EAVER The Newspaper of the London School of Economics Students' Union 1895 -1995 Issue 415 First published May 5, 1949 January 30, 1995 Peace comes to LSE Nicola Hobday and Nick Sutton LSE is set to make political history next week as senior Israeli , and Palestinian representatives meet for the first time to inaugurate the Student Union's Global Festival, part of the School's centenary celebrations. The meeting between His Excellency Mr Moshe Raviv, the Israeli Ambassador, and Mr Afif Safieh, the Palestine Liberation Organisation's representative to the UK, planned for February 6 will provide a fitting example of the Festival's aims - to promote global peace and solidarity. Arrangements for the meeting were made by Vini Ghatate, Student's Union Equal Opportunities and Welfare Officer, together with Muna Wehbe, Chair of the Friends of Palestine Society and Naomi Hill, Chair of the Jewish Society. Hill was clearly excited by the prospect of the Israeli-Palestinian meeting saying it was "wonderful for those who have inaugurated one of the greatest peace processes to come to the LSE." Wehbe expressed her delight saying she was "extremely proud to be involved in the peace process at first hand and delighted at the enthusiasm shown by both parties to inaugurate our Festival." Another highlight of the week will be the Trial of LSE to be held on February 8 -one hundred years to the day that Sidney Webb was granted the money to found the LSE. m If Jerusalem - The quest for peace continues at LSE The motion under debate is "The LSE the School and author of One Hundred has betrayed its benefactors' wishes in fail- Years of the LSE to be published later this ing to establish a case for socialism". Those year, will be taking the defence with the debating will endeavour to keep as many of support of many of the more moderate think- the court conventions as possible. ers of the revolutionary period in the sixties Lord Dahrendorf, a former Director of (Continued on page 3) Photo: Library Ron's gone! Steve Roy T|his issue of The Beaver vnll be the last under the editorship of Ron Voce. Annotuicing his decision to quit at last Monday's collective meeting, Voce made an emotional speech recalling his good times as Editor, and wished his successor weU. Despite having his critics within the Union, Voce almost single-handedly rescued the newspaper after it was plunged into crisis following the resignation of former Editor Kevin Green in 1993. Under his guidance, the paper attracted a wealth of talented writers, spread right across the sections. Along with Features Editor Nigel Boyce, who is also leaving the paper. Voce is the man most responsible for ensuring the paper comes out on time, often staying until early in the morning to meet deadlines. Campus Editor Marie Darvill has also announced her decision to retire, to pursue a career in advertising. Rumours that Sports Editor Chris Cooper is to quit were met with a two-footed jump into the terraces. Voce is now widely expected to run for a sabbatical post in the forthcoming elections. He will be hoping to make it fourth time lucky, following his narrow defeat atthehandsofOlaBudzinska for Finance last year. Although these editorial changes come in the wake of the departure of both News Editors and one Arts Editor, the paper remains fundamentally strong, reflected in its ground-breaking latmch onto the Internet last week. Over a dozenstudentshavesentmessagesofsupport for the electronic service, which will be fully operational in the next few months. Voce said' Tm glad to be going as after 30 issues, it's about time someone else did it I only took over for a few weeks in 1993 and ended up being the longest serving Editor since The Beaver started." Ron Voce - Tired and hairy in 1992 Photo: Library jH I 2 News THEi'BlAtlBR January 30>?:1993 Chechen march washed out Teresa Delaney The rain on Tuesday evening failed to deter a core of around 40 people from protesting outside the Russian Embassy," calling for self-determination for the population of the Caucasus, Chechnia in particular. The demonstration took place on the Bayswater Road, opposite the Embassy itself, where activists waved banners at passing motorists and talked through mega- phones in an attempt to contact those within the Russian building. The reason for the protest was the violent Russian invasion of the republic of Chechnia. The country, whose leader General Dzhokhar Dudayev came to power by revolution in 19'91, wants independence from Russia. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Russia remains defiant. Andrei Kozyrev, spokesman for the Yeltsin government, stated that the matter was an "internal affair". However, Charles Tchkotoua, Chechen Ambassa- dor to the European Union, stated that even with the fiall of Grozny, his country's capital, the fighting would continue: "The Russians can put up their flag on the' rubble but they'll never conquer the free spirit of the Chechen people." The event was said to be organized by anad-hoc committee, however in truth was arranged by Workers' Power. A spokesman f ¦ 9 imm Of Masses demonstrate outside Russian Embassy! or the group also recognized the North Caucasus Centre, based in North London, as having done much campaigning for the cause. Plioto: Nigel Boyce The demonstration was preceded the week before by a well attended rally by the Pakistani Peoples' Party. WHAT'S the World Hvimanity Action Trust? Oliver Adelman Dr John Ashworth, the Director of the LSE, has for the past two years served as a Trustee for the World Humanity Action Trust (WHAT), a research charity located in South-West London that has raised more than £1 million since its inception in March of 1993, the vast majority of which has gone to the LSE for research purposes. Ashworth described the Trust as "having funded a lot of work at LSE." The Trust took out an advertisement in the January 21-27 issue of The Economist to promote its aims and attempt to expand its base of advisers and contributors. Asked if there was any particular reason for the advertisement's timing, Ashworth said that the Trust was trying to expand the research organisations to which it contributed. "I think that they are nervous of being captured at LSE," he said. A majority of the money that WHAT has raised has come from the Laing Foundation, according to Ashworth. The Laing Foundation is a charitable offshoot of Laing, the construction company. "WHAT'S charitable aim is to promote research into the relationship between technology and population growth, pollution and the consumption of natural resources," according to Kay Sex- Economists' thief does a runner The Economists' Booksliop - site of the incident last weeli Photo :Hania Midura A shoplifter was arrested last week at the School after police were called to an incident at the Economists' Bookshop. The man, who is not believed to have any connection with LSE, tried to escape as police escorted him to their car. He was later rearrested. Incidents involving members of the School are very rare, but the Economists' Bookshop stress that the police are always called when somebody is caught shoplifting. ton, WHAT'S Company Director. She added that the organisation was interested in looking generally at the link between technology and social problems. Sexton identified Ashworth's role at the Trust as one of "responsibility for the final analysis of decisions." Ashworth described function as a "one day a month commitment to raise money and advise on suitable projects." Ashworth became involved in the project when he was President of the Research and Development Society in 1992. At the Society's dinner that year he was presenting the organisation's annual medal to Sir Austin Bide, who was the then retiring Research Director of the pharmaceutical company Glaxo and is now WHAT's Chair of Trustees. Ashworth, whose background is in biochemistry, met Bide through their mutual work in that industry. At the dinner Bide suggested to Ashworth that "the pharmaceutical industry was very successful," but that "serious issues of a social nature" could not be addressed in the industry. After the speech, Ashworth told Bide that "if he was serious, why didn't he and I raise some money and get these issues addressed. The Trustees feel that the work that the Trust has done has confirmed Sir Austin's initial impression that., there is a missing area covering the political and administrative problems of the polity concerned," Ashworth said. According to Kay Sexton, WHAT is "politically agnostic. Obviously, the organisation's members have vastly different political viewpoints." "As a political organisation, WHAT is of course politically neutral" she added. Cults - make sure you're ENFORMed Dan Madden The number of religious cults and new religious movements in London are an issue that all students should be aware of. These religious cults are targeting young people in London and especially people who are new to the city. LSE Professor, Eileen Barker, an expert on religious movements said that recruiters tend to approach students, particularly those from overseas. Many of the groups are simply looking to increase their membership with no other commitment than attendance of meetings and "spreading the word" to others. However some organisations require more than just your time. The London Church of Christ is one of these groups. Their 'mission' is to "assail this great stronghold of Satan, London." The London Church of Christ, founded in 1982, is a very disciplined order with members being expected to spend time in prayer and Bible study each day. Fasting is also encouraged and, perhaps most importantly, members are expected to contribute £5 to £10 a week. In addition to these contributions members are also asked for "love offerings" to the Church. Professor Barker said that the groups most likely to be on the streets looking for new members are the Church of Scientology and the London Church of Christ. The cults most difficult to leave are the communal groups, but Professor Barker emphasised that: "You are free to leave at any time." However some groups exert emotional pressure upon members to stay. The London Church of Christ places a major emphasis on conversion and every member is expected to evangelise in public places. The intense nature of their evangelism has caused many uni- versity and college Student Unions, including LSE's, to ban the movements activities on campus. One student was approached by a cult member in Houghton Street last term. Without realising the implications the student gave the woman her phone number and was subjected to a barrage of phone calls trying to entice her to attend meetings and join the movement. However, there is information available on these cults and groups which is provided by the Information Network Focus on Religious Movements (INFORM). They provide reliable information on the practices and beliefs of unfamiliar religious and spiritual groups. They help people who are unsure of a group and if they are unable to help, they can put you in touch with an expert who can. INFORM are based in the St Phillips Building and can be reached on 0171-242 0392. The proposed new Students' IJnion Constitution willbe discussed in tliis week's UGM. Come to the Old Theatre on Thursday at 1pm. THE BEAVER January 30, 1995 The decline of British maths Oliver Adelman Following recent reports that Cambridge University has just simplified its mathematics course for the second time in four years LSE academics in the Mathematics and Statistics departments would seem to confirm the impression, that the standards of British mathematics students currently entering university, have fallen slightly in recent years. "The standards required to get particular grades in A-level maths have dropped," said Graham Brightwell, Professor of Mathematics at the LSE. However, Brightwell-who moved from the Cambridge Mathematics Department to that of LSE five years ago-added that the standards of the students' work once at university have not changed noticeably in recent years. "It is difficult to say for sure if there has been any decline," Brightwell said. "But there are Geoff Wilson MBE, LSE Building's Officer Photo: Hania Midura Geoff Wilson, the School's Building's Officer has been awarded the MBE in this year's Honours List. Mr Wilson has been with the School for thirty years, in his present position he maintains the smooth day to day running of the School. He said the award was completely unexpected but "what was surprising was the kindness of people in their compliments. Even people you don't know well, it's very warming and it's still happening." Global Festival (continued from page 1) as well as Dr David Starkey, from the International History department, as witnesses. For the prosecution. Lord Desai, an economics professor at the School, will be assisted by many of the strong left-wing revolutionaries of the sixties in the witness box. Vini Ghatate said "we feel very strongly that by creating a forum for debating this motion we will be attempting to celebrate the qualities the LSE should be applauding: vigorous analysis, intellectual objectivity, and impassioned debate." Other events planned for the week are designed to reflect LSE's international outlook. These include a fashion show highlighting the national dress of many different countries, a dragon dance around the LSE, and a Brazilian carnival. The Swiss Society are flying in people just to attend the celebrations and the Venezuelans are flying in food to feed five hundred! Tickets for both the inauguration ceremony and the Trial of LSE - both to take place in the Old Theatre with a live video link to the New Theatre - will be available this week from a stall outside the Old Theatre. ews in Brief Jogendraneth Rajcoomar, Britain's first black prison governor and LSE graduate, was jailed last week for two years on deception charges. Rajcoomar, Governor of Mount prison since 1990, obtained £9,500 in living allowances, paid to those governors who live away from home, whilst he continued to reside at his family home in Wendlebury, Oxfordshire. Although admitting the fool- ishness of his actions, Rajcoomar's friends believe others would not have been dealt with so stringently - Rajcoomar was detained in custody throughout the investigation, despite the fact that his crime involved no violence. If you want to write for the News pages contact Helena or Nick in the Beaver Office (E197), or phone 071 955 6705 alarming gaps in knowledge in some of the incoming students." A.C. Harvey, Professor of Statistics, also felt that "the standards have declined in the past 25 years." Asked to compare the standards of British maths students to those of other countries, Harvey noted that -the "general consensus is that the standards of British students are higher than those of Americans. But in some European countries, the students are technically better - France, for example." Harvey's biggest complaint with A-Level statistics is that it is "too mechanical. A-level statistics is too cookery book. . . Here we have to teach methodology," -those students who are admitted to read Statistics "always have good A-Levels, A or B." Dr Maria-Pia-Victoria Feser, who has been teaching statistics at the LSE for the last two years, also believes that the mathematics level of her students generally has dropped during that time. She said that "the English have alarmingly low levels in maths. Some students couldn't add fractions, for example." Dr Feser highlighted the fact that "Asian students are generally better than the Europeans," but would not make a more specific comparison. However, she added that students can always adapt in her statistics classes. "They do not need a high knowledge in math or elementary statistical theory." She said. Dr Feser identified the lack of funding from the British Government as the biggest problem facing statistics students. "The lack of money for education is the first thing that I noticed" after arriving in Britain from Switzerland. "It is difficult to recruit good quality lecturers. A lot go to the United States. This is a bad policy in the long term," she said. Graham Brightwell, comparing the Mathematics Departments at the LSE and Cambridge, said that the Cambridge department is "one of the largest and most prestigious in the country. LSE is one of the smallest by comparison. We like to think that we are the best in some areas." He noted that "the best students at the LSE are perhaps not as good as the best at Cambridge." Brightwell said that the high number of overseas students at the LSE makes little difference to the quality of his classes. "People tend to come to us with little background knowledge anyway." Brightwell identified too the lack of government funding for the universities as a problem, but added that "standards are not a problem to maths alone. The problem must be tackled at the school level." Lewis ill NUS race Dan Madden Martin Lewis, General Secretary of the LSE Students Union (LSESU) is to run for the position of Vice President (Education) on the National Union of Students. Speaking to The Beaver, Lewis said he wanted to see a "strong review of the NUS's role" in student life. He particularly wanted to see improvements made to the National Executive Committee of the NUS: "With the potential creation of an 'Ivy League' of universities, changes in the funding of students, the break up of the Student Loans Company and the biggest crisis in academic quality Britain has ever seen is it right that the NEC should prioritise Northern Ireland as an issue for students?" Lewis successfully ran for LSESU General Secretary as an independent candidate but, signifi- cantly, is standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate for the NUS position, stating: "I have never believed that national partisan politics play a part in the LSE Students Union. The NUS is a national organization with political movements." Whether he wins or loses, Lewis hopes that the National Union can "set an agenda for students, as students" and provide better and more adequate representation. It is thought that this is the first time in over twenty years that an LSESU Sabattical Officer has stood for a NUS position. All change — Beaver's burrowing Underground Silvia Santoro r M Jie Beaver, Athletics # Union (AU) and J- Women's Group seem set to move following a meeting on Friday 20 January. Representatives of the involved groups met to discuss possible room reallocations. A proposal has been put forward for the AU common room to move to the Women's Room on the top floor of the Cafe, the Women's Room to niove to the current Beaver office, and the Beaver office to move to the old AU room in the basement of the Clare Market building, adjacent to the Underground. Representatives of all groups seemed relatively satisified with the plans - each side making some concessions. Sorrel Osborne, Student Union (SU) Women's Officer, accepted the loss of the Women's Room admitting that poor attendance in the room meant it could be used more successfully by the AU. AU representatives were pleased with the proposal, especially following the relocation of the AU office to the top floor of the Cafe. The Beaver, although disappointed not to have been offered the Women's Room were satisfied with the increase in workspace proposed, but expressed concern at the cost of renovating the former AU room. A final decision on the room changes will be made at the SU executive meeting week. this The old Beaver office - outgrown Photo: Ron Voce 4 Comment THE BEAVER January 30, 1995 UNION JACK oath as she is to admit her own mental deficiencies. Jack was^ f somewhat confused at this week's UGM. As noted by last week's ace political f sKOtrespondent Machiavelii, there are just a few weeks to go until the day which the,,, whole of the hack's Union life revolves^^ around. Elections for new Sabbatical Officers, a new Executive Committee and other "social inadequates are looming. Hence, the Iperfect opportunity for those who can see i nothing better to do with their life than be a student politician to enhance their profileii before polling day. So where were the tions from Christopher Dylan "I am notover-weight,^honest" Parry, Claire Lawrie, Bates and the rest of theaspiring SabbadcaJs? ^ Where were the passion-fiiled rtietoncal^ indignations of Philip Tod, Nick Sutton and^ Omer Soomro? And what of the' skilfiilly^ drafted (questions to other Officers from Sor-t rel Osborne, Kate Hampton and Tom Smith? | Indeed, it seemed only those who have ^not a hope in hell's chance of being elwt^J ^ or cannot run for election, could be botberedl Retake to the stage, Fo11icaIy-chaUengedSab-| ^atical hopeful Philip Tod could not even bej %'othcrcd to answer a question put to him by Young Fanner of the Year Tom Scott. Unlessl Jack was very much mistaken, or the Mira- ,¦ cle-Gro had been working wonders on Phil's somewhat diminished scalp, Gary Delaney answered the query on his behalf. After Mar-[tin Lewis' practicc run for a voiceover career, for when he has to find a proper job in a few years time; Gary Delaney \ admission that he | has £6000 left to spend, and his appeal for ideas how to spend the 80p change after taking out the cost of a bath and haircut; and another pointless report from Baljit Mahal, came the real fun. Jack likes a challenge, and trying to hear |what the hell it is Hugh O'Leary is trying to ;say behind that moronic grin, is certainly a challenge. However hard he tries, Hugh is • unfortunate in that he still looks like a Carein , the Community case emitting a sad, desper-: ate whine as he is exposed to the ridicule of the masses. What made it even more difficult ^was the sound of the equally pained squeals of objection from the person the order paper referred to as Bernardo Buggan {shurely . shome mishtake - retiring and aged Ed) hol-. lering "Animal Nazi" at the bemused O'Leary. Not content with sounding like one of the unfortunate creatures whose live transportation this motion was inspired by, Bernardo decided that after nigh on ten years attheLSE he had gauged the perfect opportunity to make his maiden UGM speech. In an emo-., .....''r''........................'¦'M tional condensation of field sports and the ¦veal trade, despite the allegation that Bernardo's millions come from the sale of dead cows, even Labour people and both of - the LibDems found themselves agreeing with this ageing Thatcherite. Baljit Mahal's motion on Winston Silcotl J,was somewhat tame by compaiison. Perhaps" he had not had enough time to partake in his usual solitary oratory practice in The New Theatre, or perhaps Tim Payton had been too i . busy defending Conservative policies at La-i bourClub meetings to fulfil his usualrole of, speechwriter to the Worst-DressedC^Driverf ^of the Year, but the usual spark was not dier^i ' So much so that the motion was passed with-^ ¦ oatevena speech against. This ispresumabiy| what prompted James Atkinson into desciib""' ing the UGM as "shit." Jack begs to dis^e%" shalf an hour is always the best tinixe fer ytuation comedy to ran for. Another humanitarian disaster Sarah Heaton condemns the human rights violations in Chechenia......because no one else is Bodies lie where they fell in the streets and peasant women are killed in the fields. Every night these outrageous human rights violations are broadcast into houses world -wide. When ex-Yugoslav states^ngage in such violence, world leaders fall over themselves to condemn the atrocities. When the location is Russia, few say a critical word for the sake of international diplomacy. The role of condemnation and pressure is left to those who publicise human rights violations and try for change by motivating public opinion. This job falls to Amnesty International, Greenpeace and The Body Shop and the new expanded edition of John Pilger's 'Distant Voices'. Chechenia is simply an area that wants independence like its neighbour, Georgia. Whether this region would be a successful independent state is not at issue here. What is of concern are the tank divisions rolling through the countryside against peasant farmers. Artillery units shelling Grozny may be well trained in targeting mortars but that does not prevent the destruction of everything within a few hundred metres of where the shell lands. In a city where civilians live so close together this has the gravest implications. This is not a war with high technology missiles that turn left at the traffic lights. Here everything in range is wiped out. The Russian air force bombs from the sky at strategic targets such as stables and schools. There is no end to the 4(4 WHO SAID I DIDN'T LEARN FROM MY HISTORY LESSONS overkill by the Russian military against their own civilians. Here we go again, another first rate world power throwing all its military might against a comparatively poorly resourced group. It is amazing that the Chechen forces have survived so long with ineffective, home made weapons and personalised ammunition. Whatever the reasons, you can not shell your own civilians who have no means of protection. It is inhumane. The Chechens are reduced to hiding underground in grain silos and basements. Instead of action against this outrage the British government believe "we mustn't let the Chechenia affair cause a major rift. The long term relationship between the West and Russia is too important to put in jeopardy". There is no point to a world policeman - be it in the shape of the U.N. or the latest superpower - if all action is suspended when the problem involves a friend. If no action is taken when a first class power steps out of line, how can first class nations justify imposing what they themselves will not accept on lesser countries misdemeanours? The role of the United Nations will become increasingly ineffective until finally it is ignored. Whatever drawbacks it has as an institution, the collapse of the UN would be devastating for the international diplomacy the British, American and other governments are so determined to preserve. It all starts when human rights violations are overlooked because the perpetrator is an important player with influential friends. Protestors outside the Russian Embassy Photo: Nigel Boyce The language of peace Ahead of next week's article on the peace process in Northern Ireland Philip Johnston gives us a quick lesson on the new language craze sweeping the country English in Northern Ireland has taken on a different texture in everyday speech. There is a curious new fusion of socio - political New-speak and convolutions. Consider the flurry of new meanings last Autumn. From requiring a '"ceasefire" which was "permanent", we had a "total cessation of violence" - not "complete" or "permanent". "Peace" it seemed, had not broken out, but we could welcome "cessation". For the would be socio-politically correct speaker, a few pointers which may otherwise confuse. Don't mistake nationalist, republican, Irish and Catholic, likewise unionist, Unionist, loyalist, royalist, British, Ulster and Protestant. Each means something different. Unfortunately they can also mean different things to different people. I suppose one of the happier linguistic traits of recent years has been the move in more erudite circles, including local broadcast- ing, to try to avoid "confrontational" use of language. A presenter on Downtown Radio, the local independent, constantly refers to the Maiden City, "up in the Northwest." An acceptable way to avoid the ungainly switching between Londonderry and Derry. Not that most people mind, you understand, but perceptions are all important here. Mayhew refers to developments "on these islands." A grotesque no-name, genericism for what has always been the British Isles. As you may have guessed I am not one adept in the intricacies of political correctness. For one, the Province and the Mainland become north-east Ireland and England - all very confusing. Another expression I quite like is the "peace dividend"- or should that be "cessation of violence dividend" ? I really ought to seek "clarification" of that issue. But seriously, though, I wouldn't wish for one moment to upset the "parity of esteem" here. One man's outrage becomes another's "justified political act". Now many people talk about the "Divide" and "the two communities" and I don't like it. I know, for those at a distance from goings on it is simpler to view the situation as a polarised religious feud with no middle ground or apparent legitimation. It's a bit like saying Bosnia is a war of radical Islam against genocidal Europeans. So please don't. Were you at "Sleaze" on Saturday 21? Two rings were lost in the ](idies toilet of absolute sentimental value. If you know of their whereabouts, no questions asked and a reward for information Contact Alison 071-2511545 THE BEAVER January 30, 1995 .CHRISTMaSwrHOILYDAYS ARE : OVER. ISN'T IT, TIME POR A rtn from rtn from rtn from rtn from Amsterdam £59 Delhi £339 Nairobi £399 Rome £129 Auckland £639 Hong Kong £518 New York £150 Singapore £432 Athens £120 Los Angeles £239 Paris £65 Sydney £599 Bangkok £379 Madrid £84 Santiago £480 Syria £242 Cairo £235 Mexico City £286 Rio £420 Toronto £199 London-Delhi-sii/face-Kathmandu-Bangkok-Hong Kong-Taipei-Seoul-Los Angeles-st/rface-New York-London from £683 AT STA TRAVEL we're all seasoned travellers, so wherever you're bound, we're bound to have been. We offer the best deals on fares with FLEXIBILITY to change your mind as you go - after all we operate from over 100 OFFICES WORLDWIDE. And we have special deals for students. London School of Economics, East Building, London WC2 2AE ABTA TRAVEL AGENT 99209 ATOL 3206 /VEl/1/ YORK, LOS ANGELES, TOKYO, BANGKOK, SYDNEY, AUCKLAND.... STA TRAVEL 6 Letters THE BEAVER January 30, 1995 BEAVER Executive Editor Ron Voce Business Manager Scott Wayne Arts EdUors Susha Lee-Shothaman Leila Butt Campus Editors Marie Darvill David Whippe Features Editors Nigel Boyce Pam Keenan Letters Editor Rachel Cuthbert Literary Editor Daniel Silverstone Music Editors Wayne Rogers Michael Goulding News Editors Helena Mcleod Nick Sutton Photographic Editors Anastasia Shorter Steven Hau Photographic Advisor Hania Midura Politics Editors Tom Randell Issam Hamid Production Assitants Priyanka Senedhira Alex Ellis Heidi Gomez Michel Lerner Sheila Patel Sports Editors Chris Cooper Angus Kinnear What's On Editor Valerie Handal Staff: Joanna Arong, Skippy Bamet, MarkBaltovic, Caroline Bames, Graham Bell, Laure Beaufils, HectorBirchwood, Annika Bosenquet, T. James Brown, Jessica Chattin, Rob Cheatham, Toby Childs, Adam Cleary, Sarah Clifford, Dan Coulcher, Mark Dantos, Gary Delaney,Teresa Delaney, NickFletcher, N. P. Fly wheel, Scouse Gardiner, Sarah Jane Gibbs, Deborah Goldemburg, Phil Gomm, Tom Greatrex, Kevin Green, Melissa Hall, Kate Hampton, Gerard Harris, Stephen Hau, Richard Heamden, Kerrie Henderson, Nicola Hobday, Rusty Bullet Hole, Chris Hutchfield, Helen Jamieson, Dana Johnson, Nick Jones, Sonia Kalsi, Sarita Khajuria, Hasan Khalid, Claire Lawrie, Martin Lewis, Karen Lie, Dennis Lim, Sinead Logue, Alex McLeish,Viv Mackay, Brent Macintosh, Dan Madden, Fiona Maharg-Bravo,StavrosMakris, Jessica McCallin, Adam Morris, Deborah Narjar-Murat, Kaliq Nasir, David Nicholson, Viv Nunn, Emmanuel Ohajah, Ben Oliver, Sorrel Osboume, Sarah Owen, Antonio Pascual, Judith Plastow, David Price, Zaf Rashid, Mervyn Rees, Luke Richardson, Iain Roberts, Steve Roy, Lincoln Schlei, James Shields, Matthew Smith, Rita Solanke, Tony Thimlinganathan, Philip Tod, Jimmy Trees, Ian Turner, Dave Whetham, Ralph Wilde, L. A. Wildethorpe, Ina Woyseth. and Hae-Yin Best Selling Biography by Biblical autiior Dear Beaver, I wonder how many poeple, who have read the glossy and self-congratulatory 'Centenary Review' noticed the photo of a note reputedly removed from an LSE noticeboard. The Guardian certainly did and printed "Why God did not receive tenure at LSE" a week or so ago. God's problem was that he had only one major publication, it wasn't in English and it was a bestseller! Very witty it is too, but it also raises an interesting point. Despite the fact that the Bible has been the most influential book in the history of the Westand possibly the rest of the World, it is amazing how many LSE Chaplaincy Photo: Beaver staff of today's 'well-read' students rely on secondary sources and have never seriously looked at the 'primary' text. This week the Christian Union will be distributing and making available to anyone interested free copies of Luke's Gospel, which takes the form of a biography and carefully researched record of the life and teachings of Jesus. Can I urge you to take this opportunity to look for yourself at what Jesus did (and didn't) say and do. More reliable than just about any of the writings of antiquity, more accessible (and cheaper!) than any economics textbook and much more likely to change your life - read it! Daniel Stevens Christian Union Rosebery reveller reveals the truth De^ Beaver, Get pissed for a fiver my arse. If they keep putting that much beer in the water at hall parties, OFWAT (the water regulator) will be on to us. Yours Tom Scott Squash writer curses editors Dear Beaver, The condition of sport at the LSE is nothing to harp about. The sports pages of The Beaver seems to add to the disillusionment. The article published on the squash club's performance last week can only be described as deplorable. The sports editors involved in that article should have the decency to apologise for attributing that rubbish to me and for making downright stupid staten'-jnts about the other players. But I guess the moronic sense of humour is asking too much. I'd just like to disassociate my name from that rubbish. Yours Ranjeev Bhata CONFIRMATION OF EXAMINATION ENTRY FOR SESSION 1994/1995 (which concerns aU Undergraduates, General Course, Diploma, Exchange and ERASMUS students) SELECTION OF PAPERS FOR NEXT SESSION (which concerns all First and Second Year Undergraduates) UNDERGRADUATES, GENERAL COURSE, DIPLOMA, EXCHANGE & ERASMUS STUDENTS You should go to the Timetables office, Room H310, Comiaught House, as soon as possible ONor AFTER Monday, January 30 to collect your individual form for the CONFIRMATION OF EXAMINATION ENTRY AND SELECTION OF PAPERS FOR NEXT SESSION The form must be COMPLETED, signed by your tutor and handed in to the Timetables Office NO LATER than THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH 30,-1995 CdiMm^t ^ o n a purely self-aggrandising note, I was intrigued to observe that although my column is rapidly gaining a status that can only be described as cult... yes, that's with an L, the Editors of this illustrious newspaper have not yet, as they have for H.S.H. and U.J. given me a cartoon. Perhaps they're afraid of offending the more conservative readers by publishing pictures of an explicit nature. Anyway, enough of this frivolity. Here follows a generally serious report of a serious debate. This week's meeting took place in that forum of intellectual, political and social discussion S601 and revolved around the motion 'This House Believes That The Punishment For Rape Should Be Castration'. In the absence of the President, the Treasurer chaired the gathering in an incredibly popular and strictly neutral manner. After collecting the phone numbers of various attractive female members on the pretext of needing to draw up teams for several Inter-Varsity competitions, he called for the first speaker to begin. Ina's definition of the motion was clear-rape was forced sex with either a woman or a man, while castration was the surgical removal of the penis and testicles. Her arguments were precise and concerned punishing a crime that affects a victim not just with the physical trauma itself, but also years of mental suffering and a distrust of others, be they husband, wife or friend that could remain for life. It was an impressive start to an impassioned discussion. Mr Sprott then launched an attack for the opposition, decrying the barbaric and vengeful intent of the resolution. He con- vincingly pointed out by reference to the statistical effects of the death penalty that castration is unlikely to be a deterrent for rape but then spoilt it all by appearing to have misinterpreted the motion - "They're after your Goolies" he screamed in a voice that approached the octavlfof top C - an appeal to the largely-male audience that doubts his ability to distinguish rapists from men in general. Aysha attempted to bring, as she put it "a little structure" to the meeting; somewhat ironic given the topic of the debate. Her points were that castration provides retribution for the victim, protection to society and a deterrent to potential rapists. Unfortunately at this stage the proposition appeared to have neglected the masculine perspective; the examples used were solely concerned with what female victims should expect from society. Alex stood up for the opposition and used a riew argument-namely that most rapists have mental problems for which rehabilitation has a role to play. Hacking off his manhood will not stem the urge in such an individual to sexually assault others-he will just vent his frustrations through pure violence. He also explained that the deterrent value of a punishment flows from the likelihood of the criminal being caught rather than the extremity (not a good choice of word-Ed) of that penalty. Audrey closed the case for the proposers but the debate was now a little repetetive as she merely reiterated a number of emotional scenarios, themselves far from convincing. Just when I had begun to suspect that the meeting was regressing into a, per- ish the thought, Male versus Female confrontation Lisa wrapped up for the two male speakers. Her words carried a conviction that was not lost on the increasingly cross-legged men of the House. While accepting the appalling nature of the crime she reminded the audience that a reactionary urge was-no solution to a problem that is, after all, psychological rather than physical. From a practical viewpoint she also stated that given the weaknesses of any judicial system, injustices will inevitably occur... The motion was then opened to contributions from the floor. One member pointed out that drugs and hormonal therapy would be a more effective solution all round. Another wondered what was all that wonderful and significant about the penis anyway but was shouted down and told to "speak for himself by men who were now stretching rather than crossing their legs. A number of interruptions and heated cross-exchanges followed, culminating in the Chairman appearing to support the opposition in a blatant and shameful abuse of his impartial status. After backing down however he took a ballot which defeated the resolution by 4 votes. Rumours that the temporary Chairman was seen very soon afterwards sporting a rather stylish black eye as a result of his aforementioned behaviour have not yet been confirmed. As for me, well, I could make a very poor joke about the attempted 'castration' of John Wayne Bobbitt and the estimated £2 million he subsequently accrued from his wittily-titled 'Uncut' video, however, given the very good speaking I have just seen I think it would be rather churlish to do so. Position of the Mfeek The Allyolly Difficulty rating: 5 Finding ajug/mug large enough to contain a whole portion of lubricant can be a tricky one. Comment Care is required upon insertion as rips or tears can be painful. Please consult your Doctor, as a clogged passage may result. The upside is that the contents make a great garnish for a squid salad. LSE Athletics Union Colours nomination If you would like to nominate an individual for colours or wish to know more about the criteria for selection visit the AU office (E78) 12-2pm All nominations must be handed in to the AU office by February 10 Any letters for publication should be handed into The Beaver ofRcG, room EI97 by noon on Wednesday or in any of The Beaver post boxes aroundXSE. In the interests of space the editor reserves the right to edit aM letters. Unsigned letters will not be published. A CO T l!i[ t Martin Lewis General Secretary The Constitution: This Thursday (Bebruary 2) The UGM will be discussi ng the proposed New Constitution. This will affect the future of the Students' Union and thus it will affect you. Amongst other things, there are changes toThe Beaver, The Athletics Union, Societies, Elections, Sabbaticals, the Executive committee and the Unions services. Have your say, do come along. Copie.s of new and old Constitution are available from the Students' Union reception. There is also a leafiest which briefly explains what the Students' Union is and how the newConstitution will affect it. Please take copies. Room Changes: The Executive Committee will be discussing Room changes on Monday. January 30, 1pm El95. The proposals are that the AU moves to the Women's Room, the Women's room go to the Beaver Office and the Beaver Office moves to the AU Common room. All of the various groups involved Have agreed^ if you want your say then come along to the Executive meeting. South Africa: The Executive and Fi- ods ofraising funds for Southern African students, now that the Students' Unioh; Southern African Scholarship has become a General Refugee scholafship. I will also be attending the Scholarships ¦management meeting, where we will set up new criteria, if you wish to get involved or know more then please get in tofich. Academic Board: This week I shall be making a presentation to the Academic Board for Student Representation. Many of my predecessors have tried; the same thing, but unfortunately all have failed; However I believe with the changes in the Students': Union, the Education Act on Students Unions, the Higher Education Quality Council's audit and various other new factors, this may be the time that we finally get students fully represented in the Academic sphere. Johnathan Dimbieby: Free tickets for each week are still available from the SU reception, this week it is Labour's Robin Cook,; ; LSE Students' Union Elections: Are you interested in becoming a Sabbatical^ part time Exec Officers, the Returning Officer, Constitution and Steering Committee, Finance and Services Committee, Entertainments Committee (although if the new Constitution passes this will not exist and an Academic Affairs committee will replace it.) If you are and you want a chat about what the jobs involve or advice about how to go about it, then my door is open, come along and see me. That's about it for this week, if you have any problems, queries or suggestions about the School, the Union or anything else, please conrte and se:e me. My Office is E205 my phone number 071 955 7147. Hiis colunm is printed under section 13.5 of no respcwnsibility for its content or accura