M AG DA L E N Free Student Magazine
ISSUE 51
Stay Safe for Santa
Don’t Piss on my Christmas Parade
Every year, about 1,000
Christmas is a time that
people are injured by their
makes us feel all gooey and
tree. Who knew the Spruce
warm inside. Why could
could be so dangerous?
prolonging that possibly be a bad thing I ask?
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Presents
A FREE ‘Politics Without The Pish’ Event GET YOUR TICKET NOW 51.indd 2
18th of January 6.30 - 8.30pm Dalhousie Building 11/01/2016 22:34
ISSUE 51 Editors Letter
Editors
T’was the fifty-first issue of The Magdalen’s print,
Editor in Chief
celebrating the season of being perpetually skint.
Andrew Stewart
When there’s constant holiday oversaturation And capitalist exploitation by the Disney corporation,
Deputy Editors
From Olaf ice cream to Disney’s Frozen Frustration.
Kate McAuliffe
More spending to lead to your budget castration.
JB Fyfe
A seven million pound moon Hitler on our television screens And all you can afford is a cold tin of baked beans.
Art & Entertainment Editors Patrick O’Donnell
But then there’s the singing,
Francesca Reid
the merry making and bell wringing. Yes it is growing: the temporal joy is spreading.
Community Editor
But is that a thing which we should be dreading?
Hannah Baird
Conjuring images of children a-sledding, Of wrapping paper shredding,
Current Affairs Editor
Of sparkly bauble threading,
Euan Forbes
Of seasonal bedding? Enterprise Editor Heck no says I. I say it, nay.
Vladimir Ghita
Let your heart grow three sizes bigger this day. However you feel I want you to say
Design Editor
This is the season that makes me feel this way.
Hazel Wyllie
Happy Holidays! Fashion Editor Sarah Doig Deputy Editor in Chief Kate McAuliffe
Lifestyle Editor Lauren Copeland
Opinion Editor JB Fyfe
Science Editor Victor Chamosa Pino
Sports Editor Alasdair Hooper
Published By
Dominic Younger, VPCC DUSA, Airlie Place, Dundee, DD1 4PH vpcc@dusa.co.uk 01 51.indd 3
11/01/2016 22:34
ISSUE 51 Creative Directors Letter
Design Team
Welcome to the 51st issue of the Magdalen. I’m Kenny Meek, the creative director.
Creative Director Kenny Meek
It’s that time of year again folks, Christmas is upon us and here at the agdalen, the design team has been preparing for their end of year review. It’s a busy time for all of
Asst. Creative Director
us but we’ve still managed to create something special just for you during the festive
Andrew Simpson
season. Whether you’re reading this online or in print, I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.
Designers Antonia Koutrouza
This months cover is by Katie Wilkinson, a graphic designer based in Dundee.
Ali Elliott Fabio Maragno
Creative Director
Ellen McLean
Kenny Meek
Roma McCook Zoe Broughton Jill Montgomery Alice McConnell Katie Wilkinson Laura Gelston Monica Dunne Craig Barbour Alice Farquhar Kevin Biggins
Contributors List
Alasdair Hooper, Alexander James Muir, Arran Hodgkinson, Caitlin Bowbeer, Euan Forbes, Francesca Reid, Henri Wiman, JB Fyfe, Kieran Hearns, Lamya Sadiq, Lauren Copeland, Patrick O’Donnell, Victor Chamosa Pino
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CONTENTS Creative Writing
Societies
04
30 - 31
A Distinction
Entertainment
Perks of Being a Nightliner
Science
07
Don’t Piss on my Christmas Parade
32
Particle Depository
08 - 09
Christmas Spirit Equals Christmas Sales
33
Towards Dreams of Electric Sheep
10
No Wonderland in Winter
34 - 35
The Global Warmth Threshold
Opinion
Sport
11
Frankin-Nonsence
37 - 39
University of Dundee BUCS Victories
12 - 13
Is the Tobacco Tax Unethical?
40 - 41
Club Feature: Dundee University
14 - 15
Mental Health and Social Media
16
PunRum - Christmas Spirits
Fencing Club
Current Affairs 17 - 19
2016: Campaigns, Exits, Victories and Tragedies
Design 22 - 23
Caitlin Bowbeer
Lifestyle 24 - 25
The Lost Art of Conversation
26 - 27
Stay Safe for Santa
Join Us!
Email themagdalen@dusa.co.uk or go to www.dusamedia.com
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Community Creative Writing
A Distinction. by Lamya Sadiq
We had nothing in common, we had nothing in common. Not those wiry fingers mine glassy, yours relics of wisdom not that skin dipped in its own coffee coughing after your musk aftertaste. This smile is not borrowed, or forged from your rotting mould to the thoughts of he and she You are so cheaply sold.
We have nothing in common; not that fictional fluid that dumbly wanders through plastic tubes, tubes, made, like all, by industry; delivered in bulk on conveyor. The fabricated lives of a holy shared name stacked letters that reach no further to God, than an unwritten tombstone.
Look forward to a lonely grip that slips and fumbles to an aching wrist smothered eyes with the stale earths sweat having to purge this sad regret.
One more there is nothing to a name! and I protest we are not the same. It is a troubled cause to think in this twisted mosaic faith the virtues of our sons, are held a mantelpiece. Quilted, we fold seam upon seam We raise these thoughts in our scalding dreams for once, let it be poignantly true We have nothing in common, except, loathing you.
04
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50% of our jobs are outside of London
We have 9,100 clients across our regional offices
68% of all 2015 promotions were outside London
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Our regional practices are at the heart of PwC
We welcome all degree disciplines
We don’t look at UCAS tariff for our graduate roles
11/01/2016 22:34
Entertainment
DON’T PISS ON MY CHRISTMAS PARADE. SCROOGE OFF! I write this in early November. The leaves that were recently
become encouraged if anything; listening to Wham! without
rusty red and ripe yellow now lie lifelessly soggy, trodden
being judged, listening to Cliff Richards without being
into the ground. It’s bloody cold, and depressingly bleak.
punched, indulging in unnecessarily fattening and diabe-
But hark! The dark nights are illuminated with vibrant scar-
tes-inflicting hot drinks such as the “Toffee nut, whipped
let and gold, in the form of Christmas lights and decora-
cream latte”, the list goes on…Not only this, but we are
tions. In a time when we have little to be particularly happy
encouraged to think about others during Christmas. In fact,
about, we are given hope, and a reminder that good things
that pretty much is the whole point, asides from the obvious
are ahead: Christmas is coming. *Said in Jon Snow voice *
religious significance. We buy things not for ourselves, but for those we love, spending hours trailing around the
Unfortunately, this is usually the time when an unwelcome
shops just to find something that will make them smile.
chorus rises up from social media, and in passing comments
Our generosity extends even further than this still; people
on the street. The group of which I speak, of course, is the
are etncouraged to give to charity and to make the season
premature-Christmas haters; the ones who roll their eyes at
more pleasant for those who have a lot less than ourselves.
the sight of a festive shop display, scoff at the discussion of
A good example of this is the outreach by AgeUK that has
wish lists and reach for the remote each time a Christmas
taken place this year (if you have spare hour or two each
advert comes on. “It’s too early!” is their common weapon
week, sign up to volunteer!!). We get to spend time with
of choice.
extended family, and see how much the people you grew up with have changed since you saw them last. Also, who
My argument in opposition to this kind of resistance to the
doesn’t love being followed around with a sprig of mistletoe
early anticipation of Christmas is simple: why the hell not?
by their pervy uncle Colin? Finally, Jesus is born!!! There is
Why shouldn’t we be able to prolong the BEST part of the
literally nothing not like.
whole year? Christmas is a time that makes us feel all gooey and warm inside, and there is a real unity felt with those
So, if any of you reading are unfortunate enough to fall into
around us. So why could prolonging that possibly be a bad
this category of festive-hating Grinches, then please stop
thing I ask? We will still have the best part of a year until
and desist. Wrap yourself up in a penguin-pattern blanket
that opportunity comes round again. In my opinion, there is
and watch Home Alone, or even better listen to Justin Bie-
nothing not to love about this period. Things which in the
ber’s Christmas album, and enjoy your day off…
rest of the months are not socially acceptable, suddenly
MERRY CHRISTMAS & GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!
06
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50% of our jobs are outside of London
We have 9,100 clients across our regional offices
Our regional practices are at the heart of PwC
68% of all 2015 promotions were outside London
We welcome all degree disciplines
We don’t look at UCAS tariff for our graduate roles
A career that takes you places You might be surprised at the types of projects you could get involved in with us. Not only will you experience a range of challenging projects and exceptional training and development, you’ll also get to work with our high-profile clients. With over 30 offices to choose from, we’re sure you’ll discover an opportunity that’s right for you. Whether it’s joining our Assurance business to provide decision makers with information they can trust, or one of our technology businesses to help our clients embrace emerging trends. With us, you can take your career in a direction that suits you.
Take the opportunity of a lifetime pwc.com/uk/careers
/pwccareersuk @pwc_uk_careers © 2015 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.
51.indd 9
Create value through diversity. Be yourself, be different. 07
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Entertainment
Don’t be fooled, corporations only want one thing in their stocking…cash
T
he build up to the festive period is never complete without the blight and onslaught of those ‘feel good’ commercialised adverts and films, both of which are filled with a light dusting of artificial
snow, winter-warming cinnamon hot chocolates and of course the dreaded overweight, over-zealous Santa Claus who can somehow manage to deliver gifts to children from a dreich Lochee all the way to the sunny favelas of Rio. I just hope for the elves sake that he doesn’t exist...but then again, they might get some decent overtime pay so who am I to judge?
Anyway, to stop myself from bad-mouthing Santa any further, let’s all have a quick think about the recent announcement that Ice Cube is set to star as the next Scrooge in another one of those countless adaptations of Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol” (yes, you read that correctly). Tim Story has been dealt the task of directing this modern take on the classic and it will (hopefully?) be ready for our cinematic pleasures by at least 2017. Despite my apparent ‘bah humbug’ attitude towards Christmastime, I do still secretly enjoy watching the latest of John Lewis’s attempts at a festive advert as much as the next person. Maybe not as early as late October, but it’s undeniable that they are still fixating nonetheless. With this, I do believe that with this year’s effort they can only be applauded, as they have successfully addressed the issue of encouraging people to reach out to people for whom
08
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Entertainment
Christmas may be a lonely affair. John Lewis’s most recent advert cost a staggering 7 million pounds and depicts the scene of an old man so isolated from society that he is seen to live on the moon. In the run up to Christmas Day, a young girl notices him one night through the lens of her telescope (obviously), and after watching the man for a while the young girl decides to send the old man a message to let him know that people are thinking about him. Heart-warming isn’t it? But the real question that I am trying to ask is whether or not this large multi-national cooperation and other ones like it genuinely care about issues such as the lonely elderly at Christmas, or whether it is just another market lead exploitation of the good-natured consumer?
For example when we take a look back to last year’s Christmas advert by Sainsburys, the viewer is presented with the image of the trench warfare of the First World War, but the image is one which has been distorted and manipulated; there is no violence, no blood or gore, nor any of the other horrors which we would associate with war. But instead we see a picture of a confused reality and one which is suitable for pre-watershed viewing, creating the idea of The Great War as being an almost romantic experience for those who were involved. This cinematic romanticism of one of recent history’s most traumatic events is tasteless, a great yet grim capitalist move by the chain to make some commercial gains and to encourage people to buy their Christmas puddings from their supermarket. My holiday cynicism may be at play here, but this is pretty disgusting. The rabble can shout from the rooftops, ‘Scrooge’, ‘Grinch’, ‘moany bastard’, all they want. Big businesses do not prioritise big love in shareholders meetings. Respecting the values of charity and the lessons of history is year-long, not just for the yuletide.
Kieran Hearns
09
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Entertainment
NO WONDERLAND IN WINTER Christmas is rarely a Silent Night With the cold nights getting darker and the sugar-rush filled terror from Halloween carrying over into the festive period; ghouls, ghosts and gremlins seemed to have replaced gifts, gingerbread and good will to all men. It’s only human nature to subvert the pleasantries of the season, turning nice into naughty. The rise of ‘X-mas horror’ can divert the Christmas film from its Bing Crosby roots into the grim, satirical beast we see today. Here is a list of my top five favourite films of festive fear!
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (dir. Henry Selick)
4. Black Christmas (dir. Bob Clark)
Every Burton trope occupies the screen here; the
literally, runs thicker than snow in this seasonal slasher.
Serial killers love college sororities. Learn that blood,
romanticised emo lead, the grandiose soundtrack composed for a Grimm’s tale, the moral as old as time of ‘don’t
5. Krampus (dir. Michael Dougherty)
judge a book by its cover.’ Though not traditionally horror in
Whilst not released yet, the upcoming flick is sure to tickle
the ‘Saw’ sense of the word, the use of talking skeletons and
anyone’s terror bone considering its based on the Germanic
zombie leading ladies to tell a Christmas tale put it in the
folktale of Saint Nicholas’ companion, who terrorised the
genre by default.
children on Christmas Eve if they didn’t make the nice list. The sole message in this film, ‘Don’t fuck with Santa!’ is one
“Be prepared to never look at your childhood Furby again.”
I can get behind.
Patrick O’Donnell
2. Gremlins (dir. Joe Dante) A cautious parable on the dangers of overconsumption, a message most yuletide flicks tend to avoid, this film forgoes cliché for self-aware hilarious nonsense. The worst type of creepy is the kind that has an element of cute. See this film and beprepared to never look at your childhood Furby again.
3. Jack Frost (dir. Michael Cooney) Not to be confused with the schmaltz fest that was Michael Keaton’s take on the character, this film makes Jack a vengeful psychopathic dead guy hell-bent on a killing spree. 10
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Opinion
FrankinNonsence
appearance covering the potatoes. Sausages, apparently
I guess this month is the most appropriate for an abrupt
should be a savoury meat dish. Seriously, who came up with
honest discussion, but in reality we know this insipid
this?
finding the two hundred degree oven quite chilly, are given a blanket for no reason other than gluttony. Mince Pies, with the most fantastically false epithet of all, seem to suddenly appear on a dessert plate despite the clear indication these
infection has been presented to us from November 1st. As the spooky skeletons slunk silently into storage, the terror
I guess the true meaning of Christmas, or so the thirty films
of tinsel and tinkle of tolling Yule-time bells fill the air with
you’ll watch this season will dictate, is the whole family
a damp miasma. Christmas, in all its santastic stupor, has
warm feeling inside thing. Sure that would work were
fallen in a heap of trimmings at our feet. I hate it.
there not the constant tension of our immortal out-gifting competitions, aggressive, mandatory monopoly and feud
Let’s start from the superficial and attempt to slowly
between carol connoisseurs and cheese-pop devotees.
analyse whatever lies beneath the holly, ivy and winter whimsy.
The anger accumulates, the frustration festers, the tackiness traipses on. When the Yule-tide finally subsides, we can
The decorations demonstrate the despicable and distasteful
escape into the maelstrom of the mundane, where I can
way we simply must splatter our homes in tacky disposable
finally feel the appropriate level of grumpiness without
crepe, something we manage to generally hold off from the
watching Home Alone wishing I was so.
rest of the year. Amidst the ever-assumed mist of falsesnow, lay our windows draped in some gauche, flashing forfeit for Frosty. If it were any other time of the year,
JB Fyfe #rant
draping my mantelpiece and picture frames with glitteryboas would land one with a number of rightly abhorrent glares. But it’s Christmas. Similarly, if I started singing out George Michael’s (you gotta have) Faith every February, I may be admitted to an institution, but were he to release a song remotely mentioning the season of ‘goodwill,’ it becomes norm for me to be reminded of George’s lost love Last Christmas, albeit now thirty years past. Oh, but it’s the Christmas spirit.
‘Puritan traditionalists aggressively defend the driest meat on earth’
False. The Christmas spirits are mulled wine, whisky and enough sherry to make afternoon napping less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
Right, next on blast: Christmas food. What the hell were we thinking? Puritan traditionalists aggressively defend the driest meat on earth, regardless of your family secret marination process (borrowed from Delia). Goose-fat, a substance sounding otherwise mythical, makes a surprise
@Dundeeopinion 51.indd 13
11
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Opinion
£
TAX
IS THE TOBACCO TAX UNETHICAL?
Treasury running dry? No problem
who we are punishing and on
countries (contrary to the political
at all, just take a bit more from the
what grounds. Smoking is more
zeitgeist) should not be run like
smokers; Simultaneously protecting
common in poorer socio-economic
businesses. We collect taxes in part to
public health, saving children and
backgrounds, therefore the tobacco
give a hand to the less fortunate, such
raising public funds, all with nobody
tax is disproportionately targeted at
as the ill, and in part to communally
objecting. The tobacco tax is among
the poor. Additionally, since it’s a flat
buy really expensive things, such as
the least controversial sources of
tax, the poor smoker spends a higher
hospitals. Your tax payments don’t get
government revenue.
proportion of their income on tobacco
channelled into the NHS according to
tax than the rich smoker (assuming
how much you need its services. Taxes
they smoke an equal amount).
are a way for us to pay a portion of
Increases in tobacco tax are typically justified by a quest to decrease
each other’s services and a
carcinogenic behaviour rather than
Blame Tax on tobacco works against
raising money for the government. If the objective of the tax is to save smokers from themselves, it seems to work reasonably well. The World
The tobacco tax is disproportionately targeted at the poor
that purpose.
Regardless of your stance on Blame Taxes, to talk about a “voluntary
Health Organisation and various other
participation in a dangerous activity”
research can be skimmed through
is dishonest. People with nicotine
agreeing that higher cigarette prices
A very common argument for the
dependency don’t have an equally
tend to have several smoking-reducing
tobacco tax is that those who
meaningful “choice” on smoking
effects. They cause more smokers to
voluntarily participate in risky
as on most other behaviour. Taxing
quit and continuing smokers to smoke
behaviour should contribute more to
addiction is surely an easy way to fill
less. They also reduce the likelihoods
the public costs that ensue. I’ll call it
the treasury, yet it also seems morally
of ex-smokers relapsing and non-
the Blame Tax. Sort of like how young
icky, like hunting animals in a zoo.
smokers picking up the habit.
males pay a higher premium for car
Yes, studies indicate that higher
insurance than everyone else because
taxation does in fact reduce smoking
Though financial punishment seems
we are the biggest idiots out of all the
in a population. They also indicates
to be effective in changing people’s
idiots on the road. Taxes however are
that poor smokers are likelier to
behaviour we also need to consider
not a private insurance policy and
reduce or quit, which might go some
12
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oor. We shouldn’t however for
11/01/2016 22:34
Opinion
way to justify its targeting on the
factor however complicates things.
poor. We shouldn’t however forget
For the tobacco tax to be ethical
about those individuals who, despite
public health policy it needs to be
us increasing their punishment, do
accompanied with measures to help
not reduce or quit because they
those who are weak, trapped and
can’t. The people that do not smoke
taken advantage of by the tax.
voluntarily so much as due to a
This would require some creative
dependency originating in adolescent
thinking as simple financial support
experimentation half-a-lifetime ago.
would only eliminate the incentive of the tax. The tobacco tax is the easiest policy tool but it deserves
Taxing addiction is surely an easy way to fill the treasury, yet it also seems morally icky, like hunting animals in a zoo.
much more scrutiny than it tends to get. At its worst it is disproportionate, unbearable and unfair.
Henri Wiman
Those who are likelier to be financially instable to begin with and despite statistical likelihoods will take our tobacco tax and swallow/inhale it. On one hand we keep punishing some smokers off their habits and they might even thank the system for it. However we simultaneously make someone weak even weaker and, as a consequence, much more susceptible to health issues both physical and mental. Is this the point of the tobacco tax? To get some smokers to quit at the unbearable expense of the very weakest smokers?
The tobacco tax needs to be justified on other grounds than smokers’ supposedly (not necessarily) higher burden on public resources. Luckily that is quite doable. It is in principle totally defensible to have a tax system that incentivises healthy behaviour over unhealthy behaviour and the tobacco tax has a pretty solid record of doing so. The dependancy
@Dundeeopinion 51.indd 15
13
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Opinion
MEntal HeaLth iN SociAL mEdia Although society has revolutionised interpersonal
Of course, this may not be an entirely horrendous
interactions over the past two decades, there is a
concept. With the introduction of letters, print, telegrams,
significant counter-movement concerned about the long
telephones and mobiles, there was an immediate concern
term effects of digitised relationships. Paralleling the
from the traditionalists somewhat reasonably worried
controversial attacks on violence in video games, the
about society losing the humanity of interactions. In
effect of our rapid communications transfers to social
reality, I would propose that we have re-equilibrated the
media platforms is a murky topic of debate.
apparent interaction/humanity balance with each of the communications revolutions. Why should the information
One of the clearly most contentious areas in discussion
era be any different?
revolves around the somewhat natural backlash to any significant social development culminating in concerns
The dissimilarity lies not only in a purely numbers game,
that modern society loses an essential element to
but the situations and topics covered in the cornucopia
socialising through internet conduits. The effect of this
of social media sites. There are two key sections analysed
on mental health and development is difficult to define,
in this article, roughly sorted following a four month
although there is reasonable evidence and argument on
research process (that some would have likened to
both sides of the debate. However, perhaps the most
procrastination): Personal Profiling Sites and Anonymous
interesting development is the protective sub-cultures that
Forums. This is a somewhat simplified model as any
blossom in these new formats.
internet native will note, but with regards to the following discussion, should be justified.
The great influx in social contacts undoubtedly warps the very nature of our internalisation in social relationships.
Personal profiling sites represent the great majority of internet browsing, with an average 1.77 hours spent actively on the site alongside near-constant connection for updates and notifications. Recent headlines have noted the massive prospects held in advertising by those with a
With realistically a near unanimous grasp on our generation
great following, demonstrating the very concern upheld
in this country, internet use comes with significant
by counter-web society: Profiles provide structure for
existential changes. As the equilibrium of social circles
self-objectification through numbers of likes, followers
suddenly burst forth, it is unsurprising that it becomes
or matches. Undoubtedly this can manifest self-esteem
somewhat difficult to define a salient relationship. In the
issues in the under-followed profiler. As these social media
nineties, Robin Dunbar suggested that we have a cognitive
platforms proliferate and capitalise on those apparently
limit defining a finite number of stable social relationships.
successful, those less so are assumed as near-nothings.
This very concept epitomises the difficulty we have in
And, as we slowly pour our identities onto these sites, it’s
the logarithmic increase in the number of interpersonal
unsurprising that a marginalised person will come to the
communications we have every day. The great influx in
conclusion that they are the problem.
social contacts undoubtedly warps the very nature of our
Anonymous forum sites were one of the first forms of
internalisation in social relationships.
communication, with AOL chat-rooms amongst the first basic sites coded.
14
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Opinion
negative anonymous users, maintaining the positive drive.
The very issue lies in the apparent higher value of an anonymous stranger’s opinion than of a close friend.
Individuals without attachment can become powerful agents for good; It appears humanity has seeped into our anonymous identities.
Profiling sites too, try to follow suit. Pro-active and understanding friends can more easily contact someone
Since then, conceptually very little has changed with the
they hold concerns about. Twitter briefly upheld the
exception of formal voting systems [Tumblr], localised
Samaritans Radar, notifying followers of persons using
versions [YikYak] and massive topic-centric indexing
language or phrases suggestive of depression or suicidal
[Reddit]. However, anonymity in essence has certainly
intent (since removed for privacy concerns). Facebook
evolved in multiple paths. The infamous use of anonymity as
discussed and trialled buttons to anonymously express
a mask has demonstrated a number of complex problems,
concern to a post, since eclipsed by dislike button
most notable of which is unaccountability for negative
debate. With further attention and removal of stigma for
online behaviour. As a person becomes anonymous, it
Mental Health, we could progress into a much more open
is clear that their conformity and association with social
forum, which the communication-mirroring social media
justice can swing significantly. This barrier can be used with
sites can respond to.
terrible circumstances, dissociated from individuality and personal identity. This can be seen significantly in cyber-
I began researching this topic with a heavy heart, hoping
bullying and is one of the limiting factors to the mixing of
to find a couple of safety nets built into social media sites.
anonymous sites with profiling sites [Formspring]. The very
In all honesty, the overwhelming support offered to those
issue lies in the apparent higher value of an anonymous
in need is deeply touching and undoubtedly altered my
stranger’s opinion than of a close friend’s.
perception of social media. Not only do anonymous sites offer an easy stepping stone to ask for help, they
And so, from a cursory glance, it is completely
provide a myriad of stories from people suffering and
understandable to be concerned about the effects on
overcoming Mental Health problems. In truth, it does take
Mental Health, but there are deeper concepts evolving.
some time to become familiar enough with sites and sub-
Anonymous sites may de-humanise contact, but offer a very
cultures to recognise these communities, but the support
individual bridge for those in personal crises. Talking openly
therein is astounding.
to someone about mental health is an incredibly difficult step to take, a factor that has contributed to the use of
Although Social Media has uprooted our understanding
anonymous sites as coping and discussion opportunities.
of human communication, the essences of humanity ebb
Any long-term user of YikYak will fall upon a couple of
against the technological and de-personalised tide.
people clearly in need to talk and there is always a number of replies trying to help. Reddit holds a multitude of boards
JB Fyfe
discussing personal stories, not demanding contribution but instead offering sanctity that you are not alone. In
#DundeeMentalHealth
these communities, the voting system protects posts from
@DundeeOpinions 15
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Opinion
PUN-RUM
CHRISTMAS SPIRITS W
here would this season be without social difficulties?
presented, and all familiarities go sour. Beers with brothers
With a drink in hand, cast your rye on how I survive
seep bitters-wheat rivalry as they upgrade Old Kent Road;
the social minefield that the holiday ouzos out.
sherry’s your brother, but this is war. And then, as the last remaining sibling lands on your hotel, he schnapps: you’ve
Unless you have saved enough money to whisky self away,
won. Beware gloating is a whisky business, and can best
you’ll be booked in for christmas dinners with societies,
be distilled to a few knowing looks during the piano-side
friends and, on the big day, family.
rendition of away in a magners.
Society socials, usually a mixing pot for students, should be
I understand if this article is met with a chorus of booze,
simple. Albeit a sham paying for access to the very pub you
as the puns were pour. However, on such an occasion,
frequent, the food will quell your ale-ments. As the alcohol
I’d like to thank our absinthe friends and apologise for
flows, romance sparks with the opposite gin-der and the
being overmouthy. Hopefully after reading this, you’re
decision whether to sit be cider or abreast a stout chap
older budweiser.
will undoubtedly sloe your advances. However you manage to brandy-self to the group of near-strangers defines the
Please Drink Responsibly
interaction; Be it a cosmpolitan metrosexual or a ravid manly beefeater, your personality will be the port of call. Unless you
JB FYFE
happen to bring a copy of tequila mocking bird, Ale of two
#PunRun
cities or The Hobbit (there and bacardi gain), you’ll have to
JB Fyfe@DundeeOpinions
be content with conversation. If you’re not mead for this and feeling socially kahlua-less, make a coors for the door.
Family gatherings are a lager problem. As the drinks cabernet is flung open, an audible relief sweeps the tennants. The most amusement can be found as the board games are
16
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Current Affairs
2016: Campaigns, Exits, Victories and Tragedies
E T O V VO TE
I
t is hard to believe that it has been a year since this section looked back on the exciting and ground breaking year in current affairs
that was 2014. Where has the time gone? Of course that’s also probably the same thought you are having right about now as you try to work out how to learn a whole semester’s worth of work in the week before exams. However, put those worries to the side for a few minutes, sit back and enjoy The Magdalen’s look back at the year that was 2015. 17
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Current Affairs
The main story of the year was of course the General
The SNP have been busy at Westminster and a vocal
Election, the result of which both the public and many
opposition to the Conservative Government as well
pollsters did not see coming. While the Lion that is the
as trying their best to expose and change some
SNP may have roared into life the same could not be said
outdated parliamentary practices. It was not long
for some of the other parties who lost many well-known
after the election that the 56 became 55 with Michelle
faces. As with all elections there were resignations,
Thomson resigning the party whip after being involved
two and a half in fact… yes you did read that correctly.
in an investigation about property dealings.
Both Clegg and Miliband stood down from the helm of their parties, not to be outdone Nigel Farage lived up
However, Thomson was not the only elected official
to his pre-election promise of quitting if he did not get
finding themselves under investigation. The former
elected to the Commons…only to have his resignation
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael who spoke to
rejected by UKIP. Election night while signalling the
DUSA Media in the weeks before the election retained
end of an era for many politicians also nearly created
his formerly safe seat but in the months that have
the TV first of two former politicians eating their kilt
followed his future has come under threat. At the
and hat on air. Ultimately the Conservatives were the
time of writing the MP right to hold the seat is being
winners with a majority but has recent months have
scrutinised by an Election Court after it was revealed
shown that has not made for plain sailing in parliament.
he authorised the leaking of a confidential government memo during the election campaign which suggested
In the background the never-ending story that is the
the SNP favoured a Conservative Government.
survival of the Labour Parties both north and south of the border gained an extra few chapters. In Scotland
Internationally, there has also been much going on
after losing his seat the inevitable happened for
unfortunately often involving tragic circumstances. In
Jim Murphy who stepped aside clearing the way for
January, France and the wider European Community
Kezia Dugdale. Down South Miliband was replaced
was rocked by the Charlie Hebdo shootings in which
by a man called Jeremy who brought a new style of
12 people, journalist’s cartoonists and police officers,
politics and friends Marie and Steven to PMQ’s. Both
were killed by gunmen . The attack amongst other
Dugdale and Corbyn are only a few months into their
things re-ignited the debate on freedom of expression
jobs so time will only tell if they will last but already
and its limitations. However, whatever your opinion
the party has continued to show increasing division
on the magazine and its material it is undeniable that
and confusion on key issues such as Trident.
the atrocities of that day can never be condoned.
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Current Affairs
Throughout the year, the migration crisis has continued
issue was health insurance it is possible that in this race
with individuals, families, old and young all fleeing from
it could be gun control an issue which has continued
war torn areas such as Syria to the EU in search of a better
to spiral out of control in America this year.
life. Not all have successfully made the journey with many thousands losing their life along. EU nations have tried
2015 has been all this and more. Last year our
to intervene but the reaction has been slow perhaps
review finished by saying “politics is not about to
in turn due to public attitudes in many of the nations.
get dull anytime soon,” that was true then and it
In fact for many it was not until the tragic newspaper
still is now when we look to what 2016 could hold.
photos of the body of three year old Aylan Kurdi
That however, is a story for another day….
lying at the water’s edge that public opinion began to turn, in spite of the fact that scenes like this had been
For all the latest political and current affairs
happening uncaptured for months. This crisis will not
news in 2016, pick up the latest Magdalen
come to a quick resolve and as we enter the winter
and go to www.dusamedia.com
months the death toll is only likely to rise. It has been said to be the crisis which will define a generation, a
Euan Forbes
sad fact, but one which will be true if we do not act now. This is not someone else’s problem, rich, poor, old and young, we are all human and this is our problem.
Across the pond the race for President has been heating up. In the Republican camp Jeb Bush has been running to give the family a third chance at the White House, while Donald Trump’s campaign has been making waves often for the somewhat wrong reasons.
Hilary Clinton has continued to be the leader for the Democratic nomination despite speculation that the Vice President Joe Biden was going to make a last minute entrance into the race. The race for president will truly heat up next year, while Obama’s defining 19
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MAGDALEN DO YOU WANT TO RUN A MAGAZINE? NOMINATE YOURSELF MID JANUARY - FEBRUARY 19TH DUSA.CO.UK
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YOUR JOURNALISTIC FUTURE BEGINS HERE The Magdalen, two words that will forever instil fear on me in the deepest recesses of my soul. I’m joking. Kind of. Running this magazine has been the most incredible journey, but it hasn’t come without its challenges. HOWEVER, while I may have a breakdown on deadline day every month, I wouldn’t change it for anything. Holding the accumulated work of dozens of students, fresh from the printers is an experience I will never forget. To describe my time here, I shall quote myself at the end of every issue:
“I QUIT.” But you didn’t just hear it from me, here are the responses from my colleagues, and the other three Media Managers, to the question of ‘what do you think of DUSA Media?’:
***
“I love this job, but sometimes I want to kill everyone.” John Paterson, Editorial Manager, DUSA Media Online
***
- Breaks down in tears Jenny Thomas, Station Manager, DUSA TV
***
“I think DUSA Radio is pretty neat.” Chris Van de Konijnenburg, Station Manager, DUSA Radio
*** Brutal honesty aside, this is by far the best experience we all have had while studying in Dundee. Why not make it your future?
Nominate yourself at www.dusa.co.uk from mid January until the 19th February 2016 for one of the four Media Manager positions, what have you got to lose?
Andrew Stewart Editor in Chief The Magdalen
MAGDALEN 51.indd 23
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Design
CAITLIN BOWBEER THE KITE TRIBE Ayrshire Illustration Level 4 DJCAD
The Kite Tribe’ is a community project that aims to give
“We are often put under pressure by society to do well
students and adults the opportunity to let go of everyday
and succeed, this can push us too far and cause people to
stresses in life and have some nostalgic fun by building and
burn out. It’s easy to forget that we need to take time out
flying their own kites. Kite making workshops are held in
to enjoy ourselves and have carefree fun like when we
relaxed environments such as exhibition spaces and pubs.
were children.”
The Kite Tribe allows adults to experience their childhood again in an accessible and comfortable environment.
If you’re inspired to get involved with The Kite Tribe, Caitlin will be running workshops around pubs and exhibition
For this project Caitlin researched into stress and anxiety
spaces in Dundee as well as selling a kite making kit at the
in current society and discovered how big a problem it is.
Degree Show in May.
She was inspired to explore this area after staying on the Buddhist Island ‘Holy Isle’ near Arran on the West Coast.
Get in touch with her at:
They form their lifestyles on the practice of being mindful of
https://www.facebook.com/thekitetribe
our own bodies and our environment. It is essentially about
@thekitetribe
focusing on one thing rather than trying to juggle lots of thoughts at once and rushing around. Through this Caitlin decided making and flying a traditional kite is a great way
If you would like your work featured in the next issue email:
to be mindful.
design.editor@dusamedia.com
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Design
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Lifestyle
The Lost Art of Conversation
My dad told me a story the other day. He recalled when he
I can’t say I even knew the answer to their questions. Maybe
had to go to the local phone box to speak to my mum in
it lay somewhere between laziness and a smugness that my
the early days of their relationship because his family didn’t
phone wasn’t an extension of life. It was a simpler time back
have a house phone and he certainly didn’t have a mobile.
in 2013, much like my first phone as a child; only I didn’t
This may sound like a ‘In my day....wedidn’t have...’ story
have the polyphonic ringtones.
harking back to the better times of yesteryear but it got me thinking. For starters, he isn’t as old as this story makes him
I mocked the Smartphone users who behaved like a pack
sound and it could well be a familiar memory to many of
of bloodhounds searching for a charger and a plugpoint. I
your parents. Regardless, it didn’t do them any harm and it’s
scoffed at business men and housewives living their lives
a testament to their good communication that 33 years on
vicariously through Angry Birds and Candy Crush. And I
they are still going strong.
laughed when 3G wasn’t working and God forbid, there was no wifi.
It would be absurd for most, to imagine a situation like this today when even some of the most deprived individuals
Yes, at times I was jealous; maybe I wanted to take a selfie
own mobile phones - they are ubiquitous in 2015 United
or shoot some pigs too. In the end I crumbled. My new
Kingdom. Once upon a time, not too long ago - I owned a
phone has both a camera and the Internet. It’s a wonderful
phone without the internet and without a camera. In fact,
novelty. I can actually check my emails regularly, I read the
the most impressive technology on hand was it’s torch. It
news as it’s happening, I take the odd selfie or self-indulgent
didn’t even have snake. This was not intentional; my trusty
picture of my dinner.
phone was in fact a replacement after an unfortunate incident at the start of University. However, I actually ended
Sadly, my phone no longer lies in my bag until I want to
up keeping this replacement for 4 years.
communicate or am being communicated with. It’s in my pocket, it’s on the table, it’s like a limpet. It’s not alone. I
My phone had a battery life of a good 14 days, could
was in a bar recently and watched groups of people sitting
withstand many a fall from height, water damage, the lot.
together but they might as well have been apart. Everyone
This came at the price of social embarrassment though and
was looking at their phone. Zero chat.
I was mocked. “When are you getting a new phone?” “Why don’t you have an iPhone” four year old children asked? I was a pariah of modern technology and I wasn’t even a hipster making a statement.
Smart technology it may be, but are we the stupid ones?
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Lifestyle
Eric Pickersgill, a photographer made all of this even more
I fear for the future, when words will be replaced with
plain to see in his collection of photographs, Removed. In
emoticons. The worst thing is you can’t deny children this
these we see a multitude of different people in different
technology or they’ll grow up with a lack of skills. I can
settings but with their phones edited out from the
picture me as an old dear just now, inept at coding and a
images and it shines a light on these social situations. The
mockery to the grandkids. Steve Jobbs has liberated us
photographs provide a succinct reminder of how easy it
but inadvertently turned us in to soulless creatures with
has become to be detached from one another. The rise
repetitive strain injuries to our thumbs.
of the Smartphone has for some, probably seen the fall of their relationships. Undeniably, it can help us connect with
Anyway, this Christmas as you become the owner of a shiny
people from all over the world- but what about the people
new phone, try and remember when we didn’t need this for
in our everyday lives? Smart technology it may be, but are
conversation. Join me and swipe left on the tinder of life,
we the stupid ones?
put your phone away and open your mouth. There’s a whole world out there from under your nose.
Their use is beyond habitual. Technology is now ingrained in our psyche and it’s a depressing state of affairs when grown
Lauren Copeland
men use their phone as a comfort blanket and iPads are the most effective pacifier for ratty children. I don’t blame the parents; I wouldn’t want to listen to incessant whining either.
Steve Jobbs has liberated us but inadvertently turned us in to soulless creatures with repetitive strain injuries to our thumbs.
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Entertainment
STAY SAFE FOR SANTA As I write this, the Halloween stock has swiftly been disposed of and now a quick trip to the supermarket seems like an adventure in a Winter Wonderland. The countdown to Christmas has begun and as we look forward to celebrating JC’s birthday, the clever boffins from the UK Office of National Statistics have revealed there is a spike in deaths over these merry holidays. Bah humbug! It seems this is not simply due to a rise in winter illness but that all sorts of accidents in the home can befall us over the festive period. Here are some facts and figures from the Royal Society for The Prevention of Accidents:
Every year, about 1,000 people are
Around 350 people a year are hurt by Christmas
injured by their tree, usually while fixing
tree lights. Injuries include people falling while
stars, lights or other decorations to the
they’re putting them up, children swallowing the
higher branches. Who knew the Spruce
bulbs, and people getting electric shocks and burns
could be so dangerous?
from faulty lights.
Aside from this I suspect a large number of people are at risk of blowing a fuse (sorry) when trying to untangle the lights from the previous year. Never before have adults been so enraged. Overall more than 80000 people require hospital treatment for falls, cuts and burns over this time. Don’t get your stockings (sorry again) in a twist though. Prevention is better than cure, but fear not, we have some basic advice for those of you not au fait with first aid to help you and your nearest and dearest stay safe for Santa. Let’s face it, who doesn’t want to look like a hero?
…All sorts of accidents in the home can befall us over the festive period.”
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Entertainment
CHOKING
CUTS
Picture the scene. Old Uncle Albert has scoffed down his
Whether after dinner activities take a downturn and things
10th brussel sprout of the evening, the room is positively
get stabby like an Eastenders Christmas Special or your
reeking of flatulence and he reaches for another…Suddenly
wrapping activities go awry - it’s good to know what to do
he’s going red and can’t speak. What are you going to do?
to treat a cut. It’s normally common sense as to whether
1. Encourage Albert to cough like he never has before!
or not you need to go to Accident & Emergency. If you don’t, you probably don’t need a great deal of first aid and
2. If this isn’t working. Give 5 sharp back blows between the
if you do, simple steps are effective in the first instance to
shoulder blades
control the bleeding. 1. Clean the wound e.g. simply running water and dry it
3. Circle your hands around the stomach and pull up and in
gently. If you have sterile gauze you can cover it with this.
5 times
However, if like me you struggle to find a plaster, never mind anything more hi-tech, a simple cloth would also work.
4. GET HELP 2. Apply pressure to the wound if it is bleeding profusely and elevate the part of the body affected. An arm can be lifted above head level and lower limbs should ideally be above the level of the heart. This is all fine and well for sprightly youth but don’t put your grannie´s hip out of joint… You can apply a better sterile dressing after this point, but if there is a risk of infection or you suspect glass or another foreign object is in the wound - see a health professional.
BURNS AND SCALDS If things get burny in the kitchen, there are some simple first aid measures you can take. A burn is caused by direct heat, electricity or friction while a scald is caused by wet heat such as from water, steam or fat. If severe, a burn will require hospital treatment. As a rule of thumb, go to hospital if you have a large or deep burn i.e. bigger than the palm of your hand or if the skin is white or charred or if blistered on the face, arms, genitals (who knows what you get up to in the holidays…) hands, feet or legs. 1. Remove the source of heat and cool the burn with cold running water for ten minutes
2. Remove any jewellery etc. if on a limb as this will swell. Also remove loose clothing if this is covered in the hot liquid etc. as this might take a long time to cool down. Don’t put any lotions or ointments on unless approved burn gels.
3. Use cling film to dress the wound- place on top of the wound but don’t wrap it all the way around. NB: these steps only apply to adults. And there we have it, some very simple advice for three common problems. The Red Cross and other organisations have excellent resources online if you want to find out more. Lauren Copeland 27
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Entertainment
NOMINATE AT DUSA.CO.UK/RECTOR
22
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Opinion
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Opinions Societies
Perks of being a Nightliner
Written By: Alexander
“Dear friend,
I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn’t try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have...I just need to know that someone out there listens and understands and doesn’t try to sleep with people even if they could have. I need to know these people exist.”
- Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky. Perks of being a Wall Flower was and still is one of my
In first year, I have to admit, I didn’t do much apart from
favourite books of all time.
drink and socialise with new friends. But in my second year I had settled down a bit, and when freshers’ fair
One of the features of the book that makes it stand out was
came around, I was actually paying attention to all the
how Charlie, the narrator, wrote to this unknown listener. An
different groups and societies. This was when I first really
anonymous friend who was not expected to give advice, or
encountered Nightline.
to help, or even to answer back. They just had to listen to him, and just knowing that someone was there, who cared
To clarify, I had heard of them before— the posters on the
and was there for him, made all the difference. He had this
library doors, the business cards and stickers, the random
person that he could open up to without fear of judgment
bear at freshers’ (he is called Nigel by the way, and is
or worry that it might come back to hurt him.
lovely). But this was the first time I actually paid attention and I was really surprised by what I learnt.
So when I moved to Dundee, Perks was right there on my shelf, along with Philosopher’s Stone and all the
Nightline is a nationwide charity organisation, run by
recommended reading, (because first year naiveté). And it
students for students. Every night of term, from 8pm to
was one of my go-to books when life started getting too
8am, student volunteers answer calls, emails and instant
much again and I needed some comfort.
messages and talk to fellow students about anything that’s troubling them.
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Opinions Societies
All Nightline services follow five core principles: confidential; anonymous; non-judgemental; non-directional; non-advisory. Their whole point is to listen to you when you
nightline@dundee.ac.uk
need someone to talk to about anything you need to talk about.
When you are lost on a night out and need directions, or don’t know who to talk to about academic problems. When
01382381183
social anxiety makes you worry that your friend won’t want to listen. When you don’t know how to explain what is wrong or even know what words to use. When you need to have a rant. Even if you are at your darkest moment and you need someone to just be there on the line and listen to you so that you know you are not alone. That is what Nightline is. That is who we are.
This is why I joined. Because I cannot count the amount of times I have needed someone to talk to when I thought I was alone. How much pain (mental and physical) I could have been spared if I felt I could’ve talked about what I was going through to someone.
We are here to listen.
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Science
PA R T I C L E DEPOSITORY DISCUSSING THE LATEST IN FUNDAMENTAL PARTICLE RESEARCH
The solar revolution may be upon us, as solar cells take
of renewables. They call their material an iron-nitrogen-
an efficiency boost from research in chemical, solid state,
heterocyclic-carbene but the important point is that the
and particle physics. Current attempts at creating a highly
structure of this material possesses near-perfect quantum
photovoltaic material, capable of converting the vast amounts
conditions for electron excitation, tunnelling, and resonance;
of photon energy needed into electrochemical energy have
producing the claimed 92% yield.
failed for the most part due to their reliance on rare, or expensive, materials. Recent advances, however, show promise
This latter piece of research draws its appeal from not only
for doped perovskite — a calcium titanate compound named
the theoretical results, but the tremendous savings that are
after the Russian discoverer — and a fascinating compound,
possible upon completion of this material’s development. With
polypyridine, that can be combined with iron with vastly
conversations on renewables more frequently referring to and
improved outcomes.
scrutinising cost, cheaper materials with high yield rates will be welcomed by the scientific and green communities.
We shall begin experimentally, by observing the work of a
As the arguments over fossil fuel and nuclear power, scientists
collaborative research team working from Switzerland and
continue to progress the future of energy generation by
China to develop a chemical with superior electrochemical
showing cheap and efficient alternatives to renewable energy
properties to current photovoltaic technologies. Using a
conversion and utility. New materials provide hope for the
phosphoric acid ammonium additive to existing perovskite
notion that solar power could become increasingly main stream
solar cells, this team has managed to bridge the lattice gap in
as a method for harnessing natural resources and overcome the
the perovskite compound to allow the free transfer of electrons
reliance on finite resources over the coming decades.
across the material and, in the process, almost doubled the efficiency of the material — from 8.8% to 16.7%. This is
Arran Hodgkinson
significant because of its experimental basis; someone has actually done this work and achieved results, showing great promise for commercial implementation.
The second piece of major research describes the quantum mechanics of a theoretical compound of commonly found elements, with a metal-to-ligand charge transfer rate of 92%. Iron is actually already a good substrate for photovoltaic materials but tend to have an excited state lasting for far too little time to be worthy of consideration, in the praxis 32
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Opinion
T O WA R D S DREAMS OF ELECTRIC SHEEP This year 2015 will be a year to remember for artificial
That is, you can tell the computer to draw anything, and
intelligence (AI) enthusiasts. In January dozens of experts,
it’ll make it happen. The way the network does this is by
including Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking, signed an open
analysing the text command and recreating its content, by
letter that called for research into the short- and long-
layering related images and sharpening them into the final
term impacts of AI on society. And after a year dotted
result. Of course, it’s not a miracle machine, so the images it
with fruitful inventions and research that bring us closer to
produces are quite blurry to make up for ambiguity.
creating superintelligent systems, we bid 2015 farewell with
The team developing the network is aiming to improve it so
two enormous steps forward in the field:
that the images it makes are sharper. Once they have done this, they plan on moving onto applying it to other areas,
The first of these is called ANNABELL, or Artificial Neural
such as speech, to make robots sound more human.
Network with Adaptive Behaviour Exploited for Language Learning. As the name might suggest, it’s a system of
We’re still miles away from producing anything that
artificial neurons that is capable of communicating in any
resembles intelligence, but in no doubt we’re on track to
language to the level of a four-year-old child. What makes
make Daisy Bell sound more like HAL, less like IBM.
ANNABELL stand out from previous dialogue programs is the fact that none of the words it uses are preprogrammed:
Victor Chamosa Pino
it learns them purely from its interactions with humans. To achieve this human-like feature, researchers had to build a network with properties of the human brain: synaptic plasticity, which makes a synapse (the connection between two neurons) stronger the more it is used; and neural gating, which involves having certain neurons to act as switches to control where the information goes to. The aim of the investigation was to understand the mechanisms in the brain underlying language learning; nonetheless, the system built is a huge contribution to language replication, and hence to AI development as a whole.
Secondly, a group of researchers are about to publish a paper on an AI system they’ve designed that can process a command in natural language and generate an image based on it. 33
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Science
So we’re officially in that time of year when all you feel like doing is snuggle up under your duvet with a warm beverage and complain about how cold it is outside. However, that creepy old man in the bus stop who laughed at your multiple layers of clothing is right: Winters really aren’t as cold as they used to be. Data so far shows that this year’s global mean temperatures will have increased 1ºC compared to pre-industrial levels (1850-1900), which is worrying. That’s half of the temperature rise that scientists have agreed we should limit global warming to.
If we let temperatures rise more than 2ºC, we risk irreversibly opening Pandora’s Box, and in doing so, releasing catastrophic climate changes, but without a trace of Hope. Among these would be drought intensification, a sea rise of several metres, climate zone shifts, mass extinction, and so on. You have probably heard all of them more than once.
If we let temperatures rise more than 2ºC, we risk irreversibly opening Pandora’s Box Don’t panic just yet, however. Keep in mind that this is data for a single year, and climate is hugely unpredictable. Also, these grim results are partly due to the fact that temperature rises have been boosted by an El Niño event that’s grown in strength in the last few months. The world won’t end tomorrow. 28
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Science
That being said, it’s still something we can’t ignore. It
Even though human settlements only cover up about 3% of
should be taken as a warning, especially knowing that the
the Earth’s surface, and not all of them are big enough to
symptoms of climate change take time to manifest. It could
produce a significant heat island, this issue sits on par with
mean that the next 0.5ºC rise is underway and cannot be
the global temperature rise. At the end of the day, they
helped. In fact, there are many scientists who believe we’re
both influence each other, and there is something to be
already on track to surpassing the dreaded 2ºC rise and are
done in both cases.
trying to plan ahead to mitigate its impact. Hopefully, it will all be settled this month in the 2015 To tell the truth, these scientists aren’t entirely wrong.
UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, which has the
Cities with over 1 million inhabitants can be up to 3ºC
objective of making all countries agree unanimously
warmer due to a phenomenon known as the heat island
to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to keep global
effect. Heat islands are usually urban areas because
temperature rises under the 2ºC benchmark. Christiana
they are packed with dark surfaces, such as roofs and
Figueres, the executive secretary of the UN Framework
paved roads, that absorb heat. And while this may sound
Convention on Climate Change, said in the 2012 Doha
like good news, it isn’t: heat islands shape their local
Conference that “the current pledges under the second
surrounding climate, altering wind and precipitation
commitment period of the Kyoto protocol are clearly not
patterns, humidity, and cloud formation. They also warm
enough to guarantee that the temperature will stay below
up surrounding water bodies, which has led to fish die-
2 °C, and there is an ever-increasing gap between the
offs in the past. The solution to the urban heat island
action of countries and what the science tells us”. Now let’s
effect is simple – make reflective pavements and roofs,
see if the international community acknowledges this.
and plant more trees. Research has shown that there is a correlation between the location of lower temperatures
Victor Chamosa Pino
and vegetation in large cities like New York. However, these solutions shouldn’t be implemented just like that, you have to look at the entire region the city sits in. First of all, because the heat increase may be caused by a neighbouring upwind city; and secondly, because you risk cooling down your city too much too fast, and having an even more negative impact on climate patterns and therefore the wildlife surrounding town.
29
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FEEL -ING LOST IN SPACE
WE CAN HELP Nightline Dundee
Recruiting new volunteers now: Nightlinerecruit@dundee.ac.uk
nightline@dundee.ac.uk
Instant Messaging coming soon!
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Sports
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Sports Science
Badminton (Men)
Herriot-Watt University 1st 5-7 University of Dundee 1st
Basketball (Men)
University of Dundee 2nd 64-55 University of Strathclyde 2nd
Glasgow Caledonian University 2nd 45-63 University of Dundee 2nd
Basketball (Women)
Fencing (Men)
Queen Margaret University 1st 32-45 University of Dundee 2nd
University of Dundee 1st 135-18 University of Stirling 2nd
University of Aberdeen 1st 115-135 University of Dundee 1st University of Dundee 1st 135-68 University of St Andrews 2nd University of Stirling 1st 63-135 University of Dundee 1st University of Dundee 1st 135-58 University of Strathclyde 1st
Fencing (Women)
University of St Andrews 2nd 93-115 University of Dundee 1st
Football (Men)
University of Dundee 1st 2-1 University of Glasgow 1st
University of Dundee 3rd 4-3 University of Aberdeen 3rd University of St Andrews 2nd 0-1 University of Dundee 3rd University of Dundee 2nd 3-2 University of Aberdeen 3rd University of Dundee 3rd 1-3 University of Dundee 2nd
Gaelic Football University of Dundee 1st 38-6 Robert Gordon University 1st (Men) Herriot-Watt University 1st 10-19 University of Dundee 1st Hockey (Men)
University of Glasgow 1st 4-5 University of Dundee 1st
University of Aberdeen 1st 1-2 University of Dundee 1st University of Dundee 1st 6-1 Herriot-Watt University 1st
Hockey (Women)
University of Dundee 1st 5-0 University of Edinburgh 2nd
University of Stirling 3rd 0-0 University of Dundee 4th (Dundee win on penalty flicks) University of Dundee 2nd 13-0 University of Stirling 2nd University of Glasgow 1st 1-6 University of Dundee 1st University of Liverpool 1st 3-6 University of Dundee 1st University of Dundee 3rd 11-0 Herriot-Watt University 2nd 38
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Science Sports
Netball (Women)
University of Abertay Dundee 2nd 20-24 University of Dundee 4th
University of Stirling 4th 26-48 University of Dundee 4th University of Dundee 3rd 43-39 Herriot-Watt University 2nd University of Dundee 2nd 46-44 University of Edinburgh 3rd
Rugby Union (Men)
University of Dundee 2nd 18-0 University of St Andrews 2nd
Rugby Union (Women)
University of Stirling 1st 32-5 University of Dundee 1st
Squash (Men)
University of Stirling 2nd w/o University of Dundee 2nd
(w/o awarded to Dundee)
Tennis (Men)
University of Dundee 1st 6-6 University if Stirling 4th
(Dundee win tie break 3-0) University of Dundee 1st 8-4 University of St Andrews 4th
Ultimate (Men)
University of Dundee 1st 15-4 University of Stirling 1st
Volleyball (Men)
University of Dundee 1st 3-1 University of Glasgow 1st
University of Dundee 1st 3-1 University of St Andrews 1st
Volleyball (Women)
University of Dundee 1st 3-0 University of Glasgow 2nd
Water Polo (Women)
University of Edinburgh 2nd 11-13 University of Dundee 1st
University of Dundee 1st 3-0 University of St Andrews 2nd
University of Dundee 1st 11-3 University of Aberdeen 1st
39
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Sport: Club Feature: Fencing
Club Feature: Dundee University Fencing Club Alasdair Hooper
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Sport: Club Feature: Fencing
where we have practice bouts against
to this the numerous birthday parties
involves a sport that
each other. Thursday’s are used to
and further get-togethers we organize,
has been a part of my
specifically practice and improve
the club shows itself to be one of
life for the past 11 years.
certain techniques, with the help of
the most welcoming and social clubs
Considering how much I have been
our coach Richard. Plenty in the club
around. In a similar fashion to other
involved with fencing I would like to
have joined as complete beginners and
sports clubs everyone within becomes
think I know a fair bit about it. So let’s
have gone on to enjoy great success in
part of your friend circle. The club
begin by knocking a few stereotypes
the sport.
also has an accomplished competitive
he club featured this time around
T
record. Over the years we’ve had
out of the park: fencing is nothing like Game of Thrones, we are not all Game
Fencing is made up of three
numerous medalists at regional
of Thrones wannabe’s and we do not
weapons and, therefore, three
competitions and SSS events and
copy moves from Star Wars. Fencing
separate disciplines.
we’ve also had Commonwealth games representatives. We’ve had team
is made up of three weapons and, therefore, three separate disciplines:
Alternatively plenty use the club
successes, with BUCS trophy final and
foil, sabre and épée. Each has a
purely as a social tool, which is
semi final runs in the past, and our
different style, rules and target area
certainly not a problem considering
men’s team currently sit top of their
attributed to them. Most fencers
how often we seem to get drunk (like
respective BUCS league unbeaten
specialize in one weapon but plenty
true athletes). After training we go to
(fingers crossed that is still the case
can dabble in the others or be equally
our sponsor pub, Medina, for a couple
by the time this issue comes out). In
adept across two or all disciplines.
of drinks and free food, and we have
a nutshell Dundee University Fencing
Having first picked up a sword at
numerous events throughout the year.
Club caters for all. Whether you want a
the age of 12, down south in Essex,
The freshers’ welcome party is one
laugh, want to take up something new,
I have found myself quite lucky that
particularly popular night as well as
or want an environment where you can
the university I came to happens to
our Christmas dinner event. By the
continue to have competitive success,
have one of the best clubs in Scotland.
time this will be read, us seniors will
the club provides it all. Just remember
Dundee University’s fencing club
have all suffered greatly (or treated
not to copy the moves Pierce Brosnan
trains twice a week. Monday sessions
aptly depending on your perspective)
displayed in Die Another Day.
are broadly used for electric fencing,
at the freshers’ revenge night. Add
Seriously…
MON
SUN
19:45
19:30
Until
Until
21.30
TUES WEDS
21.30
FRI
SAT
Training times 35 51.indd 43
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RADIO TV PRINT ONLINE V I S I T W W W. D U S A M E D I A . C O M F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N H O W T O G E T I N V O LV E D
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