The Stag - Issue 1

Issue 1 Editor : Claire Worgan Produced in USSU Media Hub, University of Surrey, Guildford Est. 2008

FREE

THE BARE FACT OF THE MATTER IS.....

By Claire Worgan

Y

ou may have noticed something different when you picked up your paper. barefacts, the longest running student newspaper in the country, has had major plastic surgery. However controversial this is set to be, there are valid reasons for the choice. After a meeting of the new team for 2008/2009, it was decided that barefacts was tired; and the love for the paper had been lost. New students had no idea about barefacts, made obvious at Freshers Fayre in September, with numerous copies trampled into the marquee floor after the event. Still today, unread copies are sitting in their bins around campus.We think that the paper needs to become, once more, a valued part of UniS life - and the only way to bring it back was to redesign the image. After discussing this, it was further realised that the name barefacts doesn’t itself offer any link with Surrey. And so, after an unanimous vote by the committee, the paper became representative of the beloved icon and mascot of the university. “The Stag” was born. You stand here today reading the new and improved paper. The loyal barefacts fans might be saddened by the choices made, but when it comes down to it, the student newspaper needs to represent the students themselves.

We hope you’re happy with The Stag, and continue to read and support your student paper. The Stag aims to become the voice of the students once more, with great fresh writing styles, regular columns and exclusive interviews alongside the new image. A new and exciting reading experience, offering plenty of opportunities for you all to write in and take part. We hope The Stag becomes the talk of campus! Disappointed letters are, of course, expected by the team, asking why the institution that was barefacts has been taken off the shelves, but it was only through taking a long hard look at the future of the paper that barefacts had to be laid to rest. The revolution is here, and The Stag is that revolution.If you have any comments , please feel free to email the team. However, please bear with us while we move through this bumpy transition period.

What does City Boy have that Campus Boy doesn’t?

Fancy a quickie? Exclusive interview with “Ollie” from hit tv show “Coming of Age”

! S E ODL

NOAll the latest

campus news

What a load of B****cks! Latest Film and TV Reviews

Issue 1 | 24th November 2008 | www.ussu.co.uk/thestag

Free Krispy Kreme inside!!

1

The Time Has Come ... The Stag Is Here Worgan’s Words In this issue..... of Welcome She’s back and she’s changing things around here ... Remember me? The lucky few that do, will recognise me as the Editor of the once loved barefacts. However, as you may have noticed, things have changed a bit round here. barefacts has sadly ascended to the big newspaper heaven in the sky. The reign has now been taken by The Stag, which I may be biased in saying will be “Antlers” above the rest!. The time had come for barefacts, after 40 years, to be laid to rest. The rebrand was needed and here we are today! You are reading a new era of Surrey’s student newspaper. I am privileged once more to be in the driving seat of this new look paper. With a fresh and enthusiatic team, I hope that The Stag will be as much loved as barefacts once was. We aim to bring a fresh approach to news, with exclusive interviews and regular columns. The outlook, however risky, seems positive. We all hope you enjoy reading and become loyal readers of the new look, new size paper. I am once again appealing for you all to write in with your views on the campus, the world and anything that takes your fancy. WIthout our writers, The Stag cannot be published! We look forward to reporting to you everything that this year throws at us! And we sincerely hope that you learn to love The Stag as much as we do. Lastly, I would like to thank my wonderful new team for all their hard work that has gone into this issue.Thanks Guys!

ri e

2

a l C x-

Meet the team | Page 3&4 News Pages 5 & 6 Features Campus Boy | Page 9 Dr Russ | Page 9 Not News | Page 10 The Exclusive | Page 11 Autumn Recipes | Page 12 Wagadadda | Page 13 Societies The Guild | Page 15 Debating Society | Page 15 Photography Society | Pages 16 & 17 Amnesty Int Society| Page 18 Englit Society | Page 19 Horoscopes Page 20 Arts Music | Pages 22 & 23 Film&TV | Pages 24 & 25 Literature | Page 26 Sports Rowing | Page 28 Rugby | Page 28 Trampolining | Page 28 Ultimate Frisbee | Page 28 Gliding | Page 29 Archery | Page 29 How to contact the team | Page 31

Find out more information at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group. php?gid=36469776493

Save our stags, recycle your paper!

Meet The Team EDITOR Claire Worgan

DEPUTY EDITOR Sara Hadfield

Hi, my name is Sara! I am a first year , studying Business Management and I am also the new Deputy Editor, specialising in design. I hope to bring fresh ideas to the layout of the magazine so that it reflects the current student body at the University of Surrey! If you have any ideas regarding the newspaper or its layout please contact me.

DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR Steven Hayton

Hello again! Well here’s a little bit about me ..... I’m a Post-Grad studying Marketing, I am obsessed with anything pink. I’m Sussex born and bred and have a passion for unconventional male celebrities, in particular Jonathan Creek! (Ok, now you know how weird I really am!)

NEWS EDITOR Amy Short

Steve Hayton 20, From: Woking course: Culture, Media and Communication with Professional English Fav film: Pulp Fiction Fav song: U2 - Beautiful Day Likes: going out with my mates, clubbing and drinking etc., driving and my car even more, football

I’m a first year studying Sociology, Culture and Media. I’m really excited about being part of “The Stag” team. I think this experience will improve my journalism skills and knowledge of the industry. I love going out, clubbing, listening to any type of music, taking photographs and getting involved with any type of media. My favourite film: Fight Club

DEPUTY EDITOR Amy Campbell

Hiya! My name is Amy. I am a second year Media Studies student and my role is to make sure all you students read the fantastic new Stag newspaper! You may have all seen me in Channies, I seem to spend most of my time behind the bar there! Other than that I enjoy nights in the union and spending time with my friends back home and my special ones at uni! I look forward to contributing to the new revised edition of your student’s newspaper!

FEATURES EDITOR Kim Harris

ITOR D E CE N on E I n n SC a Sh y b o T Toby Shannon - Scientist, cook, raconteur, adventurer and renaissance-man extraordinaire. When not in the lab or cooking, he’s most likely lost somewhere. If you see him, point him in the right direction.

I’m Kim Studies: English Literature with Creative Writing Favourite Book: The Pact by Jodi Picoult Favourite Film: The Notebook Favourite Band: The Lostprophets

3

CO SOCIETIES EDITOR Justin Waite

ARTS EDITOR Amy Barnes

Greetings from your new Societies Co-Editor! You may have seen me walking around campus and hanging out in the Student’s Union, but now I’ll be here writing directly to you about all the latest news concerning the many Societies at Surrey! I’ve been here at Surrey for the last three years, first as an Undergraduate Politics student, but now as a Post-Graduate International Politics student. You keep me updated on what your society has been doing, remember, its’ your newspaper!

Hello! I’m Amy. I’m a first year English Literature with Creative Writing student. The Literature Section is not just about book reviews (although they are more than welcome!) Some of my favourite reads of this year include books by Neil Gaiman and ‘One Good Turn’ by Kate Atkinson. If you’ve read something that you’re happy to rant or rave about, drop me an email. I’m looking forward to being a part of The Stag team and to the rest of my first year of life at Surrey. If you have any suggestions or ideas for the Literature Section don’t hesitate to get in touch!

CO SOCIETIES EDITOR Mariam Nasir

Hi! I am an English lit undergraduate. I am from Pakistan but i was born and have been living in Cyprus my whole life. This transition to England has been amazing so far, i’m really enjoying my time here at uni and i hope that you all are too. I will keep you all posted on the societies front.

ARTS EDITOR Rachael Fitz-Patrick

ARTS EDITOR Ollie Sim COPY EDITOR Joe Kenward I’m studying a BA in Film Studies with Creative Writing. I have always been fascinated in films and going to the cinema has been a hobby for me since I was four years old. I come from Cambridge and my favourite films include: Idi I smotri (Come and See), Citizen Kane, M, The Usual Suspects, La Grand Illusion, Seven, The King of Comedy, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Southern Comfort, This is Spinal Tap, The Night of the Hunter, La Passion de Jeanne d’Arc (The Passion of Joan of Arc), The Godfather, Fargo and Bonnie and Clyde.

I’m Joe, a final year Applied Psychology and Sociology student, and I’m your Copy Editor. I spend time cooking (including baking my own bread) and painting. I enjoy going to gigs, especially enjoying the genre of folk/rock- Tim Buckley and Anais Mitchell in particular. Occasionally, and masochistically, I go to watch Wycombe Wanderers play. I’m partial to an ale or two, with Old Peculiar being my preferred tipple. Lastly, my favourite TV shows include Dexter, Alan Partridge, Blackadder and Peep Show. I also wear Spongebob Squarepants pyjama bottoms (although you’re unlikely to see me in these on campus).

EDITOR Y P O C Y T U DEP vies a D e i n a h p Ste

4

My name is Stephanie Davies and I am The Stag’s new Deputy Copy Editor. I am a displaced Australian studying English Literature with Creative Writing for my first year. You can tell that I’m an English student because I quote Emily Dickinson in my Facebook statuses. I am really excited about the new paper and I look forward to correcting your punctuation.

My name’s Rachael, and I am a final year nutrition and dietetics student that has stumbled into the role of music editor. I was a reviewer in my second year, and am now loving being the editor, because all the lovely free CD’s come addressed to me! I like all types of music, my heart is with indie but that doesn’t mean that that’s all that will make it into the paper!

By Stephen Hayton

Parking Chaos

P

erhaps I’m being a little pedantic here, but surely I’m not the only one to notice the recent chaos in the main car park? Since the construction work began on the new school of acting building there has been a mad squeeze in the main car park to fit in all those happy £170 permit holders. Yes that’s right, over £170 for a year long permit that entitles you to a space which may not even be available. Why is this happening? Simple. The new building is being built over the old pay and display car park near the sports centre, and while this seems like a nice site for a new building it has meant all the users of that car park now take up 120 spaces in the main car park, leaving poor permit holders struggling to find somewhere to put their car in the morning. To make things worse, people have to find parking somewhere in Guildford and turn up late for lectures. University student and car park user Ben Pulsford said that “The prices are appalling, you can never find anywhere to park and half of the students here travel round Guildford trying to find free, you know, other places to park”.

that’s unrealistic. However, a few more spaces to stop people feeling agitated and hard done by would not go amiss. I for one have had Thankfully the old pay and display car park was partially opened up enough of parking down residential streets, feeling stupid as I look at to allow for some of the permit holders to attempt to get their money’s my permit thinking that I’m a mug for coughing up £170. Why not take some of our permit fee and lay down a new bit of concrete and slap worth but how long will this last? some paint on it. At least that way the average permit holder will feel This needs to be sorted out soon. Surely it’s just a case of decency? their money is going to good use. If it fails to get resolved you won’t If you fork out the money for a parking place it should be there for you, need a genius to tell you that people are going to start wanting their money back. I’m not talking about each person with their own personal space,

The Crunch...it’s not just Cornflakes By Jennifer McConnell, Holly Stewart and Alice Smith

With Surrey students paying an average of £85 a week for their accommodation, it n fact, it’s quite serious. The price of a is reassuring to know that we are in good pint at Chancellors has increased by 20p. It’s very easy to blame the infamous “credit company. The national average for rent has crunch”, but what is it exactly? In simple increased by £10 a week over the last four terms, the credit crunch is happening due years. London students have even suffered to companies finding it more difficult and a 35% swell from 5 years ago. expensive to borrow money. This is causing One silver lining is that student loans will banks to lend less money and raise interest not be affected. An NUS spokesman told us rates on what’s already being borrowed. So that the government had no future plans is this going to affect us? Well according for cutting loans, and that banks such as to Natasha Gilbert, money expert at the HSBC are cutting interest of graduate’s Guardian, the answer’s no. Our loans overdrafts. come from governments rather than banks and they’re guaranteed base rate interest. So good news, or bad news? The bad Fortunately for most students, the only news is, as a generation of first time home way the credit crunch is affecting them is buyers, it will be harder to get a mortgage. the price of a drink...and the odd shop at And the good news? By the time most of Tesco. But Natasha believes the financial our readers graduate, the economy will crisis could hit students where it hurts, return to steady feet. Until then, let the their rent. economists stress about your finances.

I

The Night of the Smurfs This is addressed to all who were enjoying a quiet time in Chancellors Bar on a dark and cold evening that many of you may remember. This is an official apology from the rugby team, we are sure by now even the freshers know who we are. The mens rugby team do not want to be seen as the people to avoid around campus, on the pitch and in the students union. Now because of this we would like to convey our sincerest apologies to anyone who we offended on the evening of 22 October. We would like to invite you to our next match.If you have time please come down and see what we are really like, the touchline banter is not to be missed! The Men’s Rugby Team

Do you know of any stories that our news team should be reporting on?

[email protected]

5

Not So Fresher By Amy Short

F

reshers have been warned about the increased risk of food poisoning among first-year students (and young people in general!)

According to a survey by the Food and Drink Federation, organisers of National Food Safety Week, 61% of 15-24 year olds do not always follow manufacturers’ instructions when preparing food and, when asked to name something that could cause food poisoning, less than 7% named “undercooked food”. And it’s not just the way you cook! A food safety study showed undergraduates were more likely to get sick by consuming contaminated food and drink because of the way they store things. A total of 299 Bournemouth University students completed questionnaires in February 2006, followed by a further study of 30 student flats. Evidence was found of over-packing in 92% of fridges, and 88% of fridges included uncovered leftovers. A total of 16% of fridges studied contained mouldy or rotten fruit, vegetables and cheese. Philippa Hudson, senior lecturer in food safety at Bournemouth University, said: “Over-packing increases the risks of cross-contamination.” Dirty hands are another major cause of food poisoning. Some germs can stay alive on hands for up to three hours, spreading to all the things we touch. Around 29% of 15-24 year olds don’t always wash their hands before preparing food and 12% don’t always wash their hands after using the toilet!

By Amy Short

T

Absolute Carnage

his year’s Carnage Guildford was held on Tuesday 11th November with 1000 students attending. The theme “dirty porn star” saw lots of fish net tights, underwear, bunny ears, big hair, false eye lashes, afros and moustaches. Students literally crawled from pub to bar to club including Slug and Lettuce, HaHa Bar, Bar Mambo, Flares, Bar Med and rounded off in Harpers where Artful Dodger made a special appearance.

6

However, Carnage UK has been slammed by councils for encouraging binge-drinking and sexually-demeaning acts. Despite ‘drink responsibly’ slogans on the t-shirts supplied by Carnage, participants were sold potent alcoholic shots and given free drink for removing items of clothing, which placed participants – both male and female – in extremely vulnerable positions Police have even admitted that they were powerless to ban Carnage. Police licensing officer Graeme Cheetham said: ‘We have met with all the participating venues and indicated that although we do not support this type of event, there is no legislation available to prevent it taking place.’ In response to this, the organisers of Carnage said “we are committed to ensuring the safety of our students. We have operated the Carnage UK Student Event right across the country for almost half a decade without incident. At the forefront of our mindset is student safety, and how we set about ensuring that our procedures and working practices contribute to a safe and enjoyable environment. We have in place a number of measures to engender a safe and responsible attitude whilst attending any of our UK events.”

[email protected]

Tuesdays in Channies

CLAIM A COMPLIMENTARY ORIGINAL GLAZED DOUGHNUT AT THE GUILDFORD KRISPY KREME STORE Krispy Kreme is offering readers of The Stag a special treat when you take this voucher into selected Krispy Kreme stores. Just head down to Krispy Kreme’s Guildford store between the 24th November and 8th December, to pick up your complimentary Original Glazed Doughnut straight off the line, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Conditions: The Original Glazed is Krispy Kreme’s signature doughnut. On top of that there are 15 other varieties, including filled, powdered and sprinkled. Of course, nothing goes together quite like a doughnut and coffee, so when in store why not pick up a latte, cappuccino or espresso, perfected by our skilled baristas. Head down to the following Krispy Kreme stores between 24th November and 8th December 2008 to claim your Original Glazed doughnut:

Voucher is valid from 24th November and 8th December 2008 One voucher per customer, per transaction. Photocopies not accepted. No cash alternatives. Not valid in Tesco in-store bakery units.

Guildford: 18 North Street, Guildford, GU1 4AF

7

8

CAMPUS BOY

Fear and Loathing on Campus I’m here again. I didn’t even mean to be here. It’s probably the worst place to be on a 10 minute break from a two hour lecture. I definitely made a mental note never to enter this place, at this time, on this day, last week. And yet here I am, body stuffed tightly between other bodies, front and behind, sandwiched on other sides by packets of refrigerated cold meats and a stand of reduced bread rolls. Brown bread rolls. Reduced, and the brown rolls still get left behind. Even the students don’t want them! These people really are standing too close. Some basket-wielding shoppers are so focussed on grabbing a snack that they neglect to realise they’ve bruised my kneecaps and rendered me incapable of moving forward with any speed. Forward though I go, towards the freezer section. I’m safe here. Surely no one, at this time, with this

amount of people, in this tight space, will think now is a good time to reach in and select a Dr Oetker pizza. Oh, yes, yes they can. Obviously. Forgive me while I take a deep breath of the wafting cold air as you open the freezer door, Mr Pizza Lover, but it smells marginally better than you. Rounding the corner into the booze section has rarely felt so satisfying. I’m on the home straight now, and it’s far too early for anyone to need to part the crowds to pick up some tinnies. A celebratory impulse purchase is in order, and these cakes might just make my day. Rich reward for my patience, I feel. If anything, One Stop have won. I only went in to accompany friends on their journey and I’ve ended up with a packet of mini Battenbergs and some reduced brown rolls. For the ducks, I tell myself. The ducks will make me happy.

Cam

pus

Boy

Dr Russ replies………. Your careers Dr helps you out with your exam worries

I’m worried that exams are looming and I still haven’t filled out all the application forms I intended. What should I do?

But aren’t they more likely to be smaller employers who advertise in the summer?

This is one of those questions for which there is no right or wrong answer. There are all sorts of personal issues involved. For example, how important is it that you have a definite job offer before you leave? It goes without saying that the more applications you make, the more you increase your chances of finding a job. Mind you, it is mainly the well-known graduate recruiters who set early closing dates for receipt of application forms and they are also the ones who are the most difficult to get into. Simply making lots of applications doesn’t guarantee you a job. Only you can decide whether you want to make the extra effort required to meet their deadlines and keep alive your chances of employment with them.

Generally speaking this is true. Most of the employers who recruit graduates in large numbers are likely to have filled their vacancies. However, they sometimes fail to meet their target or perhaps their original target changes for some reason so you can still pick up occasional vacancies with the popular recruiters. You could also consider applying the following year. Of course, if your aim is to work for a smaller organisation anyway then leaving it till nearer the time you graduate would work very much in your favour.

I am wondering whether it might be better to concentrate on my degree. What do you think? If you are you on a borderline at the moment e.g. First / 2.1 or 2.1 / 2.2 and you think that spending too much time on application forms will interfere with your chances of getting a higher degree class, then you might benefit from a strategic decision to put your job-hunting on hold for the time being. It may also help you to know that typically about 30% of Surrey graduates obtain their work by replying to advertisements. Since these are more likely to be available nearer to the time you graduate, you could decide to put off applying till then knowing that other opportunities should still be around.

Any final tips? Just one. If you are someone who is good at getting on with things through careful prioritisation and a well-organised lifestyle, then you might be able to squeeze a few more application forms out of your busy schedule. If you decide to do that, you can check closing dates in Vacancies for Finalists on the Careers Service website at http://magic.surrey.ac.uk/careers

9

******** WARNING ******* THIS IS NOT NEWS! ************************ Useless genealogist descended from long line of useless genealogists By Pete Nattress

A local genealogist has traced his ancestry for the first time, only to discover that his forebears were just as incompetent at the discipline as he is. Daniel Jones, 52, took up genealogy seven years ago after discovering a poorly-designed website which promised him the ability to “unlock the secrets of the past” in return for a monthly subscription. Since then Jones has tried his hand at mapping the lineage of several of his friends only to find the process overbearingly difficult, often ending up fabricating most of the family tree and spending the excess cash on bingo and gardening equipment. “I get a bit lost if I’m honest,” admitted Jones. “Genealogy is a skilful and time-consuming process and I possess neither the skill nor the time needed to accomplish it.” Jones also admitted that he often told clients similar information when he was not feeling creative. “My past six subjects have all been direct descendants of Mary, Queen of Scots,” he said. “You may think that I’m being dishonest but the law of averages says one of them has to be. Mary Queen of Scots got around.” Jones reported that his findings regarding his own ancestors’ common ineptitude at genealogy stretch back further than most of his fabricated family trees. “My great-great-grandfather was Lord

Prepare to be challenged... Clever? Dumb? That bit in-between? Then you’ll have the time of your life at Channies Challenge! It is the fortnightly pub quiz at Chancellors hosted by Andy Vale and Ben Phillips. It costs £1 per team member to enter, with all money going into a fat prize pot for the winners. Questions are on general knowledge, sport, music and whatever tickles our fancy. The quiz starts at 9 but it is well advised to get there at about 8, unless you want to be one of the folks sitting on the floor. But don’t laugh at them sitting on the floor, they won over £60 just for coming second last week. The team with the best name also wins a packet of crisps/a muffin/whatever we can scrounge from the bar. It’s usually on every other Week, but check the “Channies Challenge Appreciation Society” Facebook group for updates in case we feel like doing an extra one! You can also go there to send us suggestions for rounds, give feedback or just heckle us from the safety of your computer.

10

Duke Earl Jonesian the Third of Buckingham-by-Bow,” he asserted proudly. “He was an alcoholic slave-merchant who used to pass the time by starting fights with swans. He was also fascinated by his lineage but only managed to trace it back to his grandfather before his neck was broken by a particularly large and angry swan.” “His grandfather before that was a lowly orphan chimney sweep from Manchester. He also wanted to trace his parentage, but he gave up when he realised he was an orphan and didn’t really have anything to go on. And his great-grandmother was Mary, Queen of Scots, believe it or not.” Despite these discoveries and the slim prospect that he will be able to summon the modicum of skill required to accurately establish other people’s ancestry, Jones remains upbeat, explaining that he can now learn from the mistakes of his idiotic ancestors. “One of my great-grandparents was slightly confused by the concept of a family tree, and tried to draw his on the bark of an actual tree, which went quite well until it got Dutch Elm disease, destroying twenty years of his work. At least I’m not that stupid.” Jones will continue to pay a nominal subscription to the website until he finds something more interesting to do with his worthless life.

USSU to promote “Responsible Dunking”

By Collin “Legend” Everett

Students hoping to enjoy a hard afternoon dunking biscuits into their tea or coffee will be subject to a new campaign from the Students’ Union, as of next week. The campaign - to be formally unveiled by the President next Monday - will encourage students to be more considerate when availing themselves of a coffee-soaked digestive. “We have had so many complaints from all quarters about the aftermath of students who spend all afternoon dunking without proper respect for their neighbours or peers”, said a spokesperson, “We’ll be initiating a campaign to ensure that this does not continue, and we students can be considered an asset to the city of Guildford, or something. We are not banning dunking, rather we are promoting responsible dunking.” Anonymous sources have suggested that the campaign will lead to biscuits being removed from Chancellors and Seasons, unless they can withstand being dipped into a mug of tea and stirred around for 10 seconds without disintegrating into a sludge. If true, this may well lead to the banning of all biscuits from university catering facilities. Further concerns are raised that One-Stop will be expected to support the scheme and withdraw similar dunkables from their shelves. A spokesman for the Surrey University Dunking Society said in response to the news “What? Nooooooooo!”. A more coherent spokesman responded with concern: “Students arrive at this university with a sense of freedom, expecting that they should be free to experiment with dunking biscuits as they see fit. If this campaign takes hold, it will criminalise those who enjoy this innocent pleasure. I fear it will drive this activity underground. Can you imagine what will happen then? We will have men and women trying to dunk Jammie Dodgers into banana milkshakes. That way lies madness.”

EXCLUSIVE

A Quickie With… Ceri Phillips

(aka Oliver Sinclair/ the Welsh one) from BBC Three’s “Coming of Age” - A bawdy sitcom about the lives of five teenagers. What do you mean you haven’t seen it yet?! Get it on BBC iplayer now!!! Here Ceri reveals his fear of lifts, secret love of make- up, and what’s in store for the future... Amy : Hi Ceri! We love ‘Coming of Age’ and your character “Ollie”! He’s quite crude. Would you say you’re anything like him? Ceri: Apart from the crudeness, no. Ollie is a little delusional and I like to think I have my feet firmly on the ground. Um...to be honest, I’m not like him at all! Amy: “Ollie” would answer Jeremy Clarkson… but who would you like to be trapped in a lift with?

Ceri (far right) with the rest of the “ Coming of Age” clan

Amy: How did you get to where you are today?

Ceri: The very notion of being trapped in a lift frightens me to the core Ceri: Hard work and luck. You have to know how to wait when you’re of my being!!! But, I suppose, Robert DeNiro would be OK. Just so I an actor. Something always comes up eventually, you just have to wait! could ask him “How the hell are you so good?” Him or Jessica Alba... Doing what I enjoy has helped me stick at it too! Amy: What was your favourite line/joke/scene from the series?

Amy: If you could do a degree, what would it be? (And you can’t say acting/drama)

Ceri: Ooooooh, toughy. Personally, when I had to dress up as a Rocky Horror character...I have a thing for make-up...The scene I laughed at Ceri: Philosophy. Without a doubt. My grandfather was one, so it’s in most was DK trying out his magic in episode 6. The teacher, played by my blood. I did have a place in Aberystwyth Uni to do drama through Daniel Taylor, was AWESOME! Joe was OK as well... the medium of Welsh, but my year out turned into four years out...and counting! Amy: Any backstage gossip? Ceri: Gossip is such an odd word. Nothing really that would get the readers dropping their mugs of coffee. Shall I make some up? Joe who plays DK stole staplers all the time. Tony who plays Matt is a gun runner, I’m in love with Tim who writes it who in turn loves Anabel, who plays Chloe. Hannah doesn’t really play Jas, she has a maid who fills in for her.

Amy: And last but not least… will there be another series of COA? If so, what can we expect from it? Ceri: OOOOOOH! I have no idea! I hope so. IF we get a second series, expect more of the same energy and hi-jinks, but I’m sure there will be a few innovations as well!! Well we certainly hope there is going to be a second series!

11

Yummy Yummy Yummy I have love in my tummy! Autumn recipes to warm those chilly tootsies.... Spicy Potato Hotpot

By Chetna Pandya (final year, nutrition/dietetics)

Time: 35 minutes Serves: 2

I

t’s that time of year again. You’ve settled into campus. Well and truly into it if you’re a final or second year (the work is piling up), and pretty much getting used to the eternally unclean kitchen and nocturnal housemates if you’re a fresher. The leaves are drifting off the trees and there’s an autumnal chill that’s making you glad campus rooms are environmentally unfriendly infernos, or wishing you were on campus if you’re scrimping and saving on bills out there in the steeply priced Guildford. To cap it all, Christmas seems like the tiny light at the end of what feels like the world’s longest semester. The temperature drops a few notches and we reach for those warm, filling and oh-so-comforting foods (more so if suffering stress over all the coursework or some unfortunate heartache), craving everything from meaty casseroles to sponge and custard, chilli con carne to soup and steamed vegetables to pasta bake.

Other: Vegetarian Ingredients What to do..... -

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

-

1 small onion, finely chopped

-

1 small hot chilli, seeded and finely chopped

-

2.5 cm (1 inch) piece of fresh root ginger, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1) Preheat the oven to 200°C, 400°F, Gas mark 6 2) Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onion, chilli, ginger and garlic for 2-3 minutes 3) Add the vegetable cubes and cook gently, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes until brown 4) Blend the cornflower with a little stock and add to the pan with the chilli sauce, lime juice and remaining stock

-

1 large potato

-

2 carrots, diced

-

2 parsnips, diced

Not only does it feel good to eat some hearty warm dishes that bear no resemblance to the rabbit food of summer (there’s a chance you’ve had more than enough salads and fruit smoothies in a bid to help you look good on the beach), but there’s a bit of science behind why eating comfort food makes us feel all toasty inside…

-

1 teaspoon cornflower

5) Bring to the boil, stirring until thickened

-

450 ml (3/4 pint) vegetable stock

6) Season well to taste

-

1 tablespoon hot chilli sauce or a few drops of Tabasco sauce

-

Juice of a lime

7) Transfer to a heatproof casserole dish and bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender

The higher protein content of a lot of our favourite autumn and winter foods means your body works that little bit harder to break it all down, resulting in us feeling lovely and warm. Common sources of protein foods include meat, fish, pulses, beans, soya, Quorn and tofu.

-

Seasoning

It happens every year and yet we try to fight this instinctive urge for comfort food. Those lucky few whose parents have produced a veritable mine of curries and stews that are neatly tucked away in the freezer, don’t have to worry (unless they have been pilfered by not so lucky housemates). But what of the rest of us? Those that have to brave the chilly winds, the A3 and two underpasses to visit Tesco, or trek up the High Street to the tiny Sainsburys in our precious lunch breaks from work? Instead of stealing your housemate’s dinner, here are a couple of simple recipes to get you through those cold and lonely (or maybe not so lonely) days and nights. They include plenty of vegetables to help you get to your 5 a day if the salads and smoothies have gone out of the window. Enjoy! Comfort Christmas food coming soon..!

12

Hamburgers Time : 20 Minutes Serves : 2-4 Other - Can be Frozen What to do.......

Ingredients

1) Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together well

-

500g (1lb) lean minced beef

-

1 teaspoon sauce

Worcestershire

-

1 small onion, finely chopped

-

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

-

Seasoning

2) Shape the mixture into 4 large, round patties 3) Pop under a medium grill for around 8 minutes on each side until cooked through 4) Serve in sesame seed buns with salad

Wagadadda Your very own Science Editor Toby Shannon takes a break from playing with glowsticks to pay tribute (on a budget) to that famous noodle place we all love... Cooking for the cold - Noodles agogo (or DIY Wagamamma on a budget)

A

utumn appears to be upon us with a vengeance - the air is crisp, there’s leaves underfoot and you’ve packed your sandals away for another year. What’s on the menu? Normally I’d be all in favour of something soft, warm and unchallenging (and indeed, dear reader, I’m eating a toasted teacake as I type) but imagine something that’s light, deeply savoury and as spicy as you like but also with the power to be as soothing as a nice hot bath, a mug of cocoa and a bowl of mashed potato (but maybe not in that order, I don’t think you’d have room for the cocoa having drunk the bath...). If you’ve wandered through Guildford recently, you may have popped into Wagamamma - this noodle chain do marvellous things with soup, noodles and all other kinds of nice things and it’s just what the doctor ordered for those wintry nights... Noodles, soup, veggies and chicken - make it at home for a few mates and split the cost. Bargain-licious. I know it seems like a lot of ingredients but they are (for the most part) really cheap and this makes an awesome supper. Alter the ingredients depending on your preferences - don’t like it? Leave it out! The veggies are completely up to you, I’ve listed some of my favourites.

Wagamamma-style Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients: Vegetable oil (a little) Chillies (maybe ½ a de-seeded medium chilli per person, finely chopped - be careful!)

How to do it: First - assemble all your ingredients and prepare them (makes life easier in the long run!). In the biggest saucepan you have pour in a little oil and gently cook the garlic, chilli (and lemon grass) for a couple of minutes on a low/medium heat. Throw in your spring onions and likewise cook them until they’re softened (not browned) and then add the mushrooms, give them a couple of minutes. Add the chicken and give it all a good stir though. Take the pan off the heat and add the hot chicken stock, put it back on and bring it to the boil. Once your soup is boiling, add the noodles - these should only take a couple of minutes to cook (check the packaging) and after a couple of minutes add the spinach (or pak choi) and the basil. Give it a taste - how’s the broth? Are the noodles cooked yet? Serve up the noodles and veggies into bowls and then pour over the broth. Eat whilst it’s hot! Bonne Chance!

Garlic (1 clove per person, finely chopped) Lemon grass (optional - I think it’s really tasty - finely chop the inner leaves of 1 stalk) Spring onions (2 per person - sliced diagonally) Mushrooms (3 or so per person - sliced) Cooked chicken (the sort that go in sandwiches - a few pieces each, shredded) Chicken stock (Make up according to the manufacturer’s instructions - about 500ml per person) Noodles (1 nest each - more if you’re hungry!) Fresh basil leaves (a bit strange but not a million miles away from Thai sweet basil after all...) Spinach or Pak Choi (a big handful each)

or next New articles f issue Deadline: ember Friday 5th Dec s Section Editor

13

An article where I tell you what GU2 have been doing since the last time I told you what GU2 have been doing... By Andy Vale

A

Our listeners have also been spoilt with competitions this term. Recent prizes include CD’s, tickets to the union and a bottle of Fanta. We have also just had a competition to see Wheatus at a special intimate gig at The Boileroom. A planned live session had to be scrapped due to a car crash near the venue, but we managed to race down there and grab an interview with Brendan Event’s where we have DJ’d, compered just before the show. Thanks must go and generally hung around at have to The Boileroom for this opportunity, included Freshers Fair, International go see what else is on there at www. BBQ, River Sports, Student Exec theboileroom.net! Elections and a couple of times at Channies. The absolute diamond in our A few days after that on November 6th, relatively shiny crown has undoubtedly a number of us headed of to the Indigo2 in been providing DJ’s for the Traffic London for the uber swanky UK Student Radio Light Disco. Despite being on a Monday Awards. These awards are sponsored by night, 1300 of you came out to Rubix Radio 1 and Global Radio (Capital FM, XFM, (more than twice what the Union Heart, Classical FM and more.) They have expected) and helped raise over £3500 for been responsible for launching a number of some very good causes. Our friends careers for on-air personalities on Radio 1, in RAG put in a great effort and it XFM and a whole host of other large regional delightful doing business with them. stations. They were presented by Scott Look out for upcoming events in the Mills and Fearne Cotton and are a highlight in the industry calender. This year Andy coming weeks! Vale was nominated in the Best Newcomer We have also been continuing to category and won the bronze award for his draw a number of top interviews to our work both on and off air. To hear what the station. Guests of late have included fuss is about, tune in from 7-9pm on a Friday Scroobius Pip (guess where we found night to hear him doing what he does best… him), Kid Carpet and System Of A Down/ playing excellent music and talking utter crap. Scars On Broadway drummer John The awards dinner and after party were great Dolmayan! On top of this, we have fun. I am proud to say we provided not one but been giving a lot of time to local acts in THREE stage invasions during the live band the area, already this year 10 artists (Esser), one of which ended in being thrown off have been in for live sessions and the stage by the singer. even more have been played in some way or another. As documented in last The party was also attended by a whole host issues Barearts, we also had a great of radio stars including Alex Zane, Greg James hand in organising the Guildford Brit and Steve Lamacq. A famous Radio 1 DJ also Awards. This was a spectacular night tried to get amorous with one of our Fresher rewarding all the greatest talent in boys, I won’t tell you who. the area and through the haze of a storming hangover it was confirmed that New shows are being added all the time. we’ll be doing it all again next year! Some are presented by Freshers, some Local highlights so far this term by those returning from placement and include The Le Brocks, Two Fingers Of a couple from older students who just Firewater, Elmor, Lindsay West and New thought it seemed like a fun thing to Rising. We are uncovering bum do! Our weekday evening specialist scorchingly hot talent all the time so keep slots are now full, giving you the checking in, also check our podcast absolute best of something a little page http://podcast.gu2.co.uk to hear different every night. During the day there is some music for everyone, some light hearted some of our live session highlights. chat and the perfect soundtrack for your life. Also there are many spare slots at the weekend where you can do almost whatever you like. t 12.01 in the morning on Monday 8th September GU2 went back to broadcasting on-air and online 24 hours a day. I’ll give prizes to all those who have listened non-stop since then. Since then, our schedule has plumped up a bit, our numbers increased and we’ve been cracking our knackers at events all over campus. It’s grand, seriously.

14

If this all sounds like fun to you then we are broadcasting 24/7 on 1350am/mw and also online on www. gu2.co.uk. There you can listen to us live, listen back to programmes you have missed and also read about all our shows, presenters and committee members! If you aren’t the type to stand on the sidelines while everyone else has all the fun then grab the bull by it’s dangly scrote and get involved! There is still plenty of space on our schedule for new talent and we are always looking for people to help out in any way off air. Look in the GET INVOLVED section of our website www.gu2.co.uk. Find us on Facebook too!

Societies Get Serious By Justin Waite - Co - Societies Editor

H

ello and welcome to the society section! This year has seen a number of ‘re-brands’ being carried out at the University of Surrey… for anyone slow to catch on, barefacts has now become The Stag! However, one of the biggest this year has been the creation of the ‘Guild of Societies’, the next evolutionary step for the support and representation of all societies on campus: Created at the start of this academic year, the primary purpose of the Guild is to allow a greater access of funds for societies for anything they want. This could be seed money for new events, funds for traveling to events/competitions/exhibitions etc. or even just for a small amount of money for advertising and representation around campus. Membership costs only £5 for the year, and allows you to join any society that you want. This £5 is then put into a pot of money that will provide the majority of the funds that societies will be able to access. With a target of 1,000 members for its first year, the Guild has already reached over 600 members! This means that societies will already be able to access over £3000, with this number increasing as the Guild gets closer to its target. With this membership come the benefits that Jack Symons, the current VicePresident of Societies, will be fighting to bring you every month. November’s offers include any pizza, any size for only £6.99 from Pizzaman, and £1 entry to ‘Score’ night at Rubix every Wednesday night! All you need to do is show your Guild ID Card, which you receive after signing up to the Guild, to access these

great offers. Every month these offers will change, so make sure to read the next edition of The Stag to find out what the next ones will be! However, any access to society funds still needs to be approved by all society representatives at the monthly Guild Standings, or for amounts below £50, the approval from the Guild Executive. The Guild Executive consists of representatives from all society areas, who were elected at Guild Standing to represent Departmental, Arts, Faith and Religious, International and Special Interest societies, as well as elected Secretary, Treasurer and the Chair positions. Thus, the Guild of Societies represents a massive change in the way that societies are run. Whereas before the keys had been kept with the VicePresident of Societies, now societies have the right to decide where their money goes, as well as the future direction of the Guild itself.As Co-Societies Editor, and as the elected Departmental Officer in the Guild Executive, I shall be providing updates every issue to keep you informed about what’s happening, as well as profiles on the people who are representing your interests as a society.

Early successes for the Surrey Debating Society By Jack Brockless (President of the Surrey Debating Society)

O

n the 18th October, the Surrey Debating Society competed in their first ever Inter Varsity debating competition. Hosted by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in Russell Square, London, the competition boasted over 120 participants from over twenty universities from the UK and Europe. During the week leading up to the event, intense debates had been taking place every night in preparation- including a special event on the Wednesday, when the well-coifed and highly experienced Cormac van der Hoeven, of University College London, visited Wates House to present a workshop on British Parliamentary style. Surrey sent three teams to the event, including; Justine Waite and Samuel Jones (‘Surrey Swords’), Mike Blakeney and Paul Follows (‘Surrey Stags’) & James Nye and myself (‘Surrey Scholars’). After four rounds, there had been some notable successes in different debating rooms; including the Swords’ victory over teams from Manchester, Nottingham and Cardiff, as well as the Scholars’ domination of the Floor over Inner Temple and two LSE teams! The ‘Stags’ were dogged by both bad organisation on behalf of SOAS and some suspect decisions by several judges. Nonetheless, they achieved some impressive results throughout the day. By the end of a tough day of debate, it was clear that Surrey had set themselves up as an institution to watch on the national debating circuit- with praise being given from some of the most prestigious and notorious university debating unions. Although our teams were just below the scoring required in order to ‘break’ to the semi-finals, there are definite foundations to be built upon throughout the year at future Inter Varsity debates.

Interested in learning to debate and attending competitions? Email us at [email protected].

The Team Left - Right: James Nye, Paul Follows, Samuel Jones, Justin Waite, Mike Blakeney & Jack Brockless.

15

16

17

Do Students Support Human Rights? A word from the Amnesty International Society......

By Nadine Tzetza & Monica Gianota

E

very year, thousands of young students leave home for the first time, heading to university, usually to a different country and, in many cases, to a different continent. It is, for them, a chance to start a new life, experience new things and meet new people from different cultural backgrounds. There are several ways of settling in to a new environment. University is not just about attending classes and parties, but it is also about getting involved in extracurricular activities, joining, and being active in, different organizations and societies. There are so many things to try and so little time! I am sure most of you went to the Fresher’s Fair, and, although things there were a bit hectic, were interested in a lot of things. There are so many societies at Surrey after all, based on a variety of concepts such as ethnicity, beliefs, music interests, politics, religion, sports and causes.

Affairs, Rt Hon David Miliband MP. Our concern is the health and well being of a prisoner at Guantanamo, Binyam Mohamed, who faced charges through an unfair military commission, which is a violation of article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The petition requests that the UK authorities put more effort on achieving Binyam’s return to the country, secure his right to health, save him from the ill treatment he appears to be subjected to, and grant him a fair trial. A second part of the Guantanamo campaign currently underway is the case of Ahmed Belbacha who, despite having been released from Guantanamo, faces being returned to Algeria where he is regarded as an “enemy

There was the Persian society, the Socialist and Conservative societies, the watersports society and among those and many more, the Amnesty International Society. The society is based on the well known, Nobel Peace Prize winning, Amnesty International Organization, which has been fighting over human rights, and protecting people with no access to the freedom and justice they deserve, since 1961. A more specific description of what we focus and work on would include mostly campaigning over prisoners and human rights violations such as those in armed conflicts.

combatant” by the US government and where he will be put at risk of facing secret detention at the hands of the Algerian Department. What we ask for is that the UK government Seeking to actually achieve something instead and its EU partners offer some safe ‘havens’ of dreaming of achieving everything, we work for Guantanamo Bay prisoners to be sent to on one campaign at a time. Raising awareness after being released, and subsequently the and gaining support and encouragement Guantanamo Bay detention facilities shut down. (by way of petitions) is Amnesty’s main The above is just a glimpse of what we plan on objective. Your signatures are what can attempting to achieve as a society by the end persuade governments, political organizations of this academic year. So far we have come up and businesses to accept and enforce with a variety of ideas of possible campaigns, international standards of human rights. fund-raising events, pub-crawls and parties Our first campaign, which is taking place at that will help us get to know each other more the moment, is concerned with UK residents but also meet and interact with new people detained at the Guantanamo Bay prison. This who will become our friends and hopefully consists of a petition that will be sent to the fellow members. The society is always open Secretary of State for the Home Department, to new members who hope for a better, just Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP and to the Secretary world. The power of ordinary people to make of State for Foreign and Commonwealth extraordinary change is what constitutes the foundation of Amnesty International and

18

your support, which was demonstrated by the amount of signatures we gathered for our petition, is where our power comes from. If you would like to offer more than your support, you should know that you are more than welcome. The society functions based on each member’s ideas and beliefs, and yours will be equally helpful. Publicity stunts, demonstrations, letter writing, protests on campus and at Westminster, trips to the Human Rights Action Centre, and attending debates and concerts are some of the activities that we have in store for this year. If you’re interested and/ or curious, just come along to one of our meetings, which take place every Wednesday at 7pm in LTA, and see what you think. If you also hope for a world where everyone can enjoy his/her rights as human beings, where justice is respected and freedom is granted, then join us through the “Guild of Societies”, come to our meetings to see if you are interested, and, if you are, get involved by voting and taking part in our campaigns. There is always room for more people, more ideas and therefore more “power of ordinary people”. For more information go to http://www.facebook.com/group. php?gid=16492652542 (our Facebook group)

or contact Christian Gilliam, the chairman on [email protected]. Looking forward to seeing many new faces at the next meeting.

What the Dickens? By Emily Blake

J

Booze aside, if you love reading, debating and meeting up with some pretty nice people, then join up. If you ever get the urge to review something, or create your own works of literary genius, It’s more than just a glorified book club you will also be able to submit articles to (although books are of course at the heart the literature section of The Stag. The of it!). The ‘EngLitSoc’ are planning a mad society will run theatre trips, too. This social year, including a Christmas party means we will get discounted tickets and and a posh literature themed ball, not to they might even turn out to be fun social forget regular drinking sessions. So come gatherings. along and make a drunk fool of yourself; stand on a table in Channies quoting You don’t have to be studying literature. Shakespeare, or recite your own terrible As long as you’re up for getting involved and putting your point of view across, you poetry to the fit boy or girl at the bar. will be welcomed with open books. ust a few words about the newly formed English Literature Society. It’s a brand spanking new society evolved from a Facebook group (look it up).

If you have a submission for our societies section then send it in to us at [email protected]

19

Horoscopes by Madame Zsa-Zsa: “The stars speak to me, darling.” Aries (20th March – 20th April)

Scorpio (22nd Oct- 21st November)

This has been a hectic month for you, but don’t worry, things are about to settle down. Single? Look out for a blonde Capricorn- they may have an interesting proposition for you. Taken? Stop waiting for something to go wrong and enjoy it!

You need to talk the problems through with that person who’s making life difficult for you- otherwise they’re going to have gone too far before the end of the week. Single? A work companion will ask a favour from you this week- do it. Taken? Let them take control this weekend, they’ve been feeling redundant lately.

Taurus (21st April- 20th May) It’s time to take a really big risk that may or may not work out- but you’ll be looking back forever wondering “what if” if you ignore this opportunity. Single? A Saturday night party will introduce you to a new person who’ll be in your life forever. Taken? Money may be causing troubles in your relationship but wait it out. Gemini (21st May- 20th June)

Sagittarius (21st Nov- 21st Dec) Life may be snowballing out of control right now, so spend an afternoon organising your budget and study timetable and then reward yourself with a night out. You’ll feel much better after. Single? They won’t be the right one for you- so stay well clear. Taken? A milestone is coming up soon, celebrate it with style. The evening will end with a whole new commitment.

She may be driving you crazy but hold your tongue- you’ll only make Capricorn (21st Dec- 20th Jan) things worse. Single? A drunken hook up this week will end in tearsget your mates over instead. Taken? It might be time to say goodbye if Money is hard this month, so curb your spending and stop relying on they aren’t willing to make the necessary changes. that overdraft, you’ll regret those nights out later this month. Single? A candlelit dinner will end badly this month- but you’ll learn an important Cancer (21st June- 21st July) lesson. Taken? Your friends have been feeling neglected this month so make sure you make time for them. A stunning Gemini will appear in your life this week- but beware; she’s not as innocent as she’d like you to believe. Single? They are leading Aquarius (21st Jan- 19th Feb) you on, so walk away before you get hurt. Taken? Paranoia is eating you up this week, and if the trust truly isn’t there you may need to A friend will really need you this week, and they may not want to hear rethink your situation. the advice you have- but tell them anyway. Your instincts are right. Single? An encounter at a train station may lead to more. Taken? A Leo (22nd Jul- 22nd Aug) weekend away will sort out those problems you’ve been having. Just relax, it’ll happen eventually. Luck is on your side this week, so take advantage of it while it lasts. Single? Flirty texts may turn into something much more this week but Pisces (19th Feb- 19th March) be careful not to rush. Taken? Try going out alone this weekend, you’ll reconnect in a big way. If your boss still won’t listen to your ideas, it may be time to start thinking about moving on somewhere you will be more appreciated. Virgo (23rd Aug- 21st Sept) Single? A dry spell will soon be over, so pay attention to a brunette Sagittarius- their best friend is newly single... Taken? If things have It’s time to be adventurous. That thing you’ve been pondering lately gone a bit stale lately have a night out with some girlfriends. They will is a fantastic idea- even if they don’t approve. Single? A Facebook have a solution for you. friend request could just change your life. Taken? They are feeling very stressed out with work, so don’t take the argument too seriously. They just need your support. Libra (20th Sept- 21st Oct) A deadline is looming, so spend the weekend in and get stuck into it, as something may happen later in the week that will hinder your work. Single? Show your emotions to that person you’ve been flirting with, they’ll appreciate it. Taken? It might be a good idea to spend some time apart if things are moving too fast.

20

The Stag’s New Aunty

My name’s Caroline and I’m a second year Psychology student at Surrey. I have a show on Friday afternoons on GU2 called Afternoon Tea and one of the features in it is a session as Aunty Caz, where I try and answer a couple of queries or problems from listeners as an Agony Aunt and give the best advice I can. Listen in if you think that’s the sort of help you’re looking for and write in to me at surrey. [email protected] and I’ll do my best to help you out!

Surrey Sweethearts....

Who’s your Surrey Sweetheart? Has someone caught your eye lately? Tell us where, when and who you’ve met and you might just be in luck

Email: [email protected]

21

MUSIC The food of lurve... Jacob’s Stories – Undisciplined Art, 2008 (No Label)

The biggest problem with this album is that, at fifteen tracks, this record is definitely too long. ‘Universe’ and ‘Babylon’ are so bland that you’re just tempted to skip forward. ‘Chemicals’ is a Marmite kind of Jacob’s Stories is the alter ego for Stuart Lee, an artist based in Bright- track, either love it or hate it, it’s crass but catchy. This album is not on who is still relatively unknown in the UK. Undisciplined Art is his going to blow anyone’s minds but it will be interesting to see if they’d latest release, and still only limited to 500 hand-made copies, bought be good live. Fans of SOAD maybe disappointed with this offering, othdirectly through him. Each comes with a individual CD-sized painting, ers may be pleasantly surprised! showing how dedicated he is and how unique this record is. Mixing a blend of pop music, electronica and ambient, Undisciplined Rating - 3/5 Art is a great selection of insightful and moving songs. Defined as Standout Tracks: ‘semi-electronic, mainly piano/organ-based, downtempo indie’ by lisSerious, Chemicals and Stoner Hate teners, this is his second full release, with Fledgling being released in 2006, receiving sparkling reviews. Lee’s soft and often haunting By Miriam Kidane vocal work ties brilliantly with the melancholy piano, and lets the listener experience music not often heard today. The blend of electronic and acoustic instruments works perfectly, giving the listener exciting, Gym Class Heroes – ‘The Quilt’ changing elements to listen out for. Often compared to work by Radio- Released: 15/09/2008 head, the album weaves between slow songs featuring just piano, guitar and vocals, to more uptempo electronica pieces. When performing The Quilt is the fourth album by the Gym Class Heroes. It mixes elelive, he often works with other performers to incorporate the various ments of reggae, punk, hip-hop and pop to produce a varied and rich extra instruments heard, but all the tracks are his work. Each track sound. Overall, the album is solid and will please traditional fans. The plays its part within the record, with particular tracks of note being record got satisfactory reviews from the music industry and has had ‘£50 Guarantee’, opening the album with a solo piano, building up to moderate commercial success so far. The biggest track on the album a huge finale. Undisciplined Art contains many beautiful songs, and is ‘Cookie Jar’ featuring The Dream, although the album also features is growing in popularity. Stuart Lee is one of the few people writing collaborations with other artists, such as Estelle and Busta Rhymes. music like this today, and it won’t be long before a label snaps him Additionally, ‘Peace Up/Index Down’ is a creative song with imaginative lyrics. The problem with the album is that although it is generally good, up. nothing really stands out about it. This means that the songs can be http://www.myspace.com/jacobsstoriesband easily forgotten about soon after listening to them, as there is simply Rating - 4/5 nothing special about the record. The uniqueness the band once had By Mark Allen seems to have been diluted since they have been incorporated into mainstream music, although a trace of character does still remain, Scars on Broadway: Scars on Broadway which hopefully can have an increased role to play in their next effort. Released: 28/07/2008

Rating – 2.9/5

This self-entitled debut album from Scars on Broadway provides an odd mix of tracks for us all to listen to. Some of you may recognise By Nezar Idris the guitar and drum work in it being that of Daron Malkian and John Donmaylan of System of a Down. For obvious reasons, most people are going to compare this band to System of a Down, so I will too. Scars on Broadway are not as heavy as System of a Down, and the vocals are not nearly as distinctive. I’d say that Scars on Broadway are a diluted version of SOAD, but this is no bad thing. I was expecting to hate this record, but actually I liked it- it’s an easy album to listen to and it’s a bit of fun. However, Scars’ debut seems a little restricted, definitely not a record people are likely to remember amongst all the other metal albums. Perhaps there was an expectation that this album will be somewhat more experimental, but it just isn’t, and in that sense, it is a little disappointing. Although saying that, this is one of the more accessible metal bands out there. Some songs are constantly going from chaotic to melodic, such as the transition from ‘Stoner Hate’ to ‘Insane’ which can confuse the sound of the album.

22

[email protected]

Lil Wayne – ‘Tha Carter III’ Released: 9/06/2008 Tha Carter III is the sixth studio platinum selling album by rapper Lil Wayne. The record features many artists, including Static Major, TPain, Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes. Tha Carter III has received favourable reviews from the music industry and has had international commercial success. The songs ‘Got Money’, ‘Lollipop’ and ‘A Milli’ are among the better songs on the album, which resulted in their release as singles. The bass in the ‘A Milli’ track makes the song legendary – FACT! Without the bass the song would be ok, but with the bass it’s amazing. Creative beats and catchy loops can be found throughout the album, meaning that you have probably heard many Lil Wayne songs in the clubs. Lil Wayne is on fire on this album and it was definitely worth the wait. Some of the tracks on the album have a more mature feel to them than Lil Wayne’s earlier material, but the album does not fall short for variety and is definitely worth a listen to.

Rating - 4/5 By Nezar Idris Towers Of London- Fizzy Pop Released: 6/10/2008 At first glances, Towers of London’s new album Fizzy Pop promises to be a whole new kettle of fish compared to its hard-hitting predecessor Blood Sweat and Towers. The name is a tell tale sign already, and the album cover purveys a kind of pop punk feel which seems more Hayley Williams than Sid Vicious. The first track ‘Naked on the Dance Floor’ quickly dispels any early fears of niceties, bringing back their familiar guitar glam rock sound. There is, however, an upbeat feel to this song rather than the raw aggression prevalent in their previous work, and this theme continues throughout the entire album. ‘It’s…much more of a party record, more rock ’n’ roll than punk,’ explains front man Donny Tourette, ‘there’s sing-alongs galore on there!’ Sing-alongs there may be, but with an aura of ‘Brit on Holiday’ it has that slightly pathetic laddish vibe that lacks real lyrical content. There’s nothing particularly out of the ordinary about this, but when coming from Britain’s kings of the controversial, it comes across more than a little tame. Everything about the album seems borrowed. ‘Queen of Cool’ has picked up where Busted left off, giving McFly serious competition, and ‘Start the Rupt’ brings back 70’s memories of Noddy Holder and the boys. Maybe I’m being too harsh. It is an extremely listenable body of work but it’s just not what Towers fans are going to expect. ‘I’ve a feeling it’s going to surprise a lot of people’ Tourette says. The problem is, Donny, the word ‘surprise’ is subjective. In the words of magician Paul Daniels, ‘You’ll like this. Not a lot, but you’ll like it.’

Rating- 3/5. By Andrew Phipps

Thou Shalt Always Thrill

UK hip-hop’s odd couple bring their unique brand of witty lyrics and bold beats to Rubix. By Amy Barnes

Appearances can be deceiving- especially in the case of Dan le Sac and Scroobius Pip. A portly man stationed behind an Apple Mac and effects desk, Sac probably doesn’t fit many people’s idea of a superstar DJ. Pip looks equally incongruous- slender, bearded and dressed in black jeans and shirt with a pencil tie and trucker hat, he doesn’t look like your typical “rapper”. And it’s just as well because this isn’t your typical hip-hop gig. Poetry and pandemonium come together as Pip emphatically recites his charged lyrics whilst Sac provides an electric backdrop. During ‘Development’, Pip unfurls the Periodic Table as he raps about breaking down the conventions and expectations attached to originality and hip-hop lyrics. ‘Look For The Woman’ explores the stalemate of being in a loveless relationship which sees Pip reflecting upon his overactive imagination and what keeps two people together. During Sac’s fag break, Pip holds the crowd with a rousing poem about the dead-end nature of retail, which sees many of the crowd raising their hands in agreement. For the hard-hitting ‘Angels’, Pip raps, from several points of view, the stabbing of a security guard by a troubled teen; donning geek glasses, a tie and guard’s hat to symbolise character changes. The ability to combine such contrasting subjects as suicide, creativity and the state of UK hip hop, in a lively and stirring set, is one that Sac vs. Pip undoubtedly possess. Kid Carpet fills the second support slot. Walking on stage with beer in hand, the messy-haired bloke from Bristol looks fairly unremarkable. But once he takes his position behind his wire-trailing box of tricks, he pushes buttons and flicks switches with such fizzy vigour that it’s impossible to watch him without smiling. Kid Carpet recites catchy little rhymes spanning all manner of subjects, from the annoyance you feel having gone out in a coat expecting rain when the sun comes out (‘Carrier Bag’) to the frustration of trying to dampen romantic feelings (‘I Don’t Want To Fall In Love With You’). “Thou shalt not judge a book by its cover” says Pip on ‘Thou Shalt Always Kill’- a commandment that we should all heed. But then again, “Thou shalt think for yourselves”. Don’t take my word for it, give the album, Angles, a listen and reach your own conclusion.

Look out for the next CD handout for your chance to review

23

Film and TV Get the popcorn ready......

What did our Film Editor Ollie make of the latest releases to hit the Big Screen?

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (U) If you’re a parent, you can’t have missed it. If you’re a child, you can’t have resisted it. The story follows on from the last two films, Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) are thinking about their future after East High. Gabriella wants to go to Julliard and Troy wants to play basketball. As with the past two films, Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) is willing to manipulate their plans and come out on top. When I was about to see the third instalment, I was going to set my cynicism up to eleven and expect the worse. However, I have admit (I bow my head in shame), I had a blast. I enjoyed it for what it was; it was a musical set in a high school. What could be more simple than that? Now, I am going to have to put my foot down to all the one star reviews I’ve seen and say that those people need to grow up. The cast is professionally talented, especially Ashley Tisdale as the scheming Sharpay. The musical numbers are good, if sometimes a tad too modern and hip for my liking, but it’s a film that knows what its audience is and has set out its target. I have to confess, it hits its target with precision. I saw tons of youngsters happy, got what they wanted and they won’t be disappointed. As for me when it got to the ‘We’re All In This Together’ musical number, I was won over. Ollie’s Rating - 3/5

Saw V (18) You can tell by next year, I’ll be doing the same review again for Saw VI, then Saw VII, VIII blah, blah, blah. Jigsaw is on the loose, or is he? I can’t tell. As far as I remember he died in the third film, but then we flashback, flashforward. Another trap here and there, and then you start to feel like they are improvising, with a script that wasn’t finished when it started (not that it would make much difference). There is nothing new in what I’m saying that other critics haven’t said; is that it has the same creative butchery of the last four, but it just gets more boring, tired and tedious. I begin to wonder if the filmmakers of this weary franchise come up with a template for each film. It’s all the same, why waste your money on this?

Ollie’s Rating - 1/5

Of Time and the City (12A) What has to be for my money, the best film of the year so far, is Terence Davis’ tender, delicate, utterly charming portrait of Liverpool. Using mostly archive footage, what Davis manages to achieve is at times a hilarious, but beautifully melancholic expression of his childhood, and past memories of rows of streets, tall buildings that grow over time and his longstanding conflict with the church. What is remarkable about this docudrama is that it feels like a nostalgic experience without ever feeling like it’s being pompous or wallowing. The narration is very lyrical and comforting you feel like you are in the presence of a parent who is not boring you for a second. The aesthetic of the community had a profound effect on me, that I was touched by how everything changed. Through style and narration it relates to another great film that was released this year called My Winnipeg, where all the events are portrayed like a graceful stage play, but at the same time it feels like a cinematic experience…and rightly so. Don’t knock the black-and-white exterior until you see what a treat Of time and the City is projected on the screen. Ollie’s rating - 5/5

24 Claire recently watched Quantum of Solace, Verdict? - Daniel Craig can be her Bond any day!

W. (15) Oliver Stone over the ages has been known for his highly political stance on films and has had his fair share of intriguing, but ultimately flawed presentations on many issues. Such examples include Platoon in which ends up being too melodramatic for his own good, or JFK, which was ponderous beyond all words. Sometimes, I feel that Oliver Stone has a load of heavy issues to deal with that are poorly illustrated. W. (which I had high hopes for after his vastly underrated Nixon in 1995) leaves us with both a shallow presentation with issues that are raised, but ineffectively brought to the table. The film starts with George W. Bush (disturbingly accurate impersonation by Josh Brolin), standing in front of a baseball field, lifting his arms in front of a huge empty stand. Straight away, you feel that there was meant to be some depth in both the characters and the main subject. But in fact, the film goes on jumping inconveniently between important areas of Bush’s life that you begin to wonder why there was any need to touch with them in the first place. The trailer was enough for me to know that George was an impudent jackass with admirable ambitions for meaning in this world. Yeah, what’s new? Whatever political implication you may have of this film, there is certainly enough to easily target Bush as a food-stuffing fool of a man. Whether it’s through many of his uproarious phrases or his use of nicknames. However, I don’t think of the film as a serious examination, when the audience are all the more satisfied at seeing George as a two-dimensional loon. I partly feel that it is why it is just the wrong time for anyone to take him seriously and humanise him as such.

Frock me? Frock you! By Jamie Grey Frock Me, T4 Sundays Frock Me is C4’s latest foray into all things youth-oriented featuring clotheshorse-to-the-stars Alexa Chung and fashion-designer-du-jour (apparently) Henry Holland. This day-glo extravaganza explores everything that’s chic, happening and shaking in the world of music and fashion. From talking to funkily-attired chic freaks on the street to jabbering to fashionistas on the sofa, Alexa, Henry and their supporting cast of stitchers fill a 40 minute slot on C4’s T4 Hangover TV cavalcade. Poor, dear Alexa - she looks so bored. And I have no clue where they found Henry but for god’s sake I hope he tailors better than he presents. A la Blue Peter, they get a few randoms in the studio to hack apart old clothes to make beautiful statement pieces - but a hacked apart Primark tee does not a ballgown make. But the final segment of the show where they fling the poor bunnies down the catwalk to the strains of some electro ensemble is always worth watching. It’s all rather well thought out - it’s zeitgeist-y, it’s funky and so achingly shallow I feel I should give heavily to charity just to make up for the damage it’s done to my soul. But if you’re into all things high-street and making your own intriguing creations, give it a go. Having been rather rude about this programme (I do apologise) I actually quite enjoy it - watch it with a hangover and get your weekend anger out of the way early on. Verdict: Frock off.

I think it is kind of admirable for someone like Oliver Stone to try and approach the subject without malice, but in the end there is no significance with this film, that sets it apart from a TV docudrama. The cheap use of montage with many moving images of the conflict in Iraq while Bush was making his ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech, I think shows the film is struggling to come to terms with the emotional engagement it most thoroughly needs. If anything, this is nowhere near as emotionally effective as a portrait of an historical figure as Nixon was. I think Josh Brolin is adequate, but there is not nearly enough for him to chew on to make him have depth in his portrayal. Anthony Hopkins portrayal of a slobbering Nixon (which is Anthony Hopkins’ best performance to date) was strangely very heartfelt while at the same time performing as a man who strived on power and did whatever he could to retain it. In W., there is just not enough and too little for a film that goes on for more than two hours. Overall, it does feel rushed, and whether the accusations of getting this film out before the American election are true, the film needs several re-cuts, before it could at least have structure. Ollie’s Rating - 2/5

k c o r

! f f o

f

Got a film review you wanna let out? Why not contact our Film Editor and voice your opinion!

fi[email protected]

25

Literature

Get those creative juices flowing....

The Deadly By Sean Jones,

Eng Lit w/ Creative Writing He wanders down the street Filled with his own sin He is the first Who glorifies himself The body is a temple So they say His is tacky, Sacrelige personified Too many add-ons Steroids, dyed hair, To name but a few Clinging on to a time Which should simply be remembered The second gazes at him Green flash He loathes the first For no true reason Lacking in himself Without the will to take control Of his own mistakes Piteous vulture Before long his eyes wonder on to the third She turns away from him And eyes the first He might pay well If she plays her cards right Not like the others Only a measly 300 in her pocket When shes worth triple that The first and third

Their eyes meet But the first is too good for her He tells himself And then the fourth distracts A hideous creature Once a man However too many e-numbers Saturated fats Sugars To name but a few of his daily poisons Has shaped his flesh Into something grotesque The first, second and third Are one in their disgust For a second he glances at the third But he sees it in her eyes The second for once in this story Sees himself as pious in comparison The fifth has no time To pay attention to the fourth His eyes His manhood More importantly, his wallet (Almost as swollen as the fourth) Are focused on the third He ignores the second’s stare He pushes past the first Who, of course, has no time for him anyhow And whispers in the thirds ear Whilst waving presidents faces Under her nose

Urgent Appeal: Literature Section in need of Loving writers to adopt the page. Creative, Sassy,Thoughtful and Quirky. Apply Within [email protected]

26

All five pay no heed to the sixth And he pays no heed to them A sad little thing Stuffed away in the corner of an alley Addicted to destructive potions The tell-tale holes in his arm Give it all away In his haze he fails As usual To notice the final figure His eyes burn Red, not green for this man Due to lessons from zealots He sees the six for who they are And in his mind, nay his hear Believes he is righteous That his soul is clean and pure Yet, the misplaced rage that guides him The gun he grips The explosives strapped to him Give him away as the seventh A man, unknown, a John Doe Once said, That there was one “on every street corner” He was so close to the grave reality In fact on this day, And many days like it They are all converged on the self-same corner And all, due to the seventh figure Are going to be remembered On that self-same corner.

27

SCORPIONS SCORCH COMPETITION!

Surrey Rows to Victory By Christoph Mathers

By J Pugh

S

he University’s Ultimate Frisbee team, the “Surrey Scorpions”, recently became the best team in the south east by winning the BUCS qualifier in Leyton, London. The team finished the weekend undefeated with an excellent points difference after seeing off the challenge of all the regions teams including teams from the Universities of Brunel, Portsmouth, Sussex and Imperial. The previous best for the club was 2nd place last year – which lead to a final position of 14th at BUCS Nationals. The team are looking into improve on last years performance and hope to break the dominance of the Scottish and Midlands teams. The squad is growing year on year and this resulted in a 12th place finish for the 2nds and a 24th place finish for the 3rds. The results for the weekend demonstrate the dominance of the teams: Reading 4 – Surrey 8, Roehampton 0 – Surrey 12, Kings College 3 – Surrey 8, UCL 2nds 0 – Surrey 9. In the Semi final, they beat the Sussex Mohawks 6-5 and then took Imperial apart in the final 8-3. The firsts were Ed Simpson, Mike Turner, Jon Francombe, Louise Davey, Murray Hughes, Joe Glass, Tom Pierce and Jon Pugh. We train at 2pm on Wednesdays on NatWest field, come along and have a go at the sport!

urrey celebrated finishing 2nd behind a combined Loughborough/Gloucestershire university team in the head of the river small boats head competition. The competition included 110 teams including university teams. Overall Surrey ended up 40th on the day 4 seconds behind 38th place Loughborough. The crew consisting of Stacy Gwilliam, Charlotte Essex, Sarah Bell and Lucia Dessy were said to be “chuffed”. Well done girls keep up the good work!

SURREY RUGBY ON THE UP! By Christoph Mathers (VP Sports)

T

Bouncing for Breast Cancer! By Claire Loveridge - Club Secretary 2007 -2009

O

T

he Rugby club 1s and 2s and women’s section recently celebrated 3 wins from their 3 games on the 12 November off the back of some difficult times off the pitch. The mens 1’s, who are consistently performing well, led by captain Alan Monkhouse showed local rivals Kingston University how to play aggressive and dominating rugby by beating them 31:15. The mens 2’s FINALLY got their first win of the season beating a resilient St Georges team 10:7, with the last try landing within the last 2 minutes of the game. The captain Chunderkat (Alex Tsang) commented that the result was “better than sex” – Although stressed that leaving it a little late to score shows a lot more work needs to be done in training. The best result of the day has to be the fantastic result of the womens section who with only 12 ladies beat a full strength Sussex side 8:5. The Rugby club is on the up and up and with such an exciting time to get involved, why not come on down to training at the Varsity on Sundays from 1 for the mens, and Monday from 7 for the ladies. Keep up the good work all involved with Surrey Rugby!

28

n Sunday November 9th 2008, the trampoline club did a sponsored bounce to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign. In an hour and a half, we collectively completed over 2030 moves, including summersaults, straddles, bounce rolls and swivel hips. Everyone did really well, and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who took part, sponsored and donated. I would also like to thank my partner and club chairman Darryl Tott for his help and support, and Jess Rozario for organising a cake sale. The support has been huge! So far we have raised over £350, and we still have sponsorships to collect! There will be a collection bucket on the Unisport front desk if you wish to donate. A big thank you to everyone!!

The squad during the bounce

University of Surrey Gliding Club “Come fly with us”

Steve and his No1 fan at River Sports Day

Join us and get one free flight each week! For more information and to book, visit: www.ussu.co.uk/gliding Picture of the month:

Lasham airfield sprinkled with snow.

Has your sports club achieved something you want to shout about? Why not email the sports desk... [email protected]

The S.H.A.G that hits the spot a target at 100 yards is great fun especially with an English longbow, however not so much fun in the rain. he Stag Hill Archery Group enjoyed roaring success at their indoor Another event that the club has access to is field shooting which entournament hosted at the University of Surrey on the 25th of Octo- tails running around woodland with bows shooting at 3D animals such ber, the club under the new presidency of Matthew Brown took home as an 8 foot elephant, which I am proud to admit I missed. This year medals in most events most notably winning the team competition for the team is looking to take part in more activities. The club encourages bows and talents of all levels, from the recurve bows with sights recurve, male and female barebow as well as longbow. For the last few weeks the committee of the Stag Hill Archery Group and long rods to compounds with their pulley technology, to the more have been working hard on hosting the club’s first own indoor tour- traditional barebows, nament, inviting teams from around the country, including university longbows and Mongolian bows. clubs --- most notably Oxford -- -and also public clubs from around the Should you think you are the next Robin Hood, or indeed want to try Southern Counties. Even some of our members’ family came down to something new, may we invite you down to the sports hall on Saturdays join in the fun! With over ninety archers taking part the competition at 1pm until 4.30, when we clear off down Channies. was close, but for the last few weeks the team have been training hard; training which paid off. Special note should be given at this point to the novice team who conducted themselves very well in their first competition, even taking home some medals. With the help and coaching of GB archery paralympian Alan Wood, the team is hoping to continue its success throughout the year with a busy calendar of regional competitions, working up to the big end-of-season tournaments such as the BUCS Indoor Championships, at which all university teams compete against each other. Stag Hill has high hopes for medals here again this year, to build on last year’s successful haul. The archery club here at Surrey participates in a variety of outdoor shooting helped by its partnership with local archery club GAC (Guildford Archery Club) who have outdoor facilities which our members For more information, make the most of. From a personal experience, trying to hit contact us at [email protected].

By Alex Reid

T

29

30

We hope you enjoyed reading this brand new issue of

Want to get involved? Want to contribute an article? How about a photo? Or maybe you want to find your sweetheart? Why not email us: Editor: [email protected] News: [email protected] Features: [email protected] Societies: [email protected] Sports: [email protected] Music: [email protected] Literature: [email protected] Film: fi[email protected] Books: [email protected] Science: [email protected] Marketing: [email protected]

The Stag is an editorially indepedent newspaper and is published by the University of Surrey Student’s Union Media Hub. The views expressed in the paper are those of individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor or her team, the Student’s Union or the University of Surrey. Printed by Surrey and Berkshire Media Limited Stoke Mill House, Woking Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1QA The Stag reserves the right to edit submissions. Please direct all enquiries to the relevant section editors.

31

Look out for the next issue of The Stag It is here to stay!

32