The Smoke December 2010

december 2010

Mini-issue for XMas

All your xmAs shopping tips

WhAt gifts to buy for those you love (And

those you hAte)

Listen to Smoke Radio live at www.smokeradio.co.uk

MONDAY12PM SMOKE RADIO

NEWS HOUR

THE RADIO SHOW - WITH SAMMY SPRINKLES & MR CHRIS

BILL, MAZ, AND JON: JUST TURN UP AND DO IT!It does what it says on the tin!

CHILLING TIME WITH MARWAN AND DILOVAN

THE ANDERSON AND POLLARD SHOW

ANIKET

APPROACHING TOMORROW WITH JAMIE KING AND GREG MADGE

LATENCY STAGE WITH GEORGE PERCY AND LUKE PHILLIPS

THE AA SHOW WITH ANTON CLARK

THE LATE NIGHT SHOW WITH SAM FOSTER, SAM LOVELL AND RHIANNE BOLAND

GOING TO BED WITH EDDSmoke’s ultimate bedtime show.

THE URBAN LOCKDOWN SHOW WITH TYRONE FRANCISPlaying the best of current urban music from the UK and US.

POP OR NOT WITH RACHAEL AND JIMMY

THE FRONT ROW WITH RHIANNE BOLAND

THE WESTMINSTERS FINEST SHOW WITH JADE GEBBIEPlaying the best our Uni has to off er.

THE LATE NIGHT LOVE HOUR WITH ROBERT, WILLIAM, COLIN AND MARCUS. Playing the fi nest love songs.

CHARLIE BYERS

INFOMANIAInformation is power: be informed to win!

THE BRAINLOKK MC SHOW with Daniel Blake, aka Brainlokk MC.

BORN TO BE MILD WITH GEORGE MILLS AND ALEX NASH

UNITALK WITH WILL KISBY AND JON HOLMES The Uni discussion show with Will and Jon.

LIL’ RAVERS IN THE BIG CITY

THE BRIDGE WITH JON HOLMES

MICHAEL SARDO

THE NIC & NAT SHOW

FROM BASS TO BASS WITH DWAYNE PARRIS-ROBINSON

SIGNAL

FRENCH TOAST WITH FRANK MCWEENYGet toasted with Frank McWeeny every Thursday night.

THE SHOCK SESSIONS WITH DJ SHOCK100% in the mix.

BASSWEIGHT BY EARTHCHILD

THE WRIGHT STUFF: A GEM OF A SHOW

FRIDAY’S MASS DEBATE

SONIC SOUNDS WITH JON SIDWELL AKA SID

ASIAN HOUR WITH RAJEN JOTANGIA

LOVESHI WITH SHARIFA AND LOVELLA

UPLOAD WITH GARY POUNDER

JON AND FROSTYJon & Frosty is the perfect ‘lounging about’ show.

JON AND FROSTY

GOB WITH CHRIS-TOPHER KAY AND SAM CONWAY

3RD YEAR RADIO PROJECT: AFFINITY

3RD YEAR RADIO PROJECT: AFFINITY

THE REQUEST SHOW WITH MATTY AND MANISH

THE REQUEST SHOW WITH MAT-TY AND MANISH

SOUTHERN CON-NECTIONZ WITH LUKE AND JAMIE

DON’T WORRY, IT’S JUST AN HOUR!A show which looks at social news and gossip.

TRANSMISSION WITH SAM LOVELL Playing the best of British and Irish music.

LUNCHTIME WITH LOTTIE AND LEEYour number one

NATHAN LONG AND ROB GIBBS

JOHN CADIGANPlaying the best of world music includ-ing jazz, funk, blues, latin and folk.

THE FUNK AND SOUL SHOW WITH JADE WIGHT AND LUKE BECKETT

GENTLEMAN’S HOUR WITH WILL KISBY, BILL LEUTY AND LUKE BECKETT

2pm

1pm

3pm

4pm

5pm

6pm

7pm

8pm

9pm

10pm

11pm

THURSDAYTUESDAY FRIDAYWEDNESDAY SUNDAY

THE POWER CUT WITH HERDA VIM

TIME WARP WITH CARLY MAILE AND HAYLEY CROTTY

If you want more information on the Smoke Radio schedule, visit smokeradio.co.uk

December 2010 The Smoke 3

CONTENTS ContentsBE HEARDWELCOME TO SMOKE’S FIRST EVER, online only, mini issue. The reasoning behind

this issue is that while studying hard and

going home for Christmas, you won’t have very

long to read the magazine, so it’s packed with

just a few essential pages, such as shopping

for presents, the President’s desk and a few

reviews. Since it’s a bit of an experiment, if you

have any comments on this issue, send them

over to the Comms offi cer at UWSU: c.jones3@

wmin.ac.uk

Christmas is a time of fun with friends

and family but the main thing to remember

amongst all of this is to be safe. With the

weather being so bad and the snow fall

increasing make sure you girls wrap up warm

on top of those stunning dresses you have

ready for the parties. When out and about stay

vigilant, you can still have fun and know what’s

going on around you.

I don’t want to sound like your mothers but

it is important to be safe around this time of

year especially with the alcohol fl owing. Crime

rates and sexual attacks both increase over

the festive season, when at clubs be sure

you cover your drinks and never leave them

unattended as spiking is at an all time high

during this time.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hope

you all have a great time over the holidays

Sabon [email protected]

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?HAVE SOME IDEAS FOR SMOKE MAGAZINE?

Want to have your say in Smoke?…then get involved.

We are looking for keen writers, designers and photographers to contribute to the Smoke magazine. So if you are a budding journalist, roving reporter, have something to say or a story to tell, we want to hear from you.

Smoke wouldn’t be anything without some good pictures so if you are good with a camera and can get some great shots of our sports and social events or student life in general get in touch.

If you are interested in getting involved with Smoke please email [email protected].

Contact the Students’ Union: [email protected] out our website www.uwsu.com Follow us on Facebook www.uwsu.fi letap.com

Chief-editor: Sabon Hare ([email protected])

Sub-editor: Avni Dudhia ([email protected])

SECTION EDITORS:News + opinion: Ben Ramanauskas

([email protected])Feature: Molly Anderson

([email protected])Advice Sections: Sandra Lamaro

([email protected])Culture: Tia Hall-Davis

([email protected])Student Showcase: Viktoria Kirkova

([email protected])Sports + Socs: Sheena Panhania

([email protected])

Design and Production: Vortex Creative Ltd • www.v-creative.co.uk


CULTURE

By Madelena Aruajo

LONDON IS A WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING DESTINATION all year but definitely best at Christmas. From the Oxford Street lights to the renowned Christmas markets, the city looks more alive than ever at this time of the year. Don’t leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute and start planning the festive season with our guide to the best shopping in the big smoke.

I suggest you combine shopping with sightseeing and take in the festive atmosphere. Your first stop should be Oxford Circus, where you will be surrounded by the glowing Christmas lights and seasonal decorations. Crammed with all different kinds of stores, Oxford Street will be having a number of shopping offers in the high street shops and department stores. Selfridges should not be missed and Marks&Spencer has it all covered, great for a Christmas on a budget. And even if you don’t have little brothers or sisters, Hamleys is still a must! The biggest toy shop in the world is simply heaven during the festive season, with 7 floors packed with amazing toys and games and an always stunning Christmas window.

Not too far is the Trafalgar Square gigantic Christmas Tree, decorated in traditional Norwegian style with hundreds of individual white lights – why not celebrating the beginning of Christmas and take part in the lighting ceremony on Thursday 2nd December!

Your Christmas shopping experience would not be complete without stopping by one of London’s traditional Christmas markets. A great way to escape the hectic crowds of the high streets and with fabulous uniqueness – they are normally stocked with exclusive products that make just the perfect gift solutions. For the more relaxed and personal shopping, head to Greenwich Market. You’ll find a bit of everything on the stalls, from antiques, collectables to delicious food and other festive goodies. On the weekends, you can expect to find up to 150 stalls! If you’re a food lover, I suggest you head to Borough Market, one of the best food markets in town, selling delicious perky food treats with a great atmosphere.

Alternatively you might want to visit Camden Lock Market to find more innovative and creative gifts. Again, there’s a bit of everything but in a more unusual style and likely cheaper than most high street stores

After you’ve hit the markets, get on the ice at one of the many ice rinks across town! It looks like it’s an even bigger trend this year, you can

find them everywhere: Natural History Museum, Somerset House, Tower of London, Hyde Park, Canary Wharf… I suggest the one at Somerset House courtyard, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings as they have popular DJs playing some crazy tunes as you skate in one of the most spectacular settings in the city and it’s always great fun!

Finally, either if it’s to admire the staggering windows and decorations or for some ‘fancy shopping’, go to Harrods and Westfield – it’s magical during the festive season. These two huge luxurious indoor complexes can easily take up a day for your shopping, encompassing their own little worlds inside!

There is no doubt London does Christmas like any other city. Whether you prefer to do your shopping in picturesque tiny shops, department stores or the greatest shopping centre’s, I’m sure you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for your dearest ones, so wrap up warm and hit the shops!

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR PURCHASES:SPORTS: Lilywhite’s(Piccadilly) GIRL’S FASHION: H&M, Primark, New Look, Warehouse, River Island, Camden Market, Topshop MEN’S FASHION: Top Shop, H&M, River Island , Brick Lane MarketARTISTIC: Gift shop at ‘The Tate Modern’, Portobello,’ Cass Arts’ on Charing Cross RoadMUSIC: Denmark Street, Camden Market, British Music ExperienceFILM/PHOTOGRAPHY: Gift shops of Photographer’s Gallery/ Victoria & Albert Museum / British Film Institute / London Film Museum, IMAX, JESSOP’SVIDEO GAMES/DVDs: HMV, Fopp, CEXBOOKS: Waterstone’s, HMV, FoppTRAVELERS: Ryan air/Mega bus ticketsSCIENCE/ HISTORY: Portobello, British Museum gift shop, various museum gift shops, Camden Market, British Natural History Museum, Kew Gardens gift shopJEWELLERY: Portobello, Covent Garden HOME DÉCOR: Camden Market, Covent Garden, Portobello

THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LONDON EXPERIENCE

BY SAMUEL EMM

ALSO CHECK OUT…

22 The Smoke December 2010

CULTURE

MUSIC REVIEWSMESSY LITTLE RAINDROPS- CHERYL COLE ✓

‘THE NATION’S SWEETHEART’ capitalises on her popularity and image to inflict her second album upon us. The posters are impossible to ignore (mainly because they are everywhere). The cover is suitably glamorous, yet accessibly vulnerable. The title, handwritten, gives the album sincerity. Unfortunately the cover is the best thing about the album. Now we are all aware that she is vocally average at best. On this album however her pseudo-American nasal drawl is almost unbearable.

Lead single ‘Promise This’ sounds fresh and remix-ready. After which the album takes a sharp nose-dive in quality. The slick R&B backdrop is fragmented when compared to her debut. It’s a case of too many cooks as producers clearly scrambled to get a song on her album. All of the songs are unimaginative, and frankly boring.

I challenge anyone to listen to the track ‘Raindrops’ in its entirety, it’s actually painful to the human ear. Dizzie Rascal makes a welcome appearance to lend some meat to her ‘rags to riches’ cause. Cheryl is later joined as well by BMI up-and-comer August Rigo.

Why does someone who obviously is not a strong vocalist, make a solo album (again)? It’s like me trying to fly a rocket (which I cannot do). Impressively Cole is named as co-writer on the tracks with babydaddy Will.i.am, namely “Live Tonight” and “Let’s Get Down”. Coincidentally these are the weakest tracks. At least he’s encouraging her to branch out?! This is

undoubtedly the appeal of Cheryl, she keeps trying. Simply put, musically she needs to try A LOT harder.

To summarise- “Weak, limp and lifeless.”

SPEAK NOW -TAYLOR SWIFT ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

TAYLOR SWIFT RETURNS with her arsenal of sickly sweet ballads, rhyming couplets and wholesome country innocence, and it couldn’t be more welcome. In a selfish materialistic world obsessed with sex, drugs and rock & roll, Taylor Swift is a breath of fresh air. Her light tone is honed to perfection and melts through each song. Little idiosyncrasies like laughter and spoken passages should be cringe-worthy but are just too

well placed and pleasant not to love.‘Speak Now’ refers to that moment in a

wedding; ‘speak now or forever hold your peace’. For those moments when you should’ve said something, get it? Each song is an open letter for someone that she wishes she’d said something to (cough- Taylor Lautner, Joe Jonas, John Mayer, Kanye West....)

The real beauty of this album is that her style has not changed, but has evolved. The ‘High School’ tone has now switched to “college workin’ part time waitin’ tables”. Her music is also slightly more complex as she experiments with tempo and vocal ornaments most notably. As well as the usual slow songs, “Better Than Revenge” is surprisingly rocky, and sounds not unlike a certain Paramore song, that may have opened their ‘Riot’ album, both thematically and musically.

She covers family love, crushes, break-ups, unrequited love, regret, bullying and growing up with a succinct accessible flair. We can’t all relate to rappers and rockstars but we’ve all had our heart broken. That’s the essence of her appeal. It’s easy to substitute her situation with your own.

To summarise - just pretend you’re buying it for a cousin, and enjoy.

Susan Boyle-The Gift ✓

SUBO WASTES her golden voice on predictable covers. The only saving grace is that it sounds pleasant this time of year.

Nicki Minaj-Pink Friday ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

FEATURED ON EVERY TRACK these days, finally the new Queen of rap releases her debut. Collaborations, and lyrical mastery duly delivered. Surprising amount of synth/pop and R&B, but once

you get used to it prepare to be amazed by her versatility. One to watch!

The only saving grace

Page X What to gift to people you love (and people you hate)

Page X Where to shop for gifts in London

EDITORSIF YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME HERE,

GET IN TOUCH!

BY SAMUEL EMM

ALSO CHECK OUT…


CULTURE

MUSIC REVIEWSMESSY LITTLE RAINDROPS- CHERYL COLE �

‘THE NATION’S SWEETHEART’ capitalises on her popularity and image to infl ict her second album upon us. The posters are impossible to ignore (mainly because they are everywhere). The cover is suitably glamorous, yet accessibly vulnerable. The title, handwritten, gives the album sincerity. Unfortunately the cover is the best thing about the album. Now we are all aware that she is vocally average at best. On this album however her pseudo-American nasal drawl is almost unbearable.

Lead single ‘Promise This’ sounds fresh and remix-ready. After which the album takes a sharp nose-dive in quality. The slick R&B backdrop is fragmented when compared to her debut. It’s a case of too many cooks as producers clearly scrambled to get a song on her album. All of the songs are unimaginative, and frankly boring.

I challenge anyone to listen to the track ‘Raindrops’ in its entirety, it’s actually painful to the human ear. Dizzie Rascal makes a welcome appearance to lend some meat to her ‘rags to riches’ cause. Cheryl is later joined as well by BMI up-and-comer August Rigo.

Why does someone who obviously is not a strong vocalist, make a solo album (again)? It’s like me trying to fl y a rocket (which I cannot do). Impressively Cole is named as co-writer on the tracks with babydaddy Will.i.am, namely “Live Tonight” and “Let’s Get Down”. Coincidentally these are the weakest tracks. At least he’s encouraging her to branch out?! This is

undoubtedly the appeal of Cheryl, she keeps trying. Simply put, musically she needs to try A LOT harder.

To summarise- “Weak, limp and lifeless.”

SPEAK NOW -TAYLOR SWIFT � � � � �

TAYLOR SWIFT RETURNS with her arsenal of sickly sweet ballads, rhyming couplets and wholesome country innocence, and it couldn’t be more welcome. In a selfi sh materialistic world obsessed with sex, drugs and rock & roll, Taylor Swift is a breath of fresh air. Her light tone is honed to perfection and melts through each song. Little idiosyncrasies like laughter and spoken passages should be cringe-worthy but are just too

well placed and pleasant not to love.‘Speak Now’ refers to that moment in a

wedding; ‘speak now or forever hold your peace’. For those moments when you should’ve said something, get it? Each song is an open letter for someone that she wishes she’d said something to (cough- Taylor Lautner, Joe Jonas, John Mayer, Kanye West....)

The real beauty of this album is that her style has not changed, but has evolved. The ‘High School’ tone has now switched to “college workin’ part time waitin’ tables”. Her music is also slightly more complex as she experiments with tempo and vocal ornaments most notably. As well as the usual slow songs, “Better Than Revenge” is surprisingly rocky, and sounds not unlike a certain Paramore song, that may have opened their ‘Riot’ album, both thematically and musically.

She covers family love, crushes, break-ups, unrequited love, regret, bullying and growing up with a succinct accessible fl air. We can’t all relate to rappers and rockstars but we’ve all had our heart broken. That’s the essence of her appeal. It’s easy to substitute her situation with your own.

To summarise - just pretend you’re buying it for a cousin, and enjoy.

Susan Boyle-The Gift � SUBO WASTES her golden voice on predictable covers. The only saving grace is that it sounds pleasant this time of year.

Nicki Minaj-Pink Friday� � � �FEATURED ON EVERY TRACK these days, fi nally the new Queen of rap releases her debut. Collaborations, and lyrical mastery duly delivered. Surprising amount of synth/pop and R&B, but once

you get used to it prepare to be amazed by her versatility. One to watch!

The only saving grace

BY AIMI WALKER

JACKASS 3DAN OUTRAGEOUSLY FUN-FILLED STUNT ANTIC attack from the motley crew that is the Jackass set. For the much anticipated third instalment of the hilarious, laugh-out-loud skit show of banal action, the team are now as daring as ever in adventurous 3D! With an outstanding comic opening fi lmed in slow-motion, fans of the infamous TV gold turned multimillion selling movie will happily be again reunited with the original members in an epic greeting of mayhem, later mixed with controversial sequences featuring their alter-egos in the show. The disappointment lies in the absence of legendary Party Boy, but that doesn’t stop regular Jackass guy Chris Pontius shedding his clothes in the name of crazy stunts. Raunchy ringleader Johnny Knoxville leads the apocalyptic comedy with his blunt approach to fl irting with his ‘granddaughter’ and turns so many heads of the unsuspecting public on the streets of the USA. Incorporating citizen reactions helps to fuel the belly-laughs, as well as their own private stunts, including a new customary Rocky stunt, in which a crew member has a glass of water thrown over their face and a boxing glove meets their cheeks as they turn to swerve it! Despite this, the nutty frolicking of the band of mindless performers stay true to their average stunts for their fans, but broaden their horizons with new humorous and witty additions to the line-up.

Painful ‘cooing’ occurs in the cinema as Ryan Dunn gets thrashed in a dangerous bullfi ght that spirals out of control and poster-boy skateboarder Bam Margera’s constant torment over his fear of snakes is used to an advantage by the other immature, chaotic crew. A defi nite scene to look out for is the jet-engine stamina sketch which entails the boys being

thrown wildly into the air, tossed across a baron fi eld with objects fl ying to attack them. This movie is a perfectly traditional comeback with the same insanity embedded in these rascals; the crowning misfi ts of funny nights in and now, out at the movies!


CULTURE

FILM REVIEWS

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS- PART ONE

THIS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED INDESCRIBABLE PHENOMENON sees the trio return to show the world that three most defi nitely isn’t a crowd for the fi nal instalment of what has proven to be a perfect, noble fi nale. A fi lm series that pushes all the risks of ultimate family fun with a mixture of tears, laughter and gut-wrenching action.

The die-hard Potter fans would stupefy the producers for ending it at such a pivotal moment in the two-part epic piece of which I’d certainly pay to see the extra chapter (not until Summer 2011!) which, combined will amount to a sweet six hours that is guaranteed to be fi lled with danger, adventure and striking power.

As always, the dazzling special-effects open in on the action, a devilishly fast broom chase through the cloudy sky at midnight with all the favourite characters accompanying Harry to protect his journey. The sequence which sees the death of a few within ten minutes proves

its popularity for the audience to become bewitched with the performance.

In the beginning, the treacherous quest to fi nd the seven Horcruxes – vital objects that enclose Voldemort’s soul - to destroy the notoriously evil murderer begins at the Weasley’s household where a wedding is in

session between Bill Weasley and his darling fi ancé Fleur. Hermione and Harry, having obliviated their guardian’s memories quickly are interrupted with disaster at the wedding, setting an introduction to the famous triplet’s heroic voyage and their life-changing journey into adult independence to uncover the myths of the artefacts in the deceased Dumbledore’s honour.

Already, rips appear between the gang that may seem too complicated for the younger target audience and the temporary absence of Ron tests Harry and Hermoine’s friendship through the struggles they start to face in the wilderness. There is a sense that the action is almost so incredibly rushed, but equally entertaining from beginning to end. Harry is confronted with Draco Malfoy’s betrayal, seeming very darkly harsh as even though they were enemies.

At a blissfully unnoticeable 146 minutes, each crucial scene is worth bursting your bladder for! A star count that is off the scale, my Deathly Hallows headrush tells me with excitement that I desperately want to see this fi lm each week it continues to run!

SOMERSET HOUSE (THE STRAND) Closest Tube: Temple, Charing Cross, Embankment, Covent GardenTimes: 10 am – 10.15 pm * See exceptions on websitePrices: £13 peak / £10.50 off-peakFeatures: Lessons, DJ Nights on Friday and Saturday, Nutcracker skating sessions, ice dancing and a Tiffany’s embroidered Christmas tree

LONDON EYE Closest Tube: Waterloo, Embankment Times: 10 am – 9 pm * See exceptions on websitePrices: £12.50 peak / £10.50 off-peakThe Eye fl ight itself: £17.88

WINTER WONDERLAND(HYDE PARK)Closest Tube: Hyde Park CornerDates: Ends 4 Jan Times: Fri 4-10 pm, then daily 10 am – 10 pm *closed 25 DecPrices: FreeFeatures: Ice skating (peak £13, off-peak £10), observation wheel, circus, food, rides, games and attractions. Last year there was a German theme and transported Londoners into a whole other world (not to mention quality wheat beer).

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL (SOUTHBANK CENTRE)Closest Tube: Waterloo Dates: 10 Dec – 12 Dec


CULTURE

Times: 11 am – 8 pm on Friday, 11 am – 6 pm on Saturday and SundayPrices: FreeFeatures: For all those chocolate lovers, this is the place to be! The festival not only sells all the chocolate you could ever ask for – but offers workshops, demonstrations and dozens upon dozens of stalls offering samples!

LONDON EYE FIREWORKS Closest Tube: Waterloo Time: Midnight on New Years EveVisible: Anywhere along South Bank!

THE NUTCRACKER (THE LONDON COLISEUM) Closest Tube: Charing CrossDates: 10 Dec – 30 Dec Times: 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm Tue-Sat, 2.30 pm Sun Mat, 1 pm Dec 24, 5 pm Dec 26 Prices: Matinee prices from £19Features: The timeless ballet, a girl’s nutcracker and an evil mouse king, which is delivered with more “sinister” punch this year.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (TRAFALGAR STUDIOS)Closest Tube: Charing CrossDates: 21 Dec – 8 Jan

Times: Mon – Sat 7.45 pm; Tues, Thur and Sat Matinee 3 pm, Wed Matinee 3 pm Prices: from £18Features: The Dickens tale of a man hardened by time and how three ghostly visits help him understand where he went wrong in the course of his life – and how to fi x it just in time for the holidays.

South Molton StreetRegent Street/Oxford Street/ Carnaby StreetTrafalgar Square (Christmas tree)Covent Garden (Christmas tree)Marylebone High Street

EGG NEW YEARS EVE Closest Tube: King’s Cross /Caledonian RoadMusic: House, Electro, Techno, Deep, FunkTimes: 10 pm - “Super Late”Prices: £15-25Features: 5 Rooms, Rio Carnival Theme; Check dress code

PACHA NEW YEARS EVE Closest Tube: Victoria Music: DanceTimes: 8 pm – 6 am, followed by after-partyPrices: £35

CULTURAL DATES FOR DECEMBER

FESTIVALS

THEATRECLUBS

FIREWORKS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

ICE SKATING


CULTURE

By Madelena Aruajo

LONDON IS A WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING DESTINATION all year but defi nitely best at Christmas. From the Oxford Street lights to the renowned Christmas markets, the city looks more alive than ever at this time of the year. Don’t leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute and start planning the festive season with our guide to the best shopping in the big smoke.

I suggest you combine shopping with sightseeing and take in the festive atmosphere. Your fi rst stop should be Oxford Circus, where you will be surrounded by the glowing Christmas lights and seasonal decorations. Crammed with all different kinds of stores, Oxford Street will be having a number of shopping offers in the high street shops and department stores. Selfridges should not be missed and Marks&Spencer has it all covered, great for a Christmas on a budget. And even if you don’t have little brothers or sisters, Hamleys is still a must! The biggest toy shop in the world is simply heaven during the festive season, with 7 fl oors packed with amazing toys and games and an always stunning Christmas window.

Not too far is the Trafalgar Square gigantic Christmas Tree, decorated in traditional Norwegian style with hundreds of individual white lights.

Your Christmas shopping experience would not be complete without stopping by one of London’s traditional Christmas markets. A great way to escape the hectic crowds of the high streets and with fabulous uniqueness – they are normally stocked with exclusive products that make just the perfect gift solutions. For the more relaxed and personal shopping, head to Greenwich Market. You’ll fi nd a bit of everything on the stalls, from antiques, collectables to delicious food and other festive goodies. On the weekends, you can expect to fi nd up to 150 stalls! If you’re a food lover, I suggest you head to Borough Market, one of the best food markets in town, selling delicious perky food treats with a great atmosphere.

Alternatively you might want to visit Camden Lock Market to fi nd more innovative and creative gifts. Again, there’s a bit of everything but in a more unusual style and likely cheaper than most high street stores

After you’ve hit the markets, get on the ice at one of the many ice rinks across town! It looks like it’s an even bigger trend this year, you can fi nd them everywhere: Natural History Museum, Somerset House, Tower

of London, Hyde Park, Canary Wharf… I suggest the one at Somerset House courtyard, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings as they have popular DJs playing some crazy tunes as you skate in one of the most spectacular settings in the city and it’s always great fun!

Finally, either if it’s to admire the staggering windows and decorations or for some ‘fancy shopping’, go to Harrods and Westfi eld – it’s magical during the festive season. These two huge luxurious indoor complexes can easily take up a day for your shopping, encompassing their own little worlds inside!

There is no doubt London does Christmas like any other city. Whether you prefer to do your shopping in picturesque tiny shops, department stores or the greatest shopping centres, I’m sure you’ll fi nd exactly what you’re looking for your dearest ones, so wrap up warm and hit the shops!

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR PURCHASES:SPORTS: Lilywhite’s(Piccadilly) GIRL’S FASHION: H&M, Primark, New Look, Warehouse, River Island, Camden Market, Topshop MEN’S FASHION: Topshop, H&M, River Island , Brick Lane MarketARTISTIC: Gift shop at ‘The Tate Modern’, Portobello,’ Cass Arts’ on Charing Cross RoadMUSIC: Denmark Street, Camden Market, British Music ExperienceFILM/PHOTOGRAPHY: Gift shops of Photographer’s Gallery/ Victoria & Albert Museum / British Film Institute / London Film Museum, IMAX, JessopsVIDEO GAMES/DVDs: HMV, Fopp, CEXBOOKS: Waterstone’s, HMV, FoppTRAVELERS: Ryan air/Mega bus ticketsSCIENCE/ HISTORY: Portobello, British Museum gift shop, various museum gift shops, Camden Market, British Natural History Museum, Kew Gardens gift shopJEWELLERY: Portobello, Covent Garden HOME DÉCOR: Camden Market, Covent Garden, Portobello Road

THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LONDON EXPERIENCE


your say

So iT SeemS only a few weekS ago we were eagerly beckoning in 2010. The dawn of a new era! Diets, memberships and promises, and yet we seem to be plagued by ‘commitments’ which hinder our passions (and aren’t those scales getting dusty in the bathroom?) My point? Time flies.

So, as the sun graces us for only a few hours a day, the Arctic Circle seems to have been relocated to London, and it’s Christmas time...again. The time will undoubtedly be used to catch up with that mountain of reading, and we can organise ourselves with all the best intentions for a fresh 2011. But what does Christmas actually mean for a Westminster student? I know what you’re thinking; I’m going to ‘lecture’ you (ha!) about materialism and the ‘real meaning of Christmas’. Well yeah actually I am. I recently met and mentioned to a fellow student that I was writing this article, and wasn’t sure what to put. I was simply told “Christmas means presents.” Go to any school and you’re likely to hear something similar. I laughed, but was later slightly disturbed as I realised that it actually does for most people.

The whole nativity scene seems a distant childhood fantasy, who cares? It stands for hope. Peace to all mankind. No matter how

hardcore you are, face it, deep down you would love for people to simply be at peace. Don’t get me wrong we all love trouser-bursting meals and we all love presents! Come on there’s always that ‘it’ present (what is the point of an iPad anyway? Is it a laptop? Is it a freakishly large iPod touch, who knows? I digress...) As Simon Cowell prepares to dominate the charts with more repackaged cover songs, maybe we should all take a leaf out of the (face)book of the campaigners of the ‘Rage Against The X-Factor’, and insist on some talent, soul and

The Xmas FacTor?originality in our lives. I mean can you imagine the nativity now? Should Mary and Joseph be given a room? Text VGMARY now... “Just gave birth to the Son of God? Maybe, but tonight wasn’t your best performance.” You can imagine-

Yes we have become too obsessed with possessions, and with documenting and planning every second of our lives until they are almost unbearable. I’m quite sure that given time to reflect, what you’ll really enjoy about Christmas is the time off. The time when our ridiculously fast-paced London lives can crawl along (much like the underground). Whether you spend this time with family or friends, or yourself, whether you’re White, Black, Christian, Muslim, Atheist, Gay, Straight or a reindeer, let’s try to welcome that Christmas feeling, even if it’s just for a minute.

Remember that scene at the end of ‘A Christmas Carol’? Scrooge awakes with a new zest for life, after realising how lucky he is to be alive and have people to call family, and people that he has the means, and power with which to provide some measure of happiness to. That can be us.

Who knows, maybe in 2011 we can awake with that feeling a little more often...

By Samuel emm


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The Smoke December 2010