Issue 9 - February 2009

THEMAGDALEN

DUNDEE UNIVERSITY STUDENT MAGAZINE

es r a c Who

ISSUE 9 February Edition

About

? y h t a p A FEATURES Generation Sober Flatfinders ArtScene

DUNDEE GIGS Sky Larkin The XCerts

NEW!

Sports pages Current Affairs section Problem page

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 09

current affairs Our newly designed pages are set to give you the lowdown of all the big issues that have been getting you talking. Check out the Israeli/Palestine debate from pages 4 -6.

Tom Potton investigates the issue of child soldiers on page 3

EDITORIAL

You’re probably looking at that mug and thinking “Lauren Bennie’s let herself go!” It’s actually my mug. I’m Natalie Coupar and I’m the new editor at the Magdalen. It’s been a mad month here with a lot of changes taking place. We have a new editorial team and some great new sections. Barry Davidson has done a terrific job at getting the sport section up and running while Rachel Irwin has pretty much set up camp in the office trying to get her Current Affairs section sorted.

The front cover is the first time we’ve ever done “a shoot” specifically for that use and I’d like to say a massive thanks to my flatmates for letting me drag them out of the house and onto the Magdalen. They are a rather handsome bunch! Kate Goodman, our new Art Director, has been an angel in organising everything from fashion shoots to sourcing clothes.

Campus has been a bit mad of late with the E.G.M taking place and protests for and against the Israeli attacks on Gaza happening all over campus. It got us here at the Magdalen thinking about student apathy and how much we actually got involved with issues that affect us all.

So who cares about student apathy?

Hopefully you do. With the elections coming up (which we are doing an issue on next month), your union needs you to get out and vote. The Exec and the SRC are a powerful lot, so it’s up to you the student to make sure that they fight your corner.

Being the first magazine I’ve ever edited, I’d love to know what you think. My details are below and I hope to see my inbox filled to the brim with your comments when this comes out. My office hours are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12-3 and I operate an open door policy. You’ll find us in Microcentre Rm 1.01 (I know!) armed with biscuits and coffee for your arrival. Finally, I want to say a massive thanks to the legend that is Lauren Bennie. There wouldn’t even have been a Magdalen if it weren’t for her commitment. All the best for the future Lauren - you’ll always be my editor!

Natalie Coupar Editor n.coupar@dundee.ac.uk themagdalen@dusa.co.uk 01382 381064

features

Generation Sober: Do we really drink that much? pg.15 Chazzing: Charity shopping pg.12 ArtScene: Life is Over Exhibition pg.2223 Flatfinders: New service: pg8

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essentials Melanotanicous: The dangers Melanotan pose pg10 The Magdalen meets...Craig Levein pg29 NEW! Sports pages: pg 28 Society Spotlight: DUPK pg30 Fashion: Campus Chic: are you in it?pg.26

reviews

Gigs: XCerts, Sky Larkin pg19 Reviews: Lily Allens new album, Vinyl of the month, Boylans Blog pg 18

29 Contributors

EDITOR Natalie Coupar

Assistant Editor: Michelle Stirling Current Affairs: Rachel Irwin (Ed) Tom Pottom, Jennifer Patterson, Philip Engelholm, Solidarity Society, Max French, Alasdair Forrest Entertainment: Eoin Boylan (Ed), Rosanne Baird, Stephen Budas, H. Evans, Louise Ward.

Lifestyle:Alasdair Forrest (Ed), Tahmina Nizam, Gavin McNee, Fashion: Andi Michie (Ed), Michelle Stirling, Laura Derbyshire, Susie Mackie Features: Michael Gibson (Ed), Joanna McIntyre, Fabienne Wilson, Barry Davidson, Jennifer Patterson, Evelyn Clottey, Lauren Bennie, Rimple Palana, Janine Ewen, Louise Forrest Sport:Barry Davidson (Ed) Art: Kate Goodman (Art Director), Susie Mackie, Natalie Coupar, Michelle Stirling, Evelyn Clottey Cartoonists: Ruth Hunter and Daniel Waterfield Graphic Design: Lauren Bennie, Natalie Coupar

PUBLISHED BY VPC Martin Gribbon D.U.S.A Airlie Place Dundee DD1 4HP vpc@dusa.co.uk

PRINTED BY David Winters & Sons 16 Dunsinane Ave Dunsinane Ind. Est. Dundee DD2 3QT sales@winterspioneers.co.uk

Recycle your copy of The Magdalen 1

current affairs: national:

> Student Debt

Max French

With the national average debt projected for 2009 University entrants tipping £20000, student debt has become a serious deterrent to further study. The introduction of top-up fees in England and the rising cost of living have made significant debt an inevitability for many. Even with parental support and parttime work, it may not be possible to graduate entirely debt-free.

Education, however, has always been an investment. The real problem is not the amount of debt, but the form it comes in.

“Student debt has become a serious deterrent to further study.”

Little is done to educate students about finance and many are unable to differentiate between cheap and expensive forms of debt.

Most students will borrow from the government’s Student Loans Company. Student Loans were first introduced to top up grants if needs be, but are now the primary means of borrowing for students all over the country. These loans are sustainable long-term debt, and being subsidised by the government can carry an interest rate that doesn’t exceed the rate of inflation. They’re also dependent on the average annual base rate of the top eleven banks in the UK, which with vicissitudes in the economy has plummeted, and on the 6th of February, the rate for all student loans dropped to a record low of 2% (for post 1998 loans).

This is the cheapest debt you’ll ever get in your life, and you’ll only pay back 9% of any earnings over £15000. Another good way of borrowing is with an overdraft. Banks value students because they are future high-earners and therefore good customers. Most offer student accounts, which can feature lengthy 0% interest overdrafts.

Two of the best are The Royal Bank of Scotland with up to £2750 per year, and HBOS with up to £3000 per year. When choosing a bank account as a student, it’s important to go for the best 0% interest overdraft, and not be tempted by the tat and freebies offered if you sign up. Also remember after you graduate to switch to a more profitable graduate account. When choosing a bank account as a student, it’s important to go for the best 0% interest overdraft, and not be tempted by the tat and freebies offered if you sign up.

Credit card debt is becoming more and more of a problem among students, and is an extremely expensive and dangerous form of debt. Interest rates are usually extremely high and there can be severe penalties if what you owe isn’t paid back on time. Misuse of credit cards will also sully your credit score making it harder to borrow in the future (student loans and overdrafts have no effect on credit score). Interest can build surprisingly quickly if it’s not paid back, and can become a genuine problem. Banks sometimes give credit cards out as freebies with student accounts; RBS for example offers a useless Mastercard with its student account which has 19% APR and a £500 limit. Credit cards are not designed for those already in debt and should be considered for very short-term borrowing only.

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local: > Big Issue

Jennifer Patterson

A well loved member of the community of Big issue sellers stationed around Dundee was found dead in his flat on the 23rd of January by his father. Police are unsure of the exact circumstance of his murder, but he is thought to have been stabbed to death on the weekend of the 17th and 18th of January. One detail that is certain, however, is that the murder was ‘particularly violent’.

Mr. McDade had worked outside Marks and Spencers in the city centre 7 years, and was very well liked by the shoppers, and would often help people carry their heavy bags to the taxi rank. He was often given gifts by those he helped, including many household appliances, and police are currently trying to contact any of the gift-bearers in order to conduct an inventory of items in Mr. McDade’s flat at the time of is death.

After an appeal to the public for any information regarding Mr. McDade’s murder, police arrested Paul Clark, 33, on the 6th of February, and later charged him with stabbing Mr. McDade. Mr. Clark made no plea, and was remanded in custody while the investigation continued. To make events even more tragic, Mr. McDade was thought to be finally winning long-standing battle with drugs, and was back in touch with his family, including his 15 year old daughter, who he had not spoken to for 13 years.

Mr. McDade will be sadly missed by his family, and by the general public of Dundee, who have covered Mr. McDade’s Marks and Spencers pitch with flowers and tributes.

A second Big Issue death occurred in January. Lisa Mitchell, 25, an regular church goer, died on the 20th of January in Ninewells hospital after contracting pneumonia. She continued to work at her regular pitch at the train station even while ill, so she wouldn’t lose her place.

Miss Mitchell is survived by her parents and 5 siblings.

In light of this double tragedy, it would seem that Dundee should put more of its efforts into taking care of those in need, and looking after its own.

inthebackground: outofsight:

> Child Soldiers Tom Pottom

‘Compelled to become instruments of war, to kill and be killed, child soldiers are forced to give violent expression to the hatreds of adults’ Humanity has suffered many evils. Droughts, famines, disease, floods, war. But recently it has suffered from a different, far crueller evil - a man-made one. It is a problem that affects nearly every continent on earth, but most of all in Africa and Asia, a pandemic that sweeps through the land and takes its children. This plague takes children, tears away their youth and innocence and turns them into killers.

Although exact numbers are impossible to gauge, it is thought that hundreds of thousands of child soldiers are being used all over the world at this time. In Southern Asia, India, the Middle East, South America - even Britain when they sent five 17-year-olds to Iraq, but the largest concentration is in central Africa where there are numerous civil wars between fought between paramilitary groups and government forces. Both groups enlist children who, against their will, are forced to be soldiers. The rise in child soldiers is primarily due to the accessibility of automatic weapons - they are cheap, easy to maintain and even a child can use one. Shamefully often, they are made to.

In countries of poverty, rebellion and civil strife children as young as 8 are being abducted from their homes, abused, tortured and forced to kill for causes they have been brainwashed, or beaten, into believing. Often they are made to kill their families so that if they escape they can never go home.

Mum’s the word…

However, worst of all is that some children voluntarily join up; they are starving, ill and The birth of octuplets to a single mum disillusioned with their government whom are in California who already had 6 children usually confined to the capital for fear of rebel forces, and lived with her mum sparked joining the army seems to them as being a promise controversy over the ethics behind IVF of food and protection. Many of the children are too treatment after it emerged that she young to fully understand the horrors of war and are had eight of her own previously frozen excited by the prospect of guns and action. embryos implanted. In a statement she Of the children that are abducted, the males do the soldiering, portering and laying revealed that her reasoning was that explosives, whilst the girls do menial work and are often sexually abused and used as slaves she wanted a "huge family" to make up by their captors. In the training camps discipline is severe, trying to escape, failing to report for a lonely childhood. on other children if they break a rule, failing a task or disobeying an order there is always an extreme punishment, usually a beating, torture and more often, death. The other children Is the future in the stars? are made to perform the executions on their condemned friends.

This is an account from an ex-child soldier in the Sudan; According to the Myan Calendar, 2012 “When my brothers and I were captured, the LRA told us that all five brothers couldn’t serve will mark a major solar event not seen in the LRA because we would not perform well. So they tied up my two younger brothers in 25,800 years, marking the ending of and made us to watch. Then they beat them with sticks until two of them died. They told us Time as we know it. Is this Armageddon it would give us strength to fight. My youngest brother was nine years old.” or the beginning of a new political or spiritual era?

leftfield:

“I would like you to give a message. Please do your best to tell the world what is happening to us, the children. So that other children don’t have to pass through this violence.”

DARE AWARE is a new student-run organisation whose aim is to raise awareness of humanitarian issues on campus. Currently DARE AWARE is working closely with the Invisible Children charity. The IC is a charity that raises money to protect the many thousands of children that are at risk from abduction and being forced into the army. The IC also run rehabilitation programmes for former child soldiers. For more information about IC visit invisiblechildren.com. For more information about DARE AWARE and child soldiers visit www.dareaware.blogspot.com.

Does facebook own your photos?

Allegations that facebook violates privacy law were again sparked as amended terms of service for the site deleted a provision that said users could remove their content at any time. This is the latest development in continued public concern over the risk of identity theft encouraged by social networking sites.

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infocus: >Israel/Palestine

Rachel Irwin

Recent escalations of violence in the Gaza Strip have again swept Israel into the spotlight of the international media. Despite the fact that Israel is repeatedly violating international law (by expanding to illegally occupy various territories both within and outside of what we currently term ‘Palestine’) and carrying out extensive human rights abuses, Western countries not only turn a blind eye but support Israel with weapons alongside political and economic aid. Not only were all US loans to Israel forgiven by Congress but America continues to allocate no less than a third of its foreign aid budget to Israel. The reasons behind this are a confusing mix of both religion and politics as the roots of the conflict date back not only to the recent persecution of the Jews in WWII, or the breakdown of the Ottoman Empire at the end of WWI but right back to some of the oldest historical documents we have access to. The Zionist lobby in the West believe that the Jewish people have a right to Israel as their homeland, but the strategic political position of Israel in the Middle East cannot be denied. It has repeatedly been used

by America as a base from which to advance Western political and economic ideologies and to wage war against Soviet and Arab nations.

Western intervention in this conflict through colonisation and its subsequent handling by the UN is what has brought it into our political domain. What we are beginning to see is the political tide in the West turning as people are beginning to question what can be justified in the name of the right of a people to their Given that this is a highly controversial topic, if you feel your view has been either mis-represented or under-represented send your comments to themagdalen@dusa.co.uk and they may be published in the next edition.

>Students say:

“Right to education is in the UNHCR human rights convention” “There are other deprived countries in the world so why isn’t the university offering young people from these countries the chance to have a higher education?”

“Let’s not single Israel out though. We should do much more to stand up to the State we live in now and their imperialist, capitalist actions.”

“I am concerned that by boycotting the Israeli goods we are affecting he lives of citizens in terms of jobs and livelihood instead of impacting the government and the economy overall. “ “The Apartheid battle was going on for a long time similar to Israel / Palestine. It wasn’t stopped until something was done about it by the other nations. That’s why we should withdraw support for Israel and perhaps use economic sanctions.”

“In helping people, with humanitarian problems it should not have a political slant or it takes away the integrity of honest help of mankind.”

77% think that the Uni should fund 2 scholarships for Palestinian students.

70% of Dundee Uni students think that the Uni should adopt an Ethical Investment Policy.

Approx half of students support a boycott of Israeli goods.

“I feel that students need to be made more aware of the situation in Gaza… most people I talk to know nothing about it.”

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Statistics were taken from a sample of 104 students at the University of Dundee. The sample was comprised of 4 groups: society representatives, the Magdalen committee, students at the EGM and students using the Student Union.

comment: opinion pieces: > Pro - Israel

Alasdair Forrest

It’s not easy to live in Sderot. This town, a little more populous than St Andrews, stands on the Israeli border with Gaza. Since the beginning of the Second Intifada almost a decade ago, its inhabitants have had to get used to rocket and mortar attack. One in three residents of the town, and more than 90% of its children, suffer post-traumatic stress disorder due to this long-standing onslaught. Unsurprisingly, the population is shrinking fast. Those who can afford to leave their homes without having to sell them – no one will buy – are doing so.

Sderotim are used to sleeping in bunkers, but the rockets they know so well can now travel twice as far. One in eight Israelis are now in the 20-mile target radius. Fortunately, Yad Vashem – more than an hour’s drive from Sderot – is not. There stands Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust, shaped like half a Star of David: a horrific reminder that little over half a century ago the number of Jews on Earth was halved. The Jewish people demanded – to secure their own survival – a state in the land of their nation’s birth, and their right to defend it from those who wished it destroyed. No nation deserves less.

In recognition of this the UN proposed that the Jewish people be allowed to return to Israel, later recognising Israel as an independent state within Palestine. Israel’s response to the terrorist attacks of Hamas (recognised by the UN as a terrorist body) is justified in the context of the defense of their state. No people would accept these regular rocket strikes. If rockets were landing in Glasgow the

> Neutral

people of Scotland would demand they stop. That is all that Israelis have demanded of their government: that the rockets stop now.

That request – to be able to live in tolerable conditions – is a simple request, but not simple to answer. This is where the murkiness of Israel’s task comes in. It must stop not only those who aim and fire these rockets, but also those who arm, fund and energise them.

This task becomes increasingly difficult as the Palestinians have the support of many of the surrounding Arab Nations. Within Palestine, Israel is attempting to target Hamas but unfortunately the militants are less discriminate. While the Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar thinks killing Jewish children anywhere is legitimate, the Israeli Defence Forces work to protect civilians.

Occasionally, this does go wrong. We all know of the UNRWA school hit after troopers missed their target by 30 metres – a sickening tragedy. We know that too many died, and certainly no one can defend all of the brutality on the ground of a warzone. But this was a warzone, and that was the decision of Palestinian militants who see Israel as part of the Dar al-Harb, the House of War, and want it wiped off the Earth. Israel made many mistakes in this war, but the civilian toll could greatly have been reduced had militants not shielded themselves behind ordinary Palestinians, in their homes and public buildings.

Israelis from North to South live under a threat we would not accept.

We cannot condemn them for acting.

Philip Engelholm

The debate in the public sphere concerning the conflict in Israel/ Palestine has become skewed. It has - quite understandably become over emotional, which is neither helpful nor beneficial to anyone. Let me reiterate: a debate informed by emotional arguments is neither beneficial to the Palestinians nor the Israelis.

Why has the debate has gained such an emotional dimension? The killing of your loved ones or a constant overhanging threat to your home obviously makes an issue emotional. Yet if we do not attempt to detach ourselves from the emotional arguments we will never be able to talk about these problems, let alone come to a peaceful settlement. There are misassumptions and wrongdoings on both sides, and I am going to sketch what I consider to be the greatest of either.

In my mind, the foundation of any future peace in the region will necessarily have to be the Oslo Peace Accords of 1993; these state that Israel will accept the establishment of a Palestinian selfgovernment and the future creation of an independent Palestine, while the Palestinians will acknowledge the existence of the state of Israel. If these fundamental tenets are not accepted then there can be no peace for either side. Yet both sides violate the ideas of the Accords.

In 2006 Hamas was elected to power in Gaza, and they remain in complete opposition to the Oslo Accords; particularly, they deny the state of Israel its right to exist. It is the rejection of the Oslo

Accords that has led to the widespread denunciation of the Hamas rule, including from the Palestinians on the West Bank. Additionally, Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israeli towns.

On the other side, the Israeli government has chosen to misunderstand what the core issue was for the Palestinians, when Arafat signed the Oslo Accords. The Palestinians only accepted the Accords, because they rightfully expected a significant increase in their standard of living. They were hoping that their children would not have to grow up in abject poverty, but would be able to educate themselves and build better lives. The economic development of the Palestinian areas is completely dependent on Israel’s good graces, and Israel has done nothing to further it. Through the generally aggressive conduct of the Israeli Defence Force, not to mention the recent disregard of civilian loss in Gaza, Israel has effectively quelled any hope of a better future for the Palestinians. By doing this they have shot themselves in the foot, driven more youngsters into the arms of extremists, and consolidated Hamas’ position as the undisputed leaders of the Palestinians in Gaza.

Two things must happen simultaneously for the situation to improve: the Palestinians must denounce the acts of Hamas and acknowledge Israel’s existence; and Israel must realize that Palestinian economic development is not contrary to Israeli national security, rather it is a necessary prerequisite for any future peace to take hold.

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comment: > Pro-Palestinian

Solidarity Society

The recent bombings of Gaza are one of the many ‘man made disasters’ that the nations of the Middle East have endured over the last seventy years, but even by that standard it was bloody. On the first day alone 225 people were reported killed and the death toll now sits at over 1300. Israeli propaganda that this state terror was necessary to stop missile attacks on the South of Israel was rejected by many across the world including within Israel itself. Hundreds of thousands marched across the world including in Israel, where there was a joint Jewish and Arab march in Jaffa with thousands attending.

Israel has perused a policy of collective punishment on Gaza ever since Hamas were elected to power in the Gaza strip. Israel would prefer to work with the more pliant Fatah and crush any Palestinian resistance. So immediately after the elections the Israeli military shelled Gaza. The barbaric sanctions against Gaza started, aimed at starving out the Palestinians, which has led to the slaughter of the bombing campaign. In the long run these moves will neither make Israeli citizens safer nor harm Hamas popularity. Hamas were elected because they were seen as less corrupt and more willing to fight for the Palestinians than Fatah. Israel’s continued crimes against the Palestinians such as the land grab using the security wall and the continued occupation of the West Bank will only reinforce this. As socialists we do not agree with the policies or tactics used

by Hamas but this does not mean we are not completely opposed to Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians, nor do we ever drop our support of the Palestinians right to armed self defence.

Unfortunately Hamas do not have a strategy for Palestinian liberation. The suicide bombs and rocket attacks do not dent the Israeli state and instead push many ordinary Israeli’s towards the

government. The Israeli working class are potentially powerful allies of the Palestinians, and are strengthened by the growing discontent in Israel over the economic downturn and the sharpening of class divisions. More and more people are questioning the state. Within Palestinian controlled areas popular democratic struggle is needed to mobilise a mass of people, rather than secretive paramilitary groups.

The siege of Gaza could not happen without both Western economic support and the help of the Mubarak regime in Egypt.

Egypt is a country without democratic rights where protesters risk being arrested, beaten or tortured. Despite this the regime has suffered major strikes and protests over the last few years on issues including democratic and Trade Union rights, and against the seige in Gaza. The opposition party in Egypt is divided over how to react to the regime and the workers opposition but what is clear is that there is still a cauldron of discontent bubbling away on the ground which will not wait for orders from current opposition leaders.

As socialists we fully support these movements in the struggles for a truly democratic Egypt. If successful then it could set off a wave of similar movements across the Middle East replacing capitalist dictators and imperialism with governments made up of workers and the poor. Such socialists governments, including in Israel and Palestine, would be able to use the huge wealth of the region to end poverty and could stop the cycle of violence once and for all - offering a real permanent peace and liberation to Israeli’s and Palestinians’ alike.

> History of the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict 1917 1923 1947 1948 1948

1949 1967 1982 1987 1988 2000 2005 2006 2008/9

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Balfour Declaration. Britain offered to establish a Jewish state in Palestine in exchange for the Jewish financial support to the British in their war against Ottomans and Germans.

Post WW1 dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. Borders defined by Britain and France on the request of the League of Nations.

UN Partition Plan for Palestine (Israel, Palestine and an international zone).

1948 Jews accepted plan while Palestinians with the support of the surrounding Arab Nations didn’t (reason: Palestinians didn’t want to give up their land to the influx of Jewish immigrants. Jews saw it as the first step in their plan of claiming all of Palestine.)

1948 Israel declared its independence on May 14th. The following day the US through Trueman recognised its independence while in the middle east the 1st Arab-Israeli war broke out. Israel expanded to take control of 77% of Palestine and the larger part of Jerusalem. Half of the Palestinian pop fled.

1949 Israel recognised as an independent state by the UN 1967 Occupied remaining territory of Palestine, until then under Egyptian and Jordanian control. Israel captured the West Bank & Gaza Strip. _ million fled. UN Security Council called on Israel to withdraw from these territories.

1982 Israel invaded Lebanon.

1987 Mass uprising against the Israeli Occupation in Palestinian Territory.

1988 Palestine formally recognised by the UN 2000 Re-occupation. Wall built around the West Bank (ruled illegal by the International Court of Justice 2004).

2005 Israel withdrew under Ariel Sharon’s plan for disengagement which was supported by the US. 2006 Second Lebanon War followed by a ceasefire brokered by the UN Security Council 2008/9 Ceasefire collapsed following Hamas rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. Israeli bombing of Palestine leaving 1300 dead.

oh...whats occurring: Well, for those who apparently “Fight Apathy”, you’ll care to know that the latest meeting of your Student Representative Council has recently been described as the most relevant SRC to date. Let’s find out why.

To kick off, on receipt of an SRC invitation, Mr Chris Sloan, the General Manager of DUSA presented his opinions on the roles and responsibilities required of his post. After fielding further questioning from several Council Members on the current state of Student Services and other issues including Licensing Laws, venue pricing and improved cooperation with the Marketing Dept to ensure poster-board slots for Societies, (take a breath here it’s a long sentence), Mr Sloan insisted that members contact him via email casloan@dusa.co.uk should any more questions arise. With his departure in sight, SRC moved on to address a late addition to the agenda from representatives of Dundee University’s Stop the War Society(STW). From the outset, Council Members were aware of the important significance of the presence of the STW representative, Alexis Wearmouth. From memory, there has been no other occasion when there has been more than one person present in the

>Lauren Bennie SRC Gallery (rumour has it that seats are open to all who fight student apathy). On the 27 January, there were no less than 8 students in the Gallery. STW had come to discuss the humanitarian issue in Gaza and organise a General Meeting at DUSA (since held on 5 February 2009 with both motions passed).

With the more pertinent agenda items over, SRC moved on to pass Minutes from 9 December 2008, discussed concerns over conduct of property agent Grant Management and informed representatives of upcoming Enhancement Led Institutional Review.

So what’s next? SRC convene on the 24 February and again on 17 March 2009. All apathy fighters welcome. Additionally, if running for Student Executive positions, SRC hope to see you in the Gallery. After all, you care about student opinion…right?

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Feature: Theres no place like Flatfinders...

>Barry Davidson

“Landlords realise the student body is big business..”

Whether flat-finding virgin or experienced flitter, it’s approaching that time of year again in which species ‘studenti’ begin the arduous search for accommodation in which to spend their next year at university.

The task of deciding where to live, especially for those having endured the relative comfort of halls, can prove stressful.

These stresses tend to be caused by the potentially nightmare scenario of the untrustworthy landlord taking advantage of inexperienced students.

So where can you go for advice on finding that little piece of student heaven (lad-pad or chick-castle), and avoiding student hell (prison-cell styling and an absentee landlord)?

To make this transition easier and to assist students in finding that kickass crib, a flat finder system is to be made available by Dundee University Students Association.

The service will endeavour to provide details of the rights of tenants, and assist students suffering a raw deal. It will also provide an opportunity for students to list their own adverts, and network with each other regarding accommodation.

Flat finder is not designed as a naming and shaming service but can help prevent students making the wrong decisions regarding accommodation.

Andrew Smith, DUSA Vice President of Student Activities explains that “Flatfinder will be an invaluable source

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of information for all students and will provide all the legal mumbo jumbo and tips that they need”.

“The intention of the project is not to attack individual landlords but to provide a student alternative. Since the flat adverts were removed from Hermes we have not been able to provide that alternative but barely a day passes without DUSA staff fielding one enquiry or another from house hunting students”.

The need for such a system to be put in place was illustrated by some of the horrendous experiences of students in previous years.

Third year student Chris Norval was last year a tenant at a privately run accommodation off campus and described the ‘misery’ he was forced to endure throughout the year, culminating in the failure to regain his full £250 deposit.

“For me the whole experience was one of general misery, the sheer ruthlessness of

some of the charges imposed made it like treading on egg shells; they were being far from fair” Chris continued: “It makes you truly appreciate a good honest landlord and I see the benefits in flatfinder if it can supply the information which may prevent fellow students from making the same mistake I did”.

Unfortunately, problems similar to those encountered by Chris are not rare.

There is a growing concern for students who are lured into signing costly leases, with potentially hidden charges, by landlords who appear to have mastered the art of selling their properties to prospective tenants who may not have the experience to spot a rip-off.

By knowing the correct questions to ask potential landlords you CAN reduce the chances of appearing on Homes from Hell!

In the absence of a network such as Comparethelandlord.com, the service will aim to highlight the potential pitfalls of private letting - including unfair policies surrounding deposit return reflected by Chris’s experience.

Landlords realise the student body is big business and we do not deserve to be taken for a ride after paying good money in good faith!

We hope the day will arrive soon when landlords across the city begin to give students the deal they deserve, and in doing so, make the academic year a little more hassle free by providing that perfect pad.

Feature: How

to survive a

Break-up

by Jennifer Patterson

Break-ups, whether you’re the dumper or the dumpee, are never fun. Sadly, they are almost an inevitable part of life. So while only time can really make things better, here are a few tips on how to get through that tough period of heartbreak with as much dignity as possible.

Grab your Friends- Boyfriends, Girlfriends, they come and go, but your friends are the ones who helped your choose what to wear on your first date, helped you compose texts that make you seem witty and smooth, and they’re the ones who will share a bottle of wine, paint your nails, and listen to you rail about what a bastard he/ she is.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind- There’s no use weeping over that photo where you look thin and his eyes look really blue while listening to ‘your’ song, that’s just going to make you feel worse. Put all the reminders of your relationship away until you’re a little less raw.

No Bunny Boiling- “I saw you in Debenhams yesterday…I like the t-shirt you got… Did you have a good time on Thursday?... Who was in your room last night?... I’ve made a collage of our time together… I’M OUTSIDE YOUR FLAT” Never a good way to win back an ex, or keep your dignity.

No Drunk Dialing/Texting- “Heeeeey, how are yoooouu? I mish yooou, why don’t you still love meee? You’re a WANKER! I’m sorreee, where’re my shoooes? No, I’m fine… I LOVE YOOOOUU!!” Seems a good idea at the time, not so much the next day.

No Ex-sex- you’re relationships ended, sleeping with them again, even if it’s just ‘one last time’ will just make you feel cheap and stupid in the morning.

Look Good, Feel Good- put on That Dress, the one that always makes you feel like you could be in Hollyoaks, and watch for the looks of admiration you get as you strut away.

In rare cases, Revenge is sweet- I’m not talking about kissing another guy/girl in front of your ex to make them jealous, or refusing to give back their stuff, I’m taking about when your ex has been a bona-fide idiot and they’re just getting what they deserve. For example: A friend was with this guy for about 3 years, and he treated her awfully. So, when the final break up came and his attitude persisted, my friend rallied the forces and reclaimed his beloved basketball stand that she had bought for him at great expense and gave it to her cousin. Afterwards she went and celebrated with a messy night out. A bloodless coup, and bloody good fun.

Mandy dumped Iain after he produced two matching outfits at Christmas.

9

BasicsBoard s?

M e la n ot a n iciou

Alasdair Forrest

for another studies. are worried rs o es, ct o d , re ating syring teel Furthermo good at oper , and no gen ry th ve e ea n d ar ta as o ey e in Melan reason: th to be as pal ’t, and with e. Tanned sk as fashionable people aren days are gon st se o se it comes o m au t Th u It used to be lly . ec b n b ra u is su er ng. This come nat en in the at t ro se w n’ w e es o ile b o g er d ld n st u it o ca in r girl w things still go fo dissolved se to whom e o e m b th f st So o , u y is e. m g th an h n hic top of get ora reigns, and m a powder w n-seekers ght way. On new ways to ri su r e st fo th t o s u st M n ju ko io o. o ct in no-n infe are on the lo and injected cer-inducing blood-borne n replace ous risks of definite can of Melanota vi n b to bad o io e e ct u d ar je r e in o er s, sunbeds – a th needle ut could an ed b , ar ys sh K’s r ra o e n th asons, the U tesmear on from unclea For these re e melanocy à St Tropez? e. th re u to eu iq r h n st y n ila ch kl ai m te ly ag your wee injection mpound si vises strong itary gland. a synthetic co regulator ad e brain’s pitu es th in e y ic b th ed e Melanotan is ed m as as le le to re g. hormones re lls in the skin ywhere in stimulating using the dru g skin its the ban ever specialised ce in d iv se g an u r s, ca fo er g le es b n o dan ailable. It’s responsi These horm Despite the elanotan is av in, which is the same o M an , d d el rl to m o t d w te en ed testimonials as crea brown pigm the develop rnet, where elanotan I w damagingly te M r .

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10

Pri d e&

It’s ge essa tting t o th ys, l a tim a e of b wor t time k, re of y stre her p e e’s t s he d s there orts, p ar aga Typ in w rese ’ll b read e in es he nta “p Plag e iaris lagiari d word tudent tions… n the w s of t s ) m m” i o , als he a nto plagiar called it seem rk is sl or c incl in to ow Ta s ne ude ademi eferred the un ism. spe ver- ly bui hmina cw iver incl a go t a ldi Ni o e k to orl n sit as u o the ding! ng up; zam how de wha d dea d. This “acade y webs i D r lo tuto u it t mic i r ab ring th bec to avoi plagia f ‘do’s s clear dish e and y a o om d it r f r i n o o u s o dd u’ll m ne t (an is m e (r the get d top sick of eferen is (claim on’ts’ w first ye sty”, is 1 69 h a ic c t a diff its. eren ’s brou he wor e corre ing so hen w r whe massi ve re ri m d c g c Citi ng w e betw ht up, within tly). St eone e ting co introd NO in u u u b a lse’s een be s a fe ork rsew den cto ut a w ry le ny par t c g i t s t dau ated, a orrectl etting over-u days a s hear deas as ork. E c xpla tures s y so m n y nd e s you n Eac ting e a frien is the our de ed as r u y a ow es b ch tio th m d h -m g whi subjec ails fr of min ost im ree, an e word ecom of it th n), and ns a e por om ch i e fo d no t ha t is it g ta s u le s Spe t can lazed they cial availab its ow cturer nd out nt fact . whe m a n i s o s l wor to ke t e fro t so with r; extr he s n k f acc her de even p imp tha agains tware m subj emely t u a r s r i m t stu c a a s e le t a den previo lled “S ct tuto pecific tions o ent. Th phrase refe f pla dw ts h rs. afe way us e ren e b o e cing A ave g s jeop of r not says a ssignm . efer iarism st way rk mus a nd i ? Lo t to a use e e Let’s rdise t Those n n c t nfo dt v ing, ”i w o h this k it up oid Wh face it: eir gra ho are he inte rmatio s used ! et info d t w cau r rma ght net or n avail o comp eve her it’s ho wa e. able tion ryo p a n a b l t f r a e s r e giar ne w i en w som isin end’s id online submi ant g ca , t s th eeks o eone e fr n fo eas/wo ensurin ted eir p ls rfei r g rop esearc e to ta d s t th ke c erty h eir m withou re to b or the t ark nig dit for e th and ht eirs w onl -befor ork th y. e-th e e-d y’ve do ead line ne? pan ic,

ST R ESSED OUT!?! h, uc If it all fe els too m er get in touch with Pe urth fo Co nn ectio ns on th e e th t ac floo r or co nt at coun se lli ng se rv ices c.u k .a ee coun se lli ng@du nd

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h c r a M s e o d M cN e e miserable!

ee Gavin McN

r pefully much bette gtime soon (and ho rin sp ns e ea th m e se ich to wh here, be glad over and March is re!). Personally, I'll ll So February is now n never really be su ca u singleton if you wi yo dy so oo d m r, lan ot tte Sc bi a is e is m th ll en Ca . th t er joy cularly en said that th e weather, bu month I ever parti ed crap. Whoever a at t re no k-c it's ar ; ry llm ua Ha br of back of Fe plete load to the random tine's Day is a com ch will see an end ar len M Va at on th e ini pe op ho y o m but in uples?! I als gels as much as th y of the year for co e making snow an da lov I ial w, ec e no sp th e g in on on es ly wr is on n't get me sh that com cking hate the slu 've been having. Do u fun, but I really fu e snow-showers we om es e icier bits make yo th aw s d ay an ur lower half, sledging is alw yo I on ? ar ing ye ar is we th e next person, and in March ever you'r . Does Easter start s messes up what , aftermath. It alway stock for all around ing the sweetie shelves gh on lau a ed ar ing pe m ap co gs be d Eg e an em ing Cr uc pp now. So m h prone to sli by when the get them all year I used to judge it h . uc ow m kn ty I y et sa pr y n stl ca ing up at the ation you can't hone od few events com eedy as any corpor gr go a as e e ar ar e er y's th ur e db lik but as Ca raiser, that is the it does look ' degree show fund ight side though, br ion e at th im d On An d n! an tio t di for tra sed up, go out an me-Based Ar excuse to get dres ost notably the 'Ti an m , ed th ed on e. ne m us is er ca th ev e od Union it's for a go arch. If you'v and what's more, nza, on the 5th M ose ing!) then this is it; Carnival Extravaga ad rsu uld you want?! Th pe co h e uc or m m usually take ncing - what da ow ue kn sq to rle d se bu d ea pl an get pissed (I don't cabaret ht out will be s acts, bands, DJs, it's ll ol uniform for a nig he ho ; sc all er old aft ur There will be circu yo th ering a bad mon inappropriately alt Doesn't seem like ga party if of you who enjoy Mono on the 4th. to ain - an excuse for a to ag ar es ce Ca on s s rn liu tu Ju re of h ze at Da de ol e that Scho niversary of th s-what-number an even the God-know ys! gu ve a good month ever I heard one. Ha

To Be A Scot...

Alasdair Forrest

s Clin ic at T he Y ou ng Pe rs on on da ys Nin ewells is open M to pm -T hu rsda y fro m 1. 30 4. 30pm.

T N O AP POINTMEN NEED ED.

When I was three, I knew nothing muc h. I certainly didn’t know about Postman Pat. Rather, I preferre d to sing about Pàdraig Post, and spat out Gaelic along with my Coco Pops. I soon that looks like a CIA blacksite. Both programmes have subtitles. moved on to Power Rangers though, and Gaelic had no appeal Unfortunately, so does Tir nan Og. Billed as an entertainment compared with jumping around like the Red Ranger. Now, I programme, it shows celebrities you’ ll never ever hear of only know 20% of the Gaelic languag e – words like television, talk about the items they would have in their personal island bus and computer – but I’ve recently started to learn it for real. paradise. It is strangely childish, and starts with grown adults Not before time. Gaelic is getting bold , which is not bad for a stepping off a fake boat to be welcome language whose speakers could all d “ashore” on the set of fit into Hampden.

'The Flintstones'. Nonetheless, the channel is a great showcase The good, the bad, and the MSPs have noticed this boldness. for Gaelic, and I'd urge you to watch it once in a while.

Lovely Linda Fabiani – then culture minister, sacked two weeks Our Gaels seem to be getting assertive later – introduced the new Gaelic plan . The Sgoil Ghàidhlig to Holyrood in January, in Ghlaschu opened in Glasgow in 2005 as the first secondary Gaelic. Native speakers in the august body replied to Fabiani’s school to teach in Gaelic. The dem and for places in this ugly, attempts with glee. Some other MSP s chuckled through brutal-looking building is so high that some shockingly staccato attempts it’s expanding, and it at the language – pity the looks like there will soon be more of such schools elsewhere. stenographers. As a result of the lang uage plan, it’s going Parents obviously think that Gaelic is Good For You, and they to become easier to use Gaelic in com munication with the want much more. government, if indeed that floats your bàta.

However, the sight of proud suburban And people want to use the languag mummies driving e. Maybe not many, but Annunziata and Munro off to the Gae lic school in the Landie those that do, really do. Last year, the all-Gaelic BBC Alba may cause more problems than it solv launched on cable, satellite, and the es. Speaking Gaelic still Internet, and it is still talked has a subversive air and obscurity abo about – not by you or me, perhaps, ut it, and it cleans up at but certainly at some of the its peril. It should be a little grungy.

Efforts to create words northernmost ceilidhs. It’s not all child ren’s programmes either. for thongs, emos and mouse-mats may be ridiculed in some It's current affairs programme, Eòrp a, is better than Panorama, newspapers, but they’re essential if it’s to be vibrant as well and the interview programme, Thu ige Seo, is excellent. It as grungy. With all this parental and governmental support interviews Gaelic-speaking celebriti es (none that I’ve heard of, making it Good For You, it may need though they’re world famous in Oba all the help it can get. n) in a menacingly-lit studio

11

Charity: just chazz.

12

>Louise Forrest

If, like me, the mere mention of the word 'recession' has you running for the hills, fear not. This is not a piece about how we're all going to have less money (because there's enough of them going around) but more a piece on how to make your money go a little further - in the fashion stakes at least. When all around us stalwarts of the British High Street are sinking into administration, what better time to be a little more creative with the little money that you have?

Vintage shopping has been fashionable for a good while now, attracting celebrities a-plenty and an arguable cache from wearing something that's got its own back story. The cheaper version of up-market vintage shopping is, of course charity shop-shopping, or 'chazzing' as recently christened

by Oxfam. Ignoring the somewhat naff sounding name, charity-shopping is not only going to benefit your wardrobe and pocket- but hell, even the environment too. Those horrified by the thought of stepping into their local charity shop may be surprised at just how much they’ve changed.

Figures on how wasteful the British public are when it comes to their disposable lifestyle are predictably easy to find- but nevertheless difficult to get your head around.

Recent research conducted on behalf of Oxfam and Marks and Spencer last year reported that three quarters of the population own something they have never worn- averaging out to 6 items per person (I thought we were all hard up, no?). This adds up to £101 per adult wardrobe- an amount I think we all agree can be better spent elsewhere, if not spent at all.

into their shops. With only 22% of young people ever setting foot in a charity shop, let alone buying anything, charities have been looking to the fashion world to encourage students and young people part with their cash. Oxfam has been working with young designers to recycle donated clothing into fashion pieces worthy of their new boutiquestyle stores in fashionable districts of London. Conscious that there's a move towards more ethical living, charities have been keen to promote charity shops as a more ethical way to shop, as they epitomise the opposite of modern 'disposable fashion' culture and encourage consumers to give away their old clothes, rather than resign them to the scrap heap.

We throw away over 7.5 billion items of clothing each year, the majority of which end up in landfill sites - which even the most vehement climate-change deniers among us can understand is a bad thing. Two thirds of people donate to charity shops but arguably less people shop there regularlyso with us all feeling the pinch isn’t it time we reconsidered our preconceptions of charity shops?

Conscious of the image of their old, dusty past, charities are now looking at new ways to entice the younger generations

For more ideas all things ethical try these sites: www.oxfam.org.uk Not only will you find out what good things are being done with your money, but the lifestyles section gives you ideas on how to live more ‘responsibly’ (without having to sacrifice the drink…) Also, check out the shop online www.stylewillsaveus.com A so-hip-it-hurts online mag dedicated to the hedonist within which never compromises your ethics…

Charities such as TRAID (Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development) have also got recognised the gap in the market for unique, ethical fashion and in 2000 developed its own fashion label TRAIDremade, which uses solely donated items to create one-off pieces. Closer to home, children’s charity Barnado’s have opened a wholly vintage outlet in the Grassmarket in Edinburgh. The first of its kind (a charity vintage shop) it stocks one-off pieces that rival even the long-standing vintage emporium Armstrongs it sits opposite.

So it’s time to rethink those preconceptions. Armed with patience (I’m not going to lie, it’s not all Chloe handbags), a little know-how (stick to wealthier areas for the best finds) and an open mind (shoulder pads not your style?) you’d be surprised at what you could find. And all while donating to a good cause. Disposable fashion? It’s so last year.

Problems: Rimple Palana & Janine Ewen Our resident Agony Aunts are hear to help you deal with and resolve all of your problems - in true confidence.

If you have a question for Rimple and Janine, please e-mail them to vpsw@dundee.ac.uk

Dear R & J; my flatmate is so messy!

I am constantly finding myself cleaning up after him.

I’m not a clean freak but I don’t like living like a slob and I’ve asked him so many times to tidy his stuff or do the dishes be he just won’t listen. How can I get him to clean?

Anon, 23, West End

Dear R & J: I’m having trouble settling in to Uni. I just don’t feel like I fit in. I don’t get on with my flatmates and I haven’t really met anyone outside of that.

Anon, 17, Seabraes

R & J: Have another talk with him. Sit him down

and explain calmly and persuasively that this is really frustrating you. If this doesn’t work get in touch with Peer Connections (peerconnections@dundee.ac.uk) for advice on how best to approach the subject. Also talk to other friends, chances are some of them will have gone through a similar issue and could give you some advice.

Whatever you do, don’t put up with it! It will just stress you further and if you’re constantly cleaning up after him he will never learn!

R & J: Do your flatmates realise you haven’t found it easy to fit in?

You don’t mention why you don’t get on with them; they might not even realise there is a problem. Also have you tried speaking to people on your course? It’s easy to start a conversation with someone if you already have a common ground. There are plenty of societies and sports clubs on campus with something to appeal everyone; there are always a good way to meet people and start socialising. Check the DUSA website (www.dusa.co.uk) for a list of societies available and the Sports Union website (www.sportsunion.dundee. ac.uk) for a list of sports clubs available.

Dear R & J: I’m worried about my flatmate. I never see her anymore. She spends all her time in her room. She never

talks to anyone and she is missing her classes all the time. She never even comes out to eat. Sometimes when I walk past her room I hear her crying. What’s wrong with her? How can I help? Anon, 21, Belmont Halls

R & J: Try approaching her and talk to her. Say you are concerned and explain why; try to find out what’s troubling her.If you

feel you can’t help her, you should advise her to speak to someone about the issue. There is both a counselling service with a morning drop in and a mental health nurse available free to all students and staff on Cross Row. Keep inviting her our of her room and find excuses to do so such as ‘I’ve cooked too much dinner, would you like to join me?’ Try to keep her involved with what you’re up to and hopefully she will start opening up to you more. Remember your own health too and don’t try and take on her worries, remember you can only assist the best you can.

If you can relate to any of these problems there is help available at Peer Connections, which you can find on Floor 4 at the Union.

Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87)

13

Feature: Zero Pounds Zero Pence

In a rage I give up, convinced that the only way I’m going to get money is to either have a child or get married. And I’m not doing either. Guess it’s time to get hunting for woodlice...

Step 4

3

Step 2 Worrying about my dire financial situation I decided to make a trek to the Finance office.

After asking just about everyone on Campus I located the office. If you are utterly skint and can’t see any chance of money coming in soon you can apply for a Discretionary Fund. That is if you are prepared to spend a lifetime searching out bits of paper you never thought you’d need.

You also have to be good with words - they ask you to plead your case - so think of things like “I’m living off woodlice and rainwater! I can’t go on like this!” I decided to opt out of that one.

Short of begging and gathering debt there must be something else I can do?

Step 1

14

Scenario: You have £40 in your bank to last you the whole month. The fridge is looking pretty bare and you can only make 1 sheet of toilet paper go so far, so what are your options?

Task: We sent Jo around campus with nothing other than these facts (and that theft did NOT count!) and a hope that she would be able to find out what the university has to offer (funding-wise) for skint students.

p Ste I nipped back to Floor 4 to have a chat with the wee woman who usually sits at the reception. She wasn’t there, infact, nobody was there at all.

Perhaps she’s been relocated.

I begin to mutter to myself about my iminent starvation and wonder if Dundee has any communes.

Joanna McIntyre

If you’re under 25 you qualify for a Young Scot National Entitlement Card - something I’d never even heard of! You get discount from a range of shops - but that still doesn’t solve the problem of being absoloutly skint.

Feature: Generation Generation Sober?

Generation Sober?

Sober?

With all the press and appalling figures coming to light over the last few years on the dangers of alcohol abuse and the rising figures of alcohol abusers, students seem to have got tangled up with the reputation of spending all their cash on drink and all their time in a state of inebriation. However, not all students fit into this generalisation; we are not all as bad as the figures make out!

University used to be known as an educational institute where only the elite academics were accepted - an environment where students worked to their highest potential. The first university in Britain was Oxford University which opened in 1167, over 800 years ago! So in the last 800 years it is inevitable that student reputation will have changed in some way. Yet from this version of students being prestigious and esteemed academics how did students earn a reputation of being wasters who spend most of their years at university drinking, most of their time hung-over on the sofa and a minimal amount of time working and doing what they are actually at university to do? How has the reputation of students fallen down this slippery slope? Could it be the seething mass of people who now attend university - and who become a tiny part in the mechanics of the university system - viewing drink and socialising as the most important thing; a change in psychology maybe? Either way, although times have certainly swayed toward a very different idea of what university is about and why we are all here I suggest that the reputation students have gained related to drink is not as current or true as people think.

Your first year of University is a time for meeting new people, and what better and easier way than going out drinking?

Alcohol is renowned for taking the edge off, increasing confidence and reducing inhibitions. On top of this alcohol changes behaviour and induces reactions which would otherwise be appropriate. But are we all the social alcoholics who are constantly hung-over, the students who don’t have a middle ground and drink so much they wake in the morning with no recollection of what happened the night before. Do students really feel excessive alcohol is necessary for a good night? I suggest not.

Fabienne Wilson

In a bid to save the student reputation I introduce the teetotallers; there are a number of students (more than you’d think) who simply do not drink. By general consensus this does not hold them back. It neither stops them from going out with people who drink, nor does it stop them from dancing their feet off and having a great night in Mono.

They wake in the morning ready for the day ahead remembering the night before as a night of good fun with friends. Their feet may well be a bit sore from those 5 inch heels, but their generally they’re in tip-top shape.

Admittedly Britain has a big drink problem, as highlighted in recent Magdalen articles and national Newspapers. However, here is evidence that not all students fit into this category!

Secondly I introduce the less excessive drinkers of which I and probably most students belong. Most of the people I know (including me) enjoy the odd night out on the town but would much rather have a chilled night in air bar or some Perth road pub where you’re not having to shout at 1000 decibels in order to be heard. It turns out that this idea of a good night is shared by plenty of students; out of all the people I’ve talked to about this topic, the majority of people have their better nights in a relaxed situation like this having a couple of drinks and socialising with friends. Unlike being in a club, the people around you are not all on a mission to get drunk – if you don’t fancy drinking there is no pressure! The fact that students like this kind of atmosphere, coming together to get to know new people and socialise with current friends is unquestionably a good thing and more importantly, far away from the drunken students we hear about in the papers! This image of students is far closer to the truth and reveals that though reputation has changed over the years, there are many students who do not fit into the generalisation and reputation students have gained for being huge drinkers. We can and do have just as much fun without the bottle!

15

LoveMusic: > Boylans Blog This winter may have been the coldest on record, but the music scene is still hotter than hell. The Magdalen have had their ears firmly pressed to the ground and we can tell you that there are some awesome things brewing in the industry’s hot little belly.

As far as local acts go, Carnoustie boys Make Sparks have been working insanely hard, playing a gig every single night in February in order to raise funds to make a trip to London for recording.

These guys are poised for the big time and any opportunity to catch them live should be seized, as their special brand of pop rock will leave even the most casual music listener tapping their toes.

Another name to watch is definitely Dundee Uni’s own Swordmaster.

Described as the UK’s most metal boy band, the techno rockers will be playing the union later this month and should not be missed. Fusing power metal with Justice style beats; this is a crossover that needs to be experienced to be believed.

In less appetising news, The View’s new album is not the saviour of rock and roll that every Dundonian scenster will tell you

>Montage Music it is. The pups haven’t gone far from the kennel, as their new effort is as decidedly average as a blank canvas in an empty room. It’s more of the same, which fans will love and anyone with taste should definitely ignore.

Remember the last good U2 song? Me neither.

Their new single Get On Your Boots starts off like a stonking, pulsing rock track and ends up ruined by the slightly past-it Bono singing about sexy boots. The lyrics are pointless and make him seem like the creepy uncle who hits on your girlfriend at weddings. New album No Line On the Horizon has a few decent tracks but nothing to re-live the glory days, which is slightly disappointing for such a legendary name.

Next month sees releases from The Prodigy (hell yes), Chris Cornell, Royksopp and (if you can believe it) Lionel Ritchie. Kelly Clarkson is back too, with new effort All I Ever Wanted tipped for great things in the teenage girl market, while American pop-punkers Bell X1 will deliver a summery slice of fun, energetic hooks in an effort to brighten up the bleak times we live in.

All in all, a great month had and an exciting one to come, so until next time, keep the music live and the stereo at full blast. Yas!

Got an opinion? Think your music taste is better than ours? Get on the blower: 01382 381064 and hurl some abuse at us if you’ve got the balls.

16

I’ve got an essay that has to be finished in about 20 minutes and I’m only half way through. Running out of steam and almost up to my knees in “panic sweat” I have an epiphany - I Need Montage Music. I’ve compiled the best Montage Music list to help all those people who just love to leave things to the last minute.

1.Push It To The Limit - Pete Bellotte Scarface. What an anthem!

2.You’re The Best - Joe Esposito Karate Kid. “Wax on Wax off” 3.She’s a Maniac - Michael Sembello Flashdance. Yes, I have danced to that song in my leggings, in my room, in front of the mirror.

4.Danger Zone - Kenny Loggin - Top Gun. Talk about power guitar anthem!

5.Hearts on Fire - John Cafferty Rocky IV THE best training montage in a long time.

Think your record collection is the Bee’s Knees? Let us know by e-mailing us your review with a picture of yourself to themagdalen@dusa.co.uk

> Albums the world should own

The Record Collection Of A Dundee Student Soviet Kitsch - Regina Spektor Few albums still sound as fresh by the hundredth play as they did on their first. Soviet Kitsch is one of these rare records.

Soviet Kitsch breaks down conventional expectations of music in every way. From Poor Little Rich Boy, where the percussion is provided by a drumstick... and a chair; abrupt jumps between soothing and scathing on Chemo Limo; even raspberry-blowing on Somedays.

Without any doubt, however, Spektor’s greatest talent lies in her ability as a lyricist. She constructs images with words in the same way as a poet would, making even the most mundane of situations unique and fantastic. The best example of this – and possibly also the best song on the album – is The Ghost of Corporate Future. What other song can you recall that has the line “When he gets to the crowded subway platform he takes off both of his shoes/He steps right into somebody’s fat loogie and everyone who sees him says “eww.”?

One critic praised the song as “an assassination of the American Dream,” but what I feel he missed was the song’s buoyant optimism – a trait that extends to the rest of the songs on the album. A lifeaffirming and simply beautiful record.

Find it if you can!

Courtesy of Sarah Gillespie

> Myspace of the month Favours For Sailors It’s quite a feat for any British band to take the template of classic American indie music of the late 80s and early 90s and truly make it their own but recently there’s been a slew of groups that have had pretty good stab at it. In comes Brighton’s Favours for Sailors.

Formed in late 2005 with the intention of “turning their summer dreams of mixing the unashamedly sweet pop sensibilities of Cheap Trick and The Cars with the wired frenzy of post hardcore into a reality” they’ve slowly honed their skills as noisy indie pop merchants and this year things look set to really come together for them.

‘I Dreamt that I Dreamt That You Loved Me In Year Dreams’ is quite simply one of the best pop songs your likely to hear all year. Crashing along with its punchy guitars, Beach Boys Harmonies and lyrics about that unattainable girl it really is pretty perfect.

Their Furious Sons e.p. is already one of the best releases of this year and anyone that likes their indie rock a bit rough and scruffy will undoubtedly fall in love with its’ wonky edges.This year the tastemakers have supposedly decided we’re all going to be listening to glossy pop music again but Favours for Sailors act as a perfect reminder that it is the ramshackle noise merchants who have the real heart.

For Fans of – Guided By Voices, The Shins, Animal Collective Stephen Budas

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Take It As Gospel: Each month The Magdalen Ents team listens, reads and watches the best in all things Entertainment.

Only to pass it on to you, of course.

SINGLES&ALBUMS: Lily Allen - It’s Not Me It’s You (Album)

A welcome return for outspoken popstress, Miss Allen is back to her old self with this emotive collection. “The Fear” has already stormed the charts with it’s bold lyrics and dreamy synth beat. Track 3 “Not Fair” has an old western kick to it which I defy you not to dance do. Only Lily Allen can conquer the “Wet Patch” situation with such a blase tone. She’s back. NC

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FILMS:

Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On it) (Single) With one of the memorable choruses since “Happy Birthday” this song is an absolute floor-filler. Beyonce does what she does best - thats getting ladies dancing by the way - in one of her best songs so far. It may be repetitive but the loops and beats are ingenious. The song will not budge from the charts - I hope it never does! NC

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Australia

Seven Pounds

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Having been described as a ‘romantic action adventure’ Australia lives up to these aspects. The story tells of a high society women flying to Australia where she has inherited a large cattle ranch. Quickly falling in love with the land, she is intent to protect it when it becomes threatened by rivals. The epic journey of travelling across Australia with the cattle, in order to sell them to the Australian army, allows the pure magnificence of Australia’s scenery to be detailed. The film is almost three hours long and manages to squeeze out every human emotion possible. Whilst the stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman are convincing and put on amazing performances, it is the country itself which really steals the show. A great watch highly recommended. RB

Slumdog Millionaire

Even Will Smith didn’t give out what the title is about in his interviews. Not being a very big fan of Will Smith, I was blown away by his outstanding performance in a roll he does not usually play. The film depicts a tax collector, Ben (Smith), who is depressed after his wife’s death. He falls in love with Emily (Rosario Dawson), a woman who is on the transplant list for a new heart. Slightly fragmented in places with the flashbacks but is easy enough to watch. The ending of the film is spectacular but you will just have to go and watch it for yourselves. RB

Winner of the 2009 Bafta award for best film (along with six other awards), this film certainly needs your attention. An amazing and heart rendering story of a Mumbai teenager who grew up in the slums. The film is set in flashbacks as Jamal (Dev Patel – Skins) answers each question on ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’. The flashbacks bring us through his life growing up and let us know how he knew the answers to each question. An interesting take on how we come to get the knowledge we have by accident. Great story, great acting. RB

Rating 18

> Vinyl of the Month Fleetwood Mac Rumours As a child, regular trips would be made along the bending roads that take you through the valleys of Perthshire to a small village called Dunning. The whole family would be crammed into my parents knackered Fiat Punto, accompanied by the dulcet tones of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. In that car, along those bending roads, I was to experience one of the best records ever made.

Rumours, by Fleetwood Mac, was released in 1977 under Warner Brothers. This timeless piece of music ingenuity would go on to sell over thirty million copies and inspire millions of music lovers worldwide. Titled Rumours due to a comment made by band member Christine McVie that the songs were all written about one another, the record shows beautiful lyrics and passionate song writing. It’s an album that you can apply to your own life, but at the same time it’s a “through-the-keyhole” moment for Fleetwood Mac. From the electric “Go Your Own Way” to the haunting “Songbird,” every song is a sheer classic. “The Chain” contains one of the most sexual basslines I’ve ever heard in my life and “Second Hand News” is a great sing a long track. In a world where albums are made by focus groups and contain “skip-tracks,” it’s so comforting to know that somewhere, in some record shop, Rumours will always be there.

Make sure you listen to - The Chain Skip tracks - None.

Natalie Coupar

DLS: > Gig Round Up

“I punched a lion threat” screams a sweaty man rolling around the floor as Leeds’ Pulled Apart by Horses bring their set of scuzzy punk rock to somewhat of a rawkus end. After spending a good chunk of the set in the crowd it’s amazing nobody’s managed to get their head smashed in by chief screamer Tom Hudson’s stray guitar at some point. Lyrically the irony dial is turned right up to ten (“Awesome, radical, awesome, totally bodacious”) but as long as you can convince yourself they are in fact taking the piss then just sit back and enjoy the madness (Or even if you can’t, stop taking yourself so seriously and enjoy it anyway) On paper it would appear totally inappropriate to have a band like Pulled Apart by Horses supporting the indie pop headliners but they act as the perfect warm up for their friends from Leeds.

It’s a testament to Sky Larkin that they still manage to draw a decent crowd tonight considering that elsewhere in Glasgow both Bloc Party and Of Montreal are playing and singer Katie Harkin seems quite touched at the fact that a lot of people have come to see her band rather than the indie behemoths elsewhere.

For a stripped back three piece they don’t exactly struggle to make a big noise. As Nestor Matthew’s jazzy drum beat in the intro to Pica gives way to Douglas Adams’ chunky bass with Katie’s fuzzy guitar riffs you can be left with little doubt that these guys are a great musical unit.

Musically there’s not a great deal of variation (ignoring Katie and Doug jumping onto a keyboard for a few songs) but it doesn’t really matter, these are simple songs delivered well. As Katie tip toes her way around the stage you get the impression that the band are enjoying the fact that some success is starting to come their way.

After a genius indie pop pairing of singles - Molten and then Beeline - is finished the band troop off only to be met with shouts for more and it is left to the keyboard led album closer Keepsakes to bring tonight’s proceedings to a fantastic close.

On Pica Katie sings”I swear I won’t put a foot wrong” and on tonight’s evidence her and her boys don’t have to worry about that.

Who are Bloc Party and Of Montreal again?

Stephen Budas

Katie Sky Larkin - photo by S.Budas

Sky Larkin/PABH @ King Tuts Gig Replay

The Xcerts/Copy Haho/Popolo at the Doghome Gig Replay Despite hailing from Aberdeen the Xcerts’ visits to Dundee seem to have been few and far between in the past, apparently their last gig here was many moons ago infront of two old drunken hecklers at Drouthies. Now, a few years on it’s not just the band’s location (they migrated to Brighton in 2006) and drummer that have changed-Dundee’s reception has certainly got a lot warmer.

The Xcerts’ shouty style of punchy pop-rock is much akin to the likes of Taking Back Sunday and Brand New but with a Scottish twang to their heart-felt vocals, quite often the trio have been compared to the likes of Biffy Clyro. It was an energy-filled set and at times we were left wondering if bass guitarist Jordan Smith’s head was going to fall off his shoulders, it was bobbing that much!

The Xcerts powered their way through a set littered with tracks including “Do You Feel Safe” and their new single “Crisis in the Slow Lane” which culminated in a mass sing along (for those of us that knew the words!).

Earlier in the night, opening support came in the form of local favourites Popolo who played a tight set showcasing some newer stuff.

Personally, the highlight of the night for me was the support provided by the awesome Copy Haho from Stonehaven.

This band are certainly destined for big things. With hints of the Strokes, especially during “You are my coalmine”, combined with a vocalist with an almost crooning quality to his voice (a bit like if Julian Casablancas spent a prolonged period of time in Aberdeenshire) Copy Haho are definitely well worth a listen.

Louise Ward

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Cartoons: Ruth Hunter & Coffee.

Daniel Waterfield Presents.

Ruth Hunter & Worms.

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ArtScene: YOURARTSCENE:

> Evelyn Clottey

Emma Cunningham 4th Year Fine Art

Emma is currently working on creating stuffed fabric animals, specifically foxes. She uses second hand fabric and colourful silk. “I’ve always had a little obsession with foxes; they’re cheeky and have a scavenger nature,” quips Emma when quizzed about her focus on foxes in her work. Emma uses a combination of textiles and drawing to create her work, something which feels adds a variety to her pieces.

James’ sculpture “Space for Thought” was based on idea to to have a hollow head split in half, with the front and back, connected with hinges and have platforms within the hollow space with people scuttling around on them. .

James Kingdom Smyth 4th Year Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices

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ArtScene: LIFE IS OVER - IF YOU WANT IT

Roseanne Baird

“Death is certainly not ignored and is celebrated rather than feared”

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“LIFE IS OVER! If you want it” is the title of this month’s exhibition In the Cooper Gallery in the Duncan of Jordanstone’s Frankland building. I’ve been along to see what it’s all about and to speak to the artists involved: Scotland’s Tracy MacKenna and Dutch born Edwin Janssen.

In 2000 Janssen’s father, being diagnosed with terminal cancer decided to end his own life through legalised assisted suicide.

Permitted in the Netherlands since 1993, it took over twenty years of debate before assisted suicide was legalised through the courts. It was not until 3 years after his father’s death that Edwin and his life and creative partner Tracy applied for funding to develop art inspired by the worldwide debate concerning legalised euthanasia and also their own personal experiences.

Drawing inspiration from the death of his father, Janssen channels subsequent positive personal experiences into his work.

The title of the exhibition comes from the series of posters Janssen and MacKenna have worked on inspired by John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s peace posters (War is over!

If you want it). 1999 saw the pair invited to Zurich to contribute to the Migros Museum’s Peace exhibition. They contributed through making a peace blanket, which started out blank and was gradually built up through a culmination of ideas on war and peace from people they met. The pair’s focus then turned to the John and Yoko posters, inspired by a fascination of their both being life partners and creative partners. Janssen and MacKenna have used the drawings for different exhibitions to convey numerous different messages.

The drawings in the gallery show ‘Death is gentle!’, ‘Die in dignity!’ and ‘Life is Over!’.

The exhibition presented in the Cooper Gallery is calm and peaceful.

Maintaining an air of impartiality, the exhibition aspires to create debate and discussion amongst its visitors. It is unpoliticalised and allows debate on a subject, which has perhaps been clouded in the media by political judgements.

The work in the gallery brings together different elements and layers. There are some classic artworks borrowed from galleries in Perth and Edinburgh. These alternate between extremely detailed small still lives to larger paintings, more intone with the subject of death such as ‘The burial of the MacDonalds of Glencoe’. The idea of size as a resounding theme throughout the exhibition continues in the huge projected slideshows. The first, on display as you enter

the gallery, shows some images from sources inspirational to the artists such as personal photos of their studio. The second series of projections shows a still scene taken from Janssen’s parent’s house shortly after the death of his mother. The movement occurs in the photo frame with a changing series of photographs. Most of the photographs provide a personal memorial for his parents. The final projection is of writings by MacKenna, which have continually been updated from the moment the exhibition opened. These change as a result of interaction with visitors and show some of the thoughts and opinions they bring into the gallery.

On discussing their use of these various mediums, MacKenna and Janssen attempt to define the practice of art differently. By drawing inspiration from social interaction with the issues that their work focuses on they are able to broaden the context of their work. Following the opening of the exhibition there have been various events taking place in the gallery for all to come along to. Events included talks and debates on the role art in portraying death; the death drive in relation to architecture; and also landscapes where people have taken their lives. Janssen and MacKenna have also used the gallery as a model for education. A group of students took part in a performance in the gallery based on their own experiences with death. The exhibition has also offered their colleagues a platform to work in. It has brought together those who would not usually work together and allowed those with similar artistic projects to step forward and bring them to the forefront. A form of the exhibition is being developed and taken to Australia in April. The work will be further circulated around the United Kingdom, where the recent death of 23 year old Daniel James has brought the topic of assisted suicide to forefront of debate. In Australia the law was changed to allow people suffering from critical illness’s to take their own lives but this was reversed several months later.

‘LIFE IS OVER!’ is by no means just for the Duncan of Jordanstone locals. Anyone can come in and interact with the work of the artists and the issues raised. Although Dundee is a small place in the world this exhibition helps raise awareness of an issue we might see discussed in Scotland soon. Life in this exhibition is treated in terms of death. Death is certainly not ignored and is celebrated rather than feared.

ASSISTED SUICIDE - FACTFILE SCOTLAND Independent MSP Margo MacDonald is pushing the issue of legalising assisted suicide into Hollyrood. She herself suffers from Parkinson’s disease (a disease which affects the brain’s communication with the body, thus affecting movements such as walking, talking and writing.)

MacDonald’s stance is that people with terminal illnesses or those who have unexpectedly become incapacitated to an intolerable degree should have a choice of when and where to die if they so wish. Her belief being that some people, should they have the opportunity, would choose physician assisted suicide in order to miss out on the pain and lack of dignity which some debilitating illness’s can bring.

MacDonald has suggested taking influence from countries where assisted suicide is legal and implementing a strict system of regulation.

A patient must have had contact with a physician for a considerable amount of time; two request letters, written at least fifteen days apart will have to be presented; and following their death a committee would verify that the correct protocols were met. Her proposals have been met with staunch objection from Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland whilst other groups have agreed that this issue should be discussed in a non-judgemental and open way.

Tracy Mackenna and Edwin Janssen, Life, Death and Beauty: Where Darwin Meets Courbet (Slide No. 09/64), 2009, Slide projection. Image courtesy the artists

Image to the left: Tracy Mackenna and Edwin Janssen, 'LIFE IS OVER! If you want it', 2007. Pen on paper. Image courtesy the artist.

AMERICA In the US State of Oregon, the ‘die with dignity’ act has been in place since October 1997 to allow the terminally ill to end their life through the voluntary self-administration of lethal drugs as prescribed by physicians.

Following a strict set of protocols, such as forms from both doctors and physiatrists/ psychologist as well as from the patient, the procedure is one of constant scrutiny. The 2007 annual report shows the statistical data of the first nine years since the full system has been in place.

- A total of 341 people have taken their lives through physician assisted suicide between 1998 and 2007 in Oregon.

- Just over half of those taking their lives were Males.

-The average age for people who chose to take their live was 69 but ages ranged from 25-96.

-The majority of patients were sufferers of cancer -A large majority of patients chose to die in their own home - Whilst between 1996 and 2007 341 patients chose to end their lives 98,942 people died in Oregon suffering of the same illnesses.

Tracy Mackenna and Edwin Janssen, 'Life, Death and Beauty: The Invisible Looks Back' (Slide No. 07/23), 2009, Slide projection.

Image courtesy the artists

Installation shot, Tracy Mackenna and Edwin Janssen, Jan 2009, Cooper Gallery, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee. Photo: Alan Dimmick.

Image courtesy the artists and Exhibitions Department

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Hi!Fashion 1.

3.

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2.

Who Cares About Fashio n 4.

?

5.

6.

-RARA and The Pretty Vacant Showrooms 29 Exchange Street Dundee DD1 3DJ: Womens and Mens Vintage Clothing and Accessories -Missy Lala’s Boutique 6 Crichton Street: High Fashion, Up and Coming Brands.

-Next, Overgate Centre, DD1 1UQ, Current Fashion for Men and Women

7.

Models are wearing: 1.Helen wears: Playsuit - £20, RARA and The Pretty Vacant Showrooms, Necklace - £12, Next 2.Helen wears: Fur Coat - £20, RARA and The Pretty Vacant Showrooms, Dress - £45, Missy La La’s Boutique. Alice wears Dress - £18, RARA and The Pretty Vacant Showrooms, Bag - £14, Next 3.Pratyusha wears: Top - £18, Next, Hat - £12.50, Next, Scarf - £16, Next 4.Mike wears: Jeans - £40, Next, Shirt - £35, Next, Jumper - £25, Next 5.Helen wears: Playsuit - £20, Bag - £8, Belt £10 all RARA and The Pretty Vacant Showrooms, Pratyusha wears; Shorts - £32 Blouse - £38 both Missy La La’s Boutique.

6.Alice wears: Dress - £45, Missy La La’s Boutique, Helen wears; Boyfriend Jeans £32, T-shirt - £14, Jacket - £65 all Next 7.Pratyusha wears; Playsuit - £38 Missy La La’s Boutique, Jacket as worn before, Mike wears: Jeans - £40, Shirt - £25 both Next.

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Hi!Fashion The biggest, must have trend this year? Trend-free!

The runways of S/S ‘09 were such a varied mix of prints and fabrics. From tribal to animal, the new tailoring to the new floral, paint box to sequins, toned down glamour and upped ante accessorise, technicolor graphics to, well, plastic Pacman heads. And nude.

There was a definite shift in direction; while the rest of us become more aware of the purse strings, the notoriously frivolous fashion world appear to be doing so as well. With the emphasis on timeless pieces, fashion becomes investment.

Michelle Stirling

Paint Box Shoulders rs Out! al point! c fo ) d Shoulde e uing Pr n ss imary colou ti re n o (d c w e rs are brillian d th e ne t for wearing All hail th is. season an si th is n gularly as st th se t si a in h o p p l m a atement pie e c fo to s lp st e u ce h form a (j s, they ly s n eed little else on rsion added to m scination for DIY ve p o sh ak r sequin fa e e w im a real ld pression. Ta l se shou iloring has b your loca ured in to c se ec y Nip in to rl o m e re e p laxed, minim d alist and bri ey are pro structure ghtened up ensure th slip…). A w to it h le co . b b rt a al a li t t st blue’s throu Wild Thing (…I think I love you) no gh to techn at place to area, and yellows. izer is a gre la Think more exoticism than stripes b d n ie boyfr feathers and (here’s where the prints come in) accessorise - piled on high!

Bags are also a great way to bring (Big) Bright Young Things something wild to your day.

Accessories are everywhere at the Out of Africa moment and are a brilliant budget l prints are back! The subtler hue of Triba friendly way to update your wardrobe the style never fully disappeared from for the transitional period. With cert ain our rails but now it’s all about the big looks, such as animal prints, they ado rn and the bold - the other emphasis this you but with others, such as brights, season is on the dress and there are they are best used sparingly. This some gorgeous collaborations of the season we’re welcoming the return of this two - paramount on my wish list is the earring. On the runways hair was e mor but lovely from Peter Pilotto (4a) scraped back in to messy chignons to high the affordable variations are on show off gorgeous pieces; big hoops t - watch Warehouse, Next and stree work for those lucky enough to have Mango. swan necks and longer aligned item s for the rest of us.

Campus Chic

Eve “I like online shopping from sites like Ebay. I mix vintage fashion with clothes from High Street shops. My Dress is from ASOS and my boots are from Next.

Jim “I like Morriseys style, but prefer my own “Jim-Style!” My jacket and shoes are from charity shops and I inherited these trousers from a friends Grandad!”

Alison “I got my faux-fur jacket from my Grandma and my shoes from “Mr Ben’s” vintage shop in Glasgow.

Westwood

Hi!Fashion Diary Like Flash, but Sash Upon returning to Dundee, after a Dutch new year that seemed to almost stretch in to the double figures of January, I feel that some re-acquainting is required with Uni life. So, before the inevitable essays mount up and my flat is covered in post-it’s again, Best Friend and I decide to forget our post-festive detox and hefty bank statements and party like it’s…well, 2009. Luckily, re-fresher’s week is on, and the once great, recently re-appeared but forever nostalgic Sash! is playing that night. Due to the January sales being something more like a great depression this year (however apt), I pull out trusty LBD, lace it with long chains, change mind, chignon hair and put in huge tribal earrings (old to the point of almost vintage - what comes around etc) and un-box sky scraper shoe boots (it’s January and it’s Scotland; I will continue with the Shoot until it hits at least 15 degrees…). Get there to find place packed - always a good thing - but after the bottle, ahem, of wine we drank, and the two missed taxi’s before arriving, turns out tickets are no more. Bashfully head to Liar feeling a huge ‘L’ looming over us (not helped by the texts and phone calls of on-time friends already in Mono). Cheered up, however, by the cocktail pitchers and giant shark wondering around.

Decide to go to somewhere else, manage to persuade BF that Sharks are not allowed in to such places.

London, Baby!

Flatmates still away (one in Zagreb, one in New York), fed up of living solo and with still a few days to go until semester, am extremely pleased when Best Friend calls to say would I like to go down to London for the weekend? Yes, please! Hop on train (yay to £12.50 promo tickets) and arrive at Other Best Friends flat (a year ago she deserted Dundee for the shinier lights of the capital) a bit worse for wear (nb, flu is not aided by vodka - or six hours on a train, with children onboard). The previous disappointment in shopping is well compensated by Portobello Market and the final discovery of Oxfam boutiques. Pick up a rather fab navy chained waist belt and a Claiborne bucket hat. Fight with OBF over a trench in Oxford Street’s Topshop - forced to admit defeat only when BF points out the size 8 tag (consequently decide to re-embark upon detox).

Taxi-ing around…

Fresh from Zagreb, Flatmate and I decide to have a reunion night out. However, remembering that I reserved tickets for the Mark Beaumont cycling-round-the-world-thingy, we detour there first. The host is an old friend so congratulate her on organising the lecture (in aid of fundraising for a conservation trip) before picking our way through the crammed rows to find seats (it’s so full that it had to be televised to the other theatres, have urge to wave in to cameras, luckily can‘t find them). The lecture is incredibly inspiring and while having after show wine, decide that I too shall cycle the world. Flatmate vows that she’ll follow, in a 4x4. Promptly replace ’cycle’ for ’hitch’ when flatmate points out the need for Lycra - that is, after all, the main consideration I’m sure.

Gym girl? Not me.

Have re-joined £30 a month gym, embarked upon Pilates (pain-lates, more like) and planning to be brave enough to enter a spin class - soon. Am absolutely longing for a revival of smock-covered era of ‘05 - this is all in aid of London Fashion Weekend. Excited? Very.

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Sport: We at the Magdalen feel that our sports clubs have been overlooked in the past- so in our wisdom have decided to pioneer this brand new section.

Sport will cast the spotlight

on two clubs in each edition.

The section will be devoted to giving students a summary of how the teams are faring in their respective national league and cup competitions as

Women's Hockey is the first stop, a club

which has thus far had an extremely successful season. The first XI are currently lying top of the BUCS (British Universities) Conference Cup, League, 5 points ahead of the uni second XI, a competition which the girls have set their sights firmly on winning.

On top of their good Conference Cup form the team are also lying 2nd in the BUCS League, and have reached the quarter finals of another national cup competition.

Team Captain Jodie Fulton reflects, “the highlight of the season so far has been our undefeated run in the cup, unfortunately we have not played many games since November though due to the bad weather”.

Jodie also highlighted the off field antics which have made the season all that more enjoyable for the squad, “Off the pitch we have had a

D F 0 10 1 3 1 0 2 0

A Diff PTS 0 10 9 3 0 4 2 -2 1 8 -8 0

BUSC Men's Volleyball- Scottish Conference Mens 2A

P W L F 1 University of Dundee Men’s 1sts 6 6 6 18 2 University of Stirling Men’s 1sts 6 4 2 12 3 Edinburgh University Men’s 2nds 4 3 1 9 4 University of Strathclyde Men's 1st 3 2 1 6 5 West of Scotland University Men's 1st 5 2 3 7 6 University of St Andrews Men's 1st 5 1 4 4 7 Aberdeen University Men's 1st 3 1 2 3 8 Glasgow Caledonian University Men's 1st 5 0 5 1 BUCS Volleyball - Scottish Conference Women’s 1A 2008/09 P W 1 University of Dundee Womens 1sts 8 2 Napier University Womens 1sts 7 3 Edinburgh University Womens 1sts 8 4 University of St Andrews Womens 1sts 8 5 Aberdeen University Women’s 1sts 7

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Barry Davidson, Sports Editor

Rockstars and Princess Fund-raiser in Mono which was really good fun”.

On a side note, Jodie and team-mate Lydia Malone's good form has caught the attention of national selectors, with the pair due to attend trials for the Scottish University Hockey squad later this month.

Both the Men's and Women's Volleyball teams are others to have excelled this year.

The Men's first team are currently lying top of their league after 9 straight victories, all the more impressive when you consider they are yet to lose a single set!! (winning each match 3-0).

Such an impressive run has included victories over St Andrews, and Aberdeen first teams, as well as the most recent

BUCS League Tables

BUSC Hockey-Women's Conference Cup Pool 2 P W L 1University of Dundee Women's 1st 3 3 0 2University of Dundee Women's 2nd 3 1 1 3Napier University Women's 1st 2 0 1 4Aberdeen University Women's 3rd 2 0 0

well as reporting on any other significant news from each club.

A Diff PTS 0 18 18 7 5 12 5 4 9 3 3 6 10 -3 6 12 -8 3 6 -3 3 15 -14 0

L 8 5 4 2 0

F 0 2 4 6 7

A Diff 24 1 15 10 13 16 11 20 5 21

PTS 23 24 5 15 -3 12 -9 6 -16 0

victory over West of Scotland University.

Not to be outdone, the Women's team have also experienced great success so far this season. The ladies are currently lying on eight straight victories, including wins over Edinburgh and Napier 1sts; again especially impressive considering they have only dropped a single set so far this year, against St Andrews in the first game. As well as success on the court, the club has also been able to increase membership this year to over 60, and attendance at training sessions of Wednesdays and Friday evenings has been high. To add to such an impressive season the club has also been nominated for sports club of the year, an accolade which would seem richly deserved based on their achievements so far this season.

The Magdalen wishes each of the featured clubs all the best for the rest of the season.

Interview: “If I was to spend the next decade as manager of Dundee United I’d be perfectly happy.”

Craig Levein

Interviewed By Michael Gibson

Tony Robinson used to present a show on Channel 4 called The Worst Jobs in History, a programme detailing those squalid and, thankfully, long-forgotten occupations from centuries past such as ‘spit boy’ and ‘stool-groomer’. Should such a show arise once more several centuries from now, perhaps the role of football manager will feature heavily. A more thankless vocation you’re unlikely to find, for the much maligned football coach castigation and contempt are regarded as occupational hazards, to be dismissed as effortlessly as the chairman issues P45s.

There are exceptions to every rule, of course, and Dundee United manager Craig Levein is one. Having signed an extended contract with the Club last year, and with seemingly universal backing from United supporters, Levein cuts a relaxed figure as he welcomes me to Tannadice Park on a wintery afternoon. How would he describe the team’s season so far, I ask? “We started slowly, despite having a good pre-season, and after five games we were sitting at the bottom of the league. However we picked up from there and went on a good run, but I still can’t help rue some of our missed chances”, Levein tells me. “If we can finish in a higher position than last season [fifth], and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t as I feel we have a better squad now, I’ll regard the season as a success.”

Levein is known for his frankness, not least on the subject of referees – a candour that saw him fined a record £5,000 for comments made after a fixture against Rangers. Will he continue to be so forthright? “I regard myself as a fairly level-headed guy, but sometimes I just can’t keep my mouth shut! I can understand when people make mistakes; my only bugbear is when people make a catalogue of mistakes”, he tells me. “As the manager I’m spokesman for the Club, and if I don’t make my feelings known I’m not doing my job properly. I’ll continue to speak my mind, and hopefully we won’t have another situation like the one at Ibrox when the referee was, shall we say, poor.”

And what of his time at Tannadice? “If there’s one word to characterise my time here it’s ‘happy’.

Obviously there’s been a lot of sadness too with the chairman’s condition [the late Eddie Thompson] being terminal. That side of it has been a real emotional rollercoaster, a really difficult time, but I wouldn’t swap the time I knew Eddie for anything, even though it was particularly sad. I’ve enjoyed bringing in young players who people were unaware of and watching them prove themselves and become first team players. I’ve also had satisfaction at seeing players like Noel Hunt and Barry Robson, who both didn’t want to be at the Club when I first arrived, go on to do so well in The Championship and the Champions League respectively. So I’ve been really happy here, and long may it continue.”

So what does the future hold for Craig Levein? “I make no bones about saying I want to manage in The Premiership, and I’m still relatively young in managerial terms, although the grey hairs would disagree! I made a mistake in leaving Hearts to go to Leicester several years ago – I was so desperate to get out of Tynecastle because of the politics, I took a job where I was working with one hand behind my back – although I’ll admit I didn’t do the job particularly well. But I’m far more cautious now, and I’m happy here. If I was to spend the next decade as manager of Dundee United I’d be perfectly happy.”

Whatever the future holds, you sense Craig Levein will take it in his stride.

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Parkour Society - Evelyn Clottey So many of you may not know about the discipline that is known internationally as Parkour, but you may well be aware of the small groups of people who run around urban towns performing amazing acrobatic feats off of seemingly insurmountable objects! Well, that IS Parkour. And at the University we have our own group of traceurs (those who practice the discipline, to you and me).

Dundee University Parkour (DUPK) is Dundee’s answer to this phenomenon and was started up by our very own Rustic Bodomov in the autumn of 2008, which makes this club relatively new.

Parkour explores the art of movement via physical manoeuvres that allow the individual to creatively engage with their surrounding, and is widely credited by many as the brainchild of David Belle. It incorporates elements of gymnastics, martial arts and athleticism and began its creation in the early mid- nineties in Lisses, France.

The main aim of Parkour is being able to move as efficiently as possible from obstacle to obstacle, whilst maintaining grace and elegance. And is akin to martial arts, in that it ‘prepares the body for flight,’ whereas the latter, ‘prepares the body for fight’.

Our DUPK members describe it as physical graffiti, as it involves multiple movements that exhibit great style and skill which has evolved from its roots in basic obstacle courses developed for military training.

Challenging ‘tricks’ are all part of the fun in this club. But do not let this put you off, as this club is extremely welcoming (I should know I spent a very enjoyable training session with them, and just because they wear hoodies, don’t mean they’re hoodlums!).

Parkour is also about observing other’s styles and allowing one to create their flare for the discipline whilst appreciating others approaches’ to the art.

Alike many other physical disciplines, Parkour requires training to prepare the body for the jumps and flips that it will encounter and that’s why proper training is important. Each training session starts with a conditioning section currently taking place in the ISE, which includes using trampolines to practise correct landing techniques and strength training.

Heard enough now and actually want to do some Parkour?, Then just head on down this Wednesday at 4pm or Sunday at 3pm with your trackies and trainers and meet outside the main library for an initial conditioning session. Then you’ll head out onto the mean streets of Dundee for a bit of ‘tricking’ and before long you’ll be perfecting your palm spins and making new friends. Before you do those make acquaintance with ‘Dundee Parkour’ on facebook and check out the society webpage: dundeepk.blogspot. com.

Remember that anyone can join and it’s free to do so!

Time to trick!

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Dundee University Parkour Society (DUPK)

E.G.M

5th February 2009

Motion 1) “That the Union should actively calls for University of Dundee to divest in BAe Systems, which sells military equipment to Israel.

Motion 2) “That the Union should actively call for the University of Dundee to end all contracts with the water provider Eden Springs, an Israeli owned company with operations in the Occupied Territories.

Both Motions were passed by the students who attended the meeting held in Mono after it was put to a vote.

The Magdalen will provide an update in later issues.

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