2nd November (Issue 1197) - The Courier

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 3NEWSFrances KroonFilm EditorFifteen years after Jesmond PictureHouse was closed to the public, theold building next to West Jesmondmetro was last week demolishedfollowing a motion approved by thecouncil back in June.The old building is set to be re- block, containing shops and a restaurantunderneath.Dozens of onlookers watchedlast week as diggers and machinesbegan the process of reducing thebuilding to rubble.The Picture Housewill be replaced byblock.the 2nd of May, 1921 with a screeningof At the Mercy of Tiberius.Better known for screening the‘high brow’ end of cinema, the cinemainitially proved a success withthe predominantly middle classresidents of West Jesmond, swiftlybecoming a core feature of the community.However, since its closure in 1993,the curved building has fallen intodisrepair; its white exterior easilyoverlooked against the happy hourhustle of the Lonsdale pub next toit.The actual decision to close the cinema,though a shame, was hardlysurprising. With huge cinema complexesspringing up everywhere, itwas inevitable that it was the openingof a Warner Brothers nearby that off.Despite this, some independentcinemas have thrived in the pastdecade. The Tyneside Cinema hasused its independent status to itsadvantage, with screenings of ‘cultclassics’ and ‘golden oldies’ provinga hit.Unfortunately, the Picture Housewas not able to utilize its status,authenticity and charm in the sameway. The old-fashioned interior,complete with balcony and stalls,retained the nostalgia of formeryears, and even the sight of the exteriorgave a passer by a feeling ofwhat it would be like going to theyears it appeared like broken memorabiliafrom a past generation.It is expected that the cinema will of the week.C. ARGYROPULO-PALMERAlice VincentCommentary

4 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERNEWSWaterstone’s employeeprice hike on academicemployers have deliberately raised the cost of books in order to cashin on the lucrative student market, reports Christabel DicksonA Waterstone’s employee has ac- -bill.”The former Newcastle Universitystudent, who wishes to remainanonymous, contacted The Courier -at one of the bookseller’s North Eastbranches. told The CourierI found out about the price increases debt. been added to the recommended retailprice of a selection of academicIf a student were to purchase the Giddens on the Waterstone’s web- purchase the book with an onlinediscount for £24.69.On their website Waterstone’s ommendedretail price set by thepublisher, stated as £25.99 in orderHowever, if a student were to the Waterstone’s store situated on- price’ on their website, Waterstone’shave effectively made their illicitprice increases easy to identify. reason behind the increased prices Potter and Dan Brown, Waterstone’s the company does not make as books, or more accurately the failurealso recently developed a centralfrom publishers. The warehouse isa disaster and customer orders and arrive. This has resulted in account elsewhere and poor customer service.This has hit sales. Waterstone’s - appalled that Waterstone’s have dents,especially when they have - required to buy for their courses,and which, for the majority, are veryhave to buy numerous books whichcan amount to a hundred pounds athat cost.”Helen Rennie, a third year Com- terstone’sin the past as I’ve always countsfor students, but I certainlywon’t anymore. dentsin order to pay for their ownmistakes is just unbelievable.”A Waterstone’s spokesman commentedto The Courier number of products discounted oron promotion at any one time. pay attention to how customers re-our wider promotional activities.”Inside today >>>Modern languagecourses on the slideNews, page 6Blair for EU President?Comment, page 13What a rip off: Waterstone’s pricing policy has been subject to criticism from one of their own staffCaroline Argyropulo-PalmerCommentaryI was brought up checking theprice per kg of supermarket itemsto try and work out which sizeoption was the cheapest and ifthe offers were really worth it. Itwasn’t because my family particularlyneeded to save 3p on a bagof pasta; it was my Dad’s beliefthat the best deal might need a bitmore hunting for.As such, I now use my inadequatemaths to add the cost ofpostage on to various Amazonsellers, scour Blackwells, and Waterstone’s,to get the best deal onbooks I need for my course.This is an option available toeveryone; there might not be aprice comparison website forto shop around and thus avoid beingripped off by this underhandpricing.That said, it is underhand. AndWaterstone’s deliberate targetingof students to try and recover lossescaused by their own mistakes isappalling given the highly publicisedamount of debt the averageuniversity graduate faces.Buying these books isn’t achoice; we need them to completeour degrees. The library cannotsupply 50 copies of every set text(the average size of an English Literaturemodule), and when a bookis particularly useful or you mightwant to annotate it, buying reallyis the only option.Whilst online shopping oftenyields cheaper options, if you’veleft it too late, legitimately becausethe reading list was released lateor out of laziness, delivery times

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 5NEWSrevealsbooksStudent seriously ill after fallJessica TullyNews Editor - - - - - - -- - The Courier- - -Team spirit just wouldn’t be the same without socialsJamie GavinCommentaryWhilst I appreciate no one shouldfeel intimidated when entering asports club, I feel that socials arean integral and vital part of anyclub’s make up. Anyone involvedin a sports team will tell youWednesdays are the best days -and nights – of their week.It’s not just about turning upat Cochrane Park on a Wednesdayafternoon, or going down tojourney back, meeting up in theUnion, and going out as a team, aswell as meeting other Team Newcastleclubs.And yes, drinking is a part of it,but it’s not essential, and it doesn’thave to be stupid amounts. We’vehad people that don’t drink comeout, dancing away in Sinners andenjoying our socials as much asthose who choose to drink.Call it a ‘drinking culture’ ifyou like; I call it team spirit,team bonding. We graft hard ona Wednesday afternoon for theUniversity, we play hard on aWednesday night. It brings everyonetogether.Lifelong friends are made. Whenballsocial - our ‘welcoming night’my team mates. A week later I hadfelt I knew pretty well - four ofwhich I live with now.Wednesday nights reveal character,and it helps on the pitchtoo. Win, lose or draw, you go out,discuss the game, take the piss outof each other and next week youknow each other that little bit better,and trust each other that littlebit more.Sometimes it goes too far. Peoplecan’t train or play because theyget injured after being too fargone. That’s ludicrous. Nights outshould be a celebration, a commiseration,but they should neverresult in anyone getting hurt.People should look after eachother off the pitch as they do onit. And that goes for Wednesdaynights too.Team spirit in any team justwouldn’t be the same without thesocials, and as long as the rowdyWednesdays don’t become ridicu-Play hard, drink hard, deal with the consequences laterLois LockerCommentaryThe AU is likely to come underhave taken place on the Wednesdaysports night out. Questionswill be raised as to why both incidentstook place on this particularnight.The issue with Wednesdaynights out is the sheer number ofpeople involved in teams drinkingcompetitively. Each club is tryingto outdo the others to achieve thebiggest collective memory loss,have the least amount of possessionsby the end of the night andhave the biggest number of peoplearrested.Even those people who aren’t involvedin any sports team at all aredrawn into the night, making itbusier and messier than any othernight of the week.In the last couple of years the nationalmedia has often highlightedthe stories of sports club initiationceremonies. These stories haveemerged after a student at ExeterUniversity died from a heavynight of drinking in a golf clubinitiation ceremony.Since then, initiation ceremo-However, although no sports clubopenly uses the term initiationceremonies in all but name arecertainly taking place: seriousdrinking tasks are set which freshersand old-timers alike will beexpected to take part in.In many ways the national mediahas missed the point: by focusingsolely on initiation ceremoniesthey have not noticed the week byweek heavy drinking which takesplace every Wednesday at everyuniversity across the country.However, despite the attemptsto draw attention to the issue ofsports club drinking, it is unlikelythat any changes will occur in thenear future.At most universities, the sportsnight out is renowned as one ofthe biggest nights out; it’s partof the culture of university sport:play hard, drink harder and dealwith the consequences later.Newcastle University botanist’s researchto be resurrected for new pollution surveymembers, prompting anger amongst Newcastle University studentsmight not get it to you when youneed it. This is especially truesince the postal strike furorebegan.Waiting in for books also isn’tparticularly convenient at the bestof times, especially if you have leftit until after lectures have begun,and even more so when there isthrough the letter box.Sometimes buying the bookfrom a shop and getting hold of itthat day is simply the best option.And walking across town to checkif Blackwells or Waterstone’s isH. HAYEScheaper is much harder than a fewGoogle searches on your computer.You want to be able to buy abook knowing that it is reasonablypriced, and that whilst it mightnot be as cheap as you could havegot it, that the extra few poundssimply pays for convenience andspeed.Not that you have unwittinglybeen paying well over the odds ofnormally buying a book from a retailer,and all because students arethe easiest target to foot the shop’sbad management bill.Nile Amos - - --- - - The Courier - -katy.barnard@ncl.ac.uk

6 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERNEWSNationalDumb and dumber: languagecourses slipping in standards?Olivia-Marie ViveirosUK Universities have been accusedof “dumbing down” language degreesin the hope of attracting newstudents, according to a new report.Michael Worton, the Vice-Provostof University College London, wasordered to carry out the report by theHigher Education Funding Councilfor England (HEFCE), after severaldepartments had to close due to lackof funding for research, and a fall ininterest from students.The report shows student numbersyears and a third of departmentshave closed in the last seven years.The government have been accusedof neglecting language degrees byfocusing their funding on science,technology and engineering.Universities have also been accusedof “betraying” the disciplineby replacing pure language courseswith “cultural studies” and translatingtexts that students are supposedto interpret.Worton believed the decrease innumbers was a result of the governmentending compulsory languagemodules at GCSE level. He told TheGuardian: “The greatest source ofcurrent anxiety is the lack of fundingwhich is forcing many departmentsto cut back.”The number of UK students takinglanguage degrees decreasedfrom 3.3 % to 2.9% between 2003and 2008. The most affected area inthe UK was England, after numbersdropped from 3.2% to 2.7%.The number of full time languagestudents dropped by 5%, comparedwith an 11% increase in students attendinguniversity.Numbers would have droppedeven further, had it not been for anincrease in European students applyingto study languages in theUK, as well as Italian, Spanish andMandarin increasing in popularity.More students are also now takinglanguages as a subsidiary to theirmain degree.Mandelson calls for increasedvigilance of university standardsCaroline Argyropulo-PalmerComment EditorAs the rise of tuition fees seems increasinglyinevitable, Lord Mandelsonis hoping that teaching standardswill rise with them.The business secretary wants totoughen up the monitoring of universitiesas debate continues as tohow much more students shouldpay for higher education.Although the fees review will notbe released until after the generalelection, there is a consensus thatthe current cap of £3,225 will be lifted,with vice chancellors arguing forfees of up to £7,000 a year.Mandelson’s plans include increasingthe number of inspections carriedout by the universities watchdog,the Quality Assurance Agency(QAQ).This comes after claims that uni-and that the divide between thevalue of degrees from different universitiesis widening. Lord Mandelson’splans could see degree awardingpowers removed from someinstitutions.As well as increasing the watchdog’spower, Mandelson has alsourged students to demand morefrom their universities and adoptthe attitude of “consumers”.He told The Guardian: “As studentswho go into higher education paymore, they will expect more and areentitled to receive more in terms,not just of the quality of courses, butthe whole experience they receiveduring their time in the higher educationsystem.“If there is a degree of passivity,then I hope that without enjoiningour student population to take tothe barricades, I hope they will bemore picky, demanding and choosyas consumers of the higher educationexperience.”The issue of passivity was takenup by Newcastle lecturer ProfessorPeter Reynolds, who told The Courier:“Although I loathe the increas-agree that students need to be moredemanding of their lecturers, andthat lecturers too should continue tomake their own demands in return.“This has nothing to do with thelevel of fees, it is about the collaborativenature of higher education.Lecturers are a valuable resource,but they need to be used if studentswant a return on their investment.“For example, my colleagues heldtwo hour feedback sessions lastweek, where students could comeand discuss their performance inthe last semester. In two hours I sawfour students out of a possible 90.“As you know, in common withother Schools in the Faculty, we operatea personal tutor system and tees(or anyone) can drop in withoutan appointment. Apart from thebeginning of the academic year, mythe presence of any students.”There does seem to be an increasein student response however, as atNewcastle University, the level ofparticipation in the National StudentSurvey rose this year, with anincreased response on 65%, beatingthe sector average of 62% for theInside today >>>Nick Kershaw slams theBritish drinking cultureComment, page 11Worton said universities had tobe honest about the way they were The achievements of universitycourses could be assessed by newmeasures in an extensive government-fundedcost-cutting programme,which would see an overhaulof the current rating system.Performance should be based onthe number of students who dropout, earnings of graduates, employmentrate, overall student satisfaction,and inspection results,according to a review by the UKCommission for Employment andSkills (UKces).Each course would be ranked inleague tables similar to those usedfor schools and hospitals, while institutionswould also be encouragedto consider their social responsibilities.Recruitment of “risky” students,and the shaping of courses to offermore relevance to local employers,would lead to higher performanceresults for colleges as part of theproposals.Chris Humphries, chief executiveof UKces, told The Guardian: “Employershave a real problem gettingpeople with the right skills, and oursystem is pretty unresponsive andmassively complex. You could slimthe process right down, save moneyand improve courses.”He stated that while the proposalsthe range of degrees they offer.“It’s time to stop complaining andrecognise that universities musttake possession of their agenda. Thedanger is that it becomes a purelyundergraduate discipline” he toldThe Guardian.At Newcastle University, the reporthas spread opinion.Samuel Anaya Guzman, lecturerin Spanish, told The Courier: “It’seasy to generalise, but this “dumbingdown” is certainly not the caseat Newcastle. We get keen studentsfrom all over the country wanting don’t compromise on standards.“They have to work hard to getgood results. Our courses are challengingand exciting, and we alwayshave very positive feedback consistentlyfrom students.He continued: “It’s a very generalisedstatement, which isn’t fair.It undermines people’s hard work,such as the Modern Languages staffat Newcastle University who weredisappointed by accusations.”James Brown, forth year Germanand Politics student commented:“I have always found languagemodules at Newcastle very thorough.It’s easy to brand languagesas “dumbed-down” when talkingabout cultural modules, but theseare often the most interesting.”However, Fran Infante, forth yearSpanish and English LiteratureCombined Honours student told TheCourier: “I personally think culturalmodules are a waste of time, but it’snot much of a problem for me as I’malso studying English Literature.“If I was coming to university tostudy straight languages I wouldn’tbe pleased at having to study LatinAmerican Cinema or equally point-League table plan for universitiesDan Robinsonwould initially be applied to furthereducation, he hoped it would be extendedto higher education in thefuture.Colleges would also follow universitiesin establishing capped feesfor training courses, with studentsand employers required to share thecosts between them.The move would allow the governmentto force poorly rated coursesto improve or close..Hundreds of millions of poundscould be saved in the scheme, as thenew system would put consumerpressure on courses and reduce theneed for the huge planning bureaucracybehind the system.The UKces review was orderedover a year ago and will be highlyof the skills system to improvetraining provision, as Britain seeksto recover from the recession by retrainingpeople.However, the plans are likely to attractcontroversy, due to the apparentfailure of the league table systemin schools and hospitals.Sally Hunt, general secretary of theUniversity and Colleges Union, toldThe Guardian: “The league table culturehas been a disaster in schoolsand hospitals. If applied to universitiesit will lead to a narrowing ofthe curriculum and an impedimentto innovation”.

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 7NationalNEWSUniversity accused of racial discriminationJack TorranceA student of the University of Aberdeenhas accused staff of racial discrimination.The 35 year-old female from Bangalore,India, has lodged a complaintwith the university alongwith the Indian high commission inLondon.Allegations include Indian studentsbeing deliberately given thelowest marks in the class, and racialcomments being made betweenstaff.She also claimed that Indian studentswere given inaccurate informationin order to hamper theirprogress.A spokesperson for the universityplaintof racial discrimination, andsaid: “The University of Aberdeen iscommitted to the equal treatment ofall persons regardless of their race,origin or colour.”Drama student cleared of sleepwalk raperaping a woman during a sleepoverin student accommodation in FinsburyPark last year. Royal College of Dramatic Arts toldpolice interviewers: “I can’t rememberphysically doing it. I was notdrunk and if I did do it, it was in mysleep.”It took the jury of SnaresbrookCourt, East London, where the victimwas tried, only an hour to acquithim of charges.Prison for Kenyan student in BristolBristol student Felista Peters wasjust days away from graduatingwhen she was arrested for being inthe UK on false pretences, a courtheard.Kenyan-born Peters had used aforge herself a lifestyle based on lies,ingher to the tune of £34,800 for athree-year radiology course at thestudent previously denied the rightto graduate has won her case in anout of court settlement.She was in debt to the Universityrent on accommodation which sheconsidered to be inappropriate. she would have been barred from Shawana Bilqes, an 18-year-old studentfrom Burnley had been barredfrom enrolling at college there, afterrefusing to remove her Burqa.The college defended their decision,saying that face to face contactwas vital for the teaching process.Student costume blaze causes severe burnsA student studying at the Universityof Leeds has been admitted toleyTaps pub in Leeds.The 19 year-old student, who waswearing a sheep costume made ofcotton wool, was drinking with two in Bristol. sessingfalse identity documentswith intent; obtaining a money transferby deception; obtaining servicesby deception and two charges of usinga false instrument with intent.She has been sentenced to 19months in prison.Mature student graduates despite rent arrearssettlement, Ms Lavelle will nowarts degree.A spokesperson from the universi-mentin order to save costs, and theuniversity has not made any admissionof liable with respect to it’sright to bar students from graduatingwhile in debt.”Muslim refused entry to Burnley collegeThey also suggested that it was importantfor all faces to be visible forsafety reasons.Miss Bilqes defended herself, saying:“It is my choice to wear theveil. I tried to compromise but theywouldn’t.”other students who also sufferedmen from Portsmouth in connectionwith the incident. One of the suspectswas released without chargewhilst the other was bailed pendingfurther enquiry.New campus setfor DarlingtonClaire ChildsA proposal for a new TeessideUniversity campus at Darlingtonhas been approved.ingwill house 1,000 students andwill offer teaching, catering andadministration facilities, as wellas business conference rooms.Initially, Sport England and theAssociation of North-East Councilswere concerned about the locationof the building site, whichwill be based next to DarlingtonCollege’s football pitches.It was feared that these pitcheswould be lost during the rede-contracts, plans have now beenmade for the pitches to be relocatedto Blackwell Meadows.It is hoped that the new campuswill give a boost to the local area’seconomy, as well as providingemployment opportunities.The new campus was approvedshortly after Teesside Universitywas named ‘University of theThe Timestionawards.The University is also currentlyrunning a television advert campaignto promote the establishment.A key question is whether thenew campus at Darlington willprovide competition for NewcastleUniversity.Second year English Literature& Language student Faye Telfertold The Courier: “I don’t thinkthat Teesside will be that much ofa threat to Newcastle, as our Universityis a very well-establishedcentre for education.”There’s a reason we only hired5% of applicants last year.It takes nothing less than total dedication to handle the complexity and sheer scope of an organisation that looks after 60 million people from theirvery first breath. Combine this with the 1.3 million staff it takes to provide the service, and you can see why management roles really don’t comemuch bigger than this. After gaining further professional qualifications on placements across England, you’ll get the chance to wield real influencewithin one of the most innovative and forward thinking organisations in the world.To find out when we’ll be visiting your campus, or to discover more about our Graduate Management Training Scheme, just visit our websiteat www.nhsgraduates.co.ukwww.nhsgraduates.co.uk

8 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERNEWSEditorialEditorialEditor: David Coverdale - editor.union@ncl.ac.ukUnion Society showcases servicesThis Friday, Newcastle UniversityStudents’ Union celebrates the bestof what it has to offer, with a packedday of activities, competitions, food,drink and even a world record attempt.The aim of Union Day is to showcasethe services that the Unionprovides for students and to raiseawareness in those students who seethe Union as little more than a placeto spend time in between lectures.From 11am, the Union Society tentwill be open all day for informationabout all of the services on offer,as well as Big Brother style diaryroom sessions where you can makeyour voice heard and give feedbackon what you think about your Students’Union.If you want feeding then there willbe a hog roast outside and you willalso be able to buy toffee apples to Newcastle Student Radio providingthe music on the lawn.Inside the building, the Unionbrings to you the ‘Wall of Debt’ forall the information you need aboutthe government’s proposal on liftingthe cap on tuition fees and NUS’town takeover later this month.There will be a Guitar Hero Championshipin Mens Bar from 12pm,while Union Day will also coincide ion’slegendary dance night Arcane,with tickets going on sale for December’send of term blowout, nowin its 16th year.One of the biggest events of theday will be the world record attemptheld by Give it a Go in the Basementat 1pm, for the largest number ofpeople participating in a game ofMusical Bumps.If you’ve always wanted yourname in the Guinness Book of WorldRecords just come along to the Basementon the day and join in.Then, the Athletics Union presentsyou with Dodgeball, back by populardemand after a successful debutat last year’s Union Day. Replicating Dodgeball event will kick off in theBasement at 5pm.If you fancy getting involved youneed to register your team by 4thNovember and pay the £10 entry feeas there are limited places available.Fancy dress is encouraged – themore lycra the better!The Union bars are getting involvedin the action with Xbox competitionsand drinks offers (including£1 pints, bottles of VK and J2O)throughout the afternoon.There will also be a pub quizin Mens Bar from 5pm, which isbrought to you by RAG (Raise andGive), the Union’s charity weekwhich takes place in February.Give it a Go are showing variousbe opportunities to try out some ofthe activities that some of the Union’smany societies get up to, suchsianSociety in Committee Room Aat 11am.SHAG (Sexual Health And Guidance)also returns to the Union asWelfare and Campaigns (WAC)encourage students to take a freeS. OAKESchlamydia test and numerous condomfairies will be circulating in thecrowds, handing out little squarepackets to promote the importanceCOUNCIL COMMITTEESBelow is a list of available positions ona whole range of essential committees.To get a place on any of these just comealong to Union Council this Thursday5th November at 5.15pm, which will beheld in the Function Suite in the Union.If you can’t make Union Council thenBudge at education.union@ncl.ac.uksaying which position you areinterested in.There are also positions on thefollowing University Committees:Education Committeemitteethese positions and what they involvethen please email Yoshiko Stokoe atorEmma Budge at education.union@ncl.of sexual health and safe sex.It’s never too late to get involvedin your Students’ Union and UnionDay is the perfect chance to see thehuge amount of activities you canjoin so come along to support andpromote.Vacancieswww.careers.ncl.ac.uk/vacanciesThe Careers Service provides informationa part-time job, work experience, supportingbusiness start-up and (when the time comes)exploring graduate opportunities.For more details about these and other vacancies,including details of how to apply,visit their website at www.ncl.ac.uk/careers.Vacancies brought to you by the CareersService:Job Title: Outbound Customer Sales Advisor- Call CentreEmployer: Barclays PLCBusiness: Corporate, retail & internationalbankingClosing date: 20/11/2009Salary: £16,000 pro rata + commission +Basic job description: As a Customer SalesAdvisor, your job is to gain an insight into theperson’s life on the other end of the phone, products to suit their needs. And how will youoffer the right service to the right person? Byusing your solid sales background to call currentBarclays customers, review their currentbanking needs, and identify the additionalproducts and services that will help them bet-ternsare: Mon - Thurs 17:00 - 20:00 and allSaturdays 9:00 - 15:30.Person requirements: If you have a strongbackground in sales - and we’re open-mindedabout both the industry and the sales roleyou’ve worked in - this is your chance to experiencemuch more than just another callby a challenge and can make sure our customersget the best from Barclays, we’ll makesure you enjoy a brighter future in a betterplace to work. We’ll judge you on your abilityand nothing else.Location: Sunderland, Doxford Park.Job Title: Bar and Waiting StaffEmployer:Business: Recruitment AgencyClosing date: 20/12/2009Salary: NMWBasic job description: A local recruitmentagency is looking for experienced Bar andWaiting Staff to work over the Christmasperiod. The days and hours of this post arePerson requirements: You must have previousbar or catering experience.Location: Newcastle upon TyneJob Title: Sales Assistant (Maternity Cover)Employer: Jane Norman LimitedBusiness: Fashion RetailersClosing date: 31/10/2009Salary: NMW (depending on age)Basic job description: The Jane Normanstore in Eldon Square is currently looking fora Sales Assistant to work on a temporary ninemonth contract to cover maternity leave. Dutiesinclude, among others: serving customers,dealing with customer enquiries, providinga high level of customer service, keepingthe store tidy, replenishing stock, and cashhandling. You will be required to work aminimum of 15 hours per week, however youPerson requirements: Experience is not essentialas full training will be provided. Youmust have an interest in fashion, have a con-and be good with dealing with members ofthe public.Location: Eldon Square Shopping Centre,Newcastle Upon TyneJob Title: Temporary Canvas StretcherEmployer: Transform Your ImagesBusiness: Photo product specialistsClosing date: 30/11/2009Salary: £6 per hourBasic job description: Transform Your Imagesis a company that enables customers tochoose and design their own original art work.The Eldon Square store is currently lookingto take on a temporary Canvas Stretcher towork during the busy Christmas period. Dutieswill include: canvas stretching, puttingframes together, quality control and customer and will be discussed at interview.Person requirements: Experience is not essentialhowever sales experience is pre-ideally with the aim of a career in the industry.You MUST be available to work over theChristmas vacation period.Location: Eldon Square Shopping Centre,Newcastle Upon Tyne

12 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERCOMMENTOn the mike: James O’Sullivan debates in favour of lifting the tuition fee cap at last month’s Union debateStudent free for all?Simon ChildsIn early October there was a debatein Newcastle University’s Students’Union building about the future offunding for higher education. being the removal of the cap on topupfees.Those who advocate this free marketin education believe that unlessstudents start paying more, Britishuniversities will lose competitivenesswith world class institutionssuch as Harvard and Yale, wherestudents pay tens of thousands ofdollars per year for the privilege ofstudying there.The second option was the NUS‘blueprint’, under which studentswould pay a percentage of theirearnings after they graduate towardsa public fund for universities.I, and to my astonishment only twoother people voted for, was highereducation free at the point of use,funded by taxation.Newcastle students voted overwhelminglyfor the NUS blueprintoption.The premise that the NUS blueprintand free market options arebased on is that our economy is simplyunable to support higher education.It is a premise that I cannot accept.The fact is that there are hundreds ifnot thousands of different demandson government money; from thingswhich are vital to the fabric of oursociety, to things which are clearlyundeserving of taxpayers’ money.Our economy could easily afford toprovide free chocolate on the NHS.This is a genuine Monster RavingLooney Party manifesto proposal.The reason that it is not governmentpolicy is that as a society wedo not think this would be a sensibleuse of our resources, but it wouldactually be relatively cheap comparedto other areas of a government’sspending such as defence ortransport.The reason we continue to fundthese massively expensive areas isthat we feel that they are worth themoney.My point is that the issue is notwhat we can afford but, within limits,what we choose to afford.What a government spends moneyon is decided partly by the ideologyof the party in government andpartly by public opinion expressedat the ballot box.The other factor is lobby groups,from Greenpeace to the Confederationof British Industry, which seek variety of means.The principal job of the NUS is toact as the lobby group of students,lingthe virtues of higher education.Therefore if the NUS lies down andbuys the line of the Government,the Tories, and worryingly it nowseems the Lib Dems; that we cannotafford free university education; itbecomes true because even the principallobbying body which purportsto represent students does not thinkwe are worth the money.The reason people no longer believeuniversity education is worthproviding free to students supportedby taxation is because educationis now seen only as a tool withwhich to help Britain compete in theglobal economy.The notion of education as a goodin itself which civilises our societyand enriches our culture has beenWhat the major political parties say...lost.This has led to the arbitrary governmenttarget that 50% of school leaversshould go on to study at university;because our future economywill be knowledge-based.This in turn has led to over a billionpounds being spent trying tostop people from dropping out ofuniversity, because realistically,considerably less than 50% of thepopulation actually want to go touniversity.This lack of joined-up thinkingmeans that the situation we have isthis- the Government is condemningstudents who want to study tothousands of pounds of debt whileat the same time spending hugequantities of money trying to keeppeople in university who don’t evenwant to be there.Suddenly prescription chocolateon the NHS doesn’t seem like sucha bad idea.Students weren’t happy in 1997when tuition fees were introduced,so it was unthinkable that top-upfees could follow, right? university chancellors would bemarket in higher education wherestudents could leave education withnot tens, but hundreds of thousandsof pounds worth of debt?The NUS needs to shape the debateon its own terms, rather than acceptingthe ‘reasonable’ terms of debateset by politicians and chancellors.Otherwise, the boundaries of whatis reasonable and what we can orcannot afford will keep on changing,shifting further and furtheraway from the interests of students. Conservatives to be reviewed by the Governmentthis summer; decidingwhether it should be raised,scrapped or remain as it is.said that students shouldbe more demanding of theiruniversities, causing some tosee a fees rise as imminent.Conservative website assertsthat : “We recognisethat higher fees have broughtwe need to ensure that theyare providing a better studentexperience in return.”a fairer deal for part-time andmature students.Source: conservatives.comtionsif they come to power.potentially being put off goingto university by the thoughtof being saddled with £10k intuition fee debt.”Source: www.libdems.org.ukRESPONSEIn defence of socialismJames SandersonSpurred on by James Winters’ “CapitalistManifesto” in last week’sCourier, I felt compelled to write aresponse to his article.I won’t lie, I consider myself to bea socialist but I’d like to respond inas objective a way as possible on thebasis that his entire piece was uninformedand remnant of somethingyou’d read in some of the less reputablepapers.In his analysis of socialism, Jamescompletely overlooked the internationalistoutlook of many socialistsand by doing so fails to understandone of Marx’s key concepts of internationalunity.His analysis of how great life is underan international capitalist systemonly seems to take into accountthe lives we live here in the West.What about the 923 million peoplethat the UN says are starving andthe 36 million people who die fromhunger every year?I’m sure these people would loveto sit around eating McDonald’s, listeningto their iPods or travelling onboard a Boeing plane.The problem is though, not onlydo these people not have the choiceto do any of these things, but theireconomies are being underminedby an economic system that is by itsvery nature imperialistic, exploitativeand is above the laws of the internationalcommunity.Shell for example is robbing Nigeriaof its natural resources andleaving the local people with nothingother than empty pockets andan ecological disaster wherever itoperates.It is common knowledge that thisis happening so why haven’t Shellbeing brought to justice?You need to lookoutside the box and startcomparing how we liverelative to the rest of theworldJust because I’m not staring prematuredeath in the face as the re- Jesmond, it doesn’t mean that capitalismis great. You need to lookoutside the box and start comparinghow we live relative to the rest ofthe world, not just the rest of the UKor the West.The next big issue I have withJames’ assessment regards beingable to make a lot of money if youwant to. This is ridiculous.I don’t know where you come fromor from what sort of backgroundbut I would like to see you try to sellthe notion of hard work being theanswer to the problems of the estimated12.7 million people in the UKwho live in relative poverty.It’s also no coincidence that themost physically demanding jobshappen to be the lowest paid andthere are a lot of people out therethat work a damn sight harderthan you or I will ever work in ourlifetimes just to put food in theirmouths.You and I are both lucky enough tobe at a good university where hardwork will hopefully pay off.But what about the people whoaren’t in our position? Not everyschool gives its students the chancesthat they deserve and a lot of peopledo not have the luxury of being ableto attend the best schools.Even then, those who work hardmay not be able to attend the universitiesof their choice, if at all, despitebursaries, grants and the studentloan because of their family’sYes, we do have a decision to workhard or not, but if we choose to workhard, that choice will never guar- and on that basis his argument isI’d also like to draw James’s attentionto the fact that there are peoplewho work 18-hour days in conditionsremnant to the 1850’s.These people work in places calledsweatshops. There might be veryfew of these in the UK but I can assureyou that they exist throughoutmost of the developing world.The people that work in themare often faced with no alternativeemployment and as a result theyare exploited and denied a decentwage, reasonable hours, unionisingrights and safe conditions.I agree we’d be hard pushed to these conditions on a large scale butthat’s beside the point.You don’t need to look far to seeit, and it doesn’t take a genius to seethat cheap and dispensable labourand the abuses that go with it fuelthe capitalist system. Doesn’t soundso great to me. that in no way can tax be consideredtheft.Part of me doesn’t even want towarrant this statement with a response,but if it wasn’t for taxesmost of this country would not havereceived an education: primary; secondary;further or higher.Large swathes of the populationwould be denied health care. Elderlypeople would not be entitled toa basic state pension or winter fuelallowance.The list goes on. It’s easy to resenttax and it does go on things that arequestionable (Trident anyone?) butfor someone who is berating othersfor their lack of humanity for wearingChe Guevara t-shirts, I’d suggesthe thinks about the basic thingsthat taxation entitles those at thebottom to and how not having taxationwould harm those people.Finally, as he was interested toknow how many people have diedas a result of Marx’s ideas I’ll attemptto tell you.It’s estimated that between 56-62million people died in the USSR,around 100,000 people have diedunder Castro in Cuba and an estimated29 million perished underMao.None of this is forgivable or can beany self-respecting socialist whowould be willing to do so. mericalterms it’s not hard to seethat the current capitalist hegemonyis putting more people at risk ofdeath and harm in the Third Worldand developing countries than anyof the communist or socialist nationshave done.That doesn’t absolve the atrocitiesthat took place in the Siberian gu-uresinto the bigger picture.I am a socialist and I don’t wantto relocate to North Korea anytimesoon, believe me, and neither do Iwant to live in a cave. I want everyoneto have the same opportunitiesas me but not at the expense of thehundreds of millions of people wholive in abject poverty.it is our duty to make them becausewe can afford to.We’ve had capitalism and we’veall got blood on our hands becauseof it; let’s move on to somethingfairer and maybe one day we can beforgiven for our own atrocities.

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 13COMMENTYESLaura HeadsTo many the mere phrase, ‘TonyBlair as European President’ is oneof fear and apprehension; but reallywhen more attention is paid, it becomesclear to see that this is not thecase at all.In fact Tony Blair is up for a muchsmaller role than the media has ledus to believe.Although it can be argued thatTony Blair will have a majorly in-case; he will be president of the EuropeanCouncil, only one part of theEU body; the advisory part.It was set up to dictate the generalpolitical strategy of the EuropeanUnion, and it is this which TonyBlair has been put in the frame torun.In general its meetings are heldmuch less frequently than the other institutions such as the Parliament,meeting around every six months,with the aim of only increasing thatto every three or four.It’s easy to see why Blairshould win hands downIf we are to believe what the mediahas told us about his job role,then advising Europe on its politicalstanding is of vast importance; androle than Tony Blair.Despite being known as a Eurosceptic,this can actually be seen asa good thing; his views will help toground the European Union andDear Editor,Over the last ten years there has beenan increase of 12,000 in the numberof full time university students inthe city, but a very much smallerincrease in the amount of purposebuilt student accommodation.The consequence of this is that exorbitantrents are now being chargedfor rooms in shared student houses,whilst second and third year studentsdo not have the possibility ofstaying in purpose built accommodation.The City Council policy on studenthousing seeks to address theseDear Editor,problems by encouraging the constructionof between 5000 and 6000new bed spaces for students.These will all have en-suite units.By increasing the supply of bedspaces in this way, rents will fall tohouses and second and third yearstudents will regain the possibilityof staying in purpose built accommodation.Of course the landlords are stronglyopposed to the construction of will fall. There is no plan to removestudents from Jesmond, and indeedthe City Council does not have thelegal power to determine wherestudents or any other adults shouldlive. This is simply a scare story putout by the landlords.stop them from jumping into decisionswith both feet.Not only that, but his history ofdisagreement with Europe (thinkIraq) is also, surprisingly, a goodthing; it will lead to longer debatesand as a result an all round betterdecision.This has got to be better for theEU, and ultimately the UK, as beingbrutally realistic, decisions based onwhat the French and other countriesthat are part of mainland EuropewayLet’s consider the alternate options;Jean-Claude Juncker, PrimeMinister of Luxembourg, and JanPeter Balkenende, Prime Minister ofthe Netherlands, are two Prime Ministersrenowned for being ‘yes men’;quiet and completely non-confron- want in a President of the EU.The President of Ireland, MaryMcAleese, the last person who hasbeen suggested, is, despite her title,someone who has no experience ofrunning a country; she is effectivelythe equivalent of the British monarchy.Faced with the choice of someonewho knows what they’re doing orsomeone who doesn’t, I know whoI would pick.Pitted against these it is easy to seewhy Tony Blair should win handsdown. His charisma and strength asa leader are something any leader ofEurope needs.Ultimately, it can be argued it boilsdown to the fact that people knowwho Tony Blair is; ask any ordinaryAmerican to tell you who Jean-Claude Juncker is and it is almostguaranteed that they wouldn’t beable to answer you.Ask them who Tony Blair is, andunless they’ve been living under arock for the last ten years they’re goingto know.Letters to the EditorIncreasing numbersneed more housingBlair for EU President?Finally the new accommodationcannot be described as ghettos.There are numerous different sitesacross the City centre which stu-All the new bed spaces which havebeen completed so far (700 since thepolicy was agreed, with 1000 underconstruction ) have been greatlyoversubscribed.RON ARMSTRONGCouncillor for North JesmondBNP coverage“missed the point”Whilst I understand the tight deadlinesbetween the broadcasting ofthe BNP edition of Question Timeand the publication of your own paper;I feel that The Courier writers’comments on the programme lastweek somewhat missed the point.Your writers argued for and againstpanel using interesting and valid argumentsconcerning the way Britainis viewed abroad and the resultingdetrimental effect the programmemay have had on the BNP.However, both neglected to mentionthe absolutely critical issue,that, as much as we dislike it, Nickyou and me, and that is the right offree speech.Regardless of what he was sayingNORoss DentTo a startling degree, the race forEU President is turning into a racebetween Tony Blair... and everyoneelse.This is surprising and disappointingto Europhiles, who are aghastat the thought of anyone from Britainlanding the job; given that asa country we shun the single currency,refuse to join the borderlessspecial rebate from the EU budget.This unwillingness to compromiseprecludes deeper integration whichthe Lisbon Treaty tries to achieve,and from which the job of Presidentis created.Indeed, rather than move Europeanintegration forward, the formerUK prime minister set a series ofso-called red lines during the Lisbonnegotiations, with the intent ofblocking any progress on social issuesand tax harmonisation, as wellas common defence and foreignpolicy.Across much of Europe, moreover,Mr Blair is remembered for splittingthe EU with his uncritical supportfor the Iraq war and for GeorgeBush.At home, feelings are often expressedin stronger terms, withsome believing he took us into theIraq War on the basis of a lie aboutSaddam Hussein’s weapons of massdestruction and in violation of internationallaw.Blair is admittedly an accomplishedpolitician. Unfortunately,he is an expert politician in thesense that ‘politician’ is a synonymfor ‘cheat’. One of his biggest lies as(most of which failed to make muchsense) he has the right to say it, andwe should be grateful that we livein a society where every politicalparty has the opportunity to havetheir say, allowing voters to makeup their own minds - the absolutecornerstone of our democracy.ALEX ELWICK‘The CapitalistManifesto’ ignoredcrucial aspects ofsocialismDear Editor,I am writing in to comment on JamesWinters’ article; ‘The capitalist manifesto’.I was taken aback by theferocity of the article; it makes NicFidler’s usual pro-capitalist articleslook tame. I never knew there werepeople so zealously capitalist in thecountry; it was as if I was readingthe rant of an ultra right, American,Republican loon. Nowhere in hisarticle were there comments aboutall the life saving changes socialismhas brought to this country. DrStephen Hawking recently said hewould be dead if it were not for theNHS (a product of a socialist Labourgovernment). Mr Winters says thattax is theft. I wonder how he thinksa state can run without tax. Nevermind the provision of evil socialistideas “comparable to the Nazis”, toa politician was to promise the Britishpublic in the election manifestoof 2005 a referendum on the ConstitutionalTreaty.Naturally, after regaining powerthis was reneged upon.The main argument proffered bythe yes campaign is that the positionrequires a political heavyweightwho is fairly well known. achieved remarkably little in hismuch feted appointment as Middle-East peace envoy, casting doubtover his claim to possess politicalgravitas, and showing little ability who would unite 27 countries.Further, while Blair’s possessionof Hollywood star power is indisputable,it is not clear that nationalleaders would welcome this; Merkeland Sarkozy are hardly likely toenjoy being overshadowed by thisproven Euro-sceptic.Were Blair to be given the Presidencyit is hard to see how Europe ate’sopinion of Europe is alarminglylow at the minute.If this loathed man were to beundemocratically foisted on us as how debate about our continuedmembership would reopen.important and perhaps simplestpoint; we got sick of Blair and hisempty promises and political spinafter ten years and mostly rejoicedDo we really want to see him in aposition of power again, obtainingairtime on the news to serve up anotherhollow sound bite (along withthat somewhat inane grin of his)?The European Union has a populationof almost half a billion; surelythere exists within it a better candidatefor the job than Blair?quote Winters, such as: universalhealthcare; education and old agepensions. Without tax we couldn’tafford an army, judiciary, policeforce or even a government. EvenMr Winters could not argue thatyou could buy justice, peace and securityfrom the free market.RALPH PARLOURDear Editor,After reading James Winters’ article,it is hard to know what to think.Disbelief springs to mind. I’ll startoff my article with some honesty,unlike the commentator of the misguidedarticle printed last week. cialdemocratic society. I don’t likecapitalism. I think it is unfair; it promotesinequality and ignorance, andis simply morally wrong.However, unlike the commentator,I am willing to compromise. I acceptthat capitalism is the economic systemthat creates the most wealth. Ifgiven the chance, you can make a lotof money out of capitalism.However, far too often, capitalismrefuses the chance that people sodesperately need. Social democracy,in my opinion, gives people thatchance.Back to the article. I have no problemwith a commentator who preferscapitalism to social democracyor socialism. It’s a valid argument,one I disagree with, but more thanvalid all the same.However, the writer refuses to acknowledgethat modern socialism isnot just Che Guevara, Marx or theUSSR.I don’t agree with the misguidedSources: The Independent andThe Guardianrants on Northumberland Street either;because they’re an extremistview. For the rest of us who dislikecapitalism, we have more moderateideas at heart.Without social democratic intervention,where would capitalismbe right now? Failed banks and millionswithout the savings and earningsthey’d worked so hard to keepover the years.The writer appears to appropriatelyforget that the ones who sufferunder a free market economy arethe ones who need social democracythe most.I doubt he has been in a positionto witness such suffering, but I’dlike to see him imagine it. It’s a wishI doubt will be granted however;capitalism has obviously served himwell, though how much of it is hisown hard work is open to debate. Ifear his ancestors may have been thetrue victors.I repeat that the writer’s viewson capitalism are fair. However,to compare it to such strong andancient socialist ideals show signsof weakness in support of the freemarket.No one, bar the occasional speakeron Northumberland Street, genuinelybelieves that a return to Marxismis the right way to go, so pleasedon’t suggest that all of us who believein equality and fairness are attachedto the same branch.CRAIG JOHNSONEmails in response to articlesshould be sent to the Editor ateditor.union@ncl.ac.uk

14 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERLife & Style Editors: Larisa Brown, Alex Felton and Ashley Fryer - courier.life@ncl.ac.ukDo men want tobe like Hef?> Sex & Relationships, page 18Health & BeautyWatching the waistlineLauren GirlingWhether they admit it or not, everyonehas some form of insecurity even if it’ssomething as trivial as a birthmark orlove-handles. However, more often thannot, especially amongst girls and women,the insecurity lies with issues relatedto weight.According to a poll taken for Radio 1’s“The Surgery,” 50% of girls say they areon a diet.Startled by this, I jumped at the chanceto go on a diet for a week to see howmuch weight I could lose and to see formyself why there is such an appeal in theneed to be constantly counting calories.I am an open critic of crash diets as theydon’t always prove healthy or effectivein the long-run. However, this doesn’tmean that I haven’t tried every trick inthe book.When I was 14, I had serious weightissues. I wasn’t afraid to admit my obesity.With lots of hard hours at the gymand healthy eating, by the time I was15, I was two stone lighter and feeling a12/14.When it was suggested for me to tryWeight Watchers for a week, it was almostlike returning to an old friend.In previous attempts, I hadn’t managedto feel positive about the 24 pointsallowed per day, giving in after a coupleof days because I was craving somechocolate, but this time I had this articleas motivation.For those not well-versed on the gospelaccording to Weight Watchers, it is notdesigned so that its followers stop eatingbut instead there is a points system appliedto all food to ensure healthier foodhabits.Some foods such as green salad don’thave any points, so they are unlimited.Dieters often forget that alcohol anddrinks contribute to your points counteach day. day, there is no guarantee for sustainedweight loss.and I was intrigued as to whether theretempt,I decided to cut out alcohol, pastaand bread.Rachel HillFor those big long story lies like someonedescribing what ‘really happened’on last night’s date, listen for long pauseswhen they’re trying to make somethingask them to repeat the story again or asklots of complicated questions. They’rebound to contradict themselves somewhere.If you do pick them up on it , feel free toannounce they’re a big fat liar and watchthem try and squirm their way out.Before doing this, I would stronglyadvise anyone to consult their doctor ifconsidering any diet.I am pleased to say that throughout theweek, I managed to have the willpowerto stick to the healthy choices availableto me. It was all made a lot easier by thesupport of my friends, and particularlypledall the Weight Watchers brandedmeals on offer, but as a vegetarian theywere few and far between. By the end ofthe week I had to be more creative, butthis often resulted in just eating the contentsof the salad drawer in the fridge – awhole lettuce doesn’t have any points insurely?I promised myself that I would stickto the mineral water for a week but I hita bit of a brick wall with that one whenmy best friend from home came up forthe weekend, and I did something thatevery weight watcher does from time totime.I thought it was perfectly acceptableto save all my points up so that I couldhave a few vodka and cranberries whenshe came up. Don’t try this!The points system doesn’t work so youcan binge one day and fast the other.By the end of the week, I found some- with counting calories and adding upmy points for the day.But that wasn’t the only side effect as Iwas irritable and emotional - I just want-tunatelythe week came to an end andsurprisingly I did see a difference, withmy clothes being slightly bigger.After a long hard week of calories, cryingand cuddles , I reached the end ofthat diets are not at all simple but in factindividual’s willpower.I wouldn’t recommend a crash dietto anyone but would say that WeightWatchers is perfect to supplement a permanentlifestyle adjustment.But whatever you do, research the best the fruits of my labour in Eldon Squarewhere I’ll be losing a few pounds frommy overdraft, not just my thighs!How to... spot a liar1. They’re nervous and shiftily avoidingeye contact.2. Nervously twiddling their thumbswhen you’re talking to them.3. Tripping over their words. If they’remale, complimenting your new mullet lying.4. For the more subtle cases it’s actuallynot looking into your eyes you needto watch out for, as that’s an old tell talesign everyone already knows so liars-inthe-knowwill try to avoid it and end upstaring you out.5. They’ll also be hiding their handsbehind their backs or in their pocketsto hide all the twitching going on fromhaving to think on the spot.Little white lies, however, are muchharder to detect. The voice goes a bitsqueakier when they’re trying to fake it.But then again if they are just innocentcase they didn’t really remember youwanted a diet coke. With white lies,they’re probably lying for your owngood.BOYSLauren Girling1. If you get a spot before a bignight out, just slap on some Sudocrem!This cream isn’t just for nappyrash; it is championed by thelikes of Cheryl Cole and is abrilliant bargain buy.2. We all know the feeling whenyour last pair of 80 deniers startsto get a ladder.To prevent a crisis situation,just paint some clear nail varnishover it and the surroundingarea.3. Clear nail varnish is also brilliantfor painting around theinside of any cheap jewellery asit prevents any unsightly green4. Don’t have enough room inthat clutch bag for a blusher andlippy?Simple, for the price of a studentday rider, you can havethe sweet-smelling pink Vaselinethat is a great lip balm anda subtle cheek tint too!5. If you have problems withuneven fake tan, apply smallamounts of Vaseline to areassuch as the knees and elbowsto ensure a more even application.6. Use a cotton bud and gluesparingly for neater, simplereyelash application.7. Use Velcro rollers and dryshampoo to help achieve a morevoluminous look rather thanstiff hairspray.8. Apply perfume to wrists andclose to visible veins and hair– this is where the smell of theperfume will last the longest.9. Use toothpaste with bicarbonateof soda in for a whitersmile – this also doubles up as a10. Want to have a more naturalglow?one part of your usual moisturiser.We asked you...What is your favourite bikini wax?Au NaturaleBikini lineHollywoodCalifornianOtherGIRLS

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 15Fashion show in aid of the Robbie Anderson Cancer Trust Linekers Bar, 7pm Tuesday 3 November >>>Fashion LIFE & STYLEFashionRuth KilgourWhat’s Hot...> Snoods -Maysound and lookslightly strange butanything that keepsthe winter chill’s awayand is versatile is wellworth a go> Military Styles - Onceagainthe army look isback> Oversized tees> MTV’s EuropeanMusic Awards -Back to the place it allstarted in Berlin, tobe aired on the 5th ofNovember, with liveperformances by Jay Zand Robbie Williams> £2 entry to Mr Lynchona SaturdayWhat’s Not...> UGG Boots out,Pumps in> Man Cleavage - Boysdon’t take style tipsfrom Simon Cowell> Twitter – It’s gettinga bit boring now, doesanyone really want toknow what you had forbreakfast> Royal Mail Strikes> John and Edward –The Irish twins on theX Factor quite literallymake you despair at thehuman raceAlex FeltonLife & Style EditorDesigners in the recession have beenforced to de-value their labels and seekout partnerships with large high streetchains to increase sales and enlarge theirAlthough fashion has remained an artform and the majority of designers startout with the best intentions, capitalismand the allure of big business has seepedinto an industry that thrives on reputation.This week ex- Central St.Martin’s graduateJoe Casely-Hayford has signed aCampus StyleHigh street designers: from Paris to Primarkdeal with a high street chain that is theLewis partnership.Casely-Hayford forged his reputationin London in the late 1990’s and alongwith Ozwald Boateng was one of the signers.This collaboration will focus on thestore’s spring/summer 2010 range buthas attracted criticism within the indus-to the pressures of the high-street. Casely-Hayford made a reputation forbeing an edgy designer and this partnershipangered cynics at Paris FashionWeek earlier this month.Several interviews with the designerhave furiously denied that he was motivatedby greed and tighter margins buthe has instead highlighted that menswearis rapidly becoming more recognizedwithin the fashion world.The need for high-end designs is waningand partnerships between designersand large stores are becoming morecommonplace.It isn’t a new phenomenon with highthe mass market.Both Diane Von Furstenberg and DonnaKaran suffered huge losses towardsAddy PopeDan Acton4th year, BusinessManagementHoodie, £10, H&MShorts, £30, Ralph LaurenFashion Inspiration:“Matthew William Dowe”Emma Haymes3rd year LawGrey Scarf: £25, DieselRed Tartan Scarf: £3,Vintage.Jacket, £150, BarbourSkirt, £30, TopshopBoots, £200, Pied a TerreFashion Inspiration: “Idon’t read magazines orusually just wear whateverI like.”Email courier.life@ncl.ac.uk to nominate yourfriend for next week’sCampus Stylethe end of the 70’s and early 80’s whenboth their respective labels had overstretchedthemselves and the quality ofthe products reduced dramatically.However, both designers recovered,took stock of their brands and re-assessedtheir market focus.With the release of Jimmy Choo’s bespokeautumn/winter line in H&M onNovember 14th, increasing amountsof high-end designers are entering themainstream.Although it brings these labels into ourown everyday price ranges, how longwill it take before we see AlexanderMcQueen in Argos or Paul Smith forPrimark?View AskewKathy JackmanColumnistVampires have been gracing our cinemaand TV screens for years, but itseems to me that they’ve been growingin popularity more and more asof late.Case in point, American importTrue Blood is currently storming thenation on Channel 4. It follows goodhearted, telepathic waitress SookieStackhouse as she falls in love withthe dapper gentleman Bill, who alsohappens to be a vampire. Does thissound familiar to you?This brings me to the big questionof this week’s column: Why are thereso many vampires on my television,and why are they so damn beautiful? love the old bloodsuckers, I reallydo. Theirs is a fascinating mythology,and Dracula is one of my favouritenovels.I’m just wondering exactly whenthey got so pretty…not to mention sobloody angsty. I suppose you couldsay that it’s the fault of the Buffygeneration. It’s not, because the vampiresin that show were mostly nastybits of work.No, the responsibility lies with awoman named Stephanie Meyer. It’sa pretty safe bet that you know whoshe is, and it’s thanks to the downrightobscene success of her so calledTwilight Saga that producers anddirectors have been given the greenlight to churn out what seems like 50 and TV series.A lot of these appear to be recyclingMeyer’s formula, namely aforbidden love between an impossiblysexy vampire man and a naïve,sweet natured human girl. Hey, whynot chuck in a werewolf to get yourselfthe unholy love triangle that haspre-teen girls swooning all over theglobe? That won’t get tiring at all.I guess I’m being old fashioned,but I always thought vampires weremean to be these primal, vicious creaturesof darkness, not disturbingly that tempt you over to the dark side.Does anybody remember the goodold days when vampires were for allintents and purposes physically undesirable?Take Nosferatu; his paper white eyes made for an utterly repellentcharacter. He represented a fear ofthe unknown, living a damned existenceof absolutely no appeal. Sure,he’s immortal, but at what cost?Think about it; would you honestlychoose to live forever if you knewyou’d have to feast on human bloodunder the cover of darkness for therest of eternity? That’s a pretty bigdownside to me.The tragedy of the vampire is thatthey’re dead but must continue living.They’re also a hell of a lot morefun when they’re unpleasant andwicked. The chaste allure of EdwardCullen doesn’t disguise that fact.Fangs but no fangs, I like them withbite.Well trust me, this is a far cry fromTwilight’s chaste allure. Bill’s a verysexy man, sure, but at least there’s anair of menace and danger about him.He’s not some bland and pious herolike Edward Cullen.

16 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERLIFE & STYLESex & RelationshipsSex & RelationshipsConfessions of....a long term girlfriendAimee PhilipsonWhat men really wantOliver WoodLiving and spending time around girls,you often take the role of relationshipadvisor. They ask the questions: whyhasn’t he texted me back? What doesthis Facebook message mean? Howmany kisses should I send back?I’m going to give you the brutal truthof what men really want.The truth is men are not as simple asthey make out; when it comes to relationships,we are just as complex as thefairer sex.True, we have clearer goals and knowwhat we want out of a girl, though wemay dodge telling the truth. If it is somethingpurely casual, we may not wantto admit this to the girl – but if a guydoesn’t want to commit and his texts arelagging, he’s probably just after someFriday night fun time after a night out.In this case don’t give into him, don’tsay, “come back to mine if you want”,especially if you haven’t even been outthat night because in his head this meanshome run. Even if you just want to cuddle,the guy will also probably show allhis mates these texts and you may get anunfortunate nickname.If you want a guy for more than somethingcasual, test the water, let him dosome ground work. If he doesn’t let youknow that you’re the one for him, thenhe’s probably only after your Primarniknickers and he’s not going to be yourDon Juan.When on a night out and a strappingrugby player comes sauntering up, givesyou a wink and says: “Hey babes, youlook stunning, may I buy you a drink?”,he is obviously keen. However, you’reunder the drink spell, you’re interactingone on one and now you feel obliged totalk to him as he has spent all of £1 ona VK for you. Now pay attention: lookwhere this conversation is going, is it goingback to his heart-shaped water bedor leading to a meal at Francesca’s? It isclear that this scrum half only wants onething but you have given him the chanceto redeem himself and possibly take youout on that dream date.When it comes to texting don’t playgames, boys don’t understand the gameif you don’t lay out the rules. We knowgirls read far too much into texts so if aboy doesn’t text you back immediatelyand you have to wait two hours, he’sprobably playing football.Don’t do the silly thing and wait twohours after he’s text back to serve somecold and spiteful retribution; it’s onlygoing to bore the beast. When it comesto kisses don’t switch number half waythrough from xx to x, it will confuse theboy and he may think he has said somethingwrong. Also, don’t play the gamewhere you switch from xx to x just to seeif he will copy; let’s just keep it to a nicesimple x until you know him better.Let us presume that Henry our scrumhalf has got his act together and hastaken you to Francesca’s. Wait! His intentionstill may be crystal clear; twomeals and a bottle of house white is stillcheaper than a weekend in Amsterdamso let’s not get ahead of ourselves.All good men should pay for this date,but it doesn’t do any harm for the girl tooffer to pay half, even if you have no intentionto.If he accepts this offer then he’s probablysaving for a fun time in Thailandthat summer and you should get rid.Boys will appreciate your offer and area lot more likely to take you out again,though it’s probably going to be a cinemadate… and something with MeganFox in it.Our urban myth: the Vatican’s porn collectionBethany RogersFor a few hundred years, a rumour hascirculated that the world’s largest collectionof pornography is housed in a secretchamber beneath the Vatican library.Among the two million scholarlybooks and manuscripts are Henry VIII’sletters to Anne Boleyn and drawings byMichelangelo; this ancient rumour has itthat there’s a secret stash of porn includ-Roman Empire, rude renaissance paint- John Dillinger’s pickled phallus.To be honest, I think it’s hard to imaginebrowsing the wonders of the earliestcopy of Virgil and then stumbling acrossZOO magazine. A more scholarly versionof the myth suggests the library has derthe ‘obscene’ section of the Index ofProhibited Books, and includes work byVictor Hugo, Emile Zola and Raphael.There’s something a little smug aboutthe idea that the Vatican, one of the greatcrusaders against porn, has the world’slargest collection beneath its scholarlyand ecclesiastical library. The myth alsosuggests that the collection has strictlyrestricted access, available only to thepriests and so cannot be disproved.However, during WWII the Vaticanexpected Rome to be badly bombed andas a precaution arranged to have all itsRecently, researchers from the KinseyInstitute for Sex, Gender and Reproduc-deemed to be the erotic collection. Theyreported that, other than a few mildlyerotic art pieces, the mythical vast collectionof pornography was virtually nonexistentand that the collection containedonly a few mildly erotic volumes andartwork dating up to the renaissance period,but certainly no evidence of mod-Despite this, many have suggested thatthe Vatican wouldn’t be daft enough to continues to circulate - one scholar evenclaims to have had a tour of the secret libraryand declared that although manyof the illustrated volumes have disappeared,there’s still a substantial amountof porn stashed away in a hidden chamber.Whatever the truth, the Vatican certainlydoesn’t have the world’s largestcollection of pornography.The largest collection since the 90s, 100,000 videos, is in fact held by the Institutefor the Advanced Study of HumanSexuality in San Francisco.I met a guy a few years ago at a musicfestival. He was a mutual friend of afriend of a friend, and he asked me howlong I’d been with my then boyfriend.I replied that I’d been with him for sixmonths, to which he gasped ‘Bloodyhell, I get bored after two weeks’.asshole’ and as the weekend drew on,he streaked naked across the campsitefor 20p, ogled every pink welly-wearerwithin a two mile radius and regaledour party with story after story of girls,nights out and one of his friends whohappened to be a stripper.However, it seems I just couldn’tresist his streaking, asshole antics becausethis week marked three yearssince we got together.I have no idea why he decided tobreak his two week rule or why Iplace, but I’m so glad I did.I don’t want to list all the great thingsabout relationships because I knowyou would be pulling sick faces overthe paper, but I have to defend all longtermlovers out there who were cruellyripped apart by the ‘relationship cynic’in this column a few issues ago.In my opinion, getting into a relationshipshouldn’t be like a prison sentence.I don’t have any less independence,I still go out with my girlfriends, Iput my pyjamas on and watch episodeafter episode of The Wire on the sofaface with pizza.We both have our own interests andcompletely different jobs but that’swhat keeps it exciting and fun. He understandswhen I have to work all daybefore a deadline and I (try to) understandwhen he has to complete Gearsof War on the Xbox before he can comeover.I guess you could say a lot of it isabout compromise. If you suddenly want, eat what you want, watch whatyou want or see your friends whenyou want then you’re in the wrong relationship.However, if he politely asksyou to stop stealing the cheese off hispizza while he’s eating it, then maybeyou should indulge his wishes.And of course, there’s the sex. Onenight stands may be exciting but it’slikely that the only thing you’ll getfrom it is a slight itching in the crotch.When it comes to sexy time with yourlong termer, they know what youwant, when you want it, oh, and did Imention it’s on tap?The real beauty of a long term relationshipis the fact that you know eachother so well – the things that makethem smile and especially the thingsthat annoy them to breaking point.Who else knows that you can’t watchexperience or that you are secretlyscared of false teeth or that you have afantasy about Sir Alan Sugar?There are few people who knowsuch intimate details about your life., orhave met your family (crazy or sane) orwho’s endured torturous things (likeGrey’s Anatomy) just because theylove you and just wanted to see you.So there you go. I know relationshipsare hard work and require a bit of effortnow and again, but the only thingthat could tear me away from mine is ifSir Alan found himself searching for anew (bedroom) Apprentice.

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 17Sex & RelationshipsLIFE & STYLESeñornswer yourcourier.life@ncl.ac.ukSeñAsk Señor José---Trust is very important in any relation- worry.her, they’ll listen to the voice of reason. meeting the parents is always a nerve-his woman. If they see this from you,Señ- - vanceswith actions of your own, then Ithe whole thing.-up on her actions, then you may have --If that’s the case, then it’s best to get it - Christmas party.L. BROWNEmail courier.life@ncl.ac.uk to nominate your friendSeñ - -to maintain a healthy relationship isthrough constant communication.-He’ll appreciate you all the more for it, that will continue for as long as this relationshipwill last.Every relationship has a point where Taboo or not taboo?Siobhan BaranianIs age just a number?It’s that timeless question, the one thateveryone seems to have an opinionabout whether or not they have any expertiseor experience on the matter.-you go? Ten years? Twenty? Fourty? pleare together, there seems to be a fair news reports to see that women are of--Yes, there will be a small fraction ofwho are only with someone for theirSeñdown in one? whose silverware you’re giving a polish.attest to that. requirement for their girl to swallow,which can be especially nasty if all he eatsThe taste of his man-gravy can change,get him to eat strawberries before you it.consequence of an age-gap? It’s the samefor anything, there will always be thatunfortunate number who bring the rest someone because their feelings are genu-have an issue with the fact that her hus-In fact, after nine years of blissful happinessthey are one of the strongest couplesineis with Michael for the money. phase, their relationship only becamestronger.-long as you are in it for the right reasons. you fall for.Fran Swan& Kath LittleColumnists- - with) wasn’t going to be there. What genius is for mere mortals only. Nowence- given, not by a huge amountbasically translates as “I was the best an issue. Missing him the next morning, or - time you were together. This time is as the bitter ramblings of spinsters-in- tivesare absolutely crucial.esor him hurting you again.fabulous. This might mean an extrahour in the bathroom but any house- scenarios. You are better than that.have. Executing this well will prob- him! - ingyourself will affect him far morethan seeing you crying in the foetalposition for the nth time. arms, or have the uncontrollable urge

18 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERLIFE & STYLEGoing OutGoing OutBCM: Being Casually MolestedLarisa BrownLife & Style EditorImagine this: happily chomping on her homemadeof diced pineapple, when a bearded, redeyed,overweight and rather intoxicatedNot only does this handsome strangerdecide they are a match made in heaven,but also that his burning desire to havewere quite enough to get the ball rolling,he grabs her ass, fumbles her left breast,and then proceeds with what could be afternoon meander.What has just been described here is anact of molestation. Whilst many of you the unperturbed reaction from the ladyin question, many of you too will haveat some point reacted in much the same clubfor the perfect setting.Why is it that what is deemed sexualassault during the day is, at night, considereda suitable code of practice? the terminology of the latter judged appropriatedue to the distinct disregardfor any other prerequisite of the female ingfemales to come up on stage andduring the foam party acts of fellatioYou can imagine the carnage once the advocate for peaceful resolution, endedup punching three guys in the samequite so assertive however, it was mostAvanti,JesmondLarisa BrownLife & Style Editoramongst the plethora of Italian restaurantsthat are scattered around Jesmondborneroad, this quiet yet perfectly popularrestaurant is a favourite amongstlocal residents.rantis just a simple taste of the atmospherethat you are to expect once insidetifullydecorated with paintings such as --Whilst not all of us have the luxury ofexperiencing the romantic atmosphereas it is intended, the dim candlelightand softly playing music is enough tofew minutes later, change to forced headbobbing.When you thought going out for-larnational student bar crawl, proved tobe a worse ordeal. What was supposedto be an innocent night out dressed inmy pyjamas and carrying my childhoodteddy bear, ended up being a night spentin a police station whilst my friend chundereddown a police car door outside.-of lads started dancing around me.ceededto act out the dance moves to thesong, whilst the lads, as lads do, started aRestaurant Reviewof love. an attraction for young students, rangingfrom £4.90 for any pizza or pasta tofor just £8.90.Whilst we happened to sample apersonal favourite of mine- the potatowedges with salsa and garlic mayonnaisedip - if one wanted to be slightlymore extravagant, pate on toasted breadis another delightful option.fulof potato wedges you may be feeling meal for the main course.None of the main dishes disappoint that whatever your appetite, it is hardthan happy.ter,whilst waiting for your dessert, youare duly attended to by very handsomelads pulled my pyjama shorts down toIn case you are wondering, yes, I did shorts stripped off me in such a manner,and so was wearing the tinniest thong Ibear, with my pigtails in and my assout. found this hilarious, and as I proceededouslyburst into tears.I hysterically cried to them whilst they -Not a course to miss out on, the choco-ders.Richly decorated with chocolate P. DIXON -companions, found the whole situationhysterically funny.was my dad. Hence, the police station.Whilst the experience was adequatelysituation all I can do is laugh.However, imagine if someone pulled-to force you to perform fellatio on him-are they really from what happened tome?!dessert is a perfect way to end a perfectevening.thingjust about right.L. BROWNThe PennyPincherRowan TaylorColumnistLesson Three:Eating outEating out is surprisingly commonfor such a supposedly poor part ofthe population.Going for a meal and saving moneymay seem contradictory, but thereare several tips that can save yousome pennies.Lunchhearty portions and charming ‘eat allof comfort food are around £3, withfree water available.-if you aim for the most expensiveitem in each category, whether youwanted it or not. day in uni. life, just be aware how regularly thisis happening. You could easily beDinner borneRoad, the epicentre of Happy gathered your details on their website,they will periodically push outexclusive offers.tuce,for example, welcome you witha voucher for £5 off a food bill over£10. the best restaurant vouchers.embarrassed presenting a voucher tothe waiter. the rest of us. out for a meal is inviting friends overfor dinner. It gives the same sense ofoccasion, with the added pleasure/horror of hosting guests. With anyfavour.Deals of the Week1. Free loaf of Hovis Soft White: hovisbakery.co.uk-the website. Not literally of course,2. Editors - In This Light And On ThisEvening: £4.99 @ bangcd.com a brand new album is discountedso much; however this album was half usual price that rating would bedoubled: 14/10.

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 19TravelLIFE & STYLENEW YORKTaking a bite out of the Big AppleKathryn HicksWe drove into New York with a continuousview of the skyline- the trademark ofso many ‘Friends’ episodes which I havealways been so obsessed with.The city is a ‘love it’ or ‘hate it’ kind ofplace and fortunately for me, I loved it.what I saw was real. It was more like be- quickly on the street below. 26 million people a year, it doesn’t have inside of you as you take a walk into theheart of the novelty shops, forced to lookunique scene. That was after I had started my dayand ‘Will and Grace’ merchandise tothe Police Department situated on thepedestrianised area where you can hirevender, of which there are many.Fifth Avenue provides an aura of calm class shops and the opportunity to haveThe serenity it offers cannot be missed York in its stereotype and the opportu- seen set there, any photos you’ve seen ofIts widely publicised nature means mind.Issy Retberg in an attempt to prepare us for the respective countries. France and have been on holidaythere more times than I can count, so ences.Number one: adaptorsThis is potentially the most pointlessdifference between Europeancountries and meant that despite of them worked. Even the onesthat you buy actually in the countryNumber two: paperworkthe toilet in France which makes an-and seven different documents laterI think I have one. At least that’s whatNumber three: drivingIt’s a well known fact that people the number of times I’ve nearly died Number four: dating number to a man I met who seemednice and perfectly normal. ‘call me please’. Err, no.Photo of the WeekOliver Maunsell- 3rd year Medicinecourier.life@ncl.ac.uk ceptable to have pastry for breakfasthere.Also, despite the perhaps commonlyperceived stereotype, thepeople here are ridiculously nice and too.Inside today >>>Interview with TheCulture, page 24

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 21Culture Editor: Alice Vincent - courier.culture@ncl.ac.ukInterviews with LittleBoots and The Saturdays> Music, page 30-31It’s Wunderbar! New ten day culturefestival launches in Newcastle this weekHair raising: let an army of children from Walkergate Primary School cut your hair at the Wunderbar Festival in Newcastle this weekendOlivia MasonAt some point in all our lives we’veall wanted to smash up old metal,haven’t we? Or had our hair cutby children? Or at least had a bathin Fenham and tea and cake in Jesmond?Well this November, WunderbarFestival is giving you the chance todo all this and quite a bit more. visual art, and general extraordinaryhappenings taking place in the ber. A dynamic programme means and guaranteed to be worth a visit. there is no excuse to miss out.On the 7th and 8th stroll down toEldon Square where a dining tablewill be set out, inviting you to For the more brave amongst you,on the same weekend book an appointmentat Saks Hair and have nine-year-olds, only too happy toine!A house warming party in an oldbe a good way to while away a Sat-tle, allowing you to discover the un- sound and video. you will not be disappointed! Wunderbarcontinues to shine with its quid you can have a nosey aroundtwelve unique homes in Newcastlewhose owners have particular interests.What a great way to meet peopleand do something a bit exciting.You can have a bath in a housein Fenham or take part in a dinner and you can smash up all the rubbishthat Scrap Club has collected week. They provide the hard hats,the scrap and the tools, and all youneed is the strength and desire todestroy old rubbish!arts to intrigue, well, anyone. Festival has so many exciting and www.wunderbarfestival.co.uktechnologically adept, pick up aand on campus.The Best Of WunderbarThroughout: ShakespeareanPublic Announcements - listenout in a public place near you;From Here On Out at The HubShadowJoe Skrebelsexperience than, say, getting yourhair cut by a nine-year-old, there’sSt. Paul’s Church in Jarrow willdead husband; whilst at the light-Hub, will be playing host to Filmity, where you can watch andand Jamie Allen’s ‘From Here OnNewcastle which gives you X-rayvision through buildings in thecity.human memory and personal his-sal human experience’, whilst themore young at heart might enjoyyou can appear on TV with Bigthe ‘Fun Bus’ (draw your ownconclusions), parked daily by theWunderbar Festival has lined upnot to check out the website.See what might be happeningby visiting www.wunderbarfestival.co.uk.

22THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 23CULTURE Photos Photos CULTUREPhotosGET YOURKIT OFFEvery Wednesdayat the UnionRush Hour5pm-6pmPhotos byChrista Chen

24 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERCULTUREwith Mary Wilson3am GirlsMegan Sclater& MaudieOppenheimColumnists> Jake Winter chats toThe Supremes’ Motowngreat at the launch of herexhibition at TheShipley Art GalleryMary Wilson is one of those musiciansyou didn’t know you knew. IfI was to mention Diana Ross & TheSupremes, would that ring somebells?While the Beatles were the Kingsof the 60s music scene, The Supremeswere the Queens of the Era.They strove for 18 years to delivertheir Love Child to the world’s eagerears. They sang at the head ofthe Motown emergence, a label thatsurfed the likes of Jackson 5 andMarvyn Gaye to popularity in theethnically divisive times of 1960sAmerica.Wandering around her new exhibitionin Gateshead I asked herabout The Supreme Dream.What will you remember mostabout Newcastle?It rains, the people are lovely. TheSupremes came here in 1965 andthe crowd were up dancing in theaisles- totally into the music, thiscity’s wonderful.You’ve just opened an exhibition.Have you got a message that youwanted to communicate throughthe collection?The whole of the exhibit is based onthe fashion; and the fashion is basicallypretty much just the backdropfor the overall story of the rise of theSupremes and Motown from povertyto fame.It shows America in the 1960s andhow the change in the social environmentfor ethnic groups madedreams come true.Did you feel any pressure being the whole movement for racial andsexual equality in the 60s?Obviously the period helped us becomeextremely popular because ofhow we started, as I said poverty,and women were not really promi- really a man’s world, even thoughtoday it’s equal, we’re not really‘equal’ to men, but still we have positions.Women have become ‘huge’ politi- their own companies, they’ve reallymade a tremendous leap to equality.I think in those days The Supremescontributed to that becausewe were three women, we weren’tone woman becoming popular, wewere three, we were a concentrationof women’s movement, and Ithink that’s one of the things TheSupremes contributed to, we helpedwomen move forward.Is there one song The Supremessang that sums up the dream youwere involved in?Our early songs were ‘bubblegummusic’– Baby Love. They were Boymeets Girl; falls in love; then heartbreak.But in the late sixties music startedspeaking about what was going on, cerebral lyric.With Love Child we were becomingsocially relevant in terms of ourlyrics. As the times change, the socialclimate changed so the lyricsthat more technical side tetetetetetedoooowa. These were changing asthe times changed.A lot of the bands in the sixties,like the Beatles, started off withvery simple messages, then over thedecade really developed a deepermeaning to their music. Then in theseventies it just seemed to stop.It went from being more of a lyricaland musical style to craziness.In the 70s and 80s people were justtotally freaked out. Drugs came intothe picture, psychedelic type things, What’s the hardest thing you’velearnt?It didn’t have much to do with themusic. In learning about other people,the way they can control yourlife, you learn about yourself. Firstlife’s always about you, then yousee other things that aren’t aboutyou, and that teaches you more.Do you still get recognised walkingdown the street?When people ‘really know’ TheSupremes, they know it’s Mary Wilson.Although it’s not like it used tobe - I take off all the make-up, I dresscasually.People do tend to look at me as ifthey know me, maybe as if I work atthe grocery store down the street.I am very happy I can walk out unnoticedunlike Michael Jackson. Ican have a life.If I ever want to get noticed all Ihave to do is put on my make-upand a fancy dress and immediatelypeople know I gotta be a Supreme.What music’s playing in your car atthe moment?JAZZ! Nat King Cole. He has hisown style, he was someone who inspiredmany people, I grew up withthat song [Nature Boy]. I didn’tknow what the meaning of that songwas [“The greatest thing you’ll everlearn is just to love and be lovedin return”], but you knew it meantsomething deep. When I grew up, Ifound out what it really meant.Is that the same with the songs ofThe Supremes, do you hear themnow and interpret them in a completelydifferent way? something more that I understand. be” doesn’t mean anything withoutsomething to look back on.Do you listen to much modern music?When I get into a car, if it’s on one ofthose stations with ‘Now’ music on,I immediately turn it off.I don’t like listening to it. I grew upwith rock and roll and that’s what Ilike to listen to.Music is not as musical anymore.As long as it’s musical I can enjoyit.If you could interview anyone youwanted who would you choose?I would like to interview ArethaFranklin. I know her voice, and I’min love with that.What’s the hardest thing you’velearnt?Make sure you have a passion forwhat you want to do.If you work hard and you’re nothappy about the work, you’re not ahappy person. You have to enjoy it.I love performing; when I get up onstage I just have a ball. You may betired, but you’re happily tired.The Story of The Supremes from theMary Wilson Collection is on at TheShipley Art Gallery, Gateshead,now until January.Go to www.twmuseums.org.uk/shipley for more details.This week we decided to rendezvousin the new ‘Game On’ night at TigerTiger.Typically, our Wednesdays revolvearound the wonder that is Basementand Legends. Since the move fromBlu Bambu at the beginning of termhowever, this new night for Tigerhas been receiving so much hype ourtypical haunts have been feeling a littleempty.We intended to meet up before enteringthe maze that is Tiger, but as sooften is the case things don’t alwaysgo according to plan.Here we have two very differingaccounts of the same night, with ferventtexting and seeking each otherout a common theme.Megan: Well my night startedoff with the scuba diving social, thetheme of which was Rubik’s cube, althoughI didn’t participate. Not mycup of tea.I followed the group to the North an oompa lumpa pull down histrousers allowing everyone to see farmore than they bargained for), Basementand then on to Bar 42 beforeNaturally we had our timings bumped into others so all was well.Continued with the trebles, whichwere not having their regular effectas I was feeling oddly sober,but still managed to dance along toB*witched with the best of them.Eventually we decided to move onto Tiger and with my ‘game on’ passwas looking forward to my free entry,alas nobody informed me you goin through the hell that is Sam Jacksto get this free entry.Anyway, eventually got in Tiger mend this) and bumped into loads offriendly faces and managed to have agood boogie even without the buzzthat alcohol brings.The night ended for me whensome random tool decided to pin meto a wall hoping for a kiss, when hewas refused he proceeded to tickleme senseless, and while my friendsdragged me away he came oncemore only to lift me up and spin meround before he got the message. Interesting,to say the least!Maudie: Now perhaps my nighttook a different turn because unlikeMegan I had the aforementioned alcoholbuzz.On entering I pretty much lost everyoneI went out with and struggledingly though this was not a concern.Instead, I spent a lot of time barrellingabout and jumping on thosebut either way I like it!My most exciting moment thoughwas seeing a friend from school who and still I recognised his face amongstthe crowd.plays professional rugby-and thatI’m 5’2”!)Now Tiger is not the kind of night,in terms of music and maze like venue,that I usually enjoy, but on thisnight the people and the buzz meantit was so much fun.It’s not something I would do everyweek for fear of getting very bored,but I may be returning next time attachedto my Megan so as not to loseeach other for once!“People know I’ve gotta be a Supreme” - Mary Wilson shows off her moves at the new Motown exhibition at The Shipley Art Gallery

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 25CULTUREPolly Randall -much inherent meaning but is still- --Or can you cynically see the con-- areas which had been previously mentin both social and economic-people greater access to a widerand international events which theymay have previously been ignorantWhat better way to spend 5th Novemberthan wrapped up in your hand (wearing gloves and stand-- an event so there’s no reason why-night!places to go and celebrate in andaround Newcastle and Durham thisyear: although perhaps sceptically hav-- the title but that doesn’t mean com-is they are providing; a culture city Is the chosen city supposed to have - It all depends on what your con- -culture combined with the possibil- -Eleanor WilsonWhen: Gates open 5pm Headquarters organise the annual -- When: 7pm-starts at 7pm - esisn’t the greatest way to spendIt’s much better to brave the coldand embrace the autumnal atmosphere!> As a mysterious newindie night hits theinvestigates howcurfew - -The Courier“We wanted to bring something toNewcastle that had never happenedWe wanted to create something that - - dominates the underground indie - - - in the mood is available on the cur-- -“We were originally going to put curfew is this Sunday, 8th, at TheEnd.

26 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERCULTUREArtsArtsArts Editor: Stephanie Ferrao - courier.culture-arts@ncl.ac.ukInsane in the BrainCiara LittlerInsane in the Brain is a dance-theatrespectacular that adds a trulymodern twist to Ken Kesey’s classicnovel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’sNest.Swedish dance company Bouncedelivers an hour and a half of excitingand dynamic entertainment hereon campus at the Northern Stage.A heavy dose of contemporaryhip-hop is injected into the productionwhich creates a powerful andenergetic display of storytelling.The background story is true tothe novel; based on struggling psychiatricpatients trying to cope withlife in a hospital. But in this show,the break-dancing becomes a way ofexpressing desire for freedom, highlightingthe rebellion against the dictatorialrule of Nurse Ratched whojust so happens to be a ballet fan!and multimedia sequences, creatinga fast-paced, funny and moving performance.With a soundtrack that includesMissy Elliot, Dizzee Rascal, GotanProject, David Holmes and CypressHill the contemporary feel of theshow is sure to excite all membersof the audience.Known for overlooking conventionalboundaries of dance-theatre,the company have been enjoyingrave reviews and success all overthe country, and this is a great timeto catch their show before they continueon their UK wide tour.Bounce have been a hit onYouTube performing a tribute toMichael Jackson and, whether youlike it or not, the success of dancetroupes on Britain’s Got Talent lastyear indicate that this is one shownot to be missed.Unlike other re-workings of novels,Insane in the Brain shows how agreat classic story can be reinventedin such a fresh and inspiring way.It makes for an interesting take onthe serious ideas approached in OneFlew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest withbreak dancing being the way out -both physically and emotionally - ofa torturous and controlling regime.The dancers pop, lock, crump andbreak their way through scenarios story, though reworked, retains asad yet liberating representation ofstruggling with mental-illness.It is an important and serious topicthat is approached in a fantasticallytechnical and motivating way.The show is interactive and fun,yet doesn’t take away from the explorationof the story. Insane in theBrain may initially be more appealingto those interested in dance, butit promises to be a wonderful showfor anyone who enjoys a bit of performance.If you fancy something to sparksome energy back into those long,On the bounce: the Bounce Dance Company perform in Insane in the Braindark nights, Insane in the Brain isa truly riveting way to add somelight to the fast approaching wintermonths. thing new; Bounce’s success so farhelps to promote dance as anotherfantastic art-form to be enjoyed inNewcastle. Insane in the Brain isonly showing for two nights at the worth grabbing some tickets now, toavoid unnecessary disappointment.Insane in the Brain is at NorthernStage on 13th-14th November 2009alt.galleryJoe BartonAn exhibition that explores the interactionbetween music and sculp-home at Newcastle’s alt.gallery thisNovember.Hayley Williams’s exhibition,plasticine versions of objects referencedin Fluxus musical scores. TheFluxus movement was an internationalnetwork of painters, composersand sculptors, all committed tochallenging preconceptions aboutwhat could constitute as ‘art’.Music played a central role amongstFluxus artists and two of their mostOno - both produced musical scoresthat encouraged their audiences tomake their own music out of everydayobjects.After deciding that it would be impossibleto render life size versionsof the thousands of objects listed inthe Fluxus musical scores, HayleyNewman opted to make smaller,plasticine versions.On display at the alt.gallery willbe miniature versions of the moreconventional musical instrumentssome less conventional ones, like elephantsand wolves!holes and ceilings are hard to imaginemade out of plasticine, so the exhibitionpromises dozens of raisedeyebrows (as well as tiny plasticineeyebrows, as it happens).By providing the lists of instrumentsalongside the sculptures,Newman hopes that the plasticine of visitors as they read the humorousand radical Fluxus scores, encouragingthem to make their ownnew compositions out of what islaid out in front of them.Hayley Newman has performedand exhibited widely during her careerand has had solo shows at venuessuch as Matt’s Gallery, London,and the Centre d’Art Contemporain,Geneva, as well as a group exhibitionat the Tate Modern, London. the South London gallery, but thisbeing toured elsewhere in the country.Alt.gallery is one of Newcastle’shidden artistic gems, having previouslyplayed host to exhibitionsby Daniel Johnston and Vicki Bennett,promoting work that intersectsvisual art, music and sound, pridingitself on being one of the only galleriesin the country that focuses onthis unique area of the arts.Beneath the gallery is its betterknown sister store, alt.vinyl recordshop, meaning that inspired visitorscan build on their avant-garde musiccollections if they wish to do so.The gallery is located on ThorntonCentral Station, so art fans have noexcuse for not experiencing this funnyand imaginative exhibition.January, and the gallery is open Mondayto Saturday, 11.00am to 6.00pm.Hit the Ground runningPolly RandallEvery year, the press make a dashup North to cover the annual runthat truly puts Newcastle on themap - the Great North Run.In celebration of this, the BupaGreat North Run Cultural Programhas returned in its 5th year with anexhibition at the on-campus HattonGallery called Hit the Ground.Using numerous and diverseforms of media, the exhibition demonstrateshow art and sport can becombined to celebrate the spirit andatmosphere of the Great North Run,as well as exploring ideas aboutwhat being an athlete entails andthe runners’ relationship with Newcastleas a city.Works currently on display includethe successful piece by VickiBennett entitled Parade which incorporatesvintage footage from thelast 28 years of the run in order tocreate montage-esque images of thevast crowds which line the length ofthe route.Anyone who took part in the runparticularly interested in Dry Run -a new piece created by NAME andAtau Tanaka based upon the experiencesof 10 runners completing theThe high-tech interactive pieceshows both the physical and emotionalstrain that the event has onits competitors; giving the onlookerthe opportunity to consider thehuge challenge that running a raceincurs.The Streets Do Flow by Amy Fe- provides an individual perspectiveon the race through their series ofadvertisement-style pictures whichuse graphic prints and an installationto show how people relate totheir training routes and routines.Faster, Higher is a wider reachingpiece using footage from the Olympicsdisplayed on 5 different screensto develop ideas not only of the commitmentof athletes at internationalsporting events but also the strainwhich surrounds such events.The range of forms used helps tocreate an interesting and varied exhibitionwhich should be of interestto anyone who ran in or was a supporterof the race. It shows running‘as a physical and mental experience,as a struggle and as an inspiration,as fun and as a regime.’As sport rarely featured in depthin a multimedia art exhibition, it’sshow closes in a few weeks, so getyour running shoes on and race ondown!Hit the Ground is on at the HattonGallery until Sunday 15th NovemberInside today >>>Reviews of FantasticMr. Fox and Saw VICulture, page 29Interviews with LittleBoots, Frankmusikand The SaturdaysCulture, page 30-31

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 27FlagrantWisdomKatherine BishopFlagrant Wisdom will shock, amazeand immerse you. A guaranteedjourney of thrills, this two hourspectacle follows the outrageouslytalented members of the world-renownedShanghai Circus.The acrobats are connoisseurs ofcontortion, their bodies twist andentwine as they transform ordinarydomestic vessels with daring featsof skill.This visual spectacle is staged atthe National Glass Centre in Sunderland.The performance is combines the1300-year history of glass makingin the North East with the 2000-yearhistory of Chinese acrobatics. Westernand eastern traditions mergeharmoniously as the acrobaticsgracefully transform glass objectsusing their bodily contortions.If two hours of acrobatics is notyour thing, the glass production studiois publicly accessible to have aglimpse at the complex and the mesmerisingart of glass-making.Consisting of a series of vignettesstaged within the National GlassCentre’s building. Seeing the seriesof acrobatics within this unique riversidelocation is captivating andexudes mystery and magic. mersedin an event where they canenjoy moments of great wonder anddelight. Both the glass makers andacrobatics put on an astonishingperformance, as their talent resonatesthroughout the building.Flagrant Wisdom is a work-inprogressfrom Lost in Music, a newintercultural cross art collaborationled by artist Rose English.What’s the harm?Gemma FarinaThe human condition necessitatesthat we are (though we don’t liketo admit it) pretty darn nosey at thebest of times. I’d love to be highbrowand declare all celeb-focal literatureutter trash.On principle, I hate magazines likeOK! and Heat, but it doesn’t mean Idon’t read them. The lucrative racketof celebrity autobiographies arejust the same in that they are totalguilty pleasure reads.People nationwide read celebrityautobiographies because theysee their faces everywhere, hear somuch about them and want to knowthe real story.If people are going to buy them,surely we can’t blame them or theirpublishers for milking the proverbialcash cow and consequently toppingthe bestsellers list!I put my prejudices to the test: lastChristmas everyone seemed to betalking about Russell Brand’s ‘MyBooky Wook’, to the extent that myentire extended family seemed tohave a copy.After feigning total surprise whilstunwrapping it on Christmas day, Iheld back from immediately knockingit, and decided to try it and seeif this bloke who looks-like-a-pirate-and-people-seem-to-fancy-forsome-bizarre-reasonwas worth thehype he’s cashing in on.It was hilarious – written by himRose English, Trading Places: Flagrant Wisdom in association with Dance City A. MUIRThe performance works in collaborationwith Trading Places, a series developed by local artists workingwith regional organisations andcommunities.The glass objects are made by artistsfrom the National Glass Centrerather than for him, Brand’s autobi-he shows when he’s on TV or doingstand-up.I think this is why the autobiographieswritten by comedians unendinglyappear in bestseller lists – theyclearly have a way with words alreadyand on paper they can be justas witty.Yet, at the same time, Brand’sdown-to-earthness brought with itsome serious bits, dealing with hisacute struggle with substance addiction.This opened my eyes to an issuewhich prior to reading, I had verylittle knowledge about; the openand honest approach is a key sellingpoint of this type of book, whichtruly makes people feel more sympathetictowards the oft distortedview of glamorous celebrity lives.biographiesBeing Jordan currentlyholds the record for the most copiesof an autobiography sold in a week.I’d never read it, but who cares ifsomeone else wants to?Like the X-Factor contestants, celebautobiographies are only as successfulas the punters who supportthem, so for better or worse, isn’terarytaste?Nestled among Amazon’s top 20bestsellers sits comedian FrankieBoyle’s autobiography entitled ‘MyShit Life So Far’.and students from the University ofSunderland.The event is part of the upcomingWunderbar Festival. The festivalboasts ten days of intrigue and wonder,with an eclectic mix of extraordinaryhappenings and performances.All events take place in the NorthArtsCULTUREMake andMend it!Stephanie FerraoArts EditorBlending the make-do-and-mendattitude of post-war Britain withthe thoroughly modern ethos ofrecycling, Newcastle’s independ-ket,Make and Mend is back intown to offer bargain-savvy studentsthe opportunity to cash-inon a less conventional shoppingexperience.The brainchild of an interiordesigner and an illustrator, themarket was initially formed as aplatform for artists to showcasetheir work and aimed at promotinglocal new creative talent.Due to its recent overwhelmingsuccess, the market has expand-in Newcastle, while retaining itscreative roots, with stalls sellinga wide range of art, vintage fashion,homemade foods, books andmusic.The organisers of the market areencouraging students with an interestin art and design to hire astall and sell to the public!Not only is it a great opportunityto put your selling skills to thetest, but a great way to meet localpeople who are really passionateabout art and all things creative.Money generated from stallhire is donated to the Star andShadow Cinema in the OuseburnValley – a venue built and run entirelyby volunteers.It’s a fantastic opportunity to dosome early Christmas shoppingfor presents that are affordable,ethical and a bit different.The next market event will be onSunday 8th November 11am-4pm atthe Star and Shadow Cinema.Celebrity autobiographiesBoyle begins his book with “I’vealways read them thinking ‘I don’twant to know where Steve Tylergrew up, just tell me how manygroupies he f**ked!’”Crude as he is, the comedian managesto summarise my own viewon celebrity autobiographies: if theauthor isn’t taking the whole thingtoo seriously, writes it themselvesand makes me laugh out loud, I’mall for them.East, and most events are free.Flagrant Wisdom costs nothing,and is the perfect treat for culturedstudents on a budget.Performances take place between the21st and 22nd November.What’s the point?Marianne SpenceThis week saw the infamous KatiePrice and her myriad of overlyeager fans descend upon the Newcastle’sWaterstones for yet anotherafternoon session of book signingaccompanying the release of whatseems like the umpteenth volume ofher life story.As you can probably tell, I remainunenthusiastic over her many publicationswhich include among others“Being Jordan”.From my experience, celebrity autobiographiesare from cover to cover,full of the same typically mundaneand state-the-obvious drivelwhich seems to have has becomethe staple reading diet of the Britishpublic.Generally my dislike for the celebrityautobiography is due to theunfortunate fact that more oftenthan not, they aren’t actually autobiographiesin the truest sense of theword.Traditionalist I may be but really,a celebrity’s autobiography shouldbe (as is suggested by the title), actuallywritten by them - not by someanonymous ghost writer, sworn tosecrecy, and more than likely underpaidfor the privilege of writingan entire book about the life of thelatest desperate star, whilst theyWhat makes this so frustratingis that, despite this commonplacepractice of hiring other people towrite their life story and then brandingit as their work, celebrities stillfeel comfortable in attaching a titleto the cover which predictably willmake use of the highly originalphrase ‘My Story’.Not only does this illustrate thephenomenal level of their own ar- verelack of creativity of the writingwithin.Despite this, I do admit that goodautobiographies do exist, thoughthey are few and far between.Of course, theses select few aren’tgenerally deemed “celebrity” autobiographiesas they are generallymade a genuine and considerablecontribution towards other people’slives.Consider the inspirational and fascinatinglife of Nelson Mandela – anautobiography written by himself inA Long Walk to Freedom.It’s somewhat unsurprising that somany celebrity autobiographies arepublished – the stars (and Z-listers)get to lend their opinions to thepage, and publishing houses cash inon the pennies of the public.But ultimately, it’s terrible thatbooks of all things should play uponpeople’s genuine desire to knowmore about these celebrities.

28 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERCULTUREFilmFilmLost in translation> Camila Tessler tells us why some of themagic is lost, when our favourite children’sThere’s a certain magic in readinga book as a kid. There’s somethingabout worlds that you can only getinto the apple-wood wardrobe thathave all kinds of things you can’t seein real life.People and places that are completelyand totally real in a book thatcan only be seen inside your head –until, that is, someone projects themonto the big screen, and suddenlythere are images to base the worldof the book on.This week, Fantastic Mr. Fox comesout in cinemas, followed by Wherethe Wild Things Are and at Christmastime, there are a whole slew ofchildren’s books that are bridgingthe gap between page and screen invarious incarnations ranging fromreal life to 3D animation.Whole worlds that have been imaginedby children the whole worldover suddenly become huge, largerthan life, and because of that theycarry a lot of importance.Part of their appeal is almost exclusivelyreserved for adults; howmany people are eager to see FantasticMr. Fox because Wes Andersondirected it, or because GeorgeClooney is providing the main character’svoice?There’s a lot of doubt from this endon the answer to those questions.But while the casting or the directingmay go over the head of the averageprepubescent viewer, one thing willcertainly stick around, and that’s thedazzle of the visuals.Any movie in the past ten years of children’s literature will certainlyfeature the graphics, the animationand the sets.All anybody has to do is thinkback to this year’s adaptation of NeilGaiman’s book Coraline to remem- done to bring it to “life.”The more fantastic the world, to render it up on screen. Take TheChronicles of Narnia; the recent Wal- location in New Zealand, has someof the most impressive makeup and towards adults.WETA Workshop, the props andsets workshop that is utilized forthese movies (and the upcoming adaptationof The Hobbit), clearly puta lot of detail oriented thought intothe creation of the authentic magicalworld.But how necessary is this meticulouscrafting? Fantastic Mr. Foxuses some extremely detailed stopmotionwork, but that doesn’t meanthat it necessarily translates fromimagination to page unless you happento be Wes Anderson.Would animation be better? Ordoes that reinforce the idea of children’smovies needing to be almoststrictly done with cartoons, particularlyif they involve anthropomorphosis?There’s no doubt that there’s someexperimentation going on, butwhether experimentation belongs intransforming iconic childhood imagesinto movies is a question thatshould be asked by anyone who’sIt would be ideal to say that everysingle interpretation of a book worksequally well on screen.But anyone watching movie adaptationsof children’s books can attestthat while there has been a growingimprovement over the years, thereare still some things that are inherentlyill-crafted about these movies.Maybe it’s the tendency of directorsto focus on the visuals, whichare so strongly rooted in the imaginationsof everyone involved onthe project, instead of on the script,which is, of course, where the seedThere is almost no way to translatea mythical world or a magicalplace in a uniform and completelyfair way, even if it’s done to the lastdetail, without a focus on the wordswhich inspired that world to beginwith.This said, there is no doubt thatwhat is coming out with regardsto re-mediation of children’s booksis far better, in terms of productionvalues, than what came out previously.These visual treats certainly appealto a much broader audience. Andwe would hope they will add to thenostalgia factor of books that werealmost universally beloved, whilstnever actually living up to them.Where the Wild Things Are, for exampleis almost sure to guaranteeBut we can but hope that the scriptsand screenplay convey the magic ofthe book to the silver screen.Into the Wild (2007)Jennie MitchellInto The Wild is more than a roadmovie. It is the grand tradition ofthe journey movie it takes you ona physical and psychological exploration,off the beaten track, intothe wilderness of deepest Alaskaand back again, not just literally butemotionally.Having just graduated but neverwanting to conform, ChristopherMcCaddless (Emile Hirsch, Lords OfDogtown) abandons his privilegedlifestyle, cuts up his credit cards,destroys his ID and prepares for hisgreat adventure North.Along the way, he works on awheat farm in South Dakota, undertakesthe rapids of the ColoradoRiver, camps under the stars with aloving hippy couple and visits SlabCity where he meets Tracy (KristenStewart of Twilight fame).He lodges with a retired leatherworker in Palm Strings before his Alaskan desert, far removed fromthe urbanised world.Here he sets up camp in his beloved‘Magic Bus’ and endeavoursand to call each thing by its rightfulname; to make the breathtakingsurroundings a world of his own.Free and but alone, he undergoeshis biggest journey and an exhilaratingprocess of self discovery.Yet as things begin to go wrong forthe intrepid explorer, he becomestrapped and his strength deteriorates,poisoned by the very land thathe adores.Consequently, he soon realiseswhat it is that’s most important inlife; not the adventure or where youend up but the experiences and thepeople you share them with alongthe way. by Jon Krakaur, director Sean Pennskillfully explores how the protagonistwrestles between man and nature,self and society, addressing theabundant confusions and contradictionsof life in a very powerful andtouching way.Each episodic relationship McCaddlessencounters, shows his relentlessspirit and enthusiasm but alsodemonstrates that being alone isnothing; it’s our time together andthose we love who matter most.At times daunting but constantly with every watch.The raw intimate soundtrack(mostly written and performed byEddie Vedder), also really contributingto the viewers connectionwith the central character, leavingyou contemplative, inspired andamazed.Johnny DeppMichelle C. AlisterBirthday: 9th June 1963 (Age, 46)Birthplace: Owensboro, KentuckyBiggest Films: Sweeney Todd,Pirates of the Caribbean, Charlieand the chocolate factory, SleepyHollow, Edward Scissorhands, Fearand Loathing in Las Vegas.Most Recent Award: Golden GlobeBest Actor for Sweeney Todd: TheDemon Barber of Fleet Street.You might not know: He playsslide guitar on the Oasis track FadeIn-Out on the album Be Here Now(1997).The maverick of the silver screen,Mr. Depp, known for his unconven- cheekbones and the appellation of“world’s sexiest male” several timesover, is the real reason many of usbearing two X chromosomes wentto see Pirates of the Caribbean - noother man pulls of eyeliner in quitethe same way!Son of a waitress and a civil engineer,John Christopher Depp II descendsfrom German, Cherokee andIrish ancestry.Upon receiving a guitar on his 12thbirthday, Depp found music to be as a rock musician, enjoying modestsuccess before Nicholas Cage recommendedhe give acting a shot.Since premiering as an actor as Of-21 Jump Street in 1987, Depp has neverbeen short of work since, swiftly Nightmare on Elm street.Depp’s on screen charm is largelydown to his non-conformist choiceof characters.This Depp tradition was launchedwith the titular role of Edward Scissorhands,which also began a creativemarriage with Tim Burton.The director’s macabre, quirkyicons leading to such enigmatic andpeculiar individuals as Sleepy Hollow’sIchabod Crane, Willy Wonka,Sweeney Todd, the voice of VictorVan Dort in the animated CorpseBride, and the greatly anticipatedMad Hatter in Tim Burton’s Alicein Wonderland, due to be released2010.Most recently starring alongsideJude Law and Colin Farrell in TheImaginarium of Dr Parsarssus , allthree actors donated their salariesto Heath Ledger’s daughter MatildaThroughout his career, Depp’svarious relationships have also beenof particular interest to the public.Depp married his band’s make -upartist, aged 20, and has since datedWinona Ryder and Kate Moss beforehis son Jack and daughter Lily-Rose,French singer and actress VanessaParadis, since 1998, (sob).Although yet to be bestowed withthe honour of an academy awardfor Best Actor, Depp has been nominated3 times for his roles in FindingNeverland, Sweeney Todd and the rolehe will perhaps be most rememberedfor Captain Jack Sparrow – savvy!?Le Donk andScor-Zay-ZeeRachael WhiteI’m not a fan of the so called “moc-and ultimately (here’s where I offendthe Gervais army) not funny.However, I was pleasantly surprisedwith this latest offering byet of £48,000. follows Le Donk (Paddy Considine),a washed up roadie for the ArcticMonkeys, on a mission to promotehis rotund rap act Scor-Zay-Zee.Le Donk has led an interesting lifewhich has resulted in the sum totalof: nothing.He is pretty much a little boy in aman’s world, epitomised by his reactionto his ex-girlfriend’s (OliviaColman) unplanned pregnancy.Let’s just say it involves gettingher drunk and taking her on TheBig One - and they say romance isdead. Scorz, whose placid response to theramblings of Le Donk add humourto the occasionally slow pace of theNotable highlights include abrief cameo by the Arctic Monkeysthemselves, and the interaction be- as Le Donk tries to highjack Scorz’schance of fame.If one was to compare Le Donkand Scor-Zay-Zee to Meadows’ pastSomerstown and This IsEngland it would be fair to be a littledisappointed at the occasional un-However, as an experiment, it reallyis a tribute to the innovative na- jaunt around the backstage area ofommended watch.

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 29FilmCULTUREReviewsFantastic Mr. FoxDirector - Wes AndersonCast - George Clooney, Meryl Streep,Bill MurrayRun time - 87 minsAnyone unfamiliar with Roald Fantastic Mr. Fox adaptation of the text, on the other as easily engaging for adults as it isThe humour is neither smartenough for adults to understand nor Anderson also fails to bring out theThe more intriguing and amusing Couples RetreatDir: Peter BillingsleyCast: Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman,Kristin Davis, Kristen BellRuntime: 113minFor all you Vaughn fans out there,here’s another helping from themind of the man who’s entertained Swingers andWedding Crashers. by Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell)on a “Couples’ Retreat” that has interested in partying and mess mend, and yet isn’t bad enoughto be somehow good in a twisted, Reno) is utterly wasted in this asi Couples Retreat.It almost gets to the point where head in a pillow and trying to forgetthat Couples Retreat Romain ChenetSaw VIDir: Kevin GreutertCast: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, PeterOuterbridgeRuntime: 90 minutesSaw Saw 2 The initial angst ridden ‘game’ After this gore fuelled initiation,erbridge), who in refusing to pay Saw 6’s fatal This alongside a blurring of Jigsaw’s rules for punishing the un Michelle C. AlisterThe Goods: LiveHard, Sell HardDirector: Neal BrennanCast: Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames,James Brolin, David Koechner, KathrynHahn, Will FerrellRunning Time: 89 minsLet me begin with a simple, yet pire to two people, will mean that itwon’t be showing any more by theThe plot is simply a set up for a den meaning when really the whole But really it’s the writing that lets Talladega Nightsor Step Brothers, funny but not spe The Goods Joe Skrebels

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 31MusicCULTUREwith The SaturdaysStephanie FerraoArts EditorWith their new album Wordshaker outnow, The Courier managed to wranglea few words with Mollie from The Saturdaysabout touring with Girls Aloudand the making of their new record.What are you guys up to at the mo-We’re really busy at the momentpromoting the new album ‘Wordshaker’because that’s come out recently,then we’ll be having our nextsingle out before Christmas I think,so it’s all go, it’s non-stop really.We’ve been doing signings all overthe place!So you guys toured with GirlsAloud last year, what was it likebeing a part of the Tangled UpOh God, it was amazing! We’re allreally inspired by them, and watchingthem on stage really motivatedus to be the best that we could beand made us work hard. It seemslike so long ago now - it was onlya year ago but since then we’ve hadour own tour and the second album.Everything’s going so fast!Did you get to hang around withYeah we did! They invited us outwhenever they had a party or anythinglike that so we always wentout to those.We always saw them in catering aswell, but obviously because it wastheir tour, they had more rehearsalsand sound-checks for things so wedidn’t get to see them all the time,but every time we did see them theywere lovely.I hear Cheryl managed to sort outyou out with tickets to see BritneyYeah, it was so sweet of her. It wasthe week Britney was performed onlast year’s X Factor, and with her as ajudge on the show, she got Rochelleand I tickets to go and watch her. Iwas really grateful for that because Ilove Britney, she’s like my idol!Speaking of X Factor, as a memberof a girl band what did you thinkabout Cheryl and Dannii’s remarksabout Kandy Rain’s promiscuousI think to be honest, I’d take theside of the female judges. WhetherKandy Rain were strippers or poledancers, whatever they were in theif they’re trying to shake off thatimage and start afresh, coming outpractically naked is not the best wayof going about it.It’s always hard for girl bandsto come out, especially on a programmelike the X Factor, and Ithink they needed to prove that theycould actually sing and that waypeople would have more respect forthem.That’s probably why people votedmore for Miss Frank. People lookat them and they seem more credible,rather than Kandy Rain whoseemed to get through by wearingHow did the recording go on forIt was amazing! It was so exciting forus because it was our second albumand we’ve all improved so much assingers. We got to go to LA to recordthere as well – we were so excitedabout that, we felt really showbizgoing over there.Obviously we recorded in Londonas well, and some of the tracks gotproduced in Norway - it was just reallycool! We always love recordingalbums; it’s one of the funnest (sic)things. It wasn’t as rushed as the to pick tracks, and we got to writesome songs for this one too.So you got to record in the samevenue as Frank Sinatra and MichaelYeah, it was really quite a fancy studioand we’d heard that all thesefamous people had recorded there.As we were sat outside, Randy Jacksonthe American Idol judge walkedpast us! It was just so LA.If you weren’t performing with theSaturdays, what would you be do-If I wasn’t in the Saturdays, I’d stillbe trying to be in a girl band! If Iwasn’t able to be a singer, I’d love towork in a record company or something.I worked at Warner Bros in theirmarketing department for ninemonths, and I really enjoyed that.On a completely different note, Ireally love animals, and I’d reallylove to go to Florida and work withdolphins, make sure they’re kept insafe conditions and everything! Bitrandom, but it’s something I’d loveto do.What do you guys get up to in be-er,there’s non-stop chatter about allsorts of things; what happened on XFactor, moving in with boyfriends,fashion, typical girly things! I can’tthink of anything particularly gossipyat the moment though, sorry!British pop in 2009: smash hit or top Mark Corcoran-LetticeMusic EditorSo, 2009 – the year the Brits reclaimedpop, right?Certainly, there’s been no shortageof new successes and big charthitters deriving from these isles,and mainstream chart pop is arguablyas diverse as it’s ever been - atwhat other time could a pioneer of ahip-hop sub-genre go on to achievenumber one singles and nationaladoration in the way Dizzee Rascalhas managed.Not a bad situation to be in, perhaps.But not exactly a perfect oneeither. Certainly, I hope I’m not theonly one slightly concerned aboutthe way ‘female’ seems to haveemerged as a viable genre over thelast year.It’s a hugely patronising backwardstep, and it does raise the questionof exactly what ‘male’ consists of(although one does have the sinkingfeeling that it probably involvedThe Enemy…).It’s notable also that as big as LaRoux or Florence & The Machinemay be over here, there’s no Britishstar comparable to a Lady Gaga.A lack of international reknownnever hurt Robbie Williams, but it’sstill a shame that us Brits are left laggingonce again on the world popstage.2009’s not been a bad year for pop,but ask yourself this - can you thinkof any British pop track as inescapeableand as gloriously catchy as‘American Boy’ was last year?Feel free to disagree, but it may bea little too early to start the backslappingjust yet.‘Female’ seems to haveemerged as a viablegenre over the last year...it’s a backwards stepChris MandleMusic EditorAh, pop music – guilty pleasure, socialdeterrent, girlfriend repellent.When The Courier was formedthis year, we, your section editors,hit the streets of Newcastle to bondover sugary drinks and vomitsoakedstreets. It was needless tosay it that it worked far better thanthe team building exercises and thenumerous powerpoint presentationsearlier that day.Fondly I recall unfamiliar eyeslocked onto me as I danced ridiculouslyto the best in Tiger Tiger’spop repertoire; those who I wasintroduced to as ‘Music Editor’frowned in disbelief. Why was I notsulking in the corner, lager in handand waxing lyrical about the gemstonesof underground acts?Because pop music, like the fruitpastilles you sneak from your coatpocket, is a guilty, sugary littlepleasure to indulge in. Turn yournose all you want and tell me youhave better tastes in music if itkeeps you on your high horse, butthere should be no shame in enjoyingpopular music,With our country producing thelikes of La Roux, Florence, LittleBoots, Frankmusik, Mr Hudson,VV Brown and Chipmunk, whydeny yourself the pleasure?

32 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERCULTUREMusicLive ReviewsG. BRUCEThe Dead WeatherO2 Academy,October 21stWhen The Dead Weather took to thestage, the crowd went wild, evenbefore they started playing.This was down to the bands lineup;Jack White (White Stripes), AlisonMosshart (The Kills), Dean Fertita(Queens of the Stone Age) andJack Lawrence (The Raconteurs).With such a talented and experiencedline-up, expectations werehigh. They didn’t disappoint!Playing from their album Horehoundas well as a couple of newsongs, hinting at a possible new album,the songs ranged from slow,moody tracks such as ’60 Feet Tall’to fast, thrashing songs like ‘TreatMe Like Your Mother’.The show didn’t lack atmosphere,with Mosshart doing a great jobof engaging with the crowd, andWhite’s presence was enough tomake the crowd erupt into cheers.All the songs were executed perfectly,with times where the banddidn’t even pause to breathe betweensongs.As the band members swapped instrumentsbetween songs, we werereminded of the class of performerswe were watching.Looking effortless, the band playedthrough the set list without puttinga foot wrong, and a well-received crowd hungry for more.Chris ScottEverything EverythingThe Other Rooms,October 22nd stage at The Other Rooms.The unassuming Glaswegian foursome,who look like they’ve stumbledout of the library via the localcharity shop, surprise the audienceas lead singer Gerald Black’s soaringfalsetto combines with the bandsethereal but note-perfect noise.All classically-trained musicians,they frequently swap instrumentsand display a level of skill that generatesa quiet admiration amongstthe small but attentive audience.Everything Everything are thatrare kind of band; one that manage wildering array of ideas and soundswithout sounding contrived or gratuitous.Third song and debut single ‘SuffragetteSuffragette’ combines beautifulBeach Boys harmonies with aheavy QOTSA style rock-out.A totally different band could beonstage as they perform heavenly Side’.Penultimate song and new single‘My KZ UR BF’ exhibits all theyare best at; a genre-defying beautywith a killer chorus and thoroughlydanceable to.Quirky, complex, but with greattunes to boot, Everything Everythingprovided a great evening’sentertainment.Joe CooperDevildriverO2 Academy,October 24thThe night got off to a great start withsome brilliant British thrash.Just as the pits got into full swing,Trigger The Bloodshed took thestage... and they weren’t too impressive.In fact, it appeared that the deathmetal-core (what?) group and screamoband Suicide Silence were havinga competition for Shriekiest VocalistEver...nice.Thankfully, Polish black/deathmetallers Behemoth (yes, they’reboth) got things back on track withtheir brilliantly brutal, epic sound.Lead singer Nurgle was a trueshowman, who riled the crowd upgood and ready for the main act -California metallers Devildriver.Now Behemoth were a hard act tobeat, but boy, did Devildriver beatitẆhatever eardrums we had leftafter Behemoth, they were well andboys - hell, my ears are still ringingnow.Opening with the rousing ‘End OfThe Line’, they performed excellenttracks like ‘Clouds Over California’and ‘These Fighting Words’, playingan extremely tight and beautifullyheavy set.then - and well worth the money!Lauren MatthewsSeen and SceneB>E>A>KMark Corcoran-LetticeMusic EditorSQWARK! One of the NorthEast’s most treasured acts,B>E>A>K are a unique proposition.Clad in bird masks and colourcoordinateduniforms, this Sunderland-basedsuper group (whiletheir exact membership is a secret,members of Field Music, This Ain’tment are known to have joined thenest) are avian-rock gods, swoopingdown from above to bless uswith their manic post-rock moves.On paper, this can sound worryinglypretentious, but in practiceit’s all about getting you on yourfeet. Instrumental guitar rockmay not sound like the most obviouschoice in good time music, butthat’s because it’s rarely done withsuch humour or such immediacy.For the reader at home, their \ Joe SkrebelsMySpace (http://www.myspace.com/beaktastic), will give you ataste, but it’s live where B>E>A>Kanthems like ‘Stairway To Hendon’and Missy Elliot semi-tribute ‘GetYa Beak On’ really come into theirown. Having played several high- main stage appearance at the inauguralSplit Festival, their next performanceis at the Cluny 2 on Saturday7th November as part of a localband showcase (also featuring thepreviously featured Brilliant Mind).You’d be a fool to miss it…thereain’t no party like a B>E>A>K party!Steel WheelsTurn left off of the top of NorthumberlandStreet, past Sgt. Peppersbar, all the while ignoring the smellof the bins surrounding you, andyou might just stumble on the everdelightfulSteel Wheels.A pantheon of goods, musical andotherwise, it’s chock-full of signedband photos, a mix of cheap andrare vinyl, and promo releases beingsold in questionably legal fashion.There aren’t many feelings akin tothe one you get after buying Bowie’sEarthling, a copy of Fight Club anda DVD of Leprechaun in the HoodSteel Wheels offers you feelings likethat every time you go in.Conveniently close to the universitycampus (making it ideal forbetween-lecture browsing), seemingto change its entire stock everyweek and, most important of all forthe student shopper, cheap, this littleplace is everything you couldwant from an independent recordstore, and you’ve got it right underyour nose.Online >>>Exclusive gig photoswww.thecourieronline.co.ukPassion PitNorthumbria Stage 2, October 22ndGordon BruceCulture Online EditorAnother week, and another roundof exclusive content for you all overat www.thecourieronline.co.uk.Pick of the litter this week is anexclusive session we’ve recordedwith the hotly-tipped, up and comingindie rockers Copy Haho, whosupported Los Campesinos at theUnion last Tuesday, joining the sessionswe’ve already recorded withSic Alps and The Twilight Sad overon our website.As well as this, we’ve also got additionalphotos from the PassionPit concert and photos of The DeadWeather, an interview with EverythingEverything (whose recent appearanceat The Other Rooms wasgiven a glowing review just above),and a review of the ever-exciteableDananananaykroyd, who gave TheCluny a taste of their infamous liveshow two weeks ago.Well, what are you still readingthis for? Get yourself online now!From total obscurity to internationalrenown; it’s probably fair to saythat this year’s been something ofa whirlwind for the lads of PassionPit. It’d certainly explain the visibledelight of the band when they appearon stage for this late-year victorylap tour.Courteously thanking support actsMax Tundra and openers du jourThe Joy Formidable (even if theywere both off by the curiously cruelhour of nine in the evening) and thepacked crowd, frontman MichaelAngelakos certainly seemed contentwith his position.Not that they were to have it entirelytheir own way, mind. Stage2’s almost complete lack of acoustics(think the gym at your school,only worse) took some of the shineoff their sparkling synth sounds andrendered the drums a muddy mess,and an unfortunate technical malfunctionforced the band off-stagefor ten minutes halfway through,Despite these setbacks though, PassionPit rose to the occasion, skill-debut album Manners to the stage,with inevitable closers ‘Sleepyhead’and ‘The Reeling’ drawing theter venue next time round, please?Mark Corcoran-LetticeMusic EditorSingles & DownloadsAlice VincentCulture EditorKicking off with beaus of the mo,The Dead Weather. Their latestoffering, the peculiarly-titled‘I Cut Like A Buffalo’, punchesthrough November’s chill with old skool guitar chord refrain andseriously catchy bovine-relatedchorus - clearly a must-have onall good indie bar jukeboxes.Passion Pit’s ‘Little Secrets’ - ascute and naughty as the namesuggests, it literally takes me“higher and higher and higher”with Michael Angelakos’s everwonderfulchoral squeals.And Bam! Just when I thoughtI’d never get off that aural ceilingof joy, Biffy Clyro bring ‘TheCaptain’. With brass addition, apacey, uplifting and near SundaySchool-esque melody, it’s practicallya sing-a-long.Those apparently now grownupArctic Monkeys have createda pensieve, nay, slushy ballad oflost love. I think. As ever, Turner’slyricism lifts ‘Cornerstone’,but my god, where’s the tune?

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 33Record ReviewsKraftwerk - 12345678: The Catalogue [Part 1]Considering the recent trend of 80s-Hot Chip and robotic auto-tune - ithas never been a better time to rediscoverKraftwerk, the pioneeringelectronic band who popularised theidea of entirely synth-based musicand practically invented electronicmusic as we know it today.The key eight Kraftwerk albums- Autobahn, Radio-Activity, Trans-Europe Express, The Man Machine,Computer World, Electric Cafe, TheMix and Tour de France - are herecollected into one box set, digitallyremastered and given (entirely su-There are no b-sides, no rare tracksand no live sets either, and a cynicmight wonder if a complete collec-(often overlooked) records is on itsway.This week, we’ll cover half of theset, spanning 1974 through to 1978.is the band’s breakthrough albumAutobahn (“motorway” in German),which consists of an epic 22-minute track attempting to recreatethe experience of a long road trip,followed by four purely instrumentaltracks that even manage to incorporatesome acoustic instruments.Though the album as a whole is atough listen, it still sounds almost asbizarre and revolutionary as it probablydid back in 1974.A year later, the band released Radio-Activity,another concept albumexploring the twin themes of radioand, er, radioactivity.A far more accessible album, Radio-Activitysees Kraftwerk turntheir hands to crafting full popsongs, as well as continuing to experimentwith the new soundsavailable to them, though the albumis made somewhat schizophrenic bythe band’s contrasting directions.This disparity is tackled in thethird album of the set, Trans-EuropeExpress, which succeeds in meldingcatchy songs with ambient, minimalistsoundscapes and is arguablyBy far the best album of the bunch,The Man Machine. While somewhatdated by its subject matter - singing“we are the robots” through a vocodermay have sounded futuristicback in 1978, but today it’s merelycliche - these are focused, energetictracks where the raw potential ofsynthesisers hinted at in Autobahn we know today.As for the remasters themselves,the pin-sharp production is somewhatgrating - if it were possible tomake Kraftwerk sound even lesshuman, these mixes have somehowachieved it - and occasionally makessome of the more repetitive, droningtracks unlistenable.If you already own the albumsthere is nothing new on offer beyondthe cleaner production, and with a second-hand copy of theoriginal CDs.That said, thirty years on there’sstill little that manages to touch eitherthe inventive new sounds orpurity of song-writing at the heartof Kraftwerk’s work.Who needs acoustic instrumentsanyway?9/10Elliot BentleyThe second part of12345678:The Catalogue will befeatured in next week’sThe CourierMusicCULTUREAtlas SoundLogosMando DiaoGive Me Fire!Johnny ForeignerGrace and the Bigger PictureBen FrostBy The ThroatThe Mountain GoatsThe Life of the World to ComeShy and awkward, Deerhunter’sBradford Cox is an intriguing character.Luckily for us, Logos, the secondoffering from Cox’s solo guiseAtlas Sound, is just as intriguing. poppier than Cox’s previous outing.‘Walkabout,’ a twinkling collaborationwith Animal Collective’sdream-pop genius Panda Bear, is byfar the catchiest track on the album,laden with Beach Boys style harmoniesand an addictive hook. Yet Coxnever strays too far from the experimentalismhe seems so comfortablewith.‘Walkabout’ aside, the lines betweeneach song are blurred, meaningfew stand out - yet this is thevery beauty of the record. Themajesty of Logos is in the feeling itcreates, swathing the listener in itsethereal soundscapes, inviting youinto Cox’s own introverted world.There’s almost something eerieabout each song and Cox’s languidand ghostlike vocals, especially onopener ‘The Light That Failed’, onlyadd to this disorientating effect.Even the musically sunny ‘Sheila’holds a sense of fragile yearningwith lyrics such as “no one wants todie alone”.Logos is without a doubt one of themost hauntingly beautiful albumsyou will hear this year.8/10Linsey TeggertThe Swedish rockers are back inforce with this stomping release,capturing all of the energy thathas marked their previous albumsand offering up a fresh, even morerhythmical take on their well-honedstyle.From the blistering intro of theBeatles-esque ‘Blue Lining WhiteTrenchcoat’, into the catchy ‘DanceWith Somebody’, and graduatinginto the soaring pop-rock of ‘Gloria’,the listener is treated to a true tourde-forceright from the start.Not content with merely a strongbeginning, however, Mando Diaoprove their versatility with touchesof everything from 70s kraut-rock tocountry twanging to lounge crooning,and that’s just on ‘High Heels’.There’s strong hints of The Clash(and not just on the vocals), as wellas quiet, atonal introspection thatwouldn’t be amiss on an early TheCure release, not to mention thestriking originality that they bring towhat could have, with a lazier band,been a very formulaic release.With such belting numbers andMe Fire is ‘running through thestreets of a raining city at night’ musicif ever there was any.7/10Romain Chenet‘And it starts like this…’ With AlexeiBerrow’s piercing vocals on ‘ChooseYr Side and Shut Up!’, Johnny Foreignerare back, still all soaring riffs,crashing drums and catchy noisepop anthems.Berrow’s vocals still bounce offbassist Kelly Southern’s yelps andshouts, like a kid who’s had toomuch pick ‘n’ mix and is then let ona bouncy castle.Singles ‘Criminal’ and ‘Feels LikeSummer’ are live anthems in thewaiting, laden with a healthy levelof feedback and catchy choruses.While the beautiful vocals on ‘Illchoosemysideandshutup,Alright’(see what they’ve done there) showa more mature side of the band, generallythe Birmingham three-piecestay with what they do best, deliveringtheir trademark sounds withstyle.The pinnacle of the album comestowards the close - ‘Every CloakroomEver’ twice builds up andcrescendos incredibly in the spaceof just over two minutes, whilst thestart-stop pace of epic closer ‘TheCoast Was Always Clear’ brings thealbum to a rushing climax.Some may see this as a childishsugar rush, but dig deeper and thereis majestic musical talent, brilliantlyrics and wonderfully crafted popsongs.8/10Tom RichardsBy The Throat, a jaw dropping encounterof musical contrast, canonly be described as a listen not forthe faint hearted.This colossal contort of everythingfrom Classical Minimalism to Punk - ouslymaddening its audience. It isthis quality that makes the album(produced by Icelandic label BedroomCommunity) the ‘Oblivion’ ofmelodic structure, rising to soaringheights of mechanical chaos, then aheart-stopping plummet into devastatingelectronic and guitar-basedremoteness.The aesthetic sounding whirs ofkiller whales in “Through the Roofof Your Mouth” really should becringe-worthy, yet instead accomplisha certain sincerity, evoking asense of cinematic drama throughoutthe piece, both subtle and poignant.The album, while off the wall andtoo bizarre for most, really does deservea patient and intelligent listen,but if you’re after a sing in your hairbrush or a pre-lash session-starter,such a feat of composed creativityprobably isn’t the ticket.Ben Frost, dubbed ‘the most visceralshow’ of Barcelona’s SonarFestival 2009, will certainly be sampledleft, right and centre, and deservedlyso.7/10Tara FrostFor atheist and believer alike, TheBible has always been one of thegreat story-telling sources. Rarelythough has an artistic debt to it beenas evident as on the latest offeringfrom literary indie-folk legends TheMountain Goats, on which each ofthe record’s twelve tracks is namedafter a Biblical verse.Those of you fearing forty minutesof unpleasant preaching can relaxthough. Band leader John Darniellehas described it as ‘twelve songs theBible taught me’, and the intimidating-lookingreferences are there tooffer backdrop and context to Darnielle’slatest tales of the crooked, thelove-sick and the doomed.Sonically, it’s a more strippeddownaffair than previous outingHeretic Pride. With the exceptionof the amped-up ‘Psalms 40:2’, it’sa slower and more intimate record,with a greater reliance on Darnielle’stentative piano playing thanever before, and even indie rockarranger-in-chief Owen Pallett offeringfairly muted contributions.But this just lets Darnielle’s astonishinglyrics shine even brighter,with the solo guitar and voice centrepiece‘Matthew 25:21’’s absorbingaccount of familial bereavementworks. Once again, they’re the bestband you’ve never heard.9/10Mark Corcoran-LetticeMusic Editor

34 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERCULTURETV & RadioTV & RadioTV & Radio Editor: Aimee Philipson - courier.culture-tv@ncl.ac.ukTV HighlightsThe FamilyC4, 5pm Wed 4th NovCOURTESY OF CHANNEL 4History of ChristianityBBC3, 9pm ThursdaysCOURTESY OF BBC3GladiatorsSky1, 7am SundaysRussell Howard’sGood NewsBBC3, 10.30pm ThursCOURTESY OF BBC3What’s happeningthis week in the landwhere anything ispossible...Aimee PhilipsonTV & Radio EditorCoronation StreetWord of Tony’s heart attack spreadsthrough the street and the factorygirls gossip, unaware of his fate. Royis in turmoil as he tells Hayley aboutTony’s shocking confession. Hayleyputs it down to the drugs Tony wason but Roy’s not so sure. Polly Randall Gemma FarinaSee page 35 for a full interview withGladiator Amazon, aka Zoe Williams,a former Newcastle University studentPolly RandallEleanor WilsonEastenders Hollyoaks Emmerdale > Station Manager ChristianAllen Neighbours Home and Away

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 35Family Guy series 8 on DVDTV & Radio CULTUREMarianne SpenceFor those of you who have never actuallywitnessed the comical geniusthat is Family Guy, it’s got to be saidthat you are missing out. my days in halls last year being subjectedto watching series after seriesof the show repeatedly, and still notmanaging to get even a little bit tiredof it, I feel pretty certain in my abilityto tell all you lovely readers justwhy this show is so amazing.Firstly, it’s a cartoon, and let’s behonest with ourselves - we all love agood cartoon!Secondly, Family Guy boasts someof the best and most original char-COMPETITIONIf you would like a chance towin a copy of the Family GuySeries 8 boxset which is releasedtoday and contains uneditedepisodes, just answer thefollowing question:In which U.S. state do thefamily live?Email your answers tocourier.culture-tv@ncl.ac.uk byFriday 6th Novemberthe overweight father and loveableidiot who ends up in some of themost random and hilarious situations.The show also stars his lovely wifeLois and their three children; Chris,Meg, and Stewie the mutant baby,who speaks with a cut glass Englishaccent, not dissimilar from a Bondvillain, and who has inexplicablehomicidal tendencies towards hismother.There’s also their talking dog, Brian,who, as a rule, has more sensethat anyone else and who is a littlebit in love with Lois, and of coursenot forgetting the Evil Monkey thatlives in Chris’ closet!Family Guy’s true mastery comesin its ability to mock anyone and anything,its crude, childish and surrealhumour, as well as its many incrediblyrandom moments that stopyou in your tracks and genuinelymake you laugh out loud. that interrupts scenes by burstingthrough walls and screaming “Ohyeah!” for no apparent reason, to man-sized chicken nemesis, I askyou - what more could you possiblywant in a great comedy show?!Tuning Inat the weekendDesert Island DiscsBBC Radio 4,Sundays 11.15amRunning since 1946, Radio 4’s DesertIsland Discs is undoubtedly of a certainvintage.That vintage, luckily, consists of aninterview which lasts longer than alydesigned to promote a single orplug a series.Inviting her ‘castaways’ to chooseeight records to take with them ifstranded on a desert island, KirstyYoung (possibly the most soothingvoice in radio) explores the livesof her guests and uncovers the sig- lections.Don’t expect a run-downof current hits when you tune in ,but rather a patchwork soundtrackspanning music from all manner oferas, genres and cultures.While previous guests have includ-nieLennox and Whoopie Goldberg,less familiar but no less fascinatingnames are occasionally on the bill,from scientists to opera singers.In hearing their stories, and, ofcourse, planning your own desertisland mix-tape, this makes for perfectlie-in listening.Fiona HartJK and Joel’sSaturday Night ThingMetro Radio, Saturdays 6pm on the Radio 1 chart show, you’ll bepleased to hear that they now havetheir own show on our local MetroRadio.Having worked together since theywere sixteen years old, the radio’s fun in their four hour time slot, withmy personal highlight being their‘90s @ 9’, where they played fouranthems from the nineties.In their show, they managed tostrike a perfect balance betweennew songs, our favourite oldies andbanter between the presenters.time on a Saturday night, this radioshow provides some great tunes toget ready to and could prove to bethe soundtrack to your SaturdayNight Thing.Ayse DjahitGoing Out withAlan CarrBBC Radio 2, Saturdays 6pmDuring the summer, I was positivelyforced to listen to this show whilst inthe car with the mother, but before Icould moan and change to Radio 6,something else came unexpectedlyout of my mouth. Laughter.is primarily about laughter. With host Emma Forbes play feel-goodhits to get everyone geared up for aSaturday night on the tiles.Playing the likes of Diana Ross,Prince and Beyoncé, it’s all aboutthe fun. Listeners contribute greatlyto the show, calling in and askingfor advice on what to wear in regularfeature ‘Wardrobe Disaster’, andrequesting songs to get them in theparty mood.I’m not going to lie, Going Outaged women, but give it a chance!The light-hearted nature of theshow can help take your mind offhis listeners always puts a smile onmy face. linsin sight- surely a good thing?!Helen AtkinsonElaine Paigeon SundayBBC Radio 2, Sundays, 1pm“Putting the cool back into musicals”.Please don’t be put off bythis painful tagline; Elaine Paige onSunday is an energetic, emotional,hilarious two hours of show tunesand movie music every Sunday afternoon.If you’re loving Wicked,can’t stop watching Phantom orknow all the words to Disney songs,then this show was made for you.tweensongs is irritating – you justwant to hear the next tune! But asyou get used to it (or listen on iPlayerand skip the talking parts) Elaineis a friendly voice on a boring afternoon.the West End and Hollywood, thereare brilliant competitions, listenershout-outs and Malcolm’s Big Onewhat that is...Aimee PhilipsonJo WhileyBBC Radio 1,Saturdays 1pmIn her new slot at the weekend, MrsWhiley takes us on a pre-emptivefor a classic Saturday night. - suspected was true; Florence andthe Machine are a brilliantly freshamalgamation of synth pop, 90sdance-soul and art rock.During their live performance,Florence belts out ‘You Got theLove’ as if it was her last ever appearanceon the airwaves. Of thecurrent crop of young ladies ridingthe indie-songstress wave, she’s gotunder our skin the most.There are also some brilliant liverecordings from the recent BBCElectric Proms. How could one notwant to hear a recently revived Rob-intimate audience?In between is the usual mix of chartblunders and strange tracks, suchas ‘Possibility’ - a spookily hopefulsong by Lykke Li, from the TwilightIt was a perfect warm-up to a nightin with Cheryl and the X Factor.Nile AmosChart Show withReggie YatesBBC Radio 1, Sundays 4pmIt’s pretty self explanatory- children’sTV presenter turned ‘Super- the UK’s top 40 selling singles everyweek.The format of the Chart Show hashardly changed at all over the years- the top singles are counted downin reverse order with the numberone single being played at the endof the show. down, and Live Lounge highlightsfrom the last week are interspersedwith the normal chart.Reggie is a good presenter - acheeky chappie who younger teenagers(and several of my friends)adore. His style of presenting is funand cheerful, an attribute that everyChart Show presenter should have.Helen AtkinsonJonathan RossBBC Radio 2,Saturdays 10amThere are a lot of things wrong withwords fall out and stain his shoes;his fortunes make oil executives inDubai and Dallas feel shabby; hishair needs a stylist etc, etc.But I’ve been catching his Saturdaymorning radio show on and offplace on the above list.Suave as a suede tuxedo, kept onhis toes by the famous folk behindcult stuff and mildly bewilderedguest contestants, this is Ross onform, leapfrogging along with thehelp of his much-abused producerIt even comes with the simplestof joy in life - thoroughly irritatednewsreaders. Keep a sharp ear andyou’ll know what I mean.Musically, it’s no shambles either.Expect the unexpected. Thatlittle underground indie band youthought no-one else knew about?He knows. It’s not cult radio, buton a Saturday morning, nursing ahangover and pretending to do essays,Mr. Ross might just be yournew best friend.Graeme PawlettSaturday Nightwith AlicePlanet Rock Radio, Saturdays9pm, Mondays 6.30pm70s shock rock legend, invites youto revel in his favourite tracks, listento interviews with his rock starfriends and be entertained by rockand roll tales and freaky facts everySaturday night. The weekend showfollows on from his weekday breakfastslot, bringing you all the bestbits of the week and more tunes andtales from the Cooper legend.Get your speakers smoking withclassics from the likes of Led Zeppelin,Ozzy Osbourne, Bruce Dickin-sure there’ll also be a few thrown infrom Cooper himself. If you thoughtthe king of seventies rock was pastit or that the time of electric chairs,slimy boa constrictors and eyelinerwas over, then tune in this Saturdayand join the rock ‘n’ roll love-in.Aimee Philipson> Saturday morningshave never been thesame without SM:TVLiveHelen AtkinsonSM:TV Live was (without adoubt) the greatest Saturdaymorning TV show of my childhood.Here’s why.Every Saturday morning,I would switch the TV on at9:25am just in time to see thetitle credits roll.I would then stay glued tothe television set until half pasta kid with a very short attentionspan, this was an achievementin itself.The show aired from 1998-2003, however the ‘golden years’of SM:TV were between 1998Cat Deeley were presenting thethe show in late 2001, they werereplaced by Brian Dowling andStephen Mulhern, possibly themost annoying presenter of alltime).The show comprised of varioussketches and music videosinterspersed with television programmessuch as Pokémon (anyoneremember the Pokérap?)and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.My favourite sketch wasChums, a spoof on Friends,with Dec’s weekly catchphrasethink I’m going to kiss her’. Itwas crap, but hilarious. Perfect.SM:TV was special becauseit appealed to adults and kidsand Decky the Garden Goblinswho had a love for dizzywater (alcohol) and a hatred ofstudents.because they knew how to havea laugh and didn’t take themselvestoo seriously. They wouldhappily dress up like idiots inthe name of entertainment (Catthe Dog being just one exampleof this).Other highlights of the showwere Wonkey Donkey (“It’sand Eat My Goal, showcasinglack of them.Bring it back please!

36 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERCULTURETV & Radiowith Amazon> TV & Radio EditorAimee Philipsontracked down a21st century GladiatorAmazon, a.k.a. Zoe Williams, youwere once a student at NewcastleUniversity; what attracted you tocome here?It was the city itself and the university.I came up with my mum to lookaround and the people were just sofriendly. We ended up staying overnightwhich wasn’t the plan andwent out in Bigg Market and on theboat - with my mum! We just hada great time and the people were solovely.While you were a student here, yougot involved in the women’s rugbyteam. How did that come about?I’d always played sport of all differenttypes since I was at school - netball,hockey, athletics - but I’d neverplayed rugby before. Then I was outone Wednesday night and I saw abig bunch of girls all dressed up asLara Croft downing pints of lagerand wondered who they were.I got chatting to the rugby captainand she said “we’re the rugbygirls.” I asked if I could go out withthem next week and she said only ifI went to training! I didn’t think I’dlike rugby but I went to training andI’ve loved it ever since! So I was attractedto it by its social side!Yeah, sport is a great way to makefriends and Wednesday nights arelegendary I’ve heard...The rugby girls are just such a greatbunch of girls, they really knowhow to have a good time and theyall look after each other.So after graduating as a doctor,what made you apply to be onGladiators?Well, the new series came back onTV and since I’d loved Gladiatorsgrowing up, I recorded it on SkyPlus straight away and watchedevery episode.One of my rugby friends suggestedthat I should apply to be acontestant on the show because I’dbe good at it, so I thought I’d have ago. I applied to be a contender andit was after the audition they askedme if I wanted to attend the Gladiatorauditions the following week.When I heard I’d got through I wasso excited!Did you get to choose your Gladiatorname?When we did our drama trainingfor the show, we all had to pick atemporary name for the practicesand I called myself Amazon for theday. When I found out I was calledAmazon for the show too, I thoughtit was because I’d picked it, but Ifound out later that it was pure coincidence!Do all the Gladiators get on well orare there some rivalries?We spend so much time together show over ten weeks. Because weall stay in the same hotel, train together,eat together, and get nervoustogether before events, we’veended up practically like brothersand sisters. We all get on really welland there’s a really nice atmospherebackstage.What is your favourite Gladiatorsevent?My favourite event is Hang Toughbut I never actually got to do it inthe show because my GladiatorSo my favourite event in the showis Power Ball because of my rugby,but my actual favourite in trainingwas Hang Tough.What is your least favourite event?The one the Gladiators hate the most,but people love watching, is Hit andRun, because all we do is throwballs. But I’ve got a 100% record onthat, everytime I’ve played I’ve alwaysknocked them off. But it’s a bitboring.Would you do a third series?If there was a third series I would moment there’s a bit of a handoverbecause I think Channel Five is takingover Gladiators so there is goingagain.“I saw a bunch of girlsdressed up as Lara Croftdowning pints of lagerand wondered who theywere”There is going to be a movie madefrom the American Gladiators. Ifthe UK were going to do somethingsimilar would you be up for it?Absolutely! Three of the femaleGladiators from the original serieswere actually in the Gladiator movie- the Russell Crowe one. They’rein the scene where everyone’s in thearena and some women are drivingthe horse and chariots – that’sthem!How did you become Sky’s GreenGladiator?It’s something I’m passionate aboutand something I’ve got more passionateabout with the role. I’ve alwaysbeen reasonably green myselfbut I stepped it up to be a GreenAmbassador. They picked me out todo the role - that might be anotherreason why they called me Amazon.I learnt a lot!Any green student tips?The majority of things that save energy,save money. Think carefullyabout turning things off, switchingeverything off at the plug beforeyou go to bed – which can be hardwhen you’ve had a few pints! Thenof course things like recycling. I noticedthe university has all the recyclingbins around so try to recycle!How do you balance being a Doctorand a Gladiator?I’ve had to take some time off workbecause I wouldn’t have been ableSo what have you been doing tokeep yourself busy when you’reI’ve had a year off now and in themeantime I’ve set up two littleprojects. company called Naturally Fit whichI set up with Newcastle Falcons rugbyplayer Spencer Davey.We run classes through the weekand we aim to be the middle groundbetween having an expensive per- classes at the gym. Most of the trainingis based on boxing but we’vealso got access to the Newcastle Falconsgym so we can use all the greatfacilities the Falcons get. ingtwice a week and playing at theweekends. I also go to the gym to docardiovascular training but at theingpeople at Naturally Fit classes!You also go into schools to do about?Well, it’s been quoted that up to 70%of girls have lost interest in sport bythe age of sixteen so I’m doing oneteach girls the important of exercise,not just for physiological reasonsbut for psychological and social reasonsas well.Catch Amazon in the second series ofGladiators every Sunday morning orcatch-up for free on SkyPlayer on theinternet if you are a Sky customer.Naturally Fit runs every Monday,Wednesday, Friday and Saturday forpeople of all abilities who want to getstudent offer to the right for your tastersession!STUDENT OFFERNaturally Fit are offering allreaders of The Courier a tastersession for just £5All you have to do is bring thispage/voucher to one ofthe following classes:Circuits at Jesmond UnitedReformed ChurchFitness at Leazes ParkJesmond United ReformedChurchJesmond DeneFor further information andbookings contact Naturally FitAll sessions are £8 for NUScardholders and are run by UKGladiator Zoe Williams andNewcastle Falcons rugby playerSpencer Davey

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 37Puzzles Editors: Suzi Moore and Ned Walker - courier.puzzles@ncl.ac.ukCROSSWORDFill in the blank squares with help from the clues provided. The answers will be given in next week’s edition.The CourierACROSS1. Africa’s tallest mountain (11)see (3)8. Limb used for doing press-ups (3)9. Of aristocratic blood; Admirable qualities (5)11. Time of year that Jesus was resurrected (6)12. Swallow up (6)14. (Young bird) emerge from egg; smallopening (5)17. Not short (4)19. Someone who prepares food for an event(7)20. Paradise (4)21. ------ M.E, US Television show starring JackKlugman (6)22. Not on (3)23. Overview; evaluate (6)24. Christian name of ‘The Apprentice’ tycoon(4)after they have been washed (colloquial) (7)27. Extinct bird (4)30. Linger on a thought; Stay in one place (5)32. Use of humour that criticises someone orsomething (6)close to the sun (6)34. US heavyweight boxing champion Mike-----(5)36. Involuntary movement of muscles oftenrelating to the face (3)37. Egg of hair louse (3)38. Clever (11)DOWN(5)3. An electrically charged particle (3)4. Male name that is attached to being distinctlyaverage (3)5. Playing 18 holes of golf; Circular (5)7. Teachings of Christ; type of choir (6)8. Found funny (6)10. English idiom meaning being susceptible todropping things (13)11. Movements within our planet’s crust causesthese natural disasters (11)13. Cartoon programme with Fred and Wilma (11)15. Type of plastic that can be used for decoratingnails (7)16. Plan; organise (7)18. Type of material often used for making summerclothes (5)20. Became less forceful; ----- off (5)25. Location of the North Pole (6)28. Travel faster than something chasing you (6)29. Pipe that carries water away (5)31. Fruit of an oak tree (5)34. Knot together; neck accessory (3)35. Incessantly ask someone to complete a task (3)Solution to last week’s CrosswordODD ONE OUTWho’s looking a bit sheepish?Solution to last week’s SudokuSUDOKUWORD TRAILTrack the names of football teamsthrough the grid. You should use allof the letters in the grid but only oncePICTURE PHRASE PUZZLEUse the pictures to come up with a phrase, thing, place or name.umn, each row and each of the nine 3×3 boxescontains the digits from 1 to 9 only one time each.For the completed puzzle check next week’sedition of The CourierANSWERSOdd one out: The sheep in the middle row,second one in from the right has no left ear.Picture Phrase Puzzle: Slumdog Millionaire,Titanic, Shakespeare In Love, No Country ForMen.Theme - Best Picture Oscar Winners.Word Trail: Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool,Fulham, Aston Villa, Sunderland

38 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERSports Editors: Paul Christian, Jamie Gavin and Tom James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.ukNewcastle progressafter narrow cup win> Sport, page 42Emerging from the shadows> Sports Editor PaulChristian reports on therise of Gateshead FC inthe wake of the club’sdecision to turnprofessionalNewcastle United and Middlesbroughwere relegated last year.Sunderland gasped a sheepish sighof relief. Hartlepool United hung onby a point, while Darlington had tosettle for mid-table mediocrity.The verdict was the plight of professionalNorth East football; terracetalk of money-less clubs, senselessowners, clueless managers and uselessplayers.Less, nevertheless, can be more. Atrip to the south banks of the Tyneto watch Gateshead FC will hammerthat home: a club where plighthistorically rolls in the mud like ascatty pig. Not now.Hope has been brewing at the InternationalStadium in recent years.Back to back promotions have seenGateshead wrestle their way fromthe modest depths of the UnibondPremier to the modest heights of theBlue Square Premier.Under the stewardship of managerIan Bogie and local owner GrahamWood, Gateshead FC are one stepaway from a return to the FootballLeague. And half a season awayfrom full-time professionalism.The club announced two weeksago that the 2010/11 season will be Gateshead fan all his life, seems tohave the desire, as well as the money,to regain league status - a titlestripped of the club 50 years ago.A self-made millionaire in theboiler industry, Wood gets it rightwhen it comes to fan culture. He’sin touch with supporters, appointedan assiduous manager, and makesthe match-going experience accessible.His ambitious push for a newstadium will secure his legacy if successful.An expensive ticket is £12 at Gateshead.A student ticket £7. A pie andment of seeing the Gallowgate sway footballing man and his dog it bequeathsan affordable sense of belonging.Today is FA Cup day. The Tynesidersare on the verge of making second time this decade. Standingin their way is a bullish Southportside, looking for retribution afterfalling to Gateshead in the play-offslast year.Cup runs infuse scattered wavesof nostalgia for football fans. Talesof grandeur written, witnessed orwatched are etched in the fabricof every club. For the Heed Army,1953 proves seminal.Called Gateshead AFC at the time,Redheugh Stadium (now the Pitz5-a-side centre) played host to the posed of Liverpool 1-0 in the 3rdround. Then, following away victoriesat Plymouth and Hull, a crowdof almost 18,000 reigned on Red- Bolton. The Heed lost 1-0.As I walk down a deserted carriagewaytoward the current 11,750all-seater stadium, Redheugh seemsbut an unattainable myth. A rustyhaven before my time. The rain’sstill here, only spelt differently. Alorry whips past, drenching me so Idon’t forget.I meet Media Manager Jeff Bowranat the ground. Full of anecdotes andastute knowledge, Jeff has watchedthe club for 41 years, 26 of whichhave been spent reporting.“The club has had a tumultuoushistory to say the least. Promotions,relegations, reformations; almostgoing bust. But we’re still here. And,as it is now is probably the best it’sever been to be honest.”He’s not wrong. Peering into Gateshead’schequered past, one wordprevails: resilience. Originating inSouth Shields, the club shippedwest and joined the Football Leagueas Gateshead AFC in 1930.After 30 years voyaging in and outof the Football league, they werecontroversially expelled in 1960. “Iwas only 14 at the time. Our playingrecord wasn’t particularly bad in theleague so it was a bit harsh. I thinkthe motives were geographical. PeterboroughUnited took our place,”recalls Jeff.The Heed struggled for the next20 years, ceasing to exist in 1973,again in 1974 following a short stint 1977. But resilience reared its head.“People rallied round after the clubfolded in 77-78 and we managed toknock a team together. We survivedthat season, and it’s just been a rollercoastersince then.”25 years circling the peripheryof League football almost ended indisaster when the club nearly wentunder a fourth time in 2000. Theysurvived, and have since found stabilityin the partnership of ex- SunderlandVice Chairman Wood, andex-Newcastle player Bogie. Once touted as the new ‘Gazza’,the man from Walker has adjustedwell to management. “He’s a nononsense, dour manager,” saysJeff. “Teams will always play in themould of their manager, and he wasa good, attacking footballer.” (Nonbelieverssee YouTube – Ian Bogie vStoke).Still, the Tynesiders have yet tois wary of relegation. “We’ve got tostay in this league. We have to. Itwould be disaster if we went down.Going professional will hopefullyhelp us to attract more players andstrengthen the squad.”The game kicks off. Jeff wears thelook of cynicism like a seasonedpro. “I think it’ll be a draw. They’rea strong side, Southport.” Convalescencedoes little to repress the past.The Sandgrounders are a divisionbelow Gateshead. But they’re tough,and grab the game by the scruff ofthe neck with ugly, effective football.It’s the white shirts of Gatesheadwho take the lead though. Against Turnbull powers the ball home from20 yards. The 400 strong crowd areon their feet.Half time arrives and a rainbowarcs over the stadium. Its splendoursilences the patter; it’s almost reminiscentof Wembley. One playerchins another on the way off thepitch to send us crashing back tothe wholesome grit of lower leaguefootball. Both are sent off.Gateshead wrap up a 3-0 victory inthe second half with a superb goalfrom the indefatigable Baxter and asecond from Turnbull. A great victoryfor the team; a better result forthe club. The players can now lookthe FA Cup since 2001, and the prospectof a big draw.Jeff typically underplays the performance.“It just didn’t feel like acup game today.” There’s a glint inhis eye however. A glint that nods tothe sublimity of the cup; the knowledgeof being in that hat.I walk away from the stadium,glancing at the cover of the matchprogramme. “Gateshead: Fit for acity,” it says, the angel spreadingher vast wings across the crest. It’ssimple, unpretentious even. Butless, nevertheless, can be more.Gateshead FC drew League One sidethe FA Cup.The tie will be played at GatesheadInternational Stadium on Sunday 8thNovember at 1.00pm. Student entry(with ID) for the Brentford game and allBlue Square Premier games is just £7and the International Stadium is withinwalking distance of Gateshead Stadiummetro station.The Schooner Inn on the banks ofthe Tyne is just a few hundred yardsaway from the International stadium,and there are bars and servaries at theground.Close House Country Club to host annual University Golf tournamentThe annual Student Golf Championshipwill take place at Close House on Sundaythe 22nd November.This competition is open to all NewcastleUniversity students including thosewho haven’t signed up to the SportsCentre.The format of the tournament isstraightforward stroke play around 18holes with the winner being the personscratching the lowest score at the end.Tee-off times will be between 10.30 and11.30.To register, students must complete aregistration form and pay an entry feeat the Sports Centre reception. The feeis £10 for members of the Sports Centreand £15 for non-members.Prizes will be on offer for the lowestgross, the top three net scores as well astwo longest drive and closest to the pinchallenges.Free transport will be provided bythe University to Close House CountryClub, leaving from the front of the Unionon the morning of the tournament.Anyone who would prefer to driveUniversity Sports website.Proper Golf attire must be worn whilston the course, that is to say a collaredshirt, trousers and Golf shoes. Anyonenot adhering to the dress code won’t beallowed to participate (this isn’t HappyGilmore unfortunately).Those interested should sign themselvesup as soon as possible for whatshould be an enjoyable day out. If youwould like to know more about thecompetition, don’t hesitate to contactDenis Murphy either by email: denis.murphy@ncl.ac.uk or telephone: 0191222 5349.

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 39SPORTGolf team getGolf Round-upChris TaylorNewcastle 1stsUCLan 1sts42Honours even: there was nothing between the two sides in a closely contested battleLeeds met with equal forceMen’s Rugby LeagueNewcastle 1stsLeeds Met 2ndsKevin Daveyat Cochrane ParkRugby League giants New Zealandand Australia were recentlyleft deadlocked on 20 points after aspectacular opening to the GilletteFour Nations.In a slightly more attritional affairSRL Northern Premier heavyweightsNewcastle and Leeds Metshared the spoils with an identicalscore-line last Wednesday.The crowds were out in force to and numbers were bolstered when celled. The fans were in a joyous, classic NURL songs echoed roundthe Owl’s Nest as the teams enteredThe 1st BUCS Cycling Championshipevent of the 09-10 season gotunderway over the weekend ofSaturday 24th with the individualtime trial climbing event, which sawNewcastle cyclists along with 28other universities battle it out overthe mile long gradient which incorporated300m worth of accent.Held in the scenic surroundingsof the Peak District, Derbyshire,153 competitors raced the coursefrom Calver, Nr Baslow, ascendingto Curbar Gap; and were treated totypical autumnal weather as proceedingsgot underway to plenty ofwind and lashing rain.The Royals team of 8, faced withthe fray.ly matched but penalty-laden contest.Leeds Met, notorious for producingwell-drilled, highly athleticsides, started at a pace well above so far this season.As Newcastle adapted to the increasedtempo, Leeds began to succession of quick play-the-ballsallowed their winger to cross thewhitewash untouched.It didn’t take long for Newcastleto respond when wide-man KevinDavey capitalised on some effectiverunning from Sam Boyd and MilesHudson. Rob Seagraves convertedBut disaster struck when thelivewire hooker also known as thePreston Poodle sustained a match- crowd favourite Ste Moorcroftstrong competition from the likesof Durham, Cambridge and Loughborough,while Southampton andtheir rider Tim Wallis, attemptedto defend their respective teamsand men’s individual titles fromlast year. Captain Jon Bean knewthe challenge that faced his team ashe commented “We literally have asteep climb ahead of us.”As the rain continued to fall, PatrickRamsey (off 14th) lead the Royalsonto the climb, and set the standardfor everyone to follow as he gave hisall, completing the course in 7min56sec. Following this, Martin Attwoodput in a sterling climb recordinga time of 7min 05sec and becameBut it wasn’t until the weathercleared half way through the event through the clouds that the timeswhich were going to contest for thetop three places started to appear asAdam Pinder from Lancaster, theeventual men’s individual winner,recorded a stunning ride of 5min17sec, which even defending championTim Wallis found hard to chal- 05sec.At this point also along with theweather, the atmosphere also uppeda level and even took on a true continentalalpine twist as a supporter,improvising with a pair of bike forksimitated a superb Swiss cow belland willed on riders as they turnedNewcastle’s riders continued toattack the steeply inclined course,with rides from Abhishek Reekhaye Preece, Nathan Thomas and Andrewmove to scrum half and Falklandsveteran Rishi Sumra deputising forSeagraves at Dummy Half.what destabilised by the changesbut strong defence led by captainMichael Ward ensured the contestremained tight with both teams scoringonce more before the interval.The opening period of the secondhalf was dominated by Leeds whoattacked ferociously and quicklyscored 2 tries. NURL continued to some cohesive attacking play, andthe lack of communication acrossthe park seemed to limit them.Thus Newcastle had to rely onindividual brilliance to stay in contentionand no contributions weremore valuable than that of propsJoe ‘Deadlift’ Robinson and DanielCaparros-Midwood.The hefty pair seemed to be on atwo-man destruction mission withMidwood barn-storming in attackand strong defending from the gingerhaired Robinson.With a quarter to go Newcastle score line with Liam Mcgee’s deftpassing leading to a try from Wardafter some well-timed angular run- Phillips then completed his braceand levelled the contest after racingdebutant Michael Bean.ly tense and NURL nearly snatchedvictory with a last-ditch drop-goalattempt sailing wide of the upright.rie silence despite NURL taking a Newcastle’s disappointed reactionwas testament to NURL’s increasingendeavour for high standards andvictory. This unusually drab attackingperformance will certainly needblockbuster with UCLan.Men’s CyclingAndrew Green2020H. NEUENDORFGreen. However it was team captainJon Bean and Thomas Timothy whobrought the team home with scoringrides, respectfully completingthe course in 6min 46sec and 7min17sec.Despite a good day’s riding fromall competitors, the Royals teameffort wasn’t enough to secure theteam and medal position, whichwent to 1st Durham, 2nd Cambridge teams.Final Team Positions / Times (mins):(41)Jonathan Bean: 06:46, (63)MartinAttwood: 07:05, (77)Thomas Timothy:07:17, (108)Patrick Ramsey: 07:56,(124)Nathan Thomas: 08:30, (129)Thomas Preece: 09:10, (140)AbhishekReekhaye: 09:20.This week saw the 1sts take on avery strong UCLAN side at MatfenHall.Newcastle opened with the strongfront pair of Captain Mackay andTaylor, fresh off the back of comfort-All games were nip and tuckthrough to the halfway point. Again,Mackay set the pace, with a blistering5&4 victory, whilst at the backAndy Gribben was handed the samepunishment, comfortably beatenearly on.Taylor was plugging away at hisopponent, playing good golf, butat 2 down through 14, he could not After defeat last week, new boyEthan Smith came back with a great4&3 win, with Lee Fuller gaining yetanother victory this season by thesame score. Fraser Allan, who rolled in a testing7 footer on the last to win his matchRoyals, which leaves them comfortablyahead at the top of the table.Having won the BUCS trophy lastseason, the pressure is on this year’ssquad to deliver similar, if not betterresults, with the year’s aim toachieve promotion into the northernconference’s premier league.Newcastle 2ndsLeeds Met 2nds33The second team opened the seasonaway to York at world renownedFulford GC last week witha convincing 4-2 win. This week sawMet team.Great Wins for Old boys Stevenson(4&3) and Downham (3&2) and newboy Peter Sym (2&1) showed that team selection, with all three playerscoming in under par.Unfortunately, defeats for Wilkinson,Mcavoy and Darragh meant thepoints were shared at three a pieceto leave Newcastle second in NorthernConference division two. tough game at 2nd place Leeds Met,with the team trying to build up asbig a lead as possible at the top ofNorthern Conference 1

40 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERSPORTFairies edge Close House thrillerHurricanes feel theforce of DyslexicIntra Mural Rugby UnionEnginesSouthern FairiesColin Henrysat Close HouseElementary for Watson as Crayola winIntra Mural Football Division TwoReal MechanicalCrayolaGraham Matthewsat Redhall202723 Crayola needed a win over Real Mechanicalto get their season up andwith a tight 3-2 victory. Mechanical were given the multi--straight away as a signal of attack- saw a much-improved Engines side Engines approached the match aside as a high-intensity perform-- though as Matt Heappey intercepteda poor pass and ran unchallenged- -resultant attack was rounded offingmove covering the width of thepitch. quickly made amends with a fan- time Smith converted to give them a12-7 lead which they held until halftime. wide and a team-mate knocked onwhen agonisingly close to the try- -Flying high: Southern Fairies come out on top in an entertaining game at Close Houseshot that required a low save from Crayola then came close to open- defenders.Minutes later and Crayola werepost for Watson to get low and head - took full advantage securing his secondtry of the match.their opposition.the try-line and the pressure result- Engines were left fuming however-the player he was alleged to have greed. up though as he produced a second wide. Watson crossing for Hallstrom toMechanical responded with a few wide to the annoyance of a fewspectators.Crayola hit a third moments later. - it in against the underside of the- lieand two minutes later they wereawarded a penalty. Leslie calmlyslotted to the left of the keeper and amistake from the long range penalty ityin score didn’t last long. Charlie Engines pressed desperately for an- a late try which was converted.Engines had plenty of positiveswe’ve played all season”. roredin the minds of all who witnessedthis fantastic display.C. HENRYS crossed it in for Carey to tap in fromclose range. for Crayola. Leslie scuffed a good few opportunities were missed from deserved win.- did make it hard for ourselves nearsontoo. Hopefully we can move uption”.Intra Mural Football Division OneHurricanesDyslexic UntiedDan Robinsonat Close House13Dyslexic maintained their 100%record on Wednesday with a 3-1victory in a tightly-fought contest atClose House.-the 4-5-1 formation they adopted effectivelylast week against Lokomo-role of lone striker. failing to create many chances otherthan a testing cross from the leftto the visitors’ relief.- down the left with his pace and home. ten minutes they piled pressure on with curling efforts. onRitchie looked dangerous when scarce with little service and a reso- it was Hurricanes who came out when through on goal.- - mendoussave from the Hurricanes have rolled over and allowed Dys-fusedto accept defeat and their effortswere soon rewarded.- twenty minutes. -period of pressure from the homeside.toes to snuff out anything that fell in -Dyslexic goal. ing:“It was a good win in yet an- teams”

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 20099 41Royals humbledSPORTWomen’s LacrosseNewcastle 1stsBirmingham 1stsLucy Handleyat Cochrane Park119This one-sided game played at CochranePark on Wednesday did not Birmingham. - - strength and skill.The opposition began the game as-Despite this early lead on the worked well together with somegood tackling from Zoë Abbott and with the ball being almost con- wider.Birmingham’s goal scoring did nottheir three central players were car- to get past the Newcastle players almostwith ease. - minghamcentres that had the ballteam to inspire them that the game -After a free throw to Birmingham goal.These attempts led to a well-de- tionsfor this goal didn’t last longas Birmingham scored again theThe second half began with ato no. 3 who went for a shot on goalHigton’s goal throw was interceptednear the restraining line by theBirmingham attack.There was a race back to the goalher safety zone thanks to great de- - cationto tackling right to the end. game came to a close.The Birmingham goalie was drawnball was switched to Hodge whowas central in the fan facing an opengoal. It was not Newcastle’s day -This was not a black WednesdayPressure piles on BarcaCochrane rout: Newcastle could not contain a strong Birmingham sideAgrics shown no MercerM. MISKINISBUCS RESULTSIntra Mural Football Division OneCastle LeazesBarca-Law-NaRob Loganat Longbenton32Castle Leazes recorded their second - campaign.Barca did not resemble a team ona losing-streak in the early stages ofthe game. Far from it in fact. Theydominated possession and looked pitch.- - goal and they failed to extend theirlead. down in the penalty area. He con- The goal did not deter Barca and -Leazes defence remained strong and- - as a Barca defender attempted toclear the ball only for it to ricochetagainst the challenging striker andThe second goal was a lot more his shot across goal from the right game and forced Barca to play moreattacking football. Darren Harbisoncame close after a loose ball fell toonly to see his shot whistle past thefar post. - allowing Barca back in to the game.Leazes had the chance to extend from the keeper. when penalty claims came from the -Intra Mural Rugby UnionAgrics 1stsMedicsDominic Pollardat Close House615enand it was the medics who were as the match approached and thisfrom the start.It was the Medics that made the-the line to score in the corner. Mer- sistenthandling errors. This washighlighted as Andrew Whiteford breakaway taking the ball deep into on the board after an extraordinarydrop goal attempt by Adam Smithfrom the half-way line sailed betweenthe posts making it 5-3.Soon after the Medics had goodterritory and were awarded a penal-the Medics’ second try of the game.And this time he made no mistakein adding on the extra two pointswith the last kick of the half making the Agrics relapsed into the poor a penalty in front of the posts that- ondhalf was scoreless as the MedicsappointingAgrics side.-ingand after the game. The penal- highlighted the performance of “thewith the backs” as being the key toIt was the captain himself that wasof his team’s points in an accomplishedteam performance.Badminton: Men’s 1sts 2 – 6 Birmingham1sts, Men’s 2nds 0 – 8 Hull 1sts;Women’s 1sts 6 – 2 Bangor 1stsBasketball: Men’s 1sts 55 – 51 ManchesterMet 1sts, Men’s 2nds 37 – 84Sunderland 1sts, Men’s 3rds 66 – 44Sunderland 2ndsFencing: Men’s 1sts 106 – 127Lancaster 1sts; Women’s 1sts 89 –Edinburgh 1stsFootball: Men’s 1sts 1 – 0 Leeds MetMen’s 3rds 3 – 2 Durham 1stsGolf: 1sts 4 – 2 Central Lancashire2nds, 2nds 3 – 3 Leeds Met 2ndsHockey: Men’s 1sts 2 – 1 LiverpoolHallam 2nds, Men’s 3rds 4 – 1 LeedsMet 3rds, Men’s 4ths 3 – 4 Hull 1sts;Women’s 1sts 3 – 2 Leeds 1sts,Women’s 3rds 6 – 1 Sunderland 1sts,Women’s 4ths 1 – 3 Northumbria 3rdsLacrosse: Men’s 1sts 7 – 6 Leeds 1sts;Women’s 1sts 1 – 19 Birmingham 1sts,Women’s 2nds 12 – 5 Durham 3rdsNetball: 1sts 23 – 50 Leeds Met 1sts,2nds 26 – 35 Durham 2nds, 3rds 79 –2 York St John 5ths, 4ths 54 – 8 YorkSt John 4ths.Rugby Union: Men’s 2nds 5 – 29 Birmingham1sts, Men’s 3rds 32 – 5 HullHallam 1stsRugby League: Men’s 1sts 20 – 20Leeds Met 2ndsSquash: Men’s 1sts 3 – 2 Durham 1sts,Women’s 2nds 0 – 4 Manchester 1stsTable Tennis: Men’s 1sts 10 – 0Sunderland 1sts, Women’s 1sts 8 – 2Manchester 1sts.

42 Monday 2 November 2009 THE COURIERSPORTCoyle springs tosecure cup winMen’s FootballNewcastle 1stsLeeds Met 3rdsJamie GavinSports Editorat Cochrane Park10Newcastle captain George Coyle’s65th minute winner was enoughto propel the Royals into the nextround of the BUCS cup at the expenseof Leeds Met.In a game which should have beena more clear-cut victory for the homeside, Coyle’s superb goal capped agreat all-round performance fromthe skipper and his side.Missed chances were again a runningtheme of the match, and whilstthe hosts were able to carve manyopenings, their touch in front ofgoal eluded them at times, and thiswhich Leeds Met could well haveextended the tie into extra time.But Coyle – fast becoming Newcastle’stalisman – was simply mag-the side of the visitors, never too farfrom the action.On the ball he sprayed passesleft and right, and off it, his toughtackling, tenacity and drive shonethrough on a grey day at CochranePark. which began when he received theball just to the right of the centre circle.After beating his man he deliveredthe ball with the outside of hisboot all of 40 yards into the patch ofwinger Ben Burt on the left.ingfashion, before looking up anddelivering an inch-perfect cross ontothe Royals’ captains’ head.Coyle had continued his run roundthe back of the defence, and barelyneeded to jump as he met the ballto send a powerful, perfectly placedheader into the roof of the net fromten yards. - mobbed by his team-mates, sendingNewcastle’s faithless into rapturesclose by.The goal had been a long timecoming. The Royals dominated theahead before the break.Winger Will Deledicq was backwas a persistent threat for the Royalsand he created the best of Newcastle’schances in the opening period. after the 20 minute mark, beforebeating two men and slipping theball into the path of striker JamesSwainston.Swainston out-foxed his markerwith a diagonal run before unleashinga crushing drive that was cruellyFellow striker Ed Tizzard also came free-header from a cross from theright was directed straight at the‘keeper and – right on half time - aCoyle corner fell at his feet, but heblazed over from close range.But Tizard was not to be put off,and he remained at the heart ofthe play as the Royals continued tothreaten in the second half, wherethey once again seized the initiative.A sweeping move after the breaksaw Tizard feed Swainston, whoturned and played the ball into theright. the advancing Swainston, but hewas foiled this time by the ‘keeper,who made a superb stop from pointblankrange.Then it came. Coyle’s magic momentthat proved to be the differencebetween the sides.And even after the goal they weredominant. While Leeds searched foran equaliser, the home side wereable to expose them at the back.Tizard was guilty of missing a oneon-oneafter the 70 minute mark,when the Leeds Met ‘keeper pulled put him in the clear.And from the resulting corner,substitute Adam Gamble had a gloriouschance to extend Newcastle’slead, only to send his shot straight atthe keeper from eight yards.An impressive Leeds Met sidenearly made them pay, and althoughNewcastle prevented themfrom playing for the majority of thegame, the away side will rue twogolden opportunities they had tolevel the game in the closing stages.On 79 minutes a Leeds Met strikerevaded two challenges in the box,and he stole a yard before – withonly ‘keeper Andy Kilshaw to beat– sending his shot on to the underside of the crossbar.Newcastle’s hearts momentarilystopped before the ball was clearedafter what was quite simply a letoff.And in stoppage time the samestriker found himself in the clearafter a desperate long ball forwardBut as he attempted to round thekeeper, a brave Kilshaw dived at hisfeet, and he gathered the ball – muchto the Royals relief.Yarrow solo strike earns Royalshard fought win over LiverpoolMen’s HockeyNewcastle 1stsLiverpool 1stsCharley Wrightat Longbenton21A surprisingly humid day at theStan Calvert Memorial Pitch, Longbenton,saw a strong Newcastle sideovercome a Liverpool team whoshowed some resilience in takingthe Royals to the wire.Newcastle controlled the game their passes. Up front the forwardspressed well, forcing the away sideinto many silly mistakes. backs provided a Liverpool forwardwith an opportunity to take on‘keeper Ed Cracknell one-on-one.Unfortunately for the away side,their forward forgot to take the ballwith him, allowing Matthew McErlaneto clear to safety.Knowing these lapses of concentrationhave cost them in the past,the Royals got their heads down inThe chance came 20 minutes into passing move between John Colvilleand Charley Wright down the right‘D’ for a Penalty corner.The well-drilled routine was performedto perfection, with the ballmoving right before being slapped across goal to Patrick Ost, whotouched it safely in at the back post.down the right wing for the rest of going into the break only one goalto the good. teams looked ready to resume battle,with Newcastle knowing thata one goal margin was not goodenough against a much weaker opposition.Frustratingly for the Royals, theirpassing game had fallen to piecesedLiverpool with a lot of the ballearly in the second period. But forthe strong defensive partnership ofMcErlane and Colville, the awayside could have nicked an equaliser. only do so much and when a rashand unnecessary challenge from OllieFraser in his own 23 metre areabrought about a Liverpool penaltycorner the defence were beaten withan overload, Liverpool making itone goal each.But for the second week in a row,the Newcastle side showed encouragingresistance, attacking the awayside’s goal with chance after chance.The forwards could do everythingbut put the ball in the back of thesolid passes but getting no results.Then up stepped John Yarrow forwards how it’s done, producinga burst of pace to beat his markerbefore placing his shot perfectly intothe bottom left hand corner, makingit 2-1 to the home side.The score remained the same forthe last ten minutes, and the resultsignals a much needed win aheadMet.Captain Coyle: the Royals skipper was inspirational in Wednesday’s cup clash at Cochrane ParkNewcastle run riot asHallam hammeredWomen’s RugbyNewcastle 1stsFran Infanteat Abbeydale Park025Newcastle made a decisive startto their BUCS season with a hardThe Royals dominated possessionfrom the kick off, camping out onthe opposition’s 22 for the major- pressure from the forwards put eliteathlete Araba Chintoh over the lineto start Newcastle’s steady roll towardsvictory.After a succession of strong scrums phieRogers picked the ball up outof a ruck and, with the support ofvice captain Ellie Robinson, stormed40 yards down the pitch to score herNewcastle’s strong pack continuedto prove themselves too much for terparts.The combination of stronghooking and superb cover tacklesfrom freshers Georgina “Welbeck” Raine provided the team plentymore opportunities to score.These opportunities proved toogood to be squandered by Chintoh,as she snatched the ball singlehanded from the back of the scrumto mark up her second try in fortyminutes, right in the centre of theposts.The second half effort proved to bejust as resolute, with a triumphanttry from Fran Infante following a nahBassirat that put her team matecrashing through the defence. and only fresher try of the match.Winger Sophie Bale took the ball atpace from an improvised back lineof second rows and props to propelherself across the line to the elationof her team.With one win under their belt, thestage has been set for this year to bethe one in which the women’s rugbyclub can achieve the much yearnedfor promotion that has eluded themin previous years.

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 43SPORTThirds crush York buttop two teams defeatedM. MISKINISTutu brace keeps Newcastle topafter narrow victory over LeedsWomen’s HockeyNewcastle 1stsLeeds 1stsKatherine Bannonat Longbenton32Newcastle retained their undefeatedrun in the BUCS league thisWednesday with a superb 3-2 victoryat Longbenton, over Leeds University,one of their strongest opponentsso far.A promising warm up gave New-start the game at a good pace.However, this did not deter theLeeds side who had a run of goodattacking play, but were held at bayby impenetrable defending from thehome side.Though the Royals did have spellsof strong movement going forward,Leeds were rewarded for their ef-15 minutes in.Newcastle, however, were not dis- Grace Carter up the right wing allowedAmy Askew to clear severaldefenders before putting Newcastleback in the game with an effortlessshot from a low angle.Both teams fought hard to keep thescore-line level for half-time, thoughby now the home team had sussedtheir structure and they regainedthe majority of the possession.Two goals from TutuOsifodunrin and one fromAmy Askew saw theearly season formAfter a few words from ‘PlayaCentral’ at the break Newcastle continuedto stay on form, and despitedistractions from an overenthusiasticaway coach they soon gained apenalty corner which was not converted.Continued hard work and soliddefending set-up a well picked, 50yard pass by captain Sophie Avent,which gave Tutu Osifodunrin acresof time and space to slip the ball pastthe Leeds keeper.Despite Leeds not having muchpossession of the ball, they gained alucky break and scored a questionablegoal from the top of the D.Recently Newcastle have failedto push on for the victory, but theyheld tight and played the simplehockey well, and began to distributethe ball wider across the pitch,something which was lacking inprevious games.This allowed spaces to open upand thanks to great lead runs fromthe forwards, Tutu again capitalisedon a one on one with the keeper.Half court press was called in anattempt to retain the lead and rundown the clock, but the away teammanaged to gain a short corner minutesfrom full time.However, the well drilled cornerwas expertly saved by Katie Leitch, on the line.This win now means Newcastleretain their top of the league position,putting the team in good steadahead of their game with Liverpoolnext week.Netball Round-upKathryn JonesNetball correspondantWith the second, third and fourth away at Premiership title contendersLeeds Met, it was an importantweek for Newcastle’s netball club.And although the 1sts and 2ndssuffered at the hands of strong opposition,the 2nds and 3rds cruisedthrough to the next round of theBUCS Cup.Leeds Met 1stsNewcastle 1sts5023After last weeks tough one goal de-they were in for another gruellinghour of netball as they travelleddown the A1 to face opponentsLeeds Met.The girls arrived and each playerwas determined to put up a goodship’stop contenders.With a depleted squad, FionaBrunt of the seconds stepped up toand Harriet Needham played out ofposition at wing defence.This didn’t phase her and she becamean integral part of the brilliantdefending trio, who perseveredthroughout the game, succeeding toreduce the number of goals scoredby the giant’s that were the Met eachquarter.In the most physical game by far,them to carry on battling.Captain Roanne Minshull kept herhead against a physical GK, whilenifty goal attack Kathryn Hurrelldid well to stand her ground, gettingboshed by all.Player of the match, Katie Coates,gave back whatever she got, offeringand driving for every ball, feedingmany accurate balls into theshooting circle.Despite their drive and determination,the girls lost 50-23.After the initial disappointment,the girls realised what a positive experienceit had been and came awayfrom the game really itching to faceMet again with a home crowd behindthem.Durham 2ndsNewcastle 2nds3526After an excellent start in the leaguethis year, the netball seconds haddrawn a stinker in the cup.Sitting a league above the Newcastlegirls, and with home advan-round opponents, but the Royalswere up for it.Having played, and beaten, thisvery team in pre-season, the girlshad an idea of what they were upagainst, or so they thought.However, Durham exploded out ouslyeager to avenge the defeat inthe friendly and prove themselvesas the superior team.This seemed to throw the awayteam and Newcastle got off to a veryshaky start. Dropped balls, waywardpassing, where was the stunningnetball of the previous week?After a shocking start, each quartersaw an improvement. More communication,more accurate passingand the only thing that seemed to bemissing was a belief that this gamecould be pulled back.saw GS Ellie Hatt move out of hercomfort zone to wing defence, andIt was a rare appearance at anaway match for Miss Hatt but withhalf-term here she was able to playwith her team rather than her students,and do herself proud. best quarter and the Newcastle girlspulled it back to less than goals in it,Laura Wilson putting on a wonderfuldisplay, earning herself player ofthe match in just one quarter.With umpiring that was worthy ofa school match and dirty, physicaldefence, the girls came away frustratedand losing 26-35, and they arenow left to focus on the league.Newcastle 3rdsYork St. John 5ths792Unlike the tough draw of the seconds,the thirds had drawn a home sionbelow the thirds.With this in mind, the Newcastlegirls had no idea what to expect.Their opposition arrived in mis- to the changing rooms to get intokit. They were already ready.This laid out a picture for the restof the match. A lack of kit, a lack of evidently a lack of netball skill. ter,each quarter the lead growingand growing.Great shooting, notably from MirandaApplegate, and centre courtplay saw the girls score more thana goal a minute and the defence becomevery bored.Rebecca Meldrum at centre wasgiven player of the match but allof the girls played well, as keepingmotivation in a game that was basicallya walk in the park was veryonly disappointment being the goalsthey conceded.They will now look to the nextround where they will hope formore of a game.Newcastle 4thsYork St. John 4ths548The fourth team also drew an easy St.John fourth team.But, as the day drew nearer thesquad got more and more depletedthrough illness and injury and,as the game was upon them, the whole game. This meant no substitutions.Little did they know that thiswouldn’t be a problem. Like their were easily crushed by the Newcastlegirls who got off to a great start,leading at half time by 28 goals to 3.The girls all played well, especiallyplayer of the match Anna Rosenberg,but tiredness was evident towardsthe end of the game.Not to worry, the girls were stillable to score 14 goals to St.John’s 2 out on top with a score of 54-8.Good work girls, round two herewe come.

THE COURIER Monday 2 November 2009 44Sports Editors: Paul Christian, Jamie Gavin and Tom James - courier.sport@ncl.ac.ukBreakaway try sealsthrilling draw for NURL> Sport, page 39Taylor made strikesends Newcastle tofamous cup triumphMen’s FootballNewcastle 3rdsDurham 1stsTom JamesSports Editorat Cochrane Park32Newcastle’s third team celebrated cent shock victory to dump Durhamminutes allowed substitute JamieTaylor to calmly convert the ballpast the Durham keeper and sent avery impressive Newcastle into theThe Royals almost threw it awayminute period of the second half,only to be gifted the win as Taylorlatched on to a shocking back passDespite Newcastle looking thestronger of the two sides, Durhamalmost took the lead as they forgedthemselves an opening when theirstriker swivelled on the edge of thebox and drilled the ball towards thebottom corner, only for Matt ThorpeNewcastle then took the lead onthe half hour mark, as left winger shadows before hanging up a crossmet the ball strongly and headed thewhere captain Matt Gouland wasThe most impressive challenge oftackle the Durham striker in the area side’s lead, after good work from him deliver the ball into the box, butThe Royals went into half time inthe lead and an upset was on theHowever, Durham came out thestronger of the teams in the secondhalf and had a corner well clearedbefore Okonkwo dived in andly for the home side, the shot was off maining, Newcastle doubled theirWinger Tom Smithbagged a brace in thethird team’s superb3-2 win over DurhamGood work down the left through time with a shot into the far corner, nents with it all to do and the RoyalsNewcastle then had chances to putJames Ripley beat his man for paceand pulled back for Murphy whoing the Durham defence to block hisMurphy then had another chanceas Okonkwo surged out of defencefrom a Durham corner and Murphy It looked like the Royals weregoing to be made to pay for theirmissed opportunities, as two goalsner as a Durham player rose well toAnd the comeback was completeminutes later as sub ‘keeper WestonMurau could only palm a shot intothe path of the Durham striker, whoNewcastle were now hanging onand were perhaps fortunate not togo behind as Durham had the ballin the back of the net again only forthe referee to rule the goal out for aAfter this let off, Newcastle were present by the Durham defence as atate, allowing Taylor to ghost in andmasses into a state of euphoria andThe Royals held on for the winwhich maintains their unbeatenMatt Gouland was ecstatic at the just got on with it and played our got the early goal and then sat backbut to get the winner at the end was the whole game and he took his so important for us at the back too;time and time again he shut themshowed through – our attitude hasbeen fantastic all season and we’ve going into every game believing weLetting Rip: James Ripley surges forward in Newcastle’s cup game with DurhamH. NEUENDORF