The Stag - Issue 34

Published on June 2016 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 94 | Comments: 0 | Views: 905
of x
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content


STUDENT MEMBERSHIP JUST £195 PER YEAR!
[email protected] | surreysportspark.co.uk | T:01483 689111
NEWS 3 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011
listing and improved ranking) is
down to the University’s unrivalled
track record in employability as
well as student experience. The
Sunday Times names Surrey as
‘The University for Jobs’.
The University has also been
shortlisted for the Times Higher
Award for ‘Most Improved Student
Experience’, which was based on
the results from an anonymous poll
on the opinions and experiences of
current students.
Alastair McCall, Editor of The
Sunday Times University Guide,
said: “Surrey’s short-listing for The
Sunday Times University of the
Year award is a recognition of its
achievements not just this year but
over many years. It has a record
for graduate employment second
to none in England, producing
graduates with the employability
X Factor.”
“A sustained period of campus
investment has given Surrey
student facilities to rival any in
Britain, providing the platform
from which the University can go
on to achieve at an even higher
level.”
Prof. Christopher Snowden,
Vice-Chancellor of the University
commented: “We are thrilled to
be recognised with the dramatic
rise in the Sunday Times League
Table and making the shortlist for
University of the Year. That Surrey
has climbed up all the leagues
tables this year – The Guardian, The
Times, The Complete University
Guide, The National Student Survey
(NSS), QS World Rankings and now
the Sunday Times – is indicative of
the hard work and dedication of
all staff and students in ensuring
that we strive to provide the best
Higher Education experience.”
T
he Coalition Government plans
to introduce early redemption
penalties for student loans. These
charges are intended to affect
graduates on a high income or
those making large repayments.
The thinking behind the
charges is that the government
will be able to recoup some of the
money lost through non-payment
of interest. However, reports
suggest that the sums raised will
be small relative to the costs and
it will add an unnecessary layer of
complexity to the loan system.
The report: Early Repayment of
Student Loans: Should Government
Impose Early Repayment Penalties?
suggests that debt aversion not
alûuence is the biggest cause ol
early repayments, most of which,
it has been found, are small and
made by relatively poor graduates,
who will not be affected by the
proposed penalties.
The report also points out
that the people the government
is hoping to charge (the very rich)
will often pay their university fees
upfront, bypassing the student
loan system altogether.
Tim Leunig and Gill Wyness,
authors of the ‘Early Repayment
of Student Loans...’ report, said:
“Introducing a system of early
repayment penalties lor alûuent
graduates, or those who pay off
large chunks of their loans, is
crazy.”
“If the government wants to
protect the progressivity of the
student loan system, it should
actively discourage low income
graduates from making early
repayments, since they will almost
always lose out from doing so.”
By Jyoti Rambhai, News Editor
Government to hit students
with early payoff penalty?
©

E
d
g
e

F
o
u
n
d
a
t
i
o
n
Vinistcr cj 5tatc jcr 0nivcrsitics anJ 5cicncc, uaviJ wi||cts: 1nc 6cvcrnmcnt nas ccmc unJcr jrc jrcm a |iucra| tnink-tank
jcr ccnsu|tin¡ cn tnc pcssiui|ity cj an car|y paymcnt pcna|ty jcr stuJcnt |cans.
T
he long awaited University-
led redesign of the road
junction between the Sports
Park, Research Park, Tesco and
the Royal Surrey County Hospital
is now under way and is intended
for completion in July 2012.
Planning permission has
been granted and loggers have
cut down many of the trees
bordering the Sports Park’s lower
rugby pitch in anticipation of a
widening of Egerton Road.
According to the plans,
approved by Guildford town
planning department, the
existing roundabout will be
demolished to make way for a
widened crossroads, controlled
by tralûc lights and leeder roads.
A spokesman for the
University said, “The junction
is substandard from the
perspective of both safety for
pedestrians and cyclists as well
as capacity for vehicles. The
application was made to resolve
all issues. The [2009/10] Student
Union President, Elizabeth
Simos supported the application
on behalf of the Union on the
grounds of safety – the Union
helped in driving this through
planning … for which we are
grateful.”
Last academic year, former
Union President Malcolm
Hunt submitted a letter to the
planning process, arguing that
the University’s plans would
lead to much greater safety for
students who were approaching
the Sports Park or Tesco on foot.
The Highways Agency has also
conûrmed, in a letter, a beliel
that the new system will ease
congestion between the Research
Park and the A3.
This map of the new, safer road layout shows the Royal Surrey County Hospital
at tcp-|cjt, tnc 5pcrts íark a|cn¡ tnc ucttcm anJ 1cscc cjj tc tnc tcp-ri¡nt.
Sports park / Tesco junction gets
long awaited safety overhaul
By Jack White, Editor
T
he University of Surrey
received a vast number of
applications this year and as a
result was only able to offer a
very limited number of places
to students applying through
clearing.
A spokesperson for the
University also stated that these
spaces were competitive and
individuals would have needed
to be highly qualiûed.
Since the news came that
Universities were set to increase
their entry fees for undergraduate
students as from 2012, there has
been a signiûcant increase in the
number of applicants than in
recent years.
The number of applications
UCAS received this year rose by
approximately 10,000. This has
been attributed to the increase
in fees, and has led to tough
competition between applicants,
as only those with the highest
grades were able to secure a place
at their ûrst choice Lniversity.
By Sophie Howard, News Team
High fees mean more applications
C
o
u
r
t
e
s
y

o
f

U
n
i
v
e
r
s
i
t
y

o
f

S
u
r
r
e
y
Surrey up twenty in league
...Continued from front page
1ncsc 0cA5 j¡urcs sncw ncw app|icaticns tc 5urrcy navc skyrcckctcJ
NEWS 4 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011 [email protected]
F
or the last twenty years
Michel Harper has been the
owner of the Casino nightclub, in
Guildford City Centre.
Since 1991, Mr Harper has
reincarnated the venue several
times, ûrst known as 1he
urink, then larpers and ûnally
changing its name to Casino
in 2009. Despite this, Stephen
Thomas, who has taken over the
lease has pledged to ‘revitalise
the venue’ that seems to be ‘stuck
in the 90s’.
Mr Thomas is the former
chief executive and founder
of Britain’s biggest nightclub
operator, Luminar, and the chief
executive of No Saints, which
owns the lease for the club. He
plans to make it a ‘quality venue
that Guildford deserves’.
The club will keep the name
Casino for now, but Mr Thomas
plans to change it come January,
along with the neon signage. He
also plans to ask its potential
customers what sort of nightclub
they want and hopefully create a
new image for the club.
‘Seedy’ Casino club
under new ownership
By Jyoti Rambhai, News Editor
T
he University’s Labour society,
Surrey Labour Students, will
be launching its campaign for
2011/12 at Freshers’ Fayre on
30
th
September. The campaign
will call on both the University of
Surrey and the Students’ Union to
become Living Wage employers:
offering all employees a wage of at
least £7.20 per hour regardless of
the work they carry out.
Dan Stevens, a second-year
Politics student, Labour councillor
in Epsom & Ewell and the Chair of
Surrey Labour Students said, “given
the tough economic conditions
faced by millions under the
Coalition Government, we believe
that the University should become
a role model to local businesses by
seeking accreditation as a Living
Wage employer.”
“Students working at the
8tudents' Lnion would beneût
massively from a Living Wage, as
would low-paid workers, such as
cleaners or security personnel, who
are employed by the University. It
can be incredibly expensive to live
in the local area – with Guildford
rated the fourth most expensive
student town in the UK – and we
feel that the University should do
its bit in promoting a strong local
economy.”
“Adopting the Living Wage
would also beneût the employers:
accredited organisations are
proven to attract a higher quality
of staff, to retain their services for
longer, and to have better staff
satisfaction rates. Such a move
would have relatively little impact
on the Lniversity's stalûng budget,
but would signiûcantly improve
the quality of life of its staff.”
There are currently over 100
accredited businesses in the UK,
including global businesses such
as Barclays and KPMG. The Living
Wage Campaign is run by Citizens
UK and is supported by the Labour
Party.
To sign a petition calling on
the University and the Students’
Union to become Living Wage
employers, please visit the Surrey
Labour Student’s stall at Freshers’
Fayre. You can also ‘Like’ the
society’s Facebook page for more
information.
Surrey Labour Students set to launch
local campaign for the Living Wage
By Surrey Labour Students
F
iles show that almost three-
quarters of all those charged
over the riots that took place in
August already had a criminal
record.
Olûcial statistics were
published on Thursday 15th
September, showing that 73%
of those charged had previously
been convicted of another crime
and one third ol that ûgure have
served a prison sentence. Of those
convicted, individuals had been
charged with an average of 15
offences each.
Statistics also show that the
police have been much more
rigorous on partakers in the
London riots – of the 176 people
jailed so far, the sentences given
have been on average 60% longer
than normal. In addition 43% of
those sentenced have been sent
to jail, compared with the usual
average of 13%.
This tougher punishment has
been used in the hope that in the
future, young people will deter
from committing such crimes, and
thus crimes of this nature can be
prevented.
By Sophie Howard, News Team
Tougher punishments for
those involved in riots
S
amsung, a presenting partner
of the Olympic Torch Relay,
has opened up a nomination
process at the University of
8urrey to ûnd inspiring young
students who will be given the
chance to carry the Olympic
Flame in the London 2012
Olympic Torch Relay.
In celebration of the London
2012 Olympic Torch Relay,
Samsung will create a unique
Torchbearer nomination
programme which will reûect
the core values of the Olympic
movement and the rich heritage
of the institution.
Through the programme
both students and members of
staff will be nominated to be a
torchbearer for the relay. The
successful nominees will be part
of the Olympic Torch Relay which
starts on 19
th
May in Lands End.
8,000 inspirational Torchbearers
will pass the Olympic Flame as it
makes its way around the UK on
its 70 day journey.
Vice-Chancellor at the
University of Surrey, Professor
Christopher Snowden said: “The
University of Surrey is delighted
to be working with Samsung
to make the most of this great
opportunity for our students and
staff. In the coming weeks, we
will be putting this programme
to good use and nominating
students and staff who have
demonstrated excellence in
their work place, area of study or
extra-curricular activities.”
Managing Director of
Samsung Electronics (UK&I),
David Song comments: “London
2012 is focused on encouraging
young people to take up sport.
Building upon our long term
partnership with the higher
education sector in the UK, and
as a Presenting Partner of the
London 2012 Olympic Torch
Relay, it was only natural to work
with universities to ûnd london
2012 Torchbearers. We are keen
to share Samsung’s passion
for the Olympic Games with
students and are conûdent the
universities will nominate those
that always go the extra mile, to
make London 2012 an Olympic
Games for everyone.
The University of Surrey is
one of the 31 establishments
in the UK that have been
approached by Samsung to
promote the nomination process.
All the nominations will be
co-judged by Samsung and
University representatives with
names being put forward to the
London Organising Committee of
the Olympic Games (LOCOG) by
the end of October.
Also an Award Ceremony
will be held in December 2011 to
recognise the students and staff
members who have participated
in the programme from all 31
educational establishments and
have been nominated as the
London 2012 Torchbearers.
Ncminaticns can uc suumittcJ
cn|inc at survcy.surrcy.ac.uk/s1/
olympictorch and are open to all,
regardless of physical or sporting
aui|ity.
The deadline for receipt of
nominations is 12 noon on Monday
1
rd
octcucr.
By Jyoti Rambhai, News Editor
Samsung runs contest to
âa4 0|ymp|t tettb beotet
The Living Wage campaign in London has awarded several 1994 Group universities in London with Living Wage Employer
status. 1nc 0nivcrsity cj 5urrcy is a !--! 6rcup instituticn tnat Jccs nct yct navc its cwn íivin¡ wa¡c pc|icy.
NEWS 6 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011 [email protected]
T
he Setsquared start-up
company, 1houghtiûed
Limited which was created by
graduates from the Department of
Computing, University of Surrey
has won a major grant from the
Technology Strategy Board.
The grant will allow the Surrey
Research Park-based company
to work on the development of a
participatory sensing system that
will improve the management of
NHS patient records in remote
patient treatment.
Through improved utilisation
of resources and reducing the
inelûciencies that are typically
incurred in the treatment of
patients at home, the web and
smartphone hybrid system will
save the NHS a considerable
amount of costs.
The total amount raised for the
project equals to £94,000.
lounders ol 1houghtiûed
Limited, Aaron Mason and Georgios
Michalkidis said: “We are delighted
to have won this grant which
recognises how out proposed
system will meet a deûned
need within the NHS for better
maintenance of patient records,
saving them time and money.”
Director of Research and
Enterprise Support at the
University of Surrey and Chairman
of SETsquared Partnership, Keith
Robson said: “I am delighted that
the entrepreneurial efforts of
1houghtiûed have been supported
by the Technology Strategy Board
to help them in this important
work. SETsquared and the
University seek to help student
enterprise through our research
park and the SETsquared business
support network and Georgios and
Aaron have set high standards in
launching what is potentially a
very successful business.”
SETsquared supports new
businesses – both university
spin-outs and from the wider
community. It is the enterprise
collaboration between ûve
universities: Bath, Bristol, Exeter,
Southampton and Surrey.
Over the last ûve years,
SETsquared has supported
approximately 650 companies
and raised a staggering £0.75bn in
capital. Also SETsquared awared
1houghtiûed the lest oraduate
Start-Up Award earlier this year.
By Jyoti Rambai, News Editor
Surrey graduate start-up gets
grant to drive NHS cost-cutting
A
car bomb is suspected to
have been the cause of
a blast outside a Secondary
School in Ankara.
The explosion, on Tuesday
morning (20 September) has
injured at least 15 people
and reports on Twitter have
conûrmed that ! have been
killed.
It was not immediately
clear as to what caused the
blast in the downtown district
of Kizilay, but reports from TV
stations and the Deputy Prime
Minister believe that the bomb
was planted. Other olûcials
have said that a witness saw
a burning gas canister being
tossed into a vehicle.
Those who were injured
were initially treated in the
schoolyard by passersby before
being rushed to the hospital.
Although the explosion
occurred outside a school, it
has been conûrmed that no
pupils have been injured.
Television images have
showed several parked cars
ablaze, windows blown out
lrom nearby shops and olûces
and a ûre, sparked by the
explosion, which was later put
out by ûre-ûghters.
Further reports have
suggested that the explosion
was targeted at the Cankaya
uistrict Administration Olûces.
Police, fearing a second
explosion, sealed off the area.
lurdish rebels ûghting lor
autonomy in south-eastern
Turkey have escalated their
attacks. The most recent attack
they have been blamed for was
the bombing on August 28 on the
Mediterranean town, Kemer.
Though Kurdish, leftist and
Islamists militants have carried
out bomb attacks in Turkey in
the past. An investigation has
been launched.
By Jyoti Rambhai, News Editor
Three killed in
explosion at
Turkish school
The week beginning
the 12
th
September was
Freshers’ Week for nurses
and The Stag caught
them in Channies. Laura
Maitrise, an adult nurse
fresher said: “I had the
literally the best time
at the nurses’ freshers’
events! I really appreciate
the friendliness and
enthusiasm of the second
and third years and feel
so at home already.”
T
he Waitrose Supermarket
Group has won the bid to take
over the former Bellerby Theatre
on Haydon Place in Guildford Town
Centre.
The agreement between
Waitrose and Guildford Borough
Council will also see the site
regenerated with new houses and
community facilities being built.
The site measures one hectare
and includes the vacant theatre,
North Place Day Centre, the
Guildford Community Centre,
the public car park and the land
behind the Live and Let Live pub.
Demolition work has already begun
on Victoria Court and North Place.
By Jyoti Rambhai, News Editor
Waitrose to open in Guildford
Students given unparallelled
opportunity to do well in life
B
eginning University can be
a daunting time for new
students: getting used to a new
area and discovering a different
way of life. But it offers a fantastic
experience also. Not only are you
furthering your education, but
throughout the three years you
will learn invaluable life skills such
as budgeting and running a home.
University is a place where
you'll ûnd yoursell surrounded by
once-in-a-lifetime chances that
shouldn’t be missed out on. It is
unlikely you’ll ever be offered the
chance to do certain things ever
again!
There are so many extra-
curricular activities to get involved
in, ranging from sports clubs (see
the Sport section) to less energetic
societies, where you can meet like-
minded people who could become
great friends. There really is
something for everyone, however
diverse your taste. Learning a new
language or skill for example both
look great on a CV, but also a great
deal of enjoyment can be had in
the process. Lecturers will often
inform you of exciting experiences
and you’ll be showered by
numerous emails so don’t ignore
them – read them before you reach
for that delete button! The only
thing you’ll ever regret is not even
trying. To end, a message to all
students: enjoy the best three years
of your life and make the most of it
while they last.
By Louisa White, Copy Editor
S
urrey alumnus and former
Guildford councillor Chris
Ward presented a motion to
the Liberal Democrat party
conference last week which
ultimately aims to end a ban
on men donating blood if they
have had male sexual partners.
The motion was passed and now
becomes Lib-Dem policy.
Currently the law prevents
men who have had sex with
men from giving blood. A
recommended amendment to
the law supported by fellow Lib-
Dem Paul Burstow (Minister for
Care Services), would mean that
gay and bisexual men could give
blood 12 months after the last
time they slept with another man.
However the proposal was met
with indignation by Mr Ward’s
campaign Liberal Democrats
Against the Blood Ban.
Mr Ward said: “The 12 month
deferral does not adequately
protect the blood bank... The
methodology... must be based
on the risk of the individual
behaviour if we are to exclude
donors who engage in risky sex
whilst including new donors
who are safe and can give blood
responsibly. HIV, Hep B and
Hep C do not care who they
infect – we cannot allow the
safety of the patient to rely on
statistical probability when we
know exactly biologically how an
individual becomes infected and,
as important, how they don’t.”
Despite both the Prime
Minister and Deputy Prime
Minister stating their support
for an end to the ban, the issue
may be stalling due to the strong
social conservative inûuence in
Mr Cameron’s Cabinet.
Liberal Democrats Against
the Blood Ban say that currently
the national blood bank is poorly
protected because it relies on
outdated methods for screening
donors. The blanket ban is they
say, typical of how social groups
are screened out, instead of
looking at a potential donor’s
personal history: “The criteria
as it stands does not protect
the blood bank adequately and
a move towards an assessment
of individual risk rather than
societal grouping will ensure
much better protection for blood
transfusion patients as well as
adding a potential two-million
new donors. At a time when
the National Blood Service is
screaming out for new donors,
this is vital.”
Former Surrey student wins
Lib-Dem blood ban battle
5urrcy a|umnus cnris warJ j¡nts jcr tnc wc|jarc cj tncusanJs cj pccp|c
wnc nccJ JcnatcJ u|ccJ cvcry ycar
By Jack White, Editor
“A move towards an assessment of individual risk
rather than societal grouping will ensure much better
protection as well as adding a potential two million
new donors.”
SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP TODAY FOR:
t
USE OF A RANGE OF SURREY SPORTS PARK FACILITIES INCLUDING
THE SWIMMING POOL, CLASSES, HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTRE,
SQUASH AND TENNIS COURTS
t
ACCESS TO STUDENT SPORTS CLUBS
HOW TO JOIN:
IN PERSON AT SURREY SPORTS PARK
E. [email protected]
T. 01483 689111
FIND OUT MORE AT SURREYSPORTSPARK.CO.UK
Student Membership
Just £195 per year!
FEATURES 12 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011 [email protected]
C
ongratulations! You’ve kissed
Mum and Dad goodbye, wiped
away the ‘hayfever’, and you’re
about to step into a world of
independence. This year, you’ll
learn lots about yourself, have
more all-nighter essay sessions
than ever, and hopefully have
some wonderful experiences you’ll
never forget. Collated from those
who have been there, done it and
have the scars to prove it, here is
a list of the best pieces of advice
to help turn a good Freshers’ year
into an amazing one.
Living with others
An open door translates as
a person open to talk – it lets
your housemates know that they
shouldn’t be scared to knock on
your door and have a chat.
You may think your iTunes
playlist deserves an award,
but chances are not all your
housemates will agree. Playing
your music super loud is likely to
earn you a reputation for being a
nuisance right at the start. Until
you’re more comfortable with your
housemates, make like Dev – keep
your bass down low.
Keep trying with the quiet
ûatmates - ask il they want to go
out for a drink, or go for a walk.
They may be having trouble
adjusting to university life and it’s
nice to let them know you’re there.
When you are not in your room,
lock your doors (windows too if
you're on the ground ûoor). You
can’t control who’s in your house
at all times and though you may
be able to trust the people you live
with, you never know who’s on
the lookout for a new laptop at the
super-discounted price of £0!
Friends
Talk to everyone, as early on as
possible. 1he ûrst days ol university
are opportune for making friends
and ûnding people to bounce oll
ol, at least until you ûnd your leet.
ln some cases, the people we ûrst
meet are not necessarily the best
buddies we’d hope they’d become
but having people right at the start
is a deûnite conûdence-booster.
Join a society! Thrusting
yourself into a group of people
with similar interests = friendship!
It serves as a plus for the CV too.
Take pictures! First year really
will be over before you know it,
so document heavily. You’ll see
yourselves grow (it may sound
lame, but it is true) and the photos
will be welcomed when you start
feeling all nostalgic in June.
Make an effort with people
from countries and backgrounds
different to your own. You’ll learn
more than you can imagine and
who knows – perhaps you’ll gain a
new holiday destination!
Party time
Always carry condoms with you
on a night out. Yes, it’s easy to say
you won’t need them, or you’re not
that kind of girl/guy, but there’s
a reason why STIs are known
to spread like wildûre, during
Freshers’ Week especially. If you
ûnd yoursell in a position (giggle
giggle) where you’d need them,
you’ll be grateful you brought
them with you!
At the risk of stealing Jerry
Springer’s catchphrase: take care
of yourselves and each other on
a messy night out! Go home in
groups, especially if you live off-
campus, and try to make sure
there’s at least one of you being
sober(ish) and responsible.
Try not to take valuables out
with you – do you really need your
iPod in a club? If you lose it because
that extra round ol tralûc light
shots caused the rest of the night
to be an absolute blur, you’ll be
kicking yourself.
Don’t let alcohol become your
personality.
Invest in a dressing-up box
between you and your friends. The
union will put on loads of themed
events, and you will want to go to
them all.
Degree time
If you’re doing an essay-based
degree (e.g. English Literature),
make sure you plan in advance.
Essays are different in university
– your sixth-form paper will not
sulûce, so do some good research
and take the books out of the
library in good time. A fortnight
before the deadline should be the
minimum starting point. If you
start the night before, don’t be
surprised if you get a third.
The same goes for revision – try
to start as early as possible. You’ll
be surprised how much actually
sticks in the brain even months
after learning it.
Do not do reading for your
course on your bed because you
WILL fall asleep. Seriously. Keep
it to your desk, or even the ûoor
if you’re a person who prefers
to spread your work all around.
Though this doesn’t guarantee
you’ll stay awake, you’ll be kidding
yourself if you try to get anything
done in a place designed for rest.
Don’t buy all of the books on
the reading lists – you may end
up using them as coasters. Save
some money, ask people in higher
levels which books are the most
useful – and don’t forget that you
can almost certainly ûnd what you
need in the library.
Money, money, money
“Student loan’s in – YES!” For
most ol you, it's the ûrst time
you’ve seen this much money in
your current account. It’s easy to
get into the frame of mind that
this means drinks are constantly
on you, but a weekly spend budget
will come in very handy. Or else, by
Christmas, the only drink you may
be able to afford will be tap water.
The Students’ Union will be
hiring soon - extra money, ûexible
shifts, work experience and a
friendly, fun atmosphere. Does
anything more need to be said?
If you get an email asking for
people to partake in a 10 minute
experiment in exchange lor a ûver,
do it. The extra cash won’t hurt!
Taking care of
number one
University is a new beginning,
so don’t waste this opportunity
for a fresh start by being fake –
it’s usually quite easy to see when
someone’s not being themselves.
Try and take any opportunity
that comes your way – comedy
show? Pub quiz? Union trip?
Protest? Ask yourself the question:
“Why not?” more often.
With no parental eye watching
over your food intake, it may lead
to an over-consumption of various
items from the Pizzaman menu.
Fast food is constantly linked
to raised cholesterol levels and
higher blood pressure. And unless
you have an über-fast metabolism,
a food-baby WILL grow, and it will
take a lot quicker than three of
four months to show.
Above all, lreshers' ûu is real!
Register at the Health Centre to
save yourself some misery and
keep the good times rolling!
By Nicole Vassell, Features Editor
A fresher’s handbook
to survival at Surrey
Vakc jricnJs witn ycur ncw µatmatcs - ¡c crazy| - uut c|car up ajtcrwarJs,
uccausc urckcn jricnJsnips arc nct as casi|y rcp|accau|c as spi||cJ Jrinks.
6cnuinc 5urrcy lrcsncrs': 1nc mcst impcrtant tnin¡ in tnc jrst wccks cj tcrm - ¡ct tc kncw pccp|c anJ navc a ¡ccJ timc|
1ncrc`s cn|y cnc sct cj Jrinks in tnis
picturc - just tc|| ycursc|j tnat.
onc cj kuuix`s mcst succcssju| Jrcss-up ni¡nts - wncrc`s wa||y¨
C
o
u
r
t
e
s
y
o
f
U
S
S
U
FEATURES 13 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011
D
espite the dire economic circumstances,
the Government has continually
promised that adequate resources will be set
in place to enable local authorities to meet
the needs of its citizens. The fact of the
matter is that this is far from the truth. Social
exclusion continues to be a major problem
in many areas, particularly amongst youth.
Yet the current policies of the Government,
combined with misguided approaches in
some local authorities, are exacerbating the
problem.
What is most shocking is that even
alûuent local authorities are struggling to
meet the needs of their socially excluded
population. This is partly due to the fact
that it is often assumed that due to these
boroughs vast wealth, it is hardly necessary
to consider deprivation and social exclusion.
Indeed Surrey has the highest GDP per
capita for any county in the UK. Surrey
contributed £6.12 billion to the Exchequer
in income tax in 2007/ 08 – making it the
largest contributor in the South East region
– and Guildford Borough taken as a whole is
amongst the least-deprived 10% in England.
Sadly, despite these impressive statics,
there are high levels of deprivation in
particular areas of Guildford. Westborough,
for instance, is in the most deprived national
quartile and the fourth most deprived
in Surrey. Crime is higher here than in
any other residential part of Guildford,
unemployment is more common in the area
than in any others (with 27% of residents on
means-tested beneûts) and westborough is
amongst the worst-performing areas in the
county in terms of educational achievement,
within the lowest national quartile.
Housing is also an issue. In the last few
years, the Guildford Borough Council has
built just over 400 affordable homes, despite
the Council’s Sustainable Community
Strategy 2009-2026 identifying the need for
1,194 to be built each year over the next ûve
years to meet local needs. The shortage in
housing stock is in part responsible for the
high house and rent prices (amongst the
highest in the UK).
Although the identiûcation ol
Westborough (by the Borough and County
Councils) as a priority area for tackling social
exclusion, is a massive step in the right
direction, it is simply lacking in strength and
recognition of the sheer severity of the issue.
It seems that the authorities are talking the
right language but shying away from the
really radical measures necessary for the task.
There is little to no business involvement
in the community, communication and
localism are seriously lacking on the ground,
residents leel dissatisûed and excluded,
ûnancial priorities do not reûect the area's
needs, and there are weak provisions in
place to engage the hardest to reach.
In addition, it should become painfully
clear that the national Government’s
policies are making the implementation
and the achievement of the aims of the
current strategy considerably dilûcult,
such as the scrapping of Aim Higher, the
EMA, the Flexible New Deal, the Pathways
to Work Programme, and the 28% reduction
in revenue grants that are expected to hit
Guildford by 2014/15.
There is an alternative however. The
Guildford Labour Party have commissioned
a report entitled ‘Hidden Guildford’, which
highlights the socio-economic trends of
Westborough, and which provides detailed
policy suggestions, which are both affordable
and tangible.
The policy suggestions are informed
by and based on prominent research on
social exclusion, and work conducted by the
Co-operative Party and the Fabian Society. It
was found that the majority of the research
on social exclusion and the ûndings ol the
consultation, shared a common theme and
policy framework. Such consensus on broad
policy makes for quite a substantial argument
for their utilisation in local government. In
particular, the research suggests that there
are ûve building blocks in tackling social
exclusion:
1. Maximising income and securing basic
resources for users and their families
2. Strengthening social supports and
networks
3. Working in partnership with agencies
and local organisations.
4. Creating channels of effective
participation for users, local residents
and their organisations
5. Focusing on Neighbourhood and
community-level practice
ln light ol these ûndings the lidden
Guildford report places particular emphasis
on the need to set up a Citizens Commission;
this will provide an all encompassing forum
through which residents, local charities and
groups, businesses, local authority olûcers,
councillors, police, schools and other
interested parities can engage and work
together. It will also provide the opportunity
for joined-up action, true localism and
community ownership of policy and strategy
direction.
The Guildford Labour Party is having
a Hidden Guildford launch event on the
26
th
October 2011, in the Park Barn Centre,
behind Kings College (school). I will be
presenting the ûndings ol the report,
followed by an open discussion of the
policy recommendations. The event is
open to everyone, and we encourage as
many students to attend as possible. With
600 students living in Westborough, Surrey
University is at the heart of our community.
For more information please either contact
mc at cnristian.¡i||iam_¡ui|JjcrJ.¡cv.uk cr visit
www.¡ui|JjcrJ|aucur.cr¡.
Hidden Guildford report to expose
social rot in Britain’s richest county
By Councillor Christian Gilliam
Vain: 1nc uiJJcn 6ui|JjcrJ rcpcrt wi|| makc rcccmmcnJaticns cn ncw tc jcnJ cjj tnc cccncmic stcrm ¡atncrin¡ cvcn cvcr ajµucnt tcwns |ikc 6ui|JjcrJ.
ínsct: cnristian 6i||iam, pcst¡raJuatc stuJcnt at tnc 0nivcrsity, was c|cctcJ ccunci||cr jcr wcstucrcu¡n in Vay .ò!!.
Westborough... is in the most deprived national
quartile [of council wards]... with 27% of residents on
means-tested benehts.
The forthcoming report commissioned by Guildford Labour Party will highlight the huge social inequalities across different
areas of Guildford and call for local business and government to work together to ease community hardship.
FEATURES 14 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011 [email protected]
‘Love is not love that alters
ZKHQLWDOWHUDWLRQÀQGV·
or How To Handle a Long Distance Relationship
I
hold love in very high esteem.
Like some sort of Bohemian
living in Paris, I cherish love and
worship it. And love is wonderful
and beautiful. But it’s also
very irritating and dilûcult to
maintain. like, a dilûcult ûower
I suppose. To any couple going
to different universities the
question asked is, ‘Are you going
to stay together?’ Some answer,
‘No, we’re splitting up for uni’,
whilst others bravely say, ‘Yes,
we’re going to visit each other
every two weeks...’ Everyone has
a different opinion about whether
you should go to uni single and
unburdened or nurture your
precious relationship. I always
wanted to go unburdened. I took
a gap year and imagined I’d spend
it travelling, working and ûirting.
Then I met Tristan in January.
Tristan lives ages away from me
at home and even further from
my university. To make things
worse, he’d graduated and had
a job whereas I was just about to
go to start at Surrey. And the day
I decided I’d renounce all others
to be with him was the same day
I booked my travelling trip: we’d
be apart for two months. It was
hard. I had the most amazing
time of my life travelling around
Europe with my best friend, but it
was a pretty big strain to put on a
new relationship. Except Tristan
was so ridiculously, wonderfully
amazing about it I didn’t even
notice the strain.
The next step was university,
a major milestone in anyone’s
life. The stories of Freshers’ Week
alone hardly support the idea of
being in a relationship. But my
ûrst year was so amazing: l didn't
miss out on a single thing; I went
out as much as anyone. I got drunk,
made friends, joined societies,
worked hard for my course and
saw my boyfriend at least once
every two weeks. I made the effort
and saved the money to travel to
him, and he drove down to see
me. He made the effort with my
lriends and ûatmates. And what
was supposed to be so hard, so
painlul and dilûcult was so easy.
I didn’t talk to him every day and
we both had our own friends and
our lives and we were so blissfully
happy together and apart.
I wrote this article to advise
people on how to cope at university
in long distance relationships and
really it all boils down to this: Is
this person worth it? Do you love
them with everything you have?
Will they support you always?
If the answers are yes, then it’ll
be easy. And if it doesn’t work
out, it doesn’t work out. It will
not break you. Life will change,
yes. It will hurt for a long time,
but then you will come through
it and be happy and merry and
meet someone else. I guess you’re
wondering what happened to me
and Tristan? He got offered a job
in central London and is moving
to Pimlico at the end of September
- so I guess good things come to
those who wait.
By Alexandra Wilks, Literature Editor
I
t’s Freshers’ Week and I guess
most of us will be ‘dressing to
impress’. How is it that people like
Lady Gaga (are there actually
people like her?) can bang out
heels for hours, but for many girls,
to survive a night out 4 inches
insincerely taller, we have to make
sure that we walk home in ûats7
For those of you freshers who
think you’re too good for the old
‘swapping-into-a-pair-of-flats-to-
ease-the-pressures-on-the-balls-
of-your-feet’ trick, that’s nice
when you’re going from Surrey
Court to Rubix – good luck with the
Guildford hills when you decide to
venture into town.
I resent that I look better in
heels. So don’t wear them, you
(mainly males) say? For somebody
of my… stature, it’s not really an
option. Besides, it’s easier to lift
stilettos off the sticky carpeted
night club ûoor that has mirrors
on the ceiling (Freshers, I’m sure
you’ll soon know which popular
Guildford club I’m referencing).
To avoid the pain sometimes
you’ll turn to those deceptive
wedges. They’ll have you believing
that you’re actually walking on
ûat ground, carelree and painless,
but that pathetic back strap is a
trickster and once you lose your
footing, the whole ankle gives way
and you're on the ûoor with no
alcohol required. But hallelujah,
they came up with those party gel
feet things – if you wear heels, you
know what I’m trying to explain. At
times like these the letters ‘B’ and
‘S’ are my favourite. I don’t think
they work because they don’t. If
you’re now disagreeing, calling
me an idiot because I’m clearly
not maximising the gel pads to
their full potential – then teach
me how! Poke me on Facebook or
if you don’t want me to know your
identity then email Dave Halls (VP
Welfare) so he can pass on the
message - I need some sort of an
intervention.
Another thing that always gets
me about wearing heels is that on
a night out, if I were to meet a guy
lor the ûrst time, it's at eye level.
Then at the second encounter, in
daylight, I’m more than likely at
shoulder level. It’s awkward.
The cost of a decent pair of
heels (oh my)! I don’t even want to
own up to the money I no longer
own because I parted with it for a
stylish sparkly heel for that special
occasion - the birthday.
Girls, have you ever found that
you have a collection of shoes
only to discover, after planning an
outût, that the twenty odd shoes
are actually all the same – black? Of
course with the exception of those
sparkly ones you bought to go with
that dress you decided not to wear
because you saw a different dress a
week later, which subsequently led
to you buying a new pair of black
shoes? In the words of a Surrey
graduate, ‘sometimes you need to
be a stylist to know what heels go
with what outût.' (miriam lidane,
2011)
It’s just too much hassle. So
the next time you see me and I’m
rocking heels, I want you to praise
them like SJP doesn’t know the
secret to heels that I’ve so clearly
discovered. (See, now I’ve gone and
pressurised myself into buying a
decent pair of heels for Freshers’
Week! I wonder what colour they’ll
be…)
I swear I’m not a moany mare
all the time; it’s just that I go home
with the balls of my feet hurting
after a night out and it just really
grinds my gears!
By Bakita Kasadha, Editor-in-Chief
Y’know what really
grinds my gears?
High heels!
©

S
t
a
c
e
y

H
u
n
t
e
r
Been thinking about how you’re going keep your body
and mind healthy during your time at University?
Come down to Student Health Care in University
Court, it’s free, confdential and non judgmental.
STUDENT HEALTH CARE
STOP
SMOKING
WEIGHT AND
NUTRITION
ADVICE
DRUG AND
ALCOHOL
ADVICE
SEXUAL
HEALTH
MENTAL
HEALTH
For all your health advice needs, FREE CONDOMS, sexual health advice, mental health support,
stop smoking clinics, weight loss and gain advice and information about drugs and alcohol.
Open 9-5pm Monday – Friday
T: 01483 689051 E: [email protected]
Find us on Facebook and Twitter (SurreySHC)
FEATURES 15 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011
N
o one ever talks about anal
sex and when they do, it
tends to be negative. I’m here to
stand up for anal play and all bum
explorations. First off, I’d like to
dispel some popular myths about
anal sex:
1. It is not just for ‘gay’ people
2. It is not, when performed
correctly, painful
3. I don’t know how to put this
without being crude, but the
likelihood of a ‘chocolate dip’
is actually fairly slim.
1he ûrst time l explored the
delights of bum, or perhaps more
appropriately, had the delights of
my bum explored, I was extremely
nervous. As we know, nervousness
is not conducive to sexual
pleasure. The butt is similar in this
respect to the vagina. I had heard
that anal sex was ‘really painful’
and ‘disgusting’ from all sources.
Well, let me say right now. That
is not true. The key to anal sex is
obviously to take it slow. And, as
with all sex, do it with someone
you trust and preferably love.
lt's awkward and dilûcult to start
with, I’m going to be honest. But
wouldn’t you rather have an
awkward moment with someone
you can later laugh about it with
than someone you’re never going
to see again? Plus, this is your
bottom: you should save it for
someone who will appreciate it.
Oh and a word from the wise,
don’t do this if you need a poo.
And, obviously, keep yourself nice
and clean down there.
Now here is something I
cannot stress enough: Wear. A.
Condom. As we know, you can’t
get pregnant from your bottom
but still you should always, always,
always wear a condom during
any type of sex – including anal.
Not only does it protect you from
STIs, it will be far less painful and
if (and it’s not going to happen)
but IF you do have any less than
squeaky clean bits, it will be far,
far nicer with a condom on.
Now the woman’s greatest
concern: Pain. You will need a lot
of lubricant. I would recommend
Ann Summer’s Booty Lube, which
claims to help ‘relax and numb
muscles'. A ûnger or a toy should
probably be inserted before the
actual penis. The key here is
COMMUNICATION. As with every
sexual activity a simple, ‘Is this
OK?’ or ‘Can I go further?’ will
sulûce. when the lady is ready,
and no time before, the penis can
be inserted. Now, it’s important to
keep communicating and perhaps
swap a few terms of endearments:
‘I love you’, ‘I feel close to you’,
‘you look so hot from this angle’
- whatever. The point is to make
both partners feel appreciated.
Especially the woman, because
she’s probably scared right now.
And, go slowly. Very slowly.
Ladies, if it hurts, for Pete’s
sake, say something and stop.
But if he’s done this all correctly,
it shouldn’t hurt. In fact, now
you have to let yourself go,
concentrate on the sensations
(which are, for both partners,
fairly different from vaginal sex)
and enjoy yourself! If you do it
right, you will love it.
Now you’ve read this, you’re
hopefully a bit more ready for anal
sex. But remember guys, it’s not
about being super duper macho;
and girls, it’s not about giving your
man a super sexy experience. It’s
about having fun, being close and
both of you getting your orgasm
on. Of course.
I love anal sex and
maybe you will too
1his articIe is opinion-based, and not written by a quaIihed heaIth professionaI. 1his is just one of many views on sex, and it's the
reader's personaI prerogative whether they take the writer's experiences into account!
©

K
a
t
a
y
u
n
By Mrs W, Features Team
8tudent HeaIth Care's quick anaI sex advisory
A
nal sex can be a normal part of heterosexual or homosexual
experience but if you decide to go ahead with it, you must not
be pressurised and you must be safe. It is much easier to transmit
infections by having anal sex and there is a risk of perforation of the
bowel so be careful and ALWAYs use a condom. For more advice see
www.healthguide.howstuffworks.com/anal-sex-dictionary.htm or
pop into 8tudent lealth care lor lree, conûdential advice lrom one
of the nurses.
R
eality television has quickly
become one of the fastest and
most exciting ways for anybody
to become a somebody. Start off
with some popularity, a splash
of personality, add a cool catch
phrase or two, combine that with
an ultimate likeability factor and
we have a star!
Do we complain about the
simplicity of what it takes to
become famous these days
or encourage it by indulging
ourselves? As a self confessed
reality television lover, I’m guilty
as charged for supporting the
growth of this industry.
But my love of reality television
doesn’t begin or end there. Before
the Shore was The Hills, and prior to
that I had already watched every
series of Big Brother. I’m currently
hooked on more than seven reality
tv programmes.
Why do I continue to watch
these shows centred on other
people’s lives when clearly I have
enough going on in my own? Is it
because l ûnd my own unlulûlling7
After much soul searching, I found
the real answer: many of the
characters in the shows I watch
have lives that aren’t so different
to mine.
Take Jersey Shore for example:
it’s based upon a bunch of young,
lively people who love to have
a good time. In each friendship
group, we can ûnd a 8nooki which
is comforting for us to identify
with.
Reality TV has become a looking
glass into lifestyles that are worlds
away from my humble hometown
of Streatham. I don’t speak in the
same way as the characters from
1nc on|y way is ísscx and I surely
don’t have the money to jet off
to exotic European countries like
those in Made in Chelsea. Their lives
appear more like a soap opera, so
different that they seem almost
ûctional.
This lack of familarity also
makes me question the authenticity
of today’s shows. When Big Brother
ûrst aired in 2000, the personalities
that appeared were far more
genuine than they are now. These
people seemed more interested in
the fast ride to fame than the thrill
of the experience.
Whatever the appeal of reality
television may be, most of us catch
ourselves watching a show at one
moment or another. Love it or
hate it, reality TV is escapism at its
ûnest and l have a leeling it's here
to stay.
7KHUHDOLW\LV
we love trash TV!
By Tiffany Tucker, Film Editor
W
ith advancements in the
underlying technology,
social networking has come
gradually to a two-horse race
between Facebook and Twitter.
Old opponents Bebo have either
toppled over to ongoing hurdles
or out of exhaustion. It’s survival
ol the ûttest and so lar, 1witter
and Facebook are left standing. But
who comes top?
Founded in 2004, Facebook
has grown into a phenomenon.
lntended at ûrst to help larvard
students to break the ice, it has
over the years grown and evolved.
One of the main differences to
other social networks is that their
target users are adults, providing
fewer gimmicks that even the IT
illiterate can use.
In contrast, Twitter was
launched in 2006 and as the new
kid on the block, it offers a very
different platform. Twitter focuses
primarily on text based status’, also
known as “tweets” (from its iconic
blue bird logo) allowing users
to notify others on what they’re
doing at any moment of the day
and keeps them up to date on the
current news through ‘trends’.
Yet, a disadvantage of Twitter
is its one-hundred and forty
character limit per update,
restricting the ‘Tweeter’ to SMS
form. Facebook allows people
to reconnect to ûnd lriends and
family members, make new friends
and join common interest groups.
Celebrities however are known
for using Twitter as a platform for
getting news to their fans. Whereby
Facebook users need to request
‘friendship’ by allowing others to
connect with them, Twitter users
need not usually request to follow
someone, making it more social to
meet new people.
Both of these heavyweights
have points that make them
contenders for the top spot. To
choose between them is a matter
of personal choice. But the future
holds many uncertainties as the
dark horse Google+ is set to become
a real contender.
7ZLWWHUYV
Facebook
By Shalini Thondrayen, Features Team
Freshers’
Fayre
The University of Surrey Students’ Union
Friday 30th
S
e
p
t
e
m
b
e
r
Find
out about
Sports Clubs
and
Soceities
Discover
Trips
and
Activities
M
e
e
t
Y
O
U
R Stud
e
n
t
s


U
n
i
o
n

T
e
a
m
F
r
e
e

S
t
u
f
f
V
a
lu
e
fo
r
M
o
n
e
y
-
F
u
n
-
C
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y

-

D
e
m
o
c
r
a
c
y
F
re
s
h
e
rs
E
v
e
n
ts
L
a
n
y
a
rd
w
ith

1
G
B
U
S
B
t
o
o
!
Buy a F
re
s
h
e
rs
M
e
rc
h
a
n
d
is
e
B
a
g
in
t
h
e
s
m
a
ll F
r
e
s
h
e
r
s
M
a
r
q
u
e
e
1
2
to
4
p
m
o
n
P
A
T
S
fie
ld
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 18 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011 [email protected]
A
major breakthrough in the
research of HIV has been made
with the key assistance of a group
of multiplayer video gamers.
The game Foldit is an online
competition in which players
compete to design the most
elûcient chemical structure.
The proteins from which HIV
is built are highly complex and
contorted chains of amino acids
and the structure formed is what
determines the function of the
protein.
The structure of the retroviral
protease enzyme in HIV has
remained mysterious for decades,
but using Foldit, the gamers were
able to hit upon a structure close
enough to the real thing that an
international team of researchers
was able to home in on the actual
structure within days.
Foldit is designed to allow
players to accomplish tasks which
currently computers ûnd dilûcult,
namely the spatial manipulation
of the chains of amino acid. As
something that can be undertaken
with moderate ease by most
humans, Foldit does not require
that players have anything more
than elemental knowledge of
chemistry. As the researchers’
public report says: “These
results indicate the potential for
integrating video games into the
real-world scientiûc process: the
ingenuity of game players is a
formidable force that, if properly
directed, can be used to solve a
wide range ol scientiûc problems."
U
niversity of Surrey offshoot
company Surrey Satellite
Technology (SSTL) has successfully
launched two satellites designed to
aid the Government of Nigeria in
natural resource management and
disaster recovery.
While the satellites have no-
frills names – NigeriaSat-2 and
NigeriaSat-X – they are anything
but simple in technological terms.
NigeriaSat-2 will provide incredibly
detailed images for use in mapping,
crop and water management, and
population evaluation.
In recent years, Nigeria has
begun to invest in considerable
economic reforms. The bulk of its
population is in agricultural work
however and poverty is normal.
With the relative stability
Nigeria has found in the past
decade, has come fast and steady
urbanisation to complement
the vast problems caused by
oil spills from the county’s
infamous petroleum industry.
The NigeriaSat line of satellites
will provide invaluable help in
decisively dealing with these
entrenched problems.
The head of Nigeria’s
space agency (NASRDA) said:
¨Nigeria8at-2 will signiûcantly
boost African capabilities for
remote sensing applications,
speciûcally lor natural resource
management. This high resolution
satellite will also greatly enhance
image data available to the Disaster
monitoring constellation."
Science & Technology
Surrey Satellites launches
Nigeria resource managers
By Jack White, Editor
An engineer works on the world-class NigeriaSat-2 spacecraft
Video gamers key in
anti-HIV discovery
By Jack White, Editor
The complex twists and turns of a protein dictate its function; producing drugs
which disable these functions is a key aim in developing a cure for HIV.
The Stag is looking for a new Science & Technology Editor. We would like this section to really take off this year and feature
more cutting edge research from Surrey and other universities, along with more commercially-orientated articles. A
university is an environment where topics can be written about to a high level and the writer still has a good chance of
being understood by many students. So why not run for election?
1he hrst meeting of 1he 8tag is in iecture 1heatre M, on 1hursday õ
th
October at õpm. Come aIong and teII us aII your
vision for Science & Technology – maybe you’ll be elected!
Microsoft may use new technology
to stop Linux booting from disk
M
icrosoft is planning to
effectively ban alternatives
to its Windows operating
system from loading on new
PCs, by leveraging an incoming
computer boot technology.
1he Lniûed lxtensible
lirmware lnterlace (Llll) is
designed to replace the Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS)
which has governed the low-
level operation of PCs since 1975.
Proposals backed by Microsoft
would see the Llll requiring
that the only operating systems
allowed to boot from a certain
computer would have to be tied
to a ûrmware key set in the
computer during manufacturing,
thus preventing alternative
software from booting.
While security is an important
part ol the Llll standard, some
industry analysts see the OS/
ûrmware relationship as playing
into the hands of Microsoft,
whose dominance of the business
and home operating system
markets is failing.
While the opportunity may
be open to Linux to become an
approved and signed operating
system, one blogger says ¨no",
pointing out that the licensing
requirements of key software
in Linux systems (including the
kernel itself in the near future)
would mean that the secure
ûrmware keys would have to be
shared, which compromises the
idea ol the O8Jûrmware pair.
The battle is not over yet,
but the possibility of handing
Microsoft so much control over a
computer’s hardware reminds of
the DRM overkill of the 00s.
By Jack White, Editor
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 19 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011
Guildford was visited by Britain’s newest steam locomotive
on the 15
th
September. Tornado was built from scratch using
the original designs for the Peppercorn Class of locomotives,
which were originally built between 1948 and 1966 for
British Railways. Various improvements have been made
over the original Peppercorn locomotives, many in the name
of modern safety requirements. Here Tornado is just puIIing
out of Guildford on her way to Lincoln with a full train.
Three Russian
cosmonauts return
from the International
Space Station on
board 8oyuz 1MA-21.
After a hve month
stay on the ISS,
this images shows
the moment the
cosmonauts landed
in Kazakhstan on
16
th
September. ©

N
A
S
A
/
B
i
l
l

I
n
g
a
l
l
s
SOCIETIES 22 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011 [email protected]
Societies
G
U2 Radio is your University’s
very own Student Radio
Station! We broadcast live from
Battersea Court on campus 24/7
with a range of shows to make your
day that little bit more uplifting.
Hear all of your favourite tunes
– old and new, mixed with all of
the latest news and gossip on and
around campus. Join in the fun
by presenting your own show, or
texting in a song request from your
kitchen! For music, news, prizes
and the best nights in the Living
Room, tune into GU2 Radio – the
soundtrack to your time here at
Surrey. ccntact us cn mana¡cr_¡u..
cc.uk
GU2 Radio
T
he University of Surrey Politics
Society was formed in 2005,
with the original aim to provide
a forum for students to learn
about and participate within the
political sphere. This year we plan
to have an increased presence
on campus helping politics
students communicate whether
it be through revision sessions or
socials, as well as helping anyone
who shares an interest in politics.
Regardless of whether you study
Politics, this is a great way to make
some new friends, get involved or
just to learn a bit more. So come
down and meet us at our stall. ussu.
pc|itics_surrcy.ac.uk
Politics Society
S
urrey Video Gaming (SVG)
meets every Thursday from 6
to 9 in The Living Room. We have
a large amount of equipment
which means you can just turn
up and play. We are here to bring
gamers together. Whatever your
platform – Xbox, PlayStation,
computer gaming or even the
Mega Drive, come along and play
it in a friendly environment. Or
don't come along at all and join
in online over 'the Internet'.
We also run Tournaments,
competitions, trips and regular
socials throughout the year.
Surrey Video Gaming Society
S
ociety of the Year 2011 – If you
enjoy performing, working
backstage, on the technical side
of things, or simply want to join
us on fun socials, nights out, West
End trips to see Musicals and go
on backstage tours… Musical
Theatre Society has something to
offer you! After a very successful
year, putting on a highly
professional, sold-out production
of ‘RENT’ and a number of other
events, MT-Soc have big plans
for 2011-12 including the main
production 'Guys and Dolls'. Our
society offers you an exclusive
opportunity and experience
that you can't ûnd anywhere
else outside of the professional
industry. Do not miss out! Contact
us on ussu.musica|tncatrc_surrcy.
ac.uk
Musical Theatre Society
T
he University of Surrey
Christian Union is a society
that exists for both its members
and non-members. We are a
group of students who love
Jesus and want to make Him
famous on campus. We are
a mission team and exist to
serve the University by hosting
events throughout the year.
Our aim is to give every student
on campus the opportunity to
hear about God, His amazing
love for us and the fact that we
have been saved through Jesus
Christ. uscu.ccmmunicaticns_
¡cc¡|cmai|.ccm
Christian Union
S
ince Tuesday October 15th
1968 when a little known
band called Led Zeppelin played
their ûrst gig at the Lniversity Ol
Surrey, the University has had a
strong rock heritage. Clearly they
did something wrong, because it
was a Tuesday night and they
weren’t in Roots at the weekly
No Wave meeting. No Wave is the
University Of Surrey’s answer to
RockSoc, so if you like Rock, Punk,
Metal – or any other alternative
music – or just want to hang
out with people on a Tuesday
night, then we’re the Society for
you. We meet every Tuesday in
Roots starting at 7:30pm as well
as hosting regular DJ nights in
the Living Room and live music
nights. ussu.ncwavc_surrcy.ac.uk
No Wave
L
ike SES on Facebook
a t w w w . j a c c u c c k . c c m /
surreyeconomics
Surrey Economics Society
works for everyone with
an interest in the ûelds ol
economics, business and
ûnance. we want you to get
much more than a degree from
your time at university so we
will provide opportunities for
you to broaden your knowledge
and network outside of your
studies.
We host trips to the heart
of London to meet business
professionals and provide
internship advice and insights
as you plunge into applications
and interviews. We organise
trading competitions, provide a
student mentoring scheme for
support, arrange bar crawls and
on-campus social events.
Surrey
Economics
Society
D
o>More is a student run
society that organises
volunteering opportunities
in and around the University.
Volunteering is a brilliant
way of boosting your CV and
gaining experience of working
with others and helping your
community. This year with the
help of our new committee, we
are focusing on getting more
ideas and events arranged.
We are expecting a great
year, and would love for you
to get involved, whether you
would like to be a volunteer
at our events, run your own
volunteering project, or just
help whenever you get a
chance.
If you have any questions you
can ccntact us at 0ssu.ucmcrc_
surrcy.ac.uk cr jcin cur laccucck
pa¡c.
Do>More
T
he Surrey Bangladeshi
Society is here to
preserve, promote and share
the Bangladeshi culture and
traditions with everyone. It
strives to hold events on topics
of relevance, value and interest
to members, either alone,
in partnership or at a wider
Society level. We offer help and
guidance to other international
Bangladeshi students to adjust
in the new environment and try
our best to make them feel at
home! ussu.uan¡|aJcsni_surrcy.
ac.uk
Surrey
Bangladeshi
Society
Here are just a few of the University of 8urrey's many societies. 1here is something for everyone so when you
head down to the Freshers’ Fayre check some of them out. If you want to get in contact with any of them then look
them up on Facebook or at www.ussu.co.uk. Alternatively, if you are part of a society and want to see it here
then e-mail [email protected]. The Stag are currently searching for a Societies editor - head down to our stall
at ireshers iayre or send us an emaiI for more information! editorQthestagsurrey.co.uk
SOCIETIES 23 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011
more details at
www.tuc.org.uk/alltogether
join the campaign at
www.falseeconomy.org.uk
t
NO SAY TO
UNFAIR AND UNNECESSARY
SPENDING CUTS
:
MARCH AT THE TORY PARTY
CONFERENCE AND RALLY
Sunday 2 October Assemble 12 noon Liverpool Road (off Deansgate)
Speakers: Paul Kenny GMB, Len McCluskey Unite Christine Blower NUT, Mark Serwotka PCS Chris Keates NASUWT, Bob Crow RMT Mary Bousted ATL, Rena Wood UNISON
+ community speakers
a Robin Hood tax on the banks
closing tax loopholes
policies for jobs and green growth
z
z
z
BACK THE ALTERNATIVE
S
urrey Labour Students brings
together Labour supporters
and progressive thinkers studying
at the university to discuss and
debate issues of importance to
young people and the local area.
The society meets regularly and
will be hosting a number of events
throughout the year, including
special guest speakers, campaign
away-days and a range of socials.
Members of the society do not
need to be a member of the Labour
Party, however the society will
subsidise membership for those
who do wish to join.
Surrey Labour Students
T
he AhlulBayt society promotes
the teachings of Prophet
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and his
holy Household (AhlulBayt) along
with inter-faith harmony and the
spirit of brotherhood as taught by
the Prophet (P.B.U.H).
Throughout the year we
have weekly Kumayl & Nudba
sessions as well as programmes
in accordance with the Islamic
Calendar and lectures featuring
renowned speakers. The society
also organizes social events
including weekly football,
dinners, picnics and trips to other
cities.
íj ycu wcu|J |ikc tc ccntact us
you can always email us at:
ussu.an|u|uayt_surrcy.ac.uk
Don’t forget to visit us at:
www.surrcy.auscc.cc.uk.
Ahlul Bayt
H
ave a camera of any kind?
Love taking pictures with it?
Then join the Photography Society!
Throughout the year we’ll be
organising a wide variety of trips,
talks, tutorials and workshops
on a range of subjects, including
portrait, landscape, wildlife, still
life, and more. Whether you’re a
novice or advanced photographer,
if you want to visit places to
take pictures, or are interested
in improving your photography
skills, we’ve got something for you.
For more information email us at:
ussu.pnctc¡rapnic_surrcy.ac.uk
Photography Society
S
urrey United Anti-Capitalist
Society (SUACS) is a united
group of students, workers and
unemployed people of all ages
and from all walks of life. What
unites us is an understanding
that capitalism is not working
and the need to ûght lor a better
future, free from the rule of
proût, the threat ol war, lascism
and environmental destruction.
SUACS has individual members,
but we also have members in
groups such as: local branches
of the Socialist Party, Peace
Party, Socialist Workers’ Party,
Anarchist Federation and others.
We debate and discuss our
ideas with each other as long as
we act together in our campaigns.
We are actively involved
in campaigns, protests, and
direct actions. We support the
community, maintain a group
allotment to grow food, have
discussions on political theory
and develop the intellectual and
artistic pursuits of our members.
Email for more info:
surrcyunitcJanticapita|ist_
¡cc¡|cmai|.ccm
Surrey United Anti-Capitalist Society
All details correct at time of printing: July 2011
Get kitted out just like Emily…visit nus.org.uk to see how you can save
can you afford not to?
EMILY REDUCED THE COST
of everything for Uni, from her
laptop to a new mobile,
her course books,
a winter coat and an alarm clock
AVER
AG
E SAVIN
G
IS £
5
2
5
PER
STU
D
EN
T PER
YEAR
J
U
S
T

£
1
1

S
T
A
R
T
S
A
V
I N
G
A
T
S
U
R
R
E
Y

can you afford not to?
k
Order your NUS Extra Card and get over 140 exclusive
discounts! Just go to www.nus.org.uk/en/NUS-Extra.
Want discounts abroad?
You can save money in over 120 countries, and get an extra 40,000
discounts worldwide for only £1.99. Just select the International
Student Card upgrade when you order your NUS Extra Card.
Bonus Savings:
Look out for local discounts coming soon to your Union,
University and Guildford Town!
Have you downloaded the free NUS Extra iPhone app yet?
Call 23(1
Pop in Tap the app dominos.co.uk
25 Woodbridge Road, Guildford
(01483) 458 000
Opening Hours: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 1am,
Fri & Sat: 11am -3am.
Visit us at the
freshers fair for
a chance to win,
plus get loads
of money saving
vouchers & a
few freebies!
FILM 29 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011
I
t would be impossible to have a
run-down ol the ûlms ol 8ummer
2011 without a mention of the
movie that achieved the biggest
opening numbers for a British
comedy – ever. After a long wait,
8imon, Neil, }ay and will have
ûnally made it to the big screen.
And was the hype worth it? Mostly,
yes.
For those who have never
seen the E4 hit TV show, The
Inbetweeners is a look into the
world of four libidinous teenage
boys who aren’t the coolest kids
on the block, yet don't quite ût the
label of ‘ultimate geek’ – they’re in-
between (get it?). The series covers
their many failed attempts at
contact with the opposite sex and
has spawned many a catchphrase
among the under-30s of Britain.
This movie sees them on a lads’
holiday to Malia, with a plan to get
girls, get drunk, and get girls.
If you go into the cinema
hoping to see a potential candidate
for an Academy Award, you’re
likely to be disappointed. The
Inbetweeners Movie doesn’t pretend
to be anything other than what it is
– ninety minutes of silly boys doing
silly things. And that is what makes
it such an enjoyable watch. Even
without prior knowledge of the
show, the viewer instantly knows
how each character will provide
comic relief. The jokes may become
a tad predictable at times, but
you’ll laugh nevertheless, because
there will still be a chuckle or two
left over from the joke before. This
movie is crude, crazy and full of the
light-hearted, slapstick humour
which made the TV show an initial
success.
In short, if you watch this
movie, you’ll surely be knee deep
in laughs.
The Inbetweeners
By Nicole Vassel, Features Editor
R
eleased in 2009, this teen-
horror ûick ol obsession and
insanity is a little hidden treasure
deûnitely not lor the laint hearted.
This Australian chiller, written
and directed by 8ean lyrne, is the
perfect movie to watch if you’re
bored of the classic, repetitive,
million pound slasher ûicks
released in Hollywood. For me, a
self-confessed horror lover, I was
compelled to stop in my tracks
and give the ûlm a go. l lound
myself eager to watch this horror
ûlm, both lor its humorously
ironic title and its unsettling
unfamiliarity, which I found
endearing and scarily appealing.
1he ûlm starts oll with a stint
of disaster, as the main character,
lrent (Xavier 8amuel), is guilt
ridden and severely depressed by
the death of his father after a car
accident six months earlier. He
plans on attending his high school
dance with his girlfriend and
beauty Holly (Victoria Thaine),
after refusing a date with Lola
8tone (kobin mcleavy).
Then the real story begins -
after being attacked from behind,
Brent wakes up bound to a chair
by none other than rejected Lola.
Brent is trapped in her house
- which has been transformed
into her own version of a school
prom - with her crazy daddy and
a lobotomized woman named
Bright Eye, who we later learn
is her mother. Here, begins the
torturous ordeal which will have
you with a pillow at your face
and squirming in your seats. Not
only due to the blood and crazy
behavior of Lola and her father,
but also at the thought of such
twisted and gruesome concepts
ol torture, which director 8ean
Byrne has created.
with scenes consisting ol
drills through the brain, knives
through the feet and cannibalism,
it’s also oddly funny at times.
This is mostly due to the amazing
acting of McLeavy, who stays true
to her role as the psychopathic,
vengeance seeking outcast,
throughout the whole ûlm.
Overall, it’s a scary, funny and
easy watch, although at times
very unsettling. If you’re looking
for a scare which is different
to the usual 8cream and linal
Destination hype of the twenty
ûrst century then settle lor this
low budget creeper. But, whatever
you do, try not to get too curious
to try out any of the torturous
antics on the person who last
rejected you!
)ULJKWHQLQJÀOPSLFNRI
WKHPRQWKThe Loved Ones
By, Tiffany Tucker, Film Editor
H
ouse of Sand and Fog was
originally a book written by
Andre Dubus, then later in 2003
developed into a magniûcently
heart-wrenching ûlm directed
by Vadim lerelman. 1his ûlm
allows us to ask ourselves the most
important, yet equally complex,
questions in life: what and who are
we living for?
1he ûlm introduces lathy -
played by the hugely talented
}enniler connelly - who is a
depressed, recovering alcoholic,
living a lile ol bitter solitude. 8he
is evicted from her home, and
becomes determined to retrieve
what she believes is lawfully hers.
Meanwhile, Iranian immigrants
colonel lehrani (len lingsley)
and his wife and son move into
her home and begin to make a
new life for themselves after being
banished from Iran.
However, their lives are
disrupted by gradual interference
and eventual harassment by lathy
and her new boyfriend – who is
also a married 8herill's deputy - as
they make multiple attempts to get
her house back. However, rather
than resist, colonel lehrani denies
lathy her home back alter her
efforts to retrieve it, adding fuel to
the ûre in lathy's troubled heart.
The events, which take
place in the mid-end ol the ûlm,
are overwhelming and truly
emotional. A large part ol the ûlm
is centered on a clash of cultures,
with both parties unable to accept
each others'. 8uch a beautilully
devastating watch provoked me to
assess what truly makes me happy
in life and what is really worth
ûghting lor.
This intricate plot provokes
audience’s sympathies to shift at
numerous points between the two
powerful situations of struggle. By
the end, the message that Dubus
and Perelman strive to deliver is
simple: nothing in life is worth
more than that of your loved ones.
It takes ultimate tragedy for all of
these characters to ûnally reach
this bitter realization. This is a
truly touching ûlm, to be watched
by anyone having a hard time at
any point in his or her life.
+HDUWZDUPLQJZDWFKRIWKH
6XPPHUHouse of Sand and Fog
By, Tiffany Tucker, Film Editor
The lovely lads sharing from a bowl of... er... blue raspberryade.
Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley star in this tale of the trials of troubled alcholic.
LITERATURE 31 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011
Grow Up, by Ben Brooks
G
row Up has the kind of
cover that squeals for your
attention – acid colours and a
smiling skull. The cover was in
fact designed by Dave Brown
from The Mighty Boosh. Nestled
between Ruth Rendell and
whatever new vampire book
everyone’s swallowing up at the
moment, it stands out.
Ben Brooks, the author, has
written four books. His work has
been nominated for a Pushcart
Prize. He was born in 1992.
Younger than me and a published
author, how depressing. The
author’s age was not a fair reason
to hate the book though, so I
thought I’d better read it. I didn’t
hate it. But I didn’t love it either.
Grow Up is marketed as a ‘coming
of age’ novel and this is probably
too high an accolade to bestow
on an 18 year old’s debut. The
most iconic ‘coming of age’ novel
has to be The Catcher in the Rye by
J. D Salinger and Grow Up lalls ûat
when compared to that.
The book charts the
protagonist, Jasper’s, journey
through A-levels. This includes
taking mephedrone, having sex
and getting drunk. It doesn’t
really get much deeper than
that. However, it wasn’t all bad.
I raced through the book and at
points it even made me laugh.
Ultimately though, I felt that
Brooks borrowed too much
from great authors: ‘It is 2:46am
and I am not asleep. Insomnia
can result from an overactive
thyroid, diabetes, violent muscle
twitching, eating a heavy meal or
excessive caffeine consumption.’
So far, so Chuck Palahniuk.
Brooks even goes as far as
to cite that Jasper is, ‘Holden
caulûeld, only less reckless and
more attractive.’ The similes were
slightly overdone too – a dribble
of milk down the chin does not
‘(swallow) the small hairs like
poverty-stricken children in a
tsunami’. This all leads me back
to Ben Brooks’ age. Grow Up is an
example of a writer struggling
to ûnd his voice. lerhaps lrooks
will be one of the great writers
of his generation – he certainly
has the potential to be. Published
at the age of 18 is no easy feat
and let’s face it, with uazcJ anJ
Confused describing your debut
as, ‘Beautiful and complex’ you
must be doing something right.
Maybe I’m just jealous, after all,
I wasn’t the one published aged
18 was I?
By Alexandra Wilks, Literature Editor
E
very October one novel claims one of the most prestigious awards in
literature – The Man Booker Prize. The novel must be an original full
length work written in English and it must have been written by a citizen
of the Commonwealth or Ireland. Winners include Salman Rushdie with
Midnight’s Children (1981), Yann Martel’s Life of Pi (2002) and Howard
Jacobson’s 1nc link|cr qucsticn. The Shortlist has become in itself an
honour over the years distinguishing the best literature of the year.
Julian Barnes – The Sense of an Ending
Contemplating the reliability of memories and the transition from
puberty to middle age comfort Julian Barnes tells the story of Tony
Webster with precision and inscrutable insight.
Carol Birch – Jamrach’s Menagerie
Exploring the boundaries of love and friendship ‘Jamrach’s Menagerie’
tells of Jaffy Brown’s discoveries in his journey for explorer, entrepreneur
and collector of the world’s strangest creatures, Mr Jamrach.
Patrick DeWitt – The Sisters Brothers
A darkly comic western novel exposing the perversity of human
emotions and motivation, ‘The Sister’s Brothers’ is a story of two
professional killers, siblings, and the decisions they make in a journey to
commit murder.
Esi Edugyan – Half Blood Blues
lsi ldugyan's vivid tale lollows 8id as he returns to lerlin, ûlty years
after the disappearance of Hieronymus Falk, a black, German, cabaret
star. The truth is challenged and authorities questioned in this novel that
strives for honesty in a bias and complex society.
Stephan Kelman – Pidgeon English
As Harrison Opoku adjusts to his new life in England he is oblivious
to the dangers that surround him as an immigrant. When a young boy
is knifed to death on his street Harrison’s personal murder investigation
challenges his maturity. The story charts a young boy’s journey into
adulthood and the dilûculties one endures moving lrom ohana to lngland.
$'0LOOHU²6QRZGURSV
Snowdrops is a modern ‘Dorian Gray’ - A psychological drama that
explores the instability of moral integrity and the temptations a new
world presents. The young protagonist is seduced by New Russia and the
opportunities it provides.
Ibe Noa-8eeket It|ze 2011
By Hollie Rowe-Roberts, Deputy Editor (Design)
MU8IC 33 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011
O
k, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but
what more could anyone ask for from a
small local festival than a few popular acts,
a few for the oldies and a large amount of
brilliant local talent?
For one (disappointingly wet) weekend
in July, Stoke Park was transformed into a
world of tents, stages and the most varied
mix of people you could think of, from young
children to the more ‘aged’ population, there
was something for everyone!
With Guilfest celebrating its 20th
anniversary, headliners included Roger
Daltry from ‘The Who’, Razorlight and James
Blunt on the main stage, and the one and
only Peter Andre on the second stage. The
line-up featured a solid mix of genres and
time-zones to appeal to all. Despite the wet
weather, crowds gathered in their thousands
to watch music, comedy and soak up the
incredible festival atmosphere.
With a total of nine different performance
tents and stages, there was always something
to entertain (or cringe at in the case of
some of the comedy acts), along with many
other stalls and attractions. The Funky End
Dance tent deemed a popular attraction
with the younger crowds, especially in the
evenings, with fantastic DJ sets from the
likes of Pendulum, DJ Fresh and a surprise
appearance by Tinie Tempah during Nero’s
set on the Friday night. However, it has
to be said that the talented local bands
undoubtedly made the weekend.
Guilfest proved to be a fantastic platform
for local talent, with dozens of acts having
the opportunity to perform at what has to be
the largest music event in the area. Overall a
thoroughly enjoyable weekend which would
deûnitely be recommended!
By Hannah Jelliman, Dance and Theatre Editor
Guilfest: Surrey’s answer to Glastonbury?
D
rum ‘n’ bass and dubstep: two sounds
synonymous with the vibrations of a passing
Citroën Saxo or the VK-swilling antics of the Living
koom danceûoor. Yet as a genre, it is olten a sound
of big production, big beats and even bigger ideas.
Nero’s Welcome Reality, with it’s bombastic
opening statement of ‘2808: Doomsday’, is no
exception. As the ûrst commercial dub duo to hit
the big time under the Chase & Status owned label
MTA Records, Daniel Stephens and Joe Ray are
the latest to tow the sci-û soundtrack line in all
it’s portentous glory.
Like Sub Focus’ self-entitled debut and
Pendulum’s In Silico before it, Welcome Reality’s
vision of the future is a self-indulgent nod to the cult
classics of the 1980s and the bygone days of prog
rock; My Eyes and In My Way would not seem out
of place in Blade Runner or The Terminator, while
Scorpions is a six minute mini journey of haunting
synths and resonating vocals.
Yet while the chart-topping success of Welcome
Reality’s sweeping allusions may be telling of our
nostalgia for Eighties pop culture, it’s the solid pop
singles that save it from wallowing in unwarranted
melodrama. Me And You, Promises and Innocence
are all dance anthems in their own right, elevated
by Stephens’ girlfriend Alana Watson’s vocals, which
break through the instrumental tedium.
It would be wrong to overlook Nero’s debut as
typical, or even as the swan song of a genre that has
lost credibility in the light of mainstream popularity.
For all its pretence of beard stroking and intergalactic
posturing, Welcome Reality is an eclectic mix of the
past and present, with tongue-in-cheek notions
of the future. Above all, it’s a great dance record
that is sure to make the rounds at a pre-drinks
party near you.
By, Tom Goulding, Deputy Editor (Marketing)
REVIEW: Nero – Welcome Reality
A
fter their monster double
album, Stadium Arcadium in
2006, the loss of guitarist John
Frusciante (again) might seem like
a natural place to have put the Red
Hot Chili Peppers to rest. But here
they are once again, sporting their
friend and former gigging second
guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. And
while the band sounds subtly but
signiûcantly dillerent, the changes
aren't a bad thing.
I'm With You starts with the
one-two danceable punch of
Monarchy of Roses and Factory of
Faith. Klinghoffer immediately
shows himself as a worthy
addition to the band, continuing
Frusciante's pared-back, textural
background guitar. There's no fear
of letting Flea's bass take the lead.
That isn't to say however that the
reverse cannot be true, with the
trebly, lilting guitar work of Annie
wants a 8auy showing the band's
versatility.
Where I'm With You really
diverges from Stadium Arcadium
is in its massive depth of musical
texture. At the time of release,
Stadium Arcadium was heralded
for its variety (and is still to this
writer's mind, the best Chilis
album), but I'm With You swings
from quiet, laid-back poems, to
busy and frenetic disco, right the
way to seething metal guitar. It's
all locked into place with the Chili's
tight, tight rhythm section and
a kind of glittering, glamourous
Hollywood tingle.
Still on top of their game, the
Red Hot Chili Peppers produce
another evolutionary masterpiece.
REVIEW:
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I’m With You
By, Jack White, Editor
MU8IC 34 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011 [email protected]
A
s part of the University’s End of Year
Show, the students of Surrey were
lucky enough to have the uniquely talented
Beardyman grace the prestigious Rubix
stage. With his exceptional ability to turn
his vocals into almost any sound imaginable,
his performance was no less than amazing.
After his set I was fortunate enough to meet
the man himself backstage along with Ahad
Elley, Alex Lightfoot and Aaron Rush from
GU2 radio, where we got to ask him a few
questions.
WARNING – Beardyman’s answers are
almost as random as his beats.
The Stag: So, what’s going on man?
Beardyman: I don’t know anymore, it’s all
got very confusing.
TS: You’re being interviewed by student
press, how does that feel?
Bm: It feels pretty exhilarating, I feel sexual
about the whole thing.
18: How did you enjoy the set?
Bm: I enjoyed it with my hormones.
TS: Two years ago you were playing The
Boileroom in Guildford and now you’re
playing our EOYS, what happened in those
few years?
Bm: I killed 40 people. There is no such thing
as bad publicity.
TS: Do you like dinosaurs?
Bm: I do like dinosaurs.
TS: A lot of people in the crowd tonight
were saying how is he doing this all with
his mouth?! Can you taIk us through what
you do?
Bm: Erm, I don’t use computers. I would do if
there was a computer program that allowed
me to do what I do, but there isn’t, there’s
only chaos pads, which at the moment are
the only thing that allows me to do what I do!
TS: So you record yourself doing a beat,
loop that….
Bm: Yeah that’s what I do… live looping.
I’ve got a keyboard as well, so it’s not all my
voice, but there’s no pre-recorded loops. Erm
basically, I put loops into the system and f**k
with them.
TS: When you do your shows do you have
a predetermined set Iist? Or do you just go
with the feeling?
Bm: It’s pretty much all improv, there are set
pieces and covers that I know I can do but
they sort of vary on whether or not I manage
to do them right, if I f**k something up I can
be like “I meant do to that, it’s just a longer
drop!”
18: You've just reIeased an aIbum, how
did you hnd going from improvisation to
writing actual tracks?
Bm: I found it annoying actually. I’ve never
really liked the process of committing things
to tape or whatever it is these days. It doesn’t
feel natural. I mean, I’ve managed to create
a method of making music which is very
natural. I’ve written songs all my life and
produced things and done remixes but it’s
not the same.
TS: The Justin Bieber track is brilliant by
the way.
Bm: Aha I love it, out of the 20 tracks the
one you like is just an impression of a bunch
of dogs tearing Justin Bieber’s face off. You
know why that came about actually? I was
watching a video of Justin Bieber like “oh
who is this f**king Bieber kid?” I looked at
it and I was like you know what, he’s actually
annoyingly talented, so I tweeted ‘Justin
Bieber is actually quite talented’ and I got
this ûurry ol hatred back, so l was like ¨well
just so you all know my album features Justin
Bieber been torn apart by a pack of dogs….”
But I was like ah f**k I have to do it now!
TS: So Beardyman, where’s the beard?
Bm: Are Metallica made of metal? Are Pink
Floyd pink?
18: weII MetaIIica are made from metaI...
Bm: Aha, the music I suppose is made from
metal. Well… my music is made of beards, it’s
kind of slovenly and everywhere and stanky
and a bit hairy and a little bit itchy and there
is scratching in it so it’s a lot like a beard and
it’s got bits in it….. AND it makes me seem
cleverer than I am.
TS: So it must take it out of you a lot being
on stage in terms of lungs and vocal power
do you do any exercises or anything?
Bm: To be honest, I think normal life takes it
out of me more! Being on stage is a lot easier!
You’ve got bills, you’ve got people coming up
to you like “Where’s your beard?! Where’s
your beard?” when I get on stage I’m like
‘ahhhhh… life is simple’.
TS: So, what advice would you give anyone
trying to make it in the business?
Bm: GET A JOB! F**KS SAKE! Make something
of your life! Get a real profession you waster!
Sort your life out!! Ha-ha.
18: ieading from that, when you hrst
started, did anyone react like that to you?
Bm: Yeah, everyone… well, I got a lot of
encouragement from people who were like
wow you’ve got something you should do
something with it, but when I started beat
boxing a lot of my mates were like “stop it,
it’s s**t.”
TS: If you weren’t doing this what would
you be doing?
Bm: Well I was going to be a product designer
but I gave that up to do this. I was a waster
‘til I started doing this… but conveniently
all the sitting around listening to music now
appears to be valuable research.
TS:Do you prefer more comedic
performances or working the club
environment?
Bm: I think that’s like asking someone if they
prefer sex or food. They are very different
sorts of things… but I couldn’t do one or the
other forever, I’d get bored.
18: 1hree biggest in0uences in music?
Bm: I don’t listen to a lot of new music
actually. Recently I just got into Kraftwerk
and I’ve been listening to all their back
catalogue and I’m really into a band called
Ween who don’t really gig anymore but
had like a 20 year career. John Hopkins is
amazing, everything he does is incredible.
Radiohead are amazing…
TS: What is it that makes a DJ succeed?
Bm: The Force!
Beardless and slightly eccentric
By Sophia Field, Music Editor
1nc 5ta¡`s cwn 5cpnia lic|J a¡nast at 8carJyman`s |ack cj apparcnt jacc juzz
On your marks, get set…
W
hether you're a ûrst year nervous
about the challenges ahead, a second
year remembering that this year actually
counts, or even a third year gearing up for
the most important year of your degree, we
all need a bit of motivational music to get
the year started. So turn up your music (but
not too loud as you’re probably now living
in shared accommodation…!) and get ready
to be enthused by these 5 tunes that might
just force you onto your feet and make you
smile into submission.
1. Rusted Root – ‘Send Me On My Way’
2. Two Door Cinema Club – ‘Something
Good Can Work’
3. Alex Clare – ‘Hands Are Clever’.
4. The Beach Boys – ‘I Get Around’
5. Aerosmith & Run-D.M.C. – ‘Walk This
Way’
©

M
a
r
k

A
n
b
i
n
d
e
r
T
here is nothing like a phenomenal cover of an incredible song. Particularly over
the summer when all you need is a guitar and some sun for a perfect afternoon.
1. Johnny Cash – One ( U2)
2. Ray LaMontagne - Crazy ( Gnarls Barkley)
3. Adele – Lovesong ( The Cure)
4. Muse - Feelin' Good (Nina Simone)
5. Led Zeppelin - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You (Anne Briggs)
6. Madeline Peroux – Between the Bars (Elliot Smith)
7. Counting Crows - Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell)
8. Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Burt Bucharach & Hal David)
9. Lucia Micarelli – Kashmir (Led Zepplin)
10. Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan)
By Hollie Rowe-Roberts, Deupty Editor (Design)
Summer covers
SPORT 36 The Stag | 23
rd
September 2011 [email protected]
F
reshers, second and ûnal years, and all those who can't quite bare to
leave Uni, we at Surrey Snow Sports view ourselves as more than just
a sports society, we like to think of ourselves as a social club as well. As
the biggest society on campus we put on massive nights, including our
ûrst bar crawl whiteOut, which returns October 20th. we run beginner
lessons, race training and even freestyle training, so whether you are a
seasoned pro or hell you don't even know what a ski is, but would sure like
to ûnd out, we have something lor you! Add our massive trip to 1ignes
over New Year, and well you've got the whole package!
Visit www.surrcysncwspcrts.ccm or like our group on Facebook –
‘Surreysnowsports’
Much love, Surrey Snow Sports!
Snowsports
W
e're a friendly bunch
who mostly climb and
sometimes head into the
mountains in the winter to play
on the snow and ice. We meet
every Tuesday from 6-8pm
to climb at the Surrey Sports
Park, after which we head to a
bar for drinks and a chat, and
every Wednesday from 3-5pm
for more climbing. We also
organise fortnightly weekend
trips to crags around the
country for outdoor climbing,
as well as trips abroad to places
like Fontainebleau, the Alps
and more!
All are welcome, from
experienced climbers to total
beginners, so come along and
try climbing!
Mountaineering
F
rom absolute beginners, to intermediate or advanced riders, we
have something to offer for everybody. On Wednesdays we travel to
Silvermere Riding Centre for riding lessons. Each lesson will be suited
to each person's level ol ability and includes ûatwork, jumping, cross
country and hacks. We are also looking for people who would like to
become part of our team and compete against other universities in
the BUCS league. Information about try-outs will be given at a later
date. If you would like to book a lesson, come and meet us on Mondays
from 1pm until 2pm in Chancellors. For more info contact us at ussu.
c¡ucstrian_surrcy.ac.uk or ûnd us on lacebook with 5urrcy í¡ucstrian.
Equestrian
T
he University of Surrey Cricket Club welcomes anyone with an
interest in playing cricket and having a good time whilst doing so.
This year we will train weekly throughout the winter before kicking off
our competitive season with a local indoor competition. In the summer
we have two teams representing in lLc8 and will ûnish the year in
style with a cricket tour to Amsterdam!
Having achieved promotion for both teams last year and with our
membership ever increasing, we expect the 2011/12 season to be the
best yet! If you are keen on getting involved, join the USCC Facebook
group, or contact Chairman Josh Rix at ussu.crickct_surrcy.ac.uk.
Cricket
T
he University of Surrey
Rugby Club is a very
welcoming team as well as a
strong group of friends. If you
are thinking of playing rugby, if
you have never played before,
or have played at academy level
there is a place for you! Why not
visit us at the Fresher’s Fayre!
Rugby
W
omen’s Rugby is the
team to join this year!
Following our success; as ‘Most
Improved Surrey Team 2010.’
We were promoted and reached
the Cup Final in 2011. Women’s
Rugby is the fastest growing UK
team sport! It’s like no other
game, it doesn’t matter how
short or tall, big or small you
are, with 15 different positions
there is a place for you on the
team. It truly is a sport for all
and we need you to help build
on our success! Check out
Facebook ‘University of Surrey
Women’s Rugby club 2011-
2012’ or nttp://www.pitcncrc.
ccm/c|uus/univcrsitycjsurrcyrjc/
or email me Jròòò!._surrcy.
ac.uk (Dominique Roe-Captain).
Women’s
Rugby
Welcome Week is a chance for you to come and show us what you’ve
got! We run taster sessions open to ALL Surrey students male or female,
where you will meet some of the 09/10 team and learn the basics of
stunting, tumbling, jumps and dance. lt's also a great chance to ûnd out
what being a cheerleader is all about in the run up to trials. No experience
needed, yet we’d love to have you if you do. Check us out on Facebook:
‘Surrey Angels Cheerleaders Fresher’s 2011/2012’
8o please come and ûnd us at lresher's layre where we can give you
more information!
Love the Surrey Angels.
Cheerleading
T
his year, join the universities own ballroom and latin dance team;
learn a range of dances at all levels in on campus training sessions,
compete with us all around England and have fun making friends on our
socials. Come see us at Freshers Fayre and at the active Freshers Fayre
and join our new Facebook group! Take part in what looks to be our most
exciting year yet!
Lessons will be on WEDNESDAY: 1.30 – 3pm
SUNDAY: 5-5.30pm – Advanced, 5.30-6.30pm – Beginners, 6.30 – 8pm –
Offbeat/Rock and Roll.
And we will be at Active Freshers Fayre between 1-3 running two 1
hours free sessions.
Ballroom and Latin Dance Team

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close