Palatinate

The clinics will be open Wednesday and Thursday this week.

The University and College Union has confirmed strikes will resume in February unless its pension and pay demands are met.

Two other students have been excluded for a year for serious breaches of the University’s Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy.

The University has confirmed that the ‘soft start’ to Epiphany Term, which included a 25-person cap on events and online lectures, will end on Monday.

The only three colleges to have placed in the top five every year are Castle, Collingwood, and St Mary’s.

In this print investigation, Palatinate speaks to local activists protesting against the new Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre for women.

In this debate feature, Luke Power and Lorna Petty separately discuss whether the drama surrounding Level 4 of the Billy B is justified, or discourages students from utilising the library for study.

Olivia Kemp comments on the life and achievement of Desmond Tutu and what we can all learn from him.

Dite Bagdonaite discusses the popularity of holistic medicine and questions whether it is a sustainable approach for the future.

Harrison Newsham discusses the pressures to flesh out our CVs and where our interests should really lie.

Liliana Lake argues that the glamorous events many students flock to all year round should be made more accessible to all students

“The risk-reward ratio remains a major sticking point”: Christian Bland discusses the issue of vaccination passports in a unique context.

Ellen Fasham looks back on President Joe Biden’s year to assess whether his approval ratings are warranted.

Every year, national honours are bestowed on those who have done the ‘British Empire’ a great service. Sam Lake questions this tradition’s relevance today.

Stefan Dezyk explores what Russia wants from Ukraine and the West and discusses some potential outcomes.

Jack Newbury examines how our position in society influences our perception of the ‘elite’.

Ellie Agu-Benson looks at the creeping privatisation of the country’s higher education industry.

Bryn Jones takes a look at the UK’s role amid tensions been Russia and the USA.

Orlando Bell provides an in depth review of England’s embarrassing Ashes failings and offers solutions to improve their batting and selection crisis.

Hugo Millard discusses how broadcasters can make the most of the magic of the FA Cup.

Sasha Reed discusses the unlikely revival of Joelinton and the gaps that need to be filled by the end of Newcastle United’s January transfer window.

Maddie Parker reports on Durham Women FC’s first match of 2022 as they start the new year on the wrong foot.

Palatinate Sport interviews Durham alumna and BBC football commentator, Vicki Sparks

Tommy Isakson talks through Sunderland FC’s past 12 months in League One and explains why there is every reason to be optimistic about the North East side in the new year.

Profile speaks to world’s best ever female chess player, Judit Polgar, about The Queen’s Gambit, sexism in chess, and the upcoming World Championship.

Profile speaks to the economist and former Greek finance minister about the dire situation for young people in Greece, the country’s continuing debt crisis, and his grand vision for a new economic world.

Profile speaks to the former Chair of Ofsted about her time at Durham, how the pandemic has increased
inequality in education, and last year’s cancellation of national exams.

Imogen Usherwood speaks to the former Principal of St Cuthbert’s about her academic career, working with the JCR, and leaving Durham.

Profile speaks to the director of the Good Law Project about alleged fraud in pandemic contracts, the 2019 suspension of Parliament, and how to be a good law student

Profile speaks to veteran broadcaster and former Hatfielder Jeremy Vine about football ownership, cycling in Durham, and Britain being more heated up than ever.

The unchartered rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine, the launch of a $10 billion space telescope: Sasha Reed praises the advancements of the last year, hoping that the next year will be just as successful.

Will Brown argues that Covid-19 vaccine inequality is endangering the global population by allowing mutations to emerge in low-income countries.

Malaria vaccines, driverless cars on UK roads and a step closer to returning to the moon? SciTech round-up of the developments to look out for in the coming year.

New research suggests that octopuses feel pain. Does a proposed UK law do enough to protect sentient beings, including traditional livestock, from unnecessary suffering?

With discussions around climate change becoming increasingly more common, Eleni Mann examines the subsequent rise in climate denial propaganda.

Madeleine Perry comments on the recent advancement in holographic technology that has the potential to revolutionise the use of VR in telecommunications and surgical training.

“Whether we succeed or fail, we can only hold ourselves accountable.” Olivia Bothamley-Dakin discusses how New Year’s resolutions can hold us accountability to the sort of people we want to be.

“We have come to a point where many of us struggle to envision a life without social media”: Erin Waks talks about the impact social media has on our lives, and her positive experience with deleting Instagram.

“Why should a younger version of you give advice to a future you who will know so much more?”: Michelle Leung reflects on the past year and considers what is in store for the year ahead.

“The changing meaning of Christmas is simply a part of growing up.” Holly Downes reflects on childhood Christmases and how the holiday’s meaning has changed for her now as an adult.

“For Spears, it remains a luxury to be able to enjoy the day-to-day freedoms that most take for granted” Mae Brennan discusses what the end of Britney Spears’ conservatorship means for the pop icon.

“The glamour, magic, and romance of the Count’s story”: Cosmo Adair discusses how the Count’s House got its name.

“What do Ryan Murphy and Joaquin Phoenix have in common? They both have a mastery of an urgently crazed sinner paralleled only by Grenouille.” Dite Bagdonaite offers a playlist to accompany Patrick Süskind’s ‘Perfume’.

“One of the best parts of being a reader for me is the anticipation of upcoming books”. Amy Whitaker offers the top picks of 2022 to get excited about.

Anna Short finds both help and humour in Arnie Witkin’s It’s Not a Big Thing in Life.

Interview Editor Josie Lockwood discusses the cathartic power of the diary.

Sophia Massam investigates the British spy novel and its relation to empire, society and culture.

Annie Bell discusses the legacy of trailblazing feminist, activist and author bell hooks, following her death on 15th December 2021.

“The new year is perpetually perceived as a period in which to reinvent yourself”: Josie Lockwood and Holly Downes debate the yearly urge to change our eating habits.

Sophia Massam shares her tips and tricks to getting the best gluten-free fare that Durham has to offer.

Chloe shares her tips for the best festive drinks around Durham this holiday season.

Durham students present a ‘modern take’ on the classic Christmas meal.

“How can we make climate-friendly eating attainable?”: Carrie Sear discusses simple changes which we can all implement to avoid contributing to climate change.

“Christmas Eve was always a time of good food.” Four students discuss their international culinary traditions at Christmastime.

“The series tries too hard to be original”: Ellen Fasham is sceptical about the BBC’s latest drama, ‘The Tourist’.

“Maggie Gyllenhaal’s screenwriting captures the nuances of guilt and shame”: Lydia Bennett is enthralled by ‘The Lost Daughter’.

“An appreciation for the artistic and cultural legacy of the country is woven into the fabric of the film” Lara Moamar delves into Disney’s latest hit animation, exploring its depictions of Columbia, intergenerational trauma, and cultural authenticity.

‘It felt as though I had grown up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and whenever I felt lonely or sad, it made sense to turn to them.’ – Ruhee Parelkar offers a beautifully nostalgic review of the 20th Anniversary reunion of the cast of Harry Potter.

Freya Williams assesses the role and relevance of the Academy going into 2022.

“It really does seem clear how the hype for Andrew Garfield never really went away”: Nicholas Lemieux looks back at Andrew Garfield’s career.

“I don’t think a single audience member left the Assembly Rooms without a smile on their face”: Jennifer Leigh is enthralled with Ooook’s ‘Miranda’.

“This production… provided an insight into the harsh reality that is toxic office politics that often makes you want to punch someone in the face”: Alexander Bittar enjoys Fourth Wall Theatre Company’s ‘Bull’.

“Comic, sensitive and relatable”: Grace McNicholas loves Feather Theatre Company’s performance of ‘The History Boys’

“A feel-good, warm and hilarious display from some of Durham’s most talented performers”: Florence Lunnon is entertained by her night of late night comedy at the Assembly Rooms Theatre.

PalTV’s Laura Elena interviews the nationally renowned Durham Revue ahead of their returners’ show.

“I found the concept of the play to be very interesting and thought-provoking – the play begs the question of what would you risk, in order to potentially save your life?” Chloe Codling is enchanted by Wrong Tree Theatre Company’s ‘Synthesise’.

“Redefining glamour for an entire new generation of fashion lovers”: Mary Atkinson examines Zendaya’s most iconic looks

Mary Atkinson pays tribute to Virgil Abloh following his tragic death last month and discusses his groundbreaking impact on the fashion industry.

“Outfits are memorable yet straightforward, minimalist yet unique”: Anna Johns explains her love for Stockholm and Copenhagen street style.

“Costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux had the momentous task of bringing the excitement of 1960s London to a 2021 audience”: Alice Bathurst explores how depictions of 1960s fashion in film and TV have impacted current trends.

“Her fashion choices evoking dignity and steadfastness in the face of adversity”: Caitlin Ball examines Diana’s fashion legacy.

“Making day to day styling easier, decreasing over-consumption, and saving the individual money over time”: Mary Atkinson gives advice on how to curate a capsule wardrobe.

“The risk-reward ratio remains a major sticking point”: Christian Bland discusses the issue of vaccination passports in a unique context.

“Now, more than ever, light truly is, ‘the essence of life.’” Christian Bland interviews Lumiere 2021 artists Ian Winters and Elaine Buckholtz.

“There is more to life than football.” Visual Arts speak with Richard Roberts, the founder and main sponsor of Durham University’s Student Art Prize.

Nicole Wu speaks with Artichoke CEO, Helen Marriage about the UK’s leading light festival, Lumiere.

“Whenever art depicts the beautiful, it will also depict the dreadful”. Nancy Meakin delves into the oft-overlooked art horror genre.

In anticipation of Lumiere next week, Visual Arts picks out the must-see artworks at this year’s festival.

“It’s what makes Swift an icon.” Aoifke Madeleine reviews Taylor Swift’s album: RED (Taylor’s Version).

“Swift’s direction is astounding and gives this once understated song the iconic treatment it deserves”: Honor Douglas is in awe of the ‘All Too Well’ short film.

“It only seems right to see which music can emulate the same feeling that Carroll left me with as both an adult and a child”. Grace Wakefield curates a playlist for Books’ ‘Fine-tuning your shelf’ series.

This month, find Editor-in-Chief, Toby Donegan-Cross’ top picks.

Music Editor Annabelle Bulag comments on Durham’s club music scene.

The first entry in our new series, ‘Facing the Music’, in which we introduce Durham University’s music societies, DOMAN outlines what they have to offer.

“I am Eve, a twilight of possibilities”: Celebrate the new year with this sparkling short story about history and identity against a backdrop of fireworks.

Get in the spirit of the brand new year with this gentle poem about rebirth and self love by Freya Barker.

Say goodbye to the Christmas season with this enchanting poem by Michelle Leung, inspired by a love affair of Emily Dickinson’s.

“Every winter I start to rot.” Elise Garcon paints a raw and truthful account of mental health in the winter through this stunning story.

Rachel Shemwell Rostron evokes love, loss and frost in this delicate and nostalgic prose.

“The coldness has violently torn away my self-identity”. In this moving and honest piece, Holly Downes explores the reality of seasonal depression in the colder months of the year.

Living the French way: Duru Akin takes a trip to Nice.

“Travelling for me means freedom”. Goya Verity explores the meaning of travel.

“I felt like I had been on an adventure of a lifetime, but in truth, I was home.” Food and Drinks Editor, Emerson Shams, reminiscines on their home-country travels.

Visual Arts Editor Christian Bland explores how cities commemorate Black history.

“Going on holiday has turned into a lottery game.” Travel Editor Holly Downes explores whether pandemic travel is worth the hassle.

Alice Bloom explores the difficulties of travelling during the pandemic, having flown to Russia for her year abroad.

Interview Editor Steph Ormond speaks to some of the many students involved in the South College protest.

Bea Pelingen speaks to the two founders of the Corporate Law Journal.

Arjun Seth interviews GCBC rower Lachlan Jones about his Movember experience.

Emerson Shams discusses Durham’s Trans community with President of Durham’s LGBT+ Association, Morgan ‘Mal’ Lee, and Interim President of Students with Disabilities, Benjamin Southwick.

Interview Editor Steph Ormond speaks to Daisy Harris about her newest single, ‘A24’.

“A fun part of being in a book club is that you can read books that you might not have ordinarily read and still enjoy anyway.” Interview Editor Steph Ormond catches up with the presidents of the new DU Book Club.