Newspaper of the students of the University of Surrey

Issue 59 Wednesday 15th May 2013

Students voted against the merging of VP Soceties and VP Sport to create the new psition VP Activities

VP ACTIVITIES DIES AFTER TENSE DEBATE AT ANNUAL MEETING

a whole was rejected, although, the voting was very close for Point 11 (the introduction of VP Activities), with 210 voting for the Sabbatical positions to remain unchanged, and 137 voting to implement VP Activities. The voting was very close for Point 11 (the introduction of VP Activities), with 210 voting for the Sabbatical positions to remain unchanged, and 137 voting to implement VP Activities. Despite the motion not passing, Charlie Eastaugh, Union Chair (who wrote the Governance Review) said, As my final event as Union Chair, I am not shy to proudly say that the AMM was the best debate Ive heard at this University in my four years here. The outcome was a negative in terms of the proposals, but a positive triumph for democracy and representation of students by the Union. Mr Eastaugh is correct; the discussion at the AMM was heated and interesting, with often controversial speaker, Jamie Fletcher, weighing in with a powerful against argument (which may or may not have been centred around turkeys). Em Bollon, current VP Societies and ID and President elect, spoke passionately about her belief that the roles should indeed be merged to create VP Activities. The AMM took place before Committee Training, meaning that various Sports Clubs and Society signatories also got involved in a lively and engaging debate. The debate raged on into the night, mainly in good humour. Mr Eastaugh got a through grilling (his own Grill-an-Exec perhaps?) from eager members of the audience. Mr Eastaugh batted away Continued on page 3...

By Alexandra Wilks, Editor

ontroversial plans to remove the sabbatical roles of VP Sport and Recreation and VP Societies and Individual Development and replace them with a VP Activities are no more after last Thursdays Annual Members Meeting (AMM). StagTVs and indeed Student Medias darling Andy Smith reported in StagTVs Friday Newsbite that students totally rejected the proposal, however, this is rather unclear. The Governance Review proposal as

EDITORIAL

The Stag |

15th May 2013

editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk

Editor | Alexandra Wilks editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk Editor-in-Chief | Abbie Stone ussu.editor@surrey.ac.uk Deputy Editor (Design) | Hannah Roberts-Owen design@thestagsurrey.co.uk Design Team | Paul Richmond, Ankur Banerjee, Tina Morman Deputy Editor (Marketing) | Becky Richmond marketing@thestagsurrey.co.uk Marketing Team | Emily Gill, Natasha Cruz-Millheim and Georgie Wood News Editor | Rachel Thomason news@thestagsurrey.co.uk News Team | Melissa Raske, Hattie Elkins, Hannah Craig, Shunayna Vaghela, Alex Smith Opinion & Analysis Editor | Justine Crossan Opinion & Analysis Team | Sam West, Yasmin Joseph, Melissa Bolivar Features Editor | Ellis Taylor features@thestagsurrey.co.uk Features Team | Rachel Burgess, Joseph Harrison, Emily Rossiter, Sophie Vickery Science and Technology Editor | Alex Smith sciencetech@thestagsurrey.co.uk Science and Technology Team | Fahmid Chowdhury, Siobhan Harris Societies Editor | Shalini Thondrayen societies@thestagsurrey.co.uk Societies Team | Zoe Field, Betty Kelly, Jess Blake, Beth Goss, Fiona Buckland Dance and Theatre Editor | Tiffany Stoneman dancetheatre@thestagsurrey.co.uk Film Editor | Candice Ritchie film@thestagsurrey.co.uk Film Team | Shalini Thondrayen, Ankur Banerjee, Siobhan Harris, Jim Onyemenam Music Editor | Becky Worley music@thestagsurrey.co.uk Music Team | Elliot Tyers, Tay Noronha, Shiri Shah, Dan Davison, Thea Spalding, Ankur Banerjee Literature Editor | Emily Smart literature@thestagsurrey.co.uk Literature Team | Rachel Burgess, Joseph Harrison, Emily Rossiter, Ellis Taylor, Sophie Vickery Sport Editor | Anna Giles sport@thestagsurrey.co.uk Sport Team | Alice Wilkinson Copy Editors | Sophie Vickery, Emma Fleming, Hannah Wann, Tina Morman, Tessa Morgan copyteam@thestagsurrey.co.uk Webmaster | Andrew Smith webmaster@thestagsurrey.co.uk Webeditor | Samantha Murray webeditor@thestagsurrey.co.uk Campus Marketing | Charlie Taylor campusmarketing@thestagsurrey.co.uk

Surrey rises to 13th place in The Complete University Guide

By Hattie Elkins, News Team

he University of Surrey has climbed a massive nine places from 22nd to 13th in The Complete University Guide since last year, ranking second in the South-East region only to Oxford. This follows a consistent climb in league tables over recent years including: The Guardian, The Times, the National Student Survey (NSS), QS World Rankings and the Sunday Times. The independent University League Table which ranks institutions both overall and by subject area has been publishing league tables online since 2007. University rankings are based on a combination of 9 key aspects using the most recent data available: entry standards (average UCAS entry requirement); student satisfaction surveys (The National Student Survey, taken by final year students); the average quality of research undertaken

in the university; staff to student ratio; expenditure per student on all academic services; expenditure per student on staff and student facilities; percentage of graduates achieving a first or upper second class degree; graduate prospects / employability,

and; student completion, all of which are added together to give an overall score. As the methodology remains unchanged, the movement in rankings allows a fair and representative comparison to last year. Whilst most universities struggle to maintain undergraduate applicant numbers after the fee rise, Surrey boasted an increase of a third for the 2013/14 academic year. Recent figures suggest a record number of applicants, even when compared to the 2010/11 nation-wide boost before the change in tuition fees. With 2010 seeing the opening of the multi-million pound Surrey Sports Park, 2014 the launch of a new School of Veterinary Medicine and 2015 being the year that the university will become home to the worlds first 5G mobile research centre, Surrey is in the midst of exciting change and expansion.

Free beer and pizza from the Forever Surrey alumni network
By Rachel Thomason, News Editor

n informal but informative event with free drinks and pizza is going to be hosted by the universitys alumni relations team for all final year students. The event will take place on Tuesday 11th June and aims to welcome students, who are set to graduate in July, to the alumni network Forever Surrey. Forever Surrey has an active global network of 87,000 alumni and has many supporting benefits to help

graduates develop their career. Trudy Monk, alumni relations manager, said: We look forward to welcoming final year students to our relaxed evening to give them an insight into our alumni network which they will soon be a part of. Forever Surrey is here to support graduates and we want Surrey to remain an important part of students lives. The event will also provide an opportunity for students to tell us what they would like from their alumni network. All washed down with a free drink, whether that is beer, wine or a

James UK

soft drink, and some pizza! If you would like to attend the Forever Surrey welcome event, it will be held from 5.30pm to 7pm on Tuesday 11th June in the Living Room, SU building.

Please register by Monday 10th June by emailing alumnievents@surrey.ac.uk. For further information please call 01483 683143 or visit: www.surrey.ac.uk/alumni

Letter from the Editor

ello dear readers, we have an amazingly exciting innuendo packed issue! Because I delight in cruelty, awkwardness and pain I decided that the theme of this Stag you hold in your delicate hands would be SEX. LETS TALK ABOUT SEX. ALL ABOUT SEX. SO MUCH SEX. More sex than you can shake your willy at. Because if youre having it, youre thinking about it, if youre not having it, youre thinking about it. If you choose to have it, youre thinking about it and if you choose not to have it, youre still thinking about it. We have tried not to be horrible vile people who only paint one picture of sexuality and have tried to include a wide and interesting range of topics. Now, dear readers, I know that we have a

The Stag is an editorially independent newspaper and is published by the University of Surrey Students Union. The views expressed in the paper are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the educational team, the Students Union or the University of Surrey. Trinity Mirror (South) 8 Tessa Road, Reading RG1 8NS The Stag reserves the right to edit all submissions and the right to decide which articles are published.

wonderful relationship but if anything within my scantily clad and sexy piece of ass newspaper offends you, either close it and think only this, They did not mean to offend me. Alexandra loves everyone. Or get in touch. Oh God Ive put a disclaimer on my own bloody newspaper. Im practically asking you to take offence now. The thing is I am really super friendly and would be really quite sad if you take offence. It would hurt my heart. In other news, the proposal to implement VP Activities was sadly voted against at the AMM. I personally was in favour of this proposal. However, democracy wrung out in the way it is wont to do (no, I dont know what the f*ck Im talking about either) and the people got what they wanted. THE PEOPLE GOT WHAT THEY CAME FOR, GODDAMMIT. Anyway, I love you guys. Stay safe. x

LETS TALK ABOUT SEX

News Editor: Rachel Thomason | Copy Editor: Tina Morman

The Stag |

15th May 2013

NEWS

RIP VP ACTIVITIES
Continued from page 1... criticism coherently, with not so much as a bead of sweat appearing on that smooth forehead of his. Mr Halls, never a stranger to impassioned debate, caused a small ripple amongst some members of the audience, when he proclaimed, I dont care WHAT you vote for! I care that you vote. After Point 11 was voted on, we swiftly moved on to the other somewhat contentious issue of the Communications Officer. The Governance Review advocated the removal of this role. This was a move which was supported by the current Communications Officer, Kat Heneghan. Miss. Heneghan herself was mysteriously absent from the debate and Communications Officer elect, him of Stag fame, Alex Smith, was also silent. Imogen Jones, current Postgraduate Development Officer, spoke in favour of the removal of the Communications Officer. Her argument, although compelling, was swept away by Munya Mudarikiris, current Equality and Diversity Officer, impassioned speech. Mirroring Mr. Fletchers impressive oratory techniques, Mr. Mundarikiri asked the floor to raise their hands if they had been aware that the Governance Review was online. A few shaky hands were raised however it was clear that many were unaware. When brought to a vote, a clear majority was in favour of keeping the role of Communications Officer. The much loved Oliver Deed, last years Union Chair, was heavily involved in the Governance Review. He said, I am delighted that the Governance Review was subject to a debate at a lively all members meeting. I am disappointed that the measure relating to a new VP Activities was not passed, as I wholeheartedly supported this measure whilst I was Union Chair, after initial conversations with the Sabbatical Officers at the time. I would like to congratulate Charlie, Kathy, Alan and all involved in the production of the report and I hope it serves as a foundation for future reform of the Union.

Burglar sentenced after escaping over Guildford shop rooftops

By Hannah Craig, News Team local burglar was given a suspended sentence on Friday 3rd May 2013 after stealing from House of Fraser. Pavol Sabol, aged 32, from Westwood Lane pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage. On 18th March at 2.30am, he went to House of Fraser with tools and wearing a rope. He broke into the department store and stole 1,200 worth of clothes. After exiting through a fire exit, he was seen and fled from armed police along shop roofs in Guildford high street for three hours. Once arrested, Savol was found to have a black bag containing all the items and was wearing a similar missing cardigan however, the

items were weather damaged and could not be returned. This was not his first offence; a previous security guard for House of Fraser told GetSurrey that Sabol was a former employee and was fired after he stole a television set. Sabols defence team stressed he is a changed person, with a new job and it was a difficult financial situation which drove him to commit this crime. Along with a suspended sentence, Judge Matthews sentenced Sabol to pay compensation to House of Fraser for what he stole and to Fat Face after damaging their roof tiles whilst trying to escape. Furthermore, he will have to do 180 hours of unpaid work.

Students Union at York University rejects FemSoc

By Shunayna Vaghela, News Team

he University of Yorks Student Union (YUSU) has refused to accredit a Feminist society for the second time, leaving many students discontented with the lack of feminist representation amongst YUSU societies. FemSoc claims to have over 100 members already; they have regular meetings to debate various feminist issues within group where people can feel comfortable. Helena Horton, a member of FemSoc, criticised YUSU, telling The Independent: We have two ratified campus newspapers, who cover the same stories and the same sports. Why is this not counted as a 'duplication of interests' and our society is? YUSU defended itself by insisting that there is not a specific need for a feminist society because there are similar objectives being met by the Womens

Committee at the university, a branch of the Union and a Liberation and Welfare committee. The Activities Officer for YUSU, Chris West, told university newspaper The Yorker: "The application for Feminist Society was rejected on the grounds that the proposed society was not "exclusive from other areas of the Union," in this case the Women's Network, which is active and holds very similar aims and objectives. As a Union, we have limited resources, and so it's important that we don't replicate effort when it comes to student activities. FemSoc has pledged to continue fighting for validation from YUSU, with Horton promising to persevere in campaigning and raising awareness until the Union finally ratifies them. In her blog on Huffington Post she said: I am here for at least two more years, and by the time I leave, our University will have a ratified FemSoc.

Guildford local elections give surprising result

By Melissa Raske, News Team

esults from the Surrey County Council elections, held on Thursday 2nd May, for the Guildford area came with a surprise due to an admin error. These local elections are held every four years, and Guildford divisions hold 10 of the 81 seats on Surrey County Council. Of the ten seats open, nine were retained by the same parties and the tenth, which was previously held by the Tory party was won by the UKIP candidate, George Johnson. The Tory party was unrepresented in the Shalford division election after the party failed to hand in their application form. UKIP won the seat with 1,411 votes with the second placed Liberal Democrats getting 1,023. Six of the remaining nine seats

were won by the conservatives in the Ash, Guildford East, Guildford South East, Horsleys, Shere and Worplesdon Division. The remaining three division seats, Guildford West, Guildford North, and Guildford Southwest, were retained by the Liberal Democrats. Voting turnout varied within about 15% across the 10 divisions with the highest turn out in Horsleys where 36.87% of the 9,830 electorate voted. The lowest was in Guildford west where only 20.10% of the 10,481 potential voters cast their ballots. The overall results for Surrey were 58 seats going to Conservatives, 9 to Liberal Democrats, 9 to Residents Association/Independents, 3 to UKIP, 1 to Labour, and the final seat was obtained by the Green Party. The average turnout across the county was 30%.

Google Street View

UNION

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15th May 2013

editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk

Sabbaticals Say...
You could change one thing, or you could change several!
Bakita Kasadha
Union Vice-President Welfare

Giving feedback is free and heres how to do it

Sam Ratzer
Union Vice-President Education

e at the Students Union are continuing to make sure that your change and there are updates. As of Monday 29th April, the on campus launderette became 24 hours. Between the hours of 2 and 8 am, all you need is your student campus card to swipe in and clean your clothes. The Accommodation Office and Support Services are working closely together to offer a tailored service for mature students. The service will include reviewing and adapting services to meet the unique needs of mature students, such as parental and living in on campus accommodation. The Centre for Wellbeing is aiming to extend its opening hours in the next academic year

as response to the overwhelming respond on the Surrey student survey. In our poll, 98% of Surrey students asked would like a pharmacy on campus, so the Students Union will be backing Compass bid for a licence to have one here on campus grounds.

Just because legal highs are legal, that doesnt make them safe.
On Friday 17th May, we will have our Every Body: Be Aware Campaign, this is a drug campaignfocussing on legal highs. Just because they are legal, does not make them safe. We will have members for Narcotics Anonymous down on Friday 17th May, 1-2pm in the Students Union. They will be talking about their experiences of addiction and more. Anyone is

welcome to attend, just email ussu. welfare@surrey.ac.uk to book a free place. The Every Body: Love Your Body Campaign may be over but there is still a lot of information for your about body image and fad/crash diets on page 8. Exam season is looming, and I know that you will be focussing, but dont forget to rest, eat properly and look after yourselves. Our last campaign of the year Every Body: Chill Out, will be an online campaign giving you tips on how to look after yourselves over the exam period. We will be giving you tips over the exam period to help reduce the stressful times. If you have your own on stress managing tips, share them using the twitter hashtag #StressFreeSurrey. We will also be giving out bubble wrap over exam period- believe it or not but popping bubble wrap is a great stress reliever!

s we approach the end of modules for the 2nd Semester and for some students in the 3rd year of study, their final ever weeks of teaching at Surrey, it is about time to start reflecting on our experiences. Translating these reflections into constructive feedback for your department can often be difficult, but it is so important that you make the most of your opportunity to let your department know what was great, what was average and if it is fitting, what was not good at all. Sometimes you won't deem it appropriate to tell someone directly or contact your Academic Rep about a problem on your course at the time, so

channelling your thoughts into the MEQ (Modular Evaluation Questionnaire) is your chance. There is still time for the course to be changed ahead of next year, and future students having the chance to benefit from your feedback. Leaving something important unsaid, fails to support continuous improvement and leaves courses exposed to not developing in the future. You won't always get to

There is still time for your course to be changed for next year
see the changes happen yourself but through my own experience, modules can change for the better. So before you finish your modules this year, give credit where it's due and aim to right those wrongs, to help keep Surrey improving.

Every Body: Love your body

The importance of a positive body image
By Bakita Kasadha, VP Welfare Learning to realise and accept that there are different forms of beauty (rather than one stereotype) and accepting and enjoying your body, is fundamental to forming a good body image. Consequences of a Poor Body Image A positive body image is fundamental because a poor one can have real detrimental effects such as low self-esteem, anxiety and depression If you have a poor body image, the consequences can be devastating. Poor body image can contribute to low self esteem, anxiety, depression, bad eating and dieting habits and even eating disorders. Self-esteem is linked to your own self worth, which in turn affects your mental wellbeing and how you behave. Just as you may find it difficult focussing on the positive rather than negative, so do your friends and peers. This campaign is attempting the break the chain of negative thoughts by encouraging you to focus on the positive. Accept the compliments that come your way and give them too! During the campaign, well be asking you what makes your friend beautiful.

All change as the end of the year approaches

Arabella Gilby
Union Vice-President Sport & Recreation

irstly, body image is about more than weight. The way we view our bodies includes height, general appearance and even skin and our opinions are largely influenced by cultural or societys expectations. These expectations become ingrained and put pressure on us. This pressure can ultimately make us feel compelled to be more of this, or less of that.

irst of all Id like to say congratulations to the new committees! Starting from now you have a great opportunity, at the very least youll learn leadership and time management skills and you never know you could completely turn a sports club around, introduce a new idea and put it into practise. Dont forget whatever you want to do the Union can support you so make sure you pop in to say hello and keep on your emails over the summer! Sports Exec and myself are recovering after Colours Ball by awarding some Club Grading, this was a new initiative this year and it will soon be announced what clubs have received what grading. However I do feel as though the

criteria are tough, so we shall see who comes out on top! So your new VP Sports & Recreation, James was elected back in March, your new club committees have just been elected and so the only thing left to do is elect the new Sports Executive team. This team works closely with the VP Sports and you can be as involved or as not as you want to be! What you put in you get out. Anyone can run for a position on Sports Exec team and the elections will take place on June 4th, 6pm in Griffiths lecture theatre at Sports Standing. The positions available are SE Chair, SE Secretary, SE Events and Recreation, SE Management, SE Development, SE Coaching & Volunteer and SE Communications. For information on the elections or the positions; give me an email at ussu.sports@surrey. ac.uk. Dont miss out!

UNION

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15th May 2013

editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk

Daves bureaucratic adventures in Sheffield Part 2

Dave Halls
Union President

So, in the last edition of the Stag, I spoke (briefly) about my thoughts on NUS National Conference. Well, as promised, heres the long version...

year ago, I was sat in the USSU Welfare Office with Jake, my fellow VP, watching NUS conference, getting more and more angry at the nyeon ridiculous motions being proposed, and subsequently voted in favour of. From voting practically-unanimously, to hold a demonstration through London, to spending half an hour debating whether or not the student movement of the UK was in solidarity with Syria. (Not that I dont believe we should be sympathetic to the situation in Syria- of course we shouldmore that firstly, there are more pressing issues at hand within the UK education system, and secondly that its going to be of little consequence to someone in Syria that an organisation in the UK theyve probably never heard of hopes things work out for them). From an outsiders perspective, seeing the nature of discussions, and the political mindset of most delegates- supposedly a representative body of their universities- this didnt seem like

Preconceptions

the sort of conference someone from Surrey would particularly enjoy. County stereotypes of Surrey aside, I take immense pride in Surrey being a freethinking student body, asitwere; were not clouded by historical ideals of student militantism or protests. We dont believe that the government, regardless of controlling party, is an evil body that should be demonstrated against. We dont believe that a particular political ideology is the only way forward. We are a students union that embraces the fact that all 15,000 students will have a varying viewpoint on practically everything, and therefore dont pigeonhole ourselves into a particular political standpoint. We listen to all arguments, we consider all debates, and we will always place ourselves, as democratically and diplomatically as possible, where our students tell us they want us to be. You know, like an organisation that claims to be representative and democratic ought to

So, as youve probably already garnered, couple this with my previous discontents with NUS bureaucracy earlier this year, and I wasnt overly excited about the prospect of NUS Conference. I know what youre thinking; and its because whilst we send 5 delegates each year, one of the five has to be the current Union President. But, I wasnt going there because of my viewpoints, I was there to represent you, the Surrey students, and do my best to ensure that NUS policy for 2013/14 best reflects what current Surrey students want. Dont get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for the vast majority of those officers and staff of NUS. Our students reaffirmed our position within the body earlier this year, overwhelmingly in favour of Yes to NUS. We are firmly committed to driving the movement forward; but we want to it be open to all, all of the time, not only when it suits the whims of particular elected officers personal opinions. NUS, as an entity, is good for Surrey, and we are good for it.

Safe Spaces

Sabbs found a small bit of Surrey in Sheffield

ow, NUS works very hard, to ensure all groups and individuals feel welcomed at NUS, from sexual orientation, to ethnicity, to allergies. NUS Conference is considered a safe space, where all viewpoints are welcome, and no-one should be victimised based on their viewpoints, lifestyle choices, or just their general being. All are welcome. A laudable target, Im sure we can all agree; and a great thing to aim for. The only issue with this is, such lengths are gone to to ensure that all feel welcome, that often many others are left behind. As put more candidly than I ever could, by VP Welfare Bakita, the demographic make-up of conference really reflects what does and doesnt get passed. Many groups are vastly overrepresented at NUS Conference (with the exception of women, granted); and as such, are all

vying to have their particular interests discussed, heard and voted upon. The interests of those individuals subscribing to particular groups came first- in their minds- in place of actually debating things that affect the wider UK student body. We know the plight of many of these groups in fighting for equality is one that goes on, and it absolutely has the support of myself, and no doubt the other delegates at the conference; but so much time was spent vying for podium time that the wider student body (which includes those students also subscribing to liberation groups, of course), was neglected amidst a sea of bureaucratic procedural motions and time-wasting tactics. This was epitomised by the NUS current Black Students Officer, who, adamant that since the motion regarding black students wasnt chosen

to be voted upon first, he would submit procedural motion after procedural motion to grind proceedings to a halt; seemingly of the mindset well, if youre not going to discuss my priority first, were not discussing anything. Conference has strict time limits that cannot be extended for particular policy areas. This individual single-handedly wasted two-thirds of the time allotted to Society & Citizenship motions simply because people instead opted to discuss other issues first instead. I have no hesitation in publicising that this individual should be ashamed of himself for believing that any of these courses was more important than any other. As put, again candidly, by VP Societies Em, Its not that we dont want to discuss issues more than otherstheyre so important, we want to discuss them all. Can we please just get on with this.

Union Contact: ussu.information@surrey.ac.uk

The Stag |

15th May 2013

UNION

Daves bureaucratic adventures in Sheffield Part 3

Shame

ow, now that Ive set the scene, a mere 900 words later, onto the start of the conference. Im sure you after all that, as I was on Day 1 of conference, have your hopes set high for a week filled with wondrous imaginations of how to make the world a better place and an inclusive environment for any and all individuals. Despite my sarcasm, I was genuinely hopeful of a good conference, and had promised myself (and my fellow Surrey delegates) that Id keep my NUS cynicism to a minimum, and would be open minded to every quirky aspect of NUS proceedings. So we settled down, were treated to the cartoony highlights of NUS safe space video, and conference was go! And then the hypocrisy of the student movement struck with the full force of a miners pickaxe. The opening speech, from the NUS Chief Returning Officer (who, as an NUS staff member MUST remain apolitical), greeted us all with the good news that an elderly lady had passed away.

Cue much cheering, whooping and general merriment from well over half the congregation. I have never been more ashamed of the student movement, and more importantly, human beings. Regardless of ones politics, celebrating another persons death is sickening. I debated walking out there and then. Unfortunately, it was this level of hypocrisy that- at timesepitomises NUS, and is the source of so much of my frustration. The elderly lady in question was, of course, Margaret Thatcher. Much as it shies away from it, NUS is historically dominated by those students sitting somewhere in between centre-left and extreme left on the political spectrum. If you vote Blue, (or more recently Yellow), or anywhere that isnt Labour, or more socialist, youve historically been made to feel very unwelcome at NUS. I found it utterly flabbergasting that this happened, literally minutes after preaching to us about safe spaces and not alienating anyone

based on their views. Unless, of course, your views are different to NUS, in which case you can just fuck off It was this attitude that alienates so many people from NUS, but it was comparing against this sour opening to proceedings that made me all the more impressed with the organisation as the Conference developed to see how far NUS (as an entity of delegates) has grown since my first encounters with the organisations democratic side a year ago. Credit where its due to NUS President Liam Burns for quelling the baying of those of us dismayed at what had just happened, calming conference and reminding conference that were human first, and partypolitical second. I really felt for Liam Burns at this conference; he took quite a roasting from a number of the more-militant delegates for speaking more of common sense and diplomacy than the class warfare so many had seemingly come to advocate.

Em, Bakita and Sam find their place in Sheffield. Also Bakita is small.

Positivity

The Stag gives you one happy President

Toni Pearce, newly elected President of the NUS

unnily enough, beyond all the sarcasm, cynicism and political madness, a conference with the intention of making life better for students actually took place. The conference was a stark contrast to the previous year. So much, in fact, that I found it hard to believe it was the same organisation. There was constructive debate about the future of higher education, tangible proposals for how the movement should work to better life for students here in the UK, recognition of the trouble facing international students and how we, as a nation, would be foolish to do anything but work towards making the UK a welcoming environment for international students who add so much to both our economy and our campus. There was recognition that a useful NUS is one that works not against, but with a governmentnot fighting for unrealistic outcomes (fees are here to stay, we have to accept that), but working

within the parameters of realism to get the best outcomes for students possible. I even played my part in a motion- speaking against a proposal to boycott the NSS. Unions, who (purely coincidentally, Im sure) scored very lowly on last years National Student Survey, we asking NUS to vote for a boycott of the survey. As I said to the delegation (quick aside: I like public speaking, but my word, speaking to a group of 700 people in a city hall is nervewracking!), we shouldnt simply boycott something if it scores us badly; we should be looking to why these Unions scored badly, and working to improve. You know, to meet the goal of being truly representative of our students The motion was comprehensively voted down. Win. NUS seems to have come an incredibly long way in just a year. Its more relevant to the moderate students unions, which make up the majority of students in the UK. The grasp of particular political

movements within the conference has weakened, and that should hopefully be the beginnings of a far more representative body. But for me, the best outcome of conference? It wasnt a particular motion, it was the remarks Bakita, VP Welfare made, that made me so incredibly proud to be part of the Surrey delegation. If I was at any other union here, simply by being a black woman Id be forced to have a particular stance on anything; but I love the fact that Surrey lets me have my own views, and speak publicly about them. This, for me, epitomises the Surrey way. We dont pigeonhole ourselves;we embrace that all our students are different, and absolutely should be able to voice them without fear of retribution from other student activists.

WE

ARE

SURREY. AND

WE ARE BLOODY AWESOME.

UNION

The Stag |

15th May 2013

editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk

The sad truth of the perfect diet

B y Aoife Mac Intyre, Emotional Eating Advisor

When the VP Welfare, Bakita Kasadha and I discussed this positive body campaign at first we had a common message we wanted to ensure EVERYBODY should know. DIE-ting doesnt work. I am a nurse working as an Advisor at the Centre for Wellbeing. I want to advise and educate on the real reason why fad diets do not work and the perfect diet does not exist. This may be disappointing for some people looking for that ultimate quick summer slim down but if you are reading this you will find the perfect answer through education. Fad diets have been described as unsafe practices which encourages irrational thinking (Anderson, Konz and Jenkins 2000). I have seen this irrational thinking in my nursing career. People start to become obsessive with body image, calories and weight. Their lives begin to revolve around food, the number on the scales and their image. They lose the reason why they dieted in the first place: to look healthy, happy and enjoy the summer. Anderson, Konz and Jenkins (2000) further stated that although fad diets may promote short-term weight loss, there are extreme hazards that coincide with a fad diet.
1. Increased sensitivity to insulin (this can lead to obesity and becoming grossly overweight) 2. Increased appetite (you will experience uncontrollable hunger) 3. Metabolic damage (so when you do have that burger or alcohol drink your body will store it as fat and no longer use it for instant energy) - [Aziz, Anderson, Giacca and Cho (2005)] As you can see from the disadvantages there is one very common link. The answer - FAD DIETS MAKE YOU FAT LONG TERM!

Some of the disadvantages of a fad diet are:

1. 2. 3.

So as your Wellbeing Advisor, what do I advise?

A food plan that concentrates on macronutrients not calorie restricting. An enjoyable exercise plan that empowers you not solely to body manipulate. Create your own healthy lifestyle and finally achieve the look you want.

As I always sayDo not be limited by a number BECOME LIMITLESS!

You can still have pudding on a healthy food plan. Try my Protein Chocolate Blueberry Sponge. Dont deny yourself of the simple things. Balance is key.

Opinion & Analysis Editor: Justine Crossan | Copy Editor: Emma Fleming

The Stag |

15th May 2013

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Beyonce is no role model

Opinion & Analysis

Sam West

The freedom of Page 3

Three of the Sun, as his social superiors and intellectual betters, as they see themselves, are to go to the art gallery and see it having been painted. While Page 3 remains a somewhat controversial feature, the freedom should remain between the newspaper and its reader. If someone wishes to purchase the Sun and turn to Page 3, then it is there freedom to do so. If someone wishes to skip Page 3 or purchase an alternative newspaper, then that is also their freedom to do so. In the free society that we live in, it would be bigoted to dictate anything else upon our fellow citizens.

E
mp3waxx

Justine Crossan

he is one of the best selling music artists of all time, the sexiest woman in the world and recently, Mrs. Carter. Adored by millions of young girls, seen as a great role model and illustrates the empowered 21st century woman. However, recently Rahki Kumar wrote an open letter to Michelle Obama slating Beyonc for her provocative appearance and sexualised performances, insinuating the sexy clothes she wears has a link to trafficking in young girls. I feel this comparison is slightly outrageous and although trafficking is a grave issue, it has nothing to do with the way Beyonc flaunts her assets. I do believe however that Beyonc should not be adored by young girls; she promotes an unrealistic image of a strong female who has mainly got to where she is based on her looks and humble image which lately Ive questioned. In her recent world tour she demanded $900 straws, alkaline water chilled to 21 degrees and red toilet paper, she has a list of requirements for every venue she appears at and ordered the largest dressing room at the O2 normally reserved for sports teams. No doubt the woman can sing and dance but recently the extreme

queen image she is portraying is egotistical and embarrassing. Her video called bow down features lyrics, bow down bitches, bow down a complete contrast to this sweet, motherly image she so regularly portrays. Lately I feel like she has been blown out of proportion and her celebrity status has been taken to a new level, almost otherworldly. It saddens me that so many young people look to celebrities as role models and aspire to be like them, artists like Beyonc are so easily accessible, they are inescapable and plastered over every magazine and T.V show. They are exaggerated with glamorous dresses and fancy shows, but where is the subtly? It highlights our celebrity obsessed culture, and laziness to discover real talent. The media loves her so therefore we must love her. Her music since Destinys child has not been as good and the meanings behind the songs are quite dull. Run the World, Countdown and 1+1 I mean really. I dont know much about algebra but I know 1+1 = 2 are you kidding me? Thats what young girls are listening to on their iPods everyday? I believe the music you listen to has to be intellectually stimulating on some level and listening to that and Beyonc singing about her single ladies will get your creativity nowhere. It is a shame authors like Zadie Smith and female entrepreneurs are not given the same amount

of publicity, we cannot dismiss the fact that many female careers are driven by looks. Cheryl Cole for an example, nobody knew who she was in Girls Aloud before she married Ashley Cole and her singing voice and personality leaves a lot to be desired. I am not criticising Beyonc as a solo artist as she is undoubtedly very talented but I believe now her Queen B status has been taken to a new level. There is a personal YouTube video in which she is speaking to the camera and appears teary eyed, saying why did God give me this talent?! it is actions like these that make her ego seem like it is about to burst and I think the majority of young girls have given her this feeling of power. Unlike Angelina Jolie who has used her celebrity status to highlight the inequalities in the world and take part in the UN Refugee Agency, Beyonc seems to bask in her own glory and sparks controversy by travelling to Cuba despite travel restrictions. This further emphasizes her belief she is above the rest of society. The fact she appears to be getting whiter by the day is also contradictory to her strong powerful image as an African American and I think her actions lately have not been admirable and someone young girls should aspire to be. Intelligence, creativity and an understated attitude is something which is more sustainable and more reputable in the long run.

ven in the year 2013, there are still calls to ban Page 3 from the Sun newspaper. For those unaware of what Page 3 is, it is a page which displays a semi-nude female model. It is designated to only one page of the newspaper, appearing in the weekday editions, yet absent from the weekend ones. There continues to be an outrage about this page, yet this is often from a loud minority. Upon looking at the online petition today, there are 100,000 signatures. Although this is a substantial number, we cannot ignore that the Sun is the most popular daily newspaper in the UK, which sells 100,000+ copies each day alone! Calls to ban the page are fuelled by political correctness, having disregard towards the freedom of others. Not only would a ban infringe upon the freedom of press, but it would infringe upon the freedom of the models and the readers. If people have a problem with it, then they should purchase an alternative newspaper, such as The Times, The Guardian, or the Daily Mail. Yet the huge hypocrisy is that most of the critics would never buy the Sun anyway. Opposition to Page 3 is lowest amongst its own readers at 24%, compared to those readers who have double (and sometimes triple) the opposition, such as The Times at 58%, The Mirror at 61%, and The Guardian at 86%. There are more important issues of the day, rather than focusing time and energy upon a harmless photograph and something of British tradition. An attack on The Sun particularly attacks large numbers of the working class, being the most working class newspaper, with 64% of readers falling into the C2DE demographic class bracket. As Norman Tebbit, a working class MP said in 1986, The chap that I am talking about is as likely to enjoy looking at the girl on Page

Page 3 controversy

fabbio

10 OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Stag |

15th May 2013

opinion@thestagsurrey.co.uk

Chinas views on gay marriage

Melissa Bolivar

n a country where homosexuality was illegal until just 16 years ago and classed as a mental illness until 2001, advocates for gay rights in China are complaining that attitudes toward their community are years behind those in Western countries. But like their counterparts everywhere, Chinese gays and lesbians are fired up by the growing global debate on samesex marriage. In late February, Beijing residents Ma Yuyu and her partner Elsie went to the Civil Affairs Bureau in the citys Dongcheng district to try to register as a married couple. They had contacted local media ahead of their visit and a gaggle of journalists accompanied them. To no ones surprise, their application was flatly rejected. We knew we would fail, but we still wanted to do it anyway, Ma tells TIME. The rejection of their marriage bid made headlines across the country. With advocates like Ma pushing the envelope, the discussion on the legal status of the gay and lesbian community in China is evolving quickly. The visit to China two weeks ago of the openly gay Icelandic Prime Minister, Johanna Sigurdardottir, and her wife sparked a flurry of interest in Chinese social media. One woman from the city of Chongqing wrote an open letter to the worlds first

openly gay head of state explaining how she had discovered her own daughters homosexuality and praising Sigurdardottirs pioneering spirit for helping the mother come to terms with it. Society, however, is nowhere near to accepting equal rights for gays and lesbians. Every year since 2003, prominent sociologist Li Yinhe has submitted a call for same-sex marriage to the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, the advisory arm of government. Every year the proposal has been rejected though this year it generated more public discussion than ever before, in part because of Mas attempt to get married and in part because of Chinese media interest in the U.S. Supreme Courts review of the Defence of Marriage Act. For Li one of the first Chinese female academics to specialize in sexuality marriage equality is one of the ways she hopes to reduce homosexualitys stigma. Social discrimination is one of the biggest problems homosexuals are facing in China, she says. They are facing extreme pressure from their families to get married to someone from the opposite sex. A major reason for this is the countrys one-child policy. A gay couple will, in the eyes of many parents, bring two family lines to an end at once. Ma, herself a single child, recalls that when she told her mother about her sexual orientation, her mother couldnt accept it. She simply pretends we never had that conversation and

gets short-tempered every time I try to bring it up. The extreme pressure to raise a family has forced many homosexuals in China to enter into heterosexual relationships. Reports by Chinese media suggest that as many as 90% of Chinas gays choose to get married to a member of the opposite sex rather than endure family censure. This phenomenon has created its own social problems, says Li, as the husbands or wives of gay partners try to deal with their

partners sexual orientation. It has even created a new type of marriage where (members of a) gay couple marry (members of a) lesbian couple, says Li. While she continues to work on submitting proposals in favour of gay marriage, Li is not optimistic that there will be a change in the law anytime soon. The community, she says, has no voice in China, and their needs have been ignored for a long time. There are no gay representatives in the Peoples Congress, Li adds, so its very

hard for their voice to be heard. Ma, too, doesnt foresee any radical shift on official attitudes toward gay marriage. I dont think it will happen in the near future, she says, at least not in the next 10 years. In the meantime, with countries like Argentina, Denmark, South Africa, New Zealand and Sweden recognizing same-sex marriage and with several states in the U.S. following suit Chinas gay and lesbian couples can only look on in envy.

The first ever LGBTQ Pride Celebration in China was held in Shanghia in 2009

Sexualisation in the media

Y
Yasmin Joseph
oung girls, in their early and pre-teens, are really given a tough time by society. On the one hand, they are sexualised from a young age, but on the other, they are expected to ignore societys influence and if they attempt to express their sexuality in any way, they are victimised and ridiculed. One of my followers on Twitter recently showed me a picture, which shows two girls wearing home-made t-shirts with the phrases No dignity, no virginity, get in or get out and Why do drugs when you can do me?, and asked me my opinion. These girls are fourteen years old and are being subjected to cyber-bullying and ridicule because they are acting provocatively. People are calling them sluts and shaming them for expressing their sexuality. There are many examples of this behaviour on the internet, from Tumblrs topless Tuesday to the provocative profile pictures of pre-teens on Facebook. Why are we victimising these impressionable young girls? We all know what it is like to be their age, trying to form an identity amongst the mixed messages given to us by our peers, our education and the media. I dont know why people are surprised by the fact that some girls take on the message that the media gives them: that in order to be worth anything, a girl has to be sexy. We sell them push-up bras, thongs, Paris Hilton kits and Cosmo magazine, and still expect them to act like perfect little virgins. They keep track of the female role models that the media gives them and see that they are judged on how sexy they look, and how these seemingly perfect celebrities are pushed off their precarious pedestal if they dare to go out without putting makeup on, or wear something unfashionable on the red carpet. Amongst their peers, they have to walk the tightrope between frigid and slutty, and god forfend if they fall off. In my old school, a girl who developed breasts too soon was ridiculed and assumed to be slutty, and the late bloomers were bullied and were less likely to be popular. Television, in the main, perpetuates this culture. The movies aimed at young women all too often feature a popular, blonde, largebreasted cheerleader and another, usually bookish, unpopular, girl who is bullied by said cheerleader. What does she do to overcome the bullying and become popular? Get a popular man, ignore her bookish ways and usually have a makeover to become sexy. She kisses the guy, the credits roll, and voila! We have told the next generation of women that in order to be popular and successful, they have to be sexy. To conclude, before we get upset and holier-than-thou about the young women

who act provocatively via social media, we should look at why they are acting this way. How do we expect these girls to ever have the self-respect that so many berate them for lacking, when we tell them to be sexy then victimize them when they actually try to do this?

The cover of Teen magazine from 1969 suggests sexualisation is not just a recent issue

rchappo2002

kris krug

12 FEATURES

The Stag |

15th May 2013

features@thestagsurrey.co.uk

Sex stories: the good, the bad, and the funny

By Megan Cherry, Features Team

Features

Students get a bad rep on holiday

By Sophie Vickery, Features Team

nitially this article was intended to be a list of the top 10 funniest / most awkward sex stories but after hearing so many that had me laughing and cringing, I thought that would be near to impossible. Instead I will discuss all those worth mentioning. You may think youre sex life is bad well think again. It can be awkward at the best of times when hooking up with someone for the first time, things are heating up and the clothes are flying. The bottom half is off and then his/her family decide to walk in. In a moment of panic, you pretend to be cuddling and hug the covers around you. Their family continue to enter and sit on the end of the bed to meet you properly. All the while you sit in his/her bed with no underwear on and a hand begins to wander Or perhaps when a mate walks in and instead of leaving asks Room for one more? Living in halls can also lead to awkward situations with housemates. A friend of mine started sleeping with a guy she lived with, but after a night out she ended up leaving with a different guy. They went back to hers and were making out when a loud bang on the door rudely interrupted.

As she jumped up to answer it, her housemate barged in seriously angry, smacking her in the head with the door. He continued to shout at her while her nose bled. Three can definitely be a crowd Or can it? Three can also be a party! Imagine your housemate having a threesome directly above your room, and this is student accommodation its not exactly sound proof. Follow this with one guy coming down stairs, butt naked into your room, shouting I love being naked! Another cause of funny stories is drunken nights. For some the alcohol is too much and sleep seems more important than sex crazy right? You know youre doing a good job when their eyes are closed with ecstasy, up until the point they start snoring (my friend experienced this and from then on her hook up became known as sleepy boy.) Food can also seem more imperative when drunk. In the middle of fooling around with a guy, you stop abruptly and demand he make you a toastie. Surprisingly he does just that. His toastie making skills must have been good as this couple have now been together for a year. Now imagine youre at a house party and there is short supply of private places to hook up. You look everywhere; in every room, even

the bathroom. Things are getting desperate but as a last resort you go outside and end up doing it on the bonnet of the neighbours car. Suddenly the neighbour comes out screaming, what the hell are you doing? Quickly trying to exit the scene of the crime you run away with your pants still around your ankles, realising as you go you have dented the bonnet oops. Needless to say that couple never went back to that house again. Another of my friends brought a (very drunk) guy back after a night out. He soon passed out in the kitchen, but with some help she managed to get him to her room and on her bed. After a while she noticed that a wet patch had formed under him and completely freaked out thinking he had peed in her bed gross! Not knowing what to do she slept on the floor with broken glass from a bottle she had smashed earlier. In the morning he informed her that it was wine from the broken bottle on the bed not pee. Logical thinking seems to disappear when alcohol is involved. The smell of wine, not pee could have been a clue. It seems most of us have some funny sex story to tell. Even if its totally embarrassing, its better just to laugh at it and know youre not the only one it can happen to.

he university student has a reputation for being lazy. Society ridicules students who laze in bed until late afternoon, chill in trackies all day and perhaps attend the odd lecture. But British holiday-makers highlight that the British adult should not be so quick in distancing themselves from this reputation. Recent statistics show that one-third never leave the resort and 19% say describe ideal holiday as consisting of doing nothing. Meanwhile, many students are much more active during their holidays, with many practicing sports and the active back-packer travelling to various corners of the Earth. Admittedly, many students opt for typical beach holidays in places like Magaluf or Zante.

But, even here, students are keen to explore the area, even if that means discovering local bars and clubs. It is also common for students to travel to water or theme parks, showing greater physical exertion than the adults lazing by the pool. Students also hold a reputation for having a narrow focus on booze and partying. Yet, gap year students enthusiasm in culture, history and architecture soon dismiss this. Meanwhile, one in four adults said they refuse to venture further than the pool and the bar. Of course, holiday makers should enjoy holidays in ways which please them. However, it seems unfair for adults to condemn students for their lazy, ignorant attitudes when they seem to share an equal mentality.

You could use house parties to hook up, or just pull funny faces like Maxxie

Channel4

Features Editor: Ellis Taylor | Copy Editor: Tessa Morgan

The Stag |

15th May 2013

FEATURES

13

Weird foods to set the mood

By Jas Smith, Features Team

ome people get in the mood for love by lighting a few candles, opening up a nice bottle of wine, eating oysters and chilli, or even chocolate strawberries. These are recognised as popular and common aphrodisiacs in the modern word. But however you choose to get in the mood, there are much stranger aphrodisiacs than these. Ill start with the nasty one Cobra blood. Although this sounds like another winning invention of Charlie Sheens, Cobra Blood can be found as an aphrodisiac in the Snake Village outside of Vietnam and also in chain restaurants in China. The blood is mixed up as a drink, containing some flesh and costs $80 per pound. This is an expensive price to pay if youre planning on getting laid, and there is a high chance your partner will be scared off. Another exotic (and equally terrifying) aphrodisiac is deep fried tarantula. Not quite up there in local chip shops with the deep fried Mars Bar, but this traditional

dish can be found in Cambodia and is said to affect males, especially downstairs. Tarantula was first used as an aphrodisiac as it was noted that when bit, victims of the spider became excitable and jittery. I think Id rather have a deep fried Mars Bar to be honest. However, an aphrodisiac closer to home is the donut. According to some studies it has been found that men get turned on by the smell of freshly baked donuts and other bakery items, increasing the blood flow to the penis by 40%. This is good news for anyone on a student budget. Also, this year to celebrate Valentines Day, Pot Noodle released an aphrodisiac noodle snack, aptly named Pot Kanoodle. Although many flavours were suggested, the company decided on flavours such as lobster and garlic, oyster and chilli, and rare steak. Perfect for saving the pennies. So, if youre not in the mood for oysters, candles and wine, be experimental this summer, and try a deep fried tarantula! Or stay in and share a Pot Kanoodle! It might be the best sex of your life!

CAREERS
By John Watkins, Director of Careers Service

here is a bumper week in store from Monday 20th May as the Careers Service lays on a feast of events that should be the envy of students at other Universities. The highlight for many will be the Summer Careers Fair which has attracted our largest ever number of employers at what is traditionally a relatively quiet recruitment time of year. We know that not every student will end up working for the organisations we bring onto campus that is not the point. We want to show you a range of what is on offer and encourage you to explore far wider through the sources that are available through other means, such as the click of a button. We know that some students would like to see different organisations representing different industries rather than the same old names and it is pleasing to see a number of first

time exhibitors. But again this is missing a couple of key points. The reason for employers deciding to engage with Surrey has much to do with the consistent calibre of students the qualities you possess can be explained to the absent employers you want to work for, you just have to do it via a more remote mechanism with a strong cv and covering letter. Also, employers have to have a commercial rationale for investing the time and money in coming to our Fair. Business awareness will help you get into the world of work and to succeed once you get there this is an opportunity to really begin to grasp the concept of return on investment and commerciality and realise it is an employability skill as much as a technical one for finance students. Please do take the opportunity to come to the preparation session on Monday 20th at 2pm in AP lab2. An equivalent event was run in advance of the

Hospitality and Tourism Fair in March, to very positive acclaim. Some universities have gone as far as making such preparation compulsory. Surrey students dont need that but those that come might grab an advantage. Aside from the Fair there are nearly 30 other events, many led by employers. It is hard to single out specific events within the programme but I highlight the opportunity to find out about the variety of careers stemming from an English degree, insights on conservation and prevention of rhino poaching and the Placement Showcase which will emphasise the value of a Professional Training Year. There is also a session on commercial awareness for those who recognise this key differentiating quality and those who refuse to accept that their preferred employer chose not to make an appearance at the Fair!

Cobra blood: sexy or scary?

HBOs Girls shows why sex should be on TV

By Lily Pearson, Features Team

3dom

For details on all events in this action packed week, including the up-to-date list of all the organisations that will be at the Summer Fair, and for all other Careers enquiries please visit us in the Philip Marchant Building or at: www.surrey.ac.uk/careers www.uniofsurreycareers.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/surreycareers

or those who are yet to see HBO's recent series, Girls, it is imperative that you do. Lena Dunham, writer-cum-creatorcum-leading lady, has not only captured the inevitable twentysomething post-university malaise that is all too common in today's economic climate, but has done so with impeccable wit and, dare I say it, refreshing honesty. And it is with sex, in particular, that this honesty is most anomalous. It is usually pornography that is assigned the blame for the ridiculous (and inaccurate) representations that surround sex in the media. Blockbuster films and

American TV shows are, however, equally as complicit in the perpetuation of the cosmeticallyenhanced, absurd rip-each othersclothes-off-in-public scenes that augment sexual misinformation on-screen. Girls however, is abound with the awkwardness that is so often neglected in popular programmes and films. Hannah Hogarth (played by Lena Dunham) has a normal body and is (at least partially) naked in at least 60% of the episodes. Her non-washboard stomach and natural breasts are not, however, treated with shame and embarrassment but with a confidence that is particularly notable in the show's numerous

sex scenes. The sex is awkward. Characters react nervously to new flings' weird desires; in another episode the character, Natalia, feels obviously degraded by a request for her to 'get on all fours'. It is not only important to show that sex isn't always good, but to help younger audiences identify when it is, in fact, bad. Those moment-spoiling mishaps where your super-tight jeans just won't shift, then, don't only happen to you. Sex like this should be on-screen; for it is the only source of realistic reference for curious young people in world of air-brushed bodies and fake boobs.

Girls HBO - showing sex with refreshing honesty

GirlsHBO

14 FEATURES

The Stag |

15th May 2013

features@thestagsurrey.co.uk

The return to parent-land

By Saskia Parks, Features Team

On the road with Ankur:

The sex edition

haul flight, because you will be discovered by flight crew; its safer to try it on long-haul redeye flights. b) Scope out the territory and choose a bathroom thats furthest away from crew quarters and galleys (the perfect ones are typically in the middle of the cabin.) c) Trying to use the diaperchanging tray in a toilet as a table is a terrible idea, unless your partner happens to be of slim build. Sex on a plane is probably the most uncomfortable, rushed experience youll ever have since manoeuvrability is limited in the confines of an airplane toilet. Aside from one-night stands, if you are travelling with a steady boyfriend/girlfriend, do book private rooms. You will be thankful for the privacy. The only way this can backfire is if the hotel room have thin walls the bane of many cheap hotels or if its a funky boutique hotel. My worst experience with this is in a hotel in Hong Kong that had a creepy wall art photo of a bunch of kids in a circle staring right at the bed, a decidedly inappropriate mood-setter. Go to a sex show if you end up in one of the worlds cities that happen to be sexually liberated or decadent depending on how you see it such as Amsterdam or

hen it comes to talking to parents about sex, I find it best to just not. However, I understand that for some people it is not such a big deal. I mean everyone does it right? And after all, its the reason for our very existence. What gets me though, is the feeling of my stomach trying to hide behind itself as my mum reminds me not to forget the pill when I go to visit my boyfriend. Its not so much the explicit use of the term the pill that physically pains me, its the implication that comes with it; please for the love of God be safe, and dont get pregnant from all the sex you will be having. What my parents dont consider as they subtly tell me things I already know, is that my boyfriend and I spend most of our time playing PS3 games and eating fruit salad. Although the talk may have been a prominent moment in your adolescent life, approaching a parent with a burning question,

or a literally burning problem may lead only to further agony as you realise you can never look them in the eye again. If there are ever any questions or problems concerning the deed, then remember that the internet is your non-judgmental friend. All though any selfdiagnosis should be avoided as whatever your symptoms you will ultimately have, at most, an hour to live. At university the abundance of parental absence makes certain situations considerably easier, however when at home there is always the tricky matter of can we share a bed? When put to parents, this question sounds a lot like can we have sex in your house? which Im sure youll agree is a considerably less appealing request. When I consider these situations, it seems that when you have to approach your parents with something potentially awkward there is much reliance on the underlying assumptions, as you uncomfortably skirt around the issue at hand.

By Ankur Banerjee, Features Team

Benefits of supporting NHS Foundation Trust

By Pippa Tollow, Features Team

ex and travel go hand-in-hand as cookie dough does with ice cream. After all, what else do you expect when you let loose hormonally-charged travellers restricted by no bounds (pun intended) on a journey of selfdiscovery, which is what travelling is all about for many backpackers. Unfortunately though, this is where the practicalities of travelling on a budget become a hindrance: you may very well have a pack of condoms in your backpack, but where do you take your partner back to? The more ballsy of the lot will try it out in hostel dorms never a fun experience for everyone else in the dorm room as you endure sounds of creaking bunk beds and cries of passion. Nobody ever wants to be a killjoy though in such situations, so I suggest packing earplugs. Bathrooms tend to end up as the de facto decent venue to engage in sexual liaisons within backpacker circles, despite the disgusting state most hostel dorm or club bathrooms may be in. Perhaps the pinnacle of sexual achievement for any traveller would be joining the mile high club, and I have some tips for this from experience: a) Never ever try it on a short

Bangkok. Bangkok leaves its European counterpart far behind in sheer outrageousness of its sex shows; while the former sounds like it mostly has slightly risqu stripteases, acts in Bangkoks Patpong or Soi Cowboy will surely make anyones jaw drop. The precision and accuracy of feats female muscles can perform is something to be admired, for example shooting out darts, smoking cigarettes, writing letters, knitting sweaters, and playing ping-pong. The biggest dampener would be the look of oppression on the faces of the sadly-gyrating performers and drinks prices at these seedy joints. Whats Hot: The art of titty-slapping, a supposedlytherapeutic Thai treatment that involves violently slapping breasts to rejuvenate them. I havent personally seen a session of this, but it may appeal to BDSM fans out there. Whats Not: You may very well think a Thai massage would be a sensual and relaxing experience; it surely isnt. Thai massages are closer to being wrestled on a table and having your limbs twisted off by a hefty woman while you pathetically lose your boner with tears streaming out your eyes in pain.

t a time when the future of the NHS is being debated daily, having your say in how your local NHS Foundation Trust operates is more important than ever; and its FREE! Introduced in 2004, NHS Foundation trusts are independent not just for profit organisations, and aim to use patient views to tailor your local NHS services to suit your needs. Our local NHS Foundation Trust is at the Royal Surrey County Hospital and, as residents of Guildford and the surrounding area, University of Surrey students and staff are eligible for membership. As a member you will receive the Health Service Discounts on loads of everyday expenses like broadband packages, insurance, and train tickets (www. nhsdiscounts.com). Youll also receive regular newsletters about the Royal Surrey Hospital, and opportunities to attend regular

educational health events from consultants and specialists. You can also get involved in focus groups, attend member consultations regarding major hospital plans, and vote or stand in governor elections. If youre studying a health-related course, have an interest in a career in health, or youd just like to have your say about the operations of your local NHS services, this could be a really interesting opportunity for you. The extent to which you get involved is completely up to you, doing as little or as much as youd like. To find out more and sign up as a member of the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust go to: ht t p://w w w. roya l s u r rey. n h s. uk/Foundation-Trust where you can either sign up online or print off a form and send it Freepost. Stopping your membership is just as easy, by writing to the trust for free (Foundation Trust, FREEPOST, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, GU2 7YW).

Features Editor: Ellis Taylor | Copy Editor: Tessa Morgan

The Stag |

15th May 2013

FEATURES

15

Venice adventures
By Olyvia Longoria, Features Team

Contraception confusion
By Rebekkah Hughes, Features Team

he sun was shining as we walked out of Santa Lucia railway station, the hustle and bustle on the river made the place feel so alive. We made our way through alleyways and side streets, over bridges and market places where you found typical old local ladies arguing with the stallholder for a better price. The next few days we spent our time exploring the city and using its unique aquatic transport, the famous Ferrovias. There were many people trying to get on and off the boats, locals hating the sight of so many tourists being mesmerized by every palazzo that passed by, and tourists hating locals for blocking their view whilst trying to get the best picture. In the end, one would have to give in and usually it would be the local. St Marks Square is as beautiful in real life as it is in photos and equally busy, with its eye catching Basilica bell tower or campanile and the Doges palace right next to it. It was a definite Kodak moment! It was swamped by the mass of people on tour with their guide steering them from one landmark to another with the typical extremely bright coloured umbrella that serves as a warning to everyone else as if to say to all of those not in my tour group, get out of our way or risk being trampled on! After admiring the wonderful architecture of St Marks square we headed back down through the

streets of Venice stopping once in a while to admire the wonderful Murano glass ornaments in the shop windows and the stalls set up on the streets with hanging Carnaval masks of all shapes, sizes and colours. Soon we came to another famous landmark of Venice, the Rialto Bridge or as it was known Ponte della Moneta because of the row of shops on either side. It spans a massive 48m in length across the Grand Canal, still standing in the hub of one of the most important trading areas in the city. After a few days of nonstop sightseeing, what better way to end the trip than with a Gondola ride through the quieter canals of Venice? The gondolier decided he wasnt going to sing, which I think in the end was a blessing in disguise as he didnt have a very nice voice; he spent his time instead throwing out facts and figures about all the palazzos we passed. Of course the tranquillity didnt last too long as we made our way to busier canals and as with all major cities, you will always find traffic, yes even on the waterways. As our last day came to an end, I decided that there was so much left unexplored that I would have to make another trip here. So if I have inspired you to go to Venice reading this article then I recommend you take: a good pair of walking shoes, an Italian phrase book for the odd buon giorno and extra memory cards for your camara!

ast year sexual health charities FPA and Brook launched XES We Cant Go Backwards, a major awareness campaign aimed at tackling the inaccessibility of contraception across the UK. With many sexual health and contraception services closing or running reduced opening hours, women throughout the UK struggle to access contraception which is ultimately a womans right. The campaign aims to improve sexual health services nationally as well as ensuring that we dont go back to a time when sexual health was not dealt with so openly. Women and men alike can often be overwhelmed with contraceptive options and considering that there are fifteen different methods, its not surprising. Other reasons can also affect limited access to contraception such as inconvenient

opening hours of clinics, a lack of services within a certain area or even having difficulty in getting a preferred method. However, sexual charities like Brook; the UKs leading provider of sexual health services and advice to young people under 25, and FPA which provides straightforward advice, support and information on all aspects of sex and sexual health, combined forces to create the XES campaign and fight for more freedom in contraceptive choices, awareness and availability. In February, the XES We Cant Go Backwards campaign published a report detailing how inaccessible services could cost the NHS millions of pounds. The report, Unprotected Nation, claims that financial and social catastrophes are predicted if no improvement or changes are made to the UKs sexual services. According to the report, we have the potential to save 1.13 billion by

improving sexual health services. Each year the NHS has 299 million of additional costs from unintended pregnancies. The campaign claims that improved accessibility to sexual health centers would significantly reduce this figure. Projections also indicate that if sexual health service accessibility worsens, it could potentially cost the NHS an extra 8.3-10 billion by 2020. It isnt all about accessing contraceptives though; often British men and women feel more comfortable seeking advice of that nature from official clinics as opposed to seeing their regular GP. Feeling comfortable in discussing matters of a sexual nature and educating as well as advising is another aim for the XES campaign. Ultimately, the campaign and these charities work to ensure that Britain doesnt go backwards on its availability for contraception.

Street style: Out and about on campus

By Lily Pearson, Features Team Julie, Business Management, Level 2 Here, Julie has nailed the formidable task of dressing in between seasons: a ditsy print and pastel jeans are given edge with a bowler hat and studded shoes.

Amna, English literature with Creative Writing, Level 2 A flash of neon pink is the perfect homage to the bold colours that were ubiquitous in SS13 collections. Amna's oversize denim jacket makes sure the outfit is more spring chic than barbie girl.

Mia, English literature, Level 2 There's no better way to work the trouser than a statement print. The summer hues are paired perfectly with Mia's round sunglasses.

Features Editor: Ellis Taylor | Copy Editor: Tessa Morgan

The Stag |

15th May 2013

FEATURES

17

Games
Answers in the next edition of The Stag. Send correct answers to letters@thestagsurrey.co.uk to get a mention in the paper.

Sudoku
6 2 3 1 9 8 4 5 7 1 5 9 3 4 7 8 6 2 4 8 7 2 6 5 9 3 1 5 9 6 4 3 1 7 2 8 7 1 4 8 2 6 3 9 5 8 3 2 5 7 9 6 1 4

Issue 58 Solutions
2 7 8 9 1 3 5 4 6 9 6 1 7 5 4 2 8 3 3 4 5 6 8 2 1 7 9
F B E L E W O Y M O N E Y A G Y D J O U R N A L I S M P E Y J Y U G R O A X D E G H G T J W F S P O R T S P A R K D H I

Wordsearch
A R O K V A R A H H A E C U P T E R E I R H F T Y P U U H L J E E H S H U G K K A I R I A K L H T I K J N O D N G R P S L A K R O R Z E L A O B E E H O N E A N A D R O J R A N A O P C J Y J P Y H R N A E C C E W E S P U P E I U U M T Y Y S A S C A S B J P O L A H I H E E F H A W K I N G K P U O R D U H G L A F E S T I V A L Y B

FREELANCE FESTIVAL SHOES MONEY

EUROVISION JORDAN APP SPORTS PARK

Y S D L O G G U O R Y P R X R Y T Y I P J Y O N B J V Y S Y G E N D L Y H L T K A E I F J H R H A T O Y A R Y B N L H K J D J Y A P O W A O G I R L S I A L W E J P F C A T C A K A O M I C I U L E E D U E E L E L A O T B E A T P B J E D T R

CURRENCY HAWKING JOURNALISM PANORAMA

D E E E N A E G T O A S T I E P N E C R O P H I L I A G O H B K T H R E E S O M E D K I U G E N I T A L S N P K A L P L

9 5 8

2 4 2 5 3 4 6 3

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7 1 6

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SEX CONTRACEPTION APHRODISIAC VENICE

AMSTERDAM TOASTIE HOLIDAY THREESOME

BOOKSLAM GIRLS GENITALS NECROPHILIA

18 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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Science & Technology

Love is a matter of chemistry, sex is a matter of physics. - Napoleon Bonaparte

The biggest bang

By Alex Smith, Science & Tech Editor

ts not every day that you get to write an article for The Stag about sex in the Science & Tech section at least. Apart from the neurological benefits of having sex, and the social bonding created by the act itself, its also a pastime which few mammals perform for pleasure. Sex has always been a hot topic, but what would happen if you were to engage in extreme sex? Im not talking about joining the mile high club the idea of mating over a toilet in a cramped cubical on a 747 with the other passengers in ear shot doesnt exactly sound all that glamorous. Im thinking about what would happen if you were thrusting at a rate near to the speed of light. When objects travel near to the speed of light, relative to another

body, Einsteins relativistic effects become very important. This is to protect the most sacred law in physics light is always observed travelling at the speed of light, no matter who observes it. So if you start trying to chase light, other parameters like length and the flow of time begin to change. For example, if you were to thrust in and out at light-speed then the time it would take for a man to finish (as viewed by the woman lying stationary on her back, say) would be longer than her natural life, however he would believe its taken the normal amount of time the average being 12 minutes. So mid-coitus it would turn from a romantic, passionate act into something necrophilic. Also at high speeds, the frictional forces (which generate the pleasure) would become so great that things would really start

to heat up. The temperature would eventually become so large that the bonds between molecules in the gentlemans member would start to break and the penis would vapourise instantaneously and be lost forever. And the mans confidence and the womans patience would have to be extremely high. The length of contraction hed experience could become more than awkward. Your average Joe could end up only being a few centimetres long. You would also have to be prepared for the deafening sonicbooms that would accompany each movement, as well as sperm which could travel with more momentum than bullets - riddling your fair lady in the process. That is if the penis doesnt gain enough mass (through special relativity) and turn into a black hole first

Sex in space
By Fahmid Chowdhury, Science & Tech Team

ecently as I was surfing through the general news I happened to stumble upon an article about the Virgin Galactic space program. To those of you who do not know what it is - this is the space program founded by Sir Richard Branson which aims to take the average person (like you or me) to space, or more specifically sub-orbit. This is all done provided the individual can fork out $200,000 for the ticket. Now in more recent news, the space program reached a new milestone. It was able to successfully undertake a test flight for one of its aircrafts in which its main rocket

was fired and worked. Now this got me thinking, since space tourism seems to be coming alive, what about having sex in space? Wouldnt that be amazing? I mean if you and your partner went to Morocco, the beaches and romantic setting probably would encourage the love making to occur. So, how about at zero gravity whilst looking at the planet earth through your window? That is sexy. Lets have a look at a few issues. Firstly, there will be no gravity. So the bed can be the roof, side walls or floor have your pick! Also, staying in one position may prove extremely difficult. Secondly, the thrusting motion itself. There is a worry that when he comes back out

after thrusting in, there is a high chance hell end up floating to the other side of the room. However, there are solutions to the problem. One is the 2suit. This is a suit worn by your partner and yourself which encourages intimacy by kind of locking you guys closely together so that you can be intimate in ease. In addition to the intimacy, there is a quick disrobe function so that you can get down to business at will! I think that having sex in space would be an incredible thing to try. Although there may be some anomalies here or there, it wouldnt matter if you and your partner are comfortable enough to have a laugh about it when they do occur.

A woman in climax. You dont necessarily have to go to these extremes to get a reaction like this...

Wallooper

Sci/Tech Editor: Alex Smith | Copy Editor: Sophie Vickery

The Stag |

15th May 2013

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

19

Google eyes
By Siobhan Harris, Science & Tech Team A smartphone for your face. Google Glass records videos, takes shapshots, sends messages, translates, and acts as a HUD for your everyday life. Voice recognition is the key behind the software, as Google attempts to take on Siri.
Dog Town Media

oogle have presented to the world Google Glass: a set of augmented reality glasses, voiceactivated and able to connect to the internet through a mobile device in order to take photos or videos. It has been suggested that they will go on sale early in 2014. The prototypes they have released, approximately 1000 worldwide, and can record what the wearer is seeing and display information in a small screen just above their right eye. The device, always called an experiment, has opened up a torrent of ambiguity from its early users. Popular technology tester and critic, Robert Scoble said: I will never live a day of my life from now on without it. While others have been sceptical.

The first pictures taken can be seen on twitter with the hashtag: #throughglass. Steve Lee, an employee at the laboratory where they were developed, Google X, took pictures using the device whilst driving. These early reactions have ignited excitement in Google fans and rumours say that it might also let phone users access navigation and text messages in the future. Currently it has to be paired with an android phone and the Google Glass companion app has to be installed. The most impressive result yet from an early user are pictures and videos taken 500ft below Switzerland on a tour of CERNs Large Hadron Collider, the worlds largest particle accelerator. If that isnt awesome enough, you can search explorer story on YouTube to watch the video.

It seems like a worthwhile project for Google to work on but budgeting will be important as many fear it will not do as well if price rumours are also true. Alas, it has the appeal of innovation in that its an original idea and the idea hasnt been produced before.

Dinner with cupid

By Siobhan Harris, Science & Tech Team

oddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, sprung from her oyster shell on a mission to please. That, essentially, is what her namesake does and here is the science behind it. Food, drink or drugs that stimulate sexual desire are known as aphrodisiacs, and they dont fail to serve what they suggest. As a starter, Cupid might serve chocolate. Containing serotonin which produces happiness, it means you will be more inclined to show your partner affection. It has caffeine, keeping you awake for later on. If chocolate isnt a socially acceptable starter, then chances are youll be served carrots. Not only is the nibbling action seductive, they are a phallic symbol and brilliant for keeping stamina high. Next is the main course. Resembling female reproductive organs, oysters are commonly known as the ultimate aphrodisiac mainly due to their association with Aphrodite. They contain a large amount of zinc which keeps mens sperm count high and

preserves fertility. Also containing iron, they ensure youre alert and active, ready for intercourse. Once things have climaxed, youll feel light-headed, your heart will race and blood will be rushing. Youll feel spiced up and these post-orgasm symptoms mimic the effects of eating a hot pepper. If youre daring and want to spice things up even further you may even try a red pepper to get you more aroused - they increase capsaicin which increases blood circulation and stimulate nerve endings. Sadly, most foods claiming to be aphrodisiacs are not, and dont live up to expectation. However aphrodisiacs (at least ones verified by scientific research), including the ones named in this article are notorious for inflicting a powerful impact on mind and body, therefore releasing chemicals in the brain and stimulating the reproductive organs. The most effective ones, such as oysters, enhance aspects of sensory experience, evoking an increase in sex drive, performance improvement and an end result of greater sexual satisfaction.

The birth of venus (Aphrodite) by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1879). Currently in the Muse dOrsay, Paris.

20 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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Inhabitants of genital utopia

By Siobhan Harris, Science & Tech Team

opamine, prolactin, oxytocin, and phenylethylamine. The famous four in the world of neurochemistry relating to sex. To clarify, Im talking about the physical act and not the alternative term for gender. But what are they? How do they work? Or, what were all eager to know: what role do they play in achieving an orgasm. Orgasm was first described as a discharge of excess bio-energy by Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian psychoanalyst and unofficial heir of Freud himself, becoming popularly known as the Prophet of better orgasms. He called his work on this the Orgone

Accumulator. Reich also noted the negative consequences of blocked sexual energies and the need for their release. From aggression to depression, the powerful negative side effects that orgasms can often produce are only just becoming better understood. The higher state of consciousness we perceive orgasms to be is due largely to dopamine, the pleasure hormone. Along with prolactin and oxytocin it produces a desire for intimacy and as they all do, has the potential to powerfully affect our mood. However, levels of dopamine fall sharply after orgasm. The real dark horse involved is the stimulant phenylethylamine

(PEA) which elevates energy, mood and attention and, fellow ladies, it can be found in chocolate. No wonder were so happy when we eat chocolate! Affecting men and women, a deficiency of this stimulant would cause unhappy feelings common to those possessed by manic-depressives. If you feel like cuddling after sex, then thatll be due to the oxytocin hormone which increases sexual receptivity, lowers blood pressure and increases curiosity. It is the hormone released as a result of orgasm and effectively encourages feelings of love and safety towards ones sexual partner. Levels of prolactin, known as the satiation hormone, also rise after orgasm. The symptoms associated with excess prolactin include loss of libido in women and weight gain in men which would explain the sinking feeling experienced by many. Fear not, the cycle will begin again when oxytocin levels are up and youre feeling affectionate.

Various studies have used fMRI brain scanners to investigate what happens in the brain during orgasms by taking pictures of the active areas of the brain by measuring deoxyhaemoglobin levels in the blood which indicate energy use. Other studies using MRI scans have confirmed the increased activity of neurons (nerve cells) during orgasm, according to Professor Barry Komisaruk of Rutgers University. What all conclusive studies so far have suggested is an altered state of consciousness, a sense of utopia. Finally, having (hopefully) validated some beliefs on such a taboo subject, I encourage you to remember that while sex may be delightful, beware of the consequences and try to maintain a healthy balance! Its also important to note that neuro-sexology (unofficial term) is based on solid scientific facts. But that doesnt mean it isnt fun to write and read about too.

Technology round-up
By Fahmid Chowdhury, Science & Tech Team
Internets 20 year anniversary

he WWW launched approximately 20 years ago on April 30th. This was a huge moment in the history of technology and as such, it should be recognised. Most of our interactions are through this medium and what was once so small, has gone on to become so big.

Gamer becomes race car driver

Evolution of the penis

ryan Heitkotter is one of the very few people to have turned his gaming life into a reality. He entered the Gran Turismo 5 GT Academy online, beat 53,000 online gamers and then was sponsored to go racing in real life! Wow.

Graphene paint powering homes

raphene layers could be used on surfaces on the walls of homes to create a kind of coat. This coat could then help power appliances by absorbing sunlight. Another cool feature of this is the potential to change your houses colour on request.

By Siobhan Harris, Science & Tech Team

cientists worldwide are beginning to understand the mysteries of sexual attraction and specifically, what gets women sexually aroused. Looking further than the obvious mix of pheromones, an experiment led by biologist Brian Mautz, University of Ottawa, set out to demystify the human mating gene. Results indicate that penis size does matter (yes ladies, sorry

gentlemen!) to the majority and that the female preferences of a larger penis has played a role in the evolution of humans. Mautz led the experiment involving 105 Australian women with an average age of 26. Each woman looked at 53 life-size images of various computergenerated males projected onto a screen. They were asked to rate the images on a scale of 1 to 7; 7 being most attractive. With the longest flaccid penises rated more

attractively, another factor found to be important was the male height in which the women rated most attractive if they were all taller. It remains unclear why these are the preferences but previous studies show its because they can increase sexual satisfaction by providing deeper stimulation of the female reproductive system. The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

and the conclusions indicate that penis size played a definite role in evolution of species because if women chose in the same way as they do today, their decisions would have influenced the evolution of bigger penises. Their choice would have been easier to make than it was now due to the fact that early humans didnt wear clothes so the male penis was available for all to see and enjoy (and rate, ladies)...

Google Glass coming up

t seems like more and more developments are coming up on the Google Glass eyepiece. A new ad on youtube shows how you could use the touchpad on the side to swift through different windows (e.g. Google+, gallery, etc.) and even a weird winky app. This app lets you take a photo with your Glass when you wink. Just imagine what else is going to be coming out on this eyepiece.

Dance/Theatre Editor: Tiffany Stoneman | Copy Editor: Hannah Wann

The Stag |

15th May 2013

DANCE & THEATRE

21

By Tiffany Stoneman, Dance & Theatre Editor

The thrill of the stage

ack in 2011, Brian Logan wrote in the Guardian about a couple who appeared to be on a mission to hit every West End theatre... and have sex in the stalls. Actors Alex Kingston and Rob Lowe had reported seeing the couple from the stage, getting [their] kicks in the front row. Quite why the couple chose to attempt this is still unknown perhaps it was a dare, or attempting to do it in public with the lights down, or perhaps they just really LOVE theatre. Either way, it was a bizarre, confusing, but nevertheless an impressive feat to endeavour. This raised the question of the sexiness of theatre, which (surprisingly) still has a large number of people thinking it stuffy, old fashioned, and uncool. But the ever more daring nature of theatre shows is highlighting the fact that two people in front of you on a stage is far more thrilling than watching a glass box. The stage, as opposed to the screen, isnt interested in beautiful faces or perfect bodies it highlights the physicality of relationships, the eroticism of voice, and the presence of people in front of one another. In Spring Awakening, for example, the hayloft scene between under-age Wendla and Melchior seems even more intimate by the fact that there are audience members either side of them. Their embrace, both experimental and innocent, is private, yet completely exposed to all of us who sit on our plush seats. Whereas film can cleverly create the illusion of voyeurism with shadows and scenes shot through window frames, the theatre is the ultimate peep-show, viewed through a large proscenium arch. We the audience are given free gaze over everything and everybody. Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical came from the 1960s hippie culture, embracing sexual revolution, drug experimentation, and an increasing resistance to the Vietnam War. Containing scenes of drug abuse, sexual freedom, and racially equal casting, it caused much controversy during its first few productions. Indeed, just before the interval, the cast flood the stage with a powerful rendition of Where Do I Go?, but completely naked. Men and women, all shapes and sizes, stand strong on stage with nothing to hide somehow, seeing that on a film would not have had the impact it does when its right in front of your eyes. After getting over the initial unexpected

Dance & Theatre

nature of the scene, it becomes powerful, inspiring, and a little intimidating. Even by todays standards, people seem quick to shy away from eroticism when it is not protected by an editors keen axe. Many shows are beginning to come with age restrictions the cabaret circus La Soire does warn of its sexy...dangerous nature. Acts such as Ursula Martinez rather risqu disappearing hanky has you blushing and crying, in awe of this woman just a few feet away for her incredible confidence. Whilst sex is accepted and indeed expected in things such as cabaret and burlesque, its strange to think that it is still taking so long for theatre-goers to accept it in more traditional productions. Directors become clever when depicting lovescenes, such as a recent tour of Birdsong using dance and a red scarf to express the intimacy. But being one of, if not the, most basic form of humanity, should we not shrug off our somewhat Victorian objections for good, and embrace it for what it is the depiction of love, passion, physicality, and intimacy. It becomes something shared, not only between the actors, but between us and them; we get a glimpse into a private part of life that few people allow to be known. It is a rare, special, and incredibly thrilling thing to not be divided by a remote and selected screen shots. Shakespeare was keen to stray lower, where the pleasant fountains lie"; isnt it about time the rest of us did too?

Andy Snow

Watch This Space: Arts at Surrey

ts the penultimate issue of the Stag, which makes me very sad. However, hopefully you still have time to cach a few shows before you head back off to the real world and the summer! What: Rutherford & Son Where: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre When: 14th-18th May Price: from 22 What: The Laramie Project (GSA) Where: The Mill Studio When: 23rd-25th May Price: 5 (12 full) What: Metamorphoses (GSA) Where: Ivy Arts Centre When: 23rd-25th May Price: 9 (10 full)

A play there is, my lord, some ten words long, Which is as brief as I have known a play; But by ten words, my lord, it is too long. Philostrate, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Act 5 Scene 1

Bits O The Bard

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Top 10 Memorable Sex Scenes

By Shalini Thondrayen, Film Team

Film

We all know that sex has now become a given when it comes to movies. From James Bond to Avatar, we have all become accustomed to intimate on-screen sex. Movie sex scenes have a history of their own, which made constructing a list of just 10 very difficult. Everybody has different tastes or opinions on this matter, whether they like it gentle, rough, graphic, gay, romantic or funny. Heres a list of some of the most memorable, from the late nineties to the present day.
8. Black Swan (2010) I had to have the Black Swan sex scene between Lily (Mila Kunis) and Nina (Natalie Portman) in the list. It was such a saucy scene between two girls that it was probably every guys dream. The fact that Kunis is in it too makes it ten times sexier. We see the scenes moments after Nina has an argument with her mother and barricades the door with Lily in the room. Before you know it, it gets quite intimate.

7. American Pie (1999) This is the funniest sex scene to ever hit the silver screen. Jason Biggs plays the sexually inexperienced teen Jim Levenstein, who is told that third base feels like warm apple pie. And what do you knowhe arrives home to a freshly baked apple pie. The rest is pie-humping history

6. Brokeback Mountain (2005) The film follows the story of two cowboys played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, living in 1960s Wyoming. They become sexually involved with each other while out on the ranch. Their passionate scene happens during a cold night - they try to warm each other up and it soon escalates into a rough sex scene which is visually very intense to watch.

10. Titanic (1997) I start with the blockbuster Titanic, which focussed on the unfolding love affair between Rose and Jack, played by Kate Winslet and the young-faced Leonardo DiCaprio. The steamy sex-in-a-car idea was raunchy for PG-13, happening moments before shit goes down, literally. Not sure about you, but I think I remember more of the awkward feeling I got because I was watching it with my parents. The iconic hand slapping against the window and leaving a trail in the condensation is surely ingrained in everyones minds.

Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore both star in this film, which is about a ghost - shocker. The sex scene is perhaps the craftiest of sex scenes. It takes place as Moore is sitting at a pottery wheel, and Swayze turns on his charm.

4. Ghost (1990)

9. The Notebook (2004) Pretty much everyone has been Notebooked at least once in their lives. If they havent- then they should. Those lines that poorboy Noah (Ryan Gosling) utters in the pouring rain to his true love Allie (Rachel McAdams) - It wasnt overit still isnt over - shows them strip away the bounds of their social differences and finally come together. When he pulled Allie closer for an embrace, it seemed so romantic that I cant see anybody not cheering them on.

2. American Psycho (2000) Mary Harron directs Christian Bale as Patrick Batemans self-serving threesome, in which he sleeps with a pair of prostitutes at his house, while recording them on video and admiring himself in a mirror. He pouts and flexes his muscles during the action, which says more about Patrick than a few pages of dialogue could.

3. Havoc (2005) This brings out a different side to Princess Diaries actress Anne Hathaway, who shows she knows how to get dirty. The film sees her date sleazy men, take drugs and deal with gangs far from her once-innocent persona. One of the biggest scenes is when she has group sex with Bijou Phillips and two other sleazy guys.

5. Twilight: Breaking Dawn (2011) You may be thinking why? but after the first film when they had the most awkward kiss of all time, I thought the sex scene was slightly better. They did break the bed after all

1. Pearl Harbour (2001) Number one HAS to go to Pearl Harbour. Michael Bay definitely pulled it out the bag this time, while filming the love scene between Evelyn and Danny after trying not to be caught from flying the plane. As they are running back inside, they find themselves intertwined between hanging sheets and we all knew what was going to happen next. A truly beautiful scene!

24 FILM

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15th May 2013

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Iron Man 3
By Jim Onyemenam, Film Team

return to form for the Titanium Titan following the remarkable disappointment that was Iron Man 2, but it still fails to find the Iron heart that made its first instalment an incredibly affecting film. Iron Man 3 attempts to go full circle, with the recurring motif that you make your own demons, this time pitting Tony Stark against rivals rooted in his playboy past. Simultaneously, he seems to be suffering from anxiety issues regarding the events of Avengers Assemble. Therefore, the Tony we see in this (supposedly) final instalment is a broken man psychologically from the start. The Mandarin breaks him physically - and through this adversity he rises. It must be noted that the most striking flaw is the fact that the antagonists motivations are never actually fully formulated and defined. Not only is his category inconsistent: i.e. insane anarchist (a la The

Joker), meticulous freedom/ environmentalist fighter (a la Bane), or careless capitalist (a la Obadiah Stane) - his aim and main purpose is never clear or certain. In addition, the scripting for Guy Pearces character seemed so overly verbose and borderline convoluted, rather than creative and direct, that it not only helped cloud his motivations, but also made his character seem less convincing or fearsome. In retrospect, the plot is

the action scenes are tense, taut, and beautiful. Apart from Robert Downey Jr. who returns in typically idiosyncratic yet stunning form, a note must be made commending

Iron Man 3 is an incredibly fast-paced, enjoyable ride

Ben Kingsley, with this film being another testament to how incredibly versatile an actor he is. The breadth of his portrayal was awe-inspiring. His gritty, dark, and fearsome Mandarin is utterly convincing, clearly inspired by real-life terrorists and dictators. But the shocking, and almost comic, humanity we eventually discover is equally stark. Iron Man 3 is an incredibly fast-paced, enjoyable ride. What it lacks in depth and heart, yet it more than makes up for this in flair, grandeur, and style. Enjoy it, but on a sad, almost eulogistic note, it will be nowhere near as memorable as Iron Man 1.

The plot is remarkably similar to Iron Man 1

remarkably similar to that of Iron Man 1, and also, Tony Starks psychological recovery seems to have been glossed over, as was the entire finale which seemed unnecessarily grandiose. But this lack of detail, depth, or originality is more than made up for in the magnificence of the spectacle. Iron Man has never looked better on the big screen. Graphically, the film is stunning;

The Impossible
By Candice Ritchie, Film Editor

ever has a film touched me so much. Never have I felt so emotionally attached to the characters. Never have I bawled like a baby, from beginning to end. The Impossible recounts the story of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, following a British family (mother, father and their three sons) on their holiday. The plot is simple: the familys struggle to find one another amongst endless destruction and sorrow and masses of hope. When you begin watching this film, its hard to even concentrate on the first scenes in fact, I barely remember them. As the film opens and displays a short explanation of the Tsunami, we immediately begin to wait for the drama to unfold - at which point its obvious that the scenes before the disaster are just fillers. Fillers that are, however, necessary. We see how carefree and content the family are, oblivious to the oncoming devastation about to hit - normal, innocent people, living normal lives. It becomes a realisation that this type of disaster could be thrust upon any one of us, at any time. From this moment on, the film also becomes personal, and at every fight we feel the pain of losing those close to us. It was also necessary for the film to focus on one family. It would have been impossible to cover the entire effects of the disaster, telling the story of each person and their individual struggle not to mention giving each story the justice it deserves. Given its position in history as one of the biggest natural disasters of our time, and having happened less

than decade ago, we are already aware of the vast scope of destruction it brought upon South-East Asia and the number of lives it swept away. The decision of director Juan Antonio Bayona and screenwriter Sergio G. Snchez is therefore a smart one. They are able to tell the Bennett story in intricate detail, whilst continuing to portray the mass-scale effects indirectly. Throughout the film, we are desperate for each of the characters to reunite with one another. When the Tsunami hits, we are met with mother Maria (Naomi Watts)s battle for breath, as she dips in and out of the water. Its not long before she spots her eldest son Lucas (Tom Holland) and then emerges the first fight to reunify. Most of the story focuses on Lucas and Maria, as her health begins to deteriorate rapidly and Lucas is forced to take on an adult-like role. Displaying endless courage, not only does he do everything in his power to fight for her recovery, but takes it upon himself to help others in need and attempt to reunite them with their loved ones. Unsurprisingly, this brought my emotion to another level as parents and carers suffer, you can really imagine the children taking charge and maturing when its needed most. Tom Holland, like most of the cast, is faultless in this role, displaying a bravery that even the most experienced of actors would fail to master. Who would have thought that this was his first major screen role? He is surely destined for big things. Naomi Watts, despite being bed-ridden for the majority of the film, is equally brilliant. Known for endless hit films such

as The Ring and Mulholland Drive, this is easily one of her best, as she becomes immersed in Marias mix of determination and stubbornness in the fight to survive. Ewan McGregor displays nothing but his best as father Henry. Throughout, we follow him in his battle to find his wife and children, stopping at nothing. We become entrenched in the search, desperate for him to find them - almost wishing we could be there to help him ourselves. Lest I forget to mention the two younger boys, Simon (Oaklee Pendergast) and Thomas (Samuel Joslin) the two cutest actors Ive ever seen. From start to finish, this film is incredible. I cant put into words how much emotion is involved, and how brilliantly its put together I cant think of a single way it could be improved. From watching the trailer, you will be aware of how sad its going to be (the choice of song, U2s one, does this on its own) but you will be desperate to watch it. I cant recommend it enough. After all, as the film declares, nothing is more powerful than the human spirit!

Film Editor: Candice Ritchie | Copy Editor: Sophie Vickery

The Stag |

15th May 2013

FILM

25

Oz the Great and Powerful in 3D

By Siobhan Harris, Film Team

his prequel to The Wizard of Oz starring James Franco, Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams is another embarrassing attempt from Disney (Hollywood) at modernizing a classic. While Id like to commend it for its charming special effects and casting, it would have been better left a moral tale about two witches: good and bad. James Franco plays Wizard pretender Oscar Diggs, whos swept away in a hotair balloon from a corrupt fairground in Kansas to Technicolor Oz where his mission is to save locals from the Wicked Witch. Ironically, the only way he does this is by using his own special effects to deter

the Wicked Witch in convincing her that he is in fact a powerful wizard. A sense of desperation is felt as if Hollywood has tried to draw in some of the success of the far better Broadway spin-off Wicked. Thankfully, the producers kept the Munchkins, and a part of me was delighted until their singing stopped mid-song, interrupted by the Wicked Witch (or, more blatantly, a desire to taint the previous film and dishonour its originality). Despite having had the potential to be a masterpiece in its own right, it simply lacks magic. Even worse, it lacks Dorothy, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow and for me this was the biggest let down of all.

The Raid
By Ankur Banerjee, Film Team

he Raid: Redemption (original title Serbuan Maut) is an Indonesian martial arts film from Welsh director Gareth Evans about a drug dealing stronghold of a building tower that is raided by a police SWAT team tasked with capturing or taking him out. The films cast would be practically unknown to a Western viewer, as many of them are newcomers even within the Indonesian film scene. Nevertheless, they do hold their own especially Iko Uwais in his role as the lead protagonist Rama, a member of the SWAT team; Tama Riyadi, the ruthless drug kingpin; and Donny Alamsyah as Andi, a hitman who prefers bare hands as a method of dispatching his victims. The action is visceral as the fight scenes are based on a traditional Indonesian martial art called

pencak silat that incorporates many types of weapons in mle combat such a wide variety of knives, swords, and sticks in addition to limbs. Setting it within the confines of a building also adds a measure of claustrophobia which make the action scenes that much more palpably exciting. Viewers of the English-subtitled foreign market release have an additional treat for them in form of the soundtrack in this version, which was scored by Linkin Parks Mike Shinoda. In typical Shinoda style, the brooding soundtrack with its techno beats is an adrenalinepumping accompaniment to the action on-screen. There isnt much character development to write home about, but Gareth Evans does succeed in making a brutally bloodthirsty action flick that stays real without the viewer feeling like they are watching video game footage.

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literature@thestagsurrey.co.uk

Literature The history of erotic fiction

By Rachel Burgess, Literature Team

hether we want to admit it or not, erotic fiction has quickly become one of the most popular literary genres over the past year and a half. Mainly attributed to the worldwide success of the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon, the genre has attracted millions of readers, bringing the publishing industry millions of pounds. Erotic novels are a common sight in bookstores nowadays and the alluring Christian Grey has become a household name. However, the genre has existed for many years, and some erotic literature can even be traced back to Ancient Greek and Roman times. The earliest form of erotic literature was erotic verse, and writers during the

Renaissance period, including William Shakespeare, wrote poems for a relatively limited readership which explored erotic themes. One such work is Shakespeares erotic poem Venus and Adonis (1592-1593). Erotic fiction as a genre can be linked back to the medieval period with Italian writers such as Giovanni Boccaccio who wrote Decameron (1353). The allegorical elements featured lechery by monks and the seduction of nuns in convents. Unsurprisingly, it was banned in many countries but the popularity of the genre continued throughout the following few centuries. The rise of the novel in the 18th century provided a new medium for erotic fiction and one of the most famous books in this genre is Fanny Hill (1748) by John Cleland, which is largely considered the first original English

prose pornography. French writers at this time also began writing erotica, including Diderots Les Bijoux Indiscrets (1747) in which a magic ring is employed which encourages a womans vagina to give an account of their intimate sexual histories. The 19th century was a very popular period for the erotic novel although traditional Victorian standards were still incorporated within the texts. These include themes of class, which was still very much apparent between the relationships of characters in the texts, as well as forms of sadomasochism following the use of formal punishments in schools. Writers also began to use pseudonyms instead of their real names and some of the texts were even left undated. The Romance of Lust (1873) by Rosa Coote and The Memoirs

of Dolly Morton (1899) by Charles Carrington are among the most popular novels of this period. Into the 20th century the genre continued to flourish with texts including Tropic of Cancer (1934) by Henry Miller. Vladimir Nabokovs novel Lolita (1955) has often been referred to as an erotic novel, but other critics suggest it is simply a literary drama with erotic elements. All these texts have led to the popularity and success of contemporary writers of erotic fiction. Although some readers may not admire the sexually explicit scenes described in novels such as Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James and Bared To You by Silvia Day, it is unquestionably clear that erotic fiction is appreciated by many readers worldwide, as well as across centuries.

Literary characters to satisfy the wildest of fantasies

By Sophie Vickery, Literature Team

Bestsellers list for erotic fiction

By Rachel Burgess, Literature Team

nce upon a time there was a student called Talia who attended The University of Surrey. She looked high and low for the right man, yet one did not come her way and her desire was left unsatisfied. Even Rubix and match.com couldnt please Talias high standards. However, one evening Talia was feeling particularly heated during a late night library session and struggled to concentrate. She felt aroused, erotic, flirtatious, yet the library was hardly the place for such emotions to be fulfilled. Talia attempted to distract herself from such cravings with a caffeine fix and popped to Amigos for a Costa Express. As Talia skipped down the stairs with rhythmic pace an explosion of dust suddenly blocked her path. Behind the orgasmic pink of dusty sparkle appeared Caress-the God of affection. Do not fear my child, she cried a world of satisfaction awaits you on the fifth floor! And so Talia bounded back up the stairs and followed Caress along the bookshelves. She flicked her wand and with a swish and a flick Talia was soon surrounded by the handsomest men of the fictional world. These certainly seemed much more appealing than the boys on campus! (Sorry boys) Upon a mound of gothic landscape stood Heathcliff, boasting his striking

ruggedness and the promise of spontaneity. Yet Talia finds the charm of Dorian Grays polished skin and sensual stance equally appealing, while Mr Rochesters evocative stare also captures her imagination. Talias fantasies are suddenly intruded by Caresss voice; my child! Do not become so distracted by the classical figures when genres of adventure and magic certainly have their fair share to offer! Caress flicks her wand once again and suddenly floo powder brings the alluring Cedric Diggory to the corridor while professor Lupins ferocious werewolf physique suggests a night of strength and rippling muscle. Meanwhile, Christian Grey briefly appears but is soon swished away as Talia realises that he simply lacks substance beyond those beautiful eyes and sexy aura. But which to choose? Talias truly torn as she wonders which suitor can make her wildest dreams come true. But then, stood beside a pile of beautiful shirts, stands Gatsby. His accomplished elegance and irresistible carnal arrest her attention and she struggles to avoid becoming flustered. She is enticed by the ravishing, suggestive glint in his eye and suddenly Talias fantasies become exceedingly enthralled.

heck out the bestsellers list for erotic fiction, compiled by amazon.co.uk. Erotic romance takes the conventions of romance, focusing on a developing romantic relationship culminating in a optimistic ending whilst infuses it with more graphic sexual content. Number one on our list of bestsellers is Twisted

Perfection by Abbi Glines. The novel depics a fragile woman named Della, driven close to crazy due to her dark past and is unable to let anyone get close to her. Woods Kerrington, however, wants nothing more than a woman pressed up close to him. Yet when they meet, Della becomes a carefree girl who is able to speak her mind and doesnt care what the world thinksof her. What Woods doesnt realise is that she is more breakable than he could ever imagine

1. Twisted Perfection by Abbi Glines 2. Entwined with You: A Crossfire Novel by Silvia Day 3. Losing Me, Finding You by C.M. Stunich 4. The Ivy Lessons by SK Quinn 5. Rock With Me (With me in Seattle) by Kristen Proby 6. Where The Ivy Grows by SK Quinn 7. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James 8. Release Me by J. Kenner 9. Promise Me Darkness by Paige Weaver 10. Rock My Bed by Michelle A. Valentine

Lit Editor: Emily Smart | Copy Editor: Sophie Vickery

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LITERATURE

27

On the Eighth Tin by Adrian Cory

By Emily Smart, Literature Editor

n the Eighth Tin is Adrian Corys debut novel, described as an eco-fantasy story of our time. Adrian is a British author based in Seattle and writes for many general interest magazines and journals. The ability of the human race to withstand the impact of climate change is reaching breaking point and increasingly unpredictable weather systems bring death and destruction on a global scale. As the elements wreak havoc, a young British student, Paul, is fighting his own battle. One day in the depths of December, Paul purchases eight tins of unknown origin that spark a sequence of change. Powerless to resist and unable to determine his fate, Paul is driven by an ancient force to endure a fantastic metamorphosis that must serve some purpose. But the clock is ticking In the shadows, a subtle game is being played out between the United Nations, INTERPOL and a trilliondollar-funded bioethics industry thatll stop at nothing to ensure Pauls incredible transformation. And all the time, the wind, rain and heat just keep coming On the Eighth Tin is suitable for the teenage and adult

market alike and is available on the Amazon Kindle, priced at 2.05. If you would like to find out more about Adrian Cory, please visit ontheeighthtin.com .

Emily Rossiter questions whether books should have an age restriction

O
ver the past year, erotic fiction has triggered plenty of media frenzy following the release of E.L. James Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. Views were split on whether the novel was acceptable in our society and whether it should be readily available on bookshelves across the nation. This leads me to question; should books be age restricted? If you were to walk into HMV you would not encounter pornographic movies, so why is it acceptable to find a wide choice of explicit novels in Waterstones, with no regulation on whom is purchasing them? Other media forms, such as TV, radio and music, enforce these regulations through watersheds or age restrictions, however literature has not yet followed suit. This is worrying for many parents who fear that their children may become subjected to read novels which move far beyond their imagination. These texts can also influence teenagers who are at vulnerable stages in their development. They may not only read these books, but also gain unrealistic expectations of role models they aspire to, comparing themselves to a fictional character with an even more fictional sex life. When interviewing two Surrey students on their opinions regarding whether books should be age restricted?, Alex Haines; a 2nd year Business and Retail student, commented I would not want my younger brother to read some of the books that include graphic sex scenes, along with the fact I would not want him to be able to access adult movies. I dont really see the difference. Conversely, Hannah, a 1st year Accounting and Finance student said; I think it should be up to the parents to decide what age a child is able to read any kind of book, especially as a lot of the time if a child is too young they wont understand the content anyway. These two opinions clearly reflect our divided society, and with this genre becoming increasingly popular, the topic will certainly play a significant role among literature debates of the future.

Adrian Corys On the Eighth Tin

Wham bam bookslam

By Ellis Taylor, Features Editor

n Tuesday 7th May I ventured into the station of confusion that is Clapham Junction, eventually finding my way out of commuter chaos and entering the carpeted walls of The Clapham Grand. I had been to book readings before, but this event was hosted by Bookslam, Londons Best Literary Club Night so it was going to be amazing, right? The room was packed, the forces of feminism were at power and it was, quite frankly, wonderful. Writer Salena Godden was our host and kicked things off with a few of her own poems which got the audience laughing and set the humorous tone for the rest of the night. She informed us that each performer would do a short set, followed by a break, we later on discovered that by short she meant about 5 minutes, and by

break, she meant 15 minutes. Enter Hadley Freeman, Guardian columnist and author of Be Awesome: Modern Life For Modern Ladies, who read us a hilarious chapter from her book, focussing on female issue through ridiculous tabloid style headlines. Next up was Sara Pascoe, writer, stand-up, and actress, who graced the stage under the influence of a few drinks. During a very funny set that had the audience clutching their sides, Pascoe addressed a range of womens issues, including alcohol, body issues and womens magazines. We had just about recovered from Pascoe when Caitlin Moran bounced up on to the stage and read an extract from her latest book, Moranthology. Hilarious as always, Moran read with such expression and excitement. A performance by singer/songwriter Soak finished up an evening of literary delight, even if the breaks were longer than the actual performances.

A peek into the rich history of the sex manual

By Joseph Harrison, Literature Team

f you search for sex manual in the book department of Amazon you will find that there are thousands of instruction manuals for the world of sex; from avoiding unwanted pregnancy and STDs, to achieving multiple orgasm, for both women and men. Since the Sexual Revolution, the number of these sex manuals has increased hugely. The Sexual Revolution, widely agreed to have occurred throughout the Western world from the 1960s to the 1980s, marked a radical change in attitude towards sex. Significant cultural changes included an increasing acceptance of non-heterosexual sexualities and premarital sex, as well the rise of both contraception and pornography. The sex manual isnt a purely modern phenomenon and examples of it can be found throughout history. Its understood that a

Philaenis of Samos of the Hellenistic Period (3rd-1st century BC) wrote one which is thought to have been particular popular. A series of papyrus fragments that have been uncovered which evidence the reproduction of the text. It even influenced the Roman poet Ovids later Ars Amatoria, or The Art of Love. There are also examples from the medieval period, including a collection of Hindu erotic works and a compilation by a Tunisian doctor of recovered ancient sex tips, written by the Greek poetess Elephantis. The Speculum al foderi (The Mirror of Coitus,) was written in the 15th century and is the first medieval European text to discuss sexual positions. However, with regards to texts which advise the best angles for approach, so to speak, I have yet to mention the arguably most famous one: the Kama Sutra. The Kama Sutra is a compilation of ancient Indian Hindu texts, thought to have

been compiled sometime between the 4th and 6th centuries AD by an Indian philosopher called Vatsyayana. Contemporary books about Kama Sutra, of which there are many, ultimately derive f rom this ancient work. However, contrary to popular (particularly Western) belief, the original Kama Sutra doesnt just cover moves and techniques. A large proportion of it is a guide to the nature of love and family life and how to live ones life virtuously. It is mainly written in prose, but there are verses of poetry throughout. The rich history of the sex manual is evidence that although cultural attitudes change, our lives have always been and always will be, basically structured around our physical needs; whether this be the need for a bite to eat, or a good shag. Take a look at the picture of a wall painting from the ancient Roman city of Pompeii below and you should be able to see the common theme.

Wall painting from the ancient Roman city of Pompeii

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music@thestagsurrey.co.uk

The Stags favourite sexy songs

Lets Get It On - Marvin Gaye:
When it comes to sexy songs, there can only be one. That song is Lets Get It On by Marvin Gaye. Its responsible for more unstoppable sex than prison. Leave it in your iTunes for one night, and by tomorrow the rest of your library will be pregnant. Just one listen requires a cold shower and lying down in an empty room for a while; repeated listens will result in loss of inhibitions, and clothes. It is medical fact that after listening to this song you are no longer a virgin.

Music

Lets Get It On - Marvin Gaye:

For my favourite sex-themed song I would have to go a bit retro and pick Marvin Gayes classic Lets Get It On. Quite literally renowned as a sex icon, his soulful vocals and suggestive lyrics such as my body makes the whole feeling of love and Im asking you baby to get it on with me makes the perfect song to whack on when youre feeling, well, in the mood! In fact, the album also entitled Lets Get It On has been dubbed as one of the most sexually charged albums every recorded.

S&M - Rihanna:
As ridiculous and overtly sexual as this song is, I cant help but absolutely love it as soon as it comes on in a club. Maybe its the over indulgence in alcohol, or Rihannas sassy, self confident swagger, but suddenly Im overtaken by my dominatrix alter-ego, thinking I can grind it like the best of them (the reality likely looking slightly deranged). But my point is that every girl needs that Rihanna moment where for three minutes you can pretend that whips and chains are your thang, and that you may be bad but youre perfectly good at it...

What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong:

People obsesses about what song to set the mood for or during sex. Whats more important for me is what song to play after sex, because it influences the way that I look back at a sexual partner. In that regard, my favourite sexy song of all time is What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. I fell in love with this song ever since I heard it in the last episode of the Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy radio show. Its a song that is so close to me emotionally that I only ever play it post-sex for someone that I feel I truly connected with. Armstrongs gravelly voice makes the moment tres romantique.

Get Lucky- Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams:

Having sex to Daft Punk is the coolest thing ever. Seeing as this song is all about getting your end away, what better song is there to get lucky to? Turn it up and get your freak on, after all Were up all night to get lucky.

Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO:

For someone who generally prefers rock and metal, this is a slightly unusual choice. Thing is, though, being sexy is all about feeling sexy and also not taking yourself too seriously. This song is also a great motivator. I listen to it in the gym on the days when I would rather be in bed eating my body weight in ice cream. It reminds me how good it will feel once Ive worked out. Not to mention, the music video is genius.

Music Editor: Becky Worley | Copy Editor: Hannah Wann

The Stag |

15th May 2013

MUSIC

29

The Stags Top 10

Strangely Sexy Songs
By Ankur Banerjee, Music Team

Why I I love... love... Why Warpaint Rudimental

By Becky Worley, Music Editor

Best this-room-is-way-too-dark-and -I-cant-see-what-Im-doing song: No Light, No Light by Florence + The Machine Best make-her-give-consent song: Just Say Yes by Snow Patrol Best we-are-gonna-do-someseriously-fucked-up-shit song: Use Your Fist And Not Your Mouth by Marilyn Manson Best this-sex-tape-is-going-toend-up-on-some-porn-site song: Kiss & Tell by Selena Gomez Best get-that-Twilight-fanchick-interested-in-you song: If I Was Your Vampire by Marilyn Manson Best well-this-was-disappointing song: I Cant Get No Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones Best you-really-need-deodorant song: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

f its good fun, dance floor filling beats, and soulful sounds youre looking for, then Rudimental is the answer. When Feel the Love first came out it was the perfect summer soundtrack to turn up loud, with the retro-sounding soul voice of John Newman, the build up to the chorus and then the crazy fun dance bit to bop around to. There are even some trumpets for good measure. Its impossible to not sing along to and is just

but is still just as fun and catchy as the first two. Just to prove its worth, it beat Daft Punks return single Get Lucky to number one in the UK chart, and now rests comfortably at number two. Their debut album Home was released on the 29th of April and went straight to number one on Sunday, finally replacing Michael Buble at the top. As well as this, Rudimental are currently touring with a carnival-esque live show. It kicked off in Glasgow on April 23rd, moving around to play in Liverpool, Nottingham,

Its

impossible to not sing along to and is just happiness in a song.

happiness in a song. Predictably, it stormed straight to number one, ensuring that the name Rudimental was not going to be disappearing from our radios any time soon. Sure enough, the November after they released Not Giving In, again featuring John Newmans vocals as well as Alex Clare. Again, the track fuses soul and dance music perfectly with trumpets and electronic beats to create another corker of a single. Theyre most recent single Waiting all Night departs a little from the sound of their first single, the biggest difference being the female singer Ella Eyre, Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford and Norwich, finally taking on Londons Electric in Brixton on May 2nd. This follows shows supporting Plan B on his sell-out arena tour, as well as a US tour. Following their upcoming tour, Rudimental will also be appearing at T In The Park, Global Gathering, Bestival and Glastonbury, with more appearances to be announced soon. So dont miss your chance to see them bring their music to life in a live setting; theyll be sure to get the whole crowd hyped and dancing.

Best Im-never-going-to-sleep-with-this-personand-I-will-play-this-as-I-kick-them-out song: One Night Stand by Fanzine Best I-dont-want-to-f**k-you song: Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth by The Dandy Warhols Best I-want-you-to-scratch-and-biteme-nudge-nudge-wink-wink song: I Like It Rough by Lady Gaga

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music@thestagsurrey.co.uk

LIVE REVIEW: Frank Turner

Subsonic Winter
By Shiri Shah, Music Team

Introducing:

ubsonic (adjective): relating to, or flying at, a speed or speeds less than that of sound. Subsonic Winter, a progressive new age artist, is the University of Surreys Alex Harden, a final year CMT student who identifies the influences of Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre, Schiller, Mike Oldfield and Enigma to create Post BerlinSchool Ambient Electronica. This music is sometimes considered a sub-branch of New Age or ambient. The genres identification with space music made it distinct from the more percussive and rhythm-oriented Dsseldorf School which included Can, Cluster, Kraftwerk, and Neu!. The carefully constructed and stimulating music is easy to access, and is particularly ideal for revising and unwinding to.

The end result for Subsonic Winter is to create an experience for his listeners. When asked how he would like his music to be received by the audience, Subsonic Winter said music is supposed to be experienced, in whatever way. You can discover his last EP, Introducing, released earlier on this year, on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon MP3. Subsonic Winter is currently constructing a brand new five-track EP, The New Creed, for the start of July, which emphasises a more stylistic focus than his previous release. Look out for a review in one of the next issues as there will be a redemption code for one of his tracks! To find out more about Subsonic Winter go to www. subsonicwinter.com or for any enquiries email info@ subsonicwinter.com

By Elliot Tyers, Music Team

here is a general standard of clichs when it comes to music journalism, that all writers are at one time or another guilty of using; describing an act as the bastard love child of x and y, or using the term meteoric rise when meteors tend to be best known for their falling. For example, I far too often use the word seminal in reviews, when Im fairly sure that, if I heard such a word in real life, Id assume you were the victim of some sort of thesaurus-related accident that left you sounding like a pretentious arsehole. Anyway, the term that tends to get over-applied to folkpunk-y types like Billy Bragg is rabble rousing. Annoying, it describes Frank Turner perfectly. It seems strange that for a man who spent years playing small, half-filled venues, he manages to make the packed to 2,000 capacity Forum feel intimate - although I suppose compared to last-time he headlined in London, at the Olympics opening ceremony, it is. Although I missed the opening act, George Frakes, the second supporting act Larry and his Flask did a fantastic act of pumping up the crowd. For an American six piece who came on stage with a

double bass, mandolin, banjo and horn, Im not entirely sure what I was expecting, nor am I sure exactly what happened, but they were unbelievably charming and entertaining and gave some sort of mix of punk and country music and went off to a huge applause. Frank Tuner, with backing band The Sleeping Souls, came on to a deafening cacophony before launching into track Four Simple Words from his newest album Tape Deck Heart. I think its a testament to how passionate Frank Turner fans are that, in an album only three-day-old, the entire crowd already knows and sings along with every word. The repeated manifesto of I want to dance is obliged by the audience and carries on through the next two tracks, which are fired out at fast pace. The Road and Peggy Sang the Blues leave you in the state which you should be in for every Turner gig: sweaty, singing alone, clutching a beer in one hand and punching the air in the other. One of Turners numerous talents is that of a raconteur, wrapping tales about growing old, or making the audience sit down and stand with such charm that hes reminiscent of a Bruce Springsteen in terms of both his charisma and his audiences devotion. Turners

charm may be one of the reasons that it seems that slowly, without anyone noticing, hes become over the year a huge act. It is something he repeatedly, humorously, reminds the audience of; hes competing with Michael Buble and Will.I.Am for an album at No. 1. The bare honesty of new tracks like the furious punk ballad Plain Sailing Weather is sung with a vicious passion by Turner, only matched by the equal fervour with which the crowd sing lines like Give me one fine day of plain sailing weather/ and I can fuck up anything back at their idol. For his encore, Frank comes onto the stage draped in a huge flag, a flag that had followed every day of this tour (tonight being the last) at each venue. Having had countless fans sign it, Frank tells the audience of his scepticism initially before admitting how overawed he is by the enthusiasm of his fans. Fittingly his encore begins with Ballad of Me and my Friends a track from his debut album which tells the story of being a struggling musician. It is a track loved by the audience, many of whom (myself included) have followed Franks career, and one that perfectly illustrates how he is a man who has not forgotten where he comes from, or his fans affection.

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music@thestagsurrey.co.uk

Review: James Blake Old Dogs, New Tricks: David Bowie - The Next Day Melancholy
By Ankur Banerjee, Music Team

elancholy is how Id describe James Blakes second album Overgrown. Deviating vastly from his dubstep roots, Ovegrown adopts a slower tempo throughout. Much of the tracks feature warm vocals interspersed with tantalising pauses that allow layered electro beats to snatch the listeners attention. The lyrics are often repetitive, with haunting

refrains, but this gives the album a simplicity that makes it so endearing. The centrepiece of the show is Retrograde, which starts off with a quivering hum and then segues into a soulful refrain with clapping beats. Also featuring a collaboration with rapper RZA in the track Take A Fall For Me, which has a slightly different feel to it. Blake apparently worked with Drake, Bjork, and Bon Iver on this album and their influence clearly shows.

By Dan Davison, Music Team

t would seem amiss of me to begin this issues review without touching upon the unusual chain of events which preceded it. On his 66th birthday this year in January, after not having released an album of original material since Reality in 2003, David Bowie announced to the surprise of all - that he had finished recording a new LP, which would be released in March. Shortly thereafter, the lead single from said LP (entitled Where Are We Now?) reached Number 6 on the UK Singles Chart, making it Bowies first top ten single in twenty years. In light of these unforeseen developments, as well as my general interest in the chameleonic figure that is Mr Bowie, I was gripped with fascination as to how this surprise album would fare. So it is that for this issue, we turn our attention to The Next Day (2013). Previous readers may have noticed that I often have two conflicting states of mind in respect of the attempts by

long-established rock musicians to recapture the sound of their early career. On the one hand, as a popular music aficionado with a particular interest in the Sixties and Seventies, there is a sense of reassurance in the knowledge that an iconic figure still has it. On the other hand, whilst I may personally be appreciative of an attempt to newly create material in the styles of past decades towards which I gravitate, I am conscious of the danger of such figures becoming unwilling to break their classic moulds so that their fans conventional expectations are met. Putting it another way, the appeal of nostalgia may lead to the avoidance of experimentation. With the production credits of The Next Day featuring the familiar name of Tony Visconti, who has been intermittently producing Bowies albums since 1969s Space Oddity, I could not help but be concerned that The Next Day would invoke the same conflicted feelings. It is with the greatest relief for me to report the opposite. What Bowie has achieved

with The Next Day is something truly remarkable: an album which heavily invokes the past, but does not sound remotely retrogressive. The aforementioned single Where Are We Now gently paints a reminiscent picture of Berlin, where several of Bowies most enduring albums, including Low (1977), were recorded. Meanwhile, the driven rock pulse of The Stars (Are Out Tonight) would not sound out of place on Heroes (1977) or Lodger (1979). Yet in spite of Bowies revisiting of his classic years, The Next Day is abundant with creativity. For example, the stylistically deceptive ballad Valentines Day tells a bleak tale of despotism. Meanwhile, the guitars of Dancing Out in Space lend the funk-rock track an unusually psychedelic quality. All in all, The Next Day is a standout example of a comeback album done right. I doubt it will reshape popular music in the same way as The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), but it is no less deserving of attention.

REVIEW: Scott & Brendo

By Ankur Banerjee, Music Team

cott & Brendo are a hip-hop duo consisting of Scott Winn and Brenden Bytheway from Salt Lake City, Utah. They are fairly underground at the moment, although they have enjoyed fifteen seconds of Internet fame, through their music being featured as a soundtrack on a popular extreme sports YouTube channel. And Away We Go, their first album release, has the kind of easy listening quality that you expect from tracks which would

perfectly fit a soundtrack for a family home-video of a day out at the beach. Its a peppy fusion of hip-hop with dubstep, the best example of this being tracks Kitten Air and Deep Blue, both with lyrics inspired by pop-rock. Yet another standout track is Little Voices, which mixes the use of an acoustic guitar with hip-hop lyrics. The vocals in the album also feature Justin Williams, another underground artist, whose personal life story as a cancer survivor is itself inspiring.

Societies Editor: Shalini Thondrayen | Copy Editor: Hannah Wann

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15th May 2013

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Give those puppies some summer lovin

By Jess Blake

Societies

ts coming to the end of the year and by now many of you must have seen the CoppaFeel! Society Boob Team wandering around campus The gigantic boobs arent exactly subtle! Youve probably heard us nattering on about how important it is to check your boobs regularly to promote the early detection of cancer, and as the strapline says Knowing your boobs could save your life. Even if there is no family history, there is no harm in giving yourself the once over every now and again! Remember that if you check regularly, chances are youll have

found it early and youll be okay. But whos to say that you cant get your partner involved too? After all, other than yourself, your partner probably knows your body best and is likely to notice any changes. Checking your body doesnt have to feel like a full clinical check-up! Last year, Cosmopolitan magazine ran an article featuring images of Mel B and Jorgie Porters partners coppin a cheeky feel. Sound like fun? Next time the mood is right and things start to get a bit steamy, why not let your partner get to know your body too? Lets face it, those love pillows love some attention, and Im sure

your other half wouldnt want to deny them of that pleasure! And boys, were not forgetting about you! Getting your partner to a have cheeky check of your pecks could be a perfect way to get you both in the mood, and bump up the intimacy level a little. So next time youre getting hot and heavy with someone special just think, you could potentially be saving their life. Remember, you can check out our facebook page (www. facebook.com/CoppaFeelUniS) and follow us on twitter (@ UniSBoobTeam) to find out what the Boob Team are up to around campus!

Pornography: is it new and improved sex education?

By Zoe Field

n Ofsted report has informed schools that controversial issues such as pornography need to have more focus in sex education lessons. An article in The Telegraph details how the report, published on Wednesday, states that classes on sex ed. are poorly delivered in up to half of secondary schools across the UK. It is a well-known fact that the subject of sex takes a backseat to topics like Geography and P.E, however, sex education is a critical area that children are missing out on. The lack of knowledge on this taboo subject can leave the children unprepared for puberty and allows the playground to be full of rumours and bad advice. In the past, teachers have tended to pussyfoot around the topic of sex and been too cautious in order to not upset parents. Now it is time for more open and in-depth discussions on a topic that has such a resounding effect on the rest of a young persons life. Some of the reasoning behind the call for pornography to be included in the sex education curriculum includes the need for young people to understand that porn is fantasy and not reality, that watching porn can become addictive and that not everything shown in porn is safe. Rather than avoiding the subject and leaving

children to discover it themselves, pornography should be discussed in an educational and constructive way. Hopefully this will lead to an acceptance of sexuality, instead of the possibility of sex being seen as prohibited. The Sex Education Forum, an online magazine aimed at teachers, suggests that pornography can be helpful and should be talked about openly and honestly. The SEF also suggests that learning about pornography from an early age, and about other issues such as airbrushing in the media, will help to prevent unrealistic body expectations. Teachers are also encouraged to warn pupils on the dangers of sexting, the act of sending explicit messages or pictures via mobile phones. Alongside classes in schools, sex ed. should be chatted about at home. Parents should take a supportive and knowledgeable approach to address this delicate topic. If parents are not able to appropriately teach their children about sex then perhaps they should attend the sex education classes too! Surrey Student PEN is a society built to encourage freedom of speech and to encourage the breaking down of 'taboo subjects. As well as promoting free speech, Pen works to defend human rights and combat censorship throughout the world.

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The Stag |

15th May 2013

societies@thestagsurrey.co.uk

CRAFTsoc presents: DIY handcuffs

By Beth Goss

The secret behind the Swingers

By Fiona Buckland

Heres a quick and easy way of creating your own custom handcuffs without receiving the look. All youll need is a belt with a square buckle and a loop to take the slack, the longer the better...
Step 1: Thread the tail (the non-buckle end) of the belt through the buckle. Pull it tight enough so that the resulting circle is sized accordingly to whatever you are cuffing. For the sake of this tutorial, we will call this circle the "cuff". Step 2: Loop the loose tail back through the belt buckle's square frame, creating a figure 8. Again, size the "cuff", by pulling on the tail, to an appropriate size similar to that of the first "cuff". Step 3: Three: Bring the tail around and slide it through the belt loop while making sure not to alter the size of the cuff it should now be encircling. Step 4: Take the tail and slide it through the square belt buckle frame. It should be parallel to the other segment of belt you slid through in step two. Step 5: To tighten the handcuffs simply pull on the slack while making sure the individual cuffs remain in shape. And that's it! Youve successfully made your very own pair of belt-handcuffs. If your belt is too large (Ha!), simply repeat steps 3 and 4 until all of the tail slack has been used up. Alternately, you may use the extra slack to fasten the newly made handcuffs to some other object...

inding a job for the summer is never easy as a student. So, I decided to try something different in terms of part-time work. Thats when I came across a swingers club... Im not sure if everyone knows what swinging is, but a joke around Elsies is that its like wife-swapping. Swinging is nonmonogamous, involving singles and couples, coming together and engaging in sexual acts or activities for sexual gratification. Thats the technical term. But as I write this, I find it hard to find truth in that statement. I will make it clear now that I am not a swinger myself, and before I began working at Elsies, I wasnt quite sure what the scene was about. I had an idea of the rumours and bad press that surrounded it, but my personality is not to judge anything until I know more about it. When I went for an interview to be made fully aware of the nature of the business, I got an idea of the area when a car drove past, asking me how much I charged. Elsies was huge, based on three floors with an outdoor area for warm weather when people wanted to go al fresco. There was a swimming pool, showers and sauna; a dark-room; mirror room; private rooms (with locks on); webcam room (which did a live, unrecorded-stream throughout the club); peep-show room (where you can have a look in, and get stuck in); Nookie corners (kind of like cupboards); large rooms (capable of holding up to 20 couples); invite-only rooms; open rooms; and a dungeon with a dungeon mistress. No-one was in yet except staff, and they simply said we assume youre aware of the type of establishment that this is? before offering me a job as a bar maid and tour guide. I was to start the next day. The difference to brothels and prostitution is that swingers clubs have a license for sex. Instead of paying for the sex, swingers pay to be members of a private club. Private parties do happen, and

they are extremely extravagant affairs, with butlers, expensive food, etc. The real swinging scene is not dingy at all and a heck of a lot classier than some Guildford bars. When I say I couldnt find truth in my strict definition, thats because swinging isnt all about sex. Even when I say swingers, I dont only mean those involved in the actual sexual acts but also the people who come to watch or to meet new people. Theres no pretence and all inhibitions, conversation and confidence barriers are broken down by the fact that you cant picture them naked, because they already probably are. From working at Elsies I came across people, both singles and couples, ranged from 18 years old to 74. I am often asked did people try it on. Not once. To work there you have to joke and be willing to be a little flirty and dirty-minded to have banter with the members. I think about the people I met at Elsies, especially the married couples; their relationships are so strong and full of respect. They are emotionally and mentally devoted to each other, as they can accept their spouse having intercourse with another person. I remember one regular member telling me, sex is a pasttime, like a book club or knitting. You enjoy it, it gives you pleasure, you meet people with similar interests, who can teach you new things and open your eyes, help you discover yourself and be part of a supportive family. I still hold sex to be the most sacred physical connection I can have with someone, and my close friends know how adamant I am about this. I feel like Im exposing myself and trusting someone to respect me. In some ways, I used to feel vulnerable. But after working at Elsies, I no longer fear, I suppose you could say, the emotions that come with sex and have learnt to just enjoy it as something exciting. Sex is not a taboo as it used to be. I have seen all sorts, and when I say all sorts, I mean it - most of which is too graphic for a student newspaper.

And heres CRAFTsoc President, Jasmine, modelling the finished product!

Societies Editor: Shalini Thondrayen | Copy Editor: Hannah Wann

The Stag |

15th May 2013

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36 SPORT

The Stag |

15th May 2013

sport@thestagsurrey.co.uk

Sports studs: Flames but no Lightning blame the A testosterone?

By Anna Giles, Sports Editor By Alice Wilkinson, Sports Team

Sport

base this article on a sweeping assumption that, in general at Universities across the UK, male students in sports teams and societies are perceived to have more sex than the average male student. Is this the case because of the lad culture that sporting subcultures promote or is there scientific reasoning behind it? The National Union for Students have recently conducted a study about Lad Culture in Higher Education. I am sure most of you reading this have experienced this culture to some extent- you only have to search for The LAD Bible on Facebook to understand the principles that epitomise this culture. The page promotes features such as Cleavage Thursdays and merchandise with the tagline Beer, Bacon and a Blowjob. While the intention is to be humorous, the underlying messages are concerning. The NUS research, entitled Thats what she said, is an insightful body of research conducted in response to problems that female students face. In particular the problems associated with the lad culture and the sexist and misogynistic behaviours observed in student communities. The study acknowledges that sporting subcultures and societies contribute to the lad culture which they define as being founded on a trinity of drinking, football and fucking. In some cases male sports teams have been accused of objectifying women and held responsible for glamourizing sexual violence. This is the case at Durham University where a large number of their rugby team were banned from playing after dressing up as child abuser Jimmy Saville, his victims and police. Is Laddism responsible for sportsmen having more sex? I would argue yes. In cases where sports teams promote this kind

of behaviour, sportsmen who participate in the objectification of women would naturally value sex and respect women less therefore increasing the likelihood of more one night stands. This in turn contributes to the perception that male students in sports teams have more sex than your average male student. However, the existence of lad culture is not the single contributing factor. Scientific research proves that sex and sporting performance go hand in hand. While being sexually active can improve your athletic performance, being physically fit maintains a healthy balance of hormones which can improve your sex life. An online study on sockdoc. com a body and health websiteentitled Become a better Athlete: Have more sex confirms that Sex helps provide healthy hormonal and neurotransmitter levels which will make you a happier, healthier, faster and stronger athlete. Exercising reduces the amount of stress hormones (cortisol) being produced. As a result of low stress levels the level of naturally occurring sex hormones, (testosterone for men) increases. This keeps you looking young and healthy and improves your sex drive. Having looked at both the biological and sociological reasoning behind the perception that sportsmen at University have more sex, it becomes clear that neither factors are mutually exclusive. While the biological facts explain why sportsmen have a high sex drive, the principles that are promoted by the Lad Culture manipulate this naturally occurring sex drive into a form of objectification of women.

s part of this weeks Sex issue, The Stag interviewed Alex, a season-ticket holder to the Universitys local Ice Hockey team The Guildford Flames, about the general disinterest in womens ice hockey teams, and what it is that draws so many more fans to the mens games.

The Stag: Hi Alex, firstly, what is the biggest appeal of professional ice hockey for you? A: I think its the adrenaline and fast pace of the sport, its also aggressive which is something you do not see in other sports such as football. TS: How often do you go to see the Guildford Flames during the ice hockey season? A: I go every week, every Sunday, so I am really interested in the game and have been watching it for 15 years now. TS: Could you name the womens team who also train and play at the Spectrum? A: No, not at all, I have never seen them play and there is no

mention of them ever. Its not something Id look for information on because I enjoy the mens league. TS: They are called Guildford Lightning and they play in the regional Premier League, would you consider going to watch one of their matches? A: I wouldnt pay to go and see them personally, I feel I am going to watch an aggressive sport and wouldnt have thought there is the same sort of action in a womens game. Maybe if there was a time when the men werent playing and the tickets were relatively cheap I would go along to see how it is but its not something I can see myself getting in to. TS: So is it purely the potential lack of aggression in the game, or would you say in general you prefer mens sport over womens? A: Its not just the aggression, I would say its my perception of the sport as I have only ever seen the men, both in person and on TV. I havent really heard of womens ice hockey, so maybe its my lack of knowledge but I would say its

a very male-orientated sport and Ive therefore never been intrigued by the prospect. TS: Would you say there are any exceptions, when women play a sport to a higher or more exciting standard than men? A: I would say that in general sports like gymnastics and the equestrian field women can be seen to dominate. I know there are female teams in almost all sports but I would say they are mostly dominated by men, I think both men and women would be more willing to pay to see men play a sport over the female equivalent. TS: As an ice hockey fan, would you encourage both sexes to get involved, or should it be left to men? A: I think ice hockey is a sport that has to be started young, you can quickly become out-skated. I would say definitely get involved young, and that both males and females should get involved. In terms of professional ice hockey, I would say its relatively exclusive to men, you just dont hear about things such as the NHL womens league.

The full NUS Thats what she said study is available online at www.nus.org.uk.

What makes mens ice-hockey more watchable than womens?