The Stag - Issue 72

Newspaper of the students of the University of Surrey Issue 72 Monday 19th May 2014
C
ampus was recently rocked
by the decision to close the
commercial catering outlets of
Surrey Students Union. Though
the Union will still remain in
control of campus nightclub,
Rubix and underground venue
The Living Room, Chancellors Bar
& Restaurant and Youngs Kitchen
have been slated to close in summer
2015, with the Union Shop to follow
in summer 2017.
The announcement, made on
Wednesday 7th May, was a shock
to many students, Union staff
and members of the University
community alike. In explanation
of the decision, the University of
Surrey Students Union (USSU)
published a document that
proposes an outline of the Unions
direction for the next decade,
following a commercial review.
In this, it demonstrates that a
changing demographic of students
has led to a change in students
requirements. In order to provide
students with the best University
experience possible, the Union
has to adapt to these changes
accordingly.
Using feedback such as recent
survey results and the analysis of
sales trends, the document states
that Chancellors bar is forecast
to make a loss in 2014/15 and the
entire Chancellors operation is
forecast to be loss making from
2015 onwards.
Chancellors Bar & Restaurant,
affectionately nicknamed
Channies, has been a part of the
Stag Hill campus since 1986. Though
at its birth it was the only fne
dining establishment on campus,
additional catering service such as
Hillside, Wates House and Lakeside
have increased options. In previous
years, students, as the main
consumers, were more conscious
Inside: Benicassim Exam tips Puppet love
RIP Chancellors
NEWS
From ACM to Eurovision
Former student of
Guildford performs on a
continental stage... Page 4
FEATURES
Food glorious food
An entire pages worth
of advice of where to go,
what to make for a happy
stomach... Page 13
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Looking up
On the viral video that
urges a smartphone
hiatus... Page 9
SCIENCE & TECH
100 year predictions
Is it possible to see a
century into the future
using physics? Page 16
FILM
Binge watch telly
Looking for a series to
marathcn watch? Look no
further than Page 19
SOCIETIES
Secrets of Colours Ball
Stage Crew flls us in on
what goes on behind the
scenes Page 24
UNION
The 2024 Experience
The new vision for the
next decade of Surreys
Students Union has
arrived...
By Nicole Vassell, Editor
...and Youngs Kitchen and The Union Shop
Despite seasonal waves of heightened popularity, Chancellors is among three union commercial outlets to close
...continued on Page 3
What does the reduction in Union
bars mean for the price of a pint?
An opinion on Page 8
Theres still time to win two tickets
to Benicassim Festival! Head to
Page 6 to fnd out how
EDITORIAL 2 The Stag | 10
th
February 2014 editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Editor | Nicole Vassell
editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Deputy Editor (Head of Design) | Paul A Richmond
design@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Design Team | Hannah Kaine, Josie Pullen, Sophia Field, Siobhan Harris,
Rebekkah Hughes, Candice Ritchie, Alice Wilkinson
Deputy Editor (Marketing) | Matilda Tasker
marketing@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Marketing Team | Rebekkah Hughes
News Editor | Shunayna Vaghela
news@thestagsurrey.co.uk
News Team | Rachael Lowe

Opinion and Analysis Editor | Sam West
opinion@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Opinion & Analysis Team | Owen Davis, Petra-Maria Ilieva, Jack White
Features Editor | Rebekkah Hughes
features@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Features Team | Sean Burby, Ardy Cheung, Holly Latham, Jas Smith
Science and Technology Editor | Siobhan Harris
sciencetech@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Science and Technology Team | Fahmid Chowdhury, Francesca Gillard,
Ben Hartfeld, Noah Mesfn
Dance and Theatre Editor | Ambar Parker-Moreno
dancetheatre@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Dance and Theatre Team | Andy Plom
Film Editor | Sophia Field
flm@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Film Team | Jordan Brackenbury, Ben Hartfeld, Jim Onyemenam
Music Editor | Candice Ritchie
music@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Music Team | James Campbell, Kyra Hanson, Elizabeth Kadie Tyvesse
Literature Editor | Shiri Shah
literature@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Literature Team | Lauren Boland, Emma Hawken, Chlo Wenborn
Societies Editor | Alice Wilkinson
societies@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Societies Team | Gearoid Coleman, Lauren Parker, Leo Blanchard,
Jon Grilli
Sports Editor | Santiago Avils
Sport@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Sport Team | Elizabeth Kadie Tyvesse
Web Editor | Alistair Walker
webmaster@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Copy Editors | Laura Ball, Oliver Gosling, Harriet Knight, Alistair Walker
copyteam@thestagsurrey.co.uk
The Stag is an editorially independent newspaper and is published
by the University of Surrey Students Union.
The views expressed in the paper are those of the individual
authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the editorial
team, the Students Union or the University of Surrey.
Trinity Mirror (South)
St. Albans Road, Watford
WD24 7RG
The Stag reserves the right to edit all submissions and the right to
decide which articles are published.
Letter from the Editor
I
ts been an eventful fortnight since the last time I wrote
this letter! For one, the announcement of the closure of the
unions commercial services (bar Rubix and the Living Room)
was a shock for many to be honest, at frst I thought it was an
internet gotcha! that had just gone too far. Its been a pleasure
being a frequent consumer of Channies, Youngs Kitchen
and the Union Shop during my time at Surrey. Heres
hoping that the space will be used for something
thatll enhance the student experience as much as
possible.
Along with this news, the Union have also
released The 2024 Experience an outline of fresh
plans for the direction for the Students Union. At
the end of this month, this plan will be put to a
campus-wide referendum to see whether it will
go ahead. Its available in hard copy from the
Students Union Reception and online at: www.ussu.co.uk/
yourvoice. Take a read this is your chance to be as informed
as possible before helping to decide the future of the Students
Union!
In other news, all the society and club AGMs have passed,
and The Stag has a wonderful committee lined up for next
year stay tuned to see how you can still get involved.
But, theres no need to miss us yet, as after the (fabulous)
issue currently in your hands, there is still one more before
The Stag says goodbye for the summer and Im excited
to say that my last paper as Editor will be the 2nd
Annual sex edition! Get ready for our most explosive
edition ever, out on June 2nd.
Until then, enjoy the sunshine for as long as it
lasts! Have a great fortnight,
Nicole
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NEWS 3 The Stag | 19
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May 2014 News Editor: Shunayna Vaghela
about who was providing their food University or Union
whereas the priority now lies more heavily on quality.
Taken from over 4500 respondents to the recent Shape
Your Surrey survey, factors such as level of satisfaction
and importance were measured in relation to facilities
provided on campus. When it came to food and drink, the
data showed that it was of high importance, while the level
of dissatisfaction was also undesirably high. The commercial
review summarises:
Eating in a campus restaurant was seen as convenient
at one time, then it became a treat now it is neither. The
campus has too many outlets serving too few customers in
poor surroundings and poor quality.
Surrey Students Union is by no means the frst to cease
catering services as a reaction to trends: London South Bank
University, for example, has already outsourced its bar and
catering outlets.
The lessening income of the bar, more so than food sales,
illuminates the need for Chancellors closure. Students
of today are consuming less alcohol in bars: the volume
of alcohol sold in the Union is said to be around a third of
that sold ffteen years ago. This can, in part, be attributed to
change in consumption trends brought on by rising tuition
fees and higher entrance requirements: students want the
most for their money now, more than ever.
In addition, an article from The Times Higher Education
Supplement, Jim Dickinson, chief executive of the Union of
University of East Anglia Students stated of his own union
that it is something kind of taboo to drink during the day.
As a means to give students the chance to inquire
deeper into the three-year phased closing period, the Union
provided three Commercial Review sessions led by CEO Alan
Sutherland. In the session held on Wednesday 14th May, a
disgruntled member of the audience was not impressed with
the purported efforts made by the Union to keep the outlets
alive: after claiming that the campus is soon to become a
ghost town, he left swiftly with the message shame on you.
To this, the Union CEO reiterated the attempts at
increasing business in Chancellors, including hosting themed
events such as the Blitz Party. Alongside these efforts, the
number of full and part-time staff has reduced as another
money-saving strategy in order to deliver at the best price;
however, to continue in this direction would have resulted
in longer waiting times and essentially, a small fx to a sad
inevitability. The commercial review states: there does come
a point where it is no longer possible to cut back any further.
However, Mr Sutherland was keen to state that despite the
falling profts from commercial catering services, USSU is not
in fnancial trouble and is largely protected: subvention,
which is a grant awarded to the Union from the University,
remains secure with the annual budget for the year 2014/15
increased by 75,000, to 855,000.
For many, the loss of the Union commercial outlets will
be a sad one. Upon fnding out the news, students took it
upon themselves to try to act against it: within hours, a Save
Chancellors Bar Facebook page was created, along with a
Twitter account. Both gained the support of hundreds before
the day was over; at present, the Facebook page has over 1800
likes.
However, change brings new opportunities. As of yet, the
plan for vacant spaces that Chancellors, Youngs Kitchen and
The Union Shop will leave is unknown. The new management
board will be in conversation with the students of Surrey to
determine the options a social space with provisions such as
kettles and microwaves, for students to enjoy their own food
is an example of a possible development.
The Commercial Closedown
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Check out our Facebook page to
fll out the Surrey Sex Survey!
As the graph illustrates, although food sales in Chancellors has remained fairly constant, there has been a decline in income from drinks
...continued from Page 1
The campus has too many outlets
serving too few customers in poor
surroundings and poor quality.
Students want the most for their
money now, more than ever
th
May 2014 news@thestagsurrey.co.uk
B
rian May, legendary Queen Guitarist and
animal rights activist played the stage
in Guildford Cathedral in order to raise
awareness for his second Wildlife Rocks
concert.
Bank Holiday Monday earlier this
month saw Mays event take centre stage,
with many different acts such as stage star
Kerry Ellis, The Troggs, Hawkind and the
NewQuay Times also entertaining people
in the sunshine. Various local wildlife and
conservation charities occupied stalls in
order to give more information and expert
guidance.
May founded the Save Me charity in 2010,
a non-proft organisation; it attempts to stop
the cruel persecution of wildlife for sport. It
has since gone on to speak out against other
wildlife injustices and works in collaboration
with other animal conservationist groups.
To fnd out more, visit http://www.save-
me.org.uk/About_savemeME.html
For further information on Battersea history please visit www.
surrey.ac.uk/battersea
LIFE AFTER
SURREY
University of Surreys 120 years of history
Battersea cookery school in 1927
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Rachael Lowe - Alumni and
Development Offce
To look to the future we must frst look
back upon the past. That is where the seeds of
the future were planted. Albert Einstein
Y
ou may or may not be aware that the universitys predecessor institution was Battersea
Polytechnic, which frst opened its doors to 2,406 young men and women in 1894 and
closed in 1970 when it completed the move to Guildford.
We still have very strong links with our Battersea alumni and I love hearing their stories
and memories.
Can you imagine it being compulsory to be back in your student accommodation by 10pm
every night and it being forbidden to share with the opposite sex? They were the rules for
female students living in Battersea hostels!
I also love stories from the wartime where priority of student places were given to ex-
servicemen as they returned from World War Two.
Here in the alumni and development offce we are running a Battersea archive project to
capture the fascinating history and memories of that time. We are working with the archives
department to record these memories through the help us build our history project, where
we invite Battersea alumni back to campus to sort through the archives and add their
memoirs. On June 20 many of our Battersea alumni will be on campus for a reunion and will
have a unique opportunity to view Battersea memorabilia.
These are the foundations on which the university is built. Take a moment to think about
the history youre creating at Surrey and what memories you will have to share.
A
n alumna of Guildfords Academy of
Contemporary Music has reached the
Top 10 in the music charts after competing
in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.
Molly Smitten-Downes, 26, was the
UKs entrant for this years competition
on Saturday 10th May. Taking her self-
written track Children of the Universe to
Copenhagen, Denmark, there were high
hopes that shed be the frst act to bring
home the title since 1997. Under the stage
name Molly, she performed last out of
twenty-six countries on the night, which
was previously stated on Eagle Radio to be
statistically preferable than performing in
the frst half of the show.
However, the title was ultimately won
by Austrias Conchita Wurst (pictured),
who scored 290 points while the UK
fnished with a relatively disappointing 40
points, in 17th place.
Despite this, at time of writing, Mollys
uplifting anthem has reached the number
ten spot in the UK midweek charts. On
discovering the news, she tweeted her joy
stating that she is OVER THE FRICKIN
MOOOOON!
This is not the Leicestershire natives
frst appearance on the charts: after
graduating from ACMs Vocal Degree
course in 2006, she achieved her frst Top
10 hit with Sash 2008s Raindrops (Encore
Une Fois).
Molly has also supported Chase &
Status, Jake Bugg, Tinie Tempah and
Labrinth.
Former student of Guildford fnds success following music
contest
ACMs Eurovision Hopeful
Hits The Charts
By Nicole Vassell, Editor
Molly lost out to Austrias Conchita Wurst
Brian Mays Cathedral Concert
By Shunayna Vaghela, News Editor
T
he Halow Project, a charity aimed at
creating opportunities and providing
support for young people, aged 16-35 with
learning disabilities, raised a large amount
of money in their annual cycle ride.
Ex-Formula 1 World Champion Danny
Hill, was amongst the participants of this
years ride; a London to Guildford marathon
via France. The event, beginning on Friday
2nd May, lasted 3 days, with riders facing
a gruelling journey. However, in the name
of the charity, they were able to raise over
76,000 in this event alone. In its third year,
the cycle ride has gone from strength to
strength, helping the charity deliver the
best possible service.
Donations are still being accepted by the
charity at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/
damonhill
Charity Cyclists Ride Through
Guildford
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May 2014 News Editor: Shunayna Vaghela
Musical performance opens Lakeside Stage
O
n Monday 12th May, students
and staff were treated to a
lunch-time concert to mark the
offcial opening of the Lakeside
Stage. Following the unveiling
of a commemorative plaque,
the University of Surrey String
Orchestra provided a stunning
selection of classical pieces which
were enjoyed by many who came
to watch the performance in the
sunshine.
Designed as a performance
space for outdoor events, this
exciting new addition to our
beautiful campus was made
possible thanks to the generous
support from Mrs Pat Grayburn
MBE, the Universitys Arts
Administrator, Surrey physics
alumnus Barry Stone, and many
loyal donors to the Annual Fund.
The new area overlooking
the lake will beneft the whole
University community and will
give students in particular the
opportunity to stage theatrical
performances and music concerts.
Chris Gethin, Director of
Development and Alumni Relations,
said: We are incredibly grateful to
Pat and Barry for their tremendous
support and the alumni whose
contributions to the Annual Fund
also made the Lakeside Stage
possible. The space enhances the
student experience on campus and
I know it will be a popular venue
for student productions.
To fnd out more information
on how to book the Lakeside
Stage for your own event, please
contact conferences@surrey.ac.uk,
call 01483 686767 or visit www.
surreyconferences.co.uk
C
oinciding with International
Workers Day around the
globe, the NUS have inducted
a Commission on the Future of
Work.
The research proposes many
different policies suggested
by students, the most popular
ranging from travel expenses, to
government funded internships,
and even an increase of minimum
wage to the Living Wage.
Public, private and non-proft
sectors met at last months
NUS work summit to organise a
joint approach to combat youth
employability issues. Chaired
by NUS President, Toni Pearce,
hearings will be held in the
House of Commons featuring a
wide range of experts during the
course of May and June. It is then
expected a report will be fled
in the Autumn, giving offcial
guidance to the government,
employers and student unions.
David Blanchfower, Professor
at Dartmouth College stated:
Youth unemployment in the UK
remains a national crisis, and
we need serious action if we are
to avoid a generation of young
people being left to languish with
extremely limited opportunities.
W
alnut Tree Close, the road
that connects the base
of Stag Hill to the station and
town centre is set to become a
destination for a brand new block
of student accommodation. The
block, which will consist of 141
rooms and privately run by Scape
Student Living, will primarily
aimed at students studying
at the University of Surrey,
University of Law, ACM, Merrist
Wood College and Performance
Preparatory Academy, and will be
well designed and architecturally
accommodating for students
needs.
Despite the block making
the most of derelict buildings
on Walnut Tree Close, many of
the local residents protested to
its construction, worried about
anti-social behaviour that has
occurred on Walnut Tree Close
over the years, and also the
horrendous design. More than
twenty objections from local
residents were made, yet the new
student accommodation was given
permission to go ahead.
Councillor Reeves believes that
the 24/7 management of the new
block will help lower the predicted
levels of anti-social behaviour in
the area, given the residents of the
street peace of mind. Guildford
Borough Council recognize the
need for more purpose-built
student accommodation to cater
for the rising number of students
in the town and believe that the
new block will improve the unmet
need.
New student homes close to
campus
By Matilda Tasker, Deputy Editor
NUS launches a
new deal for work
Additional accommodation for students will be provided on University-
adjacent road
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* COMPETITION *
Win Tickets to
Benicassim Festival!
In the summer of 2014, Benicassim, one of Europes biggest
and best festivals will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. To
celebrate, The Stag is giving away two tickets to the event,
which includes the four day festival along with eight days
at the campsite! For your chance to win, we want to see how
youll be reading The Stag on the beaches of Benicassim.
HOW TO WIN:
1. Create a beach scene featuring a copy of The Stag
2. Take a photo
3. Post it to The Stags Facebook page
4. Get as many likes as possible!
The photo with the most likes by 23:59 on Friday 30th May
will win the tickets. GOOD LUCK!
Situated in the Spanish city of Benicassim, the festival is known worldwide
for its young crowd, the beach parties that last all night long and for
always having a stellar line-up - and this year is no exception.
Headlined by Kasabian, this year will feature the likes of Paolo Nutini,
Lily Allen, Chase & Status, MIA, Example, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding
and many more, making this one of their best line-ups yet.
Though the festival runs from the 17th to 20th July, the site is open
from Monday 14th for four days of early camping fun!
Sea, sun and sound - this
July, theres no other place
to be!
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OPINION & ANALYSIS 8 The Stag | 19
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May 2014 opinion@thestagsurrey.co.uk
A
s I fnished my Surrey entrance interview
four years ago, I thought to myself: All
I need now is to sample a pint of Guildford's
fnest ale. And so I found myself mounting
the hallowed doorstep of the union's own
Chancellors bar. But to a somewhat nasty
surprise - 3.50 for a pint of Guinness! Of
course, after two and a half years the shock
had long disappeared in favour of plain
cynicism.
Now the union has announced the phased
closure of Channies, Young's Kitchen and the
much-loved union shop because it has simply
run out of money. Still, at least the closures
mean the high prices are fnally a thing of
the past, eh? Think again. The cost of goods
has been a perennial problem at Surrey.
Surveys conducted by the university and the
union have consistently shown on-campus
prices to be a concern to students. Yearly,
union election candidates have run on price-
cutting platforms. Yet the problem remains
and has now reached breaking point.
You see, the Surrey union has some big
problems. Problems which most student
unions are facing; problems which have
grown worse with each failed solution;
problems which, due to Surrey University's
individual culture, are worse still than might
have been the case.
In the distant past, student unions were
only offcial insofar as they were recognised
and thrown a bit of cash by their universities.
They operated on the cheap - as in cheap
beer and as in everything organised by
the students themselves. No paid offcers
and maybe a couple of staff. They were
allowed to get away with murder and legal
responsibility for misdemeanour rested
upon the shoulders of the student who
undertook it. Government and universities
reached the end of their tethers. So through
a combination of legislation, enforcement of
existing law and lobbying, the unions were
gradually compelled to become the beasts
they are now - semi-democratic student
service frms.
Today, students' unions are often legally
incorporated, registered charities. They
are increasingly run by a board of directors
mostly consisting of local businesspeople,
council bigwigs and other interested
professionals. The pace of this change has
been so slow that the students lapped it up
when the professional managers came in and
increased the quality of food, started training
on how to run a society, bought new sporting
equipment and also the fattest fridge-sized
subwoofers for the club. Unions have more
or less ceased to perform their primary
function - students representing students
and grouping together to do studenty things.
The clue is in the name: student union.
The pros' meat and two veg are such things
as risk assessment and risk management.
This has only increased with the advent
of non-student board members. They run
unions like they do a business - bottom-line
frst. It's all about money. So they foolishly
concentrate on revenue drivers.
A new look bar is installed to attract
students. But that's costly, so the price of
drinks goes up. The poorer students drop
off the guest list because they can no longer
afford to drink there. Then, because revenue
is dropping, the price of beer goes up again.
It's okay, the managers reason, If we can
attract the richest students, the whole thing
can keep going. But now even fewer students
are able to afford the drinks. Combined
with ever-growing alcohol taxes, ever more
students take to buying bulk booze for
consumption before they hit the union - the
pre-drinks.
Soon, even promos cost vastly more
than a can from Tesco. The union is caught
between a rock and a hard place. It cannot
cut all prices, because it does not have the
advertising power to get students in quickly
enough to make the cut worthwhile. But it
cannot raise prices because there are already
too few students able to afford the current
prices.
While this trend has manifested itself
around the country, Surrey has been
particularly vulnerable. The university has
gone out of its way to engender a thoroughly
mercenary attitude in its students. It's
all about the career, the job prospects,
the ENTERPRISE! the brochures bellow.
Counter-intuitively, this has resulted in a
student body that cannot look after itself.
Students now seem to feel that to be political
is to be a managerial Tory or a slogan-
shouting, greasy-haired far-left-winger.
A generation of students, faced with tired
establishment politics and the onslaught
of the union professionals, have chosen to
elect long trains of student offcers who were
pretty faces, affable social performers and
friends. It was quite missed that these people
often had no political acumen whatsoever -
the ability to lead and to compel students to
fx their own problems together.
What the pros will never understand is
that a student union cannot be run by prudent
accounting. They cannot comprehend that
their well-meaning, but sterile concern for
union fnances and engagement targets can
only ever lead to marginalisation of most
students in favour of a few slightly richer
ones who cannot hope to keep the business
afoat by themselves.
If Surrey students want to save Channies
- and I recommend you do - then you must
learn to take power back from the paid
offcials. You must learn to rely upon
yourselves and upon each other, not full-
time staff. Above all, you must ditch the non-
student board members who were brought
in three years ago to save the union and who
have instead gutted it of most of the things
that make unions worthwhile - your right to
decide your own fates and your right to get
well-fed and pissed-up together in your own
building.
Channies, Young's Kitchen and the shop
are set to close. The Surrey Shop, Hillside
and the other university outlets will have
a monopoly on campus food and a near-
monopoly on entertainment. And where
there is no competition, there is no need
to keep prices low. Keep going and the pre-
drinks will just become the drinks.
It's not your fault, but it is your
responsibility.
Opinion & Analysis
Channies Closure: The Wages Of Apathy
Jack White
The union has announced the phased closure of Channies, Youngs Kitchen and the union
shop because it has simply run out of money; but does that mean the end of high prices?
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OPINION & ANALYSIS 9 The Stag | 19
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May 2014 Opinion & Analysis Editor: Sam West
Exercise Your Right To Vote
D
ecade after decade, election turnout has
dramatically fallen in the UK. In the last general
election, voter turnout was a mere 65%, compared
to the post-war 20th century, where voter turnout
ranged between 71% and 84%. The same can be said
for local, European parliament, and mayoral elections,
with turnout often not even exceeding 50%, unless
held on the same day as a general election.
In an advanced and forward-thinking nation
like Britain, such a low election turnout is an
embarrassment. It is something that billions of people
around the world are denied. It is something that
millions have died for and millions more will continue
to die for. Surely the right to vote is the most basic of
all human rights.
This is not to say that voting should be compulsory
here in Britain, as it is in Australia. Although Australia
operates an admirable political system and has many
policies which we in Britain should adopt, the concept
of compulsory voting sits uneasy with the British
people. Although we should have the right to vote,
we should equally have the right to not vote, if that is
what we wish.
But like many of us do, we should not take for
granted our right to vote. Maybe this is why electoral
turnout is so low. If we did not have this most basic
right, our society would look very different. Like all
undemocratic models of government, and as Britain
used to be in the past, it would lead to mass oppression.
Here in the UK, we should be thankful that women
have the right to vote, the working classes have the
right to vote, and people from whatever ethnicity or
religion have the right to vote. It is shocking to think
that women were unequal to men in voting rights up
until 1928.
Another reason why turnout may be so low, is due
to alienation from the mainstream parties. There is
a feeling that they are out of touch and dont deliver
real change. And when they do deliver change, it is
often felt to be the wrong kind of change. If people
feel alienated, this is an even more important reason
to vote. The power lies in the ballot box, and through
it, real change can be delivered. If alienated, perhaps
consider voting for a smaller party. Surely voting for
a smaller party or even an independent candidate is
better than not voting at all. This is not to say that we
should not vote for the larger parties. Vote for whoever
you think would be the best at running the country,
whether big or small. The most important message is
to exercise your right to vote at the very least.
Our democracy is not perfect. There are hundreds
of faws and thousands of ways it could be improved.
Democracy might be an imperfect form of government,
but it is the best form of government. Even with its
imperfections, we would not want it any other way.
Yet while democracy will never be perfect, it can
still be improved. And through the ballot box, those
improvements are possible.
So in future elections, please cast that vote. People
have died for your right to exercise it, which should
never be forgotten or taken for granted. It is the most
fundamental of all rights, protecting our freedom to
determine our own lives.
Sam West
Opinion & Analysis Editor
What The EU Elections Could Mean For Us
I
n modern politics, there are few beasts as strange as
the European Parliament. One Friday evening each
month, the entire institution shuts up shop in its usual
home in Brussels, and makes the 220 mile journey into
the French border city of Strasbourg, right in the heart
of Western Europe. With it goes a convoy of MEPs,
lobbyists, aides, and thousands of boxes crammed with
different documents and fles. The parliament stays
in France for just four days, hosting token plenary
sessions where legislation is presented and discussed.
When the four days are up, everything is moved right
back to Belgium again.
But while this 100 million per year display may
seem slightly comical, it represents what many
Europeans loath about the EU; the unnecessary
spending, the gravy train mentality of European
politicians, and the awkward relationship between
the European Union and its member states. The worry
for many in the EU hierarchy is how this discontent
will breed at the European Elections on May 22nd, the
frst since the Eurozone Crisis. Voting numbers for the
European Elections may have followed a downward
curve for 30 years, but there is no doubt that support for
Eurosceptic parties such as UKIP is rising substantially,
thanks in no small part to the stagnant European
economy and the ineffectiveness of the EU in dealing
with it. The EU is now seen as part of the problem, and
not the solution.
From a democratic standpoint, it is not really clear
that the outcome of the elections will really make any
difference in the long term. The European Parliament
has very little power - it does not propose legislation,
a job that is left to the European Commission, a body
which has never been elected and probably never will
be. In fact, it is not really clear what the Parliament does
at all, and though it may discuss and debate Europes
policies, it does not really seem capable of changing
them. The result of this is that the real political impact
of the Euro Elections will not be found in the elected
MEPs and groups who will take their seats in Brussels
and Strasbourg, but in how national parties are able
to frame the debate on Europe in their respective
countries afterwards.
The UK looks likely to be a prime example of this.
Already UKIP is successfully capturing the Eurosceptic
imagination, as evidenced by the polls and the reaction
to the Euro debate between Nigel Farage and Nick Clegg.
Though UKIP are realistically some distance from
making signifcant ground in national elections, they
are causing a major headache for the major parties,
and the Conservatives in particular. Europe has left the
Conservative Party in constant civil war for years, and
has been responsible for some of the most signifcant
events in modern politics. Margaret Thatcher, a
Eurosceptic, was ousted by the pro-EU members of her
party following her famous No, no, no speech. Though
David Cameron himself is pro-EU, his party may start
to struggle in the other direction should UKIP poll
well, and the Conservatives fare badly. And from there,
who would bet against history repeating itself?
Owen Davis
Why we should not take our right to vote for granted
A
lot of you have probably recently watched the Youtube video by
Gary Turk Look up. In short it is, as he puts it, a spoken word flm
for an online generation. It revolves around a love story, told in rhymes
and created in our sad reality - the era of the smart phones and dumb
people. However, the video is very powerful and touching. It has almost
36 million views and 20,000 comments, and the numbers are rising as
we speak. Gary realises the paradox that the video is mediated through
the internet and various types of social media. But do people really
think about what he says? Are there any signs that people are starting
to look up?
It is the time of Facebook, Twitter, iPhones and every new gadget
that comes out - all of these are mediums originally created to save time
and energy. Still, usually we end up spending more time editing what
wed like to post, or searching for the next best app. Were continuously
worried if our profle picture will get enough likes, yet we dont pay
enough attention to how we look when we go outside, in the real world.
We like hundreds of causes and tweet about saving the Earth, yet we
throw out rubbish on the ground while walking. This hi-tech world has
become our reality.
One may say, Lets blame the creators of these media services. But
we are the creators. Without their millions of users and customers,
social media and smart phones wouldnt exist. They are wanted. They
are needed. Every one of us has been affected by a rude message on
Facebook or Twitter; everyone has lost their temper over a slow phone
app or connection. Our feelings are now focused more on our cyber
image than on the real one. Whats worse, people who dont have
a Facebook profle or a smart phone become practically isolated. It
happens not because they want it to; they might even not realise it,
because they live fne without them.
The aim of this article is not to make anyone quit using social media
or to change the iPhone for a Siemens C65. The only reason for writing
this is to remind everyone that there is a beautiful world out there, out
of the chats and comments. This real world waits for you to explore it
and enjoy it. Now, it might look scary and its defnitely harder to speak
up and express your opinion freely face to face, but after the frst step it
gets a lot easier and more gratifying. I believe that we can all take that
frst step - look up.
LOOK UP
Petra-Maria Ilieva
FEATURES 10 The Stag | 19
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May 2014 features@thestagsurrey.co.uk
by Rebekkah Hughes, Features Editor
O
ne thing that being at home
over Christmas and then Easter
makes me realise is the stark
differences between how I live at
home and how I live when Im at
university. At times, its like being
a totally different person.
As much as being at home
gives you those added luxuries, Im
thinking endless cupboards full of
food and a nice bubble bath, after
an extended period back at home,
I start to get twitchy, like I need
to get back to a more independent
way of living.
So, in an attempt to stress a
little less about ftting in around
the family life again, Ive drawn up
a list of the perks of both ways of
living:
1. Food. It had to go frst really
At university, you eat what you
want, when you want, where you
want, in your PJs if you like, with no
care for etiquette or manners. The
bar is raised when youre at home:
dinner at the table, and the set meal
times can be a little restricting
but the endless variation of food
at home just cant be beaten by
the penny-pinching budget of a
university student.
2. Sleep. I sleep a lot more when
Im at university, and that may be
a refection on having a part-time
job, or it may just mean that my
parents believe that every daylight
hour must be salvaged and getting
up any later than 8am is utterly
unacceptable.
3. Personal Space. At university
I can lock myself away and not be
disturbed if thats the way I want
it to be. At home however, siblings,
parents and pets fnd it impossible
to leave you alone it may be
because youre not there normally,
or it may just be because they have
nothing better to do than annoy
you for no apparent reason.
4. Productivity. Now, Im not
saying that when Im university Im
some golden child of productivity,
in fact, as per usual, I procrastinate
and sometimes get hardly anything
done. Thats OK when you have
no one to blame but yourself, but
when youre at home and there
are others to blame, not ticking
off those things to do gets pretty
infuriating pretty quickly.
5. Expectation. Quite simply,
when youre at university, you are
your own being: do what you like,
when you like, with the exception
of expecting the occasional phone
call home but when youre at
home, its: seeing and entertaining
the family, contributing towards
the running of the house, being
social, being happy and whatever
else can be thought up and
expected of you.
Essentially, home can be tough to
settle back into after experiencing
some real independence. Although
initially when you arrive home its
sweetness and hugs, not expecting
much and letting you futter
around only really ftting in where
necessary, after a week or two
its like theres no escape: you are
offcially one fraction of a family
unit and your weight needs to be
pulled. Its enough to leave anyone
running back for university, with
your parent-packed frozen meals
and food for the week in tow.
Features
Being at Home vs.
Being at University
by Rebekkah Hughes, Features Editor
J
elly Beans can be super exciting, dont get me
wrong. Receiving an oversized Gift Box or Jar
of Jelly Beans with their multitude of colours and
favours can be great fun, especially if you prefer to
lucky dip than pick out all of your favourite favours
However, as well as all the wonderfully fruity and
classic favours, there are some suspicious sounding
creations in the mix, as well as some interesting facts
about Jelly Belly in existence, and I think that they
should be offcially addressed:
The most popular Jelly Belly favour is: Very
Cherry! I must admit, Im a little disappointed with
this fact considering I really dislike cherry-favoured
foodstuffs, but each to their own. Buttered Popcorn
gives some strong competition for the title though
However, the most popular favours from the
whole collection are: Very Cherry, Licorice, Buttered
Popcorn, Juicy Pear, Sizzling Cinnamon, Cotton
Candy, Watermelon, Sunkist Tangerine and Green
Apple!
Jalapeo favour did exist, but doesnt anymore
due to a large disliking from Jelly Belly fans
this was also the fate of: Roasted Garlic,
Buttered Toast, Baked Bean and Pumpkin Pie,
which were all speedily discontinued after a dismal
reaction. In all honesty, Im not that surprised.
I have a horrible feeling that the latest trial
favour of Tabasco will also end in tears
One of the most popular favour requests is: Fish
and Chips.
Jelly Belly has a group of beans called Rookies
that are aspiring bean favours yet to make it to
market. Currently in the running they have: Chilli
Mango, Guava, Honey, Lychee & Passion Fruit which
all sound surprisingly nice, besides Chilli Mango
which makes me feel slightly uncomfortable.
There are also a group called Beanboozled:
essentially theyre beans disguised as nice favours
that actually taste awful! For example, in the pack
there are two orange beans, one is Peach and the
other Vomit. Yum.
I have a bit of an issue with the Green Tea bean,
but thats because I disagree with everything green
tea-favoured that isnt Green Tea itself
and Bubblegum just feels a little artifcial. I
think Candy Floss should also be added to this list.
Apologies to all the Bubblegum and Candy Floss
advocates out there.
Some of the creamier beans like Vanilla,
Strawberry Cheesecake and Toasted Marshmallow
are done really well
and of course you absolutely cannot go wrong
with the expertly crafted fruity favours of Jelly
Belly! Some personal favourites of mine include:
Lemon Drop, Red Apple, Green Apple, Raspberry,
Lemon Lime and Berry Blue
but one thing is for sure, I will never accept
Kiwi in fruit or in favour, which apparently derives
from my exceptionally strong opinions over food and
favours.
When everything is said and done, beans have
been criticised and praised, enjoyed and repulsed,
the jelly bean is still an awesome thing.
When Jelly Belly
Get Weird
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I
n the summer holidays we like
to go away and leave important
things behind for a while, like
work, study, bills, washing out
the fsh tank and the British
weather So, if youre fying
abroad this summer, you might
want to check out my account of
fying economy class...
In economy class, we sit
with our legs in weird angles
because there's not enough leg
room. We turn and twist, stretch
and struggle but still fail to feel
comfy. So then we give up trying
and get major pins and needles
after being in the crab pose for
3 hours (and that's the whole
journey length because we only
go as far as the likes of Spain and
Italy). On top of all this, the titchy
TV screen is 3cm from our face so
our eyes go square.
We age 50 years in one fight
because of back pain, thanks to
the kicking from the little boy
sitting behind. Then we join
the world's longest toilet queue.
When it's nearly our go, the
seat belt sign comes on and the
hostess ushers us back to our
comfy seats. So there we wait
until the sign is off, only to go and
queue all over again.
Dinner is served and dinner is
soggy. Then we can't put it down
anywhere because the man in
front is sleeping with his chair
back so low that you get a nice
view of the top of his head. We ask
the hostess to ask the man to sit
back up and the whole situation
is awkward.
A wailing baby keeps us up
all night as we try to insulate
ourselves. Do they turn up air
con up at every half hour? Its
only made worse by the provided
blanket, which feels like a large
piece of tissue paper.
But, all these things are part
of the holiday experience. It
wouldn't really be the same if
we had seats as wide as beds. Or
nice food that wasn't soggy. We
wouldn't experience the joys of
fying economy.
Flights are funny. I get excited
and cannot wait to board because
that's when I feel that the holiday
really starts. Then at the end,
I can't wait to get off. Mainly to
unpop my blocked up ears - theres
just something about trapped air
pressure on the plane... I return
to England and feel like Mystic
Meg because I correctly predict
the weather: greyish rain. That's
when I suddenly miss the little
joys of economy class and its
soggy food because I was still 'on
holiday' then.
Garfield Minus Garfield?
by Jas Smith, Features Team
R
ecently, I stumbled upon a fantastic site from Jim
Henson, the creator of lasagne loving cat, Garfeld.
The site is called Garfeld Minus Garfeld and it does
exactly what it says on the tin: it removes Garfeld from
the comic strip.
By removing Garfelds role from the comic strip, it
turns Jons day to day life into something else. Now, I
know what youre probably thinking: whats the point
of that? Or: thats really sad. I thought the same and
was intrigued nonetheless. But without Garfelds
witty remarks, the reader sees Jon in a new light. Or
as the site says, explores the existential angst of a
certain young Mr. Jon Arbuckle. It is a journey deep
into the mind of an isolated young everyman as he
fghts a losing battle against loneliness and depression
in a quiet American suburb.
Although this sounds like the plot of a new thriller to
be released in cinemas later this year, I have to tell you,
that is not the case. Its purely the effects of removing
one little orange cat; effects that become hilarious. In
one strip, we see Jon simply state something, such as I
think my toes are jealous of my fngers because they
get to point at things: and stare off longingly into the
distance. Click on another strip, and there Jon is yelling
You left the door open! at absolutely no one at all.
Now maybe no one else is going to fnd this as
funny as I did but I spent a good 25 minutes looking
at these little colourful panels! Maybe its because I just
really didnt want to do my work. Regardless of that, I
recommend you check out this site! If you love Garfeld,
what is there to lose? Besides, you know, Garfeld
himself.
Were All Going on a Summer
Holiday Or Are We?
by Jas Smith, Features Team
I
love a good holiday just as much
as the next person. However, Ive
noticed of late, being a student that
cheap holidays are hard to come by.
And thats a bit of a bummer when
you want to go away with your
friends and summer is creeping
stealthily around the corner.
Recently, my fatmates and
I vacationed in Germany. We
managed to have a 5 day holiday
for only 200 including fights,
accommodation, food and travel.
But that was only because one of
our fatmates from last year who
lives in Germany was willing to
house us. If you dont know people
in other countries, having a cheap
holiday can be hard. However,
there are some sure fre ways
around pricey holidays:
1) Solution 1: Go all inclusive. I
know this sounds simple and the
most obvious thing to do, but youd
be surprised how many people
choose not to.
2) Solution 2: The Sun. If you
read The Sun, or have lived in
England for more than 5 minutes,
youll know that The Sun newspaper
do their Holidays for 15 deal.
Now, Ive personally never been
on one of these holidays, however
my neighbours with kids swear
by them. Theyre short, they have
good locations and theyre cheap.
3) Solution 3: Do you have to
go abroad? I know that England
can be dreary at the best of times,
but some of the best trips Ive ever
had have been a few nights away
somewhere in good ol England.
You dont have to change any
money or worry about passports.
Plus you get to drink British tea, so
its a win all around.
4) Solution 4: Go on lastminute.
com. Or laterooms.com. If you
arent fussed when you go, or you
want to get away fast, this is the
way to go. Because the holidays
are so close to the booking date,
the prices are usually extremely
reduced.
5) Solution 5: Go to a music
festival, or save up for another big
event. Sometimes, with the right
atmosphere and the right people,
events themselves can seem like a
holiday.
6) Go camping! It can be great
fun with loads of different locations
around the UK, so you wouldnt
even have to travel far from home.
And with the potential to stay in a
tipi, why wouldnt you?
So there you have it. 5 ways to
have a cheaper holiday, because
lets face it, after all those exams,
you deserve it.
If you love Garfeld, what is there to lose? Besides, you know, Garfeld himself.
The Joys
of Flying
Economy
by Ardy Cheung, Features Team
Some Potential Summer Holiday Solutions to Save Your Bank Balance
Travel
Why Sacrifcing In-Flight Comfort is All Part
of the Holiday Experience
One thing is for sure, wherever youre sitting, the view will be spectacular.
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L
ast Friday, a 63 billion
takeover bid of the UK
pharmaceutical giant,
AstraZeneca, was launched by
its US competitor, Pfzer. Should
the deal take place, it would
make the history books as the
largest takeover of a UK company
by a foreign frm. Before pen is
put to paper, though, Pfzer will
have to increase its signifcantly
undervalued offer, which was
turned down by AstraZeneca
within hours. Pfzers 2014
frst quarter profts were also
down 15% over the same period
last year, due to expiring drug
patents. However, the US giant
remains determined for the deal
to take place, claiming that the
takeover can reduce the cost of
medical treatments.
The magnitude of the
proposed takeover has certainly
sparked fervent interest from
the UK government, who are
hoping that a deal will boost the
economys skills base and improve
research and development (R&D).
Almost 9% of expenditure on R&D
in Britain is from AstraZeneca
alone and Pfzer has promised
that 20% of the merged companys
R&D employees would be based
in the UK. Yet, critics are not
still convinced that the takeover
will deliver the desired benefts.
Doubts are further fuelled by
speculation that Pfzers ulterior
motive is to use the UK as a
corporate tax haven and the fact
that CEO Ian Read cut its research
base in Kent, causing 2,400 job
losses.
Whether or not the takeover
will materialise remains a
precarious balance, but Pfzer
certainly has its work cut out
in convincing AstraZenecas
shareholders and the UK
government that the deal is not
such a bitter pill to swallow.
Staying Healthy During Exams
by Holly Latham, Wellbeing Advisor
W
ith the lure of summer just around the corner
its easy to forget that this time of year can be
a struggle for many, with exams fast approaching and
pressure mounting to study, study, study.
Now more than ever its important to keep your
mind and body in top condition to see you through
the next couple of months and help you to tackle the
workload with a sense of wellbeing and motivation.
Eat right
Vending machines are convenient, but a Mars
bar and a can of Coke for lunch will not give you the
nutrients required to sustain yourself. Your body
needs to be nourished and a healthy diet will help you
to avoid that sluggish feeling that plagues many of us.
Peckish? Try snacking on dried fruit or nuts. Tired?
Avoid the triple-espresso latte and drink plenty of
water. Dehydration can leave you feeling hazy and lazy,
not something you want in the middle of exams.
Avoid alcohol
Battling against a sea of books is not much fun for
anyone and even less so if youre struggling with a
hangover and the reduced cognition that overindulging
can bring. Try to cut out or at least cut down on alcohol
over the next few weeks and save your drinks for
celebrating an exam done well.
Keep moving
Exercise and fresh air can help to boost energy
levels, clear the mind and relieve stress, especially
after sitting at a desk for long periods of time. Think
about factoring in some time for physical activity each
day; even if youre not one for pumping iron at the gym,
a short stroll outside can work wonders and leave you
feeling refreshed and ready to get back to studying.
Mindfulness
Struggling to switch off? Try the practice of
mindfulness which aims to help you relax whilst
increasing focus and concentration. Visit www.
mindfulnessforstudents.co.uk for advice and
information as well as a two-minute stress-buster
exercise perfect for this time of year.
Get some sleep
Finally, as tempting as it is to set up home in the
library, grabbing an odd nap here and there, try to
factor in proper rest at the end of the day. Close the
books, shut down your computer and wind down
before going to bed. Come the following day, your mind
and body will thank you for it.
A certain amount of stress can be a natural and
expected part of the exam period however if you feel
like you are struggling to cope then know where you
can turn for help.
The Centre for Wellbeing is open
Monday-Friday 9-5 and can offer
advice on managing stress and
maintaining good emotional and
physical health. Reach us on:
01483 689498 or
centreforwellbeing@surrey.ac.uk
and look out for the Relaxation
Zone run by CWB in the library
throughout the exam period.
Ultimately, treat yourself with respect and care,
seek extra support when you need it and dont lose
sight of the fact that there is light at the end of the
tunnel. Good luck!
Bitter Pill for Pfizer
by Sean Burby, Features Team
Finance Health
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Pfzer Booth at the CCC 2006 in Vancouver.
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May 2014 Features Editor: Rebekkah Hughes
Summery Frozen Smoothies
by Amy Vitoria, Features Team
I
ts almost summer. The sun is making more
appearances and what better way stay cool in the
heat, and ensure you look and feel great inside and out,
than with a frozen smoothie! Here are a few examples
of recipes, all healthy and using 5 ingredients or less
to keep to a student budget:
1) For those of you who prefer a sweeter refreshing
drink, a Cantaloupe and Lime frozen smoothie is the
one for you. All it needs is a single lime, 2 cups of diced
cantaloupe, a third of a cup of diced peach, a dash of
honey and 3 ice cubes. This frozen smoothie is full of
sweet fruits and is perfect for sunny day!
2) However, if you get more of a refreshing kick
from something with a bit more zest, try an Orange
Sunrise. You simply need a cup of vanilla ice cream,
a quarter cup of frozen orange juice, 2 tablespoons
of orange marmalade and 2 ice cubes, to create this
simple citrus frozen smoothie.
3) A personal favourite of mine is Frozen
Watermelon Slush. Consisting of three cups of cubed
watermelon, 1 cup of frozen strawberries, 2 scoops of
lemon sorbet, a quarter cup of pineapple juice, and
a dash of lime juice to fnish it off. This smoothie is
both healthy and refreshing, from the sweetness of
the watermelon, to the zing of the lemon sorbet, its
the perfect way to cool down.
Soho Kitchen and Bar
by Saskia Parks, Features Team
S
oho, where even the window cleaners are hipster,
but where food gets good.
Soho Kitchen and Bar is a discrete, well, kitchen
and bar, tucked away on old Compton Street. With a
caf like faade, the interior surprised me, and had
a somewhat middle class pub feel and with cocktails
on tap - I think thats what they were going for.
There were no tables left so we decided to eat at the
bar, something that I quite enjoy if not eating out in
big numbers. Everything on the menu tempted me,
however I was advised to opt for the cheeseburger,
double of course. However, at Soho Kitchen and Bar
a double means in fact three patties, I can only
assume a single therefore comes with two. You also
have the option of adding to your burger, I chose to
top it all off with half an avocado and also ordered
some chips to share.
The burger came garnished with a pickle and
was held together with a knife through the middle.
I am always cautious when ordering burgers as Im
not fond of thick meaty peppery patties, however
these were American style, thin, glued together with
melting cheese, and topped with ripe avocado. This
was the best burger I have ever eaten. I still think
about that frst bite to this day, the avocado oozed
and the burger melted in the mouth. I was so swept up
in hamburger heaven I had been neglecting the chips,
served in a retro silver cone, alongside a delicious
garlic mayonnaise. These were equally as good as the
burger, crispy and soft and very hard to tear myself
away from to get back to my dream in a bun.
I slightly regretted my decision of the double
(triple) nearing the end of my meal and if I go back,
which I absolutely plan to do, Ill settle for the single
(double), however this was the tastiest meal I have
had in a long time and at 8 for a double and 10 for
a triple, these burgers easily beat the likes of some
popular high street chains. If you are an avid follower
of such chains, or just really fancy a burger, I strongly
recommend breaking free and giving Soho Kitchen
and Bar a try!
I
t is fnally hotting up here in sunny, sunny England and as true
Brits we demand BBQs the moment we see a glimmer of sunshine.
This refreshing drink is the perfect BBQ beverage and is deliciously
thirst quenching on a hot day. Agua Fresca is a popular Mexican
drink, which can be made of varying fruits mixed with sugar and
water. This recipe makes a delicious watermelon Agua Fresca, and
needing only 4 ingredients, its incredibly easy too!
To make 12 glasses, or a nice big pitcher, you will need:
1 small watermelon (about 2kg)
1 lime, juiced
65g of caster sugar (can add more to taste)
A dozen mint leaves
Because watermelons have a high water content this recipe
doesnt need any more water added to it, however if you fancy making
an Agua Fresca adult-oriented, then Oddka twisted melon, currently
8 in Tesco, is a great addition. Failing that just normal vodka would
also be a great way to make this summer drink a little cheekier
To make your Ague Fresca you will need to:
1. Cut your watermelon in half, de-skin it, and then cut your
halves into sizable chunks.
2. This next step requires a blender; if you dont have one of these
you can also use a hand blender. You may need to blitz up your melon
in a few stages, so add half your melon (or however much seems
sensible) to your blender along with half your sugar.
3. Then simply blend until silky smooth!
4. Pass the mixture through a sieve into your serving vessel.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all your melon has been blended.
6. Chop up your mint and sprinkle this on top.
7. Add your lime juice and mix!
8. Lastly, for the alcoholic option, mix in your chosen beverage to
taste!
9. Serve over lots of ice and enjoy with friends!
Agua Fresca
by Saskia Parks, Features Team
Food
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THE 2024
EXPERIENCE
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 16 The Stag | 19
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May 2014 sciencetech@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Science & Technology
M
ichio Kaku, the famed
theoretical physicist for his
work on co-founding string theory,
attempts to predict the next 100
years in his new book Physics of
the Future. We are offered, in his
words, a scientifc insiders view
on the future in the felds of energy,
computing, medicine, artifcial
intelligence (A.I.), nanotechnology,
space travel and even the future
of human civilisations. Even for
a respected scientist this is a tall
order to attempt authentically and
so over 300 of the worlds scientifc
elite, from astronauts to Nobel
laureates and heads of national
institutes of research, were enlisted
for discussions and interviews
many of whom are listed in the
opening pages. Young budding
scientists are treated with litters of
references to labs and projects and
all of us are left wondering: how
will the world adapt to assimilate
all these advances in technology?
Kaku splits his predictions
into three time frames; the frst
is the near future present day
to 2030. Computer chips will soon
cost only a penny, and taking
advantage of this is a department
in Arizona State University who
are developing fexible electronic
paper in conjunction with Hewlett
Packard and the US army. They are
LEDs set in organic material that
gives them a wide range of new
attributes. Think of transparent
computer screens, electronic
wallpaper and the idea of scrap
computers. We will have nanocars
for diagnostics in our body,
propelled forward by eighty or so
bacteria powered by molecular ATP
(our bodys energy currency) and
steered by magnetism or light. As
DNA sequencing continues to drop
in price faster than Moores law,
genomic medicine will integrate
more with current medicine, giving
us the advantage of predicting and
preventing diseases that we may
acquire in our lifetime. Internet
glasses and contact lenses already
have prototypes in the public
and will continue to grow, maybe
initially for professionals frst.
The second of Kakus time
frames is mid-century, from 2030-
2070, where we will see the rise of
the world in the hydrogen age. Our
energy source will have shifted
from fossil fuels to a variety of
renewables such as solar, wind
and nuclear. Some less well-known
proposed renewables are carbon
capture, genetic engineering
attempts to design bacteria that
capture CO2, and super CO2
absorptive fast growing species
of trees. The permanent solution
to our energy is also predicted to
be online during this time: fusion
power - making mini suns here on
Earth. We will have catoms (clay
tronic atoms) that is smart matter
computer chips in the shape of
a grain of sand that rearrange
themselves. Mobile phones for
example may no longer be a
single shape, but will morph into
something small whilst in your
pocket and then into a big screen
if you want to watch flms or check
your email. Quantum computing
will be realised during this period
and we will also land on Mars.
The fnal age is in the late
century, between 2070-2100, which
is the hardest to predict and has
the most radical changes. Brain-
computer interfaces will have
become sophisticated enough to
photograph a dream, read minds
and, with the coming age of
magnetism and room-temperature
superconducters, telekinesis.
This involves the movement of
objects with thoughts alone, and
walking into rooms and controlling
computers. We will be living to
150 years and over by this point,
having a grasp on reverse ageing
and developing human body shops
with stem cells making organs.
Cars and trains will be powered on
magnetism and will be hovering;
much faster due to frictionless
movement and will require
signifcantly less fuel.
The book also ends with
social comments on what stands
in the way of progress and what
depends on these technologies to
be realised. We are introduced to
the kardeshev scale which ranks
civilisations in the universe based
on their energy acquisition, from
type 1 to type 3 civilisations and
beyond. We currently rate 0.7 on
this scale according to Carl Sagan
as we still use dead plants and
animals for fuel. The aim is to reach
type 1 a planetary civilisation able
to utilise all our planets resources
in a balanced way, which Kaku
calculated roughly to be roughly
after a 100 years from now.
T
he viral disease, polio, has made an unwelcome
return into countries that everybody considered
to be clear of it.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the
alarm by declaring an international public health
emergency. Director Margaret Chan convened the
emergency committee on the crisis that said the
spread of polio this year has been extraordinary
and is a public health risk to other countries.
The three countries most likely to export the
virus are Pakistan, Cameroon and Syria. So far the
Pakistani government have responded helpfully
by setting up mandatory immunisation points
at airports so that travellers can get vaccinated
against the disease before they go to other
countries. Although this is last minute dosing
and the recommendation is that people should be
immunised at least four weeks prior to departure, it
will still provide some beneft.
Pakistan was the country most affected in 2013
and so is most at risk right now. In the reinfected
areas, the viruses that are circulating have been
traced back to Pakistan.
The wild poliovirus that turned up in Cameroon
last year was the frst to be seen in two years, and
is thought to have originated in Nigeria before
spreading to Equatorial Guinea.
At least ten countries have recent polio cases,
including Syria where blanket vaccination of
children is diffcult.
Its clear that it is diffcult to keep track of the
disease and eradicate it for good, as it was thought
that these countries had fnally got rid of the virus.
Hopefully they can do it eventually just like India
did.
By Siobhan Harris, Science & Tech Editor
A physicists guide to the next 100 years: Michio Kaku
By Noah Mesfn Science & Technology Team
The Return of Poliovirus
Iodine Deficiency Endemic
By Joseph Dennis, Science & Technology Team
T
he UK is suffering from iodine
defciency and could soon become
an endemic, according to a research
programme led by Dr. Vanderpump
which studied iodine levels in over
700 teenage girls across the UK. The
results showed that 68% of girls
urinary samples were below the 100
g/l amount, recommended by the
World Health Organisation (WHO).
This is backed by a recent WHO
report which shows that the UK is the
8th most iodine defcient country.
It is thought that the problem has
emerged from people drinking less
milk.
Iodine is a key component of the
hormones thyroxine (T4) and tri-
iodothyronine (T3) which are secreted
by the thyroid gland and are needed
to burn fats and for growth. Those
suffering from iodine defciency risk
developing goitre swelling of the
thyroid glands creating a lump in
the throat, leading to breathing and
swallowing diffculties. Iodine is also
needed for the brain development
in babies; this is backed up by Avon
Longitudinal Study of Parents and
Children (ALSPAC) who carried out
a study on 1000 pregnant women.
The study found that children whose
mothers were iodine defcient during
pregnancy had lower IQs than those
who had a suffcient iodine intake.
Iodine defciency in pregnant women
has also been linked to behavioural
problems and infant mortality.
In order to solve this problem in
the UK, some have suggested adding
iodine to table salt. However, the
UK government is concerned about
giving mixed health messages as
they aim to reduce salt intake. The
alternative is to add iodine to bread;
this has been proved to work in
Australia and New Zealand.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 17 The Stag | 19
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May 2014 Sci/Tech Editor: Siobhan Harris
The Brains Off-Switch
A
team of scientists from
Stanford University
have discovered how to
more easily switch off brain
cells something that could
help drastically improve the
treatment of epilepsy and other
hyper-excitability conditions.
Now Im pretty certain I
could have told them the off
switch for the brain can be
found about 1 hour 20 minutes
into a double lecture or after
the nth hour of revision; but, it
seems, there is a more scientifc
method.
In 2005, Stanford scientist
Dr Karl Deisseroth discovered
how to switch brain cells
on or off with light pulses
using special light sensitive
proteins, a process he dubbed
optogenetics. This process
has since been used all over the
world to study the vast array
of cells that can be regulated
by electrical signals (the
movement of ions across cell
membranes) such as heart cells
and stem cells.
Optogenetics has been a
powerful research tool to gain
a greater understanding of
biological systems. However,
frst-generation optogenetics
had one signifcant limitation:
its light sensitive proteins were
potent at switching cells on,
but less effective at turning
them off.
Now in a paper, published
in Science, Dr Deisseroths
team explain how they have
re-engineered their proteins
to switch off cells far more
effciently than before.
Something, Deisseroth says,
the feld has been waiting for a
very long time.
This almost-10-year
research effort began by
revealing the process by which
stimulating and inhibitory
signals are created by the light
sensitive proteins. It has to be
understood that the excitement
of a cell is caused by an increase
in positive ions within the cell
and inhibition an increase in
negative ions.
The team showed that
the excitory proteins were
able to open a channel in the
cell membrane, causing a
fow of positive ions into the
cell. However, the inhibitory
proteins were only able to
pump a single negative ion
into the cell for every photon
of light delivered. This is the
difference between a waterfall
and a dripping tap.
In 2012 the Stanford
team discovered how the
channels produced by the
excitory proteins were lined
with negative ions, which
attracted positive ions to
pass through the gap. This led
them to imagining a channel
of positive ions which would
attract negative ions into the
cell, thus causing inhibition.
Over the last couple of years
the team has changed 10 of the
300 amino acids that make up
the stimulating light sensitive
protein to realise this vision.
Turning off cells is now just as
easy as turning them on.
This novel research is
of great importance to the
biological and medical world.
Professor Merab Kokaia, PhD,
from Lund University hospital
in Sweden, who has used
optogenetics to study epilepsy,
is especially excited about the
discovery. He says this new
method could be much more
useful for behavioural studies
in animals but could also
become an effective treatment
alternative for neurological
conditions where drugs do
not work, such as some cases
of severe epilepsy and other
hyper-excitability disorders.
By Francesca Gillard, Science & Technology Team
A team of Stanford University scientists have discovered a potential
treatment for hyper-excitability conditions: an off switch.
Could also become
an effective treatment
alternative for neurological
conditions where drugs do
not work.
Floods Directly Linked
With Global Warming
W
eve just gotten over the wettest
winter on record since records
began in 1910, which saw a surge of
fooding across the nation. The foods
highlighted the threat of severe
weather conditions caused by climate
change and brought forward the
reality of an increasing risk of extreme
weather.
The records collected by the UK
Met Offce showed that the prolonged
rainfall was the worst since records
began, but scientists have worked out
that it was the wettest winter ever
in the worlds longest daily rainfall
record since 1767.
People have been cautious to point
a defnitive fnger at climate change,
but the suspicions that that is the case
have been probable. Professor Myles
Allen of the University of Oxford has
recently presented evidence for the
link between the foods and climate
change at a European Geosciences
Union (EGU) in Vienna. And the recent
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) report suggested that
the link could only be made modestly,
but that extreme weather events
should be expected in a warming
world.
Prof Allen and the team at the
University of Oxford carried out an
attribution experiment to test if, and
what, links could be made between
global climate change and local events
such as our UK foods. They compared
rainfall results from climate models
based on the current warmed climate
with results that were predicted for
a non-warmed world, the world we
would be in today if fossil fuels had
never been burned. Data was analysed
through a citizen science project that
remains active and available to see
at climateprediction.net, the worlds
largest climate modelling experiment.
Their results showed a small, but
measurable, difference between the
two worlds. The conclusion was that
the probability of extreme weather
events has increased with global
warming. Furthermore, the probability
of any weather fuctuation has risen to
one in 80 years whereas before it was
thought only one such event would
occur in 100 years. Basically, the risk of
extreme weather events like the foods
is greater than ever.
This is the frst quantitative study
of the role of climate change on the
2014 foods, according to Prof Allen.
However, examining weather events
past and present in order to identify
any link with a change in the climate is
a task that usually focuses on a specifc
region and season, and the results
from this one are only valid for the UK.
By Siobhan Harris, Science & Technology Editor
G
eorgia, Ukraine, where next? These
are the questions on everyones lips
as Russia lives up to its size and returns
to being the school bully at the edge of
Europe; asserting its power just because
it bloody well can!
Im not here to talk about that,
however it does bring up concerns that
have bubbled away at the surface of
Europes political problems for the last
decade: what are we going to do when
Russia eventually turns off the supply
of gas?
For the UK the majority of our coal
comes from Russia and with dwindling
gas reserves in the North Sea, we arent
in a great energy dependency
situation. That is why Boris Johnson, the
Mayor of London, announced plans for
Londons energy dependency.
The Mayors offce will act as an
energy supplier, receiving a junior
electricity license from Ofgem (energy
regulator) as part of a plan for London
to produce 25% of its energy by 2025.
Energy for London, as a similar syntax
as Transport for London (TfL), will
initially buy power from generators
already set up and use it to supply TfL
and the Metropolitan Police.
This will allow smaller energy
suppliers to compete for contracts
and allow low carbon, local energy
businesses to grow and lower Londoners
bills as well as carbon footprint. The big
six energy companies that have for-
so-long dominated energy supply in
Britain will fnally get a viable rival in
the market.
Currently on a placement year, I
live in London, specifcally East Ham.
From my experience so far in getting
around London and the huge scale of its
sprawling streets and terraced mazes,
I cant begin to imagine the amount of
power this city uses. 8 million people,
thousands of businesses and 100s of
kilometres of electrifed railway on
the underground show the scale of the
challenge proposed.
This proposal is welcome news in a
country where new energy proposals
are met with angry picketers (against
fracking) and the government is
cutting funding to several green energy
projects. I would like to think that their
target of 25% in 2025 was attainable but
the expansions and growth of London
makes me sceptical. I can only hope that
the rest of the UK will follow into a new
age of energy independence and reduce
our carbon footprint.
Boris has Energy Lightbulb
By Ben Hartfeld, Science & Technology Team
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FILM 18 The Stag | 19
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May 2014 flm@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Film
IMDb Top 100 Do You Agree?
I
cant be the only one who runs to IMDb for support when
choosing a flm to watch. In an attempt to avoid wasting hours
of my life watching terrible movies, checking out the rating it has
received by our trusted peers and critics is essential in fnding out
the score. But do we all agree with these ratings?
#59 (1999) American Beauty IMDb rates 8.4
By Sophia Field, Film Editor
W
ally Pfster makes his directorial debut with a
flm challenging the nature of technology and
humanity's relationship with it. It looks at what would
happen to a society where technology has superseded
humans. The flm follows Evelyn Caster (Rebecca Hall),
who uploads her husband - Dr. Will Caster (Johnny
Depp) to a computer after his assassination, in a bid to
save him. He goes on to form conficted relationships
with most other people.
Now, Transcendence has many faws, but its
sublime graphics and cinematography is not one of
them. The movie has the visual quality of all other
Nolan outings, but unfortunately, not their sharp
refnement. Conversely, the flm seeks to break great
philosophical ground, but it fails to even cover this
in depth. Additionally, its anti-technology argument
is never fully quantifed, but yet this is the position
that the flm seems to take. Furthermore, the flm has
more plot holes than swiss cheese, particularly with its
climatic, yet unfulflling, fnale. Essentially, a computer,
against everything said in the flm beforehand, makes
an emotional decision, which becomes its undoing. The
emotionlessness of the computer-leader was core to its
tyranny and humanity's fear of it, and in the end, the
flm seems to discard all it has established thus far for a
barely-emotive ending.
Moreover, Depp's character, after his uploading, goes
on to create his own remote city, a utopia of sorts, or if
you will, a dystopia. Unfortunately, this dystopia does
not feel particularly dystopic. The robot leader does
good, shows a loyalty to humanity and law enforcement,
helps the weak, and makes them strong, and not against
their will. Now, it doesn't seem to be making a bid
for power or world domination, but due to its lack of
emotion, it seems to have a problem with boundaries,
and as a result, humans feel threatened by him, and his
infnite capabilities. But, he has shown that he is willing
and able to learn. We, as an audience, do not really have
much to fear here. The infnite stakes mean that there
are no stakes.
From the actors, Depp is very rigid. Yes, this is
customary for a computer, but for such an ambitious
flm, it would have been fair to expect more on that
front. For instance, and for comparison, refer to
Fassbender in Prometheus. Rebecca Hall and Paul
Bettany are very natural in their roles, but they seem
to have more chemistry than Depp and Hall do, which
inadvertently undermines both relationships. Morgan
Freeman and Cilian Murphy are essentially supporting
roles, with not enough screen time or depth to grant
their characters any breadth to spread their wings.
Ultimately, with Transcendence, Pfster presents a flm
that wants to be pertinent, that wants to be discussed,
but unfortunately comes off as contrived, inaccessible,
and thus uninteresting and unsatisfying.
Transcendence (2014)
By Jim Onyemenam, Film Team
Whether you prefer Cannes, Hollywood or just your
local Odeon, we are looking for you! Get involved and
become part of The Stag, just by reviewing releases
new, old or obscure. Get in touch through:
flm@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Interested in flm?
D
irected by Sam Mendes, American Beauty acts as a vehicle to
dismantle the American Dream by encouraging us to look
closer at the goings on in a suburban neighbourhood. The story
revolves around the life of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a
seemingly ordinary middle aged man who has grown sick of his
wife, but stays with her for his daughter. The idea of a mid-life
crisis could come across as trite in a flm like this, but the extreme
psychological turmoil the character encounters, makes it unique.
He becomes obsessed with a friend of his teenage daughter, Angela
(Mena Suvari) and embarks on various dramatic life changes until
his character is almost unrecognisable. What makes this flm
so gripping is its ability to make the seemingly ordinary become
strange and sometimes frightening. Sam Mendes also uses the
colour red as a motif throughout the movie refecting passion
and sex, but also danger and murder. It stands out from the dull
colourings of the neighbourhood backdrop and draws the eye,
adding a sense of tension. American Beauty conveys a twist on the
conventional family, and whilst watching the characters implode is
uncomfortable, you cant look away. The flm is a commentary on
family, sexuality, love and hate, but the psychotic elements set it
apart, defnitely a must see from the top 100.
FILM 19 The Stag | 19
th
May 2014 Film Editor: Sophia Field
Television Corner
D
isregarding the obvious U.S sitcoms (Friends, The Big Bang Theory etc.) here are three other programmes that should come with a disclaimer for being highly addictive. You will fnd
yourself watching the frst episode, and then wake up 18 hours later, in a comatose sweat, trying to peel yourself off of your chair as the dying moments of the last episode fade out.
Top 3: Binge Watch Programmes
By Ben Hartfeld, Film Team
S
hort, sharp, funny and British! One of the fnest
examples of loving something because the characters
fail at life so spectacularly it makes whatever troubles you
come across fade into obscurity. If you havent seen The
Inbetweeners, youve been on an extended holiday for the
last few years, and if you have, you pick up on more gags
and awkward facial expressions every time you tune in.
Particular highlights are the Warwick trip episode, any
one that features Mr Gilbert and the series fnale; a 101 of
how not to go camping. Catch it on 4oD.
W
hether youve read the books or havent read the
books, it doesnt matter. This is a true testament
to brilliant TV-making. Like a mini flm, in every episode
you may not remember all the names, understand why for
an American show nearly all the cast are British but from
the amazing theme tune right through to the credits you
will glory in the expanse of the world and deep characters
and be blown away by the action and gore. This is the only
show where you literally could watch all 3 seasons back
to back whilst eagerly waiting for the next episode of the
fourth that are showing now. With summer approaching
I couldnt think of anything better to fll my time than 40
hours of kings, queens, dragons and armies! Catch it on
Sky Atlantic, Now TV or buy the Box sets.
A
new American sitcom that breaks the mould and
resolves to be funny frst and everything else second.
Set in a New York Police Precinct it features Jake Peralta as
a young talented detective who hasnt grown up, opposite
a new police chief, Sergeant Holt, who is so dead pan he
could be a waxwork. With each episode the jokes are non-
stop, hilariously crafted and intertwined with legitimate
NYPD action, shootings, robbery and arson all featured.
This would usually suggest a dark tone, more likely to
be found in a drama series, however it works perfectly.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the go to programme if you feel
a little down, like maybe youve dropped some sauce on
your new shoes. Catch it on e4 and 4oD for the full series.
The
Inbetweeners
Nine-Nine
Brooklyn
Thrones
Game of
F
or an actor, the one-man show is the scariest
- and most exciting - of prospects. In the last
year, there have been a few of them- the most
obvious being Sandra Bullocks turn in Gravity and
Robert Redfords lonely journey in All Is Lost. The
one-man show allows an actor to take centre stage
and showcase their skills in carrying a movie solo.
And that is exactly what Tom Hardy does.
Hardy has already proven his talents as an
actor time and time again, playing gargantuan,
theatrical personalities in movies such as Bronson
and The Dark Knight Rises. He is known for the
physicality he brings to his roles, but in Locke we
see him wind all that in and show us his abilities
on a smaller scale. Ivan Locke is, however, just a
little crazed. He is ruthlessly cold, controlling and
methodical in all aspects of his life. This works well
in his work, where he is clearly highly respected,
but goes down less well in his relationships.
He gives step-by-step instructions to pouring
concrete much in the same way as he tells his
wife he has fathered another womans child. The
only time Locke loses his grip on things is when
yells at the imaginary ghost of his late father in
an excessive misstep which protrudes garishly
from the flms otherwise minimalist approach.
In a flm which uses subtlety to build a picture of
a mans life through the duration of one fateful
car journey, this was an unnecessary and jarring
inclusion.
Where Locke succeeds most is in its ability
to paint a picture of Lockes life outside the car.
Through only Hardys dialogue with multiple off-
screen characters through his in-car phone calls,
we learn that Hardy is a man driving away from
everything he knows, and this fateful journey
is towards the birth of his illegitimate child.
Although visually constant, Locke succeeds in
using dialogue to build a complex and compelling
character, and we see each of the conficting
aspects of his life that he tries too hard to control.
Our tension builds with Lockes as he struggles to
keep each of these aspects in their boxes, yet they
reach up around him and soon he is overcome.
Within the space of one fateful car journey, Lockes
life falls apart- and its his fault entirely.
By Jordan Brackenbury, Film Team
Locke (2014)
LITERATURE 20 The Stag | 19
th
May 2014 literature@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Literature
Why men dont (but should) read
By Lauren Boland, Literature Team
A
fter a heated debate with my male
housemate, it was clear that young men
are less impassioned to read than women.
Upon further research this appears to be a
universal concept, with statistics stating that
men make up only 20 percent of novel readers.
But why do men read so little in comparison
to women? Is it the lack of male-centric novels
available or do men see reading as just a waste
of time? Reading fction enhances emotional
intelligence and offers a range of other
advantages to the male psyche. So why are
men so hesitant to engage with this form of
entertainment?
There is a wealth of sci-f, action and
thriller novels available, but none appear to
address contemporary issues that the male
reader engages with daily. In comparison
to the broad genre of womens fction that
speaks purely of the female experience, the
modern male experience appears to lack
consideration in novels. It appears this
shortage of commercial fction is the reason
men are restricted in the reading experience.
Furthermore, publishers are reluctant to
produce male orientated novels due to the
generalisation that men dont read, leading
them to believe they would not gain a proft.
It is a wide statement to make that men
dont read, however, this idea is being
interpolated and leading men to believe
that they cant. These societal assumptions
are manifesting themselves as real life
restrictions, and I believe men are missing
out on an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
It is true that many guys are more action and
adrenaline orientated and would rather be
playing sports, but I think everyone should
take a little time to themselves and escape
into a different characters world.
Reading is a form of relaxation, yet
requires patience and an emotional
investment in characters. Psychologists have
found that women are more empathetic than
men and possess a greater emotional range.
I believe these emotional traits are needed
to make fction more appealing, and lead to
a better emotional involvement in the story.
But, reading does open you to new ways of
thinking and can add to your knowledge of
different cultures and new ideas, which is
vital in enhancing your life experience and
understating. So why are men so reluctant to
try?
Ive heard guys say that they simply dont
know what genre of book they would even
consider, but I argue back that the only way
to overcome this obstacle is to try a range of
books and establish which genre suits you
best. It is this self-chosen ignorance that is
restraining men from opening themselves up
to a different form of entertainment. Stephen
King argues that books are a uniquely
portable magic. So, instead of returning back
to your social media and smartphone games
as a way to pass time, why not pick up a book
and take yourself out of your comfort zone.
Reading is supposed to be fun and is far from
a waste of time. Sadly, the novel is becoming
a less regarded form of entertainment, but
stories can be accessed on phones and other
technological outputs, so there is no excuse!
A few years ago, author Ian McEwan set
up his own social experiment regarding the
gender divide in the reading of fction. He
wandered around a London park handing
out free books to whoever he came across.
He documented that women were eager and
grateful, while men frowned in suspicion, or
distaste, further concluding in The Guardian
that when women stop reading, the novel
will be dead. This gendered fction gap is
an increasing problem, with men becoming
increasingly disinclined to read. Reading
comes with a range of benefts; it expands
your range of experiences, can widen your
vocabulary, and it can take you places you
dont have the time or money to visit, and
these experiences are easily accessible to all.
Scientists claim readers are more creative,
exercise better judgement and can understand
others emotions more deeply. These are
fundamental skills in navigating complex
social relationships in life. Fiction opens the
mind to new horizons and ideas and I strongly
urge more guys to take advantage of this form
of entertainment. As J.K. Rowling states If
you dont like to read, you havent found the
right book, so below I have constructed a list
of recommended authors, in the hope that you
fnd the right book for you.
Recommended authors:
David Gemmell
Sir Terry Pratchett
Richard Dawkins
Lee Child
Wilbur Smith
James Patterson
Linwood Barclay
Chuck Palahniuk
Stephen King
Fairy Tales
By Chlo Wenborn, Literature Team
F
airy tales, I am sure each and everyone
of you were read or told as a child
about beautiful princesses, who fall under
a sleeping curse or who are locked in a
tower and brave handsome princes who
come and rescue them with true loves
frst kiss. Although these tales are still
essentially the same, designed to tell our
young children about a moral message
they weren't always as disneyfed and
magical as we all remember them. One of
the largest collections of fairy tales have
been produced by the Brothers Grimm
who revealed the true nature of these
childhood tales. Many of the princesses
lost hands and fngers or were robbed
of their beauty and evil witches eating
children. If your interested just google
them and have a look.
Recommended
authors:

David Gemmell
Sir Terry
Pratchett
Richard Dawkins
Lee Child
Wilbur Smith
James Patterson
Linwood Barclay
Chuck Palahniuk
Stephen King
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LITERATURE 21 The Stag | 19
th
May 2014 Literature Editor: Shiri Shah
British vs American Language
By Emma Hawken
I
ve just come back from a holiday
in Orlando, Florida and while
I was there I couldnt help but
notice all the Americanisms that
litter their everyday conversation.
The main one being the overused
term awesome to describe even
the most mundane things, and
the constant well-wishing phase
that gets thrown back and forth
between Americans, have a great
day. One afternoon I was in the
supermarket choosing which milk
to buy behind the see-through
fridge door, and a guy standing
next to me even pointed out that
a certain brand of milk was a rad
choice. A rad choice?! So being
the shy British girl that I am, I just
nodded and quietly whispered
thanks while reaching around
the door to pick it up, now feeling
politely compelled to purchase his
preferred milk recommendation. I
know that there are a lot of strong
opinions by British journalists and
parents arguing that American
culture is too dominating on the
youth of British children with the
infuence of American television
and flms invading our culture.
Whether or not this is completely
true Im not sure, but I feel that,
from my experience, its not just a
one-way thing and that our culture
is infuencing theirs as well. On a
shopping trip with my sister while
we were away we went to the store,
American Eagle, and upon reaching
the till to pay we were drawn into
a conversation with the over-eager
shop assistant who, before we even
spoke, noted that the necklace
I had chosen was brilliant, a
traditionally British English
term. When we replied and she
recognised where we were from she
couldnt have been more excited
(much to my embarrassment) and
enthusiastically expressed her
desire to visit London. She asked us
lots of questions about the weather
and our seemingly quaint and
cute villages. I was half tempted to
offer her my fight home so that she
could fy to rainy and cloudy Britain
while I could stay in the blue skies
of sunny Orlando. Upon returning
home and having the fight back to
go over things, I think Ive decided
to leave the Americanisms safely
within the boundaries of US soil
and just stick to the ever faithful
British language Im so comfortable
and familiar with; however I might
try to adopt the Americans zealous
optimism and happiness within my
everyday life (even if it is overly
exaggerated). So Im warning you
now my friends, get ready for the
new and improved overly cheerful
Emma!
Bookslam: Londons best literary nightclub
A
nightclub for literature enthusiasts seems like
a stretch when theres no deep house or packed
bar. But in London, the eccentricity never seems
to end. For a while now, there has been a literary
nightclub in North London where writers and poets
come to speak, read, and perform for an audience
who are looking to unwind with a few drinks and
soak up the culture.
Featuring the likes of Irvine Welsh, Cailtin
Moran, and Amy Tan, there is always a vibrant
scene buzzing with intrigue and conversation.
Something you would expect from a quirky London
establishment.
Follow them on twitter at @bookslam or visit
their website at www.bookslam.com
By Shiri Shah - Literature Editor
C
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MUSIC 22 The Stag | 19
th
May 2014 music@thestagsurrey.co.uk
A
rmed with steaming coffee cups and
luxuriating in the cosiest section that
Guildfords high street Costa coffee parlour
has to offer, I took a leisurely caffeine pit
stop with Surrey based band, Magic Eight
Balls lead vocalist and guitarist, Baz Francis.
Amidst wafting aromas and the animated
bubble of coffee afcionados, Baz takes me
through the debut album, Sorry Were Late
But Were Worth the Wait, his excitement
at getting back into the studio for the
forthcoming second instalment, plans for a
Christmas number one and his must-have
desert island discs
The Stag: Baz, its great to be sharing a
coffee with you! First up, talk me through
the bands initial beginnings: how did you
forge your musical journey together?
Baz: Well, the band has gone through
a lot of line-up changes to date. Bassist,
Robbie and I have always held the core
though, having weathered many a change
and a gig. Its been a very revolving door
line-up, so to speak! We originally met in
the neighbourhood of Windsor, not exactly
the Detroid hood but close enough (laughs).
Robbie was originally in a covers band and
lived locally to me; as his covers band began
to dwindle away due to commitments in life,
we started to establish ourselves with some
initial shows and have been ambassadors of
Magic Eight Ball ever since!
TS: What are the essential thematic
elements to the music and lyrics?
B: Sometimes songs come in bouts or as
a whole; now, I fnd it a lot easier to write a
song as one. I always stop to think about the
texture and feeling of the song, forget chord
progression. Instead, what can I do to make
this sound the most euphoric? In terms of
lyrical theme, I always blurt out something
pertinent at that time, something funny,
stupid, crazy- deep - its like pulling a thread
and as you continue to unwind, eventually
you have your song.
TS: So, a second album is looming on
the horizon then?
B: Defnitely! We are heading into the
studio from Monday 5th May. Directionally,
the second release isnt going to be a concept
album. Almost every song relates to a
different romantic encounter, and Ive used
this motif of amusing run-ins as inspiration
for the rest of the repertoire.
As we only fnished the frst album last
year, in 2013, I have now really been writing
as much as possible for the second album.
I thrive off self-imposed deadlines, which
give you a real sense of purpose, enabling
ideas to remain fresh and avoid stagnation
at all costs. Fingers crossed, we are hoping
to have the album out in June, unless more
work is needed nearer the time.
TS: I hear that the new album will also
be coordinated by producer and mixer,
Dave Draper, who you were adamant to
have on board for the frst release, as well
as Jason Bowld on drums! Have you been
able to maintain a close relationship? Did
he have a big impact on the output of the
frst album, sonically speaking?
B: Thats right! We were recommended to
take the initial mixes to him, at his studios
in Worcestershire and began to discuss
changes and tweaks, with Daves oral stamp
added. We began to forge a great working
relationship, so much so that I havent
worked with anyone else since. Weve been
very grateful for Daves input, and instead
of resting on our laurels, I made sure we
booked him in immediately for the second
round of studio time!
TS: Has the debut been well received?
How have you felt about the reception of
fans and critics alike?
B: I think that overall, the reception has
been really humbling. A journalist from
Uber Rock voted it his best album of 2013,
even putting us above Black Sabbath and
The Wild Hearts! It was a very fattering
response for all of us. Its been enjoyed by
many and critiqued by some. I dont feel
intimidated by other bands out there and
feel our music is defnitely chard ready. It
would be great if the album continued to sell
well and its great that were still able to tick
boxes that we wouldnt have been able to
tick a few years ago.
TS: Are you working on any other
projects now and into the foreseeable
future?
B: Ive recently started recording with
my other band, known as Afterburn. Our
genre couldnt be more different from Magic
Eight Ball! Imagine 1980s Alice Cooper
colliding with Velvet Revolver and youd be
getting warm!
TS: Sources have told me that you
have been working on something festive:
a Christmas single to be exact. Would you
care to share more?
B: This will be a non-album track, with
a follow-up video to accompany its release.
The song will be called I Just Love You More
at Christmas and its going to be a punk pop
stomper!
TS: Planning on giving Simon Cowell a
run for his money then?
B: (Laughs) Totally. Its a one-off but we
hope it might become relevant, as a song
that can be played all year round!
TS: I know you have quite the adoring
fan club. How do you perceive yourself as
a performer?
B: Im a complete frontman (laughs).
Seriously, however, there are always the
bands which are recognised because
of the two guys up the front of the
stage. Nevertheless, some people arent
programmed to be show-offs like me
they want to just play the music and thats
fantastic. Im passionate about the music,
but equally as passionate as a showman.
TS: If you had to choose three songs to
take with you on a desert island, which
three tracks would you not be able to
survive without?
B: Ah. Number one, A Design for Life
by The Manic Street Preachers, probably
because its the reason I play guitar and sing
now. Its also a really stirring piece of music.
Secondly, I would have to go with Bohemian
Rhapsody by Queen. It is a song which has
every style of music within, mastered the
best ballad, combined with the best rock
riff, combined with the best opera. A lot of
music for your palate. Lastly, I would have to
pick, No Time for Tears by Alice Cooper a
really soulful jazz piece, originally recorded
for a Mae West movie. The softly sung vocals
and the notion that musicians never have
time to cry, has always resonated with me.
Whether on a desert island or populating
a city street, these lyrics have a universal
quality of restoring confdence and joy.
TS: Lastly, whats been your greatest
musical accomplishment to date?
B: Wow, thats a tough one. I will give
you two. Firstly, a live performance: I had
a gig with a band called Mansion Harlots
in 1988 and we did one gig when I was
seventeen and it was the frst time I played
my songs publicly with a band - and played
publically at all! I had never been so nervous
in my entire life. In the end, the outcome
was great, a real achievement to take a song
from my bedroom and offer it up to the great
British public.
Secondly, I think recording Magic Eight
Balls key demo in 2000, Before It Was
Murder, has been a real highlight, musically.
You feel a real array of emotional responses,
all in one go, which I guess enhanced the
disease within me to keep making music and
to aspire to communicate with what makes
me feel proud as a person. As both a musician
and human being, I am only trying to get on:
life is too short to accept anything less.
Keep your eyes peeled for a full length
review of the album in the next edition.
Find out more about Magic Eight
Ball on Facebook at www.facebook.
com/pages/Magic-Eight-Ball or Follow
them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/
magiceightball8/.
Music
Interviewing Magic Eight Balls Baz Francis
By James Campbell, Music Team
MUSIC 23 The Stag | 19
th
May 2014 Music Editor: Candice Ritchie
Razorlights Johnny Borrell hits The Boileroom
T
he Boileroom hosts a new indie project heralded
by Razorlights frontman, showcasing the EP tour
for Artifcial Night. A soulful performance, which
made for compelling viewing, with its fair share of
tambourines and tantrums.
Swaggering onto the stage with steely
concentration, Borrell and his band Zazou glided into
their positions, boasting an array of bushy beards, fat
caps, violins and banjos, on the day of the release of the
new EP - Artifcial Night.
Albeit famously outspoken whenever engaging
with the press as the shining star and frontman of
indie outft Razorlight, Borrell remained largely, and
at times, uncomfortably silent for a set which opened
with unchartered new material before swerving into
segways of former Razorlight hits.
The throbbing pulse of moody, voodoo blues was
the central focus of Zazous aesthetic, accentuated
by a band of multi-instrumentalists who effortlessly
faunted their musical talent, not only their onstage
panache.
It became clear, though, that a string section were
guided along with sheet music to follow the songs,
fnding themselves glued to Borrells next moves with
the assiduous concentration of a bomb disposal agent
faced with the choice of cutting the right wire.
Soon after, Borrells rapt focus was broken with an
abandoned rendition of Cyrano Masochiste, followed
by some ill-timed tambourine acrobatics, with Borrell
haphazardly finging the instrument at a misfring
violinist, accompanied by what sounded like a muffed,
yet petulant scolding from the singer. An ill-fated banjo
string break became the second source of annoyance
for the night as Borrell, who joked with the audience
through clenched teeth, was forced to abandon a new
number and instead resorted to another Razorlight
song.
However, brushing himself off and overcoming his
temporary tantrums, Borrell regained the previously
lighter mood of the night with an enjoyable version of
Man Gave Names to All the Animals by the artist he
once claimed to eclipse Bob Dylan. Next up, came
Razorlights In the City, which you cant help feel is an
almost copycat semblance of Van Morrisons Gloria,
in both structure and feel. The reception from the
medium-sized crowd seemed to do the trick though, as
after rapturous applause, Borrell brandished the frst
smile of the evening.
The night was in full swing by the time a series of
soulful songs, including Razorlights 60 Thompson and
The Camera Song, were met with laudable response.
Borrells ace for the night came in the form of fellow
collaborator and reggae trombonist Vin Gordon, known
for his work with Lee Scratch Perry, who swooped on
stage to bring the nights musical fnale to a head.
Despite Borrells clearly visible edginess and his
refusal to play an encore (much to the chagrin of the
enraptured gaggles of the audiences female makeup),
Zazou offered up a tangible musical feast for all palates,
on an otherwise fairly ordinary Monday night at the
Boileroom.
Check out Johnny Borrells rootsy solo endeavours
here: http://www.johnnyborrell.com/
By James Campbell, Music Team
A night with ACMs Hannah Dorman and fellow students
G
uildfords Academy of Contemporary Music has been
the starting point for many chart-toppers, with alumni
such as Newton Faulkner, Ted Dwane of Mumford & Sons,
three members of Lawson and the UK's 2014 Eurovision Song
Contest entrant, Molly Smitten-Downes. The academy was
also involved with BBC documentary 'The School that Rocks',
and with such a portfolio, their talented artists had to be
reviewed.
So The Stag headed to the Boileroom for Hannah Dorman's
'Do You Wanna Play' EP
Launch, supported by fellow
ACM students Martha Paton
and Following Foxes.
Martha Paton opened the
gig and, though it must be
admitted that it took a while
for the crowd to settle down,
her angelic voice pierced
through. She sung a number
of her own songs, including
'Fickle Friend', 'My Foolish
Thief', 'Poisonous Jack', 'Your
Body' and her bubbly ukulele
song As We Go.
As Marthas talent
gleamed, it wasnt hard to
see why she was the winner
of ACM's song writing
competition 2013. Her video
'As We Go' and EP 'a suitcase
full of stones' are available for
download now.
Next up were Following
Foxes and though it was their
frst gig, it certainly didn't seem so. The four-piece band,
made up of Gid Sedgwick, George Marriott, Alex Hill and
Steve Price, rocked the stage with a great vibe, playing songs
which had hints of Rock and Folk infuences. They graced us
with their songs 'Almost Lose It', ballad 'Mother, Brother' and
others, with the band expressing true emotion through each
note, and lead vocalist Gid with every lyric. Their frst single
'Almost Lose It' is now available to download for free on their
Facebook page.
It was then time for the main act of the night, Hannah
Dorman, to grace the stage. A curly mane of hair and a
friendly personality is not all Hannah has to offer.
After fst-pumping her band, comprising of Mike Chapman,
Sam Beattie and Steve Price, the UK country-rock star owned
the stage, performing songs from both her previous and
her recent EP. Songs included Words, 'Here We Are Again',
One Thing' and 'Bring It Back', and the catchiness of all had
the audience moving along with the beat (including me).
Integrating amazing covers of her inspiration KT Tunstall's
Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, Ed Sheeran's Sing, and
Disclosure's 'White Noise', Hannah wowed the audience with
an amazing performance, adding her own slight twist to each
of the songs.
Since the age of three, Hannah Dormans love for music
and performance has grown, with her constantly wanting to
hit a higher note, and the release of her third EP is evidence
of her future to come. Her songs are derived from her
experiences and views, looking at other people's lives and
being honest with her music and fans.
She aims to show people that it is possible to work from
the ground up to get where you need to be, and says that it
is not about having the best qualities, but working hard to
achieve them.
So whats next in the future for Hannah? Well, she
mentioned more gigging, radio play and to continue sharing
the message to believe in our own ability, and take negatives
as a positive, you may be rejected, but use it as a driving force,
and develop a thick skin to be able to use it as constructive
criticism'.
Do You Wanna Play? I think in the case of Hannah
Dorman's EP... Yes we do.
Catch her new EP 'Do You Wanna Play' on iTunes and
Spotify, or on Brooklands radio on 8th June and the Hot Vox
Presents: The Workshop, London on 19th June.
By Elizabeth Kadie Tyvesse, Music Team
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DANCE & THEATRE 24 The Stag | 19
th
May 2014
Dance & Theatre
Puppetry
By Andy Plom, Dance & Theatre Team
O
n May 7th 2014, University of Surrey was gifted
with one of its most fantastic and innovative
performances of its time. PATS Dance Studio played
host to Blind Summits The Table, a masterclass in
puppeteering, comedy and storytelling. The audience
was introduced to Moses, a 60cm puppet, complete
with cardboard face and rather comically, retractable
hands! Moses aim was simple, he wanted to tell the
story of the Moses and the Israelites but he found
himself distracted on multiple occasions, even at one
point picking a woman in the front row who seemed to
take his fancy! One Theatre Studies Student had this to
say on the production:
This was an insightful introduction into the world
of puppetry
For many students, this was their frst exposure
to puppetry and it seems to have become the start
of a very beautiful relationship. For a lucky group
of 12 Theatre Studies students, a 4 hour intensive
workshop on the craft of puppetry was given by Sean
Garratt, who was a part of the performance team for
The Table. This masterclass was invaluable to the
students on this degree; Sean was inspiring, engaging
and truly a master of his craft. The students left with
a fantastic foundational knowledge of puppetry, it was
incredible to see how much could be achieved in just 4
hours. One Student commented: It was amazing to see
how a series of deftly movements resembled a living,
breathing being.
Puppetry deserves a podium in the halls of theatre
and companies like Blind Summit are doing incredible
work to preserve and develop this craft by inspiring
minds of all ages to engage in deeply exciting work.
WHAT IS GSA UP TO?
I
nterested in theatre? Ever wondered what GSA gets up to? Well look no further! Here you have a list of all the
amazing shows they are putting on right here in Guildford!
GRADUATE DANCE
DEGREE SHOW
I
t is tradition for the fnal year
dance students to present
their work at the end of the year
in what is called the graduate
degree show. On Wednesday
the 11th of June, 30 students get
together and showcase all their
hard work and talent. Varying
from styles like ballet and
contemporary, to Kathak and
African peoples dance. Not only
do they perform, but also present
what their course has consisted
of and what it is that they have
learnt over the past years. It is
the perfect opportunity to see
the next generation of young
artist and choreographers before
they embark on their exciting
careers.
If you are up for a night of
fun, creativity and amazing
talent, dont forget to come along
to this special event at 7:30 in
PATS Dance Studio!
TABLE - The Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre 29
th
- 31
st
May 2014
LIGHT SHINING IN BUCKINHAMSHRE - The Ivy Studio 29
th
- 31
st
May 2014
THE ACCRINGTON PALS - The Electric Theatre 29
th
- 31
st
May 2014
THE MEMORY OF WATER - The Electric Theatre 5th - 7th June 2014
GRADUATE THEATRE
FINAL PERFORMANCES
W
ith the end of the year
soon approaching,
Surrey theatre students will be
performing a fnal production of
their work at the Ivy Arts Centre.
The group has been divided in
to two, in order to showcase
two performances; Fen and A
Midsummer Nights Dream.Fen
is set against the bleak landscape
of the Fenlands, where men and
women are tested against bitter
labour and economic oppression.
Its a mysterious play presenting
a feminist-social perspective
of women and labour. The play
focuses of Val, a feld worker who
eventually makes the decision
the leave her job, her husband
and her children in order to
try and reclaim happiness
elsewhere. The story questions
the cyclical lifestyle of the Fen,
not only for Val, but for all
generations and portrays Vals
struggle to fnd happiness as she
tries to choose between her lover
and her children. Performances
of Fen will be running alternately
alongside the Shakespeare classic,
A Midsummer Nights Dream
form the 5th until the 7th of June.
6 = adults
4 - concessions
2 - students
8 = adults
6 - concessions
2 - students
Second year actors present Table, an epic tale of belonging, identity and the things we pass on.
Shows are at 7.30 every evening, and there is a matinee performance at 2.30 on Saturday.
Second year actors explore the spirit of revolution and upheaval of England at the end of the 1940s.
Shows every evening start at 7.30, including a matinee on Saturday at 2.30.
Students present a play written by Peter Whelan, which highlights the pity of war.
Shows are on every evening at 7.30, including a matinee on the Saturday, at 2.30.
An Olivier award winning comedy, on the nature of family and memory, presented by GSA students.
Shows begin at 7.30 each evening, with a matinee performance on the Saturday afternoon, at 2.30.
SOCIETIES 26 The Stag | 19
th
May 2014 societies@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Societies
Guildford Pool
Marathon
A
long, sleepless weekend
scheduled to begin at 9 AM on
Saturday 10th May was delayed by
almost an hour due to a ridiculously
timed frst night-out of the semester
for Master's student, Chris Lucas.
Four University of Surrey students
then began 36 hours of pool, led by
'fans favourite' Gurpal Cheema who
suffered a humbling 18-3 loss on
Saturday morning. Despite what he
described as a 'soul destroying defeat'
he came back to record his frst
'break and dish' that afternoon (a
feat of winning a frame without your
opponent taking a shot), and despite
frequent bouts of narcolepsy reached
Sunday night unscathed. It may all
sound like fun-and-games, but with
pain and tiredness impacting all of
those that took part I can guarantee it
was worth the almost 1000 donated
so far. Thanks to all those that
completed, supported and donated
and any more donations towards
Great Ormond Street Hospital and
the Cystic Fibrosis Trust would be
massively appreciated. Visit : http://
goo.gl/bAfdgv
Behind the scenes at Colours Ball
U
niversity of Surrey Stage Crew were for another
year instrumental in preparing the Epsom
Downs Racecourse for the Union Colours Ball 2014;
our prestigious sports award evening. The crew on
hand saw old and current crew coming together,
organised by Richard Hoare, to put on a fabulous
professional production. Work had started months
before in the initial planning meeting where
the theme and initial schedule are created and
continued up to a week before the event when the
equipment was sorted and prepared. This involves
building a mock set in Rubix, marking and colour
coding everything so when it comes to the setup
at Epson Downs Racecourse, everything can be
put together effciently. On the Thursday evening,
an Artic Lorry and a seven-and-a-half tonne van,
driven by stage crew's very own secretary Rob
Sherry and technical manager Ian Lipp, were
loaded. Starting at 6 AM on the Friday, a team of
over twenty crew work on building the setup.
Everything in the roof is built on ground level,
then 14 chain hosts lift the truss holding over 100
lighting fxtures and sound system into the roof.
By the end of Friday the stage, lighting and video
is complete, just leaving the sound and entrance
lighting to be done on Saturday along side dress
rehearsals. An incredibly talented team of stage
crew operate sound, lights, video, pyrotechnics and
stage management though out Colours Balls until 2
AM when all is packed away and loaded into trucks
over night. As the sun began rising on Sunday
morning, the loaded trucks were en route to Rubix
to be unpacked ready for another event that day. By
midday, the crew were heading home to catch up
on sleep after a 30 hour day. A big thanks need to go
to technical manager Ian Lipp - without him, this
spectacular event would not be possible.
By Jon Grilli, USSU Stage Crew Treasurer
By Gearoid Coleman, Societies Team
What are your societys biggest achievements this
year? We are always looking to hear from you,
contact alice@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Write about your society
SOCIETIES 27 The Stag | 19
th
May 2014 Societies Editor: Alice Wilkinson
T
his year has been a busy one for LitSoc.
Committed to making Surrey a fantastic
place to study English, we have kept English
students and literature lovers happy putting
on more events than ever. Here are our
highlights.
Cocktails and champagne were fowing in
the Universitys Great Hall as played host to
LitSocs The Great Gatsby Ball on 5th April.
Inspired by Scott Fitzgeralds 1925 novel and
the recent flm adaptation, appropriately
suavely-dressed students from across the
University celebrated in the style of the
Jazz Age with the (slightly wooden) man
himself, Leonardo DiCaprio. The Universitys
jazz band set the sophisticated tone for the
night playing 1920s music, including a cover
of Beyoncs Crazy in Love as it features in
the flm. Luxurious chocolate fountains and
canaps added to the decadence, making a
change from the typical student post-night-
out kebab. As the debauchery of the Jazz Age
came into effect, DJ Fauxlo matched the vibe
with an electro-swing set that brought the
sound of the night into 2014.
Later in the year, LitSoc organised the
Literature Careers Fair; an incredibly valuable
event giving the Universitys current English
students opportunity to gain an insight
into the world of literature-related careers.
In conjunction with the FAHS department
and the Careers Service, the event staged
presentations on a range of different felds
of employment such as education, publishing
and management. Among them were Myriad
Publishing, St. Marys University, and the
Weydon School i 2 i partnership, giving
students plenty of inspiration for life after
graduation. After a successful year USSU
LitSoc will be looking forward to welcoming
another year of freshers after the Summer!
LitSocs lovely year
by Leo Blanchard, Societies Team
O
n Thursday 8th May, your Uni
Boob Team took the boobs to
guildford town. Admittedly we recieved
some pretty strange looks from the
unsuspecting shoppers, but it was worth
it to spread the boob love!
Our mission? To get to LK Bennett
without being groped. We joke, of course,
but we were aiming for LK Bennett. The
designer shoes, bags and clothing store
held a Fashion Show in aid of CoppaFeel!
and we were invited to go along with the
boobs! In conjunction with Rigby and
Peller, renowned lingerie stylers, the
store modelled their fabulous collections
catwalk-style and offered 25% off that
evening in store. We went along to speak
a little about what we do, what the charity
is all about, and why it is SO IMPORTANT
for everyone to check their boobs. It was
a fabulous fundraising event, and a nice
outing for the boobs too!
As a special treat for everyone in
the run up to exam period, your Uni
Boob Team are hosting 'Time For Tea' on
WEDNESDAY 28TH JUNE at 12 mid-day.
Get yourself over to Firs room in Wates
house for Tea, coffee, cake and boob chat!
We'd love to see you there, and its the
perfect opportunity to chill out before
the stress of exams hits us all! To fnd
out more, 'like' us on facebook (www.
facebook.com/CoppaFeelUniS), follow us
on twitter (@UBTSurrey), email us (ussu.
coppafeel@surrey.ac.uk) or check out our
page on the union webiste (ussu.co.uk -
search for CoppaFeel!).
And don't forget guys.... Check those
Boobs! - Boob Love (.)(.) X
The boobs are busy!
by Lauren Parker, President of CoppaFeel!
SPORT 28 The Stag | 19
th
May 2014 sport@thestagsurrey.co.uk
T
he NFL Draft can be an exciting time for
any fan of the sport, as its the occasion
where the fnest athletes of college football
are hand chosen over seven rounds by the 32
teams of the NFL.
The draft is undoubtedly a life changing
event for any young player, but for none
no more so than the defensive lineman
Michael Sam. Last February, Sam publically
announced he was gay. If drafted, he would
become the frst openly homosexual man in
the NFL: he stated I just want make sure I
can tell the story the way I want to tell it, I
just want own my truth; of course preferring
to announce it on his own terms rather than
leaving it to the potentially malicious hands
of the American media, who could spin it in
the direction they saw ft. Its important to
note that Sam went out of his way to hide
his sexuality, so it was important to beat the
media to the punch.
Television networks frequently set-
up cameras in the homes of high profle
players in order to televise nationwide their
reactions. Upon receiving the news that
he would be playing for the St. Louis Rams,
Michael, in the presence of his loved one was
moved to tears. In this perfect moment, a
tender kiss was exchanged and the touching
moment was broadcast on ESPN. It is this
kiss which caused a media frenzy and
powerful backlash across organised and
social media. Miami Dolphins player Don
Jones tweeted the single word: Horrible
(who was appropriately fned by his team
and ordered to undergo classes). Former
college level basketball player Marshall
Henderson posted: Boycotting sportscenter
till this Michael Sam nasty a** s*** is off.
#SICKENING. This was followed by a series
of amusing tweets where he feebly attempted
pass it off to as a social experiment.
These are a small sample of the negative
comments posted by people with a loud
presence online, many others sadly share
these same views. Typically, the Westboro
Baptist Church members and fundamental
Christians had something to say on the
matter. But opinions were predominately
positive; his new team mates along with other
major NFL starts gave him a warm welcome
on twitter, along with President Barack
Obama and several other celebrities who
praised him for his honesty and courage.
The 6ft 2, 260lb defensive wall was tipped
by pundits and analysts to be snapped up late
3rd or early 4th round, in the mock draft
prior to this announcement. However, soon
after this the revised estimates by experts
concluded that he would be likely recruited
in the 5th round. The sad reality is that
ultimately the University of Missouris MVP
was not selected until the fnal round.
Head coaches and talent scouts of the
teams who passed on him would be quick
to defend themselves, pointing out that this
late selection was down to his unremarkable
performance in the Combine (where
prospective players perform a variety of
tests to assess their strength, speed, agility
and ftness overall). Yet this still raises an
eyebrow given that Sam was co-winner of the
South Eastern Conference Defensive Player
of the Year Award and this is the lowest pick
any winner of this award has ever achieved.
Regardless of statistics, a good coach would
always factor in their playing talents,
instinct and vision, so it goes without saying
that their loss is the Rams gain.
Sams life is truly a success story: starting
out as water boy his sophomore year,
working his way up through high school
until receiving numerous scholarship offers
upon graduating. He would become the
frst person in his family to graduate from
higher education, struggling with a diffcult
upbringing. His older brother was shot dead
at 15, another brother would go missing on
his way to work and two of his brothers would
ultimately be incarcerated. Speaking on the
matter, he said: there were some hardships,
some tragedies and some adversity telling
the world that Im gay is nothing compared
to that.
This, of course, a marks a milestone
in the societal perception of athletes, and
will hopefully inspire both this, and the
next generation of gay athletes not to fear
being open about their sexuality. Michael
Sams strong will and actions have served
as a litmus test for America. The results
will always throw out a few outliers, but the
overall results are promising.
Sport
Michael Sam makes kisstory
By Santiago Avils, Sport Editor
Louis van Gaal and the Future of Man United
By Elizabeth Kadie Tyvesse, Sports Team
W
ith speculation over who Manchester
United's future manager was going to
be since David Moyes sacking last month,
several names were thrown into the pot,
including Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti and
the interim manager Ryan Giggs. It seems
that Louis van Gaal is to be announced as the
new manager, and if he does get the position,
what can the 62 year old bring to Man U?
Originally starting as a player for the
second team at Ajax, he fnally got his
chance to become a manager for the team
in 1991, a successful term that earned him a
knighthood in the order of Orange-Nassau, an
honour reserved for those who have earned
special merits for society. The Amsterdam-
born manager has also gained other awards
and achievements throughout his career
including World Soccer Manager Of The Year
and German Manager Of The Year.
The lows of his career include being
sacked twice; once after only half a season
when managing Barcelona for the second
time, and also whilst serving Bayern Munich.
The Dutchman defnitely outlined that he
was not a man for players to take lightly,
as he proved to the players of Bayern when
he dropped his trousers during training to
demonstrate that he could just as easily 'drop
any member of the team'. He is also known for
his point-blank responses and disagreements
with the press which he articulated when he
left Barca in 2000 saying 'Amigos de la prensa,
Yo me Voy, Felicidades' when translated
meaning Friends of the press, I am leaving,
congratulations. His most recent refusal to
answer questions from the press about the
prospects of taking over as Man U manager
at the pre-World Cup press conference has
also caused quite a stir, though he did say
that we would have to wait until the process
is fnished, question Manchester United - or
perhaps another club, I cannot say anything
further about it.
With 23 years of management under
his belt for clubs, van Gaal is recognised for
his hands on approach. He prefers a high
defensive line and is generally considered
a slow starter, due to players needing time
to learn and adapt to his specifc attacking,
technical and tactical philosophy, this
has proved successful for him, winning
leagues late on in the season. However this
is the English Premier League, the most
competitive league in the world and when
manager sacking is at an all-time high,
establishing a dominant presence early on in
the season is vital and Man U cant afford to
lose easy points: the shareholders of the $2.8
billion dollar company would not be pleased.
His style of management has benefted his
teams on most occasions, having lead Ajax to
win the UEFA champions league, Barcelona
to win La Liga twice and the UEFA super cup
for both Ajax and Barcelona.
With United failing to qualify for the
UEFA Champions League, let alone the UEFA
Europa League, van Gaal's leadership is
much needed. With United about to lose key
players like Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic
and possibly even Evra, he needs to not only
implement his tactics as fast as possible (a
task not helped by the strain the World Cup
may take on some players) but also rebuild
and rejuvenate the ageing team and who
better to help than Ryan Giggs as his side
right hand man?
The Netherlands national manager has
mentioned the huge role Giggs has had at
Manchester and gone on the record as liking
to keep one coach from the existing staff,
as he did with Herman Kerland at Bayern
Munich. He has also considered maintaining
fellow countryman and ex-Fulham boss:
Rene Meulensteen on the coaching staff. And
though many diehard fans wanted to see
Giggs keep the job, it will be relieving to see
him stay longer and gain experience.
All in all, there are many expectations and
improvements that need to be done to ensure
the Red Devils make a powerful comeback,
and as for the hunt for the next person to fll
in Fergies shoes... we will be watching Louis
van Gaal, hoping that he has learned from his
Scottish predecessors mistakes.
C
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Newspaper of the students of the University of Surrey Issue 72 Monday 19th May 2014

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