TllG BG8V6r 11 Ih March, 1991- Newspaper of the London School of Economics Student Union Issue 339 Protesters occupy SPUC Offices Anger as LSE student is threatened with bankruptcy INSIDE Union Jack 2 News in brief 2 Sabbaticals 3 Fred Halliday 4 George of the Tuns 6 Sam 7 Sked and Germany 9 The Directors vision 10,11 Arts feature 12 Arts reviews 13,14 Sports 15,16 by Rick Livingstone LSE students staged a sit-in protest within the headquarters of SPUC (Society for the Protection of the Unlxjrn Child) last Wednesday. The action was taken as part of a Day Of Action planned to coincide with the case being heard in the European Court of Justice over whether Irish students had the right to provide information on abortion. The case began in October 1989 when SPUC's Irish branch took fourteen students to court for giving information on British abortion clinics to women in Ireland. The Supreme Court in Ireland imposed costs of £22,000 on the students, in addition to costs of£40,000 alreadyincurred from an earlier case. The students' case was also referred to the European Court, to decide if the right to provide information on a service legally available in the other eleven EC states exists. Evidence was heard last Wednesday, with a judgement due within a few weeks. The protest was originally planned to be held outside SPUC's UK headquarters in Tufton Street; however the police ruled this action out of order at the last moment, on the grounds that it would be too close to Parliament, being in a back-street just behind West- minster Abbey. Instead, six students mounted a token protest in Tufton Street, whilst other demonstrators held a picket of the Irish Embassy, half a mile away in Belgravia. About 50 students tookpart, including students from Goldsmith's, SOAS, UCL and PCL. Most of the students, however, were from LSE. The good-humoured picket lasted an hour and a half, during which Jenny Bailey, a sabbatical officer of NUS London, addressed the crowd. When the picket broke up at four o'clock, a section of the protest, inchiding most of the LSE contingent, decided to go back to Tuflon Street by minibus. Once there, twenty students entered "Faith House" to start a spontaneous occupation of the top-floor SPUC o nice lobby. They proceeded to ask questions, and when no answers were forthcoming, began a sit-down protest. Barely audible above the chanting, a member of SPUC threatened to call the police, although no-one left the build-inguntil the protest had secured the promise of an interview, off the premises, with Terry W aitey, SPUC's Divisional Manager. Outside, Waitey claimed his organization had no links with SPUC(Ireland), despite the former's role in setting the latter up, but he personally gave his full support to the Court action taken. Some executive members were later criticised for not attending the demo, despite a recent UGM motion passed, mandating them to do so. It was also claimed that no DSG members of the new exec were there. This was refuted by Michael McGrath, their election agent. He stated that both Peter Harris and AntoniaMochan,thenew Women's officer attended. He also questioned the legitima Amnesty and on other issues of women's rights. Houstonexplained that International Women's day was especially dedicated to woman refugees and marks the publishing of the Hrst Amnesty report on gender specific human rights violations, highlighting the plight of women who undergo rape, forced prostitution and sexual assaiilt while in custody. She described how these abuses take place despite international agreements such as the "Convention against Discrimination against Women", now signed by 137 countries. Neither pregnancy nor old age prevent these abuses, ranging from Iran where women are often raped before they are killed, to Britain where they are de£p:aded by repeated and unnecessary strip searches. Refugee women often face psychological trauma whether as a result of assault, or prostitution forced on them to allow safe passage for their families. Houston then widened the discussion to the denial to women of control over their own fertility in countries all over the world (discussing the case of Romania specifically) and the attempts of states to control women themselves, through their fertility. She claimed that the fact that women's bodies and minds were being compromised justified intervention in all cases of such abuse. The speaker concluded that "women are victims and only by highlighting this can it be discussed understood and brought to an end." News Summary Inter-union cooperation The Athletics union and the Students Union have successfully negotiated with each other for the first time in years. Previously the AU was a separately run concern and those students elected to the AU executive had to deal with all the finances of the clubs and do their own book-work. In a new move announced at the union meeting last week, their bookwork will now come under the jurisdiction of the societies' officer along with all other SU societies. In addition, there is now a SU executive member appointed as a representative to the AU committee to ensure further co-operation. Apologies to Sked Alan Sked, of the international History department at LSE, was recently criticised by the German newspapers following the publication of his report entitled "cheap excuses or life, death and European unity". However, in an article published by the Wall Street Journal on the 5th March, the editor of "Die Welt" noted chancellor Kohl's agreement with Sked's views on the German constitution with regard to the Gulf conflict. "We do not want to send German soldiers to the Gulf on our own so that the Social Democrats can blame us for shedding German blood." In the Evening Standard last Friday, the diary column included demands by Patrick Robertson to the German government for a public apology to be made to Sk'ed. Sked himselfis pleased by Kohl's public acknowledgement of the nature of Germany's constitution to match the views made in his own report. He also feels much reassured at Robertson's request for a public apology. Sked is dueto make his stand in the Bruges grou p more widely known at the LSE when he debates here on Thursday evening. Opposing him is Michael Welsh, MEP, when he will argue that "this house believes that national parliaments should always be paramount." ULU Elections The elections for the ULU General Union Council (GUC) were held last Saturday. Students from all the London university colleges were invited to stand. Among these were four candidates from LSE. Leandro Higher education changes The Higher Education Minister, AlanHowarthhas welcomed the increase in students in higher education over the last ten years. His comments were promptedby abulletin published by the Department of Education and Science last month. In particular, Howarth was pleased by the vast increase in the numbers of mature students now studying, largely through part time courses. According to Howarth "In line with the Government's aims, institutions have responded to the increasing demand for places in higher education from mature students. I welcome that." Howarth also took this oppor-tunity to announce the new scales of parents' contributions payable towards mandatory students grants forthe academic year 1991-1992. "The effect will be that, for a parent whose income rises by 10 percent bet ween financial, years 1989-90 and 1990-91, the assessed contribution will not rise. This fulfills the government's commitment to begin reducing the real cost of parental contribution." Moura, the unsuccessful candidate for Senior Treasurer, Jon Spurting, newly elected as LSE Junior Treasurer and Bemice van Bronkhorst, a former Academic Affairs officer before defecting to the DSG. Mel Taylor, originally standing for Vice President, withdrew her nomination last Thursday. This was because she had already spent a year dealing with the financial and administrative sides of a union and she felt it was time to move on. Rajiv Gatha andFazile Zahir are were also standing for posts from the LSE. Rag roundup In a series of events staged for rag last week, staff and students spent their time raising funds for Comic Relief, Amnesty International and Choice. First on the agenda was an evening of Karaoke. With £50 raised by the audience to hear JonHull sing, the evening's fund raising total topped £120 after costs. However, on Monday, very few students came to the Old Theatre for the Comedy Show despite all those present saying that the two comedians were excellent. Tuesday hailed the start of the treasure hunt. Six teams chased around the capital in search of such items as a Beaver page devoid of spelling mistakes or Ken Livingston in the Three Tuns bar eating Red Leicester cheese. The amount raised through sponsorship has yet to be calculated. Thursday saw an all day opening of the Three Tuns bar an event which only occurs once during fresher's week and once during rag week. The pub quiz looks set to have raised about £30 with alcoholic prizes on offer and plenty of people willing to participate. On Friday there was an all day volley-ball tournament in the Quad. £100 is reported to have been raised as a result. With Tequila to round off the week there was no lack of opportunity for students to spend their money for charity. In addition, the LSE rag ball will have boosted the fund rais-ingtotal. Lastyeartheballmade a loss of around £900 as thirty of the tickets remained unsold. But this year a substantial profit for charity was made. Disabled Access Demonstration Last Tuesday, the Student Union executive staged a demonstration outside the Old Buildingtb increase the awareness on campus about the problems of disabled access. Executive members from this year were joined by a few newly-elected union representatives in urging people to sign a petition asking for improved facilities for disabled students here. The main improvement being requested at the moment is for the scanner for blind students to be moved out of the computer room where the noise of other machines has proved to be a distraction for those wishing to use it. The Beaver, 11th March, 1991 NEWS 3 Sabbaticals Are they born, made or hatched in jam jars? We interview next year's batch... Michiel van Hulten ; General Secretary by Peter Harrad Politics is obviously something that runs in the blood for Michiol van Hulten, next year's General Secretary. He freely admits that his parents are politicians, and would himself would like to eventually follow a political career. While educated at a plethora of schools over the years, his main education was at an international sixth form college in Wales. The LSE was thus not that much of a change, he feels - he's used to being surrounded by 101 nationalities... His first impression was of how friendly the LSE was. Looking back now, he wouldn't modify that much, except to note how closely-knit acommunityit was. Van Hulten sees his new role as being necessarily composed of 50% administration. The mun- dane business of organizing executive meetings, sitting on committees etc. will take a large part of his time. The two main Doints he intends to pursue are, campaigning on the Director's vision and an overhaul of the Union's constitution. While stressing that he is still looking for suggestions on this, he feels that this could be achieved by a cross-campus ballot on a new version, with amendments proposed at, and discussed by, the UGM. On the issue of a General Manager, van Hulten is unequivocal- as might be expected from a member of the Executive that voted to have one. While feeling that it would be premature to discuss it before the present staff-student negotiations are over, he acknowledges that the issue needs to be resolved before the end of next year at least. What was his position on the issue of sabbatical pay? He agreed that it was higher than in many other colleges and suggested a pay freeze this year, followed by index-linkage in subsequent ones. However, he pointed out that if the pay for sabbaticals was too low, then they would be forced to take other jobs as well, rendering them in effect part-time workers. In addition, it was important to attract the best people to do thejob; he, for example, would as a Masters graduate be able to command a very reasonable starting salary on the job market. At present, the main problem that van Hultcn feels he may run into is retainingthe support oftheUGM.Heis confident that he can satisfy the majority; but he expects very active opposition from the left. The obvious question for van Hulten, however, was whether the DSG had too much power, consideringthe nu mber of their members on the exec. No, because "we cannot be mandated to do anything by the DSG; our constitution forbids that." He added that the DSG only had a majority of the formal power, and that the exec was not the only power base in the union. Both Labour and SWSS, he felt would stay strong due to their grassroots activists. In addition, there would always be external pressuresfortheunion officers to justify their activities, especially from the Labour club. On the possibility of a 'DSG clique' forming, he was equally pragmatic. "When you have a group of people working closely together, then they are going to becomo a close-knit group". He added that of the 7 DSG members on the Exec this year, only 2 were 'old guard'; he felt that if the DSG was a clique, then it was, at least, "an open clique." Toby Johnson : Senior Treasurer by Justin Harper Toby Johnson, the Union's new Senior Treasurer-elect, has led a mobile life. Born in Aylesbury, he grew up in Lincolnshire before moving to Peterborough at the age of 11. His parents currently reside in Washington, D.C. Educated at "averygoodcomprehensive", his main interests include reading, sport, and "having a few drinks." When he leaves university he would like to become an Economist for an aid organization in Africa, as he has always been fascinated by different cultures. Johnson originally chose the LSE as he has always been fascinated by London and, though he finds it hard to justify LSE's academic reputation for its undergraduate school, he finds that it's a good place to get involved in extra-curricular activi- ties such as politics and sport. I asked him what he thought the most important aspects of his job were. "For me personally, they are to establish good communications with students and be as informative as possible. I would also' like to be seen as someone who will listen to everyone. No matter what politics they represent, if they have a problem or a campaign they'd like me to deal with, I hope they will come and see me." So what are his main priorities as Senior Treasurer? "First of all it is to be approachable to all those around the school. There seems to be too much conflict between sabbaticals and students, sabbaticals and staff, and even between themselves. Next year we will have a team in with the approach that things can be talked through." But will the Union remain as politically active as before? "I wouldn't like to see it stop. K students want to lead a campaign for abortion rights or against the war, which are worthwhile campaigns, the Union should still discuss that, bu t it is not necessarily thejob of the SeniorTreasurer or General Secretary to lead those campaigns. It's up to students to tell the sabbaticals which campaigns they want run for them. If the pressure comes from the bottom we will get a much more cohesive campaign going." Onemajorprbblemhe expects to be facing is the question of funding. With the recent announcement by the UFC that university funding will increase by only 4.5% next year, this is likely to reflect in theblock grant the Union gets from the school. "The Union will have to start raising more of its own money, re-organization and better and this means inspecting the management." efllciency of our services. This is On the question of sabbatical not so much a question of rais- p^y levels he believes that, as ing prices or sacking but more of ^et pay is only £7,500 this is not really very much for someone who must live in central London allyear round. "It's more a question of whether you are getting value for money from your sabbaticals, not whether pay should be cut." Regarding the UGM's control over the bu dget, he woul d like to release the budget earlier, to give people the chance to inspect it properly. He would also hope to be more informative generally in financial matters; "even if it's only a notice in the Beaver saying, for example, that so-and-so society has been given £50, then that would help." Finally, he stated his support for the current level of AU funding, "as it does represent a lot of people." However, he promised to consider the debate over the subsidizing of dinners instead of transport costs for individual sportsmen and women. Fiona MacDonald : Social/Services sec. by Justin Harper The new Social Services Sec-retaiy-elect, Fiona Mcdonald, is an Anglo-American student who has spent much of her life yo-yoing across the Atlantic. Born in Connecticut, she transferred to the LSE after spending a year as a 'General Course' student in 1989-90. Already involved in agent work ,she also manages both a jazz band and a 'green' artiste. Her career ambitions are basically to continue her work in the entertainments field. She has also done some work working to create more disabled access in cinemas. Initially she came to the L.S.E. impressed by its' reputation and because London is one of her favorite cities Jlowever, she was not at first made to feel welcome. "I was in the Tuns' once when someone introduced me to some guy from Scotland. I'm like, "Hi Fm Fiona' and he just goes 'Are you American ? I don't talk to Americans' and he left!". She has also been disappointed by the organization of the school. As Social Secretary, MacDonalds' main priority will be to get more students involved in events; to do that she needs to overcome seemingly increasing apathy. She hopes to set up In-ter-Hall Committees to find out what students want to happen. "They've been tried before, but it's something that must be persevered with. It's not something where you can just say 'Okay,there's going to be Inter-Hall Committees' and then you never do anything." She would also like to see promotion of stu dents' talents. "A lot of people are coming up to me now, and saying things like "When are you going to have a battle of the bands, 'cause Fm in a band and we're really great, please put us on!' I think you get a lot more people involved that way, rather than just bringing in a pro band for them to watch, because even if they don't like the music, they still enjoy the fact that it's their fellow students involved." MacDonald also has ambitions beyond the Cafe, Shop and the Thins' that reach into the information services. She wants to see more awareness on issues such as Aids,sexual harassment,and safe transport. "Though the Women's Group have done something recently, I would like to put myself up as an access point,especially if I'll be dealing with all the events" "Also with the increasing number of students coming in,there has to bo more space for people to "hang out', like C018. The Quad could also be used duringdaytimebypijttingchairs and tables there." One election issue was whetherthe "Three Tuns' should open longer. Her opinion? "I think closing from 3 to 5 is not the greatest sin. If the staff could work out a system to open then.then that's fine,it'8 up to them,but it's not one of my main priorities.However, if lots of students wanted it, I couldn't just say no, now could I? Fm not here to serve myself." So what did she see as the most important aspects of her job? "Besides creating entertainments more through students and continuing successful events such as Ten Minute Theatre andTequila,I'd like to get more students involved on the services side. Fd like to be an initiator of awareness about issues which affect students...people should be aware that racial and sexual harassment occurs on this campus,as was shown by some of the spoilt ballot papers for this weeks A.U. elections (which contained racist and sexist remarks). Also to societies....please come into the school. Please, don't retreat into your own cultures." 4 NEWS The Beaver,11th March, 1991 After the Storm Fred Halliday has been much in demand recently for his expertise on the Middle East. He talked to Chris Forman about the region's future. BEAVER: Will tfie Allies support the rebellion which is currently taking place against Saddam Hussein? HALLIDAY: The international pressure which forced Saddam out of Kuwait is not going to support the rebels. Why? Well, who would support the insurrection? Either America or Iran. True, the Iranians have given some support to the rebellion. In fact, during their war with Iraq they supported an insurrection in Basra for many years. However, the present Iranian regime is not willing to prejudice it's relationship with Baghdad. Moreover, by being seen as urging on this rebellion they will cause the Arabs and Americans to dig their heals into Iraq even further and they want to get the Americans out of Iraq. On the American side, whether or not they expected it, the last thing they want is the defeat of Saddam's armies to lead to an Islamic revolution in Iraq. They would prefer to see a weakened Saddam there than a pro-Iranian regime emerge in Baghdad. So they are not going to support the rebels. BEAVER; So the Allies would not he opposed to Saddam staying in power? HALLIDAY: The Coalition would have liked to have gotten ride of Saddam during the war. They may even still attempt to effect his downfall through covert operations. However, they can live with Saddam because he is no longer an international threat. They don't care what he does so much internally, and beyond a certain point there is nothing they can do. They made a decision not to march on Baghdad when they could have done. That entailed letting Saddam sit there hoping that there would be some replacement from " within the country. Having said that they would prefer a weakened Saddam to an Islamic Republic. BEAVER: Probably the question which is on most people's mind is when will the troops come home? HALLIDAY: Well the first thing to remember is that the British, Americans, and the French have been in the region in a substantial way for several decades. Where a permanent troop presence ends is an open question. However the allies will definitely keep the facilities available for a rapid mobilization. However, in the long ru"n, I think they would like to go for a security system based on something like the so called Cairo eight. In other words an Arab military solution. BEAVER: Israel has repeatedly said that it will respond to Iraq's scud attacks at a time and in a manner of their choosing. To date they have not responded. In your opinion will they attack, in what form, and with what effect? HALLIDAY: .1 am not sure if Israel will attack ornot. It's quite possible that the Israelis will attack in the future either in some action directed personally against Saddam Hussein or to prevent the rebuilding of Iraqi's military machine. But it is equally likely that Israeli will seek retribution in a different way. Perhaps on a poliiicai froiit against the Palestinians. What they may do is dig their heals in even more against any negotiated settlement to the Arab-Israeli dilemma. BEAVER: President Bush said in a recent speech that this crisis has set the stage for fruitful dialogue oh the Arab-Israeli question. Realistically, do you believe anything substantial can come out of the current environment? HALLIDAY: As a person who has lived with the question for many years, I understand the immense difficulties in finding a solution. For the Palestinians it is extremely difficult to accept the right of the Israelis to exist. For the Israelis it is very-difficult to accept that their own security is compatible with the existent of a Palestinian state. But I have nothing in principle to add to what the UN said in 1947. There are two people who are quarrelling over the same ' land. You have to partition that land into two states. Nothing in my mind improves on that as a just and viable solution. However, the Israelis don't trust the Palestinians and many Palestinians do not accept the right of Israeli to exist. , I am not optimistic for a solution for three simple reasons. First, I don't see the Israelis as ready to give away anything. Second, I do not see the Palestinians coming up with a sensible political leadership that could negotiate in good faith and get on with solving this problem. Third, I can't see any US president spending the time and effort to get the process going. BEAVER; What will the Middle East look like in the next twenty years? HALUDAY: This is the most important crisis the Middle East has gone through since World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman empire. As one commentator has put it, it is an Arab civil war. It may well be that no frontiers will change and it may be that most, if not all leaders, will stay in power. It may be that none of the regional problems will be solved. However, the war is an opportunity to start a new and make some progress. But, I remain to be convinced that the opportunity will be taken. BEAVER: Secretary of State Baker is currently in the middle of a Middle East tour. What is he going to be talking about with the Arab leaders? HALLIDAY; I think Baker is going to be doing a number of things. First of all he will want to encourage the formation of this eight country arab military alliance in order to speed up the withdrawal of the western ground forces, to exclude Iran, and reassure Kuwait. Secondly, he will want to address the question of the future of Iraq. He will discuss with the Arabs what type of regime may or may not emerge in Iraq and in the advent of Saddam staying in power, what kind of pressure they will be willing to put on him. Thirdly, he will go through the motions of looking for a solution to the Arab Israeli question. Unless he is ready to put pressure on Israel and unless he is ready to say clearly that there should be a Palestinian state I see no great progress. Fourthly, he will want to confirm the exclusion of others from the region particularly Iran and the Soviet Union who got in through the final stages of the war. Finally, he wants to pick up some more money. As things now stand, the war has cost around $50 billion and the US is close to making a profit on it. The war will probably cost the US government 1 or 2 % of what the collapse of the Savings and Loan industry at a modest estimate will cost the United States government. BEAVER: What will be the Economic ramifications of the war? HALUDAY: The price of oil did not change greatly. Iraq failed to take out of commission the Saudi oil fields, and the lost production of Kuwait and Iraq were taken up by other nations . The war affected the budget of the United States and Britain. However, this was mini-malized because they got a number of nations to help shoulder the cost. Hence, the major economic impact was on certain specific sectors such as air travel and tourism. But this was against a back ground of a recession which had already started. If there is an upswing it will be partly because the war is over, but also because of an underlying up turn in the economy, especially in the United States. In retrospect, the war will be a blip in the macro-economic record, but nothing more. Compared to other things, such as whether or not you have a mild or harsh winter in the northern hemisphere or as I mentioned, the savings and Loan collapse in the US, the war wa's a secondary event. Professor Fred Haliiday Photo: Alex McDowell I m m The Daily Telegraph wants you to give your legs to Oxfam Enter them now for The Daily Telegraph NUS Fun Run and they can raise much needed money for Oxfam's vital work to relieve poverty in Southern Africa. The 5km Fun Run is the biggest student event in the UK and by taking part you will be « voting with your feet for better living and working conditions in Front Line Africa. Celebrities, steel bands, competitions and entertainment are just part of the fun. There are prizes and incentives for raising sponsorship and the star fundraiser will run off with two return tickets to New York from Campus Travel. Hosts of other prizes from National Express, Our Price and Nike. Where: The University of Birmingham. When: Sunday 10~March. Entry forms and further details can be obtained from your local Student Union or by telephoning the Fun Run office on the following number 0865 311 311. 6 CAMPUS A star is bom Peter Harrad at Karaoke Saturday the 2nd saw the start of Alcohol Awareness Week, and what better way to celebrate such an event than a drunken night out. The occasion was karaoke in the Three Tuns. As is usual at these events, anyone of any note whatsoever was hauled up to sing to the masses. But before the likes of Hull and CO. were even given a chance to demonstrate their skills, the show was stolen by a new performer. Anervous-lookingChris Short, it was announced, would ^ start the evening by performing "Purple Haze". On getting the mike, he turned out to be worryingly good. However, the astonishment of the crowd was quickly eclipsed by the astonishment of Short as the announcer started to remove the artiste's clothes. Encouraged by the screams,he began dancing around the stage and finally finished clutching the mike with one hand and his crotch with the other (Jeans too tight, presumably). After this, it was back to the usual favourites. Jon Hull came on briefly to sing "Silver Lining" (no-one knew quite why). Bob Gross was, predictably, brought on to do "Pinball Wizard". Naturally, the star of the show was the newly elected Toby Johnson, who no doubt thought he'd be safe on the door. Wrong. His "Sunday Afternoon" must have pleased the audience no end, as they pulled him up again later on to cheerfully massacre "My Way". But who could follow such an ¦ illustrious line-up? After a moment's thought, the answer was found; Chris Short. Disappointingly, the song was once again "Purple Haze". But how to improve on the previous performance? Simple - he took his T-shirt off as well. But before this, he felt he needed to meet his public, and duly danced offstage and into the ranks of his howling fans. Crossword Solutions Across: 1. AmericanGraffiti 8. Scandal 9. Affairs 11. Bates 14. Eat 15. Roach 17. Easy 19. Tiger 21. HueCry 23. Heart 24. Alien 25. Akira 28. EastofEden 30. Caine 32. Norman 33. Stripes 34. Cy 35. Abyss 36. Laughing Down: 2. Michael 3. Runner 4. Chan 5. Gravy 6. Alfie 7. Tess 10. Internal 12. Some 13. Scarface 16. Big 18. Smith 20. Blade 21. Hairspray 22. Likelt 23. HAL 26. Hibs 27. Leroy 29. Fin 31. High T h e J ob is CO lot T I 5 0 Icu'f I na but lecu st" -feecC iry) & well. THE OPTIAAIST i ¦X SAM WHEREVER YOU'RE BOUND, WE'RE BOUND TO HAVE BEEN. At STA Travel, we're all seasoned travellers so we should know a thing or two about where you're headed. And because we know the travel business backwards,*we can offer you the best deals on fares — even the flexibility to change your mind as you go without having to pay over the top for the privilege. We operate from 120 offices worldwide. So call in soon. o/w FROM rtn o/w FROM rtn Auckland £425 £739 Mombasa £219 £375 Bangkok £188 £375 New York £85 £168 Berlin £70 £115 San Francisco £150 £275 Boston £96 £192 Paris £39 £66 Geneva £69 £109 Rio de Janeiro £324 £539 Hong Kong £279 £530 Rome £71 £114 Prague £88 £176 Singapore £238 £479 Los Angeles £156 £275 Sydney £440 £688 Mexico City £189 £375 Tokyo £363 £638 Miami £144 £216 Toronto £167 £199 Round the World London-Bangkok-Sydney-Fiji-Honolulu-Vancouver-London from £950 London-Bangkok-Hong Kong-Perth-Sydney-Auckland-Honolulu-Los Angeles-New York-London from £997 London School of Economics East Building, Houghton Street, London wc2 2ae \BTA 99209 l/i ULU TRAVEL The Beaver, 11th March, 1991 CAMPUS 7 The old man of the Tuns Karl Penhaul talks to a famous L.S.E resident. Regulars at the LSE's "Three Tuns" might be forgiven for thinking that the canny man in the corner ,with the flowing white beard and the twinkling eyes came with the fixtures. The truth is, that he very nearly came before. By all accounts George Mcleod Castles is somewhat of a myth in the making: a man of action, and of wild tales interspun with pearls of Celtic wisdom. Seated squarely behind a pint of rich,dark Guinness, George consented to give his lecture from the university of life to the BEAVER. George, by now an institution within an institution, is no stranger to media attention. Last year he was the focus of an article in the Evening Standard, and would have gained a spot on prime time T.V., had his interviewers not been taken aback by his plain speaking comments on changes in the student body. But what of the man behind the beard? He left the "Wee Island" district of his native Glasgow back in 1924, at a time when the town was still fighting hard to enhance its image of urban disaster area, and arrived in Bermondsey. He tried his hand at many jobs: the shortest of which seems to have been one hour as a pastry packer in a biscuit factory. Of them all ,the one he recalls with greatest nostalgia is his 25 years in the flying boat section of the RAF: "I was in the RAF from 1928 to 1953 and it didn't seem too long for me. Just this time with the Gulf and all I had my trousers pressed ready to be called up into the SBS, but they never called." While in the RAF, George served alongside a certain Aircraftsman Shaw, who was later to make his name as Lawrence of Arabia. George, however, was not too overawed by that; besides which he is still very much stamping his own mark on the London scene, not least of all through his near legendary drinking bouts. George casually describes himself as a "happy-go-lucky drunken bum", and to illustrate the point recounts one of the latest episodes in his love affair with the "mental juice"; "Ya should have been wi' us lastSaturday. We set off at twelve and finished up at eleven at night all goggle-eyed. We had to go home holding onto the rails." His drinking stories do not always have such happy endings though. An incident from eight years ago stands out in his mind , when he tripped on an uneven pavement and ended up in plaster. George grins mischievously Photo: Karl Penhaul and with indisputable logic says; "some people said I should have sued the council, but how can a Scotsman sue the council for tripping over a flagstone at ten past twelve on New Year's Eve?" On the subject of live, George has a story or two, each apparently taller than last. He confesses that through women he has drawn closer to the church. Once, in the face of overwhelming odds, George piped up to a friendly Salvation Army girl; "what about rubbin'yer hips?"' He conceded defeat to the better man only when she caustically replied; "You'll not be putting your hands on my body, my soul belongs to God!". Not one to dwell on a knock-back, George went on to entice a young woman from a convent; she later became his wife. George is, however, unwilling to elaborate further on his "users guide to pulling nuns", claiming that his is waiting on a "cash and tell" deal from the Daily Mirroi;. He might even tell them the one about his son being a mercenary in Zaire at the same time! Although George never actually worked at the LSE, he was a porter at the Royal College of Surgeons, and has built up solid friendships with some of his counterparts at the LSE. He introduces his pal Terry; "aye we've got a little gang, if I've not got a bob them maybe you have for instance, or ntaybe he has. Well Terry here's never short of a boh, I hang on to him, I make sure of that." George reveals that he has beenaregularinthe Three Tuns for the best part of 40 years, and is proud of the fact that he has never been barred, although he has come close. He reveals; "before it was different in here . Everyone would be playing crib-bage or dominoes. Butlshouldn't criticise, otherwise the secretary will end up throwing me out." , And what of the students themselves, have they changed? "the students have changed over the years. There was a time there in the 60's when they were having sit-ins and takeovers all. the while, but things seem to be a bit calmer now, perhaps because of all the foreign students here who have to pay their fees. They don't drink so much either now, but they get more boisterous. They can still hold their drink, but nowadays I think they hold it in their trousers!" And what advice does George have to offer LSE's current students, particularly in the run up to exam time; "ach weel, ya can't give a student any good advice cos they take no bloody notice, they go on the piss and that's their lot...no seriously, I think you can study too much. I've seen students go berserk if they pass and faint if they fail. You've got to relax, get a general bit of knowledge about everything and not he a perfectionist in any one thing." Any betting tips for the hard up student?; "well, I started the pools he-fore even Littlewoods or Vernons ever came out. I won eight shillings, and the first tirrie the panel met I won £12,1 think everyone in Britain had 24 points that weekend. Since then I've won nothing. The horses are no better." George gives no real clues about his age, except to say: "I'm 49-though maybe a few summers have slipped by -you don't notice them do you? You should put into life what you want to take out-I've had my laughs and sadness. Live long and die happy, that's what I say, I think I'll stop at 93." So George, with your incredible ability to hold a pint, and your knack for spinning a yarn what about the prospect of passing from the annals of LSE folklore to a post on the Board of Directors, or to a chair in the Department of Philosophy.?; ""ach, I could nae do that, the only course I've ever passed is inter-course!" Perfect qualifications!! diary K This week; A typical L.S.E. student writes again. 'The Importance of Being Bingo' It now seems incredible that'it was only a few days ago that I believed that I had safely negotiated another term. As I sat in my armchair while Jeeves shimmered in with a large B and SI felt that things were generally on the up and up.Next week I could look forward to seeing Merryl Wyn Davies taking about 'How the Media covers Islam' for the Islamic Society in the New Theatre at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday. I had also noticed that Sheikh Nazim Qubrush was to speak for the Islamic Society on Thursday the 14th in the Old Theatre at 4:45 p.m. Jeeves caught my contented stare as he glided towards the door. 'When you think about it Jeeves,' I said, 'life does bear an uncanny resemblance to a bowl of cherries.' 'Indeed it does sir,' he replied with a definite air of understanding. It was just then that a knock sounded at the door. As Jeeves went to answer it I fell back into my chair unaware of the horrors that were in store for me. It was only when young Bingo Little entered that I realized that something was definitely up. 'Hello Bertie, I have some incredible news.' I sat up in my chair and pretended to be curious I, however, could guess what his news would be. 'I'm in love Bertie. Isn't it wonderful?' , 'But you told me that you were through with girls.' 'Yes and I wasn't lying, she isn't a girl she's an angel.I realize that in the past I've been led astray but that's all over now. I went to the Economics Society Meeting on Tuesday the 12th to see John Flemming, Assistant Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and before he even started to speak on ' The Role of E.B.M.D. in Eastern Europe' I saw her and the scales fell from my eyes.' 'Really.' 'Yes and that's not all. I already know how to make her fall head over heals in love with me. So you can tell Jeeves that I will never again need to inquire for his services, I have it all worked out.' 'So how are you going to do it?' 'It's simple. I've written a new musical play and I'm going to have it performed in the Old Theatre. Daisy has agreed to be my leading lady. When she discovers my amazing talents she'll be forever more by my side. You will have to excuse me Bertie I'm in a terrible hurry. I've got to go and work on my master piece. All of this work means I will even have to miSs Clare Short M.P. talking on Tuesday at 6p.m. in A506. Also my plans to see Ambassador Boris Biancheri on Monday in ASS talking about the European Community and the Gulf can't be fulfilled' I saw an American motion picture recently, it was a gangster film I believe, in which the chief mobster kept telling people to 'make like a tree.' The extraordinary thing was that instead of standing still holding their arms out like branches they all left in rather a hurry. I later inquired with Jeeves about this and he informed me that the full expression is 'why don't you make like a tree and leave?' Well I must say that I've never seen anybody make like a tree quite as quickly as Bingo did, in fact, he made more like an entire forrest. It was a few days later that I went to the L.S.E. to see Bingo's production. I stopped briefly outside the Old Theatre to purchase a programme. The cover informed me that the play was: 'The Importance of Being Bingo, a new Musical Play written for the stage by Richard Little. Music and Lyrics Written By Richard Little. Staring Richard Little. Directed by Richard Little. A Richard Little Production.' I must say that I was impressed though the title did sound rather familiar. I found my seat and sat down just before the play started and I looked forward to an intriguing evening. At first the whole thing was running smoothly. Bingo corri-manded the stage and I could see Daisy looking on with admiration. It was only when Bingo had informed a character called Lady Bracknell (who reminded me of my Aunt Agatha) that he was found as a baby in a handbag, and he went into his first song of the evening, that things started to go wrong. Bingo came forward to the front of the stage as a drum beat started in the background. Then he started to sing. 'This is Bingo Little, this is Bingo Little doing the do, and you are to 'cos there's nothing you can do...' It was at this moment that Bingo was interrupted by a member of the audience. 'Hey mate you've stolen that,' said the voice. Others started to heckle and Bingo was clearly put offby the distraction. From then on things went steadily down hill. Others began to notice the amazing similarity of the rest of Bingo's repertoire to other songs. The evening became a disaster and I could see Daisy begin to cry in her embarrassment. After it was all over I returned to my rooms to tell Jeeves of my terrible experience. After I had finished Jeeves gave me a thoughtful look. This is all very regrettable sir,' I agreed with him completely. 'I believe this matter will require a certain amount of thought Sir.' 'Then get to it as quickly as possible Jeeves, we have no time to lose.' TO BE CONTINUED NEXT TERM. 8 OPINIONS The Beaver, 11th March, 1991 The Beaver Why despite the efforts of successive Rag committees is rag never a huge event at LSE? True, for a number of people it is the culmination of weeks of exhausting work but to the detriment of the charities, and to this college, people who involve themselves in rag are a minority. Rag attempts to raise money through special events and , sponsored lunacy. All students are required to do is turn up to enjoy themselves, do whacky things, and pay a few pounds. So what's the problem? The problem is that at this college there is unhealthy obsession with work. So determined are many people to get their degree that they do nothing else. Other colleges have hard working students, but they nevertheless throw themselves into rag with a bit more abandon. Afterall, why do we study but to develop our minds and/or improve our job prospects. The person who arrives at LSE everyday and spends all their time at a desk is not an interesting person to know or to employ. Those who can't give up a tew hours to be part of a team in a competition for charity, use their initiative to get sponsorship or even attend a benefit performance are nothing short of selfish. They churn out essays on third world poverty and social inequalities but when given the chance to do something immediate to help they cower behind a book. This year's charities were Comic Relief and Amnesty International - specifically chosen by the rag committee to appeal to the altruism in all, regardless of political views. The other charity was CHOICE, which tries to encourage people from deprived areas to go to college. Political hacks jump to their feet in Union meetings to deride the social inequalities that stifle this country but only a few were out raising money last week. Although this year's total should be higher than last year - the potential at LSE will have been barely tapped. If we include post graduates and part timers, there are almost five thousand students here, not to mention the staff and academics who are hardly aware of rag's existence. It could be that the situation is even more pitiful. Is "I can't, I've got too much work on..." just another front for the all too famllar apathetic student who prefers to vegetate endlessly in front of the telly or in the bar to talcing part in the alternative and more productive entertainment of a rag event? The maxim of work uber alles should be confronted, if only to deny unmotivated students a cover for their laziness. The alternative is that LSE will be seen as a haven for socially-inadequate students who prefer to bury themselves in books than learn and benefit from extra curriculm activities at college. Executive Editor Managing Editor News Editors Campus Editor Features Editor Arts Editors Sports Editors Piiotograpiiic Editor Financiai Director Sarah Eglin Deep Valecha Peter Harrad Madeline Gwyon Scott Kelly Sonia Lambert Thomas Cohrs Sahr Johnny Hassan Zaman Suhul Bocresion Alex McDowell Leo Griffin Production Team Richard Stevens, Joanna Boone, Neil Andrevi's, Liz Langley. Staff Ben Accam, Ivana Bacik,Edward Bannerman, Andrew Bayley, Steve Bradford.Pollyanna Bristol,Mike Chappell,Gail Colwell, Daphne Dare,Jonathan Drew,Sarah Ebner, Kimball Forman, Bronwen Grey, Ananda Guha, Daniel Harris, Cristian Herrera Saias, Maarit Kohonen, Jan Kolasinski,Gary Liddington, Sam Leshnick,Stavros Makris, Fiona McDonald, Jason Milner.Kishor Mistty,Syed Mansoor Mohi-Uddin, Joan O'Mahony.Hok Pang, John Pannu, Swaha Pattanaik, Charles Peat. Chris Pincher, Rodrigo Pizarro, Miriam Quayyum, AidanRankin,Timna Rosenheimer, Juanita Shepherd, MichielVan Hulten, Stuart Wilkes, Simon Williams, Karen Wortley,Mark Wynne—Jones. Printed by Eastway Offset, 3-13 Hepscott Road, London E8 Typeset byU.L.C.C. First Hand This week Jonathan Drew relates his experience of a traditional British nightmare Just when you think that British Rail cannot sink any lower in your estimation they manage amazingly to defy even your lowest expectations. This was made clear to me when I tried to take the train home to Cambridge last Sunday. I hadbeen warned, and knew from experience, that BR normally carry out repairs on a Sunday on the London-Cambr-idge line so on Saturday I phoned to find out if on this particular Sunday such repairs might be occurring. "Absolutely not", the gentleman who answered the call told me. On Sundayl duly went along to join the train at Finsbury Park station. There I found that at 8.10 in the morning it is impossible to buy a ticket to Cam-bridge. It was not till after a lot of pleading that the ticket collector agreed to issue a ticket to me "but only because" I had the exact money! The Cambridge traiij turned out not to efflst. I was told to board the Peterborough train and change at Hitchin. The train moved off slowly ... and continued to move slowly. It stopped at stations which I have never seen before on my journeys home and which I hope never to sete again. Finally we stopped at a station calledNew Bamet. For some reason we stayed there for about 15 minutes. Not one person got on and not one got off. At long last the train moved off, and for the first time began ' to gather considerable speed. This might have been cause for joy if it were not for the fact that it was movingbackwardsl The person sitting opposite to me swore profusely. After about 10 minutes the train came to a halt down a siding where it sat whilst a repair vehicle came up alongside it and did something. What it did goodness knows as there was no explanation and certainly no apology. After what seemed like at interminable amount of time, and probably was, the train began inching forward again. It reached Hitchin. I jumped out and made my way towards the ticket collector to find out the time of the connection to Cambridge. "Try platform one", she said before noticing that the Peterborough train was on lire. Sure enough, underneath the carriage in which I had been sitting clouds of thick smoke were gathering! I made my way to platform one where to little surprise I found no sign of the Cambridge train but plenty of disgruntled fellow travellers. Despite the cold weather British Rail had, true to form, locked andbarred the waiting room. I noticed that the Peterborough train was still alight and heard the ticket collector ask several minutes later quite nonchalantly if anyone had yet called the fire brigade! A train arrived at the platform. I, and the other four travellers bound for Cambridge (I had had enough time to meet them), boarded it only to be told it was going to London. We got offand waited. And waited. Finally one of the others, a psycho -type person who wore a flal^ jacket and could easily have been an extra or even a star in "Beat Up Your Grandmother" went back to try to wring out some information from the ticket collector. He returned looking as though he had fi- nally met his match. She didn't know. Another train pulled into the station. We enquired of the driver if he was going to Cambridge. "No, I am going to have a cup of coffee" came the reply. "Anyway", he went on, "trains are only running as far as Royston today as there are repairs on the line, so you'll have to take a bus from there to Cambridge." Less than ten seconds later we had agreed to club together to get a taxi the rest of the way (or should I say most of the way as Hitchin is closer to London thanto Cambridge).Unbelieva-bly the taxi managed to break down on the way but that is another story. The fact is that a journey that usually takes less than an hour took over three and a half times as long. The line between Cambridge and London has been named "The Great Northern" by BR. A more appropriate name might be "The Great Debacle". Jonathan Drew Post Haste Letters ts E2D5 by faabd or by Internal mail by 3pin Tiuirtday Loose talk costs votes Dear Beaver, The Gulf War is thankfully over. Anyone who refuses to acknowledge that, had Kuwait's main export been palm trees, Saddam would have got away with his aggression is deluded. But it was important to uphold the principle that Iraq violated: that it is unacceptable to march into someone else's country. It is a disgrace that the world has sat by and watched this happen in the past (Turkey in Cyprus, Israel in the West Bank/Gaza) but it would have been even more wrong to let Saddam have his way this time. Two wrongs don't make a right. It makes the world a hypocrite, but let's hope that at least something is now done about the unpunished invasions that Fve mentioned above. But seeingthe (mercifully low) Allied casualty figures did make me recall a UGM earlier this term in which a motion relating to whether we should support the war was being debated. I particularly remember seeing Mel Taylor reel off a list of things that would happen during a Gulf War. The statistics she quoted would have depressed the Laughing. Cavalier. For example, we were told there would be 100,000 dead allied troops within days. The conflict would "probably be nuclear" and there'd definitely be a lot of chemical weapons flying around. We'd have a quick "^ihad" and $65 per barrel oil. What actually happened? Nearer 100 than 100,000 dead. No nuclear, biological or chemical weapons. No jihad. And oil is now trading below the pre-inva-sion price and never even threatened its October peak. The jury is out on the environmental effects. They are certainly bad, but nowhere neeir the "nuclear winter^ nightmare scenario that was promised. Perhaps she believed what she said, but in all probability she was just scaremongering; attempting to play on our emotions to get us to vote against the supporting the war. What has actually happened goes to show what a duff tdctic scarcmongcring is. For one thing it made her look silly then (and even sillier now). But more importantly it devalues everything else that she has to say (most of which I agree with, incidentally). Voicing concern about the realistic effects of war, yes. Scaremongering, no. Thisbrings out the fundamental weakness of the LSE left; they do not seem to know where to draw the line between speaking out and shutting up. For all the faults of the LSE right (and there are many!) it seems to me that they know how to maximize their support given the fact that they peddle a lot of odious rubbish. With the exception of "homophobe of the year" Marriott, they manage to conceal their more extreme views and by so doing they gamer a lot of votes from the "silent majority" of LSE students. The left, on the other hand continue their "ideological strutting" week in, week out and they wonder why they don't perform better at election times. If the Left wish to become a really strong force in this college, they've got to recognize that they need the support of as many of the "silent majority" as possible. They don't need to compromise their principles to do this - they've just got to learn when they should speak and when they should shut up. And I wish they'd leam sooner rather than later. Yours faithfully, Russell Edwards DSG's position on outside politics Dear Beaver, In the light of comments made during the recent sabbatical election campaign, we felt it necessary to clarify the DSG's position on outside politics. It is in no way true that the DSG discourages its members from getting involved in campaigns r individuals in the group are currently involved in Charter 88 and the Lithuanian Independence movement, to name a few. We agree with Julian Bild when he says that students have the potential to affect huge political change. There is no denying this. Equally, we believe that the aim of a Students' Union should be to deal with issues that affect students and it was to this end that the group was formed. The DSG is made up of a variety of individuals whose news on certain external issues may differ widely. It was therefore felt inappropriate for such a group to ictate policies to its members and it is left to their discretion to decide which of the, admittedly very important, campaigns they will support. We hope this will have made matters more clear to those who were in doubt. The Executive of the DSG School refutes security allegations Dear Beaver, Mr WaqarHussain's letter about the Islamic Society's conference arrangements on Saturday 16 February misrepresents the situation. Th,e Society had given considerable publicity to this event and then discovered that security problems existed in relation to one or more of the participants. Mr Hussain and his colleagues apparently assumed that administrative and portering staff of the School would not act in the role of security officers: that is not their role. In the circumstances, at the last minute the Society discovered it was itself responsible with dealing with the situation - with help from the administration. Veiy fortunately, it was possible to make appropriate arrangements, which seemed to have worked well. The Islamic Society could have saved itself much trouble if it had enquired of the SU officers what expectations the School would have in regard to security for a society event. It was not a new situation, andthe Conference Office could also have given appropriate advice, if asked at the time when the event was first arranged. Yours sincerely, M.E. Coops, Head of Site Development and Services. S. U. Cafe Easter Opening Times 7th March - 26th March Inclusive 10am-3pni Cafe closed: 27th March v7th April re-opens: Monday - 8th April 10am •3pm Pon't ibfge^ BriM^ Hostdtgoa'm Bemot. FRIENDS OF JOHN McCARTHY, PO BOX 80, LONDON WCIX 8X1: TEL: 01-278 7916. 10 FEATURES The Beaver.l 1th March, 1991 Multiple Vision Since the Director unveiled his "vision" of the future LSE, many other people have mysteriously started seeing things The Beaver presents some light hearted glances into the crystal ball, as well as some more serious criticisms of the Director's plans. Martin Raiser's Green Vision of the LSE in 2020 In 2020 the LSE will be called the London School of Environmental and Political Sciences. E.U.V.Weitsadner, president of the European Environmental Institute, has labelled the 21st Century the century of the environment, following the current century of economics. Or course we will continue to teach economics, but we cannot afford to model "ceteris paribus". In other words, nature constantly adapts, and the LSE as an institution will survive only if it increases its attention to these mechanisms. For the academic aspects of the school this means that every course will be fundamentally interdisciplinary in nature and aware of the limitations of positive statistical science. No, Di'. Ash-worth, we should not become a think-tank for big business. The increasing importance of micro research means that we will continue to rely on public funding if we want to teach and research with any relevance to the "real world" populated by 11 billion people. For the structural side of the school, this means we have to remain truly international and not just European. I can envisage every student spending one term of his or her course in a practical environment, integrating theory and practice. Our research centres should provide free information to promising alternative projects and advice to governments rather than aiming at competitiveness in the international scramble for academic honours. Finally, the school itself will have changed. The asset of Houghton Street will become the more important because of its central location, as public transport and bicycles replace cars. But the buildings will have to be insulated, there will be efficient recycling schemes and a general attitude of care amongst students and staff. A safe cycle ride will enable commuting and the transferal to a new expanded sight without the stress of the London Underground. • My vision is green. It has to be, if we think carefully about it, otherwise the London School of Economics in 2020 will be as irrelevant as Thatcherism in the 1990's. Antonia IVIociian takes a tour of the LSE with the 2020 intake. raa/aph "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the LSE Open Day 2020. We're here to show you round the school, to give you an idea of what life here will be like." Miss. Nixon, Assistant Registrar (yes, she'll still be around - can you imagine the LSE without her ?) is standing at the front of a huge auditorium with built in video screens so that the people at the back can see. This isn't a lecture hall - lectures are now carried out a la Patrick Dunleavy, with the notes transmitted straight into each student's computer terminal at home. This is good for those students, an alarmingnumber, who live in Norwich, Coventry and Bournemouth as London rents have forced people out of the capital. This auditorium is actually for classes; teaching posts have been cut and classes, in the words of our new Director Christopher Pincher, have had "to expand their capacity in order to ensure all students have a time tabled class". So class EGlOl - German Markets, has an attendance of400. Is it any wonder that students get "does not contribute in class" written on their' reports? Anyway, back to our Freshers. There's a huge intake this year, especially of overseas students. In fact of the 10,000 students at LSE, 6,000 are from overseas, a growth rate in line with Professor Sir John Ashworth's increases of 30 years before. The expansion in the size of the School has been possible by taking the social science departments of UCL, Kings and QMW (which closed down in 2004) and absorbing SEESS altogether. We are currently at the undergraduate site, created by Prof Sir.John Ash-worth 20 years ago. It is a prime piece of land in the heart of London's Docklands, not ten minutes from the river. The undergraduate halls of residence are located within about 20 minutes. There are still small worries to be ironed out- a major problem is the three-quarters of an hour travelling time it takes to see one's tutor, who is usually a member of the Graduate School, situated in a huge tower block on what was once the Aldwych sight. It competes with the New Bush House for the tallest building in London - all 78 floors of it. The graduate schpol needs a lot of room for the 7,000 students it contains. Research is increasing, especially since the Government introduced the privatisation of University departments. So now we have the Amstrad department, of Computer Science, the Price Water-house department of Economics, and the Daily Telegraph Department of Political Science. This is of course in the Graduate school; back in Wapping there are only two departments. Capitalism and European Capitalism! I think we'll leave the new students to look around - they can go and do all those studenty things, like walking on the Thames (now possible because of the pollution). And when we old fogeys tell them about the wonderful days of the Shaw Library, the Brunch Bowl and actually walking to lectures, they'll laugh at us and say "Come on, this is the twenty-first century". Sonia Lambert pictures a future which is far from rosy. Its 2020, and I'm in my first year at the LSE. Of course I'm very proud to be studying at such a famous institution. We get a very large number of our graduates into the Eurocracy, in fact we're second only to Hitachi College Oxford. But then, we've always been good at adapting to the times -1 guess that's why we are called the London School of Enterprise (and Personnel Selection). Yes, I'm really very glad that my parents put my name down for a place here when I was seven. I'm in group X, which means that. between 2pm and 5pm every second Thursday I get to use the original LSE buildings on Houghton Street. They have a very clever system. You take a number from a machine at the entrance, and then you wait until your number flashes up in neon on a huge screen, and then you can go in. On the first day of term, we all started queuing at 5am, it was so exciting. Even more exciting are the Tequila parties, which are still held regularly. Several hundred thousand of us get so drunk, and have slich a good time; they need the riot police to regain control! Every morning we have televisual tuition for six hours - two hours of Eurostats, Euroadmin and Europol. You have to concentrate quite hard. In the old days you used to get students (that's what they used to call clients) watching the televisions in their cardboard boxes, so they had to introduce a property qualification for entry to the LSE. Quite right, really, I mean it must be very hard to concentrate properly if you don't have a house to live in. Thankfully the United States of Europe is rapidly becoming a classiest society. Everyone, even the homeless, can buy a ticket in the Eurolottery, and several people become Billionaires overnight. So really everyone has a chance to study at the LSE. Life at the LSE wasn't always this good, though. I was bom at the end of the 1990s - it must have been a terrible decade to live through. First there was the Channel Tunnel Disaster, and then the Civil War broke out for control over Europe between the White Army and the Reds. If you can get up to the Re-founders Room, you'll see a portrait of General Alan Sked; a legendary hero in the White Army. (Yes, he was once at LSE you know). Anyway, when the Whites were victorious, they installed President Thatcher, dropped all their objections to European Unity, and created the United States of Europe. Thankfully President Thatcher is still able to guide us, and she's looking remarkably well considering she's just had her third heart replacement opera- tion. In the Refounders Room you can also see the portrait of our most famous refounder. Lord John Ashworth. It was he who saved us from being an insignificant, elitist backward-looking institution (they used to study lots of primitive mumbo-jumbo written by dead people) and created the vast efficient institution which we know and love today, where knowledge is truly accessible to all those who can afford it. It was also Lord Ashworth, I believe, who gave us the School mascot - a lemming. The Beaver, 11th March, 1991 FEATURES 11 Gender Segregation at the LSE? A strange story by Martien Kuitenbrouwer and Pestman. I just failed my exams. After all these years I have started getting used to it. Fortunately I had a job as a Straightener in the library. After all, I had my professional pride and my skills. I asked for a promotion, it took me some time to gather together enough courage. They were really nice to me, they appreciated me and they were right; I was indispensable. Yesterday 1 was banned from the cafe. I had been going there for years, and they got used to me in the end. They knew my favorite flapjacks and they knew how I liked my coffee. I didn't have to say anything. That day I didn't wear my grey jumper. I left late for school because the milkman had not left the milk in the usual place. On thebridge I saw a boy falling into the river. I jumped in to save him and later his mother gave me her dry cardigan. That must have confused them in the cafe. I had never taken the other queue. I didn't notice that they gave me stuffed aubergine, I should have known by then, coloured vegetables are never served in the male section. When I couldn't find my table I realised that I had made an unforgivable mistake. I had never seen so many breasts before. They were right, there are some things a man can't do. I always approved of the gender segi'egation in the cafe. My colleague offered to have a word with the segregation committee. But I told him that it was better this way, 1 know I was wrong. That is how I lost my job as a Straightener in the Library. Michiel van Hulten, who will be General Secretary of the Students' Union next year, gives his reaction to the Director's Vision. The Universities Funding Council (UFO last week announced the level of Government funding that universities will receive next year. A number of institutions did extremely well, others did pretty badly. In the latter category two names stand out : LSE and Salfbrd. After all, our new Director, John Ashworth, often hailed as the School's long-awaited saviour, was Vice-Chancellor of Salford until last summer. The fact that the person who is about to embark the LSE on its most extensive programme of change since 1895 achieved such apparently poor results at Salford must act as a warning signal to us, as we begin to debate his "Vision" in earnest. Over the next four months the outgoing and incoming members of the Students' Union executive will be drafting a reply to the vision, including alternatives to Ashworth's proposals. I will not pre-empt that discussion by putting forward my own "Vision" here. Rather, I want to point out what I see as the main positive and negative features of the plan. The Director puts much emphasis on improved facilities for graduate students, vocational elements such as language and computer skills for undergraduates, and top quality teaching at an enlarged site. So far so good. He then argues for an expansion of student numbers to 10,000.1 believe that LSE must play a role in the expansion of higher education, but not at the expense of the quality of teaching and of the LSE environment. The idea of two sites, one for the undergraduate and one for the graduate school is very unappealing. It would endanger the quality of undergraduate teaching as well as undermine the LSE atmosphere which undoubtedly exists. Most worrying, however, is Dr.Ashworth's plan for a two-course undergraduate school ; a European Course (economics, law and politics put together) and an ill-defined academic course. What future, if any, for the history, geography, sociology and other departments? If a reorganisation is necessary, it would make more sense to streamline the present structure by grouping departments into faculties. We could, for instance, have a Human Sciences Faculty offering courses in sociology, anthropology and psychology, leading to a new "BSoc Sci" degree. I hope that this Beaver forum will be the start of a debate on the "Vision" among students, which until now has been virtually nonexistent. The stakes are high, so we must at some stage play our card. LSE Print Room E202 Photo-copying at cheap prices (copy cards from the SU shop), printing of society leaflets done in Black-and- White or Colour. Design work also taken at competitive rates. Unique career with a leading US bank iib SOUND JUDGEMENT AND A STRONG NERVE You may have a good idea of what bankers are like. There's the plummy pin-striped type whose daddy is in banking too. Or there's the trading floor hothead with several phones attached to each ear. Neither of them, of course, is anything like you. Well in Bankers Trust Global Trading, if you don't fit the stereotype you may make the grade. We are looking for a small number of unusual individuals to join our team. You'll already have demonstrated that you aren't just one of the crowd. You are hiature and intelligent, but you enjoy pressure and are good at taking risks. Perhaps you play competitive games - you are certainly a shrewd decision-maker and are motivated by winning. Among the most successful foreign exchange and debt securities trading teams in the world, we in Global Trading have a powerful influence on financial markets. We work closely together and enjoy our success. And the financial rewards are excellent. If this has awakened your interest, do get in touch. Please send CV or Standard Application Form to: Lindsay Hanson Global Trading Bankers Trust Company 1 Appold Street, Broadgate London EC2A 2HE Bankerslnist Company 12 ARTS The Beaver, 11th March , 1991 > t ARTS AGENDA Exhibitions: Beaver Rating: MAN RAY: BAZAAR YEARS -Ct^ photography exhibition Barbican Art Gallery 071-638-8891 10 to 5:45 ev. day until 1 April GREAT IMPRESSIONIST PAINTINGS art exhibition Royal Academy of Arts 071-287-9579 10 to 5:00 ev. day until 14 April f- TURNER: THE FOURTH DECADE liiV art exhibition Tate Gallery 071-821-1313 10 to 5:00 cv. day until 12 May MAX ERNST: A RETROSPECTIVE ? AiJr art exhibition Tate Gallery 071-821-1313 10 to 5:00 ev. day until 21 April NEW DISPLAYS 1991 -it-Ct . art exhibition Tate Gallery 071-821-1313 10 to 5:00 ev. day until autumn STRIP SEARCH 2 na Comic exhibition Willesden Green Library Center 081-451-0294 Until 26 Marc Theatre THE MILLIONAIRESS by George Bernard Shaw Battersea Arts Centre 071-223-2223 8 pm ev. day until 12 March TOKENS OF AFFECTION by Maureen Lawrence The Young Vic 071-620-0568 7:45 Tues., Thur., Sat., until 23 March TIMON OF ATHENS na by William Shakespeare The Young Vic 071-620-0568 7:30 pm ev. day until further notice ALL IN THE WRONG -Cc-Ci by Arthur Murphy Orange Tree Theatre 081-940-3633 7:30 pm ev. day until 30 March THE DEATH OF CHRIS MARLOWE na by Noel Greig Drill Hall Arts Centre 071-631-1353 8 pm ev. day until 23 March Shows CAMPING ON THE ALDWYCH ? by and with Julian Clary The Aldwych Theatre 8 pm ev. day until 21 March THE KING AND I -St by Rodgers and Hammerstein Sadler's Wells Theatre 071-278-8916 7 pm ev. day until 30 March Films POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE KINDERGARTEN COP ?? DANCES WITH WOLVES SHORT TIME -Ct SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY ? THE RUSSIA HOUSE -CfCt-Cc-Ct all at selected London cinemas AKIRA 'The Ritzy Cinema 13 March ONLY na - not reviewed yet •Ct - not too sad if missed -ii-Ct - alright if you're in the area anyway ¦£f£i-Ct - well worth the effort ¦tfCfCfCt - be there or be square Field of Conflict A tragedy of obsessions The Root of All Evils Money is all tliat counts for "The Grifters" There is a life we the normal gray people living lives reflected by statistics of averages are not aware of. It is the life on the edge. They exist on the fringes of accepted norms and conformity. The rule is there are no rules. A boy has rejected conventional values to become a man. A girl of fourteen has rejected her baby to become a woman. Agirl-woman plays on both their suppressed emotions to get the only thing she cares about. Money. Once a con always a con. They all get mixed in an adventure of love, treason and money. Manipulation is the name of the game, conning another professional the reward., Livingon edge. You can't con a con. Anjelica Huston is the emotionless, ice cold runner for the Mob whose maternity in- "The Russia House" evolved from the mind of John le Carr6, established itself in his best seller and then relentlessly hit the big screen with a bang, a few sparks and a major explosion. You have to see this film to believe it. It boasts everything a film-maker dreams of getting in a movie. Suspense, oh so much of it, an intricate plot, a tear jerking love story, an amazing score, superb photography and Sean Connery. The movie is a spy thriller through and through with MI5 and CIA frantic for intelligence which could have major implications for the arms struggle. The movie owes part of it's beauty to the beautiful location shots and accompanying music. One moment you are in stincts could never over ride her survival instinct. John Kuzac is the super cool con looking out for number one. Anette Bening is the femme fatale doing what it takes for the gi'oen ones. Their performance will be the envy of their peers. The Grifters is Steven Frears' first American venture. He remains true to the original «tory and blows a breath of fresh air in a classic American genre. His smooth style, aided by tight editing and a fast flowing story-line has created a vision of a world which is sure to linger on for a long time. The Grifters is on a London wide blow up. Stavros V.S. Makris. Barley's (Sean Connery) Lisbon apartment and the next you are in his hotel facing Red Square, then you are drawn down into the depths of Moscow metro, re-no wned for it's beautiful art and sculpture and whisked of to the CIA apartment perched on the clifTs somewhere in North America. All this coupled with Sean Cannery's unique voice and persona is enough to pull even the toughest heartstrings. Michelle Pfeifier in doing this movie took on one of the most difTicult roles of her life. No, not the fact that she had to work with the irresistible Mr Connery but the fact that she had to exchange her American accent for a Russian one. If ever this was a test for the delightful Miss PfeifTer, she passed it with A father wants v/het he knows is best for his soa. A son wants nothing of what his father knows is best. This is the generic tragic story of obsession. It is timeless and it is true of all people regardless of their culture. In The Field it all unfolds in Ireland in 1939. Deceptively the story starts as a clash of the locals with an outsider. His is the v/orld cf affluence brought about by the exploitation of modern technology. Their's is the world cf poverty brought about by a vicious circle of natural disasters end bad fortune. He wants to bring modernisation andjobs to their world. They stubbornly cling to a myth ridden identity. Ho has bag-loads of money to show for but no cultural heritage. They have loads of heritage but no money. The Field as a story of faith, also touches on the role of the church in Ireland. But essentially it is a story of mans' faith in man. The story of conflict of a closely knit society with the outsider u nderlies the con flicts of faith within a family. A son dominated by his father turns into an emotional cripple. A husband and a wife not having spoken to each other for eighteen years. A silence harboring a terrible secret. An end true to the traditions of Tragedy. There is a raw beauty in the performance of The Fields' cast; an impressive array of acting skills battles the elements measuring up to biting wind, hail and torrential rain. Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot) directs Richard Harris (nominated Best Actor, Oscars '91), John Hurt, Tom Berenger, Brenda Fricker, Sean Bean and a cast of colourful locals to deliver a brutally realistic, emotive time piece. Sheridan brings his idiosyncratic vision to life getting out of his cast tangible discharges of realism. Richard Harris returns with a tour de force of a performance, after a long absence from the big screen, and a well deserved Oscar nomination. John Hurt, a chameleon of an actor, demonstrates credulously one of lifes' greater realities, the weak man living in the shadow of a prominent man propelling him to meet his fate. The Field opened in Curzon, West End on February 22nd. Brian John From Russia With I A compelling brew of espionage, LiOVw intrigue and romance §mi Forget Den Leighton, here comes the man himself; Connety and Pfeiffer take on The Russia House" flying colours. Authenticity reigned supreme on her performance and Katya rose from the script like the phoenix from ashes and assumed a life of her own. At one point I actually forgot about Pfeiffer (is that possible?) and could see only Katya the beautiful Russian ready to risk all she has for the sakeof her country. She is strong intelligent and brave, brave enough to take steps against a system which constrains her but shrewd enough to realize the limitations of alternatives. Sean Connery plays Barley Blair, a British writer who becomes unwittingly to say the least, involved in a the intriguing and immensely dangerous world of espionage. Barley Blair is" a "Boozer", a sort of Jeffrey Bernard without the tongue but with the mouth who loves playing his Saxophone and gulping down his whisky. This is a different role from what we've seen Connery play before but he brings to this part a certain atmosphere which only his other parts could have created. As if Fred Schepisi hasn't already won our hearts, he packs in a cast that would make the Odeon Leicester Square blush. Brace yourselves for this : Roy Scheider (Wow!!!!), James Fox (Mmmm!), Ken Russell (Yes, the enigmatic director), Klaus Maria Brandauer (What a boy !!) On a final note. The Russia House is the best film I have seen all year (save "Come see the Paradise) and if you trust mejust this once, you won't regret it. Sahr Emarco Johnny The Beaver, 11th March, 1991 ARTS 13 Dreamland Revisited "Needs Must" takes you on a tour of wonderland The last tango of pearl and the pllot;"Needs Must" Photo by Battersea Arts Centre "Needs Must" has nothing whatsoever to do with it's title, but takes you through a fantasy land of green bottles, full of strange coloured liquids. The whole piece (play won't be appropriate) is dominated by the symbolic glint and glare projected by the surface of a bottle. The whole thing seems to portray the writers view of death and the life that death creates but it is a rather warped death, distorted by images of death being a sunken ship and these bottles representing emptiness and fluid chaos. The play evolves like a dream, slow and bizarre, but the mystery there makes the whole thing addictive, and the fluid body movements lead you into the depths of forgetful-ness, verging almost on total oblivion. A combination of dance, song, mystery, awe, film, violent imagery and pure imagination make this experience the strange one that it is. You will be shocked by it's originality, awed by it's imagery, drawn by it's mystery and sucked by it's magnetism. You will find that you will be usingyour sixth sense more than your other five and probably you will be tempted to use your seventh. What you feel at the end is not quite elation but rather a drain of energy. These people are dead and therefore must use your energy to get through to you. Only when you let them make contact can you understand what goes on. All in all this is a strange piece, well conceived no doubt, but bizarre. The image of fifty or so bottles swinging at the end of a piece of string still haunts me, the power still has a hold on me and the memory still takes me off on a wild tour of dreamland. The dancing is smooth but completely unconventinal, more like alternative ballet with a major twist. Four people get together to create the story and with a piece of film they brew the potion which will ultimately have it's way with you. This is only for the imaginative. Sahr Emarco Johnny Needs Must is spinning it's web over the Battersea Arts Center. Intensive Care Maureen Lawrence's play provides a touching evening of entertainment. It centres around the realities of a special unit of maladjusted teenagers . Lawrence has tried to evoke a scene of what such a place would be like behind closed doors - thus she succeeded in writing a play which strikes the viewer as a rather harsh "reality". However, it is also an emotional play in which not all conclusions have been unearthed by the time the final lines are spoken... "Tokens of Affection" could even be described as cynical, as it portrays four teenage girls within aforementioned institution: All have been committed for serious reasons ranging from prostitution and rape to expulsion and parental rejection. Although at this point the script may sound somewhat familiar, the author approaches the subject matter in quite a thought-provoking way. The crucial point raised in this play is obviously about the proper educating treatment of such victims of behavioural problems and the whole audience is asked to respond. For a youth-theatre, this performance is undeniably impressive and provides good value for money with an evening of mature entertainment that could easily rival the parent's abilities. "Tokens of affection" are being displayed at the Young Vic until 23 March MADELINE GWYON In Search of the Grail Modern knights gather at the Lyric i and Sandra Freeman Knights of the East German "Round Christoph Hein's "The Round Table" was first performed in East Germany and contributed to the movement that saw the collapse of the Berlin Wall later that year. Its British premiere is a production by The Cracked Mirror Theatre Company directed by Olivia Fuchs. An expiring Round Table attempts to stay in power by resisting the waves of change. The endless search for the Grail fails to produce the expected results when Lancelot (Christopher Preston) returns with the news that the Grail no longer exists Table";Dorian Lough, Stevellamsden i and the Round Table is no longer supported by the people. Arthur (Michael O'Hagan) finally real-izes that the times are changing and is prepared to move along. He tolerates the journalistic criticisms of a disillusioned knight, Parcival (Steve Ramsden) much to the annoyance of Orilus (Neale Goodrum) and Keie (Llam Halligan), who insist on the old order. Mordred (Dorian Lough), Arthur's heir has an entirely different perception of the future, he would like to keep the Round Table in a museum ! The story is well told and although it is a fairly predictable one ,there-are a number of moving scenes ; a particularly memorable one is when Jescute (Sandra Freeman ), the most resolute woman in the group breaks down as Lancelot returns with no good news. It carries over to the audience the potential conflicts that are likely to arise under the severe pressures of long-contained change. BENJAMIN ACCAM "THE ROUND TABLE " stays at the Lyric Hammersmith until 16 March Ahh, heaven Is bliss while Amelia Fletcher is Heavenly. The Clash are number one and now it iooks as if there Is a punIc revival on the way. The time is right and parallels between 1976 and 1991 are becoming more obvious eacli day. Why, only the other day I was suddenly overcome by a desire to spike my hair, stick a safety pin through my ear and rip holes in my best shirt whilst pogoing down the High Street I suddenly realised that those twin peaks of disco and dinosaur rock were once again dominating tho charts in the same way as they were in 1976. Dance music as once again expired under it's own bland creativity with such titles as "Wiggle It" and "In Yer Face" while McCartney, Collins and Queen continue to do "a lot of good work for charity", as Mike Smash would say, and I'm afraid we have returned to those dark days before punk and allowed ali the Knebworths to take over again. Now is the time to re-launch punk in ail it's glory and exterminate them once and for ali. But wait, who will lead this revolt for "the Kids" because if the kids are unlte,d they will never be divided? Surely The Clash wont reform? Will the Sex Pistols rise from the dead? Or will we have to really rely on such crap bands as Manic Street Preachers and Birdland? Yes,I suppose we do. Oh well...... One phenomenon which has returned to the music industry, however, is the desire to be linked with a football club in order to Increase a bands street cred. More and more bands are openly stating their fave team and re-uniting the game of football with the world of popular music on a similar scale to the legendary 'Sixties. The extent to which some bands go to in order to prove their allegiances Is quite bizarre, Halfman HaifBlscuit, for example, refused to appear on "The Tube" because it clashed with a Tranmere Rovers home tie while Ian McCulloch refers to all his enemies as Evertonlans because he himself supports the mighty Reds. JImBob, of the "Sart" London duo Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine, apparently supports Miilwali, sharing a common link with Des O'Connor triv-fans, and wore one of their Infamous "No One Likes Us, We Don't Care" T-shirts during there performance at the "Great" British Music Weekend. With the introduction of all-seater stadiums it will only be a matter of time before soccer fans around the country chant James' "Sit Down' at the opposing team. Stranger things have happened. Even Morrissey as got in on the act, using a football to promote his new LP "Kill Uncle" It's not only tiie groups, however, who have begun to start trends in recent months. Record companies have started a trend called "let's chuck various artists of our label and blame it on the Gulf Crisis". Casualties include Echo and The Bunnymen (mk2) who were unceremoniously dumped by their company Korova WEA only to discover that another subsidiary of WEA had begun releasing the back catalogue of Echo and The Bunnymen (mkl), starting with "People Are Strange". Unsportsman-like or what? But then that's show business and those at the top have a habit of disregarding the feelings of those at the bottom by openly promoting the corpse of a band or a band member to their own advantage. It's a sick world, but if It wasn't for the sick then there would be no doctors and an even greater number of lawyers. Neil Andrews. The Beaver, 11th March , 1991 Prominence of British Art The Tate's New Displays 1991 "Boat in harbour, Brittany" (1929), Oil on board, Ctiristoplier Wood There have also been substantial changes in the rest of the gallery, including the brilliant 'Rape of the Sabines' by Picasso, a complement of his more famous 'Guernica'. For my taste the choice of twentieth century British work is too parochial since there are much more interesting works from the same era which could have been chosen. On the other hand though, this prominence of British art was long overdue. Anyhow, this being the sole reflection of my own thoughts, I leave it up to you to decide. Ifyou have not been to a good exhibition for a while, go and see for yourself! Simon Down "New Displays 1991" are at the Tate Gallery until autumn 1991 The Tate Gallery's 'New Displays 1991' is the second in a series of rotations of the gallery's holdings, of which only a small percentage can be shown at one time. The paintings in twenty of the thirty rooms currently open have thus been changed. There is now an emphasis on British art reflecting the attention that contemporary art is currently receiving internationally. This does not mean, however, that it is all good quality. It would seem, that somebody at the Tate is a big fan of Ben Nicolson, which appears a bit strange. A non- British visitor at the Tate would probably remark that there must be something missing in his or her art education, on wondering why there are so many of his works on show. Nicolson's sterile work could so easily be replaced by more dynamic British work from the same era by David Bomberg or Edward Burra, whose work is absent in the exhibition. The much touted new 'large' work by Howard Hodgkin; 'Rain',is not impressive but almost disappointing. By enlarging his distinctive style he becomes just another abstract colourisl. However, the paintings of Sickert, Gilman and Spencer Gore who formed part of the Camden Town Group are well selected and presented. Also impressive is the expansion of the Pre-Rhaphelite section, with excellent works from Ford Maddox Brown, William Hol-man Hunt and William Powell Frith. "Woman smiling" (1908), Oil on canvas, Augustus John "Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth" (1888-9),Oil on canvas,. Sargent All photos Tate Gallery inger Good Old Days With love, there's all in the wrong Who said things aren't as they used to be anymore ? Should you happen to be sick and tired of the provocative explorations into modern drama thatmanagedtokilloffsomany classical masterpieces before and still seem to be the prerogative of every other young director, well the Orange Tree Theatre is here to save your day' Dedicated to the revival of long forgotten playwrights of the calibre of Arthur Murphy et al., this beautifully refurbished playhouse in Richmond is currently staging the enactment of the most crucial of all lover's dilemmas: "All in the wrong", that is precisely the situation of a load of middle-class eighteenth century cavaliers and their dames, as they hurry enthusiastically, from one heartbreaking misunderstanding to the other...A classical piece of bourgeois light entertainment, the entanglements of three sets of lovers, complete with parental influence and servant's guidance definitely hold you ransom for laughter! I admit that a night among an audience that could easily be described as a suburban congregation might not be the average student's idea of entertainment but then again, have you ever tried ? Besides, the theatre does have a feature that makes the somewhat lengthy journey worthwhile after all: There is actually no stage, the actors basically perform among the audience, accessible in view from all sides, much like the good old Shakespearean "Globe". And apart from that, isn't it comforting to see a well-expected happy-end actually happen ? Thomas Cohrs "All in the Wrong" is happening at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond ( opposite the tube station ) until 30 March "Shouldn't have had that garlic bread, should I?"; Paul Shelley as Sir John Restless with Amanda Royle Photo by Alastair Muir The Beaver, 11th March, 1991 SPORTS 15 Seconds away on winning streak Hoclcey LSE Seconds...........................5 UCLThirds.............................1 This result was never much in doubt once we realized that the opposition had as many, and then less (once Hector bothered to turn up), players than we did. You might think that that is quite common in team sports such as hockey, but things are never quite so simple with the Seconds. That was after, I might add, we had to stoop as low as some (reject) members of the First team, including the Club Captain-elect, Ben, and the Club Captain,the abovementioned Hector, who wcrcon hand to help out. It all seemed a bit easy at first, Frank scoring from a beauty of a cross from Bo in the first minute. UCL braced themselves for a high scoring game, but with too many final passes not quite going to stick, it wasn't to be in the first half. They quickly equalised from a penalty flick, Jon having put in a brave clearance off the line, except he did it with his feet. Shaving precious seconds off your short comer routine before a match obviously pays dividends, although it never did for us. Martin almost saved it; it turned out to be the last time he was troubled, and he was left to watch the football nearby in peace. The second half started much like the first, with Ben underlin- minutes. Jon thumped one in from the top of the dee when UCL failed to clear properly. Straight from the pushback, Jason stole the ball from the centre half and passed it to Frank, who promptly claimed his second. The whole process had taken about twenty seconds -most of the UCL players hadn't even moved yet. Bo claimed the last one, delicately chipping the goalie from a tight angle after another of Ben fab runs down the "The whole process had taken about twenty seconds" ing just why he is next year's Club Captain. Driving in off the left wing, he planted an awesome shot bet ween the advancing goalkeeper and his near post with amazing-force. There then followed a bit of a fiasco, for UCL atleast, with another three goals in about five left wing, andalmosttakingoffa defender's face in the process (totally unintentional). The goalkeeper was later claiming that he had been out on the town the night before (a Chemistry dinner!?), a pretty lame excuse. It could have been so much more. Brett kept looking gift Inside joke horses in the mouth, and shaking his head sadly at that damned woodwork aftx:rwards. Bo got set up after a brilliant run down the right wing by Frank, but managed to hit it sraight at the goalie. Even Ben didn't finish off one or two. Hector and Martin proved in-trumental in our success - they kept eachother company at the back, when the football was a bit boring. Andy (who?) put in a star performance. All in all, it was an enjoyable little game (aren't they all when you win), though few had the stomach to celebrate afterwards. All that remains is to wish next year's Captains, Ben and Uco, the best of luck, and to thank this year's for a job well done. S. Bocresion Better times ahead Women's Basketball LSE......... QMC_______ ..................^ ____________________60 Thanks to Anda Roland, who is now team captain, eleven of LSE's keen basketball players have now established themselves as the LSE Women's Team. After a couple of rather disorganized practices at ULU starting in January,the former Americancheerleader (!) Fred Simkin decided to shape up the team with a bit of American team spirit, as he likes to call it. The team has made a lot of progress with a few weekly practicesunder his guidance. The captain had this to say even after our unfortunate defeat (or did it have anything to do with talent?) in our very first game against Queen Mary and Westfield College on Tuesday: "Our team deftnitely has potential to become good, if not very good". According to the coach himself, the first five to ten minutes of the game went well, as we were concentrating and played "according to plan". In the second half, though, we lost confidence. This was not in the least surprising, consideringQMC are vastly more experienced -they play in the London League - and had some very good players. However, I would say that the Hnal score is sli^tly misleading. When our guards, Jen and Tomoko, took con- team. Tomoko and Chrisabo are Japanese, Clara Italian, Jen American, Kirsten and Caroline German, Ornit half French and half Israeli, Alexia Greek, Maria Finnish and myself&om Sweden. No wonder Fred gets confused with all our names! I would definitely say that he has succeeded in providing the right team spirit -everyone seems to be very eager to continue playing "The score was a little misleading...Our team has [the] potential to become very good" trol of the game, we were at times quite a threat. They certainly showed not only QMC but the whole world that you don't have to be tall to play basketball! 'The eleven member team is comprised of nine different nationalities, Anda being the only British player on the AU Election results Jon Bradburn was elated the new president of the Athletics Union by a winning margin of twenty four votes. The 1991/2 commitee is as follows: President:..................^...^i.v..................... J^onBradbum ExternalVice-Pi«sideht:.;....~...........MarcoForgione General Secretary;.........;.....—...........^......Brett Melser Assistant Geh.Sec:........^vi..........~...—.J5eiyainin Wales Iliternal Vice President:.,.........i............Kat6 Hockley Many thanks to the outgoing Committee. and we are looking forward, with a touch of apprehension, to our next game against Essex University on Wednesday. Rumour has it that this team has reached National Championship standards. Fred is urging the two American girls who joined us at the very beginning, but have not be seen since, to come out of hiding and contribute to this week's game. If the team keeps up its interest and ambition, and if Fred continues to coach us, I can see the team joining local leagues and competing on a more official basis against other Universities. Some of us, though, are only here as general course students and others are third years, so the team will not survive in this form into next year. The rest are very likely to stay active, and of course we would welcome any new players. The weekly practices are very social, and, so they say, leaves one feeling fit and ready for work. By Pemilla Malmfalt the Aphrodite Society warmly invites y ou to an END OF TERM CELEBRATION at VALBONNE's (previously PalJoey's) in Kingly Street Wednesday 13th March 9a.m-3am Tickets: £5 (includes entry into prize draw for a free airticket to Paris) Contact Wriglit's Bar for tickets. 16 SPORT The Beaver, 11th March, 1991 Houghton Street Harry Spare a thought for poor old Harry this week. Whilst you lot are all feeling sorry for yourselves as the end of term nears realizing that you still have one essay for every day of the week left, I am stuck here at home with flu. I am unable, unfortunately, to even attempt those essays, and cannot do anything more energetic than watch daytime television (and believe me, you would not like to be in my place!). Yet never fear, I decided that I could not leave you all without your weekly fix of Harry. However, having dragged myself up from my sickbed, I realized that I actually had no idea what to write. "How about writing about Daglish", some helpful soul in my house suggested. Unfortunately that was last week's news, and anyway, the only reason why I would care about his resignation is that it means that Arsenal are going to win the League and maybe the double: something which does not make me too happy. Last week I decided against writing about Liverpool because everyone else was. Even the so-called "quality newspapers" (Harry's obviously referring to the Beaver - Eds.) had item after item on Mr. Daglish. Now that all the fuss has died down I feel it is time to add my bit. Okay, this is also because I have been unable to come up with anything else, but still, I have decided to look at Daglish's resignation from a different angle (everything's from a different angle when you're lying in bed!). I want to look not only at Daglish and Liverpool, but also about what he says were his reasons for resigning. We were told he resigned because of the "pressure". Now; as students, we all know about pressure. It happens at the end of term when all those essays are due, it happens when you realize that we soon have exams (I just thought I'd cheer you all up!), it happens when your parents phone to say they're coming on a surprise visit in ten minutes and your house is in a complete tip. However, it appears that these are not real pressures. Real pressure is when you're a football manager who has won the League three times, the FA Cup twice, and whose team is at the top of the League and on course for the double. Poor old Liverpool. No more dreams of the double though, although they could still win the League. If Kenny was still manager, we could all understand him feeling the pressure. Yet he resigned before all this. Could he see into the future, or had he, as I reckon, simply put a large bet on Arsenal winning the double, and was scared of losing the money? It is interesting though, that Daglish felt under pressure because his team was doing well. It shows that the feeling does not only exist during a losing streak; it also occurs when trying to keep the high standards you, in Liverpool's case, and the rest of the country, has set. Most managers are sacked or resign because they are doing badly. After all, Howard Kendall did not come back to Everton because Colin Harvey was doing brilliantly well, but to put Everton back on the winnirtg track. It would be easily understood if he complained of being under pressure - people are expecting great things from him now. The same could be said about Alex Ferguson. Make sure the team overcomes Montpellier, Alex. The fans, not to mention the directors, all expect something back for all that money you've had. If we're talking about pressure, two managers recently in the news, appear to have been experiencing real pres-svire. Johann Cruyff, a brilliant Dutch player in the 1970's, and now a coach and still only 43, recently had a heart attack due to all the aforementioned pressures. That it is certainly an undeniable indication of the strains which managers are under. On another level, one of the most pressured managers at the moment must be Terry Venables. I have been accused of always going on about Spurs, but I haven't actually mentioned them, or football, for a couple of weeks. He needs some money to buy new players, because lets face it, and without meaning to blaspheme, the team is not quite as good as it could be. However, because of the disastrous state of Spur's finances (not the fault of the footballing side of the club) he can't afford anyone. Worse still, there is continous talk of Venables having to sell his best players (Terry, sell Lineker, not Gazza!). Now that's pressure! I hope I managed to talk about Liverpool and Daglish without mentioning them too much. I do wonder whether, as many commentators have suggested, Daglish will be back in football, perhaps in Scotland, soon. If so, the pressure was not the real reason he left. After all he must have been under pressure for a long while, and it is strange tljat he resigned on a Friday, the day before a match (at Luton) he always detested. Whatever the real reason , there is no doubt now that pressures do exist in football. I do wonder though whether Kenny realizes that they also exist in many other walks of life. Try and find a job that does not include pressure. Wake me up when you've done it! Skirmishing scliolars Robert Smith thanks those who exposetj their sublime talents for an enjoyable evening's entertainment Boxing Competition The column this week comprises a brief but deserving word of praise for the second annual LSE boxing night which last Wednesday provided spectators and Beaver reporter alike with a thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment. Amidst much anticipation in the audience and to ominous chants of "Rocky, Rocky", the first of the four bouts on show got underway just after 8.30pm and featured an intriguing inter-collegiate light-middleweight clash between Simon Collier (LSE) and Ian Ross (SSES). With both lads making up in aggressive determination what they lacked in skill and class and consequently tiring in the closing stages, the result was always going to be a close one, though the judges' verdict of a draw perhaps marginally favoured the "away" boxer. The second bout, also at light-mid-dleweight, went to Alan McNi-col, who despite looking less technically gifted than opponent Sid Thirmu, nevertheless consistently displayed the greater degree of aggression throughout and swayed the judges in his favour by 60-57. One wonders what would have happened had Sid gone forward a bit earlier for when he did 'land' in the closing stages Alan certainly wavered. In the fourth bout, Tim Fevyer outclassed and overwhelmed Tom Chopin, 60-55, but this was A handful of fun no disgrace as Tim, founding-father of the now thriving LSE boxing club, was definitely the dable showing. The tag of 'Fight of the Night' went to the third bout of the eve- "the show got underway...to ominous shouts of'Rocky, Rocky!'" most experienced and probably the most accomplished performer on view. Perhaps it is worth pointing out, however, that Tom was below his best on account of recent illness, and would otherwise have put up a more formi- ning featuring middleweights Nigel Dyble (LSE) and Mike Brunskill (SSES), both men engaging in some savage and telling exchanges. The verdict of 60-53 in Nigel's favour was perhaps slightly generous, as I felt, in common with many other neutral observers, that the 'away' fighter had gained the upper hand. To conclude, many thanks to all who participated in and contributed to a fine evening's entertainment, especially Andy Hull, LSE's own British Universities light-middleweight champion, who to-ordinated activities and acted as referee, the judges (xl!!), the seconds, the MC and last but not least all those courageous enough to put their sublime boxing talents on public view! Robert Smith King's and queen's demise LSE Firsts triumph over regal counterparts Football LSE 1........................................3 Queen Mary College 1.............1 LSE, battling hard in the two previous games, came out triumphant victors in a clash that will be remembered more for its appalling pitch than the standard of play. LSE seized the initiative in the first half, going two up, the first a sweetly struck penalty by Kelvin Farrow that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Ga-reth O'Leary, put clear through, rounded the goalkeeper and scored in an empty net for the second. LSE 1.........................................2 Kings College Hospital 1.......0 The game was expected to be a struggle asitcametoo soon after the annual Football Club dinner, but after the 90 minutes were up the LSE came out easy winners. Pat Eyre was still drunk when he scored the first of his LSE career after intricate play by Rush, O'Leary and Butler. LSE were always on top and KCH were never given an opportunity. Stem defensive play by Marcus Chapman, Dave Barrett and Alex Hunt, together with Jon Grant's safe hands in goal, kept KCH at bay. The midfield dominated the game - John Butler, Andy Clas- Marco van Basten in the European Cup. The cross supplied by Alex Hunt was a peach. Finally, as the season comes to a close, the LSE First Team has had its highs and lows and should have finished higher up ¦1; # in the league. Best wishes for next season when John Billy Bonds Butler takes charge with Laurie "I'm not going to follow Kenny Dalglish" Ryan. Kelvin Farrow / ' %. "the icing on the cake was John'svolley... remeniscent of van Basten's in the European Championships" The second half lacked any real flair. QMC struggled back into the game following a scrambled'corner, and would have equalized a few minutes later but for Dave Barrett's clearance off the line. Following that incident, LSE were never going to let the game slip, and Paul Rush finally scored a goal to round off a very satisfying performance. per, Gareth O'Leary and Pat Eyre (subbed later by Andy "Dodgy Barnet" Pettitt) ran down the opposition and never left KCH with a chance. Up front, Paul Rush came close (the comer flag) and Peter went still closer, after a goal saving tackle from a KCH fullback. The icing on the cake came with John Butler's volley from a near-im-possible angle, reminiscent of The LSE Women's Tennis team hope to be smiling at the end of the UAU Finals this week Photo: Alex McDowell