Student Rag Magazine Issue 16



         

  

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contents 32-36 TREND SETTER Autumn fashion..............4-8

FRESH MEET A new uni life............10-11

YOU’RE HAVING A LAUGH Jason “110%” Bent............13

CHECK MATE How to flat share.........16-18

GIVE US A MINUTE Tich.........................21

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GET OUT THERE Our guide to your city....22-26

EAT AND BE MERRY Healthy grub guide........28-30

COVER STORY Introducing Drifters......32-36

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TECH TASTIC New kit for new term......48-49

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LONDON CALLING New comedy madness........56-58

EVERY THURSDAY

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THE EDUCATOR Dr Chris Gair.............60-61

Editor: Debbie McInnes. glasgow@student-rag.co.uk Design: Calvin Douglas.

Contributors: Alice Cruickshank, Stephanie Gray, Alexander Neal, Victoria Tickle, Kirsten Buchanan, Kevin Kelly.

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Topover to toe turn a new (autumn) leaf Pret-a-Punk LAST year’s gothic velvet and crosses are being replaced by tartan and safety pins as the fashion elite embraces the punk look.

With punk being the theme for this year’s Met Ball, it is no surprise that this look is set to be one of the biggest of the season.

Wrap skirts, mesh, studs and chunky boots are key to channelling the

punk vibe. The good news is last season’s leather is key to this style, making it a trend to seamlessly carry you from summer to autumn.

However, the real buzz-word on the catwalks was tartan.

While many designers opted for a plaid-on-plaid look, you can make this trend everyday by adding a touch of tartan to your outfit, be it a belt or a scarf.

How to wear l To Uni: tartan pinafore over a slouchy jumper, teamed with Doc Martens l On a night out: leather dress or skirt and spiky heels

STAR BUY

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Moto leather denim mix kilt @ Topshop , £55

fashion

While we optimistically don our shorts for the last few days of summer, the fashion world swiftly turns its head towards autumn dressing as we welcome in the beginning of the new season.

And what a season it is! Expect leather, tartan, boucle, parkas, fluffy knits and chunky chains.

The trends for autumn fall into six main categories but the great thing is they are interchangeable and can be combined with ease.

Why not use the new season as a chance to reinvent yourself?

Going back to uni or college is the perfect time to invest in a new look.

ALICE CRUICKSHANK guides you through the season...

Freak of Nature pinafore dress @ Asos, £45

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories This autumn there are a few key accessories to bring your look into the current season.

When it comes to footwear, it’s all about the monk shoe (think a brogue crossed with an ankle boot) and it’s perfect for channelling the punk trend in a subtle way.

For a more formal look, turn to the

four

pointed stiletto. While chunkier styles are still a fail-safe fashion choice, this year designers and bloggers are enamoured with this classic shoe.

Metal panels are also set to be big, be it on the toecap of a boot, on a waist belt or on the edges of a clutch bag.

If you prefer a more classic look, then go for a fur trim. This season,

however, don’t feel limited to a fur hood – fluffy pom-poms on boots and handbags were all over the catwalks.

On the subject of handbags, this autumn fashionistas are shunning shoulder bags and instead turning to a more vintage-style, short-strapped bag, either held in the hand or hooked over the crook of an arm.

Alternatively, go for an oversized

Accessories, Accessories............. envelope clutch.The texture of choice for accessories this season was ponyskin. Yes, this not-quite-suede, not-quite-fur fabric looks stunning in a rich burgundy or a classic black and adds a touch of

something luxurious to even the most simple boots or clutch.

The real key accessory every girl needs this season is a chunky gold chain necklace.

Balmain, Givenchy and Chanel are only a few of a long list of designers who featured this style of jewellery in their autumn/winter collections.

five

Top to toe

Best of British

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EVEN if your style is more classic than The Clash, you can still work the tartan trend this season.

Moschino made this punk staple preppy by styling it as a fitted blazer, beautiful wool coat and traditionally influenced mini-kilt.

British country style is a look that graces the autumn catwalks again and again and 2013 was no exception.

The colour palette remains mostly the same, comprising burgundy, forest green, navy, ruby red and mustard but there was a surprise addition to the mix this year- pink.

English rose and dusky pinks ruled the catwalks, particularly for outerwear.

These subtle hues add a soft touch of colour to your autumn wardrobe- just be sure the look is sophisticated rather than ultra-girly.

STAR BUY

Red Metal plate shoulder blazer @ River Island, £65

How to wear l When meeting friends for coffee: a fitted blazer over jeans, finished with a pink scarf l To Uni: A cable-knit jumper over an autumn coloured skater skirt with riding boots

How to wear l When studying on a lazy day: an oversized, waffle-knit jumper over leather-look leggings l On work experience: a coordinating textured skirt and jacket combo from Topshop

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A Touch of Glamour THE catwalks for autumn 2013 were abound with texture.

Boucle, jacquard, houndstooth, waffle, cable, mohair… this season it’s all about outerwear and knitwear that feels as good as it looks.

Chanel was all about classic textured boucle jackets but kept the look modern by teaming them

with matching mini skirts and chunky belts.

While textured fabrics may seem rather traditional and formal, it’s easy to make this trend modern and practical by focusing on the knitwear aspect.

Black Paisley For a really high-end Devore skater skirt look, don’t be afraid to combine several textures @ River Island, £20 into the one outfit.

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fashion

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Fur-hooded detachable lining parka @ Asos, £75

Wrap it Up TO say coats are a big trend for autumn is a no-brainer. This year, however, it’s all about using your outerwear to make a statement and the bigger the better.

The main look on the catwalks was oversized, masculine coats in camel, black and pink.

If this isn’t your thing, then turn to the trusty parka as it makes a return for another season.

However, this time around look for ornate embroidery and touches of fur to make this military staple glamorous.

What’s not to love when a major fashion trend is not only practical but super-cosy too?

How to wear l To Uni: an oversized wool coat over a tea dress, paired with opaque tights and brogues l When meeting friends for coffee: an oversized textured knit over shorts and tights, finished with a fur-lined parka

STAR BUY

Fluffy boyfriend coat @ Topshop, £58

TOP TIPS FOR AUTUMN IF you’re not prepared to buy into a trend wholeheartedly then jewellery is a perfect compromise.

Studs and safety pins as earrings hint subtly to the punk trend; a necklace emblazoned with a stag head is ideal for the British heritage look.

Peg-leg trousers are such a great investment.

They are as comfy as sweatpants but can look really elegant and smartdefinitely a must-buy!

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of autumn’s most intimidating pieces, such as a midi skirt or leather, are actually the most flattering and stylish.

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fashion

As Time Goes By TO channel a classic look into your autumn wardrobe, look to the 1940s.

Yes, this autumn it’s all about war-time fashion, but contemporary fabrics and prints keep the look modern.

The great news is last season’s essential midi cut perfectly fits this trend. Apart from this crucial

skirt shape, think tweed, peg trousers and elbow pads on knitwear.

To finish, style your hair in loose waves and add a touch of burgundy lipstick.

This is a look that is both versatile and sophisticated.

How to wear STAR BUY

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l Having lunch with the parents: an autumn-coloured bodycon midi skirt over a Breton-stripe top l On a night out: a silk-slip style midi dress with pointed stilettos

Hatty lace sweetheart midi dress @ Boohoo, £22

Mandy jersey midi tube skirt @ Boohoo, £6

Sports Lux This was a big trend over spring/summer and it remains prevalent in the new season.

Think smart jogging-bottoms teamed with a printed bomber, wedge trainers and a chunky gold chain or two to finish the look, a la Balmain’s Resort Collection.

To keep the trend up to date, be sure to trade your snapback for an oversized beanie so you’ll be stylish and cosy!

This is arguably one of the trickiest looks to pull off this autumn – it’s easy to step one white stiletto out of the haute couture zone and into Chav Central.

The best way to keep your look classy is to invest in pieces in luxurious fabrics or ornate prints.

up to

15% OF STUDEN F DISCOU T NT

How to wear l To Uni: Jersey peg-leg joggers, teamed with a varsity-style baseball jacket l On a date: silky printed peg trousers with a pointed stiletto and a chunky chain necklace

STAR BUY Peg trousers in tile print @ Asos, £25

available

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Footballer-style wages are out of the question of course, but our writers can bask in the knowledge that their contribution to the country’s top student publication ensures they’re gaining invaluable experience as well as seriously enhancing their CVs.

ted store

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Embroidered bomber jacket @ Warehouse £75

Plus many, many more. Student ID required.

FANCY BEING PART OF THE STUDENT RAG TEAM? Student Rag Magazine is on the lookout for new contributors to join our growing editorial team.

If you’re on a journalism/ media course or just have a great way with words and an inquisitive mind, you might be just the person we’re looking for.

in selec

And we might even be able to swing you a free gig ticket or two!

Sound like your cup of tea?

Then drop us an email at glasgow@student-rag. co.uk including your name, course and areas of interest.

Keep an eye on our Facebook and website for details of an exclusive student event in October. Join us for more offers, more discounts and lots of entertainment.

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a surprise in store

University or college life is possibly the greatest opportunity for personal freedom that you will ever have.

“Pfft, yeah right” I bet you’re saying in your head, but my bet is that you’re only thinking of the deadlines, the 9am lectures, the financial limitations and other negative aspects of further and higher education.

However, when you put all of that aside you are left with a pretty positive list of opportunities to improve your life for you to choose from.

Most of us had the long summer and winter periods off school, but we didn’t have the freedom we now enjoy.

These days we can go where we want, do what we want and be around who we want to be around.

And in our future careers, most of us won’t be lucky enough to have these long breaks to explore new things or meet new people, so it is so important to make the most of your time now.

It’s crucial to understand that university and college is not all about studying. Getting a good grade and a worthwhile degree is important, but it should not be your only focus.

College and uni are about experience and skills as well as academic performance. Any and all skills that you acquire can be enjoyable, but can also help you in many less obvious ways.

They can be applicable on your CV and depending on where life takes you

feature

Free at last University and college is about so much more than studying. VICTORIA TICKLE recommends you make the most of this life opportunity... can also prove to be just as significant as your academic endeavours.

The best way to begin making the most of your time at uni is to start in your first year.

First year is notorious for being the easiest of all of your years and for a lot of universities, they are a ‘practice year’ for getting to grips with uni life.

For many of us that means that your grades in first year do not count towards anything significant except for transitioning to your next year (but be sure to check with your specific course as to whether this statement applies to you or not).

A great way of getting the most out of your first year is to not go home too early when holidays come up.

This is probably your first time away from home and it is better if you stay where you are to adjust to your new surroundings.

Things will change fast around campus and it is better if you stay to experience them. It will also help to get over any homesickness you might have.

First year isn’t the only time to get involved in anything and everything.

Most activities are for any students in any year, so it is never too late in your uni career to get started.

Most universities will have a Students’ Union. These offer plenty of clubs and activities and the interests vary massively so there is something for everyone and you should join at least one.

It doesn’t matter what type of activity it is; a society, a sports club or even the student media (such as the student newspaper), but it does matter that you enrol in at least one.

Most of the clubs will offer taster sessions at the beginning of each semester so you can try out something new with-

out any financial commitment. The most important thing is to give something new a go, as well as things you think you’re already good at. Never heard of a type of activity? Then try it out!

These opportunities will be fleeting in the future, and when it’s all over you’ll want to think that you made the most out of your time at uni, instead of wishing you’d have made a small effort at some point during your course.

University is all about you. How much you are willing to put into yourself and what you want out of life. Think of university as a way of you investing in yourself academically, emotionally, financially and in every other way possible.

Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way no matter what it is.

Remember: opportunity knocks, but it doesn’t beg.

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Jason, you’re a football ledge. Tell us what you’ll go down in history for?

Hopefully all my hard work will get some recognition and I’ll go down in history as the player who, in one season, smashed the most teammates wives.

That and my charity work. I’m trying to kick racism out of football and into the stands where it belongs.

Beckham’s diamond stud earrings are yesterday’s bling. You’re the new style leader, what look are you wearing that your fans are copying?

I still get my biggest buzz from seeing kids having ‘Bent 9’ on back of their shirts. Every time I think “That’s Amazing. Another ten quid for me”.

And this season I’m going to try and outdo Beckham’s different haircuts by getting mine restyled at half time.

interview You’ve just signed a kiss and tell deal that will make you millions what are you going to share with us about your sordid life?

All I’m gonna say is I like my women like I like my coffee – roasted. The book’s coming out next month and I’m told it’s fantastic read – although I haven’t’ actually read it yet.

It’s not just a kiss and tell book, it also includes last year’s FA cup final but I won’t say too much about that match, I don’t want to give away the result.

YOU’RE HAVING A LAUGH BENT

Jason Bent’s ten commandments are about to be published.

What are they?

1. never honour thy contract 2. thou shalt commit adultery 3. remember the Champions League days and keep them holy 4. dishonor thy fans 5. thou shalt covet thy teammates wives I’m not an idiot, if you want the other five you’re going to have to pay £19.99 for a hardback copy!

with JASON

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twelve

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Photos of you have been papped in all the tabloids with your agent saying , ‘noone’s gonna get him out of this mess’. What have you done?

No comment.

I just appeal to the media to respect my wish to completely draw a line under this matter, though you can read my side of the story exclusively in my forthcoming book “Getting Away With It”.

As I said in court, I went out with a couple of the lads, we had a big game the next day so we went clubbing.

We was enjoying a quiet drink – about 8 pints and a fair whack of coke when unfortunately I had no choice, but to strike the man in self defence when out of nowhere and, totally unprovoked, he started walking away from me shouting “I don’t want no trouble, please, please I don’t want no trouble.”

Then unfortunately his mates got involved and started giving it the old “For god’s sake stop it, he’s 67”.

Your new product range has hit the high street, what is it?

The range is called ‘Profit by Jason Bent’. It ranges from aftershave and moisturizer to toothpaste and hair gel – I’m happy to sell any old crap.

I’ve also just signed a new £200 mil sponsorship deal with Nike.

It’s a real privilege because Nike only associate themselves with the very best role models in sport like Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and Oscar Pistorius.

A documentary on football lads was cancelled at the last minute for legal reasons. Care to enlighten us?

Yeah it was because a YouTube clip that’s just emerged of me with a girl in a car.

It’s been extremely embarrassing for me and my family to see that, all I can do is assure everyone that I normally last a lot longer.

Everyone’s asking whether she agreed to have sex with me. I can categorically say yes she did. I just can’t remember if she asked the rest of the squad SO it was consensual sex then?

Absolutely, nothing dirty like… it was a straightforward dogging session.

Jason Bent, Mr JB. You are about to release your music video. Care to sing us a rendition of the first two verses and chorus. Help us visualise it by telling us what will be in the music video.

It’s me collaborating with the top 5 earners in world football. We’re all in a big bath together filled with Euros, singing: It’s all about the money, money, money We just need your money, money, money All about the cha-ching, cha-ching All about the ba-bling, ba-bling... thirteen

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feature GETTING FRESH: TV pals have nothing on real life flat mates

Imagine student accommodation like a bag of pick and mix sweets.

You’re never really sure exactly what you’ll get, or how many of your favourite types are in there.

All of the sweets will look so bright, colourful and enticing when you first get them, but too many can make you very, very sick.

This will be the same with the flatmates you will end up with.

If you’re very lucky you will like all

HUMAN TRAFFIC Several people from all walks of life are thrown together in close quarters with one bathroom, one kitchen and a personal space no bigger than the average prison cell.

Each of them has a complex history and no one knows anyone else in the city.

Sounds like a Channel 4 reality tel-

evision show or an episode of Fresh Meat, right?

Well this is more dramatic, potentially funny and much more real than anything any TV executive could ever dream up.

This is student halls – and VICTORIA TICKLE has a key...

of your sweeties, but you may find some of them to be sour and quite hard to swallow.

You’d think that those in charge of student housing would want to avoid the ‘clash and wrath’ that happens when the wrong people are put together.

However based on who most of us will end up living with, it seems that the only thought and effort they put into the process is as complicated

Let’s start with the Yellows. The Yellows really aren’t all too bad, but it’s what they do on occasion that can be the real bummer.

When odd bits of food go missing (and they will) it will always be the Yellows. This is because they think they know you well enough to be able to do this without asking because ‘you won’t mind’.

They also never own up to it. The Yellows will also always be the ones in the shower when you’re already late for lectures, or who don’t spray air freshener after making a messy sacrifice to the toilet gods.

They’re also the ones to play that song you can’t stand at a decibel level that could shatter windows.

If they aren’t the ghetto blasters, they’re the ones who share a bedroom wall with you and spend the night making not-so-sweet music with someone they just met.

But despite these little annoyances, the Yellows are usually people you can have the occasional drink and a laugh with.

Not life-long pals, but a nice middle ground.

as eenie-meenie-miney-mo. After being an unwitting part of this system I have found there to be three main types of flatmate, and they can all slot neatly into the traffic light colours: the Green, the Yellow and the Red. Now the aim is to get all Greens, but realistically you’re probably going to get mostly Yellows, at least one Red and if you’re lucky you’ll get a Green.

hello YELLOW

seventeen

RED alert Then there are the Reds.

If you find yourself living with a Red, prepare for war. The Reds are the people that everyone in your flat can’t stand, so at least you won’t be fighting this battle alone.

But expect the worst from these people.

Some example of Red work has been: leaving fresh bowls of puke outside peoples doors or hiding rotten food between the beds and mattresses of others.

When two Red girls live with each other, attacks are made

personal. Toothbrushes in the toilet, urine in face washes and shampoos and other creative assaults are not unknown.

I used to live with a male Red who ejaculated all over the toilet seat and cistern and left it there.

I was first on the scene and asked him to clean it up. The response I got was this: “I didn’t do it. It was probably you”.

He could have had a valid argument if it weren’t for the fact that I’m female and don’t possess that particular biological ‘talent’.

GREEN supreme

Student accommodation available

But no matter what the Yellows and Reds throw at you, the Greens will be there to make it all better.

The Greens are the greatest people on earth. These are the human beings that will be there through it all with you. They bring the fun in.

I know a Green who loves to greet people by posting his penis through the letter box; it’s always good for a laugh when they don’t know you’ve brought your parents.

The Greens will also be the ones who play Xbox with you to the point where both of your eyes bleed.

When the Xbox isn’t enough, the Nerf guns

come out and before you know it your flat has been turned into a real life video game with everything that isn’t nailed to the floor rearranged to form barricades.

But the Greens are so much more than fun. They are also there for moral support, they are your rocks.

My Greens stole my internet cable and all my DVDs when they knew I had a deadline to meet so that procrastination was impossible.

The bottom line is no matter who you get, it will always be an experience you will never forget whether you want to or not.

2013-14

23 33

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YOUR nickname Tich has stuck since primary school. What nickname would you choose for an ex-boyfriend and why?

I DON’T want to sound bitter about an ex but it would be Mr Vain because he enjoys looking in the mirror too much, about 30 times a day! He’s kind of hypocritical because he would do the messy look on purpose.

IF you could fast forward 20 years would you like to see ‘Tich The Musical,’ Tich the singing superstar or….

OH, I wouldn’t mind Tich the Superstar or Tich The Musical. I would just love to be very successful. I think anyone who’s succeeded and made it in the music industry like Demi (Lovato) is great.

Many songwriters inspire me. I also loved Britney when she was young.

HARRY Styles has tweeted you to say he liked ‘Dumb’ and you’ve supported Justin Bieber, Olly Murs, JLS and James Arthur. If you were to write a song for anyone famous who would it be and why?

IF I were to write a song it would be to Olly Murs and it would start, ‘Thank you for putting up with me for all that time..’

I supported him while touring and teased him a lot and I’m a bit mental so he would say, ‘you’re crazee, you’re crazee’ all the time.

There was my perfume laid out all down the corridors and nail varnish everywhere.

I always have to have a toothbrush and Listerine in my bag!

IF you could choose famous male backing vocalists to tour with you who would they be and what would they wear?

I’D get someone quite serious and make them dress up. I love John Newman and we did the Leeds Party in the

Park and lots of festivals so probably John Newman in a sailor suit cos blue and white are my colours.

I would choose James Arthur, he’s a similar voice to John and I would choose a girl to mix it up. Adele also wearing a sailor suit! I would love to sing with her in the future.

GRU in Despicable Me steals the moon, if you could steal anything what would it be?

IT would be a time machine if it existed. I used to watch Bernard’s Watch (kids’ TV programme) and he would press his watch and it would stop time so the whole world would

stop.

For three years I could stop and do what I want.

I would get on a plane with my friends then press the watch.

What superhero would you be and what would you wear?

I WOULD love to be invisible. No I wouldn’t. Yes I would. NO I wouldn’t.

Yes I would. It might be horrible?

I would wear a blue and white little dress with big high silky shoes. I know I’m invisible so no one would see my outfit but I would. Actually I COULD just go naked. Oh but

what if the super power wore off?!!…I’ll wear a blue bikini.

IF you could rewind to when you were in your early teens what would you tell yourself when you were touring pubs and clubs?

I WOULD say expect a really long journey. It’s not overnight. You keep working and battling through and there’s lots of ups and downs.

I’ve definitely done the odd gig where I’ve thought ‘God, they don’t want me here’. I felt like running off stage and wish I’d had the invisibility cloak but I’m not a quitter!

WHAT’S the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you?

I’VE flashed so many times when I’ve been swimming with my cossie. It’s so easily done!

I fall over things quite a lot and spill things and trip over. I was in a very expensive studio and I had loads of water in my mouth and I laughed and literally spat all of it over my producer Chris’s face. I just found it hilarious and couldn’t stop laughing.

WHICH comedian has you in stitches?

SEAN Locke I absolutely love and Michael McIntyre. I have laughed so much I was sick! I laugh so much daily. I find things really funny. I’m easy to please. I find quick-witted people hilarious.

l

TO win tickets to see Tich at the O2 ABC2 in Glasgow on October 15 go to Page 48. Tich’s single Obsession is out now.

MES IN “I’VE FLASHED SO MANY TI DONE” MY COSSIE - IT’S EASILY twenty-one

feature

the Student Rag alternative guide to Glasgow & Edinburgh SO you’ve been to the Castle and done the Royal Mile in Edinburgh; visited Kelvingrove Museum and stomped up and down Buchanan Street until your feet hurt in Glasgow.

Scotland’s two main cities may be packed with tourist attractions but there are so many hidden gems worth seeing and unusual activities to try.

ALICE CRUICKSHANK checks out some of the places you should visit the next time you’re looking for something a little bit different...

EDINBURGH DUNGEONS, DINNER & DAQUIRIS IF you really want to make a day of it then this is the option for you. Start off with priority entry to Edinburgh Dungeons, one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions where you will be scared silly by ghosts and ghouls from Edinburgh’s past, including the inhabitants of Mary King’s Close and the infamous Burke and Hare.

Then be treated to drinks at the Hard Rock Café followed by a cocktail-making session and a buffet meal.

To round off the day you also get free entry into a George Street Nightclub.

The package is available only for groups of 10-25 people but would be ideal for birthday/ graduation parties. £38pp. Contact 0131 240 1012 for details

Edinburgh Dungeon

camera obscura

Camera Obscura twenty-two

MORE of the weird and wonderful (but thankfully not gory this time!) can be found at this landmark on the Royal Mile.

Camera Obscura comprises an assortment of baffling optical illusions, hands-on activities great for all ages and, of course, the camera obscura – a projection of the city through a periscope onto a viewing table that

allows you to ‘pick up’ people on the street and ‘divert traffic’ over paper bridges.

The situation of the beautiful tower housing the exhibition allows for stunning panoramic views over the city that are definitely worth seeing.

Admission: students (with ID)- £9.95. Castlehill, The Royal Mile.

see page 26 for our camera obscura ticket competition

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SURGEONS’ HALL MUSEUM If you’re more into the macabre then be sure to check out Scotland’s oldest museum, dedicated to the history of surgery and dentistry.

While this may initially sound a little dry, the museum is anything but.

Brace yourself (and be prepared to

lose your breakfast) as you wander round exhibitions including a gangrenous foot, the tattooed skin from a man’s chest and numerous disease-ridden body parts in jars.

Not for the faint-hearted!

Admission: £5/ £3 concession. Nicolson Street.

AT 37 acres, Glasgow Necropolis is not only one of Glasgow’s oldest cemeteries but also the city’s second largest green area.

Learn about the history of the graveyard and some of its 50,000 inhabitants by taking one of the guided walking tours.

Alternatively, you could take a

wander round the grounds yourself and take in some of the wildlife and beautiful architecture while you walk.

A beautiful, interesting, peaceful place to visit on a lazy day.

Tours are free but all donations greatly appreciated. 50 Cathedral Square.

glasgow necrolpolis

REBUS TOURS

Surgeons’ Museum

While there are many literary and walking tours around the city, the Rebus Tours are some of the best.

The tours available include ‘Hidden Edinburgh’ and ‘Secret Edinburgh’, which explore the non-touristy side of the capital and show a very real and dark side of Edinburgh, emphasised by readings from the Rebus novels.

Best of all, you don’t need to be a huge fan of Rankin’s books to enjoy it.

For bookings visit www. rebustours.com/bookings

Rebus Tours

COCKTAIL CLASS AT LOLA LO

Cocktail Class

IF your wallet can’t quite stretch to the Dungeons experience then you could alternatively enjoy a cocktailmaking class at one of Edinburgh’s finest nightclubs.

Located on Frederick Street, Lola Lo is designed as a Hawaiian tiki bar and is renowned for its exceptional cocktails.

GLASGOW SUB CRAWL FED up of the usual pub crawl? Then try a Glasgow subcrawl!

The idea is to purchase a Discovery Ticket for the subway and get off at each stop, having a drink in the nearest pub to each one.

With 15 locations on the subway route, this could be the ultimate student challenge although it’s best to attempt this on a weekend when Rangers aren’t playing.

There are guides and directions to the pubs en route available on the internet.

Discovery Ticket for all day travel costs £2.60 from any Subway station.

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Their professional staff will have you and your friends shaking up Blue Lagoons and making perfect Pina Coladas in no time at all.

Price on request.

Contact promotions@lolaloedinburgh.com

Castles Museums Visit Queen Watch Hibs Boring Stuff

Sub Crawl Necropolis Rebus Tour Cocktail Class Dungeons

gLASGOW’S Grand ole opry IF you’re really in the mood for something different then Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry could well be the place.

This venue recreates the Wild West right in the Central Belt.

During the day a variety of line dance and jive classes are on offer or you could attend one of their

cowboy-inspired gun club meetings. At night the Grand Ole Opry features live country and blues music acts to really encapsulate that Western feeling.

Entry to classes and events ranges from £4- £5. Visit glasgowgrandoleopry.co.uk

Grand Ole Opry

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A PLAY, a pie & A PINT There are few better ways to spend a lunchtime than at Oran Mor on Byres Road.

Enjoy a pie and a drink while watching some contemporary Scottish theatre designed to last no longer than the standard lunch break.

Each year Oran Mor commissions

38 new plays from well-known writers and up-and-coming stars.

There’s even a season ticket available so you can come watch all the shows of the season – and eat a LOT of pie!

Admission: Students between £8-£10. Season Ticket- £120 for 14 plays.

science centre

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WIN

IF you’re more interested in passing a lazy afternoon than a wild night out, be sure to visit the Glasgow Science Centre.

The hands-on museum has plenty of activities for children, adults and those in between spread over three floors.

There are creepy-crawlies to examine, thermal imaging cameras to play with, mini earthquakes to create and myriad other activities to keep you occupied for hours.

Why not round-off the day by watching the latest blockbusters or wonderful science feature films in the adjoining IMAX cinema?

Admission: Students (with ID)- £7.95

CAMERA OBSCURA TICKETS

THE Camera Obscura show is a fascinating and highly amusing way to see the city and learn about its history.

This unique experience has delighted and intrigued people for over 150 years. It is a ‘must’ on any visit to Edinburgh.

We’ve got FIVE family tickets to give away – that’s up to two adults and two kids per ticket.

To be in with a chance of winning one family ticket, simply answer the following question:

IN WHICH CITY IS CAMERA OBSCURA LOCATED? Text your answer FREE along with your name, contact phone number and email address to 07746-792724 or email competitions@ student-rag.co.uk Closing date is October 1. Editor’s decision is final.

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Science Centre

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health

Eat your way to happiness

Spending summer at home is a minefield for healthy eating.

With parents doing the shopping and cooking, friends suggesting lunch and coffee dates and numerous hours spent in the pub, it’s easy to be led astray.

However, there is no better time to start a healthy eating regime and stick to it than right now, as you enter the new term.

This doesn’t mean fad diets; it’s a total commitment to health and well-being which is, surprisingly, much easier than you may think.

Not convinced? Let ALICE CRUICKSHANK put you on the right path...

DITCH THE JUNK Most students are fond of processed foods. The problem with processed food is that it tends to be high in fat/sugar/ salt/ calories and relatively low in nutritional benefits.

These include ready meals, biscuits, crisps, canned foods and

cheap cuts of meat. If you rely on a processed diet then you may find yourself feeling sluggish, bloated, tired or run-down on a regular basis.

By cutting this junk from your everyday lifestyle you will find your energy levels soar.

FAD DIETS DON’T WORK

THE mistake most people make in relation to weight loss is that the fewer calories consumed, the more fat is burned.

This is entirely false.

An extremely low-calorie diet will be effective for a short while but within a few weeks results will start to plateau.

This is because you’re body has a ‘set point’ for how much energy it needs. Say your set point before dieting was 1,800 calories – by reducing your intake to only 1,000, your body will be burning more calories than it is consuming.

However, when such a low intake becomes the norm, the body compensates for this by lowering its set point to match.

Not only will you stop losing weight, if you do return to eating more calories, you will actually begin to gain pounds. You should aim to eat no less than 1,200- 1,500 calories a day.

The other main problem with traditional diets is they deny your body of essential nutrients and vitamins essential for healthy skin, bones, digestive system etc.

The only way to stay slim and healthy is to eat clean – a principle that is outlined below.

FAUX FRIENDS IT is no wonder such a high percentage of the population consumes such an unhealthy diet when food companies give us the wrong idea of what is healthy.

Let’s expose the truth about so-called ‘healthy choices’.

Cereal: Most cereals are highly processed and full of sugar, with little protein or fibre, two essential components for keeping you full.

Fruit juice: Many fruit juice drinks can easily contain as much as 20g of sugar (The maximum amount recommended for men is 90g).

Not only this, but the ‘good stuff’, ie - the flesh of the fruit, containing fibre is discarded.

Some fruit drinks don’t even count as one of your five-a-day.

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It’s much more beneficial to eat the fruit whole.

Fat-free products: In reality, ‘fat-free’ equals ‘chemical-laden’. The same is true for ‘sugar-free’.

A moderate amount of fat or sugar is much healthier than filling your system with artificial chemicals.

Olive oil for cooking: While olive oil is extremely nutritious straight from the bottle, as soon as it is heated up it loses all its health benefits. The best option is coconut oil as this keeps its nutritional value at high temperatures.

Cereal bars: these do not make a good snack. Cereal bars are of little nutritional value and can be full of sugar and surprising levels of fat.

Have an apple instead.

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breakfast A LOT of students, in their rush to get out the door and get to college or uni on time, forgo what is the most important meal of the day.

Breakfast is so called as it breaks the fast your body has experienced during the night and is therefore essential for a healthy metabolism.

You should eat something within an hour of waking up – even if it’s just a piece of fruit – or your metabolism will enter starvation mode, meaning subsequent meals will be stored as fat.

A good breakfast should contain a large percentage of protein.

Believe it or not, a traditional Scottish breakfast is actually good for you (providing it’s grilled and not fried, that is!)

If you don’t have time to cook up a big meal first thing, then porridge is an excellent choice.

Adding berries, seeds and a sprinkling of cinnamon not only tastes delicious but also provides vitamins and minerals, while the cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

Another foodstuff you should make friends with is the humble egg. Ignore any bad press eggs have had over the years; they are an excellent form of protein and one of the most nutrient-dense foods available.

Poached, scrambled, fried, in an omelette… they are also extremely versatile.

LUNCH Lunch may be tricky if you are out all day. Fortunately, most college or uni canteens are beginning to embrace healthy options.

Believe it or not, it is much more beneficial to have starchy carbohydrates at lunch instead of at dinner, like we traditionally would.

Make sure you choose wholemeal carbohydrates. Wholegrains are not only much higher in fibre than their processed white alternatives, but also release their energy slowly.

And don’t be afraid of pasta. Wholemeal pasta has a low GI rating, which means it provides a gradual energy release and is an excellent choice to keep you going until dinner.

A good choice for lunch is a vegetable soup with a wholemeal roll, as this will fill you with nutrients and leave you feeling satisfied.

Alternatively, a wholemeal pasta with a bolognaise sauce or tuna is a sensible option – just be sure to have a portion or fruit or veg as well!

Lots of colleges and unis now have a salad bar and this is a perfect choice if you want to stay healthy.

However, a salad only consisting of greens is no good. You need to include protein to keep you going and a starchy choice such as new potatoes will complete the meal.

Be wary of dressings and creamy coleslaws or potato salads, as they are often processed and full of fat and calories!

DINNER Traditionally, people eat far too much at dinner, particularly where starchy carbohydrates are concerned.

If you’ve fallen short of your veg quota during the day then this is a great time to make up for it.

Almost any vegetable works in a curry, stir fry or stew, while a side of ratatouille or other roast vegetables tastes great alongside chicken or steak.

The perceived effort and expense that goes along with buying and preparing vegetables may put many students off.

However, this is an inaccurate and outdated assumption.

Nowadays, supermarkets offer a variety of pre-prepared, frozen vegetables for as little as £1.

This not only saves preparation time but anything you don’t need can be put back in the freezer for another day.

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Steam bags are also a great idea as they are a super-healthy and convenient way to prepare vegetables.

If you are short of inspiration then why not buy a student cookbook?

Eating the same thing day in, day out will not only get boring but prevents your body from getting the variety of nutrients it needs to thrive.

The six-step plan IT’S not all about your diet; here are some other tips to enhance your lifestyle: Walk to uni/college: The fresh air will wake you up and prepare you for the day ahead.

Back off the booze: Apart from being full of calories, alcohol puts your whole body under strain and many people when hungover crave fatty foods. Like everything, it’s all about moderation.

Get some sleep: So many people underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. If you struggle to get a decent rest, then try turning off your laptop or TV or putting away your phone half an hour earlier.

Drink water all through the day: When you first wake up, between lectures, before and after dinner…water will not only keep you hydrated but also prevent bloating and help keep your digestive system running as it should.

Be more organised: Leaving 1500 word essays until the night before is undoubtedly going to cause you stress, which will have a negative effect on your body.

By planning ahead you can make sure everything is done on time, meaning you can relax and enjoy yourself while your classmates sweat in the computer lab.

Watch your coffee intake: Too much caffeine can make you edgy and upset your stomach.

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HERE COME THE GIRLS THIS autumn prepare for the best in comedy as E4’s Drifters prove girls can behave badly. Billed as a female, more grown-up version of The Inbetweners, Drifters is written by and stars Jessica Knappett, Lydia Rose Bewley and Lauren O’Rourke.

Student Rag gets first dibs on the Drifters girls and they promise to go above and beyond in their quest for men, a good job and a great night out.

interview

#1 Meg IS IT okay to sleep with someone with a sweat problem if you haven’t had sex in 12 months?

It might sound like Sex in the City’s returned but Carrie Bradshaw would never dress like a banana for some cheap laughs – it would clash with her manolo blahniks!

Drifters on the other hand is E4’s latest, post-uni comedy about twenty-somethings who just wanna have fun and aren’t afraid to offer a noholds-barred approach to sex, relationships, parents, being skint, self-help books, porn, inappropriate behaviour and gate-crashing!

Think The Inbetweeners once they’ve grown up a couple of years and changed gender.

Jessica

Knappett, Lydia Rose Bewley and Lauren O’Rourke all starred in The Inbetweeners movie in 2011 alongside Will, Simon, Jay and Neil and now they’ve cut loose and are giving it some in the big wide world.

Jessica, who wrote the brand new comedy said: “Shagging someone if they have sweat problems is an episode about the ethics of punching below your weight to get back on the horse, so to speak.

“My character Meg, to be precise, has not had penetrative sex in 12 months.

“Meg is naive optimistic, clueless and with her friends she is funny,

sarcastic, cynical and socially awkward. I think as soon as she does have sex she’ll go into her shell again.

“Drifters is somewhat autobiographical so I can’t say where I end and Meg begins.

“You have to write about what you know and I’ve been through years of hopeless desperation with guys.

“Actually, (laughs) I just wrote the show as an elaborate ruse so I can meet someone! I get them on the casting couch (laughs). Only joking!”

“All the scenes are exaggerated scenarios from real life. All these situations are believable and everyone has been in a situation where they can’t get a date or job or they’re employed and just want to get laid.

“There’s a situation in the first episode where Meg comes home to find her mental ex-boyfriend hasn’t got the message and there’s a funny escape.

“What’s good about Drifters is it’s a show about female friendship. The main characters are Bunny, Meg and Laura. Laura is a no nonsense gobsh*te, get rich quick girl. She says to Meg, ‘I

Laura

Bunny thirty-two

Meg thirty-three

interview

need a break Meg, I wanna do a kiss and tell and have a really bad accident and claim’.

“She wants a quick fix in her life.

Bunny comes from a wealthy background and has been cut off so now she’s in the real world and Meg wants to achieve.

“She moves back with her ex-boyfriend and somehow the girls eventually have an accidental house-share.

“There are so many similar things that happened in my life.

“I loved my flatshare when I was studying at uni. It was the best year of my life and I shared it with three of the best mates.”

Stepping out of character Jessica has

had a number of jobs where she wore the most awful outfits and acted out the most embarrassing things in the name of sales so Jessica feels it’s only fair that Meg, Laura and Bunny go through the same humiliating hell in Drifters.

Jessica laughs: “I’ve got Meg wearing a full-size banana outfit, dressed as a mobile phone and we’re all wearing horrible, degrading outfits for the majority of the series.

“In one episode we’re handing out energy drinks in neon t-shirts, the brightest tackiest colours you can image so it’s amazing for Meg when she actually gets real work experience at a local radio station.

“Dressing up in all these outfits is

based on real life. In one of my sales jobs I had to dress as a slutty police officer with sex toys when I was handing out flyers for a mobile phone company.

“I was the ‘price police’ and I had to take turns being the phone or the sexy policewoman. The company really came up with anything to get girls in sleazy outfits.

“I remember holding my head up at the time and thinking, ‘some good has come out of this’.

“I have to say, nothing can be as embarrassing as dry humping Neil in a boat in The Inbetweeners film!

“My dad phoned the next day after the film was released in the cinema and said, ‘yes we’ve just seen your film at the cinema, yes, very good. Ahem.’

“YOU’RE A drunken liar” is a phrase that’s come back to haunt some more than others. And after a few seconds into conversation with Lauren O’Rourke it’s clear that she is the ‘some’.

“I have had a lot of embarrassing moments in my life and sometimes it’s because I have a tendency to lie when I’m drunk,” she admits.

“When I was in Thailand travelling by myself I met this other couple travelling and I pretended to be half Swedish, half Irish with a strange accent, saying, ‘Helloooo, pleased to meeeet yooooou’.

“One month later when I met up with my friends in Thailand a couple tapped me on my back and it was the same couple I had put on the false accent to.

“I had to pretend again in front of my friends who just looked at me strangely while I said, ‘Hellooooo, yes I am haveeng funnn’ in the part Swedish accent. Oh when my drunken lives catch up with me!

“Another time when I was drunk in a pub I spent a whole night telling a bloke I was performing in a pantomine which wasn’t true and I had no recollection of the conversation afterwards.

“The next time the bloke saw me in the pub he kept shouting from a distance, ‘it’s behind you’ to me.”

Luckily, that is all well behind Lauren

#2 Laura and from stand-up to one of the biggest, funniest films of 2011, 2013 now seems to be leaping and jumping at her and Lauren’s embracing her new found fame with a large…punch!

Lauren says: “My character Laura is feisty, she’s a bit like Karl Pilkington (An Idiot Abroad).

“She takes no nonsense and she finds everything boring. Laura just switches off a lot of the time once some-

“It’s quite aggressive dancing when Laura does it because I can’t dance so that was me trying to do burlesque. It looks quite tribal.

“In another episode Jess has a reccurring ex-boyfriend and I’m physically abusive and aggressive towards him.

“I’m meant to have a stunt person punch him but it went wrong and when I’m meant to do the kid-on punch I actually punched him on the back of the head. Stage combat isn’t my forte!

“He ended up with a big bruise, I

probably “my character would ” try to pull a footballer didn’t see him

one starts speaking. It’s my dream character. Jess has written it for me and I’d like to say Laura’s nothing like me but I guess there’s a bit of her in me but she’s more extreme.

“I don’t think Laura’s character will develop. Laura doesn’t change, if anything she gets more aggressive. She’s the type of person who’d probably pull a footballer.

“In one episode we visit a burlesque dancing venue and Laura’s interpretation of sexy dancing was the highlight of the episode.

after that so I’m not quite sure if he was okay’.”

The Birmingham-born stand-up comedian brought her one-woman show, ‘Welcome To the Kerryman’ to Edinburgh for the Fringe in 2012.

With no drama school experience she ‘chickened out’ of doing the gig at The Kerryman Pub, her aunt and uncle’s bar where all the characters she plays are meant to socialise – as it’s based on some of the locals.

Lauren explains: “The Edinburgh Fringe was a lot of pressure. Since I’ve come back the regulars at The

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Call to book on 0141 237 4391 or find us on Facebook. The Hidden Lane Tearoom, 1103 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8ND

Kerryman are still there but (laughs) I don’t know if they want me there.

“I actually thought being in The Inbetweeners film would launch me and I used the film to promote my Fringe show.

“I was in Edinburgh and a woman walking by who took one of the show’s promotional leaflets said to me ‘you’re a liar, you’re not in the film’.

“I said, ‘yes I am’ and she said, ‘no you’re not, I’ve seen the film and you’re definitely not’. I stood there arguing with her trying to convince her I was in it.

“I guess it was only a small part at the start! I had to snog Neil and it was his first kissing scene. Blake Harrison who plays Neil was lovely. I wasn’t there for that long so didn’t get to see the guys that much. I keep in touch with them all on Facebook.

“I was a massive fan of The Inbetweeners show. I would never do nudity like the bare buttocks and balls scene from the fashion show episode

Joe (Thomas) did. I’ve got two brothers, a boyfriend and a dad who keeps his check so I’m not allowed!

“I do think Drifters is something different. It’s set after uni and all girls have a friendship group where crazy things have happened.

“The show still has that British humour in the same way that The Inbetweeners does it for the guys.

“I would love to see The Inbetweeners versus Drifters even though they’re schoolboys. Our characters would definitely outdo theirs. Drifters is great because it also shows girls pulling blokes in that embarrassing way.”

Although Jessica wrote the E4 comedy, Lauren has still managed to sneak in some ideas.

Lauren reveals: “There’s been a few times when Jess has come in with her character Meg’s new costume and I’ve made a remark and it has come into the show as my character Laura saying it.

“Jess has a strange choice of outfits

EVER seen Channel 4’s First Dates? Imagine you turn up but you don’t realise it’s a date. Do you make excuses and leave, stay and just get through it or get very, very drunk then say some extremely quick goodbyes and toddle off?

If you’re Lydia Rose Bewley then staying sober to get through the night is not an option.

Lydia explains: “I’ve gone on meals and not realised it’s an actual date. I did the worst thing. I got drunk and got on with it then practically ran away hailing a passing taxi as I said my goodbyes very quickly.”

Lydia’s real-life dramas aren’t a far cry from the character she plays in Drifters or for that matter her character in The Inbetweeners film.

In the movie she plays Jay’s girlfriend Jane, whom he meets while looking for some ‘clunge’ on a boys’ holiday in Malia.

Lydia says: “There were a lot of funny moments when we were in The Inbetweeners film too and some of the episodes were

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which include trouser suits. She’s socially awkward. I’m socially awkward so I relate more to Meg. “We had a behind the scenes camera which was funny and was used during our downtime when we weren’t filming.

“Lydia was responsible for most of the footage, we filmed her because she loves performing. Ninety-nine per cent of the time she’s doing it even when she doesn’t need to!”

Lauren wishes she had used the same behind-the-scenes camera on her mum.

She explains: “My mum has said so many things that are great for writing material.

“She said she flushed one of our fish down the toilet cos she thought it was bullying the other fish. I said to mum, ‘it was probably mating’ but she said, ‘oh no, I’m sure there was a bit of bullying going on!’

“She once asked if Edwards Scissorhands was based on a true story!”

#3 Bunny very dodgy. I would never punch a fish! I have a fish called Wart, named after the boy who becomes King Arthur in The Sword and The Stone, who’s in our pond at the farm.

“The punching fish scene was a very funny one but grim too. Their characters had lots of fun things to do.

“Playing Bunny has certainly been fun. I love working with Jess and Lauren, they’re my closest friends.

“We’ve been getting told off for corpsing because we’ve been laughing so much at inappropriate moments in filming.

The Plebs actress adds: “I loved playing Metella in Plebs, it was very straight and so different from Bunny.

Bunny is smiley, bubbly, fun-loving and a bag of laughs.

“She’s the life and soul of the party.

She can be off the wall and she believes in the power of the universe. Jess (Jessica Knappett) can argue that I am that character. I get to do what I wouldn’t have the confidence to do in real life like singing in front of people.

“I’m really not that confident. Bunny’s got a lot of balls.

“If I’m on the red carpet I’m really embarrassed but Bunny would love it and lap it up and pose. I’d like to see Bunny get sad about something and get her heart broken in a full on love relationship but we’ll see what happens.

“I’m squirming at some of the things my parents, three brothers and friends will all see when Drifters is televised. There’s loads of snogging.”

Drifters will be broadcast on E4 in October

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interview STUDENT RAG: You guys are playing in Glasgow on October 9.

Are you planning on soaking up a bit of culture while in town?

Ryan: Yeah. I’m not sure what I haven’t seen. I’m all about a good museum?

I love dinosaurs. I’ve been obsessed since I’ve been a kid. I think it was Jurassic Park that did it to me.

SR: So if singing hadn’t worked would you have been interested in going down that route and studying it?

Ryan: I’m probably not clever enough to do something like that.

SR: Maybe you could sing about what you like, about dinosaurs?

Ryan: I could write songs about dinosaurs. I know all the lines from Jurassic Park…‘Life finds a way’…

SR: Oh, you actually do know quotes from Jurassic Park, we thought you were kidding.

Ryan (a bit too enthusiastically): I know all the words and I can act out all three films!

SR: Wow! Moving on, you’ve been snapped with a hip-hop ‘Thug Life’ branded t-shirt. Do you ever think we’ll hear Lawson go off in that direction and would you like that?

Ryan: I wish! That would be great.

The others don’t really like hip-hop so I wear it purely to p*ss the lads off. I’d love to do something like that.

SR: It’s always difficult to compare to other bands. Who do you admire out of the bands out there at the moment?

RYAN: Other than The Script and Coldplay there’s not that many new bands in the charts. Kings of Leon

Q&A RYAN FLETCHER is bass guitarist and performs backing vocals for boy band Lawson.

The Liverpudlian is eager to share any news with DEBBIE McINNES following last year’s debut album release.

So let’s get the lowdown on whether it was a wise move to be snapped with the ‘Thug Life’ t-shirt, and whether he’s back on the market after a well publicised argument with his S Club Juniors girlfriend Stacey McLean...

Lawson’s Everywhere We Go tour hits Glasgow o2 Academy on October 9.

are my favourite band. Collectively they are much rockier than us. I also like Maroon 5.

SR: It’s a busy year for you, what else is happening this year?

RYAN…After we did the V Festival in August we do a headline tour in America.

We’re doing the US Open and get on the tour bus doing LA, San Francisco, a UK Tour and then hopefully Asia.

SR: But you know you’ve REALLY made it when you see Lawson dolls on the shelf, is that next?

The 1D ones are quite flattering.

Ryan (laughs): No, that means we’ve done something terribly wrong.

SR (not letting it go): Instead of dolls you could have accessories or sportswear. When we inter-

viewed Ellie Goulding backstage at her Glasgow o2 Academy gig she was wearing her own design of Nike trainers. What would you design or launch?

Ryan: We’re not cool enough though we’d be up for that. There’s too much artist products out there.

Ryan: I don’t know about Brit School. At the Academy of Contemporary Music you learn about your instruments and the industry. If I graduated from there and left I failed if I left with a degree and no work so in first year I went to every audition. I wanted to be a session guy.

SR: So what do you think of the bands television documentary and the pressure being too much.

Surely getting a free tour of the world when you go touring should be worth a bit of fame?

Ryan: Anyone that complains about it is unbelievable. People would give anything to be in our position.

SR: So in your first year was it rejection city?

RYAN: I got turned down for everything. I got two auditions out of about 100 because either they weren’t right for me or I wasn’t right for them.

I was still so focused on being in a band. I was just in the right time when it was meant to happen.

When I moved to London to study I was 18 and I met Andy, Joel I had known since I was 15.

Now when Lawson are touring I know a couple of session people that

SR: You studied at The Academy of Contemporary Music. Is that a bit like Brit School and do you meet a lot of your peers from ACM when you are touring?

went to ACM. In the industry everyone seems to know everyone.

SR: Do you get a lot of support and advice from your family?

Ryan: I get no advice from my family but I’ve being doing it all my life so I don’t need it.

On our way up Lawson wouldn’t have a gig for months and we would only be rehearsing once a month.

It’s now the opposite and we crave time off but we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s great to be in a boy band. There’s a very big boy band scene just now.

SR: This is for the girl fans!

There’s been a lot of photos and rumours about the split of you and S Club Junior’s Stacey McClean are you young, free and single?

Ryan (laughs but keeping shtum): Not at the moment.

thirty-nine

feature

have bike... will travel THERE’S just no getting away from it... somehow or other we’re all going to have to make our way from our accommodation all the way to the teaching buildings, Student Union and beyond – on an almost daily basis!

On your behalf STEPHANIE GRAY has a look at the most effective and efficient methods of getting from A to B. You’re welcome!

enthusiastic student skipping ANthrough the snow to get to a lecture on time… An uncommon

sight, you might say.

An annoyed, under-dressed fresher trudging through the snow to get to a lecture late through lack of bus money, though, is far more likely.

On hearing the news that I would be heading to Edinburgh for uni, I anticipated that I would be walking everywhere to save money.

Very quickly I was put in my place – Edinburgh is built on seven hills, and my campus was conveniently

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situated on one of them. Immediately I wrote off walking as my regular mode of transport.

Transport isn’t really something you consider much when you arrive at university for the first time.

You want to go out, make friends and find someone in the vicinity who knows how to cook.

Pretty quickly after moving to a big city (especially if you’re a country dweller at heart) you will most probably get lost and most certainly get on the wrong bus.

I remember once packing a flatmate off on the bus for her first day

of lectures, turning to head back to the flat and realising I had no idea how to get home.

Aside from the initial confusion though, I’ve found my own experiences of Edinburgh buses to be largely positive. here are ways to get around without needing much of a sense of direction.

Apps showing bus stops, routes and live updates are easy to come by and a lifesaver in your first few weeks.

Once you’ve found your bus, keep an eye on fares.

T

Something worth checking out is getting a Young Scot bus card – it’s free and means that until you turn 19 you’ll pay significantly smaller fares.

Monthly bus cards also make public transport a more attractive option; Edinburgh buses only take exact change.

Paying an amount in advance not only saves you money, but avoids the inevitable trip to the cash machine and then to a shop to change the note into change.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a Greggs, but stopping off every

morning before uni becomes a bit tedious.

If you’re too stingy to part with your student loan or hard earned cash just to get around, a bike is the way to go.

I didn’t take one with me in my first year – the thought of cycling on busy city roads after a life spent in the countryside didn’t appeal to me. oon though, the cyclists around me started to discover ways to bypass the more dangerous bits, cycling through parks and along canals to get into uni.

On one occasion, one of my

S

course mates had cycled all the way home, showered and was eating lunch by the time the rest of us made it onto a bus.

If you know the secrets of the town and aren’t afraid of exercise, cycling certainly has its benefits.

If you are going to the bother of taking a bicycle make sure you use it, though.

I’ve heard tales of bikes being locked up outside halls in September and being left there to rust all year before eventually being unlocked in May. It goes without saying that some

forty-one

what’s the alternative?

WALKING PROS: Hoofing it to lectures won’t cost you a penny and should bring health benefits.

CONS: Takes longer, offers little protection from the weather and God forbid could even make you tired!

DRIVING

PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROS: Can be cheap, sometimes reliable and will always get you there eventually.

CONS: Crowded and potentially leaves you miles from destination.

PROS: Avoids the need to mix with the public and you get to control the climate.

CONS: Price of fuel is extortionate, ditto for parking costs, traffic’s a nightmare and taking the car will ensure you get negative ‘green’ points.

of us are just too plain lazy for cycling every day.

We’re students, after all. If this is the case, and you don’t mind splashing the cash a little, seriously consider taking your car to university.

Initially I was dubious – I’m a student, I’m living right in the centre of Scotland’s capital. Why do I need a car?

I have to admit I still wouldn’t consider it much myself, not only due to the expense but also the extra hassle of parking, coping with a busy city and (in Edinburgh’s case at least) learning to navigate the ever changing and never-ending tram works.

There have been occasions where having friends with cars has come in handy for reaching far corners of Edinburgh or making that desperately needed trip to Asda or a day out to IKEA. Relying on a lift can work, so long as your mates aren’t the sorts who turn up with 30 seconds to spare.

For attending lectures though I still don’t really

see much of a point in driving. University campuses are never so far away that you need the comfort of a car, and often you’ll just get stuck behind buses anyway.

Of course, if none of these take your fancy or you’re just too cheap to fork out for buses, a new bike or car insurance, you can always defy the student stereotype and walk to university. ou may have to pay up anyway and invest in a proper jacket but who knows, it might actually be enjoyable.

Walking can be beneficial, especially in the first few months when you don’t know the area very well.

Explore different routes with friends and before you know it you’ll be choosing to walk over getting the bus.

You might never be that student skipping happily through the snow, but you could at least be the one wandering along the canal in the sunshine from time to time.

Y

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We talk, you listen You talk, we listen

interview interview

You’ll just have to wait for it...

A CROSS between Florence Welch and The XX is a high standard to live up to, but London Grammar have got a lot of tongues wagging in the music industry to justify the description.

Hannah Reid, Dot Major and Dan Rothman make up the art rock band trio who have played this year ’s summer festivals and are are about to tour it large and release their debut album ‘If You Wait’.

Hannah talks to DEBBIE McINNES....

WE look forward to your new album being released in September, Was it a cathartic experience writing the songs? ‘Wasting My Young Years’ was written about your ex-boyfriend is that right?

Yes, writing songs is always cathartic in some way. Wasting My Young Years is also about youth, as well as a past relationship.

I just really hope he doesn’t mind! It certainly helps to release emotion.

Tell me about ‘If You Wait’. Do the songs form a narrative, do they contain a theme or do they chronologically reflect your life?

The songs don’t chronologically reflect my life, but my lyrics certainly

do have themes that they share. I’m obsessed with psychology and how people tick, I think in general it’s a record about love and the human condition.

Which song on your album means the most to you?

The last song called ‘If You Wait’ that the album is named after.

DO Dot and Dan help with your writing process?

Yes of course! Dan and Dot write a lot of the music, which they write the melody and lyrics for too. I’m completely inspired by what they write.

IF you could design a video of your favourite song what would be the directing style and who would star in it?

Favourite song, Gladys Night’s ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’. It would be me and Ryan Gosling in it, and the directing style would be like the movie Drive!

Which singers are your role model?

Barbara Streisand.

She’s beautiful and has an immaculate voice. And also suffered from stage fright which I can relate to!

IF the album hits number one are you prepared for the fame and

what’s the first thing you would do to celebrate?

I would go out and have a big dinner with my girlfriends. I don’t think ‘Fame’ is something London Grammar have ever really thought about!

It would be incredible to be known for creating something special (if people think its good!) But the idea of ‘Fame’ is a little frightening.

DO you, Dot and Dan have fun putting songs together?

Yes, when a song comes together there is such a sense of satisfaction.

And there is a lot of laughing in the studio.

But we also have argued about songs, but out of those disagreements sometimes comes the best creativity.

IS the best thing about being a touring musician you get to see the world or would you prefer to see the world on your own terms?

Well, we haven’t started our tour yet! But from what I have experienced so far, unfortunately you don’t get the time to experience where you are.

We are often flying in and straight out again.

Where is your favourite country and if you had to describe it what would be its highlights?

The UK obviously! In fact, I feel like I’ve rediscovered the English and Scottish countryside touring the summer festivals. We are so lucky, its so beautiful, I think its easy to forget what we have.

ARE you confident singing in front of thousands of people and do you do anything to take the edge off?

I’m far from confident. Its my biggest challenge in London Grammar. As soon as I’m halfway through the set, the audience have become my friend and I realise they were only ever there to support us.

I get off stage and tell myself I refuse to feel nervous again...and then I feel the same before the next show!

DO you have a lucky charm and if so what’s the history behind it?

I have two lucky charms, Dan and Dot. I can’t imagine singing without them.

forty-four

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TICKETS TO SEE LONDON GRAMMAR IN GLASGOW COMPETITION ON PAGE 48

What did you study, where and what did you get out of it?

I studied English and Art History at Nottingham University. I loved Art History. I got everything out of it, I met Dan and Dot, and amazing girlfriends who I lived with for three years.

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LONDON Grammar’s debut album If You Wait is out on September 9. forty-five

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tech

Slipping into top gear The Watch The future for wrist-wear, a Pebble, is one of the hottest things on the market. It is a watch with the capacity to host apps and change its background display.

It even tells the time!

Labelled as the first 21st century watch, the revolutionary design allows you to choose from, and customise, a dozen watch faces to suit your own needs.

It also has the capacity to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, meaning you can access many of your phone’s abilities via your wrist.

The Pebble can tell you when you receive text

WIN We’ve got TWO PAIRS of tickets to see London Grammar at Oran Mor in Glasgow on October 27 to give away. To be in with a chance of winning one pair, simply answer the following question:

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE BAND’S LEAD VOCALIST?

messages, and allows you to accept or reject incoming calls from your wrist.

Available apps include GPS and apps that work as bike computers. This means runners and cyclists alike can use a watch to see how long they have been exercising, how far they have travelled, and how fast they are moving.

More apps are being developed constantly, including “Freecaddie” – which tells you how far you are from the green at 25,000 golf courses.

With seven days’ worth of rechargeable power, notifications from Twitter, Facebook, texts and emails, and a vibrating function to notify you of updates, the watch really does boast everything.

Order on the Pebble website for $150.

LONDON GRAMMAR TICKETS

But which phone is the best to use with the watch?

While the Pebble is compatible with all smartphones bar Blackberries, Windows 7s and Palm phones, it works with the rest.

And while it is expensive, the best phone on the market right now is the HTC One. Firstly, it is impossibly comfortable to hold. Thinner than its predecessor, the HTC One has a 4.7-inch full HD screen, and fits perfectly into a pocket or the palm of a hand.

The phone boasts an S4 Pro processor, as well as 2GB of RAM for anyone who understands that stuff. In a nutshell, it means it is near impossible to slow the phone down – browsing the internet, opening and closing apps, it will still work as quickly as ever.

One unique feature of the phone is BlinkFeed. This produces a screen full of different sized feeds, meaning that it is different from the plain blocks of normal Android phones.

With Facebook, Twitter, and news feeds accessible on this screen, it is a central database of the latest goings-on. BlinkFeed makes everything easier to follow.

There is another option. The HTC One Mini was released in August, and while it does not have the same memory, and has a slightly lower resolution screen, the slimmer, lighter and smaller model comes with an equally shrunken price tag. Perfect for students.

The Tablet With the tablet market one of the fastest growing, and with tablets often used as replacements for laptops, getting the right one is important.

And we aren’t talking the difference between Tesco and ASDA brand Paracetamol – these tablets are far more important.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 has it all for us.

It has a great display, is comfortable to hold, and comes at exquisite value.

Perhaps one of the most important features is that it is integrated with Amazon

The Phone

WIN

TICKETS TO TICH CONCERT

We’ve got TWO PAIRS of tickets to see Tich at the O2 ABC2 in Glasgow on October 15.

To be in with a chance of winning one pair, simply answer the following question:

WHAT IS TICH’S REAL NAME?

FOR BOTH COMPETITIONS text your answer FREE stating which competition you are entering along with your name, contact phone number and email address to 07746-792724 or email competitions@student-rag.co.uk

WIN

from the off. It is an entertainment device primarily, and has access to the extensive range of books available on Amazon’s eBook devices.

But the Kindle Fire tablet offers more than that, with a large selection of apps available. Unique features of the Kindle Fire are limited, as Amazon has made itself flexible to almost all tablets.

But the Fire HD’s price tag means this is a vastly cheaper option, especially compared to the Apple Ipad Mini at £269 and the Samsung Galaxy Note at £350. Costing just £229 for the 16GB one, or £259 for double the size, it is by far the best value of tablets of this size.

The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 has been kept simple, cost-effective, and does a job for the everyday user.

ALTON TOWERS TICKETS

There is so much technology out there that it becomes hard to keep track of. We have compiled a list of some of the must-haves for university and college.

We have looked at the new, and the newer models of older gadgets, to help you have the top gear for the next year.

ALEXANDER NEAL reports back...

Amid a range of developing technology and the rise of tablets, the price of laptops is dropping. And they are always a useful tool, with the amount of programmes available for them.

There are laptops for all needs, from solely internet access to full on hard-core gaming devices.

As far as value for money is concerned – and let’s face it that is almost everybody’s concern these days – you can’t look beyond the HP Pavilion series.

This collection of laptops range in functionality and price depending on your needs, so an independent look would be worthwhile.

But with strong features throughout the range, including HD screens, a whole heap of memory and decent quality processors, this is the way forward if you’re looking for a laptop.

On top of all that, the price is low. As low as it gets for a top-grade laptop.

The pick of the bunch in the HP Pavilion g6-2241sa.

Worth around £320, it is equipped with Windows 8 and everything you would need for university, including 6GB of memory and 750GB of hard drive space.

And with a long-life battery, lasting six hours, you will rarely be required to plug in.

The Laptop

Join us at the Alton Towers Resort experience the world’s first 14 looping rollercoaster, The Smiler, guaranteed to marmalise your body and mind with twisted psychological effects.

The £18 million coaster features plunging drops of 30 metres, a ride time of 165 seconds and a track length 3x the length of Oblivion!

The Smiler will provide an experience like no other ride. It will marmalise your body and mind, combining a series of twisted psychological effects including optical illusions, blinding lights and jabbing needles.

The Smiler features five mind manip-

ulations: The Inoculator, The Tickler, The Flasher, The Giggler and The Hypnotiser, providing a complete physical and mental assault on riders. It will turn you into a smiling advocate.

With over 50 rides and attractions, the Alton Towers Resort is Britain’s Greatest Escape this summer.

Alongside The Smiler is a line-up of adrenaline-pumping coasters including the iconic Nemesis and Oblivion, Rita, TH13TEEN and Air. Visit www.altontowers.com for more information. Book online at www. altontowers.com to save up to 25% on tickets and 10% on short breaks.

We’ve got a pair of tickets for Alton Towers to give away. To be in with a chance of winning them, answer the following question:

How many loops does The Smiler have?

Text your answer FREE along with your name, contact phone number and email address to 07746-792724 or email competitions@student-rag.co.uk Closing date Oct 1. Editor’s decision final.

Terms and conditions The prize consists of 2 tickets which are valid for any one day of the 2013 season which runs from 16th March – 11th November 2013 excluding concert on 6th July and other special events. The pass is for entry into the theme park only and does not include food or drink, fastrack or any additional; paid for activities. Tickets are non transferable.

interview

e h t n i s ’ e n i d a N e m e h c s d n a r g

N

EGOTIATING the crooked, winding stairs to the room at the top, Nadine Shah finds an almost empty room with a few ambivalent expressions on the faces of a sparse audience.

As she lowers the battered piano on the floor and begins to play, her hypnotic and hauntingly beautiful voice fills the room, creating a pleasing ambience.

It’s a tough crowd and tougher still when hardly anyone’s there and fewer still are listening.

Thankfully those days are gone. But Nadine still has big dreams of playing in grand venues where she just has to add to the aura rather than create it.

Nadine says: “I’d love to play silly places like Carneggie Hall in New York and ostentatious ones like Opera Houses.

“I’m not mad on venues above pubs because I’ve had some bad experiences. Because the projects or gigs are under my name when people hear ‘Nadine Shah’ right away they think ‘oh, female singer-songwriter’ and then this goth comes on with a piano howling like a banshee.

“I feel apologetic to the audience. A lot of the time I was getting a piano up crooked stairs and I put my back out doing that, I’ve also played in rooms to as few as three people.

“Once I was put on a wrong stage at T4 and I was put on after Pixie Lott and before The Sugababes and I could see all the young female faces in the audience and their reaction and thought ‘poor little buggers’.”

The female singer-songwriter was born in Pakistan to a Norwegian mother and Pakistani father and moved to Whitburn near Sunderland.

Her father’s culture and singing was dominant in her life.

“When I was younger my dad had a beautiful singing voice and he would sing religious songs, very sad songs, around the house.

“It’s stuff I hated and I would have to put up with it when he was driving, still do because I can’t drive!

He played it all the time in the car and I’d try to put the Spice Girls on and he’d say, ‘my car, my music’.

“If you grow up listening to that fifty

you can’t help absorb it. I’m obsessed with that music now.”

From a young age it was evident Nadine had a good singing voice. She belted out Maria Carey and Whitney Houston songs and sang in school productions, entering competitions.

There was no YouTube around when she started singing, developing from Eva Cassidy gospel songs to jazz.

Nadine has been descirbed as a female Nick Cave and working with producer Ben Hillier – of Blur, Depeche Mode and The Horrors fame – has evidently honed her talent.

“I was very lucky to get Ben Hillier to produce with me. We got on very well,” she reveals.

“We met over a coffee and we just hit it off. It was amazing. He was top of the pile of my dream producer list.

“My album is an entirely collaborative work between the two of us so it should be entitled Nadine Shah and Ben Hillier. Ben plays the drums live with the band. He’s never done that before. I can’t imagine working with anyone else.

“I have been compared to Nick Cave and I take that as a compliment. It’s very flattering being compared to Nick but very daunting because people will expect a certain sound and

then they’ll hear me sing. I get a lot of my ideas from lyrics overhead from conversations generally in pubs.

“I overhead a man verbally bashing some guy and then a woman joining in and she was talking about him wanting a young bit of stuff.

“She said, ‘he can get off with his beautiful whore’. So I wrote a song about this beautiful woman who’s had her family life with the kids and now they’re grown up and she’s been looking forward to this moment and got her youth back and ‘I’ve still got that red silk dress but you’ve got this young bit of stuff’. ut she’s saying ‘it’s fine because I’ve got the right to half this house’. So things might get to her financially. It’s actually an empowering song.”

Nadine’s debut album Love Your Dum and Mad has been receiving rave reviews but a paranoid Nadine worried when she had no bookings for this year’s festivals.

With a heavy workload which includes the release of her new single Runaway and a 24-date UK and European tour, the biggest worry for Nadine was taking advantage of her tour budget!

“It can end up being expensive touring because I don’t want to take the mickey with the touring budget,” she says.

“I get people in Norway saying, ‘are you coming over here? ’ and if I could afford to I’d love to do it even if it was for one person.”

Those days, hopefully, are gone now for Nadine.

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Runaway is released on September 16 and is taken from the debut album Love Your Dum and Mad. Nadine plays King Tut’s in Glasgow on October 7.

fitness

The perfect fit Fitness DVDs THE celebrity on the front cover of any fitness DVD has had their own personal trainer and a superb food plan, probably with their own nutritionist.

It’s a massive piece of the pie, if you’ll forgive the pun, that they don’t mention. A lot of the problem with doing fitness videos is your body is training itself to do the same thing over and over again.

After so long the routine won’t have the same impact on your body. If the goals are to have a fit toned body you want to have a good mix in your training regime.

Classes Some people go to classes three times a night thinking that’s great but if your body gets used to it, it knows there’s no shock to the system.

The body perspiring and working, yes it’s working and you’re getting fitter but in terms of change for your body in tone and shape there’s no difference.

One person could be the same height and weight as another and only

KEVIN KELLY is a personal trainer with his own gym, Kevin Kelly Personal Training, based in Hamilton.

He is a qualified Master Trainer, runs a Saturday morning Boot Camp and is more than happy to take time out to share his top tips on how to achieve a healthy, fit body with a few lifestyle changes. one looks toned and fit. It’s a result of the training. If one person looks in better shape they’re putting more emphasis on what they’re doing, for example, they’re maybe doing it for quick bursts of time.

A lot of balance-type classes are good and exercises in a gym with ropes, hurdles, sprint tracks, and tables you can jump on.

The natural movements of jumping, running, pushing and pulling are all good for you. The body’s not necessarily built to get into positions for yoga and pilates.

Nutrition Plan I agree 100% with the TV documentary ‘The People That Made Us Thin’ that it’s more diet than exercise that’s important.

I tell my new clients that it’s a mix of 75 per cent diet and 25 per cent fitness. I give my clients a nutrition plan. A lot of people don’t eat enough and that’s why they don’t lose weight or they should eat better.

It’s hard to get your head round but it’s especially prevalent in Scotland and the rest of the UK. We’re not exposed to enough naturally good food.

This generation knows about fast foods and takeaways and quick sugars and food that looks appealing like chocolate bars at checkouts and petrol garages.

Gym Workouts

fifty-two

IF your goal is to get toned or put on muscle then training and going to a gym is very important for that lean, athletic look.

A nice shape can work through diet alone but not toning. And vice versa training will only get you so far if you only train so nutrition is also key.

What’s new in classes?

You know you’re only gym it ‘cos it’s hot right now... zumba and Metafit classes have passed the fad stage and have a brand of their own.

Yoga has always been popular and hot yoga is basically someone putting a twist on normal yoga – I don’t really see it taking off.

Zumba, Metafit & Hot Yoga Zumba seems to be very popular amongst females. It’s the combination of dance and fitness that works.

People who like to dance, go with their friends and also there aren’t many guys at the classes which can sometimes add an element of intimidation.

Thump Boxing THUMP Boxing was developed in Australia and it’s very big in the US, Australia and Ireland but it hasn’t taken off in this country quite yet.

It’s based more on traditional boxing. It’s not like a body conditioning class.

Basically, it’s learning self-defence and boxing techniques in a fun, fitness environment but you are learning the way a boxer would learn.

Boxing training is one of the best classes for cardio. fifty-three

no w

co m

more the type of thing you would throw in at the end of a session when you think you have nothing left to

p.

It’s more a style and method and is taken from the Middle East.

Tabata training is about mixing exercises, for example, eight sets of burpees for 30 seconds then rest then something else for ten seconds and so on. Tabata training is

e

ou

Tabata Training

lin

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There is a mix of things. Five good pieces to have are a set of hand weights, kettle bells to work every part of your body, skipping ropes for a good cardio element, a floor or abs mat and a platform like a small table.

Kettle bells are like a metal bell with a shoe-horn shape attachment which you hold so you can swing it.

There’s usually a beginners, intermediate and advanced class.

Some bells are made of steel or can be small, lightweight plastic with

on

Best Equipment for Legs, Bums & Tums

n

it’s really important when I do my personal training it’s 30-minute sessions.

There’s a lot of people that like to keep fit but for ones who find it hard when you say ‘go all out’ it has to be for 10, 20 or 30 minutes and just pushing yourself each time to do extra. It’s not realistic to do it for longer than that.

On campus most have good gyms but most also have good grounds.

ym

Personal Sessions

Boot Camp in the Rain

People who want to do boot camp and are willing to turn up in the first place won’t mind the rain or bad weather.

They might like getting wet and dirty because it takes them back to their childhood and it’s fun!

The weather doesn’t put many people off, you can just put on an extra jacket. If it’s very bad then it would be cancelled or moved to a gym where possible.

i Jo

FIT-

eg

Some people throw numbers around about how many times you should walk a week and how long for.

These are too vague or generalised. One’s perception of how they lead their life needs to change like taking the stairs instead of the lift.

I studied at Strathclyde University at the town campus and there’s a lot of hills. Walking up the hills was a pain in the backside but you never think at the time about the great exercise.

You should be thinking, ‘can I get up five, ten or 15 minutes earlier to walk?’ or ‘take the route that involves going up the hill?’

When you’re away from home it’s always easier if you do things with friends either at sports clubs, gyms or outside. Even getting a training partner helps.

To say, ‘we’re going to get up at seven in the morning’ will make you do it. It’s too easy if you’re on your own training to just give up.

Don’t put yourself in a position where you’re likely to fail.

Find a friend and jog round campus and create your own mini circuit.

Jog from one tree to the next then sprint to the next tree and so on.

th

Life Challenges

sand inside.

They range from two to 40 pounds, are great for strength and getting the heart rate going.

There are different areas you can work and you get a complete body workout from them.

But Most Importantly...

The key to make you fitter is a good diet or nutrition plan, a good, mixed and varied training and exercise plan, a positive outlook on life and surrounding yourself with fit and positive, enthusiastic people!

give and you manage that wee bit extra.

Plyometrics PLYOMETRICS is a style or method that’s used by sprinters like Usain Bolt, footballers and basketballers.

Plyometrics is very much based on explosive movement such as jumping and leaping.

With a sprinter such as Usain Bolt running the 100 metres, he would do a lot of plyometrics because he explodes with a quick burst of energy at the start of his race.

Basketballers do the same when they are jumping.

Ugi Classes UGI classes involve a 15 inch ball, which is squishy like a bean bag.

These classes are getting bigger in the UK. It’s a 30-minute class with background music combining strength, cardio and core training aimed at getting functionally fit.

Viper Training VIPER training involves using a long hollow tube with two holes cut out for hands so it can be lifted.

The guy that thought it up worked on a rubbish dump and found a long tube that held a carpet in.

He lifted it a certain way and thought ‘wait a minute’ and viper was born.

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16/08/2013 11:43

interview

Sinead’s on the edge of success

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ISSING a corpse, urinating in front of a male co-star and laughing out loud at The Diary of Anne Frank – not your average day for most actresses.

London Irish star Sinead Keenan is just glad she didn’t have to perform any of these shocking scenes after landing a different part in the edgy new Channel 4 comedy.

Sinead instead plays Bronagh, a fiesty Irish woman who ‘takes no prisoners and pulls no punches’.

She is one of four main characters, Northern Irish expats living in London in the series which is loosely based on writer Lisa McGee’s experiences of doing just that. Sinead says: “In London fifty-six

Irish my character Bronagh’s got a very good bullshit radar.

“When I read the second page of the script I was laughing out loud.

“When you take these scenes out of context you go, ‘Jesus Christ’ but I have great faith in the viewing public.

“I didn’t cringe reading any of the lines because after all it’s not a documentary, it’s a comedy.

“I had originally been asked to read for Niamh’s character but I said, ‘Oh no, I think I naturally lean towards Bronagh’.”

The four main cast members – Sinead, Peter Campion (Packy), Kerr Logan (Connor) and Kat Reagan (Niamh) – spent much of their time trying not to swear in front of a fouryear-old would-be arsonist.

Not an easy task considering the script is peppered with the kind of language that would leave the cast of Shameless reaching for the Dictionary of Cursing.

Sinead explains: “In the first episode there’s a four year–old boy who Niamh’s meant to be nannying and he’s just hanging round the flat through all the swearing, drinking and smoking.

“We were very careful not to say any cursing to those innocent, little ears.

“There’s one scene at the start where we’ve all woken up from a hangover and I look round and see this kid in the bed next to me and say to him ‘we didn’t, did we?’

“The scene had to have a lot of takes because he is so young and he’s holding a flick lighter which he offers to

me to light my cigarette in the scene but off screen we keep trying to get him not to flick the lighter on!

“He’s actually kept out of most of the scenes so when we’re calling him a c*nt or tw*t we’re miming it or he’s not there. (laughs) He can now lip read very well.

“In a scene in the first episode he goes upstairs and finds the two lads, Connor played by Kerr Logan and James together up to something in the bathroom.

“When it looks like he’s standing at the top of the stairs he’s not actually there.

“It’s actually a bust with a wig to look like the wee boy and in the clip where he’s laughing Kerr is pulling funny faces at him to make him laugh.

“In the last scene of the first episode the wee boy’s sitting with a half pint and a bag of crisps and I try to mime but the swear word comes out by mistake!”

Sinead has starred in Doctor Who, Taggart, Doctors, Silent Witness and Being Human and her big break was in the 1999 film Sunburn where she played Cillian Murphy’s girlfriend. ut of all the roles she’s done Sinead reckons comedy is the most challenging. She says: “I think comedy is a little harder because it involves training and people expect you to make them laugh so you’re setting yourself up for a fall if it doesn’t work.

“Being Human was classed as a dramedy, that new word that people use because there’s light moments in

B

it. In Taggart and Silent Witness I was cast as a serial killer, there was a gap of three years between the two so it won’t stick but I guess I give good serial killer!”

The final scene of the first episode shows Packy leaving the bar without finishing his pint – sending his three friends into shock.

Perhaps a typically studenty or Irish reaction?

Sinead offers: “Well there is that Irish thing where if you’re going to leave your drink it’s that Mrs Doyle, ‘oh go on, go on, go on’ and if you’re on soft drinks it’s ‘are you on antibiotics or something?’

“It’s all fun and exaggerated and I’d fifty-seven

be loath to say it’s stereotyping bewhere we’re all dressed in various filming the pilot – which became the cause the writer Lisa’s Irish so she’s shades of green and we’re somefirst episode – of London Irish. just written something that actually where in east London but none of us Sinead insists no one in her family happens to her and because she’s know where we are or how we got are even remotely like her character Irish it’s okay. there!” in the new Channel 4 comedy.

“The story is loosely based Unusual sets are no stranger to She says, “My mum’s from Belfast on Lisa and her friend, alSinead who starred in the last but that’s where any resemblance though I don’t think she two Doctor Who episodes. ends. kissed a corpse!

Like her character “But in the second “My parents won’t be too impressed Bronagh, who oddly episode there’s a has a kettle in her with the language when they see situation which is bedside table, it because they don’t really curse meant to be an Sinead has a rather though if one of them was to stub odd object to greet exaggeration of their toe you’d probably here someher guests. something that thing 1blue but they don’t go around Ashoka_Quay_Christmas_2012v2_Ashoka Quay Christmas A5 08/10/2012 Sinead explains:09:22 Page happened to one effing and jinking.

“I played one of the of her friends.

“I’m Irish but worked as a student Ashoka_Quay_Christmas_2012v2_Ashoka Quay Christmas A5 08/10/2012 09:22 Page 1 alien Vinvocci char“There’s this Available until 5pm in the States, lived in London for ten acters (left) and it guy who’s had was a green alien years and Stratford Upon Avon for 12 his hand shot face with spikes I off in a robbery years and one thing I’ve noticed is BRING IN THE BELLS AT OUR was dressed as. and my character we (Irish) do curse more than anyone “I was given a bust Bronagh vaguely else but we get away with it because recognises him and of the green of our accent!” thinks she slept with alien and I’ve him at a party. kept it on a shelf in “So next time she sees him my living room. I guess London Irish will she says to him, ‘I can’t believe any strangers who come in be broadcast you didn’t tell me you only had one do find it weird.” hand’ and he says, ‘I was dressed as The actress, who lives in on Channel 4 on Captain Hook’.

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THE EDUCATOR Delving fearlessly into the lives of the people what learn you stuff...

Dr Chris Gair is a Senior Lecturer in American Studies at Glasgow University. KIRSTEN BUCHANAN is asking the questions.

What did you study at University and where did you go to do this?

My first degree was in English Literature at Loughborough University. I think I went there as much for the sport as I did for the literature!

My favourite courses there as I expected were the ones on American literature so once I’d finished I went on to Nottingham University and took an MA and a PhD in American studies. My PhD was on Jack London.

What was it that fascinated you about the American culture, what was it that got you hooked, just the literature or a combination of things?

It’s a combination of things.

That’s the joy of American studies that it enables you really to study any aspect of the United States that you want to.

My initial work was pretty much literature-based but ever since then I’ve been focusing more and more on visual culture, on music.

I published a book few years ago on the American counter-culture, which had chapters on literature, on cinema, on music, on painting and I’m particularly interested in that relationship between American art and American literature.

I’m very lucky in the set-up at Glasgow so much so that I have the best of both worlds.

I’m in English Literature as a subject but I also work in the Andrew Hook centre for American Studies so I can flit between the two as I see fit!

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What do your students go on to do after graduating?

If I listed all of the different careers then we could be here quite a long time! I was watching one of them last night on TV, who’s a professional poker player!

Also remembering the first year that I taught American Studies, in my very first class of 12, I keep in touch with quite a few of them.

One of them his first novel is about to be published. Another is a successful songwriter.

A more recent American studies graduate is a journalist for The Times, another has just written a book about beer!

It’s very broad, but I wouldn’t guarantee to anyone going into doing American Studies that they’ll end up doing one of those things.

Quite a lot go into teaching, journalism is popular. But also something in terms of employability, it’s a very good degree in that it encourages you to think in many different directions, inter-

disciplinary ways. I was speaking to a very successful businessman and he said that he would never, ever employ anyone with a business studies degree because their thinking is formulaic, but someone who has degree in American studies, or philosophy was the other example that he gave, he said that these are the best people to bring ll in because they’re creative, they’ work out problems in new ways.

What are the major differences for students in Britain and students in America?

I’ve had a couple of stays working in the US, University of Chicago and Yale, so I do have some experience with this.

Glasgow has an exchange with Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, so we have Dartmouth students here and a lot of them chose to take American Literature when they come across to the UK. In the US they tend to take more courses and have more short assignments.

In Glasgow, there are fewer courses with longer projects, which are submitted towards the end of the year.

British students are encouraged to think for themselves more, particularly at undergraduate level, this changes with graduate students, whereas a lot of the American courses I’ve been involved with its a case of internalising critical work and then mapping out your own essay around that.

DO you travel to America a lot, where’s been your favourite places?

Yes, I do go quite a lot. I was actually doing a count the other day; I think I’ve ticked off about 30 states, 20 to go! The favourite place is usually the one I’ve just been to. I always love going to Chicago, it’s a cultural centre.

It has all of the things that I love, blues and jazz, of course, great art museums, fantastic architecture, one of the best universities and

interview research libraries in the world, so all of those things are there.

For very different reasons San Francisco. I spent many years, when I worked at university in Birmingham we had an exchange with the University of California and one of my more ‘onerous’ tasks was flying out to California in early January every year to visit smaller campuses. I’d probably single out Berkeley of course, but also Santa Cruz and San Diego.

I was in Hawaii a couple of years ago, and maybe it’s not quite the intellectual hub that you would find in Chicago or New York or Boston but it still had its charm .

Likewise I’ve always enjoyed going to the more rural parts of the US, Wisconsin a couple of years ago and then the same thing in Idaho.

Just talking to local people and finding out what they think.

DO you find that a lot of students go to America after their studies and re-locate?

Yes, quite a lot do. There are opportunities while they are students to do that, to go and live it and spend a semester or a year perhaps at an American university.

Quite a lot do go back; a lot are desperate to get back to the campus where they lived when they were a student. But of cours e they travel around.

I think there is that combination of fascination with America, the great love for its popular culture, coupled often with exasperation at its politics.

some of your chief research has been in the ‘beat generation’, do you mind telling us a bit about that?

I wrote my masters dissertation on Jack Kerouac, and then I put it to one side for a few years as I wrote my PhD on Jack London who was writing in the early years of the 20th century, although in lots of ways you could see him as a kind of proto-beat he hobo-ed across the United States and was a big inspiration for people like Kerouac.

I then went back to it once I’d started work in American Studies.

The beat always fascinated me.

It’s hard to know why.

I think as an undergraduate I of was caught up in the excitement a lot of the texts, and then it was only quite a few years later once I started reading them that I discovered the kind of philosophical . complexities that are at work there When I was an undergraduate many of the beat texts were out of print, whereas now it’s a major revival of interest.

We’ve seen that in the adaptations of ‘On the Road’ and ‘Howl’ and many other texts, the fact that there always seems to be documentaries about them.

I’m now holding in my hand the second volume of the ‘Journal of Beat Studies’, which just arrived yesterday, which shows the kind of academic interest in them as t serious writers which simply didn’ exist even 10 or 15 years ago.

And likewise now there’s a

steady stream of students knocking at my door asking to write dissertations on them.

How has this course changed from when you were a student to now?

I think that a lot was changing at that time. The 1970s, 1980s saw things like the emergence of multiculturalism, the challenge to the notion that all great literature, all culture was produced by the dead white males.

That’s something that’s continued to be developed again in the 1980s, early 1990s.

One of the biggest changes has been post 9/11. This has persuaded people to reconsider the United States’ place in the world.

It’s produced an enormous volume of new literature and criticism. So a course that stops in the late 1980s wouldn’t be very much use now because of all that new material.

There has been much more of a shift towards engaging with popular culture and recognising, and the beats are a great example of this, recognising that as an artist you can be serious and still engage with that.

Probably a lot of that is to do with the beats and their immediate aftermath, somebody like Bob Dylan would be a great example of that, but there are also far younger artists who have emerged in the last decade or so who are working in this way.

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What are you waiting for? Cut out this coupon below, and hand it over to our staff at Pinto Mexican Kitchen to redeem your 2 burritos for the price of 1 when purchasing 2 drinks. Enjoy…

Competition: Have you experienced We hope we’ve got your taste buds now Pinto Mexican Kitchen yet? tingling to get you entering our great Scotland’s new Mexican dining competition to WIN one week’s supply of experience promises fresh, burritos! All you have to do is answer this simple question below (pssst! The answer healthy exciting street food can be found in the text above) and email to keep all you students out to enter! there fuelled up through the Enter before 31st October 2103 to be entered into the competition and the year!

Pinto Mexican Kitchen first opened on Queen Street, Glasgow, in July 2011. Since then, it has expanded to include a second on Gordon Street Glasgow with plans to expand further within Glasgow City Centre, Edinburgh and beyond. Offering customers a great variety of Mexican food including burritos, tacos, nachos, washed down with a Sol or margarita or two! Please visit our website for more information: www.pintomexican.com.

winner will be contact by email add announced by 10th November 2013.

Competition Question: Which month and year did the first Pinto Mexican Kitchen opened in Glasgow?

A. B. C.

July 2011 September 2005 December 2012

Please send your answer via email to competitions@pintomexican.com with your full name and contact number. Good luck!

Need Extra Storage Space??? n

Then look no further “We Store” is conveniently located just minutes from the M8 motorway and Glasgow City Centre.

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We cater to storage needs, providing insured secure storage with 7 day access and free car parking.

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Need Boxes, Protective Wrapping, Filing Boxes, Labels ??? No Problem.

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Suitable for Students, Businesses and households.

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We can collect and deliver

210 Kennedy St, Glasgow, G4 0BQ Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat/Sun 10am-5pm

0141 553 4850

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