Hullfire Online » Blogs

The Open Revolution: Privacy and Liberty in the Digital Age

Online Editor — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:16:57 +0000

One of the major concerns for users introducing into the digital age is the problem of privacy and liberty. Those of us who have been raised in the digital age are aware of the problems and the issues and thus we are able to protect ourselves from the risks but companies and organisations are predators. There is never a week where it is reported that there are concerns about the state of the security features on a social networking websites. One of the major figures in this concern is Facebook, plagued with problems with advertising, legal rights and ownership of photographs. In a prime example of how the digital age has opened a debate about privacy and liberty, Facebook engaged in a consultation with users on its ‘terms of service’ after a vast number of complaints about changes relating to the unsolicited use of personal photographs for advertisements. Another example was how tracking cookies were being used to deliver targeted advertising without the consent of the user, again the culprit of this crime is Facebook.

This is a trend that is not exclusive to Facebook. Twitter has been the victim of technical issues such as the introduction of worms into the website. There are several instances of these problems and this is an issue that cannot be resolved at a user level through changing personal settings. This is a problem that requires the attention of the development team. If a user is infected and this causes a loss of data or data is published without their consent, there should be a compensation scheme. It is a failure on the part of the organisation to protect its users at a basic secure level. Is it the case that as we become more wired into the digital age and raised in a world where social networking is synonymous with popularity we are abandoning our concerns about privacy and security?

We live in a world where we treasure our possessions, a world where there are laws that protect us against theft and infringement of our liberties and those same laws should be applicable in the digital sphere. Companies and organisations are aware of the voice of discontent among users. Social networking is changing to meet the needs and demands of its users. One of the latest social networking websites, Diaspora, was designed after the designers were concerned about the diminution of user control. Diaspora states that one of its mission statements is “Diaspora makes sharing clean and easy – and this goes for privacy too. Inherently private, Diaspora doesn’t make you wade through pages of settings and options just to keep your profile secure.” One of the problems facing emerging social networking websites is the control that companies like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have over their user base. It is difficult to break into a saturated market where a large section of the population is using Facebook, where celebrities are using Twitter and professionals and businesses are using LinkedIn.

In 2008, a professor of software security, Herbert H. Thompson, wrote an article in the Scientific American where a test was run where Mr. Thompson to steal someone’s identity using information only available online. He was successful in seven stages and wrote that “It’s also critical to remember that once you put data online, it’s almost impossible to delete it later. The more you blog about yourself, the more details you put in your social networking profiles, the more information about you is being archived, copied, backed up and analyzed almost immediately. Think first, post later.” In 2009, CNET and PCWorld ran articles that highlighted the major security concerns with both Facebook and Twitter and most of the issues are still being addressed. In 2010, Leo Hickman wrote an article in The Guardian which highlighted how geo-location applications such as FourSquare could increase the risk of stalking and other malicious crimes.

These are examples of how we are at risk of a digital age that is less about the protection of basic human rights and our personal information but about how companies can manipulate that information for our purposes. People are critical of these articles because the truth is more disconcerting than we would care to imagine. We sacrificed our personal liberty and privacy in the interest of an “open revolution”, a world where we are inter-connected, a world where it is possible to connect with friends with the ease of a few clicks. It is not a world that has a negative value but it is one that should be neutral – it should be balanced with a concern for personal information. There are users on Facebook would publish their telephone number and address to their friends. If that user is unconcerned about who they accept as a friend, malicious and upsetting incidents could occur.

Organisations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Privacy International have published articles on how to protect our personal information in a digital world. It does not discourage users from the digital age but warns them to be cautious, to approach it with scepticism. In a report on privacy in Europe published in January 2011, Privacy International highlighted how there were few safeguards against issues of privacy and assessed how users were at risk. The United Kingdom scored well in government surveillance issues but ranked low in the centralisation of medical databases and how there are still few safeguards against government access to private data.

Social networking a step forward for communications, logistics and development of targeted software but we believe that social networking is synonymous with data loss or with a loss of privacy control. Few users are concerned about these issues. Behavioural advertising, whether it is from Facebook, Google or other smaller organisations, will always be dubious because it hinges on those companies accessing our search history. Personal information will always be available in the public domain but we can take safeguards to ensure that the users of Great Britain are leading the world in how to protect ourselves against rogue organisations.

Articles:

Ian Caithness

Share on Facebook

The Lies of a Tank Top

Online Editor — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:55:20 +0000

I’m mid-shopping trip, and some fashion goods have been bought. Things, so far, are going seemingly well. Perhaps a little too well. Merrily perusing the racks of clothes, your eyes light up. What is that perched so gloriously before you? A chic yet simple crisp white shirt, perfect for the androgynous look you wish to achieve this season? Its collar billows effortlessly and beautifully out from beneath the neck of a sweet yet, admittedly, uninspiring tank top. No offence to the tank top, but it is the shirt you wish to examine further. You reach out, young, hopeful, on the cusp of a new white shirt fulfilled future.

Such hopes, as with so much of life, however, are ephemeral. On seizing the shirt collar for closer inspection, you discover, to your horror, that the shirt you have fallen for is not a shirt at all, but a piece of evil and deceiving material designed to emulate the appearance of a collar. This is a tank top with false and misleading intentions. This is one of those ‘two in one’ tops- arguably the criminals of the fashion world.

Such garments (although part of me is disinclined to even bestow on them such a title) seem alarmingly popular and so often pop up on friends and relatives when we least expect it. It is more than likely, owing to their often worryingly high powers of deception, that they are in our lives more than we know. Both sexes fall into the category of ‘wearers’ of such creations, as so many men mislead us into believing they are sporting two layers of t-shirt when, in reality, only bearing the weight and thickness of one.

For my own state of mind I try desperately to understand and enter the mindset of those who enjoy these two-in-ones. For those lacking in confidence to combine clothing items themselves, I can recognise they are an ideal solution. I cannot help but feel, though, that an unacceptable level of laziness is being endorsed through their existence. It is almost as if people do not want a challenge (and a colour coordinating one at that) in life anymore. On a more admittedly boring, yet vitally practical level, I cannot also help but worry about the logistics of washing such articles of clothing. If one part is knitted, whilst the other cotton, or similarly in terms of contrasting colours, one side of the clothing partnership will always be compromised.

For me, furthermore, as a student on the verge of so many possibilities in life, now is not the time to be tied down. Two-in-ones ask for far too much commitment and it is with this that I take the greatest issue. Indeed, one combination of items is pleasing for a period of time but it is not long before you surely wish to change your look. With every t-shirt, shirt, and belt already attached and therefore committed for the long haul to another garment, there is no potential for change. It seems they deny creativity, independence of thought and flexibility in one’s wardrobe; three criteria which, for me at least, drive my love of fashion. To a more cheap and easy life two-in-ones may lead, but at what moral and fashion cost?

Polly Harper

Share on Facebook

A Sportswear Invasion?

Online Editor — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:51:12 +0000

Back in January, resolutions of ‘get fit,’ were everywhere, meaning sportswear had never been more prevalent. Now the weather has finally taken a turn for the better our resolutions can be renewed and our excuses for avoiding the outdoors are redundant. The term ‘sportswear’ itself makes no pretence to be something it is not, proudly displaying its very use for sporting activity. Indeed, if we all wore tracksuit bottoms, trainers, sweat shirts (shudders at their implication) within this context, and only in the hopes of achieving said resolutions, the world would know where it stood.

As it is, increasingly over the years sportswear has crossed boundaries, escaping from the muddy playing fields, the gym or the laundry pile to which it was once confined, creeping into everyday attire. The clothing of ‘chav’ culture most obviously exemplifies this, but this is a ‘style’- ahem- beyond all hopes of salvation, which I realise, no blog post can ever hope to address.

The sly invasion of sportswear is nowhere more obvious than on our very own university campus. It is impossible not to see a ‘University of Hull’ or Athletics Union ‘hoodie’ parading somewhere. Though I realise their practical benefits, serving for warmth and as a handy memento to these university years, I do not, and never will, own one myself. Perhaps this will exclude me from university group mentality, hoodies allowing one to feel part of the institute. Yet, it is a risk I am willing to take, as style should surely, however, be about marking one’s individuality. When worn daily, as they too often are, in place of a proper coat, hoodies denote, somewhat ironically in light of their sporty associations, fashion laziness.

‘Sportswear is absolutely not for me!’ I can then confidently cry…surely? I am positive my natural response to a trip to JD Sports would be one of repulsion. Yet pondering further, I realise that on some level, my own shopping excursions could likely consist of comparable experiences, and result in similar purchases. Like most people, I own and wear a pair of trainer-esque shoes, such as converse or laced ‘pumps’. Leggings, which stem from dance and gymnastics and remain vital to many women’s very survival, have been known to grace my legs, just as wrap over cardigans seem strikingly familiar from my ballerina days at the age of five. Is my cream cable knit jumper-dress even a subconscious nod to our lately triumphant cricketers?

Both scornful of, yet unintentionally buying into its very influence, my own relationship with sportswear is then a confused one. To protect beautiful everyday clothes from the ugly consequences of physical activity it will forever be useful. As a substitute for style, however, it can never be condoned. But, for those of us thinking ourselves so definitely anti-it, sportswear seems somehow to have cunningly invaded our daily wardrobes. There is no running away from it.

Polly Harper

Share on Facebook

The Future of the Internet: an Online Revolution?

Online Editor — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 13:41:43 +0000

Part of the reason that the web and the Internet has developed as an extension of our lives is because of the research and the development that major corporations undertake in order to capture our interest. There is no doubt that there are some companies that are masters of that art. Apple are known for pioneering the digital music player in the form of the iPod, the mobile phone in the form of the iPhone and now the tablet in the form of the iPad. There’s no doubt that Apple is influenced through the trends in the online sphere and the Independent has reported that a division of Samsung has created the eight top trends in 2011.

The article reports that one of the main ideas in 2011 will be the concept of the “Open Revolution”. Samsung SDS notes “A key change in corporate culture is Open Revolution. This is an era when people can get the information on how to design an atomic bomb through the Internet. In such an era, there is no room for the word ‘closed,’”. The idea, in itself, is promising. It promotes a world in which information is accessible to all, rather than a world in which it is impossible to access certain information because individuals have restricted access but the reference that Samsung SDS is, in itself, concerning.

In a world where we are forever warned of the threat of global terrorism, companies are now reporting that it will be possible to design an atomic bomb using information on the internet. It is an extreme example but it is possible to dissolve the idea into its purest form. There are some people who do want to harm or even kill us, whether for our beliefs, our appearance or because we live in a certain place. If one of those people is able to access information on the Internet which allows them to build, using only household items, a lethal bomb, what would the consequences be?

I am not convinced that the argument is altogether whole. What this argument will do is allow governments to use powerful rhetoric that calls for the censorship of the web, that calls for the tracking of “dangerous” individuals and restrict access to a computer. We are forever at risk at being controlled by the state if we allow them to acquire the rhetoric that resonates with a particular group, in this case, those concerned about “open” information. Samsung SDS makes the sober point about what an open interface would do for the world – “In other words, the Open Revolution will collect various ideas of a large number of ordinary people, rather than ideas of a small number of elites, and by doing so, will unleash creativity.”

The future looks bright for businesses but there is the need for caution and pragmatism to be the main focus of our attention. We are in a revolution, the “Open Revolution” but, like all revolutions, it can either profit us or it can be the demise of us. Privacy, security and data protection are all at the forefront of our minds and the “Open Revolution” could come at the expense of that. Are we living in a world where we would abandon our ideal of liberty and freedom in the name of web revolution? I leave the question open to you.

Ian Caithness

Share on Facebook

Commercial Cupid – Valentine’s day should be just another day

Online Editor — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:20:24 +0000

Guess what day is coming up? No, it’s the Queen’s birthday and it’s not an important political date that passes many people by. It’s a date that everyone, and I mean everyone will know, it is Valentines’s Day. The one day of the year that affects everyone in some way, either you will be a classed as a couple or a singleton. Either way there is drama, if you are a couple you must make gooey eyes at one another all day and be joined at the hip. If you are single you must pretend to be Bridget Jones (if you’re a guy perhaps Hugh Hefner) and be constantly reminded you are missing your soul mate and lacking in this area of life.

Now you might think and assume by reading this first paragraph that I am a bitter old and twisted spinster who has so many cats I could run a sanctuary. Incorrect, I am a young outgoing student in a healthy and steady relationship and still this doesn’t change the fact that I really hate Valentines’s day. A strong statement it might be, but true and definitely appreciated by my boyfriend. As he isn’t pressurised to find me the perfect gift, he isn’t desperately trying to find the perfect restaurant booking or say things he doesn’t mean. I have never understood why for this one day people feel that they have to tell one another ‘I love you’. To me if you are in a good loving relationship you should be able to turn around 365 days of the year and say to that person I love you, so why for this one day are we told to, and made to feel that we must, conform? Or to feel lonely and a failure if we are single? Commercialism that is why. We are all made to believe the hype and excitement of opening a present on V-day or a card. To believe that love should be the dish of the day, that you must seek Mr or Mrs Right armed with the latest chocolates or gadgets dressed up to the nines.

Valentines’s Day historically is a religious day, a ceremony of Saint Valentine with no romantic connotations, it is only through the years that cupid and several other romantic legends have been linked with this day turning it into a day where lovers express their love for one another. This is why I do not see why I need to receive a present to feel loved and cherished, as love is a free emotion. If we were poor and couldn’t afford to do these things we wouldn’t. We have been spoiled and forget what love really is, it is the freedom to express and live your life with emotion with someone who feels the same about you. Someone who loves your laugh, or your bed hair, the way you cry at Bambi or how amazing you look in your killer heels; the good and the bad things in your life come 365 days a year and so should your love. Forget what society expects and pushes on you, be yourself and love as it is your divine right.

I think people, whether they are single or in a relationship, should remember all the people that love them, friends and family. Valentines’s Day should be a reminder to love each other, all the time, and to keep a constant level of that love present. To feel happy and grateful that people are in your life. It doesn’t matter what people do on that day or who they spend it with, it doesn’t have to be special as long as you are with someone you appreciate, a lover or a friend. On Valentine’s Day, as always, you need nothing else but does you love and trust, in any capacity.

What I am really trying to say, throughout the ranting, is that we shouldn’t love on one day for all the wrong reasons. We should love every day and let it be a principle in our lives.

Share on Facebook

Cyber Terrorism: The Future of Warfare

Online Editor — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:50:12 +0000

When the Stuxnet virus was first released, it was reported that it was directed at Iran’s nuclear weapons operations and that it marked the future of global terrorism. The phrase “cyberterrorism” had been banded about the Internet forums for a number of months before this particular malware program revealed itself to the world. Now, it seems that the fat man behind the computer was right all along. Warfare will be fought using computers and firewalls, not guns and tanks. Imagine the relief on the face of millions of citizens, relieved to know that their lives are no longer at risk. Instead, the super-powers of the world will shut down their main source of livelihood – electricity, gas, nuclear power, weapons. Except that’s not the case.

It sounds like some ridiculous sequel to War Games, a film that was concerned with the use of computers in modern global warfare – nuclear weapons. When a hacker taps into the US Department of Defense and begins launching nuclear weapons, thinking that it is the latest game, he launches a war against Russia and the United States. Oh noes! The problem is that this isn’t the plot of a film. It isn’t some game. It’s the truth. During the Cold War, the risk of a nuclear war was increased several times because of the failures of technology. Now, we have security experts suggesting that we are facing a future where folk with horn-rimmed glasses and people who call themselves “White Hat” hackers will duel online with the “Black Hat” hackers for control of the universe. World of Warcraft, more like World of Warfare.

In fact, this isn’t ever going to be the case. Experts in the United Kingdom produced a report stating that the future of global warfare was not in cyber-terrorism but it did play a major role in the future of it. What the experts stated was that the logistical operations and unintended consequences of malware and viruses released into a country’s main functions would mean that front-line warfare still held a future. Stuxnet proves a key example of how malware and viruses can succeed in halting and stopping the progress of a rogue nation in doing those bad things that bad men do. If it was created by one of the major Western powers, which security experts believe it is, hoorah for us! We’ve outfoxed a nation – the problem is that this nation doesn’t have the infrastructure of a superpower like China does and that’s the major threat.

I can imagine the shocked faces as people discover that space invaders could become a real world game, mashing buttons and pulling joystick to and fro (not a pun) to stop the nuclear weapons from assuring mutual destruction. Oh yes, the future looks bright for Great Britain. The truth is that we’re going to be left behind. Private companies aren’t investing in the technology or the infrastructure that we need to fight a war on the interwebs. It sucks but it’s true. I can imagine that China and America will go headfirst into battle, charging forward with their geeks and security experts on the front line. Britain will be waiting for the .jpeg image of the last battle to download. Forget super-fast broadband. If our country were to be associated with a download speed for warfare, we’d still be stuck on dial-up.

Share on Facebook

Life: the politics of time

Online Editor — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:00:16 +0000

Time…that elusive thing that you never seem to have enough of until
you are really excited about something and then you have too much (or
you are in a lecture and you realise half way through you really need
to pee…longest half hour of your life). So when it comes to time
keeping things can get a little difficult. Of course there are those
magical people who are never late, get everything done and somehow
still have time to play games or read or whatever. I think they might
be lying but if you are one of those people and you really do manage
everything please go away and stop reading as I am feeling very
stressed due to excess busy-ness and therefore hate you with a fiery
passion. Everyone else feel free to read on although I’m not sure how
much help I can be.
First off, and I apologise in advance for the horrific phrase I am
about to use, the dreaded nine fifteen lecture, or even worse a
seminar. Particularly if you live a decent distance from uni getting
up for these is hell. I personally got to the point where I managed to
change my alarm in my sleep to an hour later, not very helpful but an
impressive skill. I now set two alarms and am debating buying a
clocky. For those who don’t know what these are they are the amazing
invention of a clock on wheels. Set the alarm and when it goes off, so
does the alarm clock right to the other side of your room so, unless
you keep a shoe handily by your bed and have good aim with your eyes
closed, you have to get out of bed and therefore wake up, to switch it
off. The longevity of this clock does depend on your ability to keep
your temper and of course the weight of the aforementioned shoe. For
those of us who don’t have the money for a clocky (or have really big
shoes) there is resorting to two alarms, one set half an hour before
you actually have to wake up so you might actually listen to the
second, or using that morning person you live with to bang on your
door until you open it. These people work as a cheaper version of the
clocky, but really will stop working if you throw shoes at them.
Once you have worked out how to make yourself wake up (and I really do
pity anyone who lives with bad central heating…I did last year and I
share your pain when it comes to getting up in the depths of winter at
7.30am) there is of course making sure you get there. If you drive:
allow for morning traffic and small children running into roads, the
police do not accept I was tired and they were worth fifty points as
an excuse. If you take the bus: bus drivers don’t appreciate being up
that early either, they will not wait for you if you are running to
get the bus because you took too long over breakfast. If you walk:
concentrate while crossing roads. Speaking of breakfast, I am not a
breakfast person myself, I hate the stuff. Cereal is disgusting, toast
is boring, I don’t have time to cook stuff because I refuse to get out
of bed, and I don’t like yogurt. However, breakfast is a must for nine
fifteens to be sure you don’t become that person with the loud
stomach, so make sure you allow time for that. Depending on how long
you take to get up you might be able to sleep for longer, shower the
night before so you don’t have to wash your hair, do less make up, cut
off said hair if you are really lazy. On a more serious note, stick
everything in your bag the night before and remember nobody else is
awake at that time either so as long as you aren’t still in your
pyjamas they won’t notice what you wear. Oh and if staying at your
significant others allow an extra half hour. You’ll thank me for it
later.
Once you have achieved the nine fifteen (pat yourselves on the back if
you do, I commend you) there is the rest of the day to handle. Getting
to lectures is easy as long as you remember you have them, if you
don’t remember then set alarms or reminders on your phone, what is the
point in having these things if you don’t use them? Work out roughly
in advance what you are doing about lunch, remember food in Sanc isn’t
always quick and can be expensive so it isn’t always the best choice.
Of course if you have a couple of hours (or even an hour if you just
want to grab a freshly made sandwich) then you can head down Newland
Ave where you will find many catering choices and most are cheaper
than anywhere in uni. Planet Coffee paninis are always a hit.
Last thing because I don’t want to bore everyone into a coma…time to
eat before going out is ESSENTIAL! Take the time for dinner (heavy on
the carbs, I don’t care about that diet…stomach pumping won’t make
you feel thinner, just crap) and if you know you are going to be
pissed when you get back put a glass of water by your bed, maybe a
bucket, don’t leave stuff all over your bed because it breaks when you
push the whole lot off with your arm (ah Eeyore mug, how I miss you).
It’s worth taking the time over. Oh and if you have a nine fifteen
(sorry I keep using that phrase, it is a terrible combination of
numbers) then I suggest choosing what you want to wear the night
before, putting make up wipes out in advance, and sticking a post it
note to your door reminding you about keys, and to look in a mirror so
you can save yourself the humiliation of everyone in your seminar
bursting out laughing as soon as they see you gained whiskers
overnight and have a Christmas tree drawn on your forehead. And no, I
don’t know why it was there either.

Alex McClean

Share on Facebook

Fashion: defence of the lone shopper

Online Editor — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:48:21 +0000

Carrie Bradshaw and accompanying pals have turned society’s notion of clothes shopping into mystified scenes of glamorous girlish bonding whilst splashing out on a pair of Jimmy Choos. Such an image, however, is sadly illusory (and not just because of the small question of us students affording said footwear). A shopping excursion can be a highly stressful venture, sometimes filled with torturous hours of sale rail scouring only to remember that there is a reason certain items are on sale, whilst others, the more desirables, remain aloof, flaunting their full price tag before our poverty stricken eyes. With such obstacles to face, the question of finding the right person, if indeed anyone, to accompany you is vital and can lead to the making or breaking of your purchasing endeavours. Do not be fooled into assuming that trooping around in a group of four to the Sex and the City theme tune will always provide the best results.

If the shopping trip is really for leisure rather than necessity, the accompaniment of comrades is a delight. When setting out with a particular look or need in mind, companions can be undeniably beneficial, provided, of course they are aware of the job in hand and can be wholly trusted in their taste. They may, on the other hand, prove too much of a distraction. Furthermore, numbers are often an issue. One or two others may provide support and aid on your clothing pilgrimage. Any groups larger than this, though, and safe manoeuvring between sales rails can become highly problematic, not to mention the risk that ‘too many cooks (may) spoil the… outfit.’

Further troubles lie in the murky area of false flattery. All of us, I am sure, can admit to at some point in time reassuring a friend that they look fantastic when in reality our brain is thinking distinctly otherwise. Such lies can have devastating outfit-related consequences. If we dare bring boyfriends/girlfriends as shopping partners into the equation, then we can be sure of whole new levels of insincerity.

At the risk of sounding like a recluse, shopping alone, for me, is always an appealing option. There is no need to pander to anyone else’s clothing needs, nor to worry that you are being an irritation when spending hours contemplating items in those telling changing room mirrors (who knew the infinite number of hideous viewing angles there were?) The downfall here remains that there is no one on whose opinion you can rely. Call me a cynic, but whenever that helpful shop assistant provides a supposedly reasoned and honest judgement, emphatically reassuring you that everything you try on ’really really suits you’ I cannot, I confess, help but doubt their sincerity. Nonetheless, I would always argue that this does not really matter, as the best judge of our appearance is always ourselves. Another’s opinion merely acts as reassurance rather than a necessity.

Of course, the ever increasing popularity of online shopping tells us that so many shy away from the potential traumas of an actual shopping trip, its encompassing dilemmas, and having to choose a shopping partner in crime, altogether. Perhaps this is the safer option to take. However, for those of us who enjoy the, albeit dangerous, thrill of a shop, whether you are a real-life chummed up Carrie Bradshaw or the lone high street ranger, remember that friends are of course forever, but the availability of that dress you have had your eye on, is not. Shop wisely.

Polly Harper

Share on Facebook

Millbank: the rioters were right

Online Editor — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:42:16 +0000

Not only was the direct action at the Millbank Tower right, it was also an important and strong demonstration of anger amongst students. The sheer size of Wednesday’s protest took everyone on all sides by surprise. Over 50,000 students and lecturers took to the streets of London in a vibrant and vocal demonstration.
The Con-Dem government is attempting to implement the greatest attack on our education, public services and the welfare state for generations. In universities we face tuition fees tripling to £9,000 per year, even though Nick Clegg promised to scrap them. This comes on top of huge cuts to teaching, disability services and support. In colleges and sixth forms the government is scrapping EMA support, something which allows students from poorer backgrounds the right to study, forcing many out of further education and onto the dole queues.
All of this is taking place whilst the Con-Dems allow banks to award themselves huge bonuses regardless that they caused the financial crisis around the world. Meanwhile billions of pounds are lost in tax evasion every year and the Tories are happy to right off the tax of massive corporations like Vodafone who have run away with £6 billion.
“Millbank” follows a long history and tradition of occupation in this country and one which needs to be re-kindled if we are to have any chance of facing off these attacks. These actions were not merely those of “extremists” but thousands of angry students unwilling to sit back and take whatever the Tories throw at them. When I reached the occupation, midway through the demonstration I found already thousands of University, school and FE students and lecturers. The occupation was representative of the wider Demo with diverse and broad types of people joining the fightback. LGBT, Black and Disabled students came together in unity to take the message loud and clear to where these cuts are coming from; Tory party HQ.
I call upon HUU to join those at Goldsmiths, Sussex and elsewhere in not condemning those who protested at Millbank. By attacking the very students he represents Aaron Porter has alienated the thousands who occupied Millbank and the hundreds of thousands more who didn’t make it to London at all. We should be defending the demonstrators not demonising them.
We have already seen the protest continuing with students at Manchester University occupying their institution. We must pick up the fightback in Hull too. A national day of action against the Con-Dem attack has been called on Wednesday 24 November by the Education Activist Network. This is our chance to kick off the action locally and HUU should be behind it all the way. We need mass walk outs, banner drops, marches and protests to show that Hull students, lecturers and support staff will not stand by whilst our education is ruined.
Windows will be repaired – our futures won’t be! If we are to stop the assault on our education and on our futures then actions like the occupation of Millbank must become more regular.

Joshua Hollands

Share on Facebook

Life: Money, Money, Money…Must be funny…in a rich man’s world.

Online Editor — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:00:22 +0000

Sadly the majority of us are far from rich and struggle in the
traditional student fashion to afford the lifestyle we want,
occasionally making the difficult decision between food and a night
out. (In my opinion if we’re talking about the same night it is always
both. You will be hung-over tomorrow, choose not to eat then). So what
can you possibly do about it?
Obviously people get money from a whole load of different places; some
get loans, some get grants or bursaries, some get it off parents, and
the lucky few who actually got the grades at A-Level get scholarships.
This in itself creates a few problems. What do you do if your parents
can afford to give you money to live off and your housemate or hall
mate lives off grants? Does that make you the type who lives off
Daddy’s money? Does that make them poor? In a word… No. Don’t ever
feel bad about where your money comes from, unless it’s from something
illegal in which case you might want to reassess. When rent and book
costs take up pretty much your entire maintenance loan it can be
difficult to get enough money to live, or even know how much you are
going to need. A rough idea? The maintenance loan is calculated to
cover basic living expenses, a sport, and a social life… at least in
Hull. The cost of living elsewhere is a different matter but since all
of you lucky people get to live in Hull I won’t go into that.
Now I have hopefully assuaged any guilt or shame people might feel
about the source of their income I’m going to be very boring and talk
about keeping control of it. I’m aware this subject bores most people
to tears and I’m going to do my best to get through it as painlessly
as possible. Whether you are using your loan or money from elsewhere,
job included, you know how much you have, and how much you are going
to get. Do I really need to tell you that if you spend it all at the
beginning of the semester you won’t have enough by the end? Take ten
minutes to add up how much you’re going to get and divide it by the
weeks you have to spend it in. Et voila! A budget. Key things to
remember: you might be a student but people still expect Christmas
presents, at least four birthdays or fancy dress nights will appear
over the semester and you will need to spend money on outfits or a
special night out, and you have probably spent far too much money on
Fresher’s week already so don’t include that money in your original
number. Is anyone out there still with me or are you all so bored you
stopped reading about ten lines back? I promise I only have one more
thing to say about budgeting and then I can get onto the more
interesting stuff. That is if you get the money out in cash at the
beginning of the week, and don’t use your card, you can’t spend more
than you have. Ok I lied, two more things to say, buy food early in
the week and you won’t starve.
For all the wonderful people still reading I’m going to move on to the
fun stuff…what to spend your money on. Obviously food, drink
(remember: water is cheap but doesn’t go very well with alcohol),
enough clothes to not freeze to death, after all this is Hull not
Hawaii and sport. The massive range of sports available through the
university is staggering, and you will never get to do these sports as
cheaply as you will now. So take up something you never thought you
would do, or take the opportunity to get better at something you gave
up when you were younger. But it will still cost something. Don’t
spend that twenty pounds joining fee unless you think you will keep
going for at least a semester, but whatever you do get the AU
insurance! Some clubs charge weekly rates as well but that doesn’t
mean you shouldn’t join them, they need that money to keep running and
it is often worth it. Just make sure you put the money aside every
week. I would recommend some clubs but I am incredibly biased so I’m
not going to for fear of recrimination.
Next topic…nights out! One of the best and most expensive parts of
uni life and if you aren’t careful it can cost as much as tuition.
Hull is dirt cheap and there is nothing stopping you from having an
amazing time without breaking the bank. Asylum in particular is
amazing value if you play the system properly. Buy tickets in advance,
and choose what you drink. Alco-pops are not worth the money but don’t
drink snakey B if you hate beer or cider. Shots are good value but be
sensible, check for deals like four for a fiver and share with
friends. Be warned: if you seem to be too drunk you will not be served
and may not be able to get a taxi home. Speaking of taxis; prices are
fairly average in Hull with the different companies but some are
better than others for not ripping drunk people off. Personally, and
having not been asked for endorsement, I use 828282. They use standard
pricing and if you have overspent and don’t have enough money you can
tell them when you call and they will take your student card and get
the money from you the next day. As a rule it’s a good idea to put
enough money to get home in a separate part of your bag or wallet so
you don’t spend it on anything else. On the night out itself, work out
how much you can afford to spend, take it in cash so you don’t need
your card, don’t forget your ID and make sure if you buy someone a
drink they return the favour! Sounds cheap but it’ll save you a
fortune.
That’s all I can think of for now and sorry about this first blog
being so preachy but money as a topic sucks so I’m getting it out of
the way. Hope anyone who made it this far without falling asleep
enjoyed it and maybe you’ll get through the year without becoming
completely and utterly broke and having to beg on the street.

Alex McClean

Share on Facebook