The Beaver
'Newspapera^h^^^L^^^^^^Fir5^ublishe^TZ^94^^^^^*''***^0tt^eptember^00^^™*"**|'^^^^^ssi^^

Features and Politics in Latest Music and Film blink, Page 8 in b:art, Page 12
Freshers' Week Special Issue - all you need to get.fo know the LSE
Strike Alert!
Freshers' Week disrupted by pay dispute
El Barham
LSE's Freshers' week is set to be disrupted in the protracted struggle for an increase in London Weighting for the staff of the school.
Strikes today and Friday at the LSE will involve the 170 members of UNISON, the public service union, and the 350 members of the Association of University Teachers (AUT).This incorporates one day of imdergraduate registration and one day of Freshers' Fayre, to ensure the maximum amount of disruption for the school.
Currently, employees in higher education in London receive a higher salary than similar workers across the country by £2,134 per aimum to compensate for the elevated cost of living in the capital. However, it has long been felt that this is insufficient, especially since housing and transport costs have risen dramatically in recent months. To give some idea of the diminutive scale of the payment, an armual travelcard for zones 1-4 costs £1,136, more than half of the salary increase: employees cannot afford to live in or commute to London.
So-called new universities already receive a higher rate of London Weighting, of £3,500 a year, despite having lower bank balances and other public service workers in London are also given a much more generous subsidy. The fire service receives £4000 and the Metropolitan police receive £7,000 per aimum.
The result of the low rate of London Weighting is that there is a high staff turnover as disillusioned employees move on to more lucrative jobs. This means that there is a lack of continuity of staff, so problems cannot be dealt with efficiently as a series of different people have the task of resolving them. Any training given to members of staff is also lost when they leave.
UNISON
UNISON
UNISON
4K««r
ECEHT
PAY
TIBED OF THE WEIGHTING
I
From left to right: Julia Rapkin; Anne Scott; Chris Husbands; Daniel Peppiatt
Although other institutions such as King's College London have attempted to avoid proposed strikes by offering a settlement to the unions, the LSE has steadfastly refused to even answer requests for negotiations. Therefore, UNISON and AUT feel that they have no choice but to proceed with the strikes during a time when they will put the school under the maximum amount of pressure.
These strikes are the latest in a series to try a secure a "fairer" amount of London Weighting of £4000, as previous attempts have yielded no results. Dr Chris Husbands, President of the LSE AUT said: "Our members are pretty fed up - our salaries are way out of line with most of the country.
"The school has been extremely haughty and consistently used condescending language. Our requests for negotiations have been ignored; the only concession we have been given is the
promise of a series of public meetings on low pay, which seems inadequate."
The fact that the school claims to be financially buoyant and has been engaged in a high profile renovation of the library and the campus has exacerbated anger over the school's refusal to cooperate. Dr Husbands said: "It's not as if the school can't afford it. LSE is one of the better off London institutions and the finances are more than able to cope. There has been a great deal of needless flamboyant expenditures, such as the very expensive library, and it feels as if the school is putting its facilities before its staff."
Students could also be adversely affected by the strikes since it is necessary to register in order to receive this term's instalment of the student loan and to apply for council tax exemption. New arrivals are also going to be affected by the potential disruption to Freshers' Fayre as some members of the executive
team are reluctant to participate, while the pickets outside will cause confusion. In short, the vital Freshers' period, key to the social life of recent arrivals, will be tarnished.
However, Julia Rapkin, chairperson of UNISON at LSE, was keen to emphasise that the strikes are not intended to cause problems for the student body. She said: "We are not interested in disrupting things for students - we have their interests at heart. We want to improve the school as a whole and securing a reasonable amount of London Weighting will help to ensure that the school can retain and recruit the necessary staff to rim the institution."
The LSE Students' Union (SU) is mandated to support strikes aimed to increase the London Weighting by a motion passed last year at a Union General Meeting (UGM) and will therefore be producing a joint statement with the AUT and UNISON to inform students about the reasons behind the strikes. SU officers have been involved in talks with the unions so are in a position to know how best to soften the blow of the strikes for students whilst not easing life for the establishment. A global email has been sent to explain the issue to students.
Jo Kibble, SU Treasurer and UNISON member, explained; "The negotiations have been frank, honest and open. It is in our interest to cooperate as if we don't ask UNISON and AUT for special exemption from the strikes, then this will be returned and they will support our campaign against top-up fees.
"The SU will do everything in its power to help students to cope with the effects of the strikes. We will send a joint letter to the school and will lobby for them to settle with the unions - the strikes don't have to happen. The onus
Continued Page 2
Meet the new Director: Howard Davies Biographi/ Page 6
The Beaver Tuesday 30th September 2003
The Beaver News
Page 2
Strikes
Continued from Page 1
lies with the school to prevent the problem that the massive disruption to the vital Freshers' period will cause."
The school is currently going through a period of regime change, as the LSE's new Director, Sir Howard Davies, will officially succeed Professor Tony Giddens, Third Way expert, on October 1st. This has been an impediment to the school's ability to respond to the demands made by the unions, as Tony Giddens has left the problem for his replacement, who has not yet arrived. However, the unions do not accept that this is a sufficient excuse for the School's behaviour.
Dr Husbands said: "I suspect that the school administration is treading water in the interim period before Howard Davies arrives, so they are avoiding making any decisions, but Tony Giddens' departure should not be an impediment to negotiations. King's is in the same position as they are changing their Principal, yet they have managed to settle."
The unions met with Sir Howard on September 25th, and although he apologised for derogatory remarks made by his predecessor, no financial offers were made, meaning that the strikes are going ahead. Alternative arrangements for registration have therefore been organised: imdergraduates are mainly unaffected as the staff who deal with their registration are not affiliated to the imions, although late registration on the Monday and the Tuesday will be carried out on Wednesday; postgraduate registration on the affected days will be moved to the following Monday and Tuesday.
Sir Howard is, however, reported to have been more conciliatory during a recent talk. This informal meeting is more than the unions have been granted in the past, so it is possible that a compromise could be reached in the future. Also, as other London institutions break ranks and raise their London Weighting, it will become more difficult for the LSE to continue to refuse the unions' request.
Dr Husbands said: "The settlement at King's, for example, shows that if a reasonable offer is made then members are prepared to accept it. If we receive a reasonable response from the school, then we will advise our meinbers to vote yes to a settlement. I am optimistic about our chances for the fight."
The other settlement packages offered to the unions by London institutions include King's offer of a £100 one-off payment and a 4% increase to the existing London Weighting in 2004-5 and City University's offer of an £100 increase for 2004-5 with a further £80 increase the following year. Union members at these institutions will decide whether to accept the proposals this week.
SOAS and Birkbeck College have received similar offers to King's, and have rejected them with a 52%-90% vote in favour of further strike action. Accordingly, strikes were held at these institutions, as well as University College London, last week.
Protests go on but the LSE drops out
Mark Power
LSE Student activists were among those who joined the throngs this Saturday to protest against Britain's continued engagement in the Iraq war and its aftermath. A small but dedicated group gathered in Houghton Street at 11 am in order to join marchers from other University of London colleges on Oxford Street before joining the main march at its Hyde Park meeting point.
Police estimated that the protestors numbered 20,000 while organisers pitched their estimate at just under 100,000. Whilst the turn-out was low in comparison to pre-war protests, particularly among student activists, LSE SU General Secretary Elliot Simmons, who attended the march himself, suggested that the numbers were encouraging considering the term is yet to start and the LSE Stop The War Coalition and its counterparts have had little time or opportimity to publicise the march to their members and supporters.
Critical commentators in the LSE SU were quick to proclaim the death of the LSE STWC and the anti-war movement in general within the school. Speaking to The Beaver, right-wing pundit Alykhan Velshi proclaimed that the STWC's support had "plummeted quicker than a Saddam Hussein statue in central Baghdad." He went on to simnise that the LSE had seen "the last

¦ -t
Many Protesters - few from the LSE
throngs of the grubby would-be revolutionaries who invaded our campus last year." Velshi went on to claim that the STWC has nothing left to fight against, given that the post-war reconstruction of Iraq is going so well.
Speaking in return, Mr James Meadway, a leading LSE STWC Activist declared that he believed the war "has vindicated the peace movement." Despite his anti-war campaign being rubbished as a combination of American-bashing hysteria and 60s peacenik nostalgia, Meadway was firm in his conviction that the war has shown that the Bush-Blair axis was never interested in a stable future for Iraq. Meadway's comments echo articles in the national press, particularly The Guardian, regarding the strength of the STWC nationally. The STWC has galvanised cross-party support and
now has 500 affiliated organisations. It is becoming the fastest growing political movement in Britain.
With a stable, secure and democratic Iraq being far from fruition, it seems Mr Velshi's dismissal of the anti-war movement may be somewhat premature. As a sign of things to come, speaking to last Saturday's rally. Mayor of London Ken Livingstone promised that the capital would not welcome the visit of George Bush later this year. With calls for Londoners to take to the streets in protest it would seem that what Mr Velshi terms as "grubby would-be revolutionaries" will be in full force on Houghton Street and beyond this year.
James Meadway takes on the right
"There's nothing left to Liberate"
El Barham
Contentious proposals to introduce liberation officers at King's are to be submitted to King's SU coxm-cil after being rejected twice by the students' imion executive committee and council last year.
Last year's plans to introduce officers to represent minority groups on campus and tackle the prejudice they face were referred to KCLSU executive, where they were volubly derided by then KCLSU president David Utting. He led the argument against the introduction of part-time officers on the basis that there was no need or interest for them at King's. In his words, "There's nothing left to liberate".
However, some feel that the extremely close vote of 6-5 against was not so much the result of Utting's sublime rhetoric as his alleged bullying tactics. During his tenure, he tried to no confidence three sabbatical officers, including the President of the University of London Union (ULU).
A King's insider confided to The Beaver: "David Utting is the main problem - people are afraid that if they stand up against him, he'll no confidence them and they'll lose their jobs. People are worried about the fall-out.
"The idea that there is no interest in welfare issues at King's is ridiculous. Three of ULU's liberation officers are King's students, so there is definitely a desire to get involved. There was also a person who actually asked to take on the work of women's officer last year and she was turned down, so a student
I Welcome to your ' I I Students' Unioni
King's Students' Union
was refused the right to help other students. It's just there is no outlet to gauge interest".
King's has an Equality and Diversity Department, which aims to tackle inequality at King's, ensuring that "current students, job applicants and members of staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without any unjustified discrimination" and there is a full-time Welfare and Representation sabbatical officer. Given these provisions, it is possible to argue that liberation issues are adequately dealt with without creating part-time positions to duplicate the work already being done.
However, Susie Reilly, former Bang's student and currently ULU Welfare and Student Affairs Officer, believes that this does not negate the necessity for liberation officers at her old university. She said: "The role of liberation officers is an extremely important one especially as King's is such a large university. It is important there is support at universities for people who have been removed
from their home networks.
Liberation officers represent minority groups, campaigning on their behalf to change attitudes, lobby for a change in legislation and to raise awareness of issues affecting that group. This is a large workload - too much for a single sabbatical."
LSE liberation officers concur with this assessment. Alice Brickley, LSE's Students with Disabilities Officer said: "There is more than enough work for a part-time officer; you can always do more. It's a cliche, but the job is as big as you make it". Sian Errington, Equal Opportunities (Female) said: "I find the idea that King's is somehow okay very hard to believe - there's loads to do."
In fact, belief in the value of liberation campaigns, normally run by part-time officers, is so strong that Bang's students are being invited to participate in non-LSE specific campaign events. Rowan Harvey, LSE Education and Welfare sabbatical said: "It is important that everyone has access to liberation campaigns and support and it shouldn't matter which side of The Strand you come from."
It is hoped that King's new executive team will give a more favourable response this time around. Susie Reilly said: "I believe that all Universities should consider creating liberation officer positions; it may be that uptake initially is slow but this is more likely to be caused by a lack of publicity than a lack of need. However, the current King's sabbatical team is fantastic and I hope they can sort this issue out.
The Beaver Tuesday 30th September 2003	Page 3
JheBeaverNeivs
Alumni Storm Houghton Street
El Barham
Campus changes were displayed in all their glory as alumni of all ages flocked back to Houghton Street on 20th September.
Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) invited former graduates of all ages to a campus street party for the first organised reunion for alumni. In future, events will be tailored for those who graduated one decade previously, but this experimental first event was open to all.
i-am.

Alumni - here 1954 - 1957
Graduates who had studied at the LSE as long ago as 1949 and as recently as 2001, took advantage of the chance to meet up with old friends, reminisce over past experiences and sample delicious fare from the barbecue. Glorious weather ensured a good turn out and Houghton Street and the Tuns were teeming with people.
Event organiser, alumnus Reza Nader-Sepahi (97-99) said: "The idea was to provide something relaxed to give people a chance to catch up and also show off the new developments that have been carried out by the school.
"It was difficult to organise as we had to cater for all ages, but this party is also a test for future events to give us a better idea of what works and what could be done to improve the experience. We just want people to enjoy themselves."
Over 400 people did just that, and were obviously delighted to relive memories from their time at LSE, to a soundtrack that Crush would be proud of, proving that students do not change over the decades. "I remember protesting here about something, though I can't remember what" said Michael Safan (54-57), indicating Houghton Street, the usual genesis of campaigns and marches. "Oh yeah - it was Suez".
The renovations to campus were also duly noted. Alia Kocherezhkina (98-99) said: "When I was here the library was a real mess, and there was always construction work going on, so it's good to see that's finished. The Tuns needs a makeover though."
One of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the day was a guided tour of the LSE to show former students exactly what had changed since their lecture years. Unfortunately, a power-cut in the Old Building prevented the tour from
taking place, so Mr Nader-Sepahi gallantly stepped in, fulfilling contractual obligations with a brief virtual tour. Fortunately, the building that aroused the most interest was available for casual perusal.
The British Library of Political and Economic Science opened its doors to all, over the weekend of September 20^^^, as part of London Open House, a charity event which aims to give members of the public access to buildings of architectural interest.

Library Archives oncusplay
Over 880 people came to view the library, normally reserved for students, to explore, admire and criticise the brainchild of LSE alumnus, Norman Foster. Alumni were able to amble from the neighbouring street party to the library, to take an audio tour or participate in the other activities on offer
Architectural company Foster and Partners and construction managers
Bovis Lend Lease gave talks to help elucidate the technical details of design and construction, and an exhibition dealing with the library's construction was also on display. Those more interested in the academic aspect of the building were catered for as the archives, usually used by a mere 100 people per month, were also available for inspection.
"The reaction of people coming in has been very positive," effused Rowena Macrae-Gibson, assistant librarian. "The talks have been well received and many people have expressed an interest in the school having viewed its facilities."
Recent graduates were perhaps more interested in the new library than most. Tara McCormack (98-99) said: "When I was here it was a nightmare because they were moving books out of the old library and into the new one when I was trying to do my dissertation. I prefer the old library - there were lots of nice nooks and crarmies where you could lose yourself for a couple of hours, which you can't do in this new one.
Overall, both events were extremely successful and complemented each other well, pulling a wider spectrum of interested people to view the school. The last word of the day goes to Mr Nader-Sepahi, who summed up the weekend -"in every respect, it was true LSE style".
LSE Career Event
At Deutsche Bank we share your passion to out-think, out-smart, out-perform. It's this passion that makes us one of the world's leading financial institutions. And it's why the world's most demanding clients trust Deutsche Bank to deliver.
Deep insights. Cutting edge thinking. Fresh solutions. Total commitment.
Are you ready?
Meet representatives from our business to discover the types of roles available and how our world-class training program will prepare you for a flying start...
Date: Wednesday, October 8" 2003 Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Deutsche Bank, Winchester House,
1 Great Winchester St, London EC2N 2DB
To register for this event please email your name to event.signup(S)db.com with your university name in the subject line.
Apply online at www.db.com/careers.
Interviews will commence in October 2003.
-


t i. - " km
v- ^ \
assion to Perform. ^'
%
leSsche Bank
m
The Beaver Tuesday 30th September 2003
IheBeacerNeux
Page 4
New course packs arrive Transport Fight fees
Last year, trying to find books from your reading list was a chore indeed, but this will certainly be reduced thanks to the introduction of course packs.
In the past, book retrieval meant a trudge to the library, armed with a list of text books a foot long. If you were lucky, a few of those listed would be available for loan. Once inside, accessing the relevant floor involved a cost/benefit analysis of waiting for several hours for a lift or negotiating the strange stairs. Whichever route you chose, a 45-minute hunt for the book would follow, if you were lucky.
Now, 38 courses have signed up for the creation of a course pack. These are a collation of one chapter at most from as many books from the reading list of the course as legal restrictions will allow. This means that the packs are not completely comprehensive, but will save much library angst.
The cost of packs will be based on the rate of 4p per page; a penny cheaper than photocopying in the Library. However, it still works out as the most economic option of obtaining the material. This is because several of the books cannot be removed from the library, which means an extra pence charged for each page photocopied on the premesis.
Compiling the packs involved chasing lecturers of courses to persuade them to participate in the scheme, going through the lists to decide what can legally be included, getting the books from the library in the manner described above and finally photocopying all the pages for inclusion - literally tens of thousands.
Donny Surtani, LSE alumnus and co-ordinator of the course packs said: "The idea of the producing course packs was to help students by giving them access to scare library resources. They will save time, stress and money as we have been able to photocopy books at a lower rate than is possible in some cases."
Willingness to participate in the scheme has varied by department, with gold stars going to the Sociology and Government department. Well over half the Government department's undergraduate coxirses will have a course pack. Within Sociology, departmental manager Joyce Lorinstein, contacted all the academics in her department.
Donny Surtani - Course Pack King
strongly encouraging them to cooperate.
For some courses a course pack is not suitable, as they are predominantly textbook based, such as Mathematics and Statistics, and Economics courses. Since for legal reasons, only one chapter per book can be included in a pack, it is impossible to create a pack for a course based entirely on a single book.
However, some departments refused point blank to participate in the scheme: International Relations decided that the packs would 'spoon-feed' students and the Geography department did not respond to requests for co-operation.
Available course packs can be ordered from the Students' Union Copy Shop from the first week of lectures and most will be ready for collection from that week. A few will take imtil the following week to arrive, but it is hoped the number of these will be very few.
The library also produces course packs for about 40 courses, including many in the History department, which can be ordered from them directly. If your course does not have a pack, despair not. Several courses are split into two parts, the second of which are covered by packs which will be available in the Lent Term.
It is also hoped that the success of this year's scheme wiU help to persuade more academics to participate in the future especially if they face pressure from students. Donny Surtani told The Beaver: "Students who believe that their course is suitable for a pack should contact the lecturer and us, so we can lobby the lecturer on their behalf. Hopefully we can sign up more courses to the scheme."
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, last week imveiled an extension to the Student Travel Scheme that will benefit some of the city's most cash strapped students living on National Rail lines.
The ten million pound expansion of the student photocard scheme means that students will be able to use the 30% discount to purchase tickets on national rail in the London area as well as the existing discounts on tubes, buses trams and the Docklands Light Rail network.
Speaking at the unveiling of the scheme, Ken Livingston said that although he doesn't have the power to abolish tuition fees, "this measure will help to ease the financial burden for London Students." The extension will be of vital aid to those who have moved south of the river in order to find cheaper rents, but find their transportation options limited by the higher prices of traveling on national rail services.
LSE SU General Secretary Elliot Simmons was among other enthusiastic supporters of the scheme, adding that it will "greatly benefit those sections of the student community who commute to LSE". He was quick to point out however, that the scheme will not come
into effect 4^^^ January 2004, leaving many students starting the year paying full price for their transport. This has often been a problem for the scheme which has been persistently dogged by delays in registration, and applications meaning students are typically not issued with their photocards until November, following the previous session's expiration in September.
The scheme will be hailed as a victory for ULU who have been campaigning for a the extension for two years. Commenting on the plans, ULU president, Chris Piper said: "ULU is delighted that the Student Photocard Scheme has been extended to include overland rail travel." he added that tens of thousands of students will benefit.
Enthusiastic support came also from Prof. David Rhind, Chairman of 'London Higher', the group of 41 Higher Education institutions, explained: "This is great news. In these tough times for many students, they need all the help they can get."
Top-up fees will face strong opposition, again, following a new survey commissioned by the Association of University Teachers (AUT).
Parents of 550 children now under 16, said that an extra £3,000 a year for tuition fees would make a difference to their children going into higher education. These children will be the first victims should top-up fees be introduced. In fact, 71% indicated that the surcharge would reduce the likelihood of their children going to university and 72% believed that it would make their child apply for a cheaper course.
Sally Hunt, general secretary of the AUT, said: "The survey takes the government's argument apart over top-up fees'.
The results have provided ammunition for a possible Labour backbench revolt, which will manifest itself at their conference in Bournemouth, despite the fact that fees has deliberately been left off the agenda. Labour Students, which is affiliated to the national party and have the opportunity to submit a motion at conference, declined to use the opportunity to bring fees up for discussion.
It is hoped that the rebellion, and a protest organised by Bournemouth University and Art's Institute in the form of a mock funeral to bury free education, will make the government rethink it's position.
Apology
The Beaver is not always perfect -we all make mistakes. But we like to think that we can freely acknowledge our faults and try to make amends.
Therefore, we would like to apologise to Dave Willumsen. Dave made some invaluable contributions to The Beaver Freshers' Guide, which we hope you have all be able to read. However, due to an honest, but reprehensible oversight, we failed to include Dave's name in the list of contributors.
Dave - we are very sorry for this and sincerely apologise.
Don't forget to pick up your copy of the Freshers' Guide this week!
Jobs for the Boys - phoning for funds
Laura Harvey
Every evening in the heady heights of Tower 1, a group of students beaver away on the phone - chatting to alumni, updating them on the latest activities on campus and raising much-needed funds for scholarships, hardship bursaries, facilities and school projects.
Last year, over 2,000 former students, parents, and governors donated to the Annual Frmd, a great deal of them making donations over the telephone to the team of persistent and enthusiastic telephone frmdraisers. These donations helped pedestrianise the campus, build the new library, run the Saturday
Schools Scheme and give financial aid to many students from all over the world.
A call from the Annual Fund is not just about fundraising - it's about involving alumni, informing them of the services available to them, and getting valuable feedback about our alumni programs. Callers also get to talk to himdreds of people from different backgrounds, working in all sorts of professions, and can often have fascinating conversations - one caller was even given top tips from the speechwriter of the Secretary General of NATO!
The Annual Fund is one of the best-paid jobs on campus, providing part-time employment to 20 students, work-
ing at least 2 evening shifts per week. Callers phone alumni from 6.30 -9.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 5 -8pm on Simday. Aside from the excellent pay, there are always prizes up for grabs for the best callers, including STA travel vouchers, dinner for two, SU gym membership, free ice-skating and membership to the National Film Theatre.
The Annual Fund is currently recruiting the new team of student callers for the next year. If you like talking to people all over the globe, and think you have what it takes to be an enthusiastic, dedicated telephone fimdraiser for the LSE, if you like the soimd of flexible shifts, great pay and brilliant prizes, then please fill in an
application form online at the Annual Fund website: http://www.lse.ac.uk/col-lections/LSEAnnualFund/
If you would like more information about the Annual Fimd, please contact Laura Harvey - l.i.harvev@lse.ac.uk
Money spinner - alumni canvased
The Beaver Tuesday 30th September 2003
Page 5
Your Welfare
Finding your Feet? Read On....
Education and Welfare
The Union has a full time Education and Welfare Sabbatical to help you find solutions to any problems you may experience while studying at the LSE. Their job is divided between academic issues and welfare campaigning, and they can help sort out individual prob lems as well as representing your views to effect change within the school. If you have opinions on the school's academic or support services the Edwelfare Sabb should be your first port of call. This year the post is held by Rowan Harvey. She can be reached at su.edwelfare@lse.ac.uk or in E299 (East Building, 2nd floor).
Advice and Counselling Centre
Staffed by Sue, Schimpf, Shanna and Naledi, the SU Advice and Counselling Centre is open from 10.30am to 4pm during term time and September, and from 10.30am to 2pm during vacations. Our advisers can help with a range of issues including housing problems, immigration matters, employment queries, welfare benefits, grants, fee status, and disability rights. We will normally arrange a private appointment for you with an adviser - although, if you have a quick enquiry, we may be able to assist you at our reception desk. We administer several SU fimds, for example, funds for Students with Disabilities, Students with Childcare costs and a Women's Right to Choose
Fimd. We can also offer advice on debt, grants, loans and other possible sources of financial help for those in difficulty. We also provide legal advice on most housing issues including checking new tenancy agreements/contracts. The Centre can also book you an appointment with one of our two student councillors. Sheila Gill and David Glass. The Service is independent, free and fully confidential.
Nightline - 020 7631 0101
Another forum for information and advice, Nightline is a confidential listening support service nm by students for students in London.
Calls cover all areas of student life, including relationship and course difficulties, debt and family problems, as well as information on cinema and club listings. The lines are open from 6pm to Sam every night of term.
Nightline is always on the lookout for new student volunteers. If you think this might be your cup of tea (and no experience is necessary), call the helpline and chat to one of the volunteers on duty or e-mail london@nightline.org.uk .
For the new e-mail listen-,
ing service, see the website at www.nightline.org.uk.
Condoms etc.
The SU dispenses free condoms from the Education and Welfare Sabbatical's office E299. This year for the first time we are also dispensing free lubricant, dental dams and female condoms
so there's something to suit everyone. If you are latex intolerant contact the Edwelfare Sabb to arrange a special supply. The service is entirely confidential. To avoid unplarmed pregnancies visit the free contraceptive clinic at St Philip's Medical Centre. Dedicated clinics are held Monday - Friday between 13.30 - 14.30 and you don't need an appointment. All contraceptive jk prescriptions are free in the UK and, emergency contraceptive pills (effective ' within 72 hours of improtected intercourse) are also available through the clinic.
You do not have to be a registered patient to attend the contraceptive clinic
Health Care
St Philip's Medical Centre offers care under the National Health Service for students resident in the catchment area, offering general practice care including weekend and emergency cover All new students should register with the Medical Centre, St Philip's, Building X, Sheffield Street, as soon as possible after arrival to ensure eligibility for NHS treatment, and for information on all the services available. These include medical, nursing, immunisation and counselling services. All students and mem-^ bers of staff under the age of 25 should '^'&^also have the Meningitis C vaccination.
Private services offered at the Centre include osteopathy, physiotherapy and therapeutic massage. There is also a dental service, for which there is a fee. You can register when you book an appointment. Returning students who have not yet registered, or who have changed address, should register as soon as possible -
don't wait until you are ill before registering. Details of the NHS, free vaccinations and other services for students registered at St Philip's and beyond can be found at: www.lse.ac.uk/medicalcentre.
Ifc^^Tjeri
Personal Attack Alarm
Pick up your free 130 decibel personal attack alarm from the Advice Centre in E297 (East Building, 2nd floor).
Safe bus
The Students' Union nms a free safety bus to all halls of residence after its Friday night events. The bus nms every hour on the hour from 11pm from outside the Peacock Theatre. It is open to all, although priority will be given to students travelling alone. This year we are also running a bus home from Blast Off which will run at^,	-
11pm and 12pm on Tuesday night.
Safety
For more information on staying safe in London pick up a safety guide from Student Union Reception (Ground Floor East Building).
Liberation!
The Students' Union is committed to equality of opportunity for all. If you would like to get involved in our liberation campaigns (Womens, Disabilities, Anti-Racism or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered) visit the welfare section of the xmion website, located at www.lse.ac.uk/union for more information.
Central Catering Services
Our catering facilities offer a wide range of foods, drinks and services together with the opportunity to socialise with friends and colleagues. You need never go off campus to satisfy your hunger or thirst!
Brunch Bowl: Old Building 4th Floor
Term: Monday-Friday 9am-7.30pm: Vacation: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Huge selection of hot and cold foods and drinks available all day long in a buzzy atmosphere.
Breakfasts; excellent value hot breakfast and healthy options. Lunch: International dishes; pizzas; filled jacket potatoes; pasta; stir-fry cooked to order; fish and chips; self-help salad bar; lots of vegetarian choices - stir- fry, fish and chips and salad bar available all afternoon during term. Supper in Term: an ever-changing choice of hot dishes and snacks, salad bar. All day: Hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, salads, snacks, yoghurts etc. All food and drinks available for eat-in or take-away.
Robinson Room: Old Building 3rd Floor Term: Monday-Friday 12noon-2.30pm
Relaxed atmosphere with an emphasis on quality home cooked dishes, soups, fresh vegetables and salads. The menu changes daily and includes organic and vegetarian choices. The desserts are to die for.
Cafe Pepe: Clement House 3rd Floor
Term: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9.30am-6pm; Wednesday, Friday 9.30-5pm.
Coffee Bar where pastries are freshly baked and panninis are toasted especially for you. There's also sandwiches, hot soup, fresh juices, soft drinks, cappuccino, espresso and regular coffee with a choice of coffee beans.
Plaza Cafe: John Watkins Plaza
Term: Monday-Friday 9am to 9pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am to 5pm. Vacation: 9am to 6pm Monday-Friday.
Ideally located for the Library, this new caf§ features high quality Fair Trade coffees, teas and snacks. There's a selection of sandwiches and baguettes, hot soup, cookies, muffins, cold drinks and mineral water
Beavers Retreat Bar: Old Building 4th Floor
Term time: Monday-Friday 12noon-2.30pm; 5pm-9pm. Vacation: Monday-Friday 12noon-2pm; 5pm-7pm
A traditional pub with a modern touch. There's a great selection of cask conditioned, keg and bottled beers as well as spirits, wines and soft drinks. There's an open fire for chilly winter evenings and a sun terrace for warm summer days. A great place to socialise.
Staff Dining Room (SCR members only): 5th Floor Old Building
The Staff Dining Room and Coffee Bar is open to all members of staff who choose to become members of the Senior Common Room.
Coffee Bar: Monday to Friday 10am - 4.30pm. Speciality coffees include cafetiere, cappuccino, espresso, latte plus traditional, speciality and herbal teas. A selection of alcoholic and soft drinks is also available.
Dining Room: Monday to Friday 12.30 - 2pm. Daily changing menu includes a choice of high quality meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, fresh vegetables and soup, salads and desserts.
Special Event Catering: A variety of special catering services are available for conferences, business meetings, parties and private dining. Please contact the Catering Services Office ext 7222 or visit the catering section of tie LSE website.
Page 6
r/7eBeaver Team
veriyiews
Howard Davies Biography
Life and Times of LSE's new Director
Mark Power
The School's new Director, Sir Howard John Davies, is due to take office tomorrow after being appointed in December of last year. He will replace outgoing Director, Professor Anthony Giddens, a leading academic who was close to the New Labour project and the so-called third way politics.
Sir Howard comes to the LSE after a varied career in both the civil service and the financial services industry. Davies started his career in the Treasury and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before moving to the city as a management consultant for the firm McKinsey. During his five years there, he was seconded to the Treasury as a special adviser to the Chancellor. In 1987, he became the Controller of the Audit Commission but left this post in 1992 to become the Director-General of Confederation of British Industry. However, he is most famous for his roles as the Deputy Governor of the Bank of
New Director Howard Davies
England, 1995-97, and as Chairman of the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
It is not all work and no play however Sir Howard is a keen football fan and avid supporter of Manchester City. It was suggested at one time that he might become the club's next Chairman and he was head hunted by City's acting Chairman, John Wardle, for the position.
but the LSE pipped City to the post. His other hobbies include reviewing books, especially about football, and watching cricket. Sir Howard is also a family man, married with two sons.
So how did Lancashire born Sir Howard reach these dizzy heights in his 51 years, finally culminating in a seven-year stint as our distinguished Director? Sir Howard studied for his undergraduate degree in history and modem languages at Merton College, Oxford and for an MSc in management sciences at Stanford Business School, California where he also holds the Harkness fellowship.
The question remains, what does Sir Howard have planned for the LSE? How does he intend to improve the institution? Will he be noticeably different from his predecessor and will he still make an annual appearance at the UGM? The answers to all these questions and many more, will be revealed in next week's edition of The Beaver, which along with all the other campus essentials, will include a full interview with the man himself.
Delaney's Diary
A sidelong look at headline issues
Toodle pip! Tom Delaney here, the Beaver's new Diary Editor. As a fresh faced First Year just arrived from the wilds of Berkshire via one of the nation's best minor public schools, I've made it my mission to bring you all the zany news that's unfit to print. I'll be taking you on a wild and wacky tour of the salacious, the odd and the obscure.
Along the way we'll be debunking the pompous, shining the Beaver's torch of truth into the crevices the establishment doesn't want you to see and laughing in the face of those with something to lose! So without further to do, here's this week's selection of tantalizing tidbits:
another Conservative sleaze stoiy?
I emailed Mark, eager to, erm, clarify the nature of his association with these cheap ladies... Sadly the whiff of scandal dissipates like dew in the summer sun. It turns out that the Ward of Cheap Ladies is actually an archaic piece of London's local government rather than a gaggle of hookers after some free market action. Oh well - there's always next time. Delaney's roving eye never closes.
touch to offer a phone interview with the testosterone charged candidate himself. Watch this space.
Warning! As I leave you young things and return to another week of chasing hot stories (amongst other things.. ) there's something you should know about. Badgers. Now badgers are often seen as cute, cuddly little critters, given uncritical press in works of propaganda like 'The Wind in the Willows'.
Don't believe a word of it! TB spreading, pestilence-spreading vermin would be too kind a phrase. Have no truck from badger apologists in your first week at the LSE! Especially not at the Freshers' Fayre, where I can exclusively reveal a cell of brock fondling subversives will be operating.
No cheap ladies in sight!
Word of scandal reached my ever-attentive ears even before term began. Rumoiu-s reached the Beaver office that oxir local MP, a pleasant Tory chappy called Mark Field, was speaking to a group calling themselves the 'Ward of Cheap Ladies'! Was this social outreach gone mad I asked myself? Or perhaps
What will I say when I talk to Tom?
Also, as an eager young man keen to make his way in London's political jungle I touched base with Steve Norris, the Tory standard bearer for next year's Mayoral tussle with Red Ken and that preachy Lib Dem. Unfairly christened 'Shagger' by less august organs than my own, I wanted to chat to Steve about the big issues and big hitters. I think he's the kinda guy that a lot of students could vibe with.
Luckily my email entitled 'Norris and the Beaver' makes it through his spam filter! Indeed, Mark MacGregor, his Campaign Director no less, gets in
Pox carrying scum. Kill them all.
Al
.Zxf
ny gossip, rumour or scandal that you want my laser gaze to »focus on then email it to: DelaneysDiarv@hotmail. com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ibrahim Rasheed
ACTING BUSINESS MANAGER Aqeel Kadri
TECHNICAL DIREaOR Brian Choudhary
NEWS EDITORS El Barham; Mark Power
BLINK EDITOR Ben Chapman
B:ART EDITOR Justin Nolan
SPORTS EDITORS Gareth Carter; Ellie Vyras
FILM EDITORS Simon Cliff; Dani Ismail
MUSICEDITORS Jazmin Burgess; Neil Garett
LITERARY EDITOR
Dalia King
THEATRE EDITOR Keith Postier
BrABOUT EDITOR Sarah Warwick
THE COLLECTIVE
Serif Alp Atakcan, Christina Beharry, Peter Bellini, Matthias Benzer, James 'Mullet' Baker, Leonard Brouwer. Hannah Bryce, Ed Calow. Lome Charles, Jon Clegg, Dave Cole, Naomi Colvin, Dan Cumming, Nafeesa Ernies, Tristan Feunteun, Juli 6an, Sarah Greenberg, Rowan Harvey, Sib Hayer, Lindsay Hoag, Katherine Jacomb, Tom Jenkins, Edward Jones, Paul Kirby, Dan Madden, Vita.. Maynard, Garbrielle Menezes, Linda Morris, Shashwat Nanda, Robin Noble. Phillip Nielsen, Samantha Nicklin. Daniela Ott, Neel Patel, Alison Ferine, Chelsea Phua, Kirstine Potts, Claire Pryde, Adam Quinn, Vanessa Raizberg, Jan Rattay, Zaf Rashid, Loretta Reehill, Matthew Sinclair, Susannah Sava, James Sharrock, Elliott Simmons, Matthew Stoate, Jamie Tehrani, Saija Vuola, Julius Walker, Matt Willgress, Dave Willumsen.
PRINTED BY THE NORTHCLIFFE PRESS
If you have written three or more articles for the Beaver and your name does not appear in the above list please email thebeaver@lse.ac.uk and we will add your name on for next week
The Beaver Tuesday 30th September 2003	Page 7
JheBemxrE/Motid
Editorial Comment
Struck Off
Students will arrive on cam-pvis this week at the start of a new academic year to discover that industrial action has disrupted Fresher's Week. UNISON and AUT members decided to strike in protest of what they see as poor London wage allowances. As students in London wUl have reaUsed, the cost of living in the capital is substantially greater than anywhere else in the country. Thus, it is easy to see the need for a London Weighting. It is also easy to see that the current £2,134 a year needs to be increased for salaries to be on the same level as those outside the capital.
Is the strike justified? Undoubtedly it will have negative affects on students. Starting life at university is a bewildering enough experience. Having essential student services disrupted in the first week is inconvenient and potentially dangerous. Confusion at a time when things should proceed as smoothly as possible is the biggest problem this strike wiU cause. Yet it is important to listen to the other side of the story.
The School claims that it cannot afford to satisfy the demands of the imions. Even worse is their refusal to take the demands seriously. Not sitting down at the negotiating table to discuss the matter in a reasonable maimer is what has led to the strike. If there
is no way by which the school's employees can voice their grievances, it is inevitable that strike action wiU be taken. Working for a world class institution such as the LSE is a privilege. But shoxild those who take the opportunity to do so be penaUsed for their decision to work here?
The school is clearly in a strong financial position. When it comes to inspiring confidence in potential investors, the administration is more than delighted to parade their sound financial management. As posters around the school put up by the strikers point out. Professor Giddens wrote this year in a draft Strategic Plan that "the school's financial position is as strong as it has ever been."
Of course, having a healthy bank balance does not mean that the school should be anything but prudent with its chequebook. What the Beaver objects to most is the school's attitude towards one of its most vital resources and the fact that it appears to take them for granted. King's College was able to come to a settlement with its employees that was far smaller than what was asked for. The new Director should bear this case in mind and engage in dialogue with the unions to ensure that the teaching and support staff have a fairer deal.
The best is yet to come
student protest, a phenomenon that was synonymous with the LSE in the 1960's, appeared to be firmly back on campus last year thanks to the war on Iraq. Those of you here will remember the memorable die-ins and occupations that took place, culminating in the massive delegation that joined the two million man march in February. They were exciting times and there was a genuine feeling that through registering opposition by joining the march one was part of a powerful movement capable of change.
The Stop the War Coalition at LSE was directed by a small core of vocal activists, many affiliated to socialist organizations. True veterans. Though some tried to shove dogma down your throat using literature such as 'The Socialist Worker', on the whole it was a united front. Many that marched in February would not normally have been involved in protests such as these. Students tend to concentrate much more on the social and academic opportunities that
university offers rather than the political ones.
With the war effectively over, one would think that this wave of protest would prove to be a temporary anomaly in an increasingly apathetic generation. They may well be proved right. Yet with the non-appearance of those infamous weapons of mass destruction and the reverberations of the Hutton Inquiry, the government is not in the clear. We were led into war under false premises. Tony Blair's government has a lot to answer for. Who better to hold them to account than the progeny of the class of '68.
So congratulations to the handful of LSE students who turned out to march in protest over the weekend. With most students tuning out of the political world, it is nice to see that dedicated hardcore still out there and doing their thing. Just make sure you leave The Socialist Worker at home.
A Letter from the editor
Avery warm welcome to aU our readers. Every new year at the LSE heralds a new beginning for The Beaver. The paper is the heart and soul of the campus, bringing you all the news and highlights of the week that was. This special Freshers' Fayre edition is designed to bring you up to date vHth all that is happening around campus and also to give you information about the student support services available.
The Beaver is the newspaper of the Students' Union (STJ). Throughout your time at university you will find the SU a constant companion, whether it is through services such as cheap photocopying or helping you find affordable accommodation. The Beaver is your link with the union. Though the union publishes the paper, we are editorially independent. Run by a 'collective' of students who have written three or more articles. The Beaver essentially represents your interests.
For new students, here is a quick guide to the four sections that make up the newspaper. In News you wUl find reports on all the latest happenings with regard to the university administration, the Students' Union, and unvuersities all around the country. We keep a sharp eye on the latest developments in higher education funding and explain how plans to introduce top-up fees affect you. These reports are complemented by commentary in the form of sharp, incisive columnists and editorials.
Blink is the politics and features section. It is the section that provides the biggest link to students. The plethora of views on all the important issues of the day are allowed space in this forum for ideas and dialogue. For features and reviews on dU the latest in the world of film, music and literature turn to B:art. Forget the NME and Empire, this is where it's at.
Though the last few pages of the newspaper may look like FHM on a bad day, do not be fooled. The Sports pages cover, in theory, sport. Follow your favourite teams through an odyssey of excess as they do battle with the forces of evil... and Strand Poly.
Finally, please remember that the newspaper you hold in your hand is the end product of the hard work put in by all our contributors. Do take the opportunity to get involved. Whether you fancy being a regular writer or just occasionally send in a piece when something catches your eye. The Beaver will be delighted. To find out more, visit our stall at Freshers' Fayre or come to our first collective meeting of the year on Monday 6th October from 4.30 to 5.30pm. I hope to see you then
Ibrahim Rasheed
Cofliments and letters to the editor are welcome to
thebeaver@lse.ac.uk
Interested in writing for
Come to our collective meeting on Monday 6th October from
4.30-5.30 pm in the Underground bar to find out
more


ss_^
_____

The Beaver Tuesday 30th September 2003
Page 8
blink
Features and Politics
Edited by Ben Chapman (b.chapman@lse.ac.uk)
Too unhealthy for me?
Who's the government to tell us what we can and can't eat, drink and smoke?
page 11
Don't blink...
...you'll miss something. This is the Beaver's features and politics section, designed to inform, discuss, expose, investigate, evaluate, analyse; even antagonise and arouse. More importantly, it's your opportunity to talk about whatever you want.
Ben Chapman
blink Editor
To all those new to the LSE, picking up this distinguished publication for the first time, leafing through the hallowed pages of the paper whose name provokes the most repeated innuendoes since the beginning of time, it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to blink: Beaver features and politics. To those continuing students taking an initial perusal of the rag, welcome also -where have you been all your life? And to those tired and weary old hacks gearing up for another year of the to-ings, fro-ings and gnashing of teeth involved in the daily life of the LSESU, welcome also to a section that not only looks different, but which aims to do far more than in its previous clothes.
Divided into two parts, blink wiU aim to tackle a wide range of areas and issues of interest to the LSE's broad student community - from student-orientated investigations into social issues and problems, consxmier affairs and the mysterious quirks that are encountered on a regular basis on campus, to feature interviews and articles about David Blaine (page 9). And that's just the Features section. In Politics, the intellectual wealth and stub-bom political perspectives of the student population are put to the test in a real forum for debate, argument and exploration of views, from challenges to the BNP (page 10) to complaints about a nanny-state (page 11). Last year debate ranged from violence in Isreal-Palestine to tuition fees, war in Iraq, gun crime and Hugo Chavez (the slightly controversial president of the South American state of Venezuela).

m

Follow the bearded man: if you've got something to say, speak up!
'If something intrigues you, sets you thinking or makes you downright angry, write about it'
But what will really make this section tick is the willingness of its readers to get involved, blink is the only section of the paper where you can write what you want, on whatever you what, when you want and what's more, that's exactly what it thrives on. At the same time, if you read an article in the section that intrigues you, sets you thinking or just makes you downright angry, we want you to write back. An army of pager writers also means more
ideas and more scope to get interesting features in the section.
Articles can be any length, from a single column of 400-500 words, right up to a double-page spread of 1500-1800. If you've got something to say, and you fancy writing about it, we want it. Alternatively, if you want to get involved in investigative features, satire or even travel writing, this is the section for you.
So if you fancy seeing your name in print, whether you have ideas for an article to write now, or would be interested in contributing in the future, drop me a line by email to b.chapman@lse.ac.uk or come see me at the Beaver's stall at Freshers' Fayre, and make sure you get down to the welcome meeting in the Underground Bar on Monday 6th at 4.30.
blink is your section. Be sure not to miss it.
Ben Chapman is editor of blink and a second year undergraduate studying Government and History.
If you're interested in writing for blink or have an article that you would like to get published, simply email b.chapman@lse.ac.uk
All opinions expressed in blink, including those of its editor, are the writers' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beaver or LSESU
A picture tells 1000 words...
Musings
Beginnings and Politicians Arguing
Matthew Sinclair
Arnold Schwarzenneger is running for the Califomian governorship. He has so far scored points for the fact that people know his name, he did drugs in the sixties and he is NOT Gray Davis.
A major failing seems to be that every time he opens his mouth to say something that hasn't grossed at the box offices he soimds like one of the recordings used in public buildings that build sentences out of individually recorded words; "I" "Think" "After-school programmes".
The only debate he has taken part in features the novelty of allowing the debaters to see the questions in advance. The conclusion has been drawn in many US papers that this means Schwarzenneger cannot forge a decent argument to save his dumbbells.
This inability to argue is a big problem for the newest Kennedy, or so everyone argues. I'm not so sure... I'm not so sure that many politicians are as persuasive as they think.
Take Iraq. For all of the arguments that fascinated us there wasn't a substantial change in opinion in either direction until the war started, and there hasn't been one since.
Robin Cook gave a legendary speech to the house and then resigned in a moment of high drama. Most people opposed the war before his speech; they opposed it after his speech. Once the war started they supported it.
Most Americans supported Vietnam till the end. The majority of Americans did not cany out the protests. Have a majority of Americans ever disapproved of a war in progress? 1812 is the only possibility I can think of. Britain in the modem era is similar.
In this regard a muscle-bound movie star is the ideal politician. When it comes to debating Robin Cook may be able to talk the Austrian into little sausagey circles. However, if a war debate were taking place Robin Cook's fine words would have little use.
Amie would just need to put on his best Rambo suit, walk over an Iraqi border and throttle a mule. Once the war started most people would support it.
Perhaps actions do speak louder than words?
Musings is a new regular column for blink, taking a sideways look at topical issues.
Matthew Smdair is a regular cotitribva^ to Hie Beaver. . ¦ ¦
'	.v.s	.....- ........ , . .......... /
The Beaver Tuesday 30th September 2003
Page 9
blink
Features
London has certainly had its fair share of the weird and wonderful this summer but the public reactions to FlashMobbing and David Blaine have been markedly different,
Ji
m.
MOBBING BLAINE
Dave Cole
Had you been at Sofa UK on Tottenham Court Road on the seventh of August at exactly 6:30pm, you might have been a little perplexed. You might have been a little perplexed because you would have seen a couple of hundred people - a mob of people, no less - walk into the shop and start worshipping the furniture before calling a friend and describing the experience without using the letter 'o'. This apparently random group was London's first FlashMob, following on the heels of its progenitor in New York. The FlashMobsters have hit London a further two times, even using the George IV on Portugal Street near the LSE as a meeting place. Although the New York project has now finished, its London counterpart continues and the phenomenon has spread across the Americas, Europe and Australasia. The idea is simple enough: a group of people, unknown to each other except through the FlashMob, meet up in pubs, all join together in a single place and do something out of the ordinary, all co-ordinated by email. Not for any reason, just for the hell of it.
While these people have been running around London in groups, one person has been doing just the opposite: David Blaine. In his lonely Perspex box, nine metres up for 44 days with nothing but water coming in, Blaine seems to be doing very little except giving the gutter press endless 'amusing' headlines ('Blaine in the arse', 'Chil-blaines' and the like) and having food thrown at him. Blaine has attracted crowds, estimated at 20,000 over the course of a single weekend, but the
press coverage has been overwhelmingly negative, rather than the positive reactions his previous stunts (standing on top of a thirty-metre pole for forty-eight hours, sixty-one hours encased in ice and so on) have engendered. Indeed at one point his backup team were on the point of pulling the plug on the whole venture. He has had all manner of objects thrown, hit, shot and generally propelled at his box, people trying to cut him down and even a model helicopter dangling a cheeseburger around his Perspex palace. The Great British Public are evidently trying to Cut That Pretentious Upstart Down To Size.
Given that both are essentially random acts that appear to be impossible, done simply for the sake of doing them, the difference in reactions to FlashMobbing and David Blaine's 'Above the Below' stunt is somewhat strange. Granted, sitting in a transparent box for 44 days is more extreme than pointing with umbrellas at imseen objects in the sky, but the principle is the same inasmuch as there is no principle or point to it. This, perhaps, is what irks and causes the bemusement that leads to amusement in the case of FlashMobs and rotten eggs in the case of Above the Below; no pretence of doing things for art's sake (take note, Tracy Emin), no political statements and no commentary about how people react.
This lack of a political statement has in itself attracted criticism; FlashMobbing, reminiscent of protests, marches. Reclaim the Streets and so on in its gathering of people could carry a message (freedom for sofas now! You have
......
$

nothing to lose but your futons!) while Blaine has been attacked for starving himself needlessly when so very many people have no choice in the matter, without trying to highlight the plight of the latter group. Indeed, they could (and maybe should) have tried to promote a message. In doing so, however, they would have changed the veiy nature of their actions from being solely about the actions themselves to a political agenda, no matter how universal or inoffensive. Not everything has to be political.
There are, however, some other differences that are rather more germane. Where Blaine is actively seeking publicity and wanting to be looked at (he is, after all, in a glass box up in the air), FlashMobbing has attracted incidental press attention but hasn't sought it out; indeed, in order to preserve the air of randomness, the media were positively cold-shouldered, with no advance warning of where things were going to happen. The spontaneity of FlashMobs and their peculiar disconnection from any other part of society or groupings therewithin means they can only be explained in terms of the enjoyment they cause to their participants. David Blaine, meanwhile, is continually in the press; you can watch him twenty-four hours a day on Sky One and the Channel Four website. It is this public exposure that has caused Blaine's prob-
lems. Aside from being an easier target, his odd manner and saturation coverage have enervated people in a way that FlashMobs, no less bizarre or self-serving, have not.
Ignoring the objections of the gutter press, it has to be remembered that there is a point to the so-called liberal democracy we live in. Firstly, people doing things that are out of the ordinary - coming up with new ideas, unconventional art forms or sitting in glass boxes - will most of the time fall flat on their face. Occasionally, however, they come up with something interesting. Maybe the glass box stunt is not interesting; it is worth doing it, though, 'just to see what happens'. What is more important than the generally accepted legal principle of freedom of expression is the social pressures that are brought to bear David Blaine is clearly not having a pleasant time in his room with a view, and not just because of the lack of food. Innovation requires at least the possibility of failure and the good people of London seem to be betting heavily on Blaine's demise. The next time, though, that Blaine or anyone else considers doing some sort of public performance, they may well choose not to do it in the city on the Thames.
Dave Cole is a third year Government student and a former Chair of the UGM.
The Beaver Tuesday 30th September 2003
Page 10
blink Politics
The Fight for Tolerance
The BNP has proved that ignoring extremist parties does not necessarily prevent them from succeeding. To win the fight, we must have the courage to confront the arguments they present.
OneEyeOpen
Apparently (well, according to the BBC, but then perhaps I should be careful about relying on it too heavily in light of recent developments) Iain Duncan Smith, the man widely: believed to be leading the Tory party (though again, we should not be so sure) : called :for Sony Blair's resignation last week following the summing up from all sides down at the Hutton Inqutcy. It is no great surprise that few people were aware that he'd called for the PM's departure, and even less of one that anybody who was didn't really care. As much as Blair would probably dearly love an early retirement given the present circumstances, those who live in the real world take it for granted that it just ain't going to happen.
; The thing is, the affair into which the Hutton Inquiry delved had the potential to be one of the most damaging to a sitting government in living memory, but even for those relatively clued up and engaged with the political process, it failed to do anj^hing but tire, bore and prompt swift channel-switching when-, ever the news hit the screen. The government may not have sexed up the dossier, but Alastair Campbell did a fine job of sexing up the inquiry with the startling revelation in his diary that he hoped the whole affair would 'f*ck Gilligan', the BBC journalist at the centre of one of several rather unpleasant rows.
Yet it appeared to me that the inquiry did little but serve aS: a bit of rammy for: the heavyweights of the British estab-i lishraent; a nice day out and a bit of a verbal punch-up for government, media,' lawyers,: the civil service and the intelligence community alike. Whilst the BBC soul-searched, ITV gloated. As Geoff Hoon sought to cover his tracks, his aide turned up the next day to stitch him up.. Now the refers in this right-royal mess. Lord Hutton, has two months to review the video evidence and write his report.
Let's be dear - whilst there will, by the end, have undoubtedly been many casualties in this affair, Blair will not be one of them, and neither will the government itself. We all know what the outcome will be; a lengthy report which probably won't say very much or be brave enough to point the finger at the highest level, confirmation of what we know already regarding mistakes by the BBC, partial vindication of Alastair Campbell, grave errors at the MoD, followed swiftly by Geoff Hoon's resignation and as far as Number 10 is concerned, Blair is ultimately responsible for what went on withtni his government yet ultimately not to blame.
Happy families, and they all lived joyfully ever after.
Meanwhile, the Tories are nowhere, the Lib Dems (despite what they might try to tell you) are not serious challengers and never will be, and even if they were, their target is not government but opposition; to take seats from the Conservatives is their goal, not Xabour. ; Which all means we'll have a nice new,: albeit smaller, government under Blair in two or so years time, after which he will gracefully retire and hand the reigns to Gordon Brown who, rubbing his hands together with glee, may, wffl have even; welcomed this whole shebang, :
El Barham
Beaver News Editor
Although it pains me to say it, there is a definite problem with racism in Britain. The British National Party (BNP), with a manifesto pledge to exclude all non-British nationals from the government, law and media as well as halting any fm-ther immigration, brought its total number of council seats to a record 17 this August. Superintendent Ali Dizaei, tipped as Britain's first ethnic minority chief superintendent, has called on all other black and Asian people to boycott the Metropolitan Police Force until the 'cancer' of prejudice, which has driven him out of his job and into the arms of anti-depressants, is eliminated. Investigations into Britain's education system conducted by the University of Sussex, Canterbury Christ Church University College and the University of Brighton, have concluded that it is 'institutionally racist'. The government's answer to address this evident xenophobia is to introduce a citizenship test for all would-be immigrants, resolving differences by eliminating them, but is this enough?
The inadequacy of the government in tackling the problems of race is illustrated by the examples above. It has failed to reduce institutional racism in organisations such as the police force. It has failed to initiate an educational program to teach tolerance to the youth of Britain and it has failed to address the concerns of people in the community. Its inadequacy is two-fold: it has not come up with solutions of its own to help tackle prejudice, and it has allowed others to exacerbate ethnic divisions for their own ends without challenging them. An imwillingness to give the BNP a 'legitimate platform' from which to air its views means that the major parties ignore it during the run-up to elections. The major parties are not the only ones guilty of this: numerous universities, ours included, have banned the BNP from campus. However, this does not deny the party legitimacy as it is still in a position whereby it can convince the electorate and legally win seats. In fact, its
position is actually strengthened since it does not have to answer the critical questions that the major parties are in a position to ask.
But why is indigenous Britain so mistrustful of those from different ethnic backgrounds? A spokesman for the BNP explained that many of its members join because they "feel invaded" and are worried that "ethnic British will be in a minority in their own country in 60 years". This anxiety is, however, distorted. According to the National Office of Statistics, the entire ethnic minority, i.e. non-white British and non-British, population in April 2001 was a mere 7.9% of the total. However, people settle in distinct communities: in Birmingham, a drive from the mostly white Solihull to Chinatown in the centre through the Muslim and Hindu pre-dominated Sparkbrook, illustrates how people are geographically divided. This tendency to cluster into large groups gives those living near an ethnic community an unrealistic idea of how many non-British people actually inhabit the UK as a whole.
The desire to live in a community is not unnatural - living within close proximity to others who speak the same language as you, have the same religious beliefs and come from a similar background is unsurprisingly appealing; no one likes to be the odd one out. Unfortunately, the creation of one ethnic community usually drives those who do not belong to it into a community of their own out of fear or mistrust of the unfa-mihar. The BNP uses this to assert the notion that people from different backgrounds cannot co-exist, that people "resent multiculturalism being thrust dovra their throats by organisations like the BBC". The BNP believes that such differences are fimdamental, and that non-British are unable to act in the interest of those who class themselves as British, hence their policy of excluding all ethnic minorities from positions where they might be able to "have law-making influences".
The government's policy for introducing US-style citizenship tests for all would-be immigrants also gives weight to this theory. Making people answer a load
'the number of mixed marriages is so small that they are not an issue. I have the greatest sympathy for mixed race children - the poor devils don't know which camp they fall into'
BNP Spokesman



of questions on 'Britishness' seems to imply that one cannot function in Britain if one does not conform to the pre-exis-tent culture - that the only way to ensure fuU integration is by homogenising the population. However, tensions between communities are not merely the result of an inability to get on with others from different backgrounds, but are more commonly as a result of perceived inequalities in the distribution of council funds and jobs. The main grievances of those who live in areas where the BNP has most support are economic: anger over the creation of a language centre or the fear that indigenous Britons are being undercut in the labour market by immigrants prepared to work for lower wages. These are tangible complaints that can be addressed by explaining exactly why money and jobs are being distributed the way that they are and by redressing any imbalance.
The fact that those of different ethnicity cannot live without conflict is shown by statistics. The BNP ignores the fact that 14.6% of those who describe themselves as ethnic minorities state that they are mixed race, according to the 2001 Census. The BNP spokesman said, "the number of mixed marriages is so small that they are not an issue. I have the greatest sympathy for mixed race children - the poor devils don't know which camp they fall into". The truth is that the BNP chooses to ignore the 677,117 people of mixed origin in the UK, myself included, because we undermine its assertion that non-British and British people cannot exist side-by-side. Us "poor devils" are not in a quandary over our identity because there are not necessarily separate camps for us to choose between.
In the absence of any helpful government intervention, it is up to everyone who believes that tolerance is possible to argue this with the BNP. Denying the BNP a voice is not going to make it go away. We need to challenge it, argue with it and ultimately reveal its ideas for what they are - complete fallacy.
El Barham is Beaver News Editor and a second year undergraduate studying Government and History.
The Beaver Tuesday 30th September 2003
Page 11
Politics
Adam Quinn
blink Political Correspondent
Remember how an old reductio ad absurdum aimed at the 'sin tax' on booze and fags used to be that, if that was allowed, then we should tax fatty food because it's bad for you too? Well laugh no longer my friends, because in Ireland (as I discovered while there a few weeks ago) they're seriously considering it. And as if part of a spreading contagion, the 'health campaigners' who so often crop up all over the media are now starting to mention it a little more boldly over here too.
Meanwhile, as the nation gets ever fatter and the day's regular exercise increasingly consists of popping out of the office to get a Mars Bar for lunch, the Department of Health ponders ever more loudly about what is to be done to save the nation's health and waistline. Well here's a suggestion to which I don't think they've given due consideration: Do nothing. Leave us alone.
For our European brothers and sisters, ever-used to having a government official call around to demonstrate the nationally approved nose-blowing technique etc., the idea that the state should take it upon itself to improve the quality of the nation's diet may sit very comfortably with their preconceptions. But there was a time when this sort of nanny-statism would have been an outrage to British ears. It's time to regain some of that libertarian spirit. Never mind just steering clear of diet: repeal the booze tax; abolish the tab duty. Let freedom reign.
Don't get me wrong here - I'm as keen as the next man that people should have enough information to make some-way sensible choices. Billboards with slogans like 'Ease that hacking cough with a cool, smooth Marlboro' shouldn't go unchallenged by all that medical science has taught us. But when the health mafia get on the TV and start banging on about how everyone needs to be better informed about their diet so they can make the right choices, we all know what they really think. Not so deep down they're thinking that there is only one 'right' choice, and that it's the uber-healthy lifestyle that they want to see everyone sticking by. We know that even if every house in the country was sent a portfolio of photos of smokers' lungs and George Best's liver, and even if a chart indicating daily fruit and veg requirements was pinned to every tree, so long as there were still smokers, boozers and couch potatoes in the world they'd still be hammering their 'stop that now' message home relentlessly.
They don't mean it when they say they just want people to be informed so they can make their own choices. They mean they believe that if everyone was 'informed' sufficiently then they'd have no rational alternative but to make the decision to follow them down the yellow brick road of healthy living. The idea that someone might look at their curry, look at a


Can the Government ever be made to just mind its own business?
'It's time to regain some of that British libertarian spirit. Never mind just steering clear of diet: repeal the booze tax; abolish the tab duty. Let freedom reign.'
packet of artichokes, do the net-gain sums in their head and decide to stick with unhealthy living doesn't truly get on the mental radar of the health police, and it gets lip service from them at best. The joke that regular exercise doesn't make you live longer - it just feels longer - has always left them stony-faced.
After aU, if it was just about information, the Government should just issue us all one leaflet detailing what we know about the effects of 'bad' lifestyle on health and then forget about it until they have something new to say. But instead, presimiably on the basis that even with plentiful information people still don't know what's good for them, tax is slapped on at extortionate rates, allegedly with the intent of pricing people out of their bad habits. And as anyone who's ever lived in Scotland will tell you, the Government's not averse to bombarding the media with pro-health propaganda, paid for by the taxpayer, if it thinks people aren't getting The Message.
What this ceaseless barrage of publicly funded dogma and regressive taxation shows us is just one glimpse of a deeply unpleasant aspect of modem Government: its perception that it is somehow its job to look after us aU in all aspects of our lives. If the population is eating badly by the standards of the nutrition intelligentsia, then that's somehow a 'problem' that it's down to the Government to solve, in league with the various obsessives and busy-bodies who volunteer to help.
Well, quite frankly, to hell with that. There's only one thing the Government has a responsibility to do, and that's to make sure no one is so ignorant they have no idea when
confronted with producers' pushy advertising that there's a down-side to self-indulgence. While everyone knows booze makes you sick, pies make you fat, cigs rot your lungs and too much of any can put you in the morgue, their work is done. And let's be honest: I rather suspect that most people know these things already.
Going beyond that point is enlisting all of our wallets in an elite-driven project to corral and coerce people into living the lives that someone else has decided would be better for them. As both a taxpayer, a drinker and a connoisseur of fatty foods, I for one want their hand out of my pocket, their puritan tax off my pricelist and their propaganda out of my face.
God knows we seem to have gone a long way towards undermining the idea that people should be allowed to live their own lives and, so long as they have a rudimentary mental competence, to do themselves whatever damage they see fit in the pursuit of whatever they fancy. With a Government like the current one in power it would do us good to remember that the Government of a free country doesn't just do its job by stepping in to improve people's lot. Just as often it does it by leaving them the hell alone. That means no state campaigning beyond what's needed to spread plain information, and no targeted taxes to promote an approved lifestyle. It's an idea called individual liberty, and it used to count for something around here.
Adam, Qtunn is a PhD student at the LSE.
b:art
edited by Justin Noian
stinging and a minging since 1864
o
[EDITORIAL
jfeJl heilo there, and welcome to .the first-bcart of the new . school yean I trust that your summer has a been a good one and the stories of your sunshine exploits reverberate |from Houghton Street to er, Kingsway.
We at b:art have had a thoroughly enjoyable summer, from Radtohead at Glastonbury, to Yann-Arthus Bertrand; at the National History Museum. From arguing about the Perrier Award, to arguing about the Mercui'y Music Prize, to arguing about the Booker Prize, to arguing about the turner Prize. From being sunburnt at the Gtobe to being sunburnt m Ibtza. Martin Amis, Dizzie Rascal, David Blaine, 24, Second Generation Pirates of the Carribean, Jerry Springer the Opera; wherever you ve been the Arts have been in the news, and all. thiS; set io a backdrop of awesorhely un-British
weather.
So as the nights draw In, the leaves start falling, the , -V-conkers start getting varnished and the weather gets worse, b:art aims to keep you entertained and intrigued with the best from film, music, theatre, literature, fine art and the places to eat, drinK and be merry in London. We take your welfare as students very seriously here and we wouldn't dream of having you part with your government-assited allowances for something we haven't seen, tried and reviewed. So put your trust in our hands and we will show you just a slice of the one of the most diverse arts scenes in the world.
Have a good year.
a bluffers guide to b:art
what to expect from the section that mal<es sports seem lii<e the stinking pile of rambiing, self-promoting, over-indulgent shit that it really is.
-LU L_J LJi
ili y! S issSiHaiiag
J

I

'M
b:film
edited by Simon Cliff and Dani Ismail
One of the showpiece sections of b:art, b:film has consistently brought you Intelligent, unbiased, and well written reviews of the week's best films, together with the latest movie news and views. Edited through a haze of absinthe and special brew by husband and wife team, Simon and Dani, they can be contacted through a seance or failing that through e-mailing them at beaverflim@yahoo.com.
b:music
edited by Nell 'lives in a' Garrett and Jazmin Burgess
Broadmoor's loss is b:art's gain as notorious professional serial killers Neil and Jazmin recently staged a jailbreak Just to bring you the best album, single and live reviews every week. You can show your appreciation for this by turning up to the weekly b:muslc meetings where, amidst the human sacrifices and pagan rituals, singles and albums are given out for you to review.
b:literature edited by Dalia King
If the only literature you ever read is a "friend's" adult publication. You Magazine or leaflets on how to deal with premature ejaculation, then this section is clearly not for you. For all the rest of us Dalia King brings us the consistently excellent b:llterature, showpiecing the best in new fiction and non-fiction books. IVIuch to her chagrin, Dalia can be contacted on D.Klngl@lse.ac.uk.
b:theatre edited by Keith Postler
There's legends, stars, heroes, and gods, but there's only one Keith Postler. Friend to Larry, Johnny, Kenny, Judy and, er, Nicholas Hytnerry; Sir Keith will be taking time out from moonlighting as cult comic book hero Blade to produce the visceral onslaught that is bitheatre. Theatre, Opera, Ballet; its all here and whats more Keith will be looking for a young, nubile assistant to help him in his editorial endeavours. Contact him at K.Postler@lse.ac.uk.
b:about edited by Sarah Warwick
The section that shows you where to buy the strongest skunk, where to find the cheapest e's, and in which soho toilets is Charlie best off being snorted. But given that Sarah has recently remerged from a lenghty stint in rehab, biabout may Just have to tell you the top places to eat, drink, dance and be seen. She can be reached only on S.L.Warwick@lse.ac.uk.
b:fineart edited by ??????
b:art's newest acquisition, poached from under noses of Chelsea thanks to some skillfull bargaining and quite blatant intimidation, b:fineart will fill your| senses with news of exhibitions, events and life drawing sessions. Potato prints, playdo sculptures, and pissed-up scrawl will unfortunately be not be included. The editor will unvelied at a special ceremony outside St Pauls Cathedral on Sunday morning before Church.
b:intro
edited by Justin 'Trousermaggot' Nolan
Proof positive that not everything that has come out of Manchester has been as successful as the Stone Roses, the bouncing bomb, and the Chartists, partime b:art editor, and fulltime nobjockey, Justin Nolan, will let the first page of this great section be leased out to anyone who wants to write a coherent, well structured and interesting article on anything in the arts. He does this to compensate for a lack of height, girth or discernable personality. Mail him on J.J.Nolan@lse.ac.uk or alternatively stick a pint pot in his face. Twat.
how and why should I write for this shit?
How? You can write for b:art by signing up at at the Beaver stall at Freshers Fair; contacting the relevant sub-editor or mailing the section editor, Justin Nolan, using the e-mail addresses above; or simply turning up in the Beaver Office and shouting "My life will not be complete until I write for the fabulous arts section".
Why? Well apart from the obvious atavistic thrill of seeing your name in print, one of the main reasons to write for b:art is quite simply the freebies. Free CDs, Cinema tickets. Theatre Tickets, Books and Art Exhibition tickets are all available to you if you write for us, and most of them will be available before the rest of the scummy masses see them. And if that isn't enough of a reason to write for us, then piss off and pontificate on the problems of the Middle East in blink.
Cabin Fever
DAN I ISMAIL: Is the horror genre dead and burled? Your Film Editor certainly doesn't think so...
I )lrt'i:lor,
Eli Roth
si.iiniij'.: Rider Strong, Jordnn Lo(l<l. Giiiscppc Andrews.
Hiiiminj', rinii.:. 94 mins CiM tiliciilc, 15
Diilo: 10th Octol)er
This really Is the toen horror movie	all teilf horror
inovios. Paul Ross, still trying to imitnte ltIS more successful film buff brother Joiiathon, informed the reviewers tiiat we had to be "sick mother fuckers'* to watch this movie. At the time I thought "well thank you Paul Ross for your insight there" (not a hint of sarcasm as I write that) but how shocked I was, not only that for once Paul Ross was right but also by this gut wrenching film. As the Wayne's World tagline goes "You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll hurl", this film pretty much reaches every extreme of a horror film (although tflat's as far^ Hie Wayne's World analogy goes). Maybe i should add "you'll retch" too. Bloodbaths, hideous and vile diseases, and comedy that together they strike ari unusual balance - horror and comedy done to perfection, and apparently on a small budget. The stofyliue isn't challenging - I.e. it's the same as pretty much any other teens<stay-in-freaky-cabin-lththe-woods film. I'm thiriking a general reworking of Friday The 13th here. In that they all get taken out one by one but without Jason - sorry if this Is a spoiler, then again it's a horror movie, what do you
expect?
Rider Strong is the protagonist, you may remember
him from Boy Meets World. But however good he is, wed by two supporting character: James
the beer drinking, gay squirrel shooting
and general obnoxious jock Bert and
Guiseppe Andrews is the soon-to-
te^^ hero laid back stoner
Depcri^ Winston, who's main
Interest is partying with
chicks rather than clias-
ing up the malicious
tramp wito's trying to
reap havoc on the
teens. Watch out for
the racist joke at
the beginning, it'll
pay ofT at the end...
- '.JV:-- .•
So? Expect^spliiie ^
headache irtiq|i(:ing hor^ ror movie that will prob?
ably feed into your masochistic (a week-end ayyFUnr ^yohe?) and' ^ desires. Much
enjov

Freshers, we at	salute
you/for this is your momeiit...
Alas, once your Freshers Guide has been binned, the essays begin to mount up and even the thought of alcohol makes i"With a blunt knife (for no apparent reasons) - in your liver aehe, you'll begin to "settle-in" arvd become a true i general do expect flagrant subjectivity and preju- student. Yes, even you will visit the Library for no reasonj diced views.	at least twice a day, you will find tihie crud served in the
The following Is a quickie list of the eye Brunch Bowl mildly edible, and you will be filled with rapture sore atrocities coming out in the near future. when, every Tuesday, you rush to a blue newsstand and grab
Movie Matters with DANiiSMAtL
In this weekly piece of mine I hope to give you a flavoured taste of the cream of the crop to come. While I will try to stay as objective and unbiased as possible -1 promise to every now and then give credit to a movie that promises much but still makes me want to itch my liver out

Avoid them like you would a rabid dog you'd just yourself a copy of this, the Beaver Newspaper, hankering for
thrown a rock at. Freaky Friday. Scary Movie 3. And there's been a few just recently released that are just, oh lord, awful. Gigli. Gigli. Gigli.
Just had to let that out. It's a pity that this summer has been full of stupid sequels and/or third instalments. One must not let the past determine the future however - especially when the only movies that we have to look forward to are of one and the same nature. The Matrix: Revolutions- out November 7th- appears to be the only movie of substance coming out that month. Unless of course you include Scary Movie 3. Who allowed this movie to mature into first a sequel and now a trilogy should be stabbed with a broken vodka bottle. Bad Boys 2 is also on the release soon... you know there's a problem with the title of that, firstly. Secondly, two and a half hours, two of which take place on a highway with cars and boats a-crashing and plenty of shooting, is just too long. I do appreciate a good car chase. But
your weekly fix of gossip, news and features. Of course, should you have any interest In movies at all, you'll flick | (quickly past all that gait»age to find yourself here, in j B;FiIm, packed with all the latest in film news and ; reviews, comments and competitions.	j
One half of the B:Rlm team is Simon, who-each week will enlighten you with a column] packed with a cavalcade of comments on thej world of film. The other half of our team is Oani,! and she will provide an Incisive insight into every! nook of news she can get her hands on. But Loii The Fellowship of the Film Section is not yet com-| plete...
For it is you, dear people, that we shall send as reporters to specialist cinemas all over London with a mis-
twenty minutes into it you'll start scouting the darkened cinema for talent, sion to watch all the latest releases weeks in advance, quiz There is also the final LOTR, coming out in December!. I must say film stars at press conferences and interview everyone from
-1 do greatly appreciate the spreading out of these three parts. Kill Bill is breaking the trilogy trend and is only in two. There are so many reasons to be excited about this. For one, Tarantino is a God (not a word I allow myself to use often). For two, I love Tarantino film titles. They have such class and look good peeking out obnoxiously from your growing movie col
lection, in between perhaps a weathered copy of
Johnny Depp to Johnny Vegas. In short, this is your section and we need your creative energy to make it the success that it is.
So, if you feel like having a stab at film journalism with a distinct student edge, please let us know - email beaver-. fiim@yahoo.com with your name and mobile number and we The Godfather on one side and Dirty Dancing on will be in touch. No experience is necessary; we just need peo-the other.	ple ^ho have an opinion, are able to write an article of abou
For those of us who love Ewan McGregor, 400 words, and, of course, have a passion for film, whateve and let's face it, who doesn't, he is being hand- the genre, whatever the era, whether your favourite film is G/g/| ed to us on a silver platter. That's right! Down o*" ^^e Godfather, let us know.: With Love, the Doris Day/ Rock Hudson knockoff	'h the meantime, enjoy thyselves, stay safe, and
with Renee Zelleweger is being released on never rub another man's rhubarb.
October 3rd. Don't expect too much, but treat this movie as a starter to
the full frontal McGregor (woohoo!) in Young Adam, which came out last , ;	Editors^
w/eek. This movie fucks like Moulin Rouge sings. Perfect	"	. . »
C
(Q
¦o
oef
o
"O
0)

I
top ten r Essential Student Movies
For this, the inaugural edition of the new year, we recommend our top ten films that no self-respecting fresher can afford to be without This is the definitive list of films that, in their own special ways, define aspects of our student status; alcohol, paranoia, inititiations into adulthood, or just plain, unassuming and completely aimless madness. So, vigorously study the list below, get yourself membership of the nearest Blockbuster Video, and rent away!
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Visit any one of several dozen 'arts-based' universities in this country and you are iikeiy to find a bunch of Film Studies students whose sole reason for choosing the subject was this movie. Violent and disturbing yet often belly-achingly funny and accompanied by the coolest soundtrack you'll ever hear, this is the one film any self-respecting student cannot afford to be without. Why? Give me a single reason why not and I'll pop a cap in your ass motherf*ker...(altogether now)..."The path of the righteous man..."
Trainspotting (1996)
Before Ewan Macgregor was polishing Liam Neeson's lightsabre and feeling Yoda's force, he was making his name in a wee Scottish film which is now regarded as the best British effort of the last decade. A simultaneously shocking and sickeningly funny snapshot of life amongst a group of drug addicts, this film does for heroin what Psycho did for showers. Why? Before LSE Alumnus Stelios had used that carroty shade to represent all that is cheap and frill-free, the colour orange framed a line-up of five Scottish misfits who adorned the prerequisite poster of any undergrad bedroom during the late nineties.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Possibly the most accessible of the Kubrick collection, this tale of dehumanisation in the face of war takes us from the rigours of the US military academy with the demented Gunnery Sergeant Hartman to the horrors of the Vietnam jungle itself. Why? It's a eulogy to those student bullies of the world, who'll think twice next time they've cornered the fat kid in the Gents of the Union and think it'll be fun to pick on them some more, particularly if they're 'locked and
loaded'. And, in terms of its wider political significance, it's as relevant today as it ever was.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Made back when the LSE was still a radical, left-wing institution (long, long ago), this horrific shocker still leaves even the most hardened of us gnawing at our nails in fear. Following the road-trip-gone-wrong tale of a group of hippy-types driving across the U.S, they meet a family of cannibal yokels and are duly dispatched one-by-one. Tasty. Why? Because it was banned for 25 years in dear old Blighty, has a bloke running around wearing human skin as a facemask wielding Satan's toenail clippers, and the murder it contains is, in a bizarre loophole of Texan law, perfectly legal. Now that is scary.
'My Own Private Idaho (1991)
"The late River Phoenix, in possibly his most subtle, beautifully layered performance, stars in this modern interpretation of Shakespeare's Henry IV, a surreal story revolving around the friendship of two male prostitutes: a friendship gradually eroded by their differences in class and sexuality. The Indie legend Gus van Sant, best known for Good Will Hunting, also directs Keanu Reeves in a film widely regarded as an Independent cinema classic. Why? You don't know? Did you not read the sentence about Keanu Reeves playing a male prostitute? Yes? Read Again -Justification Found! Laughter Guaranteed!
Run Lola Run (1998)
This German-made feature combines pretty much every cinematic technique in the book - compelling animation, a music-video style of editing, a hip, dynamic soundtrack and dialogue that Mr. Tarantino would be proud of. Marvel as the electrifyingly red-haired Lola runs to save her boyfriend's life, dealing with some of life's existential questions along the way for good measure. Why? Lola Rennt more than earns its place amongst the Student Cinema Elite for its panache, attitude and pulsing urban atmosphere layered above surprisingly heavy philosophy which is provoking as well as effortlessly entertaining.
Donnie Darko (2001)
What if you woke up tomorrow to find a giant rabbit on your front lawn, telling you the world is going to end in about a month, only for you then to find this same rabbit has just saved your life from a falling jet engine? What if you were The Messiah? What if you could travel back in time? Trust me, it all sounds very paranoid and deep (it is), but Donnie Darko is also one of the most criminally ignored films of the last decade. Completely indispensable for those calling themselves students. Why? Basically, you should be made to watch it as a condition of getting your loan cheque.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Is the most uncomfortable scene in cinema the moment that Michael Madsen's Mr. Blonde slices off the ear of a gagged and bound policeman to the strains of Stealer's Wheel, a scene in which you don't actually see anything? Quite possibly. With Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino became the most original and influential director in Hollywood, as filmmakers clambered over each other in the mid-nineties to emulate such a compelling and well-written tragedy of a bank heist gone awfully awry. Why? From the tipping debate and the 'Like a Virgin" soliloquy, right until the final, heart-stopping bloodbath, this is sheer genius.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
A faithful adaptation of the book by Hunter S Thompson, this cult gem sees a deranged Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro roaming around Las Vegas - in a drug frenzy previously only seen by those spending quality time with Keith Richards - searching for American dream (which, naturally, is synonymous with loading a convertible with every drug known to man and running around yelling at people). Why? It's an adjective now: "Man, you should have seen me last night, I was fear-and-loathing-wasted".
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
A controversial choice for some of you I guess (Apocalypse Now, Fight Club et al.) but this really does sum up the spirit of student life. Wandering aimlessly and getting horribly lost in a foreign environment and getting shit-scared when your lodgings appear to be shaking as a result of 'paranormal' activity; it all sounds like typical LSE-Student behaviour to me, whether metaphorical or literal. Why? The whole film was made for less than an episode of Neighbours. So just think, if ten of you put your loan cheques together and made a movie instead of pissing it up a wall, you too could make a movie like this.
FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Music Editors JAZMIN BURGESS and NEIL GARRETT give their opinions on the two best festivals of the
summer: READING and GLASTONBURY...
READING 22ND-24TH AUGUST
FRIDAY AUGUST 22ND
So, traditionally the Friday of Reading is supposed to be 'indie' day, but that notion kinda went out the window a long time ago. Instead they should probably rename friday as the day of bands with no true classification - in other words it's a bit of a slow day. Not that I'm complaining, because in amongst the mish mash were some truly kick ass bands. And heading that list were emo stalwarts SAVES THE DAY. Although their set didn't quite include enough of their older material to satisfy slightly obsessive old skool fans like myself, the Weezer-esque tracks they previewed from forthcoming album 'In Reverie' were ^ so^ b^ey^nd^
brightest stars of the weekend. Following on from Saves The Day were the equally ace OK GO. Hailing from Chicago, OK GO's brand of hyperactive pop meets garage rock is refreshingly unique from the constant onslaught of boring and monotonous garage-rock bands like Jet and the Libertines. Although their performance was nowhere near as good as their self-titled debut album, the singalong they achieved when playing recent single 'Get Over It' was enough to save the set from being a disappointment. Someone who was by no means diappointing was BUCK 65 - the one man hip hop sensation, who knows how to drop SERIOUSLY phat beats and pretty ace rhymes too. Probably the highlight of the set was his 'anti corporation' stance which consisting of him throwing dirt at the Smirnoff logo in the dance tent. How revolutionary. Still, aside from the vigilanty chaos. Buck 65's brand of hip hop was perfect for the 4pm afternoon slot. As headliners go, the choice of Linkin Park,
Polyphonic Spree and Evan Dando pretty much defines the term 'between a rock and a hrd-place'. Still, the evening easily belonged second to - headliners SPARTA - the bettter of the At The Drive In splinter groups. With a thirty five minute set of perfect melodic hardcore, punctuated by a near genius rendition of 'Cut Your Ribbon', Sparta made sure that the Friday of Reading had a as-close-to-perfect-as-you'd want-it end.
SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD No question about it, the Saturday of this year's Reading was (and of course always is!) by far the highlight of the weekend, merely beacuse it satisfies (without fail) my emo-hardcore and punk cravings. And this year it got off to a near perfect start with the second band on being the mag-fif nificient CAVE IN. Although their place on the ^main stage might have something to do with Btheir recent move to RCA, their set of tracks Hoff recently released album 'Anchor' easily Hpulled off to such a large crowd. However, Boverall the band won the most respect as a Bresult of a rendition of one their super-hard-core tracks from one of their earlier albums. Despite Cave In's charms, the band of the day and most definitely of the weekend was without a question THE MOVIELIFE. Possibly one of the only good bands on pop-punk orienatted Drive Thru records. The Movielife played a set that was hyperactive and energy fueled that even those in the moshpit couldn't keep up. What's more, no other band on the bill could even touch their levels of brilliance - particularly the singalong they roused with their rendition of 'Hand Grenade'. Although nothing else could touch The Movielife
^¦weekend, there SBwere still some pretty fantastic ^gbands on offer, ^wsuch as THE ijjsATARIS, who's jiSpop-punk sound -'•*and cover of Don Henley's 'Boys of
Summer' was an ideal warm up for punk legends PENNYWISE. Who of course totally blew the concrete jungle stage away with their set ofi old skool-but-better-than-the-new school skate punk and their always brilliant cover of 'Stand by Me'. Although,the Saturday wasn't as good as last year, it was still undeniably a cut above both the other days this year.
SUNDAY AUGUST 24TH Sunday pretty much started as it went on with' teribble, terrible manufactured punk-pop/noisec-i ore rubbish in the form of ALL AMERICAN REJECTS, BIFFY CLYRO AND THE USED. Still, GOOD CHARLOTTE deserved a big round of applause for their more than entertaining set and embarcing the fact that they really are not: very good by voluntarily asking the crowd to bottle them. SUM 41 however didn't learn anything! from Good Charlotte and actually thought they! were good.Which they weren't. Although, the mainstage took an even further downhill spiral after Sum 41, Sunday was more less saved by the wonderous GRANDADDY, whose eclectic set; consisted off the best parts of their four albums, including well recieved tracks off recently released album 'Sumday'. However it was their
'Crystal
^^^^R^^HjPHj^lthat had the
whole
ing and lots of
^¦1^.,.	¦'¦people punch-
I - ing the air. There was also lots of punching the air and ' * • : . ¦."	also in each oth-
ers stomachs for METALLICA. But as a band they were way too contrived to make the set even mildly enjoyable. Still, they had nice fireworks. And nice fireworks are always a good way to end a festival, especially one that was as good as Reading was this year.
JAZMIN BURGESS
GLASTONBURY 27TH-29TH JUNE
(J) if) 0 t)UO
N = CD 0
o (/)
FRIDAY 27TH JUNE
the first thing I see of the festival are old skool hip hop legends DE LA SOUL. The problem with hip hop triads, such as these, live is that each member always wants to be centre stage. Three attention deprived kids all vying for the affection of the crowd. Then its over to the One World stage to be disappointed by BETH ORTON and THE SKATALITES. Orton really is an annoying piece of work live. She puts on this shy ditsy girl act which includes telling duff jokes which attempt to be ironic, I think, but are nothing except just bad jokes. Without any of the orchestra present on much of her albums the isolated tunes come across as extraordinarily ordinary, each one much of a muchness. Towards the end I begin to wonder if she's only written one song and has managed to con the public by getting producers to make this same song sound different. Not quite the ditsy one we all suspected maybe. It's then difficult for me to decide which headline act to see. I'm torn between REM and Afro-Beat legend TONY ALLEN (former drummer with Fela Kuti). In the end I opt for REM, a band with a back catalogue of great tunes but who often choose to flaunt thfeir most unappealing ones live. Despite playing 7 tracks from 2nd album 'Fables of the Reconstruction' a week previously at Brixton Accademy, Glastonbrury does not get treated to such riches. We endure Everybody Hurts, Losing My Religion, Man on the Moon, End of the World and a number of ineffective new numbers. It's quite entertaining though to watch Stipe wiggle his thing about like a man possessed by an amorous demon.
SATURDAY 28TH JUNE ¦ik Saturday begins for Neil with OZOMATLI on
the pyramid stage playing to a surprisingly lively morning crowd. Jimmy Cliff proceeds this slab of quality back over at the pyramid stage. As much as everyone seems to get into this and raves about it forever after, it all seems a bit on the naff side to me. Watching everyone get a bit jiggy to "The harder they come..." is reminiscent of watching your parents dance. I leave to see the DAVID HOLMES FREE ASSOCIATION. Although it infuriates me that a band which goes by this name has Holmes himself standing in the corner periodically tapping his weenie toe, this is pleasing stuff. Good funk and soul tunes work fantastically live. Even better is the Rastafarian bloke who shakes his dreads in huge hypnotic spirals. Ahh LOVE. Perhaps it's the mood I'm in. Perhaps this had to be good to my mind given the massive amount I was hyping this up beforehand. Or maybe this is actually of a supreme order. None of the original group exist to this day due to various over indulgences, except that is for frontman Arthur Lee, recently released from jail. He swaggers on stage in dark shades, gives a nonchalant wave and the music starts up. They run through each track from their sparkling album "Forever Changes" in order, note for note. It is first rate. The headliner of choice is RADIOHEAD. They do a good mix of material of all their albums bar Pablo Honey plus B-side "Talk Show Host". The new stuff works brilliantly live and 1 leave a happy man although slightly battered by the whole experience.
SUNDAY 29TH JUNE French hip hop act the SAIAN SUPA CREW opened the final day of Glastonbury over at the now musty whiffing dance tent. This transpires to be a good choice. The ensemble come on
like little ninjas in matching crew t-shirts ^ and perform an array of hip hop tunes: raga, reggae, poetic eary wu tangesque beats and upbeat jazzy numbers a la J5 are mixed together with style. The best moment though is when they suffer technical problems. On the spur of this awkward moment, a group member decides to show of his skill as a human beat box. Next up, from the cider tent near the one world stage I wait for prog legends Yes to come on. It's worth the wait to see RICK WAKEMAN, complete with trademark golden locks and looking like a retro Gandalf, showing of his virtuoso skills on his vast collection of synths. No one seems entirely overcome by the sight (and sound) of the first reformation of the original line up for many a year. I leave before the end to see THE RAPTURE who attempt to blend house and rock music together which doesn't work particularly well. In fact it struggles so much that in the end they have to drag Bez from the Happy Mondays out of the cupboard to remind people that the two things can work together. He dances a bit. Badly. The final act of the day is the mighty SQUAREPUSHER. It's refreshing to see such electronic programmed music attempted to be created as well as played live, rather then watching a geeky chap on stage pressing play on a laptop (Chemical Brothers, Aphex twin, Four Tet, you all know who you are). It's a potent mish mash of messed up beats, electronic squelches, and many an odd sound with a beautiful little ambient interlude in the middle. Nice.
NEIL GARRETT
GIGS ANYONE?!
Having to come back (or start) university in October totally sucks, especially after four months of blissful holiday. But stop a minute and think! You're in LondoniThe music capital of the worldlAnd there are so many gigs on in the next few months, it would be criminal not to go to at least one. So, in the spirit of 'share and share alike', music editors JAZMIN BURGESS and NEIL GARRETT give you an insight into what they think the best gigs of Michealmas term are going to be. With such top live action hitting London this fall, those ten weeks until Christmas will fly by..
e
H
JAZMIN'S TOP 5
The IVlovlelife (supporting Funeral For a Friend^
Astoria,October 16th
Long Island's finest, The Movlellfe, are quite possibly one of the most underrated and under appreciated bands around. In fact, It's pretty much Impossible to say a bad word about their infectious brand of melodic hardcore. So, it's an almost certain that their set supporting Funeral for a Friend at the Astoria is likely to be one of the best things you'll see this term. And If their rendition of songs from recently released third album 'Forty Hour Train Back To Penn' isn't enough to get you pogoing, then tracks from their unbelievably ace second album 'This Time Next Year' ought to- no matter how cynical •you are..
Domino Records 10th Anniversary Night The End, October 17th
Domino Records, the lofi genii who gave us|
the mighty Pavement, are celebrating theirl 10th birthday by showcasing many of the!
way beyond fantastic acts that make theml what they are throughout the whole ofj October. Easily, the highlight of the whole,
shebang is their club night at the End on the -17th, with performances and DJ sets from one of the best electronic acts around Four Tet, the sublimely gorgeous Manitoba and the wonderful Mouse on Mars. And on top of all that, indie legend and music god hlm-John Peel is DJIng too. The only thing that could possibly prevent this being one of the best club nights London has ever seen is If there was a power cut. That simple ! really!
SMelt Banana
iMean Fiddler, November 8th
|Japan's eclectic post-rock-meets-hardcore troubadours FINALLY make it back to the UK |for the first time since they're critically acclaimed All Tomorrow's Parties performance lin 2002. Without question. Melt Banana are one of the most innovative and original ^bands out there at the moment. In fact they're pretty much Impossible to describe-|think death metal drumming plus insanely talented guitars finished off by melodic hard-score signing, and you're kinda halfway there. Expect renditions from their recently ^released 'Cell-Scape' album, and a gig that'll be so creative and so unique that'll you Jbe hard pressed to find anything that good for the rest of term, if not the rest of the ^yean
'^The Hope Conspiracy ^Barfly, November 23rd
if Equal Vision's The Hope Conspiracy are one pof the few bands around who still do hard-core the way it's supposed to be- with 2 minute long songs and a lot of shouting.
: Seeing as their last visit to the UK playingj the equally tiny Undenworld had peoplei throwing out hardcore moves that youl thought only existed In AFI videos. Its pretty^
much a given that this gig is gonna totally rule ; the school- In fact, they'll probably be people (and lead singers!) hanging from the ¦ rafters before the night is up..
Belle and Sebastian Astoria, December 3rd/4th/5th
Belle and Sebastian! At the AstorialAnd for THREE nights! Not only do the brilliantly ¦eccentric Scots hardly ever play live dates, but also even when they do, they usually limit themselves to huge venues like Brixton Academy. So it's pretty special that they're playing the relatively smaller Astoria this time round. And judging by the strength of their soon to be released 5th album 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress', and their wonderful back catalogue, it's doubtless going to be three totally fantastic night of smiling and handclapping. And somewhere In amongst those three dates, they'll hopefully play their cover of the Young Ones' 'Another Girl, Another Planet'. And trust me, when they do, there won't be a pair of stationary feet in the venue..
NEIL'S TOP 5
Clinic & Hood (plus Art Exhibition/Music Videos)
The ICA, October 4th
The fantastic Domino records - home to a many a great artist - celebrates 10 years of existence this month and they're plying the public with loads of gigs to honour this fact. October 4th (note it now) kicks of the string of domino treats October has to offer ¦ and will certainly prove a good place to start. Hood, despite hailing from the lush alluring streets of Leeds, somehow contrive to make sparse haunting musical sound-scapes. Not quite folk, not quite electronica but certainly of the highest most bleak and beautiful order. Clinic could be described as a fantastic sinister pshycadelic 70's rock group, a 21st century Velvet underground, but both would sell them and their music short. This should be a very excellent night.
Lex night featuring Boom BIp and Sage Francis
The Scala, October 5th
Abstract hip hop brought to you by Warp records offshoot Lex who celebrate their two years of original, passionate rhymes and beats with a special tour around Europe. Boom Bip performs brand new material with his new live band. Sage Francis is currently taking the world by storm with his latest 'non-prophets' moniker and joins the posse on stage ahead of his stunning new album.
Amon Tobin
The Scala,October ISth
Amon Tobin likes his music deep and dark. Heavy electronic industrial beats stirred up, pulped and processed through a large vat of luminous viscous liquid. Innovative; sounds put together with awesome skill, his music is amongst the most original; around. The live show (complete with visuals) Amon Tobin put together at Electrowerkz last March was astonishing, very much like his music - weird and wonderful, sinister* and extreme. Not to be missed.
The Cinematic Orchestra Shepherds Bush Empire, October 6th
The 2nd album Everyday from the Cinematic Orchestra is more then a jazz album. Itsi soft sparkling building tracks with inventive belief defying percussion from Mikeli Flowers. The live show is sure to be special. Whisper it, but its more then a distant;^ possibility that Roots Manuva might make a surprise appearance for a rendition of "All things to All Men".
Radiohead
Earls Court, 26th/27th November
The fantastic 'head tour the UK at last. As Glastonbury proved, their latest album strengthens the live show even more. This is a band who despite their now legendary status are never anything except phenomenal. Although thei choice of venue will mean you'll have to take it on"
trust that the distant dots you see when standingS on tip toes are in fact the band complete, the-atmosphere at Earls Court is sure to be electric.
LSE's Own
And if all these gigs aren't enough to wet your apetite, and you're yearning to go check out some live music THIS WEEK, then make your way to Carousel on Thursday night (2nd) in the Quad to see LSE's very own THE BAZOOKAS. Doors are at 7.30pm,it's a mere 3 pounds with an LSE card and it guarantees to be a top night out. See?! For those lethargic souls amongst you, you can even see brilliant live music in London without even having to travel far from the Three Tuns..
NEW WRITERS WANTED!!
If you're a fresher, second year, third year or even post-graduate and fancy writing for the music Section of The Beaver, get in contact! We'd
love to have more writers writing for us this year, whatever your taste in music- be it pop, hip-hop, indie, emo, dance, r & b or world music.^We can't promise you fast cars or money, but we can offer the possibility of free cds, gig tickets and interviews with your favourite artists-and of course your name in print in the illustrious pages of The Beaver. We'll be holding regular meetings for our writers as soon as term starts, so email either: Jazmtn (l.D.Bufgess@lse.ac.ak) or Neil (N.Garrett@lse.ac.uk} and we'll let you know how you can be -	. . .involved!, .v.;;-:,::,.;::.',
^	¦ ¦¦	............. .y...:..,- .. ¦¦	..... ............ .	>
THE IJ\KE HOUSi
Horrifying experiments; Winged children - it's James Patterson like you've never seen him before!
Jusi Ths Facts.
Author: James Patterson Publisher: Headline Date: 30 June 2003 yPrice: £17.99_

I've read almost all of James Patterson's novels (apart from the questionable romance ones) but I've never given any of them DIK status - a Desert Island Keeper. If I'm stranded on a lump of sand with a scraggly little coconut tree for shade and only the chance of rain to prevent dehydration , but I had the great fortune to have lugged a bag full of great 'keeper' books with me to while away the years Tom Hanks style, Patterson books won't make the cut. It's not that I don't enjoy them, but despite all the hype that surrounds all of his work, I think he's more than slightly overrated as a pure storyteller.
The Lake House is the sequel to 'When the Wind Blows' which is about a girl (and some otheres) who were born with wings and could fly courtesy your friendly neighbourhood psycho scientist. Though Patterson has taken five years between the two books, he picks up only shortly after where he left us in the prequel. Here, Frannie O'Neill and Kit Brennan are trying to gain custody of the winged children. They were the ones to discover them in 'When the Wind Blows' and expose the whole shebang, but now the children have been returned to their biological parents and Frannie and Kit think that they would provide the best kind of love, care and support for them. The children think so as well, especially Max, the eldest and most extraordinary of them. She's aware of another horrifying biological experiment taking
place somewhere in the U.S. by an evil surgeon called Dr Ethan Kane who wants to use her and the others for his research. Terrified, she keeps it all a secret, even as the hunt begins to drag them back into undeground labs.
If you didn't like When the Wind Blows, you're definitely not going to like this. If you've never read When the Wind Blows and are wondering if you shold give The Lake House a try, ask yourself this: Do you fancy reading about part-human part-bird children who long to fly freely without fear of persecution but still crave the love and family life of 'normal' children?
There'll be some who think this is creativity and imagination at its best and there'll be those who think it's just plain silly. My problem with this book is not the premise, but Patterson's writing style. I know it's supposed to be light reading and goodness knows I'd prefer to read silly than serious anyday, but his prose was pedantic and eerily Danielle Steele like. Lots of 'he said' 'she saids' and thinly drawn characters with an ending that left me wondering if some pages had been ripped out of my £17.99 hardcover book. But don't let that stop you from taking in a breezy summer read in late September. You're not going to want to smack it against your wall to chapters in but you're not going to want to be stuck with it on a desert isle either.
Dalia King

Author: Sybille Knauss Publisher: Black Swan Date: May 2003 ^rice: £6.99_
iLw'i Covsrsi
i
\
" Eva was a good teacher of the art of outshining other women... as to make other women wonder what they're doing wrong..." And so it was that Eva (Braun), Gertraud's cousin, constantly fascinated her and the wider community no doubt, as she played the most inconceivable role as Adolf Hitler's 'mistress' at the very height and downfall of his trecherous reign.
The novel, albeit a fictitious account, is written as an aging Gertraud othenwise known as Marlene, recounts with explicit detail the days of her youth and describes the physical and mental landscape as well as the unforgettable events that she shared with her cousin at Hitler's Berghof in Berlin, Germany.
When asked to pay Eva a visit, young Gertraud blindly ignores the consternation of family members who view the relationship between cousin and Fuhrer as destined for doom.She often questioned the unusual relationship , yet Gertraud, delighted by her cousin's flamboyant lifestyle learned from Eva about the world of high fashion, social etiquette... as well as the negative effects of one's ignorance.
The young cousin is enchanted by Eva's social escapades such as the daring escapes to go skinny dipping and dining at the prestigious 'Hotel Platterhof, then Sibylle knauss (author) introduces an aura of dread.Gertraud encounters
" sullen, sly, dangerous" Mikhail, an exploited child labourer who toiled on the construction site of hitler's retreat. Furthermore, the dark side to her glamorous world becomes more apparent when she listens to the 'enemy station' on a secret radio and a visit to a one armed friend results in a tragic encounter with death.
The novel is simply written yet provides extraordinary detail so it engages the senses as it draws the reader into the true to life setting. Conflicting emotions arise as one reads of Eva's contentment, young Gertraud's confusion, enlightenment and their Fuhrer's insensitivity and imprudence set against the enchanting almost pristine natural landscape.
While I found 'Eva's Cousin' a well- written and engaging novel, I had hoped to be more moved due to the nature of the subject.
Kavelle Savary

Interested in writing for the Lit section of ther Beaver? Free books - what more could you possibly need - or want?! Email Dalia at beaverlit(gyahoo.co.uk
We proudly present a great deal for students.

The 360° career.
This is your chance to see what investment banking is really all about. After a few well chosen words from the management, we'll give you a lightning tour of the various business areas in which you might work as a graduate. Don't expect any pumpy yoof music or dodgy free gifts because we spent all the freebie money on decent wine. After all, we do have to drink the same stuff as you and we're not getting acid burns for anyone, no matter how many qualifications you've got. Also we're keeping the presentation to about twenty of your student minutes, so there will be more time to chat.
This event will take place on Wednesday October 29 in the Great Hall, JPMorgan, 60 Victoria Embankment, starting at 6 p.m. sharp. Places are limited, so please register online at 360career.com by Tuesday October 14.
I
360career.com
JPMofgan is a maiitetlng name of J.P. Motgan Chase & Co. and its sulKidlaries wortdwide. ©2003 ).P. Moigan Chase & Co. All rights reserved. JPIWoigaii b an equal opportunities employer.
'jPMorgan
CPie Dailg ^etegmph
®heIk%CCi
BEN SCHOTT
fteoci hw ritw
Mnx«u ui
Miinhuttan
PAUL. HAYWARD
Sports W'riHT U-wr-aiidn
BRITAIN'S BEST-SELLING QUALITY DAILY
Read a bestseller every doy.
If you would like to read The Daily Telegraph at our special student price of 20p weekdays and half-price or less at the weekend, then freephone 08CX) 181 222 or e-mail studentpapers@te[egraph.co.uk
for a voucher booklet for the whole term. Please state your name, address, university, the year your course ends and ref 205.
The right to vote...
Direct Votes:
...on the issues
Is there more to democracy than just casting one vote every 4 years for a representative to mate all the decisions for you?
Do you want the right to participate in the decision-making process through referenda?
For more information, or to support this campaign^ see the web page:
www.directvotes.info
or email: info@directvotes.info
or write to: Direct Votes, PC Box 13739, London, N17 OWF


Representation: The poorest possible form of democracy.
Democracy is a wonderful thing, except that part about letting (just any old yokel vote.
Wednesday 26th February
The BeaverSport
Page 19
Stay Relevant: A Glossary Of Terms
Okay, in-jokes are often exclusionist, contrived and un-funny. However, they're also the basis for an entirely (so far) successful career at BeaverSports and in the AU. Knowing just when to switch into AU word-play mode can be the key to a happy LSE existence. Conversely, used at the wrong moment, such efforts could leave you open for Tuns-wide ridicule or just bitter irrelevancy. To avoid such emotionally scaring moments, read our well-thought out and not-at-all-cobbled-together-at-the-last-minute guide to what certain words, phrases and 'things' mean.
NB: Due to the fickle nature of fashion, anything written here might be regarded back-dated at the time of reading. Oh well, easy come, easy go.
Backpackers: Up past King's Cross, it's great to drink there. There's saw dust on the floor, and the giris are struggling to even look their 14 years of age.
Barrel: Last Friday of Lent Term, lots of drinking and fancy dressing, and debauched behaviour. Followed by the infamous Run, led by the strangely up-for-it Streaker. A hundred odd drunken and boistorous students charging through a packed Peacock Theatre lecture. IVIagic.
B:Art: Edited by a convicted pederast, and seasoned woman beater, this is a waste of a section. Nothing more to say.
BeaverSports: The light at the end of the B:Art tunnel. The only reason to read B:Art is because this section comes after it.
Car Bomb (Irish): Half a pint of Guiness, two shots of Jamesons'. Tip in two shots of Baileys and drink! Up the Republic!
Champagne: Variously, the third team, the first team's style of play, the Rugby club's drink of choice, and generally an all-round symbol of our sporting excellence and established superior quality.
The Dark Ages: When clothed breasts were draped all over the Sports pages, a petition was circulated and signed by all manner of SU big-wigs. Breasts belong in the dark ages, they said. Next week, BeaverSports was rebranded The Dark Ages, to general apathy.
Euston Tech: The University College, London (UCL).
Gimperial: Imperial College. But a name that better encapsulates the gimpish nature of their sports teams.

A barrel, but not THE Barrel.
Green Death: The drink to have at Backpackers. Gets you very drunk, exceedingly fast.
Gypsy: A person of Romany origin, usually characterised by their travelling culture.
Kevin Walitee: An example of an
Half time with the Champagne Fooitballers
ingenius attempt at word play. Giving a first name to the first letter of a well-known word, hence the examples of 'Simon Coolboy' and 'Barry Arrel' for 'Schoolboy' and 'Barrel' respectively.
Limeabout: Nightclub that's now a
Walkabout, but used to be called Limelight. Hence, Limeabout.
The Lovers Guide: 101 positions to get through. The prize awarded to the first man or woman to 'guess the breasts' in last year's quiz thingy we did. A Mr Oily Ranson won it, and we can only assume is giving insane amounts of pleasure to numerous willing and able women.
Mixed Grill: The Wright's Bar speciality. Eaten in-situ whole, or blended and mixed with wine to be drunk at the Barrel. Lovely stuff.
Moral Majority: See 'Women's Lib.'
QMWank: Queen Mary Westerfield College.
Royal Holloway: Student suicide capital of Britain. Nasty place. Nasty people.
Royal School of Mincers: Royal School of Mines. Yes, Mines.
Rum Sodomy and the Lash: By
graduation, you may have had your fair share of these things. Also, a Rogues album.
Sambucca: Stick it in your mouth and light it. Effortlessly brilliant, and with that tiny edge of danger that you think makes women feel more attracted to you. They don't.
Be sure to follow correct Sambucca drinking procedure. Avoid lighting face on fire.
School Of Piss:
Pharmacy.
Sport: Played Celebrated often.
School Of
sometimes.
Strand Poly: King's College. The City to our United.
Women's Lib: The female equivalent of the Black Panthers. Picket FHM often.
Wrong: Not right.
So there you are, a Grade A page-filler. We'll see what happens this week at Freshers Fayre, and Sports Trials. Maybe we'll have something to report next week. There, on tenterhooks aren't you?
Or: Porn for Cowards...
We Need A Photographer. For Journalistic Purposes. Own Qarnera Would Be Advantage.
Talent Also.
J&eaverSports
Free at last from the
parents' leash, Schoolboy went wild.
Thursday 2nd October
'If history repeats itself, I think we can expect the same things to happen again'
- Terry Venables
BeaverSports: Admit it: You've missed us...
Precious Little Of Note!
Shock!... as BeaverSports has nothing to report on.
LSE Rugby: A scoundrels game played by gentlemen? LSE Netball: Even in Lapland, Santa Claus Pic. 'They used to be the 7ths, but now they are the Make up your mind in the Tuns...	couldn't escape Sexual Equality Legislation. 6s!' Too good for their name, the newly-named 6s
take on the School Of Piss.
We Need Photographers: Turn Your Voyeuristic Tendancies into A
Vaiuabie AU Asset. Piease.

So here we are again. Fresher's Fortnight becl<ons, and BeaverSports arrives to witness it first-hand. After a summer of poorly paid jobs in the magazine packing sector of our countries piss-poor economy and throwing it away in our comparitively thriving nightclub industry, BeaverSports returns with a sore head, an empty wallet and a ravenous desire for muck-rakiing stoo-dent journa-lizzum.
If you haven't joined the AU yet, and you're passably fit (in the sporting sense) or just well fit (in the non-sporting sense) go and see one of the perfectly honed sportsmen or -in this topsy turvy aftermath of women's lib - sportswomen and sign up. Congratulations, now you'll be in a prime position to explain the various in-jokes that'll inevitably pop up in these pages in later weeks to bemused friends
and well-wishers.
Right, I suppose the time's come to introduce ourselves. The creative genius behind BeaverSports is the cumalative literary verve of it's members, or at least, the drunken incoherent ramblings of the few who find the motivation to report on their various Titanic sporting encounters with shit Uni's, Community Colleges and Polytechnics. Hence, we need people to do this. For those of you who know the deal, don't worry, we're not angry, just get us some reports, otherwise BeaverSports is just gonna be us. Writing bollocks. Or plagiarising FHM. If there's anyone out there with a particular knack for capturing sporting images indelilililililably on the medium of camera film, get in touch, and we'll pay your train fare for you if you fancy coming to take pictures of our heroic athletes vigourous-ly sodomising opposing Unis. In the sporting sense. Seriously, we need some sort of sporting voyeur to get new photos to use in this section. You'll get your name in print, and be the envy of the same friends and well-wishers who marvelled at your knowlkedge of AU in-jokes. Also, your elevated status will enamour
you effortlessly to bevvies of ever- I friendly Freshers, free at last from the 1 parent's ball-and-chain and looking to , 'experiment'. Anyway.	i
That's the rallying call, now onto banter more in touch with ' BeaverSports.
The last time out, BeaverSports was predicting the havoc that would be wreaked upon the sleepy seaside resort of Calella on the East Coast of Spain by the invading hordes of the LSEAU. Football, Rugby and Netball raped, pillaged, and plundered until nought was left untarnished by the whirling dervish of Wrong, that was LSE's Calella outing. It's said that what goes on on tour, stays on tour, so details can't be had I'm afraid, but we leave it to your sordid little imaginings and the telltale hang-dog demeanour of the Tourites to paint a mental picture of the debauchery achieved in a little corner of the world in a sun-filled week last Easter.
So early on in the sporting season, it would seem foolish to offer predictions for the year, but we'll have a go. The combined motivational and athletic brilliance of the seven football captains as well as the talismanic duo of Scouse and
Pikey, will lead to several shattered egos and collapsed rectums haunting the talentless pretenders to footballing glory from in-and-around the ULU area. Rugby will get drunk and sing, and mock the Strand Poly like the reprobates they wish they were. Netball and Hockey will use their powers for good and not evil, and the tenacious reckonings of the other would-be-world beaters at LSE will earn praise unabounded from these pages, and maybe even the hint of recognition from the trainee fuck-wits at London Student - the paper that reads better after it's been mashed into recycled toilet paper.
Ok, the B:Art editor is making disapproving clucks at the page, so 1 think I'll stop and dual him...
Okay, e-TBil us articles othe.wise we re cnly gcnna be one pa^ laig rsxt^ week, send them to: g.h.cart.erilse.ac.uk cr e.-/yrasglse.ac.uk... cheers : -!