Professional Documents
Culture Documents
31 October 2005
Comment Galore! This week Literature: It seems we have Konsumer Revolt | Cheese
we have not one, not two, but sparks of creativity at this Gromit? | Page 7
three comment articles for (supposed) science university. Arts Section |Film, Music, etc.
you to peruse! Gay adoption Better than Shakespeare? The |Page 14
and Christmas - what a treat!. next Blake perhaps? | Page Puzzles| The Lyrics Quiz is here
| Pages 4-5 23 to stay | Page 22
News Editor The forecasted growth in the number of overseas (non-EU) stu-
dents applying to UK Universities has not materialised, accord-
The number of overseas students wanting to attend UK univer-
sities could triple to more than 870,000 by 2020, a government
Marcin Stylski: li12ms@
ing to figures just released by the university admissions service report predicts. The main source of this demand is from Chna.
Features Editor “UCAS”. Universities had anticipated a rise in overseas students
by around 20% over a three year period, which included a rise in
The British Council said this should be worth around £13bn
a year to the economy, but warned of competition from abroad
Lia Parker: ps41lp@
fees of around 44%. The actual figure released shows only a rise from other English speaking countries such as the US, Australia
Arts Editor of 0.9% over the last year.
As a consequence, many Universities who were (quite literally)
and Singapore.
The number of students looking for courses in English-speak-
Beth Heale: bf.arts@gmail.com
banking on a rise in overseas students (and their hefty fees) find ing countries is predicted to expand from one million in 2003 to
Arts Editor themselves in a serious cash crisis. Not all Universities will be
affected, but many (including Surrey) will be. Some institutions,
2.6 million by 2020. In response Universities in the Netherlands,
Germany and even France are now offering programmes in
Nicole Heel bf.arts@gmail.com
such as Surrey may be forced to cut jobs, and/or postpone some English.
Fashion Editor expansion projects.
Mr Drummond Bone, the president of Universities UK (the Vice-
At Surrey we are fortunate that the university is in a relatively
strong financial position compared to other UK universities
Natalie Dowle: ms42nd@
Chancellors’ trade union), said many universities would be “seri- (though it is worth looking at Unis briefing 20 which shows the
Fashion Editor ously hit”. “If this trend continues over the next few years it will
be very difficult for the sector”. “It could mean serious cutbacks
picture is not all rosy), so it can effectively compete for these
students, not because of our fees or money from the government
Jamila Gangadeen
in capital investment and in staff numbers.” but because of its many business ventures and other activities.
Webmaster & Puzzlelord The Labour government’s decision to increase visa charges and
scrap the visa appeals process has given many overseas students
However, the majority of other UK universities are grossly under
funded and need significant investment if they are to affectively
Colin Everett: ma41ce@
the feeling that they are no longer welcome. A spokesperson for compete to avoid a loss in market share, of foreign students, to
Postgraduate Editor the Department of Education and Skills said it was working with
Higher Education institutions and the British Council to build up
some truly stunning foreign campuses who are getting in on the
act of teaching in English.
Lisa Ahmed
“a renewed strategy to encourage more students from outside of
Adverts & the like the EU to study here”. barefacts@ussu.co.uk
Aaron Salins: a.salins@
barefacts@ussu.co.uk
Retractions / Errors barefacts is an editorially independant newspaper and is Contributions must be submitted by the
Last week in our cover ‘Earthquake Appeals published by The University of Surrey Students’ Union Monday before publication date to guarantee
Needs You’ article we printed that the UN Communications Office. publication. Letters may be edited at the discretion
are going to donate $272 dollars. They’re not The views expressed within the paper are those of the of the editorial team. Please send them to
tight-fisted, it was meant to be $272 Million... individual authors and do not necessarily represent the barefacts@ussu.co.uk.
views of the Editor, the University of Surrey Students’ You can take the time to write and post in if you
Wa n t e d : b a r e f a c t s P G E d i t o r Union or the University of Surrey. want... but most people e-mail.
barefacts and the PGA are looking for
a postgraduate student editor to help barefacts reserves the right to edit submissions
coordinate the postgraduate-related articles barefacts
in barefacts™. If you are interested or have barefacts@ussu.co.uk Union House
more questions about the role, please contact University of Surrey Students’ Union
the current editor Lisa Ahmed at Sucheta. www.ussu.co.uk Guildford
Ahmed@surrey.ac.uk. Surrey
Copyright USSU Communications Office 2005 GU2 7XH
31 October 2005 NEWS / LETTERS 3
Letters to barefacts
Pen is mightier than the sword and all that. Letters must be received by 5pm on the Monday before publication to guarantee their
presence in the next newspaper. They may be edited for length or clarity | barefacts@ussu.co.uk
Sense of
gestion is an excellent one. The courts of
residence are key to student integration at
pendales....lovely underclothes according to
some of the lady diners, I just thought the Fighting
community vital
Surrey. Some university bods may argue that
its just a space for you to live but it can be so
sartorial elegance was a bit sad!
Needless to say, like most sensible students
Discrimination
Dear barefacts,
Dear barefacts, much more than that. Oxbridge, Durham and when presented with free drinks I had one
Firstly, I’d like to thank all those who
I’m writing in relation to the front page re- the older universities had their colleges (in sherbet too many. I get given a lift to Fare-
voted for me around a month ago in the
port on UniS being at the bottom of the pile our case courts of residence) named many ham station - my trains don’t run from there.
part-time executive elections. I’m honoured
in the student survey questioning the time years ago but the fact remains someone The station’s closed. Someone from the
to have been elected as Ethics & Equal Op-
enjoyed at university. come up with the names and made efforts team phones me.....this is, by the way, about
portunities Officer, and I will do my utmost
I was just wondering why that is? I speak to brand them with a coat of arms. 2005 is 11pm. I had left some important paperwork
over the next year to ensure that the points in
from experience as my time at school has not too late for the University of Surrey to behind. He would drive from Southampton
my manifesto are implemented.
so far been more enjoyable than university make history. We can get a coat of arms for to Fareham to pass it on and take me back
My job over the next year is to put my
although I can’t imagine why. Might there be each court and create various court competi- to Southampton, so that I could get a train
principles into practise at UniS, paying par-
any solutions that will boost the enjoyability tions and events. The commuting students home. Now about 11.30pm and we arrive at
ticular attention to placement students and
of a students university life? can be assigned a court and be a member of Southampton Parkway. I instinctively get on
off-campus incidents. The amount of people
Well I have thought of one! Everyone I that court even though they do not live there. the first train. We get into eastleigh - fine, I
who have told me they have been subject to
know who has gone to Oxbridge, Durham This identity will stay with you throughout know my trains go through that station.
discrimination whilst on placement is hor-
and the older universities has come away your time at university. I have a dream…of a However, when we’ve been going a few
rifying, because none of those who I spoke
with ‘an experience of a lifetime’. Part of University of Surrey where all students feel minutes, in my somewhat blurred atten-
to had actually reported the incidents, and
this I believe is the sense of community proud to wear their ‘University of Surrey’ tion, I don’t recognise where we are. The
one had quit his placement as a result. This
surrounding that experience which just isn’t hoodies, where students wear T shirts and guard marches down the train. “Where we
is unacceptable, and I’ll be working with
present here. That is to say at Oxford and hats with the university emblem on them going mate” is my friendly rejoinder. He
Natcha Thomas (Placement & Employed
indeed newer universities like Loughbrough, (oops… the university has no emblem, just screams....Romsey “mate” ...back at me.
Students Officer) to ensure we provide the
you are put into a college/hall when you start a coat of arms), a University of Surrey with Oh **** I say. I want to get back to Farn-
same service to our placement students as
(just like you are put into halls when you high student satisfaction. borough, Oh dear, he smiles back and with
we do to those who are on campus.
start here) however at these universities the Mark, I’ll forward your suggestion to the that gives me a print out of the next train
If you witness any violation of equal op-
hall or college you are in becomes like your relevant person at the university and see from Romsey to Eastleigh, from where I can
portunities whilst at UniS, please report it,
family and where you may not live there what they come up with. get back home. I get out at Romsey and the
even if you have to do so under an anony-
after your first year, you are still part of that trains tootles off to the depot. No-one at the
mous guise. Any information given to me
community for your whole university life. Flo, President station - empty, deserted, cold, rainy, middle
will be treated confidentially. Please be the
You become proud of being in Jesus college! of nowhere....and it’s midnight...........and the
eyes and ears of equality both off campus
Why then am I not proud of being a Univer- next train is.....6AM!!!
and on, and make sure you help stamp out
Sleeping at a
sity Court boy? Well, the university puts no So, I spent around 5 hours on a lovely
discrimination at UniS.
events on to encourage this sense of commu- station in the middle of the Hampshire
nity! I suggest a rugby tournament and other
sporting competitions between all the halls,
train station countryside waiting for my wife who, by
4am, had realised I wasn’t in. I had at least
Chris Ward
Dear barefacts, Ethics & Equal Opportunities Officer
the creation of better halls common rooms sent out numbers of text messages for help...
It was all going so well. Lectures over on USSU
4 COMMENT 31 October 2005
On November 21st and lesbian people for a number of reasons. This campaign
1999 George Bush went as far as to produce anti-gay adoption cards which stat-
stated for the press that ed if the person holding them should die they do not want
he does not support their children to be adopted by homosexuals. This was de-
gay adoption as he scribed as a cheap gimmick and angered the gay community.
believes that as a soci- However, such petty actions have been over shadowed by
ety we should aim for the MP’s statement that gay adoption is vital for the chance
the ideal situation in for more children to grow up in a stable family environment.
which only a man and This has been a giant revelation for the gay community and
a woman can adopt a has answered the prayers of same sex couples that wish to
child. This statement bless their lives with a child. I feel that the battle has been
from the current President of the United States of America won but the war is still being fought, the war of changing the
has been able to enforce the fact that societal views are still stigma surrounding gay parenting. Many people still believe the society’s view of homosexuals and their relationships that
obstructing gay people’s rights to have a family. These views the old myths surrounding adoption by same sex couples, one is the real problem. Allowing gay adoption would oppose all
are critical in promoting prejudice which result in gay hate of which being that children raised by gay couples will turn societies’ misguided notions of an ideal society. The question
crimes. Despite this view expressed by the president 22 states out gay. Studies have shown that children of lesbian and gay now is will society ever truly accept and recognise gay and
in the US allow single gay men and women to adopt a child parents are no more likely than any other child to grow up to lesbian parents as being equal to heterosexual ones? If the an-
and 21 of these states allow gay and lesbians to adopt and be gay. In fact the environment in which a child of a same sex swer at this point in time is no then what steps would have to
then petition for a second parent adoption. However in the couple is raised can be more diverse and teach important mor- be taken to ensure this ideal becomes a reality? I feel that the
UK homosexual and unmarried couples have in the past been als about love and tolerance of other people. only way we can continue this battle is to continue to show
denied the chance to adopt. However in November 6th 2002, Many sources have stated that denying gay adoption does society that we are capable of caring for a child no matter
the House of Lords voted to extend the pool of parents for nothing but deprive children who are in desperate need of a who we sleep with and that we will always put a child’s needs
adoption to include lesbian, homosexual and unmarried het- warm and loving environment. Has the issue of gay adoption before our own, which any good parent will always do. Then
erosexual couples. But the question is why the fight for gay become so political that the needs of the children have be- hope that our children will grow up strong in character with
couples to adopt has been such a battle in this country when come second priority? If there is evidence to suggest that gay morals of equality and tolerance that will shape the following
the USA has embraced adoption by all couples despite their parents produce no more problems than heterosexual parents generations and aid us in winning the war of equal rights.
sexual orientation. then why has the battle for equal adoption rights been so diffi-
Many groups have expressed their fear of adoption by gay cult and taken as long as it has? One viable answer is that it is barefacts@ussu.co.uk
It was only a few years ago that refuse to blend in as a “normal” how wrong it is to do so. What appeared to be a cheap “lady
the movies and comedy shows were person, the gay community should, coming onto straight man without straight man realising lady
cashing in on the digs they could make instead of being offended by this is a man” stunt turned into a long and moving exploration
against certain minority groups. Some portrayal, take solace in the con- of how peer pressure and tradition expect us to conform to
may remember the scene from Naked text with which Daffyd Thomas a certain template. Most importantly, that stunt highlighted
Gun 33 1/3 when Lt. Frank Drebin is presented. No longer are the the fact that society always allows you the opportunity of
threw up into a tuba after realising the heroes of the show heterosexual ultimately changing that template for the better. It seems the
lady he had been getting it on with males that are “subjected” to the media is following a route of positivity. One that not only
wasn’t exactly a lady. The media formally-stigmatised homosexual opens eyes, but opens minds as well.
portrayed a clear social rejection of advances. Those around him are Equality is at a dangerous cross-road at the moment, and
that sort of thing. These days, things totally accepting of him, not to the there are many different paths to take. As hard-right media
are slightly different. Whilst the trans extent that they wish for him to becomes more and more stigmatised as a source of intoler-
and gay communities are still prone celebrate his sexuality, but to the ance rather than a source of balance, perhaps we’ll continue
to a few jokes at their expense, it seems the context has very extent that they simply do not care what he is. In the vil- to move in the direction of “insignificance”, whereby we
much changed, and for the better. lage of Llandewi Brefi (the BBC version anyway), the only begin to recognise that many of society’s differences have
Take Little Britain’s Daffyd Thomas for example. A sym- person who is indifferent to Daffyd’s sexuality is Daffyd been suppressed in the past, and as they begin to show and
bol of the generation of gay men who were brought up to himself. become accepted, then they will no longer become an im-
expect discrimination for their sexuality. Whilst Daffyd will Kinky Boots, directed by Julian Jarrold, does poke the portant factor in the judgement of the person. At that point,
remain a caricature of the type of gay man that will simply odd bit of fun at the trans community, but only to highlight we’ll have reached true equality.
Agony Niece Have you got a problem for the Agony Niece? Send
them to bfagonyniece@hotmail.co.uk
Q. I’m a (male) first year living off-campus and I’m finding alphabetical order. I know I can’t put it off forever though,
uni very lonely. I’ve made a few acquaintances in lectures so how do I get it done?
and tutorials but barely know anyone and don’t have a social
life (and I’m not sure I’ve ever really had one). Most of A. Set aside a couple of hours in the very near future where
the people I knew from sixth-form college have gone off you will lock yourself in your room. Do not even THINK
to other parts of the country, or are back at college and not of moving until you have made a decent start on your essay.
returning my texts. I tried going on a pub-crawl and just If you’re not strict with yourself, you’ll never get it done.
got bored, especially in the nightclub, then got the last train Have you used your Department’s resources to their maxi-
home. I’ve never had a girlfriend, and haven’t asked any mum potential? The lecturer who set the essay? Examples of
girls out at uni, mainly ‘cos I don’t really know anyone, and past essays? Students in the year/s above you? Your course
my few acquaintances disappear back to their Halls (or God reps might be able to bring it up at the next meeting if it is a
knows where) when they’re not in lectures. common problem. Instead of asking others on your course
whether they’ve completed it or not, why not ask what their
A. Commuting to university means you miss out on the fun ideas are, so you can generate some ideas of your own. But
of being forced to live with other students. Still, I would if you really are struggling, you should get in contact with
keep working on befriending people on your course, as you your personal tutor as soon as possible.
are going to be stuck with them for the next few years. Just
sit next to random people and start chatting before lectures. Q. If Surrey is meant to be the best university for getting
You could always ask them to show you round their halls, A. Have you ever considered that the problem is with you laid, how comes I haven’t managed to even pull? I would
and you could meet their flatmates. Having a social life and not your housemates? I mean yes, it would be nicer if say I was a fairly good looking guy but when I meet girls in
doesn’t mean going out and getting drunk every night. If you they showed a bit more courtesy towards you, but is there the union, they don’t seem to take any interest in me. One
are looking for more like-minded people, why not join a club any need to be so hostile towards them? Have you tried of my flatmates says he’s already slept with two girls and is
or society? That way you would have a common interest sitting down and rationally talking to your flatmates and ex- ribbing me for not having even kissed one yet. I come from
with the other students. You could even come and write for plained your actions or why you are upset? If you still want quite a traditional family, so just going for it and “getting in
Barefacts (hint hint)! to move out, check your contract or talk to your landlord to there” is a bit alien to me. But I can’t be that repulsive, can
see how much notice you need to give. You should be able I?
Q. My housemates are constantly getting on my nerves. I to find somewhere else, as there are often posters up around
don’t even like the house we’re living in, but I do my best to campus for spare rooms. But you can’t guarantee that living A. It is most likely that the girls you meet aren’t used to guys
keep it tidy. They, on the other hand, leave their junk all over with other people will be any better, especially if you don’t that show them respect, so don’t know how to react. Perhaps
the place and don’t do the washing up for days, expecting know them. you are looking in the wrong places. There is no rule saying
me to do it. They eat my food and don’t replace it or admit that to get lucky you have to pick someone up in the union.
to taking it. They are also so incredibly rude. They play their Q. I am struggling to complete an essay I have been set. I By the sounds of it, you would be better off getting to know
music and televisions really loud. When I try to do some- have a rough idea of what I am supposed to do, but I just a girl first. Maybe your flatmate lacks the ability to woo
thing for the good of us all, they throw it back in my face. can’t get started on it. Some people on my course have girls, so all he can muster are one night stands. Personally, I
I’m starting to wish I never moved in with them. Do you already handed their essays in, and that freaks me out even would like to know how people have compiled the data that
think it’s too late to find somewhere else to live? more. As it is stressing me, I keep putting it off and doing makes UniS the best university for getting laid.
other things, like arranging all my cds, dvds and books in
6 ROOM 101 31 October 2005
ROOM David Hynds curator of barefacts’ own Room 101 presents us with students’ offering to
this museum of dread. But will their pet peeves be relegated to the residence that houses
101
such beasts as Pocket Change & British Rugby Fans?
This article doesn’t write itself you know; it needs people like you, the dear reader. So keep your Room 101 suggestions coming
in; email me: mu21dh@surrey.ac.uk, with ‘Room 101’ as the subject title.
Now, in this edition of Room 101, we hear from Kayleigh Manley, a hot young first year with huge amounts of musical talent
(her own words...).
1. Old people in Tesco’s trying to use a trolley 2. Excessive use of Speed Bumps
Now I’m sure every student can relate to this. You’ve got an hour I can understand why speed bumps are useful; they slow down traffic which
or so between lectures and you have to get round Tesco quickly or is great in a town hugely populated by boy racers. However, in a housing
else you’ll find yourself starving for the week and that’s when you estate it is quite obvious that having more speed bump than road is hardly
realise the oldies are out in force. Pottering slowly right down the helping the matter.
middle of every aisle, stopping at every other item to make sure it’s I’ve worked out that speed bumps actually pollute the environment. Every
not on their list. And that’s not all. If you ever find yourself with an old time you slow down to go over one you then have to accelerate, burning
person heading straight towards you with their trolley, move or you’ll more fuel and polluting the environment. I’m not a driver myself but the over-
become roadkill. They have the tendency of never politely moving use of speed bumps in my home town is enough to drive even me crazy, and
out of anyone’s way and seem to think that Tesco is their territory. if you’re the passenger in a small car you can obtain some serious bruises by
Everyone else in the store has the ability to avoid each other. Now travelling around town.
it’s not all old people, I must admit, but it’s just not necessary. It seems to me that if you can’t get from point A to point B, 500 yards away,
without encountering a speed bump that could wake a comatose person
This throws up an interesting discussion point. Is there an age at then they are definitely being over used.
which our ability to use a shopping trolley becomes defunct? Or is it
that once you’ve retired, you have to fill your days with something Now, I’m not a driver either, but I can understand how Speed Bumps could
other than work? Shopping can now take a whole afternoon, what be annoying. In the West Country (where I come from), not only are there
with the going slowly and bumping into people you know and copious amounts of speed bumps, but also Traffic Calming Systems, and
chatting (in the middle of the pasta aisle). Because of this need to Cattle Grids. They cause all sorts of trouble for car suspension, and as Kayleigh
shop every other day, you can’t possibly be doing a ‘big shop’ – so quite rightly mentions, they can cause damage to the passengers!
old people should be made to use those personal shopping cart Nevertheless, I remember the fun we had as kids, being taken on coaches
things (you know which ones I mean, the tartan ones – your Gran to the Leisure Centre to get our weekly swimming lessons. The road up to the
probably has one). They are smaller, and easily visible, plus aren’t pool had a number of speed bumps, and it was really fun to jump every time
sturdy enough for people bashing. Therefore, in order to make this the bus went over one! For the sake of generations to come, speed bumps
common policy, Old People who Use a Shopping Trolley should go have to stay out of Room 101.
into Room 101.
3. Males who don’t know their boundaries 4. Crazy Frog and ‘Friends’
This is for the females out there who have ever had to Everyone who doesn’t live under a rock knows exactly what I’m referring to by Crazy
deal with a pesky guy who doesn’t know the meaning Frog, but his ‘Friends’ may be a bit of a hazy area. I’m talking about all those other little
of the word ‘No’. Now, there are different ways in which characters who have their own little theme tunes that plague the television. They are
guys can over-step the mark, each as bad as the other. characters who the creators think are so appealing that we would just love to have them
First there is the guy who won’t accept that a girl is dancing around on our phones as a ringtone. They are sadly mistaken. It is only seven
not single. It’s fine for a non-single girl to go out and year old children who keep buying these rubbish ring tones, yet we all have to put up
meet men but it doesn’t mean that after that night with the annoyance on television. The main problem with these characters is that the
she should be pursued. Friendship is fine of course but tunes are so irritating they stick in your head for days on end. It all went too far when
when the guy proceeds to try it on, that is when it gets Crazy Frog released a single. The radio is plagued as well. There is no middle-ground on
unacceptable. these “creatures”, they are all annoying and must go.
Next there is the guy who just won’t take ‘No’ for an
answer, from a single or non-single girl. This doesn’t Finally someone has mentioned this little fellow. I think everyone tends to agree on this
take much explaining at all; it is simply the kind of guy point; no need for a lengthy discussion is there? Good. In it goes.
who thinks he’s so fantastic that any answer other than
“Yes, get in my pants” from a girl is not what he should A nice healthy selection goes into Room 101 this time. If you think
be hearing. Guys, if you want to be considered a you could come up with a selection that would impress me, the
gentleman, act like one. keeper of Room 101, then see below for more details.
Not all guys are bad, however, and that is obvious
to any girl who has been treated like a princess; but it Have you anything you would like to permanently get rid of?
really doesn’t take presents and pampering for a guy to If so, email mu21dh@surrey.ac.uk, with ‘Room 101’ in the subject
be a good one, just manners. line. Don’t forget to write a little about yourself, and ensure that your
Die, Dammit, Die...
Just Cheese C h e e s e o n To a s t
Tesco Value Mild Cheese condoms out of. Tesco Value Cheese on Toast Sainsbury’s Normal Cheese on Toast
(3.34 /kg) Susan: It doesn’t have the bad taste of Tree: this is nice. 3/3 : Yay
Susan: It Tastes like edam.... cheddar to it – which is a plus… but it Susan: mmm, mm, mm mmmm, mmmm, Tree: Subtle but magestic.
Tree – it tastes like an edam cheddar hybrid tasted awful. mm., mmmm That’s good. Susan: Not sure what it is but I just don’t
Special – Allergy advice: Contains Milk Special: Cheese! like that one so much.
Tree – you see that one gets a yay, but Sainsbury’s Mild English Cheddar 3/3 : It was plasticky and chewy but it was I guess it might just be that I have had too
it should be noted that it is not Cheddar. (4.68 /kg) good. much cheese on toast already.
Those marketing people, always out to get Tree: At lease it tastes better Special: Just, Bleugh Special: This is the Welshman’s choice.
me and my food pound. Susan: it’s got a lot of flavour to it. 3/3 : only because Sainsburys is close than
Susan – I liked that, but it’s not cheddar! 3/3 : the tesco one is a lot nicer. Tesco Normal Cheese on Toast tescos
Special: I did like the initial taste, but since Special: it’s sort of a nay on principle Susan: Mmm, this is good.
then the after taste is beginning to hurt deep Tree: it tastes like hardened flem. Tree: is that sarcasm? Sainsburys be good to your self
inside. Susan: no! Susan: Sainsburys be good to your self
Sainsbury’s be good to your self Special: I taste greasiness. cheese works on the basis that, if it tastes
Tesco English Mild Cheddar medium cheese (6.29 /kg) Tree: I like it! bad enough no one will eat it – therefore
(4.84 /kg) Susan: this is not good. 3/3 : yum you will not put on any weight.
Tree: ok now this is cheddar. Dear lord Tree: what the, This stuff is actually Special: a retrospective yay Special: Is cheese on toast supposed to
that’s a marketing improvement. burning the inside of my mouth. Tree: it was like a greasier version of the inflate?!
Special: humm has taste, doesn’t taste of Special: This tastes more mature than a first but I still like it. Note cheese appears to inflate itself.
nothing ness. That’s cheddar – it has that medium. It is the armidillow of cheese on toast
cheddar tang. Tree: “Be good to yourself” – WHAT Sainsburys basic cheese on Toast Tree: I like this one
3/3 : it’s actual cheddar!! HAVE I DONE WRONG?! Special: this one it taking it’s time to melt Susan: ooh no, eugh, this is just wrong.
Special: I approve. 3/3: blaarggh. – it could actually be plastic. 3/3 : This is not good to me.
Tree : its leaving some odd form of flem in Susan: my tongue is tingling even now Susan: WHERE’S MY CHEESY TOAST Special: I liked that one, it tastes a little like
my mouth, but we’ll ignore that. – eugh, this is why I don’t like cheddars. Special: here it is. burnt cheese but I like that.
Susan: I’m going to have to say nay, I don’t Susan:… Where’s my cheesy toast. Very Tree: Cheesemanaughts.
like cheddar Co-op Mild Cheddar cheese little taste.
Tree: we have just discovered Susan doesn’t (priceless?) Special: Did I just eat something. Co-op Mild Cheddar Cheese on
like cheddar, it’s going to be an interesting Susan: not awful, but again – it tastes like Tree: it’s nice I like it. Toast
evening. Although, if we find the cheddar cheddar, so it’s not nice! Susan: It was very nice toast but it had some Tree: It doesn’t smell very appealing.
the man who doesn’t like cheddar likes, Tree: I prefer my cheese in blocks. It was a tasteless hot stuff on top of it. Special: That does almost taste like channies
we will have found the best for it will have weird experience, not one I’ll be telling my Tree: I like the texture. cheese… with the added grease from refried
converted him! grandchildren about. Susan: Yeah the texture was ok. chips.
3/3 : Bleuagh. 3/3 : more please!!! I think I’ve had enough cheese for the
Sainsburys Basics mild hard cheese Susan: I’m going to give it a Yay, although I moment.
(3.34 /kg) wouldn’t buy it. It tasted not bad, but I still Winner! A simple count of the ‘just 3/3 : bad dreams tonight
Tree: ARGH, this feels horrible, this is the don’t like cheddars. Special: Yeah, everyone try and write up
cheese’ & ‘cheese on toast’ totals
least appealing cheese I have ever touched. Special: Ok, that cheese actually makes me their bad dreams tonight.
yields a clear winner - Tesco Mild
Special: This is probably a bad time to say feel ill. My stomach is beginning to feel a
it but this feels like the rubber they make little weird. Cheddar. And only Susan liked Co-op
cheddar cheese slices. Hopefully we’ve
all learned something from all this...
Just Cheese C h e e s e o n To a s t
8 FOOD 31 October 2005
This Week’s Food Section is EPIC. Just look at all those tasty meal & snack ideas. Immense. Thanks to Jayne Thomas & Emma Clarke for collecting all of these
recipies together. Next edition they’re looking at Winter Warmers...
Method:
Toast the bread. Spread with a little red pesto. Sprinkle with grated
cheese. Grill until the cheese melts and starts to turn golden. Stuffed Peppers
Add a little pepper... (Serves 3)
Prep time: 15 mins
Tips: Slice a tomato (baby toms work well) and add on top of the Cooking time: 10 mins
grated cheese before putting under the grill. Delicious
Ingredients:
6 large peppers
1 tbsp fresh coriander (or 1/2 tbsp dried mixed herbs)
Muesli Crunch Cakes
Salt and pepper
Prep time: 5mins
1 tbsp olive oil
Cooking time: no cooking, about 45mins in the fridge
2 spring onions (chopped finely)
1 garlic clove (crushed)
Ingredients:
3oz wholemeal breadcrumbs or 1/2 cup of cous cous
175g Hard block margarine
1 tbsp soy sauce
2tbsp Golden syrup
50g Brown sugar
Method:
3tbsp Cocoa powder
Slice top of peppers and scoop out middle of peppers.
75g Raisins/Sultanas/Currants etc
Combine the herbs, salt and pepper, oil, onions, garlic, and soy
350g Muesli (or other oaty type cereal)
sauce. Heat the cous cous in water with 25g margarine and simmer
200g Chocolate (plain or milk, cooking or not)
for 5 minutes (according to packet instructions). Mix the cous cous
(or breadcrumbs) with the herb mixture and fill the peppers with
Method:
equal amounts. Oven bake the stuffed peppers for 10 minutes
Grease an 18x28cm baking tin (or line it with greaseproof paper).
at 190degrees or microwave at 70% for 5 minutes, until hot but
Melt the margarine, sugar, syrup and cocoa in a pan.
remaining firm. Serve with melted feta cheese on top or with Bacon-
Remove from heat and stir in the raisins and cereal.
Wrapped chicken.
Press the mixture into the tin evenly.
Melt the chocolate (place in a bowl, place bowl into a pan that has
Variations:
some hot water in it) and then spread over the mixture (right into the
Use large tomatoes instead of peppers. Use grated carrot or
corners).
babycorn instead of onions.Serve with rice instead of cous cous or
Chill until set and then cut into fingers.
bread crumbs.
Store in an airtight container.
31 October 2005 GLORIOUS FOOD 9
it’s not just healthy eating in this edition’s food fest - There’s also a host of recipies for
lunch in a rush! Hummus and Raisin Topped Toast
Thanks to Jayne
Prep time: 1min
Noodles and Corned Beef
Cooking time: 2mins
Thanks to Alex Adams and DC
Prep time 5mins
Ingredients:
Cooking time 5mins
Wholemeal/Granary bread, Hummus, Raisins
Ingredients:
Method:
Bachelors Super Noodles (chicken flavour), Tin of Corned Beef, BBQ
Toast the bread. Spread with hummus. Sprinkle with raisins.
sauce, Soy Sauce, Salt and Pepper.
Tips: To speed up the process, while toasting the bread, arrange the
Method:
raisins on a plate (roughly in an area the size of a slice of bread) and
Break up noodles and simmer in hot water for 5 minutes (according
then after spreading the hummus, press the hummus side down onto
to packet). Add half a tin of Corned Beef and mix in well. Add BBQ
the plate picking up the raisins!
sauce, soy sauce and salt and pepper. Serve with crispy bread rolls.
Tips:
Substitute Corned Beef for tuna mayonnaise! Yum! Sweet Potatoes with Chilli
(For the ladies in PATS!)
Thanks to Jayne
Prep time: 5mins
Bacon and Banana Sandwiches
Cooking time: 10mins
(Makes 2)
Thanks to Hannah Orchard and her famous chef!
Ingredients:
Prep time 5mins
A little oil, Sweet Potato, Chilli powder, Soy sauce
Cooking time 10mins
Method:
Ingredients:
Cut some sweet potato into 1/4in thick slices. Heat some oil in a frying
Rindless back bacon, 2 Bananas, Butter, Mango chutney, Mayonnaise,
pan. Add the sweet potato and fry for 5 mins till turning a little golden.
Lettuce (washed), Thickly sliced white bread
Add a dash of soy sauce and sprinkle with chilli powder (as hot as you
like!) Toss a little to coat the slices...
Method:
Grill 6 rashers of bacon on medium heat.
Options: numerous!
Slice bananas into small pieces (1cm thick).
You can add peas, chopped peppers, sweetcorn, leek, red or white
Butter the bread (optional to toast bread).
onion and even cous cous (or a mixture of them).
Make sandwich filled with layer of banana slices, layer of 3 rashers
Can also swap chilli powder for a bit of paprika.
of bacon, layer of lettuce, layer of mango chutney and layer of
mayonaise. You could try adding sliced apple too!
Enjoy!
Bacon-wrapped Chicken breasts
(Serves 3)
Baked Beans with a twist Prep time: 10 mins
Thanks to James - Rob - Dandridge Cooking time: 30 mins
Prep time 5mins
Cooking time 5mins Ingredients:
3 chicken breast fillets
Ingredients: 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
Tin of Baked Beans Salt and pepper
Crunchy Peanut Butter 1 tbsp soy sauce
Butter 1 tbsp honey
Thickly Sliced Bread 9 streaky bacon rashers
Dried mixed herbs
Grated cheese (optional) Method:
Salt and Pepper Make a paste with the mustard, soy sauce, salt and pepper and
honey. Spread the paste over each chicken breast.
Method: Take three rashers of bacon and wrap round each chicken fillet,
Toast bread and butter, then add a layer of peanut butter. overlapping slightly. Secure with a cocktail stick. Place chicken on a
Simmer beans in pan for 4 minutes until cooked through. roasting tin in the oven at 190 degrees for 30 minutes; until bacon is
Add mixed herbs and salt and pepper. crispy and brown. Check chicken is thoroughly cooked by slicing meat
Pour beans over toast and add grated cheese. with knife (juices should be clear).
Day. Participate by not Participating! Charlotte Church. In her prime she had the “aah”factor-granny appeal and managed to outsell even the
mighty Pavarotti. Quite a feat given that as a classical singer she was actually total rubbish.
A rather unscientific straw poll at the Barefacts meeting confirmed my suspicions of total disinterest
I don’t think I need to pontificate too much about our consumer culture, which among Surrey students. To be fair there was one other person who had had piano lessons and kind of
frankly has gone totally off the rails with disastrous consequences for planet and regretted not to have persevered.
humankind. You all know (I hope) the sad statistic that 20% of the planet’s popula-
tion consume 80% of the resources. I could go on and on, the ecology, sweat shops, If you think of Culture as a Darwinist display of affluence that a society can afford –labour dedicated
child-labour, perpetuating and growing the divide between rich and poor…Oh dear, to entertainment is lost for other more immediately pressing tasks like ploughing the fields - then the
I have become too depressed for words and I might have to go out for some retail Arts are broadly equivalent to a particularly spectacular but useless peacock’s tail. Playing in or listen-
therapy… ing to a Symphony Orchestra or an Opera must be one of the most expensive pastimes in the world.
Just to train up the participants (players, singers, conductors) requires on average around 10 years of
Check out BND’s excellent web-site www.buynothingday.co.uk. Also this year training each, add to that the cost of the instruments, staging etc. My rough estimate of “cost” for a
again Buy Nothing Christmas at www.buynothingchristmas.org . Both sites totally Symphony concert is as follows:
brilliant and they are providing some good ideas of how to resist the evil empire of 120 players (required for some of the heavier late romantic symphonies)
mindless shopping. 10 years of training each
5 hours of practise
I particularly liked: 5 days a week
48 weeks of the year
GO TO WORK - GET FIRED 12 million workdays of 8 hours!!!
1. Get a Saturday job at a BRANDED store or FOOD OUTLET.
2. Time it so your first day at work is on BND (November 29th). (All of these figures are actually quite conservative in my view – some brass players might practise
3. Invite lots of your friends along. less, but the strings will probably compensate)
4. Your friends pretend to be customers and que at your
checkout. Then, if we are talking opera production, say at Covent Garden add another £350,000 for the set, plus
5. You refuse to sell stuff because its BND. another £300,000 for director, designer, singers etc. (I am not even counting the cost of running a
6. Your friends (un-happy shoppers) create stink. building) and the amounts get fairly staggering and definitely too big for my little head to add up.
7. Tell the store manager you wont sell anything on BND!!!
8. See how long it takes before you get FIRED!!! Is it worth it? Well, no, if it’s only aimed at corporate entertainment and the rich in general. To make
If you’re already working on BND - PHONE IN SICK!!! Orchestras and Opera Houses eligible for public subsidy they now have to provide outreach and
education to qualify. Commendable but also akin to shutting the stable door after the proverbial horse
Also good - setting up swap shops and credit card cut-up sessions. has bolted. Years of educational neglect, the virtual destruction of most county music services cannot
Check out the web-sites and tell all your friends about Buy Nothing Day! be remedied by a few workshops held by well-meaning orchestral players and 3rd rate opera sing-
ers – because you can bet your sweet little ass that the “stars” are not going to come to some primary
barefacts@ussu.co.uk school to peddle their craft. The discrepancy between singers and orchestral players is noticeable here
– whereas members of the LSO, undoubtedly one of the finest orchestras in the
world, regularly visit inner city London schools, I have not heard of any big name
opera stars doing the same.
If classical music has become irrelevant to you it is understandable. But you are
missing out. Stick 2 fingers up to the establishment and claim your heritage back.
For the risk of sounding like Classic FM, it is the world’s most beautiful music
and you will be rewarded with an emotional experience which would be difficult
to replicate in any other way. Also, revel in the fact that while classical music is
expensive it is also (relatively) uncommercial – the big bucks are made in pop
music. And, although it has been tried, it is virtually impossible to manufacture
a classical performer. There is obviously Vanessa Mae, the violinist famous for
playing in a wet T-Shirt and more recently Kathryn Jenkin, who for some reason
has got away without singing topless – it would be the only explanation for her
success. But these two aberrations apart, you can’t pretend to mime into a micro-
phone if you are on an opera stage or need to play a piano concerto. Try out some
classical music, you might like it.
Two Adverts, which next to each other seem unusual. But individually are fantastic!..
12 IT’S THE ENTS PLANNER! 31 October 2005
Did you know?... Fetish Night tickets have gone on sale already. Fetish Night is the dress-up event
of the Rubix calendar - Expect a great deal of scantily clad women and men in drag. So buy your
tickets from the Union Shop now! There are also tickets available for Rachel Steven’s appearance
at the USSU gay-friendly night Tease. Remember to sign up to the Students’ Union Newsletter &
Grapevine at ussu.co.uk/grapevine
It’s Friday!
Friday £2 Advance,
£3 before 10:30pm
4th £4 afterwards
No-Wave (Rock, Punk, Indie, etc.)
in the HRB
Saturday
5th
Tease
Rubix 9:30pm - 2:00am
Stella Screen
Sunday
Free Film - Fright Night Special!
6th in the HRB 8pm
31 October 2005OH YEAH! THE ENTS PLANNER 13
The Brand Shiny New USSU e-News Letter Thing!
Yep, some of you may already have read this stirling piece of information delivery, others haven’t. Basically much
like Grapevine supplies you with all you Union Entertainment news, The USSU newsletter provides you with all
your general students’ union news & info: Sign up today (identically to grapevine) at ussu.co.uk/grapevine
ll ll t i m e:
Las t
Tuesday Chance or’s Cha enge: r i z e
1st P £60...
g e t to
8th Tree & Piers attempt to run a quiz! in Chancellor’s no less!
8pm - £1 per person in a team
D o n
gA
r
’t Fo en...
P
All entry money goes towards the Quiz Cash Prize!
B r i n
Wednesday
9th
Open Mic Night in Chance l l or’s
Thursday
10th
It’s Friday!
Friday £2 Advance,
£3 before 10:30pm
11th £4 afterwards
Presha (Drum ‘n’ Bass)
Chancellor’s is open
Saturday They’d love it if you came by
Seriously
12th They would...
It’s a shame that some bands who Most of us will remember Devendra’s
create unforgettable albums just 2002 debut album, entitled ‘Oh Me Oh
don’t cut it live. El Presidente have the My The Way The Day Goes By The Sun
opposite problem. Having witnessed Is Setting Dogs Are Dreaming Lovesongs
a quite frankly, stunning support set at Of The Christmas Spirit’ especially if you
Somerset House over the summer, I was replace the word ‘most’ with ‘none’.
expecting the album to reflect this. Alas, Despite having a slightly odd name and
this was not the case. ‘Without You’, the three albums under his belt, Devendra
opening track and most recent single Banhart isn’t particularly well-known
is definitely a plodder. It doesn’t quite make you shout “Yeah!” and wave at all. ‘Cripple Crow’ is Banhart’s latest attempt at mainstream success. Re-
your hands in the air (like you just don’t care), but it’s good for a car journey corded in Woodstock, NY, it boasts 22 tracks of beautiful, soothing, exotic,
through the Alps. Tracks like ‘Keep On Walking’ and ‘Turn This Thing Around’ rhythmic, chilled-out music that sounds good anywhere, at any time. I have
have the energy and groove, but I can’t help comparing them to the fantastic to say that this is a truly extraordinary masterpiece. You listen to the first track
sound they produced on stage. And this is where I contradict myself. I like and think “Hmmm… folk…” then listen to the next track and think “Hmmm…
listening to this album. This Glaswegian quintet write fine songs, and the bossa nova…”. Track 4 = Jeff Buckley, track 5 = Turin Brakes/Beatles, etc
musicians are all very good too. ‘Hanging Around’ is a brilliant, brilliant track – you get the gist. This album is a like a small record collection all on one
with an awesome groove, whilst ‘Count On Me’ is a little more lacklustre (the piece of plastic – the iPod may have some competition… The opening track,
word ‘boring’ seemed a little harsh there – don’t you love thesauruses?(or ‘Now That I Know’ is a gorgeous guitar and cello combo, reminiscent of Nick
thesauri? Is that a word? – Nicole). I know this review seems very confusing, Drake, whilst ‘Some People Ride The Wave’ is Badly Drawn Boy meets Roger
but it’s very difficult to know what to say. The music has been described Miller. ‘I Feel Just Like A Child’ is a highlight for me; with a White Stripes-esque
as disco-rock with a “sexy, sleazy party vibe” which sums it up pretty well. feel and odd lyrics, this is something different yet again. There’s so much
They’re an awesome band to see in the flesh, and if you buy the album I could say about this album, but even more that I can’t put into words. If
and like it, then go buy some tickets now. For virginity-less El Presidente fans you can get a chance to listen to it, do. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
– wait for the live album. 3/5 Patrick Hunter 4.5/5 Patrick Hunter
A good start to trying to explain a bit I’ll be entirely honest, when I got this
what Oceansize sound like would be album I had no idea who The Black
to list some of the bands they’ve toured Velvets were, but always keen to hear
with: The Cooper Temple Clause, Cave In new music I sat down to listen to it,
& Biffy Clyro. The guitar styles range from eager to hear something new and
heavy riffs to sparser sounding, more innovative. My hopes were dashed
ambient, guitar work. ‘No Tomorrow’ half way through the first track when
ends with some full-on-metal levels of I realised I was listening to a twenty-
riffage while ‘Music For A Nurse’ is a first century rip off of what Led Zepp’
subdued winding instrumental. ‘Everyone Into Position’ let’s the band show were doing thirty years ago. I have no problem with bands taking influences
off a range of styles and ideas, adding them to a central identity. Basically, from greats of the past, but what is basically just a rehash of something that’s
the songs are distinctively different, but they all sound like they belong already been done frankly serves no purpose in my life. The innovation and
together as an album. Examples: The opening track, ‘Charm Offensive’ lets us originality in this album are non existent, however if you look beyond this
hear what Trent Reznor would sound like if he didn’t believe in synthesizers there were two tracks which certainly had me tapping my feet, enraged as
and the closer ‘Ornament/The Last Wrongs’ sees the band encroaching I was by this point. Those two tracks are ‘Glamstar’, a brash, pure rock track
on territory usually reserved for The Polyphonic Spree. I could go on, but comparable heavily to Sabbath, and ‘Once in a while’, which could have
I won’t. The album has pretty much everything (there’s even a little bit of Depeche Mode’s legal team mulling over how much it resembles ‘Personal
electronic glitch for 16 seconds in the intro to ‘New Pin’) and sounds as Jesus’. However for any great band these should be merely tracks to fill out
large as their name would have you imagine; single track ‘Heaven Alive’ an album, not what it is built around. The truth is, the Velvets have nothing
has a staggeringly massive chorus to it. However the album isn’t very ‘radio to set them apart from the rest, they have no astounding tunes to separate
friendly’, all the songs are at least 5 minutes long and the album sits far from them from the wave of boring bands spawned by the success of The
the region known as ‘mainstream’. But if you like distorted guitars and rather Darkness a couple of years back, like The Ga Gas and Tokyo Dragons. It’s
intriguing musical connections seek this CD out. It’s a little bit what A Perfect not as if on this album the Velvets do anything drastically wrong, but there’s
Circle would sound like they were from Manchester... and it’s pretty damn nothing that they do astoundingly well. The Black Velvets claim they want to
good. 4/5 Neil Boulton be the biggest band in the world. Well I’d say, “Keep dreaming lads”. 2/5
Steve Hume
31 October 2005 MUSIC 15
LADYTRON TEST ICICLES
Witching Hour For Screening Purposes Only
Island Records Domino
Ladytron get a raw deal in the music Test Icicles are hard synth-packed rock-
world, it seems inexplicable to me that stuff – like the Blood Brothers for NME
a band like Goldfrapp can get into the readers (and sound a bit like Sex Posi-
nation’s stereos, but the Liverpool four tions if you’ve heard of them, though if
piece seem destined to forever lurk in that doesn’t help a mix of Death From
the shadows, worshipped by a small Above 1979 and Plot To Blow Up The
fan base, but never being given the Eiffel Tower is a pretty good summa-
chance to appeal to the masses due tion) - not what you’d expect from
to a lack of commercial exposure and Domino, the label currently bringing
credit. ‘Witching Hour’ is the third offering from Ladytron and, for those with us the hype-adsorbing pair of Artic Monkeys & Franz Ferdinand amongst
the patience to find out about them, they never fail to impress. It would others... It’s a bit too, well, metal. It’s great; you get quirky vocals paired up
be unfair to write this review without mentioning the German pioneers of with screaming, some rather distorted guitar, thumping bass drum and some
electronica, Kraftwerk. It’s true to say that Kraftwerk invented the genre and nice synthesizer-noises. ‘Circle.Square.Triangle’ is a bit closer to Domino’s
listening to this album, it’s clear how much it has moved on, from the days normal leanings only for the next track, ‘Catch It!’ to bring some throat-based
of ‘The Man Machine’ and ‘Radio-activity’. Ladytron are very pop orientated screaming and near-trash guitar into the mix. ‘Sharks’ has a bass line & rhythm
(something Kraftwerk could never have claimed to be), and although this section which any band currently riding this New-wave-thieving rock trend
moves further away from the pop facade which they built up on their last would be proud to have in its arsenal. Personally I can’t see any glaringly
two albums, ‘Destroy Everything You Touch’ is a perfectly accessible pop weak parts about the album, but maybe I’ve fallen a bit to much for it. The
tune and the best thing I’ve heard all year! ‘Sugar’ and ‘International Dateline’ main thing is, if any of the things I’ve said about it aren’t your thing, then you’ll
are the other two potential hits; they build up an almost Portishead style probably not be as overjoyed by the album as me. In my opinion it’s about
atmosphere, but with hummable melody akin to New Order or Depeche time a band from England sounded like this! 5/5 Neil Boulton
Mode. The album becomes more electronic and seemingly more spontane-
ous towards the end but this shows another, more Kraftwerk-esque side to
THE PRODIGY
Ladytron and they do it very well. The electronic, futuristic sound is comple-
Their Law: The singles 1990-2005
mented perfectly by the almost eerie sound of the voices of Mira Aroyo and
XL Recordings Ltd
Helena Marnie. If you like electronica, then you will not find a better modern
day example of it than this album and if Ladytron keep up in this vein they
Wow, finally a compilation CD that
could be destined to become a national treasure. 4.5/5 Steve Hume
actually warrants being released! As the
title suggests, The Prodigy have been
SHOOTING AT UNARMED MEN in the charts since 1990, making all
Soon There Will Be... manner of innovative dance music. This
Too Pure album is a worthwhile showcase of all
of their biggest hits, a must for fans as
Quite a few people were upset when a handy “I’ll play this in my car, it has all
quirky guitar-types Mclusky went their the songs I like” CD, and for complete
separate ways; Shooting At Unarmed Prodigy virgins as it has all their really good songs on it. It starts off with that
Men is one of the fragments surfac- classic,’Firestarter’, (Come on, you all know it, you must remember Keith Flint
ing to ride again. Some will also be gurning like a nutter in the video), then proceeds to fly through their hits
happy that this fragment doesn’t feel like an album possessed; ‘Breathe’, ‘Out of Space’(My favourite…”boink!”),
that far removed from its original whole ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ (Great video, if you haven’t seen it, check it out),
- it sounds an awful lot like Mclusky, ‘Girls’, ‘No Good (Start the Dance)’…..Ok, I probably sound like a complete
at times nigh-on identical. This makes obsessive, but I just didn’t realise how many of The Prodigy’s songs I
reviewing it very hard; if they had gone in a different sort of direction to vo- actually like until I heard this album. Each song has a different flavour, with all
calist/guitarist Jon Chapple’s former band this would have been no problem. manner of samples, vocals, and beats, and each one makes you wish you
I’m just sitting here, trying to think of something to say other than “It sounds were in a huge club ready to throw some crazy shapes out there. (Such as
like Mclusky”, but I can’t. I’m now on track 6... Still thinking of a description. Octagons maybe, or perhaps a Trapezium?) . Anyway, go buy this if you’re a
It seems to be a bit softer in parts than Mclusky. Maybe they shouldn’t have fan of The Prodigy, or just of dance music in general, it’s great.
given this album to someone who owns Mclusky CDs. Apparently the other 4/5 Beth Heale
2 from Mclusky are finishing what would be Mclusky’s 4th album, though if
that sounded like Mclusky I wouldn’t be surprised. This album’s quite good.
‘This Much Is A Lot’ has a great quirky guitar intro/rhythm to it (and some Download of the Week:
nice yelping), lyrically ‘The Pink Ink’ shows that the lyrical oddities of the past Rammstein – Rensort
continue on, “She’s got a little bag that she’s crammed with leg hair”. So http://www.rammstein.com
yeah, regular-going-on-snarly vocals nothing overly original musically with all Emphatic German rockers Rammstein return with their new album
the bizarre lyrical touches you’d expect. I’m sorry I mentioned Mclusky so ‘Rensort’ – you can listen to 6 samples from this album which
much in this review... I think I’ve been brainwashed, or I was just expecting shows that they are still as scary and German as ever. Yes I know
something different. Additionally none of the tracks really stand out as being this isn’t actually a download, but it’s still worth a listen.
exemplary (save for ‘Four-Eyed McClayvie’. There’s some proper creativity Ollie Ghaney
going on there). 2/5 Neil Boulton
16 FILM/DVD 31 October 2005
The Film Section part of the much larger Art Section grouping Corpse Bride
reviews films, DVD and other similar veined visual media currently Director: Tim Burton & Mike Johnson
Starrring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham
out and about the place.
Carter, Emily Watson, Tracy Ullman, Paul
Whitehouse, Joanna Lumley, Albert
Epitaph Tour Finney, Richard E. Grant, Christopher Lee,
MATCHBOOK ROMANCE / MOTION CITY ahh the list is endless!
SOUNDTRACK / FROM FIRST TO LAST /
SCATTER THE ASHES I had been waiting for this film for
months and months, and after what
This DVD chronicles one stop of the was a mightily disturbing first offering
Epitaph tour interspersing live footage of from Tim Burton this year in the form of
the four bands with interviews/biography ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, I was
pieces about them all (Epitaph are a looking forward to delving back into his
record label by the way). All 4 bands wonderfully dark imagery and fantastic
are of the current wave of emo-rock animation. Johnny Depp voices the
sweeping the US and parts of the UK; timid Victor Van Dort who is about to be
Scatter The Ashes take an arty approach married to Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson), whom he falls in love with on
to it, while From First To Last add a sort first meeting. After a rocky wedding rehearsal, he goes into the woods to
of hardcore/metalcore element to it, practise his vows and accidentally says them to what he thinks is a stick, but
Motion City Soundtrack add keyboards is really a dead woman, hence the ‘Corpse Bride’ bit. Obviously he’s less
and some almost pops sensibilities to than thrilled, and it all goes on from there. ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
it and Matchbook Romance leave the formula pretty much as-is. I think the was the benchmark here, being of a similar genre for kids and adults (but
interview/backstage portions should play 2nd fiddle to the actual concert mainly adults). Unfortunately for most, it just doesn’t have the same pizzazz
footage but on this DVD they don’t; instead they’re mixed in between the that Nightmare did, and has a rather sudden ending. But, though it might not
selection of songs from each band’s set. From First To Last’s had the worst have the best plotline in the entire world, everything about the film including
interview sections; we got to see them go shopping, buy some rather the all-star cast, the imagery, the music, to the incredible, painstaking
unusual trousers and find out how terribly young they are. Motion City animation (they even animated the characters playing the piano properly!
Soundtrack stand out from the others as having the most accessibility. The Alas, there were a few errors! Sorry I’ll stop being a Music geek now) all
live footage of the show itself seemed rather clean and purposeful (only come together to create a wonderfully dark, Tim Burtonian world yet again.
a negative if you’re one for ‘gritty realism’) with all 4 bands together (with I loved it, and if you like the gentle darkness that is his films, you will definitely
interviews) coming to 90 minutes of TV, but there’s other footage such as like this. 4/5 Nicole Heel
promos and assorted live clips also on the DVD. The downside is it feels
as though not enough time is spent on each band’s material. Instead it feels DOMINO
like we’re just treated to rather bland getting-to-know you style TV interview Director: Tony Scott
fodder. On the whole if you’re not a fan of the bands, or the genre itself the Starring: Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke,
DVD doesn’t have much to offer you, but if you’re down with the scene, as Edgar Ramirez, Christopher Walken, Lucy
it were, you should find some of it interesting. 2/5 Neil Boulton Liu
PERSONALS - In-jokes, get your in-jokes Laura, your faithful following of men have missed hot n’ horny and ready to roll. H Reg ford fiesta.
here! Get ‘em while they’re irrelevant! you terribly. When will you let us see you again, broken fan, custom horn and loose suspension.
so we can ‘hang’ out? been around the block a few times. previously
Email personals to barefacts@ussu.co.uk used to ferry students, so everyone’s had a ride.
Who stole my milk? call (insert random number here, but not mine!!!)
I bought this car to drive to work, I go to work to
and i’ll quote you a price.
pay for this car...
Why are there goat droppings in my bed?
I slept with Tom Wood, but he didnt follow
Tally ho! BARF! BARF!
Why does your bottom taste of parsnips? through this time......
Everybody loves Raymond!!
the ‘end of the day show’ monday to friday Dom, I’m sick of you texting me telling me you
5.00pm till 7.00pm on 1350am GU2. win a meal want my bum. Just come out, or keep quiet!
Ooooh! I think I’ve got Goosebumps!
for 2 at farrenheit 55!
I’ve got skills, but you still ignore them! Take that
I did it for the first time on Friday. It was amazing!
listen online: www.gu2.co.uk Mark.
Who’d have thought it... Rachel Stevens on a
the dark lord will rise again There was a young girl from Eeling
gay night!
Who had a peculiar feeling
Wonted for stoodent noospapa: Sum won hoo She fell on her back
Who is sexier? Richard or Kate?
can ackshually spell and rite grammatickally And opened her crack
correkt. And pissed all over the ceiling
Welcome to the friary house mayhem, Nicoli!
Any personals? barefacts@ussu.co.uk
18 FASHION 31 October 2005
Fashion Rocks
The fashion gurus of barefacts give us a glimpse of the very fabulous “Fashion Rocks”. Mariah Carey, Victoria
Beckham... what more could you want? Enough delightful frocks to make even Kemal scream in delight.
PG Tips barefacts very own postgraduate-centric area... full of things to do with postgraduates.
I think that’s all the explanation that’s needed. Pages collated by: Lisa Ahmed
T H E N AT I O N A L P O S T G R A D U AT E C O M M I T T E E
In the past ten years, postgraduate education in the UK has become a major international on pertinent issues concerning postgraduate education. Such bodies
market with over 400,000 students. Although the postgraduate community may have include the funding councils, research councils, QAA, UUK, SCoP
increased in size, support structures, representation and identity for postgraduates has not amongst others. A great deal is also communicated to postgraduates via our online resources
grown at the same time. Therefore, the National Postgraduate Committee (NPC) constituted and also our services in the restricted web area open to affiliates. A range of information is
in 1992 set about to tackle the many issues on board that have since come about. We are the available for prospective postgraduates through to The Journal of Graduate Education, which
only organisation in the UK run by postgraduates in the interests of postgraduates including is owned by the NPC.
both taught and research. A number of bodies are associated with the NPC to work together on postgraduate issues
Mission Statement where there is common interest, most notably the UK Council for Graduate Education
Our mission is to advance, in the public interest, the education of postgraduate students (UKCGE). NPC also has three recognised bodies at present being the National Union of
within the United Kingdom. We shall achieve this by democratically representing Students (NUS), the Mature Students’ Union (MSU), the Council for International Students
postgraduates, contributing to discussions, supporting postgraduate representatives and (CIS) and the Coalition for Higher Education Students in Scotland (CHESS). These four
facilitating communication between stakeholders. bodies are entitled to send one delegate member to vote and also submit motions that
Our vision is a postgraduate education system where: have mutual interest. The arrangement is normally reciprocal so NPC can also send a
• Applicants are assessed by their ability to learn not their ability to pay; representative to those organisations.
• Learning and research takes place in an environment which promotes and sustains NPC Activities:
equality of opportunity; and The majority of NPC’s work is conducted by the General Secretary who is employed full
• Adequate financial, intellectual, pastoral and social support mechanisms are provided. time. This involves being a contact point for NPC, dealing with administration and assisting
Realising this vision would enable the individual student to maximise their own potential to the rest of the executive in compiling publications, seeking information and attending
the benefit of themselves, academic knowledge, the economy and society as a whole. events that are of interest to postgraduates. The executive includes a chair, treasurer, equal
opportunities officer and four project officers who take on specific projects pertinent to
About NPC: current postgraduate issues. There are also sub committees operating within Scotland
Although being in existence over ten years, the NPC became a registered charity following and Wales each with respective a respective chair that reports to the executive. As well
the approval of the new constitution at the 2002 annual conference. This will be of great as campaigning for postgraduate interests nationally, the NPC offers support to student
benefit since financial support to the NPC will go further towards directly supporting representative bodies regarding postgraduates where appropriate. Such support includes
postgraduates. There are two main sources of funding for NPC being affiliations from advice on postgraduate complaints and appeals, postgraduate representation and a national
student representative bodies and individual donations. The committee itself is made up of level interactive forum.
delegates from affiliated institutions and recognised bodies who will approve the decisions Further Information:
and policies of NPC that are implemented by the Management Sub Committee (MSC), Further information can be obtained from the General Secretary on npc@npc.org.uk. Also
which is otherwise known as the executive. The NPC is an independent body that is not on the website it is possible to sign up to the NPC’s mailing lists. Up to date information
politically aligned. is delivered through the NPC, NPC Wales and NPC Scotland lists by occasional emails.
NPC has been in close communication with education funding bodies and the government Further to this, there is a Postgrad mailing list available for postgraduate related discussions.
1. Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place, where as a child I’d hide
2. And there’s a taste in my mouth, as desperation takes hold
3. From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell
4. Dirty old river, must you keep rolling, flowing into the night
5. Girls run around with no clothes on, to borrow a pound for a condom
6. I met a gin soaked, bar-room queen in Memphis, she tried to take me upstairs
for a ride
7. Two lovers kissing at the scream of midnight, two lovers missing the
tranquility of solitude
8. You know you talk so hip man, you’re twistin’ my melon man
9. Life is white, and I am black. Jesus and his lawyer, are coming back
10. And that sweet city woman, she moves through the light
31 October 2005 Horoscopes/Literature 23
Literature
You’d have thought we’d lump this with the arts section, but not today! Instead of hearing about what we think of pub-
lished literature, have a gander at our own creative attempts. Compliments/complaints/sonnets to
barefacts@ussu.co.uk
Step Three: Rubix gets its license taken away. Yep, that’s
right. No more union run nightclub. Those of you thinking
that this sort of thing couldn’t happen should think again – It’s
just happened to Southampton’s Students’ Union. Due to
noise complaints they’ve had their licence affected. They can
only stay open until 1am & last entry is at 22:30 (i.e. no-one
is allowed in to the building after 22:30) – They’re currently
Real Life SSHH! Horror Stories appealing their case with their local council. So noisy students
could cause our nightclub to cease it’s ability to be a nightclub.
If you were out at Rubix on Friday the 14th of October
you attended the launch night of the Students’ Union’s new
Step Four: No money for sports clubs or societies. For those
SSHH! Campaign. If you’re having trouble remembering that
of you who don’t know the Students’ Union gets a sum of
far into the past it was the Pyjama party night. The SSHH!
money given to it by the University called a subvention. The
Campaign sets out to encourage students to keep the noise
subvention alone isn’t enough for the union to provide all the
down when walking home after a night out in Rubix or the
societies, sports clubs, media and welfare services. Money
town (The campaign has gained the support of Guildford
made at the nightclub goes solely towards students’ union
Borough Council). You may also remember a large number
activities, so all the money you spent on a night out in Rubix
of blue SSHH! Bed Bugs being given out on the night. Happy
will all eventually make it back to you. No Rubix means less
people positioned these little blue fluff-balls on their shoulders,
money... which means no money for fun things like sports
face and various extremities - some even arranged on the
clubs & societies – and no money for important things like
general nipple area (A rather popular option it would seem).
welfare services.
Most people enjoyed the launch though one questioned kept
being uttered by the student mass. “Why should I care about
Step Five: No fun. This is the big picture really... with no
being noisy?” in fact one student went so far as to say that it
night club & activities there’d be very few fun things to do on
was them that walked home at night singing “Do you know
campus. Thus making Surrey a thoroughly boring and desolate
the way to Amarillo” in the small hours. So today we’re going
place to study.
to answer that important question: “Why should I care about
being noisy?”
Summation: You sing on the way home, you might make Surrey
The noise you make on the way home could have disastrous
a boring desolate place to study.
repercussions... a little bit like the old adage that a butterfly
flapping its wings in one country could cause a hurricane
Was that chorus of ‘Amarillo’ worth it?
somewhere else. You flap your mouth on the way home and a
number of the things you enjoy could be destroyed. Those of
Neil Boulton NO SSHH!
you studying maths will know this as chaos theory.
MEANS NO FUN!
This edition of barefacts was brought to you by the letter ‘D’, the number ‘5’
and a selection of motivated individuals.
The next all highly adsorbant edition of barefacts
will hit the (small) kiosks Monday 14th November. Get those articles/reviews/
obscene phone calls in now!
You could always submit a personal (in-joke) to barefacts@ussu.co.uk