who are purnp.tng money into univernoes. ,\s universities rely heavi.lr on government funding, such deep cuts acro.s the board have had a massive impact. Leeds Universiry alone has been told d1at it needs to ave {)5 million. l\lichael ,\rthur, Vice

Chancellor of Leeds University, and also head of the Russell Gwup, wrote an open letter to the Guardian explaining what effects the cuts would ha\·c on higher education.

What has the Leeds University Union (LUU) done to cause so much controversy?

fembcrs of the Executive, who represent LUU members, set up a campaign cillcd 'f';ducation First', which aimed to protect students from cuts. This camp:ugn encouraged rudents to contact their lecrurcrs and

ask them to vote 'no' in the strike ballot. This stance has enraged anti-cut

campa1gners, who believe LUL' 1s nm supporting lecturers, as a strike would be an attempt co protect jobs and your educarion.

How will it affect students? Lecturers and tutors might lo e their jobs as a result of funding cuts, which "ill have a strong knock-on effect for sn1dents. Class sizes will get bigger, students will have less contact time with tutors, and certain modules may become unavailable.

What does it mean for the staff? raff jobs .trc at risk iffunclingcut~ go

al1e1d. Lord Mandclson has said that changes in employment will have to be accepted for universities to mm;e forward. Lecturers, tutors, administrative staff and other employees are all potential casualoes, at Leeds uruversity aod at institurioos across the countrv. Those that do lose d1eir jobs will be on the Joie. TI1ose that stay in cmplopnent are likely to have increased workloads without the reward of increased wages.

What does it mean for future students?

Funding cuts will mean fewer classes available, reducing the diversity and quality of education available. If some universities get shut down, which is likclv to happen, more applicants will be ,1pplying for even fewer pL1ccs. Fewer srudents will have access to a lower standard of cducaoon.

What is ACAS? A \S arc like those friends who tty to resolve an argument between you and a mate by !,'Oing between you both until it's sorted. They're employed br businesses to sort out dbagreemenr.: between two sections, in this case the UCC and the Univcrsil).

What is the University College Union (UCU)? TI1e CCU is the largest trade u111on and professional as ociation fur academics, lecturers, trainers, resea.rcliers and ac.'ldemic-reL·ucd staff worktng in further and higher education throughour the UK They represent a large number of st.'lff at d1e University of Leeds.

Additional reporting by Eva Bean:yman

05

Cuts across the U.K. The University of Edinburgh will reduce it's undergraduate inrnkc in for 2010 by iust over 3°/o.

A spoke person for the univcrsiry said: "The number of places available for new undergraduate students is reviewed every year.

"Reports of the University' decision to reduce the intake of undergraduates 10 2010 need tO be seen in the context of conrinucd growth in application and unprecedented increa e in the uptake of offers tn the last rwo years, resulttng m our intakes being significantly higher than planned.

'"It i necessary for d1c University to address this and bring the total student population back \vithin

The University of Sheffield is bracing itself for tncvitable cut .

Professor Keith Burnett, Vice­Chancellor of the University of

heffi.eld, said: "Universities play a crucial role in tl1e local and narional economy and their succes is essential for the whole of the UK. They have d1e power to transform people's lives, both through learning and teaching, and through the cliscove.ty and application of knowledge co the important issues of the day.

" ignificant reductions in funding on our universities will nor onlv mean that all universities in the C'K \\ill face very challenging circumstance. but d1erc will also be damagmg­consequence as a result.

" \.'< '1thour a doubt, UK Higher E.ducaoon needs to be adequately funded to maint.'lin its world-leading

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Manchester has set an agenda to look at contingency planning for a variety of po sible funding scenarios over the coming months and particularly post-election.

Pre idem & Vice-Chancellor Prof AL'lll Gilbert srud: "~"ltl1out actually dctc.:nnining anything until a new Government makes its position clear on higher educatJon, we need to understand in detail bo-w different policy and funding outcomes would impact on an institution like our,.

lo horr, we need to have informed, detailed contingency plans in place, knm.ving that most ot diem will never have to be implemented, but confident that Manche ter will be able to move . ,viftly to manage any scenario that does materialise."

University College London (UCL) Council has recommended d1e esrabli hmcnt of a Redundancy Comrruttee.

•\ ni:versity spoke. person said: "Since last sun1mer, when UCL Council approved a bud!,ret that rcqwred a 6"1,, financial improvement tn the year 2009 / 10, UCL has ought to identify savings and additional income that will put us on a finn financial fooring in the tough ccononuc rin1es that lie ahead, and best ensure that we can continue to fulfil our mission as a world-leading researcli-intensivc w1.ivcrsity.

"As stated at the time, we would seek to achieve this through voluntaty severance, early retirement and redcplo)ment, avoiding compul ory redundancy a far as possible. However, as the process has progressed, it has become clear that one of ciur Faculties, the Facu.lry o[ Llfe Sciences, will not be able to achieve its financial raq.,,ets without

planned numbers as part of our commitment ro the quality of the student experience.

"As a consequence d1e total undergraduate population in the next academic year will be just over 31Yo lower tl1an in the current year.

statu . Reduced funding will impact on die well-deserved global reputation or this country's universicics.

""Along wit:l:i all other un.1versities, we wtll need to think about doing some dungs differently, m.tndful of the possible cffeca on taff and students and our collective desire ro maintain our c.,;;ccllence tn learning and teaclung and research."

''111t external funding climate for all K universities is now taking a dramatic rum for d1e worse; even the very strongest institutions will find it extremely challenging to manage the hccr scale of the public funding cuts

likely to be compOlmdcd year-on-year over tl1e neKt fi, e years or so."

reducing the number of academic JX>Sts in the Faculty. CCL's statutes require it to establish a Redundancy Crnnmittce to consider proposals that result in acaden1.ic redundancie ·.

'The Redundancy Committee's role i to consider the proposal that results in academic redundanoe,, agree the selection criteria and ensure tl,ar academic freedom ts protected. Proposals would be put to a Redundancy Committee, following extensive staff and union consultarion.

t

06 Friday, January 29, 2010 ud n .o Leeds Student

Disillusion with Devonshire halls Gemma Sutherland

Tensions between local residents of Cumberland Road and students of Devonshire halls of residence have escalated this year. Leeds City Council have received an unprecedented amount of complaints, a residents feel that the hedonis1ic life styk of students has got nut of con trot and is haying a negative impact on their lives. Crises talks are being held as a result b) the Council and Leeds l mn:rsit\ to find a solution to rhe problem·. Concerns rnisc<l b, n:sidents include the amount of noise generated by the studu1ts, which 'haun Gray, a resident of Cumberland Road, says is the worst in the th1r1cen years that he has lived 111 his prop~rry. I le told Leeds Student that the n01sc cnn last from midnight to ·ix or c, cn eight o'clock in the morning. 1mpact111g on his famtltcs sleep111g patrern. '·J han.' a two and a h.iJf­year-old son," said ;\fr (,ray. "Once they've woke him up. there'_ no getting him back to sleep." It's not just the nrnse that bothers \Ir Gray, it's .dso the languagL "Thq \\ .1lk up :rnJ down rhc- strec-t swearing and shouting. ]L's not ruce when you\•e got a young famil) ," he said. In addition, and hou ·e

vandalism of cars propert) is not

unusual on Cumberland Road. Mr Gray commented: "J've had loads of damage to my car over the years; they take the windscreen wipers and throw old food on it. I have to pop out now at night just to check they're not doing anything." Christopher Tod<l, a retired Leeds Universit) French professor and resident of Cumberland Road backed up Mr Gray's comments, stattng that hc and hts wife are constantly being woken up in the early hours of the mormng, and that they cannot have gue ts to sta\ at the hou . e due to the sheer amount of noise. l\lr Todd feels that s111ce the 24 hour licensing la\\ s came inro practtcc in 2UtJ5. the problem . have sharply risen, and that it induces students to be out all night. r le s:ud thar Leeds Universit), '·as an institt1rion, should rakc more- respons1biliry towards the surrounding comm unit)." Furthermore, he believes that the Unrverslt\' should not just rcgulate I he nnis~ pollution, hut the other inevitable problems of student Ii, ing, such as the.: amount of litter and ns111g crime 111 thc are:1, including a series nf mugg111gs outsidc Devonshire balls. When Leeds Student spoke to resident of De\'onshire Halls, students who wished w rema111 anonymous, felt that rhL Lecds L:niversit) had a major rnk in the problem. One student stated:

"\Vie get fined by the wardens if we make noise inside the halls past 9pm, so of course we're going to take it outside." Most students when asked didn't realise there wa a problem a~d said they'd received a "few email " on the subject, adding that they thought th_ey weren 'r noisy and ir was being blown out of proportton. One student, who also wished to remain

anonymous, stated: "l f the residents have a problem they shouldn't live next to hall of residence, we're nor going to stop having a good time." Leeds Cit)• Council and Leeds University have pledged to pacify the situation between the warring neighbours with a cries of measures such as street light111g, more litter bins and CCTV to

tackle anri -social behaviour and

the rising crime. A meeting with students of Devonshire halls to explain the consequences of their actions was due to take place this week. Hannah Greenslade, Leeds University Union Comm un ity Officer stated: "It's not easy to measure how th1 meeting is going to go, I'm not there to try and stop them having fun, I'm there co listen to their concerns as well."

NOISY: Local residents have complained about noise coming from Devonshire Halls Photo: Richard Smith

Invitation to radical preacher Student blogged off Matthew Cundall

Anjem Choudary, a radical Islamic preacher who has been as ociated with a number of banned groups, will be invited to speak at Leeds University under plans announced by student group Liberty(aLeeds.

It's ~till unclear whether Choudan, who recently planned to lead a mar~h through \'( ootton Bassett in pmte~a of Bntish soldiers lighting 1n Afghanistan, will be- allowed on campus.

But writing 111 toda(s Leeds Student, the btders of Liberty@! .cecls said that Choudarv's attendance was imponant for free ;pecch.

[n their statement, they made clear that they intend '"to im·ite /'\Ir Choudary-to speak on campus".

"An important pan of our role is to provide our student members thL opportunity to hL-ar \~Cws that are non­mainsrream, deeply controversial, and potcntlalt offencive, as such are the view of lr /\111cm Choudan ."

The group confim1ed ho;cver that the 4 3 year-ol<l cleric ts yet to reccn:e "a fotmal invitation".

ews of the moYe comes after both the University and LU issued statements denying that they were aware of any invitation. The denials

came after The Observer reponed Choudar/s claims that he had receh·ed invitations to talk at Lce<ls University and Trinity College, Cambridge_ ·

The Lniversny took the extraordmary step of rcleasmg a press release <len;ing knowledge of an invite fur Choudary statlng: "'l11e L1niversity of Leeds is commuted to promottng and positively encouragmg free debate and enquiry.

'"lt does nor mean that the right to freedom of expression 1s unfenered. The nh er ttv's values, and those of a civilised, dcrnocratlc, inclu. iw socien, must also be protected ·

' ~J'o date, w<. haYc nnt been made aware of an) booking for Mr Choudary. If we did receive such a rettuest, we would first need to establish whether or not the meeting could be held la'CvfuUy and whether or not tt could proceed 'u.,thour du:eat to public safcty."

I .UUs Commurucaaons & Lntemal Affairs Officcr Jak Codd told Leed

tudent that '"n~ official invitation has been exrende<l to i\niem Choudarv b) any I ,LU-affiliated society".

"If Choudary were to be invited, I think the prevailing view both on campus and in the rudeni Union would be chat he I not welcome here" added Codd.

There is likely to be organised

opposition m rhe invite from a number of student groups. Chouda:ry has previous]) called for ga) and lesbian people ro be stoned to death, and for "haria law to be impkmentc-d in Britain.

But t)lere could al. o be support for the invitation. Liberty@Leeds 1s an offshoot of a major national campai!-,,n group headed by civil liberties campaigner Shatru Chakrabarti It has previously taken part in campaign ag,unst government plan to deta111 terrorist suspects for 42 days, and has attracted support from a nlllnber of political parties. .

In their Hrticle for today's comment p~TCS, the.: Leeds !-,'TOup representatives distanced themselves from Choudan ·s views, and said rha t they hoped -to highlight the is , uc of freedom or speech '-''Ith.in the uruversit).

111e cleric's invitation could prove problemauc ior LU . nder its current rules, all potential speakers have to be vetted by the ttnion before they are allowed on ·to campus. Also m place is a ban on speakers convicted under the race relation act. 1his can11: about as the result of a motion proposed by · ophia James, LU I :,quality and Otversit) Officer.

Mateus Chippindale

A postgraduate student studying at the University of Leeds has been forced to remove a post from his blog after offending a vicar la t November.

Joseph \v'eissman, a 23 year old i\lcs ·ianic J cw, runs a blog called "Seismic Shock', which discusse · anri­

emiti m within Christian theoloro. Last year\\ cissman used his blog- to

accuse tephcn izcr, an .\nglican \1car

from Surrey, nf ru sociating hunsclf with terrorists and I lolocaust deniers. The blog normally attracts around 50 readers a day, but interest ro e follo\\'lng the post.

Weissman said: "People in the Christian world started reading and start<.'C! picking up on the comments I had made because he [ ' izerj is quite influential. I emailed tt to friends and theologians who took an interest."

As a result of the mcreasing interest in the blog, Sizer was made aware of the content and, taking offence, contacted ~e police. W ci. sman was subsequent!) visited by the authorities.

peaking to Lealr St11de111 about the visit, \X'eissman said: '"They said Reverend izer objects to being as oaate<l with terrorists and holocaust deniers. They asked for me to delete the contents of my blogspot account.

There was no caution, it was an infom,al chat."

\ccording to \X'eissman, .izer artempted to track him down after findtng out about the content of the post. l le told T .I: "l le [Sizer] hired a guy within his church to trace my IP address, a guy who also claim to be a Mes ianic J cw and apparently an Israeli c_,-soldier. The guy called me the 'son of a penis' in HebrL·w on my blog."

\\'cissman's post\1-as rcmoved from the blog shortly nfrcr the \·isit From \,\ 'est Yorkshire Police, but he docs not bclicve that he did anythmgwro~-

"'My blogwasn't full of insults, 1rwas full of question and what I tl1oughr were the 101111ng up of the docs. It w:t.S from an inquisiti\'e point of dew, 1~

wa. n:~ from_ a s<.-anng political point of ,,cw, he srud.

A statement from \"(' est Y orkshirr Police confim1ed that no fom1al action had been mken: ·· \s a result of a repon ofhar.issment, which was referred tc1 us by "urrey police, two officers from \\'est Yorkshire police vi ited the amhor of the blog concerned. Tht' feelings of rhe complainant were relayed to the author who rnluntarth rcrnoved the blog." '

Following the concrovers; cauicd by his comment., Weissman's blog l,;15

recei\-cd a huge increase in_ readers, ,llld he has recei,:ed support from Derrcn Brown, 1oumalists and even members of the Anglican Church.

Friday, January 29, 2010 'VW.11.:ed student 01 Leeds Student 07

Landlord given £11,000 fine Loma Gledhill

Tariq Zaman, formerly of Providence Properties, has been found guilty of flouting licensing laws for houses with multiple tenants.

He pleaded guilty to the charge of having four properties without HMO (houses with multiple occupancy) licenses and has been fined, alongside his brother Khalil Zaman, a total of £11,000.

Mr Zaman, a notoriou figure within Leeds letting circles, has various accu ations against him, and troubles began with the law as part of Providence Properties.

The BBC' Watchdog programme ran an investigation mto the actions of Mr Zaman in 2008 after hundreds of students complained about ha,·ing their deposits withheld for no reason.

Despite threatening Mr Zaman with 17 county coun judgements, the majority of the e students still have not received any portion of their lost deposits from Mr Zaman.

However, in this recent coun case, Mr Zaman bas been threatened with further punishment ifhe disregards the law and refuses ro pay his fines.

ueds St11de11t in 2009 o.-posed links berween the new Student Property Shop (SP ) and Providence Properties, beyond occupying the same residence on Victoria Road.

These links led Unipol to publish a warning stateme(lt on their web ite, urging students to have d1eir contracts checked over by Leeds University's Student Advice Centre prior to signing with The SPS.

J\ spokesperson fur nipo.l has confirmed that The P is neither a member nor supporter of the Unipol code, a binding agreement that forces property owners to adhere to a particular set of regulations.

Mandy Baker, from Unipol, recommends that studcnrs searching for properties in Leeds should pay due attention to d1e beneEts of the Unipol code:

''Unipol recommend to all students that they only rent properties from Unipol Code members or supporters. This gi,·es you the peace of mind that me property meets standards which go substantially beyond the legal minimum requirements."

Crucially, the Unipol code provides a formal complaints process that al.lows tenants to hold their landlords to account.

H-annah Greenslade, LUU's Co=unit\' Officer, reminds students mat rney cin protect themselves from unscrupu.lou landlords:

"I think the best dung to do is take ilieir time. Also, to do d1eir research about d1e kind of letting agent mey're looking at going with. It 's worth checking with the Student Advice Centre to see which ones iliey've had problems with in d1e past."

Hannah is also supporting the protest outside the tudent Propeny Shop this Sarurday as organised by d1e Land.lord Action Network. It is this type of student empowerment that she sees as crucial to holding landlords like Tariq Zam:t? to a~count . .

'1t is bastcally JUSt making a bit of a fuss, and making them realise we'~e not just going to let them get away w1ili 1t -a bit of a rcmioder for rnem to say that we haven't forgotten."

Leeds University's Student Advice Centre advises students to consult the comprehensiv~ hou~ section of the Leeds UniveCSJty Uruon website.

'Extraordinary in Leeds Student history' Tribute to ex-LS news editor and columnist, Rupert Hamer, who was the first British journalist to die in Afghanistan Matthew Power

The early 1990s saw Rupert l lamer's mfan1ous weekly column become the staple diet of Leeds Student readers.

The politics student u ed his witty writings ro challenge any group of student he felt like and be soon became 'the most unpopular man on campus,' a title his friends say he loved.

But it was not just his humour that earned him a place on the LS team, Hamer covered many of the lead stories for this paper in bis year as news editor, most notably the rape of a tudenr on Woodhouse Moor.

Hamer, 39, became the first British Journalist to be- killed in Afghanistan tbi month. His U .. armoured vehicle was bit by a roadside bomb on .January 9. His pborographcr, Phil Coburn, was also serious!) injured in the blast.

H aving already worked on a professional publication before coming to niversity, his journalistic capabilities impressed his office colleagues.

Ceri Thomas, Leed.r Student ediror between 1992 and 1993, said: "Rupert wa mart, laconic and determined to get on in Journalism even as a student. He was that rarity on a student paper, namely omeone who'd worked out LI) the

real world as a reporrer before coming back to universiC)\ and I rrunk we were all very impre sec! by that about him.''

But it is his mischiev us weekly column that stands out from the Leeds Student archives. With Christians, virgins and G11ardian readers often in the firing line, Hamer even had his own section of the letter page entitled 'Hamer' Hate Mail' to accommodate for the floods of correspondence arriving to the editor.

"Funniest of a.II was the fact tbar so many, students and Leeds Studeut groupies alike, missed the joke completely and took it all far too seriously," said former Leeds Student reporter Josh Berle.

Hamer's writings often meant he was on the run. But he didn't get

very far. He could often be found challenging socia.li ts .on their views over a pint in the Old Bar.

The 'most unpopular man o n campus' w~s thrown out from his own home when he used his column to pick apart the personalities of his housemates (pictured below). He described how one of them 'p retends that she is three years old in order to gain affection.'

Sam Greenhill Hamer's fellow LS news editor and now of the Dai ly Mail, recalls being called by I-Jamer when he was Jocked out. With a toothbrush in hand and no change of clothes, Hamer was forced to seek a week of exile from his furious housemates.

Greenhill, who asked Hamer to be the best man at his wedding in 2008, said: "T don't know what it's like now but there were a lot of earnest students around in 1993, and Rupert's crusade was to bring eveC)'One down to earth with a bit of piss-taking.

"He was never serious about it, he just loved conjuring up scenarios over a pint in the Old Bar, speculating how the bleating Socialist Workers would get banking jobs in five years and sack staff to preserve their bonuses. I bet they did too. If 1 could remember their name , J'cl check up and then write Rupert a note and stick it on hi headstone."

Leedr St11de11t readers were given a tare insight in to what it was reaUy like robe the infamous Hamer when he wrore an anon}mous .letter to the paper. 'A Day in the Life or Rupert I Jamer' reads: "After a long day, I like to rela.x in the pub with half a lager-top. The boys usually let me buy the drinks for chem. Finally I return to where the home fires burn. Mv housemates are always pleased to see me. To them I'm a bit of a celebrity and a bit of a cad. Ther love me - I'm the man of the house."

I lamer grew up in orwich, orfolk. At just 18 he joined the

Eastern Daily Press as a trainee reporter before leaving to study at Leeds University. After graduating, he jorned the Bournemouth Evening Echo, where he met his wife, Helen.

THUMBS-UP: Ru pen Hamer at work in the Leeds Stu dent office Photo: Courtesy of Sam Greenhill

Later working for the S11nday Alil7Ylr, I lamer made a total of four trips to Afghanistan to report from the front line, a trip he felt he had to make to do his job properly.

fie tapped at nothing 10

reporting the truth to his readers, whether it wa. for Leeds St11de11t, reporting on the rape of a student on Woodhouse Moor, or for the S1111da)' Min'Or, reporting back on the Afghanistan conflict.

The father-of- three set the standard for war reporting when be was made defence correspondent for the paper in 2004.

Over Christmas 2009, Hamer organized a pecial edition of the J1111day Mirror which featured messages from relatives of those away in Afghanistan.

The news of I tamer's death came a a shock to bis fellow Journalists and those now at Leeds

tudent. It serves as a reminder of the danger journalist put tl1emselves in to report the truth

from over ea conflicts. Conservative leader David

Cameron said: "Their job is a crucial one and their bravery i to be admired. My condolences go to Rupert's family - especially his wife llelen and their three young children."

Ali on Phillips, L eeds St11de11t editor between 1991 and 1992 and now associate editor of the Dally A1irror, commented: "Rupert was extraordinary in Leeds St11de11t bi rory - mainly because he was the only fully trained journalist we had ever had but also because he was never scared to write what he really thought. T lis dry humour did much keep up spirits during the long night when we were putting rhe paper together and Leeds Stt1de111 would have been a far less colourful place without him."

R11pert Ja111es Hattier: Bom o,jolk, rebma,y 28, I 970. Died _,.ljg/Ja11istan Ja1111ary 9, 2010.

6------Comment &Ana ysi

Is there sympathy for life in hell ·n the Ho se of Hamer?

Livln1t wlrh people Is ntnr euy. B•t Ir my hoos~matt, art a

~lsion of Clltun, Britain I.kit l'm off to JUnny pain.

I live with th1'tt girls alld • bloke. 0•• or tht Jlrlli prtltnd lb.at b• I• lhru years old ln order lo gain affection.

You must bA\:f rnd people like her. l1s all bah:, noi>el aod bup and r11bbinf,1 her hud op apinst you.

It's nlc;c to have th is wwnnth dlrecrcd at ) ou but

I 'd ralher ju.u sit dowit and ha ~ a de.ce.nt cbal once in a while. And If sh~ att<wtl"< Ille phm1t In that rldicul<>us demur Hille girl's ,01« apln r ,cwear I will drop my au.,epan or ptila in • n, or ra~.

5k bU a boyrrteod. Lui nl1tbt ~h• announced to ..veryone that slM was off 10 -a band. "Who wllb?" wt al l a.d<ed. ·'\\Ibo do I always go and - band. 'f'ltb?" she d, with a proud <milt. If "" ul!b to mab ou •omit. 11'5 ooe or thu~ 2.-1-hour. iicvco~da ·•'""

~ ---

Rupert HamerOO on Friday LLJ

ttk rd 114nshlps. And if she's without Ii.Im

ror mor~ 1ba11 fin mlnutes <he', RM>(Mlil) peding CarTol.<

in readln for hb imnunent arrl•'al and romplalnin,: ahouc m) p<tn<lnal habits.

Tom lf••tt ,s 1M <Jtber gilt In 111t h-. SM i, °"" of di,_ pco wb<> U, In a orfd at buown.

Tbf,i h au , n ,. l1 bul it nm n .• bask roaununlettioll quite dirrkult. t>pttiall~ wbel>

h<. i " lt'blnit ldt\'hlOl't •hkb form-... her lo pt,tin .

She i .;1.l tt ,..,, nr tho'\« people who,C" rnoml nr, t'r vlstbl than~~ otbio r,-e•r --torikh<r.

Tb~n \llfa onc:-: r·n•plfo:n taouK-b- 11 a, d ring ._ npnt or I.bat T\ pruivamm•, . ., r.. Good s.. ,uid•··, "h"" lh }

<rt di, cus., Ina wb•lh<r the i.xe. or m~n~~ wiln,'" i<­

importanL ~uddollly ,be • st.11n<Wljf up. ;nlnJ? tu,r nni:..­and bnutlnc al the l"J) or hu vo-kt-: "H", not tru.t'. it' not

llakin~ with ,,.., -otlon me tbtit 1 down

gain_ Sil• too bao a II<> l'rwnd

1t• part af Tbatchcr', C•re In lhe C mn,unill pro=-r mmt~ Tntr-ndon1> "' hi t, Ii. i.Dlft nrdina -...cidy.

But prrh P" }OO c- n TIJpalbl ..;th them

\fttt un. 1h ·~ frn ~u, nu· .,nd 1~m a compft·h JU'""kbT),k.

08 Friday, January 29, 2010 vvw I i:~ tud nt.or Leeds Student

-Hamer-Should we commemorate journalists in conflict in the same way that we do soldiers in the media?

This question was raised around the editorial table of Hamer's local newspaper the eastern Dai/y Press (EDP) when news first broke. It seemed to be a non question, but 1c was intriguing that the issue was raised.

Granted this situation was the first of its kind; I lamer is the first British journalist tn be kiUed and the obituaries bad previou ly b<!en of local soldier·. A life i , however a life, and therefore the decision was reached that • Jamer should be given the same treatment as a local soldier. I I1s part was as crucial as thosL fighting.

The bravery of Hamer will never be forgotten and will hopefully go on to inspire future generation· of journali~ts to follow hi lead and be th<.:re on the front line of even conflict, controYcrsial issue and breaking story. He inspires us all.

Hamer wa one of theirs at the EDP and we also see him as one of ours at Leeds St11de11t. The archive issues follow his cacccr through different sections nf the paper; a familiar path for all contributers. The papers from Hamcr's day contain many stones that are almost identical to those that we have covered in n:cent years. The same issues go on and Leeds Studmt is still here covering them.

I Jamcr's column was clearly loved by all who remember it and clcspJre not knowing him personally, those of us who have also held that front page ~lot can fed somewhat connected to him.

The light that this tragedy gives is when we sec such a united group of Le~ds \'t11de11t hacks contributing their though ts and memories ab our their time working with Hamer. This has been a comforting reminder of the community of Leed.r Student. nd most of all there 1s a great sense of pride that he was one of ours.

-Zaman-Tariq Zaman, the notorious Leeds landlord, has finally been brought to some kind ofjusti.ce. Maybe not the rough justice that some of his former tenants may have wanted, but justice all the same.

Zaman's evasiveness has allowed him to wtiggle free of nigh on twenty county court judgment~ again t him, but on this occasion he turned up and has been finally been pinned down.

Having pleaded guilty to the charge of having four properties without ]IMO licences he has been fined, alongside his brother Khalil Zaman, a total of £11,000.

\X'hile the sum may he high, it pales Into insignificance against the amount that the land baron of l lyde Park and Hcadinglev owes to the many former tenants.

Leeds St11dent has been at the

forefront of exposing Zaman's shady history, from his original dealings as head of Providence, to the links between him .ind the newly re-branded Student Property Shop last year.

So it was with some relish that we reported that Zaman him~clf was having housing problems after bemg denied planning permission for ''failing to take into account the character of. . .its surroundings.''

I .eeds Jt11de11t is unclear whether the planning authorities were talking about the house or Zaman himself.

The fact that cowbor l:indlords, such as Zaman, arc now being rounded up hopefully heralds a new dawn for student tenanrs, one free of the terror that a horror landlord, such as Zaman, can instaU.

-UC Democracy change-Proposals for the drastic refonn of cannot function. The reforms, whilst the Union democracy have been rcqwring student approval, will help met with universal approval, make the whole process easier and an101igst hopes that this will clean more u-ansparcnt, as well as making it up the present system. reflect the student voice more.

In a damning report \-Vhat is even more remarkable conurussioned by the Union last yt:ar, about the whole thing is that the Union politics was condemned as a entire student Executive arc behind "'play thing'" for a clique who arc the reforms. At a time when cue more interested ill pursLUng rcrsonal divide them, the chance to reform agendas than implementing an} decision-making and make student wider change. The report concluded politics accessible to the average that "the current democratic student umtcs them. We can only landscape docs not look hope chat they stay united on this encouraging." front, and can maybe start to mend

I lowever, these moves to reform some the fissures between them. the council wtU hopefully act to Regardless of the splits and counter these feelings regarding making up, this is chance for real Cnion politics and make Union change that will effect every studmt Council more accessible and Leeds Student salures these changes, understandable. and crosses its finger.; that they will

The boycott of Union Council by pass student approval in the next si.x of its elected members this week referendum. proves that the current system

letter @ee tudent.org Turning a blind eye?

On a recent night out at the student union l was appaUcd to see the union staff at the bar and the bouncer barring students from buying alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks from the bar in Stylus as a result of having downed a VK. In spite of this, you are still allowed to down shots of all l'ypes despite both beverages having a similar level of neat alcohol volume, their argument being the VK was of a greater ovcrall volume.

Further to this, the bouncers and bar staff turned a blind eye to numerous individuals acting suspiaously in the toilets, apparently under the inOucncc of something other than alcohol. There has to be questions asked as to whether this is the kind of attitude we want taken in our student un10n, where substance abuse is preferred to alcohol!

A disgruntled Environment and Business 3rd year tudent

Cuts; sometimes doing what needs to be done isnT nice

1 read with interest the full-page comment b, Conor Whelan in the lase edition of J:.Cedr St11de11t (vol. 4H i sue 8), and felt chat I ought to respond.

obody wants our unh·ersity to have to make cuts. obody wants our lecturers to lo c their jobs. obody wants the Government to have m make cuts. However, at a ame when the country is in billions of pounds of debt it's what people need to do, not what they want to do, which is most important

These cur have not come from thin air. Their shadow bas been looming over f-Ugher Education since May, when the head of the Government' Department for Innovation, Universities and kills wrote to the head of the F ligher Educat10n Funding Council for England, saying: '"the Government has concluded that we need to go further to deliver efficiencies and rc<lucc ,·1:aste in public spending ... as a Dcpartrnent we need to find operational efficiency savings of £400 million." 'Efficienc) savings' is the PC term for curs.

111.c letter was an indication of what was to come, but the full calc of what was going ro happen to HE was not revealed until , unday 19th J unc 2009. lt was then that Jack Gnmston ofThe Times reponcd that civil seivants were making plans to cut funding to urnvcrsttics and other public-owned

_services by up to 20%. I le wrote: "\'(;'hitebali is drawmg up plans for deep cuts in the higher cducaaon budget that in the worst case would slash a fifth &om university finance." It quickly became clear that universities could no longer courn on receiving the amount of money that the) had come to rci1 on.

In fact, cuts have alrca~h started. tudent numbers were capped by the

government this year. The cap on student nun1bers has been bad news for students who couldn't get a place at a university; ll wa also bad for universities who were threatened with fint.'S of thou ands of poLU1ds for every student they recruited over the set limit Fewer students meant less tuitinn fees and less money being re-invested in the resources needed to teach tu<lcnts.

After the IJJnit on student nLUnbcrs the bad news kept on coming. ln July it was announced that univer ities' teaching budgets for 2009 / 1 0 would be cut. At Leeds, our own teaching budget fell by over £1.25 million this

year. incc the teaching budget is a key means through which to pay lecturers, and lecturers nationwide had won a 13.1% pay rise in 2006_which w~ still ill force this left the umverstt:y faang a rising w~ge bill and a faU in the income needed to pay it 111c Government has now formally announced their intention to make £600million of cuts to Higher Education in their Pre­Budget report, when this is added to £300million of curs already planned this means £900million of c_ucs tC? a sector featuring around 140 urnversmes - as has been widely stated in the press (especially the Times Higher Education

upplement during the last month). Let' not mis the point here - the

pressure co make cuts tu meet the gap in the teaching budget ha already begun.

You might ask what could the Government do 1f universities didn't make curs? The answer to that question came 1n _ o,·ember when the Government launched Jts 'Higher Ambitions' report, \vhich stated: 'Thc.."fe 1s considcrablc scope for further efficiency savings through, for c.xample, more effective approaches to procurement. Government cannot mandate such efficiencies, but it can and will fund on the basis chat such efficiencies art! being achii:vcd' (Higher Ambitions 2009) . This mean that Government b going to reduce the amount of money being given to LU11vcrs1ocs even if univcrsitic don't reduce the amount they pend; in effect forcing them to make cuts or go bankn1pt.

Throughout these announcements Universities had one hope for avoiding cuts; maybe if Labour was voted out at the next clcctmn the Conservatives would throw the report and any plans for cuts into the bin. But in the Times Higher l~ducatJon on 12th r ovember 2009, Melanie ewman rcpnned that the 'I lighcr Ambition,' report, which in isted on universitie. making cuts, had support from the Conservative part) as wcll: David \"\'iller said in the article that "11,e framework reflects the influence we've been ha\.ing on the debate. I r's a big advance o'n what's been ·aid before."' It's clear, therefore, that whoever wins the next election, universiti~s will be expected to make cuts. In tact the onservatives have indicated that they have plans ro mtroduce cuts more wiftly and co a greater extent then Lab ur \\·ould; they plan to hake the national deficit in less than half ~he time Labour plan to spend m.'lkmg the same 'savings' - as Kenneth Clarke indicated 1n the

undayTtmc January 24, 2010. So wha_t about Leeds? I low many

staff are gomg to lose their jobs here? o-one can know until the full extent

of nauonaJ spending cuts is known (after the ,cneral Election because no party is going to announce the full extent_ f such a_n unpopular move before it). Lruvers1ty management have asked s~ff co research bow university money ts bctng sr.em in every school ~roughout the umversity, this exercise 1 called an ·~c~vitics anal} is' and the results of tlus from all of the school will help to in form the decision on who or what v.~11 be cut.

It is i:iot true that there will neces . anl>· be . compulsory red1;1ndanc1cs; the umversity's most semor member of staff, Vice­Chancellor J\pchacl Arthur has already srud these w1U be a last resort. But it stands to reason that we cannot know bow many staff will have to go or whether ther~ will need to be a n~ber of rcdundanocs exceeding the number

of staff wh~ are willing to go voluntarily, until the politicians decide up_on t_he full extent of the cuts to LLt1Jvers1bes such as ours.

When the cuts do come students do have a_ bit of pow~r. But I'm afraid protesting to the wuversity that we do not want curs 1s, frankly, stati~ the obvious. They don't want cuts either They are not making cuts out of choi~ but through politician-forced necessity. As tudents, :-ve can use our voice to fight for the bits of the university which make the mo~t difference to our time here. The umvcrs1ry has said that the student experience will be maintained and we can hold ~cm to_ that promise; we can tcU them if we think the library is more important than another pan of the university and if they try to cut that which matters most to us then we can complain and stop them.

The U nivcrsity arc trying to communicate with us via: www.lecds.ac. uk/ cornms/ financial/ and the) have given us an addre s ·where we can send any suggesnons or quesaons that are not answered on this website: studcmgucstions@leeds.ac.uk . They arc giving us a chance to have our say and to have our que tions answered, as well as meeting with us regularly, so let's use these opportunities and u e our rcpre cntativcs to ask for that which the university can give us.

Instead of getting emotional and Sa)tng on the ba is of emotional diatribes that 'we should oppose these cut now, we will regret it when we see our courses being wrecked'. ow is the 01nc to he engage with the issue, look at tl1e facts available, and make a u cful contribution towards ensuring our C'.\.-pcrience docs not suffer.

Kathryn Rose (MA, School of English)

Union Council boycott

I send 111) belated apology for not being present at yesterdays union council meeting. I held an Ethical & Environmcntal(E&E) assembl) mectini before Union Council(UO in order tor us as an assembly to discuss the U agenda. As it happened we cliscu sed the agenda but d1ere was also a di cus ion surrounding the boycott of union council by ocher members.

I had not plru1ned to boycott CC, despite 31:,>1:ccing with the points emrul set by those boycottlilg.

There was consensus howeYcr chat I should boycott 10 the as emb~y meeting, because ofUCs undemocraoc nature, the failure of UC to haYe con trucave and meaningful debate, which i in read often very palarise~. 'Di.ere was also a feeling that UC _cant effectively represent tudents vte~-s. People attending the assembly tell there was an urgent need to create a new democratic system which 1s created with as much srudent participation as possible_ and is one where in which student will be able tO

have a say in decision making. It seems from the a sembll' m~

that UC is losing legirimaci: an re pect I didn't particularly desl!C ro boycott UC in fact I feel rath~r uncomfortable with it, but it wouldnt

· the be bemg democratic to ignore th fcclin6,s of all those whom made bl~ effort to tum up to tl1e E&E assem l meeting.

Adam Harper

Letters may also be posted to

PO BOX 157. Leeds Student reserves the right to edit letters.

Friday, January 29, 2010 Leeds Student 09

the The classic political spectrum of "left" and "right" has dwindling relevance in today's Britain, least of all in the Houses of Parliament. But is this good? This week, we ask:

James Legge

nee, in the age of real politician like the great William G ladstone, every

commercial street of every cown, village and city on the Jeepy i le of Britannia was replete with cafes, restaurant and other ga tronomic enterprises within which could be discovered multifarious olfactory treats.

ow it's shit. ow, the only eateries we have to

choose from, a we wade through a tormy sea ofBlackberries, Ugg boots

and those initially admirable but ultimately contemptible charity fundraisers are McDonald's, Burger King or (if we're feeling flush) Subway. All of the food available in these outlets is uninspiring at best.

Does it not strike you as odd as the mo t ascendent in the high street catenng industry make distinctly average food? This is because at some point in the la t century the invi ible forces which govern our market economy realised, in their invisible way, that the secret to popularity isn't­as wa formerly believed- to be the best, but to be tl,e least likely to be the worst.

People like what they know. People like what's average. And these people arc more likely to buy your product if, even though it might nor be great, they can bet their life that it won't be God awful. I mean, when was the last time you saw Burger King selling a kangaroo and stilton burger? '!'hat's right, you didn't because people these days don't take ri, ks on things which might tum out to be sub-standard.

And the difference between a mu ltinational corporation and a political party is getting slimmer every day. They both pay millions of pounds to PR agencies for multimedia ad campaigns and are fronted by faceles managerial-types. They both have benefactors who like to have a say in policy and a public to sell a product to; it's just that political parties call these members and voters respectively while multinarional call them shareholder and customers. But alas, 1 digress.

First of all I fear that O li, in his opposing article, is going to completely misrepresent what an ideology is. If we were talking about a collection of unconnected beliefs about specific policy areas- for example, immigraaon is a bad thing, the NHS shouldn't exist, everybody should pay the same rate of tax and we should invade China- then I

would give up the argument immediately. Often people do see political beliefs in chis clustered way but this kind of dogma is stifling to public debate and for people to hold them is an insult to human rationality in general.

However, a political ideology is an ab tract notion about how a just state is governed which one can apply to parcicular policy areas as is necessary. An example of this would be: That the state can and should act to help those with too little by taking privileges from those who have too much. This ideology would most direccly lead to redi tributive tax policies, but can equally be applied co policy relaring to education or social mobility. The ideologically-guided politician would vote and act in accordance with hi /her fundamental beliefs. Thi is a good thing because those who voted for him/her can trust that their represemarive in parliament will say, in relatio n to any question which comes up, something like what th'!)' would have said. That is, after all, the point of a representative democracy.

But because of modern Centrism what we sec in "The Mother of all Parliaments", is a two-and-a-half party system in which the only citizen actually represented are the couple of million middle-cla s, middle-management, middle-earner of Middle Englancj. Even a recently as the 1980s people knew that their par l iamentary representatives were sticking to what their social con ciences cold them but now tl1ere i no voice to represent the farther reaches of the policical spectrum, and so no diversity of opinion or debate. Conseguently, progress is fo rever limited to the best ideas that come out of an extremely narrow range of views.

And so, it is clear that political Centrism is bad, because it erodes faith in public servants and disallows the inclusion of diverse opinion in public debate, which is so important for social progress.

Is the climate more important than the economy?

Yes: 34% No:66%

Don't forget to log on and have your say at

odem Bricish policies is under fire for denying its roots and abandoning all its principle

in a ru, h to pander to populism. Words like 'Socialism', '"Marx.ism' and 'Fascism' arc now more often cited in h istory essays than the analyses of polirical pundits. As a result many in the media have felt it their duty co attack the death of ideology in politics using the ba est journalistic technique-nostalgia. Things were better, they say, when you knew where you stood; politician, were a nobler breed when they aligned themselves with clearly defined political the ries or philosophies. However, beyond this as ercion there seems little proof that this is the case, instead 1 would maintain that centrist policies has done relatively more good than harm.

It's iniporrant to acknowledge the reason for cencrism to understand why it is bavrng a positive effect. Centrism i the result of natural pouricaJ evolution m a representacive democracy like our own. Mose societies start off by relying on pre­conceived political ideologies, in an attempt to understand blooming society as adhering to a cert'lin set of principle and legislating accordingly.

However, as more and more observation occurs it becomes clear that the e ideologies do not have complete explanatory power and so they are either amended or abandoned. Once a society has reached the age of ours it would be unlikely that the same clear left-right or autl1oritarian-liberal divides would

still dominate. What is Illustration: Becky Jones more likely 1s that political

partic , will re pond directly co their electorate, thereby assuring that decision made are those required by citizens rather than ideological assumprwn. Essentially then centri mis a re ponse co market forces, which has shown choice to become limited because there is not a substantial enough call for mure divided ideology. If one were to impose an artificial return co 1deological divide real social divide would rapidly undermine and stifle positi,·e political evolurion.

Also, Centrism allows for llnmediate political elasticity if it is necessary. Current!) a politician's mandate is directly correlated to the platform/ policies he/ she is elected on. For instance,

Oliver Duggan

if elected as a 'socialist' the leader would be unable to legitimately way from this position without strong opposition. On the surface this may seem like an important fail-safe to prevent elected tyranny. HoweYer, given the speed of globalization and the transience of our socio-economic situarion there is a good chance that a leader elected on a trongly left or right platform will be outdated in h1 policy fundamental by the time their four year tenure is up. If, for instance, there were a Marxist or strongly traditionally conservacive goverrm1ent at the rime of a )Tlajor rece sion they would be very limited in ho~, tbey were able to respond and maintain the mandate. A centrist government 1s capable of working with changing circumstances becau e their decisions don't require ideological ju tification.

Those who argue in favour of a return to ideological divisions also mi understand the importance of debate, which focu cs on the nuance, of policy- omething that can only properly exist through centrism. Instead of political competition being clouded by allegiance to particular political ideologies, and the resurgence of long dead debates over things like eugenics, politics can be focused on the details of the public sector tl,ar require alteration, such as the H budget or teacher performance targets. Thi proves to be a vast improvement on ide(?logical politics for two reasons; the first be.mg that it rends to generate more effective and progressive policies, and the second being the fact that 1t contributes towards the education of the electorate, because they need to be informed of much more specific policy alterauon co make a rational decision at tl1e polls.

And if anyone says that Centrism excludes minonsies, they're wrong. In fact, there is evidence to ugge c that strong ideology is much more excluding that Centrism, which is by definition i · an attempt ro respond to as many people as possible. For example, although pusr -war ideological allegiances were high for the majority, those who did not fit into the two main parties were totally excluded from polirical paraciparion. There i a clear correlation between the rise of Cencrism and the growth of Inde]?endenc candidates runmng for publtc office, a phenomenon that couldn't have occurred in a more 1dcological system.

Ultimately, strong ideology has died in Britain as a result of cbe natural progression of party policies and any call for it return would see the butchering of progressive polic), the creation of deep societal di\Ti ion and the exclusion of political minorities.

10 Friday, Janua1y 29, 2010 ·w,v.leeds tu<l nt.or); I Leeds Student

Support staff, support the strike

Conor Whelan Second Y car English

conorandhis lmanband @hutmail.co.uk

The ' Education Firs t - \' o re N o' e mail campaign launched by the LllU Exccuti,·e was not vc,red fix by students. Neither dncs it defend the interests of srudencs. In. read, we were ordered to oppose strikes ,nthout being give n an) balanced argument, de ·pite awareness of a large student body that did support scnkes.

\X'e all want to get good jobs when we grndunte. ln order w g-et them, we need to have been taught well. And this mean having staff who have ome for us, having staff who ar · expc.:ns, whatever their line of srudy. 'Education Fir c' . ays "it i5 ,vonh noting that thc.:rc is no clear link between raff srudenc ratio and student sat1 faction as measured bv the ationaJ Student u1-ve) ' ) '. But 1t i's afao worth noting that the cudenc raff Ratio is one of rhe deciding factors 1n any league cable, bmh as its own criteria, and in terms of its effect on the Uru,·ers1ty as a whok. Ir is also worth noting chat e,lectronic Engineering went from the top ro the botcom of rhe SS after job cues there.

You will hear that strikes ma) delay grnduat1on, but this seems very unlikely. For a

starL, balloting for strike action docs not mean rhat srnff will strike. \t a talk given b)

ally l lunt, rhe G eneral Secretary of national LCL, the Leed hranch agreed that their ":um,,currentl) is to make the J\cas talks work .

They are more llkell' to he listened lo 1f ther threaten to strike, and chere is strong evidence to suggest that strong support from srudencs (such as 10 the 2006 action by UCL's prcdeces or the J\UT) will in turn remon: the ncc.:d fur ani industrial action -

or ar least seriously shorten IL time span. The action 10 2006, which encompassed both a walkout and an admioi. trative trike, received substantial studc.:nt support noc least due to the fact that formatiYc feedback was still gn en to tudencs, teaching which wa disrupted by the walkout \\'as nevertheless planned for and taught the following day, and

students were still supervised and rutored -in short, tudent life continued largely as normal. J\nd that wa after summer exams -tf UCU do take indu ·trial action in Februar), there " 'ill be plenty of time for students co get marks 111 time for gradm1tion.

\X'e have already seen the form that '·consultarion ,;vith staff' takes. The raculty of Biological Sciences (FBS) is being merged with other faculties and losing 70 staff, despite their 5* re ea.rch rating. Twenty FB professors sent a letter to their dean saying the) felt the process had been "insulting and demeaning" and "that engagement of staff in this proces has been low." Even the professors are b ing asked to rc.:appl) for their own jobs. The letter also hows ho~ much re ·pect enior Management hold~ for talks: "The deadline for profc sorial job applications precedes formal talks with rrade union represencach·e of the academic body by a matter of minutes". This shows a patent disregard for the consultation process.

There are proposed cues in higher education, approximately f9 l 5million nat1onall). In the Vice-Chancellor' appeal to The Guardian he said cuts "will haYe a dc\·astating effrcr 1 ..• J on students and staff'. But c.:ven if £l billion was cut, then the J:35 million our cnior Management intends co cut would represent 3.5% oi the nation' c·uts, which i grossly di proportionate. Yet if cuts at Lc.:eds were necessary - and a great deal of evidence on leedsucu.,vordpres .com

suggests otherwise - then rather than oppo ing trikes, it would be far more po iriYc for srudenc to focus on fightmg cuts at a national le cl, such as at the arional Convention AgainH Fees and Cuts on 6 February.

But curs at Leeds are being made too soon, and in an irresponsible manner that might be in breach of the Trade Union Act (2000). We cannot let Leed lead a wave of cuts before ther are shown to be necessary. 1\t the moment, those proposed here a.re by far the most far-reaching in the count[) .

In order to protect the student experience and education, ~taff and students nc.:ed to stand together. Whether tudcnt. support strike action or ooc, could decide whether or not your favourite tutor till bas a job next year.

LUU will put education frrst

Mike Gladstone LUU Education Officer

m.e.gladstone@Juu.leeds.ac.uk

The pa t few weeks ar Leeds niversit) Un.ion have been the mo t cYeotful and controversial 1 have seen in my time here. The unjustified backlm;h from a vocal minonry of students over L · U's 'Educatjon Fir c' campaign has been extreme and out of all proportion.

Education First wa. set up as a campaign to protect the interests of students throughout the Universit) of Leeds' drive to make £35 million savings. Tbe posit.ion of L U has been mi represented by some groups, so let me state it cl earl} now: Leeds niversit) L nion is opposed

to both budg<.:t cuts and to strike acuon that neganvely impacts upon students.

Our number one priorit) is to ensure that whatever happens on campus, students arc protected and defended. W'e do not wanr to return t0 the days of 2006, when a di pute between the academic trade union UCl' (then the A LIT) and un.iversit) management resulted 10 student exams not being marked. When asked by a student in 2006 wh1 1 he academic trade union had chosen co take th~ir dispute out on students, a representative from the trade union said "an examinanons boycott would have the greatest impact on students" (Leeds iudent, 5 May 2006).

We can't afford to let this situation happen again. At LUU, we believe that sruclents hould be able to take their e..'truns and graduate frc.:e from disruption we don't think this is an unreasonable demand. We also believe that every student ar Leeds de er,cs a well-funded and high quality university experience, which is why we will fight tootl, and nail t defend sntdems thrnughour the

niversity's Economics E.-xercise. \\Jc will not be used by UCU, and oor will we be palmed off by the Universit). It's t:lme both sides Listened to die voice of students and did something about our concerns. '; ' c an: working productiyely and closely with the ocher campus trade union , particularl) Unite, and hope tl1at UCU can agrc.:c not to harm students in their dispute with the Un.ivcr ity, so we can build a progressive coalition that can G cu on the need. of students during chi ' turbulent period.

Over the coming weeks, the niversity will be outlining ic proposals to make £.",5 million worth of savings. It is my job, along w1tl1 colleagues, to represent your opinions and concerns on die, e proposals to tl1e University. The plans, \\'hen they are released, will be put on to our website fnr students to scrutimse, an<l we ,,,;II con ult ,vith )'OU to !-,JCt your ,icws. If there is anything m tl1erc that vou think will damage your educational

experience, then we want ro know about it, and \\'e >will represent your concerns. W'c ,vill en ure the university sticks to it commitment LO

srudents and to minimising the impact of cuts on US.

_I lowever, we al o need to look beyond what i, go10g on locally, and ask why tl1e University is making the c cuts. The !,JQ\'ernment has alread, announcc.:d a reducoon oi L'9 l 5 million worth c;f inve cmem in higher education, 12.5'1-u nfics l IE

budget, with pos ·iW1 further cuts to follow. As \.\'e approach the genera l election, pare of 'Educanon Fir-r"s approach \\ill be ro make sure that higher education funding 1s ar the forefront of students' miRds as they go co the ballot boxes. Politicians need to \\'akc up and realise that students won't sit back and be walked all over-if we want a fairer and bener funded HE system d1en \\'e need to go our and vote for iL ·

Is d1e best wa) to fight curs really thro,\~ng paint around out ide tl1e L niofl? I'm not sure it is. 111c ~tudcm body needs co come cogecher and oppose the e cuts: and I call on all students to join our day of"action planned for Tuesday February 16, as weU a, die other acavities we have planned, to ensure the ntdent voice is heard.

1 have been a. ked many times thi week whether 'Education First' will c ntinuc, and my answer is yes. 'T".ducation First' will continue to represent the \iews of students, continue to fight damaging cues at Leed , continue to oppose industrial action chat harms srudenrs, and continue the fight nationally for a fair higher education funding system. l implore those students that have been fighting against us, and those whn have not been interested at all, to do something productive co oppose damagmg ~uts to education, and join with us: let' put educaaoo fir t and tackle what will probably be the most in1portant issue students \J.·ill face thts decade.

-L Education First leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/ cducationfir t

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Friday Janua1y 29, 2010 1,vww.lcedsstud nt.org I Leeds Student

Council meeting a 'farce' Disdain a11d disresp ct at Uruon Counc eting 1.111d rmin s

d E. ' . ~ T re 1 o

Tom Hegarty 'J11ird Year English entpjl1(i't leeds.ac.uk

Originally, l had planned 10 wnte this comment abou1 the ongoing student camprugn to tight the cuts pro po ed at Leeds L' niYef'it), ,ls a member of the 'Leeds L'ni\·er it) .\gainst Cuts' group, and a student \\'ho is proud to full\' support the use of industnal action on the.: pan of its staff m prorcct their lin:lihoods, as well as the education.al standards of thi. C ni\'ersin.

1 lowe-ver, on December .., last ) ear, along with many fellow student, concerned about the cuts, I attencled an LUl.' Council meeting in the ARC Confc.:rencc Room, wcked awm round the weird back passages at the _top of the l nion. 1 did this because I'd heard that there \\ as going to be a mouon passed that 1 disagreed with, clrummg that the majorit)' of the student body acti\·ely oppost:d the human right of our h.:cturers and othcr staff to withhold thcir labour and strike, in the face o[ job losses and diminishing conditions of employment v,:hich would make it difficult for them to do their work cffccuvch.

You can find ab~ndnnt information on the progress of the hilariouslr titled 'economies excrcisc' and the campaign to fight it at the 'Leeds University Against Curs' Facebook group, and if you'd like to get a perspective from some of our staff themselves there is a blog by the University and College nion on their website, containing a great deal of enlightening in formation.

Por now, I thought l woulJ simply uy and communicate the unfolding horror I felt as I sac in that room, at the realisation that tht peopk at across from me, elected to be the \·oice of the students of this uniYcrsiry, did not represent my vie\\', , or the views of the many others at around me, and c.lid not even care if ,,·c knew it.

From the beginning of the discussion of the motion, it was clear that sc\·crnl members of the Counctl had absolutely no profcs. !Ona! respect for their colleap;ues. \'{'hen ick Jones, the Mature Student representative, attempted w rai . e a gucry, he wa. told to 'shut up' -repeatedly - b} Jak odd, the nion Exec's Communications :md Internal 1\ffairs officer. Rather than being an aberration, this level of general re pect for each other . eemed par for the course amongst many Council members, who roucinelv talked over t:ach other and muttered under their breath whilst others talked. This behm·iour was particularly evident m the J1airman, who seemed 10 actively enjor

houting and rudely cutting off his fellow members in mid-speech.

This disdainful attitude seemed to be amplified towards the Council' audience, of which I wa a member. ~11en Codd was asked if he would apologise for remarks alleged!} made, that CU members and Leed lecturers were 'leeches and parasite.', he denied he had made such r mark., despite insi. tent voices from several of the crowd that he had. The assembled . tudent audience, while never formally welcomed b, the chair, were 111\'itcd to , peak on the motion in quesaon. l lowever, when several tried they were repeatedly told to 'hurry up', or effectiYcly told to shut up with a curt 'that point's been covered' from the chair.

\X' hen 'Leeds Universit) Against Cuts' mcmbcrs attempted to disp lay se\•eral large

banners displa,mg hrrcat numbers o( swdents' signatures back111g the campaign, WL \Vere told to sit down and put them away. \s the farce continued, it became clear we had little more Lhan J token Yotcc, to be expt:diently silenced 1f Jt gre\\' too uncomiortable.

\tone poim, Ged Colgan questioned if the l nion r.xcc wou ld rccogni e the remarkable similarir, betwcen it. own rhetoric and that of the UlliYersity's managcment. ophia J ameS, the I .qualit) and Din:rsit) officer replied, to a studem ·he bad been elected to repre cnt, 'Oh shut up, you're boring Ged, \'ou're boring'. To c::ip th.is ridicu lous display, the audience were then reprimanded for applauding one or the· fc\v instances \\'hen a ouncil member had made a pomt on which there \\'a approYal from the assembled rudcnt ·, told sternly 'don't clap'.

But for 111\ \\'Ord count, T could continue in thi. vein, bu·t I hope chc gencral impression that emerged has been communicated. ~ecdlcs to av the debate wa fundamcntalh one-sided and the motion \\'a passed·. '\fterwards, the Chair commcnrcd with a smirk, 'l expec1 a lot of you will be lca\·ing now, though, feel free to stay'. Lea\·c we <lid, in complete and utter di gusL

ince rctunung from the Christmas break, there have been small but noticeable improvemenls 111 the Union Council's

willingncss to , peak co students and listen to their Yiews. \t the council meeting of londa) Januar) 25, students were able to speak from the floor at greater lcngrh and participate in more of a dialogue \\Jtb their reprcsentaciYcs.

,\Jcmhers of the Lxec still on occasion pullcd faces and muttt:rcd m each other when swdents expressed thcir view ·, but this was l1mitcd to a minorit), as opposed to the mass tndiffcrencc and contempt cxh1b1teJ in the mceting J ha\·e previous!) addressed.

I would argue that these impnn cments, \\ hile not nearly sufficient, arc.: a prn.1tive . tep, and haYc been caused b) prcssurc from the anti-curs campaign finall) beginning 10 pen tratc the.: Council's bubblc and force thc.:111 to understand they mu. t listen to the people tht-y represent, and 1101 merely claim to do so.

That some Council and l~xec members haYe rcalised this is encouraging, but 1 · 1n itself an indication that the onJ\' wa, to make student voices heard at Leeds , ni{c.:rsit\ 1s to do so first and foremost through ourselves, rather than trust 111 an orga111sat1on that must he penodically reminded of its re~ponsibilities to those it represents.

UCU Blog: lccdsucu.wordpress.com - ' each "Leeds nivcrsit)· Against Curs" on

facebook.com

11

A question of Liberty: why we want Anjem Choudary to speak at LUU

Gayan Samarasinghe l..aw i\ !asters

Iced. libcrty(cugooglemail.cc >m

L1berry@Leeds h,n c not ret issued Mr \njcm Choudan with a formal 11witacion to ·peak al the Union. \'\ e arc howc\'c.:r interested tn having this spcakcr debate against other prominent Bnush \ [uslim figures at an e\'ent hostetl by nur societ) in tht: near furnre. \\"e \l'ould hope the event to be stmilar to the debate hosted b) ews111ghr a fc\\' year. ago cntith.:d "Islam and the \,·est", 111 which a number of British fusl1ms including Barone s \\. arsi debated with Anjem Choudar) on the true r..:lationship between lslam, human rights and libert).

Although we know our proposed talk will generate some contro,ersj, we do not bclie,·e this talk would damage tnter-faith relauon . . A great deal o negative attitudes towards the r-1 u lim community arise from ,1

mispercept1on , omctimcs propagated by anti­i\l uslim group that the vie\\'S of Islamis1 groups such as Islam4l' K represent the vic\\'s of mainstrcam Briush Muslim sociery. This event ,vill allow Mr Anjem Choudary rhe opportunity to make his case for wh\ an Islamic state should be imposed upon Britrun, but 1r will al. o provide an opportunit · for other promincnt speakers co make ii \cry clear that many Muslims disagree with his sentiments.

\'(/e would like to make clear that we do not support the views o( l\fr A.njem

houdar) e>r his organi ·ation lslam4LK. ,\ a society committed to equalin between the sexe , ga) right and civil liberncs we bclie,c he would abhor our views as much as \'l.'e abhor his. Rut bccause nne of the liberties which we value is freedom of speech, an important part of our role is co provide our student mcmbers the opportunlt) to hear views that arc non -mainstrcam, deep!) contrnver. ial, and potentially offensive, a arc. the Yit:\\ s of J\1r Anjcm houdary. \Xe recognise that ~ome people will disagree , trongl} with the value we accord to freedom of speech, and 1hc faith we place in the maturit\ of our audience, but those convictions are core tenets of a student society commined to civil liberty and, we feel, a university. To condemn our decision on these grounds 1s co , uggest that group such as ours should not exist in the first place.

for all these reason , , although we will take. \'Cr} scriou. ly any concerns that are submined co us, we cannot apologise for our plan. to invite Mr Anjem Choudary to speak on campus.

12 Friday, January 29, 2010 www.leedsstudc•nt.org Leeds Student

Student jury service proposed as Union democracy faces crisis

DEMOCRACY IN ACTION: The 2009-10 Union Council receives a visit from NUS Vice-President Aaron Porter.

ln the same week that six members of Union Council (UC) took the decision to implement a collective boycott for the remainder of the year, the Union has released a proposal for drastic reforms to the Union's decision-making structure.

The proposal, which went online on Monday, recommends a complete overhaul of the system, induding the introduction of tudent 'juries' where members of the student bodv will be selected at random and exp~ctecl co attend compulsory trai111ng and oversee UC meeting., working in a similar way to national jury service.

The proposal, which ha been entitled 'Democracy Review 201 O' also recommends hretting rid of the current Union ouncil structure and establishing three councils in its place, named 'Better Union', 'Better University' and 'Better Leeds'. These councils would deal with 'proposals' put forward by the student body throughout the year and would deal only with proposab relevant to their respective areas.

Under the Review model, scu<lent proposals will only pass if they receive the support of a 75 per cem majority, as well a tl1e support of tl1ree-quarters of a student panel or 'jury'. Any proposals that do not meet these requirements will then be put to a campus-wide referendum.

The recommendation come at tl,e end of a n1multuous year for C which has seen several of its representatives so disillu 1oned With the 'democratic' decision-making structures in place tl1at they felt they had no option but to boycott the cwo remaining meetings of tl,e year. ln an open letter sent to all Union councillors, the six dissenting A cmbly hairs and General Student ReJ?resentativcs attributed their deasion to tl1c divisive structure of UC, the lack of democratic accountability to the general student body and an "unbearable atJnosphere" at meetings.

The boycott follows the December meeting of C at which certain members of the Council told their colleagues to "shut up".

ln addition to tl1e six signaroaes of the open letter, another former member of C, Ethical and

Environmcnul Assembh Chair r\dam I larper, has been forced to boycott meetings based on the conscnsu of his 1\ssembly members. In an open letter w Leeds S111dml Adam expla111s that

"it will take it away from the hacky-cliquey feel there is at present"

Madeleine Harris-Smith, LUU Welfare Officer

though he hares die boyconers' \ icws, he docs not personally believe that a boycott is the tight course of action to take: "h seems from the Assembly meeting that UC is losing legitimacy and respect. I didn't particularly desire to boycott UC, in fact, I feel rather unc mforrable with it, but it wouldn't be being <lcmocratic to ignore the feelmg of all those who made the effort to tum up co the Ethical and

"the Democracy Review is crucial because Union Conncil has got to a point where it can't function anymore"

Hannah Greenslade LUU Community Officer

Environmental Assembly meeting." The letter can be found in its entirety on page 8.

LUU Community Officer and member of the Student Executive, Hannah Greenslade, also announced earlier this week that while she would

continue ro attend the first half of C meetings, she would no longer be attending the ccond half for the same reasons put forward by tl,e boycotters. The month Iv review of the Student Executive takes place in chi fir t ha! f.

\X'hen speaking to LI' 1 lannah said that she believed the refonns outlined 111 the Dem cracy Review propo~al were viul: "I believe the Democracy Review is crucial because UC has got to a point where it can't function anymore; I don't con ider ir to be a representative bod>. Hopefully by undergoing a rc\'iew there will be greater opporrunicies for students to have their voices heard."

Both ladeleine I lams-Smith, LUU Welfare Officer, and ophia Jame , Equality and Diversity Officer, hare Hannah's view that the Democraq Revicv.· proposal would improve the current decision-making system in place.

Madeleine said: "I thrnk with the Democracy Review we will ec real diange to the sy tem and it will take it away from the hacky-cLiqucy feel tl1ere is at present. It's obvious that there's two sides a lot of the time. i\nd people often get caught up in arguments that are taking place on the od1er side of the world."

This is not the first year that UC has run into trouble. Last year's Speaker,

I lam ,\slam, became o disillusioned aftc/J,is \'Car in office that he has since retired from nion politics altogether. He told LS: "Sinct: l retired from the game I have taken zero interest in the affairs of the ouncil, of 'Union Democracy' and all of me ego-driven and mind-numbing policies that goes along with those Lhings.''

If the Democracy Review proposal if vored through, however, questions surrounding d1e democraac nature of tl1e nion 's decision-making trucntre could be a thing of the past. Two of the three boyconers who were available for commcnr told!-'> chat they supported the proposal. can kl !ale, the Post-

So what is UC? Union Council is a decision­making body made up of 32 elected student representatives inclucling the Student Exec, General Student Reps and Assembly Chairs. The e representative have monthly meetings in which they debate and agree union pol.icy, and review the activity of the Student Exec.

Timetable for reform 25 January: An executive summary of the proposal went online. Read it for yourself at: www.leedsun.iversi tyun.ion.or g.uk/ news/ article/6314/808

29 January @ 12.30 pm: A meeting will be held in the LUU Arc Conference Hall to discuss the propo al. Open co all students.

1-2 February: The proposal will be redrafted in line with

the feedback from the meeting, and then checked over by lawyers and the University.

9 _February: The proposal will be submitted to referendum.

28 April: Referendum results.

9 September: If successful the proposal will be rolled out.

Photo: Joey Severo

graduates' Assembly Chair, said: "I hope chat it is implemented a it neutralises factional interests and prevents those with specific agendas from forcing them upon students".

I lowe\'cr, Rosy Dorfman, rbe Women's Assemblv Chair, told Ll that while she support' the "spirit" of the Review, she remained doubtful about its capacity co tmplernenc real change: "I feel that rhe proposed system still has the potential to retain manr of the £laws exlubited in the current system ... Srudenrs outside of UC must be involved in shaping the new system."

Laura Mackenzie

Solidarity? What's that you say? The Leeds University Union Student Execu rive are actually in agreement on something? Surely not!

\X"'ith a long history of split and disagreements over structural and democratic reform dating back to God knows when, the Democracy Review 20 l () proposal seems ro have been the key to uniting tb1. notoriously part:lsan LUU institution; and indeed for the moment at least, the current '1-I.xec appears to be united in its supporr of the propo cd model for democratic reform.

It is perhaps testament to the extensive research and thought put imo the new proposal that it inspire such unity amongst our embatd~d leadership. The culmination of a ~1x­m on th research project _wluc~ surveyed the opinions ol 2,66J students from 130 universities, and three open student workshops,_ rhe proposed model is direcrly derived from what student really want, as well as being practical and enforceable.

Whether the Exec will still be united after this Friday's meeting, however remains to be seen. For democra~y's sake LS hopes tl,ey arc.

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5 THINGS 2 _. --- - ~___....

29 10

1

3

5

... to ignore in your new year heath b itz

The new year. A time to embrace new ideas, new ways of life and new ways of thinking. On the other hand, it could be a time to slob out on all those old, friendly habits. They may not help you shed the Christmas pounds, but they will make sure you have a fun 2010.

Giving up alcohol. Cutting down, yes, for sure. But that self-imposed dry month will only result in lonely Friday nights watching Doctor Who on iPlayer (let's face it, ittakes courage to club sober), anxious parents suspecting pregnancy ... and unprecedented messiness when you once more hit the bottle with reckless abandon. Besides, one glass of red wine a day is said to do wonders for the health of men, but only one and only men. God Damn!

Eating Goji Berries. Shrivelled, red and downright ugly. They taste of nothing, in fact worse than nothing, and cost their weight in gold. Or at least organic fillet steak. 'Nuff said. Green tea has many of the same advantages plus it comes in a range of more palatable flavours and is far cheaper so stick the kettle on.

Getting healthy alone.

2

4

Going on early morning jogs. Especially if you're the type of person who religiously gets the lift in Edward Boyle. Firstly, it's cold and it's dark in the morning. Ten to one you won't even make it out of bed. Secondly, even if you borrow your housemate's trainers and do drag yourself out the door, you will not look like Eva Longoria in Desperate Housewives. Expect redness, puffiness, and the possibility of slipping on ice. Beginner's aerobics is much safer and kickboxing much cooler. Take your pick.

Getting your 5 a day. Sadly apple VKs do not count and nor do coffee beans. Fruit Pastilles do contain 25% real fruit juice so they can't be all bad. Any contribution is a good contribution after all. If expense is no option then why not go for one of those smoothies that contains two of your five-a-day, although you would need the GDP of a small country to keep this up.

Health, so they say, is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing. A solitary life of salads and the running machine just does not compete with cooking with your housemates and Wii dance-mat dance-offs. The ice is melting: impromptu rounders in Hyde Park is just on the horizon so get those lazy mates involved. Or don't, because that would probably mean that there would be motivation there to actually get healthy. Lonely salad dinners it is then?

words: Abigail Yardlay

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LOWDOWN --- - ----29 10

Returning to university this January for my exams, [ found the Union looked more depressing than it usually does under all the ice, snow and revision. It was not long before I realised the reason for this was because they, for some unknown reason, had cut down all the trees. Now as the new semester begins, there is a great, yawning building site in the centre of the campus to welcome us back. [ am by no means against redevelopment but, considering the current financial climate gripping the university and endangering the jobs of those that work for it, this is terrible timing.

As the road running through the centre of the university is flattened and widened, [

~ am ~eminded of Napoleon III's employment of Baron l laussmann to redesign the streets of Paris

_into its now famous boulevards. These are no doubt impressive to behold but for many also

their right to education, political action and freedom of speech. It is unfortunate that the extensive edevelopments continumg to take place around the university have coincided with the multi-million pound cuts proposed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Michael Arthur, leaving many of its employees, many of them our lecturers, fearing for their jobs.

Meanwhile LUU, the official voice of the student body, have /c . ~ ; chosen to oppose the lecturers if ovy they decide to str:ike. Without wanting to sound cliched, this smacks of history repeating. The building taking place on campus is an inconvenience but unobjectionable, if it means improving our university. What grates is the feeling that, regardless of whether it looks the part, a university where th • staff cannot rely upon their superiors and the students cannot rely upon their union is far from improved.

Toby Ginsberg

Going UP Omegle.com It's never been more fun taunting paedophiles from across the globe. represent a time when the Emperor turned

his back on the standards set after the Qevolution by removing from the people --'--~- . .t-

£100 signing fee and that none of the rooml.//./Jp

Loan day Let the ridi night eBa ~ous la.te­

y ids begin/ I have to agree with Toby that the front of the Union isn't the prettiest sight to behold at the moment. However, it's that time of the year where students are more concerned with the quality of housing they are looking for, rather than the appearance of campus.

have windows. 'But the basement is SICK'. 'o(/$ The politics of choosing bedrooms is

I don't envy the wandering hoards currently roaming the streets of Leeds seeking a new abode. Particularly as, having spent two years living in LS6, I have come to the conclusion that the housing is probably some of the worst I've ever seen. The combination of short term lettings, student apathy and dodgy landlords means that nothing ever gets fixed and slowly but surely every house in Hyde Park is crumbling to the ground. House hunting itself is an absolute nightmare too. The dread and panic generated over it is unreal, considering that there's no shortage of student housing in Leeds. Students will quite literally run, yes run, to letting agents in order to sign. Sometimes getting a house is simply a matter of winning a race down Victoria Road, forgetting somewhere along the way that there is a damp problem, a

another headache. People deal with this in a variety of ways; drawing straws, first come first serve or perhaps even a diplomatic conversation. It doesn't matter anyway; I got the biggest room in the house, then lost half a wall to mould, which now probably resides in my lungs. The only room without a leak is the smallest, the kitchen floods on a regular basis from the ceiling and the floor, the fire alarm goes off every morning and the shower smells. Yes, student housing in Leeds is a comedy of errors, which quickly stop being funny because actually things like that are shit. By the time you move in, you'll realise you don't particularly like anyone you're living with and then you'll get burgled. Sorry kids.

Will Coldwell

.. )l/a4~ ~ bj'th "o/ brother i.s "o/ t.varost ,,;~ ..

"IJa.st. do.Seel "o/ ~and~ "o/ MOllth" "I'm real,y nest th:1t p,"c.4'." (k:yl},t!nd .sat~ to he,-)

Stood aut.si~ leexllre ~: • 6<c.a.s~ ""'1'e, ~ you here ./'or the #ol~.st.? ..

• >11~~ ./'a,, ~,.,,;"3r :,'rl.fi.,t!nd !"ep;,65:" iha!'.s td7at 11e s /.est ~r

Une Prophete Go Don't believe the h~;- d and see it for yours an then realise . ht that everyone was ng anyway.

Going DOWN Housing See text for details ...

rarget Properties e text for details ...

3

LIFESTYL 29 10

anew feature, 'The Restaurant Review' Evelyn Prysor­Jones sets off to Japan. Well, Japan

in Leeds, to try her hand at chop-sticks in Fuji Hiro. From the outside you might not expect much from Fuji Hiro.

On entering, I was reminded of a typical cafe, brown tables, leather seats and non existent deco. My hopes were raised, however, when we were greeted with smiles from the staff and enjoyed a chat about the success of the last Leeds Student reporter who reviewed this restaurant.

The menu consists of starters/sides and then mains divided into dishes of noodle, ramen,and rice. There is a good variety of meals and vegetarian options are available. As both me and my boyfriend Sam are avid meat eaters we both tried dishes containing meat but were organised enough to try different styles. To start I had ebi katsu - fried tiger prawns in a sweet chili sauce followed by Fuji Hiro Ramen · which had pretty much a bit of everything in soupy noodles. Sam tried the spicy beef gyoza - doughy dumplings -and then King Prawn Men a thick noodle dish. I also tried a glass of white wlne which was drinkable but nothing special and personally I started wishing I had tried a cup of tea or one of the more unusual drinks on the menu. Sam went for a traditio.nal Japenese beer, a few of which are available, which he enJoyed and was especially impressed with the size of the can it arrived in ... little things.

As we waited, which was not for very long, I noticed the place was quite busy for half eight on a Tuesday night but none of these people were Japanese. They arrived

, . ,•

later and appeared to just come in for a cup of green tea or a bowl of ramen. Everyone chatted with the waiters and generally the restauran t had a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Our food arrived promptly and we were not disappointed. They do not follow the custom of bringing everything at once but whenever it's ready, which meant first we tried the sweet chili tiger prawns and then came the spicy beef. I quite liked this system; a constant supply of food always makes me happy. With fierce resolution we stubbornly prodded things with our chopsticks and I very nearly had a Pretty Woman moment with a piece of tofu but I think I recovered it well. Sam pointed out there are knives and forks on request but by then I felt I was mastering the manoeuvring of noodles quite well.

The meals were hot and tasty but I will say, rather large. We decided, when we both couldn't quite finish and had to smile apologetically at the waiter, that one main course would probably be enough for two people.

By the end of the meal we left feeling full and sleepy and the best bit, we didn't have to pay. Unfortunately, this privilege is only bestowed on those intelligent enough to abuse the perks of writing for Leeds Student, but even for the average among us expense is not a problem. On average you would pay about £15 for a meal, including a drink and a starter/side, but if you do choose to share a main meal this takes the price down considerably. There is a take away menu available as well. For quality this is certainly the place to go, it avoids the fancy-pants stuff and ge ts down to what is really important: the food.

Fuji Hiro 45 Wade Lane

Woodhouse Leeds

LS2 BNJ tel.: +44(0)1132439184

If 10 PEOPLE IN YOUR TEAM OR SOCIETY TAA:E A CHLAMYDIA TEST YOU COULD WIN £1so,

LOOK OUT FOR ADVERTISED SESSIONS AT THE UNION. THE SPORTS CENTRE AND WEETWOOD

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House Hunting Contract Checks If you're thinking about house hunting for next year. don't forget that there is no need to rush! There is a huge surplus of houses in the areas most students choose to live in, and if you leave it longer, you may get more value for your money in terms of quality of house and rent price!

If you do choose to start looking early, then be aware that the Unipol Accredited Houses are not released until January 16th!

Once you do find a house you like, don't forget to come and get your contrac t checked at the Student Advice Centre in the Union building before you sign anything and pay anything! We can help you understand your rights, the landlord/agents responsibilities and we can tell you what we know of the landlord/agent. We can help you make sure you are getting the best deal for you .

The Student Advice Centre is open 9.30am-4.30pm . Monday-Friday, and there will be designated appointment slots available between 1 Oam-4pm every day to have your contrac t chec ked. Please note that at some busy periods we may ask you to c ome back at a more suitable time .

Although it is best to have your contract checked in person. you can also check online at the www.leedsunlversltyunlon.org .uk/helpandadvice/

For more information on house hunting, please check www/leedsuniversityunion.org .uk/helpandadvice/ call us on 0113 380 1290 or email advice@luu .leeds.ac.uk

SH to sign for a house. - - - -

+

Furniture Design - DIY money savers If you can't afford a trip to IKEA but you're bored of your drab drawers and dark wardrobes, why not make something original? Beat the winter blues by following E&abeth Holland's guide.

Transform your chest of drawers into an infidivual work of art using a collage of your selection of images.

Step 1: Sand down your old drawers to remove any paint or stains and make sure they are clean.

Step 2: Make sure you cover the floor and well ventilate the room before opening any paint pots, then go ahead and paint your drawers!

HINT: To save paint and time you only need to paint the visible bits - don't bother with the back! To save money buy the tester pots of paint - some even come with a brush attached to the lid. Don't forget to ask in store about the most suitable paint for your furniture.

Try to match your colour choice to the rest of the room and the images you plan to use. Off whit~s are good for the vintage look whereas big, bold colours will make your drawers a focal point.

Step 3: Cut out images from a magazine, wallpaper or even wrapping paper - use a spray adhesive on both the wood and the back of the paper, then smooth the paper onto the wood.

HINT: You can often find rolls of wallpaper in charity shops for a couple of quid. Alternatively, samples in DIY stores are free! Charity shops are good for magazines and picture books as well.

Step 4: Once you're happy with your designed drawers apply a coat of varnish to seal the paper down and give it a finished, professional look.

HINT: If you are going for a vintage look, use a tinted varnish to give it an aged effect.

If you are truly skint then a coating of PVA glue can work as well - but make sure you give it plenty of space and time to dry!

Cost

Sandpaper= £1.98 for pack of 15

Tester Pots = from £1.34 from Dulex (it may be cheaper to buy a couple of testers rather than a whole 2 litre pot)

Wallpaper/pictures= from free to however much you choose to spend

PVA Glue = no more than a couple of quid

Make your wardrobe far from average, with these alternative doors.

Step 1: Remove the doors from your wardrobe. Make sure you keep all the screws, bits, and pieces.

HINT: Take a photo or note down the order you took all the screws out so you can put them back when you want to!

Step 2: Measure the height of your wardrobe and multiply this by 3 - this gives you how much material you need. Your material width needs to be at least half of the width of your wardrobe.

HINT: The heavier and thicker the material the straighter it will hang, but the more domineering it will look. Aim for cotton material. The wider the material is the more bunching you will get and the further your material will go.

Get yourself to the market for really cheap material- and don't shy away from haggling!

Step 3: Cut a length of material equal to the height plus at least half a metre. Staple this piece o the top of your wardrobe all the way to the middle - use drawing pins to put it in place before stapling. Repeat this for the other side.

HINT: Buy some ribbon from the haberdashers in the market to tie back the material so you can show off your clothes! You can create a loop of ribbon and staple to two ends to the side of the wardrobe half way up - you can then pop the material through these.

Drape the spare material along the top of the wardrobe for extra detail!

Cost

The price of material varies, but a metre of cotton in Leeds Market should be around £1.50. .

Quit smoking Diary Entering into a new year, Amy Nickell continues her quest to overcome her un­healthy habit.

25th December 2009 Always an awkward one. Must perform the most complicated of routines. Try and hide my nicotine addiction from elderly relatives whilst indulging in the annual greeting process. It's only annual tradition that I misjudge Grandad Bill's one air kiss for two and end up kissing his ear. During the day older family members such as the big brother are able to pop out, however, being the youngest, relatives tend to assume I'm still four and want to play Hungry Hippos under the table.

They can't hear the FAGFAGFAGCJGCTG chant in my mind. I unfortunately could. The next time the brother was outside I snuck out -only for one little puff. To my horror Auntie Jessie was at the window. She looked as if she had just discovered I was an alcoholic and she'd found my stash of gin under the sink. Well, I think l can conclude I really am getting rather good at this 'non smoker' lark! Glad to be jetting off on hols · will be so relaxed won't even have energy to light up!

Are you being sociable? 1'is the season to be jolly lonely. Or at least 'twas, for half a million pensioners who spent this Christmas on their own, according to glum new statistics.

Although during the festive period we are particularly reminded of lonely Scrooge like characters, the experience of loneliness· is neither exclusive to a particular season nor to a particular demographic.

But what the Charles Dickens does loneliness have to do with this column, you ask? Well, as a social disease loneliness can have profound implications for health, considered in its truest sense as a state of physical and psychological well being.

Physically, social isolation is thought to increase the risk of hypertension and vascular disease and to generally reduce life expectancy. To quote an African proverb; 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to" go far, go together'.

Hanging out with yourself is also associated with mental health issues such as alcoholism, sleeping problems and

3rd January 2010 Whilst you may have all been shivering beside the Christmas tree slowly morphing into icicles l was lucky enough this year to get to go away for some of that much acclaimed 'winter sun'. Yes dear old mummy and daddy had agreed to take me and the boyfriend on an exotic adventure over that awkward boxing day to new year period (what day is it?). Now l hadn't quite taken into account quite how brilliantly the smoking ban had been going. Yes there is a certain camaraderie about huddling outside -all together! Fight the ban! Etc., etc. However when left to your own devices you resort to mayhem. You mean I can smoke here? In this bar? In this restaurant? On this beach? The novelty is simply dazzling! I dare say, it would be rude not to! So l tossed my head back, fag held high, and lit up. Everywhere! Social stigma was left at home with my Uggs. It was all so civilised. Waiters casually arriving with ash trays on silver trays! 'Will anyone be smoking at your table tonight?'. Simply put -Yes. No raised eye brows or pantomime flailing of hands in front of noses. Excellent service indeed' So yes, now l am home I realise lam a failure to my mission. However, it was all too stressful - laying around on the beach only moving with the intention of being fed- I simply had to have a fag!

depression. As the solitary Chris McCandless realised alone on his deathbed in the film based on his life Into The Wild "happiness is only real when shared". Clearly people are essential to the survival of the indiVIdual.

The boom of the internet and social networking sites has inadvertently served to further segregate our society, especially within the student population, with young people increasingly swapping companions for computers. A Facebook hug doesn't quite beat a real-life squeeze. John Donne once said 'no man is an island'. Presumably even if it has internet access . You need meaningful time with others to help you thrive and flourish.

Alarmingly, social isolation is now considered as great a threat to health as smoking and obesity, thereby highlighting the benefits of friendship.

So to your 'New Year's Resolution' list, besides cutting down on the cigs and the cakes, you can add a big fat helping of spending time with friends and loved ones. Do this in 2010 and you'll be as happy (and healthy) as Larry is on a good day.

words: Benji Waterhouse

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Having put pay to any fears of 'tricky second album syndrome' with Two Dancers, the wonderfully-surreal follow up to their debut, it's no surprise to see the growing success of Wild Beasts. Understated piano chords and chiming guitar riffs form the otherworldly basis of the album, over which Hayden Thorpe's vocals swoop, dive, hoot and howl, in a completely unique style that can only be described as • equally elegant and ugly.

With Two Dancers being named as one of the best albums of 2009 by publications from The Guardian to Leeds Student, it's clear that the Leeds-formed band are becoming quite the local treasure. LS2 catches up with co-vocalist and guitarist Tom Fleming to discuss success, influences and their upcoming headlining appearance at Live at Leeds 2010.

It must be a greatyear to be a Wtld Beast, what with Two Dancers getting such critical acclaim? Yeah it has been good, and to be honest it's been really unexpected. l mean we just made an · album with no real expectations, an album that we wanted to make. We had an idea in our head about what we wanted and we' re not sure how we got there. But it has gone really well and it's been a real surptise that things have kind of kicked off.

Are you pleased to see the album hitting a lot of the top places on the end of year album lisn;? On a personal level, it's re.3lly flatteiing and really nice to see it up there. but it's easy to get yourself wrapped up in that sort of thing and especially in the fact of it being a retrospective sort of thing. With the first record we were like "It is good, you know nothing." but with this it's like 'Yeah, it is good, but we can do better." You've got to remember that you've got to get to your desk, you know.

Stylistically, the album seems a lot more streamlined. Is that the result of the writing and recording or the music you've been listening to? We've been listening to a lot of dance music and electronic music, and it seems they aren't necessarily structured like verse, chorus, and we tried to structure it with that idea in mind, with things repeating. and not speaking like they did in the first album. Things are kind of simmering

all the time. So that was kind of the feel we were going for. We've been kind of [influenced by] asp_ects and refractions of dance music, partly -hence the name of the album. That was what we wanted to hear, as much as anything, we wanted to keep that kind of emotional intensity bottled up. I think it's more powerful when you

see something seems repressed, it's that kind of simmer and it never quite boils over.

Any particular artists that have influenced your work? Definitely. We were listening to a lot of minimal techno; there's a band called Junior Boys, who we're label mates with, thaL we're massive fans of. It's electronic pop. but it's really downbeat and really kind of sexualized and longing. I think that's really important. Even stuff like Born in the USA. and Rumours by Fleetwood Mac - these kind of really syn th-heavy, secretly­melancholy songs. I mean, Spiingsteen wtites huge anthems, but there's this real kind of sadness to it, this real sense ofloss. We were

always into that sort of music but never found a way to filter it into what we were doing without it sounding really conttived. It's easy to just buy a sampler and then suddenly you're an electro band; that's not what we wanted to do. We wanted to take it on board.

Given its sound, the album's lyrics are perhaps not what you would expect - at times sexual, at times political. Generally, what Hayden sings, he wtites and anything l sing. I wtite; l think it's kind of anything that come through your eyes. There's no saying "It's a fact" on the record; it's very much a point of view. There are no reliable narrators it's always filtered through somebody: You' re never quite getting the full story, merely an aspect of it, and that's something we were always keen to do. We'd talk about how Matisse talked about how the way paintings were actually experienced, not how they actually were · how they made you feel and how that affected what you saw.

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Obviously at the heart of your music is the contrast between yours and Hayden's vocals­did that come straight away when you formed the band or was it something that came naturally over time? I started singing harmonies essenti.3lly, and then I'd wtitten some songs and I tried singing. tried getting Hayden to sing them, and I think we became almost like two different characters on the first album. Our voices did different things. our lyrics were kind of different, so we kind of ran with that this time. I suppose we sing different things for different effect.

The band has roon; in Kendal and Leeds. How big a part did the latter play in the group's formation? I joined the band in Leeds; they were living in Kendal but they then moved to Leeds to kind of find a space for themselves. I was already in Leeds, I'd lived here for about five years already.

With that in mind, are you looking forward to returning to play Live at Leeds? Very much so. We played last year and it was a hoot, so yeah, we're really looking forward to it

And any future plans? Is it too early to think about a follow up album? We've got loads of ideas, but the hard part is always organizing them. Writing's really just a series of choices and decisions, so we have to be able to get to the desk as a four piece, and get into a practice room to plan these things ou t and get them right. We haven't got a break until May, so we' re hoping to get it done by the end of tl1e year, but it'll be a while, I think.

One last question: with all the best of decade lists popping up over the internet, what would be your favorite album of the decade? God, that's an unpossible question! [laughs] I'm gonna say Joanna Newsom's first album [The Milk-Eyed Mender]. It's by far not the best release, and it's got some serious flaws in it, but she is one of those artists where, whether she's good or bad, she's always interes ting. And she made me want to make m usic again. She really tties hard, you know what I mean, so it was a really important album for me.

words: Dan Lester

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+

The Macabees (feat. Roots Manuva] 'Empty Vessels'

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SINGLES

Although the prospect of a collaboration with gi.i.me pioneer Roots Manuva may sound

appealing, the final product is far less than the sum of its parts. Roots illuminates urban life

with his typical spark, but coupled with the former Maccabees single 'No Kind Words', it is reduced to no more than an intriguing b-side.

words: Reece Stables

MPHO [feat. Wale] 'See Me Now'

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Less irksome than expected, but not interesting; the promising stomp and coo of

the opening minute are blunted to banality until rapper/advertising ploy Wale enters for some shameless self-promotion. This cliche

raises one question: when did the middle-eight get replaced by the glorified prick?

words: Nicholas Jackson

Maps 'Die Happy, Die Smiling'

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'You're not happy. and you're not smiling." Quite right, Maps. Your ability to detect the

listener's state of psychological distress is by far your greatest attribute; melodic variation, or the ability to create anything new - they are not. The

New Order-esque efforts of his Mercury­nominated debut have seemingly been lost to

monotony. The sound of a recurring nightmare. words: Ed Dodson

Owl City 'Fireflies'

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Hey cool, the Postal Service are back! Except they're not. Synth melodies and vocal emulation

ofBen Gibbard make it hard to fathom that you're not actually listening to Death Cab's

electro side-project. The lyrics are as profound as a take-away menu, and the fact this single just

topped the charts should be added to your list of reasons to die.

words: Simon Rowbotham

Girls Can 't Catch 'Echo' ~ ,jyd1 X

Ct Ever since Ga Ga killed pop last year, this sort of sub-Saturdays dross is a stain on British music. It's like when hip-hop got popular in 2002. but the only thing anyone could rap about was no't

having enough money for chips on a Friday night in Lewisham. Seriously, putting echo on

the word 'echo'? Get your act together. words: Tom Bush

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lrrepressibles Mirror Mirror

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This album is a shimmering fantasy fairground: repetitive, endless merry go­round hooks; the sprawling, barely-lucid psycopathy of a house of horrors; rollercoaster twists and turns in focus and structure, and the distorted perspective of a hall of mirrors.

Frontrnan Jamie McDermott's swooping falsetto is the star attraction throughout, perfectly capturing the fast,

' fun and decadent, yet subtly sinister feel of the whole show. Pink Floyd are a clear influence here; so are Antony and the Johnsons, as well as more classical, orchestral traditions. McDermott's ten piece ensemble including strings and

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Denters Outta Here

What makes a vocalist good? Is it the ability to hit every note of 'Nessun Donna'? It is perhaps easier to answer this when we have understood what makes Esmee Denters so unbelievably terrible. Judging from the airbrushed album cover, Esmee is perfection -which, in music at least, this equates with bloody boring. As David Cameron recently discovered, airbrushing highlights - rather than hides - a lack of substance, and Esmee' s auto· tuned vocals are no exception. To such vapid lines as "gravity's holding me down," we can respond only with the emotion of primary school physics lesson.

Do we want hollow perfection?'lrnagi.ne an auto-tuned Diana Ross, or even the Spice Girls; pop music is a tits best when at its most vulnerable. For clarity, I have Ii ttle against superficiality ifit is interesting (e.g. Lady GaGa), and my issue with Outta Here IS that it is insufferably dull.

Esmee (originally from Denmark, though you wouldn't know it from her filtered vocals), was 'discovered' by Justin Timberlake, covering Justin Timberlake on YouTube (narcissism?) leading to his production credit on this album one so cramped with novelty '80s syn th loops, farting beats and Van Halen guitar solos that it makes the experience nauseating as well as boring. When be joins Esmee on vocals, as be does on the majority of tracks, Timberlake sounds like the wannabe rude boi with the Napoleon complex at secondary school, but less tough, as he bigs up' the talents of the beautiful but dim deputy head girl. Frankly, l would rather listen to TayZonday's 'Chocolate Rain' on repeat until the end of time than have to suffer Outta Here again.

words: Nick Todd

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woodwin bring a truly theatrical Moulin Rouge feel. which colours the majority of the record.

Glamour is put beside darkness, with a somewhat bleak and burnt-out world view emerging. In places, this stream of consciousness is almost too iFl tense, too skittish and frantic. and some ideas do not feel fully developed before they are swept away, never to return. Conventional song

pening wi a Water endy) Carlos synth swell, opening track 'Thieves in the Night' is powered by a marching beat, as lead singer Alexis Taylor does his best Kevin Barnes impression, complete with twisting hooks and theatrical groans. It's an excellent start to an album with a lot of ground to make up following the disappointing Made In The Dark.

The energy of the first track is put to shame, however, by some of the turbo­powered matenal that follows. 'I Feel Better' sets out with an absurdly over the top orchestral syn th riff and a vocal line Pro Tool­ed beyond recognition. A worrying start, but concerns vanish as Taylor makes his declamation, "Nothing is wasted and life is worth living," at which point the bass kicks in, the steel drums sound and the swirling beat carries the melody away at a hundred miles an hour. By the similarly joyful title track, it starts to feel like the band are perfecting their dance­floor pop formula, but a calmer side shines through on over half of the songs as well. The band have stepped up their ballad-writing skills since the last record; 'Alley Cats', with its shifting melody and intelligent wordplay is probably a career best for the band.

There is not a bad track on this album, and several of the songs are as good as Hot Chip have ever recorded before. They have tightened things up considerably since their last effort and as a result, One Life Stand sounds like the natural progression they ought to have made following their breakthrough sophomore album, The Warning. The best album of the decade so far? Quite possibly.

words: Jack Ready

structures are also eschewed, on the whole suiting the music, although it can occasionally feel incoherent.

On the last three tracks, the smoke and mirrors are removed, the theatrics toned down, and a more intimate, evocative sound comes through, reminiscent of David Gilmour's On An Island. There is an emotional honesty here, especially in the closing track 'In This Shirt' - a confessional hymn, complete with organ . McDermott's vocals tend to dominate proceedings, and the album's one short instrumental shows that with some more space, the music is able to fully explore an idea rather than simply following the frontman .

These more focused moments show that the Irrepress ibles have more potential than a mere cabaret speciality, and you can glimpse some heart underneath the circus. [n spite having a completely forgettable name (The lrreplaceables? The lrresistables?). they've created a distinctive, ambitious debut, filled with life and colour.

words: Hazel Ensing

Jackknifed & Slaughtered

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If you're at down with rock photography. you may well know Steve Gullick's work. Known for his traditional film and-dark-room methods, Gullick's moody, evocative pictures of rockstars both dead and alive (Kurt Cobain was, apparently, "a very nice chap") are steeped in authenticity. showing every booze-soaked dirty venue in aD its seedy glory. His album Jackknifed & Slaughtered seems the perfect musical accompaniment to Gullick's visual work Noisy as a drunk and loose as a Soho prostitute, the band's heavily distorted guitars and surprisingly tight drums have a muddy production as atmospheric as a black and white shot of a lit cigarette.

Therein lies the problem. The songs on the album sound like the band rocked up to the studio with a bunch oflyrics hastily scrawled on the back of a beermat, and just recorded whatever came out. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but Gullick's lugubrious vocals mark him out as merely an amateur singer; such an affected drawl only works for the truly talentless (Johnny Rotten, late Ozzy) or the secretly brilliant (I'om Waits, Kurt Cobain). While a lifetime of beer and fags has clearly achieved the required mix of sandpaper and gravel, the truth is that his voice is ultimately weak, and it gets lost in the overdriven mix. The material itself is unremarkable, with functional lyrics and tried and tested structures. The 'ironic' final song 'Is This How It Ends?' features an obligatory hidden track, answering the track's title with a dragging 15-minute improvisation. Jackknifed is nothing more than an attractive curio, showcasing one man's varuty. Give it a listen if you feel Mark Lanegan is a bit too interesting.

words: Tom Bush

MUSIC -- --290 10

Following our trawl through the end of the regrettably monikered naughties, we thought we owed you a glimpse at what the start of the

new decade (the noughteens?) has in store. We personally predict the advent of genres like

Nouvelle Rave. Snotgaze, Post Mortem and Harsh Folkcore. However, if you want us to be

more specific, here are the albums that are making us prematurely eargasm at the start of

2010.

words: The Editors

Joanna Newsom Have One on Me

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A triple album sounds like a reaJly lame idea. 1bat artwork looks like a really lame idea.

l lowever, who better to make us think twice (three times?) about this than Californian

pedal harp songstress Joanna Newsom. If the YouTube concert recordings are anything to go

by, her new material is reaJly quite Ys-esque ­and that's far from unwelcome. Yswas so epic.

Killing Joke Feast of Fools

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It's been eighteen years since the post pun kers' original line-up last 13erformed together. After

meeting up at second bassist Paul Raven's funeral, they decided to bury the hatchet. This

means superproducer and electronic pioneer Youth will be back on bass. f'm personaJly not

old enough to remember the invention of sliced bread, but I'm fairly sure this will surpass it

LCD Soundsystem TBA

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[f rumours are to be believed then James Murphy's third offering as LCD Soundsystem

may just be his last (he did say this last time though). After 2007's i.i.ber-lauded Sound of

Silver, it's unlikely this will disappoint. Murphy is claiming that this is the work he's most prqud of thus far, and he's already undergone a triple­

bypass owing to the amount of coffee he's drunk

Gorillaz Plastic Beach

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whilst making it.

Snoop Dagg. Mark E. Smith, Kano, Gruff Rhys, Mos Def, Lou Reed, De La Soul, Paul

Simenon, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Bobby Womack, Mick Jones. Excited yet?

Continuing the cartoon theme, Damon Alba..rn claims the titular plastic beach

refers to an island made entirely out of commodities. Poignant.

Vivian Girls Brudenell Social Club ")

Hailing from Brooklyn, Vivian Girls are a product of the ultra-hip New York scene. The band find themselves in the presence of fellow shoegaze-influenced, surf-sympathetic megastars such as Crystal Stilts and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, having carved a niche among the hipster rabble as one of the better bunches of estrogen -empowered indiepoppers.

Where Do You Run To?' fully illustrates Vivian Girls' ability to create fantastic multi­layered compositions. using only standard power trio and three excellently-synchronised voices; their soniferous harmonies take much from sixties surf artists such as the Beach Boys. Cassie Ramone's guitar parts are drenched in aJI the resonant reverb that her tube amp will

Future of the Left

As frontrnan, Falco, has said, this may be a farewell tour after Travels With Myself and Anotherreceived thoroughly clisappointing marketing from 4AD. It certainly feels like a celebratory goodbye. Almost every great song in their catalogue gets an airing, the front half of the room is basically just an hour long bar-brawl and the banter is faultless.

One look at Russell Howard's website will tell you it costs £25 to see the shittiest comedian on the planet, when for just 8 quid you could see two of the funniest men in Wales interspersed with catchy rock songs. Some choice examples:

L 'This song is dedicated to aJJ the people who died in 2009. Patrick Swayze, Pele ... Well

1

Pele's not actually dead, but he should be by now having exhausted himself going round every country telling them they'll win the World Cup in the next ten years."

2. As bassist Kelson leans in, discussing the funeral ofa loved one with a crowd member, Falco quips: 'There's a very tender scene going on here. lf you've ever seen the film The Proposal', where Sandra Bullock falls m love with her assistant, it's somewhat comparable to that."

3. Pointing at a pair of bearded, long-haired blokes. "Look, Lordi are in the crowd. Did the Garnes Workshop dose early tonight?"

But let's not forget the music. Every track stands out like a favomite and the choruses are exposed for the mass-singalongs they reaJly are, making it aJJ the more frustrating and perplexing that the band haven't found commercial success yet. Pondering on his own discourtesy, Kelson seems to have the answer, joking '1bat' s why nobody comes to see us. We're a bit cunty."

words: Luke Fear

afford her, while a competent rhythm section is the cohesive force that keeps Ramone's airy, jangle-tastic guitar from completely floatmg away.

Set highlight Wild Eyes' appears to be an altogether more modem affair, with a guitar tone reminiscent of The Jesus and Mary Chain. Kickback Katy's highly driven bass gives the song a much greater kick, which is amplified by a relentless set of percussive snare

Instrumental trio Brontide open with muscular Battles-esque math rock; atmospheric pulsing loops build towards satisfyingly stormy crescendos. OccasionaJly they test the listener's t>atience, resting in the same mood or edging towards self-indulgence. but generaJly they're focused and propulsive.

Crocus may be named after a flower but you probably wouldn't want to sniff them. Playing something close to screa..mo, they display frequent changes of style all ferocious. Their frontman bleeds energy, thrashing in a fit of self-destructive enthusiasm. Unfortunately his vocals are a little sa..mey. flatly punctuating the band's more diverse thrash.

Which brings us to Rolo Tomassi. Touring ahead of a second album in March, they're road-testing a few new songs, as well as crowd favourites. However, there's no massive departure from their established sound: 8-bit electronics and spazzy hardcore stylings, with surprisingly guttural screams from petite frontwoman Eva Spence, not to mention waltzing jazz interludes, during which the . I boys in the moshpit buss each other like shy dodge-ems. OveraJI, it's similar to Mike

1 Patton's outfit Mr. Bungle, and that's no bad thing. The new material suggests a shift towards longer songs and smoother changes without saaificing their bite or their sense of humour. Unfortunately the sound seems to be a little off; the more melodic vocals are almost lost and their usuaJJy impressive guitar work gets similarly swamped. Still, these are minor caveats for a band that continues to grow and improve.

words: Gareth Austin

-• - - •• I •

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flutters. As Ramone leads into a simplistic pentatonic lead riff, we see that her virtuosity as a lead guitarist leaves a little to be desired. However, this could be considered (or spun) as thoroughly charming.

Placing their instruments to one side, Vivian Girls indulge the crowd in a lovely rendition of 'He's Gone' by aJl-girl seminal surf ensemble the Chan tels. Full attention is afforded here to the girls' ability to harmonise. With the exception of that song, it is apt to suggest that there is a lack of variety clisplayed in Vivian Girls' material. In the hour long set many songs find themselves indistinguishable from others. 'This effect is hardly aided by the fact that the band seldom break between songs, as if their gapless playback option had been turned on. This leads to many of the songs ultimately converging into one horrendously homogenous blob of trendy. However, debates on whether their sound is over-familiar or just plain consistent would unfairly detract from their fully deserving to be mentioned in the same breath as their more successful Brooklyn indiepop brethren.

words: Simon Rowbotham

Wolfmother are not cool. They never have been. They never will be. There's nothing cool about having perms bigger than Brian May. There's nothing cool about caJling your album Cosmic Egg There's nothing cool about onstage fret wankathons. There's nothing cool about enJoying a band your dad might like. There are countless angst-ridden, painfully indie bands so desperate to hold on to the word alternative that they forget they are there to entertain. Wolfmother have not forgotten.

Opening with 'Dimension', Andrew Stockdale, along with his newly acquired Aussie bandmates, are an explosion of technical wizardry and energy, sourced from somewhere in the early '70s. No, there's nothing original about apeing Zeppelin, Sabbath and Cream, but with every passing powerstance, their love for the genre becomes more infectious. Catchy riffs mean less well-known material still has the crowd hooked within seconds. During Woman', the band cuelessly predict what each other are about to play. Clambering over whatever he can find on the fairly sparse stage, Stockdale has the frenzied crowd in the palm of his hand.

Still, with material as uniform as it gets, the set could have been shorter, but this is a minor quibble when the crowd are having so much sweaty, beer-soaked fun. As the band return for their encore, any moping indie kids still yet to be charmed surely would have appreciated the slow-burning stomp of Vagabond', from the '500 Days of Summer' soundtrack. With a rousing version of 'Joker and the 1bief to dose proceedings, Wolfmother really have rocked . Leeds tonight It may not be a cool phrase, but it happens to be true.

words: Tom Pooley

*

+

'You've got to depress people

. " sometimes ...

The beats on the new albun:i ilbundmore manic;didyouconscious\Y,~toniake hazder backing tracks? Well on the first alb there w~ yeamJf work all pulled together at the entL/ C'bk :were l'!l'acks on the first album t I bcndone wen pefore I started working with Pip, and that gc,>es for the vocal stuff. This one w:ts.about sit:tiag down and writing a recAI4 §of thinkft i mt!remanic just for the fact Ulpt ve had. more ~ to actually create a soundiratl,er than ~ving a mesh of crap ' tupover th-eyears.

There's a lot more sinr)ng on this album given that you sang the chorus for 'Look That Woman, fm assuming that's you a,11nt\lff"i1111..t

the time? I sing on 'Get Better' and The Beat', but times out of ten when I write a vocal, its a guide vocal and then becomes the hook. So there is a bit of singing and I do a bit of hype stuff for him now and again, but we're not really. sure what we' re going to do live with things like 'Cauliflower', where it's a female vocal; I can sing that bit, but I have to squeeze my balls to do it.

Who was it that did that then? Her name is Kid A and she's from Virginia. I did

her EP the year before last. She's got a great voice, and it Just fit perfectly. I originall wrote my bit of'Cauliflower' with her in min and then Pip had tten his vocal anyway d it just all seemed to tie together: She'll be big one day.Ire

This.alltwnseems a lot more political, paitigatarly 'State of Claim'. Is that so next time ~ya festival.at the same time as Rage ~theMachine,you1lhavesometbingto

their crowd away with? Maybe -we're back to a Pip g. I think this album's a lot more about w 's oing on now. We wrote the albmn during a jor finandial 111pbeaval, and we're coming to an election. I ~some Of that was written when we were :t:9wing the states about a mo th before Obama' s election, so obvious! we were g · ~11: up in their political fe our and I · tna"E' s probably affected him. is a good r ord f<t!:J:ie tiine, b ecause we don' e part Nlf ·ca11yveryoften and I · }'Ve shoul

-!Me's certainlyalot fewer gloomy suicide ~ diis timediough. V~ but:there ls still OJ"\e abo rape; you've got toidepresspeopl.e sometimes. think obviously U:uilse song;. oome from real · . 'Magician's :Assist.a.w:' i$ about an arnalg of people that l?il7,has met in that situation, here partners ar~!ltif-~g. Maybe he's j t rqoningwith nktr qi.parry at the momen

Having said that, you do a 1ot of N'idc Gtiffin­bashing on your blog. My blog used to be about cliscussion and idi!as, but at the moment it's just being used as an attack on Griffin. I posted some stuffon Twitter

about himandgotalot of .. . badattention from the wrong ldnd of supremacist types. Instead of shying away from that I just thought 111 just fucking attack Griffin.

Why does a white supremacist bother finding Dan Le Sac's Twitterpage? You can get little bo that trawl search terms, so I would assume that people on these forums, whid1 I won't name because I don't want to push anyone towards them, just trawl for anti­BNP and American equivalents as well, just to attack them. What new props can we expect on.stage, after Jasttour's livingroom set? I don't even know what happened to that furniture. Visually, e set is developing, shall we say. Pip and rny partner are working on a four foots~ set, just to make it feel like it's worth £12.50. Obviously, because we're not a ~ig band., there's not going to be massive lighting or anything like that. It's still going to be DIY, to say the least.

Does Saoob still wear cassettes round his neck? No, that only lasted a few weeks. I think his girlfriend put a stop to that.

On 'Last Train Home', he clan:ns he gets stopped because his beard makes him look like a terrorist. .. Oh, he 11 dine on that story for the rest of his life. He got stopped going through the Underground and he still keeps a little piece of paper in his wallet that actually says he got stopped under suspicion of terrorism.

But he loves it really? Yeah, he does; I do find it funny though because · ybody doesn't lik,e us or wants to insult us they · s f,O on YouTube and conunent '11e looks lli<e bomber or "he's a terrorist!" You get people trawling about just to start an argument and insult people. There's a guy who comes on our Facebook page now and again and argues with us and our fans. But when someone called him up on it he started claiming {puts on whiny voice] "Oh no, I really like the band. I was just having a laugh". He was just looking for a baseless argument on Facebook

9 COLUMN

Los Campesinos! Romance Is Boring

W1c.hita

Gareth Campesinos! has always admitted a love for the darker side of US indie rock that his band

has rarely shown; three albums in and their sound has finally opened up. Their gift for

hyperactive pop remains intact, but it's balanced out with a newfound sense of drama, as on the

queasy theatrics of Who Fell Asleep In'. An early contender for one of 2010' s best

Frightened Rabbit The Winter of Mixed Drinks

F-atC 3t

' 0

Two years and one Death Cab for Cutie arena tour support slot after their stunning second

album The Midnight Organ Fight, the return of Selkirk's favourite sons is an unexpected cause for celebration. If trailer single 'Swim Until You

Can't See Land' is anything to go by, Mixed Drinks will see the band playing up their

anthemic side, and that's surely no bad thing.

of Montreal False Priest

Polyvinyl

It's hard to say what to expect from of Montreal's forthcoming tenth LP; their last

effort, the impenetrably schizoid Skelet.a.l Lamping, was impossible to follow, while

rumblings have emerged about Kevin Barnes indulging an obsession with classic funk and working with names as clisparate as Solange

Knowles and Jon Brion. All we know for now is that False Priest will be impossible to ignore.

XiuXiu Dear God, I Hate Myself

!<ill Rex k ~ ,tar"'

From the only band who could get away with calling an album Dear God, I Hate Myself, it's Dear God, I Hate Myself. If the Nintendo DS-

fuelled title track and the polished 'Gray Death' are anything to go by, this is going to be the

most luscious and refined Xiu Xiu release yet ­particularly following the uncompromising,

Queen-covering ferality of 2008' s Women As Lovers.

Panda Bear Tomboy

Paw Trgcks

Person Pitch was a highlight of'07, Walkabout' was a highlight of '09, and Noah

Lennox's substantial input on Animal Collective's hit album Merriweather Post

Pavilion is abundantly dear. Like a child on Christmas Eve, I am not going to sleep until

this album c(!)lTieS out - and when it does, I'm going to get up really early and jump around.

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FEATURES - ---~ ~ - ~ - ~ - ...._..... 13

290110

Get-fit fads: Fact or fiction? We all know health and fitness is important. Being healthy makes us not only feel better, but look better too . With such a high value on convenience, however, people are replacing gym memberships with expensive 'power foods ' for a quick fix to their body image issues . Ellie Brown inv_estigates the student approach to dieting and exercise. For many of us, university is not the healthiest time in our lives; low food budgets, scarily high units of alcohol consumption and one too many UFOs (unidentified fried objects).

When we return from the Christmas hohdays to face the honifying 'New Year, New You' philosophy and the media's pressure to "get your flat stomach back", the majority of us do not know where to turn. Engulfed in a university lifestyle of not having the time to spend three hours a day in the gym or the money to survive on endless boxes of Special K, we may find ourselves attracted to quick-fix fad-diets.

From magazines to web-pages they scream boastfully; "I lost 14 pounds in 10 days by eating nothing but liverwurst!" Or "Doctor Gaworski's Spinach Soup diet changed my life!"

But what does a fad-diet actually entail? As the official definition does not exist in the Oxford English Dictionary, the Urban Dictionary defines a fad-diet as "a popular diet used to lose as much weight as possible in a short amount of time".

A fad-diet encourages extreme dietary actions that supposedly work, according to the before and after photo of a size 4 model, previously photographed wearing a skirt large enough to be a Moscow circus tent.

Even more ridiculous is how fad-diets almost always include weird and unheard of foods, perhaps as a supermarket conspiracy to replace the smart-price fish fingers in our trolley for expensive brands of brazed goat liver.

Personally, I struggle trying to maintain enough fresh vegetables and un-stale bread, let alone maintain a ripening stash of macas (Peruvian turnips).

If you think a double vodka and Redbull is expensive imagine going on the 'Hollywood Juice Diet'. Every 500ml bottle costs £8.04. Fad-diets as well as being impossible to follow also are extortionately expensive and seriously threatening to student purse strings. For these reasons I would like to assert that the majority of fad-diets due to their unrealistic attitudes exclude the student population.

According to the 'One Good Meal' diet, restricting more rewarding meals to one day a week and sticking to healthy meals on the other six days will result in serious weight loss from the saved calories. To many students the prospect of eating one healthy meal a day is pretty grim, let alone six days a week.

The good thing about this one is it does allow the consumption of one satisfactory meal,

[Th~-'One Good Meal' diet regime: 1 I I I I I I

: Breakfast Coffee : I I I I

! Lunch: 2 eggs & 1 tomato ! I I I :

! Dinner. 7 ounces of red meat & green salad : I I I :

! Continue this for 6 days and on the 7th day ! : the 'good meal' can be up to 500 calories. : I I I I I I I I I I

-;cl.-;~; is better than none I guess? • However, there are some serious negative

aspects to both the student equivalent and the onginal. You can try and hide behind your

seven ounces of meat a day, but ultimately this diet does not provide adequate energy to fuel a guinea-pig let alone a human body correctly.

Instead of improving your metabolic rate this diet can in fact slow it down further. By reducing your food to tlus amount the body will automatically enter into starvation mode and ding onto your bingo wings and double chin as a winter coat in this cold weather.

According to American collaborative studies by the Agricultural Research Service and the

f The 'One Good[ish] Student Meal [every 1 ! day]' diet regime: ! I I I I

! Breakfast: Coffee (To keep you awake in a ! ! morning lecture) I

! Lunch: 2 Cadbury cream eggs (It's nowhere ! near Easter but they are everywhere in the ! shops. How can we resist?) I

! Dinner: 7 ounces of whatever meat you : claim is in a takeaway burger. ! (Combine with exercise including dancing : on a night out, searching manically for keys ! and nmning for the bus). I t __________________________________________ _

National Institute on Aging. by even reducing your diet to one good meal a day there is an increased risk of rising blood pressure and cholesterol. Overall, despite the new and improved 'Student's One Good(ish) Meal (Every Day) Diet' appearing wonderful, nutritionists recommend three good meals everyday as a safe and healthy way to lose weight.

Nonetheless we can still try and find the perfect student fad-diet by being inspired by the 'Celebrity Cookie-Diet', which as, implied by the name, involves eating cookies consistently.

Sounds great you may say; Hobnobs, Jammy Dodgers and a Digestive every now and again for fibre. The regime however only consists of special Dr. Siegal's Cookies which for a month starter kit of a measly sixteen cookies costs £147.61.At £9.23 per cookie may I suggest that this diet is somewhat unsuitable for the average student income. My proposed alternative - The Student Baked Bean Diet' -may be more appropriate.

The real advantage of the 'Student Baked Bean Diet' is the financial savings that can be made, particularly as a tin of Sainsbury's Basic Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce is only a minuscule 29p. Amazingly on the same monthly budget as the 'Celebrity Cookie Diet' you could purchase 509 tins of baked beans. Or if you decided to stick to the three tins a day regime (£26.97 per month), the savings you

•

would make

totals a colossal £120.64 which, let's face it, 1s a

six night stay in a Travelodge and you can't put a price on that kind of fun.

The trouble with the 'Celebrity Cookie Diet' 1s lack of nutrients such as fibre but this is not a problem for the student alternative. According to the Food Standard Agency "Baked beans are a good source of fibre. with an adult portion contributing around 8g towards the recommended adult fibre intake of between 12g and 24g per day".

Though a crucial problem underlying both diets is that critics claim that 800 calories is too far below the usual calorie intake and that by having such a restricted diet our bodies will suffer from a loss of nutrients.

Bearing in mind the average requirement for a boy aged 7 to 10 is 17 40 kilocalories (kcal), it is no surprise that any adult having less than half a child's guidline daily amount will suffer from servere drowsiness.

f 'Celebrity Cookie' diet regime: • ! One can consume six cookies a day, plus one : dinner to add up to 800 calories. Dieters ! should also consume eight glasses of liquid a ! day, which includes coffee and tea. I I

: 'Student Baked Bean' diet regime: ! One is able to have three tins of economy : beans a day, one for breakfast, lunch and ! dinner, adding up to only 834 calories. I t ___________________________________________ •

Sadly then, even student fad diets are not the best way to bust that Christmas belly. As demonstrated, these fad-diets, can be created by anyone. All it takes is to select an obscure food item and assign some scientificjargonor to enable you to claim that camu carnu (Amazonian rainforest fruit) is the new super· food to lose weight. Scary as it sounds, any person off the street can put a doctorate in front of their name and post futurologist food claims on the internet to gain some success.

In terms of exercise, I personally try to avoid it publically and secretly laugh at those who run in the street. Not because they look stupid, though admittedly anyone who has ever seen my dad on a jog might have collapsed in laughter, but more because there is a small part of me that is insanely jealous and has to release some inner-sinister laugh to disguise it.

My level of fitness is diabolical; my free gym pass is slowly being buried under a pile of dust and I'm

breathless with stitches just trying to run for the bus. Perhaps this is why bus drivers always wait till we are so dose before they smugly speed off it's actually an act of kindness to show us ourun-fit ways.

Thankfully for those of us who struggle trying to do 'normal' kinds of exercise, there are also student replacements to maintain our fabulous physiques.

Seeing as most students don't own dogs. there isn't even the excuse to walk them. Instead, walking consists of the stubborn, "J refuse to pay that taxi fare" and" yes I will brace the whole walk home at night with only my beer jacket" philosophy.

If you're a taken man you may even be lucky enough to get double the exercise, carrying home your drunken girlfriend, whose shoes have chosen to slowly cripple her on a night out, destroying her feet forever. Well until she gets home anyway.

To increase the amount of exercise you might get on a normal night out, why not go to a roller disco. Whereas normally you can hang around at the bar or relax in the smoking area, with a pair of skates on your feet it will be hard enough to stand still, let along engage in any nonnal dubbing activity.

Alternatively, when next attempting a night out or an Otley run why not try it in a 3-legged­race position (you and your mates' legs tied together). Suddenly trying to co -ordinate going to the loo will take more energy than running the London Marathon.

From time to time even daily-life regimes are a form of student exercise. Doesn't it sometimes feel that carrying your shopping bags back home is a strenuous exercise regime? Stuffed to the brim with milk, fabric softener and other ridiculously heavy things we race to reach home before the cheap plastic bags stop all circulation to our fingers or split open just in front of the door.

Farewell Eggs. Even deaning your room before the land · lord barges through the door can help to build a sweat. In my household's case trying to hide three guinea-pigs always seemed a strenuous and rather stressful activity.

Other daily activities such as sleeping bum off calories too, an average of 50 calories can evidently be burnt off whilst asleep. Laughing also can count as a form of exercise as it is said 15 minutes oflaughter a day will bum 10 to 40 caloties. Rumour has it that this amount of laughter can slim you down by four pounds a year. LOL.

Even text laughter can be regarded as a work-out, as it is claimed you can lose 214

calories a year through texting. So next time you find yourself in a tizzy and feel like a bit of drunken 1ove texting', why not expand sending your texts from just you»

crush/ex/lecturer (if your stalking has been that successful to get that

information), and send some to your friends, family and general acquaintances. After all, it's all exercise.

------------------------------------------~-~-----

FASHION _......_..,... - -

29 10

New Year Fashion Resolutions There are certainly different levels of fashion enthusiasm - not everyone starts slavering at the red flash of a Louboutin sole, while to some, Thakoon might sound more like the name of a Polynesian island than an Ame1ican fashion line. However, the truth remains: we all have to get dressed in the morning. So wave goodbye to your winter exam unifom1 of jeans, unflattering boots, layers, and yet more layers, and focus on being more fabulous with some suggestions for turning over a new fashion leaf in 2010:

2) SORT OUT YOUR WARDROBE

Throw out old underwear, and eBay off all those shoes that are just that little bit too high, the many sale items that turned out to be a mis­take and that dress that cost a bomb but no longer fits. Once you've narrowed down your wardrobe to the things you actually wear, you can come up with a shopping strategy so that you buy the things that are missing, rather than, say, a sixth blazer.

1) EMBRACE NEW STYLE ICONS Kate Moss is the standard go to for chic, nonchalant day dressing, but she's (dare I say it) lost her innovation in recent years. It seems a while since she made waistcoats and Ugg boots acceptable. Turning to the red carpet commen­tary of the weekly gossip rags isn't much help if you're dress· ing for a lecture rather than a premiere. Instead, look to fashion eccentrics such as Catherine Baba, Lou Doillon or the late Isabella Blow for ideas. Alternatively, tum to the streets; or, at least. street style biogs such as Garance Dore, The Sartorialist and Jak & Jil.

3) INDULGE IN SOME FANTASY SHOPPING

You just wouldn't believe how nice the sales girls are in Selfridges, so swan in there like you own the place and try things on for the fun of it. There's no greater work inspi­ration than trying on a pairof D&G lace-trimmed ankle boots in the hope that a good degree might just lead to a job that could afford them.

4) DISCOVER DIY

N 5

CHANEL ... f;I;,

Graphic - Print Silk Jersey Dress .

Avoid the fear that shopping on the high street will make you look like everybody else with some simple alterations. Rip off the nasty plastic buttons from your favourite Prir.nark jacket and sew on some beautiful metal ones. Put some studs along the top of a shirt pocket, or change shoe laces for slim strips of rib bon.

..J.

7) TRY SOMETHING NEW

words: Elli Hollington

Whether it's glittery ankle socks or messy plaits, take something you've seen on the catwalk and try 1t out on the streets of Leeds. If you're a skirt girl, why not look for a pair of tailored shorts? If you live in jeans, search for an equally comfy sweater dress.

N·< CHANEL

5) TREAT YOURSELF TO A SMALL PIECE OF GLAMOUR

A spritz of scent is the most affordable that Holly wood, mega-watt glamour gets. Everyone can pre tend to be Marilyn Monroe with some Chanel No. 5. lf you can't afford a whole bottle, ask at perfume counters for samples. Alternatively, buy a sizzling new shade of MAC lipstick or get some beautiful patterned tights.

photos:1) www.bigfashionsale.com.au, 2) Tomas Jivanda, 3) www.Net-a-Porter.com, 4) Tomas Jivancla, 5) www.amazon com, 6) www.traileraddictcom, 7) www.Topshop.com ·

COLIN FlRTH JULIANNE MOORE A -='='°"""""'~•cre<M--

51 NG LE MAN AFILMBYTOMFORD

6) GO TO THE CINEMA Now that Borders has dosed, there are precious few places to go for guilt- free fashion magazine ?row~ing. Instead, watch films to get your fash­ion kicks. Expect lavender kimonos and fuchsia satin bustles in Sherlock Holmes, and LBDs and vintage jewellery in A Single Man (directed by designer Tom Ford) . YouTube is also a fashion ~easure _trove - search for Ryan McGinley's short film of Tilda Swinton nmning through Scottish woods and castle ruins for Pringle.

A new year, a new decade and a trend that is set to be even bigger in the 2010s - the fashion blog.

The fashion blogosphere is growing rapidly, with record numbers of blog-ees logging on at unprecedented rates. No longer satisfied with monthly or even weekly reads, £ash ionistas are feeling the burning desire to log on at all hours of the day to get their latest fashion fix.

With technology forever improving and devices provid­ing easy internet access, fashion blogging is becoming somewhat of an obsession. Bloggers are uploading daily (even hourly) posts, showing off their latest outfit ensem bles, photos of their current fashion cravings or even just giving their opinions on the latest catwalk shows. The fashion world is evolving and we as fashionistas are becoming more and more infatuated by our peers and their innovative take on the ever-changing fashion scene.

Now you may think it's just us students who are logging on, eager as usual to save a penny, exploring new ways of fashion-ing up our existing bargain basement wardrobes. However, it seems that the blogosphere is in fact attracting virtually the whole fashion world, making everyone a part of this ever-growing addiction. Celebrities are keen follow­ers, shops have introduced online blogs and big-name brands are even jumping on the bandwagon by infiltrating ~e blog network and advertising on premium bloggers' ~1tes. Designers are also taking notice with numerous fash-10n show invitations being §°ent out to bloggers and Marc Jacobs naming a bag after a young Phillipino blogger known as Bryanboy.

Popular biogs are becoming household names in the fashion industry. Sure, Vogue.com, and Topshop have ~d biogs to their web pages, hoping to communicate with the modem generation, but it's the mere public who

• ' 01

,l' }. ----· --• • - '_:_..,. • - - - I I I __:: • 15

Isabel Ma rant a thirty-something French designer who is silently wowing fashion bigwigs around the world.

Her autumn/winter 2009 collection won much acclaim with those 'in the know' and was seen across all the recent fashion weeks, adorning the backs of those in the front row. Now, her spring/summer 2010 collection has been tipped to do the same thing.

Marant is steering away from slavishly following trends this season - there is no underwear as outerwear or reworked denim. Instead, she sticks to what she knows best: wearable clothes with an edge. Key items for your wardrobe, without looking overdressed.

The collection consists of cute little dresses and skirts, paired with embellished jackets and her staple item - the prrate boot, which was also a key feature of her fall collec­tion

Get the Isabel Marant style:

Her colour palette ranges from grey and light pink stripes, to hot pink and turquoise dresses. There is a look for every occasion, with one of the best consisting of chain mail necklaces, striped trousers, muslin t-shirts and feather earrings. Other notable ensembles include a hot pmk, long-sleeved muslin shirt-dress and her must-have boots and a quirky nude-based outfit of blue and white striped shorts, nude shoulder padded t-shirt and gor geous, loose waistcoat.

The pieces de resistance are definitely her jackets, which will never go out of style and are ideal for a day laz­ing by the side of the river, with a bottle of wine and strawberries. Just plain perfect.

Loaded? Log onto Net-a Porter.com this February as her collecbon will finally be available online here. Watch out though, its going to sell out in seconds!

Skint? Hit up a charity shop, pick up a little tweec;l granny jacket and crop it. Then pay the market a visit to either buy some braiding, or get some metallic string in silvers, pinks and reds to create your own braid. Sew it on around the edges and it11 give you the same look, without the price tag!

words: Elizabeth Holland photo: www.eile.com

are stealing the limelight this time round. Tavi, a 13-year old fashionista who describes herself as a ''Tiny 13 year old dork that wears awkward jackets and pretty hats" report­edly gets 1.5 million hits a month on her blog. People everywhere are logging on to read her daily posts and see her creative takes on the latest trends. The young fashion addict had no idea that her online diary - a simple pastime, would emerge to such levels of success, baffling the fashion world with every post she makes. Since launching her blog two years ago. she's graced the cover of POP magazine, bagged her own graphic-tees collection, and become a columnist for the POP website, expressing her views on NYC fashion week. Pretty smart for a dorky-looking kid who hasn't even hit puberty.

It's not just Tavi who's hitting the jackpot. Other flour ishing fashion biogs include Fashion Toast, Style Bubble, The Satorialist, and my personal favourite The Trashed Fashion.com · which updates readers daily with various photos of fashion inspirations and musings.

With biogs and virtual magazines, it looks like an online presence is definitely the future. Magazines such as Vogue and i-D are losing physical readers by the second, no longer appealing to the newbie-fashion generation; it seems that glossy mags are fast becoming a thing of the past. As the economic climate remains unstable and job prospects look grim, the web is literally becoming our oyster. YoungTavi's success certainly proves that biogs are an innovative way to get noticed.

words: Alice Tate (www.alice-tate.blogspot.com) photo: www.stylebubble.typepad.com

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DILEMMA - -- - - - - - - -- --m:::i-••11:11•---------Kll------------------111 16 290110

Which Tigure1s in:test: is sNnny se>Jest or is curvey cutest ? The debate has been raging for centuries and tastes have been constantly changing, from the fuller figures of the eighteenth century to the hourglass of the mid-twentieth century. The current celebrity climate flutuates between holding up skinny and fuller figured women on a regular basis, so the question is, which do you pre­fer and can men ever be described in the same way? Not a problem Eating healthily is important

Is this really a dilemma? It feels to me that the whole 'debate' is one of those Catch-22s that people, women in particular, get caught up in.

People who are too thin are thought of as sickly, weird and probably vain; people who are too fat are demonised as greedy pigs. Look through any celebrity magazine and there will be pictures pointing out every jutting bone or fold of flesh on a par­ticular woman, sadly without any informa­tion on the range of weights at which one is actually considered fit to be seen in pub­lic.

Skinny and curvy are just two opposite points on a wide spectrum of human shapes, and everybody has their own par­ticular shape at which they're healthiest. Some people are naturally rake-thm, others have hourglass curves or athletic physiques, and others are chubby no mat­ter what. If they are eating well and getting plenty of exercise, all of Lhat's just fj.ne.

Standards of beauty constantly change from period to period and place to place. Certain looks go in and out of fashion; the minority who fit it feel good for a while. the rest feel bad for not living up to it. But although a certain shape rn.ight be trendy, what actual people find attractive is just as varied as people themselves. No matter what type of figure you have, there will be people who'll think that shape is the best of all.

Skinny or curvy? It doesn't matter. Just be you.

Tim Boden

Crossword Across: 1. . .. of Rye', Agatha Christy novel (9) 5. Skin colour change (in the sun) (3) 8. Protective gear used in archery (8) 10. Bottom (slang) (4) 11. Used to make temperature higher (6) 12. Do again (6) 13. Created by a painter (say) (3) 14. Comprised of 12 constellations (6) 17. Not present (6) 19. Inquire about (3) 20. Talented (6) 21. First born (6) 23. Nearly (4). 24. American sport (8) 26. Put into action (3) 27. University City (9)

he answers to last week's crossword:

This is one of those topics which people, women in particular, aren't honest about.

We're encouraged to reject the negative skinny model and embrace the concept that big is beautiful. People associate being big or overweight with being curvy, but this is just not the case. This beUef is simply to make big people feel better about them­selves and something that I consider patro· nising.

Some people aren't meant to be skinny and some people aren't meant to be big and vice versa. It all boils down to what we are and what we should aspire to be. We should aim to be the best of what we are. It's unfair to put a stigma on being skinny or curvy.

As a slim person, my friends have said to me, in regards to borrowing clothes for instance, 'you need to put on weight' or 'you don't eat enough!' If I were to say to them, 'you need to lose weight' or 'you eat too much'. that would be considered incredibly rude and insulting. As much as there is a stigma attached to being big, there's also a stigma attached to being slim. Such stigmas shouldn't exist full stop.

In conclusion to this skinny or curvy dilemma: it just shouldn't be an issue. Being skinny to the point of malnutrition or being curvy to the point of being over weight is. Eating healthily for your size and exercising should be the main focus.

Marian Edusei

Everybody knows inside

Curvy is a peculiar adjective, what does one

Down: 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 15. 16. 18. 22. 25.

Fruit (5) Order(7) Large bird (3) People in charge of funerals (11) Refrain from (7) University grounds (6) The magic word (11) Worrying (7) Mean to (6) Precious gem (7) Material for ballet costwnes (5) Organ for hearing (3)

mean when defining a body as curvy? Curvy like a ball or curvy like an hourglass?

The latter would be preferable to most, but people are funny shapes, a lot like fruit apparently. I have been sporting the 'pear shape' since puberty hit and often despair at why my hips are bigger than my shoulders.

The average size in Britain is a size 14 and we are told to perceive this as being a bit on the large side, especially consider­ing Topshop only goes up to a size 16. Despite this curvy stars have done won­ders for the more buxom gal, think Beyon­ce and Scarlett Johansson. Nevertheless it is the skinny stars that get more coverage such as Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham. Maybe because they don't eat their private lives suffer. The well-known equation y=m[e-c] (yearly celebrity status= rnalnu­trition[eating - calories]) can be applied here.

A friend of mine, let's call her 'Louise' (because, well, that is her name) is what most people would define as skinny. Despite not being a lesbian she appreciates a full. womanly figure. She describes hav­ing sex with a sirn.ilarly svelte boy as giving the verb boning' a whole new meaning. Then again, she can wear sequin leggings if she should so wish, whereas in said outfit my hips make me look more like a sequinned teletubby.

But what about the gender barrier, can you describe men as skinny and curvy? For example the phrase 'did you see the junk that hunk had in his trunk?' only shows that curvy men don't exist. Men are described as skinny, well-built or fat. Curvy and skinny don't transcend gender bound­aries. They are just two labels that we have

oss: 1.Pocketful, 5. Tan, 8.Armguard, 10.Arse, 11. Heater, 12. Repeat, 13. Art, 14. Zodiac, 17. sent, 19. Ask, 20. Gifted, 21. Eldest, 23. Soon, 24. Baseball, 26. Use, 27. Cambridge.

Down:1.Peach, 2. Command, 3. Emu, 4. Undertakers, 6. Abstain, 7. Campus, 9. racadabra, 15. Ominous, 16. Intend, 18. Emerald, 22. Tulle, 25. Ear

adopted in the 21st century to cushion the blow of being branded fat or thin. Neither is healthy.

We should aim to create a middle ground between these two extremes and a healthy way of labelling body shapes. I propose a synthesis of the two adjec­tives: skurvy perhaps ...

Charlotte Grant-West

Person counts, not just looks

A topic that will always breed debate, what often gets forgotten is that it is person ~demeath that counts.

Whilst men and women have pref­erences for the type of person they pre­fer it is often the person on the inside that is more important that the person on the outside.

Fashion magazines tell us what is in fashion on the catwalk, in fashion on the street, but it is everlasting fashion in the heart that is the most important. Forget skinny or curvey, what really matters is that the person you want to be with is right for you.

Substance over style, everyday ...

Bill Tinson

:Nextwook

jopnon on this and wish to share itj :with the student b:xly, send a.tout: . . :250 VvOrds to : ~dilemma@l8€dsstudent.org

ARTS 290110

FILM

A Prorhet ( L In Prophete) Hyde Park.Picture House ~ Jacques Audiard has flirted with the crime­thriller genre before.'Both 2001's Read My Lips and 2005's The Beat T11at My Heart Skipped dabbled with shady characters and scenes of unmitigated violence. Gritty realism reaches new heights however with his latest film, a drama of jerky camera work and tight close-ups that gives us 149 minutes of unflinching brutali­ty within the claustrophobic confines of the French penal system.

The plot follows illiterate French-Arab teen Malik el Djebena - played with unnerving in ten sity by Tahar Rahim - who faces a six year stretch in prison for an undisclosed crime. With­in the first 30 minutes, the 18 certificate is justi­fied as the untried youth is forced to tum killer for Corsican inmate, Cesar -the boss-man pulling all the strings behind bars. In a night marish sequence of flickering lights and cracked mirrors, we watch Malik practise sliding a thin concealed razorblade out of his mouth, the instrument he will take to the throat of fellow Arab inmate Reyeb. It is a viscerally haunting initiation into a plot that pulls no punches; Malik's bloody act buys him 'protection' under the wing of Cesar, his first mentor within an intricate criminal underworld.

Gangster politics continue to keep our dubi­ous protagonist on his toes, with character freeze-frames and typically Audiardian inter­titles introducing us to tl1e key players: Jordi the Gypsy and Latif the Egyptian among others.

PREVIEW

Malik himself becomes 1es yeux, Jes oreilles', ('the eyes and the ears') guiding us through his sleazy new world in which shootings, drug-deal ing and learning snatches of Corsican allow him to ascend the ranks of the established hierarchy.

Much of A Prophet seems to devote itself to putting a fresh spin on generic tropes. Wit.bin the alienating space of prison, Malik' s journey to re-establish a lost identity is given supernatural overtones, the ghostly presence of Reyeb leading to a series of dream-like montages that suggests Malik has acquired soothsayer abilities - the prophet of the title.

f.- ,11 _ ~I 1rnrner Nig0 fs Drearr' stage@leeds LS talks to the directors Georgia Murphy and Laura Rolinson

Why is A.Midsummer Night's Dream being pro­duced.independently from TG? Our director, Tom Large, is self-funding the pro­duction, and it's pretty much about making enough money to put on more productions this year, providing more opportunities to create independent p roductions. Also, TG already have a Shakespeare production this tenn, Henry N. so we would not have been able to perform A Midsummer Night's Dream.

You both directed the extremely successful pro­duction of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure last term. What were the differences in directing Midsummer? Well, both plays are timeless classics but Meas­ure for Measure had a really small cast, and was really intense with elements of tragedy and com­edy. For Midsummerwe have big scenes, a huge cast, and there's about 10 people in our produc­tion team alone!

Will we be seeing familiar faces from Measurein Midsummer? With Measure for Measure, aside from a few, most of the cast were not really known as actors and we are using a lot of the same cast for Mid­summer. We have a lot of first years and new­~omers too, and we are really excited about introducing Jamie Hollingworth, who plays Puck, to the student theatre scene. Everyone wants to know who Puck is and we think Jamie is a great choice - really wiry; he's fallen off two tables already!

Have you changed much of the text? Everything is still in Shakespeare's language, but the text has been cut a lot. With Measure we edited it heavily; fewer people knew the text so the change was less evident, but Midsummeris such a recognisable piece that the change will be noticeable. But we've kept the structure of the play.

Most people rem.ember Midsu.mmerfor its mag­ical fairytale elements, is this what you are focussing on? It's also remembered for its comic bits through the Mechanicals, like Nick Bottom. However, we have devoted a lot more of the play to the lovers and their relationships. The audience will be able to recognise patterns in the relationship

• • • -

Elsewhere, runts of homosexuality amongst inmates and racial tension between warring mobs - Malik is a 'dirty Arab' even to his greasy Corsican master- overspill their miaocosmical limits and emerge into the wider world, giving us a set piece in Marseille and one thrilling car shootout. As such, a hefty running time feels dramatically shortened. Audiard's fresh perspec trve into a well-worn genre makes for a fine con tribution to French cmema, which has already had a good past year with the likes of the two part gripper Mesrine.

words: Annabelle Hawes

between these maracters. You can place yourself in their shoes. So, less magic. more sex.

How are you bringing the magic wonderland of Fairyland to the concrete jungle of Leeds Univer­sity? We are using a junkyard setting to depict the for· est. It's a heightened world of chaos, with bro­ken appliances like a washing machine to reflect that not everything is right in this world. There's a stark contrast between the dirty, muddy fairy land world and the white, clinical world of Athens.

Considering you've given the play a gritty edge, then, what are the costumes going to be like? The Athenian costumes will be all white to reflect strict, no frills Athens. It will be anally white. For the fai1ies, we're not using classic fairies; we want feral Goll urns with costumes made out of rubbish. We're using bin bags, Jiff clothes- anything we can find. So it will be cheap, but cheap in a Dolly Parton way.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy, do you think people can still WL to Shakespeare? Yes definitely, in every rehearsal we've nearly wet ourselves crying - hop~fully our audience will do the same.

A Midsummer Night's Dream runs from 3rd-6th February, Z30pm at stage@leeds. Tickets are available from the stage@leeds box office.

words: Nali Sivathasan

•

FILM

1r~Ar

Vue DD

17

Veer is an historical drama on an epic scale, with all the elements one might expect from a Bollywood film: warring families, star­crossed lovers, and the occasional musical number. Wntten by and starring Salman Khan, a massive name in Hindi d11ema, it's a little like an Indian Bra veheart. Veer, a mem­ber of the clan of warrior-bandits known as the Pindari, fights to avenge the betrayal of his people by the treacherous British and to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Yashodhara.

This is not, by any means, a subtle film. If it were any more over the top it would escape the Earth's gravitational pull. The battles are vast and the sets impressive, but - with the exception of a few unexpected turns at the end - the story is predictable and the characters two-dimensional.

The direction is overly prone to using effects that distract rather than enhance; if you took a shot every time slow motion was used, you'd pass out within the first half hour.

The setting makes an interesting change from Hollywood blockbusters. but it's not reccommended if you actually wanted to learn about resistance to colonialism in [ndia - from the Victorian Londoners in oddly modern clothes (trilbies feature heavi­ly, for some reason) to the jousting touma ment that turns up towards the end for no reason other than to fill twenty minutes or so, accuracy is not this film's strong point.

Yet, despite being overlong and utterly preposterous, Veer is never anything less than entertaining. Its silliness is rather channing. and ):he musical numbers are suit­ably catchy and spectacular. It's not an intel­lectually challenging film. but rather like 300 or the works of Michael Bay, on its own shal low tenns, it's pretty good fun.

words: Tim Boden

ARTS -29 09

Consulting the crystal ball I I I

Our critics have scoured the listings for the cultural highlights of the next six months. Here's how Leeds is seeing in the new decade.

Suffering from post-exam blues? Alan Bennett's Olivier award-winning The History Boys heads home to Yorkshire from 3rd February until 6th March to teach us the value of education. Director Christopher Luscombe's production spends a month in Bennett's Leeds birthplace as part of a national tour. In a play that is 'clever, funny and boisterous,' the production is a reminder that there is perhaps some joy in learning by exploring the wit and hilarious adolescent issues of eight Sheffield students facing daunting Oxbridge interviews.

From 1st May until 29th May and also at the West Yorkshire Playhouse this spring is a revival of Arthur Miller's classic Dea th of a Salesman. The tragic tale of the Lomans is as pertinent now as ever, with the backdrop of bleak 1940s America mirroring the current turbulent economic climate. Widely regarded as Miller's greatest work, it follows an ageing Willy Loman fantasising about his unattainable American Dream. Sarah Esdaile returns to the Playhouse to direct a timely resurrection of a classic.

The Playhouse is also hosting an original retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island in a two-man stage show by Wee Stories Theatre. Andy Cannon and lain Johnstone tell the story through the eyes of two shipWTecked musicians who need the adventures of Jim Hawkins to keep their wits and sanity whilst praying for rescue. For a bit of escapism, Treasure Island is showing from 2nd to 5th

June. Andi£ you like your theatre full of familiar

faces and nakedness then a visit from the nationally touring Calendar Girls at The Grand Theatre may take your fancy. Running from the 8th to 13th March, the cast boasts 'Loose Woman' Lynda Bellingham, glamour model Gemma Atkinson (Hollyoaks alumni), Eastender's Letitia Dean and Hannah Waterman. They all play members of a Yorkshire WI prepared to bare all in pursuit of an alternative charity calendar.

Exploring the dynamics of family life, From Where I Am Standingis an original and funny production from Junction25, a group of Glasgwegian teenagers and their parents. A father talks in graphic detail about his son's birth, a girl wonders what she might to do to show her mother that she loves her while a father and daughter vie to be the best at fencing. Described as 'a brilliant and exhilarating piece of theatre' by the Guardian, this lesser known production is only on for one night, 30th January, at stage@leeds and is a hidden gem in this year's theatrical calendar.

Other tempting Spring productions include actor Don Warrington's directorial debut Rum and Coca Cola, a bittersweet comedy of calypso music by Mustapha Matura, running from 5th March to 3rdApril, and a new adaption of Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo, a sprawling tale oflove, treachery and consequence showing from 16th April until 15th May, both at the Playhouse.

In terms of Union productions, those TG boys and girls have been busy slaving away whilst us mere mortals have been revising for exams. This term kicks off with Henry Win the week beginning 8th February. Prince Hal grows up raising hell in taverns with a group oflowli£e friends. As King Henry grows increasingly sick, will Hal find the control to take the 'reigns' and prevent a sodety from crumbling? Theatre Group's production of Henry VL Part JI, focuses specifically on this crucial decision, its potential influences and consequences.

Towards the end of February, Etchings, written and directed by James Huntrods will be heading to the Riley Smith Hall. Set in a basement in his dead parent's house, a self _styled artist dreams of cracking the art world. For now he paints alone, cut off from everyone. An old friend reappears in his life but can she force him out of self imposed captivity?

Watch out for Oscar Wilde's classic An Ideal Husband, after Easter. Here, the 1890s political stratosphere is tainted by the revelation of a sordid secret from the past, which threatens to destroy the reputation and personal life of Sir Robert Chiltern. Pertinent in the current age of political scandal revealing the guilty secrets from the people at the top of the greasy political pole.

TG will also be going continental when they head to the University of Montpellier to showcase their production of As You Like It, so make sure you get along to the auditions if you want to take part in this amazing opportunity

Comedy 'Knock knock', Who's there?', 'Yourcomedy preview.' Listen up.

Check out the full range of comedic revelry, which the new decade brings to our fine city. Hifi continues hosting the weekly 'Comedy Sessions' with three stand up comedians from around the globe every Saturday. The first of the term features no-nonsense comedian, Alun Cochrane, as seen on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow.

From February 1st, one of Leeds' best kept secrets, The Adelphi provides us with both barrels of beer and laughs the first Monday of each month. Its first birthday gig hosts Mick Sergeant, Steve Shanyaski and Leeds University's very own Max Dickins, with a promising line-up of more beauties in the future.

In aid of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) EnviroSoc hosts 'Laughing in the Face of Climate Change 'at Stylus on 24th February. Six comedians and one cause. As Edinburgh Fringe's hot ticket of 2009, Pappy's boast a dizzying record of'200 sketches in an hour' at The Library pub on 20th March, promising experimentation and laughs by the bucket full. For those of you craving a touch of vintage check out Ken Dodd and his Happiness Show at The Grand Theatre on 27th March. Having entertained the country for almost 60 years, the rubber-faced comedy legend Ken Dodd is a national treasure in the truest sense of the phrase.

words: Faye Rounding

and get a holiday out of it. Other productions this term include A

Midsummer Night's Dream next week from 3rd until 6th February. stage@leeds is also hosting Phaedra's Love from 25th-27th February, which is Sarah Kane's retelling of Seneca's classic. Ravenrock's production uses puppetry and stagecraft to enhance the love, nihilism and violence of the text.

SMS will be hoping to emulate the success of Grease in their production of 80s hit film Footloose from 9th to 13th March.

words: Rebecca Carr, Nali Sivatbasan

Clint Eastwood's latest feature, Invictus, is released on 5th February and has already earned the indefatig .. ble director a batch of richly deserved award nominations. Starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Sp1ingbok player Francois Pienaar, it explores Mandela's inspirational story via South Africa's bid to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup and promises to be yet another triumphant work from Eastwood.

As we .enter a new decade, the eagerly awaited final instalment of a series that helped to define tl1eprevious ten years is due for release. Hany Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1). is released on 19th November and sees the celebrated wizard and friends leave Hogwarts, attempting to find and destroy the HorcnlXes whilst locking lips with each other, all in refreshing 'road-

From 28th January, the MAP Gallery will be showcasing the talents of Leeds students for a week. It's Not Funny, which is produced and currated by Leeds students challenges the notion that art can never be funny and shows how the comical needs to be taken seiiously. The exhibition features a range of work including sculpture, painting, performances and video works from artists who all use humour in their practice.

In a bold exhibition, The Henry Moore

movte' fashion. Tim Burton's ongoing fruitful collaboration

with the incomparable Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter continues with Alice in Wonderland, released on 5th March. Lewis Carroll's classic tale is given the trademark Burton makeover- in ravfshing30. lt features a terrific ensemble cast that includes Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, Stephen Fry, Christopher Lee and Michael Sheen, amongst others.

lnfamous black humourist Chris Morris (Channel 4's searingly Brass Eye) directs Four Lions. Satirising the attempts of a

hapless group of British jihad.is ts (based on the cell in Leeds

responsible for the July7 bombings) who plan to launch an attack on London, expect from this as much controversy as

lnstitute have commissioned Alan Johnston to literally draw onto the gallery walls. If illustrating a space ofover 400 sq metres with merely a pencil is not a feat.to be marvelled at in itself, Drawing a Shadow promises to interrngate your visual cortex with canny illusions of special depth. This body of work lasts only until the gallery redecorates, so catch it while you can from 15th February.

Running only until the end of February, Leeds Art Gallery will be exhibiting the short­list for The Northern Art Prize a thought­provoking collection of contemporary art rangmg from the disturbing apocalyptic videos of Nick Crowe and Ian Rawlings, to the grimly surreal submissions from the pencil of Rachel Goodyear.

In March, the legacy of Francis Bacon will be explored in Prisoner and Ruler, tracking tl,e legendary twentieth ·century artist's impact on the configuration of space. Known for his graphic and often tortured imagery, the opportunity to vtew paintings such as Head VI 'first hand is unmissable.

South Asia has witnessed some of the most virulent conflicts in recent history. However, the response of women in these arenas of conflicts has largely been ignored. Between Kismet and Karma runs from 6th March and engages with South Asian female artists from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan through a British context.

words: Amy Duggan

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laughter, delightfully leaving no taboo unexplored.

A rather unique gem to look out for in 2010 is The Loss of A Teardrop Diamond, based on Tennessee Wtlliams' recently discovered 1957 screenplay. Set in the glitzy '20s, this story of a cross-class romantic entanglement contains all the ingredients characteristic of the American master.

Peter Jackson's vivid imagining of Alice Sebolcf s bestselling novel The Lovely Bones will reach cinema screens on 19th February. A 14-year-old suburban girl - Atonements young but talented Saoirse Ronan - is murdered by her neighbour. From a dreamlike limbo, she watcl1es as her grieving parents, played by Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz, attempt to cope with their loss.

For Scorsese fans, the wait for Shutter Island wili finally be over on 19th February. Expect suspense and terror as Leonardo DiCaprio searches the darkest recesses of an offshore insane asylum as a U.S. Marshal in pursuit of a missing murderess.

Contending with this year's superhero blockbusters is Kick-Ass. Released on 2nd April it is a twisted comedy about a teenage comic book fan whose obsession drives him to take to the streets as a real life superhero, inspiring several copycat crime fighters including Superbad s Christopher "McLovin" Mintz-Plasse as Red Mist and Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy.

On 8th June 2010. Tom Hanks and Tim Alien repiise their ro1es as Disney Pixar's most beloved duo in the eagerly awaited Toy Story 3. When Andy moves away to college and they are donated to a day-care centre, Woody, Buzz and the gang must finally come to terms with the reality that Andy is growing up.

Casey Affleck stars as the upstanding detective of a small Texas town who is unmasked as a psychotic killer in Michael Winterbottom's unflinching adaption of Jim Thompson's pulp crime novel The Killer Inside Me. The film caused much controversy at this year's Sundance Festival

A dizzying array of dance styles will be bursting onto the stage at this year's LLU Dance Show. AU of the dance societies have been working their pumps off, so expect everything from ballet, tap and street, to lrish, Bollywood and belly dance. Runs from 16th to 20th March in the Riley Smith Hall.

Off campus, Northern Ballet's season gets off to a thrilling start with As Time Goes By. a

•

19

and promises to divide movie audiences. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.

ln the face of a nauseating 3D mania, Disney return to their 2D animation roots with The Princess and the Frog, an adaptation of E. D. Baker's classic tale. Under the direction of the team that brought us The Little Merrruiid and Aladdin, will The Princess and the Frog signify another renaissance for Disney animation? We'll only have to wait until 5th

February to find out.

words: Joe Miller, Ben Holmes,

Matt Hutchinson

As ever, Opera North has a fine season planned for any opera buff. Mozart's Casi Fan Tutte is showing al the Grand Theatre through February

the classic comedy of errors is sure to be a hit under the direction of Tim Albery_

La Boheme runs through February. before picking up again in May. Moving Puccini's early 19th century Paris into the chic '50s, the classic tale of young love and loss is one of the most performed works in the operatic repertoire And for good reason.

A more leftfield choice 1s Ruddigore, from the inimitable Gilbert & Sullivan that starts at the end of the month. A witty tale of deception, curses, witchcraft and romance, the opera may not be among the pair's most famous work, but is a biilliant example of their knack for light, yet immensely satisfying, comic music. Want some culture in your life? Mozarts' The Marriage Of Figaro LS coming to the Riley Smith from 3rd until 6th Feb only. This is your chance to see the award-winning peraSoc perform one of tl,e most famous operas ever written.

words: Tom Bush showcase of the company's choreography talent as performed by its greatest dancers, showing from 23th to 25th February. 111en, through their lavish production of Romeo and Juliet (27th February to 6th March) Northern Ballet demonstrate their ability to retell well worn classic tales through this mcomparable medium. Ballet will have never seemed quite so passionate. words: Matt Hutchinson

TV - -29'.ll 10

COMMENT

T elev1s1on for the T eenies

• • • .. •

20

Adam Richardson looks forward to how what we watch on television w ill be changing over the next decade As we enter a new decade, television will undoubtedly re-invent itself again, as we flock to the new and exciting shows. No one could have predicted in 2000 that 17 million of us would be watching The X Factor, so in the teenies, what will we be watching?

The 90s were the decade of the sitcom, with classics such as Friends and Frasier coming from across the pond, earning acclaim and popularity from all corners of the globe. The noughties began as the decade of hard hitting dramas, such as 24 and The West Wing, to be followed as the

Legally Blonde

decade of reality TV; as shows such as The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing ruled the airwaves. What does the future have in store?

The continued ascendancy of interactive TV is one of the few things I can predict with accuracy in the new decade. Already this has been shown by the success of a show hitting UK shores as you read this: Glee. The show, a fictional tale about a teacher who tries to turn a bunch of oddball students into a show-stopping choir, has been a phenomenon in the US. The show

as been at the forefront of integrated interactive television, as after each episode in the US a song

as released for download. In the UK, a

eek after the first episode was shown on E4, the song Don't Stop Believin 'sung by the cast eached number 6 in the

UK singles chart. This hows the effect TV can

have on other entertainment sectors, nd this sort of

·nteractivity is omething that the

decade ahead will surely

m

3/2/10 n 8.30pm BBG.1

The noughties' answer to Oueless has just hit the West End in London to generally positive reviews, so the BBC has chosen the perfect time to remind us why we all love Legally Blonde. This film gives us a chance to revisit one of the teen chick flicks of our generation. It's nothing revolutionary, but is light, frothy fun and offers an escape from the already mounting uni work as we are in awe of how much Elle Woods can achieve with a little bit of optimism, hard work and well put together outfits. This film has a great moral to the story, as we are challanged not to judge people on the surface. Reese Witherspoon offers an alternative role model to the stereotypical dumb blondes, and if we look past the pink and the boy drama, it's easy to remember why we loved this movie when we were thirteen years old, and between Elle's admission video for Harvard, and her "lawyer outfits", it is still just as funny and uplifting today. It's nothing new, but Reese Witherspoon adds some intelligence to the standard chick flick.

Survivors . Tuesdays at 9pm BBC1

When science fiction was relatively young- and by that I mean when it was literary­it liked to dote upon successful future societies of Utopia. Then suddenly, sci-fi changed its mind. The future was going to be grim - almost everyone would be dead, and those who weren't would hate you. And we loved it. The 1970s saw the original Survivors, and dubbed this autumn's "Oh My God, Everyone's Dead" drama by the Times, this new version of Survivors continues this sci-fi apocalyptic tradition. A raging flu virus (sound familiar?) spreads uncontrollably around the globe leaving only, well, a few survivors. In a world where civilisation has fallen, Julie Graham and Paterson Joseph lead their new 'family' of survivors to try and rebuild their happiness. The storyline is successful. A will to endure gives the survivors purpose to hold together, whilst subplots about personal redemption create interest. Several mysteries hang over the series, such as the origins of the virus and the involvement of the government. Although in its second series, Survivors is worthwhile viewing even for a new audience, with its availability on BBC iPlayer and the ease at which the 'unknown' has carried over from the initial series. A must see for fans of the apocalyptic drama.

words: Melissa Welliver

'I

contain. Glee is an advert for a genre likely to do

well, at least at the start of the teenies: the hopeful, sentimental, against-all-the odds drama. Danny Boyle's multi Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire was a fine film, but in an era of doom and gloom due to global events such as the economic crisis and terrorism, a rags to riches tale is always going to be well received by critics and viewers alike. The start of the decade will see the continued emergence of these sentimental feel good shows, with a move away from them as the years progress.

Closer to home, British dramas should continue to thrive. Shows such as Spooks will continue to be contemporary, stylish and fun, whilst we can hope to see a show of the same standard and calibre as Life on Mars to emerge to set the TV world alight. One of my hopes for this decade is that British TV executives won't be afraid to commission new dramas. Whilst things such as Jane Austen adaptations are good every once in a while, having them constantly on TV can only be bad in the long term. British television is the best in the world when it comes to period drama, but it can get a little repetitive. It would be nice to see something new and innovative taking a few risks on TV in the next few years.

I would like to think that the teenies would see a rise to prominence of the British sitcom. Left only with the stagnating My Family, mainstream prime time British sitcoms are becoming a thing of the past. With Only Fools and Horses gone, and the innovative minds that bought us things like The Brittas Empire which ran for seven years in a prime BBC One slot gone from mainstream television, British sitcoms are in a sticky situation. There have been cult hi ts over the last few years, such as The IT Crowd, but these shows remain hidden away in the TV schedule. Comedies from across the pond such as Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Motherwill continue to do relatively well, but they lack that British sense of humour and often are just rehashes of successful shows, such as Friends. However much I raise my hopes, I think the teenies will see British family friendly sitcoms continue in the slwnp they are currently in.

The next decade is going to be crucial for TV Growing digitalisation will mean that more TV will be online for when we want it and streaming will become the way many of us will watch our favourite programmes. I just hope that in 10 years time some of us will still be practising the hallowed art of curling up on the sofa to watch our favourite programmes.

THE E Bye Bye Big Brothe(?

Don't End! · Good Riddance!

So Celebrity Big Brother is finally coming So 2010 spells the end of Celeb BB, and to an end after ten years of breakthrough after 7 'fun-filled' series the house will

entertainment. We've seen some shocking FINALLY shu,t its doors to celebs for good! things we never thought were possible and We no longer have to watch cl-listers trying

I for one feel like it's the end of an era. to re-ignite careers that finished years What on earth could replace seeing A- ago, in a bid to make more money

list celebrities having temper and earn a higher status among tantrums over ridiculous things like the tabloids. Watching celebrities

being denied diet coke?! Who be 'real' people brought no one would have thought stars like joy, and rarely any laughter,

Jackie Stallone and Vinnie Jones rather it turned out to be would let themselves be controlled painfully embarrassing, or just

by the wrath ofBig Brother. plain painful. No one will Whatever anybody says, Big forget the racism that the Brother is one of the most beautiful, kind-hearted

genius and innovative Shilpa Shetty was programmes the 21st subjected too. Or the

century has ever seen insanity of George and this is shown Galloway. Or the

purely by the fact of singing of it having been a Chantelle, who prime time hit in wasn'tevenaceleb

various countries all to begin with! around the world. Celebrity big brother

There are rumours that has been a huge money Celeb BB ~ould be revived spinner for Channel 4, and

and picked up by another I assume this is why it has channel and I really hope this is lasted so long, especially the case, ·as I do not feel that we with the dropping ratings

have had the last Celebrity laugh with each successive series. of the decade. Lets hope that regular BB

will follow suit!

words: Stephanie Byrom words: Sarah Grindall

.. ..

BOOKS _,_,.. ~ ....._..... - -~ 29 10

r .,) y j~) rh This week Hannah Glick met Richard Milward, haJled as the Laureate of Youth, to chat about the sex, drugs and art in his second novel, Ten Storey Love Song

TEN STOREY LOVE SONG

Richard Milward's debut novel, Apples, earned him a cool and famous literary fan base, and quite rightly so. Irvine Welsh, authorof Trainspotting, the book which initially inspired Milward to write, perfectly pinpoints that he has brought "the love story kicking and screaming up to date". Milward is our generation and tells truthful s tories that are not told often enough.

His second novel. Ten St0rey love Song, is set in a Middlesborough tower block where intoxicated residents stumble tl1rough passionate affairs with love, sex, paedophilia and art. Their hedonistic spirits are enviable, but also regrettable. Trapped in their sorry spirals of self destrucnon, it is hard to see a way out for them. Their characters may be tl10se society would rather kick in to the gutter, but their ways are down to insecurities and vulnerabilities which are innocent not ignorant, and you cannot help but hope for a happy ending.

The central character, Bobby the Artist, lives life as one big trip; h e is your friend who is a wannabe bohemian scenester with Russell Brand dramatics. Whilst you'd think you would want to punch him, you just want to hug Bobby for his genuine naivety. He is head over heels in love with his girlfriend Georgie, who binges on sugary sweets as her way of empathising with Bobby's insatiable appetite for drugs. Their relationship is a beautiful tangle of innocence, dishevelment and love.

Bobby has true artistic talent which gets him recognised by the art world. Milward says his own experience of "getting slung into the literary world and having to rub shoulders with folk at these stuffy literary parties", was projected onto Bobby's stint in London, where he binged on everything you shouldn't. Milward writes with

the view that "it is important that youngsters get most of these things [sex, drugs. rock and roll] out of the way and off their chests, rather than letting their curiosities linger".

And just like Bobby, Milward could not wait to return to Middlesborough. "! was studying art in London for three years, but after about six months I was desperate to get back to the North. At first I was a sucker for the capital, but the disillusion soon set in. Being away from Teeside made me realise how amazing the North is and how it's got everything I want: friends, family, cheap lager, good scenery and a top accent." Irvine Welsh says that Mil ward's "caustic wit and genuine warmth typifies all that's best about Northern England." I hope that all that boys in 'Boro will read something by Milward, and appreciate the contemporary representation in literature he has given their region.

The similarities between Mil ward and his d1aracters do not end there. He winces as he remembers "some of the dafter scenes, like shitting yourself in a nightclub, nibbling pills on toast, hallucinating honible ghouls. These have actually happened to me, sadly."

111e Uves of Mil ward's other characters are ;ust as tumultuous as Bobby the Artist's. His best friend is Johnnie, who is just as besotted with his girlfriend as Bobby is with Georgie. Yet his failure to satisfy her sexually is down to a self taught education of hardcore pom. This sexual fmstration and boredom leads him into a career of petty and grotesque crime. Although Milward never set out for Ten Storey Love Song to be a love story, "I guess love will always play a big part in my writing- relationships are fascinating. I find 1t funny that the one you love is usually the one you also scream at the most."

Another resident is Alan Blunt the Cunt, a blatant paedophile who will make your stomach churn. Yet loathing of this seedy alcoholic turns into pity: Milward saves all his characters through a natural rite of passage that is accepted with relief and is dear of cinematic cliches, but . his attempt to save Alan Blunt the Cunt in particular, strikes as bold and brave.

The tl1read that pulls Milward' s story together was "inspired by living in cramped flats. You can hear everyone's daily secret business when you live in such close proximity to your neighbours (and usually it's the loud stuff: arguments, sex, their dodgy music taste ... I had to endure Craig David serenading me for a few months). Living in flats seems to give you a sort of psychic sixth sense. Or i(just turns you into a nosy bastard!"

This has culminated in the artful manipulation of turning his story into one long paragraph, ending with an unfinished sentence. I asked Milward whether his creative writing style was an act of rebellion, or a natural development from his Fine Art education. It turns out not to be either, but both; "the intention with all my writing is to offer something different, especially with structure and language. [t's strange, because in art you are encouraged to be experimental and no one quesnons madness within an artistic context. Yet in contrast, when you're taught English Literature, you are force-fed rules about what is nght and wrong when you're writing. like good grammar and spelling. etc. Which is a load of bollocks."

Milward's inimitable poetic prose lifts a plot which is inevitably predictable because it is so truthful. With a dysfunctional and hedonistic structure he intertwines both the beauty and the beasts of his characters' lives. Milward's wrinng style is unique amongst formulaic novelists, who he deems to "have been churned out of creative writing courses".

Luckily, the literary world embraced Milward's second novel with open arms, even though he was worried "that people might think I only had one book in me". And Milward's next novel is sure to be just as successful for its honesty and hopelessness: "it's a comedy of errors, about this girl who decides to be as nice as possible to everyone, after feeling responsible for her boyfriend's swcide" he explams.

Milward may be prettyyol.mg (26. in fact) to have two published novels under his belt, but this does not mean he 1s short of advice to aspiring writers. And in the voice of Benny the Artist, he references a quote from On the Road (Jack Kerouac): "You've got to stick to it with the energy of a Benny (speed) addict". Milward's all-

consuming love affair with writing should inspire any budding writers not from Oxbridge and he recommends they "treat it like a full time job, and yet try and have as much fun with it as you can".

The book's opening quote by the poet Baudelaire perfectly depicts the mood of the novel: "You must always be intoxicated.. On wine, poetry or virtue, as you wish. But you must get drunk". The passionate love affairs in Ten Storey Love Song may be dysfunctional and suffocating. but are imperative to our being.

Ten Storey Love Song retails at at student-happy price of £5. However at the lovely Union Books, downstairs in the Union, you can pick it up for an even cheaper £4!

words: Hannah Glick

Feeling Inspired? Check out The Ca.davenne, a Leeds based anthology for young, budding wrtters

tt;::cadavenr e CJ. rr The CadaverineAnthologyis an eclectic and sophisticated collection of young writers' work, an irresistible ensem ble of poetry and fiction, including short stories, interviews, and a cookery-diary. All the pieces have been carefully selected from the website, thecadaverine.com which anyone under the age of 25 can submit their own creative writing in to.

Each writer has been selected for the way

they challenge or dazzle in their genre, meaning that each entry is at an eloquent and stunning level consistently from the first page to the last.

The pieces that particularly stood out to me were the short stories. Yet this was simply because they demanded more space and attention than the poems, rather than because there was something lacking in the poetry.

In particular, Amy Christmas' understated firs t-person voice in Symptoms of Beatrice builds up a chilling tension between the familiar and the other, an incredibly personal narrative

• • • •

of the most estranged character, the watcher. The watcher is an unacknowledged theme of

the collection as a whole. Perhaps it has to be; if a poem is to be good then it must engage in the world and offer a unique reflection upon it.

Nevertheless, these writings are particularly insightful explorations of perception and the world wh erein we live. Some are playful, such as Gav Hudson's The Urban Forager's Cookbook, but many are haunting and sinister, particularly Swithun Cooper's Oties Wi"th No Signal, where the writing is so effortless and realist that the

•

effect is chilling. Throughout this inspiring anthology, you can

expect words to be bent and twisted to fit m ways that capture the subtle or not-so-subtle nuances of the images seamlessly, often unexpectedly but inevitably memorably.

You can buy The Cadaverine from the website, or from um·on Books, downstairs in the Union.

words: Georgina Hannsworth

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PREVIEW

1\/1 t the iPad The consumer technology industry has been happy over the last few years to prnmote the smart phone as a bridge between a phone and the laptop. However anyone who has tried to use a smart phone in place of then laptop will tell you it is no bridge, it's altogether an impossible leap of faith. Netbooks, small-sized laptop computers, bridge the gap more successfully.

Interestingly one of the world's biggest smart phone producers is also a computer-lifestyle manufacturer: they go by the name of Apple. Their share of the personal computer market can't be considered niche any more, and it was revealed on Wednesday that they're bigger than Nokia in terms o revenue from selling phones.

So where is Apple's netbook? It's the

•

iPad, a touchscreen tablet computer. It was also announced Wednesday.

The iPad can be thought of as a beefed up iPod Touch measuring in at 9.6" by 7.5" and half an inch thick, roughly on par with an A4 pad, with built-in wi fi and for the higher spec (and higher price) iPads, 3G

too. c""----....C- The technical

specifications are fantastic: the demos on Wednesday featured flawless presentations of games designed specifically for the device, iTunes coverflow and general musical ability, Google Maps with Street View, and a product specific version of iWork.

iWork? Though it shouldn't be-surprising, this tablet is a very Apple tablet. Their own Office Suite is on there and has admittedly taken full advantage of the multi touch enabled iPad- the onscreen keyboard

even changes to accommodate your task -but this will be a shock for new users

•

especially as the word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation components of iWork are sold seperately.

More so, there will be a shock to all users in how difficult work may be on the device. While a netbook may have technical limitations on its processing power the iPad also has limitations on what you are fundamentally allowed to do on the device multi-tasking, as with the iPod and iPhone, is not allowed.

In fact, it may tum out that not a lot is allowed on the platform at all. Rather than the OSX you see on a standard Apple computer, the iPad is kitted out with the iPhone's operating system, with both its advantages and disadvantages Typically any application that competes with the Apple built software is barred and without access to a true operating system, students - who we can assume Apple is targeting -that depend on programming will be left high and dry by the iPad.

Ultimately the market has posed the question, do you need a laptop? Either you do, you don't need a portable computer at all or you want/need a netbook or tablet. Tablets are neat solutions, often kitted out as ebook readers (as with the iPad) and could be killer gadgets, but only when the manufacturer doesn't box you mside a software creche.

words: Martin Hadley

• • r •

20

• • •

OBSERV·A TIONS ...._...,.._.....~-- .......... -- ---~----~

290110

I miss the way you used to be

Parents

Prawn Cocktail Fairly Odd

Sorn Fincharn

clmittirlly alothas b:eri.saidalxutfa::axxik re::ently, ruttbat's

j

thelevelithasentem:lours:x:ial~ We Ot~P']Ities,adqJtfurrnyardanimalarrl

~inmoowarallfu:rn thes:d'e, ~g)cmofthemmp.iter ro:een Imustrlnit, llike F.:mx:rl<, rutlarolike rantingarrlone thing thatoothersmeroendisthestupidgroops~pn,ofwm:hthere hasre::entlyD:ffi quiteasurfat

"I am not a morning person" "100 (extremely clingy) things a guy should always do fora girl" "I like waking up next to you" "I love orgasms!" Oh, you love orgasms you say? Really? Well that makes you one of the six and a half billion other people who are also fans, but choose not to reveal that they are currently 'wanting some' via a global medium. I too dislike it when people don't text back, enjoy staying up late, going on holiday, have a requirement for more wealth and in fact generally display the typical emotional responses of most humans in social situations.

I may also be a fan of the cold side of the pillow on hot nights, warm baths/beds/bodies on cold days and stepping on crunchy ]eaves/snow/children, but these are p1ivate pleasures to be enjoyed by me alone. In fact, part of the enjoyment in such things lies in believing you are the only person in the world to have discovered and revelled in such an activity. You may as well just join a group entitled 'one of the crowd'.

Admittedly there are some useful groups, such as those that genuinely are endorsed by charities, but the majority are Just created by chavs, spammers and narcissistic idiots with agendas. What really amuses me is how much attention people think criminals, companies and countries are actually going to pay to their group's members; "Robert Mugabe sucks" has 2,000 followers - I bet he's quaking in his jackboots right now, maybe crying a little at his global unpopularity. Kraft never cared how about how many people would obJect in Cadbury if they took them over, do you really think they'll actually give a damn about a bunch of people who clicked a button to join a group?

Now, I could go on about this all day, but I've revision and a word limit, so I'll conclude; what bothers me most of all is how this banality pervades our everyday lives. "John Smith is at work." Well maybe he should also be doing his job. I just don't care. What we have with the internet is not the 'singularity' envisioned by science fiction writers of the last century (a collection of uriified minds working as one, brilliant supercomputer in the same way that a load of dumb termites can build a pinnacle of civil engineering) but a collection of dung beetles rolling their turd-balls at one another 'for jokes'. I love the internet, I really do, but can we please have more Wikipedias and less "I used to like you but now I think you're a dick." groups before our collective brains tum to mush?

Politics of the Edward Boyle

J English Uterature ~ ~ Taxi Driver

Faversham

~ London The

OstEo.sil:xyalibrary.refactoamulti-stD!ycoffee~withrocoffee justa:nversation. Un:loobtrrllythCJ.m tre:eisaninexm:able link~ timeles,library=tionsand=ria.t:ionsof

S!hx:e,industrn.isstudyetc,~oftalking Whyis therero much talkingina~ch:liratedtosilence?

At the beginning of first year we treat lecturers and . seminar tutors like we would our old teachers; we quickly find out though that the same rules don't apply. There is no conventional deference awarded to the lecturer or seminar tutor you work with them on first name basis; if you miss three of their seminars, you are called in for a counselling session rather than a slap on the wrist or detention. ln

Everything reminds us of an Institution ... lrs cold, monolithic, 1 ,tjljtc:iri~n . lnnk.d . 'shb~. tMccl!'I'J'enl:ioticl1 jYower ynam1 1.at exists

between student and teacher, child and absent at university. At university we seen as adults.

It, in SchC" l :S

L&en ser• ~,y;

Sometimes though, we don't want to be treated as adults. We yearn for a return of the old power dynamic: we crave imperative tones and uncompromising orders. Enter the Edward Boyle Library.

Everything about this place reminds us of an institution: its cold, monolithic, utilitanan look; its turnstiles and members of staff; its orders and statements: Silent Study! No food or drink! Phone Zone! Everyone chooses this cold clinical, concrete slab over the quaint old Brotherton because it looks like a school. Likewise, we the students treat it like school. We disobey its rules and regulations: we talk and eat and drink as loudly as we can if we're really lucky a librarian/marshal will come and reprimand us for doing so. The Boyle is a place where adult character traits are replaced by childish ones, it's a place where consideration and understanding for others are supplanted by selfishness, disruption and non -conformity. The Boyle, through its rules and regulations, facilitates a regression back to a time when all we cared about was pissing people off.

There is so much talking in the library because it's forbidden to talk in the library. We have to view talking in the Boyle as endemic of a desire in all of all us to disobey, disregard, and most importantly relinquish all responsibilities that adulthood imposes on us. If you want to get any work done, go to the Brotherton.

Let's Just call it karma ...

English and French Be stretchy like

Stretch Armstrong • . ' ., . . '

• 1 -

The smell of books Shadows in pools

•• • •

estaurant work ensures that I am brought into contact with an enormous variety of people,

J

ometimes a good thing, and other times not; this time, not. I recently bore witness to someone using the age old classic, "Don't you know who I am?" line. Something I didn't think actually happened and to which of course, the answer, if you're having to ask, is "no". Initially mildly traumatic and with hindsight absolutely hilarious; this incid·ent managed to spark a conversation amongst the waitresses about karma, which in tum got me thinking: are there divine forces whose sole purpose is to even out all the shit in the world? If so, does this mean that one day the press will forget about Paris Hilton, or that the day I leave Leeds I will become rich, will never have to read agam, will upgrade from Asda Smartprice and will stop drunkenly embarrassing myself on a nightly basis? We can but dream.

Karma itself can be defined in two ways, the first relies on the existence of God to, in effect, punish you for making awful decisions. The second and only vaguely more plausible definition relies on the laws of nature to punish and reward an individual for their chosen actions. Either way, if you're mean you'll get found out, particularly poignant when considering the recent festive season, reminiscent of the eerie image of Santa seeing you while you're sleeping and his mystic omniscience in compiling his naughty and nice lists. So if you too excitedly tore open your stocking this Christmas to find a sad and lonely lump of coal in the toe, I think this may be a time to reflect and to pinpoint where it is exactly that we have gone wrong. f'm not an angel, I don't think I'm supposed to be, I am a student; am I not allowed to horrendously misbehave? Apparently not. Either that or my parents think it's side-splitting to panic me into thinking I am going to proverbial hell by giving me coal, which in fact only amounts to black streaks across all bed linen, skin and pyjamas, for Christmas. They say it was a joke. All it has caused is a mild paranoia. As a direct result, I am now delightful, even if I say so myself and it has in a way paid off; people smile back m the street, return favours, and even do you favours . The lessons 1 have learnt are therefore threefold. Firstly, and most importantly that my parents have an awful sense of humour; secondly that sometimes being a bit nicer every now and again goes a long way. And lastly, that karma does exist; my mum had to wash my coal stained sheets. All that's left now is for someone to punch that person I overheard square in the face whilst politely informing them that no, they do not know who they are.

,,

MINI OR~FRVATIONS ------- -------- - -"Student prices are great, but they just don't apply to the really useful things, like alcohol and chocolate."

Annie Hawes

"Screw diets, just have more green tea-breaks. It speeds up your metabolism, which means more biscuits."

• • •

"When is it going to get warm enough to skinny dip in the Roger Stevens pool again?"

Dave Miller

"Road rage and extreme weather conditions is always a bad mix."

AlexThomas

/ . . . . - .

. .

•

Friday, January 29, 2010 \ .leed student.or< Leeds Student 13

Critical Analysis

Science Conunentary

with Fliss lnkpen

A creative occupation 111ere 1s a long-standing myth chat is rLgularly pushed by pseudo­psychologists wi ·hing to provide a simple explanation for the intricate complexity of the human mind. It smres that the left side of the brain is in control of logical thought whereas rhe right hand side controls our creative side:. Although this belief was rooted in cic.:nce, moJcrn in1aging techniques have shown us that it is a bit more complicated than that, with different areas working coopemtively. However, the myth prevails, and alongwithitthe tereot}pc that those who study science are dominated by their left brain, ancl arc logical and cold. The truth is, successful saentists arc pioneers of creativity. The imagination of the . ciencist must be highly developed ro bring to consciousness original explanations of unencumbered phenomena. 111e great scientists in history have all thought our ide the box, whether they were notiong gravity for the first time, realising that time and space bend, or that light is a particle. And it's not only the fundam~ntal and theoretical that requires an imagination the size of the universe. Solving the current i sues that we face, such as climate change, sustainable development and the advancement of medicine reqwres onginal soluoon co old problems. Just as Professor Jha and his team have demonstrated, with some innovative thought, creative solutions can be found for even the most iodusa:ial problems. Universities have traditionally been sanctuaries of discovery, but with the current threat of funding cuts and an increa ing number of students desperately wrangling for a university place, students could find their higher education experience is more like a processing event d,an an opporrunity to foster originality and neativity. Without the opportunity for

creati,~ty within science, the negative stereot:ypes that it i a dry boring subject practised only by socially inept geeks will inevitably prevail, and society as a whole will suffer as a result. Science must be recognised for what it truly is; a creative occupation.

Do you have a passion for science and research? Would you like more science in Leeds Student? Email us with your science and research stories at newsfeatures@leedsstudent.org

New species of bird discovered by Leeds Fellow ln an a rounding discovery, a new species of bird has been identified in the threatened Bornean rainforest by Leeds Re sea rch Fellow Dr D avid l~wards.

The elated Edwards, of d1c FaculC) of Biological Sciences, first observed the bird along with two leader of the tour company Field Guides, near the Borneo Rainforest Lo<lge in the heart of the Dan um VaJley Conservation Area in a bah, J\lalaysia, last June.

\Vhile visiting the 250m canopy­wa I kwa y built for ob e rYation purpo cs, one of the guides, Richard \X'cbster, stopped to examine some flowering mi tlerne in a tree, 35 metres above ground. Amongst severa l common species of flowerpeckers - a small bird that specialize in feeding on misdetoe berries - he saw a smaller, unfamiliar individual.

Pommatcly, he managed to obt:un SC\ e ra l digital photographs, and consulted Edward . "Discussions that evening, followed by a review of the laeraturc, revealed that the bird's features were mconsistent with any known species from Borneo," said Edwards, who has been conducting ornitho logical experiments on the island for d1ree years.

"The realization that in all probability we had been watching a specie unknown to science was an incredible feeling. le was the kind of moment you dream of-like we'd won the Pools and the World Cup on the

. rune day," he saic.l. Further research confirms that the

species has never before been recorded anywhere in the world.

111e striking grey and black bird has bright white arcs above and below the eye, a broad white stripe from throat to central belly, and pure whire tufts at d1c breast sides. The following clay, the ream observed at lea t one pair of aJult , b th a male and a lcmale, and Edwards even heard one of the unknown birds singing.

111e presumed tcmale was less well­marked, with a hint of yellow to her underbelly stripe. Because or the birds' unique white eye-ring, the team have named the species the ' pectacled Flowerpecker.'

, \!though Edwards has re,·isited the site several rimes, there has since been no sign of the birds, so the species has yet t be ~vcn a . c1cntific name. TI1e find1111,,s have been published in the hope that this will lead to further sightings and finally a formal SC1entific description.

"'This in turn will aid d,e ultimate goal: conservation of this new species and large tracts of its habitat, which 1

under threat from clearance for oil palm agriculture," said Edwards, with an appeal for all records and ocher information to be passed on.

111e finding is even more surprising gh·en it was made within the well­watched Danum Valley, a conserrncion site where scientific research has been

carried out smce 1986 . "It underlines the incredible

diversity of this remarkable area," said Adam Tomasek, leader of WWF's }kart of Borneo Initiative.

"The discovery of a new bird species further emphasizes the importance of the commioncm already made by Bnmei Darussalru11, lndonesia and Malaysia to protect the Heart of Borneo, but also highLigbts the need to fast-track 1mplemcntation of these co1111nioucnts to ensure d1e many new species discovered in the area urvive," Tomasek said. Jean-Christophe Vie, deputy director of ILIC 's Species Progran1mc, said: "This di. coverv shows once more how little is known ~bout the diversity oflilc

Industrial waste rich in rare earth materials Scientists from the Univer icy of Leeds have made a discovery about the extraction of raw material s from industrial waste that could reduce the fierce competition over them for new green technologies.

The rare-earth oxides, which arc essential in the production of green technologies such a wind turbines, energy-efficient lighting and hybrid cars, are very hard to extract from the Earth's crust. However, this new method, which reclaims them from waste materials, will make them more read ily available.

The discovery, by Professor Jha and his team from the Institute for Materia ls Res ea rch , was made during the refining of an industrial process they had developed to extract higher yields of titanium dioxide. They found that known benefits of eliminating hazardous wa tes, reduced costs and carbon dioxide are also paralleled with the benefit of the ability to extract significant quantiries of rare-earth metal oxides as co-products of the refining process.

Despite being referred to as rare, suc h materials are actually more common than metals such as

go ld and ilver. I !owever, the} get their name because of the difficultie caused when trying to extract them. The oxides from the rare-earth metals are o scarce that sufficient concentrations to allow for viable commercial mining and purification arc rarely found. Tbc new method, which can extract them from products as diverse a cosmetics and electron.ics, will mean that mining could become a thing of the past.

Previously, it was feared that th<.: development and production of envi ronm enta ll y friend!)• technologies would be limited due to a lack of availab le materials or expen e. cientists now hope that that this recent breakthrough will prevent this .

"These materials are also widely used in the engines of cars and e lectronics, defence and nuclear industries. In fact they cut across so. man y le ading edge technologies, the additional d emand for the elev.ice related applications is set to outstrip sup pl y," said Professor Animesh J ha, who led the research.

According to Professor Jha , "our recovery rate varies between 60 and 80 per cent, although

through better process engineering we will be able to recover more in the future. But already, the recovery of oxides of neodymium, cerium and lanthanum from wa re products , which are most commonly found with tttanium dioxide mmeral , is an impre sive environmental double benefit."

The rare-earth metals belong to a group of 15 chemically similar elements, known as lanthamde .

As a re ult of their unique properties they have wide reaching applications including the catalytic, chemical, nuclear and magnetic industries, and are used in everyday items such as flint for lighters and miniature magnets.

Up until the micl 1980s, Amenca was the major producer, and consumer, or rare-earth metals. However currently, China holds a near monopoly on the multi -billion dollar global market, holding 95 per cent f the world' reserves of the rare -earth material . Thi di · covcry could shifr the power balance in global supply once again.

Rose van der Zwart

on our planet." "2010 is the international Year of Biodiversity. It is an opportunity co increase our knowledge of nature and its functioning, explain its importance to tl,e wider public, and most of all, undcrmke action to reduce the current threats in order tu allow thousands more di covcries like th1 one in the furure."

Edwards' official statement concerning the Spectacled Flowerpeckcr was published in tbe Oncnta l Bird C lub magazine, Birding IJ\, on Janu:uy 14, maktng it the world's newest bird species.

Abigail Yardley

Laser quest 11,e University of Leeds' world lcadmg School of Electronic Engineering ha received a huge boost to its terahcrtz research with a 2.5 million Euro grant.

The terahertz project, under the leadership of Profcs or Edmund Lin field, was awarded the grant to support the development of high frequency quantum cascade la ers.

The quantum cascade laser works by cau ing a ''waterfall" of electrons through layers of semiconductor material; as the electrons jump into lower energy states they give off their energy in packets of light, known as photons. Up co 75 photons arc produced during an individual electron's journey, and the frequency of the cmirred light can be tuned by varying the thickness of the . andwimed materials. 11,e team at Leeds ha e been pioneers in producing light of the highest frequencies

The small size of these high energy lasers makes them potentiaJly portable, hence useful for a wide variety of applications, as Professor Linfield explains: "The availabili ty oC cheap, compact systems would open up a wide range of opportunities in field including indusu-ial process monitoring, securiC)' screening, atmospheric science and medicine."

The school i internationally renowned for teral,ertz temnology and the University ha one of d1e largest facilities for tcral1ertz research in the world. Thi is the second grant that the

chool of Electronic Engineering has been awarded in two years.

Felicity 1nkpen

• •

13 Friday, January 29, 2010 ·www.lccd~. tudt'nt.org I Leeds Student

Straw takes a trip down memory Jack Straw visited LUU on January 18 to take part in a question and answer session. Leeds Student's Chris Stevenson managed to grab a few minutes with the Justice Secretary to discuss top-up fees, the student vote, the Chilcot Inquiry and his time as a student in Leeds.

During his opening statement in the gucstion and answer session l\,lr Straw wa guick to lay to rest his banning from the Union ( cc box, nght). He said "the reason for banning me were actually tri,·ial compared to some of the thint,>s T could have added."

r-i!r tr:iw appeared to be in a relaxed mood and this continued in the intcrvic,v as be allowed us to touch upon a wide range of ubjects in the interview afterwards.

Most public authorities can save some money but there is obviou. ly a prnnt where we cut it to tl,e bone and we have to make , urc we don't do that and that we continue to ensure the qualtty of Boti h uni\'crs1tics because they lire fundamental to thl economic success and the cohesion of nur . OCtel) .

Q: How important do you think the issue of cu ts will be in the general election? And how important will the student vote be?

you not think this is a sad day for freedom of speech in this country?

A: o it isn't, there arc \·cry smct cntena laid down m the Tcrrori:m Act 200ll. It has to be pnncipall) abnut whether these organisations are org:uu. ing or supporung tcn-onsm or associated act1Yit\. Lt is quite right these critcrta should be narro,~ bccaLL~e as you say you shouldn 'r go round hanntng organtsatton~ just becau. e you don't like ,,hat the) say.

The B P arc nor a terrorist organisation, they are odious. I disagree with either vic\\'S and analysis. Rut m1 view on them i that acwrding to the law the,· arc cnotlcd to sa\ what th1:=) \\'ant co ~a) , as you knm.v I went up agrun. t ick Griffin on Que ·iion Time and i[ \OU start to ban organ1sat1on · ·just because rou disagree wtth what tht:) :m: Sa) mg or fu1d their ' 'll'ws odious beyond what is proh1h1tcd hy law then ,ou get into serinu~ trouble.

Q: Do you agree with them being banned?

A: L' ndcr two other guises the) arc alread) banned, they just keep changing their name. The) h:I\ c a right to appeal to the Prcscr1bcd ( )r~rusations \ppcals Commission which l also settle. [ f the\ W,ll1t to appeal they can. ·

Q: Do you agree with any of their views they hold and what they are protesting about? What about bow they feel about innocent civilians being killed?

Q: How would you respond to suggestions that some student find it unfair that although top-up fees arc about to rise in the near future, the budget for the HE sector is about to be slashed?

A: Look, obvtouslv we all feel bad about civilians bcmg killed bur what the) are tr) ing w do is no <le bate about whether we.: should be tn

.t\fghan1staB, because lhat is a legitimate part of public debate, bur tn offend the memory of people wbo ha ve put their It, cs nn the line on \fghani tan for the re tofus. The

arm} and na\'y and R \f,' nnd other volunteers put thcmsekcs on the frontline and get shot up. The~- had

A: The . tudent vote is n:ry important designed thi. protest with malice and and l 'm very proud of the fact that forethought 10 cause offence. The

A: We introduced . o-called top-up fees in 2004 because we thought we had to do that in order 10 provide additional funding for urnvcrsiucs and create l he funds to gain international experience. People who arc able to go co university are able to earn considerably more than those who don't we arc aware of that. ctting the balance here is very difficult, it just is. Well, as I said m the Q and A, I had a full grant and as a conscc1ucnce l was able to get my education but there.: arc only a handful of people like me, I would never haYe gone mro pracace at the bar and that was also on the basis of gc.:tting anorber large scholarship based on my results, l also had to pay my pupil master. Some rhings hme improved con. idcrnbl)' since then.

On tl,e cuts, they arc reductions in funding which would be decided and set for the nc.:xt financial year, l wa talking tu your Vice-Chancellor about thar and no decisions are being made for future years. AU public bodies arc under a sgueczc, budgets arc under a wally scriou squeeze [and people] are trying to do more for lcs .

wh~nlwashcrewegmce\idencctoa Mosgue in my consrirncnC}, review where we proposed to reduce Lancashire have been the most vocal the age of maiorit\ from 21 to 18. the ~nst lsla~14L I, Jtself. Labour pho o gra phy: Ri c hard Smith~

that. Then we at me -" L moK tt to Q: How were you feeling about the the Court of r\p~eal tn ensure that Chilcot inquiry and gi ing students could register to vote here al evidence next week? their Unt\'Crsity rather than th= home address which is why slUclcnts can have a lot more power since then, so it is very important.

l hope that student. do what is in their interests and the country's interests and vote for Labour. \'(/ill it be an issue? fa) be one of the i sues, but rbe truth is Lhat the Conscrvam·es, as they have admitted would cut public spending more than we would because they have said they want to reduce the deficit tn a shorter time cale, which could become dainaging to the cnun tr}.

If you want to look to the future look at people's record · in the past, we have been re ponsiblc for better spending and a greater lt:vel of expansion of the education . ystcm. The Conservative. left the whole education system in a mess.

Q: In terms of the organi ation lslam4UK, why are the BNP allowed to exi t and not them? Do

A:. \X'e set up the Chilcot mquiry as in my mind there should he a full public im1u.iry imo the l raq military conflict and we said we would do that. Gordon said we would do that as soon as we had no troops tn lraq. 111a1 ts the.: situaoon. I low do I feel abour tl? \X'ell I am comfortable in explaining the decisions which the British gm·cmmcnt made m 2003 and my role in them. Orr}, you are jusr going to have to watt for my e\~dence.

Q: I know you may not be able to answer this, but what about the Jetter you suppo edly sent to Tony Blair stating that mrntary action may not be the best policy?

A: That is a matter for the ,hilcot tnquiry and the} have been provided ,vith all the paper I sent the Prime Minister and man, od1er people.

Q: I it really going to achieve anything though, other than anger and outrage and anger the public all over again?

A: \\ 'ell f think after rmlitaf\ acaon of this ktnd I think n's right rh.crc should be a review. Th~ I rac1 war is controversial in two respects bccau e of the process that led to the decision of milit.H\ action and above all because rill \\C,tpons of mass destruction were found. This led to the idea that going tc, ,, ar was frauduknt and the basi · for militan action was invcmcd, it wasn't .11 all. A lot of those peopk sent died so ir is quite right thllt there should be an inqui rY w hct her It ends up "-'i r h e\ er) one been sansfied is a completd) different matter. It 1s also worth poinongom thar there hm·e been four separate inc1uirie so ic is not an unrc earched arc.:a and we ,ire 1ust looking at the ,vtder picture.

Q: Turning back to your own time at Leeds and panicularl the sit-in protest in the Parkinson building in 1968, what do you remember about it and in the current c)jmate of protests surrounding cuts, do you think anything can be achieved from such action today?

A: o you \\ant a headline that say, ', tra\, ~-1\'S . ir-in', and no l don't think I \Viii tf that's all right. I remember a great deal about the sit-in becau e it

\\'as the summer of '68 which was just before I left mv year as student President. [ was uncertain about whether we should go for a it-in, the L ni, crStC) were keeping files on students and political allegiance : you couldn't do that these days, you could do tt then. \n tnc1uir) wa. all we wanted so we.: finally decided at a mas. mec.ting Ill the Riley Sm.ith l lall to hm·c a sit-tn. \X'c ha<l nu idea c,f an exit strall.:g) but it was over in three days, It

,vas extreme!\ peaceful and we.: "-·ere \'ery tidy.

Q: Why would you encourage people to get involved in Union politics a a previous sabbatical officer?

A: \I) principal pri"1te ecn:tar), who was hen: well, she spent time doing othn things (laughs and signals toward secretary). People haYe got d1ffen.:m interests some get i.11\'nlvcd and some don't: I was, 1'iiy daughter wasn't. Bur people arc.: ciazcn first of all, and tho,c ,vho get invoked, not just in thL politics, but maybe the media or other thmgs find it a great cxpcticncc. l11s interc ong how much people got out of the politics. It is aJso a chance to find nut if you like politics, not everyone wants to be an i\[P but 1 don't think [ would have gone as far as I havL without the experience. It al o gives a sense of democracy which is, after aJI, the pnnc1pal by which we live our lives.

Jack and the board

Back in 2000, Simon Rothstein, a member of the LUU Executive, proposed a motion which sought to revoke Mr Straw's life membership and ban him from the Union.

·n,e motion Stated tl1a1: ''Jack ' craw, as I lomc ecrera.ry, ha furthered W>Vemment piiltcies curtailing civil Liberties. rn,ey[ undermine basic pnnciples of freedom, liberty and democracy. LUU is ashan1cd that.Jack Straw was·c\'cr its president and [he\ is a dist.rracc to both LUU and the country."

Over GOO sn1dcnts took part in d1e debate that foUowcd and all but around 50 voted for the motion to pass. Mr trl\\\'Was sub. equcnd) banned and his name was removed from thl board of of ex- tudcnt presidents. The ban on Lr craw

enrering the Union lapsed in 2003. [ n 2007, a further motion wa -

propo ed by student Rob Damiao to reinstate r-, Ir, craw'_ LUU membership and put his name back on the Presidents' Board.

The morion stated: "That, whatever \iews indi\'idual member, may hold regarding former fficers of the Uruon, we should not hide, or attempt to erase, their place in the organisation's history." It was passed by L ,200 votes to around 400.

l lowcvcr, h1s name was subsequently scratched off the brnu-d, pictured below, and this led to a glas sheet being placed o\·cr the board to prevent further vandalism.

till, tl1is has not stopped an cntcrposing student from using a black marker to obsure .Mr rraw'. name from view, pictured above.

• •

Friday, January 29, 2010 , vw.le •d tudent.or Leeds Student 15

lane in return to farmer Union Jack Straw played an active role in student politics while at Leeds, becoming Student President in 1967 /68. Most famously he was involved in was the sit-in that took place in the Parkison Building in June 1968. He gained a lot of press coverage for this and various other incidents ...

IIY JACI( STRAW VIC£.PRESIOENT, N.~.S

Wbat·· -.-ona i - - _. th the N.u.s.

1 CONDEMN THE MASSES Of STUDENTS WHO TAKE HO INTEREST IN THE ACT­IONS OF THOSE WHO SEEK TO REPRESENT THEM. .. •

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of OJI

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tputy Pr .on, 1 ""d • ct1vitics o univ rs1ti

country.

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\11 of these items are taken from l 111io11 ">-.m'S, the pn:<lecessor to Lwls St11dmt, covering the period l 966-1969. They chronicle Jack Straw's rise from Vice-President of L U, through t0 President an<l then Vice-President of the S, he ,vould later become President. Above - This piece from ( ktobcr l 966 was wntten by Su·aw followi.nl!,' a trip to Chile for which the Porcign Office ca!Jc<l him: "the chief troubk:makcr acting with malice aforethought." Above right - U 11io11 J'\.m '.r coverage of the it-in by stu<lcnts in J unc 1968 over the powers of University security after they began asking about students' political leanings . Right - traw giving a . pccch to Lhe masses at the sit-ln in the Parkinson Building. Above left - craw writing about student, pathy in l 969. Left - A picture of, traw from l 969.

imme,..

DIRECT ACTION AT

EEDS 11ion asks for

joint inquiry

l -. TIIClt.'1).\..\. • "lu.,"fii fat h,,IAD ~ kc:pc Ute

1'hey talked and and talked.

Parkin­nd lhe ~rcct4!d dclours agh the films made hy Leeds sludc01~ continued 10 a.rrha., ont:, \it·i.n ai un~nth:trulnly, ~~y ~= .. :ui:!~e~""ar~!~l ... ;:~!!1 ~?1!,'!_!Y, froiu Homsey C-oll ·

1C! ~YI~ !' w • nut 1' l\\J\

Straw gives evidence at the Chilcot Inquiry The Chilcot Inquiry was announced on June 15 2009 with the aim of looking into the country's role in the Iraq War. While this was originally planned to be a private examination, after criticism, this was reversed and it is a public matter.

Jack Straw ga\e evidence on January 21 in orJcr to expl~in his action surrounding the Iraq \'{"ar up to 2004, some exerts from his answers are gi,en below:

Concerning the outbreak of war:

"My decision to support militar) action in respect of lraq was the most difficult deci 10n I have ever

faced in my life. I had actively supported ;he military action i~ the Falklands and in the first Gulf \X ar, whilst in opposition. I had agreed as a member of tbe cabinet the action over Kosovo and Sierra Leone.

"As foreign sec retary T had been direct!) involved in the post-9 / l 1 strategy which had lcJ to the inva ion of •\(ghanisran. But those choices were much easter. lra{l was verv different, and the moral as we ll as political dilemma were profoundly difficult.

"If I was also fully awa re that my upport fo r military action was critical. If I had refu e<l that, rhc UK's participation in the military action would not in practice have been possible. There almost

certainly would have been no majority, either in cabinet or in the Commons."

He went on to add:

''1 made my choice. l have never backed away from it, and I do not intend to do so, and full) acccpt the responsibilities which flow from that. I believed at the time, and 1 still believe, that we made rhe best judgments we could ha\ e clone in the circumstances: we did so assiduous ly an<l on the best evidence we ha<l a,ailable at the time.''

If the weapons inspections had continued without an ultimatum:

"all I.hat would have happened i that the inspection. proces would have petereJ out, the unresolved disarmament ~1ucst1ons woul<l have remained unresolved and the Iraqi regime would have been re­emboldened".

On regime change:

"[Regime change] was off the agenda as far as the UK was concerned. A foreign policy objective of regime change 1 regard as improper and also self­ev iden ti y unlawful. J t had no chance of being a runner in the UK, it certainh would not have got my support.

0

Thc case therefore stood or fell on whether Iraq posed a threat to international

peace and security b) rea, on of its weapon of mas· destruction."

On the iss ue of resigning he said:

"Diel [ C\Cr think I'm going co re~ign cH"er this. lo. \'>v c all have our bottom lmes."

But the decision to go to war <lid weigh "heavily". He supporred the war "very reluctantly". Thi is after tating that he had "made

submis ions, about alternative approaches'' to war.

Photos: Richard Smith And with thanks to

LSRFM.corn's Charly Lewis

• - • •

16 Friday, J anuary 29 2010 Leeds Student

The -worst Inorning after Drink spiking has been imprinted on the consciousness of every student in the land after multiple campaigns and adverts. Victoria Gray was unlucky enough to have her drink spiked and she writes about her experiences of trying to find out what happened to her Stumbling back in at two am supported by two random guys I met near the Fav may sound like a normal night for some people, but it certainly wasn't for me.

Waking up the next day in the same vomit covered clothes I had been out in the night before, with huge cuts I don't re.member getting, was bad enough, but not the worst parr of my tale. The worst part was having absolutely no knowledge of how I had got into that state, feeling like one of those people from the 'you wouldn't end the night like this' adverts. I had had my drink . piked.

,After mulling over the night with the friend I had been our with, who had almost the same experience, we both came to the ame conclusion. Like many students, we had been to a free bar, although the 'bar' part of that was a bit of an exaggeration -you could have either a inglc vodka mi..-xer or a small glass of wine.

After having a couple of each, sickness began ro set in. However, neither of u were prone to blacking out and throwing up al l over the place on that amount of alcohol. That being the case, we set about trying to figure out what happened.

Symptoms of drink. spiking vary depending on what substance has been used. They can be in liquid or powder form, and may not have any smell or taste . Your drink can appear as if nothing untoward has happened.

The most common drugs used in drink spiking are also known. as dare rape drugs. They vary, from other types of alcohol through to tranquiliser and GHB. They work b) slowing down your nervous ystem and dulli.ng your responses,

leaving people vulnerable. Symptoms can range from

They work by slowing down your nervous system and dulling your responses.

drowsiness to confusion and disorientation, through to paranoia and hallucinations.

Figuring our what happcnecl to us proved surprisingly difficult. Considering everything you bear about avoiding getting spiked, from the bottle stoppers provided in

fresher's packs to the constant reminders to not leave your drink unwatched, ir seemed chat it must be as easy to deal with the 'afters' of spiking as the 'befores'.

lf you think your drink has been spiked, tell someone you trust if you can. Tell the management if there is no-one there, as they should be able to help. Then try to get to Accident and Emergency , where the police

should be contacted. A blood or urine sample can also be collected to try to a certain whether your drink has been spiked.

However, this is the only in an ideal turn of events. Our case was not so simple. Hearing from a friend who had been spiked before and had a blood rest, we toddled down to Leeds Student Medical Practice to see if they could help. Whilst not being particuJary useful, both doctors commented on the students coming in recently with the same problem.

Unperturbed, we continued to Leeds General lnfirma.ry, where we were told that we would have to pay £300.

Thankfully nothing terrible happened to us, minus the odd lost phone. My cab driver however got very angry with my throwing up out of the window and physicalJy threw me our of the cab after driving me to a cash machine and standing over me while L took out the fifty pound fine he demanded (the usual fine i twenty pounds). This explained my cuts. Had it not been for the two good Samaritans who saw this and rook m\;! home, I could have had an entirely different nighL

After a day of trekking around

trying to find out more, still feeling horrible, we eventually gave up.

But the fact that there is no way to confirm whether I lost any ort of tolerance for alcohol that night or actually did have omething put in my drink does not add up. If I am ju ta terrible lightweight, I should probably get to know my limits so that I can survive the next two years at uni, and if anything untoward had happened, we would have bad ro report it ro the police. But without a confirmation of whether anything had happened, the report would not go very far.

Speaking to others - both boys and girls - who have had experiences of spiked drinks, it appears one only pay attention to method of avoiding being spiked after .it has happened to you or someone dose to you.

Pres reports of drink spiking have increased over the last few , years, but actual figure are difficult to verify. Drugs can leave the system very quickly, so often tests for drink spiking can return negative results. However in 2007, one helpline received over 600 reports of drug-re lated rape and ·exual abuse.

Attempts to ask for statistics on numbers of patients reporting spikes uncovered that both the Leed teaching hospitals and Leeds Primary Care Trust do not keep record on the number of patients reporting suspected spikes. Lack of evidence means there is nothing to investigate, with the prob lem left untreated as a result.

Th.is feeling of confusion over whether you have had your drink spiked was echoed by other students.

Suisse Osborne-James, a second year Linguistics student said of her experience: "l was spiked in a club I used to go to every Saturday . Because it's a small dub, you see the ame faces every week and every

one knows everyone. Like most people who have been spiked, looking back on the experience is still confusing despite it having been almost two years ago, because 1 was never able to work out if I had been spiked for sure.

"l have been back to the club since, but I'll never be able to relax !.here again. It is certainly true that it is only once it's happened that you uddenly realise how easy it can be

and bow cautious you need to be. ow I won't even leave a drink with

a trusted friend. It comes with me everywhere."

However, ome researchers from Kent University did a survey in

which more than 200 students blamed the effects of a bad night out on dare rape drugs, when in fact

I t appears one only pays attention to methods of avoiding being spiked after it has happened to you

they had just drunk excessively. Dr Adam Burgess from the

university's School of Social Policy, ociology and Social Research, said:

"Young women appear to be displacing their anxietJe about the consequences of consuming what is in the bottle on to rumours of what could be put there by someone cl c."

Leed City Council reports that drink spiking around Leeds is currently on the increase . Last serne ter alone, l heard around I 0 stories of friends or friends of friends who had had their drink spiked.

r= tr

LUU works closely wi th the Unit 1421 campaign, which advises that if one su pects a spike to report it to the venue staff and the police.

The difficu l ty of co n fi rm ing suspected spikes means reporting them is problematic, but this is a difficulty caused b y the lack o f services to co nfir m them. T his vicious circle needs to be broken if the problem is going ro be solved.

Madeleine Harris-Smith, Leeds University Union Welfare Officer points our that: "I t can happen to both men and women, and the most common substance used ro spi ke drinks is alcohol!

"My number one tip is that you take care of your drink - alway keep an eye on it, and never accep t a drink that you haven't seen opened or poured. It's simple advice but its the most effective measure you can take against you r dr in k bei ng spiked. Please also look o ut fo r your friends, and bear in mind that you may not be able to see, smell or rasre that yo ur d rink has been spiked."

illustrations: Laura Crane

What to do if you think your drink has been spiked

Tell someone you trust and try to get them to take you home.

If not, call someone or tell the managen1ent and get to a safe place.

T ry to g e t to A&E as soon as possible where you can be tested.

They should call the police, but if not, report the incident.

Report the incident to the venue.

Leeds Stude nt Medical Practice: 0113 295 4488 Leeds General Infirmary: 0113 243 2799 NHS Direct: 0845 4647

•

Friday, January 29 2010 'W\ .le• ds tud nt m Leeds Student

--------- --- ---

The cost of truth The freedom of the press was on the agenda at an event organised by Liberty@Leeds last week, where Leeds students heard from Dr. Simon Singh

The laws of defamation aren't nonnally considered to be overly exciting, but a large lecture theatre was packed out for the arrival of Simon Singh, the physicist who has done stints as author, columnist and broadcaster, who was in Leeds to talk about growing concern about our country's laws of defamation.

A tall Briush-As1an with spiky black hair and cirular-nmmed glasses, Singh i a natural communicator who engages the crowd instant!) with a humility which belies his acievements. He gained hi personal interest in the laws of libel when an aroclc he wrote in the Guardian about compliment,'lf} medicine ended up the subject of an action by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), who claimed defamation. The legal problem stems from the BCA's claim, denied by ingh, that the article suggested that

chiropractors deliberately and knowingly mislead their patients.

"I don't think that's what mv article says. It's not what I meant. i don't think it's what a reasonable reader would mkc from 1t."

o far it has cost Singh over £100,000 to defend himself, which he almo t certainly won't get back in full, even if he wins. And this is one of the most worrying problems about the current legal situation:

"l can afford to do this because l've had some bestselling books and ten years of fancastic success in ~:riling but very few people could do this."

And not only is the legal system prohibitively expens1 c for journalists, bur British laws are peculiarly tilted in favour of claimants and against defendants. The usual presumption of a def~ndant being "innocent until proven guilty", which is normally considered sacrosanct, doesn't apply in the case of libel and the burden is ?n the defendant to prove their U10ocence. Further to this, the defense of public interest isn't nearly as robust as it is in other countries, such as the USA. This means that even information which is important for the public to know can be cloaked b,· libel. J

And the effect of these quirks of the Bntish constitution pose a very

clear and present tbrea1 lo the freedom of the media which is undoubtedly the cornerstone of a safe and democratic society. If big corporation can bring a libel acuon every ume something negative is written about them, safe 1n the knowledge that many publications can't even afford to defend them elves, then the law seems to gift these companies the right to determine what is and isn't known about them.

"Everybody else in the world looks at our libel laws and thinks d1ev're a joke'', says Singh. But not only are British laws providing amusement for the global community, they arc proving a tool of convenience for the uper-rich. The phenomenon of

''Libel touosm" is sweepmg London's legal industry, where claimants who aren't from Britain are bringing ca.cs against defendant who equally aren't from Britain to rake advantage of the claimant-sympathetic nature of the ystem.

One pamcularly disturbing instance of this is the case brought agarnst Dr. Rachel Ehrenfeld, the author of a book called Fundin,g I'..vil.· I loll' Tenvris111 iI Pi11anced and I Jou, lo

top It. Ln the book it was claimed that a audi Banker, Khalid bin Mahfouz had financial lrnks with tcrronst groups, Al-Qaeda and Hamas.

·n,e case is still the basis of a trans­A tla nu c legal wrangle, which is complicated by an increasing tendency for US states to mle that defamation rulings ·in the UK will have no jurisdiction in Amenca. Even more farcically, some large U newspapers have threatened to stop distribution and block internet acce s to their papers in this country so that cases can't be brought here.

Bui why, in the counayconsidered to be a political model for the world to mimic; the home of Paine, Locke and Mill, are the laws regulating the press so stifling? Why is the fundamental right to free expression being upersedcd by the right to reputation?

"1 think traditionally that's how it's been in English law'', says Professor Ian Cram, an expert in consotutional law at the University of Leeds.

"Libel laws are there to protect the repu tauon of individuals and corporations and companies in English law. Typically free speech ha come a long way bchmd ail sorts 1f interests. ot just libel law but one can think of things like state secret law, copynght, a whole range of areas where the state has priomised the interests that is opposed to fn.:edom of speech".

But it seems like the ha%y figure of libel reform may be peering over the political horizon. A large scale campaign of authors, lawyer and 1oumalists is hoping to place the i sue higher up the political agenda. The Justice Secretary,Jack traw, WJth whom the power of legal change ulomatel} rests, has suggested that we could see a review of the laws m the near future.

"Our libel laws are having a chillmg effc.'CL It is hitting the press that is v1ral to our dtmocracy but whose finances arc much more difficult, and that includes magazines, one or two of the nat10nals, and regional and local newspapers, and it's really bad for them. Thar's why I will b(. changing the law on defamation costs."

But Professor Cram think that an, optimism about this seeming commim1cnt must be cauoous: "Pnvate companies will resist reform of libel laws and they ,vill make their voices heard in parliament through lobbying so you shouldn't expect the process to be a quick one."

Dr. Singh's case goes to the court of appeal on February 22nd in what could be a pivotal mling both for the reform movement and in the histot, of the British media as a whole. wrhc,· could begin to trike a new balanc~ between free speech and tJ1e right to reputation or d,ey could remforce the situation we have at the moment," he added. "Wc'U haYe to wait and sec."

And after all of the financial and emotional straw which he bas been put under, l ask him if he regrets writing the offending article. Hi answer is simple, and that of an unashamedly zealous lover of scientific enquiry and open debate: ' o.n

James Legge

• • • •

Further your studies

and get an advantage in the job

market

Programmes available in:

Education, Teacher Training, Law, Politics and International Studies, Development Studies, Sociology and Social Policy

Corne along to speak to members of staff and current students about the postgraduate opportunities available in the Faculty.

Come along to see how we can help you

Beech Grove House, University of Leeds

February 3rd 1pm - 5pm

Find out more www.essl.leeds.ac.uk /graduate-school

.. • • •

18 Friday, January 29, 2010

The graveyard shift Football is in a state of mourning, as winter heralds the end for a host of unfortunate managers. Leeds Student looks at the sport's peculiarly funereal fascination with sackings.

Dafydd Pritchard assod.atcs(ai

lecdsstudent.org

W1ethe·1.· 1t i& a confused 'parnsh ph)~11akc1 x:ing shown around m,mmgham or a promising Bdgi.u1

midfidder takmg m the sight.<; n[ WtJlvcrhamptnn, tht· Januarv tr.U1sfrr window n:pn.:scnL\ DL"-\ bcp;tnntngs for fi >otbalkrs.

F<ir m,u1agcrs, howcv1.:r, t.111.: b111ng told of Brtush \\'Inter 1s ,1 harbinger of chang1.: for the worse. S.1ckings have heen 1yp1call • commonplac1.: 1h1s winter, hut what h:ts hc:L·n parocularl) eye catching ts the funt'r1.:al manncr of r hcsc d1sm1ssals.

News of /\Ian hcstcr City's, December sacking of fork I I ughcs was broken to v11.:wcrs like a stale funeral. Pundits were asked to pay trihutl: lo ,l "good m:m", and othcr m.:urngers were: tJLtlck to pr.use; a

fellow profcssional \ ho '\kse1·vnl bettL'r".

Car• J.inckcr displ!lscd with his dcfault mod · of radiant smu.brness to p;lumh announce parky\ deparrure, and l\ lat h of the Day cnded their usually chirpy closing montl'lge with commentator teve \X/ilsnn's desparnng mcnnnn nf l lughcs' "lingering wn,-c".

I wen Arsent· \X;cnger, rhe supposed 1',1) of i111cllecrual hope 111

tlw lnndfill site of Prem, r I .c:11--,rue cltcht's, succumbed to rhe solemnit) hy adding that "ii ts :rlwavs ,cry snd when a manager loses hrs job".

ThL· most sombre of tributes was paid to \Ian l rvt11e, who was On:d hi' Pn.:ston. I Lis succc;sso1· Rob I,clly v;,wed th:1t thc club would "carry on as WL <lid hl'forc - it's what Alan' would han; wanted."

I It• nlso mournt·d Irvine :is "not 1ust a grc,ll manager but :i 1-,'TC:H

pl'rson ". Dcspitt· hts morbid departure,

In 111c has sinci: fnund employment ar Shcffic.:ld \X 'cdnesd;i_y. ,\nd 1ud1-,ring by his 1mmedtatL succes at J llllsbnrough, ln·inc;'s mo,c ts proving to be n resurrecnon.

Paul I lart\ ex.II from Queen's P,trk R,mgcrs dtd not cause such a sur. Thrs managerial casualt1• w:1s instead brushe;l aside: like 0;1e of

manv incidental fataliues in a · gangster fi lm.

The indifference should come as no smprise. I !art (pictured) was the runth manager to be dispatched hy QPR owner, Formula 1 mogul and pseudo mafia boss, Flavio Bnatorc.

Wary nf Bri, torc's fe,1rsome reputatton, mcJia coverage of 11:trt's demtsi: was muted . Rolling news channels were conspicuously unwi lling to expand on t.1,c issue, while newspapers were similarly careful not 10 upser Briatore.

Similarly bereft of sentiment was the end of Gar)' Megson's tenure at Bolton. l .ike r la.rt, tht response to 1t:g,on 's demise \\'as

underv.-hdming tn tcm1s of svmpathy, somewhat likL th1.: national feeling of indifference induced bv the death of fkrnard

!:inning. · Bolton fans had long been

clamourmg for his clismissal, and when the fateful moment arrived, it was met with the fervour usu.1lh resl'.rved for the g,1Uows. ·

[jngutstic, lly, man:igerial fatalism comes as no surprise. Each rumoured sacking is met with tabloid headlines and studm chatter of'nails in the coffin' and 'dead men

m~, gers, such a~ the gloomy, vortex c ·cd A vrarn Grant, are ;i_ step ahead or their peers, appeanng ro already be half dead as rhcy m >rbidly prowl their tcchni al areas.

Leeds Student

Grant's club, P ortsmouth, have recently had a transfer embargo lifted , and they will be hoping that an influx of new faces breathes new Li fe in to the rclegation­t.l1reatencd side.

the transfer

frantic closure, the end of

J anuary at least offers a

slither of hope. pring i anot

toe custam p rospect, and with the almost bearable climes ofFebrnary, comes the reali ation for managers that t.l,cy 1113}'

ave survived the culling

Northuinbria demolished as Uni surge into quarter fmals

Queen of the Hill Men's Squash l.ccds Llni lst-s ~-0 orthumhria 2n<ls

\ routrn · performance hy I L'eds I ouked them .1 pLi ·L' in the ~1u :urertin,tls or the RUCS ML'n's

orthern C.onfrrence Cup. The thre1.: man team Jt:reated their oppont'n1s orthumbnu Seconds with relatt,-c case, coming off the: b:ick or some: outsramling form 111 the leagul'.

Un paper thl· m:11ch between Leeds i'trsts and Northumbria Seconds appeared to be a mismatch, and this w:is proved correct minutes into the encounter.

The Uni team hav · played stx and won all of them, steamrolling all in th<.:tr p;i_rb so far this sea~on. Capt..iin Ric I lollrngbl' r) ,idmittL'd th,tt t.tlent wise the, should be highcr than the Bllc'S orth 2B league, tw(l divisions higher than Northumbria.

Gotng 11110 \'{'ednesda \ march they wcn: the last Lint team tn the Cup with the Seconds and Thmls losing to 11 uddt:rsfield and Durham respectively 111 the fir t

round. Non<.: of rhts seemed to be

Gray's attacking play confused his opponent on several occasions

wc1gh1ng the: trio down as \'viii Orrnch opened the tirst of the fi c match contest. Outcla. sinp; his opponent from the nuts ·t, rroch ne\ er trn)'cd far from the: ha lf­court line, manoeuvring hts

onhttmhrian counterpart around the court with case.

Fighting (l[f ,1 comehack to win the: lirst game I l 7, be then rook the second I I 5. Orroch then finished the 10b in St) le, winning the: first eight points or the third game for an emphatic l 1- l scurc line.

D.rn Grni picked up ,, here Orrnch had left off, gi\ing his

opponent the run an und in his fir . t game, winning it 11 -2, even aft<::r be turned over his ankle early on. \'(' i th his opposite nu m her struggling to k1.:ep up the pace, Gray used an array of a t tacking hots confusmg his opponent on

several (lCCa ions . J le then took the first seven point, on his w,1y to \\ rnning thL' second, leaving his nrthumbrtan counterpart visrhly frustrated. I le then took the third with casual case, hardly bre:iktng a swcnt in the process.

Leeds then only needcc.l [ lo ll 1ngber\' to win for them to

progrL' s to the quarters, anti he ii ni shed the tic with a p l im b, mimicking his teammates feat hy defcatinp; his opponent in straight sets. dcpr use of the s1dcwal1, and drop shot~ at unex pcctcd ci mes left ortbumbn,t reeling.

<\fterward , ,ray described Lh victory as "rourine", pointing out the fact 1hut rhcy were a class apart I rom I orthumbrta. They will undnubt ·dly face a sterner challenge in the final eight, and will play either ' heffie ld Firsts or York ~cconds.

Women's Basketball Leeds Uni Lsts 105- 7 Liverpool Uni lsts

Leeds l lni stormed to , icto11 against Liverpool in a dramatic I 05- 37 win. Following a Jefrat ro Liverpool earlier m the season the g;1111c was a chance to tnfliet some reYenge.

Leeds t1u1ckly forgot the leisure of the Christmas h lidays in ,1 wugh encounter and impro ed readily throughout t.l1e first quarter with. ome good pressure on the Livcrp< ol attack.

·n, ·1r pressure: was soon reflected on the. corcboard wit.I, 'tephanie Kirk tarllng the scoring for the ni side

after coming on as a. ubstitutc. T ..ecds ended the first qu:Jtter with a

comfort.'lb.lc 2~ lead with Liverpool's onl) cnntnbuuon to t.l,e score coming from fr1.:c t.l1rows. '

. Leeds confidence ,vas b >ostcd by rhts control :ind the entered their strongest stage, which saw som extremely quick anti accurate pa ing throughout the court, effortless!\ convened into baskets by some cfficreni shoe ting from Erin- Cbrkc, ]\,,fr[ 1 lill and !--..'It Chuan Chao.

What litt.le pos ess1on Liverpool

had was c1uickly turned into Leeds' advantage by th e d efenc e and rmpressrve speed from O luchi who worked particularly well wJLh 11111 down the cowt.

Whilst Li,·erpoo l' players were tmng, Leeds sub 'ti tu tes p roYJded some crncial energy and held the l~ d with definite case. Uni's collect1Ye passing outstripped Liverpool's efforts who were only poradicall} rewarde<l with few basket .

What became increa. ingly obviou was Leed s' su p e rio r tea m ph~y tn companson to Livcrp o l' 111d1,1du.'ll performances and it was th.is that saw them th rough the match effortles.sly and to the final and very unpress1,'.c score of 105-37 . As ide from this convinci ng win, the game also ~:iw D 0m111 ique M ar h es' first points scored fo r the team.

Player of the Match Mel Hill

Worked well dcl\\n the court and her sh.noting helped 1..ct.'C!s to the

impressi\'C points haul

Friday, January 29, 2010

THE WEEK IN

NUMBERS

The age of the potential Formula 1

World Champion

The numer of new­born children called Carlos in Guilford.

The number of times New Orleans Saints have made it to the

Super Bowl

PUNDIT WATCH

"He's come on his left foot!"

Tony Gale comments on Robert Eanishaw's

accuracy during a game in which Earnie scored a

brace for a rarnpan t Forest side on Wednesday night.

• • • - • • • -Leeds Student 19

LS A dark day for football M JUmful cries were heru.d ringing

11uughout the blue side of fanchcstcrthiswcck \wh the

news tn'lt crowtl and dub fuvuuritc Robinho has moved on k.xlll to Brazilian side SM11~ until thccn<l of die Sl."1son

\X'c ha,·i.: all seen the drnmatic image of the Gty faithful, wh() ha,e, for three days now, ·cood in their thou ands outside the club ·s training ground to put pre· ure on m:w manager Roberto Mancini to keep the South \mcrican superstar.

Their voices have not been heard, however, and the man who reportedly loves the club more than a dog to his master's leg has regretfull) left.

Those terrible shots of the Citizens' legend crying as he was subbed off the pitch for the last ome at the weekend will stay 111 the hearts and minds of the fans for \'ears ro come.

The rapturous applause hL received as he left, and the three hours he pent after the match signing

autographs, shows how clo. ca relationship be had wid, the club and its faithful.

For Robinho really is a one-club man. I 1is dedication to City rivals that of Le Tissier, Adams and l'\laldini In sticking; through some extremely tough times at his beloved club.

Robinho sealed his st.'\tus a a Manchester City grear with a well­t:i.ken goal in his final match agam. t Scunthorpe. F-lii, world-class,; ion

Wakey W"akey "ffi1wdo)OO!ike)u.i're~in the

mcxnir¢' I like mincwilh a sx:.k:of 1t~·Murra.yl:xmirgJ\1arinOiilic

ID prq!.1-= to the '\u5ti,-ilian Open final". As a ~ oc n'sprdxiblymtp-gtt> bea:k:pcd ti) CVCJ.}(nS fuu.um., (~ ~DOC ITTllll.uocturer lurtoorooa:oci=i1J.~ Nmmele$it'sa cx:marn1rol fi:,urd to be~ tn d,c 'htw' or'l<i=<' ~ by llin1fartins 1:icpilarconp:mn

Like most students, at 8am I typically remain firmly in a state of slumber without even the slightest inclination to depart from the cosy habitat of my much-loved bed. Onll' die prospect of a glassy tare from a lecturer growing increasingly disgruntled at my continued latcnes is capable of forcmg me to haul myself out of bed at a rime which the non-student population might consider acceptable.

On Thur day morrung this all changed however. Bleary eyed J woke at just past 8 to watch nd)

lurray reach the Australian Open tennis final. Courtcsv of the time difference, anyone ~anting to watch live in the K was forced to tune in at the rather inconvenient time of 8.30 10 order to sec die senu-final played in the splendor of Melbourne· summer cvemng.

TI1e motivation to rise ca.riv was of the most pressing kind, for' I am a self-con fes ed sport fanatic. l t was, however, an odd sensation for someone more accustomed to pectator spores with a 3pm kick-off.

le certainly wasn't unpleasant though. As a result I wa. able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast quire unlike the usual hurried piece of toast, and absorb the peacefulness of a srudem

house freed from rhc usual pandemoruum by the simple fact that my other house-mates, who don't hare my sporting fanarici m, till

remained unconscious. This 1s not the first time I recall

enjoying a big sporo.ng occasion at such an unfamiliar hour. 11,e 2002 \'v'orld Cup held in Japan/South Korea coincided v-rith European time in such a way d,ar much of my school day was spent endeavonng to find inconspicuous mcd1ods of catchmg updates from the toun1runcnt.

\\ben England came up against Brazil ffi) school, like most others, caved to student pres ure and agreed LC> allow us to watch the game. lnfamousl) England were defeated by a bizarre Ronaldinho goal from a seemingly innocuous free-kick which fooled keeper David eaman.

Ridiculing Seaman's prepo tcrous ponytail soon became tire ome and, by late morning a general malaise had set in amongst pupils. Even tho ·e with little interest in the result could not fail to be infected by the seemingly contagious misery spread bl' those football fans let down so p~edictably by th(; national ide once again. The coo equence, however, was that my cl,ool, full of kids placated b,; d,eir disappoinrn,cnt, were less unruly leaving teachers largdy relieved of their normal crowd control dun..

If only L:..ery chv 1 could enjoy my eggs in die mommg v-~th a dose of sport

Michael Glenister

and sporting bram gave him the space to glide past the Championship outfit's defence and dup the goalkeeper, capping off another '-''ondrous awav performance.

Por this is what City will mis most. The gnt and determinaoon of Robinho, unrivalled by the laz), money-grabbmg Carlos Tevez and Craig Bclhm,y, is somethmg l\lancini simpll'will not he able to replace.

His sheer passion for the game,

exhibited regularly away from Fa. dands, where the vocal tones of the travelling support have often v-·hipped him up into a frenzy, 1ust cannot be bought \"1.id1 Middle Eastern billions.

While 1an City ma) bemoan die loss of a star, the Premier. hip as a whole will soon undoubtccU) fecl the mmtfications. There is a real fear d1ac Premicrslup attendances ,,ill dramatically fall, with thl• deparrure of such a high-pr< ,file demi -god.

Tcte ... is1on companies may also follo\,, many of which could swa} rhcir attention towards the Brazilian leaguc instead of financmg 1: ngland's top flight.

Rather rhan watching the PrcmJerslup over the weekend, we ma} have to sta} up until the carh hours of the morning t<, saaate our hunger fr,r top-<-]Uality football.

Joe Short

A future spectator T he other wc<:k at a

World Cup Race in St Iorri tz, wt rzc rland,

British bobslcighcr Gillian Cooke's suit split JUSt a~ she prepared w begin her run.

hmban-assing obviouslv, bm a few years ago this would not have been noticed by the wider world. J lowe,·cr, ,, 1th the birth of the lntcrrn.:t this moment of pi.:rsonal d1 comfort became and instan1 YouTubc hit.

I don't tell you this interesting talc sun.pl) to encourage vou to go onto the Internet and watch it for vourself but mstead to nuse the ~1uest1on or the affect rhe l01crnet has on sport. ·

A a result of rhis sudden mn.:n:sc in women's bob le1gh the ,iewing numbers for the e,cnt at the \'ancou,·er \\'inter Olympics next month will no doubt increase and rhis 1s :i. trend that is being replicated acros sport :is a whole.

The iPlayer now allow people to watch sport at limes chat suit them in a host of nev- locanons. All these technological adv:rnccments have proceeded to increase the profile oi such obscure sports as bobsleigh, meaning that their foliowmg grows and, by allowing viewing umes to be fluid, mure people can watch even if the) were busv when It was shown live.

This certainly has a positive

impact on sport and especially the fan base or sport as a wholc, but m<>re important!} it is beneficial to the sports that otherw1 e do not get the same coveragc· afforded to football and rugby.

As the Internet continues to gro\\ anJ as technology moves us further forward into the ni.:xt decade, this impact will only b<:come bigger and better.

\X'ith the tntroducuon of live sports events such as the IPL on YouTubc, onlinc viewing could soon spread to Premier League football game perhaps, allov-·ing you to open a new tab and then watch the highlights of the last game.: during half t1me, the po sibilitie are endless.

1aybe even an end to k} 's apparent monopoly on li1·c sport, well we can dream.

James Green

,.

• • • • •

20 Friday, January 29, 2010 Leeds Student

BUCS round-up: After winning the Norrhu-n Premier with a 2 - I win .1gainst I .oughborough in December, ,1 9 1 win awa} in l\fanchcstcr this Wl'l'k ennUmH.:d thc G ryplmns l ·ootball I sts' 1mp1·es1vc.: sL·ason as thl') ensurcd n 12 po111t il'ad llVC.:r their nearest nvals.

another stc.:p closer to promotion. Keele l sts

Netball It wasn 't such a gooJ wec.:k fo r etball I sts,

who m;1nagccl to avoid rdega tion d l's p ite slumping LO 1hcir fifth straigh t defeat. Leeds G ryphons I sts 48 - 55 Northumbria

I. ts

hlsewhl:r1:, the Rugby l ninn I sts rook

D c.:spitl' winning promotion t< the I ortlw rn Co n fc r t· n cc I A t h ~ l n i Co if team were knockt J ou r of the Conference C up b)

ewc:istlc 2nds.

Leed s Grypho ns 2nds 42 23 Teesside 2nds Leeds .,_9;pho ns 3rds 3 1 38 T ee side lsts (CU P)

H E AD AND SHOULDE RS: U ni ruthle s in Cup suces - Phot0: Sarah Greene

Badminton

Leeds niversiryMen's lsts 5 3 L'lncru.ter 1 scs Leeds Lniversit:y \X'omcn l) 8 Leeds Met lsts

Basketball

Leed. niversi tt Men's 1 sts 128 48 Teesside 2nds (CUP) I.eccl. University Women 105 17 Liverpool hts

Fencing

Leeds Uruvcr, it) Men's lsts 135 - 79 Lancaster I . ts Leeds niversit\ !en's 2nds 128 - I 04 Bradford I sts (C P)

Football

Leeds Gryphons l\lt:n's I sts 9 - 3 Manchester I sts Leeds Gryphons ]\Jen 's 4ths lJ - 0 (7-6 Pens) Snlford lsts Leccfs l ' rnverstty Women's lsts 5 - 1 I I uddcrsficld 1 sts n UP) 1.eeds L ntversity \'v'omen's 2nJs O - 2 York lsts

Golf

Leeds nher it) 2 - 4 Newcastle 2nds (CTP)

Hockey

Lec<ls Gryphons \!en\ I sts 1 · 2 heffield 1- lallam 1 scs

l .ecds Gryphons \X'omen 's I sts I 2 Durham 2nds Lectb Grrphons \X'omen's 2n<ls 8 1

hc.:ffield 3r<l (CUP) Leed. Gnr.huns \Vomcn's 1rds 4 - 2 Leed. 1kt 2nd~ ( LP)

Lacrosse

I .eeds l lrnversity :\!c.:n 8 - I c; orthumbria lsb Leeds L ni,ersir, \X1omcn \ 1 sts 19 4 Durham 3rds · Lec.:ds l l111,-crsil") \'\ omen's 2nd. 14 - 7

Rugby League

Leeds Grypho ns brs 4- 18 Leeds Met 2nds Leeds Grypho ns 2nd O - 36 York tj ohn lsts

Rugby Union

Leeds Gryphons Men's 1 srs 17 - 12 Loghborough 2nd Leeds Grvpl ions M.en'. 2nds 26 - O

orthumori a 4ths Leeds Cnphons 1en's 3rds 10- 28 Leeds Met 4th . . Leeds Lniversity Women 44 - 5 heffield Hallam I sts

Squash

Lec<ls Cniver. it) Men' 1 sts 3 - 0 orthumbna 2nd ( P)

Leed · L nm.:rs1ry \X'omen's 2nds 2 - 2 Bradford lsrs (C P)

Tennis

Leed L:niven,it\' Men's 1 ts O - I() Durham I srs Leed Gryphons\X'omcn's l sts0-10 Durham 1 srs Leeds Lni,·eris_n: \X'omcn' 2nds 10 - 0 York 1 ts (CT l')

Volleyball

Leeds Cruvers1t\ Men 2 - 3 heffield Hallam 2nds (CUP) Leeds Univcrsit) \'(omen O - 3 Leeds k t lsts

Cup run gathers momentum Men's Basketball 1.ceds l rnvcn.n~ I sts 124 46 Tcc.:ssidc l niversitv I ~L,

Lc.:cds ni, ersitv deHroye<l Teess1de 111 ruthless· fashion at the Spnrts Centre on \\ cJncsday n ·l:ning to c<>nunue their 100 pc-r cent ,vinrnng re;cord in the l3UC Northern ConfcrenCL' 2B. Leeds dom111ated the game from start to lin1sh, condenu1111g Tecs1dc ro a 78 pomt defc,11.

The result was a mas 1,e 1mpr<" ement nn the slender 7 point victory gained awa, at Tc.:cssidc 111 ovcmber, nncl served to undedme Leeds' league.: wtnnmg crcckntiab.

The home team immediareh set about thctr work, putting 20 pt~ints between thcmseh cs and thc.:ir opp n n c n ts w· 1th t n the fi rs t 5

111111utes. Leeds began to capnalisc on a

significant height adn111tag1.. around the hasket., as the 1owcring figures or I lua Zhang \X'alker and

e rgc l .eshchuk garhcred neral rebounds vinuallv unchallenged . \'\'alkcr cxp lmted the opportunitie . fully, contributing ren p01nts 111 an op1..ning quartn which finished 15-9.

Leeds weren't rocallv reliant on their phrsical prLscnce, however, and put together a number of swift interchanges that Teesside's unurganised defending foiled to cope ,dth. Luke Burton injc.:cted rq~ular bursts of speed to crentc a series of l'aS} baskets for his team mates, and AnJrcns Tsiatim1s incrt·as~·d the lead further with some excellent lay ups brcaking through a crowded defence.

The hosts held a 7 J 24 lc,1d emering the third LJUarter, but the

1..xtent of Teess1de's deficit seemnl ro afford them a cart.. free .ittitude

It was a matter of when and not if the 100 point mark would be reached that saw an improved performance, albeit bnefly.

The away · iJc crented a number of chances· :ind began to rapid!)

add to their points total as tl1c} lnwly got a grip on the match.

I lowc,cr, the surge didn't la t long and Leed.' Krumesh Patel was quick tO get on the ball and slow the game's tempo, intelligently preventing the visiwrs from gathering momentum as Leeds redisc«l\·cred rbc1r domin. nee .

Teesside brought ,,.ith them ,l

squaJ of 1ust 6 and so ,,·ith little opportunity to rest, thcir players began to noticeably tire in the final stages.

Heading into the fin:il yuarter Leeds led 94 3 \ and 1t became a matter of when and not if the, ":ould .reach the IOU po int mark. CapLun Joe ox secured the , chi~vcment wtth a fine -p01ntc.:r as his team never let up.

An 1mprcss1n: late cameo from Jack \!mar sho\, eel the depth of the sguad, aJdrng several lay-ups

to put e,·cn mo re p ninrs o n the board, the match fi ni bing 124-46.

The victor) m amta in. a three point ga p ove r Lee d s' cl o. c t chall engers 111 the rablc, Leeds l\~et 2nds. It 1s fitting th at th e vars1t) riva ls are scheduled to meet in the league's fi nal fixture, which should make fo r a thrilling climax to the season. If Le e d s can main tain \X edne da, ' s form , however, it is hard to sec anyone beating them.

Player of the Match 11 ua Zhang Walker

Towcnng around the basket, HUil Z han~ \\ .alker helped Leed to111

• C:IS} win.

t Friday, January 2 9 , 2 0 10

the

Josh Powling

tomier American baselEl pill) er Mark lcGwu:cadmincd to usmgpcrfunnancc iancing<lrugs this mond1, ending nearly a

doorl: of speculation, he pmbably d1ClU/1lt he woulcl be arfllaoclcd for his honesty.

After all, McGwire' admi.sion came under oo pressure. Lnlike Jose Can. eco' book Juiced, and .:\nclre Agassi's autobiography Open, where confessions of drug use was clearly calculated to ell copies and make money, his outburst of

honesty was not an overt calculated gambit for publicity.

ome still have the sneaking suspicion that McGwire is still nm telling the whole truth. Curt W'ero:laff, a man linked to fcG,vire and convtcted of deal.mg steroids back in l 992, accused the fonncr. lugger's statement as not being as 'forthright' as it could ban: been. ~1cGwire, who played for the Oakland ,\'s (19 6-199"") and thl'. St. Lows Cardinals (1997-2001) tn a career spanrung si..,tcen years, said that he had only used steroids bccause of the plethora uf in Juries he sustained Ill the mid-1990s.

And yet there are many who do not buy this claim one bit, mainly because of what happened tn 1998. Before that vcar, the record for most home run hit Ill a .1ngle season wa held b) Roger Maris, who hit 61 for the Y ankces wa) back in 1961. McGwire smashed that record, reaching 70 (a record that would be broken by Barry Bonds in equally dubious circumstance m 2001).

You could question McGv.1re's naivety ifhe still feel that be only took PEDs to stay healthy, rather than boost his performance on the field. Even before this revelation many inside the sport had jomed the docs together, and concluded that McGwire had used drugs ro enhance his perfom1ance during his career. I le was named by Canseco, a former teammate in Oakland in the latter's high profile tell-all book back in 2005.

When he and several other players were ordered to testify before a congressional committee on steroid use in baseball, McGwirc

• • • '• • .. •

Leeds Student 21

After baseball legend Mark McGwire joined a long list of m ajor sporting stars to admit to the use of performance enhancing drugs , LS Sport asks:

refused to admit co steroid abuse, mumbling that he was "not here to talk about the past."

'Big Mac's' reason for admitting to steroid use now, was an attempt to clear the slate, as he will begin the 2010 season as hitring coach for hi former manager Tony La.Ru sa. Jack Clark, another former Cardinals player, said he felt that 'just seeing him in uniform makes me throw up.'

Clearly McGwirc and others who took perfonnance enhancing drugs still seem to think that an apology accompanied by hand wringmg, years after the event, will wipe the slate clean. They seem unable to comprehend the damage they have done to the mtegrity of sport.

The most damning consequence of McGwire's actions is tha~ in takrng steroids and profiting through heightened performance he has tarred the legitimate acluevements of lus contemporaries, something he has yet to understand.

If his records and achievements are left to stand, unpunished, by the NBI., where does this leave others who are actively or considering taking PEDs? For an offence without con cquence will be committed again and again.

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Leeds • LS6 2NY

Lawrence Ostlere

T he World Anti-Doping t\gency (WADA) was formed 10 years ago to combat the issue of

performance-enhancing drugs, but with stakes 1n major sport higher than ever,

deception is ingrarnecl within.

So, when that .rarest of sports stars admits their mistake,

should ·we simply denounce and condemn,

or should we praise theH courage and learn from their

expenence - after all, who better to help eradicate cheating than a former cheat seeking redemption?

In 1998 American spores fans were engros eel in the now infamous dual between baseball stars Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. McGwire eventually won their battle for the most homt: runs in a season, and as he urpassecl Roger Maris' 1961 record, his rival

osa came on to the pitch to shake his hand. Just a with Andrew

Flintoff consoling Brett Lee in the 2005 Ashes, it became an icomc image of respect transcending rivalry.

However, unlike cricket, baseball's image has since been

shattered. Both Sosa and McGwirc have been continually linked with

performance-enhancing drugs. While Sosa has maintained his innocence -despite failing a drugs test in 2003 -McGwire recently came forward and admitted his mistakes. This parallel illustrates exactly why McGwire's admission of guilt

should be praised. Sosa, like

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other high profi le baseball player , including current home run record holder Barry Bonds, has sought to cling on to his records and reputations, albeit beneath a cloud of su picion. McGw1re's confession, on the

ocher band, has sacrificed much of his standing, severely damaging his chances of reaching ba eball's pinnacle, the Hall

of Fame. }.ikGwire's admission was not cyrucal but

graciou . Hi. first action was to ~all Roger Maris' widow and tell her that the world 'has every right' to consider her husband's 19(, 1 total the: authentic record. Most within the sport su pect osa and Bonds arc al o guilt) of using steroids, and thus surely the courage that McGwire ha shown - wherl'. other have not - must be respected.

It seems eYldl'.nt this environment of suspicion is underminin1; sport. Just as baseball fan conunuc to wonder whether Barry Bonds is a worthy record holder, tht.: same feelings nf distrust exist in athletic . Even when Usain Bolt crossed the line in Beijing in 9.69 seconds J couldn't help thinking back to the footage or drug-cheat Ben Johnson streaking awa\ from the field 111

the 1988 Olympic fin,il, and for a moment wondering if Bolt too had a secret to hide.

Sport stars like \lcGwire that declare their transgres · ions can hl:lp eradicatl'. tht problem of cheaung in the future b) informing the \'('1\D,\ of ho\\' wield) spread drug u age i and how competitor access them.

Spnnter Dwain Chambers has followed this path to redemption: after miriall) denying he had knowingly t, ken an anabolic steroid, Chambers cnt a full :rnd frank admission to British anti-eloping chief ::ind declared he would help them cackle cheating.

Admis ions likl'. l\lcGwirc and Chambers' are crucial to overcoming an atmosphere of suspicion. Let's be clear, prai mg those who admit their mistakes is not ro condone their misclemeanours - cheanng 1s wrong and must be condemned - but those brave enough to confcs arc invaluable in the fight against drugs in sport.

7

• • • • •

22 Friday, January 29, 2010 Leeds Student

Durham snatch late 'Win Gryphons

Women's Hockey Leeds C, n ph, ,ns J sts I 2 Durham 2nds

Leeds Gr} phons Women's I lockC\ wnm sufft'rcd th<.: agonr of a lasr mmure Lkfra1 as Durham condemned them co a 2- 1 l(>SS :t• \X eetwood r,n W'eJnesda) .

tac1c Garside had given the Gryphons d1L lead with 25 minutt:s remaining after a drab f"irst half. But rhe Yisicon wcrc back on lcvd terms within fi, e mmuce., and then went on to t,tp 1n the winner at tht.: ~ccc,nd attempt with seconds left on the clock.

The first half was , tcntat1,·c affair, wtth ch;1nccs few and far between. Thc bcsc openings ,,·ere

The first half was a tentative affair, with chances few and far between

spurned by poor finishing from both sides. t\nnie Gamble had the best chance for Leeds, only managing to hit the keeper after good build up play.

At the ocher end, the Durham forwards were guilty of some

SOLID: Durham defend another Uni attack

horrendous finishing. After mis. 1ng an open goal, Jo urlcy pulled off a goal line clearance tu prevent the away side scoring-.

Sloppy passing and a stern defence from Curlev and the impressive ara Kayu~1 kept the scores locked as the hosts went in at the break slightly on the back fo t.

The second half began much as the first bad en dee.I: a t1ghr midfield affair with few clear-cut coring opportunitie .

Gordon was forced into a good sa, e from a rising shot, but the

game needed a goal, anc.l Garside c.lid the honour·. Latch mg on to an incisi\'e slide- rule pass from

barley Grt:en, the Gryphons forward lid the ball in from a eight anglt: to park celebration on the home bench.

This was hon lived, howe\·er, a the visitors upped their game and got back on level terms with a controversial goal. The shot from outside the area appeared to go straight into Gordon's goal, but the umpire deemed it to haYe been deflected b, a Durham forward inside the o: and the goal scnod.

Prom then on Durham were VLr\' much the better team, bre;king \I.Ith speed and drawmg several top class saves from Gore.Ion.

Leeds' best chances to retake the lead came with a flurry of short corners. bm rhe\' foiled to converr. The Gr1 phun·s bench faced a nerV) moment when Durham had a short corner or their own with two minutes left, which Leeds cleared at the rh1rc.l attempt.

But there was still time for more drama as Gordon made a brilliant last ditch save only for the

ball to leap up over her and leave a simple finish. It was a cruel blow for Leeds, but a win Durham fully deserved.

Player of the Match Jo Curley

Scrong at the back despite: l~ng under pressure for much of the

game.

Uni are up an' Hallam Women's Rugby Leeds ni 1 srs 44 5 Sheffield Hallam lsts

Pre-match fears that the Chrisu-nas break hac.l left the Leeds team rusty were quick!) put to bed as Leeds gave one of their be t performance this eason with a convincing win over Sheffield Hallam.

Leeds tJuickly dominated their opposition, both within the pack

and out in the backs. The first try came quickl) as the Leeds team utilised t1uick passing and forceful rucking to allow second row Amy Boyd to crash the ball home. I\ Jubilant Leeds once again sported the weaknesses in the heffiel<l defence and remained calm anc.l pos1t1ve despite some accidental passing errors, giving f~licia Davis the chance to race ewer the Line for the second try.

Greater agility gave the Leeds pack the advantage over their

Sheffield counterpart., demonstrated b) their quick offloads and player upport.

They were rewarded b) two tries in quick succession from prop Emma Jones and econc.l row Jenny Vosper.

llowever, hefficld I lallam continued to put pressure on Leeds and a speedy run around the edge of the Leeds team by a l lallam winger forced a rapid withdrawa l and defence.

Leeds held I lallam on the line

but a luck) break on the very edge of the pitch gave the 'heffield side their only try and made Leed. derermined to garher more points.

Tht: first trv m the second half came after a ;trong Leeds scrum.

crum half Helen Lamey performed stunning footwork ro run through and around the I lallam back Linc to score between the posts.

Leeds were now unstoppable and confidence oared. Quick bands, fitness and support throughout the whole team led to

several inclividual break and helped forwards I Ieike eimand, Lotte Kestner and Am, Boyd to raise the core.

arah Lamming put the cherry on the ca.kc by converting twice to give the final ;core of 44-5.

The game was a brilliant example of how well Leeds can play as :i

team when on top form. . Although Hallam provided a

L d were spi rited defence, ee 5 •

unquestionably the stronger team in

thi encounter.

f-• - • • • •

•

Friday, January 29, 2010 Leeds Student 23

Met retain local bragging rights with comfortable victory Gryphons

Men's Rugby League Leeds Gryphons lsts 4 - 18 Leed \kt lsts

Leeds \kt cemented their posinon nL':lf the top of the onhcm Premier League as they recorded a relatively comfort:ahle win over Uni. Yet despite the end result the Gryphons were unforrunate not LO penetrate the i\let defence more than they did, a:; on tlu·ee occasions thC) saw attacks held up on 1.he Met Lr\' line.

The to;,c for the game was set in the i111tial stages of the first half, as the ma1ority of the pl.I\ wa in the Gryphon's half Lmng defence from Cni mer thcsc attacks in the blusten, conditions at \X'eeru·ood. ·

It took until JUSt thc I 3th minute for Mer co score their first try of the game. \litch.ing play from left to oght, rn

were caught exposed as the l\Iet wmg scored in the corner.

The Gryphons responded well to the early try, 11 driving run from Jonny Soloanne brought ni just a metre away from the Met try line.

Yet four attempted assaults on the ~ kt defence could not break it, and the attack faded out. horrly after, a dunimy pass from the Met hooker saw them double their advantage. The cry ,\·as duly converted, but was the on!) conversion of the day due to the wind)

conditions. Despite Uni grmving as an attacking

force through the first half, with Plumbadge being held up close co the line, the ryphon's hopes of a comeback were dealt a severe blow a thev conceded a try on the troke of half ome. Pace on "the l\kt wing saw another try m the right corner.

ni were subjected to more

Despite Uni growing as an attacking force through the first half, the Gryphon's hopes of a co1neback were dealt a severe blow as tbey conceded a try on the stroke of half time

pressure cadr in the second hall~ as J;u;1. ditch cackks were made bv Frce,rnm to prevem Met from killing the !,>ame.

11-us resistance did however pay off. As another Uni attack was held up on the I\ let tl") line Ben Slater stepped in to clave the ball over the line and secure the Gryphon's only points of thc day.

Too many errors characterised the Gryphon's play, however, and this was emphasised by Met' foutth ti") of the da,. 1\ fumble mid wav in the Uru half, all;)wcd the 1er fo~ard to core a breakawa) try and take the score to 18-4.

G1yphon's coach commented after the game that ·•we lost the f.,1fill1C rather than them winning" as ultimatcl) coo many ni errors prevented the Gryphon's from breaking down the sturdy Met defence.

Leeds look for fresh start next season Men's Lacrosse Leeds 1 sts 8 - 15 1 orthumbria I ts

"Men against bors": Often­employed to patronising effect against the defeated, this slanderous cliche is typically thought of in figurative terms but can be applied in more literal fashion to a Leeds university lacrosse side comprised solely of baby-faced freshers.

The fledgling side have endured a tough baptism into BUCS competition, collecung just one league victor) all season, which came against a Hull side who languish at the bottom of che table on negative 6 points courte y of their failure to fulfil cwo fixtures.

Team captain Matt Higgins defended his young side, however.

'Other teams have a lot oi 1mernacional players. \X'e\·e done really well con idering the players we'\·e got', said l liggins, who felt that his squad had coped well considering the inexper1ence of their players in comparison to the division?s ocher sides.

Given rhe1r relauve immaturit} it was little surprise then that 111

their final league fixture for the season against orchumbria, Leeds struggled ear ly on, conceding seven goals without any response in the opening quarter.

At that cage Leed might well have feared a heavy loss of simi lar proportions to 1.hat which was inflicted bv fellow Yorshirrnen Sheffield Uni last month, who netted 27 past keeper Callum 1\lorgan.

But Leeds refused to allow defeatism to prevail and

r_-,r-:-a'11e.e3 cbring thL 111renal befo~~ making a fa( bLtter contest of the ensuing three tJUartcrs.

Men's Conference Men's 1B

P\Xl Pts Dllrham lsrs 0 24

Sheffidtl !la!Lun 1stst ~ 5 2 18

Lt.-cds ~let 1sis 5 '\ 2. HI

Shcifidcl 1 sts 8 6 2 18

Northumbna 2nds -I -I 12

York 7 3 -I 6

Leeds 8 1 7 3

Newcastle 6 2 -I o•

Hull 6 0 b .(,

De pite conceding on a further eight occasions, four goal apiece

-

were managed by thc irnpressi\'e Leeds forward ( Ilic Prescott and his attacking partner Charlie \lifalker, resulting 111 a respectable 8: 15 final score.

Leeds progress during the game was evident in the final quarter which produced a clean sheet courtesy of some fine keeping by :Morgan, who produced a string of blocks, including a particularly impressive reaction save after the Leeds defence allowed themselves to be dispos cs ed following some misdirected passing.

It was a rare defensive error for Leeds, who grew into a game, which, had they not trugglcd in ear ly on, might ha,·e yie ld ed a victory.

'After the Chrtstmas period everyone' come back a bit rusty,' said ream coach ,\d am King, 'David Hoare had a storming game at the back along with Callum Morgan. If tt weren't for

them the score would have been a lor higher. \\'c were just a bit rusty'.

King also seemed confident that, with a seasons experience on their side, the team can expect a more successful 2010/1 1 season: ?it?s sometime wugh co form a side as we don't get a lot of fonding and it's hard for some guys to shell out for kit, but there's a good group of boys here who can build on thi season' progre ·s and do well next year.'

Player of the Match Callum Morgan

Oc.,p1rc n,ncc,lrng ><.'Ven goals rn the operung quaner, ~1org.m ;1t(J11cd \\.,th ~tJrrw impressive saves as the gum "cm on. gaining pnse from

team wach ;\dam King.

"

• • • • •

Drug cheats: redemption or ridicule?

Boyle has Gryphons sirmnering Gryphons

Men's Rugby Union Lt:eds Gryphons I sts 1- - 12 Loughborough 2nds

hard fought l'ICtoq over Loughborough, the onh opposition tn defeat them 111 the league thi~ season, e.-tendet) the G ryphons' lead at the top of the BL C': Premier orth 13 . Two second half tries secured, ict<>r\ in a game that limped from <->ne scrum to another.

Loughborough Jo1111nated possess1un for much ol a frustrating first half. Strong winds made 1t difficult for both ,1Je to retain possession before the ball was knocked-on. Desptrt. the home sitk 's 111d1sc1plinc and lack of possession, a resolute <left:ns1n; displa1 ensured the) remained ,, 1rh1n touching distance of their opponents throughout the half.

10 8 Paddy Boyle bad a great game anchoring a qrong performance from the forward unit. De: ·pJte a sin binning for . lowmg J .oughborough ball at the end of the first half, Bo} le prnYed to be an as. ured ball carrie r for a side rbat struggled to gain [or\\'ard momentum.

Both of ni's scores came from . crums won against the ht:ad. \\'ing Hubert Brown scored the first early in the second half. Boyle'. re introduction brought the L' ni scrum back up to full strengLh. Urn's backs found space to counter after hooker Alexander Harris hooked the Loughborough feed much lo the praise of h1 teammates.

Play 4uickly . pread wide to outside centre Jamie Broadley who found pace on his opponent's outside shoulder. Broadly broke a tackle to offload to put wing Hubert Brown in for an easy run in. hdl back Chris Platt con,·erted ro put the Gry phons into the lead for the first ttme tn the game.

The lead did nut la t long as Loughborough quickly . truck back after a long period of po ession in the Uni twenty-two. ni were caught offside, not for the fir. t

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: Fresher prospect Christian Rees-Cook show

time, in front or d1e post. from which Loughborough capnali td ,,,ith three points.

Men's Premier N orth B p \'\ Pt.,

Leeds Isis 11 JO 30

B1rrnin1,;ham I sts II (, 5 18

011mgham 2nd:,, JI C, 5 lH

!4(1ug:hb<>n,up,h 2nd!:- 10 5 5 15

;\fanchi.·stt:r I st~ l l 'i (, IS

Durham 2nd, 10 5 5 15

The game was marred b) indiscipline; U 111 were penalised for 111discretion at Lhe break<lown on a number of occasions a nd were over eager JJ1 defence as they were caught offside far too many t ime~, much LO the frustranon of

captain Duncan Pollock. Club captain ( hns I lamill

exemplified the side's mdi ciplrne afLe r he was sin - binned 1or entering the ruck from the side. And centre Robbie Johnson was penalised late on for cynica l lr playmg the ball on the floor in a ruck.

Coach ick l htle wa dip lomatic al out the re·r · display: " f le referees ,vhat he ees. Ir's all down to interpretation. \X'hat's more impon:rnL is thaL we need to be switched on."

The second try came after ni had won a second sc run1 against tbe head. The introduction of fresher Rob l~ll1nson at prop m1dwa) through the second half paid dividends when L ni won a second ~crum against the bead.

From t h is pl::trform fJy -ha l f J ames Murray launched a crossfie ld kick toward Il uben

Brown. I !is failure to ground the ball properly led to a five -metre . crum from which Broad Ley scored from shon range off the second phase.

AlLhough I hey ha\ e not mathematicall1 won the league·, the1 have almost

containing a l:irge conti nge nL of rh1rd years. 1 k high lighted nex t week's game awa) at D urham as :i.n

opportunity to b lood so me potential fi;·st team pl aye rs fo r next ·eason.

ceri:a in 1) secured promotion, pamcularl\' in their current form.

~ ~ Brown ~ Platt C9

,\ fter the p;ame 1 lyde was full of praise for his fo rward unit highlighting thc performances of Boy le and fresher lock Tom Jewcrs. l lyde wa · optimistic about next sea on despite the current 1. t

Broadley ® Jo hnson ~

Murray (9")_ p~

Recs-Cook