Tuesday January 26 2010 | Week 3
Commission #2
» P8-9
C U LT U R E
» P16
22
S cott ish S t udent Ne wspaper of the Year 2009 S I N C E 1887
T H E U K ' S O LD E S T S T U D EN T N EW S PA P ER
Places on teaching courses to be reduced by up to 80 percent
International exchange applications soar
Demonstration set for Wednesday
Increased competition as publicity pays off
Harrison Kelly
Alexandra Taylor
THE UNIVERSITY of Edinburgh’s teaching education department, based at Moray House, is to face severe cuts next year as the Scottish Government continues their slashing of Higher Education budgets. Moray House, which is a centre of excellence not only in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) but in education research, is the second biggest provider of teacher’s education in Scotland. If the cuts are to go ahead Edinburgh could see PGDE Primary places cut from the current 280, to just 60 places. Edinburgh Anti-Cuts Campaign are also predicting B. Ed Primary places to go down 40 percent and PGDE Secondary Biology teaching to be lost completely. The teaching situation in Scotland has been an issue for many months with only one in five teachers currently employed. The crisis has been blamed on the Scottish Government’s unfulfilled promise to cut class sizes to a maximum of eighteen in the first three years of primary school, a SNP manifesto pledge before it won power at Holyrood in 2007. Ex-Education Minister Fiona Hyslop MSP was sacked in December after a bad year for education in Scotland, and replaced by Michael Russell MSP, prompting opposition MSPs to claim Hyslop was used as a ‘scapegoat’ to cover up failings in First Minister Alex Salmond’s policies. The Universities and College Union (UCU), a lecturers’ union, fears job losses of up to 40 members of staff at Moray House. Speaking to The Student, a spokesperson said that: “This will have a major impact, and the university has made it clear that this budget cut may mean compulsory redundancies if other methods of reducing costs do not work.” The UCU and Edinburg Anti-Cuts Campaign are hoping that a settlement can be reached before more cuts are made. A University of Edinburgh spokesperson said: “Although we have yet to receive formal confirmation from
EDINBURGH STUDENTS have this year been left disappointed as international exchange applications rose by 25 percent this year. The upsurge in demand resulted in many students being denied a place or not getting their initial choice of foreign university. This was in spite of a new exchange partner, Barnard College, being added to the list of possible destinations this year. Edinburgh’s International Exchange Programme allows students to spend their third year at one of more than 30 partner institutions in North or South America, Australia, or Asia. The programme is open to most students in the Colleges of Humanities and Social Science, and Science and Engineering and, in conjunction with the European exchange programme, Erasmus, is also a compulsory part of any language degree. Growing interest in the programme has been attributed to the increase in publicity for the scheme this year. Staff from the International office ran a series of presentations during the first semester encouraging students to take up the opportunity. Willing applicants then submitted their forms in November and those who were successful were given unconditional offers in December. Unsuccessful students were then given the chance to take up places at alternative institutions or withdraw. According to Edinburgh Exchange Support Society (EESS), 85 percent of applicants received places last year. However, it is feared that the percentage of successful people this year may be significantly lower. International Exchanges Coordinator, Helen Leitch, told The Student: “We really have been a victim of our own success this year. In many cases students who were unsuccessful were eligible, however there were just
Moray House faces severe cuts
Uninspired decision
Edinburgh's teaching department is braced for budget slash the Scottish Funding Council, we are anticipating that they will confirm previous announcements from the Scottish Government of a significant reduction in the Scottish Government’s requirement for, and funding of, Initial Teacher Education provision.” A motion brought to EUSA Students Representative Council last week about the crisis notes that there has been a “lack of communication in the process of applying these cuts.” However the University maintains that “We have shared as much information as possible with our staff in the School of Education and our trade union colleagues, and
are consulting with both groups about how we can best adjust to this reduced level of ITE provision.” The Edinburgh Anti-Cuts Campaign plan to demonstrate on Wednesday January 27 along with members of EUSA and the UCU, in a display of solidarity with teachers across the country against further financial pressure. Katherine McMahon, who is organising the event, told The Student: “The demonstration is also aimed at increasing the number of jobs for teachers by demanding that the government make good on their promise
to cut class sizes in primary and secondary schools.” McMahon has also been involved in several other campaigns against funding cuts: “This is also about the value of higher education - Moray House is an important centre of research and students who do BAs in Education obtain valuable knowledge as well as skills for a job.” The demonstration is set to take place from Old College at 12.30, with a march down to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. news@studentnewspaper.org Comment, page 9 »
Continued on page 6 »
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
news@studentnewspaper.org
2
What’s in this issue NEWS »p1-6
»
University research aims to prevent late onset diabetes Katie Cunningham
"BRAZENLY ELITIST" p4
That's what Dave Cameron reckons teaching should be...
WARMING UP p5
Registration opens for the Meadows Marathon
COMMENT »p8-9 THE BLESSED UNION p9
Joshua Jones argues the UK should embrace freedom over fear
ARTS&FEATURES »p11-21
THOU SHALT NOT FALL ASLEEP p14 Lifestyle get all Old Testament about lectures
BEDLAM'S BEST p16
Culture check out a busy week of student theatre
"BLOODY HELL THIS IS BRILLIANT" p18 Andy Chadwick loves These New Puritans
AN INTERNATIONAL study involving the University of Edinburgh has discovered new genes which could help develop new techniques in preventing late onset diabetes. Late onset or type two diabetes typically develops in older people due to an imbalance of glucose in the bloodstream. This is generally caused by a lowered sensitivity to the glucose control hormone insulin. Injections of insulin are therefore needed to manage blood sugar levels. The study has identified nine specific genes which influence glucose levels in the blood, several of which have already been found to increase the chance of developing late onset diabetes. Over 174 medical research centres
Greg Martin watches Up in the Air
THE NAKED TRUTH p20
Harrison Kelly seems to love getting "Gok'd" a bit too much...
"LIKE BERLUSCONI AT MISS WORLD" p21 Richard Lane is finally convinced by BioWare's latest
SPORT »p23-24
Monks deny all accusations of wrong-brewing IT’S SEEMS that the old ‘commotion lotion’ has more of a lasting bite than your average red wine hangover. According to a BBC investigation carried out this month, Buckfast Tonic Wine was cited in 5,638 crime reports between 2006 and 2009 in the Scottish region of Strathclyde. The investigation found that of these offences one in ten were violent. It also appears that the bottle can be
just as deadly as its content, with the yellow-labelled carafe used as a weapon on 114 occasions. There have been repeated calls to ban the sweet yet potent drink. This latest investigation echoes the findings of a 2007 report from Polmont Young Offenders Institution, which concluded that 43 percent of violent offences involved youths who were armed with Buckfast. The link between ‘Buckie’, as it’s been endearingly nicknamed, and criminal activity has been affirmed by the Superintendant of Strathclyde Police, Bob Hamilton, despite sales of this particular tipple only accounting for 0.5 percent of alcohol sales in Scotland. A University of Edinburgh student, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Student that whilst not their
NOT SUCH A WILD GOOSE CHASE p23
The Student Newspaper | 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ Email: editors@studentnewspaper.org
WWW.FLICKR.COM
Martin Domin reports from the EUSU awards
p12
Royal Society University, and a Research Fellow for the Public Health Sciences. Dr Wilson highlighted the pioneering nature of the study, saying that this is "the first step on the important journey to developing new therapies for diabetes." He went onto say "enetic studies like this open the door onto disease mechanisms and pathways we have no other way of discovering." The findings represent a groundbreaking development in the study of type two diabetes, a condition which affects over 220 million people across the world. Further development of these findings could result in genetic-based preventative therapy for late onset diabetes. news@studentnewspaper.org
Buckfast linked to 5,638 crimes Catherine McGloin
CLOONEY'S BEST YET? p19
worldwide were involved in the study, making it one of the largest genetics studies ever carried out. The Scottish based part of this research is the ORCADES study, focussed on curing and preventing the most prominent diseases in Scotland. These include heart disease, obesity and strokes as well as diabetes. Launched by the University of Edinburgh, the ORCADES study is a two-year project funded by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government and the Royal Society. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have therefore been key in this discovery, both internationally and inside Scotland. The research was based on studies of 120, 000 people, used to identify the specific connections between genes and blood glucose levels. One of the scientists involved in this study is Dr Jim Wilson of the
GLAD NOT TO WORK THERE: Seems that shopkeepers are weary of Buckfast's criminal connections
drink of choice, “it’s cheap and it’s lethal. I’d definitely consider bringing it to a house party where I suppose there’s more room for trouble than in a club.” Originally a French recipe, this red wine based beverage was first produced in Buckfast Abbey, Devon, after which it is named. Intended as a tonic for 'good health and lively blood', these eleventh-century men of God could never have envisaged the popularity it would gain amongst some of the poorest areas of Scotland, not to mention a reputation that today makes Buckfast a brand synonymous with council estates and anti-social menace. ‘Buckie’ is 15 percent proof and retails at around £5 for 750 ml. A heady cocktail of alcohol, emulsifiers and as much caffeine in one bottle as you may find in eight cans of coke, its low cost effectiveness is its pulling power. This has been the main concern for neuroscientists, Justice Secretaries and even the once First Minister of Scotland, Jack McConnell, who in 2006 referred to Buckfast as "a badge of pride amongst those who are involved in anti-social behaviour." The aggressive behaviour exhibited during and after consumption has been explained by neuroscientists at Nottingham University. They assert that a confrontational demeanor is often born out of the suspect mixture of caffeine and alcohol in such high volumes as those found in Buckfast. Canada, France and Sweden have all raised concerns against the concoction. Nonetheless, Scotland is the market for 60 percent of the worldwide distribution of Buckfast. This is perhaps why J. Chandler & Co. the distribution company in charge of the brand, are somewhat reluctant to make any alterations that may affect sales. They have responded to suggestions that they should change the recipe by quipping, “Why should we? It’s been there for 80 years”. Similarly, the monks deny all accusations levied against their home brew. news@studentnewspaper.org
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
news@studentnewspaper.org
News 3
Edinburgh students join Haiti relief effort IN WAKE of the devastating earthquake in Haiti two weeks ago, several student groups at the University of Edinburgh have joined charitable organizations and governments around the world in raising funds to support the international relief effort. The official death toll for the January 12th earthquake in Port-auPrince has now surpassed 110,000, with estimates that it may reach 200,000. The UK Department for International Development has so far pledged over $25 million in humanitarian assistance, accounting for 4 per cent of the world total. Private donations of over $180 million have also been made by individuals and organization all over the world, and charities and governments have sent aid, in the form of equipment, military personnel and daily necessities. The Edinburgh Students’ Charities Appeal (ESCA) has placed donation collection tins in all Students Association shops and venues. Additionally, student society WaterAid Edinburgh have organized a fundraising meal at the Forest Cafe this Friday. The evening will also feature an ‘auction of promises’, in which society members will be auctioned to clean flats or chauffeur winning bidders around for a day.
The Edinburgh University International Development Society, while not planning any events to deal directly with the current disaster in Haiti, urges students to stay involved with humanitarian projects. Controversially, a Facebook group entitled ‘No Shock Doctrine for Haiti’ was also launched last week. The group aims to exert public pressure to ensure Haitians a say in their future and to avoid ‘shock doctrine’, the idea put forward by author Naomi Klein that natural disasters are a chance to push through unpopular right wing economic reforms. The group, created by former EUSA President and People& Planet organiser Adam Ramsay, has attracted over 25,000 members so far. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies urged those who wish to help to donate money, saying: “Decades of experience has proven the best way to get the right materials to those in need as quickly as possible is to make money available to the Red Cross teams directly managing the response. "That way they can acquire exactly what materials they need most, ensure it’s appropriate for the climate, culture and other conditions, and is acquired from suppliers as close to the scene as possible. "This saves time and cuts the cost of transport, and ultimately does the most good with your financial gift.” The media has since been overrun
with opinions about how best to facilitate Haiti’s redevelopment, with most commentators agreeing that the disaster should serve as a call to action to finally solve the nation’s multitude of problems, which have included deforestation, extreme poverty and political instability.
TO DONATE, GO TO
www.dec.org.uk
FLICKR: UNDP/IFRC/OXFAM
Julia Symmes Cobb
Edinburgh's top geeks get quizzical on the BBC Harrison Kelly
STUDENTS FROM the University of Edinburgh are taking over in the TV quiz world, as several have been successful in auditioning for the BBC show The Weakest Link, whilst Edinburgh’s University Challenge team have stormed their way through to the quarter finals of this series. Alan Kimmit, University Challenge team member, told The Student that: “The first show was quite nervewracking, but it got easier after that.” The show, which was filmed in June and July, with the finals in October, is a general knowledge competition between UK universities. The programme was first aired in 1962-1987. and was revived in 1994 in its current format. A large knowledge base is essential for winning the competition as questions range from sciences to the arts and popular culture, Kimmit said “We were required to have a scientist, but apart from that, we just tried to muddle along. We had some big gaps in classical music, literature and art, but made some guesses - mostly wrong!” If Edinburgh wins their next two matches they will gain a place in the semi finals, possibly leading to the University’s first ever win on the show.
Although the University Challenge team are working hard to claim the title, they claim they are not taking the contest too seriously. “Some other teams, however, had quiz books out at breakfast and one was rumoured to have a ‘coach’", the Divinity student said. On the other hand, The Weakest Link, now in its tenth series, is a game of tactics and knowledge, hosted by the formidable Anne Robinson. Auditions were held at the University last semester with several students being offered a place on the show. Olivia Longson, a 4th year Geography student who will feature on the show, is looking forward to meeting Robinson, who is famous for her cutting remarks about contestants. Speaking to The Student, Longdon said: “I am very worried that she is going to eat me alive as I am a cheerleader, have started up a pole dancing society, do musical theatre, I’m doing a degree in colouring in and I’m blonde.” Longson is hoping to win the show which asks contestants to vote off who they think is the Weakest Link. Asked what she would do if she won, she said: "I’d treat myself to something special, like a wee holiday or new pair of shoes!” Filming is in a few weeks, and the programme is to be aired later in the year. news@studentnewspaper.org
SPEND YOUR SUMMER IN THE UNITED STATES AT THE PREMIERE THEATRE CAMP Stagedoor Manor
Performing Arts Camp
seeks camp staff for our 2010 Season (Office Assistants, Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, Support Staff, etc)
Salary plus Full Room & Board Must be at least 21 years old to apply. www.stagedoorjobs.com
INTERVIEWS
Edinburgh: 16-Feb-10 Cover letter & CV to:
CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES? Edinburgh's University Challenge team react to a question about science from host Jeremy Paxman
UK@stagedoorjobs.com Fax: 001.267.295.8767
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
4
news@studentnewspaper.org
News
Former First Minister shares peacekeeping experiences with students Julia Symmes Cobb JACK MCCONNELL MSP, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Peacekeeping and former First Minister of Scotland, spoke last Wednesday to students at Edinburgh University about the difficulties and rewards of humanitarian intervention. In a talk organized by the University's Politics Society, McConnell began by painting a bleak picture of international peace and security. He pointed to Haiti, where the devastating effects of the recent earthquake will be felt for years to come, as an example of a country where 'the UN has not been successful.' McConnell has largely been out of the public eye since stepping down as the leader of Scottish Labout after his defeat in the 2007 Scottish elections. During the talk he reminded the crowd of students that as of 2007, there were 26 million displaced people across the globe, half a million child soldiers and that 30 percent of warring countries that sign peace accords return to a state of conflict within five years.
“
...I believe that it’s a disgrace that after decades of progress, that we are starting a new century with so many people living in poverty and living in fear..." Jack McConnell
“One of the reasons I accepted this position is that I believe that it’s a disgrace that after decades of progress, that we are starting a new century with so many people living in poverty and living in fear,” he told his listeners. As the talk progressed, McConnell
spoke about some of peacekeeping and development projects that have been successful, highlighting the case of Sierra Leone, which, after years of bloody civil war, has an elected government and an internationally backed development strategy. McConnell outlined what he sees as the most important factors for successful conflict resolution and development, saying: “The common strands of improved government, economy and societal development make countries successful – but development must be led from inside the country, it must be run by citizens – because there are many disastrous examples of imposition by other countries.” In addition to citizen-run development, he said that development needs to begin as soon as intervention does, saying that first-world countries must learn that “you cannot run military campaigns as solely military campaigns,” and that successful intervention and development depends on cooperation between military and development elements. Ending his talk with optimism, McConnell urged students to be involved, saying: “If we are going to achieve the [UN’s] Millennium Goals, peace building is going to have to be the focus of the 21st century, and, if we succeed, we will reap more rewards than anyone ever has in war.” news@studentnewspaper.org
PEACEKEEPING McConnell visits a village in Malawi with volunteers
Conservatives bid to make Do you know your employment teaching 'brazenly elitist' rights?
Julia Symmes Cobb
THE CONSERVATIVE Party have announced plans to attract the UK’s smartest university graduates to teaching by raising the standard of entry whilst offering to write off student loan repayments. Plans were revealed in the party's draft education manifesto in South London last week, with a view to making teaching, in his own words, 'brazenly elitist' and a more 'noble' profession. Whilst candidates from 'good universities' with an uppersecond-class degree in maths or science could have their student loans paid off, no financial help for training would be made available for those with a third-class degree or lower. A 'Teach Now' scheme would also be set up to attract candidates with successful careers in other professions. Party leader David Cameron said: “If we want to give our children the best, it’s time we made our teaching the best,” citing the prestige of education systems in Singapore, Finland and South Korea, where teachers are 'highly respected and educated.' Cameron did not outline when, if the Tories are elected, the plan will be implemented. The plan has been met with considerable scepticism in education cir-
cles. Michael Pyke, of the Campaign for State Education, said that: “There is no evidence to suggest that we will see better teachers by giving them more ‘prestige’ and trying to make the profession seem more ‘elite.’ "Most teachers do not go into the profession for a lucrative career or a superior career path. The best teachers are those that reflect and respect the values of our diverse society; they do not necessarily need to have the ‘best’ degrees and the highest exam results.
“
There is no evidence that we will see better teachers by giving them more 'prestige' and trying to make the profession seem more 'elite.'" Michael Pyke, Campaign for State Education
The best teachers are those that can connect with the younger generations and encourage them to become the best citizens for the good of society.”
The Tories were also criticized for excluding graduates who attended former polytechnics, as these degrees would not be considered rigorous enough for graduates to benefit from the proposed financial assistance. Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said that: "Being 'brazenly elitist' could mean being brazenly exclusive of those potential teachers who through no fault of their own have had a tough time in achieving the necessary qualifications. "Teaching is an extremely demanding profession and not everyone can do it, even those with first-class degrees. While qualifications are obviously necessary, being a good teacher is not dependent on academic ability alone." The Tories announcement comes as all major political parties are readying their manifestos for upcoming elections, which will most likely take place in early May. Much of the hypothetical policy being discussed for 2010 includes social issues, with the Conservatives promising to tackle 'broken society' and Labour proposing programs to educate young fathers and increase their participation in their children’s early years. news@studentnewspaper.org
Trade unionists share expertise with students Nick Murrell Dowson
EUSA IS holding workshops this week to help students know and protect their rights at work. The workshops, held each afternoon until Thursday between 1pm and 2pm in Teviot, are aimed to stop students who are working from being exploited by their employers. At least half of students work during term time, 70 percent of these in order to cover their basic living expenses. But students can be unaware that, for example, they must be given a break in any shift longer than six hours. Katherine McMahon, who has organised the workshops, said: “I think it's particularly important for students to know their rights because part-time workers often face specific difficulties because the work is casual, temporary, or scarce, students may be particularly exploited, and also much less likely to join a trade union - which is one of the best ways to deal with problems at work.” “The workshops are designed to
BBC
McConnell outlines humanitarian philosophy
McConnell has been working as a special representative for 15 months, travelling the world to visit areas of conflict. He particularly moved his listeners with a tale of the Indian UN peacekeepers he had met in the Democratic Republic of Congo, describing the sacrifice and tribulations of the few dozen troops, who were tasked with keeping peace in a town of 3,000.
give student workers the knowledge and confidence to deal with these kind of issues, and to raise awareness of trade unions as a way of combatting exploitation.” Tom Andrew, 19, a student at the University of Edinburgh, said: “I think that employers see students as easy to take advantage of as they have little work experience. I’d be confident about standing up for my rights at work, but would think twice because I know there’d always be someone else to do the job instead of me.” The workshops, ran by experienced trade unionists, will all cover worker’s legal rights, and how to ensure that these are respected. The sessions will focus on a different issue each day. Monday’s theme was wages and tips, Tuesday’s is about contracts and employers’ responsibilities, Wednesday will cover organising in the workplace, and Thursday will focus on tackling discrimination. Information about rights at work, as well as contact details for trade unions and other support, will also be made available in free booklets which can be found around the campus or picked up from the Advice Place, where the advisers will also be happy to discuss any issues students might have. Students can sign up online at: eusa. ed.ac.uk/voice/news/your-rights news@studentnewspaper.org
Tuesday February 23 2010 studentnewspaper.org
news@studentnewspaper.org
News 5
Lara Zarum ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP People and Planet are taking the Treasury to court over its loans to the Royal Bank of Scotland for the second time in a year. In coalition with organisations World Development Movement and PLATFORM, the group have appealed the outcome of a failed High Court application which was launched over the government’s bailout of the RBS. The groups claim the Treasury has a weaker case this time around because it has since issued a bailout to the bank with conditions. The government gave £25 billion to RBS last November, which is a state-owned company, on the condition that the bank would lend more money to small businesses and homeowners, as well as limiting bonuses to staff earning over £39,000. Adam Ramsay, leader of People & Planet’s latest campaign, explained: “We want the government to make [RBS] shift their strategy away from specialising in financing dangerous fossil fuel projects, and towards financing things which are good for society.” The environmental groups want the government to fully assess the environmental and moral impact of RBS’s investments before it gives the company any bailout money. If the Treasury can influence the lending habits of RBS, they argue, they can condition their bailouts
based on environmental and human rights concerns. People & Planet director Ian Leggett called RBS “the dirtiest bank in the UK,” and urged the Treasury to use its power for a good cause.
“
RBS takes climate change very seriously and are one of the leading arrangers of finance to the renewable energy sector... we are determined to play our part in the global shift to a sustainable low carbon future.' RBS Spokesperson
“The Treasury has the power to require RBS to change – but its consistent failure to do so indicates a total blind spot in Treasury when it comes to responsible investment,” he said. According to the coalition of groups suing the Treasury, RBS has invested in several controversial ventures. The coalition highlighted RBS-
funded projects such as tar sands in Canada, coalmines in Bangladesh, and oil extraction in Africa. However, a spokeswoman for the RBS maintained that “RBS takes climate change very seriously and are one of the leading arrangers of finance to the renewable energy sector. We are determined to play our part in the global shift to a sustainable low carbon future.” The same three organisations attacked the Treasury for its £20 billion bailout package to RBS in June 2009. The following October, the High Court denied the groups’ request for a judicial review of the Treasury, claiming that the environmental concerns of the three groups were “irrelevant” to the commercial interests of RBS. Now the coalition is renewing its legal battle against the Treasury, claiming the government failed to properly assess the environmental and human rights issues surrounding RBS’s investments. Ruth Cape, co-convenor for People & Planet at University of Edinburgh, acknowledged the last High Court rejection was disappointing but remains hopeful. She added that a new application means new judges, who may favour People & Planet’s agenda. “It shows how subjective the legal system actually is - it’s almost arbitrary.” A hearing is set to take place on the 1st of March. news@studentnewspaper.org
FLICKR.COM/RICJAMES
People & Planet take Treasury to court for second time over RBS investments
DEAR DARLING ALISTAIR: People & Planet stage an impersonation of Alistair Darling, Chamcellor of the Exchequer
Survey reveals student's lack of political interest: a third couldn't identify Cameron as Tory Leader Harrison Kelly A STUDY released this week reveals that less than half the UK’s students are planning to vote in the forthcoming General Election. The research was carried out by UNITE Student Accommodation, which owns several student lets in Edinburgh, and reveals that 47 per cent - the equivalent of over one million students - will not be voting or are highly unlikely to. The research found that students are largely indifferent to the main parties, with a quarter (24 per cent) unable to identify any differences between them or unsure what they stand for. Shane Spiers, Managing Director of UNITE Student Accommodation, said: “We are home to almost 40,000 students and believe it’s important for our residents to feel they can influence issues that matter most to them.” However, many showed an alarming lack of interest in the political process, with one third not knowing that Gordon Brown is the current Prime Minister and leader of the Labour party. Only 48 per cent knew
Nick Clegg heads the Liberal Democrats and 34 per cent couldn’t name David Cameron as the leader of the Conservative party. A random sample of 50 students from the University of Edinburgh were all able to name the prime minister when asked, but some did not know who Nick Clegg was. In a bid to make student voices heard, UNITE has joined forces with the independent Electoral Commission, to provide information to student residents about the voting process and encourage them to register to vote in their current constituency. Free, impartial information, literature and registration forms from the Commission will be distributed to UNITE properties. Spiers continued, “Through partnering with the Electoral Commission, we can equip our residents with the information they need to debate the options and make their vote count.” 1,566 students around the country took part in the survey, which also asked students what would encourage them to vote - and which party they would back if an election were called tomorrow. The majority would vote for the
Green Party (19 per cent), followed by the Conservatives (17 per cent), Labour (14 per cent) and the Liberal Democrats (13 per cent). Just 5 per cent said they would vote for the BNP. 19 per cent of students said they would support a policy that would see the government refund tuition fees to students who achieved a first in their degree, while 29 per cent said they would be more likely to vote if parties pledged to scrap tuition fees altogether. Knife crime, climate change, rising student debt, terrorism and sexual health were seen as important social issues facing students. Finding employment after graduation, however, was ranked as students' greatest concern. The report also revealed that a quarter of those polled (26 per cent) think actress and Gurkha campaigner Joanna Lumley would do a better job running the country than any of the current candidates, followed by entrepreneur Alan Sugar (22 per cent) and comedian Russell Brand (19 per cent). news@studentnewspaper.org
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
6
news@studentnewspaper.org
News
Uni researchers in cannabis breakthrough Oral spray wards off pain for cancer patients
Professor Marie Fallon
Professor Marie Fallon, who led the study, said: “These early results are very promising and demonstrate that cannabis-based medicines may deliver effective treatment for people with severe pain. Prescription of these drugs can be very useful in combating debilitating pain, but it is important to understand the difference between their medical and recreational use.”
N CL EW UE
news@studentnewspaper.org
STARD
M R S
K
P E A C O C O C K
K
ACOC
MRS P E
O TH U E N G E
ACOC
M R S
L
MRS P E
P E A C O C O C K
not enough places at partner institutions to accommodate everybody and we have to get balances.” She added: “We are always consider- S ing new partners but this process takes PO time as there is lots to research.Issues such BST R A T as do they want to partner with us and is AR R S D the quality of teaching comparable with Edinburgh are vital to determine before we can think about including them.” Students who have applied for the 2010/11 intake have cited widening horizons, studying in a different academic environment and living in a new culture as reasons for taking part in the scheme. But, there are also growing questions on how academically viable the scheme is, as students undertaking study abroad as a non-compulsory part of their degree programme will only transfer credit rather than attaining transferable grades. However the popularity for the international exchange scheme implies that a greater number of students are now willing to risk their degree classification on fourth year alone. It is expected that applications for next year will continue to follow the upward trend. news@studentnewspaper.org
“
Prescription of these drugs can be very useful in combating debilitating pain, but it is important to undertand the difference between their medical and recreational use"
EL MU
COLON
STARD
news@studentnewspaper.org
From front page...
D R IN O IN O G M
A BUSY Italian restaurant in Edinburgh’s New Town has been fined after inspectors found infestations of sewage flies, house flies and hide beetles. Bar Napoli, popular with the city’s students, was temporarily closed in August of last year following a hygiene inspection by Edinburgh City Council. Owner Georgio Crolla was fined £1,500 after admitting two charges of breaching Food Hygiene (Scotland) regulations. Inspectors discovered a build up of dirty water and food debris under the kitchen units. They also found dirty dishes and kitchen equipment had been left overnight in food preparation and hand wash sinks. The discovery comes only two months after Biblos was found guilty of failing to ensure that food was protected against dangerous contamination. A surprise inspection at the Chambers Street bar uncovered several serious food health infringements, including a failure to rotate stock and keep it in date. It was the first time an Edinburgh restaurant had been convicted of such failings. Inspectors found an open pan of
chili being stored beneath two dispensers which contained chemical cleaning fluids and gravy that was so far past its use by date that it had begun to bubble and ferment. Festival Inns Limited operate Biblos and were fined £2,000 for the infringements. The company operate a number of other establishments around the city. City environment leader Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “Residents and visitors to Edinburgh are entitled to expect the highest standards of food hygiene when they eat in the city and it’s important for them to have confidence that they can eat out safely.” Councillor Robert Aldridge, the Council’s Environment Spokesperson, also told The Student that: “Although these incidents are worrying, there is no evidence to show that Edinburgh has a particular problem with food hygiene in its restaurants.” “There are around 5500 food premises in the city and our community safety staff carry out more than 2500 inspections every year. Some are scheduled visits and others are spot checks.” “If anyone has suspicions about particular premises they should contact the Council’s Environmental Health officers on 0131 469 5770.”
EL MU
Joshua King
Years abroad prove popular
COLON
Bar Napoli dishing up dirt
C O L O N E L
HOPE AND A SPRAYER: This plant should be sprayed, not smoked, OK?
UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS have found that an oral spray substance based on extracts from cannabis plants could become crucial in the fight against cancer. A group of cancer patients, who were not taking any other painkilling medicine, had pain levels reduced by 30 percent when testing the spray. Scientists from the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre tested the cannabis-based medicine on 177 patients over a two-week period. The team, based at the University of Edinburgh, hopes that the treatment could be used alongside traditional painkillers in future. The 30 percent reduction in pain reported by patients is viewed by doctors as a significant improvement in their quality of life. Doctors say the spray works by activating molecules in the body called cannabinoid receptors. When triggered by cannabis, these receptors can stop nerve signals being transmitted from the site of pain to the brain. The medical spray has been developed so that it does not affect the mental state of the patient, therefore not producing a ‘high’ normally associated with cannabis consumption.
M U S T A R D
FLICKR: ERRISSIVA
Neil Pooran
The authors warn that the results do not support the recreational smoking of cannabis, which can increase risk of cancer. The research is published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
No spin.
Straight talking from KPMG. Graduate Programmes All degree disciplines When it comes to what we do, there’s no need for spin. We offer audit, tax and advisory services to everyone from oil companies to music gurus. And when you join us, you’ll do the same. Simple really. For more straight talking, visit www.kpmg.co.uk/careers
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
Feeling opinionated? comment@studentnewspaper.org
8 Comment
Family matters
Matthew Macaulay welcomes Tory tax breaks for married couples THE RECENT Conservative proposal to offer tax breaks to married couples is not some archaic gesture from a traditional party, but a simple matter of fairness. Predictably, the plan has drawn considerable criticism from both the Liberal Democrats and Labour. In an interview with the Telegraph, Ed Balls, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families referred to the scheme as ‘unfair’ and akin to ‘social engineering’. What Mr Balls and his fellow critics seem to have overlooked however, is that over the last ten years, Labour has systematically re-engineered family life through taxation, consistently discriminating against married couples. Labour’s Working Families Tax Credit for instance, increased the benefits available to single mothers who sought employment but penalised women who remained with their husbands or stayed home to look after their children. This incentive encourages couples to live apart and unsurprisingly resulted in a 160 percent rise in the rate of divorce or separation among women whose partners did little or no paid work. The proposed tax break is not just a means of encouraging marriage, but recognition of the importance of committed relationships to the stability of society. David Cameron referred to it as "more about the message than the money". The statistical evidence cannot be denied; children brought up by two parents do much better on average than children brought up by just one. They are less likely to drop out of school or end up in prison, and more likely to go on to lead productive lives. This is not to deny that many single parents raise children who in later life contribute greatly to society. It is merely to point out that two parent families are more likely to achieve this, and couples
RESPONSE "MORE ABOUT the message than the money”, was David Cameron's honest assessment of proposed Conservative tax breaks for married families. The Centre for Social Justice, a think tank set up by Cameron's subordinate Iain Duncan Smith, helpfully put this in practical perspective by estimating that a mere £20 weekly tax break would cost £3.2 billion a year. Considering the current economic situation, it is safe to assume that this tax break will be significantly less than even this paltry amount. This is all about the message. So, why this message in particular? David Willetts, member of the Shadow Cabinet, helps to answer this question. He bemoans the fact that
“
CAMERON: All families must look like this who marry are five times more likely to stay together – providing a stable environment for their children, than those who cohabit without any formal commitment. Mr Balls echoes this, expressing the view that "marriage is the most important institution for making sure we have strong and stable relationships." Why then does he so vehemently oppose the Tory plans to support marriage? It is astonishing that he can so easily separate his deeply felt convictions from policy. He claims that encouraging marriage ‘could stigmatise children’ whose parents are not married. This is simply not true, and is nothing more than a feeble attempt to gain political ground. Providing tax incentives for marriage does not ‘stigmatise’ the
children of the unmarried any more than providing incentives for single parenthood has ‘stigmatised’ the children of parents who live together. Mr Balls is making this flawed argument in a desperate attempt to portray the Tories as old-fashioned and socially unaware. In reality the Tories are far more socially aware than Mr Balls would give them credit for. They have made the observation that 13 years of Labour misrule has inflicted grave damages on the family, and realise that there is a direct correlation between social problems and family breakdown. Recognising marriage in the tax system will be first brick in the wall towards rebuilding ‘Broken Britain’.
Such discourse attempts to place the blame for a whole host of social problems on individuals." marriage could soon become "only for the affluent elite". This member of the affluent elite (worth £1.9 million) went on to refer to marriage as, "something that requires a lot of time and money," and cautioned that the UK was becoming too much like the USA, where economic factors hinder couples’ abilities to marry. If the Conservatives wish to use the USA as an example, then there is no harm in listening to their experts. In response to calls to ‘stay together for the kids’, Stephanie Coontz of the Council on Contemporary Families has noted that children are adversely affected by
growing up in such households, as they often perceive family conflicts worse than parents do. Boys in particular are in more danger of growing up with emotional problems than those raised by divorced parents. Interestingly enough, Mr Willetts admitted that his party had tried to find ways to make divorce more difficult in law, but had to admit defeat. If Working Families Tax Credits can be seen as social engineering, then attempting to limit access to divorce can surely be seen as failed social engineering. Divorce is a right won by women through protest and political action, but it is instead referred to as an ‘ill’ of society, resorted to only because of tax incentives. Such discourse attempts to place the blame for a whole host of social problems, which are exacerbated by the UK’s economic dire straits, on individuals. The Conservatives freely admit this fact by failing to come up with any actual solutions. We thus have the joy of reading and rereading clichés, from alliterative soundbites like ‘Broken Britain’, to comments amounting to ‘single parents simply cannot raise children properly’ (and please note the obligatory brackets that follow such statements, referring to the single parents that successfully raise children). So, the message from the Conservatives amounts to 'get married and stay married'. When in office, they can then choose to ignore social problems and continue to blame victims while slashing benefits and carrying through their agenda. If anyone is in a bad way, it is their own fault, or at the very most, it is their parents’ fault. Like Margaret Thatcher said, "There is no such thing as society." Kyle Bellamy
Impersonal Politics Dan Nicholson-Heap laments the decline of true characters in British politics ON FRIDAY, Channel 4 is screening its highly anticipated docu-drama Mo, detailing the political life of the former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam. She was a highly unorthodox politician who once told Gerry Adams to “fuck off ” and removed her wig during the peace process talks to stop the two sides arguing. Mo Mowlam was one of the great chararacters of British politics: forthright, passionate and much loved by the public. Sadly, we’re losing these figures to death and retirement, to be replaced by a Parliament packed to the rafters with hundreds of party machine-honed clones. Ever since Blair came on the political scene, members of the commentariat have complained about the
increasing influence of personality in politics. In fact, quite the opposite has happened. Blair, Cameron et al are carefully crafted products who give only the illusion of personality. Mo Mowlam, Dennis Skinner, John Prescott, Anne Widdecombe, Tony Banks; they all developed in an earlier age of politics, less structured according to the needs of the 24-hour news media. Now, politicians must always look and sound perfect and can't ever break beyond the cookiecutter role that has been made for them; no message can go out before being nipped and tucked by party hacks and PR consultants, lest they lose face in the press. Parties, as well as the media, are to blame for all this. The whips' in-
sistence on iron discipline and slavish loyalty to the party line means that people who want to go into politics speaking their mind don't. Most of our politicians spend their whole lives cossetted in the embraces of their party; they graduate from university, go straight into politics, working for a minister or thinktank, get elected to Parliament, and in the process, they get stripped of anything that makes them interesting, endearing or likeable. What happens is that we create a political class of people who seem completely alien to the public. If they can't empathise with the men and women who run their country, then a mass disconnection from politics is inevitable.
REAL, FAKE: British politics is fast losing its true characters I'm not arguing that politics should all be about personality. Politics should always be first and foremost about policy, but the role of personality in politics does, and always has, sat beside policy and never as a substitute for it.
Personality and policy have always functioned as a diarchy, with each part feeding off the other. When you take personality out of that the relationship, politics ceases to function properly.
Tell us what you think! comment@studentnewspaper.org
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
Comment 9
The Divided Kingdom? Joshua Jones attacks Nigel Farage's claim that Britain is increasingly divided
GIVEN THE importance of the place of the Muslim community in Britain and all the heated feeling that surrounds it, it is surprising that an anti-Islamic, authoritarian piece of bigotry, such as that proposed by Nigel Farage this week, has slipped under our political radar. The former leader of the UK Independence Party declared on the BBC’s Politics Show that the burka, a traditional piece of female Islamic clothing, should be banned as it was a symbol of "an increasingly divided Britain". The burka, a veil which displays only the eyes of its wearer, has been a controversial garment for some time, but it is astonishing that Farage should connect the issue with that of Islamic extremism simply because they both involve the same religion. Many British people feel uncomfortable with the burka’s capacity to mask identity; however Farage cynically linked to connect these fears to "talk of Shariah Law becoming part of British culture" in a matter of seconds.
“
Farage forgets that the Burka is essentially a cultural, not religious, garment." Contrary to ‘popular’ opinion, most Muslim women are happy to wear the burka in the first place rather than being forced to by the misogynistic elements in Islamic society, and similarly most are happy to remove the burka when asked to by those members of the British community who carry authority. The burka
COMMON GROUND: Does this look like a divided community to you? was historically worn as a face mask for protection against sand storms in Middle Eastern countries and bears no resemblance to abrasive head gear such as balaclavas and masks worn by many criminals. Predictably, Farage forgets that the burka is essentially a cultural, not religious garment. UKIP calls itself ‘the party of free-
dom’; this 'freedom' of course being limited to those members of society who adopt the kind of clothing, religion and attitude prescribed by Farage. As Ed Balls rightly explained in response to Farage’s misinformed comment, the only culture which is anti-British here is that of telling people what to wear. However it is worth paying serious
attention to what spurred him to argue that Britain is becoming more divided. A government survey to be published this month will show that 52 percent of British people feel that the country is deeply divided along religious lines and that only a quarter of British people ‘feel positive’ about the presence of two million Muslims in the UK. However, it is worth noting that, if there is animosity directed towards Muslims from ‘the rest’ of the country, it is not reciprocated. A Europe-wide survey last month indicated that 75 percent of Muslims living in Britain identify themselves with their adopted nation, compared to only 49 percent of Muslims in France and a mere 23 percent in Germany. This shows that Britain, despite its weakening economic status in Europe, stands head and shoulders above other nations in the continent when it comes in its ability to make those people from other cultures feel part of the country; an achievement we should be proud of. The society which he criticises so fervently is the one way of living which promotes every British person’s intuitive ideals: freedom, democracy and equality. Racist right-wing policy, of which UKIP is increasingly a subscriber, has developed a relentless pursuit of one particular culture and faith and consequently contradicts our country’s secular nature. To be a secular state is to be separate from religion rather than a rival to it. It would be wrong to ignore the fears which people have over those potentially uncomfortable elements of Islam, but the enemy of my enemy is not my friend, and therefore it would also be wrong to sacrifice universal freedoms in favour of religious prejudice.
No place for business Joe Downing laments the remodelling of universities along business lines
STOP: School budget cuts
WE WERE all expecting cuts in education during the next few thrifty years, and the first have arrived. Edinburgh University is cutting entire subjects and accepting far fewer students for next year in the Moray House Department of Education, just off the Royal Mile. Up to 40 lecturers are due to be made redundant from the teacher training courses, secondary school Biology and RE are being scrapped and places are being cut severely for English and Maths. Primary school teaching is dropping from 280 students to 60 next year. Ultimately the question of cuts is a question of whether education remains in public hands or not. But even if businesses were genuinely benign and generous entities we couldn’t guarantee that they would fund courses in the long term as their investment depends on the market. In reality privately funded education is essentially training that we pay for. The way it should work, and the way it’s worked before is that we learn broadly at university, before earning a place at work, where we are paid to train. Business-sponsored degrees restrict the breadth of knowledge to what that company wants you to know. The university isn’t exactly looking out for the interests of the ‘teacher-to-be’ at Moray House.
Edinburgh has been won over by the new business-influenced style of university management - a profit-first method of providing services which is pervasive in our society. What does this mean to us as ‘education consumers?’ Students are put second after profit, meaning teachers are allowed less time with students, to make savings. It means undemocratic organisation. Departments used to be run by their professors, who were elected by the staff. This meritocratic hierarchy is now replaced by faceless top-down management by the university. The university is now concentrating more than ever now on research. Research brings in the big money from external bodies, government or business. A lot more money, that is, than an undergraduate, especially one from within the European Union. To attract the research crowd, the university doesn’t need give undergraduates the time of day. University bosses are all too aware of that and so direct their efforts into attracting more research, flaunting the dual rosettes of ‘20th best in the world’ and Russell Group status. It is important to hold the university to account. Don’t get carried way with spiral staircases and hoodies with 1500 and something on. Edinburgh, along
with all of the Russell Group universities, use the long deceased as adverts, as if we are going to have the same tutor. As if Robert Louis Stevenson sat there trawling through UCAS and The Guardian guide. Older universities are not inherently good just because brilliant minds went there when they had nowhere else to go. There’s nothing wrong with the heritage (it’s a bit like the oldest student newspaper in the UK, in fact) but you still have to make sure Edinburgh is offering you the most it can. We want to be in the same room as authorities on our subjects, sometimes even be taught by the best the uni has to offer. Why not? We want contact time and tutorials by teaching staff, not just PhD students. And comprehensive feedback on essays: anonymous markers get paid by script - do as many scripts as you can. Marking becomes a bit of a blur of “64 percent, improve on the conclusion.” On 27 January at 12.30 we will march from Moray house to the Parliament to protest the government’s cuts, and we ask everyone interested in protecting higher education to join us.
Government Wife Swap Welcome to NewsJack, a thinly disguised attempt to produce a student version of Charlie Brooker; your place for unabashed partisanship, poorly founded assertions and jokes about cocks. Talking of cocks, we did originally plan to call it NewsWank, but some of our writers thought it too childish. We also came up with AngstLad: Diary of an angry young man, but that sounded too much like an upmarket, under-age gay porn film (Dir. Roman Polanski), so we came up with the suitably vague but still a little bit wanking-related NewsJack. Over the water Obama, predictably, is starting to flounder. Commentators were surprised that the Democrats got trounced in the special election to replace Ted Kennedy, but they shouldn't have been. Democratic candidate Martha Coakley was so pathetically wooden that Republican Scott Brown could have publicly sodomised a puppy in the middle of Boston and he probably still would have won. The loss of the party's 60th vote in the Senate means that Obama's plan to extend healthcare to the poorest of Americans is likely to be fillibustered into history by Republicans. A tragedy, but a self-inflicted one; those most vehemently opposing the plan are the people it is designed to help. Allegedly, if half the Deep South ends up walking around with tumours coming out of their chests, then its their own sodding fault. Obama's relationship with America is like those random friendships you have in Freshers' Week that never get beyond the first week of lectures. You meet up initially, get off your face together and are best pals in the world for a few days, and then when the bedlam of the start of uni dies down, you realise you have nothing in common and spend the rest of your four years having to smile awkardly when you bump into them in Tesco. The bottom line is that Obama is too progressive for the people that elected him; he is way ahead of the majority of the country which is still stuck in 1787, when any form of government, no matter how good its intentions, is inherently suspicious. And you really, really need a gun so the King of England doesn't come over to push you around. The same is happening here; the UK is esentially a more progressivecountry, but we are about to elect a group of neo-liberal shits who would be much more suited to governing the denizens of Louisiana than those of Lincolnshire” Perhaps we could arrange for some sort of governmental version of Wife Swap, where we send Cameron and his cronies to Washington and get Obama into No. 10? Let's hope so. Dan Nicholson-Heap
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
10
Something to say? editors@studentnewspaper.org
Editorial
Your Letters BIG CHEESE BACKHANDERS
Join us!
As a matter of grave concern, I would like to alert you to a practice which seems to be acceptable at the Potterrow- that is the door staff taking cash back handers in return for a queue jump escort. Last night (Saturday, Big Cheese), the door staff implemented the one in one out policy around 11.30pm. We then proceeded to wait for around an hour, during which time we saw at least half a dozen students exchange cash with a bouncer in return for q-jump and
immediate entry. I did quiz one of the door staff, who seemed to be a big fan of the practice, who responded "give me 20 and your straight in’’ (from a party of 3). Apparently finding this quite hysterical, his little female sidekick (a member of EUSA staff ) then added her two penneth with ‘’call it 10 and good things will come your way’’. However tempting, we declined and opted for Teviot as a matter of principle. I think it is an absolute disgrace that this is happening on EUSA premises. Essentially, those that can afford to flaunt their cash are recieving preferential treatment at a UNION
The Student is always looking for budding reporters, reviewers, illustrators, photographers and designers to join our team. No experience necessary! If you're interested, here's how to track us down: » In person: Meetings are held in the Pentland Room, Pleasance, every Tuesday at1:15pm. Socials are held in Teviot Writing Room every Tuesday at 8:00pm » By email: editors@studentnewspaper.org » On Facebook: tinyurl.com/StudentFacebook » On Twitter: twitter.com/TheStudentPaper
******************************************** Dear Charles and Suzanne, CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected by our computer as the lucky winners of a timeshare in Malaga. Your accommodation will be completely free***and including all mod cons.˚ Your apartment is located in the lively, cosmopolitan main street of Malaga with access to excellent amenities.† To take advantage of this amazing opportunity all you need to is send a cheque for £8.99 to ...
Dear Editors, Are you interested in the political situation in the Middle East? We here at the ********** are willing to offer you a fantastic, once in a lifetime opportunity to come and visit the region, discover its rich culture and heritage and its racial identity. Naturally, we have no agenda whatsoever, and are 100% impartial. ********************************************
*flights not included **Not available 11th June-14th September ˚sink and shower extension †Big Harry’s Big British Pub
Dear Paris, It is a great pleasure to get in touch with you. At the Model European Youth Parliament Junior Simulation Exercise Unit, we know that your fine newspaper is the prime source of information for the Bulgarian Youth. We would like to offer you the chance to sample nice Bulgarian fun times. GREATOFFER.GREATOFFERS ON BULGARIAN FUN TIMES.
********************************************
********************************************
A quick history lesson...
Salut , On s’est parlé sur parislove, avec un point com je crois. J’aimerai bien te reparler. ******************************************** Dear The Student, I really resent the stigma attached to Buckfast in the media recently. Can't a man enjoy a night out on caffeine loaded tonic wine, in his preferred attire (shell suit) without being stereotyped anymore? I weep for a once great nation... ******************************************** Dear The Student, Do you like porn? We have a wide range of delightful pornographic materials to suit every taste, as long as you enjoy moustaches and monocles. If not, we also have a large range of pharmaceuticals on offer. We've heard Viagra can be very useful and apparently ketamine can be awfully jolly... ********************************************
Stuck without a date this Valentine’s Day?
N CL EW UE
The Student was launched by Scottish novelist and poet Robert Louis Stevenson in 1887, as an independent voice for Edinburgh's literati. It is Britain's oldest university newspaper and is an independent publication, distributing 6,000 copies free to the University of Edinburgh. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Lord Kitchener, David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill are a few of the famous people who have been associated with the paper. In the 1970s, Gordon Brown was the editor in chief, working alongside Robin Cook who at the time was in charge of film and concert reviews.
(somewhat ironic), and those that can’t are having to make way for the self-entitled whims of these people. It is not fair and it should not be happening. It is not a one off either, so when EUSA do email me back thanking me for ‘’alerting them to the situation’’, that it violates ‘’EUSA policy’’, and it will be ‘’dealt with’’- they will be told the same. I hope you see this as a substantial violation of EUSA's duty to the student body and are prepared to alert your readership, and EUSA, to this issue on a bigger scale than I am able to do so. Kirsty McGriffin Jones
Let The Student find one for you! LUM
SSOR P
PROFE
S S O R
P L U M
The Student welcomes letters for publication. The editors, however, reserve the right to edit or modify letters for clarity. Anonymous letters will not be printed but names will be witheld on request. The letters printed are the opinions of individuals outwith The Student and do not represent the views of the editors or the paper as a whole.
P L U M
or contact us at features@studentnewspaper.org by the 29th Jan and leave the match-making to us!
P R O F E S S O R
PROFE
SSOR P
LUM
Editors Susan Robinson/Charlie King News Neil Pooran/Anna MacSwan Senior News Writers Josh King/Jordan Campbell/Julia Symmes Cobb/Harrison Kelly Comment Dan NicholsonHeap/Kyle Bellamy Features Sara D'Arcy/Catherine McGloin/Juliet Evans Lifestyle Nell Frabotta/Wanja Ochwada Art&Theatre Hannah Ramsey/Lisa Parr/Luke Healey Music Andrew Chadwick/Catherine Sylvain Film Kimberlee Mclaughlan/Shan Bertelli TV Paddy Douglas Tech Richard Lane/Jonny Mowat Sport Martin Domin/Alastair Shand Copy Editing Rachel Shauger
E
TH
Website Jack Schofield Online Editor Craig Wilson
U ST
S C A R L E T
Illustration Menna Jenkins
LET
S C A R L E T
DY
Photography Tony Sim/Neil Hodgins
President Liz Rawlings Treasurer Michaela Turner
Advertising Tony Foster 0131 650 9189 Student Newspaper, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ
LET
MISS SCA R
editors@studentnewspaper.org
RD IA LL OM RO
BA
LL
EVERY THURSDAY - SATURDAY NIGHTS M O 6PM TIL LATE. COSTA COFFEE BAR RO BI
Student Newspaper, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ. Tel: 0131 650 9189. The Student lists links to third party websites, but does not endorse them or guarantee their authenticity or accuracy. © Student Newspaper Society. All rights reserved. No section in whole or part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmited in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher. The Student is published by the Student Newspaper Society, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ. Distributed by Lothian Couriers, 3 John Muir Place, Dunbar EH42 1GD. Tel: 01368 860115. Printed by Cumbrian Newsprint (part of the CN Group), Carlisle Print Centre, Newspaper House, Dalston Road, Cumbria CA2 5UA, on Monday January 25th 2010. Tel: 01228 612600. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.
And, to top it all off you will receive a FREE DRINK to make the evening even more romantic/ booze-fuelled.
MISS SCA R
M I S S
M I S S
Disclaimer
For details visit the Facebook group at tinyurl.com/yk6zbfq
The Student would like to thank Craig Wilson and Andy Byers for their massively appreciated assistance this week.
studentnewspaper.org Tuesday January 26 2010
FEATURESINTERVIEWSREVIEWS » ARTMUSICFILM » LIFESTYLE » TECHTV
ARTS & FEATURES
IN THE STUDENT THIS WEEK
SCOTS IN HISTORY
THESE NEW PURITANS
DRAGON AGE
FEATURES P12
MUSIC P18
TECH P21
Read all about it
Harrison Kelly talks big ideas and surfing with Nick Barley, the new director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival he Edinburgh International Book T Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world, engulfing
ing to classic works: “Both Austen or Dickens, for example, are writers whose work I love, and I’m sure they would repay close study. In fact I’d love to spend a couple of years studying their work”. But of course Barley is a huge supporter of new writing and the festival is often an important stepping stone for young writers to receive exposure to publishers and literary agents. So who does he think we will be looking back to in a few years as typical writers of the decade just passed? “I have no idea whose work will be read in fifty years time, as I am
Charlotte Square Gardens for just over two weeks every August. The event attracts literary and cultural titans such as Hilary Mantel, Richard Eyre and Margaret Atwood. In 2008, even Gordon Brown made an appearance. This summer more than 210,000 visitors were welcomed through the gates alone, proving that the festival is as popular as ever. Nick Barley is the man who has been given the task of breathing new life into the festival. He takes over this year from University of Edinburgh graduate, Catherine Lockerbie, who steps down after a nine year stint at the helm of the organisation. “I think that all Festivals should always be ready to renew and reinvigorate themselves, and the Book Festival is no different,” says Barley. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of well-known figures appearing in the programme, who are not known primarily for their literary offerings, including John Prescott and Frank Skinner, raising concerns that the Festival is dumbing down. Under Barley it would appear that the Festival will maintain these celebrity authors: “I do not believe that good ideas are exclusively the domain of people who are primarily writers. The Book Festival should, in my opinion, celebrate the views of people who have something useful or perceptive to say about the world.” Indeed Barley is quick to point out that many authors become celebrities in their own right with JK Rowling selling out within hours of the tickets going on sale: “We may well invite politicians or celebrities to speak at the Book Festival, but only if they have written
compellingly about their ideas.” This being so, readers can sleep sound in the knowledge that we should not be expecting Katie Price’s new offering at the Book Festival 2010. Before joining the team at EIBF, Barley worked extensively in the Arts in Scotland, running his own publishing company, August Publications, before moving up to Edinburgh and becoming editor of The List magazine in 2003. Whilst at The List, Barley introduced and developed The List Edinburgh Festival Guide and Map, the quarterly contemporary art magazine.
EDINBURGH BOOK FESTIVAL.
“
The strength of this country's cultural life is one of the key reasons why I moved here."
“
I have no idea whose work will be read in fifty years time - it would be nice to imagine that Scottish authors were included."
MAN OF THE MOMENT: Barley set to woo festival goers He also set up The List Festival Writing Awards in association with The Writer’s Guild. In 2006 Barley took over as Director of The Lighthouse, Scotland’s National Centre for Architecture and Design in Glasgow. During his time there, he worked with a range of Scottish authors, commissioning writing from Anne Donovan, Laura Marney, Pat Kane, Zoe Strachan, Sheila Puri, Alan Bissett and Louise Welsh. However, The Lighthouse became another victim of the recession and was forced into administration in 2008. Barley explains how “a large
number of people (including myself ) had to be made redundant to ensure the organisation’s survival. People were justifiably upset and some directed their anger at me. As the head of an organisation you have to accept that issues such as this can arise, even if you are not solely responsible for what caused them. But that doesn’t stop me from feeling terrible about what happened”. The Lighthouse has now emerged from administration and remains open to the public. Within hours of the announcement that named Barley as the new director of The Edinburgh International Book
Festival, there was already a group formed against his appointment on the social networking site, Facebook. With the eyes of culture vultures around Scotland focusing on Charlotte Square this summer, Barley is working hard to prove himself as the right choice for the festival. Before August he hopes to have read as many proof copies of the books due to be discussed with visiting authors. With over 600 events, this is no easy task. Thinking about current literature courses for students, Barley agrees in principle with syllabuses stick-
not sure that the best writers necessarily end up on the school curriculum. It would be nice to imagine that Scottish authors such as Ali Smith and Andrew O’Hagan were included, but I’m really not sure.” And of course, I had to ask Barley about his favourite book. For a man of such literary prowess it would be hard to pick a single book but he decides ‘Breath’ by Tim Winton, a story about two young Australian lads who get their kicks from surfing massive waves is definitely up there. “It’s the kind of surfing that I’ll never have the courage to try, but most of all the idea of taking a board into the water in shorts and a t-shirt is a great mental image to hold in the middle of winter, when Scottish beaches demand thick wetsuits, hats and boots.” Edinburgh is undoubtedly the world’s festival capital. Despite a gloomy outlook in 2009, nearly all of the city’s festivals reported record profits, something Barley is definitely hoping to repeat this year: “I don’t think you can make any claims about the strength of culture in Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland on the basis of one Festival year alone, but the strength of this country’s cultural life is one of the key reasons why I moved here.” The programme for this summer is a closely guarded secret but promises to be bursting with ideas: “Books have always been a vehicle for big issues and big ideas, and the best book festivals will pick up on these.” So what can we expect in five words? “Writers with ideas meet readers!”
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
12
Got a story to tell? features@studentnewspaper.org
Features
The History Boys
Paul James-Griffiths celebrates three famous Scots who changed the world John Knox (1514-1572) Prophet of Fire This fiery character is bound to get a response from anybody who knows anything about Edinburgh’s volatile history. Decried by witches, feminists and others but loved by the
Reformers, few figures cause such an enigmatic response as this bushy-bearded prophet.
Even now the Church of Scotland doesn’t know what to do with him. His statue was once out
at the back of St Giles', then he was brought into the front of the church. Now he is at the side in the shadows. Perhaps one day he will be in the basement.
Born near Haddington, Knox became a Catholic priest. Later he heard of the ‘Protestants’, as they were called, who were causing a stir by challenging the system and the decadent
Church in which bishops ruled as princes. He went up to the religious capital of Scotland, St Andrews, and listened to the bold preaching of George Wishart who was burnt at the stake
for his efforts. Knox rather liked his message that it’s a waste of time trying to get to heaven
by pouring money into the priests’ fat stomachs and hoping your good works will get you on the right side of God. Knox said something the along the lines of: We need to stop all this
nonsense and turn to God and trust in Christ, not in our own righteousness. Get plugged into God and receive forgiveness and heaven from God as a gift.
The authorities didn’t like that one bit, so they burnt an effigy of him in Edinburgh and Knox’s mates managed to keep him away. So off he went to Geneva to learn a few things from Calvin. Finally he came back in 1559 and was made the first minister of the Church of Scotland at St
Giles' a year later. And Mary, Queen of Scots? Well, Knox had a few things to say to her about courtroom dances, praying to the Virgin Mary, the Pope, sin and so on.
So, was Knox just an old crusty who liked watching fireworks? We have to remember he was a man of his time and he had to develop an iron will, being surrounded by his enemies. But
then don’t forget we also owe him a lot - like being a key person in founding our democratic
parliament, the University of Edinburgh and much of the education and welfare systems. This year he’s celebrating 450 years since the Scottish Reformation. Ah, give the man a break.
James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) Science Genius
Lord Joseph Lister (1827-1912) Pioneer of Modern Surgery and Antiseptics Lister stands out as one of the world's greatest medical geniuses. If you happen to have
the misfortune of ending up in hospital to be operated on, you can thank him that you are unlikely to die.
Back in 1860 the medical scientist Louis Pasteur had demonstrated that life did not sponta-
neously arise from non-life (a belief held for centuries) and that germs were carried in the air. Lister communicated with Pasteur and translated the new ‘germ theory’ to the medical field
of surgery. By disinfecting all surgical instruments with carbolic acid and following a rigorous sterilisation process, Lister discovered the way to save the lives of millions. At that time in
Europe, between 50 and 80 perecent of surgical operations ended in death because scientists believed that nothing could be done to stop infections that naturally arise internally.
In 1869 Lister returned to Edinburgh and was appointed Professor of Clinical Surgery. His
antiseptic methods spread like wildfire throughout Europe. Queen Victoria was so grateful to him that he was made the first Lord in medical history.
So, next time you happen to go to hospital, do give a thought for Joseph Lister, the father of modern surgery and antiseptics.
If you use a mobile phone, computer, TV, radio, iPod, or any other electronic gadget, you can
thank James Clerk Maxwell, who this year was voted the greatest scientist in Scottish history. In the 19th century, scientists thought that magnetism, electricity and light were totally
different; it was Maxwell that showed that all these three were simply different manifesta-
tions of the same fundamental laws, which could be harnessed for scientific inventions. The
mathematical equations he produced have been estimated as being the greatest contribution
to physics in history, along with Newton’s Laws of Motion and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Besides this he was also one of the first scientists to invent colour photography.
Maxwell was born in Edinburgh and he also went to the University of Edinburgh. After further qualifications at the University of Cambridge, he became a physics lecturer at
Cambridge, Aberdeen (formerly Marischal College) and King’s College. It was at Cambridge that he supervised the construction of the famous Cavendish Laboratory.
Maxwell was a dedicated Christian and he strongly opposed Darwin’s Theory of Evolution,
believing that it was based partly on science and partly on speculations. He wrote: "No theory of evolution can be formed to account for the similarity of molecules, for evolution neces-
sarily implies continuous change." It was this love of empirical science that led him to refute Laplace’s Nebular Hypothesis, the popular belief that the universe had evolved from a gas
cloud. So, whenever you plug in your iPod, make sure to play a tune for James Clerk Maxwell, pioneer of modern electromagnetic theory.
Got a story to tell? features@studentnewspaper.org
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
Features 13
Weighty worries
Lucy Maxwell explores the problem of young men suffering from eating disorders IT’S EASY to become blasé about eating disorders when we’re inundated with pictures and articles about women and weight issues; we’ve all seen Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie looking emaciated on the front of Heat and Now! Whether it’s Fashion Week and size 00 models or typical sensationalist headlines reading ‘So-and-So's Dramatic Weight Loss’ and subsequently, ‘So-and-So Denies Anorexia’. But what about the people you don’t hear about? What about the men with eating disorders? Statistics suggest that ten to 15 percent of people suffering from eating disorders are male. Initially, that may seem like a small number, but when the amount is said to have risen by 90 percent over the last three years, we must pause for thought. What’s more, according to the figures, men are waiting on average six years to seek treatment for their eating disorders, during which irreversible physical damage is done. In fact, in cases of male eating disorders the damage happens faster than in women; early in the illness men lose more muscle and tissue while women lose only fat. Despite this growing problem there is considerably less support and information for men suffering from disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. The culture of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ among men means that these issues are not properly addressed as they might be seen as weak or ‘girly’. Male celebrities too, such as John Lennon, Elton John and Billy Bob Thornton have
“
You probably need look no further than your lecture theatre to find someone with an eating disorder."
spoken publicly about their struggles with eating disorders - even footballer Paul Gascoigne suffered from bulimia. To find these names surprising shows the extent to which men gripped by these disorders are overlooked, whereas women are overloaded with information to help recognise the signs in others as well as to deter themselves from developing a bad relationship with food. Men, on the other hand, are much less likely to be exposed to such information as it is targeted at women and are therefore less equipped when faced with eating disorders. Part of the problem for men is in seeming vulnerable in front of their peers or that they just won't understand their problem. The fear is that the response to their problem will be ‘man up’ or a blank expression
as opposed to a confidant who knows how to lend support. However, what's the use of being the alpha-male when you risk losing the strength of body or mind to contest that title? It's perhaps a risk worth taking when health and wellbeing are at stake. And when a friend's health and happiness are at risk of permanent damage, few real friends would have the inclination to be callous. A health problem is a health problem, regardless of the stigma or gender most often attached. All sufferers should be taken equally seriously, especially when it comes to recognition and administering effective treatment.
It is certainly true that the majority of cases are female. Blame the media or blame genetics, ultimately the facts speak for themselves. There are 1.1 million people in the UK who suffer from an eating disorder, and though it seems a problem that plagues only models and women in jobs which require perfect bodies, you probably need to look no further than your lecture theatre to find someone who struggles with an eating disorder. A male third-year friend I spoke to said his problem had started in second-year after moving out of halls: "Cooking for myself, my diet was full of carbohydrates. It’s hard to keep up a healthy lifestyle and I started to obsess about my body." Another sign that someone maybe developing an unhealthy relationship with food is excessive exercising. "I started going to the gym a lot, as well as throwing up what I ate," he said. Although he sought treatment the problem persisted, he explains: "You never really walk away from it. It just gets easier to suppress." Male or female, eating disorders
present a serious problem not only physically but also psychologically. Eating disorders are often accompanied by depression, and each illness carries individual health risks. It is time we started taking the issue of male eating disorders as seriously as we take it in women. One sufferer said: "The difficulty is knowing who to talk to. I didn’t know whether to go to a GP, or if I could talk openly to my friends." The feeling that male friends may not understand the dangers of the problem and may not know how to help or react is a real concern. The attitude that eating disorders are ‘girly’ means men
“
Often called 'The Secret Disorder', it is paramount to the sufferer not to be discovered."
struggling may feel very isolated and helpless. Of course, everyone has the same feeling of wanting to help their friends with issues such as these, but often the sufferer will be careful to appear fine. The nature of any eating disorder is manipulative - often called ‘The Secret Disorder’, it is paramount
to the sufferer not to be discovered. However, if you suspect that a friend is suffering with an eating disorder, there are things you can do to help. It seems strange that something so widely recognised in women is equally overlooked in men. Of course we all suffer from the same insecurities, we struggle under the pressure to look great, and for some it becomes compulsive. Some scientists believe that eating disorders, along with other related behaviour such as alcoholism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are hereditary, based on evidence of familial patterns.
What should be so simple, the basic human need to eat and ensure survival, becomes unbelievably difficult. An eating disorder compromises the wellbeing of the sufferer in the most fundamental way possible. The Manic Street Preachers song ‘4st 7lb’, as written by the anorexic lyricist Richey Edwards, says ‘My vision getting blurred/But I can see my ribs and I feel fine.’ Eating disorders vary in type and severity but ultimately indicate a serious issue of discontent. Without someone to help, appropriate treatment and the will to get better, the compulsion to starve will become more and more extreme. There’s nothing glamorous about eating disorders in either men or
women, and there’s little we can do to fundamentally change men's attitudes towards issues of health taboos. However, the marginalisation of men with eating disorders has potential to be changed. By being aware that this is a common problem
“
An eating disorder compromises the health of the sufferer in the most fundamental way possible." and understanding the nature of the struggle we can help some come forward for help. "It’s hard to talk about," claims one male sufferer, "but if one person decides to get help as a result of [some sufferers] speaking out, then that’s something." One recovering bulimic said that even after treatment it was a constant battle "against my demons" to stay healthy. "The compulsion is always there, but treatment teaches you how to keep it under control, and how to have a better mentality about food." University is a difficult time for people with a tendency towards problems with food. From the Pollock carb-overload to the 2am kebabs, no part of the student lifestyle lends itself to healthy eating habits. However, for those who really struggle with these issues, often the only way out of the pattern is treatment, and as the adage goes, acceptance is the first step to recovery.
If you’re concerned about yourself or a friend in relation to eating disorders then here are some places to find help: Your GP, the B-Eat helpline on 08456341414, or visit the Advice Place for more information at www. eusa.ed.ac.uk/services/advice.
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
Got a story to tell? lifestyle.studentnewspaper@googlemail.com
14 Lifestyle
Little Miss Manners
STYLE ESSENTIALS
Caitlin McDonald gives us the ten commandments of lecture etiquette
Y
ou say 'please' and 'thank you'; you open doors for people; you start with the outermost fork and knife and work inwards at a fancy dinner; perhaps you casually extend your pinkie when sipping your tea - but do you know your student civility? Let Lifestyle take you by the hand and gently guide you through the pitfalls, pratfalls and potholes of uni decorum – trust us, it’s a jungle out there. First up, lecture etiquette, because let’s face it: lectures are painful enough at 9am on a frosty Edinburgh morning without someone chattering/texting/snoring the whole way through. 1. Thou shalt not be late As a student, your morning schedule appears deceptively simple – get up, wash, eat, lecture, home, back to bed. You don’t even have to do all of these on a daily basis. Yet somehow, some days it can be utterly impossible to get to your lecture on time. Perhaps you are waylaid by
scandalous photos of the night before, an urgent need for caffeine, even a large group of slow-moving pedestrians taking up the entire pavement. Hey, don’t worry, it happens to everyone. Now here are your options: a) slink in a side door, praying for a benevolent lecturer and an absence of squeaky stairs; b) sit outside, ear pressed to the door and waiting for audible snippets to filter through; c) give up, go home, go back to bed. 2. Thou shalt not chatter Even if your lecture manages to reach an unholy level of boredom, thou shalt not chatter. Thou shalt not even whisper (whispering is, if anything, even more irritating because not only are you bothering your fellow students, you aren’t even letting them share the goss – well harsh.) 3. Thou shalt switch thy mobile onto 'silent' before receiving multiple texts and calls
Unless, of course, you plan to answer your phone Trigger Happy-style, shout “HELLO?! YEAH I’M IN A LECTURE… A LECTURE! NAH, PRETTY FUCKING DULL REALLY,” and stride out triumphantly to a chorus of muffled sniggers and bemused mutterings from the international students. 4. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s laptop If you want to tune out of a lecture and spend the boring bits on Facebook, bring your own laptop. If you want to creep on someone else’s Facebook but do not wish to appear obviously stalkerish, sit behind them. 5. Thou shalt wait until the end to ask questions Especially really intense, complex ones and really stupid, obvious ones - just put your hand down, shut up and go speak to the lecturer at the end.
6. Thou shalt not fall asleep This one is kind of like “Thou shalt honour thy father and mother” – somewhat debatable. Feel free to fall asleep in lectures, so long as you hide it well by wearing glasses, hiding behind your hair or sitting right at the back. In this way, avoid the toe-curling, bum-clenching humiliation of being singled out for abuse by your lecturer in the middle of their spiel and having everyone else in the lecture turn to stare – ouch. 7. Thou shalt not leave early Seriously, where’s the fire? There isn’t one, is there? You just want to get out early and nab the best computer at the library… behave. 8. Thou shalt not obsessively watch the clock It’s been proven that, if watched, the hands of a lecture theatre clock will actually turn anti-clockwise. Fact. 9. Thou shalt not daydream for an hour Even doodling is preferable to sitting with your eyes glazed over, drooling slightly onto your notes and imagining Robert Pattinson/ Megan Fox turning up to ask you on a hot date in the middle of your Politics lecture. It’s not going to happen, and no one wants to see that. 10. Thou shalt take notes Well, thou shalt try.
The Burns Night Out
It's closing time and Nell Frabotta gives Tam O'Shanter a run for his money A
And Random Guy is but a shadow in the alley off for a semi-private pee, When the fog lifts and clarity sets in and you rightfully wonder, Just how shameful are we?
s students in our fair city, we face many a fanciful expeditionJoyous triumphs, sleepless nights, promising destinies of our own jurisdiction Yet the most epic of all of our journeys Makes us wonder how we don’t collectively wind up on gurneys. The simple challenge of coursework is comparable to slaying mice, As this dragon looms as the ultimate sorry vice. It is not the finding of flat or the forging of friend, But the successful completion of the Burns Night out’s end. And while it has been said that not all are lost who roam, We contend the exception is the expedition home.
As always, the night buds brimming with anticipationNothing can damper the prospect, not even a bout of violent precipitation You put on your finest, ready to take on the town, And marvel at the ease with which that first drink slides down You trudge atop Arthur's Seat ready for a firework spectacular And realise you are no longer shivering, though lost are your abilities at vernacular As you feel the distinct warmth of the liquid embrace, You are moved to the nearest dance floor by the sound of the bass
With provisions finished and vows of perseverance renewed, You attempt to be economical and board the last bus with your disgracefully unkempt brood. Unbeknownst to you, locals sigh in disgust at your haggard sight, Yet you conclude you deserve a moment of rest for your exhausting plight. But a moment later your eyes snap open to the sound of squeaky bus brake’s blow, And to your horror read the dreaded lettering, Welcome to Auld Glasgow!
REELING: A typical Burns Night ceilidh in Teviot Focus intently as you might, your movements become clumsy at best Whilst attempting to dismiss the creep focused solely on your chest "Save me!" signals prove futile for your far-gone friends, As they are preoccupied with the hilarity of a fallen soldier, his dignity beyond mend. All too soon comes that fateful strike of clock, When lights harshly blare and music ceases to rock, Inducing a brief pang of panic as you scan the room for your former groupAs closing time is also the call for
the rallying of troops. Names may allude but appearances impossible to deny As you exit with your mighty clan of Sloppy, Shoeless and Some Random Guy Onward you embark in a chance direction, And suddenly realise the impossibility of going forth without immediate confection. Blessedly, never does the instant come as brown sauce runs freely down your jowls, And your sleeve somehow becomes an adequate towel,
Many a minute and ha'penny after, As daylight breaks you find yourself in a bout of laughter. For in a bed you finally lie, Next to an unmoving pile of limbs whose snoring cannot be denied. The curtain of shame has begun to fall with the dawn, And although you pledge, Never again! you know tomorrow this resolve could be gone, For this is the reoccurring dilemma we face, and we fervently justify it with this: Not one excuse for celebration are we willing to miss.
W
inter can be bleak, especially in the post-holiday haze of January and February as the days continue to get colder and the wait for spring becomes unbearable. What better way to brighten your spirits than sprucing up your winter wardrobe? Granted, we are still living in uncertain financial times, but never fear: Lifestyle is here to save the day with our top high street picks under £20. BLAZERS AND SHRUGS It goes without saying that outerwear is essential for surviving the Edinburgh cold. While chunky knits have proved the more popular choice among fellow students, I think it’s worth considering their more fashionable cousins, the blazer and the shrug, this winter. Blazer (Miss Selfridge, £20): Stay trendy and toasty by layering with a cardi and a vest underneath. Beaded shrug(Oasis, £15): Why not glam it up for an evening out by wearing a fabulous beaded shrug over a divine LBD? HATS A personal favorite because they are evidence that pretty can be practical too. Did I mention that head warmers also conveniently offer the perfect solution to a bad hair day? Very useful for those dreadful 9am tutorials! Sequin beret (Miss Selfridge, £3): a festive take on traditional headwear. Wear it every single day in winter until all the sequins fall off. Tweed trilby hat (Topshop, £10): the perfect wardrobe addition for all you dandies out there. Pair it with an ultra-feminine dress for an unexpected touch! BLING Add a little sparkle to your life and offset the gloomy weather at the same time by investing in some bling. What’s great about jewellery is that it instantly lifts and updates your look without having to buy an entire new wardrobe. Cocktail ring (Topshop, £3): When it comes to ring shopping, there is only one rule: the bigger, the bolder, the better! Necklace (Warehouse, £5): Waterfalls of chain that automatically adds oomph and edge with a touch of glamour to any outfit? Yes, please. MAKE-UP The sun may be hiding, but that’s no excuse to look pasty. Get some over-the-counter faux glow (High Beam from Benefit, £16.50), wear a crimson lip (Frenched Silky Finish Lipstick from Benefit, £13), and you’ll be ready to face winter in glorious defiance.
Hannah Choa Yu
KBH SPORTS MEMBERSHIP
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
NEW GYM FACILITIES
STAFF MEMBERSHIP
FITNESS CLASSES
ONLY £15
ONLY £50 (including £10 associate membership) JOIN BEFORE THE END OF FEBRUARY AND RECEIVE FREE SPORTS CAP WATER AND 20% DISCOUNT OFF CLOTHING IN ANY EUSA SHOP.
Weight/Strength exercise room and punchbag on ground floor. Cardiovascular suite adjoining weights room on ground floor. Mondays 1.10pm:
Circuit Training Mondays 5.10pm:
Jab, Kick and Burn Tuesdays 5.10pm:
Body Conditioning Thursdays 5.15pm:
Aerobics
Badminton Court £1.50/hr Basketball Net £1.50/hr Squash Courts £1.50/hr Equipment available to hire, for further information ask at KBH Reception 0131 650 5772
eusa.ed.ac.uk
Edinburgh University Students’ Association is a Registered Scottish Charity (No.SCO15800)
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
Art lover? Review it: culture.thestudent@gmail.com
16 Review
CULTURE
COMMISSION #2: Andy R. Macpherson
MEAT HOOK RUN ENDED EDINBURGH COLLEGE OF ART
COMMISSION IS a regular feature which gives weekly slots to students from Edinburgh College of Art. The eleven artists chosen to take part are drawn from a wide variety of disciplines, and have been asked to create totally new work in response to this particular setting.
Jess Animating Following his Film-inspired Paintings exhibition at the Filmhouse in November and December, Andy R. Macpherson is commencing a series of paintings that celebrate animation as a true art form. This first paint-
ing features ECA graduate Jessica Cope working on her stop-motion film The Owl House. Andy is drawn to the surreality of the animation process, exemplified here by the juxtaposition between the life-size
artist and the miniature puppet with which she is interacting. You can follow the progress of Andy's series at: www.andymacart.co.uk
Funny business
Culture's resident comedy connoisseur Charlie Shute awards four stars to show-stealing Rob Deering ROB DEERING was not the only performer at Tuesday’s Pleasance Comedy Club. There were other comedians, but they simply weren’t very good. Compere Dan Angelo was downright creepy, rambling through a drug-addled series of anecdotes about dogs’ genitalia and fingering, pausing only to pluck a few notes on a completely superfluous guitar. Given that a compere is supposed to warm the room, the puzzled and mildly disgusted reaction from the capacity crowd means that we will be unlikely to see the bearded, cigarette scrounging Irishman again anytime soon. Similarly, Geordie comedian Matt Reed made his second appearance at Pleasance for the 2009/10 year having altered little in his three month absence. Remarking to those who saw him last time that ‘not much has changed’, Reed then embarked on a weak attempt at audience banter,
succeeding in eliciting utter silence from the 100-seat venue when he asked no less than four times ‘does
“
Deering could never succeed as a pop star due to the lack of sounding like he had bread in his mouth - 'you say it best', he sang, 'when you've got bread in your mouth.'" anyone have a dream?’ No mean feat in a venue which this year has hosted many an esteemed conversationalist. As Reed departed, and the poor girl in the front row who he had spent the best part of 30 minutes calling a slut was spat on by the abysmal Angelo, this
reviewer could not help but think that even if the headline act turned out a Perrier Award-winning performance, the prospects for the crowd, and this review, were grim. As Rob Deering left the stage to thunderous applause, I considered myself proven wrong. Opening in a style illustrating a complete lack of any sense of entitlement – ‘If you recognise me from the TV...that’s not me, that’s Chief Wiggum from The Simpsons’ – Deering launched into a charming set, combining good-natured gags with commendable musical ability. Playing his electric guitar with considerable skill, Deering took the audience on a journey of musical parody, with all the greats – Zeppelin, AC/DC, Eric Clapton to name a few – all coming in for a suitable kicking. Whether it was observing that numerous Elvis songs can be changed to include lyrics about tortoises, or that Deering could never succeed as
Chief Wiggum or Rob Deering? Who knows? a pop star due to the lack of sounding like he had bread in his mouth – ‘you say it best’, he sang, ‘when you’ve got bread in your mouth.’ Charmed and delighted, the crowd was unashamedly turned, and a previously dismal show was saved. Rock on, Mr Deering, Rock on.
ECA OFFERS all its students frequent opportunities to exhibit their work within the college. Whilst this is a very fair approach, ensuring exposure for everybody, it has to be said that you’re often left longing for some more stringent quality-control. Take Meat Hook,for instance.This half-hearted show falls dolefully below the standard you would expect of graduating students. Both the Painting and Intermedia departments are represented here; the former looking particularly desolate. Most works subsist in worryingly shallow standards; the paintings are bland and derivative, consisting of either listless pools of murky abstraction or else mawkish figurative compositions. There is an attendant lack of professionalism in the sloppy techniques and negligent hanging of these works. Of course, no graduate art show is complete without some wholly gratuitous hardcore pornography. Meat Hook provides this with a series of collages of topshelf magazine photos. This work may be deeply inspiring if you’re a fifteen-year-old boy with a lot of ‘free time’, but for those existing out of this niche demographic, it merely serves as a tedious reminder that groundless shock tactics have never produced good art, and never will. One or two redeeming names do stand out, however. Charlotte MacDonald demonstrates an accomplished and sophisticated skill in her large painting, where vibrant spills of oilpaint swirl on the liminal boundary of abstraction and figuration. She succeeds in mastering different levels of focus on the picture plane, such that the work intermittently recedes and advances before you, making for very engaging viewing. Apart from this, all the best works are not actually here in the sculpture court, but off-site installations, which are documented by photographs. In these, the students demonstrate a heightened ambition, such as Rosanna Spendlove who spills coloured pigments amongst bleak forest scenes. The resulting photos have wonderfully shamanistic overtones,
“
No graduate art show is complete without hardcore pornography. Here, it serves as a tedious reminder that groundless shock tactics do not make for great art." depicting clouds of varicoloured dust pirouetting amongst trees or streams. The Intermedia department demonstrates a far greater understanding of contemporary art trends, and succeeds in raising the overall standard of this exhibition somewhat. Valerie Mcleod, for instance, documents a gloriously kitschy collection of fluorescent and metallic sculptures arranged amongst the snow by Arthur’s Seat. The Pop Trash aesthetic of her installation has an effective irony against the stark winter landscape. Some names worth noting then, but fewer than you’d hope. With the degree show looming, Lets hope the standard picks up drastically over the next few months. Eilidh Jaas
Theatre buff? Review it: culture.thestudent@gmail.com
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
Review 17 STAR RATING The price is right
Bargain
Good deal
A bit of a swizz
Robbed
A week in Bedlam
Anna Reid and Hannah Clark celebrate the Student Festival '10 and report on last week's action at Bedlam Theatre PRESENTING: SHAKESPEARE'S VILLAINS
ADORING APRIL
CHATROOM
18 JAN
18 JAN
20 JAN
BEDLAM THEATRE
BEDLAM THEATRE
BEDLAM THEATRE
THE BAD guys get the best bits. We all know this is true. True for books as for film, for Tarantino as for Disney – it is a truth that cannot be avoided even in the work of William Shakespeare. In their contribution to Bedlam Theatre’s 2010 Student Festival, the Shakespeare Players’ show, appropriately titled Shakespeare’s Villains, offers us snapshots from the mindsets of some of the more despicable members of the cast of English literature. When asked to analyse literary characters, why is it that most people choose the villains to comment upon? The answer is simple: they are generally more complex and so much more interesting than the heroes. With respect to character analysis and interpretation, this show is an English teacher’s dream. Director Ed Sheridan and his talented cast succeed in capturing the two most crucial elements that must be present when dealing with ‘bad’ characters. To make their motivations plain and so give them back their humanity, but also to honour the madness and the fear-inspiring capacity of the ultimate villain, is vital. An audience can easily see the humanity in a man crushed by lifelong discrimination plotting his revenge, and can, indeed, sympathise to an extent. But do we see the same in a woman rubbing the blood of a murdered son in the father’s face? In these cases, shown in the latter half of the show, we have little chance of sympathising with the characters, but ample opportunity to admire the skill of the actors. The show, comprised of characters from ambiguous to downright evil, might easily have become grating on the nerves. This was avoided with the addition of a stoically comedic narrator who linked the pieces together, providing enough of a breathing space for the audience to be receptive and moved by each new character as they came on stage. With the stage essentially a blank canvas, with no set but a few chairs and extremely subtle lighting changes, there is no question as to where the strength of this performance lay. Pulling off convincing evil on stage is difficult, especially in the case of Shakespeare, where monologues can seem slightly reminiscent of the classic Bond villain. Add iambic pentameter and Elizabethan language and you remove a large number of actors from your stock. However, with barely a stumble, the collection of pieces from at least six Shakespeare plays were performed flawlessly, instilling the audience with sympathy, disgust and, to be blunt, the shivers.
TO WRITE, direct and take the lead role in your own play is a magnificent feat by anyone’s standards, but David K Barnes seems to cope with it amicably. Adoring April is the story of a fortyyear-old man who charitably lets a wayward nineteen-year-old drop-out stay on his couch. There is an attraction there and so begins a romance with one twist: Paul does not know the mysterious girl’s name. They settle on April and love quickly flourishes but not without its complications. The story develops into an exploration of the complexities within a relationship, as April isolates those around here with her opinionated stubbornness. The plot of a turbulent and struggling romance is a common one, yet it avoids becoming generic through the inclusion of Paul’s’ best friend Adrian (Ed Sheridan) who is also struggling in a strikingly high-maintenance relationship with his boyfriend, Nathan.
THERE IS a common idea that plays dealing with ‘teenage issues’ are laboured and laborious to watch, but this is a stereotype that Chatroom manages to eschew. The play deals with the power gained from anonymity: what we can achieve - positive and negative - when we are hidden behind our computers. We follow Jim (Luke Brunswick) who, at fifteen, is already contemplating ending his life due to an inability to cope with being abandoned by his father. Joining him are five fellow teenagers who, for one reason or another, find themselves in the same chatroom. Discussions quickly turn from Britney Spears to suicide as William and Eva develop a disturbing plot to manipulate and edge Jim further towards his own death. The characters face us; they speak at us but they never engage with us. This close proximity creates an uncomfortable setting which is necessary for the play to maintain pace and fluidity. Yet there is a virus in the system; the concept of a chatroom seems to be a somewhat outdated one. The years when we could discuss how much we loved S Club or hated Blue Peter with about 400 other slightly odd kids are long gone and so is Enda Walsh’s purpose in writing the play. However, even with such a fundamental obstacle as this, the play is successful in maintaining an intensity throughout which is a credit to the direction of Venice Van Someron and Julien Matthews. The play is heavily reliant on acting stamina, the success of which is emphasised further due to an appropriately simplistic staging. There is a sophistication to the delivery made by all the actors which resurrects what could have been a very long hour. Instead what we gain is a poignant and often heart-breaking insight into the complexities of teenage life, a breakdown of emotions which are developed subtly by a standout performance from Brunswick. He manages to gain the audience's complete sympathy which never falters, a truly fragile approach which is captivating to watch. The strength of acting continues with Louisa Casson (Eva) who delivers a worryingly convincing performance as a girl who finds happiness in the demise of her contemporaries. She adds a depth to her character by making it difficult for the audience to know who to support. With a maintained intensity delivered by an equally strong cast, Chatroom pushes the dialogue as far as it can. It refuses to underestimate the intelligence of young theatregoers and presents a strikingly realistic insight into the mad and mixed mind of a teenager.
Anna Reid
Hannah Clark
“
Adoring April tries too hard to achieve an intellectual level with philosophical Polyfilla that the play could have done without." Sheridan performs a relatively small role with admirable ease, whilst providing excellent comic relief. It quickly becomes easy to sympathise with such a realistic portrayal. Barnes himself also seems convincingly natural as the awkward and restricted middleaged Paul, who is struggling to find an identity while stuck in a tedious job he dislikes with a tedious boss he detests. Similarly, Heidi Goldsmith delivers a free-spirited yet bitterly confused portrayal of April with effortless charm and wit. The acting cannot be faulted yet it becomes distracted somewhat by a static quality to the dialogue. This makes it uncomfortable for the audience to be fully immersed in the drama, and creates sticky moments that lack fluidity. Coupled with the problem that the play is too long, Adoring April reveals a lacking of pace to pull off its duration. At times the writing tries to enforce a sophistication that would have been achieved more effectively with restraint and simplicity. It tries too hard to achieve an intellectual level with philosophical Polyfilla that the play could have coped without. However, the domesticity of a relationship is captured with beautiful delicacy in Adoring April, accentuated by fitting awkward silences and those glances that can say a million words. Each character’s progression is subtle yet notable and April’s realisation of her own faults strikes a poignant chord with the audience.
Hannah Clark
The Price is right : James Hayes as Solomon, a jaunty antique dealer THE PRICE UNTIL 13 FEB LYCEUM THEATRE
FOR A play set in one room over one day, The Price makes valuable use of space and time. Two brothers delve into the past with the task of selling their dead father’s possessions. The play describes a family devastated by the Wall Street Crash. Although written in 1968, Arthur Miller's The Price is accessible in the current financial climate – questioning what we value, and what we can afford to lose. Even before the play begins, personal and intimate surroundings are revealed. The stage is carpeted with newspaper, setting us in the context of the period. Chairs pile to the ceiling, communicating the idea of hoarding memories, of being unable to let go. The plot may revolve around two brothers, but the elder Walter is not visible until the end of the first half. The younger, Victor, first enters in a policeman’s uniform, clearly a dependable man tied to duty. His wife Esther emits a certain nervous energy. She is unable to contain her anxieties as she refers to her drinking, ‘It’s the kind of depression I enjoy!’ . Esther’s departure coincides with Solomon’s arrival, a jaunty octogenarian antique dealer with an exotic past. His bumbling anecdotes are juxtaposed with his wisdom that we are now living in a disposable age. Victor intends to resolve
Walter’s financial and emotional abandonment. Instead he is brushed off with ludicrous offers of only monetary value. Esther and Walter simultaneously attack Victor; separated by his refusal to succumb to financial compensation. Despite Walter’s superior education, Victor has the insight he lacks. Solomon interrupts at crucial points, his mere presence mediating between the three caught in crossfire. The actors’ charisma cause his character to resonate, even when he is off-stage. Walter frequently mentions ‘illusion’; indeed he embodies illusion himself. Only when his composure is shaken, and a nerve is touched, is the ‘real’ Walter revealed, hurling clothes across the room, face clenched with rage. It is unclear whether genuine guilt prompts this, or the realization that he is unable to fool people, to win them, any more. The Price, although filled with so much ominous secrecy, begins and ends with the sound of laughter. This ambiguity is crucial to the appeal, forcing us to examine our own responses and question which actions affect us the most. It is perhaps a testimony to the actors' strength that they seem to resemble the characters they are playing. At the curtain call, it is almost a surprise to see only four actors take a bow, for the amount they have expressed, and the depth they have explored. Christine Johnston
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
18
Don't go anywhere without your iPod? Email: music@studentnewspaper.org
Review
MUSIC
The Electric Guitar, RIP THESE NEW PURITANS
Hidden ANGULAR
loody hell this is B brilliant, and if that’s not a conven-
tional way to start a review, it’s because this is in no way a conventional album. These New Puritans would be easy to hate; most critics and music fans alike despise snobbery, and there’s not many bands that look more pretentiously ‘fashion’ and make obscure references with the same unashamed high-mindedness. But can’t we all start to see these things as positive attributes, instead of hailing the next group of spotty lads in Adidas tracksuit tops as the saviours of music? Forget complaining about the lack of progression and invention in modern rock music - it’s right here, in Hidden, TNP’s second record, which features a fucking bassoon, really quite prominently. Two years ago, These New Puritans released Beat Pyramid, an excellent art-rock record that was obsessed with numbers and shapes and preciseness and, er, Elvis. While much of that record was centred on rhythm, guitars were still the basis of TNP’s set-up. On Hidden, they’ve ditched them altogether in favour of six-foot Japanese taiko drums, a brass and woodwind ensemble, droning synths, piano and even a children’s choir. Lead single ‘We Want War’ is, well, not remotely single material. It is, however, a seven-minute behemoth that incorporates thumping dancehall rhythms, tinny synths and a choir arrangement underpinning the whole thing with what Super Hans from Peep Show would describe as ‘a powerful sense of dread’, while Jack Barnett mutters ominously into the maelstrom. ‘Three’ follows with another monumental dancehall beat, but this time accompanied by a refrain from what sounds like a harpsichord that should probably otherwise be playing ‘Greensleeves’. If it sounds ridiculous, it kind of is, but in the best way imaginable; a feat which takes no small amount of talent to pull off. Later, ‘Holograms’ softens the atmosphere, with light piano and bells working around the propulsive drums to create the closest These New Puritans have ever got to a sweet pop ballad. Sort of. Although the bone-rattling percussion is the most immediate feature of Hidden, it’s the brass and woodwind arrangements that really make this an immensely innovative and complex album, as they twist in and out of each song adding subtle changes of mood and tone throughout. These New Puritans have made an exceptional album that proves there is plenty of room for rock to progress, all without the aid of the guitar. Long live snobs and their high standards. Here’s hoping it sets the tone for music in the 10s. Andrew Chadwick
NON-PLUSSED: These New Puritans react to news that Taylor Swift just cancelled her tour EELS End Times VAGRANT
G e n re - h o p p i n g Mark Everett (AKA Mr. E) returns with his eighth proper album as his band, Eels. After 25 years of writing and recording, he’s thoroughly embraced his position as an alt-rock old-timer with a bluesy, gravelly, stripped down record. It’s very, very miserable, but packed with eloquent break-up songs and depressing portents. This doesn’t make it the easiest Eels album to embrace - newcomers are directed to Daisies of The Galaxy - but look past the melancholy, and, as ever, E provides warm, beautifully bittersweet melodies and knowing, wry lyrics. End Times is less decadent in its orchestration than some of E’s other records. Instead expect a core line-up of vocals (which range from gruff to penetrating-
ly sweet), acoustic guitar and modest organ. Many tracks even lack drums, but the sparser songs are supplemented with fuller sounding respite like the kind-of-Elvisy toe-tapping of 'Paradise Blues'. As a rather low-key affair, End Times lacks the epic sweep and dizzying highs of Everett’s best, but it is consistently well crafted, right down to flavour-imbuing instrumental interludes like 'High and Lonesome' and 'Apple Trees'. If the album ever falters, it’s on 'Unhinged', a clanky, noisy song which lacks the creativity or brutal insistence of 'Cancer for the Cure' (from Electro-Shock Blues) for example. But the end of the album gets right back on track with the echoing 'I Need A Mother' and the plaintive melody of 'Little Bird', one of the strongest songs on the disc. And rarely has there been a more fitting ending to an album than 'On My Feet', a mournful tribute to getting back on the same. Stuart Young
DELPHIC Acolyte POLYDOR
lthough it seems A most music critics have tried to dis-
like Delphic because they sound like other electro-indie bands, the majority of them agree that debut album Acolyte is a brilliant piece of work. Admittedly, the music is not anything new, as it contains the usual studio effects, intensely layered vocals and light indie rock, just like the professionals Cut Copy and Friendly Fires. Truth is, if you’re sick of listening to the modern day equivalents of New Order and want to listen to something different or edgy, look away now. However, for the majority still enjoying this prospering genre of music, Acolyte is a must. Obviously, Delphic’s music will quite happily be listened to by most indie and electronic fans and the band must have
been well aware that the combination of the two is a big seller. Another important factor attributed to Delphic’s success is the fact that their songs are diverse enough to be enjoyed in your own time and also danced to each night in sweaty clubs all around the country. While all three released singles ('Counterpoint', 'This Momentary' and 'Doubt') are very good, you probably shouldn’t just listen to individual tracks and instead it might be better to listen to the album in order, all together. It’s one of those records that flows from track to track and has a progressive moody atmosphere about it. As with most good albums that are released at the start of the year, they are often promisingly labelled as ‘the best thing you’ll hear this year’ and for once, these promoters might not be far off. Acolyte certainly won’t change music forever but it’s definitely a superb listen, sometimes not far off perfection. Will Lyon
Love film? Let us know! film@studentnewspaper.org
Tuesday January 26 2010 film@studentnewspaper.org
Review 19
Film UP in the air Directed by Jason reitman Ah, January, the month of the rushed internship application and dreams of someday hearing those sweet words, You’re hired. So why not get away from all the stress and watch a film where bosses who are too weak to fire their own staff employ a suave honey-toned charmer to come and do it for them? Said person is also soon to be replaced by someone who will fire you remotely by webcam. The future is certainly bright. But viewers shouldn't be put off by this depressing subject. Reitman navigates Up in the Air’s bleak themes of unemployment, consumerism and isolation with a light touch, intelligent and witty dialogue and a more than capable cast. The role of Ryan Bingham, 'career transition counsellor', might be Clooney’s best yet. Although he can play the handsome, smooth-talking Gold Club card member in his sleep, it is the softer side in this performance that really shows Clooney’s genuine acting chops, rather than his easy smile. Bingham spends 322 days of the year flying, hoping to become the seventh
member of the Ten Million Mile Club, and is most at home in the sanctuary and peace of business class where he enjoys a life of isolation. He even preaches to masses of blank-faced office peons, telling them to sever all ties and “empty their emotional backpacks.” While the film has a decent first five minutes, the following 20 minutes or so are a trifle bland; we are clearly waiting for the moment where Bingham’s life of luxury is upheaved. This change comes in the shape of two women, Alex (Vera Farmiga), essentially Bingham but, in her own words, “with a vagina” and the wave of the future, Natalie (Anna Kendrick), a neurotic, nutty twentysomething who is ironically attempting to downsize the firing company and thus
Brothers
A Prophet
Directed by Jim Sheridan
Directed by Jacques audiard Proclaimed the best film of the year by several critics, A Prophet ocassionally struggles to live up to its weighty title. This French import follows a young man named Malik El Djebena (Tahir Rahim), sent to prison for attacking a police officer, and shows how he learns to cope with his unforgiving environment. As the film progresses, we see El Djebena resorting to crimes of increasing severity in an effort to survive. As an indictment of the French penal system, the film suggests that it serves only to produce hardened criminals. It is this political aspect of the film that sets it apart from Audiard’s last, The Beat That My Heart Skipped. Although it also dealt with crime, the focus was on human relationships. This isn’t to say that A Prophet isn’t as enjoyable, but these undertones do make it harder to watch. Race is also a strong theme. Although El Djebena is often described as an Arab, he claims that he has no religion, isolating himself from the other Arabic inmates. Racism is not the only unpalatable aspect of the film as there are many scenes of extreme violence. Although these are necessary for the setting and to drive the plot, and are superlatively directed and acted, it may be off-putting for some. César Luciani (Niels Arestrup) is an extremely influencial inmate and it is to Arestrup’s credit that his character appears so powerful and, at times, menacing. Meanwhile, Tahir Rahim is a magnetic presence in his first major role. His performance allows us to forget about El Djebena’s questionable actions and support his cause. The creation of such a significant anti-hero in El Djebena is mainly due to the quality of the script by Audiard and Thomas
ruin Bingham’s jet-setting lifestyle. With the injection of the two female leads our initial perception of Bingham as a cold-hearted, Gold Club snob is stripped away. As the women change the way Bingham sees life, he gradually loses his steely edge and becomes the heart and soul of the film, both in falling for beautiful, earthly Alex (even though it’s meant to be strictly casual), and when he guides Natalie in the subtle art of “letting someone go.” Bingham shows us he is actually the warmest and most empathetic character in the corporate world. However, keep in mind that this is from the man who gave us Juno; don’t expect a simple rom-com. We have the 'odd buddy' relationship between Natalie and Bingham, be it the bantery
Bidegain, but Rahim’s embodiment is exemplary. Audiard's use of a motif in the form of a recurring spotlight is suggestive of the clarity of vision of a prophet showing only what is important. It becomes important later in the film where the spotlight appears to be part of a premonition for El Djebena and leads to another character questioning him: “What are you? A prophet or what?" It is not just this technique that adds a haunting feel to the film. El Djebena continually sees an apparition of a murdered prisoner, but as time passes this becomes a comfort to El Djebena and serves as a way to voice his thoughts to the audience. However, despite its critical acclaim, A Prophet will not suit everyone. Controversial themes, gratuitous violence and its two-and-a-half hour length make it heavy going. But for those who persevere or are already fans of Audiard, it is an outstanding film. Edward Bower
Screening Times Cineworld Daily Weekdays: 1.00pm, 4.30pm, 8.10pm,
Jim Sheridan’s remake of the 2004 Danish film of the same title never quite realises its potential. Much of this is to do with the performance of Tobey Maguire who plays the central character, a sincere marine captain who is sent on a tour to Afghanistan. Sam is the honest American soldier and the apple of his father’s eye. He is married to his childhood sweetheart, played by Natalie Portman, and is a loving father to his two daughters. Sam’s brother Tommy ( Jake Gyllenhaal) has spent time in prison for attempted bank robbery and spends most of his time at the bar. He is the outcast of the family and a huge disappointment to his father. Soon after Tommy’s release from prison Sam is sent to Afghanistan where, after an attack on his helicopter, he is missing and presumed dead. What follows from this catastrophe is the best part of the film, which switches between Sam’s experiences as a captive in the Afghan mountains (Maguire's best acting in the film) and the family’s attempts at recovering back on the home front. In Sam’s absence, Tommy reforms, taking on the role of father to his nieces and
exchanges on beating airport queues or Natalie’s laugh-out-loud breakdown in a hotel reception coupled with Bingham’s awkward “Oh shit!” reaction. There are also moments of touching drama, particularly in the use of real-life interviews with fired people or Bingham’s pep talk to an abject father of two who has been made redundant. As for the actual production, the music is quite forgettable, but the camera and lighting work is clever. It starts off sharp and bleak, like Bingham, but as the film progresses, more colour and warmth is introduced and the camera gets more shaky, like a sweet home movie. Will this film do well at the Oscars? Probably. Clooney will have some stiff competition in the form of Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart), but this film is more than just a vehicle for Clooney; it has real heart, great dialogue and a great ensemble cast that do a superb job of pulling you in and rooting for every one of them. You’ll leave the cinema with that warm satisfied feeling that is getting rarer these days: true, old-school movie magic. Greg Martin
Screening Times Cineworld Daily Weekdays: 12.10pm, 2.45pm, 3.35pm, 8.20pm helping Portman’s character to get back to normality. Consequently, they become closer than expected. Maguire’s character is eventually found by American forces and returns to his family. Unable to adjust back to domestic life, he is haunted by what happened to him in captivity and cannot share his experiences with those he loves. His trauma manifests itself in the belief that his brother and wife have been sleeping together. His return should mark the crescendo of the film, but Maguire’s performance is a let-down. He has always been awkward and, despite some good work in the Afghan scenes, it's no different in this film. His outbursts of violence and frustration are not believable, and you get the feeling that he should stick to playing Spiderman. However, where Maguire is lacklustre, Gyllenhaal is impressive: he has more chemistry with both Portman and his nieces than Maguire had before heading out to war. This film leaves you wanting. The performances lack depth and it falls short of what it should have been despite some good moments and a satisfying conclusion. One to watch on DVD. Tom Feehan
Screening Times Cineworld Daily Weekdays 10.50am, 1.15pm, 3.55pm, 6.25pm, 8.55pm
How To... ...Survive in a Post-Apocalyptic World
Due to the recent splurge of apocalyptic films scaring the life out of us, we here at Film would like to put everyone’s minds at rest.Firstly, our crack team of pseudo-scientists will posit ways in which the world could end. From the fury of Mother Nature, to asteroids and zombies, we've narrowed down the most likely catalysts of the end of days. This will be followed by a comforting guide of five simple survival steps, inspired by John Cusack and every other Hollywood star who has survived Armageddon. 1) British PM David Cameron, notorious for introducing useless legislation, announces National Pop-Tart Day in conjunction with Kellogg's to promote world peace. Microwave energy generated from the UK is shot across the world, causing the Pacific Plate to shift and LA to fall into the sea. The USA deems the apocalypse that followed a worthwhile sacrifice for the loss of the debauched and backwardsthinking LA. 2) Evil blue people from a 3D planet named Pandora land in Britain. Having noticed that humans have an obsession with animated boxes, the evil aliens come to the genius conclusion that this is the key to ending mankind. They inform their god, James Cameron, who agrees to cause an apocalypse in the most cunning way imaginable, by inviting his blue subjects to star in a lucrative movie. Dazzled by special effects, audience members spontaneously combust. Only those who escaped the film’s hype survive. However, as recent films have shown, the end of the world is never actually the end of the world. Life goes on; it's just a lot more difficult. So what do you do after the four horsemen have trotted off into the sunset, leaving you in devastation? Step 1: Weapons Don’t try to use a gun if you’re more likely to shoot yourself in the foot than the attacker. Blunt objects can be very effective with a bit of effort. But if you do find a gun, hang on to it just in case. Step 2: Shelter Don’t get too attached to your makeshift home, but do choose it from a strategic viewpoint. You should also spend some time fortifying your shelter. If Home Alone taught us anything, it's that booby traps are a surprisingly good useful deterrent as well as being funny. Step 3: Foraging Hit the supermarkets the minute those fires stop raining down, because they’re going to be cleared out by other survivors. Tinned food is preferable as it’ll last longer, but eat the fresh stuff while you can. Step 4: Travel Plans A sturdy backpack will hold your essentials, but make sure you can shrug it off easily in case you need to run for it. Step 5: Never be the person who falls for stupid clichés and gets eaten/dead Don’t go exploring out of curiosity; don’t be the ethnic minority or the slowest one in the group; trust no one; and always look behind you. Shan Bertelli & Kim McLaughlan
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
Gok Wan: patronising twat or envigorating saviour? Email: tv.studentnewspaper@gmail.com
20 Review
TV DO NOT ADJUST YOUR SET
Gok is Wan to watch
Harrison Kelly is moved as Gok works his fashion magic on people with disabilities
I
f you’ve got Freeview, chances are you’ve stumbled across one of the 400 daily repeats of Lion Man. Unfortunately, your enjoyment of Lion Man is likely to end at the theme tune, featuring lyrics that seem to have been painstakingly composed by a drunk baby (incredibly, its principal refrain is ‘He’s a Lion Man/Doin’ all he can’). Perhaps the peak of the song’s prosodic genius is reached in the following lines: 'From the depths of southern Africa/The big cats they have come/Delivered from extinction/ To a new life in the sun.’ A new life in the sun? Surely the depths of southern Africa have a fraction more sunshine on offer than New Zealand which, as I understand it, is a bit like Scotland but with better beaches. The line ‘delivered from extinction’ is so arrogantly messianic - why the onus is on antipodeans with bad hair to misguidedly offer their protection is a secret Steve Irwin carried to his watery grave. ‘One man on a mission/Had their hopes and dreams on hand.’ Lions don’t have ‘hopes and dreams’, other than ‘I hope I catch and eat that antelope tonight’. They don’t even have cognitive thought. ‘He gathered up the mighty beasts/And brought them to our land.’ Like going to New Zealand is doing them a favour. You need skills to go to New Zealand. What skills have they got? Killing things? Not a skill, according to their immigration office. Oftentimes the lions appear to be completely unaware of their status as efficient killing machines, meekly padding about after Craig like big stupid dogs. There are some points where they’ll have a flash of realisation, one along the lines of: ‘Wait a second - I’m a FUCKING LION’, but this brief rebellion will be followed by a swift backhander from their master to put that thought out of their silly heads. If you haven’t seen it, the whole situation is comparable to the plight of prostitutes on heroin, with Craig cast as their abusive, overbearing pimp. He probably creeps into their rooms at night, to whisper ‘Nobody’ll ever love you like I do’, his ponytail brushing their faces as silent tears wet the lions’ fur. Luckily, the show is now nothing more than a piece of nostalgia: as of 2008 Craig Busch had to face up to a world of shit for a lengthy list of embarrassing misdemeanours (including stealing change from the till). ‘He’s a Lion Man’ roars the song. Not anymore, but then the song would have sounded rubbish if they’d just sang ‘Craig’.
NAKED AMBITION: Unfortunately for these women, Gok's special powers did not extend to those of Jesus hroughout his time on television, T Mr Wan has proven himself to be not only a stylist but an empowering
figure for women all over the country. His new series for Channel 4, How to Look Good Naked...With a Difference, focuses on people living with disabilities and aims to bring back their body confidence by being “Gok’d.” The first programme in the series features ‘all-around action girl’ Tracey Warren, a 40 year old single mum from Leicester (Gok’s home town). Tracey has been bound to her wheelchair from
“
Everybody has the right to look good in clothes as well as out of them" Gok Wan
birth and has gradually seen her outgoing personality inverted as she struggles with more body issues than the average woman. Showing someone living with a
spinal tumour how to look good naked is no small task for the stylist who in previous series has only ever worked with able-bodied people, having dressed them in the latest trends and coated them in hairspray. This new series however is more than that. Speaking on Radio 5 Live earlier this week, Gok explains how he had to change his methods to get the best results for Tracey: “The show is even less about the fashion...I had to learn on the job what Tracey needed.” During the programme Tracey takes
part in a naked photo shoot, goes out on a host of shopping trips and struts, or rather wheels, her stuff down the famous runway, the show's finale. Maybe it is the editing, or the music (or the sequins), but I was genuinely moved by the end of the show. To see the effect that clothes and attention can have on somebody was definitely uplifting, dare I say empowering, and no doubt leaving many people around the country wanting to be “Gok’d.” This programme is feel-good viewing but also has a more serious side, giving the viewer an insight into the world of people living with disabilities, around ten million people in the UK alone. An amazing one in every sixty people in the country are wheelchair users. Only seventeen percent of people using wheelchairs were born with the disability, the rest having developed it in later life, and yet they remain invisible on the high street. The show is aiming to open up debate around social inclusion in fashion. Taking his cue from the successful plus size models campaign, Gok Wan is on a mission to see models with disabilities on the catwalks of Prada and Gucci in the fall. I wouldn’t hold my breath: remember the furore over the disabled television presenter? And that was only CBBC. The next two shows in the series feature a lady with one leg and Gok’s hardest challenge of all: convincing a blind lady she looks good naked. Mock Gok if you will, but it is hard to deny that he does make people feel fabulous.
The con is still on Squee with Glee
Debbie Hicks joins Hustle's band of merry conmen
W
hy are we so attracted to the idea of suit-wearing, cocktail stick-chewing fraudsters? There was a craze for it back in the early noughties, with Hustle emerging from the midst of remakes of Ocean's Eleven and the like, but as series six creeps back to the BBC it’s pretty clear the fad is over. The formula is fairly predictable: the team of five protagonists, while swaggering around the place using words like 'zilch', pick a ‘mark’ (or ‘victim’ in common law) who is invariably an obnoxious aristocrat with an unpleasant habit of kicking his servants and sleeping with his tennis partner, and by some clever manipulation of his pride/greed/lust rob him of the family inheritance. Once upon a time this was new and deliciously scandalous, but now we seem to have given up on the horse’s-head-in-a-bed
act and have reached corpse-flogging territory. The latest series struggles to ameliorate the moral implications of ripping people off with quality viewing, and seems almost desperate to reassure you that the fraudsters are the good guys. All the other characters beyond the five main protagonists are practically caricatures and it’s hard not to giggle when ‘the bad guy’ turns out to be enormous, bald and bearded with an Eastern European accent. I mean, what is this? Scooby Doo? It’s still fun to make wild guesses at the plot and the grand denouement is interesting even if it doesn’t always satisfy, but this won’t swtop me watching again next week. Sure it’s transparent, but it’s still entertaining. And I’m a sucker for a sharp suit and a cocktail stick.
Fern Brady
HUSTLE: Hmmmm... how to caption this without offending someone?
Kirsten Waller gets some Glee into her life
T
he latest in a long line of successful and over-hyped American shows to come to Channel 4, Glee, is the story of a musical society that has sunk to new depths of unpopularity. And as is often the way, the only people who can save it are a maverick Spanish teacher and a bunch of social misfits. Glee is part high-school drama, part all-singing pastiche. At a glance the show appears beyond embarrassing; the five minutes I caught were completely baffling and had me reaching swiftly for the remote. Watched in full however, a certain charm emerges. The characters are drawn so large they go straight past the High School Musical stereotypes (the jocks, the geeks, etc.) and into the realm of parody. Indeed, the creators have even made some members of the cast look vaguely
normal, as opposed to text-book gorgeous. Obviously they couldn’t quite go the whole hog – the lead, a somewhat irritating, supposedly deeply unpopular stage school performer called Rachel, is a slender dark eyed beauty with impossibly shiny hair. Ho hum. However, talk of satire and such should not detract from the central point. Glee may be a slightly subversive take on the All-American musical, but it is
“
Sue, that is an orgy of evidence stacked against you!" Principal Figgins, Glee
still a musical. This means plenty of well co-ordinated dance moves and mildly interesting covers of modern pop songs (including ‘The Thong Song’, sung to a woman in bridal dress). And if that sets your teeth on edge, there’s little point watching for the snappy dialogue alone.
Love overused fantasy settings? tech@studentnewspaper.org
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
Review 21
TECHNOLOGY
The Dark blight
Richard Lane hunts some Orc...er...Darkspawn DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS £24.99-39.99 EA - BIOWARE
W
hen I saw the early trailers for Dragon Age: Origins, the ones with Marilyn Manson’s ‘This Is the New Shit’ blaring in the background, I was worried. After a virtually flawless record of great games including Baldur’s Gate, Knights of the Old Republic and most recently Mass Effect, BioWare's next project appeared to be a shameless rip-off of Peter Jackson’s adaptation of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, made into an ‘adult’ roleplaying game by taking the original concept and adding extra blood and tits. It was enormou=sly embarrasing; the marketing equivalent of letting off a giant, squelchy fart in the middle of an exam. Of course, to condemn the game based on its trailer would be idiotic. Aside from perhaps Sonic Chronicles, BioWare have yet to make a genuinely bad game. After playing Dragon Age for a good hour, however, my concerns had still not been assuaged. Picture the scene: I’m running aimlessly around the castle of the noble House Cousland, the location of my character’s Origin story, picking up menial tasks and listening to the voice acting which ranges from borderline excellent to mildly awful. Eventually I am directed to the kitchens where my Mabari War Hound is allegedly causing trouble, and am promptly tasked with exterminating some giant rats. That’s right: giant, fucking, rats. I almost switched my PC off right there, so disgusted was I at BioWare parading the biggest cliché in fantasy gaming like it’s a slice of toast with the face of Jesus burned into it. Despite this urge I calmed myself and persisted, and I’m glad I did, because although Dragon Age starts slowly, it gradually reveals itself to
FLAGON RAGE: In Ferelden, Bloody Marys aren't made with tomato juice be BioWare's most accomplished and (amazingly) mature game yet. Let me start with a few numbers: my character’s opening tale – depicting the downfall of House Cousland – is one of six completely different
“
The writing is some of the best you'll encounter in a game, laced with subtle humour that fits the tone perfectly." Origin stories which are determined by the type of character you pick. These initial scenarios affect the rest of your game experience, not only in how you can interact with other characters and vice-versa, but in terms of which parts of the game you will actually play through. Entire sections are exclusive to character types and the decisions you make along the way. Even with these character-specific sections, a single play-through of the game is estimated between 60 and 80 hours, which is frankly astounding, and makes you wonder whether Infinity Ward spent two years watching porn and playing spider-solitaire before cobbling together Modern Warfare 2 in a caffeine-fuelled fortnight. Although this sounds impressive, quantity does not equal quality – Transformers 2 was nearly three hours long and contained more explosions than your average world war but was still atrocious. By the same token, Dragon Age has a huge amount of content, but the
basic plot structure is terribly generic. Whichever Origin story you land in, you are eventually selected to become a Grey Warden. The Wardens are a reclusive sect of warriors dedicated to destroying the Blight, an army of generally unpleasant creatures which look very similar to the Orcs in the Lord of the Rings, but are called Darkspawn and so are obviously completely different. At Ostagar - the Grey Warden’s base of operations - you are betrayed in what is supposed to be the climactic battle against the Blight, and consequently the Wardens are obliterated. Having somehow survived, it is up to you to reunite the armies of Ferelden and take the fight back to the Darkspawn. While this is hardly an original premise, the story is excellently told. Voice acting improves dramatically once you get past the opening stages and the writing is some of the best you’ll encounter in a game, laced with subtle humour that fits the tone perfectly. Additionally, the world of Ferelden is crammed with carefully considered lore that you can either submerge yourself in or completely ignore without it affecting your experience. Where Dragon Age really shines is in the supporting characters, and it’s a rare occasion indeed when you can say that about a game. Easily the strongest cast BioWare have come up with, their personalities are so complex your attitude regarding them constantly shifts as the game progresses. Alistair seemed like a colossal berk when I first met him; a childish and egotistical Grey Warden whose jokes fall flatter than a three-legged giraffe on a frozen lake. Gradually you realise he is riddled with insecurity and self-doubt. As his self-confidence grows he becomes far more likeable,
and his remarks become genuinely funny. Similarly, Morrigan, the young and callous witch of the wilds, suffers no fools and can provide useful advice, but she can also be prejudiced and downright scornful. This shifting relationship with your party is reciprocal. In Mass Effect, improving your standing with your
“
Morality in Ferelden is far from clear cut, acting for 'the greater good' being an oftrecurring theme." comrades involved solving a problem related to their past, and Presto! they would like you more. Now, your motley crew of allies judge you on your actions alongside any favours you might do for them. Morrigan is solely concerned with defeating the Darkspawn, and will become annoyed should your efforts be distracted by more mundane tasks like helping an old lady across a battlefield. This is more realistic than the binary morality system present in BioWare’s recent games, not least because morality in Ferelden is far from clear cut, acting for 'the greater good' being an oft-recurring theme. As with most of BioWare’s games, direct conflict can often be avoided through dialogue. Darkspawn aren’t the talkative sort, preferring to communicate with stabbing patterns. As the trailers so insistently portrayed, fighting in Dragon Age is brutal and bloody, with your party drenched in scarlet after a fight. What the trailers fail to show is the tactical thinking required to emerge victorious. Dragon Age is incredibly hard, which frankly is a refreshing change from the mind-
numbing simplicity of most current releases. Although many battles require an effective strategy, they can be won. My only gripe is that some basic opponents like wolves have a stupidly powerful ability called ‘overwhelm’ which essentially allows them to sit on a character and chew on their face until they die. And the day you encounter a dragon, well, I feel sorry for you already. What doesn't help is that, rather ironically, the Tactics screen, which instructs your characters on how to act in battle, is a mixed blessing. Tell a character to use a health potion after taking so much damage and it works, but tell him to attack the enemy with the lowest health and he will run around the battlefield like Silvio Berlusconi at a Miss World competition instead of picking the weakest target and sticking to it. Also, some blindingly obvious tactics, like telling rogues to attack from behind, are inexplicably unavailable. The problematic Tactics screen is the only real issue the game has. Nevertheless, Dragon Age will not please everyone. Some people may be put off by the setting that boils down to another redressing of Tolkien's masterpiece. Others may balk at its unforgiving difficulty level. Ultimately, though, Dragon Age will not be universally loved because it requires patience, something that there is too little of in a world where many games consist of six hours of explosions and a script written in the first five minutes of a board meeting. If you can sit with it for a few hours without wincing at the nonsense words and overused fantasy tropes, you'll be rewarded with another complex, engrossing epic from BioWare.
Puzzles
Neytiri says:
Puzzles
The Student Crossword #14
“
Who you callin' Pocahontas?!"
Solutions
Sudoku #14
ACROSS
Sudoku is a logic-based number-placement puzzle. The objective is to fill the 9×9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9 only once.
Hitori #14 The object of Hitori is to eliminate numbers by shading in the squares such that remaining cells do not contain numbers that appear more than once in either a given row or column. Filled-in cells cannot be horizontally or vertically adjacent, although they can be diagonally adjacent. The remaining un-filled cells must form a single component (i.e there must be no isolated numbers)
CROSSWORD
HITORI
1. In solitary confinement (13) 8. Aged (7) 10. Volatile petroleum distillate (7) 12. Glacial epoch (3,3) 13. Fail to notice (8) 15. Plant-loving homeopath (9) 18. Shut (5) 21. Pry (5) 22. Asking a set of questions (9) 27. Put briefly (8) 29. State in the West (6) 30. Disentangle (7) 31. White ant (7) 33. Enticing announcement (13)
2. Controversial power (7) 3. Metal-bearing mineral (3) 4. Likenesses (6) 5. As before (5) 6. Disappear (6) 7. Equipment for fishing (6) 9. Sewing instrument (6)
11. Affirmative gestures (4) 14. Hard sweet (5) 16. Long period of time (3) 17. Heavy footwear (5) 19. Male child (3) 20. Get payback (6) 21. Wicked (6)
23. Unpleasant to regard (4) 24. Neighbour to an Iraqi (7) 25. Eats grass (6) 26. Shooting star (6) 28. Exhausted (5) 32. Outer edge (3)
SUDOKU
DOWN
shake eusa up Student General Meeting 2 Tuesday 23rd February 7pm, McEwan Hall To submit a policy motion email: president@eusa.ed.ac.uk Policy motion deadline: 9th February 2010 Motion amendment deadline: 16th February 2010
Got your eye on the ball? Email sport@studentnewspaper.org
Tuesday January 26 2010 studentnewspaper.org
Sport 23
Orienteers race to awards glory
Injury Time
TAKES A LOOK AT THE WORLD OF SPORT
Martin Domin reports from Murrayfield as the Orienteering Club dominates the ceremony he was “over the moon to win the individual award and also that the club won theirs for the second year running.” Fraser was recognised as having given the best male performance of the year while the Orienteering Club (EUOC) took home the prize as the most outstanding club of the year. Fraser added: “There is a real team atmosphere amongst the members of EUOC and a lot of hard work is done
by the committee to keep things moving forward. This, together with the fantastic help and support that the Edinburgh University Sports Union givse us, makes it extra special to compete for the university team in competitions like BUCS and World Student Championships!” Fraser had a phenomenal year and list of achievements included coming first in the British Universities Sports
Association (BUSA) Championships and at the British Championships. He came third in the World Student Championships, 4th in the European event and 18th in the Orienteering World Championship. The club meanwhile were recognised as the best university club in Britain and also won the JK Relay event which is open to non university clubs across the country.
NEIL HODGINS
THE EDINBURGH University Orienteering Club were the big winners as the Sports Union awards were handed out last week. As well as taking home the Lillywhite Shield for the most outstanding club of the year, Scott Fraser was awarded the Vancouver Quaich most outstanding male performance of the year. The ceremony was held at the annual Sports Union Ball which is held at Murrayfield and the panel were quick to admit that they had had some tough decisions to make in whittling down the shortlists. Indeed, the Eva Bailey Cup, given to the most outstanding female performance of the year, was shared between Louise Pate of the Swimming and Water Polo Club and Jenny Jeppsson of the Archery Club. Further awards included the Captain Garner Trophy which is awarded for the most outstanding first year contribution to University Sport and went to Jenny Reid of the Boat Club. Chris Henning, of the Swimming and Water Polo Club, was awarded the Neil Campbell Shield for outstanding sports organisation and services while the Livingstone Trophy, for the most outstanding expeditionary achievement, went to the Sub Aqua Club. Finally, the Equestrian Club took home the Col. R.B. Campbell Trophy as they were named the most improved club of the year. Other people recognised included those who had made major contributions to their club and/or to university sport. Those were: Sarah Aitken (Trampoline Club), Laura Bowden (Snowsports Club), Eva Baxter – (Hillwalking Club), Eoghan Maguire – (Triathlon Club), William Scott Douglas IV -Motorsports Club) and Jess Haliday (Orienteering Club). Commenting on the quality of nominees, Sports Union President Laura Hayward said “The strength of applications grows year on year as clubs seek new levels of professionalism and the standard of elite athletes reaches new heights, all a result of the strength of Edinburgh’s sport programme.” Scott Fraser told The Student that
PARTY TIME: The Orienteering Club celebrate after scooping the Lillywhite Shield
Edinburgh courting success Paul Browne takes a look at the tennis club's season to date THE SEASON so far for university tennis has comprised some superb matches and demonstrated some promising potential for the future. The second men's team have played four tough matches to date, with their best results coming against Strathclyde, Stirling and Dundee. The fixture against Strathclyde in particular was an extremely tense match which Edinburgh did amazingly well to win. In the deciding game, Edinburgh’s double’s couple came back from 6-1 down to clinch the victory 8-6 and to cement the overall win in their favour. The ladies second team have unfortunately had suffered several cancella-
England-Bound Boyd?
tions of their matches this year, however those that were played demonstrated that they are a team to be reckoned with. Following a tough loss to St Andrews in one of their earlier rounds, the team dug deep in their return match and managed to hold them to a draw. The men’s firsts have been dominating the Scottish Premier league, with convincing wins against Aberdeen and St Andrews. After suffering a defeat to Glasgow at the beginning of term, their increased training on the tennis court really began to show in their return match, in which they clinched the victory 6-4. This impressive turn-around is a clear testa-
ment to their amplified commitment to the sport both on and off court. Lastly, the ladies first team, playing in the British Premier league, have had tense matches week in, week out. Beginning with a nerve-wracking draw with the experienced Durham team, they then achieved a convincing win over Leeds and held Loughborough to a draw. Following a bitter and extremely well-fought defeat at the hands of Loughborough's first team, the team were determined to work harder than ever, as they chose to fund a team coach to maximise their chance of success in the future. This already seems to be paying off with their con-
tinued presence in this top league now looking certain. All that remains now is to battle out the last few matches to set up the rivalries for next year and to clinch a league position as close to the top as possible. A difficult home match against Loughborough firsts will go some way to seeing this ambition realised. It will also be a true chance to determine how much they have improved since the beginning of term. Overall, all four teams have really benefited this year from a deliberate, focused positive approach to the sport. For more information on any aspect of the tennis club please visit tennis.eusu.ed.ac.uk
RUMOURS SURFACED recently of Martin O’Neill’s alleged interest in taking Rangers striker Kris Boyd to Villa Park in the summer. The forward is now the all time record goalscorer in the Premier League after overtaking Henrik Larsson’s mark last month. Nevertheless, questions still very much remain over whether Boyd is good enough to keep up his prolific scoring record in the far more competitive English Premier League. Boyd is, by all accounts, a goal machine. At times he is a one man wrecking ball of teams like Falkirk and Dundee United, which was demonstrated by a five goal haul only a few weeks ago. However, despite his incredible goal scoring record in Scotland the Premier league down south is a completely new proposition. Playing for someone like Aston Villa or Birmingham, who are also interested, is barely comparable to playing for Rangers in the SPL. He would be saying goodbye to defensive partnerships like Gary Kenneth and Lee Wilkie and saying hello to ones like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. It’s a case of out of the frying pan and into the Premier League fire for Boyd and many pundits and fans do not believe that he has the skill to score in such a competitive environment. In addition, the striker would no longer be in so dominant a team if he moved to Aston Villa and even less so if he joins former Scotland boss Alex McCleish at Birmingham. While he can get away with his lack of work rate and close control in for Rangers, one questions whether he would amid the intensity of the Premier League. With the top four in England remaining virtually impenetrable until this year, Boyd would have to get used to working for survival and this is a situation he has not found himself in since his time at Kilmarnock, which is hardly comparable. I add into the equation at this point the drinking, party boy stories of Boyd from the time of Paul Le Guen and suggest that this would not wash in a Premier League environment. All in all, Kris Boyd’s natural finishing ability and goal scorer’s instinct in and around the box would serve him well in any league. Should he adapt quickly to the increased pace and intensity of the English game he could well prove his critics wrong and score goals regularly down south but needs to be willing to up his work rate in a very competitive league. Thus, if Boyd does make the move to England he will have plenty to prove and will be out to let all those doubters, myself included, know just how wrong they were.
Alistair Shand
Sport studentnewspaper.org Tuesday January 26 2010
Orienteering Club Recognised
23
Martin Domin rounds up the Sports Union Awards P
Edinburgh crush Dundee
Grant Armstrong on a resounding Edinburgh victory in the BUCS cup Edinburgh University’s men’s second rugby side stormed into the knockout stages of the BUCS cup with a comprehensive 92-0 win over Dundee’s third string last week. Having reached the final last season, revenge could not have tasted much sweeter for the Edinburgh boys, beating last year’s winners Glasgow Caledonian first XV in the first group stage on their own turf in November. A toughly contested match against a very underated Queen Margaret first XV where Edinburgh came back from a 15- 0 deficit at the half and ran out the eventual winners 17-15, meant that Dundee’s third XV were all that stood in the way of Edinburgh progressing through to the knockout stages of the competition. The home side did not disappoint. Having recorded a good victory the previous weekend, and with a number of key individuals returning from injuries, Edinburgh were keen to stamp their authority on the match, looking to play to their strengths with pace in abundance out wide and returning full back James Walkinshaw offering many possibilities in attack. It was evident from the start that Edinburgh would look to spread the play out wide, winning quick clean ball at the break down through effective rucking and aggression at the contact zone. Fly half Sam Farquharson was playing with real confidence and was always looking to move the ball quickly to the various options being provided by the loose forwards and strong running lines of centres Mike Kelly and Ben Smith. In quick succession, Edinburgh were four tries up, with returning prop Mathew Payne causing real problems for the Dundee defence offering himself in attack at any given opportunity, eventually crossing the white wash twice before the end of the half. His vocal leadership on the field and enthusiasm in attack will be a real asset to the side for the rest of the campaign and his presence from last season has been sorely missed. The forwards' play was not only clinical in attack but was proving ruthless in defence, being both organised and vocal and cutting out any of the options Dundee were looking to produce. Flanker Andrew Gilmour was showing his worth at the breakdown, seizing any opportunity at the tackle zone to produce turnover ball to which with the elusive backline were able to counterattack. Wings John Geddie and Rick Wright were mak-
ing real strides when provided with the ball, and were both deservedly on the score sheet by the half time whistle, with Edinburgh running in eight tries and three conversions putting the home side 46-0 up at the break. Even with such an established lead, Edinburgh were determined not to ease off in the second half, looking to pounce on any Dundee mistake and continue the expansive rugby that had proved so effective in
the earlier stages of the game. Captain and scrum half Ed Barden was continuously provided with swift ball from the Edinburgh forwards and was thus able to make ground around the fringes with his awareness and deceptive pace. Number eight Dom Davies, who has proved a thorn in the side of a number of defences throughout the season, was running with real power, eventually being rewarded with a 60 metre sprint to the line. It was not
only in the loose play that Edinburgh were proving most destructive but they also showed strong play at both the scrum and lineout, where hooker Gavin MacGregor was throwing superbly well to second row Hamish Reid Kay, was justifiably rewarded which a driving maul ten metres out and crossed the try line to finish off the game, with Andrew Gilmour placing the ball down for his second try. The confidence and desire from
UNDUNDEED: Edinburgh's seconds pounded Dundee into a 92-point submission
the Edinburgh side to play expansive rugby had to be admired as they scored an impressive sixteen tries and ran out eventual winners 92-0. Stiffer opposition has to be expected in the latter stages of the competition, but if Edinburgh continue to play with such vigour and ruthlessness, there has to be no reason as to why they cannot go one step further, and return with some long-awaited silverware.