Issue 74November 9 2010

The Newspaper of the Students of De Montfort University Circulation 2,000 FREE

University Funding

What do you really think about the proposals?

Demon pg 7

DMU Football Triumph

The full match report against Derby

Demon pg 12

Kings of Leon SpecialDiablo looks at the new album Pages 10-11

Leicester MP Ignores Student Plea

Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, has continued to ignore emails from De Montfort Students’ Union requesting an indication on how she will vote when it comes to a decision regarding tuition fees.

She did not sign the vote for students pledge at the General Election, which would have committed her to voting against any rise in fees.

As someone who represents Leicester West, an area which incorporates a high proportion of students, she risks losing any student support in the future.

Remember, Remember, Don't Shave in Movember

The sixth annual official Movember campaign is now well and truly under way.

The month-long event involves the growing of moustaches to raise money for men's health issues such as prostate cancer and depression.

DSU are encouraging male students across campus to support the campaign and 'Grow a Mo' for the charity.

Students' Union President Andy Schooledge and Vice President Student Activities Liam Davis are among those supporting the cause by growing a moustache throughout November.

A number of sports teams and scoieties are also backing the cause by gathering sponsorship money to grow a moustache this month.

For more information visit www.movember.com.

News in Brief

Last Wednesday saw the long awaited announcement of the coalition’s policy plan for Higher Education funding in England, amid mass student protests in London just a week later.

Universities Minister David Willetts announced to carry forward some of the Browne Review proposals.

There is to be a raise the tuition fee cap to £6,000, with Universities able to charge up to £9,000 in "exceptional circumstances."

These proposals will, if passed in the House of Commons, come into effect no earlier than the academic year of 2013-2014. It should be noted that not all of recommendations are being taken; Browne recommended no cap whatsoever on tuition fees which is not a part of the proposal.

Universities who impose fees of more than £6,000 will take part in a £150 million National Scholarships scheme. This is a scheme, which ensures that poorer students are not cut out of higher education.

Universities that refuse and fail to make progress towards set targets on recruiting poorer students will see a proportion of their extra fee income diverted to outreach activities.

Under the proposals, students will start repaying their loans at 9% of their income at a real rate of interest when they earn £21,000, an increase from the current £15,000, with outstanding loans written off after 30 years.

The Million+ think-tank, composed of 27 former polytechnic and college universities, said it was “unlikely” that these proposals will sustain university funding for anything more than the short term. Professor Les Ebdon from Million+ said: “unless universities charge £9,000 there is a big risk that they will be worse and not better-off because of the singeing cuts to teaching funding”.

De Montfort University Government & Politics student, Michael Denoual, said: “I believe the rise in the cap on tuition is a regressive move, which will result in a two tier university system. Even now more people from Westminster school went Oxbridge than people on free school meals in the UK. This move is a money making scheme rather than to help the education of the UK.”

The University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor Sir Bob Burgess, said this would create a market with different levels of fees between institutions, but there was no evidence to suggest that higher fees would lead to a "collapse in participation". The university has carried out research into how fees will change demand for places. The initial response to the proposal is that high fees will particularly hit demand for places at less prestigious universities.

De Montfort Students’ Union gave this statement: “As a students’ union, we are actively opposing

these proposals. During the General Election, the Liberal Democrats, now part of the coalition government, promised and signed a pledge to students that they would vote against, campaign against and reject any rise or lifting of the cap on fees. They have now gone back on this promise to students. The new system proposed would see a market in higher education formed. This would see people separated by what they can and can’t afford, basing their choice of university on their wealth and not on whether that institution provides the best course for them.

Student loans would be denied to those whose qualifications were lower than a specified UCAS tariff level. This actively stops social mobility and is completely unfair to those who may be receiving a poor education within their schools.”

What is clear is that there is much anger and opposition to these proposals from both the National Union of Students and politicians alike. The National Demonstration will be taking place in Westminster this week where thousands of students from across the country will be going to march against these proposals.

£9,000 Tuition FeesAs the coalition government announced their plans for university funding and tuition fees last week, thousands of students prepare to march in London against the cuts. Brett Leppard Reports.

Students celebrate graduating at De Montfort Hall this July��

News

Graduate Tax – a Good Call?Lord Browne’s review of student fees has caused a shake up among universities and students alike, but with the economy in a state of economic crisis, government officials must consider the long-term.

While deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and business secretary Vince Cable, agree that the UK education system needs a shake up, they have rejected to removing the fee cap.

Clegg said of the review: “I am uneasy about the idea [of ] in theory, unlimited fees, so we are looking at something that is more restrained.”

Although dismissing the proposal for unlimited fees, Clegg made clear the government was still considering the Browne Review in hopes to create a system that would help the poorest students get a place in higher education. In place of the uncapped fees, shadow business secretary John Denham confirmed labour would “move towards a graduate tax”.

Claiming the tax would be fairer to students, he said it would rule out students becoming ‘consumers’. Denham added: “The advantage of moving towards a graduate tax means that you can have a system that is progressive. It’s fair; it means that what

people pay in is related to the benefit that they get from their education.”

But with university courses already so easy to obtain, critics have said it is already a free market. Currently, out of every £1 of loan given to students, taxpayers have to pay 23 pence.

Annually, this adds up to £4,800 per average graduate – a heavy sum for the taxpayer. This is because of the zero interest rate offered to students and the unfortunate factor that some loans are never repaid.

Earlier this month, business secretary Vince Cable rejected the graduate tax. In an email sent to Tory and Lib Dem members, Cable said the introduction of a graduate tax would “do nothing to reduce the deficit” in an economy where the UK’s net debt has reached £842.9bn.

Backing the business secretary’s views, the Prime Minister has agreed with the rejection, saying a graduate tax would only raise the deficit significantly. Speaking before the release of the Browne Review, David Cameron said: “I think what we need to do is have a system where young people can make choices about what is right for them, and I want as many people who think it’s right for them to be able to go to university.

A pure graduate tax is very good for

universities, it’s good for American universities, because it would actually drive people to go and study overseas.” Adding that the tax would be unjust Cameron said: “It would also be extremely unfair in terms of European students who wouldn’t be charged the graduate tax when they go back to their own countries.”

With the possibility of a divide being created in society, some graduates will feel a larger strain than others as they are charged more for the same initial fee. Cable added: “While it is superficially attractive, an additional tax on graduates fails both the tests of fairness and deficit reduction.”

Victoria Coffey

Hayley Smith

Naomi Marcus

UK Law students offered once in a lifetime opportunityThe American Society of International Law has announced the first International Humanitarian Law Student Writing Competition.

By submitting academic papers based on international humanitarian law, entrants have the opportunity to have their work published in an academic journal, an all expenses paid trip to Washington DC to present their papers at a conference at the American University Washington College of Law and a one-year ASIL student membership.

The competition is part of a multi-prolonged initiative to expand and support the teaching and study of International humanitarian law among student and professors alike.

To enter visit: www.WCLCenterforHR.org.

Midland’s Best Dance Crew 2010

Dance crews from the Midlands will come together for the ultimate dance competition in hopes of winning £1000 cash.

The event will take place at Birmingham’s Town Hall on Friday November 12 at 8pm.

Tickets are £10, and £7 for those under the age of 14.

Organisers anticipate that tickets are likely to sell quickly. For tickets visit www.thsh.co.uk/view/midlands-best-dance-crew.

Burlesque Society Host Legs Eleven Fund Raiser Show

DMU Burlesque Society has teamed up with 3rd year Graphic Design students to put on a fundraiser for the course’s Degree Show.

After the success of ‘Trick or Tease’, the recent show the society performed in Level 1 at the Students’ Union, they have decided this would be a great way to help.

The event, ‘Legs Eleven Burlesque Graphic Design Fund Raiser Show’. Will also be held in Level 1 on November 17.

Doors will be opening at 8pm and tickets are priced at £5 with all proceeds going towards the Degree Show.

Tickets are available on the door or from the Fletcher Building tenth floor.

News in Brief

Free peer-to-peer file sharing client Limewire has been forced to shut down its service after a four-year legal battle with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The RIAA, the trust that represents those that are responsible for ‘85% of all creation, manufacture and/or distribution of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States’, filed a copyright claim against Limewire and its creators in 2007.

Judge Kimba Wood issued an, initially temporary, injunction

ordering the file sharing software to cease functioning on October 27, which soon became permanent.

It seems that most students have, at some point, used Limewire or a similar service. This is not surprising as Limewire was considered as ‘the biggest service for allowing consumers to share music, movies and TV shows for free over the internet’ by The Daily Mail on 28th October.

Madeline Towne, studying Education Studies at De Montfort University, said: “It was hardly unexpected that Limewire would be closed eventually, but it’s still a disappointing blow for students who can’t afford to buy music

online or in stores.” Georgie Deanie agrees “Students

just can’t afford CDs or DVDs anymore, but it was never legal to download files that were copyrighted and it is stealing. Everybody knew that Limewire would eventually get its comeuppance, it’s no surprise.”

Though this disappointment appears to be widespread over our campus, some students say this is the right thing to do.

“Limewire is simply illegal,” says Jessica Gore, “you have to pay for music, a whole industry has been abused by Limewire”.

In the aftermath to Limewire’s closure, similar programmes have

reported that their usage statistics have soared with avid downloader’s seeking to find a replacement. George Searle, Chief Executive of Limewire, has said that the company is making plans for a new site.

Sam Kidd suggests that Limewire was damaging for computers and other, similar software sites are much safer: “Limewire was always riddled with viruses, it wasn’t safe for consumers and would seriously damage computers”.

It is estimated that the RIAA will now continue to file a damages claim against Mark Gorton, founder of Limewire, which could reach up to $1 billion.

Limewire Forced to Shut Down

A football match in Honduras ended in tragedy before it even began, when gunmen approached the group and opened fire on the players. Ten people were killed instantly, and four more died later on the way to hospital.

Whilst officials remain unsure

of the motives for the attack, it is locally thought that it was a settling of accounts between gangs. A similar incident occurred last month at a shoe factory in San Pedro Sula, where 18 people were killed.

Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with a huge gang culture; some gangs have thousands of members and spread

across Central America and the United States.

Battles between street gangs and drugs gangs have caused the violence rate in the area to soar, with 78.8 killings for every 100,000 people during 2010 so far.

Alongside the fourteen murders, a number of other people were seriously injured in the shootings,

which were carried out at close-range using assault rifles.

Mexican drug cartels are to blame for this most recent attack, claim San Pedro Sula district police. The match was just a 'friendly' at a football field in the Felipe Zelaya housing development.

The region is notorious for harbouring and refining cocaine before its shipment to the US.

Fourteen killed at football match in Honduras

2 | Tuesday 9 November 2010

News

De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) is raising money for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital by baring all for a naked calendar.

The Raise and Give Society are organising the calendar featuring students from the University involved in various sports teams and societies at DSU.

Photos for the calendar are being taken in the Students Union over the next two days ready to be released for sale on November 19.

The calendar will be sold to students for the price of £3.50 for pre-sale or £4 once released, with all proceeds being donated to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

A number of local businesses have sponsored the calendar to help cover printing costs so that as much

money can be raised for charity as possible. Scream pubs Soar Point and The Polar Bear have both sponsored the calendar along with Varsity, Croques and Natterjacks.

De Montfort University third year photography student, Miles Marr will also be taking the photos to help with producing a portfolio of his photography.

Sports teams and societies involved include, Football, Rugby, Equestrian, Scuba, Ultimate Frisbee and many more.

DSU’s Vice President Student Activities Liam Davis said: “The atmosphere so far has been fantastic. Everyone we’ve asked has been so keen to get involved, and it’s been really enjoyable to organise. It’s a great, fun way to make money for those in need and

something I’m very proud to be a part of.

“We’re also really pleased to have one of our students taking the photos for us, which is obviously great for his CV and hasn’t been done before.”

A bomb found at East Midlands airport last week is believed to have been part of an al-Qaeda terrorist attack, but was intercepted by security officials during a stop-over flight from Yemen to the US.

The discovery was made by a tip off was from an al-Qaeda member, Jabr al-Faifi, who handed himself in to the Saudi authorities two weeks ago.

The bombs were contained in print cartridges and transported in parcels on passenger jet planes and the device seized in the UK was transported by UPS. They were both addressed to synagogues to Chicago but the authorities believe one of the bombs was meant to blow up the plane it was being delivered on.

This has led to an international investigation into the incident causing concern for Yemen as it is becoming a haven for militants, following the crackdown on al-Qaeda

affiliates in Afghanistan and Pakistan.It is the base for al-Qaeda in the

Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and also harbours Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical Islamist cleric born in the US. He has links to the suspect in the Detroit bomb plot, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.

UK aeroplane cargo screening is also being criticised as the package was able to slip through the system as 'trusted' shippers are not subject to screening whereas other companies must have all cargo examined.

The president of detection equipment company Smiths Detection, Stephen Phipson, said: "quite a lot of cargo is not searched" as a result of this system. The printer cartridge bomb found at East Midlands Airport went through an initial scan without being picked up.

The bombs were also not alerted in Yemen where the screening system there has been scrutinised by terror expert Dr Sally Leivesley who said

it appeared the powdered toner may have been used as a means of evading screening. "It's a step-jump change in terms of threat to aviation and it's extremely serious," she said. "These devices can be put on board anywhere."

The Yemeni authorities have also launched a wider search for more suspects believed to be linked to the Yemeni branch of al-Qaeda and the mail bombs. "Yemeni security forces arrested a woman suspected of sending two parcel bombs," Yemen's defence ministry said. In lieu of this incident the UK government has introduced new security restrictions in the wake of the discovery of a parcel bomb at East Midlands Airport. These include guidance given to airport security staff on how to

identify suspicious packages in future, the suspension of unaccompanied air freight to the UK from Yemen and Somalia, the suspension of the carriage of toner cartridges larger than 500g in passengers' hand baggage on flights departing from UK airports.

Theresa May, the home secretary, outlined pre-departure checks that will be imposed on visitors seeking to enter and leave the UK, including electronic "no fly" lists for terrorism suspects, compiled as a result of passenger profiling.

DSU Bares All For Charity

Hindu Primary School to open by September 2011Plans for a Hindu primary school to be built in Evington in the eastern district of Leicester are set to be ready by next September.

Hindu education charity I-Foundation, which is behind the new school, has submitted its plan to the Department of Education. The proposed school would become one of Leicester’s first free schools independent of state control. The

school will not only follow the national curriculum but teach Hindu values to its pupils. In its first year, the school would take 60 pupils in two classes – growing to 420 children, aged four to 11. It would take 50 per cent of pupils from the Hindu faith and the rest from the community regardless of religion or background. Project director Pradip Gajjar has helped set up a

school for the charity in London. He said: "The trip to London went really well. It gave us a chance to show parents what we're already doing. They were given a tour and had a chance to talk to staff and ask questions.” It is part of a scheme to build 16 free schools which were set up under the coalition government launched in September. Education Secretary Michael Gove

helms the scheme. He said: "I hope it will restore faith in our battered qualifications system" However critics have claimed that that niche schools, that are expensive to run, will spring up in wealthy areas and drain resources from existing schools. Chris Keates, general secretary of the Nasuwt teaching union, said the fact that low number suggested the public wanted good local schools

run by democratically accountable local councils. She added: "The Secretary of State suggests that he wants free schools to be engines of social mobility but in many cases the free schools announced so far will only fragment communities and lead to greater social segregation and separation." The Hindu school is now waiting for business approval so they can acquire funding.

Victoria Coffey

East Midlands Airport in Bomb Scare

4 | Tuesday 9 November 2010

News

A DMU Fashion Design student has been shortlisted for the finals of an Elle magazine competition, to be judged by singer Lily Allen.

Ume Sacranie, 21, has entered the competition with hopes of winning her dream prize; the job of a stylist for Elle magazine.

Ume said: “It is really exciting that I’ve got this far in the competition, I have a real passion for this. I’m already very proud of myself getting this far but I am determined to achieve my goal of a career in fashion."

Along with the nine other finalists, Ume, from Hamilton in Leicestershire, will travel to Hoxton Street in London to the magazine’s studios for the final task. They will each have 45 minutes

to style a model using clothes inspired from 1970s fashion, before the winner is announced the following day at the Mayfair Hotel.

Alongside Lily Allen and her sister Sarah Owen, the contestants will also be judged by Elle’s Editor in Chief, Lorraine Candy.

“My style icons are Miroslava Duma and Olivia Palermo to name a few. The clothing industry has so many different routes to go down when I’ve graduated from De Montfort University and my heart lies with fashion so this competition means such a lot to me,” said Ume.

Ume currently works part time at Reiss, a fashion store in Leicester, and hopes this will stand her in good stead on the day. From everyone at DMU, good luck Ume!

Braunstone Gate in Leicester closed off traffic and played host to Oxjam 2010, with over 75 bands playing across six venues and street performances throughout the day.

Over 3000 music lovers descended on the street just by De Montfort campus to enjoy the performances taking place throughout the day, including 25 DJ’s, gospel choirs, fire acts and even Viking re-enactments.

Walkers Crisps sponsored the event, which was raising funds for Oxfam. At

the start of March no money had been raised, and since then Leicester has raised in excess of £15,000 for the charity.

The Demon team headed down to enjoy the successful event, and give a review of the day, which had initial delays in closing the road. Loaf bar was a popular venue, where we spent most of our time.

The acoustic acts suited the basement at Loaf, resulting in a great atmosphere accompanied with warm folk music for a cold October Saturday.

Mellow Baku opened at Loaf with a soothing laid back set. She was

followed by Kenny Wilson’s gritty folk songs, with Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash covers.

As the afternoon continued and The Fazed gave O Bar a taste of their dreamy alternative rock, heavy rain poured over Braunstone Gate but the enthusiasm of the bands and the audience seemed unhindered.

At Loaf the basement was ringing with applause after Fran Taylor’s set with a soft guitar and vocal setup that echoed Laura Marling.

With the evening approaching, excitement grew and the quality of

the music could be seen when people who had gone to the bars for shelter didn’t leave, even after the rain had eased off.

With the basement at Loaf packed to the rafters Matti Wilson had the crowd singing along to her unique brand of folk comparable to Bon Iver or The Moldy Peaches. She was followed by two-piece Butterfly Polite who’s Spanish tinted music helped build the excitement further.

Grace and the Magic Roots were the penultimate act and brought with them an entourage of followers, who

revelled in the reggae. Headlining the night were one of

Leicester’s most talented bands, Free Control. Usually playing electric gigs rather than small acoustic sets the crowd was eager to see what they had in store.

Arriving fashionably late the local heroes failed to disappoint, oozing moody sound-scapes reminiscent of Portishead and Interpol.

Free Control brought a brilliant day of music and local talent to a close with a brilliant set promoting the release of their album.

Edmund Syme

Naomi Marcus

DMU student's dream career in sight

Oxjam Event Pleases Crowds

Tuesday 9 November 2010 | 5

Travel

When you arrive by bus at Boston’s South Station, you are greeted by shimmering glass skyscrapers, maybe not as large and well known, but more elegant and graceful than the ones found in New York or London. Just a short walk down any street will transport you to another century, as Boston is one of the most historic cities in America.

The thing I first noticed about Boston is that the Greyhound station is actually in a nice part of town. On previous travels in America, bus stations have always been in rough and unsavory areas. After you spend a short time here you understand why. Boston doesn’t have any rough and unsavory areas.

With the oldest University - Harvard, the oldest park - Boston Common, and the oldest underground line in America, Boston really is a city packed with history. It was the cradle of the revolutionary wars, which began when citizens in the American colonies wanted the right to govern themselves.

North West of Boston in Cambridge is Harvard. It’s a lot smaller than most people would imagine. Harvard Yard which is the centre of the campus and the oldest part, is green and leafy and is a place that makes you feel honoured to be at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, especially if you wander through as I did, when the Dean of Undergraduates is giving the class of 2014 their inspirational welcoming speech.

And when you imagine people such as John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, listening to this speech in

years gone by, it makes it all the more awe-inspiring.

Another great historical Bostonian site is Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox. As the oldest ball park currently in use in America, it is considered to be one of the best-known sports venues in the world.

Baseball being Americas national sport, it’s no surprise that Fenway Park has sold out for every Red Sox game since May 2003. Boston is a city proud of its sporting pedigree. Enormous billboards with basketball players fill the sides of buildings, (the Boston Celtics are one of the best teams in the National Basketball League, reaching the final earlier this year) and Tom Brady, the star player for the New England Patriots, is basically a god in this town after leading their team to three Super Bowl wins in four years.

It’s nothing spectacular to look at, but the atmosphere at Fenway Park on a game day is electric, and even excites people like me who haven’t got even the slightest clue about the point of baseball. As the three-hour game progressed and the fans around me got steadily more drunk, the banter began. Without knowing what I was really talking about I began talking tactics with a high school football coach from Texas and discussed the point of chewing tobacco with some teenagers who’d asked me to buy them beer.

Meanwhile, I think the Red Sox may have been playing baseball but I was far too distracted to care. I have been to another baseball game since, hoping that I’d be able to re create the

banter, but it wasn’t quite the same, and I discovered baseball is actually rather boring.

A great way to spend three hours in Boston is on a boat. More specifically on a whale watching boat. From the harbor you will be taken out into the Atlantic and with a bit of luck you will be treated to a show, as humpback whales breach the surface of the water and show off their tails Shamu style. The day I took this trip it was windy and raining, and the sea was very choppy. If you ever find yourself on a boat in conditions like this, I would recommend that you do not eat a box of fruit loops, as you will inevitably feel sick and possibly disgust a lot of people as you heave your way to the bathroom.

If anyone has ever had fruit loops, you may believe as I did, that it might not have been the choppy sea, but the fact that fruit loops are gross, that made me sick.

The best way to see Boston, and all of its history, is to walk along the famous freedom trail. The trail starts at the oldest park in America, the Boston Common. The green expanse stretches for almost 50 acres and separates the downtown portion of town in the east, from the picturesque residential Back Bay area to the west. On the north side of the common is Frog Pond, a delightful shallow pool that during the summer is full of families and small children splashing around in the New England heat.

The trail starts at the north end of the common and heads up the hill towards the Massachusetts State House and continues down to the

Park Street Church where you will find the Granary Burying Ground. This is where over five-thousand people are buried including three of the founding fathers.

A good place to rest is at the Quincy Market on Union Street. With restaurants and even a fake Cheers bar it’s also a good place to get some shopping done. If you’re lucky enough as I was, you may be treated to Lucky Bob.

Often seen outside the market, Lucky Bob is basically a circus clown who picks on people in the audience, scares small children and shouts at people for talking during his shows. He also occasionally juggles. I’ve made him seem awful, but in actual fact, Lucky Bob is one of only two street performers I have ever actually given money too, the other being when I was forced to give money to break dancers in New York after their very aggressive tactics scared me slightly.

Lucky Bob did the occasional stunts with Diablos and juggling clubs, but the main attraction was his witty and often hilarious narration. I wouldn’t have liked to be one of the people in the audience he picked on, bald men and Canadians are just two of many, but I was glad I stumbled across his performance that day.

As you follow the red line in the sidewalk, which marks the trail, around the city, you pass through the newer downtown, with its glitzy financial buildings then suddenly it’s all change again as you go through the middle of the North End neighborhood.

This is the city’s oldest residential neighborhood, and is now often referred to as Boston’s Little Italy. It is full of

restaurants, mostly Italian, and bars, and is one of the best places to go out when visiting Boston. And with Boston having one of the biggest student populations in America, with over 50 Universities, there’s always a lively crowd.

It’s well worth taking the time to walk through North End’s narrow streets, some of which are still cobbled. Each street is as charming and beautiful as the last, and this neighborhood has some of the oldest houses in America. The narrow streets are thrown into shadow by the townhouses, which are quintessentially Bostonian.

Across the rather unattractive Charlestown Bridge is the USS Constitution, which is worth a look to take the strain off your feet if nothing else. Charlestown is another one of those neighborhoods, which has the old historical houses, mainly wooden and very ornamental.

At the end of the Freedom Trail is the Bunker Hill monument, which commemorates the site of the first major battle of the civil war. It stirs up the same emotions as every other war memorial in the world. When you realise how many men died where you are for their right to live freely, it puts a lot into perspective.

Your reward for hiking through most of Boston is another hike up the 294 steps inside the Bunker Hill monument. The top, which stands at 221 feet, gives you the best view of Boston. I’ve been to Boston twice already in the space of just over a year, and would jump at the chance to go again. It really is one of the most beautiful cities in America, and one of my favourites in the world.

Exploring Historical BostonJames King gives you a personal guide to this incredible city, and reveals what to do and what not to do whilst there.

Tuesday 9 November 2010 | 3

Fashion

Got an opinion on any topics raised in this issue? Want to write for the fashion section? Simply email hollyvsmith@me.com for more info. Also check out Sofia Farelli's blog at sofiafarelli.tumblr.com and Holly Smith's blog at www.blogmefashionable.blogspot.com for more great fashion news stories.

I genuinely didn’t realise that Lady Gaga was such big deal until the last few months when suddenly she had been listed as the fourth most powerful and influential musician in the world. Later followed by the announcement that she is also the seventh most powerful woman in the world. What she’s done to achieve these titles I am completely lost but, in a world where Kerry Katona can win ‘mum of the year’, I have given up trying to rationalise popular culture and any meaningless lists it decides to churn out.

I almost resent writing about her because it means I have an opinion on her when I previously didn’t. I am talking about her and wether it be positive or negative I am still talking about her and that’s what she’s trying to achieve. Arguably she must be doing something right. However, I do marvel at how I can have so much hatred for a person that I don’t even know. One thing I can say about Lady

Gaga is she has an undeniable ability to make catchy pop songs and that I have nothing against. In fact, I think Bad Romance is a brilliant song. With my guilty pleasure laid bare I can now continue.

She is the subject of much debate usually because of her outlandish clothing choices, clothing is a strong word as it’s typically plastic and metal she’s wearing, which prompts many to look for interpretations or try to figure out what message she’s trying to send. Celebrities and artists have been doing this for years and years and it’s difficult to believe that there are still any subliminal messages left to send out to society but alas she is still trying.

I have always been a believer that fashion is a great form of self expression and it can be used in wonderful ways. Having said that, I refuse to pander to the idea of a woman wearing a dress made of meat because she’s making a point about

the treatment of soldiers/feminism butchers (who actually knows?). I don’t think she really believes it and I don’t understand how others can believe it.

This most recent attempt to grab the world’s attention was in the form of a meat dress AND meat bikini. Again, meat based clothing is nothing new but she decided it was an elaborate comment on the treatment of servicemen and women in the US military. Strange, but I suppose her heart could’ve been in the right place. I would let it go only when she was asked about the meat bikini she donned for the cover of Japanese men’s Vogue her simple proclamation was ‘I AM NOT A PIECE OF MEAT!’

God forbid we should stifle this musical genius by tying her down to one meaning but I can’t help but wonder which one it was supposed to be and whether maybe she just couldn’t keep up with herself.

The whole persona of Lady Gaga irritates me because, in my opinion, it is built on a foundation of simply wanting to shock. Wearing sheets of metal, bubble wrap, Kermit the frong dolls or a caged bra with sparks flying out just strikes me as being desparate. I feel the same way about outrageous fashion designers, they think they are making some grand gesture or making a comment on society but it really just comes off as completely contrived. Furthermore it is absolutely nothing new.

‘Innovative’ artists such as Lady Gaga will often find that they reach a stumbling point where the unpredictability they become known for as become completely predictable. This is usually where they pull out

the nudity or, for example, a shocking performance.

I read of her performance of Bad Romance on last year’s X Factor where she gyrated in an enormous bath and was perched on a toilet. It has been described as ‘genuinely astounding’. Not wanting to be closed minded I watched the performance on YouTube and I have to say I was simply bored. The whole performance didn’t benefit from the presence of a bath and toilet in any way shape or form, it looked ridiculous, she looked ridiculous and it seems she also sounds terrible live.

As mentioned, people look for the interpretations but call me cynical I don’t think there are any. If it might cause controversy, annoy a religious group, set a gender back twenty years then it seems she will do it. I see no fascination whatsoever because I don’t believe there is little more motivation than attention seeking.

Basking in the path laid down by her predecessors such as Marilyn Manson and Madonna, I feel she is

just regurgitating the shock factor that we, as consumers, have become used to and so it just means she has to try that little bit harder. People are still just as quick to lap it up and it’s still always going to work in her favour. For every negative or nasty blog post or Internet spread rumour there is another of its kind claiming her tears are actual liquid gold.

I’ll be grateful when the time comes where she’s invented a fake religion and has overdone the yoga and simply fades into obscurity.

Is the world going Gaga?

"Wearing Kermit the frog dolls just strikes me as being desperate"

Gaga fans stand by as this issue Sofia Farelli gives us her, rather heated opinion on one of the world's most influential women.

"She looked ridiculous and it seems she also sounds terrible live."

4 | Tuesday 9 November 2010

Fashion

In March 2010, the New York Times claimed ‘androgynous is the new black’. Modern culture blurs boundaries, pushes fashion to extremes and allows once daunting trends to the forefront of style.

It has always been supported and exploited by downtown scenes, but with stores such as H&M and Topshop distorting gender and traditional items – the trend has been brought to the forefront of fashion again.

Usually culturally sensitive, is by no means a specific style – it does not exclude anyone. For tailored chic, think Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face. Pixie cute with clean lines and a camel

duffel. Patti Smith epitomised grunge androgyny, known for white shirts, braces, oversized blazers and skinny trousers. Strength of character can be alluded to via accessories- Annie Lennox and Grace Jones wore suits and trilby hats to accentuate masculine qualities, while a new era of androgyny was ushered in with Agyness Deyn in 2007. Like a school boy, she wore cardigans, shirts, socks, brogues and promoted her genderless ability with a pixie crop (which she went on to shave completely).

The trend has been gathering momentum since the revamp of the blazer in 2008 and the tailored trouser in Sprint 2010. This is England '86 further prompted a throwback to mod unisex styles of button up shirts and

brogues and pleated trousers. The look was further championed

at red carpets, festivals and events all over the summer – from tailored jumpsuits a la Fearne Cotton to the 1966 YSL tuxedo reminiscent Gwenyth Paltrow or the boyish charm of Coco Sumner in shorts and brogues pushes the trend into simple aesthetic pleasure.

The capsule androgynous look includes a shirt, tapered trousers, brogues, socks, blazer and a cardigan. Layer with a waistcoat or accessorise with a leather satchel.

The palette is neutral- hues of taupes, greys, navy with perhaps a splash of colour from a vintage shirt or stripey socks peeking out of ankle

grazing trousers. For winter, a pea coat or wool blazer will keep you warm.

The secret to the trend is in the basics – a pair of old shorts, a boyfriend’s shirt, dad’s socks. It’s wearable and doesn’t require a new wardrobe, simply some sneaky sourcing.

Helmut Lang, Dries Van Noten and Viktor and Rolf provided catwalk inspiration for S/S 2011 gender neutral fashion with romantic feminine/masculine aesthetics which highstreet stores have been modified to suit us less wealthy.

Key stores for this look are mainly high street – Zara, Cos, Topshop and to make the trend even more accessible, androgyny’s own Alexa Chung has just collaborated with American brand

Madewell to produce a collection of prep-meets-indie-chic casuals.

The collaboration, featuring high-waisted shorts, oversized blazers and dungarees all lean to Alexa’s youthful twist on genderless fashion but also to a price tag only she can afford.

All Saints have been doing a grungier version of this for a while now, albeit blurring the lines of male fashion and continue to do so in this winter’s collection of skinny jeans, deconstructed blazers and oversized knits.

Androgyny historically works due to confidence, but it can be as decadent or as simple as you like. From elaborate shirt collars to accessories of braces, bowties and socks, you can distort the borders of androgyny for yourself.

Androgyny – Boy meets girl? Amy Cliff

What comes to mind when you think about men’s fashion disasters? For me I think of a stereotypical tourist, Hawaiian shirt, bum bag, and of course everyone’s favorite SOCKS AND SANDALS! Other things that spring to mind are double denim, Christmas jumpers and novelty ties.

However the majority of these cliché fashion fatalities are becoming increasingly popular amongst seasonal trends of the style conscious. In recent years there has been a return to popularity of the “love it or hate it” trend of double denim, most significantly on the spring/summer 2010 catwalks and especially for D&G who really went to town with this look. Again, the vintage look of patterned Christmas jumpers has become gradually more popular on the high street over the last few years, and bum bags have also been seeing a return to fashions forefront. Even socks and sandals have been gradually

creeping into fashion, with it being a key women’s trend for spring and summer 2010.

It may be the case that it is slowly becoming cool, to be un-cool, and people are wanting to make a statement by wearing things that many people may consider unfashionable. Although this may be true I think it’s also down to forward thinking designers to create trends out of things that many people may have previously considered a no no.

Of course socks and sandals worn by a 50 year old on holiday is nothing less than horrific, but my point is, that these stereotypical fashion failures that people automatically think of, aren’t necessarily failures at all and if worn well may put people a step ahead of the game.

That said; here are a few things that came to mind when I got thinking about fashion disasters.

Poor fitting suits are a definite disaster, it may be acceptable to trot off to secondary school in year 7 looking like you’ve burrowed your

dads blazer but that’s it! Also a suit has to be worn well, it’s no good looking like you’ve just been dragged through a hedge. A well tied tie and smart shirt buttoned to the top is a must.

Designer clothes are all well and good but brands like Ed Hardy, with their t-shirts that nearly blind you at a glance aren’t for me. They’re in your face and loud, and it’s 100x better to wear things that are understated and subtle than t-shirts that scream, “Look at me!”

Dungarees…. Although shops like Topman have stocked them over the last few years, they have toddler written all over them and shouldn’t be worn by anyone over the age of 3.

Something else that I thought about is male Uggs. Not brilliant on girls at the best of times if worn with anything other than joggers. They should defiantly be considered a disaster by any self-respecting male. And if your friends tell you otherwise, they just want u to look stupid.

At the end of the day, personal

style is down to individuals, and people’s opinions of what fashion disasters are will differ. But I think it’s best to be open minded because

after all things that you may think you would never wear now, might be creeping into your wardrobe in a couple of seasons' time.

Socks and sandals anyone?Kieran Best

6 | Tuesday 9 November 2010

Lifestyle

Contraception has always been a big and important issue when it comes to students and, as far as I’m concerned, the easier the better!

With so many other things to concentrate on whilst at university contraception is often forgotten about and thrown to the bottom of the pile. That’s why something that is easy to use and can be integrated into your daily beauty regime would be ideal.

Scientists have developed a new method of contraception that comes in gel form and is rubbed

into the skin daily-as you would with a moisturiser.

It works by releasing progesterone and oestrogen into the body’s system therefore stopping an egg being released each month. So far the gel has appeared to eliminate negative side effects often associated with oral contraceptive pills, for example weight gain, which is always a bonus.

So what does this mean for us students? Well, if the gel passes further tests and is proven to be safe and effective it could revolutionise the way

we protect ourselves against unwanted pregnancies.

I know that for me it would be a lot easier to remember to rub in the gel and eventually would become a habit, unlike remembering every day to take a pill or to have an injection every three months. Everyone girl is different and so the more options we have to reflect that the better.

Students For ContraceptionRochelle Williams discusses the contraceptive gel as an easier alternative to the pill for students

If you and your friends happen to be stuck for ideas on a Friday evening and don’t quite fancy a full-frontal night out, then the place to be is Belvoir Street in the centre of Leicester.

Not only is there the somewhat classy Chilli White nightclub available, but the few bars and restaurants offer some delicious food and drink all at very reasonable prices.

Why not start off with a meal at Las Iguanas? The food is to die for and they give an exclusive 20% discount to students, as well as ‘two for the price of one’ cocktails on some nights.

Further up the road, there’s

the Fat Cat Cafe who also have student deals on food and have the most amazing choice of delicious cocktails, including their very own Berrypolitan, and my personal favourite Hot Apple Pie.

And if Sex and the City style, also found at the classy Terrace champagne bar, isn’t your thing (taking into account our male readers) then Fusion bar, Marz Bar and Yates’ all have great deals such as £1 a pint and cheap pitchers.

Many of the bars have dance floors so you can skip on the entrance fee and still have a great night! It’s definitely worth a try any night of the week, and you certainly won’t be disappointed.

A Night on Belvoir StreetEmma Baylis

Fat Cat Cafe Bar on Belvoir Street, Leicester��

Tuesday 9 November 2010 | 7

Arts

The Gerhard Richter Exhibition at the New Walk Gallery explores the German painter’s fascination with the margins between photography and painting.

It spans an era of work from 1971 to 2005. From his portrait of Brigid Polke, where he paints blurred lines as accurately as in a photograph, to his ‘Self Portrait Standing, Three Times’, where a repeated image becomes gradually obscured by more and more paint, making the transition from a photograph to an abstract painting.

48 Portraits is the most commanding work in the Richter exhibition. It consists of forty-eight photo-realistic paintings, each of them representative of some of recent histories’ most prominent figures, including Albert Einstein, H.G. Wells, Tchaikovsky and Oscar Wilde.

But is there anything abnormal about this piece? Or are the portraits literally just some paintings of historical figures?

The piece gives this impression of being a gathering of great minds, it seems to be an historical amalgamation of some of the most revolutionary individuals of the past

few centuries, which in itself would be fairly self explanatory, and somewhat disappointing when considering a work of art. However, the people in this piece were not chosen for their prominence in the history books, but for their actual physical position in the portraits.

If you follow the paintings from left to right, the positioning of the head gradually turns to face the opposite way.

When the works were originally exhibited at the Venice Biennale, they were placed in a single row, beginning with the most left-facing sitter and ending with the most right facing sitter, with all the sitters chosen so they each represent all the positions in between.

The paintings show their traditional photographic portrait qualities bare for all to see; the black and white format and a clear view of the face and features. As paintings, they represent a work painstakingly recreated over twenty years. This adds a great deal to the impressiveness of the piece, in intricacy and detail.

But with the selection of the sitters

based on their facial positioning, there is a humorous, intriguing addition to this work that ties it together surprisingly well, and in a light hearted way undermines the rigidity of photographs along a wall or formal portraits in a gallery.

I revere Richter’s little twists on the traditional methods. His work completely changes the viewers’ perception of the two separate mediums. From looking at an informational, somewhat mundane collection of photographs, a piece becomes something larger.

Compositional patterns emerge in front of your eyes and the work ties itself together. Richter in many ways successfully turns the traditional purpose of a photograph into a clever foundation for a structurally viable abstract painting and visa versa.

A truly inspiring collection of works for those who are curious about the ‘No Man’s Land’ between Photography and Painting.

Epoch-Gerhard Richter � , exhibits at the New Walk Museum until 27th February 2011.

Painting or Photograph?Morgan Gaylard reviews Richter at the New Walk Museum in Leicester

Brigid Polk, 1971. One of the paintings on display at the exhibition. �

Michael� �Somerville�chats�with�writers�Marilyn�Ricci�and�Alice�Nicholas�about�their�pieces�and�what�makes�a�successful�writer

Theatre Writing Partnership’s Momentum Festival will showcase new work by playwrights, theatre makers, poets, screenwriters and prose writers from the East Midlands this month.

It will bring together directors from Curve (Adel Al Salloum), Nottingham Playhouse, Royal and Derngate and Derby Live amongst others. This will be the first time this exciting theatre festival has been held in Leicester.

Marilyn Ricci is a well-known poet in Leicester and writer of The Road to Baardheere, which will be performed as part of the Momentum Festival. She wrote this play based on the work she has done with the Somali community in Leicester.

Alice Nicholas is the writer of Still Missed, which will be performed as part of Extracts at the Momentum Festival.

Do you write from personal experience in your plays?

MR: My most recent play is about a Somali family in the civil war that wasn’t written from my own life experience. However, my father served in the Second World War, and was emotionally scarred, so in some way

all my work is affected by personal experiences of some kind.

How do you write, and what is the difference between writing poetry and plays?

AN: Usually I spend weeks just thinking, and then all my ideas seem to come out almost at once in one weekend. Writing plays and poetry is different every time; there’s always a learning curve in theatre.MR: Yes that’s very often the case with me, weeks of procrastination and then a flurry of ideas all at once! I do see poetry and plays as very similar; plays feel like long poems to me. One of the biggest similarities is there is no room for 'flab' as every word has to count.

They're both very visual too – so there’s much more about similarity than difference for me. I suppose the biggest difference is that a play must have conflict and action whereas a poem can be more contemplative and tentative in its meaning.

Who are your favourite poets?

MR: I love Stephen Dobyns who is an

American crime writer and poet and produces very powerful imagery in my mind. I also greatly admire Philip Levine who comes from a working class family like me. Carol Anne Duffy, Steven. B. Smith and Jackie Kay are also firm favourites.

Do you base your characters on fiction or on people that you know in real life? Which is easiest to do?

AN: Once you have a character then it is really enjoyable to add to it as you go along. I guess that all my characters are, in some way, based on people I know and come into contact with on a daily basis. My play Still Missed is set on a Leicester housing estate and although I didn’t grow up on an estate myself, I have friends that have so I know them and the characters that inhibit them pretty well. MR: One of my characters is a very angry woman and I think it’s fair to say that she is based on a real life person in some way or another!

Alice, has your experience on working in inner-city London schools influenced the characters

in Still Missed? Are the characters based on real people you’ve seen?

AN: I think it is a combination of both these things as everyday life inevitably influences your ideas. I have not consciously based any of my characters on people that I know or have met but undoubtedly my experience of working on inner city estates in both East London and the Midlands has influenced my writing within this piece. ‘Mrs G’ is perhaps the character most directly influenced by real life following an interview I did with someone from an estate in Leicester where the piece is loosely based.

What tips would you give to young poets and playwrights?

MR: I would just say to go to the theatre as much as you can and read as much poetry as possible. Learn from the greats and practice your own poetry yourself.AN: It’s important to learn all the different styles of poetry such as the syntax, structure and rhyming that is possible to incorporate into your work.

Theatre Writing Uncovered

8 | Tuesday 9 November 2010

Music

Mark, the photographer, and I wait with patience. The foyer of the newly built O2 Leicester Academy is redolent of wood and plastic. The blanketing warmth is a source of comfort when juxtaposed with the inky sky and whistling winds outside.

A band of nostalgic head bangers form an early queue, regaling each other with stories of festivals and concerts from years gone by. A few are sporting Fozzy merchandise, principally black shirts flecked with white, jagged lettering.

Most, however, pride themselves in antiquated light-blue ensembles, fully loaded with denim jacket and jeans, Mohican haircuts and silvery chains that droop over rooted black boots.

It is a Sunday evening in mid-October. Our contact ‘Toad’ has gone in search of Billy Grey, one of the guitarists of American rock band Fozzy, from the main stage.

We can hear bits and pieces of song; mainly surges of drumming jousting against the low riffs of an electric guitar.

The door swings open and ‘Toad’ unveils a buoyant Billy Grey. “Hey guys, how’s it going?” he confidently asks in that quintessential, good-spirited American way. “Good thanks, yeah” we reply, in a reticent manner that is the hallmark of a Brit.

We fling open the large white doors and hobnob with each other about Leicester life and the spiraling staircases inside the Academy.

As we climb aboard the ‘travelling hotel’ (as Mark later put it) of a tour bus, we begin to discuss their Let The Madness Begin tour.

“The tour has been great, every show has been very electrifying, and it’s hard to say which has been the best ‘cos they’ve all been so good. Hopefully tonight, here at the Academy, we will top all the rest of them!”

I probe further. Fozzy are in the middle of their worldwide expedition, which will take them overseas to France and Australia. What must that feel like?

“It’s great, it feels awesome. It’s good to go home knowing you've been here, you’ve met all these great people and being able to perform in front and the whole thing is awesome.

“Belfast was really, really, electrifying. The crowd was really loud and last night Manchester was pretty crazy, very hot ...there were so many people – it was just sweltering!”

He laughs and I promptly join him. Not out of politeness, but because of his

infectious enthusiasm and charisma. I quickly realise how affable this man

I met merely minutes ago is. In truth, with his red cap and loose-fitting garb, he resembles Fred Durst more than the heavy metal guitarist I had in mind.

I want to learn more about him. He tells of his childhood. Had he always wanted to be a musician?

“Yes – I was an ice hockey player up until I was about ten and a half, eleven, and my father had a guitar in the closet. A friend of mine started playing the guitar; he was a little older than me, around 16. I saw him playing and I was like ‘I wanna learn that, I wanna learn how to do that’.

“And then Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rh odes came around and I was like, ‘that’s what I wanna do’. When I heard Eruption [Van Halen, ‘78], I was like, how... how did he do that!? That and all the songs with the hooks and stuff like Unchained I really loved.

“But the first song I learnt to play was Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin...British! (Both laugh) I learnt it from top to bottom, solo, everything, and it went on from there.”

Before finding out more about him, I change tune to the band. Fozzy was put together in ‘99 by Rich Ward (the guitarist also responsible for forming fellow American heavy metal group Stuck Mojo in ‘89) and started life predominantly satirizing popular acts of the time with whatever musicians he could find.

I put it to him that they have transformed from a fun, offhand band into a much more serious and dedicated band.

“It really has, yes definitely. When it first started there were a lot of covers involved but now there’s more original songs and it’s become a lot more serious. [Me: You used to be called Fozzy Osbourne? Yes, yes. Until Sharon Osbourne heard that and that was the end of that! (Both laugh)”

So how did he become part of a global-touring band? “I played in a band called Method 51 and we were lucky

enough to open up for Stuck Mojo quite a few times, and once Rich formed Sick Speed I heard that he was looking for a guitar player so I just bugged him and bugged him until he finally let me come play for him – persistence! (Laughs)

“This is my second stint with the band. There’s been a few personnel changes as you have a lot of guitar players coming in. You have Rich [Ward] and Chris who are the main ones and Frank [Fontsere, drums] has been there quite

a bit and some of the guitar players that have been in have other projects, so it works out the way it has.

The ‘Chris’ he mentions is none other than WWE superstar, Chris ‘Y2J’ Jericho – the man who once defeated wrestling legends 'Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and The Rock in the same match.

It may seem hard to believe, but Jericho was recruited as the lead singer not long after the band’s inception when he and Ward met backstage at a wrestling show in Texas.

“As a person he is a very nice guy. Very laid-back, very smart, business-minded, very well in shape, always has lots of good advice about success and he’s just a real nice guy, really is – I like him a lot,” reveals Billy.

Jericho is currently on a leave of absence from the company; just one of the many he has taken over the last 11 years to help facilitate the band’s progress.

Fozzy have released four albums, with the last two in particular earning widespread acclaim. All That Remains, released in 2005, showcased a change of attitude with original and much more conventional rock songs. But this year’s Chasing The Grail has been hailed by many as the band’s breakthrough

album, and is a “classic metal album” according to Iron Maiden.

Nevertheless, ubiquitous rumours have it that this may well be a permanent departure for the 39-year-old blond-haired Canadian.

“I’m not sure. I haven’t really heard whether he will go back to wrestling or not. I know he’s taking a little hiatus, and if it’s a permanent one then hopefully, maybe, this will be the main thing for him. But honestly, I am not sure.”

I ask if there has ever been any difficulty in promoting the band purely as ‘Fozzy’ rather than ‘that band with wrestling hero Chris Jericho’?

He swiftly rejects that claim. “No I don’t think so, not really. His name is what Fozzy is; he is Fozzy, along with Rich. But no, I don’t think

there’s ever been a problem.”Moving back to his past, he speaks

with pleasure about his high school days and the guitar as an inspirational instrument. “It was junior high school 8th grade. I was like 14 or so and my band was playing a Motley Crew song, a Van Halen song, and it just escalated from there.

“I took some classical lessons when I was in junior high school as well and I would say to the ones who are learning to definitely learn your favourite songs and all of that but try to learn some of the theory behind it too ‘cos it will definitely help you in the long run. Which is what I tried to do, and I wished I had done more and I do even today.

“You can speak with your soul through the guitar. There are just so many things that haven't been done

on it yet and it’s just an infinite way of expressing yourself.”

Billy was aged 13 when he first performed on stage, and fondly remembers the profound effect it had on him. “My friends, who were all 19 and 20, took me to a rock club and there was this band playing, and they let me get up there on stage and jam with them one time and it was just mind blowing to me.”

He continues by proposing that those who suffer from stage fright should “drink heavily.” With laughter filling the corridor of a room, he recalls, with a smile spread across his face, his most memorable performance.

“It was probably back in around 2000, and my band played at a home town show. We got to play with Creed when they were in their heyday, and there were tens of thousands of people there. Creed was a pretty heavy band but my band was the heaviest band there.

“We had just gotten the deal and released a record. We were the heaviest band but we also fused the rap genre with it so when we played, there was mosh pit, after mosh pit, after mosh pit! So the radio DJ that was doing the show had to come up on stage and stop the show! So I was like...yeah! (Both laugh)”

As he alluded to earlier, guitarists usually have other projects on the go. And this is no different for talented musician Billy Grey and his band ‘Dangerous New Machine’, of which he is a lead guitarist.

“We are a modern hard-rock metal band based out of Atlanta, Georgia. The singer, Erik Rogers, was in a band called ‘Stereomud’ that did really well back in the late 90’s/early ‘00s.

“We just put a record out [debut album ‘Set the World on Fire’] and we’re out doing State-side dates. So when I get back from this I've got a few of those to do and keep supporting that until I get back out with Fozzy.”

As the interview comes to a close, he foresees a bright future. “We’ll hopefully be headlining major festivals and playing all over the world in [five years’ time]. [Me: Fozzy played at ‘Download’ in 2005] Yes, so hopefully we will continue to do that and move up, and continue to build the fan base, and keep on rolling.”

Based on their high-octane performance that night, they do indeed have a bright future.

Fozzy Fever in LeicesterMatthew Stott caught up with U.S. Rock Band Fozzy when they performed at Leicester's O2 Academy last week and found out how WWE superstar Chris Jericho ended up being frontman

Frontman Chris Jericho Photo: Mark Lukas��

Tuesday 9 November 2010 | 9

Music

Arriving at London’s famous Camden Barfly, it’s pretty obvious something has gone wrong here. Four bands standing outside the venue, with all of their equipment, and they don’t look happy.

Further enquiry proves that, due to the promoter’s lack of talent and intelligence, this gig is being boycotted.

It doesn’t take long for the band to post apologies online: “The four bands were not prepared to play the gig. The guy running it was extremely rude and had no respect for any of the band members at all.” Cue the angry Facebook statuses.

But what is pop punk if it isn’t the sound of optimism? A Boy Named Girl have never been a band to let things get them down. Why should

they? The present might be damp and gloomy but the future is sparkling for the five lads from Dartford.

As the gloomy haze of Emo faded it was bands like A Boy Named Girl that shined through, led by the likes of You Me At Six, All Time Low and Four Year Strong.

A Boy Named Girl’s EP, Second Place Heroes was released in November 2009, and the boys have been running around the country, cheering people up with it ever since.

Recorded at Stakeout Studios in Twickenham, by Chris Coulter, (Rueben, Fightstar, You Me At Six, Make Out Kids, Paige), Second Place Heroes is the climax of six years worth of work and progression.

Guitarist Steve Wilde says: “We needed to make an EP so we could progress as a band and have

something to give to the fans who were always watching us live.”

Craig McCall, guitar, said that without producer Chris Coutler the progression just wouldn’t have happened. “We were excited to use Stakeout because of Chris and the bands that he had worked with before. He was very good at pushing us to do better than we thought we could.”

“He listened to the scrappy recordings we already had and made us perform in the studio for him and then he just said ‘I know what I’m going to do here" recalls Christain Swaisland, percussion.

One of the daunting tasks laid out for the band in recording was the struggle to write and re-write some lyrics, which helped the members come together as a band.

“Writing lyrics at Stakeout was a

good bonding experience because for the first time the whole band collaborated to create something that blew us away,” remembers bassist Andy Sargent “though inspiration is hard to find when you’re on an island surrounded by water. If I’m honest we just wanted to sing about ducks for a long time, but we got over that and got our heads in the right place!”

You won’t listen to this band without having their songs stuck in your head for at least a week. Writing catchy tunes wasn’t always what they were about but now it is the essence of A Boy Named Girl.

“We were always very proud of our lyrics even though they were quite miserable at times!” says vocalist Phil Harrison “But no one will listen to those lyrics unless you back it up with a good melody that makes you

smile. Our songs may not all start off as catchy, jumpy tracks but they inevitably end up that way, and we won’t run away from that. We’re proud of how happy our songs can make people”.

Second Place Heroes perfectly captures what an A Boy Named Girl live show is like. Even the cover signifies how stupidly fun these boys are, and at 20/21 years old they show no signs of maturing, and that’s just the way their fans like it.

So maybe they didn’t get the chance to play the Camden Barfly quite yet, but it’s soon coming, and with a date to support Welsh rockers Attack! Attack! in Cardiff, it just gets better and better.

Listen to A Boy Named ��Girl at www.myspace.com/aboynamedgirl

Once upon a time in the land of London far far away, some big-wig music executives came up with the idea of making a boy band that would make the girls sigh with lust and the boys sigh with envy. And that my fellow DMU students, is what they did.

But don’t rule these five dreamboats out as just another boy band. Their new R&B, rough around the edges approach to the pop world is earning them a one-way ticket onto the fast lane to fame.

Their hit single All Time Low has put this edgy five on an all time high. So, the real question is... Who could possibly not want The Wanted?

Less of a name and more of a prediction, The Wanted spared some time in their military schedule to get up close and personal with yours truly, whilst doing a signing at Leicester’s independent entertainment store Powerplay.

That’s right, Nathan, Tom, Max, Jay and Siva let us in on the truth behind the alleged competition between them and JLS, and how they got on getting it off for Gay Times’ rather kinky photo shoot.

With the sound system blaring their new hit single Heart Vacancy from their self-titled album The Wanted I think it would be safe to say there was no vacancy of love in the hearts of the hundreds of adoring fans that had formed an anything but orderly queue.

Nathan, the baby of the group, is the last to arrive as he was forced to take a slight detour after an unfortunate incident involving his t-shirt and a Mcdonald’s sausage McMuffin, well we’ve all been there...

So, how do these boys feel about the obvious stigma attached to yet another manufactured pop band? “I think the stigma of boy bands was more a 90’s thing anyway, so us singing to a backing track is no different to someone like Ellie Goulding (a little bit of name dropping there from Max and Nathan) singing to a backing.”

Well these boys have done the grunt work alright, from Nathan’s high school to a full house at Wembley. “We don’t just stand and mime, we want to put on a good show.” That’s right ladies; these boys are all about their performance.

Trying to establish yourself as a credible band in the music industry is hard enough, but when you’re constantly being compared to the unstoppable JLS, that seem to be monopolising not only the charts, but have become every advertising agents dream (Oh yes, I’m talking about the Durex campaign) it can be hard to break free.

Nathan jumps in to the convo, half eaten pop tart in hand. “We are both good boy bands just like Avatar and Lord of the Rings are both great films, I just think we are both really different.

We’re more R&B but a little like Take That... yeah, I guess we would want to be more like Take That.”

Max hastens to say: “We really like Take That but we’re not like some tribute band”. So, for these five fitties it’s all about being unique and bringing the word ‘boy band’ out of the dark and dirty stigma of the nineties.

They’re hot, they’re edgy and one cannot ignore their obvious talent. But the best thing about The Wanted has to be their incapability to keep their kit on. These boys bear all at every opportunity (no complaints here) so when Gay Times wanted them for the cover they were more than happy to be scantily clad for the Mag. So, I asked them how it went. ”Scary” Max shouts from across the room. “ I don’t care about getting my clothes off, I was more worried about my face, but getting my clothes off was fine.” All the boys agreed. Jay takes this time to pull a funny face encapsulating his schoolboy charm, as lovely as it was I don’t think it would have made the

cover. Sorry Jay.With the screaming fans still at

deafening level, the band tell me about some rather scary fans that have over stepped the mark, from star struck adorer to restraining order. “We once had a fan send us a letter saying they would die for us.”

At first I assumed I had heard wrong so I asked him to repeat himself, and sure enough I had heard right. “They said they wanted to die for us, totally weirded us out” I wish I was joking. Shockingly enough they didn’t write back.

Before long, it was time for my last question, if you had the chance to

be stuck in the cosy confines of the Powerplay lift, who would it be with? And it was at this precise moment that five very large men you wouldn’t want to run into down a dark alley, dressed head to toe in black stormed the room like MI5 agents, the words “Go, go, go its 2 o’clock, we have to be in the car in 2 minutes flat!” hung in the air as it dawned on me that my time with the lads had come to an end. Through the mayhem of screaming fans and flying bags, Siva poked his head around the door just long enough to say... “Jessica Alba, she’s so hot!” And then they were gone.

"They Wanted To Die For Us"Jennifer Wilkinson managed to grab The Wanted for a quick chat last week about their success, Gay Times, their rivalry with JLS and some rather keen fans!

A Boy Named Girl InterviewHayley Smith

12 | Tuesday 9 November 2010

Music

Poor LilyAfter six months into her pregnancy, Lily Allen suffered a miscarriage with builder boyfriend Sam Cooper. A spokesman on behalf of Allen had said “The couple have asked for their privacy to be respected and that they be left alone at this deeply distressing time.” Poor Lily had also lost a baby in 2008 with previous Chemical Brothers boyfriend, Ed Simmons.

Laura CoolIt’s that time of year again, and

the NME Cool List

takes over the internet with the music scenes weird and wonderful stars. This year it’s Laura Marling, famous for her Gold selling album “Alas, I cannot swim”. Number One cool girl Marling glows confidence and integrity on stage and sings with vocal affection. Other musically talented cool kids include Kanye West, Romy Madley Croft – The XX, Paul Weller, Carl Barat and Darwin Deez.

Tiger for Brand?

It may be the fact that both of them have a fondness for kissing girls, but whatever the likeness, it’s all set in stone now. Katy Perry and Russell Brand snuck off for a spiritual Indian wedding on the 23rd October, avoiding storms of media attention. But, wherever Russell Brand is concerned, we knew

it would be no ordinary wedding. Gatecrashers are known for spoiling celeb weddings, but they usually come in Human form, who would expect a tiger to stroll into the ceremony unannounced. Time for some higher class security I think.

Reward's TimeThis time of year is known to host some of the biggest awards around. The MOBO’s 22nd Oct, held host to some of the biggest urban acts of the year. JLS were the biggest winners of the evening, picking up 3 awards, including Best UK Act and Best Album. Also taking place this month was the Q Music Awards, with Leicester’s finest Kasabian picking up Best Act in the World and Florence and the Machine’s Florence Welch picking up Best Female and Best Track.

The ABC Club – Thieving Magpies

Progressing artrock/shoegaze band The ABC Club has produced their first single Thieving Magpie, and a very successful production it is too. A song full of fine hooks, edgy drums and whimsical vocals Thieving Magpie stays clear of any similar tunes released in the industry today, and ABC Club seem to be very much in their own genre. I recommend for a cheerful listen.

Fenech Soler – Fenech SolerElectropop band from Northampton with an alternative edge have taken the music scene by force. Their debut self titled album is a mix of upbeat tinny beats and the unmistakeable sound of dub step/bass. Their album is a perfect example of how a mix of

music genres can create a masterpiece.My personal favourites are the

fabulously written “Lies” and the Radio 1 Record of the Week “Stop and Stare.” I have a feeling this will be the first of many albums by Fenech-Soler;.

Bruno Mars – Doo-Wops and Hooligan's ***

With the lead single “Just the Way

You Are” taking the forward push with this album, I must say I was slightly disappointed in the rest of the tracks. Talking to the Moon is your typical R&B ballad, that may bring a tear to the eye, and Our First Time may bring you to an emotional level, yet I found the rest of it quite mundane. Although I won’t dispute the fact Mars is an incredible hit maker.

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool – The Golden Year

I can only describe the sound of this album as 80’s synth-pop. The resonance of this engaging music, slips through the ears and portrays a relaxing and mellow sound. With the sad passing of lead singer Charles Haddon, the album reflects a heartening but tragic end to their career.

Editor's Reviews and DebutsKatie Bowley looks at what's hot and what's not in the music world today

Album Reviews

Dinosaur Pile UpIf you like Foo Fighters, then I’m

sure you’ll take a liking toward

this young band from Leeds.

Vocals are very similar to the

unmistakeable sound of Dave

Grohl. Listen out for “Opposites

Attract.”

02.11.10 – Stornaway @ De Montfort Hall

04.11.10 – Whole Lotta Lead @ Sub 91

05.11.10 – Paloma Faith @ De Montfort Hall

06.11.10 – MIDLAKE @ 02 Academy

14.11.10 – Doors Alive @ 02 Academy

14.11.10 – Funeral for a Friend @ Sub 91

18.11.10 – Chase and Status @ 02 Academy

Just the 1. way you are – Bruno Mars

Lies – 2. Femech Soler

Ready to Start – Arcade Fire3.

Run with 4. the Boys – Carl Barat

Spirit 5. Golden - I Blame CoCo

I Can Talk - Two Door 6. Cinema Club

Hypest Hype – Chase and 7. Status

I Don't Bite – We are 8. Scientists

I Saw You Blink – Stornoway9.

Only Girl – Rihanna10.

Listen to the best of our playlist on Spotify at http://bit.ly/9aaFou

Upcoming Gigs

Editor's Choice

Duck SauceThis collaboration between DJ’s

Armand Van Helden and A-Tak

together, with their success of

“Anyway” at the beginning of the

year, “Barbara Streisand” is the

big club tune of this month.

Tuesday 9 November 2010 | 13

Film

Ben Affleck is an astoundingly talented filmmaker. If you had read this statement six years ago, I would not have expected anything else but requiring to mop up your tears of laughter off the floor.

The Town is only Affleck’s second time in the chair (first being Gone Baby Gone), and yet is still as good as crime dramas can go.

Set in Boston, Massachusetts, the film follows a group of local bank robbers, which include lifelong friends Doug MacRay (Affleck himself ) and Jem Coughlin (Jeremy Renner of Hurt Locker fame).

MacRay falls in love with a hostage from one of their recent robberies, but must not tell her this fact, and must also keep it from Jem who considers her a ‘loose end.’

That is only a quarter of the story with the thieves, I didn’t even get to the law side, or mafia or family side.

This is all connected brilliantly, and thankfully doesn’t even touch melodrama territory. Although the film can at times seem to rush through scenes, making some moments miss its emotion target.

The performances are top-notch, especially from top players Affleck, Renner and Mad Men’s Jon Hamm as bastard FBI agent Frawley.

Affleck’s thoughtful and effective direction takes the highest praise

though, blending the hard drama effectively for the most part but also combining it with some of the best action sequences this year.

All making it strong redemption for Affleck which he desperately needed

after trite like Gigli, if he keeps it up with films like this, he will deservedly over-shadow those mistakes and become one of this generation's best filmmakers.

Chris Wells

Film Reviews

The Town

Action, heart and humor – these owls have adventures you wouldn’t have dreamed of. The graphics alone satisfy vivid imaginations and use 3D to its full extent. Not only children will enjoy that.

An owl – ‘why an owl?’ people might think. Well, it has worked for the Harry Potter success before. And it does so in this epic fantasy-adventure.

A happy owl family, a hearty snake-nanny, the father telling thrilling tales - a dreamlike situation. Then, in a brotherly argument, Soren and his older brother fall to the ground, not able to fly back up the tree yet, and are dramatically robbed by a group of conspirators.

These owl robbers transform hatchlings into an army to attack the legendary Ga’Hools. Ingenious Soren resists to become an acquiescent soldier and escapes to find his fairy-tale heroes.

On his quest, he is accompanied by a bunch of ludicrous friends. It is no surprise that he becomes a hero himself after alerting the Ga’Hooles and ruining the ambush.

Believing critics, this film is overtly brutal for his young audience. It is true that there are extensive sequences of action and much of the story takes place in scary and grim mountains. On the other hand, we have a brilliant group of friends that add much humor to the story with

their individuality. Granted, the twist about the older brother - lulled by the enemy and turned into a traitor - is rather intense; however, this human fear of jealousy and yearning for appreciation makes the plot relatable.

The film concentrates on the need to fly – flying fast, far or high; this particularly translates to the human

ambition to lift-off. Cinematic fans can join these owls on their journey to learn flying and then almost experience it themselves when seeing close-to-real animations rise to the sky.

With amazing 3D graphics this is visual pleasure to the highest degree. The depiction of the action is achieved with top special effects, while

“Owl City” donates its airy tune. The story might be fairly simple and the end with its climax can seem a little rushed. It is still worth watching, preferably in 3D. On a normal screen a substantial achievement of today’s technological possibilities will be missed out.

Nico Lehmann

The Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole 3D

14 | Tuesday 9 November 2010

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Politics

Cannabis, heroin, cocaine, LSD, crack, methadone – What do they all have in common? They are all less harmful than alcohol.

That’s right students, find your local dealer and get your next hit knowing you could do more harm downing a pint or doing shots.

Former government chief drugs adviser Professor David Nutt has published a new report, via the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs, which shows evidence that the alcohol is the most harmful to ourselves and to society.

Members of the group, joined by two other experts, scored each drug for harms including mental and physical damage, addiction, crime and costs to the economy and communities.

Don’t run to your dealer just yet, it is highly unlikely any change in law will be taken by the Government, since we appear to live in a World of politics rather than logic. For those of you recoiling in horror; it is like looking at the danger of driving compared to skydiving. If enough people do it badly, it becomes dangerous.

The options that are open are as follows: 1) Ban alcohol 2) Legalise and regulate all drugs 3) Do nothing. I’d bet my rent for the year that this Government will choose option 3, just like the Government before it.

The banning of alcohol has been tried and failed elsewhere, illegal breweries popped up and the laws were lifted. Alcohol would be forced underground, removing alcohol from our society would be like getting rid of X-Factor – a good thing for everyone, but something that money and society will not let happen.

So what about option 2? What is wrong with legalising and regulating (that is the important part) all drugs? The strength and content could be controlled. One of the greatest dangers is not knowing whether or not that skunk has crushed glass added to it to look like THC crystals to increase the weight (and thus cost), or whether that ecstasy pill has been cut with rat poison. This danger would be removed if these drugs were legalised.

As with all drugs there is a safest

way in which to consume that drug. If all drugs were legalised then the restraints could be that you consume the drug in a certain way. Cannabis, for example, is a much less harmful substance when consumed via a vaporizer, as there are fewer toxic chemicals in the smoke, which is the main cause of harm.

Probably one of the most attractive points of all is that drugs, like tobacco, can be taxed. The illegal drug industry must be worth an absolute fortune. Imagine if you took it out of the dark alleyways and put it into specially licensed shops. Immediately the danger is removed, as it is sold and regulated like any other commodity. It would have to adhere to health & safety regulations and standards; the safety of these drugs would then increase appropriately.

In total, what you have is the consumption of safer drugs, which are now bringing in revenue as well as driving down crime. About half the crime that fills Britain's jails is due to the criminalisation of drugs and the easy availability of alcohol.

The money made could even be piped into the NHS to combat the health risks associated with these drugs. We need a Home Secretary who can see beyond the dark ages and enter the 21st Century with a comprehensive and progressive drugs policy.

Why should the government tell us what we can and cannot consume? As long as our actions have no repercussions on society then there is no harm.

It is time to start listening to the scientists and stop politicking.

The Drugs of PoliticsBrett Leppard discusses the legalisation of drugs after it was revealed last week that they are all less harmful than alcohol

University Funding: Your Views on Rising Tuition FeesBrett Leppard gives his opinion on the Government proposals for University fundingOver the past month, there has been a lot of outrage and anger regarding the Browne Review and speculation over what the final proposals would be. Well, now we know.

A new system has been proposed that will see fees rise to £6,000 (with an upper tier of £9,000 if universities ensure access for poorer students) improved maintenance grants and loans and student loans extended to part-time students.

The tuition fee rise is a shock for students across the country as they face paying triple the amount that students pay at the moment. The situation is a strange one, as it seems that the proposals, other than the increase in tuition fees, are in fact more progressive.

There is more aim at helping financially disadvantaged students

to go to university and to advance to some ‘elite’ universities, and the threshold at which you begin to pay back your loan starts at £21,000 per annum, up from £15,000. These proposals won’t begin until the academic year 2013-2014 at the earliest.

What must be remembered is that these are proposals and are subject to a vote in the House of Commons. The Labour party appears to oppose the rise in fees, as shown by opposition leader Ed Miliband during a recent Prime Minister’s Question Time, but they have yet to offer a credible alternative.

Labour are likely to vote against the proposals and may be joined by many Liberal Democrat backbenchers – thus there is a chance, however slim that might

be, that this might not get pushed through. While many oppose the proposals, very few alternatives are being offered.

Having been at university for a year, I can say that I have met people who were not suited for university and were not here to learn. I am glad that the taxpayer, our parents included, did not wholly contribute towards the education of people like this. I don’t believe that University should be free, but I also don’t think it should be crippling in cost. The funding of universities should be a partnership between society and the individual; this proposal transfers the cost solely to the individual. I cannot help but think that if the idea of sending 50% of school leavers to university were not put forward, we wouldn’t be subject to such rises.

In reality these proposals could have been worse; the Browne Review offered a U.S styled market system, which has many disadvantages. The Coalition appears to have taken it to the chop shop and made actual compromises; however, will this result in no one being pleased? On one hand you have the government and universities who have a spending hole which ‘needs’ to be filled, and on the other you have students who wish to pay nothing at all. No rise in funding would result in sub-par Universities and a cut in the number of available places. A rise funded by the taxpayer would result in cuts elsewhere, or an increase in direct and indirect taxation. This is something, I doubt, the taxpayer will wish to pay for.

When it comes to elections,

student participation and turnout is comparatively low. It all boils down to money and numbers. We have none and they have lots, we are few and they are many. This is politics; don’t expect logic or practicalities to dictate policy.

Do�you�have�an���opinion�you�want�to�share�on�this�topic?��Let�us�know�what�you�think�about�the�proposals�by�writing�in�to�Amy�Seabrook�at�aseabrook@dmu.ac.uk

8 | Tuesday 9 November 2010

Sport

As the new season kicked off last week the DMU netball second team met old local rivals Leicester University in a home game at the John Sanford Sports Centre.

The first quarter proved to be quite challenging for the DMU girls as Leicester seemed very comfortable, constantly keeping the ball within their shooting third of the court.

With the fast defensive skills and great interception from the Defence of DMU, in particular Alice Bramall (GD), we were able to stop several of Leicester’s challenges. Despite our attempts Leicester managed to take the lead in the first quarter eight goals to three.

The second quarter began at a fast pace with both teams playing some high quality netball. A few slight changes to the team lead DMU into feeling more confident and powerful.

The midcourt combination of Lulu Burton (WD), Jade Morgan (C) and Alice Bramall were working as a complete unit, pushing the ball forward for some accurate shooting from captain Lynette Williams (GA) and Becca O’Dwyer (GS).

Leicester seemed shocked in the sudden boost from DMU and quite quickly upped their game. Despite DMU’s attempts Leicester still took the lead with the score after the second quarter being 13-6.

With the team staying the same for the third quarter, Leicester made some slight alterations, pushing DMU’s girls to work twice as hard. Jade Morgan was a stand-out performer, doing an excellent job at keeping the pace of a frenetic game high. Becca O’Dwyer was also on top form, shooting with excellent accuracy, delighting the crowd that had gathered to watch the enthralling encounter.

As the final quarter loomed, Leicester still had the lead 19 goals to 10, the game finely in the balance, and all still to play for.

DMU pushed for the win in the final 15 minutes, changes were made by the home side, with Chloe Hampton replacing Lulu Burton at WD. So-G Nosa-Alohan also left the pitch after an excellent game as GK, replaced by the fresh legs of Georgie Winters.

Leicester responded by making several changes to their midcourt team, giving them the upper hand as

the DMU girls began to wilt from the relentless intensity of the match.

Despite their best efforts, DMU couldn’t keep up with the speed and agility from the opposition and the last quarter the game fell away from DMU. A last ditch attempt from our shooters scoring four more goals wasn’t enough, and Leicester went on to win 33 goals to 14.

Becca O’Dwyer was awarded Woman of the Match for her excellent accuracy in her shooting. Jade Morgan was voted players player after her brilliant performance as Centre. Captain Lynette Williams reflected on the game, saying: “The girls couldn’t have played any better, each time we play we’re going from strength to strength and I couldn’t have asked them to try any harder or push themselves any further.

"They were fantastic. It was a disappointing loss, but something we can learn from and I’m confident that with a bit more practice, it won’t be long before were bringing the wins home.”

The DMU first team were also in action last week, away to Bedford University. A close game saw the hosts come out with the win by 28 goals to

18, despite the DMU girl’s best efforts. Juliet Vine was awarded woman

of the match after an excellent game. Jummy Champion received player’s player for fantastic defence. Vice chair woman Sarah Davis commented after the match: “This week we saw the first team gel together and actually play like a team.

Defence was amazing thanks to Jummy, Emily and Hannah. Unfortunately Bedfordshire were a lot

fitter than us and we know that this is a key element of improvement.”

The results were desperately unlucky for both teams, but not a reflection on how well the girls have been playing. There have been promising comments and performances, and with the rest of the season to play we can expect some great things from these girls. Next time DMU meet Leicester University, they WILL be ready for them.

Netball wilt in opening gameLulu Burton

Demon’s Ultimate Frisbee took two teams to indoor regionals last weekend in what was to prove a mixed bag of results.

The first team were high in strength and skill with Robert ‘Shuttle’ Kerr and Jen Link joining the team that battled their way into fifth a week earlier at Bristol’s Disco-Warm-Up tournament.

The second team was full of untapped potential, as the fresher’s voyaged to expand their knowledge and experience of the game and develop their skills.

Demons 1st team faced Warwick Bears 1st team in their first game; the Bears were seeded first to Demons 1’s 12th which ultimately meant they had a very tough game ahead.

After some strong offensive play from Demons 1, the Bears built up momentum to storm away to a comfortable 11-3 victory.

It was then Demons 2’s turn to take to the pitch where they faced Nottingham’s Fling 2.

Unfortunately the Demons’ defence was easily broken by Fling’s 2-1-2 ISO play, and as a result they were greatly punished for any errors, leaving the

final score a 9-1 to Fling 2.Demons 1’s second game was

against local rivals Jesters 1 in what would prove a tighter game than the final score suggests.

Though Jesters were victorious 9-3, the Demon’s defensive play held them at bay for much of the match, whilst their offensive play at times was brilliant.

However, Demon’s 1 had now lost both of their group games and headed into the cross-over in still in 12th position.

Demons 2 faced Aye-Aye 2 in their second group game, however, yet again small mistakes and inexperience forced defeat upon them.

Aye-Aye 2 would end the game 9-2 up, and Demons were still trying to eek out a little improvement.

Demons 1’s first game after the cross-over was against UBU2 from Birmingham, and this time they were able to dominate.

Coolly placing the disc perfectly for one another they produced some scintillating play to take the game 10-6.

It was then time for Demons 2’s cross-over in which they faced Fling 3, this would prove yet another missed opportunity for the team to get on the score-sheet as the offensive

play was flawed before being followed by a much improved defence.

The final score would be 8-0 to Fling 3, but Demons 2 were blatantly beginning to understand the game better, and gelling more as a team.

The first team then had their final game of the day against Fling 1, which would prove a stumbling block after their previous rampant victory.

They lost the game 12-4, but could take positives from pieces of their play into day two.

Day two’s fortunes would differ greatly for the Demon’s teams.

Demons 1 would start the day strongly beating ARU 15-2, with every player bringing their A-game to the table.

Before they moved on to the plate final this was a scintillating rematch with Jesters 1.

The game was very evenly matched throughout; however, Jesters 1 edged it in the final minute as an uncompleted pass near their own end-zone sealed the Demons’ fate.

This left Demons 1 in 10th place improving their seeding by two.

Unfortunately for Demons 2 their day was again three winless games, however, from each one the confidence and intensity of play

increased.The second team started

the day with a 12-2 loss to Haze 2, although their opponents were a lot stronger and more athletic than the Demons 2 team.

Their second game would see the spark ignited, the players began to find their passion for the game, and although losing 14-3 there were a lot of positives to take from the match.

The final game of the day for Demons 2 would be a grudge match against Leicester rivals Jesters 2.

This game was greatly contested with the momentum changing throughout, Demons 2 seemed on a roll when scoring three points in a row, however, the game would end 11-4 to Jesters, and place Demons 2 in 24th position.

Over the two days Demons 2 had learnt a lot and grown significantly in confidence, whilst Demons 1 regained some of their top form on the second day.

Captain Andy Lee won his long awaited first M.V.P. award

for Demons 1, whilst Matt Naish took the award in Demons 2. Most Improved player went to Vicky Penrose, whilst Martin ‘Dave’ Young, Jonathan ‘Chuck’ Simmen and Steve ‘Rowdy’ Molloy split the most spirited award in the first team.

Ultimate Frisbee take on the Midlands Craig Fullard

10 | Tuesday 9 November 2010

Sport

Strikes in each half from player-manager Kole Ogundipe and striker Frost ‘Frosty’ Khalifa proved enough to give DMU Mens’ first team a worthy 2-1 victory over Derby University seconds at Victoria Park.

After succumbing 4-2 away to Derby’s first team in their opening match of the season the previous week, winger Kole redressed the balance of power when he met Sid Mohammed’s cross at the back post to force home the opener on the half-hour mark.

But a comedy of errors in defence allowed a grateful Derby striker to level up on the stroke of half-time.

We regrouped and regained the lead shortly after the restart, however, when ‘Frosty’ launched himself at a loose ball after their goalkeeper had saved well from a close-range Kole effort.

The keeper had no chance, and neither did Derby as the reds quelled their tame efforts with vigour and assurance throughout, markedly becoming the stronger side as we sealed our first win to kick-start the new season.

Khalifa, who could have added a third late on to grant De Montfort an equitable two-goal advantage, summed up the buoyant mood of the camp at the culmination of a compelling and competitive game.

He enthused: “It feels good, it feels good. I should have put away the one at the end there though – I had a chance to make it 3-1. But it’s all right, it still feels good and I’m happy with the performance of the team

He was pleased to witness the players working harder for each other; gaining atonement for the previous

week’s defeat, and believed they sent a message out to the rest of the league.

‘Frosty’ added: “I scored myself last week and we got back into the game at 2-2 last week but we let it slip. This week we worked for each other – last week we did but it was too slow.

“This definitely puts the team in good stead for the season and Varsity. Right now, we’re a new team with loads of new players and it can only get better from here on in.”

Manager Kole confessed before kick-off: “Last week we didn't get off to the best start, but we only had one training session before that game.

“There were a few mistakes, but we’re looking to get them out of our system and hopefully we will beat their second team this week.

“This season I am looking at nothing less than to win the league and Varsity, and have a good cup run – not too ambitious!”

During the opening period, Derby, to their credit, dug in and came out unscathed, with only fresher Ross Thaker causing problems down the left wing.

In fact, as the quarter-hour mark loomed, it was Derby who had the first bona fide opportunity.

A minute after the referee had rightly waved away penalty claims, a header from a wide free kick was flicked over DMU’s advanced number one Sam Hearne, but a distinct lack of power allowed a pack of defenders to clear.

Vindicating his pre-match assertions, Kole re-organised the team and looked for the wings.

But Derby thwarted Thaker, sending the ball back to DMU’s defence, who then turned to Kole through the right channel for some joy. He, too, received the same punitive treatment.

Both sides were incapable of converting possession into any sort of polished and potent passing, with very little build-up play.

Yet on the twentieth minute, another Kole pre-match prediction revealed itself.

From nothing, right-back Sam Baker was indeed marauding, taking on and beating two Derby stalwarts with more spryness than wile.

But it was inspirational nonetheless. Attacking midfielder Michael Reeves was soon forcing throw-ins. Captain Curtis Watts in defence was heedfully diving into challenges.

DMU had started to find their comfort zone, exhibiting for once a clear shape and grooving into a familiar rhythm.

And then the breakthrough came. Sam Hearne fired a goal-kick into the heart of Derby’s box; a high bounce

causing panic.A centre-back headed over an

oncoming keeper but was fortunate to see it bounce wide. The resultant corner was over hit but ‘Frosty’ retrieved the situation, passing back to an unrushed Mohammed.

His cross was untouched by all, except for Kole, who netted on the 30th minute.

Central midfielder Jake Smith should have doubled the lead a minute later after impressive work down the right flank by Thaker, who cut the ball back close to the penalty spot but Smith shot wide.

DMU were left ruing this glaring miss when the opposition levelled up on the stroke of half-time.

Centre-backs Watts and ‘JT’ uncharacteristically failed to deal with a relatively hopeful lofted through ball. It was swiped across and then towards goal in ludicrous fashion.

This bequeathed a Derby striker with plenty of time to drill an unerring low-shot close to the left upright to level the contest.

De Montfort were evidently downcast as they shuffled off, but Kole demonstrated why he was chosen as manager with a sense of camaraderie and optimism.

And sure enough, six minutes into the second half, DMU collared supremacy.

Zestful closing down earned us a free kick from out wide, which Baker had been prudent with.

Again he delivered well. Again the ball found Kole at the back post. But this time the keeper saved well, diving to his left and palming the ball away.

But ‘Frosty’ was on the prowl. He reacted first to the bouncing ball, improvising as he competently sprung and projected the ball into the roof of

the net from eight yards out.Visibly, the pressure had been

extinguished. DMU enjoyed a much more productive passing pattern, with left back Michael O’Grady willing to overlap down the left.

Derby were restricted to long throws and corners, with Hearne called into action just the once in the second half to brilliantly claw away a looping header.

Smith arose into play much more frequently, with some excellent passing to note. He setup ‘Frosty’ with a glorious chance to truly finish it off two minutes from time but he blazed over from 12 yards.

But it didn’t matter; the three points were already in the bag.

Manager Kole was delighted with both performance and result.

He said: “I’m ecstatic that we got the result today. It was tight at the end, but it was a good win.

“I was pleased with the overall performance of the team. I thought we were the better team and showed that we had more quality than them.

The goal-scorer, who had got the reds underway with a determined finish, was pleased with the mentality his players expressed.

“Last week we were a bit disappointed when we went a goal down but we showed good mental strength to come back from 2-0 down to level 2-2, and we showed that mentality again today.

“I was pleased with my goal! Sid sent the ball across and it landed to me and I managed to squeeze it in at the back post. ‘Frosty’ did really well for our second goal – a great finish so I was happy with that.

“We got the win and we’ll take it on from today.”

DMU Football triumph over DerbyMatt Stott

12 | Tuesday 9 November 2010