Volume 15 Issue 6

INSIDE STEM Career Road Show visits NUI Galway

2

boojum Galway gets a handle on Movember

4

Irish adventure Film Festival returns to Galway

5

16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence

8

One Bite at a Time

9

NUI Galway student Ivan Fahy is a November cover star… and we don’t just mean a Sin cover star. Turn to page 25 to find out more.

Features

CHRIStMAS SPECIAL

cHRISTMAS SPECIAL

The smoke-free campus policy entails a prohibition of smoking within campus, its car parks, greenery and buildings; smokers would only be permitted to smoke in designated smoking areas.

The policy will be self-policed, meaning the students of NUI Galway themselves will monitor that the ban is complied with.

On a student resource page set up by the second year English class representatives, comments made on the smoke-free campus were; “I don't smoke and I have no intention to smoke, but vote no. The campus is huge, a lot of people do smoke, and as mentioned above, it's a relief to a lot of students.

People are just going do it anyway.”

Another commenter said; “Vote no! It's not even almost a problem on campus. If butts are a problem, then maybe there should be more strategically placed places to put them out.”

The University developed a Smoking Restriction policy to implement the Public Health Act (Tobacco), 2002 and its amendment in 2004. Smoking restrictions set by the university state that smoking is not allowed in any building in the University for health and fire safety reasons.

E-cigarettes and nicotine vaporisers are also subject to the same policy and are not allowed be used in any building on campus.

Within the same legislation, Article 5.2.2 states; “The Acts prohibit smoking in all parts of all University Buildings. All main entrances to University buildings have signs to that effect.

“It is University policy that smoking is prohibited within six metres of all entrances, exits, open windows, ventilation, intake systems and covered entryways of any building” Second year Arts student Niamh Ní Fháinnín believes in a compromise; “I agree with the smoking ban to have frequent designated areas within the college because smoking can irritate people with asthma or just non-smokers, but I don’t agree with the college being totally tobacco free.”

In addition to promotional information, assistance will be given to staff or students who wish to stop smoking, by means of on-going University health promotion initiatives and National Quit Lines.

Lifestyle

At the last Students’ Union Council meeting, both the executives and class representatives were asked to vote for or against NUI Galway becoming a smokefree campus on behalf of their classes.

The proposal was defeated by two votes.

The class representative vote was indefinite. The Students’ Union is working with the university to establish a plan of action. An NUI Galway Working Group on a Smoke free Campus was formed earlier this month.

It was mentioned at the Council that all students of NUI Galway will be asked to participate in a survey regarding the smoke-free campus policy. This survey was released and emailed to the student body early last week.

An email was sent to students with the attached survey and the following from Vice President of the Student Experience Dr Pat Morgan; “This

survey is one of the first steps in a consultative process around smoking and the sale of tobacco products on campus. It is your opportunity to indicate your level of support for the scope of a smoke-free campus.”

The survey asks a variety of questions regarding the smoke-free campus policy and it’s variations including a ban on the sale of tobacco products on campus grounds.

In October 2013 UCD held a referendum on the smoke-free campus proposal; “This union supports the smoke-free campus initiative, as proposed by the UCD Health Promotion Committee.”

2,500 students out of 30,000 voted in the poll held by the UCD Students’ Union. The referendum was passed on October 3 with 55% of the vote in favour.

Here at NUI Galway further plans for a referendum have not yet been made available.

Arts

By Jenna Hodgins

Debate: Is Christmas worth the hassle?

11

Santa is weird....

14

Yellow Brick Road

16

The Naughty and Nice List

18

The enduring appeal of A Christmas Carol

20

Student Speak

22

How to de-clutter your wardrobe

26

Steal my Style

27

Poetry by Michael D. Higgins

30

James Arthur records track telling rapper to kill himself

31

White Collar Boxing

33

EPL: The Gunners Come Down From Their Pulpit

34

sport

NUI Galway: a smoke-free campus?

News

Free Student Newspaper | VOL 15, ISSUE 6 | 25 nov 2013

2 News NUI Galway holds ‘Let’s Talk’ day

By Ciara Treacy On Wednesday 6 November, NUI Galway Students’ Union Welfare Officer Declan Higgins ran a ‘Let’s Talk’ day on campus as part of a mental health campaign.

With the help four Commerce students on placement with Declan, and his Welfare Crew, goodie bags were distributed across the Concourse which contained tea bags, chocolate and information about positive mental health.

Declan explained that the campaign was executed with the aim of getting people to talk, with an emphasis on doing it in a relaxed manner over a cup of tea and a bar of chocolate.

It was felt that recent events in relation to mental health required the issue to be addressed on campus, with the tagline “a problem shared is a problem halved”.

The weekly Condom Wednesday which normally takes place was replaced with the ‘Let’s Talk’ day.

“Mental health campaigns have attained a certain level of notoriety in that they are extremely difficult to undertake in a far-reaching and effective way,” Declan explains.

“The happenings of the past month have opened up what I see as an unprecedented discourse on the issues around mental health, and it was important that we as a union responded appropriately.”

Declan has acknowledged that the campaign involved the help of a variety

of groups; “Without the assistance of Aidan Grimes, CEO of NUI Galway Students’ Union Commercial Services, and our suppliers, this project would not have come to fruition.

“The trojan work of the four Commerce students involved, Liam Brennan, Clodagh Kelly, Alan Wynne and Bernie Bergin, as well as all of the Welfare Crew, made this a hugely successful and conversationstarting initiative.”

The Let’s Talk Day fell around the same time as

the launch of USI’s national ‘Chats for Change’ campaign, designed to get Irish students discussing mental health.

“Mental Health is part of all of our stories and we want to encourage people to start the conversation and take the time to talk to friends, classmates or family about mental health,” said Denise McCarthy, USI Vice President for Welfare.

Declan Higgins hopes that the Let’s Talk Day will encourage students to seek the services provided on

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

campus and will lay the foundation for more mental health campaigns in future.

“I remember hearing the Latin saying ‘Ex Malo Bonum’ one time, meaning ‘out of bad comes good’. And, after what has been a particularly dark four weeks here in Galway, I hope we went some way towards bringing some good out of bad,” he said.

For more information on welfare services at NUI Galway, log on to www. su.nuigalway.ie.

Smart Futures STEM Career Road Show visits NUI Galway

By Hazel Elliffe As part of the Galway Science and Technology Festival 2013, the Smart Futures STEM Career Road Show was recently held in NUI Galway.

Secondary school students from Galway congregated on 12 November in the Cairne’s Theatre to hear about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

The talk was chaired by

Arlene O’Neill, a former rose of Tralee; she herself has a PhD in Physics and is now a Science Communicator and Outreach Officer for CRANN. The first speaker was Agnes Eising a support Engineer from SAP. She informed the students that she arrived at her career by accident having completed a degree in English and Linguistics; but due to the lack of jobs in that area ended up working for SAP in Galway.

She urged students to

consider her job as a career as she gets to ‘play detective’ working on a project that aims to reduce waste and add value.

Next up was Caroline Hopkins a former NUI Galway student with a degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering now working for Medtronic in Galway.

She gave a great insight into her job that can see a typical day spent brainstorming on new projects to consulting with surgeons

in a hospital on the design of stints for heart patients or ventilator tubes for premature babies.

Then Ronan O’Sullivan, another NUI Galway graduate, gave a very interesting presentation about his job as a Recruitment Consultant for CPL in Galway.

He informed the students that “through education he learned what he didn’t want to do and what he wanted to do”.

Ronan recruits for all the top medical device and IT companies in Galway and has the inside knowledge of the type of graduates these companies are looking for.

In fact he informed the students about the “jobs of the future”. He told them to

expect to see jobs such as ‘Space Tour Guide’, ‘Climate Change Reversal Expert’ or ‘Virtual Lawyer’ advertised.

In fact, he said he spoke with managers of companies at the recent web summit in Dublin and they will require a whole new wing of physicists, engineers and IT people.

Finally Caitriona Bluet, marketing manager with the IDA spoke of her role attracting companies to invest in Ireland.

She urged students to consider studying the sciences as well as languages; she informed the students that Ireland exported €7.2 billion worth of medical device technology abroad in 2010.

She also gave great statistics such as 50% of the world’s ventilators and 30% of the worlds contact lenses are manufactured in Ireland.

This event was certainly a great inspiration for the attending students as well as the teachers to encourage students to study science and technology subjects in school and to further their study in third level.

Arlene who did a fantastic job chairing the Road Show left them with a final few words of advice; “You are the Scientists of tomorrow, you are our future.”

And with that they were left to ponder their futures.

I certainly left with a feeling that the future is bright if they follow up on her advice.

Trivia Matters voted Best Magazine Show on Flirt FM

NUI Galway Launch Free Advice Booklet for First Year Students First year students at NUI Galway can now enjoy a new free booklet which gives helpful advice on low and no cost ways to take the stress out of student life.

The new publication, ‘Risky Bizzness: Student Wellbeing for Successful Students’, was commissioned by the Health Promotion Service, part of NUI Galway Student Services, which aims to assist students to reach their full potential by providing non-judgemental and up-to-date information to help students make informed decisions. The booklet was written Rab Fulton, the editor of the riskybizzness blog, with Cindy Dring, Health Promotion Coordinator, NUI Galway Student Services, and designed by Shannon Reeves.

Pictured at the launch of the new NUI Galway advice booklet were first year Bachelor of Arts students Raisa Carolan from Trim, Co. Meath and Luke Mac an Bháird from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

Trivia Matters on Flirt FM Radio 101.3 has been voted Best Magazine Show by a panel of independent judges at the 2013 Flirt FM Volunteer Awards.

Trivia Matters is an entertaining live radio show which takes a light hearted look at the amusing or unusual stories that did not quite make the news headlines.

Every Tuesday afternoon at 2:00pm producer/presenter Brian Currie and his studio guests take an irreverent look at topics which vary from the antics of Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary to the perils of riding the Tokyo subway.

Listeners can let off a little steam during the Pet Peeves segment at 2:45pm, which features those little

things that annoy people the most!

Brian said “Often it is the smallest things that really get on our nerves. My own Pet Peeves include people who get off their bicycles and push them uphill instead of pedalling! Cyclists should either ride their bicycles or leave them at home.

That is all I ask!”

The show also features “ Torture Tunes”, those annoying little records that we are unable to stop humming even though they really get under our skin!

Trivia Matters includes a selection of classic tracks from the Flirt FM music library.

Trivia Matters airs live every Tuesday at 2pm on

Flirt FM Radio 101.3. You can also listen live on line at www.flirtfm.ie.

You can text the studio with your Pet Peeve or any other comment on 085-1801013 or send a message for free via the message box on the Flirt FM website www. flirtfm.ie.

Listeners can replay recent shows anytime on demand at www.flirtfm. ie. Just click on “Schedule” and then click on “Trivia Matters”. Alternatively click on the following link www. mixcloud.com/briancurrie.

You can follow Trivia Matters on Twitter at #TriviaMatters.

If a story sounds trivial to you then it matters to the Trivia Matters team!

News 3

November 25 2013

Editorial: Santa is real...

He’s just not what you expected

By Jessica Thompson Here we are at the end of a semester. Didn’t that time fly?

Exams are creeping up, but don’t panic, because the weather is getting colder, the Christmas market is up and running and the twinkling lights are promising that the hours spent studying are coming to a close.

Christmas was always my favourite time of year when I was a child. My dad went to a lot of trouble to make sure my siblings and I believed in Santa Claus for as long as possible.

There was one year I asked Santa for a Furby. I saw one on The Late Late Toy Show and that was it. I wanted one of my own. I was so excited and fully believed that Santa would bring me one.

They were the most wanted toy that Christmas, so they were sold out everywhere. But my dad got a tip-off that a select few were coming into stock in Argos in Tullamore or somewhere like that. So off he went at five o’clock in the morning to queue outside that particular store.

If you’ve ever seen Jingle All the Way, then you’ll have an idea of what it was like, because my dad described is as a Jingle-All-the-Way situation.

He was waiting for the store to open, and he could

see another man waiting.

They eyed each other up, each knowing that the other was after a furby for his own daughter; each knowing that they had to get one before the other.

Up went the metal shutter, slowly but surely; as soon as it was up far enough, the two men dashed for it, rolling under the shutter and sprinting in different directions.

Argos was new at the time and not many people knew the system they had in place.

But my dad knew.

While his opponent dashed to the collections point and gasped “I need a furby!” at the poor person standing there, my dad ran straight to the till and paid for said furby, before collecting it, and walking smugly out of the store with his prize – his daughter’s belief in Santa Claus still intact.

Yes, Christmas was a magical time; we would write our letters and either put them in the fire to be magically delivered to the North Pole, or stick them in the post box in town. I think Christmas would be such a fun time in a post office. Employees must have such fun reading all the letters to Santa.

Back in my day, they would often send out post cards from Santa, thanking us for the letter and passing on Rudolf’s love and the regards of all the other reindeer, elves and Mrs Claus.

That was such a nice thing for them to do.

When Christmas Eve came, we’d lay out mince pies and Christmas cake, all ready for Santa’s arrival.

There would be a bowl of water and a carrot for Rudolf,

who would probably be so tired after flying around the world (but so sick of carrots I’d imagine).

We’d hang up our stockings and then scurry off to bed. But my dad would always wait up as long as possible, waiting for his old pal, Santa, so they could have a few mince pies and a catch up.

Sometimes he’d tell us about the chats himself and the fat man in red would have, and other times he’d express his disappointment that he didn’t quite manage to stay up late enough.

Still, the mince pies and cake were always eaten. The drink was drunk, the water was gone and the carrots were nibbled, so ‘Santy’, as we called him, had definitely been there.

One year, we walked into the sitting room, and gasped – not at the mountain of presents under the tree, but at the fireplace – where on earth had Rudolf ’s water bowl gone?!

Yes. The cake was eaten; the mince pies were gone; the carrot was nibbled right down to the stump. But the bowl was gone.

Later that day, my dad went up onto the roof and wouldn’t you know it, the bowl was there!

Oh Santa. You didn’t steal our bowl. You must have just forgotten to take it back down the chimney when the reindeer were finished with it!

“Phew!” is probably what my dad thought. “That was a close one!”

In 2002, when I was 12 years old, we visited Lapland.

I had learned the truth about Santa by that stage, but it was

such a magical trip that if I wasn’t 100% certain of the truth, it would have completely restored my faith in magic and flying reindeer and elves.

I found out the truth one Christmas Eve when I heard the stocking at the end of my bed rustling. I kept my eyes shut tight, but as Santa was walking out the door, I peeked through my lashes and saw a familiar figure creeping away.

Of course, I thought. It made perfect sense. At the time I was beginning to doubt Santa’s existence, but this proved it.

We all expected a fat, bearded man dressed in red, who drove a sleigh and delivered toys to millions of kids around the world.

But isn’t the reality more magical? A loving parent going out of his way to make sure his child believed in the magic of Christmas.

Santa is real alright. He’s just not what we expected.

He doesn’t fly around the world in a sleigh. He doesn’t get elves to make toys and use reindeer to deliver them.

In fact, he lives in every parent that sneaks through the house to fill stockings and wrap presents. He exists in every tired face that is awoken by a child at the crack of dawn. He is alive in every tale of magic that is told to awe-struck children.

He doesn’t care about every child in the world. He cares about you.

Now doesn’t that make you feel more special?

Merry Christmas,

Jess

Editor in Chief: Jessica Thompson editor@sin.ie Layout: Shannon Reeves | contact via Ed.

News Jenna Hodgins | localnews.sined@gmail.com Conor Lane | nationalnews.sined@gmail.com

Features Leigh Ashmore | opinion.sined@gmail.com Michael Finn | features.sined@gmail.com

Lifestyle

Ciara Treacy | fashion.sined@gmail.com Arts and Entertainment

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@Jess__Thompson

That’s All Folks!

The staff at Sin would like to wish all our readers the very best of luck with exams and a very merry Christmas.

Sin will now conclude until January. Issue 7 will be available on campus on 13 January.

Keep an eye on sin.ie for updates and great content to keep you going over Christmas.

And most of all make sure you follow @sin_news on Twitter and Sin Newspaper NUI Galway on Facebook.

If you’d like to get involved with Sin next semester, you can contact the editor on editor@sin.ie – she’s friendly and won’t bite, though she may be too full of turkey to answer you straight away.

Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year! — Love, Sin

4 News

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

NUI Galway to award 100 new postgraduate scholarships By Áine O Donnell NUI Galway has announ­ ced a new scheme in which students who earned a First Class Honours (1.1) in their undergraduate degree will be awarded €1,500 enrolling in a full time taught Masters programme in autumn 2014. The scheme has been devised to award “exceptional ­achievement”.

While many scholarships are currently available to students studying specific postgraduate courses, for Northern Irish and International students, this is the first scholarship to be awarded to any student who has achieved top grades in the completion of their undergraduate degree.

Professor Nollaig MacCongháil, Registrar and Deputy President, announced the scholarship scheme at the

recent Postgraduate Open Day. He was joined by 70 recipients of NUI Galway scholarships for postgraduates in 2013.

Professor MacCongháil stated that the scheme was a response to the strain students have been under due to the economic recession; “the scholarships were developed in response to the cuts in maintenance funding for postgraduate students”.

MacCongháil realised that while the downturn had reduced funding it had also called for graduates to be more skilled when fighting for employment; “we know that more and more students are looking to postgraduate study as a means of enhancing their skills and their employability”.

The Deputy President concluded that the scholarships will encourage the

best undergraduates to continue to further study; “these scholarships will enable more of the brightest and most committed students to progress to postgraduate study.”

Postgraduates make up 4000 of the 17000 students currently attending NUI Galway. Postgraduates can study 500 different taught programmes across the University’s five colleges with a wide range of specialist subjects on offer. Subjects range from Fine Art to International Criminal Law to Neuropharmacology.

Students wishing to apply for the scholarship or eager to find out more about postgraduate study can visit : www.nuigalway.ie/ postgraduate/scholarships, call 091 492844 or email ­postgrad@nuigalway.ie.

Students Shape Campus Food Offerings

By Commercial Services Office NUI Galway boasts a student population of over 17,000 – 2,000 of which are international students from 110 countries around the world.

As a result, campus caterers are more focused than ever on presenting to students dynamic menu offerings which reflect their varying tastes and culinary backgrounds.

This can be seen through the

introduction of Halal offerings, for example, which are now available in two campus restaurants, Moffetts and CSI Café.

Arrangements are being put in place to extend similar services throughout the campus.

Last month, a study was conducted with undergraduate, postgraduate and international students to gain an insight into current attitudes towards and perceptions of campus restaurants and food offerings.

The study yielded some inter-

esting results. For example, it was found that students are seeking budget-friendly meals and would like to see a wider variety of healthy snack/small meal options.

Thank you to all those who participated in the study and congratulations to Sarah O’ Sullivan, who was the lucky winner of a Kindle.

If you missed your chance to get involved and would like to submit feedback or suggestions on campus catering, simply call 091 492264.

boojum Galway gets a handle on Movember

By Jessica Thompson Movember is in full swing now and with men sporting moustaches of all shapes and sizes, boojum burrito bar is getting in on the action.

On 30 November, boojum will join in the support of men’s health month by inviting male and female supporters of Movember to wear handy cutout, Mexican-style moustaches.

Supporters who wear these moustaches are welcome to come into the restaurant for burritos which will be sold at only €3.50 on the day.

All proceeds from the €3.50 burrito day will go towards supporting Movember and men’s health.

The annual, month-long Movember phenomenon has been attracting more and more followers in Ireland, all ready to dust off their combs and style their facial fur for charity, and boojum have been supporting the cause for three years in their Belfast and Dublin stores.

“Movember has been a charity that we have been involved with for quite some time, as we feel it is important to raise awareness of important issues such as prostate and other male cancers,” said John Blisard of boojum.

“It is great to see more people respond each year to what they are doing and we just hope to support that in some way.

“We have decided to used the cut-out facial hair so that both moustache-challenged males and girls can get involved; it also adds a bit of fun to a pretty serious topic, so hopefully people will enjoy looking a bit silly with us!”

Movember has been a running charity for a number of years and involves the growing of facial hair in order to raise money for charity and to support men’s health.

To get involved in Movember at boojums, visit facebook.com/ boojumgalway to register for your moustache and wear it to the restaurant on 30 November.

Though how you will manage to eat a burrito while wearing a large paper moustache is up to yourself.

CEIM: New support scheme for 1st year engineers

By Lisa Penski The NUI Galway Students Union, in collaboration with the college of Engineering and Informatics, are launching a new peer support scheme for first year Engineers.

CEIM is based on a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) concept, where 1st year students learn from each other as well as trained second year student leaders with the input of academic staff.

The project, aiming at easing first years into learning and settling into university life, will be piloted this year 2013-2014 in the college of Engineering and Informatics.

PAL can be found in over 1500 universities in 29 countries and was originally based on an American Supplement Institution (SI) model developed in 1973.

The proposed model is a new approach to learning and adjusting to university life.

Where lectures and tutorials are taught classes with an authority figure up front telling students

what they should know, CEIM provides a learning environment where interaction between fellow students plays a central role in understanding coursework.

The concept behind the scheme is hands-on work in small groups with student leaders aiding younger students in understanding course material.

The scheme has proven successful in various countries and has shown to improve learning outcomes as well as the general social development of students at a crucial stage in their lives.

Where lectures call for little or no interaction between students, with CEIM social interaction is essential to the learning process.

This helps even introverted students gain self-confidence and improve their social abilities, providing a basis for people and social skills needed for later stages in life.

Furthermore, first year students who attend five or more sessions are awarded a teamwork certificate that can be used in their CVs.

Student leaders are selected second year students trained in PAL concepts who participate on a voluntary basis.

Any second year engineer with two to three free hours per week can apply to become a student leader, with benefits such as improved social skills, networking with fellow engineers and an enhanced CV. Academic staff can also get involved in the scheme, providing expert input into the learning process while gaining a greater understanding of the challenges first year students face when starting college.

The scheme is currently open to first and second year engineering students only, as it is run as a pilot project. This may be revised depending on the success of the scheme.

For anyone looking to get involved, CEIM are still accepting applications online for student leaders. Visit: www.su.nuigalway. ie/ceim and click the tab, “Apply to become a Student Leader”.

News 5

November 25 2013

Irish adventure Film Festival returns to Galway

Galway bids to be European Capital of Culture

By Martin O’Donoghue

By Áine O Donnell

An Taibhdhearc theatre on Middle street welcomes the Why Not? Adventure Film Festival 2013 to Galway this Saturday November 30th featuring a range of highly anticipated adventure sports films.

The event began life in Galway in November 2012 before expanding to a three-venue affair this year and after successful screenings in Dublin’s Sugar Club and Castlebar’s Linen Hall Theatre, the Festival returns to its roots this Saturday.

The Festival includes the Irish premiere of McConkey telling the story of celebrated Canadian freeskiier and ski-BASE (jumping from a fixed object using a parachute to break the fall) jumper Shane McConkey who died tragically aged just 39 after his skis failed to release when performing a stunt in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy in 2009.

McConkey was seen by many as an innovator in extreme skiing and was inducted posthumously into

the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of fame two years ago.

The film, described as “inspiring and heartbreaking” by the New York Times, was pieced together from thousands of hours of archived material by his widow and a team of directors who he worked closely with over the years.

According the makers of the picture, McConkey is a “heartfelt examination of the legacy one athlete left to the progression of his sports.”

Galway audiences can also enjoy the best of the festival’s short film selection with surfing, climbing and kayaking all featured.

The selection includes The Climb, following two Irishmen as they embark

on a climbing expedition in Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia and the evocative black and white short Becoming Men shot in Dublin over the summer.

Director of the awardwinning The Pipe, Risteard Ó Domhnaill will also be on hand to talk about his new project On the Horizon which will delve in the politics of the oil and gas industry in Ireland to question the future of offshore drilling in this country.

Everyone attending the Why Not? Adventure Film Festival is automatically entered into a draw to win a four-day trekking trip to Ben Nevis, Scotland with flights and accommodation included or a choice of subsidised trips to the Himalayas, Mt Kilimanjaro or touring Kenya thanks to festival partners Concern Challenges.

Tickets for the Galway screening are €10; €8 for students. The festival begins at 7pm sharp on the night. For more information see www. whynotadventurefilmfestival. com

Galway is in for the bid to be named one of the Capitals of Culture in 2020.

Ireland and Croatia have been announced as two of the countries selected to represent Europe in 2020.

Dublin and Cork have previously been named cultural capitals and are therefore out of the running for 2020.

The Galway City Council is waiting to be invited to enter a submission but is currently compiling an entry on the basis that the invitation may come. Announcements about the selected cities are due in the coming weeks.

If Galway is announced as a contender, the Council will be required create a committee made up of individuals and representatives from bodies from the arts and culture scene in the city.

A spokesperson from the Council stated that they would be seeking the expertise and experience from Galwegians but the submission would be predominantly driven by the City Council.

If the city is chosen, tourism numbers would be expected to increase by 10% as the winners will be awarded €1.5 million which will be matched by the government in order to organise a programme of events that will last for one year.

The spokesperson from the council outlined the process if Galway is selected; “we are waiting for the expressions of interests to be announced soon and if we are on that list, we will progress our submission, with the help of others in arts, culture and tourism aspects of the city.”

In 1983, the idea for a European City of Culture was theorized. Its aim was to unite Europeans in celebration of the different cultures of Europe and raising awareness of their common history. The plan was conceived by the Greek Minister for Culture Melina Mercouri and Athens was announced as the first City of Culture in 1985.

During Weimar’s time as European City of Culture in 1999, it was decided to change the title to European Capital of Culture.

Nearly 50 cities have been awarded the accolade since its inception with Dublin winning in 1991 and Galway’s bid in 2005 eventually missing out to Cork.

The current Capitals of Culture for 2013 are Marseille, France and the Slovakian city Košice.

Welcome from Your Home Heating Oil Supplier

Stand Up for the circus

By Lisa Penski As part of the European Youth Circus Gathering (November 22 to 24) Galway Community Circus is hosting a comedy cabaret called Stand Up for the Circus featuring performers from all over Europe.

Circus performers, comedians and local musicians will be part of the event that is scheduled to take place in the Townhouse Bar on 23 November.

The day will be dedicated to entertainers from all disciplines of circus performance, from jugglers to acrobats, fire breathers, unicyclists to tightrope and stilt-walkers.

Comedians and local musicians will contribute their acts to the shows and provide entertainment and an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere.

The Event will take place down Quay Street and the Spanish Arch, in Galway’s live venue/restaurant, the Townhouse Bar. Galway Community Circus, the organisation behind the event, has been providing regular trainings and workshops for children and young adults since its founding in 2002.

Operated as a charitable organisation Galway Community Circus focuses on teaching circus skills to young people.

Through regular trainings and specialised workshops children and young adults are taught in acrobatics, aerial, juggling, diablo, unicycling, stilt-walking, trapeze and hula hoop in a stressfree and fun environment.

Learning these kinds of skills has been found to

improve concentration, endurance and physical ability, besides providing an ideal bonding environment needed for the social development of children.

Young people ages five to 20 years old can enrol in classes for a term or an entire year. Anyone participating in classes is also free to take part in shows and parades staged over the year.

For more information on Galway Community Circus, their classes, shows and events they can be found online at http://www.­ galwaycommunitycircus. com/.

Anyone interested in seeing circus performances, live music or stand-up comedians, head down to the Townhouse Bar on Quay Lane, Spanish Parade, on Saturday 23 November.

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6 News

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

Ireland’s ‘lost decade’ By Áine O Donnell Winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize for Economics in 2001, Joseph Stiglitz, stated on RTÉ Radio 1 that the Troika bailout will result in a “lost decade” for Ireland as it approaches the end of the bailout programme.

Mr Stiglitz believes that the bailing out of bondholders was a “deep mistake”. He also expressed his shock by how accepting the Irish people were and the lack of protest.

While he was “astonished” by the inaction of the public, he placed the blame with the European Central Bank (ECB) and the commission for an improper restructuring of debt.

He concluded that the ECB and others were motivated by the desire to save the banks, stating “it was a trade-off between banks all

over Europe and the Irish citizens”.

When the economist referred to a “lost decade”, he proposed that Ireland would not get back to the level of previous growth without a lost decade; “will you get back to where you were with maybe a lost decade? Yes, I think you will.

But it will be a lost decade, at least”.

When discussing austerity, the Nobel Prize winner maintained it “essentially never worked” but the government’s decision to remain part of the common currency was a good move.

His comments opposed the Troika’s final report which claimed the nation was “on track in the context of the nascent economic recovery”.

However, the Troika noted that there remained a problem with unemployment but welcomed initiatives to improve this problem while agreeing more needs

to be done; “additional redeployment of resources is needed to ensure meaningful engagement with job seekers, especially the long-term unemployed”.

Joseph Stiglitz is the fourth most influential economist based on academic citations in the world. He was also named in the TIME list of influential people in 2011.

He is a professor at Columbia University. He was previously senior vice-president and chief economist of the World Bank but today he is critical of international institutions like his former employer and the International Monetary Fund.

Stiglitz’s research on efficiency wages led to the Shapiro-Stiglitz model, an economic theorem. His latest book The Price of Inequality made the New York Times’ bestseller list.

Revenue mistake exempts thousands from property tax until 2016

By Hazel Elliffe A mistake in the wording of the local property tax legislation means Revenue will have to repay a total of €3.6 million to 6,000 householders.

The legislation for the local property tax was drafted by the Department of Finance and Revenue. It was supposed to offer property tax exemptions in 2013 to groups.

Firstly, people who buy a new home from a builder or property developer and secondly, first time buyers buying a new home in 2013.

The legislation was written and the memorandum clearly stated that the exemption applied to those buying a new home and first time buyers.

Bertie Ahern victim of attempted assault in Dublin pub By Áine O Donnell Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was attending a retirement party in the Sean O’Casey pub when patron, Mr Ray Connolly, swung his crutch at Mr Ahern.

Mr Connolly stated that he was provoked when he overheard the former Taoiseach talking about “the good old days” and subsequently swung his crutch at him.

Mr Connolly revealed the reasoning behind the provocation; “He's put a lot of people in a ter-

rible situation. I've two kids – he's put €30,000 on their heads each.”

After the event, Mr Connolly was thrown out of the bar and was arrested later in a separate incident for a minor public order offence. He was taken to Store Street Garda Station.

Mr Ahern will not be pressing charges which came as a disappointment to Mr Connolly, stating that he wanted his “day in court with Bertie”.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn was also in attendance but left before the attempted assault

However when it was studied an error in the wording was discovered. It read that the property tax legislation provides two exemptions; an exemption in respect of new houses purchased from a builder or property developer; an exemption for buyers of any house whether, new or second hand, where the house is then occupied as the buyer’s sole or main residence.

This second exemption contradicts the memorandum that clearly stated that the exemption only applied to first time buyers.

It was Brendan Burgess from Askaboutmoney.ie who spotted this error in the legislation.

“This drafting error means that the exemption from the property tax applies to all buyers in 2013 who are living in the property they

purchase – not just first-time buyers,” he said.

Luckily for those who purchased any type of home in 2013 will not have to pay this property tax until 2016, a person who purchased a home this year valued at €250,000 would expect to save €1400.

It was also discovered that Revenue knew about this mistake in the legislation wording since July but failed to inform the public.

Over 20,000 new homes were purchased in 2013 with many people having incorrectly paid the LPT. Revenue issued a statement that they were in the process of trying to clarify who would be exempt from paying the property tax due to this error and would be refunding people accordingly.

took place. The former Taoiseach remained in the bar after the incident for a further hour, speaking with friends. Both the Gardaí and the publican, Tim O’ Riordan declined to comment.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has condemned the attack. He recognised that the public were bitter regarding the decisions of former governments but concluded; “that

doesn't mean that any member of any previous Government should be the object of physical attack or any unlawful conduct by any individual.”

He also stated that former Taoisigh have enough income to arrange for personal security and a driver given the state had revoked Garda drivers for former politicians once the current government was first in office.

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News 7

November 25 2013

Super typhoon Haiyan affects millions of people in Philippines

By Michael Healy Approximately 10 million people were affected by the recent typhoon which struck the Philippines this month. Leyte and Samar were the areas hardest hit.

The Typhoon reached speeds of 195mph and sustained winds of 150mph, this qualifies it as a Super Typhoon.

Haiyan’s wind speed also exceeded 190mph, the record set by Hurricane Camille in 1969. Tecson Lim, the city

administrator of Tacloban, the capital of Leyte, the location hardest hit, has said that the death toll there alone may exceed 10,000.

In Tacloban almost no structure has been left standing. Oxfam Australia’s Dr Helen Szoke has said that 98% of the structures have been damaged and that “the impact on water systems and so on is massive”.

So the most immediate concern is access to water and sanitation issues. The Philippines’ interior secretary Manuel

Roxas said that “from the shore and moving a kilometre inland, there are no structures standing.

It was like a tsunami.”

After hitting the Philippines, Haiyan entered the South China Sea and was downgraded from a Category 5 to a Category 4 Typhoon and weakened further as it moved through Vietnam and shifted its direction northwards.

The Vietnamese authorities evacuated 600,000 people from the coastal areas. China announced its highest alert

for Typhoon Haiyan. Six crew members from a cargo boat were reported missing and a major tourist resort on the island province of Hainan evacuated more than 13,000 people, with more than 400 boats called back to port.

International aid agencies have said the relief efforts in the Philippines are stretched thin due to an earthquake in the central Bohol province last month and due to those displaced by a conflict with Muslim rebels in southern Zamboanga province.

Looting followed the impact in Tacloban. Witnesses described people taking whatever they could as aid was blocked due to severed roads and communications. According to Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon, mobs also attacked trucks carrying food tents and water on a bridge coming into Leyte.

The death toll and the economic damage dealt have yet to be fully considered or compiled; more comprehensive figures will most likely emerge in the coming weeks.

The Galway Filipino Irish Community (GFIC) is doing what they can to raise funds for the victims of typhoon Haiyan.

In a recent collection that took place in the Black Box theatre during the Food and Craft Fair, €3,025 was raised for victims.

To find out how you can help, contact Vincent Galeon on 086 807 2338, Robin Almasor on 086 063 9943, Cllr Frank Fahy on 087 234 5852, or email gfic.04@gmail.com.

Queen Elizabeth II offers State visit to Michael D Higgins Iran nuclear negotiations

By Conor Lane Higgins will stay in Windsor memories from her visit and she ments to implement outstanding reach no agreement Michael D. Higgins will make a three-day state visit to England in April.

He will be the first Irish head of State to make an official visit to Britain after Queen Elizabeth II extended an invitation.

The Queen’s invitation comes following her very successful visit to Ireland as the first British monarch to visit Ireland in 2011. President

Castle.

The Queen is planning to host a state banquet where speeches will be made and a concert will likely mark the ceremony.

Mary Robinson drank tea with Queen Elizabeth in 1993 in Buckingham Palace but this is going to be considered the first official state visit.

Ms Robinson felt that she brought back many positive

commended the Queen on her approach to Anglo-Irish affairs.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny offered his approval by saying that, “this is a further demonstration of the warm and positive relationship that now exists between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Sinn Féinn leader Gerry Adams too offered his excitement at this latest development saying that, “this event should be a catalyst for the Irish and British govern-

elements of the Good Friday and other agreements”.

President Higgins’ visit will focus around Northern Ireland, cultural relations between Ireland and Britain and will hope to shed a positive light on the political discourses shared between the nations.

Ms Sabina Higgins will accompany her husband and exact details of the visit will be released soon.

Norovirus outbreak restricts hospital visits

By Andrew Brennan Beaumont and St. Joseph's Hospital in Raheny have sanctioned visiting restrictions to contain an outbreak of the Norovirus.

Both Beaumont and St. Joseph are pleading with the public to limit visiting to strictly between 6pm and 8pm each day and to only visit if essential.

Furthermore visitors are limited to one patient per person. All visitors including children are being requested to suspend visiting until the restrictions are lifted.

The public is also being

asked to avoid visits to Beaumont and St. Joseph’s unless it is absolutely necessary.

The Norovirus better known as the winter vomiting bug is a common term. The known virus is a strain of viral species called the Norwalk virus.

The virus is transmitted through faecal contamination in food or water; by person-to-person contact and ‘aerolization’ of the virus, ie sneezing, coughing, exhaling and vomiting and thus causes subsequent contamination of surfaces.

The winter vomiting bug is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis across

the age span. The usual symptoms of the Norovirus infection range from nausea to forceful vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

General lethargy and weakness often occurs as well as muscle aches, headaches and a fever may occur. The illness is usually self-limiting and follows a cycle of time.

The virus affects over 260 million people annually and contributes to over 200,000 deaths each year.

However these deaths occur usually in less developed countries where the standard of sanitation is poor and this affects the very young, elderly

and sufferers of immunodeficiency illness.

As people spend more time inside in winter and are in closer contact with one another more frequently, the frequency of contracting the winter vomiting bug increases.

Unfortunately, immunity to the Norovirus is only temporary with the longest duration of immunity leaving the body after two years.

Norovirus is counteracted through sufficient and consistent heating or by using chlorine-based disinfectants though the virus is somewhat resistant to alcohols and detergents.

Pipe bombs discovered in Antrim By Áine O Donnell Two pipe bombs were discovered during a security alert at Nutts Corner, Antrim on 8 November at around 6pm.

The bombs were found in a bag in a lay-by on the Belfast road by a police patrol. Army bomb disposal experts examined the bombs and rendered the devices safe. Roads were subsequently reopened.

The pipe bombs are under forensic investigation and the PSNI has appealed to the public for information regarding the pipe bombs.

Alan Lawther, Alliance Party councillor condemned the incident stating that they “could have been found by a passerby. There's plenty of people who park on their way to the airport, sit in for a while before going to pick someone up.”

He noted the possible threat of such a device; “innocent people could have come to harm – it is totally irresponsible behaviour.”

The councillor reiterated the importance of public information; "I would urge anybody with any information about these pipe bombs to contact the police.”

In a similar event, a former police officer and his 12 year old daughter escaped serious injury

or death when he interceded a booby trap car bomb attack in Belfast.

The ex-officer uncovered the device on the underside of his car when he was about to drive his daughter to school in the east of the city.

Dissident republicans were blamed for the murder plot when the PSNI revealed upon investigating the un-detonated

By Michael Healy Three days of talks with Iran recently resulted in some progress but no conclusion.

A six-nation diplomatic team consisting of delegates from the US, Britain, China, Russia, France and Germany met with the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Geneva.

Iran currently runs 10,000 centrifuges that can create tons of fuel grade material that can then be further enriched to arm warheads.

Iran already has almost 200 kilograms of higher-enriched uranium in a form that could be used for weapons; experts however say that 250 kilograms is needed for a single warhead.

The Arak reactor, located southeast of Tehran is expected to be completed next year and once it goes online could produce enough plutonium for several warheads a year.

Iran maintains that it seeks these materials solely for the purpose of research, medical treatments and nuclear energy, stating that if the economic sanctions were lifted they are ready for some concessions.

The French foreign minister Laurent Fabius was the one who pulled the plug on the agreement, saying that there were “several points that [...] we're not satisfied

with compared to the initial text” and that his nation didn’t want to be part of a “con game”.

It has been speculated that he wanted tougher restrictions on the reactors that will produce plutonium upon completion.

Other delegates stated anonymously that this rejection came as a surprise. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to the General Assembly of Jewish Federations of North America in Jerusalem, said; “It’s a bad and dangerous deal that deals with a thing that affects our survival.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry said; “we not only narrowed differences but we made significant progress [...] There's no question in my mind that we are closer now.”

The top EU foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton commented; “A lot of concrete progress has been achieved, but some differences remain.”

Zariff said; “I think we are all on the same wavelength, and that's important and that gives us the impetus to go forward.”

So some progress has been reached, and acknowledged by all sides. This was also the longest high-level negotiations between Iran and the US in decades.

Talks resumed on 20 November last.

explosive that it had “striking similarities” to other devices that they have planted in the past.

The man had retired from service a number of years ago and discovered the bomb upon doing a routine security check of his car in Kingsway Park, Tullycarnet, Dundonald.

On Monday 11 November, the Spamount Street area of North Belfast was evacuated

and roads were closed by police while the army experts dealt with a pipe bomb which was described as viable.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes in the afternoon when the alert ended.

The event marks the latest in a serious of sectarian threats in the form of bombs which have been found over the recent weeks in Northern Ireland.

8 Opinion

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

Bechdel: The test that failed itself

By Maria Keenan An avant-garde Nordic state takes on gender inequality in the newest instalment of a progressive state’s arbitrary regulations.

At the movement’s inception, two strong, female characters with names walk into a bar. But they don’t speak about anything other than a man.

The Bechdel test is a threestep process used to assess the sexist content of feature films. The three requirements which validate a given movie as acceptable are these: 1) It must contain at least two named female characters, 2) They must talk to each other and 3) They must talk to each other about something other than a man.

As asserted by advocates of the Bechdel test, a vast swathe of cinema can be reduced to this formula and should be criticised accordingly.

Sweden has been the first to apply this litmus test in a practical sense by introducing a rating system similar to parental guidance standards.

Motion pictures are labelled as ‘A’ for ‘Approved’ upon passing the Bechdel test.

Twilight passes. Clueless passes. Bring It On passes.

Spice World: the Movie passes.

Fight Club fails.

Much as I enjoy a daughter and a mother mentioning to each other that moving house is hard, the phrase “As IF!”,

vacuous cheers about “being aggressive” and choosing which little Gucci dress to wear, I side more with a struggle to cope with the pressures of imposed masculine values when it comes to deciding which interaction is more prevalent in a discussion of gender issues.

At most, the Bechdel test acts as an insight into the norms of narrative paradigms, but the analysis of their exacerbation of sexism is lacklustre and perfunctory. Let us consider some circumstances of genre which are not necessarily sexist, but which don’t satisfy the test.

A tale of boy meets girl, for example. That probably fails because the plot is centred on two characters, leading the female character to expend most of her dialogue on her relationship with the corresponding male. This disregards the encompassing infatuation of the male character.

This is not necessarily sexist as the preoccupations of both genders portrayed are equal in their endless chat about how hopelessly in love they are with each other.

All movies are subject to this judgement in the spirit of equality these advocates aspire to and of which they fall desperately short. Let’s inspect some more failures.

Milk fails despite being a biopic of one of the foremost gay rights activists in American history.

Winnie the Pooh (2011) fails, though I, like many others, had to double check what genders the animated woodland critters therein were in the first place.

In 2009, more than half Best Picture Oscar Nominees failed the Bechdel test. The comic strip from which the Bechdel test stems, were it to be made into a one-minute short film, would fail itself because the women in it are not named.

They’re all male, as it goes, but it’s hard to imagine what impact such a gender imbalance would have on an audience of children given I, a twenty-year-old woman am still struggling with identifying any of them without the aid of the internet.

The Swedish groups who have implemented the metric have insisted that it was not undertaken with the intention of speaking negatively about the quality of any given movie.

Rather, they attest, it is supposed to act “more like an alarm clock and a way of raising awareness”. Despite this, how are we to believe that moviegoers will not lend negative connotations to “failures”?

Supporters of this move are made impotent in two senses, if we are to believe that the Bechdel test will act as a disincentive. The problem with this move is the looseness of the criteria used.

Firstly, movies such as those mentioned above which fail, but which cannot rationally be deemed sexist lose attendance for a prejudice of which they are not guilty.

Secondly, in avoiding failures of the Bechdel test, movie-goers fail to inspect the intricacies of a piece of art.

Given that this film may not necessarily be sexist, this becomes a travesty. However, for a second, let us consider that the Bechdel test gets it right correlatively. The movie is sexist, women are portrayed as lesser and irrelevant.

This does not lead audiences to consider the intricacies of gender discrimination and what about it they should have problems with. This is because they don’t watch the movie in question and therefore know nothing of the interaction of men and women therein.

Sweden’s stance against this abhorrent trend is unfortunate, because it cannot demand equity. Given the highlighted arbitrations made as a result of its use, it does not address the problem adequately and impinges on other, innocent works. When you do not actively target sexism, you attack others.

Gender discrimination is not black and white. All movies are subject to this judgement, in the spirit of the equality these advocates aspire to, and of which they fall desperately short.

The Irish Nostalgia Trend

By David Molloy You’ve all seen them; littering up your Facebook newsfeed, siphoning the last shreds of your attention away from your study time, those vaguely Buzzfeed-like list articles that celebrate what make the Irish people so ‘unique’.

Your sense of worth and community involvement having been turned into so much stressed confetti after nine days straight of underlining your notes so much that you’ve torn a hole through your notepad, you gladly slide through the Gaelic lovin’ for the sake of distraction.

It’s a shame, then, that it doesn’t offer anything interesting or profound about our sense of national identity beyond “TAE! SANGICHES! IMMERSION!” – buzzwords

that are supposed to stop being inherently amusing around the time we turn 13.

Quick, what country consumes the most tea per capita in the world? You’d assume Ireland, given how much we pride ourselves on our leaf-water obsession, but you’d be wrong.

Our friends over in the United Kingdom drink 6.87kg worth of the stuff per person a year.

Morocco is 2nd with 4.34kg per person, and Ireland is tied for 3rd with Mauritania with 3.22kg.

A decent enough showing for worldwide consumption, for sure, but one that directly contradicts the penchant for Irish nostalgia to assume that we somehow are in possession of a world monopoly on tea.

What’s more, given that dozens upon dozens of countries in all the continents have their own

unique cultures and obsessions based around tea, is it not better to accept that we like tea not because we’re Irish, but because human beings tend to?

Other examples from these articles are equally if not more inane – “you're strangely poetic after a few beers”, “you can't wait for the other guy to stop talking so you can start talking” and “you have red roots”.

None of these things are truly unique about being Irish, and frankly, to a certain degree, isn’t it kind of insulting to have some randomer on the Internet give you a rough-and-ready checklist of the criteria one must meet in order to be sufficiently “Irish”?

Do you want to know how I know I’m Irish? I was born and raised here and I have an Irish passport. Everything else, up to and including whether or not I

want to identify as Irish, is up to me to decide for myself.

Such articles are emblematic of the same problem that inspires the countless remembrances of cultural ephemera of the 90’s, as if it were a particularly special time.

A rejection of what we have in the present in order to submerge ourselves in an imagined past.

Voluntary disregard for what truly makes us special in order to spout the same old tired Gaelic buzzwords as everyone else.

Trying to muster up some pride in our country in the most homogenous, perfunctory way.

If you truly want to convince me of the joyous idiosyncrasy of being Irish, you’re going to have to do better than offering me a soggy Supermac’s snack box, with some Tayto on the side for good measure.

Re:

New Public

16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence at NUIG

By Amie Lajoie, Global Women’s Studies Centre and Patricia Prieto-Blanco, Feminist Society Mark your diaries! Monday, 25 November 2013 was the first day of the 13th annual 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based ­Violence.

This date was selected by the UN in 1999 to commemorate the anniversary of the 1960 assassination of the Mirabel sisters, three influential young women who were outspoken activists against the tyrannical Rafael Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic, and who paid dearly for their bravery and their beliefs.

And since then the 25th of November is the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women Other important dates of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence include International Women Human Rights Defenders Day (29 November), Worlds Aid Day (1 December) and finally concluding on International Human Rights Day (10 December).

These dates serve to raise awareness of the link between human rights and women’s rights, and the essential need to promote and protect the basic human rights of women and girls, who suffer violations to their personal well-being as a direct result of their gender.

Since its conception in 1991, the 16 Days campaign has grown to become one of the most prominent international campaigns of its kind, seeking to promote women’s human rights and raising awareness of the incidences of genderbased violence that occur in all societies around the world.

Last year over 5,167 groups in 187 countries took part in the campaign, including over 130 groups in Ireland alone.

The campaign gives grassroots and local organisations an opportunity to show solidarity with an international cause, and to break the silence and advocate against the on-going threat and incidences of violence faced by women in their communities every single day.

In Ireland alone, one in five women experience domestic violence during their lifetime. In addition to physical acts of violence, women who are victims are subjected to constant slut shaming and victim blaming, and oftentimes are fearful of speaking out for fear of being ostracized by their communities for the crimes committed against them.

The 16 Days gives us, as members of the global community, a chance to unite under a common banner of determination and purpose, and to fight for change and ultimately for a world free of gender-based violence.

This year, students at NUIG from the Global Women’s Studies Centre and the Feminist Society, are taking action and hosting events in solidarity with thousands of other groups in Ireland and around the world, to raise awareness of the importance of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence.

Show your support at one of the following events: 1. The Bake Sale at Smokeys on the 25th 2. Film Screening of Magdalene Sisters, followed by a Balloon release on the 27th 3. Social Media 16 days Campaign 4. Releasing of a press statement about NUIG Bird of the day Facebook page, followed by a crowdsourcing initiative to create a wave of attention about this issue.

Opinion 9

November 25 2013

One Bite at a Time

By John Mulry One bite at a time. That's what they tell us. That's how we're supposed to do it.

Tackle our problems, I mean.

Achieve our goals. We need to break the big, massive problem into small, manageable, bite-size chunks.

You know the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” And it works.

Most of the time.

I'm a problem solver at heart – I guess that's why I am in the business of helping people. It’s my calling. I

guess it's why I love the world of personal development so much. The notion of breaking down a problem – be it an abstract equation or a problem in life or business – into manageable chunks seems doable. Most of the time.

There's that phrase again, most of the time. There are two problems with our elephants and two problems with the bite-size problem solving formula.

First problem: Elephants never forget. Have you ever had a goal that, no matter what you tried, you just couldn't achieve it? Even if you tried to break it down to the smallest chunks possible?

Me too. It’s really frustrating.

You start to feel like a failure, like you're not moving forward, like you’re regressing instead of progressing.

It's not because you’re stupid, it's not because you don't have the time, energy, or resources; it’s because your goal or elephant, if you

may, is under threat. A threat that won't be forgotten and one that must be addressed.

That elephant you want to break into manageable chunks won't be broken down until you identify the threat behind it that’s stopping you from achieving.

From there, it’s all about defining, refining, and aligning, as Dax Moy calls it.

The second problem with elephants is they're easily conditioned. Let me illustrate with a story. You may have heard of this one. It's not new. It's the story about the elephant and the tether. I first came across this story while devouring every book and seminar by the charismatic and wonderfully talented Tom Hopkins.

A family is out on a day trip to the zoo. It's a glorious summer day and the clear, blue sky is cloudless.

The family – a mother, a father, and two young kids – are going from enclosure

to enclosure, soaking up the spectacular views of the animals and their antics.

They come upon the elephant enclosure and the father is suddenly on edge.

The enclosure is only secured by a measly wire fence and the giant elephant inside is kept there by a small rope held in place by an even smaller wooden stake.

Fearful for his children's safety, he calls over the zookeeper and exclaims, “How on earth can you keep that elephant from going on a rampage and harming little kids?”

The zookeeper laughs and says, “The elephant isn't going anywhere. It's tied down.”

“But it's only a thin piece of rope; even I could break free from that,” the father says.

“Sure you could, but the elephant can't,” the zookeeper replies in a smug voice.

“How can that be?” the father asks.

The zookeeper proceeds to tell the family that when the baby elephants are first put into the enclosure, they are kept there by a big, massive chain that's connected to an even bigger rock. The baby elephant tugs and tugs at the rope all day, every day but never breaks free.

After about six months, it gives up. Completely. At this stage, the zookeepers remove the big chain and rock and replace it with the thin piece of rope and small wooden stake.

To the elephant, it's the same thing. It doesn't matter what's keeping him tied down because he's never going to break free. Why? Because he doesn't believe he can. He's been conditioned to believe he'll never be able to do so.

The same goes for all of us.

We all have similar tethers or threats in our own lives that

prevent us from moving forward, from living the life we deserve, having a body we can be proud of, and running a business that serves us.

The tethers and threats in our lives aren't just beliefrelated, either. Other threats can be fear-based, including fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of commitment, and even fear of success.

Anything that holds us back is exactly like the stake keeping the elephant tied down.

No matter what size it may be in reality, it's the affect it has on our ability to act that matters most. Until we address the tethers or threats in our lives, we will never break free and will always be like the elephant that's tied down.

The above excerpt is from John Mulry’s upcoming book, Your Elephant’s Under Threat, which will be available soon. For more information on John’s book and to join the waiting list visit www.­johnmulry.com

our economy is no longer contracting and we have managed to reach the fiscal targets of The Troika.

The question we are faced with the Troika leaving is how do we move forward while continuing to reduce our budget deficit?

We cannot depend on an export-led recovery; Ireland’s domestic markets need to grow, particularly the labour market.

Our economy may have stagnated, but at very high social costs, we have yet to see a significant economic activity.

The end of our relationship with the Troika has not marked the end of austerity.

It marks the beginning of Ireland re-entering the financial markets.

How will we fare without the Troika holding our hand is yet to be seen.

Ireland set to leave the Troika

By Kathy Dillon On 15 December Ireland will officially have completed its three-year bailout programme with the infamous Troika.

After three years of draconian austerity measures, loans of €85 billion, and under careful scrutiny of the Troika, Ireland has been considered sufficiently stable to re-enter the bond markets.

The Troika has become synonymous with austerity and many Irish people will be happy to see the back of it – a natural response of any nation who has suffered widespread social devastation as a result of both the Irish and Global sovereign debt crisis.

Yet while Ireland’s economy finally moves out of recession, we are merely at the beginning of the long road to stable growth.

The Euro crisis has dominated the political agenda of European States for the past five years.

Economic jargon has become a part of daily life, from consumer confidence to defaulting on payments;

we have been bombarded with rhetoric and policy that seems to only serve a function in abstract terms.

With an unemployment rate of 13.5%, record high levels of immigration, and a debt to GDP ratio of 125%, Ireland continues to spend more than it can generate through revenue.

So how exactly will leaving the bailout programme change the current realities of the Irish economy and the life of Irish citizens? What exactly have we achieved?

Ireland’s crisis originated as a banking/property crisis.

Ireland’s banks were undercapitalised and when the property bubble burst in late 2008, Ireland’s banks needed to be recapitalised, their debt became socialised and Ireland was forced to look to Europe for a bailout.

Ireland’s individual fiscal crisis and that of Europe’s, is fundamentally a structural one. The Troika, comprised of the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank was set up to address both the struggling Eurozone members and to

address the structural challenges facing the common currency.

The Troika established a bailout package for Ireland at reduced interest rates, and in return Ireland agreed to reduce its budget deficit by implementing spending cuts recommended by the Troika.

The previous budget cuts we have seen in the past years have been a direct result of the Troika intervention. Does the end of the Troika mean the end of austerity?

The Troika certainly did not cause Ireland’s debt crisis and there is no guarantee that the Irish government wouldn’t have implemented similar cuts without their support.

While the method the Irish government has used to reduce our budget deficit is without doubt often contested, the fact Ireland needed to reduce its spending is not.

As a member of the Eurozone and under the Maastricht treaty, the Irish government is obliged to adhere to European wide fiscal and monetary policy.

The Troika leaving does not mean our policies will no

longer be heavily influenced by a European context but rather we will no longer be borrowing from the Troika directly; we have been given permission to return to the financial markets to borrow the money we need.

Whether we should borrow from the precarious financial markets or not, is another debate.

Right now, our threeyear programme has ended,

Pictured is Máirtín O'Connor (centre), one of the musical forces behind the Riverdance phenomenon and a former "De Danann" member, who played for the first time with daughters Ciara and Sinéad, son Tom, and percussionist Jim Higgins, in the Cube, Áras Na Mac Léinn.

10 Features

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

Alumni Interview: Joanne Sweeney-Burke Year of graduation: 2000 (BA English, Sociology & Politics), 2001 (HDIp Applied Communications), 2003 (MA Journalism) Course at NUI Galway: As above Current Occupation: Self-employed at Media Box

What is your fondest memory of NUI Galway?

The buzz of college life, the joy of finally studying courses that I chose and that started my journey to working life. The supports for me as I had my two-year old daughter Sophie

with me for the four years I was there. Finally the great part-time jobs I had there – the cloakroom the Sandwick Dock.

Has NUI Galway changed since you were here?

I returned to NUI Galway numerous times since I graduated to deliver guest lectures and various talks. Now I am back here as Media Box is located in the Business Innovation Centre and it has the same great atmosphere and actually some very familiar faces from the library, canteen and even some lecturers.

I was delighted to see that Sin – the university newspaper – is still around. I was a former editor and in fact involved in the rebranding of the publication from Coolchaint to Sin over 10 years ago.

How did attending NUI Galway develop you as a person?

It helped me develop emotionally, socially and of course academically. I learned to survive as a young single mother but I have to say it was these years that gave me an inner confidence that I never had before.

I also have a very strong sense of education and since graduating from NUI Galway in 2003 after my Masters, I have completed

an academic or professional development course each year since then. I now have multiple other qualifications due to my love of learning which was nurtured here.

Did you partake in any societies, sports clubs or volunteering at NUI Galway?

Unfortunately I didn’t get involved in too much as I had Sophie who was two when I started NUI Galway and who stayed with me throughout the four years. In fact she even attended a lecture or two with me. However I did get involved in the student newspaper as it was a direct link to my career.

What was the college newspaper like when you were in NUI Galway? Did you write for it?

I was a former reporter and then editor of Sin. I was involved in the rebranding of the paper and I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. It stood to me when I applied for the postgraduate Diploma in Applied Communications (Print and Broadcast Journalism and PR) and as a result of that experience I got one of the 13 coveted places on this course.

am thrilled to be back and to have my business, Media Box located here.

I hope to develop these links and perhaps engage in some lecturing if the opportunity arises. I am also very proud that my daughter Sophie will hopefully attend this university after her leaving certificate. It feels like we have come full circle as a family.

Did you ever get in trouble while you were here?

Actually never.

Any juicy stories of your time here?

Cycling home after a few hours in the college bar once or twice.

What advice would you give to current NUI Galway students?

Embrace student life, learn about yourself, make new friends, get involved in activities and appreciate that education is your passport to independence so work hard.

Do you ever miss NUI Galway?

If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?

I always missed NUI Galway after I left and I then understood why many students just keep studying. So as you can imagine I

Nothing, I have such wonderful memories of my time at NUI Galway and I am so grateful for those years.

Diary of an Erasmus Student

By Shannon McNamee

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connected With the Alumni Association and support NUI Galway’s vision for the future For more information on priority projects, events & activities contact Galway University Foundation.

Visit us @ www.guf.ie l www.nuigalway.ie/alumni l T: 091 493536 Find us on Facebook and join National University of Ireland Galway on LinkedIn

It's my 11th week of Erasmus, and with only 5 more weeks to go, it feels like I only just settled in when I'm going to have to uproot myself again. Just in time for Christmas though, so it's not all bad.

Since my last entry, I travelled the whole way through France by train (the slow one, mind you, not the super-fast TGV) to visit my brother living in Nice.

The trip down to the sunny Côte d'Azur was a tiring one, but definitely worth it. I took the train from Lille to Paris, and had a few hours of a stopover before I boarded the night train to Nice.

Being the poor Erasmus student that I am, I wasted no money on buying 1st class tickets, and instead rode in 2nd class with my fellow plebs.

I spent an uncomfortable 12 hours on a 'reclining seat' that couldn't recline, with grumpy neighbours and a seat next to the window, meaning I either had to wake up the woman next to me so I could get up to use the toilet, or somehow use my acrobatic skills to climb over her.

Needless to say, I was delighted (if not somewhat tired and groggy) when I arrived to the warmth and sunshine in Nice the next morning.

I spent the next few days in my brother's lovely abode and enjoyed the sun, and the general summer holiday vibe that Nice is absolutely oozing with. I was blown away by the south of France. The weather, the people, the atmosphere, did I mention the weather...?

I was swimming in the Mediterranean in the middle of October with the sun in the sky,

definitely an unusual treat for an Irish girl like me.

After my holiday in the south I boarded the horror train and made it back to Lille... eventually! I was back to the cold, windy weather of the north of France. No more walking around in shorts or dresses.

It was back to wrapping up in layers, but with a week off for midterm, the wintery weather wasn't off-putting, as I went to Paris with my boyfriend who came to visit for a few days.

We went round all the tourist sites, did a boat trip of the Seine and did the climbing of the Eiffel Tower rite of passage. It was a wet and windy night but when we got to the very top and saw all of Paris lit up, it was worth it, and had a celebratory crêpe Nutella when we got back to ground level.

While we were in Paris, we went to Pitchfork's Paris music festival; it was the whole point of the trip, really. It was an awesome set up, in a huge venue that used to be a slaughter house, with two stages at either end for the acts to play on, and there were never any clashes, so I got to see all the acts!

It was huge and I definitely would love to go again next year. A special thanks to the fine security people who found my handbag and looked after it when I lost it in my excited frenzy at the gig the night before.

You can imagine how happy I was when I was re-united with the handbag I thought I was never going to see again. The handbag that had my phone, purse and money in!

This midterm has been the best of my schooling life and definitely the highlight of my Erasmus... so far! Until next time, À bientôt!

Christmas 11

November 25 2013

This week’s debate: Is Christmas worth the hassle?

With all the shopping, fighting, and lightening of wallets, is Christmas really worth all the hassle?

No: Ban Christmas

Yes: It’s the most wonderful time of the year

By Mark Kelly My favourite Christmas song is ‘It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’. As the song title implies, Christmas is a truly special time of the year, full of magic, wonder, hope and goodwill.

However, that does not mean that, as my opponent is going to argue, some hard work has to go into making it that way. They will tell you that all the crap that goes on leading up to (and even during) Christmas is not worth the hassle.

Not only am I going to tell you why it is worth the hassle, but I am also going to tell you that it's the best hassle you will go through all year.

So let's start off with why it is the best hassle and effort you will go through all year. Firstly, we start coming together early in the year, usually in midOctober, to complain about the fact that shops already have stuff up for Christmas.

Already, through the medium of the fact that as people we love to complain, we have been brought together to interact and be friendly with each other over the commercialism of Christmas; it is a sign of the season, the warmth and goodwill in joining behind a single cause.

Then we actually have the shopping itself. Yes, it's tedious finding that perfect gift for someone in December when the shops are wedged with people trying to do the exact same thing. But you know what? It's that time spent weaving between consumers and looking around the shops thoroughly that makes you appreciate it even more when you find a gift you know your friend is going to love.

After all, there is no sense in achievement if something is easy, whereas there is if you actually have to work for it. It creates a bond between you and the person getting a gift. They love the present and appreciate your thought and hard-work that went into getting them the gift and this brings you closer, makes

you happier and spreads the goodwill around.

Next, on to Christmas songs; I’ll admit, I hate hearing them five days after Halloween. However, they really do get you in a cheery mood.

You can’t help but let your mind wander to relaxing at home with your family, having a few drinks with family and friends, the amazing dinner that will be laid out that afternoon for you and your family to tuck into, being all together around the table.

If you can say to my face that isn’t what happens I’ll gladly buy you some egg-nog, because it simply doesn’t! Also, even though they are some of the cheesiest songs in the world, Christmas songs always leave you in a happy mood due to the upbeat nature and the fact you can relate so easily to the songs, which make them more accessible.

Finally, after all the waiting and the shopping, you get home for the holidays. You get to see your family (maybe you haven’t seen them in a month or two) and get to spend an extended period of time with them.

However, as we all know, fights happen. You row over some pretty stupid things. But those rows make Christmas

(especially Christmas Day) all that much more special. You put everything aside, all sit down together, have a laugh, open presents and generally feel happy in each other’s company.

Tell me at what other time of the year do you feel this way?

At what other time is there that connection with the ones you love? At what other time can you honestly say everything is well with the world?

Christmas is also a time to reconnect with those we leave behind, those who choose a different path to our own. St. Stephens Day or New Year’s Eve is a night when we meet up with our friends who we have not seen in quite some time; those who have gone abroad or to different colleges; those who have decided to stay where they live and work.

It’s a chance for catching up, for having a few drinks and laughs with some friends; it’s the one time when everyone is guaranteed to be together.

That’s what’s important ladies and gentlemen, that is what all the hassle of Christmas will never take away; that feeling of joy, of being back together, of giving, of being merry. It is most certainly the most wonderful time of the year.

By Leigh Ashmore Ever see the film It’s a Wonderful Life? Ever see the bit where Jimmy Stewart goes through hell losing his job and trying to provide for his family but, through the power of love and friendship, overcomes it all to have a perfect Christmas? Ever wonder why Christmas isn’t like that?

I get it. Some people love Christmas like politicians love to have money just resting in their account, but let’s be honest, Christmas is never the time it’s made out to be.

Advertising and films create the idea that Christmas is a time of total Zen, where families come together and world peace is declared only to be ended once everyone gets depressed in January.

But Christmas is never like it is in films. In all likelihood, the only film your Christmas will resemble is Die Hard, but with less exotic terrorists and more blood, frustration and crawling through air-shafts.

For one, your supply of money goes drier than an Ethiopian well once you get to shopping for everyone’s gifts.

You have to spend ages skulking through some hor-

What’s your opinion? Join in the debate at www.sin.ie/2013-11-25-is-Christmas-worth-the-hassle

rible department stores, constantly watched over by florescent lights and shop assistants who want to know if you need help with anything.

You spend days browsing and looking and searching for gifts for people that you're not sure they'll even like. If you're an unimaginative git like me, you'll trawl through endless aisles of cosmetics for perfume for your mum, smelling endless 'fragrances' and being too scared to wander into the realm of buying dresses; because that's a scary world you are not strong enough or mad enough to journey into.

Shopping for your dad may be a bit simpler (bottle of whiskey or a Band or Brothers box-set), but you're still going to wind up as broke as the inventors of Bebo. By the time you get your shopping done, the idea of handing over another twenty euro note or hearing a receipt being processed will send you into a Christian Bale-esque rage.

The music is another thing.

I like ‘Fairy Tale of New York’.

Most people do. But when I’ve had to hear it a good thirty times in one day, listening to Kirsty MacColl call Shane McGowan a faggot begins to lose its impact.

Then there are the simple dregs; George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’ a.k.a. ‘Up Yours Skank, I’m Totes Over You’; smugness put to music with Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It's Christmas’, or the unmistakable dirge that is 'Santa Baby', written by some mad one who fetishises an elderly obese man.

The soundtrack to the holidays gets so grinding that the run-up to Christmas itself is already kind of tarnished by the constant repetition that it's Christmas. By mid December, it'll feel like Slade are living in your skull, telling you to have a merry Christmas and what it would look like if your mum had an affair

with Santa. That's hardly a nice sight.

Then there’s the big one; your family. From past experiences, most Christmases end up being like a lot of horror films. You’re trapped together in a house for days; you can’t go outside because there’s a violent storm (or the footpath is a bit slippy, whatever) and you have to spend long amounts of time with your loved ones.

It's not like It's a Wonderful Life with the 'Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings' nonsense. You're stuck with these people, whom you love, with nothing to protect you but the rubbish Christmas jumper you bought to lighten the mood.

It's the point of the holidays where you're waiting for the inevitable – for something to go wrong. More often than not, something does.

Over-cooked dinners, rubbish presents and general claustrophobia tend to pop many a blood vessel during the holidays and, unless you're the Brady Bunch, the whimsy of It's a Wonderful Life is replaced with the machine gun fire of Die Hard.

People think they want Christmas, but they really don't. They may tell themselves they do, but they don't. The run-up tends to sap so much energy and enthusiasm out of people that the holidays themselves have become a trial.

The solution? Ban Christmas. Remove it from history altogether. Burn all Christmas trees, destroy all tinsel, deport all Santa's Grotto employees to Madagascar where they will not be heard from again.

Remove Santa from everyone's thoughts and memories!

Ideally, in future years, when someone remembers the happy feeling they get from the scent of pine, or the glow they feel from seeing the streets paved with snow, secret police will be able to make them disappear as fast as St. Nick up a chimney.

12 Christmas Is technology ruining Christmas cheer for kids?

By Chris Donlon The holiday season is a time of unbridled joy for so many kids. We all recall the sense of excitement we felt growing up as Santa’s arrival edged closer and closer, and that sleepless night on Christmas Eve where we waited in anticipation for the euphoria that would erupt on Christmas Day, as that jolly, white-bearded man completed a seemingly impossible task, delivering presents to every child in one night.

Sadly, the heart-breaking discovery about Santa’s false existence is also something every individual must endure.

However, the traditional way of making this discovery, in which one is informed by one’s parents, is coming under threat with the technological advancements that are taking place in this era of mechanisation.

Gone are the days when a child is easily shielded from potentially harmful information. At the click of a button an unassuming ten year-old can discover the truth about Santa’s mythical existence through the constant flow of information from the internet.

Technology touches all aspects of life today, whether we like it or not. This is not to say we should despair. We should consider ourselves lucky to live in a time of such technological comfort, but is this rapid advancement coming at a cost? Is childhood innocence the price we must pay?

Things have changed so much in the last decade alone. The increasingly easy access to the internet means children are given the tools to explore concepts, which their minds cannot comprehend.

As a nineties child myself, I was completely insulated from the horrible truth about Santa.

It was virtually impossible for me to make the startling discovery about Santa due to the diligence of my parents and elder siblings, who had me completely brainwashed into believing jolly old Saint Nick was really going to fit down our chimney.

This is probably the case for many, if not, all kids growing up at this time. Back then the internet was seen as something alien, or foreign, and the number of people who did not have access to this information hub far outweighed the number of those who did.

Today this situation has been completely reversed. It is virtually impossible to survive in this ever-changing world without the internet. Can any person out there think of a day that went by when they did not browse the internet? Children today are growing

up in this world where they are exposed to too much information too fast.

Any parent buying a phone for his/her child should beware. The desire for kids to have phones at younger ages is certainly a common problem today. Twenty years ago the idea of a child under twelve having a phone was ludicrous. Not so today.

Kids see their friends at school with the latest and newest gadgets, and come home wanting something similar. The likes of the iPhones and smart phones have the internet built into them which adds to the problem.

What is to stop a child from using his/her new phone and innocently researching that white-bearded idol, only to make the horrific discovery that Santa is not real?

The majority of households these days have laptops, computers, or some other hitech device which brings the harsh reality of the outside world ever closer to a child’s reach.

With this in mind, the role of the parent has changed drastically over the last decade or so.

Parents have to be constantly on guard and aware of what information their children are exposed to.

Some parents may just bury their heads in the sand, cross their fingers, and hope their children do not make the startling discovery prematurely.

Others may take a harder line, and try to observe to what extent their kids are exploring what technology has to offer.

However, strict parenthood like this can only do so much. It is not practical, or even possible for a parent to keep up with what his/her child is taking in, as information can come from so many walks of life, and be accessed so easily.

Essentially, parents are at the mercy of the inquisitive nature of children.

In this age of advancement the space for childhood innocence is shrinking, and is becoming overshadowed by technological improvements.

Of course such advancements have made the quality of life better for many, but, is the conveyor belt of technology moving too fast for us to keep up? Or is the death of childhood ignorance just a natural sign of progression in an increasingly mechanised world?

The phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’ really rings home when one considers the excitement and joy present when waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus.

The question remains; will these feelings of excitement and joy still exist in ten or twenty years time, if technology continues to encroach on a child’s imagination?

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

Are charities making the world worse?

How the West is killing Africa and getting away with it

By Leigh Ashmore Christmas means a lot of things to a lot of people. Some people see the holiday as a mad spending spree; others know it from the smell of pine trees or from hearing Fairy Tale of New York on every radio station.

For me, unfortunately, I know the holidays have come when I hear Trocaire’s cartoon goat on the radio, rambling on in a Father Dougalesque manner about how he can’t wait to arrive in an African village to provide food for the hungry inhabitants, and how if you spend a few euro, you can donate a goat too.

Normally my reaction is to try and tune this well-intentioned but extremely annoying barnyard animal from my head, but recently it’s made me think.

What kind of message is this non-political humanitarian aid sending to the ordinary people of the first world who donate a few quid to Oxfam now and then?

We need to ask why Africa is in such a constant state of turmoil. Establishment figures like Barack Obama have constantly moralised about the dire situation of African states like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali who have been torn apart by the ready flow of guns through their lands.

Yet they ignore the fact that armed groups who massacre civilians obtained their arms from the US and Britain, after these countries supplied weapons to Libyan rebel groups, who then smuggled them across the continent, making things like grenade-launchers and automatic weapons far more easily accessible.

Somalia, probably one of the most destabilised and fractured countries of Africa, plagued by piracy and a startlingly low life expectancy of thirty-five years, is largely the victim of Western hypocrisy.

Though the US and Europe deplore the poverty of the Somali people, Western-controlled multi-national corporations have destroyed the country’s fishing grounds, an essential source of employment, by repeatedly dumping toxic waste chemicals onto its shores and driving many to join pirate gangs.

Combined with this, the United States’ has advanced its loathsome Drone Strike programme into east Africa.

The US government maintains that the strikes by these unmanned planes are essential for combating Islamic militants,

but the reality of their previous and continuing practice in Yemen, Afghanistan and Pakistan is that they are used to attack both densely-populated civilian areas and isolated villages, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians.

Whitehouse Press Secretary Jay Carney defended the strikes earlier this year, stating that they had an effective track record of killing dangerous militants, but then added that the term ‘militant’ is applied to ‘any male over the age of sixteen in the area’.

Organizations like Trocaire aren’t malicious.

Their actions are well-intentioned and in all likelihood many people do benefit from their intervention. But there’s a psychological effect that follows with it.

The Africa that’s portrayed in their many Christmas appeals is one that can be fixed through good will and liberal charity, and is a situation removed from the cruel gears of modern day capitalist imperialism.

The charity singles that are produced by concerned celebrities every Christmas, to raise awareness of international poverty, are especially guilty of this dangerous de-politicisation of humanitarianism.

While there have been many, the one that remains the most cringe-worthy example is the condescending ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas Time?’ by Band Aid. In this, the listener is treated to a picture that removes the disturbing relationship between the ravaged continent and the West, as it seems to simply say ‘They’re just very poor’, and all they need is some financial aid from the developed world.

However, it would make sense as to why Bono, Geldof and co. would produce such a flaccid, toothless, inoffensive picture of the wretchedness of Africa, considering that BAE, one of the world’s most powerful weapons manufacturers, were sponsors of Live Aid. When it comes to ravaged African states, we in the so-called First World need to adopt an attitude that doesn’t ignore the root causes of that ravaging.

A doctor that knows a patient is sick but can’t tell why he’s sick isn’t much use. The issue is complex and can’t be explained away in a single article, but we must face the fact that there needs to be more than goodwill and a few euro for charity.

Western capitalism and corruption is inextricably linked to Africa’s plight, and until that is recognized, things like the Oxfam Goat and bland charity singles will remain what they are; simple annual annoyances in the run-up to Christmas.

Christmas 13

November 25 2013

Bad Santa

By David Nevin December 26th holds a special place in shop worker Rachel's memory; “It was the day just after Christmas,” she recalls with a giggle, “and this man came in, holding a steam mop with an irate look on his face.”

He wanted to return the item, and following procedure, she asked him why he was returning the product.

“My girlfriend, she's always cleaning, never stops,” the man explained, “So I thought this would make a great Christmas present for her!”

He started to raise his voice. “But when she opened it, she started screaming at me, calling me an idiot, hitting me, the ungrateful b*tch!”

Christmas is a time for many things; family, tradition, reunion, and giving.

It is also a time during which countless Irish people are victim to the scourge of terrible Christmas presents each and every year.

“My sister got me a jumper one year,” states Noel with a reminiscent scowl, “and it very clearly wasn't even a man's jumper.

It had a plunging neckline and the sleeves only came half way down my arms.”

There is an awkward pause before he adds; “It was like that episode of Friends where Ross turns up to dinner wearing the same top as his date.”

Clothing features prominently in people’s recollection of the worst gifts they've ever received; “My nana knitted me and my brother matching pink cardigans with wooden buttons for Christmas,” Eoin admits sheepishly, “my mam made us wear them every time she visited.”

Socks, arguably the stereotypical poster item of bad Christmas gifts, feature strongly as people were asked to recount the worst gift they had ever received.

“A three-pack of woolly socks,” Ciaran snorts, “with a pack of dry roasted peanuts inside them, off my grandmother!”

It took a while for the penny to drop with Shane a few Christmases ago; “I was given socks by my grandmother, I genuinely thought it was a joke and started laughing and asking where the real present was,” he recalls, “the filthy look my mother shot me let me know that the socks were it.”

Like the man with the steam mop, sometimes people just seem to inadvertently get it so wrong.

“My kids bought me a potato peeler one year,” Joanne recalls, “I was gutted.”

She might have considered herself lucky when she heard what housewife Caroline got, however; “My ex bought me a deep fat fryer one year after he broke ours,” she explains.

Stephen recounts what happened when he trusted his wife to pick up a Manchester United Jersey for their son; “On Christmas morning, the child opening presents got a Manchester City jersey, it turned out she thought the City one was close enough.”

Sometimes, gifts overstep the fine line between inconsiderate downright offensive.

“My sister’s mother-in-law once bought her a DVD called Loose the Fat for Life! ” explains Sam. Other gifts received are just outright bizarre; “I got a rape alarm three years ago,” Danielle smiles, “my granddad basically goes into Lidl and picks up the weekly specials as Christmas presents.”

Shop-worker Mary remembers a girl who was looking for a very particular house-wares item last December; “She wanted to know if we had any large pink bowls in stock,” she says, “because her friend was always getting sick after nights out so she thought it would be a funny gift!”

A young boy on Christmas day received an equally baffling gift from his grandmother in the post; “She mixed up the envelopes,” grins Daniel, “I got a mass card from my granny for Christmas!”

Worst of all, Annie recounts what she got from an aunt one festive season; “I got a broken wall tile – my aunt found it in her garden whilst digging, cleaned it up and claimed it was Victorian; an antique.”

Last of all, Joe recalls a particularly memorable Christmas morning; “Bag of coal when I was about four,” he admits, “supposedly I had been really bold in the run up to Christmas so my parents thought it would teach me a lesson.”

All wasn't lost however, as he reveals he did eventually get presents as well, but he doesn't hesitate to add that it has “scarred me for life, don't think I'll ever forget it!”

Topping the polls for Ireland’s 2013 most ill-advised gift buys include socks, bath sets, cleaning utensils and pyjamas – not that that will stop their appearing in stockings and under trees around the country this festive season.

Telling children about Santa is cruel, because one day they’ll know the truth…

By Kieran Kilkelly The title of this article will straight away send hatred my way. Cries of “how could anyone be so heartless” and “this man is a monster” will be heard echoing throughout the college on the day this paper is released.

To them I say “humbug!”

Maybe I am a heartless monster. Maybe I do deserve coal in my stocking this year.

But you must remember I am not the one choosing to lie to these kids. I do keep up the charade when I have to; I am not that cruel of a person who goes around ruining kids’ Christmases. But I do it with reluctance.

One might give the example of the happiness within a child’s eyes on Christmas morning. Yes, this is true; it is something special but is it not the same look when it’s their birthdays, a school-friend comes over or you have sweets for them?

We are essentially creating something magical and wonderful just to destroy it.

Try to think back to when you found out yourselves when *Christmas spoiler alert* Santa was not real. The disappointment; the feeling of wishing it wasn’t true.

That look in your eyes and feeling in your heart that you had every Christmas previous has now become inverted with pain.

And if you can’t remember it exactly, you have blocked it out from your memory; you don’t wish to remember the hurt.

Of course, there is also the ridicule that some young children will face. The last ones that still believe will be talked about and criticised. How ironic it is that just months, maybe even weeks ago they too believed the lie?

This taunting will only serve further to make this child’s dreams of life disintegrate. The magic, the impossibility of it all is now all gone.

These children dreamt of being astronauts, princesses and superheroes. With reality setting in after the blow of the truth they lose aspiration and settle on becoming accountants, builders and journalists.

It is with this elevation of this fictional being that leaves us heading into our maturity with limited hope. We can no longer

believe in a society where anything can happen. All those children’s stories which we still hold dear are just stories and not scenarios that have happened.

Poor Cinderella still has her old shoes, Snow White has no dwarves and Pinocchio is just a puppet and not a real boy.

Santa himself sits on a pedestal above all our theoretical beings that we have made up. The ‘Easter Bunny’ and the ‘Tooth Fairy’ have lower statuses than him. We lose faith in them long before Santa Claus.

They do not impact our lives as much and we can deal with the trauma of them not existing. Santa is the evil ex of yours that

You must remember I am not the one choosing to lie to these kids. I do keep up the charade when I have to, but I do it with reluctance. gave you false promises, broke up with you on your birthday and now is gone off with your best friend.

But maybe in today’s society the magic isn’t there as much. It might have faded and children might be more interested in how many likes their Facebook status about them getting no homework got. They are not as innocent as we once were and the people that came before us.

So with this in mind, what are we creating?

The allure of Christmas used to revolve around a warm-hearted ambience. Now it seems to be more material than ever. Christmas advertisements are seen pre-Halloween and we are imposed into a society where money talks.

With Santa being the ‘giver of gifts’ it seems only right to blame him for this demand for shiny new things at Christmas. Children nowadays expect expensive and polished presents.

They want Xboxes and PlayStation and new phones and other such items. It seems that we are creating materialistic beings from a young age.

So maybe I am a ‘Grinch’? Maybe I am a little harsh on the ‘big man in the red suit’?

But we must really look at what he represents, who he is and what affect he has on the children.

Magic or no magic, he represents corporate money-hungry companies and I believe children should not believe in any such thing.

14 Christmas

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

The continental Christmas Santa is weird… market is here

By Jenna Hodgins

By Shannon Fahy Can you smell the greasy bratwurst sausages, and hear their sizzle and spit from the grill? Or has the bustling crowds of Christmas shoppers and pompoms on knit hats, bobbing up and down on the salted paths, wafted up the aroma of milky coconut macaroons?

Yes, that is right. The annual Galway Christmas Market infiltrated Eyre Square on Friday November 22 for its monthly stay.

It is just in time to distract us all from our exams and have us visiting the Beer Tent to slurp down cold ones while our noses tingle red from the winter chill in the air.

After we have finished lifting our spirits there, why don’t we pop over to the candy stand to feast on the rainbow selection of delicacies as if we have revisited our childhood? But who are we kidding; you never lose your sweet tooth.

Christmas is the prime time of year when the large iron gates of our childhood open back up to allow us first-class entrance to enjoy the sweet sensations and magical energy that forms those precedent memories.

That is exactly what the Christmas Market brings to Galway; an outlet for our childish breakouts, a blast of the feelings of the past, and most of all, a place for us to spurge all our pocket money to feed our bellies.

However, the Market is practical in the sense that it offers us a selection of crafts and knickknacks to choose from when Christmas Day is growing closer and we have yet to pick up a present for a special someone, whether it is a family member, friend or lover.

The Market will be open on Mondays to Wednesdays from noon to 8pm, while stalls on Thursdays to Sundays serve from 10am to 10pm.

This year is the fourth consecutive year that the Market has been open in Galway and also marks the beginning of the festive season in Ireland as it is the first market in the country to start tempting the jolly crowds at this time of year.

So, pop in for a wander and a snoop of the stalls, sported by fifty traders from all over Ireland and Europe, and join the queue to visit Santa along with all the other 650,000 expected market-goers.

Zwarte Piet: The Blackface of the Netherlands

By Michael Finn The traditional tale of Santa Claus that we celebrated as children takes many different forms throughout the world.

In Scandinavia they have Tomte, in France they have Pere Noel and in The Netherlands, they have Sinterklaas What is peculiar about Sinterklaas, which has come under criticism by the UN, is that he has a unique group of servants.

While the Santa Claus we know and love has a team of elves helping him make toys, Sinterklaas has a sidekick named Zwarte Piet, or Black Pete in English.

His appearance is like cartoon characters from a 1930s depicting a black person, and it is common in The Netherlands, Flanders and Luxumberg to have people dressing up as him by painting their faces black.

Piet is traditionally a Moorish looking character, from Africa.

The UN has expressed concerns over the depiction of Sinterklaas’ helper, because of the racist undertones of his character.

“Negative media and other cultural, social or traditional portrayals of persons belonging to minorities may constitute racism and may be degrading to members of those communities,” said a UN report this year.

“In the present case persons belonging to black populations and people of African descent can perpetuate negative stereotypes within society.”

From the 1800s, the standard tale of Zwarte Piet was of a Sinterklaas arriving on a steamboat from Spain, accompanied by a team of his black-faced servants, who distribute presents and ginger biscuits to good children while threatening to scoop up naughty ones in a sack and carry them back to Spain to pick oranges.

As per tradition, every year on December 5th and 6th, people all across the Netherlands paint their faces black, don Renaissance-style clothing, and assume the persona of Zwarte Piet (“Black Pete”).

While the Dutch don’t see a problem with painting themselves black to assume the role of a character, in many other countries it can be seen as incredibly racist.

It also doesn’t help that the Dutch used to have a colonial empire, and have a shaky history with the black community.

Once immigration started from the former colonised countries, Zwarte Piet became a much more respected assistant of Saint Nicholas; inattentive but playful.

Most of the Zwarte Pieten, the team of black servants, also gained significant skill in acrobatics.

This is where the compromise between tradition and political correctness kicks in. To do away with Zwarte Piet would upset many of those who grew up with this ­tradition.

Nowadays, Piet is seen as a positive character. He gives presents to the Dutch children, and children are happy to see him.

Christmas is the time of year when families gather together to get high on nostalgia, followed by a huge case of the munchies for turkey, stuffing, and selection boxes.

It’s also the time of year where the little ones celebrate becoming spoilt brats by receiving gifts off a random old man who watches them 24/7. Only a tad strange.

Santa Claus is a creep. Before you all start heckling me a la “wha you sayin’ abou me ma?!” I mean the idea of Santa Claus is really creepy. I know I come across as Scrooge, but come on, on paper Santa is really weird.

Let’s take a step back and put it into perspective. So, you’re a conscious, compact human being, you know… a child, and your parents have already classically conditioned you into associating the month of December with this Santa Claus guy.

You’re excited and enchanted with the prospect of getting presents on a day that is not your birthday. You write a list, suck up to your parents, and on Christmas Eve wear those horrid jammies your Nan bought you then try fall asleep despite the excitement of it all. Every year.

Every year you also fail to notice that this Santa fella is some overweight, elderly stranger bringing you presents for being a good compact human being.

For no reason, might I add. None, at all.

He just loves rewarding children for their good behaviour. And punishing the naughty kids with a big black... lump of coal.

“He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.” Seriously? Santa is probably just some big shot at the CIA… Or a total freak.

Maybe Santa’s ‘elves’ were in actual fact teeny-weeny cameras planted in hidden spots around your bedroom. Yes, Santa saw everything. Good thing you found out he was a sham before you hit puberty then, eh?

Another reason why the idea of Santa is just plain weird is that we were all deceived.

We were lied to and made believe in a magical-bearded man who soars through the night sky in a sleigh led by flying reindeer.

The Santa Claus deception broke mine, and many others’ hearts. It also kick-started the brief few years of teenage angst to follow.

Ha, joke’s on you Mam and Dad. The main issue in question is the commonality of white people painting their faces black to impersonate him.

In America, this is seen as completely out of the question, as it harps back to a time when white people played black stereotypes while painting their faces black.

But it’s hard to judge the one culture by the sensitivities of another culture, and it certainly isn’t up to the UN to decide how the Dutch should conduct themselves.

Perhaps it’s best to just to see Zwarte Piet for what he could possibly be; an assistant to Sinterklaas who happens to be black.

Leaving all the prejudice faced by black people in the past and evolving the character that is so ingrained in Dutch culture may just be the answer as opposed to completely writing him off.

The Santa Claus deception sounds a bit like psychological warfare, but essentially it was. Parents use an imaginary strange man as a weapon to scare their children into eating their veggies and sleeping before the Late Late Show.

The Santa Claus deception, in theory, should be psychologically damaging. From infancy you’re dependent on your caregivers to be the reliable, correct source of information and honesty.

The idea is then reaffirmed by even more ‘reliable’ sources such as books, films, peer groups and television. Furthermore, the lie is once again validated by solid evidence, eg: the half-eaten cookie, the empty pint of milk and the carrots you laid out for the reindeer have disappeared – little do you know that you’ll be eating those very same carrots later that day.

Something that I find really creepy is Santa’s Grotto; you know, your local shopping centre, the fake snow, the makeshift Santa’s cottage with cutesy little fairy lights, and the unfortunate students dressed up as Elves to pay for their next night out; ­adorable.

Now, consider this: parents are paying for their children to sit on the lap of some random man off the street, get a picture of him mauling your child’s shoulders, then receive some reimbursement in the form of some crappy toy from Valueland.

Call me cynical, but I could put my child in danger for a few cent if I asked some bearded homeless man to do the same.

Also, I have enough evidence to believe that when I was younger, the shopping centres would hire the first hack off the street with apple cheeks and a beard. If that doesn’t scream red flag then I’ll wave my white flag.

Then one day, in the run-up to the Christmas holidays, your parents casually confront you about the elaborate deception they’ve embarked on for the last ten or so years; it couldn’t have been just a simple lie?

No, it had to be a complex web of lies that stretched over a decade. First you deceived me with the Tooth Fairy and now, this? This house is full of lies!

One final note; “He knows if you’ve been bad <insert winky face here> or good, so be good for goodness sake.”

Need I say more?

16 Christmas

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

Christmas Special

By Hazel Doyle Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man’s hat.

If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do; if you haven’t got a ha’penny well God bless you.

I’m sitting here in the library trying to convince myself that what I’m doing is studying. The signs are all here; I’ve books around me, I’ve made a study time-table and I’m visibly trying to convince myself not to go on facebook. Ah yes. ‘Tis the season alright.

And yes, if you looked at the tabs I have open on the internet you’d be forgiven for thinking that I was doing some sort of marketing assignment. But those three-for-two deals at Chrimbo really are crackers.

I love a good present-planning session. I know it’s not the real meaning of Christmas and it’s all about being in a Friends episode and spending time with your loved ones and heading to mass to see everyone’s new gear as they head up for communion, but what can beat having a ‘quick look’ online and making lists of what to get everyone?

Each year, I convince myself that I’ll be super cute and make all my presents, but fairy-cakes only say you love someone enough to crack an egg. And you can’t

Dear Santa...

By Kristina Reynolds I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that what every student really wants this Christmas is for someone to come along, cancel our exams, free us from our late nights in the James Hardiman Library and maybe even throw in some candy canes as an apology for even dreaming of trying to get us to do the exams in the first place.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case and by the time the 25th of December comes around, the exams will have come and gone and our letters to Santa begging for his rescue will be useless.

However, provided you’ve made the cut and have ended up on his Good List this year, what would you actually ask for?

Is there anything that you really want for Christmas that you just can’t have because you’ve either a) spent all your money on nights out in Galway this semester and can’t afford to buy Christmas present for friends and family, never mind yourself, b) your grant never came through because SUSI are taking their time again or c) you’re a suffer-in-silence kind of person and make do with what you have, even if you are wearing banjaxed Penneys Uggs – from last Christmas!

As students, we have it tough. Sure, we’ve got our 20% discount in New Look and somehow, we always seem to have enough money to ensure a good night out on the town.

But truthfully, we sacrifice a lot for the sake of a decent night out every now and then while the government continues to raise college fees and the University itself bombards us with seven different essays all in the last week of lectures…

This Christmas, hand on my heart, all I really want are the very simple things in life.

For instance, I wouldn’t mind if Santa sent a couple of elves our way to fix up our apartment.

We wouldn’t mind having a working shower instead of the electric one that we’re only allowed to use for 8 minutes, as “running the shower for more than this amount of time may result in the motor overheating”.

As well as that, we can’t even make our meals with ease as not one of our pots in our place has a bloody handle!

The shower door falls off every time you use it and it takes roughly three attempts for the toilet to flush.

The washing machine leaks and floods the floor every time we put it on and our window cracked a few months ago so the place is frozen the whole time!

Also Santa, you could get those elves to work on inventing a pen that never runs out of ink. An annual bus ticket mightn’t be too shabby either.

You might also consider getting in touch with Bill Gates and sorting out some sort of ‘student discount’ on Microsoft Word – ie, making it free!

And Santa, this will give you a good laugh, but could you actually leave a massive black sack of coal this year while you’re

really pre-make fairy-cakes. They need to be eaten pretty soon after they’re baked.

So, I guess you could give the gift of baked goods, but maybe just to your housemates.

Myself and my brother have a limit on the amount of money we can spend on one another. I know that may seem like we’ve capped the love at Penneys’ Best, but in fact, it makes the gift-giving all that bit better.

We both know we are actually getting the other person something for Christmas and we both know that it will be of a reasonable value. There’s nothing worse than not buying a gift for someone because you thought the two of you weren’t doing presents this year, or than buying a gift that looks, feels and just plain screams ‘this cost one-tenth of what you got me!’.

Plus, with a limit on the present-giving it means you have to be a little bit more inventive with your gifts. For instance, it’s much easier to say ‘you’ve been such a good friend this year’ with €100, rather than the €10 allowed by the rules of Kris Kringle. It means you extend the present-planning fun for hours finding the best bargain, ensuring you get something they’ll love.

I am not good at gifts in general, but this is probably the best example. One year my boyfriend at the time and I actually did decide we’d make each other gifts as it would mean more. I like my arts and crafts so I was all up for it, but he feared he had no skills of the Montessori variety.

Like the good girlfriend that I am, I convinced him to use his computer skills and download me some movies or something

(this is pre-laptop-days for me). We both went away happy.

It turns out his gift was way better than mine in the end. It was pretty cringe, but it was still way better than mine.

In addition to finding obscure films I turned out to really, really like, he made a slideshow of all our happiest times together.

So he’d basically taken all our memories and digitised them, playing ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ over it.

My gift was pretty pathetic compared with it. I’d had great craic making it, but it paled in comparison.

I took two socks and made them into two puppets. They were a boy and a girl – not us, but a sock of each gender. I’d ensured the girl sock was pink and all. And as I blow-dried her femme-fatale-red-glittery-glue-lips onto her sock-face, her little woollen plaits flapped about in the wind.

So, the sock puppets didn’t exactly say ‘I love you’. But they would’ve lasted longer than the fairy-cakes. And that video Himself made was pretty cute, but I didn’t exactly watch it more than once, given that I had braces in nearly all the photos. And we didn’t break up or anything, so I suppose it wasn’t a failure of a gift.

I have, however learnt my lesson, in that sticking to Penneys’ Best is often the safest option. And those three-for-two offers on smelly stuff are usually safe, as everyone likes a nice bath at Christmas. I mean, I like Penneys and I like baths. I’m not sure it says ‘thanks for holding my hair back when I had the flu’, but maybe you could find a card for that online?

Health Tip of the Week

By Rebecca Sweeney With Christmas approaching fast we have that annual panic about how many pounds we're going to put on over the festive period and how much our health and fitness is going to suffer for it.

To try and avoid this, a quick tip is to eat something light and healthy such as a wholegrain sandwich with lean christmas turkey, cranberry and alfalfa sprouts before you head

popping by? It’s a bloody fortune in the shops and we could really do with the fire being lit this winter.

But let’s face it, if you’ve been spotted dancing inappropriately with your legs behind your ears on the Carbon dance floor, you might as well go from one big man to the other and start praying rather than writing letters this Christmas.

Yeah, a new car would be nice – especially for those of you who live far from the college (Corrib Villagers; this does not apply to you!) and who wouldn’t love an upgrade on the oul’ PC? But let’s not get too greedy; Santa is not here to teach you that you can have everything you want. Instead, he’s here to teach you that em… eh… well…

out the door. It will take the edge off your hunger and may help stop you from overeating.

Turkey is low in cholesterol and saturated fat and provides nearly 50% of the RDA for Folic Acid.

Cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants like Vitamin C and E and may help reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease.

So Christmas may be healthier than you think!

Christmas 17

November 25 2013

Wise Words: Christmas Treats Peppermint Bark Toffee Popcorn What you will need:

450g dark chocolate (Callebaut is best) 450g white chocolate (with as high a percentage of cocoa butter as possible) 4tsp peppermint essence (use oil and alcohol based, not water) 10 peppermint candy canes How to prepare it:

By Móna Wise With only a few weeks left before Christmas, we are in full planning mode here on what to make – or bake – to share with our family and friends this year.

Every year, we source and stash interesting glass jars and small tins that make handy gift packaging when the time comes.

The cool thing about re-cycling (or upcycling) is that many of these tins and jars are returned (empty) to us in the new year, making our collection strong and sturdy for the next season of giving.

As much as we enjoy trolling through our favourite recipe books for inspiration, we tend to fall back on our own favourites as they have become requested items over the years.

This week, I am sharing a few recipes that will bring a little bling to your Christmas table and much joy to those on the receiving end if you share them as gifts.

The first recipe is for an old family favourite, Peppermint Bark. It does not get any easier than this. The only skills required to make this delicious treat is the ability to melt chocolate.

Peppermint bark is one of those edibles that can be quite costly, but making it at home yourself takes only a few minutes, with the hardest part being the length of time you have to wait for it to cool.

And trust me, after you taste this, you will find that to be a long and torturous wait.

The second recipe is for Toffee Popcorn.

This time of year you can buy this by the bag full at many of the shops in town but a homemade batch is the best.

The hardest part of making your own toffee popcorn is making the caramel sauce. If this is your first attempt then do so when you have few distractions in the kitchen.

Once you have mastered this recipe you will find yourself using it as a ‘go to’ recipe for Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and any other reason you can conjure up.

Christmas can be a tough time of year for many due to financial worries, separation from loved ones as these days family members and friends are scattered across the globe for work reasons, or worse again, the death of a loved one.

We try to make an extra effort during the festive season to bring a bit of cheer to those in need and give back what we can. Please make an effort to do the same in your community.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.

In the top of a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate, stirring constantly.

Using a rolling pin pound candy canes into small pieces and set aside.

Once the dark chocolate has melted, pour it onto the baking sheet and leave it in the coolest part of your house to cool.

If you have a marble countertop you can pour it directly onto that to speed things up.

Do not refrigerate it though, because a layer of condensation forms making it impossible for the top layer of white chocolate to adhere to it.

Once the dark chocolate has cooled, in the top of a double boiler, melt the white chocolate, stirring constantly.

Stir in the peppermint oil and any flecks of dust from the crunched up candy canes, reserving the larger pieces as a topping.

Remove from heat, and pour the mixture on top of the already cooled dark chocolate; spread evenly.

Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy cane on top of the white chocolate and leave ten minutes and slice with a butter knife if you want uniform squares, or leave to chill until solid, 25 to 30 minutes then break into pieces, and serve.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks; an excellent and very easy Christmas present.

Having a candy thermometer on hand for this recipe is nice but not essential. The caramel for the popcorn needs to be cooked to what is called the ‘hard-crack stage’ and this is the highest temperature you are likely to see specified in any sweet-making recipe. At these temperatures, there is almost no water left in the syrup.

Using a spoon, drop a little of the molten syrup in cold water and it will form hard, brittle threads, that break when bent.

To avoid burns, allow the syrup to cool in the cold water for a few moments before touching it. Toffee, nut brittles, and lolly pops are all cooked to the hard-crack stage.

What you will need:

1200g of freshly popped popcorn (2 bags of microwave popcorn) 400g of sugar in the raw 120ml water 6tbsp butter 120ml of golden syrup (or Maple syrup) ¼tsp salt 1tsp baking soda 1tbsp water 2tbsp vanilla extract 1tsp cayenne pepper (optional) 480g of mixed nuts toasted and smashed up a little. We like cashews, almonds, pecans, and macadamias) How to prepare it:

Find the largest mixing bowl (or pot) you have and grease it with some butter. You will be using this to mix the popcorn in later and greasing the bowl (or pot) ensures an easier clean up and all the caramel sticks to the popcorn and not the bowl.

Once you have popped the popcorn you can pour the correct amount into the buttered bowl and set it aside until you need it.

Take care not to allow any un-popped popcorn into the mix as this can cause problems later when trying to eat the toffee popcorn. Pre-heat the oven to 175ºC. In a large heavy-bottomed pot cook the sugar, water, syrup and butter to hard crack stage (149ºC-145ºC on candy thermometer), just before it starts to burn.

Do not take your eyes off it because it can go from perfect to burnt in a ­millisecond.

Remove from the heat, add nuts, vanilla, salt and baking soda and 1 Tbsp of water to dissolve it, then pour the hot mix onto the already popped popcorn.

Use a plastic spatula to mix it all in (not your hands as this is hot, hot hot!).

Put the popcorn mix onto parchmentlined baking trays and bake in the oven for a half hour, mixing the mixture to make sure it all gets coated every ten minutes.

Remove from oven one tray at a time.

Run your hands under the cold tap and then cover with butter.

Form into popcorn balls (carefully) and keep your hands cooled and buttered as much as possible to avoid burning yourself.

It is not necessary to form the popcorn into balls. You can let it air dry for a half hour and once it has solidified into a hard toffee popcorn you can break it up into pieces and store it in an airtight container for weeks on end.

We like to store ours in glass jars and share with friends at Christmas time. We hope you enjoy it too.

18 Christmas

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

The Naughty and Nice List How to get the festive look this Christmas

By Jane Kearns

2013 has been quite the year in the world of celebrity, and with Christmas just around the corner it’s time to think about which celebrity names will be making Santa’s coveted nice list and who will be added to the ever expanding list of naughty celebrities.

Making this year’s list has been a laborious task for Santa but here at Sin we decided it would be a good idea to help him out in deciding who should make it to the top of the naughty and nice lists, so here are the very best and most importantly the very worst celebrities of 2013.

Nice List Kate Middleton

We all thought 2011 was Kate Middleton’s year; she went from being a regular person to royalty when she married Prince William, but this year she outdid herself when she gave birth to Prince George, third in line to the British throne.

The duchess has been loved and respected since she had her first son back in June and heralded for her bravery in facing the cameras just days after giving birth.

Her grace, style and poise have truly made her this generation’s people’s princess and cemented her at the top of this year’s nice list.

Naughty List Justin Bieber

It’s been quite the controversial year for the pop star; there have been countless altercations with paparazzi, the spitting on fans incident, his idiotic comment about Anne Frank and most recently ‘that’ picture of him with a supposed Brazilian prostitute.

Yes, the Canadian singer has had a very naughty year and all of this scandalous behaviour has landed him right at the top of the naughty list.

Jennifer Lawrence

Over the last year the 23-year-old actress has managed to dominate the film industry, she’s overtaken Kristen Stewart as the teen movie queen as Katniss in the Hunger Games and she even found the time to be the youngest winner ever of the best leading actress at the Oscars thanks to her role in The Silver Linings Playbook.

She’s funny, humble and incredibly normal which made her one of the most positively talked about celebrities of the year.

Tom Hiddleston

He’s best known for his role as Loki in the Thor/Avengers franchise, but it’s his public persona that has put him near the top of the nice list.

His playful personality, charming wit and incredibly sexy English accent have all made him a favourite among the ladies and a constant trending topic on sites like Imgur and Buzzfeed.

He doesn’t take himself too seriously and he loves to sing and dance in interviews, just look at his appearance on Alan Carr as proof.

By Ruth-Ann Browne Most party goers have exciting dates during the festive season, but are somewhat unsure about just what look will make them stand out from the crowd. Here are some ‘party look’ tips that will help you well on your way to looking the part this Christmas.

The Outfit

If you are intending to try a new look for the Christmas or that special New Year party, a trial ‘night in’ will allow you to assess chosen colours and ensure that they work with your skin tone.

This is a great opportunity to also test your hairstyle to see if it will last the night, and will give you some practice to perfect your overall look.

An excellent idea is to invite a friend over for a party dress rehearsal.

You can have great fun together and avoid last minute panic on your big night out.

Miley Cyrus

Santa’s naughty list just wouldn’t be complete without an appearance from the biggest bad girl of the year, Miley Cyrus.

The 21-year-old made a massive musical comeback this year thanks to her outrageous behaviour, new style and that notorious tongue of hers.

The naughtiness began with her single ‘We Can’t Stop’ and its weird video, but she reached her naughty peak when she performed at the MTV Awards with Robin Thicke and twerked her way onto the front page of every website and magazine.

Her most recent stunt at the European MTV Awards in Amsterdam saw her light up a very questionable cigarette that has landed her right at the top of Santa’s naughtiest list this year.

Kanye West

Ever since he told the world that George Bush hates black people back in 2005, Kanye has been sitting close to the top of Santa’s naughty list of celebrities, and this year was no exception thanks to his relationship with Kim Kardashian, naming their daughter North West and his hilarious Twitter row with Jimmy Kimmel.

The self-proclaimed ‘genius’ has become notorious for taking himself too seriously and having no sense of humour, and those crimes alone have landed him on the naughty list yet again.

But at least he’s not alone this year; his fiancée and her entire fame hungry family aren’t sitting too far below him on the list.

Festive Make-Up

At this time of year, you can really have fun with your make-up by adding glitter and shimmer to your look.

Brights are strong this year, and really take your look to the top. Include red hues on the eyes for an ultra-festive look.

Try smoky eyes and nude, glossy lips or go for festive gold or seasonal silver.

The options are limited only by your ­imagination.

If you feel uncomfortable outside your usual look, why not add a dot of shimmer and let it blend into the middle of your upper eyelids? This highlight will really open up your eyes and make a statement.

Likewise, a dab of shimmer in the centre of your bottom lip will emphasise your pout. Have fun with your makeup by trying something new, but don’t go too far and end up looking like a drag queen (unless that is the look you’re going for).

Party Hair

Your hair can really add to your image so make the most of it with plaits, quiffs or a fabulous up-do. Ask a hair stylist for ideas when you go for your next cut or colour and try something new.

Pick up some of the pretty accessories that brighten your hairstyle, for example bows and flowers as well as glittery hair pins.

Do not try a last minute home dye as it may result in disaster (one knows from experience!). If you are toying with the idea of a colour change always think it through and try it ahead of time or go to a professional colourist.

Ask Santa

By Sinéad Reape The season is almost upon us, and aside from focusing on exams, it is time that we start thinking about what we would like from the man in red.

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in all those fashion and beauty treats you have been lusting for all year but you just couldn’t justify splashing out on. Here are just a few ideas for Christmas gifts that you will cherish all year round.

Urban decay Naked Palette: For those of you who may not have heard of the Naked Palette it is, quite simply, God’s gift to makeup!

The original Naked Palette consists of twelve bronze-hued eye shadows, each one as gorgeous as the last. As with all Urban Decay products, the packaging of it really adds to the feeling of luxury.

These shadows cannot be beaten in terms of the diversity they offer for day to night looks, and the pigmentation is second to none. No need for constant re-applying which is a bonus.

On foot of the huge success of the Naked Palette, Urban Decay launched the Naked 2 which is almost just as delicious. As a staple beauty buy though, Naked 1 is a key piece in any make-up bag.

Le Teint Touche Élcat: Yves Saint Laurent launched Le Teint, Touche Élcat a whole 20 years after the introduction of their now infamous “Touche Élcat” ­concealer.

The foundation, which is still relatively new to the market, comes in at €38.00. Now there is no denying that this is not exactly student budget friendly, but for something of this quality, it is actually quite ­reasonable.

The foundation comes in 20 shades, and is free from opaque filters – which are the ingredient that leads to that nasty cakedface look. On the skin, it has that ever sought after radiant and dewy finish.

Alex and Ani Bangles: Let’s face it, we can all use a little more positive energy in our lives, and American brand Alex and Ani just happens to offer us this with their gorgeously ornate bracelets.

Each bangle has its own unique message with a range of different categories to choose from.

Beyoncé has in fact been spotted sporting one of these bangles on numerous occasions, and if it’s good enough for Queen B it’s surely worthy of the Christmas wish list.

If you haven’t seen these fabulous pieces check out http://www.alexandani.com/ for a glimpse at the perfect Christmas gift.

The NUI Galway Students’ Union

Naked Calendar 2014

€5 all proceeds go to Galway Rape Crisis Centre and ISPCC/Childline On Sale now in the SU Office, the Socs Box, the SU Shop, Smokey’s and the SU Desk in the Engineering Building.

20 Christmas The enduring appeal of A Christmas Carol

By Kieran Kilkelly It is 170 years since the first publication of Charles Dickens’ much loved novel A Christmas Carol. Despite this length of time, this story still carries an enduring appeal for all generations.

The majority of people have not read the book; however, they have been subjected to at least one of the various adaptations that there are. Since its first feature-length adaptation in 1916 (The Right to Be Happy), it has had many transformations.

From a Broadway musical that ran nine years to cartoon adaptations, in both television and film: Hanna Barbera’s Flintstones, Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse and probably most memorably Jim Henson’s Muppets have all had their take on it.

Although these are noted by us all, they are not recognised as the best adaptations. For that, you would have to go back to 1951 for Alistair Sim’s portrayal as Ebenezer Scrooge in the film Scrooge.

This is where we get a real sense of the setting and characters that Dickens depicts so well.

Its allure, why we love this story so much, is rooted deep in the characters. We establish a sympathetic connection with everyone who encounters Scrooge in the first stave; the humble Bob Cratchit; Scrooge’s merry nephew Fred and the people who look for charitable donations off him on the eve of Christmas.

The setting also helps us establish a feeling for the time period. A poverty-stricken, snowfilled London city creates empathy in us as readers. Scrooge, however, gains no sympathy from us initially.

The progression through then to arrival of the first spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Past, is where we begin as an audience to feel nostalgic.

The appearance of the ghost and Scrooge’s journey back into his own past makes us think back fondly on our own Christmases gone by.

This part of the book brings out the reminiscent tendencies we have at this time of year.

Not only do we feel nostalgia, we also feel a sense of understanding for the now saddened Scrooge. When we see his past, we are awoken to his miserable childhood and his mistakes. We now can relate to him in every way. This gets us more involved in the story.

However, it is the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come that really sends compassionate chills down our spine.

The absence of Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit’s very ill son, and Scrooge’s demise show us the unhappy side of Christmas that some of us have experienced.

At every level, we can connect with the sorrow associated with the characters – which cannot always be said for most books.

But the reformation of Scrooge’s character in the end is the main reason why we love this story. The generosity he displays after witnessing his life, past, present and future shows us that change of our personality and general make-up is achievable.

It is the way Dickens toys with our emotions – by presenting the nostalgic past and the grim future before bringing us back to reality with a happy ending for everyone concerned – that ensures we will forever cherish this classic Christmas tale.

A theatrical Christmas in Galway

By Chelsea Tabert If you’re looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit this year, what better than to check out some local theatre performances and shows?

Support your community, and get your Christmas cheer on all at once.

Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe: Unwrap the magic of children’s theatre this Christmas with Twas the Night Before Christmas. Based on the classic poem, this bi-lingual performance will create a fun and festive show for all ages.

A weekend showing will be held 20 – 22 December. Tickets on sale now at the theatre’s website, or through culturefox.ie Black Box Theatre: “Will the course of true love run smooth when those around you will stop at nothing to make sure you marry the right woman?” Dion Boucicault’s The Colleen Bawn will be a true Christmas treat for you and your loved ones to see.

Showings will be held 5 – 21 December. To book tickets, and to find additional performance dates around the country check out druid.ie.

Town Hall Theatre: While you’re embracing the season of giving, why not check out Tuesdays with Morrie, the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a heart-warming story that explores the meaning of friendship and life.

Showings will be held 3 and 4 December.

Tickets on sale now through tht.ie Clive Francis returns after last year’s sellout to bring Galway A Christmas Carol. Clive delivers a unique one man adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. This is a seasonal offering that cannot be missed.

Showings will be held 9 and 10 December.

Tickets on sale now through tht.ie If theatre doesn’t suit your fancy, or if you’re a dance enthusiast, why not give The Nutcracker a chance. Sibley’s staging of The Nutcracker, a Christmas family favourite, is sure to be a sellout. Don’t miss your chance to see a beautifully choreographed show, with some of Ireland’s most gifted young ballet dancers.

A single performance will be held on 21 December. Tickets on sale now through tht.ie For you music lovers, a tribute to the music and songs of Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra is coming to Galway in a brand new show called Christmas Crooners. The show will perform over 30 festive favourites such as Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, White Christmas, and a collection of many other swing arrangements of Christmas hymns and songs. If this doesn’t get you into the Christmas spirit, then nothing will!

A single performance will be held on 16 December. Tickets on sale now through tht.ie

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

All they want for Christmas Sin asked some lecturers to tell us what book they would like to find under the Christmas tree. Here is a selection of responses: Professor Elizabeth Fitzpatrick:

“The book that I am hoping to find under the tree is Birds and People by Mark Cocker and David Tipling, published 2013 by Jonathan Cape. I have a strong sense that the presence of birds and their songs can evoke and affirm human moods. There are many scientific studies of birds but few that explore the relationship between birds and humans, so this is the book for me.”

Dr Mark Stansbury: “I’d like to find the Fortune article that never ran, but became the basis for Let Us Now Praise Famous Men: Cotton Tenants: Three Families by James Agee and Walker Evans, edited by John Summers and with a preface by Adam Haslett, The Baffler/Melville House.”

Dr Frances McCormack: “I'd love to find a copy of the Old English Exeter Book— a manuscript containing some of the most wonderful Anglo-Saxon poems in existence. Then again, I'd hate to be thrown in jail for handling stolen goods, so I'd settle for a copy of Graham Greene's Rumour at Nightfall—one of his earliest novels, which

he never allowed to be reissued after the first print run. There are very few copies about, so if anyone reading this has a copy lying around (propping up a wonky table, perhaps), send it my way!”

Dr Kevin O Sullivan: “Sjón, The Whispering Muse. To me, Christmas is about taking a break from the academic reading for a while, and attempting (!) to catch up with all that fiction I’ve missed out on during the semester. While on holidays in Scandinavia last summer, I read Icelandic novelist Sjón’s terrifically weird novel about seventeenth century Iceland, From the Mouth of the Whale. Like a brilliant record by that band you’d never heard of before, it sent me delving through the back catalogue. I’ve since read The Blue Fox, so The Whispering Muse is next on my list. Stick it in some nice wrapping paper and throw it under the tree…”

Dr Clodagh Downey: “The first book that sprung to mind was Donna Tartt’s new one, The Goldfinch. I loved her first two books and although I’ve been waiting for her to bring out another one for years, I haven’t got round to buying it yet. So maybe I’ll let someone else make a present of it for me. Not very academic, but that’s what holidays are for!”

The Sinners’ list of children’s Christmas books

By Karen McDonnell ‘Tis the season, or ‘twill be soon.

In the imagination logs crackled, a pine needle dropped onto a curiously-shaped parcel under the Christmas tree. The smell of spicy candles filled the room. Someone was humming A Fairytale of New York.

And so, children, the Sinners set to thinking about childhood books, remembered from Christmases past.

The books below can be read by children of all ages – there’s no better time than Christmas to let go a little of our adult selves.

Here are the Sinners’ five children’s Christmas books for you and yours – be they Granny, a niece or nephew, or your own child.

The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder.

Lucy and Tom’s Christmas by Shirley Hughes The Baker’s Dozen by Aaron Shephard The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by PJ Lynch.

And yes, of course — A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Happy Christmas, every one!

A first edition of A Christmas Carol is definitely in our letter to Santa this year!

Christmas 21

November 25 2013

Christmas Music: the less common songs

By Kieran Kilkelly It’s that time of year again, when the DJ’s dust off their Christmas records, the hits on YouTube of various popular Christmas songs rise and anytime you visit your aunty you hear a repeat of that cd she got free in the paper all those many Christmas Eves ago.

While the initial excitement of hearing Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas’ gives you a wonderful Christmassy feel, come the eve of Christmas you might be fed up hearing that she doesn’t “care about the presents” and “there is just one thing [she needs]”.

You might also be tired listening to drunken renditions of ‘A Fairytale of New York’. Or maybe ‘Frosty the Snowman’ has been repeated too many times by your younger sister who fell in love with the song ever since she heard it first.

And I’m fairly sure with the amount of times that Band Aid’s well known Christmas number one has been played that they know it’s Christmas by now.

However, everything is not lost. There are some songs that have not been overplayed. This is mostly because they are relatively new and

haven’t been inducted into the ‘Christmas Song Hall of Fame’ yet. There are also a couple which are a few years old but never got the recognition they deserve.

artists provides a warm feeling inside us just as every popular Christmas song does. The melancholy of the song also sets up a sentimental Christmas mood.

Coldplay: Christmas Lights

Smith and Burrows: When the Thames Froze

Chris Martin’s attempt to break into the Christmas market has partially fallen on deaf ears. While a lot of you will know of it, it will probably only be because you have been reminded of it. It wouldn’t be regarded as one that everyone would sing along to throughout December.

However, the meditative vocals allow us to be transported into a different world and the piano playing provides that solemn Christmas feeling within us.

Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson: Winter Song

The intro of this song will instantly remind you of the O2 Christmas television ad. This popularity meant it went to number two in the Irish charts but never really made it into our hearts as a traditional Christmas song.

This collaboration between the two softly

Tom Smith’s deep voice will leave this song stuck in your head long after Christmas has departed us. It gives that sense of nostalgia associated with the season.

As it was released in 2011 when the British anti-austerity protests were happening it provides a message of hope and promise.

The line “God damn this government, will they ever tell me where the money went” will echo lyrical with all of us.

It is the build up from the slow pace onto a steady one that brings something up within us and leaves us enthusiastic and optimistic about the future and everything that Christmas represents.

The Waitresses: Christmas Wrapping

It is somewhat of an oxymoron that a postpunk rock band such as The Waitresses would provide us with a memorable Christmas song,

but they have.

Patty Donahue’s edgy, upbeat and fast tempo singing leaves you bopping along the whole way through.

For anyone that doesn’t realise the song initially, you will once the trumpet solo comes in.

The excitement of Christmas is embodied in this trumpet solo.

The story told within the lyrics also characterises the Christmas season and the ability for it to change our mood.

Chuck Berry: Run Rudolph Run

No other song on this list will resound as deeply with you as this one. Before you read on, just listen to the song and try and see where you can remember it from.

If you couldn’t recall it’s from the much loved children’s Christmas classic Home Alone.

The 1950’s mixture of swing and blues has been forgotten throughout the years despite its buoyant melody.

With its tune it’s a shame that this song hasn’t been integrated into songs we love at Christmas. It truly would provide a comical element when people begin to jive to it.

The Gift of Movies

The Gift of Music

By Tracey Halloran

By Chelsea Tabert

As jolly as it is, Christmas can be a time of cheek pulling, nodding politely, stewing in your chair while great aunt Mildrid spits turkey flakes in your direction. Wouldn’t it be nice if you had a legitimate excuse to get away for a significant length of time?

Here it is, handed you on a silver platter of empathy; movies.

This year, attempt to be crafty and purchase some viewing material for family and friends – so you can watch it of course (come on, we all know selfless good deeds are a myth).

I bring you a list of new movie releases, concise as it may be, that might tickle your fancy and save your Christmas.

Fantasy: The Hobbit

If there is any day of the year where magic and fantasy fits like a cosy mitten, it’s Christmas day.

The boundless imagination of J.R Tolkein whisks you away to ragged mountaintops and lumpy hills of green without leaving your living room.

Although the short novel was stretched to almost breaking point during the making of not one, but two Hobbit films, it still manages to capture the hearts of those who marvel at the worlds he creates.

Martin Freeman, playing rosy-cheeked Bilbo Baggins, is undeniably a likable rogue.

The Hobbit leaves you squirming in your seat, routing for the loveable underdog on a mission.

As the season of giving approaches all too soon, again you have to find that perfect gift for the music lover in your family. For some of us who tend to be a little tone deaf that’s easier said than done.

If you need a little help finding the perfect something, look no further. Here’s a list of the best albums to throw under the Christmas tree this year.

For the Country Lover: Keith Urban’s album Fuse

Fuse has Keith’s usual blend of pop and country, with some R&B vocal touches.

‘Heart like Mine’ has a beautiful piano intro, and a soulful vocal by Keith, who has never sounded better, where as ‘Good Thing’ has

Drama: The Great Gatsby

Anyone who has read the book is going to want to see this movie; a gripping tale of power, lavish living, and, ultimately, love. Comprised of enough touchy feely fluffiness to keep most ladies happy and a dollop of ego and tension to prevent male siblings reaching for the remote, this film has it all.

The film version is undoubtedly an anti-climax following the eloquent lines of F. Scott Fitzgerald and has potential to disappoint high expectations.

That being said, watching Leonardo DiCaprio consumed by the erratic character of Mr. Gatsby is enough to keep you enthralled throughout.

Comedy: This is the End

The Knocked Up crew are back with a bang. If you thought the comic genius of Seth Rogan was milked to the last drop years ago, you were wrong.

This is the End is a whirlwind adventure movie that mainly takes place within the four walls of James Franco’s supposed house.

It c o m b i n e s quirky portrayals of actors in real life and an inevitable Armageddon in one big melting pot of laughter. The lines are quick and flowing and will make you ache all over.

Mock the Lyric Christmas Special Lyric: “When we found her ­Christmas morning, at the scene of the attack, she had hoof-prints on her forehead, and incriminating Claus marks on her back.”

Song: Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer Artist: Elmo and Patsy Suggested by: Chelsea Tabert

Best ­Christmas Song Song: The River Artist: Joni Mitchell Suggested by: Karen McDonnell

the typical grinding guitar of country music.

Keith promised that Fuse could change things up, and boy did he deliver.

For the Pop Lover: Katy Perry’s Prism

Prism still has its share of candy-coloured fun, but this time shows a well-executed step towards adulthood. With new singles such as ‘Unconditionally’ and ‘By the Grace of God’ we see slowed down guitar hooks, and brilliant piano strikes.

These songs are no longer the summer fling of a California Girl, but instead something much deeper from Katy, an artist striving to tell her full story.

For the GAGA Fans: Lady Gaga’s Artpop

We got a taste of the “art” side with her first single of the album, ‘Applause’, and now we can’t wait to hear the “pop” side.

As anticipated, Gaga’s album is weird, selfindulgent, and way too much fun. Exactly what we’ve been waiting for!

For the Indie Lover: Arcade Fire’s Reflektor

With a tidy mix of jangling mid-tempo numbers, acoustic sighs, and a little bit of rock’n’roll, Reflektor is not an album to disappoint. Although this album is only their first studio release, one thing is clear, the album is a product of sheer musical virtuosity.

For the Beatles Fanatic: Paul McCarney’s New

At 71, Paul McCartney has returned to the music of eternal youth. This album doesn’t want to be a sentimental journey; it’s an album that wants to be in with the 21st century pop era. With a Beatles-ish sound to ‘On My Way to Work’ and an evident George Harrison-like acoustic in ‘Early Days’, New is a must have for every true music lover.

22 Christmas Student Speak

By Jenna Hodgins and Lisa Penski

Natasha Drotar, international student, 3rd Year A wallet and beer.

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

With Christmas only weeks away and the shopping frenzy only just beginning, we asked NUI Galway students one simple question:

What would you get/are you getting your other half for Christmas?

If you see your own boyfriend or girlfriend here, you’d better look away now lest we spoil the surprise!

Derek O’Flynn, 1st Year Medicine I’ll be getting my boyfriend a hair dryer.

Brendan Masterson, 3rd year PhD in maths Perfume… the one she likes!

Rebecca Maxwell, 2nd Year Arts I’d get them slippers and chocolate. Some DVDs maybe?

Aisling Ní Chatháin, 2nd Year Arts I’d probably get my boyfriend clothes for Christmas.

Tim O’Callaghan, final year science I don’t know, I’m just really bad at getting gifts!

Christine Popielarczyk, semester abroad student, 3rd Year I’d buy an ugly Christmas sweater!

John Masterson, 2nd Year commerce I’m going to get my girlfriend a nice new sabre because she loves fencing!

Rachel Glennon and Harrison “Keanu Reeves” Glennon, both 2nd Year Psychology Harrison: A box of chocolates. Cadbury’s... Fine, a Pandora bracelet with my name engraved on it.

Rachel: Clothes.

Richard Heavy 2nd Year English and history I’d get them a mass card, because mass is the central pinnacle of the Catholic faith and Christ is the centre of Christmas.

Mairead Coll, 2nd Year Science A bow and arrow, because he watches that show Arrow, you know that show? He keeps going on about how he’s going to go around with a green hood and shoot people with the arrow and go hunting [laughs].

Conor Murphy 2nd Year Biotechnology If I had a boyfriend or girlfriend, I would get them something for Christmas that is not selfish, as in with any hope for me to actually get it in the future because I’ve done that before, people have done that.

I would get them a Snuggie, as in you know a slanket?

You know those blankets that you have those arms that can come through? Because I sit down and I have the blanket around me on the couch, at what stage are my arms free to change the channel? To drink a cup of tea and I’m thinking: “Oh God, what can cure me of this!?”

Next thing on the TV, what pops up? A snuggie! Different designs, different colours because we’re taking microfiber velvet!

THE SU PAGES

NUI Galway Students' Union Enterprise Awards: ¤20,000 Prize Fund!

The NUI Galway Students’ Union Enterprise Awards, a competition to encourage enterprise and innovation among students, has been launched at NUI Galway.

Now in its fourth year, the initiative invites students across campus to put forward proposals for a project or business, with a prize of ¤10,000 investment capital for the overall winner and two runners up prizes of ¤5,000 each.

The NUI Galway Students’ Union Enterprise Awards aim to unlock the potential of NUI Galway students by providing financial support and expertise for students who wish to start a project in the areas of business and social entrepreneurship.

The NUI Galway Students’ Union Enterprise Awards are generously supported

by NUI Galway Students’ Union Commercial Services Ltd., NUI Galway and the NUI Galway Technology Transfer Office.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm Friday 17th January. More information is available at www.su.nuigalway.ie Sean Kearns, President of NUI Galway Students’ Union, said; “The Enterprise Awards are a showcase for the best and brightest student minds on campus and reflect the dynamic, innovative and creative graduates we all wish to see emerging from NUI Galway, now and in the years ahead.”

458 SU Enterprise Awards.pdf

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19/11/2013

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ENTERPRISE AWARDS 2014

Business and social leaders of tomorrow.

SEE WHAT YOU COULD BE

We are appealing for all students and staff to drop up old toys to the office (in Aras na Mac Leinn bedside the college bar) before Dec 5th.

www . s u . n u i g a l w a y . i e C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

€23,000 PRIZE FUND Enter the NUI Galway Students’ Union Enterprise Awards. Closing date for submissions Friday 17th January 2014.

Supported By: SU

Caifé na

SU

Cloakroom

Gaeilge T E C H N I C A L

SU Life

Secondhand

Lockers ...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

G A L W A Y

Skills

Bookstore ...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí ...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

I N S T I T U T E

Grinds Register

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí ...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

Operation Santa This year NUI Galway Students’ Union and the National Union of students are teaming up and collecting used and old toys to donate to St Vincent de Paul’s Toy appeal for families who are struggling this Christmas – from old teddies to old consoles to everything in between.

NUI Galway Students’ Union Enterprise Awards

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

Pictured at the 2013 Enterprise Awards ceremony are (left to right): Paul Curley (2012/13 NUI Galway Students’ Union President), Niamh Duffy (2013 NUI Galway Students’ Union Enterprise Award winner), Judy Greene (Judging Panel) Pádraig O Céidigh (Guest Speaker) and Dr James Browne (NUI Galway President).

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

...Do Chomhaltas, Do Sheirbhísí

Students Union

Exam Tips Prior to the exam Access your personal timetable through www.nuigalway.ie/exams. Know the exact location, and start time of your exams.

Exams are scheduled by class, not module therefore even though you may be taking the same subject as your friend in another course, the location may be different.

It is very important to note that all undergraduate pre-final year student exams will be worth 30% of your final degree mark.

All undergraduate exams last two hours.

Once you have seen your exam timetable, location and times can be subject to change so always make sure to check the exam amendments page on the NUIG website. There is link on blackboard for easy access.

It is not sufficient to just assume you are due to sit an exam because you have access to the course material on blackboard. If when you check your timetable all the exams that you are due to sit are not listed, contact the Student Information desk in Aras Ui Cathail and they will be able to rectify the situation for you.

Have enough pens, pencils, a watch, calculator, ruler, a bottle of water, glasses etc ready for the exam.

All maths students should have basic non-programmable calculators.

All International students who will have dictionaries, these will be thoroughly inspected by invigilators.

There is a helpful video on the NUIG exam website for more information.

If you unfortunately suffer an accident before your exams or fall ill, contact the exams office so they can facilitate you.

It is worth noting exams cannot be sat in hospital.

Day of the Exam NUI Galway Students’ Union provide Christmas Exam Buses for those students who have exams in Salthill with City Direct Bus. • ¤2 Per Journey.

• Non-Stop Direct Service to Salthill Exam Venues (Leisureland/Galway Bay Hotel) • Monday 2nd December – Monday 16th December 2013

Leaving University Road

Leaving Salthill (Leisureland)

09:00

11:40

12:30*

15:10*

16:00

18:40

*Please note the service 12:30/15:10 service only runs on days when 13:00 exams are scheduled in Salthill.

Make sure to remove any writing that you may have on your person due to studying before the exam.

Remember to bring you Student ID card with you as there is a ¤20 fine for those of you who forget.

SID which located in Aras Ui Cathail will be open every morning of exams at 8:45 to facilitate those students who have misplaced

their student card on the day of the exam.

Be sure you are aware of the course code of the subject you are due to sit as the name of the exam will not be on the notice board when trying to find your allocated seat number.

Leave your mobile phones at home. This year mobile phones will not be tolerated in exam halls. If it is along with your belongings outside of the exam the college holds no responsibility for items stolen.

During the Exam Place your ID card on the top right hand side of your desk so the invigilator can easily pick it up for inspection.

Take a deep breath and try to relax while you have a brief overview of the paper.

Be aware that exam questions can appear on both sides of exam sheets.

Keep hydrated if necessary with a bottle of water which can be inspected for notes.

If your lecturer is present during your exam you are allowed to ask them questions.

The exam support team supports students in distress outside the main examination centres (they wear a blue “Exam Support” T-shirt). If you feel stressed, need to talk to someone, arrive at the wrong venue, forget your pen, calculator or just feel ill, then one of the Exam Support Team is there to help you.

The role of the team is to offer practical support to students, liaise with the invigilators on your behalf and refer students to other support services as appropriate.

Do not take any exam scripts out of the exam hall, only items that you brought in with you.

Ensure that all details are completed on the front of the answer booklet before returning it to the invigilator.

After the Exams S o m e t i m e s d u e to u n fo re s e e n circumstance you cannot attend your exam that day with very short notice. Contact the exam office immediately and explain the situation providing any proof as to why you were unable to attend without notice.

If unfortunately you don’t do as well as you had hoped make an appointment with your lecturer to review your paper.

Most lecturers will provide a specific consultation day in which they do this on blackboard. If a mistake has arisen in the marking of the paper, your lecturer will submit a post board change to rectify this mistake.

If you wish to appeal your exam result which can be awarded under extenuating circumstances, the form is located at www. nuigalway.ie/exams/appeals and the appeal costs ¤60 which will be returned if the appeal is successful.

Useful Numbers Students Union Education Officer: 0863853658 Students Union Welfare Officer: 0863853859 Counsellors: 091495055 Chaplaincy: 0876644299

GOATing

(Going Out And Talking)

Laura Hunt, 2nd Year Arts and Claire Mc Dermott, 2nd Year Arts

Erin Carty, 1st Year Arts What do you know about the Students’ Union?

The Students’ Union runs the SU shop.

What would you like to see the Students’ Union do this year?

Run an anti-homophobic bullying campaign and stand up for equality.

What do you know about the Students’ Union?

The Students’ Union is there for anyone with queries, they are a bridge to contact the university and they run Smokey’s.

What would you like to see the Students’ Union do this year?

Liaise with nightclubs for a “cool down” room at the end of the night instead of throwing people who may not know Galway out on the street.

What do you think about charges in the student health unit?

I don’t have the money and aren’t students already paying?

What do you think about charges in the student health unit?

It’s not fair, we pay for it already and it’s annoying having to pay for a simple prescription visit.

Liam Barber, 2nd Year Marine Science

Gemma Gately, 2nd Year Irish

What do you know about the Students’ Union?

They give out free stuff like every two weeks.

What do you know about the Students’ Union?

You are a bundle of information for people with any problems or queries.

What would you like to see the Students’ Union do this year?

Go against the smoke-free campus.

What do you think about charges in the student health unit?

It’s not on. It should be free. It’s really expensive for contraception and girls need the contraceptive pill.

Séan Rooney, 2nd Year Science What do you know about the Students’ Union?

The Students’ Union runs the SU shop and you are there to help students with problems and represent us.

What would you like to see the Students’ Union do this year?

More bins around college and maybe a book rental scheme similar to the rental scheme in secondary schools.

What do you think about charges in the student health unit?

We are paying already and invoking charges will stop me from going.

Besides we had a deal with the college to prevent this from happening.

What would you like to see the Students’ Union do this year?

Even more stuff for the Irish language.

What do you think about charges in the student health unit?

People will stop using it and it won’t solve the money issue.

Connor Edwards, 1st Year Science and Eileen Wall, 1st Year Arts What do you know about the Students’ Union?

The office is upstairs in Áras na Mac Léinn and that you are the go-to people with problems.

What would you like to see the Students’ Union do this year?

A drop in centre; some students have a break between lectures and their house is a good bit away.

What do you think about charges in the student health unit?

It would stop us from going until it was really serious i.e. physically required treatment as we don’t have the money.

Lifestyle 25

November 25 2013

“If the shoe fits, wear it.”

Ivan Fahy, a model in more ways than one

By Fionnuala O’Leary Meeting Galway-native Ivan Fahy, a final year student of Psychology, Sociology and Political Science in NUI Galway, and this month’s cover model for GCN (Gay Community News) was certainly an enlightening experience.

The interview itself was conducted in mundane ole’ Smokey’s, and yet talking to someone like Ivan, who has challenged existing gender-boundaries and heteronormativity with his androgynous modelling work, was always going to be interesting.

He is, after all, Ireland’s Next Top Model in this particular field, being the first person from Galway and the first NUIG student to feature on the cover of GCN. A definition of ‘androgyny’ was candidly, and eloquently, provided by the Britney Spears-enthusiast (“…spell her full name, please!”) a few minutes into our ­conversation.

“It’s ‘PIP’”, he asserts, when I asked for a clarification of the term.

PIP? “P.I.P: Perception, like how someone would see my body, how I portray gender in my mannerisms,” he explains.

“Identity – androgyny is actually a gender identity – it is neither male, nor female. I identify as male, for example, and I am male.

“Physicality is my body: small waist, long legs, cheekbones… if I had a different body I wouldn’t be able to do that. I’m embracing it.”

And indeed he is. Ivan coined this definition (PIP) himself, but also provided me with an official explanation of androgyny: the possession of both male and female characteristics in a person.

Although being technically cisgender (that is, to be satisfied in his being male, how he was born) he likes to play around with gender concepts: “to explore gender [is to be] genderfree, gender-fluid, gender-queer.”

The interview was focussed around his stunning cover for GCN. It is a beautiful shot, and one that ties in with his androgynous hypothesis: the inherently masculine hairstyle is juxtaposed nicely with a rouge lip; the turquoise scarf he dons in the image, also adds a distinct splash of colour against the pretty-pale of his upper body.

“There’s actually a nice story behind that scarf,” he says, smiling. It turns out, that due to the lightness of his skin, the photographer said Ivan was disappearing into the background. All was not lost, however, when makeup artist, Suzanne Dolan, suggested her own scarf, which worked wonders for the overall effect.

“It broke up the whiteness,” says Ivan.

He has certainly come along way. After “building up the energy” over the course of his Leaving Cert, Ivan signed with an agency in Dublin in 2011, wherein he did some work that conformed to gender norms, until he left later that year.

Indeed, it was only in January 2013 that he took the steps to break out of the typified gender-modes for good, in buying his first pair of size-eight high heels from no less than New Look, located nearby in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre, where he was especially grateful for the “accepting environment” he was greeted with, which differs considerably from many other establishments.

The purchase spurred him on to chase his dream. By the Easter break of this year, he had done his first official shoot in The View in Aras na Mac Leinn, after contacting the relevant makeup artists and photographers to assist him with his vision.

This was followed by a second shoot in the aforementioned location, as well as a video shot in The Space, entitled “She Has Sexy Legs!”, wherein Ivan experiments with the viewer’s perception of gender. So where did GCN come into the equation?

Due to his participation in NUI Galway’s GiG Soc or ‘Gay In Galway’, Ivan had been exposed to the publication since his second year, when he joined the society and became a dedicated committee member (GCN has been ordered in for its members over the last five or six years).

In February 2013 – motivated by his fabulous new footwear – Ivan contacted the magazine and suggested that they incorporate an androgynous model, rather than just transgender individuals/drag queens.

Contrary to the common assumption, he does not dress as a woman for sexual pleasure, which is something he is quite emphatic about.

In fact, it differs greatly from transvestism; the minimalist makeup and clothing Ivan favours, being completely at odds with the flamboyant physicality of drag queens.

“I do not perform in clubs,” he tells me.

“I am a model. Androgyny is just an expression; it’s not permanent.”

This transient state is in complete contrast to other transgender individuals, who seek a more permanent change.

Nevertheless, it was not until this September, when he emailed GCN again and was asked to write 200 words, which was quickly extended to 600 words, that their interest was piqued.

Once Ivan sent on his modelling portfolio (including the picture which made the cover) they were sold; he was confirmed to be in the Youth Issue of GCN, ‘Generation Sexed’.

Three days before it was uploaded online on 25 October, GCN editor, Brian Finnegan, informed Ivan via email that he would be their next cover star. Just one week later, it was out in physical print.

Understandably, Ivan was overwhelmed with the whole experience, stating that it ‘exploded’ overnight. Texts, phone-calls, and Facebook messages flooded in and this NUI Galway student, a ‘model’ of innovation, both literally and figuratively, could safely say he had made a difference.

Luckily, Ivan is blessed with a supportive family. Moreover, he uses quite a different “c-word” to address his sexual orientation and how he dealt with it throughout the awkward “tween years we all know and loath”.

That is to say, he ‘confirmed’ rather than ‘came out’ as such; “For me the closet didn’t even exist, so there was nothing to comeout-of.”

Yet, he likens coming out for most, as a grieving process of sorts, in the sense that they have thusly lost the normative, sociallyacceptable self.

“When you accept yourself fully, no one can hurt you,” Ivan maintains. “If they profoundly hurt you, you haven’t reconciled that conflict within yourself. You’ll have this strength, this resilience in your identity and orientation that gives you that strength to not care about what other people think and say.”

Loud and proud is certainly the mantra of this forward-thinking student. With his modelling, he tackles a wider range of issues than we first expect, as well as paving the way for other LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) students to challenge societal conventions.

To say that it’s okay to be different; that it’s merely a societal misconception which assumes everyone to be straight.

What’s more, Ivan’s androgynous imagery has both political and feminist

undertones; “Why shouldn’t I want to be female? Have I won the lotto in being male?

Should I not want to change in to someone apparently inferior?”

It may well be something others want to experiment with, but are restricted by what is considered gender ‘normative’ behaviour; “High heels are just shoes – the trouser/jean did not make women lesbian so therefore a high heel won’t make a straight man gay.”

Bravo!

GCN is available in Charlie Byrne’s bookshop and G-bar in Galway.

NUI Galway students who may be questioning/struggling with their sexuality and/ or gender identity can come to GiG Soc events which are held every Wednesday.

You can check out Ivan’s Facebook page for more: http://facebook.com/­IvanFahyOfficial.

26 lifestyle

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

How to de-clutter your wardrobe Fashionable cycling

By Lisa Penski Every girl knows what it’s like to have a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear. The best way to solve that problem is to throw out some of the outfits that just won’t be worn.

De-cluttering your wardrobe can seem scary, but there are a few simple guidelines you can follow to make it as easy as possible.

What to keep

Find your essentials. Those blue skinny jeans from Topshop, your black blazer, a nice skirt, that cute pair of shorts that work in summer or winter and your basic tops – especially the light coloured ones in cream, beige and white.

The tops in particular, whether in fashion or not, work well in combination with all sorts of outfits. Wear a white tank top with a pair of blue or black skinny jeans, a pair of heels and a blazer or a dark leather jacket and you got your hot autumn outfit for shopping in town.

The same jeans and top with boots instead of heels and a cardigan or a hoodie instead of a blazer and you have your comfortable study week outfit.

What to throw out

The first clothes to throw out should be the ones with holes or stains on them. Don’t get me wrong – I love Penneys as much as

everyone else, but some of their clothes are just not made for the long haul.

We all have the tops, hoodies or jeans that are still loved but not worn because of holes, stains or loose threads. There is not much point altering or fixing poor quality clothes so just throw them out.

Any piece of clothing you’re unsure about or have a really hard time deciding whether to keep it – leave it in a box and see if you wear it within the next 6 months. If not, throw it out.

What to alter

There are those clothes of sentimental value that we want to keep against better knowledge. Sometimes having them altered solves this problem.

That dress that was in fashion 5 years ago for example; maybe change the length or the cut or add a zip or a few buttons. Dressmakers in town will often do small alterations for little money.

Or the jeans with the broken zip, your black wobbly heels, that blazer with the hole in it – anything along those lines might be worth altering.

If you keep your essentials, throw out anything you don’t need or wear – except shoes of course, there is no such thing as too many shoes!

You can de-clutter your wardrobe in an afternoon and have more room for seasonal buys!

Cherries on Top: Why cherries are good for you

By Jessica Thompson Recently, I have developed an addiction to cherries. I just can’t get enough of those delicious fruits. I would eat box after box if I could. My favourite way to eat them is with low fat natural yogurt and strawberries, with a scoop of unflavoured protein powder and a handful of handmade granola.

Because I’ve been eating them in large amounts, I decided to research the benefits cherries can have on my health. I was pleasantly surprised by what I discovered...

High in anti-oxidants: Cherries are high in anthocyanins, which are anti-oxidants commonly found in brightly-coloured fruits.

These anti-oxidants lower the risk of heart disease and cancer while also promoting healthy skin and brain cells. They may also prevent dementia and memory-loss.

Anti-inflammatory: Cherries inhibit enzymes in the body that cause muscle pain and therefore prevent inflammation. Studies show that they can act as a painkiller and have almost the same effectiveness as ibuprofen, which is very valuable to athletes who may suffer from post-exercise muscle pain. It is also good for those suffering from gout and arthritis.

Healthy Sleep: I’ve been sleeping like a log lately, and I was happy to discover that my love of cherries is the reason for this. Sour cherries contain the anti-oxidant melatonin which occurs naturally in the body to promote and regulate our sleep-patterns. No wonder I’ve been getting my eight hours so easily!

Lower Cholesterol: Cherries limit the uptake of fat into the body, controlling

cholesterol levels of the blood. This makes them great for weight-loss and also promotes a healthy heart. They lower the levels of inflammation indicators in the blood, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

High in vitamins: Cherries are very high in vitamins A (great for healthy eyes), C (for a healthy immune system) and E (for beautiful skin) and also contain iron, magnesium and potassium. They are also an excellent source of fibre, which means they are great for digestion.

What an excellent snack to get addicted to!

By Hazel Elliffe Cycling is a great way to get around; it’s not as slow as walking or as expensive as driving.

It’s good for the environment and great for keeping fit.

I was lucky enough to teach English in South Korea and the first purchase I made when I arrived was a bike. It had a lovely big basket on the front and I used to love riding around on it.

Alas on my return to Ireland I had to part with my beloved bike and it found a new home with a new teacher.

I live about eight miles outside the city in Ireland and our infrastructure is not conducive to cycling. You are taking your life into your own hands as there are no cycling lanes and that coupled with our wet climate does not make for happy cycling.

The Spin bikes on Campus are a great feature and it would be great to see this extended. The current annual charge is €10 and the first thirty minutes is free.

It would be great if this time was increased, giving students the opportunity to cycle into town or out to the prom in Salthill.

On my drive into college in the mornings I have spotted quite a few cyclists, but they are the hi-vis, lycra clad cyclists who have all the correct gear.

It’s mostly men I spot; perhaps they don’t have the same worry women would have if their make-up would be dripping down their face or their heels would get caught on the pedals.

While cycling around town and campus it is possible to look stylish. There is no particular dress code to adhere to.

A good look is dressy casual; you want to feel comfortable when cycling while at the same time looking stylish. You don’t worry about the bag; there is a basket for that.

A warm hat is a good idea to keep the cold from your ears and I would suggest avoiding wearing a long coat. Heels would not be recommended but if you really need to wear them it’s not impossible.

I would love to see more cycling lanes (not just in the city areas) and see more people on their bikes. There is something so colourful about visiting a European city and watching the locals whizzing around on their bikes.

Who knows, if Ireland decide to make cycling a safe and affordable priority I may get to live out my fantasy and look as good as the fashionable ladies seen on bicycles on Pinterest!

Wrap up warm in the must have coats for winter

By Hazel Elliffe There is no excuse for being cold this winter as the array of stylish coats on offer in our high street stores is outstanding. You do not need to spend a fortune to be fashionable and warm; you can get a lovely warm stylish coat for under €50.

Driving through the city last week, I was surprised to see every girl that passed wearing the same style of coat. The coat in question is the ever-so-popular parka-style coat with fur trimmed hood.

Now I am not one to judge because I myself picked up one of these coats in last year’s sales – it is the warmest coat I have ever worn and the fur trim hood is essential for our weather.

However if you want to get away from that look and opt for a different style, check out my essential guide below for the coats to look out for in your nearest store.

1. Down coats are still big this season. They are so warm but be careful when choosing a style because some can be very bulky.

2. Puffer coats are similar to above but without the down feather filling. They come in short and mid-length, belted and nonbelted in every conceivable colour.

3. Duffel coats never go out of fashion but you have to be careful to wear the right accessories with it or it can end up looking like a coat you wore to school. Taylor Swift is a big fan of this look and always carries it off with aplomb.

4. Trench coats are not just an autumn staple. They come in many style variations with some lined to provide more warmth in the winter.

5. Three-quarter length zip coats are really in vogue this winter. I have seen them in many variations – more expensive wool ones but also reasonably priced duffel ones. One of the supermarket chains has a lovely plum one priced at €50. They have also been spotted in blue and pink pastel colours which makes a nice change to the conventional dark colours.

6. Finally Pea coats are still popular – these double breasted duffel coats that lie below the hip are very practical and easy to pull off teamed with jeans, flats and a nice scarf.

So don’t let the winter weather be an obstacle to dressing in style; grab your coat and take on the cold.

Lifestyle 27

November 25 2013

Steal My Style comes to Galway

By Ciara Treacy Do you happen to be reading this issue of Sin with tired eyes, a flask of coffee and the sinking feeling that you have to return to studying for exams shortly?

If so, why not take a break on Wednesday 27 November and pop down to the Stock Exchange on Shop Street and add a bit of glamour to the dull period which has fallen upon us?

From 5pm-8pm Irish fashion bloggers Erika Fox and Nessa Cotter will be hosting their next

Steal My Style event and we are at the edge of our library seats to see what will be on offer!

Steal My Style, The Rail Sale and Fashion Event, is described as “a style-lover's paradise where you can buy and sell pre-loved and new items”.

Set up by Erika (www.retro-flame.com) and Nessa (www.lifeslusthaves.com), the three events which have taken place to date have been a huge success.

“We decided to start Steal My Style as we felt there was a huge gap in the market for a

fun event where people can come along to either sell their pre-loved clothes or else shop for some little treasures,” said Erika, an NUI Galway graduate and previous contributor to the fashion section of Sin. “Nowadays, it doesn't have to cost hundreds of euro to look well, so Steal My Style gives people the chance to dress for less!”

The pictures from previous events are enough to make us drool but we no longer have to gaze enviously at the fabulous clothes and accessories online, as the girls excitedly

bring Steal My Style on its first trip to Galway.

“Nessa is from Cork, so we decided to test out our idea there first. We've had such a great response and now we're so excited to bring our event further afield to Galway.

As it is such a student-orientated city, we are delighted to hold one here,” said Erika.

This is an occasion not to be missed so be sure to pop down and delight in all the gems on sale. Entry is €3 and anyone interested in booking a selling space can email the hosts at stealmystyleevent@gmail.com.

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28 Arts & entertainment Review: Captain Phillips

By Ken Glennon Paul Greengrass knows how to make this kind of film. After supplying the two best Jason Bourne movies Greengrass has, in a short career established himself as master of intense action thrillers often working with some socio-political subtext (he directed United 93 and Bloody Sunday).

His latest effort tackles a real life 2009 story surrounding an American merchant vessel and a band of Somali pirates who commandeered it.

Tom Hanks plays Captain Richard Phillips while Barkhad Abdi plays his Somalia opposite number. The film begins with both men reluctantly leaving their respective families (Catherine Keener briefly figures as Andrea Phillips) to earn a living.

One just happens to involve oceanic hijacking. Setting his stall out early on, Greengrass crafts two desperately tense sequences involving the Somali skiffs trying to secure a ladder and board the America vessel.

Watching the liner-sized shipping vessel attempt to capsize the faster but vulnerable speed boat we're offered a tremendously gripping cat and dog chase before Hanks and Abdi finally come face to face.

From that first meeting it is Phillips covering for his crew who exploit their knowledge of the massive ship, evading the small Somali band with suitably nervy results.

Everything constricts as Greengrass hones in on what becomes a very twohanded dynamic between the two captains

as well as the combustible nature of one of the pirates who could snap and shoot everyone at a moment’s notice (he's played ferociously by Barkhad Abdirahman, like Abdi making his feature debut).

Despite the location constraints at hand the scope of Captain Phillips never feels hemmed in. Though ostensibly taking place on a life boat and the larger American ship, Greengrass exploits the dangerous isolation of men sailing in a vast and pirate-occupied territory (turn away and sail sixty miles in another direction you're just as likely to run afoul of another group).

They're alone, unarmed, extremely isolated and visibly shaken after the first skiff attack. As the situation escalates and the Navy Seals are brought in, Greengrass and editor Christopher Rouse (who won an Oscar for his acclaimed work with this director on The Bourne Ultimatum) offer a master class in building tension, cutting between Hanks, the pirates and the encroaching Seals.

Here the number of ways Captain Richard Phillips can die along with his captors reaches a point that feels closer to inevitability than possibility.

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

Tom Hanks is superlative here. He's long had the every-man appeal attached but here I felt no trace of the billion dollar movie star.

There's a naturalism in his justifiably zealous boss routine at the film’s beginning (very well observed by Greengrass and Hanks) that runs right through to his desperate state later on where his chances of survival become increasingly fraught.

It's a great performance as a man who is deeply resourceful and doing the very best he can in an impossibly difficult scenario.

While the truth behind, or rather the extent of Phillips’ heroism has been questioned by members of his own crew (though the group’s own heroism seemed substantial in Greengrass’ depiction) it doesn't diminish the films ruthless effectiveness at creating and maintaining a level of tension that should send most heartbeats into a state of frenzy.

This is an excellent seafaring actioner with brains; tremendous acting from the two leads all in the hands of a director and editor who showcase how to wring every drop from what may otherwise have been a limited story.

In their hands it's a thrilling experience.

Review: Don Jon

By Jane Kearns

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Ever since 500 Days of Summer Joseph Gordon Levitt has been one of the most highly sought after leading men in Hollywood.

He made an effortless transition from child star to serious actor through his wise choices in roles such as Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, and this year saw Levitt make one of his boldest career moves yet when he decided to write, direct and star in his own movie Don Jon. Despite being a bit unsteady and rushed at times, Don Jon is a wonderful effort for a first time director, and overall the pros of the film greatly outweigh the cons.

The plot is simple; Jon (Levitt) is a young image-obsessed New Jersey bartender who has a serious addiction to internet pornography; naturally this affects all aspects of Jon’s life, especially his perception of real women and sex.

Jon’s porn addiction is the backdrop to the main plot which focuses on his new relationship with Barbra (Scarlett Johansson) and the unusual connection he makes with a quirky older woman named Esther (Julianne Moore).

His relationships with his friends, family and religion also play major roles in the film, helping to round out Jon’s character and avoid making him the one dimensional Jersey Shore ‘guido’ he could so easily have been.

The casting of Don Jon is flawless; Levitt does a fantastic job in the leading role, managing to make his modern day Don Juan incredibly arrogant yet vulnerable and sympathetic at the same time.

Moore is cast as the damaged and confused middle-aged woman that she’s been known for ever since she played the depressed housewife in The Hours, and despite being somewhat typecast in the role she still manages to make the character her own.

Jon’s family played by Brie Larson, Glenne Headly and Tony Danza all have an amazing amount of onscreen chemistry with Levitt, particularly Danza who plays Jon’s brazen father.

However the surprise star of the movie is Scarlett Johansson who plays Jon’s beautiful yet demanding new girlfriend Barbra; she is everything Jon wants in a woman but still not enough to curb his porn addiction.

This leads to some incredible scenes between the two which includes a hilariously embarrassing scene outside Barbra’s apartment which leaves Jon more confused and frustrated that ever.

Despite being excellently cast, Don Jon would be nothing without its script which is very original with its fusion of subtle comedy and exceptionally real drama; the highlight of which is Jon’s narration throughout which lets the viewer in on his most intimate thoughts, especially when it comes to porn.

Apart from the script, the editing and soundtrack set the pace for the film; music sets the mood of each scene and choppy editing and close up camera angles interweaved with clips from pornographic videos highlight the extremes in Jon’s private and public life.

However one major issue with the film is how rushed the ending is; a more developed finish would have made Don Jon truly magnificent, but for as far as first time directing attempts go this is a fantastic debut for Joseph Gordon Levitt.

November 25 2013

Arts & entertainment 29

Alternative Music Galway: Harrison & The Devil: Cat Matters an interview with Cian Lally-Croke

By Shannon McNamee

By Lisa Penski The alternative music scene in Galway has increased hugely in the past year. This is an interview with one of Galway’s own, Cian Lally-Croke, who has DJed the Bentley, the Roisin Dubh and is currently DJing in Electric and the Factory.

Cian, you are well known in Galway at this stage but what exactly would you call the style of music in your DJ sets?

Changing really, I learned from Byrno [Jonathan Byrne]; back in the day we used to play a lot of Boys noisz and Justice, electronic rock mainly but changed it up later with the likes of Jack Beats and Jesse Rose.

This was back when we were playing the Roisin Dubh. A change of genre happened about two to three years ago when we started playing more dancy tunes. And in the last year and a half I’ve been playing disco and house.

What venues were booking you with the new disco and house sets?

I got my foot in the door when they were changing around the smoking area in CPs. They were looking for the right DJs to bring down the vibe from the main floor while keeping the same buzz.

I was playing a lot of New Disco, LIFELIKE and Fat Frog – they were an easy way to get into house music and tech-house.

How long have you been DJing and in your career what did you find particularly difficult?

Five years now! And difficult, well when you play a set it’s like having a conversation with someone. You can’t just play the music you like, you have to feel the mood of the crowd and play a song for them, then one you’d like them to like and so on!

Any true music fan is all too familiar with the never-ending disappointments that are the music charts every week.

The constant pit of despair that rages in my heart at the sight of some idiotic teenybopper making it to number one by singing about how sexy they feel in “da club” tonight and flouncing around in a short skirt, cannot be quelled even by the twanging guitar of a Black Keys intro, or the soulful croonings of Nina Simone.

We as their loyal fans must go to the most obscure ends of the YouTube/Blogosphere to uncover their music.

We must hope and pray that they will one day come to this tiny cornucopia of culture that is our small island, and when they do, we must grapple with every other die-hard music devotee in the country for a ticket to the gig, which will inevitably be held in the cosy, yet decidedly restricted Olympia Theatre.

There, we will have one of the most ineffable and awe-inspiring nights of our lives, only to hear the latest abysmal chart-topper

being blared on every radio station on the drive home.

Although to many of us it is exceedingly irritating to see such talent go undiscovered while idiots singing complete and utter drivel are played at least three times on the radio on your way to a nine o’clock lecture, perhaps it is a good thing that these artists aren’t in the limelight of the industry. This way we know that they’re truly in it for their love of music.

Besides, I think we can all agree that being in the limelight is a little too sour nowadays.

Two NUI Galway MA students and two alumni have come together in the form of fourpiece rock band, Harrison & The Devil. They're all from Galway and got together last July and have since produced their debut EP Cat Matters.

They play “bass & drum driven sweethearted murder ballads about, more often than not, animals” according to their Bandcamp page.

Who are your favourite artists?

Brodinski, he’s a French artist, only 26 but on the scene for 8 or 9 years! He got to produce for Kanye West too.

What’s your opinion on the alternative music scene in Galway?

There’s been a boom in the alternative music scene since this summer, everyone’s listening to House music, Duke Dumont has been in the charts all summer (Need U (100%)). He plays a very inoffensive type of house though!

And lastly, what are your upcoming gigs in the next couple of weeks?

I just did the Superclub there on Thursday October 31st, supporting Mumbai Science on the mainfloor!

I’ll be playing the Factory a few nights in the next weeks, dates aren’t set yet but keep an eye on my facebook page for anyone who wants to get a taste of my music!

Radio Nowhere

By Danni Lynch

The EP was recorded in a shocking two days in Galway's Hob Junker Studios and was produced

by Steven Quinn, who has worked with several other Irish acts including Dott and Tieranniesaur.

The band are signed with brand new record label Citóg, which originally started as a regular Wednesday night gig, downstairs in the Cellar, but is now branching into a record label, with Cat Matters being their first release.

The EP is smooth, energetic, mellow and fulfills that need for loud, distorted guitar noises.

Consisting of five full-bodied tracks, it opens with 'The Badger and The Bird'.

A laid back, relentless electric guitar riff is heard in the opening few seconds and reoccurs

throughout – a common trait in the entire EP. It has an obvious grunge feel to it that is complimented with ringing, throaty vocals.

The EP smoothly moves on to a somewhat Blur-like, distorted guitar and bass-filled song.

Choppy acoustic chords are played repetitively under a persistent electric guitar riff that is reminiscent of 'Coffee and TV'.

Their track 'Psychopomp' is a personal favourite, and possibly the strongest of the lot.

It begins with humming vocals and a tenacious drum beat.

When the guitar and bass come in, heavy and distorted in all their glory, it becomes an absolute head-bobbing, cracker of a tune. With a slow, steady rhythm, it leaves the listener wanting more, as even when the music finishes and it's just that drum beat left, you're left humming the tune and moving to the beat.

It then picks up with an energetic, loud guitar solo that erupts until it fades out with just the drums.

The last song on the EP (which is a live recording), 'Up Above the World' is the perfect conclusion to a tasty EP. It opens with just vocals and bright, jangly acoustic guitar. The electric guitar later joins in, playing a repetitive motif in the background that gradually builds up momentum, and then winds down again, to finish the EP off.

Go out and support local music now by buying it for €5 online at harrisonandthedevil. bandcamp.com, or in Zhivago on Shop street, Charlie Byrne's Bookshop or The Bell, Book and Candle. They play regularly around Galway and are playing in the Roisin Dubh on 5 December.

Keep up to date with them on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harrisonandthedevil

What is happening to the music industry today? At what point did we, as intelligent human beings, decide that music is no longer a form of expression, but a method of making copious amounts of money through a series of publicity stunts, and the objectification of young men and women with low self-esteem and a whole lotta’ Daddy issues? It is a sad sight to say the least!

But the saddest part is that the millions of talented musicians out there with a genuine understanding and appreciation for the art that is music are struggling to survive.

NUI GALWAY Exercise your body as well as your mind

* Terms & Conditions Apply

091 570 800 www.kingfisherclub.com

30 Arts & entertainment Guest Writer: president Michael D. Higgins

by Karen McDonnell From time to time we hope to bring a guest writer to Sin’s theatre and literature pages. Acting on the basis that those who ask receive, we wrote to the President of Ireland (or Michael D as he is known as in this parish) requesting a poem for our Christmas issue.

Imagine Sin’s shock when we received a phone call from the Áras. We were told that unfortunately the President was too busy to provide a new poem but we might choose anything from his published work.

And President Higgins sent his best wishes to everyone at Sin, and to all the students.

On 25 January 2012, when he was conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the National University of Ireland, President Higgins made a speech titled The Role of a University at a Time of Intellectual Crisis. Two passages are worth noting: “A paradigm drawn from the fiction of rational markets, I humbly suggest, needs not only to be let go. It needs to be replaced by a scholarship that is genuinely emancipatory, centred on originality rather than imitation, one that, for example, restores the unity between the sciences and culture in their common human curiosity, discovery and celebration of the life of the mind.”

“Dear colleagues, it is in the winter we can see the bare trunk of trees, the encroachment of that which threatens the growth of our spring. We need to use a sharp gaze in our intellectual winter to prepare for our spring – a spring that I remain certain is possible for us and for those with whom we share a vulnerable world.”

This being a winter issue and our greatest readership being drawn from the student population of the college, the Michael D Higgins poem that has been chosen is ‘Take Care’ from The Season of Fire (Brandon, 1993).

Take Care In the journey to the light, the dark moments should not threaten.

Belief requires that you hold steady.

Bend if you will, with the wind.

The tree is your teacher, roots at once more firm from experience in the soil made fragile.

Your gentle dew will come and a stirring of power to go on towards the space of sharing.

In the misery of the I, in rage it is easy to cry out against all others but to weaken is to die in the misery of knowing the journey abandoned towards the sharing of all human hope and cries is the less of all we know of the divine reclaimed for our shared humanity.

Hold firm.

Take care.

Come home together.

Hot Press announce Jagermeister Freezer Sessions

By Lisa Penski Some of Ireland’s best young bands and artists will be performing in supreme live venues, including our own Monroe’s Live in Galway on 29 November.

Five cities across the Republic counting Galway, Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Waterford will host the events in late November and early December.

The Galway line-up with O Emperor, The Hot Sprockets, Raglans and Preachers Son has everything to offer from indie, rock, blues and alternative down to rock gospel.

The Waterford quintet O Emperor, who have toured with the Villagers and Mumford and Sons, are sure to amaze any crowd with tunes from their Choice-Prize nominated debut album Hither Thither or their new album Vitreous, which was released in June.

For anyone who enjoys soul and blues, The Hot Sprockets manage to combine the best from rock and blues, as shown in

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

their latest hit ‘Soul Brother’ of their debut album Honey Skippin.

Raglans, a Dublin quartet and first ever signing for Whelan’s record label, perform their tunes with a passion that leaves their audience out of breath and shouting for more.

Formed only three years ago, in a festival tent in 2010, they’ve already launched a UK single, ‘Digging Holes’ and played festival sessions over the summer.

Lastly, Preacher’s Son (brainchild of Dubliner Brian Hogan) touch the very soul of everyone who appreciates music with their rhythmic rock and melodic tunes.

Currently working on their second album, 10 Stories Tall in Los Angeles, they have performed nationally and internationally in the UK, Italy, Canada and the US. Some of their live gigs include slots at Electric Picnic and the Volvo Ocean Race.

For anyone looking for great entertainment this November, visit the Hot Press website now to win your free tickets or read up more on your favourite artists.

DTheatre directing workshop in Galway

NUI Galway graduate launches second book

By Karen McDonnell

25-year-old Fiona O’Malley from Tullamore will be launching her second ebook, a 60-page novella Goodbye Mrs. Robinson on 15 December.

Half of the money raised from the ebook sales will go to one of Fiona's favourite charities, GOAL. GOAL is an international humanitarian agency dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the poorest of the poor.

The book will be available on Amazon, Apple iBooks and all major ebook distributors ten days before Christmas.

Goodbye Mrs. Robinson is an Irish, very black comedy about a brother and sister who find themselves in a very complex plot to claim money from their foster mother’s insurance.

Set in Galway, this novella is about two orphaned children, Aoife and Conor, trying to break free from their contrary foster mother, Helen Robinson.

If you liked In Bruges and The Guard you'll enjoy this latest book from Fiona O'Malley, the writer of What Would Kate Do? The Diary of a Walking Disaster and The Daily Fail: the Musical.

Fiona is almost finished the second in the trilogy of the What Would Kate Do books, which will be called What Would Kate Do 2? The Diary of a Human Train Wreck and is also writing a new musical, both of which will be launched next summer.

'Like' the book on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoodbyeMrsRobinson and Fiona’s page to stay up to date with all the gossip - https://www. facebook.com/fionaomalleywriter

Max Hafler, who lecturers in Theatre at NUI Galway, will teach a weekend Directing workshop – ‘The Role of the Director’ – on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December.

Classes will take place from 10am to 5pm at the Blue Teapot Theatre space in Silkes on Munster Avenue.

A professional actor, Max Hafler has also directed a range of work from Shakespeare to modern plays.

He has worked in the area of devised theatre with fellow actors and other groups, and with student and youth theatre.

The course is for anyone “who has directed or is interested in moving into this area of creative work. There will be time to discuss and explore the practicalities of directing, and consider the crucial beginnings of the rehearsal process,” Mr Hafler said.

The role of the director will be explored through practical exercises and discussion, considering themes such as “developing an aesthetic” and “the needs of the play”.

The course fee is €75 (NUI students, €60).

Further details and booking may be made by emailing coretheatrecollege@gmail.com or accessing www.coretheatrecollege.com.

November 25 2013

Arts & entertainment 31

Review: Hozier’s Take me to Church

By Kristina Reynolds Over the last decade or so, small-time Irish musicians have been popping out of nowhere and building a folklike reputation for Irish music.

We’ve had Damien Rice and his heart-breaking split with the lovely Lisa Hannigan, Glen Hansard with his award winning movie Once and the famous ‘Falling Slowly’.

There’s Cork’s very own Mick Flannery with his beautiful piece ‘Boston’, and Kodaline, who have won the hearts of many in the last year with their latest album In a Perfect World.

But there’s a new guy on the scene that some of you may or may not already know – Hozier, Wicklow’s very own musical treasure.

Born in Co. Wicklow as Andrew Hozier Byrne, Hozier has been working his way up the musical ladder of success for years.

He joined his first band when he was 15 years old, taught himself how to play the guitar and piano and

found a style that suited his voice and soul.

He studied music in Trinity College, Dublin where he was involved with the University Orchestra, subtly manipulating their style from classical to classic rock.

However, with his heart set on writing and recording his own music, Hozier dropped out of University to continue this mission full time.

His first EP, Take me to Church, displays his unique style of what you may call “twenty-first century blues”, a genre that he has been adamant on finding for himself while everyone else wan­ ted him to steer in another ­direction.

He has worked with many different labels over the last few years, some of which he found to be more pop-orientated than he was comfortable with, before he set himself up at home and began to record his own music in his own way in order to find this musical identity.

His EP consists of four songs, ‘Take me to Church’,

‘Angel of Small Death’, ‘Cherry Wine’ and ‘Like Real People Do’.

The leading track, however, ‘Take me to Church’ has gained him more attention in the last few months than anyone could have anticipated.

The song is heavy; a dark style with dark lyrics, ‘I’ll tell you my sins and you can

However, Hozier has said that not all of his songs are quite so bleak.

Now working with the record label, ‘Rubyworks’, Hozier has gained himself a lot of fans. Although his Dublin shows for the concert venue Pepper Canister in December are sold out, fear not Ireland, as there is

sharpen your knife’, and has a heavy video to go with it.

Portraying gay repression in Russia by following two gay lovers who are subjected to violence for their lifestyle, ‘Take me to Church’ has gained over 240,000 views since being uploaded in September.

still hope to see him live in both Cork and Galway.

He’ll be playing on Saturday 21 December at 8pm in The Pavillion, Cork and Sunday 22 December in the Róisín Dubh, Galway.

Well worth a listen, lads.

You’ll be raging if you miss out!

James Arthur records track telling rapper to kill himself

By Mark Roche X-Factor winner James Arthur was recently dragged into a Twitter feud between Mickey Worthless, battle rapper from English league, Don’t Flop. The official blog for the league stated that, “What started out as seemingly aimless banter on Twitter, Micky Worthless and X-Factor winner slash friend of SIMON COWELL, James Arthur, were soon locked into a steady exchange.

“Retweets were flying and a lot of ‘you’re not a rapper’ personals were said, fangirls got upset and Micky hit 12K followers.

“The argument itself dragged on for a while and I had to zone out because I had a lot of stuff (nothing) to do.

“But a whole 24 hours later, after another RT-allover-the-show Tweet-duel, Micky drops a track and it gets WAY more interesting.”

Many have stated their opinions that more was expected of Arthur; not only as a musician in the public eye but as a role model to many young fans.

While the aggressive form of battle rap would expect such slurs from veterans of the league and their opponents, it seems to have caused a stir online, hearing such language from a star who attributes his fame to a publicly decided talent competition singing ballads and self-penned, singer-songwriter pop material.

Phrases from in the rap include; “You’re a terrible rapper, you should shoot yourself” And the equally appalling; “You f*cking queer. Hilarious, precarious you Talibani confused, imbecilic mimic of a gimmick”.

For such a public figure and role model to children and young adults who bask in the media furor of James Arthur’s success, it seems like a complete misdeed to perpetuate such hatred, violence and racial abuse.

Review: Arcade Fire’s Reflektor

By Tom Murray One of the greatest gifts that I have ever received was a vinyl of Arcade Fire’s Grammy Award winning album The Suburbs.

Having only ever heard the titular single ‘The ­Suburbs’,

I decided to listen to the album in full. One week later Arcade Fire became my favourite band.

So naturally I freaked out in early September of this year when our Canadian houseguest revealed to me, nonchalantly, that he once shared an apartment with members of the band and attended college with frontwoman Régine Chassange.

Like a heroin junkie, I waited impatiently for my next fix of that sweet Indierock sound to which I had become addicted.

Soon enough, after a marketing campaign involving mysterious graffiti on paths and buildings across the globe,

the band released the first single from their new album, Reflektor, at 9pm on 9/9.

Undoubtedly, the lengthy seven-minute track ‘Reflektor’ was the best choice for the album’s first single.

Containing elements of the old Arcade Fire that we know and love (as well as a surprise cameo from the legendary David Bowie), ‘Reflektor’ also brazenly displays the new

Haitian and disco influences that would come to characterise the album.

In an interview with NME magazine in September, band member Richard Reed Perry claimed that their new sound is “more danceable than ever”.

Indeed, this is true for the first half of the 75 minute double-album, where the Haitian influence comes into full-swing.

The band can barely keep their composure during the six-and-a-half minute epic, ‘Here Comes The Night Time’, as the thoughts of the impending night and the frivolities it brings bursts forth in a hysterical cacophony of Haitian drums.

Similarly, you can’t help but sing along with frontman Win Butler during the almost anthemic ‘Joan of Arc’.

With a foot-tapping beat reminiscent of Kasabian’s hit single ‘Fire’, ‘Joan of Arc’ will definitely be a crowd pleaser to many festivalgoers next summer.

It is only when we get into the second half of Reflektor that we realise how much it

pales in comparison to its near-perfect predecessor, The Suburbs.

The reprised track ‘Here Comes the Night Time II’ acts as a mournful buffer between the two parts of the doublealbum.

However, the tempo rises during the two mythologically-inspired songs ‘Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice)’ and ‘It’s Never Over (Oh Orpheus)’, the latter being the strongest track in part two of Reflektor.

The sluggish track ‘Porno’, on the other hand, drags the pace of the album to an almost jarring halt, yet fits into the album perfectly, both thematically and lyrically.

Having cemented their place in indie-rock history with their masterpiece, The Suburbs, Arcade Fire have produced another fine album which not only extends beyond the limits of their iconic sound, but exhibits a new genre that no one could have imagined: Haitiandisco-Indie-rock.

Who saw that coming?

James Arthur, the winner of this year's X Factor competition, seen outside Radio One Studios in Central London.

The track, inciting Arthur to reply is full of defamatory comments on how the X-Factor star achieved success and references lewd sexual acts with several judges in exchange for status.

While this in itself is outrageously offensive, it seems to be in keeping with what Worthless & Co. produce; battle rap being an altogether different field to that of the pop sensations.

Arthur quickly replied not only via Twitter but through his own track.

While offensive material and expletives are to be expected from anyone baited into an online battle, the content James Arthur included was equally as shocking.

Many celebrities are “trolled” or baited into arguments every day via social media although most have the sense not to comment.

There have been no statements issued officially from either camp although fans and followers of both continue to retweet and reiterate each artist’s ‘diss tracks’.

Other artists have been drawn into Twitter/Rap battles in the past, most notably the acclaimed spoken word aritist, poet and rapper Scroobius Pip who engaged in a YouTube rap two-and-fro with Don’t Flop’s, Mark Grist.

In contrast, both engaged in a rap battle amicably and did little to anger fans on either side.

This article was first published on thedailyshift.com

Thank you to all Club Captains, Committees, Club Members and off the Couch participants,

9 – 10am 1 – 2pm 6 – 8pm 6 – 8pm 6 – 8pm 8 – 10pm 8 – 10pm 8.30 – 11pm 5 – 6pm 6 – 7.30pm 6 – 8pm 6 – 8pm 7 – 9pm 7.30 – 9.30pm 9 – 10.30pm 9 – 11pm 8 – 10.30pm 8 – 10am 1 – 2pm 1 – 2pm 4 – 6pm 6 – 7pm 7 – 9pm 9 – 11pm 7 – 9pm 6 – 8pm 8 – 9pm 9.30 – 11pm 7 – 8.30am

VENUE Hall 2 Hall 3 Raquetball Court Hall 1 & 2 Hall 3 Hall 1 & 2 Hall 3 Full Pool Hall Hall 1 Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 3 Hall 1 Hall 3 Full Pool Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 3 Hall 2 Hall 1 3 halls Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 3 Full Pool 2 Lanes

University Sports Clubs Schedule – Kingfisher

Get off the couch this semester!

Check www.clubs.nuigalway.ie for updates.

ThUrsday

TIME

Mens Varsity Basketball Aikido Karate Badminton Archery Club Futsal Soccer Taekwondo & Judo Swim Club Boxing Club Fencing Club Ladies Basketball – Varsities Karate Club Aikido Club Maui Thai Cricket Club Kayak Club Volleyball Archery Volleyball Aikido Archery Mens Varsity Basketball Cricket Club Badminton Taekwondo Karate & Judo sharing Table Tennis Sub Aqua Swim Club

FrIday

CLUB

sUN saT

WEdNEsday

TUEsday

MoNday

it’s been a great semester. Looking forward to working with you next year! Good luck with your exams — Sports Unit.

CLUB

TIME

VENUE

Frizbee Muai Thai Cricket Ladies Basketball – Varsities Ladies Basketball – Recreational Table Tennis & Fencing Taekwondo & Aikido Fencing Advanced Swim & Lifesaving Club Mens Basketball – Varsity Archery Club Inline Hockey Volleyball Club Blank Judo Club & Table Tennis Swim Club – Varsities Team Taekwondo Swim Club

5 – 7pm 7 – 9pm 9. – 10.30pm 6 – 8pm 8 – 10pm 6 – 8pm 8 – 10pm 5 – 6 & 8 – 10pm 9 – 11pm 11am 10.30 – 1.30pm 7 – 9pm 6 – 10pm 6 – 7pm 7 – 9pm 9.30 – 11pm 12 – 2PM 4 – 5.30pm

Hall 1 Hall 1 Hall 1 Hall 2 Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 3 Raquetball Court Full Pool Hall 2 Hall 3 Hall 1 Hall 2 Hall 3 & 1 Hall 3 Full Pool Raquetball Court 2 Lanes

Fencing Club

2 – 4pm

Raquetball Court

Carolin Lochert, winner of the Mr. Waffles voucher as player of the night in the Monday night Futsal league. also pictured are Carolin’s team, The Visitors.

sean Lang, player of the night in his section in the Futsal league, wearing his prize, a compression top sponsored by atak sports

Sports 33

November 25 2013

White Collar Boxing

By Lisa Penski After weeks of intense training the 20 fighters that signed up for the white collar boxing got to prove themselves in the final showdown in the Bailey Allen Hall on Thursday 15 November.

Six girls and fourteen guys were brave enough to face a night of pain, defeat, victory and public exposure in what could have been one of the scariest and most painful moments of their lives.

The fighters, sponsored

by Carbon nightclub, were matched up in pairs to fight in three rounds each.

The event was organised by the Students’ Union in

association with Childline and Galway Rape Crisis Centre, supported by the NUI Dance SOC providing entertainment during the breaks.

Charlotte Donne vs Lisa Geraghty was the first match of the evening with an intense three rounds resulting in a victory for Charlotte.

Some memorable moments of the night were the fight between Ross Doyle and Paul Gannon that had the crowd gasping at each punch, Shane Reilly and Tommy Palmer with bloody noses on both sides or entry songs – chosen by each opponent – such as pumped up tunes like Firestarter by

Prodigy right down to the startlingly suiting Why can’t we be friends by War. All fighters were well prepared for the evening thanks to the intense and somewhat frightening influence of Dave King who, with the help of Tom Haddock, coached the 20 fighters twice a week over the last couple of months.

Under shouts of encouragement such as “if you’re taking it easy you’re training to lose” (Dave King), opponents had to go through a training consisting of a warm up that brought even bystanders close to tears followed by practicing the actual fighting techniques.

Claire Heneghan delivering a blow to Ellie Duffy during the White Collar Boxing night recently held in the Bailey Allen Hall in aid of Childline and the Galway Rape Crisis Centre. Picture: Daniel O'Loughlin

Winter Sports to try (weather permitting)

By Kieran Kilkelly For those of us who are active beings, winter is a time where the cold prevents us from getting out there and, well, being active. However, there are some alternate winter sports that we can try if the weather is right.

Ice-Skating: We have all done this at some stage in our lives. We’ve seen a patch of ice on the footpath or road and just gone for it.

This would be recommended for people with impeccable balance and of course you must have elegance.

Various competitions could be had from who can slide the furthest to best male and female solo skate. You could even go as far as to have a couple’s competition.

Sledding: Again, this requires the presence of ice and also a steep slope. With there being little or no available sleds in Ireland you would of course have to have a make-shift one; a sign perhaps, or maybe a wheel-less wheelbarrow if you wanted to go all out; the more elaborate the safer you will be.

Time trials and races would be the most obvious way to enforce competition. Depending on how safe and big your sled is you could make teams and have your very own first ‘Irish Bobsled Team’.

Ice-Swimming: For all of you hard-core adrenaline junkies out there this is for you. Find a body of water that is frozen (or really cold) and just jump in and swim.

While, most will say that this is madness it is a popular thing worldwide with many

countries, especially Northern European ones, having traditions surrounding this.

Be warned though; like with all adrenaline sports there are several health risks involved.

Snowball Fight: What winter sports list would be complete without a snowball fight? Technically, it’s not a sport. However, it’s too much fun as an activity to not include; cold fingers and wet clothes as a result of flaking tight-clamped snow at each other.

This would be the least dangerous and probably the easiest one to begin but the hardest one to end. It could last days or until all the snow is gone.

With the potential of these activities arising this winter we can all go and pray for snow and coldness.

NUIG Ladies Soccer vs UCC “We kept a puking list for the first week of training, to see who could get through a session without getting sick,” said Niamh Walsh a volunteer and one of last year’s fighters.

It goes almost unsaid that the training saw to putting most names on that list. But the extreme methods paid off; the fights were a spectacle that kept emotions running high and left the crowd shouting support for each fighter.

Fighters:

• Charlotte Donne • Lisa Geraghty • Darren Meehan • Cáthal Nugent • Paul Gannon • Ross oyle • Kevin King • Ian Corcoran • Saoirse Nic A’Bhaird • Jana Hoksova • Joe Joyce • Stephen McDonald • Shane Reilly • Tommy Palmer • Claire Heneghan • Ellie Duffy • Scott Keegan • Jimmy Moran • Stephen Duff • Brian Driver

By NUI Galway Ladies Soccer Daingean was the venue for NUIG Ladies most recent soccer game. NUIG were thankful to have home advantage for their third game of this season, following two long away trips to Kerry and Carlow.

After a delay due to the absence of a referee, the match finally got underway an hour later than scheduled.

Both college teams began the game with confidence, and indeed the entire game was thrilling for all supporters present.

NUIG were solid in defence with Jennifer Byrne and Leanne O’ Dowd in flying form. Unfortunately, Rosa Shine had to be taken off early on due to injury.

Nevertheless Trish Moran made her comeback and solidly filled the centre back position. With Maebh Coleman sweeping a lot of dangerous ball in front of the defence, UCC had very few chances and looked unlikely to score.

NUIG went in at half time with midfielders Julie Heybour and Kristen Cooney

still looking fresh, and with a comfortable 0-0 scoreline.

Galway were most unlucky to concede an own goal from a corner early on in the second half but stayed playing their simple and effective passing game.

Manager John Hynes also brought on reinforcements to push the team forward in search of an equalising goal.

Unfortunately the goal never came as Rachel Keyes had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision by the referee, and NUIG had numerous other shots just wide of the target, up to the dying moments of the game.

The Galway ladies will be very disappointed with this 1-0 score line, as it looked from the sidelines as though they deserved at least a draw, even though UCC are the reigning Intervarsities champions.

Nevertheless, after a mixed start to the league NUIG will take a number of positives from this game as they appear to be going from strength to strength.

Next game is again a home venue in Daingean, where we host CIT. Supporters always welcome!

Get off the couch and get active with Futsal

By Kevin Cassidy, Soccer Facilitator NUI Galway The very popular Monday night Semester one Futsal league (five-aside indoor soccer) is nearing its climax this on Monday 25 November.

Every Monday night, over 250 registered students competed in a battle for their position in the Futsal league.

The semester one competition is in its third year and is now down to the last eight teams to battle it out for the title of champions for this semester.

The league has been running since September and has been very generously sponsored by Atak Sports, who design and develop a range of top quality sporting wear and accessories.

The ATAK Sports range includes the well-known Neon, Lites and Tribe ranges of GAA gloves along with Bodytech Compression

Gear of shorts, Goalkeeper Gloves, leggings and tops, Hurling Helmets, Sports Socks and Camogie Skorts.

Their products are suitable for a range of sports including GAA , Soccer, Rugby, Golf, Cycling and running.

“We are delighted to sponsor the Futsal league in NUIG; the prize for the winning team includes our Bodytech compression wear along with a pair of the new Atak Goalkeeper Gloves for the winning team,” said Paul Fleming, Director of Atak Sports.

Atak Sports (www.atak. ie gloves are worn by many inter-counter GAA players including Dublin's Alan Brogan and Sligo Rovers Goalkeeper Gary Rogers.

The league is also sponsored very kindly by Mr Waffle, a cafe which has been approved by HSE as a superior supplier of healthy food to its customers. The

Café has free wifi, a fabulous healthy options menu, all reasonably-priced.

Situated on the corner by the main University entrance by the traffic lights, it is only a five minute walk from College grounds.

Mr Waffle has generously sponsored the league and also donated food vouchers to be given out every Monday to the player of the night.

Please support our sponsors if you can, as they are the lifeblood of leagues such as our own. We are lucky to have the support of such top quality business's and we wish to give back a little of what they do for us as a group, students and all.

Mr Waffle (www.mrwaffle. ie) has student promotions on each week.

All results and dates for the next competition next semester can be found on the "get off the couch" website www.otc.@nuigalway.ie .

34 Sports

Sin Vol. 15 Issue 6

EPL: The Gunners come down from their pulpit

By Ian Colgan The international break has been a long two weeks for Wenger and his men; even longer, perhaps, than it’s been for David Moyes and Manchester United.

The key difference is that the champions, who will be just as eager to ‘push on’ this weekend, will at least have spent the break in a jubilant humour and will ride a buoyant wave into their game with Cardiff on Sunday.

The Gunners’ 1-0 loss at Old Trafford on November 10, described by some as a ‘reality check’, has warped the whole nature of the race by allowing United to get a foot in the door before it slammed shut.

It also means Arsenal players have spent the break in a stewing rage and may have gone into their clash with Southampton on Saturday with a twinge of self-doubt to go with their determination that will be largely absent from the United dressing room.

It’s too early to know if Arsenal’s defeat in Manchester was a ‘turning point’ in their own campaign, but it will do, for now, to call it one for United – their first win of the season over elite top-four opposition, lifting them from 8th to 5th, above City and within 5 points of the leaders instead of falling 11 points behind and effectively being frozen out of the chase.

At the very least it’s blown the title race a little bit more open than it already was. Arsenal broke a lot of hearts that day, but the real story was how United rediscovered a semblance of their old grit and came closer to looking like their old selves than they have at any other moment under Moyes so far.

If they experience another high surging rush like it again this season that has as much significance or impact on the table, they’ll be lucky.

While United’s next run of fix- weird and unnatural surprise then it will be time to write seritures will be about harnessing package, with recent international ously about a European spot as a their newfound confidence and call ups for Rickie Lambert, Adam very realistic target, which is crazy, turning it into serious points, for Lallana and Jay Rodriguez validat- of course, but why not?

Arsenal it will primarily be about ing their new status.

They would deserve it, and what proving the United game was just Which is all well and good, but better way to kick it off than by a freak blip – that it really was just it’s only a matter of time, they say, beating or even drawing with the a case of jangled nerves and not before The Saints crumble and fall league leaders away from home? having a full-strength squad to into the sea; the cream always rises It would be a testament to choose from rather than a sinis- to the top, no matter how well you graft, investment in youth and ter early warning sign of a colossal think you’re doing, it sometimes everything Southampton have form dip that will derail their just takes a little while and lowly done right over the last decade entire campaign. teams are always found out. to transform themselves into an Which is what makes a decisive The odds are stacked too heav- ultra-modern club with a clearbounce back against Southamp- ily against you. It happened to minded strategy, beginning with ton so vital. Depending on the West Brom, who lived high on the reign of Rupert Lowe from ’96 scoreline and the outcome of the the hog until the end of Novem- to ’06.

Merseyside derby, losing could ber 2012 only to find themselves Before Lambert’s call-up in mean surrendering top spot for 7th and trailing the leaders by 16 August it had been eight long the first time since they fixed points by the year’s end. years since an English Souththemselves at the summit in midAnd chances are it will happen ampton player represented his September – a very heavy spiritual to Southampton this year, having country, now they’ve had three in blow that will be hard to stomach to play Chelsea twice, Arsenal, the space of a few months – proof – while victory could swiftly click Man City, Spurs and Everton that whatever weird experiment their campaign back into gear and between now and January 1. they’re running down at the Saints veer it back into the fast lane.

By Jove… what a brain jolt Academy is working.

Southampton are the perfect to have to confront a schedule The youth organisation has nurstep to mount that platform, a like that – especially on paper. A tured players such as Gareth Bale, lesser team that Arsenal can beat truly hellish prospective fixture Theo Walcott and Alex Oxladecomfortably on their day, but one list, each game looming in the Chamberlain, but none of them on such an unprecedented run of dark distance like one of Arthur symbolise the progression of the form that doing so at the present Conan Doyle’s stalking hounds club more than Lallana. time would be enough to give on the Great Grimpen Mire, its His arc, from a 12 year old in them a massive cerebral boost jaws glowing menacingly with the Southampton youth system and re-establish their credentials. blue phosphorous, waiting for its to captain of the first team and an For their own part, Mauricio master’s call.

England international at 25, now Pochettino and Southampton will There’s virtually no way for leading other young graduates also look upon it as an opportu- them to emerge from the next nine Luke Shaw and James Wardnity to ‘prove’ their worth and that games unscathed, yet if South- Prowse, exists to choke off those their 1-0 win in Anfield in Septem- ampton are still in the top four – or who laugh when the club talks ber and 1-1 draw at Old Trafford even the top 6 – by the new year, about getting to the point where in October were no they can one day flukes.

Nobody’s laughing at Southampton field a team of elite Sitting in 3rd on 22 home-grown acadnow, but nor have they attained a points, with only one emy players. loss so far – to NorNobody’s laughranking where they look at home wich – Southampton ing at Southampton are to the 2013/14 now, but nor have dining at the adult table with campaign what West they attained a rankBrom and Everton ing where they look Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United. at home dining at were to 2012/13 – a

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the adult table with Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United. Or Arsenal, for that matter.

Their rise has been too rapid; from starting a campaign in League One with a 10-point deficit after falling into administration, to being in the top four of the Premier League just four years later.

The point is that there’s still something not quite right about seeing them as high up as they are, even if they could conceivably top the table this weekend depending on the scoreline and the result in Merseyside.

And it’s this feeling of inadequacy Wenger must attempt to plant, uncover and exploit by sending his players out to make The Saints feel as uncomfortable and unwelcome as possible.

Which will not be as easy as it’s proven before.

Last season, Southampton staggered away from The Emirates after being stomped 6-1, yet it’s a sign of how far they’ve come since then that they can go into the same fixture just 14 months later with a merited confidence, with Lambert and Lallana insisting they can get a result.

There’s another feeling floating around, perhaps even felt in some quarters of Southampton, that they’re getting away with it, like the sensation felt by a stag party who have just accidentally wandered into the Admirals Club Lounge at JFK Airport while looking for the restroom.

They’re waiting for the tap on the shoulder and the firm but polite instructions to get the hell out. Whether Arsenal are assertive enough to do that remains to be seen.

Snide looks from across the room are always another option.

Final Word 35

November 25 2013

Useful facts to prepare you for the “What Do They Teach You in College?” scenario

• Norwegian scientists have hypothesized that Rudolph’s red nose is probably the result of a parasitic infection of his respiratory system.

• The “true love” mentioned in the song “Twelve Days of Christmas” does not refer to a romantic couple, but the Catholic Church’s code for God. The person who receives the gifts represents someone who has accepted that code. For example, the “partridge in a pear tree” represents Christ. The “two turtledoves” represent the Old and New Testaments.

• US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world's presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.

• Most of Santa’s reindeer have male-sounding names, such as Blitzer, Comet, and Cupid. However, male reindeers shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are likely not male, but female or castrati.

• Robins on cards were a joke 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were named after them.

• Although now mostly vegetarian, in Victorian times, mince pies were made with beef and spices.

• According to data analysed from Facebook posts, two weeks before Christmas is one of the two most popular times for couples to break up. However, Christmas Day is the least favourite day for breakups.

• Hanging stockings out comes from the Dutch custom of leaving shoes packed with food for St Nicholas's donkeys. He would leave small gifts in return.

Christmas Definitions: To give you a break from exams (and a bit of a laugh), we had a look on Urban Dictionary to see what definitions it has for Christmas. Here’s what we got…

The good ol’ Christmas Jumper/Sweater

Any article of clothing worn by either a man or woman that is very unsexy and serves as effective birth control...

The Christmas Tree

A pine tree that you put in your house on Christmas, hovering between life and death until your brats open their presents and you throw the tree out. You then find pine needles all over the house for 6 months.

Christmas Presents

Cheap and frivolous gifts received on Christmas, usually bought a month before on Thanksgiving Weekend, and are usually lowly priced and bought “because it was so cheap I couldn't pass by a bargain like that".

Mistletoe

A parasitic plant with white berries, ­traditionally used as a Christmas decoration.

Santa Claus

An imaginary overweight man in red who supposedly climbs down people’s chimneys and places presents at the bottom of children’s trees, made by a small child who didn't want to give his parents credit for buying his new AK-47. An easy way of proving Santa Claus does NOT exist, is by seeing if you can fit down the chimney. If you can't, Santa Claus can't.

diary of the Smokey’s Pigeon Dear Santa, This Christmas I wouldn’t mind a bit of company.

Maybe a good-looking bird to keep me warm during the cold winter nights.

I’ve been relatively good this year.

Well, there was that one time when I chased another pigeon out of my territory, but you know yourself Santa, you’ve got to protect your territory.

He was heading over to a piece of Panini I was saving for later. I wasn’t impressed, and if it’s any consolation, I felt bad for the guy after. He probably doesn’t have Panini stashes out there…

Apart from that, though, I’ve been pretty good.

I know I complain about the students screaming and throwing things at me and making noise, but it gets very lonely around this time of year when they all start to disappear home to their various parts of the world.

Despite the screams, I actually haven’t hurt any of them – not even one.

I shared the crumbs of a blueberry muffin with a lovely lady pigeon one day and I even let her have the last blueberry and didn’t chase her away when she gobbled it down without offering to share. Rude.

Anyway Santa, it’d be great to have a nice little lady friend around here.

It would certainly save me a lot of trouble in a few months when it’s time to puff up the feathers and do that silly little strut around the females just to get a bit of action.

Who knows, maybe there could be little Smokey babies pecking around and scaring students.

It sounds perfect…