The College Tribune: Volume 36 Issue 2

UCD TO DOUBLE UP ROOMS IN RESPONSE TO HOUSING CRISIS

In response to the accommodation crisis impacting students across the country, acting UCD President, Mark Rogers, announced plans to double up the occupancy of single bedroom accommodations on campus.

In a recent email sent throughout the university,

Rogers indicated UCD’s intention to review “the possibility of doubling up other rooms within our existing accommodation with a view to making some of these available next year.” Additionally, 55 studio rooms are already being offered as double occupancy rooms. Although this might be a viable short-term solution, it

fails to provide comfortable living spaces for students.

UCD received a €350 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in 2021 to provide for the predicted increase in numbers at the university. Upon receiving the loan, Professor Mark Rogers commented: “We have more students

The Best Coffee in UCD: The Broke Student Guide

Are Calls for Reunification Feasible?

and employees at UCD than ever before. To ensure that we have the facilities in place to accommodate the targeted increases in student and employee numbers, we must provide additional academic as well as sport and student amenities spaces. The funding facility provided by the EIB gives us the opportunity to achieve this objective.”

A Truly EPIC Experience: Dublin’s Best Tourist Attraction SPORT

UCD AFC vs Sligo Rovers

CLODAGH WILSON NEWS WRITER

EDITORIAL: Optimism in Times of Grief TEAM 2022 2023

So, here we are. College life is in full swing and all of a sudden it’s week 6. With the days becoming shorter and assignments piling up, it can be hard to see a silver lining through the cold weather –apart from our second issue, of course. And yet, once we take a look around we can see that perhaps we do actually have a thing or two to be happy about this spooky season. Not to reopen old wounds, but remember COVID? Well she’s practically invisible on campus this Halloween with masks not being mandatory (duh) and events being flung around the social scene in their multitude. With more drinking facilities available throughout campus, such as ‘The Local’ and the Centra Off-Licence, we have never felt more encouraged to meet up and go on a giggle. With on-campus drinking even being tolerated nowadays, it seems UCD is on a never ending party.

Our lovely University had even done its fair share of good deeds over the past week or so, with the blood drive being a resounding success in the old student centre. The colossal queues were quite literally out the door with staff and students alike waiting to donate. Yes, you did get a free cookie, but I doubt that was the main motivator.

A whopping total of €29,396.36 was also raised on this year’s Med Day in aid of ‘Féileacáin’, non-profit organization that offers support to those affected by the loss of a baby before, during, or after pregnancy. Our lovely Med Students took to the streets of Dublin at the crack of Dawn on Friday, Octo-

EDITOR’S PICKS

ber 7th, to raise funds for the charity and educate passers-by on their services. And what a job they did.

From a not-so-deep perspective, Halloween is just around the corner sparking a certain air of excitement about campus. It seems the topic of conversation over the past few days are centred around what we are actually doing on Halloween night. Quick answer: Nobody knows. But with the pandemic pretty much out of the picture, we are at least sure to be guaranteed options for a night out, which is certainly a welcome change.

It was also advised by the editorial board to make a special mention for Pumpkin Spiced Lattes which have made their annual comeback, and are definitely the reason why a small few of us here at The Tribune are holding high morale coming up to midterms.

So from all of us here at the Tribune, we wish you all a very happy (and optimistic) Halloween and thank you for picking up the second issue.

Although times are getting on the darker side, and Winter being tough for not just a few people, we hope everyone does find their little something to look forward to over the coming months, for there is good around us if we only look.

But failing that, at least we’re not governed by Liz Truss.

Rhoen x

HEA Bill Promises New Structures for Institutions

MADELEINE KELLY

SCIENCE 18

Trepanation: Our Ancestors’ Idea of Neurosurgery

PRIYANKA SAINI

GAEILGE 20

Traidisiúin na cluthar

Oíche Shamhain

ALANNAH NIC AN tSIONNAIGH

TURBINE 22

Danielle DerGarabedian Editor

Rhoen Eate Deputy Editor

Lucy Mackarel Assistant News Editor

Ella Waddington Assistant News Editor

Hugh Dooley Co-Lead of Investigations

Emma Hanrahan Co-Lead of Investigations

Sara Allen Campus Correspondent

Jill Niels

Campus Correspondennt

Rory Fleming

Politics Correspondent

Mark O’Rourke

Businenss Correspondent

Lee Martin Law Correspondent

Priyanka Saini Science Correspondent

Alannah Nic an tSionnaigh

Gaeilge Eagarthóirí

Jack Donlon Turbine Editor

Decoding the Bullshit: Budget Buzz Words and What They Actually Mean

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www.collegetribune.ie

NEWS TIPS CONNECT WITH US

Sometimes the best news story is right under your nose. For any news tips please contact the editor via social media, telephone, email or traditional mail. Alternatively, you’re we lcome to stop by our Newman Building Office.

CONTACT US

editor@collegetribune.ie + 353 1 716 8501

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Criticisms

JACK NOLNOD

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE 29

Halloween Streaming Suggestions

MICHAEL SWEENEY

Clodagh Wilson

Madeleine Kelly

Yvonne Quinn

Jack Dundon

Antonia Von Stauffenberg

Leah Duffin

Andrew Harten

Mollie Breen

Erin Smith

Anastasia Nikishkina

Michael Sweeney

Sophie Melia

Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor

Holly Hunt Music Correspondent

Saoirse Wilson

Arts & Lifestyle Correspondent

Eliza Potter

Film and TV Correspondent

October Melching Cartoonist

Dara Smith-Naughton Sport Editor

Sophie O’Leary Social Media Manager

Molly McHugh

Alexandra Stuebner

Oisín Gaffey

Leo Westgård

Cal Dillon

1300 E-Books Removed from University Libraries

ELLA WADDINGTON

More than 1,300 e-books have been removed from university libraries at the beginning of the academic year in a move heavily criticised by students and the Library Association of Ireland (LAI). Many of the withdrawn books are included as core texts on course reading lists.

Marta Ní Riada, UCDSU’s Education Officer, also condemned the move highlighting the fact that e-books are essential to students who have restricted access to print copies due to long commutes they may be facing as a result of the accommodation crisis.

“In the interests of an equitable and accessible education system, we call on the government to address the licensing conditions at the core of this issue rather than simply increasing funding to these unsustainable publishing practices”, Ní Riada stated.

Dr. Sandra Collins, university librarian at UCD, claimed that the move severely impacted the work of academic libraries. She stated that it will have a major impact on inclusive access particularly for those with reading difficulties who rely heavily on e-books.

13 days into the announcement of the first lockdown in Ireland, the Government announced a

CLODAGH WILSON

€200,000 investment into e-books for public libraries. Academic libraries also increased their spending on e-books and made a range of content temporarily accessible free of charge and saw their usage inflate by 300%. According to the LAI, this dependence and investment on e-books highlighted the longstanding problems of the model, challenging its sustainability.

The Association has been raising awareness about the issue in their international #ebookSOS campaign launched in 2020. The campaign in Ireland calls into question the “electronic consent crisis” faced by libraries and library workers involving a number of concerned institutions including the LAI, the Irish Universities Association Librarian’s Group, the Technological and Higher Education Association Librarian’s Group and the Consortium of National and University Libraries.

The primary issues in the campaign were the unsustainable use of electronic content, e-book pricing and the terms and conditions under which they are made available. The LAI’s data showed that some e-books are 20 times more expensive than the print equivalent and many are 3-10 times more expensive.

A spokesperson for Wiley said that the publisher informed its library

aggregator partner ProQuest in June 2020 that the e-books would transition out of its digital library. He said that the transition took place at the end of August to allow time for the change.

“Wiley is working to provide solutions to those customers who experienced inconvenience as a result of the transition” he stated.

UCD to Double Up Rooms in Response to Housing Crisis

In response to the accommodation crisis impacting students across the country, acting UCD President, Mark Rogers, announced plans to double up the occupancy of single bedroom accommodations on campus.

In a recent email sent throughout the university, Rogers indicated UCD’s intention to review “the possibility of doubling up other rooms within our existing accommodation with a view to making some of these available next year.” Additionally, 55 studio rooms are already being offered as double occupancy rooms. Although this might be a viable short-term solution, it fails to provide comfortable living spaces for students.

UCD received a €350 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in 2021 to provide for the predicted increase in numbers at the university. Upon receiving the loan, Professor Mark Rogers commented: “We have more students and employees at UCD than ever before. To ensure that we have the facilities in place to accommodate the targeted increases in student and employee numbers, we must provide additional academic as well as sport and student amenities spaces. The funding facility provided by the EIB gives us the opportunity to achieve this objective.”

However, even with this prediction from Rogers and adequate funding to provide more beds, little action has been taken and UCD still fac-

es a huge shortage of residential options. Currently, there are only 4,092 beds provided for on-campus accommodation, while there is an upwards of 30,000 students attending UCD.

up rooms took place in University Limerick in 2020, where students were quick to protest the decision of the university. Students described the conditions of such rooms as “cramped” “unsafe” and “prison cell-like.

A similar occurrence of doubling

The same week Rogers announced such plans, a student at Maynooth University was told by her landlord that half of her double bed would be rented out for €25 a night. This resulted in the student being forced to find new accommodation to avoid sharing her bed with a stranger. The landlord in question appeared to be taking advantage of the renta-room scheme, allowing homeowners to earn up to €14,000 per year. The scheme is not covered by landlord and tenancy laws.

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Currently, there are only 4,092 beds provided for on-campus accommodation, while there is an upwards of 30,000 students attending UCD.

Image Credit: Maximilian

Schönherr

HEA Bill Promises New Structure for Institutions

MADELEINE KELLY

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) Bill was passed in the Dáil earlier this month, following amendments to guarantee the place of Students’ Union representation in Governing Authorities. With significant efforts from the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), Irish Universities Association (IUA), Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) and grassroots organizations like Students4Change, the amendments secured have been seen as a victory for student voices in government.

Initially designed to replace the HEA Act of 1971, the HEA Bill sets out to provide a new structure to govern various higher education institutions, including public colleges, universities and technical universities in Ireland. The HEA Bill greatly affects how higher education institutions would be governed and funded.

UCDSU Education Officer, Martha Ní Riada, highlights the positive impact that additional governing oversight will provide for students.

“The University has to report back to the HEA about their spending, this provides a lot more checks and balances.” While the bill will have an impact on UCD students, Ní Riada points out “it will be hard to measure the difference, but it will eliminate the avenues of corruption.”

However, with such far reaching consequences, the HEA Bill came under heavy fire from student advocacy groups like Students4Change and USI for its exclusion of student voices in governing bodies in earlier drafts.

In a statement on the USI website, Coiste Gnó states, “By neglecting to include the democratic mandate that Students’ Unions receive from their student members, the definition included in the HEA Bill ignores the most vital aspect of our unions – democracy.”

Many cited that without proper student representation, the absence of these voices could be det

Budget 2023: How it StudentsImpacts

ELLA WADDINGTON

Two weeks ago, the government released the much-anticipated Budget for 2023 which focused primarily on tackling the cost-ofliving crisis the country is currently facing. It included measures to reduce the price of energy for households, an increase in social welfare payments and adjustments to band rates on taxes. However, the package has received a mixed response from third-level education representatives.

Although these supports are welcome, many students will not feel the effects of these measures until Christmas, which may be too late for those who are the target for these measures.

Adjustment to Student Grants

rimental to student communities. Students4Change chairman for the Trinity College chapter, László Molnárfi highlighted the importance of these amendments stating that without representation “this will lead to decisions that are adverse to these communities.”

The backlash from earlier drafts successfully led to significant amendments to the HEA Bill ensuring Students’ Union roles in governing bodies. Students’ Unions are defined in in the HEA Bill as “a student union or other student representative body recognised by a higher education provider or by the Minister.” The secured amendments now secures the place for elected Students’ Union representatives to serve on governing boards regarding policy for higher education institutions.

These changes showcase for many that students in high education can advocate for themselves. “Students are in a good position to challenge authorities”, said Laszlo Molnárfi, Chairperson for Students4Change.

For many the changes and amendments to the HEA Bill, are seen as a victory for student voices in Ireland. “The act will be quite positive for us”, Ní Riada states, “it leaves us in a better situation than we were before.”

Reduction of Student Contribution Fee

This year’s package included a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for undergraduates, the first deduction in 27 years. It lowers the cost to €2,000 for the academic year. For those who have already paid the fee, the respective university will schedule automatic refunds.

Although this is a once-off reduction, families who earn under €100,000 each year will see a permanent reduction of €500 in college fees, while families earning €62,000 annually will pay €1,500.

Ireland experiences the highest college fees in the EU, and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris, has been campaigning for the past year to lower this cost. He stated that this will “put money back into the pockets” of students and families to provide some immediate financial relief.

A further €8 million has also been invested into the Student Assistance Fund for the academic year, which provides support for students with financial difficulties and can be used in addition to the SUSI grant.

The Government also announced changes to the Student Grant Scheme. The annual maintenance grant will see an increase of €200 and income thresholds for all grant rates, not including the Special Rate,

will increase by €1,000. The qualifying distance for the non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant will be reduced from 45km to 30km. Furthermore, SUSI recipients will be awarded a once-off extra maintenance payment, equivalent to one of their monthly payments which they will receive before the end of December.

Students who are eligible for the disability grant will also receive a €500 increase.

The stipend received by PhD students will increase by €500. However, this is only for those in receipt of awards from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) or the Irish Research Council (IRC) meaning a large number will receive no benefits. A spokesperson from the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) criticised this increase from the Government, telling RTÉ that PhD students will only “be mostly near minimum wage, never mind near living wage.” On a similar note, Professor Mark Rogers, Acting President for UCD, has described the measure as “grossly inadequate.”

Professor of Smart Cities, Francesco Pilla, has started Dublin’s first bike library. This bike library offers loans of cargo bikes, e-bikes, and folding bikes. This is part of the new bike library pilot project starting at the Educate Together National School at Harold’s Cross, Dublin.

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...the HEA Bill came under heavy fire from student advocacy groups like Students4Change and USI for its exclusion of student voices in governing bodies in earlier drafts.

Image Credit:Carlos Pernalete Tua

Image Credit: Jenny Svennås-Gillner, SLU

Tax Credits for Renters

Renters who are not in receipt of other State housing support and pay rent on their principal private residence will qualify for €500 worth of tax credits. This will amount to approximately 400,000 people, according to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe. This measure has been heavily criticised by students, who are being severely impacted by the accommodation crisis, as there are concerns regarding the implementation of the financial legislation for those with unregistered tenancies, in house shares, or in digs.

UCDSU’s Welfare Officer, Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich, stated that many students will not benefit from this measure for the above reasons. Furthermore, Nic Fhionnlaoich told the College Tribune that if this tax credit allowance is based on the previous model, it is given at 20% (standard rate of tax). Therefore, the credit of €500 is worth €100 in cash subsidy which will only

amount to €2 of relief per week, if it is even available to you.

Minister Harris has responded to such criticisms by saying that although some students will not be eligible for rent relief there are supports in place for student renters, including a student assistance fund, that those struggling to pay their rent should avail of.

There is no specific provision for the expansion of campus accommodation for students in this year’s Budget.

The USI’s discontent with Budget 2023 was evident as they arranged a national student walkout last week. They are protesting for greater protection of renters, an immediate cap on the price of renting, a permanent abolishment of the student contribution charge, greater funding for higher education and raising the minimum wage to match the current living wage of €13.10 an hour.

Harris Says Critics of Higher Education Budget Need a ‘Dose of Reality’

JACK DUNDON

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris, has stated that those criticising the Budget funding for higher education “need a dose of reality.” Minister Harris blamed rising energy costs and the need to “keep the lights on and make sure no one goes cold” as the government’s primary focus.

Criticism came mainly from the Irish Universities’ Association (IUA) who expressed disappointment at the lack of resolve by the Government needed to address the chronic underfunding of the higher education sector, citing a report submitted to the Government identifying a €307 million funding deficit.

This disparity is largely due to cuts made around a decade ago, implemented as a temporary measure at a time in which Ireland adopted a tough economic outlook. However, the deficit was never reimbursed despite the Government’s commitment to do so. The consequences of which are attributed to the poor student to staff ratio in Irish universities, which is below international averages and is often blamed as the reason for Ireland’s relatively poor performance in international university rankings.

As of 2019, the student to faculty ratio at UCD was 21. As a comparison, the University of Bath, the Technische Universität Wien and Universitat de Barcelona, all of which rest around the same size and ranking as UCD, boast ratios ranging from 12 to 15. To that effect, the IUA recommended another 730 academics to be hired throughout the Irish higher education sector (at a cost of €170 million), far from the 300 faculty hires Harris assured the current budget could cover.

Defending the €40 million allocation, Harris stressed the importance of looking at the budget “as

a total package.” He pointed to the fact that a further €110 million will be invested in the higher education sector throughout the year in more indirect manners, particularly through energy subsidies which do not fall under higher education funding but “keep the lights on.”

Further aid comes in the form of doubling monthly student grants, a rise in grants for new college students (from €6,500 to €8,200) and a plethora of other measures. These measures include administrative changes, such as a reduction of the time period needed to be considered a mature student from five years to three, lowering of fees, including cutting apprenticeship fees by a third, and changing the tax structure to allow for €14,000 of tax free income that stems from renta-room schemes.

Other highlights include a one-off €1,000 reduction in fees for undergraduate students under the free fees initiative, a one-off €1,000 increase of grants to postgraduate students, an additional €8m investment in the Student Assistance Fund and a €500 reduction in student contributions for families with an income of less than €100,000.

UCD is the only institution in Ireland that offers veterinary courses which leads to a chronic shortage of vets. Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, met to discuss the proposal of a 2nd higher-education authority to host a veterinary school in University College Cork and the University of Limerick.

1500 Students in Universities

1,500 students from Irish universities are reported to be caught cheating, using essay mills and plagiarising. Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin have the most recorded instances of plagiarism on assignments, with 1000 cases. UCD have stated that they could not provide figures for the past two academic years but that 117 cases have been reported in the 2019/20 academic year.

Luas Delayed After Billy the Dog Gets trapped

Man’s best friend “Billy” was trapped under the carriage of the Red Line Luas at the Fatima Stop in South Dublin on the 3rd of October at 3 PM. Both Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin ISPCA took 45 minutes to retrieve the

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Defending the €40 million allocation, Harris stressed the importance of looking at the budget ‘as a total package.’

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

Image Credit: Gareth Chaney Collins

poor dog from under the carriage. The Dublin Fire Brigade reported that Billy is “alive but injured.”

Image Credit Hugh Dooley

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

AUNT Agony

In college time does not move at the usual rate, mes chéries. You might have realised that the last time I wrote for you all, it was week 2 and in the blink of an eye, it is week 6 and you have all settled into your teenage years of this semester. And just like that, you will be fully developed adults by the time week 12 rolls around… The teenage years certainly are a time of anxiety and angst. It might be why there are more and more of you congregating on the concourse clutching at your badly-rolled ‘rollies’ (what happened to a good old Marlboro Gold anyway?) and cheap SU energy drinks. And everyone knows, everyone knows a bestie has hit a rock bottom when they resort to the rollie and energy drink combination.

A lot of you are sending in some truly agonisingly “student in week 6” trope of agonies. Here are some. I hope the advice helps but here’s a tip for the wider masses: Drop the cheap SU energy drinks and please for the love of God take a sip of some regular old H2O.

Q. A .

Can you swim in the lakes?

This is quite a common feeling and experience - that’s the first thing I’ll say. Loneliness in college is an epidemic that is yet to be addressed by those in charge. The hardest step to take is to put yourself out there and go to events organised by societies and the Students’ Union. Once you do, you’ll realise that a lot of people have also, like yourself, been searching for the “right” crowd for them. But everyone has to start somewhere and go to a few parties to get to know people in college. It’s your last year, make it count and make some memories to end your college experience on a high!

Q. A .

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Q. A

Q. A

How can I make friends in my first year of college?

I have dreams at night about Andrew Deeks. Despite having a boyfriend I just cannot get his bald head out of my mind! What do I do, Agony Aunt?

Making friends is perhaps the most frightening idea to you kids. It’s because you expect people to make the first move and initiate plans. Take it from someone who’s been around here a while, we’re all kind of loners, though no one likes to admit it. Imagine someone you think is cool asked you to get a coffee, you’d be delighted. So reverse that to mirror how someone else would feel if you asked them. We’re all more similar than we think (law students would disagree when they are compared to arts students).

Mon chéri, I wish you had thought twice before hitting send with this agony. It could have saved me and my readers the visuals of Deeks’ bald head in our minds. I am really flabbergasted and at a loss for words on how to respond. Please seek professional help … or a dream interpreter seeing as you are dreaming about a renowned snake.

Giving advice on how to get the bald head of UCD’s slimiest president out of one’s perverse mind did not come in the Aunt Agony job description given to me.

Be open and say yes is all you can do. There isn’t one formula that works for everyone, but we’re all looking for a bit of friendship in big, bad Belfield.

I’m 5 weeks into my degree and I don’t like it, do I stick it out or risk transferring?

Can I hook up with a TA, I’m in my final year and he is really good looking …

Life is far too short to do four years of academia that you don’t even enjoy. I won’t tell you what to do, but I will tell you what not to do and that is “stick it out.” But that is only if you are really, really sure that you don’t like your degree. Ask yourself what it is about it that you don’t like? Is it the academic material, your course mates or the future career prospects with your degree?

Q. A .

What is the best society to join in UCD?

I’m in first year and I attended the Careers Fair but I’m overwhelmed with my options. How do I make the right choice?

None x

I joke, I joke. UCD’s student life is enriched through the work of societies and through the events they organise on campus. I think being a part of some sort of society drama is a rite of passage for all UCD students. Whether it be with insufferable debaters on LawSoc and the L&H or with the quirky kids in Dramsoc. There is something for everyone on campus and joining a society is probably one of the easiest ways to make friends with like-minded people. It’s also a great way to get something other than just your education from your university.

Oh honey, when I was in first year, I didn’t even know the Careers Fair had a purpose other than free merch from all the different companies and firms. You’re only starting out - of course the options are going to be overwhelming! You haven’t even figured out what you like or dislike yet. You have so much time … right now, your main focus is enjoying the experience that is college and trust that what you like and what the right option for you will become clearer the more you grow. (On that note, I recommend going to all the law firm stands at the next fair… they tend to give out the best reusable cups (green capitalism is really great sometimes).

My roommate keeps stealing my food. How do I talk to them?

First of all, what a snake rat b****. Second of all, we really need to start buying padlocks for our cupboards. Okay in all seriousness, you should just gently bring it up by starting the conversation with “Hey, I’ve noticed that my food keeps going missing lately.” Then let them know that you don’t mind sharing (which is a lie but hey, we have to be kind in these situations) but would appreciate if they asked first so you could better plan your meals instead of being stuck when it comes to cooking and realising you’re out of the butter you bought two days ago.

These issues are awkward to bring up, so remember to be kind because then you won’t look like the d***head!

Ahhh, it pains me that this is an experience becoming more and more common for college students! The biggest advice I would give you is don’t try and study on your commute unless it is really urgent. Commuting is stressful enough by itself. Catch up on some sleep, listen to music, read for pleasure or watch films on your commute! Romanticise it! Some of the girly girls like to measure their time with how many times they can listen to All Too Well (the ten minute version). It doesn’t matter what you do, once your commute time is for you! If sending emails makes you feel better and more prepared, do that so that when you come to campus or get home, you can start on more pressing matters.

I don’t drink but all my friends do.

Should I do long distance with my boyfriend who’s going to college in Galway?

An age old agony of my own. Why does our social culture revolve around drinking? If you aren’t a big drinker and prefer to not be around that culture, the most functional advice I will give you is to take the reins when it comes to making plans and suggesting activities. Don’t wait for people to organise an event that will most likely be a night out. Suggest pizza parties, going on walks, coffee dates, museum dates and attending events happening in the city over the weekend.

Well, why not! Give it a shot and see how you get on. When it comes to relationships, let them work until they don’t because who knows what’s going to happen in the future. You might actually prefer to have your own lives separately and to enjoy your relationship in small spurts. There’s only so much of your man you can handle in your day-to-day life so while he’s off studying and making friends in Galway, focus on yourself! Get to know more people in college, prioritise the galls and the gays and then when your boyfriend comes to visit, let him be a part of your already full life in college! At the end of the day, things like this aren’t that deep, your life is more than your relationship babe.

Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your choices and don’t feel the pressure to drink either. You aren’t missing out on much - your experience of life is solely your own, you cannot compare other people’s idea of fun to yours because everyone is, of course, different.

Q. A

However, I’m not one to doubt how you feel because anything you’re feeling is valid to you. I will say trust your gut, but do the research and figure out why you’re feeling what you’re feeling.

We’ve all been there … whether it’s crushing on a lecturer or tutor or having spicy dreams about them. Listen Chérie, I have to be the voice of reason here and tell you that you probably shouldn’t do it … in the academic year … You’re in your final year, and I know that this is when we want to start acting up the most. Your TA isn’t going to be looking at you like that, no matter how young or good looking he is. Don’t be silly and risk your degree, honey, anything a man can give you … you can give yourself better. Broaden your horizons! Test out a boy from each UCD residence so you can say that you really did get to know UCD well.

How do I cook for myself in college?

I find college time really exhausting with commuting, meeting with friends, consuming way too much coffee and student society commitments. I find myself burnt out early in the semester. Any advice?

It is exhausting. You’re spreading yourself so thin, of course you are going to feel burnt out. I’ll say the usuals: It’s okay to say no to social events when they aren’t serving you. Make sure that the commitments are serving you and honouring your energy and not the opposite. Cut down on the caffeine and switch to increasing your water intake and finally, take an intentional break where you have zero plans.

It is only week 6. You have another 6 weeks to go in this semester along with an extra two weeks of assessment. Be kind to yourself and prioritise what makes you feel good instead of things that you feel you “have” to do. You don’t “have” to do anything, Mon chéri , except look after yourself.

I’m in second year and I have a 3 hour roundtrip commute to college and I’m getting really stressed out with the time wasted on it - I feel like it’s ruining the college experience for me.

I have no friends and I’m in final year and I’m so alone and so sad

ASTROLOGY Forecast

Aries

Pisces

After the latest full moon in Aries, you are definitely feeling the most charged-up you fiery ram. Don’t make any hasty or impulsive decisions in the next few weeks, and for the rest of your life. I only say this because you lot tend to make impulsive, rash decisions. If you’re feeling a lot of anger lately, make sure to check in with yourself. Let off all that excess steam by going for a run and taking a breather.

Rumour has it your dreams have been wild lately, Pisces. It’s probably because you have been using napping as a form of escapism from all your upcoming deadlines and assessments. Remember, if you take things slow and make sure you are on top of the workload, it won’t become so overwhelming that you have to escape from it. We’re nearly there, I know you’re a sucker for some downtime, so just hold on: reading week is near. Unless you’re studying STEM. In that case, stay napping.

Aquarius

You pride yourself on being the cool one at the back of the lectures, always dressed differently to other people. You like appearing aloof in all your seminars, pretending like you haven’t done the readings but still are the most intelligent person in the room. You probably are Aquarius, but it’s okay to smile at people here and there and engage in some boring old small talk.

Capricorn

Capricorn, Capricorn … you sweet detached Earth sign. You’ve been in the library since week 1 and you’ve been the first to submit any applications for internships and placements. Well done. But what of life? Tell me, have you socialised with your friends and coursemates outside the pretence of lectures and tutorials? College is more than your degree Capricorn, make sure you take it easy and remember to be a wild college student too.

Sagittarius

It’s been hard to keep your opinions to yourself lately, Sagittarius. You often tend to come across as harsh or blunt when you’re just honest. We know this, but a gentle reminder to be softer when you’re telling your friend you hate her outfit. Don’t be afraid to be in the spotlight this semester but be wary of a hidden enemy disguising as a friend who tries to dim your light

Scorpio

Taurus

At this time of year the semester is hitting you hard, Taurus. A lover of all things indulgent, please make sure you’re indulging in some nutrients and not just caffeine and sweet treats. Everything in moderation is some staple advice for you for the next few weeks of this semester. You love taking care of yourself and the reason behind your agony right now is probably a lack of this self care. Use a facemask and light a candle. You’ll be okay.

Gemini

You’re reading this! Great, you’ve survived the latest mercury retrograde so give yourselves a pat on your back… except for any of you who took your smelly ex back or started a new relationship (you broke some holy mercury retrograde rules if you did this!)

Arriving at week 6 of the semester, here is the Tribune’s resident Astro-Expert’s advice for you for this semester.

With your season fast approaching, you’re currently hibernating and recharging. When the 23rd of October finally comes around, you’ll come out of your hermit shell a transformed person, Scorpio. You’ll be as mysterious and magnetic as possible. Know your power and stand in your confidence. Don’t quell yourself for any of the other plebs you’re surrounded by (especially the ones in Ag).

Libra

Your moody personality is swinging at the people in your life right now. Please restrain it along with your five other ones wanting to be let out. You’re finding it hard to knuckle down all the nervous energy and get productive Gemini. You should practice meditation and write some to-do lists to keep yourself on track for the rest of the semester (and your life). And a reminder: No you are not two-faced, you are just very good at socialising.

Cancer

Oh sweet Cancer (an oxymoron if you did not notice). Things have been tough lately. You can’t stop crying in the library with the overwhelming dread of upcoming deadlines. You’re feeling socially exhausted. It’s okay to retreat into your crab shell. In fact, week 6 is the best time to do it. Everyone has deadlines upcoming so retreat now, recharge and start afresh in week 7! Wipe those tears and start listening to some happy mu-

Leo

It’s okay that you threw that tantrum two days ago and the one a week ago and the one before that. You’re just a baby, Leo. But that’s what’s endearing about you. Keep your ego in check for the next few weeks, it’s okay to apologise and it’s okay to feel a bit meh sometimes. Remember, if your outfit isn’t a slay, it’s not the end of the world. I promise you, UCD kids will first notice your cigarette rolling abilities before your outfit on campus.

Virgo

Unlike everyone else, you’re doing quite well Virgo, you are right in your element. The leaves are falling, the libraries getting busier and the only concern you have lately is obsessing over your favourite seat in James Joyce. You’re surprisingly on top of all your assignments and mid-term study. But a question, how many meals have you had today? Remember, self-care is conducive to productivity so don’t burn out!

This is your season, Libra. You have been flourishing and slaying lately. Good for you. Your biggest lesson for the rest of this semester is learning to say no to Clubhouse pints during class time. Do what’s right by you and don’t get pulled into excessive socialising that will set you behind in your college work. Time to knuckle down, Libra, you’ve had your fun.

features.

Campus Writer, Andrew Harten, gives you an inside look at prominent performing arts society, DramSoc.

Harten looks beyond the society’s notable productions and speaks with current commitee members about how to participate, recent changes to the society and how they produce their shows.

UCD DramaSoc is the largest drama society in Ireland. With two shows everyday at their peak, there is plenty of opportunity for people of all university stages and disciplines to take part.

Apart from the shows, DramaSoc keeps its members busy with activities, such as script writing workshops, drag show nights and open mics. However, if you aren’t always up for the thrill of an audiences’ cheer or perhaps prefer an environment where there’s no pressure to perform, the society hosts plenty of coffee mornings where creative people can get together and discuss whatever they’re working on and collaborate with other creatives. Following the DramaSoc Instagram is the best way to learn about their upcoming events.

Conor Henry (they/them) is one of two Diversity and Inclusion Officers for the society. Their role is to keep the society a safe place and ensure that no production ever alienates any of its audience members. Conor first joined the society when they got the role of Your Killer in PI$$SLUTZ last year and since then they’ve been getting involved again and again, as Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Jordan in The Great Gatsby and an assistant prostups for The 24hr Musical which is a challenge the society does once a year where they attempt to put on a musical from scratch in just 24 hours.

Members of the society can become a part of the committee, as Conor did, during the annual general meeting (AGM) which takes place in the middle of April. During the AGM those ending their session as the society’s committee make a few speeches reflecting on their manifestos, what they’ve done to im-

All the Worlds a Stage with DramSoc

prove the society and even what they’ve done wrong. Following this, nominees for next term’s committee make speeches outlining their manifestos and what they’d like to do the following year. Then there is a vote to elect new committee members.

Thanks to their dynamic committee DramaSoc is always evolving and changing. If there is a particular event a member enjoys the Ents officer is more than happy to organise it again. One great addition to the society as of last year, was the addition of the Diversity and Inclusion Officer on the committee. Members of the society had suggested the idea to the committee, who in turn asked them to take the role upon themselves, and so Usher Titus and Tishé Emmanuella Fatunbi became the first Diversity and Inclusion Officers of DramaSoc last year.

Lissy Vehrs (they/them), who is DramaSoc’s Secretary this year explained that the shows which do get put on are chosen after all the directors’ applications have been submitted. When it’s not an original piece, they must check that the performance rights are available. Then the committee has a debate, listing

merits or queries found in the applications, after which a vote is conducted and the chosen shows are announced.

For those who get involved, DramaSoc is a huge part of their student life. Whether it’s the Friday after show outings or involvement in various behind the scenes aspects, the society’s members are a group of incredibly hard working people.

Students wishing to direct a show, even first timers, are welcome to apply via the UCD DramaSoc instagram (@ucddramasoc). The dedicated committee team is happy to help you assemble the perfect crew for your show.

Following that is auditions, where everyone is provided an opportunity to get involved. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve auditioned before, this is a great chance to test your nerves and boost your confidence.

Even if you aren’t up for the challenge of becoming a part of it all just yet, do yourself a favour and head over to the theatre. Watching one of their amazing productions may be just what you need to set off that spark in you!

T

1 2 3 4 5

10 CAMPUS The Best Coffee in UCD:

he coffees in UCD tend to give off a slightly woody aftertaste, a light and watery body and a strong aroma of the coffee reviewer being full of themself! I am not the Kenco Cofficionado. If you are looking for a coffee review taking into account the “five key elements of coffee” why are you reading ‘The Best Coffee in UCD: The Broke Student Guide’???

How big is the queue? If you’re anything like me, you want your fill of coffee in the 10-minute break of your 9 am double lecture. If the queue is too long you’ll risk the awkward stares of Theatre L as you sneak back in.

Aesthetics If you’re going to be spending 3% of your net worth on a coffee it may as well be worth posting on your Instagram story with some motivational quote next to it. Coffee dealers will gain points for making nice shapes on your cappuccino and having pretty disposable cups. After all, if you’re killing the turtles you may as well get a few likes out of it...

Taste I’m neither qualified to judge the objective quality of coffee, nor are you interested in reading about Blue Bird’s unique coffee roasting equipment and specialty coffee beans! My review will stick to the only true measure of coffee, “oh, that’s good coffee” to “did I really spend €3 on toilet water?”

Price It’s the most important factor for most students living SUSI check to SUSI check and wishing they had another Confirmation collection to cash in...

Location, Location, Location (See! it’s a cultural reference). The best coffee spots in UCD are close enough that you won’t get too wet running to them in the rain…

There are also 5 elements to my review of UCD’s coffee shopsGATHER & GATHER 6/10

CO-LEAD

OF INVESTIGATIONS

ROASTED NOTES 8/10

With a cappuccino no extra cost for milk Notes ticks the most cheap coffee. Located lake, the queues are the staff pleasant! But won’t bring in too Secretly, this is my favourite on campus, it’s a prime location as you watch 10.04 AM, late

STUDENTS’ UNION SHOPS 8/10

The Students’ Union shops may have no milk alternatives at all, but they just started serving iced coffee! So UCD’s cheapest coffee provider gets another point to its name! With three shops across the campus, the SU’s coffee is the go-to for many students but queues can be long for their €2 coffee! Though, apparently filling a cup with ice costs €1.20 extra…

COFFEE DOCK 5/10

Reopening for the first Coffee Dock is a boost relatively cheap caffeine fun stops there. Queues first-years descend swarm of wasps and that you’ll be pushed running late for

POOLSIDE CAFE 6/10 VOLUME 36 ISSUE 02

the Broke Student Guide

DOOLEY INVESTIGATIONS

8/10

costing just €2.80 with milk alternatives, Roasted most important boxLocated beside the main are generally short and But the minimalist cup many Instagram likes. favourite spot for coffee prime people-watching watch people rush by at for their lecture…

COFFEE

Much like its sister truck Roasted Notes, it has cheaper coffee. Costing just €2.80 with no extra cost for milk alternatives, Blue Bird coffee even comes in the prettiest cup on campus! What’s less pretty is the cost of their sweet treats and their scones are drier than the Sahara. I would be remiss not to mention that Newman’s main coffee stop technically serves as a standalone coffee roaster! Not only is it the nicest coffee shop on campus but you can sound really obnoxious

first time since COVID, boost of nostalgia and caffeine (€2.80) but the Queues will be long once descend on campus like a and its location ensures pushed past by 57 students for class as you wait.

UCD’s only coffee shop scare me. The proprietor many other students.

Stockholm Syndrome, but I Poolside! Reasonably priced even serve 99s on campus!

cups, Poolside has quite as every gym goer and practically lives in their space…

Their coffee costs €3.60 with an extra €0.60 for a milk alternative. The location offers decent aesthetic value, but it loses points for being served in a sadly generic cup, though it is compostable and “sustainable.” With expensive coffee, Melt Toastie Bar tends to be slightly quieter during peak times!

by mentioning that you get your coffee straight from a roaster… However, as Shakespeare once wrote, “Beware the Queues of :45” I would rate them higher if the queues didn’t stretch outside the shop at a quarter to every hour…

So, Where Does Your Money Go?

An important factor to consider is that UCD is dominated by 3 culinary providers; KSG, Wright’s and Gather & Gather. None of these providers are mom-and-pop shops. They are all multi-million euro businesses.

Wright’s, purveyors of UCD Village and the campus Centra, are also the owners of the old Wright’s Venue in Swords, Findlaters and the 25-year lease of Howth Castle. They run locations in Dublin Airport and St. Andrews Hall. They also list an entire business park in their portfolios.

KSG are not an attempt at spelling the initials of former Tribune Editor, Stephen Kisbey Green but is instead a large food and beverage company that boasts more than 1,350 employees and claims an annual turnover of €67 million euro. They serve a laundry list of locations and own Pulse Cafe, Blue Bird, Roasted Notes and Pi Café.

Taking over the lease of the campus restaurant from everyone’s favourite Direct Provision centre supporters Aramark, Gather & Gather have locations in universities all over Ireland and the UK. They are the caterers for Indeed and their portfolio of locations is no less impressive than the rest.

The only real exceptions to this are the SU shops and Poolside Café. While the SU does turnover €1 million from its shops every year, given it does route the profits from the shops into helping students I am not going to mar them with the “Big Bad Corporation bundle.” Poolside Café may be run by UCD’s angriest barista but I won’t hold that against the quality of their coffee.

So what does this mean for you - the student and the customer? The majority of the places you are spending your money in UCD are directly funding million euro businesses and the money generated from them won’t benefit students. Maybe support those that do!

All images taken and credited to Hugh Dooley.

BLUEBIRD 6/10 MELT TOASTIE BAR 5/10

ROASTED NOTES

Upcoming Events in UCD: October 18th - October 31st

RHOEN EATE

So here we are. Week 6 has sprung upon us and we’re simply spoiled for choice on how to occupy ourselves. Our kind lecturers have been extra generous with assignments I’m sure, and we have a nice little sprinkle of midterms to add some fun to the mix, but apart from the good times and giggles that trot along with our courses, UCD certainly has a jampacked week ahead in the run up to Halloween.

Shag Week

The infamous SHAG Week is back once again with a bang, promising a week filled to the brim with workshops and events creating a safe space to embrace all things sex. On Monday, a clay boob sculpting event is taking place in astra hall, with another workshop giving the opportunity to paint these boobs being held on Thursday. Both events are planned to be housed in the Atrium of the Old Student Centre from 11am to 1pm and are sure to be a great time.

The main event however, one harboring the most anticipation, is the Rodeo Penis being held in Astra Hall on Tuesday from 10.30pm to 2pm. For those of you who may be confused: A RODEO PENIS will be in Astra Hall. Think rodeo bull with a sexy twist. What better way to spend a Tuesday morning than giving it a spin, there’s bound to be a good few picture opportunities for the family album at the very least.

Monster Ball

Also being held in Astra Hall is the hyped-up Monster Ball this Thursday from 8pm. Yes, I believe it’s dress-up. Yes, first-round of tickets are sold out. With a promise of great DJs and inevitably free monster, it might be worth having a go at sneaking in if you can’t get more tickets.

Films

Both SciSoc and DramSoc are hosting film showings this week on Wednesday, with the locations yet to be announced on their ins-

tagrams. The societies are showing ‘Coraline’ and ‘Hocus Pocus’ respectively, both films pairing well with a box of popcorn. Anybody can join the showings as long as you sign up to the societies on the day. But if you haven’t at least signed up to DramSoc, what are you doing?

Clubhouse

Our beloved Clubhouse. Home to a messy night (or two) and even more great events. This week promises a collaboration with SHAG week and sees the Clubhouse set to host a ‘Sex Quiz’ on Monday evening from 7pm. Registration starts at 6.30pm and tickets are €10 for a team of 4. With all funds raised going to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, why not bop long down for a good time for a great cause?

Also set to take place during the week is a Beerpong night on Monday (need I say more?) and the ever-loved karaoke night on Thursday. Keep up to date with the Instagram for confirmed times and pictures from the Clubhouse Paparazzi on how your night went.

And so, whether you’re ready to let loose after midterms, or just want to hit the refresh button during your studies and come up for air, UCD’s got you covered.

Image Credit: NAMSOC

The Nursing and Midwifery Society Returns to UCD

Campus Correspondent Sara Allen reports on the return of the long gone but not forgotten society, NAMSOC!

The Nursing and Midwifery Society (NAMSOC) returns! After an almost four year hiatus due to both COVID-19 and a lack of Nursing and Midwifery students on campus from hospital placements, the society is back for good.

If you have any interest in the field of health sciences, you should check them out this year because they are offering free memberships. NAMSOC aims to serve as a safe place and support system for students to come to when they are stressed or need a break from studying, while also being a tool for students to meet some of their fellow classmates.

“There needs to be a space for nursing and midwifery students to unwind, share experiences, and have fun,” says NAMSOC treasurer, Riley Colson. “We want to set up a long-lasting foundation for all future UCD Nursing and Midwifery students.”

If you’re interested in joining, follow them on Instagram at @NAMSOCUCD. Also, keep an eye out for information on committee member elections, as they will be announcing it soon through their Instagram. Since they are just now reviving the society, there are no big events planned. However, do keep an eye out on social media so you know when events return for NAMSOC.

Ways to Invest as a Student

The idea of investing as students may seem quite distant. In many cases, most people think of investing as playing the stock market, making high-risk investments which may cause big gains or devastating losses - a pastime best left to the naïve and/or wealthy.

In reality, investing is something that everyone, regardless of whether they are a student or an established member of the workforce, should be aware of. After all, investing is simply a form of planning for the future and in the current climate, the need for financial literacy and financial planning has never been more apparent.

If you happen to be an individual lucky enough to be in a position now or sometime in the near future to be considering making investments, you may be tempted to explore stocks as your first port of call. After all, when people think of investing, more than likely scenes from the Wolf of Wall Street of people making quick and easy money on trades springs to mind.

The reality is that to the average investor the stock market may as well be a roulette table in a dodgy Vegas casino. Sure, there’s certain companies that are safe and relatively secure, but stock markets are notoriously volatile and, if one is brave enough to play the stock market game, should be willing to lose their investment. In order to win on the stock markets an incredible level of knowledge, research, resilience, and/or luck is necessary. If it were easy everyone would be doing it. Since I am unwilling to lower myself to the level of an average r/ wallstreetbets poster by trying to pretend to be a stock-market guru, this article will instead look at safe, sensible, and accessible forms of investing that students should be aware of.

Pensions

It may seem odd for this particular publication to be talking about pensions. After all, the average reader is likely 40 to 50 years away from pension age if they are lucky! However, pensions are arguably the most sensible, efficient, and most common form of investment in Ireland.

The best time to start a pension is now. For readers who are preparing to enter the world of work and begin their career in their chosen area, pensions should not be a distant thought.

To retire with a private pension of €19,500 a year – which is roughly

half the average industrial wage – at age 68, you need to save a fund of approximately €463,900. The cost of saving this amount almost doubles for every ten years you delay starting. Readers should keep in mind that the maximum state pension is €13,172 per year.

Pensions are also a highly tax efficient way of investing for the future. Pension contributions qualify for tax relief on income tax (not PRSI or USC) at the contributor’s highest rate of tax, i.e., 20% or 40% for those earning €36,800 (€40,000 from January 2023). An individual under 30 can get tax relief of up to 15% of their yearly earnings.

What does tax relief on pension contributions mean? Take for example a worker who pays their highest rate of tax at 40% and makes pension contributions of €200 per month. The net cost to the individual for putting €200 into their pension is €120 as they receive tax relief of 40% on the €200 contribution, i.e., €80 that they would have paid in tax goes into their pension instead.

Pensions are also tax efficient in that the interest earned on the total fund is not subject to deposit interest retention tax (DIRT) of 33%. This compares with interest earned on deposits in banks or credit unions which are subject to DIRT and with other forms of investments such as ETFs which are subject to “deemed disposal,” meaning they are subject to tax every 8 years whether or not they are disposed of. Individuals may also qualify to draw down a tax-free lump sum of 25% of their pension fund upon their retirement.

Pensions are not just for those in full time or permanent employment or for those starting out in their

The UK’s Budget: What’s Going on Next Door?

chosen career. A personal savings retirement account (PRSA) can be started at any time, and you can stay paying into it even if you move jobs or careers. You can also take a break from paying into it if desired. Many PRSAs also have relatively low minimum contributions of around €100 per month or €1,000 per year.

It is worth mentioning that pensions are not without their risk. Most pension funds are subject to the usual investment risk that they might lose value instead of increasing. However, the benefits of pensions and their long-term nature counterbalance the risk, meaning pensions remain one of the best modes of investments available to the average person.

Other Options

If you are not ready to start thinking about pensions and retiring just yet, that is fine. You may just be looking to invest as a way to put away a little bit of extra savings for a rainy day or you may be saving for something a little more pressing than your retirement.

Government savings bonds, while they are not going to make anyone rich, offer a fully secure and taxfree savings method that allows savers to earn interest, albeit at very modest rates, while knowing that their savings are fully secure. The National Treasury Management Agency offers a number of savings products ranging from regular saving schemes to savings bonds lasting from 3 to 10 years.

Nothing contained in this article should be construed as investment advice.

MARK O’ROURKE BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT

Our nearest neighbours, the United Kingdom, have had a turbulent few weeks. Since Liz Truss assumed the position as Prime Minister a little over a month ago, Queen Elizabeth II has died, Prince Charles has become King Charles III and the British Government announced an unprecedented mini-budget.

While undoubtedly more ink will be dedicated in the history books of the future to the UK’s change in monarch, the significance of the UK’s mini-budget and its fallout should not be disregarded.

The UK’s mini budget represented one of the largest tax cutting budgets in 50 years. UK Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced cuts to income tax rates, cancelled planned corporation tax increases, and a freeze on energy prices in an attempt to stimulate the economy and ease the cost-of-living crisis that British citizens are facing.

However, the mini-budget has played out very differently than Truss and her conservative government would have hoped. Since the budget’s announcement the pound has collapsed in value against the dollar and market interest rates have surged meaning that instead of easing the cost-of-living crisis Truss’s budget will add to it.

Difference in Approach

The difference between the Irish and UK budgets, both recently announced, is stark. The Irish government has favoured fiscal responsibility, keeping the budget in surplus with a focus on sustainability and avoiding counter-productive measures in trying to ease the costof-living crisis facing Irish citizens.

The UK on the other hand has chosen to slash taxes while promising significant spending increases to combat rising cost-of-living crisis.

The debt funded package of tax cuts and spending increases has been described as the UK government “going for broke” in trying to boost economic growth and ease the costof- living crisis for its citizens.

The government’s decisions to introduce measures benefiting high-earners and wealthier individuals is of particular note given the current circumstances. It was announced that the UK’s higher tax rate of 45% on income over £150,000 would be abolished (a move which Truss’s government has already rolled back on), mean-

ing that all annual income above £50,270 would be taxed at 40%, the current higher rate of income tax. The lower tax rate will also be reduced by one percent to 19%. Reductions were also announced to the National Insurance Contribution, the UK equivalent of PRSI.

“It was announced that the UK’s higher tax rate of 45% on income over £150,000 would be abolished (a move which Truss’s government has already rolled back on), meaning that all annual income above £50,270 would be taxed at 40%, the current higher rate of income tax.

“In contrast, in the Irish budget, the entry point to the higher rate of tax of 40% was raised to €40,000 from its current level of €36,800. There were slight changes to the USC bands to adjust for the impending rise in the minimum wage, as well as the increase of tax credits, and introduction of a tax credit for renters. Fairly modest changes in comparison to the UK’s measures.

The UK budget also saw the announcement that rules limiting the bonuses of bankers would be scrapped. Such a move is one you would be hard pressed to find anyone in Irish politics brave enough to try and implement, particularly in the current climate.

What next?

The UK’s reputation and economic outlook has already been greatly impacted by the seemingly never-ending fiasco that is Brexit. The current budget fallout only exacerbates this, as the current government faces increasing pressure to perform a U-turn on some of the announced measures. Particular pressure is on the government to backtrack on the abandonment of plans to increase corporation tax from 19% to 25%. The coming weeks will determine much for the UK, including whether its newly appointed Prime Minister will survive her turbulent first months in office.

The Environmental Impact of the War in the Ukraine

MADELEINE KELLY

WRITER

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces is entering into its 7th month and the total destruction left behind is still unknown. Experts across the globe continue to examine the impact that the war will have on the environment. The remnants of armoured military equipment from the conflict, the destruction of natural habitats and the threat of nuclear disaster is drawing the attention of environmental experts throughout Europe.

Destroyed Military Equipment

Images of burned tanks have characterised the Russian invasion of Ukraine since February, with reports citing up to 4,000 being destroyed in just over 6 months. While this is indicative of Ukrainian military successes in fending off Russian forces, the destruction of this equipment and its impact on the environment have yet to be understood.

According to a report by Syndey Young at the Harvard International Review (HIR), the use of depleted uranium in tank armour and ammunition may have far reaching impacts. Young states that, “When ammunition made from depleted uranium strikes a target, the uranium turns into dust that is inhaled by soldiers near the explosion site. The wind then carries dust to surrounding areas, polluting local water and agriculture.”

Young criticises the use of these materials in previous conflicts across the globe and heavily stresses the danger of their use, “Weapons are not merely about strategic advantage or national interest: they impact universal environmental and human rights.”

POLITICS

Why Populism has Returned to European Politics

ERIN SMITH POLITICS WRITER

Habitat Destruction

Ukraine has a wide array of habitats throughout the country, accounting for 35% of Europe’s biodiversity. According to the World Wildlife Fund, since the invasion of Ukraine began large swaths of these natural resources have been damaged or destroyed by the war.

In their assessment of the environmental impact of the war the WWF acknowledges that military intervention threatens the environment and natural resources. Further the WWF states that, “Movements of large-scale military vehicles and explosives are damaging habitats both inside and outside protected areas. Fires sparked by attacks have already damaged over 100,000 hectares of natural ecosystems.”

affected by the war so far. While many regions of natural resources still remain under Russian occupation and are at risk of being further damaged by the ongoing conflict.

Looming Nuclear Disaster

Along the Dnieper River sits the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. As the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, it serves as a point of pride for the country of Ukraine. However, since the Russian invasion and subsequent occupation, its fate now looms over the head of the region. A metaphorical nuclear sword of Damocles.

Despite its proximity to liberating Ukrainian forces, the power plant still remains under strong Russian occupation. A precarious situation, Russian forces hold the power plant as an atomic hostage. Damage to the facility could easily result in the largest nuclear disaster in human history. Dr. Tetiana Melnyk from the Odessa Research Center cites the potential scale destruction in the event of a nuclear catastrophe.

Dr. Melnyk states that “the whole of the Zaporizhzhia region will be impossible to live in or be used for any agricultural activity.” The potential damage from a nuclear meltdown at the plant, Dr. Melnyk warns that “the consequences will be enormous and will reach the entire European continent.”

On Monday the 26th of September political observers across the globe woke up startled by Italy’s most recent election results. A conservative majority won, pushing the far-right party Brother’s of Italy into power, with Giorgia Meloni becoming the Italian Prime Minister. This is the first far-right government in Italy since the second World War, with many newspapers drawing parallels between Meloni and Mussolini. However, this ignores many of the subtle nuances which allowed the Right’s rise to power – a century after Mussolini’s rise in Italian politics.

Over the past decade, there has been a striking rise in populism throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. Just earlier in September, Sweden’s parliamentary elections showed a major shift in voter demographics. The far-right populist party, the Sweden Democrats, emerged as the nation’s second largest party, only narrowly behind the incumbent centre-left Social Democratic party. Furthermore, the conservative-right bloc won by razor-thin margins pushing out the centre-left prime minister, Magdalena Anderson.

So, what is it that has led to this sudden rise, and across so many countries? The answer to this is somewhat complex. Much of the support for populism can be boiled down to other shifts in European societies and economies leading to disgruntled voters disillusioned by their current governments. Recession over the past two decades, including the 2008 economic crash, residual recessions and the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are also very much central issues. Another is the worsening refugee crisis in Europe causing many to push back against migration and embrace heavily nationalistic ideology. Additionally, the rise of the internet and globalisation has led to increased connectivity between fringe groups, amplifying extremist viewpoints and voices.

According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, 20% of protected areas of Ukraine have been

POLITICS IN BRIEF

Water from the Dnieper river is capable of carrying nuclear material down to the Black Sea; blowing winds can carry material across the European continent. The fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has yet to be determined: artillery strikes, power outages, and failed attempts for mediation all set the stage for the largest nuclear disaster in human history.

The shift towards populism in Europe has been a slow and gradual one with many diverse and complex factors across Europe’s varying countries. 20 years ago, populism was a very small force within Europe. However, a report by the Guardian in 2018 found that from 2000 the number of Europeans voting for populist parties has surged from a mere 7% to 25%. Though these numbers may seem small, this has led to significant governmental changes such as those in Italy. Likewise, the number of populist leaders in 2000 was only 2, in Switzerland and Slovakia. However, presently 11 European countries have populist leadership according to the Pew Research Centre – a nonpartisan think-tank based in Washington D.C.

However this is not the case in all countries. The Czech Republic is an outlier to this trend as they have seen 4.3% economic growth in the past few years and are not directly affected by the refugee crisis, as reported by The Guardian. Instead other factors unique to the Czech Republic have contributed to voter’s dissatisfaction. Similarly in Italy, unique factors such as years of government corruption have greatly affected Italian voting patterns.

The rise of populism in Europe is an undeniable force - and a dangerous one. However, to draw blanket conclusions about why such diverse countries around the world are becoming increasingly populist completely misses the nuances which have contributed to this rise. At the root of it, people are dissatisfied with their governments and want to see change. If Europe wants to quell this tsunami of populism, politicians and voters themselves must look far more introspectively at the factors which have led to populism in their own countries and figure out ways to reconcile with them.

Crime on the Rise Cost of Living

The Central Statistics Office have released figures which highlight crime is on the rise across Ireland. There were increases in 11 of 14 serious crime offences, with fraud and dangerous driving rising the most by over 40% each.

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Movements of largescale military vehicles and explosives are damaging habitats both inside and outside protected areas. Fires sparked by attacks have already damaged over 100,000 hectares of natural ecosystems.

POLITICS

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

Image Credit: Sinn Féin

Northern Ireland’s Historic Border Poll: Are Calls for Reunification Feasible?

Politics Correspondent Rory Fleming discusses how the changing political climate in Northern Ireland may result in Irish unity.

The politics of Northern Ireland are complex, with division along the lines of religion and nationhood present since the inception of the state following the Government of Ireland Act in 1921.

Whilst political instability has been rife since the North’s formation, one constant has endured - the Protestant majority. However, just last month this constant as official census figures delivered the earth-shattering news that Catholicism was the dominant religion for the first time in the state’s 101-year history.

The figures stated that those who are practising Catholics tallied 42.3% of the overall population, over 5% higher than those who identified as Protestant. The religious figures produced by the census included the increasing secularity of the North, with 17.4% of respondents identifying as non-religious.

Although religion does not necessarily denote one’s voting intentions, the principal political parties

within the North are heavily affiliated with the Catholic and Protestant communities. Sinn Fein, who are led by Michelle O’Neill and campaign under Nationalist policies, are predominantly backed by the Catholic population whilst the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) pledge loyalty to the Union and enjoy fervent support amongst Protestant voters.

Further, these census figures enhance Sinn Fein’s grip on power in Northern Ireland following on from their historic election victory over the DUP last May. Sinn Fein, who received the overwhelming majority of their support from the Catholic community, managed to usurp the DUP meaning it was the first time a nationalist party came to power in the North.

Since elevating themselves to the dominant political party, Sinn Fein have been outspoken in their hopes for undertaking just the second Border Poll in the North’s history as they push for Irish unification. In recent months, O’Neill has called for clarity regarding the criteria

needed to trigger a Border Poll and also insisted in an Irish Times interview that she “wants to see Irish unity.”

There has only been one prior instance of a Border Poll in Northern Ireland, with a virtually unanimous “remain” victory for Unionists in its 1973 iteration. Though those results come with the caveat that the majority of Republicans abstained from the vote due to concerns over gerrymandering and other forms of election tampering.

With the British pound plummeting, the cost-of-living crisis escalating at an alarming rate and the ever-increasing sentiment around Stormont that the North is a forgotten entity amongst the Westminster elite, Sinn Fein’s calls for a first border poll in half a century are being met with serious consideration by many on both sides of the border. But the question remains, does the enduring dream amongst Republican communities of Irish unity possess any feasibility?

The North has long suffered from a

fledgling economy, a direct result of decades of neglect towards investment in both physical and human capital. Brexit also worsened an already difficult economic situation, an issue which was foreshadowed by the Northern Irish electorate who mainly voted “remain” in the referendum. Attempting to make up for its poor economic performances, Westminster subsidises the state to the tune of £15 billion annually, a fiscal commitment which the Republic would simply be unable to presently match.

In response to this issue though, Ireland’s Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe was recently quoted by the Belfast Telegraph as saying that whilst “we are quite a few phases away from that [Irish unity]” the Irish government will soon begin planning for Irish unity and the consequences it will have for public finances. This pre-emptive approach towards potentially assimilating the North’s economy with the Republic’s could be one such way to offset the economic concerns surrounding reunification.

Another cause for hope amongst those with nationalistic tendencies should be the recognition by Irish Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, that merely winning the Border Poll is not enough to ensure a successful unification of North and South.

With Unionists still making up a sizeable chunk of the Northern Irish population, turning a blind eye to their thoughts and concerns will only serve to destabilise any future reunification efforts. Acknowledging this, Varadkar said to the Ireland’s Future Conference this week that “cross-community engagement would be essential to ensure the dream of Irish unity does not become a nightmare for others.”

When considering this latest push for Irish unity, those who hope to achieve reunification should recount the words of one of the Northern Irish peace movement’s most inspired figures. Quite simply put by the late John Hume, “The solution will be found not on the basis of victory for either, but on the basis of agreement and a partnership between both.”

Tens of thousands of people turned out to protest the Cost of Living Crisis in Dublin City Centre last week. With prominent Opposition Politicians in attendance such as Sinn Fein’s Mary Lou McDonald and People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd Barrett. The crowd protested issues such as soaring energy and rental prices.

PhD Stipend Pleas

PhD students are lobbying the Government to increase current stipends of €18,500. Arguing that as the cost of living crisis worsens, more students will shy away from research, they are seeking parity with the national minimum wage by raising the stipend to €24,000.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York last week Taoiseach Micháel Martin condemned Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine branding them a “rogue state”. The Fianna Fáil leader also called for Russia to lose its permanent place on the UN Security Council following its vetoing of an Irish led Climate Change Bill.

Image Credit: World Economic Forum

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Open Letter by Climate

Campaigners: New Responsibility on Lawyers

Mooted to Warn Clients of Potential Environmental Risks

LEE MARTIN LAW CORRESPONDENT

Lawyers could be ethically obliged to advise clients in the future of serious risks where they attempt to pursue projects which are inconsistent with the 1.5˚C global warming target, a group of climate campaigning lawyers have said. An open letter has been signed by more than 170 members of the legal profession across the UK and Ireland which reiterates the well-known warnings that a failure to limit global warming to 1.5˚C “risks mass loss of life and threatens the conditions for a stable civilisation, including the rule of law.”

The letter makes 3 main proposals in which it says regulators should “support and enforce”:

Self-education

All lawyers must ensure they acquire and maintain understanding of the extreme risks of breaching the 1.5˚C limit and the urgent action required by 2030 to prevent such breach, so that they can advise their clients accordingly.

Margherita Cornaglia, a junior barrister and one of the letter drafters, said: “The legal profession is awakening to the impact that the climate and ecological crisis has and will continue to have on the application and development of legal principles. Junior lawyers and lawyers joining the profession are increasingly knowledgeable about climate law and litigation, increasingly concerned and increasingly motivated to be part of the solution, not the problem. The tides are changing”.

Virgin Atlantic New Launches New Gender Identity Policy

MOLLIE BREEN LAW WRITER

Virgin Atlantic launched a new gender identity policy last month. It provides the airline’s crew, pilots and ground staff with the option of wearing whichever uniforms they feel most comfortable in, regardless of the original male or female design of its burgundy trouser or red skirt.

Virgin stated that the move was to echo the diversity of the workforce and to emphasise the inclusive and welcoming environment of the airline.

Client advice

Lawyers, including in-house and government lawyers, should be ethically obliged to advise their clients, where relevant and appropriate, of the serious risks (legal and otherwise) of pursuing any investment, project or transaction that is inconsistent with the pathway to 1.5˚C. Government lawyers should highlight the potential human rights violations not only of measures inconsistent with 1.5 degrees Celcius but also measures which disproportionately criminalise protestors who raise the alarm.

King’s Counsel Marc Willers, one of the signatories to the letter said:

“The rule of law should be the bedrock of our societies. As the evidence mounts that human-made climate change poses an extreme threat to society, nothing is more vital than that the legal profession keeps pace. If we legitimise actions which we know to be inconsistent with what the science demands (i.e., limiting warming to 1.5˚C), we risk undermining all that the profession stands for”.

Duty to the court

Lawyers should support efforts by the judiciary to develop climate literacy, and in appropriate cases, ensure courts have access to relevant evidence concerning the climate emergency and have due regard to the compatibility of any investment, project, or transaction with the 1.5˚C threshold. In prosecutions concerning climate protest, both prosecutors and defence lawyers should ensure the court is aware that the breach of the 1.5˚C limit risks mass loss of life and the end of the rule of law and that there is substantial evidence that governments and businesses, individually and collectively, continue to pursue courses of action which they know to be inconsistent with that limit. The courts must apply the law to such cases, but lawyers must ensure that they do so on the basis of the relevant facts.

Tim Crosland, a former government lawyer and director of Plan B Earth said: “The rule of law is being corrupted. There’s no accountability for those exposing the public to extreme risks by knowingly breaching the 1.5˚C climate change limit — humanity’s lifeline — while those taking peaceful and proportionate action to prevent the ultimate crime against humanity are persecuted and threatened with 10 years’ imprisonment. It’s time to take a stand”.

Jonathan Goldsmith, a member of the Law Society of England and Wales Council and Chair of its Policy and Regulatory Affairs Committee said, “The drafters of the letter are right to point out that the consequences risk the rule of law itself, which is what we all serve.”

There is no legal requirement to have a written inclusion and diversity policy, however, a policy of the likes has proven to be a popular aspect of many companies. It ensures that everyone is able to engage fully thereby adding value to an organisation. Many companies include such a policy for reputational and recruitment reasons. Subsequently, there may be speculation over whether an inclusion and diversity policy is just a PR stunt. However, Virgin Atlantic have ensured that their new gender identity policy is not perceived as just a PR stunt.

This guarantee is evident from their acknowledgment that they have a low awareness and understanding of minority groups. They have appreciated that until recently it has not been a priority of the airline but that they want this to change - and it is changing.

Additionally, Virgin Atlantic liaised with a trans representative from the Diversity Standards Collective to ensure the campaign was more than surface level. The airline is reportedly altering its trans inclusion policies to include ‘inclusive changing rooms and showers, time off work for transition related med-

ical treatments and the option for employees to include pronouns on their name badges.’ Moreover, the airline has updated its ticketing system to allow passport holders with gender neutral markers to use the title “Mx” and choose gender codes “U” or “X” on flight bookings. Virgin have since developed a mission to become “the most inclusive airlines in the skies.”

A human rights campaign carried out recent research on the rights of trans gender people. 72% of adults agree that “transgender people should have equal rights and be able to live free of violence and discrimination.” As a result, Virgin Atlantic’s new policy coincides with changing attitudes. It is apparent that Virgin Atlantic’s introduction of this trans friendly gender identity policy is a much-welcomed progressive move and the first of any airline.

However, trans people and activists are worried that this new policy may be a target for individuals who do not accept those who do not adhere to gender stereotypes. Therefore, trans people and activists hope Virgin Atlantic implement measures to support the mental and physical welfare of those who may be targeted.

Virgin Atlantic’s new gender identity policy is welcomed by many. With the appropriate supports, trans people will be able to integrate fully into an inclusive environment, such as the one Virgin Atlantic hopes to achieve. One can only hope that Virgin Atlantic’s policy may raise awareness and influence other companies and airlines to introduce a similar diverse and inclusive policy.

As the evidence mounts that human-made climate change poses an extreme threat to society, nothing is more vital than that the legal profession keeps pace.

The Gardaí in Ireland: Staffing, Conduct and the Community

Budget 2023

Doubts are being raised about the feasibility of the announcement in Budget 2023 that 1000 new recruits will be hired within the next year. Tweeting on Budget Day Antoinette Cunningham of The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) said they were concerned with this target. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) welcomes the target as there is clearly “an urgent need for them” but points to the fact that they have “yet to see a large proportion of the 800 recruits for last year.”

The Department of Justice confirms that the 800 recruits for 2022 will not happen at all citing COVID-19 and a lack of Garda recruitment mechanisms in place for larger numbers. The plan for 2023 is to take in recruits in groups of 200 in February, May, July, October, and December. The force currently stands at 14,318 and the Department of Justice aims to bring the Garda strength to 15,000. Superintendent McCarthy told RTE Morning Ireland that while the extra Gardaí announced in the Budget is welcome, there is no “future proofing” of the force.

False Allegations against Senior Officers

The AGSI has called on the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to address the problem of de-

famatory and false allegations made against senior officers in An Garda Síochána.

A survey has found that almost half of all superintendents have been subjected to reputation damaging false allegations, while one in 3 have been defamed on social media.

Seamus Nolan, AGS Presiden, told Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, at the AGSI annual conference in Kildare in September that this conduct is “cowardly, vicious, vindictive, and poisonous’ and said the abuse of members ‘continues unabated.”

Some officers said they have been filmed without their consent with images uploaded on social media usually without context and often accompanied by abuse. Others said they had been subject to bullying, harassment, discipline, and criminal investigations which arose from anonymous complaints and took them years to clear their names.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Superintendent Declan McCarthy said the AGS is calling for “a robust and transparent policy brought in around these anonymous complaints and false allegations”. Superintendent McCarthy said it “is about keeping people safe and we would like the same courtesy paid to us that we, as senior operators within the organisation, are kept safe.”

An Garda Síochána has come under sharp criticism from the Policing Authority in a new report which says the organisation is “repeatedly over-promising and under-delivering.”

The watchdog said the Garda accepts third-party recommendations “quickly … with little assessment as to the feasibility of their achievements,” and change “has not landed at the front line.”

The report is the seventh and final report in a series examining and assessing the Garda’s progress in implementing the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate’s 2015 report, Changing Policing in Ireland, which has since been superseded by the work of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

Josephine Feehily, chairperson of the Policing Authority, said: “The Authority strongly believes that there are important lessons that can be taken from this series of reports that can usefully inform the approach to the new government Policing Reform Programme.”

“Critical to the Garda Síochána change effort will be a renewed, persistent, and strategic focus on the key enablers of change — HR, ICT, accommodation, training, and finance. These matters have been and will continue to be at the forefront of the Authority’s assessment of policing performance.

der pressure due to front line Gardaí having to appear in court cases, conduct court security and serve summons according to the Garda Inspectorate.

The Policing with Local Communities report highlights the impact on community policing in Cork after the new courthouse opened last May.

It states: “Following the opening of a new courthouse in Cork City, an additional two sergeants and nine gardaí are now required on a daily basis for prisoner management and building security. No additional resources were provided resulting in daily abstractions from core policing roles. This greatly impacts on the availability of resources for local policing.”

The report found that “those most affected by abstractions are victims of crimes and local communities” and called for “the appointment of a strategic lead at senior management level to resolve some of these issues, working with other agencies, with the aim of releasing significant numbers of gardaí back to frontline policing duties.”

Blanchardstown

A ground-breaking research project has brought together young black people from Blanchardstown and Gardaí who work there to explore the extent to which restorative practices can facilitate dialogue and build understanding.

Restorative practices are a set of principles, skills and processes that enable relationship building and participatory dialogue.

The organisers’ aim was to build understanding by sharing experiences, ideas, and information about a common concern — not to debate, convince others of a perspective, or make assumptions about or challenge an experience that others shared.

Six young black adults and six gardaí participated in the dialogue process. Over two days, participants engaged in a variety of circle processes, discussions, and other activities, including work in mixed pairs, in mixed small groups, in caucuses, and as a whole group.

Funding from the Irish Research Council (IRC) allowed for the hiring of a research assistant, Katharina Kurz, who collected and analysed data to study the project.

Dr. Ian Marder of Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology, who led the project and co-facilitated the dialogue process, said: “I was delighted to receive funding from the Irish Research Council and support from partners in An Garda Síochána, Sport Against Racism Ireland, Insaka-Ireland, Childhood Development Initiative and others for this project.”

More information about the project has been published on the Maynooth University website.

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Gardai

“Repeatedly over promising and under delivering.”

Law Correspondent Lee Martin provides a summary of Gardaií activity in 2022 and future plans for the law enforcement agency.

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

South Korean Nuclear Reactor Beats the Sun Seven Times … for Thirty Seconds

Our sun uses nuclear fusion to produce immense heat, some of which we use on Earth as sustainable energy. As such it has long been a dream of scientists to replicate this natural process ourselves here on Earth.

Current nuclear reactors use nuclear fission where they split atoms of uranium into other, smaller atoms with the release of energy used for electricity. However, this process

involves the use of dangerous uranium as fuel as well as some radioactive waste in the form of uranium mill tailings.

Fusion involves less waste, no radioactive fuels and has the potential to create far more energy. So with excitement, we learn that scientists in South Korea were able to create a nuclear fusion reaction running at temperatures of 100 million de-

grees Celsius and sustain it for 30 seconds. That’s seven times hotter than the sun.

As the main hurdle to fusion is the high temperatures required to sustain the reaction, this marks significant progress towards the promise of near-limitless energy. The team from Seoul National University and the Korean Institute of Fusion Energy did their research using the

reactor at the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) facility.

This is one of several facilities around the world which are starting to show the results of decades of research. Running at a slightly lower temperature of 70 million degrees Celsius, a similar reactor in China was able to sustain itself for over 17 minutes. That’s still five times hotter than the sun.

“We usually say that fusion energy is a dream energy source - it is almost limitless, with low emission of greenhouse gases and no high level radioactive waste - (but the latest breakthrough) means fusion is not a dream,” said the president of the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, Yoo Suk-jae.

This is just one step towards reaching the goal set by the Korea Insti-

tute of Fusion Energy, which is to achieve a plasma whose temperature surpasses 100 million degrees Celsius for a run time of 50 seconds by the end of this year, and then 300 seconds by 2026.

KSTAR director Yoon Si-woo says that “300 seconds - is the minimum time frame to demonstrate steady state operations,” and that once that is achieved, “then this plasma can work forever.”

The taste of accomplishment is bittersweet and promises of “almost limitless” energy make one ponder the current global conflict and energy crisis in a new light. With kindled feelings of regret, the ultimately fruitless nature of so many different conflicts and lost lives in the name of oil and gas become clear and apparent as ever.

Trepanation: Our Ancestors’ Idea of Neurosurgery

With Halloween just round the corner, would you fancy a costume with a hole drilled into your skull? Trepanning is the oldest form of surgery on earth. While often fatal and ineffective in the Middle Ages, it is still used to relieve pressure from a swelling brain in emergencies. The road to modern medicine has not been entirely smooth, but it has not been boring, either. So, without further ado, let’s take a painful wander down a blood-soaked memory lane.

In ancient times, trepanation was considered to be a treatment for various ailments, such as head injuries. Some scientists also think that the practice was used to pull spirits from the body in rituals. Many times, the person would survive and heal after the surgery. Researchers have found scarring from trepanation on skeletons, but the holes and injury to the skull had healed.

In ancient times, trepanation was considered to be a treatment for various ailments, such as head injuries. Some scientists also think that the practice was used to pull spirits from the body in rituals.

One example of an unsuccessful procedure is a medieval woman who died while she was pregnant. The woman’s skull had the telltale markings of a circular hole measuring 4.6 millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter. It is assumed that the pregnant woman incurred preeclampsia or eclampsia (two pregnancy conditions involving high blood pressure) and she was treated with a frontal trepanation to relieve the intracranial pressure. Unfortunately, despite the intervention, she did not survive, and died with the foetus in her womb.

Why was such a horrifying procedure carried out in the Middle Ages? There isn’t one specific reason for it but most think it was for magic/religious reasons such as to free people from demons that could be torturing them, initiations as a way of giving right of passage to adulthood or to turn someone into a warrior, therapeutic reasons to treat tumours, convulsions, epilepsy, migraine, loss of consciousness, and behavioral changes and the treatment of traumatisms like skull fractures.

The procedure was often long and excruciating. Let’s all just imagine performing the surgery on ourselves. A dime-sized circle on the upper-right part of the forehead would be traced and you use a knife to carve through the skin. The skin lifts off from the bone without too much trouble. You then opt to drill a ring of tiny holes in your skull. Sickening yet? It gets even worse. The first hole is now done. Imagine the feeling of biting down on a huge piece of tinfoil as hard as you possibly could while your head hums

like it’s filled with buzzing hornets. More holes to come as the vibration in your head gets less intense.

Using a torchlight, you now shine a light at the ring of tiny bores, doing your best to inspect what’s behind them in the mirror. The remaining structural elements between the holes are extremely thin and brittle-looking. You decide to cut them away with the wirecutters. Gross.

Oh! You just dropped a circle of

your skull into the sink. You are now looking at the bright red membrane that’s covering your brain. It is actually quite interesting how many blood vessels are in there. The procedure is done and the hole is bleeding a lot. But you are all good, just a little dizzy and munching on your spice bag. Absolutely no anesthetics were required.

Trepanning did not die out with the Stone Age; it carried on through the classical period, and even as far

as the Renaissance. Today, similar surgical procedures still exist; but, as you might imagine, they involve a little more finesse and a lot more anesthetic. This is, in part, why some people argue that it is the precursor of neurosurgery. For instance, specialists use craniotomies to treat some hematomas (wherein blood builds up between the skull, the brain, and the membranes in-between).

PRIYANKA SAINI SCIENCE CORRESONDENT

Hieronymus Bosch’s depiction of trepanning in his painting ‘The Stone Cutting.’ Image credit: Hieronymus Bosch via Wikimedia Commons.

ANDREW HARTEN SCIENCE WRITER

Super Hot Blob of Gas Discovered Orbiting the Milky Way’s Black Hole at ‘Mind-Blowing’ Velocity

PRIYANKA SAINI SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT

Sagittarias A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky way is full of surprises. About 4 million times bigger than the sun and stretches around 40 million miles (60 million kilometers) across, anything that gets too close to such a massive black hole gets dragged beyond its event horizon by an overwhelming gravitational pull. However, this newly discovered hot gas blob is moving at such an unbelievable speed that it appears to have formed a stable orbit around the massive cosmic void.

A powerful magnetic field surrounding the colossal space-time tear has supercharged the bizarre gaseous globule, speeding it up to 30% the speed of light, a new study finds. The blazing blob’s orbit around Sagittarius A* is equivalent in size to the orbit of Mercury

Science of the Paranormal: Can you Trust Your Own Mind

RHOEN EATE DEPUTY EDITOR

Halloween is fast approaching with many of us re-awakening our obsessions with all things frightening and broadening our minds to the possibility of the paranormal. Yet witches have become a trend and werewolves are seen as nothing but a step up from a teddy bear, so what do we truly have that still holds an eerie power over the mind when home alone and left in the dark? Ghosts.

Ask anyone walking down the street whether or not they believe in the floating dead and you have close to a 50-50 chance of a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. But more often than not, we find ourselves still on the fence with our answers to this seemingly simple question, and this indecisiveness is only exacerbated by the cold chills of Halloween lurking around the corner.

But how likely are we to find reality to the fairy tales of the paranormal? Or is it all simply a matter of the mind?

We’ve all heard the anecdote of a friend-of-a-friend, who has an uncle, who had a fish, who had a sister, who heard a suspicious ‘bump in the night’. But is this truly down to ghouls trapesing across your hallway or could it be a scientific phenomenon called ‘infrasound’? Ask any stem lecturer and see what they say…

Infrasound is the term for a sound just below 20 Hertz, which is the typical human hearing threshold, and can be caused by a number of things such as air conditioners or earthquakes. Researchers be-

gan putting this theory to the test during ghost tours taking place at Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh, Scotland.

During the city ghost festival in 2007, tour groups were secretly exposed to infrasound while trekking through the underground passageways, supposedly housing plague victims bricked within the walls. And yet, after the study was conducted and the data analysed, the results did not fully support the theory of infrasound being the causality of the paranormal experience, although it did not necessarily disagree with the expected outcome.

The findings found no change in the number of participants who had paranormal experiences when exposed to infrasound or ambient noise. The infrasound-exposed groups, on the other hand, reported a higher overall number of eerie encounters, with more participants having numerous such experiences. Meanwhile, 20% of those in the infrasound groups reported feeling the temperature rise throughout their visits, compared to only 5% in the ambient-noise group, according to the researchers’ early findings.

Interesting conclusion, but a tad dissatisfactory…

Science has also made the attempt at explaining away ghosts by placing blame on electromagnetic energy. Perhaps your great-greatgranny isn’t actually trying to break through the veil to tell you that you left the immersion on, maybe it’s just the electromagnetic fields generated by power lines and electronic devices that are giving you the

around the sun but it completes a full rotation around the black hole every 70 minutes, compared with the 88 days it takes Mercury to travel the same distance.

“This requires a mind-blowing velocity of about 30% of the speed of light,” study lead author Maciek Wielgus, an astronomer at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Germany, said in a statement. That is around 201.2 million mph (323.8 million km/h), or around 3,000 times faster than Earth moves around the sun. Researchers first spotted the orbiting blob in 2017 using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope in Chile. The ALMA telescope, which is made up of 66 antennae, is one of eight telescopes that make up the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) network, which produced the first

direct image of Sagittarius A* in May this year.

The only explanation for this type of acceleration is that the flare originated from the black hole’s magnetically arrested disk — a ring of matter surrounding a black hole that is being held in place by a strong magnetic field, which counterbalances the forces of gravity pulling the matter into the cosmic void. Researchers, therefore, deduced that the only possible origin of the flare was a supercharged gas blob trapped within this disk. While the new study improves our understanding of the Milky Way’s black hole heart, researchers said there is still a lot more to learn about Sagittarius A*.

Gas Flares are Feaking Five Times as Much Methane than Previously Thought

ANASTASIA NIKISHKINA SCIENCE WRITER

spook.

“Perhaps your greatgreat-granny isn’t actually trying to break through the veil to tell you that you left the immersion on, maybe it’s just the electromagnetic fields...

In the ripe year of 2000, neuroscientist Michael Persinger of Laurentian University in Canada pioneered an experiment to stimulate the brain of a 45-year-old man using magnetic fields. The subject, who reportedly experienced ghostly sightings, was exposed to Persinger’s magnetic field which induced to see another ‘apparition’ similar to that he noted before, which in turn was followed by a spike in adrenaline and fear.

In the next year, Persinger reported on the case of a teenage girl who felt the “invisible presence of a baby on her left shoulder”. And yet, when they had removed the electric clock from beside this girl’s bed, these feelings of a presence vanished. Upon examining the clock, it was seen that is produced magnetic pulses similar to those used to trigger seizure in epileptic rats.

Persinger concludes that some people are particularly prone to dis-

Everyone has heard of methane gas – a strong, shortlived greenhouse gas that makes up a primary component of natural gas. However, not everyone knows how people get rid of it and whether it is effective enough.

“The most extensive method of reducing the amount of methane released is called “flaring” – the burning of natural gas that completely converts methane turning it into carbon dioxide and water vapour. If in the 1980s the percentage of methane burnt was 98% per cent, then the new research conducted in the USA by The Environmental Protection Agency had shown that only 95% of methane was burnt. Additionally, 5% of methane wasn’t unlit which diminished the efficiency to 91%. So, is flaring as effective as we thought it was?

ruption of the temporal lobes. For those of us who aren’t as brushed up on our biology as a neurosurgeon; this is where our brain synthesizes information, and believe it or not, play a vital role in our perception of realty.

The psychologist, Christopher French of University of London, pins the “real cause of hauntings” to be the human brain, reinforcing the age-old saying of ‘if you go looking for trouble, you’ll find it’. French deems part of the reason for poltergeist experiences are due to the fact that some people are more fearful than others, and so are more likely to believe in the prospect of paranormal activity. This leads on

Flaring is a process whose efficiency can be decreased by wind, problems with an ignitor, changes in gas pressure, etc. While the chief executive of Carbon Mapper, the non-profit group that is launching satellites next year to monitor the sources of the greenhouse effect, says that the findings were not surprising to him, the survey conducted by the researchers demonstrates that inefficient flaring is a “systematic issue” rather than chaotic. In other words, the researchers may have to look for another, more efficient way to get rid of one of the greenhouse gases that has a great impact on our planet.

to French’s other postulation that people who exhibit a more trusting nature, or those who hold stronger faith, would be quicker to believe in ghosts and hauntings in comparison to those of a more cynical nature.

This reasoning holds true for those who may experience a trick of their own eyes. Perhaps you have seen a flicker of light or the passing of a shadow for just a moment and second-guessed what you actually believe in. Another psychologist, Michiel van Elk from the University of Amsterdam, agrees with French’s take on the subject, stating that we have “evolved to see patterns where none exist”.

Image Credit: ESO/José Francisco Salgado (josefrancisco.org), EHT Collaboration

Traidisiúin na cluthar

Oíche Shamhain

ALANNAH NIC AN tSIONNAIGH

IRISH CORRESPONDENT

San alt seo insíonn an comhfhreagraí Gaeilge Alannah

Nic an tSionnaigh conas a athraíonn traidisiún Oíche Shamhna le himeacht ama

Tá áit bhreithe Oíche Shamhna suite laistigh de thalamh na hÉireann. Ó cuireadh tús le breis agus 2,000 bliain ó shin, tá athrú ollmhór tagtha ar thraidisiúin Oíche Shamhna. Ba é an chéad cheiliúradh riamh d’Oíche Shamhna ná deireadh an tsamhraidh a cheiliúradh agus páirt a ghlacadh i deasghnátha lasadh cnámha na tine, a bheith ina thinte cnámh níos déanaí, agus ag bailiú pobail le haghaidh féile. Chreid Ceiltigh na hÉireann gurbh é an leathán idir saol na marbh agus saol na mbeo an ceann is tanaí ag an am seo. Mar sin, ba am é a bhféadfadh na mairbh filleadh agus siúl i measc na mbeo. Ach, le tamall anuas, tá na traidisiúin sin athraithe go mór!

Ní chuirimid féasta chun fáiltiú roimh na mairbh, ach gléastaíonn muid suas mar dhaoine taibhseach agus witches scanrúil. Creid é nó ná creid, rinne siad an rud sin 2,000 bliain ó shin freisin! Phéinteáil na Ceiltigh a n-aghaidheanna i luaithreach, rud a d’iompaigh maisc ina dhiaidh sin. Eascraíonn traidisiún na gléasta suas as an smaoineamh dul i bhfolach agus meascadh leis na daoine a thrasnaíonn ó mhairbh go dtí an saol fíor.

Thosaigh Bob Nó Bia ó dhúchas ó mhuintir bhochta na hÉireann ag cnagadh ó dhoras go doras ag iarraidh bia nó airgead. Ansin d’úsáidfidís pé rud a fuair siad dá gceiliúradh Oíche Shamhna. Ba mhó an seans go bhfaighfeá cóir leighis dá mbeadh tú gléasta d’ócáid Oíche Shamhna.

Anois, níl féasta le pobail coitianta a thuilleadh thart ar Oíche Shamhna ach táimid tar éis roinnt traidisiúin nua-aimseartha a oiriúnú.

Clasaiceach Oíche Shamhna is ea cál catach, prátaí brúite, agus cál measctha suas, agus bonn airgid fillte i scragall stáin mar chneasta! De ghnáth itear ar oíche Shamhna, bíonn cál catach spraoiúil agus socraíonn sé an giúmar don oíche amach romhainn.

Dá rachadh tú chuig bunscoil Ghaeilge, bheadh eolas agat ar thraidisiún simplí an amhrán Báirín breac a fhoghlaim. Is amhrán é a chaithfidh gach duine a fhoghlaim, agus ar bhealach éigin tá a fhios ag gach duine.

Oíche Shamhna, Oíche Shamhna, Báirín, breac, báirín breac, Úlla is cnónna, úlla is cnónna, Is maith liom iad, is maith liom iad.

Báirín breac, builín a ligeann duit go bhfuil sé Oíche Shamhna in Éirinn. Builín tae traidisiúnta Oíche Shamhna, líonta le torthaí agus iontas. Sin é an builín is mó ráchairt in Éirinn. Is féidir an cáca milis seo a cheannach i siopa, ach níl aon rud cosúil leis ceann dhéantus sa baile

ó do sheanmháthair. Go hiondúil bíonn duais fháinne i bhfolach sa bhuilín, cibé duine a fhaigheann é ina shlis, socrófar é a phósadh! Tá máistreacht déanta ag mo sheanmháthair féin ar an ealaín a bhain le Báirín breac a bhácáil, agus roinn sí a hoideas cáiliúil le sult a bhaint as!

Buiséad 2023 agus

TG4

ALANNAH NIC AN tSIONNAIGH IRISH CORRESPONDENT

San alt seo tuairiscíonn an comhfhreagraí Gaeilge Alannah Nic an tSionnaigh ar an éfeachtaí a bheidh ag buiséad 2023 ar TG4.

Mar gheall ar rath inmheánach sna meáin chumarsáide Éireannacha tá an spotsolas tugtha do TG4 i mBuiséad 2023. Mar gheall ar bhuiséad 2023 beidh an t-airgead is mó riamh leithdháilte ag an rialtas ar TG4. Ceadóidh €7.3 milliún leithdháilte do leanúint ar aghaidh le léiriú clár teilifíse, clár faisnéise agus seónna do pháistí ar ardchaighdeán Éireannach. Beidh an t-airgead ón mbuiséad in úsáid go háirithe le haghaidh cainéal a bpáistí, cúla4. Tacaíonn an Rialtas le stáisiún clár na hÉireann, as sármhaitheas a gcuid clár, chun oideachas a chur ar leanaí trína gcláir oideachais.

Fáiltíonn Ard-Stiúrthóir TG4, Alan Esslemont roimh an gcuimsiú.

Tá mé an-bhuíoch den Aire Catherine Martin as a ceannaireacht fhadbhreathnaíoch mar Aire. Tá mé go mór faoi chomaoin ag ArdRúnaí agus oifigigh na Roinne as a dtacaíocht leanúnach do straitéis TG4, straitéis ‘Fís tar éis Covid’ a chum Bord TG4 faoi stiúir stuama iar-Chathaoirligh TG4, Siún Ní Raghallaigh

Ligeann an cuimsiú sa bhuiséad le déanaí do TG4 leanúint ar aghaidh ag comhlíonadh a ról maidir le freastal ar phobail Ghaeilge, agus guth cruthaitheach a thabhairt dóibh siúd atá i dtimpeallachtaí tuaithe. Tá aird tugtha ag an Rialtas anois ar thionchar na meán agus na mionteanga. Tráchtann

Alan Esslemont ar an gcaoi a bhfuil TG4 ar a bhealach anois chun an sprioc chéanna a bhaint amach agus atá ag S4C sa Bhreatain Bheag, cainéal craolacháin go hiomlán i mBreatnais, “Is í fís straitéiseach TG4 leibhéal acmhainní a bhaint amach ar chomhchéim leo siúd atá ag S4C sa Bhreatain Bheag agus EITB i dTír na mBascach. Leanfar den obair anois chun an sprioc sin a bhaint amach.”

Ní hamháin sin, ach freisin ag comhlíonadh straitéis 20 Bliain an Rialtais chun an Ghaeilge a athchruthú laistigh de réigiúin na hÉireann trína meáin, trí theicneolaíocht agus trí gheilleagar.

Labhraíonn an tAire Stáit, Jack Chamber, faoin tábhacht a bhaineann le hinfheistíocht a dhéanamh i TG4,

“Tá maoiniú méadaithe á chur ar fáil do TG4, rud a chuideoidh le daingniú a dhéanamh ar úsáid na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail sna ceantair Ghaeltachta, agus go deimhin a húsáid ar fud na hÉireann trí chéile. Le feiceáil taobh le pacáiste tacaíochta stairiúil Costas Maireachtála an Rialtais a fógraíodh inné a thacóidh leis na réigiúin Ghaeltachta freisin, is cur chuige tomhaiste agus spriocdhírithe é Buiséad 2023 chun tacú lenár n-earnálacha tábhachtacha sa bhliain atá romhainn.”

Is é TG4 an príomhchomhlacht in Éirinn maidir le tacaíocht a thabhairt don Ghaeilge agus don Chultúr. Is tús é anois le caidreamh nua idir Tg4 agus comhlachtaí Rialtais.

ullmhaithe.

Comhábhair a bheidh uait:

Comhábhair a bheidh uait:

3 cupáin plúr plain

3 cupáin plúr plain

1 1/3 cupán siúcra donn

Sultan 8 unsa

1 1/3 cupán siúcra donn

Rísíní 8 unsa

measctha

½ spúnóg thae de noitmig

2 spúnóg thae de phúdar bácála

1. Déan an oigheann a théamh go 170 (le haghaidh oigheann fean) agus ansin im agus líneáil stán císte domhain 9 n-orlach, réidh don bhreac.

7. clúdaigh €1, €2 agus i fáinne scragall stáin agus cuir i gcodanna randamacha den fhuidreamh.

2 chupán maith tae te

Sultan 8 unsa

2 uibheacha buailte

Chun an t-oideas seo caithfidh tú an dul chun cinn bácála a roinnt thar dhá lá.

2. I mbabhla mór measc an plúr, an púdar bácála, an spíosra agus an noitmig.

Píosa beag im

Rísíní 8 unsa

Pinse salann

Lá 1

3. Corraigh an meascán torthaí isteach sa mheascán plúir.

8. Bácáil ar feadh thart ar 80 – 100 nóiméad nó go dtí go bhfuil an císte donn órga. Leid le fios nuair a dhéantar é, nuair a bhrúitear é ba chóir go n-éireoidh sé siar.

½ spúnóg thae de spíosra measctha

2 chupán maith tae te

½ spúnóg thae de noitmig

1. I mbabhla meánach cuir rísíní, sultanas agus siúcra.

4. I mbabhla ar leith, buille do 2 uibheacha.

2 spúnóg thae de phúdar bácála

2 uibheacha buailte

Chun an t-oideas seo

Lá 1

Píosa beag im Pinse salann

2. Doirt an tae te thairis agus corraigh na comhábhair go léir le chéile. Clúdaigh le scannán cumhdaithe agus fág ag teocht an tseomra thar oíche

5. Ansin meascadh an meascán torthaí go malartach, agus buail na huibheacha le do phlúr go dtí nach bhfanann aon sruthanna tirime.

9. Ansin fág é a sa stán ar raca sreinge ar feadh 20 nóiméad, ansin cas amach ar an tsreang le fuarú tuilleadh.

10. Riar le tae agus bain taitneamh as!

1. I mbabhla meánach cuir rísíní,

½ spúnóg thae de spíosra

Lá 2

6. Doirt an fuidrimh isteach sa stán

caithfidh tú an dul chun cinn bácála a roinnt thar dhá lá.

sultanas agus siúcra.

2. Doirt an tae te thairis agus corraigh na comhábhair go léir le chéile. Clúdaigh le scannán cumhdaithe agus fág ag teocht an tseomra thar oíche

Image Credit: A traditional Irish turnip Jack-o’-lantern from the early 20th century. Photographed at the Museum of Country Life, Ireland. Rannpáirtí Anaitnid.

turbine.

The Budget of

Tax Evasion Tips for the Financial Year

JACK

Tax. We all hate it, so why pay it? So it’s time to channel your inner Member of Parliament, university higher-up, celebrity, footballer, International company based in Ireland etc. and use the system to your advantage.

*It must be noted that this is not intended to be a guide, and all of these tips have not, and will not be used in any way by me, or anyone associated with the Tribune (unless we struggled to get ads this month, in that case, maybe one or two).

So, with that being said, its time to get into these tips. But before that, we really have to delve into the reasons why people avoid tax. Some simply want more money, some hate the system and want to rebel, it really is up to the individual. Shakira didn’t pay her tax because she wasn’t arsed to, or hipped as she says.

Let’s get into this shall we, if you’ve made it this far, you’re about to save some serious tax. Tax in itself really is a strange concept though when you think of it, the Government taking money off us without our permission. Who needs hospitals, roads and schools right? It’s your money so nobody should take it from you.

Right, ok lets do this, tip number one, is, Get a job, pay your taxes and stop looking for the easy way out. Do something productive with your life, stop reading papers in the basement of Newman, get some friends. Cop yourself on.

€600 Household Payment: Cool Things You Can Spend it On

JACK NOLNOD PROUD OWNER OF A BILLBOARD

Great news everyone! The great bunch of lads in the Government have announced that every household is getting a free €600, for nothing, I know, their generosity is amazing. So, while others queue up at the door of the Dáil to shake the hands of the amazing men and women that made this possible, we at the Turbine want to make sure our readers are ahead of the curve, so we’ve compiled a list of all the things you could buy with your free money.

Decoding the Bullshit: Budget Buzz Words and What They Actually Mean

MINISTER FOR FINANCE

That time of year has come again, the time when the financial overlords of the country gather together to decide how to spend their pocket money for the year. There is always one issue that crops up however, and that is the seemingly indecipherable language that they use.

Here at the Turbine’s Financial Department, we have worked tirelessly to compile all of this financial jargon into one handy guide.

Package: This is a term used by the Finance Minister to refer to the size of his… ‘package’.

Allowance: Something that you should be getting in the first place.

Grant: Just a guy who calls to your house with an envelope of money for you to spend

on whatever you want. Grant tends to call around to people who know TDs.

Allocated: We might put some money into that thing but maybe not. Depends on how we feel and if we remember.

Tax: *This term does not apply to TDs or Wealthy people*.

Universal Social Charge (USC): Easier than threatening people for money.

Energy: This may run out.

Crisis: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH WE’RE ALL FUCKED.

Third Level: Oh those guys, yeah we don’t

1 2 3 4 5

600 €1 coins. More of an exchange really, but makes you feel like you’ve lot more money than you do.

4 pints in Temple Bar. Why not spend your money on a few pints, and also the opportunity to meet some Americans?

Invest in Crypto. A sure-fire way to turn your €600 into a different amount of money.

Government Bribe. Use your €600 to bribe a TD to give you €700 in stead. Instant profit.

Billboard. Get a giant billboard of your face, maybe even one on cam pus, although there may not be any space left after the SU put theirs up…

talk about them so that means they don’t exist.

Housing: As long as the Taoiseach has one then it’s all good.

Health: See crisis.

NOLNOD WOLF OF BELFIELD

JACK NOLNOD

Image Credit: Stan Eales

Horrors Special

Pumpkin Carving Contests Under Scrutiny from Vegetable Rights Group (VRG)

October is known for being the worst time of year for root inequality, and this year Pumpkin Carving Contests are in the firing line as VRG are no longer willing to be silenced.

VRG who have been campaigning on this particular subject for years, describing Halloween as “a mass slaughtering of innocent pumpkin lives.” While the contest is seen to bring the community together,

VRG says it must protect the rights of pumpkins who cannot defend themselves.

The group describes themselves as pro-pumpkin and aims to defend pumpkin life at all stages from harvest to natural death. The group emphasises that the contest fosters and develops potentially lethal knife skills amongst the general population. When asked why the Contest is so popular, the VRG says that they cannot match the funding

of the billion-dollar knife industry. The issue is a highly political one, but VRG believes Government must step up to defund kitchen utensil manufacturers and prevent them from being sold to people they deem to be murderers. In 2021 alone, they claim that more than 95% of pumpkins died because of homicide in Ireland.

VRG state that the contest sees participants perform a major excision of the pumpkins organs. Whilst some people harvest the organs to make pies, most discard, leading to mass household waste. By November, contestants dump the remains. They criticized the organizers of the contest, as they allow laypersons participate. They maintain that operations of the sort should only be carried out by registered physicians. Whilst the group strongly advocat-

ed for a ban, they say that ensuring local anesthesia is used this year would be ‘a step in the right direction.’ A leading VRG activist stated that ‘brutality to pumpkins must end. Our constitution protects the

right to life, why are pumpkins being slaughtered? This is genocide.’ It remains to be seen whether organisers will squash the contest in light of the recent backlash.

*Trigger Warning: Guts* Dublin Massacre of ‘08

Leaf

Blowing Society Gearing up for an Exciting Autumn

JACK NOLNOD LFBS NEWEST MEMBER

With the cold weather and short evenings around the corner it can only mean one thing, and that is… Leaf blowing.

The seemingly mundane task has amassed somewhat of a cult following in recent years, with clubs and societies cropping up all over the world. Even countries with no coniferous trees have teams of devoted leaf blowers who ship in crates of leaves just to get in on the action. That being said, UCD, who themselves launched their Leaf Blowing Society back in 2014 (not to be confused with the Blow Society or the Blow-Employment Society), are at fever pitch for this coming season.

The Society’s President, William Nómates, who insisted upon being called ‘Billy’, explained to us that Leaf Blowing is increasing in popularity:

“It’s the excitement of the sport that draws people in really”, he explained, “We’ve had a record number of sign-ups this year, which

is very encouraging to see given the World Championships are just around the corner”.

In a controversial move, the Competitive Leaf Displacement Governing Body of The World or CLDGBW have given hosting rights for the tournament to Qatar, which will require 30,000 tonnes of leaves to be shipped to the desert nation, at a

Cultural Appropriation Committee Recommends a Rethink of Halloween Costumes

“What if someone offends an actual witch?”, were the words of Emily Daddysmoney, the head of the Cultural Unification National Trust (or, well, you can do the acronym yourself for this one) when we sat down with her for an exclusive interview at the time of year when she is at her most outraged.

“People are just fed up with how culturally insensitive Halloween has become”, she explained.

ders, and secondly, didn’t like to see his culture being trivialised.

“We all have to unite and be members of the Cultural Unification National Trust together”, says Emily, who is convinced that more inclusive and forward thinking costumes, none of which she could name as they hadn’t been vetted for potential offensiveness at that stage, were the way into the future of Halloween celebrations.

cost of over 1 million euro.

Billy refused to comment on the controversial decision: “I’m just focused on improving this society, we’ve got plenty of blowers and we all have a job to do here”.

The society can be found on Instagram @blowersucd and they have also set up a YouTube Channel

And she’s not wrong. We spoke to a number of students who expressed their concerns about offense being caused. One Ag student was deeply offended by people dressing up as farmers year on year, going as far as to say “Ah here like.” We also sat down with an actual cowboy who, firstly thought that the term should be more inclusive to different gen-

When asked what she was dressing up as this year, she told us that dressing up was a disgusting term that reaffirmed the stereotype that just because she identified as female that we wouldn’t just ask her what she was going as. Sheesh.

Image Credit: Joe Shlabotnik

Pro-Leaf Blower preparing for the upcoming World Championships.

JACK NOLNOD DRESSING UP AS NOTORIOUS JOKE KILLER (DUGH HOOLEY)

YLLOM MCHUGH PRO-PUMPKIN

& lifestyle.

ARTS AND LIFESTYLE

A

Truly

EPIC

Experience: Dublin’s Best Tourist Attraction

Engage your senses in the most visually appealing and interactive museum in Dublin. Listen, watch and use your sense of touch to interact with the history of Irish emigrants past and present.

Founded in 2016 by Irish emigrant, Neville Isdel, the museum was created to appreciate the role migration plays in defining the Irish identity and the influence of Irish emigrants in political, socio-economic and cultural developments around the world.

Since 2016, the museum has not only become a beloved attraction domestically, but internationally it has been recognised as Europe’s leading tourist destination for 3 consecutive years. The museum is an innovative marvel using modern technology to go beyond the traditional museum experience. There is no standing, staring and passive learning at EPICas the museum’s exhibits allow you to actively engage with history through games, animation and visual and auditory storytelling.

To learn more about EPIC, the College Tribune spoke with the Head of Exhibitions and Programmes, Nathan Mannion. Mannion states that museums, including EPIC, have a unique role in modern society as “accessible and inclusive cultural institutions that communicate ethically and professionally and offer varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing.” He notes that even if their focus on projects or exhibits shift slightly this ethos “remains at the heart of everything [they] do as a museum.”

EPIC’s main exhibition takes you back in time to discover the trials, tribulations and triumphs of Irish emigrants. The exhibit offers 19 rooms that all use different storytelling mechanisms to deliver decades worth of history in under 2 hours (if you take your time like I did and really engage with everythingwhich I definitely recommend)!

If you don’t avail of their wonderful gift shop promoting Irish creatives you’ll still leave with a cute souvenir! At the beginning of the

tour you are offered a paper passport that you get to stamp in each room you visit - the perfect keepsake to remember your trip to EPIC. At the beginning of the exhibit you can hear stories of Irish emigration from contemporary experiences all the way back to the 19th century. EPIC truly is an archive of the history of what has drawn and pushed the Irish across the globe. As you move throughout the exhibit you travel forward in time learning about famous (and even infamous) Irish emigrants.

Immerse yourself in Irish culture by learning basic steps for Irish Step and dance your way into the next exhibit. Test your knowledge on Irish trivia, take a picture in a staged Irish Pub and learn the power of your name by adding your ancestors name to a wall of Irish surnames.

It can be difficult to pack decades and even centuries worth of history into one exhibit but Mannion states that because the “museums long-term exhibit is arranged thematically [it] helps [them] to curate each gallery more effectively and maintain focus.” In particular Mannion states visitor fatigue and dwell time are important factors to consider for curating a public exhibition.

EPIC takes this consideration into abundance as they frequently have temporary exhibits to offer new experiences and educational opportunities to the public. Their most recent temporary exhibit that is currently running

now is called Revolutionary Routes: Ireland and the Black Atlantic. The exhibit is a collaborative effort between EPIC and the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN) and is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

From Frederick Douglass’ interactions with Irish Americans to Edward and Catherine Despard, an interracial couple prominent in the 18th century revolutionary movementsdiscover just how connected the Irish and African diaspora is.

Mannion expresses that the “these stories and histories have always been there but it is the duty of the museum to bring them into the public realm… There is still a long way to go but collectively, we’re moving in the right direction.”

A truly unique experience not to be missed, the exhibit is only at EPIC until 30th October so be sure to visit before then or otherwise miss a special intersectional look at Irish history.

Aside from the exhibits themselves, the museum staff is incredibly helpful and polite which can only make your experience even better! If you’re feeling peckish after your trip through history, don’t worry there are plenty of delicious food court options in the main lobby of the museum.

Located along the Quays, EPIC museum is the perfect place to spend time with friends, your significant other, family members or even solo while simultaneously getting a crash course in Irish history! The museum is very student friendly offering discounted tickets when you present your student ID. Tickets can be purchased on their website, epicchq. com or in person.

For our readers, EPIC museum is offering an exclusive discount of 30% when you use the code UCDTRIBUNE online or in person! What are you waiting for? Book your tickets now!

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EPIC museum’s main exhibition takes you back in time to discover the trials, tribulations and triumphs of Irish emigrants.

In this sponsored article, Editor, Danielle DerGarabedian, details the unique appeal of Dublin’s most interactive and educational museum, EPIC.

Spooktacular Ways to Celebrate Halloween

ARTS AND LIFESTYLE

throughout the night. DJ’s, confetti, foam and a ghostly venue are guaranteed. Tickets will be on sale shortly on Eventbrite and tend to sell out quickly for both events so keep your eyes peeled!

Halloween Movie Madness

If a different type of night out is what you crave, then why not visit Dublin’s Retro Drive In Movies, showcasing blockbusters on a massive screen in Leopardstown such as Hocus Pocus and Gremlins on the 21st October. As we move closer to Halloween night itself the movies get more ghoulish, with The Conjuring and A Nightmare on Elm Street being shown on the 27th and 28th. Check out their instagram @retrodriveinofficial for more information. The idea of watching these classic Halloween movies on a huge screen is well worth the price with a five-seater car costing €32.90 which works out at €6.58 per person if you can fill your car with a few friends. Bring your own snacks and drinks or you can avail of the on-site sweet and salty popcorn. Enjoy a cinematic escape into the realm of horror movies and childhood favourites on the massive screen!

Oíche Town-hain

The Ex Hex Erin Stirling

This is a witchy romance about the protagonists’, Vivienne Jones and Rhys Penhallow, break up 9 years ago and the terrible curse Vivinne placed on him. When Rhys returns to Graves Glen, Vivienne learns her previous curse on him is worse than she ever imagined. They learn they need to work together to make sure Rhys is free of a curse that involves talking cats and murderous wind-up toys. The love interests have amazing chemistry and their playful banter throughout the first half of this book made me jealous at times! Author Erin Stirling is also a very humorous writer which at times keeps the story afloat when the romance starts to fizzle by the end of the novel. Overall, if you enjoy Sabrina the Teenage Witch you will enjoy this fun and spooky read during the October season.

The Shining Stephen King

There are many thrilling ways to celebrate Halloween; whether you’re looking for a good scare, an excuse to dress up and party or an opportunity to gorge on halloween treats! Let’s face it, with our hectic class schedules and assignments, many students are looking for spooktacular ways to celebrate this season. Well look no further, here are some upcoming events and options to help you make the most of your Halloween.

The Púca Festival

Púca is an authentic, immersive, spectacular, and otherworldly festival developed by Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland), in partnership with Meath County Council, to celebrate Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween and to tell the origin story of Samhain (Halloween) or ‘Summer’s End’.

Vibrant, fun, and contemporary in feel but strongly rooted in tradition, Púca will take place over four nights and three days of music, fire, myth and mischief in Trim and Athboy in Co. Meath from 28th to 31st October 2022

The interactive programme includes Imelda May, Gavin James, The Academic, King Kong Company, Block Rockin’ Beats, Hamsand-

wich, Lisa Hannigan & Cathy Davey, The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow Cabaret, Blindboy, Joanne McNally, Neil Delamere, David O’Doherty, Jason Byrne and much more.

Working in partnership with Irish artists, seanchaí storytellers, and the local community, Púca will showcase the best in contemporary Irish music, spectacle, and performance. See www.pucafestival.com for the full programme and transport information with hourly buses departing from Busaras, Dublin city centre direct to Trim and Athboy.

Spooky Club Night Out

Not sure which clubs to show off your costume and where will have the best playlists?

There’s no shortage of opportunities this year as Dublin’s social scene promises thrilling nights out, especially after COVID put everything on pause. Check out Eventbrite for a number of promising options. The usual haunts stand out such as The Grand Social’s Halloween Fancy Dress party on the 29th of October, with DJ Ahmed and special guests providing upbeat music to help you dance the night away. O’Reilly’s Bar’s Halloween Night Fancy Dress Ball is back this year in Tara Street on October 31st. There will be prizes for the best dressed and deals on drinks

The Nightmare Realm promises horror filled attractions in the heart of Dublin at Mary’s Lane, Smithfield. A true spine chilling experince guarantees to scare even the most hardcore thrill seekers. There is no shortage of frights with attractions such as the Haunted Orphanage, the Sewers, Cannibal’s Playground, Attack of the Clowns and Death Row Penitentiary. The Nightmare Realm 2022 will be open on selected dates from 7th October – 2nd November. There will also be a live DJ set, food options, photo opportunities, tarot readings, giveaways and more! Tickets for The Nightmare Realm are on sale now from €22 to €36 on their website thenightmarerealm. ie. Awarded the best independent European haunt in 2019 by the Scare Awards, this event is sure to give you the true horror experience this Halloween!

House of Horror Parties

If you’re not up for going out at all this Halloween and the thought of donning a costume is enough to give you chills, why not throw a spooky viewing party? Choose your favourite horror film and invite some friends over for boozy themed drinks and treats! Netflix has an entire section dedicated to horror films; for die-hard horror fans, the College Tribune recommends Midsommer and Incantation. If you want to dip your toe into the horror genre, there are plenty of movies for you or binge watch The Haunting of Hill House, a gripping thriller-horror series that will leave you appropriately spooked! Why not try your hand at crafting a Halloween range of cocktails for your viewing party, the College Tribune recommends spiced apple kombucha cocktails, Bloody Margaritas or Black Magic Jell-O shots!

The Shining follows struggling writer Jack Torrance who undertakes the role of hotel caretaker at the Overlook Hotel in an attempt to find a quite place to complete his written work. He along with his wife, Wendy, and

Interpretations: the Meaning Behind UCD

Statues

You pass by them everday, the statues scattered around campus. On such a large campus they are familiar faces you pass by everday on your way to class. But have you ever wondered what they mean? Arts and Lifestyle writer, Alexandra Stuebner, provides interpretations of 4 well-known Belfield residents.

Image Courtesy of The Púca Festival Marketing Team

ALEXANDRA STUEBNER ARTS AND LIFESTYLE WRITER

Not sure how to spend Halloween, Arts and Lifestyle Writer, Leah Duffin, has you covered with 5 ways to spend Halloween night.

ARTS AND LIFESTYLE

October Book Recommendations

SOPHIE MELIA ENTERTAINMENT AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR

son, Danny, move for the winter season in the hopes that the quiet will solve his writer’s block. When Jack’s hallucination and relapse into alcoholism start to take over, he begins to spiral with his actions following the hotel’s twisted history. The hotel itself becomes an antagonist working against Wendy and Danny who try to escape the nightmare around every corner. This book is very atmospheric and very hard to read alone. Every chapter and familial situation creates another layer of horror and fear for the reader as it becomes hard to imagine what Jack could do next to his family. Through all these horrific situations, King tries to show that Jack Torrace is a good man despite his alcoholism and erratic behaviour toward his family as he knows his actions are wrong and wants to become a different man. Be sure to read this and then watch the movie directed by Stanley Kubrick as they are the perfect pair to give you goosebumps this spooky season.

Wuthering Heights Emily Brontë

If deep thrill and horror is not your cup of tea but you still crave an unnerving read, then look no further. This timeless classic follows the tragic love story between the orphan Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Early in life, Heathcliff is adopted by Catherine’s Father, Mr. Earnshaw. However, it is after Mr.

Portal, by sculptor Catherine Greene, a landmark of the Sutherland School of Law, is a nude statue of a man stepping through two barriers; as if he were stepping through a void. One way to interpret this statue is that Portal, as a nod to its name, is a statue of a man stepping through a new world. As we enter the adult world and start our pursuit of our studies, we too are entering a new and foreign world like this man. We too are exposed and unfamiliar as is the man who is exposed through his total nudity.

An alternative artistic theory is that the barriers he is stepping through are social and economic barriers of his past which he is breaking free from. Since UCD is a place of new beginnings - one that is free from discrimination - his placement outside of Sutherland reminds law students to fight for justice. Further it symbolises that the law works to free others who are held back by personal barriers in life and to help them move forward.

At the front entrance of Sutherland is Judgement also by Gillespie. This statue was intended to symbolise discussions around the Iraq war, which was very controversial. It depicts two older men in a debate over the morality and cause of the war. The discussion is heated, as shown by the figures’ faces with one figure

Earnshaw’s death that Heathcliff is bullied, belittled, and abused by Catherine’s brother for believing that his feelings for Catherine were reciprocated. Catherine’s yearning for social prestige, leads her into the arms of her polished and prosperous neighbour Edgar Linton. When Heathcliff returns to the wild eerie moors of Wuthering Heights a distinguished man his long standing humiliation and misery spur an anger within him. He spends the rest of his life seeking terrible revenge on Hindley, his beloved Catherine, and their respective children. This tragic, dark, and passionate tale is a classic that has captured audiences for a reason.

The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins

Every day, troubled divorcee, Rachel Watson, takes the commuter train to and from London. Everyday she gazes at the same strip of houses from the window of the train. Everyday she sees the couple she has named “Jess and Jason” living their seemingly perfect life. Everyday is the same, until one day it’s not. Rachel Watson witnesses something shocking unfold outside the window of her train and “Jess and Jason” are no longer the perfect couple she imagined them to be. Now they are real people, and everything has changed. This thrilling story injects fear, danger, and violence in the most mundane activities. Shifting

pointing outright in accusation. This piece reminds law students of the need for open discussion and debate.

Hidden among the Belfield Residences is a simple statue called Age of Freedom by sculptor Rowan Gillespie. It depicts a slim figure raising its arms up in an outstretched manner

between three separate narratives, there is no end to suspense in the book.

Verity

Colleen

Hoover

This novel follows the tale of struggling writer Lowen Ashliegh. She finds herself with an unexpected lifeline for her career when she is hired by Jeremy Crawford, husband of best-selling author Verity Crawford, to finish the remainder of her novels as she is unable to do so herself. However, in this twisting tale, she comes across the secret unfinished manuscript of Verity’s autobiography, the horrific contents of which are shocking and incomprehensible to Lowen. Containing family details that changed the course of the couple’s life, Lowen is unnerved by the choice she must make; continue to keep it a secret from Jeremey or reveal the gut-wrenching truths it contains that will alter the course of his life. This book, with such a simple premise, provides the reader shocking twists and turns like no other. This contemporary and modern thriller by Hoover will leave you anxiously anticipating what each chapter has in store. Dark, creepy, and deeply unsettling, this book will be nothing like you expect it to be. It is the perfect modern thriller to read this October.

as if it was rising up to grasp freedom with its elongated arms. A calm expression is on its face, with its eyes peacefully shut, this is supposed to depict a person living in a free and simple world - one where worries do not exist. Its spot next to student housing is ideal, so the calm and serene figure can guide students to peace, offering a sense of safety in their quiet Belfield community.

Horse by sculptor, Connor Fallon, is tucked away in the Merville residences as almost a private piece for Merville inhabitants to enjoy. This statue is inspired by cubic forms and the horse paintings of Mainie Jellett. Fallon was also drawn to the shapes of horses in cave painting as well as antique art. This led to his unique interpretation of what quintessentially is needed to make a horse.

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

Image Credit: Danielle DerGarabedian

SAOIRSE WILSON ARTS AND LIFESTYLE CORRESPONDENT

Image Credit: Raphael Brasileiro

New and Upcoming Releases to Sink Your Teeth Into

CAL DILLON FILM AND TV WRITER

With the end of the year fastapproaching, there’s still a promising line-up of films to hit our screens in 2022. Whether you’re looking to satiate your Halloween horror cravings, or you’d

rather have a light-hearted romcom in the midst of the darkening weather, or you’re more of a fan of superhero Blockbusters – this list is bound to give you a reason to visit the cinema this Autumn.

Halloween Ends | October 14th

October means Halloween which means horror movies galore. And what better way to spend the Halloween season than watching the concluding chapter of Halloween itself?

Four years after her last encounter with masked killer Michael Myers, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is living with her granddaughter and trying to finish her memoir. Myers

Entertainment and Lifestyle editor, Sophie Melia, looks back at the 2009 blockbuster juggernaut, Avater ahead of the release of its much anticiapted sequal.

hasn’t been seen since, and Laurie finally decides to liberate herself from rage and fear and embrace life. However, when a young man stands accused of murdering a boy that he was babysitting, it ignites a cascade of violence and terror that forces Laurie to confront the evil she can’t control. Fans of the franchise, and fans of the genre in general, should have more than enough to chew on with this scary saga-send-off.

Black Adam | October 21st

Anyone looking to get their superhero fix – or their The Rock fix – can sigh a breath of relief; DC comics is getting its newest superhuman adaptation with Black Adam

In ancient Kahndaq, Teth Adam (played by Dwayne Johnson) was bestowed the almighty powers of the gods. After using these powers for vengeance, he was imprisoned, becoming Black Adam. Nearly 5,000

Melia discusses the films contribution toward modern cinema as well as its timeless themes such as environmentalism and colonisation.

Avatar directed by James Cameron, who also directed other iconic blockbusters such as The Terminator and Titanic, was given a re-release before the sequel comes out on 16th December 2022.

years have passed, and Black Adam has gone from man to myth to legend. Now free, his unique form of justice, born out of rage, is challenged by modern-day heroes who form the Justice Society: Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Atom Smasher and Cyclone. The most recent film to prove that there is a never-ending supply of comic book superheroes, Black Adam should do a lot for fans of fun action and fantasy.

Barbarians | October 28th

Keeping the Halloween heart alive and still fairly beating, horror fans can expect a wild ride with this original thriller about an Airbnb gone abhorrently wrong. A young woman (Georgia Campbell) discovers the rental home she booked is already occupied by a stranger (Bill Skarsgard). Against her better judgement, she decides to spend the night but soon discovers there’s a lot more to

fear than just an unexpected house guest. Despite a vague premise and title, Barbarian had an early release in the United States and has received positive reviews, sitting at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. It seems the less we know the better with this one, as much like the characters in most horror films, it may be best viewed when you’re completely in the dark.

First released in 2009, Avatar was a spectacle for film-goers around the globe with visual effects never seen before. The original film follows The Resources Development Administration (RDA) who are mining for rare minerals on Pandora, a moon in the fictional Alpha Centauri star system. Pandora has a new humanoid species called Na’vi or Avatars. This new species is ten feet tall, generally blue in colour and can move more freely and flexibly than the original human body ever could.

The movie was initially planned to start filming in 1997 after the release of Titanic and then released to the public in 1999. However, the technology to make the movie a visual spectacular wasn’t up to scratch and resulted in a production delay for nearly nine years. Cameron first developed the Na’vi language and once it was perfect the screenplay was ready for his actors and production began in 2006. The wait for this movie paid off as the new visual effects Cameron used, such as motion capture, allowed the movie to be shown in 3D and IMAX. It premiered eventually in London 2009 and was nominated for 9 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography.

This movie explores the human connection to the natural world

Retrospective: Avatar (2009)

and how we take it for granted through science and environmental degradation. In the movie, the RDA sends Marine, Jack Sully (Sam Worthington), to Pandora to find areas where highly expensive minerals can be mined. Jack is attacked by Pandorian wildlife and is found by Na’vi native, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), who takes him into her clan and helps heal him and adapt to Pandora. While he is stuck as a Na’vi, Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephan Lang) uses him to spy on the species and learn where they’re important minerals are buried and harvested. This backfires against Jack when the RDA decides to move in and mine the highly expensive minerals resulting in a deterioration of his relationship with Neytiri. This is especially prevalent with natives in northern Canadian provinces, Aboriginals in Australia and Native Americans during the time of Columbus explorations and

in modern day with the rise of the Far Right Movement and White Supremacy in places like America and the United Kingdom.

The themes in Avatar are even more prevalent in 2022 since its release through the looming climate crisis and its impact on the environment around the world. As many affluent companies mine lands, mainly in the Global South, to harvest minerals and materials for electronics, diamonds and gold for jewellery and destroy natural land for palm oil for use in foods, we have ruined our relationship with the natural world for the benefit of living an easy and convenient life in the Global North. Many native farmers and miners perform the hard work with unfair wages and exploitative work conditions. Overall, we live in a world that produces goods unsustainably at the expense of the countries we exploit.

Image Credit: 20th Century Studios

Avatar is a beautifully made movie due to its creative CGI which actors used Motion Capture suits to record their movements and GoPros to film their facial reactions so as to make the Na’vi expressions true to the actors performance. Pandora is made to be like a fantasy, through green and blue screens before the CGI backgrounds were added in post production. The place Pandora is also similar enough to Earth to recognise our actions in characters like Jack Sully and Miles Quaritch and how they have a negative effect on Earth.

Its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, is due to be released December 2022 and will likely explore a similar allegory of humans actions towards the natural world again while also delving deeper into the world building and lives of the characters we currently know and love.

TV in Review: the Historical Inaccuracies of the Empress

Over recent years biopics have become more and more popular, from Freddy Mercury and Elvis to Marilyn Monroe and Elton John. Everyone is being covered. Now while all of these cinematic versions take some creative liberties with the characters to increase the drama, flesh out their character or just simply because, none have hit quite the inaccuracies that Netflix’s new show The Empress has.

The Empress is a German-produced historical drama series, tackling the early stages of the marriage between Empress of Austria Elisabeth and Emperor Franz-Josef. It depicts their relationship as one of love and passion and takes us through Elisabeth’s affair with Franz’s brother Maximillian while he is creating a devious plot to overthrow his brother. It also follows the peasantry infiltrating Elisa-

beth’s Ladies in Waiting. Now all of this is untrue. Maximilian never tried to overthrow his brother, a plot point completely made up for dramatic purposes. He actually was offered the Greek throne which he declined and became the emperor of Austria. He never plotted to overthrow his brother.

Elisabeth is depicted as a strongwilled, independent woman who was madly in love with Franz. Truly, however, she despised her husband. She dealt with constant infidelities on his side, even causing her to contract an STD from him. His adultery got to the point where she would feign tiredness to escape intimate relations with her husband. She was even rumored to take her own lover - Count Andrássy to get over her ill feelings for her husband. Another character Sisi, was not beloved by the Austrian people. She was shallow to the bone and she

couldn’t stand plus-sized people around her. She was even so vain her hairdressers had to brush her hair for hours, however, if they ripped one hair from her head she would explode into fits of rage. In fact, Elisabeth was hugely unpopular in Austria, as she often spent months away from court on holiday, and only found popularity when she was stabbed to death in Vienna by anarchists.

Another thing the show got absolutely wrong is the costumes. Adding modernity to costumes can definitely work, however, things like fishnet tops and the garish costumes the ladies in waiting were wearing, simply did not create a cohesive look. The wedding dress unfortunately did not do the real one justice, which was a gorgeous gown from the 1800s emphasizing her tiny waist (which she specifically trained for), and layers of silver em-

broidery. The show’s version looks very much like a dress that could be worn by a bride in the 2010s. While in the TV show she fights against her clothes this contradicts reality as she was known to be a trendsetter and fashion icon in her times. Considering Elisabeth paid so much attention to her appearance her costumes sadly do not do justice or resemble any of the iconic outfits she is so well known for.

Overall, even with the historical inaccuracies, the TV show is fun to watch. It seems lavish and if you’re not familiar with the history you can thoroughly immerse yourself in it. It’s exciting, dramatic and contains love and intrigue. Anything you could ask for in a historical drama. However, beware that this show will most definitely not make you an expert on Empress Elisabeth and that everything should be taken with a (very large) grain of salt.

Halloween Streaming Suggestions

MICHAEL SWEENEY FILM AND TV WRITER

No matter which streaming service you use, Film and TV writer, Michael Sweeny has you covered with a range of Halloween films and series that will make you laugh, scream and most importantly have a good time this fall.

Fright Night (2011) Disney+

This is a personal favorite of mine. Fright Night is a remake of a 1983 film of the same name. Although, this one has some of the campiest performances of all time. Colin Farell as Jerry Dandridge is at his best in this film, playing probably one of the sexiest vampires of all time who usually cons his victims through the twitch of a muscle. On the opposite end of the spectrum you have Peter Vincent (David Tenant) a sexy vampire hunter. Tenant is eccentric, sensual and gothic in a performance you do not want to miss. At the centre of all this you have the late Alton Yelchic who is playing a high schooler, Charley Brewster, who just wants to have

sex with his girlfriend yet is afraid a vampire is seducing his mother. Fright Night is corny, cheesy and has some pretty outdated CGI, but it’s such a good time and one of the best films to watch with a big group this Halloween.

iZombie (2015) Netflix

Ever wondered what it would be like if How I Met Your Mother met The Walking Dead? Well look no further, iZombie is here to answer that question! The show follows recently turned zombie, Liv Moore (Rose McIver) as she tries to understand her new undead life as a morgue assistant. Each episode sees Liv gain a whole new personailty and thoughts as she eats the brain of recently decased murder victims. This all results in a pretty funny take on the horror genre with elements of mafia films and murder mysteries incoporated within the show’s story line. If you’re not sold on the show already, there is also just a really sweet storyline about Liv trying to find “the one,” while also being a brain-eating zombie. She battles between going back to her living ex-boyfriend, Major Lilywhite (Robert Buckly), or date within the pool of undead bachelors. iZombie

sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it’s just ridiculously charming and a guilty pleasure of mine.

What We Do in The Shadows (2014) Amazon Prime Video

In a world where the most popular form of vampire media seems to be Morbious, Taika Waititi’s indie mockumentary about a collective of vampires seems to be a saving grace. The film follows Viago (Taika Waititi) and his housemates as they try to navigate modern life in New Zealand while also engaging in turf wars with werewolves. Rewatchability is a major factor of Halloween films because they are ones you are gonna have to watch every year and not because you want but because you have to. Luckily this film has that rewatchability factor in abundance. Every new viewing makes different characters or jokes shine. One viewing may highlight Vladislav (Jemaine Clement) and how his slutty antics are laugh out loud funny or the next viewing you may come enthralled by Stu (Stuart Rutherford), the IT expert who got roped into this “documentary” by accident. What We Do in The

Shadows feels like a festive film for the Halloween season, it’s like Love Actually (2003) but for Halloween.

Midsommar (2019) Netflix

This Ari Aster horror flick is probably one of the most unsettling films of all time. Dani (Florence Pugh) and her boyfriend Christian, played by Ireland’s very own Jack Reynor, are going through a rocky period and are forced to face their problems when they’re invited to attend a midsommar festival at a Swedish commune. Midsommar, which has a runtime of 171 minutes, feels like you are slowly watching a body rot, in the best way possible. Faces are skinned alive, friends are turned into pies and maybe one of the most anxiety-inducing orgies ever is put to screen in some truly horrifying scenes in its lengthy runtime. It’s hard to talk about Midsommar without any spoilers, what I will say is that if you’ve recently had a bad breakup this is probably the best film to watch this Halloween as Christain is probably one of the worst movie boyfriends there has ever been and gets what’s coming to him. Otherwise if you are into the gruesome gore of Halloween you will also enjoy this movie.

ANTONIA VON STAUFFENBERG FILM AND TV WRITER

Podcasts for Halloween

LEO WASTGÅRD

MUSIC WRITER

MUSIC

media. This also means that it features cases you may not have heard of before, which is refreshing if you’re tired of hearing about the same few famous cases on repeat.You can listen to Mile Higher on all streaming platforms where podcasts are available.

In the mood for murder? This podcast features all the creepy content you could wish for and more. Primarily centred around true crime, Mile Higher also explores ghost stories, paranormal events, conspiracy theories, ancient civilizations, and the metaphysical. This podcast, hosted by former true crime YouTuber, Kendall Rae, alongside her husband, Josh Thomas, takes a more serious approach to crime coverage. It is almost similar to audio journalism and aims to lay down the facts of true crime. Rae has often worked with families of victims and makes an effort to shine a spotlight on cases that are underreported and often ignored by the general

Music Corrrespondent, Holly Hunt, reviews Beabadoobee’s performance that took place on 4th October.

A Filipino-British Singer, Bea began her career in 2017 with the release of her first song, “Coffee.” She has toured with the 1975 and released her second studio album “Beatopia” in July.

Following the release of her second album, Beatopia, indie-rock singer Beabadoobee graced the stage of the 3Olympia in Dublin. The venue was complimented with an elated buzz and energy before the concert had even begun. In anticipation for her set, the crowd attending this concert was bustling with energy and liveliness. This enthusiasm from the audience only grew as soon as she began performing her first song. Unfamiliar with her discography, I was excited to listen to her perform and hear her music. I was not disappointed.

Immediately, the audience was captivated by Beabadoobee’s stage presence. Her affable nature instantly inspired the sense of an intimate and small gig, despite the fact that the concert was sold-out. Bea made a continued effort to converse and joke with the audience in-between each song, making it a really engaging and memorable concert. Her personality on-stage really solidified this sense of intimacy between Bea and the audience, making it unlike any concert I have attended before.

For those that prefer a more humorous approach, The Last Podcast on the Left (named after 1972 horror film, The Last House On the Left) is perfect. A group of longtime friends and comedians - Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski - come together to talk about all things eerie and waste no time getting into the gritty stuff. Any dark topic is on the table and they even indulge in the occasional reading of a Creepypasta story. Releasing two episodes a week, you’ll never have to fret about a lack of audio content. The Last Podcast on the Left is not for the faint of heart, yet highly entertaining, and covers a range of topics both fictional and nonfictional. Have your fill of slashers, cults, demons, alien abductions and serial killers with this podcast now on all streaming platforms where pod-

casts are available.

From your very own campus comes The Gruesome Gals podcast hosted by UCD students Lydia Keogh and KellySmyth. They discuss a new true crime case every week based in Ireland (last week they broke down the case of the Brittas Bay Killers) and on occasion venture into the world of supernatural events and conspiracies. In their own words, “If you are attracted to taboo, this show is for you.”

If there are any specific cases you are especially interested in or wish to hear about, they are open for submissions and suggestions: send them a direct message on their instagram, @ thegruesomegals and let them know (might as well give them a follow while you’re at it). You can listen to their show through UCD’s online radio station, Belfield FM, just go to the online stream at belfieldfm.com or follow the link in their Instagram bio (@thegruesomegals).

Tune in every Wednesday at 4 PM!

Not a fan of true crime? Dive into the fictional

Gig Review: Beabadoobee at 3Olympia

One of the most enjoyable aspects of her performance was the wide range of music that she played. She provided the audience with a plethora of songs; from earlier songs she crafted in her career to songs she hadn’t performed live yet. As such, Beabadoobee’s ability to play such a diverse set of songs exemplified her talent as a musician. What brings her music together, however, is the confessional aspect embedded within the lyrics of each song. Because of this, she really resonates with teenag-

ers and young adults. Her lyrics articulate the trials and tribulations of growing up and all of the emotions entwined in the process. At this particular gig, it felt like everyone surrounding me knew the lyrics, wholeheartedly singing them as if they were their own. Each song she performed felt as though it was a part of a soundtrack for a coming-of-age film!

Overall, Beabadoobee’s performance at the 3Olympia was an electrifying and energising

world with this podcast all about horror onscreen. Perfect for easing into the upcoming Halloween season, the Fright Club Podcast (a play on words on the title of cult classic film, Fight Club) is here to give you a rundown of the very best horror films out there. The hosts, Hope Madden and George Wolf, are avid watchers of Film and TV and absolute horror fanatics. In addition to film recommendations they provide behind-the-scenes facts, insight into the industry, extensive horror lore while pulling it all together with some classic banter. With an extensive back catalogue of over 230 episodes, featuring themes such as “Fathers and Daughters,” “Amusements,” and “Frightful Library Moments,” they will have something for you no matter how niche. A great podcast for long-time horror lovers and newcomers to the genre alike. Listen on all streaming platforms where podcasts are available.

experience and one that exhibited her great skill as an artist. Her capability to capture the attention and hearts of the audience was nothing short of amazing. If you haven’t yet listened to Beabadoobee, her collection of nostalgic, cyber-induced indie-rock is definitely worth listening to. Her discography offers something for everyone and refuses to be defined by a singular genre. Undoubtedly, Beabadoobee is an artist you’ll definitely want to pay attention to.

UCD AFC vs Sligo Rovers: Westerners Outclass the Students

DARA SMITH-NAUGHTON SPORTS EDITOR

UCD have found themselves in a tense relegation battle with rivals Finn Harps as the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season edges closer to its conclusion. Securing points is a compulsory goal if UCD wishes to remain in the top division next year. The boys in blue would have eyed the game versus Sligo Rovers on the 7th of October as an opportunity to pick up a point or 3. Rovers evidently had contrasting ideas, as they ran out comfortable 0-2 winners in UCD’s backyard.

This was not only an important fixture for UCD as Sligo had a point to prove following some lacklustre performances against the college this season. Prior to the 2022 season, UCD managed just 2 goals in their previous 6 meetings with Rovers. However, this narrative has shifted with the number of 2 growing to 7, with UCD going undefeated in their 3 recent games with Sligo.

Being the Premier Division side’s first match at home since the return of students to campus, optimism was in the air prior to kickoff. Optimism was not the only thing in the air that evening, as a chilly night in the Bowl was reflected with a relatively cold performance from UCD as they struggled to keep up to pace with the former champions. Sligo immediately established themselves as the calmer of the two teams in the first few minutes of the game, maintaining long periods of possession and managing to create some early chances, forcing UCD goalkeeper Kian Moore to make some good saves.

Early Sligo pressure persisted and the travelling team were rewarded for their efforts as on the stroke of 20 minutes Adam McDonnell

UCD Alumni Make Up the DNA Of Irish Rugby

OISÍN GAFFEY SPORTS WRITER

Ireland are set to face Rugby World Cup Champions, South Africa, on Saturday 5th November in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This is their first match of the Autumn International Series. They will then go on to play Fiji and Australia in the following weeks in Dublin in the hope of recording 3 wins to finish off a very successful year.

Ireland are currently ranked number one in the world, and head into the Autumn Series following a historic summer series in New Zealand which saw them record their first ever wins on Kiwi soil, as well as the series. In July, Ireland became just the 5th team ever to win a series in New Zealand.

At the heart of Ireland’s recent success are three former UCD students; Gary Ringrose, Josh Van der Flier and Andrew Porter. The Leinster men have come through the ranks at UCD and can take huge credit for Ireland’s success under Andy Farrell.

kept his composure in front of goal and lobbed the stranded Kian Moore putting the Rovers up 0-1. The assist provided by the number 9 Aidan Keena sliced open the UCD defence, demonstrating Sligo’s quality. Despite enjoying a good portion of possession following the goal, the students struggled to conjure up goal-scoring opportunities, a trend that would continue throughout the remainder of the 90 minutes.

The first half concluded as 0-1 to the visitors with UCD looking to mend some of their onfield issues over the 15 minute break. Western pressure would continue into the second half with Moore once again being forced to keep the ball out of his net, managing a brilliant initial save coupled with a brave dive on the ball to prevent a second effort from Aidan Keena. Moore’s heroics would prove futile as

Josh Van der Flier, who has a bachelor’s degree from UCD in Sports Management, has been one of Ireland’s stand out players over the last two years with significant improvements to his ball carrying abilities. Van der Flier has always been robust in defence, but improvements in his carrying has made him a guaranteed starter for Ireland. Scoring 6 tries in his last 9 games, more than his previous 33 games combined.

Playing 29 times for UCD, Gary Ringrose is a consistent starter for Ireland. He has made the 13 jersey his own since making his debut for Ireland in 2016, playing 44 times at just 27 years old. Dynamic in attack, it’s Ringrose’s defensive game that is most influential. With Ringrose the leader in Ireland’s watertight defence, they have been formidable for years.

Earning 26 caps for UCD, one of Ireland’s most important players is prop Andrew Porter. Making the switch from tight-head to loosehead over recent seasons is a testament to his ability, rightfully earning his place amongst the world’s best props. Porter’s importance to this Irish side cannot be understated, with depth at loose-head lacking. Ireland will be relying on him heavily in November.

The Autumn International Series will be the perfect scenario for Ireland to test themselves against the Southern Hemisphere’s greatest

just minutes later McDonnell bagged a second as he brought the ball around the UCD keeper and slotted home.

Overall frustration could be felt from the crowd from the players and even UCD’s head coach Andy Myler as the manager was sent off and ordered into the stands on the 73rd minute by Oliver Moran for continued verbal abuse of the fourth official. This event topped off a difficult night for the students. The game finished 0-2 to the Rovers, who proved themselves to be the superior side on the day.

Following this defeat, UCD remain at the bottom of the Premier Division on level points with Finn Harps. With four games remaining and one being against Harps, the Belfield lads have their work cut out for them if they are to survive the drop.

before the World Cup next September. South Africa have proved they are World Cup winners for a reason, meanwhile Australia have shown that they are capable of beating anyone on their day.

Image Credit: Hugh Dooley

Image Credit: Getty Images

Being a student in UCD can be stressful, very stressful in fact. Trying to manage our studies, classes, and social life can be quite time consuming.

All of us long to find a balance between these different aspects of the college experience and one student who has found this evasive balance is the Ladies Hockey Club’s co-captain, Lisa Baldwin. Being in her final year of Commerce and simultaneously maintaining a key role in running one of the most popular clubs on campus, Baldwin seems to have discovered extra hours in her day.

Participating in hockey from the age of 10 with her local club, the sport has always occupied Baldwin’s time. Speaking with the College Tribune,

Baldwin described her entry into university hockey upon becoming a UCD student as a “no-brainer” due to the high-level competition the

hockey club offered to its players. Making the 3rd team as a 1st year meant the goalkeeper wasted no time in playing high-level college sport.

Fast-forward a couple of years or so, Baldwin is now one of the co-club Captains of the UCD Ladies Hockey along with Irish international, Hannah McLoughlin, while also being the Vice-Captain for the 2nd team. Making a leap from her role of fixtures secretary last year, Baldwin explained the differences her new role brings this year.

“In the fixtures secretary position last year I was focusing on one job, and now I’m kind of overseeing all jobs, making sure that everything is done correctly.” Touching on the “student-run” nature of the club, the 4th-year student emphasised the increased responsibility upon herself and other committee members to ensure the smooth operation of women’s hockey in Belfield. Hockey being one of UCD’s most popular campus sports brings with

Osam vs Messi: The Bizarre but Brilliant Opportunity of FIFA 23

DARA SMITH-NAUGHTON SPORTS EDITOR

The chance to play in the top division of Irish football is a rewarding experience, competing against the likes of Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians is something our stu-

dents can be proud of. The quality of competition is not the only perk of reaching the Premier Division, every team which is promoted also secures their place in the upcoming EA Sports FIFA videogame.

Lisa Baldwin: Balancing Club Captency and Student Life

it an overwhelming income of new players every academic year. Baldwin spoke about the necessity of social hockey for the club to allow all members to either play at a high level or at a less competitive level and how this necessity adds another “department” to manage within the club.

With the many responsibilities Baldwin’s role bears, it is difficult to imagine a college timetable that would facilitate such an extracurricular commitment. Describing her time-conflicting interests, Baldwin said “the workload has been greater this year, not only with the club captaincy role, but with the standard of hockey I’m playing. I would be going to 4 training sessions a week plus a match… it is tough to balance, it was definitely something I had to adjust to.”

When asked how she manages to find a balance between her studies and hockey, Baldwin mentions the main components are passion, time-management, and teamwork

This achievement may mean little to most, but every football fan who has grown up with an Xbox or Playstation in their bedroom will understand the significance. Having earned promotion to the SSE Airtricity league last season, UCD have guaranteed their return to FIFA 23 amongst the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Featuring in FIFA could be compared to becoming a supporting act at Glastonbury or Electric Picnic. It is the opportunity to be mentioned

within the club.

“When asked how she manages to find a balance between her studies and hockey, Baldwin mentions the main components are passion, time-management, and teamwork within the club.

Although acknowledging the importance of her course, the Commerce student clarifies “it is really hard to maintain that [studies should come first] if you’re so passionate about the sport you’re playing.” Baldwin emphasises the cruciality of establishing her priorities

in the same breath as the biggest entities the industry has to offer. Although the students may not possess the quality of Bayern Munich, which is a debate for another day, FIFA players will have the chance to pair Colm Whelan with Sadio Mane up front, a nightmare partnership for any defence that opposes them.

Prior to the official release of the game, Jack Keaney, Colm Whelan, and Michael Gallagher reacted to their FIFA 23 ratings on UCD AFC’s Instagram page. Despite

to secure an equilibrium between college and sport.

“Playing at a high-level in any sport holds the inevitability of injuries, a certainty which Baldwin met over the summer and through the first two games of the season. Despite missing their Vice-Captain in these fixtures, the 2nd team managed 2 wins from 2 and upon the return of their star goalkeeper, managed a 3rd win versus Muckross HC. Baldwin’s goals for the season include, reaching the final of the Irish Junior Cup in late October, a top 3 finish in the league, and of course just to enjoy the season. With the Varsities Tournament and Irish Senior and Junior Cup campaigns fast-approaching an exciting period awaits for UCD Ladies Hockey. Her exploits in sport coupled with the pressure of final year makes it a hectic time for Lisa Baldwin. However, she manages to find an impressive balance between study and passion, one that should be admired.

some disputes regarding their pace statistics, a certain excitement could be detected as the lads held their very own FIFA cards.

If it has ever crossed your mind who would come out on top in a duel between Evan Osam and Lionel Messi, wonder no longer as FIFA 23 is on sale now. The students will be looking to once again earn their right to feature in the following edition as they fight for a place in the top division next season over the coming weeks.

Sports Editor Dara Smith-Naughton interviews UCD Student and Captain of the Women’s Hockey tean, Lisa Baldwin.

Image Credit: Dara Smith-Naughton