It saddens me that, in the space of just two days, I find myself writing how a single event has led to shelving of previous bias, stereotype and opinion. On Tuesday, it was Jade Goody’s efforts to raise awareness of her illness; the article being a direct response to a piece published in The Times newspaper. Today however, my attention turns to David Cameron, the conservative leader, who sadly lost his six-year old son in the early hours of this morning.
Ivan Cameron, a “brave child” who faced the tragedy of severe epilepsy, passed this morning after battling with the illness since his birth. As a life-long anti-Conservative, I was deeply moved by this, both on a personal and political level. No parent should ever have to deal with losing a child, and I can’t imagine how Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are feeling at the moment. Rightly so, they have been granted their privacy and today’s PMQs has been cancelled.
As a parent dealing with a terminally ill child, Mr. Cameron daily life was dictated by hospital appointments, home treatment and working with his son’s carers; his politics was no different. Constant dealings with the NHS led to the Conservative’s adaptation of ‘compassionate conservatism’, a move away from the ‘nasty party’ image advocated by Theresa May, the one-time party secretary. Mr. Cameron recognised the value of the NHS and the important role it plays in people lives on a daily basis.
When Mr. Cameron does come back to work, I’m sure that the memory of his beloved son will be a driving force behind his campaign; an angelic inspiration of the highest value.
Rest in Peace Ivan.
When Jade Goody emerged from her embrace with her then-fiancee Jack following his release from prison, the reality television cynic in me awoke. Over the last few years, my transition from avid big-brother viewer to hater of anything involving a sub c-list celebrity has been completed. I dislike celebrity and everything that comes with it.
That was, until last week. On a mundane motorway trip, the middle aged man in me decided to tune into Five Live’s phone-in, where it became apparent from a barrage of callers that Jade Goody had done something amazing – she had single handedly increased awareness of cervical cancer. Women of all ages were calling the show, telling the world that, thanks to the potent images of Jade in recent weeks, they had booked smear tests with their GPs. This is absolutely extraordinary. I am an avid believer that there is no greater feat than saving a life, and Mrs. Goody may have just done that a hundred times over.
The footage of Jade reacting to her chemotherapy is brutal, but necessary, as it shows the reality of the situation: hair loss, weakness and nausea. However, it’s when the camera focuses on Mrs. Goody in a tight embrace with her husband and children that we see where the real sadness of the situation lies.
Her children will lose a mother and her husband will lose a wife.
If Jade’s programs and the increasing news footage teach us anything, its that life is far too short. We’ve got to do the utmost to keep our health, and, just as importantly, our family.
I wish Jade eternal peace.
For information on smear tests please visit: http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/
Arriving at Soho gyms to begin my induction was a humbling experience. Housed in a new development within the Borough area, and only a stone’s throw away from the Great Dover Street apartments, the complex itself had a smart, almost sexy exterior; its walls a multitude of blue and white, making up the gym’s trademark logo. Continue reading “Soho Gyms Blog – Part Two”
To date, when asked about my appeal to the opposite sex and what belief I have in myself, my response has always articulated the importance of personality. This, however, is to be anticipated from a man of average proportions (admittedly, where height is concerned I fall into the upper echelons of averageness); my mother always told me that appearance didn’t matter, and, up until the age of thirteen, I believed her. Conversations with my female peers also drew the same conclusions. Then came Peter Andre’s chest, swiftly followed by David Beckham’s abs before my recent female compatriots fell for the charm of Daniel Craig – especially in that swimwear scene. A clear trend was developing in my adolescent mind. Accordingly, when Soho gyms laid down the challenge of a three-month stint in their Borough gym, I accepted. Continue reading “Soho Gyms Blog – Part One”
King’s Bench Magazine is proud to announce the launch of King’s College London TV.
Armed with nothing more than a video camera and a voice made for television, Dominic Hatje has produced the inaugral video podcasts which are available to view online either at http://kingscollegelondont.blip.tv or via iTunes (simply search for King’s College London television).
If you would like to get involved in the production of the podcasts, please contact either myself or Dominic ( or respectively).
Look out for the new edition of the magazine shortly.
Yours as always,
Ryan
Last week a video emerged showing Prince Harry referring to one of his fellow soldiers, an Asian man, as a ‘Paki’, whilst he was training with the British Army. This was subsequently followed by an official statement, telling of an apology from the Prince himself who seemingly felt great remorse for his comments. Indeed, viewed subjectively, it seems clear that the Prince himself is not a racist. His remarks were more than likely meant in jest, with the Prince himself stating that the video was intended for his fellow cadets, and that the victim was a close friend.
However, this is besides the point. If one takes the use of the word ‘Paki’ objectively, then there is a clear difficulty in accepting the Prince’s apology and following Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s approach of ‘…giving him the benefit of the doubt’. Whilst Prince Harry has indeed done many wonderful things for charity, in addition to demonstrating his bravery in the Afghanistan last year, it is difficult to forgive the Prince quite so easily. Continue reading “Royal Racism”
The Cold War Modern Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington has been hugely popular. It shows a not so distant past that has directly impacted our present. Many of the concerns and developments during this period are still very relevant in our society today. The tension between technological developments for the benefit of man versus technology as the means of destroying man is something we are still struggling with. Continue reading “Cold War Modern”
Hello.
So its Christmas, and you’re one of our readers. With that, I offer you warmth and seasonal goodwill for the festive period – enjoy the copious amounts of food, alcohol and family bonding time this December, and remember that too much of each can end in tears. Especially the latter. My Uncle Ray is still banned from family events after his shenanigans last year…dirty bastard.
On with a more significant, and potentially patronising tone… a small mantra for the new year if you will: Don’t stress too much, be merry and, once the feel good factor has worn off, and you find yourself entering 2009 decrepit and hung over, remember that your favourite magazine will be back and better than ever.
That’s right, Private Eye is having a re-launch in January.
However, if paying for a publication isn’t your thing, then look out for a copy of King’s Bench magazine. Armed with the regular, and backed up by the new, readers can look forward to more fashion shoots, short story competitions, high profile interviews and much much more.
So, merry Christmas and a happy new year from all at the King’s Bench team.
Oh, and don’t treat this as a group message. Our magazine is personal like that. If you feel like returning the sentiment, well, just do it.
Yours,
Ryan Wain
Editor & Designer
(Photo by stephendl used under a Creative Commons license)
King’s Bench Magazine Volume 16 Issue 1 is available.
Dear All,
I hope the first issue of this academic year’s King’s Bench magazine has reached you well- if not, be sure to grab a copy from the JJP room in the law school, or from any of the King’s Bench team after lectures, and around campus- it’s definitely not one to be missed!
Looking ahead to the next issue, we are currently seeking contributors, comprising both law and non-law students. The theme of the next issue is ‘Evolution versus Regression.’ Thus, hopefully a topic which should conjure up some interesting discussion points. Possible starting points for this topic could include: the changing political landscape, the economy, culture, and technology, but this list is by no means exhaustive, and we hope to see your ideas extend far beyond these areas.
Additionally we are seeking contributions to the next issue in other areas, which include:
- Features: This would be ideal for students who do not wish to write an article, but have innovative and exciting ideas for our features pages.
- City guide: Do you feel that you know the ins and outs of a city which could be of interest? An off the beaten track guide as it were…
- Events: Are there any events which you have attended/plan to attend, which you would like to write about?
- Societies: Is there a particular society which you feel deserves some recognition? Or maybe, you would like to fill the gap in the existing group of societies by creating a new one?
- Careers: Do you know of any interesting career paths which you feel King’s students ought to know about?
- Speakers’ corner: Got something to say? Why not share it with everyone, or… if you would prefer to be anonymous in doing so, please email .
The reccommended word limit for articles is 1,000 words, and the deadline for all contributions to be submitted to the King’s Bench team is Wednesday 26th November 2008.
Please send your submissions to . If you have any queries, feel free to contact Ryan: 0770873951, or Christina: 07794069183, who will be happy to deal with any queries which you may have.
Kind Regards
Victoria Essien
Communications Officer
King’s Bench Magazine
