I say, I say hrhrm One thing I've learnt so far is that the stereotype for academics generally does hold true. Two examples to demonstrate this fact will follow. The first instance was at the matriculation dinner (one of the two free meals that Selwyn do!), sat opposite a truly archetypal professor. Beardy and drunk, and offering the girls more wine. Being a weirdo lactose-intolerant type, for the meal, I had a safe non-stuffed chicken breast, instead of the butter-enriched offering for those of normal digestive capacity. Anyway, the chicken breast was a lot less plump than the stuffed ones, so, aforementioned professor, upon noticing this lack of ample bosom, leans across the table to enquire, "are you a vegan?". Um, no, actually I'm not.

Institutionalised Professor II: at the first exposition class (we learn how to present), the dozen or so of us were sat, waiting for the prof to arrive. In he bumbles, carrying an electric kettle, to declare "Fortunately, the husband of the woman at reception is the head chef", and continues to bumble around the room. We look up, expecting an explanation to this statement, but no, he had imparted all the information surrounding this husband-wife team we needed to know. Incidentally, the kettle didn't form part of the class either.

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Gig report! Ladytron at the APU student bar (actually, Anglia Polytechnic University is now Anglia Ruskin Univerisity, keeping the old acronym), which was quite an evening indeed. First off, the venue of the gig was about the size of your average student bar, which isn't all that big, so standing at the front, I could have been stroking Helen's shins should I have been inclined.

The initial act up was a local lad going by the name of, erm, Um, who would dance and sing over some previously-composed backing tracks being played from his Minidisc. Quite an experience, and I'm not sure I can describe it here. If you're in the environs do look out for his act.

Following Um were Battant (French for "fight", I think?), an energy-driven electro outfit from Lahndahn tahn, who I really did enjoy. Back home in the vac, I will be making an effort to see them again (and also Elle Milano for the forst time, which I must, must do).

And then on came the 'Tron. And hell did they electro-rock us with their sound. Pounding bass shuddering through everyone and everything (how did the venue remain structurally sound?), the riffs of Seventeen and Playgirl exciting everyone into glee that was in so much contrast to the cold stage appearance of the band. Soaring through several new songs, Ladytron appeared to be getting into their act and enjoying it too. Playing Destroy Everything You Touch, their new single, caused the spine to tingle in that exciting way you know a band has got a lot of good stuff still in store.

Alas, due to the licence of the venue, there wasn't enough time for them to play their last song, which a sneaky look at the set list (yes, even without my glasses, I was close enough to see it clearly) revealed it to be Blue Jeans.

Posted: 16-10-05 12:55 :: Permalink: http://ben.corale.co.uk/archive/v1/208.html

Comments Use the form at the bottom to post your comments. Here is the feedback:

Chris Butler writes So, by changing to Anglia Ruskin University, they still get to keep the APU?

Uhm?

I almost went there. But, oviously, didn't. Commented: 23-10-05 23:57

The blog author writes Erm, I'm a little confused whether it is or not still gonna be called APU too- all the gigs listings there are still down as "APU SU" so who knows! Commented: 25-10-05 16:16

Wolfie writes Benjamin, isn't the point of, er, going to the University of Cambridge to, er, go to the University of Cambridge? If you'd wanted to go to APU, you should have applied. You'll be fascinated to know that when I was at the University of Cambridge, APU was known as CCAT (Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology) until it became AHEC (Anglia Higher Education College). It was going to be called Anglia College of Higher Education but, er, for some reason they decide to swap the words around. Commented: 25-10-05 17:28