THE SIREN ALT FRESHERS GUIDE

ALT FRESHERS’ GUIDE

College Tribune Entertainment Supplement 11.9.12

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11.9.12

INSIDE MUSIC Electric Picnic 2012

By Ciaran Breslin Page 4

Wunderbra

By Stephen West Page 5

ARTS 50 shades of controvery

by Miriam Nulty and Phoebe Devane Page 9

The thieves of Manhatten

by Sinéad Slattery Page 8

A Freshers Guide to daytime TV

by Shane Meagher Page 9

Absolut Fringe Festival

by Aifric Ni Ruairc and Stephen West Page 6-7

Starting college and all that jazz

by Sinéad Slattery

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his summer was one of limbo. Waiting for results, waiting for offers, waiting in McDonalds on Grafton street at half three in the morning…

When I found out I was going to UCD I was fecking delighted and couldn’t wait to jump right in. Here’s how Orientation week went.

Tuesday First up was the Dean’s welcome and introduction to the B.A. None of my close friends were in my surname category, so I had to go by myself. That wasn’t a problem though, as the people I sat beside were really friendly!

Then we got put into our peer mentor groups. I think the peer mentor thing is a good idea – it gives you a couple more familiar faces in the ocean of 25,000. I was a peer mentor when I was in fifth year for a bunch of first years, and it really helped them get to know each other. L&H and JazzSoc organized a mixer in the Student Centre at 6pm . Wine and conversations were flowing,

candyfloss was made in front of your eyes and live jazz was played.

There was a really good buzz in the room and it was a fabulous way to end the first day of orientation.

Bill, 19, from Belper in England says: “Orientation week has been the first time I was ever on the campus. I can certainly feel the significance of being here, and actually being on campus made it sink in that this is gonna be the next few years of my life. My favourite thing about UCD so far is the people.”

Wednesday Got our scarves, in a Hogwartsesque ceremony.

My group went to see Foil, Arms & Hog at the new theatre. They were fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe Fest and absolutely brilliant!

My peer mentor group tried out skipping, rock climbing and archery in the sports centre. We were top of the leader board in the skipping challenge, how’s that for bonding?

The Rock the Boat world record attempt was good craic. Everyone

was laughing (maybe due to the copious amounts of red bull being provided?) and enjoying the banter. The astra turf was drowned though, and thus so were we. I felt kinda bad for the guy in the grey tracksuit.

The L&H night out in Lafayette was class! Good music and good people there. Also, randomly, a biography of James Joyce that I didn’t pick up and encourage other English students to hold up and and chant “James Joyce! James Joyce!” over and over.

Aoife, 18, from Dublin says: “I’m finally here. UCD is the best place I could possibly wish to spend some of the best years of my life in.”

Thursday Thursday was pretty chilled.

Free stuff galore. I found that the lake is a pretty cool place to eat lunch and have a chat. I met up for a coffee with new people that ended up lasting about four hours.

Seán, 17, from Donegal says: “I wanted to come to UCD because, along with the course I wanted to do, it offers great facilities for all

types of activities. All the staff and peer mentors have been very welcoming and helpful.”

Friday I went to the Student Centre Cinema to see Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, because I’ve seen it up to a certain point a million times, but never the full thing. However my film checklist intentions were thwarted yet again when it was replaced with Bridesmaids. I’ve seen Bridesmaids before, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

The cinema is a really class facility to have on the campus.

Comedy Soc Open Mike was up next, the people in the show were hilarious! More coffee chats before I had to cycle home. One week in and I’m already not surprised when the 17 doesn’t show up.

Katie, 18, from Dublin says: “Got lost on the first day, found the secret lake. It’s clearly not that secret. Call me to hook you up with directions.”

Photo of the Week

FASHION Come on, Vogue!

by Lauren Tracey Page 10

Style Icon

by Roisin Sweeney Page 11

Advanced Style

by Roisin Sweeney Page 10

NYC’s Newst Socialites

by Niamh Kelly Page 11

Chic and Eek Page 11

Photo of UCD Rose Garde taken by Philip Enwright

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11.9.12 is for Arts Block, the coolest place on campus and home to the College Tribune. Still. is for Balls. UCD is all about balls. You’ll get dressed up for some, dressed down for others, and maybe even play with a few during your time here.

is for Feelings.

If you have them talk to Mícheál.

is for Gallimaufry.

Extend your vocabulary by reading the College Tribune.

is for Keeping up. It’s easy to fall behind in UCD and there’s a lot of competition.

Make sure to pre-drink twice as much.

is for NG, two letters you’ll be getting very familiar with after the effect of ‘H’.

for Orange, the glowing colour which is radiated from the Quinn building.

Don’t worry, it’s not radioactive – it’s just Vogue queuing up for an organic-non-fat-soyskinny-mocha-latte before the long commute home in her mini all the way to Blackrock.

is for the College Tribune, UCD’s only newspaper. Other papers can be seen around campus, however these are propagandist pulp financed by a fund set up by Heinrich Himmler in 1942.

is for illnesses. Every December and May UCD is struck by a number of students feigning fake illnesses like multiple-deadgranny-syndrome, sudden acute blindness and SARS. is for money and monkey.

You’ll probably never have either but if you manage to obtain the latter, you can make him dance on Grafton Street for the former.

is for James Joyce. He’s basically an older version of Vogue Williams.

is for Quango. Call 1850 69 69 69 to get in contact with Quangos Anonymous. They’re here to help.

is for panic, which is the price you’ll pay for your procrastination and puerile prodigality producing a poor performance to be presented with painful palpitations to your perturbed parents.

is for Volunteer. UCD is a great place to get involved and volunteer with organizations like SVDP and UCDVO.

is for UCDConnect, UCDCrash and Utterly Useless University Mail System. Always back it up.

is for Defamation.

Don’t bother serving us with a legal notice. We’ve already collected the full set.

is for Hangover, hats, hair, hula-hoops, havoc... well H is for a lot of things, but you’ll experience the hangover most of all.

That Hog Bomb seemed like a good idea last night, but when you’re dissecting a cat at 9am you see things in a whole new perspective.

is for Loose Morals.

Look no further than General Nursing.

is for Residences.

Be careful what you do, Big Brother is watching.

is for Engineering.

If you want a good time call to the toilets, allegedly.

was for Student Bar... it now stands for Student Sobriety.

is for www.collegetribune. ie, your best way to keep up to date with what’s happening on campus. It’s also for ‘wangery’ but that’s a whole different story...

is for Xanex, the staple food of most Law students.

is for Turbine. The font of all wisdom in UCD. is for Yesterday, the day you were supposed study but ended up drinking Buckfast by the secret lake. Don’t worry, there are plenty of yesterdays. is for Zoo, Dublin Zoo that is. You know it’s getting serious when that thing you leached onto in Copper Face Jacks text-invites you to the family friendly environment

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11.9.12

music@collegetribune.ie

Rapturous Resonance: Electric Picnic 2012 With the festival blues kicking in on campus, Ciaran Breslin takes a look at the highlights of this year’s Electric Picnic

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usically Electric Picnic really did not disappoint. The variety on offer meant that not only was there something for everyone but perhaps more importantly, there was something extremely significant on offer from everyone’s point of view.

Everyone who went seemed to be particularly excited about one act or another, often bands you generally wouldn’t have the opportunity to see. The Headliners, however, really stole the show.

The last time Oxegen was held, The Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay and Beyonce were among the headliners. Fantastic acts with a broad appeal though they are, they certainly don’t inspire individual devotion in the same way that those at EP do. While everyone who went to the Black Eyed Peas for example, might know four or five songs, the much smaller core support for The Cure knew the majority of a nearly forty song set that spanned thirty five years or so.

Dry ice engulfed the stage as the lights dimmed following Explosions in the Sky’s closing crescendo. The lack of a pit area you have to queue up for meant it was reasonably easy to get to and from the front of various stages,

and people were scrambling to be as close as possible.

Eventually the crowd erupted as they began to pick out shadowy figures amidst the smoke stained blue with lights, before the ghostly pallor of Robert Smith revealed itself at the front of the stage, and launched into ‘Plainsong’.

The first real singalong came five songs in with the 1989 single ‘Lovesong’, before a rapturously received double salvo of ‘Inbetween Days’ and ‘Just Like Heaven’. Soon after, the lad beside me burst into tears during the sprawling ‘Pictures of You’ as the crowd locked arms and swayed to the familiar meandering melody. The highlight of the set however was sparked by the iconic strains of Robert’s guitar that opened ‘Friday I’m in Love’, which cued hectic scenes in the audience.

The casual nature of many people’s interest in the band, along with with the sheer longevity of the set meant that there was a lot of coming and going throughout.

Their final encore, however, over three hours after they began, continued to delight with the inclusion of ‘The Lovecats,’ ‘Close to Me,’ and, producing the last big singalong of the night, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’. As they finally left he stage, a worn out crowd contemplated their

options, as yet more people began to arrive in preparation for Orbital.

The previous night on the main stage was a more emotional affair, as one would expect of a bill being topped by The XX and Sigur Ros. The XX in particular represented a somewhat controversial choice to play second from top at the main stage.

Despite the widespread appreciation of their fantastic debut album and beautiful new single ‘Angels’ there was some suggestion that their unique brand of introspective minimalism might get lost in the exposure of a huge outdoor stage. However the crowd needn’t have worried.

The infectiously simple tunes were lapped up by an adoring crowd, somehow losing none of their delicacy in the expanse of thousands of rapt faces. Fan favourites ‘Crystalized’ and ‘Reunion’ were greeted with glee in word perfect harmony.

If The XX set a poignant tone for the evening then there was certainly no one better to expand upon it than Sigur Ros. Transient melancholic melodies were replaced by joyful soaring ones.

‘Hoppipola’ was undoubtedly a highlight, with the triumphant expansive sound rolling out from a stage bedecked with lights and

projections which complemented the epic melodies, lending a cinematographic resonance to the whole experience.

It felt at times more like performance art or certainly more orchestral than a traditional festival headliner. Either way it was joyfully received.

The final day was spent rushing from one headliner to another, in the form of James Murphy and The Killers. The former LCD Soundystem member is a perfect example of the acts Electric Picnic boasts.

Fresh from winding up one of the most iconic indie/dance acts of our generation to a sell out crowd at Madison Square Garden, he has embarked on a new DJ tour.

Those who were in attendance at the packed Little Big Tent hoping to hear ‘Daft Punk is Playing at My House’ will have been disappointed, with James leaving the accessible tunes behind.

Those, like me, however who were there out of a blend of curiosity and a faith will have felt vindicated.

This incarnation sees James with proper intense electro dance music, all bass and samples.

I made the difficult decision to extract myself from the Blue Tent throng half an hour early in order to return to the Main Stage for The

Killers.

Probably the most accessible of the headline acts, The Killers catchy brand of indie-pop attracted the biggest crowd of the weekend. The hit-heavy set list went down brilliantly, with me, like a lot of people, wondering how I still know all the words to these songs.

They even included two covers, a surprising crack at Joy Division’s classic ‘Shadowplay’ before a rapturously received acoustic rendition of ‘Brown Eyed Girl’. Brandon Flowers was in jovial form throughout, asking everyone to sing along to which the crowd duly obliged.

All of a sudden the familiar riff of ‘Mr Brightside,’ which was quickly followed by ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’, sparked 10 minutes of deafening and dance-inducing carnage.

They returned for an encore of other Hot Fuzz favourite ‘Jenny Was a Friend of Mine’ before closing with ‘When You Were Young’. With their triumphant set still ringing in our ears, we made our way from the main stage, satisfied to have finished the weekend on an undoubted high.

IF UCD HAD FACEBOOK...

The Catholic University, founded by John Henry Newman, opens its doors.

Presumably they had had a problem with the hinges before then.

3rd November 1854

The Catholic University Medical School opens in Cecilia Street.

1855

The University Church on St. Stephen’s Green opens.

1856

After a failed attempt to secure a site of 34 acres at Clonliffe West the then Rector, Dr Bartholomew Woodlock, turns his attention to expanding along St. Stephens Green.

1861-1879

11.9.12

music@collegetribune.ie

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“It Just Gets Better and Better” Stephen West caught up with Wunderbra as they take the next step in their musical journey.

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t’s no secret that Dublin is a refugium for new and up-and-coming Irish talent. Meet Wunderbra, an ambitious three-piece Irish girl band, consisting of Sally Stapleton, Rachel Noble and Julia Mahon, who claim to make “titillating fun electro pop.” The Siren chatted with the girls about developing their sound and what the future holds.

“It started off as an attempt to make funny pop-electro music.

We wanted to make synth pop but what happened was more synthpop-hip-hop, which was a surprise to us, it came out of nowhere!.. We didn’t realize we were ‘hip-hoppy’ until our second gig and saw that we actually rap a lot.

That will tell you how engrossed we were in the project, we never really sat back and said ‘what is this!?’” The girls are laughing, “It

started as something fun and funny for us to do and we just thought it was hilarious... Then people heard the songs and they really liked them.”

“I don’t know what we were expecting... It kind of felt like a joke, like a bit of a mess with these hyper girls having a laugh. It’s a surprise to us it’s turned into a proper band.” It’s not surprising the trio’s music has been so well-received.

The music Wunderbra make is pure concentrated euphoric energy.

Rachel explains, “The reception has always been really positive...

The whole idea is that it’s kind of party pop. We wanted to play the club scene, you know when it’s 2am and everyone needs a pick-me-up.

We’re that pick-me-up.”

Rachel describes how the band’s sound was initially cultivated, “We met up every week for months

and months and developed this sound... It was a concept album in the sense that it was three girls who look at bras in a funny and interesting way... we would get excited about ideas, explore them, develop them, then scrap or record them.” Echoing forward from years gone by, Sally explains how she “ had a certain sound in mind with the drums.” Continuing, “I wanted to use old sequencers and stuff to make the music sound older because electronic drums wouldn’t sound that modern.

We use old synth from the 90s and get second hand equipment which helps make that sound.” The band seem to have matured from their paronomasiac days. “The writing’s become different now.

Before we would write songs as we recorded it... which is why it took us so long. Now we’re jamming and

practicing... we’re going to build up the electronics and make a different sound.”

The girls have no false hopes, talking about the adversity faced by new artists in these deflated times, “We have to work, we have to go to college, it’s hard to find time to record but we do...I think that people have realized that it’s not going to be easy [with] money.

They’re trying harder... We don’t really make any money so it’s not something we really think about!..

It’d be nice to be making a living out of this, preferably playing gigs.

I don’t know if that’s going to be harder in Ireland or not.”

Wherever the girls end up, it looks like they’ve caught the music bug: “When you do it [perform] for the first time it just gets better and better.”

KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH WUNDERBRA: wunderbra.bandcamp.com facebook.com/wunderbra twitter.com/wunderbramusic

The University Education (Ireland) Act 1879 is introduced by Disraeli’s government. A great time was had by all at the party.

1879

The Catholic University renamed University College, its management is transferred to the Jesuits. They’re still hanging around the place.

1882/83

Irish Universities Act brought into being the National University of Ireland with its constituent University Colleges – Dublin, Galway and Cork.

This leads to the demise of the Royal University and the Jesuit-run University College.

1908

Land donated by Lord Iveagh, of the Guinness family, helps the university expand in Earlsfort Terrace/ Hatch Street/ St Stephen’s Green. The Trinity graduate may have had a few too many pints of the black stuff before he signed the land over to our lot.

1911

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11.9.12

music@collegetribune.ie

INSIDE THE FRINGE I

t’s the end of the summer and we’re all back to college but that doesn’t mean the festival season is over.

The Absolut Fringe Festival Launched on Saturday the 8th of September and runs until the 22nd. With over 80 different acts in over 30 different venues around the city, the festival is huge and has something for all tastes. This year the Absolut Fringe turns 18 and to celebrate this milestone birthday its ready to flaunt its new

legal status and celebrate! But what is the Fringe all about?

Fringe is an Arts festival (so all you Arts students have no reason not to get involved) and it boasts the best in home grown and international theatre, music, dance, comedy and much more. There is something for everybody here, even if you think you don’t like this scene. The full programme is available www.fringefest.com and all tickets can be purchased online.

The playwright and performer Shaun Dunne is an old hat at the Absolut Fringe, this is his fourth year in a row showcasing a new piece and he believes this year’s

program is truly special. “There are actually some really good shows this year” he says, “I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Flatpack

by Ulysses Opera Theatre, a modern opera about Ikea.” Yes, the Fringe has an opera about Ikea. I told you there was something for everyone here. If that sounds too strange for you but you still want to something more lyrical maybe try Elevator, a new musical about partying from THISISPOPBABY. So why should UCD students bother seeing Death of The Tradesmen? Dunne’s play references Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesmen (a play all you English students will be

Making her Fringe Debut after assisting Talking Shop Ensemble and Shaun Dunne on their new production Death of The Tradesmen, Aifric Ni Ruairc gives an insider’s view to the Festival. familiar with) in order to accurately portray the difficulties marring the lives of older tradesmen. Even though it sounds heavy, Dunne assures that there will be plenty of laughs along with the tears, “The piece is about two young people

matters, especially students.”

Lauren Larkin, Best Female Performer Nominee at last year’s Fringe Awards thinks the Fringe is a great opportunity to sample every aspect of the arts in Dublin “I love theatre but I find the Fringe

“There is something for everybody here, even if you think you don’t like this scene.” exploring a topical and relevant subject for all young people today.

You’ll see a lot of yourself in it, and of your family. Whether your dad is a tradesmen or a businessman we’ve all had to face up to money

a great chance to see new comedy acts” she says. Comedy is plentiful here, with The Rubberbandits back again performing in Meeting House Square. Comedy shows are reasonably priced at the festival

DISSOLVING FROM CHANGE W

aiting for my interviewee to arrive at the Stage Door Café, I search the crowd of tourists for a tortured soul bent-over from bearing the weight of a generation on her shoulders. My search is in vain as a cheery young woman sits opposite me, iPhone and coffee in hand, “You must be Stephen.”

On first impressions it’s hard to believe that this is the same person

A number of junior staff and students participate in the Easter Rising. Nowadays we can barely muster a decent crowd for a protest.

1916

who penned and starred in one of last year’s Fringe highlights, Our Father, a semi-autobiographical play that deals with loss, rejection, death and familial problems all

the young people who can’t emigrate are choosing to escape, which is sometimes done through over the counter medication.” She’s well rehearsed, as she should be. We are

“Society needs theatre, and a lot of people don’t question the plays they showcase and equally the shows they choose to go see. People need to question more.” through rap and rhyme.

I have barely asked half a question and receive a reply: “It’s about escape and emigration, and how

sitting opposite Project Cube where the first preview of her Fringe play Solpadeine is My Boyfriend will take place later this day.

The gradual building expansion leads the university into severe debt which is eventually covered by the Provisional Government in August 1922 just a few days before the deaths of Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins. Sounds a bit dodgy doesn’t it?

1922

Preissner has nothing but praise for Dublin Fringe, “The Absolut Fringe Festival were very good to me this year. My house went on fire so I was homeless for a couple of weeks. They gave me an office space to write in as my house was in ashes. I started working with acclaimed actress and writer Gina Moxley on different drafts of the play. It was really challenging… she really pushes me.” Moxley, the play’s director, is a theatre veteran, having worked in everything from Game of Thrones to The Butcher Boy. On what separates Fringe from

The Grounds Committee identifies a piece of land on the Stillorgan Road as a suitable location to purchase and develop playing fields and sports facilities.

Belfield House on 44 acres is bought.

1933

other festivals, Preissner remarks, “I wouldn’t put Absolut Fringe plays into the same bracket as plays in Dublin in general. Fringe is curated, so a lot of the work is of a very high standard, and other work which is quite experimental gets a platform to stand on which is great... Society needs theatre, and a lot of people don’t question the plays they showcase and equally the shows they choose to go see. People need to question more.”

Preissner, having raised the costs for the play through Fundit, recognizes the adversities that writers face in showcasing their work.

VE Day, UCD students march on Trinity waving tricolours and Nazi flags in protest at the loyalist fecks in Trinity taking to the roof to sing “God Save the King” and “Rule Britannia” while waving Union Jacks in a celebration of the end of the WWII.

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11.9.12

as well, it’ll cost a student only 12 euro to see the always hilarious musical comedy supergroup Dead Cat Bounce’s new show Dead Cat Bounce …Clowns.

So what will the highlights of the Fringe be this year? “Obviously, Death of The Tradesmen, but I’m really looking forward to seeing Elevator, Flatpack and Wilfredd Theatre’s new play Farm” says Dunne.

“Janey, I don’t know!” says Larkin “Just hanging around the Festival club! But I really wanna see THEATREclub’s new show Hungry Tender, The Company’s new piece Hipsters We’ve Met and Liked and Elevator.”

If all of this sounds too weird for you then why not check out one of the music acts like Kormac’s Big Band, fresh from their Electric Picnic success, who are playing Meet-

ing House Square this Friday the 14th of September. Efterklang & the Major Lift Orchestra, one of the highlights of the festival, will also be playing the square on the 14th. If

music@collegetribune.ie

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your short on cash, it’s worth taking a wander through temple bar. You never know what you’ll stumble across with the Fringe.

Stephen West sat down with up-andcoming playwright Stefanie Preissner to discuss her latest Absolut Fringe play Solpadeine is my Boyfriend.

“It’s difficult because young companies like Roughmagic won’t get the same opportunity to grow and develop because the Arts Council can’t take the risks that they used to be able to make. Then there’s crowd funding, which is how I’ve funded Solpadeine is my Boyfriend- it’s a great way to kickstart a project.”

I ask her if she has any advice for fellow aspiring playwrights.

“Honestly? I could say, “keep at it”, “never give up on your dreams” or something cheesy like that but I’d rather tell the truth. Get an honest objective opinion from someone as to whether you are any good before

Nothing happens for a while...

1946

you spend your whole life trying to do it. It sounds awful and really harsh but theatre is a grueling and tough business. Apparently your twenties are your most creative and your thirties are your most productive. Write everything in your twenties and do something with it in your thirties.”

Like Preissner, there’s more than meets the eye with Solpadeine.

The play, she says, is not only about over-the-counter drug addiction and the effect of emigration, but also a play about change. “It’s those changes we can’t control or come back from in our lives... like emi-

Minister for Education Donogh O’Malley proposes a plan to merge UCD and Trinity. LOL.

1967

grating, growing up and that moment you realize that you’re not the person you thought you were going to be when you wrote about it in third class.”

‘Solpadeine’ is My Boyfriend’ is showing at Project Cube on the 12th, 13th & 15th of September.

Shows start at 1pm and last 55 mins. Tickets are priced at €11-€13.

In November, more than 2,500 students occupy The Great Hall in Earlsfort Terrace in a protest against college authorities refusal to allow a ‘teach-in’. This period is marked by a number of demonstrations and protests and is often dubbed ‘the gentle revolution’.

1968

The Student Representative Committee organise a mass meeting where it is resolved that there will be no move to Belfield until full library services are available; that the Governing Body should be abolished; that students should occupy the administration building as soon as the meeting ended. The Irish Independent reports that the “black flag of anarchy (now flies) over U.C.D”

1969

1931

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arts@collegetribune.ie

11.9.12

So bad it’s… bad: Batman & Robin Darragh O’Connor casts a critical eye of 1997’s Batman & Robin starring a lacklustre George Clooney as the Batman.

Batman & Robin (1997) PG :125 min

Director: Joel Schumacher Writers:

Bob Kane (Batman characters), Akiva Goldsman

Stars:

Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney Chris O’Donnell

T

he year was 1997, and it birthed one bad film: Batman & Robin. It single handedly killed the ‘Batman’ franchise, until it was reborn under the direction of Christopher Nolan.

The plot is confusing to say the least, as there really isn’t one. Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzennegger costing $25 million dollars) plans on freezing the entirety of Gotham City in order for a ransom - needing money to research a cure for his wife’s disease - while Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) is seeking revenge on Bruce Wayne and his alleged anti-environmental exploits.

Batman (George Clooney) and Robin (Chris O’Donnell) are in the process of trying to mend their stressed relationship while trying to take down the film’s villains - who don’t seem to have any semblance of a logical plan.

The acting is overtly campy and moronic. It is easy to pick on Arnold Schwarzenegger -have a quick YouTube for ‘Mr. Freeze’s Puns’ and you’ll get the idea- but the script is poor in every regard leading to particularly noteworthy bad acting. George Clooney spoke critically of the film, stating that he thought they may “have killed the franchise” and that he believed it was a “waste of money”. He fails to bring any weight to his portrayal

of Batman, creating a Bruce Wayne who is charismatic and understanding.

A combination between this weak acting and Batman’s dialogue creates the antithesis of what viewers expect from the Dark Knight.

The prospect of Alfred dying in this film is treated like an afterthought to the fight scenes that are riddled with cheap sound effects – even the addition of classic “Bam!” and “Pow!” speech bubbles could not have made the situation any worse. Schumacher and Warner Bros. evidently considered that the appeal which the previous Batman movies had were the costumes, sets and colour schemes. The lack of a credible plot or script thoroughly damaged any chance the film had at being successful.

However, he world which Joel Schumacher created for his Batman series does have one highpoint. The ultra gothic Gotham

that was carried over from Batman Forever is an interesting take on the source material, however, anything outside of an establishing shot in this film is in every way awful.

The fact that this film wiped the slate clean for ‘Batman’ at Warner Bros. makes me grateful that it was made. During production, there were plans in place for another sequel and it is likely that there would have been many more of these films if it had been successful (including a rumored ‘World’s Greatest’ team up film with Nicholas Cage playing Superman).

This film underscores the hubris nature of a studio when they have a good thing, and proceed to drive it into the ground. The film was made intentionally marketable. Following the release of Batman & Robin, Batman became a parody of itself; Nolan’s dark retelling was the only thing that ever could have revived the series.

Before Batman & Robin was produced, the franchise was incredibly successful – similar to the atmosphere surrounding the Batman genre today. The question remains: what happens next?

The Thieves of Manhattan Sinéad Slattery takes a look back at the 2010 novel from Adam Langer – ‘The Thieves of Manhattan’.

I

an Minot is a short story writer living in Manhattan. Straight-up: he’s rather unsuccessful. “The Thieves of Manhattan” is partly the story of a country boy clutching at his big city dreams, partly a slightly jaded look at the publishing/writing industries in general.

Ian and his girlfriend Anya go to readings and book signings together – at one they meet Blade Markham, the latest top-selling memoirist. Ian thinks Markham a phoney and Anya is enthralled, either way his book is selling out; Ian can’t seem to concentrate long enough to write one.

Arts and Law move to Belfield. The Arts Block may have seemed like a beautiful architectural gem back then.

1970

Meeting a failed publisher, Jed Roth, nicknamed “The Confident Man”, Ian’s life begins to change.

Roth proposes an idea to Ian regarding writing a fake memoir.

Roth wrote a novel that nobody wanted – Ian can take the ideas from it, switch it up a little and tell the world the events actually happened to him. Roth says he’s read Ian’s stories. “They’re smart, wellturned, but the fact is, they’re just too quiet and small,” is what he tells Ian. “Nothing ever really happens in them; nothing much is at stake.”

He knows how difficult it is for firsttimers to get published, especially short story writers.

The water tower is completed.

1972

The Library openes for the first time in Belfield.

1973

Having lost his job for refusing to take on Blade Markham’s memoir “Blade by Blade”, Roth and Ian connect over their shared animosity – there’s nothing like a bit of abject mutual hatred to get a conversation rolling.

The plan means revenge for Roth against an industry and the people who have shunned him. Ian gets to make a name for himself and make people care about what he is writing. They’ll let the publishers print it, they’ll let the industry go crazy – then reveal it’s a fake, driving sales and the media wild.

Referencing the story of James Frey – author of the trumped up

“memoir” ‘A Million Little Pieces’, ‘The Thieves of Manhattan’ is an account of the ostentatious times we live in.

Langer, having previously written three novels and a memoir, has personal experience in the fields

the novel ploughs through. Literary references are slotted in throughout the novel; a book has a Tolstoy amount of pages, a Golightly is a cocktail dress – literary witticisms reign supreme. While his main character is helpless when faced with events both real and imaginary, Langer is in complete control of his literary world.

Overall, the book is a witty and comical take on the book industry today. Langer delivers several good plot twists that keep you turning the pages, whilst simultaneously reminding you that leafing through a book may soon be a thing of the past.

Minister for Education, Richard Burke announces that there should be three university groupings: UCD, Trinity and the NUI, comprising UCC and UCG. St Patrick’s Maynooth is to have the option of becoming a constituent college of any one of the three universities. Although UCD is in favour of this development, Trinity is not and the plan fizzles out and disappears off the Government agenda.

1974

11.9.12

arts@collegetribune.ie

Fifty shades of controversy Written by E. L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey is the 2011 erotic novel that gained popularity amongst middle aged women and teenage girls. Tracing the deepening relationship between 22 year old Ana Steele and intimidatingly handsome Christian Grey, the book has been dubbed “mommy porn” and was banned from a number of American libraries. Miriam Nulty and Phoebe Devane take different stances on the novel.

Miriam Nulty: Learning that it was originally based on the characters from the inexplicably popular Twilight series, I didn’t have high hopes for the quality of writing in Fifty Shades of Grey. The first line confirmed my suspicions as we are introduced to our ‘heroine’ Ana Steele: “I scowl with frustration at myself in the mirror.”

Her hair won’t behave. I disliked the character immediately as I continued to learn that Ana has no sympathy for her sick friend owing to the fact that she is still beautiful despite her illness.

Christian Grey is similarly despicable. He is misogynistic, controlling, and abusive to Ana, appearing to be lacking in any basic human decency. That’s completely irrelevant as he has money, good looks, and a massive penis.

Both the characters are onedimensional and any attempts to give them a personality are trite and clichéd – did you know Ana

Phoebe Devane: wears Converse and is oh so hip?

Christian plays the piano… just like Edward Cullen.

The sex scenes weren’t written any better than the rest of the novel. I personally found them quite boring and the writer’s constant use of “oh my!” was distracting.

Ana says it seventy nine times throughout the book, generally each time she noticed Christian’s momentous manhood. There’s nothing revolutionary and a lot of it is unrealistic. My sex life was fabulous before I read the novel and it’s still fabulous now.

This is not a book about a consensual dominant/submissive relationship. It’s a book about an abusive man and his obsession with controlling a girl who is willing to sacrifice her entire sense of self in the hope of getting a glimmer of respect from him. Unlike Ana, that respect never comes.

Do yourself and humanity a favour: don’t read this book.

‘Fifty Shades’ – you love it or you hate it. While it received an incredible amount of negative press for the alleged demeaning relationship between Grey and Steele, this hasn’t harmed sales.

The book deals with Ana’s first relationship and the question which she faces: what should a girl compromise of herself to continue a relationship? Both titillated and appalled by the idea of entering a sexual contract with Grey, Steele must examine what she truly values and wants. She comes across as warm and relatable; an everyday girl thrust into a

complicated situation.

As formal and domineering as he is, Grey’s chemistry with Steele is undeniably attractive. He is aware of her needs, both sexual and otherwise, trying his hardest to take care of them. Grey allows discussion regarding his contract and is upfront entirely about what it is he wants and expects from Steele.

The writer employs a classic hook of ‘will they/won’t they’ throughout the entire book, creating an unputdownable novel that will have your loins aching for the sequel.

9

EVENT GUIDE White Rabbit, Red Rabbit An international sensation, White Rabbit, Red Rabbit requires no set and is performed each time by a different actor who has never seen the script before. An unpredictable show not to be missed.

The New Theatre, 11th – 15th at 1pm, €8/10

Fusion Sundays Held on the 2nd Sunday of every month, this world culture market has a host of stalls from around the world. Head down to grab a selection of handmade goods, arts and crafts, jewellery, clothes and food.

New Market Square, 16th, 11am – 5pm

i de u G r’s e h s V e A Fr aytime T to d by Shane Meagher

Y

ou’ve made it to U.C.D.; congratulations – your new life begins here!

So you’re planning on attending all of your lectures and going to the library regularly? That’s impressive.

Wait until Week Two – it’s raining and hopping on a 39a to college seems like too much of a chore to even contemplate. If you’re looking to find some meaningful work to fill your time, this is where daytime TV comes into the picture. The options for what to watch are endless, and you can probably tailor it to your degree as well.

While your fellow Social Science students are being bored to death in Theatre L, you could be sitting comfortably on a sofa at home deeply

engrossed in the drama of ‘The Jeremy Kyle show’ (UTV and TV3) or the ‘Steve Wilkos Show’ (TV3).

RTE One’s daily repeats of various soaps could also prove to be just what the doctor ordered. If you’re hoping that Arts degree in Drama and Theatre Studies will come in handy, watch some Fair City – it’s probably where you’ll end up anyway. Don’t forget, Home and Away is at 1.30!

If that’s not your cup of tea, don’t worry, there’s still plenty to save you from attending that tutorial on Pan-American Civilisation! There’s oodles to keep you entertained on Comedy Central, where you can find the finest in American sitcoms, such as ‘Friends’, ‘Scrubs’ and ‘Two and a Half Men’, or else E4 will surely keep you entertained with shows such as ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’ broadcasted throughout your day.

You don’t need to worry about missing out on banter with your classmates. Chat shows such as the Ellen DeGeneres Show can be seen on TV3 everyday featuring numerous high profile guests – what else would you be doing in college but chatting anyway?

There’s no need to thank us, we’re the Arts Section. We’re here to help.

The Battle of Belfield. Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave’s visit to Belfield, where he is to meet with a number of dignitaries is marred by protests from various student organizations including the Students’ Representative Council (SRC). The protests end in a series of clashes between Gardí and students in which a number of individuals on both sides are injured. The SRC is succeeded by the Students’ Union in this year with Enda Connolly as its first president.

1975

The main canteen plays host to a punk concert where a fight breaks out leading to an eighteen-year-old youth being stabbed to death.

1977

Agriculture transfers to Belfield campus. Things have never been the same since.

1979

Fred Cooke + Guests

Wednesday at The Capital Comedy Club offers Fred Cooke (Republic of Telly), Eleanor Tiernan, Stephen Bennet and Aidan Greene. Don’t head to D2 tonight, try something different (and cheaper!) for a change.

The Capital Comedy Club, Wednesday 19th, 9.30pm, €5

Richview and 17.4 acres bought.

Architecture moves in there.

1980

10

11.9.12

fashion@collegetribune.ie

Advanced Style Roisin Sweeney looks at Ari Seth Cohen’s new book ‘Advanced Style’, discovering that the rarely publicised style of the silver-haired-set is definitely something worthy of attention.

“If Holly Golightly had a grandson…” is how the New York Times described Ari Seth Cohen, blogger and freshly published author of ‘Advanced Style,’ a street style book documenting the eccentric and elegant styles of older women in New York. The photo-based book allows you to absorb a singularity of style, the pinnacle of seventy, eighty or even ninety years of refining ideas, developing colour palettes, and playing with different shapes and lines.

One of the elements that make these women and their clothing choices so interesting is their disregard of fashion in their personal taste. It’s easy to see how trends can lose their powers of persuasion after you’ve watched each and every one become irrelevant over several generations.

This is pure style, not influenced by peers, celebrities, magazines or

shops but instead by the interests of these women, their life experiences, body types, and the knowledge - after having tried most things - of what looks best.

These women have a hugely different attitude towards beauty than younger generations, their real aim in dressing and putting on makeup is to look like themselves, to be a visual representation of how they feel, how they see themselves, of their personality.

This is in stark contrast to younger women aiming to look beautiful and appealing, but at the same time not too different from everyone else, who, for the most part get their clothes in maybe 10 different high street shops, each which has variation on trends as well as staple pieces, but nothing completely unusual or hugely dramatic.

What can be gleaned from these women stylistically may not be

wholly relevant to younger people, as in order to carry off looks so personal and different to current fashions, you have to have a lot of confidence, perhaps this is a self assurance that comes with age. Many of the women featured spoke of the freedom they felt as they got older, “When you are younger, you dress for other people, when you are older you dress for yourself.”

Standout themes in the book include hats, bright lipstick, loud accessories and matching colours, but not necessarily matching shapes and prints. This book can certainly inspire. The vitality of these women is remarkable, and of course their style is impeccable.

Ari Seth Cohen has produced a wonderful book here, far different to the Sartorialist or Face Hunter offerings. It’s rare to fine something original in street style, but this is exactly what Cohen has done by

focusing on a demographic so often ignored.

These women have utterly original perspectives, having certainly seen more fashion come and go than most people and made truly well informed decisions on what they wish to wear.

The advanced style blog address is advancedstyle.blogspot.com with the video section being a particular highlight. Not only do these women say a lot about style, but life’s experiences as well.

Come on, Vogue!

“Every issue of Vogue is an inspiration to me,” - Oscar de le Renta.

Lauren Tracey discusses the relevance of Vogue Magazine, a true icon, still looking fabulous at 120 years old.

T

his month the most iconic fashion magazine in the world, US Vogue, celebrates 120 years of style, stars, models and designers. US Vogue is using the highly respected platform of the September issue as a vehicle to celebrate these 120 years, years that have truly been an exciting time for the fashion industry and the fashion media alike.

What started off as a small gazette that cost 10 cents and held 35 pages is now, 120 years later, a bible of all things creative and elegant.

Vogue celebrates its anniversary in this month’s issue by documenting the models, designers and editors that have brought the glossy pages

Student Club opens.

1985

of Vogue to life. They also explore “The Vogue 120,” a list of 120 bright young things that Vogue feel are currently profoundly influencing the world of fashion, art and media.

Vogue has been empowering women through fashion for decades, often through times when they were not always appreciated or respected by mass media. Coco Channel once said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

The cover of Vogue has always been hugely important in the world of fashion; this is a single page that can launch a trend or a designer.

In November 1988, current editor

Dr Patrick Masterson is appointed president.

He wrote us a letter once, nice guy.

1986

Anna Wintour’s first issue with the magazine saw 19 year old model Michaela Bercu wearing a simple pair of jeans and a tee shirt. This laid back attitude to fashion rippled through the market. Vogue was concentrating on addressing the “real woman,” an effect we can still

James Grannell (Tribune editor aka Il Duce) was born

1987

see encapsulated in trends 25 years later.

Vogue was also one of the first magazines to truly recognize the public’s fascination and reaction to celebrity culture, and with Wintour’s insistence, celebrities have been featured on the covers and throughout the pages of Vogue.

With a legacy spanning 120 years, the magazine has seen a long line of women at the helm, but none have proved to be more powerful or have had such an effect on the industry as Diana Vreeland and Anna Wintour have.

Although both women directed the magazine in very different times, it is under their leadership that Vogue really began to make waves within the fashion sphere.

Vincent Browne founds the College Tribune, he, along with Art Cosgrove, future president of UCD are present at the first editorial meeting. Eamon Dillon is appointed first editor of the newspaper.

Huzzah!

1989

Vreeland assisted in constructing the “psychedelic” image that took hold in the 1960’s, once claiming “Most people haven’t got a point of view; they need to have it given to them.” The appointment of the formidable Anna Wintour in 1988 saw Vogue once again undertake a drastic transformation in style, staff, and story, morphing the magazine into one that could be carried into the 21st century.

Looking back on the past 120 years, seeing the dramatic changes that have occurred in the landscape of the fashion industry and analyzing the role Vogue US has played in those changes, it can be safely said that women everywhere can look forward to another exciting “Vogue 120.”

On November 17th a bright star shines over the hills of Donegal heralding the birth of our own dear Bresident.

1991

11.9.12

Style Icon: Daphne Guinness

A

Roisin Sweeney gives an insight to weeks style icon, Daphne Guinness. descendant of Arthur Guinness, Daphne is one of only 4000 Haute Couture customers in the world. She was brought up in an incredibly creative environment, her mother was a muse to Salvador Dali and Man Ray, her sister was Andy Warhol’s personal assistant. She now uses her immense wealth and impeccable eye to co-create pieces with the finest couturiers in the world. Some of Daphne’s high points in fashion include an exhibition of her couture collection in the Fashion Institute in New York, and when she bought famed stylist Isabella Blows entire wardrobe to prevent it being separated after her death in 2007.

“We need better things, not more.

We should not pollute the world with meaningless, unused things when we can make and support things of rare and precious beauty.”

fashion@collegetribune.ie

Chic

11

Choupette: Karl Lagerfelds kitten landed a ten page spread in V magazine this month, and I bet even Anna Wintour wants to cuddle her. Just a little bit.

Ryan Lochte: The hot Olympic swimmer is designing a menswear line. Odd. But so hot.

- Daphne Guinness

Brant Bros: NYC’s Newest Socialites Niamh Kelly discusses the equally ridiculous and fabulous lives of fashion’s new favourite brothers, (and supermodel progeny,) Peter and Harry Brant.

P

aris and Nikki, Kendall and Kylie, Petra and Tamara; all sisters who have climbed their way to the top of the social ladder and held on, conquering the close knit, elite inner circles of the wealthy, as well as earning themselves a multitude of endorsements, magazine covers , and their desperately longed for fame. Nonetheless our favourite ‘it people’ eventually fall to the side line, being replaced by new, younger, more fascinating wealthy up-and-comers.

Peter and Harry Brant are the new ‘It Boys’ of NYC. Peter, 19, and Harry, 16, are the sons of billionaire publisher, Peter Brant Sr. and supermodel Stephanie Seymour.

With wealth, stature and cheekbones that could give their mother a run for her money, the two boys have earned a name for themselves as charming and fashionable socialites. The New York Times highlighted their influence in its coveted style section, and Vanity Fair shone a further spotlight on the two with a three-page spread.

Their lives are surreal. “I feel like I’m in a bad episode of Gossip Girl” says Peter, 19. One of the boy’s ridiculous and glamorous stories takes place on a private island in the Bahamas; they were relaxing on a raft with Naomi Campbell when the rope connecting it to the shore broke, the trio drifted out to sea,

Bosco is kidnapped by a group of UCD students, the much loved puppet is later returned relatively unharmed after a trip to San Francisco.

1996

CR Fashion Book:

Carine Roitfelds new tome seems to have all the fashion world waiting with bated breath.

EEK Theyskens new hair: Olivier Theyskens, the most adorable thing in fashion, apart from choupette, has cut all his lovely hair off.

only noticing when they thought to get water from the cooler.

Peter, Harry and Naomi had to be towed back into the beach. More Gossip Girl style drama arose at the annual Met Ball, when the boy’s tickets to the event were compromised resulting in their hopes to make an entrance with a baby panther and a gold plated Rolls Royce being crushed.

However, amongst all the commotion, fashion will always be the most important thing to the Brant boys. They’ve already written various articles for Fashionista, giving

An irate Kevin Myers hangs up the phone on a College Tribune reporter for asking too many questions he didn’t want to answer… When will we ever learn?

2008

an insider’s view of the front row experience at some of the most anticipated shows in the business, including Marc Jacobs, Versace and Alexander Wang. Peter Jr. also played a small role in Dasha Zhukova’s silent film, “Fashion Fetish,” alongside Derek Blasberg and Chloe Sevigny. Peter and Harry Brant, the new ‘It Boys’ of NYC, are certainly ready to make their mark.

With such flamboyant, extraordinary and enviable lives, all at the ages of 19 and 16, the Brant brothers are here to stay.

You picked up the College Tribune, good choice.

2012

EST: The five hour time difference means missing all the morning livestreams from New York fashion week.

Moises de la Renta: Oscar’s son

had a very public rant about people asking him if they could go to his father’s show on facebook this week.

How very un-de la Renta.

12

11.9.12

fashion@collegetribune.ie

€4.00 OFF ALL Taxi Journeys with KCR Taxis Ts&Cs Applies to telephone bookings only. “€4.00 off student discount” must be mentioned at time of booking. Not in conjunction with any other offer.