The Stag - Issue 65

Newspaper of the students of the University of Surrey
Issue 65 Monday 25th November 2013
The Hysterical Literature series sees if vibrators can enhance a reading experience... Page 25
NEWS Police spying on student unions? Recent footage shows a policeman trying to recruit a student to spy on activists... Page 4 FILM Swanberg Interview Sophia Field chats with the director of Drinking Buddies... Page 20 FEATURES Its Chriiiiistmaaaaas!!!!! Are you drawing a blank on what to get for secret santa? find a handy guide on... Page 9 OPINION & ANALYSIS Death of the Paperback Are e-readers killing off the paperback, and if so, why should we care... Page 7 SCIENCE & TECH Quantum Computing If youve ever wondered what it is, or how it works, or why people are talking about it, read... Page 14 MUSIC The Stag meets Ooberfuse James Campbell interviews the songwriting duo, and you can also find a review of their new EP... Page 18 SOCIETIES Coppafeel! The charity for breast cancer awareness wants you to join in... Page 28
Find out how to drink for less at the union. Our price per unit guide is inside!
UNIVERSITY HIDES NEWSPAPER

By Alex Smith, Editor
tudent Ambassadors helping at the open day on November 20th were asked to the remove copies of The Stag from view of prospective students and parents to ensure they left with a positive impression. The Students Union, who publish the newspaper, were not informed of the move until sabbatical officers found the Ambassadors removing the newspapers from the Students Union offices. The Stag were then informed of the situation by the University of Surrey Students Union.
Contact was then initiated between The Stag and Amanda Hargreaves from University Recruitment and Admissions, who initiated the temporary removal of the newspapers. An agreement was reached in which copies of The Stag would be returned across campus, but there would be a delay in returning the newspaper to the School of Management. HRH the Duke of Kent was visiting Surrey that day for his annual address to the university. The Stag asked the University for comment on the situation and
Mark Barlow, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions, said: Wednesday was a really busy day on campus with many potential students and parents around for an Open Day. As with all events of this nature, we were keen to leave our visitors with a positive impression of our Institution.
not want first-time visitors to leave campus with a view of the University that would be disproportionate, given the many positive and wonderful things that happen here.
It was felt that, the front page of The Stag newspaper may have caused concern and, whilst the front page article was an important report for the existing University community of a very tragic incident, we did
Not only this, but we were conscious that the front page could prompt difficult questions from our visitors to the Student Ambassadors and we were reluctant to put them in an uncomfortable position, when a number of them had already expressed concerns about the impact Continued on page 3...
Inside: Christmas is Coming
Alcohol & Lots of it
Campus Live!
UoS
EDITORIAL
The Stag|25th November 2013
editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk
NUS DELEGATE ELECTIONS

By Hannah Waterhouse, Union Chair
Editor|Alex Smith editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk Editor-in-Chief| Andy Smith ussu.editor@surrey.ac.uk Deputy Editor (Head of Design) | Paul A Richmond design@thestagsurrey.co.uk Design Team | Rebekkah Hughes, Siobian Harris, Sophia Field Deputy Editor (Marketing) | Nicole Vassell marketing@thestagsurrey.co.uk Marketing Team | Vacant News Editor | Shunayna Vaghela news@thestagsurrey.co.uk News Team | Katie Sands, Rachel Weaver Opinion & Analysis Editor | Sam West opinion@thestagsurrey.co.uk Opinion & Analysis Team | Robin Horsfall, Ibrahim Sarwar, Dan Davidson, Ting Wei Features Editor | Rebekkah Hughes features@thestagsurrey.co.uk Features Team | Sophie Dyer, Alex Watts, Jas Smith, Samantha Bradbury, Ardy Cheung, Saskia Parks, Khan Baykaner Science and Technology Editor | Siobhan Harris sciencetech@thestagsurrey.co.uk Science and Technology Team | James Lake, Laurence Stant, Melissa Raske, Phil Main, Rebecca Hillard, Fahmid Chowdhury, Ankur Banerjee, Ben Hartfield Societies Editor | Alice Wilkinson societies@thestagsurrey.co.uk Societies Team | Rachel Ryan, Jack Hill, Calvin Jor, Antonia Gill Dance and Theatre Editor | Amy McGivern dancetheatre@thestagsurrey.co.uk Dance and Theatre Team | Tiffany Stoneman, Freya Poole, Abi Oscroft Film Editor | Sophia Field film@thestagsurrey.co.uk Film Team | Chijim Onyemenam, Arran Coe, Hayden Lloyd Music Editor | Candice Ritchie music@thestagsurrey.co.uk Music Team | James Campbell, Leo Blanchard Literature Editor | Shiri Shah literature@thestagsurrey.co.uk Literature Team | Emma Hawken Sports Editor | Santiago Avils Sport@thestagsurrey.co.uk Sport Team | Web Editor | Alistair Walker webmaster@thestagsurrey.co.uk
ach year, students at the University of Surrey vote on who they would like to represent them at the NUS National Conference, this year scheduled for the 8th, 9th and 10th of April, and held in Liverpool. With voting opening in just a few short weeks, its time for everyone to start thinking about the election. But, first things first Im in my fourth year of studying at the University of Surrey, and yet if you asked me who NUS were, I probably wouldnt have been able to give a very good description - except maybe to tell you that they offer a rather good student discount card. From speaking to my housemates when writing this article, it seems Im not alone. So, for the sake of clarity, NUS is the national representative body for students, and is there to speak on our behalf on all things concerning higher education. NUS is formed from 600 students unions, amounting to more that 95% of all higher and further education unions in the UK, and representing over seven million students. The University of Surrey Students Union is affiliated with the NUS, and as part of this affiliation we send a delegation of student representatives to NUS conferences, where the policy of the national union is determined. The biggest influence on NUS policy that students can have is the annual NUS National Conference, where policy motion proposals, amendments and political discussions make up the vast majority of this three day conference. That equates to roughly 26 hours of debating and voting on motions. For some people that
might sound terrible, others may think its a fantastic opportunity; hopefully everyone reading this will recognise that it is an absolutely essential stage in putting what students what at the heart of education. Surrey can send up to five delegates to this conference, one of which has to be the Students Union President, Em Bollon. The remaining four delegate spaces will be decided by a campus-wide election kicking off in just a few short weeks. If youre considering running, here is all the information you need to know. You can submit your nomination from Monday 25th November up until 5pm on Thursday 5th December, using the form on the USSU website. Five supporting nominations are required for each candidate, so get thinking about which friends youd like to support your campaign. Whilst there is no campaigning budget for this election, candidates are able to submit an A5 manifesto which will be printed in the next edition of the Stag. Voting opens at midnight on Thursday 12th December and closes the following day at 5pm. When it comes to casting your vote, each student will be sent an email with a unique link which will take you directly to the voting page. It only takes a couple minutes, and every vote counts. If you have any queries about the election, you can email ussu.chairperson@surrey.ac.uk for more information. Alternatively, keep an eye out on the Unions Facebook and Twitter pages, as theyll be updated with more election information nearer the time. Good luck candidates, make Surrey proud.
Nicole Vassell - Deputy Editor & Head of Marketing
i readers! Im Nicole, and Im the Deputy Editor for Marketing at The Stag. My job is to make sure that we spend our money on important things like actually PRINTING the paper - and to ensure that The Stag gets all the attention it deserves, on-campus and elsewhere. Im currently a final year English
Literature with Creative Writing student which means that a lot of the time Im in the library, reading. Surprising, right? This is my third year on The Stag team, and its been great seeing how much its grown. By the way, this year Ive been given the job of organising the team Christmas meal how exciting!
Paul A Richmond - Deputy Editor & Head of Design
ve always wondered if anybody actally bothers to read these introductions from the staff at the paper. I once had a conversation with a previous editor, who suggested that if he wrote a letter from the editor in complete gibberish that no one would notice, because no one would read it. In truth I have no idea if he ever did this because I never read it either. However, seeing that you (dearest
reader) have been so good as to read this far you shall be rewarded with a joke: How do you make an octopus laugh? You give it ten tickles! If youre interested in designing for The Stag, we could always use more help, email me on: Design@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Letter from the Editor
The Stag is an editorially independent newspaper and is published by the University of Surrey Students Union. The views expressed in the paper are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the educational team, the Students Union or the University of Surrey. Trinity Mirror (South) 8 Tessa Road, Reading RG1 8NS The Stag reserves the right to edit all submissions and the right to decide which articles are published.
roblems are an unusual phenomenon which is described accurately enough by Sods Law and the acronym WTF. My job as Editor can essentially be described as trying to solve these problems so that the newspaper can go out - and yes, we also write about a wide variety of problems which more often than not dont affect us. Although in the last couple of weeks there have been some problems which directly affect the running of the newspaper, and for the most part, theyve been from the University. As you may have read on the front page, the universitys recruitment and applicants department decided to try and remove our students newspaper from campus, so that parents and applicants didnt see the front page. Although it wasnt the nicest of news for visiting parents to read, I believe that in a free and fair world it is still wholly and morally wrong for
the University to try and hide news about themselves. A free press should be able to publish the good news along with the bad. Watch films like The Lives of Others and its that freedom, the freedom of speech and the right to hold governing bodies accountable, which made so many people either escape to the west or write articles and smuggle them out so that they can actually get published. Holding them accountable then ensures that the governance are motivated to stop these problems from happening again. In this case they tried to hide news of the student death shouldnt reporting of the event encourage the university to better-fund the Centre for Wellbeing to ensure students have the support they need? Instead of hiding the news, I think the university as a hole should be focusing on remedying the situation, solving the problems instead of brushing them under the carpet.
News Editor: Shunayna Vaghela
NEWS
University hides papers

Continued from page 1... this would have on the Applicant Day. We are sorry that we didnt have time on the day to consult The Stag about this decision but the papers were returned to the locations as soon as the event came to an end and a discussion took place with the Editor to explain the situation. I am very happy to have a further conversation to discuss this if required. Issue 64 was a sombre yet popular issue among students and has been received well among students who engage with the union. Following the incident, the Editor of the newspaper said: The Stag is a newspaper written by students, for students and represents countless hours of work by our volunteers reflecting the news - good and bad that affects students on and off campus. Had the university approached us and asked if this was acceptable, I may have been more reasonable. However, as I had to make contact with them to ask why this action was taken, I was not in a position to be as accommodating. We agreed that the papers would be returned immediately. I then spent the next few hours ensuring our newspapers were returned, although I found none, and then distributed the remaining copies of the newspaper personally, as I had already done this time last week. The President of the Students Union could not give comment in time for print.
Surrey Spin-out Company Wins Satellite Navigation Competition
Eduardo Hulshof
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University of Surrey spin-off company named ManagePlaces has been dubbed the UK 2013 winner of the European Satellite Navigation Competition. ManagePlaces is made up of ex-Surrey students, as well as current Surrey PhD students. They have developed a project management tool enabling remote teams to work together. So far its been predominantly used for conservation projects and event to track endangered tigers in India. This tool was chosen by space industry heads as the most promising new UK business using satellite data. The tool is used by wildlife park managers to host geo-tagged uploads from mobile devices and sensors in
conversation work, and alongside a crowds-sourced tiger stripe recognition system developed by Tiger Nation to involve the public in conservation work in India. Developed in Surrey, ManagePlaces, was announced as the UK winner of the European Satellite Navigation Competition at a global awards ceremony in Munich. The runner up in the UK Category was TeamSurv, another crowd sourced system. The UKSNC is part of a global competition aimed at stimulating new innovations in satellite navigation for use in technologies like smart phone apps and location-based services. 722 business ideas from around the world were put before judging panels in over 25 countries, of which 93 were from the UK, the highest number for any single territory.
ManagePlaces founder Georgios Michalakidis said: Whilst never intended as a conservation tool, since going to market we have had many different industries approach us with a need that we can now cater for. ManagePlaces was founded in 2009 by data analysts and Computing PhD students Georgios Michalakidis, Aaron Mason and Alfie Simmons following funding from University of Surrey and the Technology Strategy Board. As the new UKSNC champions, ManagePlaces will receive 5,000 in cash and the same amount again in business support including office space, patent advice, and introductions to industry partners and funding opportunities.
45
JUS
EVERY MORNING
and enjoy your 10th cup of Chancellors ORIGINAL Costa Coffee absolutely FREE! EPONA UNIVERSITY
Pick up a Chancellors Club Loyalty Card
NEWS
news@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Covert film shows police spying on Students Unions

By Katie Sands, News Team
student has released secretly recorded footage of a meeting between himself and a covert police officer. The footage allegedly shows the officer recruiting him to go undercover in Cambridges Student Union and spy on student activists. The officer intended the student to monitor political campaigners at the university and report back for money. Video footage reveals the officer saying that it is impossible for an undercover policeman to infiltrate the Student Union, so they needed student informers to feed back information. The student was asked to collect data such as the names of students protesting, the number plates of activists vehicles, and the organising of protests on Facebook. The officer claimed he needed this information to monitor the protests, so the
police force can send out the right number of officers to respond to demonstrations. When prompted, the officer confirmed that groups such as Cambridge Defend Education, who protest against tuition fees and education cuts, are the type of group they were interested in monitoring. Rachael Wenstone, NUS deputy president, commented This revelation is an absolute scandal these measures completely undermine students civil liberties, their right to protest, and to work collectively to improve society. We now need to know just how widespread this practice is. The IPCC seriously need to investigate this and put an end to these practices. There has been no further comment on the incident.
NUS responds to HMRC crackdown on unpaid internships

By Rachel Weaver, News Team
Open Generation Project

By Shunayna Vaghela, News Editor
he NUS has commented on HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)s new scheme to ensure young interns are being properly paid. The scheme is designed to stop the exploitation of young people who are keen to get into work. While the NUS recognise that work experience is a valuable opportunity to gain new skills and develop your career. They express concern that unpaid internships provide further difficulty to finding employment. The Vice President of Society and Citizenship, Dom Anderson commented, unpaid internships are illegal when they dont comply with national minimum wage legislation and all
too often create barriers for those people who cant afford for to work for weeks, and in some cases months, without pay. The NUS believe that unpaid internships are exploiting enthusiastic and talented young people who desire to work. Anderson stated that the NUS wants to put a stop to the prevailing culture that expects young people to work for free in order to get into employment. The new scheme will carry out targeted checks of 200 employers who are advertising internships to ensure that they are paying the national minimum wage. The NUS show their full support, A fair days work always deserves a fair days pay.
ecently, the Mirgrants Rights association have launched the Open Generation project in partnership with UNISON and the NUS. The project aims to provide a platform for the viewpoints of younger people (aged 16-32) on the issues of Europe, migration and free movement. The key element of this work will be a public, conference-type event, to take place in April 2014. By this date the political campaign for the election of Members of the European Parliament will be well underway and it is anticipated that the EUs
policies on immigration and the free movement of people will be a hot topic of the public discussion. The event involves working with five filmmakers who are currently developing 5 short films touching upon several topics that are usually debated in the mainstream media. Including issues such as; immigration in the workplace, migrants in schools, diversity as a value in big and smaller cities. The project aims to challenge some nationalistic points of view with a more global perspective. These five films will be screened for the first time during the April event and
they will be instantly shareable through all social media platforms. The London event will be streamlined in three other locations across the UK. In January, ahead of the event, a website gathering viewpoints of young people from across the UK on diversity and free movement will be launched. They will be inviting anyone who wishes to give their opinions to submit a 30 sec to 1 min video. More information about the project can be found at www.migrantsrights. org.uk
Funeral held for Christopher Chai

The President of the Students Union and the Vice Chancellor of the university were in attendance.
he funeral of the student who died in a Manor Park woods, Christopher Chai, was held on Friday in Tooting, South London.
OPINION & ANALYSIS
opinion@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Opinion & Analysis

The Argument for Proportional Representation
Sam West - Opinon & Analysis Editor
ello readers! My name is Sam West and I am your Opinion and Analysis editor. I am a final year law student originally from North London. I was a regular writer for section last year, but have taken a step up this year. I am a strong believer in individuality, whether it be writing styles, opinions, or analytical takes. Although editing will be involved, such as for mistakes and errors, I want my main role to be the protector of the freedom of speech. Please contribute towards this freedom and individuality today by sending articles to the email.
Welcome Week at University

Robin Horsfall
Rajan Manickavasagam
representation to these parties in parliament, also including the SNP, BNP, Plaid Cymru, English Democrats, and Respect. Whether you agree with their policies or not, it is only democratic to give rightful representation to parties based upon the percentage of votes they reach. Under a proportional system, every vote counts. This would allow the public to vote freely for whichever candidate or party that best fits their views. It can only be democratic to represent all political opinions, allowing the public to truly express their views. After all, democracy means rule of the people; demo meaning people and cracy meaning rule. Of course there was the Alternative Vote referendum in 2011, yet this was nothing but a weak compromise. Not only did the system lack proportionality, but it was a nightmare to explain, being impossible to do so in one sentence. In addition, AV is very undemocratic, going against the principle of one person, one vote due to some ballot papers being counted multiple times. A proportional element is definitely needed in national politics in Britain. Although constituency MPs are still fundamental for local representation and accountability, there is no reason why a certain proportion of MPs cannot be elected by a proportional system in the House of Commons. Perhaps there is a better argument for proportional representation in the House of Lords. Despite some benefits, the House of Lords remains a somewhat corrupt institution with appointments often given to large party donors, who do not act on the interest of the British public. Whether it be appointed peers or hereditary peers, neither are elected officials. In a democratic society, it is completely unacceptable for a legislative chamber to be unelected. Although there is much political resistance to electoral reform, largely from the two main parties which control the system, a proportional component is the only way forward. It is the only way to address the democratic deficit in the UK, giving full representation to all parties and making sure that every vote counts!
Sam West
or those of you unaware, our current voting system is called First-Past-The-Post (FPTP). In this system, the candidate or party with the most votes in a particular seat, win the seat. This means a candidate or party can win a seat even if they attain less than 50% of the vote. However, FPTP does not work in the United Kingdom and is highly undemocratic. The majority of MPs are often elected with less than 50% of the vote, such as Simon Wright, the Liberal Democrat who won Norwich South in 2010 with a mere 29% of the vote! FPTP is excellent in two-party systems, where the vast majority of parties and candidates win with around 50% of the vote or more. This can be seen in the United States, such as in the 2012 presidential election, where Obama won with 51% of the vote. Likewise, every single state voted 50% or more for one of the two candidates, either Obama or Romney. However, here in the UK, our two-party system is practically dead. People are increasingly alienated by the main parties and instead want more of a choice. Our two-party system is very old and tired, because here in the UK, it does not work! It is time to modernise our politics and move forward with democracy. We shouldnt feel forced to vote for a party just because they are a lesser evil. Instead we should have proportional representation or at least some element of it in our national politics! Proportional representation means that a party will win a proportion of seats based on their proportion of the vote. The current system is very unfair. In the 2010 UK general election, the Liberal Democrats won 23% of the vote, yet only 9% of the seats. UKIP won 3% of the vote, yet 0% of the seats. The Green won 1% of the vote, yet only 0.2% of the seats. Proportional representation would give a higher
Welcome week at University otherwise known as freshers week is a party; this presumption is made from the stories that disseminate down from former students. The stories concentrate on the more exciting activities: parties, drinking alcohol, living in student accommodation and generally breaking free from all forms of authority. This freedom when indulged, often results in excessive spending and excessive consumption, clubs and societies are joined without considering available time and available money. The demands of a degree course are put aside temporarily for the temptations of acquiring a wonderful body in the gym, becoming editor of the campus newspaper, or just hanging out with attractive members of the opposite or same sex. The freshman or fresher assumes a style of dress to establish him or herself as a member of this new community; usually drab, dark and relaxed with the odd embellishment to try to show some individuality. Clothes are clean because they have been washed, ironed and packed by proud mothers. A general deterioration is expected to set in as the weeks advance. Welcome week also signifies another purpose which is to prepare students for their courses. Once established on campus with a room, a key, a bed and a student card, the new undergraduate is unable to find the buildings, floors, rooms and facilities that are on the maps provided. These difficulties become exaggerated by an inability to allow extra time between rising from sleep, collecting the correct
materials, travelling, parking and finding the theatre in which enlightenment will be provided. Instructional seminars are constantly interrupted by polite, shy individuals creeping into the room hoping not to be glared at. The transition from 6th Form College to University is as from youth to adult; there is a tendency to stand in corridors and wait to be told to enter, to remain silent instead of asking questions and a creditable determination to manage without the help of others. Large groups sit or stand in various venues attempting to absorb large amounts of information veiled in a terminology akin to a foreign language. Students follow one another, joining queues, completing forms and hoping the confusion will become clearer if only they can manage to retain the security of the group. The confusion does clear and the campus does become navigable, friendships start to become established and with those friendships comes support; support to get up in time, support to find classrooms and enough confidence to ask for help. Welcome week ends with a party that includes retailers who want new students to establish an overdraft with Sandbarcwest Bank and eat at Macburgchicken; encouraging students to get stuck in, to feel the joy, and to part with their student loan, in effect to consume! Words that mean freedom or career to some represent only the opportunity of profit to others. Welcome week is informative, welcoming, fun and exciting; ideologically it might also be the abuse of a group of young people who are in possession of borrowed funds that once spent will be replaced by long suffering parents.
Opinion & Analysis Editor: Sam West
OPINION & ANALYSIS
The Death of the Paperback Debating Debating

Ibrahim Sarwar
ne of my all-time favourite examples of a dystopian novel is Fahrenheit 451. In actual fact, it is one of my favourite books of all time because of the issue that it deals with; the death of the written word. As a lover of literature I have found myself from an extremely young age with a book in my hands, and a peaceful silence that can only be found in the comfort of losing oneself in an enthralling tale. I was often nestled away furiously turning page after page of the latest adventure I could get my hands on. In those moments my imagination came to life and in those moments I became part of any escapade that my greedy eyes could feast on. Now, I understand that the world is changing and I am more than welcoming to how the smartphone, laptop, and tablets have changed our world for the better. One thing that irks me however is the e-reader. It is as if someone has taken a syringe and drawn out the culture and majesty from a book, and left us with
a cold technological slab. I understand that this view may be pretentious, old fashioned even, but I cannot help it. A book to me is like a person telling a story, it is always better when it is older and slightly worn. Better still when you can tell that the book has passed through the hands of countless others who have enjoyed the same story as you, each in their own personal way. The scent and feel of the pages is incomparable, and as much as the e-reader tries to mimic a book it can never actually be one. In a world where I have heard the phrase I dont think I have read a book out of choice more than a few times, I am already losing hope for the future generation. I for one will ensure that my children read some of the many books I have and will collect throughout my life. I feel that I owe it to them to let them experience one of the most enjoyable aspects of my life, and hope that this e-reader business is a passing fad. If the future means that libraries are replaced with online cloud storage, and books become a file ready to be downloaded, then I will be content to be called a dinosaur, a fossil or whatever they can think of while I sit in my home surrounded by books.
Why does it matter? Why is it that we place such value upon the art of debating?
Dan Davidson
Debate Society VP
H. P. Filho
f there is one inescapable part of academic life, it is critical discussion. Whether we study the arts, the humanities or the natural sciences, we are expected to be able to scrutinise the views put forward by others and defend our own. The degree of emphasis upon this may vary, but the central expectation does not. It is therefore worth asking ourselves an important question: Why does it matter? Why is it that we place such value upon the art of debating? In many respects, this is a curious question to ask. After all, if it holds such a central position in our day-to-day lives, surely its value would be obvious? Nevertheless, one must bear in mind that oft-repeated challenge made against those who engage in debate: that most people are so set in their ways that no amount of arguing is realistically going to change them, and those who will find the most persuasive force in one's arguments are those already inclined to agree. In other words, it is a common criticism of debating that one is in reality doing little more than preaching to the converted. This criticism has its elements of truth. After all, when we watch a televised debate between, say, a creationist clergyman and an evolutionary biologist over Intelligent Design, it would be incredibly unrealistic to expect the debate to end with one side conceding to the other's argument, regardless of
how intelligently or forcefully it is put. Likewise, it would be unrealistic to expect the majority of the creationist and evolutionist members of the audience to be persuaded to switch sides. In these respects, one could reasonably accuse debaters of only reinforcing the views already held by those who take ones side. Nonetheless, such criticisms of debate overlook two of the most valuable gains to be made from the practice. First, there is the development of ones own views. It is all very well for us to hold beliefs, but it is when we are forced to actively defend them that we are driven to justify them. It is here, in the finding and formulation of reasons for our views that we not only bring a clearer understanding to others of why we hold them, but to ourselves. In this manner, debating becomes as much a vehicle for self-discovery as for imparting knowledge. Second, there is the possibility, however remote, of convincing others to see the world from our perspective. Those who accuse debaters of preaching to the converted overlook how the very word converted indicates a previous shift in belief. In other words, beliefs are ultimately not immutable. It may be true that most will not renounce their held beliefs. Nevertheless, if only one amongst the multitude is led to question what he is used to taking for granted, even if it is only for the briefest moment, a valuable outcome has been produced. Debating therefore deserves its central role in academic life and we should embrace the opportunity to engage in it.
Shellfish Murder? - Should We Find A Balance Between Science And Humanity?

Ting Wei
ecently, the death of a 507-year-old clam caused by a scientific experiment has sparked public criticism. Scientists who sacrificed this living fossil for climate change research were questioned about their inhumane deed. For a clearer observation under the microscope, the scientists opened up the shell, which ended the clams life. Being humane in terms of scientific research means gaining benefits without making other species suffer. Just imagine the earth being occupied by aliens that are
curious about the human brain structure. The aliens may decide to open up the brightest human beings brain, probably leading to death. In my opinion, the dominate species (humankind) should take responsibility to maintain biodiversity, not only for our descendants, but also for other species and what we rely on; the earth. My advice for scientists and scientific institutions are as follows: Firstly, instead of killing the biological samples (accidentally or deliberately), can we spare time for a better approach without bloodshed? For example, scientists perhaps could have used probe-like-equipment to collect tiny particles from the shell, then putting it under a microscope to decode
the pattern of the bands without hurting (opening or cutting) the clam. If the approach is not currently available, do we really need to rush for a result on such a complicated question like climate change? It is also worth mentioning that this clam must have other values in terms of history and/or art. Secondly, have we polarized scientific studies way too much? The motivation for scientific research should not only be about the permanent curiosity about the living environment, but also about the needs of people. Therefore, the gap between scientists working hard all day long in a laboratory, and ordinary people reading newspapers on the tube, should never be too wide. Scientists should never experiment solely
for the sake of experiment and personal achievement, but instead for the benefit of humankind. Similarly, some governments allocate huge funds to train their athletes to win medals in Olympic Games, instead of enhancing infrastructure for the common people. The basis of the Olympic Games has been forgotten, which accentuates health, strength and self-challenge. Therefore, I suggest that scientific researchers should be more transparent to the public, and people should have the right to get involved by any means, as we do in elections. And meanwhile, scientists should be more serious and careful about their decisions, not rushing into things for the sake of science.
FEATURES
features@thestagsurrey.co.uk
World AIDS Day Typhoon Haiyan

by Rebekkah Hughes, Features Editor
Features
No one ever thinks theyll be the 1 in 4

by Sophie Dyer, Features Team
ental illness. Even those two words are enough to make some people lose interest, switch off even. Why would I be bothered about mental illness? Itll never happen to me. But in reality, 1 in 4 people will experience some sort of mental health problem in their lifetime. Its just no one ever thinks theyll be the 1 or 4. But even if its not you, the alarming statistic means you are likely to know at least someone suffering from a mental health issue a colleague, friend or even a family member. Whoever it is, mental illness matters. Despite its frequent nature, mental health still has a significant stigma attached to it a stigma that needs to be shed. Mental illness is not something that anyone should be embarrassed about should you be embarrassed because you have a broken leg? A broken arm? No, no of course you shouldnt. Then why are people made to feel embarrassed because of an illness affecting their brain such as anxiety or depression?
Many of those suffering with a mental illness are shunned by society and labelled as weak. The stigma needs to be discarded. BB3s recent Its a Mad World Season, a series of documentaries about a range of mental health issues that affect young people, is one way of highlighting mental illness. I think its been extraordinary; it means that people, young people in particular, do not need to feel like they are the only ones suffering they are not alone. As well as documentaries in the media, another way that has been used to shed the stigma is personal accounts from individuals that many people aspire to celebrities. Recently, The Saturdays Frankie Sandford spoke to Glamour Magazine about her eight year battle with depression, highlighting one of the most common mental illnesses. Such positive steps need to continue for the stigma to be overcome no one deserves to suffer in silence. For information and advice on mental health issues go to http://www.mind.org. uk. Taken from A little bird told me sdyerblogs.wordpress.com
n average, 8 or 9 tropical storms make landfall in the Philippines each year, and this year is by no means an exception. The gravely unfortunate devastation brought by Super Typhoon Haiyan has left the world in shock after gusts of wind up to 199mph and waves as high as 15m wreaked havoc in the Philippines. Satellite images of the category-5 typhoon show the sheer size of the storm: at times it stretched to 372 miles across the same distance from London to Berlin. The level of destruction brought by a natural disaster of this kind is utterly unfathomable. Images of ruin, damage and disaster quickly flooded the Internet as reports of crisis and appeals for aid made headline news. Typhoon and hurricane are two names for the same weather event, the official terminology for which is a tropical cyclone. A typhoon such as Haiyan is a lowpressure storm. Their formation usually begins close to the equator and travels in a westerly direction building in size and intensity as it progresses. Typhoons form over tropical oceans (where the water temperature is above 82 Fahrenheit) when the air is heated and pushed upwards to create an area of low-pressure below the storm then starts to spiral as a result of the Coriolis effect. As new air swirls in to the low-pressure area this too warms and
rises, generating a cycle of energy called the 'Heat Engine' to fuel the typhoon. If the storm becomes strong enough, the air in the centre will sink rather than rise, causing the famous eye of a tropical cyclone seen in some satellite pictures. The eye is calm and clear as highpressure air flows down into it. It is the area directly surrounding the eye that is the most destructive part of the typhoon. Past years have seen storms in the Pacific region including Super Typhoon Megi, which struck the Philippines in October 2010, with winds reaching 167mph. More recently, Typhoon Bohpa, that was a category-5 storm at landfall similarly to Haiyan, wreaked havoc with 175mph winds with over 1,000 deaths. The death toll for Haiyan looks set to be dramatically higher, at the time of writing 3,631 people have been confirmed dead by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. On top of this, a further 12,487 are injured and 1,187 are officially listed as missing. The effects of such extreme weather are distressing, traumatic and tragic. It is impossible to imagine how the trail of destruction left has totally transformed and ruined thousands of lives. Ultimately, it is catastrophes like Haiyan that implore the world to work together to provide help in any way possible when faced with an unstoppable force, the only power left to us is to support, to rehabilitate and to care.
UNHCR Photo
unday, December 1st is World AIDS Day, marking an opportunity for people around the world to join together in the fight against HIV and AIDS, to support those suffering with the disease and remember those who lost their battle with human immunodeficiency virus. Globally, an estimated 34 million people have HIV with 100,000 of those living in the UK. Much scientific advancement has been made surrounding the disease including Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) that help to manage an illness we previously knew very little about. Despite this, people still do not know the facts about protecting themselves and others from HIV, or appreciate the stigma and discrimination that remains for those living healthy lives with the disease. World AIDS day was the first ever global health day, commencing in 1988, but there is still a long way to go in terms of generating awareness, educating, and tackling unnecessary prejudice. So, its time to learn the facts: HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that attacks the bodys immune system, reducing your bodys defences and making you vulnerable and susceptible to illness. When the immune system is so weak
it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope, one is considered to have AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids most commonly contracted by sex without use of a condom or by sharing infected needles. There is no cure for HIV, but early diagnosis means one can lead a healthy life with the help of treatment to control the disease. The most common treatment for someone diagnosed with HIV early is one or two pills a day which has brought us a long way considering more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died form the virus. There are many people with HIV who find it difficult to articulate that they have the disease, purely down to the myths and misconceptions surrounding it. The National AIDS Trust (NAT) is the UKs leading charity tackling societal misconceptions about HIV. Make sure youre in the know by visiting their website www.hivaware.org.uk/nat.php which provides information on their Be Aware and Act Aware campaigns. You can show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness and support.
Features Editor: Rebekkah Hughes
FEATURES
The Ultimate Childhood Toy
Note from the Section Editor
by Jas Smith, Features Team
hristmas is looming around the corner, and this is the typical time of year for Christmas shopping. I was really impressed with myself this year, as I managed to get all of my shopping done early, until I remembered a few days ago that I havent got anything for my niece, who is 6. So I trawled through countless internet sites looking for the ideal gift. I settled on a Magic Hair Braider, which I think also does friendship bracelets or something like that, which I know shell enjoy. But looking at toys that have come out recently made me think how much childhood toys have changed since I was 6. For example, did you know that Furbys have been given a snazzy makeover? They now come with patterned fur, accessories and even children called Furblings. Thats right; Furbys got it on. The lucky child receiving this alien new Furby can get an app to download on their portable device! Whatever happened to getting a dictionary with your Furby and trying to teach it English? Another new toy to come out in recent years is
the LeapPad Ultra for 199.99. This, to my discretion, appears to be an iPad for kids, which is educational. Also a potty has been created with a built in iPad stand. Potty training age commonly falls between 18 months to 3 years of age. What does a child that young want with an iPad when theyre learning to do number 2? Surely, they have other more important things to be thinking about at that particular time. However, one toy really has stood the test of time. And that toy is Lego. Did you know Lego is now 80 years old? I love Lego as it gives you the opportunity to create worlds. Lego is also compatible with other toys which is great. Homeless teddy bears? Not anymore, now they have a Lego House. Personally, I think this is what Ed Sheeran was on about. Lego is still extremely popular. 7 Lego sets are sold every second. There is enough Lego in the world for each person to have 80 pieces, and the Lego factory is so streamlined that that only 18 out of every million pieces fail to meet company standard. And why? Lego is the ultimate toy. With such a range of styles and colours, theres something for everyone. Just try not to step on them.
he time to start some serious Christmas planning is upon us. Suddenly it seems that finding the perfect Secret Santa gift and setting the date for the house Christmas Party are detrimental to our lives, but were not quite there yet. Towards the end of this month we have World AIDS Day and a chance to reflect on the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan. Christmas provides us with the opportunity to feel joy and love, and such that we should share with others whether that comes in the form of campaigning for and supporting those with incurable disease, or giving to those whose lives have been destroyed by a relentless natural disaster in any way we can, however small. Ultimately, it is the small,
Rebekkah Hughes Features Editor

meaningful gestures that accumulate to become a spectacular feat of our ability as people to pull together and care for one another. So, make yourself a cup of tea (and one for your housemate too) and spare a thought to someone or something who would appreciate that small and caring gesture.
Benjamin Esham
A Christmas Gift Guide

by Samantha Bradbury, Features Team
Heavy Duty, Feeble Mind

The Stags top tips for secret santa stress
by Alex Watts, Features Team
ts that time of year again. When the Christmas adverts start plaguing our TVs, when shops start bringing out the classic Christmas hits, and its also the time of year when we all start to think about the dreaded Christmas shopping. While most of us look forward to the festive season, what we dont look forward too is trekking around the shops, trying to find presents for those awkward people, who insist that they dont want anything for Christmas. Dont panic. This guide of strange but wonderful Christmas gifts is sure to find something suitable at a reasonable price. Around 5 Everyone loves a funny present and the parody book 50 Sheds of Grey at only 5 from Amazon is sure to deliver that comic factor. The short book would make an excellent stocking filler, and though it is not suitable for all, most people over the age of eighteen are sure to find it amusing. Another fantastic gift from Amazon for 5.99 is the Spinning Hat Comic Photo Frame which allows you to transform your holiday snaps into a comic book story. While framed photos are not only inexpensive they can also be very thoughtful and this unique frame would make an excellent Christmas present.
Around 10 The perfect present for your mates who like a good night out is the Test Tube Shooters for just 12.99 from Urban Outfitters. These colourful test tube shot glasses are a great gift and are sure to be used throughout the holiday season. While socks are always a safe bet for a Christmas present, The Sock Exchange Brights and Stripes at 11.88 from amazon offers an excellent twist. The 6 bright mix and match socks are an ideal present for any man with a foot size between 6 and 11. Around 15 For those tea and coffee drinker, you cant go wrong with buying them a travel mug for Christmas. The Photo Travel Mug at 14.99 (not including postage) from truprint.co.uk allows you to add photos to the design. This personalised present is sure to please anyone who receives it. Another excellent gift for a sibling or music lover is the Sound Asleep Pillow from amazon at 16.99. A speaker is built into the pillow which will connect to your mp3 player, allowing you to listen to music whilst youre in bed. Hopefully this guide will have helped you in your quest for reasonably priced Christmas gifts, but if it does come to the 24th December and you still cant find a present for those hard to please people, you can always rely on gift vouchers.
ith a web of gift knowledge as unequipped as a jelly fish on the moon, and with mince pie day approaching quicker than the time required to add the contents of suggested items to your amazon basket, its time to stalk your friends for gift ideas. Having entered the mystic hat of names, you have beheld the responsibility of your much-loved childhood Christmas hero for providing a certain person with the materialistic substance that defines the favourite holiday of the year. Your rapport with previous holidays has struck fear in the ones seeking their own gift giver as much as pens are very useful in times of technological mishap, when received with AIRBUS on the side in a bag similar to those paraded at the freshers fare, any smiles can be deemed to be a disguise of the inner hurt. Therefore, to avoid looking like a Christmas pudding this year, here are a few ideas for your secret Santa present!
1. Head online and get a t-shirt of the favoured television franchise your receiver wont shut up about. Its a great way for them to understand you know their love for zed TV show and provide an opportunity to channel it to others through the power of in-joke intrigue. 2. Every great town has a Poundland, the perfect opportunity to stuff a stocking full of random gifts/ cheap tack that can prove both amusing and useful buy them a spanner and say I saw this and thought of you. Its useful and funny. 3. Buttons of chocolate variety. Everyone loves buttons. Actually, make sure they do like them first and I guarantee it will go down a treat! 4. Have a gander at their poor taste in film and mock them by buying more awful genre related films. Or buy good ones, and then you both win. 5. Irrelevant to gift ideas, for money saving on wrapping paper, use this newspaper. Its free, and you get to recycle how awfully exciting.
10 FEATURES
features@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Thank Ferreros for Christmas!

by Ardy Cheung, Features Team
The Veggie Option

by Saskia Parks, Features Team
ave you noticed all the chocolates in shops lately? Maybe because theyre everywhere! Its coming towards the Christmas month and retailers have gone Christmas crazy and the mountains of chocolate are out to tempt us again. This year, the festive branding is definitely inspiring. I walked into Debenhams a few weeks ago and being a freak for visuals, was bowled over by the biscuit boxes. Come to think of it, I think thats why I even walked into there in the first place to look at biscuit boxes. I know its a retail store but for me it was a gallery of festive creations thats probably why I can go shopping without actually buying The packaging was so creative: boxes designed as vintage radios, nostalgic sweet jars, chocolate trees with all the decorative details, even chocolate Scrabble and Monopoly- a real (sweet) feast for the eyes. I particularly liked the boxes of 3D effects where cookies kind of popped out so pretty I could buy it just for the box. For once, a case where I dont care for the cookies. Of course, when you think of Christmas chocolates, its always the Ferrero Rocher that springs to mind.
The Ferrero Rocher (meaning rocks in French) is of Italian tradition founded by the Ferrero brothers in Alba, 1946, and 20 years later, rolled their way over to the UK (thank Ferrero for that!). Today, they are a true Christmas chocolate icon and I think theres a real elegance to its little golden foils. This year, they are looking pretty impressive as the Ferrero Pyramid. If I could steal the brand I would name it The Fir-rero Tree: Yummier than your fir-tree! much more festive, though this is probably a tad cheesy and I dont think the Ferreros would be happy with the name change. The Pyramid appeared in the famous 1990s advert The Ambassadors Party which you can YouTube if you like really corny music. I appreciate the details of Christmas chocolate brands like this because suddenly, everything is much more sparkly which makes it seem more like Christmas. Chocolate symbolises such happy times from Christmas celebration and Easter joys to sweet Valentines Day, so lets thank nature for our cocoa tree. Well, Im off now to write my letter to Santa- Im sure everybody will be asking for that cookie box so Id better get in there first!
s students were usually trying to do two things, save money and stop getting ill. A great way to accomplish both these things is to go veggie! There are tons of really tasty and cheap veggie dishes out there and some may even
take the place in your hearts that bacon once held. Here is a quick and easy dish to add to your repertoire. This is another great dish to do as a house and if you dont all agree with the idea of tofu you can always cook some chicken as well and use that in its place.
Sweet and Sour Tofu

Serves 3-4 people. Ready in 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium onion chopped 1 red pepper chopped 1 carrot sliced into thin rounds 1 celery stick cut 1 teaspoon of plain flour 225g can pineapple chunks drained and the juice put to one side 125ml apple juice 125ml ketchup 1 tablespoon of soy sauce 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar 350g tofu cubed (Ideally the firm variety) Rice or noodles to serve. 1. Combine the oil onion and pepper in a frying pan and cook for about 3 minutes until just beginning to soften 2. Add the carrot and celery and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes more, stirring often until just tender 3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the reserved pineapple juice, apple juice, ketchup, soy sauce and the teaspoon of vinegar. Mix well, cover and simmer for 5 minutes 4. Gently stir in the pineapple chunks and tofu, cover and cook over a low heat for 3-5 minutes to warm through 5. Time permitting, let it stand, covered, for about 30 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb all the flavours and then reheat gently before serving Serve with rice or noodles. All though tofu may look, feel and even smell slightly scary it is a really great ingredient. Its cheap and easily available at all supermarkets and even the student Union Shop! As well as this, it does a great job of soaking up all the flavours in your dish, making it even more delicious.
Conan
The Bear & The Hare

John Lewis 7 million christmas advert
hether we want to accept it or not, Christmas is coming. Now, dont get me wrong, I love Christmas: the pretty lights, the food, family and (a more recent addition of) the adverts. Everyone loves the Coca-Cola advert which has become almost synonymous with the coming of Christmas, but this year one advert in particular has set some tongues wagging: the John Lewis Christmas advert, The Bear & The Hare. In these heartwarming two minutes, The Bear who had never seen Christmas finally does after his faithful friend The Hare ensures hes there on time. The beautifully animated production is set to a cover of Keanes Somewhere Only We Know by Lily Allen, and has brought a tear or two to many a set of eyes. The 7 million production was painstakingly made using hand-drawn animation and stop-motion sets. Hundreds of individual hand-drawn images were made and physically placed on intricate sets to
Rain Rabbit
create the 2D animals and their movements. The Bear & The Hare is not the first Christmas installment from John Lewis to make waves with the viewing public. Last years The Journey caused a storm with audiences, touched at the dramatic journey of the snowman, going the extra mile to acquire the perfect gift. With the beautiful rendition of The Power of Love by Gabrielle Aplin, this was set to be a winner. And while were reminiscing, we cant forget 2011s advert, The Long Wait. 2011 marked the beginning of John Lewis building their Christmas adverts around a single heartfelt story, and there was nothing better to start with than a little boy who cannot wait for Christmas, not to receive gifts, but so he can give a roughly wrapped present to his mum and dad on Christmas morning. It seems that warm, sincere adverts are the way forward: not only do they provide something a little more engaging than just being sold a product, they demonstrate a bit more Christmas spirit and love.
Conan
Features Editor: Rebekkah Hughes
FEATURES
11
Can you guess which famous science fiction writer wrote for Doctor Who in the 1970s?
Doctor Who At 50
y the time this is published, Im sure many of you will have watched the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who aired on BBC One, as I definitely will have. Unfortunately because I dont hold the powers of prediction, I was unable to write about the episode, so instead I decided on a celebratory piece about the both the longest-running and most successful science-fiction series in history as recognised by the Guinness World Records. First broadcast on Saturday 23rd November 1963, Doctor Who was imagined to be an educational family show, that sat between football results and evening entertainment. After 50 amazing years however, an estimated 80 million viewers spread over 206 countries now watch the series. The Doctor is an alien, and last of the Time Lords. He travels the universe, wandering through time and space, for over 900 years now, with a companion or two to keep him company. The Doctor is the only survivor of Gallifrey and The Last Great Time War. Throughout
CAREERS SERVICE
Sarah Kendall, Hannah Roberts, Alex Tromp Careers Ambassadors
his time he has seen some terrible sights, and fought some terrifying enemies including the likes of Ice Warriors, Vashta Nerada, Weeping Angels and the, classic, Daleks. In light of the prosperous series, I thought Id share five interesting facts about the series; one for each decade: 1. The TARDIS was originally able to take any shape or form, but due to a faulty chameleon circuit, it became stuck as a bright-blue 1960s police call box. 2. Aged 26 when he started, Matt Smith is the youngest ever actor to play the role of the Doctor. 3. Doctor Who employed the BBCs first ever female producer in Verity Lambert. 4. Bill Nighy and Benedict Cumberbatch both turned down the role of the Doctor when offered. 5. Author of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams, was a scriptwriter for Doctor Who in the 1970s. So, there you have it. Hopefully five facts you may not have known to only increase your knowledge of the spectacular series. Time will only tell if Peter Capaldi is up to the job of continuing the legacy.
o were currently in what feels like the most stressful weeks of this first Semester with deadlines having just passed or fast approaching for us all! The Careers Team are still busy putting on a variety of events, workshops and presentations for everyone and have welcomed a number of employers onto campus over the last few weeks including BAE Systems, Astrium and Lidl. We have a variety of events coming up which you may be interested in, including; - Tues 26th Nov - Welcome to My World: Market Research Society - Thurs 28th Nov - Net-A-Porter presentation - Fri 29th Nov Mock interviews with IBM - Mon 2nd Dec - Mock interviews with Mott MacDonald - Tues 3rd Dec - Welcome to My World: I work as an assistant manager with TGI Fridays
Just because Christmas is approaching doesnt mean you can slack with job applications if applications havent closed already, a number of employers close their ones at the end of December. Why not get ahead of the game by thinking about applying to internships or jobs over the University Christmas holidays? Aside from when the University is closed for the Christmas break, the Careers Service will be open throughout December and January. Dont forget, you can also contact the team directly either by telephone on 01483689001or email: careers@surrey.ac.uk. For those interested in information on a variety of careers related topics, our latest newsletter is now available for you to enjoy: http://bit.ly/18657pG Thanks for reading! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surreycareers Twitter: @careerssurrey
Next Gen Console Wars

by Khan Baykaner , Features Team
aybe I've had my head in the sand but lately I've been wondering wheres all the 'console wars' hype? Xbox one and PS4 hit the shelves this month (both launch 29th November in the UK), just in time for that Christmas frenzy, and I have thoroughly failed to be inundated by gaming propaganda. Perhaps there's precious little to get excited about for launch, but here's a quick rundown of the consoles if you're thinking about getting one this yuletide and don't know which to pick: The consoles have shockingly similar hardware; they're both formidable machines. Focusing on the hardware specs can be misleading though since what really counts is who provides the better developer tools to programmers trying to get the most out of those whopping 768/1152 GPU cores. According to Edge magazine, this time around developers are saying that Sony has the, erm, 'edge'. Okay, but its likely that these differences are the kind of thing we'll only notice when they're side-by-side and thats unlikely to be a dealbreaker.
The array of launch titles looks pretty thin as well, which leaves only new features and peripherals to get excited about. Microsoft made early mistakes by overplaying the social-media angle and by scaring us all with the idea of an Orwellian always-on Kinect forever filming our living rooms (a claim they were quick to retract). In terms of spangly new features though, neither box offers anything mindblowing. The touch-pad on Sony's controller is hardly revolutionary, and the Kinect, while having awesome potential, isn't new. The clincher is the neat software that people write for these devices, and that's not a battle won on launch day. With digital downloads becoming the norm It's harder than ever to justify spending 350/430 on what feels a lot like an update to the current gen. Website consolewars.com gives a full blowby-blow that puts Sony out ahead, but let's be honest: if you have to buy one of these consoles you're getting the same one as your mates. Meanwhile, I'll be holding out until 2014 for Valve to blow me away with their Steam Box.
12 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
sciencetech@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Science & Technology

Siobhan Harris
Science & Tech Editor
I Cant Function Without My Morning Coffee
ello folks, and welcome! Im Siobhan, and Science & Technology is like my child. Im attached. The section is a great chance to get involved in science journalism, or a place to tell your peers about your latest exciting research. You can be from any degree discipline - were open to everyone with an interest or experience. We cover everything from Medicine to Nanotechnology and more, and provide you with news off- and on-campus.
A Nudge From Above

How a study is changing students behavior through monitoring their social interactions.
By James Lake, Science & Tech Editor
study at the Technical University of Denmark is exploring how if you have cell phone data in large enough quantities, you can influence peoples behaviour. 1000 undergraduate students were given a special mobile phone which tracks every aspect of their social lives where they go, who they meet, who they call and text. Sune Lehmann and Arek Stopczynski, academics at the university, are using the information to build a model of the social network that the students live in. They will know everything from who talks to whom, to where groups gather. Such insight, according to Lehmann and Stopczynski, could be used to boost student achievement and even improve mental health. A gentle nudge through the medium of the mobile phone will encourage people to change their behaviour. We hope to be able to make this work in terms of academic performance, says Lehmann. Used ethically, the implications could go much further than student success. Society itself could be transformed; healthcare, public transport and education to name a few areas. For example, in healthcare, doctors could use the information to ring up their patients when their activity levels start to follow patterns that correlate with, say, diabetes or depression. In the wrong hands, however, this nudging technique could prove to be disastrous. For a start, there is always a minority who will try to hack the system, and who knows what their intentions will be
after that. Furthermore Lehmann herself accepts that companies will want to use it for marketing. In the hands of someone who wants to use this for monetary gain, Im not sure its a good idea, she says. What kind of nudge should it be? Pelle Guldborg Hansen, a behavioural psychologist at the Roskilde University in Denmark, believes it will be difficult to engineer nudges which are neither damaging nor annoying. Creating behaviour change would have to work with the grain of the actions being performed, he says. He also states that it is important that the nudges dont feel too personal, or like a telling off for bad behaviour. This might deter people away from accepting them. This experiment is notable not just for its size. It is the first time that a community has been collectively monitored over a period of years, and as more understanding is gained about group behaviour, more refined nudges can be developed. The world appears to be moving towards a place where influencing people en masse in an automated fashion will be the norm. It seems that the potential benefits are immense, yet the possible pitfalls could prove catastrophic. Therefore much care must be taken in this area of social and technological development. There is extraordinary power in the access to data at a personal level even predicting future behaviour, says Evan Selinger of the Rochester Institute of Technology, New York. Theres a lot to be gained, but theres a lot of problems that scare me.
By Siobhan Harris, Science & Tech Editor
oes this apply to you too? Here at university, most of us are regular coffee consumers (if the extensive queues in Starbucks and the hundreds of empty coffee cups scattered all over campus are anything to go by). And if youre anything like me, youre sat there reading this with a coffee in hand. Mines to my left, in a cup designed Keep Calm and Smell the Coffee. Now, I dont know about you, but I tend to drink mine when I wake up (usually between 8:00-10:00am), and then have one or two more when Im most productive throughout the day (midday- 18:00pm). Never before have I paid a great deal of attention to the exact times I drink my coffee. New research suggests we should. Neuroscientists say the best time to get your [first-if youre like me] hit of coffee is between 9:30am and 11:30am, so basically around 10:30am.
This is down to differing levels of cortisol, which converts stores of energy into the sugar glucose so that it can be used by the bodys cells. Its the hormone that caffeine interacts with to promote alertness, and reaches high levels shortly after we wake up and stay elevated for up to an hour afterwards. Cortisol levels in the blood naturally peak between 8 and 9am. So ideally, if youre waking up at 9:30am (average), youll want your first coffee on or after 10:30am when you will be less likely to develop a tolerance of the caffeine (which could lead to addiction). This research has been informed by Steven Miller, a PhD neuroscientist from Bethesda, Maryland who argues its better to drink caffeine after the first hours peak as it promotes cortisol production and sustains alertness, rather than developing a tolerance. Mr Miller gave this advice after examining the evidence for how cortisol changes
throughout the day. Its important to note, however, that the exact time of when to drink your morning coffee varies from person to person depending on their cortisol cycle and the time when they normally wake. Careful timing is everything, according to Mr Miller, who emphasises the important rule of pharmacology which is to only use a drug when its needed. Hence why pharmacists print labels clearly stating the times the medicine is to be taken, to prevent people from becoming resistant to the effects of them. This is why its important to have caffeine, which is also a drug, only when its needed - i.e. when your cortisol levels are dropping. If you dont, and continue to drink it when your cortisol levels are already high, youll find yourself needing to make your coffee stronger and stronger in order to reach the desired effect.
Satish Infodunk
Sci/Tech Editor: Siobhan Harris
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
13
Search for Dark Matter Continues

By Laurence Stant, Science & Tech Team
ver the last few centuries, science has evolved at an awesome pace. Theorists have needed to test ideas involving ever more difficult systems, giving experimentalists interesting challenges. One of the main limits for the latter is that of the state of technology. Some experiments require incredibly fast timing and fine control, which in many cases needs to be developed before the experiment can be done. The recent advances in semiconductor and photonic devices means that some very fundamental physics can now be tested, leading to an exciting set of current topics. One of these topics is particle physics. In recent years America has been a leading light in particle physics research. From the Manhattan Project through to Fermilab, it is home to over 37 accelerators and many more particle research facilities. Such a great resource requires careful direction, and the Particle Physics Project Prioritisation Panel, or P5, is designed to plan the particle research that the US undertakes as a whole. The panel involves over 200 scientists and met last week to work on the plan for the next 10 years. The last meeting occurred in 2008, but since then there have been many advances including the famous discovery of the Higgs boson (for which Peter Higgs won the Nobel prize last month). Its a really interesting time in particle physics, with many important new results and opportunities, says University of California, Santa Cruz, physicist Steve Ritz, chair of the P5 panel. In addition to members from the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory suggesting research topics, other scientists can submit requests via an online form. Its really, vitally important that we continue to have interactions throughout this process, Ritz says. We want to have as complete a picture as possible, and close community connection to our process is essential for a successful outcome. The panel report is due in May 2014, with preliminary findings due in March. ark matter, frequently referenced in science fiction and television, is predicted to represent four fifths of our Universe. As of yet scientists have not been able to detect it directly,
instead only measuring its local effect on gravity. The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment, based in a former gold mine at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, is the latest effort to catch these elusive particles. This site is a figurehead for particle research, previously home to the Nobel-prize winning neutrino experiment led by Raymond Davis in the late 1960s. The instrument, designed to detect Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) dark matter, consists of a tank filled with 72,000 gallons of liquid and gaseous Xenon, situated one mile underground. This depth of soil and rock filters out cosmic rays and any other particles which could interfere with the experiment. The detector works by observing interactions between the WIMPs and the Xenon. When particles hit the liquid, they emit both photons and electrons. The photons are immediately picked up by arrays of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) located above and below the chamber, while the electrons drift up to the liquid surface and into the gas floating above it. There they produce electroluminescence photons which are then detected by the top PMT array. By finding the time difference between the two PMT pulses, dubbed S1 and S2, it is possible to calculate the depth of the interaction in the tank. Combining this z-coordinate with the location in the array of the S2 pulse (xy-coordinates), the 3D position of the interaction can be found with a resolution smaller than 1cm. Because the instrument uses the pulse delay to determine the depth of the interaction, it is classed as a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) a type of device used extensively in modern particle physics. The first run of the experiment was carried out over spring and summer of this year, with the results published on October 30th. Although the detector registered 160 valid events, this number was below the threshold allowed for background noise and thus no WIMPs were believed to be detected. Scientists had predicted 1600 events would occur, so this result has left them somewhat scratching their heads! The 85-day run collected data 20 times more sensitive than previous detectors could provide, challenging researchers to find a reason behind these first results. A new year-long run of LUX will begin in 2014.
Calling All DNA

o begins the large-scale hunt for 100,000 British volunteers to offer up their DNA for genetic sequencing. The plan is to post each individuals genetic information online as part of an open-access DNA project (Personal Genome Project UK) that began in North America. Its not all about selling your data, what makes this project different from others is their proposition that itll give the public a chance to learn more about their own genetic profiles. Of course, they emphasise, they will also be contributing to advances in medical science. The catch is that any information uploaded will be available
to all and nothing is censored. So its kind of like a Genopedia [genetic version of wikipedia], really. According to Professor Stephan Beck, director of the British project, precautions will be taken. Volunteers will be warned about the implications for their own privacy and that of their families, and will have to pass an online exam to check they understand the risks and benefits. Before any data goes online, each volunteer will receive an analysis of their genome and are able to opt out if they wish. Thereafter, it will be published online for all to see, and will aid scientists worldwide in unlocking the secrets of DNA.
Polio Re-emergence Risk After Syria Outbreak

UNICEF hopes to have procured 1.7 billion doses of the oral polio vaccine (opv) by the end of 2013
By Melissa Raske, Science & Tech Team
Matt Kapust
ountries in which poliomyelitis (polio) has been confirmed as eradicated are at risk of re-emergence, particularly those near Syria, which is currently experiencing its first outbreak in 14 years. Polio is an infection specific to humans, usually children, caused by the poliovirus that can cause paralysis, breathing problems and possibly death in some patients however most cases, around 95%, are harmless. The risk of polio spreading from Syria, as briefly documented in The Lancet Journal online, is high due to the number of refugees fleeing the country. They could be carrying the infection without realising it, as it is usually asymptomatic. It is particularly dangerous for countries where the vaccination rate is low such as the Ukraine which is only 74% vaccinated whereas the UK, for instance, which has vaccination rate of 95% is at a lower risk. Syria itself currently has vaccination rates of just 68% a drop from the 90% coverage before the conflict. In addition to Syria the virus has also been detected in Palestine, Israel, Egypt and the West Bank and is thought to be of Pakistani origin. Polio is a disease which the WHO is hoping to eradicate, as it did with Smallpox, and in the past 15 years advances towards that cause have been made. In 1998 there were 350,000 cases in 125 countries and by 2012 there were just 223 cases and the virus was only endemic to Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
A huge effort is now being made to prevent the re-emergence of polio in other places it has been eradicated from and to continue towards global eradication. Emergency immunization programmes have so far vaccinated 650,000 children in Syria and similar campaigns have begun in other countries including Jordan and Iraq, with more regions starting programmes throughout November. In a joint press release by UNICEF and the WHO DR. Ala Alwan, a WHO regional director stated, The Middle East has shown exactly the coordinated leadership needed to combat a deadline virus: a consolidated and sustained assault on a vaccine-preventable disease and an extraordinary commitment to a common purpose. UNICEF hopes to have procured 1.7 billion doses of the oral polio vaccine (opv) by the end of 2013 and with the help of WHO and the vaccine manufacturers they aim to reach all children. Peter Crowley, UNICEFSs Chief of Polio spoke about the outbreak, The polio outbreak in Syria is not just a tragedy for children; it is an urgent alarm -- and a crucial opportunity to reach all under-immunized children wherever they are. The response to the outbreak has been massive not only from places directly affected but by countries around the world. The UK has released 100million which will help to fund the Global Polio Eradication Initiative which aims to have a polio free world by 2018.
14 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
sciencetech@thestagsurrey.co.uk
By Phil Main, Science & Tech Team
Quantum Physics: Future of Computing

into the same space. There will eventually come a time where there wont physically be space, no matter how many hooks you put up, hopefully by which point you would have moved out of halls and will have more storage space. Moores Law is on a collision course with a barrier known as the silicon limit - the point where it will be physically impossible to fit any more transistors onto a microchip without it overheating and ceasing to function properly. So what is the answer? In my opinion, the most promising alternative to silicon technology is quantum computing. Quantum mechanics was developed during the first half of the last century due to inconsistencies when classical physics was applied on an atomic level. There are many interesting and counterintuitive consequences of this theory; anyone who reads popular science will sooner or later come across the Schrdingers cat thought experiment which is illustrative of its bizarre consequences. More importantly, quantum physics gives us a mathematical description of the atom and with such a description we can use individual atoms or molecules to perform computing tasks. There are many technical problems with this sort of technology which must be overcome because of the difficulty of communicating with individual atoms. The first practical quantum computer will change the world. The system which your computer uses to encrypt data (e.g. keeping your bank details safe) is analogous to transferring sensitive documents using a box and padlock. The receiver of the box owns the key to the padlock and sends the padlock open with the empty box, so the person sending the documents can place the documents inside and snap the padlock shut. At this point none other than the owner of the key can unlock the box. Whenever you see the padlock in your address bar this is being employed. To put this in place, computer use multiples of large prime numbers (the padlock) for encryption and only the people who know the prime factors can decrypt the data (the key). The reason why this works is that, given any particular number, there is no fast way of finding its prime factors. Shors algorithm is only possible on a quantum computer and allows fast prime factorization and therefore provides a means of breaking all our current methods of keeping data secure. The power of quantum computers will be immense and IBM predicts that within our lifetimes a computer will be able to hold as much information as there are atoms in the universe. This number is eighty digits long for those of you who havent memorised it! For more information on quantum computers, Google it.
Tech Column
By Fahmid Chowdhury, Science & Tech Team
Playstation 4 Released!
he information age in which we live is progressing at a phenomenal rate. Looking back to our childhood most of us can remember mp3 players that could hold 20 songs and hard drives which were measured in tens of gigabytes. Today they seem almost primeval. In 1965 Gordon Moore observed that the number of transistors (the workhorse behind every electronic device) per inch of microchip was doubling every year. This trend has been observed ever since, even though it has slowed slightly and has become known as Moores Law. Sooner or later however, the laws of physics get in the way of every success story and this is the case with computing. To illustrate, I will use the wardrobe analogy: its a fixed volume which is constantly gaining new items of clothing and this forces you to come up with new ways of packing more stuff
onys much anticipated release of the follow up to the PlayStation 3 is finally upon us. November 15th marked the day of release for Sonys next generation line of consoles. Yet to be fully tested by game developers, the PlayStation 4 looks good in both the physical hardware department and the graphical department. UK release is set for the 29th of November.
Dual-screen Phone To Be Launched In December
Actions Speak Louder Than Facebook

By Ben Hartfield, Science & Tech Team
veryone is on it: they like it, share it and comment on it. Forgive me for not making any crude your mum jokes and well move onto Facebook. Recent research by the University of British Colombia shows that if someone declares support for a charity on Facebook by liking, sharing or commenting on it, then they are more likely not to go on to donate to that charity. If you were just to privately sign up to a petition then this made it much more likely that you would donate. If charities run public token campaigns under the belief that they lead to meaningful support, they may be sacrificing their precious resources in vain There are two issues here; charities not receiving the same amount of donations and the culture of hiding behind social network profiles. This leads to a worrying spiral. We already know how much social media is affecting our lives and you would reasonably believe that a friend on Facebook who liked, say, the Cancer Research page and shared all of their posts is more charitable than a friend who has no evidence of that on Facebook
but actually regularly donates. We have to be careful that our online profiles personality doesnt overtake our own so that we are judged not by how amazing our lives are on Facebook with instagrammed photos of cups of coffee or the amount of friends we have but by our actions in the real world. As highlighted in the research, this desire to look good to others is having a detrimental effect on charities that have so far championed social media as a means to get their message out to a wider audience. This has been seen to work and many people use it to advertise their just giving page to sponsor their half-marathon/ triathlon/10-mile bounce on a space hopper. So does this mean that Facebook has uses other than looking for those Rubix photos or furiously searching for the privacy settings when your mum gets online? I think for charities to make full utilization of social networks, they need to stop all this liking, sharing and general ego boost clicking and focus on the tried and tested methods of raising money and leave the posting to individuals and their run a mile carrying a grandfather clock world record page.
ota Devices, a Russian based company, is going to release one of their most intriguing inventions yet in December. It is a phone with 2 screens; one at the front and one at the back. The cost is yet to be released but this sleek looking device has been teased to the public since last year. About time its released!
NASA Goddard
Self-driving Cars Coming To UK By 2015
Six-Tailed Asteroid
Sean MacEntee
s astronomers peered through NASAs Hubble Space Telescope they spotted a weird and freakish asteroid with not one, but SIX cometlike tails of dust streaming from its body. It left them dumbfounded, according to a statement by David Jewitt. Scientists believe that pressure from photons (small particles of light or electromagnetic radiation) in sunlight is causing the asteroid to spin faster, disrupting its surface. According to Jessica Agarwal, it might be losing dust as it rotates at high speed, causing the sun to drag the dust into the distinct tails seen. It resembles a rotating lawn sprinkler, which has been that way for the last 5
months. It seems to be in the process of breaking up as the tail structures changed after 13 days of observation - likely to be spinning so fast its falling apart. According to Jewett, the funny-looking asteroid is not to be confused with a comet. Astronomers will continue observing P/2013 P5 to see whether the dust leaves the asteroid in the equatorial plane. If it does, this would be strong evidence for a rotational breakup. Jewitts interpretation implies that rotational breakup must be a common phenomenon in the asteroid belt; it may even be the main way small asteroids die. P/2013 P5 appears as a fragment of a larger asteroid that broke apart in a collision roughly 200 million years ago.
ilton Keynes (yes, the city) plans to have 100 self-driving cars taking passengers to train stations from the parks, shopping centres and more by 2015. According to Wired, the speed tops out at a cool 12mph and cargo space is limited but by 2017, when the full rollout is expected, riders will be able to request a car by app.
YouTube Users Protest New Style Of Commenting
will admit that I am perplexed by YouTubes new comment system. Users are outraged by Googles new commenting system which requires users to have a Google+ account for a comment to be posted. This means you have to either use your real name and Google+ account, or create a separate page for your YouTube alias. Some people value their privacy so this was an unwelcomed decision by Google.
Sci/Tech Editor: Siobhan Harris
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
15
Beneficial Bioluminescence
By Rebecca Hillard, Science & Tech Team
ainly found in marine environments, with only a few species of fungi and insects displaying this ability on land, we have been captivated by fantastic displays of natural light shows. Bioluminescence is used by an estimated 90% of deep sea creatures, helping them to survive in a world of complete darkness. Bioluminescence is the result of a chemical reaction in which chemical energy is converted to light energy. Luciferin and luciferase are required to produce this bioluminescence, luciferase acting as a catalyst to the chemical reaction. When the chemicals are mixed in the presence of oxygen, light is produced. Most light emission is in the blue and green spectrum as blue wavelengths are most easily transmitted through seawater and most marine organisms are sensitive to blue light. An exception is that of loosejawed fish which emit red and infrared light.
Some creatures continually give off light, where others flash on and off, by mixing their chemicals on cue or covering their light orangs or photophores. It is most commonly known to be used by deep sea fish as a means to trap or lure prey thanks to Finding Nemo. However, bioluminescence has a number of uses. It can be used as a warning, camouflage, navigation or communication. Naturally, scientists are trying to harness this biological radiance for use in the human world. One of these incredible ideas as a long-envisioned application is to replace conventional streetlights with glowing trees. Where streetlights and even interior lighting drains electricity, natural bioluminescence would need no man-made energy to fuel it. Scientists are looking into splicing genes from both marine and land specimens into trees. The idea is that tree leaves would soak up sunlight in the day to provide energy for the bioluminescence at night. They are also exploring
the possibility of playing with the plants circadian rhythm, attempting to control when the glowing leaves are turned on and off. The main issue of this idea following experiments is the brightness of the glow, as it would be too dim to use. The second use again involves plants, as scientists hope to use bioluminescence as a way for farmers to tell when their crops need nutrients and water or to alert them to disease or pests. It may also be used to signal peak size and ripeness. These smart plants would be integrated into a crop of normal plants and the farmers would rely on these few plants and their glowing genes to choose when to irrigate, potentially boosting crop yields. A lifesaving application of bioluminescence could be to test the quality of water. Scientists are attempting to program bacterias reaction to certain chemicals. As certain chemicals inhibit the bacterias light making process, its glow will diminish, thus signalling
Think Your Snapchats Are Safe? Think Again

By Ankur Banerjee, Science & Tech Team
S. Simmons
Snapchats Faade of Privacy - Are Yours Safe?

the app does is check whether a recipient has viewed a snap, and deletes the files from the phone once it has been viewed. However, theres nothing stopping a user from using a rogue third-party Snapchat application to login to their account and save every file received. A cursory browse through the iTunes Store surfaces apps such as Snap Save, and on the Google Play Store for apps such as SnapCapture which claim and succeed in saving photos and videos sent to a users account. Theres nothing to prevent them from doing so since Snapchat never checks what app is being used to log in. Try it yourself to see that it works! Even if you arent using a rogue app built for the purpose of saving snaps, due to the technical implementation that Snapchat uses even so-called deleted files can be recovered in a matter of minutes, using the appropriate tools. Files on computers typically dont get erased from storage: they are merely marked virtually as deleted which allows that portion of the storage to be overwritten, sometime in the future. Many software exist which allows you to hunt for
the water isnt clean. However, it is also possible to program it to glow brighter when toxins are found as a brighter reaction may be easier to detect. A final application of bioluminescence could be within the military. This natural light has a low thermal output compared to man-made lighting. Heatseeking technology would find it much harder to detect bioillumination. One idea is that it
could be used to mark out a landing zone, potentially programmed to biodegrade or stop shining after a certain amount of time. Bioluminescence is an intriguing wonder of nature, which will hopefully continue to benefit the natural world and help us make steps toward improving our ecological footprint.
Quantum Memory Record Smashed

By Fahmid Chowdhury, Science & Tech Team
n the world of computing, the use of bits is predominant. This is data that is stored in the forms of 1s and 0s. However, in the quantum system, qubits are stored in a so-called superposition state. This is a state in which they can both be 1s and 0s at the same time allowing multiple calculations to be performed at the same time, something I find quite extraordinary to be honest. Now, the issue with this quantum memory is that they do not usually last for long previously they only lasted for about 25 seconds at a solid state in room temperature. However, this barrier has now been broken and researchers have found a way to enable it to last for 39 minutes at room temperature at a solid state. But, as usual with new discoveries,
there is another problem with the qubits; is their instability. They also forget their memories in less than a second. Research is still on-going though. Scientists realised that they could manipulate the qubits as the temperature of the system was risen from -296oC initially to room temperature and they have managed to identify a system in which there is no noise. Although it is still in its infancy in terms of what we could do with it, quantum memory could be a new form of useful technology that could change the shape of supercomputing in some years time. Its application could also change the world of engineering as we know it. It could solve problems in a fraction of the time current computers take to solve problems. Therein lays its vast potential.
napchat is an app youre quite likely to have come across if youre a university student. Snapchat has a large following among the 18-25 year-old smartphone user crowd, with the promise that any pictures or videos sent through it are securely transferred because they are deleted after a specific period when they are viewed. Privacy-conscious users have noted that Snapchats mechanism can easily be defeated, say, if someone takes a picture of someone elses phone which is displaying a snap, or if a Snapchat user takes a screenshot. The app does take the precaution of informing the sender in case a recipient takes a screenshot by monitoring whether such an action was taken. In fact, I come across picture uploads on Facebook or Twitter every so often from friends who have taken a screenshot of innocuous snaps. But the reason why I call Snapchats promise of privacy a faade is because it makes absolutely no effort to encrypt files at all. In layman terms, all
these supposedly deleted files. This isnt even hacking since no security is being circumvented. (Ethically perhaps, yes, but technically it isnt hacking.) I keep hearing from friends that they love using Snapchat because it allows them to share moments that they wouldnt perhaps want to share in a way the files are permanently storable. For someone sufficiently motivated its incredibly easy to do, with no technical know-how required. What truly shocks me, though, is that with $73 million in funding and a valuation of an eye-watering $3.5 billion, Snapchat had and continues to have sufficient resources to build something truly secure and yes, its technically possible, since other truly secure alternatives such as TigerText and Hemlis (under development) exist. My advice: never record something on a phone which you arent comfortable with being shared publicly or beyond the person you intended on Snapchat. Use it as a fun tool to share moments you wouldnt want clogging up your phones gallery.
NOAA
Alcohol: How To Get

Bottles
Bulmers #17 3.70 (1 .63 Per U n it)
dos a r e p s De nit) U r e P 1.69 ( 0 3 . 3
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Double
Smirnoff Corona Unit) Ice r 3 . e 0 0 P (2.18 Pe 1.98 ( r Unit) 0 0 . 3 WK 3.00 (2 D .18 Per U nit)
Do l l u RB r / f f o n e Smir (2.00 P 4.00
Shots
Absynth e 2.50 (1 .82 Per U n
Tequila r Unit) e P 3 8 . 1 ( 0 2 2.
Smirnoff RBull 3.50 (3.50 Per U nit)
Captain Morgan 2.15 (2 .15 Per U nit) r e t s i e Jagerm Unit) r e P 0 .0 2 ( 2.00 it)
Smirnoff 2.15 (2.29 Per Unit)
Green = Cheap Black = Resonable Red = Expensive
Please Drink Responsibly
t Your Moneys Worth

Draught
Gaymers 2.60 (1 .02 Per U n
Guinness 3.85 (1.65 Per Unit)
at the Students Union and compiled a list of the most t want to break the bank, then this is the place for you.
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Smirnoff Double 3.50 (1.87 Per U nit)
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Ros Bottle 10.00 (1.04 Per Unit) Red Bottle 10.00 (0.99 Per Unit)
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With thanks to our Drinks Expert
Chris Dighton
18 MUSIC
music@thestagsurrey.co.uk
By James Campbell, Music Team
Music Coffeehouse Sessions: Ooberfuse

and people have also made this connection themselves. Whats the most important element of your sound, lyrics or your song writing capabilities? Hal: I think there are two ways of writing a song. Firstly, through a formulaic way, where there needs to be this and that, and this is how a lot of the music we hear on the radio comes about. This is not for us though. Both elements are important - music for us is a form of self-expression and we use our own personal experiences to get out what comes from within. So, Im dying to know. What is Ooberfuse- iasm?! Hal: (laughs) As we have put on our website, its the kind of feeling which overcomes you when you connect to music and the people around you, a feeling of being energised and invigorated. Ooberfuse-iasm is about us looking further then the Western world for inspiration, especially in far eastern countries like Burma and Pakistan. Cherrie: It also involves risk taking, combining things which people dont normally associate with, for example, our collaboration with Rebel Riot on our song, Glass Splinters, unconventionally experimenting with electro punk. We also collaborated with an artist from North Korea earlier this year, the only known survivor from a state death camp who has lived to tell the tale. This experience had a direct impact on us, giving us the opportunity to raise awareness of whats happening in North Korea. You are now coming to the end of your tour of UK universities. How do you think the overall critical reception has been from your student audiences? Cherrie: I think weve been well received, overall. Mostly, its nice to meet new people and test our music on new audiences! Hal: Yeah, I think the modern way for students to acknowledge your performance is to not come up at the end of your show and say, That was great. When youre travelling to your next gig, your phone suddenly starts pinging with tweets from people who have seen our shows, so this is the only way we can get real, individual feedback! People listen to the radio and expect to hear formulaic music; we think students are more open and more likely to connect with what we are doing than the regular radio tune -in music audiences. survivor from North Korea, and for us to be able to tell his story is really empowering. Also, we were asked to perform at the House of Lords earlier this year, and were contacted by John Sweeney from BBCs Panorama, as he had just come back from Nepur and was interested in chatting with us about our musical ideologies. Hal: Also, the Evening Standard sparked some real interest, running a story about us and even comparing our song to, North Koreas answer of Gangnam style! Wow! What was your reaction? Hal: Definitely positive! Journalists really need headlines to grab their audience, and so this comparison was great to give us more exposure, as it was such a song of the moment. To connect with Ooberfuse, check out the following links and keep your eyes and ears peeled for their latest album release. In the meantime, bend an ear to Glass Splinters and Hidden Light for a taste of Ooberfuses blending of Western pop with an Eastern vigour. Website: www.ooberfuse.com/music Facebook: www.facebook.com/ooberfuse Twitter: @ooberfuse.com Youtube: www.youtube.com/ooberfuseband The Stag will be dishing out pens, courtesy of Ooberfuse, to promote their new EP with the following riddle engraved; Upon such carpets coarse feet may never step. For any of you with a poetic licence, why not get in contact with Ooberfuse and let them know what you think is the meaning behind their mantra?
his review of the Coffeehouse Sessions shines the spotlight on Woolwich singersongwriter based duo, Hal and Cherrie, who have recently been touring UK universities up and down the country, as part of a national tour. Their musical outfit, Ooberfuse, comprises of a fusion of thematic elements, and both musicians are determined to realise a mission to shrug off the restricting limitations of the pop contemporary music scene by endeavouring to blend keyboard driven electronica with evocative vocal lines. Ooberfuse graced a bustling Chancellors on the afternoon of Friday 8th November, much to the interest of a curious lunchtime crowd. The animated murmurs, clanging of cutlery and frenzied slurping died away as Hal and Cherrie took to the stage, armed with an acoustic guitar, keyboards and a microphone, to perform a range of their own material and a provocative cover of Swedish House Mafias Dont You Worry Child. I managed to catch up with the duo before their set, to find out what the phenomenon of Ooberfuse-iasm is really all about So, first up. How did Ooberfuse come into being? Hal: We entered a live band competition, called Live and Unsigned in 2010 and we were one of ten thousand entrants, managing to get down to the last sixty! We then performed with the other entrants at the O2 in London. Soon after, we began collaborating together and the music started flowing. Where do you draw inspiration from? Is your sound politically motivated? Cherrie: Mostly from personal experiences and having an existential understanding of what is it to be a human being has been an important factor too. We can connect with our own pain and can sympathise with others who are experiencing the same. Hal: We have been personally involved in helping social conflicts abroad, including in Pakistan and Burma, which is definitely reflected in our sound. In Burma especially, we collaborated and recorded with a punk band, The Rebel Riot, an experience which gave us an insight into the political situation of current Burma, as a group like The Rebel Riot are screening against the injustices of the Burmese political regime through their music. To whom would you compare your music and style? We have been compared to a variation of Faithless, which is great as we are both big fans! Obviously, we dont have percussion elements, but we are crafting songs, using synth sounds which underpin a similar euphoric electronica in our music. Weve tested this out with student communities,
Great! So, what are the next steps on your journey together? New material and more touring? Hal: We are working on a third album, but will be releasing a 3 track EP taster, with a variety of remixes, officially by the end of November. Our single, Glass Splinters will be making an appearance on the album, which has been well received by music critics such as Tom Robinson from BBC 6music and DJ and presenter Hugh Stevens, who is behind the Coffee House Sessions tour and gave us the go ahead to play! Cherrie: This tour has been a quite stripped back version of our concerts to date and its been helpful; when youre in a band, you can get pulled in all directions, depending on who youre working with. Going back to the bare essentials gives you a very clear indication of where to go next and of your vision. In the future, we want more of a live sound and are keen to experiment with other instruments as part of our performance setup. What do you think have been the highlights as Ooberfuse to date? Cherrie: I think our biggest achievement has been getting coverage in the regional and national press. Without it, we couldnt have communicated across the ordeal of the
Music Editor: Candice Ritchie
MUSIC
19
Arcade Fire - Reflektor

By Leo Blanchard, Music Team
aving headlined Reading & Leeds festival in 2010, to say that Arcade Fire are a band with little left to prove to this countrys music scene is something of an understatement. With three commercially successful and award-winning albums already to their name, Arcade Fires fourth effort Reflektor only further solidifies their status. Whilst it has been argued that the album as a form has been slowly dying ever since the advent of digital music, Arcade Fire have managed to produce a collection of songs that functions as one cohesive whole. Both of Reflektors sides are bound together through its overriding lyrical and musical themes, making for an album that feels consistent throughout and rewarding those who listen to it in its entirety. One of the most prominent themes is dualism, with two of its songs being based on the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice; a statue of which is on the albums cover. Dualism is also reflected in Reflektors form as a doublealbum; however, its running time stands at a relatively modest 75 minutes and so avoids falling into the trap of becoming unwieldy. The lyrics of the album also address a number of contemporary societal issues, such as Flashbulb Eyes, which seems to be a commentary on the twenty-first centurys increasingly invasive press. Reflektor continues to demonstrate the bands ability to produce rock that, whilst containing melody and depth, has riffs that bring the listener in. Normal Person exemplifies this, possessing a hook thats an unmistakable example of arena rock, yet unmistakably
Arcade Fire. As is common with Arcade Fire, rich instrumentation is used intelligently on the album, lifting songs up that would otherwise be encumbered by it. Nowhere is this more true than on the albums opener and title-track which, despite being the albums first single, features self-indulgent instrumentation that somehow avoids being suffocating. James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem assists in production duties, bringing with him an unmistakable dance-punk edge that pervades throughout the first side of the album. The albums use of unconventional instrumentation seems to genuinely enrich the album, instead of ticking some arbitrary checkbox in the excruciatingly boring Indie Rock Formula. Despite David Bowies contribution to the album being limited to vocals on its opener, the synthesisers of Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice) are distinctly reminiscent of the second side of his 1977 album Low. Fans of The Cure are also likely to have difficulty interpreting the haunting synths of Porno' as anything other than a tribute to the bands 1982 album Pornography. The album's final track 'Supersymmetry fades to a landscape of droning synths, elegantly drawing the album to a neat close. With Reflektor, Arcade Fire continue to create indie rock that truly distinguishes itself from the output of the endless other bands that saturate this area of music. Skipping any one song on here would be a mistake, with each track complimenting the songs that come before and after, working together to create an extremely well-rounded album.
Candice Richie
ello, you lovely lot! Im Candice, and Im your new music editor for The Stag. Im a final year English Literature with Creative Writing student, aspiring journalist and entertainment addict. Ive just finished my placement year as the editorial assistant for an overseas property magazine, so hopefully my writing, editing and proofing skills have been honed better than ever in preparation for the section! This is my third year as a member of the Stag team, having previously been a copy editor/writer and last years film editor. Entertainment is one of my favourite topics to write about, and I loved reviewing both new and old films last year. Now, Im excited to delve into all the classics and newbies of the music industry, (hopefully) carry out some exciting interviews and relay the musical goings-on from events in Rubix and beyond. Enjoy reading!
By James Campbell, Music Team
The statue of Greek legends Orpheus and Eurydice on the Reflektor album cover demonstrates dualism - a prominent theme throughout the album.
oberfuses opening track, Glass Splinters, is a gentle, flowing concoction of tubular and eastern sounding synthesisers, bathed in an aura of optimism, as a song centred around the central lyrical ethos, freedom from fear for all. Two remixes, one including a more break beat fuelled electropunk from The Rebel Riot accentuates the amalgamation of crossing cultures, giving rise to an encounter between Western contemporary pop and the Eastern creative juices of Burma. Second track, Hidden Light, boasts sailing, celestial vocal lines, smothered by an array of sublime, oscillating synthesiser parts and miscellaneous musical
Glass Splinters: EP review
murmurs in the foreground. Through the collaboration of Kinky Roland, the second rehashing of Hidden Light is an ideal club number, driven by a dogged bass drum and the incessant rise and fall of synths. Finally, Ooberfuse strip a popular club anthem down to its bare roots as part of a live rendition on Swedish Mafia Houses Dont You Worry Child, which is again driven by jumpy, staccatoed synthesisers, accompanied by husky vocals. The Glass Splinters EP will be released on 25th November via the Ooberfuse website Recommended for fans of urban electro music!
20 FILM
film@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Film Drinking Buddies (2013)

By Sophia Field, Film Editor
wanberg remedies the static scripting and unimaginative plotlines of many romantic dramas with his improvised movie, Drinking Buddies. The combination of genius direction and a cast of fantastic actors make this film a magnificent watch and a relatable and genuine observation of modern relationships. As is expected of an unscripted film, the story is less of a progression and instead an observation of the lives of four individuals and their relationships with each other. To call it a romantic comedy seems trite because it is so much more than that, but whatever the genre, it is the best in show. Fresh off of the set of New Girl, Jake Johnson couldnt have been a better choice for the bearded, loveable character of Luke. He utterly encapsulates the youthful charisma of the role as he attempts to resist the chemistry he shares with best friend, Kate, whilst bidding to hold onto his perfect and stable love with Jill. More so than any other character, we empathise with Luke throughout the film. Should you leave a perfectly content relationship for the possibility of something better? Is it worth the risk or should you be satisfied with what you have? Olivia Wilde also proves her excellence in her best performance to date. She expertly plays the character of Kate, an emotionally closed book, but a great laugh to be around. She appears more tempted by the idea of crossing the friendship lines with Luke and perhaps helps fuel the electric magnetism between the two. Whilst these are the stand out performances, Ron Livingston and Anna Kendrick are integral in helping the movie avoid romantic clichs and their roles provide roots to the story. Despite the potential romance between Luke and Kate, Drinking Buddies proves that the characters in modern romantic comedies dont always have to be stereotypical. All too often in romantic movies, a leading character is saved from a neglectful relationship by true love in the form of a friend they had always overlooked, but Swanberg sidesteps all of the overplayed tales by grounding the story in reality. Although the romantic inside all of us is itching for Luke and Kate to fall helplessly in love, Jill is a perfectly charming and sensible match for Luke. Swanberg could teach a few filmmakers that the other woman/man doesnt always have to be money grabbing, abusive, evil, lazy or a waste of space. Relationships outside of the cinema
dont have the closure of a common romantic comedy. Love isnt really a montage of the good times, followed by a traumatic event and concluding with a happy ending. Drinking buddies is rooted in portraying authentic relationships, with no defining end or simple right and wrong. It is a breath of fresh air and a credit to the tremendous chemistry between the actors in their ability to avoid the stereotypes. Swanberg is proof that to begin making a movie, you dont always have to know the ending. There is no one protagonist or antagonist, just great storytelling. The Stag was lucky enough to chat to Joe Swanberg about the project; here is what he said TS: Why do you prefer improvisation in your movies? JS: It's nice to be surprised on set every day, and it allows the emotional current of the film to reflect what everyone is feeling that day. The actors have to "act" less and can be more present. I respond to this increased presence as a moviegoer and as a filmmaker. Improv also allows the actors to speak with their own voices. These are not all characters I have created and stuffed with words. These are distinct people with their entire life's worth of experience to draw from. TS: Was there real drinking involved in making the film? JS: Yes, though not as much as it looks like in the film. I would say that between all of the takes, most days the actors maybe had 1 or 2 beers each. It was mostly a few sips here and a few sips there. Some days it was heavier, and certainly after we wrapped each day at the brewery I would hang out and have a beer or two with whoever was still there, but beer makes you tired, and we had a lot of work to get done each day, so it was very moderate drinking. TS: What can we look forward to in the future from you? JS: I'm in post-production on my new film, HAPPY CHRISTMAS, which will hopefully start playing Festivals early next year. The film stars Anna Kendrick and Melanie Lynskey and has Mark Webber and Lena Dunham in supporting roles. It's a sort of indie-Christmasfamily-comedy-thing. Not sure how to talk about it yet, but I'm very proud of it and can't wait for people to see it.
Sophia Field
Film Editor
elcome to the world of film! Im Sophia Field, a third year English Literature student and editor for the section. This is the place to be for all your blockbuster reviews, old classics and anything else you can think of. My email address is film@ thestagsurrey.co.uk so if you ever fancy writing for the section, get in touch. Thanks and happy studying!
Director, Joe Swanberg
Magnolia Pictures
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22 FILM
film@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Brokeback Mountain (2005)

By Chijim Onyemenam, Film Team
IMDb Top 100 Do You Agree?
cant be the only one who runs to IMDb for support when choosing a film to watch. In an attempt to avoid wasting hours of my life watching terrible movies, checking out the rating it has received by our trusted peers and critics is essential in finding out the score. But do we all agree with these ratings?
rokeback Mountain is the touching story of two men engaging in a forbidden relationship. The premise of the film is simple, it does not engage the wider repercussions of homophobia, but rather the personal effect it has on its two primary characters, portrayed by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. This is largely one of the great successes of the film, it has no underlying condescending message - it is just a human story, of passion, love, and loss. Heath Ledger plays the quiet lead, Ennis Del Mar, reluctant but overpowered by his inclinations. He is emotive when he needs to be, especially in the final scenes of the film, but overall, his taciturn portrayal lacked a silent charisma (a la Gary Oldman in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy). He ends up coming across as more of a mumbling protagonist (not dissimilar to Tom Hardy in Lawless) than a passionate but muzzled lover. Jake Gyllenhaals portrayal of Ennis lover, Jack Twist, on the other hand, seemed to have more flair, being the more expressive and arguably careless character. That
said, in contrast with the stoic silence of Ennis Del Mar, Jack is undermined somewhat, making him seem weak and almost childish. Anne Hathaways role is marginal, but the shining beacon comes in the form of Michelle Williams, playing Heath Ledgers wife, discovering his sexuality and having no idea of how to handle it. Her performance is so impassioned that it almost shifts the emotional crux from the two male lovers burdened by such secrecy, to her, undone by his atrocious infidelity. Ultimately though, the core of the film is the relationship between the two male lovers, and the effect they have on their family and friends merely orbits that. This movie is a true testament to Ang Lees (Life of Pi, Hulk) versatility. He succeeded in capturing the secluded privacy, intimacy, and utopian beauty of Brokeback Mountain, something which was instrumental to the success of the entire film. Brokeback Mountain is often glorified as one of the greatest ever Academy snubs, losing out to Crash for Best Picture, but whilst it is a very enjoyable and thought provoking movie, it doesnt live up to that hype.
#6 The Dark Knight (2008) IMDb rates 8.9

A complex yet deeply robust masterpiece. It is smart, visceral, and richly involving. It features some iconic acting performances, not least from the late Heath Ledger, whos shudderingly unhinged portrayal of the Joker leaves even the most desensitised viewer shaken to the core. The cinematography creates a beautifully bleak mood, with huge, sprawling backdrops complimenting the sinister plot, along with thrilling visual effects. The Dark Knight is more than just a great superhero movie, more than an epic franchise or big-budget blockbuster. It is a bespoke masterpiece, and phenomenal piece of fully realised entertainment, thats made its mark in the history of cinema. This is a movie that will keep your jaw firmly dropped until halfway trough the closing credits. It is certainly deserved of its position at no. 6 of the Top 100, and I may even argue thats its worthy of being bumped up a couple more. By Arran Coe, Film Team
The Hours (2002)

I believe I have my first sentence were the words of avant-garde Virginia Woolf, as she began her novel Mrs Dalloway. The famous novel, which consists entirely of one day, is the center of this film as three women from different decades, including Woolf, are united around the plot. Of course, Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) is first to appear in 1925. She then appears last too, in 1941, the year of her tragic suicide. She is deeply troubled by the quiet setting of Richmond and struggles to find those first lines for her last novel. Woolf was well known for her rejection of uniformity so it is no surprise that the film is centered on characters who feel pinned down by social conventions and familial obligations. Woolf feels imprisoned, and the setting is fittingly oppressive. All she wants is a Room of Ones Own Next is Laura Brown (Julianne Moore), living in 1952 as a discontent housewife who finds herself reading Mrs Dalloway, fascinated by the confident and social character of Clarissa who hides behind her troubles. She takes the novel all too seriously, inspired by Septimus suicide, but thankfully she doesnt go through with it. By 2001, the film is focused on Clarissa Vaughn (Meryl Streep), a lesbian publishing editor in modern day Manhattan who is very like her persona Clarissa Dalloway. Her former lover Richard is dying of AIDS and nicknames her Mrs Dalloway. The film reaches a conclusion when Richard decides life is enough, and replicates the suicide of character Septimus from Mrs Dalloway. The film then finishes with a brief look at
Virginias last steps before drowning herself. The film is extremely moving, and one has to feel sorry for Leonard Woolf who is very much in charge of keeping tabs on Virginias sanity. This echoes Clarissas watchful eye of Richard, and their fates are entwined. Laura is the only character to escape, or so we think, until we realise her entwined role in the story. This really is a must-watch for literature fanatics like myself who enjoy seeing adaptions that are successful and manage to handle traditional novels like Mrs Dalloway tactfully.
Film Editor: Sophia Field
FILM
23
#1 The Shawshank Redemption (1994) IMDb rates 9.2

According to IMDb, The Shawshank Redemption is the number one film of all time. It is an encapsulating tale of life inside a prison, stretching over decades. The sheer genius of the film is that it is almost entirely set inside the prison, where we can observe the characters developing in an environment without freedom. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins offer extremely powerful performances as unlikely friends who become allies when things get tough and there is no one to trust. The performance of Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne is understated but completely absorbing. It is a shame that Robbins has not starred in more blockbusters since. To say it is the best film of all time might be an overstatement, many in the top 10 are interchangeable, but it certainly deserves to be up there somewhere. It is an interrogation into the human condition when under supreme pressure, but most of all it is a message of hope against all odds. By Sophia Field, Film Editor By Sophia Field
A second look...
By Hayden Lloyd, Film Team
Gravity (2013)
A
n astronaut and a medical officer adrift in space. As far as concepts go, the premise underpinning Alfonso Cuarns Gravity is as simple and captivating as they come. In the vacuum created by franchise spin offs and superheroes; cerebral films of this calibre are a rare treat. A bare bones survival story, Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Lieutenant Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are left untethered from the shattered remains of their shuttle, fighting to return to earth. What follows is a lyrical, poetic and primal story of struggle against adversity, albeit 300 miles above the Earth. Bullock and Clooney offer fine performances as the two leads, Clooney easily believable as the charming, self-assured veteran astronaut while Bullock delivers one of her best performances as a medical engineer on her first mission, contributing exactly what we would expect from such ubiquitous actors. Perhaps it is misleading as to the nature of the film when two huge Hollywood names appear side by side on the poster. Surely this is popcorn fluff, sitting nicely between Iron Man 7 and whatever atrocity Michael Bay is currently cooking up. The casting however, is perfect for this precise reason. We rarely see the characters without their space suits and helmets on but the audience know the characters well enough to fill in the details themselves, allowing director Cuarn and Emmanuel Lubezki, his cinematographer, free reign to imagine their surroundings; the void of space. And boy
is it beautiful. The all-encompassing cinematography in Gravity is a work of art, perfectly balancing the 3D spectacle (and please do see it in 3D) and elegiac lyricism to create a stunning vision never before fully realised. Taking obvious cues from Kubricks, 2001: A Space Odyssey and even beautifully referencing it in places, Gravity truly sets the bar for the sci-fi genre. It is impossible to ignore the visual and audio effects work in this film, despite the fact that they never scream at you for attention. It is the subtleties of both that stand the film head and shoulders above its peers. The meticulous detail of the satellites the characters interact with, the free-falling cinematography acknowledging that in space there is no up or down and of course the breath-taking view of the Earth. The exploitation of the absence of sound in space; instead providing sound from inside the astronauts helmets, reverberations through their space suits and a subtle but chilling score, barely noticeable amongst the visual debris. Gravity is truly pushing boundaries in the same way that Avatar, Life Of Pi and 2001 have all done with equal ferocity. Clocking in at the 90 minute mark, (a pithy line from Clooney to Bullock set your watch for 90 minutes sets the tone perfectly), its certainly not a drawn out, sprawling film. Wasting no time with unnecessary exposition, the story unequivocally comes first. With the lines between action and character development intelligently blurred, the audience is hooked from the first second to the last. If youre after an excuse to spend a fiver on popcorn and noisily slurp your drink, this certainly isnt the film to see. For an hour and a half youll be adrift in space, and loving every second of it.
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24 LITERATURE
literature@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Literature
Opium and Literature: The Weapon of the Romantics
Successful Book Festival

Guildford Book Festival Closes Another Chapter and Eagerly Waits to Open the Next One!
If you are interested in writing for us, email: Editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Your Student Newspaper
Rachael Lowndes
s the use of opium a way of broadening the mind to enter new realms of the imagination or does it stunt and hinder creativity in literature? Lets explore. Samuel Taylor Coleridge provides the perfect example of this conflict with the drug. His most famous work The Rime of the Ancient Mariner was written before his addiction and receives wide acclaim for its creativity and epic storytelling. However, Kubla Khan was written under addiction. Despite being fragmented and incomplete - the
result of a trance-like state induced by opium - its still considered to be a work of art in its own right. So what does this mean? Is Coleridge secretly the 5th member of the Beatles, writing great works whilst hallucinating? Well, he didnt get into the charts, thats for sure. But it appears that Coleridge wins both ways. Imagine if he was able to complete Kubla Khan; and the recognition he would have received for completing it! Surely, in this respect opium might allow for creativity, but what it gives it can also take away.
h, Guildford Book Festival. Your eclectic events, encompassing chocolate workshops and literary talks about mathematics and television were a huge hit this year. In only twelve days, thirteen venues hosted a whopping fifty events which gave something to everyone including children, literary enthusiasts, comedy lovers, and science fanatics. My personal favourite was The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets book launch by Simon Singh hosted by Jim Al-Khalili, but there was
many other events that I had the pleasure of attending like Rachel Joyce speaking about her new book, Perfect, at the electric theatre. All of the venues were a delight to visit and the hosts and staffs were nothing but pleasant and willing to go the extra mile for the attendees. If you missed any of the events this year then never fear, there will be more to come next year, and who knows, there might be something that tickles your fancy and you simply wont be able to miss it!
Rachael Lowndes
Literature Editor: Shiri Shah
LITERATURE
25
Literary Stimulation with Vibrators C

ertain people might find reading a really good book gives them immense pleasure, like me and many others. Like people with a highly tuned musical ear, the rights words might trigger arousal in us; but what if you were to read a literary classic whilst stimulating yourself? In the Hysterical Literature Series we see videos of various women reading great works of literature and attempting to maintain calm as they are secretly pleasured with a vibrator underneath the table. From cult classics like American Psycho, by Brett Easton Ellis, to Sexing the Cherry, by Jeanette Winterson, we see glimpses of suppressed moans and sly smiles as maybe its not the great work of art sending shivers down their spines. It gives a great new perspective on how we may receive literature, whilst we read a grotesque and bloody scene from a book, a vibrator might change the way we experience that scene in more ways than one
Are Books Better Than Films?

by Emma Hawken, Literature Team
claytoncubitt
f youre already a reader then the answer is an obvious one. Books, in my opinion, are always going to be superior to their films. Whether thats just the Literature student in me reigning strong I dont know, but theres something about physically holding a book and reading in the privacy of your own home thats so appealing. Dont get me wrong, I like films, really I do. A trip to the cinema now and again is always fun, as well as the occasional movie night with friends. However, (and this is a big however) these are my reasons for classing films as secondary to books: Firstly, books are the original. By the time the film comes out hundreds, sometimes millions of people have read the story, know the plot line and identified (or not) with the characters.
Appearance: come on, who really can admit to saying the actors/actresses used in their favourite films where EXACTLY as they imagined? Hence the controversial casting choices for Anastasia Steele. Books allow the reader to use their imaginations! You can be the wizard invited to Hogwarts; the assistant solving crimes with Sherlock Holmes or even the young woman being courted by Mr Darcy. Authors are not limited to time constraints. They dont have to fit a lifetime in an hour and a half but can explore the characters journey across hundreds of pages; allowing the reader to fully engage and live the experience too. In a more practical sense, books arent reliant on electricity or batteries - they are powered by the unrestricted mind!
26 DANCE & THEATRE
dancetheatre@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Ghosts 5/11/13
By Tiffany Stoneman, Dance & Theatre Team
Dance & Theatre

her that ensured the piece didnt fall too deeply into despair. Similarly, Pip Donaghy (Engstrand, Reginas father) was likeable and funny, testing the line between submissive Christian and mischievous trickster in an endearing manner. The real villain, in my eyes, is the pious Pastor Manders flitting between confidant and judge, Patrick Drury made him a most hateable character, and rightly so. To the extent where I found myself getting increasingly angry, Drury was an all too accurate example of the religious aggression at the time. Mark Quartley played Osvald, the returned son of Mrs. Alving on the 10th anniversary of his fathers death. Bringing with him a dark secret and a mind in turmoil, Quartley pushed himself to the point of breaking without overdoing it. He maintained a somewhat manic disposition throughout, but with sincerity that is a credit to his talent. Ghosts is not an easy play to perform it or to watch its about family secrets, problems brushed under the carpet, and hushed voices. Written in 1881, it is always remarkable to see the insight Ibsen had into the human psyche, and the way he went against the norm in terms of societys expectations of women and family. With a simple set design by Simon Higlett, the room was both homely and eerie a large projected window overlooking mountains enhanced the atmosphere, and I couldnt help but keep glancing in case some lone figure appeared (though perhaps thats just my overactive imagination). The ETT has triumphed once again with this piece be sure to grab it if you can, touring the country until the 7th December.
he English Touring Theatre is preparing themselves for an explosive year in 2014, as to celebrate their 21st birthday, theyre hoping to stage 21 productions throughout the year. That doesnt mean that any of their performances this year have been left by the wayside however. They are currently sweeping the country with Stephen Unwins translation of Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen the sad tale of widow, the return of her son, and the family secrets that dredge up the past and threaten all their newfound hopes. With a small cast of five, its important for everyone to hold their own on the stage; whereas larger casts can hide any weakness, such an intense and intimate play is very exposing. However, we were not disappointed by any of the performances, each actor brought their own light and colour to what could otherwise be a very dreary text. Kelly Hunter was the broken Mrs. Alving both vulnerable and headstrong, Hunter provided an appropriate mix of motherly care and desperate woman, at times uncomfortably frantic, others rational and clear. Hunters ability to remain on voice throughout the piece fully projecting her voice and pronunciation is admirable, however didnt quite match the others on stage. This proved a little distracting at times, but can be neither a criticism nor negative as it is a skill well used. Florence Hall was a strong, intelligent, and confident Regina. The girl who becomes the maid in Mrs. Alvings home is both familiar and professional throughout, only to be hit by a startling revelation in the second act. Hall maintained a girlish air about
A Review of USSU Theatre Societys Waiting For Godot

By Abi Oscroft, Dance & Theatre Team
Tightrope Walking
hoosing to stage 'the most significant English language play of the 20th Century' was a brave risk for the University of Surrey Theatre Society. The play is notoriously hard to stage, and whilst many have tackled Beckett's Waiting For Godot, many have fallen short. The play's absurdist nature and its bleak, blank setting give it a timeless feel; this 'blank canvas' can tempt companies into trying to push their own agendas upon it, political or otherwise. However IST (in association with USSU Theatre Society) made the bold choice to, instead, allow Beckett's text to speak for itself. The vast, bleak (and wonderfully designed) playing space left no room for mediocre actors to hide, but fortunately on this stage, there was not a stitch of second-rate acting to be found. Proving once again that there is no such thing as a 'small role', Kyle Meade's cameo of 'Boy' was played so skilfully and with such blushing innocence that the audience immediately empathised. Tom Thirkell's Pozzo evoked the image of a rich oil merchant, and was played with a wonderful ease, whilst Henry Jones tackled the demanding role of Lucky with a great degree of talent, providing a constant source of energy and drawing constantly on the strong inner-life of the character. Luke Pierre and Aaron Douglas codirected the production as well as taking the lead roles of Estragon and Vladimir, respectively. The beautiful combination of clarity and confusion played in Estragon's personality that showed Pierre's immense grasp of character. Douglas too demonstrated the depth of his talent, drawing the audience in as he dexterously navigated the delicate tightrope between hope and despair with his final monologue. The company's choice to focus strongly on physical comedy played well, along with their effective use of southern American accents, which never seemed to falter. The only criticism I have to offer, and I hope it is a constructive one, is that I feel that company could have further explored Beckett's use of silence in the text in order to add yet another layer to the extremely rich tapestry they produced. However, that said, with such developed characters, and the great sense of direction within the piece, one wonders how, in the past couple of months, the company have ever found time to sleep.
The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas

By Freya Poole, Dance & Theatre Team
ast month as I was perusing the Ideas Tap website, I stumbled across another Royal Court ticket offer gem. At just 3, I had no hesitation in snapping up a few tickets for their latest production of The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas directed by Vicky Featherstone. Written by Dennis Kelly, known for Channel 4s Utopia, contemporary play Orphans and co-writer of Matilda the Musical, the play tells the tale of tragic hero Gorges life, encountering upon a consistent moral dilemma of Goodness or Cowardice?. This question is evidently the plays main focus. We start with all actors on stage sat on chairs with no other set, telling the tale of Gorges early life directly to the audience. This comical narration allowed the audience to ease into the play due to the casual set-up, and just when I felt myself becoming on the verge of boredom the action changed drastically. The actors would then launch themselves actively into the narrative as we witness Gorges most important moral dilemma as a young man. The moral was enforced by slightly Brechtian techniques, with repetition throughout the dialogue and unfortunately, a very obvious sign which was eased down from the ceiling and hung at the
back of the set. Although these techniques were undoubtedly strong methods of conveying the capitalist message and I must admit, the play did make me think critically about similar dilemmas I have faced, the reinforcement detracted from the moving writing throughout the rest of the play, and somewhat dumbed down what could have been an entirely intelligent and thought provoking piece. However, I thought the acting was fantastic. Tom Brooke as Gorge Mastromas, made me laugh, cringe, feel hatred and disgust as well as sympathise in his strong and emotionally draining performance, as well as noteworthy performances from Pippa Haywood as the flirtatious city businesswoman A and Joshua James as Pete, who played a small part in the narrative, but gave a hilarious performance as narrator at the beginning. The play was hefty, at nearly 3 hours long, but I enjoyed almost every minute of it and the brilliant acting and for the most part enjoyable writing had me leaving feeling enriched and thoroughly entertained. I recommend going to see anything at the Royal Court as they are constantly producing new contemporary plays at really affordable prices for us students. The play finished on the 19th October but the Courts next production is Brand New Ancients by Kate Tempest.
28 SOCIETIES
societies@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Societies
CoppaFeel! Your Boobs Need You!
By Rachel Ryan, Societies Team
reast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! have recruited student volunteers to head up teams across the country. The Uni Boob Teams student volunteers will be promoting the CoppaFeel! SMS reminder service which sends the recipient a free text reminder to check their boobs each month. Founded in October 2009 by Kristin Hallenga who herself was misdiagnosed twice with breast cancer at age 23; and now lives with secondary breast cancer. CoppaFeel!s mission is to ensure all breast cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage possible. At which treatments are more effective and survival rates higher, and the best way of doing that is to get everyone in the country checking their boobs regularly. Each year CoppaFeel! instigates a new campaign; this year it is all about signing up your fingers (aka your little soldiers) to check your boobs. Themed around the army, students will be invited to go to recruitment stations manned by the Uni Boob Team to receive enrolment cards and medals for enlisting their fingers to coppafeel. You have an army at your fingertips. Use your little soldiers each month to coppafeel of your boobs. Early detection saves lives. Says Kristin Hallenga, founder of CoppaFeel! By cultivating a strong student presence CoppaFeel! wants to eradicate the taboos and common misconceptions around checking boobs from a young age. CoppaFeel!s goal is to make you, and the people around you, realise that the sooner they start checking in life, the more comfortable they will be knowing what is normal for them and take a habit into later life
that could one day save their lives. So that all breast cancers are detected early. CoppaFeel!s aim is to be at every University in the UK. This year the campaign is being supported by boohoo who have equipped teams with lots of merchandise and a 20% discount to boohoo.com for every student who enlists their little soldiers! Further helping the teams promote CoppaFeel!s important message; that knowing your boobs could save your life. At Surrey, your Uni Boob Team have already hijacked a union night and it was fab to see so many soldiers supporting CoppaFeel! at Military Night! But dont panic, this is just the beginning Over the next year keep your eyes peeled around campus for more of the Uni Boob Team Surrey events, including a Pink Party, Cake Oclock, and yes, you guessed it, BOOB BALL will be back! We love it when everyone gets involved so if you see us around campus come and say hi. Well be the ones in the boobs. To join the team and help us raise even more awareness around campus, contact your Uni Boob Team Leader Lauren either via twitter @UBTSurrey, Facebook www.facebook.com/CoppaFeelUniS or email at ussu.coppafeel@surrey.ac.uk. Follow the Uni Boob Team on Twitter - @ uniboobteam for updates on what is going on at campuses across the country! Visit www.uniboobteam.com to find out more about the campaign and discover photos of what uni boobie-based shenanigans are happening up and down the country! www.uniboobteam.com @uniboobteam
Alice Wilkinson
tudent societies are an integral part of University life. In this section I will share your views, stories and experiences as members of these societies and keep you informed about upcoming events. Alice Wilkinson societies@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Jazz Orchestra
By Jack Hill, Societies Team
he University of Surrey Jazz Orchestra prepares to see in the winter months with their first calendar of events of the academic year. We had a hugely successful 2012 which saw the orchestra play shows both on campus, for a number of society balls and around the local area. We have been working hard over the last semester to bring a whole new exciting selection of repertoire to life. The 30-piece ensemble performs a wide array of material featuring swing, Latin and jazz numbers; these encompass numerous standards, pop rearrangements and student compositions. The first performance sees
the orchestra return to their old stomping ground of Wates House on the 28th November, doors open at 7pm for a 7:15pm start time and entry is free. The bands second and final performance of the semester is in Studio 1 of PATS. The event at 7:30pm on the 12th December will feature all the orchestras usual musical stylings, as well as some themed numbers to see in the festive season. Once again the event will be free of charge with a collection for charity being made during the evening. Further details for both events can be found on the Jazz Orchestra page of the USSU website or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ussujazzorchestra."
Societies Editor: Alice Wilkinson
SOCIETIES
29
Gospel Choir
Surrey Marrow Needs You

By Antonia Gill, Societies Team
By Calvin Jor, Societies Team
niversity of Surrey Gospel Choir has some fantastic events coming up to get you feeling festive! On Tuesday 3rd December they will be kick-starting the festive season with Christmas carols in Rubix. It is an event hosted by the Christian Union and the choir will be performing two songs. The Surrey Gospel Choir are performing at the Guildford Cathedral on Wednesday 4th December. It is the University of Surrey Carol Service and therefore other choirs will be performing. The service starts at 5pm. They are also performing on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th
December at Surrey Arts Live. Surrey Arts Live is a whole week of performances by all the art societies of Surrey. There will be performances and events every day of the week by other societies. University of Surrey Gospel Choir rehearses weekly on a Monday at GSA from 6 to 8pm and everyone is welcome to join! Become a fan: www.facebook.com/gospelchoir Be inspired: www.youtube.com/ surreyunigospelchoir Get involved: www.facebook.com/groups/ ussugospelchoir Email: ussu.gospelchoir@surrey.ac.uk
urrey Marrow is the student branch of the charity Anthony Nolan. We sign people up to the bone marrow register to give someone with a blood cancer such as leukemia a second chance of life. To sign up to the register, all you have to do is spit in a tube and fill in a simple application form. People aged 16-30 are able to sign up to the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register, and if you are found to be a match for someone with a blood cancer, you can donate your stem cells. 90% of the time, this is done in a similar process to giving blood. Students make excellent donors as we are generally young, fit and healthy (despite hangovers...) It has recently been announced that if you are signed up by a Marrow group (of which there are 42 at Universities across the UK), you have a one in 100 chance of being a match for someone, opposed to one in 1000. This is because young, fit, healthy
people make the best donors. At Surrey, we have had four matches so far. Surrey Marrow is in it's 3rd year now and we're always looking for new volunteers from all courses. We have opportunities for people to get involved with signing people up at recruitment events run by both Marrow and Anthony Nolan, fundraising as it costs 100 to put someone on the register, social media and press, and we also hold regular socials. Students involved have the chance to go to the Marrow AGM with other groups, hear from donors and recipients, and visit Anthony Nolan's head office and labs and get involved with things like the Virgin London Marathon as Anthony Nolan are the official charity this year. Please e-mail surreymarrow@gmail.com for more info, Check us out on www.facebook.com/surreymarrow And give us a follow on Twitter, @surrey_marrow
Join the editor of The Stag in signing up to the bone marrow register and you could give someone a second chance of life.
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32 SPORT
sport@thestagsurrey.co.uk
Sport
Weekly Report: 15/11/13
By Harry Metters, Wed Admin
Surrey Football Club
Surrey Archery
1st XI
he 1st XI game on Saturday was called off therefore they only had one game this week. Unfortunately there wasnt the change in fortunes for them that they were wishing. After starting positively Surrey conceded another early goal after Sussex 1s scored against the run of play. The performance until half time was then not at the level that is expected and it was too easy for Sussex to go in 3-0 up at half time. After half time they played very good football and deserved a goal or 2 with possession being dominated and chances being created. Unfortunately the back of the net was not found and the game ended 3-0 to the away side. The club needs to get behind the 1s and find a way to dig out a few wins in the coming weeks otherwise it could be too late. MOM: Matt King DOD: Ben Ellwood (Going to Fright day instead of playing a few weeks back).
grabbing the goals. However they showed great bouncebackability to pick up their first win in the BUCS competition against Kingston with a 4-0 drumming. The team started brightly, controlling possession and creating numerous openings, leading to Richie scoring midway through the first half. The team couldn't capitalize on this pressure, and went into half time with Kingston starting to make an impression on the game. As the second half begun, the 3s took control of the game, with Richie scoring 2 more goals to complete his hattrick. Late in the game, Roscoe rose like a salmon from a long throw to head home and complete the 4-0 rout. MOM: Richie (hattrick) DOD: Tobi (having a stinker).
Do you think you could be the next Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games)?
unday the 27th of October archers from across the south east took to Surrey Sports Park to compete in the Annual Stag Hill Archers Indoor Tournament. Those shooting ranged from juniors to those who have been shooting for years, and even an archer who competed in the Commonwealth Games! A lot of medals for the home team over a range of categories such as Recurve, Longbow, Barebow and our Recurve team came second overall.
With our beginners course just finishing up we have a lot of potential this year and we look forward to taking a bigger and better team to the multiple competitions we have this year, including BUCS. Do you think you could be the next Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games)? Well there is still an opportunity to join archery this year so please get in contact via email USSU. Archery@surrey.ac.uk.
4th XI & 5thXI

It was not a good week for the 4s as they lost there first 2 games this season. Saturday saw Woking Tigers defeat them 2-0 and it did not end well for them in the intra-Surrey derby that took place between the 4's and the 5's on Wednesday. The 4's had no response to the 5's immaculate false 9 Barcelona-esque play. The 5s went up 2-0 quickly and then played some fine counter-attacking football. Led by the mastermind Paranjoy Roy, they then adopted a cracking defensive look and sealed the game off with a penalty. It was an exquisite display from the underdogs and ran out worthy 3-2 winners. Goals for 4ths: Tom Leach Andy Kang og. Goals for 5ths: Cristi Apetri, Joe Hennessey, Jack Bryne. MOM 4s: Tom Leach DOD 4s: Whole team MoM 5s: Andy Kang/Joe Hennessey DoD 5s: James Hubert (Intentional yellow and missed a sitter) The 5's put in another dominating display on Sunday 10th November to dispatch James Black Fc 4-0 with ease. Having started poorly, a well taken break resulted in a penalty and red card. It was all Surrey from then on and could have been a tennis score. Goals: Joe (2), Pete Kennedy and Cristi Apetri. MoM: Rahul Lawlor Dod : Ian Beercraft (almost giving away a goal and missing from a yard)
Surrey Netball
2nd XI
The 2s had a mixed week with a victory on Saturday however a disappointing defeat on Wednesday. The 2s moved up to mid table on Saturday with a solid 3-0 victory at home to Worplesdon Phoenix Reserves. Henri Gomez, Ben D and Emeka grabbed the goals. Ash saved a penalty making him MOM. Emeka claimed DOD. 2s came into the game against an average Sussex 2s on Wednesday needing a win. After a dominating early 15 Dan David rewarded the side with a good solo goal. However shortly after, a rash Leigh Sargeant clearance connected with Smith plum in the chops which wickedly deflected past the onlooking Irvine leaving smith in tears on the floor. After the break Surrey failed to grab a hold of the game with Sussex resilient, grabbing 2 goals to seal the result. The score ended up 3-1. MOM: Dan David (a great solo goal and hard work). DOD: Ben Smith, scoring an O.G with his face.
Social Netball - Thursdays 6pm please feel free to come along

etball this year has hit the ground hard with training and matches for all BUCS teams, and finding their stride in the higher divisions after having all teams promoted last season. We have also introduced two development teams this year, training once a week and playing in a local league, giving more opportunity to play competitively and develop skills. We still have social netball (Thursdays 6pm) for anyone who wants to bring some friends and play some fun netball for an hour please feel free to come along! Also, we have our mixed netball tournament on the 18th December. Last year it was a lot of fun and so were running a Christmas themed one all entries must be emailed to ussu. netall@surrey.ac.uk by Monday 9th December. Please see the facebook event for more details, but it would be great for everyone to join in a festive afternoon and play a bit of netball!
Surrey Womens Rugby

Surrey vs Royal Holloway
3rd XI
The 3s lost in an epic 4-3 game against Mytchett United on Saturday with Matteo, Tobi & Victor
Score: 19-19
Alistair Walker - Web Editor

our website (thestagsurrey.co.uk) ready for its big relaunch in the new year so if youve got any ideas or comments feel free to get in touch. In the meantime, keep up to date with all the latest news and updates by following The Stags Twitter & Facebook feeds.
or those who havent met me yet, Im the newly appointed Web Editor for 2013/14. My main role is to bring you up to date content from The Stag when you havent got the latest issue like the one youre reading now in front of you; to do this Ill be working hard in the background redesigning
drawperhaps not the amazing win each team playing a game hopes to achieve, yet the feeling of coming off the pitch knowing that you and your team tried their hardest and never gave up, that is the amazing feeling we all hope for. Each team was equally matched, we each had new players, we each had great players. To know the Womens Rugby team is a team and not just a one-man-band is to look at how we play. S. Hastings, L. Dulat and Z. Hudson all scored some amazing tries. Our player-of-thematch, chosen by the other team was our very own Vice-Captain, C. Gallagher for, Im sure some spectacular play whereby she
never ceased to be up on the all, up on the opposition and rallying the team. We nominated O. Bernataviciute as forward-ofthe-match after her very first game. She put her heart and soul into each play. J. Thomson was awarded back-of-the-match for running some incredible lines and gaining great ground. It was a great game fought until the very end. And for those of you thinking theyd like to join and try something new at university, for thats what this time is for (besides the occasional bit of studying), come along to any of our training sessions on Mondays at 8pm. We welcome people of any speed, any size, any skill.

The Stag - Issue 65

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Newspaper of the students of the University of Surrey

Issue 65 Monday 25th November 2013

UNIVERSITY HIDES NEWSPAPER

Inside: Christmas is Coming

Alcohol & Lots of it

The Stag|25th November 2013

NUS DELEGATE ELECTIONS

Nicole Vassell - Deputy Editor & Head of Marketing

Paul A Richmond - Deputy Editor & Head of Design

Letter from the Editor

News Editor: Shunayna Vaghela

The Stag|25th November 2013

University hides papers

Surrey Spin-out Company Wins Satellite Navigation Competition

The cheapest prices

Pick up a Chancellors Club Loyalty Card

The Stag|25th November 2013

Covert film shows police spying on Students Unions

NUS responds to HMRC crackdown on unpaid internships

Open Generation Project

Funeral held for Christopher Chai

OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Stag|25th November 2013

Opinion & Analysis

Welcome Week at University

Opinion & Analysis Editor: Sam West

The Stag|25th November 2013

OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Death of the Paperback Debating Debating

Shellfish Murder? - Should We Find A Balance Between Science And Humanity?

The Stag|25th November 2013

World AIDS Day Typhoon Haiyan

No one ever thinks theyll be the 1 in 4

by Rebekkah Hughes, Features Editor

Features Editor: Rebekkah Hughes

The Stag|25th November 2013

The Ultimate Childhood Toy

Note from the Section Editor

by Jas Smith, Features Team

Rebekkah Hughes Features Editor

A Christmas Gift Guide

Heavy Duty, Feeble Mind

The Stag|25th November 2013

Thank Ferreros for Christmas!

The Veggie Option

Sweet and Sour Tofu

The Bear & The Hare

Features Editor: Rebekkah Hughes

The Stag|25th November 2013

Next Gen Console Wars

12 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

The Stag|25th November 2013

Science & Technology

I Cant Function Without My Morning Coffee

A Nudge From Above

By Siobhan Harris, Science & Tech Editor

Sci/Tech Editor: Siobhan Harris

The Stag|25th November 2013

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Search for Dark Matter Continues

Calling All DNA

Polio Re-emergence Risk After Syria Outbreak

14 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

The Stag|25th November 2013